Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIP TEAM
Goal: Expand Membership, Increase Outreach
Washington, DC – Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees Members Lu Ann
Ohanian and Peter Vosbikian, Co-Chairs of the Development and Membership
Committee, are pleased to announce the recent addition of Andrew T.
Zovko and Peter Toto to the Assembly staff in Washington, DC.
Zovko, a professional fundraiser who has raised over $80 million for
Washington area non-profits, has joined the Assembly as Director of
Development. A native of Pittsburg, PA, Zovko has over 16 years
experience in a wide range of areas including direct marketing,
fundraising and grassroots activism. Prior to joining the Assembly,
Zovko led successful fundraising programs for the National Law Center on
Homelessness & Poverty, the National Family Caregivers Association,
Environmental Defense, the Wilderness Society, and Catholic Charities of
Washington, DC.
Zovko earned a master’s degree in Syriac Studies from Oxford University
in England and a bachelor’s degree in Near East Studies from Princeton
University in New Jersey. In his new role at the Assembly, he will
oversee Development efforts which have also been strengthened by the
appointment of Peter Toto as Development Associate.
Toto comes to the Assembly from Dominion Aquatics, where he served as
Director of Development. Prior to that, he spent two years as the
Development Services Coordinator with Judicial Watch, a non-partisan,
non-profit foundation established to serve as an ethical and legal
“watchdog” over U.S. government and judicial systems to promote needed
political and legal reform. He has also worked at the American Cancer
Society as a development consultant.
Toto is a 2003 graduate of Catholic University of America, where he
majored in Political Science.
“We are pleased to welcome Andrew and Peter to the Armenian Assembly and
look forward to working with them,” said Ohanian and Vosbikian. “Their
creativity, leadership and experience will prove extremely beneficial as
we promote the Armenian Assembly in communities across the country.”
“As the Assembly prepares to celebrate 35 years of serving the
Armenian-American community, I look forward to meeting and working with
our nationwide network of members and volunteers,” said Zovko. “With
their hard work and support the Assembly will continue to grow and
expand to meet the challenges ahead.”
Ohanian and Vosbikian are both longtime Assembly supporters and
previously served on the Assembly’s Board of Directors. Vosbikian also
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. Earlier
this year, Assembly Trustees approved the merger of the Board of
Trustees and the Board of Directors into one governing body. The merger
was part of the Assembly’s efforts to streamline the effectiveness of
the organization and hire new personnel including, Research and Analysis
Director Armen Kharazian, Finance Director Ellen Gordon, Public Affairs
Assistant Karoon Panosyan and Intern Coordinator Joseph Piatt.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2006-092
Editor’s Note: Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the
following links:
2/2006-092-1.JPG
Caption: L to R: Intern Coordinator Joseph Piatt, Director of Research
and Analysis Armen Kharazian, Development Director Andy Zovko,
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Finance Director Ellen Gordon,
Development Associate Peter Toto and Public Affairs Assistant Karoon
Panosyan.

UNITED ARMENIAN FUND
1101 N. Pacific Avenue #301
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel: 818-241-8900
Fax: 818-241-6900
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 November 2006
United Armenian Fund Donates $4.5 Million
To All 28 Armenian Schools in Lebanon
Glendale, CA – The United Armenian Fund, through a generous grant
from The Lincy Foundation, is donating a total of $4.5 million to
all 28 Armenian schools throughout Lebanon.
This contribution is prompted by the economic crisis of the past few
years, which was aggravated by the devastating attack on Lebanon last
Summer. Thousands of needy Armenian families could no longer afford the
tuition for the Armenian schools their children attended. Consequently,
most of these schools were in no position to pay the salaries of
their teachers and staff.
The UAF funds contributed to these schools are designated for three
specific purposes:
1) $3.2 million to pay full or partial tuition for 5,092 needy Armenian
students, which constitutes close to 75% of the 7,029 students enrolled
in all 28 schools during the 2006-07 academic year;
2) $757,000 to cover the salaries owed by most of the schools to 536
teachers and staff for the past academic year;
3) A total of $513,000 for the general operating expenses of these
schools.
Harut Sassounian, the President of the United Armenian Fund, is
currently in Lebanon to visit all 28 Armenian schools, meet with their
principals and educational councils, and deliver the earmarked sums
to each school.
