JUNE 15, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXIX, NO. 47, Issue 4591 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF (RUTH SOWBY RANDS / GLENDALE NEWS-PRESS) Mirror-Spectator Armenian Annual Summer Break WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will close for two weeks in July as part of its annu- Justice al summer break. The last issue published before the vacation will be that of June 29, and the first edition back would be that of July 20. Minister The office will be closed July 1 through 12. Morocco Ambassador Resigns Visits Armenia

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The new ambassador Justice Minister Artak Zeynalian tendered of Morocco to Armenia, Faouz El Achchabi (resi- his resignation on Friday, June 7, after just dence in Kiev, Ukraine), presented her credentials to President Armen Sarkissian, the Presidential over a year in office. Glendale City Council member Zareh Sinanyan Zeynalian gave no reason for his decision Office announced, on June 6. which he announced on Facebook. Instead, At the meeting the Armenian president congrat- he thanked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Zareh Sinanyan Leaves City Council ulated the Ambassador on assuming office and for appointing him as justice minister fol- expressed hope that El Achchabi’s long experience lowing last To Work for Armenian Government will serve for the development and deepening of year’s Velvet relations between the two countries. Revolution. He The president said Armenia and Morocco are GLENDALE (Glendale News-Press) — Glendale countries with millennia history and have a great also thanked City Council member Zareh Sinanyan is stepping Justice Ministry By Lila Seidman cooperation potential which is not utilized and down from his municipal post to accept a position needs to be revealed. employees for with the Armenian government. the “interesting, Talking about the bilateral mutually beneficial Sinanyan, first elected to the local council in 2013, announced his resignation partnership, Sarkissian considered technology, fruitful and on Friday, June 7, according to a city statement. responsible joint information management and artificial intelligence “Zareh has had a very positive impact on City Council,” Glendale Mayor Ara as prospective areas. The sides also highlighted the work.” Najarian said. “He’s very analytical. He reads the material and understands Artak Zeynalian “I’m sure that field of tourism in terms of developing the bilater- the issues.” al relations and raising mutual awareness. everything will Sinanyan will be in charge of Armenia’s diaspora affairs, reporting to the coun- be fine … But if try’s prime minister, according to Armenian news outlets. it won’t be fine, it will be very fine,” wrote see SINANYAN, page 9 Armenia Facilitates Zeynalian. A spokesperson for the Justice Ministry Ties between EEU and refused to comment on his resignation. Zeynalian, 49, is a prominent politician Iran, FM Says and former civil rights campaigner affiliat- Journalist Deniz Yücel Speaks YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Thanks to Armenia ed with the pro-Western Hanrapetutyun the development of Eurasian Economic Union’s (Republic) party. He retained his post even Out on Arrest in Turkey (EEU) foreign economic component gained an after the party challenged Pashinyan’s My additional boost, Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Step alliance in the December 2018 parlia- (DEUTSCHE-WELLE PHOTO) Mnatsakanyan said during parliamentary hearings mentary elections. titled “Year of Armenian Presidency at EEU: My Step’s parliamentary leader, Lilit By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Challenges and Opportunities” on June 10. Makunts, suggested that his resignation is Special to the Mirror-Spectator “Armenia’s political and economic ties with Iran connected with sweeping judicial reforms created conditions for the union to enter the planned by the Armenian authorities. Middle East, as a result of which the interim agree- FRANKFURT, Germany — Many journal- Makunts said some My Step lawmakers are ment aimed at the creation of a Free Trade Zone ists, too many, have been arrested and unhappy with the reform-related work of (FTZ) between the EEU countries and Iran was jailed in Turkey and for political reasons. the Justice Ministry and Zeynalian in par- signed on May 17, 2018 in Astana,” he said. The numbers run into the hundreds. Deniz ticular. The three-year deal reduces or abolishes import Yücel is one of them; he was “not the first Makunts told reporters that they voiced customs duties for a broad range of products. to be arrested illegally, but was the first to their “concerns” after government support- Deniz Yücel Mnatsakanyan said the implementation of agree- be freed illegally.” ers blocked the court buildings across the ments with Iran and China, as well as completion This is how he summed up his special country at Pashinyan’s urging on May 20. of negotiations with Singapore, Serbia, Egypt, case during a meeting held on June 5 at the moderator was Martin Wiesman, and She insisted, however, that none of them Israel and India, can be an additional boost for the Literaturhaus in Frankfurt am Main, Yücel’s dialogue partner was Doris Akrap, called for Zeynalian’s resignation. EEU’s integration into the global economy. Germany. Titled, “Freedom is something journalist and editor of the Tageszeitung Speaking to journalists on May 21, The EEU-Iran FTZ deal has been ratified by all that one does,” the event was organized by (TAZ) newspaper. Zeynalian pointedly declined to comment members of the Union. see RESIGNATION, page 2 the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The see ARREST, page 5

Armenian Museum Receives $100,000 from Cummings Foundation INSIDE WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum vival and witness. We are extremely grateful of America is one of 100 local nonprofits to to the Cummings Foundation and Bill and receive grants of $100,000 each through Joyce Cummings for their generosity and Yerevan’s Syrian Cummings Foundation’s “$100K for 100” vision that will allow us to continue our program. The Watertown-based organization mission to share the art, culture and histo- was selected from a total of 574 applications ry of a proud and enduring people,” said Food Scene during a competitive review process. Armenian Museum Board of Trustees Representing the Armenian Museum, President Michele Kolligian. Stuart Green and Berj Chekijian joined the The funding will be used to strengthen Page 14 approximately 300 other guests at a reception the museum’s visitor experience, particu- at the TradeCenter 128 in Woburn to cele- larly as it relates to exhibitions exploring brate the $10 million infusion into Greater the Armenian Genocide and resultant dias- Boston’s nonprofit sector. With the conclusion pora community. Dispersed over a four-year INDEX of this grant cycle, Cummings Foundation has period, the grant award will allow the Arts and Living ...... 13 now awarded more than $260 million to Museum to expand its current display that Armenia ...... 2,3 Community News...... 6 Armenian Museum Board of Trustees Greater Boston’s nonprofits alone. focuses on the Armenian Genocide. By “The Armenian Genocide is an essential showcasing unique family histories entrust- Editorial ...... 18 President Michele Kolligian, right, with International ...... 4,5 recent guest Dr. Helen Evans of the story for our Museum to tell. Our collection ed to the Museum’s care, renewed interpre- Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York objects tell the tragedy of the Genocide, tation and exhibition design will articulate while often also serving as objects of sur- see GRANT, page 16 2 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia AGBU Leadership Briefs Armenia’s Prime

Pianists Vie for Title at Minister on Current Strategic Goals Aram Khachaturian YEREVAN — On June 5, on the heels Setrakian noted that there are many Armenia-Diaspora relations. of an official visit to Artsakh in support areas of mutual alignment, citing such “Anything that AGBU can do to help Competition of the AGBU Fund for Artsakh, AGBU examples as the AGBU Women’s the people of Armenia succeed in their President Berge Setrakian met with Entrepreneurs program (W.E.), personal lives and as citizens of a coun- YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The semi-final round of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the designed to uplift the status of women try with so much human potential will the 15th Khachaturian International Competition is government building. Along with AGBU in Armenia through financial indepen- help keep the entire Armenian Nation underway on June 10 at Yerevan specialized secondary Armenia’s President Vasken Yacoubian dence, and its efforts to build capacity moving in a positive direction,” music school named after Tchaikovsky. According to and Executive Director Talar Kazanjian, the Aram Khachaturian Competition Cultural Setrakian briefed the prime minister Foundation, 13 participants have passed to the semi- and key staffers on the Artsakh visit, final round for the main award and the prizes. presented the organization’s strategy The final round of the competition will take place for accelerating socio-economic develop- on June 12. The finalists will perform with the State ment in the war-torn republic, and Symphony Orchestra of Armenia which is the offi- updated them on the progress of other cial symphony of the competition. AGBU initiatives throughout Armenia The Khachaturian International Competition is since the first official meeting with then- held in Yerevan from June 6 to June 14 every year interim PM Pashinyan shortly after the starting from 2003. For the first time it was imple- Velvet Revolution. mented within the framework of events, dedicated to Now, a year later, with the New the 100th anniversary of great composer. Armenia Agenda under way, areas of In 2013 the Khachaturian competition was elected mutual interest could be explored with as a member of the World Federation of International greater substance and specificity with Music Competitions becoming the only Armenian com- an understanding that the work of petition ever honored with such a privilege. AGBU in Armenia is driven by a convic- tion that a strong, vibrant, democratic Sevan Road to Be Armenia is the key to preserving and enhancing the global Armenian identity Renovated in the 21st century. Prime Minister Pashinyan greets AGBU President Berge Setrakian at the Armenian government building. (Photo courtesy of the Press office of the Government of Pashinyan expressed the Armenian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Government of Armenia – www.gov.am) government’s appreciation of AGBU’s Armenia has approved an upcoming renovation of growing presence in the country and the road leading to the Sevan Peninsula. its ability to address pressing needs of Deputy Minister of Transportation, Communication among civil society organizations in Setrakian observed. “In these times, the people on multiple fronts, assur- and IT Bagrat Badalyan said on May 31 at the Cabinet Armenia through its Bridge for CSOs what happens in Armenia, does not stay ing AGBU leadership of its desire to meeting that the asphalt layer is worn out in the area program, which can help promote an in Armenia. Its trials and triumphs, its cooperate and assist, where appropri- and given the fact that soon the tourism season will open and trusting relationship place in the world, and its image as a ate, in meeting the organization’s begin they want to reconstruct it. between citizens and their government. distinctive living culture, has, to one strategic goals and programmatic The Sevan Peninsula is a major tourism attraction Both programs involve diaspora partic- degree or another, tangibly or psycho- needs. for visitors of Lake Sevan. ipation which adds another important logically, an impact on Armenians every- After the one-hour meeting, The restoration works will be completed within dimension to the much-needed reset in where.” one month . Defense Minister Briefs James Jones on NK Line of Contact YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan received on Friday, June 6, Atlantic Council Executive Chairman Emeritus Retired Gen. James L. Jones Jr. As the defense ministry reported in a press statement, Tonoyan presented the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border and at the Line of Contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, reflected on Armenian-American and Armenia-NATO cooperation in the defense sector. The two sides exchanged thoughts on number of issues of regional and International security issues. Jones is a retired United States Marine Corps gen- eral and a former United States National Security Advisor. During his military career, he served as the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 1999 to January 2003, and Commander, United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2003 to 2006. Jones retired from the Marine Corps on February 1, 2007, Seated Left, Front to Back: AGBU Armenia President Vasken Yacoubian; AGBU President Berge Setrakian; AGBU Armenia after 40 years of service. Executive Director Talar Kazanjian. Seated Righr Front to Back: Assistant to PM Hratch Tashchyan, PM Nikol Pashinyan; PM Spokesperson Vladimir Karapetyan. (Photo courtesy of the Press office of the Government of Armenia – www.gov.am) Armenia among Most Popular Destinations for Armenian Armenian Justice Minister Russians in 2019 President Visits YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Armenia is among Resigns the top 20 countries preferred for travel by Russian Italian Embassy tourists for 2019, analytical agency TurStat reveals. RESIGNATION, from page 1 The agency has unveiled a rating of countries pop- YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — President on the court blockade denounced by the Armenian opposition. ular among Russians in the first quarter of 2019. Armen Sarkissian of Armenia and his wife Artur Sakunts, a human rights activist, likewise linked the minister’s Accordingly, tourist trips to Armenia have Nouneh Sarkissian visited on June 2 the resignation with the judicial crisis. Sakunts said that the Justice increased by 19 percent to 94,000 in the first three Embassy of Italy in Yerevan on the country’s Ministry did not initiate “drastic changes” within the judiciary under months of 2019 against the same period last year. national holiday, Republic Day. Zeynalian. The remaining 19 popular destinations are The Armenian leader congratulated Also resigning on Friday was Gevorg Danielyan, the acting head of Abkhazia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Thailand, China, Ambassador of Italy Vincenzo Del Monaco, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), a state body overseeing Armenia’s Estonia, Ukraine, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the entire embassy staff, and in their person courts. In a statement, Danielyan said the SJC needs to have a differ- Germany, Italy, Poland, Georgia, Vietnam, Spain, the friendly people of Italy on the national ent composition in order to “really inspire trust” and be able to imple- Azerbaijan, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and France. holiday, the presidential press service report- ment judicial reforms. TurStat reported earlier that Armenia is among ed. The SJC’s previous chairman, Gagik Harutyunyan, stepped down on the five best CIS destinations suitable for sightsee- The parties spoke about the Armenian- May 24. Harutyunyan attributed the move to “ongoing developments ing holidays. Italian cultural and historical ties and in this relating to the judicial authority” and his “concerns expressed in that context stressed in particular the activities of regard.” the Mekhitarist Congregation in Italy. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA AGBU Redoubles Efforts to Revitalize Economy, People of Artsakh

STEPANAKERT, Artsakh — Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) announced on June 4 a major push behind its AGBU Fund for Artsakh, a four-way strategy for sustainable socio-economic growth in Artsakh centered around programs in education, culture, human- itarian relief, and socio-economic development. AGBU President Berge Setrakian believes that a sustainable growth economy for Artsakh is as indispensable to its survival as negotiating a just peace and defending the right to self- determination, stating that, “Along with provid- ing a better life for the people, a strong econo- my also means a stronger military and eventu- ally a safer homeland.” Building on the organization’s decades of support for humanitarian and socio-economic initiatives in the war-stricken enclave, AGBU Fund for Artsakh was officially launched in 2018 as an umbrella entity that better reflects the interdependence among programs to achieve optimal national renewal — from pro- viding emergency medical support in response to the April 2016 four-day war, educating the next generation of innovators through its col- laboration with the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, helping advance deserving stu- dents with university scholarships, and sup- porting Military Officer Education for both on and off the battlefield. On the cultural front, the Fund continues to support the Artsakh Chamber Orchestra that it helped found in 2004. The orchestra has since toured the world, paving the way for a new music school in AGBU Fields of Hope Artsakh, thanks to its global success. Two new agriculture-based initiatives were added to the Fund in 2018 — AGBU Fields of In concert with announcing accelerated initiative that helps locals with different educa- Artsakh is implemented together with Fruitful Hope and AGBU Olive Tree Orchards. Both are efforts behind the Fund, AGBU introduced two tional backgrounds and skill sets to create more Armenia Charity Foundation to boost the entre- designed to empower farmers, including Syrian- new ambitious programs aimed at stimulating sustainable and remunerative sources of preneurial skills of women in Stepanakert and Armenian refugee settlers, to transform economic activity and reducing poverty: AGBU income through self-employment and enhanced the regions and help them succeed in the world Artsakh into a cornucopia of produce to sustain Women Entrepreneurs (W.E.); and AGBU Learn employability. The program also aims to sup- of business. The project is part of the AGBU the populace and open new markets for region- to Earn Artsakh Program (LEAP). port public servants in their professional devel- Women Empowerment Program which began al trade. AGBU LEAP is a professional development opment, as well as to cultivate a more support- in Armenia in 2017 to help promote human ive environment for small and medium-size rights and equal opportunity for women in enterprises in Artsakh. Armenia. Selected entrepreneurs will enroll for a “The establishment of enterprises, the cre- course in Business Administration from the ation of new jobs, and the promotion of export American University of Armenia Extension are all key to economic development. This is

Speakers at the AGBU Fund for Artsakh press conference. From left: AGBU Armenia Executive Director Talar Kazanjian; AGBU Armenia President Vasken Yacoubian; AGBU President Berge Setrakian; and State Minister of Artsakh Grigory Martirosyan.

