California Courier Online, September 15, 2005
1 – Commentary
L.A. Times Retracts its Reference
To “Alleged Slaying of Armenians
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier
2 – Federal Court Upholds Citizenship for
Armenians in Turkish Consulate Plot
3- Armenian Church Convenes Meeting to Study
Sainthood for Victims of Armenian Genocide
4 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Honor Mills at Oct. 2 Luncheon
5 – Catholicos Aram I Will Address
L.A. World Affairs Council, Oct. 14
6 – Deadline for Entries to CSUF 7th Annual
Armenian Film Festival Set for Jan. 15, 2006
7 – NorCal Home Hosts
Bay Area Health Faire
8 – Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City
Inaugural Reception Set for Sept. 25
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1 – Commentary
L.A. Times Retracts its Reference
To “Alleged Slaying of Armenians”
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The Los Angeles Times published a lengthy article on Sept. 1 on the
indictment by a Turkish court of Orhan Pamuk, Turkey’s most famous writer,
for telling the Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger in an interview published on
February 6: “30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these
lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it.”
The L.A. Times reported that “Pamuk will go on trial in December and could
face three years in prison under the country’s revised penal code, which
deems denigrating Turks and Turkey a punishable offense.”
The article was written by Amberin Zaman, the Times’ stringer in Ankara,
who had to be extra careful how she referred to the Armenian Genocide.
Otherwise, she too could end up getting indicted under the draconian
Turkish Penal Code that was adopted in June, just months prior to the
scheduled start of talks on Turkey’s bid for European Union membership.
Correspondent Zaman, in her article, cautiously referred to the Armenian
Genocide, as “the mass deaths of Armenians during and after World War I.”
She also wrote: “Turkey has long denied that more than 1 million members of
its once thriving Armenian community were the victims of systematic
annihilation between 1915 and 1923. Armenians and many others label the
campaign genocide.”
While Amberin Zaman did her best to toe a fine line between the Los Angeles
Times editorial policy of referring to the Armenian mass murders as
genocide and the Turkish laws prohibiting such a qualification, someone at
the copy desk of the L.A. Times, when writing the subheadline for the
article, ended up calling the Armenian Genocide the “alleged slaying of
Armenians.”
How could the Armenian Genocide be so distorted and belittled that it be
characterized as an “alleged slaying?” This was such an outrageous
departure from the editorial policy of the L.A. Times that all it took was
a simple phone call to the paper’s copy editor to recognize the error.
On page 2 of its September 11 issue, under the rubric, “For the Record,”
the L.A. Times recognized and retracted its error. It wrote: “The
subheadline on a Sept. 1 article in Section A about a Turkish author
accused of denigrating his country referred to Turkey’s ‘alleged slaying of
Armenians.’ It should not have been qualified with the word ‘alleged’ in
reference to the slayings of Armenians during and after World War I.”
Even though this retraction leaves a lot to be desired, it was nevertheless
an attempt by the editors of the L.A. Times to acknowledge and correct
their mistake. The word “Slaying” is a far cry from an accurate
characterization of the Armenian Genocide. There seems to be a need to
further sensitize the L.A. Times editors on this important issue.
A further indication of such a need is the editorial published by the L.A.
Times in its Sept. 8 issue, titled “Turkey’s war with history.” The
editorial correctly takes Turkey to task for filing charges against Pamuk,
just a few weeks before the anticipated start of talks on Turkey’s bid for
EU membership. The Times said that such an indictment “clearly violates the
conditions set for Turkey’s EU membership, such as guaranteeing free-speech
rights.”
Regrettably, this otherwise admirable editorial seems to have lifted a page
from Pres. Bush’s list of euphemisms in referring to the Armenian Genocide
as “the hundreds of thousands of Armenians killed during the era of the
Ottoman Empire,” and “the Turkish government engaged in the systematic
annihilation of Armenians.” Unfortunately, the most appropriate word,
genocide, was missing from the editorial.”
On the other hand, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New
York Times, on Sept. 2, 7 and 10 respectively, in their editorials
condemning the indictment of Pamuk, used the word genocide to describe the
mass murders of Armenians.
