Author: Vanyan Gary

Police special forces forcibly remove Armenia ex-Police chief from opposition march in Yerevan

Vanyan Gary
NEWS.am
Armenia – May 6 2022
13:47, 06.05.2022

When the opposition march led by Resistance Movement coordinator Ishkhan Saghatelyan—the National Assembly deputy speaker from the opposition “Armenia” Faction and a representative of the Supreme Body of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party of Armenia—reached Yerevan’s Victory Bridge, the police special forces started clearing the street and apprehending the marcher.

Among others, Armenia’s former Chief of Police Valeri Osipyan also was forcibly removed from the scene.

When this march had reached Victory Bridge, Saghatelyan told the marchers to block the roads in all directions and paralyze the traffic there.

The police urged the protesters to reopen the traffic, then started apprehending these demonstrators.

The Resistance Movement is carrying out its marches in Yerevan Friday in four directions—and starting from the France Square.

Ishkhan Saghatelyan had announced Thursday that their actions of civil disobedience Friday will start at noon. He had stated that they will assemble at France Square, in downtown Yerevan, and from where they will start paralyzing the traffic in the Armenian capital in four directions.

“We have reached the final phase of our plan. We are adding the rest of our compatriots, too, taking the whole situation at our full disposal, and removing this government of evil [from power],” Saghatelyan had added.

Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that peaceful acts of civil disobedience began in Yerevan on Monday, and a number of streets were closed off in the Armenian capital. In addition, opposition rallies are being held at France Square since Monday.

Lav Eli: An Armenian Folk Rock Experience

Vanyan Gary
May 3, 2022 Beiyna Chaparian Music, Culture 0

Lav Eli performs in Watertown, Mass., April 30, 2022 (Photo: Knar Bedian)

In the last year or so, I have been on the search for Armenian bands and artists that not only revamp our traditional songs and melodies, but are inspired to create songs of their own. My search has led me to discover Garabala, Collectif Medz Bazar, The Bambir, Vigen Hovsepyan and others. The most recent, by complete chance, is Lav Eli, who treated our Boston community to two shows on Saturday evening as part of their first-ever east coast tour. 

As a 20 year old, I am a little embarrassed to say that this was my first concert. It didn’t take place at TD Garden or the House of Blues, but I’ll always remember it fondly because it was at the agoump—an intimate and familiar setting for me as an active member of my local Armenian community. I sat close to the band’s setup, anxious for them to start their set. Joining guitarists Gor Mkhitarian and Mher Manukyan was Ara Dabandjian of the Element Band. As they took their seats with their instruments and introduced themselves, I noticed the excitement I felt, reflected in the smiling and attentive faces of the small crowd around me. As they introduced their first song, “Godfather Tom,” I opened my little notebook, ready to jot down my thoughts so I wouldn’t forget them later.

Ara Dabandjian, Watertown, Mass., April 30, 2022 (Photo: Knar Bedian)

But, when the two acoustic guitars and accordion began to play, my mind went blank. I had flashbacks to my childhood, listening to Element Band and traditional songs by artists I was too young to remember. What surprised me, though, was that my mind also recalled music by The Beatles, which my father made me listen to as a young girl and I now listen to of my own accord. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

Mher Manukyan, Watertown, Mass., April 30, 2022 (Photo: Knar Bedian)

Seeing the passion and joy on the faces of the band, even through their more melancholy songs, showed me just how much they love their music. In an interview after the show, I sat down with Gor and Mher and asked them about what Armenian music meant to them alongside its cultural ties. Mher answered, “If your soul resonates to the music, then it is your music […] you feel it in yourself, it’s yours, it’s a part of you, and you are a part of that music.” 

John Berberian, Watertown, Mass., April 30, 2022 (Photo: Knar Bedian)

Throughout the concert, the band joked with the audience, commenting on how shy the crowd seemed to clap along to the music. They even encouraged the audience to sing along to their songs. An unexpected appearance by John Berberian, a longtime friend of Gor, delighted community members. The local legend accompanied the three-man band on the oud for two songs: “Yeraz (Dream)” and “Voch Me Ban (Not One Thing).” The audience was captivated by their seamless performance. Every song was a comfort to my soul. I was nostalgic for my Armenian school days when I was enveloped by my culture and language.

I was fascinated by the blend of Armenian folk music and soft rock. “We have so many different genres, so it’s really hard to categorize with one genre,” Gor told me. “But because we understand it has to be somehow categorized […] that’s why we call it Armenian alternative folk rock.”

Gor Mkhitarian, Watertown, Mass., April 30, 2022 (Photo: Knar Bedian)

Armenian, alternative, folk and rock: four genres of music I never thought in my wildest dreams could be blended together. So I did some exploring. I played their 2006 album “Lav Eli” on my car stereo and listened to some of the songs they had played that night on my drive back home. On Sunday afternoon, as I sat down to begin writing this article, I played their 1997 album “First Lav Album” and heard the influence of the early Beatles music. I marveled at the fact that I was hearing electric guitar and Armenian words together. Even my dad, who grew up listening to The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Queen, got “The Train” stuck in his head when I played it for him. Lav Eli’s members say they were inspired by a few of these bands, but told me that they like to keep an open mind when it comes to music.

I cannot recommend Lav Eli enough. After hearing them perform and speaking with them, my need to find more Armenian musicians and my love for Armenian music have only grown stronger. Lav Eli has shown me that Armenian music is more than traditional songs and melodies. Of course, the history embedded in Armenian music is one of the most important aspects of our culture, but we can’t forget that someday our present will be our history, and I believe Lav Eli is one of the groups capturing our present beautifully, with a little flair for Armenian rock n’ roll, in their repertoire.

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Beiyna Chaparian is a local vocalist and student at Clark University. She is an active member of the AYF Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter.


Erdogan Accuses Paylan of Treason for Genocide Recognition Resolution

Vanyan Gary
by Contributor

 

 April 26, 2022

 

in Armenia, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish parliament representing the People’s Democratic Party (HDP)

YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned an Armenian member of Turkey’s parliament for demanding that Ankara officially recognize the 1915 Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire.

Erdogan said that a corresponding parliamentary resolution drafted by the opposition lawmaker, Garo Paylan, amounts to high treason.

The resolution not only calls for a formal recognition of the genocide but also says that the Turkish authorities must rename streets bearing the names of Ottoman masterminds of the genocide and offer Turkish citizenship to Armenian descendants of its survivors.

Paylan circulated the measure ahead of the 107th anniversary of the slaughter of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians marked on Sunday. Speaker Mustafa Sentop refused to include it on the parliament agenda.

Paylan’s initiative provoked a storm of criticism from other senior Turkish officials as well as a spokesman for the ruling AKP party.

“We regard as clear treason the manifestation of such brazenness in this body symbolizing the _expression_ of national will,” Erdogan said after chairing a cabinet meeting in Ankara on Monday.

Erdogan said that the Turkish authorities will take “appropriate actions” against Paylan. But he did not clarify whether the 49-year-old lawmaker representing the pro-Kurdish opposition party HDP will face criminal charges.

The authorities have for years tried to strip Paylan of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution.

Speaking to the CNN-Turk TV channel, Paylan described the furious reaction to his initiative as unprecedented. He said that similar resolutions drafted by in the past did not cause such a government outcry.

“I haven’t changed, which means that Turkey has,” he said, adding that Erdogan’s government is no longer willing to tolerate public actions challenging the official Turkish version of the events of 1915.

The HDP is the only major Turkish party to have recognized the World War One-era mass killings of Armenians as genocide.

Successive Turkish governments have denied a premeditated government effort to exterminate Ottoman Turkey’s Armenian population. Erdogan alleged in 2019 that Armenians themselves massacred Muslim civilians and that their mass deportations to a Syrian desert was “the most reasonable action that could be taken” by the Ottoman government.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu underscored Ankara’s stance on Saturday when he publicly made a hand gesture associated with the Turkish ultranationalist group Gray Wolves during a visit to Uruguay. Cavusoglu gestured to members of the South American country’s Armenian community demonstrating outside the Turkish Embassy in the capital Montevideo.

Most of those detained in connection with the opposition protests have been released

Vanyan Gary

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 19:42, 2 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 2, ARMENPRESS. During the protest organized by the opposition in Yerevan’s French Square, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a member of the “Hayastan” faction and a representative of the ARF Supreme Body of Armenia, summed up the activities of the day, referred to the registered incidents and presented the upcoming activities.

“Today, starting from early morning, we carried out acts of disobedience in different parts of Yerevan. We closed about 30 streets. According to official data, 244 people were detained, but I must say that most of them have been released and have joined the rally. Despite all the difficulties, we are strong and ready to go to the end,” ARMENPRESS reports, Ishkhan Saghatelyan said.

In his speech, Saghatelyan expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of some police officers. He referred to cases of violence initiated by some civilians, condemning the incidents. Ishkhan Saghatelyan assured that the actions of peaceful disobedience will continue. The participants of the rally again decided to hold a march and block the central streets.

Weekly columnist Stepan Piligian delivers resounding speech at RI Armenian Genocide commemoration

Vanyan Gary
April 27, 2022 Guest Contributor Community News 0

Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Monument in RI

PROVIDENCE, RI—For the first time in five years, the Rhode Island Armenian community met at North Burial Ground to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and to venerate those victims who are now canonized as Holy Martyrs. The Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of RI hosted the event with two of its members serving as emcees, Melanie Zeitounian and Steven Zaroogian. The procession commenced with flag bearers, clergy, invited guests and wreath presenters surrounded by able-bodied honor guards as peaceful hymns were sung by choir members of the three local Armenian churches under the capable direction of Alysha Melkoun. 

Procession ahead of the Rhode Island commemoration of the Armenian Genocide (Photo: GVK Images)

Officiating clergy Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin and Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian conducted a service for the Holy Martyrs with the faithful assistance of deacons and service participants from Armenian Evangelical Church, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church and Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church. The service commenced with “The Lord’s Prayer” (“Hayr Mer”) recited by the clergy and all those present; readings from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews and the Holy Gospel according to St. Paul; the Litany of The Saints and concluding with the singing of the “Hayr Mer” by the choir and congregation. In addition, soloist Joanne Mouradjian sang a moving rendition of “Hrashatsan Bagootsmamp” to the Holy Martyrs.

It was 45 years ago when the majestic monument standing 29 feet tall was dedicated in 1977 to the victims of the Armenian Genocide that began on April 24, 1915. Today, 107 years later, this same beautiful monument is dedicated to our saintly brothers and sisters in Christ who were canonized in 2015 on the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. “Let’s always wear our “Forget-Me-Not” flower to honor the memory of those who perished beginning in 1915,” said Zeitounian.

RI keynote speaker Weekly columnist Stepan Piligian (Photo: GVK Images)

The keynote speaker was Weekly columnist Stepan Piligian, a native of Massachusetts who has spent many years as a volunteer teacher of Armenian history and contemporary issues to the young generation and adults at schools, camps and churches on the east coast. Piligian delivered a riveting speech to a captivated audience of several hundred individuals. He talked about martyrdom and the sacrifice made by those who were massacred by the Turkish Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915, and most recently, the canonization of them as saints, where each has transcended from victim to victor. He discussed Armenian Genocide recognition by President Biden and Congress but suggested the work of Armenians is only beginning.  Genocide recognition is something Armenians have been aware of for 107 years, but Piligian clearly stated that an unpunished crime by the Turks does not serve justice. His 25-minute exposé will no doubt be used as an educational tool for Armenians and non-Armenians alike to be better informed and educated. 

Capping off the inspirational words of the guest speaker, attendees were treated to the Armenian school children of both Sts. Sahag and Mesrob and Sts. Vartanantz churches singing “Hyortik” under the able direction of Raffi Rachdouni. Armenians continue to live and in this case through the talented voices of our precious youth!

RI Armenian youth singing “Hyortik” (Photo: GVK Images)

There were several elected officials invited to speak at the commemoration, including the Honorable Dan McKee, the 76th governor of the State of Rhode Island; United States Senator Jack Reed; and Congressman James Langevin. Congressman Langevin who is retiring at the end of this year was presented a plaque in appreciation for his continued support over the years on Armenian issues locally and abroad. State Representative Katherine Kazarian was recognized for sponsoring a resolution bill to recognize the Armenian Genocide in the General Assembly. In addition, there were numerous elected officials in the audience to share this meaningful day with the community: Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Attorney General Peter Neronha, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and former Central Falls Mayor Thomas Lazieh. Longtime supporters Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline were unable to attend as they were traveling abroad, but sent their warm regards.

Invited guests and elected officials at the commemoration (Photo: GVK Images)

As the program neared its conclusion, Zaroogian acknowledged a record 10 wreath presenters this year. He closed with heartfelt thanks to all who came together to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.




Mexican Senator urges Senate and government to recognize Armenian Genocide

Vanyan Gary

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 10:38, 27 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 27, ARMENPRESS. A commemoration event dedicated to the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held on April 26 during the plenary session of the Senate of Mexico, the Armenian Embassy in Mexico reported.

During the session Senator Alejandra León delivered remarks touching upon the massacres of the Armenian population perpetrated in the Ottoman Empire, and urging the Mexican Senate and government to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

At the proposal of the Senate President, the attendees honored the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims with a moment of silence.

During a press conference following the session Ambassador of Armenia to Mexico Armella Shakaryan said the recognition and commemoration of the genocides of the past are vital for preventing the repetition of such crime in any part of the world. The Ambassador said the impunity of the Armenian Genocide today inspires those who are planning new international crimes. She said that the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh in 2020, which was accompanied by crimes and ethnic cleansing, showed that the impunity of the crimes carried out in the past could have irreversible consequences.

Parliament Speaker draws OSCE/ODIHR delegation’s attention to aggressive statements by Azeri representatives at OSCE PA

Vanyan Gary

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 16:43,

YEREVAN, APRIL 27, ARMENPRESS. On April 27, Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan received the representatives of the delegation who carried out the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission, the Parliament’s press service said.

Speaking about the aim of the visit, during the 2021 snap elections the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission Eoghan Murphy has noted that they are in Armenia for presenting the final report prepared by the OSCE/ODIHR.

At the meeting they talked about the importance of the parliamentary diplomacy in Armenia, also discussing the ways of power-opposition partnership and interaction in the parliaments of the democratic countries.

The Speaker of Parliament touched upon the legislative amendments on the period followed the June 20, 2021 elections and the issues relating to the current state of democracy in Armenia.

Referring to the security problems of the region, the Speaker highly appreciated the role of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as an important platform for strengthening the trust in the OSCE region, drawing the attention of the OSCE representative to the aggressive announcements by the representatives of Azerbaijan in the OSCE PA. He documented that it could be possible to reach peace in the region only through the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which should include the specification of the Artsakh status on the basis of the execution of the right to self-determination by the people of Artsakh.

The sides also spoke about the international standards of the electoral systems, in this context observing the achievements recorded by the nationwide elections in Armenia.

Hundreds protest outside Turkish Consulate in Beverly Hills to mark Armenian genocide

Vanyan Gary
Laura Newberry

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Turkish Consulate in Beverly Hills on Sunday to demand the Turkish government recognize the Armenian genocide and end its support of Azerbaijan in the Artsakh.

The rally organized by the Armenian Youth Federation was one of several held across the Southland to mark the 107th anniversary of the massacre. Los Angeles County is home to the largest population of Armenians in the United States.

Speakers at the protest honored the victims of the genocide and the strength of its survivors, told of Armenia’s rich history and culture, and called for Turkey to finally acknowledge the loss and trauma it inflicted upon the Armenian people.

Outside the Turkish Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard, rally attendees waved the national flag of Armenia and chanted “1915 never again! Genocide never again!” and “Eastern Turkey is Western Armenia!” — referring to the historical homeland of Armenians. They placed their palms in red paint and pressed them onto a white banner, an installation that represented Armenian bloodshed.

By many estimates, a million Armenians died in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1920, one of the first genocides in a century that would be defined by mass killings. Ignored by most of the world and denied by the Turkish government, the Armenian slaughter was considered for generations a “perfect genocide,” as its victims were forgotten and its perpetrators went unpunished.

Armenians continue to face threats, protesters said. With the help of Turkey in 2020, Azerbaijan launched a war in an attempt to remove ethnic Armenians living in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

People gather at a Beverly Hills protest marking the 107th anniversary of the Armenian genocide on Sunday. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

“Our community is also calling on the U.S. government to prevent Turkey and Azerbaijan from committing ongoing war crimes against the Armenian people,” said Alex Galitsky, spokesman for the Armenian National Committee of America, an organizer of the event.

Until President Biden in 2021 officially called the killings a genocide, American presidents had also declined to do so. They instead classified the deaths at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as an atrocity — but not a genocide.

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors last month proclaimed April as Armenian History Month and last week passed a motion declaring April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Los Angeles County. April 24 is also observed throughout the Armenian diaspora and is a national holiday in Armenia.

Red dots on a map represent where in Armenia protesters’ ancestors are from. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Times staff photographer Jason Armond contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Turkish press: Holy Myron oil ceremony held at Turkiye’s Fener Orthodox Patriarchate

Vanyan Gary
Mehmet Kara and Gulsum Incekaya   |21.04.2022


ISTANBUL 

Istanbul’s Fener Greek Patriarchate hosted the sacred oil Myron ceremony, a once-in-a-decade ritual that has symbolic importance for the Orthodox world.

The ceremony, which was led by Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew, was attended by senior Greek officials, the Turkish Armenian patriarch, diplomatic mission representatives and domestic and foreign tourists.

The Myron oil, or the Holy Chrism, was brought to the Aya Yorgi Church in silver jugs. Bartholomew blessed the oil with prayers and rituals.

Fifty-seven different ingredients were brought in from monasteries across the world and olive oil was used to produce the oil used in baptisms and several sacraments.

The Myron oil, which was produced in three days, will be bottled and sent to Orthodox churches around the world, if needed.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar