Month: February 2012

US REJECTS STATUS QUO IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

Vestnik Kavkaza
Feb 22 2012
Russia

No changes have happened in the US policy in resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Eric Rubin, US Assistant Secretary of
State for Europe and Asia, said, AzerTAG reports.

The US official said that Washington’s position bases on the
Helsinki act, principles of territorial unity, non-use of force and
self-determination.

He reminded that the US is one of the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group. It wants to improve the atmosphere and make a breakthrough in
negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Thus, the US will not
take sides.

Rubin said that the Minsk Group is the only format to stimulate the
Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. The US assistant secretary of state
reminded that he expressed the point at a meeting with Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev. Rubin added that the situation is risky.

ARMENIA TO HOST EXERCISE OF CSTO FORCE – BORDYUZHA

Interfax
Feb 21 2012
Russia

The Collective Operational Reaction Force (CORF) of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will hold an exercise in Armenia in
autumn 2012, CSTO General Secretary Nikolai Bordyuzha said on Tuesday.

“The concept of this exercise has been agreed. On February 27 there
will be staff negotiations in Armenia, where all the details of the
exercise are to be agreed,” Bordyuzha told reporters.

Until now, the CORF has held exercises in Russia, Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan, he said.

“The way I see this, all the states that have signed the agreement
on the CORF will take part in that exercise in various forms – either
via their troops or via operational groups,” Bordyuzha said.

ATTACKS AGAINST JOURNALISTS IN ARMENIA DOWN BUT FINANCIAL PRESSURE UP

OSCE – Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Feb 20 2012

Press release by Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
on 20 February

Yerevan: A report on freedom of the press and speech in Armenia
during 2010 and 2011 supported by the OSCE Office was presented in
Yerevan today.

The report was prepared by Investigative Journalists, a
non-governmental organization. It is the result of two years of
monitoring, which revealed that the main obstacles hindering media
development in Armenia include financial pressures brought to bear
on media outlets via defamation and insult suits in courts.

“This publication is a useful reference on how the judiciary in Armenia
handles cases involving the media,” said Oliver McCoy, Democratization
Programme Officer of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. “Most importantly,
the report provides a sound basis for assessing the challenges to
freedom of the press and speech in Armenia, and working out ways to
improve the situation.”

The report follows a similar assessment of the 2008 and 2009 period.

The first section of the report presents articles covering 37 court
cases during 2010 and 2011 involving reporters as litigants. The
charges against reporters mainly dealt with defamation and insult
impugning personal honour, dignity or business reputation. It also
includes analysis of the verdicts by independent legal experts with
reference to the European Convention of Human Rights.

“We came to the conclusion that although decriminalization of libel
and slander in 2010 was a positive legislative development, it had a
negative impact on the media, because of high damage awards they had
to pay under defamation-related civil suits,” said Liana Sayadyan,
Vice-President of the Investigative Journalists and editor of the
publication. “Our monitoring of the past four years also indicates
that physical violence follows a regular pattern, increasing during
pre-election periods and decreasing in non-election years.”

The second part of the publication contains a summary of incidents
of physical violence against reporters during the period and provides
updates regarding prior court cases involving reported intimidation or
violence. According to the publication, incidents decreased in 2010
and 2011, to nine and four incidents respectively, compared with 18
and 11 in 2008 and 2009.

The electronic version of the report is available at

GOLD EXPORTS FROM ARMENIA UP 48% IN 2011

Interfax
Feb 21 2012
Russia

Gold exports from Armenia in 2011 increased by 48% to 2,399 kilograms
(including galvanized dust), the country’s Customs Service said in
a report.

The customs value for the gold exported increased to $67.3 million
last year from $28.6 million for 2010.

Armenia’s Economic Ministry told Interfax that the high rates of
export growth have been driven by rising world prices for the metal.

Total imports of gold to Armenia in 2011 came to 1,520 kilograms
worth $78.3 million compared to 1,505 kilograms worth $60 million in
the previous year.

