Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

California Courier Online, October 20, 2005

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • California Courier Online, October 20, 2005

    California Courier Online, October 20, 2005

    1 - Commentary

    TIME Prints Full-Page Letter
    To Rectify Turkish DVD Flap

    By Harut Sassounian
    Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier

    2 - Harvest Gallery Presents
    expressionist Exhibit on Oct. 21
    3- Building a Bridge Between Silicon Valley
    And the American University of Armenia
    4 - Dr. Der Yeghiyan
    To Speak on Historic
    Armenia Pilgrimage
    5 - Lincy Foundation Donates $10,000 to
    Glendale Association for the Retarded
    6 - Armenian National Peace Officers'
    Association to Host Gala on Oct. 30
    7 - AIWA and AGBU to Honor Cecile Keshishian at Nov. 20 Luncheon

    ************************************************** ***********************
    1 - Commentary
    TIME Prints Full-Page Letter
    To Rectify Turkish DVD Flap

    By Harut Sassounian
    Publisher, The California Courier

    TIME magazine came a step closer this week to properly address a major
    dispute with Armenians worldwide over its distribution of a Turkish DVD
    denying the Armenian Genocide.
    In its June 6, 2005 issue, the European edition of TIME ran a four-page ad
    placed by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce promoting tourism in Turkey. As
    part of that paid ad, the magazine included a DVD insert That had a
    70-minute segment that denied and distorted the facts of the Armenian
    Genocide. This highly offensive material, hidden behind a couple of benign
    segments on tourism in the DVD, was disseminated to half a million TIME
    subscribers in a dozen European countries.
    Initially, the editors of TIME did not seem to realize the grave error they
    had committed by becoming accomplices to Turkish denialists. They dismissed
    Armenian complaints about this hateful and hurtful Turkish DVD by simply
    stating that TIME did "not endorse the views of any organization or
    government."
    However, when the Switzerland-Armenia Association wrote a letter
    threatening to sue TIME for violating a Swiss law against the denial of
    crimes against humanity and genocide, the magazine's managing editor, James
    Kelly, wrote back stating that no one at TIME had "adequately reviewed" the
    offensive segment of the Turkish DVD. He apologized profusely and
    repeatedly to the Armenian community and to all its readers. Mr. Kelly said
    that the DVD presented a distorted view of history that did not meet the
    magazine's
    "standards for fairness and accuracy." He added: "we would not have
    distributed [the DVD] had we been aware of the content."
    The Swiss-Armenian group, however, was not satisfied with this response.
    They wrote back pointing out that the magazine had not addressed the issue
    of redressing the damage caused by the malicious Turkish DVD to the
    descendants of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
    Meanwhile, five French organizations hired an attorney in order to pursue
    their legal rights under French laws that call for the protection of "human
    dignity." Mémoire 2000, the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations
    of France (CCOAF), the Armenian National Committee of France (CDCA),
    J'Accuse, and the Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Among Peoples
    (MRAP) wrote a lengthy joint letter of complaint that was published on a
    whole page in the October 17 issue of TIME's European edition.
    The French organizations requested that TIME distribute free of charge an
    objective DVD on the Armenian Genocide and donate the income from the
    Turkish ad to non-profit organizations that advocate the truth about the
    Armenian Genocide.
    In an "Editor's note" published along with the letter, TIME restated the
    apology that it had expressed earlier to the Switzerland-Armenia
    Association. The note added that TIME was publishing this letter "pursuant
    to French law ('droit de réponse')" [right of reply].
    The ANC of France (CDCA) stated in a press release that by printing the
    letter and expressing its apology, TIME had partially acknowledged its
    error. This right of reply "is the initial result of a common and long-term
    initiative by the associations fighting against racism, anti-Semitism and
