Armenia’s Tigran Kirakosyan won gold at the Sambo World Championships in Sochi, Russia on Friday, November 10.
Kirakosyan beat defending champion Maral-Erdene Chimeddorj of Mongolia to the men’s 52kg title.
1000 sambo fighters from 93 countries of the world are competing in the World Championships which will run through November 12.
On 31 October, the definitive English-language biography of Azerbaijani National Leader Heydar Aliyev received its international launch at the UK Parliament, during a standing-room only event hosted by Bob Blackman MP, who is also Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Azerbaijan.
The event was organised by The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS). TEAS Press has published the new biography, and attendees included Lord Kilclooney, Lord Addington, Mark Pawsey MP and Martin Vickers MP, TEAS told APA.
This triple-volume biography of the National Leader charts each epoch of his life. The author is Elmira Akhundova MP, who was a journalist from 1990–2003. She experienced first-hand the early years of regained Azerbaijani independence, and witnessed the period spanning the return of the National Leader from a pivotal role in the Soviet Politburo to successful leadership of independent Azerbaijan, despite a period of great turmoil. As a member of the press entourage close to the President, Mrs Akhundova was perfectly placed to observe his every political move and interviewed him on myriad occasions. Many attendees at the launch were delighted to receive copies of the biography, personally inscribed by the author.
Altogether, Mrs Akhundova worked on the book for 14 years, obtaining access to myriad hitherto unpublished documents and undertaking 350 interviews with family, friends and colleagues – some of which revealed their recollections for the first time.
Jack Pegoraro, Head, TEAS London, welcomed all attendees and speakers before handing the microphone to Bob Blackman MP, who commented: “Much of the development of Baku and Azerbaijan, as a whole, is attributable to the work of Heydar Aliyev. He took the country from being a dull former Soviet Republic through to being a country that is fully independent, where wealth is spread out amongst the population and everyone is gaining.
“Due to his policies, UK–Azerbaijani relations have become increasingly strong, predominantly due to his work in developing the Contract of the Century between the BP-led Azerbaijan International Operating Consortium (AIOC) that led to the development of oil and gas extraction which has resulted in a high level of prosperity for his nation. This is a wonderful biography and clearly a great work from an author who was close to her subject – Heydar Aliyev – who was a good friend of the UK.
“I have visited Azerbaijan on four occasions, and have witnessed the dramatic progress of the country first-hand. I have also seen the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are the ongoing victims of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. I have also seen the work undertaken by the Azerbaijani government to ensure they have basic quality living conditions.”
H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, recalled: “Every time we celebrate the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, we must remember that we have a country that is a) stable, b) independent c) a reliable partner for other countries – including the UK. If we go back over 20 years, we would see a country that was being torn apart by various warlords, still coping with foreign troops on its territory, and importing almost everything – including gas.
“We now have a country that provides, rather than receives, foreign aid. Despite the oil crisis, our GDP has continued to increase. The only aspect that has not been resolved is the continuing Armenian occupation of nearly 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory.
“Heydar Aliyev was not just a larger than life personality – but a sweet and caring man. His attention to detail rescued the country on more than one occasion. I thank Mrs Akhundova for her remarkable work.”
Dr Tamara Dragadze, former advisor to BP, who witnessed the Contract of the Century signing, remembered his amazing recall and focus, which were combined with an iron will that was demonstrated many times in the face of adversity. He had something else, and is undeniably worthy of such a remarkable biography.”
Mrs Akhundova commented: “No-one in the world could have assumed that the former communist leader of Azerbaijan, one of the leaders of the powerful Soviet empire, would soon surprise the whole Republic, and then the whole world, rising from the ashes like a phoenix.
“What was the mystery of this man? How, contrary to accepted wisdom, did he manage to successfully step in the same river twice? I think the answer lies in the words of the great British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, who famously said: ‘The only way a man can remain consistent amidst changing circumstances is to change with them, while preserving the same dominating purpose.’ Heydar Aliyev could change according to time and situation, and organically did so. His overarching dedication was to the national interest of his motherland – his beloved Azerbaijan.
“Heydar Aliyev lived a very hard life. He was to see the collapse of ideals in which he believed passionately, and survived the disintegration of a country that he had served faithfully. He got to step into a whole new era and begin life from scratch, ascending a second time to the summit of a political Olympus. But that would happen in a different country and different epoch.”
Music was dear to the heart of the National Leader, who was an amateur khanende (mugham singer), and thus it was most apt that a musical interlude was provided by the legendary septuagenarian tar player Rafiq Rustamov, Honoured Art Worker of the Azerbaijani Republic. Rafiq won his first competition in 1969, the year Heydar Aliyev was appointed as leader of Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), and his career developed contemporaneously with that of the National Leader.
