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10/14/2005
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1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey
2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims
3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad
Proposal That Bypasses Armenia
4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa
5) Critics' Forum
6) One Sided Bargain?
7) Week in Review
1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey
Congressional panel calls on Turkey to face history; drop charges against
writer for Armenian genocide remarks
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
welcomed efforts by leaders of the US Helsinki Commission to press Turkey to
end the prosecution of noted Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk for speaking openly
about the Armenian genocide in violation of the Turkish penal code, which
prohibits public discourse about this crime against humanity.
In a letter sent this week to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Helsinki Commissioners encouraged him to authorize the removal of charges
against Pamuk, who was charged with "public denigration of the Turkish
identity," for comments made in Switzerland about the Armenian genocide.
"We appreciate all that Congressman Smith and Senator Brownback are doing to
encourage Turkey to honestly face its history and come to terms with the
Armenian genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Their
efforts
are in the best tradition of America's proud leadership on human rights, and
reflect the growing Congressional consensus that Turkey - at long last - must
immediately end its hateful campaign of Genocide denial."
In a remark on Thursday, Commission Chairman Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
stressed that, "dropping the charges against Orhan Pamuk is not sufficient for
Turkey to come to grips with its past, but it is necessary," commented
Brownback. "If nothing else, the prosecution of Pamuk feeds the worst fears of
those who are skeptical about Turkey's commitment to freedom and democracy."
Co-Chairman Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) noted today that, "a stable
democracy cannot blossom until the government ends the practice of stifling
free speech and removes the clouds of deception and censorship from a true
telling of history." He added that, "Turkey has barely taken the first steps
toward coming to terms with its history. Until Turks honestly and openly
discuss their history, their democracy will never be on a firm foundation."
The US Helsinki Commission, also known as Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe, is a US Government agency that monitors progress in the
implementation of the 1975 Helsinki Accords. The Commission consists of nine
members from the United States Senate, nine from the House of Representatives,
and one each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.
2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims
The Armenian National Committee of America on Wednesday welcomed the
settlement
of a class action lawsuit against AXA Insurance Company, allowing descendants
of Armenian genocide era insurance policyholders to seek the assets denied to
them for so long. The historic case is the second of its kind, following the
New York Life Insurance class action case settled in February 2004. In both
cases, the heirs of genocide-era claim holders were represented by Yeghiayan
and Associates, Geragos and Geragos, and Kabateck Brown Kellner.
To place this settlement in its proper context, it is important to note that,
while the heirs and grandchildren of Genocide-era policyholders will now
receive some small portion of those funds, we should remember that those
moneys
were not available when these orphans of the Genocide needed them the most.
Instead, they were collecting interest in AXA coffers and remained there for
some 90 years until this corrective action was taken.
The European affiliates of the ANCA played an important role in educating the
European citizenry in general and the Armenian community in particular
regarding the AXA case through a far-reaching media and email campaign. As
part
of this effort, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy
(EAFJD) initiated a petition campaign to AXA France Supervisory Board Chairman
Claude Bebear, urging the firm to accept a fair settlement that would extend a
measure of dignity and recognition to the victims wrongfully denied their
property for nine decades.
The Armenian American community expects a fair, effective, and orderly claims
process be put in place that fully accounts for each policyholder and
appropriately disburses funds to European Armenian charities and organizations
with a long-standing record of fighting for the rights of the descendants of
Armenian genocide victims.
While the AXA case is significant in that it recognizes the legitimacy of the
insurance claims of Armenian genocide victims, it is by no means related to
any
claims for the deaths, thefts, bodily harm, and real and personal property
confiscation undertaken by the government of Ottoman Turkey and the
Republic of
Turkey between 1915 and 1923, the liability and responsibilities for which
continue to be held by the modern day government of Turkey. Nor does the
damages calculation assigned in this case relate in any way to those claims,
which remain outstanding.
The ANCA remains committed to ensuring that, in time, the Armenian people
will
receive the restitution they are owed from all those who unjustly profited,
either directly or indirectly, from the Armenian genocide.
3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad
Proposal That Bypasses Armenia
European Commission rules out support for Turkish railroad proposal that would
institutionalize Turkey's closed border with Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC--The European Commission has added its voice to growing
international opposition to a Caucasus railroad proposal by the Turkish
government that would, if built, institutionalize Turkey's border closure with
Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The Commission's position was articulated this week by the Directorate
General
for Transport and Energy. In explaining why the European Union would not
support the creation of this rail line, the directorate noted that its
construction was both unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing
railroad connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi. This line, which passes through
Armenia, was effectively shut down more than a decade ago by Turkey's
imposition of its blockade of Armenia, which continues to this day.
The Commission's adoption of this position comes in response to a May 21
letter from Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian to Jacques Barrot,
Deputy
Chairman of the European Commission. In this letter, the Foreign Minister
outlined the destabilizing implications of the proposed route bypassing
Armenia, and stressed the willingness of the government of Armenia to
cooperate
in the reactivation of the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway, which remains
fully functional but unused due to the unilateral Turkish blockade.
"We welcome the wise position taken by the European Commission against
Turkey's most recent effort to effectively institutionalize its border closure
with Armenia. The well founded concerns raised by the Commission reflect and
reinforce those being addressed in the US Congress by the South Caucasus
Integration and Open Railroads Act," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "In pressing forward so recklessly with this politically motivated
proposal, Turkey openly disregards the Administration's repeated calls to end
its decade-long border closure with Armenia. Clearly, this disregard must be
recognized and reckoned with by the US Congress, which should, in the coming
weeks, act in an urgent and decisive manner to check Turkey's growing
indifference to US priorities in the region."
On July 21, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank
Pallone
(D-NJ), along with Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), introduced legislation
addressing this issue by barring US financing for rail projects circumventing
Armenia. The ANCA welcomed this bipartisan effort, noting that it would
protect
US taxpayers from subsidizing a totally unnecessary and regionally
destabilizing proposal by Turkey aimed at isolating Armenia. The measure,
known
as the "South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005" (HR 3361),
currently has 39 House cosponsors and is gaining support from both sides of
the
aisle.
The text of the legislation notes "the exclusion of Armenia from regional
economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus undermines the
United States policy goal of promoting a stable and cooperative environment in
the region." In its operative section, the legislation prohibits US assistance
"to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections
that
do not traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku,
Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey." Specific forms of US
assistance prohibited would include: foreign economic and development aid,
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Trade and Development Agency, and the
Export-Import Bank.
The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10 of this year in a
question to Foreign Minister Oskanian, during a briefing at the National Press
Club. Minister Oskanian expressed concern that this would be a wasteful
undertaking for the international community. He said that they [Turkey] are
planning on spending something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that
railroad in place."
The Minister closed his comments, by stressing that, "This is in no one's
interest--not the US or European Union or the countries involved. I have
raised
this issue with the Administration and they understand. They promised to
follow
this, and to try to talk them [the Turkish government] out of engaging in this
type of senseless, useless activity."
4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa
Inspired by His Holiness, surprise donation of $1,000,000 made to Western
Prelacy
LOS ANGELES--The Los Angeles Armenian American community joyously hosted a
Pontifical banquet for His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, on Sunday, October 9, drawing a capacity crowd of over 1,200 people
from all segments of the community. In addition to the many prominent members
of the Los Angeles Armenian American community, also attending were Gagik
Kirakosian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Charbel Wehbi, Consul
General of Lebanon and several high-level public officials including Los
Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Senator Chuck Poochigian, members of
Congress and other city officials.
In addition to honoring His Holiness, the banquet also served as a forum to
thank the many large church benefactors who have recently made donations to
the
Western Prelacy to advance several large-scale projects underway, especially
the construction of the new Western Prelacy headquarters building in La
Crescenta, California.