    for the defense of the memory of the Armenian people" said Harout
    Mardirossian, Chairman of CDCA. "If TIME magazine thinks that this right of
    reply settles all accounts, it is sadly mistaken. TIME magazine's response
    does not redress the terrible suffering of those who saw this sordid tool
    of denialist propaganda. Taking into account the most heinous content of
    this DVD, our demands for redress go far beyond this simple right of reply
    and we intend to attain them," said Mardirossian.
    The Chairman of CDCA reiterated the demand of the five organizations for
    the magazine to disseminate free of charge to its European subscribers an
    objective DVD on the Armenian Genocide, and to have TIME donate the
    revenues from the Turkish ad to non-profit organizations that advocate the
    truth about the Armenian and all other genocides.
    By acknowledging its error, apologizing for it and publishing a full-page
    letter, TIME magazine has begun to take responsibility for the pain and
    suffering it has caused to Armenians worldwide.
    TIME's executives and the representatives of French and Swiss organizations
    now have to sit down together and consider the proper ways to undo the
    damage caused by the Turkish DVD. As has been suggested previously, one
    such way would be for TIME to disseminate to its readers an accurate DVD on
    the Armenian Genocide. Another possible step would be for the magazine to
    donate the revenues from the Turkish DVD to non-profit organizations. It
    would be wrong for TIME to profit from tainted funds belonging to
    revisionists and denialists of genocide!
    ************************************************** ************************
    2 - Harvest Gallery Presents
    expressionist Exhibit on Oct. 21
    GLENDALE -Harvest Gallery presents expressionism (with a small e), opening
    on Oct. 21 in Glendale.
    expressionism (with a small e) features four artists from diverse
    backgrounds with works expressing their own inner observations. With
    differing emphasis and styles, each shares infinite perceptions of the
    world; loss, estrangement, isolation, fear, joy, hope, love and dreams.
    Vera Arutyunyan attended Yerevan State University, and while her interest
    in art was always apparent, she became a geologist. However, it was through
    geology and her love of nature that she returned to art. Vera steeps all of
    her paintings in exuberant colors and movements.
    Gregory Brisson is a graduate of St. Cloud University in Minnesota and the
    San Francisco Art Institute. His work is inspired by historical and
    religious subjects, and his images often present animals and humans in
    humorous ways. Greg recently presented his art in a solo show at The Dream
    Gallery in Los Angeles.
    Karyn Janowski, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, moved to
    Los Angeles in 1992. She has worked for numerous private collections and
    has exhibited in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Long Island. Karyn
    paints in thin layers and often use the sfumato technique of blurring and
    softening one tone into another.
    Hrair Simitian has exhibited his paintings throughout the southern
    California area, as well as in Washington D.C. and Palm Beach, FL. His art
    is displayed in private collections in Moscow, Paris and Los Angeles. Hrair
    believes that "art is the soul of life, which gives it color, shape and
    taste~E."
    For general information about the exhibit, call Harvest Gallery at
    818.546.1000 or visit www.harvestgallery.com.
    ************************************************** ************************
    3 - Building a Bridge Between Silicon Valley
    And the American University of Armenia
    OAKLAND, CA - Papken and Claire Der Torossian recently opened their home in
    Saratoga, Calif., for the American University of Armenia (AUA) to host a
    unique evening dedicated to promoting cooperation and communication between
    Silicon Valley executives and the AUA School of Business and Management.
    Dr. Rubina Ohanian, the Dean of the School of Business and Management, an
    accomplished marketing solutions specialist with over 15 years of
    consulting and corporate experience, was among the guests. She gave a brief
    overview of the MBA program, emphasizing that the School of Business and
    Management strives to provide its students with quality instruction and a
    state-of-the-art curriculum to help them achieve their professional goals.

