Nearer the Heart. New book of poems take us back to Armenian-American
child-hood
The Armenian Mirror Spectator
by Helene Pilibosian
5 August 2006
This new book of poems by a very prolific writer, a child of Armenian
immigrants who came to America after the Genocide, takes us back to an
Armenian-American child-hood spent in Racine and in Fresno. These
poems are made of moments, impressions out of the past and some doubts
about identity.
The name of the first section, `These are a few of my favorite
things,’ is about the neighbor Ruby or the girlfriend, Barbara Smith,
Douglas Park, the pond, and his mother.
There are three absorbing poems about William Saroyan and two of his
relatives, for the author knew the family and considered the great
writer his mentor. That fame, being so prized, brings much attention
even after death and brings the readers snatches of fascination. Later
on in the book there is another poem called `Three’ about a visit to
Bill Saroyan’s home. The author’s look at the Armenian past as
history including the sight of some Turks doesn’t communicate a heavy
sense of tragedy.
In the section titled `Beginnings’ there is a charming poem about
bridges that take us `across our town and the interstices of the
heart.’ Indeed, the bridges across hearts are precious and sometimes
difficult-. There is a lovely reminiscence about asking at
Bachaklian’s for magart (the starter for yogurt) and by mistake asking
for sarma (stuffed grape leaves). And add more scenes about fishing, the
fish fry, the yellow bricks of the abandoned factory, trains, the city,
the town, and Sammy Bar ice cream and you can relive this life through
nostalgia.
A poem tided `Thompsondale’ begins, `We will never leave the
picnic at Thompsondale, our mothers very beautiful in their summer
dresses, our fathers with straw hats and colored suspenders.’ The
details turn the clock back and keep it there. There is also a nice poem
about e. e. cummings, the famous American poet which the author wrote
out of admiration for his very original work.
In `Places’ the author writes a poem about being in Yugoslavia,
asking `had the mysterious East always been in our blood and bone?’
This writing about a foreign location is unusual in Kherdian’s work,
but it is telling. Writing about places and his reaction to them seems
to be his forte, though the places are usually in the United States,
places he inhabited or grew up in.
The style of these poems is direct and narrative in telling the reader
about experiences that have shaped his mind as he was growing up and
thus his future. Readers will find his down-to-earth approach
accessible.
This is a book that will appeal to readers of any age and even those who
don’t usually read poetry.
_________________
Nearer the Heart by David Kherdian was published by Taderon Press
(London and Reading, 2006, 94 pages) in association with the Gomidas
Institute. It is distributed worldwide by Garod Books Ltd.
([email protected]).

“Art Without Borders”, But Within Reasonable Boundaries
By: Garen Mikaelian
“Novoye Vremya” – Russian language bi-weekly
Yerevan, August 5, 2006
On August 4, 2006, a unique and unprecedented exhibition called
“Art Without Borders” opened at the Armenian Center for Contemporary
Experimental Art (“NPAK” in Armenian acronym) in Yerevan. For the
first time works of artists from Armenia, Georgia, Iran and Turkey
(video-art, installation, graphic art, computer art, photography)
appeared together in one venue.
The idea of the exhibition belongs to Edward Balassanian, one of the
founders of NPAK and its C.E.O. It is very simple and clear: To show
through art the brutal reality of the region and to help promote
mutual understanding between various ethnic groups of the region.
History of the region is full of dramatic and tragic events.
Relations are complex, and often non-compromising and inflexible. At
the same time we live in the XXI century, when the situation
in the world is totally different, and demands different modes
of interaction. Mankind, willingly or not is going towards
globalization. All are striving towards bright and civilized future,
for which they need to learn mutual toleration. Artists, the most
democratic and liberal sectors of any society teach lessons of
toleration.
Balassanian has worked on the project for more than 3 years.
Particularly in present conditions it is not so easy to gather
together artists of the region. However, the project succeeded. Only
Azerbaijan’s artists are missing. Apparently during personal contacts
they agreed to partake in the project. However at the end they made it
known that in Baku it is not encouraged. Organizers regret this turn
of events and hope that next time the “quintet” will get together in
its entirety.
Contemporary art in many, if not all respects has lost its national
character and is manifested by international means and methods. This
is why advocates of traditional art are nervous and excessively
agitated. But things are what they are. For contemporary artist what
is important is expression of unique and fresh ideas, in the context
of national identity, awareness and frame of mind.
An outstanding example of this is Sonia Balassanian’s installation.
Many small models of houses are placed on the floor of a dark room
simulating an entire city. Alarming sound of engines of planes flying
over are heard. Suddenly sound of an explosion. Red flashes glow in
the dark. Then silence. Unexpectedly images of human faces appear on
the houses. No need for any interpretation. It is a very passionate
and direct public statement. Everything, the space, the sound,
the color and the video are brought together to a focal point. The
emotional impact is awesome. It could hardly be possible to accomplish
by traditional means. Where could we find a new Picasso for a new
“Guernica”, and why?
Iranian artist Khosrow Hassan Zadeh reflects upon brutal murder
of 12 prostitutes in the town of Mashad. The basis of the works is
documentary photos, which have been processed by computer and have
been collaged on the mat. Pain and anger literally burst out of the
huge panels. Aren’t prostitutes God’s creation too?
Nadia Tsulukidze and Sophia Tabatadze [Georgia] presented a performance
piece using plastic and visual art. Sophia had produces a unique
“reportage” of her travels through Armenia and Azerbaijan. Her emphasis
was on human relations. There was also another, very personal layer
consisted of reading personal letters, which were about problems of
Georgian society and their interpretation. We must also speak about
issues which are usually left unspoken, and people do not like to
talk about them in public.
David Kareyan presented a telling and somber view of mans collision
with his living environment. A long line of dusty and muddy,
worn out domestic items was displayed, barren and dark. Feeling of
abandonment. Such is the situation after disasters and wars. Such
was the situation after September 11. But there is also hope. Here
and there small trees have grown. Life is continuing.
Grigor Khachatrian with his characteristic ingenuity uses Leonardo da
Vinci’s “Last Supper” and photographically replaces Christ’s and His
apostles’ faces by his own. “One of You Will Betray Me”. Deciphering
Grigorian version of the Supper is difficult, but interesting.
Anyone’s game. He provides such an opportunity. I, you, he? Which
one will betray…?
Farhad and Shirin from Tehran in their panels mock Americanization
of daily routine, by satirically changing writings on daily consumer
goods such as dish-washing liquids and similar products.
Turkish painters Ahmet Ogut and Sener Ozmen have presented
“Coloring Book”, which is a children’s book, but the pictures are
social-political images extracted from journalistic photographs. They
ask the audience to color the pictures like children would. It will
be interesting to see the outcome.
Irina Abjandadze shows series of magnificent duplex photographs, of
abandoned industrial buildings of town of Chiatura called “Parallel
Biographies”. It id difficult to describe the secret meaning. What is
it? collapse of industry, of the country, or the individual? Which one?
Contemporary art is not as simple as it was thought to be a few years
ago. Today, totally denying it, pushing it back, or trying to ridicule
it is stupid at the least. It exists. Period. Whether it appeals to
one or not is another issue. But it exists and resonates the social
and political events taking place in the world, and it does it by
accessible means. It poses questions, but does not provide answers,
as is the case with the arts in general. It is important to understand
and keep this in mind.
Besides the fact that any nation’s world and its art are multi-faceted,
they are also multi-vectored. “Art Without Borders is a plastic
oratory. Resources of contemporary art are unending.
However, they address logic first and later deal with emotions. One
should not approach it by expressions of “It is beautiful” or “It
is not beautiful”. To do so will be accepting defeat. In fact “Art
Without Borders” is a kind of independent public diplomacy. “Art
Without Borders” is common folks’, not “Knights'” concern about the
destiny and the future of the region. The future, which does not
deny the past in any way. This is why it is necessary to meet at art
exhibitions. May be something will come to fruition.
After all there is not going to be new migration [relocation] of
people. We need to tolerate one another.
Translated from Russian by EK

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee – Nevada Chapter
PO Box 30943
Las Vegas, NV 89173-1028
Phone: 702.496.4985
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Contact: Ara Shirinian
Tel: (702) 496-4985
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL TO BE BUILT IN DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The Armenian Community of Las Vegas, Nevada is
pleased to announce the formation of the Armenian Genocide Memorial
Committee comprised of local Armenians dedicated to the erection of
an Armenian Genocide Memorial in Las Vegas.
After several meetings with Mayor Oscar Goodman and Councilwoman Lois
Tarkanian, wife of famous UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian,
the Committee is pleased to announce the commitment of the City of
Las Vegas to dedicate land located in Centennial Plaza in downtown Las
Vegas on the corner of Fourth & Lewis Streets, between the Clark County
Courthouse and the United States District Court House. Mayor Goodman
announced Las Vegas’ commitment and the location of the Memorial at
the annual April 24 commemoration, which was also attended by all
three Nevada Congressmen, Rep. Porter, Rep. Berkley and Rep. Gibbons,
as well as a representative from Senator John Ensign’s office.
The site selected for the new Armenian Genocide Memorial is a well
traversed area in a business and legal district near the famous
Fremont Street Experience, a very fitting location for a monument
of such importance. It will be seen by thousands of people a day,
which makes it very unique among Armenian Genocide memorials, which
are often located in remote parks or upon church property. It is
important for all Armenians across the United States to support
this important Monument, which will serve to educate Armenians and
non-Armenians alike of the horrors of the Armenian Genocide.
The budget for this historical Monument has been set at $150,000. The
Committee is also accepting designs for the new Memorial. Interested
applicants should contact Abe Kassamanian at (702) 260-0899 for further
information. Tax deductible donations are also being accepted. Please
make your checks made payable to:
“Las Vegas Genocide Memorial Fund”,
Bank West of Nevada 2890 N. Green
Valley Parkway, Henderson, NV 89014
The Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Memorial may be the most important and
most seen Armenian Genocide monument to be planned by the Armenian
community in the United States. We urge all Armenians to show their
support by donating to the erection of the Memorial.
###

Bill to aid Israel, Armenia passes U.S. House
r/press/2006/6-8-06.htm
June 8, 2006
WASHINGTON , D.C. – The U.S. House today debated and passed the
Foreign Operations Appropriations Act of 2007. The legislation includes
funding for international aid, programs, and projects to assist in the
development of U.S. priorities abroad. Congressman Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI-09), a senior member of the committee with jurisdiction over
the bill, commended its passage.
“This is an excellent bill that balances the many priorities of
the United States around the world. Our foreign assistance fosters
democratic and transparent governments, promotes human rights, and
helps millions of people in need. While less than one percent of our
entire annual budget, foreign assistance serves as a main pillar of
our foreign policy and is an integral part of our national security.
This bill provides important economic and security assistance to
Israel , including $40 million for refugee resettlement. It also
prohibits direct funding for the Hamas-infected Palestinian Authority,
but allows limited humanitarian assistance under strict guidelines
and checks to ensure absolutely no funding reaches Hamas.
I am also particularly pleased that the bill provides $62 million in
economic assistance to Armenia . This funding is especially important
since Turkey and Azerbaijan continue to obstruct transportation and
infrastructure routes into and out of Armenia with the intention of
forcing Armenia into economic isolation.
This is a responsible bill. It’s the result of significant oversight,
it’s fiscally sound, and it focuses funding on priorities that will
advance democracy and freedom around the globe.”
###

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN “RELIGIONS FOR PEACE” WORLD SUMMIT
ARMENPRESS
Aug 28 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Apostolic Church for
the first time participates in a three-day “Religions for Peace”
world summit which kicked off in Japanese town of Kyoto.
Catholicosate press service said that more than 500 religious leaders,
including the leader of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of
Armenian Church Archbishop Aghan Paliozian, as well as public and
political figures are participating in the summit.
“Religions for Peace” organization consists of inter-religious councils
and groups which are aimed at promoting cooperation among all the
religious communities of the world as well as at the elimination of
all the existing conflicts.
The first summit of the organization was held 35 years ago in Japanese
town of Kyoto.

FORCED COLLECTION OF MONEY PROHIBITED
Panorama.am
13:57 28/08/06
It is a well-known fact that schoolchildren are often asked to
bring money to schools for different reasons, let’s say for buying
stamps. Kamo AREYAN, Yerevan deputy mayor, is well aware of the fact
and raised his anger against such incidents at schools, saying “it
is a forced collection of money.”
The deputy mayor also said that it is not forbidden by law to collect
money at school but he said it should be made on the principle of
voluntarism. “If we learn about such facts, the principal of the school
will be dismissed not only from the school but from the educational
system,” Kamo Areyan warned.

NGO CHARGES ARMWATERCANAL WITH CORRUPTION
Yerevan, August 26. ArmInfo. Representatives of the Civil Rights
Development NGO appeared today in the Azdak discussion club with
corruption charges against ArmWaterCanal.
The head of the NGO, French citizen, lawyer Artashes Barseghyan says
that he has lived in the village of Kaghtsrashen, Ararat region,
since 2003. He has invested $1 mln in the development of the region’s
agriculture. He has necessary equipment but he can’t work as there
is no water in Kaghtsrashen and nearby villages. “Agriculture can’t
develop without water,” says Barseghyan.
The water pipeline built in the village ten years ago is worn out.
The village has water only 3 hours a day. Because of lack of water
the villagers are forced to drink dirty water, which is dangerous to
their health. However, ArmwaterCanal has not so far responded to any
complaint, while Health Care Ministry experts have said that the water
is good. What ArmWaterCanal really cares for is to collect payments. “I
have paid a huge sum in the last three years – it was quite enough
for repairing the water pipeline and for providing the village with
water round-the-clock. This is nothing but corruption blessed by the
minister of territorial administration Hovik Abrahamyan.”
In his turn, the lawyer of the NGO Hovik Arsenyan said that he had
asked the court of Ararat region to oblige ArmWaterCanal to meet its
contractual obligations and to provide its consumers with high-quality
drinking water. Arsenyan will also send necessary materials to the
public prosecutor’s office.

ANDRZEJ KASPRZYK DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR RUMORS ABOUT HIS PERSON
Baku, August 26. ArmInfo-TURAN. “I work on the basis of OSCE’s mandate,
agreed on with the sides. I am not going to resign; I will resign
only if the sides decline my candidature. However, none of the sides
have made such statement,” Andrzej Kasprzyk, representative of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, told TURAN, while commenting on critical
publications against him in the Azerbaijani media.
Kasprzyk does not understand the scandal that surrounds him and
has no idea who could be behind it. Kasprzyk categorically refutes
reproaches in media that he was involved in carpet business. “As I
am a diplomat, I cannot appeal to the court for blackmail,” Kasprzyk
said, while expressing concern that press published information from
doubtful sources. Kasprzyk said that he was in Europe and planned to
arrive in Baku in early in September.
Official Baku does not agree with Kasprszyk’s report about the results
of monitoring of fires on the frontline of the Azerbaijani-Armenian
front, particularly the statement that it is impossible to reveal
the reason for fires and who is guilty for them.
After Kasprzyk released this statement to the press, representatives
of the Foreign Ministry, the president’s administration and mass
media controlled by them began to accuse Kasprzyk of being unwilling
to see the obvious, being pro-Armenian and other sins.

AUGUST 31 SEPTEMBER 13 DELEGATION OF THE IMF IS TO VISIT ARMENIA
Yerevan, August 26. ArmInfo. On August 31 – September 13 the delegation
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will visit Armenia. The
delegation will be lead by Hassan Al-Atrasha, head of the Armenian
quarter of Department for Middle East and Central Asia.
During the visit the process of realizing the economic growth and
poverty reduction programs will be discussed.
To be reminded, in the frameworks of the poverty reduction program
Armenia is to receive SDR 23 million ($32,8 million). The credit is
to granted for 10 year term with 0,5% annual interest rate.

ARMENIA CONVICTS MAN IN 2005 AZUSA SLAYING
Los Angeles Times
August 26, 2006 Saturday
Home Edition
In Brief / Los Angeles County / Glendale
A former Glendale resident who fled the country after being sought
in connection with the slaying of his girlfriend has been tried and
sentenced for the crime in Armenia, Glendale police said Friday.
Artur Khanzadyan was found guilty Friday in an Armenian court of
killing Odet Traturyan, 24, and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Traturyan’s body was found in Khanzadyan’s car last September in Azusa.
U.S. officials had tried unsuccessfully to extradite Khanzadyan
from Armenia.