Author: Badalian Vardan

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program
University of Michigan
Ingrid Peterson Administrator
1080 S. University, Suite 3633
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Phone: 734.763.0622; Fax: 734.763.4918
email: [email protected]

Armenian Studies Program Focuses on Diaspora
Lectures given by visiting scholars culminates in diaspora roundtable

ANN ARBOR, MICH., December 18, 2009-
While the Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan (UM)
does not have official theme terms, this past term could be
unofficially named a diaspora term, with five related lectures
culminating in a roundtable discussion. All six events will be posted
on the Armenian Studies Program website ()
either in the form of a video or audio recording with accompanying
PowerPoint presentation. These events have been a product of research
and collaboration of three Manoogian Simone Foundation Fellows;
Visiting Scholar Susan Pattie, Pre-doctoral Fellow Lucila Tossounian,
and Post-doctoral Fellow Sarah Mekdjian.
As a Visiting Scholar with the Armenian Studies Program and
anthropology, Ms. Susan Pattie Ph.D. returned to her alma mater to
continue her research as well as teach undergraduate and graduate
level courses, "Telling Lives: Ethnography, Memoir and Oral History in
Diaspora" and "Embodied Identities: Ethnicity and the Senses,
respectively. On Monday October 26th she presented a public lecture
entitled "Imagining Homelands, Performing History: Poetry and
Performance Among Cypriot Armenians." In this lecture Pattie showed
how in the 20th century twin symbols for martyrdom/loss and
regeneration appeared in poetry and song as a way for Armenian
communities to create
a new image of themselves. On November 18th, Ms. Pattie also
presented a talk sponsored by the Armenian Research Center at the
University of Michigan-Dearborn entitled "Food, Culture, and Identity:
An Illustrated Talk about Armenian Food traditions." This talk
explored ways in which Armenians
create and maintain identity through hospitality and food and how
Armenian
food traditions have changed considerably over time and around the
world.
Ms. Lucila Tossounian of Argentina and Ph.D. candidate in
anthropology at the University of Buenos Aires presented "Armenians in
Argentina: The
reinvention of Homeland(s)" on Monday November 9th which was
co-sponsored by the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies at
the U of M. This lecture looks at the development of the Armenian
community in Argentina and the affects of Armenian’s independence from
the Soviet regime had on Argentine Armenians. Ms. Tossounian also
presented a talk for the Armenian Research Center on December 15th
entitled "Genocide and Memories of the Armenian Diaspora in
Argentina." Drawing from the Argentinean experience of the military
dictatorships and the ‘desaparecidos’ (the disappeared), Tossounian
analyzes how the Argentinean national response created a human rights
rhetoric
that offered the Armenian community spaces to bring awareness to the
genocide commemoration. Ms. Tossounian’s research focuses on Armenian
communities in Argentina, which she has been studying since
1999. Ms. Tossounian is also co-director of The Armenian Genocide:
Ways of Transmission and Ways of Action research group at the
University of Buenos Aires.
Ms. Sarah Mekdjian Ph.D. of Paris successfully defended her
Ph.D. dissertation in Geography at the University of Paris X Nanterre
in November 2009 receiving the highest honors. Her thesis is entitled
"From the Enclave to the Urban Kaleidoscope: Los Angeles in the prism
of the Armenian Immigration". On Monday, November 23rd Ms. Mekdjian
gave a lecture entitled "A Critical Reading of the Elite/Mass Model:
Towards Democracy in the Armenian Diaspora." Using the example of the
Armenian diasporic communities in Los Angeles to illustrate dynamics
and limits of an "elite/mass" model, Mekdjian shows that the diasporic
institutions use this construct as a strategy to maintain their power
and legitimacy. As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan
(U of M), Ms. Mekdjian continues to explore the impact of immigration
on major American cities, comparing the Los Angeles and Detroit
metropolitan areas. She will be teaching a course during the Winter
semester entitled "Immigrants and place in contemporary urban America".
On December 7th the Armenian Studies Program presented "Studying the
Armenian Diaspora," a roundtable discussion drawing on the work of
these three scholars. Additionally, the roundtable was moderated by
Prof. Khachig Tololyan Ph.D., Professor of English at Wesleyan
University and editor of Diaspora Journal. Ms. Pattie presented on
"Diasporas of Diasporas: the Importance of Polycentric Research." The
second presentation by Ms. Mekdjian, "The Challenge of Distance and
Dispersion: Making Sense of the Global and Local." Ms. Tossounian shed
light on the perspective of the academic, making the researcher’s
experience the subject of study with "The Outsider/Insider:
Doing Fieldwork as a ‘Native Anthropologist’ in Diaspora."
Prof. Tololyan brought these presentations together drawing from his
vast expertise before opening to questions. Recordings of these events
are accessible on the ASP website under the category of ‘Events and
Programs’ through links by event title.