Charlie Gailian was the banquet's Master of Ceremonies and one of the first
words of appreciation were for John and Asdghig Bedrosian who underwrote the
cost of the entire banquet, aside from making other major contributions to the
Western Prelacy. The welcoming remarks were made by Ara Bedrosian, a member of
the Public Relations Committee for the Pontiff's visit who was followed by
Khajag Dikijian, from the Western Prelacy Executive Council, who outlined the
themes of the visit and the many important leadership roles His Holiness plays
throughout the world. Hrair Balian, the chairman of the Executive Council
offered a toast to His Holiness stating that this visit will usher in a new
era
of expanded activity for the church in the western United States. Eastern
Prelate Oshagan Choloyan gave brief remarks and said that His Holiness,
through
his multi-faceted work beyond the Armenian community, has earned our church a
special place on the world stage. California State Senator Chuck Poochigian
took to the podium to welcome His Holiness and thank him for re-energizing the
community with his visit and offered a special proclamation from the state
senate recognizing his visit on the occasion of his 10th anniversary of being
elected Catholicos.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa briefly addressed the banquet and
expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet His Holiness and
respect for the important role the church plays in the life of the city. While
the Mayor met privately with His Holiness briefly that evening, Mayor
Villaraigosa said he looked forward to the official meeting he will have with
His Holiness at City Hall on October 14 along with the rest of the City
Council.
His Holiness shared many important thoughts during his remarks at the
banquet.
He first recognized the Consul General of Lebanon explaining the important
role
the country has played for him while growing up there and noted that
Lebanon is
not just a country but a living message of how people of different cultures
and
religions must learn to live with each other. He then directed his remarks to
the Consul General of Armenia by stating that "while we in the diaspora were
not born in Armenia, however Armenia was born inside us and lives in each of
our souls." He said that over the course of the past many decades, the
diaspora
kept the hopes of freedom alive for Armenia and has struggled for the Armenian
Cause and a free, independent, and united Armenia. The Great House of Cilicia
in Antelias has played its part in this struggle by keeping the Armenian
yerakouyn (tri-color) waving and to this day works hard to help rebuild
Armenia
stated His Holiness.
The Catholicos then focused on the theme of values and community service. He
said, "people come and go, but values remain" and for that reason it is
important that we live life with high moral values always seeking to unite
together to build our communities and build bridges of understanding and
trust.
"Positions don't elevate people but rather people elevate positions," he said.
In that context he also noted that the Great House of Cilicia always seeks
close collaboration with the Holy See in Etchmiadzin to reinforce our national
values and faithfulness by serving the people. "While we are physically in
Antelias, we live outside Antelias," stated His Holiness. "Antelias is
alive in
each of us."
Inspired by His Holiness, one of the highlights of the evening was the
surprise donation of $1,000,000 by Khachik and Elo Mouradian to establish an
endowment fund for the Western Prelacy. This added to the generosity of the
many other major benefactors who were recognized during the evening by the
Catholicos for their major contributions including Mr. and Mrs. John and
Asdghig Bedrosian and Carolan Family for contributing $250,000 each; Mr. and
Mrs. Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian, Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian, Mrs. Rose
Kasimian, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karghossian
and Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian all of whom made donations in
excess
of $100,000 each.
To honor some of the benefactors for their exemplary contributions to the
Western Prelacy building fund and to various schools and community centers,
His
Holiness presented special medals of honor including the "Cilician Eeshkhan
(Prince)" medal to Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian for her sponsorship of the ARS
preschool at Holy Martyrs in addition to recent contribution to the Western
Prelacy building; and "Cilician Asbed (Knight)" medals to Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis
and Susan Kitsinian for their contribution to the Pasadena St. Sarkis Church,
Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian, Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Eileen
Keusseyan,
Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karaghossian and Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri
Melkonian all for their various contributions to the Western Prelacy building
fund and other endeavors. His Holiness also presented a special cross to
Father
Nareg Shrikian for his more than 50 years of service to the church and
community.
Representatives from many of the major organizations in the Armenian
community
of Los Angeles were in attendance including the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Central Committee and Bureau, the Armenian Relief Society, the
Homenetmen, Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Board of Regents of
Armenian
Schools, National Representative Assembly of the Church and the Executive
Council of the Western Prelacy. Also present were clergy from various churches
including a representative of the Diocese. Other officials in the audience
included various Armenian American judges and city officials including
Glendale
Mayor Rafi Manoukian and City Councilman Ara Najarian.
5) Critics' Forum
Theater
Play Dates
By Aram Kouyoumdjian
If I were to tell you that I go to the theater every month with "a large group
of friends," you'd probably think I mean a dozen people. Or maybe 15. Say 20,
just to be generous.
You'd be off by a mile.
Over the course of the past year, I have enjoyed regular "play dates" with a
circle of (mostly Armenian) theater aficionados numbering 50, 70, and even 90.
Our outings have taken us all over Los Angeles, from points east to west,
treating us to a wide range of theater--challenging drama, absurdist comedy,
and even experimental fare.
The outings started last November when my friend Ara Oshagan and I
decided--"on a lark," as he describes it--to see plays on a monthly basis,
inviting friends to join us as they wished. "Whoever comes, comes," he said,
using English words but a decidedly Armenian construction to convey a sense of
open-hearted, but casual welcome.
We began, auspiciously enough, with "4.48 Psychosis," Sarah Kane's
little-known, but poetically haunting rumination on suicide. We numbered a
mere
seven people at that premier outing, but as we dissected the play over
late-night dessert, we knew that we were hooked on this collective experience.
We would never see that kind of intimate group again.
By the second outing, in December, attendance had quadrupled, as turnout grew
to 28 for Harold Pinter's "The Homecoming" at A Noise Within in Glendale. In
January, when we caught "Anna in the Tropics" at the Pasadena Playhouse, our
number had reached 47.
That third outing turned out to be a watershed evening, which we appreciated
only in hindsight. Oh, it wasn't the play that left a lingering impression.
The
overpraised Pulitzer Prize winner by Nilo Cruz was underserved by a cast prone
to overacting. The sparks lit up instead at our post-play gathering, where the
common topic of conversation seemed to be the lack of arts venues in the
Armenian community. Within a few months, many of the participants in that
conversation had launched an ambitious project--the Armenian Center for the
Arts--and the theater outings formally became a part of ACA's arts
programming.
In February, the taboo plot of Edward Albee's "The Goat"--about a successful
architect's sexual liaison with the titular animal--lured 56 of us to the Mark
Taper Forum downtown. But the master playwright's triumph lay in the script's
insightful themes--the bounds of social tolerance and the rupture of human
relationships in the face of unforgivable transgression.
Equally strong themes resonated in our selection for March, John Patrick
Shanley's "Doubt," a compelling play about a young priest's suspiciously
inappropriate behavior towards one of his students. Oscar winner Linda Hunt
headed the cast at the Pasadena Playhouse as the play was capturing the
Pulitzer Prize for its script and the Tony Award for its New York production.
Speaking of New York productions, we actually chose one as our pick for
April.
So as not to distract from local events commemorating the 90th anniversary of
the Armenian genocide, we announced the Off-Broadway production of "Beast on
the Moon"the story of two Genocide survivors trying to carve out a new life in
Wisconsinas our symbolic pick. (Still, despite the distance, nearly a dozen of
us were able to catch a performance of the play over the course of its run).
I've always had reservations about Richard Kalinoski's script, which often
lapses into sentimentality, but this classy production eschewed manipulative
emotion, thanks to strong acting by Omar Metwally and Lena Georgas, and
well-calibrated direction by Larry Moss.
In May, our group constituted two-thirds of the audience for "Yellowman" at
the Fountain Theatre, in Hollywood. This two-character play--which tackles
discrimination within the African-American community based on the lightness or
darkness of one's skin color--boasted powerful, yet lyrical writing by Dael
Orlandersmith and the undulations of its moods were expertly captured by the
flawless performances of Deidrie Henry and Chris Butler. In the end, the
audience rose for a standing ovation, and members of our group were
effusive in
their praise at a reception that the theater hosted for us after the play.
Judging from the feedback, I'd say that "Yellowman" still ranks as the best
received of the 11 productions we have seen to date.
Opinion was far less unanimous in June, when 70 of us turned out for Sarah
Ruhl's ironically-titled "Melancholy Play," our first comedy. Many of us were
delighted by its witty dialogue and absurdist humor, though the sillier, more
far-fetched elements of the script generated groans as well. Undeterred, we
indulged in further experimentation in July, when we opted for an
environmental
staging of "Macbeth." Director Eric Tucker's inspired adaptation was performed
in a NoHo warehouse, with the audience perched on bleachers that were often
moved around the cavernous space to allow for ever-changing perspectives of
the
play's action. Since the venue could not accommodate all 80 members of our
group, we bought out two successive nights of the show and soaked up the
highly-inventive features of its movement sequences and lighting design.
