APRIL 9, 2016 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 38, Issue 4432 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF ADL Eastern Pres. Sargisian Committee of US and Thrills Boston Canada Urges Obama To Condemn Azeri Visits with Governor, Aggression Park, Universities WATERTOWN — The ADL District Committee con- demns the terrorist acts of in 3 different By Alin K. Gregorian directions against the peaceful population of the Republic of Karabagh (Artsakh), and urge President Mirror-Spectator Staff Obama to condemn this latest act of aggression. While in Washington as WATERTOWN — President Serge guests attending the Nuclear Sargisian, accompanied by several minis- Security Summit, the presi- ters and advi- (ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY PHOTO) dents of Turkey and sors, paid a Azerbaijan appeared jovial four-day visit to while their forces were start- Massachusetts ing to carry out their planned starting March terrorist act on April 1 at 3 p.m., Washington time. 28, where he At the State House, President Serge Sargisian, with Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) We give solace to the families of Armenian soldiers strengthened and civilians, including one child, and pray for the his country’s souls of the departed and wish speedy recovery for ties with the the injured countrymen and women and children. local Armenian of St. James Armenian Church here for a community meeting with We praise the defense ministry of Artsakh and community as visiting Armenian President Serge Sargisian and his delegation. her valiant border guards and volunteers who not well as stressed The program, much like the four-day activities before and after, only defended the homeland but repelled and killed the natural ties were marked by unity throughout the various segments of the and wounded more than 200 Azeri terrorists, who between his community and a calling for the protection and prosperity of President Serge Sargisian lay flowers at a downed 2 MI 24 helicopters, a tank and a drone. country’s eager- . memorial to the outside St. We express our solidarity with Presidents Serge to-learn and “God Bless Serge Sargisian to protect Armenia and Karabagh,” James Armenian Church. Sargisian and Bako Sahakian and the whole popu- bright popula- said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. lation of Artsakh. Most of all, we urge the United tion and the Barsamian praised the country of Armenia for celebrating its Nations Security Council to condemn this latest act world-class universities and high-tech innovation. 25th birthday. of terrorism perpetuated by Recep Tayyip Erdogan On the night of March 30, about 500 people gathered at the hall see VISIT, page 7 and . —ADL Eastern Committee of US and Canada Prayer Service for the Panama Armenian Homeland And Her Defenders Papers ECHMIADZIN — On April 4, under the leader- ship of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All , a joint Prayer Service for the Homeland and her defenders was offered at How Family That Runs the St. Gregory the Illuminator Mother Cathedral Azerbaijan Built an Empire of . Of Hidden Wealth The service were attended by Serge Sargisian, President of the Republic of Armenia; Primates of the Armenian Church, Bishops from the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, members of the By Will Fitzgibbon, Miranda Brotherhood of Holy Echmiadzin, as well as thou- Patrucic and Marcos García Rey sands of Armenian faithful. At the entrance of the Cathedral, during the At the military cemetery , President Serge Sargisian participated in the funeral services for Private Sasoun Mkrtian – a contract serviceman, scout-gunner who was (Irish Times) — On October 31, singing of the hymn Hrashapar, the ecclesiastical killed during military actions at the Nagorno Karabagh contact line. The funeral ser- 2003, Ilham Aliyev, the newly elected procession, which also included members of the vice was held with military honors. He said, “Dear Sasoun, rest assured that we will president ofAzerbaijan, stood behind a military, led the Armenian Pontiff to the Holy Altar carry on with your and your friends sacred mission. Rest in peace, Soldier of podium and a profusion of white flowers of the cathedral. During the procession, the faith- Fatherland.” to address presidents, prime ministers ful burst into applause for the homeland defenders and 2,000 other guests assembled at the who were in the procession. Respublika Palace. First touching the constitution and then the Koran, Aliyev Intense Clashes swore to serve his people. That night, fireworks lit up the sky of the Azeri cap- ital, Baku. INSIDE Aliyev’s election to lead this energy- Erupt in Karabagh rich former Soviet republic bordering both Russia and Iran had been all but guaranteed. His ailing father, Heydar, an President STEPANAKERT (vari- fire by Azerbaijani ex-KGB officer, had served in the same ous media sources) — Tentative Ceasefire artillery, leading to fire role for the previous 10 years. Election According to officials from returned by its own monitors reported that police had beat- Coverage Armenia and the Republic Accepted on April 5 forces. en and detained political opponents, in of Mountainous Karabagh, Since the signing of line with the country’s reputation for Pages 7-13 Azerbaijan launched a broad offensive on a ceasefire in 1994, years of negotiations repression. April 1, prompting a counterattack. At least primarily under the leadership of the Becoming president wasn’t Aliyev’s 50 people have died in heavy fighting. Organization for Security and only ascension during 2003. Using a net- After an abortive ceasefire unilaterally Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group work of secretive companies in offshore INDEX declared by Azerbaijan on April 3, a new have failed to reach a lasting political tax havens, his family, advisers and allies Arts and Living ...... 14 ceasefire was declared at noon on April 5 settlement. Sporadic fighting continued, set about acquiring expensive overseas Armenia ...... 2 by officials from both Azerbaijan and with the intensity of clashes escalating homes and positions in the country’s Community News...... 4 Editorial ...... 18 Karabagh. News reports from the front in recent years. valuable industries and natural International ...... 3 lines state that the fighting had died down The recent fighting included the use see PANAMA, page 3 in general, yet the Karabagh government of tanks, helicopters, heavy artillery, has claimed several violations of the cease- see ATTACKS, page 2 2 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Intense Clashes Erupt in Karabagh

