APRIL 22, 2017 1915 NEVER FORGET Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 40, Issue 4484 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Soldier Wounded in Azerbaijani Shot Volley STEPANAKERT (Panorama.am) — Armenian ser- viceman Tatul Aramayis Harutyunyan, 20, received a gunshot wound on April 17 at a little past 6 p.m. in a combat position of a military unit located in the northern direction of the Artsakh Defense Army. As the Defense Ministry of the Artsakh Republic The Promise reported in a released statement, the incident occurred due to the ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani forces. The wounded soldier has been $20 Million Gift Creates hospitalized with a condition assessed as severe. According to the source, an investigation is Promise Institute for Human underway. Rights at UCLA School of Law

LOS ANGELES — The University of California, 600,000 Tourists Have Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law has received a Visit Armenia This Year $20 million gift to launch a new institute that will serve as a national hub for human rights education YEREVAN (Arka) — About 600,000 tourists visit- and advocacy. The Promise Institute for Human ed Armenia in the first quarter of 2017, 18.2 per- Rights at UCLA School of Law will be generously cent more than in the same period of last year, supported by proceeds from the feature film “The Zarmine Zeituntsyan, the head of the State Promise,” as well as other donations and universi- Committee for Tourism said this week. She added ty resources. The donation is the largest gift to tourists from Iran (17.7 percent) and Russia (7.5 launch a new institute in the history of UCLA Law. percent had increased. “In so many corners of the campus, our faculty From left, Peter Balakian, Terry George and Paul T. Boghosian According to her, 82,000 Russians visited tin the and students are focused on identifying and first three months of the year, up from 76,000 vis- addressing the conditions that create social unrest, its in the same period last year. displacement and injustice,” said UCLA Chancellor ‘The Promise’ Director Terry According to statistics, the number is up 5.7 per- Gene Block. “The Promise Institute will become cent from the previous year. About 25.7 percent UCLA’s center for collaboration in this area and George Explains His Vision were from former Soviet republics, 26 percent from see UCLA, page 9 EU nations and 48 percent from other countries. HAMILTON, N.Y. — For By Paul T. Boghosian months, Armenians have been Azerbaijan Attempts to Special to the Mirror-Spectator hearing about a new film, “The Promise,” that had debuted at Usurp NKR by Force, the 2016 Toronto Film Festival, not only the film, but the pushback by Turkish PR. Fillon Says “The Promise” is a straightforward, narrative story set in 1915 and PARIS (Armenpress) — French presidential hope- focuses on the love triangle between an Armenian medical student, ful François Fillon is concerned over the situation Michael (Oscar Isaac) and an Armenian woman raised in France, Ana in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone, he told (Charlotte LeBon) and an American journalist working for the AP, Nouvelles d’Armenie. who is based in Paris, Christopher (Academy Award winner Christian “In April 2016, the South Caucasus again flared Bale). The relationship among and between these 3 characters pro- up for six days. Taking advantage of the indiffer- vides an intimate look and understanding of the effects of the Turkish ence of the international community, Azerbaijan genocide against the Armenian people. “The Promise” is no small bud- tried to usurp Nagorno Karabakh by force”, Fillon get art film. It has been made for mainstream audiences to be seen at Dr. Eric Esrailian, professor at the David Geffen said. According to the presidential candidate of the multiplex near you. France, the citizens of France of Armenian origin School of Medicine at UCLA, and UCLA School of see FILM, page 14 Law Dean Jennifer Mnookin. are concerned over the situation. “I am also con- cerned since Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone is explosive. It should not be forgotten that the rea- son of the situation over Nagorno Karabakh is Stalin, who arbitrarily divided the region from Turkish Referendum: ‘ArmComedy’ Duo Changing Armenia in 1921 and encompassed it into Azerbaijan. Currently there is no other option but Armenia One Laugh at a Time a peaceful and lasting solution”, Fillon concluded. The presidential elections in France will take YEREVAN — An interview last week with comedians Narek place on April 23. If none of the candidates receives The Price of Margaryan and Sergey Sargsyan on Skype was so funny and like- more than 50 percent of votes the second stage will able that if somehow I could be held on May 7. extract myself from the dialogue, By Aram Arkun I could sell many bootleg videos Winning Mirror-Spectator Staff of the interview. However, in order to avoid copyright prob- lems, I decided instead to write INSIDE BERLIN — The “Yes” vote in the Turkish referendum may this article and encourage people to see their upcoming “Make turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory for President Recep Tayyip Armenia Green Again” shows in the United States. Erdogan. Not only was the reported margin in favor of the The two comedians from Armenia write and perform their own constitutional changes far slimmer than Erdogan’s AKP party satirical news show, called “ArmComedy,” three times a week on and pre-elec- the ArmNews TV channel. Phillips’ tion polls They have had many By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach had expect- prominent guests on their Book Special to the Mirror-Spectator ed, with only show, including 51.4 percent Armenian President of the vote, Serzh Sargsyan, various Page 17 but the political fallout in Europe may be profound. Armenian ministers and In Germany, which has the largest Turkish community in politicians, including Europe, the political class clearly favored a “No” vote, on opposition figures, film- grounds that the constitutional changes would grant Erdogan makers, singers and even INDEX the status of President-for-life currently enjoyed by some American comedian Arts and Living ...... 12 potentates in Asia and Africa; not only would he be able to Conan O’Brien during his Armenia ...... 2 occupy the bombastic presidential palace for more than 2015 visit to Armenia. Community News...... 5 another decade, but he would be able to rule virtually unop- Like many political Editorial ...... 18 International ...... 3,4 posed by parliament or other political institutions. The blatant satirists, their intellectual The “ArmComedy” team with Conan violations of human rights and basic civil liberties, especially see COMEDY, page 7 O’Brien, who joined them as a guest see GERMAN, page 4 on their show. 2 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Consulate in Iraq Important for Region YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The establishment of Armenian Consulate General in Iraq’s Erbil is very important for Armenia from the perspective of regional cooperation, Sargis Grigoryan, an expert on Arabic studies and researcher at the Department of Armenian-Kurdish Relations at Yerevan State University Institute of Armenian Studies, told reporters on March 18. “Armenia’s direct presence at Consulate level in Iraq will contribute to the development of Armenian- Iraqi relations which is quite important for Armenia. Of course, Iraq faces social-economic problems, how- ever, it’s regional role is not decreasing,” the expert said. Assyrian Community Faces Cultural, President Serzh Sargsyan, accompanied by his wife, Rita, and President Bako Sahakyan flank Catholicos of All Armenians Educational Problems Karekin II. YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The Assyrian commu- nity of Armenian has no political problems with authorities, while the main concerns of the group are of cultural and educational nature, Anahit Feast of Holy Resurrection Celebrated Khosroyev, representative of the Assyrian Community of Armenia and newly-elected lawmaker to the National Assembly said at a press conference ECHMIADZIN — On April 16, the catholicos during the on April 17. Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Divine Liturgy were “The Assyrian language is taught at schools along solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Archbishop Nathan with the Armenian, yet we lack textbooks and rele- Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hovhannisyan, direc- vant specialists. I hope much issues of this kind will On the occasion of the feast, Karekin tor of the External be addressed and solved at the National Assembly,” II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos relations and Protocol Khosroyev said. of All Armenians; celebrated Divine Department of the The four representatives of Armenia’s main ethnic Liturgy in the Mother See of Holy Mother See of Holy minorities that have been elected to the National Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin and Assembly are committed to voice the problems of the Escorted by the Ecclesiastical pro- Bishop Gevork all 11 national minorities, residing in the territory of cession, and under the singing of the Saroyan, Dean of the Armenia, she added. Hrashapar hymn, the Catholicos of All Spiritual- Educational Armenians; Serzh Sargsyan, president Institutions of the of the Republic of Armenia and Rita Mother See. The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II with Israel May not Recognize Sargsyan; Bako Sahakyan, president of Attending the Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, as well as other reli- the Arstakh Republic, processed to the solemn Divine Liturgy gious leaders. Genocide, but Israelis Mother Cathedral, where they were were Galust Sahakyan, Do: Auron met by students of the Eurnekian pub- president of the RA lic school; members of the AGBU National Assembly; members of the During the service, the catholicos YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Though Israel does not Yerevan Scout Group and numerous government; members of the Supreme addressed his message to faithful officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, the peo- pilgrims. Spiritual Council; benefactors of the Armenians throughout the world on ple of Israel stand with Armenians and definitely rec- The Pontifical Canopy Bearers were: Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin; heads the occasion of Holy Easter offering his ognize the Armenian Genocide, Israeli researcher Col. Artyom Gevorkyan; Sergeant and representatives of diplomatic mis- Pontifical blessings and proclaiming and lecturer Yair Auron said this week. Schooley Hakobyan; Junior Sergeant sions and international organizations; the good news, “Christ is Risen from “I can say for sure that Israel will not recognize the Razmik Gasparyan and Private Soldier members of the AGBU; education and the dead! Blessed is the Resurrection Armenian Genocide this year and during the upcom- Harutyun Badalyan. Assisting the cultural figures. of Christ.” ing years, which is a deep pain and shame for me. But the people of Israel have the same position as me and stand with us for sure. Still, 30 years ago, the people had no idea about the Armenian Genocide, but now everybody knows. Since those years this issue has been covered by many news outlets and TV programs. Government Sheds More Light on And the people by learning about that have come to the conclusion that the genocide of Armenians has really taken place,” Auron said. Russian-Armenian Investment Fund

Armenian-Argentinean YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — An invest- investments,” Minister for Economic declined in recent years. Government ment fund set up recently by more than Development and Investments Suren data shows that it stood at a modest Relations Growing three dozen Russian businesspeople of Karayan told reporters after Thursday’s $130 million in 2016. Armenian descent will finance nearly cabinet meeting. In Karayan’s words, the money YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The trade and eco- $300 million worth of business pro- “After this memorandum of under- promised by the ICA is part of some nomic relations between Armenian and Argentine jects in Armenia this year, officials in standing is signed, we will present an $850 million in investments which the are high level, the Ambassador of Argentine to Yerevan said on Thursday, April 13. investment package and they will dis- government has pledged to attract this Armenia Gonzalo Urriolabeitia said at a press con- The Armenian government approved cuss it,” he said. He did not elaborate year. The minister reaffirmed that ference on Tuesday, when asked by Panorama.am to a corresponding “memorandum of on the business projects, saying only pledge. comment on the bilateral relations between the two understanding” with the fund called that the ICA investments in 2017 will “There are private investors that states. the Investors Club of Armenia (ICA) at mainly be channeled into the energy, have shown an interest in investing In the Ambassador’s words, Argentina is one the its weekly session chaired by Prime mining and manufacturing sectors. here and they have already started major investors in Armenia. Minister Karen Karapetyan. Prime Minister Karapetyan again investing,” Karayan said, adding that “We have many Armenian-Argentinean business- The wealthy entrepreneurs, among stressed the importance of the invest- they include businesspeople from men who re working in Armenia, thus contributing them the Armenian-born billionaire ment fund when he spoke at the Armenia, Diaspora Armenians as well to the development of the trade relations of the two Samvel Karapetyan (no relation to the meeting. “The fund will not only help as non-Armenian foreigners. He did not countries,” stressed the Ambassador. premier), announced the launch of the to attract investments but will also name any concrete investment source In his words, trade and economic relations are ICA in Yerevan on March 25. The bring a new business culture,” he other than the ICA, however. dynamically growing with a tendency of growth tycoon heaped praise on the prime told ministers. “The members of the Karapetyan repeatedly stated earlier observed in the recent years. To him, Armenia and minister during that ceremony. fund are quite renowned and suc- that that his government has all but Argentine has huge potential for cooperation, espe- An Armenian government statement cessful businessmen who have wide secured $3.2 billion in funding for cially in the agriculture sector. Moreover, works are said afterwards that the ICA will invest connections and many partners in around 350 nationwide investment pro- underway to works with RA State Agency of Tourism in new and existing Armenian compa- various countries. They will serve as jects to be implemented in the coming to expand tourist visits. nies in the form of loans or equity pur- a bridge between our country and years. Critics of his government are “Argentine highly values the historical and high- chases. It did not give any numbers. the business communities of those highly skeptical about that. level political dialogue with Armenia,” he stressed. “They will discuss projects deemed countries.” Armenia’s entire Gross Domestic of high priority by the government and Foreign direct investment in the Product is equivalent to less than $11 make around $300 million worth of Armenian economy has rapidly billion. S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL AMA-Australia, ANC-Australia Commemorate International News 10th Anniversary of Dink Assassination

SYDNEY — This year marks the 10th Air Strikes in Syria Kill anniversary of the assassination of jour- At Least 23 nalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink. To honor this national hero, the DAMASCUS (news.com.au) — At least 23 people Armenian Missionary Association of have been killed in air strikes in eastern Syria Australia (AMA-Australia) invited his allegedly carried out by the US-led international widow Rakel Dink to Australia to com- coalition, a British war monitor says. memorate his life and work, and to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at highlight the work of the Hrant Dink least 13 civilians and three Iraqi IS militants were Foundation which carries on his legacy. among those killed in an air strike near the town of On Sunday, March 12, Mrs. Dink al-Bukamal on the Syrian border with Iraq. attended the AMAA Sunday Service at There were also bombings at one of Bukamal’s the Armenian Evangelical Church of entrances and on al-Hamar oil field in the same town Sydney where she witnessed her faith in late on Monday. Christ, even during the very difficult Seven other people, including two women and a times following her husband’s death. minor, died in a similar bombing against al-Hasaniya All were encouraged by her dependence village, in the west of the Deir al-Zour province. on God, and her trust in His purpose Aircraft launched 12 missiles against al-Hasaniya’s even when she couldn’t understand Faculty of Agriculture, which had been turned into why. Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, an IS base. President/Executive Director of AMA- Islamic State militants control most of Deir al-Zour Australia, preached from God’s word. province, which links territory they hold in Syria and Following the AMAA Sunday Service, Iraq, and parts of the provincial capital, which has the Annual AMA-Australia Luncheon Rakel Dink the same name. was held at Miramare Gardens. The The Syrian government still controls some parts of guest of honor, Rakel Dink, encouraged Deir al-Zour city, including a nearby military air all in attendance with her heartfelt Theatre. The event was organized joint- Mrs. Dink delivered the keynote address base, where IS has besieged about 200,000 people remarks. ly with the Armenian National emphasizing that we should continue to lacking food and medicine for around two years. On the evening of Sunday, March 19, Committee of Australia (ANC-Australia). struggle for truth and freedom of the Hrant Dink Commemoration was The memory of Hrant Dink was hon- speech while acknowledging that noth- held at the Chatswood Concourse ored through music, poetry and dance. ing is possible without dependence on Armenians Organize the Lord who is our Shepherd and our Genocide Rally in Hague Refuge. The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly General Secretary THE HAGUE — The launch of the commemorative Colleen Geyer delivered the closing events of the 102th Anniversary of the Armenian remarks and Youmshajekian closed the Genocide was given at Het Plain square near the evening with a prayer and invited the Dutch parliament in Hague. The commemorative guests to join him in singing the Lord’s observance was organized and coordinated by Prayer. Armenian organizations of the Netherlands. During her two-week visit, As the Facebook page “Diary of the Netherlands” Youmshajekian accompanied Dink to reports, the rally was attended and addressed by sev- visit the Armenian community in eral Dutch lawmakers. Melbourne where the life and work of Hrant Dink was again commemorated at a gathering which was well attended HRW Calls on Turkey to and organized with the collaboration of End State of Emergency Sahagian Club. She also detailed the continuing work of the Hrant Dink In Southeast Foundation, which was established in 2007 to carry on Hrant Dink’s dreams, ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Rudaw) — The recom- his struggles, his language and his mendation by Turkey’s Council of Ministers for an heart. extension of a state of emergency on Monday, April While in Sydney, Mrs. Dink also visit- 17, should be reversed by its government or by ed both Armenian schools — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to unify the coun- Hamazkaine Galstaun College and try, an international organization for human rights AGBU Alexander School. She also visit- has contended. ed the AGBU Alec Manougian and “After securing a narrow victory in Sunday’s refer- Hamazkaine Tarkmanchats Armenian endum, the government and president should govern From left, Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian, Rakel Dink and Mr. Soghomonian Saturday schools to encourage and in the interests of everyone in Turkey, not just their inspire Armenian youth. political supporters,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch (HRW). “Turkey’s government and president need to end the state of emergency and the repressive cam- paign against the media and the pro-Kurdish political opposition.” Israeli Ambassador to Armenia Discusses HRW has expressed that the constitutional refer- endum victory provides Erdogan the opportunity to move into a “new political system” where the “high- Arms Sales to Azerbaijan ly repressive climate” is no longer needed. “Ruling by emergency decree, the president and YEREVAN (News.am) — The newly “Naturally, Israel does not comment to abide by what you and the other government controlled the media, dominated the appointed Ambassador of Israel to about this issue,” he responded. “The side decide.” public sphere, and jailed critical journalists and lead- Armenia Eliyahu Yerushalmi spoke issue was raised during my meetings The interview also the launch of ers of the pro-Kurdish parliamentary opposition,” about the Artsakh (Nagorno- in Yerevan and will probably be dis- Yerevan-Tel-Aviv flights and its contri- HRW wrote. Karabakh) Republic issue, relations cussed in future consultations.” bution to the growth of tourism. It is the third extension since last July’s failed mil- with Armenia’s neighbors, and the News.am also asked the azmbas- “We believe that there is a tremen- itary coup, which Turkey blames on followers under possibility of operating direct flights sador to explain why the Israeli gov- dous potential,” the ambassador said the direction of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, between the countries during an inter- ernment (Knesset) has not yet recog- when asked if flights will resume. “We who lives in the United States. view. nized the Armenian Genocide after already signed a few agreements. The The crackdown saw roughly 100,000 people lose “We want to see you living in peace, the Education, Culture and Sports direct flight will start maybe even this their jobs, including judges, lawyers, teachers, jour- and our policy is that peace between Committee has already done so. summer.” nalists, military officers and police. More than you and your neighbor has to be Yerushalmi said it is always on the “In Georgia there are over 100,000 40,000 people have been arrested and jailed, includ- based on the Minsk Group,” governments mind, calling the geno- Israeli tourists every year,” Yerushalmi ing pro-Kurdish lawmakers including Peoples’ Yerushalmi said when asked if Israel cide the Armenian “tragedy.” compared. “I hope that during my Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs Figen Yuksekdag has changed its position on the “Israel cannot say what we think time as an ambassador to Armenia we and Selahattin Demirtas on charges alleging links to Karabakh conflict. “Anything that will happened there because it is a histori- will also have this. Israelis are looking the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). be decided for the good of your cal issue between you and Turkey. We for new tourist spots. Armenia has a “The motion which will be submitted to parliament nations is fine for us. The most impor- will go with anything that you and tremendous potential for Israeli on the extension of state of emergency for three tant thing is that you have peace in Turkey decide.” tourism, and Yerevan is a super city months as of April 19, 2017 at 1 a.m. [Tuesday] was the region, and Armenia could live in “I was at museum in Yerevan when for Israelis. I think Israelis would love signed by the Council of Ministers,” Numan peace.” I visited,” he said, “and it looked very Armenia, and it is also very close; only Kurtulmus, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, The Ambassador was also asked to much the same as Yad Vashem, the two-hour flight. I do not have figures, announced. assess the development of Armenian- museum of the Holocaust in Israel. but I think as soon as the direct Israeli relations given that Israel sells Like on the issue of Karabakh, flights start, we will sell tourist pack- weapons to Azerbaijan. between you and Azerbaijan, we have ages to each other.” 4 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Videos Fuel Charges of Fraud in Erdogan’s Win in Turkey Referendum