Countless other newspapers and wire services around the world reported and
commented on Turkey’s indictment of Pamuk and his statement on the Armenian
Genocide. The British newspaper, The Guardian, in its Sept. 9 editorial,
found it “regrettable – and a gift to Turkey’s enemies – that at this
delicate moment the renowned novelist Orhan Pamuk is facing Ataturk-era
charges of ‘belittling Turkishness’ over his brave comments about the
Armenian genocide of 1915. Countries that join the EU must be able to
confront their own past, and respect free speech.”
The Financial Times, in its Sept. 5 editorial on Pamuk, said that the
famous author had complained about “the conspiracy of silence about the
mass murder of the Ottoman Empire’s Armenians during and after the first
world war. In the real world, it is inconceivable that Turkey will ever
enter the EU if it cannot face up to this blood-sodden chapter of its
history.”
As Maureen Freely explained in her opinion column in The Independent (UK)
on August 31, with the indictment of Orhan Pamuk and without any outside
assistance Turkey scored “an own goal” or “shot itself in the foot.”
All Armenians have to do now is sit back and watch as the Turks with their
own hands destroy their prospects of entering the EU and unintentionally
disseminate through the international media the facts of the Armenian
Genocide to countless millions who had not been aware of it before.
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2 – Federal Court Upholds Citizenship for
Armenians in Turkish Consulate Plot
By Gillian Flaccus
LOS ANGELES (AP) – A federal appeals court ruled last week that a judge did
not err in granting U.S. citizenship to two Armenian men convicted more
than 20 years ago of planning to bomb the Turkish Consulate in
Philadelphia.
The decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ends a long struggle
by Viken Hovsepian and Viken Yacoubian, who plotted to bomb the consulate
in retaliation for the massacre of Armenians by Turks in 1915.
The men, who have been out of prison since the early 1990s, now have
doctorates, have renounced violence and volunteer many hours a week in the
Los Angeles Armenian-American community, said Mathew Millen, an attorney
who helped handle the immigration portion of their case.
Federal law currently forbids convicted terrorists from becoming citizens.
But anyone convicted of an aggravated felony before November 1990 can be
granted citizenship if they have been “of good moral character” for five
years prior to their application, Millen said.
“They both renounced violence as a means of achieving any kind of political
end,” Millen said by phone. “They both have Ph.D.s and they had a lot of
witnesses who talked about their activity in the community” at their
immigration hearing.
The federal government fought the citizenship application, contending the
men lied on certain portions of their applications. The 9th Circuit
affirmed Tuesday a lower court opinion that the alleged “lies” were
actually misunderstandings or oversights.
“We accept the court’s ruling, as we do with any ruling,” said Thom Mrozek,
spokesman for the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles.
The men were in their early 20s when they and two others were arrested in
1982 after authorities tape-recorded them planning the bombing. Authorities
at the time said they were linked to the Justice Commandos of the Armenian
Genocide.
Hovsepian was sentenced to six years in prison in 1984, while Yacoubian was
sentenced to three years in prison and 1,000 hours of community service.
Yacoubian is now principal of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in
Los Angeles’ Little Armenia and has obtained a doctorate in counseling
psychology from USC, according to court documents.
He declined to comment when reached by phone at the school. His attorney,
Michael Lightfoot, did not immediately return calls.
Hovsepian is now a hedge fund manager and speaks to youth groups about his
experience and the importance of nonviolent protest, said his attorney,
Barry Litt.
“He’s a very different person than the person he was in the early 1980s,”
Litt said of his client. “He’s a contributing member (of society).”
Tuesday’s decision marks the end of a complex case that began almost as
soon as the men were released from prison.
The men applied for citizenship in 1997 but then sued to have their cases
decided by a federal judge when immigration officials didn’t rule on their
applications within 120 days, Millen said.
In 2001, the same judge who presided at the men’s 1984 trial opted to
administer the oath of citizenship after reviewing their files.
But last year, the 9th Circuit ordered U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer
to reconsider the case after including in her review evidence from the bomb
plot, which had previously been under seal.
Pfaelzer again ruled in favor of citizenship, saying the men had
“completely reformed.”