ATTACKS, from page 1 our settlements.” The town is home to stressed that Turkey would stand by rocket systems and drones. Colonel about 50,000 people. The Karabagh Azerbaijan. He declared in parliament Facebook and Twitter Viktor Arustamyan, a deputy chief of forces promised a “crushing response” that “the whole world needs to know Ignite for Peace the Karabagh military headquarters, if that threat were to be carried out. that Turkey will stand shoulder-to-shoul- told Reuters that the recent fighting The representatives of the Minsk der with Azerbaijan against Armenian YEREVA (ArmeniaNow) — Famous Armenians and “was the most serious aggravation of Group countries issued a statement on agression and occupation until the end individuals supporting Armenians across the globe the situation since the 1994 ceasefire.” April 5, saying, in part, they “strongly of time.” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut have been expressing their concern these days over The first day of fighting was the blood- condemn the outbreak of unprecedent- Cavusoglu on the same day called for a the deadly fighting in Nagorno-Karabagh, sharing iest, with Azerbaijan reporting 12 sol- ed violence along the Line of Contact. peaceful resolution to the conflict which their prayers and condemning Azerbaijan for diers killed and Karabagh officials … We urge the sides to cease using would maintain Azerbaijan’s territorial unleashing a new war. reporting 18 dead. A 12-year-old boy force immediately. There is no military integrity. Earlier, Russia’s foreign minis- Serj Tankian, an Armenian-American rock star, was also reported killed during the solution to the conflict.” ter had said Ankara’s support for Baku has blamed Turkey’s leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan fighting. On April 5, Azerbaijan said French, American and Russian offi- was one-sided. for backing Azerbaijan in its aggression against that 16 soldiers had been killed in the cials, leaders of the Minsk Group, were Hetq Chief Editor Edik Armenians in Nagorno-Karabagh. last two days of fighting before the preparing a series of high-level visits to Baghdasaryan stated on April 5 that “I guess Erdogan doesn’t read history. Nagorno- ceasefire was announced. Karabagh Azerbaijan, Karabagh and Armenia to various Karabagh Defense Ministry rep- ’s rightful historical owners are Armenians. officials said 29 of their soldiers had work for a more stable peace. Russian resentatives confirmed the presence of [Bolshevik leader Joseph] Stalin gave it to been killed since the fighting started, president Vladimir Putin spoke with armed combatants from Turkey fight- Azerbaijan,” Tankian commented on his Facebook and another 101 wounded. Both sides Azerbaijani President ing alongside Azerbaijani soldiers. account reacting to the Turkish leader’s statement have claimed to have killed hundreds of and Armenian President Serge “They suffered the most losses and they that Karabagh will return to Azerbaijan one day. opposing soldiers, while reporting loss- Sargisian during the evening of April 5, started the panicked retreat,” said More than 8,000 people liked the post and 1,700 es of their own in the dozens. urging a full cessation of hostilities and Baghdasaryan. shared Tankian’s concern. According to Armenian sources, on compliance with the ceasefire regime, While Azerbaijani ambassador to the “Eastern Turkey will one day return to its rightful April 1 and throughout the morning of according to a Kremlin statement. United States Elin Suleymanov on April owners as well. This guy’s such a douche that anyone April 2, large-scale offensive military Russian Prime Minister Dmitri 2 claimed that Armenians instigated standing next to him or supporting him looks like a actions were conducted by Azerbaijani Medvedev was scheduled to travel to the clashes, most outside observers douche,” Tankian wrote. forces. Missile artillery units shelled Yerevan on April 7, while Foreign seem to feel that Azerbaijan had more The Kardashian sisters also commented on situa- both Karabagh Armenian defense posi- Minister Sergei Lavrov will go to to gain from starting a clash than tion in Nagorno-Karabagh, shared their prayers and tions and civilian settlements, including Azerbaijan. Armenia. Frustration from no concrete advocated for peace. with MM-21 (Grad) multiple rocket On April 2, US Secretary of State results to international mediation over “Praying for everyone in Armenia and all around launchers. The latter at 8:30 on April 2 John Kerry condemned the violence decades despite large numbers of dis- the world!” Kim Kardashian wrote on her instagram hit Martuni, Karabagh, killing 12-year- and ceasefire violations, calling for a placed were exacerbated account with a hashtag #PrayForPeace and carrying old Vaghinak Grigoryan and wounded lasting negotiated peace. Like the other recently by the economic crisis in a photo of Armenian armed forces with an Armenian two others. Four other civilians were Minsk Group members, he did not place Azerbaijan due to the fall in oil prices. trilcolor. The Kardashian post received more than later wounded. On April 3, Armenian blame for the initial aggression on For example, Azerbajani ambassador to 38,000 comments and more than 450,000 likes. sources state that 3 Armenian civilians either side. After the April 5 ceasefire, the United States Elin Suleymanov in a US-based Armenian soccer player Yura Movsisyan in Talish who had not been evacuated US State Department spokesman Mark telephone interview said, “Everyone also expressed his solidarity with the nation and were killed (Valera Khalapyan and his Toner said, “It’s a very nascent ceasefire understands that the status quo is not Armenian servicemen. Movsisyan used wife Ramela, as well as Marusya but we are encouraged that it does only unacceptable, but also unsustain- #ArtsakhStrong hashtag. Khalapyan, born in 1924). seem to have taken hold. We’re actively able, and it cannot last for another two “On the early morning of April 3, the engaging with both sides to urge them decades like it has been.” Increasing dis- adversary carried out new attacks in to strictly adhere to the ceasefire.” satisfaction with the authoritarian Foreign Minister Receives the Horadiz-Nyuzger direction by using French President Francoise Hollande regime in Azerbaijan has led to open Delegation from Knesset armored vehicles. Defense Army units made a statement on April 2 similar to protests, and nationalism is one way to and civilian settlements in Martakert that of John Kerry. French Foreign deflect attention from domestic prob- YEREVAN — On April 3, Foreign Minister Eduard and Talish were bombarded. These Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told lems. At the same time, large spending Nalbandian received a delegation from Israel, headed attacks were suppressed. The battles in reporters in after talks with his in recent years of oil revenues on the by Tali Ploskov, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset of the Kazakhlar-Nyuzger and German counterpart that “We can see Azerbaijani military gave its leadership Israel, and head of the Armenia-Israel Friendship Tapkarakoyunlu Talish directions con- that military conflict cannot be the a sense of confidence in the possibility Group. tinued throughout the day. On the solution.” of military success. Welcoming the guests, Nalbandian attached impor- morning of April 4 the adversary car- On April 5, President Serge Sargisian The fighting has led to a renewal of tance to the visit of parliamentary delegation, stress- ried out new attacks by using armored gave a speech to the ambassadors of patriotic feeling in Armenia, according ing personal input of the Parliamentarians included battle vehicles. The attacks were OSCE participating states in Yerevan to to Armenian news sources. Hundreds of in the delegation in the development of Armenian- blocked. Battles continued throughout explain Armenia’s point of view people from across Armenia have Israeli relations. the day,” Arustamyan said. He reported Significantly, he declared that Armenia reportedly signed up in recent days as Expressing gratitude for the reception, Ploskov that the adversary for the first time would recognize the independence of volunteers to defend Karabagh. The highlighted that centuries-old friendship has been fired the TOS heavy flamethrower sys- Karabagh if military actions continued Defense Ministry of Armenia is publish- established between the Armenian and Jewish peo- tem, without result, and tried to use a on a larger scale, and pointed out that ing stories of the heroism of Armenian ple, and that the parliamentary group is ready to UAV, which was destroyed by the war could have consequences affecting soldiers on the frontlines. For example, exert efforts for their further strengthening. Defense Army. Europe as well as the South . according to Armenpress, Press The two sides discussed issues on Armenia-Israel By April 4, Arustamyan said that Iran also attempted to mediate, with Secretary of the Defense Ministry bilateral agenda, commended active cooperation Azerbaijan lost 18 tanks, 3 battle Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Artsrun Hovhannisyan posted on his established within the parliamentary format. vehicles, 1 military/engineering hard- Javad Zarif telephoning his Armenian Facebook page the story of 4th rifle Nalbandian presented the situation unfolding ware, 2 helicopters, 6 UAVs and 1 counterpart Eduard Nalbandian on brigade commander, 26-year-old along the border and spoke of the need to restore MM-21 artillery system while April 5 prior to the ceasefire announce- Captain Armenak Urfanyan. “Captain peace and to settle the issue peacefully. Karabagh lost 7 tanks. On the other ment as well as meeting with his Urfanyan along with his crew engaged hand, its forces had advanced 2-300 Turkish and Azerbaijani counterparts in a long lasting firefight with the meters and gained control of five mil- in the Iranian city of Ramsar. enemy. Under the pressure of over- Medvedev to Visit itary positions in the Kazakhlar- Many other countries condemned whelming enemy forces, he ordered his Yerevan Nyuzger direction, and 3 positions in the fighting. The Cyprus Ministry of crew to retreat, and continued the bat- the Talish-Matakhi-Tapkarakoyunlu Foreign Affairs on April 4 denounced tle alone, eliminated an enemy tank and YEREVA (Armenpress) — Russian Prime Minister area. However, the Armenians the use of force and urged Turkey to 10 enemy soldiers. In the end, he threw Dmitriy Medvedev was expected to have a phone con- claimed to have taken the offensive refrain from further destabilizing the several grenades and didn’t let the versation will Armenian Prime Minister Hovik and regained some territories from situation, while asking Azerbaijan “to enemy surround him. He used the last Abrahamyan on April 5 and inform him about the the Azerbaijanis during the last peri- respect the status quo ante.” grenade to sacrifice himself by elimi- readiness to receive the session of the Eurasian od of fighting before the ceasefire. nating the approaching enemy. Glory to Intergovernmental Commission Council in Moscow. Reporting from Karabagh, Hetq Fearing an All-Out War our heroes,” he wrote. According to Medvedev’s spokesperson Natalia Chief Editor Edik Baghdasaryan stated Outside states fear that an all-out war Armenians in the US and elsewhere Timakova, Medvedev is still planning to visit Yerevan on April 5 that there was no truth to over Karabagh could drag in the big have been vocal in their support of on April 7 after which he will depart for Baku. the claim made on April 4 by regional powers, Russia and Turkey. Karabagh too. On April 3, the “Within a few hours Dmitriy Medvedev will have a Azerbaijan that its forces had captured Tensions have soared between the two Armenian Assembly of American con- phone conversation with . It is the village of Mataghis in the north- countries since Turkey downed a demned the Azerbaijani attacks and expected that Medvedev, taking into consideration eastern district of Martakert. Russian jet over the Syrian border last renewed its call to reinstate and enforce the situation, will inform his colleague that Russia is However, as Richard Giragosian, year, an incident in which the pilot and Section 907 of the Freedom Support ready to accept EEU Chairing Kazakhstan’s offer, to director of the independent think tank a marine sent on a rescue mission were Act, prohibiting assistance to host the EEU summit next week in Moscow,” Regional Studies Centre in Armenia killed. Russia has accused Turkey of Azerbaijan until it ceases offensive Timakova said. “The Russian Prime Minister’s offi- said, “there is very little in terms of supporting the Islamic State and other actions. It urged the Obama adminis- cial visit to Armenia will take place as previously deterrence or even leverage to prevent terrorist groups and has imposed sanc- tration to hold the aggressor party scheduled on April 7, after which Medvedev will visit a repeat of renewed hostilities,” since tions against Turkish goods and travel accountable. On April 5, it sent a letter Azerbaijan,” she added. no external forces were involved in to Turkish resorts. to US Secretary of State Kerry reiterat- The Eurasian Intergovernmental Commission’s ses- supervision. Moscow has a defense alliance with ing these points, and adding that sion was scheduled in Yerevan on April 8. During the conflict, Azerbaijan’s Armenia, while NATO-member Turkey Turkey was also responsible for the Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov said backs its ethnic Turkic kin in Azerbaijan. bloodshed. It also stated that Karabagh troops had been instructed to target Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet should again have a place as a negoti- the Karabagh capital of Stepanakert if Davutoglu on April 5 condemned what ating party in the Minsk process. the separatists did “not stop shelling he said were Armenian attacks, and see NKR, page 20 S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL How Family That Runs Azerbaijan International News Built an Empire of Hidden Wealth ADL London Mihran Damadian Chapter PANAMA, from page 1 and Swiss lawyer Mestelan as directors. resources, including the family’s majority control of a major ICIJ sought comments from all individuals named in this Decries Karabagh Events gold mine that has been unknown until now. article and received no responses. In response to previous LONDON — The London Chapter of the Armenian The new details of the Aliyev offshore empire emerge from reports about the family’s holdings, the President’s spokesman Democrat Liberal Party read with absolute horror secret records obtained by the International Consortium of said the daughters “are grown up and have the right to do about Azerbaijan’s naked and perverted aggression Investigative Journalists, the German newspaper Süddeutsche business.” against the Armenian people of Nagorno Karabakh. Zeitung and other media partners from Mossack Fonseca, a Despite global criticism of Azerbaijan’s mounting authori- Categorically and unambiguously, we join the co- Panama-based law firm that helps to set up hard-to-trace cor- tarianism, the Aliyev regime has been a friend of successive US chairmen of the Minsk Group – Ambassadors Igor porate structures for clients. The more than 11 million docu- administrations. The United States has spent hundreds of mil- Popov of Russia, James Warlick of the US, and Pierre ments reviewed by ICIJ and its partners — emails, bank lions of dollars on the Aliyevs’ Azerbaijan, including millions Andrieu of France – and strongly condemn the use of accounts and client records — represent the inner workings of for military and security training. Azerbaijan’s government is force and regret the senseless loss of life, including Mossack Fonseca for nearly 40 years, from 1977 to December one of the largest buyers of influence in Washington DC and, civilians and children. Furthermore we reiterate that 2015. together with its lobbyists, spent at least $4 million in 2014 there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiated solu- Family alliances alone burnishing the country’s image. The country has taken tion of the conflict and that war is not an option. The records show that, in mid-2003, months before the members of Congress on all-expenses-paid visits to Azerbaijan, We express our deepest condolences to the families October presidential election, Fazil Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s lavishing the lawmakers with silk scarves, crystal tea sets and of the civilians and the soldiers who have lost their tax minister, began to create AtaHolding, which has since rugs. lives as a result of the unprovoked Azerbaijani become one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. Azerbaijan’s importance in energy, as a supply route to aggression, and appeal to all to support the people Mammadov, influential in his own right, subsequently invited American troops in Afghanistan and its potential role in the and the Government of the Republic of Karabagh. President Aliyev’s family to join him, cementing a potentially fight against Isis makes the United States a reluctant critic, -Mihran Damadian Chapter Committee potent and advantageous business and political partnership. said former US ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard D AtaHolding is a corporation that has significant interests in Kauzlarich, now adjunct professor at George Mason University. Azerbaijan’s banking, telecommunications, construction, min- “Being where it is — bordered by Russia and Iran in a very President Pays Official ing, oil and gas. Its most recent corporate filing in 2014 shows unstable geopolitical environment — is a factor that makes it it held over $490 million in assets. among the more unique countries in the region,” said Visit to Germany The leaked files show that the tax minister created a com- Kauzlarich, who was US ambassador to Azerbaijan from 1994 YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge pany in Panama through Mossack Fonseca named FM to 1997. Sargisian left for a visit to Germany on April 6. Management Holding Group SA. Stand-in directors — straw Its levels of corruption and elite control of the economy The president is scheduled to meet with top men supplied by Mossack Fonseca – concealed the fact that make it stand out in a part of the world where these things German officials, President Joachim Gauck, Mammadov was involved. aren’t unusual, he added. Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the German Mammadov then created a second offshore entity — this “The franchising out of economic activity to families and Bundestag Norbert Lammert and German Foreign time a foundation — called UF Universe Foundation. Panama clans that are important for maintaining the current regime in Minister, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Frank Walter foundations are subject to strict confidentiality laws. Anyone power is not an unusual pattern,” said Kauzlarich. “However, Steinmeier. who discloses information about them can be fined or impris- it certainly has been perfected in Azerbaijan.” oned. The fact that Aliyev’s family can be linked to offshore com- The files show that two years later, in 2005, Aliyev’s wife, the panies is not new. A 2013 investigation by ICIJ showed that fashion-conscious, collagen-infused first lady and member of Aliyev, his wife and his daughters owned or were otherwise Row Between Turkey, parliament, , became one of two managers of connected to offshore companies. Now Mossack Fonseca’s files the UF Universe Foundation, alongside the tax minister, greatly expand on what is known and disclose new companies Bulgarian Town on Mammadov. belonging to the president’s two daughters, Leyla and Arzu. In attachments to a “High Importance” email sent to The documents show Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva controlled two Genocide Recognition Mossack Fonseca in February 2005 by a lawyer representing previously hidden British Virgin Islands-incorporated firms. It , Bulgaria (Public Radio of Armenia) — Three the Azeris, documents proposed that then six-year-old Heydar is unclear from the files the purpose of the first company but Bulgarian municipalities will have their access to Aliyev, the president’s son who is known in the files as “A1,” the second was incorporated in January 2015 to own a British cross-border European Union (EU) funding cut as be made the beneficiary of 20 percent of the foundation’s pro- property worth more than $1 million. Turkey has banned any partnership with them, novi- ceeds. The plan also proposed that the president’s two daugh- President Aliyev’s eldest sister, Sevil, is also shown in the nite.com reports, quoting private bTV station report- ters, Leyla, then 19 and Arzu, then 17, would hold 15 percent files as the owner of another British Virgin Islands company, ed. each. Mammadov’s son held 30 percent while Ashraf Kamilov, Setanon Properties Inc. Again, it is unclear from the files what The provinces of Haskovo, Burgas and Svilengrad, a former tax ministry official, and other former tax officials the company was used for. In the Mossack Fonseca documents whose central cities lie near the border with Turkey, Sevil Aliyeva, a composer, listed her address in West London have been barred from cooperating with local author- in a neighborhood where average home prices touch nearly $9 ities in Edirne, the Turkish municipality on the other million. side of the border, as per demands of Ankara. Mossack Fonseca’s records reveal that the first family Edirne Mayor Recep Gürkan has told bTV that the secured secret control of a gold mine, dwarfing a smaller stake Foreign Ministry of Turkey had explicitly forbidden they’d been known to hold. any interaction with Haskovo due to what it perceives In 2006, Azerbaijan’s government granted mining leases in as a controversial position about the mass killings of the country’s west to a consortium of companies that estab- Armenians in the 20th century. Separately, the local lished the Azerbaijan International Mineral Resources administrations of Haskovo and Burgas earlier adopt- Operating Company Ltd. Under the agreement, the consor- ed statements deploring the Armenian Genocide. tium would keep 70 percent of the mine’s profit and the Azeri Last April, the sister cities of Haskovo and Edirne government received the remaining 30 percent, according to a froze ties over the decision of Haskovo that the park 30-year production agreement. will bear the name “Armenians.” At the time, opposition politicians criticized the deal’s lack Local authorities in Haskovo decided to rename of transparency. the park in the days when Armenians around the In 2012, Azeri journalists working with the Organised Crime world were marking a centenary since the mass President Ilham Aliyev and Corruption Reporting Project, a non-profit investigative killings of Armenians in the began. journalism group focused on Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mayor Gürkan then called the decision of Haskovo reported that one of the four consortium members, Globex a result of a “unilateral, selective and divisive view of held smaller stakes. So, too, did AtaHolding’s chairman, Ahmet International LLP, was owned, in turn, by three Panamanian a period that is tragic for the entire population of the Erentok. companies controlled by President Aliyev’s daughters and Ottoman Empire.” So the secrecy had three layers: 1) The UF Universe Olivier Mestelan, a Swiss businessman and family friend. Now he can be heard suggesting in bTV’s report Foundation, which controlled 2) FM Management, the Panama One of the reporters was Azeri investigative journalist that the respective local administrations should company set up by Mammadov, which owned shares in 3) a Khadija Ismayilova, also a member of ICIJ. In 2015, Azeri reverse their decisions as “Yambol did”. Yambol is United Kingdom-based company named Financial authorities imprisoned Ismayilova in what is widely believed to another municipality located at the Bulgaria-Turkey Management Holding Limited. According to a flowchart have been retaliation for her exposé of government corruption. border with which cooperation was suspended, but shared with Mossack Fonseca in 2005, the UK company held Authorities charged Ismayilova with counts of embezzlement, then restored. 51 percent of shares in AtaHolding Azerbaijan. illegal business, tax evasion, and abuse of power and inciting However, Haskovo Mayor Dobri Belivanov is While there is no doubt that these secret companies existed a man to commit suicide. Her sentence: 7½ years. adamant that “no-one can interfere” to make author- and paid hundreds of dollars to Mossack Fonseca in adminis- Mossack Fonseca’s files reveal the leading member of the ities change the name of a street or a park. (The deci- trative fees, it is unclear whether or not the proposed structure consortium, Londex Resources SA, which was incorporated in sion to name a park “Armenians” was taken under to benefit President Aliyev’s teenage and pre-teen children and Panama in 2005 and held 45 percent of the consortium’s his predecessor, Georgi Ivanov.) other prominent Azeris was ever adopted. stake. The files show that, in April 2008, the same three As an external border of the EU, Bulgaria is part UF Universe Foundation was closed in January 2007. Then, Panamanian companies owned by President Aliyev’s daugh- of the bloc’s cross-border program whose total worth in February 2014, months after President Aliyev was sworn in ters and Mestelan, who shared control of Globex International, for the 2014-2020 is an estimated EUR 1 B. for his third term, a London-based lawyer sought to reactivate became Londex’s shareholders. Globex International held 11 A total of 11 million euros is potentially available the foundation and FM Management Holding Group. Mossack percent of the consortium’s share of the goldmine. to the three regions of Bulgaria under the cross-bor- Fonseca was happy to oblige and issued an invoice in exchange The trio’s control of Londex Resources meant that President der cooperation program. As regards Turkey, the for reactivating the company worth nearly $9,000. Aliyev’s family and inner circle controlled a majority stake — 56 bulk of this sum has been earmarked for environ- Most recently, majority ownership — 51 percent — of percent — in the consortium. ment preservation and disaster management. AtaHoldings was held by Hughson Management Inc, according In January 2016, mine workers protested before Azerbaijan’s to AtaHolding’s online annual report. A 2010 letter signed by parliament, alleging that Londex had not paid wages since Mossack Fonseca listed Aliyev’s daughters, Arzu and Leyla, 2014, when the mine was abruptly closed. 4 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Holy Trinity Armenian Prayer Service for Church of Greater The Armenian Boston to Host Saintly Community Women’s Day BOSTON — Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley will lead the first-ever Archdiocese of Boston com- By Seta A. Buchter memoration of the Armenian Genocide at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on April 23, 2016. The Cardinal will host and preside at a 4 p.m. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The women of the prayer service. A large number of faithful from Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater both communities will be joined by ecumenical Boston will host the Women’s Guild Central and interreligious guests and civic dignitaries. Council’s Saintly Women’s Day celebration on O’Malley said, “At last year’s commemoration of Saturday, April 16, for the Massachusetts and the Armenian Genocide, Pope Francis made clear Rhode Island parishes of the Diocese of the that the Church acknowledges the suffering of so Armenian Church of America (Eastern). This many who lost their lives in witness to their faith year’s Saintly Women’s Day will honor Saint and that, tragically, Mary. such witness con- The day’s program, which will take place in tinues through the the church sanctuary and church complex of persecution of Holy Trinity Armenian Church at 145 Brattle Christians taking Street, Cambridge, will begin at 10:15 a.m., with place throughout Coffee and the welcome (in Johnson Hall), fol- the world today. lowed by a Church Service at 11 a.m. (in the Building on our sanctuary), and the Luncheon and Program at bond as Christians, 12:00 noon (in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Minister Hakobyan bestows Vartan Garniki Oganesian with a medal, the Archdiocese of Cultural Hall). The guest speaker will be Sister Boston joins with Bridget Haase, OSU. our Armenian Cardinal Seán O’Malley The Saintly Woman honoree, Saint Mary, is brothers and sis- venerated by the church as the Holy Mother of ters to make this God (Asdvadzadzin), and is the highest ranking Diaspora Minister remembrance in common prayer to our Lord.” saint. Together with her saintly and noble par- “With Pope Francis’ leadership last year and ents, Joachim and Anna, and her husband, potential visit to Armenia, and with Cardinal Joseph, Saint Mary belongs to the small group Hakobyan Visits UN, Sean’s desire to continue building bridges of of the immediate forerunners of Jesus Christ. Christian unity, Catholics and Armenians are Her picture with the Christ child in her arms standing together more strongly than ever. The adorns the main Altar of all Armenian church- TCA NJ Center vitality and fidelity of the Armenian communi- es. The Armenian Church celebrates five major ty which will be expressed April 23 is a demon- feasts of Saint Mary: Conception of the Virgin stration of the victory of good over evil,” said Mary (December 9), Nativity of the Virgin Mary NEW YORK — Dr. Hranoush Hakobyan, Armenia’s minister of the diaspora, Fathers Antranig Baljian and Arakel Aljalian of (September 8), Presentation of Saint Mary at after participating as part of President Serge Sargisian’s visit to Boston, visited the local Armenian community. the Temple (November 21), the Annunciation New York for two days to meet with leaders of Armenian-American organizations Joining in the commemoration will be (April 7), and the Assumption of the Virgin such as the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration Committee of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Eastern Mary (nearest Sunday to August 15). America Eastern Region, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Diocese of Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and Sister Bridget Haase, a member of the inter- the Armenian Church of America Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan from the Eastern national Ursuline Order, founded in 1535 by St. (Eastern), and the Cilician Prelacy. Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy, is an educator, By Hagop Vartivarian In addition, she accepted an invi- Bishop Mikael Mouradian, who leads the author, speaker and storyteller. Her religious tation to a reception in her honor Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States vocation was sealed at a high school senior organized by the members of the and Canada, will be represented by his vicar gen- retreat at the Cenacle Retreat House in New Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA). eral, Monsignor Andon Atamian. Armenian On the evening of March 31, the Armenian Mission to the (UN) Protestant leaders are also being invited. held a reception in honor of Hakobyan. Invitations to the event were sent to mem- Noting that the celebration manifests the grow- bers of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration Committee of ing unity between Catholics and Armenian America Eastern Region. Orthodox Christians, founded on their shared Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan introduced Hakobyan. Thanks to his posi- history and apostolic faith, Vito Nicastro, Ph.D., tion, Mnatsakanyan has been able to closely follow Armenian events in associate director of the Office for Ecumenical Washington and New York. He praised the efforts of all those present in the and Interreligious Affairs, Archdiocese of Boston, Armenian Genocide centennial commemorations. said, “The themes of the commemoration are Hakobyan gave a brief report on all the important commemorative events which remembrance, witness and resurrection.” He have taken place throughout the world, focusing in particular on the visit to added that the event “shows the solidarity Tsitsernakaberd on April 24 in Yerevan. The presence of two of the five permanent among all Christians. It invites all people of good members of the UN Security Council turned the latter into an event of a political will to recognize and stand against the evil of nature. He also spoke about the speech of the German president, the declaration genocide, and to promote human rights in the Sister Bridget Haase of the Pope in Rome, and the ceremony of remembrance in the Vatican, and the face of ongoing persecution and injustice today.” see HAKOBYAN, page 6 Last April Pope Francis spoke boldly of the suf- Orleans. As an educator, Sister Bridget has fering of the Armenian people as a “Genocide;” taught students who embodied the marvels of and as “...a true martyrdom of your people...” He southern hospitality in Louisiana, the cliffs and said, “concealing or denying evil is like allowing a rivers of Missouri, the cornfields of Illinois, and wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it.” the wide Texas sky. She felt at home for many He also underscored the cumulative destruction years with the mountain folks in the hollows of of Christian communities and murder of Appalachia and the villagers in the hills of Christians happening today in many places Mexico. around the globe. The Archdiocese of Boston During the famine of the late 1980s, she min- together with the Armenian community echo this istered in the desert of Sudan, East Africa, feed- call for with this event on April 23. ing starving children. She lived in Senegal in an In 1915, the Turkish government attempted international Ursuline community with sisters to exterminate the Armenians in a slaughter for from seven different countries of origin. which the word “genocide” was later coined. She was an infant and toddler early educator Turkish military and their agents murdered in an HIV/AIDS daycare center in Mattapan, in approximately 1.5 million Armenians, as well as Boston, and witnessed firsthand the ravages of other Christians such as Assyrians and Greeks. this disease. Exactly one year before the Prayer Service, on In Massachusetts, she serves on the spiritu- April 23, 2015, the Armenian Apostolic Church ality team of The Boston Home, a long-term From left, Barkev Kalayjian, Hagop Vartivarian, Carmen Gulbenkian, Diana canonized the 1.5 million as martyrs. care facility for 96 residents living with multiple Mkhitarian, Minister Hranoush Hakobyan, Amb. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Hilda The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is located at sclerosis and other neurological diseases. She Hartounian, Marie Zokiam, and Harout Chatmajian at the TCA New Jersey center. 1400 Washington Street, Boston. co-hosted, from 2010 to 2015, “Spirit and Life,” The event will be broadcast live online at a weekly radio show on the Relevant Radio www.CatholicTVLive.com and on the Catholic see WOMEN, page 5 TV Network. S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 9 , 2 0 1 6 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 5 COMMUNITY NEWS AMAA Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Child and Orphan Care Program

