MARCH 31, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 36, Issue 4531 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF UN Group Adopts Charges Dropped -Initiated Against Most Genocide Resolution GENEVA (Armenpress) — A Genocide Prevention Turkish Officers Resolution initiated by Armenia was adopted at the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council by In DC Clash consensus in Geneva on March 23. Nearly six dozen countries introducing all the regional groups of the Human Rights Council joined By Dion Nissenbaum and Armenia and co-authored the resolution. The resolution will be open for the co-authoring Del Quentin Wilber for two more weeks. The resolution reaffirms that fighting against WASHINGTON (Wall Street Journal) — impunity is a key factor for preventing genocides. It Federal prosecutors have dropped charges expresses concern over the attempts to deny or against 11 of 15 members of Turkish approve genocides, stressing that they undermine President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security the fight against impunity, reconciliation of peoples Don Boyajian, center, with some of his Massachusetts supporters team who were accused in connection with and crime-prevention efforts. the beating of protesters during their visit The resolution pays special attention to the expo- to Washington last year, the latest twist in a sure of signs and reasons of genocides. case that caused a diplomatic rift between It welcomes the call of the Special Adviser of the ADL Endorses NY Congressional the US and Turkey. Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide The decision by the US to prosecute the to for a universal adoption of the resolution ahead Candidate Don Boyajian 15 men added to political strains as the of the 70th anniversary of the Convention. Trump administration was trying to reset The document also expresses satisfaction over the declaration of December 9 International Day of BELMONT, Mass. – The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) Eastern relations with Turkey, a key US ally in the Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the District Committee announced its endorsement of Donald G. Boyajian (“Don”) for fight against Islamic State. The move to dis- Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this New York State’s rural northern 21st Congressional miss charges against most of them stands to Crime by the UN General Assembly. district, which includes the Adirondack Mountains ease one source of tension between and Thousand Islands regions. ADL Eastern Washington and Ankara. District Chairman Kevork Marashlian praised Prosecutors first asked a judge in Museum of Armenian Boyajian’s background in public affairs and his abil- November to dismiss charges against four ity to serve the long-term interests of the American members of Erdogan’s security detail. Then Culture in Ukraine people well. He urged all to rally around they dropped charges against seven others KIEV (Armenpress) — The Navasard Museum of Boyajian. on February 14, the day before Secretary of Armenian Culture opened at the Roerich Library in The endorsement was revealed at a Boston-area State Rex Tillerson flew to Ankara for a Kiev in February, AnalitikaUA.net reports. fundraiser on March 21 at Phinix Grill hosted by meeting with Erdogan meant to ease ten- Thanks to the joint efforts of the Committee of Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Harry Haytayan, sions. Among those freed of legal jeopardy Women of the Armenian community of Kiev and Festekjian, Steve Mesrobian, Judy Saryan and Victor Zarougian. Many elements of immediately before the high-level meeting library representatives, a great number of books, the American Armenian community have begun to promote Boyajian’s candidacy. was the head of Erdogan’s security team. photos and other exhibits of Armenian cultural her- see BOYAJIAN, page 7 US officials said that no one pressured prosecutors to drop any of the charges for itage have been collected. political reasons. Instead, the decisions The opening ceremony of the museum-hall was were the result of investigators misidentify- held on February 21. During the program remarks Official Unveiling of Statue of St. Gregory ing some of the suspects and failing to were delivered by Primate of the Ukraine Diocese develop enough evidence against others, of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Markos Of Narek at the Vatican on April 5 according to the US officials and an attor- Hovhannisyan who handed over a small cross-stone ney who provided some free legal advice to to the hall and blessed the event organizers for (Armenpress) — The offi- ble sign of high-level relations of the defendants in the case. their initiative. cial inaugural ceremony of the bronze stat- Catholic and the Armenian Apostolic Tillerson, in his private talks with Turkish The Armenian community of Ukraine is one of ue of St. Gregory of Narek will be held in churches which further strengthened dur- leaders, pointed to the decisions to drop the largest and organized communities. Armenians the Vatican on April 5, the Italian Catholic ing Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia — the charges — which hadn’t been publicized or have played a significant role in the history of news service ACI Stampa reports. First Christian Nation, in 2016. Pope announced — as an example of how the US Ukraine. While living on Ukrainian soil Armenians The author of the article, Andrea Francis aims at having excellent relations had addressed Erdogan’s grievances, have created huge material and spiritual heritage. Gagliarducci, writes that according to some with the Armenian community,” according to administration officials famil- At present thousands of Armenians live in Ukraine, non-official reports, the inaugural ceremo- Gagliarducci wrote. iar with the talks. there are national communities, NGOs and cultural ny of the statue will be attended by The article also noted that during the The administration’s efforts to reset rela- organizations in different cities of Ukraine. Armenia’s President , Pope discussion on erecting the statue the rep- tions with Turkey have been buffeted by a Armenians build churches, schools and develop Francis and Catholicos of All Armenians resentatives of the Armenian Apostolic series of challenges, including the prosecu- national culture. The Union of Armenians of Karekin II. church had high-level meetings at the tion of the guards and a decision by Ukraine chaired by Vilen Shatvoryan, is the only “The inaugural ceremony of the statue of Vatican. President Donald Trump to directly arm pan-Ukrainian organization that unites all St. Gregory of Narek will be another tangi- see VATICAN, page 4 see CHARGES, page 6 Armenian structures operating in the country.

Sirusho Merges Traditional INSIDE And Pop for New Style NEW YORK — Harutyunyan, better known by New Form for her stage name Sirusho, has left an indelible mark on the international music scene during the Heritage Park By Taleen Babayan course of her two- Special to the Mirror-Spectator decade career and Page 5 recording of five award-winning stu- dio albums. In addition to composing songs, filming music videos and performing live, Sirusho, 31, is the creator of INDEX PreGomesh jewelry line, with all pieces handmade in Arts and Living ...... 11 Armenia. Throughout her artistic career, Sirusho, who Armenia ...... 2,3 was born in , has remained focused and deter- Community News...... 5 mined, exhibiting a strong work ethic and constantly push- Editorial ...... 16 ing boundaries. International ...... 4 see SIRUSHO, page 13 2 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Russian Official Visits Armenia, Armenian Whistleblower Talks up Fresh Arms Deliveries Appeals to ECHR YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A former employee of YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Russia has with state-of-the-art defense equipment part, from a $200 million Russian loan Armenia’s electricity distribution network, who was supplied Armenia with more weapons which we had a chance to see at the allocated in June 2015. The Armenian fired in 2013 after accusing company executives of and other military equipment in [September 2016] military parade orga- military has used that money for buy- corruption, has filed a lawsuit in the European Court response to the April 2016 fighting in nized on the occasion of [Armenia’s] ing, among other things, Smerch mul- of Human Rights (ECHR). Nagorno-Karabakh, a senior Russian Republic Day,” said the deputy chair- tiple-launch rocket system, thermobaric The 65-year-old Hrachya Harutiunian used a com- lawmaker said during a visit to Yerevan man of a Russian State Duma commit- and anti-tank rocket systems and shoul- pany hotline to allege a large-scale fraud scheme on Monday, March 26. tee on relations with former Soviet der-fired surface-to-air missiles. within the Electricity Networks of Armenia (ENA) “We do realize that after the 2016 republics. At its September 2016 parade in operator which was owned at the time by Inter RAO, escalation, which was initiated by one of Despite its military alliance with Yerevan, the military also demonstrat- a state-owned Russian energy giant. The allegations the parties, Armenian public opinion Armenia, Russia signed an estimated ed medium-range Buk air-defense sys- were contained in a confidential letter which he sent showed serious discontent with Russia $5 billion worth of defense contracts tems and, more importantly, Iskander to the company’s special e-mail address. with Azerbaijan in 2009- tactical missiles. Armenia most proba- The ENA management responded by accusing 2011. Many in Armenia bly received the precision-guided mis- Harutiunian of defamation and firing him. It went on feel that the resulting siles shortly before or after the four-day to file a libel suit against him. deliveries of hundreds of war in Karabakh. An Armenian court of instance rejected that law- Russian tanks, artillery In October 2017, the Armenian gov- suit. However, the higher Court of Appeals found systems and combat heli- ernment announced that will Harutiunian guilty of defamation and ordered him to copters to encour- provide it with a further $100 million apologize for his allegations and pay ENA 5 million aged the latter to launch loan that will be spent on the pur- drams ($10,400) in damages. the April 2016 offensive chase of more Russian weapons at His lawyer, Ara Ghazarian, on Friday, March 23, in Karabakh. internal Russian prices set well below condemned the latter verdict as illegal. Ghazarian The four-day hostilities, international market-based levels. argued that under Armenian law even false claims which Moscow helped to Deputy Defense Minister Artak that are not publicized through mass media or oth- halt, left at least 180 sol- Zakarian said in December that the erwise cannot be deemed slanderous. He said his diers from both warring Armenian side has already finalized client never went public with the fraud allegations. sides dead. It was the three defense contracts with Russian In Ghazarian’s words, the ECHR has already start- worst escalation of the arms manufacturers as part of the ed looking into the case filed by Harutiunian. He said Konstantin Zatulin, deputy chairman of a Russian State Karabakh conflict since loan agreement. he expects the Strasbourg-based court to rule against Duma committee, speaks to reporters in Yerevan, 1994. Zatulin, who is known for his pro- ENA. March 26. Visiting Yerevan earlier Armenian views on the Karabakh con- “He reported corruption,” the lawyer told this month, another flict, on Monday also denounced RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). senior Russian lawmaker, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s “Instead of thanking him, they punished him for his regarding arms supplies to Azerbaijan Konstantin Kosachev, indicated that recent pledge to “return Azerbaijanis” civic activism.” on the part of Russia,” Konstantin Moscow will scale down its future arms to Yerevan and other parts of Armenia Zatulin told reporters. “We very much dealings with Baku. “Of course, we are which he called “historic Azerbaijani regret that Azerbaijan found no use for reacting to what occurred in April lands.” “It’s just not clear how anyone Czech Airlines Launches them other than violating the ceasefire 2016,” said Kosachev, who chairs the can take such a statement seriously,” Prague-Yerevan Flights agreement on the [Karabakh] Line of foreign relations committee of the added the veteran lawmaker. Contact reached in 1994 with our help.” Federation Council, the Russian upper The Russian Foreign Ministry also YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Czech Airlines received “We have drawn conclusions regard- house of parliament. criticized Aliyev’s remarks last month. permission from Armenia’s General Department of ing the breach of the military balance The fresh Russian arms supplies to Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani leader Civil Aviation to operate regular Prague-Yerevan in the region and provided Armenia Armenia mentioned by Zatulin stem, in repeated his claims last week. flights, the General Department of Civil Aviation told Armenpress. The flights will launch on June 8. They will oper- ate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Foreign Minister Nalbandian Chastises Former German Envoy Visits Karabakh Azeris for Setting Sights on Armenia STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — Germany’s former YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) “Baku once said negotiations should Nalbandian said. ambassador to Armenia, Hans-Jochen Schmidt, met — Armenian Foreign Minister Edward be constructive and logical, as if they “Such ‘creativity’ was demonstrated with senior officials in Stepanakert on Monday, Nalbandian advises Baku to refrain have been neither substantial, nor logi- when our 2,800-year-old capital March 26, during yet another private visit to from “linguistic exercises” and return cal until now,” Nalbandian said at a Yerevan and other regions of Armenia Nagorno-Karabakh. to the constructive field, meet its com- joint press conference with the visiting were declared ‘Azerbaijan’s historic ter- Schmidt, who headed the German diplomatic mis- mitments and respect the agreements Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean ritories.’ Azerbaijan’s ‘creativity’ also sion in Yerevan from 2009 to 2012, was reported to reached during meetings. Asselborn. finds its expression in the constant discuss with Arayik Harutiunian, Karabakh’s state The comments come after “Now they step from the phase of threats of force. Perhaps, they have minister primarily responsible for economic policies, Azerbaijani claims that following presi- substantial and logical negotiations found a new trick to explain why they the socioeconomic situation in the Armenian-popu- dential elections in the country negoti- into a new phase that will proceed on are rejecting the principles and ele- lated territory. ations will enter an active phase based the basis of some “creative” proposals ments proposed reflected in the five A Karabakh government statement said on so-called “creative” ideas. on the part of the co-chairs,” statements adopted by the co-chairing Harutiunian briefed him on recent economic devel- countries on the highest level. Maybe, opments and “a number of investment projects.” The Baku considers these proposals primi- retired German diplomat, for his part, “presented tive and simple, and lack creativity,” details of his visit and forthcoming plans.” the foreign minister stated. The two men also spoke about “prospects for coop- He said “Baku reserves itself the eration between Karabakh and Germany in some sec- right to assess the ‘creativeness’ of the tors of the economy,” the statement added without co-chairs’ proposals.” elaborating. Minister Nalbandian advised Baku to Schmidt also had a separate meeting with Masis refrain from this “linguistic exercises” Mayilian, the Karabakh foreign minister. and return to the constructive field, Schmidt has visited Karabakh on at least two occa- meet their commitments and respect sions in the past, most recently in September 2016. the agreements reached during meet- Bako Sahakyan, the Karabakh president, awarded ings. him a “medal of gratitude” at the time. Schmidt “During the recent Krakow meeting reportedly called for more political and people-to-peo- we agreed to expand the capacities of ple contacts between the and the team of the Personal Karabakh. Representative of the OSCE Chairman- “I always thought that it is impossible to be in-Office, and both Armenia and the informed about Karabakh without visiting it,” he told Co-Chairs announced this. However, up the local Artsakhpress news agency. In that regard, until now Azerbaijan refuses to imple- he criticized Azerbaijan for blacklisting non- ment those agreements and even refer Armenian foreign dignitaries travelling to the region. to them,” Armenia’s top diplomat said. Schmidt, 70, is one of the founding members of the He said the same has happened on German-Armenian Forum (DAG). different occasions and added: “If Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Luxembourg, respectively, Edward Nalbandian Azerbaijan is unable to return to the and Jean Asselborn constructive field, it should be forced to do so.” S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA AGBU Helps Launch the First University-Level Non-Profit Management Program in Armenia

YEREVAN — On March 13, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Yerevan and the American University of Armenia (AUA) signed an agreement to launch the first university program for training of non-profit man- agement professionals in Armenia. University-level courses for employees of civil society orga- nizations (CSO) and for those who want to acquire profes- sional education in the non-profit sector in Armenia is an essential component of the Bridge for CSOs program, which is financed by the European Union and overseen by AGBU, in cooperation with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation. The opportunities to acquire professional knowledge in non-profit management are limited in Armenia. This certifi- cate program, to be developed and implemented by the American University of Armenia, will equip its beneficiaries with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in CSO man- agement. The goal of introducing such a program at a local higher educational institution is two-fold: the program is expected to become self-sustainable and continuous, adding to the range of important educational programs offered by local universities. “Employees’ professionalism and leadership is key to a strong civil society and social innovation. It will ensure sus- tainability of organizations, as well as better quality of ser- vices for the beneficiaries,” said Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia President, AGBU Central Board member. Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia President, AGBU Central Board member, right, with AUA President Dr. Armen Der “AUA Extension’s successful track record can ensure that Kiureghian CSO professionals, as well as future non-profit leaders, have continuous access to learning non-profit governance, strate- gic management, effective program evaluation, advocacy and Armenian civil society organizations (CSOs) enhance their agement certificate program; benefit from free consultations, communication, and use of technology in civil society orga- skills and deepen their knowledge by tapping into the exper- and apply for small grants. ”Bringing the expertise of dias- nizations,” noted AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian. tise of the diaspora. pora Armenians to Armenian CSOs is a win-win situation for The BRIDGE for CSOs program was launched in June “Armenian CSOs will have the opportunity to participate all,” said Ambassador Piotr Switalski, of the EU Delegation 2017, the three-year, 2.2-million-euro program aims to help in thematic training and a university-based, non-profit man- in Armenia.

Francophonie Delegation Visits Armenia Honors Ozdemir, Kantian

BERLIN — The evening was both solemn and festive, as diplomats, German political fig- Memorial ures and members of the Armenian community gathered at the Armenian Embassy on March 23. Ambassador Ashot Smbatyan presided over the ceremony, during which he pre- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A delegation of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary sented the State Award of the Armenian Republic to two outstanding individuals. The order Assembly of La Francophonie visited the Tsisternakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan to pay of merit, which is a high honor, was conferred on Cem Özdemir, Green Party member of the tribute to the memory of the innocent victims on March 20. Bundestag (Parliament), and Dr. Raffi Kantian, chairman of the Deutsch-Armenische The delegation members were accompanied by Armenian Member of Parliament Margarit Yesayan. Gesellschaft (German-Armenian Society). Özdemir, bottom right, was selected “for his extra- The delegation included representatives from parliaments of 27 countries. ordinary services in the international recognition of the Genocide against the Armenians,” They laid flowers at the Eternal Flame and then toured the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, got and Kantian, bottom left, for his “special services in deepening German-Armenian relations.” acquainted with the documents on the Genocide. A full story will appear next week. The delegation arrived in Armenia to hold the regular session of the Political Affairs Committee of the — Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie.

A delegation from the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie visited the Tsisternakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Armenian FM Receives New Ireland Ambassador

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Foreign Minister give new impetus to Armenian-Irish relations. of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received on During the meeting Nalbandian and Forbes March 26 newly appointed Ambassador of discussed issues of bilateral agenda, spoke Ireland to Armenia Michael Forbes (residence in about measures necessary for activating politi- Sofia) who delivered the copies of credentials to cal dialogue and developing trade and econom- Nalbandian. ic relations and emphasized the importance of Congratulating Forbes, Nalbandian said he fostering inter-parliamentary relations. hoped that the ambassador will contribute to Nalbandian presented the joint efforts of the further deepening and strengthening of Armenia and the Organization for Security and Armenian-Irish relations. Cooperation in Europe Minsk Group Co-Chair Thanking for the reception, Ambassador countries aimed at peaceful settlement of Forbes assured that he will spare no efforts to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 4 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Dozens of musicians have fled or been killed. Yet, in war-torn , the orchestra plays on Eastern Armenian to Be orchestra back then was much larger when their house in the suburb of Taught in U of Uruguay By Nabhi Bulos than what we have now.… In the past, Qudsaya was shelled in 2012 they moved when we wanted a violinist, they would to Kurdi’s parents’ apartment in MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Armenpress) — The fight over who would play. Now we don’t , another suburb then out of Center for Foreign Languages of the faculty of (LA Times) — Linda Bitar even have a dozen players,” mortar range. But working in the opera humanitarian and education sciences of the sat up in her chair behind a pair of tim- Baghboudarian said. house was still dangerous. University of the Republic of Uruguay announces the pani and took a deep breath as the swell Wistfully, he listed works that were “We would rehearse and then hear a launch of introductory courses on the Eastern of the violins reached a climax. now out of reach. sound of explosions,” Kurdi said. “We . “Ihkili, Ihkili, aan baladi ihkili,” she “I can’t imagine now Beethoven’s would have to run to the corridor and Teaching Eastern Armenian courses is being car- sang, the lilt of the ney, a type of flute, Ninth, or doing a Bruckner or Mahler wait for it to stop.” ried out within the framework of the cooperation blending with the words: symphony.… Once we even did Their fears grew when their daughter, agreement signed between the Yerevan State “Tell me, tell me, about my country, Kindertotenlieder,” he said, referring to Rona, was about to enter preschool. University and the University of the Republic of tell me. Tell me about my family, tell me Mahler’s ambitious song cycle that Hospitals and schools were increasingly Uruguay in 2016. The agreement aims at assisting about my house … swear to me you’ll tell requires an expanded woodwind and per- being hit by the erratic shelling. the spread of culture, education and scientific me about the olive tree.” cussion section. “It was clear this wouldn’t change, and research. The song, a moving lament for those Some of the first musicians to go were we didn’t want to wait for a moment of The courses will be taught by Armenian language who’ve left their homeland behind, the Russians. A throwback to the days regret, where you go to rehearsal and a and literature specialist Hovhannes Bodukyan. seemed a fitting choice for Bitar and the when the Soviet Union would dispatch mortar falls on you,” Hamdan said. other musicians assembled one crisp musical “experts” to bolster the ensem- So he began to groom his replacement, morning at Damascus’ opera house. As ble and mentor Syria’s student musi- a cellist named Mohammad Nameq, a tal- Emmanuel Macron the last remaining members of the Syrian cians, they were paid roughly 120,000 ented musician with an air of melancholy. National Symphony Orchestra, they have Syrian pounds a month, which was then “He would drop hints: ‘You have to get Congratulates Sarkissian watched seven years of civil war hollow about $2,500. used to giving signals to the section, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — French President out their lives and slowly mute the music It was a princely sum in prewar soon you’ll be principal.…’ At times I Emmanuel Macron has sent a congratulatory mes- they once played. Damascus, but as the violence grew the would lead instead of him,” Nameq said. sage to newly elected Armen Dozens of musicians have left, escap- country’s currency plummeted. In the summer of 2015, Hamdan and Sarkissian. ing the growing violence that has steadi- Guest conductors stopped arriving, Kurdi took a month of unpaid leave from Sarkissian’s Office announced that the French ly reshaped the calculations of daily life and invitations for the orchestra to play the orchestra, grabbed a taxi to neigh- President expresses his readiness to work with in Damascus, Syria’s capital. Others fled elsewhere in the region or abroad — once boring and caught a plane to Sarkissian to further strengthen Armenian-French to avoid being drafted, while some who a signature feature every season — evap- Germany, where Kurdi already had resi- relations which are already close. were studying or working abroad aban- orated. dency. “The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership doned any thought of returning to Syria, By late 2012, the Russian experts had “On the plane, Rawan and I looked at Agreement recently signed between Armenia and the where their passion for the classics all left and the rebel forces trying to over- Rona,” Hamdan said, “we felt that our EU, in the negotiations of which had an seemed increasingly irrelevant. throw President Bashar Assad’s govern- mission was completed. We had taken important role, gives new impetus which I hope will The exodus left a musical void in the ment had pushed within a few miles of her away from the danger of war and that result in growth of investments and trade and eco- orchestra. downtown Damascus. The opera house, mutilated environment.” nomic relations between our two states,” Macron “More than 74 musicians left us.… a landmark on the city’s grandiose When they landed in Berlin, Kurdi said in his letter. Every absence was one we felt,” said , was suddenly within remembers feeling relaxed for the first Referring to the summit of Francophonie to be Missak Baghboudarian, the orchestra’s range of the missiles and mortars. time in years. held in Yerevan on October 11-12, Macron said that conductor. Showing up to rehearsal became a “I couldn’t believe there were people the summit gives an opportunity to deepen relations “We had reached a really good artistic deadly prospect. At least five musicians living on the same planet that I was, peo- between Armenia and France. The French President level until 2010. Then in 2011 came the were killed and others were wounded. ple who were living in happy circum- added that he will be glad to visit Armenia to partic- downfall — in numbers, in quality, in all Last month, Lama Fallouh, the program stances, with regular water, with electric- ipate in Francophonie summit. details.” coordinator at the opera house, was ity,” she said. On Jan. 15, the orchestra celebrated its killed in a mortar attack as government Back home, the orchestra carried on 25th anniversary by playing forces stormed the rebel-held enclave of with two fewer musicians, two more Australian MP Speaks Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” a bom- , outside Damascus. instruments silenced. bastic work it had performed in its inau- For a while, there was thought of sus- “It was a loss for the orchestra, and for About Armenian gural concert. But this time, there just pending the orchestra’s already reduced me,” Nameq said. “He was a friend.” Genocide weren’t enough musicians to capture the season. But when it comes to thoughts of full strength of the piece. “But then people started calling, send- returning home, Kurdi confessed she was CANBERRA, Australia (Public Radio of Armenia) “We played a video recording of the ing us messages on social media … and surprised that she had none. The cou- — Federal Member for Goldstein, Tim Wilson, rose in first concert, and you could see the we still had a full house in concerts, and ple’s daughter is enrolling in school; the Parliament on March 27 and remembered the this is what made us continue,” Kurdi is learning German and planning Armenian Genocide, paying particular attention to Baghboudarian said. Defiantly, the to return to school. And Hamdan still the relief efforts made by Australians to aid the sur- orchestra even performed a January con- plays the cello. vivors of the Armenian Genocide. Official Unveiling of cert in 2015 as some 150 rockets rained “Since I came here I never felt I want- A delegation from the Armenian National down on Damascus. ed to be back there. It’s strange even for Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) was present in the Statue of St. Gregory “The performance was at 5 p.m. and me,” Kurdi said. “Now we have a life Federation Chamber as Wilson, who is of Armenian Of Narek at the Vatican we had people attending. So someone here.” heritage, started his 90-second Member Statement looks at death in the eye and is here to For Thaer Eid, a Syrian violist living in by stating: “Today we acknowledge the incredible VATICAN, from page 1 watch your concert. How much does he Hanover, Germany, the only way to move contribution of Victorians and Australians toward On March 21 Armenia’s Ambassador have to believe in it? And only one musi- forward with life as an immigrant was to the relief funds to aid the victims — the families, chil- to the Vatican Mikayel Minasyan cian couldn’t show up.” give up his dream of returning to his dren and orphans — of the Armenian Genocide.” released details over the works on erect- Still, the orchestra’s season has now homeland. Instead, he threw himself into Wilson continued: “The marching of Armenians to ing the statue of St. Gregory of Narek. been reduced to about eight concerts, academics, earning a bachelor’s and then their death started a mobilization of Australians for Minasyan said on Facebook that along with occasional performances at chil- master’s degree in music at the their lives. The then Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir during Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia dren’s shelters, an effort to keep alive an University of Hanover. David Hennessy, wrote to The Age newspaper of his in June 2016 Sargsyan gave a small interest in music in the next generation. “So you can really start your life with- opening of ‘a fund for the relief of the remnant of statue of St. Gregory of Narek to the Of those who left the country, many out trouble, you have to cut all these Armenia.’ The Lord Mayor trusted in ‘a liberal Pope as a symbol of his pilgrimage to still play professionally in orchestras in links or even the possibility of returning response by the citizens of Victoria to this urgent the first Christian country. While the U.S., Europe or neighboring to Syria, because as long as you think of appeal.’” handing the statue to Pope Francis, Lebanon and Jordan. Others, though, this possibility, you won’t develop and He added: “Today we honour the memory of Sargsyan expressed hope that its big- put music aside and focused simply on improve,” he said. Armenians who lost their lives and the Victorians ger version would be erected at the survival. But Maias Yamani feels the tug to go and the Australians who rallied to the cause of their Vatican. The Pope liked the statue, Some traded off the global attention back home. relief.” thanked the President and gave his on the Syrian refugee crisis to extend A former member of the Syrian orches- “Armenian-Australians take great pride in the approval. their careers, while others abandoned tra and now principal violinist with the research conducted by Professor Peter Stanley, “After a short period of time the cre- the music profession altogether and tried Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Doha, Vicken Babkenian, Dr. Panayiotis Diamadis and the ative team led by People’s Artist of to reinvent themselves in a new land. Yamani said he awaits the day the fight- countless other academics and researchers involved Armenia, sculptor Davit Yerevantsi start- One horn player hopped on a train ing in his homeland finally ends. in the Australian Institute for Holocaust and ed the work. Architect Mikayel after a concert in France and requested “At some stage, the conservatory and Genocide Studies chaired by Professor Colin Tatz,” Hasratyan and project manager Vardan asylum once he crossed the border into the orchestra were a full life in music, but ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian said. Karapetyan actively engaged in the Germany. Another fled by boat to play a they also taught us the tenets of life,” he “Their work has uncovered an important link process, and my friend Artur concert in Bremen, Germany, and arrived said. between our history as Australians and the history of Janibekyan, who is a true devotee, without shoes, tuxedo or an instrument. “We can’t be passive. It’s important to our Armenian origins,” he added. “We know, joined me by becoming the second One of the last to leave was Athil me that I return to do something there, because of this research, that Australians saved benefactor of the statue. Thanks to the Hamdan, a former principal cellist of the to return to the little society we once Armenian lives during the Armenian Genocide.” hard work of the creative team the two- orchestra and the dean of its conservato- had.” He thanked Wilson for shining a spotlight on the meter bronze statue of St. Gregory of ry. His wife, Rawan Kurdi, was the con- connection between Australians and Armenians. Narek was created in the Czech certmaster, the lead violinist who essen- (Bulos is a special correspondent. He Republic and its placement in Vatican’s tially serves as the quarterback of the is also a concert violinist who has parks completed today,” the ambas- orchestra. played with several members of the sador said. They had a good life in Damascus, but Syrian national orchestra.) S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Dr. Ümit Kurt to Male Babysitter Speak on Heroic Receives Century- Battle of Aintab Long Sentence

FRESNO — Dr. Ümit Kurt will give a presentation on, “A Farewell to Arms: For Raping Two Broken Hopes and Total Departure from the Homeland, in The Heroic Battle of Children Aintab,” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, in the University Business Center, Alice NEW YORK (Daily Mail) — A male babysit- Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the ter who raped two children and filmed the Fresno State campus. The presentation is assaults before setting some of the videos to part of the Spring Lecture Series of the music has been jailed for 100 years. Armenian Studies Program and is funded Milton Narvaez, 36, from Manhattan, through the Leon S. Peters Foundation. assaulted a girl, thought to be as young as 7, The Turkish-French war of 1920-1921 inside the Diocese of the Armenian Church took place between the Turkish-Kemalist of America where he worked as a janitor. Nationalist forces and French troops in He abused his other victim, a boy who he Aintab, modern day Gaziantep. The war was paid to look after, from the time he was started on April 1, 1920 and ended with 6 to when he turned 12, starting in February the city’s surrender to the French military 2008. forces on February 9, 1921. The Abstract Sculpture Narvaez’s lawyer, Glenn Hardy, had pushed There are ample amounts of archival for a sentence of only 10 years, telling the materials, memoirs, diaries and various court his client was the victim of childhood other sources written in Turkish and sexual abuse at the hands of his father. Ottoman Turkish on the Turkish-French Armenian Heritage Park on The But on Friday, March 23, a judge at War. Furthermore, individuals who them- Manhattan Supreme Court sentenced him to selves witnessed or participated in this Greenway: Coming Together on 100 years to life. war wrote down the history of the city He was convicted in November last year on within this particular period. 98 criminal counts including predatory sexu- In this lecture, Kurt will explore how Common Ground al assault against a child, sexual abuse and this war was narrated based on an origi- BOSTON — “In the heart of Boston, there is a fantastic and creative little dozens of counts of promoting and possess- nal source written in Armenian by Kevork park...The features of the park are, simply put, works of art...the shape-changing ing child pornography. Baboian, titled The Heroic Battle of split dodecahedron, like memory is constantly changing… a living piece of art, Narvaez was employed as a babysitter by Aintab. Kurt will present his English celebrating life...the embodiment of living memory...” as Wanderlust Americana several Manhattan families, and also worked translation of this important book with describes Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway. as a custodian at the Eastern Diocese of the the detailed history of the Armenian To herald the beginning of spring, on Sunday, April 8 beginning at 7:30 a.m., Armenian Church in Midtown. struggle for survival in Aintab between a crane will lift and pull apart the two halves of the Park’s Abstract Sculpture, Beginning in February 2008, Narvaez, who 1918-1922. It is a unique and significant a split rhomboid dodecahedron made of steel and aluminum and reconfigure also used the name Milton Gomez, repeated- work because it is based on detailed eye- the two halves to create a new sculptural shape. This annual reconfiguration is witness accounts of real people who were symbolic of all who pulled away from their country of origin and came to these in the city at that time. Massachusetts shores, establishing themselves in new and different ways. “The Abstract Sculpture shows how public art becomes a part of the city…an exam- ple of public art that is both permanent and alive,” wrote Joanna Weiss in the Boston Globe. The Park’s Charles and Doreen Bilezikian Endowed Fund supports the annu- al reconfiguration. A&A Industries, Anahid and Aurelian Mardiros, fabricated the Abstract Sculpture, their generous gift-in-kind. The rain date for reconfiguration is April 15. The Abstract Sculpture sits atop a Reflecting Pool with its etched inscription read even by those just passing through. “The Abstract Sculpture is dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides that have followed” one reads also that the Park and its endowed funds is a gift from Armenian-Americans to the City of Boston and the Commonwealth. Beginning with the annual reconfiguration of the Abstract Sculpture, pro- grams are held at the Park during the year, free and open to the public. On Saturday, April 21, the Commemoration at the Park, a program of the Boston Milton Narvaez, 36 Armenian Genocide Committee, will take place 3 to 5 p.m. The two-day com- memoration of the 103rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide also includes Dr. Ümit Kurt the annual State House Commemoration on Friday morning, April 20. On ly raped a boy who was in his care, and the Sunday, April 22, the Walk Against Genocide, a program of the Massachusetts abuse continued for six years, from the time Coalition to Save Darfur, begins at the New England Holocaust Memorial at the victim was 6 to about 12 years old. Kurt earned his PhD in history at the 1:30 p.m. followed by the walk to Heritage Park. Then on October 15, 2011, Narvaez also Strassler Center for Holocaust and Celebrate Public Art at the Park, a featured program during ArtWeek Boston raped a little girl in a storage room of the Genocide Studies, Clark University in on Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m., begins with the celebration of World Labyrinth Armenian Church. 2016. He is currently a Polonsky Fellow Day: Walk as One at 1 p.m., an international initiative of The Labyrinth Society The years-long sexual abuse was uncovered in the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem. with more than 20 countries world-wide “walking together as one at 1 p.m.” in in 2015 in the course of a routine investiga- His research is centered on examining the peace and harmony. For the first time, Armenia is participating, walking the tion into online child pornography that was transfer of Armenian wealth, transforma- newly-built labyrinth in Gyumri. carried out by the DA’s office’s Cybercrime tion of space, elite-making process, ordi- The reception to view the 2018 Configuration of the Abstract Sculpture fol- and Identify Theft Unit. nary perpetrators, collective violence, lows at 1:30 p.m. Sarah Baker, editor-in-chief, Art New England magazine, will Milton’s conviction at trial was announced microhistories, inter-ethnic conflicts, the offer brief remarks. Baker will be introduced by Lucas Cowan, public art cura- in a written statement released by Manhattan Armenian genocide and early modern tor, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. Tea and desserts are hosted by MEM District Attorney Cyrus Vance, released on Turkish nationalism. Tea Imports and Eastern Lamejun Bakers. November 28, 2017. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Under a Strawberry Moon, a first-time event, is being held on Thursday, June “There are few acts more horrific than the 2016-17 in the Center for Middle Eastern 28 at 8:30 p.m. to meet and greet, network, walk the moonlit labyrinth and enjoy long-term sexual abuse of a child,” Vance Studies at Harvard University. chocolate-dipped strawberries and ice teas, hosted by Vicki Lee’s and MEM Tea said. He is the author of The Great, Hopeless Import. Tea & Tranquility, the late afternoon summer series on Wednesday, “As a babysitter and custodian with access Turkish Race: Fundamentals of Turkish June 20, July 18 and August 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., is again offered in collabo- to children, Milton Narvaez abused his posi- Nationalism in the Turkish Homeland, ration with Age-Friendly Boston and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conversancy tion to rape two children, before further 1911-1916 (Istanbul: letisim Publishing with ice tea and desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. exploiting them by recording video of the House, 2012) and the co-author of The This year’s Sunday Afternoon at the Park for Families & Friends on acts.” Spirit of the Laws: The Plunder of Wealth September 16 from 2-4 will feature the music of Boston Hye Guys Ensemble: He added: ‘The children of this City will be in the Armenian Genocide (New York and Ron Sahatjian, clarinet; Joe Kouyoumjian, oud and Art Chingris, percussion. safer with Milton Narvaez out of our homes Oxford: Berghahn Books, 2015). Each year the generosity of the musicians who perform continue to inspire as and churches.” The lecture is free and open to the pub- does the sharing of the talents, time and treasure of so many during the year Vance said that Narvaez shared and pos- lic. Free parking is available. see RECONFIGURE, page 9 sessed dozens of images depicting children performing sexual acts. 6 S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Charges Dropped Against Most Turkish Officers In DC Clash

