JUNE 21, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 48, Issue 4342 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Syrian Forces Armenian Mirror- Armenian Matteo Darmian Plays Spectator Annual Retake Kessab For Italy’s World Cup Team Summer Break WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror- By Nabih Bulos SAO PAOLO, Brazil — Spectator will close for two weeks in July as Italian defender Matteo part of its annual summer break. Darmian, of Armenian The last issue published before the vacation DAMASCUS (Los Angeles Times) — descent, is one of the will be the June 28 issue, and the first edition Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar breakout stars of the back would be that of July 19. Assad overran rebel positions in an Italian World Cup team. Armenian border town in northern Syria Darmian was born in on Sunday after months of fighting, accord - the northern Italian town ing to activists and the government. of Legnano. He plays for Armenian Church, The Syrian Observatory for Human Turin now. He caught the Cemetery Desecrated in eye of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli during a great Van season with the Turin club and was invited to a ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Many Armenian his - national team training torical monuments in Turkey continue to be des - camp in March 2014, the ecrated by treasure hunters who are looking for prelude to his appearance gold left by the Armenians near each Armenian in the coach’s 23-man list monument. The Turkish bestanuce1.com site for Brazil 2014. reported that the old Armenian church and He has thus far won cemetery in the Edremit district (Artamet) of Van Syrian fighters raise their hands after seizing raves for his appearance have become regular targets of treasure seekers. the predominantly Armenian Christian town As a result of digging in the cemetery, the bones of Kessab, Syria. (Associated Press) in the game against England. Italy is to face of the Armenians are now spread around. Stray Costa Rica on June 20 dogs carry the bones to residential areas. Resident Rights, a pro-opposition, Britain-based and Uruguay on June 24. Yusuf Cicek said that since the church and ceme - watchdog with a network of activists on the tery are not protected by any institution, day by day ground, reported that fighters from the they are getting closer to final destruction. Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah The representative of the Regional Council of as well as special forces units from the Protection of Cultural Property in Van refused to Syrian army were able to seize control of comment on the issue. the town of Kessab on the Syrian-Turkish Islamic Terrorist Group Attacks border after clashes with Islamist brigades that included the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Two More Armenians Front. Holy Echmiadzin Church in Mosul Die, Many Injured in Syrian state media confirmed the report, saying pro-government forces “restored MOSUL, Iraq (Asbarez) — The jihadist ISIS has pounded cities and towns in Aleppo security and stability to Kessab,” adding group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Iraq and has announced plans to invade that large numbers of armed opponents which has been systematically attacking — Baghdad, in what is becoming a serious ALEPPO, Syria (Armenpress) — On June 16, in were killed and their weaponry destroyed. and invading — key cities in Iraq, attacked threat by the Al Qaeda-backed militant the Sebil neighborhood of Aleppo, an Armenian The report said the area was being cleared the Holy Echmiadzin Armenian Church in group. woman died from mortar shrapnel. According to of land mines. Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, according The Archbishop of the Armenian Prelacy Aleppo’s news office, she was Seda Basmajyan, Pro-government forces and rebel factions to the religious leader of the Armenian reported that 15,000 to 16,000 Armenian 72. She was laid to rest the following day. have been fighting for control of the coun - community of nearby Dohuk, Rev. Massis Christians remained in the country, primari - On June 17, Vrej Chapaghjurian was killed try for over three years, plunging Syria into Shahinyan. ly in the cities of Baghdad, Basrah, Kirkuk when the New Village district of the city became a vicious civil war that has killed more than On Tuesday, 65 Armenian families and a and Mosul. Evangelical Christians reported - the target of missiles. Several others were 160,000 people and destroyed large swaths priest in Mosul were forced out of the city ly number between 5,000 and 6,000. They wounded. of the country. after ISIS militants raided and took control can be found in the northern part of the During the last two months, dozens of see KESSAB, page 3 of Iraq’s second largest city. country, as well as in Baghdad, with a very Armenians have been injured or killed in Aleppo. small number residing in Basrah. The situation has rapidly deteriorated, in partic - Christian leaders have estimated that as ular, in the Armenian New Village district, since much as 50 percent of the country’s the first days of June. The terrorist groups, many New UN Ambassador Feted by TCA Group Christian population lives in Baghdad, and of which are based in Turkey, have showered the 30 to 40 percent live in the north, with the city with rockets and bombs. The rockets fallen NEW YORK — Members of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) Greater New largest Christian communities located in and in the Armenian New Village district, besides the York Chapter Executive Committee met on Tuesday, June 17, with the new repre - human damage, have caused terrible material sentative of Armenia at the United Nations, Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, at damage. The New Village district is today an area the Armenian Permanent Mission offices. The chairman of the TCA New York chap - of disaster and ruins. ter, Hagop Vartivarian, at a reception which followed at the Morgan Library, offered During the three-year conflict in Syria, the the support of the TCA to the ambassador. Pictured below, from left, are Dr. number of the killed Armenians is over 100. Vaghenag Tarpinian, Shoghig Chalian, Vartivarian, Mnatsakanyan, Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian and Sirvart Demirjian. INSI DE Holy Echmiadzin Church in Mosul Ship around Mosul, Erbil, Dohuk, and Kirkuk. Leaders of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party Shape (PKK), who are based in the Qandil Mountains in Northern Iraq, have issued a statement saying that its armed units were Page 5 prepared to resist attacks by the ISIS forces and will guarantee safe passage to Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Armenians who live in Northern Iraq and are fleeing their homes. INDEX The leadership of the autonomous Arts and Living ...... 10 Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq is Armenia ...... 2 deploying a large number of Peshmerga Community News...... 5 military units — which form the country’s Editorial ...... 14 armed forces — ahead of the ISIS militants. International ...... 3,4 The PKK militants are coordinating efforts with Peshmergas. 2 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia From Denmark with Love: Meet Line (and Tatevik) YEREVAN, Armenia – Line Knudsen doesn’t have a single drop of Armenia blood. So what could possibly make her Three Charged with want to volunteer in Armenia — not once, but twice? Her childhood friend, Smuggling Armenian Tatevik Revazian. Nationals Into US Knudsen, 24, and Revazian grew up in the same neighborhood of Kastrup, LOS ANGELES (Hetq) — A Los Angeles man was just outside Copenhagen, and became arraigned in a San Diego federal court on best friends. Through Revazian, Monday for allegedly masterminding a scheme Knudsen discovered more than all through which Armenian nationals were smuggled things Armenian; she discovered a to the United States via Russia and Mexico. Grigor Chatalyan, 44, along with two Armenians from Glendale, are said to have charged up to $18,000 per person according to the indictment unsealed this morning. Line Knudsen at one of her AVC volunteer placements at Ghoghanj Children’s Center Chatalyan’s group allegedly arranged for the Armenian nationals to fly to Moscow, where they were given fraudulent Russian passports to travel sites and savoring the wonderful hospi - AmStream.net, whose mission is to cre - to Cancun, Mexico. Once there, they would be tality and foods. At the end of that trip ate an innovative pipeline for streaming taken to Tijuana, court documents state. Knudsen promised herself that she opportunities and principles between Chatalyan and his co-conspirators would procure would definitely return, but for longer Armenia and Scandinavia in the fields the next time. Knudsen did just that in of business, education, science and cul - valid US permanent-resident cards or passports Line Knudsen and Tatevik Revazian from within the United States and try to use those grew up together in the same neighbor - 2011. She came to Armenia for three ture. And of course Knudsen has been documents to pass Armenian nationals into the hood of Kastrup and have been friends months as a volunteer with the an active member of that organization United States at the San Ysidro port of entry. ever since Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC). She from the outset. was just starting her social work studies Flash forward to 2014. Knudsen is at the time and she said the different nearing the end of her studies and can Rape Victim Supporters burning interest in learning more; she experiences she had as a volunteer in now do an internship abroad — and she Demonstrate Outside dreamed of visiting Armenia, a country Armenia inspired her, enabling her to has chosen to return to Armenia with most Danes had never even heard of decide on the specifics of her studies. AVC. Her next “big Armenia experi - Presidential Office in until this year’s Eurovision contest; she They also helped her discover her self- ence”, as she calls it, will center on her even dreamed of learning the language. reliance and determination, and hone professional internship as a social work - Yerevan In 2008, Knudsen’s dream came her openness and flexibility. And she er working with special needs children; true. She came to Armenia with got to study Armenian together with it will be an opportunity for her to gain YEREVAN (Hetq) — Members of the Coalition to Revazian and her family and had a very other AVC and Birthright Armenia vol - some valuable real experience in her Stop Violence Against Women assembled outside personally rewarding experience that unteers. field. the office of the Armenian president this week, included lots of sightseeing, but also Back in Denmark, Revazian, a busi - But knowing Knudsen, it will most demanding a free and fair trial for a 28-year-old lots of time spent with Revazian’s ness school graduate, had a vision of certainly be so much more. woman beaten and raped in the Valencia Hotel in extended family; she delighted in connecting Armenia to Scandinavia. [For more information, visit Yerevan. exploring beautiful natural and historic She founded a new organization, www.armenianvolunteer.org] The case had been dropped several times due to the fact that the man accused of the crime was a friend of the investigator examining the case. Holding signs reading “We demand an impartial trial” and “Police inaction grows regarding Ashot Chilingarian’s Accomplishments Celebrated instances of sexual violence,” the crowd of local and foreign citizens directed their ire at the presi- NOR AMBERT RESEARCH STA - of physics, mathematics, and neural net - such as the International Science and dential office across the street. TION, Mt. Aragats, Armenia — Within works, but he stressed Chilingarian’s Technology Center (ISTC), the A letter of complaint was handed to an official the international physics community organizational ability and his support of International Technology and Science from the president’s office who promised to pass it significant accomplishments of famous bright young Armenian students, some foundation (INTAS) and other sources. on to President Serge Sargisian. scientists are often recognized in sym - of whom were in the audience. He is the author of the ANI (Analysis The demonstrators then marched to the posiums honoring them. On Tuesday, The next speaker, Dr. Hartmut and Nonparametric Inference) computer Prosecutor General’s Office and demanded to see May 20, a symposium at the Nor Gemmeke, who recently retired from the code library, which has been extensively Prosecutor General Gevorg Kostanyan. Employees Ambert research station on Mt. Aragats Forshchum Centrum physics institute in used by the international cosmic ray there promised to arrange a meeting in a few days. commemorated Prof. Ashot Karlsruhe, Germany, related early collab - physics community during the last few The attorney for the rape victim lodged a legal Chilingarian’s decades of achievement. orations with Chilingarian when he decades for multidimensional analysis of complaint with Armenia’s Court of Cassation. Chilingarian is the director of the (Gemmeke) was a post-doctoral scholar. data from modern cosmic ray detectors. Yerevan Physics Institute (YerPhI) and He cited Chilingarian’s contributions to He also introduced the “multidimension - head of its Cosmic Ray Division (CRD). space weather research. He concluded al nonlinear cuts” method for analyzing Truck Driver Arrested in Dr. Razmik Mirzoyan of the Max with a couple of poems he authored data from the Atmospheric Cherenkov Planck Institute in Germany opened the about Chilingarian’s career. Telescopes (ACT) and event-by-event Armenia’s Largest Drug symposium and introduced Dr. Mirzoyan concluded the talks with a analysis for Extensive Air Shower exper - Bust Pleads Not Guilty Johannes Knapp, astrophysicist from description of the development of iments. The Data Visualization the University of Leeds in England and Cherenkov Radiation telescopes and the Interactive Network (DVIN) was devel - YEREVAN (Hetq) — Georgian citizen Avtandil DESY in Germany. Dr. Knapp chroni - contributions Chilingarian has made to oped under his supervision. This project Martiashvili, arrested in the largest drug bust ever won a UN World Summit on Information in Armenia, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of Society award in Geneva in 2003. transporting contraband. He is the founder of the Aragats Martiashvili was arrested on January 17 of this Space Environmental Center (ASEC) year when Armenian customs officials at Meghri and the Space Environmental Viewing found 927.5 kilograms of heroin in a truck he was and Analysis Network (SEVAN), multi - driving. Examiners later stated that the actual national scientific collaborations let by quantity was found to be 850 kilos. Armenia. In turn Prof. Chilingarian is The truck was on a scheduled run from Iran to Armenia’s representative in other inter - Georgia. national collaborations such as the Martiashvili’s lawyer, Gourgen Madoyan, told world wide neutron detector network Hetq that his client had nothing to do with the led by Japan, The Space Weather drugs and that the man was basically “in the wrong Initiative led by NASA, the spot at the wrong time.” International Commission on Space A Turkish citizen, Osman Ogurlu, was arrested Research (COSPAR) and many others. several days later in Yerevan as an accomplice. Other guests at the symposium and Ogurlu heads Hovo Logistica, a company that had the subsequent dinner honoring Chilingarian included Dr. Bruce leased the truck in question. From left, Dr. Razmik Mirzoyan from the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics in Munich, The truck in which the drugs were hidden was Germany; Dr. Hartmut Gemmeke from the Forshchum Centrum Physics Institute in Boghosian, a physicist from Tufts registered to a cargo company. Karlsruhe, Germany; Prof. Ashot Chilingarian, director of the Yerevan Physics University who is concluding his fourth Madoyan said his client was shocked and sur- Institute; and Dr. Johannes Knapp, astrophysicist from the University of Leeds in year as president of the American prised when the heroin was found in a secret com- England and DESY in Germany University of Armenia, Dr. Michel partment in the truck. The lawyer added that if the Davudian from France and the presi - case goes to trial he is certain that no evidence will dent and CEO of OZONE internet ser - be brought to contradict his client’s testimony. cled Prof. Chilingarian’s career from his this technology. Mirzoyan is the chair - vice company in the Shirak Marz, and The police rejected the lawyer’s motion to have first published paper in 1975 to his man of the MAGIC collaboration for a founders of the Support Committee for his client freed from pre-trial detention. appointment as head of the CRD in large telescope in the Canary Islands. Armenia’s Cosmic Ray Division Anahid 1993 and, 11 years later, to the direc - Chilingarian has more than 380 sci - Yeremian and Joseph Dagdigian. torship of the entire physics institute. entific publications and has won more Besides YerPhI staff members, also in Not only did Dr. Knapp iterate many of than 20 research grants totaling more attendance were graduate students Chilingarian’s contributions in the fields than $2.5 million from foundations studying at CRD. S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Turkey’s Interior Minister Fails to International News Impress in Washington Address Russian FM in Azerbaijan to Discuss WASHINGTON (Today’s Zaman) — Turkish, is often a subject of social Gülen movement as a scapegoat for its Regional, International Turkey’s Interior Minister Efkan Ala, a media jokes. wrongdoings. The Turkish government bureaucrat believed to be the leading “I hope there is someone who is has adopted a series of laws this year, Agenda figure in containing a recent corrup - translating Ala’s remarks into such as an education law that restricts tion scandal and in implementing a Turkish,” a US-based Turkish journal - the freedom of entrepreneurship, a law BAKU (Voice of Russia) — Russian Foreign number of the government’s anti-demo - ist tweeted while another user said: that puts the judiciary under govern - Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived here on Tuesday, for cratic practices, delivered a speech on “Efkan Ala is said to be haranguing ment’s tight control and a law that talks that will address bilateral relations, Caspian Turkish domestic politics in American democracy, transparency, grants wide powers to Turkey’s spy issues and the prospects for settling the conflict Washington, D.C., on Monday, eliciting etc., in Washington. I missed the fun agency. Erdogan’s government also over Nagorno-Karabagh. laughter among the largely American party.” recently blocked access to YouTube, “The foreign ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan audience. “I don’t believe in a single word he is Twitter and Google+ as part of a wider intend to discuss key aspects of the regional and In what was believed to be a move to saying,” an American participant said crackdown on the media, a restriction international agenda. Attention will also be paid to polish the government’s sinking image following the minister’s speech, while that was later lifted by courts. the Caspian issue in light of laying the groundwork in Washington, a claim raised by another audience member described On media freedom, Ala said the for the 4th Caspian summit in Astrakhan. The agen- numerous Turkey-watchers during a the whole event as a “sham.” Many reported number of journalists who da for the negotiations includes problems sur- day-long conference organized by the who spoke to Today’s Zaman agreed are incarcerated is an exaggeration, rounding the Nagorno-Karabagh settlement Middle East Institute, Ala stood before that if the minister’s speech had been and he defended media freedom in the process with a focus on the need to unblock the academics, the policy community and designed as a “PR campaign” then it country. Freedom House recently list - current situation and reach specific agreements,” journalists in Washington to convince was a “total failure.” ed Turkey as a “Not Free” country in the Russian Foreign Ministry reported. them that the ruling Justice and Ala is in Washington to hold high- its annual press freedom ranking, Azerbaijan is Russia’s important strategic part- Development Party (AK Party) is on level talks with US officials on security prompting a smear campaign from pro- ner in Transcaucasia and the Caspian region, the the right course toward what he said is cooperation. Agenda items that offi - government newspapers about the ministry said, praising the Azeri leadership’s “con- an “open society.” cials from both countries will discuss Washington-based think tank and its sistent policies” aimed at further promoting mutu- “It sounded like an election cam - have not yet been made public, but a president. Ala said that press freedom ally beneficial cooperation with Moscow. paign,” an analyst at a Washington- whistleblower said on Twitter that Ala might not be perfect in Turkey, but he “The working visit by the Russia’s President based think tank remarked on the min - flew to the American capital to com - put the blame on what he called “sta - Vladimir Putin to the Republic of Azerbaijan on ister’s speech about Turkey’s current plain about sympathizers of the Gülen tus quo forces,” referring to the Gülen August 13, 2013 gave a powerful impetus to dynamics. The interior minister, who movement living in the US. movement. Russian-Azeri relations,” it said. was earlier caught on tape demanding The Gülen movement and the gov - Many Turkish journalists filled the a prosecutor arrest a prominent critical ernment of Erdogan are at odds after room so they could ask the minister Matthew Bryza journalist without a court order having the prime minister targeted the faith- questions, but the question-and-answer been issued, presented the ruling AK based movement during his election session was strictly moderated. ‘Attacked’ in Baku Party as a political force that has been campaigns, accusing it of mastermind - President of the Middle East Institute, under constant fire by “status quo ing a conspiracy against his authority Ambassador Wendy Chamberlain, who BAKU (Armenpress) — Matthew Bryza’s speech forces.” He even acknowledged several “with global links.” Erdogan earlier was moderating the minister’s speech, on the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict at the NATO coup plots by army officers against his said in a televised interview that US said “we’re out of time” and took only Parliamentary Assembly seminar in Baku has government in the past, which stood in President Barack Obama told him the two questions. Though dozens of angered his Azeri hosts. Although in his speech, stark contrast to a government narra - “message is delivered” when he asked hands were raised, she made a quick the former co-chair of the Organization for tive that there have been conspiracies that the US extradite Islamic scholar survey or the audience members Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk against the army. Fethullah Gülen, who inspired the before selecting those who could ask Group and the former acting US Ambassador to He argued that the ruling party has movement and who has been living in questions. One of the participants even Azerbaijan gave a neutral assessments of the a good record of democratization and a rural Pennsylvania town since 1999. asked a question about Turkish foreign Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and its current state. pro-freedom reforms, adding that it is The White House denied Erdogan’s policy. It was not immediately clear if The Azerbaijani government, through the APA determined to move forward to build a remarks attributed to Obama and the the participants who had been given a Agency, has expressed its objections. “consolidated democracy.” He spoke at US president, who earlier called the chance to ask questions were selected Bryza said in his speech that the presidents of length on how the support base of his prime minister a “good friend of mine,” before the speech. The moderator Armenia and Azerbaijan must establish the neces- government increased during the was reported to be forwarding refused to hear questions from other sary level of mutual trust in order to achieve set- course of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s phone calls to Vice audience members and journalists. tlement and compromise in the Nagorno-Karabagh Erdogan’s tenure, in a show of President Joe Biden. It was not clear if conflict. approval of Turkish authorities’ popu - the interior minister would talk about Noting that after many years of the Minsk lar social policies. Ala left criticisms the possibility of extraditing Gülen to Group’s activities the conflict still remains unre- that the government is rapidly moving Turkey. Extradition processes from the Monaco’s Prince solved, Bryza said: “We must continue to work to away from democracy unanswered. US are usually painful and long and reduce the likelihood of a military solution to the Previously the undersecretary at the there must be an ongoing case against Albert Is Fan of conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh.” Prime Ministry, Ala is known by the suspects in question. The accusations public as the bureaucrat who orga - against the suspect must also be con - Soprano Papian, Liverpool Is Interested nized most of the anti-democratic prac - sidered a crime under US law. tices of the government to contain the Although Ala didn’t talk about his Armenian Culture In Yura Movsisyan corruption scandal — from removing government’s unease over Gülen’s resi - MOSCOW (Armenpress) — The Liverpool football members of the police and judiciary to dency in the US, he did complain about MONTE CARLO, Monaco (soccer) club is in talks for the transfer of demanding a prosecutor “break down the “parallel structure,” a euphemism (Armenpress) — Armenian soprano Armenia’s national football team striker Yura the door of journalist Mehmet Baransu constructed by Erdogan in December Hasmik Papian wrote on her Facebook Movsisyan. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is said and arrest him” without a court order. last year to describe the Gülen move - page this week that after the premiere to be entering talks with the agent of Spartak As photos of Ala speaking in ment. Government officials who of the opera “Norma” in this city, Moscow striker this weekend. Washington surfaced on Twitter, social acknowledge a setback in freedoms Monaco’s Prince Albert talked with Rodgers has been keeping an eye on the 26-year- media lit up across Turkey, with many often justify most of the government’s admiration about the history and cul - old over the course of the season and has been mocking the government decision to recent anti-democratic actions, includ - ture of Armenia the whole evening. impressed with his form after bagging 20 goals in send Washington “the worst minister” ing thousands of public reassignments, “During the whole evening he was 35 matches for Spartak over the last 18 months. in its image-making move. Ala, who has by blaming the Gülen movement. Some talking about Armenia’s history, culture Movsisyan has also been impressing on the inter- difficulty speaking coherently even in observers accuse Ankara of using the and his Armenian friends. He knew so national stage with Armenia, too, and it is there much about our country... it was that Rodgers first noticed him while scouting extremely impressive...,” she wrote on Henrikh Mkhitaryan last summer. facebook. The two were dining at a However, Rodgers will have to act fast as he is reception after the opera. not the only one showing an interest in landing Syrian Forces Retake Kessab Papian, who was born in Armenia, is Movsisyan. The striker was expected to lead the based in Vienna, Austria. Her husband line for his country on Friday in a friendly against KESSAB, from page 1 try’s Sunni majority. is Konrad Kuhn, a dramaturge working German side Mainz, and there will be a significant Kessab, a once-tranquil hamlet of The rebel campaign to control for various European theaters. number of scouts in attendance. 2,500 people, mostly Armenians, was Kessab was at the center of the furor, Movsisyan himself knows that he is in high the target last March of a large-scale as pro-government media warned of an demand by saying: “I’ve heard there may be some strike by Syrian guerrillas who surged impending genocide perpetrated by interested teams in England and Germany, let’s see across the Turkish border to seize the Islamist fighters against the town’s if that is serious or not. town and establish a presence in the Armenian population, while opposition “I’ve proven I can score goals wherever I have mountainous region of Latakia leaders worked hard to dispel rumors played and I have been lucky to do so again this province, a government stronghold and of mistreatment. It became a cause year with Spartak.“If an offer is made for me, I home to President Assad and his ultra- célèbre with figures including Kim can’t control the outcome. Spartak know my ambi- loyalist Alawite minority sect. Kardashian, the Armenian American tion and all parties need to be satisfied. Either way, Many Alawite commanders hold key reality-show star, who exhorted her fol - I want success on the field.” roles in Assad’s military and security lowers on Twitters to “get this trend - apparatus. Their disproportionate con - ing” and join the #SaveKessab hashtag Soprano Hasmik Papian with Prince trol of the country’s resources fueled campaign. Albert of Monaco in Monte Carlo much of the resentment in the coun - (Bulos is a special correspondent.) 4 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL The Corleones of the Caspian: How Azerbaijan’s dictator woos the United States and Europe