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — On March 12, the Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian delivered a mov- Bible for the children to read. This effort was Bloomingdale’s Sherman Oaks. Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel was ing devotional and prayer and gave a brief his- coordinated by Maro Yacoubian and Tina Segel, This year, Aleen Oruncakciel coordinated the the setting of the 25th anniversary of the tory of the ladies who first started the who organized the child sponsorship table and models and the fittings for the Fashion Show. Armenian Missionary Association of America’s Committee. encouraged everyone to make a difference in the Finance and Reservations Chair Sandra (AMAA) Child and Orphan Care Program. And this year’s Silent Auction was spectacular life of a needy child in Armenia. Many children Kalemkiarian, works to efficiently close out the Christina Jabarian, Melody Petrossian and with more than 150 items to bid on! Nicole were sponsored at the Luncheon. Auction. “We are grateful for the generous Christine Zenjiryan co-chaired the program, Nishanian, Silent Auction Chair, procured many Joyce Stein, advisor and national co-chair of donations we received in celebration of our which was attended by more than 500 guests. amazing items, including several designer hand- the Orphan and Child Care Committee, 25th Anniversary,” said Kalemkiarian. Emcee for the day was LindaKay Abdulian, bags, lots of beautiful jewelry, and much, much acknowledged the ladies who organized the The flowers were donated by Zareh David the commentator for the first children’s fashion more. There were many opportunities to help the first several children’s fashion shows. The first Ghoukasian of David Z Design. show in 1997. needy children by sponsoring a child, purchasing show was at the Hotel Sofitel with Christina The guests left the event with a bag full of This year, the AMAA’s Executive food or clothing for a year, or by purchasing a Jabarian as chair. The next several luncheons goodies, including lotions and nail care prod- were chaired by LindaKay Abdulian and ucts donated by Jessica Vartoughian of Jessica Michelle Shrikian. Cosmetics, dried fruits donated by LindaKay Tina Segel created and introduced the video Abdulian, cookies donated by Leslie Kevorkian, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the and jams, Panettoni and other items donated Child and Orphan Care Program. The video by Christine Zenjiryan. showed how many children and their families In closing, Lori Muncherian and Arsine have been helped by the AMAA for many gen- Phillips, West Coast Co-Chairs of the erations. Committee, thanked the chairs, the entire After lunch, as a special surprise before the Committee and all the donors for their contin- Fashion Show, several children from the ued support of this event for the children in Dynamic Duo Dance Studio performed for the Armenia. Many children in Armenia lack the audience. The children’s Fashion Show and basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter. dance performance was coordinated and intro- “We are trying to help change a child’s life and duced by Betty Balian. This year, the Fashion give hope for a better future one child at a Show was sponsored and produced by time,” concluded Muncherian and Phillips.

Young models

Commemorate the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the Massachusetts State House

The members of the AMAA Orphan and Child Care Los Angeles Committee Providence Churches Collaborate For Annual Commemoration April 22, 2016 starting at 10:30 am * PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On Sunday, April 24, Women’s Archives. A native of Providence, and the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of a graduate of Cranston High School and Brown 12 noon reception at the Grand Staircase Rhode Island will commemorate the 101sth University, she earned her Master’s Degree and Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A spe- Doctorate in Modern European History from With a proclamation from the Governor of Massachusetts cial service commemorating the Holy Martyrs Harvard University. The public is cordially invit- will be held at North Burial Ground, Providence ed at attend this important commemoration. Amb. Ray Flynn keynote speaker starting at 12:45pm. The clergy from the three On Tuesday morning, April 19 starting at Master of ceremonies Rep. Jon Hecht local Armenian Churches along with the dea- 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., the 18th Annual cons and choirs will be participating. Armenian Youth Day will be held at Sts. Sahag Prominent Massachusetts officials Federal and state officials have been invited. and Mesrob Church, Egavian Auditorium, Dr. Barbara J. Merguerian of Wellesley, Mass., Providence. All youths between the ages of 7 Joint Senate/House Resolution recipients Conventures, The Knights will be the speaker. She is a historian, writer and 14 are invited to attend a full day of activi- of Vartan Ararat Lodge #1 and the Armenian Genocide Education and editor as well as a co-founder of the ties and lunch. There is no charge for this event. Committee of Merrimack Valley Armenian International Women’s Association, a For further information, email past president, and director of its Armenian [email protected] or visit our web site www. And musical program provided by Zankagner and St. Stephen’s Armenian School Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Organized by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee, Boston Boston to Host Saintly Women’s Day

WOMEN, from page 4 Trinity Armenian Church. “Our luncheon * Buses will be at St. James and St. Stephen’s Churches at 8:30 am for 9:00 am departure to the State House and will leave the State House at 1:00 pm to return. Buses are free and Network. As a speaker, Sister Bridget gives days speaker is a woman of faith who has changed generously provided by the Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge #1. of reflection, individual talks and parish mis- the lives of people living both in the poorest of sions across the United States. As an author, countries, as well as in the wealthiest. Sister she is a regular contributor to Living Faith: Bridget’s talk will be about living our faith Daily Catholic Devotions, and is always think- wherever life takes us.” ing about new approaches to the spiritual life. The luncheon is by reservation only. Donation As a storyteller, Sister Bridget is known as is $35 per person; with a RSVP deadline of Donations “Sister Storyteller,” for local schoolchildren Monday, April 11. Reservations should be made ages 3-4. Sister Bridget has received numerous through each parish’s Women’s Guild or church Deran Hanesian and Evan Hanesian of New Jersey have donated $50 to the Armenian Awards and recognitions for her work. group. For further information or to make Mirror-Spectator. “We look forward to celebrating Saintly Individual reservations, contact Cathy Minassian Women’s Day with our sister parishes as we at [email protected]. A portion of the Nayiri Berberian has donated $10 to the in memory of Mrs. Armenian Mirror-Spectator look to the faith of Saint Mary, the Mother of proceeds will be donated to the Children of Serpouhie Berberian on the 38th anniversary of her passing. God, through the eyes of modern women,” Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP) and The states Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, Pastor of Holy Vanadzor Old Age Home in Armenia. 6 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Diaspora Minister Hakobyan Visits UN, TCA NJ Center

HAKOBYAN, from page ? and notable artists Shahan Arzruni, Nora significance of the canonization of the Armani and Gerald Papasian of Paris, were pre- Armenian martyrs as saints in Echmiadzin for sent. the Church of Armenia. He emphasized that Hilda Hartounian, newly elected chair of the when in every geographic location with a large TCA chapter of Greater New York, welcomed Armenian community the populace assembled the guests and invited Hagop Vartivarian, mem- to organize large demonstrations and it made ber of the Central Board of TCA, to introduce its voice of protest and demand heard in non- the minister and act as master of ceremonies. Armenian forums, this was a beautiful example Vartivarian, who has been friends with the of unity. minister for decades, declared, “Of the Armenian He then related some important and practical officials of state, Hranoush Hakobyan is the one steps which could help Armenia, such as once who is most familiar with Tekeyan. She has had every four years organizing a family vacation trip close relations with the founders of TCA for to Armenia, opening a bank account at a high about forty years, and was well aware of TCA’s interest rate in Armenia, and considering the patriotic efforts dedicated to the [Armenian] purchase of a second home in the homeland. nation even during Soviet times. She has Hakobyan gave letters of thanks to each per- believed in its mission, especially its work of son present in acknowledgment of their consci- strengthening ties between the homeland and entious and productive efforts towards the diaspora, the advancement of Armenian cul- ture, and the hallowed work of keeping patriotic feelings alive.” He continued, saying, “If more favorable political conditions would have been created for Hakobyan at far left, with Artemis and Nazar Nazarian, seated, and standing, from left, Irina our organization through the Igitkhanyan and her husband Amb. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, with Zarmine Boghosian, at TCA Center birth of the third Republic of Armenia, without a doubt Mrs. Hakobyan would have not only with my present diplomatic position, I was the She is both by birth and family a true Tekeyan been appointed a member of guest of the TCA executive, which came to wel- follower, and expressed his happiness to see her the Central Board of Tekeyan, come me. I have been a participant and believ- take over the position of chair in his place after but as its chair.” Vartivarian in er in the activities of Tekeyan throughout the a decade of service. the name of the TCA wished period of my official positions in London and After the official program, the guests were that close collaboration would . I know the leaders, who are dedicated able to freely speak with the visiting represen- continue with the minister. patriots.” He wished ever more and greater tatives of the Republic of Armenia about Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan at center of table with The minister responded by first accomplishments for the association in forth- Armenian national, cultural and educational UN Amb. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan standing behind her, surround- giving thanks for the warm recep- coming years. matters in a comfortable and warm atmosphere ed by leaders of Armenian-American organizations at the UN tion, and stating that she felt quite Vartivarian then introduced Hartounian, the until the late hours of the evening. Mission at home there. She praised the new chair of the Greater NY chapter of TCA. (Translated from the Armenian) work of TCA and urged that it continue, especially for the preser- strengthening Armenian-diasporan coopera- vation of Armenian identity, for which the tion, and working for recognition of the forms the fundament. Our Armenian Genocide. language is the first and foremost guarantee for Khoren Bandazian, chairman of the the creation of Armenians. She pointed out that Centennial Commemoration Committee, the visit of the TCA Meher Megerdchian F UNERAL H OME expressed thanks in the name of all the com- Theatrical Group to Armenia in April to per- Giragosian mittee members to the minister. Afterwards, form was evidence of strengthening ties. She James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC those present had an opportunity to individual- then praised the princely philanthropy of the Mark J. Giragosian ly speak with the minister. Nazarians for the prosperity of the diaspora, Funeral Counselors homeland and the Mother See of Holy 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Tekeyan Program Echmiadzin. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com On April 1, at 9 p.m., Hakobyan arrived Seta Jebejian, one of the founders of the the- together with Mnatsakanyan, and his wife, at ater group, recited two poems, the second of the Tekeyan Center of New Jersey. Aside from which was penned by the immortal Vahan TCA leaders, philanthropists Nazar and Artemis Tekeyan. Minister Hakobyan took advantage of Nazarian and Mrs. Carmen Gulbenkian, and the occasion to bestow a gold medal and cer- representatives of organizations sympathetic to tificate from the Diaspora Ministry to Vartan Nardolillo Funeral Home Tekeyan’s mission, including the Armenian Garniki Oganesian, one of the directors of the Est. 1906 Democratic Liberal Party, the Armenian Tekeyan group, for his work in the field of General Benevolent Union, the Knights of Armenian drama. Meanwhile, two other found- John K. Najarian, Jr. Vartan, the Armenian International Women’s ing members of the group, Harout Chatmajian Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Association, the Essayan-Getronagan Alumni and Missak Boghosian, presented the minister Association, the Pan-Armenian Fund of with a souvenir album of the most recent pre- 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Armenia, the Fund for Armenian Relief, as well sentation of the group, Berj Zeytountsian’s play 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 as the treasurer of the Armenian Relief Society “All Rise, Court Is in Session!” www.nardolillo.com of the Eastern USA, the principal of Holy Mnatsakanyan spoke to the group. He said, Martyrs Armenian Day School of New York, “Only a few days after my arrival in New York

Graduate Scholarships Now Available in Culinary Telephone (617) 924-7400 Arts And Nutritional Studies Aram Bedrosian NEW YORK — The New York Community Trust in conjunction Funeral Home, Inc. with its H. Tabakoglu Scholarship Fund is currently accepting scholarship applications for the Adrina C. Kayaian Graduate Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Scholarship Award Program. The deadline to apply is May 2. To be considered for grants up to $5,000 per academic year, MARION BEDROSIAN the candidate must be of Armenian descent and possess the 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN appropriate credentials from any accredited school or university WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN in food, culinary arts or nutritional services. The candidate must demonstrate that the courses he or she is studying are appropri- ate and consistent with food science, nutrition, etc., graduate or undergraduate, in the United States or abroad. This scholarship was created by her husband, Berge, and her three children in honor of the late Adrina C. Kayaian who worked Adriana C. Kayaian for many years at the Ladies Homes Journal Magazine as an assis- tant food editor. Kayaian was born in 1925, and she passed away in September 2009. She graduated from Cornell University in 1947 with a degree in home economics. This scholarship honors her memory and her outstanding service and profes- sional career. For applications and further information, contact: Anne Nally, Grants Administrator, at the New York Community Trust, 909 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10022, amn@nyct- cfi.org or call 212-686-0010, Ext. 301. S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS President Serge Sargisian Thrills Boston Area, Visits Heritage Park, Universities, Governor

VISIT, from page 1 itude to those who helped save our lives.” Ara Nazarian, on behalf of co-chairs Jim Kalustian and He then spoke about in 1992 invited to meet with “then-new Anthony Barsamian, welcomed the president and his delega- priest,” Rev. Mesrob Aramian. tion, saying it was appropriate that he be here, at the birthplace “He had devoted himself to projects that advanced Armenia,” of the American Revolution. He also reminded those assembled such as founding the Gandzasar seminary. He got the support that Massachusetts has the oldest Armenian community in the of many local Boston Armenians. US, many of them survivors of the Armenian Genocide and “Not only did he do what he said, but he went to found the their descendants. VEM radio station and the AYB school that is revolutionizing “We are here, marking the 25 anniversary of the indepen- education in Armenia and pioneering with others the Armenian dence of Armenia. Our independence follows of hundreds of baccalaureate. years of subjugation.” Between the earthquake, the disintegra- He praised the Luys Foundation, headed by Jacqueline tion of the Soviet Union as well as the war of independence over Karaaslanian. Karabagh, all of them “tested our mettle yet we rose to the occa- sion and defended our borders while laying the foundations for the new country.” “The rebirth of our nation and the liberation of Artsakh are the greatest achievements of our modern day history,” Nazarian said. Then, alluding to the common complaint of corruption, Nazarian said, “We must not remain complacent and take the path of least resistance. We blame our problems on oligarchs, corruption and injustice,” he said. “These ills are not the cause of our problems; they are symptoms of the larger issue, which are attitude and vision.” President Serge Sargisian (Jirair Next, he praised the work Hovsepian Photo) of the Luys Foundation, co- founded by Sargisian, saying that the education of the dispersion. Means when the whole youth must take priority, a completely disintegrates and goes country for brain capacity. into the parts,” he explained. President Serge Sargisian at lunch after the Heritage Park pro- He urged unity, including “Reconstituting the Armenian gram, with, from left, , Carolyn Mugar, President through the church, which nation is our ultimate victory which Serge Satgisian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenia’s garnered applause. will make the diaspora disappear,” he Ambassador to the US Grigor Hovhannissian and Diaspora “We can also work on said, adding that those who do not Minster Hranush Hakobyan at the Union Oyster House (Jirair long simmering issues fac- live in Armenia, “through ideology, Hovsepian Photo) ing our nation. Our church Dr. Noubar Afeyan (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) through the church, through our can play a strong role in fos- commitment to Armenia, we are tering unification. We can something different than a diaspora.” “Armenia historically has been a center of education, of excel- work together to unsow the seeds of divisions imposed upon us Afeyan stressed that complaining is not an option. “Obvious lence, tradition, history and hope. We lost that position largely in the 1920s,” as well as bring back lan- the way to do that, is to make Armenia a more productive and due to the Genocide and the years that ensued. Massachusetts guage from the brink of extinction. safe place,” he said. But that is not enough. He said those liv- in the United States is the center of education, historic tradi- He noted, “I am confident that our greatest moments are yet ing outside Armenia can make a pledge to make a contribution tion and founding events, the center of hope. Much as to come.” to Armenia as well as the diasporan community. Massachusetts is to the United States, our hope is that Armenia Dr. Noubar Afeyan, who has long been active in Armenia, He then spoke about the Aurora Prize, “an expression of grat- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

The Scouts at St. James Armenian Church (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