Armenian Studies Program
The University of Michigan’s Armenian Studies Program promotes the
study of Armenian history, culture, and society. A member of the
University of Michigan International Institute, the program organizes
educational opportunities for students, faculty and the community.
For more information, contact the Armenian Studies Program at (734)
763-0622 or visit

University of Michigan International Institute
The University of Michigan International Institute houses 18 centers
and programs focused on world regions and global themes. The institute
develops and supports international teaching, research, and public
affairs programs to promote global understanding across the campus and
to build connections with intellectuals and institutions
worldwide. For more information, visit ###

MODERN ARMENIANS CELEBRATE NEW YEAR ABROAD

news.am
Dec 29 2009
Armenia

Being an ancient nation of traditions, Armenians always considered
New Year a family holiday and preferred to see the New Year’s eve at
home. To date majority of us used to think so.

However, people change along with traditions. Modern Armenians prefer
to celebrate holidays in an exotic country near the ocean. NEWS.am
reporter talked to representatives of leading tourist agencies to
clarify what countries our relatively well-to-do compatriots choose
to spend New Year holidays.

According to the agencies, those wishing to see New Year abroad prefer
Egypt, Dubai and Turkey. "Armenians prefer to celebrate New Year in
warm, tropical countries. The Schengen states are less popular,"
one of the tourist agency manager said, underlining that it is
stipulated by high prices for European tours. Asked about discounts,
manger replied that the company does not intend to apply them.

"The prices for popular tours do not reduce as clients anyway are
ready to pay," he underlined.

NEW ARMENIAN ORGANIZATION LAUNCHED IN UKRAINE

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
28.12.2009 19:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The National Congress of Ukrainian-Armenians (NCUA)
was officially launched in Ukraine. The new organization aims to
protect Ukrainian-Armenians’ interests in both public and political
spheres. Outstanding Armenians were elected to NCUA. The President
is merited cultural figure Ashot Avanesyan. The organization has
long-term objectives of uniting Ukrainian-Armenians, maintaining
cultural heritage and protecting Armenians’ rights, NCUA President
told an Analitika.at.ua correspondent.

Intelligence council may be established in Georgia
27.12.2009 17:33 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Intelligence council may be established in Georgia
soon, according to the country?s intelligence chief Gela Bezhuashvili.

The council will analyze the data provided by relevant intelligence
agencies. The bill on formation of the council initiated by President
Mikheil Saakashvili has been already introduced in the parliament.

RUSSIAN EXPERT: ARMENIA WILL SIMPLY HAVE TO LISTEN TO ANKARA’S POSITION

Today
Dec 25 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center
Director General, political analyst Valery Fyodorov.

How do you assess the negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict?

The fact that the negotiations have been intensified lately is a
success. Armenia seeks to gain certain achievements, in other words,
establish diplomatic ties with Turkey and get borders reopened. Of
course, everything is not simple, but Armenia is hopeful of success.

I also want to note that if Armenia had taken diehard stance in
relations with Azerbaijan, it could have hardly achieved success in
improving relations with Turkey. Turkey would not have agreed to this
in this case.

Nevertheless, final formula to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has
not yet been defined. The negotiations are continuing accompanied among
other things by clear statements from Azerbaijan that it considers
military action as an alternative solution to the problem.

The most important is that the negotiations are being held and both
parties can see prerequisite for this.

At a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, Turkish PM Erdogan
stated that opening of borders with Armenia depends on resolution of
the Karabakh conflict. Many political forces oppose ratification of the
Turkey-Armenia protocols both in Turkey and Armenia. If the parliaments
of the countries do not ratify them, then what does Armenia hope for?

Armenia is hopeful of success because signing of the protocols
is a big deal for them. There are really a lot of talk about the
ratification. If one of the parliaments do not ratify them, we can
say with certainty that Yerevan hoped for prematurely.

Turkey is aware of importance of partnership relations with Azerbaijan,
but it tries to maintain their own policies. Ankara is trying to act
as an arbiter in conflicts in the Middle East and the Caucasus guided
by its own personal interests first and foremost.

Another proof is the signing of protocols with Armenia.

Do you think the protocols will be ratified only in case the resolution
of the Karabakh conflict marks a serious progress?

Of course, everything is interconnected. Baku is trying to recall this
at every opportunity while Armenia tries to avoid this connection. It
all depends on Ankara as there is certain priority for it.

You stated that Turkey is seeking to become arbiter of the region,
and thus its leader. What Russia’s attitude to this intention?

First, it is very important for Kremlin to maintain its leadership
in the post-Soviet area, particularly in the Caucasus. Obviously,
it does not want to spoil relations in the Caucasus – between the
traditional ally Armenia and a very important trade and strategic
partner – Azerbaijan. After the events that took place in Georgia
last year these relations acquired particular importance.

For Moscow it is important to maintain this clear, coherent and
multi-vector policy. Russia is doing everything to reach mutually
acceptable resolution to the conflict. Russia has no conditions in
this regard as we can see in case with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Moscow insists on their recognition. The Kremlin is ready to accept
any option which would suit both parties.

So, Moscow takes a neutral position on this issue?

I think it is rather mediator. Moscow is trying to be an honest broker
whose task is to encourage both sides and once again push to resolve
the conflict.

The negotiations were very intense this year as evidenced by numerous
high-level meetings. Do you think we will witness real steps in terms
of the conflict settlement in 2010?

The negotiations were actually stepped up this year. This is a big
step forward. However, after some time it will not be enough. The
negotiations should produce some results and I think today all efforts
are focused on this.

Do you favor the option which will protract resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? In this case, breaking the blockade,
Armenia will no longer remain in such bad condition and will not be
so dependent on outcome of the settlement?

There are such fears, of course. However, it should be noted that in
this case Armenia’s dependence on Turkey will significantly increase
and Yerevan will simply have to listen to Ankara’s position on various
issues. The latter, of course, is interested in resolving the Karabakh
conflict under conditions favorable to Azerbaijan.

PROVISION OF HOUSES TO YOUNG FAMILIES WILL REMAIN PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA IN 2010 – PRIME MINISTER

ARKA
December 25, 2009
Yerevan

YEREVAN, December 25. /ARKA/. "The issue of provision of houses to
young families will remain priority for the Government of Armenia in
2010", said Tigran Sargsyan, Prime Minister of Armenia.

"Yesterday in the meeting of the government relevant conception
developed by the Ministry of Finance of Armenia and Central Bank of
Armenia was approved", he said. From the first quarter of 2010 a new
fund will operate in Armenia which will provide available and cheap
credits to young families. Charter capital of the new fund will make
3 billion drams.

Activities of the fund will allow young families to take credits for
15 years and in the amount of about 16 million drams. "Conception of
the activities of the fund will be approved in the nearest meeting of
the government", said Sargsyan. Second direction of the activities
of the fund will be provision of houses in the frames of the fund
with charter capital of about 12 billion drams.

"We will give long-term credits to young families and I hope that in
2010 young families will use this opportunity. It is very important
responsibility of the government and the President of Armenia",
said Sargsyan. G.K.

ULPP: DON’T LOOK FOR ANY GOOD FROM DASHNAKTSUTYUN

Aysor
Dec 24 2009
Armenia

Armenian United Liberal People’s Party (ULPP) is holding some meetings
and discussions on Armenian-Turkish reconciliation with the youth wing
of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, party’s Secretary Vahan Babayan announced.

All those panic statements and threats that ‘Turks will enter Armenia
and cut people’ cannot bring good results, according to Vahan Babayan.

