Author: Andres-Papazian

Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley – Educational Committee
6252 Honolulu Ave.
La Crescenta, CA. 91214
Tel: 818-244-9645
E-mail: [email protected]

The Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley Education Committee
is organizing a lecture and traditional event devoted to the Salmast’s
history, ethnography and role.

This special event will take place at the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Crescenta Valley, located at the Western Prelacy’s “Dikran and Zaruhi
Der Ghazarian” Hall, at 6252 Honolulu Ave., in La Crescenta,
California on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 1:00 pm. There will also be
a special requiem in memory of all Salmastetsi-Armenians who passed
away held on the same day, at the end of the church liturgy.

The event will be highlighted by a presentation of “Salmast’s Armenian
Community – Past and Present” to be delivered by Dr. Onnik Hayrapetian
along with a Power Point slideshow, recitation, etc.

Salmast is a region which had been populated with Armenians, located
in North-Western part of Iran between lakes Van and Urmia, close to
the borders of Iran and Turkey. Its historical name is Zarehavan, and
it was a part of the Armenian kingdom of Urartu from 9th to 6th
centuries BC. During the kingdom of Ardashesian, Parskahayk was the
8th state of Greater Armenia (including Salmast). In 387 AD, after the
partitioning of Armenia between Roman and Persian Empires, Persia took
over Salmast. In the 7th century Arabs occupied Salmast, then in 10th
century Salmast was again included in the Armenian kingdom. During
12th through 16th centuries Turks and Tatars occupied the region. In
17th century Persia again took over Salmast. Now, Salmast is part of
Iran.

Salmast has played an important role in the areas of Armenian culture,
religion, politics and trade. Among those who had roots in Salmast
were: Stepanos Salmastetsi, who was the all Catholicos of all
Armenians in Edjmiadzin; Raffi, the big novelist and writer; famous
Sayat Nova singer Vagharshak Sahakian, Avedis Aharonian and Parouyr
Sevak. Rostom, one of the three founders of ARF and Fedayi groups
(Jibo-Jibrael Vartanian and Sarkis Saroukhanian) operated from Salmast
against the Turkish persecutions.

During 19th century there were around 12,000 Armenians living in
Salmast. During the first quarter of the 20th century, the Armenian
population in Salmast decreased to 10,250. In coming decades this
number decreased tangibly because of the Big Earthquake in May 6,
1930, and the vast immigration to Armenia in 1946. Today, no Armenian
lives in any village of Salmast while only around 100-150 live in the
city of Salmast. Many Armenian gravestones, churches, and cultural
buildings are getting ruined.

We would like to invite everyone to be present at this special
appreciation event. There will be a reception with traditional food at
the end of the program. Admission is free and open to the public.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Tel: 818-500-1343
Fax: 818-242-3732
Email: [email protected]
Web:
FB:

ARS members from Central, Regional and Chapter levels attended the ANC
reception to celebrate the Republic of Armenia’s Independence Day on
September 21, 2013 at the Glendale Youth Center.

Gregory Krikorian with Emma Salmassian

Congratulations to ARS Sepan Chapter and ARS Javakhk Fund Committee
member Emma Salmassian on her Women Achiever’s award from Business
Life Magazine.

Empower 2014 is the theme of the upcoming week-long program, which
will begin with a two-day seminar, a gala and a 5-day tour of the
Southern and Central California from May 1 to 10, 2014. This program
is under the auspices of the ARS Central Executive Board and
participation is being extended to ARS members in 27 countries.

At Arpa Foundation Film Festival with Bared Maronian after screening
of Orphans of the Genocide

The screening of Orphans of the Genocide, directed by Bared Maronian,
took place on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the Egyptian Theater in
Hollywood. The documentary is a journey through archival footage and
discovered memoirs of orphans who lived through the Armenian Genocide.

()

Derderian Receives Pasadena Genocide Memorial Medallion

During the weekly family night at the Pasadena Center, on September
26, 2013, the ARS Sosse Chapter Executive Chairperson, Dr. Nyree
Derderian, received a special medallion of the Armenian Genocide
memorial, which will be built by the Genocide Centennial in 2015, from
Bill Paparian, Chair of the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial
Committee.

Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil in Glendale

Help light the way to end domestic violence during a Candlelight Vigil
on Thursday, October 17, 2013, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the YWCA in Glendale,
California. The event is jointly organized by the City of Glendale,
Commission on the Status of Women, and the YWCA of Glendale. It is
supported by the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive.

Upcoming Events

The ARS Anahid Chapter of San Fernando Valley, CA, will hold a Wine
and Cheese “Mezza” Night on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at 6 pm,
atFerrahian High School’s courtyard, 5300 White Oak Ave., Encino, CA
91316. Call Ani Buchakjian at (818) 345-2765for more information or to
RSVP.

The ARS Karni Chapter Saturday School will hold a welcoming breakfast
for Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian on Saturday, October 19 at 11 am. The
school starts at 10 am, atChrist Community Church of Laguna Hills,
25382 MacKenzie St., Laguna Niguel, CA 92653.

()

Celebrate Hamazkayin’s 85th Anniversary with Hamazkayin’s Sos Sargsyan
State Theatre Company’s performances of various genre, from a
children’s musical to dramatic plays. Festival schedule & tickets
()

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
United Nations Development Programme / Armenia
14 Petros Adamyan St., Yerevan 0010
Contact: Mr. Hovhannes Sarajyan, Communications Associate
Tel: +37460 530000
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:

UNDP and its Partners Join Efforts to Restore Historical-Cultural
Heritage in Gyumri

Yerevan, 07 October 2013 – The city of Gyumri is gifted with rich
historical and cultural monuments. During centuries a unique
architectural style has been formed in Gyumri, with more than 1,600
historical-architectural buildings covering an area of about 220
hectares. Most of them were built in the same period – 19th and
beginning of 20th centuries. However, during the recent years the
city’s historical and cultural heritage has suffered due to the 1988
devastating earthquake and insufficient funding and investments by
public and private sectors. This, in its turn, hindered community
development and investment flows to the second largest city of
Armenia.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia and the RA
Ministry of Culture, with the financial support of the Government of
Italy, initiated a project aimed at regeneration of the urban
environment in the city of Gyumri, thus making it more attractive
place to live, visit and work and contributing to its socio-economic
revival. Within the framework of the project, one of Gyumri’s
historical buildings, constructed in 1860-1913 and considered as a
constituent part of history and architecture of the city, was
renovated to serve as a public library for the residents of the city.

Today, Bradley Busetto, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident
Representative in Armenia, Hasmik Poghosyan, RA Minister of Culture,
and Bruno Scapini, Ambassador of Italy to Armenia, visited the city of
Gyumri to inaugurate the renovated building. Governor of Shirak region
Felix Tsolakyan and Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan also took part in
the inauguration ceremony.

“UNDP and its partners are convinced that targeted interventions will
support the preservation of cultural and historical heritage in the
city, enhancing the tourism opportunities and socio-economic
development of Gyumri. The improved image of the city will contribute
to making it a more attractive place to live, work and invest,” said
Bradley Busetto.

In addition, project addressed the unemployment issue in Gyumri. About
fifty skilled and semi-skilled unemployed labor force got a temporary
relief as, after relevant on-job training, they were enrolled in the
urban rehabilitation and refurbishing processes.

***

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build
nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of
growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground
in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and
local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. UNDP
in Armenia has been established in March 1993 and supports the
government to reach national development priorities and the Millennium
Development Goals by 2015.

From: A. Papazian

‘YEREVAN CITY’ OPENS AT YEREVAN’S COVERED MARKET

19:41 ~U 07.10.13

The Tert.am reporter who attended the unofficial opening of Yerevan’s
Covered Market saw cash registers at all the departments.

The point is that Secretary of the Preparliament Vardan Hakobyan stated
recently that, since the building has “undergone transformation,”
the Real Estate Cadastre, Government of Armenia, was to issue a
relevant certificate to the State Revenue Committee, which, in turn,
was to issue a trade permit.

“As regards such a certificate by the Real Estate Cadastre, they have
told us they have not received any application for a certificate,”
Vardan Hakobyan told Tert.am.

The State Revenue Committee informed Tert.am that no certificate from
the Real Estate Cadastre is needed for installation of cash registers.

With respect to the Yerevan Municipality’s stance on the statements
that the opening of the Yerevan City supermarket at Yerevan’s
Covered Market proves government bodies’ inability to implement
their own decisions, Head of the Public Relations Department, Yerevan
Municipality, Artur Gevorgyan advised Tert.am to address the question
to Armenia’s Ministry of Culture.

As regards the absence of curved arches inside, the official said:
“Let the Ministry of Urban Development and the Ministry of Culture
find out what was destroyed. On our part, we once imposed a 200,000
dram fine and then a 2.5 million fine.”