Anthony Barsamian, left, and Ambassador Grigor Hovhannissian (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) innovation and high-tech, as well as the Armenian community, said, “The 100th anniversary for all of us has been a turning point. It has moved us in ways that we cannot explain. We felt in the past 100 years more as victims and somewhat looking for a way to move ahead without forgetting, of course. The 100th anniversary gave us that occasion.” He praised the Pope and several leaders for their proclama- tions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Afeyan then focused on Massachusetts and its schools. “I want to single out Vigen Sargsyan tonight. A product of Massachusetts’s education, from Tufts University, who as chief of staff did a marvelous job [organizing the centennial events in Armenia]. He could have organized any global event,” he said. He said the word “diaspora” is used too loosely. The , he explained, has existed for centuries. It Konstantin Petrossian and his wife was only in the past century, however that the ranks of the dias- (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Members of the Knights of Vartan at the St. James program (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) pora were filled, after the Armenian Genocide. “It just means 8 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

ed the park and the president had laid a wreath President Serge Sargisian at the Armenian Genocide monument there. While there, he had also visited the nearby Thrills Boston Armenians Holocaust Memorial and lunched at the oldest restaurant in the country, the Union Oyster FROM PREVIOUS PAGE House. restores itself to become the Massachusetts of the world. Sargsyan admitted that problems remain in That is this beacon of advanced thinking, advanced action, hope Armenia, but that the country has made great and forward thinking,” Afeyan concluded. strides. Grigor Hovhannissian, the new Armenian ambassador to the “We do have emigration which is painful, divid- US, praised the reception that Sargisian had received earlier ing families,” he said, and an economy that still that day at the State House by Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston needs to make progress. However, he added, no Mayor Marty Walsh. He also listed the delegation accompany- ing the president, including Education Minister Levon Mkrtchyan, Ambassador to the United Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, President Serge Sargisian presented a medal to Dr. Aram Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan, Chobanian at the St. James gathering. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Advisor to the President Very Rev. Mesrob Aramian and the next speaker, the presi- dent’s chief of staff, Vigen Sargsyan. Sargsyan started saying, “Hello my fellow Bostonian Armenians. What a treat to see the dear faces that were so supportive years ago,” he said. He said he held onto a flyer from the Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association titled “Shining Through Darkness.” The pro- gram was one of young professionals visiting the area from Armenia. He singled out Jack and Eva Medzorian Berj Najarian, the assistant to New England Patriots Coach Bill for their support of the program. Belichick presented a gift on behalf of the team to President Serge He also spoke about Dr. Paul and Dr. Sargisian, a football jersey with his name and the number 25, in honor of the republic’s upcoming anniversary. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Joyce Barsam greeting diplomats who had President Sargisian presented Anthony Barsamian, r. Ara come here to study at Tufts University’s Nazarian and James Kalustian with awards for their work on the Fletcher School of Law matter what the shortcomings, everyone now centennial of the Armenian Genocide. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) and Diplomacy, as well as should recall that the current problems in the Tavitian Foundation, Armenia pale compared to the early days of the which has supported the republic, when bread and fuel were hard to find, program, whose gradu- and when electricity was on only for two hours a day. now is in position to gain access to the 170 million-plus market. ates are numbering more “Today Yerevan is a capital of a country with a vivid cultural He also urged diasporans to come to Armenia and invest than 250 there, and who life, diversity of educational opportunities, growing tourism, there. “There are free economic zones in Armenia that provide “who today make a major high security. … It is one of the new destinations of the IT [investors] with tax and customs benefits,” he said. He added, difference.” however, that while the county certainly needs financial invest- “They are making a dif- ments, “for the development of our country it more needs tal- ference in a country with ents, skills and invaluable expertise of our diaspora fellows. If 3 million people, where we tap the potential of our diaspora in as much as another per capita there are more Massachusetts community, such as the Irish do, that would give Fletcher graduates than a great impetus to the development of Armenia.” in the Untied States,” he Sargisian added that his nation had taken in many Syrian said. refugees because “it is indeed the duty of our state to extend a He praised the host helping hand to fellow Armenians in trouble.” families who instilled in He anticipated the 25th anniversary of the nation, noting Robert Avakian and Jacqueline all the visiting students a that the celebrations “will concentrate on youth and especially Karaaslanian (Jirair Hovsepian spirit of volunteerism. on the generation of independence. To this end, the Ministry of Photo) He, to the delight of the Diaspora, jointly with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, audience, recalled the Luys and Ayb Foundation, initiated the annual youth gathering late John Baronian, a tireless Tufts promoter. “His love for his under the motto ‘Let us create together destination Armenia’ roots, that was fundamental in shaping my image of Armenians that will take place from June 11 to 16,” he noted. of Boston.” At the conclusion of his remarks, Sargisian presented the He added, “I will always remember that wise man, driving his Mkhitar Heratsi Medal to Aram Chobanian for his contributions big Cadillac, filled with Jumbos and cigars” … “telling me story, to science and medicine. after story, always finishing with the phrase, Vigen, menk He also presented Anthony Barsamian, Dr. Ara Nazarian and chenink ba ov piti ehneh (If we don’t, then who will).” James Kalustian with medals of gratitude for their efforts for Sargsyan had headed the very successful commemorative President’s Chief of Staff Vigen Sargsyan (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) coordinating the centennial events on the East Coast. activities marking the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, in Anthony Barsamian paid tribute to the unity of the commu- Yerevan. “When I was called to that duty, my initial reaction nity, saying that the bond amongst them helped ensure a was no. I was very much afraid that if I failed, it would be dis- world. No IT specialist in Armenia can claim that with skills smooth commemoration, as did the presidential visit, which astrous for the nation. But I thought of John Baronian, his fam- today” he or she will not find a job. came together in only three weeks. Berj Najarian closed the ily’s story of survival and I heard him say, ‘if we don’t do it, who He praised the founding of Luys Foundation. “We started evening by representing President Sargisian with a football jer- will?’” with eight citizens of Armenia. Each year we get hundred new sey with the number 25 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the The four pillars of that commemoration, remembrance, grati- students at top-10 universities. We have 400 alums and current Republic of Armenia, a gift from the Kraft family. tude, international fight against genocide and survival, were all students who have their degrees from Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan of the Prelacy offered the pillars of John’s life, Sargsyan said. Cal Tech, you name it.” closing prayers. “He truly believed that awareness is the best tool of crimes of Introducing President Sargisian, he praised his role not only genocide in the future,” Sargsyan said. as president, but also as prime minister and defense minister in He praised the Armenian Heritage Park in the heart of Karabagh and Armenia. Boston. “What a beautiful way to tell with grace honor and dig- President Sargisian, said, “Boston is of special significance for nity the story of remembrance and gratitude to this beautiful the newest . Numerous young diplomats, city and state for extending a hand.” political scientists, lawyers and experts in other areas of our The previous day, the president and his delegation had visit- newly independent state have been sustained in the universities in this city,” he said. “They brought back with them the best tra- ditions of empowerment and progress to our state.” He thanked the local Armenian community for having “always been with the homeland at the critical junctures of our development, extending a helping hand both in the aftermath of the Spitak earthquake and in the course of the Artsakh lib- eration war,” he added. He also spoke about unity in the community worldwide, say- ing “we have been able to demonstrate to the world that the Armenian will is strong and determined to continue its struggle to institute justice, to condemn the crimes perpetuated against humanity in order to prevent the crime of genocide from recur- ring anywhere in the world.” That day, before the Azeri incursions in Artsakh had taken place, Sargisian said, “Our views coincide with the state motto of Massachusetts: by the sword we seek peace, but peace only Nicole Babikian Hajjar and her husband, Dr. Jean Jacques under liberty.” President Serge Sargisian and his entourage visited St. Stephen’s Hajjar with Mayor Ray Flynn (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Sargisian also spoke about the country’s economy, suggest- Armenian Elementary School ing that by joining the Eurasian Economic Union, the country S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS President Sargisian Talks at Harvard’s Kennedy School

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — President of Armenia Serge Sargisian delivered a speech at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University on March 30. He also met with Armenian students there and with Harvard University Marshal Jackie O’Neill. The audience at the speech con- By Aram Arkun tained many Armenians not Mirror-Spectator Staff connected with the univer- sity, in addition to Harvard students and faculty. Sargisian was introduced by the very well connected and influential Dr. Graham Allison, director of Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Allison has served in high positions such as Assistant Secretary of Defense and at President Serge Sargisian of Armenia at the Kennedy Schooll present is on the advisory boards of the US Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He was a founding member of the part of the Armenian cultural legacy there. including Armenians, to feel themselves to be full and equal cit- Trilateral Commission, a director of the Council on Foreign Today, Sargisian said, Azerbaijan even extended this izens. Relations, and on the boards of directors of various interna- approach to not permitting citizens of other states who are of Sargisian concluded by noting that the US was the first coun- tional companies and banks, including Getty Oil, Chase Bank Armenian origin to enter its territory, and is intransigent in try to open an embassy in Armenia and implement aid pro- and Chemical Bank. negotiations to the point of considering that its non-resumption grams. Today, he said, cooperation was extensive between the Allison declared that it is an honor for Harvard to have a pres- of warfare is itself a concession. two countries, and the Armenian-American community serves ident of a country to spend time at the university. After he pre- Sargisian invited Dr. Allison to consider a study at Harvard of as “an essential bridge” between the two. He said proudly that sented a brief biography of the president, the latter began his Armenian and Azerbaijani media, scholarship, official public “in the past 25 years of independence, Armenia has grown from speech. statements and the reports of civil society institutions to see a country receiving international aid to a contributor to the Sargisian mentioned the great influence of the Kennedy who preaches war and hatred. world peace. Armenia currently has its peacekeepers stationed School both in the US and abroad, the latter due to its inter- Sargisian brought up the crisis in the , especially in Afghanistan, Kosovo, , and Mali, as a responsible national students. He then spoke about the restoration of Syria, and how it affects tens of thousands of Armenians there member of the international community.” Though Armenia still Armenian statehood 25 years ago after nearly 600 years who are the descendants of survivors of the Armenian has a way to travel before becoming a stable democracy, (though he did not mention the exception of the brief interlude Genocide. Armenia by virtue of geography and history is also Sargisian said that after 25 years of independence, it is time to of the first Republic of Armenia). He said that while overcom- affected. It has, he said, already accepted around 20,000 Syrian sum up the history of a “newly-independent state” and enter ing the consequences of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia and citizens, which, per capita, is the second highest figure in into the stage of “maturity.” Europe. Questions were then taken from the audience for almost half He said that a “compre- an hour. Allison started off with an easy one, about the hensive and durable peace Washington Nuclear Security Summit. Others asked about the in Syria” must be estab- probability of war and the negotiations concerning Karabagh, lished through united inter- the most beneficial fields of US-Armenian cooperation, what the national efforts, especially president takes back with him to Armenian from his Boston between Russia and the US, visit (“pride”), and how the portfolio of Armenian exports might in order to solve the broader change over the next 25 years. refuge problem emptying In response to a question by Berge Jololian of Watertown, the Middle East of its Mass. on what the president will do to assure the proper repre- Christians. sentation of the Armenian populace in the Armenian parlia- Sargisian noted that it is ment, especially when some deputies run private businesses, to Armenia’s interest to sup- Sargisian responded that first he has asked for technical assis- port cooperation between tance from the US, EU, UN and others to assure fair elections. superpowers, as their con- Secondly, he said that electoral laws must be reformed accord- flict has grievous outcomes ing to international standards. Finally, he questioned why peo- for small nations, with the ple with private businesses can’t be in parliament. Some of Armenian Genocide during these businesses belong to the wife, uncle, nephew or other rel- being just one atives of the deputy. He suggested that this demand should be President Sargisian (right) with Dr. Graham Allison, director of the Belfer Center at Harvard (Aram Arkun photo) example. Sargisian said that made of Armenian citizens as well as of the government: in though the world recog- other words, he said, let the citizens not vote for such candi- nizes and condemns this dates. the war over Karabagh, achieving democracy and free-market crime, “what is of utmost importance to us is recognition by The final question came from a Kennedy School student orig- economy was of high priority. Armenia’s greatest achievement Turkey and its facing its own history.” He pointed out that inally from Russia whose mother grew up in an Armenian vil- in this period, he continued, “is the respect for free speech and Turkey continues its denial and in 2015 cynically commemo- lage. He asked what programs Armenia had to engage its dias- an active civil society.” rated the centennial of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 24 poran communities in the effort of helping Armenia grow and “Effective decision-making mechanisms” for state institutions instead of the usual date in March. On the other hand, he was prosper. Sargisian responded that this was the most difficult are still being built through domestic reforms, he said, and hopeful that a new generation in Turkey one day would become question that he had been asked. If Armenia, he said, could take stressed that constitutional amendments last year will lead the strong enough to make its government speak the truth. advantage of even ten percent of the abilities of the diaspora, it way to “better governance,” including more democracy and a Fundamental democratization in Turkey, he added, would also would become one of the strongest states in the world, but targeted fight against corruption. Armenia economically has a allow all ethnic and religious groups living in that country, unfortunately, it has not yet been able to find the key. “competitive advantage anchored in human capital,” he added, but it must be integrated in larger economic networks in order to be attractive to large economies, so it joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). This is of course a Russian-dominated President Serge organization, but the president noted that it should not be an Sargisian and Luys obstacle to broader Armenian cooperation with the European Scholars at Union. Harvard’s Sargisian proclaimed that the lifting of sanctions on neigh- Kennedy School. boring Iran should create all kinds of new business opportuni- ties for Armenia, including joint energy and transport projects, including the construction of a North-South highway and an Armenia-Iran railway, as well as joint economic projects between the EEU and the Silk Road Economic Belt. These ini- tiatives are an effort to mitigate the damage caused by the decades-long blockade of Armenia by Azerbaijan and Turkey. Sargisian pointed out that the Armenian-Turkish state border is the last closed border in Europe, which, he said, was part of a “policy of economic blackmail.” Sargisian said that in addi- tion, Azerbaijan’s authorities deliberately maintained tension along their borders with Nagorno Karabagh and Armenia as a way of dealing with their domestic problems. He briefly spoke about the 70-year occupation of Karabagh by Azerbaijan during the Soviet period, which led to the protests of 1988, and which indicated, he said, that Karabagh had no connection to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. (Armenian Assembly photo) Azerbaijan succeeded more completely in depopulating the region of Nakhijevan of Armenians and in 2005 even destroyed thousands of khachkars (cross-stones) in Julfa which were a 10 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

President Serge Sargisian, right, with Gov. Charlie Baker at the State House (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

The Solemn ceremony at the State House started with the singing of the national anthems outside. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

At the governor’s office, with from left, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Gov. Charlie Baker (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

President Serge Sargisian speaking with Rob Leikind, director of the Boston chapter of the American Jewish Committee, inside the Holocaust Memorial. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

President Serge Sargisian walking through the Holocaust Memorial.

Raffi Festekjian, at left, was with the President, as were Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and columnist Harout Sassounian, second row, at the Holocaust Memorial. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

President Serge Sargisian and his party walking in the streets of Boston (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

President Serge Sargisian, center, with from second on left, Armenia’s Ambassador to the US Grigor Hovhannissian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, his translator, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Peter Herman Purutyan (Jirair Koutoujian, Anthony Barsamian and Harut Sassounian (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Hovsepian Photo) At the Armenian Heritage Park (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

James Kalustian explains about the abstract sculpture at Armenian Heritage Park to President Serge Sargisian, as he is flanked by religious leaders as well as American and Armenian bodyguards. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

Members of the Knights of Vartan at the Armenian Heritage Park(Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

From left, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter The honor guard from the Ancient and Honorable at the Armenian Heritage Park Koutoujian, Dan Koh, Mayor Walsh’s chief in front of the abstract statue, where President Sargisian had laid a wreath. (Jirair of staff, and James Kalustian(Jirair Hovsepian Photo) Hovsepian Photo)

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian at the Armenian Heritage Park (Jirair Hovsepian Photo)

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, assisted by Fr. Antranig Baljian, left, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Rev. Vasken Kouzouian and other members of clergy from Massachusetts at the Heritage Park program. (Jirair Hovsepian Photo) 12 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News MIT Hosts Armenian President and Luys Scholars