Our numbers peaked in August when 90 of us descended on the open-air
amphitheater of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (in Topanga Canyon) for
Arthur Miller's "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan." The script, by the brilliant mind
behind "Death of a Salesman," was rich in language and ideas--both of which
were butchered in the hands of a dreadful cast.
After a summer of eclectic choices, this fall we returned to straightforward
dramas in traditional theater settings. In September, we were back at the Mark
Taper Forum for "Radio Golf"--the final installment in August Wilson's
monumental 10-play cycle about the African-American experience during the 20th
century. (Extraordinarily enough, Wilson recently succumbed to liver cancer,
soon after completing a project that had preoccupied him for more than 20
years). And this month, we'll sample a bit of Americana with William Inge's
"Picnic," set in "the quiet desperation of a small Kansas town," where "the
sudden arrival of Hal, a dangerously handsome young drifter, ignites a
firestorm of sexual passion, ripping to tatters pre-conceived notions of
individual destiny." Promising, indeed.
Next month marks the beginning of Year Two, which we'll open with Aram
Saroyan's "At the Beach House." We'll try to make the next 12 choices just as
exciting and adventurous, various in genre and geography, high in caliber but
reasonable in ticket price, and followed, as always, by a post-play gathering
marked by sparkling conversation.
Will our numbers surpass 100? Will we encounter the next theatrical
masterpiece? Who knows ... We'll see.
For now, we'll take it one month at a time.
All Rights Reserved: Critics Forum, 2005
Aram Kouyoumdjian is the winner of Elly Awards for both playwriting ("The
Farewells") and directing ("Three Hotels"). Critics' Forum is a group created
to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the diaspora. To
sign
up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email to
[email protected].
6) One Sided Bargain?
By Garen Yegparian
In a deal, agreement, or contract, everyone expects all parties to keep up
their end of the bargain, right?
Assuming you said yes, I'll presume you agree that the same holds for the
social contract of which Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote. I lay no claim to having
studied his writings, but the term is very evocative. The individual has
certain expectations of and obligations to society, as represented through
government-especially when democratically structured, and vice-versa.
So what happens when one side isn't living up to the terms of the social
contract?
No, this is not an occasion to bash the Bush cabal and its failings. This
time, it's an indictment of the individual, or rather a group of individuals.
Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) opt not to participate in the life of a country.
Sure
they pay taxes (they might not even do that, but for the onerous alternative).
Otherwise, they evade public life. They don't vote or otherwise participate in
the life of the republic, any republic--Armenia, the US, or any other. Their
collective wisdom, competence, and energies are denied to the rest of us. Why
should they be allowed to reap public benefits? If I'm ignorant of the
specifics, please enlighten me. Oops, there's the catch, it's unlikely that
anyone who knows better would read this newspaper or article.
It's different when a Quaker conscientiously objects, refusing to serve in
the
armed forces. That same person might well be involved in advocating pacifism.
That's participating in and contributing to our collective life, as seen
through his/her prism of life. When an individual refuses to vote based on
some
rationale, he/she usually still engages in societal activity. The dummy who
just plain doesn't know enough to vote falls into a different category. Like
someone who needs other types of assistance--mental health, financial,
educational, etc., he/she is not making a CONSCIOUS, principled decision of
non-participation.
JW, based on their first principles, oppose participation in civic life. Why
should we, the rest of us, the people, have to pick up their slack? The
logical
conclusion of what they advocate through their door-to-door
recruiting/proselytizing is a complete collapse of society. So it strikes me
that these folks should go live where they won't be a drain on society. All
this came to me after a couple of discussions with my barber who belongs to
the
JW.
While groups such as JW, by virtue of their relatively small number, may not
have much practical impact on secure and large countries, or those with
well-established polities, the same cannot be said of places such as Armenia.
This presents a serious problem when human rights activists, based on their
life experiences in the type of setting just mentioned, pressure Armenia and
others to not discriminate against such sects.
I say no. Unless JW or other sects and groups like them (I emphatically
include all such withdrawal-oriented groups, not just JW) come up with a
way to
compensate for their non-participation, they should also be denied the
benefits
of citizenship.
What do you think?
7) Week in Review
Catholicos Aram I Calls for US Recognition of Armenian Genocide
His Holiness says there can not be reconciliation before confession
LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
made a firm statement calling for proper US recognition of the Armenian
genocide during a special prayer service in honor of the victims of the
Armenian genocide held on October 8 at the Armenian Genocide Monument in
Montebello, California. The Catholicos stated that the United States has
always
stood on the side of justice and human rights and should therefore take a
principled stand by properly recognizing the Armenian genocide.
The special ceremony was organized as a reaffirmation of the community's
commitment to proper Genocide recognition on the occasion of the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. There were several hundred members of
the
community in attendance as well as many local public officials including State
Assemblyman Ron Calderon, Montebello Mayor Bill Molinari, Pico Rivera Mayor
David Armenta, Montebello Police Chief Gary Couso-Vasquez, and a
representative
from Montebello Congresswoman Grace Napolitano's office.
"Reconciliation is based on forgiveness; however, there cannot be forgiveness
until there is acceptance of the truth and real confession," said the Pontiff
during the event referring to the Turkish government's continuing campaign of
denial and the lack of official US recognition of the Genocide.
The Pontiff ended his remarks by telling the story of how on April 24 of this
year he journeyed to Der Zor to the Euphrates river where many Armenian women
and children had died during the genocide. There he christened two Armenian
children and "the river that had symbolized death for the Armenian people
turned into a river of life," he said.
On the previous day, Friday, October 7, His Holiness held a meeting at
Glendale High School with approximately 1,000 students from the 11 Los Angeles
area Armenian schools. His Holiness stressed that students should carry on the
cultural and spiritual traditions of the Armenian people. That evening, His
Holiness was present at the Glendale Homenetmen "Ararat" Chapters special
event
celebrating the Armenian alphabet. During the official remarks, His Holiness
emphasized the importance of the Armenian language in defining the Armenian
culture and encouraged the youth present to make the effort to learn the
language as a means to living their identity.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly Reviews Armenian Genocide
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--The Armenian genocide was on the agenda of a NATO
Parliamentary Assembly seminar that took place in Armenia last week.
Addressing the NATO Rose-Roth Seminar held in Yerevan October 6-9, Halil
Berktay, professor of history at Sabanci University, specifically said, "I say
that the Genocide was committed. The only question is how to come to its
recognition."
He suggested studying various approaches in order for Turkish society to
first
"realize" that genocide has been committed, "then to recognize it."
Otherwise, he warned that tension among nationalist forces in Turkey would
escalate.
Armenian Parliament Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian commended Berktay's clear
position of qualifying the events of 1915 as genocide.
Sixty parliamentarians from 22 countries also discussed the Mountainous
Karabagh conflict, among other topics at the Seminar.
The Rose-Roth program was launched in 1990, with the initial aim to
strengthen
the development of parliamentary democracy in Central and Eastern European
countries.
Council of Europe Encourages Citizens to Support Proposed Constitutional
Reforms
YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The top decision-making body of the Council of Europe urged
Armenians on Monday to vote for constitutional amendments at next month's
referendum, saying that they are "vital" for Armenia's democratic future.
"The referendum, to be held on November 27 on this reform, will be vital for
Armenia," Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Portugal's foreign minister and the
chairman
of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, said in a statement. He
added that the proposed changes would shore up Armenia's weak judiciary and
create a "more balanced distribution of power between the executive and the
legislative branches."
The European Union and the United States have also expressed support for the
draft amendments. Western officials say that as well as curbing sweeping
powers
vested in the Armenian presidency, the proposed reform would facilitate
Armenia's integration into pan-European structures.
A similar statement was adopted on Monday at a conference of an organization
representing various-level Armenian judges.
Armenia's leading opposition groups, meanwhile, remain adamant in rejecting
the amendments as insignificant and irrelevant to the country's
democratization. In a joint statement last month, 17 opposition parties said
their enactment would only "legitimize the regime and prolong its life." They
pledged to work together in trying to scuttle the referendum.
Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey open Georgian Section of Caspian Oil Pipeline
TBILISI (AP)--The presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey on Wednesday
ceremonially opened the valves on the Georgian section of a US-backed Caspian
pipeline that is seen as key to cutting Western dependence on Mideast oil.
They
said the new route would help their countries prosper.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, and
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer each pushed a button opening valves at a
pumping station for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in the Gardaban district
outside the capital, Tbilisi.
