Category: News

Photo: Ilya Pitalev/TASS

Moscow will not forgive Turkey’s aiding and abetting terrorists but will stay friendly towards the Turkish people, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Italy’s Limes magazine, TASS reports.

“We will not forgive this aiding and abetting terrorists,” he said. “But we have never put an equal mark between some of the current ruling establishment that bear direct responsibility for the death of our servicemens in Syria, and our old and reliable friends among the Turkish people.”

The Russian top diplomat stressed that anti-terrorism efforts, as well as Syrian settlement are of principal importance for Russia. “That is why the attack of the Turkish air force on the Russian bomber cannot change our approaches,” he said.

“If Turkey’s provocation was meant to achieve this goal, its inventors have obviously failed.” According to the Russian diplomat, after Turkey’s attack on the Russian Su-24 bomber in November a moment of truth arrived in the fight against terrorism.

“Ankara’s move was an unprecedented challenge for the Russian Federation,” Lavrov said. “It is evident that such actions could not but impact the Russian-Turkish relations, and the confidence for Turkey as a partner has been seriously shattered,” Lavrov said.

As a result, the cooperation between Russia and Turkey has been suspended in many areas despite great efforts to develop ties in the recent years, Lavrov said, stressing: “This was not our choice.”

“So far we have heard neither apologies of the Turkish leadership nor showing readiness to somehow compensate the consequences of the act, nor an intention to punish those guilty in the right way,” he said.

“On the contrary, Ankara claims that the Turkish side was right and protected the sovereignty that had been allegedly violated,” Lavrov said, adding that the statements of Turkish politicians on “regrets” are incompatible with the seriousness of what has happened. Russia has repeatedly voiced concerns over the growing terrorist threats in Turkey and Ankara’s unpreparedness to cooperate in the fight against terrorism, Lavrov reminded.

A UN panel has ruled in favour of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange after he complained he was “arbitrarily detained”, the  reports.

Mr Assange claimed asylum in London’s Ecuadorean embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex assault claims, which he denies.

The Met Police says Mr Assange would be arrested if he does leave the embassy.

He earlier said his passport should be returned and his arrest warrant dropped if the UN panel ruled in his favour.

In 2014, Mr Assange complained to the UN that he was being “arbitrarily detained” as he could not leave the embassy without being arrested.

The application claimed Mr Assange had been “deprived of his liberty in an arbitrary manner for an unacceptable length of time”.

The UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is due to announce the findings of its investigation on Friday.

The collection of reports on the Armenian Genocide presented in 2015 in Paris has been released by Turkish Iletisim Publishing, reports.

According to the source, the collection includes the reports of the best genocide scholars, who not only interpret the Armenian Genocide, but also refer to the dictatorial policy against other national minorities of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey’s policy of denial, legal issues and other topics.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia held a conference today on innovative approaches to diaspora engagement and use of remittances for child well-being in Armenia.

The conference was organized within the framework of the “Social Response to Labour Migration in Armenia” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF in Armenia. The objective of the conference was to familiarize a wide range of stakeholders with innovative ways of diaspora engagement worldwide in various spheres of the country’s development, present the recently developed research on international experience and practices of the use of diaspora and migrants’ support for child-focused reforms and discuss their potential application in Armenia.

Diaspora and migrants’ support, complementary to official development strategies, policies and practice, has a great potential in contributing to local and social sector development and furtherance of new and alternative child-related reforms, including alleviating child poverty and benefitting the most vulnerable families and children.

Addressing the event, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimyan said the relations with the Diaspora are of great importance for Armenia.

“The conference is a good opportunity to discuss the innovative approaches towards Armenia-Diaspora cooperation strategy, and creation of a cooperation network for involving the Diaspora in the development of the Homeland,” he said.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius quit on Wednesday saying his ministry was being hijacked by corrupt vested interests, dealing another blow to Western hopes that the country can reform itself, Reuters reports.

In his resignation statement, Abromavicius singled out a close ally of billionaire President Petro Poroshenko, accusing him of blocking his ministry’s work and trying to control its revenue streams.

“My team and I have no wish to be a cover for open corruption or puppets under the control of those who want to establish control over state money in the style of the old authorities,” Abromavicius said in a statement to reporters.

“I can’t be effective under such a system. It is impossible for technocrats to work with guys that want to usurp power, and make processes un-transparent,” he added.

Lifelong Dearborn resident Kay Vartanian marked another milestone in her life, celebrating her 102nd birthday Monday, reports.

She also is a proud veteran of the Army, and in November she was among the Armenian American Veterans of Detroit celebrating its 70th anniversary.

During the event, Vartanian was honored for her military service.

Vartanian enlisted in the Army on Sept. 1, 1943, and was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. She served until Jan. 11, 1946, receiving an honorable discharge. She received the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps Service Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal.