“The UAF’s contribution will be allocated to all Armenian schools in
Lebanon, without exception,” Sassounian said.
The schools receiving financial assistance are:
Nine Prelacy schools: Sophia Hagopian College; Haratch C. Gulbenkian
School; Apkarian School; Aksor Kassarjian School; Yeghishe Manoukian
College; Roupinian – Sahag Mesrobian School; Souren Khanamirian
College; Noubarian – Khrimian School; and Forty Martyrs School.
Seven Evangelical schools: Central High School; Gertmenian School;
Anjar Secondary School; Torosian School; Armenian Evangelical College;
Shamlian Tatigian School; and Trad School.
Six Catholic schools: Harboyan School; Mekhitarian School; Sisters
School of Anjar; Mesrobian College; St. Agnes School; and Hripsimiantz
College.
Three AGBU schools: Garmirian School; Tarouhy – Hovagimian School;
and Nazarian School.
Armenian Educational & Cultural Society (Hamazkayin) school: M &
H Arslanian College (Jemaran).
Tekeyan Cultural Association school: Vahan Tekeyan School.
Armenian Educational Benevolent Union school: Sahaguian –
L. Meguerditchian College.
“This unprecedented gift of $4.5 million should alleviate a large
part of the heavy financial burden of the schools shouldered by the
struggling Armenian community of Lebanon. Armenians worldwide should
lend a helping hand to this most vital community which has many other
needs. Few things are as important for the future of the Armenian
people as the education of the next generation. By supporting Armenian
schools, we are investing not just in the survival, but the revival
of Armenian culture,” Sassounian said.
Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $447 million of
humanitarian assistance to Armenia on board 140 airlifts and 1,359
sea containers.
The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America,
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association
of America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and
The Lincy Foundation.
For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific
Avenue, Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 2, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA SPECIAL GUEST AT ANCA-WR BANQUET
-Federal, State, and Local Legislators to Attend Gala Event
-Community Leaders to be Honored for Lifetime Activism
Glendale, California – The Armenian National Committee of America –
Western Region (ANCA-WR) is pleased to announce the attendance of
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a distinguished list
of elected officials at the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet on November 12,
2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown, Los Angeles.
The 2006 Annual Banquet awards ceremony will be emceed by French
Armenian actor Simon Abkarian, who is starring in the next James Bond
movie “Casino Royal” to be released later this month.
Bob Collins, Chief Instructional Officer for Secondary Education
for the Los Angeles Unified School District, will receive the Man
of the Year Award for his leading role in implementing the Armenian
Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles Unified School District and
providing human rights and genocide education to thousands of high
school students in Los Angeles.
ANCA-WR Activists Khajag Sarkissian and Serge Samoniantz will be
honored with the Vahan Cardashian Award for their years of hard work in
advancing the Armenian Cause. Vahan Cardashian, after whom the award
was named, was the pioneer for American Armenian political action
during the early twentieth century and founded the American Committee
for an Independent Armenia (ACIA), the predecessor to the ANCA.
Attendees of the 2006 Annual Banquet will enjoy the presence of Mayor
Villaraigosa, who will deliver special remarks during the evening’s
program.
Among other elected officials who have confirmed their attendance
are Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Assembly members Cindy
Montanez and Carol Liu, Los Angeles City Councilmember Alex Padilla,
Los Angeles Unified School Board Members Jon Lauritzen, Mike Lansing,
and Julie Korenstein, Glendale City Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Glendale
Unified School District Board member Greg Krikorian, Burbank Unified
School District Board member and Democratic candidate for the 43rd
California Assembly District Paul Krekorian, and retired California
Supreme Court Justice Armand Arabian.
Additional state and local officials will be announced shortly.
“The Annual Banquet will highlight the contributions made towards the
advancement of the Armenian cause throughout the year. We are excited
to honor those who have made 2006 a successful year for Hai Tahd,”
commented Banquet Chairwoman Aida Dimejian.
The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet will be held at the Downtown Marriott Hotel
located on 333 S. Figueroa St. in Los Angeles, California. The banquet
will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction,
with the formal program beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event
are almost sold out.
