Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Armenian Mirror-Spectator 9-19-09
Armenian Mirror-Spectator 9-19-09
Armenian Mirror-Spectator 9-19-09
THE ARMENIAN
Mirror-Spectator
Volume LXXX, NO. 9 Issue 41 03
Genocide Topic of New Book Dink was assassinated on January 27, 2007, as
he was walking out of his office here, by a
Turkish national. Several people have gone on
trial for the murder, yet no one has been con-
victed of it. More details are emerging however,
By Taleen Babayan and Alin K. Gregorian making it clear the murder was not a random act
Mirror-Spectator Staff by a fanatic, but possibly with the complicity of
some persons in power.
NEW YORK — Author After Dink’s assassination, Nobel Prize laure-
Michael Bobelian’s first book, ate, novelist Orhan Pamuk, left Turkey.
Children of Armenia: A According to the Istanbul city administration,
Forgotten Genocide and the one of the streets adjacent to the newspaper
Century-Long Struggle for office will be named after Dink.
Justice, which focuses on the
aftermath of the Armenian
Genocide, was recently pub-
Israeli Authorities Rescind
lished by Simon & Schuster. Deportation Move
Bobelian spoke this week
about his book, the thrust of JERUSALEM — The Israeli Ministry of Interior
which, he said, is finding out why the world forgot about the has rescinded its decision to deport two
Armenian Genocide very soon after the events. Armenian seminarians at St. James Seminary
“Most of my book focuses on the aftermath of the Genocide. That involved in a fracas with a Jewish youth who had
is an era no one has written about, neither in historical nor journal- spat on them.
istic circles, so it made it very challenging because I had no books to The seminarians, who had been held by the
rely upon to act as a guidepost. But it also made it fascinating Israeli police, were set free “without any prior
because no one had written about it. I got to see original material conditions” and allowed to return to the
and look at it in a way no one has before. I covered comprehensive- Armenian Patriarchate, St. James sources said.
ly the legislative battles, the [Kourken] Yanikian trial and its impact, The seminarians, Narek Hovannesian and
and the 1965 demonstrations that began the modern Armenian cam- David Harutunian, had arrived in Jerusalem a
paign for justice.” year ago to enroll at St. James and prepare for
see BOBELIAN, page 15 the priesthood.
The decision to deport the two seminarians
evoked sharp protests not only among the city’s
Christians but abroad as well.
The police had initially arrested the two semi-
ADL Welcomes New Armenian Sargisian to narians and detained them pending an appear-
ance in court, but had changed track the next
Ambassador at United Nations Meet Armenian day and informed the Patriarchate that the mat-
ter had been referred to the Interior Ministry,
which had decided to deport the two.
NEW YORK — A delegation of ADL
District Committee of US and Canada visit-
Ilandjian, vice chairman of the chapter.
On behalf of the Ramgavar Party, Megerian
Party Leaders
ed the newly-appointed Ambassador of welcomed the ambassador and offered the Azerbaijan Violates NKR
party’s help and
services to the
On Turkey Ceasefire
embassy. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — President STEPANAKERT (ArmInfo) — Azerbaijan violated
Va r t i v a r i a n Serge Sargisian will meet leaders of the ceasefire on the contact line with the armed
expressed the dozens of Armenian political parties on forces of Nagorno Karabagh (NKR) on
good wishes of Thursday to discuss his controversial September 14 and 15, the NKR Defense Ministry
all ADL news fence-mending agreements with Turkey, a reported.
media of the spokesman said on Monday. Azerbaijan fired from small caliber weapons
world, especially The meeting will be part of “internal and sniper rifles at the positions of the NKR
in these tumul- political consultations” which Ankara and Defense Army in the southeastern, eastern and
tuous days, Yerevan have agreed to undertake before northeastern directions, the Defense Ministry
when there are signing two protocols on the normaliza- said. After the Karabagh divisions returned fire,
discussions tion of bilateral relations next month. the shooting stopped, the ministry spokesperson
about the rela- According to Samvel Farmanian, the said.
tions of Turkey presidential press secretary, formal invita-
and Armenia. tions to discuss “the current stage of the
Va r t i v a r i a n normalization of Turkey-Armenia rela-
Krikor Salbashian, Vartan Ilandjian, Ambassador Garen Nazarian,
Papken Megerian and Hagop Vartivarian,
spoke also about
the factions
tions” with the head of state have been
extended to the heads of all political par-
INSIDE
inside the party ties active in the country. “This will be
and gave the third thematic consultation convened
Armenia at the United Nations, Garen Nazarian an account of the situation. by President Sargisian in this format,” he
Nazarian, on Wednesday, September 11, at
the headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.
Nazarian thanked the delegation for this
visit and reiterated that the ADL has been a
said in a statement.
The previous two meetings, held in Little Hearts
The delegation was headed by Papken supporter of successive governments in November and March, focused on the See page 6
Megerian, co-chairman, Hagop Vartivarian, Armenia, no matter who is in power. He said Nagorno Karabagh peace process and the
chairman of Press Committee, Krikor that he is happy to see that the ADL press is Armenian government’s efforts to cope
Salbashian, chairman of Armenagan- very supportive of the initiation of the dia- with the effects of the global financial cri-
Hovsepian chapter of New York, and Vartan logue between Armenia and Turkey. sis respectively. They were attended by
nearly 50 party leaders mostly loyal to
Sargisian.
INDEX
Levon Aronian Wins Chess ‘Grand Slam’ Both meetings were boycotted by the
main opposition Armenian National
Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,3
Arts and Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
BILBAO, Spain (Panorama.am) — Armenian Grand Master Levon Congress (HAK). Farmanian said that the Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17
Aronian won the Grand Slam Masters Chess tournament here, last presidential administration has again sent Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
week. In the final round, Aronian and opponent Sergey Karjakin out invitations only to the leaders of the Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ended in a draw. parties making up the alliance. The HAK’s International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Aronian led the tournament with 13 points; Alexander Grishchuk top leader, Levon Ter-Petrosian does not
had 8 points and occupied the second horizontal, Karjakin had 7 formally head any of those parties.
points and Aleksey Shirov, 3 points. see LEADERS, page 20
2 S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R
ARMENIA
ARMENIA
Judo Diplomacy:
AGBU President Visits Armenia, Meets President Sargisian Armenian Organizers
YEREVAN — Berge Setrakian, president of
the Armenian General Benevolent Union Raise Flag, Play Anthem
(AGBU), visited Armenia in early
September to meet several Armenian offi-
For Azeri Judokas
cials.
While there, Setrakian met with Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Armenian By Georg Khachaturyan
President Serge Sargisian, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargisian, Foreign Minister Edward YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) —
Nalbandian and Diaspora Minister Azerbaijan’s flag was raised five times
Hranush Hakobyan. and their national anthem played once in
On September 4, Setrakian met with the Armenian capital over the weekend as
Sargisian at the presidential office, with part of a pledge made by the host party
issues raised regarding the proposed proto- ahead of the European junior judo cham-
cols between Armenia and Turkey. pionships in Yerevan (September 11-13)
“We know that the authorities in Armenia that for the first time drew five partici-
face a difficult path as they endeavor to build pants from neighboring Azerbaijan, a
new relations with Turkey without imposed country with which Armenia has been in
preconditions,” Setrakian said. “We also a state of undeclared war since the 1991-
believe the government of Armenia shares 1994 conflict in Nagorno Karabagh.
our serious concerns about the sincerity of Armenian authorities reported no
Turkey, given its historic anti-Armenian poli- major incidents during the champi-
cy that has continued to the present time.” onships and said all necessary security
Setrakian reportedly reiterated AGBU’s had been provided to the 15 members of
fundamental stand that international the Azerbaijani delegation that also
AGBU President Berge Setrakian met with Armenian President Serge Sargisian at the presidential
recognition of the Armenian Genocide office on September 4.
included coaches, doctors and medical
should transcend and not be sacrificed for personnel.
any immediate diplomatic consideration. Five Azeri athletes won a total of five
He also said that no protocol should pre- Earlier in the week, Setrakian met with including a global Armenian leadership medals, including one gold and one silver,
condition normalization of relations by any Diaspora Minister Hakobyan, discussing assembly slated to take place in Yerevan next finishing seventh in overall team compe-
terms of concession involving the upcoming meetings and events that aim to year and an initiative to assemble Armenian tition. Team Armenia, meanwhile, man-
Karabagh conflict. bring together the diaspora and homeland, intellectuals. aged one gold and two bronze medals,
finishing ninth in the competition won by
the team from Ukraine.
“Judo can also become a means for dia-
logue between the two peoples,” said
Avant-Garde Ensemble’s Gig in Yerevan “Sport is not politics. Let politics remain
politics.”
The Azeri delegation’s representative
confirmed that security was provided at a
Armenia was presented (in the documentary) me. There is life here,” said King. high level.
By Karine Ionesyan only as poor children and elderly people. But Narek Nersisyan, 21, one of 20 Armenian Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry of
the author of the documentary, Ava actors involved in “Here,” played the tar dur- Armenia denied information reported by
Berkovsky, said: “I don’t think that I present- ing the concert, which was attended by about some Azeri media that the minivan trans-
YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — An avant-garde ed the country only with negative stuff. I sim- 400, most of whom left during the perfor- porting the Azeri delegation to the sport
ensemble was met with mixed reaction ply showed the people I had dealt with.” mance. He said that the Armenian audience complex had the flags of Georgia,
Monday night in the latest installment of Open The director of “Here” feature film acknowl- was in fact unprepared for listening to such Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh on it.
Music Fest, the seven-week series of open-air edged that the sequences in his film are quite music. Armenia and Azerbaijan are known for
concerts that has brought together a wide different – besides misery he also presents “Only a narrow specialized audience should their troubled relations in sports after
variety of styles to the Armenian stage. Armenia with its beautiful mountainous land- have come here, an audience that would not the collapse of the Soviet Union and the
More accustomed to intimate settings scape. But he wasn’t unsatisfied with be afraid to see and hear Armenia through the bloody war in Nagorno Karabagh. The
inside, Boxhead Ensemble, from the US, per- Berkovsky’s work. eyes [and ears] of a foreigner,” said Nersisyan. unresolved conflict still remains a major
formed its first outdoor concert in its 15-year “I love Armenia very much, since here, Eight days of Open Music Festival and three obstacle for athletes of one country to be
history. unlike the United States, there is something concerts still remain. The next performer will present at sporting events hosted by the
Boxhead had come to Armenia to compose to say and still many films that haven’t been be mezzo-soprano from Italy Anna Maria other.
and record film score for the first American made. What is gloom for you is beautiful to Curie with the “Memories from Italy.” Security concerns have also dogged
movie “Here” that has been shot in Armenia, sporting events involving Armenian and
concluding production last week. The movie is Azeri sportsmen held on neutral ground.
a love story of an American cartographer vis- In January 2006, Armenia’s soccer
iting Armenia and a Canadian-Armenian champion Pyunik refused to play Baku’s
painter, an undiscovered country for both the
American and the Armenian.
Aware of this planned visit, Open Music
Armenian Troop Deployment Neftchi in the semi-final of the
Commonwealth of Independent States
Cup in Moscow to forestall possible clash-
Festival, launched on July 30, decided to invite
Boxhead also to perform as part of the festi-
val.
In Russia Denied es in the stands between Armenians and
Azeris, who are known to have large eth-
nic communities in the Russian capital.
“We are sure that both during the concert MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — Armenia will not the transport infrastructure” in the area. Later that year, an Armenia vs.
and during the few days that this ensemble have a permanent military presence in Russia The Armenian government has not explicit- Azerbaijan match in the Under-19
will be here, they will manage to get to know as part of its involvement in a Russian-domi- ly denied the information so far. But Nikolay European championship qualifying group
Armenia so that they can make the right nated rapid reaction force comprising troops Bordyuzha, the CSTO secretary general, tournament in Cyprus turned violent
music for my film,” said “Here” director from five former Soviet republics, a top offi- insisted on September 3 that Moscow and after some of the partisan Armenian
Braden King before the concert. cial in Moscow said recently. Yerevan have not even negotiated on the pos- Cypriot crowd overreacted to unsports-
A documentary lasting about two hours was An agreement on the formation of the sibility of Armenian troop deployment in the manlike behavior, obscene gestures and
shown during the concert. The film presented force, officially called the Collective mentioned area. constant provocations by several Azeri
Armenia the way it is seen by an American. It Operational Reaction Forces (CORF), was for- “Armenia is a party to the agreement on players who climbed the protective fence
was also a film about the shooting of “Here.” malized in June during a summit of the the Collective Operational Reaction Forces to step onto the field. Play stopped for
Simultaneously, the improvisational perfor- Collective Security Treaty Organization (CORF) and has set aside army units and spe- half an hour and resumed only after
mance was a fusion of avant-garde, with (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance. Two cial forces from national security and internal police intervention.
Armenian folk music – Armenian tar, violin, of the CSTO’s seven member states, Belarus affairs bodies for that purpose,” Bordyuzha Those incidents led European football’s
guitar, drums. and Uzbekistan, refused to sign the agree- told Armenian journalists in a video confer- governing body, UEFA, to cancel two
Boxhead singer Jessica Kenney accompa- ment because of major disagreements with ence from Moscow. Euro-2008 qualifiers between the two
nied the film with vocals: “We were creating Moscow. Bordyuzha said those forces would be nor- countries’ senior teams planned for
right on the stage, creating one single music Citing an unnamed official at the CSTO mally based in Armenia. The CORF would September 2007 in Baku and Yerevan.
that knows no specific ethnicity; it belongs to headquarters in Moscow, the Russian use them only “in cases where there is a need Also in 2007, however, a 15-member
everyone.” Regnum news agency reported last month for their involvement in carrying out a con- team of Armenian wrestlers participated
But a majority of the audience appeared that under the terms of the deal, Armenia crete military task,” he added. in the world championships in Baku. The
unsatisfied with the concert and the video. will be able to open two military bases in the The Russian military is expected to con- Armenian delegation then acknowledged
OMF creator and National Chamber Orchestra Russian North Caucasus. The official was tribute by far the largest contingent of the the high level of security provided to
of Armenia principal conductor Aram quoted as saying that the “limited contin- CORF. Officials in Yerevan have yet to speci- them. Also, the organizing party then
Gharabekian described the concert as a “blue- gent” would be stationed in the Krasnodar fy the number of Armenian soldiers and raised the Armenian tricolor at the award-
print.” region and the restive Muslim republic of other security personnel that it will commit ing ceremony after an Armenian wrestler
One spectator was heard complaining that Dagestan to primarily ensure “the security of to the NATO-style force. won a bronze medal.
4 S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL NEWS
Community News
Walk of Life Rakel Dink to
2009 to Be Speak in Central
Held October 3 California
LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Bone FRESNO — Rakel Dink, the widow of Hrant
Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) will hold its Dink, the co-founder of Agos weekly who was
annual walk-a-thon on Saturday, October 3, at assassinated two years ago, will speak here on
the Verdugo Park in Glendale. Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3 at 7
The annual event aims to raise awareness of p.m. in the sanctuary of the First Armenian
the ABMDR’s work and give attendees the Presbyterian Church (FAPC), 430 South First
chance to join the donor registry. St. Admission is free and open to the public and
“The walk-a-thon provides a wonderful each evening will conclude with a fellowship
opportunity to support a cause that affects reception in the adjacent church hall.
everyone, especially those of Armenian The October 2 presentation will primarily be
descent,” said Dr. Frieda Jordan, president of in the Armenian language and the October 3
the ABMDR Board of Directors. presentation will primarily be in the English
Expected to draw hundreds of participants language. Each of the talks will be preceded by
from all age groups, the event will feature food a screening of the acclaimed European docu-
and live entertainment. mentary, “Hrant Dink: Mercy and Truth Have
Mariette Keshishian and Dr. Evelyn Met Together.” The October 2008 motion pic-
Baghdassarian of the ABMDR are coordinating ture is a production of Net for God, part of the
teams of students from local public schools Chemin Neuf Community of Lyons, France.
with the help of Daniel Baghdassarian, a stu- A native of Malatya, Hrant Dink grew up in the
dent at La Canada High. Gedikpa Armenian Orphanage of Istanbul and the
Armenian schools will also have a strong Tuzla Armenian
presence. The Chamlian and Mesrobian schools Children’s Camp of
are already onboard, with their respective Although Alexa and Simone fell in love with all the children, they formed a very Marmara. At the
teams posted on the ABMDR site close bond with these two young sisters. They promised to make sure that they camp, Dink first met
(www.abmdr.am). Garbis Bartanian, a science have them as two Godmothers from America always watching over them through Rakel Fbasan, a
teacher at Mesrobian School, is educating stu- the rest of their lives. Kurdish-Armenian of
dents about stem cell transplantation and the Varto clan. The
genetics through a series of special talks. Dr. couple married at the
Baghdassarian noted that individuals of any camp some eight
Little Hearts
age can start their own walk-a-thon team or years after their first
join an existing one through the ABMDR site. meeting and eventual-
Walk of Life 2009, which is chaired by ly had three children. Rakel Dink
Armond Aghakhanian of the ABMDR, has After Dink stud-
received considerable corporate and local-gov- ied zoology at
Istanbul University and completed his military
ernment support. The event’s main sponsor is
the Glendale Memorial Hospital, represented at
Two Armenian Americans Create Documentary service obligation, he opened the Beyaz Adam
the walk-a-thon by Arpine Kestenian. Other About Child Protection in Armenia Bookstore with his two brothers. He and Rakel
later assumed management of the Tuzla Camp
sponsors include the Glendale City Council and
Bank of America. The latter has contributed when the longtime administrator, Hrant
$1,000 to the walk-a-thon and pledged to match Guzelian, was imprisoned.
all funds raised by Bank of America employees. By Simone Paklaian and Alexa Sapah-Gulian In the Lenten Season of 1996, Dink and oth-
Jordan said that other sponsors can still join ers started Agos weekly, the only newspaper in
in and will receive ABMDR recognition as walk- NEW YORK — We are both high school students who live in Connecticut and the Republic of Turkey to be published in both
a-thon supporters. spend the summers on Cape Cod, where we work at Eulindas, a local ice cream Armenian and Turkish. As the founding editor-
“We will be walking to save lives,” shop. But this summer wasn’t like the past 10 we’ve spent at the Cape. This sum- in-chief, Dink focused on Turkish-Armenian
Baghdassarian said. “At this very moment there mer we made the decision to go to Armenia during a portion of our break, work relations, the need for democratization of the
are patients who are in desperate need of a bone at the Child Protection Center, and then create a documentary about it to devel- nation, and the rights and roles of minority
marrow donor, so this is the time to help.” op global awareness. communities in Anatolia.
Throughout the event, volunteers will regis- When we first heard about the Child Protection Center, which is run by the Prosecuted three times for allegedly deni-
ter potential donors after conducting a quick Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), we felt that the work being accomplished was grating Turkishness under the Penal Code,
and simple screening, which involves taking a very important and we decided to get involved. Dink was featured in Carla Garapedian’s 2006
saliva sample with a swab. “By joining the Through our research, we learned that this was a one-of-a-kind center in Genocide documentary, “Screamers.” On
ABMDR, participants will also become part of Armenia, which is responsible for protecting abused children on a short-term basis January 19, 2007, he was assassinated as he
the National Marrow Donor Program, to help until long-term plans can be set. It is a program that originated in conjunction with returned to the Agos editorial offices. Four days
any and all individuals who are in need of a the Yerevan Police Department, which, in earlier days, routinely picked up aban- later, more than 100,000 citizens marched in
bone marrow transplantation,” Baghdassarian doned children off the streets and placed them in facilities — facilities that didn’t his funeral procession, with many carrying
noted. address the long-term needs of the children. signs reading, “We are all Armenians; We are all
“The ABMDR has become a genuinely pan- This Child Protection Center program fills that void by not only providing for Hrant Dink.”
national project around which Armenians the physical needs of the children, but also by addressing their psychological Since his death, Rakel Dink has spoken at
everywhere continue to rally,” said Fimi see DOCUMENTARY, page 7 home and abroad about her husband’s ideals
Mekhitarian, one of the registry’s donor and aims, her enduring Christian faith and the
recruiters. “Our upcoming walk-a-thon is a vital- pressing need for greater justice in the land of
ly important event not only because it will cele- her birth. Appearing before Turkish judicial
brate community activism and wellness, but authorities, she prayed for mercy for her hus-
function as a great conduit to further boost the band’s killers “with the love and justice of Jesus
life-saving mission of the registry.” Christ, one who knows and sees all.”
For more information visit abmdr.am. Founded on July 25, 1897 by 40 immigrants
from Marsovan and Trebizond, FAPC is a multi-
generational congregation of 400 drawn from
the Old and New Worlds. The theme of the con-
gregation for 2009 is “Nothing is impossible
with God.” Rakel Dink’s visit is part of the con-
gregation’s Thanksgiving Season focus on the
persecuted church worldwide.
Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian is senior pastor of
the host church; Rev. Aren Balabanian is the
associate pastor; Shant Barsoumian, M.Div. is
the pastoral intern; and Elder Thomas Bulger is
chair of the Committee on Missions. The boy-
hood church of authors William Saroyan and
A.I. Bezzerides, FAPC is a member congrega-
Alexa and Simone help the children act out through play, as Mira Antoyan, director
of the center, looks on. tion of the Presbyterian Church (US) and the
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.
Scenes from last year’s Walk of Life. More information about Rakel Dink’s Fresno
visit is available by visiting www.fapc.net.
S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
In preparation for the documentary, the two girls accompanied the FAR caseworkers to interview the
parents of children that were helped by FAR’s Child Protection Center.
they knew us, too. Whether it involved working memories. Though they will grow up and find hap-
in the kitchen and serving them their meals, let- piness on their own, we hope we changed their
ting them act out by painting, singing or danc- lives as much as they changed ours, even if they
ing, or by just simple play, we were always greet- did only know us for a short amount of time. We
ed with ample amounts of hugs and kisses could not have asked for a better experience in
everyday. It was nearly impossible for us to Armenia, and though the pictures will fade, our
leave. Our final day, they followed our car out memories will last a lifetime.
of the facility and would have come with us if For more information on FAR or to send
we had let them. donations, write to 630 Second Ave., New York,
When we spoke to Mira the next day, she told NY 10016; http://farusa.org; e-mail
us they were asking for us. This made our press@farusa.org.
8 S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R
COMMUNITY NEWS
Giragosian
(Betty Apigian Kessel’s column appears courtesy of the Armenian Weekly.)
Picnickers enjoyed the event.
Aram Bedrosian
F U N E R A
COMMUNITY NEWS
SOLD OUT
COMMUNITY NEWS
M E T R O
M E T R O
WENTWORTH GALLERY
by the attrition in the number of members in
the Syriac community.
GEVORG
Only years after its erection, the church
Presents
was destroyed by Titus when he conquered
the city, only to rise phoenix like from its
ashes, and to be rebuilt, over and over again,
the last time a century and a half ago.
I take my leave of Khano and a short time
later, I am in Bethlehem to meet Saliba
Tawil, a member of the Bethlehem Syriac
community. We are old friends.
Heart of Americans
few feet away, the monstrous security wall
Israel has erected, glares at us menacingly.
Tawil is a career educator, with a wide-
2:00-9:00 PM
Bethlehem and the French city of Grenoble.
Like all members of minority groups, he is
Schaumburg, IL 60173
about assimilation and the loss of ethnic
identity.
But he also has a pragmatic turn of mind.
C A L E N D A R
(clarinet), Harry Bedrossian (keyboard and vocals), Kenny
CALIFORNIA Kalajian (guitar) and Leon Manoogian (dumbeg). $25 per
S E P T E M B E R 22 – O CT O B E R 27 — M i ch a e l B o b e l i a n , person. Tables of 10 may be reserved with advance pay-
a u t h o r o f Ch i l d r e n o f A r m e n i a , published by Simon & ment. For tickets, contact Melanie Khederian at (617) 694-
Schuster, will participate in a series of readings and book 1057 or at mkhederian@gmail.com. All proceeds to benefit
signings. This groundbreaking book is the first to chronicle the 2010 ACYOA General Assembly and National Sports
the aftermath of the first genocide of the 20th century, Weekend hosted by St. James ACYOA.
recounting the Armenian struggle for justice in the face of O CT O B E R 4 — Ce l e b r a t i o n o f A r m e n i a n I n d e p e n d e n ce
silence and denial. For more info., D a y ( N e w R e p u b l i c) by the Lowell ARF, 1 p.m., Sts.
www.childrenarmenia.com. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Westford Road, North
• September 22 — 6:30 p.m., at UC Berkeley, 223 Moses Hall, Chelmsford; complimentary dinner and program; David
Berkeley, Calif. Boyajian will be recognized for his years of dedicated service
• September 23 — 7:30 p.m., at the Skylight Bookstore, 1818 to the No Place for Hate campaign and will offer an update.
N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. O CT O B E R 7 — A r m e n i a n Cu l t u r a l F o u n d a t i o n , B o o k
• September 24 — 7:30 p.m. at the AGBU Alex Manoogian P r e s e n t a t i o n, 441 Mystic St., Arlington, 7:30 p.m. An
Center, 2495 E. Mountain St., Pasadena, Calif. evening with author, scholar and political activist Muriel
• September 29 — 7 p.m., at the Glendale Public Library, 222 Mirak-Weissbach on her thought-provoking and ground-
E. Harvard St., Glendale, Calif. breaking work Through the Wall of Fire, Armenia-Iraq-
• October 1 — 7 p.m., at the Fresno Public Library (Fig Garden Palestine: From Wrath to Reconciliation, examining the fate
Branch), 3071 West Bullard Ave., Fresno, Calif. of the orphans in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide,
• October 18 — 4 p.m., at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, 15105 Iraqi and Palestinian children after decades of war and
Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, Calif. deportations and search for a path to reconciliation. The
• October 27 — 7 p.m. at Chaucer’s Bookstore, 3321 State St., event is free and open to the public followed by a reception
Santa Barbara, Calif. and book signing. For more info., call ACF at (781) 646-
N OV E M B E R 7 — A r m e n i a n P r o fe s s i o n a l S o ci e t y H o n o r s 3090.
O CT O B E R 8 — M i ch a e l B o b e l i a n , a u t ho r o f Ch i l d r e n o f
D r. Va r t a n Gr e g o r i a n as their Professional of the Year.
A r m e n i a , will participate in a reading and book signing. 7
Sheraton Universal, Los Angeles. Tickets: $150. On October 2, the Armenian Library
N OV E M B E R 8 — S a y a t N ov a D a n ce Co m p a ny o f B o s t o n p.m. at NAASR Bookstore, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont,
and Museum of America (ALMA) will Mass. This groundbreaking book is the first to chronicle the
t r av e l s t o Ca l i fo r n i a to present its dynamic “Power in
Rhythm” performance at Glendale High School Auditorium,
have its Jazz Nights @ ALMA, with the aftermath of the first genocide of the 20th century, recount-
Armen Donelian Trio, at 8 p.m. in ing the Armenian struggle for justice in the face of silence
1440 E. Broadway, Glendale. For tickets, contact
ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery, in and denial. For more info., www.childrenarmenia.com.
www.itmyseat.com.
Watertown. For more info., call (617) OCTO B E R 15 — H uma n R ig ht s in Ar me n ia n Hi s to r y , a l e c-
926-2562 or visit www.almainc.org. t ur e by P r o f. S i mon P ay a s li a n, at 7 p.m. at the Armenian
CONNECTICUT Library and Museum of America, Watertown. Payaslian,
Pictured above is Donelian.
S E P T E M B E R 25-27 — K e f T i m e H a r t fo r d . Kenosian Chair in Modern Armenian History and Literature at
• September 25 — Friday, 10 p.m. at the Shish Kebab House Boston University, discusses the development of human rights
of Afghanistan, LaSalle Road, West Hartford, $25, after 9 in Armenia within a long historical perspective and contends
p.m./$15 (cabaret fee) included with dining prior to 9 p.m., S E P T E M B E R 26 — S mi t h s o n i a n M u s e u m D a y O f fe r s F r e e human rights values and customary practices require centuries
featuring Harry Bedrosian, Mal Barsamian, Kenny Kalajian, A d m i s s i o n to A rm e n i a n L i b r a r y a n d M u s e u m o f of development. For more info., visit www.alamainc.org. The
Jason Naroian. A m e r i ca , Watertown. Visit www.almainc.org. Select the event is free and open to the public.
• September 26 — Saturday, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. at the West Calendar page and click on Smithsonian Museum Day to O CT O B E R 17 — S t . J a m e s 62n d A n n u a l B a z a a r. 10 a.m.-9
Hartford Meeting and Conference Center, 50 S. Main St., download your Museum Day Admission Card. Attendees p.m. Armenian food, shish kebab, chicken kebab, losh
West Hartford. $40/$25 (17 and under). Kef Time All-Star must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free kebab, kheyma and eetch. (served from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Band, featuring Richard Hagopian, Hachig Kazarian, Jack entry. Each card provides museum access for two people. Armenian delicacies and pastries. Boereg, manti, yalanchi,
Chalikian, Mal Barsamian, Ron Tutunjian and Paul The museum is open 1-5 p.m. porov kufteh, tourshi, choereg, cream and nut khadaif,
Mooradian. S E P T E M B E R 28 — F i r s t A n n u a l S t s . Va r t a n a n t z Go l f bourma, baklava and more. Booths and vendors including
• September 27 — Sunday Kef! 12 p.m. at the new Shish Bar To u r n a m e n t and outing, Butter Brook Golf Club, Westford. the country store, Armenian items, attic treasures, jewelry
and Ultra Lounge, 904 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. $25. $150, includes golf, cart, prizes, reception and awards din- and spa vendors, candy sale. $100 raffle. (Only 350 sold.
Cash bar. Featuring the Mal Barsamian Ensemble with Joe ner. 1 p.m., shotgun start. Dinner only, $35. Proceeds to Purchase by September 30 to be entered in a $500 special
Kouyoumjian, Harry Bedrossian, Harold Hagopian and Ron benefit Sts. Vartanantz Youth Scholarship Fund. Contact Ara early-bird drawing. Grand prize: $5,000; second-fourth
Tutunjian. Hotel accommodations: Homewood Suites Hotel, at (978) 251-4845, Steve at (978) 808-2820 or e-mail: prizes: $1,000. Fifth-eighth prizes: $500) and $2 raffle.
2 Farm Glen Blvd. (860) 321-0000. Ask for special Kef Time StsVGolf@earthlink.net. Silent auction including art from Armenia and Jerusalem,
rate, $99 per night. Includes breakfast. For info., e-mail gary- O CT O B E R 2 — J a z z N i g h t s @ A L M A w i t h A r m e n D o n e l i a n jewelry, gift certificates and sporting events. St. James’
hov@aol.com or leave a voicemail for Gary at (860) 690- T r i o at Armenian Library and Museum of America, Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mt. Auburn St.,
5959. Watertown. Donelian (piano), David Clark (bass) and Watertown. For info., call (617) 923-8860.
George Schuller (drums) will perform music from their latest O CT O B E R 23 & 25 — A r m e n i a n F e s t i v a l , A r m e n i a n Ch u r ch
album “Oasis.” The concert begins at 8 p.m. in ALMA’s o f O u r S av i o u r, offering the most delicious shish, losh and
MASSACHUSETTS Contemporary Art Gallery; museum doors open at 7:30 chicken kebab on char-broiled grills. Freshly-made kheyma,
S E P T E M B E R 19-O CT OB E R 10 — W h i s t l e r H o u s e M u s e u m p.m. Tickets $15 (includes one complimentary glass of wine kids meals available, raffle/prizes, beer and wine. The best
ce l e b r a t e s A r s h il e Go r k y . Preview Party, September 13, for 21+). ALMA members, students and JazzBoston mem- authentic Armenian baked goods, country store, music and
Parker Gallery, donation, $50 per person; $35 for members. bers (with proper ID) pay $10. Visit www.almainc.org or call fun for the entire family. Friday, October 23, 5-9 p.m., and
Event features a premiere of works by Gorky, as well as the (617) 926-2562 to preorder tickets/make table reservations. Sunday, October 25, 12-5 p.m. Cultural Center, 34 Boynton
cuisine and music of his Armenian homeland. For reserva- O CT O B E R 3 — B r a t t l e B o u t i q u e a n d S p a r k s S t . Ca fé — A St., Worcester. (508) 756-2931.
tions, contact Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 F a l l F a i r featuring specialty gift and food items, sponsored N O V E M B E R 6 — W i n e Ta s t i n g , 7-9 p .m . St s . Va r t a n a n t z
Worthern St., Lowell, call (978) 452-7641 or e-mail jdy- by the Women’s Guild of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of A r m e n i a n Ch u r ch, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford.
ment@whistlerhouse.org. Exhibit opens on Wednesday, Greater Boston, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. Charles and Tickets: $30 per person (before October 24) $35 thereafter.
