Author: Babajanian Karo

THE TRAGEDIES WE MISS UNDERNEATH THE BIG STORY

Belfast Telegraph Online
October 30, 2012 Tuesday 8:00 AM GMT
Ireland

They found part of a hand in Rue Ibrahim el-Mounzer, along with some
intestines – no one doubted ownership of the thumb that was discovered,
still pressing the button of a mobile phone.

But the little people of Lebanon remained forgotten, the bereaved
and the wounded, all 38 of them, largely not photographed

Gun battles enshrined the streets of central Beirut after the nation
buried Brigadier-General Wissam al-Hassan. But the bravest man in
Lebanon stood in a church in the tired suburb of Bourj Hammoud: a young
Armenian whose equally young wife was slaughtered in the same attack.

I suppose we scribes always go for the Big Story – the Lebanese
intelligence boss blown to bits in the Syria-style bomb assassination.

The cliches are essential, as is the assumption that Syria’s war is
‘slipping across the border’. But the tragedy of Georgette Sarkissian
should be told.

Joseph Sarkissian’s family came from Palestine and his grandparents
were thrown out of Armenia during the 1915 Turkish genocide. He stood
next to his 21-year-old daughter Therese, who was with her mother,
Georgette, when she was killed.

In Lebanon, the big men get the imperial funerals, the little women
are left to be buried. But the biggest man in Lebanon was Joseph
Sarkissian, an insurance official, short dark hair, spectacles,
no tears in his eyes.

“I can’t tell you … She is half my life. My daughter picked her up
from the ground – she carried her in her arms because there were no
ambulances and drove her to the hospital in her own car.

“From the first, my wife was in a coma, thanks to God, because her
head was opened from behind by the explosion.

Part of her brain was missing. She is a treasure to me. You can’t
imagine … There were so many flowers for her and for me – because
everyone loves her.”

Then there was the local bank manager in Rue Mohamed el-Mounzer who
said Lebanon had endured “40 years of crucifixion” and that during
the country’s 1975-1990 civil war, “not a pane of glass had been
broken in the street”.

At the end of the road, I came across Lebanese ceramist Nathalie
Khayat, bandages still covering the wounds to her back, who had been
talking to her sons Noa and Teo when the bomb shredded Georgette’s
life and almost killed her. “The first thing I thought of was the
civil war,” she said. “I was looking at my son’s homework. He is nine
today. And I was nine when the civil war started in 1975.”

The radios were talking of a gun and grenade battle between supporters
of the 14 March alliance, the official opposition to the pro-Syrian
government, and the Lebanese army which had come under fire during
the night.

Abed, my driver, and I drove as we have so often these past decades
to park near the museum, and I ran down the side street and stood
next to the soldiers.

And here comes your reporter, clumping into his own story again. On
this very spot, beside this very road, next to this very wall, I took
cover from bullets 36 years ago.

ANCA ER BANQUET: A GREAT CHANCE TO SUPPORT ‘HAI TAHD’
by Michelle Hagopian

October 31, 2012

ANCA Desk

We’re just over a month away from the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA) Eastern Region’s 6th Annual Banquet, which will be held
in Mahwah, N.J., on Dec. 1. The hype is building, and rightfully so:
This is a major event for our region because of the amount of support
we receive leading up to and on the day of the event.

The author with Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) Every year, the
banquet draws hundreds of supporters from the region and beyond,
including people who have supported the ANCA for years, or those who
have just recently started donating to our cause.

Some of the calls I’ve received over the past few weeks have been from
new friends who are curious about what the ANCA does. All of these
people are valuable to us, and all of them will be in attendance on
Dec. 1.

What is the banquet exactly? It’s an evening full of wonderful things,
from an elegant silent auction and cocktail reception (beginning
at 6:30 p.m.) to a full dinner and program (at 8 p.m.). It’s an
opportunity for the ANCA Eastern Region to recognize individuals who
have long fought for or represented Armenian-Americans. This year,
we will honor Baroness Caroline Cox with the ANCA Freedom Award
and Richard Hovannisian with the Vahan Cardashian Award. Both have
contributed to the Armenian cause in significant ways, and the region
will tip our hats off to them in this small gesture.

The banquet also showcases all that the ANCA has done in the region.

