Month: October 2006

PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: 374.10.523531
Email: [email protected]
web:

Minister Oskanian Addresses International Conference by UN University for
Peace in Toronto

Speech by
H.E. Vartan Oskanian
Minister of Foreign Affairs
At the University for Peace Conference on
Capacity Building for Peace and Development: Roles of Diaspora
October 19, 2006
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In this conference of experts, I feel right at home. I am, by default, an
expert on Diaspora. I was born in Syria, the heart of the Armenian
Diaspora, came to the homeland for the first time as a Diasporan student
— and today, I am foreign minister of that homeland which has more of
its nationals living in Diaspora, than at home.

I appreciate the fact that this panel is to tackle the challenges and
opportunities of Transnational Identities. We are in fact transnational
as a consequence of today’s homeland-diaspora relationships. It is not
just those living in diaspora who have this multiple identity, but it is
also those in the homeland whose identity alters, ever so slightly even,
because of the diaspora and its perceptions, expressions of who we are. I
believe the opportunities that this new, multilayered, identity produces
are greater than the challenges.

Diaspora is an old concept that has just come home, that has found itself.
In these days of easy, quick and inexpensive air travel, easy, quick and
inexpensive telephone calls, easy, quick and inexpensive internet access,
being in Diaspora no longer means permanent disconnection, distance,
inaccessibilility and alienation from the memories and experiences of
childhood, from a homeland and a home. Today Diaspora means an extension
of the homeland – not a permanent dislocation, not a destructive
dispersion, but life at a distance, that can even be beneficial.

On the one hand, the Armenian Diaspora experience is the archetypal
example of diasporas. The very first studies of diaspora were quick to
mention Armenians, Jews, and soon after the Africans, as the
quintessential examples.

On the other hand, ours is not the traditional duality. Our history, our
reality, and therefore, the diaspora-homeland relationship is more complex
than that.

Let me explain. The Armenian Diaspora, historically, began as those who
permanently left the traditional Armenian homeland. That’s how the
Armenian community of Lvov, Ukraine, and in Transylvania, were established
in the 12th century. That’s why there are thousands of Armenian graves
throughout south and east Asia from Macao to Bangladesh. That is how it
came to pass that that an Armenian translated the Bible into Chinese. That
is why Martin the Armenian was living in the Plymouth Colony of
Massachusetts in the 1600s. There were also those who left unwillingly,
due to political circumstances. The Shah of Iran, in the 16th century,
moved tens of thousands of Armenian craftsmen, forcibly, to northern Iran.
They lived there for hundreds of years, and left behind incredible
historical, cultural, religious monuments.

Until the early 20th century, the Diaspora was the appendage, while most
Armenians lived on the historic homeland, under some combination of
Russian, Ottoman or Persian domination. It was the Genocide of 1915 that
resulted in a mass exodus from the traditional homelands. The size of the
Armenian Diaspora today is due largely to that wave of settlement. They
were pushed out of their homes, and if they didn’t die along the
deportation route, then they made it to the countries of the Syrian
desert. From there, they emigrated to Canada, to the US, and elsewhere.
Today, the independent Republic of Armenia is based on the sliver of land
that was under Russian, not Ottoman domination, and that managed to
declare independence in 1918, consolidate as a political unit that then
was absorbed into the Soviet Union as one of the 15 republics, and then
emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union as an independent republic.
The size of the Diaspora has grown during the last 20 years as a result of
migration from the Soviet Armenian Republic, and until very recently, the
independent Armenian Republic. Today’s transnationals are this segment of
diasporans – born into the USSR, resident in a third country, while
feeling emotionally tied to the new, independent republic.

Thus, Armenians of the Diaspora have three sources of identity: 1. The
host countries in which they live today; 2. the homeland I represent
regardless of whether that was their place of origin or not, and 3. the
country of origin – the place that offered refuge between the homeland and
the host countries of today.

That is just one characteristic that makes our situation a bit unusual.
The second is that our numbers are the opposite of the traditional balance
– we have 5 million and more Armenians living outside Armenia, and 3
million in the homeland. Thus, the Diaspora is both larger, and older,
than the homeland. The Diaspora is also not monolithic – There are 2
million Armenians in Russia, more than one million in North America. The
experiences, capacities and expectations of these groups are very
different. Yet, they are the same.

The impact of all this on the Armenia-Diaspora relationship is
multilayered. Let me try to describe some of those layers, including
economic ones, and then finally talk about the reality and the potential
for homeland-diaspora relations in the context of political stability and
peace.

First, we have multiple identities, not just dual identities. Our
homeland, the host country, and our country of origin all have a place in
our hearts. The networks, the experiences, the know-how, that come with
intimate knowledge and deep contacts in three places is invaluable. From
the perspective of the homeland, this means that we benefit from even
greater contacts, ties and links. On the other hand, our foreign
relations, our bilateral relations are sometimes complicated by the
diverse and wide-ranging circumstances in those communities. This
complication arises partly from the reality that we may be an old nation,
but a very new nation-state. Our assumptions and actions are based on our
experiences as a nation. The nation-state is, for us, a new phenomenon,
with new, unknown, rules.

Second, a Diaspora as old as ours is highly structured. For centuries, our
communities have been forced to regulate their social and cultural life,
and as a result, churches, organizations, political parties even have a
long tradition of community self-governance, especially considering that
this was a Diaspora whose homeland was not a sovereign state for most of
its history. Therefore, having such structures and institutions with which
the homeland can interact allows for more productive and predictable
relations. At the same time, because the Diaspora is highly structured,
new mechanisms for new kinds of interaction are difficult to create.

Third, you are a member of the Diaspora only when you say you are. In
order to say you are, you must identify with the homeland which defines
it. One wants to identify with that which is strong, beautiful, proud. Our
Diaspora is no longer suffering or starving. Neither should Armenia be. A
developing country, an emerging democracy – these are concepts difficult
to understand. Armenia is no. 82 on the UN’s Human Development Index –
high by regional standards, but not high compared to most of the host
countries. Canada is ranked fifth, for example. Diasporas want homelands
in their image. The challenge is to channel that yearning in a way that
brings the aspiration closer to reality, rather than leading to
unfulfilled dreams and frustrations. It’s the thin line between taking
what you have for granted and having grandiose expectations. Diasporas
cannot, should not, take for granted that which is happening in the home
country. Those difficult processes of political and economic institutional
development are not always transparent processes. And impatiently
comparing them to the stable institutions in their host countries can/will
doubtless produce dissatisfaction.

Finally, the size of the Diaspora leads to high expectations all around —
on the part of the Diaspora itself, the homeland and the international
community. With such a large number of Armenians living abroad, and with
most of them comfortable, professional and settled, it is easy to hope for
investments in large numbers, generally massive and significant Diaspora
involvement and engagement, and resettlement perhaps.

The Diaspora’s charitable and philanthropic giving predates Armenia’s
independence. Refugees, survivors, living in the Middle East received help
and assistance from the Western Diaspora throughout the 20th century. The
Soviet Republic was the recipient of aid and know-how, especially in the
cultural sphere. Then later, after the earthquake of 1988, professionals,
young people, everyone pitched in to help. So, with independence, it was
expected that this kind of engagement would continue in even more
significant ways.

And it is true that there are large amounts of humanitarian assistance –
from individuals and organizations – pouring in. I know that scholars like
Khachig Tololyan and others are constantly trying to put numbers on this
kind of assistance. I don’t have them. But that kind of generosity and
largesse is visible throughout the country. Renovated schools, improved
infrastructure, educational and training programs, health care assistance
– all made possible by donations from the Diaspora. The Diaspora’s
humanitarian engagement is more visible, has quick impact and is easier to
accomplish. The donor feels good, quickly, and is not overwhelmed or bound
by long term obligations.

Individual remittances, too, continue to be significant for Armenia’s
economy. Funds sent regularly to families by individual Diasporans are
often the difference between survival and destitution for many in the
homeland. The numbers are very high – nearly half a billion dollars a year
– but they are from individuals to individuals. They are indispensable for
immediate relief. But not long-term sustainability.

