OCTOBER 15, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXII, NO. 14, Issue 4208 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Catholicos Arrives During Visit to Sarkozy In US ECHMIADZIN — On October 7, Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All , arrived in the US to pay a pontifical Urges Ankara to Admit Genocide visit to the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of . During the visit, he held meetings with the (Combined Sources) — During benefactors of the Mother See of Holy his first visit to this nation, French Echmiadzin to discuss their current projects. President Nicolas Sarkozy urged to The Armenian pontiff was accompanied by recognize the 1915 Armenians Genocide by Rev. Aris Tonoyan, a member of the Brotherhood the Ottoman Turk government, thus of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. thrilling Armenians worldwide and riling the Turkish government. “The Armenian Genocide is a historical Italian Town reality. Collective denial is even worse than individual denial,” Sarkozy said Thursday, Recognizes Armenian October 6 in Yerevan. Genocide “Turkey, which is a great country, would honor itself by revisiting its history like CERCHIARA di CALABRIA, Italy (Aysor.am) — other countries in the world have done,” The town council of the town Cerchiara di Sarkozy added. Calabria voted to recognize the Armenian Sarkozy also hinted that Turkey’s refusal Genocide on September 24. It is the sixth town to recognize the Genocide would force in Italy to recognize the Armenian Genocide this France to change its law and make such year. denials a criminal offense. “If Turkey does In April, the Armenian Genocide was recog - not do this, then doubtless we will have to nized by the following town councils of Italy: San Many people turned out to see the French president during his first visit to the nation. go further,” he said without elaborating. Giorgio, Padova Province, Bolano, La Spezia Sarkozy urged Armenia to continue Province, Sermide, Province Mantova, Dorgali, efforts towards normalizing relations with the Province of Nuoro and Isola del Liri in Turkey and finding a durable peace with its Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over jointly heading the Minsk Group of the Frosinone Province. other neighbor, Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabagh to resolve their differ - Organization for Security and Cooperation A total of four provinces and 59 towns of Italy On the second day of his visit to Yerevan ences by peaceful means. in (OSCE) that spearheads interna - have recognized the Armenian Genocide, the as part of a broader South tour “I have told the president of Armenia to tional efforts to broker a solution to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press office said. that also included stops in Baku and Tbilisi, continue his way towards peace with Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. Sarkozy urged the parties to the protracted Azerbaijan, which meets the interests of Sarkozy traveled to Baku later on Friday both countries,” Sarkozy said at a joint to carry a similar message of peace before Armenia’s Defense press conference with his Armenian coun - visiting Georgian capital Tbilisi on the last terpart. leg of his South Caucasus tour. Minister Fires Senior France is one of the three countries Speaking about the Karabagh conflict in Officers over Accident Armenia along with and the United States see SARKOZY, page 20 YEREVAN (tert.am) — Armenia’s defense minis - ter has fired senior military officials over the incident during military exercise that claimed a Remembers Soccer: A Cinderella Story Goes on for Armenia life. A source close to the Defense Ministry said YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — From an anyone who has watched the rise of com - that upon his return from Brussels on October 7, Steve Jobs underdog that trembled at the sight of vir - mencing coach Vardan Minasyan’s team will Seyran Ohanyan signed a decree firing several tually any opponent and often played any - see a great effort and work as the well-applied high-ranking military officers, including the com - YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Apple fans thing but soccer, Armenia has transformed formula behind the success. mander of the Baghramyan Education Camp, mourning the death of company founder itself into a legitimate object of Union of The statement by Armenian Football over the incident. Steve Jobs last week gathered at the Apple European Football Associations (UEFA) Federation (FFA) President Ruben Several other high-ranking military officers store here, to express their condolences. respectability. Hayrapetyan before the start of the cam - were reprimanded. Jobs died on Wednesday, October 5 in The latest victories achieved by Armenian paign, that Armenia would seek to qualify The accident took place at around 6 p.m. on California. players this week as part of an ongoing UEFA for European Championship finals, was October 3 when a vehicle in a military convoy hit Euro-2012 qualifying campaign may have taken with considerable skepticism by local the roadside mound, lost control and slipped off come as a surprise to outside observers, but see SOCCER, page 2 the road, killing one conscript and injuring six others. It comes a week after Ohanyan said during a visit to a military unit in Nagorno-Karabagh that Sarkis Soghanalian: non-combat deaths in the army are unacceptable and that those in charge will be strictly punished ‘Merchant of Death’ Dies in Miami in accordance with the law. By Lowell Bergman INSI DE MIAMI (PBS Frontline) — Sarkis Soghanalian, the Lebanese-born arms dealer who sold weapons to rebels and Steve Jobs autocrats, including , Showing died of natural causes on Tuesday, October 4, in Miami. He was 78. “Since early this morning numerous Featured in the 1990 documentary, ‘The Way’ Apple users and ordinary citizens have “The Arming of ,” Soghanalian been calling the store to express their con - spoke candidly about how, with secret page 13 dolences over Steve Jobs’ loss; everybody is support from the US government, he shocked by his untimely death,” the Apple became the former Iraqi dictator’s major store representative Edik Mardoyan said. arms supplier during the peak of the Jobs, passed away at the age of 56, of pan - -Iraq war. Once fabulously wealthy, creatic cancer. He was the adopted son of with a vast fleet of jet cargo planes and INDEX Paul and Clara (Hakobyan) Jobs, of homes in a dozen countries including Arts and Living ...... 13 Mountain View, Calif. Armenia ...... 2 luxury villas in Miami and Palm Springs, Community News...... 5 A private funeral took place on Friday, and a horse ranch in Fort Lauderdale, October 7. Apple will hold a special memo - Editorial ...... 18 he died virtually broke, his family insists. Sarkis Soghanalian International ...... 3, 4 rial in his honor on October 19 at the com - see SOGHANALIAN, page 6 pany headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. He leaves a wife and four children. 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Soccer: A Cinderella Story Goes on for Armenia SOCCER, from page 1 specialists and the media. But less than two years down the road a reverse situ - Romania Developing ation has emerged when cautious state - Relations with Armenia ments by soccer functionaries about the chances of qualification are already YEREVAN (Mediamax) — Romania is interested in taken as an expression of modesty. developing relations with Armenia both on a bilat- The Friday spectacle at Yerevan’s eral basis and within the EU and NATO, Romania’s Republican Stadium, in which Armenia Ambassador to Armenia Krina Prunariu said this humiliated FYR Macedonia 4-1 — the week at a press conference held in the NATO fifth victory for the team as part of the Information Center. ongoing qualifying tournament and Prunario said that the two countries’ presidents third in a row — laid to rest skeptical have held nine meetings over the past 20 years. attitudes that still existed after similarly There have also been numerous meetings of foreign spectacular displays against established and defense ministers of Armenia and Romania. European teasm such as Slovakia. “Armenian and Romanian Defense Ministries During the match, President Serge maintain good relations. At one time, Romania Sargisian and other leaders of the coun - offered Armenia support in elaboration of Military try couldn’t check their emotions and Doctrine and the process of reforming the military jumped for joy like teenagers in their Soccer fans rejoice after the team’s latest win. budget and military servicemen training,” said the VIP section, as did 15,000 ticket-buying ambassador. fans. After the victory, a rare outbreak Prunariu said that an event devoted to the 20th of football fever spread in spontaneous Ghazaryan, Edgar Manucharyan, group by all means, our task is to raise anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic rela- jubilant scenes in Yerevan, with people Karlen Mkrtchyan, Yura Movsisyan and the quality of our play,” said Minasyan tions between Armenia and Romania will be held in driving around in cars, waving national others have risen since then to give the in an interview with online sport portal Bucharest on December 17. tricolors, singing and dancing. national team an entirely new quality Armsport.am. “Before the game I ask Hayrapetyan could not check his emo - and vigor it had lacked before. the players not to pay too much atten - tions, either. “This is one of the happiest Ahead of Tuesday’s 10th and final tion to the passions and remain focused Premier Receives moments of my life. Beautiful soccer, match in Euro-2012 qualifying Group B on our path and keep going.” Lebanese Speaker goals, excitement in the field — this was against the Republic of Ireland in The modest comments of the coach my dream. Now it came true,” said the Dublin in which Armenia needs a win to are unlikely to lower expectations of the YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan) — On October 4, Prime official who took over soccer affairs in go into playoffs coach Minasyan says he Armenia fans for whom TV screens and Minister Tigran Sargisian received Lebanese Armenia in the early 2000 when even won’t break his rule, which is “taking computer monitors will serve as umbili - Speaker Nabih Berri. draws were few and far between for the one step at a time.” (The game is taking cal cords to Team Armenia when maybe Greeting the guest, Sargisian expressed confi- badly underperforming team. place after press time.) — just maybe — there will be no mid - dence that Berri’s visit to Armenia would give a A whole generation of young players “We are still on our way. We don’t night struck on this Armenian new impetus to the development of relations like , Gevorg have the task of qualifying from the Cinderella. between the two countries in different directions. Sargisian noted that mutual economic relations, especially trade circulation volumes don’t corre- spond to the level of Armenian-Lebanese high-level Tekeyan Centre Chair Ouzounian Visits School in Artsakh political relations. The two men considered light industry, pharma- YEREVAN — Since 2011, the Vahan the fund. The school was named three Ouzounian, who had arrived in Yerevan ceuticals, jewelry and tourism in the fields of Tekeyan School in Berdzor (Artsakh) years ago after Vahan Tekeyan through on the occasion of the 20th anniversary prospective cooperation. has been included on the list of benefi - the efforts and contributions to the of Tekeyan Centre, left for Artsakh to Berri said that in the near future ’s pres- ciaries of Tekeyan Centre Fund of teachers of TCA Board of visit Berdzor School No. 1, now named ident, prime minister and foreign minister would Armenia, and, like the other four Administrations of USA and its chair - for Vahan Tekeyan. visit Armenia. Tekeyan Schools in Armenia (Yerevan, man, Maro Bedrosian. In his welcoming speech, Ouzounian Gumri, Garpi and Stepanavan), it has On September 19, the chair of warmly congratulated the Tekeyan School been participating in all the projects of Tekeyan Centre Fund, Vartan on the new academic year. The chairman Architect Israelyan’s wished the pupils a successful year and House Is Demolished to new achievements, and he wished the teaching staff great enthusiasm to do their Make Room for Hotel important and patriotic duty. On behalf of Tekeyan Centre Fund, YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The house of a Ouzounian praised the teachers’ out - well-known Armenian architect, Rafael Israelyan, standing contribution to the develop - designer of the Sardarapat (1968) and Mother ment of the Armenian nation, and he Armenia (1951) complexes, is being demolished. thanked them for educating genera - Israelyan’s house, located in Saryan Street, was tions in very difficult conditions and for constructed by the architect himself in 1954, with performing their mission with high many of the decorations carved by his own hand. sense of responsibility. According to reports, a hotel construction onsite Principal Anahit Kosakyan thanked is planned. Architect Sarat Petrosyan stated, the Vartan Ouzounian, fourth from left, standing, and guest with teachers and students Ouzounian for supporting all Tekeyan construction of a hotel has not been envisaged by schools. Various projects of the fund Yerevan Municipality zoning project, and conse- and Tekeyan Cultural Association of quently, runs counter to it. United States and Canada inspire not Architect Arsen Karapetyan, said, “You could only Tekeyan schoolchildren but also count the buildings retaining the memory of the Ter-Petrosian Ends Nonstop Protests teachers and help to make friendship old city on one hand. With Israelyan’s contribution and to unite all Tekeyan members in a to Armenian architecture, his house was more than YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Opposition “As I said, the success of our struggle big family, she said. worthy of preserving. The building could be turned leader Levon Ter-Petrosian ended late on depends only on discipline and the During his visit to school, Ouzounian into a museum, instead of another faceless hotel. Saturday more than weeklong nonstop unconditional execution of decisions by inquired about the school’s achieve - Yerevan is turning into a city without memories.” demonstrations staged by his Armenian the congress leadership. He who doesn’t ments and successes as well as the prob - National Congress (HAK) in Liberty behave in this way helps Serge lems. In fact, the school faces many prob - Level Rise Square despite failing to secure any con - Sargisian,” he said, prompting applause lems that should be solved urgently. cessions from the government. from other demonstrators. Ouzounian walked around the school Creates Eco Problems Addressing thousands of supporters ral - The HAK set up a tent camp in Liberty and saw its terrible state (i.e. the leak - lying there, Ter-Petrosian said the HAK Square on September 30 in hopes of ing roof, destroyed staircases and floor, YEREVAN (news.am) — The level of Lake Sevan is leadership has decided to “temporarily stepping up pressure on the Armenian no asphalt road to school and the most 1,900.34 meters as of September 1, due to which stop” the protests because it believes that authorities. It at the same time offered to important issue: no running water). problems have risen with respect to cleaning the they have already served their purpose. resume talks with Sargisian’s ruling According to the teachers, the school lakeshore’s forest-covered under-water areas, notes “The current activation of the popular coalition without preconditions. library needs to be enriched (there is a Armenian Ministry of Nature Protection. The large movement has made more visible and Ter-Petrosian’s bloc previously made lack of dictionaries, encyclopedias and amount of organic material, which has remained deepened cracks within the government their resumption conditional on the literature). The school also needs labo - under water, is polluting the water. Numerous con- camp as well as the already existing wide - release of an opposition activist arrested ratory equipment that will enable chil - structions and infrastructure, which have likewise spread public distrust and contempt in August. dren to make chemical, physical and remained under water, are causing serious prob- towards it,” he claimed, presenting a Coalition representatives have made other experiments. lems, too. statement adopted by the bloc. clear that they will not negotiate with Ouzounian promised that Tekeyan Non-purified wastewater is spilling into the lake, The announcement provoked cries of the HAK until the “illegal” protests are Centre Fund would do its best to changing the lake’s biodiversity and severely reduc- discontent from sections of the crowd that over. In another sign of its self-confi - improve the Berdzor School. ing its stock of fish. And reduction in the number demanded that the round-the-clock sit-in dence, the Sargisian administration has On the same day, the chairman visit - of fish species has resulted in an intensive accu- continue until the administration of Pres- still not responded to another, more far- ed another school in Artsakh, a school mulation of organic material in the lake’s ecosys- ident Serge Sargisian agrees to call early reaching offer made by Ter-Petrosian. in the village of Vank, to make a com - presidential and parliamentary elections. Ter-Petrosian also announced that the parison. Fortunately, not all schools in Ter-Petrosian rejected the objections. HAK will hold its next rally on October 28. Artsakh are in terrible state. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL UK MP on Intelligence Committee International News Paid by Azerbaijan Lobby Group Misha Aloyan Wins Gold For Russia in Baku vides secretarial services for the all-party Tourny By Rajeev Syal and Solomon Hughes parliamentary group on Azerbaijan, which has 20 members. BAKU (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Armenian boxer It has organized high-profile meetings Misha Aloyan (52 kg), representing Russia at Baku- LONDON (Guardian) — A conservative British investment in Azerbaijan. and receptions at all three of the main hosted AIBA World Championships scored a victo- member of parliament who sits on the The European Azerbaijan Society was party conferences. ry versus Andrew Selby of Wales to win the gold committee that scrutinizes the security launched in November 2008 to promote The society also founded medal at the championship. services is being paid £6,000 ($9,400) a Azerbaijan to international audiences, “Conservative Friends of Azerbaijan” David Hayrapetyan (49 kg), also representing year by a pro-Azerbaijan lobby group. according to its website. this year, which has 25 Tory parliamen - Russia, won the bronze medal. Mark Field, member of parliament Tale Heydarov, a 26-year-old business - tarians as members. Robert Halfon, mem - (MP) for the Cities of London and man whose father is one of Azerbaijan’s ber of parliament, is vice chair and Chris Westminster, has joined the advisory ministers, is the society’s main funder Pincher, member of parliament, is trea - Kuwait Asks for Share board of the European Azerbaijan and director. surer. Other members include the deputy In Iran-Armenia Society. Azerbaijan’s government has A former student at the London speaker Nigel Evans and the 1922 been criticized this year by the Foreign School of Economics, he has been Committee chairman, Graham Brady. Railroad Project Office and Amnesty International for tor - described as the “Abramovich of Approached this week, Field said it turing protesters campaigning for politi - Azerbaijan” after pouring millions of was “absurd” to claim that he should not TEHRAN (FNA) — Kuwait’s finance minister voiced cal reforms. Labour MPs have ques - pounds into his local football team — have taken up his new position. He said his country’s eagerness to have a share in a railway tioned whether Field’s new job is appro - including £1 million ($1.5 million) a year he had met Heydarov on a couple of construction project which would link Iran to priate, given the sensitive nature of the in wages to recruit the former England occasions. Armenia. work of the intelligence committee. captain Tony Adams as manager. “The reason that I have been out there “Our country believes that the transportation Field, 46, is the youngest ever member Azerbaijan is ruled by the authoritari - [to Azerbaijan] on two occasions is sector is of much importance, and that construc- of parliament to serve on the committee, an president Ilham Aliyev and, according because the country is trying to develop tion of Iran-Armenia railway would serve the inter- which reports directly to 10 Downing to the Foreign Office, the country’s its financial services sector. There is no ests of Kuwait and Armenia,” the Kuwaiti minister Street and oversees the UK’s intelligence human rights record is poor. Journalists question of a conflict of interest,” he said. said in a joint press conference with the Armenian and security services. in the country have been harassed and “I have signed the Official Secrets Act deputy prime minister in Yerevan. The committee is unique because it jailed, opposition candidates disqualified and I will not be divulging any secrets to The Armenian deputy prime minister mentioned consists of nine parliamentarians and voters intimidated. the Azerbaijan government or anyone that Kuwait has also voiced its interest in partici- appointed by — and reporting directly to In March Amnesty International called else connected to any of the other orga - pating in the North-South Corridor Construction — the prime minister. It has greater pow - upon Azerbaijan’s authorities to end nizations or all-party committees I am project as well. ers than a select committee of parlia - their crackdown on activists preparing involved with. It would be absurd and According to early estimates, $2 billion of invest- ment, being able to demand papers from for a protest inspired by recent events in would be quite improper to think that ment is needed for the construction of the Iran- former governments and official advice the and north Africa. anyone on the security and intelligence Armenia railway. to ministers, both of which are not open Detainees said they had been water - committee could not have any other out - The World Bank and the Asian Development to select committees. His new advisory boarded and threatened with rape while side interests,” he said. Bank have already voiced interest in the project. role began in June. He is also the chair - in police custody. A spokesman for the society said the The total length of the railway is 540 to 560 kilo- man of the all-party group for Azerbaijan. A spokesman for the Foreign Office Heydarovs were not its only funders and meters on Iranian territory and 480 kilometers in Field flew to Azerbaijan to meet senior said human rights remained a crucial it was an independent organization, Armenia. Azeri politicians in May on a five-day trip issue in the country. “We and the EU entirely separate from the Azerbaijan Feasibility studies came to an end earlier this that cost around £3,500 ($5,500) and in have raised our concern over the slow government. year. July 2010 he spoke in the country’s cap - progress in improving human rights in John Mann, the Labour member of Armenian Transport and Communications ital, Baku, at a NATO conference. Azerbaijan on many occasions. These parliament for Bassetlaw, said: “This Minister Manuk Vardanyan stated last October that In March Prince Andrew met Field at concerns still exist.” shows how wrong it can go when an discussions of the project are moving forward step- Buckingham Palace and asked for sup - The society has increased its profile in member of parliament takes a second by-step; the first step being the feasibility study and port in parliament and Whitehall for Westminster over the past year. It pro - job. It is an obvious conflict of interest.” an assessment of the finances needed. Meantime, Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin also stated last October that a research institute in Russia is working on a feasibility study for the project. Young CRD Scientists at International A working group has been created consisting of specialists as well as deputy Ministers of Transport Cosmic Ray Conference in China of Armenia, Iran and Russia. Armenia, Honduras BEIJING — The 32nd International gamma rays generated within the randum was signed between Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC 2011), earth’s atmosphere by thunderstorms. Armenia’s National Center of Establish Diplomatic hosted and organized by the Institute of Romen Martirosov’s talk was titled, Oncology (NCO), the Institute of High Energy Physics and the Chinese “Energy spectrum and mass composi - Informatics and Automation Problems Relations Academy of Sciences, was held August tion of primary cosmic radiation in the (IIAP), the Institute of Physical (armradio.am) — Permanent 11 to 18. Following the tradition of past region above the knee from the Research (IPR) and the Artem Representatives of Armenia and Honduras at the conferences, the ICRC 2011 dealt with a GAMMA experiment.” Alikhanyan National Laboratory UN, Garen Nazarian and Mary Florence, signed a broad range of topics covering cosmic Vanyan discussed “Simulations of the (AANL) represented by their respec - joint statement on establishment of diplomatic rela- ray physics, gamma-ray astronomy, solar Relativistic Runaway Electron tive directors: H.M. Galstyan, V.G. tions between Armenia and Honduras, this week. physics and high-energy phenomena in Avalanches (RREA) in the thunder - Sahakyan, A.V. Papoyan and Prof. Following the signing ceremony, the parties dis- the atmosphere. clouds above the Aragats Space Ashot Chilingarian. cussed developing relations between the two coun- Armenia’s delegation from the Environmental Center (ASEC).” AANL’s director Chilingarian, in his tries, in particular, in the fields of education, sci- Cosmic Ray (CRD) of the opening remarks, presented develop - ence and tourism. Artem Alikhanyan National Laboratory Medical Diagnostic Consortium ment perspectives for medical diag - (Yerevan Physics Institute) included In Armenia nostic systems; namely radioactive iso - Bagrat Mailyan, Romen Martirosov and In further news about physics in tope production for scanners and dig - Armenian Students Win Levon Vanyan, who reported on the Armenia, on September 2, a memo - ital X-ray image detectors for diagnos - research being con - tic imaging. Four Medals in ducted at the Cosmic Galstyan, citing the importance of Astronomy Olympiad Ray Division. medical physics research being done Bagrat Mailyan, a at the AANL, outlined the necessity of ALMATI, (Tert.am) — Armenian stu- recent PhD recipient, upgrading currently used X-ray diag - dents have won one gold and three bronze medals presented two papers nostic devices with modern digital at the Astronomy International Olympiad held here on CRD’s research: imaging systems. September 22-30. “Thunderstorm Clinical tests of the detector are to According to a press release by the Ministry of Ground be performed at the National Center Education and Science, a total of five Armenians Enhancements (TGE- of Oncology, using scintillation crys - were taking part in this Olympiad. s)” detected at CRD’s tals which are grown in Armenia’s The gold medal went to Levon Stepanyan of Aragats research sta - Physical Research Institute. Yerevan. The winners of bronze medals are: tion and “The energy A memorandum was signed con - Vardges Mambreyan, Karen Hambardzumyan and spectra of the thunder - firming the intention of jointly devel - Virab Gevorgyan. storm correlated elec - oping a 3D digital image registration The Armenian delegation to this event was head- tron and gamma ray system for mammography. A newly- ed by Marieta Gyulzadyan and Tigran Nazaryan. fluxes measured at Levon Vanyan (left) and Alexander Lidvansky (right) at the formed working group of representa - Aragats.” Both talks Beijing Cosmic Ray Conference tives from participating organizations described research will prepare a development proposal into the new field of within two months. 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL AGBU FOCUS 2011 Welcomes over 400 to $40,000 Raised for by YP Liaison Kim Yacoubian, Sarine Karajerjian from YP Lebanon, Aurélie Deyirmendjian from Armenian Virtual College YP Paris, Lilly Grigorian from YP Los Angeles, Aline Markarian from YP Greater New York and PARIS — From August 4-7, AGBU FOCUS was Gayane Ghardyan from YP Yerevan. Also pre - in Paris for its sixth biennial celebration with senting were members of the AGBU Strategic close to 400 participants, from 25 countries. Advisory Council, who provide guidance and Since this year’s affair marked the first time assistance to AGBU youth programs and took FOCUS took place outside North America, the the opportunity to hear the ideas of YP leaders. location attracted new energy and faces from even more countries than ever before. Elegant Highlights Tailor made for young professional Armenians Saturday began at Galerie Matignon, where from around the globe, FOCUS is the world’s two art exhibitions, one by French-Armenian largest gathering of its kind. The four-day gath - artist Jean Jansem, and another by photograph - ering was headquartered at Hotel Lutetia. er Antoine Agoudjian, welcomed guests to The FOCUS 2011 Paris committee was FOCUS on Art. The displays offered an opportu - chaired by Aurélie Deyirmendjian, who helped to nity for visitors to discover Armenian culture and orchestrate the festivities and all its thrills. “We speak to the son of Jansem, who offered insights were all very excited to welcome for the first time into his father’s work and welcomed questions so many Armenian young professionals in Paris. from attendees. They arrived from all over the world. From Hong The show raised proceeds for this year’s Kong to , Denmark to and even FOCUS-highlighted cause, the Armenian Virtual YP groups and partner committees convened for the AGBU Young Professionals conferences. Mexico, and it was great that everybody had the College, through the sale of artworks. opportunity to exchange views and experiences,” Unbeknownst to gallery goers, the daytime she said. activity was only a taste of the elegance to follow. “It was great to see many members of the school is an unique online resource that allows butions and achievements made by AGBU’s high- When FOCUS guests arrived at Saturday night’s Parisian-Armenian community join us in our students of all ages from around the world to quality programs that appeal to Armenians of all gala, they were impressed with the Old World efforts to make FOCUS 2011 into a unique expe - take credited classes or audit courses in ages. Over the years, this affair has become the charm of the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée, a for - rience. Everyone contributed their own personal , history, culture or music. most highly-anticipated event with more than mer Napoleonic-era home that has since become touches to the events, which resulted in a truly Offered in six, soon to be seven, languages — 2,500 participants, setting a standard for other a private club in the Faubourg-Saint-Honoré original weekend. The outpouring of support by Eastern and Western Armenian, English, French, gatherings of its kind and cultivating a new gen - neighborhood. A few steps away from the French numerous donors and sponsors allowed us to Spanish, Russian and in the near future Turkish, eration of AGBU members. presidential residence, Elysées Palace, the venue realize our vision and for this we are grateful. the school shares with FOCUS a global vision to surrounded by a lush park invited guests FOCUS was a fantastic opportunity to mobilize, unify Armenians and reach out to communities The Weekend Begins explored to the sounds of Armenian instruments gather, surprise and unify Armenian young pro - everywhere. FOCUS 2011 kicked off on Thursday, August and an ambience reminiscent of a 1920s cabaret. fessionals, while raising funds for a great cause,” First initiated in 2001, FOCUS was created not 4 with the networking evening known as Special displays encouraged people to explore Deyirmendjian said. only to unite alumni of AGBU’s various youth Perspectives. Guests arrived at Crystal Lounge in the grounds of the Parisian villa. They were Through pre-event fundraising efforts, the programs but to bring together young Armenian the city’s Eighth arrondissement to listen to a transported during the course of the evening FOCUS Committee in Paris and New York was professionals from all walks of life to share their moderated discussion about the greater role the from one surprise to the next, including a maca - able to raise $40,000 for AGBU’s Armenian perspectives on a variety of important issues. community can serve in the outside world. The roon-making workshop, a pop-up photo studio, a Virtual College program. The state-of-the-art The weekend also showcases the notable contri - topic quickly transformed into a lively debate. ti’punch island and a cabaret performance. Friday’s daytime program was dominated by The festivities continued with entertainment custom city tours allowing smaller groups the by a local disc jockey, DJ Kourken, who enter - opportunity to discover Paris. From visits to the tained the crowds. Armenian landmarks of Paris, including the Komitas monument in Yerevan Park and the Bonds of Friendship Armenian cathedral, to French-Armenian fashion On the final morning, guests came together boutiques, perfumeries and restaurants, partici - one last time for a Sunday brunch at Alcazar pants enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city restaurant in Paris’s Sixth Arrondissement. The with the help of local French-Armenian guides. gathering was an opportunity for everyone to say “It was a unique experience, particularly at their goodbyes with promises to reconnect at Francis Kurkjian’s perfumery, to see other suc - future gatherings. cessful Armenians. As a young entrepreneur and To date, pre-event fundraising efforts for all six businesswoman, it was inspiring and very special FOCUS weekends have raised more than to meet with him,” said Ani Minassian, who orig - $200,000 for AGBU programs, including the inally hails from Los Angeles, but currently three AGBU-funded Children’s Centers in resides in New York. Armenia, the American University of Armenia’s Friday night, hun - dreds of people traveled to the 1979 Club in the Second Arrondissement, which offered a window into the city’s hip and off-the-beaten-path nightlife. FOCUS also serves as the setting for the Buenos Aires City Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Santiago Chotsourian, performed for Young Professionals thousands of spectators. (YP) Assembly, where the worldwide leader - ship of 17 YP Groups and YP Partners from Argentina Celebrates Armenian 10 countries (Armenia, , Canada, Guests enjoyed a private exhibition and tour of artwork by Jean Jansem Anniversary with Food and Music England, France, hosted by his son, Jany Jansem, held at Galerie Matignon. Germany, Lebanon, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Clarin) — Armenians say that the secret of Armenian food Russia, United Arab is in the capable hands of its women and the success of its dishes is due to the commit - Emirates and the US) convened Friday to discuss Digital Library, the New York Summer Intern ment and attachment to tradition. Last week, thousands of people came to the Avenida de collaborative efforts and establish groundwork Program, the Generation Next Mentorship Mayo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia for continued future success. A testament to the Program of Southern California, Camp Nubar in and the 100th anniversary of the AGBU Buenos Aires chapter. ongoing growth and popularity of the YP upstate New York, the organization’s The event brought together different generations of descendants of Armenian immi - Network, more than 40 attendees participated, Scholarship Program, the Hye Geen Pregnant grants. There were children of Armenians, such as Alice Berberian, who worked selling representing the largest and most diverse atten - Women’s Centers and now the Armenian Virtual cookbooks, and even grandchildren, such as Natasha, a girl of 10 who came to Avenida de dance for the AGBU YP meeting ever. College. Mayo accompanied by her grandmother and mother, eager to sample the food that her “This was my first time attending FOCUS and Aided by AGBU offices in Paris and New York, great-grandmother had made. the YP Assembly, and I was excited to represent the group of 15 volunteers who worked on the Celebrate Buenos Aires, the segment of the city government which pays tribute to the YP Boston,” said Irina Nanagoulian. “Listening committee were FOCUS Committee Chair communities that form Argentina, organized a concert by the Symphony Orchestra of the to the presentations during the Assembly was Aurélie Deyirmedjian, Gary Aharonian, Carol City, conducted by Santiago Chotsourian, with the Armenian composer Ara Gevorgyan both stirring and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed Aghajanian, Sabine Bachian, Alexia and his orchestra of traditional instruments also performing. Another guest was the min - learning more about the vast efforts and dedica - Deyirmendjian, Grégory Guerguerian, Vanessa ister of culture of Armenia, Hasmik Poghosyan, who was received by his counterpart of tion of the YPs across the globe.” Ketchedjian, Vadim Krisyan, Sandrine Muradian, Buenos Aires, Hernán Lombardi, to publicize the activities of the Buenos Aires World The meeting included sessions on professional Angelina Najarian, Rafi Papazian, Stéphane Book Capital. In 2012, Yerevan, Armenia will hold the same title. development, community outreach, sustainabili - Petrossian, Geraldine Seuleusian, Achren ty and the development of new regional and Verdian, Tamar Wartabetian and FOCUS coordi - global initiatives. Presentations were conducted nator Lusiné Kerobyan. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Academic Conference Lantos Foundation to To Discuss Issues of Honor Humanitarian Restitution, Reparation Paul Rusesabagina

