From Pain to Healing

20 Pages·2017·3.03 MB·English

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MARCH 10, 2018
T A
HE RMENIAN
NEWS
Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 33, Issue 4528 $2.00 IN BRIEF
The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932
Armen Yerevan Scraps
Turkish-Armenian
Sarkissian Protocols
YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia on March 1 for-
Elected New mally annulled the 2009 protocols to normalize its
relations with Turkey, citing Ankara’s continuing
refusal to implement them unconditionally.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a relevant
decree immediately after chairing a meeting of his
National Security Council which discussed and
approved his long-anticipated move.
President
“I am asking the foreign minister [Edward
Nalbandian] to notify Turkey about our decision,
after which no obligation stemming from those
agreements will be legally binding for us,” he said.
YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Armenian par- The two protocols signed in Zurich in October
liament voted on Friday, March 2, to elect 2009 committed Turkey and Armenia to establish-
Armen Sarkissian, a former prime minister ing diplomatic relations and opening their border.
who has long resided in Britain, Armenia’s Shortly after the signing ceremony, Ankara made
new and largely ceremonial president. clear that Turkey’s parliament will ratify the deal
Sarkissian was nominated for the post by only if there is decisive progress towards a resolu-
David Ignatius moderating the Aurora Dialogue panel, featuring Marguerite Barankitse,
the outgoing President Serzh Sargsyan (no tion of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict acceptable
Lieutenant William Keegan and John Prendergast
relation) and the ruling Republican Party of to Azerbaijan.
From Pain to Healing
Armenia (HHK) in January. He was also The Armenian government has rejected precon-
endorsed by the HHK’s junior coalition part- ditions. The United States, the European Union
ner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Russia have likewise repeatedly called for their
unconditional implementation.
Aurora Dialogues in Heart of September 11 Tragedy
Sargsyan insisted on Thursday that signing the
protocols was worth it because the international
NEW YORK — In the shadows of where the Twin Towers once stood as sym- community has no doubts now that the onus is on
bols of American pride and under the reflective gaze of the Statue of Liberty Turkey, not Armenia, to normalize Turkish-
that represents equal opportunity for all Armenian relations.
those seeking a better life, the Aurora Sargsyan also made clear that despite walking
By Taleen Babayan
Humanitarian Initiative hosted its Aurora away from the deal Yerevan remains committed to
Special to the Mirror-Spectator Dialogues on Thursday, March 1, at the unconditionally improving its ties with Ankara. “If
National September 11 Memorial and there are [relevant] proposals tomorrow or the day
Museum. after, we will be ready to discuss those proposals,”
A visionary initiative that launches Armenians onto the world humanitarian he said.
platform, the Aurora Initiative hosted the dialogues, titled “Solidarity Beyond
President Armen Sarkissian Borders: Stepping Up When Others Step Back,” to discuss and champion the Premier Meets with
tireless efforts of individuals around the globe who strive to create positive
change in the face of adversity, much like those who came to the rescue of Lyon Mayor
(Dashnaktsutyun), and businessman Gagik
Armenians during the Genocide over a century ago.
Tsarukian’s alliance, which is officially in
Featuring Aurora Prize finalists Marguerite Barankitse (2016) and Dr. Tom YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian Prime
opposition to the government.
Catena (2017), alongside retired Port Authority Police Department Lieutenant Minister Karen Karapetyan on March 6 received
The opposition Yelk alliance, the fourth
and Special Ops Lt. Bill Keegan and John Prendergast, founding director of the Lyon Mayor Georges Képénékian.
political group represented in the National
Enough Project, the evening’s panel, moderated by David Ignatius, associate edi- Karapetyan praised Armenian-French relations
Assembly, has rejected Sarkissian’s candida-
tor and columnist for the Washington Post, explored the issue of heroism. and noted one of the most important components
cy. Yelk, which holds nine seats in the 105-
see AURORA, page 10 of the relations is cooperation at local levels.
member parliament, has also questioned his
Karapetyan welcomed the cooperation between
eligibility to serve as head of state.
Yerevan and Lyon, in particular, in the fields of
see PRESIDENT, page 2
urban development, economic cooperation and
tourism.
He also expressed hope that Lyon businesspeo-
New Yorker Boyajian Makes
ple will attend the conference which will be held in
Yerevan within the framework of the International
Organization of La Francophonie in October.
His Case for Congress
Karapetyan expressed confidence that the
launch of Yerevan-Lyon direct flight from April 19
will further create closer ties.
Képénékian agreed and hoped for increased
didate, thirty-three-year-old Donald G. cooperation.
By Aram Arkun Boyajian (“Don”), is vigorously making his
case in the Democratic primary for New
Mirror-Spectator Staff
York State’s rural northern 21st
Congressional district, which includes the INSIDE
CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. — Congressmen of Adirondack Mountains and Thousand
Armenian descent are a rare commodity. At Islands regions.
present, there are only two, but a third can- Boyajian’s paternal grandfather, original-
ly with the last name of Armenia UN
Nersesian, came to Saratoga
County in upstate New York
from Aintab, with his name Ambassador
being changed to Boyajian by Noted Poet Diana
the American authorities out
of a misunderstanding. He Der-Hovanessian Dies
Page 6
arrived during the period of
the Armenian Genocide.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Diana Der-
Boyajian’s maternal grand-
Hovanessian, poet and long-time pres-
parents came to Providence
ident of New England Poetry Club, INDEX
from Palu.
died on March 1, 2018. She was the
Boyajian pointed out, Arts and Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
author of 30 books of poetry and
“Since both sides of my fami- Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,3
translations, several plays, and was Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ly are 100 percent Armenian,
twice a Fulbright professor of Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
I grew up going to the
American Poetry. International . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . 4,5
Armenian Apostolic Church,
see DER-HOVANESSIAN, page 8
Don Boyajian doing ACYOA [Armenian
see BOYADJIAN, page 20
2 SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR
ARMENIA
Armen Sarkissian Elected
News From Armenia
New Armenian President
Financial Times Gives
‘Heritage Tourism’
Award to Yerevan
PRESIDENT, from page 1 ment, he would remain the country’s third time in 2013.
YEREVAN (Armenpress) — fDi Intelligence, a ser- Sarkissian was elected in secret bal- most powerful man in that case. Russian President Vladimir Putin
vice from the Financial Times, has recognized lot by 90 votes to 10. He gave a short Under sweeping constitutional promptly congratulated Armen
Yerevan with a special award for “Heritage Tourism.” speech in the parliament moments changes controversially enacted by Sarkissian on being elected Armenia’s
“The capital of Armenia, Yerevan has been recog- after the announcement of the vote Serzh Sargsyan, the new president of new president on Friday.
nized with a special award for Heritage Tourism. results. the republic will have largely ceremoni- In a congratulatory message report-
Many opportunities exist in the city for investors in “I want to thank those who voted for al powers. In particular, he will appoint ed by the Kremlin, Putin expressed con-
the areas of heritage tourism and leisure facilities. me and those who voted against me,” members of the government, Armenian fidence that Sarkissian will contribute
One such opportunity is the restoration of Erebuni, he said. “I will invest my long experi- ambassadors abroad and the Armenian to a “further development” of Russian-
a historical archaeological museum reserve. The city ence and knowledge and my entire army’s top brass. But all of those offi- Armenian relations and “deepening of
has also been commended for its International energy in properly performing the cials will have to be nominated by the Eurasian integration to the benefit of
Outreach, in its efforts to put itself on the map for duties of Armenia’s president and prop- prime minister first. the brotherly peoples of the two coun-
foreign investors. Yerevan co-operates with more erly serving the Republic of Armenia, Sarkissian, 64, has repeatedly stated tries.”
than 50 cities globally, and is a member of eight its citizens and our people.” in recent weeks that despite the lack of Sarkissian has avoided detailed pub-
international organizations. Initiatives are in place “And I certainly expect your and our executive powers he intends to play a lic statements on foreign policy issues
to expand international ties with sister and partner citizens’ support for and participation major role in Armenia’s political and since being nominated for president by
city agreements.” in our future important victories,” economic life. He has pledged, among the outgoing President Serzh Sargsyan
added the president-elect. other things, to strive to heal what he in January. But he did stress the eco-
French Mayor, NKR Only seven Yelk deputies cast ballots sees as serious divisions existing within nomic importance of Armenia’s mem-
on Friday, suggesting that three other the Armenian society. bership in the Russian-led Eurasian
Foreign Minister Meet
lawmakers affiliated with the HHK, A physicist and mathematician by Economic Union (EEU) when he
Dashnaktsutyun or the Tsarukian Bloc education, Sarkissian worked at the addressed the parliament on Thursday.