    Dr. Ohanian spoke very highly of the MBA students' aptitude and the
    potential that they have to make a difference to Armenia's future. She
    invited the Silicon Valley leaders to support the University, get involved
    in the future of its students. Outsourcing of successful Silicon Valley
    businesses to Armenia will create job opportunities for our youth.
    President Haroutune Armenian shared with the guests that AUA is an
    institution of change and transformation, offering its students quality
    education, technology and know-how for entrepreneurial endeavors. "As a
    student-centered university, the top priority is our students, and our most
    important objectives are maintaining academic excellence, becoming a
    knowledge enterprise and developing regional role", said Dr. Armenian.
    This was an emotional evening for Seta Karamardian, the widow of Stepan
    Karamardian, who was the founding Dean of the School of Business and
    Management. "Seeing AUA Business School prosper is the realization of my
    husband's dream and vision", said Karamardian.
    Yervant Zorian, Vice President and Chief Scientist at Virage Logic
    Corporation, also a member of the American University of Armenia
    Corporation (AUAC) Board of Trustees, highlighted the main purpose of the
    evening, which is to establish a permanent bridge between the Silicon
    Valley Armenian Community and AUA, that will be beneficial to both groups
    over the years to come. "AUA is one of the best fruits that the
    independence of Armenia resulted in," said Dr. Zorian. "It fully realizes
    the vision of its three founders and it has been materialized with the
    great patronage of AGBU".
    Dr. Zorian told the guests that he has had the chance to witness the growth
    of AUA at different intervals during the past decade, and has been
    impressed with the quality of its programs that Virage Logic employees in
    Armenia were offered as part of their continuing education.
    Many valuable ideas were exchanged, and pledges for continuous support
    renewed. This will help the American University of Armenia to improve its
    entrepreneurship programs to enhance the leadership and organization skills
    of the students, and to prepare them for active participation in building a
    brighter future for Armenia.
    ************************************************** *************************