Community members should reserve their tickets immediately if they are
interested in attending this special event. For more information or
to reserve tickets, please call the ANCA-WR office at (818) 500-1918.
The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad
range of issues.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armeni an Youth Federation- Western United States
104 North Belmont St.
Suite 206
Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 507-1933
[email protected]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: November 1, 2006
Contact: Mary Ashdjian
(818) 507-1933
AYF PREPARES NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
– Over 40 AYF Members Participate in Leadership Seminar Held by AYF
Central Executive
Los Angeles, California – The Armenian Youth Federation – Western
Region (AYF-WR) Central Executive held a successful leadership seminar
last weekend during which AYF leaders attended a series of lectures and
workshops designed to facilitate the development of effective leaders.
Important topics pertaining to leadership were covered by community
leaders who have contributed to the betterment of the AYF and
previously held leadership positions within the organization.
Educationals were conducted by Armenian National Committee –
Western Region Board member Raffi Hamparian, Glendale City Clerk
Ardashes Kassakhian, former AYF leader Mourad Topalian, Homenetmen
leader Nyree Derderian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)
Central Committee representative Aram Kaloustian, and ARF Badenegan
leader Vahe Manuelian. Public relations, recruitment, networking,
fundraising, women in leadership, strengthening Badanegan ties and
AYF Activism were among the topics addressed.
The seminar included an executive workshop, presented by the AYF-WR
Central Executive, during which he relayed the mission and goals of
the AYF and highlighted the importance of leadership roles.
“Participants of the seminar were extremely motivated after the
lectures and workshops. They pledged to take back what they learned
to their respective communities to guide and educate the Armenian
youth in accordance with the organization’s mission,” said AYF-WR
Central Executive Chairman Saro Shirinian.
The seminar was not only a time for listening, but also sharing
ideas. AYF leaders from across the Western Region of the United States
were able to share common problems in an open forum and discuss ways in
which to address them. This experience created a valuable opportunity
for members to learn from each other, build on the successes of one
another, and establish strong ties with the Central Executive.
“We thank the speakers who took the time to help educate the future
leaders of the organization. The seminar would not have been a success
without their knowledge and guidance,” said Central Executive Member
Caspar Jivalagian.
The AYF-WR vows to prepare the next generation of educated, capable
leaders to properly lead the organization in the decades to come.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pyunik starved of competition
by Khachik Chakhoyan
uefa.com 1998-2006.
Thursday, 2 November 2006
from Yerevan
While FC Pyunik celebrate winning a sixth straight
Armenian title, the state of club football outside
their native Yerevan is a cause for concern.
Strength in depth
This season’s triumph, their ninth in total, was never
in doubt for Pyunik. They had lost a number of players
from the side that prevailed in 2005, but still had
enough strength in depth to beat off competition from
the usual suspects at the top of the table – FC
Banants, FC MIKA and FC Ararat Yerevan.
Poor competition
There are no foreign players at Pyunik, save for
Russian-born Boris Melkonyan, and even he has played
for the Armenia Under-21s. However, although they have
plenty of local talent, their chances of competing
successfully in Europe have been hampered by the
weakness of Armenian domestic football.
Worrying sign
The club have bowed out in the first qualifying round
of the UEFA Champions League for three successive
seasons, and like many former Soviet Republics,
Armenia is struggling to do justice to its young
players. The Soviet regime held sport in high regard
and a number of Armenian players represented the USSR.
Since independence, though, investment in sport has
been cut dramatically and many teams are struggling to
survive.
Provincial decay
Only Pyunik and Banants have decent conditions for
training youngsters, although both MIKA and Ararat are
looking to up their efforts in this area. But out in
the provinces, a lack of facilities, finance and
infrastructure is hindering the development of junior
football. In the past, cities like Gyumri and Vanadzor
were seen as hotbeds of Armenian talent. Now, Gyumri’s
local outfit FC Shirak are stuck at the foot of the
standings while Vanadzor does not even have a
professional club any more.
Limited competition
The Football Federation of Armenia is trying, with
UEFA’s help, to improve youth soccer, but at the
moment things are pretty dire. Tellingly, five of the
sides in the second division are the reserve teams of
top-flight clubs, and only one – FC Lernayin Atrsakh –
showed any interest in winning promotion this term.