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3 – Armenian Church Convenes Meeting to Study
Sainthood for Victims of Armenian Genocide
ETCHMIADZIN – The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the
Canonization of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural
meeting, Sept. 3-6 in Etchmiadzin.
Prior to their meeting, the committee members were received by Catholicos
Karekin II, who gave them his Pontifical blessing, placing importance on
the work ahead and wishing them success in their endeavors.
Bishop Yeznik Petrosian introduced the members of the committee to the
Catholicos. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian transmitted the fraternal
greetings and best wishes for success from Catholicos Aram I, of the Great
House of Cilicia.
The members of the committee are: Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Co-Chairman
(Cilicia); Bishop Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Etchmiadzin); Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian (Cilicia); Very Rev. Fr. Papken Charian, Secretary
(Cilicia); Very Rev. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Etchmiadzin); Very
Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikian (Etchmiadzin).
During their meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints, and
following substantial discussion, established the main task, the framework
for analysis, the working timeline and underscored the fundamental
statement of the question.
The first working session of the committee will take place, Nov. 8-12, in
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
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4 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Honor Mills at Oct. 2 Luncheon
LOS ANGELES – A tribute luncheon honoring Anne Mills will be held Oct. 2,
at USC’s Town and Gown, under the auspices of the USC Friends of Armenian
Music. On this occasion, Mills will be recognized for her 26 years of
dedicated service to USC FAM, and support of its mission and goals.
Anne Zorigian Mills has devoted her time, energy and expertise to USC
Friends serving on the Board of Directors since it was founded in 1979. She
has had a distinguished career at USC beginning in 1959, and eventually
become a part of the School of Performing Arts as Executive Secretary to
Dean Grant Beglarian in 1973. In 1979, the program for Armenian Musical
Studies was founded and organized by Dean Beglarian. Following his
departure, she joined the School of Music under Dean William Wilson. Anne
became deeply involved and committed to support its programs and endeavors.
Anne is currently Secretary/Assistant Treasurer of USC Friends of Armenian
Music; a member of the Westside Guild of Ararat Home; St. James Ladies
Society; Armenian International Women’s Association; USC Life Member of
SRA; Hathaway House Affiliate, and recently elected to the Board of
Governors of the California Dance Hall of Fame.
The Luncheon Committee, co-chaired by Artemis Bedros and Lily Balian, have
planned an afternoon which will be highlighted by a music program featuring
Armenian students who have received USC scholarships. Since 1984, when the
USC FAM Endowment Scholarship funds were established, approximately 40
music students have received scholarships at USC.
The musical program will feature pianist Sarkis Ksazaryan and a trio
consisting of pianist Dr. Lucy Nargizian, violinist Samuel Chilingarian,
and cellist Garik Terzian. Chilingarian recently won the “Most
Dinstinguished Musician Award” in Italy. The program will close with tenor
Levon Makasjian, returning from a recent European tour, accompsnied by
pianist Michael Galloway.
Noted attorney Arthur Avazian will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Dr.
Robert A. Cutietta, Dean, USC Thornton School of Music, will be a special
guest on the program.
USC Friends President Maro Makasjian said she anticipates a capacity crowd.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Anne Mills Scholarship Fund.
For information and reservations, call Dalita Meketerian (626) 282-5295 or
Seda Marootian (818) 790-7271.
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5 – Catholicos Aram I Will Address
L.A. World Affairs Council, Oct. 14
LOS ANGELES – Joining a long list of Presidents, Prime Ministers and global
leaders, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
will speak before the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on October 14,
2005. The Pontiff’s remarks will focus on Christianity in the Middle East
and the current challenges facing inter-religious dialogue in the region.
The speech will be timely given the historic events in Iraq and the current
turmoil with respect to the United States’ foreign policy in the Middle
East.
“The dramatic events unfolding in Iraq and around the Middle East place a
new imperative before Christian communities in the region and globally,”
remarked Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church. “For thousands of years Armenian communities
and the Armenian church have been an important part of the fabric and
history of the region providing a unique perspective.” The Prelacy is
sponsoring the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, during which many of these critical issues will be
discussed.
