Author: Badalian Vardan

I AM ARMENIAN: ‘AGHET – EIN VOLKERMORD’

US Official News
April 12, 2015 Sunday

The University of California has issued the following news release:

I Am Armenian: ‘Aghet – Ein Volkermord’

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, UCLA Hammer Museum –
Billy Wilder Theater

Hammer Screenings

See below for additional information.

Admission

Free and open to the public.

Contact

Hammer Museum (310) 443-7000 [email protected] Website

Additional Information

Although there is an international consensus that up to 1.5 million
Armenians died in the Ottoman Turkish Empire between 1915 and
1918, the Armenian genocide is still not recognized by Turkey as a
historical fact. ‘Aghet – Ein Volkermord,’ acclaimed German director
Eric Friedler’s award-winning documentary, deals with the political
motives for this continuing silence. A Q&A with Eric Friedler follows
the screening. (2010, Dir. E. Friedler, 90 min).

I Am Armenian: A Year of Armenian Culture and History on Film In
commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
we dedicate 2015 to an exploration of multiple facets of Armenian
culture, history, and landscape through film.

ARTSAKH VET GROUP CALLS ON COMRADES TO SUPPORT SEFILYAN AND OTHERS ARRESTED ON APRIL 7

13:23, April 15, 2015

Thirty Artsakh War vets have called on other freedom fighters to
participate in a public rally scheduled for April 17 at Yerevan’s
Liberty Square in support Jirayr Sefilyan and four other members of
the Founding Parliament who were arrested on April 7.

In a public statement the thirty signatories, operating under the name
“Shoushi Special Unit Freedom Fighters Union”, call on their comrades
“for whom the future of the homeland and nation is dear, who are not
indifferent to the plight of our peacetime heroes, for whom the honor
and repute of Armenian fedayees is dear” to participate in the rally.

The five arrested on April 7 are Jirayr Sefilyan (Commander of the
Shoushi Special Unit), freedom fighter Pavlik Manukyan, Garegin
Choukaszyan (Founding Parliament president), Varuzhan Avetisyan
(Founding Parliament VP), and Gevorg Safaryan (Founding Parliament
board member).

MAY DAY: COMMUNISTS TO HOLD MARCH AND SDHK TO HOLD RALLY IN YEREVAN

13:34 | April 15,2015 | Politics

The Yerevan Municipality has accepted a notification by Tachat
Sargsyan, First Secretary of the communist Party of Armenia (HKK),
on holding a march in downtown Yerevan at 12.00, May 1.

The march will start from the statue to prominent painter Martiros
Saryan.

The Municipality has also authorized a rally to be held by the Social
Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHK) at Charles Aznavour Square in Yerevan
at 6pm on May 1.

TURKEY PROTESTS TO POPE FRANCIS AFTER HE BRANDS ARMENIAN KILLINGS ‘GENOCIDE’

The Telegraph, UK
April 12 2015

Pontiff’s run-in with Ankara comes two weeks ahead of 100th anniversary
of start of Armenian killings

By Alice Philipson Rome

Pope Francis has sparked a diplomatic row with Turkey ahead of the
100th anniversary commemorations of the mass killings of Armenians
under Ottoman rule, after describing the events as “genocide”.

The Pontiff’s comments, made in an address to Armenian politicians
and Orthodox church leaders in Rome on Sunday, led to the Turkish
foreign ministry summoning the Vatican’s envoy to Ankara for an
official dressing down.

There had been intense speculation over whether the Pope would use the
controversial term during yesterday’s service, which came two weeks
ahead of what Armenia regards as the anniversary of the killings on
April 24. Doing so risks alienating a potential ally in the Catholic
church’s efforts to stop radical Islamists persecuting Christians in
the Middle East.

However, the Pope made his intentions clear just minutes into the
service on Sunday, labelling the slaughter “the first genocide of
the 20th century”.

His comments will be seen as a clear decision to ignore previous
diplomatic protests from Ankara after he spoke about Armenian genocide
in an unofficial capacity two years ago. On that occasion, a Vatican
spokesman was forced to deny that the pronouncement signified his
official stance.

Armenia and many historians believe that up to 1.5 million people
were systematically killed by Ottoman forces in 1915. The deaths are
regarded by Turks as casualties from a civil war .

At Sunday’s Armenian Catholic rite honouring the centenary – also
attended by Serzh Sargsyan, the Armenian President, Pope Francis said
that humanity had lived through “three massive and unprecedented
tragedies” in the last century, the other two being Nazism and
Stalinism.

“The first, which is widely considered ‘the first genocide of the
20th Century’, struck your own Armenian people,” he said: “Concealing
or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without
bandaging it.”