In its turn, the press service of Armenia’s Ministry of Culture
advised Tert.am to turn to the Yerevan Municipality.

Mr Gevorgyan could not say if Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan will attend
the official opening of the Covered Market on October 9. He said that
the mayor is scheduled to participate in the City Council’s meeting.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

ADVERSARY FORCES TO TAKE RETALIATORY ACTIONS – ARMENIAN MOD

October 07, 2013 | 11:54

YEREVAN. – Armenian Defense Ministry commented on Azerbaijani reports
about alleged border incident.

Spokesperson for Defense Ministry said the opponent had been violating
ceasefire regime over the recent days, and in some cases the Armenian
side was forced to respond. Asked by the Armenian News-NEWS.am
correspondent whether there are captives on the Armenian side,
Hovhannisyan responded by categorical “no”.

Earlier INTERFAX Azerbaijan quoting ANS reported about the incident
that allegedly took place in early hours of Sunday. One of the injured
was hospitalized. The 30-year-old Hagani Megeramov was not affected
and is giving testimony. The whereabouts of 40-year-old Ali Aliyev
are unknown. He is supposedly in the neutral zone.

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has not commented on the incident yet. It
is not known whether they were shepherds or a group trying to commit
an act of sabotage.

From: A. Papazian

Spectacle à l’UGAB
Le charme de Nara Noïan et l’univers d’Eva Berberian

Celles et ceux qui n’étaient pas venus applaudir Eva Berberian et Nara
Noïan ce vendredi 4 octobre, ont raté un bel enchantement de douceur,
de charme, de tendresse, de chansons françaises et arméniennes comme
on les aiment.

Eva Berberian et Nara Noïan sont toutes deux
auteurs-compositeurs-interprètes. L’une s’inscrit dans la grande
tradition de la chanson d’auteur, quand l’autre joue de l’me
arménienne par tous les pores de la peau, en français et en arménien.
Deux personnalités bien distinctes de talent, aussi bien de par les
textes que par les musiques et les qualités vocales.

A ne pas rater pas la prochaine fois.

J.E

A la guitare Tigran Ter Stépanian ; duduk Vartan Hovannissian et à la
contrebasse Alexandre Furnelle.

dimanche 6 octobre 2013,
Jean Eckian ©armenews.com
`674

From: A. Papazian

River of Trouble?

BY GAREN YEGPARIAN

Some might remember the problem-plagued tunnel that was built in the
1980s to channel the waters of the Arpa River to Lake Sevan to halt
the precipitous decline of its water levels. I hope that its namesake
organization, Arpa Foundation for Film, Music, and Art (AFFMA), will
not be similarly impacted after a troublesome episode at this year’s
annual Arpa International Film Festival.

I became aware of the issue by being included in a long string of
e-mails among the festival’s organizers and protesters. The point of
contention was a film entered by an American who fought in Libya with
the rebels and now is supporting the rebels in Syria. In the interest
of full disclosure, please know that I have not seen the film. I will
not name it or its maker since I have no desire to promote that cause,
and because the point of my writing this piece is to suggest better
ways to handle similar situations in the future.

The film is billed as a documentary, but by all accounts is more of an
advocacy piece that, according to one of the e-mails, will be used to
help convince members of the U.S. Congress to support U.S. military
involvement in Syria. The problem lies therein. Since the rebels pose
a threat to the Armenian community in Syria, promoting something that
supports them in an Armenian forum is at best problematic.

Those protesting inclusion of this film called for its removal from
the festival’s roster. They also objected to the filmmaker being
awarded the Armin T. Wegner award (Wegner was the German soldier who
photographically documented scenes from the Genocide). At one point
the film seemed to have been pulled from the line-up. But ultimately,
it was shown. There was a Facebook exchange by partisans on both sides
of this issue. As to the award, it was rescinded, and some other award
given to the filmmaker. Of course, no one was pleased with this
situation – not the protesters, not the filmmaker’s supporters, and not
the festival organizers. Harsh words and mutual recriminations rarely
lead to pleasing outcomes.

How can such an escalation of passions and negative impacts on our
community’s organizations be avoided?

On the first level, organizers must be more alert to sensitive issues.
In this case, the film’s advocacy of a faction that is damaging our
community should have been a red flag. Once this opportunity (i.e. not
accepting the film for screening at the festival) was missed, the die
was cast. If in response to the protests, the film had been pulled,
Arpa’s reputation as the host of a film festival would be damaged.
Keeping the film in promoted a cause that’s currently detrimental to
our community. The award just compounds the mess.

At this point, Arpa really had not much of a choice but to screen the
film. But what should have been done was to make a strong statement
about the damage the film’s advocacy does to Armenians while
simultaneously touting Arpa’s commitment to promoting the arts and
deep discussion of issues.

On the other side, it seems that the protesters missed an opportunity
to challenge and discredit the position espoused by the filmmaker in
the after-film discussion. If the comments there were as rambling and
sometimes over the top as some of the comments on Facebook or the
e-mail discussions I saw, then what happened during the discussion
probably undermined the otherwise appropriate concerns and positions
of the protesters. Accusing Arpa of being willing to support Turkish
denialism helps no one, nor does attacking Arpa’s legitimacy. The
comments should have been focused on and limited to addressing the
issues raised in the movie and the flawed motivations of its maker.

So please, in the future, anyone organizing public, high visibility,
events, be VERY attuned to our communities’ and nation’s needs and
concerns. Future protesters, please, focus the criticism and attacks
on the offender(s) and keep them sharp but appropriate. Let’s prevent
problems and when they unavoidably do rise, let’s solve them without
creating other problems or damaging our community.

From: A. Papazian

Georgia Border Placed Within Context of Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict:
Human Rights Defender

10.03.2013 23:36 epress.am

Georgian media reports that Allahverdi Pelengov, a Georgian citizen of
Azerbaijani descent, has been tortured in Armenia are untrue,
Pelengov’s attorney Rafik Safaryan told Epress.am.

The 44-year-old resident of the village of Burma on Aug. 17 was
detained by Armenian border guards and is currently being held at a RA
National Security Service (NSS) detention center.

“He is in good health. He has pleaded guilty for committing the act
for which he is being charged. An investigation is underway,” said his
attorney.

Safaryan declined to respond to other questions, advising the press to
call the investigator.

Defending the Georgian citizen is the Public Council for the Defense
of Pelengov, which was established in the village of Tekali, Georgia,
from a discussion among locals, human rights defenders, activists, and
journalists on Sept. 14. This council is not so optimistic regarding
the state of the detainee, as Pelengov is deprived of the right to
receive information. The council has appealed to the NSS on several
occasions, asking for a meeting with Pelengov but has been refused.

As the Public Council for the Defense of Pelengov’s Armenian
coordinator, human rights defender Georgy Vanyan told Epress.am, the
council appealed also to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the
Ministry of Justice of both Armenia and Georgia, but it has yet to
receive a response from any of these government bodies.

On Aug. 22, Vanyan also appealed to the RA Human Rights Defender’s
Office, asking that a rapid response team of human rights defenders be
sent to visit Pelengov. “The only thing the Ombudsman’s office did is
to call and verify the detainee’s nationality,” he said.

Till now, the detainee has been allowed only to meet with his nephew.
According to Vanyan, Pelengov was arrested where, in fact, there is no
border between Armenia and Georgia and where a person who finds
himself, regardless of his citizenship, might become a target.

According to Vanyan, arresting Pelengov indicates an attempt to place
the Armenia-Georgia border within the context of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, and Armenian security services do not
have the autonomy to prevent this process.

From: A. Papazian

Karabakh President meets with Diaspora-Armenian benefactor

October 05, 2013 | 16:12

STEPANAKERT. – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh, President
Bako Sahakyan on Saturday received Diaspora-Armenian philanthropist
Vahé Gabrache and the individuals accompanying him.

The implementation of a number of projects in Artsakh were discussed
during the meeting.

A special attention was paid to infrastructures and industry, informs
the Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President.

President Sahakyan highlighted the importance of utilizing the
Armenian diaspora’s potential in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s
development, and he considered this to be something required from the
political perspective and also in the context of strengthening
Armenian ties.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian

Azerbaijanis not happy with existence of Tigranakert

16:15, 5 October, 2013

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS: Tigranakert, which has been discovered
during excavations, has quite a significant role, as it was
found in Aghdam territory. As reported by Armenpress, the head of the
Tigranakert expedition Hamlet Petrosyan stated: `Azerbaijan
had a fundamentally negative attitude to the discovery of Tigranakert.
Later they kept silent, understanding that in fact a big
city was found’.

During the excavations the expedition found the wall of the city, two
churches, one of the three antique districts of the city, working
instruments and other structures and items.

The territory, found in the result of the excavations of Tigranakert,
is considered a state reserve. About 2,000 tourists visit the site
annually.

From: A. Papazian