Author: Badalian Vardan

Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 15, 2007
Contact: Sevag Arzoumanian
Tel: 617-233-3174

WATERTOWN ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH "NO PLACE FOR HATE"

— Concerned by the Anti-Defamation League’s
Denial of the Armenian Genocide, Town Council
Cuts Ties with Tolerance Program

WATERTOWN, MA – The Watertown, Massachusetts Town Council
unanimously voted on Tuesday, August 14, to rescind its affiliation
with the "No Place for Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion
program, citing statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham
Foxman, National Director of the program’s sponsor, the Anti-
Defamation League (ADL), reported the Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts (ANCEM).

"The Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts applauds
the Town Council for stating clearly and unequivocally that there
is no place for Armenian Genocide denial in Watertown," stated
ANCEM chairperson Sharistan Melkonian. "We hope that this action
will prompt the ADL and its National Director Abe Foxman to rethink
their profoundly immoral policies on this issue, properly recognize
the Armenian Genocide, and put an end their efforts to prevent its
reaffirmation by Congress."

The proclamation (full text below), introduced by Watertown
Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney, states: "The Town
Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the facts of the
horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to 1923, in
which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders of more
that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923 took
place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of a
right to their history – The Town Council can not continue to join
with such an organization." The statement went on to reaffirm
Watertown’s commitment to "celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known."

COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ANCEM EXPRESS CONCERNS IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Several Watertown residents and civil rights activists spoke
poignantly before an overflow crowd in attendance at the Council
meeting to express their concerns about local affiliation with the
ADL’s genocide denial policies, moving Town Council members to take
decisive action and encourage other Massachusetts towns to follow
their example.

In his remarks to the panel, Watertown’s "No Place for Hate" (NPFH)
Co-Chairman Will Twombly explained that the NPFH committee had met
with New England ADL Regional Director Andrew Tarsy and had asked
for clarification regarding the ADL’s "unacceptable" position on
the Armenian Genocide, which he stated, "could not be ignored." A
proposed amendment by Twombly and the NPFH asking for a 90-day
suspension of the program, in an effort to turn the situation into
a "teaching moment" for the ADL, was not incorporated in the final
Watertown proclamation.

Project Save Director Ruth Thomasian, the only Armenian American
serving on the Watertown NPFH Committee, noted that "every member
of the ‘No Place for Hate’ committee was appalled by the ADL’s
position on the Armenian Genocide." She went on to express
confidence that a reformed tolerance committee would "continue its
good work in the schools and in the community."

In his remarks, Tarsy highlighted the role of the ADL and its
programs that celebrate and promote diversity and fair treatment.
He went on to explain the ADL’s position on the Armenian "massacres
and tragedy" ? intentionally avoiding the term "genocide" — and
its role in pressuring Turkey to do more to "recognize and
reconcile." However, he noted that the ADL was in a difficult
position due to the Israeli-Turkey relationship and the Jewish
community in Turkey. While explaining that ADL was not opposed to
the current Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions
(H.Res.106/S.Res.106), he made no mention of ADL National Director
Abraham Foxman’s statements in the Los Angeles Times and Boston
Globe opposing Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide
legislation.

Twombly countered Tarsy’s efforts to explain Foxman’s reticence to
recognize the Armenian Genocide, noting that "The ADL believes its
position is justified for the well being of the Jewish community in
Turkey. I say emphatically – the the ADL is ignoring a clear moral
imperative [by denying the Armenian Genocide]." Watertown resident
and ANCA Eastern Region Chairman Dikran Kaligian commented on
Tarsy’s assertion that Foxman and the ADL have not advocated
against the Armenian Genocide resolution, stating, "When Mr. Tarsy
or Mr. Foxman say, ‘We don’t believe this should be in Congress’-
to say that as a person is fine and one thing- but when you say it
publicly that’s lobbying."

In her statement before the Town Council (full text below), ANCEM
representative Grace Kehetian-Kulegian explained that "We are
confident that the just resolution of this matter will deepen
Watertown’s commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for Hate’s
ability to speak with real moral clarity, and – for the sake of its
members and its own future as an organization – end the ADL’s truly
unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial."

TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS SPEAK OUT AND CAST VOTES

Prior to the vote on the proclamation, Town Council members had the
opportunity to address the audience. Each thanked the hard work of
Watertown’s NPFH committee and highlighted the positive aspects of
the program; however, all were concerned with the ADL cosponsorship
in light of its denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Watertown Town Council Vice-President Mark Sideris commented that,
"the [NPFH] committtee has done a great job in the schools… I
think by Watertown withdrawing its support, it sends a message – a
clear message – that something is wrong and they [ADL] have to do
something about that…"

Councillor Stephen Corbett noted, "I really hate to lose the
program. I would like to see us reconstitute the program under our
own leadership. But I will support the proclamation. It is not
often that a town council gets put in the center of state and
national politics."

Councillor Angeline Kounelis stated, "I am of Greek heritage and
very proud. As a community we will walk together to make our lives
better and our community stronger."

Council Chairman Clyde Younger, commenting on the heartfelt
speeches made throughout the evening by Watertown residents
explained, "We haven’t had this outpouring of emotion for some
years. When you come into the chamber, you never really know how
you’re going to vote. You try to wait until you have all the
facts… I also will be voting in favor of this proclamation."

With Watertown, Massachusetts having one of the highest
concentrations of Armenians in the United States, the Councillors
hoped to set a precedent by highlighting the improper stance of the
ADL and, in their proclamation, urged national leaders to take up
this issue. Council Members expressed confidence that a similar
program would be developed by community members without the ADL
affiliation.

Proclamation author, Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney,
promised that she would take the proclamation to other communities
and the Massachusetts Municipal Association and encourage them to
cut ties with "No Place for Hate" and the ADL.

After statements by Town Council members, Devaney introduced the
proclamation, seconded by Councillor-at-Large Mark Sideris, and it
passed unanimously (8 to 0) rescinding the town’s partnership with
"No Place for Hate." A sign denoting Watertown as a "No Place for
Hate" city was removed that same evening.

Following passage of the proclamation, Devaney stated, "I believe
it was important for the town of Watertown to rescind its
membership in ‘No Place for Hate’ and end its affiliation with the
ADL. With this proclamation, I plan to go to the other communities
who have joined the NPFH network and urge them to sever their ties
with the ADL."

BACKGROUND

The Watertown – ADL controversy erupted in recent weeks, with
Boston area civil rights advocates, and local Armenian and Jewish
American community members expressing disappointment and outrage at
recent statements by ADL National Director Abe Foxman denying the
Armenian Genocide. Editorials and community letters in the local
Watertown Tab and Boston Globe cast a shadow on the credibility of
the anti-racism program, No Place for Hate, due to its affiliation
with the ADL.