Minimal “no” votes in an opposition strong- explicitly states that such ballots should be con- rallies and access public media, the group said. By Patrick Kingsley hold in southern Turkey. sidered invalid.” A separate mission from the Council of At least one allegation of “no” votes being Kerem Gulay, an expert on Turkish electoral Europe had similar findings. Hunko, the removed from ballot boxes and deposited in a law at the University of Amsterdam law school, German lawmaker, said he had been detained ISTANBUL (New York Times) — A village building site in the same area of southern said, “Changing the rules of the game after the by the police in southeastern Turkey, prevent- leader shoves four voting slips into a ballot box. Turkey. voting started and half an hour before voting in ing him from properly observing the counting An unknown arm marks three slips with a “yes” The unfairness of the campaign itself, which the eastern provinces stopped — I haven’t heard process. vote. An unknown hand adds five more. An observers from the Organization for Security of anything like that in recent electoral history “We were hindered by police forces in a way election official validates a pile of voting slips — and Cooperation in Europe described as taking worldwide.” that I have never experienced in any observa- hours after they were meant to be validated. place on “an unlevel playing field.” Specific allegations of ballot-box stuffing tion mission,” said Hunko, who said he had par- These are four of the scenes captured in Turkey’s electoral commission has delayed emerged in the southern province of Sanliurfa. ticipated in at least 15 such missions across the unverified videos that have helped stoke accu- announcing an official result, and it said it In one district, “no” voters formed less than 1 world. sations of voting fraud in polling stations would assess allegations of fraud. percent of the total, even though the HDP won Hunko said the situation was particularly across Turkey during Sunday’s referendum to Appeals concerning individual ballot boxes over half the votes in the area at the last par- concerning in the southeast, where the dis- expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip are first assessed at a local level, then at a liamentary elections, in November 2015. placement of hundreds of thousands of Kurds Erdogan. regional level and finally by a national board. Unverified photographs later emerged that may have left many without a fixed address, and Erdogan’s “yes” campaign has claimed victo- The CHP’s appeal to annul the entire process seemed to show bags of “no” votes abandoned therefore without the right to vote. The arrest ry by a small margin — 51.4 percent to 48.6 — will be assessed directly by the national board. in a building site in the province. In another of tens of thousands of people, particularly in in a vote that further insulates the president Both processes, according to the commission part of the same region, an H.D.P. lawmaker the Kurdish region, also cast doubt on whether from scrutiny and tightens his grip on one of head, are likely to be completed with 12 days. said he had witnessed multiple violations, the vote was free. the most influential countries in the region. But there are few precedents for the annul- including the stuffing of 400 ballots into a box “Yesterday was not a free or a fair election,” But while Erdogan has turned his claimed vic- ment of electoral results in Turkey, a trend most that was only meant for 360 voters. Hunko added. “It was not fair generally and it tory into a political reality, the legitimacy of his analysts do not expect to be suddenly bucked “Unconcealed voting, people voting multiple was not free in part of the country, the south- win is still in question. Opposition parties say the this week. times, or on behalf of other people — these were east. If you have thousands in prison and they vote was rigged. The main opposition party for- Sunday’s result seemed particularly unlikely widely practiced in rural Urfa,” said the law- cannot vote, you cannot talk about free elec- mally asked Turkey’s electoral commission to be overturned after the head of the electoral maker, Ibrahim Ayhan, using an informal name tions.” Tuesday afternoon to reassess the contents of commission defended the legitimacy of the ref- for the region. “And the law enforcement offi- Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in multiple ballot boxes and — in a separate appeal erendum in a speech. cers did not intervene as they should have.” each of Turkey’s three largest cities since — to annul the entire poll result. And two major In the process, the commission has opened More generally, international election Sunday night to protest the alleged violations. international observation missions have a list of itself up to allegations of bias. “You are not a observers said on Monday that the poll had not Erdogan, however, rejected their concerns concerns over irregularities during the campaign referee, you are taking sides,” Osman Baydemir, been conducted in a fair environment. and those of other countries, which he and on the day of the vote. a lawmaker and spokesman for the third-largest amid a state of emergency that had involved described as “politically motivated.” The refer- One observer group said that 2.5 million party in Parliament, the Peoples’ Democratic tens of thousands of people being arrested, endum was the “most democratic election” of votes — roughly twice the margin of victory — Party, or HDP, said in a speech. including lawmakers from the HDP, and over any Western country, he told supporters at a are under question. “It seems credible that 2.5 The opposition is particularly concerned 1,500 civil society organizations being shut- rally. million were manipulated, but we are not 100 about the commission’s decision, after voting tered. “No” campaigners faced physical intimi- “Know your place,” Erdogan said in a barb percent sure,” Andrej Hunko, a German law- began on Sunday, to allow unvalidated ballots dation and limitations on their ability to hold directed at foreign observers. maker who observed the election on behalf of to be counted unless it could be proven that the Council of Europe, said by telephone. they were inserted into the ballot box specifi- Other concerns raised by the opposition and cally to tamper with the results. by election observers include: Turkish electoral law stipulates that ballots Suspicions of ballot-box stuffing in “almost should be stamped by election officials and Public Figures Protest Nomination of Azeri all” of Turkey’s 165,000 ballot boxes, according then placed in a stamped envelope before the to the Republican People’s Party, or CHP, the envelope is placed in a ballot box. Unstamped Diplomat to UNESCO Leadership Post main opposition party. papers, or papers within unstamped envelopes, A decision by the electoral commission, are invalid by law. GENEVA (Armenpress) — A group of public fig- Karine Danielyan, president of the For made during the vote itself, to significantly On Sunday, the commission decided other- ures, including the first Ombudsman of Armenia Sustainable Human Development NGO and increase the burden needed to prove allegations wise, saying that similar rulings had been made Larisa Alaverdyan and environmentalist Karine member of the Public Council, said Azerbaijanis of ballot-box stuffing. in multiple elections in the past. But some legal Danielyan, addressed a letter to the UN and Turks are putting all efforts in order to enter The barring of over 170 members of the experts said the decision had no precedent, and Secretary General against Polad Bülbüloglu, international structures, especially the UN staff. opposition from participating in election obser- in fact contradicts a ruling made by the same ambassador of Azerbaijan in Russia, nominated “Our organization cooperates with UN struc- vation. commission in 2014. The Organization for for the post of the United Nations Educational, tures, and when we go to big events, conferences The temporary detainment of some interna- Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or discussions, then we always see that the orga- tional election observers, preventing them from also said the decision “undermined an impor- Director General. nizer or secretary of the given event is either a fully observing election counts. tant safeguard and contradicted the law that In addition to the UN Secretary General, the Turk or an Azerbaijani. Everywhere, even in case letter has been sent to all members of UNESCO of very little chance, issues are solved in favor of council, as well as to those countries which have Azerbaijan and to the detriment of Armenia”, nominated candidates. Representatives from Danielyan said. She was sad to mention that another eight countries are nominated for the Armenia, having a big Diaspora, doesn’t take The Price of Winning position. action in this direction. “Against legal Arbitrariness” NGO president Media expert Samvel Martirosyan urged every- Larisa Alaverdyan said this fact is important not one to “bombard” the UN, UNESCO head and GERMANY, from page 1 only for the UN Secretary General, but also for member-state offices with letters, in order to since the attempted coup last summer, have left no doubts about the policy options that other states. strengthen impact. the super-president will pursue. “UNESCO has gained rather a great reputa- Bülbüloglu is notorious for his belligerent German leaders responded cautiously but clearly to the first news of results. Foreign tion during decades of work, as a champion of rhetoric and anti-Armenianism. In an interview Minister Sigmar Gabriel advised all to maintain “cool heads” and to proceed with prudence. culture, science and other fields. With this letter, with Govorit Moskva, he said the diplomatic ways And in a joint statement issued by him and Chancellor Angela Merkel on April 17, the mes- we expect that in no event a leader be elected of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict proved sage was that Berlin expected the Turkish government to “seek a respectful dialogue with who is actively struggling against these values”, to be ineffective, therefore Baku is ready to all political and social groups in Turkey.” They said the very close vote meant a “huge Alaverdyan said. choose the military path. In addition, when responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally.” Following According to her, it seems like many are join- Bülbüloglu served as Culture Minister of weeks of Germany-bashing by Erdogan, who went so far as to accuse Merkel et al of Nazi ing in sending the letters, not only organizations Azerbaijan, the Armenian cross-stones were methods, the popularity of the Turkish president in Berlin had hit rock bottom. But that but also individuals. destroyed in Nakhijevan. is not the primary concern for Germany’s politicians. As reflected in commentaries by experts on election night, there are reasons to fear that Turkey, now divided as never before, could become the theater for violent political conflict. EU Shuns Dictatorship China-Based Armenian Scholar Discusses The clearest message issued by German politicians was that the transition to one-man rule in Ankara would snuff out whatever hopes remained of Turkish entry into the European Union. CSU chairman Manfred Weber said “full membership for Turkey could Iran Nuclear Issues in UK no longer be the goal,” and that European heads of state and government would have to CAMBRIDGE, UK — On April 11-12, the third sion on both the topic of research and the review their relationship to Turkey at their upcoming meeting in two weeks. The deputy Biennial Conference on Iranian Studies was methods used by the speaker. chairwoman of the CDU, Julia Klöckner echoed this view, saying “the door to an EU mem- held at Pembroke College, University of The University of Cambridge is one of the top bership is now definitely shut,” adding that financial support for the process would also Cambridge. This prestigious academic sympo- five universities in the world. end. European politician Elmer Brok, also from the CDU, was more cautious, in light of sium was organized by the Symposia Iranica Sahakyan is the director of the fact that such a large portion of Turkish voters had voted against the changes. He did, and University of Cambridge. “ChinaEurasia” Council for Political and however, stress that if Erdogan were to make good on his promise to reintroduce the death Selected scholars from different countries Strategic Research” Foundation. He complet- penalty, that would terminate the EU access process immediately. were invited to introduce their research. ed his PhD in the field of international rela- On the left of the German political spectrum, demands for concrete action prevailed. Armenian researcher Mher Sahakyan was tions at Nanjing University in China, where Both the Left Party and the Green Party called for Germany to withdraw its 260 troops among them. He presented his research on he was the first Armenian to earn a doctorate currently stationed in Incirlik and to halt all weapons deliveries to Turkey. Cem Özdemir, China’s Policy on Iranian Nuclear Issue in the from its School of International Studies. He co-chair of the Greens, directed his attention to the Turkish voters in Germany, 63 percent UNSC. Sahakyan gave a detailed analysis of is also a member of the International of whom had voted “Yes.” His message was that those living here would have to commit China’s role and position on this important Political Science Association. Sahakyan’s aca- themselves fully to upholding the constitution, the German constitution that is. international security issue. demic contributions have been published in The presentation was followed by a discus- Russia, China and Armenia. S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

World Diabetes Foundation Awards Grant to Armenian Orange County Recognizes And Commemorates April EyeCare Project for 24 as Armenian Genocide Diabetes Program Remembrance Day NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — For the past 25 HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — During years, the Armenian EyeCare Project has deliv- last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, ered quality eye care to hundreds of thousands Chairwoman Michelle Steel of the Orange of people in Armenia. During this time, the County Board of Supervisors recognized organization has treated more than 3,000 cases and commemorated April 24 as Armenian of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of dia- Genocide Remembrance Day. This will be betes that affects the eyes. the second year the County of Orange will Diabetic eye disease, the leading cause of officially recognize and commemorate vision impairment and blindness among work- those who perished during the Armenian ing-age adults, encompasses a group of eye con- Genocide from 1915 to 1923. ditions that affect people with diabetes. All “As the years pass it becomes increas- forms of diabetic eye disease — diabetic ingly important to set the record straight retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataract, and denounce these terrible crimes and glaucoma — have the potential to cause against humanity,” said Steel. severe vision loss and blindness. However, early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent. To reduce vision impairment and blindness The Founders’ Garden at St. Nersess Seminary from diabetic eye disease in Armenia, the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) has awarded the Armenian EyeCare Project a $200,000 grant for a three-year program, through 2020. The new program will focus on prevention and early St. Nersess Armenian intervention for diabetes-related eye disease with an emphasis on easing the suffering from Seminary Moves to Vibrant diabetes and its complications among low- income groups in Armenia. Early detection, timely treatment and appro- New Surroundings priate follow-up care of diabetic eye disease can reduce the need for complicated surgeries and ARMONK, N.Y. — St. Nersess Armenian Seminary “was the admirable vision of Michelle Steel protect against vision loss. founder and first dean, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan,” stated Diocesan Primate The WDF grant will facilitate the EyeCare Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, during a recent interview. “He saw the crucial need Project’s efforts to raise awareness about the for an institution that would educate Members of the local Armenian commu- disease through the production and distribu- and prepare young men for the priest- nity were present to speak of this tragic tion of public education materials to thousands By Florence Avakian hood in America.” history and help to commemorate this day of Armenians. Other efforts to identify diabetic And now more than 50 years later, of remembrance. eye disease early include the organization of another historic chapter has opened “Here at the County we will continue our eye screenings at local polyclinics and medical for the Armenian Church in America. On November 12, 2016, the new campus, commitment to make sure the victims of centers in Armenia for an estimated 175,000 to and the Karekin I Theological Center of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary were offi- this historic tragedy will never be forgotten 300,000 Armenians. cially opened, and St. Hagop Chapel consecrated. and to prevent future horrific acts like this An important feature of the program is pho- Officiating over the ceremonies was the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, from ever happening again,” said Steel tographing the retina of each patient with dia- assisted by the Primate of the Eastern Diocese Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and In April 2016, Steel proposed the reso- betes each year. The photographs will be evalu- the Primate of the Western Diocese Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. lution, which was unanimously supported ated by physicians for signs of disease, the The ribbon-cutting formality included a bust of Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan by her fellow board members, to perpetu- sculpted by Yeretzgin Yefkin Megherian in memory of her husband, Rev. Vartan ally designate April 24 as Armenian Megherian, as well as a Founders Garden featuring a khatchkar from Armenia, and Genocide Remembrance Day. two granite monuments inscribed with donors’ names. One million dollars was raised for the renovation of the Armonk campus, with philanthropists Haig and Elza Didizian donating $3 million for the Karekin I Theological Center, St. Hagop Chapel, and purchase of the land. Knights and Daughters It was 15 years ago that Archbishop Khajag had asked the Didizians to have a building erected in the name of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin I. The pro- Of Vartan Honor ject was started by the Didizians in New Rochelle, eight years ago. A month before the death of Catholicos Karekin I, the Didizians had asked him Community Leaders his wish. Though he was unable to speak because of his illness, he wrote down FAIR LAWN, N.J. — Six leading community that he wished his works be published (17 of which have been published by the figures will be honored for their dedication to A doctor with an elderly patient in Armenia Didizians), and the Karekin I Theological Center be built. Haig Didizian who had the Armenian community and the St. Giragos known the Vehapar since 1963, declared, “It’s done!” The two close friends then Church of Dikranagerd on Friday, May 12, 7 clasped hands. assessments recorded and the photographs p.m., at the St. Leon Abajian Hall in an event “Catholicos Karekin I was a special person, devoted to God, always seeking a hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan retained. This will enable physicians to observe see SEMINARY, page 6 and evaluate early retina changes and treat of New York, under the auspices of Khajag patients so they can protect their sight before it Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the is too late. Armenian Church of America (Eastern). For patients diagnosed with diabetes-relat- The honorary banquet will recognize leg- ed eye disease, the Armenian EyeCare Project endary singer Onnik Dinkjian, Vartkes Egun will follow up with laser treatments and Ayik, Chairman of the St. Giragos Church of cataract surgeries. Physicians at these facili- Dikranagerd, Raffi Bedrosyan, a civil engineer ties will have the benefit of consulting with who assisted the reconstruction of the St. local physicians and teleconferencing with Giragos Church and businessmen Charles leading eye care specialists in Yerevan and Pinajian, Kevork Atinizian and Zaven around the world using state-of-the-art Uzatmacian whose families hail from telemedicine equipment. Dikranagerd and continue to support their In addition to patient-centered prevention ancestral city. and treatment programs, an integral compo- “These are individuals who have served for nent of the WDF-AECP diabetes program will decades to promote and reconstruct the St. be a training program for up to 1,000 physi- Giragos Church,” said Hirant Gulian, chairman cians and nurses in diabetes-related eye disease emeritus, of the Knights of Vartan Times Square and general eye care. Commemoration Committee. “They are being “This grant will enable us to help lots of peo- honored for their dedication and devotion to the ple in Armenia with diabetes and broaden the Armenian Church and the Armenian people.” scope of our programs,” AECP Founder Dr. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, surrounded, from left, by Archbishop A presentation of the current situation in Roger Ohanesian said. “Still, there is much Hovnan Derderian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Rev. Mardiros Chevian, Dikranagerd in present-day Turkey will also more work to do in this area and we call upon with seminarians standing behind them. take place and a traditional kavoorma dinner our loyal supporters to continue to lend a help- will be served. ing hand to their brothers and sisters in Reservations can be made by contacting Armenia.” Hirant Gulian. 6 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R COMMUNITY NEWS St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Moves to Vibrant New Surroundings