It’s economic investment that fuels long-term sustainability. Diaspora
engagement in IT, tourism, diamond and jewelry production all have
Diasporans at the other end of the network. The significance of this kind
of networking is obvious.

The challenge for homelands is how to increase such high-impact
participation. Helping the homeland in the humanitarian sphere is
comparatively easy. The challenge is to find ways to use diaspora networks
and know-how to bring in lasting cooperation, making it as satisfying as
the easy, quick donation.

Now let me talk about homeland-diaspora relations in the context of
political stability and peace. The Armenia example may be a bit extreme
in that our foreign relations challenges are many. We live in a difficult
neighborhood, and we are faced with problems that Armenia alone cannot
solve. Our neighbors must want solutions as well. Therefore, Armenia’s and
Diaspora’s maneuvering space is unusually limited. On the other hand,
exactly because we live in a difficult neighborhood, where Russia, the US,
Europe and other countries have very clear interests and agendas, the
Diaspora factor has been critical.

If I can somewhat oversimplify and quickly summarize our foreign relations
challenges in three key policy areas, the mostly complementary, sometimes
differing views and needs of homeland and diaspora become clear.

1. On the Resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Armenians in
Diaspora and Armenia see the opportunity to right a historic wrong.
2. On Genocide recognition, Armenians in Diaspora and in Armenia see the
opportunity to right a historic wrong.
3. On relations with Turkey, again, in Diaspora and in Armenia, Armenians
see the opportunity to right a historic wrong.

We agree with them. But as authorities responsible for people’s security
and prosperity, we also know that all three of these painful, complex
challenges have to be resolved with the future in mind, not the past.

On the Nagorno Karabakh situation, we want a lasting resolution. That must
be based on a respect of the Nagorno Karabakh population’s right to
self-determination, to choose their own future. It must be based on
compromise by all parties. It must be based with an eye to Europe where
borders take on less importance as formerly acrimonious neighbors have
found ways to live side-by-side in peace.

On genocide recognition, for Armenians in Armenia and Armenians in the
Diaspora, there is no difference, although Turkey sometimes likes to
project that there is. All Armenians are convinced that Armenians and
Turks need genocide recognition by Turkey, in order to find closure for
this still painful, still open wound. Armenians are able to distinguish
between the perpetrators and today’s government of Turkey. Armenia, and
the Diaspora are willing and ready to enter into dialog with Turkey and
Turkish society at all levels, without pre-conditions. We need and want,
above all else, normal relations with our neighbor. For this to happen,
Turkey will have to come to terms with its past.

The Diaspora has an important role to play in this process. They are
largely the victims and the descendants of the victims. Yet Armenians are
the ones extending their hands for dialog.

Unfortunately, Turkey has made give-and-take between our peoples and our
states, impossible. In addition to the restrictions on speech, our borders
remain closed. They are the only closed borders in Europe. Nor are there
diplomatic relations between our countries. In other words, there are no
opportunities for new experiences, new memories, new interactions to build
up alongside the old. Instead, there is a lingering security concern about
a neighbor that has not repudiated state violence.

These are the complex foreign relations issues that the Diaspora has the
opportunity to explain. Diaspora involvement, albeit at a distance, in the
resolution of these conflicts and in the search for lasting understanding
is necessary and useful. It is a way for all of us to make the past work
for the future.

Thank you.

Embassy Of The United States
Yerevan, Armenia

Remarks for U.S. OSCE Ambassador Julie Finley — as delivered
OSCE Office in Yerevan — TIP Training Seminar
October 19, 2006, 9:30am

It is very nice to have the opportunity to talk with you. This is an
important training seminar on the fight against Trafficking in Persons.
There is no country in the world–including the United States–which can say
it has solved the problem of Trafficking in Persons. Some may be doing more
or having more success than others, but it is a global problem that we all
share and must fight together.
It is heartening to see the talent and dedication of the people gathered in
this room; however, we remain concerned about the status of the
anti-trafficking program in Armenia. Armenia´s National Action Plan on
trafficking is due to expire at the end of this year, and a new Action Plan
must be drafted to replace it. According to the Foreign Minister earlier
this week, the government intends to upgrade Armenia´s inter-agency
anti-trafficking committee to a more senior level and designate a minister
to coordinate its activities. This would be a most welcome step.
Armenia has been on the United States Government´s Tier 2 Watch List for two
years now. That means, unfortunately, that Armenia’s work in this area has
not been sufficient. And it also means that, by law, the United States State
Department must provide an interim assessment of Armenia´s anti-trafficking
efforts to Congress by February 1st, 2007.
We believe we have been doing our part to help. The United States has funded
a number of anti-trafficking programs through the OSCE Office here, through
International Organization for Migration and through the United States
Embassy directly. These efforts have included support to an NGO victims’
shelter, training for judicial and consular officials, and legislative help,
to name a few examples. We will continue to provide a range of
anti-trafficking assistance to Armenia, but international assistance alone
cannot solve the problem. The Armenian government must be fully engaged.
We are particularly worried about allegations that some public officials may
be in league with traffickers. These allegations were mentioned specifically
in this year´s Trafficking in Persons report, which states . quote . "The
government failed to vigorously investigate and prosecute ongoing and
widespread allegations of public officials´ complicity and trafficking." end
quote.
Armenia´s position on the Tier 2 Watch List is precarious. If Armenia does
not address the concerns mentioned, it risks a Tier Three ranking. We hope,
however, that Armenia will show the serious and significant efforts needed
to graduate from the Watch List–and, more importantly, be more successful
in putting a stop to this terrible practice.
We hope you find the seminar today to be informative and useful. Thank you
very much for your hard work in the cause of human dignity.

Readers Edition » Print » Atatürk und die ArmenierReaders-Edition

Atatürk und die Armenier

/atatuerk-und-die-armenier/

Artikel von Malte Olschewski vom 22.10.2006, 14:04 Uhr im Ressort Politik,
Vermischtes | 22 Comments