For a full listing of the press coverage this issue has received,
visit:

#####

Text of Watertown Proclamation

TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF WATERTOWN

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, WATERTOWN, MA 02472.4410
(617)972-6470, FAX (617)972-6485

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS: the Town Council on July 12, 2005 voted unanimously to
proclaim Watertown a "No Place for Hate" municipality; and,

WHEREAS: The Town Council committed to fulfill the criteria in good
faith, to join with its sponsors: the anti-defamation league, (ADL)
Massachusetts Municipal Association and other coalition members to
take specific actions to combat bias and promote respect for
people, and

WHEREAS: The Town Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the
facts of the horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to
1923, in which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders
of more that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923
took place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of
a right to their history – The Town Council can not continue to
join with such an organization.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown hereby rescinds its partnership of the "No
Place for Hate" co-sponsored by ADL.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown, although it withdraws from the
aforementioned group of municipalities, hereby proclaims that
Watertown will continue to celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known.

SPONSORED BY:
MARILYN M. PETITTO DEVANEY, COUNCILLOR-AT-LARGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
Great Seal of the Town of Watertown to be affixed on this
fourteenth day of August, 2007.

CLYDE L. YOUNGER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT

======================================= ==============

ANCEM Statement at Watertown Town Council Meeting
August 14, 2007
Presented by ANCEM Representative Grace Kulegian

I rise today to briefly offer the Armenian National Committee’s
views on an issue of profound meaning to the Armenians of Watertown
– and to all of our town’s residents who share our commitment to
tolerance, respect for diversity, and ? ultimately – to creating a
world without discrimination and genocide.

Like all of you, we regret that the controversy over the Anti-
Defamation League and No Place for Hate has reached this point.

But we could not remain silent in the face of such blatant
hypocrisy on a core issue of our common morality – in the face of
those who preach tolerance but practice divisiveness and denial.

We had hoped to resolve this issue based on our shared values.

But for the sake of our town, for the sake of No Place for Hate,
and on behalf of the many kind and decent members of the ADL, we
have taken a principled stand for the truth.

We did not invite this controversy – sparked by the hateful words
spoken on behalf of the ADL, by one its misguided officials Abraham
Foxman.

Words far outside the proud tradition of the ADL and entirely alien
to noble legacy of the American Jewish community as a powerful
voice for truth and justice.

Words that have grown more offensive and insulting with each new
interview and article.

Words that echo the denialist rhetoric of the Turkish government.

Hypocritical words that strike at the very heart of the ADL’s
credibility, that undermine No Place for Hate’s ability to make a
difference, and, sadly, stain Watertown’s reputation as a town that
fosters diversity.

Although, we did not begin this conflict, we are committed to
seeing this difficult issue through.

We are confident that the just resolution of this matter will
deepen Watertown’s commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for
Hate’s ability to speak with real moral clarity, and – for the sake
of its members and its own future as an organization – end the
ADL’s truly unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial.

This is an issue that demands action – clear and decisive action by
the Council.

On behalf of Watertown’s Armenian community – and our century-long
history of service and sacrifice for our town – we call upon the
Town Council to dissociate itself from the ADL until such time
that:

The Anti-Defamation League, through its National Director, Mr.
Foxman, openly and unequivocally acknowledges the Armenian Genocide
and supports congressional affirmation of this crime against
humanity.

Thank you.

#####

The Armenian Weekly On-Line
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA 02472 USA
(617) 926-3974
[email protected]
menianweekly.com

The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 32; August 11, 2007

Interviews:

Dual Citizenship: An Interview with Vahan Hovhannesian
By Khatchig Mouradian

On February 26, the Armenian National assembly passed a law allowing dual
citizenship. In this interview, conducted in Washington on April 23, Deputy
Speaker of the National Assembly Vahan Hovhannissian discusses the
importance of that law.

Khatchig Mouradian-My first question goes beyond the legalities of the dual
citizenship law. In a sense, the dual citizenship law could bring the two
divided wings of the Armenian nation together. What are your thoughts on
this matter?

Vahan Hovhannisian-First, I must say that the passage of the dual
citizenship law will be considered one of the greatest victories of the ARF
in this term of the National Assembly. As you know, the law wasn’t passed
easily. But at the end, it passed more or less the way we wanted it to. In
the beginning, constitutional obstacles to dual citizenship were removed,
and then the law itself was passed. Now the third act remains: the
implementation of the law on the ground and the coordination of details. How
do people apply? What documents will they need to present? How will the
applications be processed?

You are right to point out that the law has many different layers. On the
one hand, it has a huge moral significance. As we all know, the Armenian
diaspora was not the result of emigration, it was the result of the genocide
when people were forced to leave their homeland. Thus, if the homeland,
though not complete, has been able to achieve independence, then it is
forced to give all of its children the right to citizenship. In our opinion
this law should have been passed as early as 1991, as soon as Armenia became
independent. Due to various political reasons, that was not accomplished.
But at least now we have been able to bring this process to its end, and now
any Armenian who would like to receive Armenian citizenship can do so, thus
gaining the rights of any citizen, not limited to voting.

Here I must emphasize that I hope the number of applications will be
plentiful and the number of Armenian citizens will grow. In the
international theater, a country with a population of three million and
another country with a population of five million carry different weight.
The dual citizenship law must strengthen Armenian’s position.

Aside from that, the introduction of dual citizenship in Armenia will
encourage investments. It is one thing to make investments in Armenia out of
a feeling of moral obligation toward the homeland. It is an entirely
different thing to be a citizen and a full participant of the civic life of
the nation, whether in politics, in the social sphere, or in other spheres.

In one word, the law will create new waves of Armenians heading toward
Armenia. Thus, the law will have far-reaching positive results.

K.M.-Perhaps this was more widely felt in the past, but there are some in
Armenia who say that the diaspora did not go through the difficult times
that Armenians in Armenia had to endure in the last decade, and claim that
this should be taken into consideration when thinking about dual
citizenship. What do you think?

V.H.-Such thinking easily crumbles in the face of criticism, since a large
section of the Armenian population did not go through those difficult days
either, and did not participate in the war. The Armenian authorities back
then shielded their sons from military service, had electricity and heating,
and did not share the people’s suffering. Can we take away their citizenship
because of this? I think this line of thinking is madness, especially since
there is a price to pay for becoming a dual citizen of Armenia-that is, a
dual citizen cannot run for the presidency or for a seat in the National
Assembly. I think from the point of view of fairness, this law is perfect.

K.M.-Naturally the passing of this law was welcomed by the diaspora. The
question in the minds of diaporan Armenians is when and how will this law be
implemented? Can applications only be filed in Armenia or will embassies
also be accepting them?

V.H.-We didn’t get to discuss the concrete steps to implement the law
because the elections are upon us and naturally the Assembly is on a hiatus.
But I think this will be one of the first issues discussed after the
elections. A committee has already been established that is dealing with the
details, including how one applies, what documents are needed, how
applicants will have to prove their Armenian origin, etc. There are some
points that need to be fine-tuned, and some time will be needed, but I think
it is a matter of weeks and that it will be resolved quickly after the
elections.