Armenia exports gold dore with up to 92% gold content. Banking gold
is not produced in the country.

From: Baghdasarian

TOP 10 SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN EASTERN EUROPE
by Mihaela Lica Butler

ArgoPhilia Travel
Feb 22 2012

According to US News Travel, Budapest, Prague and Crete belong to
the World’s top 25 destination. The list features top things to do
in each destination, as well as the main reasons to go there. Voting
buttons allow readers to agree or disagree with the listings. For us
at Argophilia Travel News, Budapest, Prague and Crete are definitely
on the list of the top 10 destinations in Eastern Europe, especially
for travelers looking to spend a somewhat different, more exciting
Spring Break.

10. Island Hopping in Greece Fox News lists island hopping in Greece
as one of the top five Spring Break activities this year. We couldn’t
agree more. While Crete is a first choice for many, Mykonos is party
central. One of the hottest gay holiday destination that Europe has
to offer, Mykonos doesn’t discriminate. Straight or not, here’s where
you’ll party like nowhere else in Greece. Don’t forget your camera
when you stroll around Chora.

Take time to see the archaeological sites in Delos, and if you want
to party, the Skandinavian Bar-Disco is the place to be.

For romantics, nothing compares to Santorini, a cycladic treasure. The
island offers a wealth of stunning landscapes, traditional
architecture, and even its own active volcano. Spend the sunset in
Firostefani, eat gyros and keftedes, and don’t miss the local wines.

9. Be a Part of the Sarajevo Winter Nothing like a taste of Winter
in the Spring – and Sarajevo’s Winter can be hot. There’s a festival
going on, between February 7 – March 21, 2012, this year with the
title “Snow and Snowflakes.” A cultural festival, featuring theater,
concerts, movies, fine arts, literary events, cultural heritage and
special programmes for children, may be the starting point for a
great vacation. Sarajevo’s Old Town is a must see – an exotic mix
of cultures, where Middle East meets Eastern Europe… at night,
find a local club to party.

8. See the Birthplace of Aphrodite in Cyprus Paphos, at the seaside
of Petra tou Romiou is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite – a place
rich in history and tradition, but also a breathtaking Mediterranean
destination, with world-class resorts and entertainment. With easy
access via Paphos International Airport, the second international
airport in Cyprus, Paphos boast world class resorts, quality
accommodation, fine cuisine and class entertainment.

Aside Petra tou Romiou, the rock of Aphrodite – popular local
attractions include Paphos Castle, Lighthouse of Paphos, UNESCO
World Heritage Site Tombs of the Kings, the ancient Odeon Theatre,
the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.

7. Go Skiing in Bansko Bansko is Bulgaria’s most affordable ski resort,
and the country’s more popular as well. The popularity has a lot to
do with the financial aspect, but also with the fact that Bansko has
the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec – 15 May)
of all Bulgarian ski resorts. Then, according to Bulgaria Ski, the
resort has the best and most modern ski centre of all Bulgarian ski
resorts. This year, Bansko was also ranked as the most affordable
ski resort in the world.

A clear day on one of Bansko’s slopes 6. Dream a dream of love in
Montenegro Kolašin is one of the most popular year-round getaways for
romantics, and not only. But in winter, particularly, those who want
to enjoy a quiet retreat in a unique, ethnic-style chalet, may find
Log House Tara more than appealing.

5. Pamper yourself in the spas of FrantiÅ¡kovy LáznÄ~[ FrantiÅ¡kovy
LáznÄ~[ in the Czech Republic, a favorite of Johann Wolfgang Goethe
and the smallest spa of the West Bohemian spa triangle, is renowned
worldwide as the world’s first peat pulp bath. Wraps, baths, the
magical hands of masseuses and relaxation in a scented sauna are only
some of the ingredients that will make your stay at one of the spas
here special.