During the anniversary celebration, the Armenian American Veterans of Detroit recognized all men and women who have served, or are still serving, in the U.S. armed forces. A Military Honor Guard was on hand to present all five flags, and there was an empty table for the servicemen and -women who are missing.

One of the highlights of the evening was a Photo Wall of Honor that featured more than 300 photos of veterans who have served since World War II, including Vartanian, her late brother and her late nephews.

Leaders believe Vartanian is the oldest woman veteran in the area.

During the celebration, Master Sgt. Vartanian was escorted front and center by members of Vietnam Veterans of America Post 528 – Plymouth-Canton.

There, she was given a tribute from state Rep. George Darany (D-Dearborn) on behalf of the state of Michigan. She received a plaque from the city of Dearborn and tributes from U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District).

Vartanian received a standing ovation from the nearly 250 guests.

Best Feature Film Award – “Lost Birds” (Turkey) Ela Alyamac, Aren Perdeci

Best Director Award – “Lost Birds” (Turkey) Ela Alyamac, Aren Perdeci

Best Documentary Film Award – “My Life in China”  (USA) Director, Kenneth Eng

Best Short Film Award – “The Loyalist”, (South Korea) Director, Minji Kang

Best Screenplay Award – “Three Windows and a Hanging” ( Kosovo ) Zymber Kelmendi

Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award – “Lost Birds” Ela Alyamac and Aren Perdeci (writers-directors-producers)

– The 18^th Annual Arpa International Film Festival (November 13- 15, 2015) screened 46 films from 22 countries.

The sold out event, opening night’s World Premiere Film “LOST BIRDS” stole everyone’s heart. This heartwarming film from Turkey, in Armenian and Turkish languages was filmed in Capadoccia, Turkey.  The story takes place in 1915, from the point of view of two children.  It is about Bedo, played by (Heros Agopyan) and Maryam, played by (Dila Uluca), whose beautiful, warm, and happy lives in Anatolia comes to an end when their grandfather played by (Sarkis Acemoglu) is taken away by soldiers.  Out of extreme fear, their mother, played by (Takuhi Bahar), forbid the children to go outside, but being children, they sneak out to their favorite spot to play, only to come back to an empty home and an empty village. Their fear takes over, and with their bird that they had saved, they embark on a journey toward Aleppo to find their mother, and their fellow villagers.

During the three days of the festival, the filmgoers enjoyed such films as Sabre Dance (USA), I Want to be a King” (Iran), Our Village (Armenia), Straw Dolls (USA), The Loyalist (South Korea), Armenopolis, Armenian Soul (Romania), Daylight after the Century (UK), Shattered, (Canada), Armenia Sings in our Hearts (Brazil), Family Dance (USA), While they were Flying to the Moon (Serbia), Three Windows and a Hanging (Kosovo), Paul The Birdman (USA), Get Up (Australia) and many more.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was award winning producer, director, chair of AFFMA Advisory Board Charles Davis.  Seven presenters, Michael Arabian, Anne Bedian, Bertila Damas, Rick Rosenthal, Janet Roth, Hrach Titizian, and Karina Weeks graced the stage and introduced the award winners. Half-way through the ceremony, soulful singer, Shaherah White warmed the room singing, My Funny Valentine.

The closing night festivities started with a short film by Levon Minasian of Paris, France titled “The Sandwich Island Man” which entertained the audience.

“I love Arpa International Film Festival with all my heart. I love the organizer, Sylvia Minassian who has managed this challenging work with inexhaustible energy for over 17 years. I am grateful that all of my films have been a part of the festival over the years. I have never been able to attend in person, but I hope to personally show my film to the faithful festival public,” was the comment made by the filmmaker Levon Minasian in an interview with Sharon Swainson, a freelance writer.

The Awards ceremony started with the announcements of the winning films followed by honoring actor David Dastmalchian with the Rising Star Award, who touched the audience with a moving acceptance speech that focused on giving back and supporting creative expression. He thanked the Festival for “helping young actors and struggling filmmakers all over the world to continue to express themselves and tell their story;” and he assured everyone that “no matter how little our stories are, they are worth telling.”

The final award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Esai Morales, an outstanding actor and activist, or “Actorvist”, who captivated the audience, by ending his powerful speech with the following statement:

“Take on your fears. Don’t let your fears shut your greatness down. You have a reason for being on this planet. Find it. And fight your challenges and let them (your challenges) make you a better person.”

Morales received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Founded in 1995, Arpa Foundation for Film, Music, and Art is a non-profit organization, formed for the purpose of promoting the arts and enhancing the cultural environment of our community by supporting artists who bridge the cultural divide, unifying diverse people and cultures through the arts.

Since its inception, AFFMA has supported a spectrum of artists including writers, photographers, filmmakers, dancers, designers, actors and musicians, by staging networking events, concerts, art exhibits, book signings, fashion shows, talent shows, musical performances, lectures, forums, comedy nights, special screenings, private premiers, and most significantly staging its signature event, the Arpa International Film Festival since 1997.

For over 18 years, Arpa international film festival continues to promote independent filmmakers, cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy in the heart of Hollywood. Through the generous support of our donors and sponsors, our yearly film festival event inspires people of all backgrounds and creates opportunities for creative expression. Arpa’s dedicated production team is committed to make a difference in fueling the global arena of independent cinema.

The committee has already begun working on the 2016 Arpa International Film festival.

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Aubrey Herbert, British diplomat, adventurer, intelligence officer, and Member of Parliament, conducted a rare interview with Talaat Pasha, in February 1921, just days before his assassination in Berlin by Soghomon Tehlirian.

As all-powerful Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, its despotic ruler and mastermind of the Armenian Genocide, Talaat had fled Turkey in November 1918 to avoid prosecution by the new regime. The 23-page interview with Talaat was published in 1924 (London) and 1925 (New York) in Herbert’s memoirs titled, “Ben Kendim: A Record of Eastern Travel.”

Herbert first met Talaat in 1908 while stationed at the British Embassy in Constantinople (Istanbul). Eleven years later, Herbert received an unexpected letter from Talaat seeking a meeting with him “in any neutral country.” Desperately seeking to rehabilitate his diabolical image in the West, Talaat claimed that “he was not responsible for the Armenian massacres, that he could prove it, and that he was anxious to do so.” Herbert turned down Talaat’s request telling him: “I was very glad to hear that it was not he who was responsible for the Armenian massacres, but that I did not think any useful purpose could be served by our meeting at that time.”

However, Herbert reversed his decision in February 1921, after Sir Basil Thomson, Director of British Intelligence, ordered him to leave immediately for Germany and meet Talaat. The secret rendezvous took place on February 26, in the small German town of Hamm.

Talaat told Herbert again that “he himself had always been against the attempted extermination of the Armenians.” More incredibly, Talaat claimed that “he had twice protested against this policy, but had been overruled, he said, by the Germans.”

Forgetting his own claims of innocence in the massacres, Talaat justified the mass killings by accusing Armenians of stabbing his country in the back during the war. Contradicting himself again, Talaat declared his support for Armenians by claiming that “he was in favor of granting autonomy to minorities in the most extended form, and would gladly consider any proposition that was made to him.”

Talaat then switched the blame to the British for the Armenian killings: “You English cannot divest yourselves of responsibility in this matter. We Young Turks practically offered Turkey to you, and you refused us. One undoubted consequence has been the ruin of Christian minorities, whom your Prime Minister has insisted on treating as your allies. If the Greeks and Armenians are your allies when we are at war with you, you cannot expect our Turkish Government to treat them as friends.”

Herbert and Talaat then decided to move to Dusseldorf, Germany, where they continued their discreet conversation for two more days. Herbert reported Talaat’s paradoxical attempt to cover up his role in the Armenian Genocide, while justifying this heinous crime. Talaat stated that “he had written a memorandum on the Armenian massacres which he was very anxious that British statesmen should read. Early in the war, in 1915, the Armenians had organized an army, and had attacked the Turks, who were then fighting the Russians. Three Armenian deputies had taken an active part; the alleged massacres of Moslems had taken place, accompanied by atrocities on women and children. He had twice opposed enforced migration, and he had been the author of an inquiry which resulted in the execution of a number of guilty Kurds and Turks.”

Ironically, Talaat boldly told Herbert that he was not afraid of being assassinated. “He said that he never thought of it. Why should anyone dislike him? I said that Armenians might very well desire vengeance, after all that had been written about him in the papers. He brushed this aside.” Two weeks later, Talaat was assassinated in Berlin by Soghomon Tehlirian!

Concluding his interview of Talaat, Herbert observed: “He died hated, indeed execrated, as few men have been in their generation. He may have been all that he was painted — I cannot say. I know that he had rare power and attraction. I do not know whether he was responsible or not for the Armenian massacres.”

Only experts of that time period can verify the authenticity and accuracy of this lengthy interview. If true, what exactly were Talaat’s aims in proposing “an Anglo-Turkish alliance” and why was the British government so anxious to talk to him?

The Portuguese star’s role in an advertisement sees him left feeling sheepish after mistaking HD quality television of a lovely lady for the real thing, reports. 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest acting role sees the Real Madrid star left embarrassed after attempting to flirt with a beautiful woman – who turns out to be made up entirely of pixels.

In a French advertisement for an HD television, the Portuguese icon catches eyes with the lovely lady from his apartment across the street and proceeds to unbutton his shirt in a bid to win her affection.

Ronaldo is left feeling sheepish, however, when the woman suddenly transforms into a bear as the 30-year-old’s neighbour switches channels.