Artsakh Chamber Orchestra

Program. Upon completion, they will have the why we are joining AGBU in supporting women opportunity to compete for mini-grants and entrepreneurs in Artsakh by helping them benefit from year-long handholding from expand their knowledge of finance and entre- experts in relevant fields. preneurship and to be more effectively involved Other beneficiaries will also receive English- in the development of the country’s economy,” language training and a non-degree certificate noted Jorge Del Aguila-Eurnekian, Board in Tourism and Hospitality Management upon Member of Fruitful Armenia Foundation and completion of at least five of AUA Extension’s Converse Bank. 12-course program. The Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU Learn to Earn Artsakh Program also (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organi- commits to strengthen capabilities among offi- zation devoted to upholding the Armenian her- cers employed in the public sector through pro- itage through educational, cultural and human- fessional development courses and exchange itarian programs. Each year, AGBU is commit- visits with Armenian counterparts. The pro- ted to making a difference in the lives of gram will help the Artsakh government develop 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and action plans to resolve policy gaps and improve the Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has the business climate for small and medium remained true to one overarching goal: to cre- AGBU Women Entrepreneurs (W.E.) enterprises. ate a foundation for the prosperity of all AGBU Women Entrepreneurs (W.E.) in Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org. 4 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News In Nod to Georgia, Armenia Changes UN Vote for First Time about Right of Georgians to Return

Prague Court to Armenian” UN resolutions, such as Richard Giragosian, director of the Extradite Narek By Ani Mejlumyan those affirming the territorial integrity Yerevan think tank Regional Studies of Azerbaijan, Yerevan wanted to take Center, said Armenia’s UN vote sug- Sargsyan to Armenia the first step toward better cooperation. gests a more “careful” diplomatic YEREVAN (Eurasianet) — Armenia “By abstaining we [Armenia] showed approach by the new government, PRAGUE (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Czech has for the first time not voted against a that we want to build a better founda- which took power last spring. For Republic may extradite the nephew of Armenia’s Georgian resolution at the United tion with our neighbor,” he told Armenia, “despite expectations and per- third President, Serzh Sargsyan, Narek Sargsyan, to Nations about the right of return of dis- Eurasianet. “We also spoiled haps pressure from Russia, the absten- Armenia. The Prague City Court on June 4 reached placed people, an apparent gesture on Azerbaijan’s propaganda against tion may have been a compromise, the decision. Yerevan’s part toward better relations Armenia in Georgia, as this is one of the aimed at no longer angering its impor- Armenian officials accused Narek Sargsyan of ille- with Tbilisi. main topics they use to criticize tant neighbor Georgia, while seeking gally keeping weapons and drugs in his apartment in On June 4, the United Nations Armenia.” more flexibility from the Moscow line in the center of Yerevan in the summer of 2018. General Assembly passed Moreover, this is not the full list of the charges a non-binding resolution against Sargsyan. The Armenian police also stated reaffirming the rights of that when discovered, he provided a fake passport of Georgians displaced from Guatemala with the personal details of a person South Ossetia and named Franklin Gonzales. Abkhazia to return to A criminal case has been instituted against their homes. The two ter- Sargsyan for the purpose of acquiring, selling, keep- ritories are considered ing, transporting or carrying illegal weapons, ammu- Georgian by most of the nition or explosives as well as for selling, marketing world but have been con- illegal drugs or substances. trolled by Russia-backed self-declared republics since the early 1990s. Georgia has sponsored similar resolutions every Dutch Parliament Slams year since 2008, and until Erdogan’s Comments on this year Armenia voted against: the situation is Armenian Genocide analogous to that of Nagorno-Karabakh, inter- THE HAGUE (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Dutch nationally recognized as House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 11 adopt- part of Azerbaijan but ed a resolution condemning Turkish President Recep controlled by ArmenianGeorgian President Salome Zourabichvili and Armenian Prime Minister in March in Yerevan. Tayyip Erdogan’s April 24 comments concerning the forces since 1994. victims of the Armenian Genocide, lawmaker Alen This year, however, Simonyan said in a Facebook post. Armenia didn’t vote. It didn’t explain its When Georgian President Salome UN votes,” Giragosian told Eurasianet. Erdogan said back then that the deportation of reasoning but Johnny Melikiyan, an ana- Zourabichvili visited Yerevan in March, Russia voted against the resolution, Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th lyst of Armenia-Georgia relations at the Pashinyan said that there was “a his- and most of the others who joined it century was “appropriate at the time.” Armenian government think tank toric opportunity to upgrade the rela- were aligned with Russia. The “deportation of Armenian gangs who were Orbeli Center, told Eurasianet that the tions between our countries.” Arsen Kharatayan, a Tbilisi-based for- massacring Muslims including women, children and two countries appear to have reached Nevertheless, the government has tried mer foreign policy advisor to Armenian elderly people in the Eastern Anatolia region was the an informal agreement that “we don’t as well to balance relations with Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, wrote most appropriate act at that time,” Erdogan said. vote against each other.” He said voting its traditional ally and Georgia’s prima- on his Facebook page that the vote was “No group or state has been able to prove their for the resolution would be impossible, ry foe. Just days before the UN vote, a crucial step in restoring faith between claims on the Armenian issue with archive docu- though: Armenia “has the Nagorno- Pashinyan told an interviewer in the two countries: “Armenian-Georgian ments.” Karabakh issue, and voting for the reso- Kazakhstan that Armenia hoped to relations should be beyond the influ- The document adopted by the parliament of the lution would be against Armenia’s inter- restore railway communications ence of any third party,” he said, Netherlands obliges the government to inform the ests.” between Armenia and Russia via expressing hope that Georgia will take a Turkish authorities on the lawmakers stance. While in the past Georgia has voted Georgia and Abkhazia, a project that similar approach in the future when for what Melikiyan described as “anti- Georgia regards with suspicion. Armenia-related votes come up.

Armenian among Injured in Tourist Bus Armenian Diaspora Opinion Survey Results Published LONDON — The Armenian Diaspora The Armenian Diaspora Survey interest in all of these, but considered the Collision Survey (ADS) published the results of a (ADS) is funded by the Armenian diaspora equally important. Armenia is SOCHI (Panarmenia.net) — One Armenian citizen first ever survey, which provides a snap- Communities Department of the “fairly” and “very” important to 90 per- was among the injured in Sochi tourist buses colli- shot of the issues, attitudes and trends Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and cent of respondents and 75 percent have sion on Sunday, June 9, the spokesperson for shaping the Armenian world in the 21st carried out under the auspices of the visited the country at least once, while 93 Armenian MFA Anna Naghdalyan said referring to century. Armenian Institute in London. percent intend to visit. Armenian consulate in Sochi. The 150-page Armenian Diaspora “We are pleased to see the publica- Respondents said that Armenian lan- As reported earlier, a total of 26 people have been Opinion, Pilot Project 2018 includes six tion of this report on the multi-country guage, history and religion were impor- injured as a result of a collision of two buses in thematic chapters—on identity, lan- systematic survey of the Diaspora,” said tant to themselves and to Armenian Russian Sochi, RIA Novosti reported. guage and culture, religion, community, Dr. Razmik Panossian, Director of identity generally — but variations politics and relations with Armenia—and Gulbenkian Foundation’s Armenian appeared between the cities and further the full results of the pilot survey con- Communities Department. “The need questions revealed broad variations in ducted in May and June 2018 in Boston, for evidence-based understanding of practice. Cairo, Marseille and Pasadena. There Armenians around the world,” he con- Even as ADS respondents in the four Two Female Armenian are sections on research methodology, tinued, “is essential not only to compre- cities seem to be more active than per- profiles of the communities in the four hend current realities, but also to plan haps a broader population of Soldiers Join UN Forces cities and the entire questionnaire. for the future.” Armenians, 73 percent claimed no Published by the Armenian Institute in Over 1000 Armenians in four cities in active affiliation with any Armenian In Lebanon London, the report is available to the the Diaspora took part in this first ever political organization. However a major- YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Two female public. survey, which was led by a team of aca- ity said they were active in other Armenian soldiers have for the first time been “The primary aim of this research pro- demics, researchers and experts. These Armenian organizations such as the recruited in the United Nations Interim Force in ject, which is led by a team of acade- cities were chosen to provide variety for AGBU, Hamazkain and others. Lebanon (UNIFIL). mics, researchers and experts, is to pro- the initial phase, as well as for their Predictably, Christianity is considered The Brigadier General of International vide evidence-based understanding of community history and characteristics. an important part of Armenian identity— Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon, Bruno Pisciotta, the multilayered and diverse aspects of The Research for Apostolic, Evangelical and Catholic and Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahagn Armenian diasporic life,” said Dr. Hratch The overwhelming majority of the respondents across the four communi- Atabekyan, met to discuss the issue. Tchilingirian, a scholar at University of respondents consider the continuation of ties. While only 14-16 percent attended Atabekyan was attending a ceremony of awarding Oxford, who directs the project. the Armenian diaspora as important and church weekly or monthly, 70 percent felt Armenian peacekeepers at the headquarters of “The knowledge gained and the full meaningful space—94 percent marked as it is important to be married in an International Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon. survey responses presented in this new “fairly” to “very” important. Along these Armenian church. Some 43 percent of The ambassador thanked the Armenian peacekeep- publication could be useful to institu- lines, 84 percent of respondents felt it respondents felt that women should be ers for implementing the mission with great respon- tional and community leaders in the was important to help diaspora commu- ordained in Armenian churches, while 30 sibility. Diaspora and policy-makers in nities in the Middle East. This is signifi- percent had no opinion on the matter. Pisciotta also hailed the Armenian servicemen. Armenia,” explained Tchilingirian, cant as traditionally the Genocide and The full report is available on the “especially, when they are taking deci- the Republic of Armenia have been the ADS website and could be downloaded sions about priorities, projects and ser- focus of funding, study or discourse in for free: https://www.armeniandiaspo- vices in the communities.” the Diaspora. The respondents showed rasurvey.com/2018 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Pashinyan Speaks about Building Bridges at Russian Economic Conference

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Armenpress) — concerns not only bilateral relations: we are Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan actively cooperating in the frame of the Eurasian announced that Armenia is ready to contribute Economic Union, the CIS [Commonwealth of to the development of relations between Russia Independent States], and the CSTO [Collective and the European Union (EU), during his speech Security Treaty Organization]. And I believe that at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum all these areas are of strategic importance to our on June 7. countries,” he said. To the question of the facilitator of the session During the meeting, the interlocutors dis- if Armenia can in the future abandon the cussed a broad range of issues on the Armenian- Eurasian Economic Union if the shift towards Russian cooperation agenda. In particular, they the EU continues, Pashiyan answered that there touched upon the activities of the intergovern- is no shift towards any direction. mental commission. “There is no shift towards the European The parties stressed the importance of contin- Union, because Armenia remains in the place it ued high-level contacts and expressed readiness is now. This is very important to emphasize, to discuss ways of ensuring progress in this area. because we cooperate with the EU over issues of The need for continued discussions in the frame- our domestic reforms. The EU is very interested work of working groups was noted on both sides. in improving relations with Russia. I often con- (PanArmenian.net contributed to this report.) tact with European leaders and I want to say that all of them support Armenia in developing rela- tions with the Russian Federation. And this is very important. We are very transparent with our From left, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Karabakh Security Russian partners in our relations with the EU, President Vladimir Putin and we are transparent with our European part- Chief Sacked After ners in our relations with the RF. Of course, rul- Recently I paid a visit to the People’s Republic of Armenia to become richer and make our country ing out some security-linked nuances”, China, where I mentioned in my speech that I am richer,” Pashinyan said. Row With Yerevan Pashinyan said. very glad we have a positive dynamics of rela- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is in the The Armenian premier said that Armenia does tions with China. I think China, the EU and Russian Federation on a working visit, partici- STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — Vitaly not plan to participate in geopolitical games. “I Russia are all interested in universal stability and pated in the 23rd plenary session of the St. Balasanyan, one of Nagorno-Karabakh’s want to say that really many European leaders I think that our main priority in these relations Petersburg International Economic Forum, titled top security officials, was relieved of his are interested in normalizing relations with is stability and security. Of course, we, as an EEU “Forming a Sustainable Development Agenda.” duties on Tuesday, June 11, one month Russia. I think the presence of the two European member state, understand our role and will con- President of the People’s Republic of China Xi after criticizing Armenian Prime Minister leaders here also speaks about that. I think many tribute to the improvement of relations between Jinping, President of the Republic of Bulgaria Nikol Pashinyan and bitterly arguing with have understood in the world that geopolitical our colleagues, not to worsening,” the Armenian Romen Radiev, Prime Minister of the Slovak his press secretary. Republic Peter Pelegrine and UN Secretary Bako Sahakyan, the Karabakh presi- General Antonio Guterres attended the plenary dent, dismissed Balasanyan as secretary of session. his national security council in a series of One day before, Pashinyan met with Putin in decrees that also named another retired the Konstantinovsky Palace. army general, Levon Mnatsakanyan, as Welcoming Pashinyan, Putin hailed relations chief of the Karabakh police. between the two countries as special. Mnatsakanyan is the former commander “I have no doubt that you will find it interest- of Karabakh’s Armenian-backed army. He ing and, hopefully, useful to take part in discus- was sacked in December after Pashinyan sions at the St Petersburg International accused Karabakh leaders of “meddling” in Economic Forum,” he said. Armenian parlia- “It offers you a good format in which to meet mentary elections. your colleagues, talk with them and discuss cur- S a h a k y a n ’ s rent issues on the economic agenda, as well as to spokesman, Davit talk about political issues, so I would call it a use- Babayan, insisted ful and important event. that Balasanyan “There is no need to characterize our bilateral himself decided relations as we do this regularly: we met quite to resign because recently and discussed many issues and had the he wants to be “involved” in a opportunity to talk about everything on the side- Vitaly Balasanyan lines of the EEU summit in Kazakhstan. presidential elec- Prime Minister Pashinyan is interviewed by a Chinese television reporter. “Let me remind you that Russia is Armenia’s tion which is due leading trade and economic partner, which to be held in Karabakh next year. “He accounts for 26 percent of Armenia’s foreign decided to enter the political scene and games do not lead to any good thing, and this prime minister said. trade, plus direct investment worth $2 billion more actively participate in that electoral particularly refers to the countries and peoples Pashinyan urges international partners to and many other things that show that we main- process,” Babayan told RFE/RL’s which become a platform for such geopolitical invest in Armenia. tain special relations of two allies. I am glad to Armenian service. games. For that reason Armenia’s position is “The value added tax increase in the first half have the opportunity to meet with you today and Balasanyan is expected to be one of the very clear – we do not plan to become part of of this year was 7.1 percent in Armenia, while discuss the entire range of issues.” main candidates in that election. He had geopolitical games. We have to establish normal economic activity index amounted to 9.2 percent Pashinyan said bilateral relations are develop- already been Sahakyan’s main challenger relations with the European Union and the in April, so I invite the international business to ing harmoniously. in a presidential ballot held in 2012. Russian Federation. We are an EEU member make investments in Armenia. We even have a “As you mentioned, our counties are bound by Earlier this month, Balasanyan publicly state, holding the chairmanship of this year. slogan for potential investors: We invite them to strategic relations of allied partnership. And this scoffed at Pashinyan’s confidence-building understandings reached with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He also criticized Armenian authorities for not heeding the current and former Karabakh leaders’ calls Journalist Deniz Yücel Speaks Out on Arrest in Turkey for the release of Armenia’s indicted former President Robert Kocharyan from prison. ARREST, from page 1 bookstores, petitions and open letters. As What will emerge from the elections Those remarks sparked a war of words Indeed, the case was in many ways unique. Akrap noted, the moment was propitious, since Erdogan has decided to repeat? The real ques- between Balasanyan and Pashinyan’s Yücel is a German citizen of Turkish descent Turkey was at the center of attention, and the tion, in Yücel’s view, is: how much will press secretary, Vladimir Karapetyan. An and was working as a correspondent for the case was a lead item in major press for weeks Erdogan take with him when he goes under? Armenian newspaper report claimed on German paper Die Welt when he was arrested on end. In 2005, when Erdogan was on a reform Monday that Pashinyan has since been in February 2017. He was kept in prison for one The German government intervened, in the course, he understood from German pressing Sahakyan to sack his security year, 290 days of those in solitary confinement; person of then-Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, Chancellor Angela Merkel and others in chief. he was released on February 16, 2018. The and when in summer 2017 Berlin threatened to Europe that Turkey would not be let into the The Armenian prime minister last week state attorney had just presented formal block Hermes export credits, the potential eco- EU. Then in 2015 after the refugee crisis, accused unnamed Karabakh leaders of charges, accusing him of spreading propaganda nomic danger convinced Ankara to let him out. Merkel made a deal with Erdogan. The posi- spreading false claims about significant for a terrorist organization (the Kurdish PKK) Eager to maintain access to the European tion the EU takes, Yücel said, will depend on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan and of incitement to hatred. If convicted, he Union (and even join one day), Turkey couldn’t what happens in Turkey after Erdogan. The planned by his government. could be sentenced to 4-18 years. A date for the risk such a conflict with Germany, Yücel said. AKP ideology was initially Islamist but, since Babayan denied, however, any connec- trial was set for June, but there was no condi- On the personal level, he stressed the the failed coup attempt, it has turned increas- tion between Pashinyan’s statements and tion set that he must stay in Turkey. He imme- importance of the solidarity campaign, which ingly nationalist. Erdogan and his clique (who Balasanyan’s dismissal. “Please do not link diately left for Germany. He would not return gave him the moral support to resist (even are hated, he said), will seek allies anywhere, [the two things,] do not look for an for the trial. when tortured) and to smuggle articles out of as long as this keeps them in power. intrigue,” said the Karabakh official. In this sense, he was the first to be released jail. Although, he reported, some colleagues Yücel’s new book, which tells the whole Balasanyan, 60, is a retired army gener- illegally. His freedom came not as a result of an feared that publication would do more dam- story, is titled, Terrorist Agent: How I Caused al who had played a major role during the orderly trial and acquittal, but in response to an age than good, he reasoned, “The reason I’m a Serious Diplomatic Crisis and Why Being 1991-1994 war with Azerbaijan. He international campaign, #FreeDeniz, launched here is that I am a journalist, because of my Concerned Is not Enough (Agentterrorist: announced on May 30 that he has set up by Akrap, who grew up with Yücel near articles. If their aim is to silence me, then all Wie ich eine schwere diplomatische Krise a “pan-Armenian” political movement Frankfurt. The campaign organized demonstra- the more important to break the silence and ausgelöst habe und warum es nicht reicht, called For Artsakh. tions, car rallies, concerts, readings in local publish.” besorgt zu sein). 6 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