STEPANAKERT (Public Radio of Armenia) — On secretly broke ranks to vote against Cambridge University when he was “Armenia joined the EEU, which is
March 5, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serzh Sarkisian’s preferred successor. appointed as newly independent an important and significant fact for
Artsakh Masis Mayilian received the delegation from It was not clear who they are. Armenia’s first ambassador to the the simple reason that a republic of
Bouc-Bel-Air, France, headed by Mayor Richard Mallié. Yelk’s parliamentary leader, Nikol United Kingdom in 1991. He served as three million people cannot be of much
Mayilian welcomed the guests and expressed grati- Pashinian was quick to pounce on that prime minister for four months in 1996- interest to a large investor,” said the 64-
tude to Mallié for his consistent stance on the estab- fact. He declared with sarcasm that 1997 before being again named ambas- year-old former scholar. Tariff-free
lishment and development of decentralized coopera- there are “hidden Yelk members” in the sador in London. access to the markets in Russia and
tion with the town of Askeran. ruling party’s ranks. His second ambassadorial stint was other EEU member states makes
Mayilian noted that the cooperation between Armen Sarkissian will be sworn in on cut short in 1999 by then President Armenia far more attractive to
Askaran and Bouc-Bel-Air is one of the important April 9 immediately after Serzh Robert Kocharian. Sarkissian stayed in investors, he added.
examples of the policy of the Republic of Artsakh on Sargsyan completes his second and Britain and made a fortune there in the Sarkissian, who has lived in Britain
the development of international relations. In this final term in office. following decade, working as an advisor for nearly three decades, at the same
context, Mayilian stressed the importance of the The outgoing president is widely and middleman for Western corpora- time praised Armenia’s Comprehensive
development of Francophonie in Artsakh. expected to become prime minister tions doing business in the former and Enhanced Partnership Agreement
Mallié expressed readiness to expand the relations later in April. With Armenia switching Soviet Union. He was appointed as (CEPA) with the European Union
between the two peoples. In this context, the sides to a parliamentary system of govern- Armenian ambassador to Britain for a signed in November.
exchanged views on the practical aspects of cooperation
and the implementation of projects of mutual interest.
The Declaration of Friendship between Askeran
and Bouc-Bel-Air was signed on November 19, 2014. Georgian PM Visits Armenia
Artsakh National
Assembly Marks Sumgait
Anniversary
YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Georgian be completed next year. Tbilisi agreed to hire a Swiss company
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili Kvirikashvili most probably also dis- to operate special customs check-
STEPANAKERT (Public Radio of Armenia) — On met with Armenia’s leaders on Friday cussed in Yerevan the possible open- points to be set up on the administra-
March 2, at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign during an official visit to Yerevan ing of new transport corridors tive boundaries of South Ossetia and
Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh, the statement by the which focused on economic issues, between Georgia and Russia that Abkhazia.
National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh on the including energy and transport. would facilitate cargo shipments to Despite their lingering political dis-
30th anniversary of the massacre of the Armenian pop- “We discussed both our bilateral and from Armenia. Most of Russian- agreements, the two sides seem to
ulation of the town of Sumgait was disseminated as an relations and regional issues,” Armenian trade is currently carried have slowly but steadily made
official document in the Organization for Security and Armenian Prime Minister Karen
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Karapetyan said after talks with
The statement says, in part, “On 27-29 February Kvirikashvili.
1988, atrocities against and forced deportation of “We spoke about possible areas of
the Armenian population was carried out by the our cooperation,” Karapetyan told a
Azerbaijani authorities in Sumgait, just 30 kilome- joint news briefing. “That includes the
ters from Baku. Hundreds of Armenians, mostly Meghri free economic zone [on the
women, children and elderly people, fell victim to a Armenian-Iranian border.] We spoke
pre-planned massacre; thousands of Armenians were in detail and will continue to talk later
forcibly deported and their property and plundered. today and agreed how we will be mov-
The crime committed in Sumgait was another mani- ing forward in the energy and trans-
festation of the policy of discrimination, ethnic port sectors.”
cleansing and expulsion of Armenian people, which, “We can conclude we have emerged
following the example of Nakhichevan, was carried from the negotiations in a fairly good
out with impunity by the Azerbaijani authorities dur- mood,” he added.
ing the Soviet period. It later continued in Baku, Kvirikashvili also mentioned the
Gandzak (Kirovabad) and other Armenian settle- two areas of Georgian-Armenian eco-
ments of Northern Artsakh.” nomic cooperation but, like
It continued, “The National Assembly of the Karapetyan, did not give any details.
Artsakh Republic condemns any manifestation of dis- “We should utilize our economic
crimination, xenophobia and intolerance, believes potential and I think that our meeting Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan (R) and his Georgian counterpart
that official Baku continues to pursue a policy of today will contribute to that,” he said Giorgi Kvirikashvili are pictured after holding talks in Yerevan, 2 March 2018.
genocide, the latest evidence of which were crimes in his opening remarks at the talks.
committed against the civilian population of Artsakh The Georgian premier met with
in April 2016, reaffirms that the Artsakh Republic President Serzh Sarkisian later in the out through the sole Russian- progress towards the implementation
will be consistent in restoring and protecting the day. Georgian border crossing at Upper of that agreement. The Georgian gov-
rights of Azerbaijani Armenians who were exposed to An Armenian government state- Lars. Traffic along that mountainous ernment signed a relevant contract
violence and deportation, urges parliamentary struc- ment on Karapetyan’s talks with road is frequently blocked by blizzards with a Swiss company on December
tures and international human rights organizations, Kvirikashvili said the two men in winter months. 19. A senior Russian diplomat said in
on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of mass stressed the importance of “develop- The two other roads connecting January that Moscow will likely follow
pogroms and atrocities against the Armenian popula- ing energy cooperation in bilateral Georgia and Russia pass through the suit “in the coming months.”
tion of Sumgait, to condemn the genocidal acts com- and multilateral formats.” Armenia is breakaway Georgian regions of South Armenian leaders have repeatedly
mitted by Baku against the Armenians of Azerbaijan. currently building new electricity Ossetia and Abkhazia. They were expressed hope that the 2011
transmission lines that will connect it closed even before the 2008 Russian- Russian-Georgian deal will be imple-
to Georgia and Iran. They are due to Georgian war. In 2011, Moscow and mented.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 3
ARMENIA
Dean Cain, Montel
Williams Receive
Medals for Producing
Film on Armenian
Genocide
YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — President Serzh
Sargsyan on March 6 received producers of the documen-
tary “Architects of Denial,” Dean Cain and Montel
Williams, and their families.
The President shared his impressions from the film that
premiered at Moscow Cinema on March 5, emphasizing its
importance in the international recognition and condem-
nation of genocides, including the Armenian Genocide.
Sargsyan noted that although there is much discussion
on the topic in scientific circles, there is a lack of docu-
mentaries, and the “Architects of Denial” fills the gap.
“The parallels between today’s reality and the events of
100 years ago are very important,” Serzh Sargsyan said.
He pointed to the parallels between the Armenian
Genocide and today’s developments in Nagorno Karabakh.
Sargsyan awarded Cain and Williams with Orders of
Honor for their contribution to the international recogni-
tion of the Armenian Genocide and prevention of geno-
cides and crimes against humanity.
The producers voiced hope that the film would help
change perceptions of the issue not only in the US, but also President Serzh Sargsyan with Dean Cain and Montel Williams
worldwide.
President Serzh Sargsyan with Dean Cain President Serzh Sargsyan with Montel Williams
National Gallery to Hold Archbishop Khajag
Exhibition of Minas
Barsamian Receives
Avetisyan Paintings
Medal for Services
YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Just days
To Armenia
after the major exhibition dedicated to
the 200th anniversary of the birth of
renowned painter Ivan Ayvazovsky
ended, the National Gallery of Armenia ECHMIADZIN — A meeting of the
is planning to organize an exhibition Armenian Church’s Supreme Spiritual
dedicated to acclaimed painter Minas Council convened on February 20 at Holy
Avetisyan’s 90 anniversary of birth. Echmiadzin, under the presidency of
National Gallery Director Arman Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Tsaturyan said on February 22 it has Catholicos of All Armenians.
been a while since a large-scale Minas Among the agenda items at the four-day
exhibition had been organized. He said meeting are issues relating to the Armenian
they want to organize a “splendid and Patriarchate of Constantinople, effective
inclusive” exhibition, comprising paint- church management, the centennial of the
ings of the great artist from both the Battle of Sardarabad and Armenia’s 1918
gallery and private collections. A signif- republic, and the church’s mission to young
icant part of paintings by Avetisyan are people. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with President Serzh Sargsyan
kept by private collectors and Tsaturyan The members of the Supreme Spiritual
said he is negotiating with the individu- Council were received by Armenian
als to include the paintings in the President Serzh Sargsyan. In the course of
upcoming exhibition. “We will try to dis- the gathering, where he endorsed the idea ors of distinction on three of the attending the Eastern Diocese, was honored by the
play paintings which have never been of drawing up a constitution for the archbishops. President with the “Medal for Services to
displayed before,” he said. Armenian Church, Sargsyan conferred hon- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Motherland, First Degree.”
