BAKU: Armenian lobby not ready for dialogue with Turkey – Turkish PM

Trend Daily News (Azerbaijan)
January 28, 2015 Wednesday 4:46 PM GMT +4

Armenian lobby not ready for dialogue with Turkey – Turkish PM’s advisor

By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:

Unlike Armenia, the Armenian lobby is not ready for a dialogue with
Turkey, Etienne Mahcupyan, the advisor to Turkish prime minister said.

Regarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation to
Armenian president to take part in the events dedicated to the
Canakkale victory on April 24, Mahcupyan said that it wouldn’t be such
a bad idea if Armenia at least symbolically accepted the invitation,
Anadolu agency reported on Jan.28.

“There were also Armenians among those killed in the Canakkale
Battle,” he said. “If Armenia honors their memory, it was to have at
least symbolically accepted Turkish president’s invitation.”

He said it is not ruled out that if Turkish-Armenian relations are
restored, a number of descendants of Armenians who left Turkey in 1915
can return there and demand citizenship.

Previously, Turkish authorities have repeatedly made gestures to
Armenia. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s message to the Armenian people on
April 24, 2014 is one of such recent gestures.

Erdogan said in that message that the events of 1915 were a difficult
time not only for Armenians, but also for Arabs, Kurds and
representatives of other nations living in the country.

Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey’s predecessor, the
Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out “genocide” against the Armenians
living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied “the
genocide” took place.

While strengthening the efforts to promote the “genocide” in the
world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of
some countries.

Although Turkey has repeatedly proposed to create an independent
commission to investigate the events of 1915, Armenia continues to
reject this proposal.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said earlier that the emphasis
on the 1915 events hinders the normalization of relations between
Ankara and Yerevan.

He said that Ankara hopes for the normalization of relations with
Yerevan, however, Armenia should break down its stereotypes associated
with the mentioned events.

Edited by SI

All In the Family: Armenian Prime Minister’s Booming Business Empire

All In the Family: Armenian Prime Minister’s Booming Business Empire

Grisha Balasanyan
14:00, October 20, 2014

Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan currently owns more than
fifty businesses in Armenia, butnone are officially registered under
his name.

Abrahamyan owns them via proxies ` his family members. (He’s married,
has three children and seven grandchildren)

This way he’s not in violation of the Armenian Constitution
prohibiting government officials from engaging in commercial
enterprise while in office.

During a May 15 cabinet session Abrahamyan declared that the
government had adopted measures to create a level economic playing
field for all and that all entrepreneurs must work on and equal
footing.

Prime Minister’s Verbal Gaffe

The prime minister then put his foot in his mouth by declaring: `And I
want to say that I will start with myself, so that all understand the
need for equality.’ In essence, Abrahamyan stated that he too was a
businessman who hadn’t been playing fairly up till then.

While the prime minister doesn’t officially own any businesses, his
financial disclosures, which all top officials must submit yearly,
tell quite another story.

For example, Hovik Abrahamyan’s financial disclosure as of April 13,
2014 (the day he became prime minister) shows 269 million AMD
(US$656,642) and US$1.940 million in bank deposits. Revenues are
listed as 4,110,330 AMD (the prime minister’s yearly salary) and an
additional 40 million AMD (US$97,642) as `other income’.

No one can say what the sources of this `other income’ are. The
Commission on Ethics of High-Ranking Officials, the oversight body
that receives such disclosures, sees fit not to ask.

When you look at Abrahamyan’s official bio, one seeks that the prime
minister’s last job in the private sector was way back in 1995 as the
director of the Artashat Wine and Brandy Factory. He’s been in public
service, in various capacities, ever since.

The question thus arises, how did Abrahamyan and his wife become millionaires?

Hovik Abrahamyan’s private house in Mkhchyan village

On May 21 of this year, when the parliament was debating the
government’s economic reform package, MP Nikol Pashinyan directly
asked Abrahamyan how he became so rich if he wasn’t engaged in
business.

The prime minister responded that Pashinyan shouldn’t take such a
`negative stance’ towards business, adding that: `As to my assets,
I’ve never concealed the fact that I own things. I’ve revealed it all
according to the letter of the law in detail. I worked in those years
in the agricultural sector, back when it was permissible. During my
various government posts, I never acquired any holdings and neither
did I accrue them through corrupt practices.’

Prime Minister’s Missing Nine Years

Abrahamyan’s bio states that his first job from 1990 to 199 working as
division head of the Burastan Brandy Factory. It also states that he
graduated from the Yerevan Institute of National Economy, but no dates
are given.

If, as stated, the prime minister was born in 1958, entered the
institute at the age of 18 and then spent five years studying there,
we arrive at the year 1981. So what did Abrahamyan do in the
interveningnine years before getting a job at Burastan?

Prime Minister Abrahamyan first worked here

In his native village of Mkhchyan, a senior resident told me that
Abrahamyan worked as a laborer at an auto repair shop before Burastan.
The old man even showed me the place which now belongs to Abrahamyan’s
family according to workers we talked to there.

The Abrahamyans must have other income sources than agriculture

The only proof that Abrahamyan is engaged in agriculture appears on
his financial disclosure in the box marked `revenues’. Surprisingly,
Abrahamyan shows no land holdingsin any of his disclosures.

Nevertheless, every year he discloses income from the sale of
agricultural goods. In 2011, when he was president of the National
Assembly, Abrahamyan showed 40 million AMD in related income, 45
million in 2012, and 40 million in 2013. His wife Julieta also
receives similar amounts of income from the sale of agricultural
goods.

But the prime minister controls large tracts of land in Ararat
Province. Just in the village of Narek, he maintains a 120 hectare
parcel (100 grapevines and 20 hay fields) registered under his wife’s
name.

Julieta Abrahamyan’s land in Narek village

Narek Mayor Garoush Hakobyan told me, `Argam has 120 hectares. If he
didn’t buy it, or I or someone else didn’t, 70% of our lands would
have remained up in the air.’ {Argam is the prime minister’s son}

The Abrahamyan family also owns land in the villages of Kaghtsrashen,
Ourtsadzor and Goravan. (None of the mayors wanted to speak to Hetq on
the topic).

Armenian Prime Minister Declares Level Playing Field¦But Wife’s
Businesses Appear Exempt

The irrigation network in Narek and Kaghtsrashen are in bad shape and
there’s a scarcity of water. While the Abrahamyan family lands are
irrigated by another network, they too are impacted by the water
shortage.

In 2013, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development issued
Armenia a 25 year US$30 million loan to improve the country’s
irrigation infrastructure. The Armenian government chipped in US$7.5
million of its own towards the project. According to the project, the
villages of Narek and Kaghtsrashen, along with Abrahamyan family
lands, are to be guaranteed water from the River Azat on a gravity fed
basis.

The Abrahamyans: Annual Income from Sale of Agricultural Goods (in AMD)

Income Derived from Sale of Agricultural Goods (AMD)

N

Name

2011Õ©.

2012Õ©.

2013Õ©.

1

Hovik Abrahamyan

40,000,000

45,000,000

40,000,000

2

Julieta Abrahamyan

45,000,000

48,000,000

45,000,000

As the numbers in the below chart clearly imply, the Mr. and Mrs.
Abrahamyan do not only receive income from the sale of agricultural
goods.

Monetary Resources and Income

N

Name

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

1

Hovik Abrahamyan

Monetary Resources

310,000,000 AMD

2,100,000 USD

290.000.000

AMD

2,050,000 USD

280,000,000

AMD

2,000,000 USA

27,000,000

AMD

1,950,000 USA

Income

29,499,760

AMD

25,515,220

AMD

43,671,030

AMD

49,256,010

AMD

42,976,200

AMD

2

Julieta Abrahamyan

Monetary Resources

315,000,000

AMD

3,020,000 USD

300,000,000

AMD

2,900,000 USD

302,000,000

AMD

2,900,000USD

300,000,000

AMD

2,850,000USD

Income

45.000.000 AMD

Only from sale of agricultural goods

48.000.000

AMD

Only from sale of agricultural goods

45.000.000

AMD

Only from sale of agricultural goods

Businesses owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hovik Abrahamyan

No commercial enterprise can be launched in Ararat Province without
the participation of the Abrahamyan family. They have shares in many
businesses and oversee the province’s economy. Hovik Abrahamyan has
brought his brother Henrik and Henrik’s son Hovhannes into many of his
businesses. No wonder then that Rafik (another brother of Hovik) and
their father Argam have been elected to the Mkhchyan municipal
Council. Arsen Abrahamyan, a nephew of the prime minister, now serves
as the head of the Ararat Provincial Police. After being appointed the
prime minister, Hovik Abrahamyan’s son-in-law Vahan Mamikonyan was
appointed the tax agency head in Shengavit (a district of Yerevan),
while another son-in-law, Vladimir Tamrazyan was appointed head of the
Zvartnots International Airport Customs Department

Preserves, wine and cognac production

Entrance to Artashat Vincon store and factoryRear View of the factory

Artashat Vincon CJSC, located in Ararat Province, produces wine,
cognac and other alcoholic beverages. 50% of the shares are owned by
the prime minister’s son Argam Abrahamyan and 50% by Hovhannes
Abrahamyan (the son of the prime minister’s brother Henrik).

Between 2010 and 2011, the company took out a total of US$500,000 in
loans from various banks. Hovik Abrahamyan, then president of
Armenia’s parliament, cosigned as guarantor on a few of them. In
return, according to our sources, the company serves as guarantor for
Hovik Abrahamyan, allowing him to take out bank loans.

Vikom-Lab Ltd., also in alcoholic beverage production, was founded
by Hovhannes Abrahamyan in 2012 with Armenian and Canadian partners.
Hovhannes Abrahamyan and Steven Bryan Fera each owns 45% of shares.
The remaining 10% belong to Laura Petrosyan.

“ARTFOOD” Artashat Cannery is another business owned by Argam
Abrahamyan. Vachagan Karapetyan, son of Armenian Minister of
Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, is a 50% shareholder. The general
manager is Armen Lazarian.

Artfood plant

In October 2012 the company received a five year 300 million AMD loan
from the Small and Medium Enterprises Investments Universal Credit
Organization (`SME Investments’ UCO), a government created credit
agency. Argam Abrahamyan signed as the loan guarantor.

Hetq sent an inquiry to SME Investments UCO executive Director Artur
Badalyan about this loan. Badalyan refused to comment, arguing that he
had no authority to respond under Armenian law.

Gasoline and natural gas stations bring in big bucks for the prime
minister’s relatives

Prime Minister’s Son to Open Largest Shopping Center in Artashat

The road from Artashat to Yeraskh is lined with gasoline and natural
gas stations owned by relatives of the prime minister.

Mai-Arg Ltd., owned equally by Argam Abrahamyan and Mkhchyan village
resident Nara Melkonyan, has several fueling stations in the area.

Trans Gaz Ltd., established this year, is another fueling station
company partially owned by Argam Abrahamyan (30%). 25% is owned by
Gagik Poghosyan (brother of Republican Party MP Karineh Poghosyan) and
a relative of Hovik Abrahamyan on his maternal side.

Hovik Abrahamyan’s gas stations in Artashat

Dalar Gaz Ltd., also established this year, was owned exclusively by
Argam Abrahamyan until September 26 when 100% ownership reverted to
Khachatur Hovsepyan, its director.

The company is registered at the same address as Gagik Poghosyan.
Doubtlessly, the change of owners was a formality and that Argam
Abrahamyan remains the true owner.

Of interest is that in 2013 Khachatur Hovsepyan founded a fuel
importing company called Navt and Gas Ltd. (Hovsepyan owns 50% and
Yerevan resident Roman Muradyan owns 50%)

The company delivers fuel to stations throughout Yerevan and surrounding cities.

Metzn Argami Ltd. was established in 2007 by Gagik Poghosyan. One year
later he handed 100% of the shares to the prime minister’s wife
Julieta Abrahamyan.

The company operates a number of gasoline stations and other shopping
sites in Artashat and surrounding villages. One of the gas stations is
located at the entrance to Mkhchyan village. The company’s main
business is the buying and selling of foodstuffs and non-food items.

Arashag Ltd. operates gas stations along the Artashat-Yeraskh roadway.
Gagik Poghosyan owns 40% of the shares. The company is also engaged in
construction, automotive repair, and foodstuff and non-foodstuff
trade.

One of Hovan-Lian Group’s natural gas filling stations

Hovan-Lian Group Ltd. is also a prominent owner of natural gas
stations. Henrik Abrahamyan and former MP Armen Pourdoyan own equal
shares in the company, which is named after their children Hovan and
Lian.

Ard-Gaz Ltd., created in 2013, is a new natural gas station company
servicing the village of Mkhchyan. Henrik Abrahamyan and fellow
village resident Gayaneh Hovsepyan own 30% each, with Sousanna
Khachatryan, a resident of Abovyan who also serves as company manager,
owning the remaining 40%.

(To be continued)

http://hetq.am/eng/news/56953/all-in-the-family-armenian-prime-ministers-booming-business-empire.html

What’s Amal Clooney up to? Get the lowdown on the Lebanese celebrity

Al-Bawaba
Jan 28 2015

What’s Amal Clooney up to? Get the lowdown on the Lebanese celebrity
lawyer’s latest case

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Amal Clooney has the whole world in awe of her brains and beauty.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) began on Wednesday an
appeal hearing launched by Switzerland against Turkey’s Workers’ Party
(İP) Chairman DoÄ?u Perinçek, who was convicted by a Swiss court for
denying the Armenian claims of genocide, in a case that pits Turkey
against Switzerland and Armenia, which is represented in Strasbourg by
Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

İP leader Perinçek won an appeal at the European court against a Swiss
court decision to convict him for branding the claims of Armenian
genocide an `international lie’ during a series of speeches in
Switzerland in 2007. The ECtHR said in its Dec. 17, 2013, decision
that the politician had exercised his `right to free speech.’

Switzerland, on the other hand, asked the ECtHR to review its decision
in 2014. The Grand Chamber of the Strasbourg-based court is reviewing
the court’s earlier verdict on Wednesday. The court is not expected to
announce a verdict at the end of the hearing.

Around 200 people from Turkey gathered in front of the Strasbourg
court to show support for Perinçek. A group of political figures,
including former European Union Affairs Minister Egemen BaÄ?ıÅ?, former
Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal and CHP deputy
chairman Haluk Koç, were also present at the hearing.

Turkey hailed the European court’s initial decision to reverse the
Swiss ruling against Perinçek and is a co-defendant in the case.
Armenia, on the other hand, has joined the case as a co-plaintiff
along with a number of Armenian diaspora organizations.

Amal Clooney, a Lebanese-born British lawyer of international law and
human rights who became a household name when she tied the knot with
actor George Clooney in September 2014, is one of the lawyers in the
appeal case.

The ruling has implications for other European states such as France,
which have tried to criminalize the refusal to apply the term genocide
to the massacres of Armenians during the breakup of the Ottoman
Empire.

Turkey categorically denies the claims of Armenian genocide, saying
there were deaths on both sides when Armenians revolted against the
Ottoman Empire during the years of World War I to create their own
state in collaboration with the Russian forces then invading eastern
Anatolia.

The European court said in its December 2013 decision that the `free
exercise of the right to openly discuss questions of a sensitive and
controversial nature was one of the fundamental aspects of freedom of
expression and distinguished a tolerant and pluralistic democratic
society from a totalitarian or dictatorial regime.”

Turkey has welcomed the ruling and said it expects the court to uphold
its judgment when its Grand Chamber reviews it.

Armenian Genocide Thriller ‘1915’ to be Released in 2015

Armenian Genocide Thriller ‘1915’ to be Released in 2015

Thursday, January 29th, 2015
by Ara Khachatourian

The film ‘1915’ is set to premier this year

LOS ANGELES–Production companies Bloodvine Media and Strongman
announced today their co-production of 1915, a psychological thriller
set against one of the most terrifying events of modern history.

1915 is the feature film debut of writer-directors Garin Hovannisian
and Alec Mouhibian. Together with producer Terry Leonard (Before I
Disappear, Cold Comes the Night, Amira & Sam, Hounddog) and an
international cast including Simon Abkarian (Casino Royale, The Cut,
Gett), Angela Sarafyan (The Immigrant, Twilight), Sam Page (Mad Men,
House of Cards), Nikolai Kinski (Aeon Flux), and Jim Piddock (HBO’s
Family Tree, The Prestige), 1915 was filmed on location in Los
Angeles.

Some of the cast of ‘1915’ clockwise from top left: Simon Abkarian,
Angela Sarafyan, Sam Paige, Sunny Suljic, Jim Piddock and Nikola
Kinski

Set on the single day of April 24, 2015–the 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide–the film follows one man’s controversial and
dangerous mission to bring the ghosts of a forgotten tragedy back to
life. The movie will play a leading role in the global movement this
spring to shed light on all genocides of the past century.

Serj Tankian is scoring ‘1915’

Grammy Award winning musician and human rights activist Serj Tankian
(System of a Down) has composed the cutting-edge original score for
1915. For more information, visit and our social
media pages.

“We expect 1915 to be more than a movie,” said co-director Garin
Hovannisian. “We have made this movie to serve not only as art or
entertainment, but also as an act of defiance against the continuing
silence, indifference, and denial that have fueled an entire century
of genocide.”

In 2015, exactly 100 years after the Armenian Genocide, a theatre
director (Simon) is staging a play at the Los Angeles Theatre to honor
the victims of that tragedy–a horrifying crime forgotten and denied
for an entire century.

But as protestors surround his theatre, and a series of mysterious
accidents spread panic among his actors, we realize that Simon’s
mission is more controversial than we think–and the ghosts of the past
are everywhere.

The magic of the play won’t work unless the actors, especially Simon’s
enigmatic wife Angela, face the truths that haunt their own lives.

The writing, directing, producing team of Garin Hovannisian (right)
and Alec Mouhibian

Writer / Director / Producer
Garin Hovannisian is the internationally acclaimed author of the
memoir Family of Shadows (Harper Collins). His essays and stories have
appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and other
publications.

Alec Mouhibian is a writer, comedian, and most recently the co-star of
the feature documentary HEAL AMERICA. He has written for Slate, The
Weekly Standard, and a variety of other publications, and has been a
Media Fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He
lives in Los Angeles.

Hovannisian and Mouhibian, the founders of Bloodvine Media, have been
collaborating on film and literary projects for more than ten years.
1915 is their feature film debut.

The Cast

Simon Abkarian (as Simon)
Born in Paris in 1962, into a French-Armenian family, Simon Abkarian
has mesmerized the world as an internationally acclaimed film and
stage actor. He has starred in more than 30 films, including YES (a
film by Sally Potter), CASINO ROYALE (opposite Daniel Craig, as the
villain Alex Dimitrios), RENDITION, CUT, and GETT, nominated for best
foreign film in the 2015 Golden Globes. In 2001, for his stage
performance in BEAST ON THE MOON, Abkarian won the Moliere Award – the
highest honor of the French theatre. Abkarian delivered a stunning
portrayal of Armenian painter Arshile Gorky in Atom Egoyan’s ARARAT.
His performance in 1915 is the culmination of a lifelong devotion to
honor his heritage and artistically redeem the victims of the Armenian
Genocide.

Angela Sarafyan (as Angela)
Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Angela Sarafyan moved to Los Angeles at the
age of four, and launched into the global spotlight with her role as
the vampire Tia in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2. She most
recently played opposite Marion Cotillard in THE IMMIGRANT, directed
by James Grey, and has starred in THE INFORMERS, PARANOIA, A GOOD OLD
FASHIONED ORGY, and many other films and TV shows. The new pilot
WESTWORLD, featuring Sarafyan alongside Anthony Hopkins and Evan
Rachel Wood, just received a series pickup from HBO and is set to
debut in 2015.

Sam Page (as James)
Born in Milwaukee, Sam Page has simultaneously juggled three recurring
arcs on such beloved series as AMC’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award
winning MAD MEN, the worldwide phenomenon DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, and
acclaimed ABC Family Channel series GREEK. Page joined yet another
cast in the form of an arc on GOSSIP GIRL, and most recently, in
season two of the Netflix original series HOUSE OF CARDS with Kevin
Spacey and Robin Wright.

Previously a co-star of the CBS drama SHARK, opposite James Woods,
Page has also appeared in a host of other popular television shows and
starred in a series of feature films, including SERIAL DATERS
ANONYMOUS.

Nikolai Kinski (as Tony)
International phenomenon Nikolai Kinski has performed in a series of
acclaimed films (including KLIMT (film), AEON FLUX, YVES SAINT
LAURENT, and the forthcoming remake of POINT BREAK) ever since his
first role alongside father Klaus Kinski in Paganini at the age of 11.

Jim Piddock (as Jeffrey)
Jim Piddock, an actor, writer, and producer, is a transatlantic
fixture of the screen and stage. He was most recently the co-creator
(with Christopher Guest) and co-star of HBO’s FAMILY TREE and has
guest starred on NBC’s MARRY ME with Casey Wilson, Ken Marino, and Jo
Beth Williams, as well as CBS’s MOM alongside Alison Janney, and FXX’s
new MAN SEEKING WOMAN. He has graced the screen in a vast array of
blockbusters, including LETHAL WEAPON 2, INDEPENDENCE DAY, AUSTIN
POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, THE PRESTIGE, THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT, and
THINK LIKE A MAN TOO.

Additional cast includes, Debra Christofferson (CARNIVALE), Sunny
Suljic (SALEM), Courtney Halverson(THE HAMMER) and Myles Cranford
(LOWDOWN).

Producer
Terry Leonard has produced more than 35 feature films over his 14-year
career. Highlights include HOUNDDOG, COLD COMES THE NIGHT, HOW TO BE A
MAN, ALLEGIANCE, BEFORE I DISAPPEAR, THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM, MATCH,
STEPHANIE DALEY, and AMIRA & SAM.

Leonard graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Film, and started
his career by producing short films at NYU, one of which won the
esteemed King Award. His features have won awards and acclaim from the
Directors Guild of America, the Sundance Film Festival, and the
Independent Spirit Awards. An active member of the Producers Guild and
the DGA, Leonard also produces commercials for a number of high-end
clients through his company Strongman. He splits his time between New
York City and Los Angeles.

Behind the scene during the editing and scoring of the film

Music
Serj Tankian will compose an Original Score for 1915. He is a Grammy
Award winning musician and anti-Genocide activist. He is
internationally acclaimed as the band leader of System of a Down, as
well as carrying out various solo projects.

Tankian is also the award-winning composer of the symphonies Elect the
Dead and Orca. In 2002, he co-founded a non-profit political activist
organization, Axis of Justice. He also founded the music label
Serjical Strike Records.

“1915 is an incredible feature film full of rich trauma, profundity,
suspense, and some magic all while remaining picturesque and modern –
a rarity in today’s films. I am relishing in creating the musical
world for it,” said Tankian about 1915.

Others credited on the movie include cinematographer Leigh Lisbão
Underwood (Winner, Best Cinematography at Palm Springs International
Shortfest, 2013, for THE BOY SCOUT); production designer Michael
Fitzgerald (THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SWELTER, THE SECRET LIVES OF DORKS,
AROUND THE BLOCK); costume designer Lauren Oppelt (THE PEE-WEE HERMAN
SHOW ON BROADWAY, THERESA IS A MOTHER); and film editor Paul Forte
(FIX, WHAT ABOUT LOVE) & Dan Dobi (LE MONDE NOUS APPERTIENT).

http://asbarez.com/131302/armenian-genocide-thriller-%E2%80%981915%E2%80%99-to-be-released-in-2015/
www.1915themovie.com

Azerbaijani armed forces destroy Armenian drone

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Jan 29 2015

Azerbaijani armed forces destroy Armenian drone

29 January 2015 – 4:20pm

The Azerbaijani armed forces destroyed an Armenian unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV).

Azerbaijan’s air force destroyed the UAV belonging to the Armenian
armed forces over the Azerbaijani army positions in the Aghdam part of
the frontline on Jan. 29 at around 14:00, the Defense Ministry of
Azerbaijan announced.

Additional information on the incident is to be provided, Trend reports.

http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/society/65448.html

Génocide arménien:temps de "briser les tabous"

Le Figaro, France
29 janv 2015

Génocide arménien:temps de “briser les tabous”

Le président français François Hollande a appelé ce soir la Turquie à
poursuivre son “effort de vérité” sur le génocide arménien commis il y
a un siècle, estimant qu'”il est temps de briser les tabous”.

“L’effort de vérité doit se poursuivre et je suis convaincu que cette
année du centenaire verra de nouveaux gestes, de nouvelles étapes sur
le chemin de la reconnaissance”, a-t-il déclaré à Paris au cours du
dîner annuel du Conseil de coordination des organisations arméniennes
de France.

http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2015/01/28/97001-20150128FILWWW00508-genocide-armenientemps-de-briser-les-tabous.php

Crossroads E-Newsletter – January 29, 2015

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

January 29, 2015

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE

This year Armenians worldwide are commemorating the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide that many believed to be the death-knell of
the Armenian people. The narrative of the resilience of the Armenian
people, the strength of the survivors through their faithfulness to
their Lord is truly a miraculous story.

Special events are scheduled in Washington, D.C., May 7 to 9, 2015,
that include an ecumenical prayer service, a Pontifical Divine
Liturgy, memorial concert, and a banquet that will honor organizations
and individuals who came to the aid of Armenian survivors. The
Catholicoi, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be
present to preside over the events. Armenians from all over the United
States are expected to participate in solidarity and unity. In New
York, commemorative events organized by the joint committee will take
place on April 24, 25, and 26, including the annual gathering at Times
Square.

IN MEMORIAM

Vahe Amirian

As we completed this week’s Crossroads, we received the news of the
passing of Vahe Amirian who served for many years as a member of the
Prelacy’s Executive Council, a member of the Prelacy’s Building
Fund, a delegate to the National Representative Assembly, and faithful
member and leader of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
as well as a devoted supporter of the Armenian American
community. Funeral arrangements are being arranged and will be
circulated tomorrow. Asdvatz hokin lousavoreh; May God Illuminate his
soul.

MURONORHNEK PILGRIMAGE

A Pilgrimage to experience the Blessing of the Holy Oil (Muronorhnek)
in Antelias, Lebanon, is being organized with two options: Option A,
to Lebanon
only (July 12-21); Option B, to Lebanon, Armenia and Artsakh (July
12-28).
Space is limited; reservations must be made by February 12. Check
details below:

CATHOLICOI ATTEND ARMY DAY COMMEMORATION

On the occasion of Armenian Army Day in Armenia, His Holiness Karekin
II and His Holiness Aram I joined Armenia’s President Serzh Sarkisian
and Artsakh’s President Babo Sahakian, in a visit to the Yerablur
Military Pantheon yesterday to pay tribute to the memory of the
Armenian heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the
Homeland.

The Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh and the two Catholicoi offer
flowers
at the memorial at Yerablur Military Pantheon.

ST. GREGORY CHURCH (NORTH ANDOVER)

CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY

Last Sunday, January 25, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley in
North Andover, Massachusetts, celebrated its 45th anniversary. Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and presided over the anniversary
celebration.

Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian was honored with the Prelacy’s Certificate of
Merit for her years of dedication and serice to the parish’s
Sunday/Armenian School. Past and present staff members received
recognition from the Board of Trustees for their outstanding service.

To read an article by Tom Vartabedian click here
().

Photos by Tom Vartabedian

Bishop Anoushavan with the faithful of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic
Church of Merrimack Valley.

Staff members of St. Gregory’s Sunday/Armenian School, past and
present, were the recipients of this year’s award for outstanding
service, presented by the Board of Trustees, while the school’s
director, Mrs. Sossy Jeknavorian, was honored with the Prelacy
Certificate of Merit Award for her years of dedication and service in
this capacity. From left to right: Diane Movsessian, Leslie Boloian,
Sylvia Mahlebjian, Martha Hananian, Tom Vartabedian, Bishop
Anoushavan, Sossy Jeknavorian, Dn. John Saryan, Der Stephan, Joanne
Hidirsah, Vartkes Hovsepian.

Some of the students of the Sunday/Armenian School performed songs and
prayers during the banquet. Back row, from left: Der Stephan, Leslie
Boloian (4-5th Grade), Sylvia Mahlebjian (4-5th Grade), Diane
Movsessian (K-1st Grade), Anna Shahtanian, Bishop Anoushavan. Middle
Row, from left: Aram Ozoonian, Ava Movsessian, Alexander Movsessian,
Sossy Jeknavorian (Director). Front Row, from left: Armen Tokatlian,
Gabriella Melkonian, Narineh Boloian, Cameron Afarian, Andrew
Movsessian, Taylor Romano.

THE MARTYRED ARMENIAN WRITERS-A BOOK PRESENTATION

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
Cultural Society
organized a presentation of Dr. Herand Markarian’s newly published
book, The Martyred Armenian Writers, 1915-1922. The event took place
on Friday, January 23, at the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens.

In his opening remarks, the pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,
Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian, said that this event was the Cathedral’s
first event of the year commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. He asked the attendees to stand for a minute of
silence in
honor of the martyrs. Mrs. Zarmine Boghosian, the principal of Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School, was the evenings MC and eloquently
implemented the program.

In the first part of the program comments and addresses in English
were given by Iris Chekenian, Shant Mardirossian, President of the
Near East Foundation, and Dr. George Dermksian. Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, spoke about the different facets of
the book. Congratulatory letters were received from the Central
Executive Committee of Hamazkayin and the Hamazkayin of Armenia. The
Minister of the Diaspora, Mrs. Hranoush Hakobian, sent her comments in
a video, which was shared with the audience.

Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s representative to the United
Nations, stressed the importance of works of this nature especially
during this commemorative year.

In the second part of the program, Dr. Markarian, briefly introduced
each writer featured in his book, providing biographical information,
literary accomplishments, and anecdotal information. Aida
Zilelian-Sylak, Veh Harach Bezdikian, Natalie Gabrelian and Yeraz
Markarian Meschian read translated pieces from some of the featured
writers.

Dr. Markarian thanked all those who had helped in the production of
the book, which can be purchased from Libra-6 Productions, Inc., 160
Waters Edge,
Congers, NY 10920, for $25 (USA) including shipping and
handling. Those interested in sponsoring the distribution of the book
to colleges, public and
private libraries are encouraged to get in touch with the publisher
Libra-6 Productions, Inc.

Dr. Markarian, surrounded by some program participants, cuts a cake
honoring the new publication.

Dr. Herand Markarian autographs his latest book at a book presentation
last week.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, February 1, Third Sunday after Nativity
(Sunday
of the Catechumens) are: Isaiah 63:7-18; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John
6:22-38.

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got
into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away
alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they
had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd
saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves
got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him,
=80=9CRabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, `Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs,
but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food
that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which
the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.’ Then they said to him, `What must we do to perform the
works of God?’ Jesus answered them, `This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, =80=9CWhat sign
are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?
What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the
wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to
eat.” Then Jesus said to them, `Very truly, I tell
you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my
Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God
is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’
They said to him, `Sir, give us this bread always.’

Jesus said to them, `I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But
I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything
that
the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will
never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own
will, but
the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().

THE PROPHET JONAH

On the fifth day of the fast of the Catechumens, which is tomorrow,
Friday, January 30, the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet Jonah
(Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are not
considered less important that those called Major Prophets, but their
books in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were
servants of God who proclaimed His will to people in need of
repentance.

The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in
the
Old Testament. Jonah’s feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the
Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from
their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary
fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the
year.

ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR

This Saturday, January 31, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful
soldiers. This is a
moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It
follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the fast is not
connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated
with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the `Fast of
St. Sarkis.’

Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through
the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the
Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took
refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to
fight Julian. Father
and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur
II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and
embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen
loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also
martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the
remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth
century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city
of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site
of the graves.

ST. ADOM AND ST. SOUKIAS

The armies of Armenian soldiers were led by Adom Knooni and Manajihr
Rshdooni in the fifth century, before the battle of Avarayr. They were
ordered by their Persian commanders to leave Armenia and proceed to
one of the most distant outposts of the empire for the purpose of
keeping the Armenian soldiers far away from Armenia and thus prevent
them from defending the Armenians. The commanders recognized the
Persian plot and returned to Armenia with
their armies. They were pursued, captured and martyred by the Persian
forces. The Holy Sookiasians were members of the Royal Court who were
converted
and baptized by the Voskyan priests. They lived in isolation at Mount
Sougaved. When they refused to return to court and worship the pagan
gods, they
were martyred. This year Sts. Adom and his soldiers are remembered on
Monday, February 2, and the Sts. Sookias and Martyrs are remembered on
Tuesday,
February 3.

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Birth of Gostan Zarian (February 8, 1885)

The life span of Gostan Zarian, one of the foremost names of twentieth
century Armenian literature, covered eight crucial decades. He was
active in Constantinople with the Western Armenian generation before
the genocide, then lived forty years in the Diaspora, and finally went
to die in Soviet Armenia. He was a sort of `wandering Armenian,’ not
only physically, but also spiritually. His literature was at the
crossroads of many influences.

Zarian was born in Shamakhi (Azerbaijan) on February 8, 1885. His
father, a general in the Russian army, died when he was four, and he
was sent to Baku, where he attended a Russian school. In 1895 he moved
to France, where he continued his studies in Asnieres and
Saint-Germain-en-Laye, two suburbs of Paris. After finishing high
school, he went to the Université Libre
of Brussels and obtained a doctorate in literature and philosophy in
1909.

Zarian initially wrote poetry and essays in Russian and French, until
the famous Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren advised him to write in his
mother tongue. The Armenian poet, who already spoke Armenian, went to
Constantinople in 1910, where he started to participate in the renewal
of literary life. In
mid-1911 he left the Ottoman capital and went to Venice, where he
studied Armenian with the Mekhitarist Fathers until the end of
1912. He married Rachel (Takuhi) Shahnazarian in December 1912, from
whom he would have three children, and the newlyweds moved back to
Constantinople. Zarian would actively participate in Western Armenian
literary life until the beginning of the war. He was one of the
leading voices of the group `Mehian,’ together with Hagop Kufejian
(Oshagan), Kegham Parseghian, Taniel Varoujan, and Aharon (Dadourian),
and editor-in-chief of the homonymous journal
Mehian, which was published from January-July 1914.

Zarian escaped with his family to Bulgaria in late October 1914, the
day before Turkey declared war and joined the Central Powers, and thus
he avoided the genocide. After living for a year in Bulgaria, he moved
to Italy, where he lived for the next six years in Rome and
Florence. In 1916 he published his poem `Three Songs,’ translated from
Armenian into Italian, which was widely critiqued. His literary
activities were matched with an active engagement for the Armenian
Cause. In 1919 he went to the Caucasus as a special reporter for
several Italian newspapers.

Zarian moved back to Constantinople in late 1921, when the remnants of
the
Western Armenian intelligentsia were starting again a cultural and
literary movement. He published the monthly Partzravank, together with
Oshagan, Vahan Tekeyan, Shahan Berberian, and Kegham Kavafian, which
lasted from January-July 1922. He also published his first book in
Armenian, a collection of
poems entitled The Crown of the Days. At the end of the year, when the
Kemalist forces were about to occupy Constantinople, the writer
accepted an invitation of the Soviet Armenian government and moved to
Yerevan. For the next two years, he taught European literature at
Yerevan University. However,
he returned to Europe in June 1924 and would spend the next four
decades on the move. He lived in Paris, Venice, Milan, Corfu,
Florence, New York (1942-1947), Amsterdam, Ischia, Beirut,
Aix-en-Provence, Vienna, Rapallo, Oakland, California (1960-1962), and
in 1963 he repatriated to Soviet Armenia.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Zarian published his major works of prose in
the monthly Hairenik of Boston, such as The Traveller and His Road,
Bancoop and the Bones of the Mammoth, and Countries and Gods, among
others. He also published as a book his poems The Bride of Dadrakom in
1930 and Three Songs (1931), and his masterpiece, the novel The Ship
on the Mountain (1943). He contributed prose, poetry, essays, and
commentary to a variety of Armenian and non-Armenian publications,
writing in Armenian, French, Italian, and, later, English. He
published two short-lived journals, the literary monthly La
Tour de Babel in French (1925), and the pioneering journal of Armenian
Studies in New York, Armenian Quarterly (1946). He was friends with
various noted European writers, such as English novelist Lawrence
Durrell and others.
He taught at the American University of Beirut and at the University
of California at Berkeley.

His return to Armenia was somewhat controversial, because he had
criticized the Soviet regime in several works. His novel The Ship on
the Mountain was about the period of the first independence. It was
reissued in a heavily censored way (1963) and this created a heated
polemics. In any case, Zarian
was almost ignored in the last years of his life. He died on December
15, 1969 and was almost totally forgotten by literary circles in
Armenia until the end of the regime. Several of his works were printed
in book form in the 1970s and 1980s in the Diaspora. His rediscovery
in Armenia started with the twenty-first book century, and several
works scattered in the press and
also unpublished have also been published.

Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History’ can be
read on the Prelacy’s web site ().

SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER

The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.

Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.

THE NEED IS REAL.

THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
() AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:

Armenian Prelacy

138 E. 39th Street

New York, NY 10016

Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

Thank you for your help

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Unbreakable as a Diamond

Diamond is another of those words that English and Armenian languages
share due to some common source. More than two thousand years ago, the
Latin word adamantem meant `the hardest metal,’ and then it was used
to mean our well-known diamond. Then Old French borrowed from
Medieval Latin (diamantem) and turned it into diamant. In the early
fourteenth century, the word entered English as diamond.

Actually, the Romans had borrowed the word from Greek:
á¼=80δάμαÏ=82 (adámas “unbreakable,” with á¼=80 meaning
`un’ and δάμαÏ=82 `conquer, overpower’). The Armenians did the
same: the word Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤ (adamand; Western Armenian atamant)
already appeared in the Bible with the meaning of the precious stone.

Incidentally, the format of the Armenian word is very close to English
adamant, whose meaning comes directly from the Greek meaning
`unbreakable,’ via Latin and French. While the English language
created two words from the same original source, the Armenian language
simply used atamant and, at times, gave it a metaphoric meaning. For
instance, St. Gregory of Narek used the expressions atamantea sird
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ½Õ«Ö=80Õ¿ `diamond heart’) or atamantea havadk
(Õ¡Õ¤Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ¤Õ¥Õ¡Õµ Õ°Õ¡Ö=82Õ¡Õ¿Ö=84 `diamond faith’) to mean that
the heart or the faith can be as unbreakable
as a diamond.

Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner’ can be read on the
Prelacy’s web site ().

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 5-Avak luncheon, sponsored by St. Gregory Church, 158 Main
Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Ruth Thomasian,
executive director Project SAVE Archives, `Preserving Your Precious
Photographs.’ Guests may bring photos for discussion on persons,
places, and
situations.

February 5-`Code Name `Haiko’: Discovering
the Last Unknown Participant in Talaat Pasha’s Liquidation,’ a lecture
by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, director of the Armenian National Education
Committee, 7 pm in the Guild Hall of the Armenian Diocese, 630 Second
Avenue, New York, sponsored by the Zohrab Information Center. For
information: [email protected] or 212-686-0710.

February 6-Hamazkayin of New York presents a Bilingual lecture by
Khatchig Mouradian, `From Der Zor to Kobani (Arabpunar): Turkey,
Kurds, and Armenians,’ Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside,
New York, at 8 pm. Donation: $10.

February 7-Armenian Relief Society, NJ Shakeh Chapter presents
=80=9CThe Sound of Music’ (in Armenian), performed by the Bedros
Atamian Theatrical Group of Hamazkayin Sanahin Chapter, Montreal,
Canada. Director and playwright, Lena Khacherian, at Fort Lee High
School, 3000 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Tickets: $50, $35,
$25. Contact: Ani Keshishian 201-417-0204; Anik Kechichian
201-394-4408; Lena Tarakjian 201-592-7991.

