Category: News

President Serzh Sargsyan attended today the opening ceremony of the Hayastan Cinema in the administrative district of Malatia-Sebastia. During the tour, the Armenian president familiarized himself with the cinema the renovation of which had started in 2013 and the opportunities of the modern family entertainment center (cinema, playrooms, music entertainment center) created as a result of eight-million-dollar investments.

The center also includes food outlets and cafeterias for family relaxation. According to the executives, the music entertainment center is to open in two to three months. In parallel with the cinema renovation, one-hectare area of the adjacent park has also been improved where around 500 trees of different varieties have been planted, the lighting system of both the park and the building has been completely redesigned and the fountains in the park have been renovated.

The center will also implement charitable projects and organize training courses for young cinematographers and experts in technical cinematography.

This year, the cinema will open its doors to the participants of the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival: the movies selected for the festival will be shown, the participating directors and actors will be hosted, discussions will be held and movies will be watched.

 

A resolution to recognize the Armenian Genocide was introduced in the Federal Senate of Brazil on May 26. The  was introduced by senators Aloizio Nunes Fereira Filio and Jose Serra, reports.
The draft resolution expresses its “solidarity with the Armenian people during the course of the centenary of the campaign of extermination of its population” and states that “the Senate recognizes the Armenian Genocide, whose centenary was marked on April 24, 2015.”

James Onnig Tamdjian, representative of the Armenian National Committee of Brazil, said that the project “has a great support from Senators and hopefully in the near future, the Brazilian Senate will vote this proposal, which will be historic for all Armenians and their descendants in Brazil”. Onnig Tamdjian also expressed his hope that “the Senate would continue its support to formalize the decision soon.”

“To honor the victims and recognize the contribution to economic, social and cultural formation of Brazil of the thousands of Brazilians descendants of Armenian refugees, we emphasize that no genocide must not be forgotten so that it does not happen again,” reads the text.

The draft highlights the “need for a racial cleansing to make Turkey, then multiracial, a uniformly Turkish nation.” In addition, it denounces the “systematic denial, pressure and intimidation against those who try to reconstruct historical events”.

“The policy of extermination is so far denied by the Turkish government,” reads the draft resolution, and then cites the cases of recognition from “a growing number of countries,” including “Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela” in Latin America, as well as “European countries,” the European Parliament and, more recently, Germany and Pope Francis.

“It is estimated that at least 100,000 descendants of Armenians live in Brazil, mostly in Sao Paulo. They are Brazilians whose ancestors had to leave their homeland to escape the genocide. In Brazilian lands they could restart their lives, build families and contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of our country.”

“The Brazilian government, unfortunately, has not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide,” although the legislatures of Ceará and Parana did. “In 2015, the State of Sao Paulo instituted April 24 as the Day of Recognition and Remembrance of Victims of the Genocide of the Armenian people,” concludes the project., social and cultural development of our country.”

Through July 9, 2015, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) will host “Ashfall,” an art installation and exhibit by Dallas-based artist Robert Barsamian that poignantly tells the story of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the reports.

A 16’x16’ structure erected within the university’s Buley Library gallery space with the help of Southern art students, “Ashfall” contains its own lighting and sound system. Inside the structure are portraits on lace, framed by branches—elements from Armenian culture—along with a bench that allows visitors to pause and contemplate the exhibit, which has been called a “sacred space.”

In addition to the structure, the gallery displays text panels that speak to the violence and loss the genocide engendered. A smaller installation in the gallery space, called “Road to Aleppo,” is a boat with a figure lying on a funeral pier, representing the spirits of those who died on the death marches through the Syrian desert to Aleppo. Large drawings on silk are draped behind this piece.

“Ashfall” is open to the public through July 9, and admission is free. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information about visiting “Ashfall,” which is being displayed in New England for the first time, call (203) 392-5768.

Artist Barsamian grew up in Whitinsville, Mass., the son and grandson of survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. In the 1990’s, Barsamian recalled the stories his grandmother had told him about her experiences escaping the genocide, and became inspired to depict such atrocities in his art. He eventually began to create art installations to convey the feeling of inhumane acts perpetrated by man against man and began expressing the injustices of the genocide with his multimedia installations. “Ashfall” is one such installation.

An opening reception for “Ashfall” on April 24 was one of several events held at Southern to mark the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. On April 23, the SCSU Symphonic Band presented a concert entitled “Music of Armenia,” featuring folk music by composers Hovhaness, Reed, Khachaturian, Komitas, and Strauss. The following day, guest musicians Anna Hayrapetyan and Tatev Amiryan performed a recital featuring pieces connected specifically with the genocide theme by Armenian composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Komitas, Mirzonyan, Kanachyan, and Amiryan.

“Southern’s commitment to social justice is very much animated by the recognition of man’s inhumanity to man,” said SCSU President Mary A. Papazian. “The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide gives us pause to recall the mass suffering that occurred at that time and at other periods throughout history. By remembering the past, we can work to build a better future for all.”

“Art and music are highly effective media to tell this heart-wrenching story and touch our emotions,” Papazian said.

 

Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win against SV Werder Bremen has been voted the best in Matchday 34.

According to , everything about Borussia Dortmund’s third goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win against SV Werder Bremen was executed to perfection: from Marco Reus’ lay-off, Shinji Kagawa’s lofted forward pass, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first touch and, of course, the Armenian international’s audacious chipped finish over the advancing Koen Casteels.

A hefty 61 per cent of the post-Matchday poll was the least it deserved – and that’s saying something.

Dear compatriots,

On behalf of the Artsakh Republic authorities and on my own behalf, I cordially congratulate all of you on the Day of the First Armenian Republic.

The Armenian people are among the world’s most ancient civilizations with a rich traversed path that still exist. Our people have passed this way full of difficulties and challenges with flying colors, keeping alive their language and culture, national dignity and traditions, and most significantly, the centuries-old vision of restoring the independent statehood.

This vision became reality in 1918 with the formation of the First Armenian Republic when the Armenians once again felt confident in their strength and stood for their Fatherland. Our heroic ancestors having forged victories in Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Gharakilisa had already been paving the ways for our future achievements.

Guided by the ideology of brave sons of Armenia and inheriting the helm we were able to gain victory in the Artsakh liberation struggle and revive the independent Armenian statehood.

Today there are two Armenian states and the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable trinity, which is key pledge of all our success. Drawing the moral of the past the Armenian people must continue their path towards the bright and radiant future in the same unified and consolidated manner.

Dear compatriots,

I once again congratulate all of us on this great holiday and wish peace, robust health and all the best.

Six football officials have been arrested over corruption charges at governing body Fifa, as Swiss prosecutors launch a criminal case into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, the BBC reports.

The suspects, who are said to include a FIFA vice-president, have been detained pending extradition to the US.

It involves alleged bribes worth about $100m over two decades.

FIFA members are due on Friday to vote for a new president, with incumbent Sepp Blatter seeking a fifth term.

However, Mr Blatter is not understood to be one of those arrested.

Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan – Mr Blatter’s rival for the FIFA presidency – described the development as “a sad day for football”, but withheld from commenting further.

FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich has also been raided by police, with documents seized, Swiss prosecutors say.

One of the highest ranking official charged is Jeffrey Webb, a FIFA vice president and head of CONCACAF, the FIFA-affiliated governing body for North America and the Caribbean.

Other officials include: Jack Warner, former FIFA vice president and executive committee member; Eugenio Figueredo, FIFA vice president and executive committee member; and Nicolás Leoz, former FIFA executive committee member.

Several sports-marketing executives are also charged.

President Serzh Sargsyan received Satoshi Tsunakawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.

The president welcomed the guest and noted that he is happy about the activities carried out by Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation – a leading international healthcare services company – in Armenia and its intention to promote cooperation with Armenian companies.

Serzh Sargsyan expressed the hope that Mr. Tsunakawa’s visit will give impetus to the promotion of collaboration and inclusion of new dimensions and programs therein. The Armenian president underscored that he remembers with pleasure his visit to Japan in 2012 during which he had the chance to visit the Toshiba Science Museum which was very impressive.

The Armenian president attached importance to the active work of the Japanese and Armenian embassies to boost Armenian-Japanese relations in various spheres.

At the meeting, the president introduced the guest to the favorable business and investment climate in Armenia and the conditions therein to attract foreign investments which Toshiba might also be interested in.

Satoshi Tsunakawa expressed satisfaction with the fact that Toshiba Medical Systems continues to expand its activities in Armenia and stressed that his company will keep on supporting the development of healthcare in Armenia. He mentioned that the company is also interested in some other dimensions making up a part of the company’s activities; e.g. nuclear energy, seismology, as well as cooperation development and exchange of experience with Armenia.
The RA president and the president of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation attached great value to the work and development of cooperation aimed at the provision of quality services through the use of modern technologies and, hence, at the protection of human health and the increase in living standards.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will visit Damascus on May 27 upon the invitation of Syria’s Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Walid Al-Muallem.

Within the framework of the visit Edward Nalbandian will have meetings with high-ranking officials in Syria.

Minister Nalbandian will meet with representatives of the Syrian Armenian community.

By Harut Sassounian

The Centennial commemorations of the Armenian Genocide were marked with unprecedented, and sometimes, unexpected developments.

One such occasion was the full page ad placed in the New York Times on April 18 by well-known and controversial Rabbi Shmuley Boteach (Founder, The World Values Network) and the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee, Eastern U.S. (AGCC), harshly criticizing Pres. Obama for not keeping his campaign promise on the Armenian Genocide.

A knowledgeable source told The California Courier that the ad had upset some White House officials. The placing of the ad coincided with the efforts of the U.S. National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial to convince reluctant administration officials to participate in the commemorative events in Washington, D.C., May 7-9.

Nonetheless, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power attended the Ecumenical Prayer Service at the National Cathedral on May 7, in Washington, but neither delivered remarks nor was their presence acknowledged. Surprisingly, both officials wore the “forget me not” pin, the official logo of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. Also in attendance were Pres. Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos Karekin II, and Catholicos Aram I.

The paid ad featured a young boy holding a placard stating, “Pres. Obama why did you lie to us?” This was followed by the title of the ad in large bold letters: “1.5 million Armenian victims cry out from their grave: How long will you deny our genocide just to appease the Turkish tyrant?”

The paid announcement strongly criticized both Pres. Obama, for not keeping his campaign promises, and Ambassador Power, for remaining silent after condemning U.S. indifference to Genocide in a book she wrote before assuming her government post (“A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide”). The ad also targeted Turkish President Erdogan, calling him a “bully” and “quasi-dictator who has dismantled Turkish democracy.”

Furthermore, the ad quoted from a news report by CNN’s Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper: “For the sixth year in a row President Barack Obama has broken his promise to the Armenian community, made when seeking their votes as a senator and a presidential candidate, to use the word ‘genocide’ to describe the massacre of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire a century ago. He did this in deference to the government of Turkey.”

The ad reminded readers that Tapper was referring to Sen. Obama’s 2008 statement: “The Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence. The facts are undeniable. …As President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

The authors of the ad went on to state: “Seldom has an American President misrepresented himself so brazenly on an issue of such profound moral importance. Pres. Obama’s willful moral blindness stands in stark contrast to the courageous statement by Pope Francis last week calling for the world’s recognition of ‘the first genocide of the twentieth century.’”

In the ad, the Rabbi and AGCC posed this question to Ambassador Power: “As a leading voice against genocide, will you stand by your principles or will you become yet another who, after entering office, silences her voice and becomes part of the ‘problem from hell?’”

A second newspaper announcement reminding Pres. Obama of his promise on the Armenian Genocide appeared in the Los Angeles Times on April 24. The three-quarter page ad, placed by Ed Muradliyan, a California businessman from Orange County, asserted: “It’s time for you to be the leader you promised to be. On this 100 year anniversary Mr. President, it’s time to fulfill the promise you made.” Muradliyan’s ad featured a picture of Pres. Obama, copy of Amb. Morgenthau’s cable to the State Dept., dated July 16, 1915, and the headline of a news report from The New York Times, dated December 15, 1915. The announcement ended with: “It’s Time to Recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

If one or both of these ads caused some discomfort to White House officials, it was well worth the money!

The ads should have included Pres. Obama’s own words from his book, “The Audacity of Hope”: “Say one thing during the campaign and do another thing once in office, and you’re a typical, two-faced politician.”

Although the commemorative events in Washington were organized with utmost professionalism, there was one major shortfall. When special honors were being awarded at the May 9 Centennial Banquet to prominent individuals, organizations and representatives of countries that had recognized the Armenian Genocide, it would have been only fitting to pay tribute to John Evans, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (2004-2006), whose diplomatic career came to an abrupt end when the Bush Administration recalled him for publicly acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. The organizers of the Banquet assured The California Courier that “no slight was intended,” and that it was simply “an oversight.”

Fortunately, this gross error was somewhat mitigated when the “oversight” was brought to the attention of the master of ceremonies, attorney Mark Geragos, who acknowledged from the podium the presence of Amb. Evans. The 2,000 guests at the Centennial Banquet gave the righteous Ambassador an enthusiastic standing ovation and thunderous applause! Needless to say, Amb. Evans deserves far more than mere applause for having sacrificed his career in defense of the Armenian Cause!

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has cancelled honorary citizenship of former New York Times journalist Stephen Kinzer over a critical article he penned about the president few months ago, reports. 

Kinzer, who has been Istanbul bureau chief for the New York Times between 1996 and 2000, arrived in southern Turkish province of Gaziantep on Tuesday to be awarded in recognition of his NY Times reporting that resulted in saving Roman mosaics. He said his reporting has since brought millions of tourists to the city that sits on the border with Syria.

Up until the morning of May 26, there was no sign that the ceremony would not be held. Kinzer noted that “a lavish ceremony has been planned, the mosaic museum has been set for a banquet, tickets have been printed, a professional interpreter from Ankara has been engaged” as part of the preparation for this significant event.

His hosts, however, sat him down and told him that the ceremony and his honorary citizenship have been cancelled by “personal order of President Erdogan.”

He told Today’s Zaman from Gaziantep that one of Erdogan’s aide passed his article he wrote on January 4 for Boston Globe that also included a critical paragraph about Erdoğan to Gaziantep mayor Fatma Şahin, who he believes is in Paris at the moment.

In his January 4 article for Boston Globe, Kinzer wrote that Erdogan sacrificed much of his country’s strategic power in the past year. He said “with amazing suddenness [Turkey] has become the ally from hell.”

“By wrecking Turkey’s carefully constructed relations with Egypt, Israel, and Syria, Erdogan has weakened his country and helped destabilize the Middle East,” Kinzer wrote, adding that once seen as a skilled modernizer, he now sits in a 1,000-room palace denouncing the European Union, decreeing the arrest of journalists, and ranting against short skirts and birth control.

Kinzer said he has no idea why they waited so long and allowed preparations for the ceremony to proceed with every detail and cancelled at the last minute. Kinzer, who is the author of eight books, added that his Boston Globe article was presented as an explanation why his honorary citizenship was cancelled and why the ceremony should not be held. He said there might be other complaints about him, but the article is the only complaint he knows of.

According to Kinzer, Gaziantep mayor later received a fax saying that he has been identified as “an enemy of our government and our country.”