In reality, there are no obstacles for applying now. Meaning, just like
before, any individual who wants Armenian citizenship must apply to the
President of the Republic. It is natural, of course, that under the
circumstances a new process for the applications must be created. It is also
not a secret that the security services will need to review applications, as
some will attempt to abuse the system.

K.M.-What are the expectations from those who will benefit from the dual
citizenship law? What are their duties and what will they gain?

V.H.-As far as the Armenian government is concerned, dual citizens are first
and foremost citizens of Armenia. Where their other citizenship was issued
is of no interest to us. As such, they have the same duties toward the
Republic as any Armenian citizen would. That includes serving in the
military and other duties. Of course, when an individual is a citizen of
Armenia and another country, we cannot allow him or her to become an
Assembly member or President. But that doesn’t mean dual citizens will never
be able to serve in those posts. After living in Armenia for 10 years, they
may give up their other citizenship and receive full rights. There is one
problem: How are people to pay taxes? There are international tax agreements
and Armenia has signed such agreements with many countries. These will
ensure that the individual doesn’t pay the same tax twice in two separate
countries. And of course, those who have served in another army for 12
months will not have to complete compulsory military service in Armenia.
Also, those who are past the age of 27 will not have to serve in the
military, Dual citizens are also completely under the jurisdiction of the
Armenian government. For example-and this is a rather bad example-if an
individual commits a crime, the Armenian authorities will consider him as an
Armenian citizen, and the individual won’t be able to claim, say, that he is
a citizen of the U.S., or Syria, or France, and that he would like to be
tried in those countries under their penal codes. As far as the authorities
are concerned, a dual citizen of Armenia is a citizen of Armenia, and so if
you were to commit a crime in Armenia, the Armenian authorities would
prosecute you based on the Armenian penal code. The Armenian government’s
approach to dual citizens is identical to the approach used by the United
States. The U.S., too, recognizes dual citizenships, but treats all of its
citizens, including its dual citizens, the same way. Armenia will do the
same.

K.M.-In your view, what will the future bring and are there concerns for
possible obstacles? Is it possible that the law will be transformed into an
internal political tool?

V.H.-I don’t think that’s a concern, because in essence no one was opposed
to the concept of dual citizenship. People’s hesitance had much more to do
with voting rights-that is, there was the impression among many that
diasporan Armenians, by becoming citizens of Armenia, were mostly going to
vote for the ARF. This view, by the way, is far from the truth. I don’t
think that kind of vote will be large enough to have any effect on today’s
political landscape. On the other hand, if we really want the diaspora to be
a political presence in our country, if we really want to create one nation
in one state, and if we truly want to attract Western Armenians-the
diaspora-into our political life, we must allow for their political
preferences. So yes, all of those political parties that have come alive in
Armenia over the last few years should start taking into consideration the
interests of the diasporans, so they can gain their votes. This is a very
normal process and there shouldn’t be any problems, especially since in the
future the flow towards Armenia should be large. But I don’t think there
will be enough applications in the next few months or enough citizenships
granted that there will be a political imbalance in Armenia. I don’t think
it will happen and I think the fears that it will are not grounded in
reality.

K.M.-You said that this law would allow the Diaspora to inch closer toward
Armenia. As for the opposite effect-how will it move Armenia closer to the
diaspora?

V.H.-Here the issue is dual. If citizens of Armenia today were to gain
citizenship in another country, they would not be immune from their
obligations, such as serving in the Armenian army. This is one serious
problem. The second problem is the issue of the Armenian population in
Russia, who have close ties to Armenia, yet value their ties with Russia. We
must work with the Russian authorities and come to some kind of agreement
regarding the status of the Armenian population there, since it is the
largest Armenian population outside of Armenia.

As for the rapprochement between Armenia and the diaspora, I think that’s
going to take some time because the division between Western and Eastern
Armenians, which was forcefully and artificially created by our enemies, was
performed a long time ago. The division has been made. In that rapprochement
between Eastern and Western Armenians, whole mentalities have to be
reconciled with each other. And the issue is not just economic, it’s not
about investing in Armenia or buying a house in Armenia. It is about
Armenian grammatical rules, the literary language of Western Armenians and
Eastern Armenians-which Armenian children in both Armenia and the Diaspora
should start studying in equal amounts. These are very serious and
far-reaching issues that need to be resolved. This rapprochement won’t be
easy. For example, Armenia can’t just move a magic wand and pass a law
forcing classical orthographic rules down peoples’ throats, because that
means whole libraries will have to be corrected and a whole generation that
doesn’t know the rules will become illiterate. Instead, this change requires
long-winded efforts as well as a government plan. We have had a few
Armenia-Diaspora summits to find solutions to these issues. Unfortunately,
the solutions have not yet been found. The Armenia-Diaspora rapprochement,
unfortunately, has not yet occurred.

The Armenian Weekly On-Line
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA 02472 USA
(617) 926-3974
[email protected]
menianweekly.com

The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 32; August 11, 2007

Community:

1. NAASR Hits the Highway: Paved, Digital and Beyond
By Andy Turpin

2. CYSCA Museum Management Group Begins Boston Tour
With Presentation on Possible (Orwellian) Future of Museum Technologies
By Andy Turpin

3. With a Song in Seta’s Heart
By Tom Vartabedian

4. In Memory of Haig Varadian
By Anne Atanasian

5. New York AYF Chapter Honors Memory of Lisbon 5
By Nazareth Markarian

6. AYF Olympics Diner ZAGAT Rated?

7. Café Anoush in Summer Swing

***

1. NAASR Hits the Highway: Paved, Digital and Beyond
By Andy Turpin

BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)- The National Association for Armenian Studies and
Research (NAASR) has had an expansive year in its academic programming and
community outreach thanks to the efforts and vision of NAASR Board chair
Nancy Kolligian.

NAASR is in the midst of a $2 million fundraising campaign in conjunction
with its 50th anniversary, which was celebrated last fall.

NAASR’s director of programs and publications Marc A. Mamigonian spoke to
the Weekly about some of these projects and how they’ll reach the public in
the next year.

"On September 20, our lecture series will pick up again with a talk by Dr.
Seta Dadoyan, who will speak on ‘Armenian Dissidents: Highlights of an
Unwritten History,’" Mamigonian said. "Ted Bogosian’s documentary film ‘An
Armenian Journey’ [PBS, 1987] has also recently been released on
One of the things I hope we’ll do in the fall is a showing of
that."

He continued, "Later in the fall we will be sponsoring a series of lectures
by Prof. George Bournoutian of Iona College. He has a new book coming out
which we helped fund entitled Tigran II and Rome, a translation of an
important book that has never appeared in English. We plan to have him speak
for us here in Boston, and in New York, California, Toronto, and we hope in
Florida."

Mamigonian added that NAASR has a long tradition of presenting as many
internationally notable lecturers as possible on a wide variety of Armenian
subjects, a tradition he is eager to continue and build upon.

In the fall, NAASR will co-sponsor a lecture by Argam Aivazyan along with
the Harvard Mashtots Chair. "Aivazyan will be coming from Armenia and it
will be in conjunction with an exhibit at the Davis Center for Russian
Studies at Harvard on ‘The Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region.’ Professor
James Russell of Harvard and Dr. Anahit Ter Stepanian at Sacred Heart
University in Connecticut have been instrumental in organizing this event.
Also in October, Columbia Doctoral scholar Bedross Der Matossian will talk
about ‘The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem.’ We have numerous other events in
the planning stages," Mamigonian said.

"One of the things we’ve been trying to do more of is have lectures not just
here in Belmont, but sponsor or co-sponsor lectures around the country to
broaden our base of coverage," he explained. "In the past year we’ve had
lectures in Hartford, New York City, Berkeley, Stanford, Fresno, and several
in and near Los Angeles. In May, we co-sponsored lectures by Professor David
Gaunt of Stockholm in several California cities."

However, within their archives and research center NAASR has also been
working diligently in the past year to upgrade its technology and make its
valuable holdings more accessible.

Mamigonian praised NAASR’s dedicated staff, saying, "Our library is now
almost fully catalogued and searchable online through our website,
A great deal of that work was done by Ruby Chorbajian from
2004-06 and has been continued by Hripsime Lazarian."

NAASR has also updated the bookstore. "It’s all computerized and bar-coded,
and in the fall we’ll be launching our upgraded website," Mamigonian said.
"The person most responsible for the overhaul is Peter Bogosian. He’s been
working on the bookstore and several other major projects along with our
treasurer Bob Bejoian since February and has spearheaded the total redesign
of our website. In the meantime, the site is still up and running."

"Of course, the tireless dedication of our administrative director Sandra
Jurigian-she has been with NAASR for more than 40 years-is what keeps this
place chugging along. Her knowledge, experience and adaptability are
amazing. Also, we have the support of Nancy and the entire Board of
Directors," Mamigonian added.

In the area of Armenian scholarship, NAASR has been busy as well. Mamigonian
explained, "We’ve got a lot going on with publications as well. We just came
out with our new issue of the Journal of Armenian Studies, and we have
several exciting book projects, including the republication of Armenia and
the Crusades: The Chronicle of Matthew of Edessa, translated by Dr. Ara
Dostourian."

Another is a drama anthology edited by Nishan Parlakian, provisionally
titled Notable Women in Armenian Drama 1870-1970, which will include six
plays focusing on strong women characters. The third book is a longer-range
project of the translation into English of The Armenian Genocide:
Testimonies of the Eyewitness Survivors by Verjine Svazlian.

The book consists of 700 oral histories from genocide survivors collected
over the course of 50 years. "Most were collected in a large book published
in Armenia. The author has added quite a few more for the English
translation and we’re currently working on editing the translation. The next
issue of the Journal of Armenian Studies is under way and it will publish
the papers that were presented at our symposium "Armenian-Turkish Dialogue
and the Direction of Armenian Studies" that was held last September,"
Mamigonian noted.

Speaking about NAASR’s new online bookstore and library catalogue,
Mamigonian said with pride, "It was such a daunting project for so long that
it was not attempted. But the improvements will be recognizable to
everyone."
———————————- ————————————————– ——–

2. CYSCA Museum Management Group Begins Boston Tour
With Presentation on Possible (Orwellian) Future of Museum Technologies
By Andy Turpin

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (A.W.) – The Cambridge Yerevan Sister City Association
(CYSCA) has enacted its annual Community Connections Visitor Exchange
Program this summer by sponsoring the tour and consultation of a delegation
of Armenian museum directors and managers in a survey of Boston area
museums. The Armenian group will remain in the Boston-Cambridge area with
local host family accommodations provided by CYSCA until August 24.

The endeavor is part of a practical application/information exchange between
professionals in Boston and Armenia that has been the primary project of
CYSCA since the program’s inception following the 1988 earthquake relief
efforts.

This year’s exchange group is under the program direction of Jack Medzorian,
and the program management of Ara Ghazarian of the Armenian Cultural
Foundation (ACF) in Arlington.

Museums represented from Armenia include the Khachatur Abovyan State
Pedagogical University, Yeghishe Charents House-Museum, Alexander
Spendiaryan House Museum and Yeghegnadzor Geological Museum, among others.

On their tour of Boston the group will visit a cross section of museum
venues, including ALMA, the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University’s
Peabody and Natural History Museums, the Children’s Museum of Boston and
American Textile History Museum.

Following an opening reception on Aug. 5, the group visited ACF and toured
the Harvard Natural History Museum before attending a presentation by the
Cambridge digital and museum firm IVIVIA. Allen Sayegh, founder and
president of INVIVIA, Inc. explained to the group how it’s "a half research,
half design group."

Using a PowerPoint presentation, Sayegh talked about INVIVIA’s most recent
projects, including the 2003 Einstein exhibit in New York’s Museum of
Natural History.

"They asked us to come up with an exhibit that would connect people with the
concept of gravity and space." Sayegh recalled.

INVIVIA chief technology officer Peter Mabardi noted, "It was featured on
the front page of the arts section of the New York Times. It shows how even
a small mass changes space."

"We use electronic sensing technology we developed to detect the geometry of
people based on size, but not density," said Sayegh.

"Everybody that has a mass manipulates and changes space," said Mabardi.

Sayegh explained what patrons could expect in the coming years from cutting
edge museums, describing interactive digital panel screens accompanied by a
visitor’s index card to be filled in with objects you’re interested in.

Sayegh said, "As you go through, it strings together your experience based
on your favorite objects or interests. When you have more than one person
using the interface, say if I’m on a certain year [standing in front of the
screen timeline] and you’re on another, you begin to compress time
visually."

The concept, minus Orlando Jones, is illustrated visually by Guy Pierce’s
visit to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 2004 film the Time
Machine.

"You can also print out the information and gather more on your own at home.
The interface service itself would be free," Sayegh said of its possible use
for educational value.

Mabardi added, "It continues the experience in their head."

Fellow INVIVIA project designer and researcher Adrian Massey explained the
technology behind such an endeavor to the CYSCA group. "This would function
as a form of rear projection that’s computer generated." Massey detailed the
technological Proximity Artifact Collector system, saying, "It reads and
records how long you stand at a certain artifact. This gives precise
statistics on your worn tag. You could look up your experiences on your home
computer based on the card at home. You keep the card. The card is very
inexpensive."

"In a way, you get to keep the artifact as a souvenir. It’s like keeping an
old driver’s license," he said.

When asked by the group how much money such an exhibit would cost to
implement, Sayegh responded, "The first option for this technology is very
low tech-using paper and pencils. It’s done using a traditional punch-card
reader. It all varies on the gallery and the options chosen, but a figure of
about $25,000 plus would be a rough estimate."

Asked to speak to concerns about such technology eliminating the need for
museum guides and the jobs they provide, Mabardi said that "People thought
the same thing about libraries in the U.S. when everything became
computerized. But now with the Internet, libraries are full of children
doing research."

One CYSCA group member responded, "This inspires us with hope that there is
still a future for museums."

