The California Courier Online, August 31, 2017
1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Forces Bulgaria to Fire Reporter
Who Exposed Arms Shipments
to Terrorists
to Terrorists
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – AccorHotels Group Opens First Hotel in Armenia
3 – Armenia Joins Firefighting Efforts in Georgia
4 – Third Fresno
Medical Mission
to Embark
Medical Mission
to Embark
On Annual Humanitarian Trip to Armenia
5 – Armenia’s U16 Women’s Basketball
Team
Wins European Championship
Wins European Championship
6 – Iowa
Becomes 47th U.S.
State
Becomes 47th U.S.
State
To
Recognize Armenian Genocide
Recognize Armenian Genocide
7 – Mari
Manoogian Launches Bid
Manoogian Launches Bid
For
State Representative in Michigan
State Representative in Michigan
8 – Aznavour
Receives
Receives
Star
on Hollywood
on Hollywood
Walk
of Fame
of Fame
9 – Azerbaijan Outraged Over Sale of
Kim
Kardashian Lipstick in Baku
Kardashian Lipstick in Baku
10- Book
Presentation by Armenian Doctor
Presentation by Armenian Doctor
To
Include Several Community Leaders
Include Several Community Leaders
*******************************************
1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Forces Bulgaria to Fire Reporter
Who Exposed Arms Shipments
to Terrorists
to Terrorists
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
Last month, I wrote about
Bulgarian journalist Dilyana Gaytandzhieva’s revelations that Azerbaijan’s state-run Silk Way Airlines had
shipped under diplomatic cover 350 planeloads of heavy weapons and ammunition
to terrorist groups in Syria
and many other countries in the last three years.
Bulgarian journalist Dilyana Gaytandzhieva’s revelations that Azerbaijan’s state-run Silk Way Airlines had
shipped under diplomatic cover 350 planeloads of heavy weapons and ammunition
to terrorist groups in Syria
and many other countries in the last three years.
On Aug. 24, Dilyana tweeted:
“I just got fired for telling the truth about weapons supplies for terrorists
in Syria
on diplomatic flights.”
“I just got fired for telling the truth about weapons supplies for terrorists
in Syria
on diplomatic flights.”
Dilyana posted on her
facebook page that she was fired due to pressure on the government of Bulgaria
by Azerbaijan, as she was about to leave for Syria to continue her
investigation.
facebook page that she was fired due to pressure on the government of Bulgaria
by Azerbaijan, as she was about to leave for Syria to continue her
investigation.
In an interview with
Armenpress, Dilyana said that before her firing she was called by the Bulgarian
Special Security Agency and asked about her sources of information for her
revelations. She replied that her source was the website of the Embassy of
Azerbaijan which was hacked, but she would not provide any further details. Two
hours later, she got a phone call from her newspaper, Trud Daily, telling her
that she was dismissed.
Armenpress, Dilyana said that before her firing she was called by the Bulgarian
Special Security Agency and asked about her sources of information for her
revelations. She replied that her source was the website of the Embassy of
Azerbaijan which was hacked, but she would not provide any further details. Two
hours later, she got a phone call from her newspaper, Trud Daily, telling her
that she was dismissed.
After she published her
article, Dilyana revealed that the Azeri Embassy urged the Bulgarian government
to investigate her; as a result she was fired from her job.
article, Dilyana revealed that the Azeri Embassy urged the Bulgarian government
to investigate her; as a result she was fired from her job.
The daring Bulgarian journalist, however,
refuses to remain silent! She told Armenpress that no one can stop her from
continuing her investigation: “They couldn’t stop me two months ago; they
couldn’t stop me yesterday to speak out. I just posted on social media. They
can’t force an independent journalist to keep silent. I’m not obliged to
anybody. I’m obliged to tell the truth to the people, this is my job.”
refuses to remain silent! She told Armenpress that no one can stop her from
continuing her investigation: “They couldn’t stop me two months ago; they
couldn’t stop me yesterday to speak out. I just posted on social media. They
can’t force an independent journalist to keep silent. I’m not obliged to
anybody. I’m obliged to tell the truth to the people, this is my job.”
Dilyana stressed that Bulgaria was well-informed about these illegal
weapons’ shipments since she had all the documents proving that the Bulgarian
government, several European countries, the United States, and many others had
given their approval for this secret and illegal operation!
weapons’ shipments since she had all the documents proving that the Bulgarian
government, several European countries, the United States, and many others had
given their approval for this secret and illegal operation!
The Bulgarian journalist
urged the United Nations to launch an investigation against Azerbaijan, Bulgaria,
the United States, Saudi Arabia,
and other countries. In addition, Dilyana appealed for support from independent
journalists and the public at large. She emphasized: “I am not the first and
last journalist to be fired for doing their job. I don’t have high expectations
from the mainstream media, because they have their political agenda, their
objectives and their policy. What I expect is to be able to spread this
information worldwide not by the mainstream media.”
urged the United Nations to launch an investigation against Azerbaijan, Bulgaria,
the United States, Saudi Arabia,
and other countries. In addition, Dilyana appealed for support from independent
journalists and the public at large. She emphasized: “I am not the first and
last journalist to be fired for doing their job. I don’t have high expectations
from the mainstream media, because they have their political agenda, their
objectives and their policy. What I expect is to be able to spread this
information worldwide not by the mainstream media.”
Dilyana also revealed that Azerbaijan paid Bulgarian journalists to publish
articles favorable to Baku.
“I can give you a fact obtained from the leaked documents after the
cyber-attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy. The Azerbaijani Embassy pays money to
journalists for articles in favor of Azerbaijan
or articles ordered to be published by Azerbaijan.”
articles favorable to Baku.
“I can give you a fact obtained from the leaked documents after the
cyber-attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy. The Azerbaijani Embassy pays money to
journalists for articles in favor of Azerbaijan
or articles ordered to be published by Azerbaijan.”
Dilyana insisted that she is
determined to continue her work: “I’m going to set up my own on-line media,
because no one in Bulgaria
will now agree to publish my investigations. I will not be offered a job in the
Bulgarian media. So I think about establishing my own media; this is the
solution.”
determined to continue her work: “I’m going to set up my own on-line media,
because no one in Bulgaria
will now agree to publish my investigations. I will not be offered a job in the
Bulgarian media. So I think about establishing my own media; this is the
solution.”
Confirming Dilyana’s
revelations is an article by Thierry Meyssan, in the sott.net website,
reporting that Operation Sycamore involves at least 17 states and represents
several tens of thousands of tons of weapons: “Over the last seven years,
several billion dollars’ worth of armament has been illegally introduced into Syria….
Numerous documents attest to the fact that the traffic was organized by General
David Petraeus, first of all in public, via the CIA, of which he was the
director, then privately, via the financial company KKR with the aid of certain
senior civil servants…. New elements now show the secret of Azerbaijan in the evolution of the war [in Syria]….
While Bulgaria was one of
the main arms exporters to Syria,
it received help from Azerbaijan.”
revelations is an article by Thierry Meyssan, in the sott.net website,
reporting that Operation Sycamore involves at least 17 states and represents
several tens of thousands of tons of weapons: “Over the last seven years,
several billion dollars’ worth of armament has been illegally introduced into Syria….
Numerous documents attest to the fact that the traffic was organized by General
David Petraeus, first of all in public, via the CIA, of which he was the
director, then privately, via the financial company KKR with the aid of certain
senior civil servants…. New elements now show the secret of Azerbaijan in the evolution of the war [in Syria]….
While Bulgaria was one of
the main arms exporters to Syria,
it received help from Azerbaijan.”
Meyssan, in his article,
quotes Sibel Edmonds — ex-FBI translator and founder of National Security Whistleblowers
Coalition — revealing that “Azerbaijan,
under Pres. Heydar Aliyev, from 1997 to 2001, hosted in Baku the number 2 of Al-Qaida, Ayman
al-Zawahiri. This was done at the request of the CIA. Although officially
wanted by the FBI, the man who [was] then number 2 of the international
jihadist network travelled regularly in NATO planes to Afghanistan, Albania,
Egypt and Turkey. He also received frequent
visits from Prince Bandar ben Sultan of Saudi Arabia.”
quotes Sibel Edmonds — ex-FBI translator and founder of National Security Whistleblowers
Coalition — revealing that “Azerbaijan,
under Pres. Heydar Aliyev, from 1997 to 2001, hosted in Baku the number 2 of Al-Qaida, Ayman
al-Zawahiri. This was done at the request of the CIA. Although officially
wanted by the FBI, the man who [was] then number 2 of the international
jihadist network travelled regularly in NATO planes to Afghanistan, Albania,
Egypt and Turkey. He also received frequent
visits from Prince Bandar ben Sultan of Saudi Arabia.”
The Armenian-American
community should invite the distinguished Bulgarian journalist Dilyana to the United States in order to publicize through
lectures and press conferences her sensational revelations about Azerbaijan’s
illegal weapons’ shipments to terrorists.
community should invite the distinguished Bulgarian journalist Dilyana to the United States in order to publicize through
lectures and press conferences her sensational revelations about Azerbaijan’s
illegal weapons’ shipments to terrorists.
*******************************************************************************************************
2 – AccorHotels Group Opens First Hotel in Armenia
YEREVAN –
AccorHotels Group — the world leader in travel industry, modern lifestyle and
digital technologies, announces the opening of ibis Yerevan
Center, the first hotel of the Group
in Armenia.
Ibis Yerevan
Center is located in the center of Yerevan, within walking distance of Republic Square, the
Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater and the Museum of History
and Art. With the opening of the new hotel, the number of hotels managed by the
Group in Russia,
Georgia and the CIS reached 45.
AccorHotels Group — the world leader in travel industry, modern lifestyle and
digital technologies, announces the opening of ibis Yerevan
Center, the first hotel of the Group
in Armenia.
Ibis Yerevan
Center is located in the center of Yerevan, within walking distance of Republic Square, the
Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater and the Museum of History
and Art. With the opening of the new hotel, the number of hotels managed by the
Group in Russia,
Georgia and the CIS reached 45.
The new
ibis has become not only the first hotel of the Group in the region, but also
the first three-star international hotel in the whole of Armenia. Representatives of local
authorities, as well as top managers of the AccorHotels Group took part in the
opening ceremony: Jean- Jacques Desor, Amir Nahay, Christian Karaoglanian and
Alexis Delaroff.
ibis has become not only the first hotel of the Group in the region, but also
the first three-star international hotel in the whole of Armenia. Representatives of local
authorities, as well as top managers of the AccorHotels Group took part in the
opening ceremony: Jean- Jacques Desor, Amir Nahay, Christian Karaoglanian and
Alexis Delaroff.
“Today
is a very important event not only for us, but for the whole tourism market of Armenia.
I am sure that the appearance of an affordable but comfortable hotel of the
international brand will be another competitive advantage of the city in the
struggle for Russian and foreign guests will have a positive impact on the
development of tourism in the city and set new standards for the quality of
hospitality for the market. I believe in Armenia
and I am confident that new impressive achievements and discoveries are waiting
for the local tourist market soon, “said Alexis Delaroff, Regional
Director of AccorHotels in Russia,
CIS and Georgia.
is a very important event not only for us, but for the whole tourism market of Armenia.
I am sure that the appearance of an affordable but comfortable hotel of the
international brand will be another competitive advantage of the city in the
struggle for Russian and foreign guests will have a positive impact on the
development of tourism in the city and set new standards for the quality of
hospitality for the market. I believe in Armenia
and I am confident that new impressive achievements and discoveries are waiting
for the local tourist market soon, “said Alexis Delaroff, Regional
Director of AccorHotels in Russia,
CIS and Georgia.
The
255-room hotel offers guests the highest level of service at affordable prices.
Comfortable rooms, decorated in a vibrant dynamic style of the brand, are
equipped with everything necessary for comfortable rest: climate control
system, LED-TV, safe and telephone. Particularly the branded Sweet Bed beds
from ibis are making the hotel proud. These beds with innovative mattresses
made from modern “breathable” materials that are “matched”
for every guest. Enhanced sound and light insulation guarantees comfort and
peace.
255-room hotel offers guests the highest level of service at affordable prices.
Comfortable rooms, decorated in a vibrant dynamic style of the brand, are
equipped with everything necessary for comfortable rest: climate control
system, LED-TV, safe and telephone. Particularly the branded Sweet Bed beds
from ibis are making the hotel proud. These beds with innovative mattresses
made from modern “breathable” materials that are “matched”
for every guest. Enhanced sound and light insulation guarantees comfort and
peace.
Also,
the infrastructure of the new hotel includes the restaurant ibis Kitchen with a
terrace for up to 200 people, a 24-hour bar and a business corner. Free Wi-Fi
is available throughout the hotel. Guests will not have problems with where to
park their car, as the hotel has a large underground parking.
the infrastructure of the new hotel includes the restaurant ibis Kitchen with a
terrace for up to 200 people, a 24-hour bar and a business corner. Free Wi-Fi
is available throughout the hotel. Guests will not have problems with where to
park their car, as the hotel has a large underground parking.
It is
important to note that the hotel is built to meet all the needs of guests with
reduced mobility. Especially for them the hotel has 2 rooms.
important to note that the hotel is built to meet all the needs of guests with
reduced mobility. Especially for them the hotel has 2 rooms.
For
holding corporate meetings, negotiations and other events in ibis Yerevan Center, there are seven modern
conference halls with a total capacity of up to 150 people. Conference halls
are equipped “on a turn-key basis” — here there is everything that
is necessary for carrying out a successful action: from modern technics up to
necessary stationery.
holding corporate meetings, negotiations and other events in ibis Yerevan Center, there are seven modern
conference halls with a total capacity of up to 150 people. Conference halls
are equipped “on a turn-key basis” — here there is everything that
is necessary for carrying out a successful action: from modern technics up to
necessary stationery.
Ibis Yerevan Center
has become the largest hotel in Armenia,
as well as the first three-star hotel under the international brand in the
country.
has become the largest hotel in Armenia,
as well as the first three-star hotel under the international brand in the
country.
****************************************************************************************************
3 – Armenia Joins Firefighting Efforts in Georgia
YEREVAN
(Azatutyun.am) – Armenia
sent several dozen firefighters to neighboring Georgia on Tuesday to help
authorities there battle a wildfire that erupted in a Georgian nature reserve
at the weekend.
(Azatutyun.am) – Armenia
sent several dozen firefighters to neighboring Georgia on Tuesday to help
authorities there battle a wildfire that erupted in a Georgian nature reserve
at the weekend.
Georgian officials reported that the fire in the
Borjomi-Kharagauli
National Park has
expanded to an area of more than twelve hectares. They said that high winds and
heavy smoke are impeding efforts by Georgian firefighters to contain the blaze.
The steep, rugged landscape also makes it very difficult to use firefighting
machinery, they said.
Borjomi-Kharagauli
National Park has
expanded to an area of more than twelve hectares. They said that high winds and
heavy smoke are impeding efforts by Georgian firefighters to contain the blaze.
The steep, rugged landscape also makes it very difficult to use firefighting
machinery, they said.
The scale of the disaster led the Georgian
government to ask neighboring states for assistance. Prime Minister Giorgi
Kvirikashvili told reporters on Tuesday that Azerbaijan and Turkey have sent in
firefighting helicopters and that firefighters from Armenia are “on their way”
to the mountainous area in south-central Georgia.
government to ask neighboring states for assistance. Prime Minister Giorgi
Kvirikashvili told reporters on Tuesday that Azerbaijan and Turkey have sent in
firefighting helicopters and that firefighters from Armenia are “on their way”
to the mountainous area in south-central Georgia.
The Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations
confirmed the information, saying that it has dispatched eight fire engines
along with their crews to the Borjomi reserve. The 57-strong team also includes
medics and other emergency workers, the ministry said in a statement.
confirmed the information, saying that it has dispatched eight fire engines
along with their crews to the Borjomi reserve. The 57-strong team also includes
medics and other emergency workers, the ministry said in a statement.
According to the Armenpress news agency, the
head of the ministry’s Rescue Service, Mushegh Ghazarian, will personally
coordinate the team’s participation in the firefighting efforts.
head of the ministry’s Rescue Service, Mushegh Ghazarian, will personally
coordinate the team’s participation in the firefighting efforts.
The authorities in Yerevan
provided the assistance just days after extinguishing two massive wildfires
that burned hundreds of hectares of woodland in Armenia after weeks of unusually
high temperatures. They had to ask Russia
to send a heavy firefighting aircraft for containing one of those fires that
erupted in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve southeast of Yerevan on August 12.
provided the assistance just days after extinguishing two massive wildfires
that burned hundreds of hectares of woodland in Armenia after weeks of unusually
high temperatures. They had to ask Russia
to send a heavy firefighting aircraft for containing one of those fires that
erupted in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve southeast of Yerevan on August 12.
Large quantities of water dropped by the
Ilyushin-72 plane proved critical in the firefighting operation conducted
there.
Ilyushin-72 plane proved critical in the firefighting operation conducted
there.
**********************************************************************************************
4 – Third Fresno
Medical Mission
to Embark
Medical Mission
to Embark
On Annual Humanitarian Trip to Armenia
FRESNO – On
September 29, the Fresno based Fresno
Medical Mission will embark on its third annual
humanitarian medical mission to Armenia.
This project, unlike other medical groups that are funded by organizations or
general Armenian American funds, is supported by the generosity of the Fresno community. Mr.
Berj K. Apkarian, who is the brainchild of this project, is heading this
mission. In October 2014, he was appointed
Honorary Consul in Fresno by the Republic of Armenia. It must be made clear that the Republic of Armenia is not funding this project.
September 29, the Fresno based Fresno
Medical Mission will embark on its third annual
humanitarian medical mission to Armenia.
This project, unlike other medical groups that are funded by organizations or
general Armenian American funds, is supported by the generosity of the Fresno community. Mr.
Berj K. Apkarian, who is the brainchild of this project, is heading this
mission. In October 2014, he was appointed
Honorary Consul in Fresno by the Republic of Armenia. It must be made clear that the Republic of Armenia is not funding this project.
In
September 2015, the first mission recorded great accomplishments with 27 pro
bono doctors and medical team, many hospitals were visited in the underserved
regions of Armenia including Armavir, Kodayk, Ararat, Lori and numerous
procedures and surgeries performed. Medical
supplies, equipment (including portable EKG machines, Portable ultrasound
machines, Glucose monitors, pulse oximeters, surgical instruments including
laparoscopic trocars, and many other invasive surgical instruments)
and medicine were distributed to the patients and medical facilities.
September 2015, the first mission recorded great accomplishments with 27 pro
bono doctors and medical team, many hospitals were visited in the underserved
regions of Armenia including Armavir, Kodayk, Ararat, Lori and numerous
procedures and surgeries performed. Medical
supplies, equipment (including portable EKG machines, Portable ultrasound
machines, Glucose monitors, pulse oximeters, surgical instruments including
laparoscopic trocars, and many other invasive surgical instruments)
and medicine were distributed to the patients and medical facilities.
In
September 29, 2016, the second year, the mission surpassed the first one with
29 pro bono doctors and medical team.
The contribution doubled during the second mission in terms of equipment
and supplies.
September 29, 2016, the second year, the mission surpassed the first one with
29 pro bono doctors and medical team.
The contribution doubled during the second mission in terms of equipment
and supplies.
The
upcoming third year mission is going to supersede the previous ones with 40 physicians and their medical surgical,
and dental support team.
upcoming third year mission is going to supersede the previous ones with 40 physicians and their medical surgical,
and dental support team.
It is
only proper to congratulate and thank the organizers, the professionals and the
donors.
only proper to congratulate and thank the organizers, the professionals and the
donors.
Armenians
are well known to be good architects, builders, doers and helpers. It is our
nature to extend our hands to those, who at no fault of their own find
themselves in desperate situations.
are well known to be good architects, builders, doers and helpers. It is our
nature to extend our hands to those, who at no fault of their own find
themselves in desperate situations.
If very
cognizant Armenian responds, in whatever way, to the existing needs, often life
threatening, the healing process will be a fast forward victory. If you wish to contribute to this important
endeavor, please make your tax deductible contribution to:
cognizant Armenian responds, in whatever way, to the existing needs, often life
threatening, the healing process will be a fast forward victory. If you wish to contribute to this important
endeavor, please make your tax deductible contribution to:
Central
Valley Community Foundation,
Armenia
Exchange Fund,, 1060 Fulton
Street, Suite 802, Fresno, CA 93721,
Nazik K. Messerlian.
Valley Community Foundation,
Armenia
Exchange Fund,, 1060 Fulton
Street, Suite 802, Fresno, CA 93721,
Nazik K. Messerlian.
***************************************************************************************************
5 – Armenia’s U16
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Team
Wins European Championship
Wins European Championship
YEREVAN
(News.am) . – The national team of Armenia
captured first place in the 2017 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) U16
Women’s European Championship Division C tournament, which was held recently in
Gibraltar.
(News.am) . – The national team of Armenia
captured first place in the 2017 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) U16
Women’s European Championship Division C tournament, which was held recently in
Gibraltar.
In this connection, the Minister of Education
and Science, Levon Mkrtchyan, on Aug. 15 received the players and coaches of
the squad, the Ministry said.
and Science, Levon Mkrtchyan, on Aug. 15 received the players and coaches of
the squad, the Ministry said.
Congratulating them on winning the tournament,
the minister underscored the development of sports among Armenia’s schoolchildren and the
youth.
the minister underscored the development of sports among Armenia’s schoolchildren and the
youth.
Also, Mkrtchyan wished these young Armenian
athletes further success, and he noted that the Armenian government attaches
importance to the advocating of a healthy lifestyle.
athletes further success, and he noted that the Armenian government attaches
importance to the advocating of a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, the team’s head coach, Vahagn
Harutyunyan, was awarded the ministry’s honorary certificate.
Harutyunyan, was awarded the ministry’s honorary certificate.
*****************************************************************************************************
6 – Iowa Becomes 47th U.S. State
To
Recognize Armenian Genocide
Recognize Armenian Genocide
DES MOINES, IA – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
issued a powerful proclamation commemorating the Ottoman Turkish Government’s
murder of over 2.5 million Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians and Syriacs, making the
Hawkeye State the 47th U.S. state to properly recognize and condemn the
Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern
Region (ANCA-ER).
issued a powerful proclamation commemorating the Ottoman Turkish Government’s
murder of over 2.5 million Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians and Syriacs, making the
Hawkeye State the 47th U.S. state to properly recognize and condemn the
Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern
Region (ANCA-ER).
During the official signing ceremony, attended
by ANCA-ER leaders and a coalition of human rights groups, including
representatives of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council, The Philos Project, and
Iowans for Armenia,
Governor Reynolds also declared October, 2017, “Armenia Awareness
Month.” The ceremony, which was webcast live on the ANCA Facebook page,
concluded with a moving prayer offered by Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan of St.
Sahag Armenian Church of Minnesota, which is
the closest Armenian church serving the Armenian-American community of Iowa.
by ANCA-ER leaders and a coalition of human rights groups, including
representatives of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council, The Philos Project, and
Iowans for Armenia,
Governor Reynolds also declared October, 2017, “Armenia Awareness
Month.” The ceremony, which was webcast live on the ANCA Facebook page,
concluded with a moving prayer offered by Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan of St.
Sahag Armenian Church of Minnesota, which is
the closest Armenian church serving the Armenian-American community of Iowa.
“Iowa’s
commemoration and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide strikes a powerful blow
against the hatred and intolerance which contribute to the ongoing vicious
cycle of genocide plaguing society to this day,” said ANCA Eastern Region Board
Member Armen Sahakyan, who spent a portion of his youth in the Hawkeye state.
“We would like to thank Governor Reynolds, Representative Art Staed, and all of
our coalition partners for their principled stance in ensuring that truth
prevails against international attempts to subvert justice for this and all
other crimes against humanity.”
commemoration and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide strikes a powerful blow
against the hatred and intolerance which contribute to the ongoing vicious
cycle of genocide plaguing society to this day,” said ANCA Eastern Region Board
Member Armen Sahakyan, who spent a portion of his youth in the Hawkeye state.
“We would like to thank Governor Reynolds, Representative Art Staed, and all of
our coalition partners for their principled stance in ensuring that truth
prevails against international attempts to subvert justice for this and all
other crimes against humanity.”
The Philos Project Executive Director Robert
Nicholson noted, “The Ottoman genocide of the Armenian people was one of the
most brutal acts in history and clear evidence that evil still moves in the
world. To deny the genocide is to ignore that evil, and to ignore that evil is
to betray our values as Americans. By recognizing the genocide, the people of Iowa are declaring their
willingness to defend human life, protect minority communities, and preserve
our national heritage. We at The Philos Project thank and congratulate Governor
Reynolds for her boldness and moral clarity. She epitomizes the kind of
principled leader we need more of today.”
Nicholson noted, “The Ottoman genocide of the Armenian people was one of the
most brutal acts in history and clear evidence that evil still moves in the
world. To deny the genocide is to ignore that evil, and to ignore that evil is
to betray our values as Americans. By recognizing the genocide, the people of Iowa are declaring their
willingness to defend human life, protect minority communities, and preserve
our national heritage. We at The Philos Project thank and congratulate Governor
Reynolds for her boldness and moral clarity. She epitomizes the kind of
principled leader we need more of today.”
Iraqi Christian Relief Council Board Member
Denise Bubeck said, “This is an important step in standing up for the many
Christians who have lost their lives by injustice. As a Christian, I believe
that every life deserves dignity and respect just as God values every human
life so this proclamation gives me an opportunity again to speak for the value
of every life no matter their faith.”
Denise Bubeck said, “This is an important step in standing up for the many
Christians who have lost their lives by injustice. As a Christian, I believe
that every life deserves dignity and respect just as God values every human
life so this proclamation gives me an opportunity again to speak for the value
of every life no matter their faith.”
“Mankind must seek justice for those whose lives
are brutally altered for all of history,” said President of the Iraqi Christian
Relief Council and the Senior Fellow for The Philos Project Juliana Taimoorazy.
“This marks a historic step forward towards this sacred endeavor.”
are brutally altered for all of history,” said President of the Iraqi Christian
Relief Council and the Senior Fellow for The Philos Project Juliana Taimoorazy.
“This marks a historic step forward towards this sacred endeavor.”
Coordinator for the Iowans for Armenia Charles
Crawley said, “As a civilized humanity, we all should care about the Armenian
Genocide and all other crimes against humanity. ‘Iowans for Armenia’ is proud
to continue the relationship created between the American and Armenian people
that stretches back to the humanitarian assistance provided by the
missionaries and people of good conscience of our great state through the Near
East Relief. Today’s signing of the proclamation was an important step in
securing some measure of justice for the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek people.”
Crawley said, “As a civilized humanity, we all should care about the Armenian
Genocide and all other crimes against humanity. ‘Iowans for Armenia’ is proud
to continue the relationship created between the American and Armenian people
that stretches back to the humanitarian assistance provided by the
missionaries and people of good conscience of our great state through the Near
East Relief. Today’s signing of the proclamation was an important step in
securing some measure of justice for the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek people.”
Noting that the Ottoman Turkish government’s
crime “still requires justice,” Gov. Reynolds’ proclamation cites Adolph Hitler’s
ominous reference to the murder of the Armenian people just days prior to his
invasion of Poland
and the ensuing Holocaust, which claimed the lives of over 6 million Jews, and
resulted in the decimation of other targeted racial and religious minorities.
The document recounts the cycle of subsequent genocides of the 20th and 21st
centuries, specifically mentioning the 2016 Congressional condemnation of the
Islamic State genocide against Middle East Christians, Yezidis and
other minorities. It concludes with the assertion that by “recognizing
and consistently remembering the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust and all cases
of past and ongoing genocide, we help protect historic memory, ensure that
similar atrocities do not occur again and remain vigilant against
hatred, persecution and tyranny.”
crime “still requires justice,” Gov. Reynolds’ proclamation cites Adolph Hitler’s
ominous reference to the murder of the Armenian people just days prior to his
invasion of Poland
and the ensuing Holocaust, which claimed the lives of over 6 million Jews, and
resulted in the decimation of other targeted racial and religious minorities.
The document recounts the cycle of subsequent genocides of the 20th and 21st
centuries, specifically mentioning the 2016 Congressional condemnation of the
Islamic State genocide against Middle East Christians, Yezidis and
other minorities. It concludes with the assertion that by “recognizing
and consistently remembering the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust and all cases
of past and ongoing genocide, we help protect historic memory, ensure that
similar atrocities do not occur again and remain vigilant against
hatred, persecution and tyranny.”
Alabama, Indiana, and Mississippi
are the last three U.S.
states that have not yet properly memorialized and condemned the Armenian
Genocide.
are the last three U.S.
states that have not yet properly memorialized and condemned the Armenian
Genocide.
*****************************************************************************************************
7 – Mari
Manoogian Launches Bid
Manoogian Launches Bid
For
State Representative in Michigan
State Representative in Michigan
BIRMINGHAM, Mich.—Mari Manoogian, a third generation Armenian
American, has announced her candidacy for the Michigan State House of
Representatives’ 40th District, representing Birmingham,
Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and part of West Bloomfield
Township. Manoogian is
running as a Democrat.
American, has announced her candidacy for the Michigan State House of
Representatives’ 40th District, representing Birmingham,
Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and part of West Bloomfield
Township. Manoogian is
running as a Democrat.
Manoogian is a great-grandchild of survivors of
the Armenian Genocide from Sepastia and Keghi on her mother’s side, and
Yerzinga and Keghi on her father’s side. Her family settled in Metro Detroit,
where her mother’s family owned small businesses, and Monroe, MI,
where her father’s family rented a farm. Manoogian’s family is active in St.
Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn,
MI. She received the 2016 Andrew
Kalagian Graduate Scholarship from the Armenian Renaissance Association of
Detroit.
the Armenian Genocide from Sepastia and Keghi on her mother’s side, and
Yerzinga and Keghi on her father’s side. Her family settled in Metro Detroit,
where her mother’s family owned small businesses, and Monroe, MI,
where her father’s family rented a farm. Manoogian’s family is active in St.
Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn,
MI. She received the 2016 Andrew
Kalagian Graduate Scholarship from the Armenian Renaissance Association of
Detroit.
After graduating from Seaholm
High School, Manoogian attended the George Washington
University’s Elliott
School of International Affairs and received her bachelor’s degree in
international affairs and security policy. She earned her master’s degree in
global communication and international law and organizations, also from the Elliott School.
High School, Manoogian attended the George Washington
University’s Elliott
School of International Affairs and received her bachelor’s degree in
international affairs and security policy. She earned her master’s degree in
global communication and international law and organizations, also from the Elliott School.
During graduate school, Manoogian was a Digital
Engagement Manager at the U.S Department of State, and was a business
consultant to the International Olympic Committee during the 2016 Summer
Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil. While
in college, she interned for former Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), and former
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.
Engagement Manager at the U.S Department of State, and was a business
consultant to the International Olympic Committee during the 2016 Summer
Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil. While
in college, she interned for former Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), and former
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.
Manoogian attended the AGBU Zavarian Armenian
language school in Troy, MI for ten years. She also participated in
the St. Nercess Armenian Seminary summer conferences, and was active in AYF and
ACYOA. She is an active member of AGBU Young Professionals in Detroit,
and worked at Camp Haiastan in Massachusetts,
and Hye Camp in Illinois.
language school in Troy, MI for ten years. She also participated in
the St. Nercess Armenian Seminary summer conferences, and was active in AYF and
ACYOA. She is an active member of AGBU Young Professionals in Detroit,
and worked at Camp Haiastan in Massachusetts,
and Hye Camp in Illinois.
**************************************************************************************************
8 – Aznavour
Receives
Receives
Star
on Hollywood
on Hollywood
Walk
of Fame
of Fame
HOLLYWOOD,
(Agence France Presse) – Hundreds of spectators, invited guests, entertainment
figures and elected officials gathered in front of the historic Pantages
Theater on Aug. 24 for the unveiling of a star honoring the legendary
entertainer, musician, singer and philanthropist Charles Aznavour on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Agence France Presse) – Hundreds of spectators, invited guests, entertainment
figures and elected officials gathered in front of the historic Pantages
Theater on Aug. 24 for the unveiling of a star honoring the legendary
entertainer, musician, singer and philanthropist Charles Aznavour on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
California Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon had
initiated the process for Aznavour to receive a star on the Walk of Fame and
was on hand to welcome the singer to California
and Hollywood.
initiated the process for Aznavour to receive a star on the Walk of Fame and
was on hand to welcome the singer to California
and Hollywood.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said that
Aznavour was honored with the 2,618th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a
solemn ceremony.
Aznavour was honored with the 2,618th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a
solemn ceremony.
“Charles Aznavour is a popular entertainer known
around the world and loved by millions of fans across generations,” stated Ana
Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “We are thrilled, as we know
the people of his homeland France
are to see his star dedicated on our historic Walk of Fame.”
around the world and loved by millions of fans across generations,” stated Ana
Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “We are thrilled, as we know
the people of his homeland France
are to see his star dedicated on our historic Walk of Fame.”
Helping Emcee and Hollywood Chamber
President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star was guest speakers Senate
President pro Tem Kevin de León and director Peter Bogdanovich.
President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star was guest speakers Senate
President pro Tem Kevin de León and director Peter Bogdanovich.
********************************************************************************************************
9 – Azerbaijan Outraged Over Sale of
Kim
Kardashian Lipstick in Baku
Kardashian Lipstick in Baku
MOSCOW
(EurasiaNet.org) – Azerbaijan
has detected something of a national security breach. And this time it comes
via a lipstick collection carrying Armenian-American television star Kim
Kardashian West’s brand name (KKW) and sold to unsuspecting Azerbaijanis.
(EurasiaNet.org) – Azerbaijan
has detected something of a national security breach. And this time it comes
via a lipstick collection carrying Armenian-American television star Kim
Kardashian West’s brand name (KKW) and sold to unsuspecting Azerbaijanis.
For Azerbaijan any product with an
ethnic Armenian connection, whether a lipstick or a rifle, can be
considered an enemy operation. “You put a little bit of Kim Kardashian West
(KKW) on your lips and, boom, you support Azerbaijan’s enemy, one
government-aligned media outlet warned,” Eurasia.net wrote.
ethnic Armenian connection, whether a lipstick or a rifle, can be
considered an enemy operation. “You put a little bit of Kim Kardashian West
(KKW) on your lips and, boom, you support Azerbaijan’s enemy, one
government-aligned media outlet warned,” Eurasia.net wrote.
“You may say it’s just cosmetics, big deal. What
does it have to do with the Armenian-occupied territories of Azerbaijan?” observed Azeri Today in a Russian-language
article with the sub-title “For the attention of Azerbaijan’s Security Services!”
The story takes the trouble to respond to its own question.
does it have to do with the Armenian-occupied territories of Azerbaijan?” observed Azeri Today in a Russian-language
article with the sub-title “For the attention of Azerbaijan’s Security Services!”
The story takes the trouble to respond to its own question.
The Kardashian family spends part of its
earnings on “advancing the recognition of ‘the Armenian Genocide,” the
author posited.
earnings on “advancing the recognition of ‘the Armenian Genocide,” the
author posited.
The 36-year-old Kardashian West indeed campaigns
for international recognition of the massacre of ethnic Armenians by Ottoman
Turks as genocide.
for international recognition of the massacre of ethnic Armenians by Ottoman
Turks as genocide.
With her sister Khloé and husband, rapper Kanye
West, in tow, Kardashian West made a grand visit to Armenia in April 2015, drawing
attention to genocide commemorations there. The actress’ own paternal
ancestors barely escaped the killings when they migrated to the US at
the turn of the 20th century.
West, in tow, Kardashian West made a grand visit to Armenia in April 2015, drawing
attention to genocide commemorations there. The actress’ own paternal
ancestors barely escaped the killings when they migrated to the US at
the turn of the 20th century.
The fact that neither KKW by Kylie, nor its
distributor, KylieCosmetics.com, is
Armenian means little or nothing to ethnicity-conscious Azerbaijanis. Earlier
this year, calls were made in Azerbaijan to
ban Yandex and Uber’s joint taxi-hailing service because an ethnic
Armenian is at the helm of the company.
distributor, KylieCosmetics.com, is
Armenian means little or nothing to ethnicity-conscious Azerbaijanis. Earlier
this year, calls were made in Azerbaijan to
ban Yandex and Uber’s joint taxi-hailing service because an ethnic
Armenian is at the helm of the company.
********************************************************************************************************
10 – Book
Presentation by Armenian Doctor
Presentation by Armenian Doctor
To Include
Several Community Leaders
Several Community Leaders
GLENDALE, CA—On September 1, Dr. Ishkhan Babajanian will
be joined by several guests to present his memoirs,”Odyssey of a Defiant
Armenian Doctor.”
be joined by several guests to present his memoirs,”Odyssey of a Defiant
Armenian Doctor.”
The
event will take place at the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, 117 S. Louise St.,
in Glendale,
starting at 6 p.m.
event will take place at the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, 117 S. Louise St.,
in Glendale,
starting at 6 p.m.
Admission
is free. Appetizers and Napa
wine will also be available.
is free. Appetizers and Napa
wine will also be available.
The book
will be appearing in hardback for the first time at the presentation.
will be appearing in hardback for the first time at the presentation.
Dr.
Babajanian’s memoirs reflect and highlight his turbulent life experiences,
hardships and great struggles while he lived in Iran,
the Soviet Union and the United
States.
He believes these experiences can be helpful for his children,
grand-children, friends, communities across this world and future
generations.
Babajanian’s memoirs reflect and highlight his turbulent life experiences,
hardships and great struggles while he lived in Iran,
the Soviet Union and the United
States.
He believes these experiences can be helpful for his children,
grand-children, friends, communities across this world and future
generations.
The memoir begins with the Armenian Genocide of
100 years ago and includes several climactic events, such as his grandfather’s
murder by Turks and Kurds. The memoir takes the reader from Dr. Babajanian’s
birthplace of Badelbu, Iran and continues to his current life in Northern California.
100 years ago and includes several climactic events, such as his grandfather’s
murder by Turks and Kurds. The memoir takes the reader from Dr. Babajanian’s
birthplace of Badelbu, Iran and continues to his current life in Northern California.
The
presentation will include several speakers, including the following community
leaders: Mr. Harut Sassounian, Political
activist, publisher of The California Courier and President of the Armenia
Artsakh Fund, Dr. Joseph Melik-Hovsepian, Physician and recognized author of
history and Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, City Clerk for the City of Glendale.
presentation will include several speakers, including the following community
leaders: Mr. Harut Sassounian, Political
activist, publisher of The California Courier and President of the Armenia
Artsakh Fund, Dr. Joseph Melik-Hovsepian, Physician and recognized author of
history and Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, City Clerk for the City of Glendale.
Proceeds
from the event will benefit the Armenia Artsakh Fund.
from the event will benefit the Armenia Artsakh Fund.
About the Author
Ishkhan
Babajanian, M.D. was born in Badelbu, one of the villages of Urmia, located in
northwestern Iran and
bordering Turkey.
Along with his family, he struggled as a Christian minority child and
confronted discrimination and injustice
Babajanian, M.D. was born in Badelbu, one of the villages of Urmia, located in
northwestern Iran and
bordering Turkey.
Along with his family, he struggled as a Christian minority child and
confronted discrimination and injustice
In 1943,
at 9.5 years old, he moved to Abadan, a
progressive, southern city of Iran.
Abadan was then known as Iran’s cultural, educational and
athletic center. He started his schooling with delay and completed high school
in 1956. He excelled in his studies as well as in sports. In 1958, he entered
the University of Tabriz Medical School and received his medical degree in
1965.
at 9.5 years old, he moved to Abadan, a
progressive, southern city of Iran.
Abadan was then known as Iran’s cultural, educational and
athletic center. He started his schooling with delay and completed high school
in 1956. He excelled in his studies as well as in sports. In 1958, he entered
the University of Tabriz Medical School and received his medical degree in
1965.
He then
worked at the Shahinshah Organization’s Farah
Pahlavi Hospital
in Ramsar, Iran. In 1969, Dr. Babajanian
repatriated to Soviet Armenia. He worked at the Yerevan Republican General Hospital
as an Internist/Endocrinologist. In 1975, he immigrated to the United States.
Due to cultural and language barriers, Dr. Babajanian struggled both to make a
basic living and to receive his US
medical Licensure. After his pediatric
residency in the US,
Dr. Babajanian worked in various US Governmental facilities, including the US
Coast Guard Academy.
worked at the Shahinshah Organization’s Farah
Pahlavi Hospital
in Ramsar, Iran. In 1969, Dr. Babajanian
repatriated to Soviet Armenia. He worked at the Yerevan Republican General Hospital
as an Internist/Endocrinologist. In 1975, he immigrated to the United States.
Due to cultural and language barriers, Dr. Babajanian struggled both to make a
basic living and to receive his US
medical Licensure. After his pediatric
residency in the US,
Dr. Babajanian worked in various US Governmental facilities, including the US
Coast Guard Academy.
After
retirement, Dr. Babajanian with his wife Anahit joined the Armenian Volunteer
Corps in 2006 and worked in Karabagh (Artsakh) at the Stepanakert Children’s
Hospital.
retirement, Dr. Babajanian with his wife Anahit joined the Armenian Volunteer
Corps in 2006 and worked in Karabagh (Artsakh) at the Stepanakert Children’s
Hospital.
Dr.
Babajanian has been recognized with “Outstanding Physician Awards” in different
countries. Dr. Babajanian is fluent in Armenian, Persian, English, and speaks
Azeri-Turkish and Assyrian. He lives in Northern
California with his wife, Anahit, of 46 years. His older son,
Masis, is a proficient cardiologist and his younger son, Armen, received his
Master’s in Political Science and now is the Chief Operations Officer for Big
Brothers Big Sisters.
Babajanian has been recognized with “Outstanding Physician Awards” in different
countries. Dr. Babajanian is fluent in Armenian, Persian, English, and speaks
Azeri-Turkish and Assyrian. He lives in Northern
California with his wife, Anahit, of 46 years. His older son,
Masis, is a proficient cardiologist and his younger son, Armen, received his
Master’s in Political Science and now is the Chief Operations Officer for Big
Brothers Big Sisters.
Dr.
Babajanian spends his time with three wonderful grandchildren, Gohar (6),
Vartan (4), and Davit (6mo).
Babajanian spends his time with three wonderful grandchildren, Gohar (6),
Vartan (4), and Davit (6mo).
***************************************************************************************************
California Courier Online provides viewers of
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week’s issue of The California Courier. Letters to the editor are encouraged through
our e-mail address, [email protected]. However, authors are requested to
provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone numbers to verify identity, if
any question arises. California Courier subscribers are requested not to use
this service to change, or modify mailing addresses. Those changes can be made
through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week’s issue of The California Courier. Letters to the editor are encouraged through
our e-mail address, [email protected]. However, authors are requested to
provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone numbers to verify identity, if
any question arises. California Courier subscribers are requested not to use
this service to change, or modify mailing addresses. Those changes can be made
through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
******************************************************************************************************