    4 - Dr. Der Yeghiyan
    To Speak on Historic
    Armenia Pilgrimage
    GLENDALE - Mashdots College President Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiyan, will speak
    on "Stunning Moments with History: A Pilgrimage to Western Armenia and
    Cilicia, on Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Glendale Church of the Nazarene,
    411 E. Acacia Street, in Glendale.
    A powerpoint presentation will incude more than 400 historic pictures
    covering the following cities and sites: Moussa
    Ler, Gorigos, Mersin, Beylan, Kirkkhan, Iskenderoun, Adana, Sis, Anarzapa,
    Marash, Aintab, Berejik, Urfa, Garmouj, Diyarbekir, Severeg, Kharpert,
    Mush, Erzurum, Kars, Ani, Pergri, Van, Akhtamar, Mt. Ararat and Bolis.
    The event is organized by the Glendale Church of the Nazarene. Admission is
    free.
    ************************************************** *************************
    5 - Lincy Foundation Donates $10,000 to
    Glendale Association for the Retarded
    GLENDALE - Thanks to a donation of $10,000 from the Lincy Foundation, the
    Glendale Association for the Retarded will continue to provide vocational
    training and social adjustment for developmentally disabled adults at its
    work training center.
    Currently 38 percent of the clients served in the program are immigrant
    Armenians.
    "We are deeply grateful to the Lincy Foundation for providing us with
    continued support," said Carole Jouroyan, Executive Director of the
    Association. "Gaining independence is a goal we all strive for in life. To
    accomplish this in America is important for our clients, as well for their
    families."
    The Lincy donation will support programs designed to address language,
    cultural and social needs of the clients. Services include English as a
    Second Language, academics, social and community skills. The program
    provides work opportunities to earn money and develop self-esteem.
    In addition to services, the Association owns and operates three group
    homes - the Alma House, David Gogian House and Hamilton House. Clients live
    in Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, Eagle Rock and La Crescenta.
    ************************************************** *************************
    6 - Armenian National Peace Officers'
    Association to Host Gala on Oct. 30
    BURBANK, Calif. - The Armenian National Peace Officers' Association will
    host its first Gala Celebration banquet on Oct. 30 at the Western Diocese's
    Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian
    Complex, 3325 North Glenoaks Blvd., in Burbank.
    California State Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-14th District) will be the
    keynote speaker. Robert Philibosian, former L.A. County District Attorney,
    will be the Master of Ceremonies.
    Association President Vahak Mardikian said the members are proud to have
    two distinguished members of the Armenian-American community participate in
    their first event.
    Poochigian has been a dedicated public servant, having served two terms in
    the State Assembly is presently is in his second term in the State Senate.
    He has been named "Legislator of the Year" by law enforcement groups and
    local law enforcement leaders throughout his legislative career.
    Robert Philibosian was a vigorous prosecutor in the L.A. County D.A.'s
    Office and served as D.A. from 1983-1984.
    The Armenian National Peace Officers' Association, established in 2993, is
    the first Armenian-American law enforcement officers' association in the
    United States. Its mission is clearly stated in their logo: "Upholding the
    finest law enforcement traditions in the United States." The association
    currently has approximately 120 police officers representing 22 different
    federal state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
    One of the highlights of the banquet will be the presentation of the Hagop
    :Jake: Kuredjian Scholarship Awards. This scholarship awards program was
    created for qualified students in the name of Los Angeles County Sheriff's
    Deputy Kuredjian, who was tragically slain in the line of duty in 2001
    while protecting the citizens of Santa Clarita, Calif.
    Applications for scholarships are accepted from current high school seniors
    through college seniors of Armenian heritage and cultural background. The
    scholarships are in keeping with a major objective of the association, to
    recruit more Armenian Americans into a career in law enforcement and to
    introduce them to the various types of rewarding positions that exist
    within a police department. Ten awards of $500 each will be presented at
    the banquet.
    For scholarship applications and more information, students should contact:
    Armenian National Peace Officers' Association, Scholarship Committee/Jake
    Kuredjian Scholarship, 3436 Foorthill Boulevard, B606, Glendale, Calif.
    91214.
    ************************************************** ************************
    7 - AIWA and AGBU to Honor Cecile Keshishian at Nov. 20 Luncheon
    LOS ANGELES - The Armenian Women's International Association and the
    Armenian General Benevolent Union will honor Ellis Island Medal of Honor
    recipient Cecile Keshishian at a gala luncheon, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m., at The
    Wishire Country Club in Los Angeles.
    The Ellis Island Award is given to distinguished citizens who have embraced
    American values and demonstrated service to humanity in any field,
    profession or occupation, and who have advanced the traditions of their
    ethnic heritage
    Keshishian immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon in 1968
    with her husband, Kevork, and two young children, quickly integrating into
    the mainstream of American society without abandoning her Armenian
    heritage.
    Her volunteerism, generosity, determination, optimism and work for the
    betterment of mankind, has led her to many achievements.
    She founded the AGBU Girl Scout movement in Lebanon. She, along with her
    husband, were among the leaders who formed the AGBU "Committee to Aid
    Armenia," raising thousands of dollars for the 1988 earthquake relief.
    Keshishian is also a charter member of the Samaritans, a 24-hour teenage
    suicide prevention hot line still in existence. She was also the President
    of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Medical Society Auxiliary, which
    helped provide scholarships for nursing students, raising over $500,000.
    In addition, she was a board member of the American Children's Theater in
    New Hampshire. Keshishian was also a delegate to the first world-wide
    Armenian Women's Convention in Yerevan. She also served as a Armenian
    Missionary Association of America's Health Committee Delegate to the White
    House Conference for a Drug-Free America with President and Mrs. Ronald
    Reagan.
    Keshishian is also a founding member of the AIWA, 15 years ago. She was the
    Registration Chair and a member of the Award Committee for the first AIWA
    International Conference in London.
    The honoree has requested that the proceeds from the Nov. 2o luncheon be
    used to benefit AIWA scholarships for the Women's Entrepreneur Project in
    Yerevan, and also for similar programs in the United States.
    The Wilshire Country Club is located at 301 North Rossmore Ave., Los
    Angeles.
    For more information and reservations, call: Hermine Janoyan (818) 342-4600
    or Lily Balian, (310) 472-2454.
    ************************************************** ************************
    ************************************************** ************************
    The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
    Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
    through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
    to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
    [email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
    addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
    the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
    authorship.


    --Boundary_(ID_ZmGwtmvNTjq+VcKCLJeWrg)--

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Working...
X