Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

OhmyNews International, South Korea
Jan 20 2007

Editor of Armenian-Turkish Paper Shot Dead
Hrant Dink’s murder a ‘shock and insult’ to nation, says Erdogan

Ludwig De Braeckeleer (ludwig)

Published 2007-01-20 07:47 (KST)

The editor of the Armenian-Turkish language weekly Agos newspaper was
shot dead as he was leaving his office building on Jan. 17.

Top Turkish officials have immediately denounced his killing and
promised that the perpetrators will be swiftly found and sentenced.

"The dark hands that killed him will be found and punished," Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in televised remarks.

His murder is "a shock and an insult to the Turkish nation… It is a
bullet fired against free speech and democracy," Erdogan said.

"I am deeply saddened by the assassination of Hrant Dink in front of
the Agos newspaper. I strongly condemn this ugly and shameful act,"
declared President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

Hrant Dink, 53, was the leading voice of Turkey’s shrinking Armenian
community. He is best known for his writing on the genocide of the
Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.
Once-populous, the Turkish Armenian community now numbers around
60,000.

Lying in front of the newspaper’s entrance, Dink’s body was covered
with a white sheet. Four empty shell casings were found on his side.

Dink was shot twice in the head by a man who appeared to be 18 or 19
years old. The teenager, wearing blue jeans, a denim jacket and a
white hat, was caught on tape by a surveillance camera of the Agos
building.

The owner of a nearby restaurant, who witnessed the assassination of
Mr. Dink, said that the killer left the scene shouting "I shot the
non-Muslim."

Erdogan said two suspects had been arrested and the police are
looking for the teenager caught on tape. He provided no details about
those held and the motivation of the killer. The French journal
Liberation claims that the two men arrested have been released.

Journalist and writer, Dink has faced a number of cases in connection
with "insulting" the Turkish identity.

"Some of the trial hearings have been marred by violent scenes inside
and outside the courtrooms, instigated by nationalist activists
calling for Dink to be punished," one can read in his profile on the
Web site of Pen American Centre, a group of writers promoting free
expression.

In 2005, Dink was charged for an article in which he alleged the
killings of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by the Ottoman army in
1915-17. In October 2005, he was given a six-month suspended
sentence.

Dink has always rejected the characterization of his work made by
Turkish nationalists. He claimed that his writing aimed at improving
the difficult relationship between Turks and Armenians. He failed to
convince the court. Last year, his appeal was rejected by a court.

Article 301 of the Turkish penal code makes negative remarks about
"Turkishness" or the Turkish state a crime. In recent years, the
Turkish Authorities have used Article 301 as a convenient tool to try
several prominent intellectuals.

The European Union considers this ambiguous provision as an
infringement on free speech.

"I am shocked and saddened by this brutal act of violence. Hrant Dink
was a respected intellectual who defended his views with conviction
and contributed to an open public debate. He was a campaigner for
freedom of expression in Turkey," said EU Enlargement Commissioner
Olli Rehn.

The murder of Dink is likely to complicate the already difficult
relation of Turkey with the European Union.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has promptly issued an official
statement. "We strongly condemn this act. Actors will be caught in
the shortest time […] We offer condolences to the people of Turkey,
its press, and particularly to the Armenian community and Dink’s
family," the statement reads.

Last September, Dink was once more charged with violation of Article
301 and, if convicted, would have been sentenced to three years in
jail for affirming that the killing of the Armenians was a genocide.

"People have lived on these lands for four thousand years. And you
can see that they have been eliminated. Therefore I tell you it is a
genocide because it corresponds to the definition of this word," he
had written.

The Turkish government has never acknowledged the existence of an
Armenian genocide and claims that, Armenians, as well as Turks, were
killed in civil warfare during World War I. To this day, Turkey and
Armenia still have no official diplomatic relations.

A Turkish citizen of Armenian descent, Dink recently wrote that he
had received numerous threats from nationalists. "My computer hard
drive is full of death threats," he wrote in a column.

"I do not know how real these threats are, but what’s really
unbearable is the psychological torture that I’m living in. Like a
pigeon, turning my head up and down, left and right, my head quickly
rotating," he wrote.