CHARGES, from page 1 Turkish officials accused protesters of attack- Syrian Kurdish fighters that Turkey considers ing Erdogan’s supporters and blamed terrorists. Washington police and the Secret Service for In January, Turkey launched a new military not doing enough to separate the two groups. operation aimed at Kurdish forces in north- The police department produced large “want- western Syria. The US criticized the move and ed” posters featuring photographs of the warned Turkey not to turn its focus toward Turkish security guards that they displayed at Kurdish fighters working alongside US forces a news conference announcing the charges, in the strategic Syrian town of Manbij. which included felony assault for several mem- The US and Turkey have set up special teams bers of the security detail. that are trying to try to bridge their differences Mr. Erdogan blasted the charges as “scan- in Syria, but there are broad concerns that the dalous” and said his team was only trying to efforts may not avert a volatile standoff in protect him. “Why would I take my guards to Syria, according to American military and the United States if not to protect myself?” he diplomatic officials. said last June. The charges against members of Erdogan’s Washington police worked with the State security team were the outgrowth of a chaotic Department to identify the suspects, but the clash last May near the Turkish ambassador’s case began to unravel last fall. In November, at residence in Washington against demonstrators the request of prosecutors, a judge dismissed protesting the Turkish president’s visit. charges against four members of Mr. Erdogan’s Videos of the clashes showed men in suits security detail. with side arms punching and kicking demon- Gunay Evinch, an attorney and co-chairman strators as Washington police and US Secret of the Turkish-American group that organized Service officers tried to intervene. pro-Turkey demonstrators who clashed with At least nine demonstrators were hospital- anti-Erdogan protesters, said the four men ized. One police officer and two members of were able to demonstrate that they weren’t at the Secret Service were also injured. the scene of the protest when the fighting US lawmakers denounced the attack and erupted. some called on the Trump administration to Last month, prosecutors dropped charges expel Turkey’s ambassador. District of against seven others. The US attorney’s office Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham charac- didn’t issue a news release last month when it terized it as an unprovoked and “brutal attack dropped the charges. The office responded to on peaceful protesters.” inquiries this week from the Wall Street Journal. The office said it is still pursuing assault charges against four other members of Erdogan’s security team, as well as two Knights of Vartan Offer Canadian citizens, none of whom have been arrested. Free Bus Service to Times Two American citizens are awaiting sentenc- Square Demo from Boston ing after they pleaded guilty in December to felony assault charges for their roles in the inci- BOSTON — The Knights of Vartan Ararat dent. Lodge 1 is sponsoring free bus transportation to and from the Times Square commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on Sunday, April 22. The rally to remember the Armenian Genocide will take place at 2 p.m. at the corner of 43rd Street and Broadway in New York City. The event is sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan and is co-sponsored by the AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, ADL- Ramgavars, and the Armenian National Council. Also participating are the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Catholic Eparchy of US and Canada, Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, AGBU Young Professionals of New York, Armenian Network of Greater New York, Armenian Youth Federation, New York Armenian Student Association, Homenetmen Scouts, Armenian youth and professional associations and Armenian university and college clubs. Buses leave from the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, at 9:30 a.m. and from the Worcester location, Route 146 and Mass Pike Park and Ride, at 10 a.m. Bus transportation to and from Times Square is free, but reservations are required. Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be served. For more information or to make a reserva- tion call Avo at 978-376-1052, Jirair at 978-376- 8285 or Pierre at 617-417-5303.

Armenians in Times square S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Pulitzer Winning Balakian Named Bucknell Janet Weiss Fellow

LEWISBURG, Penn. — Pulitzer Prize-winning war, terrorism, climate America’s Response (2004), which won the poet Peter Balakian, Bucknell Class of 1973, change, the AIDS epidemic 2005 Raphael Lemkin Prize and was a New has been named the 13th Janet Weis Fellow in and historical trauma. His York Times Notable Book and a New York Contemporary Letters at Bucknell University, poems also probe the per- Times best seller. His memoir, Black Dog of becoming the first Bucknell graduate to receive sonal and meditative realities Fate, won the 1998 PEN/Martha Albrand Prize the honor. of love, death, art and cul- for the Art of the Memoir, and was a best book Balakian is the Donald M. and Constance H. ture, and the intersections of the year for the New York Times, the Los Rebar Professor of the Humanities in the between epic traumatic Angeles Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and was Department of English and director of creative events and the private self. recently issued in a 10th-anniversary edition. writing at Colgate University. He will accept the “I began my life as a poet He is co-translator of Girgoris Balakian’s award during a ceremony on Thursday, April 5, as an undergraduate at : A Memoir of the Armenian at 7 p.m. in Bucknell Hall. After the presenta- Bucknell during my sopho- Genocide 1915-1918 (Knopf, 2009), which was tion, Balakian will read from his poetry and more and junior years in a Washington Post book of the year. memoir, and then engage in a moderated dis- 1971-72,” Balakian said. “I He is also the author of a book on the cussion with Bucknell Professor of English studied with my mentor and American poet Theodore Roethke and the co- Harold Schweizer. A book-signing will follow. then great friend Professor translator of the Armenian poet Siamanto’s The event is free and open to the public. Jack Wheatcroft, an inspira- Bloody News From My Friend. Between 1976 The author of seven books of poems, tional and brilliant teacher and 1996 he edited with Bruce Smith the poet- Balakian won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for poet- and an amazingly versatile ry journal Graham House Review. ry for his most recent collection, Ozone Journal writer. It’s been an interest- He is the recipient of many awards and prizes (2016, University of Chicago Press). In the ing journey, and Lewisburg including the Presidential Medal and the Moves announcement, the Pulitzer committee said the and Bucknell are dear to it.” Khoranatsi Medal from the Republic of poems in the collection “bear witness to the old Balakian is currently com- Armenia; the Spendlove Prize for Social Justice, losses and tragedies that undergird a global age piling a collection of memor- Tolerance and Diplomacy; a Guggenheim of danger and uncertainty.” ial tribute essays in honor of Fellowship; a National Endowment for the Arts Balakian’s Ozone Journal explores, among Peter Balakian Wheatcroft, a member of the Fellowship; and the Emily Clark Balch Prize for other topics, the poet’s memory of excavating. Class of 1949, who passed poetry from the Virginia Quarterly Review. “In the dynamic, sensual language of these away last March. The poet Balakian has appeared widely on national poems, we are reminded that the history of culture, and the resilience of love.” and author was a popular English professor at television and radio, including “60 Minutes,” atrocity, trauma and forgetting is both global For more than four decades Balakian’s Bucknell from 1952 to 1996. “ABC World News Tonight” and NPR’s “Fresh and ancient,” the prize committee said. “But we poems have engaged a wide range of social, cul- Balakian’s four books of prose include The Air.” are reminded, too, of the beauty and richness of tural and political realities including genocide, Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and He has taught at Colgate since 1980 and was the first director of the University’s Center For Ethics and World Societies. Established in 2002, the Janet Weis Fellow in Contemporary Letters is awarded biennially to honor and recognize individuals who represent the highest level of achievement in the craft of writing within the realms of fiction, non-fiction or biography. Previous recipients have been Robert A. Caro, Edward Albee, John Edgar Wideman, David McCullough, Derek Walcott, Joyce Carol Oates, Tom Wolfe, Salman Rushdie, John Updike, Toni Morrison and Rita Dove. The Weis Fellowship was established through a grant from the Degenstein Foundation in honor of Janet Weis, an author, civic leader and philanthropist as well as trustee emerita of the University. Her husband, Sigfried Weis, was chair of the Bucknell Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1988.

ADL Endorses NY Congressional Candidate Don Boyajian BOYAJIAN, from page 1 Tekeyan Cultural Association Executive Director Aram Arkun, who attended the event, noted that Boyajian was firm in his support of Armenian issues, and promised once again to be a powerful voice for Armenians concerning

Don Boyajian, left, with Aram Arkun

the Armenian Genocide, Artsakh and Armenia, and the remaining Armenians of the Middle East. The Democratic primary in the 21st district takes place on June 26, after which Boyajian faces incumbent Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik. For more information on Boyajian, see an interview in the March 10 issue of the Mirror-Spectator and his own cam- paign website (https://don2018.com). 8 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARIES Vrejouhi (Vrejik) Darian Dentist, Mother, Born in Iran

DETROIT — Vrejouhi (Vrejik) Darian died on March 22. She was 93. She was the wife of the late Dr. Hamazasp Darian. She was the mother of Dr. Vigen (the late Rosemary) Darian, Dr. Linda Darian (Michael) Karibian and Armen Darian. She also leaves grandchildren Talin, Ani and Mara. She was born to Khatchadoor and Nektar Saghatelian in Tabriz, Iran. The oldest of four children, she was a very bright student, excelling in all of her classes. She attended dental school, where she met a determined medical student, Hamazasp (Hamzik) Barkhoudarian, and they married in 1949. Together they ran a joint medical-dental clinic. She helped raise Hamzik’s youngest brother and cousins, whom she thought of as her own. In 1956, they moved to Detroit and later shortened their surname to “Darian.” In the US, Vrejik concentrated on her growing family: Vigen, Linda, and Armen. She instilled a strong value of education in her children, and later, her grandchildren, Talin, Ani, and Mara. Her many cherished friendships. family was the light of her life. A prayer Service was held at St. John’s She also served as President of the Detroit Armenian Church on March 26, with interment Armenian Women’s Club, where she developed at White Chapel Cemetery. George D. Kasparian Air Force Veteran, Engineer WATERTOWN — George D. Kasparian of He joined several Air Force historical societies Watertown died on March 22, 2018. He was 88. and used to research government archives for Born and raised in Charlestown, he graduat- information about missing WWII flight crews. ed from Boston English High School, class of He was a vociferous advocate of US recogni- 1947. He served in the US Air Force during the tion of the Armenian Genocide. Korean War, and was stationed at Andersen Air He was the husband of the late Louise Force Base on Guam. (Gulumian) Kasparian. He leaves his children He graduated from the College of George N. Kasparian of Watertown and Rose Engineering at Northeastern University in Marie Kasparian of Watertown and grandchil- 1959, where he was a member of the Eta Kappa dren Paul Kasparian and his wife Megan of Nu honor society. Easton. He was the brother of the late Kaspar He was an electrical engineer at Raytheon for Der Kasparian. 36 years and worked on the Hawk, Patriot and A visitation period was held at the Giragosian Trident missile systems. In his retirement, he Funeral Home, on Wednesday, March 28 fol- enjoyed listening to classical music and attend- lowed by a chapel service. Interment was pri- ing BSO concerts. vate. Virginia Ruth Melkonian

DETROIT — Virginia Ruth Melkonian, 91, passed away on March 20, with family by her side. She was the wife of the late Byron Haig. F UNERAL H OME She was the mother of Jacqueline (Faouzi) Giragosian Elchemmas, Patricia Muskat (Tim Hall), the late James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian and the late Michael Melkonian and grandmother of Taline Funeral Counselors Muskat, Jerry Muskat-Martin (Olivia Martin), 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Johnny Elchemmas (Sevana Melikian) and Raffi www.giragosianfuneralhome.com (Martha) Elchemmas and great-grandmother of Ani, Van, Aria, Adrian and Nina Anoush. She was the sister of Margaret (Harold) Kleinsmith and aunt of Marge (Dan) Telephone (617) 924-7400 Hildebrand, Kevin (Anne) Kleinsmith, Keith (Tomla) Kleinsmith, and Suzanne Saganich Kleinsmith (Damon Troyan). Aram Bedrosian Her funeral was on Saturday, March 24, with Funeral Home, Inc. interment at Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN

DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway: Coming Together on Common Ground

RECONFIGURE, from page 5 The Welcome Reception for New Citizens following the Naturalization Ceremony at Faneuil Hall takes place during the Fall with the date confirmed during the summer. The Park’s Anna and Noubar Afeyan Endowed Fund supports the Welcome Reception offered in collaboration with US Courts, The Bostonian Society, Museum of Fine Arts, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy among others. Celebrate Public Art! during HubWeek in October is a two-day program featuring the Labyrinth and Abstract Sculpture. During the evening highlighting the Abstract Sculpture, the newly developed curriculum, Geometry as Public Art: Telling A Story, for school children recently piloted at The Eliot K-8 Innovation School, Boston Public School in the North End will be introduced. The Park’s Abstract Sculpture, a geometric shape that “tells a story of the immigrant experi- ence”, has inspired the development of this curriculum. The intent of the curriculum is to engage students to share their own or their families’ immigrant experience and, in doing so, to build common ground as we are all immigrants to the United States, except for Native Americans. The Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall is being held during the late Fall, following a year’s reprise. Endowed by George and Dr. Carolann Najarian, this pub- lic program of the Park is a “call to action to respond to the societal abuses of today in Photos of annual configurations or 2017 Annual Reconfiguration (Matt Conti photo) much the same way as the men and women who gathered at Faneuil Hall in the begin- ning of the 1890’s who heard the eyewitness Thorough the year, there are always visi- accounts of the atrocities taking place tors to the Park. “In the city, I’m drawn back against the Armenian minority of the to the AHP. There is a certain peace, calm Ottoman Empire and during the First World and safety I feel there, especially very late at War, spoke passionately about the urgent night….”, comments Zareh Zurabyan on need for intervention and were called to Facebook. “It definitely has a certain level of action”. clarity in the middle of all the craziness of The Candlelit Labyrinth Walk on Sunday, the downtown…”. December 16 from 4:30-6 p.m. with Hot For details on programs, visit Chocolate and Cookies hosted by The ArmenianHeritagePark.org. To receive the E- Bostonian Hotel culminates this annual News and announcements, email series of programs. [email protected]