February 21-Eastern Prelacy’s Annual New England Regional Conference,
hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Conference is
open to all clergy, board of trustee members, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly. Conference will begin at 9:30 am and
conclude at 4:00 pm.

February 21-94th commemoration of the February 18th Revolt, sponsored
by the Lowell `Aharonian’ Gomideh, 6 pm, ARS Community Center, 142
Liberty Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. Dinner & program, =80=9CSeldom
Visited Armenia,’ a visual presentation by Joe Dagdigian. Admission
$20 adults; $10 students.

February 28-March 1-Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program,
at New York University, `Looking Beyond the Centennial.’ Featuring:
Khatchig Mouradian, ARS Youth Connect Program Director; Speakers,
Scout Tufankjian, Photojournalist and Eric Nazarian, Filmmaker. For
Armenian college students, 18-25 years old. Deadline for registration
(required) January 30. Space is limited. $25 registration fee includes
meals and the evening dinner. Overnight accommodation available for
out-of-town students. For more information: [email protected] or
617-926-3801.

March 1-One Nation, One Culture: A Cultural Evening of Song & Dance
dedicated to the Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary, Felician
College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey at 4 pm. Organized by
the New Jersey
chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with
co-sponsorship of AGBU Ararat NY, Homenetmen Regional Executive,
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Greater New York.

March 5-Official opening of Exhibit on Armenian textiles, `Stitching
to Survive: Handwork of Armenian Women,’ 6-8 pm, at the United
Nations, New York. Reception to follow. Organized by the Armenian
Relief Society, Inc., and the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN.

March 6-Conference, `Rebuilding a Nation: The Armenian Woman’s Century
of Resistance and Empowerment,’ 10 am-4 pm, at
Salvation Army Auditorium, 221 East 52nd Street, New York
City. Organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.

March 6-8-National Athletic Tournament, hosted by the North Andover
(Massachusetts) `Sassoun’ AYF Chapter; accommodations, Andover Wyndham
Hotel, 978-975-3600, book under `AYF’ for special rate ($109); March
6, Characters Sports Club, 7 pm-midnight for those over 21; March 7,
basketball & volleyball, Lawrence High School field house, 70-71 North
Parish Road, Lawrence; 8 am-6 pm, mini-bus transportation
available. Saturday night dance at hotel, 8:30 pm with Kevork Artinian
& Friends. For tickets: Rich Minasian [email protected] or
201-218-7126. Contact Mgo Kassabian for flight information,
[email protected].

March 7-Cultural program in commemoration of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide, sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate. At 7 pm at
Waterside Restaurant & Catering, 7800 River Road, North Bergen, New
Jersey. Donation: $100. For information: Knar Kiledjian 201-233-1566;
Lena Orangian 516-724-3005 or by email to [email protected].

March 7-The 2015 Kyrkostas Concert, sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Museum at Queens
College will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide by celebrating the accomplishments of the musicians, dancers,
and artists of the survivors. At 7 pm at Kaloustian Hall, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Reception will follow the program. Donation $15 per
person (2 for $25), children 12 and under $5. For information,
directions and reservations: 718-428-5650.

March 13-15-`Responsibility 2015,’ International conference for
Armenian Genocide’s centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. for information.

March 20-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy
Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano and Heather Tuach, cello,
will present a
program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
that will include works of Armenian composers Atamian, Babajanian,
Gomidas, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. Tickets
are $25 and will be on sale after December 20th at the box office and
the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.

March 13-15-International conference, `Responsibility 2015′ marking
the Armenian Genocide’s centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New
York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site ().

April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.

April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris
Bohjalian.

April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.’

May 7, 8, 9-National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration in
Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and the
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of
Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical
Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm; May 8, A Journey Through
Armenian
Music at the Music Center at Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits,
Films, and Events at various venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am;
May 9, A Time to Give Thanks, banquet, 6 pm, Marriott Marquis.

May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.

June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen’s
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

July 18-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at
the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. For
details click here.

October 5-9-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/0gqrrb
https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/g9qrrb
https://t.e2ma.net/click/0wy4f/4f4cee/w1rrrb
www.armenianprelacy.org
www.armenianprelacy.org
www.responsibility2015.com
www.responsibility2015.com

Problem or Challenge?: National currency down about 16 percent over

Problem or Challenge?: National currency down about 16 percent over year ago

ECONOMY | 29.01.15 | 15:05

By SARA KHOJOYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

The downturn of Russia’s economy resulting from Western sanctions
negatively affects Armenia, but could also be an opportunity,
economists say.

At a discussion Thursday at Media Center in Yerevan, Ashot
Khurshudyan, an expert with the International Center for Human
Development, predicted that if Saudi oil prices continue to drop, the
already-weakened Armenian dram will deflated further. The national
currency has felt the impact of the 34-percent depreciation of the
Russian ruble, dropping by Thursday to 475 drams/US dollar (as opposed
to 409 this time last year).

According to Khurshudyan, the current situation is not profitable for
Armenian producers, either, while many products of Russian origin may
become cheaper and throw local producers out of competition.

Nevertheless, the US dollar’s appreciation may not last long, as,
according to economist Tatul Manaseryan, Head of Alternative Research
Center, because of decrease of export volumes the US might implement
artificial devaluation of the dollar.

“Global tendencies will reflect on Armenia, and in order to prevent
the country from being a simply a passive recipient, we must use the
opportunities the crisis has created,” Manaseryan said.

According to the expert, Armenia can use the opportunity and cut down
its dependency on transfers, or import cheaper materials from Russia
and use them in production.

“We must also open the doors for high technologies, and not tax
equipment running on new technologies,” Manaseryan added saying that
currently only those who import equipment of more than one million AMD
use this advantage.

“This adds water to the mill of business,” the economist said.

http://armenianow.com/economy/60188/armenian_dram_russian_ruble_crisis_in_russia

Les juges de Strasbourg une nouvelle fois confrontés au génocide arm

Le Temps, La Suisse
29 janv 2015

Les juges de Strasbourg une nouvelle fois confrontés au génocide
arménien et à ceux qui le nient

Denis Masmejan

Devant les juges de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme, la
Suisse se défend d’avoir violé la liberté d’expression en condamnant
le nationaliste turc Dogu Perinçek et les propos par lesquels il niait
l’existence d’un génocide des Arméniens

Les liens

Commentaire. Liberté d’expression contre

Publicité
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Meline Toumani, the Armenian Genocide and the Politics of Appeasemen

Meline Toumani, the Armenian Genocide and the Politics of Appeasement
Posted: 01/28/2015 5:34 pm EST Updated: 01/28/2015 5:59 pm EST

Huff Post Books

Christopher Atamian
Writer/Producer/Director

Meline Toumani’s puzzling and sometimes maddening first book *There Was and
There Was Not: A Journey Through Hate and Possibility in Turkey, Armenia
and Beyond* purports to analyze the hatred still separating Armenians and
Turks on the eve of the one hundredth commemoration of the Armenian
Gencocide. The biggest problem with the expos©e lies perhaps in Toumani’s
underlying assumptions, i.e. that Armenians and Turks all hate each other
and in equating victim and perpetrator. Toumani is usually a fluid writer,
but here she gets lost in an often muddled and contradictory analysis.

The author has a point when it comes to Genocide obsession among certain
Armenians, though by this late date, it is no longer a particularly
original one. Armenians as a group do spend a lot of time talking about and
trying to convince the world of the terrors they experienced from 1915 to
1923 when the Ottoman Turks massacred some 1.5 million Armenians along with
another 1.5 million Christian Assyrian and Pontic Greeks. For over a
decade, others have made the same point that Toumani makes and more
eloquently. Curator Neery Melkonian, for one, has said time and again that
the Armenian obsession with genocide hinders their ability to move forward
as a progressive people and reach their true, brilliant potential. And
theorist Marc Nichanian has argued that it is demeaning to keep begging the
world for recognition: everyone, including those Turks who really want to
know, are aware of what really happened from 1915 to 1923 — the Armenian
Genocide was amply documented and written about when it happened and
afterwards for the last century.

At times, Toumani’s book seems to be more of an expos©e of her own
insecurities and shame. She reproduces often demeaning stereotypes about
Armenian physical appearance, cultural traditions and all manner of details
that she would be taken to harsh task for were she writing about another
ethnic group. And after all, why shouldn’t Armenians in the far-flung
diaspora obsess about the Armenian genocide, one may justifiably ask?
Unlike the Jews and the terrifying Holocaust of WWII for example, the
Armenian Genocide has never been properly acknowledged and lost property,
money and trauma never compensated by its perpetrator, the Turkish
government. The glowing reception that her book has received in the press
seems to buttress those who argue that the publishing world sometimes works
in lockstep with mainstream elites and governmental structures who have
tried their best to get Armenians to lay down their claims to reparations
and thus appease the often aggressively denialist governments of the
modern-day Republic of Turkey.

After recounting how embarrassed she was growing up by all manner of things
Armenian, Toumani recounts her four-year stay in Turkey where she meets
Turks who — what do you know — seem human after all. They are not
grotesque aliens, Klingons dead-set on devouring Christian children. But
who ever thought they were? Toumani spends time in Armenia as well. Upon
arriving with a friend in Yerevan, the country’s capital, she writes: “I
was embarrassed. I had lured Gretchen along by telling her that Yerevan was
a beautiful city. But the city I saw now looked shabby and grim on that
first glance into the haze.” (p199) Yerevan is a fact a pleasant mid-sized
city of pink tuff stone increasingly dotted with modern western-style
constructions. In what parallel cultural universe, one wonders, did Toumani
ever expect Yerevan, a city built by half-starved and tubercular genocide
survivors, to equal Istanbul the former capital of Byzantium, a city of
twelve million lining the Bosphorus?

Early on in her book, the author describes some perhaps lamentable scenes
at an Armenian summer camp in Massachusetts run by the nationalist Tashnag
party. At one point, a howling room of swarthy teenagers scream at each
other in support of or against the Lisbon Five, a group of Armenian
terrorists who, in a botched 1983 attempt to blow up the Turkish Ambassador
to Portugal, blew themselves up instead — along with the Ambassador’s wife
and a Portuguese police officer: “-An eye for an eye! -The ends justify the
means!…I noticed a young camper, Julie, weeping quietly while her friend
rubbed her back — but then Julie was always crying about something…As
the debate continued, things grew chaotic. A folded-up metal chair slid to
the ground with a clatter…The glass in the sliding doors fogged up.
Younger kids squirmed as the older campers and counselors argued on. Some
said the men were martyrs and that Turkish denial of the genocide was too
powerful for softer measures.” (p17-18) These people, Meline contends, are
somehow emblematic of the average Armenian viewpoint. But who in their
right mind would ever defend blowing up innocent people in the name of any
cause?

Had Toumani instead attended St Gregory’s, another summer camp in Cape Cod
run by Mekhitarist priests, she would have found the emphasis was on
religion. At Camp Nubar, a wildly popular camp in the Catskills run by the
somewhat bourgeois*parekordzagan* or Ramgavar-affiliated AGBU, the emphasis
was on togetherness and fun. (For the record, I attended all three). It is
not my intention here to argue which “version” of Armenian life or identity
is preferable or even which one I subscribe to, if any. I am perfectly able
to think for myself as are most of my Armenian friends and colleagues. I
have always had Turkish friends and as a Harvard undergrad, I dated a
Turkish girl who later became a career denialist and Turkish diplomat.
Frustration at the Turkish Government’s refusal to do the right thing, I
have always felt. Hope that one day the two people would reconcile, I have
always wished for. Hate, however, was never part of the equation.

Another example of journalistic bad faith. Toumani grew speaking Eastern
Armenian as opposed to Western Armenian like most Armenian-Americans: one
dialect’s “t” is another’s “d” for example, so that when she heard the term
“Hai Tad” (“Armenian Cause”) at camp she didn’t at first understand that it
meant “Hai Dat,” as Iranian-Armenians pronounce it. Do Hai Tad and Hai Dat
really sound so different?: “Thus the words Hai Tahd did not communicate
anything to me. I sometimes imagined my elementary school classmate, Todd
Twersky, showing up unannounced at the perimeter of the campground. Hi,
Tod.” (p16) I didn’t speak a word of Armenian when I attended Camp
Haiastan, but I never once confused Hai Tad with any boy named Tod, and I
find it hard to believe anyone else ever did either.

Though I staunchly believe in the need for an apology from Turkey and
proper reparations, the Armenian Genocide is not something that keeps me up
at night. I suspect most Armenians are more similar to me than the
caricatured nationalists Toumani describes in her book. Her apparent
inability to comprehend the feelings of Istanbul Armenians who are trapped
between a cultural rock and a hard place — neither Turkish enough for
Turks nor Armenian enough for Armenians — also begs credulity for someone
so bright and well-educated as she. And when she doesn’t get the
acknowledgment from ethnic Turks that she was hoping in Turkey, Toumani
admits to being more confused than before she left.

In the end Toumani’s book would have been more honest and effective had she
titled it: “Ultra-Nationalism and its Discontents” and simply studied some
of the Armenian community’s more right-wing members. That her book was
published in 2015 seems particularly insensitive, as if she were trying to
rub salt in the wounds of collective Armenian memory. The ultimate irony of
course is that of all the thousands of topics Armenian and non-Armenian
that Toumani could have chosen to dedicate her first book to, she chose
what else, but the very one she claims to be trying to distance herself
from.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christopher-atamian/meline-toumani-the-armeni_b_6548486.html