USC Institute of Armenian Stewart Goff Appointed Studies Appoints Dr. New CEO of Armenian Shushan Karapetian as Women’s Welfare Deputy Director Association, Armenian LOS ANGELES — The University of Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenian Studies Nursing and announced this spring that Dr. Shushan Karapetian is the new deputy director. The 15- Rehabilitation Center year-old institute has grown to become one of USC’s most visible and active academic centers. BOSTON — The Board of Directors of the The position of deputy director has been Armenian Women’s Welfare Association made possible by the Turpanjian Family (AWWA) and the Armenian Nursing and Foundation, whose support to USC generally Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) is pleased to and Armenian Studies at USC in particular has announce the appointment of Stewart R. been at the core of the Institute’s growth. Goff, RN, MS as the new CEO of AWWA and Karapetian’s interdisciplinary research and ANRC. He assumed this position on May 8. academic accomplishments will propel and Goff brings his significant administrative expand the depth and scope of the Institute’s experience and clinical background to lead- research and academic programs. ership of these important non-profit institu- “With Dr. Shushan Karapetian’s joining the tions. Trained as a registered nurse and nurs- Institute, we will now be entering a new phase. ing home administrator, for the past 14 years She shares our commitment to do the work nec- Richard and Dottie Demirjian Goff worked with Covenant Health as execu- essary to shape and positively impact global dis- tive director of the 231-bed Mary Immaculate course on Armenia and the Diaspora. And she Nursing/Restorative Center in Lawrence and brings knowledge and experience that is solidly as administrator of Campion Health & grounded in academia even as she puts great Hundreds Gather in Oakland to Wellness, a 70-bed skilled nursing facility and importance on the process of making academic rest home for infirm and senior members of Honor Lifelong Athletic the Society of Jesus. Both sites provide ser- vices across multiple levels of care. Previously he served as executive director of Visionary and Leader, Goddard House in Jamaica Plain from 1999- 2004. Richard Demirjian Goff said, “I am so honored to be part of an organization with such history of service to a OAKLAND, Calif. — On Sunday, June 2, at St. Vartan Armenian Church, hun- community which has come to mean so much dreds of former and current athletes gathered from near and far to honor Richard to me on a personal level. I look forward to Demirjian for his decades of service. With Richard in attendance, the tribute lun- applying my many years of experience to the cheon was a great opportunity for for- provision of eldercare services in the mer teammates and friends to reminisce Armenian tradition.” Goff is at home with the By Kim Bardakian about their fond memories all under the leadership and guidance of Demirjian. For nearly six decades, Demirjian was the catalyst for participation throughout California by Armenian youth in athletic competition, including track and field, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, softball, tennis and soccer. The gathering provided an opportu- nity to show Richard how much he personally meant to everyone in the room and beyond. In 1969, Demirjian, along with Ben Morjig, spearheaded the Western Dr. Shushan Karapetian Armenian Athletic Association (WAAA) Games, which was first held in the San Francisco Bay Area and then in Fresno. The games ran for 46 years with thou- sands of talented Armenian athlete participants. Dermirjian was also instru- research and scholarship available and accessi- mental in the St. ble,” said Salpi Ghazarian, director of the USC Vartan Armenian Institute of Armenian Studies. Church athletic team’s In her previous position at the University of participation in various California, Los Angeles, where she completed tournaments through- both her undergraduate and graduate educa- out the Western tion, Dr. Karapetian held a dual position as Diocese. Associate Director of the National Heritage The luncheon began Language Resource Center and Lecturer of with a surprise — 85- Armenian Studies in the Department of Near year-old Ed Baker ran Eastern Languages and Cultures. into the church hall as Karapetian’s research focuses on the role of a torch bearer. Olympic- Armenian as a pluricentric heritage language, Jack Papazian speaks with master of ceremonies themed music played in particularly on the juncture of language and Steve Donikian looking on. the background as identity in the transnational context of the Baker ran a lap around Armenian people. Her dissertation, “‘How Do I all the guest tables Stewart Goff Teach My Kids My Broken Armenian?’: A Study replicating the Opening Ceremonies during the WAAA Games. Baker ran for of Eastern Armenian Heritage Language St. Vartan Armenian Church for more than three decades, and in 1979 set the Speakers in Los Angeles,” was awarded the record for the Master’s Mile, which still stands today. Armenian community as his wife is of Distinguished Dissertation Award by the Society Throughout the afternoon, many former athletes spoke with deep gratitude Armenian descent; her grandmother appears for Armenian Studies in 2015. and appreciation for what Richard meant to them. Steven Donikian served as in a 1948 photo of AWWA members. Her postdoctoral research shifts to the situa- event emcee and provided great commentary as a former athlete himself. “The Board of Directors welcomes the tion of Western Armenian and its sole existence The first speaker was Jack Papazian, who, along with his brother George, exemplary skills and experience that Stewart as a stateless diasporic language by examining were instrumental in encouraging Demirjian to start a basketball program and brings to our projects. We are excited to have the development of language ideologies that pro- competition back in the 1960’s. Jack paid tribute to Richard and expressed how his leadership as we look forward to expand- ject its status as both threatened and valued. much of an impact he made on his life. ing our services,” says ANRC/AWWA Board Her corresponding studies on Eastern and Other speakers included Judy Rejebian, who held the world record for the pen- President Susan Deranian. Western Armenian in their diasporic expression tathlon at age 13; David Madajian spoke about his year’s running track and reflect- Founded in 1915, the AWWA supports the demonstrate how linguistic and (trans)national ing on fond memories spending holidays with the Dermirjians; Van Der ANRC, the Elderly Project of the Hanganak boundaries are constantly stretched, blurred, Mugrdechian, who traveled from Fresno with lots of photos and memorabilia in tow Clinic, an NGO in Stepanakert, Nagorno- and tested, bringing to light disruptive spaces of from past competitions; and Brian Babayans from Los Angeles, who let Richard Karabakh, and other initiatives that benefit contact and how those map on to constructs of know how much he impacted the lives of him and his brother, and how Richard the Armenian community in the greater belonging in the Armenian experience. was instrumental in getting them both involved in the Armenian community. Ken Boston area and beyond. The ANRC is an 83- Most recently, she was the recipient of the Thompson, a sharp-shooter on the basketball court, reminisced about his years of bed non-profit skilled nursing facility that Russ Campbell Young Scholar Award in playing under Demirjian and lifelong friendships he created through competition. offers the highest quality long-term care for Heritage Language Education at the Third A special video tribute was played from St. Vartan’s own, Matt Vasgersian, elderly Armenian and non-Armenian resi- International Heritage/Community Languages who offered well wishes to Dermirjian. Matt is currently a commentator with dents as well as outstanding short-term care Conference hosted by the National Heritage see DEMIRJIAN, page 7 for residents of all ages and backgrounds Language Resource Center at UCLA. who require rehabilitation before returning see APPOINTMENT, page 8 to their homes. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Hundreds Gather to Honor Lifelong Athletic Visionary and Leader, Richard Demirjian

DEMIRJIAN, from page 6 Demirjian, who held back tears as he looked ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball and the MLB into the room and was filled with much pride, Network and was a neighbor to Demirjian as a joy and gratitude. child. Before the program concluded, Father Hovel Janet Demirjian Schmid, Richard’s daughter, Ohanyan, Parish Priest at St. Vartan Armenian presented a poignant tribute to both her par- Church, and Nazar Jindoian, Parish Council ents and provided heartwarming anecdotes Chairman, presented Richard with a certificate about growing up in a household surrounded announcing the newly established, Richard by Armenian athletics. Demirjian Athletic Fund. All donations will go Richard, along with his wife Dottie, took in all toward the athletic program at St. Vartan the accolades happily and gracefully. The after- Church to ensure his legacy continues. noon ended with remarks from Richard The members of the organizing committee included Kim Bardakian, Yeghia Apkarian, Janet Demirjian Schmid, Annette Boyd Kevranian, Steven Donikian and Hagop Hakimian. The St. Vartan Ladies Society pre- pared lunch for the guests. Dermijian’s vision to bring Armenian athletes together to compete was successful. However, he accomplished so much more. He connected Armenians from the Bay Area and beyond, cul- tivating lifelong friendships and memories that will last for generations, as witnessed in the Former St Vartan Church Men’s Basketball team members pose with the Demirjians. overflowing hall on June 2 in Oakland. Donations can be made out to St. Vartan Armenian Church with the memo: “Richard Demirjian, along with his two brothers and sis- Upon graduation, he worked at his brother’s Demirjian Athletic Fund,” and can be mailed to ter. He served in the U.S. Army and was head- shop, learning the precision, hard-chrome plat- St. Vartan Church, 650 Spruce Street, Oakland, quartered in Paris, France. After his time in the ing trade, which he eventually brought to CA 94610. Army, he attended Wayne State University in California, where he opened a similar business Judy Rejebian, a former athlete Richard Demirjian was born on a farm out- Detroit, graduating in 1951 with a degree in in Oakland. side Byron, Mich. to Sarkis and Kaden Business Administration. He had always known Dottie Vahratian from the Detroit Armenian community, where she was also a stand-out track star at Commerce High School. They married in 1952 and later moved to Oakland in 1960. Richard’s love of sports has always been deeply embedded in him. He was a freestyle swimmer in high school and college and also ran the mile in track. To see more photos of the event, visit https://eagarciaphotography.pixieset.com/rich TH arddemirjiantribute/

Movses Abelian Named UN Under-Secretary-General

NEW YORK — United Nations Secretary- General António Guterres this week announced 1 the appointment of Movses Abelian of Armenia (as well as a national of Georgia), as the next 9 Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management. He will succeed Catherine Pollard of Guyana who has been appointed as the Under- Secretary-General for Management Strategy, SPONSOR A TEACHER Policy and Compliance. Abelian is currently assistant secretary-gener- al for General Assembly and IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH C o n f e r e n c e Management. Prior Since its inception in 2001, to assuming this position in 2016, he the TCA Sponsor A Teacher was director of the Program has raised $709,500 Security Council Affairs Division in and reached out to 6,427 the Department of Political Affairs. teachers and school staff Ambassador Movses He brings to the in Armenia and Artsakh. Abelian position over 25 years of experience in conference and management affairs, coupled with experience in peace and security issues, conflict resolution as well as extensive expertise leading, supporting and managing complex portfolios and intergov- ernmental processes in the United Nations sys- tem. Abelian also has extensive experience in management, including program planning and R R R R budget, having previously worked as Secretary of the Administrative and Budgetary Committee of the General Assembly (Fifth $200 $400 $600 $Other______Committee) and the Committee on Program and Coordination at the United Nations. Prior to joining the United Nations, Abelian was the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations (1998-2003) and Deputy Permanent Representative (1996 to 1998). Prior to joining the Foreign Service of Armenia in 1992, Abelian worked in academia as an Associate Professor at Yerevan State University. Abelian was educated in Armenia, the Russian Federation and the United States. He is married and has two children. 8 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS California Moves to Divest from Turkey over Armenian USC Institute of Armenian Studies Genocide Despite Pension Fund Objections Appoints Dr. Shushan Karapetian as The fund typically opposes divestment bills, By Wes Venteicher preferring to consult its own policy on sus- Deputy Director tainable investments rather than outside APPOINTMENT, from page 6 restraints. Karapetian’s achievements extend beyond academic institutions and into communi- FRESNO (Fresno Bee) — California’s two CalPERS has divested from Sudan, Iran, ties. In the City of Glendale, she leads a new cutting-edge research partnership with major public pension funds could be prohib- manufacturers of guns that are illegal in the city’s school district on their Dual Language Immersion Programs in seven lan- ited from investing in Turkey under a pro- California, thermal coal and certain compa- guages. She has developed and delivered workshops for heritage language instructors posal the state Assembly passed despite nies that don’t meet its environment, social in communities across the country. opposition from the funds. and governance standards. She is currently serving on multiple committees both in the local Los Angeles and The legislation would require the funds to Since 2001, the divestments have cost the global diasporic Armenian communities aimed at reforming Armenian language halt new investments and unload existing fund about $2.5 billion, primarily driven by instruction and promoting the use of the Armenian language. This includes collabo- ones if the federal government imposes sanc- tobacco, although some divestments have rations with the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian tions on the country over the systematic saved the fund money, an analyst told the Foundation on Armenian Language Revitalization initiatives. killing of about 1.5 million Armenians start- board in March. ing in 1915, known as the Armenian “I am thrilled to share in and contribute to the pioneering vision and reach of the The $234 billion California State Teachers Genocide. USC Institute of Armenian Studies. I look forward to partnering with the dynamic Retirement System also opposes the mea- The $360 billion California Public team at USC in expanding the Institute’s research and scholarship initiatives, deepen- sure, in accordance with its policy against Employees’ Retirement System opposes the ing the integration with entities both on and off campus, and initiating programming, supporting legislation “that infringes on the bill on grounds that divesting from Turkey all with the goal of understanding the trajectory of the Armenian experience and shap- investment authority of the board.” ing current and future developments,” the new deputy director said. could diminish investment returns. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously Karapetian is the newest addition to a growing Institute. Together with Salpi “Every dollar in investment returns that is in a May 23 vote, with 17 members not vot- Ghazarian, the director, the Institute has two associate directors — Silva Sevlian and forgone, or expended on transaction costs ing, and proceeded to the Senate. Similar leg- Syuzanna Petrosyan, both holding Master’s degrees from USC Annenberg School of and fees, must be offset by employer and islation passed both chambers last year but Communications and Journalism. Gegham Mughnetsyan has also recently been employee contributions,” fund staff wrote in was vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown. appointed Chitjian Researcher Archivist. Dr. Lilit Keshishyan and Sareen Habeshian a memo. “If CalPERS were to divest from are part time Research Associates. Asik Yekikan is the Institute’s financial officer. Turkish investment vehicles and the compa- Adrin Nazarian, D-Los Angeles, authored Additionally, roughly a dozen undergraduate and graduate students are an integral nies performed well, employers and employ- the bill. In a statement, Nazarian said its pas- part of the institute staff. ees would bear the investment loss and trans- sage in the Assembly sends a “clear message action costs to maintain divestment through to Turkey to stop their deceitful campaign of increased contribution rates.” genocide denial.” OBITUARY Leon Redbone (Dickran Gobalian), Idiosyncratic Throwback Singer, Is Dead at 69

The album earned Redbone two appearances “Leon interests me,” he said. “I’ve heard he’s His other albums included “Double Time” By Neil Genzlinger on “Saturday Night Live” in 1976, during the anywhere from 25 to 60, I’ve been this close” — (1977), “No Regrets” (1988) and “Up a Lazy show’s first season. Fifteen more albums fol- Dylan here held his hands a foot and a half River” (1992). lowed, most recently “Flying By” in 2014. apart — “and I can’t tell. But you gotta see him. Redbone, who lived in New Hope, is survived NEW HOPE, Penn. (New York Times) — Leon Redbone also sang the theme songs for the tele- He does old Jimmie Rodgers, then turns around by his wife, Beryl Handler, who acted as his Redbone, who burst onto the pop-music scene vision series “Mr. Belvedere” and “Harry and and does a Robert Johnson.” manager; two daughters, Blake and Ashley; and in the mid-1970s with a startlingly throwback the Hendersons,” was heard on various com- Redbone was by that time playing at larger three grandchildren. singing style and a look to go with it, favoring mercials, and provided the voice of an animated halls and festivals and was being paired on bills In a 1996 interview with the Las Vegas Sun, songs from bygone eras drolly delivered, died snowman in the 2003 movie “Elf.” with Tom Rush, John Prine, Wainwright and Redbone spoke of what he was trying to on Thursday, May 30 in Bucks County, Pa. He His stage persona remained consistent for others. achieve with his performances and his eclectic was 69. his entire career, as did his determination to “Mr. Redbone does amusing, funky old blues song selections. His family announced the death on his web- reveal little about his personal life or back- songs with a sly gentleness that almost “It’s painting something, it’s you creating a site. A specific cause of death was not given, but ground. The announcement of his death said amounts to parody,” John Rockwell wrote in mood,” he said. “You can create a mood any- Redbone had retired from performing in 2015 he “crossed the delta for that beautiful shore the Times in 1974, reviewing a performance at where you want, with colors, noise, yelling and because of ill health. at the age of 127.” the Bottom Line in Manhattan, “but so loving- screaming. I myself prefer serenity, calm, peace Toting an acoustic guitar, his face generally He was actually born on August 26, 1949, in ly and exactly that he can only invite affection.” and quiet.” half-hidden by a Panama hat and dark glasses, Cyprus. An authoritative article in the Oxford Redbone channeled performers and songwrit- American this year said his parents had relocat-

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Telephone (617) 924-7400 Leon Redbone Aram Bedrosian ers from ragtime, Delta blues, Tin Pan Alley and ed there from the Armenian Quarter of more, material not generally heard by the rock Jerusalem after the new Israeli government generation. His music defied easy categoriza- seized their property. His father was an orphan Funeral Home, Inc. tion; he was sometimes described as a jazz refugee from the Armenian Genocide. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 singer, other times as a folk or pop or blues Redbone’s birth name, the article said, was artist. He sang in a deep, gravelly voice that Dickran Gobalian, though he always remained MARION BEDROSIAN combined singing and mumbling, but he also elusive about that and other details of his life. 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN deployed a falsetto of sorts on occasion. “When he broke onto the scene in the early WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN He began turning up on the coffeehouse cir- ’70s, no one knew where the hell he came from, cuit in Toronto in the 1960s and developed a and he liked it that way,” Loudon Wainwright cult following. He broke through to a larger III, who was paired with him on bills back then audience in late 1975 with his first album, “On and again more recently, said by email. the Track,” which included songs like My “Somebody once saw a Canadian passport, I ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS Walking Stick, by Irving Berlin, and Lazybones, think, but Redbone refused to be pinned down.” D D S by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer. His By the mid-1960s Redbone was living in sound was unique for the era, as the New York Toronto, and, self-taught on the guitar, he Cemetery Monuments Times noted in a January 1976 article about the began performing at folk clubs and coffeehous- Specializing in record and its producer, Joel Dorn: “Redbone, es. A pivotal moment came in 1972, when Bob who in his nightclub appearances plays the role Dylan noticed him at the Mariposa Folk Festival Armenian Designs and Lettering of a grinning, almost catatonic folkie, will in Ontario and was so impressed that he talked 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 undoubtedly confound many, but Dorn has cer- of producing his first album. That didn’t hap- tainly given him his due in a completely ungim- pen, but Dylan did commend Redbone to (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com micked musical setting.” Rolling Stone in a 1974 interview. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Detroit TCA Hosts Two Astronomy Talks

DETROIT — The Detroit Chapter of the Tekeyan Cultural Association on May 24 sponsored two talks by local journal- ist Clifford Marko. Marko spoke in the morning and later in the evening at the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) High School library. The morning talk was for students at the school during which he spoke about the solar system and space, whereas the evening talk was on black holes. Marko was born in Detroit, and raised in the Birmingham- Bloomfield area, from Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School. He received his degree in journalism from Arizona State University, and later earned a law degree from the University of Miami. He is a practicing attorney admitted to the bar in Michigan and Washington DC. He started his career in journalism and covered the US space program from Project Apollo and on from there. Later Students listen to the lecture by Clifford Marko in life, Marko was a docent at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum where, among other things, he gave tours. Marko holds a private pilot’s license with an instrument rating.

Diana Alexanian

Students at the Clifford Marko lecture Diana Alexanian and Clifford Marko Clifford Marko

Zareh Sinanyan Leaves City Council To Work for Armenian government

SINANYAN, from page 1 the next election in March 2020. In the role, he will be a liaison between An appointed candidate cannot be barred Armenia and its communities around the world, from running in the upcoming election, according to Najarian, citing conversations he Najarian said. had with Sinanyan, who could not be reached If an election is held, the winner will serve for comment. until 2022, or until what would have been the While council members have left their posts end of Sinanyan’s term. for higher positions in the past, it’s the first Sinanyan’s replacement was due to be dis- time Najarian can recall someone leaving to cussed at the next City Council meeting on work for a foreign government. June 11 (after Mirror-Spectator press time) city Glendale’s four remaining council members spokesman Dan Bell said. can either appoint someone directly to Sinanyan was the second most senior mem- Sinanyan’s vacant seat or hold a special elec- ber on the council, after Najarian. Sinanyan was tion, as outlined in the city’s charter. reelected to a second term in 2017, and served If council members decide to make an as mayor twice during his time on the council. appointment, it must happen within 30 days. Currently, Sinanyan is also the president of Otherwise, members must call for a special elec- the Hollywood Burbank Airport Authority. tion, which will likely be held in November, Najarian said. (To read his interview with Aram Arkun of “There’s pros and cons to each decision,” said the Mirror-Spectator visit https://mirrorspec- Najarian, adding that council members have not tator.com/2018/08/23/mayor-zareh-sinanyan- decided which route to take. working-to-improve-glendale-while-strengthen- If someone is appointed, they will serve until ing-ties-with-armenia/)å

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 10 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Tekeyan Comedy Club in New Jersey

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS/CRESS-KILL N. J. – For the second year in a row, the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group’s Comedy Club presented performances on May 18 and 19 at the TCA center in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey with seven actors. The subject material touched upon both daily human circumstances and woes particular to Armenian life. Harout Chatmajian prepared the comedy materials and the performance, while Talar Zokian ran the program. Harout Barsoumian organized the lights and A scene from the TCA Lobster Night and Comedy at Jack’s Lobster Shack music. Mrs. Marie Zokian was responsi-

The seven TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group comedians at the Tekeyan center

ble for preparing the hall and the reception. Comedy directed by Harout Chatmajian. The owners of the A third new performance was given on June 2 at Jack’s restaurant are Armenians, Jack and Aline A scene from the comedy night at the Tekeyan center Lobster Shack in Cresskill under the title Lobster Night and Tabibian, who are supportive of Tekeyan’s activities. AAHPO President Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

NEW YORK — Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian, a physi- * Nazar Nazarian (AAHPO Honoree) cian and humanitarian, received the 2019 Ellis Island Sponsored by the Ellis Island Honors Society Medal of Honor this spring. He has been President of (EIHS), the organization’s 34th awards ceremony the Armenian American Health Professionals medal presentation was held May 11, in the historic Organization (AAHPO) since 2006. Great Hall, the original registry room and the gateway Awarded annually to a group of distinguished for 12 million immigrants to the US, and where American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to guests celebrated the evening in front of the iconic community service and extraordinary accomplish- view of the Statue of Liberty. ments in their field, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor “Tonight, we celebrate an extraordinary group of ranks among the nation’s most renowned awards. The Americans. They are educators, healers, scientists, Ellis Island Award of Honor recognizes the contribu- artists, thinkers and leaders of industry - all of whom tion of Americans of all backgrounds to strengthen are free to follow their passions and dreams to bene- the country and represent the diversity found in the fit America and the world,” said Nasser Kazeminy, immigrant experience of Ellis Island. The U.S. Senate chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society. and House of Representatives have officially recog- Najarian accepted the Ellis Island Medal on nized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year behalf of his grandparents who came through Ellis the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record. Island in 1921. Like other survivors of the Najarian is not the first member of the AAHPO fam- Armenian Diaspora, they were forever grateful for ily to receive this prestigious award. The following the opportunity to flourish in a new country and AAHPO board members, officers and honorees have were honored to become American citizens, a fact received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in previous that is gratefully acknowledged by every succeed- years for their work on behalf of AAHPO and other ing generation. highly respected organizations: Commenting on his award, Najarian said, “I am * Harout Mekhjian, MD, (AAHPO Honoree) humbled by this recognition. I am deeply grateful * Raffy Hovanessian, MD (AAHPO Honoree) and accept this award on behalf of so many people. * Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian (AAHPO Service For my grandparents who came to this country Award) through Ellis Island with the hope of opportunities * John Bilezikian, MD, PhD (AAHPO Honoree) creating a new life for their family and community. * John Nercessian, MD (AAHPO Founder, First And, for the many volunteers I am privileged to President) work with who have committed themselves and use * Annette Choolfaian (deceased, AAHPO Honoree) their talents to do so much for so many people. I * Roger Ohanessian (AAHPO Honoree) truly believe when people work together, we can * Edgar Housepian, MD (deceased, AAHPO Honoree) accomplish so much more than we would accom- Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian with his medal * Louise Simone (deceased, AAHPO Honoree) plish individually.” 12 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Jorge Sampaio and Vartan Gregorian Honored by Refugees International

WASHINGTON — “At a time when bitterness the last 40 years,” said Sampaio via a video this humanitarian campaign,” he added. humanitarian aid group in Puerto Rico, which and disaffection are on the rise, we have to recording addressed to guests at the gala. He The McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award provided critical services and unwavering sup- come together to speak up against intolerance, concluded with an appeal: “Let’s all together was also given to Louise Arbour, former special port in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and María; xenophobia, and racism,” began Jorge Sampaio, step up our shared responsibility for fostering representative of the United Nations secretary- U.S. Representative Will Hurd of Texas, for his former president of Portugal and a distin- peaceful, just, and inclusive societies which are general for international migration, for her life- commitment to the resolution of challenging guished former trustee of Carnegie free from fear and violence.” time of work in the pursuit of justice and migration issues through civil discourse based Corporation of New York. He was addressing The audience responded enthusiastically. human rights. At the UN, Arbour led advocacy on facts and not fear; and Mayor Wilmot Collins some 500 guests who gathered on April 30 in Sampaio’s remarks were followed by a message efforts on international migration, provided pol- of Helena, Montana, for effectively championing Washington, DC, to celebrate the 40th anniver- from Eileen Shields-West, Refugees icy advice, and coordinated United Nations enti- the importance of the U.S. refugee resettlement sary of the Refugees International organiza- International board chair, explaining how she ties on migration issues. Her work on the program while reminding the public about the tion. came to know and be impressed by the Global Global Compact for Migration helped to estab- enormous positive contributions of refugees to Sampaio and Vartan Gregorian, president of Platform: “President Sampaio offered how he FREDERICK MELIKIAN PHOTO Carnegie Corporation of New York, were award- envisioned a time when these students, armed ed the organization’s highest honor, the McCall- and emboldened with their degrees, would Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award, for their stead- return one day to Syria to become contributing fast leadership in the international community members of their society. He practically moved and for their work to ensure funding for dis- us to tears with his passion for this cause and placed Syrian students and scholars through the value of scholarship in tearing down bor- the Global Platform for Syrian Students and ders and building communities of people who through Carnegie Corporation of New York’s value learning and scholarship.” support. Sampaio launched the Global Platform with “This year’s awardees have demonstrated just 100 euros — and within six months the first incredible willingness to take on the most diffi- group of 45 Syrian students arrived in Portugal cult challenges and push the international com- to resume their studies, which had been dis- munity to do better in pursuit of justice and rupted by war, under an emergency scholarship human rights,” said Eric Schwartz, president of program. Since 2015 Carnegie Corporation of Refugees International. New York has given three grants totaling $1 As the founder and chairman of the Global million dollars to the initiative. In accepting the Platform for Syrian Students, President McCall-Pierpaoli Award on behalf of Sampaio Sampaio has managed the impossible task of and himself, Gregorian praised his fellow hon- Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Vartan Gregorian (left) and his chief of staff, Jeanne D’Onofrio gathering an emergency consortium of govern- oree for maintaining the ideals of European (right), with Refugees International board members Marianne Gimon D’Ansembourg and Matt Dillon ments, regional and international organiza- humanism and enlightenment, saying: “For me, tions, donor agencies, foundations, universities, President Sampaio embodies the conscience of faith-based organizations, and various ethnic Europe. We Americans should be grateful that lish an important global framework to manage our society. and cultural NGOs, along with the private sec- there are still people in Europe who believe in the migration crisis. Since 1979 Refugees International has advo- tor and individuals. President Sampaio’s agenda enduring values that transcend cultures and Refugees International does not accept any cated for lifesaving assistance and protection has been and continues to be the rescue of as civilizations, values that unite all of us. Such government or United Nations funding, ensur- for displaced people who have been deeply many students as possible, providing them with men and women believe that humanity is one; ing the independence and credibility of the affected by conflict, social upheavals, and nat- a home and the opportunity to be educated, so and that every fragment of humanity is God’s nonprofit’s work and allowing its advocacy to ural disasters. For many years it has been the that they might serve as future resources for creation, deserving of respect and care.” be both independent and fearless. The annual leading U.S. advocacy organization committed their societies. Gregorian made a point of emphasizing that gala seeks to honor those who have made a to voicing the struggles faced by the most vul- “To stand up with the most vulnerable, with President Sampaio is the real hero. He is the commitment to meeting the needs of the dis- nerable populations. In the past year, Refugees men, women, and young people around the brainchild behind the Global Platform for which placed and, in particular, those who work to International’s work occurred in part on field world, and join efforts to live up to their aspi- the two of them were being honored. “Giving find solutions to the migration and refugee missions to Bangladesh Colombia, South rations for a life of dignity and respect, this is money is easy, investing money is hard, and it crises. Sudan, Ethiopia, Turkey, Central African what Refugees International has been doing for was the vision of President Sampaio that led Others recognized included Taller Salud, a Republic, and other focus countries.

S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Evening of BOOKS Laughs Raises Proverbs and Expressions by Susan Kadian Gopian $20,000 for Captures Diasporan Armenian Experience

Cultural Center By Mitch Kehetian HAVERHILL, Mass. — On Friday, May 10, the Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye DETROIT — Susan Kadian Gopian was born Pointe hosted a comedy night with national- and raised in Delray, a sprawling “neighborhood” ly known comedians Lenny Clarke and of European immigrants with a large Armenian Friends to support the Family Life and community. It was the new home for Armenians Culture Center at the church. who survived the Armenian Genocide and the The new church and cultural center are forced marches through Der Zor. the result of a merger between two local When asked what motivated her to dedicat- churches in the Merrimack Valley, Holy ing a lifetime at writing and collecting an Cross Apostolic Church of Lawrence and St. anthology of Armenian folklore and culture Gregory’s Apostolic Church of Haverhill, cre- published this year in a 207-page hardcover ating a new unified church named The masterpiece accurately titled Armenian Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe. Proverbs and Expressions smiled and answered, Parishioners of both churches represent the “my love for being an Armenian.” unification of two Merrimack Valley church And encouraged with the love of her late hus- communities who have worked tirelessly band, Archie Gopigian, who supported her life- over the past 20+ years to acquire land and time at fulfilling a project that came to life in construct a new Family Life & Cultural Delray. Center and Sanctuary. Kadian Gopian spent 60 years collecting the Many community members had been seek- Armenian proverbs starting in her early child- ing a non-traditional event that would appeal hood and continued as a student at the to family and friends who are not part of the University of Michigan and Wayne State community, and the committee thought laughter would be a great start. Over 250 people attended this event which was billed as “Just Laugh,” so that people could come, have fun and laugh. Lenny Clarke has also supported other Armenian organizations like the Knights of Vartan, to support local Armenian projects. Dr. Naira Babayan His continued support really shows the com- mitment to helping people. All three comedians are from Massachusetts. The night opened with Celebrating Komitas’ 150th Anniversary In Washington

WASHINGTON — On Saturday, June 1, Dr. Naira Babayan and Vasily Popov pre- sented a concert celebrating the legacy of one the founders of Armenian music, University. Many of the proverbs were heard on Komitas, at the Mansion at Strathmore. The sold-out event included patrons of the the porches of Cottrell, Harrington, Gould and Armenian-American community of the greater Washington, DC area, as well as Solvay streets. It was no easy project, but Comedian Lenny Clarke, fourth from right, with other music enthusiasts. expressed the folklore history of Armenia and it the organizers of the Hye Pointe comedy night Babayan, an accomplished concert pianist and professor at the Levine Music was a child’s wish. School, was joined by cellist, Popov on stage for a musical program with works by Why would a Detroit public school teacher Komitas, Sayat-Nova, and Aram Khachaturian. Following the opening pieces, Elegie dedicate nearly a lifetime to a project that grew Clarke and friends intermingling with pre- and Kemancha by Sayat-Nova, the audience was enlivened by sacred pieces of from its roots in Delray? show fans! Komitas, as well as Aram Khachaturian’s well-known compositions from “Gayane” Kadian Gopian’s answer needs to be shared Johnny Pizzi, a comedian and master magi- ballet - Uzundara, Lullaby and Sabre Dance. with every Armenian from Delray to early cian, was also the master of ceremonies and Active as a soloist, and chamber musician, Babayan has appeared in concert halls Armenian neighborhoods in Fresno, Boston, kicked off the event keeping everyone in around the world. She has established an international reputation of a magnetic Chicago, Racine, Granite City, Cleveland, stiches while also entertaining in between and passionate performer. She has performed in venues such a Aram Khachaturian Worcester, Watertown and New York. What the sets. Kelly MacFarland entertained the Concert Hall in Yerevan, Armenia, State Conservatory Concert Hall, Ministry of unfolded in Delray, Kadian Gopian etched into crowd by sharing her life experiences in a Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and Chamber concert her gift to future generations in tracing their unique and playful way. Johnny Pizzi fol- halls with the State Chamber Orchestra in Yerevan, Armenia. She was a guest per- family history from the ancestral homeland to lowed with his comedic charm and magician former of the Union of Armenia in Moscow, and she won the first prize at the the New World. skills. Lenny was the headliner and had the Moscow Music Festival in 2005, performing a program by Rachmaninoff and In words which pertain to every living crowd rolling in the aisles! Scriabin. Other performances include an invitation from the Concert Committee of Armenian across North America, a teary-eyed Clarke’s material and his perspective is Dubai at the Music Theatre Amadeus and Royal Concert Hall of the American Kadian Gopigian said “I’m haunted by the expe- very much old-school, while being delivered University Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates as well as performances at the San- riences of my family members who lived in the vain of the modern-day comics. Using Lazzaro Hall of Mirrors in Venice, Italy, Armenian communities in San Diego and through this and those who perished as victims his ability to relate to the day to day life Los Angeles, and others. of the 1915 genocide. We the children and while creating laughter for everyone! Lenny Naira was awarded a full scholarship to the Tchaikovsky Music School for talent- grandchildren are their voices that though & his friends were also very respectful of the ed students in Yerevan, Armenia. She holds her Master’s of Arts Degree in Piano buried in the desert sand of Der Zor Desert. . . church environment they were speaking in, Performance from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, and a second Masters It’s as if their soundless voices rise up and showing an understanding and respect for of Arts from Gnessin Music Academy in Moscow, Russia, where she studied under remind me never to forget.” various cultures. Professor Gambaryan. Naira earned her Doctorate degree from the International Kadian Gopian warmly said that “my love for In addition to ticket sales and raffle items Academy of Science and Art in Yerevan, Armenia. Armenian folklore stems from my exposure to there was a silent auction which showcased Babayan is considered among many composers and musicologists to be the most those immigrants.” Armenian and non-Armenian auction items famous living interpreter of piano performances of Armenian folkloric and classical She also describes how West Jefferson was for people to bid on! repertoire. Her mentors were Edward Mirzoyan and Konstantin Orbelian. the hub of Delray — like Main Street USA. And For more information about the Armenian see KOMITAS, page 16 Armenians toiled at Ford’s Rouge Plant, GM’s Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe visit Ternstedt-Fleetwood plants, and Solvay Process https://www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org/. see BOOKS, page 15 14 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