Die Gründe für die türkische Leugnung des Völkermordes 1915/1916. Alle
Aktionen und Abhandlungen, die sich mit dem armenischen Genozid 1915/16
befassen, rufen eine Serie von Apologien, Entgegnungen und Verleumdungen
hervor. Hierbei lässt die Geschlossenheit und das ehrwürdige Alter der
türkischen Ablehnungsfront nach ihren Ursachen suchen. Seit über neunzig
Jahren leugnet die Türkei den Völkermord an den Armeniern. Der tiefere Grund
dafür scheint in der von Kemal Atatürk forcierten Gründungsgeschichte der
türkischen Republik zu liegen.
Zum ersten Präsidenten der Republik gewählt, hat Kemal nach den
Modernisierungen auch die türkische Geschichte reformiert. Er lie� 1931 eine
?Historische Gesellschaft` gründen, die eine glorreiche Vergangenheit zu
konstruieren hatte. In diesem ?Grundriss der türkischen Geschichte` (Türk
Tarihinin Ana Hatlari) werden alle Völkerschaften, die je den Raum der neuen
Republik besiedelt hatten, zu Vorläufern oder engen Verwandten der Türken.
Die Skythen, die Hethiter, die Phryger, die griechischen Ionier und andere:
Sie alle sind zu Prototürken geworden. Die Kurden haben die Kemalisten zu
?Bergtürken` ernannt. Bei der nahezu religiösen Verehrung für Kemal Atatürk
und bei Unverletzlichkeit seiner Prinzipien ist eine Korrektur dieses
Geschichtsbildes bis heute unterblieben. Es erhebt sich auch das Mausoleum
für Atatürk auf einem Hügel in Ankara, der schon den Phrygern im 12.
Jahrhundert v. Ch. als Grabstätte gedient hatte.
Die Armenier widerlegen schon mit ihrer Existenz den kemalistischen
Gründermythos. Die Armenier sind Nachfahren der sehr alten Hochkultur von
Urartu (assyrisch für: Bergland). Urartu rund um den Berg Ararat war ein
Rivale Assyriens und bestand bis ins 5. Jahrhundert v. Ch. Aus der
Bevölkerung Urartus entwickelten sich die Armenier. König Tigran, dem
Grossen, gelang um 70 v.Ch. die Bildung eines grosses Reiches. 313 n. Ch.
nahm Armenien unter König Trdat III. als erstes Volk der Geschichte das
Christentum als Staatsreligion an. Armenien hatte sich ständig gegen Byzanz,
gegen Perser und Arabern und zuletzt gegen die Osmanen zu behaupten. Die
Turkstämme Zentrasiens hatten um 1000 n.Ch. mit einer einer Expansion in
Richtung Westen begonnen. Nach Zerfall des seldschukischen Reiches herrschte
Sultan Osman Anfang des 14. Jahrhunderts über einen kleinen Stamm in
Anatolien. Die Osmanen setzten sich gegen alle Rivalen durch. 1453 eroberten
sie Konstantinopel. 1529 standen sie vor Wien.
Um 1900 waren im Osmanischen Reich 66 Prozent des Handels und 80 Prozent von
Handwerk und Industrie in Händen der Armenier, Griechen und Aramäer. Dem
Land fehlte ein türkisches Bürgertum bzw. eine Mittelschicht. Durch
Auslöschung oder Deportation der Christen sind ungeheure Besitztümer in die
Hände von Moslems gefallen, die dann auch die kemalistische Nationalbewegung
unterstützt haben und die neue Klasse bildeten. Der Aufstieg Kemals zum
Vater der Türken (Atatürk) und die Gründung der Republik sind daher indirekt
mit der Vernichtung der Armenier und Griechen verbunden. Kemal Atatürk soll
den Genozid einmal als ?Schandtat der Vergangenheit` bezeichnet haben. Der
im türkischen Nationalen Sicherheitsrat angesiedelte ?Ausschuss zur
Bekämpfung der Völkermord-Anschuldigungen` will das Zitat nicht gelten
lassen. Vielmehr habe Kemal bei der Parlamentseröffnung am 23.4.1920
erklärt: ?Unsere Feinde haben¦ die eine Lüge darstellenden, angeblichen
Armeniergenozid erfunden.` Allerdings war das Wort ?Genozid` 1920 noch
unbekannt.
Die offizielle Version geht dahin, dass die Deportationen ?kriegsbedingte
MaÃ?nahmen gegen die Sezessionspolitik der Nichtmuslime` gewesen seien. Doch
der jungtürkische Ideologe Nazim Bey hatte, durch ein Telegramm nachweisbar,
gefordert: ?Es ist erforderlich, das armenische Volk vollständig
auszurotten.` Bis heute agitieren türkische Botschaften und Vertretungen,
aber auch in Westeuropa lebende Türken gegen Ausstellungen, Feierlichkeiten
und Schulbücher, in denen der Genozid historisch korrekt dargestellt wird.
So verlangte man von den USA und von Frankreich Korrekturen in den
Schulbüchern. Ankara protestierte gegen die Umwandlung des Potsdamer
Lepsius-Hauses in eine Gedenkstätte. Akten des Theologen mussten versteckt
werden, weil man einen Angriff türkischer Extremisten befürchtete.
Die französische Nationalversammlung hatte am 12.10. mit 106 zu 19 Stimmen
bei 577 abwesenden Abgeordneten ein Gesetz beschlossen, das die Leugnung
dieses Völkermordes unter Strafe stellt. Obwohl das Gesetz als
Vorwahlmanöver nie Rechtskraft erlangen wird, anwortete die Türkei mit einem
Bündel von Sanktionen. In einer Sondersitzung des Parlamentes wurde ein
Boykott französischer Firmen erwogen. Frank-reich soll von allen türkischen
Gro�projekten ausgeschlossen werden. Man überlegte eine Resolution zu
verabschieden, in der französische Repressionen in Algerien als ?Völkermord`
bezeichnet werden. Ebenso sollen in der Türkei keine französischen Filme
mehr gezeigt werden.
Historikerkommission und historische Tatsachen
Eine Historikerkommission zur Untersuchung des Genozids kam bisher nicht
zustande, weil [1] Armenien (Wikipedia) als Vorbedingung die Aufnahme
diplomatischer Beziehungen und die Ã-ffnung der Grenzen fordert. So können
weiterhin historische Tatsachen von der Ablehnungsfront verschleiert,
verzerrt oder uminterprätiert werden. Mit der gleichen Hartnäckigkeit
bekämpft die Türkei auch alle Bestrebungen der Kurden, eine Autonomie in der
Region Diyabakir oder einen Staat im Nordirak zu erreichen.
Als gesicherte Tatsache darf gelten: England, Frankreich und Russland haben
die nicht-türkischen Bevölkerungsgruppen innerhalb des Osmanischen Reiches
unterstützt und gefördert. Die Russen setzten hierbei vor allem auf die
Armenier, die im kaukasischen Grenzgebiet und in den gro�en Städten der
Türkei siedelten. Die Hohe Pforte erkannte in den starken Minoritäten die
Ursache dies Niedergangs und begann mit MaÃ?nahmen einer Osmanisierung. Das
führte zu den Massakern von 1894 und 1896 in Sasun und in Urfa. Nach dem
Kriegsausbruch 1914 hat das jungtürkische Regime mit den Paschas Enver,
Talat und Djemal an der Spitze den schwachen Sultan zu einem Beistandspakt
mit dem deutschen Kaiser veranlasst. Die Armenier lebten damals in Russland,
in Nordostanatolien, in Enklaven und in den gro�en türkischen Städten. An
der Kaukasusfront kämpften armenische Freiwillige auf Seiten der russischen
Armee gegen die Osmanen. Auch hinter den russisch-türkischen Kampflinien
wurden Armenier aktiv. AuÃ?erdem haben die Armenier als Deserteure und Spione
wie auch durch Sabotage die türkische Kampfkraft geschwächt. Im Nordosten
des Landes würde ein Generalaufstand der Armenier drohen, hie� es damals,
obwohl die meisten wehrfähigen Männer mit Kriegsausbruch eingezogen worden
waren. Der türkische Autor Erdem Ilter beschreibt in seinem Werk: ?Ermeni ve
Rus Mezalimi` (Ankara, 1996) das Bündnis Russlands mit den Armeniern.
Das jungtürkische ?Zentralkomitee für Einheit und Fortschritt` beschloss
unter Generalsekretär Nazim Bey schon im Dezember 1914 ein geheimes Programm
zur Behandlung der christlichen Minderheiten im Osmanischen Reich. Die
Armenier sollten aus Nordostanatolien in den Süden deportiert werden. Dazu
war aus Kurden und Strafgefangenen eine Sonderorganisation, die ?Teskilat i
Mahsusa`, formiert worden. Das Zentralkomitee bestimmte Fristen und
Marschrouten. Alles wurde genau vorbereitet und geplant, was für die
UNO-Definition des Genozids von Bedeutung ist. Am 24.4.1915 begann die
Aktion. In Konstantinopel wurden 2 000 Geschäftsleute und Intellektuelle
festgenommen, darunter viele Führer der armenischen Daschnaken-Partei.
Armenische Soldaten, die in der osmanischen Armee dienten, sind entwaffnet,
in Arbeitsbattaillone abgeschoben und später exekutiert worden. Die
Zivilbevölkerung wurde an mehreren Plätzen konzentriert. Die Soldateska
zwang Alte Männer, Frauen und Kinder zu Gewaltmärschen in Richtung Süden.
Hierbei ist es zu ungeheuerlichen Verbrechen gekommen. Augenzeugen wollen
gesehen haben, wie nackte Armenierinnen gekreuzigt wurden. Dem Bischof von
Diyabakir soll man glühende Hufeisen an die Fü�e genagelt haben. Tausende
wurden gefesselt in den Euphrat geworfen. Frauen wurden von den am Wegrand
lauernden Moslems vergewaltigt oder als Nebenfrauen genommen. Viele konnten
sich durch eine Bekehrung zum Islam retten. Hier gilt wie in anderen Fällen:
Der Sachbeweis ist dem Augenzeugenbericht überlegen. Die einzelnen Greuel
werden von Augenzeugen beschrieben, wobei es nur wenig Sachbeweise wie etwa
die Fotos des deutschen Sanitäters Armin Wegener gibt. Durch Sachbeweise ist
gesichert, dass die Türkei hunderttausende in den Tod hat gehen lassen. Die
Türkei führt immer als Entschuldigung Verbrechen an, die armenische und
russische Truppen an der türkischen Zivilbevölkerung begangen haben. Dies
geschah jedoch nicht zu Beginn des Krieges, sondern erst mit dem russischen
Vorsto� 1916. Diese Verbrechen sind als Rache für die Todesmärsche anzusehen
und haben nicht das Ausma� der vorherigen Deportationen durch die Türken.
Wissen der deutschen und österreichische Verbündete
Die deutschen und auch die österreichischen Verbündeten waren informiert.
Pastor Johannes Lepsius suchte Berlin mit Dokumenten und
Augenzeugenberichten zum Eingreifen zu bewegen, da die deutsche
Heeresleitung rund 800 Offiziere als Militärhilfe nach Konstantinopel
entsandt hatte und die Hohe Pforte beeinflussen konnte. Es gibt Berichte
deutscher und österreichischer Diplomaten. Johannes Lepsius hat nach dem
Krieg im Auftrag des Au�enministeriums 444 Aktenstücke über den armenischen
Genozid veröffentlicht. Diese Akten wurden dahingehend manipuliert, da zuvor
all jene Stellen eliminiert worden waren, die auf Mitwissen und Mitschuld
Deutschlands hinwiesen. Dass in den Akten gestrichen und gelöscht wurde,
bedeutet nicht, dass sie, wie die Türkei behauptet, in ihrer Gänze gefälscht
worden sind. Seit kurzem sind die Lepsius-Akten auch vollständig einsehbar.
(Wolfgang Gust: ?Der Völkermord an den Armeniern 1915/1916` Von Kampen,
2005)
Der jungtürkischer Offizier Mustafa Kemal war nach Streit mit Kriegsminister
Enver als Militärattache nach Bulgarien abgeschoben wurde. Während der
Deportationen tobte von Ende März bis Ende August 1915 mit ungeheuren
Verlusten die Schlacht um Gallipoli. Kemal war auf Druck Berlins zum
Kommandanten der Abwehrfront gegen britische, französische, australische und
neuseeländische Truppen ernannt worden. Er hat mit dem Genozid nichts zu
tun, da er noch eine unter-geordnete Rolle spielte und die ganzen Monate an
der Front gewesen war. Er wurde nach Gallipoli als ?Retter` gefeiert und zum
Pascha ernannt. Kemal diente als Kommandant an verschiedenen
Frontabschnitten. Nach der russischen Oktoberrevolution 1917 konnte sich im
Kaukasus eine kleine Republik Armenien bilden, da die Pforte und die
Boleschwiken anderweitig beschäftigt waren. Anfangs lief alles gut.
GroÃ?wesir Halil Pascha besuchte Erewan. Die armenischen Minister Ahoranian
und Chattarian kamen nach Istanbul. Wer an den wachsenden Spannungen schuld
war, ist nicht geklärt. 1920 stie� die türkische Armee unter Kazim Karabekim
im Kaukasus vor. Der Armenierstaat wurde ausgelöscht. Weitere 150 000
Armenier wurden dabei getötet. Darunter waren Zehntausende, die aus den
Deportationen hierher geflüchtet waren. Das Territorium wurde zwischen der
Türkei und Russland aufgeteilt. Am 19.11.1920 wurde die armenische
Sowjetrepublik proklamiert.
Nach dem Waffenstillstand 1918
Mit dem Waffenstillstand im Oktober 1918 und der beginnenden Besetzung durch
die Alliierten hatte Kemal die Truppen aufgerufen, sich als Guerillas in
Anatolien zu sammeln. Er gründete in Sivas ein Nationalkomitee, sodass die
Türkei nun zwei Regierungen hatte. Im Vertrag von Sevres am 10.8.1920
sollten die Osmanen riesige Gebiete verlieren. Kemal hat Sevres nicht
anerkannt und den Kampf fortgesetzt. Er hat Vorstö�e der Briten und Griechen
mehrfach zurückgeschlagen. Er hat dann auch die griechische Bevölkerung von
der Smyrnaküste in die �gäis gejagt. In Izmir weist Kemal als Denkmal mit
herrischer Geste ins Meer. Der von Ruhm umglänzte General und Chef des
Nationalkomitees hat schlieÃ?lich den Sultan abgesetzt und die Republik
gegründet. 1923 wurde im Vertrag von Lausanne die Türkei in ihren heutigen
Grenzen bestätigt.
Den Verantwortlichen für den Kriegseintritt und für die Deportationen war
schon 1919 nach britischem Druck vor Sondergerichten des Sultans der Prozess
gemacht worden. Den obersten Tätern, Talat und Enver Pascha, gelang mit
deutscher Hilfe die Flucht. Talat wurde später in Berlin auf offener Stra�e
von einem Armenier erschossen. Enver suchte gro�türkische Träume in
Zentralasien zu verwirklichen. Andere zum Tod Verurteilte flüchteten zu den
Truppen Kemals, um nach Ausrufung der Republik hohe �mter zu übernehmen.
Sükrü Kaya wurde sogar Innenminister. Bald entwickelte sich in der Türkei
ein quasireligiöser Kult um den Staatsgründer, der bis heute fortgesetzt
wird. Die alewitische Sekte feierte Kemal sogar als ?mehdi`, als Erlöser.
Atatürk starb 1938 an Leberzirrhose.