After Genocide WASHINGTON — The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice said that Rwandan WORCESTER, Mass. — The Strassler Center humanitarian Paul Rusesabagina will be the for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark 2011 recipient of the Lantos Human Rights University is sponsoring an interdisciplinary Prize. The formal presentation of the award will conference, “Beyond The Armenian Genocide: take place here on November 16. The Question of Restitution and Reparation in Rusesabagina is widely hailed as a hero of the Comparative Review,” organized by Taner 1994 Rwandan genocide. As a hotel manager Akçam, the Robert Aram and Marianne during the time of the conflict, Rusesabagina Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marion Mugar was able to provide shelter to 1,268 people, Professor of Armenian Genocide Studies. The both Hutus and Tutsis, ultimately saving them conference is presented in partnership with the from certain death. His efforts were chronicled Belmont-based National Association for in the 2004 Academy Award-nominated film Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and “Hotel ” and his autobiography, An Eric Weitz, the Arsham and Charlotte Ordinary Man . Today, Rusesabagina continues Ohanessian Professor at the University of his efforts for truth, reconciliation and sustain - Minnesota. NAASR’s participation is supported able peace in Rwanda and the Great Lakes by the Ethel Jafarian Duffett Fund. region of Africa through his work as president The conference opens on Thursday, October of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation 27, at 7:30 p.m. with a public keynote address in (www.hrrfoundation.org) One booth featured Armenian gifts Tilton Hall on the Clark University campus. John “We are so proud to award this year’s Lantos Torpey, professor of sociology at the Graduate Prize to Paul Rusesabagina. I was raised on the Center, CUNY, will give the opening address, “A idea that we are all our brothers’ keepers, and Comparative Perspective on Reparations for Paul is the living embodiment of that idea,” said Historical Injustices.” Torpey is the author of Richmond Armenian Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Making Whole What Has Been Smashed: On Foundation. “My father, Rep. Tom Lantos, sur - Reparations Politic (Harvard University Press, vived the Holocaust in one of Raoul 2006). “Reparations,” says Torpey, “can be sym - Festival Dishes out Food Wallenberg’s safe houses and understood all bolic, such as apologies or the creation of memo - too well that the actions of one man can change rials and museums. They can also be economic, And Fun to Kick-Start Fall the arc of one’s life story. Nearly 50 years later, such as financial compensation to individuals or Paul Rusesabagina’s heroic efforts to shelter collectivities, or material redress, such as settle - RICHMOND, Va. — The Armenian community here held their 53rd annual food those in harm’s way changed the life stories of ment of the land claims of indigenous peoples. more than 1,200 Rwandans. We look forward to These measures can reflect cultural or legal festival September 15 to 18 outside of St. James Armenian Church. Considering that there is only a small number of honoring his historic humanitarian actions.” claims to reparations or both.” The Lantos Foundation established the The conference continues throughout the day Armenians living in the area, the size of the By Aram Arkun festival is impressive. Lantos Human Rights Prize in 2009 to honor on Friday, October 28, with a series of panels for and bring attention to heroes of the human participants and invited guests. Leading schol - Mirror-Spectator Staff The festival included Armenian folk music, provided by the Hye Keys. Perouz Manougian rights movement. It is awarded annually to an ars will examine questions of post-conflict jus - individual or organization that best exemplifies tice in a comparative review of the Armenian and Paul Mardigian are the two leaders of the seven-member band. Children from the St. James Armenian Dancers gave folk dance the foundation’s mission, namely to be a vital Genocide, the Holocaust and the Native voice standing up for the values of decency, dig - American Genocide. The participants will con - performances. Jewelry, crafts and arts, largely from Armenia, were displayed and sold at a booth, and information on Armenian history was posted on a tent wall. nity, freedom and justice in every corner of the sider different aspects of compensation includ - world. The prize also serves to commemorate ing the return of stolen art and artifacts; the The main focus was food, of course. Cheese and spinach böregs , kebab , the famous “Hye burger” (a mixture of ground sirloin and lamb with spices), rice pilaf , the late Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor restitution of personal and communal property ever elected to the US Congress. and how post-war agreements and treaties shape string beans, hummus and stuffed grape leaves (dolma) were accompanied by Armenian coffee, Kotayk Armenian beer and Armenian red, white and pomegran - Former recipients of the Lantos Prize include discussions about compensation. The Holocaust the Dalai Lama and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. case offers a model for restitution and repara - ate wines, along with soft drinks. Desserts included paklava, bourma, simit and tion that has achieved significant success but kourabia cookies. also frustrating disappointments and delays. John Baronian, the senior member of the Planning Committee for the festival, The Native American case provides a valuable moved to Richmond in the 1930s from Detroit as a young boy. He explained that 53 House of Armenia Is example of the importance of pursuing justice at years ago, when the festival was started, it was held indoors as seated dinners: Established in Calif. home and for all peoples. Discussions about the “Originally it was the Women’s Guild that started it in a small kitchen. I was involved as I was on the Parish Council of the church. The ladies ran it until I became chair. Armenian case will consider why efforts to GLENDALE, Calif. — An all-inclusive, As the festival grew, we decided to have a food festival committee instead of just the secure compensation emerged so late and the Armenian-American Organization, House of Women’s Guild committee, but the ladies are still the backbone of it.” influence of developments in securing justice for Armenia, dedicated to the Armenian Diaspora of The first three or four years, the festival only was intended for Armenians, but, victims of the Holocaust. Southern California has been established. The Baronian explained, “when I got involved I had a small advertising agency and Turkish recognition of the Armenian House of Armenia is a non-profit California cor - started advertising. This was in the 1960s. Our main purpose was to get Genocide has been an enduring goal of poration with the vision of promoting the profile Armenians better known in the Richmond community.” Armenian communities at home and interna - of Armenia and Armenians in the diaspora as Virginia native Chuck Ashjian handles the programming and advertising for the tionally. Yet, the political, financial and legal con - well as advancing the rich cultural heritage of festival. He said that the festival expanded further to an outdoor format (in 2006) sequences that might emerge in the wake of Armenians worldwide. The House of Armenia is partly in order to meet the financial needs of the parish: “I was on the Parish recognition have not been fully articulated. in the process of applying for a tax-exempt status Council for a number of years, and looking at our budget deficit, we needed to do Recently, scholars and lawyers have pursued as a non-profit public benefit corporation. “The see RICHMOND, page 7 concrete efforts to secure reparation, restitution House of Armenia will continue to blossom as and compensation; they are proceeding inde - individuals and organizations collectively take pendent of groups lobbying governments to part in this noble mission” said Sinan Sinanian, acknowledge the Genocide. These initiatives chairman of House of Armenia. “This is a unique demonstrate that the pursuit of justice through opportunity for the Armenian-American financial means can progress without necessari - Community of Southern California and its orga - ly resolving the complicated politics of Genocide nizations to embrace and share resources for the recognition. common excellence of our diaspora.” Recent court cases against American and In an effort to showcase the presence of French insurance companies have resulted in Armenia and its rich cultural heritage, among reparations and they have given encouragement its first steps, the House of Armenia has to newly filed lawsuits in the US. These devel - secured a permanent location in the very heart opments demonstrate that financial redress for of the Armenian-American community. “The the Armenian community may be possible on a presence in the heart of Armenia’s emerging broader scale. New lawsuits addressing theft of capital in the diaspora is our biggest and most artifacts, properties and bank accounts have powerful step forward,” said Grigor been filed against the Turkish government and Hovhannissian, consul general of the Republic private Turkish companies. They seek compen - of Armenia in Los Angeles. “We salute the ener - sation for both individual and collective loses gy and vision of those who have implemented suffered during the genocide. St. James Armenian Dancers dazzle young audience members. and established the House of Armenia and our For more information, contact the Strassler very best wishes for this organization to serve Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and exemplify Armenia in the heart of all ([email protected]) or NAASR ([email protected]). Armenian-Americans of our diaspora.” 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Sahag-Mesrob Students Adopt Wild Cat at Yerevan Zoo