4. Join the book revolution in Yerevan UNESCO has chosen Yerevan as
the 2012 World Book Capital, and the city will organize a number
of complex cultural events to greet visitors in 2012, including
live entertainment that will enrich the cultural program. These
events are more reasons for travelers to visit Yerevan, aside its
main attractions, which include Erebuni Fortress, a nearly 3,000
year old fortress that established Yerevan; the Sculpture Park,
part of Cafesjian Museum – the Armenian version of Guggenheim; and
the Cascades – an Art Deco version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
stretching nearly the height of the Empire State Building.

3. See the Croatian Madeira In Hvar, anyone can afford to feel like
a celebrity. With an affordable rental system for boats and yachts,
the magnificent Dalmatian coast and islands around Hvar can be
explored at any time, regardless of your budget. Yes, this is Hvar,
an Eastern European paradise, where every guest is truly a guest;
a place that, aside natural beauty and a trendy coastline, is also
blessed by thousand of years of traditions and culture.

2. Discover Prizren, Kosovo Prizren, a historical city located in the
south of the country, considered by many the most beautiful of all
Kosovo, has rich history reflected in its cultural legacy, architecture
and lifestyle. The Prizren Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage listed
attraction, dominates the city from a hill above Prizrenska Bistrica,
the river the flows through the city, giving it a somewhat romantic
look and feel. The historic Old Stone Bridge (Ura e gurit) crossing the
river is another cherished landmark of Prizren. You’ll have so much
more to see: the elegant Gazi Mehmet Pasha’s Mosque, the historic
Hamam of Prizren built by Gazi Mehmet Pasha in 1573, the Halveti
Tekke religious complex, the complex of Christ the Saviour’s Church,
the Albanian League Museum, and the stunning Marash compound.

1. Party like there’s no tomorrow in Budapest There’s no better
destination for party animals in Eastern Europe than Budapest,
Hungary. Although winter time is spa time in the city, with focus on
the Gell̩rt Baths Рthe most elegant and prominent of all the spas
and baths in Budapest – nights are hotter than hot in clubs and pubs
all over the city. Begin club hopping at the cafes in Liszt Ferenc
Square, or go directly to A38 for a night to remember on the river
in a barge on the Buda side of Petofi Bridge.

View photos at

From: A. Papazian

HIDDEN WAR IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS
By Nicholas Clayton

Asia Times Online

Feb 22 2012

TBILISI, Georgia – Two apparent assassination attempts against Israeli
diplomats in the South Caucasus over the past month have spread fears
in Georgia and Azerbaijan that the region may once again become a
battleground for great power politics.

Last Monday, a “magnetic bomb” was found attached to the car of
a driver for the Israeli Embassy in Georgia. The same day, a bomb
exploded on an Israeli Embassy vehicle in New Delhi, India, wounding
the wife of an Israeli defense official, among others.

Less than three weeks earlier, neighboring Azerbaijan announced it had
arrested three would-be assassins who were allegedly hired and paid to
kill the Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan and attack a Jewish school.

Also last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry handed the Dilbert

Azerbaijani ambassador a note of protest, alleging Azerbaijan aided
Israeli intelligence in assassinating an Iranian nuclear scientist in
early January, who was also killed by a bomb magnetically attached
to his car. Iran claims Azerbaijan knowingly allowed the assassins
to escape through its territory.

The two sides have been feverishly trading barbs throughout the
week, but Georgia has been notably silent. Although Georgia, led by
pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili, maintains close ties with
the United States, it has also worked to open up is relations with
Iran, signing a visa-free travel agreement and several other bilateral
arrangements with the Islamic Republic over the past two years.

Lincoln Mitchell, a professor at Columbia University’s School of
International and Public Affairs, said that the incident underlined
the untenable nature of that position.

“If you let Iranians come in without visas, this kind of thing is
going to happen. Iran has made its views on Israel quite clear,
and the notion that some Iranians might come in and do bad things to
friends of America and friends of Georgia is not crazy,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell, who has authored a book on the Saakashvili regime, said that
while there have so far been no overt attempts by Georgia’s American
backers to persuade it to step back from Iran, that is about to change.

“For Georgia, which is a client of the US, whose base in the US is in
the far right, this is the one fight they can’t pick because they’ll
never win,” he said.

But Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, a professor at the Center for Iranian
Studies at the University of London, said that although the South
Caucasus countries looked West for investment and security guarantees,
Iran for them was “inescapable, embedded in the region like few other
countries”, and they would not rush to break ties.

“The pressures have been there for a long time, but Iran continues
to have cordial relations with these states because it is in their
mutual interest,” he said. “The United States is far away when you
sit in Kazakhstan, Dushanbe and Baku. Regional leaders seem to be
aware that it is not in their interest to collude too one-sidedly
with one side or the other. It is a balancing act.”

But while the other two countries in the South Caucasus – Azerbaijan
and Armenia – have worked to moderate their relationship between
regional players, Georgia is a different story.

Saakashvili is currently heading into a surprisingly competitive
parliamentary election in October, with a presidential election
following in 2013. The president has been coy about whether he will
step away from politics or return to power as prime minister – a post
strengthened by recent constitutional changes.

American officials have repeatedly said they hope to see a peaceful
transfer of power through free and fair elections in Georgia – a feat
the country has yet to accomplish since its 1991 independence from
the Soviet Union. Therefore, Mitchell said Saakashvili could take
advantage of his usefulness in this area to give himself the leeway
to maintain his preeminent position in the country’s politics.

“If the Georgian government is smart, then [the current tensions
with Iran are] an opportunity to double down on their support for the
United States, and if they play it any other way then they are making
a huge mistake. Going into a tough two years for himself politically,
Saakashvili can cement his indispensability, which is wrong. He’s
not indispensable. But it would be very easy for him to say, if there
is a war going on, that ‘I have to stay on and be prime minister’,”
Mitchell said.

For now, Georgian officials have the time to make up their mind as an
investigation into the bombings goes on. On the day of the attacks,
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately pointed
the finger at Iran. Georgian officials have mostly been mum on the
incident, with some downplaying the attack, noting that the bomb was
attached to the local driver’s personal car, not an embassy vehicle.

But, the president’s administration released an ominous statement the
day the bomb was found, calling it “a serious challenge” to the state.

Many Caucasus observers worry that the assassination plots in Georgia
and Azerbaijan portend a return to the region serving as an espionage
no-man’s-land like Switzerland before World War II.

“Everyone is using the South Caucasus for this hidden war. No doubt
about it,” Alexander Rondeli, president of the Georgian Foundation
for Strategic and International Studies, told the BBC this week.

While there is not yet any concrete evidence tying Iran to the car
bombings, many analysts say there is no other country with the same
combination of motive, capability, and history of similar behavior
as Iran.

Furthermore, the attacks came one day after the anniversary of the
assassination of a top Hezbollah commander, ostensibly by Israeli
operatives. On Saturday, Hezbollah reiterated its alliance with Iran,
and its leader Hassan Nasrallah said this month that Iran had provided
it “moral, political and financial support in all its available forms
since 1982”.

While Adib-Moghaddam said that it would be illogical for Iran to risk
its favorable relationships with countries like Georgia and India
for attacks that do negligible damage to the enemy, Wayne Merry,
a Eurasia expert at the American Foreign Policy Council, told Radio
Free Europe last week that the proximity of Azerbaijan and Georgia
and the relative ease at which Iranian operatives can access their
territories make Israeli facilities there the “most available targets”.

“I think what we are looking at here is a low-level asymmetric conflict
between intelligence services – Iranian and Israeli – in which the
territory and sovereignty of other countries are not well-respected,”
he said.