4 SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR
INTERNATIONAL
Educators and Parliamentarians
International News
In Talks on Education
Paylan Launches Petition
To Resume Patriarch
Election Process
tional system. The teachers were partic-
By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach ularly interested in exchange programs
ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Turkish-Armenian law-
between schools and heard from their
maker Parliament Member Garo Paylan initiated a Special to the Mirror-Spectator
host about such projects that the forum
petition aimed at resuming the election process of
has organized thus far.
the Armenian Patriarch which has been suspended
BERLIN — Berlin played host last 2017 in Georgia and the Republic of “I enjoyed this exciting exchange of
by the Istanbul Governor’s Office last week, Diken
week to a group of teachers from Armenia respectively. In Armenia, cur- ideas very much,” Weiler stated. “Good
reports.
Armenia and Georgia, who had come to rently a textbook for social studies is teachers are extremely important for
“There are 12 million Armenians around the world
learn more about the education system being revised and reissued in close coop- good education. We are following the
and all of them are from Anatolia in their origins.
in the German Federal Republic. Their eration with the Ministry of Education. developments in Armenia in this sector
They look at the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul,
visit was arranged by the German- During their fact-finding visit, the uni- with great interest and are convinced
but at the moment the status quo is in the hands of
Armenian Forum (Deutsch-Armenische versity and school teachers from that both sides will further profit from
powers with a status of hostage,” Paylan said.
Forum), an initiative launched in May Georgia and Armenia hoped to gain our bilateral dialogue.”
Thousands have signed Paylan’s initiative, which is
2015 by Albert Weiler, a Christian new insights into the education sector The presence of the delegation in
titled “Patriarchal elections right now.”
Democratic Union (CDU) member of the in Berlin. They were received in the Berlin follows a visit by Weiler last
The Istanbul Governor’s Office responded to a let-
Bundestag (Parliament), along with Bundestag on March 3 by Frank November to Yerevan where, on the invi-
ter sent months before in regards to the election of
more than 30 private individuals, MPs Heinrich (CDU) and forum president tation of the Konrad Adenauer
the Armenian Patriarch, stating that it doesn’t rec-
and representatives of busi-
ognize Archbishop Karekin Bekjian as a patriarchal
ness, scientific and cultural
locum tenens. The letter, signed by Istanbul deputy
institutions. As noted in a
governor Ismail Gultekin, stated that Istanbul’s
press release at the time, the
Armenian Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan is still alive
members of the Forum’s
and therefore there are no necessary conditions for
executive body are “individu-
electing a new patriarch. The Istanbul Governor’s
als familiar with issues relat-
Office said health problems are not enough to
ed to the southern
declare the patriarchal position as vacant, thus,
Caucasus, who pursue the
Archbishop Aram Atesyan continues his post of the
aim of promoting German-
patriarchal vicar.
Armenian relations at vari-
ous levels. The Forum
Foreign Minister Meets
should support Armenia in
with UN Geneva Director its democratic development,
strengthen economic rela-
tions, promote cultural and
GENEVA (Armenpress) — Armenian foreign minis-
scientific exchange and build
ter Edward Nalbandian, while on a working visit to
new bridges between the
Geneva, met with Michael Møller, director-general of
two societies.”
the United Nations Office at Geneva.
In this spirit, the forum has
During the meeting both officials expressed satis-
fostered political education
faction over Armenia’s active engagement in the
and places great value on
UN’s and its structures’ activities.
exchanges in the field of edu- Albert Weiler, a CDU member of the Parliament, with the visiting teachers
Nalbandian and Møller exchanged views on the
cation and science. In the
37th session agenda of the UN Human Rights
context of a regional program
Council, Armenia’s initiative on preventing geno-
of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Weiler. In the course of their discus- Foundation, he participated in a round
cides and crimes against humanity. In this context
called “Political Dialogue in the South sions, Weiler reported on the activities table discussion on the partnership
Nalbandian said Armenia, on the occasion of the
Caucasus,” mid- and long-term projects of the forum and explained the charac- agreement between the European
70th anniversary of the Convention on Prevention
in the school sector were launched in teristic features of the German educa- Union and Armenia.
and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, came with
an initiative to adopt a new resolution of the Human
Rights Council containing concrete action proposals
and the activity of the UN and its member states con-
Germany Will Review Turkey’s Request
cerning the prevention of genocides. He noted that
Armenia will hold the third global forum “Against
the Crime of the Genocide” on the International Day
To Extradite Kurdish Leader
of Commemoration of Genocide Victims on
December 9 which will be dedicated to the preven-
tion of genocides through education.
The meeting also touched upon the summit of the
International Organization of La Francophonie Monday Ankara said it had asked our travel advisories,” he said.
which will be held in Yerevan in October 2018. By Andrea Shalal and Germany for Muslim’s extradition. Tourists, a major source of financing
Leo Rinke Ankara considers the PYD and its for Turkey’s wide current account
President Meets with YPG armed group extensions of the out- deficit, are starting to return to the
lawed Kurdistan Workers Party, which country after attacks blamed on Islamic
New Cyprus Ambassador BERLIN (Reuters) — Germany on has waged a three-decade insurgency in State and Kurdish militants and an
March 6 said it would review Turkey’s Turkey’s largely Kurdish southeast. attempted coup scared them away for a
YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — On March request for the extradition of a Syrian Muslim has said the allegations couple of years.
6 Ambassador of Cyprus to Armenia Leonidas S. Kurdish leader on constitutional against him are false. He has also said Summer bookings to Turkey by
Markides (residence in Moscow) presented his cre- grounds as the two NATO allies contin- he will remain in European Union terri- German holidaymakers have doubled
dentials to President Serzh Sargsyan. ued to try rebuild frayed ties. tory and cooperate in any further pro- from a year ago, but remain far from the
Sargsyan stressed that efforts should be made to German Foreign Minister Sigmar ceedings. levels seen a few years ago, German
promote the high-level Armenian-Cypriot relations Gabriel assured Turkish Foreign Cavusoglu said he would ask Gabriel market researcher GfK said last month.
and build on the centuries-old ties of close friendship Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who is visit- at their meeting to revisit travel advi- Turkey last month released German-
between the two peoples. ing Berlin to attend the Berlin ITB, the sories that have angered Ankara by Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, remov-
Sargsyan hailed the ongoing active Armenian- world’s largest tourism fair, that both referring to a risk of arrests, especially ing a key irritant in ties between the
Cypriot dialogue and the close contacts entertained the request to extradite Saleh Muslim for people with both German and two allies, but German officials remain
on both bilateral interstate and inter-party levels, as and Turkey’s push for relaxed travel Turkish passports. deeply concerned about Turkey’s mili-
well as within international organizations. guidance would be carefully examined. “I believe the German foreign min- tary operations in northern Syria.
As regards the cooperation on international plat- Muslim, who formerly headed the istry needs to reevaluate its travel advi- Gabriel told reporters Berlin wanted to
forms, the President referred to the 17th Summit of PYD, Syria’s main Kurdish party, spoke sory for Turkey,” he told reporters. “It see a ceasefire implemented in all of Syria.
La Francophonie to be held in Yerevan on October at a demonstration in Berlin on would be beneficial for the German for- “We want to hear what our Turkish
11-12, noting that he had sent an invitation to Saturday after being detained and then eign ministry to revise this.” colleagues have to say about this. For
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiadis to take part in released in Prague. Gabriel said the foreign ministry had our part, the German government
this important event. Serzh Sargsyan highlighted the “We have in fact received a verbal not advised people to avoid traveling to favors reaching a ceasefire everywhere
role of inter-parliamentary diplomacy in promoting note from the Turkish foreign ministry, Turkey, but had pointed out heightened in Syria,” he said.
bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with and we will send this request, as always, risks after the July 2016 attempted Cavusoglu said Turkey’s continuing
the ongoing close cooperation between the respec- to the (German) justice ministry and coup and given the continuing state of military operations in Syria’s Afrin were
tive legislatures. they will examine it on constitutional emergency and the arrests of German permitted under international law since
Markides said, “Our relations could not have been grounds,” Gabriel told reporters at a citizens. it was fighting terrorism.
better, but I agree with you, Mr. President, that we joint news conference with Cavusoglu He said he would ask Turkey when it “We are fighting in Afrin against the
have to take additional steps to advance them.” before their meeting. planned to lift the state of emergency. PYD and the YPG, those are terrorist
Turkey says Muslim is linked to two “Turkey will slowly want to return to a organizations, and our operations there
bombings in Ankara and has vowed to normal state of affairs, and that will are in line with international law and
pursue him “wherever he goes.” On automatically have consequences for the rules of the United Nations.”
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 5
INTERNATIONAL
38 Nobel Laureates Protest
Turkey’s ‘Wrongful Conviction
Of Writers And Thinkers’
LONDON (The Guardian)— On February 28, As noted in the commissioner’s report, the
the Guardian newspaper published a letter evidence considered by the judge in Ahmet
addressed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Altan’s case was limited to a story dating from
Erdogan, written by 38 Nobel Laureates, 2010 in Tarafnewspaper (of which Ahmet Altan
protesting the conviction of writers and editors had been the editor-in-chief until 2012), three of
to life sentences. his op-ed columns and a TV appearance. The
The letter is published below: evidence against the other defendants was
equally insubstantial. All these writers had
Dear President Erdogan, spent their careers opposing coups and mili-
We wish to draw your attention to the dam- tarism of any sort, and yet were charged with
age being done to the Republic of Turkey, to its aiding an armed terrorist organisation and stag-
reputation and the dignity and wellbeing of its ing a coup.
citizens, through what leading authorities on The commissioner saw the detention and
Tigran Mansurian
freedom of expression deem to be the unlawful prosecution of Altan brothers as part of a
detention and wrongful conviction of writers broader pattern of repression in Turkey against Premiere of Mansurian’s Requiemin Riga
and thinkers. those expressing dissent or criticism of the
In a Memorandum on the Freedom of authorities. He considered such detentions and Dedicated to Sumgait Pogrom Victims
Expression in Turkey (2017), Nils Muiznieks, prosecutions to have violated human rights and
then Council of Europe commissioner for undermined the rule of law. David Kaye, the UN
RIGA, Latvia (Armenpress) — By the initiative of the Armenian Embassy in Latvia an
Human Rights, warned: special rapporteur on freedom of expression,
event was held in Riga’s oldest church, St. John’s Church, on March 1 dedicated to the
Turkey sentences journalists to life in jail over concurred and dubbed the legal proceedings a
30th anniversary of the Sumgait Pogrom, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.
coup attempt “show trial.”
The orchestra of Latvian radio and Sinfonietta Riga performed Armenian renowned
“The space for democratic debate in Turkey Turkey’s own constitutional court concurred
composer Tigran Mansurian’s Requiemat the event.
has shrunk alarmingly following increased judi- with this criticism. On 11 January this year, it
The Armenian Apostolic Church in Riga also provided assistance for organizing the
cial harassment of large strata of society, includ- ruled that Mehmet Altan and fellow journalist
concert.
ing journalists, members of parliament, acade- Sahin Alpay’s rights were being violated by pre-
The program was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, lawmakers and ministers,
mics and ordinary citizens, and government trial detention, and that they should be
journalists, cultural figures, the Armenian community representatives and Mansurian.
action which has reduced pluralism and led to released. Yet the first-degree courts refused to
In his welcoming remarks Armenia’s Ambassador to Latvia Tigran Mkrtchyan said
self-censorship. This deterioration came about implement the higher constitutional court’s
Mansurian’s Requiem, which is dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide vic-
in a very difficult context, but neither the decision, thus placing the judicial system in
tims, today is dedicated to the memory of the innocent victims of Sumgait. The
attempted coup, nor other terrorist threats criminal violation of the constitution. Mr
Ambassador stated that the Requiemis also a call against hatred, use of force.
faced by Turkey, can justify measures that President, you must surely be concerned that
During the concert works of Komitas were also performed.
infringe media freedom and disavow the rule of the lower criminal court’s defiance and this
law to such an extent. non-legal decision was backed by the spokesper-
“The authorities should urgently change son of your government.
course by overhauling criminal legislation and On 16 February 2018, the Altan brothers and
practice, redevelop judicial independence and Ilıcak were sentenced to aggravated life sen-
reaffirm their commitment to protect free tences, precluding them from any prospect of a country. Amnesty International, PEN acquittal on appeal of Ms Ilıcak and the Altan
speech.” future amnesty. International, Committee to Protect brothers, and the immediate release of others
There is no clearer example of the commis- President Erdogan, we the undersigned share Journalists, Article 19, and Reporters Without wrongfully detained. Better still, it would make
sioner’s concern that the detention in the following opinion of David Kaye: “The court Borders are among those who oppose the Turkey again a proud member of the free world.
September 2016 of Ahmet Altan, a bestselling decision condemning journalists to aggravated recent court decision. • Full list of Nobel laureate signatories:
novelist and columnist; Mehmet Altan, his life in prison for their work, without presenting During a ceremony in honor of Çetin Altan, Svetlana Alexievich, Philip W Anderson,
brother, professor of economics and essayist; substantial proof of their involvement in the on 2 February 2009, you declared publicly that Aaron Ciechanover, JM Coetzee, Claude Cohen-
and Nazlı Ilıcak, a prominent journalist – all as coup attempt or ensuring a fair trial, critically “Turkey is no longer the same old Turkey who Tannoudji, Elias J Corey, Gerhard Ertl, Albert
part of a wave of arrests following the failed threatens journalism and with it the remnants used to sentence its great writers to prison — Fert, Edmond H Fischer, Andrew Z Fire, Andre
July 2016 coup. These writers were charged of freedom of expression and media freedom in this era is gone forever.” Among the audience Geim, Sheldon Glashow, Serge Haroche, Leland
with attempting to overthrow the constitution- Turkey.” were Çetin Altan’s two sons: Ahmet and H Hartwell, Oliver Hart, Richard Henderson,
al order through violence or force. The prose- In April 1998, you yourself were stripped of Mehmet. Nine years later, they are sentenced to Dudley Herschbach, Avram Hershko, Roald
cutors originally wanted to charge them with your position as mayor of Istanbul, banned life; isn’t that a fundamental contradiction? Hoffmann, Robert Huber, Tim Hunt, Kazuo
giving “subliminal messages” to coup support- from political office, and sentenced to prison for Under these circumstances, we voice the con- Ishiguro, Elfriede Jelinek, Eric S Maskin,
ers while appearing on a television panel 10 months, for reciting a poem during a public cern of many inside Turkey itself, of its allies Hartmut Michel, Herta Müller, VS Naipaul,
show. The ensuing tide of public ridicule made speech in December 1997 through the same and of the multilateral organizations of which it William D Phillips, John C Polanyi, Richard J
them change that accusation to using rhetoric article 312 of the penal code. This was unjust, is a member. We call for the abrogation of the Roberts, Randy W Schekman, Wole Soyinka,
“evocative of a coup.” Indeed, Turkey’s official unlawful and cruel. Many human rights organi- state of emergency, a quick return to the rule of Joseph Stiglitz, Thomas C Südhof, Jack W
Anatolia News Agency called the case “The zations – which defended you then – are law and for full freedom of speech and expres- Szostak, Mario Vargas Llosa, J Robin Warren,
Coup Evocation Trial.” appalled at the violations now occurring in your sion. Such a move would result in the speedy Eric F Wieschaus
Australian New South Wales Premier Berejiklian Visits Washington
WASHINGTON — The Armenian National visit Australia, gain valuable international for-
Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed on eign policy experience as interns with her
February 26 for New South Wales (NSW) office, and maybe even volunteer for her re-
Premier Gladys Berejiklian during her visit to election campaign.”
Washington, DC as part of Australia’s largest “We were honored to host Premier
ever trade delegation to the United States. Berejiklian, a great leader in both the
During her official visit, Berejiklian made Australian and Armenian traditions,” said
time for a leadership meeting with the ANCA ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth
in their national headquarters, a community Chouldjian. “Her visit to the ANCA reminds
reception at the Aramian House, home to the us, in very powerful and personal ways, that —
ANCA’s youth training and career placement as Armenians, diverse and dispersed across
programs, and interviews with Voice of the globe — we remain informed by our com-
America and Armenian television stations. mon history, inspired by our shared values,
In her remarks to a capacity crowd she said, and united in our enduring devotion to the
“I am here in my capacity as the Premier of future of the Armenian nation.”
New South Wales, but I’m also here with you The granddaughter of Armenian Genocide
as someone who shares a common heritage of survivors, Berejiklian grew up an active mem-
our Armenian culture and history. I want to ber in Australia’s vibrant Armenian communi-
thank you for the work you do on the ground ty.
here in Washington, DC, thank you for the Berejiklian joined the Liberal Party in 1993
warm reception you’ve given me this morning, and was first elected to represent Willoughby
and please know that communities like yours in the NSW Parliament in 2003, becoming
Premier Gladys Berejiklian with the ANCA leadership
all around the world support your activities. NSW Transport Minister in 2011, Treasurer in
We often look to DC and take great strength 2015 and ascending to the position of NSW
from what you’re doing to support Armenian Premier in 2017, only the second woman to positions, she has been instrumental in repre- nition of the Armenian Genocide, supporting
communities around the world.” She closed hold that post. senting Australian Armenian community con- Republic of Artsakh freedom, and expanding
with an invitation to the gathered youth to Alongside her successes in each of these cerns, advocating for state and federal recog- Australia-Armenia ties.