SEMINARY, from page 5 better education for himself, for the betterment of his people. God had given him this talent,” related Haig Didizian. “The Vehapar was an educator, brilliant thinker and writer, statesman and unique communicator. When one enters the Armonk campus, Vehapar’s best quotes in Armenian and English are there for all to see and read.” The Didizians, who are in the import textile business, and live in London, England, believe deeply in giving back what God has given them. They have also been the generous contributors to the Kevorkian Seminary in Echmiadzin. “The reason I am close to the church is that I believe in doing for others whatever you want others to do for you.” Without the church, there would be no Armenia, Didizian reflected, adding, “I would do anything to protect the Armenian church, nation, language and culture.” Rev. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess since 2012, and previously from 1984 to 1991, explained that “to expand our mission, we need- ed a place with an Armenian style chapel, library, classrooms, housing for students, guests, faculty, as well as recreation. The previ- ous building in New Rochelle, NY, lacked prop- er facilities.” Over the years, the student body has changed with a combination of both students from abroad, and American-born students, he contin- ued. Currently, the nine students are mostly American-born. “This is important because stu- dents born in America and those from abroad The new St. Nersess Seminary in Armonk will serve in America with its special local needs and challenges.” Fifty percent of the courses taught at St. Nersess are accredited by St. Archbishop Tiran recognized this essential fact Jerusalem, she was educated at Sts. the quiet, reserved person that I am, I envi- Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary. Following their for the health and survival of the Armenian Tarkmanchatz Armenian School there and sioned finding a career writing books from graduation, students continue their studies for church here. A seminary was necessary, not joined the ACYOA “where everything started.” home, or a quiet desk job as an administrator. I at least one year at the seminaries of only as a factory for priests, but also as a place Studying at St. Nersess “strengthened the seed seriously did not expect to end up at the Echmiadzin or Jerusalem. for learning and prayer.” of my faith imbedded in me.” She returned in Seminary, knowing its stressful requirements, Chevian revealed that two years ago, the sem- 2009 and served as a counsellor. and demanding schedule.” inary unfolded a three- to six-month Utterly Unique Her work at the Diocese involves “passing He was especially hesitant about the loads Acculturation Program for clergy from abroad St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is “utterly the word of God through technology — video, of social contact that a pastor is expected to who will be serving in parishes in America. unique,” Findikian continued. “It is not a websites, on-line resources. “At first there was have as leader of his parish community. There is also an education program in parish monastery, not a power center, not a hierarchi- individual satisfaction to know where I came “However through the mysterious power of management with Villanova University for cal center. It is simply a school where people from, rooted in my identity. But it’s not about the Holy Spirit,” he decided to apply to St. priests already assigned to parishes. It will be want to learn and deepen their faith. Our mis- the individual. It’s about collective culture and Nersess Armenian Seminary while finishing offered this coming June. sion is broader than just producing priests. The community.” his B.A. Among the persisting challenges are recruit- seminary now has within it the Karekin I Deacon Alex Calikyan who will enter the With no hesitation, he declared, “I know that ment, and fund-raising, he said, adding that the Theological Center with its valuable books and Seminary in the next school year, still is not what is unwavering in my future is my commit- students have a financial responsibility, and an publications.” sure what his life’s direction will take. “Being ment to serve the Lord and my church.” obligation to seek fellowships and scholarships. Nersoyan was the first full time professor at To enter the seminary, applicants must dis- the seminary. “From the beginning of his pri- cuss with a Primate the emphasis of their voca- macy in 1990, Archbishop Khajag elevated the tional goals – either the priesthood, or the lay seminary’s academic foundation,” appointing ministry (also open to women), and receive a learned Professors Abraham Terian, Roberta Diocesan Primate’s recommendation and bless- Ervine and Fr. Daniel. ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS ing The five-year seminary program which Rev. Karekin Kasparian who was mentored D D S includes three years at the seminary, one year by Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, and served both Cemetery Monuments abroad, and one year of internship, includes stu- as Dean of the Seminary and parish priest dents working in clinical pastoral education in simultaneously, praised the summer study sem- Specializing in a hospital setting, serving in Armenian camps, inars as the “primary fertile ground for new and gaining parish experience. recruits to the Seminary initially. Gradually Armenian Designs and Lettering Most male graduates have become priests. St. other church-connected groups became impor- 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 Nersess graduates have included three bishops, tant sources, such as altar servers, Sunday 37 priests, and several lay men and women who Schools, youth organization (ACYOA), youth (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com are in service to the church on a diocesan level, directors and other groups of people closely he declared. attached to parishes. These all point to the all- This year’s graduation on May 20 will include important role a pastor plays in supporting the Levon Asdourian from Philadelphia a candidate work of the seminary, and guiding future can- for priesthood, Deacon Eric Vozzy and Dr. didates by nurturing the vocational aptitude of Andre Markarian in the diaconal ministry. young people.” The seminary is one of the most important He gives credit to the Primate for giving a institutions of the Armenian world,” said the prominent role to the seminary in his official GiragosianF UNERAL H OME Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, dean of the semi- messages, his meetings with ACYOA members, James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC nary, and professor of liturgical studies for as well as his summer study seminar visitations. Mark J. Giragosian many years. “Our mission is second to none, “Of course, the most effective place for candi- Funeral Counselors and our work is paramount. There is no substi- dates to be motivated is the home — the 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 tute for our seminary. Our challenge which is Armenian Christian home,” said Kasparian. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com enormous, is to find the right students, the very Calling the priesthood an “honorable call- best.” ing”, Oscar Tatosian, St. Nersess Board member To inspire more youth, “we must adopt a spir- and former Diocesan Council Chairman, related it of mentoring, and make it exciting. We that most of the difficulties facing St. Nersess Armenians need to look to the day when we can “are behind us.” He stressed that the Armenian Telephone (617) 924-7400 step down and hand the reins to the next gen- community “has to keep the mission of the eration of worthy youth.” Seminary in their hearts. When they think of or Aram Bedrosian The Armenian Church has always been “ani- meet young men and women, they should mated by Christian educational institutions encourage them and their parents. What we say which in medieval times were the monasteries, and how we conduct ourselves has impact. We Funeral Home, Inc. the engines of the church for spirituality, theol- have to share with the youth that this calling is Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 ogy, the writing of books, music, art, astronomy, an ultimate sacrifice.” architecture.” M.A. graduate of St. Nersess and St. MARION BEDROSIAN It is “essential for the Armenian church to Valadimir’s in 2015 Arpi Nakashian currently 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN have decentralized outposts of prayer and learn- works at the Eastern Diocese in New York in WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN ing. And in the United States, it is St. Nersess. the Creative Ministry Department. Born in S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS ‘ArmComedy’ Duo Changing Armenia One Laugh at a Time

COMEDY, from page 1 and fresh approach to news attracts a wider audience than straight political academic analy- sis. Their straight-faced, suited presentation of the news, has won over many fans. They both do have academic backgrounds, but these are in ostensibly unrelated fields. Margaryan has a doctorate in English while Sargsyan has one in philology, and both have been lecturers in Armenian universities. Their unusual path to the professional world of com- edy was a long one. After finishing their studies, they used their linguistic skills to find jobs in international development organizations and developed new specialties. For example, Sargsyan worked for various US government-funded development projects in Armenia concerning elections, polit- ical party programs, and corruption for seven years. Margaryan said this line of work taught them a lot about politics, as “we could see a lot of things from the inside — how politics works or doesn’t work. We found a lot of inconsisten- cies and ironies.” Sargsyan added, “Anti-corrup- tion is an area you don’t study in the universi- ty.” During this period, they tried to write some satiric articles, and found that though the reports and serious language prepared by the political organizations in which they worked got little attention, they, in Margaryan’s words, “could bring focus to issues of interest through satire, and it worked.” A scene from one of the “ArmComedy” shows The two had become friends at the universi- ty, when they found they had a common sense of humor. Sargsyan exclaimed that they were ment jobs too. He jokingly said that he was personal insults, but mock the situation and Sargsyan joked: “I am a big fan of trees. the only “Simpsons” fans in Armenia. While doing so well in his job that he basically elimi- lead the person to understand that he is funny.” Some of my best friends are trees.” studying at the university they performed at nated corruption while he worked in that field. Margaryan said that a major difference with Margaryan declared, “We have been dying to some functions and tried to make people laugh. Of course, after he left, it picked up again. American shows is that in Armenia they cannot have a chance to write and do standup in Even as young children, they both were class In addition to writing and performing their directly call someone an idiot. English because almost all of the comedy we clowns or cut-ups, and would get yelled at by show, which they do three times a week, they It seems that their show has had a concrete watch is in English, and the way of our think- their parents for joking too much. also have written four movie scripts, of which effect on politicians’ behavior. Margaryan noted ing is basically in English. When we write our They eventually began to do standup comedy two have been produced (they only starred in that there was such a case in parliament. He Armenian shows, we would write first in in a Yerevan club in 2007. Margaryan said it all one of them). As the television season in said, “When they had a ridiculous lull in dis- English and see if it were translatable into started out as a fun side activity, a hobby on the Armenia is from September to July, they only cussion they said, ‘oh come on now, Armenian. So, this is a chance for us to really side, until it began to be noticed. By 2009 they get one month off. They usually write one ‘ArmComedy’ is going to show this’ — and yes, go ahead and do the jokes we always wanted to movie a year, so they we did. So maybe there is a little mind shift in do. English has such a great structure — it is have a full schedule. that way.” really convenient for comedy.” Sargsyan then Sargsyan noted, “One Furthermore, when the show focused public interjected, “But to be clear, when it comes to of the most frustrating attention on specific issues, it had the most suc- sad stuff, we always think in Armenian.” experiences and cess in engendering change. Sargsyan said that The two noted that the idea of mockumen- moments in my life was cases of great excess in government spending taries and standup, especially standup based on when I googled the were good examples. The government spent personal problems, itself comes from the US and script writing staff of $300,000 on a bio-toilet that does not work. For the West. Nearly all American television series are the “Daily Show” and I a few months, the show focused its attention on watched in Armenia and have great influence. saw 14 people working this, and the government ended up declaring it At their forthcoming American shows, they on each show. They to be a mistake. It never again bought such a explained, there will be a general introduc- have the same amount toilet that does not work at such a great price. tion of Armenia and America through satire, of time and same Ministers buying luxury cars paid for by the some paradoxes, and some things which will amount of shows as us. public are another example. Sargsyan said they seem unusual or ironic from a foreign per- We realized that we used exaggeration, like saying government offi- spective about Armenia. They plan to draw should have demanded cials might as well buy Jacuzzis too, to get a cultural and political parallels. They said they a writing staff in the greater reaction. would not avoid the orange elephant in the very beginning.” Margaryan mentioned another difference with room and would talk about current affairs Despite the tight American shows. Jon Stewart, formerly of “The internationally. schedule, they enjoy Daily Show” can call US Senate Majority Leader Another topic they will tackle at the show will their lives. As Mitch McConnell a turtle on his show, and would be the Armenian sense of humor. They said that Margaryan said, “We never run into McConnell’s grandmother in the Armenian humor is primarily Armenocentric, are in that happy spot supermarket. On the other hand, he and with everything having to be about Armenians where your hobby is Sargsyan run into people’s uncles and grand- as the center of the universe. your job,” and what mothers all the time, and it is very real. Sargsyan Margaryan said that as comedy and tragedy Narek Margaryan, at left, of “ArmComedy,” with Sergey Sargsyan. The they do comes easily to said, “Sometimes they just stop talking to us for- are really close, the difficult Armenian historical caption from their Facebook site reveals a secret third writer for their them. His colleague ever.” Luckily, Margaryan said, they also have experience may be why Armenians have simi- show in the middle. said, “We just watch the large numbers of people who support the show larities with the Jews culturally. Perhaps come- news and the script is loyally. dy is a coping mechanism for both peoples. already forming in our Last year, after the April War in Artsakh, Sargsyan said it is important to note that had turned their energies to preparing a satiric brains. We already know what this guy has said, “ArmComedy” produced four English-language Armenians have taken over the comedy scene news site. They discovered George Carlin and and how many controversial things are in this episodes on the situation in Karabakh through in Russia, “so we have taken over one of the then the Onion.com online, which gave them or that political moment, so it comes very natu- sarcasm. Sargsyan noted that they got a big great powers.” Margaryan interjected that actu- inspiration. The website turned into a web rally and quickly.” They file away in their minds viewership. People from America watched it, ally both superpowers are run by Armenians series on CivilNet’s internet TV channel, and all kinds of information about whose uncle including people from the Armenian Assembly and China will be next. after two years, in 2012, they began airing on a works where, and what statements people made of America and the Armenian Tree Project Margaryan went to school in Russia and both regular network television. in the past, in order to bring it up when incon- (ATP). This led the two organizations to decide he and Sargsyan speak fluent Russian, and The switch from international development sistencies arise. to host the first US tour of “ArmComedy.” therefore, in addition to performing in jobs to fulltime comedy was not taken well by When asked about whether their satirical Arpi Vartanian, regional director of the Armenian, they also have some episodes of their parents. Sargsyan said that his mother treatment of institutions or people in power in Assembly, declared, “Anytime you watch their their television show in Russian. In other said, “You mean to say you are quitting your Armenia has led to any dangerous repercus- show or talk to Narek and Sergey, you realize words, they joked, they are ready no matter international development job, a real job, for sions for them, Sargsyan responded that “There the depth of their comprehension of current what the result of the next world war will be. joking!…It took a lot of convincing and explain- is a certain balance, and you keep pushing the issues in Armenia, the US, and elsewhere, espe- “ArmComedy” English-language perfor- ing that this is fine.” On the other hand, the line further and further. … There is usually cially by their amazing capacity to present these mances will take place in Winchester Town international organizations and especially the some kind of physical risk. But people who issues through non-partisan comedy. By shar- Hall, in Massachusetts, on April 28 (armenia- expatriates working there supported this career would have been offended three years ago have ing these young talents with America, we are tree.org/armcomedy); Glendale at Stars on change. They shared the English-language arti- now learned to laugh at themselves, hopefully able to bring our nations closer, perhaps bridge Brand on May 4 (itsmyseat.com/ArmComedy) cles written by the duo with others, and expect- also through us pushing them toward that some gaps, and strengthen US-Armenia ties. We and the San Francisco Bay area at the ed that they would move in this direction, understanding that it is okay to be self-ironic, to are bringing a piece of Armenia home to Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts though they were doing well in their develop- laugh at your own mistakes. We try not to have Armenian Americans.” on May 6 (armeniatree.org/MVCPA). 8 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenia 25 Years On: Now What?