You’ll see and hear of successful political ventures, such as helping
the D.C. office identify politicians who are friends of the Armenian
cause. Maybe you know of an ANCA activist who has volunteered for
a campaign this election season or who has helped pass an Armenian
Genocide resolution in her home state. The Eastern Region sent a
few students to D.C. this summer to participate in the Leo Sarkisian
Internship Program, which has been possible thanks to our supporters.

Our Eastern Region office here in Watertown has been working with
a few area college students who want to help out. They’ve been
creating databases, collecting articles of interest to us in American
newspapers, and sharing their ideas about how to reach out to young
people. Wouldn’t it be great to see more young faces at the banquet?

The ANCA thrives because of its volunteers and activists, but we
are sustainable because of your support. A grassroots effort doesn’t
manifest itself from some bigwig CEOs of a Fortune 500 company. We have
relied on the generosity of our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues.

As the banquet approaches, I ask you to consider how you want your
views to be represented. The ANCA will always put the values and
issues of the Armenian-American community before any political or
financial allegiances.

Your donation will go a long way in helping our goals come to fruition,
whether at the local, state, federal, or international level.

Please consider donating to the ANCA and attending the banquet on Dec.

1. You can make reservations by e-mailing [email protected] or calling
the office at (617) 923-1918. Or you can mail your contribution to ANCA
Eastern Region Endowment Fund, 80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472.

On behalf of the ANCA Eastern Region, thank you in advance for your
support. If you want to get involved with ANCA, please contact me
directly by e-mailing [email protected].

ANKARA’S “ARMENIAN GENOCIDE PHOBIA” LOOMS LARGE, EXPERT SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 31, 2012 – 19:35 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Turkey is becoming apprehensive over political
discussions on the Armenian Genocide, a Turkologist believes.

As Ruben Melkonyan told PanARMENIAN.Net commenting on the statement
of Turkish journalist Enver Aysever, suggesting that in 2015, UN will
recognize the Genocide, “the decision may necessitate return of lands
and compensation to Genocide survivors,” the expert said.

“Turkey’s worries loom large as Genocide’s 100th anniversary nears,”
the expert noted.

“At present, Turkey is using several ways to struggle against
Genocide recognition campaign. Ankara attempts to split the Diaspora
and weaken its ties with Armenia, thus hindering Diaspora’s struggle
for Genocide recognition.

Another measure Ankara resorted to is dissemination of anti-Armenian
materials in scientific community,” the expert said, noting that
Turkey is actively working to succeed in the two directions mentioned.

OSKANIAN ON SYRIAN ISSUE

Politics – Wednesday, 31 October 2012, 16:39

The former foreign minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian dwelt on the
Syrian crisis and the issue on the Armenian Syrians on his Facebook
page.

He, in particular, wrote that there are more than five thousand
Armenian Syrians in Armenia and everyone is worried with the Syrian
issue and the steps Armenia can take for our compatriots.

First of all it is necessary to understand the causes of the crisis.

According to Oskanian, there are three causes – the atmosphere formed
in the result of the Arab spring, the tension and dissatisfaction
grown in Syria for 40 years and the interest of foreign forces to
overthrow Asad.

The population of Syria starts understanding that it is paying a
high price for the changes. And the foreign forces have come to the
conclusion that Asad’s overthrow will be a difficult task. These
factors give us hopes that the issue will soon be solved, Oskanian
writes. He added that there are certain uncontrolled forces in Syria
and the possible settlement depends on the Russia-U.S. agreement,
power-opposition conflict and agreement. Hence it is difficult to
guess the outcome of the issue, Oksanian wrote.

As to the issue on what Armenia could do for the Armenian Syrians,
Oskanian writes that Armenia’s main issue should be to take care
of the rest of the Armenian Syrians who are still in Syria because
their existence is threatened. Oskanian can’t see the active work
of Armenia with Damask, Moscow and Tehran relating to this issue,
as well as the U.S., Qatar, Lebanon and Jordan.

Oskanian thinks the Armenian foreign minister should meet with the head
of the UN mediation group Lakhdar Ibrahim. In short, the existence
and security of the Armenian community of Syria should be one of the
urgent issues of the foreign policy of Armenia.

ARMENIAN PAVILION IS IN THE CENTER OF ATTENTION IN TEHRAN MEDIA EXHIBITION. IRNA

ARMENPRESS
31 October, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, ARMENPRESS: Armenia is willing to deepen its
relations with Islamic Republic of Iran. Armenian-Iranian relations in
cultural, economic, political and social spheres are on a high level.