BAKU (Washington Business Journal) — trading at high premiums again, as whole withdrawal from Afghanistan later this year. Vladimir Putin’s attempts to “re-Sovietize On October 9, 2012, the American sub - swaths of Congress, beholden to a libertar - The second is that its oil boom, which the region,” as then US Secretary of State sidiary of the State Oil Company of the ian or Tea Party ideology, view human caused Azerbaijan’s GDP to grow tenfold Hillary Clinton memorably characterized the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) purchased a rights as, at best, an afterthought of the from 2001 to 2011, is a necessary counter - Russian-conceived customs union, entry into five-story, 23,232- square-foot mansion in the national interest or, at worst, as an incon - weight for diversifying Europe’s energy con - which has sparked a political crisis in heart of Washington, DC, for the purposes of venience that America can ill afford in the sumption and putting an end to Russia’s Ukraine. So as the United States goes look - “expand[ing] its operations in the United 21st century. monopolistic and bullying tactics, the nadir ing for as many friends as it can find in the States.” Oil is the one thing Azerbaijan has But SOCAR USA’s tony new address also of which were its “gas wars” with Ukraine post-Soviet world — especially those with plenty of, and it’s the one thing the United underscores the quiet success of one of the and Belarus. Almost all of Azerbaijan’s energy resources — Baku’s influence in States is most interested in, so SOCAR’s most energetic and free-spending foreign exports in 2011 were in oil and petroleum Washington is only poised to grow. “operations” are bound to be extensive. lobbies in American and European politics products. The so-called Southern Gas And if the West is ever ungrateful or unre - Given the money at stake, the mansion’s — that of the regime headed by Azerbaijani Corridor, a pipeline rival to Russia’s Nord ceptive to these overtures, the Azerbaijani sale price was a pittance: $12 million. The President Ilham Aliyev. Over the past Stream, advanced dramatically last lobby passive-aggressively intimates, then exact address is 1319 18th St. NW, which decade, a South Caucasian country the size December when a BP-led consortium began the Aliyev regime always has the option of ought to be familiar to many an old Cold of Ireland but with possibly twice the oil laying the groundwork for Shah Deniz 2, a turning toward Moscow or Tehran, both of War hand as the former office of Jeane reserves of Texas has managed to win $28 billion natural gas exploration project in which are eagerly knocking at its door. Kirkpatrick, a onetime US ambassador to friends and influence people who include the Azerbaijani-controlled part of the The immediate aim of this three-tiered the United Nations and one of the most past and present members of the US Caspian Sea. British Foreign Secretary charm offensive is to “Johnny Mercerize” an influential officials in Ronald Reagan’s Congress, British Parliament, and the William Hague and EU Energy otherwise ugly domestic political reality, as administration. This mansion is where Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Commissioner Günther Oettinger were both one veteran Azerbaijan specialist, who spoke Demokratizatsiya, the journal of post-Soviet Europe, which was once known for pres - in Baku for the signing of this landmark to Foreign Policy on the condition of democratization, founded in 1992, used to suring dictatorships, not embracing them. deal, which will ship gas through two anonymity, termed it. That is, accentuate the be published. And, for a time, its most Where it hasn’t resorted to all-expenses- pipelines: the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas positive and ignore, downplay, or just plain famous lessee was Freedom House, the paid vacations to Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku Pipeline, running through Turkey, and the lie about the negative. But there’s another respected human rights monitor, which — a form of what one European think tank Trans Adriatic Pipeline, running through encoded agenda. “The Aliyev lobby’s true today counts Azerbaijan among the “not witheringly describes as “caviar diplomacy” Greece and Italy. Even though Azerbaijani purpose is to send a message back home free” countries. — it has poured millions of dollars into top- gas going to the European Union represents that there is nothing that can be done to “I’m speechless,” said Jennifer Windsor, drawer US lobbying, consultancy, and PR just 2 percent of the 500 billion cubic meters remove this family from power,” said Elmar the executive director of Freedom House firms to whitewash its image in the per year that the continent imports, Europe Chakhtakhtinski, chair of Azerbaijani- when it was based at the Kirkpatrick address American media. wants to lower its energy dependence on Americans for Democracy (AZAD), an oppo - and now the associate dean for programs But it’s a bit more subtle than that: The Russia. Moscow’s state-owned gas giant, sition-linked diaspora group. “When a US and outreach at Georgetown University’s Aliyev regime has quietly made inroads into Gazprom, is now under antitrust investiga - congressman or former congressman con - School of Foreign Service. “I find it the high - transatlantic establishments by recapitulat - tion by the European Commission. And the gratulates Aliyev on victory, it doesn’t nec - est form of irony that one of the world’s least ing a hat trick of persuasive arguments. continuing Western standoff with the essarily give the regime any better position free countries is now occupying what was The first is that Azerbaijan is the only sec - Kremlin over Russia’s invasion and destabi - in the West, but to the regime’s own domes - the house of freedom.” ular Muslim-majority state that is an ally of lization of Ukraine will mean that tic population, it sends a powerful signal It’s as much a sign of the times as it is an the United States and NATO in the war on Azerbaijani gas becomes more important to that even the West is behind it, that the irony. Barack Obama’s administration has terror as well as a happy commercial and Brussels in the coming months and years. world outside of Azerbaijan isn’t that much cut the US budget for democracy promo - diplomatic ally of Israel, which imports Finally, situated at the gateway between different.” The demoralizing effect such sig - tion and has struck all manner of cynical around a third of its energy from the Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan is a strategic naling can have on embattled dissidents or bargains with kleptocratic authoritarian Caucasian state. Azerbaijani infrastructure is partner for the West in resisting Iran’s civil society groups in Azerbaijan is pro - regimes. Realpolitik and isolationism are set to help facilitate NATO and US troop nuclear threat as well as Russian President found. Communiqué Issued after Syria Meeting at Echmiadzin