Artikel aus "Readers Edition":

Links im Artikel:
[1] Armenien:

Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933

PRESS RELEASE ~ October 22, 2006

(617) 923-1933

AYF-YOARF Holds Successful Annual Junior Athletic Games

WATERTOWN, Mass. – From September 29 to October 1, junior and senior members
of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern Region gathered in New Jersey
for the annual Junior Athletic Games (JAG), which brings together
participants from the Mid-Atlantic and New England districts.

AYF junior members hailing from New York; New Jersey; Philadelphia; Boston;
Providence; Washington, D.C.; Worcester; and North Andover took to the pool
and track for heated competitions. Attendees, staying at the Marriot in
Saddlebrook, N.J., were divided into two groups, with older juniors ages 10
to 13 competing separately from those in the 14 to 16 age group.

Over 250 members, parents and supporters gathered at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday
for the swimming events. By 1:00 p.m., participants and observes alike
traveled to where the track and field events got underway. Juniors
participated in six track events, as well as team relay races and the field
events of long jump, shot put and baseball throw.

The New Jersey Arsen chapter, who supplied sandwiches, snacks and manned a
concession stand at the track all day, hosted the event. That evening, the
chapter held its Fall Ball at St. Vartanantz church hall, where athletes and
AYF seniors danced to the music of the Aravod Ensemble. During the event,
the New Jersey community provided a kebab dinner, the awards were given out,
and the chapter winners announced.

The Philadelphia chapter finished in third with 61 points, followed by New
Jersey in second with 133 points, and the Greater Boston juniors placed in
first, for the second year in a row, with 165 points. High scoring athletes
were also awarded trophies: Nina Shahikian from Philadelphia for the older
girls (age 14 to 16); Araxi Krafian from Greater Boston for the younger
girls (age 10-13); Katchig Karayan from Albany, Kapriel Cholakian from New
York and Raffi Sarajian from New Jersey for the older boys; and Aram
Tramblian from Washington, D.C., and Armen Arakelian from Boston for the
younger boys.

JAG began in 2000 as an annual event combining the New England and
Mid-Atlantic Summer Olympics featuring only track and field, which were done
separately previous to JAG. The event was held at Camp Haiastan for many
years with the use of local tracks. Swimming events were later added to the
weekend, after feedback from the juniors.

"This year JAG was moved to a different local and given a new flavor. It was
modeled more like the AYF Midwest Summer Olympics. We tried to incorporate
the parents and family into the weekend, bringing it back to AYF tradition,"
said AYF Central Junior Council chairperson Angela Deese. "We had lots of
new parents and many AYF alumni bring their kids to the weekend. It was a
great success and a fantastic effort by the New Jersey community."