ALTADENA, Calif. — Under the guidance of science teacher Ivette Babikian, the fifth- grade class at Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School (SMACS) here, adopted a cara - cal at Yerevan Zoo in Armenia. Given a choice of six animals, the students voted for the slender, long-legged, short- tailed, muscular cat, with a most conspicuous feature — long black-tipped ears. Caracals are known for being the fastest of all the small cats. This is one of the reasons the fifth graders voted for adopting the caracal. Twenty-two students gathered the money need - ed to sponsor this animal. The SMACS fifth graders are now the proud parents of one of Yerevan Zoo’s caracals for next year. They named their caracal, Havatk (“faith,” in Armenian), since they have faith that more ani - mals at the zoo will be sponsored and helped. Eager to meet Havatk at the Yerevan Zoo (www.yerezoo.com) one day, they are happy for now to consider Havatk A caracal is marked by its speed and long ears an honorary member of The children of the fifth-grade class at Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School their class.

OBITUARY Sarkis Soghanalian: Cold War ‘Merchant of Death’ Dies in Miami

SOGHANALIAN, from page 1 George Bush. That alliance snapped when the the Iran-Iraq war. But privately, Washington authorities when he was indicted in 1999 for wire Capable of negotiating in eight languages, US went to war with Iraq in 1991, and he was wanted Iran’s theocratic regime to be blud - fraud and held without bail. His sentence was Soghanalian was a Lebanese citizen of prosecuted for the sale of helicopters to Iraq geoned by the eight-year conflict with Saddam. reduced to 10 months after US authorities inter - Armenian descent, who proclaimed he was also during its war with Iran. Soghanalian always Like so many other things about vened on his behalf claiming he had provided a “patriotic American.” For several decades, he insisted that his sales to Iraq were done with Soghanalian, he was not what he seemed. The “substantial assistance to law enforcement.” As had a close working relationship with the CIA Washington’s not-so-secret blessing. rotund gunrunner was also a philanthropist, part of the deal, Soghanalian turned over to US and US military intelligence services. But even - Soghanalian also supplied Saddam with bil - donating generously to Armenian earthquake officials details of a sale of 50,000 AK-47 assault tually, these relationships soured when his lions of dollars in weaponry from France, victims. He professed to be a staunch anti-com - rifles he made in 1999 to the former Peruvian weapons sales began running counter to US Brazil, Chile and Austria, in violation of a munist, yet he had no qualms about turning to intelligence chief, Vladimir Montesinos, an erst - policy. Nor did he pay taxes on his arms-dealing: United Nations arms embargo. All this was the Soviets to provide weapons for the while American ally, that ended up with leftist documents show that by the late 1990s, he had done with the knowledge of the US govern - Christian militias in Lebanon’s civil war. During Colombian rebels. Soghanalian was allowed to accumulated a massive IRS judgment nearing a ment, according to Soghanalian, whose testi - the he armed Argentina with leave for , where he had close ties with billion dollars. mony was corroborated by officials interviewed French-made Exocet missiles used to sink a the Jordanian monarchy. In his heyday, Soghanalian forged a close for the documentary. British cruiser. He later acknowledged he Soghanalian traded information for favors alliance with the Reagan administration, partic - Publicly, the US maintained it obeyed the “regretted” that transaction, saying it happened from the US government for decades. He main - ularly with the office of then-Vice President United Nations embargo of the combatants in before war broke out with Great Britain. tained an ongoing relationship with the FBI Soghanalian was finally sentenced in 1993 to after he became estranged from the CIA. six-and-a-half years in prison for conspiring to Overweight and in poor health, Soghanalian smuggle 103 combat helicopters to Saddam, finally returned to Miami to be with his family. Nevair Shahdanian, 98 breaking the UN embargo. He wound up having At first, he was held in custody, but as his health his sentence reduced to two years by trading worsened, leaving him crippled, he was allowed LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nevair Shahdanian, nee Shahdanian II, Esq. and his wife Kelly Ann, intelligence on the secret location in Lebanon’s to stay with his family. Gulbenkian, died on Monday, September 26. Diana Shahdanian Cascone and her husband J. Bekaa Valley where the Iranians and the “He lived large and he played hard,” says his She was 98. Scott Cascone, Mark Harry Shahdanian, James Hezbollah were printing counterfeit US $100 former attorney, Mark Geragos, who defended She was predeceased by her husband of 41 Andrew Fitch and Thomas William Fitch and bills. Known as “Supernotes,” these $100 bills him in the Peruvian arms-running case. “Until I years, Hampartzoum (Harry) Shahdanian and six great-grandchildren, John Lawrence were so authentic-looking that they were met him, I never believed one-half of 1 percent her brother, Dr. V. Richard Gulbenkian of Shahdanian III, Alexander Richard Shahdanian, deemed a threat to US national security. of the things he was supposed to have done. Euclid, Ohio, and Pompano Beach, Fla. She is Gabriella Michelle Cascone, Nora Rose Soghanalian landed in trouble again with US But they all turned out to be true.” survived by her son, John Lawrence Cascone, Sofia Ann Cascone and Lauren Shahdanian, Esq. and his wife ,Ustinjya, of Old Maggie Shahdanian. Tappan, NJ, and her daughter, Bonnie Lynn Shahdanian’s knack for story-telling was leg - Fitch and her husband, Clyde J. Fitch, of Las endary, as were her skills as a cook and seam - Vegas; five grandchildren, John Lawrence stress. Shahdanian was an amateur artist, sculp - tor, poet and pianist, and was an avid tennis player into her 80s. She worked many years as a legal secretary. GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Harry Senanian Shahdanian was a member of Holy Cross Armenian Church, New York, where she was a James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC WATERTOWN — Harry Senanian died on charter member and officer of the Holy Cross Funeral Counselor October 6. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; chil - League and was the superintendent of the 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 dren, Laurene (Senanian) Allen of New Sunday School for several years. She was a www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Hampshire, Lisa (Senanian) Leger of Waltham member of the Order of the Eastern Star in and David Senanian of Waltham; grandchildren, Westchester, NY, and a Sister of Seranoush Kimberly (Allen) Holman of Boston, Jennifer Chapter of the Daughters of Vartan, in South Allen of Boston and New Hampshire, Madeline Florida. Leger of Waltham, Nathalie Leger of Waltham The daughter of Gulabi Gulbenkian and Telephone (617) 924-7400 and niece Kohar (Karlozian) Zakarian of Emma Turabian Gulbenkian, she grew up in Braintree and nephew Vahe Karlozian of Ohio and moved to Washington Heights, NY, Aram Bedrosian Watertown. He also leaves family members in when she got married. Canada and Lebanon. Later, she was a resident of Larchmont, NY, Funeral arrangements were made by the Brookfield, Conn. and Boynton Beach, Fla., Funeral Home, Inc. Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown. A memo - before moving to Las Vegas to live with her Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 rial service will be held on Sunday, October 16, daughter. at 2 p.m., at First Armenian Church, 380 Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to MARION BEDROSIAN Concord Ave., Belmont. the Daughters of Vartan through her son, John 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Donation in Senanian’s memory may be Shahdanian, 1051 Westwood Ave., Old Tappan, WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN made to the First Armenian Church. NJ 07675. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Richmond Armenian Festival Dishes out Colorado’s Congressional District 3 Creates Food and Fun to Kick-Start Fall Controversy on the Armenian Genocide RICHMOND, from page 5 the festival committee last year and serves as DENVER, Colo. — Colorado’s investment in Genocide. However, upon reaching Congress, something to improve the situation in order to the link between the festival committee and the Armenians began as news of the Armenian his position took another direction. keep a fulltime priest here. A few of us got Women’s Guild. Genocide filtered back to the Rocky Population together and came up with a plan and suggest - Leiza Bouroujian became part of the Mountain High state as it was taking place. numbers should ed that we take it outside since the Greek and Planning Committee six years ago when Leaders in the community, motivated by a be influential. The Lebanese festivals were successful outdoors.” the festival expanded into an outdoor strong desire to help Armenians, established United States When the festival moved outdoors, Ashjian function. She is involved in the financial Colorado’s Near East Rescue Committee Census reports felt “business picked up and our name is out side of operations. Bouroujian feels that then. Colorado’s dedication to this tragic his - Tipton’s District 3 there in the community as far as a quality festi - the festival has had an important impact torical backdrop remains firm today. Every is home to more val. More people know what an Armenian is. We on Richmond’s non-Armenian communi - April for the last decade, Colorado’s General Americans of estimate we have around 7,000 people on aver - ty: “I think Richmond is really hungry Assembly has affirmed the Armenian Armenian descent age go through during a four day period.” The for these types of events, cultural as Genocide. Governors from both parties issue than those of numbers of visitors have increased annually, well as food. The media gave us a lot of commemorative proclamations. A consecrat - Turkish descent. with the exception of this year due to poor attention, so that really helped us grow, ed Khachkar designed by Western Slope Campaign con - weather. Six or 700 people can be seated out - and I think that people just love the Rep. Scott Tipton (Congressional District 3) architect, Varouj tributions may be doors with tents and an outdoor stage, and music, food, wine and the environment Hairabedian, is further testament to persuasive. many more wander about on foot. in general. Richmond is not as diverse as Colorado’s commitment to commemorating Tipton’s current financial report offers a pos - Food preparation begins months before the other parts of the country but they are the Armenian Genocide. It is an exclusive trib - sible nexus as it records significant contribu - looking for these ute officially installed on Colorado’s State tions from two member corporations of the kinds of cultural House grounds. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). AIA activities and that Colorado’s Congressional Delegation actively lobbied Congress on behalf of the really helped us. It includes seven House members, as well as, of Turkish government’s effort to thwart an brings a lot of atten - course, two senators. The efforts of Rocky adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolu - tion to Armenians.” Mountain Hye Advocates (RHMA) have result - tion. Bouroujian pointed ed in five House members backing the Tipton has generated repeated press cover - out that unlike Armenian Genocide resolution, [H.Res.304]; age over ethical snafus in his brief time in many other East five Armenian Caucus members and one office — less than a year. A recent Denver Post Coast-Armenian fes - member on the Freedom of Religion article questioned his ethical equilibrium: tivals, the Richmond Resolution H.Res. 306. This April, RMHA “…Tipton criticized for ‘missteps.’” The most one “attracts non- solicited Delegation Commemoration state - recent ethical lapse forced the Congressman Armenians, and in ments. Both senators and five House mem - to write an apology to the House ethics com - fact, most of the bers released testimonials to RMHA. mittee.” people that attend Within this highly-positive environment, Tipton is Colorado’s only delegation mem - are non-Armenians.” Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Third District) has oth - ber who has failed to counterbalance his The Hye Keys band St. James Armenian erwise distinguished himself. A first term Turkish Caucus membership by co-sponsor - Church has only 500 member of Congress, the New York Times ing the Armenian Genocide resolution. Rocky members. Thus, what is headlined his victory: “The Tea Party Mountain Hye Advocates’ Pamela Barsam event. The Women’s Guild starts meeting week - impressive is that this small community is able Triumphs in Rural Colorado” (November 3, Brown reported that she was personally ly in late June or early July. The men start work - to find 50 to 60 volunteers during the four-day 2010). advised by Tipton’s chief of staff that he ing on the chicken and pork kebab from the event, as well as during the preceding months, Prior to his election to Congress, Tipton would not co-sponsor H.Res. 304 (October 5). middle of August for four or five weekends, 20 to 25 women to work in the church baking, served one term in Colorado’s State Further, Tipton is the only Colorado House coordinated by the efforts of Planning and eight to 10 men to work on meat. Legislature. For two April votes he joined his member of Congress who has failed to take a Committee member Rob Norris. To find out more about the festival, see colleagues in unanimously adopting resolu - positive position on current issues of interest Lilly Bouroujian Thomas, involved for many www.armenianfoodfestival.org, and follow the tions commemorating the Armenian to his American-Armenian constituents. years in the past through the Women’s Guild in Twitter handle @ArmenianFoodRVA for food preparation, became the fifth member of updates next year.