Slow progress
The talent still exists in Armenia. Edgar Manucharyan,
a star of the Armenia squad that reached the 2005 UEFA
European Under-19 Championship finals, is at AFC Ajax,
while another youngster – Zhora Hovhannisyan – is on
the books at Olympiacos CFP. Other prospects are
learning their trade with the leading local clubs, but
it may be a while before any Armenian team, even
Pyunik, have the muscle to hold their own in Europe.

PRESS RELEASE
Eurasia Foundation
4 Demirchyan Str., Yerevan 0019, Armenia
Contact: Alisa Alaverdyan
Tel/Fax: (374 10) 58-60-59
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Eurasia Foundation Promotes Strategic Social Investment Practices by
Armenia’s Businesses
Yerevan, Armenia – Over one hundred representatives of Armenia’s
business sector, government, civil society organizations and media will
convene on November 10 for a roundtable discussion on current social
investment practices in Armenia. The event marks the launch of Eurasia
Foundation’s (EF) program for the promotion of social investment in
Armenia. The program will build partnerships between civil society,
government and the private sector to more effectively leverage the
social investments of businesses in addressing the country’s social
problems.
At the roundtable, Gagik Sahakyan of Ameria Consulting Company will
present the results of their recent assessment of current social
investment practices among medium and large-sized businesses in
Armenia. Following the presentation of the report findings, Arsen
Ghazaryan, President of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen
of Armenia, and Marguerite Baker of Eurasia Foundation, will provide
overviews of the experiences of UMBA and EF in promoting corporate
social investment in Armenia and other NIS countries.
Most social investments made by businesses in Armenia are one-time
corporate donations rather than part of a longer-term investment
strategy. According to Ara Nazinyan, EF Country Director in Armenia,
“The business sector in Armenia needs to take more responsibility for
building strong communities in partnership with the government and
NGOs. Eurasia Foundation believes that by helping businesses develop
strategic approaches to corporate giving, the philanthropic activities
of Armenia’s businesses can result in positive, long-term changes.”
In contrast to traditional charity actions, social investment
incorporates the company’s mission, business plan, resources and
philanthropic interests to simultaneously benefit the community and
add value to the business. More information on EF’s strategy for
promoting social investment in Armenia as well as electronic versions
of Ameria’s recent assessment in both Armenian and English can be
found on EF Armenia’s website at

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:
THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
BRINGS THE CHURCH TO PEOPLE
The religious education seminar for women resumed its sessions on
October 31 after a summer break.
Organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Christian Education
Department, this seminar primarily aims to provide Christian education
and a platform to discuss various moral issues to a large number of
Armenian women who chose to attend its weekly sessions on Tuesdays. The
seminar consists of a combination of lectures, presentations of the
Holy Bible, teaching of hymns and prayers.
A similar seminar, organized jointly by the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
Christian Education Department and the Religious Council of the
Diocese of Lebanon, has now started in the St. Asdvadzadzine Church,
with weekly sessions scheduled every Thursday morning.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about
the jurisdiction and the Christian Education activities in both the
Catholicosate and the dioceses, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

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:
A DELEGATION FORM THE SOCIAL DEMOCRAT HENCHAGIAN PARTY VISITS HIS
HOLINESS ARAM I
His Holiness Aram I received on Thursday 2 November a delegation from
the Social Democrat Henchagian Party in Lebanon headed by Dr. Matsag
Poladian.
The delegation discussed with the Pontiff various issues and concerns
related to the Armenian community of Lebanon, focusing mainly on the
need to strengthen the Armenian schools, Armenian national structures
and the internal unity of the community overall.
The current leadership of the party assured the Catholicos of its
readiness to contribute to the strengthening of the Lebanese Armenian
community’s internal unity through collective action and an active
participation in inter-party meetings.
The Pontiff stressed the need of transcending over narrow party
interests and gathering around collective ideals for the sake of
safeguarding national unity.
Reminding that the Armenian community of Lebanon managed to preserve
its dignity during the difficult days of the Civil war in Lebanon
by adopting an approach of positive neutrality, His Holiness said:
“the Armenians of Lebanon should adopt the same united stand today
and our parties have an important role to play in this respect.
His Holiness advised that inter-party meetings between the three
Armenian political parties should be organized on a more frequent
basis. United stands should be adopted always taking into consideration
the supreme interests of Lebanon and the Armenian community, he added.
##
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.

4.3% OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN ARMENIA IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2006 DONE IN EARTHQUAKE ZONE
Noyan Tapan
Nov 02 2006
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-September 2006,
construction of 17 bln 51.8 mln drams (about 39.6 mln USD) was
carried out in Armenia’s earthquake zone at the expense of all
sources of finance for the construction, repair and reconstruction
of residential buildings, social and production facilities. This
made 4.3% of the total volume of construction in Armenia and 9.2%
of construction of production facilities in the country. According
to the RA National Statistical Service, in the indicated period 66
new residential buildings of the total area of 12 thousand 191 sq.m
were delivered for use in cities and villages hit by the earthquake,
which is 4.6% of the total area delivered for use in Armenia. 2 new
comprehensive schools for 300 pupils were put into operation with
a World Bank loan in the earthquake zone, including a school for 50
pupils in Tashir region, and one for 250 pupils in Tavush region.

TIES BETWEEN PEOPLES ARE TIGHTENED BY CULTURE
Haber Merkezi, Talin Suciyan
BÝA, Turkey
Nov 2 2006
“I have been in Istanbul for two times, but did not feel I was in
Turkey. In Diyarbakir I had that feeling that I am in Turkish land,
although I met only Kurdish and Zaza people there,” says Armenian
intellectual Artsvi Bakhchinyan after visiting Turkey.
BÝA (Yerevan) – I was thrilled when I received an email from Armenian
film researcher and my friend Dr. Artsvi Bakhchinyan (*) giving me
the good news that he was coming to Turkey. After 5 years, we would
have the chance to see each other again. But, soon I had to face
the irony of a life which is always on the roads, not permitting me
to go to Istanbul from Ankara. As a result, unfortunately I could
not meet him, I could not listen to his lectures, I could not share
his experiences in Turkey this time. Talking to him on the phone, I
suggested sending him some questions online and conducting an online
interview. He responded with his usual encouraging manner. Here are
Artsvi Bakhchinyan’s answers to my questions, and his impressions
from Turkey.
We know that you have been in Turkey before, as a member of the jury
at Istanbul Film Festival, what was your purpose of visiting Turkey
this time?
It was unforgettable time when in 1999 I participated in Istanbul
Film Festival as FIPRESCI jury member by invitation of Atilla Dorsay,
your well-known film critic. In the same jury was also Alin Taþcýyan,
my very dear colleague and friend, who was the member of Armenian
Panorama jury in this year Golden Apricot Yerevan International
Film Festival. Seven years ago in Istanbul the FIPRESCI prize was
awarded by Yeþim Ustaoðlu, who also was winner of last year’s Golden
Apricot Festival and this year also participated in Yerevan festival
as international jury member. As you see, there are Armenian-Turkish
cultural connections in the field of cinema, which I hope should
be developed.
Anadolu Kultur Association had project to organize screening of
Armenian films in Istanbul as well as in some other city in Turkey.
This time it was Diyarbakir. The program officer of Anadolu Kultur,
Kubilay Ozmen, who has visited Armenia this year, contacted the Golden
Apricot office, asking for providing four Armenian films. The festival
office suggested three films by Harutyun Khachatryan: “Return to
the Promised Land,” “Documentalist,” “Return of the Poet,” as well
as Albert Lazarian’s “Merry Bus. “Return of the Poet” screened at
the Diyarbakir Art Center and Mithat Alam Film Center of Bogazici
University. Only it was in Bilgi University that all four films
were screened.
This was your first visit to Diyarbakir, what was your impression as
a foreigner and as an Armenian?
I have been in Istanbul for two times, but did not feel I was in
Turkey. In Diyarbakir I had that feeling that I am in Turkish land,
although I met only Kurdish and Zaza people there. Their interest
and attitude toward the Armenian guest was very warm. For me it
was thrilling to see the remnants of the Armenian church. It is a
unique architectural monument that can be one of the beautiful sights
Diyarbakir. Unfortunately the roof doe snot exist anymore but I have
heard it is going to be recovered. The Armenian monuments in Eastern
and Southern Turkey have important significance for the world cultural
heritage so they need a special treatment from the government.
Which films were shown in Diyarbakir? Can you tell us about the
feedbacks?
Only the “Return of the Poet” was screened in Diyarbakir. Before
that there was an interactive discussion not only about the cinema
but also about Armenian-Kurdish relations generally. I had a project
to organize an Armenian-Kurdish film festival in Diyarbakir and not
only there. The very first film about the Kurds is made in Armenia
in 1926, by the founder of Armenian cinema Hamo Beknazaryan. By the
way, this film, “Zare,” is the second feature film production of
Soviet Armenia. There are also some other films, both features and
documentaries, that have been made about the Kurds in Armenia. I mean
particularly Hineer Salem’s films, “Vodka Lemon” of which was rather
successful in international festival and was screened in Istanbul
as well.
You gave some lectures in Istanbul too, on which subjects did you
talk? How was the reaction in the conferences and screenings held
in Istanbul?
I gave talks about the past and present of the Armenian cinema.
Although the Istanbul audience had no problem with English and I also
could give my talk in English, I preferred to talk Armenian and my
colleague and friend Sevan Ataoðlu translated it into Turkish. I am
sure that the neighbour peoples do not need intermediary languages;
it is always preferable to speak in our native languages.
As I said already, because the audience of Diyarbekir was consisted of
Kurds, their questions were mainly about their own connections with
Armenia. Few people came to the meeting at Bilge University, but in
Bosporus University the audience was very active and professional.
I am especially impressed by the enthusiasm of the director of Mithat
Alam Film Centre, Yamac Okur. We both are full of decisiveness to
continue our cooperation. He gave me DVD-s of recent Turkish short
films, which I would like to suggest including in the program of
Golden Apricot 2007. The cultural cooperation is the best way for
dialogues between nation, especially between Armenians and Turks,
which are, as we always know, are more than complicated.
The last day of your stay coincided 12th of October, the day on
which French parliament accepted the law penalizing the denial of
Armenian genocide and Orhan Pamuk got the Nobel prize. What do you
think about these two historical developments occurred during your
stay in Turkey? Did these developments cause any change in program?
I was almost sure that Orhan Pamuk should be this year Nobel Prize
winner! I hope this the most prestigious literary award will always
remind Turkish society of what calibre of writer Pamuk is and hereby
will seriously think about what he says.
The organizers first thought that because of the decision of French
parliament it would be better to cancel the screenings and to have
the lecture only for the closed audience. Fortunately that did not
happen, the lecture hall was open, yet few people came and only three
questions were given to me. Of course I was hearing “Ermenistan” and
“Ermeniler” all the time by radio and TV, I saw the demonstrators
near the Ataturk monument and how was the security of the French
consulate on Ýstiklal Caddesi was strengthened. I am sure if I have
had my lecture in some city cinemas nationalists could come to throw
tomatoes or eggs on me just because I am Armenian. But fortunately I
was in one of the best universities of Istanbul, which already run
a conference on Armenians. It is time of breaking the taboos and
for open and sincere dialogue. Enough of nationalism which does not
build only ruins. I am absolutely sure that the Armenian and Turkish
“enthusiasts of cinema” like me, Yamac, Alin, Yeþim, Sevan, Kubilay,
are able to make our humble contribution in the process of healing
the distorted relations between our people.
___________________________________ (*) Artsvi Bakhchinyan, born 1971,
Yerevan, philologist, film researcher, Dr. of Armenian language and
literature. Contributed to periodicals of Armenia and abroad with
articles on film, culture and various fields of Armenian studies. He is
the vice president of Armenian branch of FIPRESCI (International Union
of Film Critics and Cinema Journalists). Co-editor of “Armenian Cinema
1924-1999: a complete filmography” catalogue (Yerevan, 2001). Author of
books: “Armenians by Origin” (a biographical dictionary of Armenian
Diaspora: Yerevan, 1993), “Figures of Armenian Origin” (Yerevan,
2002), “Napoleon Bonaparte and the Armenians” (Yerevan, 2003),
“Armenia-Scandinavia: Historical and Cultural Relations” (Yerevan,
2003), “Armenians in World Cinema” (Yerevan, 2004), “Armenia-Sweden”
(in English, 2006).
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