Today, Serzh Sargsyan attended a gala event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of establishment of the 5th Volunteers Motorized Rifle Brigade, which has made a significant contribution to the victories in the Artsakh Liberation War. The President of the Republic of Armenia presented a group of freedom-fighters with high State awards for dedication to the cause of defending Homeland’s frontiers.
Author: Chmshkian Vicken
Teheran responded to Armenian MFA`s visit to Israel
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia November 13, 2017 Monday Teheran responded to Armenian MFA`s visit to Israel Yerevan November 13 Marianna Mkrtchyan. Official Teheran responded to the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister to Israel. So, spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Bahram Kasemi, commenting on the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian to Israel, said that not every visit speaks of rapprochement: "The relations between Iran and Armenia are at a good level, and Armenia is one of the neighboring countries, with we do not interfere in the internal affairs of countries, but knowing what the Zionist regime is, we want to say that this regime is trying to upset the stability in the region. We advise the Armenians to take a more careful look at their actions in the Caucasian region. In general, all the countries of the region should pay attention to this issue. "
Parents block the Yerevan-Echmiadzin highway
The parents of pupils of secondary school in Parakar community of Armavir region blocked the Yerevan-Echmiadzin highway. They demand the re-appointment of a dismissed headmaster as a result of the reunification of two schools in the community. The parents demand a meeting with the Governor of Armavir region.
Details are available here
Document on Artsakh Issue has been completely rewritten – Armen Ashotyan
Armen Ashotyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, informs about the results of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly’s activity in Kiev.
“I can state that the recommendations of our delegation have been included maximally in the reports discussed and approved by four committees, and those ideas which contradict our national interests have been denied or totally removed from the voting. We will fully consider these reports after the final approval.
I also want to tell you that we are preparing and circulating an urgent formula that deals with the problem of so-called killer robots. The resolution has received the Bureau’s approval today, and will be finalized tomorrow.
As for the final resolution of the EURONEST, it was also adopted in the Bureau today and should be voted tomorrow. It is noteworthy to emphasize that the part of the Artsakh issue has been completely rewritten in the context of the OSCE Minsk Group approaches and basic principles.
Our delegation works in all directions.”
A Weekend of Armenian Culture, Learning, and Community in New Jersey
The Armenian Weekly
Oct 31 2017
RIDGEFIELD, N.J. (A.W.)—The New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation—Youth Organization of the ARF (AYF-YOARF) hosted the first-ever Armenian Cultural and Educational (ACE) Weekend for the Mid-Atlantic Region from Oct. 20 to 22 in Ridgefield, N.J.
Juniors and Seniors from the New Jersey “Arsen,” Philadelphia “Sebouh,” D.C. “Ani,” New York “Hyortik,” and the newly established Manhattan “Moush” chapters were immersed in Armenian culture during the weekend (Photo: AYF-YOARF Eastern Region U.S.)
Juniors and Seniors from the New Jersey “Arsen,” Philadelphia “Sebouh,” D.C. “Ani,” New York “Hyortik,” and the newly established Manhattan “Moush” chapters were immersed in Armenian culture during the weekend.
Modeled after the now-nostalgic Junior Educational Weekend, ACE consisted of educationals and activities revolving around the many aspects of the ever-evolving, ever-interesting Armenian culture.
Friday Night Festivities
Members arrived at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield on Friday evening and were greeted by Senior members from the host chapter. “Watching the kids arrive Friday night was really exciting, especially knowing this was the first ever Mid-Atlantic ACE and knowing all the great stuff we had ready for them. We worked hard to plan for the weekend, and we were just as excited as the Juniors to get started,” New Jersey Junior Adviser ungerouhi Ani Sarajian said.
For the Friday night activity, the Juniors made Halloween-inspired crafts, including pipe cleaner spiders and pumpkins. They also made a large poster by tracing their hands and signing their names in both Armenian and English. The Juniors and Seniors took a break from their crafting to share stories and AYF memories over a pasta dinner. The first night ended with all attendees watching the festive film “Hocus Pocus” before bed.
A Day of Community, Art, Music, and Literature
Saturday morning, members woke to a bagel breakfast followed immediately by the first lecture, given by unger Kevork Ourfalian, originally from the Boston “Njdeh” Chapter. The Juniors learned about the Armenian community, including the church and AYF. They were split up into groups and were tasked with creating a community center that fit the needs of its members and stayed within the allotted budget. They created blueprints for their centers, which included amenities like a gymnasium, a playground, and classrooms. New Jersey’s own ungerouhi Niree Kaprielian lectured about poetry.
The Juniors then learned about famous Armenian poets and read some of their work in both English and Armenian. They were given the opportunity to write their own poems and to create an accompanying picture. Digin Nadine Ariyan, whose daughters are all active members of the “Arsen” chapter, lectured about art. The Juniors viewed famous artwork by Armenians. They learned about various techniques and mediums, as well. Inspired by the many famous painters, the Juniors created their own works of art using watercolor and colored pencil.
Unger Shant Massoyan, an “Arsen” alumni, exposed the Juniors to musical instruments used in Armenian folk music, including the zurna and the davul. He even played some instruments live for the Juniors and taught them the popular folk song Karoun Karoun.
Central Executive member ungerouhi Araxie Tossounian came all the way from Detroit to lecture about literature. Using their previous poetry lecture as groundwork, the Juniors took an in-depth look at the relationships between language, literature, and message. Using William Saroyan’s famous quote about Armenians, they discussed intention and forms of _expression_. They then created manuscripts of their own original short stories, all of which concluded with a clear purpose and message.
Finally, “Arsen” Junior Adviser Katia Ariyan lectured about dance. The Juniors watched performances by Armenian dance groups, including the Shushi Dance Ensemble, which ungerouhi Katia is an active member of. They learned two new dances and then had the opportunity to choreograph their own dance numbers.
“Arsen” Junior Vice President Talia Boyajian noted, “I thought the lectures were the perfect balance of informative and fun. Each activity got better and better as the day went on.”
Saturday Night Was More than All Right
After the lectures concluded, the Juniors had some free time, which they used to play games, finalize any of their work from the educationals, and continue watching the movie from the night before. The Seniors used that time to prepare for the dinner and showcase. “We couldn’t wait for the parents and community members to see just what their Juniors had made throughout the weekend. For quite a few of the Juniors present, this was their first AYF event, so I was excited for them to share their experiences with their families. In a moment like that, all you can hope is for the kids to ask their parents to continue sending them to these sorts of events,” said “Arsen” Senior President ungerouhi Arev Dinkjian.
And that was just the case. At 6:30, the doors opened for parents, alumni, current AYFers, and community members. Attendees shared dinner with the Juniors—chicken and pilaf catered by Krichian Catering. Set up around the room was a beautiful showcase of all the work the Juniors made, including the blueprints to their community centers, their watercolor paintings, and manuscripts of their short stories.
“I never thought I would want to stay away from home for this long, but now I want to go to AYF Junior Seminar and Camp Haiastan,” New York “Hyortik” new member Diana Kevorkian enthused.
During the dinner, on behalf of the Central Executive and the Junior Central Council, ungerouhi Araxie addressed those present, as did ungerouhi Katia and ungerouhi Ani on behalf of the host chapter. Afterward, new “Arsen” members Sirahn Toufayan and Taleen Postian were officially sworn in by “Arsen” Senior Vice President ungerouhi Vartenie Kachichian. Everyone—Juniors, Seniors, parents, and community members—in the room recited the oath alongside the two new members.
Ungerouhi Vartanie explained, “I feel like I’m taking a small part in history being able to swear in these new Juniors. Seeing their passion and excitement for events like ACE makes me so hopeful for the future of the AYF and reminds me of the reason I joined when I was 10.”
Reflecting on hearing some one hundred voices repeating the oath, Junior Central Council member ungerouhi Mari Tikoyan stated, “Swearing in the new members helped connect everyone in the room. We had current members, future members, and alumni all recite the oath in unison. You couldn’t help but feel so proud to be a member of such an incredible organization filled with people so dedicated to the Armenian Cause.”
Parting Thoughts on Parting
Sunday morning, Juniors and Seniors returned home. The event was an incredible success, and attendees had a weekend full of learning new things, creating beautiful art, and meeting new friends.
Sirahn, the newest member of the “Arsens,” explained, “It was awesome being with my friends from Camp Haiastan and meeting people from other chapters.”