"What does this pipeline mean for Georgia? Economically, it means
investment,"
Saakashvili said at the ceremony. "But the significance of this pipeline is
first of all political. Georgia's significance is growing on the world map and
in this region."
Known as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, or BTC pipeline, the $3.2 billion project
aims to boost the energy-hungry West's access to the rich Caspian fields,
estimated to hold the world's third-largest reserves. Iran, Russia,
Azerbaijan,
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan all claim shares of the Caspian's undersea
wealth.
By year's end, the 1,100-mile project is to ship up to 1 million barrels a
day
to Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Most Caspian oil exports
currently go
through Russian pipelines to the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, where the oil
is loaded onto tankers that squeeze through the crowded Bosporus Strait.
Governor Signs Senator Scott's Armenia Trade Office Bill
SACRAMENTO(Combined Sources)Senator Jack Scott's bill that extends the sunset
date for the operation of a privately funded trade office in Armenia has been
signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
California, home to about half-a-million Armenian-Americans, conducts most of
the nearly 50 million in trade between Armenia and the United States. The
trade
office is expected to increase business, trade, and tourism between California
and Armenia.
This office is the first privately funded trade office for the state and it
will be a win-win for California and Armenia. The trade office will open new
and large growth markets for California businesses and investors. For Armenia
and its neighbors, the office will generate much-needed business and
investment."
The state's trade office in Armenia opened last week in the capital city of
Yerevan. It was funded with $75,000 in private donations. The Glendale-based
Foundation for Economic Development helped create the trade office.
Because the money was raised privately, the state was able to open the office
in Armenia even though California's other foreign trade offices were closed
recently because of state budget woes. That could be a model for the state if
it opens other foreign trade offices, officials said.
Officials expect that the office will facilitate in the export of information
technology and health products going into Armenia and help Armenian businesses
export foodstuffs and other products to California.
ARF-Armenia Youth Organization Gains 42 New Members
YEREVAN (Aztagdaily.com)--Forty-two youth recently joined the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) Nigol Aghbalian Student Union in Armenia at a
ceremony that took place at the grave of Aram Boghosian who died fighting for
the Liberation of Mountainous Karabagh.
The October 7 swearing-in took place at Yerablur Military Cemetery in
Yerevan.
ARF Parliamentary faction secretary Hrair Garabedian noted the symbolism of
the
students taking their oath in the "presence of dedicated and martyred ARF
members."
Speaking to the new members, ARF-Armenia Supreme Body member Hratch
Tadevosian
said the people gave birth to the ARF at the end of the 19th century, and
during the subsequent 115 years, the party led a resolute fight to protect the
rights of Armenians. "But there remain many unresolved issues, and they await
you; we must be able to pursue these together, step-by-step. I hope that you
will provide force to the ARF."
Tension Runs High in Akhalkalak
AKHALKALAK (Armenpress)--Around 1,000 anti-Armenian Russian-language posters
carrying the state emblem of Turkey were found pasted to buildings in
Akhalkalak in southern Georgia on Tuesday morning.
Signed "The Akhaltsikhe Liberation Army," the posters ordered local Armenians
to move out of the region, to Armenia, the US and elsewhere, otherwise "be
slaughtered as your grandparents were in 1915."
Local Armenian organizations and many residents of the town say this is
another attempt to terrorize local Armenians and destabilize the mostly
Armenian populated region. The local administration convened an extraordinary
session with law-enforcement bodies urging them to track down and punish the
perpetrators.
Akhalkalak, the main town in the predominantly Armenian-populated Javakhk
region of Georgia, which borders Armenia, was the site of a protest rally on
October 5, after tax officials from Tbilisi closed ten shops for alleged
financial irregularities.
The shop owners, mostly ethnic Armenians, and about 300 supporters, gathered
outside the Akhalkalak's administration building to protest the violation of
their rights. The clash between the authorities and the protesters left
several
people injured.
Giorgi Khachidze, the governor of the region criticized the police for
excessive use of force and promised to hold some of them accountable.
Saakashvili and other Georgian officials have tried to downplay the latest
events in Akhalkalak, claming that the radical organizations advocating
autonomy for the region do not enjoy serious popular support.
Fresno Mayor Pledges Monument for Armenian Genocide Victims
FRESNO--The Mayor of Fresno, California expressed readiness to undertake the
building of a Genocide monument in the near future to honor the victims of the
Armenian genocide. Mayor Alan Autry made the announcement on the occasion of a
visit to the city by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, and as a response to a request by His Holiness. Mayor Autry said that
the first step would be to target an appropriate location for the memorial.
Fresno Armenian community members embraced the announcement, saying that it is
a step in right direction in establishing justice.
US Says Turkey Exerts Excessive Control over Religious Activity
ARMENPRESS--A recent report by the United States Mission to the Organization
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized Turkey for exerting
excessive state control over minority religions, saying the Muslim country
risks eroding the centuries-old Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul, as
well as
the historic Syriac and Armenian Orthodox churches.
"We regret that authorities continue to inhibit the opening of places of
worship outside the Sunni Muslim mainstream and systematically disregard the
OSCE's 1990 Bonn Document by expropriating the properties of religious groups
without compensation," the US statement said.
Concurrently, the European Court of Human Rights is weighing a decision on
the
property rights of two minority foundations in Turkey, the Soorp Purgich
Armenian Hospital Foundation and the Fener Greek Boys High School Foundation.
In both cases, property gifted to the Armenian and Greek foundations were
seized as the Turkish courts upheld orders declaring that the bequest violated
a decree disallowing non-Muslims from donating real estate. If the court rules
in favor of the foundations, hundreds of buildings seized in the past may be
returned.
Councilman Eric Garcetti and DNC Chairman Howard Dean Visit Armenia
LOS ANGELES--As a part of an official delegation of the Armenian National
Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR), Los Angeles City Councilmember
Eric Garcetti recently returned from a nearly week and a half long trip to
Armenia, where he met Armenian local and national political leadership.
The delegation met with several Parliamentary leaders including Levon
Mkrtchian, Armen Rustamian and the Mayor of Yerevan, Yervand Zakharian. During
these meetings, Garcetti and the Armenian officials discussed creating a
Sister
City relationship between Los Angeles and Yerevan, and issues that are of
concern to both the diasporan and native Armenian communities. Councilmember
Eric Garcetti said, "we looked at cooperation on the issues of law enforcement
and we explored possible cooperation around seismic standards for buildings,
considering we both live with fault lines in and around our cities."
Throughout the remainder of their trip, as Garcetti and the delegation
traveled through the highlands of Armenia, they met with US Ambassador to
Armenia, John Marshall Evans, and the Deputy Minister on Foreign Affairs,
Arman
Kirakossian.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Garcetti and his
delegation on their visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Together, they
planted trees in a grove where elected officials from around the world have
done the same in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by
the Ottoman Turkish government.
"The truth is that the Armenian genocide took place 90 years ago," said DNC
Chairman Howard Dean. "Over a million people were killed. There is no question
that the United States should recognize this."
During his short trip, Dean expressed his support for the congressional
resolution that urges President Bush to "accurately characterize the
systematic
and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide" in his annual
message to the US-Armenian community.
Garcetti represents the 13th district, which is known as the heart of Los
Angeles, and stretches between Hollywood and Downtown and includes the area
known as "Little Armenia."
AYF Eastern Region Members Gather for Annual Seminar
WATERTOWN--On October 8, members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
Eastern
Region gathered in Paramus, NJ, for the organization's annual Senior Seminar.
Participants from Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Jersey, New
York and Washington, DC, attended the seminar, which included lectures on the
current status of the organization; an overview of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF); and a discussion on what it means to be Armenian.
"We have our monthly meetings to discuss chapter dynamics and the
successes or
failures that occur within our own cities. It is important for us, however, to
take time out to meet with the leaders and active members of other chapters to
discuss our organization as a whole," said Philadelphia AYF chapter president
Angela Deese, who attended the seminar. "We must remember that we are part
of a
group of youth striving for the same goal, and as a part of ARF youth, we
strive for this goal not only in our own cities, but with the rest of our
ungers all over the world," she said.
"I believe that this meeting was a successful event for two reasons.
First, it
addressed important issues that our organization faces and presented
solutions.
And secondly, the lectures and discussions were different than the usual take
on the subjects," said New Jersey AYF attendee Razmig Tchaghlasian.
