the Armenian Mirrorc SPECTATor Since 1932

Volume LXXXXI, NO. 47, Issue 4689 JUNE 12, 2021 $2.00 Sununu Family Continues to Support Armenian Azerbaijan through Authorities Mining in Karabakh By Aram Arkun Accused of Mirror-Spectator Staff CONCORD, N.H. — As the Mir- Disrespecting ror-Spectator reported last November, the Anglo Asian Mining company, in which Republican politician John Henry Sununu, War Dead father of current New Hampshire gover- nor Chris Sununu, is the second largest YEREVCAN (RFE/RL) — The direc- shareholder, plans to resume mining gold tor and two other employees of a morgue in Zangelan province and possibly two were fired on Wednesday as the Armenian other areas that were previously under Ar- authorities faced accusations of showing menian control. disrespect to the bodies of Armenian sol- John Sununu, a former governor of New diers killed during last year’s war in Na- Hampshire and former chief of staff to gorno-Karabakh. President George H. W. Bush, owns a 9.38 At least 3,800 of them died during six percent stake in the company. After the weeks of heavy fighting with Azerbaija- end of the 2020 Artsakh War, the Sununu ni forces stopped by a Russian-brokered family increased its direct involvement in ceasefire in November. Hundreds of others A family receiving their hives and bee colonies, flanked by Anahit Kosakyan the company, when in December of last remain unaccounted for. (in red at left) and Gayané Muratyan, TCA representative in Armenia at right year, Anglo Asian Mining welcomed Mi- Their relatives have regularly staged protests in recent months to demand that the Armenian government do more to re- cover the bodies of their loved ones or Sustainable Assistance shed more light on their whereabouts. Many of them distrust official data on still Tekeyan Cultural Association Helps Berdzor unidentified bodies of dead soldiers kept at Armenian morgues. Refugees Earn Incomes and Live in Armenia On Monday, some angry relatives forced their way into the mortuaries to count the WATERTOWN — The Tekeyan Cul- Around it assembled an active commu- number of corpses and body parts stored tural Association of the USA and Can- nity of new settlers. The renovations in- there. They took pictures inside a morgue ada (TCA) supported the development cluded 17 classrooms, the reception hall, in Abovian, a town 15 kilometers north of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev of the strategic Kashatagh (Lachin) cor- the roof, drinking water connection, and, Yerevan. with former Governor John H. Sununu ridor and made significant investments most recently, new bathrooms on each of The photographs circulated on social pictured at a meeting in Washington, in the region. The TCA supported the the four floors. The Tekeyan school be- media showed plastic bags filled with hu- DC in March 2016 (Photo: trend.az) Berdzor Tekeyan school in the principal came the talk of the town and its enroll- man remains lying on the ground in its town of the corridor and during the past ment grew to be over 220 students. basement, which was not refrigerated to chael Sununu to its board as a non-execu- six years undertook the responsibility of The 44-day Artsakh war arrived at the prevent their decomposition. They caused tive director. Michael is the son of former considerable renovations, while the TCA end of last year. The unforeseen scenario uproar in the country, with many accusing governor John Sununu and is a founder Sponsor a Teacher program supported its of vacating the school became a reality. the authorities of dishonoring the Arme- and manager of Sununu Enterprises and teachers and staff financially. The town of Berdzor and its neighbor- nian soldiers killed in action. Sununu Holdings. Classroom after classroom, the ing regions (Kashatagh) fell into enemy The Armenian Ministry of Health ini- Anglo Asian Mining’s predecessor school’s dilapidated facilities were reno- hands. All of a sudden, its residents, tially denied that their remains are kept in company, controlled by the same CEO, vated and the school of 20 students grew students and teachers were forced to degrading conditions. But Health Minister see SUNUNU, page 7 to became the attraction of the region. see ASSISTANCE, page 10 see ACCUSATIONS, page 3

(Source: MOD) CSTO Announces War Games in Armenia as Border Standoff Continues By Raffi Elliott fourth week after several hundred Azerbaijani sol- Special to the Mirror-Spectator diers illegally entered Armenian territory on foot on May 12. YEREVAN — The Collective Security Treaty Armenia officially triggered Article 2 of the Organization, (CSTO), a post-Soviet defensive CSTO’s mutual security treaty just under two alliance of six member-states including Armenia, days after the incursion was recorded. However, has confirmed that it will hold large-scale military aside from statements of concern, the organiza- drills in Armenia this year. The war games, dubbed tion has until now refrained from openly back- “Thunder 2021,” were announced as a tense stand- ing its South Caucasian ally in the matter. In the off on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border enters its see STANDOFF, page 3 Armenian and CSTO soldiers drilling during War Games

LATVIA GLENDALE NEW YORK Armenia Is an 45-Year-Old Massis Orbelian Named Inexhaustible Storehouse Kabob Outgrows Mall Music Director of New of Beauty and Wisdom Food Court York City Opera

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ARMENIA news from armenia Consumer Spending, Financial Literacy Facing Lebanese-Armenian POW Put on Trial in Baku Stress in Post-Covid, Post-War Armenia BAKU (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The preliminary court hearing By Cristopher Patvakanian However, despite the emphasis on reducing waived from late fees and penalties from in the case of Viken Euljekjian, Special to the Mirror-Spectator traffic towards in person banking services, the bank, while having their fines or credit a Lebanese citizen of Armenian there was still a 7.5% growth in the ac- classifications being considered on an indi- descent captured by the Azerbai- YEREVAN – The financial system and counts created in 2020, compared to 5.6% vidual basis. For those families in Artsakh, jani military after the end of the spending patterns of many Armenians were account growth in 2019. a policy was proposed by the Artsakh Re- war in Nagorno-Karabakh in fall not isolated from the shocks to Armenian public in February to allow individuals and 2020, is being held on June 8. He society following the pandemic and 2020 Impact of 2020 War legal entities that have mortgage, business, was charged with “mercenary ac- war. Quantifying the impact of war on finan- consumer loans and loans received before tivity, “terrorism, “illegal crossing Financial literacy – knowledge of one’s cial literacy and behavior is challenging, as September 27, 2020 to use state support of the state border,” Sputnik Azer- earnings, spending, savings, and financial many key statistics, indicators, and survey in the near future. Similarly, from October baijan reports. Euljekjian is now planning capacity, plays an important role results have not yet been released. Howev- 2020 to March 31, 2021, individual bor- under custody in Azerbaijan, in in consumer spending behavior. By some er, during periods of crisis and uncertainty, rowers were provided with a grace period gross violation of the international metrics, Armenia’s level of such knowl- if there is low trust in the government and for principal amounts of up to 30 million humanitarian law. He was earlier edge is among the lowest in the region. financial system, there are several measur- drams or equivalent foreign currency loan transferred to a hospital reportedly According to the S&P’s Global Financial able changes that can be observed, such as liabilities (except for mortgage and gold after suffering back pains. Literacy Survey, per its 2014 survey, only 18% of adults were overall financially lit- UN General Assembly erate in the country, compared to 36% in Azerbaijan and 30% in Georgia. That sur- Elects Margaryan vey asked 4 basic questions on numeracy, As Budgetary and interest compounding, inflation, and risk Administrative diversification, and the result showed only Committee Chair 18% of Armenians were able to answer at least 3 of those questions correctly. In NEW YORK (Panorama.am) — times of crisis, it is more important than During the Plenary of the United ever to have a good understanding of the Nations General Assembly on June financial system and a society with high fi- 7, the Permanent Representative nancial literacy. of Armenia to the United Nations Incidentally, the situation is not much Mher Margaryan was unanimously better in the United States, as only around elected as a Chair of the Adminis- 30% of Americans would be considered fi- trative and Budgetary Committee, nancially “literate” based on a similar sur- one of the six main committees vey. of the UN General Assembly, for A recent study on Armenia is the Finan- the 76th session of the UNGA, cial Capability Barometer, conducted by the Permanent Mission of Arme- the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) from nia to the UN reported. In his re- 2014-2019. The Barometer looked at more marks Margaryan expressed his thematic groups and categories beyond gratitude to the representatives of simple questions of financial knowledge, the UN member states for the ex- capturing also the skills, attitude, behavior A shopping mall in Armenia pression of confidence. He stressed metrics of financial literacy of Armenians his commitment to lead the works across the country. The study found that of the Committee in an objective the overall “behavior” of individuals – the dollarization and levels of savings kept in loans), and the loan repayment period was and inclusive manner aimed at the number of people taking concrete actions the bank. extended accordingly. enhancing the efficiency of the ad- in their financial best interest – for most Looking specifically at dollarization, or Many commercial banks were consider- ministration of the United Nations- all measures in the survey experienced an the conversion of local currency to dollars ing fully or partially forgiving credit liabil- The UNGA Fifth Committee is overall increase from 2014 to 2019. This out of fear of a devaluation, one can see ities of customers who died, went missing responsible for administrative and progress, though very promising, still this happening to an extent in Armenia af- or became disabled as a result of hostilities, budgetary matters and adopts the leaves areas for improvement in Armenian ter the war. According to the Central Bank but at the discretion of the bank and each UN regular and peacekeeping bud- society, namely in long-term planning and of Armenia, households and businesses customer’s unique situation. However, on gets. The Committee’s activities saving behaviors. lost an estimated 5-7 billion AMD or 9.5 May 18, it was announced by CBA Chair- also include the questions related - 13.4 million dollars (per the current ex- man Galystyan in a National Assembly of human resources and manage- Impact of Covid-19 change rate) thanks to unearned interest. meeting that banks and credit organizations ment of the organization. Looking at the effect of the pandemic on On the tremendous loss in savings due to had forgiven 2.5 billion AMD in loans to financial spending patterns, there are sev- irresponsible savings and dollarization, the victims, relatives of the missing or Gallup: Pashinyan Tops eral metrics which provide insights into the CBA Chairman Martin Galsytan stated, “I missing soldiers, all without any govern- Kocharyan By 1.8 percent behavior of Armenians. The first obvious do not know how many crises we have to ment assistance. In New Survey impact of COVID-19 was the reduction in go through to understand that such things In terms of financial spending post-war, cash transactions, most likely due to fears should not be done.” a major concern in consumer spending YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. of contracting the disease from fiat mon- One change we did not see were masses could be a rise in prices, namely for bread Net) — The approval rating of Ar- ey. For the first time in Armenian history, of people taking out their deposits out of the and grain products. Former Minister of Ag- menia’s Civil Contract party, led by the percent of card transactions surpassed bank, also known as a “bank run.” Though riculture, Arthur Khachatryan, estimated Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pash- those of cash ones, with only 43% of trans- historically they do not primarily occur in November of 2020 that in the future Ar- inyan, leads the Hayastan (Arme- actions being conducted with cash vs. 57% during periods of war, many bank runs do menia would need to import 20-25% more nia) bloc headed by ex-President with cards in the first quarter of 2020. Ar- happen when the general public feels saf- grain from other countries after losing that Robert Kocharyan by 1.8 percent, menia saw a change not only in the volume er to hold their currency in cash and loses land during the war. Similarly, the Chair- a fresh survey conducted by Gallup but also in the number of transactions. confidence in the bank’s ability to protect man of the Board of Banks of Armenia, Ar- International reveals. In late May, Compared to 2019, the overall number their money during periods of catastrophes. tak Ananyan, believes that the majority of 22.4 percent of respondents said– of credit card transactions in Armenia ex- One important reason likely behind this is the financial effects of Armenia’s crises are down from 27.2 percent a month perienced a 39% increase in the 2020 fi- the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Armenia to be felt and seen in 2021, per his March earlier – that they would vote for nancial period, a notable difference again (DGFA). Similar to the American FDIC interview earlier this year. In his words, Pashinyan’s party if elections were due to the impact of Covid on Armenians’ guarantee of one’s savings in the US, the “Much [of the impact on the banking sys- held next Sunday, Gallup said. financial spending. The increase in card DGFA protects the savings of up to 16 mil- tem] will depend on the development of the Support for Kocharyan and his transactions resulted in the need for better lion AMD and up to 7 million AMD worth epidemic situation, the actions of the au- bloc, meanwhile, grew over the financial literacy. As a result,banks and in- of foreign deposits per person. The deposit thorities, the general domestic and foreign one-month period from 8.1 to 20.6 stitutions began implementing campaigns guarantee was increased after the war from policy situation of the country.” percent. All the other relatively and on card best practices and protection the initial 10 million for AMD and 5 million As Armenians anticipate elections this major political forces gained a lit- from scams. AMD worth of foreign currency. summer, periods of crisis are bound to test tle ground, according to the survey. Similarly, many bank transactions which Two concerns many Armenians had were the financial system again, and consumer Prosperous Armenia’s rating grew previously were primarily conducted in regarding what would be the fate of the fi- behavior will respond accordingly. Many from 3.7 percent to 4.2 percent, as person became available through online nancial commitments of those who were bankers and institutions are hoping con- did those of Bright Armenia (from websites and mobile applications. In fact, living in Artsakh and of soldiers participat- sumers will make decisions in their best 1.8 percent to 2.9 percent). “I Have in June of 2020, the Central Bank itself pro- ing in the war. Initially, those who could interest, decisions which ultimately stem the Honor” bloc was supported by moted the use of online services for trans- provide documentation that they were from, among many factors, one’s level of 3.9 percent of respondents. actions to reduce the spread of COVID19. in fact conscripted or volunteered were financial literacy. Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 3 ARMENIA CSTO Announces War Games in Armenia as Border Standoff Continues STANDOFF, from page 1 More vocal support for Armenia’s posi- called for Azerbaijan to find a peaceful res- the month of May, as voters remain anxious ensuing weeks, Azerbaijani forces fired on tion did come from the West, however. As olution to the crisis. over border security though he remains in Armenian positions, killing one service- part of a two-day visit to the French capital The United States too commended Ar- the lead. These concerns have been ampli- member and later abducted six military en- Pashinyan was warmly received by French menia for seeking a diplomatic solution. In fied by leaked documents from exiled me- gineers from Armenian territory in the mid- President Emmanuel Macron, French Sen- an unusually strong statement, the US State dia tycoon Mikael Minasyan that Pashinyan dle of the night. Most recently, a shootout ate President Gérard Larcherm, and Paris Department specifically called on Azerbai- intended to cede parts of Tavush province ensued when Armenian forces prevented Mayor Anne Hidalgo on June 1. Macron jan to retreat to its May 11 positions and to to Azerbaijan –– a rumor which has been Azerbaijani soldiers from stealing a shep- repeated earlier calls on Azerbaijan to im- release all prisoners. A similar memo was repeatedly denied. His challenger, former herd’s flock near Gegharkunik’s Kut vil- mediately retreat from Armenian sovereign also shared to the Permanent Council in Vi- President Robert Kocharyan, has put de- lage. territory and formally accepted Pashinyan’s enna, the US Chargé d’Affaires Courtney fense and security matters at the top of his CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valery earlier offer that France join an internation- Austrian pledged US support for a resolu- campaign, with slogans reading “Towards a Semerikov insisted last week that urgent al mediation effort to resolve the border de- tion to both the Karabakh conflict and the Stronger Armenia.” He has criticized both measures, “primarily of a political and dip- marcation issue. The French President even border demarcation issue through the Or- Pashinyan’s leadership during last fall’s 44- lomatic nature” were necessary to address called his Azerbaijani counterpart with that ganization for Security and Cooperation in day war, and the ongoing border crisis. the crisis. This position seemingly aligns same message. “We stand in solidarity with Europe (OSCE). However critics accuse the one-time with the Russian Federations, which has Armenia and we will continue to do so,” Pashinyan had publicly asked the OSCE president of having failed to secure a dig- also repeatedly offered to act as a mediator Macron said during the meeting between to take an active role in the demarcation nified peace and resolution to the Karabakh to resolve the border demarcation dispute, the two heads of state. issue, including the possible deployment conflict during his decade-long tenure in without explicitly calling out Azerbaijan Echoing the French president, Senate of peacekeepers, during a security council office at a time when Armenia was still for breaching Armenian sovereignty. leader Gérard Larcher also called on Azer- meeting on May 27, attended by represen- fresh off its victory in the previous war, Armenian Acting Prime Minister Nikol baijani troops to withdraw and release all tatives of parliamentary opposition parties. and before Azerbaijan’s Baku-Tbilisi-Cey- Pashinyan previously criticized the alli- Armenian POWs, including those most Acting Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan han pipeline became operational, revenue ance’s reluctance to intervene or even ex- recently abducted. “We raised the issue of caused some controversy when resigning from which would fund Azerbaijan’s de- plicitly formulate its stance on the issue. He Armenian prisoners of war with the Presi- his post hours after the announcement, cade-long weapons buildup which Armenia did reveal that CSTO leaders had privately dent of the European Parliament, which re- followed by one of his deputy ministers could not match. Kocharyan, and his hand- pledged to support Armenia, but have yet sulted in the European Parliament passing a as well as the Foreign Ministry’s spokes- picked successor, Serzh Sargsyan were also to do so publicly. “We want clarity on this resolution that we assess as quite a positive woman Anna Naghdalyan who had held the known to have presided over decades of issue,” Pashinyan insisted during a parlia- step. We are not satisfied with this, our ef- post since 2018. The prime minister’s Press entrenched corruption and nepotism in the mentary question period last month. forts will be continued,” Larcher said. Secretary Mane Gevorgyan called on Ayva- Armenian military. Armenian Acting Minister of Defense Pashinyan also met with European Coun- zyan to clarify a later comment that Foreign Pashinyan hit back at Kocharyan’s criti- Vagharshak Harutiunyan said after a vis- cil President Charles Michel in Brussels the Ministry would “never allow policies that cisms as well, saying that three years were it with his Russian counterpart, Sergey following day. Michel welcomed the pace would hurt Armenia”. The OSCE Minsk not enough to reverse three decades of stag- Shoigu, in Moscow last week “our partners of Armenia’s reforms since the 2018 revo- group responded to Armenia’s request the nation in the military. His earlier claim that looked into possible ways of resolving the lution as well as the ongoing implementa- next day calling on all sides to resume he had made the biggest arms purchases situation and reached agreement on neces- tion of the Comprehensive and Enhanced peaceful negotiations under its auspices. in Armenian history has been seemingly sary steps.” However the Russian Ministry Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Michel The border crisis, which was apparently backed up by figures recently released by of Defense’s statement did not elaborate on praised Armenia’s restrained stance re- timed to coincide with the official launch the SIPRI database. any agreed solution. garding the Azerbaijani encroachment and of election season in Armenia –– with the With parliamentary elections scheduled first Azerbaijanis crossing the border with- for June 20, the campaign season has of- in 36 hours of parliament dissolving itself ficially kicked off on Monday June 7. 28 –– has already affected the election cam- parties and alliances have been registered paign. The prime minister’s Civil Contract to take part in the vote. Armenian Foreign Ministry party has seen a steady drop in support over Confirms More Resignations YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — All four dep- Anna Naghdalyan had announced her in- uty foreign ministers of Armenia tendered tention to resign shortly after the foreign Armenian Authorities Accused their resignations after Foreign Minister Ara minister’s decision to quit. Ayvazyan stepped down on May 27, it was Speaking at the May 27 meeting of the officially confirmed on Monday, June 7. Security Council, Pashinyan called for Of Disrespecting War Dead Ayvazyan announced his decision hours the deployment of international observers ACCUSATIONS, from page 1 after an emergency session of the Arme- along contested portions of the frontier Anahit Avanesyan publicly apologized to soldiers’ families on Tuesday, saying nian government’s Security Council which where Armenian and Azerbaijani troops that she was wrong not to have personally inspected the Abovian morgue. discussed mounting The scandal continued unabated, however. One of the relatives publicized on tensions on the Arme- Tuesday night a short video of the morgue basement. nian-Azerbaijani bor- Avanesyan formally reprimanded Mher Bisharyan, the head of a state center of der. forensic medicine overseeing the Armenian mortuaries, the following morning. Speaking at a May Bisharyan in turned sacked the director and two other workers of the Abovian 31 farewell meeting morgue. with the Foreign Min- “We fired them because they didn’t perform their duties properly,” Bisharyan istry staff, Ayvazyan said. He said they should have placed the remains on stretchers and stored them in hinted that he is quit- a more orderly way. ting because of dis- Bisharyan said that the remains were taken to the Abovian facility because a agreeing with govern- refrigerated morgue truck where they were kept until May 28 broke down. He ment decisions which said they were “temporarily” stored in the basement due to a lack of space in the he believes could put morgue’s refrigerated rooms. the country’s sover- The official added that the remains were transported on Tuesday to a refrigerated eignty and national From left, Deputy FM Gagik Ghalachyan, Foreign Minister facility in Martuni, a town 130 kilometers north of Yerevan. security at risk. He did Sofia Hovsepyan, an independent member of Armenia’s outgoing parliament not go into details. Ara Ayvazyan and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan critical of the government, dismissed the authorities’ response to the scandal which It emerged after- she said highlights their “impunity” and lack of empathy for the families of the wards that one of war dead. Ayvazyan’s deputies, Gagik Ghalachyan, have been facing off against each other for “Instead of firing the three individuals they should have sacked and prosecuted also handed in his resignation on May 27. the last four weeks. the health minister and the former health minister [Arsen Torosyan, the current Some Armenian media outlets reported last Some opposition figures and other crit- chief of the Armenian government’s staff,]” she told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. week that the three other deputy ministers ics of Pashinyan denounced the proposal, Hovsepian claimed that many bodies of the deceased soldiers were for months — Artak Apitonyan, Avet Adonts and Ar- accusing him of failing to defend Armenia kept at another morgue not equipped with refrigerators and that the authorities men Ghevondyan — followed suit. against foreign aggression and plotting transported them to more suitable facilities only after her persistent complaints. The Armenian Foreign Ministry con- to cede Armenian territory to Baku. The According to the authorities, 200 corpses and 400 body parts of dead soldiers firmed those reports on Monday, adding prime minister and his allies deny that. are currently kept there. Officials say that DNA samples taken from them match that the resignations of Apitonyan, Adonts Ayvazyan’s remarks gave Pashinyan’s those of nearly 100 families of the missing soldiers. They say those families refuse and Ghevondian were submitted to Prime detractors more ammunition. An Armenian to take and bury the corresponding remains because they do not trust the results of Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office for ap- government spokeswoman challenged the the forensic tests. proval last week. outgoing minister to publicly clarify “who, About 70 other families are said to have refused to give their DNA samples to None of the vice-ministers has been for- where and how was going to take some the authorities for the same reason. mally relieved of his duties so far. steps or to make decisions contradicting The Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson our country’s national and state interests.” 4 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

INTERNATIONAL International News

EU Calls on Armenia, Armed Low-Cost Drones, Made by Turkey, Azerbaijan to Solve Humanitarian Issues Reshape Battlefields and Geopolitics YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The By James Marson and Brett Forrest tries shunned by the US, the Trump admin- Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to lead spokesperson for the exter- ISTANBUL (Wall Street Journal) — A istration last July relaxed its export policy expand his regional influence. nal affairs of the EU Peter Stano soldier idles by a Russian-made T-72 tank. somewhat, potentially boosting sales of While Turkey’s enhanced capabilities called on Armenia and Azerbaijan A moment later, a missile fired from a drone more capable models than previously al- may benefit NATO, fellow members worry to resolve the humanitarian issues, slams into the vehicle, exploding in an or- lowed. The United Arab Emirates said in that the ability of Mr. Erdogan to deploy including the release of captives. ange flash, blowing the man off his feet January it had agreed to buy 18 US-made and sell drones could embolden his asser- Commenting on the June 4 land- and leaving the tank a smoldering wreck. MQ-9 drones for nearly $3 billion. tive pursuit of a more independent foreign mine explosion in Karvachar as The scene is one of dozens of aerial videos Technological advances and global and security policy. a result of which Azerbaijani re- that were posted online in Azerbaijan last competitors have produced inexpensive “The US, like a lot of European part- porters were killed, Stano tweeted: year showing off a new weapon. Over six alternatives. The standard-bearer of the ners, is leery of Turkey’s drone exports and “Civilian casualties of landmines weeks, it helped the nation regain territory latest armed-drone revolution emerged last the aggressive way Turkey has been using must be prevented. All information in the Nagorno-Karabakh region that had year on the battlefields around Turkey, the drones in these conflicts,” said Dan Get- necessary for demining must be ex- been held by Armenian forces for more Bayraktar TB2. tinger, a researcher at the Mitchell Institute changed. The EU supports ban on than two decades. The videos show attacks Compared with the American MQ-9, the for Aerospace Studies, a nonpartisan policy land mines and urges Armenia and on tanks, trucks, command posts, mortar TB2 is lightly armed, with four laser-guid- research group in Arlington, Va. Azerbaijan to resolve pending hu- positions and radar installations. ed missiles. Its radio-controlled apparatus Ukraine signed a deal in January 2019 to manitarian issues, including release Smaller militaries around the world are limits its basic range to around 200 miles, buy TB2 drones from Turkey, receiving at of detainees.” deploying inexpensive missile-equipped roughly a fifth of the ground the MQ-9 can least six so far, and Kyiv is in talks for joint

drones against armored enemies, a new cover. production. Baku Blocks Football battlefield tactic that proved successful last Yet it is utilitarian, and reliable. The Turkish officials say they aren’t seeking Commentator’s year in regional conflicts, shifting the stra- drone’s Turkish producer, Baykar, which conflict with Russia by taking on its allies. Accreditation for Euro 2020 tegic balance around Turkey and Russia. started in 1984 making auto parts, boasts of Turkey has close energy ties with Mos- Drones built in Turkey with affordable dig- more bang for the buck. Qatar and Ukraine cow, and it purchased an advanced Russian MOSCOW (Public Radio of Ar- ital technology wrecked tanks and other ar- are customers. Poland, a North Atlantic air-defense system, leading to sanctions menia) — Nobel Arustamyan, a mored vehicles, as well as air-defense sys- Treaty Organization member, said last from the US football commentator for the Rus- tems, of Russian protégés in battles waged month it would buy 24 TB2 drones. Sever- The TB2 was born of Turkey’s dissatis- sian Match TV channel, has been in Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. al other NATO allies are interested, as well faction with available models from the US denied accreditation for Euro 2020, “The implications are game changing,” as countries in Africa and Asia, Turkish and Israel, and the country’s desire for sys- his colleague Vasily Utkin informs. UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said government and company officials said. tems under its control to fight the PKK, a “If there is injustice in the world, in a speech last year, citing Syria’s heavy The TB2 drone gained international no- Kurdish militant group. then here it is. Nobel Arustamyan losses to Turkish drones. tice in the skies over Syria in early 2020. Baykar emerged as a leader among sev- actually does not work for the Euro. Flying alone or in a group, these drones Toward the end of February, the Syrian eral Turkish drone producers after spot- He is not accredited. Nobel is NOT can surprise troops and disable poorly con- regime, backed by Russia, was advancing ting a niche in the early 2000s, said Mr. ACCREDITED!!!” Utkin said in a cealed or lightly defended armored vehi- on Idlib, which was held by rebels support- Bayraktar, the company’s chief executive. Telegram post. The accreditation cles, a job often assigned to expensive war- ed by Turkey. After an air raid killed more His brother Selcuk Bayraktar, who took must be approved by the organiz- planes. The drones can stay quietly aloft than 30 Turkish soldiers, Turkey embarked advanced studies at the Massachusetts ing committees in all countries. “It for 24 hours, finding gaps in air-defense on Spring Shield, an operation that integrat- Institute of Technology, came up with is clear that Nobel would not have systems and helping target strikes by war- ed drones with electronic warfare systems, flight-control software and guidance sys- gone to work in Azerbaijan. Now planes and artillery, as well as firing their ground troops, artillery and warplanes. tems while using off-the-shelf components. he will not go to London or Am- own missiles. The drones, quiet and hard to spot on ra- The TB2s, as well as Israeli-made sterdam,” Utkin said. Nobel Arusa- Militaries, including the US, are upgrad- dar, flew for hours seeking gaps in air-de- drones, helped Azerbaijan overwhelm Ar- tamyan is of Armenian descent. ing air-defense systems to catch up with fense systems, which fell “like domino menian forces. Attacks were recorded for the advances, seeking methods to eliminate tiles” once breached, said Haluk Bayraktar, videos and posted online by Azerbaijan’s Russian, French, German low-budget drones without firing missiles chief executive of Baykar. Defense Ministry. FMs Discuss Situation in that cost more than their targets. Last spring, the TB2s helped turn the Oryx, a blog that verifies destroyed Nagorno-Karabakh The US Air Force Research Laboratory tide in the Libyan civil war for the Tripo- equipment, cited the destruction by the is also developing Skyborg and Valkyrie, li-based government, which is backed by drones of 106 Armenian tanks, 146 artillery MOSCOW (Panorama.am) — lower-cost autonomous aircraft that are the United Nations. pieces, 62 multiple rocket-launch systems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei part of an innovation program. “Our adver- Turkey had sent arms in 2019 to stem 18 surface-to-air missile systems, seven ra- Lavrov on June 7 held a phone saries are already fielding technologies that an assault on the capital by militia leader dar units and 161 other vehicles. Azerbai- call with French Foreign Minister will hold our legacy platforms at risk,” an Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Russia jan had 30 tanks destroyed. Jean-Yves Le Drian and German Air Force official said in a statement. and others. In 2020, Turkey increased mili- After six weeks of fighting, the Kremlin Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. The Israel and the US have long used high- tary support. Improved drone tactics honed brokered a cease-fire in November. ministers conducted a detailed ex- end drones in counterterrorism operations in Syria provided the upper hand against At a victory parade in Baku in December, change of opinions on prospects for to target prominent enemies. But the coun- Russian-made surface-to-air missile sys- Azerbaijani leader Aliyev sat with Erdogna resolving the domestic Ukrainian tries have hesitated to sell their top models, tems known as Pantsir, handing the Trip- on a dais lined with Turkish and Azerbai- conflict in Donbass following the even to allies, for fear of proliferation. oli government aerial supremacy. By June, jani flags. Triumphal music blared. When May 26 videoconference with po- Responding to drone deals that China Mr. Haftar’s forces retreated from Tripoli. a phalanx of trucks carrying TB2 drones litical advisors of the Normandy and other producers have struck with coun- The success of the drones has helped passed, Mr. Aliyev nodded and smiled. format countries’ leaders. They noted that there was no alterna- tive to the Minsk agreements, and that all sides had to fulfil their obligations, the Russian Foreign Grey Wolves Operate in Georgia Under Guise of Ministry said in a statement. They discussed the situation on the Ar- Humanitarian Organizations – Expert menian-Azerbaijani border and in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the TBILISI (Public Radio of Armenia) — idays,” Zaalishvili told Gita Elibekyan, terrorism and is not worthy of NATO implementation of the statements Representatives of the Turkish ultrana- Public Radio’s Tbilisi correspondent. membership.” by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Ar- tionalist Grey Wolves group visit Georgia According to him, the Turkish busi- Furthermore, he says, Georgia should menia and Russia of November 9, under the guise of organizations human ness, and almost interest-free mortgages cancel the visa-free travel with Turkey 2020 and January 11, 2021. They rights and advocacy organizations, says are gradually changing Georgia. And this to keep the country away from terrorist noted the importance of unfailing- journalist and expert Iosif Zaalishvili. is a way for Pan-Turkish to expand to the activity. ly complying with the ceasefire “For example, the Turkish Humanitar- country, the expert says. Alexander Kvakhadze, an expert at regime and the need to resolve ian Relief Foundation (IHH) NGO pres- “The Grey Wolves come here as in- the Georgian Foundation for Strategic any disagreements by political and ents itself as a human rights organization, vestors, businessmen and benefactors and International Studies (GFSIS) says diplomatic means. The ministers but in reality it is a terrorist organization. and launch activity under the guise of the Grey Wolves are first of all trying to reaffirmed the role of the OSCE’s In Georgia and Azerbaijan it is engaged humanitarian organizations,” Zaalishvili expand their influence in Turkic-speak- Minsk Group during the negotiat- in recruiting Muslims with a view to list- says. ing environment, and have become es- ing process between Armenia and ing them in the ranks of the Grey Wolves He emphasizes that the Georgian au- pecially active in Azerbaijan. While Azerbaijan. Lavrov noted that any in the future. The organization operates thorities should be wary of threats com- Kvakhadze sees no Grey Wolves activity involvement of international orga- in Georgia, their webpage openly states ing from Turkey and notes that “dem- in Georgian business, he says “Turkey is nizations is only possible with the that they transport humanitarian cargo ocratic Georgia should not have such actively working on the religious compo- consent of Baku and Yerevan. to Adjarißa, Pankisi during Islamic hol- relations with a country that supports nent in Georgia.” Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 5

INTERNATIONAL Meeting with Biden Looms as Critical Test for Erdogan By Metin Gurcan not been easy” thus far, unlike his “very The leaders of Georgia, Poland and Islamists, any dialogue with Washington peaceful and easy-going” phone diploma- Ukraine — all at odds with Russia — would be futile. ISTANBUL (Al-Monitor) — Bracing cy with Trump. Referring also to the terms have visited Turkey in short succession Similar arguments have been raised by for a make-or-break meeting with his US of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, he since April. During those visits, Erdogan Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, backed counterpart Joe Biden, Turkish President said he “had never experienced such ten- pledged full support for Georgia’s bid by the Nationalist Movement Party, Erdo- Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains squeezed sion” with the White House, putting the to join NATO, sealed a drone contract gan’s de facto coalition partner. Soylu, who between an imposing need for a thaw in his blame on Biden for recognizing the Otto- with Poland and threw his weight behind insists that the United States was behind fraught ties with Washington and the task man-era killings of Armenians as genocide. Ukraine in its standoff with Russia. Also, the 2016 coup attempt, said last week that of selling it to his fold at home, where an- Nevertheless, the row over the S-400s re- Turkey took active part in NATO’s Stead- the rattling corruption allegations leveled ti-American sentiment is running high, not mains the most pressing, with Ankara still fast Defender exercises in Romania last against him by a fugitive mobster were part least because he has often fueled it himself. scrambling to find a solution that would week. of a US-led conspiracy to topple Erdogan’s (See related editorial on page 18.) satisfy Washington. It has floated sever- Turkey’s growing military ties with government. The two leaders are scheduled to meet al options, including the so-called Crete Ukraine, in particular, are increasingly Then there is a small but vocal clique of on the sidelines of the NATO summit in model – a reference to the Greek Cypriots’ irking Russia, as evidenced by Foreign secular Eurasianists, which is a diehard ad- Brussels on June 14 in what would be their controversial purchase of S-300 missiles Minister Sergey Lavrov’s latest warning to versary of the United States and claims to first face-to-face encounter since Biden from Russia in the 1990s, which ended up Ankara to “stop fueling Kyiv’s militaristic have swayed Erdogan’s foreign policies in became president, stripping Erdogan of a in storage on Greece’s island of Crete. sentiment.” Ankara has also sent signals the past several years. They, too, are irked cozy rapport with the White House under There are signs that Erdogan might pro- of possible further steps to counterbalance by Ankara’s efforts to mend fences with Donald Trump. pose a new formula to Biden — to deploy Russia in the Black Sea. Washington. Patriotic Party leader Dogu Hectic preparations are under way in the S-400s under US control at the Incirlik On the domestic front, anti-American Perincek, the foremost voice of the Eur- Ankara for the meeting, sources close to air base in southern Turkey, without any bluster has been Erdogan’s main political asianists, has recently lashed out at SETA the government say, as a slew of thorny Russian involvement in their operation fuel to rally his conservative and national- — a government-linked think-tank, from dossiers await the two NATO allies. Chief and maintenance. Foreign Minister Mevlut ist base. Yet realpolitik dictates a thaw in where many presidential aides hail — for among them is the lingering row over Tur- Cavusoglu stressed this week that Anka- bilateral ties. Along with its tougher atti- trying to “besiege Erdogan” and talk him key’s purchase of Russian S-400 air defense ra would have “100% control” over the tude on the diplomatic front, the Biden ad- into changing course toward reconciliation systems and its ensuing ouster from the systems and no Russian military experts ministration has refused to ignore Turkey’s with the United States and Israel. F-35 joint strike fighter program by Wash- would be present in Turkey. violations of democratic norms, unlike This motley crew of US adversaries is ington. Bilateral tensions have simmered Ankara’s approach to the issue continues Trump. likely to do its best to undermine Erdogan’s also over US support for Kurdish forces in to strike many as superficial. With all that All those dilemmas have led to a rift in efforts at rapprochement with Washington, Syria, the US trial of a Turkish public bank chatter on how Turkey would be the only Ankara between those who favor normal- drawing especially on the claim that Biden for helping Iran evade sanctions, Washing- one pressing the on-and-off button, Anka- ization, even if at a transactional level, and is bent on toppling Erdogan; this claim is ton’s refusal to extradite Fethullah Gulen, ra has sounded as if it is a vacuum clean- those who believe that Washington is keen an appeal to the Turkish president’s conser- the Pennsylvania-based preacher accused er at stake and not a sophisticated missile on toppling Erdogan. vative and nationalist base. of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt in system and, no wonder, failed to convince Mehmet Kocak, a columnist for the As for Biden, it would hardly come as a Turkey and Ankara’s territorial rows with Washington. pro-government Islamist daily Yeni Akit, surprise if he puts a rigid condition on Er- Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean To break the ice with Biden, the stron- for instance, argues that bilateral ties are dogan to choose his side. That would be in seas. Other issues of mutual concern in- gest card Erdogan could play is to promote doomed to deteriorate further, recalling line with NATO’s evolving vision, which clude relations with Russia and tensions in Turkey as the best regional partner in US that Biden, in an interview before his elec- is no longer limited to military partnership the Black Sea region, the future of Syria efforts to contain Russia and Iran. Though tion, advocated support for Turkey’s op- and common values, but highlights also and the situation in Iraq, particularly in the this card has somewhat weakened amid position to defeat Erdogan. Despite those greater economic cooperation along with Kurdish-run north, where the Turkish army Turkey’s diplomatic, security and econom- remarks, “President Erdogan congratulat- political cohesion. has been pursuing armed Kurdish militants ic rapprochement with Russia in the past ed Joe Biden on his election and offered Similar pressure from Russian President from Turkey taking refuge in the region. several years, Ankara has recently stepped to open a new chapter in bilateral ties, but Vladimir Putin would only deepen Erdo- In a TV interview June 1, Erdogan con- up moves to show it is not giving Moscow that, too, has remained unreciprocated,” gan’s predicaments as he becomes increas- ceded that his dialogue with Biden “has a free pass in the region. he writes. According to such isolationist ingly squeezed, both at home and abroad.

Genocide Conviction Upheld against Former Bosnian Serb Military Chief Mladic By Antohyn Deutsch and Stepahnie Van Den Berg remain in custody in The Hague while arrangements were made THE HAGUE (Reuters) — United Na- The outcome caps 25 years of trials at the for his transfer to a state where he tions war crimes judges on Tuesday, June ad hoc International Criminal Tribunal for will serve his sentence. It is not 8 upheld a genocide conviction and life the Former Yugoslavia, which convicted 90 yet known which country will sentence against former Bosnian Serb mili- people. The ICTY is one of the predeces- take him. tary commander Ratko Mladic, confirming sors of the International Criminal Court, Lawyers for Mladic had argued his central role in Europe’s worst atrocities the world’s first permanent war crimes that the former general could not since World War II. court, also seated in The Hague. be held responsible for possible Mladic, 78, led Bosnian Serb forces “I hope that with this Mladic judgment crimes committed by his subordi- during Bosnia’s 1992-95 war. He was con- children in (Bosnia’s Serb-run entity) Re- nates. They sought an acquittal or victed in 2017 on charges of genocide, publika Srpska and children in Serbia who a retrial. crimes against humanity and war crimes are living in lies will read this, “ Munira Prosecutors had asked the ap- including terrorizing the civilian popula- Subasic, whose son and husband were peals panel to uphold Mladic’s tion of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo during killed by Serb forces that overran Srebren- conviction and life sentence in a 43-month siege, and the killing of more ica, said after the ruling, highlighting Serb full. than 8,000 Muslim men and boys taken genocide denial. They also wanted him to be prisoner in the eastern town of Srebrenica Many Serbs still regard Mladic as a hero, found guilty of an additional in 1995. not a criminal. charge of genocide over a cam- “His name should be consigned to the Post-war Bosnian Serb leader Milorad paign of ethnic cleansing - a drive Ratko Mladic list of history’s most depraved and bar- Dodik, now chairing Bosnia’s tripartite to expel Bosnian Muslims, Cro- The lower ICTY court ruled Mladic was barous figures,” chief tribunal prosecutor inter-ethnic presidency, denounced the ats and other non-Serbs in order to carve part of “a criminal conspiracy” with Bos- Serge Brammertz said after the verdict. He verdict. “It’s clear to us there is an attempt out a Greater Serbia - in the early years nian Serb political leaders. It also found he urged all officials in the ethnically divided here to create a myth about genocide that of the war that included brutal detention was in “direct contact” with then-Serbian region of former Yugoslavia to condemn never occurred,” Dodik said. camps that shocked the world. President Slobodan Milosevic, who died in the ex-general. In Washington, the White House praised That prosecution appeal was also dis- 2006 shortly before the verdict in his own Mladic, who had contested both the the work of the U.N. tribunals in bringing missed. The 2017 verdict found that the ICTY trial for genocide and crimes against guilty verdict and life sentence at his trial, perpetrators of war crimes to justice. ethnic cleansing campaign amounted to humanity. wore a dress shirt and black suit and stood “This historic judgment shows that those persecution - a crime against humanity - Mladic was judged to have played a de- looking at the floor as the appeals judgment who commit horrific crimes will be held but not genocide. cisive role in some of the most gruesome was read out in court in The Hague. accountable. It also reinforces our shared United Nations human rights chief Mi- crimes committed on European soil since The appeals chamber “dismisses Mladic resolve to prevent future atrocities from chelle Bachelet said on Tuesday the final the Nazi Holocaust of World War II. appeal in its entirety..., dismisses the pros- occurring anywhere in the world,” it said Mladic ruling meant the international jus- The tribunal determined that Mladic was ecution’s appeal in its entirety..., affirms in a statement. tice system had held him to account. pivotal in the Srebrenica slaughter - which the sentence of life imprisonment imposed The appeals judges said Mladic, who “Mladic’s crimes were the abhorrent occurred in a U.N.-designated “safe area” on Mladic by the trial chamber,” presiding after his ICTY indictment was a fugitive culmination of hatred stoked for political for civilians -since he controlled both the judge Prisca Nyambe said. for 16 years until his 2011 capture, would gain,” Bachelet said in a statement. military and police units involved. 6 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator Community News Aurora Honors Diocese Announces The life of Aurora The First Postdoctoral Fellow and Director Co-Founder Of the Zohrab Center Vartan Gregorian NEW YORK — The Eastern Di- NEW YORK — On June 5, the ocese is pleased to announce that Aurora Humanitarian Initiative held scholar Jesse Arlen has been named an Aurora Dialogues Online event as the first “Postdoctoral Research titled “Vartan Gregorian. The Aurora Fellow in Armenian Christian Stud- Co-Founder,” focused on Vartan Gre- ies, and Director at the Krikor and gorian’s extraordinary life as humani- Clara Zohrab Information Center.” tarian, educator and mentor. The trib- Arlen was selected for the fellow- ute was moderated by David Ignatius, ship by a committee representing the associate editor and columnist for the Diocese and Fordham University, fol- Washington Post, with speakers in- lowing a public call for applications. cluding Aurora Co-Founders, Aurora Earlier this year, the Eastern Diocese, Prize Selection Committee members under the auspices of Diocesan Pri- and Aurora Prize Laureates. The mate Bishop Daniel, entered into an viewers also had a chance to watch agreement with Fordham University, several videos featuring Vartan Gre- which reconfigured the director’s po- gorian over the years and hear him sition of the Diocese’s Zohrab Infor- speak about the issues closest to his mation Center. heart. Under this arrangement, the Zohr- To kick-off the event, David Ig- ab Center directorship is now a ro- natius greeted all participants and tating position of two to three years’ the audience. “[We are here] to pay duration, where each successive Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian with Fr. Shnork Souin and Bishop Daniel Findikyan tribute to the late Aurora Humani- director will simultaneously hold a tarian Initiative Co-Founder and my post-doctoral research fellowship at dear friend, the incomparable Vartan Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Stud- Gregorian, who was an inspiration ies Center. to us all and a man whose intellec- Father Nigoghos Ordained “I am honored to have been select- tual and moral legacy will live on ed as the first recipient of the newly and influence generations of thinkers formulated postdoctoral position of and scholars,” said Ignatius, turning To Priesthood at St. Mark Zohrab Center director and Fordham the floor over to Aurora Co-Founder University research fellow,” said Ar- Noubar Afeyan. len. “I am grateful for those who gave Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Armenian Church me this opportunity, which will allow Humanitarian Initiative and Founder me to engage in research, teaching, and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, set By Talene Jermakian SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Over Memorial Day and programming around the areas I the tone for the tribute: “Over many weekend, St. Mark Armenian Church held the historic have pursued in my graduate studies: years that I knew Vartan, I always ordination of its pastor, Father Nigoghos Aznavourian (formerly Timothy), by the Armenian Christian culture, theology, felt he was looking over my shoulder hand of Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Bishop Daniel Findikyan. and history as well as language and and over the shoulder of all those he The ordination took place over two days — May 28 with the Service of Calling to literature.” knew. What’s even more impressive the Priesthood, and May 29 with the Ordination and Divine Liturgy. He added: “I look forward to con- though is that through his life’s work More than 130 clergy, parishioners, and family and friends of Father Nigoghos tinuing to deepen connections and Vartan also looked over the shoulders (Nicholas in English) were in attendance for Saturday’s ordination, the first to ever be work collaboratively with colleagues of many thousands, if not millions held in Springfield. This also marked the first time an American-born deacon has been at the Diocese and for future oppor- more, most of whom he didn’t know.” ordained to the priesthood by an American-born bishop. tunities at Fordham and St. Nersess.” It was hard for Lord Ara Darzi, Father Nigoghos is pastor of the Springfield parish, where he has served since Since February, Arlen has been Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection February. Father Shnork Souin, Pastor of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in serving as the Zohrab Center’s in- Committee and Director of the Insti- Providence, Rhode Island, was Father Nigoghos’ Sponsoring Priest, who has support- terim director, while he completes tute of Global Health Innovation at ed his spiritual journey to the priesthood. Father Shnork’s anniversary of his ordina- his Ph.D. at UCLA in Near Eastern Imperial College London, to remain tion happens to be May 29 — the same as Father Nigoghos’. Languages and Cultures with a focus composed and not overwhelmed with In his remarks during the banquet, Father Shnork explained how he got to know in Armenian studies. He is the author emotion as he spoke about Gregorian. [then Tim] when he was in his early twenties. [Tim] would travel by bus to lenten of numerous publications and papers, “He was authentic, he was selfless, he services from Pawtucket, where he lived at that time, and then return to work the and has been a speaker at many aca- was generous to many, including me. overnight shift at a local Stop & Shop when he would use free time to study for his demic workshops, panel discussions, He was poetic, he was a romantic, he college classes. Father Shnork expressed how impressed he was with his dedication and interviews. was a legend. Also, his wit, his infec- and supported his interest in Theology, sending him to take a class at Holy Cross Or- “Jesse is a very promising scholar tious smile and the twinkle in his eyes thodox Seminary in Brookline, Mass. in the field of Armenian theology and made him a superb member [of the Father Shnork continued, “A question was asked of me when I became ordained, early Christian studies,” said Bish- Selection Committee]. I’ve learned a ‘What is your goal in life?’ My answer was, if I could somehow impact some young op Daniel. “He brings to the Zohrab lot, watching him in action for a num- man to somehow decipher, discern and respond to a call to serve, to be able to pass a ba- Center not only strong scholarly and ber of years,” said Darzi. ton to, that would be a fulfillment of my ministry. I feel like I have achieved my goal.” teaching credentials, but also sincere One of the people who have expe- Ralph Rafaelian of Rhode Island, who has been a good friend of Father Nigoghos dedication to the Armenian Church rienced Vartan’s life-changing touch since his baptism as a young adult at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in Prov- and its vital Christian witness and was Dr. Tom Catena, Chair of the idence, served as Father Nigoghos’ ordination Godfather. ministry.” Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, 2017 Findikyan chose the name Nigoghos, which was revealed for the first time during Aurora Prize Laureate and Medical the ordination service, as is tradition. During his benediction, he explained, “St. Nich- Director of Mother of Mercy Hos- olas had the gift of godliness. He was able to grow so close to God, that he had the pital, Nuba Mountains: “He was the virtues of God himself. Goodness, humility, holiness...leaving his ego behind, throw- guy who grew up in different cultures, ing it away for the sake of offering everything he had to others. Looking out for others around people of different religions before looking out for himself. That’s where his reputation as a giver of gifts comes and different beliefs. And I think this from. That’s where his connection with Christmas comes from...today we have been really made him the man he was. He given a gift for the Church. The gift of a young deacon, now a young priest.” was a guy who could really get along Later in the day, Bishop Findikyan remarked, “This is the best part of being Pri- with anybody and I think everybody mate. The greatest gift is that I get to be a small part of the promotion of a wonderful felt that he was their friend.” young man to become a priest, a servant, a shepherd of our church, and of one of our This sentiment was echoed by Mar- precious parishes.” Jesse Arlen has been named as guerite Barankitse, 2016 Aurora Prize Aznavourian was born in Boston to David and Patricia Aznavourian, and grew up the first Postdoctoral Research Laureate and Founder of Maison Sha- in Malden, later moving to Rhode Island as a young adult. He is a 2020 graduate of Fellow in Armenian Christian lom, who said: “He was a symbol of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary. Studies, and Director at the Krikor hope, a symbol of love, of humility, of He also received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Rhode Island College. and Clara Zohrab Information see TRIBUTE, page 9 see ORDINATION, page 7 Center. Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Sununu Family Supports Azerbaijan through Mining in Karabakh SUNUNU, from page 1 copper in northern Martakert (Kyzlbulag), with its PSA [Production Sharing Agree- among the region’s most stable countries.” Reza Vaziri, signed an agreement with the part of the territory of the Artsakh Repub- ment] that the Organization on Security The Azerbaijani connection with the Azerbaijani government for rights in 1997 lic, which at present is under the control and Cooperation in Europe (‘OSCE’) (or Sununu’s is apparently not one way. BGR to six mines, including three which were of Russian peacekeepers. As the company comparable international organization) has Government Affairs, which lobbied for the then under Armenian control. As a result of website states, “our access to Kyzlbulag acknowledged a liberation of the previous- Republic of Azerbaijan, donated $1000 to the recent Artsakh war, two of these areas will depend on the final resolution of the ly occupied territories and the Company is Chris Sununu’s campaign for governor in are under full Azerbaijani control. A third status of Nagorno Karabakh.” satisfied the districts are secure.” area, Sotk/Soyudlu, is on the border be- Non-executive chairman Khosrov Significantly, the government of Azer- tween Armenia and Azerbaijani controlled Zamani in the May 20 report concludes, baijan takes a hefty cut of Anglo Asian Kelbajar. “The restoration of the three contract ar- Mining’s profits due to the existing PSA, In the company’s quarterly report of eas in the formerly occupied territories and while the economic ties of the Sununu April 13, 2021, CEO Vaziri states: “A re- Karabakh opens up further opportunities family with Azerbaijan naturally lead cent visit to the Vejnaly [Kovsakan] con- for the Company. The contract areas cover to political consequences. John Sununu tract area in Zangilan has identified some a total of 900 square kilometers and con- serves as a member of the Honorary Coun- high grade ore stockpiles and the feasibil- tain existing mines and have exceptional cil of Advisors of the United States-Azer- ity of transporting this ore to Gedabek for exploration potential. Our production shar- baijan Chamber of Commerce and in 2017 processing is being evaluated.” A May 20, ing agreement is in good standing and will received an award of appreciation from 2021 Anglo Asian Mining report further be reset to ‘year zero’ for each of these con- this organization for his “contribution to elaborates: “However, due to safety and tract areas once access has been granted. US-Azerbaijani diplomatic relations.” security concerns, access to Vejnaly and The political situation is still developing Anglo-Asian’s own website attempts to the other restored areas by company per- and the Company is closely monitoring present Azerbaijan in a good light. For ex- sonnel remains somewhat restricted. The events. The Government of Azerbaijan ample, it glosses over the many problems determination of their final status contin- has also commenced building infrastruc- of Azerbaijan’s undemocratic and author- ues to be reviewed by the government of ture in the areas such as roads, railways itarian government with statements like Azerbaijan.” and airports.” The same report also notes, “Azerbaijan is a multiparty democracy and Anglo Asian Mining also has an eye on “Development will commence when the presidential republic with a separation of the Kashen deposit with molybdenum and Company receives notice in accordance the executive and legislative bodies. It is

Governor Chris Sununu, 2017 (US Department of Agriculture photo by Lance Cheung)

2017 and hosted a fundraising reception. A campaign by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) calling on Governor Chris Sununu to divest his family’s shares in this company, calling this investment “blood money,” has not received any response so far, according to the ANCA’s Washington D.C. office. At- tempts this May by the Mirror-Spectator to contact Michael and Chris Sununu also received no response and it does not appear that in general Governor Sununu has made any public comments on the Artsakh war.

Father Nigoghos Ordained To Priesthood at St. Mark Armenian Church ORDINATION, from page 6 He met his wife Julianne (née Tavitian) of Haverhill, Mass., on an annual Dioce- san Youth Pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2015. The couple also spent 10 months studying at Gevorkian Theological Seminary in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin in Arme- nia. During the banquet, Yeretzgin Juli- anne showed a video, a surprise for Father Nigoghos, showing their journey and many life events leading up to the ordination. Armen Asik, Jr., a talented musician and parishioner of St. Mark, performed a beau- tiful piece on classical guitar during the banquet, a skill and passion he shares with Father Nigoghos, who studied classical guitar in college. Addressing guests for the first time as a priest, Aznavourian reflected on his new- ly given name. “The importance of Saint Nicholas, he had an emphasis on visita- tion...visitation to the poor, to the odar, to the stranger among our midst. To the peo- ple who are “down and out.” He had not only the intellectual faith of the holy coun- cil of Nicea, but he had the works that went along with that. And my prayer is that we together will be able to emphasize that in our ministry as well.” Aznavourian is now in 40 days of seclu- sion and prayer at St. Nersess Seminary, and after completing he will be returning to St. Mark to serve as the parish’s full-time pastor. 8 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

COMMUNITY NEWS / OBITUARY

Iris Arousiag Papazian Activist, Daughter of Genocide Survivors George N. Moorachian Korean War Veteran RIDGEFIELD, N.J. — Iris Arousiag Pa- though she had by then become officially pazian died on May 29, 2021. “semi-retired.” PROVIDENCE, R.I. — George N. Moorachian of North Providence, RI, passed Born on July 4, 1936, in New York City Even in her weakened condition after away peacefully on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born in Provi- to Krikor and Veronica (Sahagian) Pilbo- she became ill in 2019, she contributed dence, RI to Armenian Genocide survivors, Nishan and Zartar (Derderian) Moor- sian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide as much as she could to various projects. achian. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Sarah Moroukian of Latham, from Malatya in Western Armenia, Iris was Her contributions to the Church and Arme- NY. the second of three daughters. In 1945 the nian people were recognized by Catholicos He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Topalian), son, George Moora- family moved to Philadelphia, where she Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia, who chian and his wife Rose of Natick, MA, daughter, Nancy Moorachian and her hus- attended Temple University and earned a bestowed the Mesrob Mashdots medal and band, Seth Brown of Springfield, VA, and grandchildren, Luke, Faye and Avedis. bachelor’s degree in journalism and com- the Knight of Cilicia award upon her, and His grandchildren brought light to his eyes especially when they were all together. munications. She was a dedicated member the Eastern Prelacy, which presented the He was a loving uncle to his niece and nephews. of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Queen Zabel award to her. George was a graduate of Central High School in Providence. He served honor- where she taught Sunday school for many She started a successful business first in ably on the USS Tringa in the United years. After graduating, she moved to New the basement of the house and later as the States Navy during the Korean War. York to continue her studies at Colum- business expanded to an office building. After his service he attended Bry- bia University and met Pierre Papazian. The business, H. Prim, Co., provided ser- ant College. George began his ca- Their marriage in 1959 was the first one vices in typesetting and graphic design. It reer with the Federal Department of to be celebrated in the new Sts. Vartanantz was so successful that she was joined later Housing and Development and cre- Church in Ridgefield. They settled in sub- by her husband, who worked with her for ated an Administrative Accounting urban New Jersey, and in 1965 they had a many years until his passing in 1995, and it System that was selected for use by son, Michael. also employed other family members and various agencies. Later, he furthered Iris Papazian’s life was marked by a friends. his career as Assistant Budget Offi- profound love of service and devotion She was a member of the Executive cer with Boston Redevelopment Au- to the Armenian nation and Church. She Board of the Hovnanian School and its thority. He spent the majority of his Educational Committee for many years career with the Providence School and was the administrator of the school for system first as Budget Officer devel- some time. She was also a long-time mem- oping a new budget system and re- ber of the editorial board of the AGBU tiring in 1992 as Business Manager. Ararat Quarterly, and in the 1970s she and George was a dedicated member her husband Pierre published The Literary of the Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Ar- Tabloid. Later, she supported her husband menian Apostolic Church. He was in the publication of the periodical Phoe- elected to the church Parish Council nix. serving for many years and chairing numerous committees. He was honored with But her career was only one facet of her the award of Parishioner of the Year in 2016. George was also a member of the life: she was devoted to all of her family Knights of Vartan where he held executive positions and was honored as Knight of and her friends. Iris adored all of her family the Year. He was a Mason for over fifty years. and they in turn were very closely devot- George was an avid gardener, jazz enthusiast and loyal Yankees fan. ed and attached to her. She is survived by The funeral service was held at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church. A private burial her son, Prof. Michael B. Papazian and her with military honors followed at North Burial Ground. daughter-in-law Andrea, her sister-in-law Arrangements were made by the Nardolillo Funeral Home. Margaret Papazian, her nieces Alexis and Sara Kazarian, her older sister Elizabeth Pilbosian and her younger sister Rosely Nevart Stronski and husband Wally Stron- The Tekeyan Cultural Association of ski. the United States and Canada would A gifted cook, she loved to prepare food and entertained all her loved ones even like to thank the following individuals while working outside the home full time. for their donations to its Sponsor a An avid and prolific reader of poetry, Teacher Program in memory of Nora was associated with the Prelacy of the fiction, and virtually every topic, Papazian Azadian, along with the individuals Armenian Church in New York from its appreciated and understood the power of mentioned in the prior three weeks’ very inception in the late 1950s, working the written word, of which she was a mas- issues of the Mirror-Spectator. with all of the prelates who have served terful practitioner. Even as she succumbed the Prelacy beginning with Archbishop to illness, she kept her mind fully active Sami and Annie Totah Family Foundation, Potomac, MD, $500 Hrant Khatchadourian and continuing and engaged. Her hope was that she would with Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian (later complete a history of the Prelacy, for she James and Yevgenya Derian, Oxford, MI, $100 Catholicos Karekin II of the Great House was the Prelacy’s memory. Harry and Patricia Kezelian, Bloomfield Hills, MI, $50 of Cilicia and Catholicos Karekin I of all The viewing and funeral took place at Janice Torosian, Brighton, MI, $50 Armenians), Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and Arch- (Ridgefield, New Jersey), on Wednesday, bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. June 2, followed by interment at George Her multiple talents as a writer and jour- Washington Memorial Park in Paramus nalist turned her into the writing and ed- (New Jersey), presided by the Prelate, iting force, both seen and unseen, behind with the participation of Very Rev. Fr. Sa- so many public relations and publishing hag Yemishian, Vicar and Pastor of Sts. efforts. Her devotion to the Church and Vartanantz Church; Archpriest Fr. Nerses the Prelacy culminated in her working full- Manoogian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Il- time as director of communications and luminator Church (Philadelphia); Rev. Fr. publications, editing the periodical Out- Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illumi- reach and producing the weekly e-news- nator’s Cathedral (New York City); Rev. letter, Crossroads. Her commitment ex- Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis tended so far that she continued to work Church (Douglaston, New York); and Rev. long hours at the Prelacy into her 80s even Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, Outreach Pastor. Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 9

COMMUNITY NEWS / OBITUARY Aurora Honors the life of Vartan Gregorian

TRIBUTE, from page 6 “The loss is immeasurable, but the fact that Center for the Study of Globalization and deed, remaining indifferent to the suffering compassion. He was a holy man. He’s a he had Aurora and the energy that it gave former President of Mexico: “When I tried of others was not something that he did. He saint. He has achieved what is written in him was incredible. <...> His own courage, to distinguish one element of Vartan’s inter- treated you like you mattered. He treated the Holy Bible. He changed the world into his own fortitude, his own resilience are action with the world, with humanity, with everyone like they mattered.” a paradise.” so self-evident. He is the embodiment of a the people he had contact with throughout There was a certain light in Vartan that Other speakers were also eager to list self-made American man, but for any of us his life, the common element was gener- shone not only though his words, but Vartan Gregorian’s achievements while si- who’ve had the privilege of Vartan telling osity. And I think it multaneously highlighting his unwavering his own story, you would think that he had was that generosity modesty. Samantha Power, USAID Ad- almost nothing to do with it,” said Power. that led him to such ministrator, former US Ambassador to the Vartan Gregorian truly lived by the prin- incredible achieve- United Nations and former Aurora Prize ciples he was striving to instill in others, ments. And generosity Selection Committee member, referred noted Ernesto Zedillo, Aurora Prize Selec- means love, love with to Vartan Gregorian as her “hero friend.” tion Committee Member, Director at Yale which he did every- thing, and I think that is what made it possi- ble.” Obituary It was his unique personality that had Mary Robinson, Au- rora Prize Selection Mitchell Merzoian Committee Member, WWII Veteran, Family Man chair of the Elders, former President of FRESNO — Mitch Merzoian was born vice, Mitch worked for Rosenberg Broth- Ireland and former to Dickran and Helen Merzoian on July 30, ers and eventually, the Bonner Packing UN High Commis- 1920. He was their only son, the sixth of Company. sioner for Human seven children. He married Eleanor Torosian on June 4, Rights captivated the He grew up in Fresno and graduated 1949 and they had two children, Rick and moment she met Var- from Roosevelt High School in 1938. Carol. tan Gregorian when When World War II broke out, he en- He and Eleanor were active golfers and he was still President listed in the Army and served in the Ad- enjoyed many fun golf trips together, in- of the Brown Univer- cluding three trips to Scotland with friends. sity – and not only They also enjoyed their friendships at the captivated her, but Fort Washington Golf and Country Club. also her husband, as Most of all, Mitch enjoyed his family, as she warmly remem- he was a loving and devoted husband, fa- bered. “From the ther and grandfather. beginning, we were Mitch is survived by his wife Eleanor, absolutely enchanted son and daughter in law Rick and Rita with this incredible Merzoian, his daughter Carol Giovacchini, President of the University – his humor, most importantly, his actions, added John his grandchildren Andrea and Billy Ramos, his knowledge. When I worked from New Prendergast, Aurora Prize Selection Com- Anthony Giovacchini, and Leslie and Art York for 8 years, we had a lot of long dis- mittee Member, human rights activist and Cervantes, his two great-grandsons, Mack cussions about human rights and other is- Co-Founder of The Sentry: “He believed in and Brady Cervantes, his sister Margaret sues,” she reminisced. the things most of us could not yet see and Thatcher and many nieces and nephews. Shirin Ebadi, Aurora Prize Selection he worked to make them happen. The con- He was preceded in death by his sisters Committee Member, Nobel Laureate, Ira- cept of “bari luys,” good light, was very Gladys Whittaker, Grace Durham, Sandra nian lawyer and a human rights activist and important to him. He saw it as hope for a Merzoian, Vi Rustigan and Nell Hagopian, Founder of Defenders of Human Rights better future. <…> He was transcendent in Eleanor’s brother Al Torosian, and his son- Center in Iran, talked about Vartan’s unre- his ability to live in hope for a better fu- in-law Jim Giovacchini. lenting quest for tolerance, understanding ture and in working to see that better future A memorial service will be held on and peaceful coexistence, quoting an an- come to pass.” miralties, New Guinea and the Philippines. Wednesday, June 16 at 11 a.m. in the Ste- cient Persian tale about the common source As Vice President of International Pro- Mitch enjoyed his service, the people he phens and Bean Funeral Chapel. Follow- of all religions – humanity. “If a group gram and Program Director for Russia and met, and the opportunity to serve his coun- ing services, a luncheon will be held at the spreads hatred in the name of religion or Eurasia at Carnegie Corporation of New try. Fort Washington Golf and Country Club. ideology and considers violence permissi- York and Aurora Creative Council Mem- As he put it, “I never regretted a minute In lieu of flowers, the family requests that ble, be certain that they have made a mis- ber, Deana Arsenian has probably spent of it.” donations be made to the donor’s favorite take and have gone astray. <…> I would more time at Vartan’s side than, perhaps, Following his discharge from the ser- charity. like to pay tribute to Vartan Gregorian, all of the other speakers combined. She my mentor, and to remember his efforts expressed her gratitude for the event and a to spread knowledge, thanks to which he little sadness due to the inability to “com- paved the way for peaceful coexistence,” press my 30-year relationship with a per- Toros Toranian said Shirin Ebadi. son who can only be described as a force This was a cause the next speaker, Mirza of nature into one moment,” so she could Aintab-Born Writer, Doctor Dinnayi, 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate and share it with others. She did try, however, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Writer, Co-Founder and Director of Luftbrücke telling the audience a touching story of publicist, public figure and doctor Toros Irak (Air Bridge Iraq), could certainly Vartan finding time in his busy schedule to Toranian died at the age of 93 on June 3. get behind as someone who has seen his talk to two 5-year-olds he met on the street Eduard Militonian, president of the Union people persecuted for years and continues during his trip to Yerevan in 2016, adding of Writers of Armenia, told Armenpress, to fight for their lives today: “When I re- that it showed his “warm and fuzzy inner recalling that Torenian was a member of member Vartan, I see an Armenian single personality.” the union and was living in Armenia. mother who brought this great man and In conclusion of the event, Ruben Var- Toranian was born in Aleppo in 1928. hero to the world, as a gift to the human- danyan, co-founder of the Aurora Human- His parents, Khachar and Varduhi, were itarian family of the world. So we should itarian Initiative as well as co-founder of born in the village of Zipin in Aintab. also spread this ideology of humanism, of Noôdome, thanked everyone and revealed Toranian’s father studied for six years at peace, of coexistence.” his certainty that the cause that was so cru- the Cilician school in his hometown and Vartan’s high spirits were a guiding light cial for Vartan Gregorian will still go on, had command of the Armenian language, for many, as were his compassion and com- honoring his legacy. “Vartan had an im- while his mother grew up in a Kurdish fam- mitment, noted Nobel Laureate Leymah portant role in doing many projects in his ily and did not know Armenian. Gbowee, Aurora Prize Selection Commit- life, but this was a unique project for him His father died when Toranian was 2 tee Member and Founder and President because he was one of the co-founders of years old, and that is why the family’s of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa: “An Aurora, together with us. For him, it was home language was Turkish. eternal optimist, I never ever think that critical that we continue, because Aurora Toranian spoke Turkish only until the age there’s no hope in the world I live in, be- for him was important not only as a human- of 5, and learned Armenian in kindergarten. education. He wrote in many genres and is cause not having hope is not having life. itarian issue. He liked that we found a way He attended the Gulbenkian Armenian known for his works The Road to the Stars <…> Vartan was someone who showed to keep this global agenda connected to the School in Aleppo and received a medical and Green Letters. me, in those very short six years, that in- Armenian world,” said Vardanyan. 10 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

COMMUNITY NEWS Tekeyan Cultural Association Helps Berdzor Refugees Earn Incomes and Live in Armenia ASSISTANCE, from page 1 become refugees scattered all around Art- sakh and Armenia. They lost everything and their living conditions became less than desirable. The Tekeyan Berdzor school itself was turned into barracks for Armenian soldiers during the war, and afterwards it had to be evacuated. Not only have its alumni and staff been turned forcibly into refugees, but of those alumni who served as soldiers, five were killed and five became disabled, three of whom are seriously handicapped. A Way to Help The good news is that once more Tekeyan is engaged in making their lives better, so that the Berdzor refugees remain in Arme- nia and become part of the nation-building process. This time, help will be provided through investments and not through dona- tions. The creation of a sustainable econo- my is the aim of this TCA undertaking. Through small contributions / mass fund- ing we started by creating income-generat- ing opportunities for the displaced families. Tekeyan of Armenia in association with a local reputable Syunik NGO will make in- During a training session vestments in agriculture or beekeeping to create income or comforts for their benefi- have started receiving funds to be allocated schools or other needy institutions. Armenian, Tony Halepli of Montreal. ciaries. The recipients get assistance on the to the designated investment scheme. As The project was coordinated and imple- As the Syunik NGO is based in Vayots condition that, after a waiting period of two noted, these funds will serve the following mented by Arto Manoukian of Montreal, Dzor province, TCA decided to begin its years, they pay back on an annual basis the objectives: 1) To alleviate the hardship of a TCA board member, monitored by the project in that same province and benefit equivalent in produced goods of 10% of the these forcefully displaced families and give TCA’s Armenia representative, Gayané from the proven experience of this NGO. amount of assistance they have received. them the opportunity to earn a living; 2) In Muratyan, with the assistance of Anahit Honey production was the first form of as- After some seed money from the TCA two years, to receive a 10-percent annual Kosakyan, the last principal of the Berdzor sistance. was provided, a fundraising drive was return from the beneficiaries in the form of Tekeyan school. This group was introduced While donations were coming, we did initiated. The response is positive and we goods which in turn will be redirected to to the Syunik NGO by another dedicated not sit idle. We have recruited multi-chil-

Moving a beehive Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 11

COMMUNITY NEWS dren refugee families from Berdzor (Art- sakh) who were installed in Vayots Dzor. Another initial requirement from these families were their experience in beekeep- ing. We have found twelve such families. Syunik NGO interviewed each one of them to see if they qualify. That evaluation pro- cess was important, because of the fact that without experience the bees die and our assistance becomes wasted. Syunik NGO qualified eight out of the available twelve families. We then signed a contractual agree- ment between Tekeyan and Syunik, a bank transfer was concluded, and the initial eight families received five new hives and five bee colonies each. With the portable wooden hives come services offered by Syunik for them to succeed. These include tools, training, monitoring, follow-ups, ex- traction equipment, and even marketing the honey. This follow-up is for the long run, to make these families economically sustain- able. Once proven successful, they will get The beehives more hives, until till they fly on their own. As these families are obliged to give us program was the choice of beneficiaries. ficiaries of the program. He was wounded hood again in Malishka village. back 10% of their production, this will al- One of the most important preconditions is in Mekhakavan (Jabrayil) during the 2020 The other initial beneficiaries include low us to help new families, multiplying the that the beneficiary will not emigrate from Artsakh war, and now is handicapped. In Narek Aleksanyan in Bardzruni village, effect of the largess of our initial donors. Armenia, but will adopt beekeeping as his his family which was in economically dis- Tatevik Hovhannisyan in Herher village, The First Beneficiaries business. tress, there were children, but the Tekeyan Hayk Ghambaryan in Yeghegnadzor city, One of the most difficult tasks of the Vahe Sayadyan is one of the first bene- program gave him a way to earn his liveli- Garik Aloyan in Vayk city, Anush Kochary- an in Malishka village, Levon Karapetyan in Taratumb village, and Murad Palanjyan in Malishka village.

The Next Steps We have more funds available, but we are going one step at a time. We simply do not have the luxury to waste money. We will try to make the most out of what our donors give. The bee season has ended, so our next assistance will go through other

Anahit Kosakyan (in red at left), Vahé Sayatyan, a handicapped refugee veteran, and Gayané Muratyan, TCA representative in Armenia

such initiatives, alleviating the livelihood of the Berdzor refugees. TCA is once more extending a helping hand one family at a time. We thank all participants and encourage others to open their hearts and make tax-de- ductible donations. Any amount serves the purpose. Extend your helping hand to these multi-children war-torn families. In the United States, please send your checks made out to the Tekeyan Cultural Associ- ation with the memo “Berdzor Project” to 755 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, or use our online link https://give- butter.com/NLWnPU. For more information, contact Arto Ma- noukian at [email protected] and tel. (514) 824-5300, or the North American Tekeyan headquarters via tcadirector@aol. com or (617) 924-4455. 12 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator Arts & Culture Constantine Orbelian LA’s 45-Year-Old Named Music Director, Principal Conductor of Massis Kabob New York City Opera Outgrows Mall NEW YORK — New York City Food Court Opera (Michael Capasso, General Director) has announced the appoint- By Farley Elliott ment of internationally acclaimed conductor and pianist Constantine LOS ANGELES (LA Eater) — Orbelian as the company’s music There was a window of time last year, director and principal conductor. Or- as Los Angeles County faced anoth- belian will conduct his first NYCO er round of lockdowns during what production this summer when the would become the region’s deadly company performs a newly created winter coronavirus surge, when the version of Rigoletto on Sunday, Au- massive, three-story Glendale Gal- gust 29 at the Phoenicia Internation- leria stood Echo Canyon empty. The al Festival of the Voice in Kingston, 45-year-old mall, home to more than New York, followed by an encore 250 storefronts, was a retail behe- performance of the Verdi favorite on moth in search of a customer base Friday, September 3 as part of Bry- that, because of stay-at-home orders, ant Park’s annual Picnic Performance legally couldn’t exist. series. Across the entire 1.6-million- “We are indeed very fortunate to square-foot property, which encom- welcome the world-renowned mae- passes multiple buildings, only three stro, Constantine Orbelian to the businesses were open to customers. Inguna Kurcens with her Latvian students (Aluksne, 2009). New York City Opera Family,” com- There was Target at the southern end, mented Capasso. “Maestro Orbelian with its own entrance, and Dick’s brings decades of international ex- Sporting Goods in an adjacent build- perience conducting opera’s great- ing a full city block to the northeast. est stars both in performance and on Inguna Kurcens And then there was Massis Kabob. award-winning recordings and will “We had runners,” says Gevik offer the company and its audiences ‘Armenia Is an Inexhaustible Storehouse of Baghdassarian, whose family has many world-class performances in operated Massis Kabob inside the the future. I have no doubt his skill Beauty and Wisdom’ Glendale Galleria since 1976. “Peo- ple weren’t allowed to come inside and experience will be central to re- B y A r t s v i B a k h c h i n y a n YEREVAN / ALUKSNE, Latvia — Art critic In- storing City Opera to its place in the the mall, so my son and a couple of Special to the Mirror-Spectator guna Kurcens was born in 1951 in Riga. Her entire my nephews would take orders out- American and international Opera family was oppressed during the time of Stalin. scenes.” side to the curb.” As managers turned Inguna graduated from the Music College in Abakan (Khakassia, Krasnoyarsk Krai), kebab skewers and filled takeout “I am thrilled to accept the posi- then the Academy of Arts (1975-1981) in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). She grad- tion of music director and principal uated from her postgraduate studies at the Moscow Research Institute of Art History, conductor of the venerable New York where in 1993 she defended her PhD thesis on the work of Minas Avetisyan. City Opera,” said Orbelian. “It is a From 1981 to 2000 Inguna lived in Yerevan, worked at the National Art Gallery and great opportunity to help bring this Yervand Kochar Museum, taught art history at the Yerevan Art Institute and at the art historic, culturally significant mu- history faculty of Yerevan State University. Her articles on the Armenian fine arts of the sical institution back to life after a 20th century were published in the Russian and Armenian press of Yerevan, as well as in challenging time of Covid closures. the Haigazian Armenological Review of Beirut. Inguna Kurcens represented Armenia We will give opera lovers the thrill at international conferences in St. Petersburg and Warsaw. She is the author of the cat- of hearing extraordinary singers from alogue of artist Eduard Isabekyan’s Moscow exhibition (Moscow, 1988) and a booklet across America and beyond. Staying on Minas Avetisyan (Yerevan, 1989, both in Russian). true to the NYCO tradition, we will Since 2000 Inguna has been living in the city of Aluksne (Latvia), where she teaches provide contemporary composers a at the School of Arts and the School of Music. great platform in which to premiere In 2014, the monograph by Inguna Kurtsens “Minas Avetisyan. Painting and Draw- their works. We look forward to wel- containers with hummus and shirazi ing. (On the Question of the Forms of Associative and Symbolic Imagery in Armenian salad, the kids thanked drivers for coming you, our opera-loving public, Painting of the 1960s - 1970s)” was published in Yerevan (in Russian). to our performances at Bryant Park supporting where they could. Other- and the Phoenicia International Fes- wise, Massis was alone in the world, Inguna, is it true that your love of Minas Avetisyan’s art brought you to Arme- floating inside an empty food court. tival of the Voice this summer and to nia? How did it come about? announcing our next season of events Eventually, well-intentioned mall It was my love for an Armenian brought me to Armenia! And the love for Minas’s art management put out some dining and performances.” arose already in Armenia after getting acquainted with the artist’s works at the Museum New York City Opera will return to tables in the shade of the parking ga- of Contemporary Art. I was struck by the suggestive power of his pictorial language, rage, but the cordoned-off placement the Bryant Park Picnic Performance existential fundamentality with the ascetic simplicity of plots. The task of creating an series this summer with four concerts mostly just drew funny looks and in- analytical toolkit for obtaining and reading the content of Minas’s works fascinated ternet hot takes about the dystopian beginning this month on Friday, June me, especially since even from the first year of the Academy of Arts an art critic was 18 with its annual “Pride in the Park” setup. obliged to distinguish verbal essays based on a picture from a professional analysis of “We had to look ourselves in the concert and culminating on Friday, the form of a work. September 3 with a fully staged, cos- eye and say, ‘Are we going to make it?’” says Baghdassarian. “Every- tumed and Orbelian-conducted pro- It is known that at that time the indirect monopoly on the study and populariza- duction of Rigoletto, a newly creat- thing my dad did for 45 years, are we tion of Minas’s work belonged to late art critic Henrik Igityan. Was it easy for you going to lose it all in six months?” ed 90-minute version with narration as an art critic to find a place in the Armenian professional environment? written and performed by actor and Gevik’s father, Hacop Baghdassar- I did not have any problem in finding a place in a professional environment only ian, wasn’t like other businessmen. playwright Bill Van Horn. because I had been washing windows full time for 11 years at the Zvartnots airport and This winter, New York City Op- The Armenian family man had run simply did not “shine” among my colleagues. Therefore, by the way, I never mastered a paint supply company in Iran but era will produce, with National Yid- the Armenian language, although it is dear to me. dish Theatre Folksbiene, the world fled to the United States at the outset I have great respect to Henrik Igityan, for the very fact that he opened the Yerevan of the country’s long and brutal revo- premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Museum of Contemporary Art. Popularization of the works of Armenian artists was Michael Korie’s “The Garden of the lution. The Baghdassarians landed in necessary, and in this Henrik Igityan excelled. But at the same time, there remained Glendale, home today to the largest Finzi-Continis,” opening in January th a wide field for art criticism analysis of specific works of art of the 20 century, the concentration of Armenians outside at the Edward J. Safra Hall at the Mu- period of interest to me of the 1960s-1970s. I settled on this field and no one bothered seum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Armenia itself, just in time to catch me — on the contrary, there was the joy of communicating with colleagues like Ellen wind of the emergence of the me- Memorial to the Holocaust in down- Gayfedzhyan, Martin Mikaelyan, Poghos Haytayan — everyone could learn some- town Manhattan, guest-conducted ga-mall Galleria development. With thing from them which was a valuable experience. But the most valuable thing was no restaurant experience, Hacop by James Lowe. Other upcoming live communication with the artists themselves - God, how grateful I am to all of them 2022 productions include the New Baghdassarian found a way in on the and how I love them all! ground floor: a small Armenian food York premiere of Anthony Davis and continued on next page see ORBELIAN, page 17 see KABOB, page 15 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 13

ARTS & CULTURE Inguna Kurcens Armenia Is an Inexhaustible Storehouse of Beauty and Wisdom’ from previous page according to Vrubel, brings a special pleasure to a person, Yes, I do not forget your words when you returned I have repeatedly heard the opinion that the great- is what attracts me to Armenian painting, which gener- from a trip from Poland: “Here I am again in my na- ness of Avetisyan is somewhat exaggerated by his con- ously endows any sophisticated viewer. tive land.” temporaries. Do you agree? Armenia has truly become dear to you, Armenia shel- Here it would be good to know who is speaking, then Your student, art critic Lilit Sargsyan, asked me to tered me, I am still a citizen of Armenia. Armenia gave much will disappear as meaningless. The dogs bark, but share the following: “You are remembered in Arme- me the opportunity to get acquainted personally with one the caravan goes on. And then, at what time such an opin- nia and your services are highly appreciated not only of the world’s most ancient cultures, to really broaden my ion was expressed about the exaggeration of greatness — in the artistic environment, in the museums where horizons and fully realize the modest scale of my own during his life, in subsequent decades, or today? you worked, but also in the university environment; knowledge. I think that if we were talking about exaggerating the you were a favorite lecturer of many young art critics. greatness of Minas’s work, I would not be talking about What did your teaching work give you, what do you Some great Armenian artists live in Riga. Living in greatness (these are all games of vanity), but about the think about the Armenian art school?” Latvia, do you keep in touch with local Armenians? significance of his art, which is difficult to exaggerate due First, I bow deeply and thank all my students for those The answer is no, and here’s why. Arriving in Latvia in to its deep meditative content. hours and days spent together in the art world. As for the 2000 at the request of my mother, all the years until her I would not use the word “great” in relation to Minas. Armenian art school, it is bright, original, immensely in- death in 2018, I helped her was with her. This was my He was neither a tribune nor an orator, he does not ad- teresting, and it is not lost in the history of world fine art mission. I am infinitely sorry for my mom. I was born dress large masses of people, he conducts a quiet one-on- as a kind of forgotten island. in Riga Central Prison. Then my mother was sent with one conversation with the audience. In the way of picto- It was important for me to develop the taste of younger me to the Mordovian camp, where two years later it was rial expression, Minas is rather a chamber artist, unlike, colleagues for high art. It was no coincidence that I intro- supposed to take me away from her and send me to an say, Michelangelo. duced them to the masterpieces of the world of fine art in orphanage. Then my grandmother, who was in exile in I told the students that if you so thoughtlessly distribute the epithets “genius,” “great,” then what should we call Homer, Aeschylus, Grigor Narekatsi, Shakespeare, Mi- chelangelo, Goya, Bruegel, Durer, Picasso? Minas Avetisyan was an outstanding Armenian artist, original and inimitable. Some of his portraits are compa- rable to those of Rembrandt in their realistic penetration into the image. Another thing is that in interpersonal communication we sometimes say to each other: “Well, you’re a genius.” However, in the face of history, there is still a gradation of such epithets.

Many people say that during the Soviet years Ar- menia was quite liberal, and that modern art, which you studied, flourished here. What is your personal experience in this regard? If you stayed in Russia, would you have the same opportunity to study the art of modernism? I will not use the concept of modernism in our conver- sation at all. The term “modernism” was coined by the Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario in 1890 to contrast national modernism with the European Hispanic tradition. In our Academy, even when we analyzed the work of Salvador Dali, this term was not used. Another matter is “underground;” we had access to it by visiting “apartment” exhibitions. In Yerevan, the “un- derground” was well represented at the Museum of Con- temporary Art, which, undoubtedly, facilitated access to it, and the officials from art did not bother you. My love for Soviet art of the 1960s-70s originated in Leningrad, and Minas fully fit into this period, which I presented in Inguna Kurcens with her Armenian students (Yerevan, 1999). my book, for the publication of which I thank you, Artsvi jan, in my prayers. the hope that they themselves would build a scale of val- the city of Chernogorsk (Khakassia), took me to her. I I am more impressed by the altruistic origins of shap- ues between significant phenomena and those phenomena called her mom until I was seven. It was my grandmother ing in art. Therefore, in relation to the work of Minas, that are not art, but are imposed on society with the help who introduced me to the world of music (she was a stu- I can repeat after Van Gogh “What can be more artistic of PR. I absolutely agree with Vazgen Bazhbeuk-Melik- dent of Rimsky-Korsakov, but did not graduate from the than loving a person!” For me, this is a motto for all time. yan’s idea that you need art like a crust of bread – in that St. Petersburg Conservatory). But I am not talking about case it is something real! that now. I will tell you about one episode in my mother’s You have studied intensely and took a fresh look at The artist is not “crucified on an easel.” An easel is a life, when after the Mordovian camp she was redirect- the works of not only Minas Avetisyan, but also such tool of labor, maybe even a creator’s refuge. But here’s the ed to Siberia. During logging work, her leg was injured famous Armenian artists as Yervand Kochar, Vruyr self-portrait “Crucifixion” by Minas — a painting where and showed signs of gangrene. The doctor told us about Galstyan, Hovhannes Ter-Tatevosyan and others. the artist is really crucified, here it contains a human and the need to amputate the leg. And then my mother said How would you rank the works of Armenian artists creative concept of life — this completely sweeps away how a dog began to come to her every day, licking her living and working in Soviet Armenia, in a visible the spectacular phrase “Crucified on an Easel.” I wanted wound, and she did this until the need for amputation dis- world context? students not to be afraid to sacrifice an effective word in appeared. I cried bitterly for this. But I also cried when, This raises the question of the criteria and the objects of the name of meaning and to be able to defend their point getting acquainted with the work of Vostanik Adoyan (Ar- comparison. I think it is unproductive to compare paint- of view, to justify it. Here I ask you to convey my respect shile Gorky), I learned that his mother had died of hunger ing with other types of visual and often non-visual activi- to Lilit Sargsyan and Knarik Vardanyan. in Yerevan in 1919. ty. For example, Moscow conceptualists are beginning to In Aluksne, I still teach piano at the Children’s Music write texts, and what has to do with fine art? It is better to And what did Armenia give you in general? School. But, I repeat, a lively contact with artists remained read Viktor Pelevin. Or these installations, well, so boring The best years of my life, both creative and personal, in Armenia, not in Latvia. You know, I still cannot even or performances - theater students make them much bet- have passed in Armenia. In Latvia, for 20 years now, I visit the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illumina- ter and more interesting. have not had the opportunity to communicate not only tor in Riga, although there are only 203 kilometers from For example, in Armenia there were no conditions for with Armenian, but also with Latvian artists. It is a fact. I Aluksne to Riga. I live in the provincial Latvian town of the emergence of pop art, it was imported, which means don’t regret it, because love is sacrificial. Aluksne, notable, however, for the fact that it was from it is very imitative, so judge and decide for yourself — to And then, such phrases as Great Latvia or Great Po- here that Peter the Great took Marta Skavronskaya, the import or not to import. And so with other phenomena land are perceived (by me in any case) as absurdity, while future Empress Catherine the First, as his wife. Of course, such as the corpse of a shark in formaldehyde by Damian Great Armenia is still Great for me today. As an art crit- while teaching at the School of Arts, I got acquainted with Hirst. But it was sold for $ 12 million! The price of a ic, let me remind you that achievements in science tend the history of Latvian art, including contemporary art, but work, according to the author, is one of its meanings, but to become obsolete, while in art nothing becomes obso- not through personal communication, as in Armenia. the Apostle Paul warned that the love of money is the root lete and is always open to aesthetic pleasure and modern of all evil. interpretation. Armenia in this sense is an inexhaustible You follow the events in Armenia. Now the country I understand, young people need to hang out and try storehouse of beauty and wisdom. is again in crisis. The words and wishes of such a con- something. But in any kind of fine art, and indeed any art, In Armenia, I learned the joy of lively communication noisseur and Friend of our country as you sound like a I do not remove the criterion of giftedness, talent and the with young people, my students with their inquisitive balm for our hearts. criterion of mastery. mind and thirst for knowledge of the world of art. Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh, historically belongs to There are many epigones of any of the trends in the Armenia is my second homeland. Armenia. I am with you, brothers Armenians! I am a cit- world of art all over the planet, but such painting, which, izen of Armenia! 14 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

ARTS & CULTURE

Ton rire une délivrance a poor old soccer ball gets kicked by some idiot in one Et tes silences le manteau immaculé des choses direction or another? J’ouvre tes cuisses comme un livre du cantique 59 – Il n’y a pas plus con qu’un con heureux. Books Où vit sous son Buisson ardent Nothing is more idiotic than a happy idiot. L’eau qui a soif d’être bue 65 – Quand un con rentre à l’hôpital, il n’en sort pas Ma langue y quête guéri. Le suc qui doit ressusciter When a jerk goes to the hospital, he still comes out a L’homme en son agonie jerk. A Sexy, Fun, 81 – Ma grande peur: aller au paradis avec les cons. Your breasts are grapes within my palms My biggest fear in life: to go to heaven and find it pop- Your skin velvet vibrating with confusion ulated with more jerks. Your forehead a graceful tabernacle 90 – Le con sait tout sauf qu’il ne sait rien. Beautiful Your laughter a deliverance The idiot knows everything except the fact that he actu- And your silences the immaculate coat of all things ally knows nothing. I part your legs like a canticle 148 – Un peuple monoethnique est forcément fertile en Where beneath its burning bush lies conneries tellement les cons cherchent à se ressembler en Trio of Books The water that thirsts to be quaffed se rassemblant. My tongue searches out Any monoethnic nation is obviously rife with stupidity, The sap that will resuscitate given how much idiots all try to look and act the same by Man in his agony sticking together. From Denis (English translation, Christopher Atamian) Paradjanov Horses, Horses of Fire Aphorisms to Deconstructs Stupidity: Written over forty years ago in 1979, Paradjanov’s Donikian’s Idiots and Idiocy Horses — a title that plays with Soviet Armenian Sergei Donikian (n.b.: Originally derived from the French word for the Paradjanov’s film title “Horses of Fire” - has just received female reproductive organ, the words “con” and “con- a masterful translation into Eastern Armenian by Lilit Translated by Christopher Atamian nerie” have long since entered mainstream gallic vocab- Mnatsakanian. Some background. From 1975 to 1977 Special to the Mirror-Spectator ulary as mild insults—the equivalent of both “jerk” or Paradjanov was jailed by the Soviets for being homosex- “p---k” in English, depending on the exact context. As in: ual. His real crime? Being a poet, a free spirit, someone For close to 50 years, Denis Donikian has been a voice “He is such a p---,” and “Her boss often does and says who refused to bow down to authorities, who was so re- for the voiceless, a great littérateur and artist, an outspo- jerky things. A class bully, for example, or a politician markably creative that his wholly original interpretations ken critic of corruption and dictatorship wherever he has who turns his back on his campaign promise are a “con” found them—briefly said, a rare voice among Armenian and “Quelqu’un qui fait des conneries.” writers. Born outside of Paris in the city of Vienne to par- Pretty much anyone who takes pleasure in annoying or ents who were both survivors of the Genocide, Donikian belittling others simply for the sake of it can be termed a is the author of more than 40 volumes of poetry, non-fic- “con” without fear.) tion and prose. He most recently published La Petite En- Donikian has always been a lover of aphorisms — along cyclopédie du Genocide Arménien, a four hundred page with Ara Baliozian he is one of two important contempo- book which breaks down the Aghet by topic and theme. rary diasporan writers to have published entire books of The author writes mainly in French and sometimes in them. Many are justifiably self-critical towards Armenian Armenian, having attended the Collège de Sèvres as a culture and politics, as well as human society as a whole. child and later at Yerevan State University. He studied in The two hundred and one mostly clever, sometimes iron- Armenia then travelled to and fro, between Armenia, the ic, and at others Ukraine, and Georgia where he met luminaries such as truly critical aph-

--- Chez nous le moins con de tous, c’est encore notre chat. filmmaker Sergei Paradjanov. EverywhereD’ailleurs je n’arrive pas à trouverhe quelquehas connerie gone que ce he orisms presented and stylistics went against meaningless communist dik- soit chez un animal, qu’il soit domestique ou sauvage. has written, taught, created, shared--- Faire generously de la politique, c’est prendre lesof autres himself. pour des cons here should bring tats such as “socialist in content, nationalist in form.” In en faisant passer ses conneries pour des planches de salut. a more than a few what became known as “L’Affaire Paradjanov” thanks to In typically profuse fashion, --- UnDonikian con profond peut cacher deshas conneries released sous le masque d’un discours brillant. smiles to readers’ a series of articles and pressure brought about by both three more books this year, beginning--- Le con sait tout withsauf qu’il ne saitthe rien. bilingual դընի դոնիկյան դընի դոնիկյան դընի դոնիկյան | L’Esprit du Corps Féminin”/”The--- Le conSpirit est intrinsèquement of misogyne.the Feminine faces. Some of famous and mainstream writers — among them Doniki- A N --- Un con qui regarde sa propre connerie n’est déjà plus un con. I K Body, followed by his book of aphorisms Idiots and Idi- I Donikian’s main an, but especially people like Louis Aragon, Fellini and --- Si tous les cons venaient à disparaître, je ne pourrais plus N écrire mes conneries. O D themes include Goddard — Paradjanov was finally released from Sibe- ocy and finally the Eastern Armenian bilingual edition of S I

--- մեր տանը ամենաթեթև ապուշը դեռևս մեր կատուն է։ ի N միջի այլոց, ինձ չի հաջողվում հայտնաբերել որևէ ապու - E his stunning poem “Paradjanov’s Horses.” D Armenian history rian labor camp. But authorities continued to track him denis donikian | շություն ինչ-որ կենդանու մոտ, լինի ընտանի, թե վայրի։ denis donikian |

--- Քաղաքականություն վարել նշանակում է մյուսներին and culture in gen- for the rest of his life, until his death in 1990 at 66 years ապուշի տեղ դնել, անցկացնելով իր ապուշությունները Donikian, Lover ofորպես Women: փրկության խարիսխներ։ eral; the lack of old. Donikian, in typical fashion,visited Paradjanov in his --- Խորացած ապուշը կարող է ապուշություններ թաքցնել Celebrating the Femaleփայլուն ելույթի Erotic դիմակի տակ։ foresight or hon- native Tbilisi where he shot some footage of the director, --- ապուշն ամեն ինչ գիտի, բացի նրանից, որ ինքը ոչինչ Donikian--the poet and the man--hasչգիտի։ always been an esty of some gov- ambled down the roads of that fabled city and eventual- --- ապուշը ի բնե կնատյաց է։ unabashed lover of all things feminine.--- այն ապուշը, որ տեսնում In է սեփական a ապուշությունը,way արthat դեն ernmental institu- ly wrote the searing and indescribable book of poetry ամենևին ապուշ չէ։ comes off as perhaps typically French--- եթե բոլոր ապուշներն to some, անհետանային, he ես այլևս simply չէի կա րող tions and leaders in question. Donikian claims to have been influenced by գրել իմ ապուշությունները։ des cons et loves women: their charm, their wit, their style and per- de la connerie and, sigh, the con- Saint-John Perse and Solzhenitsyn, but some remarkable ապուշների եվ tinuing rule of idi- creative fury must also have been at work when he com- haps especially their bodies. His current ode to all things ապուշության ²Îîàô²È ²ðìºêî feminine L’Esprit du Corps Féminin/The Spirit of the Fe- մասին ots and idiocy, far posed it. It may seem odd to begin with a conclusion but male Body continues in this unique, inimitable vein. In APHORISMES and wide. A few of Donikian’s powerful love poem to all things equine and APHORISMES ACTUAL ART | an age of Me Too des cons et de la connerie | ապուշների եվ ապուշության մասին my favorites fol- Paradjanov ends thus: political correct- low (translations “Horses! Feverish and glowing. Give your eyes back ness and where mine): their initial purpose: to dream. And their dancing spear everyone now 4 – De nos jours, les cons accèdent aux plus hautes carves and breaks through your blindness. Everything seems afraid to marches du pouvoir : Trump, Putin ,Erdogan, Bolsonaro, was heavy before. And mimed the saddening metrics. write what they Bachar el-Assad, Kim Jong Un… Il y a même des royale- Then came the opening of the eyelids, and the bolt of really think about ment cons qui exhibent leur connerie d’apparat au balcon lightning surged in your jaws. And your lips! — here they the opposite sex, de leur palais. are — sing the naked horses — he swarms the sands — Donikian instead These days, jerks accede even the top echelons of busi- the message. throws caution to ness, law and medicine: Trump, Putin, Erdogan, Bolson- …because the poet is the danger inherent in angles, the wind. aro, Bashar-el Assad, Kim Jong Un. There are even some in measures, and the quiet masters. Because the steppe The poems in- royal assholes who exhibit their ceremonial b.s. on the and the men said to be “wild,” mime this mixture of sex- cluded in this tan- balcony of their palaces. es, when the wind burrows into the eye of the sands and talizing book of 5– Le plus grand con de l’histoire reste quand même fleece.” poems each spar- Hitler, porté aux nues par un peuple qui s’enconnait de kle with their own ses conneries idéologiques. Donikian is a writer yet to be discovered in English. grace and should The biggest jerk in history remains Hitler, who was All three books above, all three as different in tone and be read as a cor- lifted to the heavens by a nation of people increasingly content as if three different writers had penned them. rective to the cur- encumbered by his ideological imbecilities. All three available through the author at: donikian.d@ rent hesitancy to 14 – La connerie est mimétique. Plus je te ressemble, gmail.com celebrate what is plus je suis con. feminine and what Stupidity is mimetic. The more I resemble you, the stu- Learn more about Denis Donikian : www.denisdoniki- is masculine in our pider I become. an.com world — never forgetting those that are both and neither 26 – Ces spectateurs d’un match de football, que font- Denis Donikian’s Must-Read blogs: ECRITTERA- and everything in between! His introductory poem in turn ils sinon qu’ils sont pris dans le délire d’une connerie TURES (Scribblings) (http://denisdonikian.wordpress. serves as a perfect introduction to readers: collective chaque fois que le pauvre ballon se fait frapper com) Marcher en Armenie (Hiking in Armenia) (http:// Tes seins sont du raisin dans mes paumes par un con dans une direction ou dans une autre ? ddonikian.wordpress.com) Petite Encylopedie du geno- Ta peau est un velours vibrant de confusion And what of spectators at a soccer match? What are cide armenien (Small Encyclopedia of the Armenian Ton front un tabernacle de grâce they all doing, caught up in collective stupidity every time Genocide) (http://denisdonikian.blog.lemonde.fr) Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 15

ARTS & CULTURE

Long Island Student Wins New York State Art Award GARDEN CITY, NY — Last October, Isabelle Sirounian, a sophomore at Garden City High School, submitted a sketched drawing of her great-grand- mother to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections Contest. The theme of the con- test was “I Matter Because...” Feeling the emotions from the war at that time in Artsakh (Na- gorno Karabakh), she connected the 1915 Armenian Genocide to the war with Azerbaijan and submitted the following state- ment with her artwork: “I matter because I am the great-grand- daughter of Zabelle, the wom- an in my drawing. 105 years ago, she escaped the Armenian Genocide after witnessing her entire family get killed. Today, in 2020, history is repeating it- self in Armenia. The world re- mains silent, once again, as in- nocent Armenians are dying. As a descendent, I will not remain silent. I will speak out for my people. I want peace for Arme- nia and that is why I matter.” Isabelle’s submission won first place at her high school and in Nassau County, and this week was awarded the New York State Award of Merit in Visual Arts.

LA’s 45-Year-Old Massis Kabob Outgrows Mall Food Court KABOB, from page 12 The next iteration of Massis begins with and Glendale Avenue, had been a lifelong “We’re a historic ethnic population that’s stall measuring 300 square feet. Massis, a a standalone, non-mall location in Glen- dream of Hacop’s, a place for the family to been here for so long,” says Gevik, “and colloquial Armenian name for Mount Ar- dale. The project, currently under construc- truly grow its roots even more deeply into we’ve contributed so much to LA — not arat, was born, with Baghdassarian turning tion at the corner of Colorado Boulevard the Armenian community. only in food, but in culture.” skewers, making falafel, and greeting cus- The younger Baghdassarian is deter- tomers. mined to see his father’s passion project “He was truly old world,” says Gevik cross the finish line, even if the pandemic Baghdassarian of his father. “When my has delayed construction by nearly a year. dad was around, you knew it was a family With a little luck, the building will host its operation.” grand opening this fall, on the 45th anni- Massis grew from that first location in versary of the first Massis Kabob, as part of October 1976, expanding its existing foot- a larger Armenian celebration with support print and then opening five other mall-on- from city officials and a nearby Armenian ly locations, from the Westfield Fashion American museum project. Square in Sherman Oaks out to Arcadia. “We really want this to be a flagship Openings were measured across decades, store, something we can roll out to other always entirely owned by the Baghdassari- cities,” says Gevik, pointing to renderings an family, and always tied to the belief that that show a dining area, patio, and the com- the malls’ foot traffic would sustain them. pany’s largest kitchen. The Baghdassarians “Because we’re in a mall, people assume are taking inspiration from fellow Glen- that we’re part of some larger conglomer- dale Galleria tenant Panda Express, which ate,” says Gevik. “The uniforms, the logo... opened its first-ever location at the mall, on people just assume you’re no longer some how to grow without ceding control. small operation.” “Panda opened up right next to Massis Hacop Baghdassarian died from a rare in 1983,” says Gevik. “I used to joke with blood cancer in 2017, leaving the fate of my dad that we had a head start on [found- Massis in the hands of his sons and widow. er Andrew Cherng], and now he has over In 2020, the pandemic began in earnest, 2,000 locations. We’re still stuck at six. dramatically changing both the retail and What’s going on?” restaurant landscape forever. Growth is the goal, but family and com- “We’ve always been at the will of the munity are the priorities. “Everybody malls,” says Gevik. “The only other thing I knows the food at Panda Express,” says can remember that’s close to this past year Gevik. “We want to do the same thing for is when the Northridge earthquake hap- Armenian food. My dad’s happiest mo- pened in 1994 and they shut us down for ment was when non-Armenian customers three days. I can’t imagine what my father would come in and order koobideh, and would be like if we had to tell him the malls they would pronounce it correctly because were closed for three months.” they knew what it was.” Now Gevik has been tasked with creat- It won’t be easy making koobideh a ing a new vision for Massis, and that starts household menu item, Gevik admits, but with moving beyond the old ways — and it’s worth a shot. Step one is moving be- moving away from the stigma of being a yond the food court, without leaving the food court restaurant. lessons of the mall behind. 16 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

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Ingredients 1/2 cup pistachios or almonds 3 cups water 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (for salt water) Recipe 2 cups couscous q 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon by Christine 1/4 teaspoon turmeric Vartanian 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Corner 1/2 cup diced scallions 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/3 cup dried currants (or golden raisins) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (for general seasoning) 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Serves 8.

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the nuts on a baking pan and toast, stirring once, until lightly browned and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool. Combine the water and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. In a medium saucepan, combine the couscous, cinnamon, and turmeric, and mix well. Add the oil and stir well to coat the grains. Add the boiled water gradually, mixing well. Cover with a lid and let sit for 15 minutes until the grains are tender. If needed, add a little more boiling water, and let the couscous sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork. In a large bowl, combine the warm couscous, nuts, scallions, apricots, currants, cilantro, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix well. Taste and adjust the season- ings as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature. This pilaf can be made up to 4 hours in advance and kept covered at room temperature. With beautiful pictures and sumptuous recipes, the For the Love of Apricots Cookbook will take you on a nostalgic journey with Lisa Prince Newman, an accomplished home cook and city planner. Short essays sprinkled throughout the cookbook evoke the region’s 100-year orchard era and the rapid transformation of the Santa Clara Valley, affectionately known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” into Silicon Valley.

ORDER TODAY: For the Love of Apricots Cookbook makes a perfect gift for friends and fami- ly. Lisa will personally sign and include a special Apricot Book- mark in every cookbook she ships. A For the Love of Apri- cots Tote Bag is available for sale on her website. Mediterranean Couscous Pilaf To order, go to: http:// bestselling cookbook/memoir For the Love of Apricots: Recipes & Memories of fortheloveofapricots.com/ the Santa Clara Valley, now in its second printing. For the Love of Apricots: Lisa’s cookbook features recipes that use apricots in every form: fresh, dried, Recipes & Memories of the San- preserved, and liqueurs so you can enjoy the wonderful taste, brilliant color, and ta Clara Valley by Lisa Prince health benefits of apricots all year long. “This recipe comes from Chef Heidi Newman, published by Prince of Krahling, owner of Insalata’s Restaurant,” says Lisa, a favorite Mediterranean the Orchards Publications, 2020, fine-dining establishment in Marin County California. “I have gently adapted Hei- 178 pages, Food Photography di’s Couscous Pilaf recipe to present dried apricots in a tasty, colorful medley of Copyright © 2018, 2020 by Jes- nuts, fruits, and herbs.” sica Yager Photography; Orchard Photography Copyright © 2018, 2020 by Apricots have very little sugar and are a great source of many antioxidants, Eric Larson. including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. Plus apricots add brilliant col- For the Love of Apricots: Recipes & Memories of the Santa Clara Valley is also or and a bright, tangy flavor to every dish. Couscous, which is grain-based, has available at local California apricot growers. Check out Lisa’s Apricot Shop to fewer calories than rice or quinoa. Lisa points out, “This couscous comes together source apricots year-round at California orchards through mail order and at: http:// quickly. The dried apricots and nuts provide hints of sweetness and crunch, while fortheloveofapricots.com/shop-for-apricots/ spices like cinnamon and turmeric supply a depth of flavor that will keep you For the latest news, go to: https://www.facebook.com/FortheLoveofApricots/ coming back for more. This recipe is a wonderful addition to weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.”

Hybridity: Armenian Pavilion to Open at La Biennale di Venezia on August 28 YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) tural studio, founded in 2007 and based in ination and coming together, HYBRIDI- of the exhibition will be able to experi- — Following an open call announced by Yerevan, Armenia. TY tries to translate this human capacity ence the collective contributions interwo- the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture The Armenian Pavilion will allow the in- to interact with each other and influence ven into the physical environment in and and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, and ternational community to step into the Ar- cultures both as individuals and as a com- around the grounds of Ca’ Zenobio degli the deliberation of a twelve-member jury, menian experience, for a time. HYBRID- munity, in familiar as well as in unusual Armeni. the proposal HYBRIDITY (previously ITY is an experimental installation on the spaces. The Armenian pavilion celebrates the re- Hybrid Identities) was selected to repre- grounds of Ca’ Zenobio degli Armeni as HYBRIDITY will connect more than silience of a people, while remaining con- sent the Republic of Armenia at the 17th well as a digital platform that encourage 80 countries of the Armenian Diaspora scious of the universality of the issues at International Architecture Exhibition of La visitors to explore the fundamentals of hu- through a global virtual machine that dig- hand. At a time where humans face a num- Biennale di Venezia. man interaction through a physical and vir- itally expands the architectural structures ber of planetary crises, HYBRIDITY high- The project is presented collaboratively tual expression of the living process among in Venice. Using Augmented Reality (AR), lights the human capacity to interact with between the architecture and design firm a hybridity of identities. Armenians from around the world will be each other in the realms of the local and the INVIVIA, founded in 1999 and based in As a representation of the Armenian invited to share visual stories, videos and global, the national and the diaspora, the Boston, MA, USA, and Storaket architec- experience of exile and survival, dissem- images of spaces they inhabit. Visitors digital and the physical. Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 17

ARTS & CULTURE Constantine Orbelian Named Music Director, Principal Conductor of New York City Opera

ORBELIAN, from page 12 and Riccardo Muti in being so honored. In January 2016 with Tosca, the opera that Month, include the New York premiere of Richard Wesley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2001 Maestro Orbelian was awarded the originally launched the company in 1944. Péter Eötvös’s Angels in America and the opera “The Central Park Five.” Ellis Island Medal of Honor, given to im- Outstanding productions during the four American premiere of Charles Wuorinen’s Four-time Grammy-nominated conduc- migrants, or children of immigrants, who years since then include: the world pre- Brokeback Mountain. New York City Opera tor Constantine Orbelian has been called have made outstanding contributions to the mieres of Iain Bell and Mark Campbell’s has presented such talents as Anna Caterina “the singer’s dream collaborator” by Op- United States. Stonewall, which NYCO commissioned Antonacci and Aprile Millo in concert, as era News, which hailed him for conduct- Maestro Orbelian has recorded over 60 and developed, and legendary director Har- well as its own 75th Anniversary Concert ing vocal repertoire “with the sensitivity CDs for the DELOS Label and has addi- old Prince’s new production of Bernstein’s in Bryant Park, one in a series of the many of a lieder pianist.” He has toured and re- tional DVDs and CDs which have been corded with some of the world’s greatest released on Decca, Deutsche Gramophone, singers, such as American stars Renée Chandos, Philips and Warner labels. Fleming, Sondra Radvanovsky and Law- Since its founding in 1943 by Mayor rence Brownlee, and with the great Dmitri Fiorello La Guardia as “The People’s Op- Hvorostovsky and other renowned Russian era,” New York City Opera (NYCO) has singers in European, North American, Rus- been a critical part of the city’s cultural sian and Asian music centers. life. During its history, New York City Op- Orbelian’s accomplishments include be- era launched the careers of dozens of major ing Music Director of the Moscow Chamber artists and presented engaging productions Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia, of both mainstream and unusual operas founder of the annual Palaces of St. Peters- alongside commissions and regional pre- burg International Music Festival, Chief mieres. The result was a uniquely Ameri- Conductor of the Kaunas City Symphony can opera company of international stature. Orchestra in Lithuania, and Artistic Direc- For more than seven decades, New York tor of the State Academic Opera and Bal- City Opera has maintained a distinct iden- let Theater in Yerevan, Armenia. Among tity, adhering to its unique mission: afford- his concert and televised appearances are able ticket prices, a devotion to American collaborations with Hvorostovsky, Renée works, English-language performances, Fleming, Anna Netrebko, Elīna Garanča the promotion of up-and-coming American and Van Cliburn, including the legendary singers, and seasons of accessible, vibrant pianist’s farewell performance. and compelling productions intended to Born in San Francisco to Russian and introduce new audiences to the art form. Armenian émigrés parents, Maestro Orbe- Stars who launched their careers at New lian made his performing debut as a piano York City Opera include Plácido Domingo, prodigy with the San Francisco Sympho- Catherine Malfitano, Sherrill Milnes, Sam- ny at the age of 11. After graduating from uel Ramey, Beverly Sills, Tatiana Troy- Juilliard in New York, he embarked on a anos, Carol Vaness, and Shirley Verrett, career as a piano virtuoso that included among dozens of other great artists. New Candide; Puccini’s beloved La Fanciulla concerts and staged productions that it pres- appearances with major symphony orches- York City Opera has a long history of in- del West; and the New York premiere of ents each year as part of the Park’s summer tras throughout the U.S., U.K., Europe and clusion and diversity. It was the first major Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas — performance series. Russia. opera company to feature African-Ameri- the first in itsÓpera en Español series. Sub- New York City Opera continues its lega- The first American to become music di- can singers in leading roles (Todd Duncan sequent Ópera en Español productions in- cy with main stage performances at Jazz at rector of an ensemble in Russia, he was as Tonio in Pagliacci, 1945; Camilla Wil- clude the New York premiere of the world’s Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater and with re- awarded the coveted title “Honored Artist liams in the title role in Madama Butterfly, first mariachi opera, José “Pepe” Martinez’s vitalized outreach and education programs of Russia” in 2004 in recognition of his 1946); the first to produce a new work by Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, Literes’s Los El- at venues throughout the city, designed to efforts championing Russian-American an African-American composer (William ementos, and Piazzolla’s María de Buenos welcome and inspire a new generation of cultural exchange. In 2012 the Russian Grant Still, Troubled Island, 1949); and the Aires. In addition to the world premiere of opera audiences. City Opera’s acclaimed Consulate in San Francisco awarded the first to have an African-American conduc- Stonewall, the productions in NYCO’s Pride summer series in Bryant Park brings free maestro the Russian Order of Friendship tor lead its orchestra (Everett Lee, 1955). Initiative, which produces an LGBTQ- performances to thousands of New Yorkers Medal, joining such luminaries as Cliburn A revitalized City Opera re-opened in themed work each June during Pride and visitors every year.

New York Public Library, President of Brown University, Professor of Armenian and Caucasian History and Professor of South Asian History, University of Pennsyl- Calendar vania, and Co-Founder, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. Tribute by Noubar Afeyan. Attendance is free but registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/we- On-line Events & Programs binar/register/WN_-oxRIUeKQ2WPgFVoDFXlGQ. To sponsor or donate, https:// interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E332049&id=39 MASSACHUSETTS JUNE 21 — Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament at Holy Trinity Armenian JUNE 14–AUGUST 15 — The Armenian Heritage Park will hold a series of events Church of Greater Boston. Monday. Hospitality/Registration is from 9-10:30 am. during the spring and summer: 10:30 AM “Shotgun” start. Lunch at the 9th hole. Dinner (casual dress) is at 4:30 •Wednesday, June 9 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERITAGE pm. Location: Marlborough Country Club 200 Concord Rd, Marlborough, MA PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the Park. Walk the Lab- 01752. Register Online: The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament 2021 yrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture. Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. RSVP - Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston (htaac.org)or call the church [email protected] office 617.354.0632 •Wednesday, July 14 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERITAGE RHODE ISLAND PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet the Boston Mayoral can- didates at the Park. Walk the Labyrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture. Tie JUNE 11-JULY 25 — The Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. RSVP [email protected] hosts the Armenian Cultural Hour every Friday at 7:30 p.m. online. Whether or •Wednesday, August 11 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERI- not you have a Facebook account, you can find the LIVESTREAM of the event TAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the Park. Walk through the parish’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/armenian- the Labyrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture.Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. churchprovidence RSVP [email protected] June 11 - Vahan Artsruni “Chamber and Spiritual Music” •Sunday, August 15 at 2pm LABYRINTH WALKING WELLNESS program. AR- June 18 - “Our Youth Talents”, featuring Haig Hovsepian, violin, Vartan Arakelian, MENIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the piano, Shant Arakelian, bassoon, Ruben Karapetyan, Vocal Park. Introduction to the many benefits. Walk the labyrinth. A part of The June 25 - “To the Light” concert, featuring Soloists and Symphony Orchestra of Greenway Fitness program. RSVP [email protected] the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Harutyun Arzu- JUNE 16 — NAASR Building for Eternity Virtual Gala. Wednesday, 7pm-EDT manyan, Music Director & Conductor (4pm-PDT). Distinguished Honoree EDWARD AVEDISIAN. Extraordinary July 4 - Vahan Artsruni concert “ Modern Fusion, Progressive and Song Gender” philanthropist, musician, educator, NAASR Board member, and principal July 11 - Hekimyan Band from Yerevan benefactor of NAASR’s new Vartan Gregorian Building, recognized for his July 18 - “Flutes & Sopranos”, featuring Soloists and Symphony Orchestra of the Ar- outstanding dedication and distinguished service in advancing education in menian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Harutyun Arzumanyan, the U.S. and Armenia. Special In Memoriam, VARTAN GREGORIAN (1934- Music Director & Conductor 2021), President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, President of the, July 25 - Favorite Armenian Songs, featuring Armen Hovhanessyan & Salbi Mailyan 18 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

the Armenian COMMENTARY Mirror SPECTATor Editorial Since 1932 Armenian Genocide on Agenda of

An ADL Publication Biden-Erdogan Summit After the collapse of the Soviet Union, his administration is invested in pseudo-scholarship, media The First English Language Armenia declared its independence along campaigns and political actions to deter President Biden’s rec- Armenian Weekly in the with the other Soviet republics. ognition of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2021, which At the dawn of the new independence, came to crown the legislative actions that the US Congress had United States journalists in Armenia held a panel discus- taken earlier. sion to which I was invited. Perhaps that Now, in view of the Biden-Erdogan planned meeting, which Editor was one of the first forums where journalists will take place on June 14 on the sidelines of the NATO sum- Alin K. Gregorian By Edmond Y. from Armenia and the diaspora held a free mit in Brussels, the Genocide issue has emerged in a more Azadian MANAGING Editor exchange of ideas. spectacular way and most probably will feature as an agenda Aram Arkun My fellow panelists were peppering me with questions and item during the meeting. at one point, I stopped and told them I was turning the table Erdogan realizes better than anyone the legal and political Art Director on them and had one question for all of them. I asked how consequences of the recognition of the Genocide by major Mark (Mgrditchian) McKertich important they considered the issues of the Armenian Geno- powers. cide and the claims on the historic Western Armenian home- Metin Gurcan recently published an article on the website SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST land. I asked them to raise their hands. I got the shock of my Al-Monitor regarding that forthcoming meeting, highlighting Edmond Y. Azadian life when I saw that only 50 percent of the journalists present the issues which have strained US-Turkish relations. Staff Writer even considered those issues as important for Armenians in The article in particular refers to the Armenian Genocide: Harry Kezelian III the homeland. “In a TV interview on June 1, Erdogan conceded that his My response was that if this represented an accurate sam- dialogue with Biden ‘has not been easy’ thus far, unlike his Contributors pling of public opinion, it did not auger well for our future. ‘very peaceful and easy-going’ phone diplomacy with Trump. Christopher Atamian, Florence Avakian, If our commitment to our heritage is only 50 percent, then Referring also to the terms of George W. Bush and Barack Taleen Babayan, Artsvi Bakhchinyan, the chances for the survival of the newly-independent republic Obama, he said, ‘he never experienced such tension’ with the Raffi Bedrosyan, Christine Vartanian cannot surpass the 50-percent mark. White House, putting the blame on Biden for recognizing the Datian, Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, Philippe All along, the blame was laid on the Soviet system that did Ottoman era killings of Armenians as Genocide.” Raffi Kalfayan, Ken Martin, Gerald not allow Armenian historians to concentrate on the issue Turkey has many problems with the US administration, yet Papasian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop of the Genocide. Some Erdogan singles out the Vartivarian brave scholars like Jon recognition of the Geno- REGIONAL Kirakosyan and Lentrush cide, signifying the poten- CORRESPONDENTS Khurshudyan had dealt tial threat to Turkey that it Los Angeles: Ani Duzdabanyan- with the topic, but they poses. Manoukian, Kevork Keushkerian, had to operate within the There has been a row Michelle Mkhlian straitjacket of Marxist between the two sides Yerevan: Raffi Elliott ideology. over the purchase of Berlin: Muriel Mirak-Weissbach But it turns out that S-400 Russian defense Paris: Jean Eckian even under an indepen- systems, with the ensuing San Francisco: Kim Bardakian dent system, the interest ouster of Turkey from the Cairo: Maydaa Nadar is simply not there. F-35 joint strike fighter During the last 30 program. Other problems Photographers years, Armenia could not include the US trial of Jirair Hovsepian, Ken Martin develop its own genocide Turkish Halkbank, which

Video correspondent scholarship, and even the had helped Iran evade Haykaram Nahapetyan Tsitsernakaberd Arme- sanctions, the ignored re- nian Genocide Memorial quest for the extradition Complex has become a of Fethullah Gülen to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is bone of contention among scholars to the embarrassment of Turkey, and US support for Syrian Kurds and Ankara’s ten- published weekly, except two weeks in the entire academic community of Armenia. Ironically, most sions with another NATO ally, Greece. All these issues will be July and the first week of the year, by: credible Armenian Genocide studies have been achieved in the on the negotiation table. Baikar Association, Inc. diaspora and a good portion of it by non-Armenians, such as All along, Erdogan has been intransigent on the issue of the 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA Taner Akçam, Halil Berktay, Israel Charny and Yair Auron. Russian arms purchases, maintaining that Turkey is an inde- 02472-1509 Most probably, the underlying reason was the belief that the pendent country and cannot be treated as a secondary power. Telephone: 617-924-4420 issue is a sentimental cause for diasporan Armenians. However, Erdogan’s administration is in the midst of a politi- FAX: 617-924-2887 In contrast, the Jews have generated a tremendous volume cal chess game; while highlighting the Genocide issue public- www.mirrorspectator.com of Holocaust studies, along with founding many museums ly, his foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is soft-peddling the E-Mail: [email protected] around the world. They have held the entire world account- S-400 issue, insinuating that Turkey may send home the Rus- For advertising: [email protected] able for its silence and have received compensation not only sian experts manning the defense system and place the arms from Germany, but also from countries emerging from under on Incirlik Airbase under US control, hoping to barter with the Soviet rule. Genocide issue. Subscription rates Unfortunately, Armenians have failed to capitalize on their Armenia’s foreign policy planners may need to learn a les- U.S.A. $80 one year past misfortune to help them in the present. The Armenian son from Erdogan, who uses the Genocide issue so skillfully Canada $125 one year government only realized very late that it had a case of univer- to reach his political ends. Other Countries $200 one year sal magnitude which could be tapped as a political resource; Armenians have to be realistic and acknowledge that it was during Robert Kocharyan’s administration, the recognition not only their lobbying efforts that achieved the recognition © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator of Genocide was placed on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda, nor President Biden’s honesty to deliver on his promise, be- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, only to be criticized by his predecessor, Levon Ter-Petrosian, cause many politicians and presidential candidates made easy MA and additional mailing offices. as an undue provocation to Turkey. We have seen the video promises only to forget them after winning an election. This clip of then Vice-President Biden being told in confidence by time around, a confluence of factors has contributed to the suc- ISSN 0004-234X President Serzh Sargsyan during a phone call that the issue is cessful end of this political saga. not a priority for Armenia. And still, Armenia has not learned The cumulative impact of Erdogan’s mischievous activi- its lesson. ties finally proved that Turkey was using the cover of NATO Postmaster: Send address changes to The Armenian We have witnessed that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s and power to pursue its own narrow objectives, most of the Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount current administration is no different; the prime minister and times against the interests of the alliance. This rude awakening Auburn St., his entire team, collectively refused to categorize Turkey as an had come not only to President Biden, but also the leaders in Watertown, MA 02472 enemy, when questioned publicly. Europe. This could not have been formulated any better than Armenia is not a rich country with mineral resources, nor what the president of the European Union stated. Other than the Editorial, views does it have military might nor political clout. Yet, it has lost President Charles Michel said, “We are not naïve. Turkey and opinions expressed in this the moral, legal and historical power of its genocide, which is a neighbor, it is a NATO ally, but the European Union has newspaper do not necessarily could have been used as a cudgel against Turkey. President come to the conclusion that Ankara has to be convinced that it reflect the policies of the Erdogan realizes much better than the Armenian politicians has to adopt a positive policy regarding European interests…. publisher. the political weight of the issue. We have witnessed how much continued on next page Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator 19

COMMENTARY

My Turn back to the Armenian government. Armenia’s Leaders Ignored I am in possession of over a dozen letters sent by Mr. Tovmasyan’s company, First Industrial Zone, to Armenian officials during the past three years, seeking Investor’s Offer To Build approval for his proposed project. However, despite repeated requests for an Military Vehicles Before the answer, the Armenian government did not respond to Mr. Tovmasyan. The Armenian government referred Mr. Tovmasyan’s proposal to the Inter- by Harut Sassounian War agency Committee which was tasked to review the project. The Interagency Committee included representatives from the Ministries of Economy, Finance, Armenia’s current leaders blame previous leaders whenever something goes High Tech Industry, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Justice, wrong in the country. After they lost the war, they blamed it on the previous State Revenue Committee, Urban Development Committee, Chamber of Com- presidents. They do not take any responsibility for their own shortcomings, merce and Industry, and Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs of Arme- even though they have been in power now for three years. While the previous nia. Surprisingly, the Interagency Committee did not include anyone from the rulers can be blamed for many wrongdoings, the current leaders have their own Ministry of Defense to properly evaluate a military project. The Interagency share of shortcomings. Committee’s guidelines require that it review and refer to the government with- Here is the perfect example of how the current leaders completely mishandled in 20 working days any submitted proposal. However, this deadline passed long a critical national security project that they are fully to blame. There are many ago, despite several reminders. more such examples. The most astounding part of this story is the unexpected Facebook post on An Armenian businessman by the name of Artak Tovmasyan had the proper March 6, 2021, by the recently-appointed Minister of Economy, Vahan Keroby- connections and the brilliant idea of building state-of-the-art armored military an, who had studied mathematics, but is clueless about economics. vehicles in Armenia and donating a portion of them to the Armenian govern- Minister Kerobyan arrogantly wrote: “In reality, I am the one who stopped ment. One would think that Armenian officials would have welcomed such a this industrial zone project because it ridiculously despises the interests of the valuable proposal and would have done everything possible to facilitate this citizens of the Republic of Armenia.” Minister Kerobyan was in no position important investment opportunity which has critical national security impli- to stop this project for two reasons: 1) As a recently-appointed Minister, he cations. This is the incredible story of incompetent and uncaring high-ranking was not even around when this project was presented to the Prime Minister Armenian government officials failing to capitalize on this unique offer. and subsequently referred to the Interagency Committee. 2) The decision to Shortly after Nikole Pashinyan came to power as Prime Minister of Armenia in approve or reject this project rested with the Interagency Committee and the 2018, Mr. Tovmasyan met with him and proposed to invest in Armenia millions Prime Minister. of dollars along with the Canadian Streit Group, a well-known manufacturer Minister Kerobyan went on to make more outlandish claims. He wrote: Let of armored military vehicles with 30 years of experience and factories in five Mr. Tovmasyan “submit his proposal to the government’s approval in the next countries, including Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, India and Pa- two weeks, but if he wants to pick up the nine hectares of land in Yerevan by kistan. The sixth such facility would have been in Armenia. The total amount of promising a negligible amount of investment, then I remain of the opinion that the investment may have reached $20 million which would have included other this is not an investment project but a robbery. We have also proposed to im- military-related investors. The project would have also created hundreds of jobs. plement this business with their conditions and tax permits in a city other than Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed interest in the project in 2018 and told Yerevan, but incomprehensibly, exactly the precious piece of land in Yerevan is his aides to follow up. Regrettably, due to the incompetence and carelessness of necessary to them for this production zone.” Pashinyan’s cadre of officials, three years later, no progress has been made on Minister Kerobyan is misleading the public. Even though the Armenian this vital project, despite Mr. Tovmasyan’s several follow up meetings with the government has not responded to the proposal in several years, he is claiming Prime Minister. These armored military vehicles would have been very useful that he will respond in two weeks. Why hasn’t he then reacted to the existing during last year’s war with Azerbaijan, saving the lives of countless Armenian proposal since his appointment last November? The fact is that he has never soldiers. Unfortunately, Armenian officials have remained unresponsive to this made a counter-proposal and has never sat down with the investor to discuss project, both before, during, and after the war. the proposal. Incidentally, the Defense Ministry was the one that suggested the Mr. Tovmasyan’s proposal consisted of offering to build gradually around land located on the outskirts of Yerevan to Mr. Tovmasyan, not for free, but for 1,300 armored military vehicles over the next 10 years and donating 130 of purchase. them to the Armenian armed forces at no charge. With each vehicle worth Finally, it is very unprofessional of Mr. Kerobyan to respond through a Face- $450,000 or more, the total value of the donated vehicles would have been over book post to a serious proposal involving a multi-million dollar military pro- $60 million. duction. Regrettably, that reflects the Minister’s lack of qualification for the job In return, Mr. Tovmasyan asked that the government of Armenia contribute he holds. the necessary land to set up this manufacturing venture on a free industrial In conclusion, Armenia lost the war for many reasons, but this type of behav- zone. Coincidentally, he was made aware of a vacant piece of unused land on the ior by an unqualified Minister and an incompetent government does not inspire outskirts of Yerevan belonging to the Ministry of Defense. If the project did not any confidence that it will be able to attract investors and improve the country’s materialize, the investor would have been obligated to return the donated land dismal economic situation anytime soon.

from previous page ability to finance its own operations. That they’re In the past Turkey’s behavior did not contribute to European Will Samantha Power doing this in the face of Turkey’s own ethnic and interests. We are ready to use all the tools at our disposal to sectarian cleansing campaign in northern Syria is control Turkey’s behavior.” unconscionable. Given the option and ability, Turkey It is significant that the statement was made on June 1, on Be the First US would eradicate the Syrian Kurds in their entirety, the eve of Nikol Pashinyan’s meeting with Mr. Michel. driving them into the desert near Deir ez-Zor to die, Upon his election, President Biden announced that “Amer- Official to Preside as the Ottomans did to Armenians more than a cen- ica is back.” His policies are having their reverberations on tury ago. international relations. He will be meeting with President For the Armenians, the threat of genocide remains Vladimir Putin of Russia, who he accused of being a “killer.” Over Four Genocides? real. On September 27, 2020, the centenary of the He will meet with his Russian counterpart on that premise. By Michael Rubin Ottoman Turkish invasion of newly independent Ar- He was not less complimentary toward Erdogan. Just before menia, the Armenian population in Nagorno-Kara- his election, President Biden pledged to work with Erdogan’s Samantha Power rose to prominence as the author bakh faced a surprise attack from a combination of opposition to unseat him. It was no wonder that he gave a of Problem from Hell, a study of the US response to Azerbaijani forces, Turkish Special Forces, and Syr- cold shoulder to the Turkish leader, refusing to talk to him genocide. She wrote the book against the backdrop ian mercenaries, many of whom were veterans of al after the election. He picked up the phone on April 23 to break not only of the slaughter in Bosnia but also Rwanda. Qaeda or the Islamic State. While the State Depart- the news to Erdogan that he was about to release a statement It not only won her a Pulitzer but also brought her to ment and Central Intelligence Agency have yet to recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Erdogan’s reaction was the attention of a freshman senator, Barack Obama, say whether the invasion caught them by surprise or uncharacteristically subdued, given the complex nature of his whose coattails she rode to become US ambassador whether they simply chose not to forewarn the Ar- relations with Washington. to the United Nations. menians, Azerbaijan’s subsequent behavior suggests Human rights issues have no bearing on Turkey’s president, Once in office, however, Power engaged in the that genocide remains the goal. Azerbaijani dictator but when President Biden speaks of human rights, he means same moral compromises she once publicly con- Ilham Aliyev, for example, now suggests that the Ar- business. Perhaps Erdogan will learn that even before his demned. She created the Atrocity Prevention Board menian capital Yerevan is actually Azerbaijani terri- meeting with his American counterpart. but stood largely quiet as Obama chose to ignore tory. His wife, a UNESCO ambassador, celebrates It is obvious that during the Biden-Erdogan meeting, the the acceleration of a small political uprising into the “renovations” in which Azeris erase the Armenian Genocide issue will be on the table. The US, as a co-chair Middle East’s worst sectarian slaughter of the 21st past from pre-modern churches. Rather than dis- of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe century. Rather than resign when Obama chose to suade Azerbaijan from such behavior, Blinken side- (OSCE) Minsk Group, was not pleased either with the hap- stand down in the face of genocide, Power let her stepped US law to keep military aid to Azerbaijan hazard arrangements that Russia and Turkey have made in the ambitions get the better of her, sacrificed her moral flowing. While Powerapologized while out of office Caucasus, with the contention that they had solved the Kara- authority, and remained. Now, as USAID adminis- for Obama’s failure to recognize the Armenian geno- bakh issue by force. trator, history repeats. cide, when faced with forces determined to continue Let’s hope President Biden will be bold enough to tell his President Donald Trump began the abandonment it, she remains silent. two counterparts that America is back and the unfinished busi- of Syrian Kurds, but President Joe Biden, Secretary Then, there are the Tutsis about whom Power ness of Karabakh has to be taken back in hand by the Minsk of State Antony Blinken, and national security advis- wrote in her book. The 1994 genocide in Rwanda Group and resolved based on the principles adhered to by the er Jake Sullivan appear determined to complete the was anti-Tutsi. While in the Obama administration, group all along. job. They recently undercut the autonomous zone’s see POWER, page 20 20 Saturday, JUNE 12, 2021 Armenian Mirror-Spectator

Some members of the Boston Pops brass performed at Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway on June 2 as part of the Boston Pops “Rolling Recital” series. (All photos by Nancy Kalajian)

Arto Kurkjian and his family enjoy the fine outdoor performance on a weather-perfect day.

Will Power Preside Over Four Genocides? POWER, from page 19 however, Power sought to withhold explicit recog- nition of the anti-Tutsi character of the genocide in order to extract concessions from Rwandan Pres- ident Paul Kagame. The problem with the trans- actional approach, however, is that it legitimizes genocide revisionists and deniers. Today, many Hutu genocidaires remain ensconced just across the Rwanda border in Burundi, Congo, and Ugan- da, staging occasional terrorist attacks across the frontier, believing that Power’s moral confusion gives them a second chance to finish the job. Power recognizes the Uyghur genocide. The question then becomes whether her behavior will be, as with Syria a decade ago, moral compromise or whether she will stand up to a Biden team in- creasingly willing to appease China. This, more than any introspective autobiography, will be the mark of Power’s true character. Power made combating genocide her brand. Rather than be the woman who changed policy- makers’ immoral compromises, she increasingly appears to be Exhibit A as to how power corrupts. This is a tragedy not only for Power, but also for the many whom she might have saved. Michael Rubin (@Mrubin1971) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confiden- tial blog. He is a senior fellow at the American En- terprise Institute.