“Arsen” Junior Recording Secretary Knar Alashaian noted, “I met so many more people than I would at any other event because we were surrounded with each other for the whole weekend and interacted more than just a friendly smile and ‘hi.’”
In the end, all of the Juniors and Seniors left the weekend a bit more cultured than when they had arrived—and even more excited for the AYF events to come.
Greg Asbed ’85 named MacArthur Fellow
The Brown Daily Herald: Brown University Tuesday Greg Asbed '85 named MacArthur Fellow by Dylan Clark The MacArthur Foundation Greg Asbed '85 plans to channel the funds from the grant into the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a farmworker-based human rights organization located in Immokalee, Florida, that he founded. Greg Asbed '85 was recently named one of this year's 24 MacArthur Fellows. The achievement, often referred to as the "genius grant," comes with an award of $625,000 spread over five years. The money is awarded based on three main criteria: "exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishments (and) potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work," according to the MacArthur Foundation website. The MacArthur Fellows Program has been active since 1981. Approximately 1,000 people have been recognized as MacArthur Fellows, 19 of whom have been affiliated with the University. Each fellow is nominated by individuals selected by the foundation. Approximately 2,000 nominees are further reviewed by a selection board before the final few are chosen and notified of their award. Asbed received the call notifying him of the award the day before Hurricane Irma hit Florida, and he "was busy screwing plywood over our windows when it came in, which made it all the more surreal," Asbed wrote in an email to The Herald. Though the money was granted directly to Asbed, he plans on funneling all of the funds into the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the organization he founded over two decades ago. The CIW is a "farmworker-based human rights organization" that, through advocacy, corporate campaigns, anti-slavery investigations and community organizing, addresses the human rights crises in the agricultural industry, Asbed wrote. His wife, Laura Germino '84, directs the organization's anti-slavery program. In 2011, the CIW - located in Immokalee, Florida - developed a corporate responsibility campaign called the Fair Food Program. The FFP has partnered with 14 multi-billion dollar companies - including McDonald's, Walmart and Whole Foods, among others - that require their produce suppliers to implement a human-rights-based code of conduct. In addition, these companies agree to pay an extra penny per pound of produce purchased from suppliers, which go directly into the farmers' paychecks, according to the CIW's website. The FFP has "put a stop to longstanding abuses like violence against women, wage theft and even forced labor in the Florida tomato industry," Asbed wrote. The program has been adopted by other groups along the U.S. east coast and is "expanding into strawberries and other crops, covering 35,000 (people) with its groundbreaking protections," he added. "Brown graduates make transformative contributions that build understanding, influence policy and advance important movements that are shaping the world," wrote Brian Clark, University spokesperson, in an email to The Herald. "The work by ... Greg Asbed and Laura Germino ... is among the most extraordinary examples of this - the MacArthur Fellowship is testament to the tremendous impact they have had advocating for the rights to fair working conditions for farm laborers." Asbed's work has been influenced in "a very round-about way" by his time at Brown, he wrote. Graduating with a degree in Neuroscience, Asbed planned on joining the field after college. His education instilled in him the "willingness to throw a beloved theory, or ideology or methodology away and to focus only on what actually works, (which) is a hallmark of the hard sciences, but not so much of the field of social change," Asbed said. His plans changed after he spent three years in Haiti working for the Papaye Peasant Movement, a grass-roots organization that aims to support workers and reduce their dependency on outside aid. Asbed cited the story of his grandmother, who survived the Armenian Genocide, as another reason for his passion toward human rights. "Through her struggle to survive that nightmare, she managed not only to pass her DNA down to me but also a deep and abiding appreciation for the importance of universal human rights," he wrote. Asbed was nominated as a MacArthur Fellow by Kerry Kennedy '81 P'17 P'20, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights - an organization that provides assistance to other human rights groups around the world. They worked together after the CIW won the RFK Human Rights Award in 2003. "We were so deeply impressed by the transformational work that ... they were doing to empower farmworkers," Kennedy said. RFK Human Rights went on to help the CIW secure partnerships for the FFP. "I've marched with them all over the country," Kennedy added. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
California Courier Online, Oct. 26, 2017
The California Courier Online, October 26, 2017
1 – Commentary
European
Court Finds Catholicosate’s Suit
Court Finds Catholicosate’s Suit
Inadmissible; and Could Not
be Appealed
be Appealed
By
Harut Sassounian
Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – Vartan
Gregorian Honored at IIE Gala
Gregorian Honored at IIE Gala
With
‘Mutual Understanding’ Award
‘Mutual Understanding’ Award
3 – National
Chamber Choir of Armenia
to
Chamber Choir of Armenia
to
Perform
at Fresno State on October 29
at Fresno State on October 29
4 – Commentary
Turkey Claims
‘No Need’ for US,
‘No Need’ for US,
EU
as Western Ties Deteriorate
as Western Ties Deteriorate
By
Ayla Jean Yackley
Ayla Jean Yackley
Al-Monitor
5 – California Governor Brown Signs New
Environment
Accord with Armenia
Accord with Armenia
6 – Sarkisian, Aliyev Agree to Intensify Peace
Talks
Talks
7 – Armenian Legal Center
(ALC) Launches
(ALC) Launches
Property
Documentation Database Project
Documentation Database Project
8 – 2
Armenians Featured in Variety’s
Armenians Featured in Variety’s
Hollywood New Leaders’ List
9 – Commentary
Possible Solution to Denial of the Armenian
Genocide
Genocide
When Turkey
Becomes Member of the European Union
Becomes Member of the European Union
By Dr. Simon John Simonian
10- Descendant
of Armenian Genocide
of Armenian Genocide
Survivor
Awarded ‘Genius Grant’
Awarded ‘Genius Grant’
11- Anthony
Bourdain Travels to Armenia
And
Bourdain Travels to Armenia
And
Artsakh
Filming for CNN’s ‘Parts Unknown’
Filming for CNN’s ‘Parts Unknown’
*******************************************
1 – Commentary
European Court Finds
Catholicosate’s Suit
Catholicosate’s Suit
Inadmissible; and Could Not
be Appealed
be Appealed
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
The Armenian Catholicosate
of Cilicia (headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon) filed a lawsuit on April 25, 2015,
against the government of Turkey
seeking the return of its historic seat in Sis (present-day Kozan district of
the Adana Province) which was confiscated in 1921.
of Cilicia (headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon) filed a lawsuit on April 25, 2015,
against the government of Turkey
seeking the return of its historic seat in Sis (present-day Kozan district of
the Adana Province) which was confiscated in 1921.
The first of its kind
lawsuit was filed in the Constitutional Court of the Turkish
Republic because the claim raised
issues of property rights that lower courts would not have jurisdiction to
overturn the maze of laws adopted by Turkey in 1915 and succeeding
years. At the recommendation of the Justice Ministry of Turkey, the Constitutional Court
referred the Armenian Church lawsuit to the lower courts. The lawyers for the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, however, decided to appeal the case directly to the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg,
France, on
December 8, 2016.
lawsuit was filed in the Constitutional Court of the Turkish
Republic because the claim raised
issues of property rights that lower courts would not have jurisdiction to
overturn the maze of laws adopted by Turkey in 1915 and succeeding
years. At the recommendation of the Justice Ministry of Turkey, the Constitutional Court
referred the Armenian Church lawsuit to the lower courts. The lawyers for the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, however, decided to appeal the case directly to the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg,
France, on
December 8, 2016.
The issue of sidestepping
submission of the Catholicosate’s lawsuit to a lower court in Turkey is
critical in view of the requirements of the European Court of Human Rights that
before any case is brought to the ECHR, all local legal remedies must first be
exhausted, starting with the lowest court and ending with the highest court of
the country being sued.
submission of the Catholicosate’s lawsuit to a lower court in Turkey is
critical in view of the requirements of the European Court of Human Rights that
before any case is brought to the ECHR, all local legal remedies must first be
exhausted, starting with the lowest court and ending with the highest court of
the country being sued.
On October 19, 2017,
addressing the conference of the Armenian Cause in the European Parliament in Brussels, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of
Cilicia criticized the single judge from ECHR who had rejected the Armenian
Church’s lawsuit finding it inadmissible. Until this announcement, there was no
news about the status of the lawsuit. I contacted the ECHR headquarters in Strasbourg inquiring about
the Armenian Church’s claim. I was informed that a single judge indeed has the
authority to reject any lawsuit, which in this case was not first submitted to
a lower court in Turkey
in order to exhaust all local remedies, and that the letter of rejection was
sent to the Catholicosate in March 2017. More ominously, I was told by ECHR
that the judge’s decision could not be appealed!
addressing the conference of the Armenian Cause in the European Parliament in Brussels, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of
Cilicia criticized the single judge from ECHR who had rejected the Armenian
Church’s lawsuit finding it inadmissible. Until this announcement, there was no
news about the status of the lawsuit. I contacted the ECHR headquarters in Strasbourg inquiring about
the Armenian Church’s claim. I was informed that a single judge indeed has the
authority to reject any lawsuit, which in this case was not first submitted to
a lower court in Turkey
in order to exhaust all local remedies, and that the letter of rejection was
sent to the Catholicosate in March 2017. More ominously, I was told by ECHR
that the judge’s decision could not be appealed!
I then contacted Payam
Akhavan, a member of the Catholicosate’s legal team and Professor of
International Law at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, inquiring why no
announcement was made earlier by the Catholicosate regarding the rejection of
the lawsuit six months ago. Prof. Akhavan explained that the ECHR judge had
sent the letter to the wrong address! The Catholicosate then wrote to that
judge “expressing serious concern on miscarriage of justice; that a single
judge could throw out what was clearly a well-argued case, and waited until
recently for a standard response that there is no appeal, and the decision is
final.”
Akhavan, a member of the Catholicosate’s legal team and Professor of
International Law at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, inquiring why no
announcement was made earlier by the Catholicosate regarding the rejection of
the lawsuit six months ago. Prof. Akhavan explained that the ECHR judge had
sent the letter to the wrong address! The Catholicosate then wrote to that
judge “expressing serious concern on miscarriage of justice; that a single
judge could throw out what was clearly a well-argued case, and waited until
recently for a standard response that there is no appeal, and the decision is
final.”
In his Brussels speech on
Oct. 19, 2017, Catholicos Aram the First harshly condemned the ECHR for
rejecting the Church’s lawsuit: “Why would the European Court of Human Rights
so easily reject our case knowing that no lawyer would dare to bring such a
case before the Turkish courts? How could a single judge throw out a 900-page
Application, historically and legally well substantiated by some of the best international
lawyers? Why was our legal team not given a chance for a hearing? Is everybody
now afraid to confront Turkey’s
appalling record of human rights violations? We are astonished and, in fact,
deeply disappointed at this miscarriage of justice, particularly at this
crucial juncture of modern history when Europe is expected, in faithfulness to
its values and principles, to consider justice above geopolitical interests…. Europe is essentially a community of values, not merely
political and economic interests. Therefore, I still hope that the European
Court of Human Rights will reconsider the admissibility of the case on the
basis of justice and human rights. In spite of the denial of justice, the
Armenian people will continue to struggle for justice.”
Oct. 19, 2017, Catholicos Aram the First harshly condemned the ECHR for
rejecting the Church’s lawsuit: “Why would the European Court of Human Rights
so easily reject our case knowing that no lawyer would dare to bring such a
case before the Turkish courts? How could a single judge throw out a 900-page
Application, historically and legally well substantiated by some of the best international
lawyers? Why was our legal team not given a chance for a hearing? Is everybody
now afraid to confront Turkey’s
appalling record of human rights violations? We are astonished and, in fact,
deeply disappointed at this miscarriage of justice, particularly at this
crucial juncture of modern history when Europe is expected, in faithfulness to
its values and principles, to consider justice above geopolitical interests…. Europe is essentially a community of values, not merely
political and economic interests. Therefore, I still hope that the European
Court of Human Rights will reconsider the admissibility of the case on the
basis of justice and human rights. In spite of the denial of justice, the
Armenian people will continue to struggle for justice.”
Prof. Akhavan called the
ECHR judge’s decision “scandalous.” He then added in his email to me: “By the
measure of several highly experienced ECHR lawyers, this decision is totally
unacceptable. It shouldn’t be forgotten that our counsel was Tim Eicke QC [Queen’s
Counsel], who is now the British judge on the ECHR. He of course is conflicted
from involvement in the case, but there is a sense among many that the Court is
too afraid of confronting post-coup Turkey with such controversial
cases.”
ECHR judge’s decision “scandalous.” He then added in his email to me: “By the
measure of several highly experienced ECHR lawyers, this decision is totally
unacceptable. It shouldn’t be forgotten that our counsel was Tim Eicke QC [Queen’s
Counsel], who is now the British judge on the ECHR. He of course is conflicted
from involvement in the case, but there is a sense among many that the Court is
too afraid of confronting post-coup Turkey with such controversial
cases.”
Prof. Akhavan also stated
that the next steps for this lawsuit “are either to re-submit the case with
some new facts such as the impossibility of going back to the Turkish courts
under current circumstances, or to go back to the Turkish courts, waste a lot
of resources, and come back to the ECHR once again. It is a ludicrous decision
because everybody knows that is exactly what will happen. It is a hot potato
the ECHR doesn’t want to handle….”
that the next steps for this lawsuit “are either to re-submit the case with
some new facts such as the impossibility of going back to the Turkish courts
under current circumstances, or to go back to the Turkish courts, waste a lot
of resources, and come back to the ECHR once again. It is a ludicrous decision
because everybody knows that is exactly what will happen. It is a hot potato
the ECHR doesn’t want to handle….”
In conclusion, I would
suggest that the Catholicosate of Cilicia make public the complete files of its
lawsuit, including the 600-page submission to the Turkish Constitutional Court and its
response, and the 900-page filing to the European Court of Human Rights and its
response. After all, this is not a private lawsuit, but one dealing with the
Armenian nation’s property demands from Turkey!
suggest that the Catholicosate of Cilicia make public the complete files of its
lawsuit, including the 600-page submission to the Turkish Constitutional Court and its
response, and the 900-page filing to the European Court of Human Rights and its
response. After all, this is not a private lawsuit, but one dealing with the
Armenian nation’s property demands from Turkey!
*******************************************************************************************************
2 – Vartan
Gregorian Honored at IIE Gala
Gregorian Honored at IIE Gala
With
‘Mutual Understanding’ Award
‘Mutual Understanding’ Award
NEW YORK –
More than 300 business, education, government, foundation, and policy leaders
gathered at The Pierre in New York City on Oct.
16 to pay tribute to Carnegie Corporation of New York president Vartan Gregorian, who was
presented with the Stephen D. Duggan Award for Mutual Understanding by
the Institute of International Education (IIE).
More than 300 business, education, government, foundation, and policy leaders
gathered at The Pierre in New York City on Oct.
16 to pay tribute to Carnegie Corporation of New York president Vartan Gregorian, who was
presented with the Stephen D. Duggan Award for Mutual Understanding by
the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Allan E.
Goodman, IIE president and CEO, saluted Dr. Gregorian as a “trusted advisor,
keen advocate, and good friend to IIE for many years,” renowned internationally
for his global leadership on many issues, including the protection of academic
freedom.
Goodman, IIE president and CEO, saluted Dr. Gregorian as a “trusted advisor,
keen advocate, and good friend to IIE for many years,” renowned internationally
for his global leadership on many issues, including the protection of academic
freedom.
The
partnership between the IIE — a world leader in international education — and
Carnegie Corporation of New York
dates back to 1919.
partnership between the IIE — a world leader in international education — and
Carnegie Corporation of New York
dates back to 1919.
In the
years leading up to WWII, the foundation was a lead donor to IIE’s efforts to
bring 335 at-risk scholars facing Nazi persecution to the U.S. under the auspices of the
Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Persons. The relationship between
Carnegie and IIE has remained strong to the present day.
years leading up to WWII, the foundation was a lead donor to IIE’s efforts to
bring 335 at-risk scholars facing Nazi persecution to the U.S. under the auspices of the
Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Persons. The relationship between
Carnegie and IIE has remained strong to the present day.
The IIE
Gala honored Vartan Gregorian for his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and
education, and Scott Powell, CEO of Santander US, for providing educational
opportunities to students with financial need.
Gala honored Vartan Gregorian for his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and
education, and Scott Powell, CEO of Santander US, for providing educational
opportunities to students with financial need.
**********************************************************************************************
3 – National
Chamber Choir of Armenia
to
Chamber Choir of Armenia
to
Perform
at Fresno State on October 29
at Fresno State on October 29
FRESNO -The
heralded National Chamber Choir of Armenia will perform at 6 p.m., on October 29, in the Concert Hall, East Music Building, on the Fresno State
campus.
heralded National Chamber Choir of Armenia will perform at 6 p.m., on October 29, in the Concert Hall, East Music Building, on the Fresno State
campus.
This concert is co-sponsored by the Armenian
Studies Program and the Hamazkayin Taniel Varoujan Chapter of Fresno.
Studies Program and the Hamazkayin Taniel Varoujan Chapter of Fresno.
Acclaimed composer and song-writer Robert
Amirkhanian, President of Armenia’s Composers’ and Musicians’ Union,
will accompany the National Chamber Choir.
Amirkhanian, President of Armenia’s Composers’ and Musicians’ Union,
will accompany the National Chamber Choir.
The Armenian Chamber Choir (ACC) was established
with the generous sponsorship of “Vatche and Tamar Manoukian” Benevolent
Association in October 2000. Robert Mlkeyan, a “Movses Khorenatsi” medal
recipient and an Honored Art Worker of Armenia since 2008, was invited to
occupy the post of the Artistic Director and the Principal Conductor of the
Choir. Under Mlkeyan’s leadership, the ACC was recognized as the best chamber
choir of Armenia
in a short span of time. In 2008, the ACC acquired the status of a state
(public) choir and was renamed the National Chamber Choir of Armenia (NCCA).
with the generous sponsorship of “Vatche and Tamar Manoukian” Benevolent
Association in October 2000. Robert Mlkeyan, a “Movses Khorenatsi” medal
recipient and an Honored Art Worker of Armenia since 2008, was invited to
occupy the post of the Artistic Director and the Principal Conductor of the
Choir. Under Mlkeyan’s leadership, the ACC was recognized as the best chamber
choir of Armenia
in a short span of time. In 2008, the ACC acquired the status of a state
(public) choir and was renamed the National Chamber Choir of Armenia (NCCA).
NCCA is a professional choir consisting of 35
musicians. Their repertoire includes the works of Gabrielli, Bach, Brahms,
Vasks, Schnittke and other great composers. SCCA brilliantly performs works of
Komitas, as well as works of contemporary Armenian composers. Over the years
the choir has presented audiences with world-premieres featuring the works of
Tigran Mansourian, David Halajian, Edward Hayrapetian, and many others.
musicians. Their repertoire includes the works of Gabrielli, Bach, Brahms,
Vasks, Schnittke and other great composers. SCCA brilliantly performs works of
Komitas, as well as works of contemporary Armenian composers. Over the years
the choir has presented audiences with world-premieres featuring the works of
Tigran Mansourian, David Halajian, Edward Hayrapetian, and many others.
Tickets for the concert are $20 per person and
are available by calling Serpouhie at 559-298-0445. Tickets will also be
available at the Concert Hall box-office before the Concert begins.
are available by calling Serpouhie at 559-298-0445. Tickets will also be
available at the Concert Hall box-office before the Concert begins.
Admission is free for students with ID. Free
parking in Lot1 P1, at the northeast corner of Shaw and Maple Ave., Fresno
State..
parking in Lot1 P1, at the northeast corner of Shaw and Maple Ave., Fresno
State..
For more information about the concert, please
contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669, or visit our website at
www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies or follow us on Facebook
@ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or on Twitter @armstudiesfs.
contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669, or visit our website at
www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies or follow us on Facebook
@ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or on Twitter @armstudiesfs.
*****************************************************************************************************
4 – Commentary
Turkey Claims
‘No Need’ for US,
‘No Need’ for US,
EU
as Western Ties Deteriorate
as Western Ties Deteriorate
By
Ayla Jean Yackley
Ayla Jean Yackley
Al-Monitor
Even as tensions with the United States continue to churn, Turkey has turned its ire on European partners,
with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Brussels
of double-dealing and daring it to unilaterally end Turkey’s decades-long membership
bid ahead of a summit this week.
with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Brussels
of double-dealing and daring it to unilaterally end Turkey’s decades-long membership
bid ahead of a summit this week.
Relations with the United
States hit a nadir after Washington
suspended non-immigration visas in Turkey on Oct. 8 following the
arrest of a second consular employee. Turkey
responded in kind, and Erdogan spent much of last week blasting Washington. “We are not
beholden to you,” he thundered.
States hit a nadir after Washington
suspended non-immigration visas in Turkey on Oct. 8 following the
arrest of a second consular employee. Turkey
responded in kind, and Erdogan spent much of last week blasting Washington. “We are not
beholden to you,” he thundered.
Then Erdogan lashed out at the European
Union, which Turkey
has long hoped to join, angry that he is hit with “a new assault every day.”
Erdogan accused both the EU and the US
of speculative attacks on Turkey’s
economy and using Kurdish militants to undermine the country in an address of
provincial leaders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Oct.
13.
Union, which Turkey
has long hoped to join, angry that he is hit with “a new assault every day.”
Erdogan accused both the EU and the US
of speculative attacks on Turkey’s
economy and using Kurdish militants to undermine the country in an address of
provincial leaders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Oct.
13.
“Those who are unable to bring Turkey to its knees politically,
socially and diplomatically appear before us with a new game,” he said. “Europe continues to stall, but we remain patient. You
will be the ones to leave the table, not us. If you are honest, make
your statement and let’s finish this. We have no need for you,” he said,
going on to add that the need must be mutual.
socially and diplomatically appear before us with a new game,” he said. “Europe continues to stall, but we remain patient. You
will be the ones to leave the table, not us. If you are honest, make
your statement and let’s finish this. We have no need for you,” he said,
going on to add that the need must be mutual.
But Western capitals have questioned Turkey’s
loyalty as its foreign policy, especially on Syria, appears to align more
closely with Moscow and Tehran’s, as well as its commitment to human rights
amid a clampdown on civil society in the wake of a failed coup last year. For
its part, Turkey is fuming over
US support for Kurdish rebels in Syria,
widely seen as linked to militants who have waged war against Turkey.
loyalty as its foreign policy, especially on Syria, appears to align more
closely with Moscow and Tehran’s, as well as its commitment to human rights
amid a clampdown on civil society in the wake of a failed coup last year. For
its part, Turkey is fuming over
US support for Kurdish rebels in Syria,
widely seen as linked to militants who have waged war against Turkey.
“From a cultural and political standpoint,
Erdogan thinks the EU and the US
are detrimental to his long-term ambitions,” Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at
the Atlantic Council, told Al-Monitor. “He’s also in a rhetorical cul-de-sac
[in which] it is easier to deflect attention from his own faults if it
appears the international community is against him.”
Erdogan thinks the EU and the US
are detrimental to his long-term ambitions,” Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at
the Atlantic Council, told Al-Monitor. “He’s also in a rhetorical cul-de-sac
[in which] it is easier to deflect attention from his own faults if it
appears the international community is against him.”
Erdogan’s taunting comes ahead of this week’s EU
summit, at which European leaders are expected to discuss the strained
relationship. Germany, the EU’s biggest member with the most clout, is outraged
over the detentions of at least 11 of its citizens for “political reasons,”
including two journalists and a human rights activist, in Turkey’s post-coup
crackdown, and Chancellor Angela Merkel said last month membership talks with
Turkey should end.
summit, at which European leaders are expected to discuss the strained
relationship. Germany, the EU’s biggest member with the most clout, is outraged
over the detentions of at least 11 of its citizens for “political reasons,”
including two journalists and a human rights activist, in Turkey’s post-coup
crackdown, and Chancellor Angela Merkel said last month membership talks with
Turkey should end.
“Turkey’s
foreign policy is viewed as a resource to address the needs of domestic
policy,” Ilter Turan, professor emeritus of international relations at Bilgi University
in Istanbul,
told Al-Monitor. Pointing out grievances abroad, he said, “puts the strife he
is leading inside on the back burner. It can be assessed as an uncomplicated
political tactic.”
foreign policy is viewed as a resource to address the needs of domestic
policy,” Ilter Turan, professor emeritus of international relations at Bilgi University
in Istanbul,
told Al-Monitor. Pointing out grievances abroad, he said, “puts the strife he
is leading inside on the back burner. It can be assessed as an uncomplicated
political tactic.”
In a sign of conciliation, a US State Department
delegation is due to hold talks in Ankara
Oct. 17.
delegation is due to hold talks in Ankara
Oct. 17.
Erdogan also said that Europe and the United States were seeking to divert Turkey’s focus and energy away from regional
matters, perhaps a reference to his military’s latest incursion into northern Syria, agreed upon with Iran and Russia, Turkish adversaries for
centuries.
matters, perhaps a reference to his military’s latest incursion into northern Syria, agreed upon with Iran and Russia, Turkish adversaries for
centuries.
Despite a half-dozen high-profile meetings,
Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin remain at odds over
agricultural exports and a missile defense system Ankara
wants from Moscow.
Confusion persists about whether Turkey, an outspoken critic of the
current Syrian government, could switch sides.
Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin remain at odds over
agricultural exports and a missile defense system Ankara
wants from Moscow.
Confusion persists about whether Turkey, an outspoken critic of the
current Syrian government, could switch sides.
“If the EU is a goal for Turkey, that entire policy has
collapsed. If managing relations with the United States is a goal, that too
has collapsed,” said Stein. “If you peel back the facade with
Putin, you have disputes. Erdogan has run Turkish foreign policy into the
ground. I have never seen Turkey
this isolated,”said Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
collapsed. If managing relations with the United States is a goal, that too
has collapsed,” said Stein. “If you peel back the facade with
Putin, you have disputes. Erdogan has run Turkish foreign policy into the
ground. I have never seen Turkey
this isolated,”said Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
**************************************************************************************************
5 – California Governor
Brown Signs New
Brown Signs New
Environment
Accord with Armenia
Accord with Armenia
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – State Senator Anthony J.
Portantino arranged a meeting on Oct. 16 on behalf of Armenian Deputy Prime
Minister Vache Gabrielyan, ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian and ANCA-WR Advisory
Board Member Levon Kirakosian with Governor Jerry Brown.
Portantino arranged a meeting on Oct. 16 on behalf of Armenian Deputy Prime
Minister Vache Gabrielyan, ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian and ANCA-WR Advisory
Board Member Levon Kirakosian with Governor Jerry Brown.
The Deputy Prime Minister signed the Under 2
Environmental and Green Energy Climate Accord between Armenia and California, joining a coalition of two dozen
other governments around the world which work to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions to combat climate change. Gov. Brown has been a leading voice
for progressive environmental policy and welcomed Armenia’s participation.
Environmental and Green Energy Climate Accord between Armenia and California, joining a coalition of two dozen
other governments around the world which work to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions to combat climate change. Gov. Brown has been a leading voice
for progressive environmental policy and welcomed Armenia’s participation.
In addition, Gov. Brown, Senator Portantino,
Hovsepian and Kirakosian discussed the re-creation of the California-Armenia
Trade Office and a formal business relationship. Portantino chairs the California
State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia
and Artsakh Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. The original Trade Office
was a project spearheaded by the ANCA-WR and Portantino’s predecessor, Jack
Scott.
Hovsepian and Kirakosian discussed the re-creation of the California-Armenia
Trade Office and a formal business relationship. Portantino chairs the California
State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia
and Artsakh Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. The original Trade Office
was a project spearheaded by the ANCA-WR and Portantino’s predecessor, Jack
Scott.
“It was an excellent meeting with Governor Brown
and the Deputy Prime Minister. Trade opportunities are extremely important to
the Armenian American Community, and we are very grateful to Senator Portantino
for arranging today’s meeting,” commented Hovsepian.
and the Deputy Prime Minister. Trade opportunities are extremely important to
the Armenian American Community, and we are very grateful to Senator Portantino
for arranging today’s meeting,” commented Hovsepian.
Sen. Portantino represents nearly 930,000 people
in the 25th Senate District, which includes Altadena, Atwater Village,
Bradbury, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge,
La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, La Verne, Los Feliz, Monrovia,
Montrose, Pasadena, San Dimas, San Marino, Shadow Hills, Sierra
Madre, South Pasadena, Sunland-Tujunga, and Upland.
in the 25th Senate District, which includes Altadena, Atwater Village,
Bradbury, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge,
La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, La Verne, Los Feliz, Monrovia,
Montrose, Pasadena, San Dimas, San Marino, Shadow Hills, Sierra
Madre, South Pasadena, Sunland-Tujunga, and Upland.
*************************************************************************************************
6 – Sarkisian,
Aliyev Agree to Intensify Peace Talks
Aliyev Agree to Intensify Peace Talks
GENEVA—The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan,
Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev, met Oct. 16 at the residence of the Swiss
permanent representative to the United Nations to discuss next steps in the
ongoing negotiations to resolve the Karabakh conflict, with the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen mediating the discussion.
Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev, met Oct. 16 at the residence of the Swiss
permanent representative to the United Nations to discuss next steps in the
ongoing negotiations to resolve the Karabakh conflict, with the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen mediating the discussion.
Following the meeting, Sarkisian and Aliyev held
a one-on-one meeting for 45 minutes, according to Vladimir Hakobyan,
Sarkisian’s press secretary.
a one-on-one meeting for 45 minutes, according to Vladimir Hakobyan,
Sarkisian’s press secretary.
Presidents Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev held
a 45-minute one-on-one meeting on Oct. 16
a 45-minute one-on-one meeting on Oct. 16
During the meeting mediated by the co-chairs,
the presidents agreed to take steps to intensify the negotiations and take
additional steps to reduce tensions along the Armenia,
Artsakh and Azerbaijan
borders, commonly referred to as the Line of Contact.
the presidents agreed to take steps to intensify the negotiations and take
additional steps to reduce tensions along the Armenia,
Artsakh and Azerbaijan
borders, commonly referred to as the Line of Contact.
“The meeting took place in a constructive
atmosphere,” read a joint statement issued following the meeting by the foreign
ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan
and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
atmosphere,” read a joint statement issued following the meeting by the foreign
ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan
and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
“The Presidents agreed to take measures to
intensify the negotiation process and to take additional steps to reduce
tensions on the Line of Contact,” added the statement.
intensify the negotiation process and to take additional steps to reduce
tensions on the Line of Contact,” added the statement.
“The Co-Chairs expressed their satisfaction with
these direct talks, which took place after a long interval. They remain ready
to work with the sides on mediating a peacefully negotiated settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a next step, the Co-Chairs will organize working
sessions with the Ministers in the near future,” said the statement.
these direct talks, which took place after a long interval. They remain ready
to work with the sides on mediating a peacefully negotiated settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a next step, the Co-Chairs will organize working
sessions with the Ministers in the near future,” said the statement.
President Serzh Sarkisian briefs Armenian
community members at the Armenian Embassy in Geneva on Oct. 16
community members at the Armenian Embassy in Geneva on Oct. 16
Shortly after the meetings, Sarkisian met with
representatives of the Armenian community in Switzerland at the Armenian
Embassy.
representatives of the Armenian community in Switzerland at the Armenian
Embassy.
“No concrete alternatives were agreed to
regarding the [conflict] resolution process,” Sarkisian told the group of
community members gathered at the Armenian Embassy.” But we have agreed to take
measures to ease the tension so that we do not have losses on the frontlines. I
must say that both the president of Azerbaijan and I are deeply
concerned about that.”
regarding the [conflict] resolution process,” Sarkisian told the group of
community members gathered at the Armenian Embassy.” But we have agreed to take
measures to ease the tension so that we do not have losses on the frontlines. I
must say that both the president of Azerbaijan and I are deeply
concerned about that.”
“God willing [Aliyev] will always be think that
way. He, too, understands the complexity of the problem just as I do, of
course, but the problem is such that there will never be an easy solution.
However, I wish to assure you that we do not see any such solution as may
undermine Karabakh’s security in a way or form,” added Sarlisian.
way. He, too, understands the complexity of the problem just as I do, of
course, but the problem is such that there will never be an easy solution.
However, I wish to assure you that we do not see any such solution as may
undermine Karabakh’s security in a way or form,” added Sarlisian.
“The only solution acceptable for us is that
Karabakh be outside Azerbaijan.
Never can any Armenian leader accept and implement any other solution
whatsoever, and for that reason, we will do our utmost to develop Armenia
by strengthening our country’s economy,” said Sarkisian.
Karabakh be outside Azerbaijan.
Never can any Armenian leader accept and implement any other solution
whatsoever, and for that reason, we will do our utmost to develop Armenia
by strengthening our country’s economy,” said Sarkisian.
The Artsakh government welcomed the
Sarkisian-Aliyev meeting, saying that Artsakh’s direct participation in the
talks would go a long way in ensuring long-term peace.
Sarkisian-Aliyev meeting, saying that Artsakh’s direct participation in the
talks would go a long way in ensuring long-term peace.
““We believe that the restoration of
full-fledged talks with the direct participation of the Republic of Artsakh at
all the stages should be another step on the way of achieving real progress in
the settlement process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict,” said the Artsakh
foreign ministry.
full-fledged talks with the direct participation of the Republic of Artsakh at
all the stages should be another step on the way of achieving real progress in
the settlement process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict,” said the Artsakh
foreign ministry.
Artsakh presidential spokesperson David Babayan
also welcomed the meeting, adding that implementation of the Vienna
and St. Petersburg
agreements would go a long way in ensuring the security of the region.
also welcomed the meeting, adding that implementation of the Vienna
and St. Petersburg
agreements would go a long way in ensuring the security of the region.
****************************************************************************************************
7 – Armenian Legal Center
(ALC) Launches
(ALC) Launches
Property
Documentation Database Project
Documentation Database Project
PASADENA, CA – Kate Nahapetian, Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center
for Justice and Human Rights (ALC), announced the ALC’s Property Documentation
Database Project while discussing several of ALC’s initiatives and the path to
reparations at the Armenian National Committee’s Western Region Grassroots
Conference on October 7.
for Justice and Human Rights (ALC), announced the ALC’s Property Documentation
Database Project while discussing several of ALC’s initiatives and the path to
reparations at the Armenian National Committee’s Western Region Grassroots
Conference on October 7.
The ALC announced its project, a database
documenting stolen, confiscated, or lost property taken during the Armenian
Genocide, such as homes, orchards, land, bank accounts, insurance policies,
bonds, art, jewelry and other properties.
documenting stolen, confiscated, or lost property taken during the Armenian
Genocide, such as homes, orchards, land, bank accounts, insurance policies,
bonds, art, jewelry and other properties.
During the talk, Ms. Nahapetian noted that a
collection of this information is vital to efforts to realize reparations as
these records are not being collected nor consolidated by any community organizations
and can act as a reliable source of data that will strengthen the Diaspora’s
ability to advocate for justice in the political and legal spheres, as well as
future diplomatic discussions or arbitration with Turkey.
collection of this information is vital to efforts to realize reparations as
these records are not being collected nor consolidated by any community organizations
and can act as a reliable source of data that will strengthen the Diaspora’s
ability to advocate for justice in the political and legal spheres, as well as
future diplomatic discussions or arbitration with Turkey.
Because of the mass violence and destruction
associated with the genocide that resulted in the loss of documentation of
properties, the ALC will not only collect physical documentation, but also
testimonies on properties from survivors or their descendants, which the ALC
hopes can eventually be compared to Turkey’s own records.
associated with the genocide that resulted in the loss of documentation of
properties, the ALC will not only collect physical documentation, but also
testimonies on properties from survivors or their descendants, which the ALC
hopes can eventually be compared to Turkey’s own records.
In a talk co-sponsored by the ALC earlier this
year at the George Washington School of Law, Dr. Ümit Kurt, a Post-Doctoral
Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, spoke
on the issue of Turkey’s
property records, noting that they are well-organized and can provide a
detailed history to Armenian heirs. Dr. Kurt noted that despite plans in
2005 to make land records public, they still are not because of Turkey’s
National Security Committee’s intervention. The abandoned properties and
liquidation commissions set up to confiscate Armenian properties also kept
meticulous records.
year at the George Washington School of Law, Dr. Ümit Kurt, a Post-Doctoral
Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, spoke
on the issue of Turkey’s
property records, noting that they are well-organized and can provide a
detailed history to Armenian heirs. Dr. Kurt noted that despite plans in
2005 to make land records public, they still are not because of Turkey’s
National Security Committee’s intervention. The abandoned properties and
liquidation commissions set up to confiscate Armenian properties also kept
meticulous records.
The ANCA-WR conference panel, entitled Road to
Reparations, included UCLA Law professors Asli Bali and Jessica Peake, who are
respectively the Faculty Director and Assistant Director of The Promise
Institute for Human Rights. Nahapetian noted ALC’s partnerships with law
schools, including UCLA Law and USC’s Human Rights Clinic. Through such
partnerships with pro bono attorneys and students, the ALC is examining novel
approaches to reparations and the best venues to pursue claims.
Reparations, included UCLA Law professors Asli Bali and Jessica Peake, who are
respectively the Faculty Director and Assistant Director of The Promise
Institute for Human Rights. Nahapetian noted ALC’s partnerships with law
schools, including UCLA Law and USC’s Human Rights Clinic. Through such
partnerships with pro bono attorneys and students, the ALC is examining novel
approaches to reparations and the best venues to pursue claims.
The ALC fights to redress human rights
violations emanating from the Armenian Genocide that continue to this day and
undermine stability in a region that has for far too long been marred by
policies founded on genocide, not human rights and justice. ALC promotes
scholarship on the legal avenues for addressing the challenges emanating from
the Armenian Genocide, in addition to pursuing litigation, while promoting the
protection of Armenian cultural heritage through the return of stolen
properties and artifacts.
violations emanating from the Armenian Genocide that continue to this day and
undermine stability in a region that has for far too long been marred by
policies founded on genocide, not human rights and justice. ALC promotes
scholarship on the legal avenues for addressing the challenges emanating from
the Armenian Genocide, in addition to pursuing litigation, while promoting the
protection of Armenian cultural heritage through the return of stolen
properties and artifacts.
To submit documentation concerning stolen or
lost properties from the Armenian Genocide, please visit:
lost properties from the Armenian Genocide, please visit:
The Armenian
Legal Center
can be contacted with questions or inquiries by emailing [email protected]
or calling +1 (202) 742-8702.
Legal Center
can be contacted with questions or inquiries by emailing [email protected]
or calling +1 (202) 742-8702.
**************************************************************************************************
8 – 2
Armenians Featured in Variety’s
Armenians Featured in Variety’s
Hollywood New Leaders’ List
LOS ANGELES—The entertainment industry magazine
Variety has featured two Armenian-Americans in its annual list of “Hollywood New Leaders: Agents and Managers,” whom they
honored during an event at the Jeremy
Hotel rooftop on Oct. 18.
Variety has featured two Armenian-Americans in its annual list of “Hollywood New Leaders: Agents and Managers,” whom they
honored during an event at the Jeremy
Hotel rooftop on Oct. 18.
Included in the list is Aram Tertzakian, 35, who
along with his co-founders at XYZ Films Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer were also
part of Variety’s “Hollywood New Leaders in Film” list. Also making the list
was Antranig Balian, 37, a co-founder and partner at Mortan Media.
along with his co-founders at XYZ Films Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer were also
part of Variety’s “Hollywood New Leaders in Film” list. Also making the list
was Antranig Balian, 37, a co-founder and partner at Mortan Media.
“XYZ specializes in creative financing
structures, utilizing international co-productions to maximize soft money,
North American backstop deals, SVOD pre-sales, crowd-funding and combinations
of traditional debt and equity. The result? Fifty films produced and executive
produced since 2008 and more than 200 feature films licensed since 2009,” wrote
Variety in its profile of Tertzakian, Bolotin and Spicer.
structures, utilizing international co-productions to maximize soft money,
North American backstop deals, SVOD pre-sales, crowd-funding and combinations
of traditional debt and equity. The result? Fifty films produced and executive
produced since 2008 and more than 200 feature films licensed since 2009,” wrote
Variety in its profile of Tertzakian, Bolotin and Spicer.
“The trio have produced seven Netflix Originals
in the past two years, licensed 21 films to major studios for production and
distribution; they also launched ‘The Raid’ franchise. In 2016, XYZ moved into
distribution, branding the global release of ‘Under the Shadow’ and horror
anthology “Holidays,” and partnered with Vertical Entertainment to utilize its
global digital platform deals. This year, their pic ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in
This World Anymore’ won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. They had six films
accepted at Toronto,
including Zoe Saldana starrer ‘I Kill Giants’ and ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99,’
starring Vince Vaughn,” added Variety.
in the past two years, licensed 21 films to major studios for production and
distribution; they also launched ‘The Raid’ franchise. In 2016, XYZ moved into
distribution, branding the global release of ‘Under the Shadow’ and horror
anthology “Holidays,” and partnered with Vertical Entertainment to utilize its
global digital platform deals. This year, their pic ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in
This World Anymore’ won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. They had six films
accepted at Toronto,
including Zoe Saldana starrer ‘I Kill Giants’ and ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99,’
starring Vince Vaughn,” added Variety.
“Balian’s path into showbiz was not a straight
one,”Variety wrote. “He started out as a deputy district attorney, then got his
MBA from USC, concentrating on entertainment, eventually moving into management
posts. Balian has helped his deep roster of unscripted series stars and digital
talents grow their brands, as he did with ‘Jersey Shore’ star Nicole ‘Snooki’
Polizzi, who’s got a house-flipping show on FYI Network, which he executive
produced, and Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery Channel’s ‘Fast N’ Loud,’ who
has a fourth series set to debut, ‘Garage Rehab,’ and has several national
brand endorsements.”
one,”Variety wrote. “He started out as a deputy district attorney, then got his
MBA from USC, concentrating on entertainment, eventually moving into management
posts. Balian has helped his deep roster of unscripted series stars and digital
talents grow their brands, as he did with ‘Jersey Shore’ star Nicole ‘Snooki’
Polizzi, who’s got a house-flipping show on FYI Network, which he executive
produced, and Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery Channel’s ‘Fast N’ Loud,’ who
has a fourth series set to debut, ‘Garage Rehab,’ and has several national
brand endorsements.”
“My mom is my focus group — if she hasn’t heard
of you then you aren’t as famous as you think you are,” Balian told Variety
about his method for signing new clients.
of you then you aren’t as famous as you think you are,” Balian told Variety
about his method for signing new clients.
Every year, Variety’s “New Leaders” feature
profiles the most prominent up-and-comer in the entertainment industry who are
all 40-years old or under.
profiles the most prominent up-and-comer in the entertainment industry who are
all 40-years old or under.
*****************************************************************************************************
9 – Commentary
Possible Solution to Denial of the Armenian
Genocide
Genocide
When Turkey
Becomes Member of the European Union
Becomes Member of the European Union
By Dr. Simon John Simonian
Garo Paylan, Member
of Parliament in Turkey, was
a guest speaker on October 9, 2017 at the UCLA Law School co-sponsored by Promise
Institute for Human Rights and The Richard Hovannisian Endowed
Chair of Modern Armenian History. Paylan commented that despite
efforts by human rights activists in Turkey, the Turkish
Government’s denial of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is still a problem
after 102 years.
of Parliament in Turkey, was
a guest speaker on October 9, 2017 at the UCLA Law School co-sponsored by Promise
Institute for Human Rights and The Richard Hovannisian Endowed
Chair of Modern Armenian History. Paylan commented that despite
efforts by human rights activists in Turkey, the Turkish
Government’s denial of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is still a problem
after 102 years.
There
is a possible solution of the problem of denial when Turkey
joins as a full member of the European Union.
is a possible solution of the problem of denial when Turkey
joins as a full member of the European Union.
“Intent to Destroy,” (ITD), a movie
documenting the Armenian Genocide was shown on October 12, 2017 at the UCLA Law
School co-sponsored by
several human rights organizations. It was followed by a
panel discussion with Mike Medavoy, Producer of the movie
The Promise; Carla Carapetian, Consulting Producer of
ITD and Eric Esrailian, Producer of ITD.
documenting the Armenian Genocide was shown on October 12, 2017 at the UCLA Law
School co-sponsored by
several human rights organizations. It was followed by a
panel discussion with Mike Medavoy, Producer of the movie
The Promise; Carla Carapetian, Consulting Producer of
ITD and Eric Esrailian, Producer of ITD.
Accession of Turkey
to the European Union
to the European Union
The European Union is a
“Federation” of 27 sovereign countries in Europe
with Supra-Sovereign Laws to which sovereign laws are subordinated. The
European Union is committed to Democracy (dictatorship is prohibited), Human
Rights (human rights abuses such as genocide, war, violence,
injustice, racial or religious prejudice and lawlessness are prohibited,
and corruption is eliminated) and the Rule of Law (violation
of laws are prohibited).
“Federation” of 27 sovereign countries in Europe
with Supra-Sovereign Laws to which sovereign laws are subordinated. The
European Union is committed to Democracy (dictatorship is prohibited), Human
Rights (human rights abuses such as genocide, war, violence,
injustice, racial or religious prejudice and lawlessness are prohibited,
and corruption is eliminated) and the Rule of Law (violation
of laws are prohibited).
Turkey was officially recognized as a candidate for full membership in
1999. Negotiations for full membership were started in 2005. Progress
was slow. Out of 36 chapters necessary to complete the accession only
15 had been opened by May 2016.
1999. Negotiations for full membership were started in 2005. Progress
was slow. Out of 36 chapters necessary to complete the accession only
15 had been opened by May 2016.
Accession talks came to a
stop as a result of the 2016-17 purges in Turkey. As Turkey’s journey toward autocratic
rule continued EU accession became impossible. As of 2017,
following the passage of the constitutional referendum, Turkish accession
talks have stopped.
stop as a result of the 2016-17 purges in Turkey. As Turkey’s journey toward autocratic
rule continued EU accession became impossible. As of 2017,
following the passage of the constitutional referendum, Turkish accession
talks have stopped.
On October 15, 2017, Turkey’s government determined to maintain the
EU accession process ahead of the EU summit for two days, October 19-20, 2017
which will discuss the frayed relations between Brussels
and Ankara.
Angela Merkel was quoted as saying, “the summit will not make a conclusive
decision on Ankara’s
accession bid.”
EU accession process ahead of the EU summit for two days, October 19-20, 2017
which will discuss the frayed relations between Brussels
and Ankara.
Angela Merkel was quoted as saying, “the summit will not make a conclusive
decision on Ankara’s
accession bid.”
Simon J.
Simonian, MD, ScD, DSc Hon., is a spiritual leader; human
rights, justice and peace activist; Harvard and Oxford
University graduate and Professor of Science
of Surgery; a published author of 300 articles and
books; 350 world presentations; with collaborators they have
saved four million lives each year since 1977, 160 million lives to
date; 16 Simonian prizes are awarded annually at Harvard and Oxford;
for eradication of smallpox, their team is a three-
times nominee for a Nobel Medicine Prize.
Simonian, MD, ScD, DSc Hon., is a spiritual leader; human
rights, justice and peace activist; Harvard and Oxford
University graduate and Professor of Science
of Surgery; a published author of 300 articles and
books; 350 world presentations; with collaborators they have
saved four million lives each year since 1977, 160 million lives to
date; 16 Simonian prizes are awarded annually at Harvard and Oxford;
for eradication of smallpox, their team is a three-
times nominee for a Nobel Medicine Prize.
*****************************************************************************************************
10- Descendant
of Armenian Genocide
of Armenian Genocide
Survivor
Awarded ‘Genius Grant’
Awarded ‘Genius Grant’
NEW YORK (John Hopkins Newsletter) – John
Hopkins University alumnus Greg Asbed, who is a descendant of an Armenian
Genocide survivor, was awarded a $625,000 MacArthur fellowship, or a “genius
grant,” last week for his efforts to improve workplace conditions for
farmworkers in Immokalee, Florida.
Hopkins University alumnus Greg Asbed, who is a descendant of an Armenian
Genocide survivor, was awarded a $625,000 MacArthur fellowship, or a “genius
grant,” last week for his efforts to improve workplace conditions for
farmworkers in Immokalee, Florida.
Every year, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awards
about two dozen $625,000 grants to individuals who have demonstrated
“exceptional creativity” and “promise for important future advances.”
about two dozen $625,000 grants to individuals who have demonstrated
“exceptional creativity” and “promise for important future advances.”
The MacArthur Foundation is a philanthropic organization that addresses
global issues such as climate change, mass incarceration and threats to
independent journalism. Recipients of the “genius grants” are anonymously
nominated and selected by a committee, which has given 942 awards since 1981.
global issues such as climate change, mass incarceration and threats to
independent journalism. Recipients of the “genius grants” are anonymously
nominated and selected by a committee, which has given 942 awards since 1981.
Asbed said that he is committed to improving human
rights because of his family history as a first-generation Armenian American.
His grandmother survived the Armenian Genocide after being sold to a Turkish
family when she was 13.
rights because of his family history as a first-generation Armenian American.
His grandmother survived the Armenian Genocide after being sold to a Turkish
family when she was 13.
“In our family, the idea of universal human
rights has always been a central tenet, sort of our family’s 10 commandments,”
he said.
rights has always been a central tenet, sort of our family’s 10 commandments,”
he said.
Asbed co-founded the Coalition of Immokalee
Workers (CIW), a worker-based human rights organization. Within CIW, he
developed the Fair Food Program, a system that helps protect workers from human
rights violations like workplace harassment, sexual assault and wage theft.
Workers (CIW), a worker-based human rights organization. Within CIW, he
developed the Fair Food Program, a system that helps protect workers from human
rights violations like workplace harassment, sexual assault and wage theft.
Asbed is currently developing the Worker-Driven
Social Responsibility Network, which aims to spread systems like the Fair Food
Program to underrepresented workers around the world to improve the livelihood
of millions.
Social Responsibility Network, which aims to spread systems like the Fair Food
Program to underrepresented workers around the world to improve the livelihood
of millions.
Asbed said that he feels lucky to be part of a
community which shares his vision of universal human rights.
community which shares his vision of universal human rights.
******************************************************************************************************
11- Anthony
Bourdain Travels to Armenia
And
Bourdain Travels to Armenia
And
Artsakh
Filming for CNN’s ‘Parts Unknown’
Filming for CNN’s ‘Parts Unknown’
SHUSHI (Armenian Weekly) — American food icon
Anthony Bourdain posted a picture to his social media account on Tuesday night
of his cameraman, Jerry Risius, boarding a Russian helicopter, likely to make
the journey from Armenia
to Artsakh, where he has been featured in pictures across social media.
Anthony Bourdain posted a picture to his social media account on Tuesday night
of his cameraman, Jerry Risius, boarding a Russian helicopter, likely to make
the journey from Armenia
to Artsakh, where he has been featured in pictures across social media.
According to a report by ANI Armenian Research
Center editor Tatul Hakobyan, Bourdain is traveling with a film crew to produce
a segment on the region for his CNN television show “Anthony Bourdain: Parts
Unknown.” In Shushi, Artsakh, an interview and lunch were held at the Jdrduz
canyon, where Bourdain “enjoyed a spread of ‘jingalov hats,’ ‘shila,’
‘khorovatz,’ homemade Armenian yogurt, and mulberry and cornelian cherry
vodka.”
Center editor Tatul Hakobyan, Bourdain is traveling with a film crew to produce
a segment on the region for his CNN television show “Anthony Bourdain: Parts
Unknown.” In Shushi, Artsakh, an interview and lunch were held at the Jdrduz
canyon, where Bourdain “enjoyed a spread of ‘jingalov hats,’ ‘shila,’
‘khorovatz,’ homemade Armenian yogurt, and mulberry and cornelian cherry
vodka.”
A short video also appeared two days prior on
the social media feed of local nonprofit ONEArmenia, where Bourdain is featured
with Armenian comedy duo and stars of the television show Armcomedy, Narek
Margaryan and Sergey Sargsyan, touting the name “Spyurk Report.”
the social media feed of local nonprofit ONEArmenia, where Bourdain is featured
with Armenian comedy duo and stars of the television show Armcomedy, Narek
Margaryan and Sergey Sargsyan, touting the name “Spyurk Report.”
Described
by The New Yorker as a “swaggering chef,” Bourdain has built an empire around
food, which started with his New York Times best-selling book Kitchen
Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000). Today, he is
well-known as a TV personality, and has starred in shows on Food Network and
his Travel Channel show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” which saw Bourdain
travel to unexpected locations, indulging in region’s the local culinary
traditions.
by The New Yorker as a “swaggering chef,” Bourdain has built an empire around
food, which started with his New York Times best-selling book Kitchen
Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000). Today, he is
well-known as a TV personality, and has starred in shows on Food Network and
his Travel Channel show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” which saw Bourdain
travel to unexpected locations, indulging in region’s the local culinary
traditions.
In CNN’s
“Parts Unknown,” which aired on Sunday evening, Bourdain travels the world
uncovering lesser known places and exploring cultures and cuisine. The show has
won five Emmy Awards, as well as a 2013 Peabody Award.
“Parts Unknown,” which aired on Sunday evening, Bourdain travels the world
uncovering lesser known places and exploring cultures and cuisine. The show has
won five Emmy Awards, as well as a 2013 Peabody Award.
******************************************************************************************************
*****************************************************************************************************
California Courier Online provides viewers of
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week’s issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, . However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, [email protected], or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week’s issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, . However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, [email protected], or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
******************************************************************************************************
Azerbaijani Press: Another tourist visit of "head" of illegal regime in Nagorno-Karabakh to Brussels failed
Trend, Azerbaijan
Oct 23 2017
20:55 (UTC+04:00)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 23
By Bakhtiyar Hajiyev – Trend:
An attempt by “representatives” of the illegal regime established in the occupied Azerbaijani territory – Nagorno-Karabakh to participate in the fourth “congress” of Armenians of Europe held last week in the European Parliament building in Brussels, which was organized by the Armenian diaspora, failed.
So, despite the fact that the “head” of the illegal regime, Bako Sahakyan, and his assistants arrived in Brussels and wanted to take part in the “congress”, this was stopped. Thus, the desire of these “representatives” to address the event was not destined to come true.
The question arises: what is the purpose of Armenia in carrying out such provocations? The fact is that the occupying country wants to create the appearance that allegedly European institutions recognize the illegal regime, and for this purpose, whenever possible, attempts are made to organize visits of “representatives”, “leaders” of this regime to Brussels. As it is known, all these attempts have failed completely in recent years.
Despite the fact that Sahakyan arrived in Brussels on October 18-19 as a “guest” of the fourth congress of Armenians in Europe, he was not even allowed to go to the European Parliament building where the event was held, he was not received at local executive bodies and the federal parliament. Bako Sahakyan concluded his tourist visit to Belgium with meetings with representatives of Armenian diaspora organizations, as well as “meetings” held in the Armenian church in Brussels.
At another meeting, organized by the lobbying organization “European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy” led by businessman, millionaire Gaspar Karapetyan, Bako Sahakyan was unofficially received by 3-4 regional MPs. The parliaments of the Brussels capital region and the Flemish region, in which the MPs are represented, stressed that these informal meetings are solely the initiative of the MPs themselves and have nothing to do with the activities of parliaments.
It should be reminded that earlier these MPs, under the influence of the Armenian lobby in Belgium, illegally visited the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan with the “organizational support” of Gaspar Karapetyan, and also organized the slanderous actions of the Armenian lobby in Belgium.
Thus, despite the efforts of the Armenian lobby, Bako Sahakyan’s attempts to impart “legitimacy” to the illegal regime during his Brussels visit failed.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Azerbaijani press: Deputy PM: Azerbaijan should rely only on itself, its strength in settlement of Karabakh conflict
By Azernews
By Rashid Shirinov
Azerbaijan should rely only on itself and its strength in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, said on October 19.
He noted that the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a priority issue for Azerbaijan.
“Our main task is the resolution of this issue in a short time based on the norms and principles of international law and within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” he said.
Speaking about the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly held in New York, Hasanov said that the unfounded thoughts in the speech of the Armenian Serzh Sargsyan, as always, aroused laughter and caused great concern in Armenia itself.
“By this speech, the Armenian President disgraced himself before the whole world community. But the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in his evidence-based speech from the UN rostrum, brought to the attention of the international community the information about the activities of the criminal regime of Armenia over the past 25 years,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.
Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories.
URL:
Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Signs Historic Environmental MOU with California
Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan (left) and Gov. Brown sign memorandum of understanding
Portantino and ANCA-WR Leaders Discuss Armenia California Trade with Governor Brown
SAN FRANCISCO—State Senator Anthony J. Portantino arranged a meeting on behalf of Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan, ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian and ANCA-WR Advisory Board Member Levon Kirakosian with Governor Jerry Brown.
The Deputy Prime Minister signed the Under 2 Environmental and Green Energy Climate Accord between Armenia and California, joining a coalition of two dozen other governments around the world which work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Governor Brown has been a leading voice for progressive environmental policy and welcomed Armenia’s participation.
From left, Senator Anthony Portantino, ANCA-WR Advisory Board member Levon Kirakosian, Gov. Brown, ANCA-WR Chairwoman Nora Hovsepian
In addition, Governor Brown, Senator Portantino, Hovsepian and Kirakosian discussed the re-creation of the California-Armenia Trade Office and a formal business relationship. Portantino chairs the California State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. The original Trade Office was a project spearheaded by the ANCA-WR and Portantino’s predecessor, Jack Scott.
Gov. Brown discusses MoU with Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan and ANCA-WR chair Nora Hovspeian
“It was an excellent meeting with Governor Brown and the Deputy Prime Minister. Trade opportunities are extremely important to the Armenian American Community, and we are very grateful to Senator Portantino for arranging today’s meeting,” commented Hovsepian.
Sen. Portantino represents nearly 930,000 people in the 25th Senate District, which includes Altadena, Atwater Village, Bradbury, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, La Verne, Los Feliz, Monrovia, Montrose, Pasadena, San Dimas, San Marino, Shadow Hills, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Sunland-Tujunga, and Upland.