Tweet
ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/23/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar
2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours...
3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals
4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I
5) Bella Darbinian Dies
1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar
Justice Minister Cicek takes `wait and see' attitude
ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)--A Conference on the Armenian genocide that was
abruptly postponed last May, seems to be back-on, reported the Istanbul-based
Armenian Daily Marmara.
The three-day conference, which was to open on May 25 at Istanbul's Bogazici
University, but was cancelled under government pressure, has been rescheduled
for September 23-25 at the same university.
The original conference, "Ottoman Armenians during the Decline of the Empire:
Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy," was organized by a
group of
Turkish historians challenging the official line on the issue.
Turkish academics and intellectuals from throughout the world who dispute
Ankara's version of the 1915-1917 genocide of Armenians, were to have lectured
at the conference organized by Turkey's three most prestigious universities.
This time around, organizers are refusing to release any details. Bogazici
University rector Ayse Soysal, through a spokesman, revealed that he simply
does not want to talk about the subject.
Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek had condemned the original initiative as
a blow to government efforts to counter a mounting Armenian campaign to have
the Genocide recognized internationally. "This is a stab in the back to the
Turkish nation... this is irresponsibility," Cicek told parliament. "We must
put an end to this cycle of treason and insult, of spreading propaganda
against
the [Turkish] nation by people who belong to it"
This time, however, Cicek told journalists, `They did not ask for my input in
either organizing or canceling the original conference. They did not ask
for my
opinion this time either. When the time comes, we will see together just who
will say what.'
The cancellation drew worldwide criticism from scholars, politicians,
organizations, and the media.
Tosun Terzioglu, the President of Sabanci University, one of the
organizers of
the conference, expressed his disapproval through a formal statement that
read,
in part: `Those who oppose these meetings can criticize them in one way or
another. But what is most important is the freedom to be able to hold such
meetings. In addition to being educational institutions, the universities
also
serve as the guarantors of and as an umbrella for free and creative
discussions
on topics that are of interest to the country and the world. In the final
analysis, they can contribute to societal progress by virtue of their members'
total possession of the freedom of research, thought and expression.
It is extremely distressing and dreadful that, in opposition to these
universal values that have also been assimilated in Turkey, the 25-27 May
conference at Bosphorus University was brought, because of prejudices and
serious accusations, to the point of not being actualized. Not only does this
consequence seriously harm the development of the freedom of thought,
democracy
and civil society, but I worry that it will also become, in the future within
the international arena, a significant impediment to Turkey.'
2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours...
ANKARA--Israel's Ambassador to Turkey seems to have rediscovered the measuring
stick yet again, saying that it is inappropriate to link the Holocaust of the
Jews and the Armenian genocide.
Turkish Daily News quoted Ambassador Pinhas Avivi as saying in an exclusive
interview to Hurriyet, `It is wrong to draw similarities between the Armenian
genocide and Jewish genocide. The Holocaust was a political decision to
eradicate an entire people from the earth. I really respect the decision of
the
Turkish Government and Turks to leave the issue to the historians. Not the
politicians but the historians should discuss the matter. Turkey opened its
archives and this is vital.'
He also gave assurances that Israel was not acting against Turkey's interests
in northern Iraq. `If a Kurdish state is established in the North, a Shia
state is also established in the middle, and we do not want to see that. We
want a democratic and united Iraq' he added.
3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals
CASTLE ROCK--In response to constituent requests for support of Armenian
Genocide legislation pending in Congress, Republican Representative Thomas G.
Tancredo (CO-6) has told voters, `I believe that the atrocities committed
against the Armenian people is worthy of the term `genocide.' It was carried
out the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1916, and large numbers of Armenians were
methodically massacred.'
Colorado Armenian American community leaders and activists began receiving
response letters from the Congressman this month, and expressed their
appreciation for his candid remarks. Among them were long-time ANCA-WR
supporter and community leader, Dr. Garo Chalian, and ANC activist Simon
Maghakyan who said that they were encouraged by the Congressman's clear and
unambiguous statement.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) also
praised Tancredo for his firm moral stance. `Congressman Tancredo voted for
passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2000,' said ANCA-WR Chair
Steven
Dadaian.` Having his support again is critical as he serves on the House
International Relations Committee.'