By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Luys Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 in Yerevan, organized a banquet at the elegant Samberg Center of the Massa-chusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the evening of March 29 with the par- ticipation of its cofounder President Serge Sargisian and other high officials of Armenia as well as a large number of Luys scholarship recipients and alumni. The banquet program, a showcase for the foundation’s achievements, and an attempt to win further support for its work, was sponsored by the Noubar and Anna Afeyan Foundation. The Luys Foundation offers scholarships to students of Armenian descent, including both citizens of the Republic of Armenia and diasporans, attending the top ten universities of the world as undergraduates, postgraduates or doctoral candi- dates. The ranking of the universities is based on the Academic Ranking of World Universities of the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. At present, Luys can grant up to ten scholarships per univer- sity, and has 420 scholars and alumni from 15 different coun- tries. Luys Scholars mentor promising high school students in Armenia. The scholars and alumni when in Armenia conduct forums and participate in conversation series. They join or orga- nize Armenian student associations or Luys networks wherever they may be, and host and give tours to visiting Luys peers or At the MIT Luys Foundation Gala (Ken Martin photo) mentees. Luys offers scholars and alumni various Armenian language learning tools. During summer breaks, the Luys Scholars must addressed the issue of how one moves from science and tech- Armenians should organize conferences for themselves in spe- go to apply their skills and knowledge to community develop- nology to value creation. Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Senior Managing cific technical fields to promote networking and collective work. ment projects in Armenia through the Develop Armenia Partner and CEO of Flagship Ventures, and sponsor of the Dr. Roger Hajjar, director of the Cardiovascular Research Together project, and hopefully alumni will become leaders of evening’s program, spoke first. He said he was a student here Center and the Arthur and Janet C. Ross Professor of Medicine Armenian society and its economy. Luys helps recruit alumni as an undergraduate, and in a sense never left. His office is in at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said he was for key positions in Armenia and elsewhere in all types of fields a building visible from the Samberg Center. very focused on how to treat heart failure through gene thera- of endeavor. It has an internship program, and provides guid- Afeyan related a “point of pride” for Armenians that occurred py and small molecules. These tools can be applied to multiple ance and resources for start-ups by alumni. It provides seed that day when the Armenian delegation with President diseases. Science uses a lot of tools that are very expensive so Sargisian visited the MIT president L. Rafael Reif. The latter only a handful of countries can do the whole spectrum of sci- related that at MIT roughly 400 foreign students attend over entific work, but smaller countries can focus on specific dis- the span of any four years. The largest group of international eases. For example, Familial Mediterranean Fever which strikes students are 50 from China, followed by 30 from India. Both many Armenians has been mapped out, with the responsible countries have populations of around one billion. Armenia, with gene discovered and therapies developed for it. Armenia can be 6 students on average, forms the third largest group. If Armenia in the forefront of systems biology — learning how genes inter- had a billion people, all of MIT would not be enough for its stu- act to cause a disease and then how one treats it. dents, Reif quipped. Afeyan said, “It shows just how above our Several questions were taken from the audience. The first questioner obliquely wondered whether Armenians could model themselves after the Jewish community, which passed down knowledge from the older to the young. Afeyan responded that Armenians need a change of mindset and should adopt opti- mism. Criticizing others is not helpful. He also called on the two leaders of the Armenian Church present to provide the fuel for such change. Hajjar said that the President Serge Sargisian (Ken Martin Photo) Genocide centennial may have led to a new attitude of hope and optimism. A second question was whether Armenia money ($5,000 to $20,000 per case) and planning assistance. should specialize only in a few fields it is Jacqueline Karaaslanian, who worked for nearly three already good in, or should it try to invest in decades at MIT before becoming executive director of Luys, all fields. Zorian said that while Armenians introduced the foundation to the guests, exclaiming, “I want to have some fields in which they exceed, they look at it as this most amazing gift that Armenia is giving to all should not be closed to investing in other of its children throughout the world. What better gift than the best education.” She explained that it gives even more, because, she said, “it “engineers the science of collaboration.” It is help- ing network Armenians throughout the world, and this evening event itself was part of this networking, as Karaaslanian said she hoped that the senior and accomplished Armenians in the banquet hall were meeting with the young and dynamic Armenian scholars present. In this way, she concluded, Armenia Sahak Voskian (Ken Martin Photo) would secure its path into the future. Karaaslanian then introduced three Luys scholars and inven- tors, two originally from Armenia and one from Syria, who gave brief presentations with projected illustrations about their weight we have always been able to achieve.” work. Armen Mkrtchyan, with a doctorate from MIT in Afeyan said that culturally it is necessary to impress on Aeronautics and Astronautics, spoke about his patent-pending Armenians the need to take risks and fail or be wrong most of drone for agriculture, providing data to farmers at a relatively the time in order to innovate and come up with something new. affordable cost. These drones can be used in developing coun- One factor in favor of immigrants like Armenians is that they tries. Mkrtchyan took inspiration in part from a class at MIT assume they will get nothing and have to work for everything, with Noubar Afeyan. and this is what, Afeyan said, innovators do. The latter immi- Amalia Kostanyan, a doctoral candidate in nanotechnology at grate to a better “intellectual place.” Furthermore, innovators American University of Armenia President Dr. Armen Der Cambridge University, UK, spoke about her work concerning must learn from what is around them, not just from the class- Kiureghian, left, with Berge Ayvazian at MIT (Armenian visual display applications. Sahag Voskian, a doctoral candidate room. Assembly photo) at MIT in Chemical Engineering, spoke about his work on elec- Afeyan ended by declaring that Armenia has accomplished trochemically mediated separations, specifically carbon dioxide quite a bit over 25 years of independence, but the next ten years capture and heavy metal pollution removal from waste water. would be even more tremendous. domains of innovation. Hajjar said you should focus on one Karaaslanian invited all Armenians who have patents to pre- Dr. Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect and Fellow at Synopsys, problem at a time, but by doing this will develop universal tools sent their information so that their inventions can be and president of Synopsys Armenia, one of the largest IT com- which can be applied to other problems. announced on the Luys website. She noted the presence of panies there with over 800 people, then spoke about his career The third question was about Armenia 2020, and what was Stepan Partamian of California, who initially began to collect in semiconductors. The self-repairable quality of chips in com- wrong in that effort that should be avoided for Armenia 2040. information on such Armenians. puters and cellphones has been developed in Armenia, and the Afeyan said that Armenia 2020 was somewhat “naïve and During the dinner, a panel of three senior innovators patents for them are in Armenia. Zorian suggested that romantic.” It was an attempt to imagine and dream about what S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Community News is possible, and what innate advantages does country and their home country.” Sargisian also said, Armenia have. The government of Armenia sup- “Experience has already shown that the absolute majori- ported it, under the leadership of Serge ty of Luys’s alumni returned home after completing their Sargisian as prime minister and then president. education and engaged in Armenia’s development.” Lighthouse projects in tourism, healthcare and He said that the Luys alumni should do three things in other fields were inspired by the research. their lives afterwards: “have a house in Armenia, work or Afeyan felt that this approach is necessary, be engaged in an Armenia-based initiative in his or her and research must be done to prepare for the professional field, and be a lifelong ‘ambassador’ of future. The “customer” or “client,” Afeyan said, Armenia and the Armenian language everywhere he or is the five-year-old Armenian of today. she goes.” The government has a program which can help: Vigen Sargsyan, chief of staff for the targeted assistance to young families through mortgage President of the Republic of Armenia, spoke loans at below-market rates which allows the latter to pur- about “a new narrative for Armenia,” pointing chase an apartment. the way toward the future. He said the tremen- The president stated that he had several goals for the dous jump in Armenian applicants to the Luys MIT event. He told the members of the audience that he Foundation, and developments in Armenian was confident that the evening “will pave the way for last- education and technology bring pride to all. ing and practical ties. Many of you do not closely cooperate Sargisian also briefly spoke about the impor- with traditional Armenian organizations, parties, or at tance of the Fletcher School program at Tufts times even the community. I hope that contacts in this for- funded by Aso Tavitian. From left, Drs. Noubar Afeyan, Yervant Zorian and Roger Hajjar (Ken Martin Photo) mat can become regular and set the foundation for mutu- President Sargisian took the podium to speak ally beneficial everyday cooperation by creating an informal on the path to development through education network of Armenian-American scientists.” and human capital for Armenia. He began by A second goal was, he said, “forging close cooperation praising MIT’s role as an innovative leader and teacher of tech- Armenian children earned 20 medals in international between Armenian and foreign universities.” As far as MIT was nology, with its work benefiting the entire world, including Olympiads in mathematics, physics, astronomy and biology. concerned, Armenia would be delighted, he said, to host MIT Armenia. The Tumo Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan This is close to the number of medals won by children of ten faculty and students who could see Armenian achievements was modeled after the MIT Lego Educational Lab, while the Ayb times more populous countries. Armenian universities annually firsthand and visit Armenian faculty, students, IT companies School in Armenia benefited from cooperation with MIT media educate 2,000 IT and high-tech specialists, he said. and free economic zones. labs. MIT developed a “flipped classroom” program which is The National Program for Educational Excellence, training Third, Armenia plans to host a World Forum of Information being used in Armenia, which also launched two fablabs. and educating thousands of teachers, is being implemented in Technologies in 2019 and, Sargisian said, would be glad if MIT Sargisian cited MIT economics professor Daron Acemoglu’s Armenia with the assistance of the University of Cambridge and was represented there. theory that economic prosperity depends on the inclusiveness the Institute of Education at University College of London. For President Sargisian’s speech was followed by an inspirational of economic and political institutions, and said that Armenia’s the first time this year, Armenian graduates will take the Ararat video message from Artsakh, from Artak Beglaryan. Losing his experience indicates that “it is very hard to implement any Baccalaureate exam, which incorporates international educa- eyesight to a mine explosion in Stepanakert in 1995 did not pre- reform if public trust in fairness has been undermined and the tional criteria. vent Beglaryan from pursuing higher education. He obtained public institutions do not reflect the true aspirations of soci- The Luys Foundation, he said, is educating a competitive new master’s degrees from Yerevan State University and the School ety.” He said that the recent constitutional amendments in generation at the world’s leading universities. Its goal is, he con- of Slavonic and East European Studies of University College Armenia will lead in the next two years to “systemic change,” tinued, “to bring home all that is progressive and new that is London, where he was a Luys Scholar, as well as studying for and that all citizens of Armenia “have our share in this initia- constantly created around the world…” six months at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of tive.” His dream, Sargisian said, is of “Armenia, where strong In response to the concern of losing Armenian human Tufts University. He has been working as assistant to the prime and well-established individuals do not spare efforts for creating resources, Sargisian cited ’s late prime minister Lee minister of the since 2012. He even stable state and public institutions.” Kuan Yew, who had told him that “even if our compatriots do climbed Mt. Ararat. His message was that just as he succeeded Sargisian provided the audience with some basic information not return home after their studies, they are still our assets thanks to support from many others, Armenians must support about the role of technology in Armenia. The Armenian educa- abroad, through whom the world recognizes our country; they one another and cooperate to make greater and greater tional system is the key to Armenian success. Last year, contribute in various ways to the development of both the host achievements in the future. Armenian President Visits Tufts and UMass

Dr. Joyce Victoria Kennedy, Barsam the widow of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, shows President Serge Sargisian and his delegation around at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute on the campus of UMass. Boston.

(Armenian Assembly (Armenian photo) Assembly photo)

At Tufts University’s Fletcher School with benefactor Aso Tavitian and Dr. Joyce Barsam, who help Armenian scholars come to Tufts.

(Armenian Assembly President Serge Sargisian greets Aso Tavitian, who funds Fletcher photo) School’s program for diplomats from Armenia (Armenian Assembly photo) 14 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living The Armenian LARK and AMAA: Presentation of J. S. Genocide Legacy Bach’s St. Matthew Launches at The Passion Is Inspirational

Hague, April 12 By Joyce Abdulian THE HAGUE — November 2015 saw the publication of Alexis Demirdjian’s The LOS ANGELES — If the music of heaven Armenian Genocide Legacy, published by could be heard on earth, the LARK Musical Palgrave Macmillan publishers. Edited by Society and the Armenian Missionary Demirdjian and co-authored by 22 experts Association of America’s (AMAA) presentation from different fields of study, this volume was of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion written on the occasion of the centennial of was a joyous representation of what awaits us. the Armenian Genocide. At the First United Methodist Church of This major interdisciplinary volume con- Glendale, the LARK Musical Society and the sists of the works of academics and profes- AMAA once again joined forces on Sunday, sionals tackling the issue of the relevance of March 13, to present one of the world’s greatest the Armenian Genocide in modern day aca- masterpieces — St. Matthew Passion, under the demic endeavours, from the perspective of direction of beloved conductor Vatsche History, Law, Political Science, Sociology, Barsoumian. Anthropology, Journalism, Literature and Barsoumian explained: “Through J.S. Bach’s Media Studies. It examines such issues as work, written almost 300 years ago, we can still impunity, sexual violence, demographics, partake in and relive the tribulations and pas- compensation, memorializing, media sion of our Lord, who undertook all torture and approaches and legal ramifications of the even death for the sake of our personal spiritu- Armenian Genocide. al salvation.” On April 12, the Asser Institute established As the voices of the choir soared, the soloists in The Hague sang, and the orchestra performed, the overflow (Netherlands) will audience abandoned themselves to the music of host the book Bach and the depiction of Christ’s great sacri- launch as of fice. Each scene matched with its response, 19:00, during the either chorally or individually by a soloist, ren- course of a dered in beautiful music, created a whole that at Supranational the end was an undeniably humbling Lenten Criminal Law lec- experience. Super-titles in German, Armenian ture entitled: and English allowed for a close following of the “The legal ramifi- Oratorio, to better understand each moment of cations of the Christ’s passion. Armenian geno- Anush Avetisyan Distinguished vocal soloists were David Alexis Demirdjian cide: compensa- Plaster as the Evangelist (tenor), Steve Pence as tion, genocidal Jesus (bass), Shoushik Barsoumian (soprano), intent and failure Garineh Avakian and Victoria Avetisyan (altos), to prosecute”. Speakers will include Yeghishe Manucharyan (tenor), and Scott Graff, Demirdjian and one of his co-authors, Armenia’s Ark of Music: and Vincent Robles (basses). Also notable were Nolwenn Guibert, a French lawyer specializ- the impressive instrumental soloists Armen ing in international criminal law. DerKevorkian and Sarkis Gyurgchyan (violins), This lecture will focus on the legal aspects Rediscovering a Hidden Treasure Salpi Kerkonian (flute), Michelle Forrest (oboe) of this book, in line with the Asser Institute’s and Yevgeni Tonkha (cello). Deserving special research mission in international and PHILADELPHIA — On April 16 and 17, Fine Art Music Company (FAMC), pre- notice were Edward Murray (organ) and Victoria European Law. sents Armenia’s Ark of Music (Part One): The Heritage, threading ancient traditions Simonian (cembalo), who throughout the piece The lecture is public and free of charge. through living music. The concert will be per- served as an underlying unifying force for the Registration is not necessary; seats are available formed on Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m., at Saint whole ensemble. on a first-come-first-served basis. The Asser Marks Episcopal Church, and on Sunday, During the intermission, a Lenten meal was Institute is located at R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan April 17, at 3 p.m. at The Ethical Society. served to more than 500 guests. 20-22, 2517 JN, The Hague The program will focus on the living her- Andy Torosyan, chairman of LARK Its announcement may be found at itage of modern Armenian composers who Musical Society, stated, “Let us praise God for www.asser.nl/about-the-institute/events/ carry on the remarkable Armenian music tra- bringing together the AMAA and the LARK ?id=2913 ditions rooted in ancient times. The works Musical Society to break bread during this performed will include vocal and instrumental Lenten season and share in the message of music by composers Komitas (1869-1935), Jesus through the work of Bach’s St. Matthew Alan Hovhaness, (1911-2000), Arno Passion. Projects like these will help strengthen Babajanian (1921-1983), Alexander our community, encouraging us to aspire to a Arutiunian (1920-2012), Aram Khachaturian higher understanding of life and walk the path (1903-1978), and a world premiere work by intended for us.” Petros Shoujounian (b. 1957). Michal Schmidt Reflecting on the past 20 years of St. Mark’s Church is located at 1625 Locust AMAA/LARK collaboration, Zaven Khanjian, St., while the Ethical Society is located at AMAA executive director/CEO said: “The AMAA 1906 S. Rittenhouse Sq. rejoices in its annual partnership with the LARK The performers will be Vartan Gabrielian, Musical Society in the over two decades long pre- bass-baritone; Anush Avetisyan, soprano; sentation of spring sacred music concerts, ele- Jonathan Moser, violin; Michal Schmidt, cello vating human souls from its earthly fetters to a and Rollin Wilberand Katarzyna Marzec- heavenly emancipation, paid for by the blood Salwinsk, piano. shed by our Savior Jesus Christ. We are thankful For tickets visit www.FineArtMusic for the gracious support of the community that Company.com or write to info@fineartmusic- makes every one of these events ever excitingly company.com. Tickets also available at the memorable and touching.” door. Much of the traditional music of the Armenian culture was preserved by Komitas (born Soghomon Soghomonian), an Vartan Gabrielian Armenian priest, singer and composer who has been cited as one of the first ethnomusi- cologists. After training in Paris and Germany in Western classical music perfor- mance, composition and recording, he returned to Armenia, where he collected thousands of songs, creating a resource for modern composers to continue the tra- For further information about the book, con- dition in their own voices. Tragically, Komitas was arrested in 1915 and imprisoned tact [email protected] see ARK, page 17 LARK Musical Society members perform St. Information about the book may be found at: Matthew Passion. www.palgrave.com/uk/book/9781137561626 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Istanbul-based Performance Artist Mihran Tomasyan To Perform in Watertown

WATERTOWN — On Sunday, April 10, the Boston community will have the opportunity to see and meet Istanbul-based performance artist Mihran Tomasyan at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center. The evening will feature a performance of Tomasyan’s “You are Not a Fish After All,” a work dedicated to Hrant Dink. This work started with a poem, an old suit- case, thrown out cassettes and some toys. Now it has turned into a piece that has traveled to three continents, more than 30 cities and countless venues. It still contin- ues its journey, to talk about battles, murders, lost voic- es, and what remains from all. In Tomasyan’s words: “You cross the water’s path, put sandbags or set a wall before it, but whatever you do, water finds a crack, and keeps flowing freely. Of course, in the journey, it faces many obstacles, maybe even gets all muddy; this is always the case. However, in this coun- try, “water killings” constantly take place. This piece is the story of those who make the journey of water their own. A suitcase is opened, things come out, and surely find their own cracks.” Born in Istanbul, Tomasyan attended Getronagan High School, and graduated from the Department of Modern Dance at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 2001. He went on to France and completed his dance education at the Centre National de Dance Contemporain in 2002. He danced with Rebecca Lazier both in America and Canada in 1999; and with the Yard Mihran Tomasyan on stage Dance Group in the Martha’s Vineyard Island in 2000. In the same year, Tomasyan also performed at the New York Downtown Festival. Tomasyan started founding the dance company, “Ciplak Ayaklar Kumpanyasi”, when and dance with video and installation at the Çiplak Ayaklar Kumpanyasi. he danced in the Gumri Biennale in Armenia in 2003. He also danced with the As The performance will take place at the ACEC, on Sunday, April 10th, at 7 p.m. Palavras Dance Company in Belgium and Companie Cre-Ange in Paris and the “Da Purchase tickets online at hamazkayinboston.org or at the door. Motus” Company in Switzerland as well. In Istanbul, Tomasyan works on movement Organized by -Boston.