6 SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR
Community News
Armenia’s UN
Program to Raise Funds
Ambassador To Combat Domestic
Violence in Armenia
Looks to Raise
WATERTOWN — The Boston Armenian com-
Armenia’s Profile
munity will have a chance to gather to raise funds
for the Women’s Support Center and raise aware-
ness on the status of women in Armenia.
The executive director of Women’s Support
Center (WSC), Maro Matosian, will speak on
By Taleen Babayan
Friday, March 16, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the
Special to the Mirror-Spectator Papken Suni Agoump in Watertown.
The WSC is a full-service domestic violence
NEW YORK — The current Permanent center based in Yerevan, Armenia with services
Representative of Armenia to the United that include a 24-
Nations, Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, hour hotline, counsel-
has served the Armenian government at home ing, safe houses, legal
and abroad for the past three decades. Armed assistance, profession-
with rich diplomatic experience, he possesses a al training, and edu-
strong set of principles and vast knowledge of cation and advocacy
many national and international issues. programs for women
Erudite and forward thinking, Mnatsakanyan and girls. WSC’s mis-
has elevated the image of Armenia in the glob- sion is to combat and
al arena and advanced the interests of his coun- prevent domestic vio-
try during his four-year tenure at the United lence through the
Nations. protection and Maro Matosian
empowerment of the
victim; the rehabilita-
tion of family members; advocacy regarding
social and legal reform to prevent intimate part-
ner and family violence; and awareness raising
about domestic violence and its consequences.
Maro Matosian, executive director of the
Woman’s Support Center will discuss the status
of women in Armenia and government policies
to combat domestic violence. Matosian will also
share impact stories related to the work of the
Women’s Support Center (WSC). Violence
Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan against women and especially domestic violence
is a pervasive and alarming public health and
societal problem in Armenia, with one in four
In an exclusive interview, Taleen Babayan women experiencing domestic abuse.
met with Mnatsakanyan at the Armenian Lucine Mardirosian Harvey Tax–deductible donations are $50. Tickets
Mission in New York City to discuss recent can be reserved via email at lenna.garibian@
issues, including the complex issue of Artsakh gmail.com.
and modality of its peaceful resolution, the Lucine Mardirosian Harvey All proceeds will go directly to the Women’s
annulment of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, as Support Center in Yerevan. This event is being
well as U.S.-Armenia relations. organized by the Friends of the Women’s
Receives Ellis Island
Taleen Babayan: Let’s start with the most Support Center. For more information, visit
recent developments regarding Armenia-Turkey http://www.womensupportcenter.org/.
relations. Yesterday [March 1, 2018] Yerevan
Medal of Honor
scrapped a peace agreement it signed with
Turkey on October 10, 2009 to normalize rela- Armenian Studies Program
tions between the two countries. This agree-
ment understandably was hammered under WASHINGTON — How can one describe Lucine Mardirosian Harvey? A At Fresno State to Hold
heavy pressure by then US Secretary of State human dynamo, keenly intelligent with a generous heart, Harvey is a gourmet
30th Annual Banquet
Hillary Clinton. From day one, it didn’t produce cook, a manager, mother to countless hundreds of children in Armenia and in
any positive outcome. Why was the annulment Orlando, Fla., chauffer, negotiator extraordinaire, newsletter editor, truck driver,
decision taken at this specific point in time? teacher, extraordinary seamstress, choir director not to mention ambassador of FRESNO — The Armenian Studies Program of
Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: The the Armenian Community, one of the founders of Soorp Garabed Armenian California State University, Fresno, will hold its
question of normalization of Armenia-Turkey church of Orlando, Florida now called Soorp Haroutiun. 30th Annual Banquet on Sunday, March 18, at
relations has been on Armenia’s agenda since Harvey has baked, cooked, kept the church books, created choir gowns, sewn the Fort Washington Country Club.
day one. It is an important issue for the securi- garments for visiting clergy, she has taught Armenian to children and teens The banquet will feature Fresno State President
ty of the entire region. With the present admin- from her home, she is a successful real estate deal maker and has made several Dr. Joseph I. Castro as one of the main speakers.
istration and the current President Serzh very successful ones for St. Garabed. Castro was appointed the eighth president of
Sargsyan, the process has acquired a certain She has made countless trips to city hall in preparation for property pur- Fresno State in 2013. He has been a consistent
momentum from 2008, the time when the cur- chases and sales, zoning changes, building permits, etc. She has also been side- supporter of the Armenian Studies Program and
rent president assumed his post. Amongst his walk supervisor during the building of the Soorp Haroutiun church which she was a leader in support of the construction of
first actions he initiated this process of normal- started in l985 with the blessing of the late Jerusalem Patriarch Torkom the Armenian Genocide Monument on campus.
ization of relations without preconditions. The Manoogian. She purchased and sold properties and started the church building “The 30th Annual Banquet will highlight the
president’s initiative and defense of this policy in 2009, served Armenian home-cooked meals to the construction workers once growth of our Program,” said Armenian Studies
manifested his commitment to the vision for a a week and made sure that all is going according to plans. Her experience in the Program Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der
secure region. The Zurich Protocols were workplace overseeing 3,200 employees as a human resource director certainly Mugrdechian. “Our Program is a center for inter-
signed in 2009. Since the very beginning, equipped her with the ability to manage all the tasks she has been called to do, action between the community, the students,
Armenia entered into this process in good faith. or usually just volunteered to do. She has also attended to the many other needs and the university.”
Armenia has remained faithful to the Zurich of the community the elderly, the ill, the dying, grieving, the visiting hierarchy More than 40 student recipients of Armenian
Protocols, to its letter, spirit and agreed steps of or the church and neighborhood needs. Studies scholarships and grants for 2017-2018
implementation. We have taken them to the She also has turned her attention to Armenia since 1988, after the devastat- will be recognized at the banquet, together with
Parliament for ratification, according to the ing earthquake. She collected funds for Armenia many times and forwarded students who are graduating with a Minor in
agreement. But on the part of Turkey we have them to the Diocese. In 1992 she was asked by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Armenian Studies.
seen the total stepping back from the agree- to go to Armenia as a chaperon with a youth group where she witnessed the The Armenian Studies Banquet brings togeth-
ments with absolutely no effort to materialize devastation and the needs of the children. In 1994 she joined the HAVAD group er Fresno State students, faculty, administrators,
them. at the request of Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, the late pastor of St. Mary Armenian and the community, to celebrate the achieve-
Armenia has been patiently waiting for nine Church of Washington, DC, and met with the children in a health center in ments of the Program and its students.
years. The term of the current president is com- Dilijan, and children in a summer camp in Yeghegnatzor. After spending four The reception will begin at 5 p.m. followed by
ing to an end and he closes that page. I think weeks she observed the need of these children. In 1998 she became involved the banquet at 6 p.m.
there is very little for me to add because the with the Nork-Marash Mangadoon. Ever since, she has collected, sewed, pur- Tickets are available at $50 per person, with a
president of Armenia has been absolutely elo- chased, packed and shipped many containers through United Armenia Fund. special price of $25 for Fresno State students
quent and elaborated quite extensively about see HARVEY, page 7 and Fresno State faculty.
both the entire process and the reasons for the For more information, visit fresnostate.edu/
AMBASSADOR, page 9 armenianstudies.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cruising the Caribbean with Armenian Song and Dance
On each island visitors enjoyed exotic secluded
By Barbara Haroutunian beaches, where they could swim, listen and
dance to Armenian music, eat good food and
have fun in the tropical weather.
The 21st Armenian Heritage Cruise sailed Bishop Nareg Berberian, the Primate of the
from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 20- Diocese of the Armenian Church of Brazil, was
28, 2018 on Royal Caribbean’s premiere ship, on board.
the gorgeous Freedom of the Seas. Armenians Every day started with daily Armenian
from all over the world represented many coun- Church Service. For those guests who needed a
tries such as: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, little help on the dance floor, Margo Kaftajian
Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, taught basic Armenian dances. Her classes were
Lebanon, Turkey, Venezuela and many states packed with enthusiastic dancers looking to
within the United States. learn new dance moves.
For eight days, Armenians were given the For some friendly competition Antranig
opportunity to interact with old friends and Boudakian, John Jerikian and Hampar
make new connections with fellow Armenians. Vartanian supervised the annual Tavlou and
What brings over together over 1,000 Belote tournaments.
Armenians from all over the world on the The Hairenik Bookstore was open each day
Armenian Heritage Cruise is a common desire where guests had the opportunity to purchase
to meet new and old friends, attend cultural unique Armenian books, CD’s, videos and sou-
events, visit new places, and dance to Armenian venirs.
music, while cruising on the “Hye Seas.” The first night there was a welcome reception
The destinations this year included St. Kitts hosted by Maria Tavitian and Margo Kaftajian
Harout Pamboukchian dances with fans.
& Nevis, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Labadee. highlighting the week’s activities.
Harout Pamboukjian,
accompanied by his band
from California, captivated Ensemble from New Jersey dazzled the audi- Representative of Nagorno Karabakh to the US
his audience during his ence under the artistic directorship of Sylvia presented a talk on “The Current situation in
performance and truly cre- Asadourian. They performed traditional and around Artsakh, the conflict settlement
ated an atmosphere of Armenian folk dances dressed in authentic cos- process, as well as the economic process in the
energy, excitement, and tumes. rebuilt and investment opportunities.”
dancing. The “All Star Kef For the second year in a row, Maria Tavitian, Raffi Hamparian, chairman of the Armenian
Band” featuring Jim Dr. John P. Bilezikian and Dr. Raffy National Committee of America (ANCA), dis-
Kzirian, Steve Vosbikian, Hovanessian organized and introduced special cussed “The Armenian Cause: Today, Tomorrow
Richard Berberian, Medical Programs for Health Care Professionals and into the Future.”
Antranig Kzirian and Vik where ACCME, CDE and CPE Accreditation Shahen Mirakian, the president of the
Momjian performed. were received. Armenian National Committee of Canada
Harout Artin Bedrossian On Wednesday evening the chefs aboard the (ANCC) discussed “International Recognition of
also joined the line-up for “Freedom of the Seas” prepared a special Artsakh: The Legal Case.”
a truly amazing combina- Armenian dinner. The ACAA and TravelGroup Robert Haig Setrakian discussed “An
tion of entertainers. Sibil International served complimentary wine for Overview of the Armenian Banking System: A
from Istanbul, Turkey per- the guests along with dinner. On the same Bright Spot in Armenia’s Economy.”
formed two concerts evening was a Cocktail Party featuring Harout Bishop Berberian discussed Armenians in
singing her newest songs Pamboukjian sponsored by ACAA and Brazil.
Sibil performs on board. which delighted everyone. TravelGroup. Next year’s cruise will take place January 20-
The Akh’Tamar Dance Robert Avetisyan, the Permanent 27, aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the
Seas. Our appreciation is extended to the
Armenian Cultural Association of America for
making the cruise possible. For more informa-
tion or to book a reservation on Armenian
Heritage Cruise XXII contact TravelGroup
International.
Lucine Mardirosian
Harvey Receives Ellis
Island Medal of Honor
HARVEY, from page 6
She and her volunteer friends travel to Armenia
at their own expense, spend weeks on the
premises and pass the gifts directly to the chil-
dren every year. She has helped the needy, the
elderly and the soldiers in border areas of
Armenia or on the roads. She has donors coast
to coast and her contributions to Armenia
havepassed the million-dollar mark and is still
going on. With the donations she has renovat-
ed buildings, built a barn, provided heat for the
elderly and purchased farm animals for the chil-
dren to have milk, eggs and meat.
Her creative skills, the loving heart, the tire-
less body, the steel trap brain, the diplomacy,
the generous giving of money and self over the
years, has been with God’s guidance. She has
looked at every opportunity as a miracle from
heaven and accepted it graciously. She is always
grateful to God, her supporters and to her vol-
unteer friends. Her 2018 trip plans are taking
shape nowadays, for another humanitarian trip.
The Soorp Haroutiun church building is a
testimony to her endless efforts and accom-
plishments.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are award-
ed annually to distinguished American citizens
who exemplify a life dedicated to community
service. These are individuals who preserve and
celebrate the history, traditions and values of
their ancestry while exemplifying the values of
the American way of life and who are dedicated
to creating a better world for all.
-Diramayr Anahid Kalayjian
8 SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR
COMMUNITY NEWS
Hundreds Gather to Celebrate 11 Outstanding Educators
BURBANK, Calif. — Hundreds gathered on Colleges and author; Zaruhy “Sara” Chitjian
February 24, to celebrate and honor 11 out- Armenian Genocide Education Award
standing educators for their dedication to teach- Recipients Vivian Ekchian and Interim
ing the Armenian Genocide in California public Superintendent of LAUSD Taline Krikorian
schools at the second annual Armenian Arsenian, president of the Glendale Teachers
Genocide Education Awards Luncheon, hosted Association.
by the Armenian National Committee of The Armenian Genocide Education Award
America - Western Region’s Education Recipients were: Alicia Gorecki, Pasadena High
Committee. The event took place in Burbank at School, PUSD; Amber McLeod, Crescenta
De Luxe Banquet Hall. Included in the 250 Valley High School, GUSD; David Wright,
Selma High School, SUSD; Evelyn
Seubert, Cleveland Charter High
School, LAUSD; Ian McFeat, La
Cañada High School, LCUSD;
Reiner Kolodinski, Glendale High
School, GUSD; Sandra Garcia,
Theodore Roosevelt Middle
School, GUSD and Sean Mispagel,
La Cañada High School, LCUSD.
“This award will help cement
my commitment to the victims and
survivors of the Armenian
Genocide, to share their stories Group photo of the 11 honorees at the Armenian Genocide Education Awards Luncheon
with all my future students, friends
and family,” said honoree Sandra
future, never allowing atrocities like this to the historical significance of the Armenian
Garcia, who deeply moved every-
occur again,” stated honoree Vivian Ekchian, Genocide and the impacts that the systematic
one and expressed her sincere feel-
Interim Superintendent of the LAUSD, the sec- denial by the perpetrators has on its survivors,
Mistress of Ceremonies, Veronica Miracle of ABC7 News ings. Evelyn Seubert, the video
ond largest District in the US. whose descendants are sitting among them in
film teacher from Cleveland
In addition, to the heartfelt remarks class, including their teacher,” expressed
Charter High School noted, “We
guests were elected officials, superintendents, are striving to develop young people who will expressed by all honorees, the special treat of Krikorian Arsenian.
dignitaries, educators from all across the state not be silenced, who will learn to speak against the afternoon was having Veronica Miracle, an Mouradian, a longtime advocate and tireless
and especially the outstanding honorees with injustice. My students will never forget the ABC7 News Reporter as the mistress of cere- worker on behalf of Genocide Studies, moved
their friends and family. Armenians.” monies. the audience by promising to continue her work
The goal of this event is to celebrate educa- “Educating students about the Armenian The program consisted of several perfor- and making sure textbooks used in schools con-
tors who have creatively taught the Armenian Genocide provides the opportunity to teach mances. The Areni Dance Group, performed tain the true story of the Genocide. “If the
Genocide within their school communities, about courage, hope, resilience and persistence. the traditional Armenian “Tamzara.” In a spe- Armenian Genocide is not taught in history
across different courses such as social science, Studying genocides provides our students a cial musical performance, Hayk Davtyan classes, it will fade away into history as if it
English language arts, music, art, theater and window into the past. We must all gather the played the duduk while the kanon was played never happened. I especially want to acknowl-
film. The honored educators this year were: courage to stare through this window, never by Nareh Der Hartounian. Finally, the edge Sen. Anthony Portantino, Congressman
Armenian Genocide Education Legacy Award blinking at the horrors we find. Once that pain Crescenta Valley High School Theater Arts Adam Schiff, and Assemblymember Adrin
Recipient Dr. Kay Mouradian, Professor of the past starts to become blinding — only Department closed the event by performing a Nazarian who have extended their political
Emerita from the Los Angeles Community then can we see clearly where we must go in the special scene from their upcoming stage play efforts to bring the Armenian Genocide to the
based on Dr. Kay Mouradian’s novel, My attention of California Department of
Mother’s Voice. Education and textbook publishers,” said
Other memorable moments included the Mouradian.
recognition of Taline Krikorian Arsenian, presi- The program proved to be a moving and
dent of the Glendale Teachers Association, who inspiration event, as attendees requested that
fought for years to have April 24 declared a day the award program continue annually. Many
of commemoration for the Glendale Unified attendees also promised to nominate educators
School District. “I have a responsibility to my from their districts and to support next year’s
community to educate all my students about luncheon.
Giragosian
F U N E R A L H O M E
James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC
Mark J. Giragosian
Funeral Counselors
576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606
www.giragosianfuneralhome.com
The 11 honorees featured with members of the ANCA-WR Board and Education Committee
Noted Poet Diana Der-Hovanessian Dies Telephone [phone]
Aram Bedrosian
DER-HOVANESSIAN, from page 1
Funeral Home, Inc.