Last week, ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian thanked
members of
the Representative's Washington, DC staff and also reviewed pressing foreign
affairs matters that concern Armenian Americans.
The State of Colorado has a growing and vibrant Armenian American community.
Armenians of Colorado, an organization dedicated to advancing understanding of
Armenian history, culture, religion, language, and heritage, has consistently
maintained strong ties with Colorado state officials and its Congressional
delegation. In 2003, the Colorado General Assembly permanently designated
April
24 `Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide' and urged US
Congress
to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
Two resolutions on the Armenian genocide have been introduced in the 109th
session of the House of Representatives. With strong bi-partisan support (112
and 83 cosponsors, respectively, to date) the resolutions have been
referred to
the House International Relations Committee and are currently pending
markup in
the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations,
on which Rep. Tancredo serves.
4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I
STUDIO CITY--Hosted by the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a
Kick-Off Party to officially announce His Holiness Aram I's visit to the
United
States, drew more than 200 religious brothers, community activists,
benefactors, and devoted sponsors to Bistro Gardens in Studio City, California
on August 21.
The Pontifical visit of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia will
begin on October 5, under the theme, `Towards the Light of Knowledge.'
`Inspired and empowered by the caliber of supporters and believers in the
Armenian Apostolic Church, we did not find it necessary to organize a Kick-Off
Party for the Official Banquet in honor of His Holiness Aram I,' Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian told supporters. `This Kick-Off was
organized
to thank our life-long supporters as well as officially announce the
Pontifical
Visit of His Holiness.'
The evening's program began with Banquet Committee Chairman, Shant Haytayan
and Second Chairman, Peklar Pilavjian, welcoming distinguished guests, and
inviting Archbishop Mardirossian to deliver his message.
Archbishop Mardirossian highlighted several key events of the Catholicos's
Visit, including a pontifical mass at St. Mary's Church in Glendale on October
9, a youth forum in Fresno on October 10, a major address on `Christianity in
the Middle East' to be delivered at the World Affairs Council on October 14,
and a symposium on the `Christian Response to Violence' to be held at the
University of Southern California on October 15.
The Archbishop explained that this Pontifical Visit will coincide with the
1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet and solemn
programs
marking the 90th commemoration of the Armenian genocide.
The evening concluded with great surprises, including the immediate request
for more than 1000 tickets after guests were told about the October 9 Gala
Banquet to be at the Universal Hilton.
As inspiring and important were the several large donations that were made to
benefit the ongoing work of the Western Prelacy, including the blessing of the
Western Prelacy's headquarters, and the opening of St. Sarkis Apostolic Church
in Pasadena.
`The Western Prelacy is dedicated to the community as it works diligently to
revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, spiritual, and educational
conditions of its churches and schools,' said Archbishop Mardirossian. `The
Western Prelacy has and will continue to make a substantial impact on
expanding
its reach to the Armenian-American community as long as it has supporters and
believers as benevolent and dedicated as evidenced at this showcase Kick-Off
celebration.'
5) Bella Darbinian Dies
YEREVAN (Armenpress/Narek.com)--An icon in Armenian popular music for more
than
three decades, Bella Darbinian, who also helped define the genre with a sultry
voice and a style all her own, died on the evening of August 22 in Yerevan,
after a long and debilitating illness.
Classically trained in Yerevan and Moscow, Darbinian gave up opera for a
career that would be more in tune with the pop sensibilities she grew up with
in Armenia's Lori region. She entered the spot-light in the early 60s when she
became a soloist with the Armenian State Ensemble. Her popularity soared after
joining the Symphonic Ensemble of Armenian Radio and Television in 1966.
For the next 30 years, Darbinian's numerous recordings and performances to
packed houses introduced a new level of legitimacy to modern Armenian pop
songs. Darbinian also performed in Russian, to gain immense popularity
throughout the states of the former Soviet Union.
Despite a prolonged absence in the 90s, Darbinian was back in 1998, with a
slew of new recordings and tour dates in the works.
As evidenced by her latest works, her resolve and passion for singing were
forever spirited.
All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.
ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through
mass media outlets.
TOP STORIES
08/23/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar
2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours...
3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals
4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I
5) Bella Darbinian Dies
1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar
Justice Minister Cicek takes `wait and see' attitude
ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)--A Conference on the Armenian genocide that was
abruptly postponed last May, seems to be back-on, reported the Istanbul-based
Armenian Daily Marmara.
The three-day conference, which was to open on May 25 at Istanbul's Bogazici
University, but was cancelled under government pressure, has been rescheduled
for September 23-25 at the same university.
The original conference, "Ottoman Armenians during the Decline of the Empire:
Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy," was organized by a
group of
Turkish historians challenging the official line on the issue.
Turkish academics and intellectuals from throughout the world who dispute
Ankara's version of the 1915-1917 genocide of Armenians, were to have lectured
at the conference organized by Turkey's three most prestigious universities.
This time around, organizers are refusing to release any details. Bogazici
University rector Ayse Soysal, through a spokesman, revealed that he simply
does not want to talk about the subject.
Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek had condemned the original initiative as
a blow to government efforts to counter a mounting Armenian campaign to have
the Genocide recognized internationally. "This is a stab in the back to the
Turkish nation... this is irresponsibility," Cicek told parliament. "We must
put an end to this cycle of treason and insult, of spreading propaganda
against
the [Turkish] nation by people who belong to it"
This time, however, Cicek told journalists, `They did not ask for my input in
either organizing or canceling the original conference. They did not ask
for my
opinion this time either. When the time comes, we will see together just who
will say what.'
The cancellation drew worldwide criticism from scholars, politicians,
organizations, and the media.
Tosun Terzioglu, the President of Sabanci University, one of the
organizers of
the conference, expressed his disapproval through a formal statement that
read,
in part: `Those who oppose these meetings can criticize them in one way or
another. But what is most important is the freedom to be able to hold such
meetings. In addition to being educational institutions, the universities
also
serve as the guarantors of and as an umbrella for free and creative
discussions
on topics that are of interest to the country and the world. In the final
analysis, they can contribute to societal progress by virtue of their members'
total possession of the freedom of research, thought and expression.
It is extremely distressing and dreadful that, in opposition to these
universal values that have also been assimilated in Turkey, the 25-27 May
conference at Bosphorus University was brought, because of prejudices and
serious accusations, to the point of not being actualized. Not only does this
consequence seriously harm the development of the freedom of thought,
democracy
and civil society, but I worry that it will also become, in the future within
the international arena, a significant impediment to Turkey.'
2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours...
ANKARA--Israel's Ambassador to Turkey seems to have rediscovered the measuring
stick yet again, saying that it is inappropriate to link the Holocaust of the
Jews and the Armenian genocide.
Turkish Daily News quoted Ambassador Pinhas Avivi as saying in an exclusive
interview to Hurriyet, `It is wrong to draw similarities between the Armenian
genocide and Jewish genocide. The Holocaust was a political decision to
eradicate an entire people from the earth. I really respect the decision of
the
Turkish Government and Turks to leave the issue to the historians. Not the
politicians but the historians should discuss the matter. Turkey opened its
archives and this is vital.'
He also gave assurances that Israel was not acting against Turkey's interests
in northern Iraq. `If a Kurdish state is established in the North, a Shia
state is also established in the middle, and we do not want to see that. We
want a democratic and united Iraq' he added.
3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals
CASTLE ROCK--In response to constituent requests for support of Armenian
Genocide legislation pending in Congress, Republican Representative Thomas G.
Tancredo (CO-6) has told voters, `I believe that the atrocities committed
against the Armenian people is worthy of the term `genocide.' It was carried
out the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1916, and large numbers of Armenians were
methodically massacred.'
Colorado Armenian American community leaders and activists began receiving
response letters from the Congressman this month, and expressed their
appreciation for his candid remarks. Among them were long-time ANCA-WR
supporter and community leader, Dr. Garo Chalian, and ANC activist Simon
Maghakyan who said that they were encouraged by the Congressman's clear and
unambiguous statement.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) also
praised Tancredo for his firm moral stance. `Congressman Tancredo voted for
passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2000,' said ANCA-WR Chair
Steven
Dadaian.` Having his support again is critical as he serves on the House
International Relations Committee.'
Last week, ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian thanked
members of
the Representative's Washington, DC staff and also reviewed pressing foreign
affairs matters that concern Armenian Americans.
The State of Colorado has a growing and vibrant Armenian American community.
Armenians of Colorado, an organization dedicated to advancing understanding of
Armenian history, culture, religion, language, and heritage, has consistently
maintained strong ties with Colorado state officials and its Congressional
delegation. In 2003, the Colorado General Assembly permanently designated
April
24 `Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide' and urged US
Congress
to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
Two resolutions on the Armenian genocide have been introduced in the 109th
session of the House of Representatives. With strong bi-partisan support (112
and 83 cosponsors, respectively, to date) the resolutions have been
referred to
the House International Relations Committee and are currently pending
markup in
the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations,
on which Rep. Tancredo serves.
4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I
STUDIO CITY--Hosted by the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a
Kick-Off Party to officially announce His Holiness Aram I's visit to the
United
States, drew more than 200 religious brothers, community activists,
benefactors, and devoted sponsors to Bistro Gardens in Studio City, California
on August 21.
The Pontifical visit of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia will
begin on October 5, under the theme, `Towards the Light of Knowledge.'
`Inspired and empowered by the caliber of supporters and believers in the
Armenian Apostolic Church, we did not find it necessary to organize a Kick-Off
Party for the Official Banquet in honor of His Holiness Aram I,' Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian told supporters. `This Kick-Off was
organized
to thank our life-long supporters as well as officially announce the
Pontifical
Visit of His Holiness.'
The evening's program began with Banquet Committee Chairman, Shant Haytayan
and Second Chairman, Peklar Pilavjian, welcoming distinguished guests, and
inviting Archbishop Mardirossian to deliver his message.
Archbishop Mardirossian highlighted several key events of the Catholicos's
Visit, including a pontifical mass at St. Mary's Church in Glendale on October
9, a youth forum in Fresno on October 10, a major address on `Christianity in
the Middle East' to be delivered at the World Affairs Council on October 14,
and a symposium on the `Christian Response to Violence' to be held at the
University of Southern California on October 15.
The Archbishop explained that this Pontifical Visit will coincide with the
1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet and solemn
programs
marking the 90th commemoration of the Armenian genocide.
The evening concluded with great surprises, including the immediate request
for more than 1000 tickets after guests were told about the October 9 Gala
Banquet to be at the Universal Hilton.
As inspiring and important were the several large donations that were made to
benefit the ongoing work of the Western Prelacy, including the blessing of the
Western Prelacy's headquarters, and the opening of St. Sarkis Apostolic Church
in Pasadena.
`The Western Prelacy is dedicated to the community as it works diligently to
revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, spiritual, and educational
conditions of its churches and schools,' said Archbishop Mardirossian. `The
Western Prelacy has and will continue to make a substantial impact on
expanding
its reach to the Armenian-American community as long as it has supporters and
believers as benevolent and dedicated as evidenced at this showcase Kick-Off
celebration.'
5) Bella Darbinian Dies
YEREVAN (Armenpress/Narek.com)--An icon in Armenian popular music for more
than
three decades, Bella Darbinian, who also helped define the genre with a sultry
voice and a style all her own, died on the evening of August 22 in Yerevan,
after a long and debilitating illness.
Classically trained in Yerevan and Moscow, Darbinian gave up opera for a
career that would be more in tune with the pop sensibilities she grew up with
in Armenia's Lori region. She entered the spot-light in the early 60s when she
became a soloist with the Armenian State Ensemble. Her popularity soared after
joining the Symphonic Ensemble of Armenian Radio and Television in 1966.
For the next 30 years, Darbinian's numerous recordings and performances to
packed houses introduced a new level of legitimacy to modern Armenian pop
songs. Darbinian also performed in Russian, to gain immense popularity
throughout the states of the former Soviet Union.
Despite a prolonged absence in the 90s, Darbinian was back in 1998, with a
slew of new recordings and tour dates in the works.
As evidenced by her latest works, her resolve and passion for singing were
forever spirited.
All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.
ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through
mass media outlets.