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the youth
organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (YOARF). The AYF
stands on five pillars that guide its activities: education, political
awareness, fellowship, athletics and culture. Moreover, the AYF promotes a
fraternal attitude of respect for the diversity of ideas and individuals
amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that
allow members of the organization to work together and realize its
objectives.

California Courier Online, October 26, 2006

1 – Commentary

We Hope Pelosi Will Replace Speaker
Hastert After Nov. 7 Elections

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Armenian Football Opens Website
3 – Pasadena Police Chief Receives
Armenian National Service Medal
4 – ATG Seed Farmer Honored with Gold Medal
5- Prelacy Announces
Appointments to
Board of Regents
6 – Armenian Community Health
Fair in Glendale Serves 300
7 – UCLA AEF Chair
Offers Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Lectures to Public
8 – Actor Simon Abkarian Will MC
Nov. 12 ANCA-WR Banquet in L.A.
9 – Gov. Schwarzenegger
Appoints Frank Zerunyan
To State Medical Board

******************************************* ***********************
1 – Commentary
We Hope Pelosi Will Replace Speaker
Hastert After Nov. 7 Elections

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

The Congressional elections on November 7 could be a turning point for all
Americans, particularly on the issue of the war in Iraq, should the House of
Representatives, and possibly the Senate, come under the control of the Democrats.
For Armenian Americans, the upcoming elections could finally provide the
opportunity they have been waiting for to remove the chokehold placed by the Bush
Administration and the Republican leadership on the consideration of House
and Senate resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Both Houses of
Congress would have voted in overwhelming majorities to approve these resolutions if
Republican congressional leaders had allowed the people’s representatives to
vote their conscience on these bills.
For the House races, it is in the interest of Armenian Americans to vote for
those candidates who are either members of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues or have pledged to join it after the election. Voters may contact
Armenian lobbying organizations in Washington before Nov. 7, to check the
affiliations of the congressional candidates in their districts. In case neither
candidate in a particular race is a member of the Caucus or a supporter of
Armenian issues, the preference should be given to the Democrat in order toassure a
Democratic majority in the House. Cong. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), a long time
friend of the Armenian community, would then become Speaker of the House,
replacing Cong. Dennis Hastert, who not only has broken his pledge repeatedly, but has
actively blocked the Armenian Genocide resolution from being brought to a
floor vote. Given her long-standing record on Armenian issues, it is anticipated
that Cong. Pelosi, should she become Speaker, would
schedule a vote on the Genocide resolution.
Rather than trying to rate thousands of candidates nationwide for 435 House,
34 Senatorial and countless local and state races, I will focus on a few
critical and close ones.
It goes without saying that Armenians should help re-elect the two members
of Congress who are of Armenian origin: Cong. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and John
Sweeney (R-NY). Armenians should also vote for State Senator Chuck Poochigian, a
Republican, who is running for Attorney General of California. He is engaged in a
tough battle against former governor Jerry Brown who has an advantage in
terms of name recognition. Paul Krekorian, a Democrat, is expected to easily win a
seat in the California State Assembly.
Also deserving the Armenian community’s support is Danny Tarkanian, the son
of legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, who is running for Secretaryof
State in Nevada.
The co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues deserve the
community’s special support. Fortunately, Cong. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) is expected
to get re-elected easily. The other co-chair, Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), is
involved in a tough race. A recent poll shows him in a statistical tie withhis
opponent. It is critical that the Armenian community nationwide come to his
support financially as well as with votes from those who live in his district. Even
though this goes against the earlier expressed desire of seeking a Democratic
majority in the House, the community cannot and should not abandon its
staunch supporters, be they Democrats or Republicans. By assuring that the
co-chairs, the current members of the Caucus, and new members who will jointhe Caucus
get elected, it is hoped that the Caucus would have at least 218 members of
Congress from both parties which would constitute a majority of the House.
Turning to the U.S. Senate, the key Senator that should be supported at all
cost is Robert Menendez (D-NJ) who placed a hold on the nomination of Richard
Hoagland, the Ambassador Designate for Armenia. Sen. Menendez is in a
difficult race as he was appointed to that seat by Gov. Jon Corzine, just 10 months
ago, after Corzine stepped down from his Senate seat. Menendez is opposed by
Republican Thomas Kean, Jr., an incumbent state senator and son of former
Governor Thomas Kean. The latest poll shows Menendez with a slim advantage over Kean.
The State Department would like nothing more than seeing Menendez lose his
seat, as that would vacate the hold against Hoagland next January. The Armenian
community nationwide, and particularly those residing in New Jersey, shoulddo
everything possible to secure the re-election of Sen. Menendez.
On Nov. 7, members of the Armenian American community should vote for all
those candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, who are supportiveof
Armenian issues. In the case of equally supportive candidates in a particular
race, the preference should be given to the one who is a Democrat in order to
secure a Democratic majority in the House, helping make Cong. Pelosi the next
Speaker, which will enable her to schedule a long overdue vote on the Armenian
Genocide resolution.
************************************** ************************************
2 – Armenian Football Opens Website
YEREVAN – The Yerevan United Football Club has just opened their online shop.
Fans of Yerevan United FC and the Armenian National Team are now able to buy
merchandise online for the first time ever, regardless what country they’re
living in. From team scarfs, t-shirts, or caps, it’s there, and payment is
simple and safe, with swoft delivery.
The website address is
Although the Club was promoted to the Premier League at the end of 2005, club
leaders made a decision to sit out the 2006 season, and return financially
strong in 2007.
The website carries the latest news about the Armenian National Football Team
playing qualifications for UEFA Euro 2008 competition. It is the only
Armenian football website.
So whether you’re a fan of the Armenian National Football Team or Yerevan
United Football Club, or if the browser only wants a temporary tattoo to wear to
the next Armenian function in your area, check out the Yerevan United website
and click on the shop online.
************************************************** ***********************
3 – Pasadena Police Chief Receives
Armenian National Service Medal
Pasadena Star-News
PASADENA – The Pasadena Police Department’s efforts to raise funds for
equipment for the Yerevan Police Department has earned the police chief an Armenian
National Service Medal, officials said Monday.
Pasadena Chief Bernard Melekian is the second person outside of Armenia to
receive the medal.
The award was presented to Melekian during a Pasadena Armenian Peoples’
Advisory Committee fundraising gala earlier this month.
Yerevan police Chief Nerses Nazaryan, acting on behalf of the commander of
the Armenian National Police, presented the award.
"The award was truly a surprise and an honor," Melekian said, crediting the
Pasadena Armenian group with building bridges between the Pasadena Police
Department and the Armenian community.
"My grandparents and my father, who were survivors of the genocide, always
felt they owed a great deal to this country and to Pasadena.
It was an honor to be involved with a project that helped give something of
value to Armenia," he said.
PAPAC raised nearly $80,000 for the Yerevan Police Department.
"Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia. I had the pleasure to visit that
city in 2000 and was appalled at the deficiency of equipment that a modern
department needs to do its job," Melekian said.
************************************************** ************************
4 – ATG Seed Farmer Honored with Gold Medal
YEREVAN – At the second Armenian International AgroForum Conference that took
place in Yerevan on Sept. 22-23, Hovhanness Galoyan, an Armenian Technology
Group farmer from Karnut village, near Gyumri in Shirak Marz, was recognized
by the Government of Armenia for his exceptional achievement in the seed
industry, and received a Gold Medal.
This is the second time in two years that the Armenian Government is
honoring the California based Armenian Technology Group (ATG) a Gold Medal for its
accomplishments in the rural agricultural development in Armenia.
While awarding the medal, the Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokyan praised
the work done by Galoyan and declaring that "this year the average wheat yields
were very low in Armenia (1.5-2.5 MT per hectares)," Galoyan harvested 6-6.5
MT per hectrare."
A farmer working under the directives of the ATG, Galoyan has mastered the
production of high quality certified wheat seed in Armenia. He is a member of
the Seed Producers Support Association (SPSA) founded by ATG in 1998. The
association has 47 members who are specialized in production of certified high
quality wheat, alfalfa, corn and barley seeds that are appropriate for different
growing zones in Armenia.
This award is the result of a long and dedicated efforts of long term US
based ATG technical farm advisors such as Roger Culver, and Roger Benton who
