18:39,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The court of general jurisdiction of Yerevan rejected the motion of the investigator of the National Security Service regarding the detention of the former commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Major General Grigori Khachaturov, ARMENPRESS reports, Khachaturov’s lawyer Hakob Yenokyan told the journalists.
“, he was released from the courtroom,” Yenokyan said.
Khachaturov is accused of money laundering.
The California
Courier Online, February 23, 2023
1- Earthquake
Damage and Corruption
Are
Intertwined in Erdogan’s Turkey
By Harut
Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2- Armenia sent about $400,000 worth of aid to Turkey and Syria
3- Azerbaijan, Turkey
citizens buy apartments, houses in Armenia
4- Armenian
Community, Beverly Hills
City Officials
Discuss
Anti-Armenian Hate Incident
5- Armenia Continues Fight Against
COVID-19
************************************************************************************************************************************************
1- Earthquake
Damage and Corruption
Are
Intertwined in Erdogan’s Turkey
By Harut
Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
With each passing day, the number of victims of the
earthquake in Turkey
is increasing. Our heart goes out to the nearly 50,000 dead and close to
200,000 injured as of now. The ancient city of Antioch
(Antakya) with a population of 250,000 has
been mostly reduced to rubble.
As I wrote last week, Armenians should distinguish between
the Turkish government that committed the Genocide and the Turkish people who
played no role in this mass crime. Not one of today’s Turks was alive in 1915.
In recent days, hundreds of articles have been written by
journalists from around the world pointing out that Pres. Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s corrupt practices increased the toll of the disaster manifold.
Erdogan who came to power in 2003 as a devout Muslim has turned into a corrupt
dictator. As it is said, “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Many Turks blame Erdogan personally for the large number of deaths and the
collapse or damage of over 100,000 buildings which were poorly-constructed by
the President’s cronies. At least one million people have been left homeless in
Turkey.
Let’s start with the earthquake tax that the Turkish
government established after the earthquake in 1999 which had caused the deaths
of 17,000 people in Turkey.
In 2021, by a presidential decree, the tax was increased from 7.5% to 10% on
all private communication. The billions of dollars raised through this tax were
used to fund construction, transport and agricultural projects, instead of the
intended purposes of reinforcing buildings and disaster prevention.
Reuters reported the anguished plea from a mother whose two
sons were trapped alive for two days under the rubble in Antakya,
begging for a crane to rescue her children. “Many in Turkey
say more people could have survived the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck
the south of the country and neighboring Syria if the emergency response had
been faster and better organized.” In the absence of an organized rescue
effort, people were forced to dig through the rubble with their bare hands to
save their family members.
Turkish soldiers either did not show up to help in the
rescue or were too slow to arrive, awaiting orders from Erdogan’s civilian
officials. Interestingly, Erdogan had “risen to prominence more than two
decades ago partly due to his critique of the response to a major 1999
earthquake,” Reuters reported. Instead, “he hollowed out state institutions,
placed loyalists in key positions, wiped out most civil society organizations,
and enriched his cronies to create a small circle of loyalists around him,”
according to Foreignpolicy.com. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main
opposition party, said that even more damaging than the magnitude of last
week’s quake was the “lack of coordination, lack of planning and incompetence.”
Making the disaster worse, “in 2019, Pres. Erdogan of Turkey
praised legislation that his political party had pushed through allowing
property owners to have construction violations forgiven without bringing their
buildings up to code,” according to The New York Times. Up to 75,000 buildings
were given such amnesties in the earthquake zone alone. Ironically, just a few
days before the earthquake, the government was about to issue another amnesty
for construction violators. Now the Turkish government is arresting building
contractors with ties to collapsed buildings. But the true culprits are the
government officials who approved these shoddy buildings. Many of the owners of
these buildings have close ties to Pres. Erdogan or his ruling political party.
Rather than taking urgent measures to rescue the trapped
citizens, Erdogan lashed back at his critics. One such critic, “a French
journalist with long experience in Turkey, Guillaume Perrier, was detained at
the Istanbul airport and deported back to France, with a five-year ban on his
reentry into the country,” the Middle East Institute reported. Furthermore, the
government temporarily closed down the social media in the midst of the
earthquake to block criticism of the Turkish government’s incompetence.
The Jerusalem Post published an article on Feb. 20, titled:
“After the earthquake, Turkey’s
Erdogan hunts for scapegoats.” The article stated that: “Erdogan’s house of
cards has collapsed with the earthquake. There is already a rush to find
scapegoats and as well as the arrests of looters…. Faced with the coming
elections, what Erdogan will find equally hard to explain is a video
circulating on social media, where he boasted he had approved a construction amnesty
for buildings in the earthquake epicenter of Kahramanmarash, in 2019. This
meant they were absolved from adhering to building and earthquake regulations.
In the 10 earthquake provinces, almost 295,000 buildings were included.”
One of the unexpected side effects of the disastrous
earthquake is that Turkey
will be preoccupied for several years with the reconstruction of over 100,000
collapsed buildings. Turkey’s
attention will be sidetracked from attacking Syria,
Iraq, Cyprus, Greece,
Armenia and Libya. These
countries will breathe a sigh of relief for a while!
************************************************************************************************************************************************
2- Armenia
sent about $400,000 worth of aid to Turkey
and Syria
YEREVAN (Arka)—The Armenian
government has allocated 157.8 million drams ($400,000) to the Ministry of
Emergency Situations to cover the cost of humanitarian aid sent to the
earthquake-stricken regions of Turkey
and Syria.
Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan said
humanitarian aid was sent to Syria
twice by air, to Turkey
also twice by land. The first cargo of humanitarian aid sent to Turkey weighed 100 tons; a second cargo crossed
into Turkey,
but reports did not state the amount of aid that was sent. Syria received
a total of 55 tons of humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenian rescuers
already returned from Syria
and Turkey.
Armenia sent 27 rescuers to Turkey, and 29 to Syria.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
3- Azerbaijan,
Turkey citizens buy
apartments, houses in Armenia
(News.am)—To date, eight transactions of state registration
of real estate rights have been carried out by Azerbaijani citizens in Armenia, and 82—by Turkish nationals, reports
Sputnik Armenia.
In 2022, Azerbaijani nationals acquired two real estates in Armenia. This
was reported to Sputnik Armenia
by the Cadastre Committee of Armenia—and in response to a written request.
According to the information received, last year,
Azerbaijani citizens acquired one apartment in Armenia’s
capital Yerevan apartment and one house in Lori Province.
The Cadastre Committee added that Turkish nationals bought 11 real estates in Armenia in 2022: 11 apartments in Yerevan. Turkish citizens
did not buy real estate in the provinces.
Also, Azerbaijani and Turkish citizens did not sell any real
estate in Armenia
during the past year. The nationality of the citizens of those countries,
however, is not specified in the response received from the Cadastre Committee.
According to the data published earlier by the Cadastre
Committee, until 2022, six transactions of state registration of real estate
rights were carried out by Azerbaijani citizens in Armenia, and 71—by Turkish
nationals. Accordingly, Turkish citizens had bought 54 apartments in Armenia,
received two apartments as gifts, and exchanged one apartment. In addition,
they had bought five houses, one garage, eight public properties, and 12 plots
of land.
Six real estate acquisition transactions were carried out by
Azerbaijani nationals.
Thus, up to now, Azerbaijani citizens have acquired eight,
and Turkish nationals—82 immovable properties in Armenia.
Turkish citizens had first bought real estate in Armenia in
2005, whereas Azerbaijani nationals—in 2012.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
4- Armenian Community, Beverly Hills City Officials
Discuss
Anti-Armenian Hate Incident
GLENDALE, CA – The
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) local and national leadership and
a group of leaders from Armenian organizations met with City of Beverly Hills
Mayor Lili Bosse, Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, and City Manager Nancy
Hunt-Coffey, who came to Glendale on February 10th to discuss the anti-Armenian
flyers seen on the route of a protest organized by the Armenian Youth
Federation in response to Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh.
The flyers, which lined utility poles from the Federal
Building to the Azerbaijani Consulate in Los Angeles, threatened that a group
of countries, including Azerbaijan and Turkey, would “wipe Armenia off the map”
– a brazen incitement of genocidal sentiments against the Armenian people.
After the flyers were discovered, the leadership of ANCA
local chapters immediately alerted area elected officials and law enforcement
to the incident. In response to the incident, Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse
condemned the incitement of anti-Armenian hate, stating that “hate has no place
in Beverly Hills
or anywhere. I will always stand up, I will always speak out.” Los Angeles
Mayor Karen Bass also issued a comment, remarking, “there is no place for
anti-Armenian hatred in Los Angeles
or anywhere else.”
“Armenian-Americans are outraged by this latest act of hate
directed against our community,” remarked Armenian National Committee of
America National Board Member Zanku Armenian. “The meeting with City of Beverly Hills
representatives is an important first step in starting a dialogue to confront
the hate and persecution against the Armenian community. No community should
have to endure such treatment.”
A number of organizations, including the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL) of Southern California, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) of Los Angeles, and Jewish
World Watch (JWW), swiftly condemned the hateful flyers.
Initially, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced it
was investigating the anti-Armenian flyers posted in the city but concluded,
based on previous similar incidents, that they are protected free speech.
During the meeting representatives Steve Dadaian and Armen
Hovannisian of the Armenian Bar Association detailed how the events are part of
a bigger picture: about anti-Armenian incidents in California which have led to attacks and
violence against the community in recent years. They outlined how in 2020, the
Armenian-American community of San
Francisco was subject to a string of hate-fueled
attacks on community property.
Three separate incidents involving hateful vandalism on the
property of the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School in San
Francisco, a subsequent drive-by shooting at school property, and an arson attack
on the St. Gregory Apostolic Church in San Francisco followed the ruthless
incitement of anti-Armenian hatred by Azerbaijan’s government in the immediate
lead up to the 2020 Artsakh War.
Other leaders shared that a year prior, Armenian schools in Los Angeles were vandalized with Turkish flags – a cruel
act designed to sow fear amongst the student body while hateful rhetoric and
acts continued unchecked by Azerbaijan
against Armenia
and Artsakh. The Beverly Hills Police Chief expressed understanding and said
they will continue to keep the investigation open to gather additional
intelligence that could lead to potential perpetrators and to ensure the safety
of the community.
During the meeting, ANCA representatives also briefed local
officials on the persistent incitement of anti-Armenian hatred by Azerbaijani
government officials both in Azerbaijan and abroad, noting how Azerbaijan’s
state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia fueled attacks on Armenian communities
not just in the United States but across the world.
Earlier in the day, the Beverly Hills
representatives met with their counterparts in the City of Glendale, including Mayor Ardy Kassakhian,
Police Chief Manny Cid, and City Manager Roubik Golanian, to exchange thoughts
about this situation and commit to working together to stand up against this
kind of anti-Armenian hatred. “We must take active steps in fighting this kind
of persecution of our communities because this has global roots to it starting
with the rhetoric coming from Azerbaijan’s
and Turkey’s
leadership,” said Mayor Kassakhian after the meeting. “We have seen how this
hateful culture gives way to acts of violence affecting any community, which
cannot be tolerated.”
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
5- Armenia Continues Fight Against
COVID-19
YEREVAN (Armenpress)—The
cumulative total number of confirmed of COVID-19 cases in Armenia reached
446,008, the Ministry of Health reported on .
The total number of recoveries is 435,162. The death toll is
8,717.
COVID-19 has deeply affected Armenia’s economy throughout the
last three years. Primary health care is people’s first point of entry into the
health system and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role it plays.
While responding to the surge in demand due to the health
crisis, primary care centers and staff were able to maintain essential health
services.
************************************************************************************************************************************************
California Courier Online provides readers 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, .
Letters are published with the author’s name and location; authors are required
to disclose their identity to the editorial staff (name, address, and/or
telephone numbers for verification purposes).
California Courier subscribers can change or modify mailing addresses by
emailing .
14:32,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed, BBC reports.
The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
Atsu had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay.
“There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor.
“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”
In the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued “with injuries”, but a day later that position changed.
His agent Nana Sechere, who has been in Hatay, confirmed the news on Saturday on Twitter, writing: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.
He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. Atsu was later named player of the tournament.
He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and had several loan spells at clubs including Everton and Bournemouth.
An initial loan spell at Newcastle in 2016, in which he helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, was made permanent in 2017.
“We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” Newcastle said in a tweet.
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
Everton said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, while Chelsea said they were “devastated”.
20:16,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes the situation in South Caucasus requires more international attention in conditions of the current risks.
“Global stability can make things in our region better. Because for long time, the whole international attention is concentrated on Ukraine, understandably, and it creates new risks for our region. And it is very important to keep the international attention on our region as well because I think there are many risks to be managed. What is our approach to this whole situation? We stayed devoted to our democratic reforms agenda, because we believe that democratic reforms, the development of democratic institutions, rule of law, human rights, independent judiciary, et cetera, would make the overall situation in our region better. And we think that it is a benefit for the whole region for us to do our part of the job,” PM Pashinyan said at a panel discussion alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Secretary General of the OSCE Helga Schmid at the Munich Security Conference.
Armenia has reached an agreement with Turkey to repair the Ani bridge with joint efforts, as well as to take care of the relevant infrastructure before the full reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced this today during his joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, in Ankara.
Mirzoyan noted as follows in his remarks: “Dear Mr. Cavusoglu, dear attendees, first of all, on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, I once again express my condolences to the families of thousands of people who died in the devastating earthquake, to the people and government of Turkey, and I wish everyone a speedy recovery.
One of the bitterest pages in the history of my people was the devastating earthquake in Spitak [town of Armenia] in 1988, and today we are not unfamiliar with the sorrow that ‘visited’ thousands of families in Turkey. Similar natural disasters and their dimensions go beyond the borders of states, becoming universal tragedies. The world must act with a united front to overcome them. I believe that the international community should not remain indifferent in case of any humanitarian crisis occurring anywhere on the planet. And it was on this principle that the Armenian government made a decision to send rescuers and humanitarian aid to Turkey immediately after the catastrophic earthquake.
I thank Mr. Cavusoglu for his words of appreciation to our rescuers and the Armenian presence and support in general. I am very happy that the Armenian rescuers, with the support of their colleagues, managed to do the most important thing in this situation: to save human lives.
Also, consider it symbolic that on Saturday, the Armenian-Turkish border, which has been closed for almost 30 years, was opened for Armenian trucks loaded with humanitarian aid heading to Adiyaman. The same thing happened last night; and hours later, another batch of humanitarian aid [from Armenia] will reach Adiyaman.
Being in Turkey at this difficult moment, I once again want to reaffirm Armenia’s readiness and aspiration to build peace in the region and, in particular, to fully normalize relations, establish diplomatic relations with Turkey, and fully [re]open the border between Armenia and Turkey.
I want to inform you that today we discussed certain details related to this process, we have an agreement to repair the Ani bridge with joint efforts, as well as take care of the relevant infrastructure before the full [re]opening of the border.”
In the meeting that took place on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Amirabdollahian emphasized following up the agreements made between Iran and Armenia.
The Iranian foreign minister said that Iran’s stance on the latest developments in the Southern Caucasus was no change to political borders.
The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that the disputes between countries should be settled through negotiations and intraregional political dialogue.
Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan highlighted Iran’s historical position in the Caucasus developments and said that Tehran-Yerevan ties would help cooperation and solidarity between the two countries and in the region be strengthened.
9416**9417
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a motion Tuesday that would condemn the country of Azerbaijan for the flare-up of military conflict with its neighbor, Armenia.
Introduced by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn, the motion would direct the board to send a letter to U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and members of the House Armenian Caucus thanking them for their support and recent visit to Armenia.
It would also call for a letter to be sent to Rep. Adam Schiff, D- Burbank, and the entire Los Angeles County congressional delegation supporting House Resolution 1351, which asks President Joe Biden to end all assistance to Azerbaijan, expresses American support for Armenia, provides humanitarian aid for Armenia and people in Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
A series of clashes erupted along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border earlier this month, resulting in at least 200 deaths. A ceasefire was reportedly reached soon after, but both sides quickly accused the other of breaking the pact.
The conflict follows a 2020 Azerbaijani military offensive to retake the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a disputed, ethnically Armenian territory within Azerbaijan that operates as its own breakaway state, with support from Armenia, called the Republic of Artsakh. In the most recent fighting, Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of attacking not only Armenians inside the disputed territory, but within Armenia’s borders.
The Board of Supervisors previously passed a motion condemning the 2020 Azerbaijani invasion into the Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh region. That resolution was also introduced by Barger and Hahn.
Los Angeles County is home to the largest number of Armenians living outside of Armenia. In 2011, the American Community Survey estimated that there were 214,628 Armenians living in L.A. County.
https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/la-county-board-to-consider-motion-co-introduced-by-supervisor-barger-condemning-azerbaijan-armenia-conflict
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan greets Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) as Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov looks on
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan called on Azerbaijan to withdraw its troops from Armenia’s sovereign territory during a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, which was hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York on Monday.
“The use of force or the threat of force are unacceptable, and international mechanisms must be introduced to prevent further escalations,” Mirzoyan said, highlighting the importance of immediate resolution of humanitarian issues, including the repatriation of prisoners of war, Armenia’s foreign ministry reported.
Secretary of State Antony Blinked invited a meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in New York on Sept. 19
It was the first time that two top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan were meeting since the latter’s armed forces launched a large-scale attack on Armenia’s sovereign territory. Since the attack, Blinken has pinned the blame for the attack on Azerbaijan and urged that country’s president, Ilham Aliyev, to pull his troops out of Armenia.
Bilnken initiated Monday’s meeting, which took place on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.
While no agreements were reached at the meeting, Blinken urged the sides to meet again and resolve issue through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We’re encouraged by the fact that the fighting has ceased and there have not been any additional military actions over the last – the last few days. In my latest calls with both Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev, both leaders told me that they are ready for peace,” Blinken said in a statement after the meeting.
“Strong, sustained diplomatic engagement is the best path for everyone. There is no military solution to the differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But there is, I think, a path to a durable peace that resolves the differences through diplomacy,” Blinken added.
“The United States is prepared to do whatever it can to support these efforts. And I’m grateful to both of my colleagues for being here today to pursue this conversation,” Blinken said.
In a separate statement, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that Bilnken “encouraged the sides to meet again before the end of the month.”
The situation in the South Caucasus also was a topic of discussion when Blinken met with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday.
“Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu discussed tensions in the South Caucasus, and the Secretary noted that the United States continues to engage to facilitate dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and help achieve a long-term political settlement to the conflict,” Blinken’s office said in a statement.
Grampie in front of his home
My Grampie used to do this thing. Every time we’d leave his house, he would follow us outside. He’d watch as we’d load ourselves into the car along with whatever goodies Grammie was sending home with us. We’d pull out of his driveway, and he’d just stand there waving goodbye. It didn’t matter the weather or if it was terribly late at night. He’d stand out there waving. We’d drive away, and I’d watch out the window as his figure would shrink so small until we were far enough that he was no longer in view. All the while he’d be standing there waving. When I was little, I’d imagine he stayed outside until the moment we stepped into our own home. I’d imagine he knew exactly when we made it, and only then would he go back inside. Only then would he stop saying goodbye.
But that didn’t last forever. I got older, and so did my Grampie. Little by little, he stopped doing his thing. The cold got to his joints, so he wouldn’t stay out as long. He’d disappear back into his house before I could turn to look out the window. Then his shoulder started to bother him, and he couldn’t lift his arm up to wave even from the big bay window at the front of his house. Then he’d fall asleep by the time we were leaving. We’d tiptoe down into his den. The TV was blaring, but he’d be sound asleep on the couch. We’d kiss his cheek and slip out the front door without him stirring. Without him waving at all. Eventually, the house became too much for him to care for. He moved in with us, and I thought he’d no longer ever need to say goodbye.
Grampie’s big bay window
But that’s not true. I lost my Grampie on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
Perhaps all this time, he’s been preparing us for this. He’s shown us that the inevitable can be prolonged. That while our time here seems to have come to an end, we continue seeing each other in our goodbyes.
I see him in the green shed that sits in our backyard. He built it for us when I was little and let me climb up onto its slanted roof with him. He taught me what a carpenter’s pencil was up there. I don’t know why that memory persists.
I see him in my mother’s kitchen. He remodeled the entire room. Broke down walls, built up cabinets, left love in every plank.
Grampie’s office
I see him in a yellow rain slicker. His infamous one still hangs in his closet. Bright and lively. Impossible to miss.
I see him in the keyring hanging near my door. He pieced together the gadget for me. A tiny flashlight fastened onto an even tinier compass. He loved them both, and I like to think he loved me too.
I see him in my nephew. Energetic and curious. Always on the move.
I see him in his moccasin slippers. Tan and comfortable and perfect.
I see him in the pantry of our basement. Cases and cases of Pepsi Cola. His favorite. They must serve it in heaven, right?
I see him in a hammer, a screwdriver, a wrench. There’s nothing he couldn’t fix.
I see him in the gold class ring that sits in my jewelry box. It’s been sliced open from the time he broke his finger while playing wall ball. His finger swelled so much he had to have the ring cut off. An ugly ring, a good story, no?
I see him in a dollop of whipped cream. He loved the stuff, but it had to be homemade, not from the can.
I see him in a lime tub of O’Keefe’s cream. When you spend your whole life using your hands, it’s the only stuff that works.
I see him in a Kia Soul. It’s silly, but he always loved those funny looking cars.
I see him in a crackling fire. He would build the best ones in his fireplace. We’d roast marshmallows and chestnuts every Christmas Eve. I can remember the smell.
I see him in my friends. It felt like he was everyone’s Grampie. Like everyone loved him and like he had enough love to give it all back.
A flower from Grampie’s garden
I see him in a hydrangea bush. He always kept the most beautiful garden full of color and life.
I see him in my sweet cousins. I like to imagine he and his brother reunited someplace anew. Retelling stories and teasing just like they always would.
Grampie with his late brother Marty Sarkisian. The pair hold their great-grandsons Lucas, Alessio and Alexan (left to right)
I see him in a Swiss Army knife. Shiny and compact, he’d pull it out of his pocket and flip open the blade. Open boxes of Frosted Flakes and packages in the mail.
I see him in a pair of blue eyes. His always sparkled with wonder and sincerity and just the right amount of mischief.
I see him in the American flag that hangs in my classroom. He loved his country.
I see him in little white Keds sneakers. He wore them ‘til the very end.
I see him when I close my eyes standing there waving goodbye. And that’s where he’ll stay until he knows I’ve made it home alright. That’s just Grampie’s thing.
European Women’s Individual Chess Championship: Poland’s Socko named winner, Armenia’s L. Mkrtchyan 4th
08:19, 1 September 2022
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian chess players finished performances at the European Women’s Individual Chess Championship in Prague.
Team Armenia’s Elina Danielyan, Maria Gevorgyan and Mariam Mkrtchyan lost in the final round.
Only Anna Sargsyan scored a victory, while Lilit Mkrtchyan shared the score.
Lilit Mkrtchyan got the 4th place by scoring 8 out of 11 points with additional scores. Poland’s Monika Socko won the tournament.
Anna Sargsyan is 8th, Elina Danielyan is 16th and Maria Gevorgyan is 25th.