"ARF Dashnaktsutyun’s campaigning is a normal event, they have their
own view, and we have got ours. However, it’s clear that Armenia
should have good relations with its neighbors. Armenia’s President
hasn’t taken a single wrong step contrary to Armenian interests,
and he won’t. The youths, in their part, are actively interested in
politics, and this can be just welcomed," said Vahan Babayan.

"If ARF Dashnaktsutyun didn’t carry on propaganda among Diaspora,
then Diaspora’s young could understand and realize the importance of
Armenian-Turkish reconciliation," he added.

"ARF Dashnaktsutyun has never done anything advance the interests,
and won’t do, and none other than experience of the 1918-1920s should
be enough," he said.

HRANT DINK’S "TWO CLOSE PEOPLES, TWO FAR NEIGHBORS" BOOK PRESENTED IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.12.2009 17:03 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian translation of "Two Close People Two
Far Neighbors", the first book by slain editor-in-chief of Agos
Armenian-Turkish newspaper Hrant Dink, was presented Wednesday
in Yerevan.

"The only thing Armenians know about Dink is his tragic death. The
book will disclose to readers not only the author’s personality but
also his ideas about Armenian-Turkish relations as journalist and
publicist," Turkologist Mkrtich Somundjyan, translator of the book,
told journalists during the presentation ceremony.

This is the first part of the book. The second part – in Turkish
language – was published in Turkey a couple of months ago.

Proceeds from book sale will be allocated to Armenia’s orphanages.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT MUST BE RESOLVED HONORING AZERBAIJAN’S TERRITORIAL SOVEREIGNTY: GEORGIAN PRESIDENT MIKHEIL SAAKASHVILI

Trend
Dec 23 2009
Azerbaijan

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved honoring Azerbaijan’s
territorial sovereignty, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said.

"There is only one way to solve all these problems. Direct
negotiations taking into account international law, including the
rights of people to return to their place of residence, and respect
for state sovereignty," Saakashvili said in an interview with Ekho
Moskvy radio station.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. General Assembly’s resolutions
on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the occupied
territories.

He said the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is complicated. A main key to
the problem is Russia.

"I think thhe countries must talk, people must communicate to achieve
results. As for the talks held between Turkey and Armenia, everything
should be coordinated with Azerbaijan, " Saakashvili said.

He added that talks are always good, any progress is positive.

"I do not want to call this situation the status quo. As our situation
has shown, the status quo does not exist. Whenever there is such
a situation, one must always be careful to avoid complications and
deterioration," Saakashvili said.

RUSSIA SPARES NO EFFORT TO SETTLE KARABAKH CONFLICT

news.az
Dec 22 2009
Azerbaijan

Svetlana Orlova Russia spares no effort to settle Karabakh conflict,
vice speaker of the Council of Federations of the Federal Assembly
of Russia.

The bilateral Russian-Azerbaijani relations are developing well which
shows that Azerbaijan and Russia are not only strategic partners but
also big friends, said Svetlana Orlova, vice speaker of the Council
of Federations of the Federal Assembly of Russia.

"I consider that the relations between our countries are very high
because the leaders of our country meet not only as presidents. They
respect each other and meet as true friends. Therefore, I predict
good future to relations between our countries. Russia has no better
strategic partner in this region", Orlova said.

She noted that much has been done in bilateral relations in the
past period.

"The economic issues of bilateral relations have been settled, in
particular, the issue with internal waters connected with the ships’
entry. A wonderful bridge has also been built over the frontier river
of Samur", Orlova said.

The Russian parliamentarian especially singled out the support to
the Russian language in Azerbaijan.

"Thus, more people have applied and entered the faculties of the
Russian sectors of Azerbaijani high schools this year as compared to
2008. Such successfully developing relations should be passed to the
next generations", she said.

As for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, Orlova noted that
Russia spares no effort to settle the Karabakh conflict.

"The Russian president takes maximum steps to settle the conflict.

Russia spares no effort in this direction. We should hope for better",
she concluded.

The Russian delegation headed by Svetlana Orlova, co-chair of the
interparliamentary commission and vice-speaker of the Federation
Council of the Russian Parliament, arrived in Baku December 21 for
participating in the 8th session of the bilateral interparliamentary
commission of the Federal Assembly of Russia and Milli Medjlis of
Azerbaijan to be held in Baku on 22 December.