lived and worked with the farmers in Armenia for over 12 years.
" I am so pleased that our farmers are getting some recognition! They are
the backbone of Armenia’s rural economy," said Roger Benton, retired UC
Extension Agent and a long time ATG technical advisor and previous in-county director
from his home in California. "ATG farmers worked so hard to help feed the
nation and their families. I remember particularly when our seed growers literally
saved thousands of people from possible starvation and famine, by supplying
clean and treated seed to over 12,000 farmers to plant their winter wheat in
2000. May God Bless them all!"
"ATG supplied the best of Western wheat growing knowledge together with an
initial variety of high quality wheat seed to the farmers of Armenia", said
Nubar Tashjian, President of ATG. "To the credit of the Armenian farmers, they
readily adopted the Western methods together with the wheat seed and the
benefits realized are history. Those farmers adopting ATG supplied seed and
methodology improved wheat production many times over greatly benefiting Armenia. I
commend the Armenian farmer for his industry and intelligence. I congratulate Mr.
Galoyan for his achievement, a medal well deserved."
The ATG Seed Multiplication Project has been funded through USDA Foreign
Agricultural Service – Food for Progress.
Other major sponsors are the Lincy Foundation, The Bertha and John
Garabedian Charitable Foundation, PACC and other organizations and individuals in the
United States.
ATG is a California based non-profit, public benefit corporation with
offices in Fresno, Yerevan and Stepanakerd, NK. The organization can be reached at
559-224-1000. Tax deductible donations could be mailed to ATG 1300 E. Shaw Ave.
Suite 131; P. O. Box 5969, Fresno, CA 93755. You can also visit the ATG web
site at and donate on line.
********’*********************************** ******************************
5 – Prelacy Announces
Appointments to
Board of Regents
ENCINO, Calif. – Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and the Executive
Council of the Western Prelacy announced the new appointment of members to the
Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools.
The newly appointed Board of Regents are: Dr. Armine Hacopian, Sossi
Hovsepian, Marisa Sarian, Avo Kechichian, Dr. Vartkes Tomassian, Chris Keosian, Ara
Bedrosian, George Chorbajian, Mark Guedikian.
At their first meeting on Oct. 16, the new board elected its executive as
follows: Avo Kechichian, Chairman, Dr. Armine Hacopian, Secretary, and Mark
Guiedikian, Treasurer.
Vice-Chair of the Prelacy Executive Council Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian
attended the first meeting
****************************************** ********************************
6 – Armenian Community Health
Fair in Glendale Draws 300
GLENDALE – The Oct. 14 Armenian Community Health Fair drew over 300 member
of the Armenian community at the St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. It was
organized by the Armenian American Medical Society of California, the Armenian
American Nurses Association, and the Armenian Dental Society of California.
The guest underwent various free screenings, such as blood pressure, blood
sugar, cholesterol, dental exams, breast
exams, spinal checks, bone density tests, and spirometry checks.
The Los Angeles County Office of Women’s Health’s Mobile Van Unit was on
hand to offer free pap tests, clinical breast exams and diabetes testing. The
event was a very crucial ingredient for the multicultural, multilingual public
education campaign. It encouraged many Los Angeles County Armenian women to
seek regular, free pap testing to prevent cervical cancer.
"It’s Not Flu As Usual" brochures distributed by Krikorian Marketing
Group were supporting the County of Los Angeles Public Health campaign that
targets families and individuals, the medical community, businesses, and community
organizations. The brochures, which will be distributed throughout the
community, will be supported by a media advertising campaign that will emphasize the
importance of "Clean Hands" as the best form of preventive care to avoid the
Pandemic Flu. The campaign will be in Armenian, Russian, Arabic and Farsi
languages.
Major sponsors of the Health Fair included Glendale Adventist Medical
Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center, Kaiser Permanente, Hollywood
Presbyterian Medical Center, QueensCare, Huntington Memorial Hospital, L.A
County Women’s Health Dept., Krikorian Marketing Group, Comprehensive Community
Health Clinics, Willow Imaging, Verdugo Hospice, ARS Mental Health Services,
and Daylight Adult Health Day Care Center.
The Health Fair was supported by: Abbot, Astra Zeneca, Takeda, Aventis,
GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Otsuka, Novartis, Lifescan, and TAP Pharmaceuticals.
************************************************** ************************
7 – UCLA AEF Chair
Offers Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Lectures to Public
LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern
Armenian History is sponsoring two programs the weekend of Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
The first lecture will be held Oct. 30, at 2 p.m., at the UCLA History
Department Conference Room 6275 Bunche Hall (6th floor). Entitled "Ecclesiastical
Head–Imperial Subject: The Armenian Catholicos at the Intersection of Russia’s
Internal and Foreign Policy, 1828-1914," the presentation will be made by
Professor Paul Worth, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
The second presentation will be made on Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Glendale
Public Library by UCLA AEF Chairholder Professor Richard Hovannisian.
Dr. Hovannisian will speak on "The Vanishing Landscape of Historic Western
Armenia: Illustrated Reflections on a Journey into the Past."
Both presentations are open to the public at no charge. Limited seating is
available.
************************************************* **************************
8 – Actor Simon Abkarian Will MC
Nov. 12 ANCA-WR Banquet in L.A.
GLENDALE – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
(ANCA-WR) announced this week that well-known French Armenian actor Simon Abkarian
will be the Master of Ceremonies for the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet on Nov. 12,in
Los Angeles.
The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet regularly draws over 700 dignitaries, prominent
Members of Congress and state legislators, as well as Armenian American
community leaders and political activists. The annual event is the largest of its kind
and helps raise funds to operate the nation’s largest and most influential
Armenian American grassroots and political advocacy organization.
The Annual Banquet includes an awards ceremony, during which the ANCA-WR
recognizes individuals who have contributed to the awareness and advancement of
Armenian issues. This year, the ANCA-WR will honor Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles Unified School
District, with the Man of the Year Award. Mr. Collins will be recognized for his
leading role in implementing the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles
Unified School District.
The awards ceremony will be emceed by actor Simon Abkarian. Born in Gonesse,
France, Abkarian spent most of his early life in France and Lebanon and wasan
active member of the Armenian Youth Federation. He trained as a dancer with
the Lori Dance Ensemble in Beirut and the Antranik Company in New York. He also
studied mask work at the Commedia dell’ Arte with Georges Bigot in Los
Angeles. He had a lengthy collaboration with Ariane Mnouchkine and the Thétre du
Soleil, playing leading roles in Greek tragedies, where he became known forhis
charismatic performances.
In 2001, Abkarian received the Molière, the highest honor in French theatre
for an actor, for his performance in Une Bête Sur La Lune (Beast on the Moon.
In "Yes", a Sally Potter film released in the U.S. in 2005, Abkarian plays his
first leading film role in the English language opposite actress Joan Allen.
He also played in Aram (2002), Le Voyage en Arménie (2006), and Ararat (2002),
in which he played Arshile Gorky.
Audiences will soon see Abkarian in his most recent role as "Alex Dimitrios"
in the latest James Bond movie, "Casino Royale," which will premiere in
theatres nationwide on November 17. He was also a member of French President Jacques
Chirac’s delegation to Armenia last month.
The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet will be held at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, on
333 S. Figueroa St. in Los Angeles. The banquet will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a
cocktail hour and silent auction, with the formal program beginning at 7 p.m.
For more information or to reserve a table, call the ANCA-WR office at (818)
500-1918.
********************************** **************************************
9 – Gov. Schwarzenegger
Appoints Frank Zerunyan
To State Medical Board
SACRAMENTO – Frank Zerunyan, 47, of Rolling Hills Estates, has been appointed
to the Division of Medical Quality on the Medical Board of California. Since
2005, he has served as principal and general counsel for the real estate
development firm, Public Private Community Development.
Zerunyan previously was managing partner with the law firms SulmeyerKupetz
from 1995 to 2005, Yacoubian & Zerunyan from 1992 to 1995 and the Law Office of
Frank V. Zerunyan from 1989 to 1992.
Prior to that, he served as vice president of finance for International
Marketing Alliance from 1985 to 1989. He serves on the Rolling Hills Estates City
Council, where he was elected in 2003 and serves as chair of the City’s
Traffic and Safety Committee.
This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per
diem. Zerunyan is a Republican.
************************************** ************************************

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******************************* *******************************************

Essegian lived a dream, but someone pinched him

CROWE’S NEST

By Jerry Crowe, Times Staff Writer ([email protected]/)/

Los Angeles Times
October 23, 2006

Delivering in the clutch for the Dodgers in the 1959 World Series
triggered a curious turn of events for Chuck Essegian.