Edith K. Ackerman, INVIVIA advisor and a child psychologist expert on early
childhood "Children at Play Studies" at MIT, gave the next presentation.
Describing a project designed for implementation in South Korea, she
explained, "This is a project for children’s museums, similar to those in
the San Francisco Exploratorium."

It involved a "horrible shrinking machine" that explored children’s
relationship to size, scale and memory recall. Ackerman detailed, "We want
to envision an experience that involves the whole body. That’s immersive.
But people don’t just want to be immersed, they want to come back. Hands-on
is not enough. There needs to be a heads-in experience, a God’s-eye view."

She continued, "A third stage is what’s called ‘Wow.’ The experience has to
be inspirational. It only works if our imaginations are captured. The 4th
stage is ‘Playback,’ or constantly reliving the experience."

"Many fairy tales are based on changes of scale," she said.

The CYSCA group wondered whether such an exhibit could place undue stress on
the children or cause mental trauma.

"Children are very good at understanding when we’re in play mode and when we’re
not." Ackerman said.

One Armenian group member, who wished to remain anonymous, asked pensively
following the presentations, "You don’t think people may find it all creepy,
with so many cameras in our lives?"

INVIVIA designer David Register responded, "It doesn’t take pictures if you
don’t want it to. It’s a way of recording your journey. It can also be a way
in the future for child psychologists to study children."
———————————- ————————————————– ——–

3. With a Song in Seta’s Heart
By Tom Vartabedian

Growing up in the streets of Bourdj Hammoud was not exactly a picnic for any
child, least of all Seta Ohannessian.

Christians were in severe battle with Muslims and Lebanon was in turmoil. It
was not uncommon to walk the streets of this Armenian district and trip over
listless bodies. Seta was merely 10 when the turmoil raised havoc with her
family. She fought the battle the best way she knew how. Her weapon was her
voice. She possessed an innate talent for singing and soon found herself in
a church choir chanting the sharagans. The youngster found peace and
tranquility through music. "There were bombs and gunfire ringing
everywhere," she recalled. "You feared for your life and the lives of your
family."

By the time she reached 31, both parents were deceased. By then, she had
become an accomplished alto, finding her way from one sanctuary to another
before winding up at the motherhouse in Antilias with other rich voices in
the Shnorhali Choir. Seven years of study at the Hamazkain Conservatory in
Bourdj Hammoud enhanced her singing. Two sisters and a brother continue to
reside in Lebanon. Today, Seta is 42, newly-married, and lives in a modest
home in Salisbury (Mass.) with her husband Emmanuel, a barber by trade.
Though it was an arranged marriage, it turned out to be one made in heaven.

He, too, lived in Beirut before immigrating to America in 1969. "We met last
year through a brother-in-law and the wedding was arranged by relatives,"
she said. "I couldn’t be happier."

Emmanuel remains his wife’s biggest fan. He usually sits alone and marvels
as her voice fills the church.

"I feel privileged to sing here," she maintained. "The church has always
been like a second home to me. The people are very accepting." Apart from
singing, Seta employs an adroit hand designing clerical vestments for
Bishops, Vartabeds and Der Hayrs. She even fashioned one for a Catholicos
and would like nothing better than to launch her own vestment business on an
international scale. One day, she accompanied her husband to St. Gregory
Church in North Andover and sat in a pew close to the altar. She took a
missal and began singing. All of a sudden, Der Vartan Kassabian turned
around to see where the voice was coming from. He remembered the tone-a deep
Armenian village-like sound more likely found in the foothills of Ararat.

It came to him quickly.

"You sang at the vank in Antilias when I was a seminarian," he recalled. "We
were singing together. You don’t belong in a pew. I’d rather have you
singing in our choir with the others."

Thus, for the past six months, Seta Ohannessian has shown up diligently and
added a new dimension to the badarak with her singing. She takes her place
just below the altar and chants to her heart’s content, just the way she did
as a child amid the conflict that devastated her city 30 years ago.

"When I sing the badarak, my soul is at peace with the world," she says. "I
feel closer to God. He inspires me."

In a manner of speaking, it may have been God who preserved the singer’s
safety and sent her to America where she found a kinship with a pastor 18
years after he was ordained.

"God sent us a big gift," Der Vartan brought out.
——————————————— —————————————-

4. In Memory of Haig Varadian
By Anne Atanasian

It was an overcast day, and on days such as this, I usually turn to my books
for possibilities of change. I picked up my copy of Gevork Emin’s For You on
New Years Day. I’ve often found in his poetry words of solace, or imagery
that made sense of what often seems senseless. I had lately learned of the
death of yet another dear friend, Haig Varadian. Awash with memories of my
early AYF years, I could not ignore how much our lives crossed one another
in the past 50 years. In 1947, I attended an AYF meeting at St. Vartanantz.
It was the meeting held before the Olympics, which was to be held in NYC. I
met my future husband, Harry, that night, as well as Haig and his brothers.
John Arzoomanian and Sarkis Atamian were the super stars of the Varadians.
The excitement was ready for this stranger from Washington, D.C. A year
later when I moved to Providence, the Varadian family’s house was across the
street from the Atanasian’s house, which again cemented our friendship. My
father-in-law and the Varadian’s father were French Legionnaires in 1915 and
fought the Turks, which, as Mal Varadian once said, "made the boys all
brothers."

It grinds down my spirit when I realize how many of those eager young men
are now gone from us. They were the glue that held a wonderful community
rooted in our collective pride in being Armenian. The ties were so
intricate-Haig’s mother and my mother-in-law were Bursatzees and shared the
horrors of the genocide. The two shared a cup of coffee every afternoon on
our front porch. It seemed those years of the 40’s and 50’s in Providence
were a truly unique place, the dimensions of which were defined by the young
families whose lives were interwoven throughout the AYF. The social security
of that community created for me a beauty of days. I wish I could reach out
and touch once again the hands of those dear, dear friends. Now unreachable,
I pray that God’s grace will light Haig’s soul.
——————————————– ————————————–

5. New York AYF Chapter Honors Memory of Lisbon 5
By Nazareth Markarian

Ara, Sarkis, Setrag, Simon and Vatche, who have come to be known and
remembered as the Lisbon 5, were ardent believers in fairness, justice and
human rights.

On July 27, 1983 these five young men, none over the age of 25, attempted to
storm the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal, with the intention of
capturing the Turkish ambassador and holding him hostage. Their efforts to
seize the embassy were thwarted, and instead they occupied the residence of
the Turkish Deputy Chief Mission. During the fighting one of the boys, Simon
Yahneian, was killed. The other four, finding themselves surrounded, decided
to detonate a bomb, taking only their own lives (they had released the wife
and child of the Turkish Ambassador) in order to awaken the world to the
plight of the Armenians at the hands of Turkish genocide deniers.

To commemorate and honor our five fallen brothers who sacrificed their lives
for genocide recognition in Lisbon 24 years ago, a short program was held at
the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens, N.Y. Taking place on Saturday, July
28, the event was organized by the New York Armen Garo Chapter of the ARF,
and featured Unger Jirayr Beugekian of Boston who spoke about the Lisbon 5.
He began by presenting a short video that included both a narrative of what
transpired 24 years ago in Lisbon, and footage of the five boys as they
spoke about themselves, and relayed their message to their families and the
Armenian community as a whole. As a follow-up to the video, U. Jirayr spoke
briefly about the time period that surrounded their struggle. He explained
that the atmosphere in the world was different than it is today; it was
common in those days for people to resort to violence in order to get
themselves heard. However, for the Armenians (the Lisbon 5 were no
exception), violence was only used as a last resort. Sadly, and as it
continues to do so today, the Turkish government ardently denyies the
validity of the Armenian genocide as a historical fact. What was different
is that the entire world seemed apathetic to the Armenian Cause, and the
genocide question was consistently brushed aside in diplomatic forums. It
was a time of great frustration for the Armenian people especially because
Turkey had no desire to engage in dialogue concerning the Armenian genocide.
The selfless act of the Lisbon 5 helped to open the eyes of the world to the
demands of the Armenian people and because of their sacrifice, diplomacy and
discourse are viable options today.

The following day, on Sunday July 29, the names of the Lisbon 5 were
remembered during the requiem service conducted in St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral in Manhattan. Immediately after the conclusion of church services
a short program was held in the church hall. The Prelate, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, spoke briefly about the Lisbon 5 and what their
struggle meant to the Armenian people. He also recalled how he had met one
of the boys in Abu Dhabi on the eve of the Lisbon operation. The young man
had come to bid his family farewell but never once mentioned his plan to his
family or any of the guests gathered there that day. After the Archbishop
shared his words, a poem dedicated to the Lisbon 5 was read by a member of
the New York Hyortik AYF Chapter. Another chapter member then delivered the
youth message, and finally a song dedicated to the Lisbon 5 was played to
conclude the program.

Every February we remember St. Vartan Mamigonian and his struggle against
the Persians in the name of Armenian Christianity. It is equally important
that we remember the sacrifices of our modern Armenian martyrs such as the
Lisbon 5.

Nazareth Markarian is a member of AYF New York Hyortik Chapter.
—————————————– ————————————————– –

6. AYF Olympics Diner ZAGAT Rated?

It’s only fitting that the Alumni Night of the 2007 Olympics is being touted
as the "Olympics Diner." After all, New Jersey has the most diners in the
world. Some say it’s the choreg capital, too!

Where are you going to be on Friday, Aug. 31? We hope you will be joining
friends and fellow AYFer’s at the Crowne Plaza for dancing, dining, catching
up with old friends and trying to match the names with the faces you haven’t
seen in years.

The New Jersey Arsen Chapter is the host of the 74th annual AYF Olympics
weekend taking place from Aug. 30-Sept. 3. The Olympics headquarter is the
Sheraton Meadowland with the spill over settling in at the Crowne Plaza.
Over 3,000 Armenians from across the United States and Canada will gather
for a weekend of fun and games.

Beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, alumni and friends are invited to bring their
dancing shoes and appetite to the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
Secaucus. For your dancing pleasure, we have John Berberian, Hachig
Kazarian, Ara Dinkjian, Roger Krikorian and a surprise special guest! A
table filled with homemade mezze and traditional anousheghen is available
for your culinary enjoyment. Don’t forget, New Jersey is the diner and
choreg capital of the world, so our "Olympics Diner" will strive to keep our
high scores and reputation as the place to be this Labor Day. We’re not yet
ZAGAT rated, but you never know.

We look forward to seeing you there. Don’t be late and come hungry. For
information on all weekend events, visit
—————————– ————————————————– —————-

7. Café Anoush in Summer Swing

WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-On Aug. 2, St. Stephen’s Church and Armenian School
continued their annual presentation of Café Anoush. Volunteers and community
members served traditional Armenian fare while Armenian dancing, tavloo
tournaments, and the sale of 2007 Café Anoush Raffle tickets were available
to all in attendance.

Café Anoush continues through to Aug. 30. For more details, check out or
calendar section.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug 10 2007

ICRC representatives meet Armenian-captured Azerbaijani

[ 10 Aug 2007 19:56 ]

The representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) have met with Azerbaijani, who was captured by Armenians in
the frontline in Aghdam on June 30. The ICRC office told APA the
Committee representatives visited the captured for the fifth time and
monitored the detention condition on August 8. ICRC’s medical expert
also met with the captured Azerbaijani and examined his psychological
condition. The result of the meeting is confidentially debated with
the captured person’s family and government representatives.
The captured Azerbaijani is reported to be Jafarov Ashraf who was
born on August 9, 1985. His relatives say he is mentally ill.
Azerbaijan’s commission for prisoners of war, hostages and missing
persons appealed to the ICRC to help release the captured as soon as
possible. /APA/

REPRESENTATIVE TEAM OF ARMENIA DEFEATS THAT OF ANDORRA IN SECOND STAGE OF GROUP IV TOURNAMENT OF EUROPEAN/AFRICAN ZONE OF DAVIS CUP TOURNAMENT

Noyan Tapan
Aug 10 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The games of the second stage
were held in the Group IV tournament of the European/African zone
of the Davis Cup Tournament in Yerevan on August 9. Among Armenian
tennis players Ashot Gevorgian was defeated and Haroutiun Sofian
gained a victory in the solo game during the meeting with the team
of Andorra. In the couple game the Hayk Zohranian – Haroutiun Sofian
couple defeated the Andorrians with the following scores: 5:7, 7:5,
and 8:6.

The Chernogoria – Rwanda competition finished with the advantage of
the first.

August 10 is a day-off for the Armenian representative team. In the
following stages the Armenian representative team will compete with
those of Botswana and Chernogoria. It should also be mentioned that
irrespective of the outcomes of these meetings, the Armenian tennis
players have already provided themselves with the right of being
included in the Group 3.

TURKISH ORGANIZATIONS PROTEST AGAINST ARMENIAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Aug 6 2007

Igdir, 6 August: Members of several non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) gathered in the eastern Turkish city of Igdir to draw attention
to hazards of nuclear power plants.

They also demanded closure of the Metsamor nuclear power plant in
Armenia, which is situated only 16 kilometres away from the Turkish
border.

Speaking on behalf of the protestors, The Association of Health
Workers For Peace and Environment Against Nuclear Jeopardy (Nused)
secretary-general, Derman Boztokm said, "Global nuclear energy lobbies
put pressure on the developing countries to use nuclear energy instead
of renewable energy for their own financial benefits."

"Whole eastern and southeastern Anatolia would be affected in case of
an accident at the Metsamor nuclear power plant. The plant was declared
as the most dangerous power plant in the world by the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the EU. This power plant should be
shut down as soon as possible," he said.

The Metsamor Nuclear power plant was built in 1970s, about 30
kilometres west of the Armenian capital of Yerevan. The plant was
constructed with two VVER-440 Model V230 nuclear reactors and the
technology used at the time was no longer compatible with modern
safety standards.

The power plant produces about 40 per cent of Armenia’s electricity.

It was closed due to the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. However, energy
shortages in Armenia compelled the Armenian government to reopen the
plant in 1993.

The EU continues to encourage the Armenian government to shut down
the Metsamor power plant but the Armenian government first wants
to acquire enough alternative sources of energy to compensate for a
shutdown of the reactor.

2ND ROUNDUP: OPPOSITION CANDIDATE WINS BY-ELECTION IN METN REGION

Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Germany
August 5, 2007 Sunday 9:49 PM EST
Beirut

DPA POLITICS Lebanon Elections 2ND ROUNDUP: Opposition candidate wins
by-election in Metn region Beirut A Maronite Christian opposition
candidate in the Metn region and a government candidate in Beirut
won Sunday’s by- elections to replace two assassinated anti-Syrian
lawmakers, initial results showed.

Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun said that his candidate,
Camille Khoury, closely beat Amin Gemayel, a former Lebanese president
and key ruling coalition member, in the Metn district northeast
of Beirut.

"We have been informed about the victory of the candidate Camille
Khoury by a small margin," Aoun told reporters.

There was still no official confirmation of Aoun’s announcement,
but opposition sources said that Camille Khoury had won by a margin
of some 300 votes out of 75,000 cast.

The results showed pro-government candidate Mohammad Amin Itani winning
by a large margin the Sunni Muslim seat in a Beirut district held by
slain MP Walid Eido, who was assassinated in June.

Turnout at polling stations in the Christian heartland was reported
to be around 50 per cent, while in Beirut it reached 20 per cent.

Gemayel, leader of the Phalange Party, was running to replace his son,
Pierre Gemayel, who was killed in November. The father refused to
admit defeat and demanded a return of the vote in one mainly Armenian
region, where he claimed voter fraud.

"We want elections to be replaced in the Burj Hammoud district,"
Gemayel told supporters in his hometown of Bikfaya.

In a first reaction to the initial results, anti-Syrian MP Walid
Jumblatt said, "The legend of Michel Aoun as the sole Christian leader
has fallen," he told Lebanese satellite television LBCI.

"The next phase will give March 14 Forces (the ruling majority) a
greater chance to chose the next president of the republic from its
own camp, if the destructive Syrian regime allows the elections to
take place on time."

Christian leader and head of the anti-Syrian Lebanese Forces, Samir
Geagea, said, "No matter what are the results, we will accept them."

Geagea spoke from the residence of Amin Gemayel in Bikfaya, north-
east of Beirut.

The Lebanese Parliament faces a challenge in the coming weeks to
elect a president to replace pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud. Even
if the majority controls enough seats to elect a new president,
it needs the opposition to take part for the two-thirds quorum that
Parliament traditionally needs to convene.

Sunday’s voting took place amid tight security measures to prevent
any violence between the parties.

Gemayel is a key member in the anti-Syrian majority coalition, backed
by the Western-backed government of Fouad Seniora. Aoun is the

main Christian leader in the opposition, which includes Shiite militant
movement Hezbollah, an ally of Syria and Iran.

In the by-election in Beirut, the opposition had not launched a
challenge. Turnout was around 20 per cent.

Gemayel and his allies accuse Syria of orchestrating the killings of
Pierre Gemayel, Eido and other anti-Syrian figures. Damascus denies
involvement in the killings.

Milford Daily News, MA
Daily News Tribune, MA
MetroWest Daily News, MA
Aug 5 2007

Mazzaglia: Rethink the Armenian genocide

By Frank Mazzaglia/Local columnist
GHS
Sun Aug 05, 2007, 12:21 AM EDT

An unlikely squabble broke out last week between Watertown’s Armenian
community and the Anti-Defamation League. This is what happened.

Along with scores of other cities and towns, Watertown proclaimed
itself a "No Place for Hate" community back in 2005. The idea, of
course, was to promote public policy against discrimination. Indeed,
Watertown is one of the most densely populated communities in the
Commonwealth. It is also home to the state’s largest Armenian
concentration. Closely built houses encourage neighborliness. Still,
there is genuine anger out there.

It turns out that the Anti-Defamation League, which sponsors "No
Place for Hate," refuses to acknowledge a dark period from 1915 to
1923. That’s when the Turkish army implemented a policy of ethnic
cleansing and mercilessly murdered an estimated 1.5 million helpless
Armenian civilians. Turkey’s subsequent denial of having anything to
do with the Armenian genocide caused Hitler himself to believe he
could get away with the ruthless slaughter of Jews which we now know
as the Holocaust.

Leaders of Watertown’s Armenian community want to maintain the "No
Place for Hate" program but are lobblying to separate its connection
with the ADL.

Mark me down as one who believes that there is real danger in looking
the other way when any nation attempts to cover up shameful episodes
of its past. Japan attempted to do that by changing school textbooks
and omitting its unspeakable attrocities in China and Korea.

Modern China, too, gets more than a bit touchy when the subject of
Tibet comes up.

Turkey’s refusal to accept any responsibility for its past history
against the Armenian people, however, gets a bit more problematic
because of its political and strategic importance. Even the United
States drags its feet when it comes to Turkey. It’s more in our
interest to be concerned about the present and the future than to
dwell on the past.

Still, there are some of us who get very angry with anyone who denies
the Holocaust. That’s why the ADL’s position, or rather lack of
position, about the Armenian genocide just doesn’t make sense.

Founded in 1913 to fight anti-Semitism, the ADL has taken risky
positions which have done us all proud. The ADL condemned the
senseless killings in Darfur and the genocide in the Balkans. That’s
part of the problem. There’s nothing ‘selective’ about genocide. It’s
wrong to condemn one genocide and turn a blind eye to another.

Following World War II, a huge wave of anger was directed against
Pope Pius XII for his ‘silence’ during the Holocaust. Some still seem
to think the Swiss Guard could have been a real match against the SS.
Dan Kurzman’s new book "A Special Mission," however, reveals evidence
concerning a secret Nazi plot in which Hitler planned to kidnap and
then kill Pope Pius XII precisely because he was aiding and abetting
Jews whenever and wherever he could. Notwithstanding Kurzman’s
evidence, there has been no apology for the defamation.

The real problem comes right down to money. To acknowledge its past
would mean that Turkey would have to pay compensation to Armenians
who suffered under the genocide in the same way the German government
was required to compensate the victims of its Nazi past.

The sad fact remains that no amount of compensation could ever be
enough for what Jews and Armenians have suffered at the hands of
morally sick tyrants.

Sadder yet is the growing conflict between two groups that have both
experienced the terrible result of senseless hatred and intolerance.
In the end, the ADL’s refusal to support the truth about the Armenian
genocide places a serious dent in its own integrity. That’s why it
makes sense for the ADL to re-think its position. It’s too important
an organization to risk losing its moral authority.

The faster wise minds come to that conclusion, the better it will be
for us all.