LOS ANGELES — To mark a quarter century of transition when the three Caucasus countries became independent, not- surveys show that 28 to 30 percent of citizens aged 18 or beginning with the Soviet collapse in 1991, the University of ing that when the Russian Empire collapsed during World War above said they would leave the country and never go back. Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenia held a two-day I, the three became part of a short-lived confederation before “Rather than having a content middle class citizen, we have conference on April 9 and 10. Titled “The End of Transition: going their separate ways and being absorbed into the Soviet people that dream of going abroad and that are apathetic Shifting Focus,” the Institute hosted scholars and specialists Union. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, similar ideas about the extent to which they can change, and all of this at from across the globe as they discussed Armenia’s trajectory of confederation emerged in the region, though such out- this point risks getting worse,” Gutbrod said. since it established independence in 1991. comes were never realized. The Sunday discussions concluded with a conversation Salpi Ghazarian, the director of the Institute, kicked off the “What divides these three countries in the Caucasus is not among English, Zaman, Oskanian, and Gutbrod. conference on Sunday with an introduction and welcome. religion, culture, history or tradition,” Oskanian said. “It is the The first panel on Monday — on Foreign Policy and Regional “We don’t see where the post-Soviet space is heading,” she differing visions, prospects, convictions and aspirations that Integration – was chaired by English. Dr. Laurence Broers said. “The people who care are the people of Armenia and the each one of these countries espouses and pursues.” from the Royal Institute of International Affairs in the United people of the Caucasus. They gave up the predictability and Comparing the unstable political systems and oligarchic Kingdom started the panel off by discussing the period of vio- stability that were the hallmarks of the Soviet Union. And they economies to countries in the North Africa region, Oskanian lence that erupted in 1998 and ended in a ceasefire between did that in exchange for what? That’s what we want to know said Georgia is the most democratic among the three nations. Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1994. He specifically honed in on and frankly, that’s what we’re going to be asking these next Georgians’ ability to change governments twice following inde- the communal violence that occurred along ethnic lines two days.” pendence empowered the populace, while Armenians in com- among Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The two-day Los Angeles conference is the first leg of what parison, despite several attempts, were unable to bring change. The Karabakh topic continued in a presentation by Emil is planned as a two-city event. The conference will continue in In Azerbaijan, which remains dynastic, no such attempts have Sanamyan, an independent analyst who specializes in the Yerevan on May 23-24, with additional scholars and practi- even been made. Karabakh conflict, and edits “Focus on Karabakh” on the USC tioners looking back over a quarter century, and looking for- ward to answer the question “Now What?” The first day of the conference was moderated by Dr. Robert English, deputy director of the USC School of International Relations. English introduced the first speaker, Jack Matlock, the last US ambassador to the USSR, who served between 1987 and 1991. In Los Angeles, he spoke by video. “Matlock is certainly one of America’s most distinguished diplomats, in the tradition that stretches from Benjamin Franklin to George Kennan,” English said. “He not only rep- resented his country with extraordinary skill, but played a vital personal role in the world-changing transformation that was the Cold War’s end.” Matlock and English discussed the US Embassy’s perspec- tive on the various conflicts that emerged in the South Caucuses toward the late 1980s, tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Karabakh, and turmoil in Georgia. “I can’t say there was a US policy because basically these were things that the Soviet Union had to deal with,” Matlock said. “Our own foreign policy could only go so far, but we did try to explain to Washington what the problems were.” Both Armenian and Azerbaijani Communist Party First Secretaries had conveyed their growing concerns to the ambassador. “They frankly were in despair,” Matlock said. “Both of them said, ‘We can’t solve this.’” With rising pressure from their home countries, the secre- taries relied on Moscow to pose a solution; however, Matlock stated that Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Soviet Union at the time, extended very little effort toward resolving the issue. From left, Robert English, Ambrin Zaman, Vartan Oskanian and Dr. Hans Gutbrod “Gorbachev was not willing to take a more active role,” he said. “It was against his principle of not applying force to these things.” The contrasting directions in democracy, institutions and Institute of Armenian Studies website. Sanamyan pointed to a While Azerbaijanis and Armenians engaged in clashes, political processes have led to what Oskanian called “danger- map and explained: “This is an interesting map that somebody Georgia was experiencing what President George Bush called ously divisive” and different foreign policy approaches. For from Azerbaijan prepared. It shows the birth places of soldiers “suicidal nationalism,” which Matlock said referenced example, Georgia signed with the European Union, suggesting killed in the April 2016 War. You see that it is fairly spread out, Georgia’s frictions with South Ossetia. serious future institutional changes to meet EU standards, one area that is sort of missing is Baku. There were no casu- Matlock noted that, as long as Russia continues to sense while Armenia joined the Russian-led Eurasian Union. alties from the city of Baku. And Baku represents roughly one- growing hostility from Baku, and Russian attitudes toward Azerbaijan is part of neither. fourth of Azerbaijan’s population. There were some kids, most- ethnic Azerbaijanis remain negative, it will lean toward favor- MIT Prof. Daron Açemoglu followed up with a discussion ly conscripts, from villages around Baku but not from Baku ing Armenia; however, his assessment also concluded that titled “Why (Some) Nations Fail,” focusing on obstacles to eco- itself. On the Armenian side, the situation is slightly more egal- Russia would encourage inter-fighting between the two coun- nomic development. Açemoglu’s assessment stipulated that itarian. Yerevan represents a substantial number of casualties, tries, in addition to Georgia, if it felt all three states were the Armenian Diaspora served as a bridge for Armenia and the both amongst the regular army and the volunteers but a exhibiting anti-Russian sentiments. Western World, passing along ideas for democratic models and majority are still from rural areas; so this is a socio-economic “Any rational Russian leader would like to have close rela- market-driven economies. However, Açemoglu said that this breakdown of casualties.” tions with all three,” he said. bridge ultimately did not work, citing complex factors. Gregory Aftandlian addressed American foreign policy’s Following Matlock, English introduced Amberin Zaman, a “At a very high level, I think the biggest issue is that, in the diminishing interest in Armenia. He explained that foreign pol- journalist formerly with the Economist, now with Al-Monitor, transition economies where the former communist elites were icy is based on ideas and interests. The idea of democracy and and analyst with the Woodrow Wilson Center, to speak about totally cast aside, transition worked better,” he said. “In places liberalization is important to the US, but not being followed by regional relations, with a focus on Turkey. Zaman summarized like Russia, Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, where the communist Armenia; and the US oil interests provide reason for it to veer relations during the transitional period — between Turkey and elites control the process, things work really badly. In Armenia, towards Azerbaijan. “Since the early 1990s, US government Armenia, between Turkey and Russia, and with the West. I think unfortunately we are much closer to the second type aid to Armenia is about 2 billion dollars overall. This has been In the wake of the US missile strike on Syria, Zaman con- of transition and we have paid the price.” on a downward slope. Today assistance level is about $11 or cluded that Russia’s and Turkey’s opposing interests in Syria, Sunday’s final speaker was Dr. Hans Gutbrod, director of $12 million while in some years it was something like $120 with the latter openly pushing for regime change and the for- Transparify, a policy research and advocacy organization million.” mer continuing to back Assad’s government, would impact based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Dr. Phil Gamaghelyan traced the evolution of thinking and Armenia. Due to the fluctuating relations between the two Gutbrod’s presentation focused on the transition away from feeling among groups of Armenian and Turkish students living countries, Armenia’s own potential for improved relations with “a transition paradigm” and what that means for activism and in the US and interacting over periods of time to come to Turkey may be adversely effected to the Turkey-Russia stand- “people who want to change things.” Gutbrod said he hopes to understand the other’s sense of history. This effort at people- off. appeal to different audiences: those with academic interests, to-people interaction to begin to come to a reciprocal under- Following Zaman, former foreign minister of Armenia, but also activists and youth who want to contribute. standing of each other’s perceptions of history resulted in a Vartan Oskanian, discussed Armenia’s foreign policy choices, During his time running the Caucasus Research Resource variety of new questions about each side’s own understanding the current situation in the Caucasus, and the early years of Centers in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, he observed the of its own history. Armenia’s independence. different transitional periods of the three nations in the post- Dr. Hrant Kostanyan, with the Centre for European Policy “The Caucasus is among the world’s most divided and inco- Soviet space. While Georgia experienced some successful gov- Studies spoke about the missed opportunities for European herent regions,” Oskanian said. “Its constituent republics — ernmental change, Armenia remained stagnant post-indepen- Union – Armenian rapprochement during the transition years. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia — basically failed to learn dence and Azerbaijan transgressed despite abundant econom- He concluded that the EU had been unable to fulfill Armenia’s from similarly grouped countries, like the Benelux countries ic resources. serious security needs, while Armenia’s elites and institutions or the Baltic states, which, despite their historical grievances While some former Soviet states have undergone successful were unable or unwilling to adapt to (or benefit from) the EU’s and political differences, came together and worked together democratic, infrastructural and economic transitions, the stringent safety and quality standards for trade. This, despite to achieve their common goals of stability, prosperity, and countries of the South Caucasus have had more difficulty, par- the fact that the EU is Armenia’s largest trading partner. democracy.” ticularly in terms of civil society. The concept of a content mid- In between discussions of foreign policy and internal According to Oskanian, such a vision was not impossible dle class has also failed to materialize successfully. In Armenia, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

“What emerged was a clear change in peo- Armenia 25 Years ple’s attitudes toward public issues,” Avedissian said. Earlier, more philosophic and tolerant atti- $20 Million Gift Creates Promise Institute for Human On: Now What? tudes were replaced by pessimism and general Rights at UCLA School of Law hopelessness. FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Dr. Ara Sanjian, of the Armenian Studies UCLA, from page 1 governance, the conference audience enjoyed a Center at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, will greatly enhance our ability to serve a global leadership role.” presentation by Eric Nazarian, a filmmaker, and did a brief content analysis of the 2012 edition The institute will advance the law school’s already-extensive work in the field of human a Fellow of the USC Institute of Armenian of the Armenian history textbook used at rights. Law school faculty and students will collaborate with scholars in other disciplines Studies. Nazarian provided a quick overview of Yerevan State University. “The scope of topics it from across the UCLA campus, and the institute will train the next generation of human Armenian cinema in transition. covers continues to remain less encompassing rights leaders and develop strategies to address crises around the globe. The second panel, on Governance and than that of its Soviet era antecedents,” Sanjian Dr. Eric Esrailian, the lead producer of “The Promise” and a faculty member at the David Economics, was moderated by Gutbrod. said. He pointed out uneven coverage of the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, spearheaded the effort to establish the institute. The first speaker was Garik Hayrapetyan, accomplishments of various Soviet-era leaders, “The Armenian genocide must never be forgotten, and this need was one reason why we who heads the UN Fund for Population a heavy focus on the genocide, and minimal made ‘The Promise,’” Esrailian said. “However, human rights tragedies — in Syria, the Activities in Armenia. Hayrapetyan presented concentration on the independence period and Congo and South Sudan and a global refugee crisis — continue to unfold today. an overview of the transition through stark the present. “The Promise Institute is so named because UCLA and the UCLA School of Law are mak- demographic indicators. “There have been pow- Serouj Aprahamian, a doctoral candidate at ing a commitment to keep the promise to the victims of human rights abuses — that we erful shifts in demographic issues in Armenia in York University in Canada, examined societal will create the tools and train people of integrity and talent to address these crises. Out of three areas: migration, aging, and fertility. Of change through unifying artistic expressions the darkness of the Armenian genocide and our film, we will bring light into the world to these, migration is the strongest driver. Overall, like breakdancing. In 2005, Aprahamian only help people who need it today.” we have lost 1.5 million Armenians to emigra- came across three dance crews with roughly 50 The institute will expand UCLA Law’s course offerings in human rights studies, enhance tion from 1988 to 2016.” dancers. “It was a very limited, kind of under- hands-on programs in human rights law and policy, publish research and policy assess- He continued, “Armenia is exhibiting 1000 ground and secluded thing,” he said. ments, bring experienced human rights scholars and practitioners to UCLA Law as faculty births less per year now. According to our pro- A decade later, however, Armenia now has fif- members and guest speakers, support students through fellowships and scholarships, and jections, only 26,392 births will be registered in teen crews with more than 500 breakers who host symposia and related events. 2026. This is significant because this is already engage in various events with dancers who visit UCLA Law students and faculty currently work with the Office of the Prosecutor of the becoming an issue of national security. Finally, from different countries, including Finland and International Criminal Court and the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the Right to by 2050, Armenia’s 65+ population will rise to Russia. He concluded that this unusual form of Food and on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and 22-24% of the population from its current per- self-expression is in line with young people’s Related Intolerance; and with human rights organizations in countries including centage of 10.7%. This is very important for search for a new identity in the post-indepen- Bangladesh, Honduras, India and South Africa. social policy. “ dence era. “This visionary gift is a giant step toward making UCLA Law the premier center for Nona Shahnazarian, a social anthropologist, Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, a pediatric sur- human rights in Southern California,” said UCLA Law Dean Jennifer Mnookin. “While the spoke about Armenians in Azerbaijan losing geon, presented an analysis of the nature of school already has a strong record of human rights scholarship and activity, the Promise not only their formal financial savings, but also Diaspora input into Armenia’s health care sys- Institute will greatly enhance our program and have an impact felt around the world. Dr. informal investments and social capital, as tem. Despite sizable humanitarian efforts, Esrailian and the makers of ‘The Promise’ have shown extraordinary leadership, and we are demonstrated by gifts and ‘investments’ in Shekherdimian said the diaspora has not con- thrilled that their commitment permits us to launch an institute that promises to grow into funerals and weddings – giving and receiving tributed to long-term, cost-effective, sustainable a major academic crossroads for human rights.” money from friends and neighbors. improvement of the medical care system in Esrailian and Anthony Mandekic, president and CEO of Tracinda Corporation, are also Arman Grigoryan, who teaches at LeHigh Armenia, resulting in increased emigration even the co-managers of Survival Pictures, which was founded by the late Los Angeles busi- University in Pennsylvania, presented the argu- by those who benefit from short-term interven- nessman and legendary philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian. Survival Pictures was established to ment that Armenia’s unresolved conflict with tion but worry about its long-term availability. tell this story of perseverance and human endurance, and it has begun a campaign to teach Azerbaijan is the fundamental impediment to Armen Karamanian, of Macquarie the public about the genocides and mass atrocities of the 20th and 21st centuries. democratization. “Armenia is one of the most University in Australia, asked whether it’s Support for the Promise Institute is part of the $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign for militarized nations in the world. Wars and bad possible to maintain a Western Armenian UCLA, which is scheduled to conclude in December 2019 during UCLA’s 100th anniver- security environments are bad for democracy identity in ‘Eastern’ Armenia. “The indepen- sary year. because they create vested interests in belliger- dence of Armenia sparked the much-desired ence and war. They create elites who are not reunion between homeland and the diaspo- suffering from the status quo. They have the ra,” Karamanian said. “Twenty-five years power to deter internal challengers and they have passed, transition is over and institu- control the marketplace of ideas,” he said. tions such as Birthright Armenia and gov- Professor Anna Ohanyan of Stonehill College ernment programs have capitalized on the in Massachusetts spoke about a fractured diaspora’s longing to return in order to region. “The South Caucasus inherited a sys- secure the development of the Armenian tem of very poor regional structures of engage- nation through the volunteer return of its ment. Regional fracture differs from ‘divide-and- global diaspora.” rule’ policies because it can be a lever as well as Karamanian said that the desire to return a liability to bigger powers. As colonial legacies, amongst members of the diaspora is rooted in they’re often deployed by neo-imperial powers, the desire to live in what remains of the ances- but the opposite is also true. Fractured regions tral homeland, despite differences in the can also constrain and challenge these very Western and Eastern Armenian identities. same neo-imperial powers, especially those However, Karamanian pointed to the integra- seeking to adjust to the changing world. Just tion of Western Armenian dialect as examples reflecting on Armenia’s current choices, being of “a shifting homeland attitude and inter- pooled in the Eurasian Economic Union, which acceptance of variations of Armenianness, large- many analysts are critical of, in terms of its ly due to the arrival of thousands of Syrian overdependence on Russia that it is going to Armenians.” create. An uncritical engagement with that The final panelist, Nelli Ghazaryan spoke regional bloc, creates the danger of history about the state of the Armenian healthcare 
 repeating itself,” Ohanyan said. infrastructure and compared efforts by Georgia,




 Ohanyan moderated the day’s (and the con- Armenia and Belarus to improve their health- ference’s) final panel. care infrastructure after the collapse of the Dr. Karena Avedissian discussed changes in Soviet Union. the Armenian public’s perceptions and atti- The entire two-day conference is available $P4QPOTPSFE
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Check us out at www.mirrorspectator.com 10 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Conversation with Tankian and Nazarian Author Dawn MacKeen Speaks on Armenian At Columbia on April 24 Genocide at Newport Beach City Council NEW YORK — Artist and activist Serj The event, organized by the Armenian Center NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — On April 11, Armenian Assembly of America Western Tankian and filmmaker Eric Nazarian will dis- at Columbia University and co-sponsored by the Region office joined author and award-winning investigative journalist, Dawn Anahid cuss “Art and Activism” at Columbia University National Association for Armenian Studies and MacKeen, at the City Council of Newport Beach. on April 24 at noon. Research (NAASR), will be held at Davis MacKeen delivered the city council session’s invo- Auditorium (Schapiro CEPSR, Room 412), 530 By Mihran Toumajan cation and educated councilmembers, as well as West 120th St, New York. the audience in attendance, on the Armenian “Time and again, we witness not only how Genocide. the work of artists like Serge Tankian and Eric MacKeen was invited by Mayor Kevin Muldoon, with whom she met at the Assembly’s Nazarian enters the public consciousness, but Gala “Celebrating the Future” on March 4 in Newport Beach on the occasion of the what it does to foster reflection and effect 40th anniversary of the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program. social change,” said Mark Momjian, chair of MacKeen is the author of The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey, which chron- the Armenian Center of Columbia University. icles the story of her grandfather, who survived the ravages of the genocide thanks to “Art has the power to give voice and clarify the kindness of a Muslim sheikh and his family based in Syria. MacKeen’s book is ideals, and Tankian and Nazarian have not required reading for high school students in the Fullerton (CA) Unified School District, only mobilized people through their art, they and at the university level throughout the United States. have generated hope through their activism. Previously a staff writer at Salon, Newsday and Smart Money, MacKeen’s work has More than a century after the Armenian appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Elle, the Los Angeles Time, and several other Genocide, their generation is bringing new publications. perspectives that deepen our understanding of these events and their importance to our shared humanity,” he added. Serj Tankian Seating is limited. To RSVP, email activis- [email protected].

