Picnic Aids Armenian Home; Fundraiser Helps Pay for Maintenance of a Fresno Landmark.
Fresno Bee (California)
July 11, 2006 Tuesday
FINAL EDITION
by Vanessa Colon The Fresno Bee
Trimmed trees dotted with pink blossoms, spotless floors covered
by rugs and warm, hearty meals are samplings of the atmosphere and
services the California Armenian Home wants to continue for the
elderly with help from a fundraiser Saturday.
The Armenian American Citizens League and the home will host the annual
Moonlight Picnic, a gathering rooted in the century-old tradition of
Armenian-American picnics.
The home, founded more than 50 years ago by the Armenian American
Citizens League, houses more than 100 residents.
“We built this place. … We gradually fixed the grounds. We are
always trying to improve the place,” said Penny Mirigian-Emerzian,
an organizer of the picnic.
The picnic, one of the major fundraisers that helps keep the facility
running, serves to unite the Armenian-American community from all
over the Central Valley and the state.
The home was established to give Armenian-Americans a facility for
their older population. The home offers arrangements for residents who
don’t need assistance and those who do, as well as a hospital facility.
Two groups, the Ani Guild and the Armenian Home Guild, help support
the home through fundraisers and activities.
The tradition of children looking after aging parents hasn’t gone
away among Armenian- American families, but some families depend on
a facility such as the home, Mirigian-Emerzian said.
Birdie Saroyan, cousin of famous playwright William Saroyan, had no
choice but to live at the home.
Saroyan, 84, said: “I don’t have any children. I never got married. I
took care of Mommy and Daddy … I took very good care of them.”
The Moonlight Picnic will take place outside the home at 6720 E.
Kings Canyon Road and will feature Armenian cuisine such as a shish
kebab and lulu kebab sandwich. Hot dogs are on the menu for those
not wanting Armenian dishes.
Entertainment includes musician Richard Hagopian and a raffle for
cash prizes. Organizers expect about 1,000 people.
A new feature at the home is a flag staff, where an Armenian flag
flutters beneath the American flag.
The American flag flew in Washington, D.C., and the Armenian flag
once flew over the Armenian Embassy, Mirigian-Emerzian said.
Lucy Jamgotchian, a survivor of the Armenian genocide from 1915
to 1923, used to walk outside to raise the flags. Jamgotchian, 97,
now uses a wheelchair but is content living in the home where she
can stare out her window and look at the flags.
Jamgotchian said: “I’m not fussy.”
The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (559) 441-6313.
Moonlight picnic
Where: California Armenian Home
When: 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Parking $5, meals range from $7 to $12

Spinning History; Controversy Builds over a Missing History Channel Documentary
Broadcasting and Cable
July 10, 2006
By Anne Becker
Did the History Channel pull a documentary because of political
pressure? That’s what some have suggested since Ottoman Empire: The
War Machine mysteriously vanished from the network’s schedule on June
22, the day it was to premiere. The program recounts the six-century
reign of the Ottomans, the precursors to the modern republic of Turkey.
When the special did not premiere-even after History had run promos
just days before and pre-sold DVDs on its Web site-message boards at
HistoryChannel.com and Armenian-American blogs erupted with allegations
that the network caved to pressure from the Turkish government or
other interest groups.
Although none have seen the documentary, the critics suspect that it
likely covers the death of more than a million Armenians at the hands
of Ottoman Turks from 1915 to 1923. Armenians regard the killings as
genocide, but the Turkish government disputes the characterization
and is notoriously strident in advocating its version of history.
The History Channel says that it pulled the program because it was
“incomplete and did not meet our broadcast standards,” and that it
received no calls from any political groups regarding the special
before its scheduled run date.
“The History Channel never bows to political pressure from any
interest group,” a network representative says. But critics of the
Turkish government smell a rat.
“This has been a pattern of this government’s behavior in countries
outside of its own,” says Peter Balakian, Chair in the Humanities
at Colgate University and author of The Burning Tigris: The Armenian
Genocide and America’s Response.
Balakian says the Turkish government’s efforts to stop media coverage
of the Armenian issue dates back to 1935, when it pressured the U.S.
State Department to shut down a Hollywood movie about the killings.
“They have a history of working at intimidation, and I would hate to
think this happened in this case,” he says.
Doris V. Cross, a vice president at Media Watch Armenia, a
clearinghouse for historical and scholarly documentation on the
killings, says she had not heard of any pressure from the Armenian
side, but notes that complaints from Turkish officials to what they
consider unfavorable media coverage are “not uncommon.”
“The title-Ottoman Empire: The War Machine -that could’ve been enough”
to prompt protests, Cross says. “The official government policy is
that there was no Armenian genocide. This could be one of those cases
where it stays on the shelf.”
The situation echoes the controversy last April over The Armenian
Genocide , a PBS documentary about the killings. In that instance,
Armenian groups and members of Congress protested a planned follow-up
program that featured panelists who deny the genocide occurred.
Several PBS stations declined to air it.
Producers from Digital Ranch, the production company behind Ottoman
Empire , did not return repeated calls for comment.
For their part, representatives of the Turkish-American community
deny that they seek to censor content about the Armenian killings.
“The Turkish-American community doesn’t believe in viewpoint
suppression at all-quite the opposite, it wants multiple viewpoints
represented,” says David Saltzman, a Washington-based attorney
who represents the Turkish Embassy as well as the Assembly of
Turkish-American Associations. “To suppress viewpoints, especially
under pressure from politicians and lobby groups, is incorrect and
not the American way.”
The History Channel says it has rescheduled the program for an
unspecified date in the fall. But Andrew Goldberg, the executive
producer of The Armenian Genocide , hopes history isn’t repeating
itself with Ottoman Empire .
“If the History Channel isn’t finished with the film, then by all
means they should finish it,” he says. “But if they are caving to
pressure from the Turks then shame on all of them.”

Kazimirov: No New Principles Evident in Karabakh Process
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.07.2006 13:39 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The report the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs submitted
to the OSCE Permanent Council uncovered slightly the contents of the
talks and consultations held by the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents
and Foreign Ministers, says the letter former OSCE Russian Co-chair
Vladimir Kazimirov sent to PanARMENIAN.Net.
According to the Russian diplomat, the purpose of the Co-chairs is not
only to report to the OSCE and press on the leaders of the sides but to
also to “prepare the publics for peace” instead of them. In his words,
the Co-chairs are trying to implement two most important principles:
non-use of force and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Vladimir Kazimirov is convinced that it’s too early to speak of
any agreement yet. With adopting some principles the parties would
gain a political agreement, at that each element would need long
negotiations. The mediators should not hope that “Yerevan will prevail
upon Stepanakert.” “How is it possible to withdraw troops from five
regions without the consent of NK Armenians. The consent of all the
sides is essential for it,” he remarked.

INTENTION OF ARMENIAN DM TO JOIN REPUBLICAN PARTY IS CONTRARY TO CONSTITUTION
Yerevan, July 17. ArmInfo. The statement of Armenian Defence Minister
Serzh Sargsyan that he is going to join the Republican Party of
Armenia is contrary to the law on parties and the Constitution,
says the Human Rights 96 party.
For the first time in the history of Armenia Sargsyan has violated
the principle of the army’s political neutrality. His decision is a
blow on the national security of Armenia. Nobody can interpret laws
the way he wants – everybody is equal before law.
To remind, July 14 Sargsyan publicly stated that he had already
applied for joining the RPA.

Los Angeles Times calls on Senate to block Hoagland nomination
ArmRadio.am
17.07.2006 11:25
A policy editorial published by the Los Angeles Times on the 16th of
July, marks a major and very public setback for the US Department of
State’s increasingly untenable policy of complicity in Turkey’s denial
of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA).
The editorial sharply criticizes the Bush Administration’s decision
to fire the US Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, for truthfully
discussing the Armenian Genocide.
Noting that half of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has already
raised concerns about this matter, the editorial board calls on the
panel to block the nomination of the Ambassador- designate, Richard
Hoagland, until he properly recognizes the Armenian Genocide. They
closed their powerfully worded piece by stressing that, “the Bush
administration should have the courage of its lack of conviction
and explain forthrightly not just to Armenian Americans but to all
Americans who believe in calling evil by its proper name why US policy
is being dictated by Ankara nationalists.”

State Department responds to inquiries from Congress regarding Ambassador Evans’ premature departure
ArmRadio.am
17.07.2006 11:40
In response to a letter spearheaded by Representative Edward Markey
(D-MA), and signed by 59 of his colleagues, expressing concern that
Ambassador John M. Evans was being “required to vacate his position
early for properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide,” the State
Department has revealed that allegations that Turkey played a role
in Evans’ departure are simply untrue.
The State Department letter also confirmed that “Ambassador Evans
recently tendered his resignation as Ambassador to the Republic of
Armenia, but currently remains in charge of the US Embassy in Yerevan.”
In addition, the letter stated that “the United States has never
denied the tragic events of 1915,” explaining that the events “should
be determined through heartfelt dialogue, not through diplomatic or
political proclamations.”

ARMENIAN NPP RECONNECTED TO THE COUNTRY’S ENERGY SYSTEM
Yerevan, July 17. ArmInfo. The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant was
reconnected to the country’s energy system the next day after its
disconnection July 14 10:23 AM, reports ANPP Director General Gagik
Markossyan.
He says that the plant is working at full capacity.
It was switched off because of false alarm, but in fact there was no
nuclear or radioactive danger.

“GOLDEN APRICOT” III YEREVAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FINISHES
Yerevan, July 17. ArmInfo. Last Saturday, the official closing
ceremony of “Golden Apricot” III Yerevan International Film festival
took place at “Moscow” movie theatre, on July 16.
In the course of the arrangement, the jury announced the winners of
the festival. In particular, the grand prix of the festival for the
best feature film went to “The Three Times” by Hsiao-hsien Hou from
Taiwan. Within the framework of the same competition the special prizes
went to “The Legend of Time” by Isaki Lacuesta from Spain and to “Trip
to Armenia” by Robert Guediguian, France. Besides, the jury awarded
posthumously Ara Vahouni with special diploma for his contribution
to the Development of the Armenian Cinema. In “Best Documentary Film”
nomination the grand prix went to Michael Glawogger(Austria) for his
“Workingman’s Death” film. In the same nomination a special prize
went to the Brazilian film director Marcos Prado for his “Estamira”
film. Besides, the jury awarded Gunnar Bergdahl for his “Ljudmila
& Anatolij” with the special diploma of the festival. Within the
framework of “Armenian Panorama” competition, the grand prix went to
“The Dwellers of Forgotten Islands” by Hrant Hakobian. The special
prize in the same program went to three films. In particular,
the special prizes went to “Genocide in Me” the film by Araz
Artinian(Canada), “My Name Is Happiness” by Vartan Hakobian(Russia)
and “The Lighthouse” by Marina Saakian(Russia). The prizes after
Sergey Parajanov for great contribution to the world cinema went to
Marco Bellocchio and Tonino Guerra(Italy), Moskhene Makhmalbaf(Iran),
Artavazd Peleshian(Armenia) and Godfrey Reggio(USA). Besides, the
professional and non government organization also awarded prizes to
“The Summer in Berlin” by Andreas Dresen(Germany) and “Returning” by
Serge Avedikian(France). These prizes were awarded by RA Association
of Film Critics and Film Journalists.
For the first time after the establishment of “Directors across
Borders” organization approved by the European Cultural Parliament held
a seminar. Sousana Haroutiunian, Chairmworman of RA Association of Film
Critics and Film Journalists, stated that within the framework of the
seminar they decided to establish a network of regional film directors.
About 100 films by directors from 58 countries were shown within the
framework of the festival on July 10-15. The competition program
included films by Perdo Almodovar, Krzsystof Zanussi, Aleksander
German Junior, Rakhshan Bani- Etemada. The program of documentary films
includes the films by Mickael Glavoger, Gunar Bergdal, Sergey Loznica
and Victor Kosakovskiy. “The Armenian Panorama” competition included 25
films from various countries. Besides, the wolrd known film directors,
particularly, Iranian director Mokhsene Makhmalbafe, Italian Marco
Bellocchio, the French Armenian Robert Guedigiuian, and outstanding
Armenian film director Artavazd Peleshian and Aleksander Adabashian
delivered master classes at RA Picture Gallery on July 10-16.
It’s worth mentioning that journalists from 10 countries, including
“Euronews” and “Culture” TVs, as well as the German, French, Iranian
and Canadian journalists covered the film festival events.

Israeli Aircraft Continues Attacking Lebanon
ArmRadio.am
17.07.2006 12:18
Israel has extended its air campaign to northernmost Lebanon, killing
at least 14 people, including eight soldiers, in the port of Abdeh
near Tripoli.
The raids come after a Hezbollah rocket attack killed eight Israelis
in Haifa. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned that the Haifa
attack would have “far reaching consequences”.
More than 130 Lebanese have died since clashes with Israel began
last week. At least 23 people were killed in air raids in southern
Lebanon on Sunday.
Early on Monday, Israeli air strikes targeted Tripoli, Lebanon’s
second-largest city located in the north of the country, and Baalbek
in the east.
Beirut’s port also came under attack, and a large area of the docks
was set on fire. Ten Lebanese soldiers were reported injured in the
strike that killed eight of their colleagues. The Israeli military
said it had been targeting radar stations in Abdeh because they were
used by Hezbollah to hit an Israeli ship on Friday, the Associated
Press news agency reported. At least six other people were reported
killed in Israeli raids in central and eastern Lebanon. Twelve Israeli
civilians have been killed by Hezbollah rockets since fighting began
on Wednesday, including the eight killed in Haifa.
The Israeli air strikes began after Hezbollah seized two Israeli
soldiers during a raid into Israel on Wednesday.
Editor-in-Chief of the Lebanon based “Azdak” newspaper Shahan
Kandaharyan told “Radiolur” there are no Armenians among the dead
and injured. He said also that different from Arabs, Armenians are
not rushing to leave the country.

A number of arrangements scheduled in the framework of the Year of Armenia in France
ArmRadio.am
17.07.2006 13:05
A number of arrangements are envisaged in the framework of the Year
of Armenia in France, particularly in large cities. Head of the
European Armenian Federation Hilda Tchoboyan informed that a number
of exhibitions, concerts and performances are scheduled. “Every
community and every City Hall of France will arrange an event in the
framework of the Year of Armenia,” she said, adding that the Armenian
community and Armenian organizations will do their best to assist the
arrangement of the events, but will demonstrate little of their own
initiative. In her opinion, the French themselves should initiate and
hold these events to get to know about the Armenian culture. “We can
say that Armenian spirit and soul will be felt in France in the fall,”
Hilda Tchoboyan noted.