ECHMIADZIN — On June 11 and 12, follow - deepening dialogue ing the conclusion of the International with their Muslim sis - Consultation on “Crisis in Syria: Challenges for ters and brothers. Faith Communities” convened in the Mother We acknowledge See of Holy Echmiadzin at the invitation of with gratitude the Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos hospitality of the of All Armenians, a communiqué was issued, Armenian Apostolic stating the following: Church and the “Church leaders and representatives from Government of Syria, the Middle East Council of Churches Armenia for hosting (MECC), the World Council of Churches (WCC), more than 12000 the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and the Syrian refugees in Holy See gathered in Echmiadzin June 11-12 at their country. the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II At the ecumenical Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all and international Armenians for a consultation in cooperation consultation on Syria with the WCC to address the challenges for held by the WCC faith communities in the ongoing crisis in Syria. in January 2014, we We gathered on the eve of the Centenary of expressed our con - the Armenian and Syriac Genocide and prayed cern for all people for justice and peace. We visited the Armenian affected by the genocide memorial, and remembered all those extreme violence and who lost their lives for their faith or ethnicity. humanitarian calami - This gathering also occurs at the time of the ty in Syria and clearly celebration of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit stated our deep con - descended to give common voice to the believ - viction that there will ers in every tongue. The Holy Spirit guides us be no military solu - to believe that peace and justice for all people tion to the crisis in cannot be achieved by the initiatives of human - the country. Members of the Crisis in Syria International Consultation ity alone. Almost four Through diakonia and humanitarian assis - months have passed tance, the churches continue to witness to the since the failure of the Geneva II peace process. confrontation and hostility within Syria and Boulos (Yazigi) Greek Orthodox Metropolitan unconditional love of Christ to all people in With great sadness we continue to witness a Iraq. of Aleppo and Alexandretta and His Eminence Syria. It is of high significance that churches dramatic deterioration of the situation. We We call for the restrictions on money transfer Mor Youhanna Gregorios (Ibrahim) Syriac continue to accompany those who have found abhor the massive and indiscriminate destruc - to Syria for humanitarian purposes as well as Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, as well as refuge in neighbouring countries. Therefore, we tion of homes, schools, hospitals and places of the blocking to humanitarian assistance to be Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, and all captives and encourage further cooperation among the dif - worship. We are witnessing an alarming and lifted, the flow of arms and funding to all par - those unjustly imprisoned. ferent churches and church agencies within dangerous development as the war has spilled ties to the conflict to stop, and all foreign armed These contexts shape our intentions and Syria and internationally. We call upon the over into neighboring Iraq. Therefore we reiter - fighters to be withdrawn. hopes in the journey of the fellowship of churches who have embarked on the path of ate our urgent call upon all parties to the con - We demand the immediate release of the two churches in the wide ecumenical family toward reconciliation to continue being bridge builders, flict to pursue an immediate cessation of armed Archbishops from Aleppo, His Eminence peace and justice among all people of faith.” S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Knights and Daughters of SARF Delivers Vartan to Honor Man and Woman of the Year at Another $100K for National Convocation Syrian Armenians

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Knights and GLENDALE, Calif. —As the war rages on in Daughters of Vartan announced recently the Syria, the calls for help are reaching donors, 2014 recipients of the Man of the Year and the whose contributions raised another $100,000 newly-established Woman of the Year Awards. for the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF). The Awards will be presented at the Knights With the latest transfer, the total SARF contri - and Daughters of Vartan Grand Banquet on butions for Syrian Armenians reached $1 mil - Saturday, July 5, 7:30 p.m., as part of their lion. national convocation being held at the Grand “Thanks to the caring, compassionate and Hyatt. Both honorees will be in attendance. highly responsible spirit of our donor public, we The national leadership of the Knights of have reached this milestone,” said Zaven Vartan has selected Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) Khanjian, SARF Executive Committee as the 2014 Man of the Year. Schiff is one of the Chairperson. He added, “As we cannot reach most influential and Armenian-friendly mem - each individual donor personally, we take this bers of Congress. The Grand Commander of the opportunity to salute every one of them around Knights of Vartan, Nigoghos Atinizian, cited the the nation who contributed from $5 to following accomplishments of Schiff: “His track $25,000.” record on Armenian issues, including assistance The latest donations included two $10,000 to Armenia and Karabagh; his honoring the vic - donations. One was from the European-based tims of the Armenia Genocide and sponsoring family of the late Dr. Iskandar Kassis of Aleppo; resolution for the recognition of the Genocide; the other was from Dr. Noubar Ouzounian, and and his calling on the Republic of Turkey to end ENT-otolaryngologist in Anaheim, Calif. all religious persecution and return of stolen Send checks to SARF: P.O. Box 1948, Christian Church properties, were the reasons Glendale, CA 91209-1948; or donate on-line at that the Knights of Vartan Brotherhood voted www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org. to make Congressman Schiff the winner of the The following churches, charities and organi - 2014 Man of The Year humanitarian award.” zations came together to form the Syrian Schiff was born in 1960 in Framingham, Armenian Relief Fund in August 2012: Ambassador John Evans at the helm Mass. to a traditional Jewish family. He received Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America; a political science degree from Stanford Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Western Diocese of the Armenian Church; He went on to distinguish himself in the US Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Ambassador Evans Completes Church of America; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Adventurous Sail across the Association of America; Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A.; Armenian Atlantic in Support of COAF Kids Democratic Liberal Party; Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western U.S.A.; and NEW YORK — Former US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans arrived in Social Democrat Hunchakian Party-Western Portugal on June 14 after an adventurous sailing expedition on a 43-foot yacht, U.S.A. “Happy Destiny.” This represented the very first trans-Atlantic crossing on a sail - boat for Evans, as well as his fellow crewmembers Ray Smith, Randal Wright and Don Kneedler. “Happy Destiny” departed from Portsmouth, Va., on May 3 making port in South Florida Armenian Bermuda and the Azores, and finally landing in southern Portugal, having suc - cessfully completed a 3,260-mile journey. Students Participate in The journey was a fundraiser for the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). Summer Internships “It is necessary to take risks, but important to prepare for coping with any situ - ation. A good team can deal with any problem if there is trust and loyalty between BOCA RATON, Fla. — Instead of taking the members. Never give up in pursuing your goal, but be flexible in how you get Knights of Vartan Man of the Year 2014 summer off, five South Florida Armenian stu - there; appreciate small Congressman Adam B. Schiff dents are pleasures in life such as working in a sleeping in a warm place By Taniel Koushakjian variety of Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, before win - and having dry clothes, industries to ning election to the California State Senate help others and they will advance where he served a four-year term. While a state help you,” said Evans. their careers. From finance to international senator, he chaired the Senate Judiciary “COAF symbolizes this relations to law, Florida’s Armenian American Committee, the Joint Committee on the Arts philosophy, hence my ded - youth are growing fast and branching out and the Senate Select Committee on Juvenile ication of this symbolic across America. Justice. journey for the children Mariam Grigoryan, a Boca Raton native and He represents California’s 28th senior at the University of Florida (UF), is cur - Congressional District and served in Congress rently a legal intern in the Broward County since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Public Defender office in Ft. Lauderdale, Party. In 2007, he became a member of the Above, “Happy Destiny.” Left, Florida. Under the director of Public Defender House Appropriations Committee. He also the crew of “Happy Destiny,” Howard Finkelstein Grigoryan’s work will focus served on the House International Relations with Ambassador John Evans, on indigent defense. Grigoryan looks to gradu - Committee for six years. Congressman Schiff is right ate with a double major in Political Science and long-time member of the Congressional Caucus Criminology, as well as a minor in Business on Armenian Issues. Administration. She plans to attend law school The Knights of Vartan applaud Schiff for his who have lived a life of hardship in the fall of 2015. strength of character, his convictions and his and now they appreciate the Boca Raton resident and Queens, NY native actions in support of Armenian people through - good deeds of COAF sponsors.” Gevork Sarkisian is also pursuing his career in out the world. Garo Armen, COAF’s founder the legal field. A second year law student at The national leadership of the Daughters of and chairman, stated, “We are deeply thankful to Ambassador John Evans for hav - Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Sarkisian Vartan has selected legendary soprano Lucine ing dedicated this remarkable undertaking to COAF. We are also deeply thankful is currently interning with the law firm Kanner Amara as the inaugural recipient of the to all his COAF supporters for having contributed to this fundraising campaign in and Pintaluga, P.A. in Delray Beach, Florida. Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year Award. recognition of Ambassador Evans and will keep the campaign open through the Sarkisian received his B.A. in Criminal Justice Widely considered one of the greatest sopra - end of June in his honor.” from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). nos of the 20th Century, Amara is an American In the mid-Atlantic leg of the trip, the rally braved bad weather with gale-force Following his internship, Sarkisian plans to visit success story. Her name has become synony - winds. Several boats returned to shore. A boat sailing nearby the rally, the Cheeki Washington, DC to “explore new opportunities mous with the Metropolitan Opera. Rafiki, made a distress call and then disappeared. Sadly, the young crew was lost in the legal field,” he said. She was born Lucine Armaganian in at sea. The sailors in the World Cruising Club held a moment of silence in memo - Palm Beach County native Carine Hartford, Conn., before moving to San ry of the four crewmembers on the Cheeki Rafiki. Kazandjian, a communications major and com - Francisco, where she grew up and trained as a mercial music minor at FAU, is spending her vocalist. After only one year of voice training, summer interning with Clear Channel Media see KNIGHTS, page 7 see INTERNS, page 7 6 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

Bousian; sisterin-law, Carlotta Krikor Yeprad Bedrosian Bedrosian; brother, Kenny Bedrosian and his wife Jane; sister- Co-founder of National Raisin Co. in Fowler in-law, Helen Caprelian and her hus - band, Marvin; sister-in-law, Roxie FOWLER, Calif. — Krikor Yeprad Bedrosian, and farms. Under his direction, National Raisin Haritiunian and her husband, co-founder of National Raisin Company, died earned the DFA 1800 club award year after Levon; and brother-in-law, Richard on June 9, 2014. He was 78 years old. year. Krikor genuinely cared for each and every Basmajian and wife Pamela. He is Krikor, also known as “Kay,” was born in National Raisin associate, and up until a few also survived by his nephew, Bryan Fresno, on September 10, 1935, to Mourad and years ago, knew everyone by name. He worked Bedrosian and his wife Rosie, their Elizabeth Bedrosian. Mourad was from Mush, with all those who asked for his advisement son Armen, his wife Stephanie, and Armenia and Elizabeth was from Kharpert, and investment help, and was seen as a father their daughter, Lillian; niece, Armenia; both were survivors of the Armenian figure, mentor, and counselor to many. Krikor Tammy Shegerian and her husband Genocide. valued his work at National Raisin knowing it John, and their children, Courtney Krikor was the third of four children; sister supported not only his entire family but also and Tyler; nephew, Paul David Clara Bousian, was the oldest, followed by the many families of our associates. Bedrosian and his wife Terry, and brother Ernest Bedrosian (Deceased 1/1/14), Throughout the years he served in several their child Isabella; nephew, Ara and younger brother Kenneth Bedrosian. capacities such as National Raisin’s Corporate Bedrosian; niece, Kimberly In the early years the family lived in Parlier, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Co- Bedrosian; niece, Christine and later moved to Fowler. Chairman of the Board. From those humble Caprelian and her children, Krikor attended Fowler schools and as a early years to present, National Raisin has Christopher, Saro and Seraphina; senior at Fowler High School was elected grown into the largest independent raisin niece, Janice Caprelian; niece, Student Body Vice President running a cam - processor in the world, packing dried fruit and Jonna Keledjian and her husband paign which featured a photograph of him snack products under the “Champion” brand Krikor Yeprad Bedrosian Armen and their children, Ashlyn, standing on a ball with the slogan “Vote for the and various independent labels. National Raisin Lauren, Kaylyn, and Brooklyn; man on the ball” Throughout his life he tried to Company employs over 500 people, with four nephew, Thomas Caprelian and his keep all his interaction concise, yet memorable. plant site locations and ships products through - He and his wife, Katherine, would have cele - wife Nora and their children Christian and During his high school years, Krikor devel - out the world. Bedrosian was actively involved brated their 55th wedding anniversary this Kayla; niece, Stacy Mauro and her husband oped the passion for sports, serving as Litoria in the Raisin Industry serving on the Raisin year. Tony and their children, Dominick, McKay, and sports editor, earning athletic awards in Track Administrative Committee and California He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexandra; nephew, Brad Basmajian and his and Field. He also developed an interest in Raisin Advisory Board. Mourad and Elizabeth Bedrosian; his brother, wife Kara. finance and was appointed the Business A long standing and active member of the Ernest Bedrosian and his granddaughter, A Knights of Vartan Service was held on Manager of the Redcat Review . First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Caitlyn Bedrosian. June 13 at Yost & Webb Funeral Home. A He committed himself at an early age to Bedrosian made family, church and work the He is survived by his wife, Katherine; daugh - Funeral Service followed on Saturday, June 14, Christ and was an active member of Christian foundation of his life on earth. He always ter, Linda Kay Abdulian and her husband Dr. at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. Endeavor and the First Armenian Presbyterian praised God for his successes and rich blessings John Abdulian; son, Michael Bedrosian and his First Street, Fresno. Church in Fresno. in life; therefore, he gladly gave his time in serv - wife Stephanie; daughter, Jane Asmar and her A Memorial Luncheon immediately followed. Bedrosian attended California State ing the church. He held many positions such as husband Dr. Scott Asmar; grandchildren, Alexis In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University, Fresno and graduated with honors, trustee, an elected Elder of the Session and and Daniel Abdulian, Ryan, Michael and (FAPC) First Armenian Presbyterian Church, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in busi - served as Treasurer. He spearheaded and Matthew Bedrosian, and Alexander and Alexa 430 S. First Street, Fresno, CA 93702. Yost & ness with a minor in finance. served on several fundraising campaigns Asmar. Webb Funeral Home, 1002 T Street, Fresno, It was during his years in college that he was including the “Building Fund Project” which He is also survived by his sister, Clara Calif. introduced to the world of investing, and from built the current church sanctuary. He was an that grew one of his lifelong passions. Up until active member of the Fowler Lions Club and a few months before his passing, Krikor was the Knights of Vartan. investing, trading and watching the latest He was a 30-plus-year member of the Fowler trades in the stock market. In college, he along Lions Club, served as Lions Club President, ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS with a close group of Armenian friends, formed and participated in several Lions Club projects D D S the Hye Ten Investment Club. Members met and fundraising activities. For more than 25 monthly to analyze business reports, share years, he enjoyed building and setting up the Cemetery Monuments stock tips and investigate investment opportu - Judge’s Stand for the Fowler Fall Festival and Specializing in nities, with the primary purpose to never lose Band Review Parades. touch with one another. This group of lifelong In 2009, he was recognized as Fowler’s Armenian Designs and Lettering friends enjoyed a weekend of fishing, cooking, Honored Pioneer. 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 playing cards and backgammon with endless In addition, he was a 20-year member of the inside jokes and pranks. To this day, the group Knights of Vartan in Fresno and enjoyed the (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com meets monthly with those members who are fellowship of the Lodge. Krikor was a loving able to attend. father to Linda Kay, Michael, and Jane. He was a proud alumnus of California State Although he achieved many professional suc - University, Fresno, and in 2007, along with his cesses in his life, his friends and associates Telephone (617) 924-7400 brothers, Ernest and Kenneth, was awarded the know that he was the most proud of his family. “Top Dog” award in the field of Agriculture. Each one of his kids recalls how their father Krikor grew up on the family farm and togeth - was always there when they needed him. Each Aram Bedrosian er with his brothers, ran a successful table and looked up to his strong convictions, candor and wine grape operation. In the early years, the honesty. “Dad was not a man of many words. Funeral Home, Inc. brothers were learning to farm and developed He spoke most with his actions,” one of his chil - their reputation in the valley as honest, hard - dren recently recalled. In addition to leading by Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 working, individuals. Krikor ran the ranching example, he was also quick witted and was well MARION BEDROSIAN operations, accounting, and investing divisions. known for his ‘one-liners’. “In short,” said one 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Always looking for the next property to buy or of his children, “Dad had a knack of saying a lot WATERTOWN, MA 02472 the next opportunity to invest the profits in a few words.” LARRY BEDROSIAN earned, Krikor loved the challenge and excelled in growing the business with a successful planned approach. It was at an Armenian Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Valentine’s Day dance held at the famous Bruce’s Lodge restaurant in Fowler that he met the love of his life, Katherine Basmajian. The two were intro - Edward D. Jamie, Jr. duced that evening and Krikor began a two year courtship. Funeral Chapel When Katherine graduated from high Serving the entire Armenian Community school, he presented her with a watch and pro - Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location posed. The couple was married on October 24, Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 1959, at the Fowler Presbyterian Church with Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 the reception held at the Hotel California in Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 Fresno. Krikor often said it was the best move he made in his life. Together they had three children, daughter Linda Kay, followed by their son Michael Krikor, and daughter Jane Elizabeth. Eventually the brothers expanded their farming operation to include raisins and it was in 1969 when Krikor with brother Ernie and then partner Harry Rustigian opened GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E National Raisin Company in Fowler, home of James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC the “Champion” brand. A few years later Mark J. Giragosian Rustigian decided to return to farming and Entertainment Fridays Funeral Counselors brother Kenny joined the family business. and Saturdays 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Those early years were challenging. Krikor was www.giragosianfuneralhome.com in charge of the production, daily accounting and overall investing policies for both the plant S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Sisters’ Academy Lexington Announces New Administration and Board