Master Musician Richard Hagopian to Present Lecture On Oud Performance FRESNO — Richard Hagopian, an interna- tigious National Endowment for the Arts tionally-recognized master of the oud, will pre- National Heritage Fellowship Award, the sent a lecture titled “Melodic and Rhythmic nation’s highest honor given in the traditional Considerations in Oud Performance” on folk arts, in 1989. Thursday April 27, at 4 p.m., in the University Hagopian has performed throughout the Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, United States and taught a master class at the Room 191. Manhattan School of Music, as well as teaching This public event is co-sponsored by the as artist-in-residence at California State Middle East Studies Lecture, Performance and University, Fresno. Film Series, the Music Department’s Global For more than 30 years, Hagopian has played Music Lecture Series, and the Armenian annually at “Kef Time” events, drawing typical- Pictured with author MacKeen are her husband and father-in-law; Archpriest Father Studies Program. ly 500-1,000 people at dances in Cape Cod, Moushegh Tashjian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa; Helen Hagopian has recorded four dance albums Hartford, Detroit and Fresno. His followers Haig, a member of the Armenian Assembly’s Southern California Regional Council; Garo in the “Kef Time” series and an album of have demonstrated a deep passion for his Madenlian of the ANCA Orange County chapter; Dr. Noubar K. Ouzounian, MD; Dr. Armenian composers produced by ARC Music unique style and authenticity, and overall abili- Armond Hairapetian, Ph.D. and his daughter Lara; and Mihran Toumajan, Western Region in Europe. Hagopian began playing the oud at ty to entertain through his oud mastery and Director of the Armenian Assembly of America. a young age and has received numerous vocal charm. awards throughout his life including the pres- The lecture is free and open to the public. S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 12 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living New Genocide Armenian Night At the Pops to Memoir Presented Feature Soprano At Diocese’s Hasmik Torosyan Zohrab Center NEW YORK — The Eastern Diocese’s Krikor In Boston Debut and Clara Zohrab Information Center hosted a BOSTON — The Friends of Armenian book presentation by Adrienne Alexanian, edi- Culture Society (FACS) will present the tor of her late father’s newly published mem- 66th annual Armenian Night at the Pops oir, Forced into Genocide: Memoirs of an on Saturday, June 3, at 8 p.m. at Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Symphony Hall. The evening will mark Army, on Thursday, April 6. the Boston debut of soprano Hasmik Alexanian’s father, Yervant Alexanian, was Torosyan, one of the rising opera stars of conscripted into the Ottoman Army in 1915. Armenia. Unlike many fellow Armenian conscripts, he Torosyan will join conductor Keith survived the Armenian Genocide and docu- Lockhart in a selection of songs and arias mented its atrocities in his journals. by Mozart, Gounod, Ganachian and Alexanian, an educator by profession and Bernstein, as well as an Armenian song. recipient of the Ellis Island Medal in 2010, Also featured in the program is the found his writings when she was organizing her renowned group Cirque de la father’s papers, as president of several Symphonie, bringing the magic of the cir- Armenian organizations, to be archived. She cus to the concert hall. Performances by worked closely with a translator to render the professional dancers, acrobats and jug- original Armenian text and then edited the glers are choreographed to classical mas- book. Forced into Genocide was released glob- terpieces and popular contemporary ally this month by Transaction Publishers. music in collaboration with the orchestra. At the April 6 event, Alexanian gave an Torosyan is quickly establishing her- overview of her father’s upbringing in Sepastia self as one of the most sought-after (Sivas) in historic Armenia, showed one-of-a- singers of her generation. Recent kind photographs, and Armenian and Ottoman appearances in major operatic roles Turkish documents from his personal collec- include Belgium’s Opera Vlaanderen tion, all of which are translated into English. and Teatro Comunale in Bologna, Italy, She also read passages from his memoir, which and a concert performance with details his childhood, his life in the Ottoman Orchestre National de Paris. She has Haig Hovsepian Army during the years of the Armenian been praised for her “rich, flexible and Genocide, and his subsequent immigration to crystal-clear” soprano voice. the United States in 1920. Torosyan was born in Yerevan, The youngest of eight children, the older Armenia. She is a graduate of the Alexanian was raised by his widowed mother in Romanos Melikyan Musical College and Teen Violinist Haig Sepastia, where more than 100,000 Armenians the Komitas State Conservatory in Hovsepian Wins BSO Concerto Competition

BOSTON — Haig Hovsepian, a senior at Belmont High School, won first place at the 2017 Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition. As the winner of the competition, he will receive a monetary prize and the privilege of performing From left, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United with the BSO or Boston Pops during the 2017-2018 season. Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Adrienne The competition is open to legal residents of Massachusetts or a full-time student Alexanian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian in the state who must be an advanced high school instrumentalists in grades 10-12. The finalists were invited to perform before a panel of BSO judges at Symphony Hall. lived prior to the events of 1915. He attended Hovsepian has been playing the violin since the age of 4. He has won numerous the city’s Jesuit college, but when war broke out awards and competitions. Most recently he was awarded with the prestigious Max six months before his graduation as valedictori- Hasmik Torosyan Reger Ambassador Award. In May, he will participate in National Public Radio’s an the young man was conscripted into the show “From the Top,” on young musicians. Ottoman Army. At his young age he has already performed in such prestigious venues as In July 1915, he witnessed 51 members of his Yerevan, Armenia where she studied Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood, among oth- family, including his mother, forced on a death with Gayaneh Geghamyan. In 2008, she ers. He is also a frequent performer at community events benefiting retirement and march into the Syrian dessert. He never learned won first prize and the Gold Medal at the nursing homes and food pantries, of their whereabouts. “The entire Armenian Republic Competition in Honor of Gohar Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston population of Sivas was deported within Gasparyan and in 2009 was the recipient Children’s Hospital as well as weeks,” he wrote. “Every night, I saw caravans of the President’s Prize for Young schools. of deportees leave town, making their way to Singers in Armenia. The following year, As assistant concertmaster of the their deaths across the valleys that surrounded she won first prize at the Bella Voce New England Conservatory the city.” International Music Competition in Preparatory School Youth In addition to the horrors he witnessed and Moscow and was a finalist at the sixth Philharmonic Orchestra, Hovsepian described in his writings, Adrienne Alexanian Seoul International Music Competition. will tour Norway in June with two said her father also captured the humanity of In 2011, Torosyan won the first prize instruments, violin and the saxo- Turks who helped save Armenian lives. at the coveted Musica Sacra phone. This is an unusual honor and At the conclusion of the talk, the Very Rev. International Music Competition in privilege for an orchestra member, Daniel Findikyan, director of the Diocese’s Rome. Since then, she has been a mem- and he carries it out with pride. As a Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, ber of the Alexander Spendiaryan saxophone player he also enjoys play- read a touching passage the older Alexanian Armenian National Academic Theater ing with the Belmont High School had written on Mother’s Day in 1953, in which of Opera and Ballet. Wind Ensemble under his saxophone he lovingly remembered his mother and Tickets with special FACS prices are teacher Arto Asadoorian’s baton, and expressed his years of yearning following their available online at the Jazz Combo under the inspiring painful separation in the summer of 1915. A www.FACSBoston.org. To encourage leadership of Max Lubarsky. question-and-answer session closed the evening. live concert attendance by the youth, Hovspeian will attend the Forced into Genocide includes an introduc- FACS is offering a 50-percent discount Cleveland Institute of Music in the tion by Sergio La Porta, professor of Armenian for K-12 students attending with at fall. Studies at California State University, Fresno, least one parent. and a foreword by Israel W. Charny, executive see MEMOIR, page 13 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Springtime Musicale at Cultural Foundation in Collaboration with Canadian Women’s Club ARLINGTON, Mass. — On Sunday, April 23, Nicolas Colombat. Both young musicians are Honors College is titled “The Crisis facing the at 2 p.m., the Armenian Cultural Foundation students at the New England Conservatory 21st century classical musician and the limits of will be the site of the Springtime Musicale pre- (NEC) and will be graduating in May. musical performance.” While in Chicago, he sented by the Canadian Women’s Club Aronian was born in Montreal and grew up in won the Grand Prize of the Inaugural Kleinman (Canadian Consulate of New England) and the Calgary, Alberta. She is the recipient of the Piano Competition. Andreassian Music Fund (AMF). The concert secnd prize and Aspen Prize at the 2016 OSM Concert engagements to this year include per- will feature Canadian-Armenian violinist Eva (Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal) Manlife formances throughout various American cities as Aronian and American-French pianist Pierre Competition. Other awards include first prize in well as in France. At the invitation of pianist Steve Drury, Colombat performed in the Boston Symphony’s Prelude Series concerts. These con- certs allowed him to work directly with com- New Genocide Memoir Presented At Zohrab Center posers such as Tino Andres and Julia Anderson. Other concerts feature collaborations with gui- MEMOIR, from page 12 forgotten stories of Armenians who served in tarist Zaria Menes and soprano Sophie Boyer as director of the Institute on the Holocaust and the World War I Ottoman Army as there are well as full souls recitals. Genocide in Jerusalem. hardly any books in Armenian literature on this The concert on April 23 will feature the The memoir has received positive reviews aspect of the Genocide,” wrote Eric Bogosian, music of Johannes Brahms, Maurice Ravel and from scholars and writers, including Clark actor and author of Operation Nemesis. “As dis- Fritz Kreisler (a program they will perform in University Professor Taner Akçam, and Dr. turbing as Alexanian’s story is, it gives us a rare France this summer) and selections from the Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie glimpse of another facet of the Genocide.” Pierre Nicolas Colombat Armenian repertoire. Corporation, who called it “moving, uplifting, The April 6 event was attended by some 80 Festivities will start with a cocktail reception, and richly detailed.” community members and leaders, including coffee and sweets. “The story of Yervant Alexanian provides sig- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the the Canadian Music Competition, first prize in For reservations contact Armand nificant insight into not only the tragedy of the Eastern Diocese, and Ambassador Zohrab the Frank Simpson Concerto Competition, the Andreassian at [email protected]. All Armenians who lost their lives during the Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s representative to the Boromeo String Quartet’s 2015 Guest Artist proceeds will be allocated to a local charity des- Genocide but also, importantly, it tells us the United Nations. Award, first prize in the 2015 “Citta di ignated by the Canadian Women’s Club. Barlassina” Competition in Italy. She has per- The Armenian Cultural Foundation is located formed extensively in Canada, the United at 441 Mystic St. States, France, Italy, Germany and Norway. She has participated in festivals such as the Pablo Casals Festival, the International Mendelssohn Festival, the Kronberg Masterclasses, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Perlman Music Program. Aronian is currently in her fourth year at NEC studying with Donald Weilerstein, receives regular chamber music coaching from Lucy Chapman, Vivian Weilerstein and Soovin Kim. She has participated in masterclasses and worked closely with Ida and Ani Kavafian, Ning Feng, Samuel Rhodes, Raphael Oleg, Regis Pasquier, Todd Phillips, the Miro Quartet, and the Shanghai Quartet among others. Pierre-Nicolas Colombat currently studies at NEC as a master’s student in the studio of Gabriel Chodos. Colombat also maintains a stu- dio of private students as a piano instructor. In 2014 he received his bachelor’s in music from Adrienne Alexanian reads from her new book. DePaul University under George Vatchnadze. Eva Aronian His final thesis in Competition of DePaul’s

Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 8:00 PM Symphony Hall, Boston

Friends of Armenian Culture Society presents

Annual Armenian

Featuring Night at the Pops the Boston debut of soprano HASMIK TOROSYAN with conductor BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA - KEITH LOCKHART, plus....the spectacular CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE For tickets and moreth information, please visit facsboston.org 66 14 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Director Explains Vision for ‘The Promise’