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10/14/2005
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1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey
2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims
3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad
Proposal That Bypasses Armenia
4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa
5) Critics' Forum
6) One Sided Bargain?
7) Week in Review
1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey
Congressional panel calls on Turkey to face history; drop charges against
writer for Armenian genocide remarks
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
welcomed efforts by leaders of the US Helsinki Commission to press Turkey to
end the prosecution of noted Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk for speaking openly
about the Armenian genocide in violation of the Turkish penal code, which
prohibits public discourse about this crime against humanity.
In a letter sent this week to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Helsinki Commissioners encouraged him to authorize the removal of charges
against Pamuk, who was charged with "public denigration of the Turkish
identity," for comments made in Switzerland about the Armenian genocide.
"We appreciate all that Congressman Smith and Senator Brownback are doing to
encourage Turkey to honestly face its history and come to terms with the
Armenian genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Their
efforts
are in the best tradition of America's proud leadership on human rights, and
reflect the growing Congressional consensus that Turkey - at long last - must
immediately end its hateful campaign of Genocide denial."
In a remark on Thursday, Commission Chairman Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
stressed that, "dropping the charges against Orhan Pamuk is not sufficient for
Turkey to come to grips with its past, but it is necessary," commented
Brownback. "If nothing else, the prosecution of Pamuk feeds the worst fears of
those who are skeptical about Turkey's commitment to freedom and democracy."
Co-Chairman Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) noted today that, "a stable
democracy cannot blossom until the government ends the practice of stifling
free speech and removes the clouds of deception and censorship from a true
telling of history." He added that, "Turkey has barely taken the first steps
toward coming to terms with its history. Until Turks honestly and openly
discuss their history, their democracy will never be on a firm foundation."
The US Helsinki Commission, also known as Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe, is a US Government agency that monitors progress in the
implementation of the 1975 Helsinki Accords. The Commission consists of nine
members from the United States Senate, nine from the House of Representatives,
and one each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.
2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims
The Armenian National Committee of America on Wednesday welcomed the
settlement
of a class action lawsuit against AXA Insurance Company, allowing descendants
of Armenian genocide era insurance policyholders to seek the assets denied to
them for so long. The historic case is the second of its kind, following the
New York Life Insurance class action case settled in February 2004. In both
cases, the heirs of genocide-era claim holders were represented by Yeghiayan
and Associates, Geragos and Geragos, and Kabateck Brown Kellner.
To place this settlement in its proper context, it is important to note that,
while the heirs and grandchildren of Genocide-era policyholders will now
receive some small portion of those funds, we should remember that those
moneys
were not available when these orphans of the Genocide needed them the most.
Instead, they were collecting interest in AXA coffers and remained there for
some 90 years until this corrective action was taken.
The European affiliates of the ANCA played an important role in educating the
European citizenry in general and the Armenian community in particular
regarding the AXA case through a far-reaching media and email campaign. As
part
of this effort, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy
(EAFJD) initiated a petition campaign to AXA France Supervisory Board Chairman
Claude Bebear, urging the firm to accept a fair settlement that would extend a
measure of dignity and recognition to the victims wrongfully denied their
property for nine decades.
The Armenian American community expects a fair, effective, and orderly claims
process be put in place that fully accounts for each policyholder and
appropriately disburses funds to European Armenian charities and organizations
with a long-standing record of fighting for the rights of the descendants of
Armenian genocide victims.
While the AXA case is significant in that it recognizes the legitimacy of the
insurance claims of Armenian genocide victims, it is by no means related to
any
claims for the deaths, thefts, bodily harm, and real and personal property
confiscation undertaken by the government of Ottoman Turkey and the
Republic of
Turkey between 1915 and 1923, the liability and responsibilities for which
continue to be held by the modern day government of Turkey. Nor does the
damages calculation assigned in this case relate in any way to those claims,
which remain outstanding.
The ANCA remains committed to ensuring that, in time, the Armenian people
will
receive the restitution they are owed from all those who unjustly profited,
either directly or indirectly, from the Armenian genocide.
3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad
Proposal That Bypasses Armenia
European Commission rules out support for Turkish railroad proposal that would
institutionalize Turkey's closed border with Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC--The European Commission has added its voice to growing
international opposition to a Caucasus railroad proposal by the Turkish
government that would, if built, institutionalize Turkey's border closure with
Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The Commission's position was articulated this week by the Directorate
General
for Transport and Energy. In explaining why the European Union would not
support the creation of this rail line, the directorate noted that its
construction was both unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing
railroad connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi. This line, which passes through
Armenia, was effectively shut down more than a decade ago by Turkey's
imposition of its blockade of Armenia, which continues to this day.
The Commission's adoption of this position comes in response to a May 21
letter from Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian to Jacques Barrot,
Deputy
Chairman of the European Commission. In this letter, the Foreign Minister
outlined the destabilizing implications of the proposed route bypassing
Armenia, and stressed the willingness of the government of Armenia to
cooperate
in the reactivation of the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway, which remains
fully functional but unused due to the unilateral Turkish blockade.
"We welcome the wise position taken by the European Commission against
Turkey's most recent effort to effectively institutionalize its border closure
with Armenia. The well founded concerns raised by the Commission reflect and
reinforce those being addressed in the US Congress by the South Caucasus
Integration and Open Railroads Act," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "In pressing forward so recklessly with this politically motivated
proposal, Turkey openly disregards the Administration's repeated calls to end
its decade-long border closure with Armenia. Clearly, this disregard must be
recognized and reckoned with by the US Congress, which should, in the coming
weeks, act in an urgent and decisive manner to check Turkey's growing
indifference to US priorities in the region."
On July 21, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank
Pallone
(D-NJ), along with Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), introduced legislation
addressing this issue by barring US financing for rail projects circumventing
Armenia. The ANCA welcomed this bipartisan effort, noting that it would
protect
US taxpayers from subsidizing a totally unnecessary and regionally
destabilizing proposal by Turkey aimed at isolating Armenia. The measure,
known
as the "South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005" (HR 3361),
currently has 39 House cosponsors and is gaining support from both sides of
the
aisle.
The text of the legislation notes "the exclusion of Armenia from regional
economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus undermines the
United States policy goal of promoting a stable and cooperative environment in
the region." In its operative section, the legislation prohibits US assistance
"to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections
that
do not traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku,
Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey." Specific forms of US
assistance prohibited would include: foreign economic and development aid,
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Trade and Development Agency, and the
Export-Import Bank.
The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10 of this year in a
question to Foreign Minister Oskanian, during a briefing at the National Press
Club. Minister Oskanian expressed concern that this would be a wasteful
undertaking for the international community. He said that they [Turkey] are
planning on spending something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that
railroad in place."
The Minister closed his comments, by stressing that, "This is in no one's
interest--not the US or European Union or the countries involved. I have
raised
this issue with the Administration and they understand. They promised to
follow
this, and to try to talk them [the Turkish government] out of engaging in this
type of senseless, useless activity."
4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa
Inspired by His Holiness, surprise donation of $1,000,000 made to Western
Prelacy
LOS ANGELES--The Los Angeles Armenian American community joyously hosted a
Pontifical banquet for His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, on Sunday, October 9, drawing a capacity crowd of over 1,200 people
from all segments of the community. In addition to the many prominent members
of the Los Angeles Armenian American community, also attending were Gagik
Kirakosian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Charbel Wehbi, Consul
General of Lebanon and several high-level public officials including Los
Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Senator Chuck Poochigian, members of
Congress and other city officials.
In addition to honoring His Holiness, the banquet also served as a forum to
thank the many large church benefactors who have recently made donations to
the
Western Prelacy to advance several large-scale projects underway, especially
the construction of the new Western Prelacy headquarters building in La
Crescenta, California.
Charlie Gailian was the banquet's Master of Ceremonies and one of the first
words of appreciation were for John and Asdghig Bedrosian who underwrote the
cost of the entire banquet, aside from making other major contributions to the
Western Prelacy. The welcoming remarks were made by Ara Bedrosian, a member of
the Public Relations Committee for the Pontiff's visit who was followed by
Khajag Dikijian, from the Western Prelacy Executive Council, who outlined the
themes of the visit and the many important leadership roles His Holiness plays
throughout the world. Hrair Balian, the chairman of the Executive Council
offered a toast to His Holiness stating that this visit will usher in a new
era
of expanded activity for the church in the western United States. Eastern
Prelate Oshagan Choloyan gave brief remarks and said that His Holiness,
through
his multi-faceted work beyond the Armenian community, has earned our church a
special place on the world stage. California State Senator Chuck Poochigian
took to the podium to welcome His Holiness and thank him for re-energizing the
community with his visit and offered a special proclamation from the state
senate recognizing his visit on the occasion of his 10th anniversary of being
elected Catholicos.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa briefly addressed the banquet and
expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet His Holiness and
respect for the important role the church plays in the life of the city. While
the Mayor met privately with His Holiness briefly that evening, Mayor
Villaraigosa said he looked forward to the official meeting he will have with
His Holiness at City Hall on October 14 along with the rest of the City
Council.
His Holiness shared many important thoughts during his remarks at the
banquet.
He first recognized the Consul General of Lebanon explaining the important
role
the country has played for him while growing up there and noted that
Lebanon is
not just a country but a living message of how people of different cultures
and
religions must learn to live with each other. He then directed his remarks to
the Consul General of Armenia by stating that "while we in the diaspora were
not born in Armenia, however Armenia was born inside us and lives in each of
our souls." He said that over the course of the past many decades, the
diaspora
kept the hopes of freedom alive for Armenia and has struggled for the Armenian
Cause and a free, independent, and united Armenia. The Great House of Cilicia
in Antelias has played its part in this struggle by keeping the Armenian
yerakouyn (tri-color) waving and to this day works hard to help rebuild
Armenia
stated His Holiness.
The Catholicos then focused on the theme of values and community service. He
said, "people come and go, but values remain" and for that reason it is
important that we live life with high moral values always seeking to unite
together to build our communities and build bridges of understanding and
trust.
"Positions don't elevate people but rather people elevate positions," he said.
In that context he also noted that the Great House of Cilicia always seeks
close collaboration with the Holy See in Etchmiadzin to reinforce our national
values and faithfulness by serving the people. "While we are physically in
Antelias, we live outside Antelias," stated His Holiness. "Antelias is
alive in
each of us."
Inspired by His Holiness, one of the highlights of the evening was the
surprise donation of $1,000,000 by Khachik and Elo Mouradian to establish an
endowment fund for the Western Prelacy. This added to the generosity of the
many other major benefactors who were recognized during the evening by the
Catholicos for their major contributions including Mr. and Mrs. John and
Asdghig Bedrosian and Carolan Family for contributing $250,000 each; Mr. and
Mrs. Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian, Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian, Mrs. Rose
Kasimian, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karghossian
and Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian all of whom made donations in
excess
of $100,000 each.
To honor some of the benefactors for their exemplary contributions to the
Western Prelacy building fund and to various schools and community centers,
His
Holiness presented special medals of honor including the "Cilician Eeshkhan
(Prince)" medal to Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian for her sponsorship of the ARS
preschool at Holy Martyrs in addition to recent contribution to the Western
Prelacy building; and "Cilician Asbed (Knight)" medals to Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis
and Susan Kitsinian for their contribution to the Pasadena St. Sarkis Church,
Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian, Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Eileen
Keusseyan,
Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karaghossian and Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri
Melkonian all for their various contributions to the Western Prelacy building
fund and other endeavors. His Holiness also presented a special cross to
Father
Nareg Shrikian for his more than 50 years of service to the church and
community.
Representatives from many of the major organizations in the Armenian
community
of Los Angeles were in attendance including the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Central Committee and Bureau, the Armenian Relief Society, the
Homenetmen, Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Board of Regents of
Armenian
Schools, National Representative Assembly of the Church and the Executive
Council of the Western Prelacy. Also present were clergy from various churches
including a representative of the Diocese. Other officials in the audience
included various Armenian American judges and city officials including
Glendale
Mayor Rafi Manoukian and City Councilman Ara Najarian.
5) Critics' Forum
Theater
Play Dates
By Aram Kouyoumdjian
If I were to tell you that I go to the theater every month with "a large group
of friends," you'd probably think I mean a dozen people. Or maybe 15. Say 20,
just to be generous.
You'd be off by a mile.
Over the course of the past year, I have enjoyed regular "play dates" with a
circle of (mostly Armenian) theater aficionados numbering 50, 70, and even 90.
Our outings have taken us all over Los Angeles, from points east to west,
treating us to a wide range of theater--challenging drama, absurdist comedy,
and even experimental fare.
The outings started last November when my friend Ara Oshagan and I
decided--"on a lark," as he describes it--to see plays on a monthly basis,
inviting friends to join us as they wished. "Whoever comes, comes," he said,
using English words but a decidedly Armenian construction to convey a sense of
open-hearted, but casual welcome.
We began, auspiciously enough, with "4.48 Psychosis," Sarah Kane's
little-known, but poetically haunting rumination on suicide. We numbered a
mere
seven people at that premier outing, but as we dissected the play over
late-night dessert, we knew that we were hooked on this collective experience.
We would never see that kind of intimate group again.
By the second outing, in December, attendance had quadrupled, as turnout grew
to 28 for Harold Pinter's "The Homecoming" at A Noise Within in Glendale. In
January, when we caught "Anna in the Tropics" at the Pasadena Playhouse, our
number had reached 47.
That third outing turned out to be a watershed evening, which we appreciated
only in hindsight. Oh, it wasn't the play that left a lingering impression.
The
overpraised Pulitzer Prize winner by Nilo Cruz was underserved by a cast prone
to overacting. The sparks lit up instead at our post-play gathering, where the
common topic of conversation seemed to be the lack of arts venues in the
Armenian community. Within a few months, many of the participants in that
conversation had launched an ambitious project--the Armenian Center for the
Arts--and the theater outings formally became a part of ACA's arts
programming.
In February, the taboo plot of Edward Albee's "The Goat"--about a successful
architect's sexual liaison with the titular animal--lured 56 of us to the Mark
Taper Forum downtown. But the master playwright's triumph lay in the script's
insightful themes--the bounds of social tolerance and the rupture of human
relationships in the face of unforgivable transgression.
Equally strong themes resonated in our selection for March, John Patrick
Shanley's "Doubt," a compelling play about a young priest's suspiciously
inappropriate behavior towards one of his students. Oscar winner Linda Hunt
headed the cast at the Pasadena Playhouse as the play was capturing the
Pulitzer Prize for its script and the Tony Award for its New York production.
Speaking of New York productions, we actually chose one as our pick for
April.
So as not to distract from local events commemorating the 90th anniversary of
the Armenian genocide, we announced the Off-Broadway production of "Beast on
the Moon"the story of two Genocide survivors trying to carve out a new life in
Wisconsinas our symbolic pick. (Still, despite the distance, nearly a dozen of
us were able to catch a performance of the play over the course of its run).
I've always had reservations about Richard Kalinoski's script, which often
lapses into sentimentality, but this classy production eschewed manipulative
emotion, thanks to strong acting by Omar Metwally and Lena Georgas, and
well-calibrated direction by Larry Moss.
In May, our group constituted two-thirds of the audience for "Yellowman" at
the Fountain Theatre, in Hollywood. This two-character play--which tackles
discrimination within the African-American community based on the lightness or
darkness of one's skin color--boasted powerful, yet lyrical writing by Dael
Orlandersmith and the undulations of its moods were expertly captured by the
flawless performances of Deidrie Henry and Chris Butler. In the end, the
audience rose for a standing ovation, and members of our group were
effusive in
their praise at a reception that the theater hosted for us after the play.
Judging from the feedback, I'd say that "Yellowman" still ranks as the best
received of the 11 productions we have seen to date.
Opinion was far less unanimous in June, when 70 of us turned out for Sarah
Ruhl's ironically-titled "Melancholy Play," our first comedy. Many of us were
delighted by its witty dialogue and absurdist humor, though the sillier, more
far-fetched elements of the script generated groans as well. Undeterred, we
indulged in further experimentation in July, when we opted for an
environmental
staging of "Macbeth." Director Eric Tucker's inspired adaptation was performed
in a NoHo warehouse, with the audience perched on bleachers that were often
moved around the cavernous space to allow for ever-changing perspectives of
the
play's action. Since the venue could not accommodate all 80 members of our
group, we bought out two successive nights of the show and soaked up the
highly-inventive features of its movement sequences and lighting design.