She received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Society of
America, PEN/Columbia Translation Center, National Writers Union, Armenian Writers
Union, Paterson Poetry Center, Prairie Schooner, American Scholar, the Armenian
Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945
Ministry of Culture, and others too numerous to list.
Her work has appeared in Poetry, AGNI, Nation, the New York Times, CDM, Paris
MARION BEDROSIAN
Review, etc.
558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN
She was a graduate of Boston University and did graduate work at Harvard. She worked
as a poet in the Massachusetts schools as well as a visiting poet and guest lecturer on WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN
American poetry, Armenian poetry in translation, and the literature of human rights at
various universities both here and abroad. She served for over 30 years as the president
of the New England Poetry Club. She worked tirelessly to educate the public about the Nardolillo Funeral Home
Armenian Genocide.
Her husband, James Dalley, preceded her in death.
She leaves two daughters, Maro Dalley and husband James Johnson of Hanna, Wy.; Est. 1906
Sonia Dalley and husband Mark Tisserand of Cambridge; three grandchildren, Maggie
John K. Najarian, Jr.
Johnson and Daniel and Helen Tisserand of Cambridge; sister, Helen Pahigian of West
Newton; nieces, Melanie and Shushan Pahigian, Diana Madden, Mara and Nita Der Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director
Hovanesian of New York and Florida; nephew Anthony Pahigian in Washington, DC. The
funeral service was at Holy Trinity Church, 147 Brattle St., Cambridge on Tuesday, March 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 [phone]
6th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian EyeCare Project, the 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 [phone]
Armenian Missionary Association of America, or the Armenian Tree Project.
www.nardolillo.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Armenia’s UN Ambassador Looks to Raise Armenia’s Profile
AMBASSADOR, from page 6 flict. This can pave the way for the establishment of a lasting
decision and all of that is public. The records of the National peace and security.
Security Council are available and also worth noting is the Jerusalem has a centuries-old Armenian presence, a rich
speech of the President of Armenia in the United Nations Armenian historical and cultural heritage. The Armenian
General Assembly in September 2017. Apostolic Church is one of the major guardians of the
TB: Armenian communities have historically been well Christian Holy Places. Therefore, we attentively follow all
regarded and respected in Arab countries as productive and developments with regard to Jerusalem.
loyal citizens. This has indeed helped to forge cultural and We took note of the recently expressed positions on
economic ties with a host of Arab countries, from the Gulf Jerusalem recognizing that they do not prejudice the deter-
States to Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and beyond. Yet, when the mination of the final status of Jerusalem through negotia-
thorny issue of Artsakh is on the agenda of an Islamic tions.
Conference or Arab League Summit, we don’t see much sup- Armenia is a long-standing partner of the United States on
port, if any, to Armenia’s position. What diplomatic tools many regional and international issues. Armenia has been
does Armenia’s Foreign Ministry possess to rectify this? working closely with the US within different platforms and
ZM: Different international organizations have different formats; Armenia is a security contributor by way of partici-
methods of work, different procedures and different practices pation in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo
of negotiating their documents. Such methods may be more and previously Iraq. The United States has been and remains
open or less open to abuse of membership. We observe a significant contributor to Armenia’s reform agenda, insti-
instances of such abuse by Azerbaijan, when the substance Armenia’s primary focus has been and remains on the main- tution building and strengthening of democratic founda-
and content of the negotiations on the peaceful resolution of stream negotiating process within the internationally agreed tions, the state and the civil society of Armenia have been
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is taken out of context, total- format. benefiting from the support of the United States and from
ly distorted and inserted in a totally different document with- In the context of your question, and that brings me to my sharing values. An important component of our relations is
in a totally different organization, which has no internation- second point, their failure to commit to the peaceful resolu- the presence of the strong Armenian Diaspora, who over cen-
al mandate for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. What tion of the conflict also manifests in what we call forum turies have become part of the very fabric of the American
they effectively do is present wishful thinking as a reality. shopping, attempts to create parallel platforms, or to create society, committed citizens of the United States, contribut-
Two things are clear. First, the only internationally-man- the illusion of parallel platforms. Those attempts are coun- ing to the wealth of this nation. As such they are collective-
dated format within which the negotiations for the peaceful terproductive, they do not contribute to progress in the ly an important bridge of forging common agenda, friend-
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is taking place peace process and they have in effect no value. ship and cooperation between our two nations, the tendons
is the OSCE [Organization for security and Cooperation in Armenia maintains very close relations with the over- of such relations. Relations between the US and Armenia are
Europe] Minsk Group co-chairmanship of France, Russia and whelming majority of the countries in the organization you solid and tested overtime. I am not convinced that their foun-
the US. The international community has delegated this referred to, given, not least, the strong and tested close his- dations can be easily disturbed.
function to the above countries within the above format and torical, cultural and civilization interactions between our TB: With President Trump’s stated goal of “America First”
over years these countries have been consistently and effec- peoples. It is absurd, to say the least, to attach a religious and pulling the U.S. back from the world stage, it seems that
tively engaged in the mediation of the peaceful resolution. connotation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as Armenia’s the world today is rapidly becoming less uni-polar, with
This format is fully supported by the United Nations [UN] experience of living together with the nations of the Muslim China emerging as an economic powerhouse and Russia
system, the United Nations Security Council [UNSC], an world and mutually enriching each other goes far beyond the reasserting itself on the world stage with modernized armed
excellent example of cooperation between the UNSC and history of Azerbaijan. Those relations and historical experi- forces. Does a multi-polar world cause more or fewer chal-
regional organizations. This format is fully supported by the ence is duly manifested in shared mutual interests, coopera- lenges to Armenia?
Secretary-General of the United Nations. tion and partnership with those countries in the present ZM: There are indeed many disturbing developments in
Those three countries have all the necessary political times. Therefore, so far as those documents are concerned, the international agenda, which heighten the sense of secu-
leverage, diplomatic skills and expertise and have generated their value and relevance should be placed in a context. This rity among nations. In the case of smaller nations, this is par-
the necessary knowledge and understanding of the back- is not to say we are complacent, as we are consistently alert ticularly acute. Given the fragilities of our region, Armenia’s
ground and the realities of the conflict and its historical on these matters and insist on the consistency of our part- sense of security is equally sharpened. In the present glob-
background. The leadership of the mediating countries is ners to support what they support anyway, that is the inter- alized world no country can be immune from the security
directly involved in the process, as is evident, for example nationally mandated negotiating format of the OSCE co- challenges in any part of the globe, whether in the Middle
from numerous meetings and joint statements at the level of chairmanship and the proposals therein. That is to say, we East, East Asia or elsewhere, whether the problems are of
Presidents and Foreign Ministers of France, Russia and the insist on just and lasting peace and the strictly peaceful res- political, economic, environmental or other nature. This is
United States. olution of the conflict. why we believe there is ever-growing importance for inter-
The three mediating countries remain fully consolidated in For Armenia and Artsakh the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict national cooperation and dialogue within different sub-
their efforts, which represents an excellent example of their has been and remains a question of physical security for very regional, regional and international formats. There is of
cooperation and working together. They have formulated real people and a question of freely determining their des- course an obvious necessity for a stronger role of the United
workable and realistic compromise proposals for the strictly tiny, that is to say exercising their inalienable right to self- Nations.
peaceful resolution of the conflict. Their proposal is not determination, which will be defended at any cost. No docu- Armenia’s foreign policy has been very consistent in iden-
Armenia’s proposal, but we recognize this as a workable ment of the OIC will alter that resolve. Both Armenia and tifying and forging partnerships based on mutual interests
compromise and are committed to work within those para- Artsakh will continue to pursue this existential goal by strict- and mutual respect. Armenia has been firmly rejecting any
meters. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan has been consistently fail- ly peaceful means. such method in its foreign policy, which would seek benefits
ing to demonstrate the necessary political will and commit- TB: At the UN General Assembly on December 21, 2017, based on disagreements or conflicting interests of its part-
ment to accept the three basic principles and respective ele- Armenia, along with 127 other countries voted against the ners. Often one would find the formulation of “both/and” as
ments, which constitute the basis of the solution as an inte- Trump administration’s decision to move the U.S. Embassy opposed to “either/or” in the method and practice of our
gral whole. Their failure has been most evident on numerous from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thus effectively recognizing the foreign policy. Such policy has been consistently receiving
occasions, such as, for example in Kazan, Russia in 2011. Holy City as the capital of Israel (resolution A/ES-10/L.22 the respect and recognition of all our partners. One might
The failure to commit to the peaceful resolution manifests in until title “Status of Jerusalem”) How does this vote serve want to admit that implementation of such policy perhaps
many ways, including by way of flaring up tensions in the the foreign policy objectives of Armenia? And given the fact requires significant effort, but it is an effort absolutely worth
region, outright escalation and aggression, as was the case that Armenia is the recipient of generous aid from the US making.
in April 2016, consistent warmongering rhetoric, also failure and the public warning by the US President that countries TB: You have held many positions in public office with
to live up to the agreements, reached in St. Petersburg and voting against this move may lose American financial aid, extensive diplomatic experience. Do you consider this posi-
Vienna in 2016, as well as the Geneva agreements in October how does this weigh in on Armenia’s decision? tion to be the most challenging?