OBITUARY Richard Martin Apkarian Businessman, Dedicated to Community and Family

DETROIT — Richard Martin Apkarian, 75, work ethic, he created Westside Cold died on March 18. Storage, a subsidiary of Armen Berry. At He leaves his wife, Paulette, children that time, Rick’s brother, Arthur, returned to Kristen (Christopher) Vosbikian and Richard Detroit from Boston and joined the family (Alexandra) Apkarian Jr.; and grandchildren business. Alana and Adam Vosbikian and Elizabeth, In 1985, following Martin’s retirement, the Katherine and Martin Apkarian. two brothers purchased Design Media The funeral was held on March 22 at St. Technology, an engineering paper and sup- John Armenian Church, Southfield, with ply company. After 15 years, Rick and Arthur interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. acquired Specification Services and Print He was born on February 16, 1943, in Graphics, which were specialty printing com- Detroit, Michigan to Martin and Varsenick panies. They also formed Canvas Graphics, Apkarian. He had one brother, Arthur. where they sold artist reproductions, invita- His early years were spent in Detroit where tions, and other event materials. he was educated, played the trumpet, and Following his retirement in 2009, Rick attended St. John’s Church School. He also enjoyed living in his condo, where he was served as an acolyte. Upon graduation from president of the Turnberry Park Condo Ferndale High School in 1960, he joined the Association. He also enjoyed his member- Army Reserves and was honorably dis- ship at the Detroit Golf Club, special pro- charged as a commissioned officer in 1968. jects meetings, golfing at Kensington, He later attended the University of Detroit Saturday morning breakfast and Monday and then joined the family business, the night cards. Highland Park Candy and Tobacco Company. He loved his family and his church and was Following the sale of Highland Park Candy a key contributor to the Armenian commu- and Tobacco, he worked as general manager nity. He served as assistant superintendent of Fontana Brothers, another wholesale of St. John’s Church School, Parish Council candy and tobacco company. Thereafter, he Chairman of St. John Armenian Church, and his father purchased the Armen Berry Chairman of the Alex and Marie Manoogian Company, a meat by-products business. With School Board, and Chairman of the AGBU his perseverance, talent for business, and Special Projects Group. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 10 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Earthquake Engineer Anne Kiremidjian Receives John Fritz Medal

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Anne Kiremidjian, importance of social, political and economic professor of civil and environmental engi- data in her findings. neering at Stanford University, received the Established in 1902, the John Fritz Medal is 2018 John Fritz Medal. The award, presented among the highest honors awarded an engi- by the American Association of Engineering neer. Kiremidjian joins a cadre of recipients Societies (AAES), recognizes one individual including Alexander Graham Bell and David each year for scientific or industrial achieve- Packard. ments in the pure or applied sciences. Kiremidjian received the award for her research in the field of probabilistic seismic risk assessment and for her leadership in the class- room, educating the next generation of earth- quake engineers. Kiremidjian’s research focuses on building resilient, sustainable cities that can withstand short- and long-term environmental stressors, including earthquakes. Through the design and implementation of wireless sensor systems, the development of robust algorithms for structur- al damage diagnosis and several other evalua- tion techniques, Kiremidjian continues to expand conversations around creating strategic Anne Kiremidjian civil infrastructure systems, emphasizing the S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Arts & Living

Akçam to Lecture on ZENOP POMAKIAN-ZEN PHOTO Orbelian and New Book at Armenian Museum Hvorostovsky: WATERTOWN — Clark University Strassler A Musical Collaboration, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the Armenian Museum of America and National An Artistic Victory Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) cosponsor a lecture and book signing to celebrate a new book by Taner Akçam, on By Sona Hamalian April 3 at the Armenian Museum, 65 Main St. Akçam is the Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar LONDON — On March 11, Russia’s BraVo Professor in Armenian Genocide. International Professional Music Awards His new book is Killing Orders: Talat Pasha’s announced the DELOS label’s recording of Telegrams and the Armenian Genocide. “Verdi: Rigoletto” as the 2018 Classical The lecture and reception are open and free Album of the Year. The BraVo Awards are to the public. The reception will start at 6 p.m. regarded as Russia’s Grammys. The landmark and the lecture at 7:30 p.m. at the Adele and “Rigoletto” recording, conducted by Grammy- Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor. nominated Constantine Orbelian, features the Akçam has made landmark discoveries that late baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky in the title prove the Ottoman government’s central role in role, along with an all-star supporting cast, planning the Armenian genocide. Despite the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra, and decades of scholarly research, the scarcity of the men of the Kaunas State Choir. direct evidence has allowed Turkey to persist in Constantine Orbelian is a globally its denial. acclaimed pianist and conductor, and an Akçam will discuss the findings published in Honored Artist of the Russian Federation. his groundbreaking new book, Killing Orders: Since June 2016, he has helmed the National Talat Pasha’s Telegrams and the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia (the Genocide (2018). He will highlight a recently dis- Sirusho on stage Yerevan Opera House) as its General Director covered document, a “smoking gun,” which and Artistic Director. removes the cornerstone of Turkey’s denialism. Orbelian’s recording of Sviridov’s “Russia He will show that the killing orders signed by Cast Adrift,” also featuring Dmitri Ottoman Interior Minister Talat Pasha, which Hvorostovsky, along with the State the Turkish Government has long discredited, Sirusho Wins Over Young Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg, are authentic. received a Grammy nomination last year, in And Old in Concert the category of Best Conductor on a Solo Vocal Album. LODI, N.J. — Award-winning pop singer Sirusho brought her dazzling mix of con- Orbelian spoke recently in London, where Festival of Composer’s temporary and traditional music to the Felician College’s Breslin Theater on he had traveled to attend the Royal Opera’s Saturday, March 17 at an event hosted by Hvorostovsky Memorial Concert on March 18. Art in Yerevan the Hamazkayin Armenian Education Q – For more than 25 years, up till your By Taleen Babayan and Cultural Society New Jersey Chapter appointment as General and Artistic YEREVAN and PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Director of the Yerevan Opera House, you Special to the Mirror-Spectator and Armenian Relief Society Agnouni International Festival of Composer’s Art dedi- Chapter. (See interview on Page 1.) were a central figure in Russia’s musical life cated to the great Armenian composer, Grigor The symbolic concert, which honored — as Music Director of the Moscow Chamber Egiazaryan, took place recently in Yerevan. the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia and 90th anniversary of Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia. This was the ninth such festival organized by the Hamazkayin, gave Diasporans the opportunity to see Sirusho, a native of Armenia, Can you describe your feelings when your State Symphony Orchestra, under the patronage perform live in the full-capacity event, which featured the Nayiri Dance Ensemble, recording of “Rigoletto” won BraVo’s of the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, and under the leadership of director and choreographer Barkev Sanossian. Classical Album of the Year Award? the support of the Cultural Minister of Armenia. The performance went beyond the regular parameters of a concert as the well- A – My musical journey in Russia was an The program of the Festival contained pieces by seasoned Sirusho took her audience on an entertaining yet emotional journey, extraordinarily intensive. Scrolling back to Egiazaryan and, also his students, and other well- sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of her music videos to her October 2000, I met with Dmitri known Armenian composers. childhood years on the stage. Hvorostovsky in New York to discuss a record- Yerevan-born-and-raised composer, Singing the opening minutes of her performance a cappella, Sirusho displayed ing contract with DELOS Productions (the Konstantin Petrossian, who currently lives in her impressive range and continued to do so during her 90-minute set as she sang recording company with which I work). We Providence, participated in the festival. His songs from her recent “Armat” album, which features traditional Armenian folk began producing our first recordings in the composition, Quintet for Wind Instruments, songs with a modern Western spin, including Huh-Hah, Zartonk and Gini Lits as summer of 2001 and continued until the sum- was well received. well as her previous hits PreGomesh, Shorora and Qele, Qele. mer of 2016. Our recording of Verdi’s magnif- As Konstantin Petrossian said, “the level of Representing a rejuvenated and modernized Armenia, Sirusho bridged all gen- icent opera “Rigoletto” took place in Kaunas, interpretation of the state orchestra was very erations during her energetic performance, resulting in audience members danc- Lithuania, where I am the chief conductor of high. The State Symphony Orchestra, led by ing in a large shoorch bar in the theater. Her songs transcend generations as she the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra. Sergey Smbatyan, performed with its usual pays homage to those before her while modernizing them with her own touch, Tragically, Dmitri had been diagnosed with high standards. making it accessible to current generations. terminal brain cancer in June 2015 and after Petrossian’s works include symphonies, as Highlights of the concert included footage of her Tariner duet with Harout that diagnosis he told me that his dream was well as choral, chamber and vocal pieces. He Pamboukjian and a short film on her production team’s experience filming in Ani to record “Rigoletto,” which was his signature has been the music and cultural director of Sts. for her song Der Zor. role for many years and a role that he had per- Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in Taking a moment, Sirusho reflected on the significance of this song, dedicated formed at the greatest opera houses of the Providence, and the artistic director and con- to the Armenian Genocide, and the experience of filming the music video in the world. So I was determined to fulfill his wish- ductor of the Armenian Chorales of Rhode ancient city, currently within Turkey’s borders. es on the highest possible level. Island, and the Erevan Chorale and Orchestra “Armenians have suffered through a difficult history,” said Sirusho. “But as Any recording with Dmitri would require a in Cambridge, Mass. for many years. much as others try to destroy us, we remain strong in mind, faith and spirit.” stellar supporting cast. Luckily, in July 2016, He was honored with the Movses Khorenatsi As she sang Der Zor, whose lyrics tell the story of a girl remembering her grand- I was able to assemble a top international medal and, also, the Sourp Sahag Mesrob medals. mother’s words of never forgetting her past, her home or her name, the music cast, which included the glorious American –Knarik Galstyan video shot among the ruins of Ani screened on stage, with Sirusho singing in the soprano Nadine Sierra, and church. Francesco Demuro, the Italian tenor. Dynamic yet soft-spoken, Sirusho engaged and interacted with the audience Sadly, given the time it takes to edit and throughout her set as well as the Nayiri Dance Ensemble performers on stage, master a full opera recording, the CD was applauding their dances and efforts. Singing to modern and fresh beats as she released in the US on November 10, and it danced in Armenian-inspired costumes, Sirusho welcomed special guest Andre, an was received in London on the November 22, award-winning Armenian musician, as they sang a duet of Ov Siroun Siroun. The 2017 — the day Dmitri passed away. duo encouraged the audience to sing along with them. I was thrilled to learn that our recording of Dedicating the concert to Armenia, a montage of the homeland’s sites screened “Rigoletto” was chosen as Best Classical on stage, set to the poetic words of Yeghishe Charentz’s “Yes Im Anoush Album of the prestigious BraVo Awards in Hayastani,” further invigorating the audience as they recited the words together. Moscow. The recording has been receiving “Yes, we have been through challenges but we always stand back up,” said wonderful reviews from around the world Sirusho as she sang Martiki Yerk (Marty’s Song). from top music critics, but winning the award see CONCERT, page 12 in Dmitri’s beloved home country, at the Wind Quintet of the Armenian State Symphony Bolshoi Theater, was extremely moving and Orchestra touching. Dmitri’s parents were there to see INTERVIEW, page 15 12 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Sirusho pays tribute to soldiers in Artsakh Sirusho Wins Over Young and Old in Concert

CONCERT from page 11 Armenian traditional folklore dance.” Noting Another portion of her performance was ded- that more than 40 Armenian villages each have icated to love as she encouraged those in the had their own characteristic dances, Sanossian audience to fight for love and never let it go. said his dancers were “excited and happy to The powerful ending to the concert brought learn dances from their own personal histories all of the dancers back on stage as Sirusho sang and backgrounds, including the dances of our her Eurovision hit Qele, Qele and the Nayiri Kavars.” Dance Ensemble performed the challenging “It was an indescribable feeling to perform “Bert Bar,” in which the men stand on the and dance with Sirusho, and even more so to shoulders of other men, to great fanfare. meet her and get to know her as a person even “The beautiful talented Armenian youth of though she is such a huge pop star,” said Nayiri Dance Ensemble performed with Sanossian. Sirusho today, proud of their culture and hon- “We were very pleased and honored to join ored to share the stage with a world renowned with our sister organization, Hamazkayin of NJ, star,” said Ani Tchaghlasian, Chairwoman of for this concert with Sirusho to celebrate the Hamazkayin Armenian Education and Cultural and 90th anniversary of Hamazkayin Armenian Society, Eastern Region. “We say proudly today Education and Cultural Society,” said Zepure that Turkey failed.” Tekeyan, Chairwoman, Armenian Relief Society Sanossian reflected on the importance of of Eastern USA Agnouni Chapter. Sirusho walks through the audience. “keeping our rich culture alive through S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Sirusho Mixes Traditional and New Forms

SIRUSHO, from page 1 was the behind the scenes footage of your duet TB: You burst onto the international scene in mentality makes us feel stronger and safer. And while her music has evolved, incorporat- with for his signature 2008 during the Eurovision competition for While living outside (the homeland) it’s natural ing pop, folk, R&B and soul, Sirusho’s innate song Tariner. Why do you think it is important your song Qele, Qele, which to this day holds to feel lonely and even while living in Armenia. desire and ability to preserve traditional for today’s popular contemporary singers such the record for most points on behalf of But we aren’t alone. We should always be Armenian music, with an up-tempo modern as yourself to honor and respect the legacy and Armenia. When you were going through that together and I want to remember the history we twist, remains, bringing her legions of fans of work of those before you? experience, did you feel a shift or turning point went through together and how strong we’ve all generations and countries. SH: I have parents who traveled through the Following her electric New Jersey concert on same journey (Sirusho’s father is actor/director March 17, Taleen Babayan sat down with Hrachya Harutyunyan and her mother is singer Sirusho for an interview conducted in Syuzan Margaryan). As a representative of my Armenian as the singer and her production generation, I applaud and thank those who team prepared to travel to Boston for scheduled came before me for their hard work. It’s a beau- engagements and performances. tiful thing. We can’t forget the journeys others A positive role model, Sirusho exudes talent, took before us and we have to always show grat- grace and smarts, proving just how much she — itude and learn from them. I remember listen- and her country — have to offer the world. ing to Harout Pamboukjian with my friends at Taleen Babayan: Congratulations on a spec- parties and gatherings when I was younger. For tacular performance that was composed of me, I associate his music with those years. Even many cultural, historical and contemporary lay- if he himself wasn’t present, his voice was pre- ers. Your concert went beyond music and had sent among us. Through his music, he takes his rich and informative aspects, including a short listeners through happy times as well as painful film of your team traveling to Ani to film a moments. He has entered people’s hearts and I music video for your song Der Zor. How did you was just happy to have the opportunity to sing come up with the idea of traveling to Western and record together. It’s hard to re-record a Armenia (Eastern Turkey) and why did you feel song already loved by so many but my wish to it was necessary to travel there and take on collaborate was sincere and from my heart. potential challenges and risks? TB: You come from an artistically talented Sirusho Harutyunyan: I always wanted to go family and I’m sure arts and culture were to Ani to film a music video and perhaps I always encouraged in your home. Did you know voiced this wish aloud that brought it into from an early age you wanted to dedicate your being. I first came up with the idea during life to singing? What obstacles did you have to Pregomesh (Sirusho’s 2012 single) because I overcome, if any? wanted to show that Ani was ours. Along with SH: From a very young age, perhaps 7-years- my production team, we researched the trip old, I sang. I never made the choice to become and realized it wasn’t possible at that time. a singer. I just sang and everything went into During my next album we tried again and motion from there. From a young age, because mapped out the journey, taking into considera- my parents were well known, whatever success tion the technical aspects of the production I had, people attributed that success to them and the risk of filming a song about the and not me. In a way that was hurtful. But I try Armenian Genocide in Turkey. When we record- not to pay attention to whatever is not the ed Der Zor (from her 2016 Armat album), we truth. When you show your talents and your realized, yes, we have to film there, no matter successes, people eventually see that it’s you The cover of “Armat” by Sirusho what. We learned other groups from Armenia who has the talent and the ability. had traveled to Ani and were able to film so that TB: But your voice speaks for itself. You gave us some hope that we could do it too. We opened up the concert a cappella and sang with in your career that you could open up been to be here as a people today. We have had did come across challenges when we traveled to no musical accompaniment for the first few Armenian music not just to Armenians but to strong forebears and heroes and we stand on Ani, but it was a significant experience for all of minutes. You sang live the whole show, espe- the world at large? their shoulders. We have to honor our heroes us and tied our production team together cially when you were dancing, while other SH: When I first started out, my family and I and their moral values, power and strength and because we realized how dedicated we are to singers may have relied on lip sync. came to the US where there were opportunities we have to continue that legacy with pride and our work and to our goal of filming in Ani, SH: It’s my hope that when people hear my from different music companies and labels. I am find that inner strength within all of us. which allowed us to forge ahead. It was one of voice and see me in concert, demonstrating my happy my parents and I understood that we did- TB: Your talents, music and professionalism the most unforgettable experiences of my life. hard work on stage, they see that as well. The n’t want to be reliant on these companies and bridges Armenians from around the world so I TB: Another part of the concert I enjoyed smart ones understand. that I wanted to make my own decisions. If I want to ask where do you see yourself artisti- went with a label, I wouldn’t have been able to cally in your future and what do you see for do the “Armat” project (her 2016 album and sub- Armenia’s future? sequent music videos and documentaries), which SH: Artistically, I’m not sure where I’m head- is very Armenian and a sizable undertaking. For ed and that’s what’s most interesting about my me, it is more enjoyable to make my own deci- work. I compose and write my own songs and sions. I don’t want anyone to tell me I can’t do what I write tomorrow is unexpected. I myself this or that because I am contractually obliged. sometimes don’t know what I will create. It may After Eurovision, a lot of opportunities opened seem to me everything is fine and then I write up since the competition gave me more exposure a song about something I didn’t even realize and a larger audience on the international scene. was bothering me or making me uncomfort- I remember one time I went into a store in able. I didn’t talk about it or even feel it but St. James Armenian Church Greece and the clerk, who was Greek, said she independently of me it became a song. Maybe loved my songs, especially Shorora (from her the song understands me better than I under- 2005 album, “Sheram”). I was touched because stand myself. The songs suggest what follows. this is an Armenian folk song. When the songs are born then I decide what TB: In addition to recording pop music, you direction to go in. I wouldn’t be surprised if my have made a real effort to record Armenian tra- next album is in the international genre. ditional and folk music with a modern spin as As for us as a country, my hope is tied to my we have heard on your “Armat” album. As an generation and the following generations. artist, why is it significant to remember your Whatever profession someone chooses, her or cultural and historical roots? she should strive to be the best. Whether you’re 8:00PM SH: My thought is that it is our natural, a driver or a doctor, be a hard-working profes- human need to belong in order to feel safe. We sional because that way you can help your LIVE JAZZ MUSIC are all Armenian and our shared history and country, your family and the world. THE JOHN BABOIAN QUARTET WITH VOCALIST STEVE MARVIN LIVE ARMENIAN MUSIC +256'Â2(895(6_0(==( '(66(5767$7,216_&$6+%$5BOB SATURDAY,RAPHALIAN, LEON JANIKIAN, APRIL JOE SARKISIAN, 14, AND2018 KEN KALAJIAN