While his two pinch-hit home runs helped the Dodgers defeat the Chicago
White Sox, four games to two, they also might have diminished the
marketability of the journeyman outfielder from Fairfax High.

"I’m not sure," says Essegian, a 75-year-old retired lawyer looking back
all these years later, "but I think those home runs probably hurt my
career. You know, you kind of get labeled as a certain kind of player.
If you’re a pinch-hitter, you’re a pinch-hitter because you’re not good
enough to play every day….

"It’s a hard tag to live down."

Essegian was 28 and a veteran of only 80 major league games in October
1959. He made his major league debut only 18 months earlier.

But four years later the former Stanford linebacker was out of baseball
for good, having retired after playing for six teams in six seasons. In
404 major league games, Essegian batted .255 with 47 home runs and 150
runs batted in, including a 21-homer, 50-RBI season with the Cleveland
Indians in 1962.

As a lawyer, he started out as a prosecutor in Pasadena, opened a
private practice in 1977 and retired 10 years ago. These days, he
handles the occasional mediation or arbitration case "just to see if my
brain still works." A father of three and grandfather to five, he lives
in Canyon Country with his third wife, Holly.

"For one reason or another, I just never played much in baseball," says
Essegian, who at 5 feet 11 and 200 pounds helped Stanford reach the 1952
Rose Bowl but chose a career in baseball because he believed it promised
a longer, more lucrative career. "It just didn’t work out the way I’d
hoped it would."

But he treasures the memories.

How many others can say they played in the Rose Bowl /and/ the World
Series? Who else can say his teammates included Dodgers greats such as
reliever Larry Sherry, a fellow Fairfax alum and the pitching star of
the ’59 Series; Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, et
al, /and/ Bob Mathias, a two-time Olympic decathlon champion and
Stanford fullback?

Only one other person, Bernie Carbo of the 1975 Boston Red Sox, can say
he hit two pinch-hit home runs in a World Series.

A Dodger for about six weeks when the World Series opened in Chicago,
Essegian was an unlikely October star. Traded from the St. Louis
Cardinals on June 15, 1959, he spent two months in the minors before an
Aug. 19 recall. In 85 major league at-bats that season, he hit one home run.

But with the Dodgers trailing, 2-1, and two out in the top of the
seventh inning of Game 2 at Comiskey Park, Manager Walt Alston sent the
powerfully built Essegian to the plate to bat for starting pitcher
Johnny Podres. Against Bob Shaw, who was trying to protect the lead and
give the White Sox a 2-0 advantage in the series, Essegian launched a
3-and-1 breaking ball halfway up the left-center-field stands, starting
a three-run rally that carried the Dodgers to a 4-3 victory.

He pinch-hit again in the ninth inning of Game 6, this time with the
Dodgers leading, 8-3, and having nearly completed a remarkable
turnaround from a year earlier, when they finished two games out of last
place in their inaugural L.A. season.

No pressure, right?

Except that this time Essegian batted for the great Snider, who had hit
a two-run home run in the third inning and was destined for the Hall of
Fame.

"On my way to the plate," Essegian recalls, "Duke was walking back to
the dugout and he said, ‘Not too many guys have ever pinch-hit for me,
let alone in the World Series, so go hit another one.’ "

Which Essegian did.

While breaking his bat.

"Hey!" third base coach Pee Wee Reese shouted to reporters after the
game. "How about that bunch of muscles called Essegian? He broke his bat
on that homer today, you know. How about that for power?"

But not everyone applauded the crowning blow.

"I can’t tell you how many letters I got from people all over the world
chastising me because I changed their pool scores," Essegian says,
laughing. "They were counting their money, right? I thought, ‘Well, I’ll
be darned.’ I got letters from Japan, from Canada, people all over the
world, saying, ‘You didn’t have to do that. You had the series won and
you cost me $100 in the pool.’ "

Essegian, batting for Drysdale, hit another pinch homer on opening day
in 1960, but in February 1961 his rights were sold to the Baltimore Orioles.

He had played in only 76 regular-season games with the Dodgers, hitting
four home runs.

3oct23,1,1648701.story?coll=la-headlines-sports/

Governor Schwarzenegger has appointed Frank Zerunyan to the Division of
Medical Quality on the Medical Board of California.

Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Lisa Kalustian – Chief Deputy Director
300 South Spring Street, Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213)897-0322
FAX (213)897-0319
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Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments:

Jack Baylis, 49, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the State Park and
Recreation Commission. Since May 2006, he has served as the chief executive
officer of the west region group for AECOM, a global design, engineering and
program management firm. From 2000 to 2006, Baylis served in a variety of
positions at CH2M Hill, a global project delivery company, including senior
vice president and vice president. Prior to that, he was president and
chief operating officer of the manufacturing firm Linabond. Baylis serves
on the Los Angeles City Quality and Productivity Commission and is a member
of the Heal the Bay Board of Directors and Ph.D. Advisory Board for the
University of Southern California Center for Sustainability. This position
requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Baylis
is a Republican.

Jody Belgard Akimoto, 48, of Watsonville, has been appointed to the Santa
Cruz County Fair Board of Directors (14th District Agricultural
Association). She has served as an account specialist for the Santa Cruz
County Office of Education since 1985. In 1994, Belgard Akimoto co-founded
the Watsonville Road Angels Car Club which benefits local youth charities.
This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.
Belgard Akimoto is a Republican.

Alberto Bertoli, 68, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the State
Historical Resources Commission. He has served as director and faculty
member at the Academy of Art University Graduate School of Architecture
since 2004 and architect with Patri Merker Architects since 1997.
Previously, Bertoli was self-employed as a design architect and consultant
from 1991 to 1996 and architect with Arthur Erickson Architects from 1981 to
1991. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the
compensation is $100 per diem. Bertoli is a Democrat.

Wayne Bidlack, 62, of La Verne, has been appointed to the State Board of
Food and Agriculture. He has served as dean of the College of Agriculture
at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona since 1995, where he
also serves as a professor in the Department of Animal and Veterinary
Science and the Department of Human Nutrition and Food Science. Bidlack
previously was a professor and chair of the Department of Food Science and
Human Nutrition at Iowa State University from 1992 to 1995 and served as
director of the Center for Designing Foods to Improve Nutrition at the
University. For more than 25 years, he has been a professional member of
the Institute of Food Technologists. This position does not require Senate
confirmation and there is no salary. Bidlack is a Republican.

Bryan Brandes, 36, of Temple City, has been appointed to the State
Historical Resources Commission. He has served the transportation and
shipping company Maersk since 1996, currently as the director of California
regional dispatch. Prior to that, Brandes was dispatch and dock supervisor
for Roadway Express from 1994 to 1996. This position does not require
Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Brandes is a
Republican.

Donald Bransford, 59, of Colusa, has been appointed to the State Board of
Food and Agriculture. He has owned Bransford Farms since 1980, which
includes 1,200 acres of almonds, prunes and rice. Previously, Bransford was
a land manager for Zumwalt Farms where he managed over 30,000 acres of land
from 1983 to 1989. He serves on the Board of Trustees and Governing Board
for the Colusa Unified School District and on the Board of Directors for the
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District. This position does not require Senate
confirmation and there is no salary. Bransford is a Republican.

Thomas Deardorff II, 35, of Carpinteria, has been appointed to the State
Board of Food and Agriculture. Since 1999, he has served as chair and
president of the fresh produce business Deardorff Family Farms. From 1997
to 1999, Deardorff served as an attorney specializing in real estate law
with the law firm Songstad, Randall & Ulich. He serves on the Board of
Directors for the Western Growers Association and previously served on the
Board of Directors for the Ventura County Agricultural Association. This
position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.
Deardorff is a Republican.