"Like dozens of other Turkish journalists, Hrant Dink has faced
political persecution because of his work. Now it appears he’s paid
the ultimate price for it," said Joel Campagna, the Mideast program
coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Dink had been thinking of leaving in exile. "I don’t think I could
live with an identity of having insulted the Turks in this country…
if I am unable to come up with a positive result, it will be
honourable for me to leave this country," he told the Associated
Press news agency.

"Turkey must ensure that this crime does not go unpunished like other
cases in the past and that those responsible for his murder are
brought to justice," Campagna said.

"Those who wanted to harm Turkey couldn’t have chosen a better
target. As opposed to other killings in the past, Turkish public
reaction against this murder will show us where Turkey stands in the
world," said Haluk Sahin, a columnist for Radikal, a newspaper that
supported Dink’s legal struggle.

A crowd of supporters immediately gathered at the scene of the murder
to pay their respect and chant their outrage. Many were carrying
signs claiming: "We are all Armenians."

The Agos newspaper is a bilingual Turkish and Armenian weekly founded
in 1996.

Over the last 15 years, 18 Turkish journalists have been killed,
making Turkey the eighth deadliest countries in the world for
journalists. Iraq, Russia and Colombia are the most dangerous
countries for the media workers with about 150 journalists being
killed over the last five years.

Journalists associations have promptly reacted to the murder of Dink.

"This murder will distress and disturb all those who defend the
freedom of thought and expression in Turkey and elsewhere. The
Turkish government must weigh the extreme gravity of this crime and
ensure that a thorough investigation identifies those responsible as
quickly as possible," wrote Reporters Without Borders.

"Through his journalism Hrant Dink sought to shed light on Turkey’s
troubled past and create a better future for Turks and Armenians.
This earned him many enemies, but he vowed to continue writing
despite receiving many threats. An assassin has now silenced one of
Turkey’s most courageous voices. We are profoundly shocked and
saddened by this crime, and send our deepest condolences to Hrant
Dink’s family, colleagues, and friends," said Joel Simon, the
Executive Director for the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Hrant Dink received many honors for his distinguished work among
which the 2005 Turkish Human rights organization "Ay-e Nur Zarakolu
freedom of thought and speech," the 2006 German Stern "Freedom of
thought and brave journalism," the 2007 Holland "Pen Award for idea
and thought" and the 2007 Norwegian "Bjornson Human rights award."

The Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, Mesrob Mutafyan, has declared a 15
days period of mourning for the Armenian community of Turkey.

Archinect
Jan 20 2007

Hrant Dink is not Dead

I know, perhaps this is not a right place for this, I know many
people don’t know him, but today I am deeply saddened by the
assasination of Hrant Dink, a Turkish citizen of Armenian descent, a
large soul, a father, a husband, a fighter against the belligerent
racists and a great journalist, the publisher of Agos, Istanbul’s
only Armenian weekly.
His trained murderer, perhaps an ultra nationalist, an ugly racist, a
coward, shot him from the back. He was murdered on a sidewalk and his
killer sent the majority people of this nation of 70 million into the
darkness with four bullets. Today there will be thousands of
eulogies, billions of tears and angry protests in Turkey and in
Armenia and the rest of the world. But those will not be enough to
honor the humanity of one man who has been abandoned, unjustly tried,
and humiliated in his own country for speaking out in defense of free
speech and peace. Please remember, the name is Hrant Dink, a friend
of liberty and a beautiful human being. God bless him.

_24_0_C

Armenpress

UN FAO TO RELEASE $3 MILLION TO SOUTH CAUCASUS TO
FIGHT FMD AND OTHER DISEASES

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS: The United Nations
Food and Agricultural Organization (UN FAO) is set to
release $3 million to the South Caucasian countries to
help them step up fight against extremely contagious
disease that hit farm cattle.
The program is designed for prevention of spread of
foot and mouth (FMD), brucellosis and other diseases
across borders. Modern laboratory and communication
devices, as well as vaccines will be supplied to
anti-epidemic laboratories in frontier regions of the
three countries.
"The funding will enable to improve foot and mouth
surveillance and control activities across the country
by strengthening veterinary services," said Avetik
Nersisian, head of UN FAO Armenia office.
"In case of an FMD emergency, a rapid response is
crucial for the success of any control measures. With
the new funds, we will now be able to send experts to
affected areas within hours to analyze the situation
in order to provide technical support and assist in
mobilizing additional emergency resources," he added.
He said as part of this program tens of
veterinaries will be trained.

US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: GOVERNMENT TO DO THEIR BEST NOT TO PASS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL FROM CONGRESS

Yerevan, January 17. ArmInfo. The government will do its best in
order not to pass the Armenian Genocide bill from the Congress,
US Ambassador to Turkey, Ross Wilson, said.

As the Turkish "Sabah" newspaper reports, the Ambassador noted the
President Bush will also oppose it just like Clinton. The Ambassador
Wilson commented on the so-called Armenian Genocide causing tension
between Turkey and the USA: "I can not know the result of the draft;
but Bush will be strongly against it".

MINISTRY REQUIRES MONEY FROM RADIO COMPANIES

Panorama.am
19:16 17/01/2007

All radio companies were informed in writing by the ministry of
communication and transport before Christmas to pay air service fees
accumulated in 2006.

The size of the payment differs for different radio companies. Radio
Van has to pay 900 thousand drams, Hay FM – 8 million Armenian
drams. The companies are confused why and whom should they pay
the money.

"If something happens with the radio frequency, we used to apply to
Telecommunication Republican Center CJSC. Now there is no regulatory
institute and we do not know who to pay the money," Shushanik
Arevshatyan, Director of Van, told Panorama.am.

The companies were informed by the ministry of transport and
communication to make the payments by December 25, 2006 referring to
the law on electronic telecommunication. Aram Lazarian, director of
Hay FM claims that he has consulted the law and learned that it does
not refer to radio and TV.

"We are not protected. If we make the payment, we do not understand
why and who should we pay quite big sums of money," Shushanik
Arevshatyan said.

Some eight radio companies have addressed a letter to the ministry
of transport and communication asking to find ways out of the
situation. Panorama.am tried to learn from the ministry what they
are going to do but got no response.

13% OF TURKISH RESIDENTS RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
By Rouzan Poghosian

AZG Armenian Daily
16/01/2007

"Haraj" newspaper informed that one of the Turkey based organizations
held a public poll among the Turkish residents. According to its
results, the majority of the questioned stated the importance of
EU’s influence on the country’s development than that of the United
States. The public poll proved that the country’s residents are
more determined to join the EU, and the trust to the United States
has decreased.

Besides, 17,2 % of the Turks stated that they more trust the political
party of the United States and Israel from the viewpoint of their
influence of the country’s management, while 17,6% stated that the
mass media sources are quite powerful from this aspect.

The 65% of the questioned agreed that the ethnic groups might have
the right of speaking and issuing publications in their native tongues.

They also asked the Turkish residents about the issue of recognition
of the Armenian genocide. The 13% of the questioned gave positive
response to the question, and 72,7% were against.

It’s worth mentioning that according to the newspaper, the 88% of
the supporters of the pro-Kurdish parties agreed with the accusations
concerning the Armenian genocide.

California Courier Online, January 18, 2007

1 – Commentary

Why Does the Bush Administration
Keep Nominating Hoagland?
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Cyprus High Court Backs AGBU
On Melkonian Property Dispute
3 – Adriana Sevan’s Solo Play
Recorded by L.A. Theatre Works
4 – ARPA Institute Hosts Jan 25
Lecture by Harut Sassounian
5 – ‘Voices from the Lake’ Documentary Film
Leads Conference at Shoah Memorial in Paris
6 – ‘System of a Down’ Genocide Documentary
To be Screened at Valley Beth Shalom
7 – Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund Grand Gala
Night at Pasadena’s Ritz-Carlton Set for January 26
8 – Sculptures of Puzant Meymarian Exhibit and
Lecture Set for Feb. 4 at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
******************************************* ***********************
1 – Commentary

Why Does the Bush Administration
Keep Nominating Hoagland?

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

At the beginning of last week, Pres. Bush caught almost everyone by
surprise when he re-nominated Richard Hoagland as Ambassador-designate to Armenia.
Could the President’s advisors be so incompetent as to suggest a controversial
nominee against whom a hold was placed in the Senate or did they have a more
devious plan in mind?
A couple of days later, it became apparent that these presidential advisors
were both incompetent and devious at the same time!
Their incompetence could be explained by the following facts:
They were submitting Amb. Hoagland’s name once again, even though Sen.
Menendez (D-N.J.) had placed a hold against his nomination in the last
Congress;
Since his re-election last November, Sen. Menendez had given no indication
that he had changed his mind about the inappropriateness of Amb. Hoagland’s
nomination as an envoy to Armenia;
After the Democrats won the majority of the seats in the Senate, Senators
Menendez and Harry Reid (D-NV), the incoming Majority Leader, called on Pres.
Bush last month to withdraw Hoagland’s nomination and propose a new candidate.
By re-submitting Hoagland’s name, the Bush administration was disrespecting
not only the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the Armenian-American
community, but also that of more than 60 U.S. Representatives, more than half the
members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Menendez, and, more
importantly, the new Majority Leader who had just said that he would not accept
Hoagland.
If it is so obvious that Amb. Hoagland would not stand the chance of a
snowflake in hell, why would the Bush administration re-submit his name? The
President’s advisors had already damaged the prestige of the White House by not
withdrawing Hoagland’s name when it became clear that the Senate would not
approve his nomination. Even more astounding is the fact that Amb. Hoagland did not
withdraw his own name in order to save the President and himself further
embarrassment!
There are probably four reasons why the Bush administration re-submitted
Hoagland’s name to the Senate last week:
General Incompetence: This is the same administration that has made a
mess of just about every foreign and domestic issue they have touched from the
war in Iraq to Hurricane Katrina. It is, therefore, not surprising that they
have mismanaged Hoagland’s nomination;
Misinformed and Misled: Some of the bureaucrats in the State Department
were wrongly told that the majority of the Armenian-American community supported
Hoagland’s nomination. This is a clear example of selective perception –
hearing what you want to hear!
Arrogance: Having heard from several Senators (both Democrats and
Republicans alike) that Armenia should not be deprived of the services of a U.S.
Ambassador, State Department officials failed to secure the support of the one
Senator who mattered the most – the one that placed the hold last year. They also
arrogantly disregarded the letter of the new Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
who had told them, in no uncertain terms, to withdraw Hoagland’s name and
propose a new candidate.
Maliciousness: Not being able to stomach their defeat, Bush administration
officials were hell-bent on dealing a blow to the political clout of the
Armenian-American lobby. Had Sen. Menendez not stopped Hoagland’s re-nomination
last week by placing a second hold, the neo-cons in Washington would have
succeeded in damaging the credibility of the Armenian-American community in the
nation’s capital.
While holds themselves are rarely used in the Senate, it’s even less common
that a Senator exercises such a parliamentary maneuver almost immediately
after the submission of a nominee’s name by the President. Holds are usually
placed weeks later, after a hearing is scheduled, the appropriate Senate committee
approves the nominee, and his or her name is submitted for a final vote by
the full Senate. In this case, Sen. Menendez placed a hold on Hoagland with
lightning speed, within 48 hours of the submission of his name, likely indicating
the Senator’s irritation at the White House’s slight against him. Furthermore,
instead of succeeding to undermine the credibility of the Armenian lobby,
these officials managed to damage the prestige of the White House for a second
time and inadvertently boosted Armenian-Americans’ prestige and clout in
Washington.
Given the long track record of incompetent and arrogant behavior of Bush
administration officials, it would not be surprising if they now talk the
President into by-passing the Senate and appointing Hoagland as Ambassador to
Armenia, when the Senate goes on recess next month. Such a move would tarnish
Hoagland’s diplomatic career for having become an ambassador without Senate approval
and negatively impact the administration’s working relationship with the
leadership of the Senate.
A better option would be for Hoagland to withdraw his name from further
consideration, and seek a different assignment for his own good as well as that
of the President of the United States, thereby sparing the White House further
embarrassment.
********************************** ********************************************
***
2 – Cyprus High Court Backs AGBU
On Melkonian Property Dispute
NICOSIA, Cyprus – The Armenian General Benevolent Union has prevailed in its
appeal of the Order issued in 2004 by the Interior Ministry of Cyprus,
restricting the use of the AGBU Melkonian property in Nicosia.
On Dec. 11, 2006, the Supreme Court of Cyprus rescinded the Order for lack of
justification. The opinion of the Court finds the order excessive in scope
and in violation of the principle of proportionality.
The Court has further determined that the Republic of Cyprus has to bear
AGBU’s legal costs in the amount of CY Pounds 400.
Separately, the Supreme Court of Cyprus in a unanimous opinion dated Dec. 21,
2006, has ruled in favor of AGBU in its appeal of an Order that the District
Court of Nicosia had issued on Feb. 3, 2006, upholding the petition of
Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey, to
restrain AGBU from selling, alienating, or changing the use of the Melkonian
property. Patriarch Mutafyan was seeking a declaratory judgment that the Melkonian
property was held by AGBU "in trust" and "the re-registration of the said
property in his name as trustee for the Armenians all over the world."
The Supreme Court recognized AGBU’s full ownership rights to the property.
Quoting extensively from the relevant parts of the Deed of Transfer of 1926, the
Court states that AGBU’s "ownership of the [Melkonian property] and the right
of disposal etc…..was without the conditions and restrictions invoked by
the Respondent."
The District Court order was set aside and dismissed. The Supreme Court
determined that Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan must pay AGBU the costs of the first
instance proceedings and the costs of the appeal.
************************************************** ***********************
3 – Adriana Sevan’s Solo Play
Recorded by L.A. Theatre Works
LOS ANGELES – One night of theater; two great performances. In Two Cities,
Two Voices, L.A. Theatre Works records the works of two Los Angeles-based
artists: "The Watts Tower Project" by Roger Guenveur Smith and "Taking Flight" by
Adriana Sevan. Five performances, January 17-21 at the Skirball Cultural
Center, will be recorded to air on LATW’s nationally-syndicated radio theater
series, The Play’s The Thing, which broadcasts weekly on public and satellite radio.
"Taking Flight" is Adriana Sevan’s deeply compelling, truly funny and sexy
tale set in the shadow of a different set of towers in a different city.
Adriana’s extraordinary story about finding the Goddess within while dedicating her
life to saving her best friend, who was critically injured on 9-11, celebrates
the power of the heart in a remarkable, brave and uplifting performance.
"The Watts Tower Project" and "Taking Flight" premiered in 2006 at the Kirk
Douglas Theatre as part of CTG’s Solomania series, where they received rave
reviews.
Adriana Sevan can be heard in L.A. Theatre Works recordings of "Our Lady of
121st Street" and "Anna in the Tropics."
A Dominican-Armenian New York actress turned Californian, Sevan has been seen
in The Caucasian Chalk Circle and The Clean House, both at South Coast
Repertory; Two Sisters and a Piano; Derek Walcott’s The Odyssey (Willow Cabin
Theater Co.); Indian Ink (A.C.T.); Another Part of the House (Classic Stage Co.);
Henry V (Shakespeare & Co.) and Macbeth. She has appeared in guest-starring
roles on TV’s Law & Order, Sex and the City, Deadline, Law & Order: Criminal
Intent; and recently won an award at the Denver International Film Festival for her
portrayal of Priscilla in Patrice Johnson’s critically acclaimed debut film,
King’s County.
As a writer, Sevan first performed her writing at the 2002 New Works Lab at
Inta. Her work has been developed at the Sundance Theatre Lab, South Coast
Repertory, the Mark Taper Forum, Rio Hondo College and the Lark Play Development
Center. She is currently collecting family stories of her Armenian ancestors
for her next play.
Five performances of Two Cities, Two Voices take place January 17 at 8 pm;
January 18 at 8 pm; January 19 at 8 pm; January 20 at 3 pm; and January 21 at 4
pm. A talk-back with the artists follows the matinee on January 20. The
Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, in the Santa
Monica Mountains just off the San Diego (405) Freeway (exit Skirball Center
Drive). Tickets range from $20. to $46.
For reservations and information, call the L.A. Theatre Works Box Office at
(310) 827-0889 or go to
************************************************** ************************
4 – ARPA Institute Hosts Jan 25
Lecture by Harut Sassounian
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – The ARPA Institute will present a Lecture/Seminar:
"Genocide Recognition, Turkey-Armenia Relations and the Role of the Diaspora," by
Harut Sassounian, on January 25, at the Merdinian School auditorium, 13330
Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks.
Sassounian’s lecture will cover several topics, followed by an exchange of
views with the audience:
— Genocide recognition, is it really necessary?
— Should Armenians support or oppose the application of Turkey for EU
Membership?
— Turkey-Armenia relations
— Diaspora-Armenia relations
— How best to organize the Diaspora?
— The firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans
— The hold on the nomination of Ambassador-designate Richard Hoagland
— UAF’s assistance to Armenia and Lebanon
— Lincy Foundation’s infrastructure projects in Armenia and Artsakh
Sassounian, the publisher of The California Courier newspaper, is the
President of the United Armenian Fund which has shipped $460 million worth of
humanitarian assistance to Armenia since 1989. He is also the Vice Chairman of The
Lincy Foundation which has funded $230 million worth of infrastructure projects
in Armenia and Artsakh.
He worked for Procter and Gamble in Geneva, Switzerland, as an international
marketing executive from 1978 to 1982. He served for 10 years as a
non-governmental delegate on human rights at the United Nations in Geneva, playing a key
role in the UN recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 1985. He has a Master’s
degree in International Affairs from Columbia University (NY) and an MBA from
Pepperdine University.
His book, `The Armenian Genocide: The World Speaks Out, 1915-2005, Documents
and Declarations,’ published in 2005, was republished in Arabic translation in
Lebanon in 2006. He has been awarded the "Anania Shiragatsi" medal of honor
by the President of Armenia and has received numerous other awards for his
leadership and community activities.
For more information, call Dr. Hagop Panossian at (818)586-9660
********’***************************************** ************************
5 – ‘Voices from the Lake’ Documentary Film
Leads Conference at Shoah Memorial in Paris
LOS ANGELES – "Voices From the Lake," the Armenian Film Foundation’s seminal
documentary on the deportation and massacre of Armenians, leads a conference
and full week of film screenings on the Armenian Genocide at the Memorial de
la Shoah in Paris January 14 to 18.
The film is being screened as part of France’s Year of Armenia, which began
in September 2006 and ends in July. Year of Armenia is a monumental undertaking
of conferences, screenings, exhibits and other events throughout France
organized by Armenie Mon Amie, a large committee of influential Frenchmen,
including the presidents of the Senate and National Assembly, the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, and a host of business people, entertainers, filmmakers, artists,
fashion designers and other cultural leaders. Charles Aznavour serves on the
committee.
Eduard Nalbandian, the Armenian ambassador to France, and Nelly
Tardivier-Henrot, the Commissaire generale of Armenie Mon Amie, kicked off the conference
on Jan. 14. Participants include historians Yves Ternon of the University of
Paris at Sorbonne, Raymond Kevorkian of the University of Paris at Saint-Denis,
and Claire Mouradian of the Nubar library.
The Memorial de la Shoah will be showing two documentary films a day through
Thursday. Voices from the Lake was screened on Jan. 15. It won the Bronze
Chris Award from the Columbus Film Festival.
"Voices from the Lake" and "Germany and the Secret Genocide," which received
first prize out of 1,500 entries from 17 countries at the U.S. International
Film and Video Festival, are films one and two in a trilogy of films Dr. J.
Michael Hagopian has produced on the Armenian Genocide. The third and final film
in the trilogy, "Caravans Along the Euphrate," is in production. Donations are
being sought to complete the final film in the trilogy.
For further information, contact [email protected] or 805-495-0717.
************************************ **************************************
6 – ‘System of a Down’ Genocide Documentary
To be Screened at Valley Beth Shalom
ENCINO — Valley Beth Shalom and Jewish World Watch will screen the new
documentary "Screamers," on Monday, January 22, at 7 p.m., at 15739 Ventura Blvd.,
in Encino. Admission is free of charge.
This new documentary follows the Grammy-winning rock band, "System of a
Down" as they explore modern day genocide beginning with the Armenian Genocide of
1915, through the Holocaust, to Darfur in our time.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Rabbi Ed
Feinstein, System of a Down band member Shavo Odadjian, Director Carla Garapedian, and
Harut Sassounian, Publisher of The California Courier.
"Screamers" is a term coined by Harvard Professor Samantha Power, to refer
to people who cannot stand idly by while a genocide is unfolding. The members
of System of a Down are descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors. Through
their worldwide fan base, they have helped educate the public at large about
genocide, in order to prevent its denial and repetition.
"Screamers" recently won the prestigious Audience Award at the AFI Film
Festival and was selected by the Skirball Center for its under-18 Film Guide. The
film’s nationwide release begins January 26.
"Regardless of the differences in circumstances, period of time and identity
of the perpetrators, the victims of all genocides have one thing in common:
They have all been killed simply for no other crime than being innocent human
beings," said Harut Sassounian, Publisher of The California Courier.
"We promised the victims of the Holocaust that we would never forget. We
promised to stand up as witnesses. That responsibility extends beyond the circle
of our own. Wherever the evil of genocide is practiced, we are called to be
‘screamers.’ We embrace our neighbors and friends in the Armenian community in
commemorating the Armenian genocide 90 years ago, as we stand with them to
demand a response to the contemporary genocide in Sudan," said Rabbi Ed Feinstein,
senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino.
"I’m thrilled that Valley Beth Shalom, Rabbi Feinstein and Jewish World
Watch have reached out to work with us and the Armenian community to bring
attention to the need to end all genocides. We all need to be screamers to make sure
there is meaning to the words ‘never again,’" said Carla Garapedian, the
Director of the documentary.
************************************************* **************************
7 – Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund Grand Gala
Night at Pasadena’s Ritz-Carlton Set for January 26
PASADENA – A Grand Gala Night at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel on January
26, presented by the Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund to benefit the children of
Armenia, will be a fun and festive event featuring a sumptuous dinner, dancing
to the music of Dark Eyes Band and a silent auction offering unusual surprises.
A project of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, the Etchmiadzin
Children’s Fund provides fundamental assistance to help our homeland’s children
achieve an acceptable standard of living.
"As we begin the new year, we must join together to improve the situation for
Armenia’s poorest children, giving them the chance for a healthy start in
life," said chairlady Gayane Tatoulian. "Come and enjoy an exciting evening while
supporting a great cause."
"Among the fabulous array of auction items are fine wines, dazzling jewelry,
fantasy trips, tickets to sports events, the Opera and the Hollywood Bowl, and
much more. If you would like to donate an item or service, please call us."
The Grand Gala Night begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7
p.m. followed by dinner, dancing and entertainment at 8:30 p.m.
For reservations or to arrange for auction item contributions, please call
Gayane Tatoulian (626) 440-7465, Hermine Janoyan (818) 342-4600, Julia Aghishian
(818) 437-7010 or the Diocese office (818) 558-7474.
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8 – Sculptures of Puzant Meymarian Exhibit and
Lecture Set for Feb. 4 at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
MISSION HILLS Calif. -The exhibition and illustrated lecture in Armenian of
"he Human Experience: The Sculptures of Puzant Meymarian" will take place at
the Ararat-Eskijian Museum (AEM) on Feb. 4, at 3pm. Art historian Dr. Levon
Chookaszian (Director, UNESCO Chair of Armenian Art History, of the Yerevan
State University) will discuss selected works of the artist. A question-and-answer
session with the artist will follow the lecture. A reception will conclude
the program.
Meymarian’s marble, bronze and wood sculptures explore the range of human
subjects, including the ordinary as well as the heroic. Some of his
sculptures depict sensitive and tender subjects such as "The Homeless People," "The
Sweethearts," and "Mother and Child." He imaginatively explores a number of
stimulating concepts in works such as "Protest," "The Exile," and "Equilibrium."
Proud of his heritage, he produces many works evoking Armenian history and
culture. For example, he dedicates busts to Armenian revolutionary leaders
Christopher Mikaelian, Stepan Zorian, and Simon Zavarian. He honors the creative
contributions of Armenians by representing not only abstracted renditions of
Armenian letters, but also busts of Sayat Nova, Gomidas, Aram Khachatourian,
and William Saroyan. He pays due respect to the individuals who played key
roles in Armenian history: Fridtjof Nansen, Armin Wegner, and Johannes Lepsius.
"The bust [of Nansen] is an exemplary piece for our museum collection. We
are proud to share with our visitors the heroic accomplishments of Mr. Nansen, a
non-Armenian who helped the Armenians during the worst period of our history,
through your masterful depiction," commented museum Vice Chairwoman Maggie
Mangasarian-Goschin.
The Ararat-Eskijian Museum was founded in 1993 by Armenian Genocide survivor,
philanthropist, and art collector, Luther Eskijian, to preserve Armenian
history and heritage for future generations. It is located on the grounds of the
Ararat Home of Los Angeles at 15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA
91345.
For information call AEM (818) 838-4862 or visit
Free admission and parking.
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REGULAR MONITORING OF OSCE MISSION HELD ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE

STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the agreement
reached with NKR authorities in advance, on January 11, OSCE mission
held a plan monitoring in the direction of NKR and Azerbaijani armed
forces’ contact-line, near the settlement of Yevusifjanli.

>From the positions of NKR defence army the monitoring was conducted
by Field Assistants of Personal Representative of OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, Peter Key (Great Britain), Gunter Folk (Germany)
and Miroslav Vimetal (Czech Republic).

According to NKR Foreign Ministry Press Service, the monitoring was
held according to the schedule, no violations of cease-fire regime
were fixed.

On Karabakh part the monitoring mission was accompanied by
representatives of Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON

His Holiness Aram I received the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman
in Antelias on January 11. The Pontiff and the Ambassador met for over an
hour, discussing the recent political developments in the country and the
Middle East in general. His Holiness expressed his viewpoints on these
issues, also spoke about his recent visit to the United States where he was
invited to deliver lecture at two universities.

##
View the photo here: #2
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

U.S. EXPECTS CONTINUED ARMENIAN TROOP PRESENCE IN IRAQ
By Emil Danielyan

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Jan 11 2007

The United States expects Armenia to maintain its modest military
presence in Iraq after a change in U.S. war strategy announced by
President George W. Bush, a senior American diplomat said on Thursday.

Anthony Godfrey, the U.S. charge d’affaires in Yerevan, praised the
Armenian parliament’s decision last month to extend by another year the
mandate of a small unit of non-combat Armenian troops stationed there.

"The recent decision by the National Assembly and the recent statements
by the defense minister made clear that Armenia understands that
it must be a contributor to international security," Godfrey told
reporters. "This is important and dangerous work, and we very much
appreciate it."

"We hope that Armenia will continue to be with us as we work to
accomplish this goal," he said, referring to Bush’s pledge to crush
the Iraqi insurgency by sending thousands more U.S. troops and shoring
up Iraq’s fledgling security forces.

Forty-six Armenian servicemen — most of them doctors, demining experts
and military truck drivers — were deployed in a mainly Shia-populated
region of Iraq nearly two years ago and are rotated once in every six
months. The unpopular deployment reflected the Armenian government’s
drive to forge closer security links with the West and the United
States in particular.

Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian underlined the mission’s
significance for Yerevan when he visited Iraq last November to
inspect the Armenian contingent and meet the U.S. military command
on the ground. Addressing the Armenian parliament on December 5,
Sarkisian said the largely symbolic troop presence "adds to Armenia’s
international standing." Neither he nor other Armenian leaders have
set any deadlines for the contingent’s eventual withdrawal despite
the worsening security situation in Iraq.

Bush’s controversial decision to reinforce the U.S.-led occupation
force with more than 20,000 troops may well mean that the Armenian
servicemen will remain in Iraq for several more years. According to
Godfrey, Washington would only welcome an increase in their number.

"Certainly the United States would welcome an increase," the diplomat
said. "Specifics of this have not been discussed with the government
of Armenia. Right now Armenia is making a significant, for Armenia,
contribution, and the United States looks to help improve Armenia’s
abilities to contribute to international security."

In Godfrey’s words, the U.S. will specifically carry on with its
"very significant" assistance to a special peace-keeping battalion
of the Armenian Armed Forces that provides personnel for Yerevan’s
ongoing missions in Iraq and Kosovo. The Armenian Defense Ministry
plans to turn it into a much bigger unit. The volunteer force will
soon be boosted by a U.S.-equipped medical detachment.

Speaking to RFE/RL and two Armenian television stations, Godfrey
indicated that this could pave the way for Armenian involvement in
other conflict zones such as Afghanistan. "As Armenia develops its
peace-keeping capabilities and the U.S. government is providing
significant assistance in this, we hope that it will increase its
deployment [abroad]," he said.

Godfrey would not say whether a tougher U.S. line on Iran signaled
by Bush would make it more difficult for Armenia to deepen political
and especially economic ties with the Islamic Republic. But he did
reveal that Washington has sought fresh assurances that Yerevan will
cooperate with the international community in its efforts to prevent
Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

"We have been engaged with the government of Armenia, especially since
the passage of the new UN Security Council resolution on Iran," the
envoy said. "Armenia has made commitments to abide by this resolution."