September 16, 11 a.m. Admission, $5, adults. Public recep- Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Includes brief wine presentation, appetizers and wine.
tion, Saturday, September 19, 2-4 p.m. On Saturday, This new event will feature a variety of specialty vendors sell- Contact Carol Hildebrand (978) 618-6982 or e-mail stswine-
October 10, at 6 p.m., an original play will be performed by ing gifts and gourmet food. There will also be a Children’s tasting09@gmail.com.
Regina Eliot Ramsey about Willem De Kooning and Gorky. Corner with activities and items for children. Admission is N OV E M B E R 6 — J a z z N i g h t s @ A L M A w i t h S t ev e
S E P T E M B E R 20 — Ce l e b ra t i n g 15 y e a r s o f Gr e e n i n g free. For further info., contact the Holy Trinity Church Office Ta s h j i a n ’s Cl a s s i c G r o o v e at Armenian Library and
A r m e n i a Regional event honoring Armenia Tree Project. at (617) 354-0632 or e-mail office@htaac.org. Museum of America, Watertown. ClassicGroove returns to
Sunday. O CT O B E R 3 — A r m e n i a n A m e r i ca n P r o fe s s i o n a l s Ga l a the stage, performing an exciting range of jazz favorites in
S E P T E M B E R 21 — St . St e p h e n ’s A r m e n i a n S ch o o l /ACE C B a n q u e t a n d D a n ce Honoring Massachusetts state Rep. ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery. The concert begins at 8
14t h A n n u a l Go l f O u t i n g . Framingham Country Club. Peter Koutoujian of Waltham. 6 p.m., cocktail hour. Dinner p.m.; museum doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15
$170 includes golf, lunch, dinner and contests. For info., with music and dancing with DJ Eddie K. Hyatt Regency (includes one complimentary glass of wine for 21+). ALMA
contact Astor, (781) 326-5764. Hotel, Cambridge. For information and tickets, contact Ara members, students and JazzBoston members (with proper
S E P T E M B E R 24 — F r i e n d s o f H o l y T r i n i t y 1000 Cl u b — 29t h Demirjian at (617) 974-8343. Sponsored by the following ID) pay $10. Visit www.almainc.org or call (617 926-2562 to
A n n u a l Fa l l D i n n e r a n d D r a w i n g, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, associations: Armenian American Medical Association, preorder your tickets/make table reservations.
Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian American Dental Society, Armenian American N O V E M B E R 6 — “ T h e Go l d e n Vo i ce s o f O p e r a ,” featuring
Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Donation: Nurses Association, Armenian American Bar Association Yeghishe Manucharyan, Victoria Avetisyan and Yelena
$7.99 for delicious losh kebab dinner. Tickets on sale at (Law Society) and hosted by the Armenian American Dudochkin with Tatyana Dudochkin, piano. Celebrate 2009
door. Lottery drawing at 8 p.m. for regular monthly prizes Pharmacists’ Association. Armenian Cultural Heritage Program. Sponsored by Holy
plus five additional cash prizes. “One-Time” numbers will be O CT O B E R 3 — S e co n d S t . J a m e s P a r i s h R e u n i o n a n d ke f, Trinity Armenian Church and Choir of Greater Boston. Friday,
sold at the dinner. Special offer: Buy four numbers for the hosted by the St. James ACYOA Seniors. Saturday, 8 p.m.-1 8 p.m. Longy School of Music, Edward M. Pickman Concert
night and get the fifth free. For more info., contact the Holy a.m. at St. James Armenian Church. Charles Mosesian Hall, 27 Garden St., Cambridge. Tickets: $25 per person. The
Trinity Church Office at (617) 354-0632 or e-mail Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall. 465 Mt. Auburn St., program will include favorite arias, duets and romances,
office@htaac.org. Watertown. Featuring Bob Raphalian (oud), Leon Janikian including Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Tigranyan, Abrahamyan,
S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 17
Rimsky-Korsakov and others. For further info., contact the the Armenian struggle for justice in the face of silence and
Holy Trinity Church Office at (617) 354-0632 or e-mail MICHIGAN denial. For more info., www.childrenarmenia.com.
office@htaac.org. O CT O B E R 24 — AG B U N e w Yo r k S p e c i a l E v e n t s
N O V E M B E R 6 - 7 — S t . S t e p h e n ’s A r m e n i a n A p o s t o l i c O CT O B E R 10 — T h e AGB U A l e x a n d M a r i e M a n o o g i a n Co m m i t t e e ( N YS E C) presents — AGBU Performing Artists in
Ch u r ch , 53r d A r m e n i a n B a z a a r. Friday and Saturday, 10 S ch o o l 40t h A n n i v e r s a r y Celebration Dinner Dance, fea- Concert. A benefit for the AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship
a.m.-9:30 p.m. Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, turing the opening of the new High School Building Program, showcasing the talents of 12 Armenian youth,
47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Lamb, losh and chicken kebab, Expansion. 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield. Hors under the artistic direction of Hrant and Kevork Parsamian,
kheyma, kufta and yalanchi. Meals served from 11:30 a.m.- d’oeuvres and school tours, 7-7:45 p.m. Ribbon-cutting cere- all of whom have benefited from AGBU’s scholarship assis-
8:30 p.m. Takeout available. Armenian pastries, gourmet, mony, 8 p.m. Strolling dinner and open bar to follow. Music tance toward their studies in performing arts. Curtain time
soujoukh, arts and crafts, books, tapes, art sale, children’s provided by Arthur Apkarian. Donation, $50. Advance tick- 8:30 p.m. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th
games. Auction starts at 7 p.m. Also raffles, sports tickets ets only. Reservations by September 30: Linda Darian St., New York City. Tickets, $65. For tickets and info., call
and much more. Karibian (248) 932-5282 or school office (248) 569-2988. (212) 319-6383, ext. 124 or visit www.carnegiehall.org.
N O V E M B E R 7 — F i l m S c r e e n i n g o f “H o v e ” p r e s e n t e d b y N OV E M B E R 19 — S o i r e é M u s i ca l , fe a t u r i n g v i o l i n i s t JA N U A R Y 15, 2010 — O n t h e o cca s i o n o f i t s 20t h a n n i v e r -
t h e A r m e n i a n L i b r a r y a n d M u s e um o f A me r i ca, 65 Main H e n r i k K a r a p e t i a n a n d h i s q u a r t e t, 7 p.m. Bloomfield s a r y , t he F u n d fo r A r m e n i a n R e l i e f will honor and thank
St., Watertown, at 2 p.m. Olympia Dukakis stars in this mov- Township Library Hall. Reception to follow. a lifetime benefactor to the global Armenian community, Dr.
ing tale about two Armenian women whose friendship is Edgar Houspian. Dinner and Program at Cipriani Wall Street
deeply affected by an encounter with the past and the pow- NEW JERSEY New York City, 7 p.m. Info. at (212) 889-5150 and far@farusa.org.
erful, unresolved legacy of the Armenian Genocide. Co-star
Shirleyann Kaladjian and Director Alex Webb will attend the O CT O B E R 7 — M i ch a e l B o b e l i a n , a u t h o r o f Ch i l d r e n o f
A r me n i a , published by Simon & Schuster, will participate in
PENNSYLVANIA
screening. Admission is $8. ALMA members pay $5. Visit
almainc.org. a reading and book signing. 7 p.m. at the Books and O CT O B E R 3 — T he S o ci e t y fo r O r p h a n e d A r me n i a n R e l i e f
N OV E M B E R 21 — S ay a t N ov a D a n ce Co m p a ny o f B o s t o n Greetings Bookstore, 271 Livingston St., Northvale, NJ. This ( S OA R ) , I n c. F o u r t h A n n u a l Co m p l i m e n t a r y Co ck t a il
sponsors the popular and beloved singer Alla Levonyan of groundbreaking book is the first to chronicle the aftermath R e ce p t i o n . The Village Hall, (Spread Village) in Wayne. A
Armenia in a live concert. Save the date. Details to follow. of the first genocide of the 20th century, recounting the cultural evening featuring the Ararat Dance Ensemble; come-
D E CE M B E R 4 — J a z z N i g h t s @ A L M A w i t h Yu l i a Armenian struggle for justice in the face of silence and dienne Lory Tatoulian, vocalists, artists and rugs. 5-10 p.m.
M u s a y e l y a n Q u a r t e t at Armenian Library and Museum of denial. For more info., www.childrenarmenia.com. For additional info., contact George S. Yacoubian, Jr. at
America, Watertown. Musayelyan (flute), Fernando Huergo O CT O B E R 10 — Te ke y a n Cu l t u r a l A s s o ci a t i o n — M h e r (610) 213-3452 or gyacoubian@soar-us.org.
(bass), Franco Pinna (drums) and a pianist conclude the 2009 M e g e r d ch i a n T he a t r i ca l Gr o u p P r e s e n t s “ W h o K il l e d
concert series with original compositions and arrangements T h e E a s t e r n D e n t i s t ?” A Masquerade Party in Baronian’s RHODE ISLAND
that infuse folk rhythms from Argentina, Armenia and other 1860s Istanbul. A Murder Mystery Dinner Theater prepared
by Harout Chatmajian. Assyrian Orthodox Church of the S E P T E M B E R 26 — A u t u m n Co n ce r t – “R i s i n g S t a r s ,” fea-
cultures. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in ALMA’s
Virgin Mary, 644 Paramus Road, Paramus. Saturday, at 8 turing Kate Norigian (soprano), John Paul Norigian (piano),
Contemporary Art Gallery; museum doors open at 7: 30
p.m. Donation, $60; BYOB; dress code (optional); 1860s Timothy Aznavourian (guitar/vocal) and David Griego (flute).
p.m. Tickets, $15 (includes one complimentary glass of wine
attire and mask. For tickets, call Marie Zokian (201) 745- Presented by the Cultural Committee of the Sts. Sahag and
for 21+). ALMA members, students and JazzBoston mem-
8850, Noushig Atamian (718) 894-5878, Maro Hajakian Mesrob Armenian Church as part of its annual Classical and
bers (with proper ID) pay $10. Visit www.almainc.org or call
(201) 934-3427 or Missak Boghosian (212) 819-0097. Armenian music; presentation of the art works of Dr. Ara
(617) 926-2562 to preorder tickets/make table reservations.
N OV E M B E R 15 — “O n e N a t i o n , O n e Cu l t u r e ,” a cu l t u ra l Sadaniantz. Egavian Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson St.,
D E CE M B E R 4 a n d 5 — T r i n i t y Ch r i s t m a s B a z a a r, H o l y
fe s t i v a l u n d e r t h e a u s p i ce s o f D r. H r a n u s h H a ko b y a n , Providence. 7 p.m. Donations, $10. Refreshments.
Tr i n i t y A r m e n i a n Ch u r ch , 145 Brattle St., Cambridge.
Republic of Armenia Minister of Diaspora, organized by N OV E M B E R 28 — P r o v i d e n ce AC YOA h o s t s t h e A n n u a l
Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Save the date.
Hamazkayin Eastern USA Regional Executive, featuring Alla H o l i d ay K e f, featuring an All-Star Band. Jason Naroian, Leon
Details to follow. For info., contact Holy Trinity Church Office
Levonian from Armenia and Babin Boghosian & Ensemble Janikian, Kenny Kalajian, David Hoplamazian, Joe
at (617) 354-0632 or e-mail office@htaac.org.
from Los Angeles, with the participation of Antranig Dance Kouyoumjian and more. For individual or table of 10 reser-
D E CE M B E R 5 – S e co n d A n n u a l B r e a k fa s t w i t h S a n t a . 10
Ensemble of AGBU, Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble of St. vations, call Kevork Vartanian at (401) 419-1052 or Ara
a .m . S t . J a m e s A r m e n i a n Ch u r ch , Charles Mosesian
Thomas Armenian Church, Yeraz Dance Ensemble of St. Janigian at (401) 486-8495 or Sevan Janigian at (401) 533-
Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall. 465 Mt. Auburn St.,
Sarkis Church, NJ, Hamazkyain Nayiri Dance Group and 4147 or contact providenceacyoa@gmail.com.
Watertown. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and
include breakfast, time and photos with Santa, and a special Arekag Children’s Choir and Dohl Group. Sunday, 4 p.m.
gift for each child. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for chil- Felician College, 262 S. Main St., Lodi, NJ. Donation:$75, CANADA
dren, 1-12 years old; $15 for children under 1-year-old. $50, $35, $25. For more info. or tickets, contact Haazkayin O CT O B E R 3 — M i ch a e l B o b e l i a n , a u t h o r o f Ch i l d r e n o f
Payment must be received to reserve your space. Contact at (201) 945-8992 or paradon2009@gmail.com. A r me n i a , published by Simon & Schuster, will participate in
Mark Janian at (617) 875-3671 or Markhj77@yahoo.com or a reading and book signing. The Armenian Bar Association
e-mail stjamesbreakfastwsanta@yahoo.com for tickets. NEW YORK mid-year meeting in Toronto, Canada. This groundbreaking
Tickets will also be available in the St. James church office book is the first to chronicle the aftermath of the first geno-
and during Fellowship Hour on Sundays. Call Tina Kurkjian at S E P T E M B E R 26 — “ E v e n i n g u n d e r t h e S t a r s ” a t S t . N e r s e s s cide of the 20th century, recounting the Armenian struggle
(781) 727-3643 or e-mail S e m i n a r y – 150 Stratton Road, New Rochelle. Join in for for justice in the face of silence and denial. For more info.,
st.jamesbreakfastwsanta@yahoo.com to include a greeting, this cocktail and hors d’oeuvres benefit reception at $100 www.childrenarmenia.com.
ad or photo of one’s child in the Christmas Greetings Book. per person. A great opportunity to learn about and support
F E B R U A RY 27-28, 2010 — A r s e n a l Ce n t e r fo r t he A r t s St. Nersess Seminary. RSVP at stnersess.edu or call (914)
s p o n s o r s t h e S a y a t N o v a D a n ce Co m p a n y o f B o s t o n . 636-2003.
The Mirror-Spectator has a new Calendar Policy: The
The production will be performed for two nights at the O CT O B E R 15 — M i ch a e l B o b e l i a n , a u t h o r o f Ch i l d r e n o f Mirror-Spectator is now accepting all calendar items for
Charles Mosesian Theater, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. A r me n i a , will participate in a reading and book signing. 7 free. All items may be sent to mirrorads@aol.com. Due to
O CT O B E R 9, 2010 — 30t h A n n i v e r s a r y ce l e b ra t i o n o f t h e p.m. at the Zohrab Center, 630 Second Ave., New York, NY. the anticipated shortage of space, items may be edited
This groundbreaking book is the first to chronicle the after- to fit the space.
A r m e n i a n I n d e p e n d e n t R a d i o o f B o s to n . Please mark
your calendar. Details to follow. math of the first genocide of the 20th century, recounting
‘Jazz Nights @ ALMA’ Returns Ar tis t Heji nia n Unvei ls Pai n ti ng Dedicated to
Oct. 2 with Armen Donelian Trio Septem ber 11 at Ma s s . Sta te Hou s e
BOSTON — As part of ceremonies being held across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
WATERTOWN — On October 2, the Armen (woodwinds), Paul Dillon (drums), Lee Lundy to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, state Rep. Peter J.
Donelian Trio will kick off the concert series at (bass), Gretchen Bostrom (vocals), Kevin Magarian Koutoujian was honored to host a local artist of Armenian descent at the State House to dis-
the Armenian Library and Museum of America (guitar) and Face (keyboards). Their upcoming per- play his artwork
(ALMA) titled Jazz Nights @ ALMA. The con- formance will make the group’s third appearance reflecting an immi-
cert series features Armenian jazz musicians on in the Jazz Nights series. grant’s view of the
the first Friday of every month for the remain- The Yulia Musayelyan Quartet will conclude events that took
der of the year. Each concert starts at 8 p.m. in the 2009 series on December 4 with a combi- place that day.
the Contemporary Art Gallery. Museum doors nation of original compositions and arrange- Varoujan unveiled
will open at 7:30 p.m.. ments, using folk rhythms from Argentina, “Missing Stripes,”
Called “a pianist with a crystalline touch, but Armenia and other cultures. the centerpiece of his
a penchant for avant gardism” (New York “Part of the repertoire of this group evolved new collection titled
Times), Donelian will play a set of original com- from the exploration of my Armenian heritage,” “Colors of Liberty” at
positions with David Clark (bass) and George says Musayelyan. “When I first heard the sound a reception organized
Schuller (drums). of Armenian folk music, I found to my surprise by Peace of Art, a
Donelian recently made his musical mark in that this spirit was also coming from within; I non-profit education-
Greece, where he taught and performed as a began to transcribe folk tunes and playing them al organization, and
2009 Fulbright Senior Specialist at Ionian on the flute.” Her performance with Franco sponsored by
University in Corfu and Nakas Conservatory in Pinna (drum), Fernando Huergo (bass) and a Koutoujian. The
Athens. He has also taught and performed in pianist will showcase the constant evolution of work depicts Lady
Switzerland, Austria, Holland and Israel since new sounds generated from a combination of Liberty in front of
the start of the year. Donelian’s career also original melodies, jazz improvisation and seven stripes of the
includes collaborations with jazz legends such extended techniques. American flag with
as Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Paquito D’Rivera, Ticket price includes a complimentary glass two missing, symbol-
Mongo Santamaria and Billy Harper. of wine for those 21 and over. For more infor- izing the Twin
On November 6, Steve Tashjian’s Classic Groove mation about the Jazz Nights @ ALMA concert Towers.
will take the stage to play renditions of jazz ballads series or to watch past Jazz Nights @ ALMA
and standards. Classic Groove features Tashjian videos, visit almainc.org/calendar_jazz.html
N
18 S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R
COMMENTARY
T
This last gesture is the right thing to do. Every body and every
An ADL Publication USA, following orders from their headquarters in organization is untitled to its opinion. The difference between
Armenia, issued a statement on September 13 people and organizations is the way of expressing their opinions.
EDITOR denouncing the protocols announced on August If you live outside the Republic of Armenia, and you are an
31 by the foreign ministers of Armenia and Armenian, you do not protest and rally against your government
Alin K. Gregorian Turkey for the normalization of diplomatic rela- and the people of your motherland in this way, in order to give
ASSISTANT EDITOR tions between Turkey and Armenia. the mistaken idea that the Republic of Armenia and its leaders
Thomas C. Nash The statement notes that while the Central Committee agrees are traitors. You do it by protesting to the ambassador personal-
that Armenia and Turkey “must take steps to normalize rela- ly, in this case, United Nations Ambassador Garen Nazarian. Mr.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
tions,” any protocols between the two neighboring countries Nazarian, who was installed recently, was not even informed offi-
Taleen Babayan must be free of preconditions that are dangerous to Armenia’s cially by the ARF about its plans.
ART DIRECTOR national interests. Meanwhile, a delegation of ADL District Committee met with
Marc Mgrditchian The Armenian government and President Serge Sargisian have Ambassador Nazarian on September 9 at his office in New York,
always announced that Armenia’s relations with Turkey must be and discussed the organization’s concerns with him.
PRODUCTION
free of any preconditions. After signing the Protocols, the presi- For many years, the ARF was one of the coalition partners of
Dilani Yogaratnam dent and the Foreign Minister of Armenia reiterated that the pro- the Armenian government in Yerevan. Since last April, they have
COPY EDITOR tocols do not include any preconditions. decided rightfully to come out and work as opposition party.
Rose Muggeridge At the same time, the ARF statement urges its members to be As an opposition party, the ARF is well within its rights to
present and protest against the Armenian Government during a protest against the government of Armenia in Armenia.
rally if front of the Republic of Armenia’s Permanent Mission to But, have you ever seen Republicans organize protests against
the United Nations, in New York. President Obama and the White House in Paris or London?
CONTRIBUTORS: You read it right, in front of the Armenian Mission, and not This is the first time Armenians are protesting Armenians. I
Elizabeth Aprahamian, Dr. Haroutiune Turkish Mission or the United Nations headquarters itself. hope it will be the last.
Arzoumanian, Edmond Azadian, Prof. The protest is organized by the Armenian Youth Federation
Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der (AYF) on direct orders from the Central Committee. (Kevork Marashlian is the executive secretary of ADL district
Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork In addition, the statements mentions that the Central Committee of Eastern US and Canada.)
Keushkerian, Arsen Noubar Mamourian,
Moorad Mooradian, Sonia Kailian-
Placido, Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian,
Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian
Statement of AGBU Central Board Of Directors on Recent
CORRESPONDENTS:
Armenia - Hagop Avedikian
Boston - Nancy Kalajian
Draft of Protocols to Be Considered by Armenia and Turkey
Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian (On September 10, the Armenian General of the Armenian Genocide and our territorial Armenia shares our serious concerns about
Benevolent Union (AGBU) released a state- demands. We understand the importance for the sincerity of Turkey, given its historic anti-
Contributing Photographers: Sarkis Bahar,
George Bogosian, Jacob Demirdjian, Harry ment on the Protocols to be adopted by the the Republic of Armenia to have normal diplo- Armenian policy that has continued to the pre-
Koundakjian. governments of Armenia and Turkey. We matic relations with neighboring states, includ- sent time. We commend their initiative and
reprint the statement below, in its entirety.) ing Turkey. We also believe that justice for the lend our support in their efforts to find a just
The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published On August 31, 2009 the Ministry of Foreign sacred Armenian Case and the international and fair outcome in the building of good
weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, together recognition of the Armenian Genocide should neighborly relations between Armenia and
Baikar Association, Inc. with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign transcend and not be sacrificed for any imme- Turkey, while safeguarding the historic claims
755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign diate diplomatic consideration. and rights of the Armenian People.
Telephone: 617-924-4420 Affairs, jointly produced two documents of pro- The start of negotiations between Armenia The Armenian General Benevolent Union
FAX: 617-924-2887 tocol concerning the establishment of diplo- and Turkey has been favorably encouraged by has been steadfast in serving the Armenian
w w w. m i r r o r s p e c t a t o r . c o m
matic relations between Armenia and Turkey the international community. The sole oppo- people for more than a century. It has been a
and the development of bilateral relations. nent to this dialogue between Armenia and leading voice for the desires and aspirations of
E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator.com
These documents provide details on the initial Turkey has been the country of Azerbaijan. the Diaspora. AGBU unwaveringly adheres to
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steps to be taken for the normalization of rela- For almost two decades, Turkey has joined its time-honored policy of supporting the
New York/New J er sey O ff ice tions, the establishment of consular represen- with Azerbaijan in the blockade of Armenia homeland, safeguarding the rights of the
560 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 tation, and the opening of the current border due to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. Armenian nation, and promoting the historic
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This marks a significant moment in the his- Nagorno-Karabagh conflict as justification for On this occasion, we appeal to all Armenians
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Turkish peoples. It presents major ramifica- with Armenia. This current effort to normalize moment, in collaboration with the government
U.S.A.
2nd Class $75 a year tions for both the government of the newly relations between Armenia and Turkey should of the Republic of Armenia, with wisdom,
1st Class $120 a year independent Republic of Armenia and the not be pre-conditioned by any terms of con- national unity and the spirit of cooperation
Canada Armenian nation worldwide. The Armenian cession involving the Nagorno-Karabagh con- among our people.
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people in both the homeland and the diaspora flict. The people of Nagorno-Karabagh have Armenian General Benevolent Union
All Other Countries have followed these negotiations with great already clearly expressed their will to live freely Central Board of Directors
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We recognize the great geopolitical chal- peoples for self-determination.
lenges faced by Armenia — its concern for its This is a rare moment of opportunity for LETTERS
national security, the need to improve its Turkey. It must show that it is ready to move
© 2009 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA
accessibility and communication links vital to
its economic development, the desire to par-
forward in earnest. If it falters, hesitates or
withdraws, it will expose itself to the reproach
Thanks, but Just to
and additional mailing offices. ticipate in regional programs of political and of the international major powers and those Clarify…
ISSN 0004-234X economic cooperation. All of these objectives regional nations which are fostering this rap-
motivate the Armenian government to be pos- prochement between Armenia and Turkey. To the Editor,
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The itive and sincere in its approach to these nego- As this bold diplomatic initiative moves Thank you for printing my piece on
Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302,
Watertown, MA 02471-0302 tiations and to adopt a pragmatic policy with toward normalized relations between the two “Hellenism or Ottomanism” in your issue of
regard to Turkey. However, as practical as such countries, Turkey will find itself subjected to August 22. I hope your readers found it useful.
Other than the editorial, views and opinions
expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily a policy may be, it should not be implemented even greater international scrutiny. To justify But I am not the author of At History’s
reflect the policies of the publisher. at the expense of the fundamental and historic its membership in the European Union, Crossroad: The Making of the Armenian
rights of the Armenian people. We believe the Turkey will be under pressure to fulfill its Nation. I wish the author of that book all the
official governmental authorities in Armenia international commitments. It will become best. Myself he ain’t! My most recent produc-
are both the administrators of the state and more exposed and accountable to world public tion was the paperback edition of Visions of
the guardians of its future. Therefore, they opinion. It will be forced to adhere to princi- Ararat: Writings about Armenia.
Copying for other than personal use or internal must be guided by pan-national goals and aspi- ples of human rights and democratic rule and I much enjoy your paper, especially Edmond
reference is prohibited without express permis-
sion of the copyright owner. Address requests for rations in making these difficult and far-reach- to cooperate with its neighboring countries. Azadian’s contributions. His thoughtful world-
reprints or back issues to: ing decisions. We know the authorities in Armenia face a view is always interesting, and deserves the
B aik ar A ss o ci at io n , In c. The documents establishing diplomatic rela- difficult path as they endeavor to build new fullest attention.
7 5 5 Mt. Aubur n St. , Wa t er t o w n, M A 0 2 4 7 2 -1 5 0 9 tions between Armenia and Turkey touch relations with Turkey without imposed pre- Faithfully,
directly or indirectly upon the enduring issues conditions. We also believe the government of Christopher J. Walker
S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 9 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 19
COMMENTARY
racist, chauvinist and an extremist. Stating that his appoint- his service record, voluntarism, and contribution to the enrich-
ment is “unacceptable” and “of serious concern to the ment of the Canadian civil society should suffice as convincing
Azerbaijani and Turkish communities of Canada,” the Azeri rebuttal to this vicious, immoral, unethical and mendacious
website made the ridiculous claim that “Babikian had access campaign. Everyone who has had the opportunity to work
to all sectors of the Canadian political establishment due to with and to know Judge Babikian will attest that he is a man
My Turn the power and money of the Armenian community, particu-
larly the Dashnaks.”
of integrity, honesty, sincerity, moderation and a firm believer
in peaceful coexistence. The accolades he has received from
By Harut Sassounian The website attacked the Canadian government for having rec- many governments and NGOs are testimony to the man’s high
ognized the Armenian Genocide and disparaged Minister Kenney moral standing and commitment to making Canada a wel-
for being selected ANC’s “Man of the Year.” The Azeri site made coming place to everyone regardless of religion, color, race or
Turkey and Azerbaijan Try to the baseless charge that any Canadian journalist who dared to any other differences.”
write against Armenians would jeopardize his career. Yeni Hayat pointed out that Babikian “always made a dis-
Undermine Appointment of Bizim Anadolu, a Canadian-Turkish monthly newspaper, tinction between the Turkish people and the Turkish govern-
Canadian-Armenian Judge also targeted Judge Babikian in its July 2009 issue, calling him
“a hard-line Armenian political lobbyist [who] has displayed
ment.” He is “cognizant that the Turkish government and a
minority of ultra-nationalists are out of touch with their civil
Turks and Azerbaijanis, probably at the instigation of their bias and hatred towards Turks, has been against dialogue and society’s thinking when it comes to the Armenian Genocide.”
governments, have attempted to undermine the recent reconciliation, and clearly does not possess the cross-cultural The Turkish newspaper deplored that these “ultra-national-
appointment of Canadian-Armenian Aris Babikian as a sensitivity that is a prerequisite for the appointment of a citi- ists, with the help and support of foreign elements, have taken
Citizenship Judge, responsible for making decisions with zenship judge.” over the Canadian-Turkish community and are trying to radi-
regard to applications for Canadian citizenship. Reacting to these Turkish attacks, Canadian political fig- calize the community and sow the seeds of hatred against
In making the appointment, Jason Kenney, Canada’s ures, journalists, leaders of ethnic communities and NGO rep- other communities in Canada.”
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, resentatives wrote letters of commendation to the minister of It appears that the Turkish government, just as it has done
described Babikian as an individual who has been “very citizenship and the prime minister in support of Babikian’s in a number of countries around the world, has been financ-
involved in immigration, citizenship, social services, culture, appointment. ing ultra-nationalist Turkish groups in Canada in order to
human rights and multicultural issues in his community. He The most unexpected defense of Judge Babikian came from export genocide denialism, silence its foreign critics, and
has served as Executive Director of the Armenian National a liberal Canadian-Turkish newspaper, Yeni Hayat, which pub- counter the political activities of the
Committee of Canada, and been a member of the Ontario Film lished a lengthy editorial on August 27, countering the defam- Armenian community. In this particular case, Turkey’s long
Review Board and the Canadian Ethnocultural Council. Mr. atory Turkish and Azeri attacks against him. arm, with Azerbaijan’s backing, has sought to reach all the way
Babikian was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and Yeni Hayat wrote that Judge Babikian was being subject- into Canada to undermine the appointment of a qualified
the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. He speaks English, ed to “an orchestrated campaign of character assassination, Canadian-Armenian Judge.
Armenian, Arabic, Turkish and Greek.” intimidation, lies, innuendo, misinformation and propagan- Ankara and Baku have no right to interfere in the Canadian
Canadian-Turkish and Azeri organizations immediately da [which] was launched in certain Canadian-Turkish media government’s internal decision-making on judicial appoint-
launched a vicious hate campaign against Judge Babikian, outlets, mirroring similar campaigns in Azerbaijan and ments.
writing letters to the minister of citizenship and the prime min- Turkey.” Instigating Turkish and Azeri immigrants against Canadian-
ister protesting his appointment. Yeni Hayat highly praised Babikian’s “cross-cultural, civic, Armenians could have dire consequences for which Turkey
Day.az, an Azeri news website, called Judge Babikian a human rights, educational, multicultural, civic projects, plus and Azerbaijan would bear full responsibility.
Mirror-Spectator
respond positively to US engagement in the host the meeting. “We are entering a critical
process. period that should be used wisely,” he said.
“I think very likely it will be Turkey,” EU for- Turkey, a predominantly Muslim NATO mem-
eign policy chief Javier Solana, who has headed ber and close US ally that is also looking to
the Western negotiating effort with Iran, told expand economic and energy ties with neigh-
reporters in Brussels when asked where the boring Iran, said earlier this year it was trying
October 1 talks would take place. to bridge US-Iranian differences.
Solana said Western policy remained “twin A senior Iranian official said Monday Iran
track” — to offer incentives to Iran to abandon a would not negotiate on its “sovereign right” to YES , I would like a 1– year subscription to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.
nuclear program the West suspects is aimed at nuclear energy but, if that were recognized, Iran
producing nuclear weapons, while holding out was ready to discuss any issue at the talks, USA /Second Class Mail $75.00 CANADA /Air Mail $125.00
the threat of further sanctions. But he said now including ways of upholding non-proliferation USA /First Class Mail $120.00
was not the time to talk about fresh sanctions. globally.
“At this point in time we are going to try to Monday, a senior US official called Iran’s ❏ THE SUBSCRIPTION IS FOR ME
enter into negotiations,” he said. “Let’s talk agreement to enter talks an “important first NAME
about that.” step,” but the White House said Iran would ADDRESS
Iran has agreed to wide-ranging talks with six show its failure to meet international obliga- CITY STATE ZIP
world powers but has ruled out discussing its tions if it stuck to its refusal to discuss its
nuclear activities, which it says are for peaceful nuclear program.
generation of electricity. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang ❏ THE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GIFT FOR:
The United States and the European Union Yu welcomed Iran’s decision to enter talks as NAME
insist Tehran’s nuclear efforts must be the focus “an important step,” adding:
ADDRESS
of the talks, the first on the issue since July “The relevant parties should use this oppor-
2008. tunity to further enhance diplomatic efforts, to CITY STATE ZIP
Solana, who has been representing the six push forward the meeting in order to get posi-
powers — the United States, France, Germany, tive results, and to resume talks and negotia- Please make check payable to: The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and mail to:
Britain, China and Russia — in long-running tions.” 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472-1509
efforts to resolve the row with Iran, was cau- The head of the International Atomic Energy
tious when asked how much he thought the Agency said on Monday Iran’s continued All payments must be drawn on US banks
new talks could achieve. refusal of IAEA access to clarify intelligence
But he urged Tehran to take advantage of material suggesting Iran illicitly researched how
stepped-up US engagement in the talks process to design a nuclear weapon was unacceptable.
under the administration of President Barack
Obama.
“I always intend to try and achieve as much
as possible in the negotiations. But it is not the
EU foreign ministers discussed the Iranian
nuclear issue on Monday evening, and Finnish
Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said more
sanctions would be needed if talks did not suc-
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first time we meet. We know each other well,” ceed.
he said. He said these should come from the United
“There are some things that are new: the Nations, but if that were not possible, the EU
Americans will be present in a formalized man- should act unilaterally.