Frank Mazzaglia can be reached at [email protected]

m/opinion/x510835716

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES

Azat Artsakh Tert
Aug 2 2007
Nagorno Karabakh Republic

"Dear Mr Sahakian, I congratulate you warmly on your election as the
President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Having unreserved confidence
of Artsakh people, I’m sure, that You’ll continue to make efforts
directed to providing people with prosperity and to strengthening
and developing the statehood of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. The NKR
presidential elections carried out accordingly to the democratic
standarts, re-establish the irreversibility of the process of the
statehood of NKR. I wish you success at Your high and responsible
post for the welfare of people and State of Artsakh". (Serge Sargsian,
RA Prime Minister). "We send our patriarchal sanctification from the
Cathedral church St Edjmiatsin and congratulate you on the election
President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. We serve satisfaction to God,
that our Artsakh people builds its free life in peace for enriching
the native land with belief of leaving safe and happy. In the just
work of realizing the wishes and hopes of all Artsakh people, you’ve
brought your efforts and devotion by participating in the Artsakh
liberation and Statehood. I wish you, Dear President, long lasting
days of healthy life, courage and energy at your post, success
in your programs and undertakings". (The supreme patriarch of all
Armenians Garegin B). "Dear Mr Sahakian, I heartly congratulate you
on the election President of Nagorno-Karbakh Republic. The success
of the elections, which met high internatioanl standarts, is an
excellent foundation for further consolidation of NKR, international
recognition and prosperity of the heroic Artsakh people. I’m sure,
that your experience and devotion will serve as guarantees for further
success. I assure, you of all asistance of the Armenian National
Assembly and wish you every success at the post or the welfare our
people and prosperity of NKR".(The Speaker of RA NA Tigran Torossian)

NYT COLUMNIST PUSHES FOR ACTION ON DARFUR: TIME TO STOP THE SHOOTING
By Paul Haist

Jewish Review, OR
Aug 2 2007

CAHANA (LEFT) AND KRISTOF

At least 1,000 people filled the sweltering sanctuary at Temple Beth
Israel July 22 to hear Oregon’s own two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning
New York Times columnist make yet another pitch for action on the
continuing genocide in Darfur.

Nicholas D. Kristof grew up on a cherry farm in Yamhill where he
graduated from high school before going on to graduate as a Phi Beta
Kappa from Harvard University, after which he earned a law degree at
Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

Regarding America’s reaction to the Darfur genocide Kristof said,
"There is a history of Washington ignoring genocides." He pointed to
Armenia, the Holocaust, Bosnia and now Darfur.

"Bush did aspire to do better than Clinton had (on Darfur)," he said,
"but that has not been the case."

Kristof recounted many of his own often harrowing and deeply moving
experiences on eight visits to Darfur. He accompanied these remarks
with a slide presentation of graphically explicit victim images
from Darfur.

"You see incredible brutality there," he said, "but also incredible
courage."

Kristof took time to clarify that the conflict there, unlike in
many other venues in the world today, is not between Muslims and
non-Muslims.

"Darfur is all Muslim; there is no tension there," he said. The
violence, he explained, is "between Arab and non-Arab," between the
Janjaweed militia and African tribesman, with the former receiving
support from the Sudanese government.

Kristof largely dismissed the belief fashionable in some quarters
that the violence in Darfur is the first conflict to arise from
global warming.

He noted that Arab tribes of the region tend to be nomadic herders,
while the African tribes tend to be farmers and that some disputes
arise between the two groups because of this difference.

But as for the conflicts arising from that difference owing to
declining rainfall totals, which negatively affect both groups,
Kristof looked to Darfur’s neighbors where similar climatic and
cultural conditions exist.

"It hasn’t happened in neighboring states," he said, referring to
the violence.

Kristof believes it has more to do with the government of Sudanese
President Omar Hasan al-Bashir.

"Sudan brought in the Janjaweed to put down a rebellion," he said,
explaining that Bashir’s Khartoum government opted for the private
militias instead of its army because the army includes non-Arab
Africans whose loyalty to their own could be problematic in quelling
a rebellion.

Kristof harbored no doubt of the government’s complicity in the
violence by the Janjaweed. He reported having witnessed highway
checkpoints manned by government troops allowing Janjaweed militias
to pass unquestioned, while he and his Sudanese interpreter were
arrested and interrogated.

Kristof elaborated on the use of rape as a weapon in Darfur.

"Rape was a central part of this," he said. "This is very much a
policy of rape, often by security forces in uniform."

One of the reasons for the use of rape, Kristof explained, is that
that it engenders less public condemnation.

"Because of the stigma, women don’t talk about it," he said." It
doesn’t bring the opprobrium that a pile of bodies does."

The fact that the government often arrests women who do come forward
with charges of rape, he added, further discourages others from doing
the same, which helps to maintain a low public profile for the atrocity
while its effectiveness as a tool of coercion is undiminished.

A policy of rape, he added further, helps to undermine the authority
of local sheiks or chieftains, who are seen as unable to protect
their women.

While Kristof believes "we’ve done a pretty good job of providing aid"
to Darfur’s victims, he also believes that it’s past time for more.

"After four years of this, it seems so incredibly inadequate,"
he said. "It seems at this point the need is to stand up and stop
the shooting."

One of Kristof’s top concerns is stopping the spread of the violence.

"Eastern Chad is now in complete disarray," he said. "The Janjaweed
are doing this; (they’re) being directed by Sudanese security." He
added the Central African Republic was similarly threatened now.

"If we allow it to go on, Chad and CAR will fall apart and the
north-south war (in Sudan) will reignite," said Kristof.

He suggested that America call on other nations to join the effort
to resolve the crisis.

"We have to work more closely with other countries in the area,"
he said. "We don’t have much credibility in the area after Iraq."

He looked to China to bring its "great deal of influence" to bear.

"Those who have been shot there (Darfur) were shot with Chinese
AK-47s," he said. China is a major source of income and aid for Sudan,
which sells much of its oil to China.

Kristof encouraged using the forthcoming Beijing Olympics for leverage
with China, while he urged caution not to alienate China.

"Call on China to suspend all military transfers to Sudan until the
violence ends," he said. "Use the Olympics, but keep them on our side."

Kristof believes that sending U.S. troops to Darfur may not be a good
idea, although he did call for a no-fly zone to be enforced over
Darfur and suggested that U.S. planes might take part in that. He
suggested what he believed would be a less costly alternatives for
enforcing a no-fly zone than was used in Iraq, one in which it would
not be necessary to keep planes aloft around the clock.

Individuals can take action on their own to help end the violence in
Darfur, said Kristof. He called on all present to make their opinion
known in Washington and elsewhere.

"Stay involved," he said. "Sign up. It won’t be solved this week
or this month. The real pressure point in this country is the White
House."

Allowing that "President Bush is embarrassable," Kristof said,
"When there is enough outrage out there, the White House will respond."

Kristof’s appearance was cosponsored by Amnesty International USA Group
48 (Oregon), the Oregon Chapter of the American Jewish Committee,
Congregation Beth Israel, the Portland Coalition for Genocide
Awareness, the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation
of Greater Portland, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and
the World Affairs Council of Oregon.