Loretta Estrada, 63, of Watsonville, has been appointed to the Santa Cruz
County Fair Board of Directors (14th District Agricultural Association).
She has served on the Board of Directors since 1989 and operates a cattle
and timber ranch that has been family owned since 1854. Estrada previously
served as the food service manager for the Pajaro Valley Unified School
District from 1974 to 2002. She has been a member of the Santa Cruz County
Cattlemen’s Association since 1963, and the California Cattlemen’s
Association since 1965. This position does not require Senate confirmation
and there is no salary. Estrada is a Republican.

Eric Frazier, 44, of Riverside, has been appointed to the California
African-American Museum Board of Directors. He has served as vice president
and senior home loan center manager for Washington Mutual Home Loans since
1997. Frazier previously was vice president and community lending regional
manager for Home Savings of America from 1995 to 1997. He currently serves
as the senior pastor at the North Fontana Church of Christ. This position
does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Frazier is a
Republican.

Bruce Oneto, 82, of Boulder Creek, has been appointed to the Santa Cruz
County Fair Board of Directors (14th District Agricultural Association). He
has served on the Board of Directors since 2001. Oneto previously served
the Park Mutual Water Company starting in 1973 and retiring as manager in
1993. Prior to that, he was an attorney in self-practice from 1968 to 1986
and associate then partner with the law firm Ruffo & Oneto. This position
does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Oneto is a
Democrat.

Carlos Rodriguez, 35, of Victorville, has been appointed to the California
Commission on Aging. He has served as senior vice president and director of
public affairs for the Baldy View Chapter of the Building Industry
Association since 2003. Prior to that, Rodriguez served as a senior account
executive for O’Reilly Public Relations from 2000 to 2003 and a
communications consultant for the State Senate Republican Caucus from 1998
to 2000. He previously was an adjunct faculty member at California State
University, Fullerton and Chaffey College. This position does not require
Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Rodriguez is a Republican.

Jayson Rutherford, 33, of Scotts Valley, has been appointed to the Santa
Cruz County Fair Board of Directors (14th District Agricultural
Association). Rutherford has served the Scotts Valley Police Department
since 1998, where he currently serves as a sergeant. He is a member of the
Scotts Valley Peace Officers Association and currently serves as its
president. Rutherford also is a member of the California Narcotic Officers’
Association and the American Sniper Association. This position does not
require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Rutherford is a
Republican.

Havard Staggs, 66, of Jackson, has been appointed to the California
Commission on Aging. He most recently served as chief executive officer of
Personal Cellular Services before retiring in 1999. Prior to that, Staggs
was president of subsidiary Circadian from 1991 to 1996 and founded the
Joneonme Corporation in 1987, where he served as president until 1991. He
is past-president of the Triple-A Council of California, member of the Area
12 Agency on Aging Advisory and commissioner of the Amador County Commission
on Aging. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no
salary. Staggs is a Republican.

Stuart Yamamoto, 57, of Aptos, has been appointed to the Santa Cruz County
Fair Board of Directors (14th District Agricultural Association). He has
served on the Board of Directors since 2003 and has served as director of
operations for the Dole Berry Company since 2004. Previously, Yamamoto was
ranch manager for the Coastal Berry Company from 1994 to 2004. He is a Board
member and past-treasurer of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz Japanese American
Citizen League and a member of the alumni council of the California
Agricultural Leadership Program. This position does not require Senate
confirmation and there is no salary. Yamamoto is a Republican.

Frank Zerunyan, 47, of Rolling Hills Estates, has been appointed to the
Division of Medical Quality on the Medical Board of California. Since 2005,
he has served as principal and general counsel for the real estate
development firm, Public Private Community Development. Zerunyan previously
was managing partner with the law firms SulmeyerKupetz from 1995 to 2005,
Yacoubian & Zerunyan from 1992 to 1995 and the Law Office of Frank V.
Zerunyan from 1989 to 1992. Prior to that, he served as vice president of
finance for International Marketing Alliance from 1985 to 1989. He serves
on the Rolling Hills Estates City Council, where he was elected in 2003 and
serves as chair of the City’s Traffic and Safety Committee. This position
requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem.
Zerunyan is a Republican.

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NATIONAL LEAGUE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND SECURITY PROTECTION OPENS IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Oct 23 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Opening of Armenian National League
of Human Dignity and Security Protection took place on October 23
in Yerevan. The League will operate within the framework of the
International League of Security Protection. As Valentin Varennikov,
International League’s Chairman, said at the press conference held
the same day, Armenia is the 13th state joining the International
League. He said that another 20 countries have expressed willingness
to join this NGO. V.Varennikov said that the International League is
anxious about the policy of U.S. that applies dual standards. In
his words, NATO’s position also causes anxiety, as it becomes
an instrument in the hands of a country, U.S., in particular, in
connection with the events in Jugoslavia and Iraq. The International
League considers that the problems should be solved exclusively in a
political way. V.Varennikov said that in the Nagorno Karabakh issue
the International League is for the problem’s political solution. At
that, the solution should be found in consideration of the interests
and wishes of the population living there. V.Varennikov said that
the Azerbaijani Ambassador on Special Commissions has met with him
and said about Azerbaijan’s willingness to join the League. He also
said he would like the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to
be the way they were in the Soviet years.

"HAY DAT SUPPORT" BOOK DEDICATED TO 145th ANNIVERSARY OF FRIDTJOF NANSEN PUBLISHED

Noyan Tapan
Oct 23 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The series of the 10-day events
dedicated to the 145th anniversary of Norwegian scientist, polar
explorer, humanist, Armenian people’s great friend Fridtjof Nansen
closed on October 20 with the presentation of the book entitled "Hay
Dat Support." Feliks Bakhchian, the book author, the Chairman of the
"Fridtjof Nansen" fund mentioned that historian Makich Arzoumanian
wrote "Nansen and Armenia" the first volumnous work dedicated to
the prominent scientist. This book yeild the previous one by his
volume, and the author attempted to arise Nansen’s humane spurs and
international activity in that sphere from what his impartiality in the
issue of the Hay Dat (Armenian Cause) arises. The author touched upon
in his book Fridtjof Nansen’s idea that the Hay Dat is a possibility
for the mankind’s cleaning.

F.Bakhchinian also stated that the "Nansen and Armenia" film will be
shot soon. To recap, after the 1915 Armenian Genocide, with efforts
of the great humanist, 320 thousand Armenians got Nansen passports
and were able to find refuge in 52 countries of the world.

WE ARE NOT GOING TO SACRIFICE OUR FRIEND BECAUSE OF POLITICAL GAMES,
PARTICIPANTS OF SIT-DOWN STRIKE ORGANIZED IN DEFENCE OF VAHAGN CHAKHALIAN DECLARE

Noyan Tapan
Oct 23 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. On October 23, it is the 4th day
a group of youths are on strike with a demand to release Vahagn
Chakhalian, Presidency member of the United Javakhk democratic
bloc, but no state official has visited them and asked about the
issues put forward by them. Edgar Helelian, a participant of the
sit-down strike, Head of the Armenian Aryan Union youth wing,
said this at his October 23 meeting with journalists. Qualifying
the indifference of RA authorities as "a scornful attitude towards
the youth" he said that V.Chakhalian’s arrest with an accusation
of illegally crossing the Armenian-Georgian border was done by a
political order. In E.Helelian’s words, publication of materials
"slandering" V.Chakhalian in pro-governmental press on the day of
arrest is the evidence of this. The sit-down strike participants sent
an application to RA President, Prime Minister, Prosecutor General,
Secretary of National Security Council, Director of National Security
Service and RA Ombudsman. The application, in particular, read that
"if this indifferent attitude is continuous" the sit-down strike
participants will pass to "another ways of constitutional protest,
demonstrations and rallies." In response to the question, "why it is
especially the youth that struggles for Vahagn Chakhalian’s release"
the head of the Armenian Aryan Union youth wing said: "the Javakhk
sport and cultural youth union headed by Chakhalian and the United
Javakhk are the single political-public forces that are able to
prevent construction of the Kars-Akhalkalak railway through both
legal and illegal actions."