Iranian news agency cited its interview with Armenian extraordinary
and plenipotentiary Ambassador to Iran Grigor Arakelian taken during
his visit to the 19th Media and news agencies exhibition hosted
in Tehran. Armenpress reports, Ambassador noted that the economic
relations of the two countries have recorded a great development
during this year.

Referring to the media exhibition Arakelian highlighted that it was
an important cultural event which provided the representatives of news
agencies to have a face-to-face communication. Iranian daily underlined
that Armenian pavilions was catching the eye of the participants
and the visitors of the exhibition. In the Tehran media exhibition
Armenian is represented by Armenpress news agency. Agencies from
Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Jordan, Switzerland and other countries
participated in the 19th exhibition of Media and News agencies.

EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 3-4POINTS HITS ARMENIA-NAKHIJEVAN BORDER

arminfo
Wednesday, October 31, 14:53

A magnitude 2.7 earthquake was registered 15km from the town of Kajaran
on the Armenian-Nakhijevani border at 2:05am local time on October 31.

The Seismic Protection Services of the Armenian Ministry for Emergency
Situations reports the earthquake measured 3-4 points and was felt
in the town of Kajaran.

ARMENIAN MINISTER SAYS NEW LAW ON HIGHER EDUCATION ESSENTIAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 31, 2012 – 15:19 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Today, October 31, Armenian Ministry of Education
and Science hosted a presentation of the report titled “Current State
and Perspectives of Higher Education Reforms of Armenia in the Context
of Bologna Process”, made by National Center for Strategic Research
in Higher Education NGO.

Armenian Education Minister stressed the necessity of introducing a
new law on higher education.

“The first group of experts has already arrived in Armenia. The law
is planned to pass already in 2013,” Armen Ashotyan said.

NUMBER OF DVORCE CASES INCREASE BY 3.1 PERCENT IN ARMENIA

news.am
October 31, 2012 | 14:15

YEREVAN.- The birth rate in Armenia dropped by 3 percent in Jan.-Sep.
2012 as compared with the same period last year.

Head of demography and census department at the National Statistical
Service of Armenia Karine Kuyumjyan said 30,906 children were born
during this period. The birth rate made 12.6 per 1,000 persons.

Mortality rate fell by 0.8 percent as compared with the same period
last year making 20,815. Infant mortality rate also fell by 7.2
percent, Kuyumjyan said.

During nine months 13,828 marriages were registered in Armenia – a
6.6% decrease as compared with the same period last year. The number
of divorce cases increased by 3.1 percent.

A STROLL THROUGH ISTANBUL – PART 2
Ani Hovhannisyan

11:35, October 31, 2012

Residents of the Kumkapı neighbourhood of Istanbul regard Anahit as
one of the oldest and best traders around.

Fifteen years ago she sold her apartment in Yerevan and moved to
Istanbul with dreams of striking it rich and enjoying the good life.

She’s now 70; alone and tired.

In pursuit of a better life overseas, the family has split up. Anahit
hasn’t seen her children, now living in Russia, for many years.

“We only talk on Skype. That’s how we stay in touch. Where can I go
at my age,” Anahit says, assuring me that she has many friends in
Istanbul to keep her company.

Since she’s an old-timer, Ano watches out and cares for those who
have recently migrated from Armenia. But she complains that the
newcomers have cheated her in return. “They come here. I gave them
stuff to sell but they never paid me back. They cheated me out of
$28,000. They cheat the Turkish families they work for as well. No
wonder there’s a backlash here against us.”

All that Ano has left to her name is a small table from which she
sells her assorted Russian food items. She just sells enough to get
by from day to day.

Her cell phone is always in her hand. Ano says her girlfriends back
in Armenia are always calling.

“They call to tell me that they are planning to come to Istanbul
to work. When I tell them not to bother, that the streets aren’t
paved with gold, they think that I am trying to make all the money
by myself. They won’t be dissuaded so let them come and see for
themselves.”

Presently, Ano is sharing an apartment with two women just arrived
from Armenia. She says that despite the unpleasant experiences of
the past, it’s tough for her to turn down a fellow Armenian in need.

“What would you have me do? Throw them out on the street? So I put
them up until they can find a place of their own. So many are coming,
and with the kids. They come here and have more kids,” Anahit tells me.

During our street-side conversation, many of the passersby say hello
to Anahit in Armenian. The woman, a native of Gyumri, has made many
Armenian, Turkish and Kurdish friends over the years.

“We even teach the Turks some Armenian. Everyone knows me. I’ve really
settled in. Even though we know each other, they tried to burgle my
apartment. They were Armenians. It was at night. One came in through
the door, another through a window. I woke up, took the rolling pin
from under my pillow, and frightened them off. I later found out that
they were arrested for something else.”

Anahit has no desire to return to Armenia. She can’t imagine how she
would live there.

“If I went back, no one would let me set up a sales table on the
street like I do here. They’d come and force me to pay taxes and a
business fee before forcing me to move. No one bothers me here. I
sell my wares without trouble. If I went to Armenia and wasn’t able
to sit down and make some money, I’d die. Do you want me to come to
Armenia and die,” Anahit asks.

P.S. Hetq has shot a film of Anahit and others from Armenia now
working in Istanbul. We will present it to our readers after this
series of articles entitled “A Trip through Istanbul” has ended.

“NO ONE SHOULD KEEP HIS OFFICE IN THE ATTORNEY SYSTEM,” G. YEGHIAZARYAN SAYS

October 30, 2012 13:27

Yesterday President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan convened
a consultation regarding preliminary investigation of criminal cases in
the Attorney General’s Office with the participation of representatives
of law-enforcement bodies. Talking about concrete problems, the
President of the Republic of Armenia, stated, “However, I must say
that the problem of some attorneys’ negligence or malignity, which,
unfortunately, is not assessed accordingly, is still topical. Let
me remind that during a consultation that took place last December,
discussing the quality of preliminary investigation and the efficiency
of an attorney’s supervision, this very thing was stressed and it
was proposed to take effective measures of struggle against it.

Although some steps have been taken in this direction – even the
guilty have been held accountable – the negative phenomena have
not been reduced. And the conclusion is that individuals just don’t
learn a lesson from all this. They didn’t learn a lesson, because I
don’t see an active struggle against it inside the Attorney General’s
Office.” inquired of some politicians whether S.

Sargsyan’s meeting with representatives of law-enforcement bodies
was another step in the pre-election period or a clear intention to
eliminate shortcomings and drawbacks in the mentioned fields could be
noticed. Garnik Margaryan, the leader of the Motherland and Dignity
Party, noted during a conversation with us, “When the President tried
to rebuke the Prime

Minister during one of the meetings of the Cabinet and it was followed
by prosecution of former ministers and functionaries and the Oskanian
case, I say this is a political show. They will try to boost that
prosecution now. It is another show and I have no expectation.” In
response to our question whether there were predictions that some
people would be arrested, Mr. Margaryan said the following, “They
won’t be, since it is a corrupted team, all of them support it. When
there are punishments, dismissing and holding accountable individual
ministers, even charging, if necessary, perhaps, I will say that
Serzh Sargsyan has changed his attitude.”

Gurgen Yeghiazaryan, a member of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
(SDHP), stated, “Vova Gasparyan is in the camp opposite to mine. I am
sorry, but I can’t say anything bad about him. Let him pay attention
to Alik who he has made himself an adviser and who doesn’t give a
damn about the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and has named
a street in the village of Kanachut after himself. We have such an
example. Thank God, Vova Gasparyan hasn’t renamed Leo Street after
himself. Serzh Sargsyan cannot understand this. We have interesting
traffic police. I can say that has 90 percent changed. Our crime rates
are rising and according to the data I have, they are falling, thank
God. As opposed to the oligarchs who increase the prices of bread,
butter and the other food commodities every day. What can I say under
such circumstances? I am under the impression that the meeting is a
populist step. He just decided to give it a shot. I would suggest that
he call to order his impudent oligarchs, in order that the population
gets food commodities normally.

“Regarding the Attorney General, I can say that it was a good thing to
say. They should have said goodbye to Aghvan long ago. Unfortunately,
he has realized quite late that he should say goodbye to him and no
one should keep his office in that system. If he intends to change
something, I will be for it, but he has no intention, he just bluffs
again.”

Tatev HARUTYUNYAN

P.S. After the conversation, G. Yeghiazaryan called us and added
that Azat of Goght who had heard our conversation was “all for”
the remarks he had made.