TURKEY TO TARGET AT ORHAN PAMUK

Azg/arm
15 Feb 05

Turkish Papers and Scientists Declare Him Traitor of Nation

The Swiss Tagesanzeiger published the interview given by Orhan Pamuk,
Turkish novelist, in its February 6 issue. Itâ~@~Ys worth reminding
that the Turkish novelist emphasized the necessity to publicly speak
about the tragic events that took place in the past and added: “30
thousand Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in Turkey. Almost
no one dares speak but me, and the nationalists hate me for that.”

The statement made by Pamuk aroused indignation in Turkey and he
became the target of almost all Turkish newspapers that condemn him
of treason.

For example, Vatan newspaper touched upon the statement of Pamuk in
“Is the Freedom of Speech Is Also Freedom of Treason?” article, while
the article published in Aksham is entitled “Why Does Pamuk Hate?”

Hyurriet called Pamuk “the black writer” in the article by Fatih
Altay. The newspaper calls him a liar, emphasizing that his approach is
that of an enemy. Hyurriet called the writer “a miserable creature,”
adding that they even donâ~@~Yt want to waste their hatred on him.

The Turkish scientists join the Turkish press in making Orhan Pamuk
a target for criticism and hatred. In order to comment Pamukâ~@~Ys
statement, Gazete Vatani turned to Tokamesh Atesh, professor at the
Istanbul University, who called this statement a huge drawback for
the novelist, adding that the history shouldnâ~@~Y t be analyzed like
that. Professor Bahaddin Yediydez accused Pamuk of ignorance and said:
“There is not a single country in the world where the state authorities
do not interfere with the rebellion of a separate ethnic group.”

Professor Hikmet Ozdemir, head of the Armenian Studies Department at
the Turkish Union of Historians, threatened to refute the “unfair”
statement of Pamuk scientifically. At the same time, he emphasized that
he, as a scientist, canâ~@~Yt seriously treat Pamuk, saying that his
statement about the massacre of 1 million Armenians is a “great lie.”

Halil Inaljek, professor at the Bosphorus University, accepting the
worldwide fame of Pamuk, condemned him of making an irresponsible
statement against the Turkish state and the Turkish nation.

Perhaps, only Halil Berktay, professor at Sabanj University, supported
Pamuk describing him as a fair intelligent and pointed out that he
told the truth. Berktay added: “In 1915-16 about 800 thousand or 1
million Armenians were killed for sure. I donâ~@~Yt know how many Kurds
were killed in the Southeast of the country. But, I think it is quite
possible that the number of the killed Kurds amounted 30 thousand.”

Itâ~@~Ys worthless to comment on the response of the Turkish press
and the scientists to the statement made by Orhan Pamuk. We just want
to inform our readers about the confrontation, so that the Armenian
society can response the anti-Armenian statements of the dregs of
society that have to unfold Turkish-Azeri propaganda in Armenia. At
the same time, we want to tell the public, culture and political
figures visiting Turkey that they shouldnâ~@~Yt mix the tolerance in
issue of the difference in the opinions with joining their voices to
the Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide.

By Hakob Chakrian

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ATTEMPTS TO BRING KARABAKH ISSUE INTO NATO LIMELIGHT

Azg/arm
15 Feb 05

“We think that Armenia-NATO cooperation should further develop as
it may be an important guarantee of peace in the region. Meanwhile
Armeniaâ~@~Ys stance at the Parliamentary Assembly differs from those
of Azerbaijan and Georgia who declare of integrating into NATOâ~@~Ys
military structures”, Mher Shahgeldian, Armenian representative at
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, said.

It is obvious that Azerbaijan attempts to unfold its propaganda at
the PA, contrary to Armeniaâ~@~Ys inactivity.

It is known that Ziyafet Askerov, Azeri representative to NATO PA,
stated that PA also should put the PACE resolution on Nagorno Karabakh
on the discussion table.

Although NATO always kept to neutrality in the issue of regional
conflicts, the Armenian representative to PA thinks that the PA,
being independent from NATO, can perhaps turn to Karabakh issue. “We
do not have any information about discussions over Karabakh issue at
the PA but Askerovâ~@~Ys words evidence that Azeris are going to take
certain steps. We have to be more intensive and organized in our work”,
Shahgeldian said.