LEXINGTON, Mass. — The Board of the Sister Nelly is no stranger to ASA the Lexington and Radnor, Penn. schools in had mastered — Armenian, Arabic, Turkish, Armenian Sisters’ Academy (ASA) announced Lexington, having held various positions dur - the United States. “When you have determi - Italian and French. this week that after many years of service, ing her prior two tenures, most recently in nation, you succeed,” she said. And it was Her time as a sister has been one of selfless Sister Cecile Keghiayan will retire from her 2009. A native of Istanbul, she has served her that tenacity that allowed Sister Nelly to add giving in many forms. At one time, she taught position as principal at the end of the current Order in France, Iran, Syria, Italy, and both English to the list of five other languages she at the Institute Mariam, an Armenian high school year. Further, the board announced that school in Tehran with 3,000 students. She her - Sr. Nelly Isin will assume the role of principal self instructed kindergartners — all 400 of them beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. — along with a staff of 35. She spent time in France, caring for another sister and housing high school and college students. She taught at ASA’s sister school in Radnor and has also run South Florida Armenian the Sisters’ bed and breakfast in Rome. Managing guests from around the world in this Students Participate in 10-room inn was not easy, but as testimony to her hard work, they would often have repeat Summer Internships guests including ambassadors and celebrities from Holland and Ireland. She was there in INTERNS, from page 5 2000, a Jubilee year when tens of thousands of and Entertainment Company in West Palm Christians visited Rome. Beach, Florida. The FAU junior has a passion Sister Nelly will work closely with Vice for music and has even released a few songs of Principal Mayda Melkonian and a new Board of her own, available on ITunes. “I am gaining so Advisors. As a collaborative team, this adminis - much knowledge working with the different tration is committed to building on the success departments whether it is radio or promotions. and history of the ASA in the Boston commu - The music industry is mainly what I want my nity. Sister Nelly is also very excited in working future in and this internship is giving me the closely with all ASA parents. While some may opportunity to learn more and more each day,” remember Sister Nelly from her prior tenure, Kazandjian said. she is looking forward to meeting all the new Meanwhile, her twin sister, Sarine Kazandjian, students and parents whom she hasn’t meet. is currently interning at Morgan Stanley’s Palm Potential parents interested in learning more Beach Gardens office. A finance major with a about ASA Lexington should visit minor focus in entrepreneurship, Kazandjian is a The ASA Board with Sr. Nelly on her recent visit, from left, Katrina Glorikian, Ara Deirmendjian, Sr. www.asalexington.org to make an appointment junior at the University of Florida. Nelly Isin, Shant Parseghian, Mayda Melkonian, Nageeb Diarbakerly and Armen Arakelian with either Sister Nelly or Melkonian. Florida International University (FIU) junior Gevorg Shahbazyan is currently an intern in the office of the Nagorno Karabakh Representative in Washington, DC as a partici - pant in the Armenian Assembly of America’s Knights and Daughters of Vartan to Honor Man and Woman of the Year Terjenian-Thomas Summer Internship Program, the first student internship program KNIGHTS, from page 5 the “Voice from Heaven” in Verdi’s “Don offered by an Armenian organization in she was accepted in the San Francisco Opera Carlos” and appeared regularly as Micaëla in America. Recently, Shabazyan worked with his Chorus as a contralto. Three years later, she “Carmen,” Cio-Cio-San in “Madame Butterfly” fellow students and FIU faculty to have the became a dramatic soprano, singing the title and Tatiana in “Eugene Onegin,” Antonia in flags of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh raised role of “Ariadne auf Naxos” and Lady Billows in “Les Contes d’Hoffmann,” Donna Elvira in in the school’s atrium. Hailing from Yerevan, the opera “Albert Herring.” “Don Giovanni,” Nedda in “Pagliacci” and Mimi Armenia, Shahbazyan studies international Shortly thereafter, Amara joined the in “La bohème.” Her repertoire also included relations and hopes to continue his studies in Metropolitan Opera in New York City — singing Leonora in “Il trovatore,” as well as “Aida.” graduate school and someday be a diplomat. 882 onstage performances, five opening nights, Amara appeared in the 1951 MGM film, “The nine new productions, 57 radio broadcasts and, Great Caruso” with Mario Lanza and has made (Taniel Koushakjian is the FLArmenians incredibly, 56 roles. various recordings, including “Pagliacci” with managing editor.) She made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Franco Corelli and Richard Tucker. She has per -

Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year 2014, Lucine Amara

formed in 33 opera houses and with 25 sym - phony orchestras throughout the United States. The national chair (Grand Matron) of the Daughters of Vartan, Lisa Kradjian, said the feeling was unanimous among the national offi - cers. “There are, of course, many remarkable Armenian women serving our community today, but we felt that for the first recipient of this award, no other Armenian woman has graced this world with more accomplishment, artistry, spirit and service for her people than Lucine Amara.” Starting in 2014, the Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year Award will be given annu - ally to a woman who has served Armenian peo - ple and heritage with excellence, just as the Knights of Vartan have similarly honored a Man of the Year. For more information about the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, visit their website, http://www.knightsofvartan.org, or their pages on Facebook and Twitter. The Grand Banquet and Man and Woman of the Year Awards are part of the Grand Convocation of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, which occurs in a different city each year and welcomes hundreds of members and patrons from across the country. This year’s convocation is being presented by the San Diego chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101. The banquet is open to the public. For banquet tickets and more information, write to sdconvo - [email protected]. 8 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Bike for Hope for Armenia Cyclists Ride for CRD in Armenia

YEREVAN and PALO ALTO, Calif. — The tents, making soup on camp stoves, singing by Bike for Hope for Armenia group of cyclists the bond fire and dancing shurch-bar whenever rode in a Bike-a-thon called the Spectacular possible was all part of the activity bonding the Armenia Ride from May 24-30 to support the group together. scientists of the Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) of The Armenian Roadway Police skillfully the Yerevan Physics Institute (YerPhI). Riders escorted the riders through the congested from the United States included Jamie Kolar, a streets of Yerevan on the first day and back to Los Angeles firefighter medic and Birthright Republic Square on the last day, delivering the participant, who founded Aid to Armenia and tired riders safely to the finish line. Among spent a year on sabbatical in Armenia teaching those welcoming back the cyclists were the sci - entists, staff, and the head of the CRD and director of the Yerevan Physics Institute, Prof. Ashot Chilingarian, together with friends and reporters from the local news media. At the conclusion of the Spectacular Armenia Ride, the cyclists joined the CRD staff and sup - Some of the riders at the conclusion of the Bike a Thon. In the middle in blue is the two-time world sil - porters, at CRD’s Nor ver medalist, Mher Mkrtchyan. Amberd Research Station on Mt. Aragats for a celebration dinner them might join the ride next year. Chilingarian world champions in Armenia and abroad and Junior Armenian cycling team members supporting the CRD as they ride and a tour of the facility. said that he has added bicycle parking stalls at breathed a breath of fresh air into Armenia’s Some youth in the the Yerevan Physics Institute to encourage the cycling tradition after the independence and cycling team said they scientists to come to work on their bicycles. Chilingarian who has brought life back to the the latest first aide techniques to medics, were inspired to do well in the science classes The celebration dinner included a recogni - Yerevan Physics Institute and its Cosmic Ray schools and village residents in Armenia; Roffi and maybe one day become scientists them - tion of decades of service of two of Armenia’s Division by encouraging and supporting Petrossian from Seattle who is also on a year of selves. For their turn the scientists were talented and inspiring leaders in their field: Armenian youth to satisfy their scientific pas - discovery in Armenia volunteering on many inspired to exercise more and thought more of Albert Soloyan who has trained many cycling sion in Armenia. environmental projects such as planting trees for ATP, video graphing for Civilinet, applying to the AUA program on Armenia’s Birds of Prey; and Anahid Yeremian, a particle accelera - tor physicist at Stanford and co-founder of the Support Committee for Armenia’s Cosmic Ray Division. The riders from the US were joined by Rafael Paremuzyan, a physicist at YerPhI and by the junior riders from the Armenian cycling team, including the two-time world junior silver medalist, Mher Mkrtchyan. Coordinating the 15-plus riders and four support personnel was the ride leader and renowned master cycling trainer Albert Soloyan. For seven days the riders braved rain, wind and hills of the majestic Armenian landscape World-renowned cycling coach, Albert Soloyan, from Yerevan to Aparan to Ijevan and Dilijan proudly displaying the cake his athletes sur - and Sevan. Camping by rivers and groves of Cycling team members learning about cosmic ray physics at the Nor Ambert research center. prised him with. trees, each morning checking for water in the S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

year … yet another … and several more after that. Olga Sarkisian: “If you love your work, why leave?” she told 350 guests at a farewell party. “Overall, it has been a won - derful career with a wonderful company.” All of it was spent in the accounting department, 60 Years of where Sarkisian outworked everyone else, seldom missed a day and was known for her extreme loyalty. There were various changes along the way with person - nel and buildings, processes and equipment. Dedication She learned it all, including the current process of on- line payments. She preferred the rolodex for looking up mortgage information rather than the Internet. No such thing as By Tom Vartabedian voice mail or e-mail when she started. Policies were in paper form and letters were done with carbon paper in between. Making a mistake meant changing three ANDOVER, Mass. — The year was 1954 Roger Banister copies. broke the four-minute mile barrier. Philly-born pool play - The swatter she kept handy was not for chasing flies, er Willie Mosconi sunk 526 pool balls without missing. but used to tap a careless employee’s shoulder when an Marilyn Monroe, Sophia error could have been avoided. Loren and Lana Turner She has seen her staff grow from young adults to hav - were sizzling Hollywood ing children of their own and then retirement age. stars. Doris Day topped Rarely did she take a sick day; in fact, she has accrued the song charts with 400 of them. Secret Love . What’s more, Sarkisian drove the same car to work for A young 16-year-old 20 years. Her 1991 Honda Accord had fewer miles on walked into The Andover the odometer than some of the newer models, thanks to Companies to fill a job Olga Sarkisian a five-minute commute. We should mention that she also slot recommended by her owns a Mercedes but prefers the Honda for the day-to- school — and never left. day commute to work. Same job description. You might say she has been a creature of habit all Off the job, Sarkisian is dedicated to her faith. She Same company. After 60 these years, living in the same home where she was was a founding member of St. Gregory Armenian years, Olga Sarkisian will raised, surrounded by her brother and other family Apostolic Church in North Andover, where she has main - finally call it a day July 1 members. She lived and cared for her mom, Satenig, tained the books ever since 1970. Olga Sarkisian during the when she begins retire - until she died in 2008. As her co-workers aptly put it, “One thing Olga will early years ment. And it won’t be with The myth around the company was that Sarkisian miss is the holidays. In retirement, there are no days off. a dry eye. would retire after her mother died. She worked another You will be officially retired every day!”

AMAA’s Avedisian School Will Be First Certified ‘Green’ Building in Armenia

YEREVAN and PARAMUS, N.J. — The cient solutions applied in the building. Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and “For UNDP, applying energy efficiency in Community Center in Yerevan’s Malatia- buildings is critical for Armenia to meet its cli - Sebastia district will be a landmark “green” mate change commitments and to achieve a building and the first international LEED low-carbon development path. This is an ambi- (Leadership in Energy and Environmental tious but achievable goal, which is becoming Design) certified building in Armenia. increasingly affordable with the rapid advance The Avedisian School is a joint project of the of innovative technologies. We have supported United Nations Development Programme the school as a strategically important project (UNDP) and the Armenian Missionary for Armenia, since the country has an immense Association of America (AMAA) and Edward potential for development of energy efficient Avedisian, a trustee at the American University of technologies and alternative energy sources in Armenia and a member of the AMAA Board of the various sectors of economy,” said Busetto, Directors. The state of the art school, when it UN RC/UNDP RR in Armenia. opens in September 2014, will provide a quality UNDP provided a grant for thermal insula - education to 570 Armenian students, who will be tion and by providing technical expertise able to see, feel and move around in a sustainable including bringing in ideas from the new design and a low-carbon footprint building. “green” UN City Building in Copenhagen,

Edward Avedissian receives the LEED certification.

Earlier this month, UNDP organized an event Denmark to learn from the experience of its showcasing the application of cutting-edge design and construction. energy saving technologies and environmental As a result of the application of energy saving standards in the school. Bradley Busetto, UN and environmentally clean technologies, which Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident ensure low emissions and low running costs, Representative in Armenia, Narek Sargsyan, UNDP estimates that energy consumption in Minister of Urban Development, and Edward the building will be reduced by 30 percent, Avedisian were joined by ambassadors, repre - which is even a stricter criteria than required in sentatives of the diplomatic community, gov - the EU and the US. The green roof of the ernment and the private sector to visit the con - school will provide insulation, lowering heating ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR struction site and to get familiarized and get and cooling costs. Rainwater will be filtered and first-hand information about the environmental stored to water plants, shrubs, and provide benefits of clean technologies and energy effi - water for the grass on the soccer field. 10 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Prof. Peter Cowe LACMA Exhibit Honored at Los On John Altoon Angeles Banquet Shows His Jazzy, LOS ANGELES — On the evening of June 1, Seductive Touch a banquet honoring the 30th anniversary of Prof. S. Peter Cowe’s scholarly career and the 45th anniversary of the Narekatsi Chair in Armenian Studies at UCLA was held in Los By Christopher Knight Angeles. The jubilant event, which took place at The London, West Hollywood, was organized LOS ANGELES (Los Angeles Times) jointly by the 30th Anniversary Committee and — For a brief, shining moment in the the Friends of UCLA Armenian Language and 1960s, John Altoon was the great Culture Studies, in support of the expansion of American painter of the great American the Armenian Studies program and particularly sexual revolu - Western-Armenian instruction at UCLA. tion. The more than 200 guests included commu - Voluptuous nity leaders, scholars and Armenology students. Review color and luxu - Present were a number of academics from rious interpene - Armenia, Europe, and the Americas who were trations of sensuous forms conspired to participating in a UCLA conference organized make messy, elegant, often witty by Dr. Grigor Areshian on “Current Practices abstract pictures. Their hedonistic in Armenian Studies: the Creation and Visibility punch is a delicious indulgence. of New Knowledge.” Most of the evening’s Altoon’s sudden death in 1969 from a speakers were UCLA alumni of Armenian heart attack at the age of 43 cut short Studies. a promising career. Where he would Two elements were particularly noteworthy have gone is of course impossible to about the evening: one was the warm atmo - The members of the Aram Khacaturian Trio (also known as K. Trio), from left, Karen know, but many of his best paintings, sphere between students and teacher; and the Kocharyan, Karen Shahgaldian and Armine Grigoryan made over the previous seven years, second, the impressive growth of Armenian landed in museum collections up and Studies as a highly sought-after field among the down California. Today they look as present generation — marked by the large num - fresh and fine as any from the period. ber of local scholars in the field, as befits the Concert in London Dedicated Many are included among the 18 largest Armenian diasporan community, and works on canvas and 50 on paper or reinforced by visiting colleagues from different To 110th Anniversary of cardboard assembled by curator Carol parts of the world. S. Eliel for the much-anticipated survey Following a cocktail reception and book newly opened at the Los Angeles exhibit at The London’s Marble Terrace, the Khachaturian’s Birth County Museum of Art. A prolific banquet started inside the Kensington LONDON — Organized by the London Chapter of the Armenian General draftsman, Altoon destroyed a consider - Ballroom. Welcome remarks were delivered by Benevolent Union (AGBU) and under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian able number of his paintings, so the Shahane Martirosyan and Gayane Church in the UK and Ireland, the embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the show is a concise overview. Khechoomian, and grace was said by the Very United Kingdom and the Armenian Altoon’s interest in the cool, seduc - Rev. Dajad Yardemian of the Western Diocese. Community Council of Great Britain tive rhythms of West Coast jazz In his opening address, Ben Charchian said, the Aram Khachaturian Trio gave an informed his work. Altoon was born in “At UCLA, walking around the campus, learn - By Assadour Guzelian outstanding concert on May 28 dedi - Los Angeles in 1925 of Armenian-immi - ing that the language you speak is thousands of cated to the 110th anniversary of grant parents (the family name was years old and your alphabet is over 1,600 years Aram Khachaturian’s birth, at the concert hall of St. Yeghishe Church. Altoonian). Thanks to military service old, you hold your head up high. Professor The program was scheduled to include the talented soprano Anush during World War II and the subse - Cowe was instrumental in instilling in me, and Hovhannissian, the Royal Opera House artist, who unfortunately could not partici - quent GI Bill, he studied commercial hundreds of other students, that sense of pate due to illness. illustration and painting at three area pride.” This writer opened the evening and after introducing the great Armenian com - art schools — Otis, Art Center and An early highlight of the banquet was the rit - poser in a few sentences, narrated an episode from his memoirs, which depicted the Chouinard. At 26 he moved to New ual presentation of haggis, a traditional profound love Khachaturian had for Armenia, the Armenian nation and the York City and, three years later, to Scottish dish, as a surprise tribute to Cowe’s Armenian Church. Europe. Scottish heritage. The colorful presentation, “At the end of 1976 Khachaturian was invited to London to give two concerts Suffering a psychological breakdown complete with bagpipe music, included a pro - in January 1977. His first press conference, which took place early 1977 at the abroad — Altoon is believed to have cession around the hall led by the piper and a Dorchester Hotel, was attended by more than 50 press, radio and television jour - wrestled with schizophrenia or manic thunderous haggis oration delivered by Dr. Neil nalists. I was also present at the event when the great composer addressed the audi - depression, which landed him in the McLeod, followed by a performance of the ence with the following words.” hospital several times — he returned Scottish sword dance. Subsequently haggis was ‘You may print, broadcast or televise everything I say if you respect my following permanently to Los Angeles in 1956. served to the guests. three wishes. Twice married (his first, to Fay Spain, Next, an encyclical from Catholicos of the ‘You always refer to me as a Russian composer. I am not Russian, I am Armenian. an actress who mostly worked in televi - Great House of Cilicia Aram I, congratulating Please don’t misunderstand me, I like the Russian people, but what can I do if both sion, ended in divorce in 1962), he Cowe on his achievements as an outstanding my mother and father are Armenians? In future you must refer to me as an made his living teaching and doing Armenologist, was read by Right Rev. Boghos Armenian or Soviet composer. You must definitely say that my country, Armenia commercial work. Tinkjian. Among other things, the catholicos was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. You must also state The LACMA show opens with a cer - wrote, “We have known Dr. Cowe closely over that the first official Christian church, Holy Echmiadzin, was built in Armenia in tainly skillful if uninspired painting of a the last 30 years, both personally and through 301-303 AD.’” pair of jazz saxophonists made around his serious investigations and critical studies, “On the following day the London newspapers respected Khachaturian’s wishes 1950. The figures are rendered in a self- which have contributed to the advance of and on their front pages published his three conditions,” said Guzelian. consciously arty style — call it “mass- Armenian Studies. Therefore, this initiative to Guzelian briefly introduced the Khachaturian Trio, arguably one of the greatest market modern” — that is a kind of celebrate Dr. Cowe’s 30 years of academic activ - in the world, and spoke about their success in numerous countries, including Cubist faceting squashed flat. ity is to be warmly welcomed.” Russia, former soviet republics, Australia, China, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Like artists as diverse as David Park Presenting the 45th anniversary of the Germany, Austria and many more. in the Bay Area and Wallace Berman Narekatsi Chair was Shushan Karapetian, the Guzelian also referred to the Classical Music Development Foundation of and William Claxton in L.A., however, most recent PhD recipient in the Armenian Armenia, which was established by the K. Trio in 2010. Not only does the Altoon’s interest in the cool, seductive Studies program at UCLA, who in turn was Foundation organize events to promote classical music, it also searches for talent - rhythms of West Coast jazz informed introduced by Ani Shirinian. ed children in different regions of Armenia from poor families to develop their musi - his work. He designed album covers for As she reminisced about her experiences as a cal talents. Pacific Jazz Records and other compa - student of Cowe, Karapetian said, “A few years The program consisted of works by Khachaturian, Komitas, Sayat Nova, Arno nies, but the music’s reliance on sensu - into my graduate program, as I had just com - Babajanian, Alexander Harutiunian and Edward Mirzoyan. al improvisation is what infiltrated his pleted Intermediate Classical Armenian, I During the concert, violinist Karen Shahgaldian, a member of the trio, announced paintings. walked into Professor Cowe’s office and told that they would play an additional piece, Rachmaninov’s Vocalise dedicated to The 1956-57 oil “Ode to Thelonious” him, ‘I wish there were more; I wish we could Vivienne Guzelian as an expression of gratitude for her support for the Classical (as in jazz pianist and composer pursue studies in Classical Armenian as well.’ Music Development Foundation of Armenia. “This happens to be one of Mrs. Thelonious Monk) applies Cubist struc - And he said, ‘The advanced level has never been Guzelian’s favorite pieces,” said Shahgaldian. ture to nothing but vaporous, colored offered.’ So I shrugged, disappointed. But he see KHACHATOURIAN, page 11 space. Shifting, angular patches of blue said, ‘I don’t see why it shouldn’t be.’ So, with - see ALTOON, page 12 out further ado, he inaugurated an advanced see COWE, page 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 New Classrooms for St. Vartan Armenian School

Anahid Kupelian (more than 10 years); Zarmine composed by longtime head of the Armenian By Florence Avakian Boghosian, George Haroutunian, Seta Language Lab and Resource Center, Sylva der Kantarjian, Alice Khachmanian and Theresa Stepanian, was sung by the pre-school students Venedikian, among others. conducted by Anahid Boghosian, and accompa - NEW YORK — Newly refurbished classrooms Kadehjian — the dedicated school principal nied on the piano by Jeannette Chirikdjian. for the St. Vartan Armenian School were since 1982 — expressed appreciation to those Thanking Barsamian for blessing the class - blessed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who in 81 years “were responsible for keeping rooms, Dr. Kevork Niksarli called the event “a Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church our ancient language, history, and culture alive, very happy occasion” and recounted that the of America (Eastern), during an official opening including the teachers and parents. We are renovation project had started a year earlier ceremony on Saturday, April 12. The school grateful to the Niksarlis that we can continue when Kiledjian, Vorperian and Michael Halajian meets every Saturday morning at the Diocesan this glorious tradition.” She also thanked had asked him for his assistance. Center. Kiledjian, Vorperian and “especially Archbishop “Our children have been happily coming and Also present for the ceremony were the Very Khajag” for their dedication. learning in this school for four years,” he said. Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan A bouquet of flowers was presented to Alvina “All the students needed clean and efficient Armenian Cathedral; the Rev. Bedros Niksarli by seventh-grader Ariana Pamoukian. classrooms, and Alvina and I were very happy Kadehjian; school principal Diramayr Shakeh Two students, Sarine Zeitlian and Ani to bring it to reality.” Kadehjian; members of the school board; teach - Aslanian, recited poems of welcome to the Kiledjian, in thanking the benefactors and ers, parents and students. Primate and to the benefactors. A special song teachers, praised the dedication of the teachers Removing a purple drape from the dedication written for the St. Vartan School, with words “who come every week and give their lives and plaque, the Primate blessed benefactors Alvina and Dr. Kevork Niksarli, as those present sang the hymns Oorakh Ler and Hayr Mer . All then Dr. Kevork and Alvina Niksarli at the classroom dedication ceremony. surveyed the classrooms equipped with new desks, chairs, bookcases, computers, black - boards and closets. hearts for our children. They treat them like On the walls hung paintings by youngsters of their own family. Today is also your day,” he the Fund for Armenian Relief Yerevan said, addressing the teaching staff composed of Children’s Center — made especially for this Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, Sirvart Arakelian, Lucia school. Vorperian, Ani Essayan, Heghine Mirzoyan, Following the opening of the classrooms, a Anahid Boghosian, Arax Shamamian, Jeannette special program and reception were held in an Chirikdjian, Sona Simonyan and Krikor adjacent hall. School treasurer Arto Vorperian Torosian. related: “Today we are here to celebrate our ren - In his address, the Primate reminded those ovated school through the motivation and hard present: “As spring is a new beginning, this also work of Archbishop Barsamian and Fr. marks a new beginning for our school.” Kiledjian, and the generosity of Alvina and Offering words of tribute to Kadehjian, Kevork Niksarli, as well as all our parents who Kiledjian, the Niksarlis and the teachers, par - have stood like strong columns to help us.” ents and students, the Primate said that “we The St. Vartan Armenian School was found - must approach with a new relationship to ed 81 years ago. The teachers and principals inspire our young generation about their who worked there in the early days, either with - Armenian religion, history, culture and lan - out or with minimal pay, included Ashkhen Archbishop Barsamian blesses one of the new classrooms. guage. And we must continue to work for our Avakian (more than 30 years), Nubar and future.”

Concert Dedicated to Anniversary of Khachaturian’s Birth

KHACHATOURIAN, from page 10 completed his postgraduate studies with Prof. Exactly four years ago, on 22 May 2010, the Maya Glezarova. He has participated in master Khachaturian Trio gave its debut concert in this classes given by Menuhin, Spivakov, Zhislin and very hall again organized by the AGBU and ded - Chugaeva. From 1998 to 2002 he performed icated to the 95th anniversary of the Armenian with members of the famous Moscow Virtuosi, Genocide. under Vladimir Spivakov in 2003 and 2004. During the 2004-2005 season, he appeared as a Mem bers of the Ar am K hachatur ian soloist with various orchestras, playing a Trio Stradivarius violin given to him on loan by the Armine Grigoryan graduated from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. Tchaikovsky School of Music and the State He has played as a soloist in world famous halls, Conservatory of Armenia in Yerevan. After com - such as Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New pleting her postgraduate studies under the guid - York, Royal Festival Hall, London, Bolshoy Hall, ance of Professors Georgy and Sergey Saradjian, Moscow etc. He is a laureate of the International Grigoryan appeared with the Armenian Pablo Sarasate Competition (Spain). He has won Philharmonic Orchestra, performing piano con - scholarships with the David Oistrach and Yuri certos by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. As an Yankelevich Foundations, as well as the Mstislav accompanist, she has won special prizes at the Rostropovich International Foundation. He has Aram Khachaturian (1997) and Levon toured widely throughout the USA, England, Chilingirian (2002) Competitions. She has also Sweden, South Korea, Armenia and Russia. (To collaborated with the renowned violinist Nikolay find out more about him, visit www.shakh- Madoyan, performing versatile programs, includ - music.com) ing Beethoven’s 10 Sonatas. She has toured A graduate of the Yerevan Tchaikovsky School Russia, Italy, UAE, Germany, Lithuania, of Music (Class of Prof. Alexander Chaushyan) Lebanon, Cyprus and the US. and Yerevan State Conservatory (class of Prof. Grigoryan is a laureate of the Roma-2003 Geronty Talalyan), Karen Kocharyan is one of Piano Competition, where she also received a the founding members of the Khachaturian Trio, special prize and medal from the Chamber of the first solo cellist of the Armenian Chamber Deputies of Rome. As a collaborative pianist, she Players (ACP) and Associate Concertmaster of has won special prizes at several International the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. As a competitions. She has released a number of CDs, soloist he has toured with the Armenian including the “Unknown Khachaturian” dedicat - Chamber Players and Armenian Philharmonic ed to the unknown works of the great composer. Orchestra throughout Europe. In 2005 In 2005 for the first time in Armenia, she orga - Kocharyan, under the baton of conductor nized a festival of the Art of Accompaniment. As Alexander Ivashkin (UK), appeared as soloist a jury member she has participated in a number with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. In of local and international competitions. Since 2006 with Eduard Topchjan and the Pasadena 2012 she has been the honorary president of the LAC Symphony Orchestra he took part in Pianist-Teachers Association of Armenia. In Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. 2013 she was awarded the Medal of the Ministry Kocharyan is an acclaimed chamber musician of Culture of Poland. She is a professor at and as such collaborates with such renowned Yerevan State Conservatory and, since 2004, has musicians as Yuri Zhislin, Boris Andrianov, been director of the Aram Khachaturyan Alexander Ghindin, Tamaki Kawakubo, Museum. Wolfgang Meyer, Zandra McMaster, Alessio Bax, A graduate of Moscow Conservatory (class of Anton Sorokow, Diemut Poppen and Daishin Viktor Tretyakov), violinist Karen Shahgaldian Kashimoto. 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

served’ in an oxygen tent; rather, it is one that Prof. Peter Cowe Honored at Los Angeles Banquet is actual and vital, seeking new modes of expression to be authentic to its reality. You COWE, from page 10 for the subject at hand, can lead to a feast of to the stage. have not only a legacy, but a potential, one you series of Classical Armenian at my simple little conversation.” “When I started out as an Armenologist, I must claim and make your own.” request, after which my fellow students and I “Many of us familiar with Peter’s scholarly couldn’t imagine my journey would be so The banquet concluded with a benediction, had the most amazing year of our lives studying work, and particularly his style, are used to enriching and rewarding,” Prof. Cowe began. “It followed by a Scottish-Armenian musical com - the subject. We also created a team name, Team long sentences in which the various aspects of has proved beyond my expectations. Yet I had position arranged by Artashes Kartalian and Grabar, whose leader was Professor Cowe — a position are carefully considered while the an inkling then that Armenology was an idea combining the bagpipe and zurna. labeled ‘The Michael Jordan of Grabar’ by fellow reader longs for a period,” van Lint continued whose time would come, and the subsequent Accompanying the event was a booklet fea - student Ara Soghomonian. We were all aspiring jokingly. “Fifteen subordinate clauses are no players who knew we would never be as good exception to Peter. And it’s all one sentence, as our teacher but we were going to die trying!” one big thought, which he will bring to a bril - Karapetian’s address was followed by the liant end and it will be like a fugue. That is screening of a short documentary, “Inside the what he does: he thinks in terms of music. Academic Studio,” directed and produced by That’s quite rare in Armenian Studies. It’s Armenian Studies doctoral student Ara quite rare among scholars. It’s quite rare Soghomonian. The film featured humorous, among human beings.” engaging conversations between Cowe and a After a musical interlude featuring a perfor - number of his students, shedding fresh light on mance on traditional Armenian instruments, his life and career as a beloved Armenologist. Ardashes Kassakhian, Glendale City Clerk and a Subsequently, Dr. Talar Chahinian intro - former student of Cowe, took the podium. As he duced the event’s keynote speaker, Theo van drew parallels between the great Armenian Lint, who is a Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of translators of the Middle Ages and present-day

Prof. Peter Cowe is flanked by a group of present and former Armenology students. From left: Narine Jallatyan, Ceyda Tinmaz, Shushan Karapetian, Rosie Aroush, Talar Chahinian, Lilit Keshishian, Myrna Douzjian, and Sona Tajiryan.

proliferation of the field, as testified by so many turing the honoree’s biography, publications, in our midst tonight, has confirmed my impres - awards and list of PhD students he supervised, sion.” as well as congratulatory letters and notes from “I also appreciate the tribute to my Scottish colleagues around the world, including the fol - Prof. Peter Cowe and his students in a scene from Ara Soghomonian’s documentary, which was background tonight,” Cowe continued. “In this lowing commendation from his senior col - shown at the banquet. Front row: Ara Soghomonian. Second row, from left: Ani Honarchiansaky, respect, it gives me great pleasure to know that league at UCLA Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian: Ceyda Tinmaz, Danny Fittante, Narine Aykazyan, Rosie Aroush and Shushan Karapetian. one of my longstanding goals has been met, “S. Peter Cowe has given strong impetus to that Armenian is now being taught in Scotland, Armenian Studies in the United States and in our oldest university, at St. Andrews.” abroad. His erudition and broad horizons allow Armenian Studies at Oxford and a Fellow of Armenologists, Kassakhian said, “Today, as the Cowe closed his remarks by stating: “My wish for a useful comparative approach that helps to Pembroke College. As he presented the hon - Armenian nation is dispersed around the world, is that all of you, and Armenians as a whole, integrate Armenian Studies into World History oree’s career and accomplishments, van Lint it is thanks to scholars and translators like Prof. would step back from the immediate pressures and Culture. I welcome the opportunity to con - said, “When Peter sets out a scholarly position, Cowe that Armenian history and the master - of your surroundings to re-center, to reintegrate gratulate him on his 30th anniversary in the his work is always carefully contextualized, with pieces of the Armenian intellectual legacy are with your core, and reenergize your cultural field and to wish him many productive years of all caveats and nuances required to tackle all being brought forth for the enjoyment of the capacity to creatively engage with the current research, publication, teaching, and community facets of a problem. This innate fairness, cou - world and diaspora Armenians such as myself.” environment. Yours is not a culture that is on participation as the Holder of the Narekatsi pled with a sharp mind and an absolute passion Kassakhian then invited the evening’s honoree its last legs, that needs to be artificially ‘pre - Chair at UCLA.” LACMA Exhibit on John Altoon Shows His Jazzy, Seductive Touch

ALTOON, from page 10 Gorky’s heartfelt figurative paintings of “The lyrical — and inescapably erotic — reveries. Owl cigar ad: He smokes, she pouts. Rather and green shot through with bursts of violet Artist and His Mother.” (Those were seen in the The canvas becomes a field for the colorful than focus on a close-up as a conventional ad and darting red-orange lines open deep vistas — great 2010 Gorky retrospective at the Museum interplay of suggestive, fragmentary signs for would, Altoon pulls back (like a reverse cam - then suddenly close them down, snapping of Contemporary Art.) Conflicting childhood buttocks, breasts, phalluses, vulvas, limbs and era-zoom) to show the fashionable pair full- attention back to the painted surface. Unlike memories of security and anxiety within a con - visceral, sentient animals. Lush, sometimes length: Both are stark naked below the waist. the earlier “Jazz Players,” this poetic visual text of feminine nurturing loom large. messy shapes, brush strokes, splatters and The cigar scene turns into an ad for post-coital song is fully non-figurative. Several years on, as Altoon matured into his forms evoke a feral sexuality engaged in a strug - relaxation. older artist’s stature was exploding at pre - mid-30s, those impulses would be caressed in gle with cultivation and, often, whimsy. The ’60s sexual revolution was propelled by cisely the moment the Angeleno Lush, sometimes messy many things, including a postwar generational was living in New York. De Kooning shapes, brush strokes, shift, scientific developments like the birth con - also dropped the figure for pure splatters and forms evoke trol pill, a growing and newly prosperous mid - abstraction not long before Altoon a feral sexuality engaged dle class and other deep transformations in painted his “Ode.” in a struggle with cultiva - American society. As it unfolded, artists in It’s also tempting to tie Altoon’s tion and, often, whimsy. Altoon’s orbit — Kenneth Price, Judy Gerowitz interest to De Kooning’s own pas - The tussle is most (later Chicago), Craig Kauffman and more — sionate admiration for the work of explicit in his ink draw - moved sexuality to the forefront of their another troubled young Armenian ings, with their thin, quiv - imagery, often in abstract forms. (A 1964 group American painter — De Kooning’s ering, agitated lines often exhibition at Ferus Gallery, where Altoon also friend Arshile Gorky, who commit - describing body parts and showed, was notoriously titled “The Studs.”) ted suicide in 1948 at 44. frank sexual activity. The Few addressed the experience in as riveting, Altoon’s large “Mother and precedent of Picasso’s seductive and playfully generous a manner as Child” (1954), painted with great eroticism is evident, espe - Altoon. technical finesse, is a marvelous cially in an untitled 1959 One interesting feature of the LACMA show dance between color and line. A graphite and ink-wash is the invitation offered to five artists to con - neo-Cubist abstraction, it is aptly drawing of a shadowy tribute short essays to the catalog. They make likened in the show’s catalog to De feminine figure serenaded for interesting reading. Kooning’s celebrated paintings of by a flute-playing satyr or None is more incisive than Monica Majoli, women from the late 1940s and Minotaur. who writes on “the omnipotence of flesh” in early 1950s. Yet it contains none of Sex is also an obvious both human experience and Altoon’s work. the New York painter’s fierce and tool of mass-media com - “Promiscuous abstraction” is the phrase she violent aggression. mercial art, flooding late- uses to describe his art in the 1960s, and it is Instead, Altoon’s monumental 20th century America, hard to think of a better one. woman, seated with a child in her with which Altoon was lap, is a virtual Madonna well-versed. Several satiri - Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, enthroned. Executed in a lively if cal works play with adver - 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles serene palette of warm browns and tising motifs. When: Through Sept. 14. Closed pale, cool greens, the painting is “Ocean Park Series #8,” 1962, oil on canvas, by John Altoon. (LACMA) One shows a dapper Wednesdays. closer in tone and subject to young couple in a White S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING TCG Releases Eric Bogosian’s 100 (monoglogues) CC AA LLEENNDDAARR NEW YORK (Broadway World) — Theatre Communications Group (TCG) just announced the publication of 100 (mono - logues) by Eric Bogosian. The book is a col - lection of Bogosian’s acclaimed mono - logues, which were originally performed as part of his six Off-Broadway solo shows that MASSACHUSETTS premiered between 1980 and 2000. JUNE 21 — Armenian food fair sponsored by St. Gregory “Mr. Bogosian has crossed the line that Church Ladies Guild, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 158 Main St., North separates an exciting artist from a cultural Andover menu: losh, shish and chicken kebab, pilaf, salads, hero. What Lenny Bruce was to the 1950s, kheyma and veggie plates, desserts and choreg; further details, Bob Dylan to the 1960s, Woody Allen to Ann Apovian (978) 521-2245 or Sossy Jeknavorian (978) 256- the 1970s-that’s what Eric Bogosian is to 2538. this frightening moment of drift...I know of JUNE 21 — Annual Meeting and Luncheon, Armenian no one else like him in pop culture right International Women’s Association, Luncheon speaker Dr. now,” wrote Frank Rich of the New York Kerry Healey, president, Babson College. Meeting, 10 a.m., lun - Times. cheon, 12 noon. Luncheon reservations: $35 AIWA members, $40 100 (monologues) collects all of Eric guests. Open to the public. Wellesley College, Wang Center. Info Bogosian’s monologues, originally per - and reservations, 617-926-0171 or [email protected] formed as part of his acclaimed solo shows, JUNE 22 — An Evening of Armenian Chamber Music, Sunday, including Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll; 2 p.m., Contemporary Art Gallery of Armenian Museum of Pounding Nails in the Floor with my America, presented by the Armenian Museum and Armenian Forehead; Wake Up and Smell the Coffee; Composers Union, Yerevan. Featuring violinist Sargis Drinking in America; funHouse; Men Karapetyan, soprano Noune Karapetyan and pianist Nune Inside and selections from his play, “Talk Karapetyan. Program includes works of Armenian contemporary Radio.” For these shows, Bogosian was composers Alexanyan, Babayan, Garsoyan, Hakopjanyan, awarded three Obie Awards and a Drama Karapetyan, Kostanyan, Mavisakalyan, Makaryan, Mikaelyan, Desk Award-earning him living-icon status Sadoyan, Satian, Souikiasyan, Sharimanyan and Zariyan. in the downtown theatre scene. The book’s Opening remarks by composer/conductor Konstantin On June 22 at 2 p.m., the Armenian release coincides with the launch of Petrossian. Admission free, donations accepted. 65 Main St., Museum of America’s Contemporary Art www.100monologues.com, a website that Watertown. Gallery will be the venue for a concert features videos of all of the book’s mono - AUGUST 10 — Saints Var tanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old featuring Armenian Chamber Music. logues, each performed by a different Westford Road, Chelmsford, will hold its annual picnic from Performers will be violinist Sargis renowned actor. noon to 6 p.m., with Jason Naroian and his ensemble. Karapetyan, soprano Noune Karapetyan One of America’s premier performers and Admission, $1 per person. For more information, visit and pianist Nune Karapetyan. Opening most innovative and provocative artists, www.stsvartanantz.com or call the church office at 978-256- Bogosian’s other plays and solo work remarks will be given by compos - 7234. er/conductor Konstantin Petrossian. include “subUrbia” (Lincoln Center SEPTEMBER 26, 27 — Armenians and Progressive Politics Admission is free, but donations will be Theater, 1994; adapted to film by director Conference returns to Boston. Keynote speaker will be Noam Richard Linklater, 1996); Griller; Humpty Chomsky. Details to follow. accepted. The museum is located at 65 Dumpty; 1+1 and Skunkweed (published NOVEMBER 8 — Armenia Tree Project’s 20th Anniversary Main St., Watertown. as Sex Plays , TCG, 2013); “Talk Radio” Celebration. Reception and dinner at the Grand Atrium of the (The New York Shakespeare Festival, 1987; John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse overlooking the adapted to film by director Oliver Stone, Boston Harbor. Reserve the date, additional details to follow. For 1988; Broadway premiere, 2007; Pulitzer information about ATP’s programs, visit www.ArmeniaTree.org Prize finalist). Bogosian has starred in a Orchard Road, Cranston, RI featuring the sensational music of wide variety of film, TV and stage roles and RHODE ISLAND Hachig Kazarian- clarinet, John Berberian – oud, Ken Kalajian – is the author of three novels. guitar and Jason Naroian vocals and dumbeg, The dinner- For the past 50 years, TCG, the national JULY 19 — SAVE THE DATE. 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. The Providence dance is $50. Dance only after 8:30 p.m. is $35. Students dance organization for the American theatre, has ARS “Ani” Chapter and the Ladies’ Guild of Sts. Vartanantz only $25. ID required. RSVP by June 30. Call Joyce Yeremian existed to strengthen, nurture and promote Armenian Church will hold its – “A HYE SUMMER NIGHT # at 401- 354-8770, [email protected] or Joyce Bagdasarian at the professional not-for-profit American the - 9” dinner dance at the beautiful Alpine Country Club, Pippen 401- 434-4467, [email protected]. Cash raffle will be held. atre. TCG is North America’s largest inde - pendent publisher of dramatic literature. Armenian Museum Fights for its Paris Home

PARIS (theartnewspaper.com) — The Musée ship of the Musée Guimet in Paris, the national space remains in poor condition and is unsafe option of showing its collection at the Musée Arménien de France has been locked out of the museum of Asian art, which controls the build - for visitors, according to the Musée Guimet’s des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Hôtel d’Ennery, a state-owned building in Paris ing. In 2011, the Armenian museum was asked leadership. Méditerranée in Marseilles. But Fringhian, that it has shared with the Musée d’Ennery to temporarily move its collection of over 1,000 Fringhian has now gone to civil court to whose complaint has already been rejected by since 1953. objects during renovations on the Musée regain full access to the building, which one French court, maintains that the Paris The Armenian museum’s director, Frédéric d’Ennery. Although part of the collection was changed its locks in April. The Musée Guimet building is the struggling museum’s “only life Fringhian, has been fighting with the leader - moved back in 2012, the Armenian museum’s says the Armenian museum was given the raft.”

The interior of the museum before and after 14 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY THE ARMENIAN Mirror Diaspora Adrift

entertain the nouveaux riches at obnoxiously opulent weddings Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian while intellectuals form a separate caste, seldom contributing to the overall Armenian culture. Most of them exhibit a dangerous anti-Armenia streak, perhaps derived from pangs of guilt at having We live in a world of instant gratification. Life, death, calamities abandoned the homeland. and pleasures happen instantly before our eyes, leading us on a The traditional diaspora, in its turn, continues its degradation, course of fatalism. with its institutions becoming mere shells of their former selves. EstablEisshteadbl1is9h3e2 d 1932 The Middle Eastern Armenian communities are quickly depop - The churches have assumed a new social role, shedding their An ADALnP AuDblLic Patuiobnlication ulated by political and military upheavals. Armenia is being depop - traditional missions. Throughout history, wherever the belfry of a ulated after the six-century dream of an independent homeland church arose, a school was built adjacent to it. On the East Coast, has fallen short of providing all the answers. On the other hand, the church has completely shirked that responsibility and our cler - new communities are formed in the West and especially in North gy members do not opt for a change. On the West Coast, the pic - EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian America, with a different complexion. ture is not very different; the Diocese only has a single school, In short, a lopsided existence has been created with more while the Prelacy sponsors a network of schools mostly on a util -

ASSISTANT EDITOR Armenians living outside than inside Armenia. As such, values itarian agenda, to indoctrinate a new generation with political Gabriella Gage also have undergone an intense process of transformation. dogmas. Drifting apart from our home bases in Armenia and the Middle The diaspora survived for centuries because of its institutions ASSOCIATE EDITOR East, we have come together in other parts of the world as a con - and charismatic leaders. Today, it is hard to pinpoint leaders who Aram Arkun sequence of globalization. We are apart yet we are bound togeth - can command the overall respect of the diaspora and mobilize ART DIRECTOR er in a nebulous existence. communities for a noble cause. Marc Mgrditchian Following the Genocide, as the survivors settled down in the We have not yet succeeded in galvanizing the million-plus-mem - New World, the common prophecy was that within 50 years, there ber diaspora into a political force. While politics — domestic or for - would be no Armenians left in the diaspora. One hundred years eign — determine our existence and destiny, we have a tendency SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: after that prediction, today, the prophesy remains the same, lead - to resist the issues, instead depoliticizing the community with an Edmond Azadian ing us to believe that the momentum will carry us still for some atavistic fear inherited from the Ottoman times. Many local and time in the future. community agendas could be achieved by engaging in the demo - CONTRIBUTORS: But as time passes, the global Armenian community will be cratic process of this country. Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune reduced to an amorphous state, where the anchor of our exis - There is an indifference, a sense of ennui, with regard to the loss Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. tence, Armenia, will have less and less relevance. of some values and institutions. No one is alarmed by the loss of Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der The process has already begun; indifference, hatred and ani - the language. It is true that the spirit can carry us some distance, Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork mosity have been plaguing Diaspora Armenians every time but language has an important traditional value; it is the key to Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Armenia becomes a subject of discussion. our heritage, to the sources of our history. Responsible people Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Incidentally, now there are two strains in the diaspora. The tra - rationalize that language is doomed to be lost, sooner or later, so ditional one, which has existed for at least a century, if not more, why struggle, why worry — let it happen sooner rather than later. CORRESPONDENTS: some even dating back to the fall of Ani, comes with a built-in The centennial of the Genocide is around the corner. The US Armenia - Hagop Avedikian resistance to assimilation, and a new one, formed by the waves of Armenian community has yet to chart a course. No one is out - Boston - Nancy Kalajian economic immigrants from Armenia who carry no immunity to raged that the Genocide Museum project failed because of our Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian alienation and assimilation. general apathy and perhaps also because of a political conspiracy. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach These new immigrants are forming self-contained communities The Russian-Armenian community has become the largest Contributing Photographers: in communion and osmosis more with the outside world than the Armenian Diaspora, though it is still in its infancy, with almost no Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair existing Armenian communities in North America and Europe. schools, just taking pride in putting up new churches. Hovsepian For example, the new 25,000-30,000-strong Armenian community Ironically, there are more Armenians in Russia than Armenia, in Greece has almost no interaction with the 10,000-strong older but the community is still in a flux to define and to determine its Armenian community there, which has struggled for a century to identity, to be useful to itself, to the world Armenian community The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published preserve its damaged identity and create mechanisms for self- and especially to our ancestral homeland. weekly, except two weeks in July and the first preservation. Facing disaster, we live in a Panglossian world. The French week of the year, by: The same confusing picture emerges in California, where new philosopher Voltaire published an epoch-making classic satire of Baikar Association, Inc. immigrants have created a world of their own, their Soviet values the Age of Enlightenment, Candide. In the book, the protagonist, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 incompatible with the host environment: where former academi - Candide, is the disciple of Dr. Pangloss, whose optimism won’t be Telephone: 617-924-4420 cians have become taxi drivers, others freshly arrived who believe dampened by any disaster. Armenians around the world live in FAX: 617-924-2887 they are entitled to welfare, where the youth culture prides itself that Panglossian world, the motto of which is: “All is for the best www.mir rorspectator.com on its jailbirds and where former opera singers and ballet dancers in the best of all possible worlds.” E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com For advertising: [email protected] Turkish ‘False Flags’ and the Invasion That Almost Was SUBSCRIPTION RATES : agreement. – would have all but destroyed Russian influ - U.S.A. $80 a year By David Boyajian If his coup succeeded, Khasbulatov would ence in the region. That, in turn, would have order Russian troops to withdraw from increased the likelihood that Chechnya, and Canada $125 a year Armenia, where they helped guard the latter’s much of the Muslim North Caucasus, would Turkey seems fond of so-called “false flag” border with Turkey. That would pave the way eventually escape the Russian Bear’s grip. For Other Countries $190 a year operations. In 1955, for example, the Turkish for Turkey to invade the landlocked Christian a native-born Chechen like Khasbulatov, it government covertly bombed its own con - nation of just three million inhabitants. would all be a dream-come-true. sulate in Thessaloniki, Greece and blamed it History tells us that Turkey has always want - But bombarded by Russian tanks, Speaker © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator on Greeks. The following day, Turkey stage- ed to overrun Armenia. Doing so would create Khasbulatov, V.P. Alexander Rutskoi, and hun - Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA managed massive anti-Greek riots in Istanbul a path to Turkic-speaking Muslim Azerbaijan, dreds of rebel parliamentarians and supporters and additional mailing offices. that killed over a dozen Christians and caused the Caspian Sea, and, eventually, Central Asia. surrendered the Parliament building on ISSN 0004-234X hundreds of millions in damage. It’s called pan-Turkism. October 4, 1993. The coup and the plot to Fast forward to March 2014. A leaked audio - In 1993, of course, Azerbaijan was losing its invade Armenia had failed. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The tape caught Turkish officials plotting to stage war with Armenians over the ancient, majority- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn “false flag” military attacks on their own terri - The Secret Pact St., Watertown, MA 02472 Armenian province of Karabagh. Azerbaijan tory and blame them on Syrians. Turkish was, therefore, eager for Turkey to attack The Khasbulatov-Turkish pact was first Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, General Armenia, and Turkey was ready to help revealed by Leonidas T. Chrysanthopoulos in reflect the policies of the publisher. Yaar Gürel, and Intelligence chief Hakan Azerbaijan turn the tide. his book Caucasus Chronicles (London: Fidan planned to use the attacks as an excuse Gomidas, 2002). He was Greece’s ambassador to invade Syria. The title of this article could The Plot Fails to Armenia from July 1993 to February 1994. easily apply to that plot. Harkening back to the Armenian genocide, Chrysanthopoulos, now 68, has served as To close observers of the Caucasus, howev - Turkish President Turgut Özal had threatened ambassador to Canada and Poland, and was er, it could also describe a failed covert Turkish to teach Armenia “the lessons of 1915.” Tansu recently secretary general of the 12-country, plan to attack Armenia two decades ago and Çiller, Turkey’s prime minister, warned Istanbul-based Black Sea Economic Copying for other than personal use or turn the geopolitics of the region upside down. Armenia that she wouldn’t “sit back and do Cooperation organization. internal reference is prohibited without In October 1993, two years after the USSR nothing.” Turkey was massing forces on France’s ambassador to Armenia, Mme. express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or had splintered, an ethnic Chechen Muslim Armenia’s western border and supplying France de Harthing, told him that “French back issues to: named Ruslan Khasbulatov — the Speaker, Azerbaijan with weapons, military advisors, intelligence sources” confirmed that “the believe it or not, of the Russian Parliament — and paramilitary forces. Chechen militants and Turkish incursion into Armenia would take Baikar Association, Inc. led a coup against beleaguered Russian Afghan Mujahideen were already fighting place immediately after Khasbulatov would 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 President Boris Yeltsin. According to alongside Azeris. have withdrawn the Russian troops from American, French, and Greek officials, A successful Turkish attack on Armenia — Armenia.” “This information,” wrote Khasbulatov and Muslim Turkey had a secret Russia’s only military partner in the Caucasus continued on next page S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

In 2010, the Armenian Film Foundation and J. Michael old Armenian Genocide survivor.” Within few days, her Hagopian signed a historic agreement with the Shoah posting received close to 400,000 “likes” and almost 5,000 Foundation to digitize, preserve, and disseminate filmed comments on Instagram, and 110,000 “likes” on her face - interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Armenian book page. Genocide. Last month, 400 digitized copies of the Despite repeated references to the Armenian Genocide My Turn Armenian testimonies were delivered to USC Shoah from the podium, President Obama did not make any direct Foundation’s Institute for Visual History and Education. references to Armenians or the Armenian Genocide in his By Harut Sassounian By the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 18-minute speech — nor was he expected to do so! 2015, the Armenian testimonies, after they are translated, However, the President made indirect references to geno - subtitled, and indexed, will be made available along with cides other than the Holocaust, without specifying them: Obama Listens to Repeated eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust and other genocides • “I want to say a special word to the survivors who are References To Armenian to 50 institutions (including the US Holocaust Museum) in with us this evening, not just of the Holocaust, but as 30 countries. Steven [Spielberg] noted, survivors of other unimaginable Genocide at Shoah Gala Nearly 100 Armenian-Americans attended the May 7 crimes.” gala, raising more than $100,000 for the Armenian collec - • “If the memories of the Shoah survivors teach us any - On May 7, I attended a very impressive benefit gala at tion at Shoah. During the evening’s program, several thing, it is that silence is evil’s greatest co-conspirator. And the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles, cel - speakers made references to the Armenian Genocide. it’s up to us — each of us, every one of us — to forcefully ebrating the 20th anniversary of the USC Shoah Spielberg was the first to announce that the Armenian condemn any denial of the Holocaust.” Foundation, which archives the testimonies of survivors Genocide testimonies were to be included in the Shoah • “You [Spielberg] …documented the experience not and witnesses of the Jewish Holocaust, the Armenian, archives. A video shown to the attendees featured several only of the Holocaust, but of atrocities before and since…. Cambodian and Rwandan genocides, and the 1937 Nanjing photographs of J. Michael Hagopian, genocide survivor To you and everybody at the Shoah Foundation, and for all Massacre. Paul Andonian, and Armenian deportees on a death march. that you’ve done, for setting a light, an eternal flame of tes - Internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning director Steven Shoah Foundation Executive Director Stephen Smith also timony, that can’t be extinguished and cannot be denied, Spielberg, after filming Schindler’s List, established the spoke about the Armenian Genocide, acknowledging the we express our deepest gratitude.” Shoah Foundation to collect and preserve the personal presence of Yevnige Salibian, a 104-year-old Genocide sur - Armenians do not need to press President Obama to accounts of survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust. vivor from Aintab. Banquet host comedian Conan O’Brien, explicitly refer to the Armenian Genocide. Another US In 2006, the Shoah Foundation became part of the after acknowledging Mrs. Salibian’s presence from the President, Ronald Reagan, has already acknowledged it in University of Southern California and currently holds podium, walked over to her table when the gala ended and his Presidential Proclamation of April 22, 1981. It is unnec - 52,000 video testimonies in 34 languages, representing 58 had a picture taken with her. essary to insist that every US President make the same countries. It is the largest archive of its kind in the world. As an honored guest, Salibian was seated next to TV acknowledgment year after year. President Obama may The gala was attended by President Obama who received celebrity Kim Kardashian. The following day, Kardashian consider using the term Armenian Genocide not for the the Ambassador for Humanity award. Also in attendance posted on social media her photograph with Salibian, sake of Armenians, but to uphold his own integrity by keep - were Samuel Jackson, Octavia Spencer, Barbra Streisand, adding the following message: “Honored to be at the USC ing the solemn pledge he made as a presidential candidate. Liam Neeson, and Bruce Springsteen who performed two of Shoah Foundation event to support Armenian Genocide Only then could he fully qualify as an Ambassador for his poignant songs, Promised Land, and Dancing in the Dark. testimonies. I’m sitting next to the most inspiring 100-year- Humanity.

Turkish ‘False Flags’ War and Genocide: The Gallipoli/Dardanelles from previous page Chrysanthopoulos, “was later confirmed to me by Campaign and the Armenian Genocide my United States colleague,” Ambassador Harry J. Gilmore. ered in various locations on the Mediterranean Sea and even - As a “pretext,” Turkey would claim to be targeting By Alan Whitehorn tually were forwarded onto islands near the Dardanelles. Kurdish PKK militant bases, which in fact have never Increasingly, it was clear to Ottoman and German military offi - existed, in Armenia. Such a “pretext” is similar, though cials that a large landing was imminent, although they did not not identical, to a ‘false flag.’ The Entente naval bombardments of the Dardanelles Straits know the exact location. Two hundred Entente ships and about The Turkish strike would be “incursions of a limited in February and March and later the amphibious landings at 75,000 troops finally left the port of Mudros on April 23. It was nature,” though it’s unclear what “limited” meant. Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, were two interrelated military the date they were initially scheduled to land, but were, in fact, More likely, as Turkey wouldn’t find any PKK, the aim deployments that gravely threatened the survival of the delayed due to poor weather conditions. Two days later on was to forge a permanent corridor across Armenia, link Ottoman empire. These military battles, in turn, are linked to April 25. British, French, Australian, and New Zealand troops up with Azeri forces, and cleanse Karabagh of the Young Turk regime’s draconian decision to arrest several landed on the Gallipoli peninsula that guarded the entrance to Armenians. hundred Armenian community and political leaders in the Dardanelles. An epic new land front was now opened. The US and France have never, as far as is known, Constantinople on April 24, an act that was an opening phase In between the night that the Entente fleet had left Mudros publicly denied the existence of the Khasbulatov- of the Armenian Genocide. and the day prior to their military landings in Gallipoli took Turkish plot. Moreover, Chrysanthopoulos gives no In WWI there were several major battle fronts: Western place, the Young Turk regime rapidly implemented one of the indication that any country tried to talk Turkey out of Europe, Eastern Europe, the Near (Middle) East and the opening phases of the Armenian Genocide. Working with its deal with Khasbulatov. Caucasus Mountains. In the East, Russia, as the major ally of already-drawn-up lists of the names of prominent Armenians, Is any of This Relevant Today? Britain and France, was battling Germany, Austria-Hungary the police and military arrested several hundred Armenian NATO Ambitions and the Ottoman Empire. Russia’s troops were engaged in com - community and political leaders in Constantinople throughout bat from the Baltic Sea in the North, through Eastern Europe, the night of April 24. It was one day before the British and Yes, because current Turkish, American, and NATO to the Black Sea and Caucasus Mountains in the South. The allied landings at Gallipoli. policies in the Caucasus strongly echo the 1993 Ottoman-held strategically key Bosporus Straits, linking the War and genocide are often intertwined and this was partic - Khasbulatov-Turkish plot. For two decades, the West Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, were crucial for supply - ularly evident during the hours between April 24 and April 25. has been trying to penetrate and dominate the ing Russia with munitions and supplies. However, from the out - Would the Armenian community leaders have been arrested at Caucasus — Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia — and set of the war, the Straits had been closed. The British and that time if the Entente ships and troops had not been about eventually cross the Caspian Sea into energy-rich French fleets blocked the Dardanelles Straits at the Western to invade? Certainly, the Armenian community was already Central Asia. end, while the Ottoman empire mined and controlled the being targeted by the Young Turk nationalist regime. But the One piece of the plan has already been partially Straits elsewhere. secrecy, violence, and sense of urgency of major wartime implemented: constructing oil and gas pipelines from For a number of British and other Entente strategists, the threats made committing such genocidal deeds more feasible. Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey. Ottoman Empire was perceived to be the weak link in the Many books and articles written about the military battles at NATO’s remaining goal: absorb the entire Caucasus. German-centered military alliance. Winston Churchill, the First Gallipoli note the substantial number of military casualties on NATO would thereby threaten Russia from the south, Lord of the British Admiralty, was a forceful advocate of both sides. For Australians and New Zealanders these days of just as it now pressures Russia from the west with its attempting a bold naval maneuver to break through the lines battle are heroically identified with ANZAC Day, a day of nation - absorption of much of Eastern Europe (and, NATO of Ottoman naval mines, destroy the shoreline fortresses along al mourning and pride. For Turkish citizens, it is a battle that hopes, Ukraine). the Dardanelles and sail up the Straits swiftly and decisively to saw a rare military victory in WWI and the emergence of a Georgia and Azerbaijan are inclined to eventually capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople. In so doing, the charismatic Turkish officer Mustafa Kemal who rallied his join NATO. Armenia, however, is not, though it has strategists expected to be able to knock the Ottoman empire troops in defense of the empire and who would go on to excellent relations with NATO and the West. Armenia out of the war and strike a key blow against Germany. Drawing become Ataturk, the founding president of the Republic of has little choice but to ally itself with Russia because upon an unrivalled history of centuries of dominating the Turkey. the former faces an ongoing existential threat from oceans of the world, the British fleet seemed more than capa - Military histories often focus on brilliant commanding offi - NATO member Turkey, the 1993 plot being one exam - ble of achieving such a bold and daring naval task. cers and brave, often suffering, soldiers, but usually offer less ple. From February onwards, the British and French fleets com - on the societal context of the war. However, in the era of mod - Armenia is the Caucasus’s linchpin. Had the menced their naval bombardments and later sought to pene - ern “total war,” where civilian targets were seen as a key part Khasbulatov-Turkish quasi-”false flag” operation trate the lines of floating mines. As a result, a state of great of a strategy for victory, incomplete accounts of the totality of against Armenia succeeded, Russia would probably apprehension existed in Constantinople amongst the Young war are insufficient. In most of the writings about Gallipoli, have lost, and NATO would have gained, the entire Turk leadership. Plans were made to abandon the capital city, civilian deportations and casualties are rarely mentioned. Even Caucasus. New provocations, including “false flags,” by if need be. However, after several Entente warships were sunk more disappointing is the failure to make the important link Turkey and NATO cannot, therefore, be ruled out. by mines, the British naval commanders paused, as they were that the Gallipoli/Dardanelles campaigns had to one of the key Turkish, American and NATO leaders must also be unwilling to suffer the loss of more major warships. They opted phases of the Armenian Genocide which eventually would lead interrogated as to whether their policies in the not to proceed with the operation by sea alone. Instead, they to the death of approximately 1,500,000 Armenians. Caucasus are leading to peace or war. chose to await for the mounting of a complex amphibious land - The stark fact is that the number of naval and army person - ing at the rugged shores of Gallipoli. Preparations to assemble nel who were wounded and died in the Dardanelles and (The author is a freelance journalist. Many of his the troops, equipment and supplies were substantial and had Gallipoli campaigns pales in comparison to the number of articles are archived at Armeniapedia.org.) been underway for considerable time. Troops had been gath - see GALLIPOLI, page 16 16 S ATURDAY , J UNE 21, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

orphanages in Syria, Lebanon, Greece and elsewhere, provid - Genocide was the real reason. ing lifesaving support to the young orphans who survived, Organizations such as the Armenian Assembly, a such as my mother and father. Washington based entity promoting awareness of Armenian The Rug Regrettably, the American outrage which followed the hor - issues, and supportive members of Congress, including rific Genocide, waned in the ensuing decades. Passage of time, Senator Markey, persisted in seeking release of the rug. shifting policies in the Middle East and a growing reliance on Finally, at the end of April, the White House agreed to the perceived strategic role of the government of Turkey, suc - release the rug for public display at some time in the future. cessor to the Ottoman Empire, caused indignation to melt into This is encouraging news and further details about when and Of Hope indifference. Even efforts to have the United States Congress where it will be displayed are eagerly awaited. pass a symbolic resolution recognizing and denouncing the Why has this single rug, this 90-year-old inanimate object, Genocide encountered insurmountable resistance. Turkish generated such a passionate interest? What difference could opposition to Congressional action was strong. its production or non-production possibly make? Presidents, including President Obama, who pledged to Clearly, the rug is only a symbol but an extremely visible By Harry N. Mazadoorian recognize the atrocities as genocide while on the campaign and powerful one. It represents the spirit of those fragile trail, abandoned the pledge once elected for fear of offending orphans whose resilience, faith and gratitude kept them a key ally in the Middle East. Euphemisms and cleverly select - going and which brought many of them to this country — Sometimes a meaningful symbol can bring about results ed words replaced a forthright recognition: The Genocide was many to the Worcester area — to become proud and produc - not achievable by millions of articulate and well-reasoned deftly sidestepped. Some asked, did recognition of this geno - tive Americans. words. We have all seen examples where large populations cide of so long ago, so far away, of a people so little known It serves as a precious and powerful emblem of respect and have been moved from lethargy into action by a symbol such really make a difference? gratitude to this country. Something which hapless survivors as flag, a gesture or a picture. Meanwhile genocide, brutality and killing continue and waifs created with their own hands: more than four mil - One such symbol is a rug woven by orphan survivors of the throughout the world. lion knots of appreciation. Armenian Genocide of 1915, many years ago. The “orphan rug” was painstakingly It also symbolizes the potential for a long overdue and The year 2014 marks the 99th anniver - woven by Armenian orphans of the Ghazir much needed transformative healing following one of histo - sary of the Armenian Genocide. More than COMMENTARY Orphanage in what is now Lebanon in ry’s darkest and most tragic chapters. one and one half million Armenian men, gratitude for the lifesaving humanitarian The rug is part of American history representing this coun - women and children perished from depor - efforts of the United States during the try’s pivotal role, throughout its history, in supporting the tations, death marches, starvation and outright murder at the bleakest hours of the Genocide. The rug was presented to persecuted and oppressed all over the world. It belongs to all hands of the Ottoman Empire. President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 and resides in the White Americans. So great was the sympathy and outrage that a relief effort House today. Interestingly, the rug resided in Northampton Perhaps, after nearly one hundred years, the display of this of unparalleled proportions was undertaken in the United Massachusetts for some time at after the Coolidge’s left modest symbol will play a role in curbing the brutality and States. The Americans providing humanitarian relief and sup - Washington. Awareness of the rug heightened after the pub - killing which continues throughout the world port for the victims were a virtual who’s who of American pol - lication of a marvelous book about the rug by Dr. Hagop (Harry N. Mazadoorian of Kensington CT is the son of itics, arts, academia and philanthropy as well as ordinary cit - Martin Deranian who practices in Worcester. survivors of the Armenian Genocide, both of whom were izens, all outraged by the atrocities When the rug was requested for commemorative programs relocated to orphanages in the Near East, before coming to The Near East Foundation raised millions of dollars, the by Armenian advocacy groups and by the Smithsonian America where they initially lived in Whitinsville. He is an equivalent of several billion today, for humanitarian relief. At Institute itself, the White House declined the request, citing attorney and a mediator and is the Distinguished Senior the same time, Danish relief workers, Swiss missionaries and what appeared to be hollow logistical and procedural reasons. Fellow at the Quinnipiac University Law School Center on people of goodwill from all over the world rushed to create Speculation was that sensitivity to Turkish denial of the Dispute Resolution.)

Armenian-Dutch Sebouh Tavitian of Cyprus Receives Boghos Nubar Medal

Business Forum to Be YEREVAN — On May 29, Minister of Diaspora Nareg Armenian School in Cyprus.” Hranush Hakobyan granted the Boghos Nubar Expressing his gratitude for the award, Held in Yerevan Medal of the Ministry of Diaspora to Chairman Tavitian said the award came as a surprise. “I YEREVAN (Panorama) — The Armenian- of the Cyprus Committee of Hayastan All- have always believed that awards are granted to Dutch Business Forum organized by the Armenian Fund Sebouh Tavitian. heroes. I have not achieved any endeavor, but I Union of Information Technology Introducing Tavitian, she said, “Sebouh have always helped and served my nation all my Enterprises (UITE) and the Embassy of the Tavitian has spent his entire life in Cyprus and life, and I will continue to serve my Homeland Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia and has made great contributions to the organizing, as long as I have the strength and ability to do Georgia will be held on June 21 at the development, reinforcement and advancement so,” he said. Armenia Marriott hotel. of community life. Sebouh Tavitian has made Hakobyan replied, “You are the heroes of the The event will be part of the annual great contributions to the Armenian upbring - struggle for the Armenian Cause and the DigiTec International Business Forum ing of Armenian youth in Cyprus, both at restoration of our rights in our days. It is our held on June 20-21, the press service of AGBU Melkonian Educational Institute and at duty to appreciate your efforts. Our issues must UITE reports. Nareg Day School. For the past six years, he has be the same, and we must solve our issues Sebouh Tavitian and Minister Hakobyan The key topic of the Armenian-Dutch been a member of the board of trustees of together.” Business Forum is the introduction of the Dutch ICT sector, and, particularly, the “serious” game technologies indus - try. Serious or applied games are simula - tions of real-world events or processes which can be used as experimental or Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2014 educational technologies in such indus - tries as engineering, defense, healthcare, education, science, business management and others are. Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor The forum will have a discussion ses - sion with the main focus on the coopera - a Teacher’ program has raised over $596,000 tion opportunities between Armenian and Dutch ICT sectors in the following and reached out to 4,864 teachers and main directions: market expansion, attraction of foreign capital, and initia - school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. tives in education sector. £

War and Genocide K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have GALLIPOLI, from page 15 the teacher’s name and address. civilians who were arrested, starved, tortured K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ and died in the Armenian Genocide — a geno - ————————— cide that gained significant momentum coincid - Name ing with the Entente landings at Gallipoli. For Address the Young Turk dictatorship the two events City State Zip code were linked in key ways. Amidst foreign military Tel: peril and possible Entente military occupation of Constantinople, there was swift and deadly Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 action to target the Armenian Christian ethnic Mail your check with this form to: minority for genocide. TCA Sponsor a Teacher (Alan Whitehorn is an emeritus professor of 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 political science at the Royal Military College of Canada and author of Return to Armenia: Your donation is Tax Deductible. Veradardz depi Hayastan.)