St LeonLeon ArmenianArmenian CChurchhurch & ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH TTeTekeyanekeyan CCulturalultural AsAssociationA sociation 2011 ANNUAL BAZAAR! PresentPresent Friday, October 14, 2011 (10 a.m.- 9 p.m.)

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St. James Armenian Church 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 (617) 923-8860 [email protected]

8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Ararat Redux Abovian, Prof. Parrot and First Ascent

By Philip P. Ketchian

The history of abounds with accounts of explorers and adventurers taking up the challenge of scaling its fabled summit. Absent, however, are any signs of abatement in the interest and the controversy surrounding its first ascent that would dog Prof. Friedrich Parrot and Khatchadur Abovian to the end of their days, as evidenced by Edward Peck’s arti - cle, “Ararat: Another Controversial First Ascent,” published in the British Alpine Journal (2002, Vol. 107, pp. 207-215). I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some additional information that may inject some clarity into the subject from sources that exist only in the Russian and the Armenian lan - guages. It will be seen that the long-forgotten account of the Russian adventurer Spassky- Avtonomov confirms Parrot’s successful pio - neering first ascent of the peak. As is well known, it was only on their third attempt on October 9 (September 27, by the Old Style Julian calendar), 1829, that University of Dorpat (presently , ) physics pro - fessor, Friedrich Parrot, and Khatchadur Abovian, together with two Armenian villagers from Agori on Mt. Ararat, Hovannes Aivazian and Murat Boghossian, as well as two Russian soldiers, Alexei Zdorovenko and Matvei Chalpanov, successfully ascended the western A sketch by Parrot of Ararat and Echmiadzin summit of Mt. Ararat at 16,854 feet (5,937 meters) above sea level. Parrot had met Abovian at Echmiadzin, the the third attempt being placed “…in respect to the authorities. It is not clear whether Abovian ed, “I was, in fact, with Professor Parrot on the seat of the Armenian Church, where he was distance not higher than the first,” was only related these concerns to Parrot, although it top of Mount Ararat in the month of employed as a clerk and translator to the partially correct and contributed to setting a appears not. Thus the stage had been set for September, 1829.” Zdorovenko’s statement was catholicos, the head of the Armenian Church. negative spin. That cross was deliberately not what eventually occurred. “…exactly similar in all points to that given Parrot’s report of the successful ascent was placed on the actual summit pyramid by The two Russian soldiers Zdorovenko and above.” first published on October 30 in the Russian- Abovian, but somewhat lower in a location to be Chalpanov, however, were under no such pres - Ultimately, it is Abovian’s statement that is of language weekly, Tiflis Chronicles . The full better observed from Agori. sure and did confirm the fact of reaching the prime importance to the matter at hand, for he account of the expedition appeared in his book, Villager Murat Poghossian was questioned summit. On November 2, 1831, Chalpanov stat - continued on next page Reise zum Ararat in 1834, translated into three days later. He stated, “We were not on the English in 1845 as Journey to Ararat . very summit, and could not get there, because In his book, Parrot writes that the controver - further on there is no snow lying, but only ice; sy was given credibility by an article appearing and besides, the steepness of the slope allows Metropol-Residence in 1831 in the Tiflis Chronicles in which “… a no further progress.” This statement reaches us Metropol-Residence man belonging to the educated European pub - after being translated from Armenian into 2 MashtotsIdeal Ave. for Family Yerevan. vacations Armenia lic, a man of merit in his way ... was the first to Russian, into German and finally into English Daily, weekly and monthly low rates, starting $65.00 per day/ residence cast a stone against me, and in a published com - and is what doubters cling to as proof of their The four star residences at the heart of Yerevan with a kithcen and private bathroom is an mentary to insist on the impossibility of the fact arguments. Nevertheless, it appears that ideal place to stay for families and couples. This luxurious residence is convenient for what- asserted by me.” Parrot did respond in writing Aivazian was uncomfortable with the turn of to the charges in the Tiflis Chronicles and also events but reluctantly concurred with ever purpose your visit is. initiated an action to take sworn depositions Poghossian. Hovannes Aivazian’s deposition is from the members of his summitting party and said to be “simply confirmatory of his com - from the Agori village chief Stepan Khojiants, rade’s.” who had accompanied Parrot on his unsuccess - Be that as it may, Abovian had noted in his ful second attempt a week earlier where they diary that some days following the successful had reached a respectable altitude of 16,028 ascent, Aivazian and Boghossian had feet, and where they had erected a wooden approached him to voice their concern regard - cross bearing a lead plaque. ing the disbelief and harassment that they were The deposition from Melik Stepan Aga being subjected to by some officials and clergy - (Stepan Khojiants) was taken on October 24, men for claiming to have climbed to the sum - 1831. His statement was mostly inconsequential mit. They also mentioned being concerned for to the matter at hand, since he did not partici - their safety, insisting that if this continued, they pate in the third attempt. However, his second - could be pressured to renege on the truth if hand comments on the cross erected during they did not receive adequate protection from

Reservations in English please call Sevag at 011-374-93211217 Reservations in Armenian please call Onnig at 011-374-94435445 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

accompanying University of Munich’s Prof. Englishmen Maj. Robert Stuart and Walter both times experienced total failure.” He con - Ararat Redux Moritz Wagner, firmly establish him as the Thursby on their way up to the summit on tinues to say that Shopen’s portly body was father of Armenian mountaineering. After August 14, 1856. Three of their companions hardly suited for such an endeavor, in contrast from previous page returning to Armenia from his university stud - had summitted two days earlier. “About 1,200 to the athletic build of Parrot. was highly intelligent and educated, as well as ies in Dorpat, Abovian established himself as a feet from the summit, we came upon an oak Another such skeptic was the postmaster of the one in a position to provide the authorities progressive educator and the premier national cross that had been fixed by Professor Abich,” Yerevan, Artem Kalantarian. He was to hound with a credible and factual account of the man of modern letters. Stuart wrote. He speculated, “Professor Abich Abovian into agreeing on a wager to climb events of the day. Abovian presented himself at Parrot had met the young Khatchadur made several attempts, but failed in all, as is Ararat once again to prove it possible. Before the courthouse in Dorpat, where he was study - Abovian at Echmiadzin. It is interesting that proved by the position of the cross…” Not that could take place, regrettably, one day in ing, on August 30, 1831. Asked whether he later in 1844 Abovian also accompanied being familiar with the history of the moun - April of 1848, Abovian left his home and mys - had personally been on the summit of Ararat Herrmann von Abich, a professor of mineralo - tain, Stuart mistakenly assumed that they were teriously disappeared. No trace of him has ever with Parrot on October 9, 1829, Abovian gy at the same University of Dorpat as Parrot, the first. been found. emphatically answered, “Yes.” To the second to Ararat. They made three unsuccessful To shed more light on the matter one must In any event, the most conclusive evidence of question, asking from where the expedition attempts together, having been turned back by seek out the Russian and Armenian sources. Parrot’s achievement is to be found buried in started, Abovian responded that they had set violent storms just short of the summit. During One such invaluable source is an article by E. the pages of a book by Kozma Spassky- out from the Monastery of St. Jacob, which was one of the attempts, they erected a cross short G. Weidenbaum, “Greater Ararat: and Attempts Avtonomov, The Ascent of Ararat , published in located at an elevation of 6,375 feet, and of the summit. The following year, however, to Climb Its Summit,” published in the Moscow in 1839. Spassky-Avtonomov’s was reached the top of the summit on the following Abich, accompanied by Peter Sharoyan, a stu - Transactions of the Caucasus Branch of the only the second expedition to successfully sum - day. Another question asked was at what time dent of Abovian’s, and two other Armenian Imperial Russian Geographic Society (vol. xiii, mit Ararat in 1834. His account also dispels the they had been on the summit; to which guides, was successful in ascending the eastern 1884). According to Weidenbaum’s account, mistaken notion of most chroniclers that Abovian replied, “In the afternoon.” Finally, he summit. One of his guides was Simon one year after Parrot’s ascent, Ivan Shopen, Spassky-Avtonomov may have only ascended was asked what they had done on the summit. Sarkisian. the chairman of the Incomes and Properties the lower eastern summit pyramid or even not Abovian related that he had erected a cross Abovian was, nevertheless, destined to suc - Department of the Province of Armenia, reached the summit at all. As a matter of fact, while Parrot, standing on the very top of the cessfully ascend Ararat once more. This time expressed doubts concerning the veracity of he climbed both summits. In that endeavor he peak, took measurements with his scientific he did it together with the Englishman Henry Parrot’s announcement of reaching the summit was fortunate to be assisted by two Armenian instruments. It is, however, unclear why guides from Agori, Hovannes Aivazian who Abovian’s official deposition was not included had also accompanied Parrot on his successful in Parrot’s Reise zum Ararat in 1834, for they third attempt and proven so helpful to him, and were both in Dorpat and had close personal Yeghdar Ghougassian. The Armenian village of relations at the time. He thereby missed an Agori was situated at an elevation of approxi - opportunity to put an end to the quibbling that mately 4,000 feet above sea level at the base of would follow. Abovian’s deposition was eventu - the Agori Gorge on the northern slope of the ally published in St. Petersburgische Zeitung mountain. This was prior to 1840 when a pow - in 1835. erful earthquake violently shook the mountain, Soon after the climb, Abovian would write triggering a catastrophic avalanche that totally about the final push as follows: destroyed the village and the monastery, and “We had been mercilessly suffering such var - buried all its inhabitants under a massive layer ious difficulties that when the pinnacle of the of rock and ice. I believe that the Turkish name mountain appeared not far from us, each one Agri Dag for Mt. Ararat is derived from the of us, one after the other, headed in that direc - name of this Armenian village. tion, not taking any notice at the moment of Aivazian confidently guided them to where any difficulties and not considering their Parrot had bivouacked on the first night of exhaustion, they were hurrying and hastening their third attempt. The following morning to see the spot desired by so many. It appeared Aivazian directed them to the cross on the as if we were winging up the slope to the sky, dome plateau that Parrot had erected at 16,028 toward where the summit was. Our hopeless feet, the high point of his second attempt. The A sketch by Parrot of Ararat and Echmiadzin legs and wobbly knees had gained momentum trio continued to climb atop the snowcap and were soaring upward, toward the astonish - toward the eastern summit pyramid, which they ing aerie. Wonders came to view, in addition to Danby Seymour and Simon Sarkisian on of Ararat. Thus we learn the identity of Parrot’s soon successfully ascended. Following a relax - our joyous desires that led us to rejoice, September 30, 1846. Sarkisian was a survivor principle tormentor, whom he had described as ing lunch break in the saddle between the two towards the birthplace of the entire world. Our of the 1840 Agori avalanche and would summit “… a man belonging to the educated European summits, they headed toward the western sum - souls were enveloped with happiness and were for the third time with the massive 68-member public, a man of merit in his way — one who on mit. As the climbers ascended the higher west - overcome by unimaginable gaiety; we began to expedition organized by the Russian Army account of his long residence in those coun - ern summit pyramid, Aivazian suddenly shout - run about in this and that direction to view the topographer, Col. Iosif Khodzko, in 1850. His tries possesses undoubted claims to confidence ed out to Spassky-Avtonomov that this was lower-lying valleys and ridges. One was amazed fourth attempt at ascending was in 1878, while in his local knowledge.” where Parrot had stood. Thereby prompting by the height of the mountain, the other was guiding another Englishman, George Percival Weidenbaum also mentions Karl Kokh, a him to write, “for myself at least, it became clear attempting to observe faraway places, and Baker. This time the now 90-year-old Sarkisian noted botanist, who was personally acquainted why the guide Aivazian initially had stated to words of gratitude and blessing were pouring was forced to turn back short of the summit. with both Parrot and Shopen. Kokh opined me that the professor had not been on the sum - forth in our dialect from their mouths.” Baker continued on to successfully ascend the that “jealousy was the principle reason for mit, but later began to insist that he had been; Abovian’s first and repeat ascents of Ararat, peak on August 7. Shopen to question the veracity of Parrot’s he, as all Agori residents, considered the main in addition to his subsequent first ascent of It is also of interest that a dozen years later statements, in view of the fact that he himself summit of Masis (Armenian for Ararat) to be the 13,435 ft. (4,095 meters) Mt. Aragats while Abich’s cross was discovered by the had made two attempts at climbing Ararat, and eastern peak. Therefore, for Aivazian the pro - fessor had not been on Masis, when he had been only on the western peak.” The eastern summit is a mere 50 feet lower than the true western summit; however, Agori villagers and, in fact, all observers from the north side of the mountain view the closer eastern pyramid to be Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 the higher of the two due to the trick played by perspective on observers some 14,000 feet below. Having seen the mountain from the Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor north, I too had been under that impression. But my July 19, 2003, successful summiting up a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 the southern route with a British expedition dispelled the confusion and also exposed me to Ararat’s unique beauty and the spell it casts and reached out to 3,700 teachers and upon its admirers. A mere five years had separated the first two school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. ascents. Spassky-Avtonomov had been fortu - nate to share the able services of Parrot’s guide £ Aivazian, who was a participant and eyewitness of both successful summit ascents. His sponta - neous, unsolicited declaration atop the true K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue summit must be accepted as proof positive that helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have Parrot and his party did indeed summit Ararat the teacher’s name and address. in 1829. The proof had been there for all to see, K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— but inaccessible to most chroniclers on account of the rarity of Spassky-Avtonomov’s text. Name It is my firm belief that this information Address should lay to rest any lingering questions and City State Zip code doubts surrounding Parrot’s truly spectacular Tel: achievement, for his ascent was one of the high - est of any human to date. Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: (Philip Ketchian is a retired physicist, who TCA Sponsor a Teacher climbed Mount Ararat with a British 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Expeditionary Group and his wife, Elsa Ronningstam Ketchian, in July 2003.) Your donation is Tax Deductible. 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS San Diego Armenians Raise $200,000 at Memorable Bridge to the Future Gala

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — More than 300 guests Inside the elegantly-appointed ballroom, Steven attended the Bridge to Future Gala at the Kradjian opened the evening by welcoming Grand Del Mar Resort on Saturday, October 1, guests and dignitaries: “We are here — each of raising $200,000 for a new church campus in us — to do our part as God may use us, to San Diego. embrace our children in love and enthusiasm The gala was chaired by Kathy Kassardjian for an Armenian Church and community center and organized by the Trust Fund Committee of unlike any our region has seen, for the future of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, led by Rev. all Armenian families in San Diego.” Datev A.K. Tatoulian. The event’s program included the singing of The event featured Archbishop Hovnan the American and Armenian national anthems Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of by acclaimed soloist Anahit Nersesian, accom - the Armenian Church of North America, as the panied by Alex Mirolyan; opening remarks and guest of honor, and Mark Geragos, Esq. as the prayer by Archpriest Datev Tatoulian; an official guest speaker. Distinguished dignitaries and welcome by Gala Chair Kathy Kassardjian; the officials were Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, for - presentation of a congressional proclamation mer Primate of the Western Diocese; Hranush by Rep. Brian Bilbray; a live auction and a mes - Hacobyan, minister of the diaspora for the sage by Hacobyan. Republic of Armenia; Grigor Hovhannissian, Kassardjian shared, “On behalf of tonight’s consul general of the Republic of Armenia in organizing committee, I would like to welcome Los Angeles; Brian Bilbray, US House of you to the Bridge to the Future’s Gala Dinner Guests helped raise $200,000 for the new church in San Diego. Representatives (California’s 50th District) and and Dance celebration. Tonight’s event would his daughter, Brianna; Mel Millstein, represen - not be possible without the dedication of my co- tative for City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner; chair, Ani Lanuza, and a very hard-working Geragos stated, “I am flabbergasted that there enlightened by the mighty and glorious pres - Joe Kellejian, deputy mayor of the city of committee. We have a God-centered vision. It’s are this many Armenians in San Diego and ence of our church,” said Derderian. Solana Beach and Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan. a vision to bring us all together and build a new impressed by the magnitude of this event. We are The funds raised at the gala support the first The evening began with guests treated to church campus. God is the foundation of our here to raise money for a new church campus, phase of the Bridge to the Future campaign, champagne and appetizers, donated by Ani’s project but you, my dear guests, are the cor - and I am happy to do what I can to help you whose goal is to raise a total of $2 million for Best Gourmet Delights, and a silent auction. nerstone.” reach that goal.” After his speech, Geragos circu - consulting, planning and permit expenses as lated the room encouraging guests to donate gen - well as final land acquisition. Since the pur - erously and sign pledge cards. chase of 14 acres of land by the Trust Fund in The guest of honor, Derderian, greeted the 2008, more than $600,000 (including the pro - packed room of supporters with a heartfelt mes - ceeds from the October 1 event) has been sage: raised in donations and pledges for the First “Tonight, we are celebrating the living mis - Phase. The property is located at 13860 El sion of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We are Camino Real in San Diego. launching a new milestone in the life of the To make an online donation, go to Armenian community of San Diego with the www.stjohngarabedtrust.org. To make a cash implementation of a larger church complex to donation, establish a bequest, donate a vehicle, better serve the community. You have contribute securities or real estate, transfer embarked on a challenging journey. ownership of an insurance policy, or create an Throughout this journey, your Christian faith endowment, contact Gary Takessian, Trust will be your source of spiritual energy and inspi - Committee Fundraising chair, ration in guiding you to complete this glorious [email protected]. All contributions are task. You will secure the sanctity and be tax-deductible.

Guests enjoyed the reception.

Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Alan Yaghdjian, Jack Hachigian, Nina Hachigian and Ani Lanuza

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kalaydjian, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Mark Geragos S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Birthright Armenia’s Chicago ‘Brigade’ Launches Itself with Community Event

CHICAGO — On Saturday, September 17, 45 as artwork from Armenia and signed White individuals, representing a cross-section of the House memorabilia only added to the fun and Chicago-Armenian community came together to success of the evening. “The evening’s goal was support the mission of Birthright Armenia. to raise awareness and contributions, and we In an elegant party room at NAHA, a hotspot succeeded on both fronts. The Chicago com - restaurant owned by cousins Carrie and Michael munity can now proudly say that they helped Nahabedian, guests enjoyed live Armenian music send another five young diasporan adults on by the Hye Vibes Band, wine bar, hors d’oeuvres their life-changing experience to Armenia,” and presentations by local area alumni. Ani Maral shared Linda Yepoyan, executive director of the Grigorian of Racine, Wis., and Sarah Wilkinson, non-profit organization, based in Philadelphia. who traveled to Armenia to perform community “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the BR service under the sponsorship of Birthright in Brigade members Christina Markarian, Greta 2011 and 2004 respectively, shared short anec - Doumanian, Ric Gazarian and numerous other dotes about what the experience meant to them, individuals within the community who were instrumental in getting the word out to others about our work in Armenia and the event itself. Without their on Attendees bid on the silent auction table items. Mark Gavoor on oud the ground volunteer support, this night would have not been possible,” she added. “This fundraiser will be an excellent example to share with the numerous other brigades we are hop - ‘Pride and Honor Flight’ Takes ing to establish city by city across the US.” Christina Markarian, who chairs the Detroit Veterans to Washington brigade in Chicago, sums up what motivated her to take on volunteer WASHINGTON — On Friday, September 23, by building a memorial meeting hall. This cadre work with Birthright Armenia, “When the “Pride and Honor Flight” organization of men in the AAV organization wanted a build - I went to Armenia in 1992, I stayed for invited a group of World War II veterans to visit ing of their own and, more importantly, to five months and I believe the extend - the World War II Memorial here. Within this honor their fallen comrades. Once a decision ed stay produced a more meaningful group of veterans were six Armenian American was made to build the facility, they immediately experience for me. I am so excited Birthright Armenia participants from the summer 2011, veterans: Nick Derderian, Carl Kalayjian, started to raise the necessary funds. After years Crystal Densmore and Ani Grigorian, were eager to share about Birthright Armenia because it George Keurajian, Jack Kojamanian, Lee of arduous solicitations, there building was stories about their experiences with attendees. creates and funds the opportunity for Laktzian and Harry Kems. going to become a reality. young people to travel to Armenia and Prior to leaving from the Detroit Fourteen years of fund-raising culminated in stay for a longer duration.” Metropolitan Airport the group was given t- securing enough money to purchase a parcel of and how it changed their perspectives, affected Birthright Armenia’s mission is to shits displaying the American flag, which iden - land. At the same time, St. John’s Armenian their professional goals, and strengthened their strengthen ties between the homeland and dias - tified them as WWII vets. In addition, Oakland Church was aware of AAV’s efforts. The church Armenian identity. Wilkinson told the group of poran youth by affording them an opportunity County Executive L. Brooks Patterson supplied surprised them by granting a large piece of land attendees, “I climbed down into St. Gregory’s pit to be a part of Armenia’s daily life and to con - the group multi-colored WWII Veteran’s pins, on church property — a location that would be at Khor Virab, listened to the extremely moving tribute to Armenia’s development through which they wore along with the t-shirts. more accessible to the youth of the Armenian Sharakan music being sung down there, and for work, study and volunteer experiences, while The group left Detroit at 7 a.m. and arrived community. This offer on the part of the church the first time in my life, I truly felt and became an developing a renewed sense of Armenian iden - Armenian.” tity. For more information, or to make an online A silent auction table, with unique items such donation, visit www.birthrightarmenia.org.

American-Armenian Veterans of Michigan visiting World War II Memorial Washington DC, from left, Nick Derderian, Dr. Harry Kems, Lee Laktzian, Jack Kojamanian, Carl Kalaian; seated center, George P. Keurajian

in Baltimore several hours later. Upon arrival, was gratefully accepted. In the meantime, the they were met by approximately 100 sailors, original property purchased increased in value WAVES and naval officers, all clad in white and was sold for a handsome profit. The pro - uniforms. Each thanked the veterans for the ceeds from that sale became a financial windfall service they had rendered the country. It was for the new building. a heart-warming reception. After fraternizing Some time around 1960, several members of with them for a brief period, they group board - the AAV persuaded the organization to include ed a bus and headed to the WWII War a recreational center in the building plans in Memorial. The memorial was beautiful and addition to the meetings facilities. The idea of breathtaking. There were water fountains and constructing a small gym for the youth was huge columns with plaques representing every readily accepted by the AAV members and the state. Armenian community. With the addition of the Later in the afternoon, the group was invited recreation center, funds became more readily to a sumptuous meal at an elegant restaurant — accessible. Construction for the new building again compliments of the Pride and Honor began in 1961 and was completed the following Flight Organization. year. It was so successful the St. John’s eventu - On the return trip, to their surprise, family ally built a new building with a full-size regula - members and friends had taken time to secret - tion basketball court. ly write notes of appreciation to them. These Over the ensuing years attrition has depleted notes were distributed to everyone via a “mili - the ranks. The few who remain were rewarded tary mail call.” Reading the notes of thanks, on September 23 by paying tribute to fallen was a humbling experience and provided an comrades in arms and having the opportunity unforgettable closure to the day. to view the WWII Memorial. The AAV thanks For those readers who do not have a histori - those who sponsored this event as well as all of cal knowledge of the Armenian American the “Pride and Honor” flights. Also, they wish Veterans of Detroit here is a brief history. In to extend deep gratitude to L. Brooks Patterson 1946, a small group of Armenian military vet - and his staff for providing members with WWII erans joined together to form an organization Veteran’s pins. to honor Armenian American Veterans (AAV) — Dr. Harry Kems 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O 2011 AGBU Yerevan Summer Intern Program Creates Bonds

NEW YORK — From June 25 to August 5, 21 This year’s AGBU Yerevan Summer interns from four countries — Canada, Russia, Internship Program was supervised by YSIP Syria and the United States — came together to coordinator Anna Aghajanian and activities participate in AGBU’s Yerevan Summer Intern coordinator Aline Zorian. The students were Program (YSIP). For the fifth consecutive year, housed at a private residence in Yerevan during YSIP has allowed diasporan Armenian college their six-week stay. students to connect with their cultural heritage In addition to gaining professional experi - while working and participating in a program of ence, the interns also participated in numerous cultural, social and professional activities. cultural activities, attended weekly Armenian- Participants develop closer ties with their language and folk-dance classes, visited historic homeland and a better understanding of their monuments and got acquainted with the pro - roots. grams carried out by AGBU throughout Participating students spent their summer Armenia and Karabagh. Interns had the oppor - internships at a number of leading institutions tunity to meet with a number of Armenian polit - and organizations throughout Yerevan, includ - ical and social figures, including the Republic of

YSIP participants having lunch in a village outside of Garni

Armenians who have both moved to their sent to explore the Armenian capital in an effort homeland and are currently running successful to create camaraderie and familiarize them with businesses in the country. the city and its residents. The offices of the AGBU Armenian On August 3, before the conclusion of the Representation and Armenian Virtual College six-week program, a farewell reception was (AVC) hosted the YSIP participants for an intro - held at the Yerevan Museum of Folk Art, in ductory presentation and a video chat with honor of the interns, YSIP staff, intern super - Yervant Zorian, the chairman of the unique visors and AGBU staff. The evening celebrat - online school. ed the once-in-a-lifetime journey experienced This year’s participants also spent three by YSIP and their unforgettable summer unforgettable days in Karabagh, touring experiences. Stepanakert, Shushi and Gandzasar. During “No matter what you expect, you will be their time in Karabagh, they were treated to a wrong. Armenia and YSIP will impress you performance by the students of the Naregatsi from day one to the day you have to leave,” said YSIP participants during their visit to the monastery of Geghard Art Institute in Shushi. Samuel Armen, who was a 2011 participant On July 24, interns visited the AGBU from the United States. Antranik Scout Camp in the Lori region of Fellow YSIP intern Nicole Saglamer, also of ing ArBes Medical Center, Armenian Center for Armenia’s Diaspora Minister Hranoush Armenia and spent an unforgettable day with the United States, shared Armen’s enthusiasm Contemporary Experimental Art, Azg daily Hakobian, Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian Armenian scouts from all around the world. about her summer. “Being an AGBU intern for newspaper, Deem Communications, Global SPC and former Foreign Minister of Armenia (and YSIP students were also given the unique the past six weeks has made me understand Law and Consulting, Hetq Online, Lragir current chairman of the Heritage party and par - opportunity to attend a performance of what it really means to be a Diasporan Online, the Republic of Armenia Finance liament member) Raffi Hovannisian. YSIP par - “Anoush” at the Armenian National Opera and Armenian. I have acquired an even greater affin - Ministry, St. Nerses the Great Hospital, ticipants also met with young Armenian entre - Ballet Theatre. This year’s group also took part ity towards my Armenian heritage and identity Storaket Architectural Studio, United Nations preneurs, including Hayk Vardanyan, the co- in a unique scavenger hunt activity, together and know now for sure that coming back to Development Program and Yerevan Hospitals founder of Wise Business LLC, and George with Birthright Armenia volunteers. Together Armenia to support and help my homeland is a No. 1 and 8. Tabakian and Talar Kazanjian, two Diasporan the groups were divided into several teams and huge passion of mine,” she said. AAHPO Members Complete First Medical Mission in Armenia

the hospital and its laboratories, and each mem - By Taleen Babayan ber met with doctors in their fields of specialty. “The doctors in Armenia know the capabili - ties of Western medicine but they just don’t TEANECK, N.J. and YEREVAN — In an effort have the resources,” said gastroenterologist Dr. to continue to contribute to the improvement of Greg Koobatian. “They don’t have the tools to the healthcare system in Armenia, the Armenian do more advanced things such as endoscopic American Health Professional Organization ultrasounds.” (AAHPO) organized its first medical mission that While participants in the medical mission saw took place in conjunction with the Third the limited resources in the hospitals in Yerevan, International Medical Congress in Armenia last they saw even more of a disparity in the rural vil - summer. lages. Two other Armenian humanitarian organi - During the month of July, AAHPO members vis - zations, including the Fund for Armenian Relief ited hospitals and clinics throughout Armenia — (FAR) and the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), ranging from Hospital #8 in Yerevan to the Armavir worked with AAHPO to allow them access into Medical Center, 30 miles outside the capital. hospitals and clinics in the rural villages. The mission allowed participants to become In one of the hospitals they visited, they familiarized with and gain a better understanding learned that only one ambulance covers the of the medical system in Armenia. Components of needs of six villages, some of which are up to half the program included direct patient care, learning an hour away. how the healthcare system in Armenia functions “Some of the villages weren’t as affected by the and networking with local physicians. Returning medical system,” said Dr. Alicia Demirjian, a pedi - Group photo of AAHPO medical mission participants to the US, AAHPO members concluded that two atric infectious disease doctor. “It was a striking areas most in need are medical training and the difference, but it was important to see these kinds allocation of resources. of things.” Yerevan for one month of intensive training. tionships they developed while there. They also “I found the doctors to be knowledgeable but While it became evident that vast changes need “AAHPO’s support of the Continuing Medical invite other healthcare professionals to join the lacking the medical technology we use here in to be made to the healthcare system in Armenia, Education Program is helping doctors in initiative. the US,” said pediatrician Dr. Garbis Baydar, who something as basic as continuing medical develop - Armenia learn new techniques, treatments and “I encourage every Armenian healthcare pro - noted that there is not a single MRI machine in ment is a positive first step. medications,” said Koobatian. “This approach is fessional to pitch in,” said Baydar. the entire country. “If the doctors in Armenia could receive con - more efficient than sending doctors over from the “AAHPO is doing a great job in making a con - One highlight of the mission was when the tinuing medical education, it will have a high US for a week or two for patient care.” nection between Armenians in the diaspora and group visited a new 60-bed, pediatric hospital in impact on the medical system,” said Demirjian. Reflecting on their time in Armenia visiting in Armenia,” added Koobatian. “I hope going for - Yerevan, which provides both general pediatric To this end, AAHPO has been working with FAR various hospitals and clinics and meeting with ward we are able to make more of an impact.” and intensive care. While there, the head of the to help train physicians in Armenia through the healthcare professionals as well as patients, par - AAHPO is hosting a gala fundraiser on Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units pro - Continuing Medical Education Program (CME), ticipants are happy they were part of the mission Saturday, October 15, at the Marriott Glenpointe vided the AAHPO group with a detailed tour of which brings doctors throughout Armenia to and are looking forward to building on the rela - in Teaneck, NJ. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Balakian to ADAM BIELOWSKI PHOTO Jack Kevorkian’s Paintings Go on Speak at Sale in New York Columbia NEW YORK (Daily Mail) — He was nick - named “Dr. Death” for helping dozens of peo - ple commit suicide in the 1990s and spent Genocide Expert Frieze also eight years in prison for second-degree mur - To Address Memory and der. Now, the late Jack Kevorkian’s paintings, Genocide writings and iconic blue sweaters are being sold in an auction in New York this month. NEW YORK — The Department of Many of the 20 paintings by the patholo - Middle Eastern, South Asian and African gist, who died in June aged 83, depict death Studies (MESAAS), Columbia University, or dying, and are often intended to provoke in conjunction with the Armenian Center or disturb. at Columbia University and the National One of those up for auction is titled Association for Armenian Studies and “Genocide” and features a bloody head being Research (NAASR) presents two events From left, Sonja Magdevski, Martin Sheen, and David Alexanian at the Chicago International Film Festival in August dangled by the hair and held by the hands of open to the public in conjunction with two soldiers. the on-going graduate seminar, One wears a German military uniform from “Memories of the Armenian Genocide: An World War II and the other a Turkish uni - Exploration through Memoir, Literature form from World War I to depict the mass and the Arts.” David Alexanian Shows killings of Armenians and Jews during World A public reading and talk by writer and poet Peter Balakian will take place on Tuesday, October 25, at 7:35 p.m. ‘The Way’ with Estevez Balakian’s talk is titled, “The Transmission of Trauma Across Generations: Literary Memory and the And Sheen Armenian Genocide.” The talk will take place in room 501 of Schermerhorn Hall on the campus of Columbia University NEW YORK — “The Way,” a new, heart-warming family film, is written and direct - (116th Street and Broadway). Balakian is ed by Emilio Estevez, and produced by David Alexanian and his company, Elixir the Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Films. Now showing in most theatres Professor of the Humanities, Professor of from coast to coast, the film is the story English and director of Creative Writing By Florence Avakian of a life-changing trip bonding a father at Colgate University. He is the author of Special to the Mirror-Spectator and his son, and emphasizes the differ - many books including the memoir, Black ence between the life we live, and the Dog of Fate , winner of PEN/Albrand life we choose. It stars Estevez’ own Prize for Memoir, Burning Tigris: The father, Martin Sheen, whose California life is transformed during a trek. Armenian Genocide, America’s When Sheen, a well-to-do ophthalmologist, hears that his only son (played by Response, winner of the Raphael Lemkin Estevez) has died during a storm in the Pyrenees while hiking along the famed Way Prize and a New York Times Best Seller, of St. James, also known as the Camino de Santiago, he flies to France. To better and co-translator of Grigoris Balakian’s understand himself and his bohemian son from whom he has been estranged, and Armenian Golgotha: A Memoir of the to complete his son’s journey, he decides to make the pilgrimage himself, a trek of “Genocide” by Jack Kevorkian Armenian Genocide 1915-1918 . His hundreds of miles from France to Spain. books of poems include Ziggurat and Using his son’s gear, he starts out picking up a motley group of trekkers, includ - June-tree: New and Selected Poems, ing an overweight Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen), a surly chain-smoking I and World War II, respectively. 1974-2000 . Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger), and an Irish author (James Nesbitt) suffering from Kevorkian painted the frame with his own On Thursday, November 3, at 7:35 p.m., writer’s bloc, all of whom hope to find a way out of their personal dilemmas. Along blood and wanted to have a skeleton with an Dr. Donna-Lee Frieze of Deakin the way, Sheen quietly scatters his son’s ashes. IV flowing through it next to the painting, University in Melbourne, Australia, will Though there isn’t much insight on how the grouchy Sheen is changed by the according to Suburban Detroit art gallery present a talk titled, “Silence, Memory odyssey, the film does afford some hints at healing through arguments as well as owner Anne Kuffler. and Sacred Drama: Ravished Armenia in friendship with his teammates (all fine actors) and hilarious moments with the local Kuffler, who had previously exhibited the the Memorialization of the Armenian villagers on the journey, especially an innkeeper who alone puts on a side-splitting pathologist’s work, put him off the idea how - Genocide.” The talk will take place in show acting out a conversation between a man and a woman. ever. room 501 of Schermerhorn Hall, Probably the most impressive parts of the film portray the history, culture and “He said: ‘I want to show how horrible it is, Columbia University. There will be a picturesque panorama of the countryside, Sheen’s moving, understated perfor - I want people to be upset by it,”’ she said. screening of the short surviving fragment mance and the character development of the other three lead actors. There is also “I said: ‘If you haven’t portrayed it in your of the film, “Ravished Armenia,” in con - the spiritual element, especially when the four pilgrims finally reach their destina - painting, then you haven’t succeeded.’” junction with the talk. tion at the Spanish cathedral where St. James is reputed to be buried. The gallery owner revealed there had Frieze has taught a graduate unit on Producer Alexanian grew up in Pennsylvania and has been involved with film and already been interest in the paintings up for genocide studies for 10 years at Deakin theatre production for more than 10 years. He is especially fascinated with subjects auction. University. In 2009 she was joint consult - of geographical and inspirational journeys. He co-founded Elixir Films with his sis - Kuffler, who sells signed and numbered ing scholar for a conference on Raphael ter, Alexis Alexanian. lithographs of six of his works for $500 Lemkin and sole consulting scholar for a His association with “The Way” started in 2008 when writer and director Estevez apiece, said she was offered $100,000 for one six-month exhibition on Lemkin, both at asked him to produce it after attending Alexanian’s 2007 production of “Long Way of his original paintings in 1994 and believes the Center for Jewish History in New York Down.” Both Estevez and Alexanian flew to Spain and journeyed on the Camino the value of work would have increased since City. She is part of a research team pub - de Santiago de Compostela ancient trek. Along the way they hired crew and cast then. lishing a history of the Jewish Holocaust from the local population, and worked on the production. Kevorkian’s lawyer, Mayer Morganroth, Centre in Melbourne and is the editor of However, “The Way” was not the first of Alexanian’s films. In 2001, he filmed Eric said he didn’t know the value of the collec - Lemkin’s autobiography (Yale University Bogosian’s one-man show, “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee,” for the Independent tion but most of the proceeds will go to the Press, forthcoming). Film Channel. He has also filmed “The Good Thief” by Conor McPherson at a run doctor’s sole heir — a niece — and the charity Both talks are in conjunction with an in a Los Angeles theatre, and the 2003 production of “Where the Red Fern Grows.” Kicking Cancer for Kids. on-going Columbia University graduate This was followed in 2004 with “,” which he directed and pro - Morganroth said the timing was right to seminar, “Memories of the Armenian duced. It was the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey of Ewan McGregor and Charley sell the items, since there was interest from Genocide: An Exploration through Boorman from London to New York through Europe, Kazakhstan, , several auction houses and the broader art Memoir, Literature and the Arts,” taught , far eastern Russian and North America. world, as well as a desire to settle the estate. by Armen T. Marsoobian, Nikit and He recalls that his mother was terrified of motorcycles, when he was growing up. Many of the paintings have been hanging Eleanora Ordjanian Visiting Professor of “I used to sneak out to ride dirt bikes against her stern warnings,” he says. Working at the Armenian Library and Museum of Armenian Literature, Columbia University with his sister, Alexis, he became the head of Elixir Films, and has instilled that love America in Watertown, Mass., which also has and professor and chair of the Philosophy of motorcycles into films, such as “Long Way Round” and “” which a collection of his compositions and writings. Department at Southern Connecticut he produced in 2007. Kevorkian was also a keen musician and State University in New Haven. For more “Long Way Down” details a ride from the Northern tip of , down composer. information about these events and the through Europe, , Egypt, , , , , Rwanda, , “I think the legacy is showing the many seminar contact [email protected]. see THE WAY, page 17 facets of him and his capabilities,” Morganroth said. “He was a multi-talented man.” 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Shushi Dance Ensemble Makes History Come Alive through Dance

TENAFLY, N.J. — Each Monday and Friday evening, a rehearsal here is filled with the sounds and dance steps from the mountains and plains of Armenia. Who’s stomping and making this ruckus? A group of New York/New Jersey youth of Armenian descent ages ranging from Kindergarten through post-college grads. The imagination of these 120 dancers, male and female, is captured through the passion and dedication of founder, artistic director and choreographer of the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble, Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian. The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble was founded in 1992 by Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, a Cresskill resident, who had directed the group for 20 years, all on a volunteer basis. Through the medium of dance, she instills Armenian identity and pride in these youth while also exposing diverse audiences to Armenian her - itage through the arts. She says, “Armenian dance is part of my essence It’s who I am. I find no greater joy in life than sharing my talent and passion for Armenian music and dance with each genera - tion for the past 20 years.” Throughout its two-decade history, Paskalian- Kantardjian has led the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble and produced concerts and dance performances all over the world, across Europe, the Middle East, North America (including the White House) and of course the Republic of Armenia. The group will conclude the 20-year celebration with a trip to South America with performances in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay in July 2012. On October 30, the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensembly will celebrate its 20th Anniversary by performing in an event, “Independence,” dedi - cated to the 20th anniversary of the indepen - dence of Armenia and Karabagh. With 150 per - Senior members mesmerized the crowd as they perform to the choreographed Im Love, Im Love celebrating the 15th anniversary of the ensemble at the formers, including vocalists and musicians from Opera House in Yerevan on July 3, 2008. Armenia, Los Angeles and New York accompa -

nying the young dancers. The October 30 event Armenia and Karabagh is a testimonial to the will be held at Felician College in Lodi. drive of our New York/New Jersey youth to In spite of dark periods within their history, keep their history and lineage alive. most prominently the Genocide of 1915, For further information, photos and video Armenians all over the world continue to strive profiling Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble to perpetuate their identity and their culture. and its upcoming Independence event, visit Shushi’s celebration of the independence of www.shushidance.org.

Hosted by the AGBU AYA Aleppo chapter and Friends of the Citadel of Aleppo, Shushi performed at the historic Citadel (Pert) with more than 4,000 audience members, including 200 AGBU boy and girl scouts.

Shushi Dance Ensemble members performed to a sell-out crowd in White Plains, NY on March 27, 2010, sponsored by St. Gregory Armenian School of White Plains. Advertise in the Mirror-Spectator S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING YerazArt Event Raises $17,000 for Young Musicians

WINCHESTER, Mass. — The home of Raffi and Nina Festekjian was the venue for a fundraiser of new musical instruments from YerazArt. Similarly, the Karakeravan Art School received an oud, for YerazArt on Saturday, September 24. The gathering raised about $17,000, with the attendance guitar and kanon. of 75 guests. The group has been able to cultivate young musicians. Hajjar announced one young pianist, Aleksandr After a performance by several members of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicole Hajjar, Iradyan, 20, has been accepted to the graduate program of the Florida International University. YerazArt chair of the YerazArt board, gave an overview of the organization’s goals and philanthropic efforts. will pay for the schooling. Another recipient of funds is Nara Avetisyan, who has been admitted to the In previous years, along with supporting individual musicians, money was spent to bring to the Cleveland Institute of Music, to study with Prof. Sergei Babayan. She will receive $4,000 annually from US a group of young musicians from Armenia, so that they could get experience performing in YerazArt’s Anais Afeyan Foundation, started by Noubar and Anna Afeyan. diverse venues. This year, the YerazArt board has decided to send the funds raised to young music The Executive Board of YerazArt includes Anna Afeyan, Nina Festekjian, Vahe Ghahraman, Avak students there who are eager to pursue higher education in Armenia. In fact, she said, the annual Kahvejian, Sargis Karapetyan, Sylvie Zakarian Meguerditchian, Seza Seraderian, Apo Ashjian and tuition cost of the education of a young opera singer and a young pianist, has been fully subsidized Yeghishe Manucharyan. by YerazArt. For more information about the group, visit www.yerazart.org. In addition, she said, the Brutyan School in Gumri, also known as School No. 4, received a set — Alin K. Gregorian

Clarinetist Tom Hill and Raffi Festekjian From left, Michele Semourian, Julia Mirak Kew and Mary Ellen Margosian

Anna Afeyan, left, with Katrina Menzigian Board Chair Nicole Hajjar speaks as Dr. Viken Babikian looks on.

From left, Nicole Hajjar, Boston Philharmonic associate principal cellist Velleda Mirangias, principal violist Lisa Suslowicz and Nina Festkjian From left, Nicole Hajjar, Lisa Sedrakian and Katrina Menzigian 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Singer Nerkararyan a Stranger in Paradise

medieval spiritual music and performed lead Spicy Southwestern Tabbouleh By Tom Vartabedian roles in many prominent operas, including that Christine Datian’s Recipe Republished from Cooking Light of Mimi in Puccini’s “La Boheme” only this year after winning the American Educators of Italian Inspired by friends who adore Mexican fla - BILLERICA, Mass. — Growing up in the Origin United 41st Annual Opera Auditions. vors, Christine Datian decided to reinvent foothills of Armenia, with Ararat beckoning her Also this year, she was applauded at an AGBU traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh with call, Knarik Nerkararyan spent her younger days Performing Artists Concert at Carnegie Hall. Southwestern spices. After substituting listening to the music of Lusine Zakaryan, hop - A most recent appearance found her singing cilantro for parsley and adding peppers, ing one day to emulate the talented soprano. the role of Tatiana in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene cumin and chili powder, she knew she had a The diva’s lyricism made such an imprint on Onegin.” unique dish that was quick and easy to the young teenager’s life, hardly a day went by These days, she lives in Billerica and con - throw together. “If you’re working, you can when she didn’t persist in her dream. ducts the choir at St. Gregory Church in North do a lot of prep before, when you do have “Keep in mind that it was the Communist Andover, where she arrived three months ago. time,” she says. Datian recommends buying era,” recalled Nerkararyan. “No lights. No fuel. Her voice fits the operatic mode and gives the pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery No freedom. There were no recordings of her to congregation a reason to attend Holy Badarak. store for a fast weeknight meal. If necessary, be found anywhere. Would I ever have the voice “I want to break down the barriers that one can even soak the bulgur overnight. to follow her as a singer?” choirs are just for old people,” she points out. Two years later, at Soorp Hovhaness Church “Hopefully, I can recruit some new voices and Ingredients in Yerevan, Zakaryan was performing solo when get younger singers involved.” Three-fourths cup uncooked bulgur they were reunited, shortly before the singer’s Nerkararyan is combing the area in search of One-and-one-fourth cups boiling water death. a teaching position at some school or conser - One-and-one-half teaspoons extra-virgin “It was the last time I had any connection vatory. If concerts and recitals come her way, olive oil One-fourth teaspoon ground cumin with her,” added Nerkararyan. “Because of her more power to the performer. She’s prepared to One cup chopped fresh cilantro One-fourth teaspoon ground red pepper voice and the way she could interpret Armenian take the quantum leap toward stardom. One cup vertically sliced red onion One-fourth teaspoon paprika spiritual music, it changed my life.” The image of Zakaryan still persists but it Three-fourths cup diced, seeded tomato One-fourth teaspoon chili powder Nerkararyan held true her promise to shares the heart with Hasmig Hatsagortsyan, Half a cup of sliced green onions One-fourth teaspoon freshly ground black become a star in a similar galaxy. She graduat - her voice teacher from Armenia and soloist with Half a cup of diced yellow bell pepper pepper ed with honors from Komitas Yerevan State the Yerevan State Opera Company. As for Half a cup of chopped peeled avocado One-eighth teaspoon ground allspice Conservatory with a master’s degree in vocal another role model apart from her heritage, One-fourth cup diced, seeded and peeled One garlic clove, minced arts and classical singing. that would be Mirella Freni, an Italian soprano cucumber Dash of hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) In 2006, she received a scholarship to continue who sings an exquisite Mimi. One-fourth cup (one ounce) crumbled her studies in America. Two years later, she Knarik leaves the professional photography queso fresco Preparation received another master’s degree in vocal perfor - to her fiancé, Mardo Kevorkian, who operates a One-fourth cup extra-virgin olive oil Combine bulgur, one and one-fourth cups mance from Azusa Pacific University in California. studio in Lexington. Two tablespoons fresh lemon juice boiling water and one and one-half teaspoons In 2007 and 2008, Nerkararyan was granted “I find the Merrimack Valley to be most wel - Two tablespoons fresh lime juice oil in a medium bowl; cover and let stand 20 AGBU scholarships as a gifted young Armenian coming,” she says. “The church has erased any Two teaspoons diced, seeded, jalapeño pepper minutes. Drain bulgur through a fine sieve; singer and wound up taking second place at the strange feelings and opened doors to new rela - Three-fourths teaspoon dried oregano place bulgur in a medium bowl. Add cilantro Los Angeles International Liszt Competition for tionships. My goal is to reach out to people with Half a teaspoon salt and remaining ingredients; toss well. Vocalists. the power of music. It changes my mood and She has introduced audiences to Armenian brings hope, faith and goodness to others.” Books Dr. Sebouh Aslanian to Speak About his New Book at Fresno

FRESNO — Dr. Sebouh Aslanian will speak about his new book, From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean: The Global Trade Networks of Armenian Merchants from New Julfa , at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, October 21, in the Grosse Industrial Technology Building, Room 101, on the Fresno State campus. Aslanian’s presentation is the second of the Fall 2011 Armenian Studies Program Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the Department of History and the Armenian Students Organization at Fresno State. Drawing on a rich trove of documents, including correspondence not seen for 300 years, Aslanian will explore the emergence and growth of a remarkable global trade net - work operated by Armenian silk merchants from a small outpost in the Persian Empire. Based in New Julfa, Isfahan, in what is now Dr. Sebouh Aslanian Iran, these merchants operated a network of commercial settlements that stretched from London and Amsterdam to Manila and Educational Fund) at the department of history Acapulco. The New Julfan Armenians were at UCLA. He has taught at the department of Avik Deirmenjian during the signing the only Eurasian community that were able History at CSULB as an assistant professor in to operate simultaneously and successfully in the fall of 2010 after serving a year at Cornell all the major empires of the early modern University as a Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Poet Derimejian’s Latest Effort Published world — both land-based Asian empires and fellow in world history. the emerging sea-borne empires — astonish - Aslanian specializes in early modern world In Both Armenian and English ingly without the benefits of an imperial net - and Armenian history and is the author of work and state that accompanied and facili - numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals ARLINGTON, Mass. — On Saturday, October 8, at the Armenian Cultural Foundation, tated European mercantile expansion during such as the Journal of World History, the the Armenian Independent Broadcasting of Boston presented the English and Armenian the same period. Journal of the Social and Economic History of editions of the latest book by poet Avik Deirmenjian, Gleam of Hope . This book brings to light for the first time the the Orient, the Journal of Global History and Deirmenjian, who resides in Lexington, writes in Armenian; his poems express defiance, trans-imperial cosmopolitan world of the New Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies . love of the homeland and longing for Ararat, as well as celebrating love, justice and faith. Julfans. Among other topics, it explores the His book, titled From the Indian Ocean to the He is published in most Armenian newspapers in the diaspora, and lately, he has been gain - effects of long-distance trade on the organiza - Mediterranean: The Global Trade Networks of ing exposure in Armenia. tion of community life, the ethos of trust and Armenian Merchants from New Julfa, Isfahan, Garbis Zerdelian made the opening remarks. Master of ceremonies was Rouben cooperation that existed among merchants and 1605-1747 , was recently published by the Sourenian. Tatoul Sonentz has translated the poems by Deirmenjian capably. Performing the importance of information networks and University of California Press. It was selected by at the event were mezzo-soprano Victoria Avedisian, pianist Levon Hovsepian and communication in the operation of early mod - the Committee of the California World History Elizabeth Der Mesrobian. ern mercantile communities. Library as the first book to appear in their new At the end, a ceremony of kinetson or book-blessing ceremony took place and the author Aslanian received his PhD (with distinction) series, “Author’s Imprint,” that celebrates and signed copies of his book for the public. from Columbia University in 2007. He is the recognizes “exceptional scholarship by first- Richard Hovannisian Term Chair of Modern time authors.” Armenian History (established by the Armenian Admission is free to the lecture. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING ADAA Boston Film Festival to Take Place Nov. 12-13 CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The fourth annual Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) Boston Armenian Film Festival will take place at the Fresh Pond Cinemas, on November 12- 13. The event aims to provide a forum for the CALIFORNIA works of new Armenian filmmakers. This year’s line-up includes more than 10 NOVEMBER 19 — The Armenian EyeCare Project will hold its films from around the world, beginning with an ninth Annual New por t Gala, honoring Gov. George interesting new film by French-Armenian film - Deukmejian, on November 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Balboa Bay Club, maker, Serge Avedikian, called “Dogs of Newport Beach. For info and reservations, call (949) 675-5611. Istanbul,” a follow-up to his short film last year, “Barking Island.” FLORIDA From fellow French-Armenian filmmaker Levon Minasian comes the award-winning short The Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc. presents: film, “The Piano,” a charming look at a 13-year- Armenian Heritage Cruise XV. Leaving January 21, 2012. 15th old in Leninakan (Spitak) who longs to play a Anniversary Celebration. For more info, visit piano that doesn’t fit in her tiny home. www.ArmenianHeritageCruise.com. Comes Chabazian, a filmmaker from Belgium, presents “Ici Bas” (Down Here), an MASSACHUSETTS abstract look at life in Armenia. From , ADAA presents Shareen OCTOBER 20 — The K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, MD Anderson’s “Charents: In Search Of My Lecture on Human Rights. Endowed Public Program of Armenian Armenian Poet.” This full-length film explores Heritage Park. Faneuil Hall, Boston. 7 p.m. Keynote speaker, Paul the life and works of one of Armenia’s best- Rusesabagina, human rights activist; US Presidential Medal of loved poets, Eghishe Charents, through Freedom (2005); president and founder, The Hotel Rwanda a literary travelogue from Armenia to the poet’s Rusesabagina Foundation; author, An Ordinary Man, Penguin 2006. birthplace in Kars, Turkey. The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation was founded in 2006 On October 27, Ed and Mary Ann Kazanjian, “Son of the Olive Merchant” is a charming by Rusesabagina, the real life hero of the acclaimed film “Hotel pictured above, will give an illustrated presen - film by Mathieu Zeitindjioglou, who travels to Rwanda.” Portrayed by Don Cheadle in the film, Rusesabagina saved tation, titled “A Journey to Historic Armenia,” Turkey on his honeymoon with his Polish wife the lives of more than 1,200 people during the Rwandan genocide at the Andover Library Memorial Hall, 2 North to confront Genocide denial. and has been honored internationally for his heroism. Charlie Main St., Andover, Mass. at 6:30 p.m., pre - The Film Festival Committee this year Clements, executive director, Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, sented by the Merrimack Valley Lodge of the includes Roset Atinizian, Samuel Vartan and Harvard Kennedy School of Government will introduce Knights of Vartan. Admission is free. For info, Alfred Demirjian. The films were curated by Rusesabagina. contact Vahan at [email protected]. Janice Keuhnelian and Bianca Bagatourian. OCTOBER 22 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, noon-8 p.m., First Armenian The 2011 ADAA Film Festival is sponsored Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. Great food, fun and the mar - by Roy Shahan and John Vigen Der Manuelian, ketplace. Lamb, beef, chicken and losh kebab dinners grilled fresh all in memory of Manuel, Armenouhy, Armane day with pilaf and salad, enjoy in our Fellowship Hall or packed for (Aghababian), Takouhi (Chorbajian), Kenneth home. Yalanchi, cheese boreg and falafel. Home made manti, kufte, FEBRUARY 11, 2012 — The Armenian Sisters’ Academy 30th Shant Der Manuelian. choreg, string cheese packaged for the freezer. Handmade pastries, Anniversary Gala, Saturday, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, For more information on the festival, visit dried fruits, nuts. Marketplace includes books, children’s items, “attic Boston. Additional details to follow. www.armeniandrama.org. For tickets, call the treasures” and more. Handicamp ramp and MBTA train and bus line. Fresh Pond Cinemas. For info, visit www.FACBelmont.org or (617) 484-4779. All welcome. NEW JERSEY OCTOBER 27 — “A Journey to Historic Armenia,” by Ed and Mary Ann Kazanjian. Andover Library Memorial Hall, 2 North Main St., OCTOBER 21 — St. Leon Armenian Church & Tekeyan Cultural Andover, 6:30 p.m. Admission free. Presented by the Merrimack Association present A Photographic Journey Through Western Valley Lodge of the Knights of Vartan (www.knightsofvartan.org). Armenian and the Ararat 11 climb, 8 p.m. St. Leon Armenian Contact Vahan at [email protected]. Church Charles & Grace Pinajian Youth Center, 12-61 Saddle River NOVEMBER 4-5 — Annual Bazaar sponsored by Armenian Apostolic Road, Fairlawn. For info, call Shoghig Chalian at (201) 803-0240. Church at Hye Pointe, 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday, 12-8 p.m.; NOVEMBER 13 — St. Stepanos Armenian Church Women’s club Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Armenian cuisine served all day. Pastry table, invites you for an Armenian concert by the AREKAG Children’s Country Store, Gift Basket Raffles and Raffles for cash and prizes. For Choir, conducted by Vago John Ohanyan. Following church services, more info, visit www.hyepointechurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. 1184 Ocean Ave., Elberon. Thanksgiving Lunch will be served. NOVEMBER 6 — Preview of “Deported/ A Dream Play,” a new play Tickets: $30, adults; $10, children, 10 and under. Call Linda Patruno about the Armenian Genocide, with award-winning playwright Joyce (732) 449-5249, Norig Buchakjian (732) 929-0776. Van Dyke, director Judy Braha and actors reading scenes from the play that premieres next March in Boston. Armenian Library and NEW YORK Museum of America, 65 Main St., Watertown, 3-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. OCTOBER 22 — The Chelsea Room presents Hovnanian Alumni & NOVEMBER 11 — The Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge Number 1 Friends fall night out. Music by special DJ Finesse. 22 W 23rd St., annual ceremony at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel on Long . For advance tickets, call Bernard Y (201) 741-9196 or Wharf, Boston, Friday. Guest speaker, Primate of Artsakh, Shant M (201) 362-6617. Proceeds will be donated to the Hovnanian Archbishop Pargev Martirossian. Reception, 7 p.m.; dinner, 8 p.m. School. Man of the Year is Aurelian Mardiros, Community Leader Award to OCTOBER 28-30 — The annual symposium weekend of the Registrar Rachel Kaprielian and the Faithful Knight Award to John Women’s Guild Central Council. At the St. Vartan Armenian Peterson. Cathedral Complex and Diocesan Center, New York City. For infor - NOVEMBER 12-13 — Save the date. ADAA Fourth Annual Boston mation, contact Rita Oscherician at (201) 398-0153 or margheri - Armenian Film Festival. Fresh Pond Cinemas, Cambridge. See [email protected]. www.armeniandrama.org. OCTOBER 30 — Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan NOVEMBER 17 — Party at the Other Park! Benefit for the Cathedral, New York City, presents Independence celebrating the Armenian Heritage Park Endowment. Fenway Park, Boston. 20th anniversary of Armenia’s “Independence.” Twentieth anniver - Advance reservations only. For details and reply form, visit sary of Karabagh and 20th anniversary of the Shushi Armenian www.ArmenianHeritagePark.net. Dance Ensemble. 150 Performers. 5 p.m., Felician College, 262 Main NOVEMBER 19 — Holiday Kef, featuring Richard Hagopian, and his St., Lodi. Donation: $100, $50, $40, $30 and $25. For tickets, call Kef Time Ensemble. Saturday, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Adults, $45, students, Marie (201) 745-8850, Sossy (201) 779-9007, Diocese (212) 686- $25. UMass Lowell Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell, (978) 0710. Purchase tickets online at www.shushidance.org. 934-6920. Cash bar only. Mezza, coffee, dessert. For info, call Mike MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to follow, June (978) 682-3946 or Richard (978) 374-0687. 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall.

Alexanian Shows ‘The Way’ with Estevez, Sheen

THE WAY, from page 13 production of “The Way,” Alexanian again playing with local musicians and organizing a Entertainment Fridays flew to South Africa and directed and pro - charity concert in Soweto which promoted and Saturdays , , and ending in duced a documentary film with the sons of Marley’s legacy of African Unity. Titled South Africa, covering virtually the whole the legendary singer , when they “Marley Africa Roadtrip,” a six-part series African continent. traveled across the country during the 2010 which was completed in August, the docu - Following the completion of the $5-million FIFA World Cup. The film depicted them mentary will be aired in November. 18 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Sarkozy’s Visit to Armenia — Spectator A Message in Many Directions other offense by Sarkozy was his direct intervention in order to By Edmond Y. Azadian stop in its tracks the Genocide Resolution, which was headed toward approval by the French Senate, after sailing through the parliament. Established 1932 France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy is a different kind of polit - Now comes the bittersweet comeback when Sarkozy, standing ical animal, capable of any and every controversial political move. in the heart of Yerevan, makes a spectacular statement about the An ADL Publication During his tenure as his country’s interior minister, his harsh Armenian Genocide, of course without any reference to his ear - treatment of France’s Muslim immigrant population was severe - lier position. Indeed a historic statement which is quoted below: ly criticized, yet it helped to boost his popularity and catapult “Collective negation is a more serious problem than an indi - EDITOR him to the office of president. Equally controversial was his pol - vidual problem, unless Turkey follows the example of other great Alin K. Gregorian icy of packing up the Roma people and shipping them to their nations in recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Before year’s countries of origin. end, France will take serious steps, including the criminalization ASSOCIATE EDITOR Less than a year ago, Mr. Sarkozy was offering warm accolades of Genocide denial.” Aram Arkun to Libya’s and today he is on the forefront of He also evoked the historic ties between Armenians and ART DIRECTOR the NATO bombing raids trying to unseat his erstwhile friend. France, which had lent a helping hand to the survivors after the Marc Mgrditchian Last week he was on another mission to the Caucasus. He was Genocide. Of course it was not the opportune moment to remind

PRODUCTION on a whirlwind tour of Armenia, and Azerbaijan. His him that France directly contributed to the slaughter and expul - Dilani Yogaratnam longest stay in the region was in Armenia, perhaps thanks to the sion of the Armenians when it abandoned Cilicia, after drafting diplomatic skills of Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian and Armenians into the Armenian Legion to be used as canon fod - Charles Aznavour, the latter accompanying him on the trip. That, der during World War I. in itself, was a message to the region. Sarkozy also reiterated his position regarding Turkey’s plans CONTRIBUTORS: We have to remember that following the war between Russia to join the European Union: Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. and Georgia, he was designated by the West to rush to Tbilisi in “My position has not changed in this case and will not change. Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond support of the Georgian position. Situated in Asia Minor, Turkey has a great role to play for France Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana He also conducted shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and and for the world. Turkey is a bridge between Europe and Asia. Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Tbilisi to salvage whatever was possible in that relationship. Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- It has a great role but that role is not in the European Union.” Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Of course, Abkhazia and South Ossetia could not be reinte - He also made a reference to the intolerable policy of closed Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, grated back into the Georgian territory, but the latter was solid - borders in the 21st century. Taleen Babayan ly won for the West. Today, the West has a strong strategic posi - Ankara has been angered by Sarkozy’s statements and has tion in the Caucasus thanks to Saakashvili. decided to lodge a protest through a special delegate. There is no Incidentally, Armenians have every reason to complain about word of severed diplomatic relations or canceling arms contracts, CORRESPONDENTS: the Georgian government’s policy with regard to the minorities, which have proven to be empty threats in the past. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian but the West has touted it as a showcase of economic recovery Of course, more current issues on the table were lost in the Boston - Nancy Kalajian for the rest of the region to emulate if they wish prosperity. And Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian media shuffle: the economic agreements, France’s interest in contrary to all adverse publicity, Mikheil Saakashvili has appar - rehabbing the atomic energy plants, the Karabagh issue and sev - Contributing Photographers: ently stemmed corruption overnight. eral others. Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair All these developments set the stage for the upcoming Hovsepian President Sarkozy certainly had his uphill re-election bid at changes in the Caucasus. Vladimir Putin’s announced comeback home on his mind when he planned this trip to the region, with The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published in Russia, with its anticipated strong-handed tactics for tighter rising discontent about his economic policies. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: control of the region, make this spectacular visit to the region by By the same token, he has taken center stage in Europe, in Baikar Association, Inc. a major world leader seem like a pre-emptive strike by the West cooperation with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, trying to in order to make inroads in the region. help the economies of failing European countries. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 The fact that Sarkozy spent more time in Armenia than in the Besides the euphoria he created in Armenia, Mr. Sarkozy’s Telephone: 617-924-4420 other Caucasus countries was a message to half a million visit certainly helped President Sargisian’s election plans. A very FAX: 617-924-2887 Armenian voters in France, who had been hurt more than once uncertain future reigns in Armenia regarding next year’s parlia - www.mir rorspectator.com before by him. First, during his presidential campaign he had mentary elections and 2014 presidential election. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com promised to appoint Patrick Devedjian the interior minister; Thus, President Sarkozy’s tour of the Caucasus, other than For advertising: [email protected] instead, he named him the head of Sarkozy’s conservative Union being self-serving, sent many messages in many directions, of for a Popular Movement Party, a rather powerless post. The which Armenia will be one of the beneficiaries.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES : U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year 1st Class $120 a year Canada Air Mail $125 a year Suppressing Kurdish Identity Has Failed:

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the Kurdish population of Turkey need to ty,” after mentioning in a 2005 interview that © 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator By Fazel Hawramy become equal citizens of the state. The denial of “30,000 Kurds and a million Armenians were Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Kurdish identity through assimilation and con - killed in these lands and nobody but me dares and additional mailing offices. tinued repression of successive Turkish govern - to talk about it.” ISSN 0004-234X In 1991, a 30-year-ol d woman was sworn in ments lies at the heart of the Kurdish question, Challenging Turkey’s approach to the as a parliamentarian in Turkey’s National which has gone unresolved for more than 90 Kurdish question and other human rights POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Assembly. After reciting the oath of allegiance, years. issues within the country is all but impossible. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 she added a sentence in her own language. As a In recent months, the Turkish prime minister, The International Press Institute has expressed result, she was removed from the building, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been given a hero’s “serious concern” at the continued imprison - Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily stripped of her parliamentary immunity and welcome in the Middle East for standing up for ment of at least 64 journalists and named reflect the policies of the publisher. sentenced to 15 years in prison. Her name was the rights of downtrodden Arab people and pro - Turkey as the country with the “highest num - Leyla Zana, Turkey’s first Kurdish female mem - moting Turkish democracy as a model for Arab ber of journalists in prison in the world” — sur - ber of parliament. societies. passing Iran and China. She served 10 years of her prison sentence Back home, the civil rights of 20 million In the west, coverage of the Kurds in Turkey and, last Saturday, Zana — now a diminutive 50- Kurds in Turkey have been gradually eroded. is limited to the activities of the PKK — an orga - Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without year-old woman — entered Turkey’s grand The EU acknowledges this is “a serious cause nization that was set up in 1978 by a group of express permission of the copyright national assembly as a Kurdish member of par - for concern” in a country where more than Kurdish and non-Kurdish university students owner. Address requests for reprints or liament again. During the time she was in 3,000 Kurdish activists are in detention. The EU who decided to take up arms and resist the back issues to: prison, not much had changed for those trying has called on Turkey this week to bring its jus - assimilation policy of the Turkish state. Baikar Association, Inc. to represent Kurds in Turkey. Even today, teach - tice system into line with international stan - This conflict has continued for 27 years, cost - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 ing of the Kurdish language in primary and sec - dards and amend its anti-terrorism legislation. ing the Turkish economy about $300-$400 bil - ondary schools is not allowed. On Tuesday, under the same anti-terrorism leg - lion. More than 30,000 Kurds have lost their In its second congress in Ankara last month, islation, more than 120 members of the BDP, lives and the economy of the Kurdish region in Zana’s party — the Kurdish Peace and including the party’s deputy leader, were arrested. the South East of the country is in tatters, leav - Democracy Party (BDP) — produced an eight- So sensitive is Turkey to anyone acknowledg - ing thousands of Kurdish youth unemployed. Check us out at point roadmap that centered around the democ - ing the plight of the Kurds that the novelist and Many people in Turkey, who are tired of this mirrorspectator.com ratic rights of Kurdish people, including the cul - Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk was charged and futile war in the Kurdish region, hoped that the tural, linguistic and civil and political rights that tried for “public denigration of Turkish identi - continued on next page S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

denial of the Holocaust in 1990, it did not take a similar Aznavour Museum overlooking Mt. Ararat and donating action on the Armenian Genocide, even though France had a priceless Rodin statue to the Republic of Armenia. recognized it in 2001. Finally, a world leader has dared to put Turkey’s bullying French-Armenians were incensed by Sarkozy’s betrayal. rulers in their place. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Singer Charles Aznavour publicly warned him that he Davutoglu reacted angrily by telling the French president My Turn would lose the support of 500,000 French-Armenians in to confront his country’s colonial past and not to teach next year’s presidential elections. Last month, the Turkey a history lesson. Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham By Harut Sassounian Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) of France Aliyev, gave a cold shoulder to the French leader during his endorsed the probable presidential candidacy of Socialist visit to Baku. An aide to Aliyev declared that his country Francois Hollande after he promised that his party, which does not share Sarkozy’s views on the Armenian Genocide. President Sarkozy Says had recently gained the majority of seats in the Senate, Davutoglu’s condescending words against France could ‘Tseghasbanoutyoun,’ A Word would vote for the bill banning denial of the Armenian well incite the French Senate into adopting the new Genocide. Hollande is currently far ahead of Sarkozy in Genocide law. Obama Has Yet to Utter opinion polls. French Armenians are now in a win-win situation. Both During his visit to Armenia last week, President Sarkozy leading presidential candidates are committed to support - Flying to Armenia, French President Nicolas Sarkozy conveyed several important messages: He reassured ing not only the law criminalizing denial of the Armenian confided to his top aides last week: “I am going to toss a Armenians of his intent to keep his initial pledge on the Genocide but also backing other pro-Armenian initiatives. live grenade!” He was revealing his readiness to act firmly Genocide denial bill; warned Turkey to stop denying the No matter which one of the two candidates wins in next if Turkey continued to deny the Armenian Genocide. Armenian Genocide and indicated his clear sympathy for year’s French presidential elections, Armenians stand to Shortly after arriving in Yerevan, President Sarkozy the Armenian position on Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh). gain! courageously declared before journalists assembled at the The French president’s trip to the three Republics of However, given politicians’ long trail of broken promises, Armenian Genocide Monument: “The Armenian Genocide the Caucasus was clearly lopsided in favor of Armenia — French-Armenians should not trust their word. They is a historic reality that was recognized by France. where he stayed overnight, while spending only three should make it clear to both candidates that Armenians Collective denial is even worse than individual denial.” hours in Azerbaijan and Georgia. His brief stops in these would support whoever helps pass the genocide denial bill When asked if France would adopt a law to prosecute those two countries were simply an attempt to display a sem - before next April’s presidential elections. It would be ideal who deny the Genocide, the French president stated: “If blance of impartiality. Sarkozy’s first ever visit to if both candidates instructed their party’s Senators to vote Turkey revisited its history, faced its bright and dark sides, Armenia was filled with festive events and dramatic ges - for the bill now, leaving the French Armenian community this recognition of the Genocide would be sufficient. But if tures of friendship — planting a tree in memory of with the pleasant dilemma of choosing between two sup - Turkey will not do that, then without a doubt it would be Armenian Genocide victims; laying a wreath at the portive candidates in the presidential elections. necessary to go further.” Genocide Memorial, where he wrote in the Book of French-Armenians and American-Armenians may want to As presidential candidate in 2007, Sarkozy promised to Remembrance — “France does not forget;” warning reverse the long-established but failed approach of sup - support the Senate’s adoption of a law criminalizing denial Turkey to acknowledge the Genocide by the year’s end; porting candidates first by trusting their promises, hoping of the Armenian Genocide. The French Parliament had uttering the Armenian word “tseghasbanoutyoun” that they would come through after the election. The new already approved such a bill in 2006. Yet, despite his (genocide) which President Obama has declined to use; strategy should be: Once the president is elected and car - pledge, President Sarkozy’s ruling party blocked the bill’s lighting a candle in Echmiadzin; rejecting Turkey’s ries out his promises, only then the community would adoption last May. While the French government banned membership in the European Union and opening the reward him with its support.

Turkey Must Take a New Excessive Negativism and Constant Attacks Approach from previous page result of this year’s general election for both the Jeopardize Armenia’s Development Kurdish BDP and Erdogan’s AKP would offer an opportunity to make serious progress towards solv - impatience and frustration expressed with activities pursuing his personal agenda ing the Kurdish question. But the refusal of By Benon Sevan regard to the current situation in Armenia, through endless rallies to bring about a Erdogan’s government to let the five Kurdish mem - we have no alternative but to be patient. regime change. He should look into the mir - bers of parliament imprisoned on trumped-up ter - One cannot simply bring about democracy ror and remember what went on during his rorism-related charges to take their seats in parlia - It is truly disheartening to read the ongo - through legislation alone; nor can it be own administration and should review his ment was a serious setback. ing negative reports and columns in some imported or imposed through the barrel of own record and legacy before throwing In return, and under enormous pressure from the news outlets in the diaspora and Armenia the gun or by rousing the mob. We must stones at others. Some of the current prac - Kurdish electorate, regarding the current political, economic fully bear in mind our history: over 70 years tices, which he has been so critical of, start - BDP was left with no option but to boycott the and social conditions in the Republic of of communist rule, preceded by about two ed during his own administration. Mr. Ter- parliament. Not long afterwards, 13 Turkish soldiers Armenia, as well as the constant efforts by years of a most fragile independence and by Petrossian, if you want to become the next were killed and seven wounded in a suspicious fire certain personalities and political parties to over five centuries of Ottoman rule. president of the Republic of Armenia, orga - which was blamed on the PKK. The PKK, which is denigrate the government of Armenia and We simply cannot divorce ourselves from nize yourself peacefully and put your candi - usually quick to take responsibility for the opera - its record. the burden and dire consequences of having dacy during the next election. Let the peo - tions it carries out, denied any involvement but Of all the hundreds of negative reports, is lived under occupation for so many cen - ple decide who should be the president Turkish journalists who are scared of being thrown not there at least a single positive develop - turies. Regardless of our impatience and through their ballots. Stop your divisive and in prison for “treason” if they question the military ment to report on? Contrary to the ongoing desire to witness a truly democratic state of destructive actions, calling constantly for version of events ignored the PKK denial and politically motivated negativism, there are Armenia, we have no alternative to being demonstrations, which might get out of blamed it on the organization anyway. indeed many successes and improvements patient, because it takes time to develop hand with very serious consequences. Turkish bombs started raining down on Iraqi achieved in Armenia, which deserve to be democracy, economic and social develop - Irrespective of the negativism prevailing Kurdistan and in the Qandil mountains where the congratulated and encouraged. One gets ment and civil society, as well as true demo - among certain circles, both within Armenia PKK fighters are based. Ironically, while Erdogan tired of reading what is being said by all cratic reforms. We need to develop, among and the diaspora, Armenia has indeed a con - was demanding an official apology from Israel for these so-called pundits, rabble-rousers, other things, political maturity, change of siderable number of talented and fully com - the flotilla incident in 2010, in which nine Turkish including self-serving former government mentality and outlook, which take time and mitted professionals, both within the gov - citizens were killed, Turkish planes dropped a bomb officials pursuing their own personal agen - cannot be achieved through legislation ernment, the ministries and the private sec - inside Iraqi Kurdistan, hitting a car carrying seven da to bring about a regime change not alone. Nor can they be achieved through the tor, as well as in different segments of the civilians, in violation of international law. All the pas - through the ballot box but through encour - mob. society. We should recognize and give cred - sengers, including four children under the age of 12, aging a mob culture. Unfortunately, what we Undoubtedly, the Republic of Armenia, it where it is due for all the progress being were burnt to death instantly. Amnesty have been witnessing is indeed tragic with similar to many other countries, has its own made. We should all unite and spare no International called on Turkey to investigate the the potential of dire consequences to the share of serious difficulties, compounded by effort in supporting and encouraging them killings, but, unsurprisingly, no investigation has stability of the young Republic that recently the current political and economic crisis and to speed up the development of democratic been launched. celebrated its 20th anniversary. uncertainties worldwide and its geographi - institutions, as well as strengthening the It should be clear to current Turkish leaders that No country has become democratic right cal location in a rather dangerous neighbor - economy and raising the living standards. the nine decades of militaristic policies in suppress - away. It is categorically wrong and naive to hood, blockaded by Turkey and Azerbaijan In conclusion, I appeal to all political lead - ing and denying Kurdish identity have failed. Turkey measure democracy in Armenia, which and with an ambiguous relationship with ers, political pundits and the media, both in must realize that the Kurdish question requires a gained its independence only 20 years ago, Georgia. Undoubtedly, there is much to be Armenia and the diaspora, to refrain from more nuanced approach. Leaders in Europe should with the same measuring stick used for desired with regard to the prevalent politi - any action that may incite violence. I should put more pressure on Turkey to deal with the sys - democracies in other countries, such as cal, economic and social conditions in also like to appeal to all my compatriots to temic discrimination that fuels Kurdish support for France, the United Kingdom and the United Armenia. There are, among others, corrupt concentrate their efforts and energies the PKK. States, which took centuries to reach their practices, inconsistencies in the application towards the strengthening of the young If negotiations between Kurdish parliamentarians current stage of democracy. I ask all those of the justice system, as well as poverty and Republic. All Armenians should unite and the Turkish government are to have a chance of who have adopted a negative attitude to unemployment that forces many Armenians because we complement each other; our sur - success, the Turkish government and the PKK need read history. It was not the Armenians who to emigrate. Are these conditions unique vival as Armenians is truly inter-dependent. to declare an immediate ceasefire. The AKP govern - invented the guillotine; it was not the only to Armenia? How about the current The strengthening and the security as well ment should engage with the Kurdish political par - Armenians who hanged their opponents high unemployment figures and the deteri - as good governance, economic and social ties and the PKK’s current leadership in order to from the Tower of London; and it was not orating social conditions in some of the development of the Republic of Armenia make progress towards solving the Kurdish ques - the Armenians who practiced slavery strongest democratic states as well as their should be the primary objective of all of us, tion. Ending this conflict and affording equal rights and/or segregation based on color or race. financial difficulties requiring massive bail above all other interests. to all its citizens should be a precondition for How long did it take for some of Europe’s outs, and facing possible defaults? Turkey’s membership of the EU. democracies to give their women the right It is long overdue for Mr. Levon Ter- (Benon Sevan is the former under-secre - (This commentary originally appeared in the to vote? Petrossian, the first president of the tary-general of the United Nations. He lives October 6 issue of the Guardian .) In as much as one can understand the Republic of Armenia, to stop his corrosive in Cyprus.) 20 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 15, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

France Urges Ankara to Admit Genocide During Visit to Armenia

SARKOZY, from page 1 sponding bill. Yerevan, Sarkozy stressed that Armenians and Sarkozy angered Turkey ahead of his election Azerbaijanis must continue their negotiations in 2007 by backing a law aimed at prosecuting as part of the OSCE Minsk Group and that it is those who refused to recognize the massacres both nations that need peace. as genocide. Sarkozy also urged Armenia to continue its The French lower house of parliament later efforts on a rapprochement with Turkey that rejected the measure, infuriating the French- effectively ground to a halt last year, with both Armenian community, estimated at around 500,000 people.

Furious Turkish Response Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu described the French president’s comments as “political opportunism” aimed at gaining votes from French-Armenians at elections. “Unfortunately whenever there are elections in Europe, this type of opportunism arises,” Davutoglu said. He added France had no right to criticize Turkey because of the country’s colonial past. In 2004, then-President Jacques Chirac told Turkey it would have to recognize the mass killings as geno - cide if it wanted to become a mem - ber of the EU, insisting the French would otherwise vote Turkey out in a referendum.

Visit to Georgia Seeking to portray himself as a peacemaker during the three-nation trip, Sarkozy — who brokered the deal to end the 2008 Georgia-Russia war — told thousands of cheering Georgians that Moscow was still President Nicolas Sarkozy was greeted by President Serge Sargisian upon his arrival in Armenia on intimidating its defeated neighbor. October 7. President Nicolas Sarkozy planted a tree at the Armenian “France sees Russia as its friend, as Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. a strategic partner. But to restore con - fidence, threats, intimidation, threats and attempts to destabilize (the situa - sides blaming each other for the failure. France tion) are fully unacceptable,” he told was one of the states that supported the nor - the receptive Freedom Square crowd. malization effort. The French president said that if Turkey did not make this “step towards reconciliation,” he would consider proposing the adoption of a law criminalizing denial of the killings as genocide. Still, Sarkozy noted that “it is not up to France to give an ulti - matum to anyone.” “I do not mention any time limits because I hope that the Turkish society and leadership will respond appropri - ately. In any case, I From left, Charles Aznavour, President Nicolas Sarkozy and President think that all this will Serge Sargisian take place during my time in office,” said Sarkozy, whose first Georgia accuses Russia of violating the peace term as French president expires in 2012. agreement by not pulling its troops back to pre- France recognized the Armenians Genocide war positions and “occupying” the rebel back in 1998 as its parliament passed a corre - provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Moscow recognized as independent states after the 2008 conflict. In comments likely to irritate the Kremlin, which says its troops in the provinces are there to protect them from Georgia, Sarkozy said Russia must withdraw its forces and fulfill its “word and honor.” “Against all strategic logic and contrary to undertaken commitments, significant military forces are still stationed and were reinforced at your (Georgia’s) door, on the other side of the dividing lines,” he told the flag-waving crowd. Using firm language that echoed the recent split with the Kremlin over action in Libya and Syria, Sarkozy said that Russia must stop the Soviet-era practice of bossing sovereign territo - ries that once answered to Moscow. “Everyone must admit that the Soviet Union does not exist anymore and that a policy of spheres of influence is not intended to succeed it,” he said, adding that Georgia should be able to President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, and President Serge Sargisian visited the Armenian Genocide express its aspirations to join the EU and NATO. Memorial in Yerevan (Reports from the Associated Press, Agence France Presse, Globe and Mail , Reuters and