2017 at the level of presidents (not to mention the level of ZM: Armenia explained its vote in the General Assembly, ZM: I am very privileged to serve my nation in the United
foreign ministers) to strengthen the cease-fire regime, to it is in the records of the meeting. Nations. Professionally, of course, it is challenging. But let
establish an investigative mechanism for the cease-fire viola- The status of Jerusalem is one of the most important me put it this way. I started this job 27 years ago, serving in
tions and to expand the office of the special representative issues on the international agenda and should be solved the Armenian diplomatic service. This is my job, my career
of the OSCE Chairperson-In-Office (CIO) for strengthening through the negotiations within the context of the accept- and my profession and I have been treating every position
of the monitoring capacity of the cease-fire regime. able solution for the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian con- and posting as important, interesting and challenging.
‘Multiple Identities and Memories of the Armenian
World’ Topic of Demoyan Talk
FRESNO — Fulbright Scholar Dr. Hayk taking particular note of the instrumentaliza- challenges.
Demoyan will give a lecture, “Multiple tion of history and historical markers — old and Demoyan, a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the
Identities and Memories of the Armenian new symbols, heroes, historical events, etc. For Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
World,” on Monday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m., in a long time, such questions were considered as of Harvard University, is researching the identi-
the University Business Center, Alice Peters taboo within the official rhetoric of both the ty transformation processes in the South
Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno State Armenian state and certain diasporan circles. Caucasus. He has been the director of the
campus. The presentation is part of the Spring In fact, in different diasporan circles there are Armenian Genocide Museum and Institute
Lecture Series of the Armenian Studies contradictory views towards Armenia and its (AGMI) in Yerevan, Armenia since 2006.
Program and is funded through the Leon S. status as “homeland.” At the same time, the Demoyan is head of the Scientific Council of
Peters Foundation. institutionalization of Artsakh as a separate the AGMI. He is also a chief editor of the
Demoyan’s presentation will analyze and dis- political entity, contrary to the initial policies of International Journal of Armenian Genocide
cuss modern aspects of identity and memory unification and merging, as well as the devel- Studies. Dr. Hayk Demoyan
politics in Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora, opment of parallel diasporas, create further The lecture is free and open to the public.
10 SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR
COMMUNITY NEWS
From Pain to Healing: Aurora Dialogues in Heart of September 11 Tragedy
AURORA, from page 1 country of Burundi during its civil war. A
“Tonight we will focus on the best of what teacher, Barankitse had adopted seven children
people can do,” said Ignatius. “The spirit of of different backgrounds to demonstrate the
heroism and sacrifice that leads people, as hap- possibility of living together in unity. In the face
pened on 9/11, to step forward, take risk and of violence she sought to rebuild on harrowing
responsibility for others and make the generous sites, including “a swimming pool to wash away
commitment that Aurora is honoring.” the sinners.”
In her welcoming remarks, Alice Greenwald, “I want to show we don’t want revenge,” said
president and CEO of the National September Barankitse, who witnessed the massacre of
11 Memorial and Museum, said that the close to 100 people in her hometown. “We
evening’s panelists are individuals “who chose, stand up and we will say we refuse the hatred
in time of grave danger, to step up in humane because love will always win.”
ways.” Founder and president of HEART 9/11, a
“Against the backdrop of grief we tell stories non-profit organization of first responders who
of courage that testify to human decency,” she help rebuild and recover natural and man-made
continued, recognizing the site of the 9/11 disasters, Bill Keegan was on duty at the World
Museum, where guests had the opportunity to Trade Center when the initial attack on the
take a special guided tour. “Stories that offer a Twin Towers occurred in 1993 and found him-
powerful reminder that in times of darkness, we self at the same devastating site on September
do shine the brightest.” 11, 2001. Although he and his team were high-
She urged the audience to reflect on what ly trained in rescue, they quickly realized they
kind of society to leave for future generations had to transition to recovery, “which was hard
and to engage in acts of public service and vol- for us to accept.”
unteerism while living in an interconnected His team soon repurposed itself because “the
world. Lieutenant William Keegan and John Prendergast need shifted to recovery and we repurposed
In his remarks, Vartan Gregorian, president ourselves to the other needs out there in the
of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, elab- world.”
orated on the focus of the Aurora Inititative Gregorian noted that Americans efficiently the Diaspora who are trying to give back to He spoke of the “moment of collective love”
and how it is a byproduct of the Armenian responded to the Armenian Genocide and those who rescued us.” when, after months of physical and emotional
Genocide of 1915-1923, when many interna- formed the National Armenian Relief “That’s a wonderful thing coming from a draining on-site 9/11 recovery efforts, the Port
tional organizations came to the aid of the Committee, which later became the Near East small nation that has no resources but has the Authority officers raised the steel-beam cross
Armenian victims, particularly those from the Relief Foundation, raising $100 million, the heart and the will to rescue others,” continued that became the site’s symbol.
US. He remembered and thanked former US largest philanthropic effort in US history at that Gregorian. “To stand against persecution and John Prendergast, who works in crisis areas
Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry point in time. “That is why we are here today, to injustice, but most importantly to awaken the in Congo, Rwanda and Darfur, spoke of the pos-
Morgenthau, who was the first to alert the U.S. show that sacrifice matters and that human conscious of humanity.” itive role celebrities can play in preventing and
and the world that Ottoman authorities “had beings matter.” Dr. Philip Zimbardo, founder and president of shining light on genocide. He highlighted
issued a death warrant against Armenians.” Speaking of the Aurora Prize, which awards the Heroic Imagination Project, spoke about Darfur, which “has no strategic interest for the
“We are here to thank America and $100,000 to one recipient a year, along with $1 transforming memory into positive action. US or Europe” and the influence of George
Americans for rescuing remnants of the million to the recipient’s charity of choice, A lifelong New Yorker, Zimbardo was presi- Clooney to the region.
Armenian Genocide and for defending the Gregorian said it was created to “give back” and dent-elect of the American Psychological “We said never again to the Armenian
Armenian Republic,” said Gregorian, co-founder “continue the cycle of giving.” Association when 9/11 occurred and provided Genocide, to the Holocaust, but here it is hap-
of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and “We no longer mourn the Armenian treatment to families who lost loved ones and to pening again,” he said as he cited Darfur as the
Board Member of the September 11 Memorial Genocide,” in a traditional way, said Gregorian. those who survived the tragedy. first genocide of the 21st century.
and Museum. Instead, “We have a nation and major forces in “Moral courage, not bravery, is the core of He commended Clooney for taking an active
heroic action,” said Zimbardo, professor emeri- interest in not only bringing attention to the
tus at Stanford University. He noted that heroes matter but also trying to find a way to help on
are those who are aware of risks but act on the ground, such as implementing satellite
behalf of others in need or in defense of moral imagery to bring more awareness to an area
causes. where journalists and human rights organiza-
The Heroic Imagination Project, a non-profit tions couldn’t enter. They began building
Zimbardo established in 2010, inspires youth in dossiers and turning them over for the interna-
schools across the country to become everyday tional community to take a step forward in help-
heroes and “teaches people to stand up, to ing resolve the crisis.
speak out, and to take action in order to change “George is a great example of the evolution
the world.” that can take place when someone is given a
Zimbardo presented case studies and empha- chance to go from bystander to upstander,” said
sized the power of one and the importance of Prendergast.
Dr. Vartan Gregorian, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
extending compassion. His program has been In his video address, 2017 Aurora Prize
implemented in several US states and across Laureate Dr. Tom Catena, physician at the
the world, including in Hungary, Australia, Iran Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba
and Poland, among others, where students Mountains, the only surgeon in those parts of
learn to be wise and effective heroes. Sudan, said “all lives have inherent worth and
During the panel discussion, Ignatius asked value” and that “all of us have the capability
each guest to share his and her personal stories. and potential to do heroic things.”
Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Viewers had the opportunity to see Catena’s
Barankitse, founder of Maison Shalom, a chil- work in the mountains, where he is on call 24
dren’s center, discussed the violent conflict hours a day, 7 days a week, tending to patients
between two warring tributes in her home continued on next page