Category: 2019

GERMANY (Goethe Institute)—Doğan Akhanlı, born in 1957 in Turkey, has lived in Cologne as a freelance author since 1992. Before fleeing to Germany, he was arrested several times in Turkey.

Akhanlı began to write in exile and has authored numerous novels and plays, in which he repeatedly advocates the truthful handling of historical violence, remembrance and the indivisibility of human rights. His trilogy Kayip Denizler (The Seas That Disappeared) was published in the late 1990s. Its final volume Kiyamet Günü Yargiçlari (Judges of Last Judgment) describes the 1915 genocide in Armenia. His novel Madonna’nin Son Hayali (Madonna’s Last Dream, 2005, German version 2019) is about the sinking of a freighter carrying 700 Jewish refugees in the Black Sea in 1942 by a Russian submarine. His first play in German Annes Schweigen (Anne’s Silence) premiered in Berlin in 2012 at Theater unterm Dach, and in Cologne in January 2013 at Theater im Bauturm.

In addition to his writing, Akhanlı is actively involved in the dialogue between different cultures, ethnic groups and religions. In 2002, Akhanlı began offering German-Turkish guided tours in the former Gestapo prison in Cologne, spoke to Turkish youths about the persecution of the Jews during National Socialism and lectured on “Anti-Semitism in the Immigrant Society.” In Berlin, he launched the project Flight, Exile and Persecution. His latest book Verhaftung in Granada oder: Treibt die Türkei in die Diktatur? (Arrest in Granada or Is Turkey Heading to Dictatorship?) (2018) is about his 2017 arrest at the request of Turkey in Spain. Doğan Akhanlı was the 2018 recipient of the European Tolerance Award for Democracy and Human Rights.

About Goethe Medal:

Once a year, the Goethe-Institut awards the Goethe Medal, an official decoration of the Federal Republic of Germany. This medal honors luminaries who have performed outstanding service for the German language and for international cultural relations.

The candidates for the Goethe Medal are nominated every year by the Goethe-Instituts abroad in close collaboration with Germany’s diplomatic representation offices. The Goethe Medal Conferment Commission, consisting of persons from the fields of science, the arts and culture, pre-selects the awardees who must then be confirmed by the Board of Trustees. The chair of the Goethe Medal Conferment Commission is the cultural scientist and Vice President of the Goethe-Institut Christina von Braun.

The Goethe Medal was established by the Executive Committee of the Goethe-Institut in 1954 and acknowledged as an official decoration by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1975. Since 2009, the award ceremony has taken place in Weimar on 28 August, Goethe’s birthday. Thus, the ceremony fits seamlessly into the Weimar Kultursommer and one of its highlights, the Kunstfest Weimar. Together with the Kunstfest, the Goethe-Institut organizes a fringe program that rounds off the festivities for the conferment of the Goethe Medal and offers further opportunities to meet the awardees.

Since it was first awarded in 1955, a total of 348 people from 65 countries have been honoured. The awardees have included Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Bourdieu, David Cornwell AKA John le Carré, Sir Ernst Gombrich, Lars Gustafsson, Ágnes Heller, Petros Markaris, Sir Karl Raimund Popper, Jorge Semprún, Robert Wilson, Neil MacGregor, Helen Wolff and Irina Shcherbakova.

Bipartisan Measure Calls for High-Level Bilateral Visits, Closer Defense Consultations; and Targeted Trade and Investment Promotion

WASHINGTON—Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) – founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus – introduced a bipartisan resolution Thursday welcoming Armenia’s 2018 peaceful political transition, praising the U.S.-Armenia “strategic partnership,” and calling for upgraded bilateral cooperation on political, economic, military, and development challenges, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

Rep. Pallone was joined by Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Vice-Chairs Peter King (R-NY) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in spearheading the measure.

“We join with Armenians across the United States in thanking Congressman Pallone and his colleagues in the leadership of the Congressional Armenian Caucus for introducing this forward-looking legislation – aimed at further strengthening the U.S.-Armenia bilateral partnership and further reinforcing the enduring friendship of the American and Armenian peoples,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “This measure both reflects and reinforces the growing strategic partnership between the United States and Armenia – rooted in shared values, driven by common interests, and sustained by robust civic engagement by Americans of Armenian heritage.”

“Over the past year, Armenia has been transformed through the organic, grassroots movement that led to the nonviolent ‘Velvet Revolution’ and free and open national elections in December. These momentous events are a testament to the Armenian people’s commitment to democracy and show why it is so important for the United States to elevate our engagement with the Pashinyan government,” Congressman Pallone said. “Armenia is at a critical moment where U.S. support can help foster the growth of pro-democratic and civil society institutions. I am hopeful that this resolution is the beginning of a broad-based strategic upgrade of the U.S.-Armenia partnership based upon our shared interests and common values. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and with House Leadership to pass this important bipartisan legislation. Additionally, I will continue to work with my colleagues toward official U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”

Rep. Pallone shared his thoughts about the resolution with the ANCA in a video message.

“Armenia’s recent free and fair parliamentary elections provide an opening to strengthen U.S. ties to Armenia and support democratic institutions and economic growth, and Congress and the Administration should take the initiative to do so,” said Rep. Schiff. “I am pleased to support this resolution along with my colleagues on the Congressional Armenia Caucus to recognize the progress Armenia has made and to support continued engagement to empower the Armenian people and deepen our bilateral relationship.”

“As co-Chairman of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I am proud to co-sponsor a resolution celebrating the strategic alliance between Armenia and the United States,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The two nation’s continued friendship and cooperation promotes regional stability and is mutually beneficial for both parties.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating a century of U.S.-Armenian friendship,” said Rep. Speier. “As one of only two Armenian-American Members of Congress, I have been proud to play my part safeguarding U.S. aid to Armenia and enacting programs to bring our countries and peoples closer together. I believe that the best days of our relationship are still ahead as we work together to build Armenia’s blossoming democracy.”

The resolution references the genesis of formal U.S.-Armenia diplomatic ties, noting that: “the United States formally recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia almost a century ago on April 23, 1920, through a letter from Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby to the Representative of the Armenian Republic, Garegin Pasdermadjian, informing him of President Woodrow Wilson’s decision.” Also cited is the 1994 regional “ceasefire agreement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Nagorno Karabakh,” within the context of Armenia’s continued constructive engagement in the OSCE Minsk Group process, co-chaired by the United States.

This measure praises: “the longstanding friendship of the American and Armenian peoples, reinforced during decades of principled United States leadership for Armenian independence from Soviet tyranny, and expanded, in the years since Armenia’s reborn independence,” adding: “almost a century after the United States first formally recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia the bilateral political, economic, and strategic partnership between the two countries continues to flourish.”

The Caucus leadership also note, in this resolution, that: “Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition requires continued United States leadership on trade and investment promotion, upgraded engagement through the Economic Task Force and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council, and the exploration of mutually beneficial economic accords,” a reference to bilateral discussions around a new U.S.-Armenia Tax Treaty and Social Security Totalization Agreement.

The complete text of the resolution is provided below.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the recent free and fair parliamentary elections and transfer of power in Armenia, reaffirming the critical importance of the United States-Armenia partnership, and for other purposes.

Whereas the United States formally recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia almost a century ago on April 23, 1920, through a letter from Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby to the Representative of the Armenian Republic, Garegin Pasdermadjian, informing him of President Woodrow Wilson’s decision;

Whereas the United States recognized the reestablishment of Armenia’s independence following seven decades of Soviet rule on December 25, 1991, when President George H. W. Bush announced this decision in an address regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union;

Whereas the people of the Republic of Armenia showed their commitment to democracy, anti-corruption measures, and rule of law during their nonviolent ‘‘Velvet Revolution’’ between April and May of 2018, leading to the peaceful transfer of executive leadership;

Whereas the Velvet Revolution culminated in the December 9, 2018, national parliamentary elections that “were held with respect for fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust that needs to be preserved through further electoral reforms,” according to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) election observation mission;

Whereas the longstanding friendship of the American and Armenian peoples reinforced during decades of principled United States leadership for Armenian independence from Soviet tyranny, and expanded, in the years since Armenia’s reborn independence, through regional and international security cooperation, and mutually beneficial bilateral political, economic, military, democracy, and development partnerships;

Whereas almost a century after the United States first formally recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia the bilateral political, economic, and strategic partnership between the two countries continues to flourish;

Whereas United States-Armenia ties are deeply rooted in shared democratic values, the United States’ enduring commitment to Armenia’s independence, and a common vision of regional peace and global security, as reflected in Armenia’s membership in NATO’s Partnership for Peace and its record of deployments as part of United States-led peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Kosovo, and Mali;

Whereas President Donald Trump, in a September 21, 2018, message to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, stated, ‘‘We thank you for your steadfast partnership on many fronts, including contributing to NATO operations and showing great generosity in welcoming Syrian refugees’’;

Whereas Armenia remains constructively engaged in the OSCE Minsk Group process, co-chaired by the United States, which seeks to strengthen the 1994 ceasefire agreement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Nagorno Karabakh, and to facilitate a durable and democratic peace;

Whereas Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition requires continued United States leadership on trade and investment pro- motion, upgraded engagement through the Economic Task Force and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council, and the exploration of mutually beneficial economic accords; and

Whereas continued United States investment into initiatives that further government transparency, strengthen democratic institutions, and empower civil society in Armenia will only help to bolster the historic ties and friendship between the two countries: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives —

(1) celebrates almost a century of United States-Armenia relations, the enduring friendship of the American and Armenian peoples, the strong bonds between the two governments, and the many contributions Americans of Armenian heritage continue to make to the United States;

(2) honors and congratulates the people of Armenia on their peaceful and constitutional leadership transition and the December 9, 2018, democratic parliamentary elections broadly recognized as free and fair; and

(3) calls for continued United States leadership in helping empower the Armenian people to solidify their progress by strengthening United States-Armenia relations through bilateral visits, defense consultations to draw Armenia closer to the United States, increased cooperation on international peace-keeping operations, targeted trade and investment promotion, and support for political party development, transparency, rule of law, civil society development, and media freedom.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council of Armenia has launched a service office for Diaspora Armenians who have either repatriated to Armenia or are planning to do so.

The office’s function is to provide advice, assistance and guidance to repatriates. The office will provide information and on residency paperwork, driving license, registration, service in the Armenian army, as well as educational, health, insurance, employment, and movable assets and real estate registration.

The office is located at 30 Hanrapetutyun Street, “Simon Vratsian” Center, 1st floor, room 16. Its hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yerevan time. The office may be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling 094-519-119. Visit hayrenatarts.am www.hayrenatarts.am and follow the initiative on Facebook. st1yle=”margin:0px 0px 10px”>

GLENDALE—On June 11, after bidding farewell to City Councilman Zareh Sinanyan, who resigned his seat to take a position in the Armenian government, the Glendale City Council decided to fill the vacancy through an appointment and not call a special election, which reportedly could cost taxpayers upward of a million dollars.

According to MyGlendale.com, the city council opened an application process, emphasizing that the only qualification for the vacant position was being a registered voter and a resident of the City of Glendale.

The Council did state that they did not wish to give a potential candidate for the 2020 March election the leg up, however they stopped short of completely disqualifying those considering a run for the March elections. As of 5 p.m. on June 17, which was the application deadline, 45 individuals had applied to fill the vacant post.

The Glendale City Council will appoint a replacement for Sinanyan’s vacant seat during a special council meeting at 10 a.m. Friday.

Below is the list of the 45 applicants, whose complete applications are available online. st1yle=”margin:0px 0px 10px”>1. Alvarez, Adrian
2. Amirian, Zareh
3. Armenian, Zanku
4. Avedian, Nejdeh
5. Brooks, Beth
6. Brotman, Dan
7. Castillo, Nelson A.
8. Christopher-Jilizian, Julie 9
. Coshland, Robert
1O.Culver, Burt
11.Dadian, Rostom
12.De La Cruz, Juan
13.Fiaga, Linda
14.GaIlo, Frank
15. Gevorkyan, Nelson
16.Gharibian, Ronnie
17. Harris, Victor
18.Hatamian, Ara
19. Hays, Bonnie
20. Johnson, Danielle D. (Donut Socialite)
21.Kaplan, Kenneth
22. Karaoghlanian, Armen
23. Kassakhian, Ardashes
24. Keurogelian, Chahe
25. Krikorian, Raffy
26.Kwak, Karen (Jae Eun)
27. Lamb, Christy
28. Legino, Steve (Lily La Rocco)
29. Lizagub, Taron
30. Magpapian, Manuel
31. Manoukian, Leonard
32. Marlis, Beth
33. Michals, Grant
34.Ordubegian, Andre
35.Quinonez Gabrielian, Anita
36. Quintero, Frank
37. Reed, Annie
38.Sadd, Louie
39. Samuel, John
40. Sanchez, Joseph
41.Solis, Lenore
42. Van Gorder, Mike
43.Zarokian, Adrineh “Audry”
44. Hovhannisyan, Samvel LV ‘BIT 2
45. Renn, Charles C.

Pashinyan Meets with Protesters

A sit-in organized by the Armenian Youth Federation of Armenia in front of the National Assembly to protest—and sound the alarm for—the government’s proposed plan to institute a flat tax went into its second day on Thursday, with protesters voicing their opposition to a tax bill that was being debated by lawmakers in parliament.

The AYF of Armenia’s movement, known as “Ahazang,” which means alarm in Armenian, aims to send a message to lawmakers and citizens alike that the proposed flat tax will create inequality among tax-paying Armenians.

“At the moment, our sit-in protest is still underway,” said Arshak Mesropyan, a member of the “Alarm” initiative’s coordinating group. “Today the supporters of our initiative will spend the night in front of the National Assembly building.

“This sit-in will serve as our [the AYF’s] contribution to the ongoing discussion in the National Assembly. We are ready to sit as long as it takes our deputies to realize the inequality a vote in favor of this tax code will create,” said Arshag Mesrobian an organizer of the “Ahazang” movement.

“The rich are bound to get richer and the poor poorer. The initiative will continue until this tax code is rejected. We demand a comprehensive reform of the tax system that will first serve the most vulnerable of the society and not widen the growing abyss between economic classes,” explained Mersrobian.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stopped by the sit-in and discussed his views on the proposed changes to the country’s tax codes with “Ahazang” organizers, who did not shy away from expressing their discontent and grievance.

The country’s ruling My Step Alliance has put forth the disputed proposal that would change Armenia’s taxation laws from a progressive one to flat taxation. In the current version individuals earning more also paid more taxes. Under the proposed tax laws, all personal income will be taxed at the same rate. Proponents of the changes argue that the flat tax is more fair and more in line with the goals of the post-revolution state. The current regime is hailing these changes as revolutionary, as they will stimulate the economy, lead to GDP growth and create a simpler, more equitable system for the future. Opponents of such changes argue the flat tax is a temporary solution to a wider societal issue that in reality will only benefit the society’s most affluent members.

The flat tax is a phenomenon that has gained popularity in recent decades among many post-Soviet and struggling economies around the world. Various countries that have adopted the flat tax system have seen considerable economic growth; however, the beneficiaries of that growth remain those in the top tax tier.

Russia, being one of the early adopters of such a system, has seen some success in the area. Its economy, having recovered from the pitfalls of the wider global economic crises of recent years, is now seeing a growth in GDP and a significant increase in tax revenue. Although ostensibly this seems promising for countries looking to reform their tax systems and are considering the flat tax, it’s worth taking a closer look at how such a system would affect the average citizen.

Armenia is a small economy. The majority of the workforce—more than 65 percent–earn a monthly salary of 150,000 drams (approximately $315 a month or less). Currently, the highest tier tax bracket pays 13 percent more than the lowest. The proposed changes would give a considerable tax break to the top tax tier as the proposed new tax percentage will adopt the lowest current tax for all citizens at 23 percent. This means the lowest tax tier will receive no benefit from the new law. This proves problematic when considering the overall outlook of the new government toward the average worker. By prioritizing tax deductions for the wealthiest in the society, the ruling regime believes these benefits will somehow boost economic growth and spending among citizens as those with the most money will now have more of it to reinvest in the economy.

This trickle-down approach may prove crippling for small countries like Armenia that have a large lower-class workforce. The money saved by the wealthiest rarely gets directly invested in the local economy, and often ends up elsewhere. Although there is research to support a correlation between GDP growth and flat taxes, that growth often only benefits those who are already well-established economically, with almost no guarantees that they will use the tax money they saved to create new jobs or stimulus programs as the new regime argues. A flat tax may help to stabilize a struggling economy, but it’s important to look at who that economy will serve.

The adoption of the new tax laws will also see a significant deficit in the state budget. A problem the government plans to rectify by simultaneously implementing an increase in sales tax. In addition to not receiving any benefit from the new tax system, the average Armenian worker will now be faced with the issue of increasing expenses. Taking this into consideration, the government’s previous promises to work for the average and most vulnerable people of the society seem like empty words.

Armenia’s economy under the new tax system will be stimulated at the expense of its most vulnerable contributors: those who are barely surviving—people living paycheck to paycheck, people working more than 12 hours only to see their costs of living increase.

It is for these reasons the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Armenia is staunchly opposing the proposed changes. The party warns that the new law would be unconstitutional as it ignores the needs of the poor and relies heavily on the good will and word of the most financially stable of the society.

The ARF believes there is no guarantee those benefiting from the new laws will actually be motivated to direct their funds toward the betterment of society. This is a legitimate concern when taking into account Armenia’s volatile history with its political and economic elite—a class previously so disliked that it was overthrown in last year’s revolution.

“The new regime is essentially asking the working people who have entrusted them to secure their interests and well-being in the New Armenia to now put their faith in yesterday’s oligarchs to do the right thing,” said the organizers of the “Ahazang” movement.

“The mere suggestion brings into question the legitimacy of Armenia’s current regime whose rule was established under the guise of freedom for the disenfranchised, who now is attempting to convince society the same people who had been robbing them for nearly 30 years deserve the greatest financial benefit,” the “Ahazang” organizers added.

The AYF of Armenia has mobilized its membership to combat not only these proposed changes, but the growing misinformation in the country. The AYF has put forth a proposal for the future calling for not only an increase in the minimum wage by at least 50 percent, but also securing a minimum cost of non-taxable income to ensure the average worker can prosper without handouts or outside aid. In addition the AYF is suggesting to keep and reform the current progressive system with four tax brackets, targeting tax breaks for multi-member families and working class citizens.

The AYF of Armenia, through the “Ahazang” movement, is determined to see Armenia succeed and create a fair and free society where all people will prosper, and refuses to allow the New Armenia to be built on the backs of those it promised to elevate. The organizers are encouraging fellow Armenians to follow the “Ahazang” initiative on social media and help them to sound the alarm.