place in the South Caucasus offer me that I better, because there, it’s ‘mama’ cooking…” hadn’t tasted yet? Well, was I wrong about that! Gaidz Lahmajun is another institution in Syrian Restaurants The lahmajoon is hands down the best I have Yerevan, but for a different reason. Sure, the ever tasted in my life: crispy and crunchy, but ichli kufta here is not as good as in other generously topped with well-spiced minced places, they were out of samsak both times meat — there’s a great butcher shop next door, when I visited, the mutabbal is very smoky and so that might have something to do with it. chunky but a bit runny, the hummus nicely In Armenia Another staple of the Aintab region is ichli thick but a touch heavy on the cumin. But hey, kufta, which at Antep is cooked very correctly, rule #1 in gastronomy is: when eating some- but without the liberties that Syrians would where, order their speciality. Indeed, we’re real- take by adding allspice or cinnamon to the ly here for the lahmajun, and rightly so. Gaidz A Pinch of Home, a Taste of Exile mince. The excellent meat dishes, including serves them as crispy as a potato chip, flour liver and heart kebab, and very reasonable dusting off it like snow, and bursting with prices make Antep one of Yerevan’s top restau- flavour. Delicious. Gaidz is on top of the lah- Hayastantsi. rants. Oh, and did I mention the unbelievable majun game. By Ugur Ümit Üngör baklava? Jano is one of the few restaurants that is not A Disclaimer situated in Kentron (much like Haleb restau- But how good is Syrian food really in A Panorama of Syrian Restaurants rant on Komitas Avenue), and perhaps there- Armenia? With all this new gastronomic buzz But let us now turn to the Syrian scene, and fore is spacious, with comfortable tables and Yerevan: From Culinary Desert to in town, I decided to spend my time not only the below discussion is in alphabetical order for high ceilings. Jano offers basic grub, with some Oasis writing my next book, but also reviewing the impartiality. nice surprises such as the sujukh rolls, an excel- The first time I visited Yerevan was for the new Syrian restaurants. Now, I need to offer a Abu Hagop: let us start with this ambitious lent smoky, stringy, garlicky mutabbal, and fieldwork for my Ph.D. research in the summer disclaimer: this is not an exhaustive list of every restaurant, established in 1957 by Syrian repa- good muhammara which had pepper paste in it, of 2006, when I took the tantalizingly slow single place that offers Syrian-Armenian dishes. triate Antranig, better known by Syrian custom all in all a deeply sympathetic place with old Soviet night train from Tbilisi. Back then, the Nor does it properly tackle two distinct cate- as Abu Hagop. It has a good varied menu, photos of Aleppo on the wall. The waiter was choice of restaurants was so limited that I dis- gories that are slightly special, but for which the serves fattoush with cute little serrated pieces pleasantly surprised to welcome an Arabic- tinctly remember going to bed some nights with Syrian connoisseur will rightly forgive me: of Arabic bread, and creamy chicken liver that speaking customer, and the UAE embassy a bag of soggy Russian crackers. Fortunately, Syrian fast-food snackbars, and the unmistak- is finger-licking good. The tarator chicken has seemed to be hosting an iftaar that evening. All those days are over, and nowadays, Yerevan ably Lebanese places. For example, Adzoukh, got real pizazz, stringy and smooth, and so is in all, fairly pleasant, but the lahmajun and must be considered a culinary destination, for it Tumanyan Shaurma, and Abu Hagop the well-presented mutabbal, which is thor- shish tawouq seems to be cooked in a toaster. boasts a very wide range of cuisines: Russian, Sandwich are examples of the first category: oughly pureed. At Abu Hagop, the overall pre- Lagonid on Nalbandyan has been in Yerevan Iranian, Lebanese, French, Georgian, they offer delicious, folksy snacks in fresh sentation is great, with white tablecloths, and for 20 years now, and offers a very rich menu Caucasian, Italian, Iraqi, Mexican, American, Arabic bread in a no-frills environment, just like generous portions, even if the dishes are a bit with variations on staples like hummus or Chinese, Japanese, etc. Once, I even spotted a in the streets of Damascus. oily and a touch underseasoned. I lived next mutabbal, which, by the way, cannot be pre- tiny Indian mom-and-pop curry house on The second are places that explicitly present door to this restaurant, and noticed that it was pared any better than the absolutely perfect ver- Komitas Avenue. Indeed, this time around, as I themselves as Lebanese, such as Beirut, either totally empty or totally full. sion I ate here. Then the yalanji, up to par, with came to stay in Yerevan for a writing retreat of Lebanon Tavern, or Chez Hratch. A good Araks is set in a typical Yerevan basement hints of sumac coming through the taste of two months, I was ready to let the city surprise example is Bourj Hammoud, named after the with generic office lights, a basic but good quality olive oil. The ichli kufta is legit and very me. historically Armenian neighbourhood in Beirut. menu, and decent prices. The atmosphere is filling, and the shish tawouq is by the book: Due to the Syrian conflict, the latest addi- It might have the best kibbeh nayye in the city, cozy, and a 50-something with a ponytail is charred, well-seasoned, rich, and chewy, with tion to Yerevan cuisine is Syrian food, espe- lush and velvety, although the lights in the enjoying himself in the corner, elevator music exactly the right garnishes on the side: toasted cially the rich cuisine of Aleppo. The number place are set a little too bright. Or Taboulé, bubbling away in the background with a Arabic bread toasted with chopped parsley and of Syrian restaurants has grown so much, apparently one of the earliest Lebanese restau- panoramic photo of Republic Square on the onions, sprinkled with sumac. The Lebanese that in downtown Yerevan, one is really never rants in Yerevan, which serves simply great wall. Araks serves two types of bread (lavash pop music adds to the great experience, so we more than two blocks away from a very food, including — unsurprisingly — amazing tab- and Arabic), the mutabbal is chunky and heavy ask for dessert. “We only have kunafa,” the decent plate of hummus and shawarma. bouleh. As a carnivore, I never thought that a on the olive oil, but good. The sujukh is garlicky waitress tells us, to our delight, because it’s Syrian cuisine is not new to Armenia though: simple chopped salad could be so tasty. and roasted well, the fattoush is faultless with exactly what we need now: a hot, sweet plate of rich pomegranate that oozing goodness with a glass of tea on the juice, even if a bit side. Therefore, we were the more disappointed too runny. But the when we were brought a plate of kadaif. Really key dish here is the not the same thing. falafel: it has not Maza, located on Pushkin Street, has cosy only a grainy tex- ambience, and one of the places where I fre- ture, but also tastes quently saw Arabs dining. Sofas are set up like some of the along the walls as chairs, so you sink into them best I have eaten in when you sit, which makes feel like a little boy Yerevan. We are sitting at the grown ups’ dinner table. offered a free European sports channels on the muted TVs. semolina pastry The food then: the chicken is delicious and well- after the dinner; spiced, the chi kufta is great: spicy and the bul- delicious, but needs gur has been thoroughly kneaded into the tar- a tea to go with it. tar. The “Lebanese hummus” with parsley is Derian is a verita- very creamy, the chicken tarator is smooth with ble institution in hints of tahini, and the toshka sandwich is Armenia with two exactly what I ate in Damascus in the old days. restaurants in All in all, the flavors are good, the prices are Yerevan, both with affordable, but the dishes are not warm enough. a wide selection of Maza also specializes in sandwiches, including delicious foods on chicken heart and beef tongue — not easy to their menu. We pull off. A very decent place. order a very creamy Yasmine is a very well-kept, somewhat hummus with upscale place with nicely presented food. On minced meat, the the wall is a huge poster of the Aleppo Castle. yalanji is smooth A busload of elderly Dutch tourists are seated and voluptuous, in the corner and get louder with each glass of and the fried kibbe Armenian wine. Yasmine also serves two types is cone-shaped and of bread with the starters, lavash and Arabic crunchy, tasty, with bread. The ichli kufta is fried to perfection: distinctly refreshing crunchy on the outside, and heart-warming on tones of allspice the inside. The chi kufta is very smooth and and pine nuts. The almost smearable on bread, difficult to distin- waves of Middle Eastern, including Syrian, Another one is Al-Mayass, whose presentation muhammara is very solid, and the amazing guish in color and texture from the equally Armenians had already arrived from 1946 on is awesome, service professional, kebabs lovely, mutabbal made from eggplants clearly charred appetizing muhammara. The hummus is truffle- as part of the Soviet policy of “repatriation.” and ingredients fresh. But I caught a bit of a on an open fire – illegal in most EU countries. like: a thick, pleasant paste with three cute Locals mocked their food as akhparakan hard crust on the ichli kufta, and its allegedly We also try the chi kufta, which gives the right chickpeas swimming in a mini-bath of olive oil. dishes, a little too Arabian for the Soviet “special” hummus and mutabbal are not more smooth sensation, like Turkish delight (can I The eggplant salad gave off the right charred palates. But the food that they brought were special than simply having added pomegranate say that?), although I did feel some grinding flavour and smell, the batata harra was cubed fundamentally Western Armenian dishes that seeds and molasses on the regular versions. between my teeth from the bulghur… Anyway, up a little small, but still excellent, and the shish in Aleppo had melted into a unique blend of Everything is forgiven with its zaatar, its crust all praise here is reserved for the well-seasoned tawouk was warm, spicy, and chewy in a good Anatolian and Syrian cuisine. Now that so thin and crispy that you can hold a slice into kebabs: we dig into a most juicy set of skewers, way. I’m not sure why fattoush needs feta hybrid cuisine had come to Yerevan, it was the air as and it will stay as straight as a pencil. and it is obvious that Derian grills with the cheese in it though. All in all lovely experience, changing the city for the better. It inserted A special honorable mention must be given sheep’s tail fat. The shish tawuk was really with free clove tea on the house. the best of Syrian cuisine into Armenia, and for restaurants that are not strictly Syrian but something else, simply scrumptious alongside a Zatar is an unassuming place near Republic the locals claim that it also brought middle- broadly speaking Western Armenian, such as tasty home-made tan (yoghurt drink). Critique? Square, with thousands of social media follow- class affordability and flair to the Yerevan Anteb. On a Thursday evening, hungry, we Well, they serve lavash bread instead of Arabic ers, and waiters with impressive tattoos. The food scene. At the same time, this last migra- walk into this simple but professionally-kept bread, but otherwise I can’t consistently excel- lahmajun here was flavorful but not as crispy as tion wave also offered employment, and when place with low expectations; after all, in the past lent. When I mentioned Derian to a well- elsewhere because they are folded into two. The my Arabic fell on deaf ears, I realized that years, I had spent lots of time doing research in informed friend, he leaned over and whispered lots of waiting staff in Syrian restaurants are the actual city of Antep, so what could this in my ear: “The one on Teryan Street is even continued on next page S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING from previous page tives even mean? Instead, I would like to dish fattoush was decent, the mutabbal heavy on the out some pointers but also give some compli- tahini, which perfumed through heavily, but ments to all of these restaurants. drizzled originally with red pepper flakes fried First, I don’t know who comes up with the in butter. The loshik bread was lovely: hot and idea of using frozen fries, but it’s wrong on puffed up, like you want to slice it open side- many levels. Armenia has good potatoes, so ways and take a warm nap in it. The falafel was show the earth apple the respect it deserves: a little too thick (almost round), which made it peel them or wash them thoroughly, slice them doughy and not as crispy as it should have up, and double-fry them in an appropriate oil or been. The real tastes here are reserved for the duck fat. Some places even had the batata kibbeh, which was with plain meat (no nuts or harra microwaved, with potato nuggets shriv- exotic spices) and had a deep meaty flavor to it eled like a mushroom in the sun. Another venal – the most surprising dish here. sin I encountered here and there was Zeituna is an upscale restaurant frequented a microwaved ichli kufta, bottom burnt and filling lot by Bolsohay families and friend groups, and dried. “Ya weelee!” they would exclaim in Syria: serves a wonderful set of very well-prepared woe! To treat such a delicacy in this way is out- dishes in a street that has more Middle Eastern right criminal; either put it on your menu and restaurants than many Middle Eastern cities. treat it properly, or don’t serve it at all. Then, Well, where to start, really? I ordered a couple the labneh is good in most places, but often a of dishes, but when the mouth-watering kibbeh touch on the sour side, which is not exactly showed up first, and I tasted it, I forgot about how it should be. I’m not sure why this happens the rest and ordered another portion. They are but it seems to be a systemic malfunction. truly delectable, both the large ones and the Finally: pay your staff better. There are very cute miniature versions. The labneh is as thick credible rumors that the owners pocket the as toothpaste, the fattoush a true harmony of waiters’ tips, and judging from some of their textures, colors, and flavors. The yalanji almost facial expressions, that might well be the case. gave me a jaw cramp from the explosion of fla- But there is a lot that all of these restaurants vors. Zeituna also makes a good effort at diver- in Yerevan do a great job at. All of them are sifying its menu with a special version, but the very good in preparing one particular dish, but Kuftah Zeitunah looks like a flat falafel and is none of them succeed in consistently maintain- not that special. Nevertheless, Zeituna deserves ber shop owner sitting on his plastic chair chat- ically Syrian mukhallal (pickles) stuffed in a ing top quality of all dishes, in an overall way. its self-attributed motto of “the home of food.” ting away in Arabic (and yes, also Turkish) with long, warm, subway bun. The sensation of spicy The falafel is best at Araks, kebab is best eaten fellow Aleppines, and the very, very symbolic and sour is mind-blowing and soul-warming at at Derian and Lagonid, Antep dominates the Food and exile sight of a flock of teeny tiny sparrows strug- the same time. Ustaad Vahram prepares his lahmajun game, for chi kufta definitely hit Displacement, migration, and food are phe- gling tooth and nail for a piece of bread on the sandwiches with a seriousness and care, full of Bourj Hammoud, and Zeituna is kibbeh heaven. nomena that exercise a deep influence on each ground. muted passion for this simple but pleasing However, the Syrian-Armenian restaurants other. Whether it’s Italian restaurants in New Also situated in this area is Spidag, literally a Syrian-Armenian soul food. I am dead serious in unabashedly offer two amazing dishes that are York, Indian curry houses in London, or hole-in-the-wall, snuggled in a corner of stating that Spidag’s sandwiches gave me borderline illegal in the European Union: chi Cantonese dim sum in Vancouver, it is not mere- Hrabarag metro station, to which I feel com- FOMO (for the non-millennials: ‘Fear Of Missing kufta or kibbeh nayyeh with meat, and the char- ly plates of necessary calories that these pelled to give the “most authentic Syrian Out’) while I was eating them. The sujukh sand- ring of eggplants on an open fire. The former cuisines present. Food is an intensely emotion- restaurant” award. Because few eateries in wich was definitely one of them: after taking wouldn’t pass food security regulations (instead al experience. Therefore, I feel that it is the Armenia symbolize the Syrian experience bet- only my first bite, I already wanted to order my we are stuck with the dull and palate-numbing Hrabarag Metro area that truly epitomizes ter than this kiosk. Spidag specializes in sand- next one. And I did, again and again. Çigköftem), and the latter would be met with a Syrian Armenia. This area is truly little Aleppo: wiches: exactly the right type of buns, filled veto from your friendly local fire department. its one-room shops offer the same spice mixes, with exactly the right toppings, and toasted in So, Which One Is ‘the Best’? Try the chi kufta and mutabbal in any Yerevan bars of Aleppo soap, and tahinov hats as in the exactly the right fashion. There is nothing more Alright, let us do away with the current-day restaurant and tell me with a straight face that now defunct Aleppo souq. The old kamancha satisfying in this three-dimensional way than a obsession with having “the best” of everything. you’re going back to eating the grout in Europe player fiddling his melancholic tunes, the bar- beef sujukh or lamb tongue sandwich with typ- What does this type of inflated use of superla- again. Not me.

Susan Kadian Gopian Captures Diasporan Experience

BOOKS, from page 13 Recipe and Zug Island in raising their families. In her opening prologue on the Delray community, she informs readers that the old Village of Delray was annexed to Detroit in 1905 after being named Delray. In 1930 the southwest section of Guest Recipe Detroit boasted a population of 23,000 resi- Corner dents according to the federal census. In 2016 it was down to 2,763. In addition to the hundreds of Armenian proverbs and expressions, Kadian Gopian seeped into her masterpiece some folklore and by Christine Vartanian Datian oral Armenian history. It has been said proverbs are part of a people’s social glue. The top quality book also features pictorial Baked Spinach and Eggs (Havgitov Spanach) scenes of Delray landmarks from the Armenian Zavarian Hall, Delray Community Center to Contributed by Akaby Yaylaian McMillan and Cary schools and a host of other scenes including Southwestern High School. INGREDIENTS As you walk into Kadian Gopian’s lifetime you 3 boxes frozen chopped spinach, drained are also taken back to the days Delray was also 4 large eggs, well beaten home for newcomers from Poland, Hungary, 2 large onions, finely minced Slovenia and Germany. She opens the 1 stick melted butter (reserve 2 tablespoons) Armenian Community Prologue with an inspir- 1/2 teaspoon salt ing Armenian proverb: “A tree stands taller Black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste when it knows its roots.” And followed by hun- dreds of proverbs from genocide survivors from Sepasta, Keghi, Erzeroom, Mush, Van, Bitlis, PREPARATION Kharpet, Malatya and Cilicia. Melt butter in large frying pan and sauté onions until soft. Add But Detroiters called the southwest portion “Delray spinach, salt and Armenia . . . Like so many other ethnic conclaves. Pepper, and toss. Delray has become forgotten. In a few years, Cook together for 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly. Delray will get a new chapter in history — the new Remove from heat. Add 1/2 of beaten eggs. Put this into a well Gordy Howe Detroit -Windsor International Bridge. buttered pan (9" round cake pan). Hopefully a bronze marker will be attached Pour remainder of beaten eggs evenly over top. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reserved melted butter over top. to advise that its American side is anchored in Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until eggs are cooked. old Delray — or as Susan Kadian Gopian says Serves 4-6. her Armenian Delray. (Mitch Kehetian is a retired editor of the http://hguywilliams.net/images/Recipes/EBooks/Adventures%20in%20Armenian%20Cooking.pdf Macomb Daily and former board trustee at Central Michigan University. The book is being distributed by Michigan State University Press with a Special Offer if ordered by December 31.) 16 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Celebrating Komitas’ 150th Anniversary In Washington

KOMITAS, from page ? Madacy Records, and Melodia labels. Born in St. Most recently Babayan has performed at the Petersburg, Russia into a musical family, Popov Steinway and Sons gallery on the famous Van started playing the cello at the age of seven. His Cliburn piano and she has two CD recordings of teachers included cellists Natalia Gutman, solo piano by Chopin, Debussy and Armenian Valentin Elin, Konstantin Kucherov, Anatoly composers. She has worked as a deputy director Nikitin, Walter Nothas and Daniil Shafran. His and chair of the Music Department of the performance style was influenced by the cham- Sebastian Cultural Center in Yerevan, Armenia. ber music collaborations and studies with She also taught at the Trinity College of London pianists Tamara Fidler and Elisso Virsaladze and in Dubai, UAE. Babayan is currently a full-time flutist Andras Adorjan. faculty member of the piano department at Popov serves on the cello and chamber music Levine Music in Washington. faculties at Levine Music in Washington, D.C. Ruth Thomasian at St. John Gararabed Church Cellist Vasily Popov maintains an active con- where he is also an associate chair of Chamber cert schedule including appearances as a soloist, Music and Artistic Director and conductor of the Project Save Founder Ruth Thomasian Speaks at recitalist and member of chamber ensembles in Levine Chamber Orchestras. He leads various Genocide Commemorations in San Diego the concert halls in Europe, Japan, Russia and workshops and master classes, adjudicates U.S.A. His CD’s are produced by Arte Nova national and international competitions. SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives founder and presi- Records, BMR, Excelsior, Intercount Music, –Mariam Khaloyan dent Ruth Thomasian visited San Diego to speak at two Armenian Genocide Commemoration events: “Armenians Through the Camera’s Eye” at The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe on Wednesday, April 24, and “Getting to Know Project SAVE” at the Joint Armenian Genocide Commemoration at St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, Sunday, April 28. Both events were very well attended. From Project SAVE’s collections of more than 45,000 photographs, Thomasian shared rare, vintage photographs dating from 1860 to the 1980’s. These images were of people and places in various regions of the homeland and diaspora — along with the special fam- ily stories behind them. And just as importantly, Ruth shared many of the methods and clues that enable her to piece together the history of a photograph when all of the infor- mation is not available, leading the fascinated audiences to a greater understanding of how a social historian and archivist works. During her visit to San Diego, she also met privately with individual families to receive donations of photos for the archives. (Interested families can contact Project SAVE to arrange donations of orig- inal photos (no digital): 617-923-4542 and [email protected]. Project SAVE’s staff will work directly with donors Dr. Naira Babayan and Vasily Popov perform. to gather as much infor- mation about their pho- tos as possible.) Thomasian’s visit to San Diego was organized by Ani Zadikian Oney. She received support from the San Diego chap- From left, St. John Garabed Parish Council members Berge ters of Triple X Minasyan and his wife Terry; past Parish Council member Gary Fraternity, and Knights Takesian, Ms. Ruth Thomasian, Guest Speaker; Scout Leader and Daughters of Vartan. Nishan Gassian, Hayr Pakrad Berjekian, ACYO Chair Isabel To have a look at many Mkrdechian, Emcee Vahe Manoushakian, Student Choir Director Project SAVE photos, Sona Bagdasaryan, Parish Council member Harry Krikorian visit www.projectsave.org.

Naira Babayan, 4th from the right, with Knights and Daughters of Vartan attending the concert.

Armenian Museum Receives $100,000 From Cummings Foundation

GRANT, from page 1 are most grateful for the nonprofit organiza- these histories through deeply personal objects tions that assist and empower our neighbors, that tell this important historical narrative. and we are proud to support their efforts.” The $100k for 100 program supports non- This year’s diverse group of grant recipients profits that are based in and primarily serve represent a variety of causes, including home- Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. lessness prevention, affordable housing, educa- Through this place-based initiative, Cummings tion, violence prevention, and food security. Most Foundation aims to give back in the area where of the grants will be paid for over five years. it owns commercial buildings, all of which are The complete list of 100 grant winners is managed, at no cost to the Foundation, but its available at www.CummingsFoundation.org. affiliate Cummings Properties. Founded in Cummings Foundation announced an addi- 1970 by Bill Cummings, the Woburn-based tional $15 million in early May through its commercial real estate firm leases and manages Sustaining Grants program. Through these 10 million square feet of space, the majority of awards, 50 local nonprofits will receive ongoing which exclusively benefits the Foundation. funding of $20,000 - $50,000 for 10 years. “By having such a local focus, we aim to The Armenian Museum of America houses make a meaningful positive difference in com- and preserves objects of art and culture col- munities where our colleagues and leasing lected from Armenian families and donors from clients live and work,” said Joel Swets, around the world. Visit www.armenianmuse- Cumming Foundation’s executive director. “We um.org to find out more about the museum. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the MASSACHUSETTSARIZONA Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America NOVEMBER 2-3 — ARMENIAFest at St. Apkar proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring Armenian Apostolic Church. Weekend food and cul- The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, tural festival featuring traditional Armenian foods, bever- MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the ages, exhibits, music and dance performances. 8849 E. Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band and Cholla St., Scottsdale. 5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & under NOVEMBER 16 — SOAR (Society for Orphaned $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through Armenian Relief) Annual Golf Tournament. Saturday 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stonecreek Golf Club, 4435 E. Paradise Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- Village Pkway, Phoenix. This is a fundraising event for 808-0598 Visit www.Armenia-FriendsofAmerica.org Armenian orphans. For more information, contact Dr. NOVEMBER 1,2 — NAASR Grand Opening and Gala. Alan Haroian, 603-540-1961. Friday, November 1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, NAASR Vartan Gregorian Building, at NAASR’s MASSACHUSETTS new world headquarters, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA. Saturday, November 2 – NAASR 65th Anniversary JUNE 15 — Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater Gala, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. 6 pm Boston and the Armenian Cultural Association pre- Reception, 7 pm Dinner and Program. Honoree Dr. sent an Armenian book singing. The Tales of Beardo by Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation The Tekeyan Cultural Association of of New York; Master of Ceremonies David Ignatius, author and poet Sarkis Gavlakian. 6 p.m. Armenian Greater Boston and the Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic Street, Arlington. RSVP columnist for the Washington Post and novelist; 559-801-3392. The program will be in Armenian. Cultural Association will present a Featuring renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, accom- JUNE 17-AUGUST 16 — Abaka Dance Academy, book signing of Tales of Beardo by panied by the Borromeo String Quartet, performing a Summer Program for ages 5-12, with principal/direc- author and poet Sarkis Gavlakian, program of songs by Komitas. Further details to follow. tor Apo Ashjian at 101 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. Arts at 6 p.m. at the Armenian Cultural NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary and crafts, Indoor games, Sports, Music, Dance, Free T- Foundation, 441 Mystic St., School 35th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30 PM shirts, Friday pizza and more. Weekly sessions at Cocktail Reception, 7:30 PM Dinner and Program. The Arlington, Mass. To RSVP, call 559- Westin Waltham - Boston, MA $150 per person. $250/week, begin June 17 - August 16, 8 am - 3 pm. 801-3392. The program will be in Late stay available. Register at www.abakadanceacade- DECEMBER 6 and 7 — Friday and Saturday, Trinity Armenian. my.com. For more information, email abakadanceacade- Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, [email protected] or call 617-283-2010. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater JUNE 17 — Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament, Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. For further infor- sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. Boston at the Marlborough Country Club, Marlborough. JULY 17 — Tea and Tranquility. Armenian Heritage Park DECEMBER 15 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan Monday. 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., “Shot Gun.” Join on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday from 4:30-6 Choral Society and Orchestra, Church Sanctuary, us for a day of golf – two player fee options: $180 (includes p.m. Meet & Greet. Walk the Labyrinth. Enjoy refreshing Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 hospitality, lunch, dinner, green & cart fees, prizes and gifts), ice teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports and dessert. Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Save the date; details to and $200 (also includes $40 worth of raffle tickets) – or just Introduction to walking the labyrinth, mindful and medi- follow. For further information, call the Church Office, for dinner and a social evening ($50 per person). Limited to tative walking at 4:45pm. RSVP appreciated hello@arme- 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. 128 players. Tournament and tee sponsorships available. nianheritagepark.org RSVP deadline, June 10. To register or for further informa- AUGUST 6 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. MICHIGAN tion, call the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632, log Alexanian editor of her father’s memoir Forced into onto www.htaac.org/calendar/event/653/, or email Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier In the NOVEMBER 16 — The Knights of Vartan, Nareg- [email protected]. Ottoman Turkish Army, 7 p.m. Falmouth Public Library, Shavarshan Lodge #6 and the Daughters of Vartan, JUNE 27 — Under a Strawberry Moon. Armenian Herman Foundation Meeting Room, 300 Main Street, Zabelle Otyag #12 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Thursday at Falmouth. Book sale/signing following the presentation. the Knights of Vartan & the 70th anniversary of the 8:30 p.m. Meet & Greet. Moonlit Labyrinth Walk. For information: Sue Henken (508) 457-2555 ext. 7 or Daughters of Vartan. St. Mary’s Cultural Hall. 18100 Luscious Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, hosted by vicki www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org Merriman Rd, Livonia. This is a fundraiser Dinner/Kef lee’s and refreshing Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports AUGUST 14 — Tea and Tranquility. Armenian Heritage Dance to celebrate Knights and Daughters as well as a and the fabulous Berklee Jazz Trio. RSVP appreciated Park on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday from chance for future members to observe how our commu- [email protected] 4:30-6 p.m. Meet & Greet. Walk the Labyrinth. Enjoy nity puts our heritage on display. All proceeds to fund JUNE 22 —Armenian Food Fair, 11 a.m. -7 p.m., St. refreshing Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports and renovation project of school 106, located in Armenia. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Ladies Guild. dessert. Introduction to walking the labyrinth, mindful Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main Street, No. Andover. Serving all and meditative walking at 4:45pm. RSVP appreciated NEW JERSEY day. Lamb Shish Kebab, Chicken & Losh Kebab, Kheyma, [email protected] Vegetarian plates. Pastry, Boregs, Choreg, Khadaif, AUGUST 22 — Under the August Moon. Armenian JUNE 23 — Summer Picnic, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to ??? St. Paklava, Gift Table, Country Kitchen, White Elephant, Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Thursday Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church, 1184 Ocean 50/50 Raffles and much more.... Take out available. Call from 7:30– 9 p.m. Delightful evening for supporters, Avenue, Long Branch. Chicken, Lamb Kebab, Dolma the Church @ 978-685-5038 Ann @978-521-2245 or partners & friends featuring fabulous signature dishes, Dinners. Armenian Cuisine featuring Cheese Beoreg Sossy @ 978-256-2538 hosted by anoush’ella and the Berklee Jazz Trio. RSVP Pastries, Paklava and more. Armenian Music and JUNE 27 — Reading of “Zabel in Exile.” 6 pm reception appreciated [email protected] Children’s Games. followed by 7 pm reading in the Armenian Museum of SEPTEMBER 16 — Registration is now open for the 2019- OCTOBER 25 — Banquet Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam America Adele & Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor. 2020 sessions of the Abaka Dance Academy, 101 Abajian Hall St. Leon complex Fair Lawn, NJ Reading of a new play “Zabel in Exile” based on the life Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA. Principal/director Apo Sponsored by Knights & Daughters of Vartan- Under the and writings of early 20th century Armenian writer and Ashjian. Classes begin September 16 for grades Nursery II - Auspices of His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate. political activist Zabel Yessayan. The play, written by R. N. Grade 10 students. Check the schedule and enroll today at For Reservations please call Sona Manuelian 551-427- Sandberg and directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, will www.abakadanceacademy.com. For more info, email 8763. $125 p.p. early reservations recommended. feature six actors live in the Museum’s newly renovated [email protected] or call 617-283-2010. Adele & Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor. Tickets SEPTEMBER 18 — Celebrating Contributions of Our PENNSYLVANIA are free, email or call to reserve a seat (Email or call to Nation’s Immigrants – Gala Benefit for the Endowed JULY 21 — Special viewing of the award-winning “The reserve a free seat: [email protected], Fund for Care of Armenian Heritage Park on The Stateless Diplomat,” a film about Diana Apcar, a 19th 617.926.2562 ext. 101). Co-sponsored by the Armenian Greenway Honoring Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Leader & century Armenian writer living in Japan who became the Museum of America, Armenian International Women’s Philanthropist Recognizing Organizations Serving de facto ambassador of a lost nation. Historical docu- Association, and National Association for Armenian Immigrants & Refugees InterContinental Hotel Boston. mentary done by her great-granddaughter Mimi Studies and Research, also supported by Project SAVE. Advance Reservations only. For information, Malayan. 2-4.30 p.m., at the Phillips Mill Theater, a mile JUNE 28 – July 10 – St. James Armenian Church 7th [email protected] outside of New Hope, Penn. Pilgrimage to Armenia. Led by Fr. Arakel Aljalian. Join us and SEPTEMBER 22 — Sunday Afternoon for Families and Discover the Land of our Ancestors. All are welcome. Registration Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, deposits due March 1; Full Payment due April 1. For full details Boston. 2:00pm-4:00pm. Wonderful afternoon with The RHODE ISLAND visit www.stjameswatertown.org/ armenia. Hye Guys Ensemble featuring Ron Sahatjian and Joe JUNE 23 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and JULY 5 — Armenian Church of Cape Cod presents Third Kouyoumjian. Hoodsies, Face Painting and more RSVP Mesrob Church (Providence) will present the first in a Annual Kef Time - Dinner & Dancing Friday, 6 to 11:30 appreciated [email protected] series of talks, “Meet with Armenian Doctors,” on Sunday, p.m. at The Cape Club, 125 Falmouth Woods Road, OCTOBER 3 — Cigar Night sponsored by Holy Trinity June 23, at 12 noon, in Hanoian Hall of the church com- North Falmouth. Chicken Kebab & Losh Kebab dinner Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 6 p.m., Charles plex. ( 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI ). Dr. Stephen S. Leon Janikian band with special appearance by Harry and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St., Kasparian, obstetrician-gynecologist will speak and take Minassian and a DJ $65/person, children 7 to 14 $15 For Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. For further questions. Admission is free and open to the public. tickets/tables contact Andrea Barber (617)201-9807 information, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. 18 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Pashinyan Faces Traps In and Spectator Out of Armenia terized as the “first political prisoner in the post-Soviet era.” By Edmond Y. Azadian At a recent gathering of Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) members in Kazakhstan an embarrassing situation was created EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 for Pashinyan, who was supposed to be awarded a medal along Spending a few weeks in Armenia gives one the benefit of the leaders of the other member countries, but was bypassed. AnAn ADL ADL Publication Publication access to the ongoing processes that generate the news. But Also, a meeting was expected to take place with President Putin, ironically, that news is not always true. but it was called off. In Armenia, one is caught in the jungle of politics where news No matter how hard Pashinyan tries to ingratiate himself to outlets chase fake news and where polemicists take over the role Putin, the latter stays demonstrably aloof. EDITOR of commentators and one is at a loss to find a sober, impartial Pashinyan already paid dearly for his rash decision for calling Alin K. Gregorian voice which would provide objective information and rational for the head of General Yuri Khachaturov, who was serving as commentary. the secretary general of the Collective Security Alliance. ASSISTANT EDITOR After returning from Armenia, time and distance have filtered As Armenia tries to improve its relations with the West, it is Aram Arkun all the facts afforded me to have a better perspective on the pol- risking further aloofness from the Kremlin leadership. ART DIRECTOR itics that have gripped the country. Armenia is beholden to Russia, which is its largest trading Marc Mgrditchian The Velvet Revolution has not run its course yet. It is to every- partner. It does not have too much to sell to the US and the one’s advantage to consolidate the gains of that revolution. West, and all that Armenia can expect from the West is some There is no returning to the past, yet moving forward has investment in its economic infrastructure. The US’s largess is become a tremendous challenge for the young administration. not moving that fast in order not to indicate to Russia that Forces in and out of Armenia are trying to push back the Armenia is moving outside of the Kremlin’s zone of influence. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: achievements of the revolution. Pashinyan was planning to catch up with Putin and mend fences Edmond Y. Azadian Just last week, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s candidate at the 19th international economic forum which took place in lost his bid to become mayor of the city of Abovyan. When asked St. Petersburg last week. Pashinyan made a convincing presen- CONTRIBUTORS: about this defeat, the prime minister answered: “We brought the tation at the forum but his meeting with Putin was curt yet Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun revolution to allow people to have a choice. Thus, the revolution Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, courteous. Putin immediately reminded Pashinyan that Russia Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, won.” Of course, some members of the ancient regime would was the primary business partner of Armenia and had invested Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, have liked to interpret that single defeat as a sign of dwindling $2 billion. Pashinyan, in turn, stated that this year Armenia had Naomi Zeytoonian influence of the current administration. a favorable growth figure of 7.1 percent through the year and It is hard to see how Prime Minister Pashinyan will navigate that the April figures have been even higher — 9.2 percent. CORRESPONDENTS: through domestic and foreign obstacles to achieve the goals of Pashinyan has ascribed this economic success to the process Armenia - Hagop Avedikian the revolution. that Armenia cooperates with Russia through the Eurasian Boston - Nancy Kalajian At this time, several trends are developing. In the first place, Economic Union (EEU). Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan the solid leadership of the revolution is Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach splintering as it happens in all revolu- Contributing Photographers: tions; the resignation of Artak Zeynalyan Jirair Hovsepian as the head of the judiciary was an unpleasant surprise. Similarly, a cloud hanging over the head of another power- ful member, former head of the State The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Oversight Service of Armenia Davit week of the year, by: Sanasaryan, is another blow. Baikar Association, Inc. On the other hand, Pashinyan had expeditiously assigned to ministerial and 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 deputy ministerial positions people who Telephone: 617-924-4420 had marched in the streets during the FAX: 617-924-2887 revolution and chanted slogans, without www.mirrorspectator.com any vetting or even background checks. E-Mail: [email protected] That expediency cost Pashinyan a high For advertising: [email protected] political price, especially in one case where Deputy Minister of Culture Nazeny Gharibyan fired celebrated opera director Constantine Orbelian. The embarrass- ment resulted in mass firings. Pashinyan announced the resignation of 27 deputy SUBSCRIPTION RATES : ministers, including Gharibyan, who had rendered the Orbelian case into a cause celebre. U.S.A. $80 a year To add insult to injury, there is cur- Canada $125 a year rently a standoff between Yerevan and Stepanakert; Pashinyan has accused Other Countries $190 a year some unnamed forces in Karabakh of being engaged in treasonous activities. And these accusations are flying back © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and forth while the enemy is at the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA gate. The casualty from that fallout and additional mailing offices. seems to be the resignation of a strong- man and presidential candidate Vitaly ISSN 0004-234X Balasanyan who was serving as the secretary of National But the undertone of this courteous encounter was another Council in Karabakh. It is purported that Pashinyan had trap by the Kremlin, as we read on lragir.am. “Pashinyan had POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The sought that resignation. announced that he expects new ammunition from Russia. Not Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn Through all these diversion and distractions, the leaders of the Iskandar, because we have a lot of it, but also something not St., Watertown, MA 02472 the old regime and their dependents are realigning for a come- smaller. He said that they spoke about this during his meeting Other than the editorial, views and opinions back; new parties are emerging and new coalitions are being with President Vladimir Putin. Apparently, this statement was expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily forged. There is a frenzy of buying media outlets by Kocharyan the reason why the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign reflect the policies of the publisher. himself as well as the son-in-law of Serzh Sargsyan, Mikhail Ministry Maria Zakharova tried to push past Nikol Pashinyan’s (Mishik) Minasyan, and of course all cannons are directed at the speech at the forum in St. Petersburg, turning the subject into prime minister. What other sensitive subject can the opposition mockery. Later, of course, Lavrov’s spokesperson corrected the media find other than the Karabakh issue? mistake but it was impossible to hide the ‘plot.’” A sharp-tongued commentator, Levon Shirinyan, noted in a Putin is a master politician. Pashinyan cannot win this game Copying for other than personal use or recent interview: “Who are those people who are blaming the of cat and mouse with Putin. internal reference is prohibited without prime minister for contemplating territorial concessions in As we can see in all domestic squabbling and international express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or Karabakh other than people who are vying to return to the past? intrigues Pashinyan’s task is cut out for him. back issues to: They are the members of the Republican Party.” Armenia needs political focus and consolidation of powers Coming out of the domestic quagmire, one has to concentrate to meet the challenges and place the country on the path to Baikar Association, Inc. on foreign policy challenges that Armenia faces today. President recovery. Vladimir Putin is restrained but his docile media is not. In one No one should rejoice over Pashinyan’s failure. Because that 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- of the Putin-backed newspapers, Robert Kocharyan was charac- failure will turn out to be Armenia’s failure. 1509 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