The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, covering such topics as the problems of extrapolating facts for incorporation in a biography; the background to the transition of power between Presidents Abulfaz Elchibey and Heydar Aliyev; and the difficulties of adequately representing such a man whose policies and personalities had an irrevocable impact on his country.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has published a new ranking of the strongest chess players in the world.
As of November 1, world champion Magnus Carlsen is leading the men’s table with 2837 points. Levon Aronyan takes the second place with 2801 points. The Italian GM Fabiano Caruana, presenting the USA, is in the third place (2799).
Among the top 100 world chess players there are three other representatives of Armenia: Sergey Movsisyan (76th place, 2667 points), Vladimir Hakobyan (77, 2667) and Gabriel Sargsyan (97, 2655).
Chinese Hou Yifan, former World Champion, is leading the women’s rankings with 2680 points. She is followed by Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine, 2576) and Yu Venun (China, 2567). Elina Danielyan is the 49th (2415), and Lilit Mkrtchyan is in the 70th place (2390).
On November 1, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will take part in the 39th session of the UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris.
Nalbandian’s speech is scheduled for the same day at the UNESCO General Conference.
A scene from the AMAA Centennial Banquet (Photo: AMAA)
BY FLORENCE AVAKIAN
TEANECK, N.J. – The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) was created a hundred years ago to help and protect survivors of the Armenian Genocide who were desperately clinging to life. From those soul-searing and heartbreaking beginnings, the AMAA within a century has mushroomed into an awesome worldwide organization focusing on education, churches, humanitarian relief and camps in 24 countries, a stupendous accomplishment.
On Saturday evening, October 21, close to 400 enthusiastic supporters came together to celebrate this unique feat at a Centennial Banquet at the Marriott Teaneck Glenpointe in NJ, entitled “Faithful to our Legacy,” and to honor long time AMAA philanthropists Edward and Pamela Avedisian, and Doreen and Charles (posthumously) Bilezikian.
Guests of honor present included Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhannissian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.N. Zohrab and Mrs. Irina Mnatsakanian, Prelacy Vicar General Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian representing the Armenian Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and the Very Rev. Fr. Vasken Karayan representing the Armenian Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. By e-mail, Armenian Catholic Bishop Michael Mouradian sent a congratulatory message.
Also attending were AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian and Dr. Ani Darakjian, Joyce Philibosian Stein and Joe Stein of the Stephen Philibosian Foundation, the Telfeyan Evangelical Foundation with several family members, Dr. Carnegie Calian, Badvelis (ministers) from all over the world including Canada, Europe, Armenia, the Middle East, and Australia, and representatives from the AGBU, AAHPO, Hamazkayin, Tekeyan Cultural Association, and the ARS.
Cutting the anniversary cake (Photo: AMAA)
Following an elegant reception, and the singing of the U.S. National Anthem by four young students from the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School of Los Angeles and the Armenian Anthem by students from the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School, Armenian Evangelical World Council President Rev. Berdj Djambazian shared an inspirational invocation. Dedicated Banquet co-chairs Drs. Celeste Telfeyan Helvacian and Dr. Nurhan Helvacian warmly welcomed the spirited crowd, briefly extolling the spectacular achievements of the 100-year-old Association.
SEEDS PLANTED IN FERTILE GROUND
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, a beloved long-time activist and benefactor in the Armenian community, presented an eloquent tribute to the history of the AMAA. Quoting the Bible, he recalled that “if seeds are planted in fertile ground, it gives forth lots of fruit, ten-fold,” then added, “thirty-fold, a hundred-fold.”
“The AMAA for a hundred years has been planting those seeds here and all over the world. I am proud to say that I am the result of these selfless efforts,” he stated, expressing his gratitude for the AMAA’s superior educational benefits that he and his wife, noted art curator Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, received during their youth.
In a sad tribute, he remembered the passing that week of one of the most stalwart AMAA members Khoren Nalbandian, and expressed sincere condolences to his wife Seta Nalbandian, an AMAA Board member.
Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, Master of Ceremonies (Photo: AMAA)
He pointed out the unique AMAA accomplishments from the days of the Genocide, to the time of the 1988 earthquake, the independence of Armenia and United Nations membership, the victorious liberation of Artsakh, and the massive Syrian relief efforts in Aleppo and Damascus.
Dr. Hovanessian thoughtfully recounted that the AMAA is “strongly nationalistic but emphasizes education and social services, has a heart but with the Christian spirit in it.” Then paraphrasing the immortal Movses Khorenatzi, he said, “Born by mortals, may the AMAA be eternal.”
STANDING ON SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian recounted a brief history of the AMAA, and the “immense sacrifice” of giants Stephen Philibosian, Rev. Dr. Giragos Chopourian and Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian and the “precious legacy” that needs to be passed on to future generations.
“The common theme of the organization is children, from the orphan and child care sponsorships to the Milk Fund, to the summer camps, to the after-school day centers, to the Avedisian School in Armenia and all the Armenian Evangelical schools in the Near East and the U.S.” The work also extends to the youth, young adults, the students of Haigazian University, college scholarships, and the rebuilding of the churches in Armenia, Artsakh, Syria and the entire Armenian Diaspora, he said.
To accomplish these goals, the AMAA has committed itself to a Centennial Fundraising Campaign to raise 20 million dollars. He stated proudly that the Campaign, which started a year ago, has already reached 35 percent of its goal. With this Banquet initiating the momentum which will go around the world, the AMAA hopes to “reach the finish line in California exactly 12 months from now,” he declared with emphasis, after which an AMAA video was presented focusing on the children, schools, and the summer camps in Armenia, Lebanon, Syria and the U.S.
Delighting the audience were mezzo soprano Hasmik Meikhanedjian and pianist and composer Hayk Arsenyan, two New York-based musicians who have performed in many venues. Meikhanedjian with heartfelt emotion sang a number of well-known Armenian songs, accompanied by Arsenyan who also played solos, including a passionate rendition of Khatchaturyan’s “Sabre Dance.”
From left to right:(L to R) Zaven Khanjian, Doreen Bilezikian and Dr. Nazareth Darakjian (Photo: AMAA)
BANQUET HIGHLIGHT
Well known California educator and former AMAA President Dr. Joseph Zeronian, and former AMAA Board Vice President Peter Kougasian, Esq., Assistant District Attorney under NY District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, shared the honor of introducing the honorees, Edward and Pamela Avedisian.
Dr. Zeronian referred to his mother, who grew up in a German orphanage in Kharpert, as his inspiration. He focused on the crucial importance of education which “followed the tradition of the Bible and those dedicated missionaries.” He pointed out the tremendous accomplishments of the Avedisians who for the past 20 years have “enhanced the education in Armenia, with the building of the best school in the Malatya-Sepastya district, Yerevan’s poorest community, as well as several other projects. “They have followed the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive,” he stated.
To the surprise of many, an inspiring example of courage was displayed by Mr. Kougasian who came to the podium, but due to a neurological problem, was unable to speak. In a digital text where his speech was recorded, he recalled that on a special family trip to the Mekhitarist Monastery on Venice’s San Lazzaro Island, a non-Armenian tour guide told his son, “You should study a subject until you love it, because only then will it become a model of God’s love. That is the foundation upon which the Avedisian School is built,” Mr. Kougasian emphasized. “And when the Avedisians did this, Armenia already had free public school education, and the highest literacy rate of any country in the world.”
From left to right: Armenia’s Ambassador to the UN Zohrab Mnatsakanian; Ronald Altoon; and Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhanissian (Photo: AMAA)
The Avedisians created the School for excellence, Kougasian continued. “This School represents a different mission, a belief that is peculiarly Armenian. It is the belief that true excellence in education can lead the sensitive soul on a path to God.”
Edward and Pamela Avedisian, in expressing appreciation, stated that the AMAA is the “major factor in projecting Armenian into the 21st century, but there still is a tremendous need to expand into many areas.”
Avedisian then introduced honorees Charles (posthumously) and Doreen Bilezikian who renovated the Avedisian School and playground in Shushi. With great feeling, Doreen Bilezikian described the “deplorable conditions” in the Women’s Hospital in Yerevan, another renovation project undertaken by the Bilezikians.
In recognition of the great philanthropy by both the Avedisians and the Bilezikians, special handmade gifts were presented to them. AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian presented the Avedisians with a magnificent Michael Aram-designed gift of Noah’s Ark, and AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian gave Doreen Bilezikian a lovely painting of the Bilezikian couple. The honorees and the AMAA President and Executive Director/CEO together participated in the cutting of the ceremonial AMAA anniversary cake which was distributed to all.
Devoted AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, who delivered the closing remarks, expressed deep appreciation to all involved in this memorable celebration. Khanjian, who has served as Chairman of the West Coast’s Armenia Fund, Americans for Artsakh, and the Merdinian Evangelical School Board, also founded and directed the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF).
From left to right: Zaven Khanjian, honorees Edward and Pamela Avedisian, and Dr. Nazareth Darakjian (Photo: AMAA)
He reiterated four promises. To God, the promise is to “stay the course and carry out our mission with renewed vigor and energy all around the globe to our kin and beyond.” To the AMAA members, a “commitment to integrity, accountability, transparency and full financial disclosure.” To the next generation, “good stewardship, and the availability of resources for the challenging needs of the future.” And “for our people, to impact the spiritual and physical well-being of our people in Syria, Artsakh, Armenia, the Near East, Europe and the Americas.”
The AMAA, “Faithful to Our Legacy and Embracing the Future,” strides forward into its second century. “Embracing the Future, let us stride together,” Khanjian declared to a standing ovation.
The evening that will long be remembered came to a conclusion with the Hayr Mer sung by all, and the benediction recited by Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) Executive Director.
AEWC President Rev. Berdj Djambazian eloquently voiced the emotions of many when he said, “I saw one thing that has never died, or vanished in the last 100 years, that of compassion, the ability to enter the skin of hurting, suffering people, feel the pain and come up with a remedy. The AMAA started, and continues to this day, implementing this compassion through God.”
By Rashid Shirinov
Vice Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Bahar Muradova has urged Armenian MPs to refrain from making provocative statements.
Muradova, who spoke on the last day of the Assembly’s session in Andorra on October 6, said that every such provocation has been adequately retaliated: “This does not happen for the first time and such statements have not yielded any results so far.”
“This is why I urged my Armenian colleagues to refrain from making provocative statements that can complicate the situation,” she noted.
Muradova also said that Armenia is permanently doing this in the occupied Azerbaijani territory that it controls and on the troops’ contact line.
“If we can’t do anything at the parliamentary level to ensure that common efforts yield expected results, we should not cause problems,” she added.
Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in a conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.
Today, Armenia still ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.
President Serzh Sargsyan attended today a gala event hosted by the Armenian General Benevolent Union at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater after A. Spendiaryan, in the frame of which a symbolic musical performance was presented, referred to as “Our Promise”, the press department of the President’s Office reports.
The event was dedicated to “Promise,” a film about the Armenian Genocide, shot by famous American Oscar-winning director Terry George, with its world premiere held at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2016.
In attendance were film director Terry George, producer Eric Israyelyan and renowned filmmaker Mike Medavoy. The film’s original music and history were among the main features of the gala event.
For Immediate Release USC INSTITUTE OF ARMENIAN STUDIES University of Southern California Los Angeles, California, USA Contact: Syuzanna Petrosyan, Associate Director [email protected] 213.821.3943 Vordan Karmir from Vanadzor, Armenia to Headline Innovate Armenia Vordan Karmir, a vibrant and powerful presence in Armenian music, will be headlining INNOVATE ARMENIA on September 23, 2016, at the USC campus. The band is named after an Armenian cochineal insect — a worm — that produced what became known as “the Armenian color.” A deep, striking shade of crimson red, the Vordan Karmir dye became an alluring and popular commodity among the peoples of the ancient world. A popular music group in Armenia, the band was formed in 2009 by a group of young men in Vanadzor, Armenia’s third largest city. Members Vahan Poghosyan, Davit Grigoryan, Davit Galstyan and Payqar Chakhoyan produce innovative music, addressing issues that range from corruption to social indifference. Vordan Karmir has travelled beyond Armenia to perform in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Georgia and Russia. Their 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) performance exposed them to a cutting edge audience of techies and music aficionados. INNOVATE ARMENIA is a day of innovation and discovery filled with thought-provoking, fast-paced talks, interactive experiences in chess-strategy and winemaking, and a full day of music. General festival information: Innovate Armenia takes place Saturday, September 23, 10 am to 6 pm in Alumni Park and Bovard Hall on USC’s University Park Campus. Admission is free. All-day parking is $12 in USC parking structures. Participants are encouraged to park in Lot X at the corner of Figueroa and McCarthy Way, just off the Exposition Blvd exit of the 110 Freeway. # # # About the Institute: Established in 2005, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies supports multidisciplinary scholarship to re-define, explore and study the complex issues that make up the contemporary Armenian experience—from post-genocide to the developing Republic of Armenia to the evolving diaspora. The institute encourages research, publications and public service, and promotes links among the global academic and Armenian communities.
Levon Aronian, leading chess player of Armenia, had no problems with South African chess player Daniel Cawdery in the second chess game and easily overcame the first phase of Men’s World Chess Championship.
Our GM, who was playing with black pieces, started the chess game without any pressure and chose a waiting strategy, as he won yesterday’s first round. African chess player tried to take the initiative, but uselessly.
So, our chess player won by 2:0 score and entered 1/32 final.