Talin Suciyan to Speak at NAASR on

Armenian Community in Turkey BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Talin Suciyan will Raymond Kevorkian has written, “This study present a lecture titled “The Armenians in fills a historiographical vacuum. The subjects Modern Turkey: Post-Genocide Society, broached in this book until now constituted a Politics, and History,” on Wednesday, April blank page, doubtless because the Turkish

HHEE RRMMEENNIIAANNSS 20, at 8 p.m., at the National Association for academic environment was not interested in

TT AA Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) conducting a study of this nature.” IN ODERN URKEY Center, 395 Concord Ave. IN ODERN URKEY After the Armenian MM TT Genocide of 1915, in which more than a million Armenians died, thousands of Armenians lived and worked in the Turkish state alongside those who had per- secuted their communities. Living in the context of per- vasive denial, how did Armenians remaining in IISSCSCUSCUSSCUSSSCUSSISCUSSIOSCUSSIONSCUSSION WITWITHH R AALLILINLIN UCUCICIYCIYACIYANIYAN Turkey record their own his- After 1915, ArmeniansA D lived and worked in Dthe .TurkishT stateS alongside those who had tory? persecuted their communities. Living in the midst of pervasive denial, how did those remaining In her new book, The in Anatolia and Istanbul record their history and cope with subsequent discrimination? Armenians in Modern Turkey (I.B. Tauris, 2016), Talin Suciyan explores the life experienced by these communities. Special emphasis is given to Suciyan explores the life the period between 1944 and 1950 and the crisis that surrounded the patriarchal election. experienced by these Armenian communities as The Armenians in Modern Turkey examines remarkable new primary material: Turkish state Turkey’s modernization pro- archives, minutes of the Armenian National Assembly, a kaleidoscopic of personal diaries, ject of the 20th century memoirs and oral histories, various newspapers, yearbooks and magazines, as well as statutes gathered pace. Suciyan used and laws which led to continuing persecution. Turkish state archives, min- Join us and meet author Talin Suciyan from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich where she utes of the Armenian is currently an assistant professor at the Institute of Near and Middle Eastern Studies. National Assembly, a kaleido- scopic series of personal diaries, memoirs and oral RRIIIDAIDAYIDDAY PRIL P M histories, various Armenian F , A 22222,2, 2202012016016 @ 77:::4:4545 . . St. Leon Armenian Church/Charles & Grace Pinajian Youth Center periodicals such as newspa- 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ / For information call 201-791-2862 pers, yearbooks, and maga- zines, as well as statutes and This event is jointly sponsored by laws which led to the contin- uing persecution of AGBU Ararat, Armenian Network of America- Greater NY, Armenians. Armenian Relief Society (C.A.R.S.), Daughters of Vartan Sahaganoush Otyag of NJ, The first history of its kind, The Armenians Suciyan completed her PhD at Ludwig Esayan-Getronagan Alumni Inc., Knights of Vartan Bakradouny Lodge of NJ, in Modern Turkey is a fresh contribution to Maximilian University in Munich where she is National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), currently an assistant professor at the St. Leon Armenian Church, Tekeyan Cultural Association the history of modern Turkey and the Armenian experience there. As historian Institute of Near and Middle Eastern Studies. THHEE EEVEVEEVENEVENTVENT IISS FFRFREFREEREE. A RREECEPTIONECECEECEPECEPTECEPTIECEPTIOECEPTION WWIWILLILL FFOFOLFOLLOOLLOW TTHEHE DDIDISDISCDISCUDISCUSDISCUSSDISCUSSIONDISCUSSIDISCUSSIOISCUSSION AANANDND BOBBOOKOOOOKOK SSISIGSIGNSIGNISIGNINSIGNINGIGNING. 16 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

and Gohar Manjelikian, Mezzo Soprano, with Nune Boston Presents the Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian CONNECTICUT Hakobyan on the organ and piano. We invite the Distinguished Speaker Series, with John Prendergast, APRIL 23, 2016 Annual Armenian Genocide Armenian and non-Armenian community to join us as we “Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity: Lessons Commemoration. Connecticut State Capitol; Flag commemorate through music and poem the Holy Learned and Hope for the Future.” 7 p.m., Charles and Raising at 11:00 a.m.; Commemoration in the House Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and remember Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Chambers at 11:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker, Shant Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian of blessed memory. The Cambridge. John is founder of “The Enough Project,” an Mardirossian, Chairman Emeritus, Near East Foundation. concert is a gift to the community. initiative to end genocide and crimes against humanity APRIL 17 — Concert by Haig Hovsepian, violin and Ani and co-founder of “The Sentry,” a new investigative ini- Hovsepian, piano, 12 p.m., Slosberg Recital Hall, tiative focused on dismantling the networks financial MASSACHUSETTS Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham. The duo will conflict and atrocities. Reception and book signing to fol- APRIL 9 — Sayat Nova Dance Company 30th anniver- perform selections from Armenian Folk, Classical, and low talk. Open and free to the public. For further infor- sary Alumni Reunion. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. in Modern Music: Komitas, Spendiarian, Khachaturian, mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. Cambridge. Calling all SNDC Alumni and members for an Bagdasarian, Sardarian and Hovhaness. Admission is free MAY 14 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston con- evening of fun and surprises. Come eat, socialize, remi- and a reception will follow. tinues its 30th anniversary celebrations with a night of nisce.... RSVP by March 20, APRIL 17, 2016 – Erevan Choral Society Concert, “In song and dance with beloved singer Ispiryan, direct at [email protected] or call 617-923-4455. Commemoration of Our Sainted Martyrs of 1915 and from Armenia. Don’t miss out on this night of pure APRIL 9-10 — Two days of workshops, presentations, Dedicated to His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian Armenian entertainment. Come and celebrate with us as community and discovering your Armenian roots. of blessed memory.” Sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian we sing and dance all night with Arabo. Generous appetiz- This conference grew out of the Armenian Genealogy Church, 2:30 p.m., Church Sanctuary, 145 Brattle St., ers (mezze) will be provided. Doors open at7:30 p.m. To be group (Haygagan Dzakumnapanutyun) on Facebook. Cambridge. The Concert is under the direction of held at St. James Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Watertown. Cosponsored by National Association for Composer Konstantin Petrossian, Music Director and Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mt, Auburn Street, Armenian Studies and Research; Project SAVE Armenian Conductor. Guest Soloists are David Ayriyan, Kamancha, Watertown. Tickets are available by calling Apo at 339-222- Photograph Archives, Houshamadyan, Armenian and Gohar Manjelikian, Mezzo Soprano, with Nune 2410 or Hagop at 617-780-6295. VIP table seating at Museum of America, Tekeyan Cultural Association, and Hakobyan on the organ and piano. We invite the $100/person (includes 1 free drink/person and a bottle of Hamazkayin-Boston. Various times, Watertown area. To Armenian and non-Armenian community to join us as we champagne for the table); Premium table seating at register, visit http://www.armeniangenealogyconfer- commemorate through music and poem the Holy $75/person (includes a bottle of champagne for the table); ence.com/registration/ Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and remember General seating: $65. Please reserve your tickets early. APRIL 10 — Annual Reconfiguration of the Abstract Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian of blessed memory. The MAY 18 — Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit for Sculpture. Sunday. Armenian Heritage Park on the concert is a gift to the community. Armenian Heritage Park’s Ongoing Care Royal Sonesta Greenway, Boston. Further information, APRIL 22 — The annual commemoration of the Hotel Boston, Cambridge. Celebrate with Boston’s Top [email protected] Armenian Genocide at the Massachusetts State Chefs, presenting signature dishes inspired by parents, APRIL 15 — “Conversing with My Sister.” Salpi House. Friday, 10.30 a.m., State House Chamber, grandparents or mentors for you to taste while you mix, Ghazarian, director of the Institute of Armenian Catered Reception at 12 noon in the Great Hall. mingle and support a great cause. Advanced Studies at the University of Southern California, inter- APRIL 23 — Procession and flag raising for 101st Reservations only. To be acknowledged in the Evening views her sister, author Maral Boyadjian, on Maral’s anniversary of Armenian Genocide at Lowell City Hall, Thank You, please respond by May 6. To receive an invi- book, As the Poppies Bloomed, a family history. 7 p.m. 10 a.m., followed by a reception and cultural program by tation, please email your name and email address to Reception, 8 p.m. At the Armenian Cultural Foundation area schoolchildren at nearby Masonic Center. Sponsored [email protected] in Arlington. Sponsored by the Armenian Cultural by the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack MAY 21 — Book Tour Schedule for Armenians of the Foundation, Armenian International Women’s Valley & Armenian Genocide Commemorative Merrimack Valley. Authors E. Philip Brown and Tom Association, and Amaras Art Alliance. Free and open to Committee of Merrimack Valley. For the march, gather at Vartabedian are embarking on a presentation tour and the public corner of Merrimack & John Streets at 9:30 a.m. book signing of their new book. Vermette’s Market, 6 APRIL 16 — Saintly Women’s Day for the Parishes of APRIL 30 — Armenian / American Dance, Saturday, 7 Pond St., Amesbury, 10-2, book-signing only Massachusetts and Rhode Island, hosted by Holy Trinity p.m. – 12 a.m., 1 Market Street, Lawrence, MAY 27 — 65th Annual Armenian Night at the Pops, Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. This year, Complimentary Coffee & Dessert, Cash Bar, 50/50 Raffle, Featuring Boston Pops Orchestra, Keith Lockhart, we honor Saint Mary, the Holy Mother of Armenian music provided by Jason Naroian Ensemble, Conductor; presenting Edvard Poghossian, cello. God (Asdvadzadzin), Queen of Heaven. 10:15 a.m., American music provided by DJ Kory Sirmaian. Tickets: Presented by Friends of Armenian Culture Society. Welcome & Coffee; 11 a.m., Church Service;12:00 p.m., $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Melanee Naroian:(978) Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. For tickets and Lunch and Program. Guest Speaker: Sr. Bridget Haase, 683-0613, Lucy Sirmaian: (978) 683-9121. Sponsored by information, visit facsboston.org OSU. Donation: $35 per person with RSVP deadline The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Women’s Guild. SEPTEMBER 10 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of of April 11. Reservations should be made through each MAY 5 – “Can Feminists Revive a Nation? Afterlife of Boston 30th anniversary gala. parish’s Women’s Guild/Church group. For further infor- Armenians in Post-Genocide Turkey.” Reception and SEPTEMBER 18 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park. For mation or to make individual reservations, please contact illustrated talk with MIT Professor Lerna Ekmekcioglu on families and friends. Armenian Heritage Park on the Cathy Minassian [email protected], or her new book, Recovering Armenia: The Limits of Greenway. Boston. 2-4 p.m. All are invited. call 617.947.1795. Belonging in Post-Genocide Turkey. 7:30 p.m. Armenian SEPTEMBER 30 — OCTOBER 2 — 25th Anniversary APRIL 16 – Centennial Commemoration of the 1916 Museum of America, Watertown. Co-sponsored by the Celebration. Armenian International Women’s Consecration of the Sts. Vartanantz Church, Lowell. Armenian International Women’s Association, National Association. Charles Hotel, Cambridge. Worship Service and Program at the original Sts. Vartanantz Association for Armenian Studies & Research, and NOVEMBER 15 — Thank You Reception for All Church, 60 Lawrence St., Lowell. Outdoor architectural tour Armenian Museum of America. Info: 617-926-0171 or Supporters of Armenian Heritage Park. Armenian of the original Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church at 60 [email protected]; 617-489-1610 Cultural and Educational Center. Watertown. 7:30 p.m. Lawrence St., Lowell, starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by a [email protected]. During the evening, supporters will receive the Armenian prayer service and narrated slide presentation on the for- MAY 7 — The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Heritage Park Commemorative Book, which will acknowl- mation and early life of the parish at 6:00 p.m. The church Pointe in Haverhill will have a one-day food festival edge all supporters in the category of giving that com- is handicap accessible. Reception to follow. Complimentary on Saturday at the church hall. 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. bines all their contributions since the campaign’s incep- admission. For further information, please call 978-256- Armenian Pride Food Festival. Armenian Church at Hye tion. Deadline for first time supporters and for support- 7234, or email [email protected]. Pointe Hall, 110 Main St., Haverhill. Meal Choice of One: ers to increase their contribution is September 22. APRIL 16 — Saintly Women’s Day for the Parishes of Losh/Chicken/Kheyma, with pilaf, salad, and hot/cold Contributors are tax-deductible as allowed by law. All Massachusetts and Rhode Island, hosted by Holy Trinity garnish Additional children’s meal of hot dog & chips: supporters are invited. Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. This year, also available will be pastry, choereg, Armenian cheese, NOVEMBER 19 — Armenian Women’s Welfare we honor Saint Mary, the Holy Mother of God and cold drinks. Association will hold its 40th annual luncheon/auc- (Asdvadzadzin), Queen of Heaven. 10:15 a.m., Welcome MAY 7 — Experience Public Art! during ArtWeek Boston. tion. Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont St., Watertown. & Coffee; 11 a.m., Church Service;12 p.m., Lunch and Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, Boston. At 1 p.m. Details to follow. Program. Guest Speaker: Sr. Bridget Haase, OSU. - World Labyrinth Day: Walk As One At 1 Together with peo- DECEMBER 18 — Candlelit Labyrinth Peace Walk, Donation: $35 per person with RSVP deadline of April ple in cities and towns worldwide, walk the labyrinth at 1pm Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, Boston. 5-6:30 11. Reservations should be made through each parish’s joining this annual international initiative of The Labyrinth p.m. All are invited. Women’s Guild/Church group. For further information Society in collaboration with the Labyrinth Guild of New or to make individual reservations, please contact Cathy England and Friends of Armenian Heritage Park. For first-time ILLINOIS Minassian [email protected], or call walkers at 12:45pm, an Introduction to walking a labyrinth 617.947.1795. with Chiara Megighian Zenati, Certified Labyrinth Facilitator. APRIL 18 — Award-winning poet and critic Peter APRIL 17 — Erevan Choral Society Concert, “In At 1:30 pm - Reception to View The 2016 Configuration of Balakian will give a Center for Advanced Study (CAS)/ Commemoration of Our Sainted Martyrs of 1915 and the Abstract Sculpture Welcome: Nanore Barsoumian, Editor, MillerComm lecture on “The Armenian Genocide, Poetry Dedicated to His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian Armenian Weekly; Public Art: Lucas Cowan, Public Art of Witness, and Postmemory” at the Spurlock Museum of blessed memory.” Sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Curator, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy; Personal Auditorium at 4 p.m. University of Illinois at Urbana- Church, 2:30 p.m., Church Sanctuary, 145 Brattle St., Perspective: Alin Gregorian, Editor, Armenian Mirror Champaign. The event is free and open to the public and Cambridge. The Concert is under the direction of Spectator; Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports and hosted by The Initiative in Holocaust, Genocide, and Composer Konstantin Petrossian, Music Director and Eastern Lamejun Bakers. All are invited. Memory Studies. Co-sponsored by: Center for South Conductor. Guest Soloists are David Ayriyan, Kamancha, MAY 12 – Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater continued on next page S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Compassionate Piano Teacher Becomes an AUA Pillar