they have not been successful in raising sufficient funds from of Ottoman & Modern Turkish Studies at Princeton outside sources to continue the Institute’s operations. In University, funded by a $750,000 Turkish government grant. recent years, the ITS received partial financial support from I was the first target of a legal confrontation with the Georgetown University, Koç Holding, FIBA Holding, and Mr. Turkish Institute, after I wrote an editorial in 1985 in the and Mrs. Muhtar Kent (former Board chairman of the Coca- California Courier listing the names of the US scholars and My Turn Cola Company), and other individual donors. the amount of money they had each received from the The ITS press release claims that its grants since 1983 have Turkish Institute. Interestingly, many of these scholars were By Harut Sassounian promoted Turkey and Turkish studies “in 45 US states plus the same ones who were given grants by the Turkish the District of Columbia. Over 130 dissertation writing grants Institute. I received a letter from the attorneys of ITS stat- translated into 70-plus professorial positions at American ing that they will sue me for libel unless I published a Institute of Turkish Studies To institutions of higher education, and language and research lengthy retraction which I refused to do. My attorneys Close Down in 2020: Good awards helped prepare at least 235 others who took up teach- informed the Turkish Institute lawyers that their allegation ing and research positions in the United States and else- of libel had no merit and informed them that we will file a Riddance where. Awards to several dozen developing scholars over the counter lawsuit. In response, the ITS dropped its threatened last five years will pay further dividends in the future. Nearly lawsuit. The Institute of Turkish Studies (ITS), a non-profit organi- 80 US institutions established library/research collections Then in 1995, an article titled “Professional Ethics and the zation, was founded in 1983 with $3 million donated by the relating to Turkey, or added significantly to existing Denial of Armenian Genocide,” was published in Holocaust Government of Turkey in Washington, D.C. ITS issued a press resources, thanks to ITS funding, and 19 American universi- and Genocide Studies exposing a letter sent to Prof. Robert release on May 31, 2019 announcing that it will cease its oper- ties received seed money to support the establishment of new, Jay Lifton, drafted by ITS Executive Director Heath Lowry in ations on September 30, 2020. Turkey-related teaching positions.” 1990 on behalf of the Turkish Ambassador Nuzhet Kandemir, This was a surprising announcement for two reasons: In recent years, the ITS was located at the offices of the denying the facts of the Armenian Genocide. Lowry’s draft 1) The sum of $3 million is a relatively small amount for the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service on the campus letter in the name Ambassador was inadvertently sent to Prof. Turkish government having spent tens of millions of dollars of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. The Honorary Lifton, causing a major academic scandal. to hire public relations and lobbying firms in the United Chairman of the Institute was the Turkish Ambassador in the In 2006, American Prof. Donald Quataert resigned from States for many years. Returning the $3 million or whatever US, confirming the close supervision of ITS grants by the the chairmanship of ITS Board after refusing to obey the is left of it to Turkey will not make a major difference in the Turkish government. Turkish Ambassador’s orders that Turkey would revoke the country’s financial condition. Turkey needs several hundred The Institute of Turkish Studies has been embroiled in a ITS funding unless Professor Quataert retracted a scholarly billion dollars to recover from its economic collapse. number of scandals, starting with Heath Lowry who was the book review in which he had written “what happened to the 2) Despite the boastful press release by the institute’s lead- founder and executive director of the Institute from 1983 to Armenians readily satisfies the U.N. definition of genocide.” ership about its accomplishments, the withdrawal of the 1993. Lowry was instrumental in preparing and publishing Several other ITS Board members resigned shortly in protest. funds by the Turkish government implies that the Institute full-page ads in the Washington Post, the New York Times With the announced closing of the Institute of Turkish had failed to meet its propaganda goals. The Turkish govern- and the Washington Times on May 19, 1985, signed by 69 Studies, there will be one less outlet for Turkish propaganda ment stopped funding ITS in 2015. To make matters worse, “scholars” who denied the occurrence of the Armenian in the United States distorting the tragic truths of the the Institute’s leaders acknowledge in their press release that Genocide. Lowry subsequently became the Ataturk Professor Armenian Genocide.

Meanwhile the anger and fear generated by the leader’s absurd statements invaded not only the political sphere but also our most intimate relations. That’s when the most mad- Think Autocracy Is dening part began: The minions of the leader started to mul- tiply and haunt us in our daily lives. Imagine little Trumps proliferating in your workplace, saying things such as, “I don’t believe in climate change,” or “The world is flat” — and then finding yourself trying to explain why science matters ‘Impossible’ Here? without being condescending toward real people. In the course of those 17 years, all the old political and judicial mechanisms were steadily taken apart by a ruthless government and party machine, leaving the people of Turkey to struggle to keep what is left of their democracy. The entire nation began studying our extremely complicated elec- Look at Turkey tion law. Today you can ask any opposition member in Turkey and even the least educated will be able to recite the election laws by heart. Losing democracy has reminded us all how much blood, sweat and tears are needed to rebuild By Ece Temelkuran what Turkey has been through, multiply Trump’s political it. Now we know that no abstract institution, no legal inves- skills by at least 100 and then imagine having him in power tigation and certainly no call for shame can bring down “No, that can’t happen here.” for almost 17 years. Picture the Post being owned by the right-wing populism once it seizes power. How well I remember Americans saying this three years family of Trump’s son-in-law. Oh, sorry, I forgot — it’s impos- It should be clear by now that something that was consid- ago, when Donald Trump rode down the Trump Tower esca- sible.) ered impossible in the United States or Turkey 17 years ago lator and landed in the midst of US history with a resound- These painful years started with a movement of real peo- is happening now, and it is happening in the exact same way. ing thud. I tried to explain to my American friends that what ple, creating automatic polarization and excluding anyone It’s time to acknowledge that this is a global political and had happened to us in Turkey was just as possible in their who didn’t support the movement by labeling them the cor- moral phenomenon that should also be dealt with on a glob- al basis. If Steve Bannon is smart enough to organize right- wing populist leaders in Europe, and if these leaders are in touch, then the people of the world should be talking to each other, too, creating a global conversation and a net- work of solidarity. There’s no time for national arrogance — of the kind that has caused three years of Brexit insanity in It took the people of Turkey some time to Britain, or that prompted students in the Netherlands to report their teachers to a populist-party hotline for their left- realize that it is impossible to speak with ist views. Nor do we have the luxury of feeling appalled, of being shocked, of becoming paralyzed with anger. We have to see populist spin doctors — not because they through the noisy insanity and figure out how this political malady works — with patterns strikingly similar in each have brilliant debating skills but because country regardless of the maturity of democracy, the strength of state institutions or the stamina of conventional they use a certain schizophrenic logic that political parties. This is the biggest global crisis of represen- tative democracy in recent memory, and right-wing populism will exploit the current vacuum until the power opposing it paralyzes human reason. becomes strong enough to resist. So let’s get to work! We’ve got to come together and start joining forces before it’s too late.

(Ece Temelkuran is own country. Conventional political tools, I told them, rupt elite. As the political debate grew increasingly confused, a Turkish journalist wouldn’t be enough to stop this new type of political insan- Erdogan and his circle became respected political actors and writer. She is ity. increasingly more effective in using their political power. the author, most So here we are. Now even highly respected observers are What came next was a massive operation to disrupt ratio- recently, of How to considering a possibility they had once dismissed: “What if nality and distort language. It took the people of Turkey Lose a Country: Trump doesn’t leave the White House even if he loses the some time to realize that it is impossible to speak with pop- The 7 Steps from election?” Well, maybe now it’s time to realize that we’re liv- ulist spin doctors — not because they have brilliant debating Democracy to ing in the age of the impossible and that we’re all in this skills but because they use a certain schizophrenic logic that Dictatorship. This together. paralyzes human reason. While this was going on, we per- commentary origi- In the local elections in Turkey in March, the opposition fected our political humor skills to calm our anxieties by nally appeared in won in several big cities despite President Recep Tayyip making fun of the leader, just as the Americans have been the Washington Erdogan’s infamously oppressive regime. (To have an idea doing for the past two and a half years. Post on June 10.) 20 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ‘Three Armenian Manuscripts from Toscana’ Exhibition Has Opened at Matenadaran

YEREVAN — President Armen Sarkissian participated on June 11 at the opening of the “Three Armenian Manuscripts from Toscana” exhibition at the Foundation of the Mesrop Mashtots Scientific and Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, also known as the Matenadaran. Three out of the 14 Armenian manuscripts preserved at the Laurentian Library in Florence, Italy – the 13th century Priesthood Book from the Cilician Armenia, the 14th Century Psalms and the Book of Commons are on display for the visitors of the Matenadaran until the end of this year. The interactive format allows viewers to observe the digi- tal pages of the manuscripts. Present at the opening of the exhibition were also President of the Italian National Research Council Massimo Inguscio, director for Innovations and Technological Issues at IMB Fabrizio Renzi, and Ambassador of Italy in Armenia Vincenzo del Monaco. Opening the exhibition, Director of Matenadaran Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan assessed it as a unique event, as this is the first time that the Matenadaran is hosting ancient treasures housed elsewhere. The President of the Italian National Research Council Massimo Inguscio underscored that this exhibition was a result of the reciprocal visits of the Presidents of Armenia and Italy Armen Sarkissian and Sergio Mattarella and the undertaking to develop the bilateral cultural ties. “We have come here from Dilijan, from the Summit of Minds where we spoke about the power of artificial intelligence, he said. “But this small exhibition, I believe, proves how deep natural intelligence can be. This exhibition proves that relations formed in the course of centuries do not wither. We have these manuscripts thanks to the priests who had reached President Armen Sarkissian at the Matenadaran exhibit speaks with President of the Italian National Research Council Massimo Inguscio. Italy by the Silk Road. My message is the following: Italy, the

..Italian culture, and Italian technologies stand ready to develop the relations between the two countries.” President Armen Sarkissian noted that the three Armenian manuscripts, which for centuries have been retained out of Armenia, have come back home. “But not only Armenia and the Matenadaran are their homes but also Italy and the magnificent Medici Library. These ancient manuscripts prove the friendly relations between Armenia and Italy have been forming for centuries,” he underscored. Sarkissian hailed the great interest of Mattarella towards the Armenian culture and asked to convey to him the assur- ances of his highest consideration and readiness to deepen the cooperation and carry out joint works. Sarkissian thanked del Monaco for his efforts in organiz- ing the exhibition and expressed hope that other similar events would come soon. “I am proud to be here today and to open this exhibition. I hope that the next one will not be late and it doesn’t matter whether it will be here or in Rome because we are linked not only historically but also techno- President Armen Sarkissian at the Matenadaran exhibit. logically.” US Grounds Turkish F-35 Pilots

immediately ground the pilots and restrict Ankara amid ongoing tension over US sup- Ankara for the cost of the aircraft it has By Lara Seligman their access to the “vault,” which holds state port for the Kurds in the fight in Syria and already bought, said Ellen Lord, the under- secrets and classified materials, according to Turkey’s growing friendship with Russia. The secretary of defense for acquisition and sus- two US defense officials. US government has signaled the spat over tainment. ISTANBUL (Foreign Policy) — The US mil- Canterbury’s main concern was that con- the S-400 could lead to sanctions, which Defense Department officials stressed that itary has grounded the Turkish pilots train- tinuing to allow the Turkish pilots access to experts say would have a dire effect on they want to keep the F-35 versus S-400 dis- ing on the F-35 fighter jet in the United the F-35’s most sensitive data — instruction Turkey’s already fragile economy and pute separate from broader cooperation on a States and cut off their access to the aircraft’s manuals, for example — after the July 31 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s range of issues with a key NATO ally. restricted information in anticipation of deadline was imposed would provide them an popularity as he faces the prospect of his Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base is a critical launch- Turkey’s expulsion from the program over its opportunity to take classified information party losing the Istanbul mayoral election for ing point for the US-led campaign against ter- plans to purchase a contentious Russian mis- out of the secure space, one official said. a second time in a rerun later this month. rorism in the Middle East, and it’s home to sile system. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Mike US officials say the S-400, which is slated US nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Turkey is The US Defense Department last week for- Andrews confirmed that the Turkish pilots at to arrive in the country as soon as this also NATO’s southern flank against a threat mally gave Turkey a deadline of July 31 to Luke Air Force Base are no longer flying month, poses a threat to the F-35 itself, and from Russia. scrap the deal for Russia’s S-400 missile sys- despite the July 31 deadline. the integration of the two systems could pro- However, experts note that Erdogan’s tem before cutting the NATO ally out of the “Without a change in Turkish policy, we vide Moscow insight into closely guarded US move to acquire the S-400 despite such F-35 program altogether. At that point, if will continue to work closely with our military secrets. strong opposition from Washington may sig- Ankara does not change course, all Turkish Turkish ally on winding down their partici- The decision to begin “unwinding” Turkey nal the country’s broader pivot away from Air Force personnel involved in the program pation in the F-35 program,” he said. from the F-35 program was prompted in part the trans-Atlantic alliance — toward Moscow. must leave the United States. The grounding was billed as an “opera- by the discovery that Turkey had sent per- “This sets Turkey on a dangerous trajec- But for the six Turkish pilots at Luke Air tional pause” so that if Turkey decides to sonnel to Russia to begin training on the S- tory, and it will make the Turkish military Force Base in Arizona — two instructors and scrap the S-400 at the last minute, the pilots 400, said Andrew Winternitz, acting deputy more prone to Russian meddling,” said four students — their access to the new could resume their training. assistant secretary of defense for Europe and Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the American-made jet has already been cut off. But that outcome does not look likely. The NATO. Turkish parliament and a senior fellow Last week, Brig. Gen. Todd Canterbury, the grounding is the latest sign of increasingly The Pentagon is in discussions with with the Foundation for Defense of wing commander, made the decision to strained ties between Washington and Turkey’s defense ministry over reimbursing Democracies.