He told the audience that it was his duty to honour the innocent men,
women, children, priests and bishops who were “senselessly” murdered
by Ottoman Turks.

More than 20 countries around the world, including Italy, France,
Russia, Germany, Argentina and Cyprus formally recognise the
massacre as genocide. Britain says the evidence is not “sufficiently
unequivocal” to do so.

Turkey’s foreign ministry reportedly told the Vatican’s envoy that
it was “disappointed” by the Pope’s comments, and that they caused a
“problem of trust” between Turkey and the Vatican.

Andrea Gagliarducci, a Vatican expert, told The Telegraph that Pope
Francis had always been close to the Armenian community and that it
was not unusual for the Pontiff to risk “diplomatic implications”
for issues he cares deeply about.

Pope Francis has already linked the deportation of Armenians from
Turkey to the plight of Christian refugees in the Middle East today,
many of whom have been forced to leave their homes by Isil militants
and other militant forces.

“I think with sadness about those regions such as Aleppo [Syria],
which a hundred years ago were a safe harbour for the few survivors,”
Pope Francis said last week during a meeting with 20 bishops of the
Patriarchal Synod of the Armenian Catholic Church. “Recently these
regions have seen the endurance of Christians, and not only Armenians,
put at risk.”

TURKEY WILL DISREGARD EUROPEAN VOTE ON ARMENIAN KILLINGS

Humeyra Pamuk

PUBLISHED15/04/2015 | 11:30

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has condemned a planned European
Parliament’s vote on the 1915 mass killings of Armenians, which the
pope this week described as “genocide”.

The European Parliament is due to debate a resolution to mark the
100th anniversary of the killing of as many as 1.5 million Armenians
under Turkish Ottoman rule.

“Whatever decision the European Parliament takes on Armenian genocide
claims, it would go in one ear and out the other,” Erdogan told a
news conference at Ankara airport before departing on an official
visit to Kazakhstan.

“It is out of the question for there to a stain, a shadow called
‘genocide’ on Turkey,” he said.

Read More: Anger as Pope calls Armenian massacre ‘first genocide of
20th century’

Armenia, some Western historians and foreign parliaments refer to
the mass killings as genocide.

Muslim Turkey agrees Christian Armenians were killed in clashes
with Ottoman soldiers that began on April 15, 1915, when Armenians
lived in the empire ruled by Istanbul, but denies that this amounted
to genocide.

Around 100,000 Armenians still reside in Turkey including those who are
Turkish citizens and those who are not and they are never mistreated,
Erdogan said.

“Both citizens and non-citizen Armenians are enjoying the opportunities
of our country. We could have deported them, but we didn’t,”
Erdogan said.

Read More: Kim to mark massacre of Armenians

On Tuesday, Erdogan warned Pope Francis his comment that the 1915
mass killing of Armenians was genocide, saying he should “not make
such a statement again”.

Pope Francis became the first head of the Roman Catholic church to
publicly call the killing of Armenians “genocide” on Sunday, prompting
Turkey to summon the Vatican’s ambassador to the Holy See and recall
its own.

“We will not allow historical incidents to be taken out of their
genuine context and be used as a tool to campaign against our country,”
Erdogan said.

“I condemn the pope and would like to warn him not to make similar
mistakes again.”

His comments are likely to put a focus on whether the United States,
a traditional ally of NATO-member Turkey, will eventually use the term
“genocide” for the mass killings.

Unlike almost two dozen European and South American states that use
the term, Washington avoids it and has warned legislators that Ankara
could cut off military cooperation if they voted to adopt it.

Massachusetts Committee to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide
Web:
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ara Nazarian

Student Essay Contest launched to honor Centennial of the Armenian Genocide

Boston, MA – For Immediate Release – In honor of the April 2015
Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, a new essay contest is being
launched for students across New England. The contest entitled “The
Ultimate Triumph of Humanity: Survival and Reemergence in the Face of
Genocide,” calls for students to write a 1000-word essay considering
the legal, political, historical, cultural, economic, and/or personal
aspects of any act of genocide (Armenian, Cambodian, Jewish,
Rwandan). They may provide their point of view on the failure of the
perpetrators, the need for justice, the need to address unhealed
wounds of the victims, the dangers of denial and the implementation of
Raphael Lemkin’s UN framework to prevent similar future atrocities.

Students in grades 6-12 enrolled in any school in New England may
submit one essay in English reflecting the contestant’s own writing
and original thought. Submitted essays must be 1,000 words or fewer,
formatted blindly (no author info) consisting of title and essay text
only. The file name must follow this format
(FirstName_LastName.pdf). Additionally, each contestant must submit an
application form along with his/her essay submission. All submissions
must be in PDF format. Incomplete application forms or longer
submissions will not be entered into the essay contest.