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MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA of Baboian’s The Heroic Battle of Aintab. Presented by and towns worldwide including the labyrinth in Gyumri. the Tekeyan Cultural Association and the Armenian At 12:45 p.m., introduction to Walking a Labyrinth, 1:30 APRIL 12 — In celebration of Legacy of Poetry Month, Museum of America (AMA), at AMA, 65 Main St, pm - Reception to View the 2018 Configuration of the the Center for Literary Arts of San José will host Peter Watertown, MA, 7:30 pm, Free admission. For informa- Abstract Sculpture. Remarks: Sarah Baker, editor-in-chief, Balakian for a night of reading and conversation with San tion, email [email protected] Art New England magazine. Introduced by Lucas Cowan, José State University President Mary Papazian. The APRIL 14 — Saturday, St. James Great Gatsby Gala! A Public Art Curator, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. Hammer Theatre (101 Paseo De San Antonio, 95113) at Roarin’ 20s Celebration! Live Jazz & Armenian Music, Tea & Desserts, hosted by MEM Tea Imports & Eastern 7 p.m. Afterwards, there will be a VIP reception and Passed Hors D’oeuvres, Mezza and Dessert Stations and Lamejun Bakers. RSVP appreciated. book-signing. http://www.litart.org/peter-balakian/ For more. St. James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Auburn [email protected] tickets, visit: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/ Street, Watertown, 8 p.m., Tickets $100. Purchase online MAY 6 — “Celebrating 400 Hundred Years of Armenian 10199025 Tickets are $10 for students, $20 for regular at www.stjameswatertown.org or contact [email protected]. American Heritage: 1618-2018” Exhibition and the admission, and $50 for VIP APRIL 15 – Vase Painting, Wine & Unwind, 5 launching of Armenian Legacy in America: A 400- p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Year Heritage by Dr. Demoyan in an illustrated MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle talk. Other speakers include Robert Mirak, Barbara J. St., Cambridge MA. Vase painting led by artist Arevik Merguerian and Nubar Afeyan. Sunday, 3 p.m. APRIL 8 — St. David Armenian Church of Boca Raton Tserunyan, entertainment, food and wine. All proceeds Admission free and open to the public. Book sale and will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of its Consecration to benefit medical outreach for the Karahunge and reception to follow. Organized by Armenian Cultural on Sunday, with a Celebratory Banquet in the Church Shirak regions in Armenia. Donation: $35; limited seats. Foundation, co-sponsored by the Amaras Art Alliance, Mardigian Hall at 1 p.m., presided by Archbishop Khajag To reserve a seat, call/text: Amalia, 617.669.7444; and National Association for Armenian Studies and Barsamian. All are invited to this special occasion. Marianna, 617.966.1339; or Naneh, 857.389.8362. Research, 441 Mystic Street (Route 3), Arlington. Tel. Donations for adults $45, children under 14, $10 Sponsored by Watertown Armenian Club and Holy Trinity (781)-646-3090 [email protected] Contact the church office 561 994-2335, or Sonig Armenian School. MAY 11 — Welcome His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Kradjian 607 727-8786 and Emma Pilikyan 561 414- APRIL 19 — “3D printing: the wave of the future. Come Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to a 1182. and learn about efforts being made in Armenia and Celebration of a Life of Service: Rev. Mampre A. JANUARY 20-27, 2019 — Armenian Heritage Cruise the U.S. Sponsored by the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Kouzouian on the 60th Anniversary of his ordination to XXII Western Carribean Cruise aboard Royal Association (CYSCA) with co-sponsorship by the National the priesthood. Under the auspices of the Diocese of the Carribean’s Allure of the Seas. Traveling to Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). Armenian Church of America (Eastern), His Eminence Nassau/Cozumel/Roatan/Costa Maya. Cabin rates start- 7 p.m. At the Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate. Holy Trinity ing from $949 per person based on double occupancy, St., Arlington. Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle Street, including port charges and ACAA registration fee. APRIL 20 – Raffi Bedrosyan of Toronto Cambridge. Hrashapar Service in Sanctuary, 6 p.m. All Govermment taxes of $137.45 are additional. Armenian lecture: “Islamized of Turkey - are invited to attend. Celebration Banquet, 7:p.m., in the entertainment, cultural presentations, festival day, tavlou Living Victims of a Genocide,” organized by the Tekeyan Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, by advance and belote tournaments and much more. Call Travel Cultural Association for the Armenian Genocide paid reservation, RSVP deadline April 30. For an invitation Group International 561-447-0750 or 866-447-0750 ext. Commemorative Committee, Friday, 7:30 pm, or further information, http://www.htaac.org/calen- 108. Contact person Jaine. Watertown/Belmont location to be announced. For more dar/event/525/ or call the Holy Trinity Church Office, information, [email protected] 617.354.0632. ILLINOIS APRIL 20-21 — Commemorating the 103rd anniversary MAY 19 — Hai Guin Scholarship Association Annual of the Armenian Genocide, first at the State House, Luncheon & Fashion Show, Saturday, 11:30 a.m., at APRIL 15 — Book presentation by Adrienne Alexanian on Friday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., Boston. A free Montvale Plaza, Stoneham. Fashions by Soft (editor) on her father’s memoir Forced into reception will follow. Then on Saturday, April 21, a Surroundings of Chestnut Hill, MA. Tickets: $60 per per- Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the Commemoration at the Park, 3 to 5 p.m. Further details son. Please call Lisa at 781-729-6333; Becky at 508-651- Ottoman Turkish Army, Sunday, 3 p.m. sharp. The Illinois will follow. For more information, visit 8893;or Marilyn at 978-818-9098 for tickets. Holocaust Museum and Education Center 9603 Woods [email protected]. JUNE 6 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park on Drive Skokie, Il. 60077—-RSVP (847) 967-4800. There are APRIL 21 — Boston Armenian Genocide The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m.Meet & no other books in literature on this aspect of the Commemoration, "United Against Genocide" orga- Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports Genocide. The book also contains rare documents and nized by the Boston Armenian Genocide Committee, and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For first-time pictures which will be shown during a power point pre- Saturday April 21st from 3-5 pm at the Armenian walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at 5:30 p.m. sentation. Book signing during reception. Heritage Park. Buses will be provided from St. James, RSVP appreciated. [email protected] Watertown and Holy Trinity, Cambridge. For more infor- JUNE 9 — The Friends of Armenian Culture Society will MASSACHUSETTS mation, email [email protected]. host the 67th annual Armenian Night at the Pops APRIL 21 – Annual Procession and Raising of the on Saturday, at 8 p.m. at Symphony Hall in Boston, to cel- APRIL 3 — Clark University Strassler Center for Armenian Flag at Lowell City Hall in commemora- ebrate the achievements of one of Boston’s own – the Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the Armenian tion of the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. talented violinist Haig Hovsepian. A winner of the 2017 Museum of America and National Association for Procession to be led by the Lowell Armenian-American Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition and Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) cosponsor a lec- Veterans Honor Guard. Participants should meet at the a rising sophomore at the Cleveland Institute of Music, ture and book signing to celebrate a new book by Taner corner of Merrimack and John Sts. in Lowell at 9:30 a.m. Hovsepian will appear as soloist with the Boston Pops Akçam, on April 3 at the Armenian Museum, 65 Main St. Sponsored by the Armenian National Committee, Orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart. He will Akçam is the Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Merrimack Valley (ANCMV) with the participation of all perform the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D-minor. The Stephen and Marian Mugar Professor in Armenian area Armenian Churches and Organizations. Boston Pops will present Dance to the Movies where top Genocide. His new book is Killing Orders: Talat Pasha's APRIL 28 – Trinity Talent Showcase, 7 p.m., doors choreographers bring to life classic movie dances of yes- Telegrams and the Armenian Genocide. The lecture and open; 7:30 p.m., Showcase begins; Holy Trinity terday, starring the Boston Pops, Dancing Celebrity reception are open and free to the public. The reception Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Pros, So You Think You Can Dance top finalists, will start at 6 p.m. and the lecture at 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge MA. All invited to an evening of entertain- and singing stars from and The Voice. Adele and Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor. Akçam ment featuring talent from the Holy Trinity Church com- Tickets $95, $70 and $35, and are available at: has made landmark discoveries that prove the Ottoman munity; Robert Clarke, magician and juggler; and music www.FACSBoston.org government’s central role in the Armenian Genocide. by the Black Sea Combo. Cabaret Table Seating: $20 per JUNE 28 — Under a Strawberry Moon, Armenian APRIL 8 — Annual Reconfiguration of the Abstract person/$100 for table of 6 max. (RSVP deadline April Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston, Thursday, Sculpture, Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, 15); Auditorium seating: $10 in advance; $15 at the 8:30– 9:30 p.m. Meet & Greet! Moonlit Labyrinth Walk. Boston, Sunday, 7 am Rain Date: Sunday, April 15 door. For further information or to reserve online, log Enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, hosted by Vicki APRIL 10 — Armenian Business Network (ABN) Winter onto https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trinity-talent-show- Lee’s and Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports. RSVP Business Networking event. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. The case-tickets-43801836472, or call the Holy Trinity Church appreciated. [email protected] Sheraton Commander, Cambridge. Stephen Demirjian, Office, 617.354.0632. JULY 18 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park guest speaker from the Achieve Institute shares methods MAY 4 – ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON, Armenian on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday, 5- 6:30 p.m. on creating greater personal and work life success. This International Women’s Association (AIWA).Meeting, Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea event is free of charge. RSVP: armenianbusinessnet- 9:30 a.m.; Luncheon, 12 noon. Speaker: Patti Fletcher, Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For [email protected] author of Disrupters: Success Strategies from Women first-time walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at APRIL 11 — A recap on the status of the documentary Who Break the Mold. Alumnae Hall, Wellesley College, 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. project “Neighbors in Memory,” accompanied by a Wellesley, MA. Info & Reservations: info@aiwainterna- [email protected] panel of community members shedding light on the state tional.org or 617-926-0171. AUGUST 15 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage of Armenian-Turkish relations as they live and witness it. MAY 5 — Saturday, Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Fun Park on The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 Wednesday, 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, 204 Mass. Ave., and festivities to support Armenia Tree Project, At the ele- p.m. Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Arlington. Screenings, discussions and refreshments. For gant/historic Gore Place in Waltham. Details to follow. Tea Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the more information: [email protected] May 5 — Celebrate Public Art during Artweek on Labyrinth. For first-time walkers introduction to walking a APRIL 12 — “A Farewell to Arms: Broken Hopes and Saturday at the Park, Armenian Heritage Park on labyrinth at 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. Total Departure from the Homeland,” Ümit Kurt’s The Greenway, Boston, 1 p.m., World Labyrinth Day: [email protected] presentation on Aintab with slides of his translation Walk As One in peace & harmony with people in cities continued on next page S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Orbelian and Hvorostovsky: A Musical Collaboration, an Artistic Victory Recipe INTERVIEW, from page 11 searching for new, original, and, most of all, receive the award and the entire audience of convincing interpretations of the famous the Bolshoi Theater gave them a spontaneous operas in which he performed with his col- standing ovation. Everyone was in tears. leagues. Corner Your collaboration with Dmitri On March 18, 2018, London’s Royal Opera Hvorostovsky stands as among the most cele- House presented a concert in memory of by Christine Vartanian Datian brated in recent music history. With regard to Hvorostovsky, featuring many of his friends “Rigoletto,” what was your experience like including the Royal Opera Chorus, the working with Hvorostovsky, as well as the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. What Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra and the can you tell us about Hvorostovsky’s relation- Apricot Walnut Cake with Cinnamon Lemon Glaze Kaunas State Choir? ship with the Royal Opera? A – Working with Dmitri was a unique and A – Dmitri became an overnight superstar INGREDIENTS: extraordinary gift which fate brought to me. At when he won the BBC Singer of the World com- 1 (18.25 oz.) yellow or lemon cake mix the same time, the preparations for every con- petition in 1989. Shortly afterwards, he moved 1 (16 oz.) can apricots, drained (reserve syrup) cert or recording were always very intensive, to London and became a star at the Royal Opera 2 tablespoons apricot brandy or brandy of choice, optional and I had a huge responsibility to prepare each House in the next seasons. London was his 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract and every orchestra to Dmitri’s extremely high home, the birthplace of his children, and the 1 teaspoon cinnamon standards. Luckily, Dmitri’s previous experience Royal Opera House witnessed some of his most 1 teaspoon lemon zest in working with the Kaunas Orchestra and important performances. Thankfully, some of 1/2 teaspoon allspice Chorus was very positive when we recorded them have been preserved on DVD. His longtime 1/2 cup chopped walnuts another signature role, Verdi’s “Simon relationship with the extraordinarily gifted Music 1/2 cup chopped golden raisins or dates Boccanegra,” in 2013. The Kaunas Director of the Royal Opera House, Antonio Philharmonic and administration of the Pappano, was wonderful. They worked on many INSTRUCTIONS: Orchestra are extremely cooperative and help- productions together and respected each other Note: Use apricots and syrup to replace the water in this recipe. ful during the recording period, and our stellar tremendously. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or bundt recording engineers and producers Vilius and Hvorostovsky has also appeared on the pan and set aside. Aleksandra Keras are the best in the business. stage of the Yerevan Opera House with you, in Drain and dice apricots, reserve syrup in a bowl, and set aside. In a mixing bowl, prepare cake mix (using all ingredients except water) accord- Opera News has described Hvorostovsky’s 2012, thrilling audiences and critics alike. ing to the directions on box. Add the apricots, syrup, brandy, vanilla, cinnamon, voice as “the best kind of embrace — excep- A – The first concert that we did together in zest, and allspice to the bowl, and beat for 3-4 minutes at medium speed. Fold in tionally warm, powerful but not smothering, Armenia — which took place with the Armenian the walnuts and raisins or dates and toss to combine. drawing you in and not letting go.” In techni- Philharmonic Orchestra at the Khachaturian Sprinkle some walnuts on the bottom of the pan, pour the batter into the pan, cal and esthetic terms, what does it mean for Concert Hall in September 2012 — was of dual and bake according to the directions. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 10 min- a conductor to work with an outstanding bari- significance. Firstly, it was Dmitri’s first solo utes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. tone such as Hvorostovsky? performance in Yerevan; and, secondly, Dmitri Drizzle with Cinnamon Lemon Glaze and garnish with walnuts or diced dried or A – Working with Dmitri was a huge respon- loved singing a song called The Shimmering of fresh chopped apricots. Serve with fresh whipped cream. sibility. My main objective in working with the Birch Trees, composed by my uncle, singers is to allow them to feel free enough to Konstantin Orbelian. My uncle was living in CINNAMON LEMON GLAZE: give them support and the opportunity to Glendale at the time and made the trip to Sift 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. express themselves fully and completely. I think Yerevan specially to perform with Dmitri that Add one tablespoon milk or cream, one teaspoon vanilla, and one teaspoon lemon that Dmitri felt my ability to give him total sup- evening. During the performance of my uncle’s juice, and mix until smooth. Add a few more drops of milk or cream if ingredients port and freedom in expression. Dmitri and I song, the entire orchestra had tears in their are too stiff. Drizzle glaze on top and over sides of cake and let dry before serving. not only worked occasionally on various pro- eyes, and, of course, I had tears running down jects, but worked intensively every year for pro- my cheeks. It was memorable, historic, and very *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset longed concert tours and recordings at the important for my uncle to be on the same stage magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ most important concert halls around the world. with the most glorious and beautiful voice in We traveled together and lived in the same the world. Besides, Dmitri’s incredible interpre- hotels for many weeks every year. tations included not only arias from the great Hvorostovsky was also known for his Italian, French, and Russian operas, but also extraordinary humility, his kindness to his col- songs by our beloved Arno Babajanyan. leagues and backstage workers alike. How Our second concert in Yerevan with Dmitri rare is this in the world of opera? took place on May 12, 2015. A – Dmitri was hugely demanding of himself After the concert, President Serzh Sargsyan FRIENDS OF THE ARMENIAN CULTURE SOCIETY and pushed himself to the limit — physically, awarded the Armenian Friendship Medal to me, musically, artistically, and dramatically. He and Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan pre- presents adored working with colleagues who devoted sented the Gold Medal of the Ministry of 67TH ANNUAL their lives to their art, who were constantly Culture to Dmitri. ARMENIAN NIGHT AT THE POPS SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018 8PM SYMPHONY HALL, BOSTON

• • from previous page SEPTEMBER 16 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park for Families & Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway. 2-4 p.m. Enjoy Boston Hye Guys Ensemble with Ron Sahatjian, clarinet; Joe Kouyoumjian, oud; Art Chingris, percussion. RSVP appre- ciated. [email protected]

NEW JERSEY

SEPTEMBER 30 — Save the date! Armenia Fund USA and Ardzagang Armenian TV are proud to present Artash Asatryan and Band, guest singer Grisha Asatryan, from Armenia! The concert is dedicated to the Armenia’s and Artsakh’s Independence Celebration. Don’t miss the performance by the son and grandson of the legendary Armenian singer Aram Asatryan. Proceeds will benefit Fruitful Artsakh Project. 4 p.m. Location: Bergen PAC, 30 N Van Brunt St, Englewood.

NEW YORK HAIG HOVSEPIAN, APRIL 1 — Sunday, Easter Sunday Cabaret Nitecap with The Devastating Lynne Charnay. Happy Birthday Show celebrating 93 years. Special guest Frank Basile. Featuring BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRAviolin 7-8:30 p.m. $15 cover and 2 drink minimum per guest. Seating from 6:30 p.m. Winner of the 2017 BostonKEITH Symphony LOCKHART, Orchestra Concerto Competition Cabaret favorites plus the premiere of a new song from “Gorky’s Dream Garden” opera by Michelle Ekizian. At Don’t Tell Mama, W. 46th St., NY. For more info visit and www.donttellmamanyc.com with conductor APRIL 21 - MAY 13 — Off-Broadway production by Pan Asian Repertory Theatre of Joyce Van Dyke’s play, DAYBREAK: the lyrical story of two Armenian women also featuring... friends, survivors from 1915, who are transported with their families into the 21st century future. Performances at the Beckett Theatre (on Theatre Row), 410 W. 42nd St., New York, Tuesdays through Sundays; weekend matinees. Discount tickets for seniors, students and groups. For tickets and information: www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200. For discount tickets: www.telechargeoffers.com or call (212) 947-8844. Or contact the theatre: [email protected], (212) 868-4030.

1 3 16 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Ilham Aliyev, the ‘Emperor’

tion. Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Although the messages from Moscow’s official circles seem somewhat reassuring, the comments of its pundits do not differ much from Azeri analysts. A Russian think tank called Analysis As the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe of Strategies and Technologies has conducted a study and (OSCE) Minsk Group co-chairs continue to spin their wheels in released its conclusions, which predict the worsening of the sit- their efforts to settle the Karabakh issue, armed with the uation during the coming months for the following reasons: a) EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 mantra that there is only a non-military solution to the Azerbaijan’s technical superiority, b) possible rise in oil prices to An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev contin- further building Azerbaijan’s arsenal, c) demographic imbalance, ues to escalate the war rhetoric in an echo chamber where there especially Armenia’s depopulation and d) the perception of is no opposing response. Armenia’s inability to protect territories outside Nagorno The main focus of the OSCE co-chairs — the US, Russia, Karabakh. Any outbreak of hostilities may end in Baku’s favor. France and the UK — is the Karabakh conflict, and yet, There are certainly some truths in these conclusions. EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian President Aliyev goes over their heads to claim Armenia’s terri- However, had Azerbaijan’s leadership been convinced of the tory as well. veracity of the above statements, they would not have missed an ASSISTANT EDITOR The first such claim was made on February 10 when he was opportunity for a blitzkrieg. The April 2016 skirmish convinced Aram Arkun addressing his New Azerbaijan Party Congress. the Azeri side that they are not at that stage — yet. Many in Armenia as well as around the world dismissed that In modern warfare, the numerical superiority of combatants ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian statement as harmless election campaign rhetoric. However, he is no strategic advantage as the entire operation is based on reiterated these claims on March 19 in his Novruz (new year’s) technology. The Armenian army is numerically inferior to its message to the Azerbaijani people. He promised to return Azerbaijani counterpart but military planners in Armenia Azerbaijanis to Yerevan, Armenia’s southeastern Syunik believe that they have the technological edge on their side. province and the area around Lake Sevan, describing those ter- If war breaks out, Armenia will be squeezed from both sides, SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: ritories as “historical Azerbaijani lands.” Azerbaijan’s mainland and Nakhichevan, where a Turkish base Edmond Y. Azadian He concluded his speech by stating, CONTRIBUTORS: “This is our strategic Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun goal and we must Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, gradually move to Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, achieve that goal.” Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, To lay claims on a Naomi Zeytoonian neighbor’s territory is CORRESPONDENTS: a declaration of war in Armenia - Hagop Avedikian international law. As Boston - Nancy Kalajian many countries New York/New Jersey - Taleen reserve the right to Babayan make a preemptive Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach strike in similar situa- Contributing Photographers: tions, Aliyev has pro- Jirair Hovsepian vided ample legal base for the exercise of just such a right. But the situation in the The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Caucasus is too com- weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: plex to resort launch a tit-for-tat response. Baikar Association, Inc. In the broader polit- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 ical context, Telephone: 617-924-4420 Azerbaijan’s older FAX: 617-924-2887 brother Turkey has www.mirrorspectator.com been bullying its E-Mail: [email protected] neighborhood with has already been created. In that instant, Ankara and Moscow For advertising: [email protected] impunity and is inspiring Azerbaijan to emulate its games. Armenia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tigran Balayan has stat- will have to consult each other, with Ankara certainly backing ed that Aliyev’s territorial appetite for Armenia is growing Azerbaijan. But will Russia support Armenia in the same man- “because of the indifference of the world community.” ner? During a press conference with Luxembourg’s foreign minis- When the US abandoned the Kurds in Syria, leaving them to ter on March 27 in Yerevan, Edward Nalbandian, Armenia’s for- the tender mercies of Turkey, Ankara consulted and secured SUBSCRIPTION RATES : eign minister, stated, “Azerbaijani creativity has reached a point Moscow’s neutrality to launch its Olive Branch assault on Afrin. that it calls the 2,800-year-old Armenian capital of Yerevan ‘Azeri The same scenario may repeat in the Caucasus, too. territory.’” We have to be bear in mind that the appointment of John U.S.A. $80 a year This continuing saga has far surpassed the nature of election Bolton as President Trump’s National Security advisor may turn rhetoric to become a strategic and existential threat to Armenia. the entire world into a powder keg. He is reported to have Canada $125 a year There are some objective reasons that are fueling Aliyev’s over- advised Israel to attack Iran. If, God forbid, he imparts the same advice to Turkey, forcing that NATO ally to face Russia, then a Other Countries $190 a year confidence, chief among them being the perception of Armenia’s weakness. situation may get out of hand. Mr. Bolton has been known to be Emil Sanamyan, who is knowledgeable about Azerbaijan’s a diplomat whose reckless political impulses create dangerous internal politics, suggests there is an emotional component to consequences. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Aliyev’ outrageous claims. Indeed, he states that Aliyev’s father As Armenia has been improving its relations with Europe, all Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA (and predecessor), Heydar, is believed to hail from rural the while complaining about Moscow’s arms sales to Azerbaijan, and additional mailing offices. Zangezur, whereas his mother’s family traces its roots to President Vladimir Putin’s government has dispatched a delega- ISSN 0004-234X Yerevan and Spitak. Both families were displaced to tion to Armenia to make sure that Yerevan does not stray too Nakhichevan during the Armenian-Azerbaijan fighting of 1918- far from the Russian fold. 1920. Russia intends to fulfill its allied commitments to Armenia in POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Before 1918, there was no nation or country of Azerbaijan for the security and defense sectors, assured Konstantin Zatulin, Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee for the St., Watertown, MA 02472 Mr. Aliyev to base his historic claims against Armenia. Sure Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, during a press Other than the editorial, views and opinions enough, Azerbaijan’s petrodollars have bought some pseudo expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily academics to manufacture an ersatz history for Azerbaijan to conference in Armenia’s Parliament. reflect the policies of the publisher. gain legitimacy among the family of nations. “In the future,” he added, “Russia will also view any military A Moscow-based Azerbaijani analyst, Fouad Abassov, who has threat against Armenia as a threat against itself.” He also dis- been trying to convince Russian media that Azerbaijan is a more missed Aliyev’s threats and claims as election rhetoric. loyal ally of Russia than Armenia, recently conducted an inter- At this point, it is a serious question whether Mr. Zatulin’s view with prominent Azerbaijani political scientist Orkhan Jemal statements and reassurances can serve as a counterbalance to Copying for other than personal use or Aliyev’s rhetoric and the predictions of Russian pundits. internal reference is prohibited without on the Karabakh issue. The latter stated that Azerbaijan will not express permission of the copyright only recapture Karabakh but also Armenia. This demonstrates Although Armenia’s armed forces are taking these verbal owner. Address requests for reprints or that the issue has moved from the level of election rhetoric to threats and the Azeri war games very seriously, the politicians back issues to: academic circles and has become one of the components of and the news media there are not. There is a nonchalance which Azerbaijan’s state policy. is very dangerous. Baikar Association, Inc. Here again Azerbaijan’s economic progress and integration Aliyev may be behaving as a modern-day emperor but we may 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- within the Caucasus economy contrasts with Armenia’s isola- laugh at him only at our own peril. 1509 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 24, 2014. people. A clear proof of it was the decision of the UN President Sargsyan stated: “While discussing the Nagorno Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to suspend its visit Karabakh conflict settlement I cannot but address the four to Azerbaijan due to obstructions it encountered in the con- UN Security Council Resolutions, which were adopted during duct of official Baku.” the war, that every so often are being exploited by the “The Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group is the My Turn Azerbaijani authorities in order to justify their obstructive only specialized structure that has been dealing with the policy.” Nagorno Karabakh issue according to the mandate granted By Harut Sassounian “It is about those four Resolutions that demanded uncon- by the international community. While Azerbaijan is very well ditionally as a matter of priority cessation of all military hos- aware that it could not possibly deceive or misinform the tilities. Azerbaijan failed to comply. Azerbaijan’s own non- Minsk Group, which is very-well immersed in the essence of How Azerbaijan Distorts UN compliance with the fundamental demands of these the problem, it attempts to transpose the conflict settlement Security Council Resolutions Resolutions made impossible their full implementation. The to other platforms trying to depict it as a territorial dispute Resolutions contained calls upon the parties to cease bom- or exploiting the factor of religious solidarity. That is ironic, (Part 2) bardments and air strikes targeting the peaceful civilian pop- since Armenia traditionally enjoys very warm relations with Last week, I described Azerbaijan’s distortions of two of the ulation, to refrain from violating the principles of the inter- the Islamic nations both in the Arabic world or, for instance, four UN Security Council Resolutions adopted in 1993. I will national humanitarian law but instead Azerbaijan continued with our immediate neighbor Iran.” now present the remaining two Resolutions: its indiscriminate bombardments of the civilian population. To summarize Azerbaijan’s distortions of the four UN Excerpts from UN Security Council Resolution 874, adopt- Azerbaijan did not spare children, women and old persons Resolutions: ed October 14, 1993: thus gravely violating all legal and moral norms of the inter- 1) The UN Security Council Resolutions were adopted in “Calls upon the parties concerned to make effective and national humanitarian law.” 1993 during the height of the war between Artsakh/Armenia permanent the cease-fire established as a result of the direct “Now Azerbaijan cynically refers to these Resolutions — and Azerbaijan. These Resolutions reflect the conditions on contacts undertaken with the assistance of the Government refers selectively, pulling them out of context as a prerequisite the ground at the time. Since then, the situation has dramat- of the Russian Federation in support of the CSCE Minsk for the settlement of the problem. The adequate interpreta- ically changed. Group.” tion of the UN Security Council Resolutions is not possible 2) Despite the cease-fire that was signed in 1994 between “Expresses the conviction that all other pending questions without correct understanding of the hierarchy of the Armenia, Artsakh and Azerbaijan, the latter keeps violating arising from the conflict… should be settled expeditiously demands set therein.” both the ceasefire and the UN Security Council Resolutions through peaceful negotiations in the context of the CSCE “The Resolutions inter alia request the restoration of eco- by its frequent attacks on both Artsakh and Armenia. Minsk process.” nomic, transport and energy links in the region (UN SC 3) Azerbaijan opposes Artsakh’s participation in the nego- “Calls for the immediate implementation of the reciprocal Resolution 853) and removal of all obstacles to communica- tiations, thus violating the UN Security Council Resolutions. and urgent steps provided for in the CSCE Minsk Group’s tions and transportation (UN SC Resolution 874). It is no 4) The Minsk Group co-chairs, composed of the United “Adjusted timetable”, including the withdrawal of forces from secret that Azerbaijan and Turkey imposed blockade on States, France, and Russia, are the official mediators of the recently occupied territories and the removal of all obstacles Nagorno Karabakh and the Republic of Armenia from the Artsakh conflict, not the UN Security Council and not the UN to communications and transportation.” outset of the conflict. The Azerbaijani President in his state- General Assembly. “Calls on all parties to refrain from all violations of inter- ments even takes pride in this fact promising his own public 5) In fact, when Azerbaijan brought the Artsakh issue to national humanitarian law and renews its call in resolutions that direction would remain the priority of Azerbaijan’s for- the UN General Assembly in 2008, all three Minsk Group co- 822 (1993) and 853 (1993) for unimpeded access for interna- eign policy.” chairs voted against it. Azerbaijan’s proposal was adopted by tional humanitarian relief efforts in all areas affected by the “The above mentioned UN Security Council Resolutions a small number of States. The overwhelming majority conflict.” called upon Azerbaijan to establish direct contacts with abstained. “Urges all States in the region to refrain from any hostile Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan refused to establish any direct 6) By blockading Artsakh, Azerbaijan is violating the four acts and from any interference or intervention which would contacts with Nagorno Karabakh, which was a legally equal UN Security Council Resolutions. lead to the widening of the conflict and undermine peace and party to the Cease-fire Agreement concluded in 1994 as well 7) Importantly, Armenia is mentioned in the UN Security security in the region.” as a number of other international Agreements; moreover, Council Resolutions, not as a party to the conflict, but only Azerbaijan has violated every one of the above clauses. In Azerbaijan preaches hatred towards people it claims it wants as an intermediary to persuade Artsakh Armenians to comply addition to the frequent violations of the mandated cease-fire, to see as a part of their State.” with these Resolutions. Azerbaijan’s President Heydar Aliyev the Azerbaijani forces attacked Artsakh in April 2016, caus- “None of the UN Security Council Resolutions identifies acknowledged this fact during his speech to the Parliament ing major damage to border towns and killing civilians. By Armenia as a conflicting party. Our country is called upon on February 23, 2001: “Four resolutions have been adopted cutting off the ears of elderly Armenian villagers and decapi- only ‘to continue to exert its influence’ over the Nagorno in the United Nations Security Council…. It is written in these tating several Armenian soldiers, Azerbaijan’s armed forces Karabakh Armenians (UNSC Resolutions 853, 884) in order four resolutions that the occupational army should leave committed a barbaric act and a war crime! to cease the conflict. Armenia has fully complied, and due to occupied lands of Azerbaijan. But there is not a word Excerpt from UN Security Council Resolution 884, adopt- its efforts a Cease-fire Agreement was concluded in 1994. All “Armenia”, that is, there are no words “the Armenian armed ed November 12, 1993: UN Security Council Resolutions recognize Nagorno forces”. But in one of resolutions it is written to demand from “Calls upon the Government of Armenia to use its influ- Karabakh as a party to the conflict.” Armenia to exert influence on Mountainous Garabagh ence to achieve compliance by the Armenians of the Nagorny “Azerbaijani authorities have failed to implement the fun- (Nagorno-Karabakh). In reality, it is an Armenian-Azerbaijan Karabakh region of the Azerbaijani Republic with damental demands of the Security Council Resolutions, war. In reality, Armenia has made aggression against Resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993) and 874 (1993), and to including abiding and sticking by the humanitarian norms.” Azerbaijan. However, nobody recognizes Armenia as an ensure that the forces involved are not provided with the “Incidentally, Azerbaijan has been gravely violating this aggressor in a document of any international organization….” means to extend their military campaign further.” demand every now and then. Azerbaijan’s cruel and inhu- Azeris who continue to distort the four UN Security Armenian officials usually neither respond to the Azeri mane treatment of the Armenian civilian prisoners of war reg- Council Resolutions should follow former President Heydar accusations regarding the UN Security Council Resolutions ularly results in their deaths. Although, I think, one shall not Aliyev’s statement and refrain from accusing Armenia of vio- nor try to set the record straight. The only exception be surprised about it because it is the same State that sup- lating these Resolutions when in fact Azerbaijan is the one was President Serzh Sargsyan’s comprehensive speech at the presses and exercises the most inhumane treatment of its own not complying with them.

European Human Rights Court Condemns Turkey over Jailed Journalists

February for belonging to a terrorist organization, due to Yucel returned to Berlin after being jailed without charge By Alasdair Sandford alleged ties to the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. for over a year in Turkey. Five other journalists including Altan’s brother received The United Nations said on Tuesday, March 20, that the same sentence. Turkey had committed “profound human rights abuses URKEY acted illegally by detaining two promi- The verdict drew fierce criticism from human rights against hundreds of thousands of people”, including torture nent journalists who were arrested in the wake groups and Western countries. Ankara accuses Gulen of and arbitrary detentions. accusing Ankara of extending the of the military coup attempt in July 2016, orchestrating the failed coup, a charge he denies. state of emergency, brought in after the coup, to crack the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) The ECHR’s decision said “the investigating authorities down on opposition. has ruled. had been unable to demonstrate any factual basis” to deter- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid It is the first judgement by the Strasbourg mine the journalists’ guilt. The court said Turkey should Ra’ad Al Hussein, said nearly 160,000 people had been court relating to the situation facing journalists pay both men 21,500 euros in damages. One Turkish judge arrested and 152,000 civil servants sacked — “many totally in the country, which imprisons more media issued a partly dissenting opinion, challenging the court’s arbitrarily” — in the past 18 months, describing the num- T workers than any other in the world – accord- jurisdiction. bers as “just staggering.” ing to one campaign group. The European court’s rulings follow decisions by The UN’s 28-page report says “massive and serious” The ECHR found that in the cases of journalists Mehmet Turkey’s Constitutional Court, which also found the jour- human rights violations continue to be committed by Altan and Sahin Alpay there had been violations of the nalists’ rights had been violated. But the lower courts Turkish security forces in the southeast of the country. right to liberty and security, and of the right to freedom of refused to implement them, saying the top court had over- The Turkish government has dismissed the report. expression. stepped its jurisdiction. Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the text ignored “the The pair are just two of hundreds of journalists arrested The European Court of Human Rights is recognized by severe and multiple terrorist threats faced by Turkey,” during a wave of detentions following the failed coup in all 47 member states of the Council of Europe — including accusing the High Commissioner of having “lost his objec- July 2016. Turkey and all European Union countries. However, it is tivity and impartiality” and of having “developed prejudices Seventy-four-year-old Alpay was a columnist for the daily strictly a European, not an EU, body. against our country.” newspaper Zaman, which was shut down following a decree Nearly 250 journalists and media workers are in jail in by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan five days after the Turkey, most in pretrial detention, according to attempted military takeover. Last weekend a court ordered the Stockholm Center for Freedom — a human rights orga- his release under house arrest after more than a year in nization set up by journalists, with a special focus on (This commentary originally appeared in the website detention. Turkey. www.euronews.com Altan, an economics teacher and journalist who present- International pressure has forced some cases to be recon- http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/20/european-human- ed a political TV program, was sentenced to life in prison in sidered. Last month German-Turkish journalist Deniz rights-court-condemns-turkey-over-jailed-journalists) 18 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY The ADL Proudly Marks the May 2018 Centennial

Armenia, once more aiming at its complete anni- brainwashing, they would have liked to appropri- with the British and raised the necessary funds By Dr. Arshavir Gundjian hilation. This is where the Turks were stopped by ate the latter entirely as being almost exclusively to purchase some twenty planes to be dispatched the Armenian Communists helped by their of their own making. Naturally they also pushed to the fledgling Armenian forces of the first Soviet allies, and the Soviet Republic of Armenia hard for the glorification of some of their promi- Republic. The latter, however, had soon collapsed Only three years ago, the Armenian nation and was created. nent personalities exclusively as heroes of the and the planes remained in Egypt. Armenians all over the world marked another During this two and a half period of the first time, even though such personalities also carry When next, in period (b), Armenia became a centennial, that of the Armenian Genocide. The Republic, while the political life in Armenia was controversial baggage from various periods in Soviet republic, the latter very rapidly closed its impressive series of manifestations on that occa- mostly dominated by a majority from the their careers. borders and became isolated from the rest of sion in Armenia and the Diaspora reflected a Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF, or The debate that followed brought up the fact Armenians in the Diaspora. gratifying unity of thought and sentiment among Tashnag), all other political parties as well as that clearly the true starting point for the In the meantime, the newly created Diaspora all Armenians. Given the nature of that event, independents were participants in the govern- reestablishment of Armenian statehood was actu- was badly in need of organization. As that such an outcome was normal. It could hardly be ment, especially at the beginning. Specifically, ally the unprecedented victorious battles of May formidable task was being pursued, the Diaspora expected to be any different. On the other hand, the Joghovertagans (Populists, a predecessor 1918, symbolized by Sardarabad, in which prac- gradually had also to position itself towards the the situation is expected to be rather different as party of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, tically the entire Armenian population of the reality of a new Soviet Armenia which had adopt- we now approach rapidly the much heralded or Ramgavars) were very active as part of the region, as well as the clergy led by Echmiadzin, ed the Communist regime. All other considera- commemoration of what has now come to be government and held several important min- took part under General Movses Silikian. It has tions put aside, Armenia remained unquestion- known as the May 2018 (“Mayissian”) istries. In the second half of that period, howev- been pointed out that all political parties—beside ably the homeland and the main base and Centennial. The present article is intended to er, Tashnags controlled the government almost Tashnags, specifically the Joghovertagans (who unique viable source of Armenian culture, art help shed some light on at least one particular single handedly. later became Ramgavars) and Huntchags, as well and history. It was also the land where the head aspect of this Armenian national manifestation, The next period identified as (b) lasted seven- as independants, also participated and con- of our Church, the unnegotiable center of our as is spelled out in the title. ty years. With secure borders, it undeniably pro- tributed in a substantial way to the short-lived faith, Holy Echmiadzin, the See of the Whereas there has been already extensive vided Armenians, who had barely survived terri- first republic of 1918. Catholicosate of All Armenians was located. The debate in Armenian on certain aspects of this ble circumstances, the opportunity to be resur- Furthermore, it is hardly disputable that the other hard reality was that the entire Middle East centennial, there has been hardly any notable rected as a nation, albeit under a totalitarian centennial of the creation of Armenia’s state- and the Western world where the Diaspora was critical discussion in the English language, which communist regime. It is fashionable these days to hood would have not even been worth mention- located were vehemently hostile towards the is one of the reasons that led me to write this demonize and depict the years of Soviet rule ing had it not been for the continued existence of Communist bloc of countries. article in English. through all shapes and forms of social, human the Armenian state, and the continuing enor- To complete this picture, the Tashnag Party I will attempt to give a very broad overview of and political monstrosities. The reality, however, mous nation-building achievements of Armenia leadership who had been expelled from Armenia, the history of the past one hundred years of is that as much as Armenia suffered during those through the seventy years of the Soviet era, inde- following their ill-fated February Uprising which Armenian history, depicting only well-known and years from the well-known excesses of the com- pendently of its regime, and finally, had it not had resulted in the loss of 20,000 Armenian lives undeniable turning points, which can hardly be munist regime, in exchange, it simultaneously been for the eventual coming to existence of the in fratricidal clashes, had now established itself controversial to the eyes of a neutral reader. managed to build Armenia into an unprecedent- newly independent third Republic of Armenia. in the Diaspora with the stolen state treasury of Going back one hundred years to the year ed modern nation. Evidently the latter now provides the opportuni- the first republic. From that point on, Tashnags 1918, after six centuries of stateless existence, Armenia has become a country excelling inter- ty for these celebrations. were unfortunately firmly set to conduct a dead- Western Armenians had just gone through the nationally in the fields of science, industry, arts, Thus in the final analysis, in May 2018, in a few ly anti-Soviet and more particularly a relentless devastating tragedy of the Genocide and were literature, sports, architecture, etc. Armenian weeks, the celebration of the centennial will actu- anti Soviet-Armenia campaign, which would poi- already mostly dispersed in a rapidly growing names that shone internationally in all such ally be the celebration of the sum total of the son Armenian communities lives for the follow- Diaspora. Eastern Armenia, which had been fields have become a common fact of life. entire chain of the above three distinct periods to ing 70 years. under long years of Russian rule, had been evac- Hampartzoumian, Alikhanian, Merguelian, which all Armenians have contributed in differ- Indeed an incredible drama was about to uated in 1917 by the newly formed Communist Khatchadourian, Babadjanian, Migoyan, Saryan, ent ways at different times, and all of which con- unfold within the lives of all communities of the Russian Army. In their search for some sem- Sevag, Issahakian, and Gaboudikian are only a stitute in actual fact the centennial of Armenian Diaspora. While the ARF did play an important blance of security against the surrounding Turks few of the most outstanding ones. statehood. positive role in the creation of important cultur- still fighting in the last months of the First World It was also in this period of time that Armenia Thus the Armenian language “Mayissian al and educational institutions within the newly War, as well as against the newly emerged had to participate in the devastating Second Haygagan Bedaganoutyan Haryuramyag” quali- created communities, on the other hand, unfor- Bolsheviks in the North, Armenians had joined World War and thus lost some 300,000 citizens, fier sums it up best. tunately Tashnags who were in the distinct the neighboring Georgians and Azerbaijanis to a disproportionate number of casualties relative What precedes leads me now to the final part minority tried to assume the role of a “govern- form a fragile three nation Transcaucasian to its small population. Finally, during this entire and to the main purpose of this article. I would ment in exile.” In this respect, they acted sys- Federation known as the Seim. period where no one, not even the CIA, could like to focus on the leadership role and the self- tematically with their acquired second nature From that point forward to the present day, imagine that the Soviet Union would not last for less services provided to the Armenian world by mentality of intolerance and totalitarian rule. the history of our nation can be logically divided many more decades, an incredible succession of the Ramgavar Party throughout these hundred Most unfortunately the underlying central pol- into three well-defined major periods: international developments brought the Soviet years, during each and every one of the three (a), icy they pursued was to have Armenians cut all a) May 2018 to November 1920. This period regime to an unexpected sudden collapse. Once (b) and (c) periods. The actions undertaken and relations with their homeland and the Mother starts with the unprecedented victorious battles more Armenia, being left to its own fate, declared the behavior of this Armenian political party dur- Church of Echmiadzin. For the greatest majority of Sardarabad, Pash Abaran and Gharakilise, its independence. The third Republic of Armenia ing such trying periods of our nation is indeed of Armenians, however, all of that was an outra- accompanied by the collapse of the Seim, the was thus formed on September 21, 1991. quite revealing, considering that the dominant geously unacceptable behavior. At the outset, the declarations of independence and the creation of The third period identified above as (c) started political character of Armenia during every one Diaspora being by its very nature a widely dis- the first Republic of Armenia around May 28, and continues to this date. This period includes of those periods has been rather in quite stark persed and unorganized mass of forcefully dis- 1918, and ends in November or early December the historic and heroic liberation of Artsakh or opposition to that of the other periods, and was placed individuals, its initial concern was quite 1920 with the creation of the Soviet second Karabakh. The new and third Republic of never dominated by Ramgavars. Any and all naturally to provide for its main everyday neces- Republic of Armenia. Armenia had of course the benefit, as a starting other Armenian political parties or organizations sities. Thus the presence of a highly principled b) The end of November or December 1920, point, of an already formidable country and can, of course, and in fact should make a similar organization having as its main objective the pur- when Armenia turned into the Soviet Republic of infrastructure left over from the Soviet period critical review of its own record of behavior dur- suit of the highest interests of the Armenian Armenia, until September 21, 1991. This longest which it would have to build further, modify and ing those hundred years. nation, willing and able to take the role of lead- period of 70 years ends with the collapse of the plan for the future. I will not engage in any criti- Today’s Ramgavar Azadagan or Democratic ership to counteract the Tashnag posturing, was Soviet Union, the most recent declaration of cal political, economic or philosophical analysis Liberal Party was created in 1921 by the unifi- absolutely necessary in order for the Diaspora to Armenian independence, and the creation of the of this last and still current period which is still cation of a number of previously existing parties be able to maintain its national character and to third Republic of Armenia. in intense evolution. (some, such as the Armenagans, going as far maintain healthy yet totally apolitical ties with its c) From this latest declaration of independence A clear characteristic of this period, however, back as the 19th century) which shared funda- homeland and its Mother Church. and the creation of the third Republic of is that it provides now the platform for the mark- mentally similar principles and approaches in The Ramgavar Party was able to rise to fulfill Armenia on September 21, 1991, to the present ing of the forthcoming May (“Mayissian”) pursuing their common objectives. They believed that extremely difficult role of leadership in a date — as a totally sovereign country. Centennial, as a truly independent nation, as a strongly in the respect of democratic principles consistent, reliable and legitimate way in an anti- The two and a half years period of (a) is an full member of the United Nations, possessing a of governance in the way the latter had by then communist world. Ramgavars played coura- incredibly and catastrophically confused period. respectable and modern army. It occupies an been developed and adopted widely by Western geously and successfully this vital role while Armenia was simply not ready to exist as a honorable position within the big family of world democratic countries. In this respect the Tashnags used and abused relentlessly the Cold sovereign country. Furthermore this period was nations. Correspondingly, by now also a well- Ramgavar Party clearly distinguishes itself in a War conditions. They would not hesitate to marked by a succession of major events, battles, established Diaspora has been created, in which very basic way from the other three major par- report to local security authorities every person alliances formed then broken, and contradictory Armenians are dispersed in all corners of the ties, the ARF, the Social Democrat Huntchags and every innocent move of dealing with treaties signed and succeeding or overlapping planet. Even though critical of some aspects of and of course the Communist Party. Armenia and the Mother Church as a suspect each other, all separated, on the scale of history, the political life or other conditions prevailing in During the very first period of the past hun- communist agent or communist subversive orga- by very short periods that could be as short as Armenia, the Diaspora feels unconditionally dred years, identified as (a), Joghovertagans, as nization action. Today, twenty-six years after that few hours, few days or a few months. The land- attracted by the homeland and is willing and noted above, were full participants and even min- dark era of the Cold War and the nightmares mark events are the following. ready to help it to the full extent of its possibili- istry holders until pushed out of office towards that devastated the Armenian communities, it is In May 1918, the entire Armenian population ties. the end of that two and a half period by the almost impossible for those who are younger battled against Turks in Sardarabad victoriously Taking the above as background, I first would Tashnags. Such rivalry, however, did not prevent than 30 to imagine and visualize the tragedies for the first time in centuries and stopped the lat- like to expand on the nature of the debate that Ramgavars from providing their full support to that our communities have experienced in the ter’s army. Since the Seim had crumbled under surrounds the May 2018 centennial celebrations. the state of Armenia both within Armenia and in preceding seven decades. Turkish pressure, Armenians declared their inde- To start with, as strange as it may sound, it is the Diaspora. Among the most salient representative events pendence. Even though dictated by Turkey, this still hardly clear as to what precisely in specific It is well documented that when Alexander of those times, a bishop was murdered on the marked a landmark in our history, since for the detail, the centennial celebrations are about. Khadissian, the Tashnag Prime Minister of altar, fratricidal murders plagued communities, first time in over six centuries an Armenian state A few months back, when the centennial was Armenia, went to Egypt and Istanbul on a and the catastrophic schism of the Armenian was created. A few months later, the Ottoman announced by the government of Armenia, the fundraising mission, Ramgavars undertook to Church most dramatically took place, unques- Turks lost the war. However, as incredible as it Tashnags spontaneously jumped in the field to organize for him a number of very successful tionably implemented by Tashnags with the help may be, they were soon helped by the West to declare that this was essentially and exclusively events. An even more significant episode is that, of the CIA. These events unfortunately continue recover, and Kemal Ataturk’s army in November the centennial of the creation of the first taking advantage of the presence of the British to divide communities, although with slackened 1920 pushed aggressively towards Yerevan, Republic on May 28, 1918. Thanks to years of army in Egypt, Ramgavars negotiated very hard continued on next page S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY Does the Gülen (Hizmet) Movement Deny the Armenian Genocide?

sinister, secretive agendas. Certain Islamist self-confidence. Intercultural dialogue trips to Yet, recently, our own support for the Turkish By Ismail Akbulut groups, for instance, have pushed the conspira- Turkey, offered to US-based legislators, reli- narrative has waned, and GM participants have cy theory that Gülen is actually a secret cardi- gious leaders, academics, media personalities begun questioning almost everything they had Special to the Mirror-Spectator nal of the Pope, or that he’s a crypto-Armenian and community leaders created awareness of learned about what happened in 1915. trying to spread Christianity among Muslims. the spirit of the GM and promoted understand- The turning point was the outcome of July In the past, certain individuals affiliated with Moreover, some secularists allege that Gülen is ing of Turkey, the greater Anatolian region, and 15th coup d’état attempt in Turkey. After the the Gülen Movement, and sometimes the move- pushing efforts to consolidate powers to trans- the religion of Islam. Turkish government held the GM responsible ment as a whole, have often been accused of form Turkey into an Islamic caliphate. The first interaction between GM partici- for the coup attempt, tens of thousands of ordi- supporting lobbying efforts to circumvent the The movement did not develop in a vacuum. pants and the Armenian community in the US nary citizens, who were in one way or another passing of resolutions that commemorate the The roots of the GM go back to Turkey, hence took place after the assassination of Hrant affiliated with the GM, found themselves ille- Armenian genocide. Members of the Armenian many of the participants in the movement, Dink, the prominent and brave Turkish- gally profiled, persecuted, detained, arrested, diaspora have voiced complaints about this, including Gülen himself, were educated and Armenian journalist and human rights activists abducted, tortured or disappeared. both in several articles and in verbal state- socialized in Turkish schools that acted as ves- in front of his newspaper, Agos, by an ultra- Our experiences thus far cannot be called a ments. To tell you the bitter truth, I would be sels for the indoctrination of the glory and nationalist youth on January 19, 2007. genocide; however, we have certainly been lying if I said that the accusations held no sanctity of pure “Turkishness.” Subsequently, GM participants paid their scapegoated and enduring an ongoing collec- weight at all. Historically, the GM has never openly sup- respects through visits to Armenian churches tive trauma, with no end in sight. The fact that Let me state something straight from the out- ported any political party. Instead, most partic- and organizations to express their condolences. the Turkish state could label innocent people set: this is not an attempt to curry favor with ipants have supported the party that they These visits opened doors for conversations guilty, and punish them for their association the Armenian community. And no, I am not an believed would pursue a liberal democratic and dialogue, mainly with Armenians from (even tangential) with the GM, opened the “ex-Gülenist” bashing the Gülen Movement agenda. Consequently, the movement was criti- Turkey. Consequently, GM participants were majority of our eyes. If they could do this to us, (GM), otherwise known as the Hizmet cized by Islamist parties for “selling out” to the exposed, often for the first time, to the suffer- it must be true that they did it to other minori- Movement. Furthermore, I speak for myself liberals, particularly before 2003. ing of Armenians during the Ottoman and mod- ty groups (Kurds, Alevis) and certainly to the alone. I am not a spokesperson of the GM mak- However, with the rise of the Justice and ern Turkish eras, and during the genocide Armenians. They wiped out Turkey’s Christian- ing an official statement of some sort. Development (AKP) party under Recep Tayyip itself. In many cases, this created new empathy Armenian population and taught us all it never Instead, this article reflects an honest Erdogan, which appeared (according to its own among some participants of the GM, thus act- happened. attempt of an individual participant in GM to party’s manifesto) to promote liberal democra- ing as an antidote against years of propaganda. So, what are the lessons we can learn here… articulate his personal views and experiences of cy, human rights, and inclusion in the Yet, despite this fabulous story of a Driven by patriotic and sometimes national- GM-Armenian relationships during the last European Union; the leadership of the GM, for “Turkified” American Dream, one of the most istic sentiments, participants in the GM, includ- decade. the first time in its history, decided to form a profound disappointments we felt was the ongo- ing myself, have deceived ourselves by acting in First, a bit about Gülen and the movement he political alliance based on shared goals. The ing vilification of Turkish people on the part of a way that contradicted our very values. We has inspired. AKP was not only supported by GM partici- many in the Armenian diaspora. On this front, failed. We did not question the Turkish narra- Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen is best pants, but many liberals, nationalists, leftists GM participants have been living in a state of tive, and we did not listen nor read the stories known for fostering universal education, inter- and minority groups also voted for that party in inner turmoil. of Armenians. faith dialogue and humanitarian activities. the belief it supported democratization. On the one hand, we deeply desire a construc- Today, I personally regret and sincerely apol- Inspired by Gülen’s teachings and philosophies, In fact, GM-affiliated media outlets such tive and positive relationship with Armenians. ogize for my involvement in efforts that under- participants in the GM engage in various altru- as Zaman and Samanyolu TV openly praised However, on the other, the very word “genocide” mined the suffering of Armenians that endured istic activities to sow the seeds of world-peace and endorsed Erdogan’s AKP, further reinforc- has proved to be an obstacle for engagement. one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th centu- for future generations. Indeed, the term ing the perception that the whole movement Indeed, the facts of 1915 have become the mas- ry, the Armenian genocide. “Hizmet,” the name participants use for the backed the party. sive “elephant in the room” when the two groups, I was intending to end this article here, with movement, means “service” in Turkish. The history of the GM in the US is still very Turks and Armenians, come into contact. One of an apology that was long overdue, instead I Gülen himself emphasizes the importance of young. Many GM participants came in the early the most ridiculous conspiracy theories promoted would like to make three humble suggestions human agency in bringing sustainable change 2000s as students, academics, engineers, busi- by some on the Turkish side, was that ultra-nation- on how I believe we could repair our relations: and fostering morality and good virtues. For nessmen or educators from Turkey. Excited alist Armenians across the United States, have Firstly, I ask GM participants to show gen- over half a century, he has been an advocate for about the “New World,” GM participants want- been engaged in inciting a “revenge” genocide, to uine gestures to Armenians by showing up to liberal democratic values such as human rights, ed to carry out their civil society projects in the be perpetrated on the “poor, innocent” Turkish genocide commemorations or contributing to social justice, pluralism, the empowerment of US. Several saw opportunities to contribute to people. Armenian organizations. women, freedom of speech, thought, and reli- American society through establishing intercul- During this time, high-ranking Turkish offi- Secondly, I wish Armenian journalists would gion. Gülen consistently urges participants in tural dialogue centers, charter schools or char- cials and diplomats reached out to GM for sup- reach out to Gülen for an interview with him to the GM to be law-abiding citizens willing to ity organizations. port to stop the passing of resolutions that rec- ask him about his views on what happened dur- work to help others, and to promote under- This involvement allowed them to foster valu- ognize the Armenian genocide. ing 1915. standing for others regardless of culture, faith, able relationships with pastors, rabbis, imams, Serving the nation of Turkey by visiting US Lastly, I ask my Armenian brothers and sis- or ethnicity. and other religious leaders. Turkey’s economic officials in America and repeating to them the ters to welcome and engage with GM partici- Nevertheless, critics from various back- boom of the early 2000s allowed for an Turkish state’s official narrative about 1915 pants to listen to their stories about what is grounds accuse Gülen of pursuing a range of unprecedented, and deeply longed-for, patriotic thus became an altruistic patriotic deed. happening today in Erdogan’s Turkey.

from previous page Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to Ramgavars happened to have been among the take a full analysis of the political and economic intensity, to this date. conduct over seventy years their vital activity to supporting signatories of the declaration of inde- developments that took place in Armenia during The virulent Tashnag press of the time went as the benefit of the Diaspora, yet maintain unwa- pendence in the National Assembly on the last twenty-six years, and the ups and downs far as to preach that an “Alternate Armenia vering ties with the Mother Church and the September 21, 1991. as well as the role played and still being played could be built in the friendly deserts of Armenian homeland. This was made possible Ramgavars were thus present in Armenia from therein by many and more particularly by the Arizona….far from communists…” In such trau- thanks to the presence of Ramgavars in their the very first days of the third republic. Within Ramgavar Party. Suffice it to confirm that in matic conditions, Ramgavars and their press leadership and the strong and unconditional sup- weeks, we took the bold decision to start in spite of many difficulties the Ramgavar Party is stood tall and steady to provide needed leader- port of the latter. Had Tashnags been allowed to Yerevan the publication of Azg, the first paper in presently live and active in Armenia. It has ship. They developed and defended the well give free reign to their seven-decades-long policy Armenia having a completely new Western-style recently reorganized itself in the Diaspora to founded principle that Armenian individuals, of isolating Armenians completely from their approach to reporting news and critical analyses become an Armenia-centered political organiza- organizations as well as communities could very homeland, the spontaneous wave of Diaspora of events and government decisions. Azg became tion and, therefore, it is now even better focused well maintain their ties with their Mother help to independent Armenia would have never the most popular news outlet. Several tens of on its role to support the state of Armenia. Church and their communist homeland while taken place. thousand copies would be grabbed from the This overview of the enormously complex his- remaining perfectly faithful citizens of their coun- Whereas today it is very natural for all shelves and would disappear within minutes of tory of our nation’s last hundred years makes it tries of residence. Armenians to travel, maintain relations with, and their appearance. Azg continues to this date to evident that the Ramgavar Party stands rightful- It must be realized that it was thanks to this extend help to, Armenia, for seventy long years, be considered a most trusted publication in ly tall and proud on the eve of the celebrations crucial and delicate policy developed, defended that vital communication channel was main- Armenia. of the centennial of Armenian statehood in May and taught throughout the entire Diaspora, that tained only through the heroic and determined Several members of the Ramgavar Central 2018, based on its record of uninterrupted and the latter maintained its cultural and spiritual dedication of the Ramgavar Party as well as the Committee gave the example by being the first to unrivaled selfless service for the benefit of ties with the homeland and was ready to become vast group of non-Ramgavar Diaspora activists rush to Yerevan to make pioneering efforts and Armenian statehood. At no time has it sought to a well-conditioned partner of the new indepen- who informally carried the label of “Patriotic take concrete steps to establish businesses oper- take advantage or enrich itself in any shape or dent Armenia in 1991. Even though Huntchags Front” (hayrenasiragan jagad). They all looked to ating on the free market model of the Western form in exchange for its devoted service, which and some other small leftist Armenian groups the Ramgavar Party for guidance and inspira- world. Those efforts were proven later to have was often rendered under extremely trying cir- also carried on this struggle, only the Ramgavars tion. been premature. As mentioned above, the cumstances. No other political group can claim could handle this fight legitimately. Finally it must be underlined that when the Ramgavars have had an outstanding presence in to supersede the Ramgavar Azadagan Party in Indeed Ramgavar Party principles and bylaws Soviet Union collapsed suddenly in 1991, and the AGBU leadership and membership from its that respect. History must record this fact. were the only ones that are clearly and essen- Armenia declared its independence, those in very inception. Thus, as would be expected, the The Ramgavar Party is exceptionally and tially in line with Western democratic principles. Armenia who conducted the preceding short AGBU in its turn undertook many actions to uniquely qualified to proudly celebrate the cen- The Western-oriented philosophy of the struggle of a few months, mainly as leaders of bring help to the new republic, including the tennial and also itself be rightfully celebrated Ramgavars was so evident that they could open- the Karabagh Committee, were exclusively resi- very bold decision of establishing an entirely new during the May 2018 centennial national com- ly declare often that they were opponents of com- dents of Armenia and Karabagh. There was not institution of higher learning. Indeed, the memorations. munism. As a matter of fact, the Ramgavar party even a single Armenian in that struggle from American University of Armenia, which has (The author had been Chairman of the ADL was ironically and sarcastically labeled in com- abroad, certainly not any Tashnag. Yet immedi- become in later years one of the most productive Central Committee for several years, Vice munist circles in Armenia as a “bourgeois party.” ately after the new independence, Ramgavars and well-established vital institutions in Armenia, President of the Central Board of Directors of This very clearly formulated understanding and like thinkers were the first to rush to was created right in those first days of the AGBU for many years, and leading founder of permitted the other most prominent Armenian Armenia in order to bring their support to the Independence. the Armenian Apostolic Church Canadian community institutions in the Diaspora, namely totally unexpected reality of the newly indepen- I will stop this enumeration at this point as it Diocese and Chairman of its Diocesan Council the Armenian Apostolic Church and the dent Armenia. In fact, from the Diaspora, only is simply not the purpose of this article to under- for many years.) 20 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Climate Change and Population Growth: Future Threats and Solutions

TORONTO — The Zoryan Institute and its Division, the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, is devoted to educating the public about genocide and human rights violations as grave threats to continuing life on the planet. The study of genocide and human rights has been based on important case studies such as the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust and the genocide in Rwanda among others. However, as the 20th century gave way to the 21st, new models of geno- cide and human rights violations began to emerge. The older cases of nation-states targeting specific groups for destruction gave way to more dispersed forms of violence perpetrated by criminal groups and national/religious, ethnic based organiza- tions such as ISIS. Confrontation with these altered forms of vio- lence must be addressed if the puzzle of genocidal violence is to ever be solved. The Zoryan Institute created a Symposium on “Climate Change and Population Growth: Future Threats and Solutions” which was convened on March 9, at the University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs Conference Centre. The symposium and discussion brought together the latest analyses of what might be new causes of genocide. The sym- posium particularly focused on climate change and popula- tion growth which are already having a global impact on caus- ing political violence and might very well lead to future geno- cides. For example, in the Monday, March 12 edition of the New York Times, an article on the draught in the horn of Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia points out that the land suitable for grazing cattle and cultivation is disappearing and this, in turn, is causing groups to Dr. Henry Theriault speaks at the symposium. wage contests to find land to carry out these activities. As part of this quest, periodic violence takes place while populations fight off starvation and compete for land as they attempt to move Studies International as well as an instructor in the summer featured large scale audience participation. on to land controlled by others. This is a perfect example of the seminar on genocide and human rights. Hirsch pointed out that The afternoon session started with a lecture by Dr. James crisis addressed in the Zoryan sponsored symposium. Alvarez did not comment on the political connections and the Tyner, Professor of Geography at Kent State University and the The first session of the symposium began with a lecture by relationship between the rise of populist/authoritarian move- author of numerous books on the subject. Tyner connected pop- Dr. Alex Alvarez, professor of criminal justice at Northern ments and the decline of democracy. Hirsch noted that this has ulation growth and population movements to climate change Arizona University and a founding co-editor of Genocide Studies major impacts on climate change and genocide as authoritarian and to political violence and genocide. His lecture was followed International. Alvarez is the author of the most recent book on states do not take action to combat climate change nor to pre- by comments from Dr. Roger Smith, co-editor of Genocide climate change and genocide: Unstable Ground: Climate Change, vent genocide. Studies International and a member of the Zoryan Institute Conflict and Genocide. Alvarez laid out the possible connections A second commentary by Dr. Maureen Hiebert, professor of Board of Directors who noted the importance of this subject and between climate change and genocide. His lecture was followed political science at the University of Calgary and a former co-edi- by Dr. Henry Theriault, professor at Worcester State University by commentary and analysis by Dr. Herbert Hirsch, professor of tor of Genocide Studies International noted the implications of and a co-editor of GSi, who provided contemporary examples and political science at Virginia Commonwealth University and one climate change and genocide in the international political sys- pointed out theoretical explanations. This was also followed by of the founding co-editors and remaining co-editor of Genocide tem. This was followed by a question-and-answer session, which audience participation in a question and answer session.