YEREVAN — Eleonore Aslanian, known as ed the well respected choir of the Evangelical considering she was also raising five children. life… The gift of education.” Elo in the Armenian Community of the Bay church of Tehran. In 1969, the family immigrated to the United Elo and Ed lived a very happy and fulfilling Area, was only 3 when her family moved from Elo was a sophomore in high school when States and settled in San Francisco. Always the life together, and always opened their home to Paris, France to Tehran, Iran. Her father, Aram, she met Edward Aslanian, her future husband. lifelong learner, Elo enrolled first in San family, friends and the community both on a a well-respected engineer, had received an invi- They were at a large gather- Francisco City personal and philanthropic levels. The tation from the Shah of Iran to modernize the ing and, despite being sur- College, then San American University of Armenia (AUA) has country’s dated infrastructure. Elo’s mother, rounded with many friends, Francisco State always been on Elo’s list of philanthropic giving Vartouhi, taught English and, thanks to her Ed immediately noticed the University to pur- since the University’s inception. She strongly hard work and diligence, gained respect as an young girl with the big eyes sue her master’s believes that every Armenian in diaspora educator in the community. Unfortunately, and gorgeous red hair and degree in humani- should participate in the effort of shaping the soon after their relocation, the family was was keen to find out who she ties and French futures of the next generation of leaders and thrown into a tailspin due to the untimely death was. They were introduced, literature. After entrepreneurs in Armenia. “Doing that through of Aram, at the age of 40. Vartouhi was now and the rest was a history. In successfully grad- AUA is the best path to choose,” says Elo. “The faced with the task of raising her children the beginning, Elo’s mother uating from the students at AUA are continually empowered alone. Though heartbroken, Vartouhi perse- was not too happy with the degree program, through knowledge and resources to affect real, vered and made sure her children lacked for attention that her daughter Elo started teach- substantive change in their own communities nothing, making education the upmost priority. was receiving from this young ing humanities at and become life-long learners. As a donor, I was City College of invited to one of the commencement cere- San Francisco monies at AUA years ago, and I was truly elat- and at West Valley ed to see the number of female students walk- College in ing down the aisle to receive their diplomas. Saratoga. Change is certainly happening in Armenia, and “Education has AUA has a pivotal role in making that change always been happen.” important for me In 2015, the 100 Pillars of AUA program was Elo and Ed Aslanian personally,” says launched with the intent to identify a select Elo, whom you group of 100 benefactors who would pledge to can find today as support the mission of AUA in the most funda- busy as ever, giving piano lessons at the age of mental way: through unrestricted giving that 91. “I was twelve years old, an advanced student will allow the growing institution address its at the Conservatory in Tehran, when I had my most pressing needs. That same year, Elo lost first student, Sophie, eager to learn to play the her beloved husband and embraced the oppor- piano. She was seven then, but very passionate tunity to honor his memory by naming him one and determined to excel.” of the 100 Pillars of AUA. Teary eyed, Elo Elo had lost contact with Sophie after she explained, “Ed always believed that education is had graduated from school. Some 20 years the key to success in one’s life. I would like his passed, and one day she received an invitation legacy to stay at AUA.” to attend a piano concert at the Roudaki Hall From her piano bench, Elo reflects on her Performing Art Center in Tehran. “It took me a wonderful life and all the joy that has been while to realize that it was Sophie, my first stu- brought to her. She is a remarkable woman and dent, that was performing. She had a German a truly inspirational individual. AUA is proud to last name now, and I could not make the con- welcome Edward and Elonore Aslanian, two nection initially, but I found out later she had lifelong supporters of education, the Bay Area married and moved to Europe. I could not wait! Armenian Community, and the nation of My Sophie was going to perform!” Armenia, to its list of 100 Pillars. The night of the concert Elo sat anxiously in For more information on the 100 Pillars of her seat awaiting the performance. “When AUA visit http://100pillars.aua.am/ . Sophie appeared on the stage, I was very emo- tional,” recalls Elo. She watched in awe as Sophie’s fingers, the same fingers of that child she remembered from long ago, delicately brushed the piano keys and produced a sound Armenia’s Ark of Music: graceful and elegant. The music enveloped the hall and left the audience speechless. As the Rediscovering a Hidden music swelled, so did Elo’s emotions. Treasure Mesmerized by her beautiful performance, Elo watched with baited breath until the final ARK, from page 14 note rung out. The applause went on and on. during the Armenian Genocide, witnessing bru- Sophie stood from her bench, took the micro- tal executions. Though he survived, he later Elo Aslanian phone and addressed the audience in a trem- experienced mental breakdowns that later may bling voice. “I would like to invite someone very have been recognized as post-traumatic stress special to this stage now,” she said as she disorder. Today, Komitas is considered a martyr Fueled by the same hard working attitude Armenian man from Russia, and was against approached Elo. “You were the first person that of the Genocide, and is greatly honored by mod- and love for education as her mother, Elo their marriage. Edward appealed to Vartouhi’s put my hands on the piano. This beautiful bou- ern Armenians. began to make a name for herself in the com- love of education and, after making numerous quet of flowers is for you, Eleonore. Please join Founder of FAMC, pianist Rollin Wilber com- munity. At the age of 13, together with eight promises that he would support Elo to contin- me up here.” mented: “When I heard Komitas’ music for the other older girls in the community, Elo was ue her education, he finally won her blessing Elo was stunned. “I raised from my seat with first time, introduced by an Armenian friend, I instrumental in launching “Hye Geen, and Vartouhi conceded to their union. mixed feelings — bewildered, overwhelmed, joy- was stunned at its haunting beauty, and greatly Armenian Woman,” a group still in existence Ed kept his promise and supported Elo as she ful — and walked up the stage to hold her in my moved by the commitment of this one man to that supports the mission of empowering continued her studies and received her diploma arms. Tears were flowing down our cheeks, but save his people’s music in the face of societal women as carriers of the Armenian cultural her- from the Conservatory of Music of Tehran with our eyes were smiling. The audience was still decline and ultimate genocide. Indeed, this itage. She directed a very successful high a dual major in voice and piano. Later on she applauding…It was truly one of the most emo- music lives on. Hence we entitled this very spe- school girls’ choir, which was supported by the then received her teaching credentials from the tional and gratifying moments in my life. I real- cial program Armenia’s Ark of Music.” sister of the Shah of Iran, and eventually direct- College of Tehran, an especially impressive feat ized then that I gave her the best gift in her Armenia’s Ark of Music will present Do-Lao,, a world premier especially written for this occa- sion by Canadian-Armenian composer Petros Shoujounian. Vocal works will be performed by Armenian-Canadian bass-baritone, Vartan Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Department of English, Directed by Krikor Satamian. Saturday, June 4th, at 8pm and Gabrielian (The Curtis Institute of Music), and Department of French and Italian, Department of Germanic Sunday, June 5th at 4pm at Oradell Elementary School, 350 Armenian soprano, Anush Avetisyan (AVA, resi- Languages and Literatures, Department of History, Department Propect Avenue Oradell, NJ 07649. Tickets: $35 & $50. For tick- dent artist). of Religion, European Union Center, Program in Comparative ets please call: Marie Zokian (201) 745-8850, Talar Sesetyan The concert is the first of an in-depth and World Literature, Program in Jewish Culture and Society, Sarafian 201-240-8541, or Missak Boghosian 212-819-0097. Armenian culture series that FAMC is commit- Spurlock Museum, The Future of Trauma and Memory Studies ted to continue in the 2016-2017 season, with Reading Group. RHODE ISLAND a performance-lecture seminar in the Fall, fol- lowed by Armenia’s Ark of Music, Part Two: NEW YORK APRIL 16 — Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, The SOURCE, dates to be posted shortly, with Providence, Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the new season schedule announcement. JUNE 4-5 — Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Mher “Legacy of our Martyrs,” Saturday at 7 p.m. Concert of Founded in 2010 by pianist, educator and Megerdchian Theatrical Group presents the AGBU Armenian Patriotic Songs Performed by the Armenian Chorale arts entrepreneur Rollin Wilber, FAMC pre- Satamian Theater Group from LA, in “Funny Money,” (in of Rhode Island, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. Fellowship- sents compelling concert programs in inti- Western Armenian). Written by Ray Cooney. Translated and Egavian Hall, following concert mate settings that allow close interaction with audience and musicians, in order to engage the listener’s mind and to share the potency of classical music with continual freshness of discovery. 18 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

COMMENTARY Mirror Karabagh Captures Headlines Again

piece of land in 1922 from Armenia and placed it under Azeri Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian rule, to win over Kemalist Turkey. Sifting through the profusion of news media, one wonders why this flare up is taking place now and by whose provocation. As of this writing, the ceasefire breach on the contact line The rhetoric, analyses and commentaries are confusing but continues, despite worldwide calls for cessation of hostilities. when we follow the news trends, we can make some headway. Although ceasefire violations since May 5, 1994 are daily occur- It is obvious that the sudden economic crisis in Azerbaijan, EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 rences in Karabagh, the one that began on Saturday, April 2, following the crash of oil prices globally, was one of the factors An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication was inordinate. to divert the focus of politics somewhere else, away from the In fact, it was a blitzkrieg by the Azeri forces to send messages deterioration of daily miseries of Azeri citizens. to their friends and foes. Two days after President Aliyev met However, on a broader scale, the flare up is the localized with Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington, who had reverberation of an emerging cold war, where Turkey can play a advised him for a peaceful settlement of the Karabagh conflict, surrogate role for NATO in encircling Russia. EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian the Azeri army launched a surprise attack on Karabagh There has been a standoff between Russia and Turkey after (Artsakh), in defiance of Kerry’s advice. the shooting down of the airplane in November 2015, with ASSISTANT EDITOR The scope and the magnitude of the attack on Artsakh were Ankara hiding behind the NATO shield, while Washington is Aram Arkun unusual, especially in terms of the armaments used. Moscow avoiding the topic. had assured Armenia that the flame-throwing arms sold to Mr. Erdogan is also betting on the outcome of the US presi- ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian Azerbaijan recently would not be used against Armenia and or dential elections, since all the candidates, on both sides of the Artsakh. Despite those assurances, Baku forces used the very isle are nurturing trigger-happy policies, the essential fuel to same weapons with impunity, resulting in scores of deaths. intensify the new cold war. Those assurances imply and reveal further the cynical fact that Ankara has consistently marked Armenia as a scapegoat in its Moscow collaborates with Baku on which weapons are to be war of words with Moscow. That consistent trend began when SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: used against Armenia and which ones not. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu blamed Selahattin Demirtas Edmond Y. Azadian The damages and the casualties are enormous. Statistics are for visiting Moscow to set up a Kurdish office in the Russian being spun and denied from both sides, and a war of words con- capital. CONTRIBUTORS: tinues louder that the bombs that are still falling on border vil- To justify the massive war against the PKK and the Kurdish Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun lages and strategic sites. population, Davutoglu put the blame on the Kurds for cozying Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana Despite the fact that President Erdogan of Turkey has con- up to the Russians “like Armenian gangs did during World War Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, gratulated his colleague in Baku, Ilham Aliyev, for his “victory,” I.” Next came Erdogan’s accusation that Russia was using Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, the results remain inconclusive or perhaps they mark the failure Armenia to fight NATO. Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian of the blitz. One fact has been proved incontrovertibly, that the Yournewswire.com reports on April 4 that according to CORRESPONDENTS: aggressors, once again, were the Azeris. Russian intelligence sources, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Every time there is a summit meeting between the presidents Erdogan has voiced concerns that Armenia, a nation with a pop- Boston - Nancy Kalajian of Armenia and Azerbaijan, it has been followed by violent clash- ulation of 3 million population, has become the “greatest threat Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian es at the contact line. This time around, although there were to world peace” and has vowed to “do something.” Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach speculations that Presidents Serge Sargisian and Ilham Aliyev The above report is corroborated by the statements Erdogan Contributing Photographers: would meet in Washington on the sidelines of the Nuclear made in a lecture at the Brookings Institute during his last trip Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian Security Summit, no such meet- ing took place but the violence erupted anyway. Both Aliyev and Erdogan The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published returned home from Washington weekly, except two weeks in July and the first crestfallen, despite the fact that week of the year, by: Aliyev had released 16 journalists Association, Inc. and political activists from jail, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 hoping to be rewarded by Telephone: 617-924-4420 President Obama with a face-to- FAX: 617-924-2887 face chat in Washington. The www.mirrorspectator.com most that Erdogan — as well as E-Mail: [email protected] Aliyev — got was a meeting with For advertising: [email protected] Vice President Joe Biden after being snubbed by the president. President Obama had support- ed Erdogan’s position after Turkey shot down a Russian mili- tary aircraft in November and SUBSCRIPTION RATES: after Erdogan began the mass slaughter of Kurds in the coun- try’s southeast, by stating, U.S.A. $80 a year “Turkey has the right to defend itself.” This time around, Obama Canada $125 a year shied away from his guest and did Other Countries $190 a year not seem happy with his repres- sive measures against Turkish journalists, academics and human rights activists. Also, he signaled © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator his displeasure over mass atroci- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA ties against the Kurdish popula- and additional mailing offices. tion. ISSN 0004-234X The Nagorno Karabagh conflict once again captured the news headlines with the renewed hos- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The tilities. Most of the information and analyses are rehashes of pre- to Washington, once again waving Armenia’s scarecrow and Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 vious statements. Many journalists, especially the investigate even resurrecting the specter of ASALA. The above report ends with a very explosive conclusion as it Other than the editorial, views and opinions journalists ironically, fail to do their homework and they resort expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily to the benign method of using and contrasting official news states: “And as to exactly why Erdogan, and his son, Bilal, who reflect the policies of the publisher. sources, especially when the story refers to a tiny enclave lost fund ISIS are intent on igniting a war in Nagorno Karabagh, is somewhere in the Caucasus Mountains. due to ongoing talks between Russia and the Obama regime to had a story of that nature by Andrew E. Kramer, in its April 3 coordinate their attack on the Turkish-supported Islamic State edition. capital of Raqqa (in northern Syria) which the US is preparing On the contrary, Al Jazeera carried quite an objective piece. for a massive increase of Special Forces troops to conduct and Copying for other than personal use or Traditionally, every time Al Jazeera has a news story or com- if successful — would destroy Turkey’s dream of Middle East internal reference is prohibited without mentary on the Genocide or any other Armenian issue, the con- dominance and cost them millions of dollars.” express permission of the copyright tent looks like a lecture by Prof. Ahmet Davutoglu. Not this As the news broke, calls for restraint were heard from almost owner. Address requests for reprints or time, though. The journalists were very knowledgeable and all capitals of the world. What was unusual was that Secretary back issues to: objective and did not buy into the Turkish-Azeri line of “terri- of State Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, had torial integrity.” The host of the program squarely blamed Stalin a phone consultation which was followed by their resolute call Baikar Association, Inc. for the fate of Karabagh, as the late dictator had amputated that continued on next page 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- 1509 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

a burning issue at all cost. warning for years about the risk of genocide threatening Certainly, Pres. Aliyev is increasingly frustrated by his Artsakh’s Armenians. Over the weekend, when Azeri soldiers inability to intimidate Armenians into giving up the territory temporarily took over the Talish village, just inside Artsakh’s of Artsakh despite Azerbaijan’s purchase of multi-billion dol- border, they not only executed an elderly Armenian couple, lars of modern weaponry. Aliyev is also distressed by his fail- but barbarically cut off their ears as souvenirs! Such sav- My Turn ure to use his country’s vast oil and gas resources as an agery, at a minimum, is a war crime under international law! inducement to pressure world leaders into supporting Just imagine what these brutal Azeri soldiers would have By Harut Sassounian Azerbaijan in the Artsakh conflict. As a result, the Baku dic- done if they had overrun the entire population of Artsakh. It tator has wasted huge amounts of his country’s wealth to would have been a bloodbath of immense proportion — a sec- bribe foreign officials and purchase expensive but ineffective ond Armenian Genocide! Armenians Should Do Everything weapons. Three firm conclusions should be drawn from the latest Possible To Ensure This is the Furthermore, as Azerbaijan’s father and son Presidential massive Azeri aggression: Dynasty, the Aliyevs have persistently threatened to attack 1) Artsakh Armenians can never go back to live under the Last Azeri Attack and “liberate the occupied territories of Karabagh” for over despotic rule of Azerbaijan, no matter how many times 20 years. Since they have cried wolf for far too long, very few Aliyev threatens or attacks. The world woke up last Saturday morning to the drum- Azeris take their president’s bravado talk too seriously. 2) Armenians should not just repel the Azeri forces, but beats of war from a large-scale assault by Azerbaijan on tiny Consequently, Aliyev has been desperate to take any and all inflict such massive destruction that Aliyev would never Artsakh (Karabagh). measures, no matter how reckless, to save face at home and again think of another attack. Already, thousands of volun- This was not a surprise attack! For many years, abroad! teers from all over Armenia have rushed to Artsakh’s Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has had the nasty habit It is important to understand the timing and motive of defense. Azerbaijan is aware that its multi-billion dollar oil of launching military attacks on the Republics of Armenia Aliyev’s aggressive behavior so that other countries are not fields and pipelines are in easy reach of Armenia’s long-range and Artsakh whenever international peace talks or Summit blamed for instigating these attacks which would only serve missiles! Meetings were being held. to shift attention from the only guilty party — Azerbaijan! 3) It is time to declare Artsakh an inseparable part of the Even a casual observer of this long-running conflict could However, there are other countries that have a share of the Republic of Armenia. On April 4, President Sargisian told for- have guessed that Azerbaijan would launch yet another blame: First among these is Erdogan’s Turkey for its direct eign ambassadors in Yerevan that if the hostilities continued attack during last weekend’s Nuclear Security Summit host- participation and support of Azerbaijan’s military misadven- and escalated, Armenia would “recognize Karabagh’s inde- ed by Pres. Obama and attended by 50 heads of state, includ- tures. The Minsk Group of mediators (France, Russia and pendence.” ing Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Some United States) are also guilty for remaining silent during pre- The brave people of Artsakh desperately need everyone’s observers were surprised by the large scale of the Azeri vious Azeri aggressions and blaming both sides each time moral, political and material support! The Armenia Artsakh attack which involved tanks, helicopters, missiles, and Azerbaijan attacked Armenia or Artsakh. The international Fund of Glendale, California, gratefully welcomes your con- drones. In fact, the scope of the assault should not have come community’s shameful silence and doubletalk routinely tributions to be able to ship urgently-needed millions of dol- as a surprise, given Azerbaijan’s technological escalation of equated the victimizer with the victim, thereby emboldening lars of medicines and medical supplies the Fund has already aggression in recent years. Aliyev’s sinister practice of timing the warmongering Aliyev! collected. Please send your tax-deductible donations to: military attacks with peace talks or international conferences One particularly horrifying episode during this latest Armenia Artsakh Fund, 1101 N. Pacific Ave., #204, Glendale, reflects his intensive efforts to keep the Artsakh conflict as attack validated the concern of all those who have been CA 91202. Email: [email protected]; phone:818-241-8900.

Karabagh Captures Headlines Again Build America Great Again from previous page Donald back when he was just the swollen-headed scion for immediate cessation of hostilities. However, in their joint of Fred Trump — a man who couldn’t even surpass Sam call, the two statesmen condemned the attempts by “certain By Garo Gumusyan LeFrak as King of all the Queens Slumlords. Make America external players” without identifying them. Great again? Don’t make Freddie laugh; he didn’t build Lavrov’s enigmatic announcement, following that joint On June 16, 2015 Donald Trump stood in his eponymous Donald’s inheritance by offering repairs. appeal, threw some confusion in the situation. He stated that midtown tower and, with his skin emanating a gilded orange But as a New York City-based architect there is, admit- Russia is not blaming Turkey for provoking the situation in glow normally found in the grease oozing from a 99-cent tedly, a certain resonance to Trump’s campaign slogan. It Karabagh and he continued, “I cannot judge what role Ankara pizza slice, declared his presidential candidacy. Stabbing the makes me think about the fact that, in a strictly architec- has played or not played or is continuing to play, but for the carrot stubs he calls fingers in the air he, for the first time, tural sense, America isn’t all that great. And that’s because sake of all parties concerned, and even for people in Turkey, it yelped the phrase that millions chant and millions more we can’t build anything anymore as a regulatory morass and would be more preferable if Ankara concentrated its efforts in whisper in secret: “Make America Great Again!” skills shortage have combined to erode our ability to effi- stopping its support to terrorism.” Of course, many more of us find his message to be vile ciently conceptualize and construct projects. We can realize that all fingers are pointing to Turkey, which and hollow. Particularly those of us who remember The see REGULATIONS, page 20 has the added incentive to provoke unrest in the neighborhood to divert the attention from the civil war it is waging in Eastern Turkey. Incidentally, the Kurdish leader Demirtas has blamed Erdogan and Davutoglu for the recent flare-up in Karabagh. As far as Armenia is concerned, there is one provocateur. LETTERS On April 3, during a meeting at the presidential palace in Yerevan with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ambassadors, President Sargisian Fr. Kazazian of Sts. Tarkmanchatz Responds to Azadian Commentary announced, “While the international community condemns the use of force in Nagorno Karabagh through words only, To The Editor: ful resolution to the issue. Hence, I paid one visit to Fr. Khat Turkey is the sole state that demonstrates indubitable sup- It was brought to my attention that Mr. Edmond Azadian in the year 2010, not three visits. port to Azerbaijan’s adventures. The announcements by has published an article in your newspaper entitled I have never recorded Fr. Khat’s voice. This is not true and Ankara before and after the developments, by which that “ Patriarchate Up for Grabs” (Mirror-Spectator, I expect a written apology from Mr. Azadian. country seems to compete with Azerbaijan on anti-Armenian April 2) about the recent events in the Armenian Patriarchate rhetoric, can create a new regional hot spot, the experience in Jerusalem. Upon reading the article, I was appalled by the The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is one of the pillars of of which has accumulated in the Middle East. All those who amount of misinformation included in the article. I will be journalism in the Armenian Diaspora. However the misinfor- once wished to see Turkey as a mediator in the Nagorno more than happy to share them in a separate letter. mation it published about Mr. Yezegelian’s case, including Karabagh conflict, realize today that the country having More striking to me were the allegations made against me. the false allegations against me in the editorial, can lead to adopted ‘blood related security’ approach must be kept away For many years, I have been following Mr. Azadian’s column diminishing its status. from the Karabagh settlement process.” in the Mirror-Spectator. Without any doubt, his contribution Rev. Fr. Norayr Kazazian, The president has also announced that if hostilities contin- has been immense in enlightening us about issues pertain- Dean of Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School of ue, Yerevan might recognize Arstakh’s independence. ing to the Armenian nation both in the diaspora and the Jerusalem President Sargisian is heading to Berlin, the heart of NATO, homeland. However, in his latest article, he makes grave to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel. The trip is significant accusations against me. As he admits in the article, his in its symbolism and content. Not postponing this long- source of information is Mr. Nahabed Melkonian from Los Edmond Azadian Responds planned trip indicates that the Armenian government is in con- Angeles. It is important to mention here that Mr. Melkonian I had no intention of hurting the good reputation of Rev. trol of the situation. The visit also affords the opportunity for in the past decade has launched an aggressive campaign Fr. Norayr Kazazian in my article “Jerusalem Patriarchate Armenia to elaborate on the effects in the region of continued against me as the principal of Sts. Tarkmanchatz School of Up for Grabs” (Mirror-Spectator, April 2). My concern was German support for Turkish aggression. Jerusalem, with the sole objective of defaming and distorting the reputation of the Patriarchate and the damage caused b In the meantime, war is continuing in Karabagh. Volunteers my reputation. When I visited Los Angeles with His the invasion of the “Israel Today” TV crew directed by him. are heading from Armenia to the frontlines to sacrifice them- Beatitude Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of He has not refuted it. As I had mentioned in the article, my selves for their homeland. Jerusalem, in November 2013, Mr. Melkonian approached me main source of information was Mr. Nahabed Melkonian, The diaspora Armenians cannot remain indifferent and con- with tears in his eyes and asked for my forgiveness about the whom I have found to be knowledgeable and reliable source tinue business as usual. There is a tremendous challenge to false accusations he had made against me. However when about Jerusalem. counter the Turkish-Azeri news and disinformation. Also, it is the recent events began in Jerusalem, he took the opportu- Contrary to Fr. Kazazian’s assertion, I have also consulted time for legislative action. The least that the Obama adminis- nity to attack me in public. It is frustrating that Mr. Azadian other sources. He has only refuted part of the information tration can do is to reactivate Article 907 of the Freedom has relied on Mr. Melkonian as his sole source of information included in the article. We are continuing to gather further Support Act to warn Baku. We need to sensitize our legislators without independently fact-checking his allegations. information regarding the issue to be published at a later and ask them to act. Here are some major exaggerations mentioned in the arti- date. This challenge does not involve any blood sacrifice on our cle about me: I am sorry for any damage caused inadvertently to Fr. part, which is being spilled in Armenia and which the volun- When the situation between Mr. Yezegelian and Fr. Khat Kazazian as it certainly was not intentional. As to the apolo- teers continue to provide. was deteriorating, I mediated between them to find a peace- gy, I refer it to Mr. Melkonian, if it is indeed warranted. 20 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 9 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Intense Clashes Erupt in Karabagh

NKR, from page 2 On the same date, it initiated an online action The Armenian National Committee of portal where supporters of Karabagh peace America (ANCA) on April 2 condemned the could contact US government officials. This was Azerbaijani attacks and regretted that paired with a social media effort urging US Secretary Kerry during his public remarks with leaders to stop Aliyev. Aliyev did not mention any American concerns Many American congressmen have reflected about the violence. The failure of the Obama the views of the Armenian-American populace. administration to confront Azerbaijani aggres- On April 4 Congressional Armenian Caucus Co- sion, the ANCA statement continued, “gave Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) declared: “I strong- ly condemn Azerbaijan’s escalation of hostilities against Nagorno Karabagh, and I join the Obama Administration in urging an immediate de- escalation of the conflict,” said Rep. Pallone. “President Aliyev contin- ues to defy international calls to reach a negotiated President of Armenia Serge Sargisian attended a prayer service at St. Gregory the Illuminator church settlement that will ensure on April 4, presided over by Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. a lasting peace in the region. It is unacceptable for Azerbaijan to continue than obscure the reality with allusions towards international monitoring of the Line of Contact, on its current belligerent even-handedness, I hope that the Obama admin- there is little chance of resolving the conflict path, and I urge the istration will continue to work with Nagorno- and avoiding further bloodshed.” President Serge Sargisian visited servicemen who have been wound- Obama Administration Karabagh and the OSCE Minsk Group to come House Foreign Affairs Committee Senior ed during the military actions on the NK line of contact at the Central and the OSCE Minsk to a peaceful resolution where Azerbaijan is Democrat Brad Sherman (D-CA) called Hospital of the Armenian Ministry of Defense. Group to demand account- held accountable for their actions.” Azerbaijan’s attacks “deeply disappointing.” He ability on the part of House Select Committee on Intelligence proposed that “US assistance to Azerbaijan be Azerbaijan and continue Ranking Democrat Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated cut off until it ceases its aggression, renounces Aliyev the green light to launch these attacks to work toward implementing proposals that he is “deeply disturbed by and condemns” the violence, and commits to a purely peaceful res- on Karabagh.” It demanded immediate action promote peace.” His Republican counterpart, escalation in violence, and concluded: “Until olution of the conflict.” instead to stop the attacks and ensure a lasting Rep. Bob Dold, concurred, saying: “Once again Azerbaijan faces strong and meaningful conse- (See the editorial in this issue on this topic peace with self-determination and freedom for we are reminded that Azerbaijan continues to quences over their policy of escalation and vio- on page 18.) the people of Karabagh. say one thing and do the exact opposite. Rather lence and its self-serving refusal to agree to — Aram Arkun

European counterparts in economy and efficiency? Why is Pataki, Eliot “George Fox” Spitzer or even a Cuomo but Build America it that an American architect has to put in twice the effort rather plaintiffs’ attorney and recently-deposed State of his European counterpart to reach the same result? Two Assembly Speaker Sheldon “Shelly” Silver. His sleazy reign culprits come to mind: mostly moved in silence as media indifference fed public apa- 1. Regulation: People all across the land still take solace thy. Great Again in Franklin Roosevelt’s declaration that “... the only thing It’s an environment where the public isn’t told, doesn’t we have to fear is fear itself.” Well, everyone except know and worse, doesn’t care about their government’s role REGULATIONS, from page 19 American architects who quake in their Salvatore in carelessly inflating the cost of living. Which leaves us with The list of grand American civic projects in recent times is Ferragamos at the thought of being sued for errors, omis- a city where the blocks blur together like rest stops on a god- shorter than the seven-line extension. And what few there sions, negligence, accidents, tripping hazards, or non-com- forsaken interstate as only chains like Dunkin’ Donuts, are, like the Bay Bridge’s Eastern Span, Santiago pliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or any num- Chase Bank, Rite Aid and Subway sandwiches can afford to Calatrava’s “Stegosaurus” WTC Hub, the Second Avenue ber of regulatory agencies and their respective building set up shop. After all, it doesn’t take much aesthetic adroit- Subway, Boston’s Big Dig, Denver International Airport, the codes, fire codes and zoning regulations. ness to build yet another Chipotle. Expo Line extension to Santa Monica, LA’s 405 widening For example, if this project were on neighboring Madison 2. Education: When Ohio State’s star quarterback Cardale through the Sepulveda Pass, New Orleans’ new flood barri- Avenue rather than on Fifth, then it would need the Jones tweeted “we ain’t come here to play school,” the ers, and Seattle’s Alaska Way Tunnel, have, or will, arrive Landmark Preservation Commission’s approval in addition sports media snickered. But Jones unwittingly spoke a pro- years overdue, half-baked in execution, and stupendously to the Building Department’s. And, let’s say that the client found truth about modern higher education. Never before over-budget. wished to add decorative sidewalk planters. Well, that little have so many Americans been enrolled in college yet never And this construction stultification manifests itself across bit of green on a concrete canyon would require the before have so many been granted such worthless degrees. the architectural spectrum from our most ambitious approval of no less than the Department of Transportation, There are only so many jobs ghostwriting tweets for megaprojects down to everyday ones. This hit home for me the DOT’s Revocable Consent Division, the New York City Wendy’s or writing breathless press releases about an “awe- when I worked on a since-shuttered jewelry store that stood Design Commission, the Parks Department, the Community somely artisanal hand-crafted” gastropub menu to go only a few feet from where Trump squinted his beady eyes Board, the district’s City Council member. It’s no wonder around for all those graduating with liberal arts degrees. out toward the hinterlands on that June day. that architects think that Terry Gilliam’s Brazil is a docu- As a society we’ve put so much emphasis on the tradi- The Trump Tower jewelry store’s construction was a col- mentary. tional four-year liberal arts degree that we’ve made a career laboration between my firm and a group of French archi- James Brown spoke the truth about a lot of things in life, in the trades seem as anathema as walking in the suburbs. tects. As plans progressed, the client asked my firm and our but who knew that he also spoke gospel about New York As such, the U.S. trails the United Kingdom, France, and French counterparts to prepare separate construction draw- City construction? Because if you want to build in this town Germany in trade apprenticeships on a per capita level. ings for bidding on the millwork and showcases; one for you’ve got to “Pay the Costs to be the Boss.” Which in due course leaves us trailing Europe in crafts- local contractors and another for French ones. A 2005 NYU study confirmed the truth spoken by the manship quality. But it would have taken the most discerning professional Godfather of Soul in finding that per-square-footage con- So what’s being done to meet the needs of a construction eye to tell that the two sets of drawings were for the same struction costs are significantly higher than in other major industry whose employment ranks will swell by 10 percent project. Our drawings, for New York City-area contractors, cities. And it’s not just Manhattan — for example the study over the next eight years? President Obama launched a $100 reflected the laborious and painstaking process of detailing showed that a 15-story apartment building costs as much as million vocation education program to promote training and and dimensioning every nut and bolt. Moreover, we showed $8 million more to build in The Bronx than in Dallas. apprenticeships. In speaking about the program Vice how it should all be assembled with additional half-or-full Every facet of construction costs more in de Blasio-burg President Joe Biden added, “The middle-class is beginning to size construction details. Once done, we also added myriad than in the rest of the country. But while it’s somewhat shrink...[Community colleges are] the best, most direct notes to protect ourselves against liability for all sorts of understandable that certain hard costs like materials are ris- avenue to the middle-class for those who are struggling and things that could go wrong all while warning the contrac- ing it’s harder to rationalize the skyrocketing costs of less those who are in the middle-class. Through training at a tors of the dire consequences of straying from our specific tangible costs. For example, The Real Deal estimated community college folks can transition to become welders, drawings. that construction insurance premiums doubled between truckers, [and] pipefitters.” Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg The French faced none of this stress. All they had to do 2009 and 2014 and now comprise as much as 10 percent of put it more bluntly, saying, “[t]oday, if your kid wants to go was prepare a single, simple drawing prepared in only one an average project’s budget. to college or become a plumber, you’ve got to think long and scale that showed the basic dimensions and finishes. And New York’s government isn’t any kind of ally. As the hard.” So even with a more expensive Euro, and with the addi- NYU study wryly noted, “The Buildings Department is still Deregulation and Education. It’s a simple formula for a tional transportation and insurance costs, our client one of the major drivers of the high cost of housing in New better-built America. With it, there can come a day when thought that he’d come out ahead with the French con- York City, rather than an agency dedicated to reducing clients like mine at the Trump Tower will be comfortable in tractors. expense and facilitating development.” Then there are taxes. the knowledge that we can manufacture a product of the He was right. Steven Malanga of the City Journal observes, “a hypotheti- highest quality and craftsmanship in this country to match The French bids were lower and so it happened that all cal New York apartment building, going up on a plot of land and hopefully surpass France or anywhere in Europe, and the showcases, millwork and woodwork were manufactured bought for, say, $5 million, real-estate, mortgage, and sales that two sets of drawings will not be required to test it. in France. Then they were shipped over where they ironi- taxes would add $1.6 million to the development price tag.” cally passed the Statute of Liberty en route to Port Newark With the deck so stacked against economical construction (Garo Gumusyan is a founding partner of GGA before final assembly on-site in Manhattan. it should come as no surprise that the New York’s most pow- Architecture PLLC in New York City. This commentary How did we come to this? How have we fallen behind our erful politician over the past 30 years wasn’t George “0.0%“ original appeared in Huffington Post.)