Submissions must be sent to [email protected] by Friday, May
29, 2015. Three winning essays will be announced later in the
year. Prizes to be awarded are: $1,250 for first, $750 for second and
$250 for third.

As with other ethnic groups subjected to the most evil side of
humanity, Armenians have suffered greatly but have refused to be
defined as victims of genocide. In spite of their tragic history,
Armenians have thrived in and contributed to the diverse societies
they inhabit around the world. In fact, approximately twice as many
ethnic Armenians live beyond the borders of the modern Republic of
Armenia as reside within them, largely due to the vast number of
Diaspora communities that formed in the wake of the genocide.

###

The Massachusetts Committee to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide is an
umbrella organization representing all the Armenian advocacy,
athletic, cultural, educational, political, religious, and service
organizations in Massachusetts and the surrounding communities. The
committee aims to educate the public and increase awareness of the
crime and denial of genocide and the lasting effects thereto, with
specific emphasis on the Armenian Genocide of 1915. It also aims to
promote understanding of the Armenian Genocide through mass
communications and public forums; preserve the memory of the Armenian
Genocide and its over one and a half million victims; and finally to
commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in
Massachusetts. The Committee will coordinate programming nationally
with Washington DC and internationally with the Republic of Armenia.

________________________________
This message is intended for the use of the person(s) to whom it may
be addressed. It may contain information that is privileged,
confidential, or otherwise protected from disclosure under applicable
law. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination,
distribution, copying, or use of this information is prohibited. If
you have received this message in error, please permanently delete it
and immediately notify the sender. Thank you.

ARMENIA CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF ECONOMIC TIES WITH IRAN

FARS News Agency. Iran
April 12, 2015 Sunday

TEHRAN (FNA)- Armenia’s new Ambassador to Tehran Artashes Tumanyan in
a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif voiced
his country’s willingness to broaden economic ties with Iran.

“During my mission in Iran I will pursue the further expansion of
bilateral economic ties,” Tumanyan said during the meeting.

The Iranian foreign minister, for his part, pointed to Iran-Armenia
close relations and the two countries’ abundant cultural and historical
commonalities, and said, “It is necessary for Iran and Armenia to
broaden their relations in different areas.”

In late January, Zarif in a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister
Hovik Abrahamyan in Yerevan underlined that Tehran sees no boundary
for the expansion of relations with Armenia.

“Iran is ready to cooperate with Armenia in different areas, including
telecommunications, railway, energy, gas, electricity and cleaning
of Aras River,” Zarif said during the meeting in the Armenian capital.

The Iranian foreign minister underlined that Tehran sees no limitation
for broadening relations with Yerevan.

Zarif pointed to the visit of Abrahamyan to Tehran, and thanked the
Armenian prime minister for his efforts to develop mutual cooperation
with Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister voiced his pleasure in the membership
of Armenia in the Eurasia alliance, and expressed the hope that the
membership would help to the expansion of Yerevan’s bilateral ties
with Tehran.

The Armenian prime minister, for his part, pointed to the status quo
of Armenia-Iran relations, and said, “The two countries are having
high-level political relations, but we should also try to expand the
level of economic ties.”

Abrahamyan also vowed to do his best to remove the problems of the
Iranian prisoners in Armenian jails.

He referred to the role of Iranian businessmen in the expansion of
Iran-Armenia relations, and said, “We can have joint agricultural
products and export our goods to the Euro-Asia member-states.”

Iran and Armenia have taken major strides towards widening and
deepening of their relations in recent years, particularly in the
economic sector.

In October, Abrahamyan, heading a high-ranking delegation, visited
Iran to confer with senior officials of the country on ways to develop
all-out ties.

Abrahamyan held meetings with a number of high-ranking Iranian
officials, including Zarif, during which they exchanged views on the
growing trend of the development of bilateral relations in all areas,
specially in economic, trade, infrastructures and tourism fields,
and underscored the necessity for removing the existing obstacles.

They also called for continued reciprocal visits by Iranian and
Armenian officials to consult and exchange views on the bilateral
relations and other issues of mutual interest.

AZNAVOUR, CABALLE, SPIVAKOV TO FEATURE IN A VIDEO DEDICATED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL

16:27, 15 Apr 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

World-famous celebrities will feature in a video “Millions of Lives”
to be released on the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, April17. Three friends Karen Margaryan, Tigran
Petrosyan and Grisha Aghakhanyan together with KMsounds Production
have initiated the project to once again remind the world about the
verity of the Genocide.

The video has been shot in different countries of the world, including
the US, Russia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Germany, etc.