The World Affairs Council luncheon speech, which is open to the public,
will be held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and
will attract political, civic and religious leaders from across the State
of California and Los Angeles. “We are honored and fortunate to have the
opportunity to hear His Holiness Aram I share his views and knowledge about
the many critical issues confronting the Middle East,” said J. Curtis Mack,
II, [or Robert Eckert, Chairman] President of the
World Affairs Council. “There is a dire need to have greater dialogue
during these historical times and we are pleased to provide the forum to
further greater understanding of the region and the role the Armenian
communities play.”
The council’s mission is to promote greater understanding of current global
issues and their impact on the people of Southern California by inviting
authoritative, influential figures in world affairs to Los Angeles, and
providing a forum for constructive discussion. U.S. Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld recently spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Council and
the President of the Polish Republic Aleksander Kwasniewski is slated to
address the Council later this month.
For more information or to RSVP for this historic event, call (213)
628-2333. Table for this event are available for $400
(individual tickets $40) and will not be made on the day of the event.
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6 – Deadline for Entries to CSUF 7th Annual
Armenian Film Festival Set for Jan. 15, 2006
FRESNO – The 7th Annual Armenian Film Festival at California State
University, Fresno will take place February 10, 2006, sponsored by the
Armenian Students Organization, the Armenian Studies Program at CSUF, and
partially funded by the Diversity Awareness program of the University
Student Union, CSU, Fresno.
Films made by Armenian directors/writers, or films with an Armenian theme
are being sought.
Requirements include: Films up to 1 hour in length; Films may be in any
language, English preferred; Films may be on any topic, Armenian theme
preferred; Film must be in video (NTSC)/DVD format
Deadline for entries to be received is January 15, 2006.
Entries should be accompanied by a CV of the director/writer and a synopsis
of the film, and mailed to: Armenian Film Festival
c/o Armenian Studies Program, 5245 N Backer Ave. PB4, Fresno, CA 93740-8001
The Festival Committee will meet to view and judge which entries will be
accepted for the Film Festival. Entrants will be contacted by email with
the decisions
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7 – NorCal Home Hosts
Bay Area Health Faire
BURLINGAME – NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services is hosting a Health
Faire on Sept. 24, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calvary Armenian Congregational
Church, 725 Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Admission is free.
NorCal is organizing this very special event for the Armenian senior
community and including the Baby Boomer generation of the San Francisco Bay
Area to encourage and promote healthy living and educate residents about
preventing future health problems.
Local Armenian physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social
workers, lawyer will be participating with various organizations dealing
with seniors and their rights.
Blood pressure and glucose screenings will be available; fasting is
required.
Transportation will be provided from the East Bay and South Bay roundtrip
$10. to 725 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco – RSVP required. The site for
the Health Faire has been made available by the Calvary Church at no
charge.
For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation for this
worthwhile project: mail your checks to NorCal Armenian Home and Senior
Services, 1818 Gilbreth Road, Suite 132, Burlingame, CA 94010 or call (650)
697-7474 or e-mail: [email protected].
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8 – Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City
Inaugural Reception Set for Sept. 25
MONTEBELLO, CA – The inaugural reception for the Montebello-Stepanakert
Sister City Association will be held Sept. 25, starting at 4 p.m. at the
Montebello City Hall foyer, 1600 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, the
organizing committee announced this week.
Highlights of the reception will include addresses by elected officials,
picture poster presentations, as well as a brief video of Stepanakert
showing local institutions, including schools and Artsakh University,
prepared by Stepanakert TV.
The launch of the Sister-City program with Montebello was initiated by the
San Gabriel Valley Armenian National Committee, and supported by a score of
local businesses, individuals, and city officials.
Among the 22 members of the Sister-City Committee are City Councilman Bob
Bagwell, Councilwoman Normal Lopez-Reid, Chief of Police Garry
Couso-Vasquez, and other volunteers from both the Armenian-American
community and the Montebello community at large. Also actively
participating in the Committee are members of State Assemblyman Ron
Calderon’s office.
During the reception, details of some of the programs that are under
consideration will be announced.
Admission to the event is free. Donations to the non-profit Committee will
be accepted for use in implementing the programs.
For more information, call Stepan Altounian, (562) 698-1647, or Al
Cabraloff (562) 943-1081.
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