While Georgian officials remain tight-lipped about the incidents,
Armenia and Azerbaijan spent the last month conferring with their
allies.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited North Atlantic Treaty
Organization headquarters in Brussels on February 15 and has also
met with Israeli President Shimon Peres and US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton over the past few weeks. Armenia sent its deputy
foreign minister to Iran last week, “reinforcing” its relationship
with Tehran “for the sake of maintaining peace and stability”,
according to Armenian state media.

Georgia is now left to decide if it can still keep its friends close,
and its friends’ enemies closer.

Nicholas Clayton is a Tbilisi-based journalist and blogger
covering the Caucasus and the world. His blog can be found at

TURKISH OFFICIALS IGNORED DINK MURDER PLOT

Emirates 24/7

Feb 22 2012
UAE

Turkish state officials failed to protect prominent Turkish-Armenian
journalist Hrant Dink, murdered in 2007, despite knowing of the plot
to kill him, a report commissioned by the president has concluded.

President Abdullah Gul ordered Turkey’s State Supervisory Council
(DDK) to investigate the case after accusations from Dink’s family,
lawyers and rights groups that state officials had been complicit in
the murder.

The investigation into the murder of Dink, former editor of the
bilingual Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos and Turkey’s best known Armenian
voice abroad, was viewed as a test of democracy and human rights in
European Union candidate Turkey.

In a 650-page report, the conclusion of which was posted on the
president’s website late on Monday, the DDK said security forces
failed to act on tip-offs about a plan to murder Dink and called for
the negligent officials to be investigated and tried.

Last month, an Istanbul court sentenced a man to life in prison
for involvement in Dink’s murder but acquitted 17 other defendants,
sparking large protests and criticism from rights groups.

A juvenile court had already sentenced Dink’s assassin, Ogun Samast,
to 22 years and 10 months in jail last July. He was 17 when the
killing took place.

Many Turks believe Dink was the target of arch nationalists because
of articles he wrote about Armenian identity and references he made
to a Turkish “genocide” of Christian Armenians in 1915 – an accusation
Turkey strenuously denies.

STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

The report said the failure to prevent Dink’s murder showed the need
for reforms to the security system.

“The first issue to be expressed regarding the failure to protect
Hrant Dink’s right to life is that some structural problems exist
within the security sector … regarding the collection and evaluation
of intelligence and providing public and personal security,” the DDK
said in the report.

“It is essential first to look at the need for reform on the matter
and a number of problems in institutional structures and practices,”
it said.

Public confidence in the judicial system had been undermined by the
way the case had been handled, it added.

“On the one hand, a result to a case that does not satisfy the public
conscience has emerged and, on the other hand, the credibility of all
the public institutions has been brought into question,” the DDK said
in the report.

In 2010, the European Court of Human Rights ordered Turkish authorities
to pay 100,000 euros ($132,600, Dh485,668) to Dink’s family in
compensation, saying authorities had failed to protect Dink even
though they knew ultra-nationalists were plotting to kill him.

Seven security officials have already been convicted for failing to
relay information on the plot that could have prevented the murder.

In a statement ahead of last month’s verdict, Amnesty International
said authorities had still not investigated the full circumstances
behind Dink’s murder.

Dink had been repeatedly prosecuted for insulting “Turkishness” under
the infamous article 301 of the penal code, which was later amended to
placate EU criticism that Turkey was violating freedom of expression.

Armenia, backed by many historians and parliaments, says 1.5 million
Christian Armenians were killed in what is now eastern Turkey during
World War One in a deliberate policy of genocide ordered by the
Ottoman government.

Ankara denies the killings constitute genocide and says many Muslim
Turks and Kurds were also put to death as Russian troops invaded
eastern Anatolia, often aided by Armenian militias.

FARHAD MEHTIYEV: “AZERBAIJAN WILL BE SUBJECTED TO A TEST: WHETHER IT IS AS STRONG A POLITICAL PLAYER AS IT CLAIMS TO BE”

Vestnik Kavkaza
Feb 22 2012
Russia

Independent political expert, professor of “The Caucasus” Institute,
Farhad Mehtiyev, spoke to a VK correspondent about the results of
Azerbaijan’s political efforts of the year.

– Was there any actual progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement this year?

– There are no actual steps forward. Azerbaijan wanted to negotiate an
actual peace treaty; Armenia, in its turn, accused Baku of abandoning
the existing principles of the conflict settlement. However, Yerevan
tried to negotiate a new treaty – and Baku couldn’t agree to it. We are
still in a dead-end – Armenia wouldn’t agree for Nagorno-Karabakh’s
territorial re-integration into Azerbaijan, no matter how extensive
its autonomy would be, and Azerbaijan would never recognize Karabakh’s
independence. So for now an actual peace treaty is impossible

– How would you characterize the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ efforts?

– Everyone is disappointed in them, because they’ve put too much
faith in the Minsk Group in the first place. We shouldn’t forget that
they are only mediators, they can’t impose any treaty on any of the
conflict parties. Azerbaijan wants the mediators to persuade Armenia
that its position contradicts international legal norms. However,
Baku doesn’t trust all Minsk Group members to be objective. Baku is
dissatisfied with the Group’s efforts, because it wants the co-chairs
to be more strict with Yerevan.

– There are rumors of possible military actions in the conflict zone.

Is this scenario realistic?

– I don’t think that large-scale military actions are possible.

Neither Azerbaijan, nor Armenia, nor external powers would like that.

However, shootouts have been happening throughout the year. 15 people
died in just the last month. I think this situation will continue,
but the peace treaty of 1994 won’t be officially broken.

– Azerbaijan was visited by a great number of top-ranking political
figures. What visit was the most important one?

– All visits connected to the ‘South Stream’ or Trans-Caspian pipeline
projects are very important, as Azerbaijan is a major gas and oil
exporter. I can also mark the visits of Catherine Ashton and Eastern
European Presidents. On the contrary, I don’t think that Nicolas
Sarkozy’s visit was of any real importance, he just couldn’t go to
Armenia without visiting Azerbaijan as well.

– Do you think Azerbaijan will join the ‘Nabucco’ project in 2012?

– Yes, but at the same time Azerbaijan will carry on with the
Trans-Caspian project, as none of these projects alone is able to
export all the gas Azerbaijan plans to export. The project of importing
Turkmen gas via Azerbaijani territory is also very important for
Europe, at least until the regime in Iran changes. I can’t understand
why Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan still can’t agree on the details of
the project – the US exercises a great deal of pressure in this matter.

– Does the non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in
the coming year give Azerbaijan any political advantages?

– Azerbaijan will be subjected to a test: whether it is such a strong
political player on the global scale as it claims to be. We will
experience a lot of difficulties due to our neighboring of Iran,
if the situation escalates. In this case we will have to choose
sides, and you know that Russia and Iran are close partners. If
Moscow supports Teheran, Azerbaijan will also have to vote against
anti-Iranian resolutions, which would lead to a deterioration in
our relations with the West. However, the West should understand
that Azerbaijan isn’t strong enough to spoil its relations with its
immediate powerful neighbors such as Russia.

– Could Azerbaijan raise the Karabakh issue at future UN Security
Council sessions?

– I don’t think that Azerbaijan’s membership of the UN Security
Council will have any direct impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.

No single state determines the Council’s agenda, and its permanent
members have the right of veto. And Russia, France and the US are
already involved in the problem in the framework of the OSCE Minsk
Group, so they might see putting the same problem on the UN’s agenda
to be redundant.

By the way, there are 4 UN resolutions on Karabakh, and none of
them recognizes Armenia as the aggressor, so not all of the Security
Council permanent members are favorable to Azerbaijan’s point of view.

– Last spring opposition activists tried to organize unsanctioned
rallies in Baku. What is your attitude to these actions?

– Demonstrations were in fashion this spring – Egypt, Tunisia,
Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria were seized by unrest. And Azerbaijani
oppositionists tried to ride this wave. However, they did gain
popular support.

Interview by Ramin Naziev, exclusively to VK .

From: A. Papazian

‘LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY’ AT ST. GREGORY’S ARMENIAN CHURCH IN NORTH ANDOVER

Wicked Local

Feb 21 2012
MA

North Andover – Richard Mullen, a nationally recognized hypnotherapist
and humorist, will present a program titled “Laugh Yourself Silly”
on Thursday, March 1, during an Avak luncheon at St. Gregory Armenian
Apostolic Church, 158 Main St., North Andover.

The luncheon will feature Armenian Lenten foods and desserts beginning
at noon, followed by the presentation.

Mullen’s talk is about how humor and laughter help to reduce stress,
allowing participants to achieve optimum health.

He has been part of the natural health movement as a patient, student,
practitioner, educator and advocate.

“Stress is the foundation of most major health problems such as heart
disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes,” Mullen said. “Laughing
and smiling stimulates the immune system, which helps to protect
against disease.”

Mullen, a resident of Georgetown, has led workshops and programs
throughout New England and Florida. The program is open to the public.

An $8 donation will be collected at the door.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOODIES, AN ARMENIAN FOOD FEST THIS WEEKEND

Sun-Sentinel
,0,5622065.story
Feb 22 2012
Florida

Marci Shatzman [email protected]

The women of St. David Armenian Church are working in shifts to get
ready for their annual food festival this weekend.

The prep cooks are under the direction of Silva Tikiryan, in charge
of cooking at the festival, and chief baker Alice Tutunjian, veterans
of Armenian food fests at their churches up north. “These women really
know what they’re doing,” said Carol Norigian, festival chairwoman.

The church needs their expertise. Last year, nearly 2,000 people turned
out to sample the Armenian version of lamb shish kebab, steak tartar
[kheyma], spinach pie [borek], pizza [lahmajoun]. And that’s just
a sampling.

“We have the same menu every year and the food is typical of Armenian
cuisine,” said Judy Khachadorian, one of the volunteers.

A greeter will have a menu explaining the food they’ll be serving
and selling, Norigian said.

The food will be cooked on site and served hot from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday in the church at 2300 Yamato Road
between Military Trail and Jog Road in Boca Raton. Admission is free.

The festival is indoors with seating in the air-conditioned church
hall, and includes a marketplace, Armenian grocery store, cafe and
even a fortuneteller who goes by the name of Zeppy. Products made
by artisans in Armenia, including clothes, baskets, toys, jewelry
and religious objects will be sold by Made in Armenia Direct for the
first year, Norigian said.

For newcomers to Armenian food, Norigian describes it as “Middle
Eastern, but not quite as oily as Greek food.”

The spices are allspice, cumin, fenugreek, black pepper and paprika.

Mahlab, the powdered pit of the black cherry, is used in baking.

They’re also big on vegetables, which appeals to vegetarians, they
said. Tikiryan is partial to a string bean dish cooked with olive oil,
onions and tomato sauce. Bulgur wheat or rice is used in a pilaf as
another side dish.

Last week, Tutunjian supervised a crew preparing trays of kadaif,
a dessert made of shredded filo dough layered over a cream filling
with cinnamon. They sell it by the tray with cooking instructions,
and ready to eat at the festival. “I have a special tool that measures
54 squares,” she said.

This festival is all about the food; there’s no Armenian music or
other activities. “People come to eat and socialize,” said Alice
Bogdasarian, a volunteer. “The majority of Armenians swells in the
winter season here.

“This church is thriving. If it wasn’t for the snowbirds, they couldn’t
do this.”

The food festival is one of two major fundraisers for St. David. The
other is a golf tournament at Via Mizner Country Club in Boca Del
Mar on March 26. For tickets, visit stdavidfl.com/golf-tournaments
or call the church at 561-994-2335.