MAY 7, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXI, NO. 43, Issue 4187 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Garni Temple Receives Sargisian Calls UNESCO Award YEREVAN (news.am) — Garni temple received the For Broader United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Melina Mercouri International Prize (UNESCO-Greece) award. Genocide The award is handed out annually to sites, which are best preserved and safeguarded. Garni is a pagan temple complex located in the Kotayk region Recognition of Armenia, dating back to the first century, BC. In addition to Garni, the Palestinian village of BERN, Switzerland (RFE/RL) — Batir also received the top prize. President Serge Sargisian on Tuesday The award ceremony will take place on May 24 at urged more countries to recognize the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Armenian World War I-era mass killing of Armenians Foreign ministry announced. in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, saying that it would not damage their relations with Turkey. 1,400th Anniversary of Making an official visit to Switzerland, Anania Shirakatsi Sargisian cited a relevant resolution that was adopted by the Swiss parliament in Recognized by UNESCO 2003. He argued that its passage, strongly condemned by Ankara, did not prevent the YEREVAN (Arminfo) — The 1,400th anniversary of Swiss government from mediating in the birth of astronomer Anania Shirakatsi has been Turkish-Armenian fence-mending negotia - included in UNESCO’s honorary list of anniver - tions held in 2008-2010. saries for 2012. “By recognizing the Genocide, The application for marking Shirakatsi’s birth Switzerland condemned that despicable was submitted by the Burakan Observatory. This is crime against humanity and thereby … pre - no accident, as he was the author of Cosmography and the Calendar , a 48-chapter work that discusses Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Hovannisian astronomy, meteorology and physical geography. Shirakatsi had progressive views for his time and left a huge legacy; he is considered the founder of Times Square Commemoration of the study of the natural sciences in Armenia. For centuries, his books were used at schools in 96th Genocide Anniversary Draws Thousands Armenia as textbooks. Because of his contributions, an international NEW YORK — The gathering of several thou - scientific conference is being dedicated to sand Armenians in a public square in one of By Aram Arkun Shirakatsi and to the study of tangible and non-tan - the most visible sites in the United States Mirror-Spectator Staff gible monuments. seems a fitting way to remember the past, and remind others who want to forget it. President Serge Sargisian inspects the This year because Easter was celebrated on April 24, the Times Square com - troops along with Swiss President Micheline USAID to Allocate memoration of the 96th anniversary took place on the following Sunday, May 1. Calmy-Rey during a visit to Bern. Organizers estimated at least 2,000 people were present, and hundreds of thou - $27 Million to Armenia sands more walked by, or watched it on television. Turkish state television, along YEREVAN (Arka) — The United States Agency for vailed over all geopolitical and military-eco - with several Armenian television and radio stations, recorded the event. International Aid (USAID) will allocate Armenia $27 nomic considerations,” Sargisian said after see COMMEMORATION, page 11 million, the press-service of USAID reported, based talks with his Swiss counterpart, Micheline on the visit of Senior Deputy Administrator for Calmy-Rey. Europe and Eurasia Roberta Mahoney to Armenia. “Most importantly, that absolutely didn’t The money will be aimed at reducing poverty, prevent Switzerland from supporting the improving rule of law, providing better access to normalization of Turkish-Armenian rela - Banquet in New Jersey Honoring health care and social benefits, and strengthening tions within a short period of time,” he said private sector and infrastructure. at a joint news conference. “In this regard, Mahoney was in Yerevan in regard with 20 years Mirror-Spectator Set for June 4 Switzerland’s example is the best one, and of cooperation of Armenia with USAID. it should serve as a lesson for many coun - She met with representatives of the Armenian newspaper with a gala fundraising event tries of the world.” government, private sector and partner organiza - because of its very close ties with the Sargisian similarly stressed the impor - By Aram Arkun tions. The parties discussed US-Armenia bilateral Mirror-Spectator. Vartan Ilanjian, one of tance of Armenian Genocide recognition Mirror-Spectator Staff relations, USAID assistance programs in the areas the advisors in the Greater New York chap - during Calmy-Rey’s visit to Yerevan in late of democracy, economic growth, health and social ter of Tekeyan, noted that the efforts of March. He said he has personally asked US reform and Armenia’s development challenges. TEANECK, N.J. — The Tekeyan Cultural three pillars of ongoing support of the see RECOGNITION, page 2 Association and the Friends of the Mirror- newspaper in the area in its early period — Spectator are hosting a banquet in antici - Dr. Moses Housepian, Jack Antreassian and pation of the 80th anniversary of the Armine Dikijian — would be commemorat - ed at the event, and more Top Iranian Defense INSI DE information will be present - ed about them. Official Visits Armenia Ilanjian declared: “The role of the Mirror-Spectator YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Iranian Deputy has been great in the United Defense Minister Reza Mozafari Nia dis - Dickranian States, though its reach has cussed military ties between Iran and been global. It has played a Armenia during a visit to the capital on School vital role in maintaining and Tuesday. perpetuating cultural values Mozafari Nia met with Armenian Defense page 10 and ideology. Though some Minister Seyran Ohanian and his first ask why we need newspa - deputy Davit Tonoyan. pers while there is the A short statement by the Armenian Internet, as an information Defense Ministry said they spoke about Singer Datevik will perform at the banquet. technology professional I “issues related to Armenian-Iranian cooper - INDEX would tell you this: Over the ation in the area of defense.” It did not elab - years there have been orate. Armenia ...... 2 Arts and Living ...... 14 A ministry source linked the talks with Armenian Mirror-Spectator on June 4. numerous changes in media. The value of Calendar ...... 17 The idea for the first solely English-lan - technology can be tremendous if and only Ohanian’s official visit to Tehran last July. Community News...... 4 guage Armenian paper in the United States if you can retrieve information from it. The The source said that they focused on the Editorial ...... 18 was proposed in 1931, and realized in only media that so far has withstood the implementation of Armenian-Iranian agree - International ...... 3 1932. The Tekeyan Cultural Association test of time has been printed media. So we ments reached during that trip. has undertaken the effort to support the see BANQUET, page 20 see VISIT, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia, EU Hail ‘Good Progress’ Three Armenian Soldiers Towards Association Accord Killed in Karabagh STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — Three Armenian sol- YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The European diers were killed in continuing skirmishes along Union (EU) and Armenia on Friday the main Armenian-Azerbaijani “line of contact” reported “good progress” in their ongo - around Nagorno Karabagh, military authorities in ing negotiations on an association agree - Stepanakert said over the weekend. ment meant to significantly deepen the Karabagh’s Army said one of the soldiers, Vazgen country’s political, economic and other Bakhshian, was shot dead on Friday, while the two links with the EU. others died on Saturday at unspecified sections of In a joint declaration signed in the frontline. In a short statement, it did not iden- Yerevan, the EU’s Commissioner for tify the latter victims or give other details. Enlargement Stefan Fuele and The statement said the deadly shootings were Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard the result of fresh ceasefire violations by Nalbandian said the signing of the agree - Azerbaijani forces. ment will elevate those ties to “a differ - The Armenian Foreign Ministry was quick to con- ent level.” They also reaffirmed the demn the deaths and accuse Baku of torpedoing Armenian government’s stated commit - international efforts to bolster the shaky ceasefire ment to implementing wide-ranging regime in the conflict zone. “This behavior reforms required by the 27-nation bloc. deserves the most severe condemnation by the The declaration signed after Fuele’s international community,” read a ministry state- talks with President Serge Sargisian says ment issued on Saturday. the EU’s main executive body, the European Commission, is ready to sig - EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fuele and Armenian Foreign Minister nificantly increase financial assistance Eduard Nalbandian meet, with President Serge Sargisian standing behind them in Defense Ministry provided to Armenia. According to the the photo. EU Delegation in Yerevan, it will double Opposes Exempting to 157 million euros ($232 million) in the Seminarians next three years. Fuele stressed the importance of free those reforms. The association agreement stems from trade and visa facilitation agreements to The EU says democratization, human YEREVAN (news.am) — In the future it will be nec- the EU’s Eastern Partnership program be signed within the framework of the rights protection and a stronger rule of essary to reduce the number of seminarians covering six ex-Soviet states, including association process. His declaration with law are another necessary condition for exempted from military service, said Defense neighboring Georgia and Azerbaijan. Nalbandian says the Armenian side will Armenia’s participation in the Eastern Minister Seyran Ohanian at a recent press confer- Armenian and EU officials formally take “further steps” to pave the way for Partnership. However, it is still not clear ence. opened negotiations on the accord last the start of talks on a free trade deal. just how aggressively it plans to press for Armenia’s government decided to exempt 17 sem- July. They held two more rounds of nego - The reforms promised by Yerevan such changes. inarians from military service, while another 62 got tiations later in 2010. would mostly affect Armenian state Fuele said the Armenian authorities deferments. Ohanian noted that the number of Nalbandian said the two sides have agencies dealing with external trade should properly address the continuing fall - exempted seminarians is too big but nevertheless already concluded 16 negotiating “chap - and immigration and lead to changes in out from the 2008 post-election unrest in they made concessions based on the position of ters.” “In effect, we have crossed half the various Armenian laws. The European Yerevan. He welcomed the release of more Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on the distance,” he told a joint news confer - Commission has already earmarked at Armenian opposition members arrested issue. ence with Fuele earlier in the day. least 32 million euros for financing three years ago and a renewed investiga - Ohanian agreed to give deferments to seminari- tion into the unrest which was ordered by ans who continue their education but later, he said, Sargisian last week. they have to join the army. “But the picture is much bigger and New Offices for ADL Chapter in Marduni needs to be perceived as much also by Hrazdan Zoo Director the politicians here in Armenia,” the EU MARDUNI, Armenia — One year ago, Housig Mekhitarian stated that the commissioner said. “What is also impor - Keeps Animals in His when a new chapter of ADL Armenagan chapter office has been a center for tant is that three years after the [2008] party was established in the events Armenian citizens get a full pic - House in Winter Marduni region of Armenia, and ture of what happened and who is responsible [for it,] that there is an inde - HRAZDAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — During a press 125 trees were planted in the out - skirts of the city, Papken pendent investigation of the events.” conference on April 27, Armenak Avetisyan, direc- “I personally believe that without tor of the zoo here complained about the bad con- Megerian, co-chairman of ADL District Committee of the US and addressing, reflecting fully on the events ditions for the animals. He said he and his friends of 2008 and closing this chapter, it keep the animals in their houses in the winter. Canada and his wife, Anahid, pledged to furnish the offices of would be more difficult to create a con - “We lost 10 guinea pigs due to bad weather con- ducive atmosphere in the society for the ditions last winter, as we can’t bring them home that chapter. This year, Megerian visited [parliamentary] elections in April 2012,” because of the heavy smell they give off,” Avetisyan he added. Armenia again to participate in Papken Megerian at the new office with ADL said. “Currently, there are 20 kinds of animals in In a written statement, the EU the Tekeyan Armenia Awards Marduni Chapter executive Committee the zoo. We appealed to the parliament and various Delegation said Fuele discussed with political parties for assistance. The zoo needs 1 mil- ceremonies, and traveled to Marduni to see first hand his Sargisian and other Armenian leaders lion drams per month for normal operation. With “the internal political situation” in financial assistance, I will myself mend the cages donations at work. ADL Armenagan meetings, not only for ADL members Central Committee members Gayane but also supporters who are preparing Armenia among other issues of mutual and bring everything in order,” he said. interest. “He encouraged the authorities According to Avetisyan, the zoo does not have a Mouradian and Souren Sargsyan themselves for the coming parliamen - accompanied him. Chapter Chairman tary elections in Armenia. to make further efforts on media plural - staff. “I do everything by myself; often my friends ism and the conduct of elections,” it said. help me,” he said, adding that entry fee to the zoo costs 200 drams but local residents are often allowed in for free. Top Iranian Defense Official Visits Armenia Foreign Minister VISIT, from page 1 a conscious and coherent policy in the letter, then Deputy Secretary of State Nalbandian Meets with While in Tehran, Ohanian met with region,” the IRNA news agency quoted John Negroponte pressed President President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Nazarian as saying at a ceremony orga - Serge Sargisian to “ensure such transfers Baroness Cox Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi and other nized by the Iranian Embassy in do not occur in the future.” YEREVAN — On April 19, Minister of Foreign top Iranian officials. Official Armenian and Armenia. The event marked Iran’s Sargisian has pursued close ties with Affairs Eduard Nalbandian received the parliamen- Iranian sources said that both sides reaf - National Army Day. Iran throughout his three-year presiden - tary delegation led by the Baroness Caroline Cox, firmed their commitment to strengthening Defense and security has arguably cy. Visiting Tehran in late March, he member of the UK House of Lords. Armenian-Iran ties and stressed their been the least advanced component of described the Armenian-Iranian relation - Nalbandian praised the support and humanitari- importance for peace in the region. Armenia’s warm rapport with Iran, which ship as “truly exemplary” and called for an activity Cox has provided to Armenia and “Cordial bonds between Iran and has centered on economic cooperation its expansion. Nagorno-Karabagh for years and mentioned that Armenia will help maintain peace and sta - and joint energy projects in particular. Relations with the Islamic Republic is a the Armenian people are grateful to her. bility in the region,” Ohanian said at the Still, military cooperation between the rare matter of national consensus in Cox said that she would continue her activities in time. Few other details of his talks were two neighboring states has prompted Armenia, reflecting its unresolved con - favor of strengthening the Armenian-British rela- reported. serious concern from the United States flict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno- tions. Armenian Deputy Defense Minister on at least one occasion. Karabagh and strained relations with Nalbandian and the British parliamentarians dis- Ara Nazarian reportedly said late last According to one of the classified US another Muslim neighbor, Turkey. With cussed the perspectives of deepening of the month that bilateral relations have now diplomatic cables disclosed by WikiLeaks the Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian- Armenian-British cooperation. reached “the highest level.” He also reaf - last December, Washington accused Turkish borders closed for almost two firmed Yerevan’s positive assessment of Armenia of re-exporting weapons to Iran decades, Iran is one of the landlocked Iran’s role in regional security. and threatened sanctions against Yerevan country’s two conduits to the outside “Over the past years, Iran has pursued in late 2008. In a secret December 2008 world. S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 International News Istanbul Funeral of a Turkish-Armenian Israeli Party Calls for Soldier: Death Occurred on April 24 Genocide Recognition TEL AVIV (PanArmenian.Net) — The Israeli tal. wished to remain anonymous, said in Ministry of Foreign Affairs should reconsider its The ceremony at the Armenian an interview. By Gayane Abrahamyan stance on the Armenian Genocide issue, Likud church of the Sisli district of Istanbul The Armenian Church was crowded Party Chairman Zeev Elkin said this week. attracted about 1,000 people, includ - that Wednesday afternoon, with high- “The Jewish state, which demands worldwide his- ISTANBUL (ArmeniaNow) — The ing Balikçi’s fellow servicemen and ranking officers of the Turkish army torical justice and observance of ethic norms can’t funeral of an ethnic Armenian ser - commanders, who came to pay their alone occupying four rows. With their itself go contrary to these principles,” Elkin stated viceman in the Turkish army killed on last respects to the memory of the hats in their hands, they stood, listen - when addressing a conference on the 96th anniver- April 24 took place at Istanbul’s St. Armenian youth who lay in state, ing to an Armenian liturgy. sary of the Armenian Genocide. Vartan Church this week amid wrapped in a Turkish flag. Numerous representatives of “The Jewish state should be among the countries increased attention from the media, Both Armenians and Turks who Turkish media came to cover the which officially recognizes the Armenian aware of the sensitivity of the circum - had gathered for the occasion had requiem service for the Armenian sol - Genocide,” he said. stances surrounding the death. pictures of the 25-year-old pinned to dier; in fact, some television stations According to the Turkish military their chests, many said they went were carrying live coverage of the police force, 25-year-old Sevak Shahin though emotions similar to those event. Jewish Cemetery Balikçi was hit by a bullet fired as a they had on the day of the assassina - Raffi Hermon Araks, a prominent result of a fellow soldier’s mishan - tion of Turkish-Armenian journalist member of the community, described Desecrated in Istanbul dling his weapon. and minority rights champion Hrant such great media interest in a soldier ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A Jewish ceme- The General Command of the Dink in January 2007. But still they killed in the ranks in Turkey as tery located in Beyoglu, was desecrated Tuesday, Turkish Gendarmerie issued a state - stressed Sevak’s is likely to have been “rare.” April 26, by vandals who smashed several head- ment earlier this week in connection an accidental death. Araks, who is a deputy of the dis - stones to pieces. with the serviceman’s death on the Still Balikçi ’s father couldn’t check trict council of elders and a senior Eight of the cemetery’s gravestones were dam- day when Armenians around the his emotions and was bitterly crying advisor to the mayor of Princes’ aged, as well as some parts of the cemetery’s world commemorated the victims of for his only son at the funeral, repeat - Islands, said: “Of course, I do not periphery, Ynetnews reports quoting Turkish web- the Ottoman-era massacres. edly saying in Turkish: “They’ve mean to say it as a consolation, but in site Stargazete. The statement said a soldier, who slaughtered my son.” the Turkish army as well as in all According to the report, local police forces were was Balikçi’s close friend, accidental - Most of the Armenians present at other armies in the world such inci - called to the graveyard in the morning hours, once ly pulled the trigger of an automatic the funeral said they did not doubt dents do happen. But this case gen - the damage was discovered. The investigation weapon while playing with it, thus the death was accidental. erates more attention since it is includes gathering tapes from several security cam- shooting in the direction of his fellow “Well, in Armenia they like linking impossible to overlook the fact that eras stationed in the area. Police hope the footage servicemen who were repairing a everything to April 24. How can we Sevak was an Armenian Christian will provide them with leads as to any suspects. barbed wire damaged by torrential know what happened in reality? But and the killer was a Turk and that the rains. As a result, Balikçi was fatally what I know for sure is that the shoot - killing took place on April 24. But it shot and could not be saved by doc - er was his friend,” a representative of is meaningless to jump to conclusions Armenia Celebrated at tors after being rushed to the hospi - the local Armenian community, who now. It is too early yet.” 37th International Book Fair in Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES (armradio.am) — Armenia was sin- Istanbul Armenian Church Doors to gled out as part of the 37th International Book fair here. Addressing more than 1,000 participants of the Open after 100-Year Wait gathering, Armenian Ambassador to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalyan noted: “The creation of the Armenian alphabet in the fifth century was perhaps one of the remarkable events in the 3,000-year his- By Kristine Aghalaryan tory of the Armenian people. Thanks to that, the Bible was translated into Armenian and a number of books were published, which comprise the most ISTANBUL (hetq) — There have valuable part of our cultural heritage.” been no religious services in the Karmitshalyan noted also that it was symbolic Istanbul Armenian Surp Vortvots that two sister-cities — Buenos Aires and Yerevan — Vorodman Church (Children of were chosen as World Book Capital of 2011 and Thunder) for the past 100 years. But 2012, respectively. “Yerevan will organize a large the doors to the church will finally international book exhibition next year. Books pub- open this July. lished in Armenian and foreign languages will be Deacon Vagharshak said that the displayed. Argentine will be represented in a sepa- site hadn’t been used as a church rate pavilion,” the ambassador noted. since World War I. “The community has been dreaming about renovating the church and in 1987 plans were Dink Trial to Be Merged drafted but the amounts needed were staggering. It remained a dream.” With Ergenekon Today, renovations on the church ISTANBUL (Bianet.org) — Public Prosecutor are in full swing. After renovations are Hikmet Usta, appointed by the Istanbul 14th High complete, the church, with its original Criminal Court for the final plea in the murder case style intact, will also serve as a cul - of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, tural center. demanded an investigation into the connections This building was built upon the between the Dink murder suspects and the defen- edict dated February 2, 1828, granted dants in the Ergenekon trial. by Mahmud II to Kazaz Artin The Surp Vortvots Vorodman Church Ergenekon is a clandestine organization charged (Harutyun Amira Bezdjiyan); and its with various crimes staged for the ultimate pur- plans were drawn by royal architect pose of triggering a military coup. Kirkor Amira Balyan and M. Devlet monumental building is targeted to Turkish government. The remaining According to the Turkish news site Garabet. The compound is composed constitute an example for other portion is contributed by the Istanbul Ntvmsnbc.com, Usta demanded to investigate the of a cathedral (Mother Mary) and two churches. Armenian patriarchate. connections between defendants Erhan Tuncel, chapels (Surp Khach and Surp Kevork Karakeuzian, who directs The entire project was a part of the Yasin Hayal and also Ogün Samast and the defen- Vortvots Vorodman) and opened for the renovation project, says the cost is renovations in the city related to dants of the Ergenekon and Poyrazky cases. Dink services on October 14, 1828. 2.7 million Turkish liras, of which 70 Istanbul’s run as a 2010 European murder trial suspects Tuncel and Hayal stand The transformation project in this percent has been allocated by the Capital of Culture. A total of 610 pro - accused of instigation to commit murder. The file jects were completed with a total bud - of suspect Samast was separated from the main file get of 300 million Turkish liras. tried before the court and is now being handled by “What’s really important is that this the Sultanahmet (Istanbul) Juveniles High Criminal For Your Internal News of Armenia is the first time that the government Court. has allocated such a large sum for the The prosecutor demanded an investigation of the Log on to renovation of a church,” says transcripts of the telephone conversations related Karakeuzian. to these persons. He also indicated that the Dink Allaying concerns that the renovated murder fuelled indignation in Turkey and abroad. www.AZG.am structure would be used solely as a cul - The Dink trial will be continued on May 30. tural center, Karakeuzian said that reli - In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish gious services could be held and that there would be a place to light candles. 4 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Judge: Lawyer Worshippers Can’t Represent Flock to Saint Schmidt in Suit Vartan Cathedral BATAVIA, Ohio (Cincinnati Enquirer) — A For Easter, Holy lawyer who works for the Turkish American Legal Defense Fund can’t represent Rep. Jean Schmidt in a defamation lawsuit filed on her Week Services behalf against former political opponent David Krikorian, and a different lawyer for the con - NEW YORK — Easter morning in New York gresswoman must disclose records that could was marked by abundant sunshine and a warm show who is paying her legal bills, a judge has breeze, as hundreds gathered at the city’s St. ruled. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to celebrate the Bruce Fein, who works for the Turkish- most important day of the year in the church American group and represented Schmidt in calendar. The burst of spring weather defied previous election-related disputes between the earlier forecasts of heavy rainfall and was a wel - Miami Township Republican and Krikorian, come respite after an unusually harsh winter. could be called as a witness in the defamation Inside the cathedral, the faithful shared the case in Clermont joy of Christ’s Resurrection, greeting each County Common other, lighting candles and bowing in prayer. Pleas Court, visiting They also paused to reflect on the rare coinci - Judge John W. dence of Easter and Armenian Martyrs Day — Kessler said in a deci - the first time ever that the two observances sion on April 11. Planting a garden, Peter Markarian of Hyannis, second from right, stands with, from have overlapped. It could be a poten - left, Jean Boyle, Raye Kaddy, Linda Cook, Jim Berks and Paul Nevosh of the More than 2,000 people participated in ser - tial conflict of inter - Barnstable Disability Commission. Markarian worked with the Barnstable Senior vices — one of the largest crowds in recent years est for Fein to be Center and disability commission to construct fully accessible gardens at the center — with some 5,500 candles lit throughout the Schmidt’s attorney in for his Eagle Scout project, which was completed recently. day. When seats had become scarce, many the defamation case, stood at the back or spilled onto the plaza, the judge said. Bruce Fein Schmidt doesn’t have to turn over to Peter Markarian Eagle Krikorian copies of fee agreements or billing invoices related to her lawyers, the judge said. But the judge’s decision means Schmidt Scout Project Takes off attorney, Donald Brey, who works for a Columbus firm, must share records such as copies of checks or credit card statements that HYANNIS, Mass. (Barnstable Patriot) — At a quick glance, the completed raised could indicate if someone made payments for garden beds at the Barnstable Senior Center look as if they could have been there her, Krikorian attorney Brian Hester said since the building opened more than a decade ago. Tuesday. On closer inspection, the sod is freshly laid, the nearby ground has clearly been Krikorian’s attorneys had asked the judge to disturbed, there are nearby mounds of extra dirt and loam, and of course, the beds order Schmidt to reveal whether her attorneys are empty of any plants. are being paid by the Turkish American Legal That won’t last long, as there have already been discussions about a fall veg - Defense Fund, which is affiliated with the etable crop and fall bulb planting to ensure a colorful spring. Turkish Coalition of America. Peter Markarian of Hyannis, Mass. developed and oversaw the project, complet - The records could prove Krikorian didn’t lie ed August 14 and 15 for his Eagle Scout Project with Centerville’s Boy Scout The Release of Doves ceremony symbolizes the in calling her a “puppet” of Turkish interest Troup 54. dispatching of the 12 apostles. groups, Hester said. He said a dozen workers Schmidt had no came on each of the two comment on the construction days, taking judge’s decision, a all of one and a good part spokesman said of the second to build Tuesday. Fein also three raised garden beds declined to com - that are fully accessible to ment. those with disabilities. “I’m pleased with The idea came from the judge’s deci - watching his grandfather sion,” said establish his own garden Rep. Jean Schmidt Krikorian, a after relocating to the Madeira business - Cape. man who ran Markarian worked with against Schmidt as an independent in 2008 and Susan Griffin, the center’s lost a Democratic primary in 2010 in an effort activities director, and Jim to challenge her again. Berks, a center volunteer Schmidt claims that Krikorian, an Armenian- who is wheelchair bound. American, falsely accused her of taking money Berks, who holds two Archbishop Khajag Barsamian hands a dove to from Turkish interest groups to deny the geno - degrees in horticulture, Aso Tavitian during the Release of Doves cere - cide of 1.5 million Christian Armenians by tends the center’s existing mony on the cathedral plaza. Muslim Turks during World War I. gardens and helped build The suit filed against him in June seeks $6.8 the flower bed outside the where audio speakers broadcast the badarak million in compensatory and punitive damages center’s lower level for going on inside the cathedral. for what Schmidt claims were false allegations those in the Adult Social Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of by Krikorian that she was complicit in cam - Day program. Peter Markarian the Diocese of the Armenian Church of paign finance crimes, bribery and perjury. Berks helped develop America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Krikorian’s attorneys argued that either Fein Markarian’s idea for a sin - Liturgy and delivered the homily on April 24. or Schmidt lied regarding who is paying her gle garden bed into three raised beds with concrete pads in between. Each is five- “As Christians, we must never forget that the legal bills. feet wide and 27-feet long and built from concrete blocks. victory of Easter came at a price. To reach the “There apparently is an independent investi - He also received a $500 grant from the Barnstable Disability commission for the resurrection, Christ had to pass through gation being conducted by the Office of project. death,” Barsamian said. “But with his passage Congressional Ethics regarding approximately Among the tasks for the project was contacting local businesses for help with of suffering awaiting him, Christ promised his 200 hours of legal services received by plaintiff supplies and labor. Landscaper Kevin Shea assisted with earlier Bobcat work, and disciples that death would not be the end. And Schmidt,” the judge wrote. Country Garden helped with materials. Markarian said that there are funds today, nearly 2,000 years later, we still remem - “In an earlier deposition, attorney Bruce Fein remaining, which will likely be donated to the center to help get the gardens under ber and celebrate Christ’s victory over death.” said that the Turkish American Legal Defense way. Barsamian went on to say that this very mes - Fund was paying for Schmidt’s legal fees, and Markarian, 17, will be a senior this year at Bishop Stang High School in sage of victory is how “we honor the death of plaintiff Schmidt denied that,” the judge wrote. Dartmouth. our Genocide martyrs on April 24.” “The issue of who is paying for these fees is “Our martyrs died. They suffered. But they material in regard [to the defamation suit].” see EASTER, page 5 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Worshippers Flock to St. Vartan Cathedral for Easter, Holy Week Services

EASTER, from page 4 Similar celebrations were underway at parish - palms in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal ple active in lay ministry at the parish and were not victims,” he said. “Our martyrs under - es across the Diocese. entry into Jerusalem. Diocesan levels. Participants included: Haig stood that Christ was speaking directly to them Also on Palm Sunday, a special Children’s Ariyan, St. Nersess Seminary Board of when he said, ‘The world will give you affliction. Holy Week across the Diocese Day was held at the Diocesan Center, where Directors; Bruce Ashbahian, Ararat Center But take heart: I have overcome the world.’” Easter was preceded by Holy Week, which young Armenians had the opportunity to learn Board of Directors; Thomas Ashbahian, Ararat After the Divine Liturgy, the Primate led a commemorates the dramatic events leading to about their faith and culture, do seasonal crafts, Center Board of Directors; Gregory Dalakian, procession to the cathedral plaza, where 12 the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. learn to bake choreg, participate in the badarak Diocesan Sacred Music Council; Stephen doves were released, symbolizing the dispatch - At St. Vartan Cathedral on Palm Sunday, and enjoy lunch together. Haratunian, Armenian Church Endowment ing of the 12 apostles. April 17, the Rev. Mardiros Chevian, cathe - On April 21, Great Also, Tavitian was the godfather of the dral dean, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and and Holy Thursday, Release of Doves ceremony. Tavitian, founder of with Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian conduct - Chevian celebrated the international technology company ed the Turun-Patzek or Door Opening the Divine Liturgy in Syncsort, is a member of the Board of Trustees Service. the morning. In the for the Carnegie Endowment for International At the conclusion of services, those attend - evening, Barsamian Peace. His Tavitian Foundation supports high - ing walked from the cathedral plaza to the officiated at the er education, and his support of the Armenian western entrance of the building, carrying Washing of the Feet Program at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy trains promising diplo - mats and government officials from the Republic of Armenia. Also taking part in the Release of Doves cer - emony was Ambassador Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s representative to the UN, and his family. The AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble, wear - The AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble performs ing traditional Armenian costumes, performed traditional Armenian dances on the cathedral several dances on the plaza. Young girls carry - plaza. ing baskets of tulips passed out the flowers to those gathered on the plaza. Fund; Dr. Raffy Hovhanessian, Diocesan A reception followed in Haik and Alice Council; Kris Kalfayan, Diocesan Gomidas Kavookjian Auditorium, where Barsamian offi - Choir; Danny Mantis, ACYOA Central Council; ciated over a home-blessing service. The faithful George Mekenian, Diocesan Board of Trustees; received nshkhars (communion wafers) to take Avedis Ohanessian, St. Vartan Cathedral home. Council; Charles Simonian, Armenian Church The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir sang the Endowment Fund and Dr. Edgar Housepian, Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday under the Fund for Armenian Relief. direction of Khoren Mekanejian. Florence The Washing of the Feet ceremony was fol - Avakian accompanied on the organ. The cathe - lowed by a Khavaroom or Vigil Service. dral remained open until early evening on The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and Easter Sunday, welcoming worshippers Worshippers on the plaza enjoy the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble’s performance. the Order of the Entombment of the Lord (or throughout the remainder of the day. Taghoom Service) were commemorated with ceremony, which commemorates Christ wash - services on Great and Holy Friday, April 22. ing the feet of the 12 apostles after the Last On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 23, Gizirian Supper. celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Students from In recognition of the Diocese’s upcoming the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum read scriptures $UPHQLDQ +HULWDJH 3DUN year-long focus on lay ministry in the Armenian and sang in the choir along with students of Church, the 12 were selected from among peo - local Diocesan Armenian Saturday schools. 2Q WKH 5RVH )LW]JHUDOG .HQQHG\ *UHHQZD\ %RVWRQ Peabody Hosts Flag-Raising Ceremony to Commemorate Anniversary of Genocide

PEABODY, Mass. — On Thursday, April 28, a The Rev. Karekin Bedourian of North flag-raising ceremony was held on the front Andover’s St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic lawn of Peabody City Hall to mark the com - Church performed a requiem service to memo - memoration of the 96th anniversary of the rialize the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Armenian Genocide. The ceremony was led by Deacon Avedis Garavarian of the same church, Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti. who was also guest speaker, gave an interesting According to the former longtime mayor of Peabody, the late Peter Torigian, whose mother survived the Genocide, “This ceremony is our small way of paying tribute to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.” Bonfanti was elected to this office in 2002 and since then has maintained the annual cere - mony. Mary Torigian Foley and the Torigian Family have provided their support for this annual commemoration. Torigian was first elected mayor of Peabody in 1979 and served for 23 years until his retire - ment in 2002 and for four terms on the City Council. He was once voted by his colleagues in the state as the “Best Mayor in Massachusetts” and he ranked as the longest- reigning mayor in Massachusetts history. Torigian spearheaded the Peabody International Festival, the “Pride in Peabody” campaign and numerous cultural and social programs. Peabody Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti Jackie Torigian, the late mayor’s widow, recently donated a large collection of papers and other materials covering her husband’s presentation providing his personal and touch - career in local government to the George ing experience as a child of a Genocide survivor.

C Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, LLC. Peabody House Museum. A representative from Rep. John Tierney’s After the flag raising and the singing of both office extended his greetings and hope for the under construction the Armenian and American national anthems, adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution the ceremony continued inside. by the US Congress. Sponsorship/Naming Opportunities DONATE Bonfanti said it is important for this annual Jackie Torigian read the Proclamation and James Kalustian 781 777.2407 online: www.ArmenianHeritagePark.net commemoration to continue. He is not seeking Nancy Torigian Buczko presented a gift from Charles Guleserian 617 484.6100 Haig Deranian 617 489.2215 check: Armenian Heritage Foundation another term, therefore, this was Bonfanti’s last the Torigian family to Bonfanti. Walter Nahabedian 781 891.7249 25 Flanders Road as mayor. He assured the audience that two of After the ceremony, a luncheon was served in Dr. Jack Kasarjian 617 232.6350 Belmont, MA 02478 the candidates running for the office have the Wiggin Auditorium, sponsored by the agreed to keep the ceremony going. Mardiros family. 6 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Genocide Recognized in Greenfield California and has taken the lead in involving By David Luhrssen Armenians in protests against genocide in The Armenian Darfur. It’s no coincidence, he reminded listeners, that GREENFIELD, Wis. — Milwaukee-Armenians Martyrs’ Day Commemoration as we know it gathered at St. John the Baptist Armenian began in 1965 alongside the rise of the American Church here for the parish’s annual Martyrs’ civil rights movement under Martin Luther King, Day commemoration. Greenfield alderwoman Jr. But the resulting renewal of ethnic pride and Shirley Saryan presented a proclamation from Mirror -Spe ctator call for public protests has had only limited effect the city’s mayor, Michael J. Neitzche, which in the US, where several years ago Secretary of acknowledged the longtime presence of State Condoleezza Rice blandly called for more historical study and President Barack Obama has not ful - E-SUBSCRIPTION filled his pledge to call the Genocide by its name. AVAILABLE “We need to look at ourselves as some - thing bigger than a The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will be available every community consumed with Genocide,” Thursday, in COLOR and PDF format to all who subscribe Movesian said. “We specifically to this electronic delivery. need to show we are worthy to be called the The annual rate is $50. people of the first genocide.” Movsesian To subscribe to this service, please fill out the following Alderwoman Shirley Saryan presenting the proclamation to Father Nareg recounted a 2006 visit to Rwanda, where his and mail it along with your check of $50 made out to the: conversations with Armenians in the community, called memory of survivors of that country’s genocide where virtu - Armenian Mirror-Spectator, the events of 1915 “crucial for preventing new ally identical with the memories of his grandpar - genocides” and proclaimed a day of remem - ents. “Every story was an Armenian story — 755 Mt. Auburn Street, brance in Greenfield. except the color of their skin was different.” He The reading of the proclamation was part of also noted that the Genocide Museum in Watertown, MA 02472 a program held on Sunday, May 1, which also Rwanda devoted two rooms to 1915 while the so- included a requiem in honor of the 1.5 million called Museum of Tolerance in West Hollywood, who fell during the Genocide, a traditional Calif., constructed by a governor of Armenian H Yes, Please e-mail me the Armenian Mirror-Spectator madagh dinner in the church’s cultural hall and descent ignores the Armenian Genocide. every Thursday. the screening of a DVD filmed during the 2009 A greater involvement by Armenians in con - Genocide commemoration at Glendale temporary campaigns against oppression could My E-mail address is ______Community College in California. The film’s pay political dividends in the form of Genocide keynote speaker, Rev. Vazken Movsesian, recognition, but Movsesian reminded listeners Name and Last name ______emphatically presented the prevention of geno - that the greater imperative comes from the cide in our time as the message for Martyrs Day gospel message of compassion for the least of by placing the Armenian response to 1915 in our brethren. Only by being true to the deeper You can also e-mail your request to [email protected] for faster service the context of wider world campaigns for meaning of the Armenian Christian heritage human rights. Movsesian is a well-known will the Armenian cause of Genocide recogni - activist for the homeless and the needy in tion move forward. Nardolillo Funeral Home The Fresno observance of the 96th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church on Est. 1906 Monday, April 25, sponsored by the Inter-Denomination Committee of John K. Najarian, Jr. Fresno. Participating churches were: St. Paul, Holy Trinity, Pilgrim Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Congregational, First Presbyterian and St. Gregory, Fowler. 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 www.nardolillo.com

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From left, Deacon Hagop Iskenian; Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, pastor, St. Gregory; Fr. Dajad Check us out at Dz. Vartabed Yardemian, vicar general Western Diocese; Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, pastor, Holy Trinity; Badveli Mgrdich Melkonian, host pastor, First Presbyterian; Deacon Allan Y. Jendian and Serge Tomassian, Esq., keynote speaker mirrorspectator.com S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Shugarian Delivers Lecture at Sts. Sahag And Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church

By Arpie Shiragian

PROVIDENCE — On April 2, Prof. Rouben Shugarian, the first Armenian ambassador to the United States, from 1993 to 1999, gave a talk at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. The lecture was titled, “The Recent History of International Mediation between Turkey and Azerbaijan vis-a-vis their small but brave historic neighbor, Armenia.” The capacity audience was enthusiastic, Prof. Rouben Shugarian receptive to ideas and suggestions for ame - lioration of relations with Armenia’s neigh - bors — Turkey and Azerbaijan. At the end of The moderator of the discussion was Ara the lecture, the audience was given an invita - Boghigian. tion by the ambassador to comment or ask The most vital part of the talk concerned BOSTON — Work has begun on the future Armenian Heritage Park questions. “open, but secure borders between our home - here. Bricks, rocks and dirt are going to transform the parcel into a land and our neighbors.” Suggestions were graceful park. Regular updates will be forthcoming. made to look for answers within our common interests of commerce, friendly interchange, and mutual respect of our common borders. St. Gregory Church Hosts The audience had many tentative solutions to offer; it seemed there would be no end to also served as deputy minister from 1999 to Ara Aharonian Receives Second Annual Cigar the discussion, which was informative, excit - 2005, and ambassador to Italy, Spain and Night and Dinner ing, inspirational and patriotic. Portugal from 2005 to 2008. Commendations from Shugarian is a 1989 graduate with a degree Currently, Shugarian teaches at the NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The St. Gregory in philosophy, theory of culture and aesthetics Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Armenian and NKR Church of Merrimack Valley Men’s Club is plan - from Yerevan State University. After Armenia Tufts University. He gives lectures around Governments ning the second annual Cigar night and Dinner, regained independence, Shugarian became a the world and has authored articles on con - flict resolutions. He is also the author of the in memory of Fr. Vartan Kassabian, on June 16. senior staffer of the Standing Committee on LOS ANGELES — Ara Aharonian, who has book, West of Eden, East of the Chessboard . Last year’s event was a success on many fronts Foreign Relations of the National Assembly. He served in educational, cultural and political — it brought together the friends of Kassabian organizations for more than 40 years, starting from all over New England, in a night of friend - in his youth in Lebanon, was honored by the ship and camaraderie, dinner and cigars, along Armenian government recently. with silent and live auctions and raffles. Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation He has belonged to the Tekeyan Cultural Event Chairperson Greg Minasian said, “the Association, AGBU, ADL (Ramgavar) Party and success of last years event went beyond our many other affiliated organizations in member wildest dreams. People kept coming up to me Center Scores Perfect Marks on Survey and leadership positions. He has organized asking when are we going to have the next cigar youth groups (ADL-Armenagan) that have event.” clinical files were reviewed for a randomly-selected served to maintain and spread Armenian cul - The event raised over $8,000 for the church. By Lalig Musserian sample of residents and discharged patients. ture and has taken part in community-wide All attendees will receive complimentary cig - Interviews were conducted with residents and associations that were formed to pursue issues ars of three premium labels, along with a pre - family members to gain first-hand knowledge of Pan Armenian relevance. Additionally, mium lighter/cutter. This year there will also be JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass. — The Massachusetts about the quality of care they received. In addi - Aharonian has written several books on the his - a cigar roller, in order to watch the cigar being Department of Public Health conducted a tion, the group observed the interaction between torical aspects of the Armenian cause and lead - rolled, as the fourth complimentary cigar. The three-day-long, unannounced inspection visit at the nursing staff and patients. ers of the ADL over the decades. event is to be hosted by Miss Massachusetts the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation The responses from residents and family Since the independence of Armenia, he has Lacey Wilson. The auction items this year are Center (ANRC) on March 28, and to verify the members were overwhelmingly positive and worked with various diplomatic representatives intended to be better than the previous year. ANRC’s compliance with the more than 180 speak volumes about the excellence in care the of the Armenian republic as well as the And, a large number of women are expected to federal and state regulatory standards. staff provides. The Massachusetts Department Nagorno Karabagh republic. Aharonian has attend this year’s event. This annual review was conducted by a team of of Public Health declared the Nursing Center to devoted decades of service to the Armenian For tickets contact Greg Minasian at gmi - four nurses who scrutinized every aspect of care, be 100 percent in compliance with all regula - press and especially Nor Or publication, and [email protected], or Rich Berberian at from nursing to rehabilitation services, to the tions. the TCA Arshag Dickranian School. [email protected]. cooking and food storage processes, as well as For more information on the survey process, In recognition of the above contributions and The Church Hall is located at 158 Main St. housekeeping and laundry processes. Additionally, visit www.Medicare.gov. taking advantage of the presence in Los Angeles of Hranush Hagopian, minister of diaspora of the Armenian government, a special event was orga - nized at the studios of the ARTN-Shant Studios in Glendale on February 2. At this event, Hagopian thanked Aharonian for his years of ser - Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 vice to the community and the Armenian nation by presenting him with an official commendation from the Ministry of Diaspora as well as another Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor commendation on behalf of the parliament of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh signed by a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 Speaker Ashot Ghoulian. The event was attended by various communi - ty leaders and friends and family of the hon - and reached out to 3,700 teachers and oree. Aharonian promised to continue his lead - ership and national duties in service of the school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Armenian culture.

£

K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have the teacher’s name and address. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Name Address City State Zip code Tel:

Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056

Your donation is Tax Deductible. 8 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Unique Armenian Oral History Conference at UCLA

LOS ANGELES — Oral historians of the others, offers much more than descriptions of He highlighted three projects that combine tes - the genocidal process, including the few cases Armenian Genocide gathered in Los Angeles on the horrific events of the Genocide. There are timony with art: Furnee’s “Prisoner of War” of armed resistance. Such micro or local histo - April 1-2, to share information about their col - also subtle and multidimensional portrayals of installation in an English town directly affected ries can pave the way for scholars to trace the lections and consider issues of utilization, digi - life before the calamity and the experiences by World War II, Heyman’s drawing of victims similarities in the deportation process across tization, preservation and archiving. The con - encountered en route to and after settlement in of Abu Ghraib prison, and his own and Levon the Ottoman Empire, but also the local particu - ference was organized by AEF Chair in Modern the United States. They include a great array of Parian’s photographs of Armenian Genocide larities, and then look for explanations to these Armenian History, Richard Hovannisian, and subject matter to be explored, including the spe - survivors. differences. In education, the first-hand the UCLA Oral History Research Center, with cial role of women, the challenges of living and Bianca Bagatourian of the Armenian accounts constitute a large reservoir of primary support from the Near Eastern Center, Bob and raising children in a new country and the psy - Dramatic Arts Alliance demonstrated ways in information to equip the youth with the analyt - Nora Movel Fund and the Souren and Verkin chological aspects that frequently forced the which survivor testimony may be used in the ical tools to share their knowledge. Guidelines Papazian Fund. survivors into silence or reluctance to discuss theater by showing excerpts of her dramatic need to be developed relating to teaching about Participants from Canada, Mexico and vari - their tribulations. productions based on such narratives. After the the Armenian Genocide to children, teenagers ous universities and centers in the United Bethel Bilezikian Charkoudian, head of the conference, she attested: “The UCLA confer - and college students at various stages of their States began their weekend with a private tour Oral History Program of the Armenian Library ence was a very important moment in the his - intellectual growth. of the Shoah Foundation Institute’s enormous and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown, tory of Armenian Genocide Oral History. It Carlos Antaramian of El Colegio de collection of Holocaust survivor testimony Mass., explained that in 1973 ALMA made it a brought together the various collections in Michoacan introduced his Mexican-Armenian housed at the University of Southern primary goal to interview and record Armenian order to contemplate how best to keep alive our oral history project, which documents the set - California. Genocide survivors. This project culminated in ancestral stories. In visiting the Shoah tlement of Armenians in the La Merced neigh - The methods of preservation, digitization, the late 1970s with more than 200 interviews Foundation as part of the conference, I under - borhood of Mexico City. After digitizing more indexing and utilization of the more than and 800 hours of recordings. The audiotapes stood from the point of view of a writer the than 1,000 photographs from 1900 to 1950, he 50,000 interviews were explained by Karen have been digitized pro bono by Techfusion and importance of creating a searchable database interviewed a number of elderly Armenians Jungblut, director of research and documenta - have since been used as original source materi - and texts in order to make the stories much who are the children of survivors and who are tion; Sam Gustman, assistant dean of USC al by historians, sociologists, videographers and more accessible to artists and scholars alike.” able to provide valuable information on the Libraries; Kim Simon, managing director of the most recently by dramatists Bianca Bagatourian As documentary filmmaker Zareh arrival and socioeconomic ascent of the immi - Shoah Foundation and Stephen Smith, the (Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance) and Joyce Tjeknavorian from New York was in the audi - grant Armenians and to relate important mem - foundation’s executive director. Van Dyke (in her play “Deported”) and videog - ence, he was called upon to describe his own ories and stories of their parents’ experiences Demonstrations were given of the Institute’s rapher Bared Maronian (“Orphans of the experiences in oral history and interviewing during and after the Armenian Genocide. He preservation and access systems as well as the Genocide”). Haig Der Manuelian, an ALMA surviving Armenian victims of the Stalin showed excerpts from the hour-long documen - digital access platforms. It is of great interest founder and longtime guiding force, also par - purges, captured in his outstanding film, titled tary he is preparing on the subject. and encouragement that the Foundation is now ticipated in the two-day conference. “Enemy of the People.” He also described his Arda Melkonian and Doris Melkonian have prepared to expand its focus to the Armenian, Hovannisian outlined the evolution of the most recent project, a documentary relating to utilized the UCLA collection to explore the Rwandan and other genocides. The large Armenian oral history project at UCLA and how the US response to the Armenian Genocide and experiences based on gender during the archive of Dr. J. Michael Hagopian’s Armenian it was facilitated by introducing a course for the important role of the Near East Relief Genocide. Their presentation focused on the Film Foundation (AFF) is now being prepared credit on the subject. He projected charts and (NER), which rescued and assisted thousands of unique suffering of women and their strategies for transfer to the Shoah Foundation Institute, graphs relating to the composition of 800 inter - survivors, especially women and children, after for survival. The two graduate students at according to Smith and AFF president, Gerald views and described their strengths and weak - World War I. UCLA are among the first to use its large oral Papazian, who participated in all of the week - nesses. The audio tapes have now been digi - history collection for scholarly research, follow - end activities. Sara Chitjian, daughter of tized, transcribed and translated, and the time The Third Session ing earlier studies by Hovannisian on childhood Armenian Genocide survivors, hosted a lun - has arrived to consider the options regarding The first of the two afternoon panels was memories and acts of rescue and altruism by cheon at USC for the attendees. permanent repositories and access to the col - titled “Preserving, Indexing, Archiving, non-Armenians which run through many of the lection by students and scholars. Accessing” and included experienced practi - oral history narratives. At the UCLA Young Research Library Greg Sarkissian and George Shirinian com - tioners in the field. Reuben Zaramian, a graduate student at the The afternoon session on April 1 convened in pleted the first session by describing the nearly Teresa Barnett, head of the UCLA Oral University of Toronto, offered a rather novel the UCLA Young Research Library, where a 800 interviews held by the Zoryan Institute in History Research Center, introduced the panel perspective with his “Tropes, Memes, and Other team of specialists coordinated by Teresa Toronto, Canada, this being the largest collec - by identifying the challenges and possibilities Theoretical Stuff: Oral Genocide Studies in a Barnett, head of the Oral History Center, dis - tion of video testimonies worldwide. The inter - relating to the Armenian Genocide oral history New Way.” He incorporated mnemonic (memo - cussed matters of digitization and preservation views were conducted according to a carefully- collections. Stephen Smith, Shoah Foundation ry) and semantic (meaning in sentences) theory and legal and technical issues relating to the prepared questionnaire in order to obtain as executive director, related his own involvement to identify a clear, replicable pattern of tropes use of the survivor testimonies. In exchanges much detail as possible about Armenian life with memorializing the Armenian Genocide and memes in the oral narratives. His presenta - among the participants, it became obvious that before the Genocide as well as experiences dur - and offered a highly informative visual piece tion is part of a larger study on the efficacy and the state of the various collections varies wide - ing and after the deportations and massacres. from the Internet regarding the work of the structural value of memory-based storytelling ly. Some are primarily audiocassette interviews, The interviews were conducted in many cities Shoah Foundation Institute in preserving, and oral transmission. He explained: “My theo - while others are largely videotaped sessions of in the United States and Canada and some were archiving and making available its enormous ry is that there exists a minimum set of charac - survivors, who are seen as they speak. It is esti - done in Europe and Armenia as well. Efforts corpus of interviews. Mark Greenberg, director teristics to oral information-sharing across cul - mated that there are collectively some 5,000 were made to have multiple interviews from as of Special and Digital Collections and head of tures and types of literature (history, fiction, existing interviews of survivors, when the col - many Armenian towns and villages as possible the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center at epic, etc.), which have been largely overlooked.” lections that are known to exist in Europe, the in order to allow for cross-referencing. the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., Taner Akçam, Kaloosdian-Mugar Chair Middle East and Armenia are taken into shared how the oral history program at USF Holder at Clark University, was the final account. One or two of the collections remain The Second Session has developed several source solutions that are speaker of the day. He used a comparative in their original condition and are therefore at The second panel, titled “Publications, intended to link up with Armenian oral history approach in describing a recent undertaking risk, whereas most have backup copies or else Performances, and the Visual Arts,” was chaired archives. relating to the 1938 Dersim massacres have been digitized. Most of the 800 interviews by Gerald Papazian of the AFF. Donald and The OHPi (Oral History Player Interface) (Charsanjak region). An estimated 30,000 to in the UCLA collection, for example, have not Lorna Touryan-Miller spoke on “Time, Trauma, offers full-text search capacity and synchronizes 50,000 people were massacred by the Turkish only been digitized but have also been tran - and Place in Survivor Narratives.” As the audio/video streams with verbatim transcripts. army that year, yet there are no available offi - scribed into Armenian and then, with students authors of Survivors , the widely-used volume He added that details can be found at the web - cial documents on the operation. Thus, the in a course in Armenian oral history, have based on Armenian Genocide survivor testimo - site http://ohp.lib.usf.edu. Dersim oral history project will be one of the passed through a preliminary translation into ny, they reflected on the more than 100 inter - Stephen Davison, head of UCLA’s Digital most significant sources relating to this crime English. At the end of the session, it was sug - views they conducted in the process and the Library Program, explained the process of digi - against humanity. gested that as a first step, a grand index of all similarities and differences in Armenian tization and how it facilitates preservation and interviews worldwide be created which would accounts recorded more than a half century access, but he cautioned that one should not After the Conference include the name, place and date of birth of the after the Genocide in comparison with the fresh think that digitization is a permanent solution The participants joined with members and interviewee, and, if possible, the language and memories of witnesses and survivors in Rwanda and that the UCLA library, like the Shoah friends of the Armenian Educational length of the interview. where the Millers are now focusing their work. Foundation, is continuously copying its collec - Foundation in a post-conference dinner recep - Carla Garapedian of the AFF presented a video tions. tion hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hacop and Hilda The Public Conference: The First showing J. Michael Hagopian’s film archive of Hayk Demoyan, director of the Genocide Baghdassarian (AEF) in their Glendale home. Session Genocide survivors, gathered over a period of Museum-Institute of Armenia, completed the Hovannisian introduced each of the guests and Some 300 members of the community 40 years. She focused on the AFF’s project to first panel with a description of the institute’s noted their important contributions and attended the public conference on the UCLA digitize this rare collection for the Shoah small but growing collection of oral history tes - expressed his thanks to the AEF and the campus on April 2. The theme of the conference Foundation, whose extensive holdings are made timony and the importance of cooperation and Baghdassarian family for the special birthday was “Armenian Genocide Oral History available to universities and institutions around sharing among all the existing programs. cake on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Collections in North America: Development, the world. After the conference, she wrote: “We the founding of AEF Chair in Modern Utilization, Potential.” Hovannisian opened the are continuing to get e-mails and messages The Fourth Session Armenian History at UCLA. conference by emphasizing the value of oral his - regarding the symposium — it really created a The fourth and final panel of the day, chaired In reflecting on the significance of the two- tory testimony and the critical importance of new dialogue.” by Armen Marsoobian of Southern Connecticut day Armenian Genocide Oral History confer - proper preservation and archiving. The day’s Ara Oshagan of Los Angeles emphasized the State University, was titled “Potentials for ence, Smith stated: “It was heartening to see proceedings were divided into four panels. The effectiveness of combining photography, art Upcoming Scholars, Writers and Creative that we are all struggling with the same issues, first panel, titled “The Collections: Their and testimony. He explained: “Experiencing and Artists.” Ara Sanjian, director of the Armenian but share a common resolve to bring together Origins, Scope, and Evidence,” was chaired by witnessing extreme atrocity will leave survivors Research Center at the University of Michigan- archives of extreme historical importance for Marc Mamigonian, director of academic never feeling completely a part of the world Dearborn, reflected on “Experiences in the the common good. There was no one better to research of the National Association of again. The artist can play a role in symbolically Classroom with Third- and Fourth-Generation convene this than Richard Hovannisian. Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). restoring their connection to the world by College Students.” He argued that first-hand Working with the Armenian community and Varoujan Froundjian of New York described the incorporating their testimony with art to bring accounts by Armenian Genocide survivors can seeing the care that is being taken to preserve collection initiated by the late Dr. V.L. their story out into the world. The artist acts as broaden our factual and interpretive under - archives in perpetuity is heartening. This con - Parsegian and now housed at Columbia a conduit in transforming testimony from mere - standing of the calamity by helping researchers ference set the ground work for us all to work University. He noted that the collection, like the ly being an ‘archive’ to one that ‘lives’ again.” to write academic works on regional histories of together much more closely.” S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Martyrs’ Day Marked at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York

NEW YORK — On Monday, April 25, about and delivered a powerful sermon, in Armenian 200 worshippers came to St. Vartan Cathedral and English, on the meaning of Armenian to take part in the annual Armenian Martyrs’ Martyrs Day, in light of the prior day’s obser - Day liturgy, commemorating the 1.5 million vance of Easter. souls eradicated in the 1915 Genocide of the Also participating in the service was the Very Armenians. Rev. Guregh Davtyan, dean of St. Shoghakat With Easter itself falling on Sunday, April 24, Church in Vagharshapat, Armenia. Both have the Martyrs’ Day Divine Liturgy and requiem been visiting the Eastern Diocese with the service were held one day later, to coincide with blessing of Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch the traditional day of remembering the dead — and Catholicos of All Armenians. merelots — observed in the Armenian Church Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, the Very Rev. on the day following a major feast celebration. Simeon Odabashian, the diocesan vicar, and the

Pausing before one of the memorial trees, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian pronounced a blessing, as Adrienne Alexanian and Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian looked on.

the procession passed, lending the impression of a soft snowfall to the solemn occasion. When the participants filed to Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium for the traditional memorial meal, they were greeted by an art A requiem service was held in front of the cathedral’s Martyrs Chapel. exhibition featuring paintings by Mher Khachatryan. The idea to refurbish the memorial trees Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Rev. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the cathedral, began a year ago, when Alexanian was making Barsamian presided over the events of the day, also were present at the liturgy. arrangements for a 95th anniversary Martyrs including the liturgy and requiem service, the Khoren Mekanejian directed the St. Vartan Day concert at the cathedral. While hanging flo - blessing ceremony on the plaza and the con - Cathedral Choir, with Florence Avakian accom - ral crosses on the trees, she noticed that the cluding hokejash . panying on the organ. original plaques naming the lost provinces had The Very Rev. Vartan Navasardyan, director Following a solemn service of repose in front lost their luster. of the Department of Christian Education at of the cathedral’s Martyrs Chapel, Barsamian “I felt it needed to be restored as a fitting Holy Echmiadzin, celebrated the Divine Liturgy led a procession of priests, deacons and wor - memorial to the sacrifices our martyrs made,” she said. “When I realized that 2011 would shippers down to the tree-lined memorial on Second Avenue, planted 35 years ago (on Martyrs Day 1976) to commemorate the provinces of Historic Armenia which were lost in the aftermath of the Genocide: Bitlis, Van, Evereg-Feness (dedicated separately in 1981), Sepastia, Kharpert and Garin. The memorial had been restored with a dona - tion from Adrienne Alexanian, in memory of her parents, Edward and Grace Alexanian. Alexanian orchestrated the restoration project, designing the wrought-iron guards and land - scaping for each of the six tree plots constitut - ing the memorial. In silence, Barsamian and Alexanian led the column of mourners past each tree, pausing briefly at each to offer a prayer and moment of reflection. In a soft breeze, the six pear trees shed some of their delicate white blossoms as

Worshippers lit candles during the requiem ser - vice in observance of Armenian Martyrs Day.

mark the 35th anniversary of the original dedi - cation, I knew I had to take on this task.” She approached Barsamian and Chevian with the offer to underwrite the restoration, and become involved with every step of the project. “It was a daunting task, but I was absolutely driven to have it done in a unique and respect - ful way,” she said. The elder Alexanians were both Genocide survivors: Edward originally hailed from Sepastia, and Grace from Marzovan. “I knew my parents hands were guiding me during this project,” Adrienne Alexanian said. “And I know they would have wanted it done this way.” Entertainment Fridays As part of the restoration, she also made arrangements to provide for the future mainte - and Saturdays nance of the memorial trees. In gratitude for her creative efforts and generosity, Barsamian presented her with a carved cross from Armenia, during the hokejash following the Martyrs Day ceremonies. 10 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Arshag Dickranian School Celebrates 30th Anniversary More than $110,000 Raised at Benefit Gala Banquet

LOS ANGELES — The TCA Arshag of the first gradu - Dickranian School (ADS) celebrated its 30th ating class, in anniversary with a gala banquet on Saturday, 1990, went on to April 2, at the Taglyan Cultural Center. The pursue higher edu - event was one of the series of affairs taking cation, married a place throughout the school year in observance former classmate, of the anniversary. enrolled her child Traditionally being solely hosted by the PTO, at the school and this year the Banquet Committee integrated became a member into including members of the Board of of the PTO. Trustees, past Parent Teacher Organization After sharing (PTO) chairpersons and several alumni. her thoughts At arrival, guests were greeted by the host about the merits committee, then moved to join the gathering at of her alma mater, the lobby to rub shoulders with old and new Kourouyan con - acquaintances in attendance, amongst whom cluded her were benefactors, prominent officials, past and remarks by present parents, committee and faculty mem - acknowledging the bers, alumni, upper-grade students and friends. presence of several It was heartening to see the assemblage of 350 dignitaries, devotees gathered for the common purpose of amongst them the paying tribute and offering their support to banquet’s guest of Arshag Dickranian School. At the end of the honor, Hmayak Members of 30th Anniversary Banquet Committee social hour, Fr. Manoug Markarian, archpriest Baltayan, Los of St. John Church, offered the invocation. Angeles City Houri Taglyan-Kourouyan was the emcee for Council member Paul Krekorian and Grigor Following the consul general’s remarks, the and the tremendous effort rendered to preserve the event. She introduced herself as a personi - Hovhannisyan, the consul general of the lights of the hall were dimmed for the video pre - their existence should not be taken for grant - fication of the 30-year success story of the TCA Republic of Armenia, inviting the latter to the sentation of the blessings and congratulatory mes - ed,” he said, adding that the only reason why he Arshag Dickranian School. She was an alumna podium to present his congratulatory remarks. sage of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of can’t express himself in his mother tongue the Armenian Church Western Diocese. today is because there were no Armenian Krekorian delivered the keynote address. schools in his time as a student. Being the first Armenian-American ever elected The entertainment portion of the program to serve in the Los Angeles City Council, was provided by singer Gaguik Badalyan, who Krekorian commended the Arshag Dickranian performed a range of Armenian songs, after Dickranian School’s Eighth Graders Visit School for its accomplishments throughout the which the lights were dimmed again for a 20- past 30 years. “Armenian schools are the only minute video show depicting the land acquisi - Washington, New York and Philadelphia bastions for preserving our language and her - tion, the ground breaking, the Opening Day itage. Hence, their presence in our communities and the 30-year journey of ADS, produced by LOS ANGELES — The eighth-grade students of TCA Arshag Dickranian School had a Meher Kourouyan unique Easter Vacation this year, visiting New York City, Washington, DC and (Class of 1994). Philadelphia. The six-day trip was organized by Maro Travel Teck and took place April 16 Being her last through 22. The students were escorted by their homeroom teacher, Alvard Uzunyan, year serving as along with Principal Vartkes Kourouyan, his wife, Alice, and some 30 parents. chairperson of the As a part of the educational curriculum, this is the second year that the school orga - PTO, Opheli Garibyan then pre - sented her mem - bers with token gifts in apprecia - tion for their devot - ed service to the school. Principal Vartkes Kourouyan then took the podium to conduct the candle From left, Dr. Missak Kitchian and his son Nareg, Hmayak Baltayan lighting ceremony with all those who donated $1,000 or more for the occasion. “The 30 candles on display depict the years the Arshag Dickranian School has served this community,” he said, calling the name of every donor to approach and light a candle. He then announced that aside from the candle-lighting Eighth-grade students gathered around their homeroom teacher Miss Alvard Uzunyan in ceremony, the school had received over $50,000 front of the Capitol Hill. from various donors, including a $10,000 gift from Baltayan, a $10,000 donation from the TCA Board of Directors and a $5,000 gift from the TCA nizes the trip for its eighth graders during the Easter Vacation to give them the oppor - Pasadena-Glendale Chapter. He further added that tunity to observe these locations, so they can visually learn about the historical and sig - the complete list of donations will be published nificant sites of the nation. soon. The first day of the trip was spent in New York City, where students explored various The ceremony then continued with the raffle historical and renowned places, including the Empire State Building, the United Nations drawing and dancing into the midnight hours Headquarters, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Plaza Hotel and Fifth Avenue. The sec - to disco music spun by DJ Chris Shahbazian. ond day, being Palm Sunday, the students first visited St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to For more information on the school, visit light candles and offer prayers. The group then visited the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Mr. and Mrs. George Mandossian www.dickranianschool.org. the New York Stock Exchange and Ground Zero, where they paid their respects to the lives lost on that ignoble September 11, 2001. On the third day of the trip, the group boarded their bus heading towards Philadelphia. While there, they visited the historic Old Capitol Building, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The fourth day was spent in Washington, touring the significant sites of the Nation’s Capital, such as the White House, Capitol Hill, The Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The fifth and sixth days of the trip started with a stop at the Arlington National Cemetery, President John F. Kennedy’s tomb, followed by the Smithsonian and Air Space Museums. A highlight on the fifth day was visiting the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia. On the last evening of the trip, the students surprised the principal, his wife and Uzunyan with a small party at the Marriot Courtyard Gaithersburg to show their appre - ciation. LA City Council member Paul Krekorian, emcee Houri Taglyan-Kourouyan and Armenia’s Consul General Grigor Hohannisyan S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Ne w York M E T R O Times Square Genocide Commemoration

COMMEMORATION, from page 1 with his words. He declared, “We are here today New Jersey lawyer Armen McOmber and Dr. to tell future Hitlers that we do remember, that Mary Papazian, provost and senior vice presi - they cannot succeed, that they cannot brush dent for academic affairs at Lehmen College of history under the rug. We are lighting a candle the City University of New York, served as mas - for truth, not just for those who suffered in ters of ceremony. Vagharshak Ohanyan led the Armenia, not just for the Armenian people, but Arekag Children’s Choir of the Hamazkayin for the world, because in every generation, in Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of every generation, there are those like the the Eastern United States in several songs as Turkish leaders during 1915 and 1916, there well as the performance of the American and are those like the Hitlers, there are those like Armenian national anthems. Pianist and com - the Idi Amins, who seek to destroy people sim - poser Karén Hakobyan led the choir in a spe - ply who they are. History tells us they always cial premier performance of his piece, arise, but history tells us one other thing, that Independent Armenia. Five important is, that truth may be temporarily dimmed, but American politicians gave rousing speeches, the light of truth, the candle of truth, always along with representatives of four co-sponsor - burns through, and that’s why we are here ing organizations — Natalie Gabrielian, associ - today. I say to you my friends, from the day I got ate director of education at the Armenian into Congress, I was a staunch supporter of the General Benevolent Union; Bryan Ardrouny, Armenian quest, to remember the Armenian executive director of the Armenian Assembly; Genocide, the Armenian Holocaust, and I will Doug Geogerian, Armenian National continue to do that with every atom in my body, Committee Eastern Region director from 2004 until the Turkish government admits the truth, to 2006, and representatives of the Armenian

The Armenian demonstration can be seen from a distance at the heart of Times Square

brought Armenians from New York and New Jersey churches, as well as from the Knights of Vartan Boston Ararat Lodge and the Ardashad NY Sen. Chuck Schumer Lodge of Philadelphia. There were some atten - dees from as far away as California. Olivia Katrandjian appealing for registration Knights of Vartan with the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Grand Commander Dennis Papazian and Daughters of Vartan makes reparations for what they have done, and Grand Matron Melene until the Armenian community is vindicated. Ouzounian intro - My friends, I stand with you in solidarity.” duced members of Schumer was followed by Sen. Robert their grand councils Menendez (D-NJ), another fervent and influen - and other important tial supporter of US recognition of the officials who were Armenian Genocide, who said, “Now, as a mem - present. Papazian, ber of the Senate Foreign Relations [commit - also founding director tee], I have said that American diplomacy must of the Armenian avoid the euphemisms. To overlook human suf - Research Center at Grand Commander Dennis Papazian at podium fering is not who we are as a people. It is not the University of what we stand for as a nation. We are better Michigan-Dearborn, than that and our foreign policy should always NJ Sen. Robert Menendez revealed the theme of in declining order of rank of awards, were reflect that goodness. And that is why it is the commemoration, Jeremy Majerovitz, Gerard Nelson, and Samuel imperative that the president of the United that Turkey is guilty Levine, three students from the elite public States, of my own party, recognize that this was of genocide, and denying genocide is a crime. Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, and a genocide and call it as such.” Menendez con - He declared, “When a crime can be committed honorable mention recipient Katrice tinued to great applause, “I promise you that with impunity, criminals will act with impunity,” Karanfilian, from Bergen County Academies in for so long as I continue to be a United States and noted that the Assyrian and Greek geno - Oradell, NJ. senator, sitting on the Senate Foreign Relations

NJ Rep. Frank Pallone

Democratic Liberal Party and the Armenian Rights Council of America. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Primate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Masters of Ceremony Dr. Mary Papazian and Church of America, and Fr. Vazken Karayan, Armen McOmber pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Church of Union City, NJ and representing the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), cides were also being commemorated along offered invocations and closing benedictions. with the Jewish Holocaust. Papazian challenged Their institutions were among the participating the Turkish government to allow their people to The three Genocide survivors brought before the crowd organizations, along with the Armenian study their own history without fear of punish - Missionary Association of America, Armenian ment. Presbyterian Church, the Armenian Evangelical Ouzounian stressed the importance of edu - New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, an influen - Committee, that any nominee who comes Church of America, the Armenian Catholic cating the young about the great price paid by tial Democrat who has for decades backed before the committee having anything to do Eparchy for the US and Canada, Tekeyan their ancestors for liberty and their faith. Later efforts at recognition of the Armenian with Armenia, will have to answer the question, Cultural Association, Hamazkayin and numer - she introduced the winners of the Knights of Genocide, which he calls “one of the worst do you recognize the Armenian Genocide. And ous Armenian youth organizations. Buses Vartan Armenian Genocide Essay contest, who, genocides in world history,” stirred the crowd see TIMES SQUARE, page 12 12 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Times Square Genocide Commemoration

TIMES SQUARE, from page 11 countries.” He urged the Armenians and their I will continue to push — as I have held up nom - sympathizers to be optimistic, concluding, “We inees in the past — I will continue to push the will succeed, because we have right on our people who we have in place around the world side.” to represent the United States, to recognize the Rounding out the group of supportive horrific events of 1915 as a genocide, and I will national politicians who have year after year continue to push to make sure that the United participated in the Times Square commemora - States reflects a deep sense of moral outrage tion, New York Rep. Anthony Weiner strode out with respect to the Armenian Genocide.” and said, “I say to all Turkish Americans, to all Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), founder of the residents of Turkey today: This is not intended Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and to be an exercise in finger pointing, but this is one of the most active initiators and sponsors an exercise in making sure that the pages of his - of legislation favorable to Armenia and tory are not defiled by blank spaces, black Armenians in Congress, stated that he was fre - marks, Xs where there should be circles. The quently asked why one should focus on the only way we can become a more perfect union in the United States, and a more perfect people of the globe, is by speaking truth even of the atrocities.” Weiner pointed out that there are people even today who deny the Holocaust ever took place, as well as the Armenian Genocide. Consequently, he said, “So as long as those peo - ple are allowed to crawl along the surface of the earth, to crawl out from their rocks every so often, none of us can be safe to make sure that those atrocities don’t happen again. ..What we seek is the truth from the people who did the Homenetmen flag-bearing scouts with a model of Yerevan’s Dzidzernagapert Genocide Monument atrocities…My name is Anthony Weiner and I will never forget the Armenian Genocide.” New York City Comptroller John Liu, one of continuing Turkish denial. Armenians and oth - Three survivors of the Armenian Genocide, the city politicians who back the Armenian ers ask for reaffirmation of what originally was 101-year-old Perouz Kaloustian, 99-year-old cause, stated, “Here we are at the crossroads of recognized and then deliberately forgotten. Arshalouis Dadir, and 98-year-old Charlotte the world, Times Square, we celebrate our However, Armenians must now not only focus Kechejian, were wheeled out to receive the diversity, but the diversity that we have here is on the lost dead, as so many were killed in the respect and applause of the audience, escorted Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan 20th century, but stress the loss that Raffi Ardrouny strong only in recognition of where we came from, our roots, our heritage, our culture and Hovannisian, Richard’s son, has focused on — our history; and the history that has happened hayrenazrgutiwn , or national dispossession. Genocide when contemporary Armenia and with the Armenian people is a history that is Richard Hovannisian felt “the loss of a civiliza - Karabagh have so many problems. Pallone’s undeniable.” He added, “Keep up the fight — we tion, the loss of a homeland, the loss of a way answer was that both were crucial and inter - won’t let you down.” of life of 3,000 years is the major continuing connected issues: “People don’t seem to under - A proclamation from Mayor Michael traumatic aspect of 1915.” The Armenian stand — I know that you do — that this is an ongoing effort, an ongoing effort to basically destroy the Armenian people.” The denialist rhetoric from Turks and Azerbaijanis has become more aggressive recently, Pallone said, “We will be here every day and will continue to agitate until the commemoration in Congress takes place. We do it for Armenia, we do it for

NY Rep. Anthony Weiner

by Aghavni “Aggie” Ellian, executive director of the New York Armenian Home in Flushing, NY. Olivia Katrandjian made a powerful appeal for registration with the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry for the sake of her

AGBU representative Natalie Gabrielian

Hamazkayin’s Arekag Children’s Choir, with singer Elen Ohanyan

Bloomberg was read, proclaiming May 1, 2011 Genocide in many ways is a prototype for later as Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day in genocides. For this genocide to be remembered, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan the City of New York (see the accompanying Hovannisian said, it must be integrated into the sidebar to this article for its text). Rep. Scott history of mankind; otherwise it will be lost and Garrett (D-NJ) also sent a statement which in truly forgotten. Gathering in Times Square is mother Irene, stricken with Non-Hodgkin’s part read: “While it is painful to commemorate also part of the struggle for memory against for - Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, as well as for these terrible acts each year, we must remem - getting. other ill Armenians (see www.abmdr.am). ber and must learn from the past. The Dr. Joan Rivitz, associate director of the New Hirant Gulian was chairman of the organiza - Armenian Genocide serves as a powerful exam - Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education tion committee for one of the largest events ple of what can occur when governments per - and chair of the New Jersey Commission on organized by the East Coast Armenian commu - secute citizens based on ethnicity or religious Civil Rights, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, nity, Papazian co-chairman in charge of acade - Armenian National Committee Regional Director affiliation.” said, “Armenians and Jews of the diaspora, sur - mic affairs, with Tigran Sahakyan as vice-chair - Doug Geogerian Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Hovannisian, vivors, second generation, third and fourth gen - man. Taleen Babayan coordinated public rela - holder of the Armenian Educational erations, and those yet to come, we must con - tions and the essay contest. Members of the Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History tinue in solidarity to remember the true, unde - Armenian American Health Professionals Karabagh and we do it for those who suffer and professor of Armenian and Near Eastern niable facts of the dark parts of our parallel his - Organization of New York and New Jersey human rights violations anywhere on earth … I history at the University of California, Los tories. …The world community simply stood by under the chairmanship of Dr. Larry Najarian worry every day. The United States needs to be Angeles (UCLA) for several decades, has edited and watched….If Turkey had been held account - were present in Times Square to provide any supportive of Armenia and Karabagh militarily, many volumes on the Armenian Genocide. He able for the Armenian Genocide, Hitler might necessary first aid. economically. We need to continue to provide said that the trauma of genocide was passed on not have been able to plan and execute the Those who missed it can see the recording at humanitarian and military assistance to both to the following generations, compounded by Holocaust. ” http://www.armenianradionj.com/. S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Ne w York M E T R O Primate Visits St. Thomas Church on Palm Sunday Evening to Benefit Restoration of Ancient TENAFLY, N.J. — On April 17, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Armenian Church in Khajag Barsamian continued an annual tradition of spending Palm Dikranagerd Sunday with the parishioners of St. Thomas Armenian Church. NEW MILFORD, N.J. — A benefit The Primate celebrated the night to raise funds to restore the St. Divine Liturgy, delivered the homi - Giragos Armenian Church in ly and presided over a celebratory Dikranagerd will take place on dinner. The church overflowed Saturday, May 14, at the Hovnanian with parishioners for the Palm Banquet Hall here. Sunday service, celebrating The evening will feature Armenian Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and music by Onnik Dinkjian and his band, marking the start of Holy Week. dinner and information about the St. Thomas’ pastor, the Very much-needed renovations to the St. Rev. Papken Anoushian, offered a Giragos Armenian Church. In atten - prayer to start the banquet honor - dance will be Archbishop Khajag ing the parish’s 46th consecration Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of anniversary. the Armenian Church of America In his prayer, Anoushian remem - Fr. Papken Anoushian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with altar servers at St. Thomas Church (Eastern), Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, bered the recently-departed Diocesan Legate, Archbishop Aram Noubar Akelian, as well as Misak Ateshyan, vicar of the Armenian Torosian in whose memory Jack and Sylva the ACYOA Juniors and Vay Najarian, the only Chris Manoukian also recited poems in honor Patriarchate of Constantinople and Torosian and Misak and Anjel Torosian had remaining member of St. Thomas’ first Parish of his great uncle, Krikor Markarian, recipient Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s ambassador donated the banquet. The former couple also Council. of this year’s St. Thomas Award. to the UN. chaired the event. The program included vocal performances by Since Palm Sunday is ACYOA Day in the The program will serve as an oppor - Mary Cruickshank served as mistress of cere - Sareen Jebejian and Dr. Levon Capan, accom - Eastern Diocese, the parish ACYOA Juniors tunity for the St. Giragos Church monies for the occasion. Parish Council Chair panied on piano by Susan Shamamian, and helped serve the meal, and the group advisor, Restoration Committee (Eastern USA) Dr. Levon Capan thanked the Torosians, Kalust recitations performed by Ariana Cruickshank Peter Afarian, presented Anoushian with a to familiarize guests with the pressing and Yeghsapet Bestepe (who led a cake sale and Vehanoush Sabbagh, students from the $1,000 donation for the church. reasons to save this symbolic church. fundraiser), chef Manuk Camcikyan and the din - parish’s Kirikian Armenian School under the This year’s St. Thomas Award honoree, Originally constructed in the 15th cen - ner volunteers, Lucy Karamanoukian-Piligian, direction of teacher Sirvart Demirjian. Young Markarian, was introduced by his son, Ara, as a tury, the church was rebuilt and loving father and husband. A rug and Armenian enlarged in 1880 after a fire, which antiquities dealer originally from Beirut, made it the largest Armenian basilica in Lebanon, Markarian with his wife, Diane, Anatolia to this day. The first bell tower instilled a love for the Armenian Church in their of the church was built in 1884 (cast by sons Ara, Melik and Berj. the world famous Zildjian Company), Anoushian portrayed Markarian’s benevolent making it the tallest structure in nature and how he presented St. Thomas with Dikranagerd. Renowned for having new altar curtains, a black curtain for Lent as seven altars signifying eternity in the well as the beautiful Jerusalem lanterns, which Armenian alphabet, the church can hang from the interior dome of the church. He accommodate more than 2,500 faithful added that the parish was blessed to have a during services. parishioner like Markarian, and prayed that Recognizing a need to renovate this God would bless him with health, happiness historical cathedral — which is the prop - and longevity. erty of the Armenian Patriarchate of Markarian thanked Anoushian and the Turkey — a group of concerned Parish Council for the award, modestly adding Dikranagertzi’s in Istanbul came that coming to church is not a duty but an together to begin efforts to do so. honor for him. Restoring the St. Giragos Armenian Barsamian congratulated the pastor and Church in Dikranagerd will ensure the parishioners. He mentioned Vay Najarian and existence of this significant church for Krikor Markarian, and recalled the special ser - future generations of Armenians. vices they have lovingly rendered to the church For reservations, call: Hirant Gulian, and Diocese over the years. Zakar Dikme, Hagop Uzatmajian, Charles Pinajian, Hagop Gulian or From left, Fr. Papken Anoushian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Krikor Markarian with parish - In a closing benediction, the Primate prayed that ioners at St. Thomas Church St. Thomas would stay strong and vital, and that Diran Kilerjian. God would bless the church and the parish.

HMADS Gala Dinner Dance: A Classic Affair with a Youthful Twist

BAYSIDE, N.Y. — The Friends of Holy Tchorbajian are both longtime supporters of Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) 2011 the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School and Gala Dinner Dance Committee has been hard at Friends of HMADS organizations. Haroutunian work. Under the direction of Chairpersons Talin is currently serving on the HMADS Board and Ipek and Alex Baron, this year’s dinner dance is a devoted community philanthropist and will feature singer Ashot Logian with his band. entrepreneur. Logian comes from a family of talented musi - Tchorbajian, whose children are both cians and was a musical prodigy who was HMADS alumni, has been an active PTO exec - accepted at both Spendiaryan Music School utive member and the driving force behind the and Sayat Nova Music Schools at a very young Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs expan - age. He began composing at the Komitas sion project, which seeks to fortify our Church Conservatory in Yerevan and has even per - structures so that they will continue to be a formed at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, in center for Armenian spiritualism and culture for addition to giving concerts throughout the years to come. United States. He recently released his first A successful entrepreneur in his own right, album of Armenian contemporary folk music, Tchorbajian’s educational background encom - titled “Dream.” In 1996, Logian co-founded the passes pure mathematics and physics. band HAYASA with drummer Markos Haroutunian, Tchorbajian and the entire Shahbazyan, and together they have never Friends committee invite everyone to an looked back, spending years perfecting their evening of dinner and dancing on Saturday, own unique sound by bringing together talent - May 14, at the Woodbury Country Club, the 18- ed musicians who play a blend of percussion, acre estate once owned by United States keyboard and guitar to evoke the spirit and joy Treasurer Ogden Mills, featuring an alluring of Armenian music. landscape. The Friends of HMADS have two distin - After the cocktail reception, a four-course guished gentlemen serving as the Honorary meal will be served in the ballroom, with Booklet co-chairs for this year’s event. Their Logian and his band performing. leadership will undoubtedly galvanize the com - For further information about this event, con - munity to support the most important fundrais - tact the school office, Negdar Arukian or HMADS alumni with Principal Zarmine Boghosian er of the year. Berj Haroutunian and Nichan Siragan Varolian. 14 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Leading Armenian FACS to Present Actors to Reunite in 60th Annual Burlesque Comedy In Montreal in May Armenian Night

MONTREAL, Canada — Actors Gerald At Pops Papasian and Nora Armani will play the lead - ing roles in the burlesque Armenian BOSTON — The Friends of Armenian Culture hit, “Taparnigos Ladies’ Dentist,” adapted by Society will present the 60th annual Armenian Papasian from the Armenian Classic the Night at the Pops on Saturday, June 25, at 8 “Eastern Dentist” by Hagop Baronian. p.m. at Symphony Hall. The evening will feature This acclaimed 19th-century comedy has renowned soprano Hasmik Papian. Music direc - been produced countless times for the stage, tor Keith Lockhart will lead the Boston Pops cinema and television. Papasian’s French orchestra in this gala celebration concert. adaptation was played in major Parisian the - The program will feature a selection of oper - aters, but this time it will be performed in atic arias by Puccini, Catalani and Johann Armenian with French subtitles. This produc - Strauss. In addition to the traditional Lord’s tion by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Prayer (Hayr Montreal will run from May 13 to 15. Mer) , a group of This show is a reunion for Armani and Armenian songs will also be per - Papasian, who performed their award-win - Susan Lind-Sinanian organizes programs at ALMA when not teaching the blind. ning show, “Sojourn at Ararat,” to great crit - formed, includ - ical acclaim at Montreal’s Centaur Theatre in ing Arno 1988, a play they recently reprised at Joe’s Babadjanian’s Pub and at the Public Theater in New York sublime Aria- City. The duo, no longer a couple offstage, Vocalise for also animated a successful Armenian comedy The Double World of soprano and evening in Montreal in 1999, a show still orchestra to recalled by many to this day. mark the 90th A founding member of the Irina Brook Susan Lind-Sinanian anniversary of Company, Papasian recently performed in the the composer’s play “Waiting for the Dream” in Montreal at birth. The con - Hasmik Papian WATERTOWN, Mass. — In one door and out the other. cert will also fea - That pretty much sums up the life of Susan Lind-Sinanian, the textile guru at the ture overtures by Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) who, for the past 25 years, has Rossini and Suppé; the Parade of the alternated her role with teaching the Charioteers by Miklos Rozs and the Grammy visually impaired. Award-winner Ricky Skaggs and his Kentucky By Tom Vartabedian Come September, she’ll be entering Thunder band, performing some of their great - her fourth decade as a home and per - est hits. sonal management instructor at nearby Papian graduated from Komitas Perkins School for the Blind where she started in 1972. Conservatory in Yerevan first as a violinist, then Throw in motherhood and it’s been one hectic but rewarding life for Lind-Sinanian as a singer. After her debut at the Armenian who seems to be juggling her lifestyle with authority. Occasionally, a ball might fall, National Opera as Rosina in Rossini’s “Barber but the routine is impeccable. And there’s no intention to retire — at least not until of Seville” and as Mimì in Puccini’s “La 2014. Bohème,” she started an international career, Should that occur, it only means more time for ALMA. which has since taken her to the most presti - “It’s definitely been a balancing act,” she says. “When I mention this to my stu - gious operatic stages in the world: the Vienna dents, it surprises them that I’ve been able to hold down a job in two major areas. State Opera, La Scala of Milan, Bastille Opera It requires patience, versatility and understanding. People take their health for in Paris and the Metropolitan Opera of New granted until they’re suddenly deprived of it. The people at ALMA don’t really know York, to name a few. She has sung with such about my life at Perkins.” notable conductors as Riccardo Muti, Placido Each night before retiring to bed, Lind-Sinanian will take a pad and pen, sit at a Domingo, Valery Gergiev and James Levine. desk and jot down five reasons to be thankful. A “meet-the-artist” reception will follow the It could be anything from good health and a wonderful family to the birds chirp - concert at the nearby Colonnade Hotel. ing outside her home, the ability to cook and the fact she belongs to such a won - Tickets for this concert and the reception can derful heritage. be purchased online by visiting A typical scenario? A child she recently evaluated couldn’t wait to enroll. Lind- www.FACSBoston.org. Sinanian had the boy make toast for his parents and with some help, he was able to Donations to the Friends of Armenian deliver. Because Lind-Sinanian sought the feeling of being sightless, she put a blind - Culture Society, Inc. are tax deductible. fold over her eyes to see what her students may encounter. “It felt terrible … scary, not to see the world you live in and the people who inhab - it it,” she visualized. Gerald Papasian and Nora Armani Suffice it to say she’s been a valuable resource to the Armenian community in cul - Raymond Kevorkian tivating the fine arts and bringing it to an arena of respect and understanding in both the Armenian and American mainstream. On Lecture Tour in Usine C. In April and also in Montreal, he pre - She’s even taken the liberty to teach Armenian dancing to the blind as a form of sented Armenian music masterpieces with mobility. And they love it. the French vocal quatuor Arevadzaghig. He “The students have adjusted well to it,” said Lind-Sinanian. “I introduced it as a Canada and US has helped revive several works by Armenian form of therapy but many love to hear music from all over the world — whether it’s NEW YORK — French-Armenian historian composer Dikran Tchouhadjian, including a simple ‘bar’ or a dance from Ezeroum or ‘kherpan.’ Translated, ‘kherpan’ means and academic Raymond Kevorkian is embark - the operetta “Gariné” in Paris and Marseille a good thing.” ing on a lecture tour of Canada and the United this fall. The president of Armenia recently Over these four decades, she has taught daily living skills to multi-impaired stu - States this month to present and discuss the awarded him the Movses Khorenatsi medal, dents ranging in age from 13-22, taught them Latin as well, and created a better life new English translation of his book, The the country’s highest cultural and artistic for the handicapped. It translates out to seven classes a day with the idea of inte - Armenian Genocide: A Complete History. In honor. grating them into an independent lifestyle. The school graduates about 10 students this 1,000-page history, Kevorkian, who is also An award-winning actress and playwright, a year. a lecturer at the Institute Français de Armani’s new one-woman show “Lend me an In what can become a quick burnout profession, Lind-Sinanian has weathered the Géopolitique, University of Paris, and director ID” was selected at the recent Diwan Forum storm. By teaching others less fortunate, she’s developed her own gratitude. of the AGBU Nubarian Library in Paris, gives for the Arts at the City University of New Graduates have returned to the school, just to report the good it’s done them and an account of the origins, events and conse - York, and she recently played one of the leads wind up giving their beloved instructor a hug. quences of the Armenian Genocide. Kevorkian in the feature film “Snowed in LA.” She is Her biggest satisfaction is sending a student off on their own into an apartment considers the role it played in the construction currently developing another feature film with a decent job in hand, knowing the skills she has introduced will pay dividends. of the Turkish nation state and Turkish identi - project and filming a documentary about Her tenure ranks among the longest at Perkins. As for ALMA, that’s been somewhat ty, as well as exploring the ideologies of power, Egypt in the wake of the recent revolution. of a release valve for the woman, along with yoga, hiking and the violin. rule and state violence. Crucially, he examines The event will be at the AGBU Alex Lind-Sinanian continues teaching lace and embroidery classes at ALMA. On week - the consequences of the violence against the Manoogian School, 755 Manoogian St., Saint- ends, she’s apt to coordinate a family day at the museum. Also in her docket is Armenians, the implications of the deporta - Laurent on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May see LIND-SINANIAN, page 15 tions, and the attempts to bring those who com - 14 at 8 p.m., and Sunday May 15 at 7 p.m. mitted the atrocities to justice. The book is the For more information, call the school . see KEVORKIAN, page 16 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Loris Chobanian Premieres The Traveler

BEREA, Ohio — Baldwin-Wallace College Extensive study of the music of each coun - structure of the last movement. They include duction of a specific tonal center which is Emeritus Composer-in-Residence and try was necessary for the success of the pro - influences of flamenco, cante jondo and jota. subjected to constant pitch expansion similar Professor of Composition and Guitar Loris ject. The outcome represents the composer’s The latter is inherently rhythmic and percus - to the opening of a flower or the unfolding of Ohannes Chobanian has been devoting more personal impression of the different musical sive. Flamenco music, accompanied with gui - waves when a stone has been dropped in a time to composing and as a result has pro - languages. During World War II the Indian tars and hand clapping, originates from the pond. Pitches in all three movements experi - duced several new compositions that are army came to Baghdad. As a result many the - southern region of Andalusia. The Jota hails ence this process and by the third movement being premiered. Many of these composi - atrical performances related to Indian culture from the Aragon region of northeastern the expansions also involve larger textures. tions have been conceived with Armenian became available. In the second movement Spain.” The title Impromptu for piano solo was first themes. On Sunday, April 17, Prof. Benjamin the composer has used one of the melodies Just Violins, a composition for six violins, used by Jan Vaclav Vorisek in 1822. Many Czarnota, baritone, and Kristin Ditlow, piano, he heard during that time. was composed for BW professor of violin composers such as Schubert, Chopin and presented the world premiere of Chobanian’s Some of these countries have their own Julian Ross and five of his students. Three Liszt have written Impromptus for piano solo. dramatic aria, The Traveler , with Armenian tunings and instruments. There are signifi - Impromptus for Piano and Orchestra was The Three Impromptus are different, as they text. The poem, “Gayanh’s Verchi,” “My Last cant limitations and constraints when their composed for BW professor of piano are written for piano and orchestra. The com - Destination,” is by Haigouhi Seropian. music is performed by a Western Symphonic Sungeun Kim. The word “Impromptu” can position is dedicated to “a place and the peo - Chobanian’s Requiem April 24 was also Wind Ensemble. China, for example, is a vast imply that the composition has been realized ple.” The place is the BW Conservatory and based on a Seropian poem, “Tadeh Hayoon.” country in which the different regions have extemporaneously in an improvised manner. the people are the students, the faculty and The requiem was premiered by Baldwin- their unique musical approaches. Generally The initial musical idea is based on the intro - staff of the BW Conservatory. Wallace Chorus and Chamber Orchestra con - the tuning of Chinese instruments is similar ducted by Dirk Garner. The performance can to the Pythagorean tuning, in which the fre - be heard on You Tube. quency relationships of all intervals are based Avarayr — Fires of Zarathustra for on the ratio 3:2, whereas the western diaton - Symphonic Wind Ensemble , depicting the ic scale is generally equal tempered. Indian Amaras Art Alliance Hosts Battle of Vartanants, was performed at the music also has a rich tradition. There are said Ohio Music Educator’s Conference in to be more than 5,000 Indian raga tunings. Cincinnati. Other compositions include In Indian ragas are based on selecting tones Young Star’s Concert Search of Global Harmony for Symphonic from 22 possibilities within one octave. Wind ensemble which is scheduled to be pre - Musical motives from different countries miered on Friday, January 27, 2012. The were used extensively. Only in the case of BELMONT, Mass. — Amaras Art Alliance of featured are Sonia Ourfalian a pianist and seven movements represent the music of Iraq a complete melody — Um Al Abaya — was Watertown will present their Young Star’s student at the St. Stephen’s Armenian seven countries: China, India, Russia, utilized. Some of these countries have out - Concert featuring more than 20 talented Elementary School; Hasmik Jasmine Zimbabwe, Iraq, Ireland and Spain. The standing choral traditions. Russian choral aspiring musicians on Sunday, May 15 at Gevorkian, a pianist from Rhode Island; Cleveland Mayor’s office and the Cleveland performances are exemplified with distinct Atinizian Hall at Holy Cross Armenian pianist, Alik Fisher-Arslanian; pianist Community Development personnel will par - recognizable features such as rich bass lines, Catholic Church, 200 Lexington St., at 4:30 Nicholas Orchanian of Waltham; Arpi ticipate in making the performance a nation - pulsated rhythms and high, sustained pedal p.m. Parseghian of Arlington also a pianist; Shant alities day. points. African countries have a unique The performers, ranging in age from 8 to DerTorossian a pianist from Waltham; Said Chobanian, “The countries selected in approach to choral singing. Zimbabwe is rep - 18, will perform classical and popular pieces. Armenian Sisters’ Academy student Garen the movements of In Search of Global Harmony resentative of others such as South Africa or Featured will be Amaras’ Young Star of 2010 Meguerditchian on the piano and Chloe were in part chosen because of their distinct Uganda. There is much use of responsorial pianist Merghri DerVartanian of Belmont, Cawallader Barran, a singer from the musical features. The challenge was to compose singing in which the solo chant is answered and the 2011 Young Star, vocalist and com - Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. individual movements that could be recogniz - by the full chorus. African music also excels poser of Amaras’ Heaven’s Music , Alex The concert is under the direction of able before knowing the title of the country in the use of complex percussive rhythms. Carroll of Cohasset. There will be a guest Noune Karapetian, a piano and voice teacher, they represented. Although these countries Two aspects of Irish music, the lament appearance by the Serenade String Ensemble as well as a soprano. She founded and direct - have their exclusive musical languages, there is song as well as music for dance, were fea - of Waltham. Students in the Serenade String ed the Bell Music School for several years. a hidden universal expression shared in spite of tured in the sixth movement. Several forms of Ensemble study with Narine Doloukhanyan Karapetian will be one of three featured their boundaries.” Spanish music were incorporated in the of Waltham. They will play two pieces by C. sopranos at the “Escape the Ordinary” con - Dancia conducted by Tigran Doloukhanyan cert on June 12 at the Lexington Heritage Performers include: Belmont residents Museum. Leah Babroudi, violinist; Gayane Kaligian, The Young Stars concert is a fundraising vocalist; Emma Gharibian, violinist and vocal - event to benefit the art programs at the high ist, and Ariana Maserejian, vocalist. school in Aregnadem, a village in Armenia Performers from Watertown include: gui - that borders Turkey. tarist, Alexander Abrahamyan; pianist, Ruben For more information and tickets, go to Karapetyan and pianist Lori Shirinian. Also amarasonline.com.

The Double World of Susan Lind-Sinanian LIND-SINANIAN, from page 14 house parent at Perkins. After earning a bache - training volunteers and dealing with donors. No lor’s degree in elementary education, she went doubt, ALMA would be missing a vital link were to Boston College for a master’s degree with a it not for her contributions these many years. focus on visually-impaired studies. “The fact I can smile or frown, tie a lace or Over the years, she has become a sort of put on a shoe gives me satisfaction,” she admit - “Mrs. Chips” at the campus, touching students ted. “In working with the visually-impaired, from across the world. One was an Eskimo from what I teach them might take a year to learn, Alaska who became so proficient, he was able like using a microwave or pouring a glass of to return home by dogsled and canoe. juice without spilling it. But at least it’s a desti - As a leading authority on Armenian folk art nation.” and dance, she has honed her craft with unadul - Often, Lind-Sinanian will bring her blind stu - terated passion. dents to the museum for a hands-on education. She and Gary wed 34 years ago and decid - Through touch and feel, they learn the value of ed to have an old-fashioned Armenian wed - Armenian hand-woven crafts. Her husband, ding on a farm in Franklin. In the process of Gary, a long-time curator, will pass around old researching old Armenian dances to incorpo - Armenian coins and explain the history of the rate into their ceremony, they struck a mutu - grand kings. al chord. They’ll try on costumes, handle musical Lind-Sinanian has collected oral histories of instruments, and gain a better sense of appre - Armenian culture, taught folk dancing at inter - ciation for the Armenian identity. Her “outside” national camps and symposiums and shown career was determined as a teenager. equal skill toward needlework. She has co- “Ever since I was 17, I wanted to teach the authored a house-keeping manual for the visu - handicapped,” admitted Lind-Sinanian, who ally impaired as well as a curriculum for teach - grew up in Dorchester. It all stemmed from her ing Armenian dance to children. undergraduate days at Northeastern University. She is a person from whom vision is not One of her co-operative jobs was working as a restricted to the eyes.

Advertise in the Mirror-Spectator The First English language Armenian weekly newspaper in the United States, now in its 78 th year of publication 16 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Julia Zerounian and Ensemble at Regattabar, May 12 CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Song-stylist Julia nial classics from the American songbook, Julia only gained a large and loyal following, but gar - Zerounian and the Zerounian Ensemble will per - and her ensemble deliver an ebullient musical nered rave reviews from prominent musicians form familiar and exotic songs from around the experience with equal parts conviction, authori - and critics. In a review of her appearance last world on Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the ty and heart. She takes on all the different musi - spring at the Regattabar, the Boston Phoenix ’s Regattabar here. Singing effortlessly in 10 lan - cal genres of these countries performing with music critic Lloyd Schwartz described Julia as guages, the charming Julia Zerounian restores her glowing and warm personality and making “an old-fashioned nightclub chanteuse with to the contemporary performance scene the her truly a “world music singer”. glamour, style, and a real voice — warm and glamorous heyday of international café-cabaret, Julia Zerounian began her singing and acting inviting. Singing in English, French, Italian, creating an atmosphere of infectious enthusi - career at an early age in Armenia, later per - Armenian, Russian, Persian and Yiddish she asm and intimacy with her audience. She is a forming with various professional ensembles had the audience eating out of her hand and, real artist who knowingly and lovingly shapes and theatrical groups throughout the former invited or not, singing along with her. From the every phrase and colors every tone to elicit a Soviet Union. Since her move to the Boston piano, her husband, Sarkis Zerounian, elegantly maximum of feeling and expressiveness of mood area in 1972, she has become well-known to led the stylish jazz combo with violin. ” in each song. audiences as a great interpreter of international Musicians for the Zerounian Ensemble are Julia Zerounian With a worldwide repertoire spanning French folk and contemporary songs, Armenian min - violinist Lucia Lin, guitarist John Baboian, (Aznavour, Piaf, Brel), Armenian troubadour, strel and American songs. flautist Marco Granados, bassist Mark Henry, Russian romance and gypsy songs, Greek, The combination of her soulful, vibrant percussionist Grant Smith and on piano Sarkis For reservations and information, contact Persian, and Latin tunes and, of course, peren - singing and mastery of musical idioms has not Zerounian. www.regattabarjazz.com.

acclaim in the United States last year, is owner who employs Ahmet after his desertion about her dog’s health and the “unfounded sex - Mundian’s second novel (The Return appeared and helps him to escape. Man and woman (“Oh, ual allegations against her uncle Silias, in which Identity in 2000). As well as writing fiction, Mutian is a I am many things my dear”), Sasha transcends a pet pig plays an unclarified part.” lawyer, and a commissioner for the city of space and time to reappear to Emmett as a fellow This obvliviousness, along with some heavy Tallahassee, Fla., someone familiar with playing patient in the South Georgia Psychiatric Center. authorial interventions, drive the novel to its different roles. His novel’s title introduces a Mutian approaches his subject with compas - conclusion. The final chapters, a combination of Unknown multiform character: Emmett is a Turkish émi - sion, reading “survivors’ stories…and history the predictable and the incredible, seem gré plumber, “a Yankee” who reads books,” and traveling the routes “to feel, to the designed to tie up any loose ends. Mutian’s Shakespeare and Steinbeck, “Papa,” a Rotarian extent possible, what those deportees….felt and “Author’s Note” tells us: “Genocide represents and a cancer patient, but he is also a “gen - experienced.” His tale is suitably serious, and its perhaps the ugliest human deeds…To stop it we By Thea Lenarduzzi darme” — a rapist and a murderer. As Emmett well-paced revelations — alternately beautiful must publicize it.” He writes: “We want to is transferred from doctor to psychiatrist, then and brutal — involve the reader and increase know. Sometimes that knowledge is painful, or taken from his home to a mental institution to our awareness in step with Emmett’s. One per - inconvenient, or even damning.” To do justice In April 1990, Mark Mustian’s protaganist be “monitored,” he moves through a personal son’s memory is not enough to sustain the to the historical material, and to an otherwise Emmett Cona is sitting in an American hospital, wasteland — assembling fragments of memory novel’s momentum, however, it needs charac - gripping narrative, there should be no neat clo - flicking through a magazine while wait - and trying to understand the nature ters as strong as Emmett to question his story. sure and to suggest one presumes a reader ing to have a brain scan. He reads about of his involvement with the beautiful But they do not come. Emmett’s nephew and unwilling to participate in further questioning. death marches in a feature commemo - Books Armenian girl, Araxie, who returns to niece, nicknamed “Brains and Brainsetta” are, rating the 75th anniversary of the his dreams. in this sense, grotesque incarnations of T.S. The Gendarme . By Mark Mustian Armenian massacres, which began in This is a narrative of geographical Eliot’s hypocrite lecteur, and they would be 304 pp. Oneworld. Paperback, 12.99 pounds 1915. He does not remember it, but he was there: and psychological displacements, and of the rela - tragic were they not simply comic figures. 978 851 688265 he was Ahmet Khan, a “gendarme,” overseeing tionship between truth and memory. After deliv - Avoidance is easier for those who are too the deportation of thousands of Armenians from ering to the camps those few who survived the absorbed in the bleak expanse of their own lives (This review originally appeared in the Turkey to the Syrian desert. Emmett has forgot - marches, Ahmet became a deserter, fixed on find - to interrogate others. “Brainsetta” prattles on Times Literary Supplement on April 22.) ten this previous identity because he was also ing Araxie and escaping to America. From then “Unidentified Patient Number A-17,” wounded in on, his memory draws blacks that stretch into the head at Galipoli: “my memory is fine from the the present — a landscape peopled by amnesiacs. hospital forward, but before is still darkness, only Parkinson’s disease left his American wife unable speckles of light.” to remember their daughters who, in their dis - Tekeyan Cultural Association At the age of 92, he develops a pea-sized tress, stopped visiting and “forgot” her. The tumor that triggers visions — flashbacks — younger daughter had a child at 16, who her par - Presents which dissolve the membranes between past ents pushed to give up for adoption, without and present, dreams and reality, until the “vital - inquiring about its sex: they “forgot” it and car - BOOK TALK ity I find now exists in the dream.” ried on with their lives. Tiresias is attendant, too, The Gendarme , which was published to in the form of Sasha, a hermaphrodite brothel by Dr. Ani Kalayjian Psychologist-Co-Author –Th Kevorkian on Lecture Tour in Canada and US erapist-of Global reach KEVORKIAN, from page 16 first to make extensive use of the archives of the Nubarian Library, which has an important collection of papers, documents and pho - tographs related to the Armenian Genocide. Kevorkian’s tour began on May 3 in Toronto, where AGBU Toronto hosted him at the AGBU Manoogian Center. On May 4-6, the author trav - eled to Montreal, where he presented three sep - arate lectures: “Armenian Refugees in the Near East during the 1920s” on May 4, under the To be held at the auspices of the AGBU Manuel Keusseyan Armenological Lecture Series; “The St.Thomas Armenian Church Geopolitical Situation in the South Caucasus” on May 5, which is sponsored by the AGBU Tenafly NJ Young Professionals of Montreal and a book reading on May 6, which will focus on Kevorkian’s new book and its remarkable find - May 12, 2011 ings. On May 9, he will travel to California’s Silicon At 7:30 pm Valley to speak to the local AGBU Chapter. The following evening, Kevorkian will give a presen - Admission is free tation at the AGBU Pasadena Center hosted by Refreshments after the the Pasadena-Glendale Chapter. His tour will talk continue in Detroit, where he will speak at the Introduction, by invitation of AGBU Detroit at the Hagopian Showroom on May 12. The Detroit event is co- Vagheenag Tarpinian,M.D. sponsored by the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Knights of Vartan and the Raymond Kevorkian, author of The Armenian For pertinent information please call Detroit Armenia Fest Committee. The final stop , will present the Genocide: A Complete History of Kevorkian’s tour will be the AGBU Central book on a lecture tour of Canada and the Vagheenag at 610-823-8611 Office in New York, where he will speak on United States this month. Friday, May 13. S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING

Diasporans but I do find this at the moment a bit Yerevantzi Olya Azatyan Speaks Her Mind off track for one reason — currently there is a White Genocide in Armenia! Why isn’t the dias - pora interested in it? Only a few in the diaspora women. We are under-represented in the National threat to Armenian statehood. We know what role care about the current situation in Armenia. Let’s By Betty Apigian Kessel Assembly. Only seven women are MP’s out of 131. language plays in keeping a nation. We are expect - first rebuild our country. If we lose Armenia, we In 10 years, I want to run for member of parlia - ing first of all the re-opening of Russian language will lose everything. Once we build a strong state, ment of this region. I have had experience in elec - schools, which will take us back to Moscow-led we can manage many things.” DETROIT — She’s young, well educated and tions and politics. I have organized volunteer policies again. During the course of time we might She feels that since independence, Armenia determined to make a difference in the improve - events and mobilized school children with great be facing the loss of statehood.” has not developed at all as she says, “In 1991 ment of her Armenian homeland. She is 29-year- success to think about those not as well off.” She has a lot to say about politics. “The oli - Armenia had a chance to start over from zero old Olya Azatyan, a native of Yerevan. “I will continue to show people I am sincere in garch criminal regime is destroying Armenia. but now has fallen behind. We are already late. I recently had the opportunity of having a frank making things better for them and the communi - The country is being ruled by a couple of oli - We have several crises developing here includ - discussion via e-mail with Azatyan. She and I were ty. I believe it is important to have a good reputa - garchs whose only power is force, all type of ing civic, political, post soviet, scientific, cultur - brought together through the good intentions of tion, which I have, for them to believe me. I am rights are violated. The courts are part of the al, moral values ... we must stop it. The only way Toronto-based friend, Noubar Poladian. He had part of a group that volunteer teaches at the distorted regime, corruption is flourishing, out is by civic action. The people have to stand met her during his 2006 visit to Yerevan and sug - Institute for Human Rights and Democracy to migration is increasing, monopolies are killing for their rights. They have to make the govern - gested I interview her for my column knowing I young activists.” the small and medium businesses, prices are ment their servant and not to tolerate the cur - had an interest in the status of women in Armenia As a resident of Armenia, Azatyan, says, “I will escalating and we have political prisoners. The rent situation. We need a civic mobilization. including their professional advancement and the continue to show the people here I am sincere in growing poverty is destroying families.” Revolution is part of evolution.” issue of abuse. making things better for them. I am part of a “Another big national tragedy occurred during She says, “Today my mission is to talk to people The response from Olya was immediate. I gave group that volunteer teaches at the Institute for the March 1, 2008 election, when the voters dis - to encourage them to fight for their rights, to not her an outline of questions and offered her a free Human Rights and Democracy to young satisfied by election results came out to the streets be slaves, to not be afraid of living in their own hand in what she wanted to say. It went from activists.” to protest and ask for free and fair elections, and land. I have found many young people who believe there. As an activist herself, Azatyan is part of one of the government brought the army to oppress the in making change for the better by starting from I found myself actually startled at her openness. these, the Teghut Forest Defense group. In true claim of the people, thus killing 10 individu - the bottom and going to the top. One day we will Because her remarks were so frank I suggested November 2007, the government of Armenia als. Who must be blamed?” Azatyan asks. have a good country where the true leader will be she be cautious. She assured me that I had her approved a project on copper-molybdenum mining “Surely not only the regime. The citizens equal - the Armenian citizen. I believe this day will come permission to print her opinions and statements in the north-eastern region of Armenia, in the ly share the blame of the current situation in the and I am ready to be one of the servants for the verbatim. She is well intentioned, loves her coun - watershed of the Debed River, in the region with country. They are not getting together to fight to people. Join us in saving our country, Armenia.” try, feels a sense of responsibility to it and has no complex landscape prone to earthquakes and get rid of the present regime and establish order I asked Olya about the Zaruhi Petrossyan situa - plans to leave Armenia. landslides. in the country. Most of the intelligentsia has now tion, the woman beaten to death by her husband She is devoted to Armenia and has concerns for Allocated area for mining is 1,491 hectares departed, and those that remain are in deep apa - and mother-in-law. She said, “The passiveness of its well being. I wish her success while hoping she (3,683 acres) 82 percent of which is covered with thy, with only a small part of them fighting hard. women themselves must be blamed as they do not treads carefully. My desire in sharing Ms. mountainous forests. Exploration of the mine will People are under pressure from the government. seek to fight for their rights. They seem to not Azatyan’s ambitions with you is that her dreams produce about 500 million tons of tailings of haz - They are under government control and don’t believe in change. The current Armenian society for a better, more advanced Armenia will emerge. ardous substances and 600 million tons of various seem to care.” has now become very sick, very closed and con - Olya was born and raised in a middle-class other waste. Dumping tails will be disposed in the Azatyan added, “I think the border between servative. The distorted ‘Asian’ rules of patriarchy Armenian family. Because of her father’s job, the gorge of Duqanadzor River, flowing to Shnogh — Turkey and Armenia has to be open. If the coun - are in place and women seem to find it normal. family moved frequently during Olya’s school a tributary of transboundary Debed. try cannot be healthy from the ‘inside,’ it cannot Men cannot change this situation. We need a new years, giving her the opportunity to observe both There are also various animals in the Red Book have normal relations with its neighbors. Let’s female action.” various co-existing realities and human stories in that will die after the mine is explored. Her group first enable our country to function before going Olya concluded, “I made a firm decision when I different parts of Armenia. is trying to stop the mining. The Red Book con - out for international relations. Genocide is some - came back to never leave this country. Armenia “My inspiration to do my best comes from my tains registered animal and plant species facing thing every Armenian will have in our blood as needs me. I want to be part of a generation that family, many of whom have PhD’s and other for - extinction in Armenia. long as Armenians exist, but having said that, you will bring a positive turn in the making of our mal academic qualifications,” says Azatyan. She strongly supports another initiative group. just can’t live in the past. It destroys you! Just con - country’s history to help it grow into a democ - She witnessed the devastation of the 1988 “We are against re-opening the foreign language centrating on the recognition of Genocide will ra cy.” Armenian earthquake when she was 7, and 10, schools in Armenia. To my deep regret the parlia - lead us nowhere. We need to build many bridges.” Thanks to Olya Azatyan for her comments and when the 1991 independence of Armenia came as ment has already passed the bill to re-open foreign Her strong viewpoints continue. “I appreciate her perception of how to improve living conditions well as the Nagorno Karabagh war of 1991-1994. language schools in the country which is a huge the volume of effort on this matter by fellow and democracy in Armenia for everyone. She says, “I witnessed many downturns in the socio-economic conditions of my country. In the 1990s we had no heat, electricity, values changed and we had minimum resources. But with all that I was realizing the country is at war, my father was at war …I knew I had to be strong …” Seeing these struggles gave her thought about her future and the future of Armenia. “I decided CC AA LLEENNDDAARR that I wanted to do something worthwhile with my life to help make things better in Armenia as much as I am able to.” No doubt she is ambitious; she started working at age 20, while also taking on a heavy course load at school. MASSACHUSETTS Azatyan has a bachelor’s from Yerevan State Linguistic University. She speaks Armenian, MAY 21 — “Hiking in Armenia’s Mountains, Valleys and Villages,” Russian, English, French and some Spanish. Her an illustrated talk covering the Siunik area of Southern Armenia, studies at the Armenian State Governance given by Joe Dadgigian and Dik Dagavarian of Merrimack Valley, 6 Academy included comparative constitution, theo - p.m., ARS Community Center, 142 Liberty St., Lowell. Presented by ry of state and law, Armenian constitution, munic - the Lowell ARF Committee; dinner and program, $20 adults, $10 ipal law and political science, thereby cementing a students. foundation for her future career. JUNE 4 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair and Silent She earned a master’s degree in international Auction, (rain or shine), meals served all day, delicacies table, 32 public administration and social policy from Bigelow Ave., Watertown. London Metropolitan University, having been awarded a British Chevening Full Scholarship. NEW JERSEY She also audited a course at the University of Strasbourg on French History and Civilization. MAY 12 — Tekeyan Cultural Association Presents Book Talk by Currently she is working on her PhD in Dr. Anie Kalayjian, psychologist, co-author and therapist of global Armenia and will research how positive changes reach. Introduction by Vagheenag Tarpinian, MD. St. Thomas can be brought by the left political agenda. And Armenian Church, Tenafly, 7:30 p.m. For information, call Tarpinian with this impressive background, she tells me my at (610) 823-8611. Admission free. Refreshments provided after the e-mail made her day! talk. I had been told she wanted to become MAY 21 — “We Are Like This,” one-man show with Krikor Armenia’s first female prime minister, so of course Satamian, 8 p.m., at Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. John the On May 12, psychologist and author, Dr. I became interested in Azatyan, representing a Theologian, 353 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly. Tickets, $65, including Anie Kalayjian, pictured above, will give a breed of Armenian woman who is strong, well edu - dinner and wine. For tickets, call Mary (201) 745-8850 or Noushig book presentation, with an introduction by cated and career oriented. (718) 344-5582. Organized by Tekeyan Cultural Association Mher Vagheenag Tarpinian, MD, at the St. Thomas Her work experience includes international Megerdchian Theatrical Group. Armenian Church, in Tenafly, NJ, at 7:30 organizations such as Council of Europe (CoE); JUNE 4 — Anniversary-Banquet in anticipation of the 80th p.m, presented by the Tekeyan Cultural anniversary of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator newspaper, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Association. For information, call Tarpinian first English language Armenian newspaper in the world, organized Europe (OSCE); Institute for Democracy and at (610) 823-8611. Admission is free. Electoral Assistance (IDEA International); by the Friends of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of New Jersey. International Foundation for Election System Saturday, 7 p.m., at Teaneck Marriott at Glenpoint, 100 Franklin W. (IFES Armenia Office ); National Democratic Burr Blvd., Teaneck. For tickets, call Shoghig (201) 803-0240 or Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and the Sirvart (201) 739-7775. Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR). “Armenia needs more professionals, especially 18 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Polarization Gives Way to Political Realism Spectator In Armenia decided to make either the beginning of negotiation or a By Edmond Y. Azadian “watershed.” On April 27, on the eve of the opposition rally, the president released the following statement: “A very important tradition is Since March 1, 2008, Armenia’s political atmosphere has shaping up in the parliament; the deliberations are held at Established 1932 been extremely polarized because of the unfair election and the their correct limits, although sometimes rough angles pop up. An ADL Publication confrontation between the police and the opposition forces, If the ruling coalition and the parliamentary opposition make which claimed 10 casualties. joint efforts we can achieve some civilized benchmarks. I would The main opposition coalition, the Armenian National also like to underline some positive developments in the oppo - Congress (HAK), headed by former President Levon Ter- sition ranks outside the parliament. Rallies are being held, EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian Petrosian, organized regular political rallies, with the participa - speeches are made, which do not intend to divide the people, tion of large masses. Many unemployed citizens, joined by for - nor do they intend to ‘crush’ or ‘destroy,’ rather they move the ASSOCIATE EDITOR mer government officials, religiously attended these rallies; the public to a political level. No one has been able to achieve any - Aram Arkun starving populace was fed on Ter-Petrosian’s rhetoric. thing through evil intent. Only strong people can dispel the No president, nor any public official thus far, has been able to ART DIRECTOR evil. We have a strong government and an opposition, which Marc Mgrditchian upstage Ter-Petrosian’s oratorical skills. The former president keeps the government’s toes to the fire. We can achieve great was able to captivate his audience through his articulate and success through cooperation. We would like to be the first ones PRODUCTION carefully-crafted speeches, in which his demands were sky high. to take steps to defuse the situation. I have already given Dilani Yogaratnam His common refrain was to “dismantle” the “kleptocracy” and instructions to the minister of justice to come up with a pro - force early parliamentary elections. posal.” Another former president, Robert Kocharian, had provided This last statement is interpreted as a pledge by the president CONTRIBUTORS: enough ammunition to the opposition to rally around. to release the remaining political prisoners from jail by May 28. Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. Emulating his master in Moscow, former President Vladimir Thus, the president proved that he controlled the political agen - Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond Putin, who had elected his hand-picked successor to replace da in the country. Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana him at the end of the constitutionally-mandated term of The next day, Ter-Petrosian was equally magnanimous in his Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, absence, President Kocharian had decided to install a vulnera - speech. “If the door is not yet fully open it is at least half open,” Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- ble lame duck administration to make his comeback possible. he declared. “Two of our demands are already met (March 1 and Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Between Serge Sargisian’s election and his inauguration, Liberty Square.) The third one will be met with some delay.” Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, Kocharian staged an armed confrontation with the opposition, And then he continued in a more conciliatory tone: “We can Taleen Babayan which had camped in the Liberty Square, next to the opera, resolve our problems through the methods dictated by the sit - where most of the killings took place. Kocharian knew he uation. There are only two approaches: one is negotiation CORRESPONDENTS: should wait out the confrontation, to wear down the opposition through the spirit of national unity and the other is through Armenia - Hagop Avedikian and come to a peaceful outcome. But he opted for the violent physical confrontation, which may bring disastrous results. We Boston - Nancy Kalajian solution, whose victims became a powerful weapon in the have decided to take the first option and we believe that the Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian hands of the opposition. majority of the people will support that decision.” Contributing Photographers: When President Sargisian was inaugurated, he did not dis - Ter-Petrosian’s moderation caused some cracks in his oppo - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair tance himself from the actions of his predecessor and continued sition block. Some elements who were looking for a more radi - Hovsepian the repressive measures, jailing many opposition figures, which cal confrontation were disenchanted, as were some others who turned out to be cause celebres in Ter-Petrosian speeches. were expecting issues of social order to be resolved. The present The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published For a while, the opposition was able to paralyze the country’s topics of discussion do not bring food on the table, yet. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: political system and invited the sanctions of international agen - Therefore, the stage is set for next year’s election and it is Baikar Association, Inc. cies. For example, the European Union issued critical reports rumored that the negotiations are already being conducted 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 on Armenia and threatened to ban Armenia’s delegation from behind the scenes. Also, political horse trading has already Telephone: 617-924-4420 participating in the PACE’s sessions. begun for the parliamentary seats between the competing pow - FAX: 617-924-2887 The most recent casualty was the US Millennium Challenge ers. Rumors about apportioning the parliamentary seats coin - www.mir rorspectator.com subsidies for Armenia’s agricultural development. cide with the findings of political pollster Aharon Adibekyan. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com In all fairness, however, Ter-Petrosian calibrated down his Thus, it is believed that the lion’s share of parliamentary seats For advertising: [email protected] rhetoric every time the administration was in sensitive negotia - will go to the present ruling coalition. The combined seats of tions with Turkey or Azerbaijan, in order not to be accused of the Republican Party, Prosperous Armenia and the Country of New York/New Jersey Office stabbing the government in the back. Sometimes, he even put Laws (Orinatz Yerkir) will constitute 70 percent. Although the 560 Sylvan Ave. , Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 a moratorium on his rallies. Republican and Prosperous Armenia parties have signed an (201) 800-1164 Sargisian kept his cool and tried to consolidate his position official pact, recently some dissenting voices were heard that domestically and internationally. He refused to give in to the the latter may participate in the election on its own. But these SUBSCRIPTION RATES : opposition’s demands to resign or hold early parliamentary statements are dismissed as pre-election posturing to grab the U.S.A. elections. maximum numbers of ministerial portfolios after the election. 2nd Class $75 a year In view of next year’s elections, the opposing parties realized The remaining 30 percent of the seats will be allocated to the 1st Class $120 a year it was time to find a modus vivendi. Ter-Petrosian toned down opposition. Roughly 10 seats will be given to HAK. The ARF Canada Air Mail $125 a year his rhetoric; “kleptocracy” and “dismantling” were dropped will have five to seven seats. Aram Karapetian (Karapetich), a from his lexicon. His 18 demands were reduced to a manageable vociferous media man, will get in with one seat. Although there All Other Countries three. His maximalist demand that the only topic for negotia - seems to be a tendency to leave out Raffi Hovannisian’s Air Mail $190 a year tion between the authorities and the opposition had to focus Heritage Party, its powerful sponsors may squeeze the party in Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch on the modalities of the president’s removal from office disap - the parliament at the expense of ARF and HAK. peared from his agenda. Certainly these are mere speculations of some observers. The demands which were left on the table were the following: Unforeseen political developments may completely alter the sit - © 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator a) a pledge by the authorities to investigate the March 1 uation, rendering these speculations baseless. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA killings; b) allowing Liberty Square to open for political rallies Armenians are preparing for parliamentary elections a year and additional mailing offices. and, c) releasing the remaining political prisoners from jail. ahead of time, and of course the outcome of these elections ISSN 0004-234X Ter-Petrosian pledged to begin negotiations with the govern - may determine the fate of the presidential election in 2013. ment, after the latter meets the above conditions. In view of this horse trading, one of the journalists in POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, President Sargisian seized the opportunity to make his major Armenia has made the following sarcastic statement: “Although Watertown, MA 02471-0302 conciliatory move by pre-empting any extreme outcome which we cannot hold fair elections, at least we anticipate peaceful could develop on the April 28 rally, which Ter-Petrosian had elections.”

Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without LETTERS express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: Expanding on Hitler’s Terrifying Quote Regarding Armenians Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 To the Editor: manded my Death’s Head battalions to be pre - The parallel here with the Turks’ action A while back, I wrote the Mirror-Spectator a pared to put to death without mercy, men, against the Armenians is manifest. Yet, while letter quoting Hitler’s speech to his generals women and children of the Polish race. Only so Hitler’s crime lives in infamy, that of the Turks prior to his invasion of Poland. I left out a sec - will we win the Lebensraum [territory for liv - is essentially forgotten. I guess, if you only kill Check us out at tion that has relevance to the Armenian case: ing] we require. Who still speaks today of the 1.5 million, it’s not worth obsessing over, but if “I have given the order that the war-aim is annihilation of the Armenians. … Poland will be you’re responsible for the deaths of 50 million, mirrorspectator.com not to reach certain lines, but the physical depopulated and its land resettled with it becomes hard to ignore. extermination of the enemy. So, I have com - Germans.” — Berge Tatian S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

to the public and get away with it. Sassounian: First of all, this was done by the Ottoman Fox-TV: With Turkey being such a strategic ally of the Empire and not the Republic of Turkey, which didn’t exist United States, do you expect any president now or after at the time. Secondly, Germany has no problem acknowl - this to come out and say, “The Ottoman Empire committed edging what the Nazi regime did. There’s no reason why genocide against Armenians?” today’s Turkey should not acknowledge what was done by My Turn Sassounian: There is a big difference between politics its predecessor…. and historical facts. Historical facts do not change with Fox-TV: Turkey has become more and more important to By Harut Sassounian time. If an event happened, it happened! …So our alliances us as the years go on. or relationships, good or bad, should not affect the facts of Sassounian: It has become more important and recently history. it has become a serious problem for us because they’ve Fox-TV: Yesterday Armenian boxer Vic Darchinyan, on his become more of a radical Islamic regime; they strength - Fox-TV Airs Two Interviews on trunks, when he was in the ring, were in big numerals 1915, ened their ties with Iran and Syria and various other radi - The Armenian Genocide and on a sports blog, the blogger said “In case you haven’t cal regimes. heard about the Armenian Genocide …” and then started to Fox-TV: And I believe the administration is afraid of Fox-TV (Los Angeles) invited this writer for a live in-stu - explain it. Does it upset you that so many people outside of pushing them more into that camp, if they take the step of dio interview on the Armenian Genocide for two consecu - Armenian-Americans really are ignorant about this? recognition. tive days. The first, lasting five minutes, took place on April Sassounian: That doesn’t upset me because most people Sassounian: This is the problem because we compromise 24, during the TV station’s evening news program. The sec - don’t know much about the world. They don’t follow the our principles, our values, because of geopolitical consid - ond, lasting over six minutes, took place on April 25, dur - news very closely, as some of us do. What upsets me more erations. We have to separate them. We have to say here ing the “Good Day LA” show. Below are excerpts from both is when you said at the top of the introduction of this news are the facts, here’s history, here are our values and you interviews: item “Armenians claim genocide.” Armenians are not the have to live with it. The more we cater to dictators, people ones claiming genocide. The whole world knows there was who deny the facts of history, the more they’re going to be April 24, 2011 a genocide. Hundreds of historians, 43 US states, Congress demanding from us. Fox-TV: Joining us now is Harut Sassounian, the presi - twice, President Reagan, 25 different countries have passed Fox-TV: And you know in history the Ottoman Empire, dent of the United Armenian Fund. He’s also publisher of parliamentary resolutions. Just because Turkey, the suc - which fell right after that, the Turks say “not a genocide, the California Courier , a newspaper here in Southern cessor of the criminal regime, denies it, that doesn’t make it’s the fog of war, people died from war, people died from California, published out of Glendale. It is the 96th anniver - it an allegation or a claim. It’s a historical fact. For political disease, it wasn’t planned, so therefore it wasn’t a geno - sary of the Armenian Genocide. And it’s also kind of a con - reasons, Turks don’t want to face up to their own history. cide,” and you say… fusing issue for a lot of us, because Armenian-Americans Fox-TV: And I think that was written, we were reporting Sassounian: There are hundreds of historians, experts want the president to say, to claim that this was genocide. that for the purpose of showing the contrast between on the Holocaust and the Genocide who have signed a And yet, you just told me prior to coming on the newscast Armenians and Turks. And yet, your point is well taken. unanimous letter saying it was genocide. We have court that really it doesn’t matter whether the president says it or Thank you for the correction. cases, we have the United Nations, we have the European not. Why? Parliament that recognized the Genocide, so many coun - Sassounian: Because we already have another president, April 25, 2011 tries, US states and President Reagan himself said it was Ronald Reagan, 30 years ago in 1981, who issued a presi - Fox-TV: Yesterday around the world, [there were] com - genocide. dential proclamation in which he mentioned the words memorations of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 — a very Fox-TV: I know you want recognition — there has been Armenian Genocide. Plus, we have two congressional reso - controversial historical event — perhaps a million-and-a-half some — but maybe not enough. What else is it that you lutions, in 1975 and 1984, commemorating the Armenian people died or were killed as a result of this. Joining us now would want? Genocide. is Harut Sassounian. He is the president of the United Sassounian: In fact, what we want is not really recogni - Fox-TV: Mr. Sassounian, then one would ask, and people Armenian Fund and editor of the Armenian newspaper, the tion, because from my point of view the world knows it was who are not that familiar with the 1915 Genocide would California Courier . We do this every year. The issue at genocide. Some people don’t want to say it publicly. But say, why are you protesting out in front of the Turkish con - stake is that the United States government, this president, what we really want is…we lost a lot beyond the people who sulate? the last president, the president before, all ran making big were killed — we lost our culture, our churches, our lands Sassounian: We are simply protesting to let the president statements saying that the Armenian Genocide will be rec - and our personal properties. Every Armenian had houses, know, and every other politician know that if you come to us ognized as a genocide like the Holocaust around World farms, properties and bank accounts. We lost all of that. So as a candidate and make [empty] promises and later on you War II. All three presidents run, all three presidents when my intent is to go to court — the World Court, the get elected with our votes and money, we’re not going to just they get into office, they look at Turkey, an ally we need European Court and US Federal Courts. We want Turks to remain silent, we’re going to express our disagreement and badly in the Middle East, and they don’t do it. pay reparations, restitution and bring justice back for this we’re going to make sure that you’re not re-elected. Sassounian: In general, politicians are all very bad in massive crime they’ve committed. That’s much more impor - Fox-TV: It’s not then good enough to have just the keeping promises on all subjects. But when it comes to this tant to us than lip service that a politician would pay to us. proclamation by President Reagan; to have the subject, there’s a little unfortunate situation where people Fox-TV: The fact that there isn’t that one level of official Deptartment of Justice write in a 1951 paper that it was confuse politics with history. You can remain good friends, recognition keeps this topic very fresh. And to some extent genocide. You want that confirmed by the current admin - good allies, with Turkey, but at the same time not change there’s an advantage to that because we’re still talking istration? historical facts…. So we should not mix up politics and his - about it all the time. Sassounian: It would be nice if they confirm it, but we tory. We should be truthful about facts, but we can still Sassounian: You’re absolutely correct…let’s forget about are trying to send a message to the president and all politi - remain friends, trade and maintain military relations. President Obama for a second. Even if the president of cians that if you make a promise to the people, you have to Fox-TV: Let me just play the devil’s advocate, as if I’m Turkey tomorrow morning would say it was genocide, most keep your promise. You can’t make a false promise, get representing the president at this point. Yes, that’s true, but people around the world and maybe even some Armenians their money, get their votes and then act like nothing hap - where I sit right now, the world where it is, leaves us in a would say that we finally reached our objective, let’s move pened! They have to pay a price! We have to change the position where we do not want to insult Turkey and they’ve on. So maybe it’s a good thing that the Turks keep deny - whole political charade in this country where you just lie made it very clear to us that they would be deeply insulted. ing it. In Praise of Erebuni Armenian School

ways. For Zatik [Easter], we showed the stu - instill that in our students.” The language is love about this school is there are just warm By Satenik Karapetyan dents what a traditional Armenian Easter table taught in the Eastern dialect of the Armenian hearts everywhere.” As everyone gathers looks like, by spreading an Easter table, where language, which Medzorian says makes the around the Easter table, nothing is more obvi - the parents, teachers and children celebrated Erebuni School unique. “We are in touch with ously on display. After a full week of school, sports, and extra- Easter together.” Each classroom also exhibited the Ministry of Education in Armenia to obtain At Erebuni, the Armenian language and cul - curricular activities, most kids just want to their Easter Projects on the table. The bright the latest didactic and educational materials. We ture are taught not only in the classroom but wake up and watch cartoons all Saturday morn - spring colors on display were resonant of the live in times when the ties between the Diaspora also through music, dance, poetry, games and ing. That’s not the case for more than 70 stu - smiles and laughter spreading throughout the and Armenia are very strong. The knowledge of theatre. This year, the school also started dents of the Erebuni Armenian School in room of ecstatic students, parents and teachers Eastern Armenian is getting critical, no matter if Zangakner, a performing arts group in which Belmont. These kids wake up bright and early who had all gathered for the festivities. you are western-speaking or eastern.” children are able to participate and learn many every single Saturday to go to school, and not “There isn’t a single thing I could complain All of the Erebuni teachers have a back - traditional and modern Armenian songs and by force. Students happily admit they look for - about,” said a beaming Marine Mkhitaryan- ground in education, and they are all natives of dance. The school is constantly planning fun ward to Armenian school every week, which Noble. “There’s always something entertaining Armenia, some having been teachers there for events and fundraisers for the Armenian com - they say has much more to offer than a typical, going on here for the kids, they always have many years. Naira Arsenyan teaches sixth munity. On May 14, the Zankagner group will boring classroom. activities and most importantly the work they grade. “What we are doing here with our stu - perform at the celebration of the 20th anniver - For Phillip Petrossian, going to Armenian do here is amazing. The teachers are wonder - dents is keeping our Armenian traditions alive, sary of the Independence of the Republic of school is all about being a part of the commu - ful.” Noble says her daughter, Sophia, is only and passing them down to the next generation. Armenia hosted by the Erebuni School. All are nity. “It’s a good environment here where we half Armenian. “The reason I bring my daugh - I really love kids and I’m happy to be able to invited to attend the free event to be held at 6 get to learn about our Armenian language and ter to this school is for the education. We speak pass down my knowledge to them.” p.m. in the Holy Cross Armenian Church in culture, but we’re also able to get together with English at home, but here at the school she For students like Eva Medzorian, the teach - Belmont. all of our Armenian friends and it’s a lot of fun.” speaks Armenian. She has Armenian friends ers’ enthusiasm and passion for teaching is Erebuni Armenian School continues to grow. According to principal, Armine Medzorian, and she looks forward to coming here every what really allows the students to come togeth - Currently located at Plymouth Congregational the Erebuni School takes pride in the fact that week to spend quality time with them and to er at Erebuni as one community. “The school is Church in Belmont, school hours are from 10 they offer their students a very hands-on speak Armenian with them.” so great. It’s such a fun environment, and we’re a.m. to 12:45 p.m. each Saturday from approach to learning. I caught up with some of Nelli Harutyunyan, who teaches the third all part of such a loving and welcoming com - September to June. To learn more about the the students doing an arts and crafts project in grade, has been working at the school for 10 munity here. More than that we’re like a family school, visit their website preparing for the Easter holiday. Medzorian years. “Language is so important. Our kids must and I love that our teachers are such a big part www.erebunischool.org, or simply stop by. says, “We teach our students the Armenian tra - speak Armenian. We as a people must maintain of that. I can tell they really like teaching us.” (Satenik Karapetyan is a student at ditions and holidays in engaging and interactive our language and here at Erebuni we try to Her friend Elaine Hovsepian agrees. “What I Emerson College.) 20 S ATURDAY , M AY 7, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Banquet in New Jersey Honoring Mirror-Spectator Set for June 4

BANQUET, from page 1 Anne Armenian Church of Palos Heights, Leaving everything behind, Datevik relocated need to keep the printed newspapers.” Illinois to the Diocesan Assembly, and was a to the United States. The banquet will commence at 7 p.m. with a member of the board of the Armenian Assembly Her first CD in the United States, “Ballads cocktail reception, and dinner will be at 8 of America in 1980. from the Black Sea,” (1997) was the result of a o’clock. Dr. Raffy Hovanessian will serve as the His medals and titles include the St. Gregory collaboration with pianist Larry Willis and his master of ceremonies. There will be classical the Illuminator Medal from Catholicos Karekin quartet in the studio of Mapleshade Record music performed by cellist Elizabeth Kalfayan I of Holy Echmiadzin in 1998; Prince of Cilicia Productions. It prompted the president of the during cocktails, while singer Datevik from the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias in latter company, Pierre Sprey, to comment: “A Hovanesian will provide jazz entertainment for 1982; the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2000; rich new jazz voice of superb musicianship, guests later in the program. and a gold medal from the Mkhitar Heratsi earthy and passionate and swinging, proves Hovanessian, born in Jerusalem, graduated Yerevan State Medical University, as well as that soul and jazz know no boundaries.” rom the American University of Beirut. After benefactor of the AGBU, the Contemporary Working with American-Armenian pianist and medical school, he did post-graduate study at Museum of Art (Chicago), and the National composer Armen Donelian also had a great Johns Hopkins University. He is board certified Association for the Advancement of Colored impact on Datevik. in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He People (NAACP) of Indiana. Some of Datevik’s greatest accomplishments served one year as a major in the US army and Elizabeth Kalfayan is director of the New in her career took place in the last 16 years then began private practice in Merrillville, Ind. Horizons Symphony Orchestra. She performs when she introduced a new genre of music He was chairman of medicine and president of as soloist and principal cellist with numerous called ethnic jazz. She combined the Armenian the medical staff at both St. Mary Mercy symphony orchestras and chamber music folk music of Komitas, Sayat Nova and other Hospital and Methodist Hospital for many ensembles throughout the United States and sources with traditional jazz music. years. After retirement in 2005, he eventually internationally, and holds a master’s degree in Consequently she has become a cultural ambas - moved to Englewood, NJ. Performance from the Manhattan School of sador of Armenia, introducing its heritage Hovanessian continues to be extremely active Music. Kalfayan is especially known for her per - throughout the world. Thanks to her work, in Armenian circles. He has been vice chairman formance lectures that present the works and renowned Russian, American and Australian of the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the genius of great composers for the violoncello, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian have adopted this music in their own composi - Armenian Church of America (Eastern) since such as Schumann, Rachmaninov, Beethoven tions and concerts. “Listen to My Heart,” and 2004, and serves on the boards of the American and Shostakovich. “Stage to Stage” are her latest CDs. University of Armenia, the Armenian General Kalfayan has directed orchestra and chamber the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Her work is Legendary jazz producer George Avakian has Benevolent Union (AGBU), St. Nercess programs for the New Jersey public schools. featured on a number of CDs. called Datevik “the finest new voice I have Seminary, and the Armenian American Health She is founder and director of the Merritt Datevik, born to a family of musicians in heard in a quarter of a century,” while interna - Professional Organization. From 1976 to 1996 Chamber Music Workshops and has coached Armenia, is the daughter of folk singer Ophelia tionally known composer, arranger and pianist he served as the delegate of Sts. Joachim and chamber music at the Puffin Foundation and Hambartsumian and kamancha player Norair Michel Legrand urges, “Listen to the heart of Hovanesian. She made her first recording at the Armenia, listen to Datevik.” age of 11, and embarked on a life of musical per - Shoghig Chalian and Betty Salbashian are the formance and education. She toured Europe, chairs of the committee for the banquet, which AGBU Montreal Venturer Company the United States, Asia and Africa, giving solo will take place at the Teaneck Marriott at performances in prominent jazz festivals, and Glenpoint (100 Frank W. Burr Boulevard). even performed in movies. By 1979 she earned Donations at $125 per person are welcomed. For Honored by Governor General of Canada the title of “First Lady of Jazz” in the Soviet tickets, call Shoghig at 201-803-0240, Sirvart at Union, which she maintained for nine consecu - 201-739-7775, or Shemavon at 718-344-7489. OTTOWA, Canada — On April 8, the governor example they provide to others who look to tive years. It was during that time that her solo Information about the event’s prominent general of Canada, David Johnston, hosted the them. albums—“Day Dream,” “Concerto For Voice and keynote speaker and other aspects of the pro - AGBU Montreal Venturer Company and its scout - The attendees included many of the official Orchestra,” and “Doors” — were recorded. gram will be presented in forthcoming articles. ing leadership to grant them the highest recog - leadership of the Scouts du Canada Federation, nition in Canadian scouting, the Annapurna as well as co-winners from three other groups. Award. The special ceremony was held in Rideau They were particularly impressed by the com - Hall at the governor’s official Ottawa residence. plexity of the Armenia 2010 project, its multiple components and the financing that was raised by the teenage youth. The official emcee from the Decoration Committee of the Scouts du Canada Federation called on all to con - gratulate the AGBU youth as “young men and women with an immense sense of giving of themselves.” At a special reception follow - ing the ceremony, the AGBU scout leadership handed com - The governor general of Canada, David Johnston (center), with memorative plaques to the co- the AGBU Montreal Venturer troop at the Annapurna Award cere - winning groups and to the mony Scouts du Montreal Metropolitain, as well as to The award was given to the AGBU team for their Scouts du Canada. A special gift box containing exceptional humanitarian and home-building the documentary DVD of the Armenia 2010 pro - mission, called Armenia 2010. ject with the names of the Annapurna winners, In a speech addressed to all the attendees, along with an engraved khachkar [stone cross] the governor general, who is also the chief replica designed by Avedis Atamian, was donated scout of Canada, emphasized the virtues of to the personal collection of the Governor scouting. He reminded the youth that it is in General. The Annapurna award is the highest dis - scouting that they learn leadership and team - tinction awarded to the AGBU Montreal scouting work, along with learning to challenge them - program during its 43-year history. The AGBU selves and rise above all others. He also chal - chapter is planning a recognition event to honor lenged them to think ahead to the year 2017, the Armenian-Canadian Annapurna award win - the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada. ners, which will be announced soon. He stressed that the Canada of tomorrow and For more information, contact AGBU the future must be built now by the youth Montreal at [email protected], or visit through their everyday actions and by the www.agbumontreal.org.

Sargisian Calls For Broader Genocide Recognition

RECOGNITION, page 1 Zurich in October 2009 of two Turkish- President Barack Obama to utter the word Armenian protocols on the full normalization of genocide in reference to the deaths of some 1.5 bilateral relations. Turkey subsequently made Armenians in Ottoman Turkey. their parliamentary ratification conditional on Obama has declined to do that since taking the resolution of the Nagorno Karabagh stand - office. In a statement issued in April 2009, off. Obama implied that he is not using the politi - Sargisian on Tuesday again condemned this cally sensitive term to avoid antagonizing precondition. He also accused Ankara of trying Turkey and setting back its rapprochement to “drive a wedge” between Armenia and its with Armenia facilitated by Switzerland and the worldwide diaspora. The latter has for decades United States. been at the forefront of the Genocide recogni - Advertise in the Mirror-Spectator The rapprochement led to the signing in tion campaign.