Our numbers peaked in August when 90 of us descended on the open-air
amphitheater of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (in Topanga Canyon) for
Arthur Miller's "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan." The script, by the brilliant mind
behind "Death of a Salesman," was rich in language and ideas--both of which
were butchered in the hands of a dreadful cast.
After a summer of eclectic choices, this fall we returned to straightforward
dramas in traditional theater settings. In September, we were back at the Mark
Taper Forum for "Radio Golf"--the final installment in August Wilson's
monumental 10-play cycle about the African-American experience during the 20th
century. (Extraordinarily enough, Wilson recently succumbed to liver cancer,
soon after completing a project that had preoccupied him for more than 20
years). And this month, we'll sample a bit of Americana with William Inge's
"Picnic," set in "the quiet desperation of a small Kansas town," where "the
sudden arrival of Hal, a dangerously handsome young drifter, ignites a
firestorm of sexual passion, ripping to tatters pre-conceived notions of
individual destiny." Promising, indeed.
Next month marks the beginning of Year Two, which we'll open with Aram
Saroyan's "At the Beach House." We'll try to make the next 12 choices just as
exciting and adventurous, various in genre and geography, high in caliber but
reasonable in ticket price, and followed, as always, by a post-play gathering
marked by sparkling conversation.
Will our numbers surpass 100? Will we encounter the next theatrical
masterpiece? Who knows ... We'll see.
For now, we'll take it one month at a time.
All Rights Reserved: Critics Forum, 2005
Aram Kouyoumdjian is the winner of Elly Awards for both playwriting ("The
Farewells") and directing ("Three Hotels"). Critics' Forum is a group created
to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the diaspora. To
sign
up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email to
[email protected].
6) One Sided Bargain?
By Garen Yegparian
In a deal, agreement, or contract, everyone expects all parties to keep up
their end of the bargain, right?
Assuming you said yes, I'll presume you agree that the same holds for the
social contract of which Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote. I lay no claim to having
studied his writings, but the term is very evocative. The individual has
certain expectations of and obligations to society, as represented through
government-especially when democratically structured, and vice-versa.
So what happens when one side isn't living up to the terms of the social
contract?
No, this is not an occasion to bash the Bush cabal and its failings. This
time, it's an indictment of the individual, or rather a group of individuals.
Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) opt not to participate in the life of a country.
Sure
they pay taxes (they might not even do that, but for the onerous alternative).
Otherwise, they evade public life. They don't vote or otherwise participate in
the life of the republic, any republic--Armenia, the US, or any other. Their
collective wisdom, competence, and energies are denied to the rest of us. Why
should they be allowed to reap public benefits? If I'm ignorant of the
specifics, please enlighten me. Oops, there's the catch, it's unlikely that
anyone who knows better would read this newspaper or article.
It's different when a Quaker conscientiously objects, refusing to serve in
the
armed forces. That same person might well be involved in advocating pacifism.
That's participating in and contributing to our collective life, as seen
through his/her prism of life. When an individual refuses to vote based on
some
rationale, he/she usually still engages in societal activity. The dummy who
just plain doesn't know enough to vote falls into a different category. Like
someone who needs other types of assistance--mental health, financial,
educational, etc., he/she is not making a CONSCIOUS, principled decision of
non-participation.
JW, based on their first principles, oppose participation in civic life. Why
should we, the rest of us, the people, have to pick up their slack? The
logical
conclusion of what they advocate through their door-to-door
recruiting/proselytizing is a complete collapse of society. So it strikes me
that these folks should go live where they won't be a drain on society. All
this came to me after a couple of discussions with my barber who belongs to
the
JW.
While groups such as JW, by virtue of their relatively small number, may not
have much practical impact on secure and large countries, or those with
well-established polities, the same cannot be said of places such as Armenia.
This presents a serious problem when human rights activists, based on their
life experiences in the type of setting just mentioned, pressure Armenia and
others to not discriminate against such sects.
I say no. Unless JW or other sects and groups like them (I emphatically
include all such withdrawal-oriented groups, not just JW) come up with a
way to
compensate for their non-participation, they should also be denied the
benefits
of citizenship.
What do you think?
7) Week in Review
Catholicos Aram I Calls for US Recognition of Armenian Genocide
His Holiness says there can not be reconciliation before confession
LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
made a firm statement calling for proper US recognition of the Armenian
genocide during a special prayer service in honor of the victims of the
Armenian genocide held on October 8 at the Armenian Genocide Monument in
Montebello, California. The Catholicos stated that the United States has
always
stood on the side of justice and human rights and should therefore take a
principled stand by properly recognizing the Armenian genocide.
The special ceremony was organized as a reaffirmation of the community's
commitment to proper Genocide recognition on the occasion of the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. There were several hundred members of
the
community in attendance as well as many local public officials including State
Assemblyman Ron Calderon, Montebello Mayor Bill Molinari, Pico Rivera Mayor
David Armenta, Montebello Police Chief Gary Couso-Vasquez, and a
representative
from Montebello Congresswoman Grace Napolitano's office.
"Reconciliation is based on forgiveness; however, there cannot be forgiveness
until there is acceptance of the truth and real confession," said the Pontiff
during the event referring to the Turkish government's continuing campaign of
denial and the lack of official US recognition of the Genocide.
The Pontiff ended his remarks by telling the story of how on April 24 of this
year he journeyed to Der Zor to the Euphrates river where many Armenian women
and children had died during the genocide. There he christened two Armenian
children and "the river that had symbolized death for the Armenian people
turned into a river of life," he said.
On the previous day, Friday, October 7, His Holiness held a meeting at
Glendale High School with approximately 1,000 students from the 11 Los Angeles
area Armenian schools. His Holiness stressed that students should carry on the
cultural and spiritual traditions of the Armenian people. That evening, His
Holiness was present at the Glendale Homenetmen "Ararat" Chapters special
event
celebrating the Armenian alphabet. During the official remarks, His Holiness
emphasized the importance of the Armenian language in defining the Armenian
culture and encouraged the youth present to make the effort to learn the
language as a means to living their identity.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly Reviews Armenian Genocide
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--The Armenian genocide was on the agenda of a NATO
Parliamentary Assembly seminar that took place in Armenia last week.
Addressing the NATO Rose-Roth Seminar held in Yerevan October 6-9, Halil
Berktay, professor of history at Sabanci University, specifically said, "I say
that the Genocide was committed. The only question is how to come to its
recognition."
He suggested studying various approaches in order for Turkish society to
first
"realize" that genocide has been committed, "then to recognize it."
Otherwise, he warned that tension among nationalist forces in Turkey would
escalate.
Armenian Parliament Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian commended Berktay's clear
position of qualifying the events of 1915 as genocide.
Sixty parliamentarians from 22 countries also discussed the Mountainous
Karabagh conflict, among other topics at the Seminar.
The Rose-Roth program was launched in 1990, with the initial aim to
strengthen
the development of parliamentary democracy in Central and Eastern European
countries.
Council of Europe Encourages Citizens to Support Proposed Constitutional
Reforms
YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The top decision-making body of the Council of Europe urged
Armenians on Monday to vote for constitutional amendments at next month's
referendum, saying that they are "vital" for Armenia's democratic future.
"The referendum, to be held on November 27 on this reform, will be vital for
Armenia," Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Portugal's foreign minister and the
chairman
of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, said in a statement. He
added that the proposed changes would shore up Armenia's weak judiciary and
create a "more balanced distribution of power between the executive and the
legislative branches."
The European Union and the United States have also expressed support for the
draft amendments. Western officials say that as well as curbing sweeping
powers
vested in the Armenian presidency, the proposed reform would facilitate
Armenia's integration into pan-European structures.
A similar statement was adopted on Monday at a conference of an organization
representing various-level Armenian judges.
Armenia's leading opposition groups, meanwhile, remain adamant in rejecting
the amendments as insignificant and irrelevant to the country's
democratization. In a joint statement last month, 17 opposition parties said
their enactment would only "legitimize the regime and prolong its life." They
pledged to work together in trying to scuttle the referendum.
Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey open Georgian Section of Caspian Oil Pipeline
TBILISI (AP)--The presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey on Wednesday
ceremonially opened the valves on the Georgian section of a US-backed Caspian
pipeline that is seen as key to cutting Western dependence on Mideast oil.
They
said the new route would help their countries prosper.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, and
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer each pushed a button opening valves at a
pumping station for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in the Gardaban district
outside the capital, Tbilisi.
"What does this pipeline mean for Georgia? Economically, it means
investment,"
Saakashvili said at the ceremony. "But the significance of this pipeline is
first of all political. Georgia's significance is growing on the world map and
in this region."
Known as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, or BTC pipeline, the $3.2 billion project
aims to boost the energy-hungry West's access to the rich Caspian fields,
estimated to hold the world's third-largest reserves. Iran, Russia,
Azerbaijan,
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan all claim shares of the Caspian's undersea
wealth.
By year's end, the 1,100-mile project is to ship up to 1 million barrels a
day
to Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Most Caspian oil exports
currently go
through Russian pipelines to the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, where the oil
is loaded onto tankers that squeeze through the crowded Bosporus Strait.
Governor Signs Senator Scott's Armenia Trade Office Bill
SACRAMENTO(Combined Sources)Senator Jack Scott's bill that extends the sunset
date for the operation of a privately funded trade office in Armenia has been
signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
California, home to about half-a-million Armenian-Americans, conducts most of
the nearly 50 million in trade between Armenia and the United States. The
trade
office is expected to increase business, trade, and tourism between California
and Armenia.
This office is the first privately funded trade office for the state and it
will be a win-win for California and Armenia. The trade office will open new
and large growth markets for California businesses and investors. For Armenia
and its neighbors, the office will generate much-needed business and
investment."
The state's trade office in Armenia opened last week in the capital city of
Yerevan. It was funded with $75,000 in private donations. The Glendale-based
Foundation for Economic Development helped create the trade office.
Because the money was raised privately, the state was able to open the office
in Armenia even though California's other foreign trade offices were closed
recently because of state budget woes. That could be a model for the state if
it opens other foreign trade offices, officials said.
Officials expect that the office will facilitate in the export of information
technology and health products going into Armenia and help Armenian businesses
export foodstuffs and other products to California.
ARF-Armenia Youth Organization Gains 42 New Members
YEREVAN (Aztagdaily.com)--Forty-two youth recently joined the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) Nigol Aghbalian Student Union in Armenia at a
ceremony that took place at the grave of Aram Boghosian who died fighting for
the Liberation of Mountainous Karabagh.
The October 7 swearing-in took place at Yerablur Military Cemetery in
Yerevan.
ARF Parliamentary faction secretary Hrair Garabedian noted the symbolism of
the
students taking their oath in the "presence of dedicated and martyred ARF
members."
Speaking to the new members, ARF-Armenia Supreme Body member Hratch
Tadevosian
said the people gave birth to the ARF at the end of the 19th century, and
during the subsequent 115 years, the party led a resolute fight to protect the
rights of Armenians. "But there remain many unresolved issues, and they await
you; we must be able to pursue these together, step-by-step. I hope that you
will provide force to the ARF."
Tension Runs High in Akhalkalak
AKHALKALAK (Armenpress)--Around 1,000 anti-Armenian Russian-language posters
carrying the state emblem of Turkey were found pasted to buildings in
Akhalkalak in southern Georgia on Tuesday morning.
Signed "The Akhaltsikhe Liberation Army," the posters ordered local Armenians
to move out of the region, to Armenia, the US and elsewhere, otherwise "be
slaughtered as your grandparents were in 1915."
Local Armenian organizations and many residents of the town say this is
another attempt to terrorize local Armenians and destabilize the mostly
Armenian populated region. The local administration convened an extraordinary
session with law-enforcement bodies urging them to track down and punish the
perpetrators.
Akhalkalak, the main town in the predominantly Armenian-populated Javakhk
region of Georgia, which borders Armenia, was the site of a protest rally on
October 5, after tax officials from Tbilisi closed ten shops for alleged
financial irregularities.
The shop owners, mostly ethnic Armenians, and about 300 supporters, gathered
outside the Akhalkalak's administration building to protest the violation of
their rights. The clash between the authorities and the protesters left
several
people injured.
Giorgi Khachidze, the governor of the region criticized the police for
excessive use of force and promised to hold some of them accountable.
Saakashvili and other Georgian officials have tried to downplay the latest
events in Akhalkalak, claming that the radical organizations advocating
autonomy for the region do not enjoy serious popular support.
Fresno Mayor Pledges Monument for Armenian Genocide Victims
FRESNO--The Mayor of Fresno, California expressed readiness to undertake the
building of a Genocide monument in the near future to honor the victims of the
Armenian genocide. Mayor Alan Autry made the announcement on the occasion of a
visit to the city by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, and as a response to a request by His Holiness. Mayor Autry said that
the first step would be to target an appropriate location for the memorial.
Fresno Armenian community members embraced the announcement, saying that it is
a step in right direction in establishing justice.
US Says Turkey Exerts Excessive Control over Religious Activity
ARMENPRESS--A recent report by the United States Mission to the Organization
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized Turkey for exerting
excessive state control over minority religions, saying the Muslim country
risks eroding the centuries-old Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul, as
well as
the historic Syriac and Armenian Orthodox churches.
"We regret that authorities continue to inhibit the opening of places of
worship outside the Sunni Muslim mainstream and systematically disregard the
OSCE's 1990 Bonn Document by expropriating the properties of religious groups
without compensation," the US statement said.
Concurrently, the European Court of Human Rights is weighing a decision on
the
property rights of two minority foundations in Turkey, the Soorp Purgich
Armenian Hospital Foundation and the Fener Greek Boys High School Foundation.
In both cases, property gifted to the Armenian and Greek foundations were
seized as the Turkish courts upheld orders declaring that the bequest violated
a decree disallowing non-Muslims from donating real estate. If the court rules
in favor of the foundations, hundreds of buildings seized in the past may be
returned.
Councilman Eric Garcetti and DNC Chairman Howard Dean Visit Armenia
LOS ANGELES--As a part of an official delegation of the Armenian National
Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR), Los Angeles City Councilmember
Eric Garcetti recently returned from a nearly week and a half long trip to
Armenia, where he met Armenian local and national political leadership.
The delegation met with several Parliamentary leaders including Levon
Mkrtchian, Armen Rustamian and the Mayor of Yerevan, Yervand Zakharian. During
these meetings, Garcetti and the Armenian officials discussed creating a
Sister
City relationship between Los Angeles and Yerevan, and issues that are of
concern to both the diasporan and native Armenian communities. Councilmember
Eric Garcetti said, "we looked at cooperation on the issues of law enforcement
and we explored possible cooperation around seismic standards for buildings,
considering we both live with fault lines in and around our cities."
Throughout the remainder of their trip, as Garcetti and the delegation
traveled through the highlands of Armenia, they met with US Ambassador to
Armenia, John Marshall Evans, and the Deputy Minister on Foreign Affairs,
Arman
Kirakossian.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Garcetti and his
delegation on their visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Together, they
planted trees in a grove where elected officials from around the world have
done the same in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by
the Ottoman Turkish government.
"The truth is that the Armenian genocide took place 90 years ago," said DNC
Chairman Howard Dean. "Over a million people were killed. There is no question
that the United States should recognize this."
During his short trip, Dean expressed his support for the congressional
resolution that urges President Bush to "accurately characterize the
systematic
and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide" in his annual
message to the US-Armenian community.
Garcetti represents the 13th district, which is known as the heart of Los
Angeles, and stretches between Hollywood and Downtown and includes the area
known as "Little Armenia."
AYF Eastern Region Members Gather for Annual Seminar
WATERTOWN--On October 8, members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
Eastern
Region gathered in Paramus, NJ, for the organization's annual Senior Seminar.
Participants from Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Jersey, New
York and Washington, DC, attended the seminar, which included lectures on the
current status of the organization; an overview of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF); and a discussion on what it means to be Armenian.
"We have our monthly meetings to discuss chapter dynamics and the
successes or
failures that occur within our own cities. It is important for us, however, to
take time out to meet with the leaders and active members of other chapters to
discuss our organization as a whole," said Philadelphia AYF chapter president
Angela Deese, who attended the seminar. "We must remember that we are part
of a
group of youth striving for the same goal, and as a part of ARF youth, we
strive for this goal not only in our own cities, but with the rest of our
ungers all over the world," she said.
"I believe that this meeting was a successful event for two reasons.
First, it
addressed important issues that our organization faces and presented
solutions.
And secondly, the lectures and discussions were different than the usual take
on the subjects," said New Jersey AYF attendee Razmig Tchaghlasian.
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