The lyrics are about the destiny of a little girl, who lost her family
and stayed alone in this world.

The video features outstanding Armenian and international artists,
who are friends of the Armenian nation and who share the sorrow of
the little girl and millions of families whose dreams vanished in
the desert sand.

Involved in the project are Charles Aznavour, Montserrat Caballe,
Armen Jigarkhanyan, Patrick Fiori, Vladimir Spivakov, Sebu Simonian,
Dmitry Kharatyan, Garik Martirosyan, Mariam Mehrabova, Erna Yuzbashyan
and others.

We can’t let the history be repeated. We don’t want any other nation to
experience the horror the Armenians went through. KMsounds Production
and each artist in the video address their message to the World:
“The violence of 1915 was Genocide. It must be recognized by the
whole world to prevent the repetition of the history.”

For details visit

BROOKDALE COMMEMORATES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 100TH ANNIVERSARY WITH EXHIBITS, BOOK RELEASE

NJ.com, NJ
April 14 2015

By Ashley Peskoe | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The Star-Ledger

MIDDLETOWN – Brookdale Community College commemorated the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian genocide Sunday with the opening of two
exhibits and a book release.

The Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education (CCHANGE)
at the school featured the interactive exhibit “A Journey to Life:
Armenia,” which included stories of local Armenian survivors and
their families, and a student art exhibit called “Illuminating Images:
A Hundred Year Remembrance.”

“Genocide is the most terrible crime a people can undergo, or another
people can commit,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.), who
attended the event. “It must never be forgotten-to forget it would be
to dull our consciences and diminish our own humanity. It must never
be denied, but fully acknowledged – otherwise any meaningful attempt
at reconciliation will be thwarted.

The book, “Hundred-Year Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide:
Celebrating the Lives of Armenian Genocide Survivors in Our Community,”
which details 54 survivors of the genocide who now live in Monmouth
County was also released.

Smith said he would also be chairing a congressional hearing on April
23, the day before Armenian Remembrance day.

“When political leaders fail to lead or denounce violence, the void is
not only demoralizing to the victims but silence actually enables the
wrongdoing,” Smith said in a statement. “Silence by elected officials
in particular conveys approval–or at least acquiescence–and can
contribute to a climate of fear and a sense of vulnerability. History
has taught us that silence is not an option. We must do more.”

PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 14, 2015

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
Contact: Taniel Koushakjian
Telephone: (202) 393-3434
Email: [email protected]
Web:

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY PRESENTS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE EXHIBIT AT HOLOCAUST
MUSEUM OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Turkish Consulate in Miami Attempts to Block Discussion of Armenian
Genocide

NAPLES, FL – On Sunday, April 12, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly)
Communications Director Taniel Koushakjian presented the `Iconic Images of
the Armenian Genocide’ exhibit at the Holocaust Museum and Education Center
of Southwest Florida to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
which began on April 24, 1915.

With a capacity filled hall, Koushakjian discussed the systemic nature of
the killings step by step, and presented the 20-panel exhibit highlighting
details through the photographic evidence taken by eyewitnesses at the
time, including American missionaries and German officers. The fourth in a
series of digital exhibits released free of charge, ‘Iconic Images of the
Armenian Genocide’ brings together as a single collection key images
recording the brutal mistreatment of the Armenian population of the Ottoman
Turkish Empire and the utter destruction of their historic communities.

In an outrageous move to impede a program on human rights education, the
Turkish Consulate in Miami sent a letter trying to block discussion of the
Armenian Genocide. `It is a disgrace that the Armenian diaspora chooses to
identify itself with hatred of Turks, anti-Turkism in other words, as well
as with outright dismissal of any chance of reconciliation and better
relations between Turkey and Armenia,’ wrote Ozgur Kivanc Altan, Consul
General of the Republic of Turkey in Miami in the letter addressed to the
Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida. `This is disturbing, yet not
surprising, as the [Armenian] diaspora sought in recent years to hijack the
Holocaust in an attempt to garner support for a distorted presentation of
the events of 1915,’ read the Turkish complaint.

`We deeply appreciate the Holocaust Museum’s leadership in continuing the
program as planned and are confident that Taniel’s presentation was well
received,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “Despite cynical
attempts to silence the truth, the truth will prevail,” added Ardouny.

In addition to Sunday’s program, Koushakjian also gave a presentation of
the Armenian Genocide on Saturday, April 11 for a group of a dozen
educators from surrounding Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Monroe counties as
part of a public teacher workshop on Holocaust and human rights education
at the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and
awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR: # 2015-023

Photo Caption 1: Armenian Assembly Communications Director Taniel
Koushakjian speaking to the audience about the Armenian Genocide.

Available online at: