Author: Dabaghian Diana

Montclair State University
Upper Montclair , New Jersey
*Contact: Bob Quarteroni *
Aug. 2, 2004
*Papazian named Dean of MSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences*
* *
*MONTCLAIR, N. J*. – Dr. Mary A. Papazian of Michigan has been named
Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State
University, announced Dr. Richard A. Lynde, Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs at MSU. Papazian has been serving as Associate
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University in
Michigan, where she has been employed since 1988.
Papazian’s appointment was approved at the June MSU Board of
Trustees meeting. She begins at MSU Aug. 16.
Papazian has been Associate Dean of Oakland University’s largest
academic unit since 1999. Offering more than two-thirds of all courses
at the university, the College is home to 240 full-time and 200-part
time faculty members and has a yearly operating budget of $25 million.
During her tenure, Papazian developed and gained approval for academic
programs ranging from the Ph.D. in biological communication to an M.A.
in liberal studies and bachelor degree programs in studio art and
women’s studies. She served as the university’s coordinator for the
annual Meeting of the Minds undergraduate research conference; as
ombudsman for faculty and students; and as Executive Director of the
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, where she developed an
assessment of the current state of performing arts at Oakland and a plan
for its future. She taught English literature starting in 1988, was
named associate professor in 1994, and full professor in 2003.
“We are delighted that such a talented and visionary administrator,
teacher and scholar has joined the leadership team at Montclair State,”
Lynde said. “Mary’s guidance and vision at the largest of MSU’s
Colleges and Schools will prove invaluable as we continue our efforts to
elevate the University’s academic and programmatic offerings to the very
highest level.”
Papazian said, “Montclair State University is on the cusp of a new
era that will carry it to great heights. I am excited to have the
opportunity to assist the University, and its faculty, students and
administrative leadership team in reaching that goal. The dynamism,
enthusiasm and excitement of a University reaching its potential as a
truly great institution is contagious. I cannot wait to get started.”
Papazian was also chair of the Phyllis Law Googasian Award
Committee at Oakland University; and chair of the College of Arts and
Science’s Committee on Appointment and Promotion. In addition, she
participated in ongoing fund-raising activities; chaired the Teaching
Excellence Award Committee; and was a member of the University Senate,
Honor’s College Council and the executive committee of the university’s
affiliate of the American Council of Education Network for Women Leaders.
An active writer, researcher and conference speaker, Papazian was
editor of “John Donne and the Protestant Reformation: New Perspectives,”
published by Wayne State University Press in 2003 and has two additional
books nearly complete. She also has contributed numerous articles on
John Donne and the early modern period to books and journals such as
/Modern Philology/ and the /John Donne Journal/. In addition, she
recently was elected second vice-president of the John Donne Society.
Papazian earned her B.A. in English literature in 1981; her M.A.
in 1983 and her Ph.D. in 1988, all from the University of California,
Los Angeles. She will be moving east with her husband, Professor Dennis
R. Papazian, a long-time scholar at the University of Michigan, Dearborn
with expertise in the history of the former Soviet Union and its
successor states (particularly Armenia), and her two daughters, Ani (10)
and Marie (five).
Additional information on MSU’s College of Humanities and Social
Sciences may be found on the University’s website at
<;. <> MSU is New Jersey’s second largest and fastest growing
university. It offers the advantages of a large university — a
comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad
variety of superior graduate programs, and a diverse faculty and student
body — combined with a small college’s attention to students.
More information on the University is available on its website:

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Aug 18 2004
AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTER MEET WITH HIS RUSSIAN COLLEAGUES
[August 18, 2004, 20:17:29]
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov meet with with his
Russian colleagues Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on August 18.
After the talks the both ministers were hold press-conference.
The settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh issue is possible only through
agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov told journalists.
“Russia is interested in the resolution of the Nagorny Karabakh
problem. The conflict can be settled only on the basis of the sides’
agreements,” Mr. Lavrov said.
He noted that Russia is ready to contribute to the negotiating
process both as “a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and as a friend
and partner.”
“We are satisfied with the fact that the negotiating process was
resumed early last year,” Mr. Lavrov said.
“We hope that the working group on the Caspian will work out
acceptable decisions on the Caspian status at its regular meeting, to
take place in Moscow,” the minister told journalists.
He noted that these decisions would be in the field of international
law.
In his turn, Mr. Mamedyarov stressed that “the diplomatic resource
must be intensified.” He also expressed confidence that “points of
contact will be found to reach a final decision in determining the
Caspian status.”
Russo-Azeri relations have been developing actively, Sergei Lavrov
said after talks with Elmar Mamedyarov.
“We discussed a wide range of bilateral relations, regional and
Caspian cooperation, the Nagorny Karabakh settlement and
international cooperation. We agreed on a number of issues called
upon to remove the existing problems,” he said.
On his part, Mr. Mamedyarov said that Azerbaijan regards relations
with Russia as strategic partnership.

Associated Press Online
August 16, 2004 Monday
U.S. Boxer Vanes Martirosyan Advances
by GREG BEACHAM; AP Sports Writer
ATHENS, Greece
They began the year as teammates and competitors for the same spot on
the U.S. team. After a string of calamities that seems possible only
in the wild world of amateur boxing, they went to Athens as friendly
rivals hoping to fight each other for a medal. Of course, amateur
boxing got the last laugh.
U.S. welterweight Vanes Martirosyan got off to a promising start with
a first-round 45-20 victory over Algeria’s Benamar Meskine on Sunday.
But Andre Berto won’t join him. Berto, a Floridian fighting for his
parents’ native Haiti after being disqualified during the U.S. team
trials, lost a contentious 36-34 decision to former French world
champion Xavier Noel.
“We were hoping we could meet up at the end of the road, but I guess
it’s not happening,” Berto said.
American lightweight Vicente Escobedo joined Martirosyan and
middleweight Andre Dirrell in the second round Monday with an easy
30-10 win over Colombia’s Jose David Mosquera, keeping the U.S. squad
unbeaten. Light heavyweight Andre Ward and light welterweight Rock
Allen also drew byes into the second round.
Martirosyan, an 18-year-old from Glendale, Calif., was the
14th-ranked U.S. welterweight seven months ago, but rose to the
division’s upper echelon in the weeks before the team trials in
Tunica, Miss., last February.
That’s when Berto and Juan McPherson, the top two American prospects,
both were disqualified – Berto for misconduct after allegedly
throwing McPherson to the ground during their fight, and McPherson
because of his injured neck.
While Berto engaged in a protracted appeals process to clear his
name, Martirosyan filled the void with a series of victories and even
more wins in the qualifying events leading up to the Olympics.
When Berto’s appeals failed, the Miami-born fighter became Haiti’s
one-man boxing team, coached by American Tony Morgan and encouraged
by his former teammates – including Martirosyan, who was thinking
about Berto moments after he pulverized Meskine.
“I feel like there’s a reason I’m on one side (of the draw) and
Berto’s on the other,” Martirosyan said. “I just feel like in the
finals, we’re going to be together.”
But amateur boxing has little to do with emotion and power – both
strong suits for most American fighters. Since the rule changes
adopted in the wake of judging scandals and an increasing aversion to
violence, Olympic boxing is a technical sport of flurries and
defense.
While the taller Noel fought a prototypical amateur fight, Berto
wanted a brawl. Though he nearly rallied from a nine-point deficit in
the fourth round with a strong charge, Noel hung on for a decision
that was loudly jeered by fans.
“I thought I pulled it out, but I guess not,” Berto said. “I went
through a lot to get here, so I still think that’s a big
accomplishment. I fought my heart out. … I got here, man. I’m just
glad I got to participate in the opening ceremony. It’s a
once-in-a-lifetime type of thing.”
Martirosyan extended his Olympic hopes at least to Thursday, when
he’ll fight two-time world champion Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba.
The Armenian-born fighter showed the power and flair of a contender
in his opener, dictating the fight’s pace with a stiff jab and
opportunistic combinations. He also counterpunched effectively while
landing more shots to the head than almost any competitor so far at
the busy Peristeri Olympic Boxing Hall, which hosts more than 20
fights every day of the preliminaries.
While Berto’s exuberance hurt him against a skilled technical
fighter, Martirosyan battered Meskine with a series of early shots
before essentially finishing the fight with a devastating left to the
Algerian’s head early in the third round.
“We’re Armenian. We have this thing where we get a little bit out of
control in the ring,” Martirosyan said. “I love this sport so much.
The coaches have told me to calm down, just think about points
instead of trying to get the guy out of there.”
Two Americans received first-round byes, and five more will fight in
the next three days before the second round begins Wednesday. Tougher
fights still loom for a team that’s thought to be among the weakest
in the United States’ superb Olympic boxing history, but the boxers
believe they can improve on their four-medal haul four years ago in
Sydney.
“We’re a great team, we’re in great shape – and we’re going to bring
a lot of medals home,” Martirosyan said.

FIRST SESSION OF MONITORING COMMISSION FOR STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION
AT PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6. ARMINFO. The first session of the Monitoring
Commission for Struggle against Corruption was held at the
Presidential Residence today.
A Commission representative, Chairman of the Armenian Association of
Investigator-Journalists Edik Baghdasaryan said that the phrase
“struggle against corruption” has been just fashion in Armenia. He
pointed out the lack of any practical acts. The Commission aims
observation over implementation of governmental programs in the sphere
proposed by international orgnaizations. The results of the
observation will be submitted to the Council for Struggle against
Corruption. The Commission consists of representatives of
parliamentary factions, public orgnaizations, representatives of
Armenia at international orgnaizations, some 20 people in
total. However, the country’s opposition is not represented at the
Monitoring Commission. The next session is fixed for September,

Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Aug 7 2004
Armenian group honors leaders
Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry names Dario Frommer Legislator of
the Year.
By Jackson Bell, News-Press
GLENDALE – Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) was among several
local leaders honored by the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
program at its annual gala Friday night.
Frommer received the honor at the Hilton Glendale for Legislator of
the Year from members of the Glendale-based program, which registers
donors to meet the specific needs of Armenians suffering from
life-threatening blood diseases.
“The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry program works tirelessly in
the community to help hundreds of patients who are in desperate need
of aid,” Frommer said in a statement. “The community members who make
this program work are really the ones who deserve all the awards and
praise.”
The nonprofit organization, founded in 1999, recruits and provides
matches for unrelated donors all over the world to give bone-marrow
transplants. It also keeps a database with donor information, handles
patient-search requests and connects donors to those who need
transplants, said board member Armond Agakhani.
When selecting who would be the first recipient of the newly created
Legislator of the Year award, Frommer was an obvious choice, Agakhani
said.
“Dario supported us from day one when he was elected in 2000,” he
said. “He is a person that cares about individuals – especially
children – who are suffering from any blood disease.”
Awards were also given out to Bella Kocharian for Woman of the Year;
Diana Artunian and Armen Janian for Volunteers of the Year; and
Daughters of Vartan for Organization of the Year.

GIBRAHAYER
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http ://gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com
ARMENIAN CHURCH IN IRAQ ATTACKED BY CAR BOMB
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN IRAQ WORK TO RECOVER FROM BLASTS
Iraqi Christians, including Armenians, worked this week to recover
from the blasts on Sunday that targeted their sanctuaries during
services.
The first car bomb went off on Sunday (8/1) outside an Armenian
Catholic church in Baghdad just 15 minutes into its evening
service. Five churches in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul were
hit, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens more. Fortunately, no
Armenians were among those killed or seriously injured.
Amid fears of future violence and possible assassination of religious
leaders, Christian churches are taking precautions against future
attack, by posting armed guards, closing nearby streets, and
installing barbed wire barriers. Others are scaling back services.
“I don’t think we’ll have mass next Sunday,” Nubar Antoine, a member
of the Armenian Catholic leadership council, said in one news report.
The Armenian Church community in Iraq has not made any special plea
for international financial or material aid. The Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern) remains in contact with Armenian
community leaders in Iraq and will keep you informed.
To learn more about these attacks, click on the following link at:
newsid=456&selmonth=8&selyear=2004
(Source: Associated Press, 8/01/04; New York Sun, 8/3/04, Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 8/5/04)
CATHOLICOS SENDS SYMPATHIES TO POPE
On Wednesday His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, sent a letter of sympathy and support to Pope John
Paul II, following the bombings of churches in Iraq.
The letter states, in part: “We are saddened that some extreme
elements are attempting to endanger the centuries of friendship and
peaceful co-existence among the Christian and Muslim peoples of the
East, and offer our prayers to the Almighty that the love of our Lord
Jesus Christ will enter into the hearts of men, reconcile them one to
another, and that violence and war will be eliminated from the region
and all of humanity.”
The Catholicos of All Armenians has sent a similar letter to the
patriarch of the Armenian Catholics, His Beatitude Nerses Bedros
XIX. (Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 8/4/04)
Present estimates place the Christian population of Iraq at around
800,000, mostly concentrated in Baghdad. The Armenian community
numbers itself at around 20,000, more than half of whom reside in and
around Baghdad.
KALAYDJIAN ACCUSED
Nicosia 3 August 2004. (Gibrahayer):- Armenian representative in the
Cyprus House of Representatives Bedros Kalaydjian was accused by
Cypriot Cultural Association representatives for indifference towards
accommodating the needs of “Kevork Marzbedouni” Dance Ensemble that
arrived from Gyumri Armenia two weeks ago and toured the island.
A representative of Xylotympou Cultural Association that invited the
Group who wanted to keep anonymity said that they were “disappointed
by the attitude of the Armenian representative who rejected all
suggestions made by the Cultural Association. We told Kalaydjian
about the arrival of the Group two months ago and unfortunately we
could not arrange anything for them.”
“We wanted the members of the prestigious Armenian Dance Group to tour
the island, meet members of the Armenian community specially the young
generation, perform for them and provide them with the opportunity to
interact with their brothers and sisters in Cyprus”, said the
spokesman for the Xylotympou organisation. “Unfortunately all our
suggestions were turned down with excuses that cannot be explained by
us”, he said.
As a result of this, most of the Armenian community heard about the
performances of the Ensemble, through a local radio station, literally
hours before the event.
Community members were trying to find more information about the
schedule of the tour but could find nothing. Kalaydjian was
unavailable for comment as he was in England.
The Armenian Ensemble dazzled audiences with their disciplined and
quality performance in separate performances in Xylotympou on Friday,
Platres on Saturday and Ayia Napa on Sunday. Community attendance – as
a result of lack of information about the tour – was at an all time
low. Ten Armenian Cypriots attended the event on Friday, two
accidentally bumped into the event in Platres (and sent images to
Gibrahayer – thank you!) while thirty Armenians – in a last minute
effort to support the group – specially made the trip from Nicosia and
Larnaca to Ayia Napa to see their Group perform on Sunday.
After the Dance Group was “traced” by the community and news of their
whereabouts revealed, The Armenian Club of Larnaca organised an
express community get-together last Monday, which turned out to be an
unforgettable evening for both the members of the group and their
entourage as well as for the members of our community who had gathered
in Larnaca. More than 150 attended the event.
Images of the performance of the Ensemble and the Larnaca get-together
at:
FIRST CONVENTION OF EUROPEAN ARMENIANS TO TAKE PLACE AT THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT
Brussels, Belgium – The first Convention of European Armenians will
take place at the European Parliament, Brussels, on October 18-19,
2004.
Organized by the European Armenian Federation, this pan-European
meeting will be a forum for sharing ideas and concerns on topics of
importance to the Armenian communities across Europe.
European citizens of Armenian descent now number more than two
million, stemming from three large waves of immigration that resulted
from the Genocide perpetrated by Ottoman Turkey (1915), war in the
middle-east (1975) and the fall of the USSR (1991). Though well
integrated in the economic, social and cultural life of their new
countries, they have kept their identity and their interest in
Armenian issues.
This convention will allow participants to come together on various
topical themes linked to recent geopolitical events or global
socio-economic developments.
Convention speakers will express themselves within the framework of
three sessions:
– Armenian culture and identity in Europe
– Relations between the European Union and Armenia
– The Stakes involved in European Union Enlargement
“All European Armenian associations, groups, and organisations are
invited, whatever their activities and their political or religious
trends may be,” declared Hilda Tchoboian, chairwoman of the European
Armenian Federation.
“With this first European Convention, we are not aiming to establish
any superstructure that would replace the various organisations
dealing with Armenian issues in Europe. Rather, we aim to create a
framework for free expression that will enable the shared positions
and opinions of the European communities to emerge,” she stated.
The European Armenian Federation will soon send hundreds of
invitations to the European Armenian associations and encourage the
leaders who wish to attend the convention to begin registering now by
mail or via the website.
Associations that may be not known to the Federation and that
therefore might not receive the invitation are requested to get in
touch with the Federation. The European Armenian Federation calls on
everyone to widely broadcast this event as an outstanding opportunity
to raise awareness about issues of European Armenians concern, among
European policy-makers, both members of the European Parliament and
officers of the European Commission.
ARMENIA WARNS BAKU OVER WAR THREATS
In a special statement issued last week, the Armenian Foreign Ministry
warned Azerbaijan that it would face “disastrous consequences” should
its leaders again resort to military force in the Karabakh
conflict. The warning came after President Ilham Aliyev told his
diplomatic envoys posted abroad that should Azerbaijan fail to regain
Karabakh through negotiations, it would “use… the military option.”
The Armenian statement further questioned Azerbaijan’s commitment to
ongoing negotiations, with yet another summit between Aliyev and
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian planned for September.
Armenian officials chose to react this time since unlike typical war
rhetoric for domestic consumption, the most recent threat came in what
was supposed to be President Aliyev’s policy speech to the Azeri
diplomatic corps. It also appears that Azerbaijan is beginning to
accelerate its military preparedness. Last month, Aliyev gave an
average of a 50 percent salary raise to the Azeri military and
security forces. Azeri officials have also indicated plans to begin
new weapons purchases in Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan.
Separately, Azerbaijan is beefing up its border security forces, which
received a $19 million aid package from the U.S. last week. The
program, known as the Caspian Guard, focuses on Azeri ability to
defend the Caspian oil infrastructure and on
counter-proliferation. But it does appear to have special operations
and air components that could potentially be used against Armenia,
which would in turn violate U.S. law.
The Azeris have also stepped up provocations along the Line of Contact
this year. The Armenian army reported six deaths from enemy fire so
far this year, with Azeris reporting about a dozen. This week,
Karabakh forces began their annual manoeuvres, which this year will
also test their inter-operability with forces from Armenia proper.
THE DAY THE MELKONIAN WAS BOMBED
By Athena Karsera – Azg/am 29 July 2004:- A man who lived through the
bombing of the Melkonian as a recently graduated pupil was in Nicosia
this week to battle for the school’ s survival. One of Nicosia’s
best-known landmarks for over 77 years and the pride of the region’s
Armenian community faces closure.
The 1926 stone building and its surrounding land of 125,000 square
meters is estimated to be worth at least CYP 40 million.
Raffi Zinzalian had just graduated from the Melkonian and had a
university place waiting for him in Lebanon when the 1974 troubles
began. He had spent the day before the invasion on the beaches of
Famagusta and was in the school building when the Turkish planes flew
overhead on July 20, 1974.
“We were happy because the cease-fire would begin at 3pm and then at
2.45pm we saw the Turkish jets overhead. We thought they were headed
for the radio station (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation-CyBC) but they
circled round and we heard a deafening noise, we had been bombed,” he
said.
Zinzalian said that even his years in war-torn Lebanon could not
compare to the fear he felt on that day. Thirty years later, and now a
married father of three, he still has nightmares of the bombing.
“The roof in the dormitories was about to cave in and we couldn’t
breath. We knew we had to escape, the roof was on fire and so we ran
outside to the principal’s residence. The fire brigade was called, but
the roof had collapsed,” Zinzalian said.
The students and teachers left at the Melkonian made for the
mountains. Turkish troops had surrounded Nicosia and the only way out
was on the road to Larnaca. For 6-7 weeks communication and travel was
almost impossible and Zinzalian was able to leave the island on a
Soviet cargo ship to take up his place in Lebanon. “Two years later,
the war started there,” he said.
Following his studies, Zinzalian was employed at the Press Information
Office (PIO) as a Turkish-English translator. “I saw Makarios
(then-President, Archbishop) everyday,” he said.
Zinzalian then left for the USA to study photojournalism and media and
is now a publisher at the University of LaVerne Press and on the board
of Armenia International Magazine (AIM). He is also the president of
the Melkonian Alumni and Friends in California.
“We are all very sad that the school may be closed. All the alumni I
have spoken to, in LA, in Ontario, in Cyprus, in Greece, in Lebanon,
in Turkey, all feel the same,” he said.
Zinzalian has spent the last few weeks on self-financed travels to
lobby members of the alumni. “There are 1300 members of the alumni all
around the world,” he said.
Having had meetings with the Cyprus alumni of the school and
representatives of the Armenian community on the island, Zinzalian
said that the passion for keeping the Melkonian up and running will be
hard to beat.
“We are also looking into the archives of the school because the
Melkonian brothers who founded the school made provisions before they
died for it never to close. Before they died, they put the school in
the care of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU),” he said.
The Melkonian Institute was built as an orphanage by Krikor and
Garabed Melkonian soon after the massacres of the Armenians in Turkey.
Zinzalian said that the closing of the school was “totally
unacceptable” not only because of the Melkonian’s important cultural
role and lengthy history, but also for the potential practical
problems faced by the 170 students continuing their studies at the
school following the graduation of a further 30 this past year.
“There are students at the school from all over the world who may not
be able to continue their studies as they have up until now,” he said.
“It seems ironic that the Melkonian school survived bombing and a war
and now is in peril from the people supposed to be protecting it,”
Zinzalian said.
He said that the alumni were prepared to keep up their peaceful fight
for as long as necessary, fund-raising – the California Alumni has
raised over $370,000 for the school over the past five years – and
meeting with people able to help the situation. “The Cypriot
government has been very supportive,” he said: “and the Cyprus alumni
is the best we have.”
Zinzalian also said that he believed the AGBU did not expect to have
as large scale a fight on their hands. “I think they expected to sell
off the school and take the money back to the USA without much
reaction.”
He also criticized the AGBU for sending a non-Armenian to manage the
planned closure of the school. US national Gordon Anderson has been
sent to take the place of the school’s headmaster and oversee the
school’s future.
“Feeling the way we do about the school, I feel that closing it will
be impossible,” Zinzalian said.
– The Central Bank has agreed to provide a license to ArmSwiss Invest
& Trust Bank, founded by Swiss citizens of Armenian origin. Sarkisian
said that the initial charter capital of the bank amounts to $6
million.
– FIFA released the Rankings of national teams for August (previous
rank in parentheses). Enclosed, the rankings of some countries that
could be of interest to our readers. 1. Brazil, 849 points (1).
2. France, 809 (2). 3. Spain, 790 (3). 10. Turkey, 719 (10).
14. Greece, 710 (14). 104. Cyprus, 440 (104). 108. Lebanon, 429
(109). 116. Armenia, 406 (118). 118. Azerbaijan, 400 (119).
– Initiated by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia and
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia, a Pan-Diaspora Conference
on Armenian Education began on Thursday 5 August (yesterday) 2004
– A businessman and former lawmaker who police claim was an
authoritative criminal figure was shot to death along with his son,
authorities in Armenia said on Wednesday.
– The exchange of fire across the cease-fire line is a regular
phenomenon on the Armenian Azeri border and this week was no
exception. The incident took place at Azerbaijan’s northwestern Qazax
District.
WEBSITES OF THE WEEK
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
. The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its 17th Annual Summer
Camp at the Camp Site of Morphou Prelature at Kalopanayiotis from 9-15
August 2004. A rich educational and fun programme including Martial
Arts, Swimming, Trekking, Treasure Hunt, and Kisherayin Arshav. To
receive more information or to register please contact the following:
Nareg Tavitian 99488926, Nora Sarian 99439956 or Simon Aynedjian
99437073.
All participants of Panagoum must attend the final meeting before
departure that will take place on Friday 6 August, 2004 at 7:30
p.m. at AYMA.
. Khanasor commemoration took place on Sunday July 25, 2004, at
“Loumada ton Aeton” in Troodos. Images from the event at:
. A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to
Karabagh are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the
trip please contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.
. POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter has been postponed
for Tuesday September 14, 2004.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled
for Sunday 8 August, 2004.
. Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be
heard via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00
local Cyprus time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time
on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on
the following radio frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia
listeners) 94.2 FM (Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca)
96.5 FM (Paphos).
Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth
year, disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian
community of Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also
promotes the discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The
subscription to this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer
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To contact the listmaster send
an email to [email protected]

ABOUT 100 MLN DOLLARS NECESSARY FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF SHUSHI
STEPANAKERT, August 6 (Noyan Tapan). The “Shushi” Foundation has
unfolded the boosting activities directed at the reconstruction of the
historical look of the Armenian town-fortress. According to Bakur
Karapetian, Co-Chairman of the Foundation, the measurement of all the
constructions, as well as the registration of all the historical and
cultural monuments has already begun. The number of monuments,
according to him, makes 500. It was mentioned that, according to
specialists’ calculation, 100 mln dollars are necessary for the
reconstruction of Shushi.

European official’s stance on Karabakh polls “far from reality”
Artsakh State TV, Stepanakert
5 Aug 04
August
[Presenter in studio] On 5 August, the press service of the ministry
of foreign affairs of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR] commented
on the statement of Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter
Schwimmer who expressed his regret about the elections to local
government bodies in the NKR. Schwimmer has made such statements
several times.
The NKR ministry of foreign affairs regards the logic of the statement
as strange and far from reality. Elections are an important component
of building democracy and a civic society. Elections are also a tool
for electing authorities that represent the NKR in the negotiating
process on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement.
The NKR foreign ministry thinks that the international community is
not interested in anarchy and in halting the establishment of
democracy in Nagornyy Karabakh. Such statements can be regarded as
political support for the regime that unleashed a war on Nagornyy
Karabakh, violates democracy and is far behind Nagornyy Karabakh in
democratic development.

Moscow News (Russia)
August 4, 2004
“WE DON’T NEED WHAT DOES NOT BELONG TO US, BUT WE WON’T GIVE UP WHAT
IS OURS BY RIGHT” – EDUARD KOKOITY
By Madina Shavlokhova The Moscow News
In an interview with The Moscow News, Eduard Kokoity, president of
the unrecognized republic, comments on what is going on in South
Ossetia and on the republic’s extremely tense relationship with
Georgia
Last week, the leader of South Ossetia brought to Moscow draft laws
on the status of South Ossetia and its prospective accession to the
Russian Federation. Georgia voices a protest What needs to be done
for Tskhinvali and Tbilisi to end their confrontation?
To bring the situation back to normal, we urge the Georgian
leadership to closely study the history of the conflict and the
documents that were signed in Dagomys in 1992 as well as in the
subsequent years in Moscow, and try to understand what actually
brought about the conflict between the two brotherly peoples. The
trouble, however, is that the Georgian leadership is not interested
in going into the heart of the problem. Moreover, in the course of
negotiations, we often hear Georgian leaders say that they did not
sign particular agreements and are not going to honor them. What does
this show? This shows that there is no one to negotiate with there.
Recently you said that you were ready to provide humanitarian aid to
one affected area in western Georgia. At the same time the Ossetian
population turned down a similar offer from the Georgian authorities.
We are providing humanitarian aid to those parts of Georgia that have
recently been affected by heavy rains. The fact is that we are not in
conflict with ordinary Georgians but with those who are trying to
take away what is ours by law. We don’t need what does not belong to
us, but we will not cede what is ours by right. It is they who are
amassing troops around us and not the other way round. All of this is
being done to divert public attention away from the economic tragedy
that Georgia has ended up with.
How do you assess the performance of the Joint Control Commission on
Settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian Conflict?
I highly value the work of the JCC, as well as the Russian
peacekeepers. Russia demonstrates its readiness to deploy maximum
effort to stabilize the situation, which is more than can be said
about the Georgian side. Even at the latest meeting, they talked to
us in the language of threats and ultimatums. Their objective is to
provoke a large-scale war and to discredit the peacekeepers. Today it
is above all the Tbilisi officials, who violate the JCC agreements.
Just as 13 years ago, they are behaving as aggressors and
separatists.
Could you please expand on this?
Georgia was the first to break away from the Soviet Union like a
separatist, violating the USSR Constitution that stated in black and
white that the opinion of those regions that conducted a referendum
on the issue must be taken into account in forming a separate state.
That is to say, already at that time we automatically became
independent. So who is the separatist then? Furthermore, it should
not be forgotten that as soon as they proclaimed their independence
they abandoned all Soviet laws and decrees while, as is known it was
in accordance with those laws and decrees that South Ossetia acceded
to Georgia. In principle, we did the same as Georgia did in the
Soviet era: We seceded from it – true, in full compliance with the
law.
Which side does the West take in the conflict?
When politicians from democratic countries come to visit here, I get
the impression that they put on blinders. They do not see the rampant
violations of human and minority rights that are occurring in
Georgia. Also, they fail to see one very important thing. In the past
14 years Georgia has replaced the third president. None of them
served out their term in office. All of them had to leave as a result
of revolutions or coups. By contrast, over the past 15 years we have
held presidential and parliamentary elections in full compliance with
the rules of international law. Yet for some reason we are being
pushed into a sphere of lawlessness and anarchy. They keep talking
about somebody’s territorial integrity. But the fact is that South
Ossetia joined Georgia in 1921 – during the Soviet era. We gained
independence following the breakup of the Soviet Union and a
nationwide referendum. The Georgian Constitution does not make any
reference to us, so why are we being invited there? In this logic, we
could just as easily be invited to join Armenia or Azerbaijan: After
all, they were also part of the Soviet Union. What we see here is
that our opponents are either completely ignorant of international
and Soviet law or reluctant to study it. MN

California Courier Online, August 5, 2004
1 – Commentary
Armenians: Latest Victims of Bush
Administration’s War in Iraq
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Demirjian Introduces Book on Armenian
American Veterans to Fresno Audience
3 – Fresno’s First Annual AECP Dinner
Benefits Armenians with Eye Disease
4 – Elephant From India
Will be Airlifted
To Yerevan Zoo
5 – AGBU-AYA Basketball
Clinic Held in Pasadena
6 – APN-WD to Host JAA’s Top
Students at Diocese Complex
7 – Hagopian’s Film to be Featured
At Rhode Island Festival, Aug. 12
8- Steering Committee Formed for
USC Institute of Armenian Studies
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Armenians: Latest Victims of Bush
Administration’s War in Iraq
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
During the past two years, the Bush Administration kept changing the
reasons why it invaded Iraq. The war had nothing to do with weapons of mass
destruction or bringing democracy to Iraq. It was simply based on a lie
concocted by Pres. Bush’s neo-conservative aides (neo-cons) who had plotted
to dominate the Middle East long before September 11, 2001. They used the
9/11 attacks as the excuse to implement their long-cherished, not so secret
plan.
After a relatively easy invasion of Iraq, the American troops got bogged
down in the ensuing chaos. Sadly, more than 900 U.S. soldiers sacrificed
their lives for the sinister agenda of the neo-cons who had concentrated
all of their attention on going to war, but had paid little attention to
having an exit strategy. They did not need one, because they had planned to
stay there a very long time.
To make matters worse, the Americans removed along with Saddam, the way of
life (no matter how bad it was) that most Iraqis had gotten accustomed to.
Unfortunately, certain segments of Iraqi society are worse off now, after
being “liberated.” Women now are subjected to abuse and physical attacks if
they do not dress modestly and cover their faces in public. The owners of
liquor stores are now targets of assassination for violating the Islamic
ban on alcoholic drinks. Most Christians freely worshipped in their
churches. Now they are blown up during church service.
If the real purpose of the neo-cons were to remove Saddam from power, there
are many more countries that have similar brutal leaders. Is the Bush
Administration going to spend billions of more dollars and risk the lives
of thousands of more U.S. soldiers under the guise of bringing democracy to
all these countries? Furthermore, even if the Administration were foolish
enough to attempt such a thing, the chaos and the violence that it would
unleash would be just as bad as the inhuman conditions that these people
live under now.
Last Sunday, for the first time, an Armenian church full of worshippers was
attacked in Baghdad. It goes without saying that the real culprits are the
terrorists who blew up that sanctuary along with five other Christian
churches in various parts of the country. However, a degree of the
responsibility for the deaths and destruction also falls on those who
removed the “Butcher of Baghdad” without caring for the consequences of
their actions on the innocent people that they ostensibly were trying to
“liberate.”
The sad truth is that those who decided to invade Iraq, contrary to their
lofty pronouncements, were not interested at all in the welfare of the
local people. The innocent Iraqi-Armenian worshippers who were injured in
that church last Sunday, regrettably, became their latest victims.
Democrats Launch Kerry-Edwards Campaign
I attended the Democratic National Convention in Boston, last week. It was
very exciting to be with thousands of screaming delegates, hundreds of
distinguished political figures, and many celebrities. There were dozens of
speeches to listen to each day and scores of receptions to attend over the
four-day period.
Since both John Kerry and John Edwards have already expressed their support
for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, I tried to meet as many of
the Democratic officials as possible to acquaint them with Armenian issues.
Given the disappointing experiences with other presidents, Armenian
Americans want to make sure that they are not deceived again as they were
by presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Last week, the Armenian National Committee of America endorsed John Kerry
for President. The ANCA usually waits until right before the election to
endorse the candidate that takes the stronger stand on Armenian issues.
This year the ANCA did not have to wait, because it is obvious that the
Bush Administration had nothing to offer to the Armenian community.
Senator Kerry, on the other hand, has a 20-year record of support on
Armenian issues, including voting for the Armenian Genocide Resolution in
the past and co-sponsoring the current Senate Resolution.
At the Democratic Convention, I met scores of Armenians from various
organizations, including some Republicans, who were supporting Kerry. There
is a good chance that, if elected President, Kerry would continue to be
supportive of Armenian issues. It is up to the Armenian community to get
involved in his campaign so that when the time comes to make decisions on
Armenian issues, Armenian-Americans would be among the decision-makers in
the Kerry Administration, rather than mere spectators waiting to see if
Kerry would keep his word.
**************************************************************************
2 – Demirjian Introduces Book on Armenian
American Veterans to Fresno Audience
FRESNO – Author Richard Demirjian chose the 60th anniversary of the Allied
Invasion of Europe to introduce his book “The Faces of Courage: Armenian
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Heroes” to members of the St. Paul
Armenian Church in Fresno on June.
Demirjian addressed the group following services at the Haig Berberian
Hall. “Let us all stand and pay tribute to all those who served and died in
World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and other conflicts,” said
Demirjian, who also honored the memory of President Ronald Reagan, who had
died recently.
The Faces of Courage is an anthology of combat stories recounted by
Armenians who served in the United States military. “The best part of this
book was talking to the people and taping their stories,” said Demirjian.
“There are a lot of Armenians who served in the military. We’ve traveled
the country to find out some of their stories. They must be remembered for
their deeds.”
Demirjian singled out 10 members of the local community who were among the
45 subjects of the book. He summarized for the St. Paul audience the
stories of Jack Ekparian, Ron Markarian, Victor Maghakian, Sam Boghosian,
Ernest Tavlian, Arpeni Mirigian, Sam Kalfayan, John Jerry Najarian, Helen
Koomjan, and Seto Balakian.
Ekparian was a member of the 1st Infantry Division. Markarian, a Major
General, was the highest-ranking Armenian American in United States
military history. Maghakian, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was one of
the most decorated Marines in World War II. Boghosian was sent to the
Philippines in 1941, taken prisoner, and managed to survive more than three
and one half years as a prisoner of the Japanese. Tavlian, a sergeant in
the U.S. Army Air Force, survived the Bataan Death March and three and one
half years as a prisoner of war. Mirigian served in the U.S. Navy Waves in
World War II, and she served the United States by learning the Japanese
codes and eavesdropping on Japanese radio messages. Kalfayan, a U.S. Army
private during World War II, was fluent in four languages, and served as
General George Patton’s interpreter. Najarian received the Distinguished
Service Cross after completing 26 bombing missions in World War II. Koomjan
of the Army Nurse Corps in WWII survived a kamikaze attack on the USS
Comfort during the invasion of Okinawa. Balakian, a U.S. Marine Corps
corporal, received a Purple Heart for his service in the Pacific theater in
1942.
“We have to pay tribute to those who served and to those who died,” said
Demirjian, 77, who lives in Moraga, Calif.
**************************************************************************
3 – Fresno’s First Annual AECP Dinner
Benefits Armenians with Eye Disease
FRESNO – To honor George Deukmejian, 35th Governor of California, Dinner
Co-Chairs, Debbie Poochigian and Don Kuzirian brought together all of the
elements of a memorable evening for more than 100 guests who gathered at
the Sunnyside Country Club in Fresno on June 24. Benefiting the Armenian
EyeCare Project, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner,
background music provided by pianist Ken Kennedy and a presentation on the
EyeCare Project by Dr. Roger Ohanesian.
“The event exceeded all of our expectations,” said Co-chair Don Kuzirian
Roger Ohanesian, the EyeCare Project’s President and Founder echoed his
comments. “The organizing committee and event Co-Chairpersons, Debbie and
Don, exceeded all expectations. We are extraordinarily grateful to them for
their hard work and for helping us establish a presence in Fresno. I
believe we have set a high standard for future events. It was a delightful
evening and everyone who attended is still singing its praises. Don
Kuzirian went on to say, “This was our first annual benefit. We’ll be right
back next year. Absolutely. Debbie and I are ready to go right now.”
Debbie Poochigian, Co-Chairperson, commented on the evening: “Most guests
arrived without knowing anything about the EyeCare Project, but wanting to
be supportive. Everyone walked away with a terrific understanding about
what a great job the AECP is doing.”
Debbie and Don enlisted the support of friends and family to make the
evening a success. Hostesses for the evening included Laura Poochigian,
Amanda Poochigian, and MaryAlice Kaloostian.
Out-of-town guests included Gov. George Deukmejian; EyeCare Project
Chairman, Dr. Roger Ohanesian with wife Eileen; and board members Jack
Kayajanian and Ken and Meredith Khachigian.
Also from out-of-town were long-time AECP benefactors Kosti and Marian
Shirvanian, Newport Beach, and Haig Papaian, owner of Commerce Casino.
Shirvanian and Papaian underwrote the transportation costs for the evening.
The evening’s wine was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Keledjian and Senator
and Mrs. Poochigian. “So many people that I had not met came together to
make our first event in Fresno a terrific success,” commented Dr. Ohanesian
as he circulated during cocktail hour to meet all those who had gathered to
benefit the project he founded in 1992 to eliminate preventable blindness
in Armenia.
Following dinner, Sen. Poochigian, long-time friend and supporter of the
evening’s honoree, spoke briefly about the AECP and then turned his
attention to introducing his mentor-Governor George Deukmejian.
The Governor talked about the important work of the AECP ophthalmologists
saying, “The AECP is doing extraordinarily important work for the Armenian
people and the ophthalmologists who travel to Armenia twice a year, at
their own expense, are an inspiration to us all. I commend them for their
dedication and hard work.”
Contributing to the ambiance of the evening and the striking table
decorations were Bob and Andy Azzaro of San Francisco Floral who donated
giant bundles of beautiful blue Iris-arranged into eye-catching
centerpieces by talented Nancy Poochigian. Ms. Kathleen Elia donated her
time and photography services for the evening. Table favors for each guest
were keepsake “Children of Armenia” 2004 Calendars and small round silver
tins with a private blue and white AECP label, “First Annual Fresno Dinner,
June 24, 2004,” and filled Altoids candy.
As the program got underway Governor Deukmejian said a few more words and
introduced AECP President, Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian. State Senator Chuck
Poochigian, and Don Kuzirian also spoke about the AECP.
Kuzirian told the assembled guests, “The benefit this evening was like
waiting for your first child to be born. All of a sudden, there’s your
baby.” He also reflected on “How fortunate I am to be in America. I have
health care and I have my choice of doctors for that care,” he said. “Our
brothers and sisters in Armenia don’t have that opportunity. We’ve got to
help them.” Speaking from his own personal experience with eye disease
Kuzirian, who suffers from uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, had to
spend a few days in the hospital during the planning of the benefit-making
phone calls to prospective sponsors all the while.
Ohanesian gave a slide presentation, which highlighted the many
accomplishments of the Project during the past 12 years and focused on its
new Initiative, “Bringing Sight to Armenian Eyes”-a five-point program
focusing on direct patient care; medical education and training; public
education and training; research; and capacity building.
Major sponsors of the evening included Gottchalks, represented by Don
Kuzirian, the Sequoia Chapter of Triple X, and Mrs. Deran Koligian and
Family. Hosts for the evening included Ken and Meredith Khachigian, Luther
and Glenda Khachigian, Ed and Jeanne Kashian, The Stephen Philibosian
Foundation, Dr. Frederick A. Richburg with the Valley Eye Institute, Henry
and Nancy Sanoian, Nubert and Jeannette Baker, Costi and Marian Shirvanian,
and Sante Health System, Inc.
Other guests enjoying the evening included Red and Nancy Arnold, Larry and
Joanie Bedrosian, Ernie and Carlotta Bedrosian, Kenneth and Lilyan
Chooljian, Varoujan Der Simonian, Dr. Robert and Sharon Garabedian and
daughter Kristina Garabedian (founder of Armenian Shoe Box Project), Dr.
Ara Hairabedian, Paul Jamushian, Mike and Nellie Kutnerian, Gary Malazian,
Robert and Jackie Manselian, Aram and Alice Michigian, Steve and Lucille
Pilibos, Sarkis and Iris Sahadtjian, Don and Barbara Serimian, Dr. David
Taylor, and Cliff and Roxanna Tutelian.
Debbie Poochigian summed up the evening, which raised more than $20,000
for the Project. “We have a wonderful supportive Armenian community in
Fresno.” And Don Kuzirian reiterated, “Absolutely. We’ll be right back next
year. Debbie and I are ready to go right now.” And they already have a head
start on the 2005 AECP Fresno Dinner with a committee in the making and
notices in the newspapers requesting people to donate their used eyeglasses
for Armenians.
To learn more about the AECP, please visit , or call
949-675-5767. To make a donation, call the AECP toll-free number,
1-866-GIV-AECP, donate online at or mail a check to
337 E. Bayfront, Newport Beach, CA 92662.
**************************************************************************
4 – Elephant From India
Will be Airlifted
To Yerevan Zoo
MYSORE, India – (VG) – The staff at the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
are all agog with excitement as Komala, the eight-year-old female elephant,
is to go to Armenia.
According to Zoo Director Kumar Pushkar, Komala will be paired with a
nine-year-old Asian elephant at Armenia Zoo. The Armenian Zoo had written
to the President of India requesting for a female elephant from one of the
zoos in India.
The Central Zoo Authority’s search for a healthy female elephant ended in
Mysore, Pushkar added.
“Central Zoo Authority’s Member-Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gopal and Armenian
Embassy’s Advisor Mr. Arman Kachatrian selected Komala and she will be
airlifted to Armenia within a month,” he said.
Pushkar said Komala is a gift to the Armenian President from the President
of India. Giving away one elephant is not a loss as the Mysore Zoo had
successfully bred elephants in captivity.
The central government will bear the expenses of constructing an enclosure
required to airlift Komala to Armenia. Meanwhile, Komala is being trained
to remain in the enclosure for long hours as the journey would take about
18 hours, Pushkar disclosed. The pachyderm will be accompanied in its
journey by a veterinarian and two keepers.
A doctor from Armenia and an elephant caretaker have arrived in the Mysore
Zoo to study the elephant’s behavior and the ambience that needs to be
created at the Armenian Zoo in Yerevan.
**************************************************************************
5- AGBU-AYA Basketball
Clinic Held in Pasadena
PASADENA – The Second Annual AGBU-AYA Youth Basketball Clinic was held at
the AGBU Center in Pasadena on July 17.
AGBU-AYA boys, 10-12 years of age, participated from both the Valley and
Pasadena AGBU chapters. Each clinic participant received team and
individual instruction in the fundamentals of basketball, and competed in
games and contests.
AGBU Valley men’s basketball team member’s Diron Ohanian, Toros Yetenekian,
Zareh Kouyoumdjian and Carl Bardakian, winners of the first and second Pan
Armenian Games in Yerevan in 1999 and 2001, coached and instructed the
AGBU-AYA boys. The AGBU Southern California Central Sports Committee
organized the event.
6’11”, 290-pound center Rafael Araujo, who was selected eighth in the 2004
NBA Draft on June 24 by the Toronto Raptors, spoke to the participants and
signed autographs for them. Araujo instructed the youth in various
basketball drills and took photos with them. Araujo also encouraged the
AGBU-AYA athletes to focus on their academics and on the fundamentals of
basketball.
The Valley and Pasadena AGBU-AYA boys played in their first league game on
Saturday, July 24 at the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School in Canoga Park.
If interested in becoming a member of the AGBU-AYA basketball program,
contact the AGBU Pasadena Center at 626-794-7942 or AGBU Valley Chapter at
818-313-9449.
**************************************************************************
6 – APN-WD to Host JAA’s Top
Students at Diocese Complex
BURBANK – On August 24, the newly-formed Armenian Professionals Network of
the Western Diocese (APN-WD) will host a community mixer welcoming Junior
Achievement of Armenia’s (JAA) most outstanding economics students from the
2003/04 school year and the 2004 participants of JAA’s annual Summer Study
Abroad program. The August 24 mixer will be a wine and cheese reception
held from 7:30 to 9 pm. at the Western Diocese Complex, 3325 North Glenoaks
Blvd, Burbank, Calif.
The three JAA students and one administrator, Anna Avetisyan, Haykuhi
Khachatryan, Matevos Mheryan, and Grigori Nazaryan, have been selected from
the thousands enrolled in economics for their exemplary academic
achievement and mastery of the English language.
Distinguished guest speaker Christina Tusan, Deputy Attorney General,
California Department of Justice, and JAA Board member, will introduce the
JAA visitors to the APN-WD and describe how JAA fulfills its mission to
give Armenian youth the necessary skills and knowledge to compete and
succeed in the local, national, and global arenas.
Each summer since 1995, Junior Achievement of Armenia has rewarded its top
students with the opportunity to participate in JAA’s Summer Study Abroad
program. This year’s program will begin in early August at the 34th Annual
Canadian National Junior Achievement Conference (CANJAC) held in Saskatoon.
On Aug. 21, following this one-week program, the JAA visitors will travel
to Southern California where they will, among other activities, visit
businesses, meet elected officials and policy makers, interact with
community leaders, and engage in regional and social events.
For more information contact Vahe Ashjian at (818) 212-9976 or visit the
organization’s website at
**************************************************************************
7 – Hagopian’s Film to be Featured
At Rhode Island Festival, Aug. 12
THOUSAND OAKS, CA – “Germany and the Secret Genocide” is to be featured in
the Jewish “side-bar” of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Aug.
12. The award-winning film by J. Michael Hagopian will be screened at 7:30
p.m. at the Pawtucket Visitor’s Center in Providence.
This is the second film of “The Witnesses” trilogy on the Armenian
Genocide, prepared by the Armenian Film Foundation.
“Germany and the Secret Genocide” was introduced to the Rhode Island
International Film Festival by Dr. Sharon Rivo, Executive Director for the
National Center for Jewish Film at Brandeis University. She was a panelist
at the recent East Coat premiere of Hagopian’s film by the National
Association of Armenian Studies and Research in Belmont, Mass. Dr. Rivo was
highly impressed with Hagopian’s work and expressed the desire to introduce
it to the Jewish community of America.
Glenn Farr, co-producer of “Germany and the Secret Genocide,” said he is
gratified by growing Jewish acclaim for the film.
Earlier this year, the film won coveted first place awards and special
recognitions at the One World Human Rights Film Festival in Prague, the
Athens Ohio International Film Festival and the prestigious U.S.
International Film and Video Festival, the largest festival of its kind.
***************************************************************************
8 – Steering Committee Formed for
USC Institute of Armenian Studies
LOS ANGELES – The long-held dream of the Armenian community of Southern
California, as well as thousands of USC Armenian Alumni to establish an
Institute of Armenian Studies is well on its way to realization.
A group of prominent community leaders, meeting at the Bistro Gardens on
July 14, responded enthusiastically to the establishment of an
institutethat would strengthen and perpetuate the century-long partnership
between the Armenian community and the University of Southern California.
At the dinner hosted by noted community leader, Charles Ghailian, the
attendees became acquainted with the institute’s unique mission as a
multidisciplinary center of Armenian studies, covering a variety of fields
— law, business, religion, politics, music, film, media, the
arts and sciences. Speaking passionately about the bright future of the
institute, Charles Ghailian welcomed the opportunity to establish a
world-class think-tank that would promote learning and scholarship about
the Armenian-American community, the global Armenian Diaspora, and the
Armenian Republic.
The attendees were: Dr. Mihran & Eliz Agbabian, Alex Baroian, John
Berberian, Sylva Bezdikian, Albert Boyajian, Mark Chenian, Dr. R. Hrair
Dekmejian, Charles Ghailian, Armen Janian, Esq., Onnik Mehrabian, Varant
Melkonian, Gerald Papazian, Esq., Harut Sassounian, Hagop & Mina
Shirvanian, Sinan Sinanian, The Honorable Dikran Tevrizian, Ralph & Savey
Tufenkian, Arda Yemenidjian, and Edward Zohrabian.
After a lively discussion, the assembled guests unanimously resolved to
commit themselves to bringing the vision of the institute into reality. By
forming a Steering Committee, the members plan to raise “seed money” and
make plans for fund raising and other activities involving many additional
members in the Armenian community.
Since its founding over a century ago, USC has educated thousands of
Armenian-Americans who have gone on to distinguished careers in business,
government and the professions. It is only fitting that USC serves as the
home of an unprecedented venture in multidisciplinary Armenian studies –
the first of its kind in the United States and the larger Diaspora.
********************************************************
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