FILM, from page 1 term effect on you. I like to make films that are educational and lence and tragedy of the genocide. When I received a call from Peter Balakian inviting me to join his entertaining. I suppose I make Raisin Bran type of films. We had only 70 days of production and for a film of this scope, Colgate colleagues, friends and students at an advanced screening Don Cheadle, the star of “Hotel Rwanda”, and I used to discuss the we had to move quickly. We covered an amazing amount of ground of the film in Hamilton on March 26, and to meet with the director type of film we want to make. The word Peoria. As in, is “Hotel in a short time. David Lean’s films, for example, would have 6 to 9 Terry George, I jumped at the opportunity and drove five hours Rwanda” going to play in Peoria? Will it be understood? Is it main months of shooting and a year of pre-production. I had 2 months from Boston to see the film. stream enough? How do we make the Peoria audience understand the of pre-production to pick locations and finalize details, finish the As I have had the opportunity to be on many film sets in the past, importance of the film? “The Promise” is meant to play in Peoria. casting, and hire and organize the production crew. I was accustomed to meeting with film directors who are not only Do you feel “The Promise” is an authentic portrayal of the I was aware of the importance of the Armenian audience to the commanding, but also used to being the last voice heard on any Armenian Genocide? success of this film and accordingly, I knew the value of getting the subject. However, when Terry George walks into a room, he could I learned from making “In the Name of the Father” and “Hotel details right as best as I could, given the necessary compromise of easily pass for a Colgate professor with his tall and graceful man- Rwanda” that anything you put on the screen has to be thorough- film making. ner, his quiet and deliberate speaking voice, and his easy conversa- ly researched. When you are adding fictional scenes for purposes We wanted a PG-13 rating, not an R so that teenagers and tional demeanor that easily captures the attention of those in his of the story, even then you cannot distort the real events and the families could see the film together. We deliberately stayed presence. real people you are portraying. The characters and the scenes have away from long lingering shots of the brutality and violence The following interview with George was gathered from conver- to accurately relate to the audience something that was going on that the Turks perpetrated on the Armenians in order to stay sation at the Balakian home following the screening, an informal at that time and place. I wanted to make sure that the look on the away from the R rating. conversation in the lobby of the Colgate Inn where we both stayed, screen and the feel of the scene is real. I tried at all times to be accu- How is that you have been attracted to directing films that cap- and a more formal interview over breakfast the morning after the rate and drew heavily upon my three technical advisors to make ture historical events? screening. For purposes of reader clarity, I organized the informa- sure that even the fictional scenes were embedded with the reality Audiences learn more from films today than they do from histo- tion provided by Terry George around nine questions. of history. ry books. Today’s audiences in particular get much of their history Has “The Promise” been modified or changed since the world Every detail was checked and rechecked for accuracy. For exam- from films, popular culture and media. Who knew about the premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last September? I heard ple, the betrothal scene involving the dancing, the community life Cambodian killing fields until the film “The Killing Fields” came there was a Turkish response to the film. of the village, the paying of the dowry, as well as all the church out? That movie put Cambodia in the consciousness of the world. IMDB (International Movie Data Base) had never experienced scenes and the singing that we put on the screen are all accurate. “In the Name of the Father” informed audiences on Irish politics anything like the comments after the Toronto screenings. We ran When scouting locations in Spain, Portugal and Malta I drew upon and contemporary history. “Hotel Rwanda” educated an audience the movie twice and we were in the largest hall at the festival. We the photographs of the period. I matched the Musa Dagh scenes to about a genocide they knew little or nothing about. “The Promise” had a total of 3,000 people in attendance who gave the film stand- the photos that I had. is the first Hollywood film about the Armenian genocide and in the ing ovations and lots of cheers. Then IMDB received about 60,000 In 2 months of pre-production I did everything possible — based course of its theater run, followed by cable and DVD and Netflix, hits of people giving the film a 1 rating out of 10. This was obvi- on the research that we did — to match the photographs that were there will be a greater recognition and understanding of the ously an orchestrated Turkish response. People were rating the shot in Ottoman Turkey to the locations that were available in Armenian genocide. film who had never seen it or knew anything about it, but someone Spain and Malta. I think there is an amazing resemblance between What can you say about the distribution of “The Promise”? had told them to give the film a 1. Then tens of thousands of the locations we selected and the real ones. We have Open Road as the distributor of the film and they have Armenians gave the film a 10 in response. The IMDB website I played with the notion of using subtitles, but with the five pos- had great success with important themed films. “The Promise” is crashed as a result, and that has never happened before. Obviously, sible languages that the characters spoke, we would be entering a scheduled to be released in the US on April 21, throughout Europe organized denialists are out there. slippery slope which would confuse the audience. The Armenian on April 28 and Asia in early May. We will have about 2,000 the- The film has been shortened a bit and we made a few other words used in the toasting scene, that was set in Watertown, atres showing “The Promise” in the US. I’m doing as much press changes here and there, but it is essentially the same film we Massachusetts, was an accurate Armenian toast that was spoken in and publicity as I can. After this interview I’m leaving for London. showed in Toronto. Armenian. Open Road certainly sees Armenians as its core audience to gen- What drew you to “The Promise”? What was it about the story Did you feel any special pressure in directing “The Promise” erate box office momentum. Even the best of films are fortunate to that motivated your involvement? because of expectations of the Armenians and Kerkorian’s last three weeks in a theatrical run. The first weekend and week is My agent sent me the script and thought I would be interested financing? of critical importance. We are hoping that the film will get great in the subject matter based on the films I have done in the past, Kirk had died before we started filming. He did okay the script. word of mouth to keep it going. “Hotel Rwanda” was also consid- such as “In the Name of the Father” and “Hotel Rwanda”, which Eric Esrailian oversaw the project and represented Kirk’s point of ered a specialty film and the word of mouth kept the film going and both covered significant human rights issues. “In the Name of the view. From the very beginning, the plan was to follow through on going and their DVD sales were terrific, eventually resulting in an Father” covered the true-life story of four people falsely convicted Kirk’s vision of having a love story be at the front of the genocide Oscar nomination. I’m hoping this film follows the same route. All of the 1974 Irish Republican Army bombing. And “Hotel Rwanda” story and provide access from an audience point of view to the vio- the ancillary avenues follow the box office success in theaters. covered the Rwandan genocide of 1994. When I read the original script, I didn’t think it fully addressed the scope of the Armenian genocide. So, I enlarged the story and created the character of Christopher Myers played by Christian Bale. The Myer character, the reporter, is a composite of a number Terry George Screens ‘The Promise’ at of eyewitness reporters who witnessed sections of the genocide. Peter Balakian’s book, The Burning Tigris ,was a great help in informing me of the coverage of the genocide in American news- Colgate to Enthusiastic Crowd papers. Also, Peter’s translation of his great-uncle’s journey to sur- vival in Armenian Golgotha provided me with an understanding of HAMILTON, N.Y. — It’s not often that a movie theater is packed on a Monday night, but on March 27, Hamilton Theater the scope of the genocide and how some survived. was filled with people for an early screening of “The Promise” and a question-and-answer session with its Oscar-nominated What role did you play in the casting? director, Terry George. Christian Bale was attached to the original script before I got George is best known for his work on “Hotel Rwanda,” about the Rwandan Genocide, and “In the Name of the Father,” involved and with his name in place, other great actors got involved concerning The Troubles in Northern Ireland. “The Promise,” which features an like Oscar Isaac, James Cromwell (Ambassador Morgenthau), Jean epic love story set against the horrors of the Armenian Genocide, follows in the Reno and Shohreh Aghdashloo. By Meredith Dowling same vein. We did a wide cast for the Ana character. This was a difficult role “Even though they’re old-fashioned, these types of movies tell a story that to cast. We needed a woman who had a strong and independent hopefully educates people about an event they otherwise wouldn’t experience,” character who could attract two very different types of men. A George said. friend sent me a Canadian fashion magazine with Charlotte LeBon The film’s three main characters — played by Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac, and on the cover. I wasn’t looking for a model, but I saw her in inter- Charlotte Le Bon — are fictional, but the rest of the characters are real, and views and doing a comedy sketch on a late night show, and after I George was careful to ensure that everything shown in the film is as accurate as met with her I fully believed she could be Ana. Having been born possible. in France and in the role as Ana, you could certainly believe her as “Most of the films I do are either nonfiction, or in this case, fiction within real an avant-garde socially liberated woman who could attract Chris events,” he said. “I’ve learned that you have to be extremely fastidious about get- Myers, but also, when she was in Constantinople, you can see how ting those real events exactly right.” she is rediscovering her identity as an Armenian woman and would One of the ways in which George researched the Armenian Genocide was by also be attracted to Michael, and how that relationship would work. reading books by Colgate professor, Peter Balakian, who has written prolifically What was Kirk Kerkorian’s role in making “The Promise”? about the Armenian Genocide. Kirk financed the entire film. Without him, “The Promise” would “I ripped off so many of his books,” George joked with the audience after the not exist. He improved the script. Kirk always liked films that have screening. this big screen narrative story line. He liked the films of David Lean, When he finished making the film, he reached out to Balakian to thank him, such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.” The movies he and after showing Balakian the film, George proposed the idea to screen it for a liked usually had a romantic story that allows the audience to iden- larger audience at Colgate. tify with the characters as if they were experiencing their difficul- Students from several classes attended the screening, including Balakian’s ties and struggles. course on genocide and memory. “My students were incredibly engaged,” he said. How would you describe the filmmaking style of “The They continued the conversation about the movie in the following class. Promise”? Following the event, a festive party ensued at Balakian’s home. The Colgate com- “The Promise” is not the kind of film that is made today. Some munity saw the film three weeks in advance of its official premiere on April 21, may call it old-fashioned filmmaking. It does have a 1970’s feel to and otherwise, it has only been shown to small audiences on Capitol Hill and at it, and that is deliberate. The films made today for in the interna- the Toronto Film Festival. Nevertheless, the film has more than 86,000 online tional market do not cover serious topics. This obviously is not an reviews, mostly negative, which George speculates are by deniers of the animated film, a superhero film, or a big action film with explosions Armenian Genocide. every few minutes. Despite this, George hopes that “The Promise” will not only lead to wider As I tell my students in my film classes, making a film is like hav- recognition of the Armenian Genocide but also encourage people to think about ing a bowl of cereal. You have the Frosted Flakes type of film that the refugees in Turkey today. Scenes from Terry George’s visit to is very sugary and gives you a high, but is not good for you. You “We hope that this film gets the best possible audience, and the word spreads, Colgate University have the Corn Flakes type of film that has some good things asso- and it becomes a movement,” George said. ciated with it and is filling. And finally, you have the Raisin Bran (reprinted from The Colgate Scene) type of film that is good for you, is satisfying and has a positive long S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Dramatic Reading of Plays Sponsored By ADAA, Antaeus Threatre in LA Recipe GLENDALE — The Armenian Dramatic Arts Ryan Henry (poeticdisobedience.com) Alliance (ADAA) is happy to announce two The second event, on Monday, April 24, at 8 nights of events to be produced in conjunction p.m., will consist of three 20-minute excerpts Corner with Antaeus Theatre Company at their new from the finalist plays of The Saroyan/Paul location, The Kiki and David Gindler Performing Human Rights Playwriting Prize. This will be fol- Arts Center. lowed by the announcement of the contest win- by Christine Vartanian Datian The first night of readings will be on Sunday, ner and a reception. The finalists are: “The Good April 23, at 7 p.m. and will consist of three 20- Minister from Harare” by June Carryl, “Runaway minute excerpts from the finalist plays of The Home” by Jeremy J. Kamps and “The Madres” by Karen Kondazian Award for Armenian Stories, Stephanie Alison Walker. Eggplant Vegetable Soup followed by the announcement of the contest Both readings will be produced by Antaeus winner and a reception afterwards. The finalists Theatre Company and The Armenian Dramatic INGREDIENTS are: “Ermeni” by Eric Sirakian, “Forgotten Arts Alliance. 1 1/2 cups eggplant, peeled and cubed 1 cup fresh or canned tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced 1 cup fresh mushrooms, diced 1 cup zucchini, peeled and diced 2 stalks celery and top greens, diced 1/2 cup yellow squash, chopped 1/2 cup frozen peas, rinsed 1/2 medium onion, diced 3 large cloves garlic, minced 1 15 oz. can white beans or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 small head escarole (or Napa cabbage or spinach), washed and roughly chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon each crushed dried basil and oregano (fresh basil and oregano may be used) 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth and 3 cups water (to taste) Kosher or sea salt and black pepper Crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika (to taste) Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated, or crumbled Feta cheese Chopped fresh basil as garnish Olive oil

The cast PREPARATION: Sauté the onions and garlic in a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pan. Add Bread” by Sevan Kaloustian Greene and The Saroyan/Paul Human Rights Playwriting the eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, celery, squash and peas, toss, and “Wishing and Flesh” by Susan Kelejian. Prize is sponsored by the William Saroyan cook until the onions are translucent. Add the broth, water, tomato paste, beans, and The show on Sunday, April 23, will be directed Foundation and the Lillian and Varnum Paul choice of spices, stir a few times, and bring to a full boil. by Michael Arabian and the cast is as follows: Fund at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Cover and cook for 55-60 minutes on medium low heat or until the vegetables are ten- Bianca Bagatourian, Shaun Duke, Karen Church of North America and administered by der, stirring occasionally. About 15 minutes before the soup is done, roughly chop the Kondazian Adriana Sevan Nichols, Anahid The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance. escarole, add to the soup, stir, and continue cooking. Adjust seasonings. Shahrik, Hrach Titizian, Vicki Ohanian and Raffi The Karen Kondazian Award for Armenian To serve, ladle soup into individual bowls and garnish with cheese, chopped fresh basil, Wartanian. Stories is sponsored by Karen Kondazian and ad- and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil, if desired. Music will be provided on both evenings by ministered by The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance. Serves 4-6.

*Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee, Sunset and Cooking Light Magazines, and at http://www.thearmeni- ankitchen.com/

*For Christine's recipes that have been published in Sunset and Cooking Light ӇӥӹӥӧӯԃӥӳӥӺӏԆԁӸӥӺԅӅԄӥӧӯԄ Magazines, go to: < Ӈ Programme of Armenian Studies http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian>

www.Efkere.com Documenting the history of Efkere, an Armenian village in central Turkey

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the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Please consult our website for application deadlines and further details.  Dr. Jonathan Varjabedian SUPPORTED BY: MORE INFORMATION:  [email protected] www.progarmstud.org.uk [email protected] 16 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

and more. Performances by Sayat Nova Dance Company Bowen WGBH Executive Arts Editor and Host, Open MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA and violinist Sammy Andonian. Studio. Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports & APRIL 23 — Concert featuring winner of multiple inter- Eastern Lamejun Bakers MAY 27 — Broadway in LA … Armenian International national competitions, violinist, Eva Aronian (from MAY 13 — Mother’s Day Dance Featuring Tigran Women’s Association-L.A. Affiliate present an Evening Canada) graduating from New England Conservatory Asatryan & Band! To be held on Saturday, Hosted with Andrea Martin hosted by Seth Rudetsky, at El Portal (NEC) and pianist Pierre-Nicolas Colombat, graduate stu- by The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe ACYOA. Theater, North Hollywood; one-night comedy show hon- dent at NEC. Reception 2-3 p.m., concert 3-4 p.m. Proceeds to benefit brand new Family & Life Center, 1280 oring AIWA’s 25 plus years. 7:00 pm. Reception and Hosted by the Canadian Consulate, the Andreassian Boston Rd, Haverhill, $100 - VIP with Meet & Greet at 7 Armenian tapas; 8:30 p.m. Performance, followed by Music Fund, and the Canadian Women’s Club at the p.m., $75 - General Mezze & Cash Bar, $40, Students Dessert and coffee with the stars. Tickets: $150; spon- Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic Street, Under 24 - Standing Room. For reservations, please con- sorships available. For info and reservations call (909)- Arlington, MA tickets $15. RSVP at armanda2711 tact [email protected] or call Mike at 617- 625-3413 or (310) 472-2454. @yahoo.com or 617.962.0049. Limited seating 240-8266 APRIL 23 — Former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John MAY 15 — St. James Armenian Church of Watertown MASSACHUSETTSCONNECTICUT M. Evans, Author of Truth Held Hostage, will speak at 18th Annual Open Golf Tournament. Monday, Oakley Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 12:15 Country Club, Watertown. Register early. APRIL 22 — Connecticut Commemoration of the p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 MAY 19-20 — Armenian Memorial Church Armenian Genocide. Connecticut State Capitol, House Brattle Street, Cambridge. For Feast of the Holy Martyrs Fair, Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., kebab Chamber. 11:00 a.m. Keynote speaker will be The Hon. of the Armenian Genocide, Holy Trinity Church is hon- dinners served Friday and Saturday (starting at 11:30 John Marshall Evans, former U.S. Ambassador to ored to have former Ambassador Evans whose ethics and am). For info: Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Armenia. Reception in the Hall of Flags, following the principles enabled him to voice the words “Armenian Ave., Watertown 617-923-0498 commemoration. Genocide.” His book, Truth Held Hostage, is being hailed MAY 20 — A Day of Faith, Hope, Love and Service at as the most important work about the Armenian St. Nersess Armenian Seminary starting at 4:30 p.m. MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA Genocide by a US diplomat since Ambassador This event will include Divine Liturgy, diaconate ordina- Morgenthau’s story in 1918. All welcome to attend. tion, and consecration of a new baptismal font (4:30pm), JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise Complimentary light luncheon. For further information, 2017 Graduation Ceremony (7:00pm), and an evening XXI 2018 – Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the contact the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632. reception (7:30pm). His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. APRIL 27 — Unwind with ArmComedy, at 7 p.m. Make Barsamian, Primate, will officiate. Join us for the entire Kitts / St. Johns, Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Armenia Green Again is a benefit for Armenian evening or just a segment! 486 Bedford Road, Armonk, Island. Cabin Rates starting from US $919 / person based Assembly of America and Armenia Tree Project. ASA NY 10504. RSVP by May 11to 914-273-0200 on Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA Boston is joining forces with these organizations to bring or [email protected]. For more info or to donate go registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- ArmComedy to all students! This student-only event with to www.stnersess.edu. All are invited. tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural ArmComedy is $15 (with student ID) and is in English. MAY 25 — The Armenian Museum of America, Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote Includes pizza/refreshments, and your donation will help Concert: John Hodian and Epiphany 3, Featuring new Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- plant a tree in Armenia. Ticket blends of Armenian music from touring family trio, John NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. link: www.tinyurl.com/armcomedyasa Location: Hodian, Bet Williams and Jack Hodian. Thursday, at 8 108. Ask for Janie. Northeastern University (Richards Hall) (Green Line p.m. The group will perform music blending ancient and Northeastern University stop or Orange Line Ruggles modern cultures and musical styles. Funded by the MASSACHUSETTS stop). Dadourian Foundation. Concert open to the public. APRIL 28 — ArmComedy benefit featuring the comedy JUNE 3 —Annual Armenian Night at the Pops, 8 p.m., APRIL 22 — A Prayer Service for the Armenian duo of Narek Margaryan and Sergey Sargsyan, Symphony Hall, Boston. Presented by Friends of Community. An Ecumenical Commemoration of the Winchester City Hall, 71 Mount Vernon St., Winchester, Armenian Culture Society and featuring Hasmik Armenian Genocide, hosted by His Eminence Co-hosted by Armenia Tree Project and Armenian Torosyan, soprano and the Boston Pops Orchestra in a Metropolitan Methodios and the Greek Orthodox Assembly of America. Reception 7 p.m., Showtime 8 selection of songs and arias, as well as the spectacular Metropolis of Boston. With the participation of His p.m. Tickets are available online Cirque de la Symphonie. http://www.facsboston.org/ for Eminence Abp. Khajag Barsamian – Diocese of the at www.ArmeniaTree.org/ArmComedy. First-ever U.S. tickets and information. Armenian Church of America (Eastern), His Eminence performances in Boston (April 28), Glendale (May 4) and JUNE 9 — Let’s Party! At the KITCHEN, Boston Food Abp. Oshagan Choloyan - Eastern Prelacy of the San Francisco (May 6). Market – Benefit for the Park’s Care in partnership Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic APRIL 30 — The Armenian Museum of America with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Food Market, Eparchy of the United States and Canada, and the Concert: Spring of Music Featuring Narine Ojakhyan, with chefs presenting signature dishes we love and the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America. 2 p.m. soprano; Thomas Shahbaghyan, violin; Levon Markosyan, generosity of so many, all coming together at the KITCHEN Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New cello; and Prof. Gregory Chaverdian, piano Program of to support the Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund England. 514 Parker Street, Boston. Armenian and Classical Music and Songs. Sunday, 2 for Year Round Care. 7-10 p.m. Advance reservations APRIL 22 — “Armenian Science and Science Education: p.m., co-sponsored by the Composer’s Union of Armenia. required. Space is limited. To receive the e-invite, please Scientific Research in Armenia - Armenia’s Young Funded by the Dadourian Foundation.Open to the public. email [email protected] Scientists” presented by Professor Ashot Chilingarian. APRIL 30 — Lunch with Boston Celtics’ Legend M.L. JUNE 17 — The Society of Istanbul Armenian’s of Learn about the future of science and science education, Carr, 12:15 p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Boston will Honor Rev. Arakel Aljalian as the Father its promises and struggles. Sponsored by Cambridge- Greater Boston, 12:15 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian of the Year. Saturday at 7 p.m. Dinner at St. James Yerevan Sister City Association (CYSCA), Armenian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Sunday. The Armenian Church Hall, Watertown. Donation $50. For Cultural Foundation and NAASR. 7 p.m. Free and open second in a series of events celebrating books and Tickets, call Krikor Shaboian at 617-489-0346. to public. Refreshments provided. For info Alisa courage and legends, Boston Celtics’ Legend M.L. Carr JUNE 19 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Stepanian at [email protected] or 617-501-1215. who will share his inspiring life story. All welcome to Tournament sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian APRIL 22 – Annual Procession and Raising of the attend. For further information, contact the Holy Trinity Church of Greater Boston, at the Marlborough Country Armenian Flag at Lowell City Hall in commemoration Church Office, 617.354.0632. Club, 200 Concord Road, Marlborough. Monday. 9:30 of the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. MAY 4 — Book presentation by Nora Nercessian of The a.m., registration; 11 a.m., “Shot Gun.” All are invited Procession to be led by the Lowell Armenian-American City of Orphans, on Gyumri Near East Relief orphanage for a day of golf or just for dinner and a social evening. Veterans Honor Guard. Participants should meet at the after WWI. Sponsored by the Daughters of Vartan, Holy Details to follow. For further information, contact the corner of Merrimack and John Streets in Lowell at 9:30 Trinity Armenian Church, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632. a.m. Sponsored by the Armenian National Committee, Armenian International Women’s Association and National Merrimack Valley (ANCMV) with the participation of all Association for Armenian Studies and Research. 7 p.m. MASSACHUSETTSMICHIGAN area Armenian Churches and Organizations. Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. APRIL 23 — 102nd Armenian Genocide Complimentary admission. APRIL 23 — The Fine Arts Committee of St. John Commemoration. Hosted by the Massachusetts Armenian MAY 6 — Celebrate Public Art! Park’s Abstract Armenian Church presents A Retrospective Exhibition Genocide Commemoration Committee. The program will Sculpture & Labyrinth during ArtWeek Boston. Join of Works by Nora Azadian, including oils, still life, char- focus on four pillars; Art, Service, Science, and Commerce. us on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. World Labyrinth Day: Walk as coals, portraits. Introduction of the artist by Dr. Raffi Open to the public. Armenian Heritage Park on the Rose One in Peace & Harmony. At 12:45 pm, introduction to Belian, Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, 12.30-3 Fitzgerald Kennedy at 3 p.m. Guests will include Middlesex walking a labyrinth. 1:30 pm Reception to View the p.m. St. John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwest Hwy, County Peter Koutoujian, editor and publisher Judith Saryan, Abstract Sculpture. 2017 Configuration. Remarks: Jared Southfield. Exhbition will continue through April 27.

TIMES SQUARE ARMENIAN SUNDAY GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION APRIL 23, 2pm S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING

the US State Department as a “senior adviser” an iron fist,” and military interventions sup- attempted coup against Erdogan as conducted BOOK REVIEW on various projects during the administrations pressed leftist ideologies, sectarianism and eth- by factions in the Turkish army. Turkish offi- of Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, and nic identities. cials accused the US of involvement in the with the United Nations Office for the By 2002, when the Justice and Development attempt. The coup was used as an opportunity Erdogan Indicted: David L. Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He has Party (AKP) came to power through a national to crack down on Erdogan’s opponents on a worked as president of the Congressional election as a champion of political reform and massive scale, with arrests of tens of thousands Phillips’ An Uncertain Human Rights Foundation, founded by the reintroduction of Islam into Turkish nation- and firing of over 100,000 from state institu- Congressmen Tom Lantos and John Porter, and al life, the US was wary, but, Phillips writes, its tions. Phillips said, “Erdogan transformed Ally: Turkey Under executive director of the Elie Wiesel leader Tayyip Recep Erdogan “sent all the right Turkey into a giant gulag.” Furthermore, Foundation for Humanity. signals.” He broke with other religious conser- according to Phillips, “the coup pushed Erdogan’s Dictatorship The present volume only has some brief vatives and “embraced Western values as a vehi- Erdogan’s Islamism to the fore,” and Erdogan (Transaction Publishers, 2017) direct treatment of Armenian related issues. No cle to create a more liberal Turkey. He conclud- “unleashed his ‘inner Stalin’.” doubt many Armenian readers will remember ed that Islamic and Western values could coex- Phillips calls for a major change in US rela- By Aram Arkun David Phillips for his mediating role in the ill- ist. Erdogan highlighted liberalism and progres- tions with Turkey. He proclaims, “US adminis- Mirror-Spectator Staff fated Turkish Armenian Reconciliation sive positions in the Qur’an, signaling support trations had coddled Turkey for generations.” Commission (TARC), which was in existence for human rights.” He pursued economic Aside from a high-level “cooperation council,” As the publisher’s website for An Uncertain from 2001 to 2004. Immediately afterwards, he reforms, worked for Turkish entry into the Phillips suggests finding alternatives bypassing Ally proclaims, the book is an outright indict- wrote a volume about TARC called Unsilencing European Union (EU), and entered into a dia- Turkey for fighting ISIS; accepting a decentral- ment of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, current presi- the Past: Track Two Diplomacy and Turkish- logue with the Kurds. ized Syria with a transitional role for Assad, dent of the Republic of Turkey, who is referred Armenian Reconciliation (2005). He wrote a The majority of the remainder of Phillip’s vol- greater US support for Syrian Kurds, and to as a dictator. It is not a scholarly study, but second related volume called Diplomatic ume is devoted to tracing how Erdogan, initially Kurdish self-rule in Rojava; and a declassifica- rather a political history concluding with policy History: The Turkey-Armenia Protocols (2012), seen as a reformer, turned into an authoritarian tion of the Kurdish PKK as a terrorist organi- recommendations for the United States. on recent efforts to promote normalization of and corrupt proponent of Islamism. Phillips finds zation in order to encourage negotiations Phillips has written similar types of works state relations between the two countries noted Erdogan to have been an opportunist pursuing between the PKK and the Turkish government. before. In From Bullets to Ballots: Violent in in its title. power and Islamist goals from the beginning. Phillips goes so far as to open up the possi- Muslim Movements in Transition (2009), he In An Uncertain Ally, Phillips does briefly Phillips wrote: “Erdogan presented himself as a bility of the dismemberment of the territory of provides recommendations concerning how to deal with recent Turkish-Armenian relations, European, but his commitment to Europe and the present Republic of Turkey (à la Treaty of moderate violent Muslim movements. With starting with Turkish unwillingness to recog- democracy were instrumental.” Under the guise Sèvres), declaring: “If Turkey continues Losing Iraq: Inside the Postwar Reconstruction nize the Armenian Genocide despite what of reforming, he weakened the secularist military its aggression against Kurdish regions in the Fiasco (2011), he attempts to Phillips accepts as an over- and the judiciary. Personally corrupt, he also pur- Southeast, it will lose its right to govern. Then draw lessons from the mistakes whelming consensus by his- sued enrichment for himself and those around the discussion will go beyond human rights to made by the US in Iraq, while torians on the categoriza- him, especially his family. include self-determination, raising the possibili- in Liberating Kosovo: Coercive tion of what happened to He was an uncertain ally for the West so, ty of separating North Kurdistan from the Diplomacy and U. S. the Armenians as such. He understanding this, he presented himself, clutches of Turkey’s dictatorship.” Intervention (2012), he exam- blames the failure of the Phillips wrote, “as a pragmatist and moderniz- As a friend to many Turks who has visited ines the violent collapse of 2009 Protocols on normal- er,” and thus “dampened fears of his radical Turkey more than 40 times, Phillips ends his Yugoslavia and the US and ization of relations Islamic tendencies.” Yet during the 2003 US work on a personal note of sadness, and seems NATO role in the creation of an between the two countries invasion of Iraq, Turkey “actively tried to under- to almost feel personally betrayed by Erdogan. independent Kosovo. Most due to Erdogan’s rivalry mine US interests in Iraq.” Turkey’s support of He says that he, like many other admirers, her- recently, in The Kurdish Spring: with Abdullah Gul, Turkish Sunni tribes and Islamic extremists, undercover alded Erdogan’s rise but now, “there is nothing A New Map of the Middle East foreign minister and then military operations in Iraq, and its hostility to in Erdogan’s character or recent conduct to (2015), he examines Kurdish president in this period. Iraqi Kurds allied with the US, destabilized the suggest he will take the high road of concilia- movements in Iraq, Turkey, Phillips also believes that situation. tion.” Furthermore, Phillips learned through Syria and Iran, and a possible Erdogan’s linkage of restor- He examines relations with other states in WikiLeaks that the Turkish government con- path towards Iraqi Kurdish ing diplomatic relations the area, such as Greece, Arab countries, sidered him a prominent shaper of American independence. with Armenia to a settle- Armenia, and Israel. Close economic and mili- foreign policy who himself “betrayed” Turkey His articles are frequently published in major ment of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, in tary relations with Israel soured during the by proffering recommendations for peace with American newspapers like the New York Times Phillips words, “lent tacit support to hardliners 2008-9 Gaza War but diplomatic relations were the PKK. Friends warned Phillips it would not and Wall Street Journal. He has worked in var- in Azerbaijan,” which consequently attacked restored in June 2016. Phillips charted Turkey’s be safe for him to step foot in Turkey again. ious academic institutions such as Columbia Armenian positions in April 2016 in a mini-war. involvement in the Syrian civil war along with The extent of Phillips’ criticisms of Erdogan’s University and American University as director Phillips begins An Uncertain Ally by present- many other outside states. regime and the proposal of his prescriptions of conflict prevention or resolution programs, ing the background to contemporary Turkish Turkey supported rebels against Syrian pres- indicate how far the American-Turkish relation- and has taught in many others, as well as held developments. Turkey on the one hand was a ident Bashar al-Assad’s government, including ship has altered from the Cold War era of often senior positions in various think tanks, includ- US ally in the Cold War as a “secular, pro- various Islamist and ISIS forces, and along with unquestioning support for a NATO ally which at ing at the Council on Foreign Relations, the Western democracy.” Yet this was a problemat- other outside Sunni powers like Saudi Arabia that time too employed great violence and Center for Strategic and International Studies, ic democracy, for Phillips notes that after 1938 promoted the growing conflict between Sunnis oppression against its own citizens. the Atlantic Council and the International the ruling Republican Peoples Party (CHP), and Syrian Alawites or Shiites. Turkey invaded Phillips 206-page book includes an index, a list Peace Research Institute of Oslo. At present he guardian of the state and secularism, was Syrian territory in August 2016, primarily fight- of acronyms, and a glossary of names, and while is director of the Program on Peace-Building “taken over by corrupt and self-interested politi- ing against Kurds. The US on the other hand generally clearly written, could have used some and Rights at Columbia University. cians. The so-called deep state — a web of secu- supported the Kurdish Peoples’ Protection editing to avoid typos and other minor errors. Phillips not only attempts to influence poli- rity services, politicians, bureaucrats, and crim- Units (YPG) of the Democratic Union Party as cymaking through writing and academia, but inal gangs — emerged as a powerful shadow a reliable opponent of ISIS in Syria. (Next week the Mirror will print an interview also is an active actor in the field, working with force.” Phillips states that “the CHP ruled with Phillips describes the botched July 2016 with Phillips.)

anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Association. “The ments will be served following the movie. The public is NEW JERSEY Armenian Spirit” at Alliance Francaise in New York City at cordially invited to attend. 3pm. With Ani Kavafian, violin, Ani Kalayjian, cello and APRIL 23 — North Burial Ground, Providence. On the NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- Orion Weiss, piano. occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Dedication of brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Monument, and the 102nd Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday at 2 commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, clergy and forthcoming. p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and ethnic choirs from the Armenian Evangelical Church, Sts. Sahag studies at Touro College and world religions at the and Mesrob Armenian Church and Sts. Vartanantz NEW YORK Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free to Armenian Church will be present and well as federal, state the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, and local officials to be part of the program. 12:45 p.m. APRIL 27 — A Celebration of Service. Archbishop Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. Guest speaker Marc A. Mamigonian, NAASR’S director of Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Academic Affairs. All are welcome to come and remem- Armenian Church of America, invites the public to a cele- PENNSYLVANIA ber Holy Martyrs and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. bratory reception to congratulate the Very Rev. Daniel APRIL 30 — Performance of the play “Women of Findikyan and the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian on the APRIL 23 — A Genocide Remembrance Event. Ararat” by Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau based on 20th anniversary of their priestly ordinations. Vespers ser- Remembering the Past/Building the Future. her family’s survival of the Armenian Genocide, at the vice at 7 p.m., at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. The Sponsored by the Armenian Intercommunal Committee of Scottish Rite Auditorium, 2115 Broad St., Cranston. reception and program will follow at 7:30 p.m. in Haik Philadelphia. Sunday. 2 p.m. St. Gregory Armenian Sunday, 3 p.m. For tickets contact Dorothy Martiesian, and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan Center Church, Philadelphia. 401-749-0269 or Naomi Thovmasian Marsh, 401-942- (630 Second Ave.). To RSVP (by April 17) call (212) 686- 3886. Proceeds to benefit three Armenia-based organiza- 0710 or email [email protected]. Donations will be RHODE ISLAND tion helping women. used to underwrite the publication of a revised, expanded edition of a church classic, Prayers for Healing. APRIL 22 — The Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Contributions may be made payable to the Diocese of the Committee along with the Cultural Committee of Sts. Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer Armenian Church of America with Memo: Prayer Book. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson than 5 lines. Items will be edited to fit the space, if Contributions can be mailed to the Diocese of the Street, Providence, will show the film, “Alter Ego” or “The need be. A photo may be sent with the listing. Items Armenian Church of America, 630 Second Ave., New York Silence of a Priest.” 6:30 p.m. The movie is in Armenian should be sent no later than Mondays at noon. Listings NY 10016. with English subtitles. Producer Vigen Chaldranian from should include contact information. Send items to MAY 21 — A classical concert dedicated to the 70th Armenia, will be present. Free admission and refresh- [email protected]. 18 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Justice Delayed

centennial commemorations, which drew four presidents and 50 By Edmond Y. Azadian political delegations to Yerevan in 2015. Spectator After successfully fighting the realization of the film “Forty Days of Musa Dagh” in the 1930s, Turkey now instead has fund- An independent judiciary is sometimes a contradiction in ed the release of a movie called “The Ottoman Lieutenant” to terms, especially in international relations. Most of the time, pol- promote its distorted message on the Armenian Genocide. The itics determines the outcome of any litigation. International law lead producer of the “Ottoman Lieutenant,” Stephen Joel Brown, EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 is analogous to a shoe that fits the feet of the strong and mighty. speaking to Hurriyet Daily News, stated: “As objective and A country named Turkey or the Ottoman Turkey, gets rid of respectful common sufferings of both Turks and Armenians, we An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication an indigenous ethnic group, murders two-thirds of that nation, wanted to show the audience what happened during World War takes over its homeland and deports the survivors and yet, after I in Eastern Anatolia, a subject that has not been handled a full century, remains a respectable member of the civilized before.” world while the victims and the survivors cannot find legal This is the exact political paradigm which President Recep Tayyip EDITOR recourse against the murderers. All legal avenues in internation- Erdogan and former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu have been Alin K. Gregorian al law lead nowhere. advocating in recent years: The common pain; there is no telling Political expediency defies logic and supersedes historic which party caused the pain and which suffered more, etc. ASSISTANT EDITOR Aram Arkun truths. But it seems that this propaganda movie in which Erdogan’s Many of today’s trying problems are resolved in this manner, son Bilal was involved has not achieved its objective. ART DIRECTOR with the decision coming to favor the interests of the powerful. There is a scathing article this week in the Daily Beast titled Marc Mgrditchian Yugoslavia was broken down when the historic Balkan fault lines “Hollywood’s New Armenian Genocide Denial Epic,” by Michael were exploited and thus, the barrage of bombs gave birth to Daly, who tears to pieces the “Ottoman Lieutenant” as so much Kosovo, whose leaders are behind some of the terrors gripping denialist fluff. Europe now. This tiny state, with no historic precedence unlike The article begins: “Ben Kingsley and Josh Hartnett and Hera the other countries carved out of the former Yugoslavia, which Hilmar surely would not have signed on to star in the ‘Ottoman SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: cannot stand on its own without the crutches of NATO, is behind Lieutenant’ if they even imagined they would be parties to geno- Edmond Y. Azadian much of the extremist Islamic terror aimed at Europe. cide denial.” CONTRIBUTORS: When this is the political reality, it only generates despair for The screenwriter, Jeff Stockwell, seems also to have been Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun nations seeking justice. duped into getting involved in this piece of propaganda. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana Similarly, Azerbaijan, through its powerful friends at the The Turkish individuals involved in the production of the Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, United Nations, turns a historic lie into a political reality, includ- movie have avoided being interviewed, but Mr. Daly was able to Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, ing the Khojali massacre and the carving out of Nakhichevan and interview Stockwell, who, he believes, is a decent human being. Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian the autonomous enclave of Nagorno Karabakh out of Armenia In his interview, Stockwell has confessed, “’The Promise’ and and grafting it onto its own territory, crating a dilemma of terri- beating it to release was never mentioned to me. I have read the CORRESPONDENTS: torial integrity versus self-determination of the indigenous popu- recent comments that the project was generated to somehow to Armenia - Hagop Avedikian lation. The Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and beat ‘The Promise’ to the screen — but I don’t know why, if that Boston - Nancy Kalajian New York/New Jersey - Marylynda Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and even Armenia’s friends, was the case, they wouldn’t have told me. Producers generally Bozian-Cruickshank namely Russia and Iran, subscribe to that political untruth, use info about ‘competing” projects as a goad to working faster.” Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach which became the basis of any future settlement of the Karabakh By all indications, it seems that Stockwell was duped by the conflict. Armenia’s position that Karabakh has never been an Turkish side, as the Daily Beast article continues. “Stockwell Contributing Photographers: seems to have had only good intentions and the same may be Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian integral part of historic Azerbaijan and that the Karabakh people have seceded from Azeri control through rights enshrined in the true of Brown, but the involvement of ES film suggests that the constitution of the Soviet Union do not cut ice. ‘Ottoman Lieutenant’ may not have been just another example of Every April Armenians begin to count how many nations have Hollywood being Hollywood. Stockwell says that the only The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published recognized the Armenian Genocide and whether or not the US Turkish producers he dealt with were with YProductions and weekly, except two weeks in July and the first president will use the term “genocide” in his address to that he was unaware of ES Film — also known as Eastern Sunrise week of the year, by: Armenian-Americans. We have been playing this game for Films (“From the East we rise upon the world, where the sun Baikar Association, Inc. decades and perhaps will continue to be caught in its spell for rises First.”) — co-produced the ‘Ottoman Lieutenant.’ No, I had 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 another century or two. no knowledge of ES Film until I saw its logo on the finished film Telephone: 617-924-4420 The Turks blame Armenians, saying that they keep promoting a few weeks ago.” FAX: 617-924-2887 the Genocide issue as the sole goal which binds their identity, a This duplicity, added to the intent of the “Ottoman www.mirrorspectator.com statement which is true and will remain true until the end of his- Lieutenant” has directed Michael Daly to dig further into the his- toric background of genocide and has come up with the devas- E-Mail: [email protected] tory, though it is not the only bond for Armenians. When there is a wound in a living organism, all the healthy tating and incriminating statements by US Ambassador Henry For advertising: [email protected] blood cells go to that wound to heal it. If that is a scientific truth, Morgenthau and many respected historians. it also has to make sense in social science. The Daily Beast has turned the tables on the Turks who will The Armenian Genocide, whose 102nd anniversary is being never relent in their zeal to deny the genocide. The Turkish state, marked on April 24, was a calamity of enormous proportions; it in an organized manner, will use its impressive resources to actually destroyed a nation and left the survivors to make sense counter every initiative taken by the Armenians. Moreover, it will SUBSCRIPTION RATES : of their history and their identity, looking for their place in the even try to pre-empt some projects such as in the case of “The family of civilized nations. But rampant political expediency Promise.” The only possible answer is the recent mobilization of always plays in Turkey’s favor and hinders our struggle two-fold: talents and resources to restore justice and to stand by historic U.S.A. $80 a year recognition of genocide and denial of denialism. truth. There are numerous documentaries and movies about the With the help of major world forces, Turkey has become a Holocaust, yet many Jews complain that the world is not fully Canada $125 a year regional power, enjoying tremendous resources at its hand. It has aware of the Holocaust. (The recent clueless comments by White been defying the east and the west, while waging a genocidal House Spokesman Sean Spicer seem to lend some credence to Other Countries $190 a year domestic war against its Kurdish minority. It is also fighting this statement.) against Armenians lobbying for the recognition of the Genocide, Armenians have yet to have a single movie which can pass the trying to preempt the impact of some of the measures Armenians test of international criteria. Where are the next Kirk Kerkorians © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator are engaged in internationally. for the next “Promise?” Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Predicting full well how the oncoming tsunami in the news We have to fight and wait until justice is restored in commem- and additional mailing offices. media in 2015, the Turkish government organized the celebra- orating the lives of our saints — our former martyrs. Because jus- tice delayed is justice denied. ISSN 0004-234X tion of the Gallipoli campaign to blunt the effect of the Genocide

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Other than the editorial, views and opinions When Genocides become a diplomatic commodity expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. atrocities are still occurring in the 21st centu- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has By Garen Kodalazian ry with the sponsorship of certain govern- harshly criticized the Netherlands by citing ments or non-governmental entities. However, some controversial and inaccurate facts. what’s most dangerous is the fact that some First, Erdogan has accused the Dutch politi- Copying for other than personal use or Most historians unanimously agree that the countries are silently witnessing some ongo- cians for being “Nazi Remnants” and for treating internal reference is prohibited without 20th century was the bloodiest ever in human ing genocide without taking any action for the Dutch citizens from Turkish origin in an express permission of the copyright history. It started with the Armenian the sake of their political, social or economic “impudent way”. Erdogan added that the Turkish owner. Address requests for reprints or interests. government will take some bold decisions regard- back issues to: Genocide in 1915 which had cost the life of 1.5 million Armenian citizens and ended with Well the choice of this topic is very signifi- ing its relationship with the Netherlands like: —- the Srebrenica Genocide in 1995 where 8000 cant at this stage, especially with the Dutch- Imposing diplomatic sanctions Baikar Association, Inc. Bosnian males were massacred by Radko Turkish political crisis which erupted in - Taking strong economic counter measures 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- Mladic’s militiamen. Even though, states have March 2017. After the Dutch authorities have -Considering the Dutch ambassador in 1509 solidly agreed on the International Principles banned some AKP officials from entering the Turkey a persona non grata. set by the United Nations, however mass- country and organizing electoral rallies, the see DIPLOMACY, page 20 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

The Armenian Genocide: Picking up Where Reagan Left off

Court of Justice, stating: “The practice of genocide has occurred throughout By Anthony Barsamian and Noubar Afeyan human history. The Roman persecution of the Christians, the Turkish massacres of Armenians, the Thirty-six years ago, President Reagan did what no M. Sachar noted “quite literally kept an entire nation extermination of millions of Jews and Poles by the Nazis president dared to do since. He used the term “genocide” alive.” are outstanding examples of the crime of genocide.” to reference the horrific acts that took place between Armenians were the first large scale refugee popula- Yet memory is fragile and largely inconvenient for 1915 and 1923 — the systematic eradication of the tion of the 20th century and sadly, history repeats itself modern diplomatic expediency. Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. today as we see some 65 million displaced populations President Reagan realized the importance of remem- This brutal event killed some 1.5 million Armenians and fleeing for their own safety and security. From Syria to bering the past, no matter how challenging it might be displaced another 500,000, leaving the total global Sudan this story plays out in front of our eyes daily. As politically. He memorialized it in 1981 when he stated, Armenian population at one-third of its pre-genocide such, we must acknowledge the horrors of the past to “Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the level. constantly remind ourselves what can happen in the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it — and like Today the global Armenian population has rebounded, future. Nobel prize winner and holocaust survivor the too many other such persecutions of too many other peo- totaling 10 million, with 1.5 late Elie Wiesel said it ples — the lessons of the Holocaust must never be for- million residing in the best: “Neutrality helps gotten.” He understood the importance of keeping this United States Armenian the oppressor, never issue alive while others in history had chosen to mini- diaspora. This incredible the victim. Silence mize it or use it to advance their own agendas. rejuvenation happened encourages the tor- Since President Reagan, presidential candidates from because of the heroic acts mentor, never the tor- both parties have routinely referenced the Armenian undertaken by individuals mented.” Genocide and promised they would formally recognize it who acted as saviors in the face of adversity. Failing to acknowledge the truth is a dangerous when elected. But sadly, political sensitivities took prece- And no nation did more than America. The formation scheme, but forgetting it is even worse. This notion was dence when these candidates assumed office. Some pres- of the Near East Relief fund in 1918 occurred at the urg- not lost on Adolf Hitler, who infamously alluded to the idents called it a “massacre,” “a horrific tragedy” and “a ing of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Sr., to prevent genocide in his second speech to the Wehrmacht com- mass tragedy,” but none had the nerve to call it by its the complete destruction of the Armenian population. manders a week before they invaded Poland in 1939. He proper name — a genocide. The US government responded, incorporating by an act commanded his so-called Death’s Head units “with the Compared with the many issues confronting a sitting of Congress in 1919 the Near East Relief (NER), which order to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and president, categorizing the Armenian atrocity as a geno- provided humanitarian relief to the far-flung nation of children of the Polish race of language. Only thus will cide might seem quite small, but history demands a proper Armenia. we gain the living space that we need. Who still talks accounting. Some have compared President Trump to Between 1915 and 1930, NER administered $117 mil- nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?” President Reagan, especially when he disrupts the “old lion assistance, equivalent to $1.25 billion today. Nearly But Hitler was wrong in his assessment, and many did order.” For history’s sake, on this April 24th — the 1,000 men and women served overseas during that time, remember the Armenians. Noted scholar and human 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide – let us hope and thousands more volunteered to help build scores of rights advocate Raphael Lemkin coined the term “geno- Trump can pick up where Reagan left off 36 years ago. orphanages, vocational schools, and food distribution cide” in 1941, citing the Armenians. Ironically, he was centers, saving the lives of over a million Armenian, able to get the word “genocide” included in the indict- (Anthony Barsamian is co-chairman of the Board of Greek and Syrian refugees, including 132,000 orphans ment against Nazi leadership when they stood trial in Trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America. Noubar scattered across the region from Tbilisi to Nuremberg. Afeyan is life trustee of the Armenian Assembly of Constantinople. Near East Relief was an act of unprece- In 1951, the United States memorialized the violent America. This commentary originally appeared in the dented philanthropy, which American historian Howard acts against genocide victims with the International publication The Hill.)

and surrender the Armenian-populated provinces of Western Armenia to Russian troops Decision of the Unionists’ and Armenian volunteers. It was under these circumstances that the leadership of the Turkish state convened a secret meeting, the details of which were only revealed at the end of the world war during the trials of the Ittihadist authorities supervised by the Allied powers. Enver Pasha sound- Secret Assembly: The State ed the alarm about the “critical danger” facing the Turkish state. England and France from the west and south, and Russia from the north and the east, had begun to squeeze tight a ring of encirclement around the Turkish state, whose exhaust- Plan for Genocide ed fall had turned unavoidable. This would accelerate the complete dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. The triumvirate of Talat, Enver and Jemal, in alarm, demanded that the CUP leaders carry By Hagop Vartivarian out their genocidal plan against the Armenian people, prepared years ago. Already, a year ago, in February 1914, upon the decision of the CUP central committee, a “Executive Committee of Three,” with the participation of Dr. Nazim, Behaeddin Shakir On the occasion of the anniversary of the and Midhat Shükri, was created. It was intended to plan for the destruction of the Armenian Armenian Genocide, we offer our readership the people throughout the Ottoman Empire through deportation and massacre. decision taken by the secret assembly of the This committee was given the broadest powers. It specified the deadlines for deportations in each region, the deportation routes and the sites for concentration of the Armenians in Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) to orga- order to destroy them. nize the Armenian Genocide through the use of Dr. Nazim was the chief communicant at that secret meeting, and stressed the “impera- all means of the state. The Unionists (the Ittihad tive” of carrying out this state plan with the following words: “The Armenian people must ve Terakki, which was founded on May 21, 1889, be completely annihilated so that no Armenian remains in our land, and even that name is had the goal of restoring the 1876 Ottoman forgotten. It is war now, and such a suitable occasion will not appear again. The interven- tion of the great powers and the noisy protests of the world press will pass unnoticed, and Constitution), came to power through an armed revolution on July 23, 1908, and even if they learn the truth, they will be placed before an already carried out reality, and proclaimed the constitution. The members of its secret Central Committee, Talat, thus, no issue will remain. This time our actions must bear the nature of the complete exter- Behaeddin Shakir, Midhat Shükri and others, moved from Salonica to mination of the Armenians; it is necessary to annihilate all, until the last man…I want the Constantinople. This political party was a fanatical partisan of Pan-Turanism and Turk, and only the Turk, to live on this soil and rule it indivisibly. Let all the non-Turkish during its ten-year rule (1908-1918]), pushed the Ottoman Empire thrice into elements be destroyed, whatever race and religion they may belong to.” adventuristic wars (the Tripolitanian in 1911, the Balkan from 1912 to 1913, and With this genocidal logic, the CUP leadership’s secret meeting decided to place at the dis- position of the “Committee of Three” the “Secret Organization” which would be entrusted World War I from 1914 to 1918), with the goal of conquering new territories. with the responsibility of carrying out this genocide. Behaeddin Shakir was appointed as its immediate leader. The Secret Organization was formed of criminals released from pris- ons specifically for this purpose—“chetes” or bandits, who were capable of committing the most cruel crimes. HE PLAN of the Turkish state to annihilate the Armenian people was On February 8, this organization received the green light to begin its work. First placed into action on February 8, 1915. The leaders of the CUP who had Armenian state officials were removed from office, Armenian officers in the Ottoman army become rulers of the Ottoman Empire invited the members of the central were arrested, and labor battalions were formed of disarmed Armenian soldiers. body of the party to a secret meeting in order to take this historical deci- It was not a coincidence that the Turkish leadership gave its first blow to the Armenian sion for genocide. soldiers in the army. This way Armenians would be deprived of any means of military resis- The government of the Young Turks in that period was ruled by a tri- tance. On the same day Turkish War Minister Enver issued an order for their disarmament umvirate of Mehmed Talat (prime minister and interior affairs minister), and division into groups of 50 to 100, which were removed on the pretext of being sent for T Ismail Enver (minister of war) and Ahmed Jemal (minister of the navy and labor, but then killed. military governor of Syria). These pashas who controlled the government Only the Armenian elderly, sick, women, and children were left in their homes. and the ruling party and pushed the Ottoman Empire into war on the side of Germany, were The Turkish state was founded on this opportunistic calculation that Europe would not in a state of panic. be able to intervene at the time since it was already in war against the Turks. At the end of The Turkish state itself had declared war against Tsarist Russia, and the Turkish forces the war, whether the Turks had won or lost, the Turkish state would have succeeded in its began their attack in the fall of 1914, but in January 1915, they already began to retreat plan of realizing the annihilation of the Armenian people. 20 S ATURDAY, A PRIL 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

When Genocides become a diplomatic commodity

DIPLOMACY, from page 18 hands of the Dutchbat?! Moreover, if Erdogan Program Showcases the Impact of Moreover, Erdogan accused the Dutch Prime cared about the fate of his Bosnian compatri- Minister Mark Rutte of being a tyrant. He ots, why did he enhance the touristic coopera- Armenians on Architecture in Lebanon added that the Turkish government was con- tion between Turkey and the Netherlands? sidering some countermeasures as a form of The evidences above are enough to reveal BEIRUT — On April 6, AGBU Lebanon, in collaboration with the Embassy of Armenia retaliation against the decisions of some that Erdogan is using the notion of in Lebanon and under the patronage of the Minister of Culture Ghattas Khoury, organized European countries. For example, the Turkish “Realpolitik” in his country’s foreign policies. a lecture in French entitled “L’architecture arménienne au Liban : une question d’iden- Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavusoglu In other words, Erdogan is trying to pursue tité” (Armenian Architecture in Lebanon: a Question of Identity). threatened to abolish the March 2016 E.U. – Turkey’s interests regardless of the situation Anita Lebiar, the executive director of AGBU Lebanon, began by highlighting the impor- Turkey Migrant Deal. in all the other surrounding Islamic coun- tance of the collaboration with the Embassy of Armenia in Lebanon and the Ministry of However, the most controversial comment tries. Culture as well as the important role it plays in bridging cultures. More than 120 mem- was when Erdogan blamed the Netherlands for Therefore, the topic of the Srebrenica bers and friends attended the being “immoral” after “massacring” the Muslim Massacre was only used as a diplomatic tool in lecture. Among the guests were citizens in Srebrenica back in 1995. (The order to increase Turkey’s political leverage by the Ambassador of Armenia to Srebrenica Genocide). This comment sparked a imposing further diplomatic pressure on the Lebanon Samvel Mkrtchyan; wave of critics by several European govern- Netherlands. Again, the purpose of this article the Vice Governor of the ments which condemned the offensive tone of is not to clear the Netherlands from blame, but Central Bank of Lebanon, Erdogan. But the main questions remain: to show that in its recent history, Turkey has Haroutiun Samuelian; the rep- -Why did Erdogan mention the Srebrenica never committed itself to defend its fellow resentative of Minister of Genocide after nearly 22 years? Muslim countries from any foreign aggression. Culture, Nizar Daher; and the -Why didn’t the Turkish government con- Unfortunately, the Islamic world and espe- chairman of AGBU-AYA, Vicken demn the Dutchbat3 (The Dutch Peacekeeping cially some factions of the Arab World still Tchertchian. forces) during all that period of time? believe that the rise of the AKP Party would Lebiar then introduced the - Even though the Dutchbat was directly or decrease the Persian and Israeli threats in the speaker, architect Raffi indirectly responsible of the Srebrenica region. However, those Arab countries especial- Gergian, the conservator of the Massacre, why didn’t Turkey react in favor of its ly the ones being ruled by the Muslim World Heritage Archeological Islamic ally (Bosnia) at that time? Brotherhood never took into consideration that site of the city of Anjar. Gergian Those questions reveal that Erdogan has Turkey and Israel would reconcile at some point is also a professor of the histo- never adopted Idealism in his Foreign Policy. leaving the citizens of Gaza at their own fate. ry of architecture in Antiquities He didn’t defend his “Bosnian Muslim broth- In the end, we expect a change in the attitude and the Medieval Ages at the ers” when they were persecuted., however, he of our fellow Arab and Muslim countries so Lebanese University. During his The Michel el Abed Clock Tower in Beirut, Lebanon benefited from they could defend their interests by themselves presentation, Gergian discussed his country’s relationship with the without referring to foreign powers (including eminent Lebanese-Armenian Netherlands in order to encourage Dutch Turkey) which primarily care to enhance their architects of the twentieth century who produced monuments that marked the history of investment in his country .For example, accord- geopolitical position by exploiting the econom- Lebanon, such as the Lebanese Parliament building and the Michel el Abed Clock Tower ing to the Dutch Government: “Trade between ic resources of those countries. After Turkey in Beirut, and Saint Paul’s Basilica in Harissa, among many others. the Netherlands and Turkey has tripled over (Ottoman Empire) exploited the Arab World for “If Armenia is the source of the formation of an Armenian religious architecture, the past 10 years, and the Netherlands is one of more than 400 years, we hope that our Arab Lebanon is the country where this art developed with Cilician and local influences, while Turkey’s main investors.”4 leaders would preserve their political and eco- diffusing gradually towards the countries of the diaspora,” said Gergian. “Armenian archi- nomic independence from Turkey so they tecture is mainly founded on theological and liturgical requirements, which very quickly Therefore, if Turkey was an idealist country, wouldn’t fall in that same pitfall again. become symbols connecting the faithful with their church, as well as with their home- why did it give the opportunity for the Dutch land.” companies to invest in Turkey, while their (Garen Kodalazian is a graduate of the Bosnian brothers were being massacred at the American University of Beirut.)