Turkeyâ~@~Ys presence in NATO as Azerbaijanâ~@~Ys trusted and
experienced ally should also be considered.

By Karine Danielian

–Boundary_(ID_oeIMLFkzdZeleYlznfCz6w)–

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]

SOME TWENTY COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN GENOCIDE TRIBUTE EVENT
Fmr. Governor Deukmejian to Serve as Honorary Chairman

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly, along with the Armenian General
Benevolent Union and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church,
announced today that diplomats from some 20 countries, as well as
special guests George Deukmejian, former Governor of California
and Gagik Kirakosian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia,
will participate in next week’s Armenian Genocide Tribute in Los
Angeles, CA.

The “International Relief, Refuge, and Recognition Tribute,” to be
held on February 24 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, will recognize
those nations who supported the survivors of the Armenian Genocide
or subsequently have officially affirmed the Genocide.

Special guests include former Los Angeles County District Attorney
Robert Philibosian as master of ceremonies, Los Angeles Mayor James
Hahn and Chief Deputy Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Lisa Kalustian. Armenian Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian and Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain, as well AGBU
and Church leaders, will also be on hand.

“With the landmark 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this
year, this International Tribute will help set the stage for formal
commemorations in April,” said Vahe Imasdounian, AGBU Southern
California District Committee Chairman. “Our community is delighted
by the fantastic response to this unprecedented event. We also hope
that this event will serve to call international attention to the
atrocities that befell the Armenian nation.”

To date, the following nations have confirmed attendance: Belgium,
Cyprus, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,
Syria and Uruguay. The event will also feature diplomatic corps
members from Belize, Chile, Croatia, Estonia, Jamaica, Liberia,
Poland and Portugal.

For more information on this event, please contact Armenian Assembly
Western Office Deputy Director Nicole Shahenian at (310) 360-0091 or
via email at [email protected].

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#2005-012

–Boundary_(ID_qM1ClaNPV8hir9w8WlcAWw)–

ARKA News Agency
Feb 14 2005

Possibility of military settlement of American-Iranian disputes can
play a role of detonator in the region – Serge Sargsian

The Chairman of CBA Tigran Sargsyan is elected as the Chairman of the
Council of Trustees of Deposits Insurance Fund

Representatives of Armenian Apostolic Church to meet with the heads
of Kopt and Assyrian Orthodox Churches

Development council of Armenian-Turkish business links ready to
dialogue with Dashnaktsutyun party

RA President holds a work meeting with the RA Minister of Trade and
Economic Development

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs participates in the 41st Munhen
conference devoted to national security issues

Population census to be conducted in NKR

Only Communist Party able to make revolution in Armenia, Communist
leader convinced

Armenian National Assembly speaker has a phone talk with his French
counterpart

USAID records regress in democratic reforms in Armenia in 2004

*********************************************************************

POSSIBILITY OF MILITARY SETTLEMENT OF AMERICAN-IRANIAN DISPUTES CAN
PLAY A ROLE OF DETONATOR IN THE REGION – SERGE SARGSIAN

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. Possibility of military settlement of
American-Iranian disputes can play a role of detonator in the region,
RA Minister of Defense Serge Sargsian stated in hot line with
Armenian Newspaper Yerkir. He expressed hope that there are no
military actions. “We will hope that American-Iranian relations
improve and existing problems settle by peace”, Sargsian said. L.D.
–0–

*********************************************************************

THE CHAIRMAN OF CBA TIGRAN SARGSYAN IS ELECTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES OF DEPOSITS INSURANCE FUND

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. The Chairman of CBA Tigran Sargsyan is
elected as the Chairman of the Council of Trustees of Deposits
Insurance Fund. According to CBA Press Service, such decision was
taken by the trustees at the first session of the Council of Trustees
of the Fund, which has taken place in CBA today. Besides, the by-laws
of the Fund was approved at the session, and decision was taken to
begin the process of state registration of it and announce a job
vacancy for the position of the director of the Fund.
On November 24, 2004 RA NA adopted the law on guaranteed compensation
of bank deposits of individuals in the third and final reading.
Deposits Insurance Fund was established in the framework of the law
at the expense of the finances of commercial bank, that quarterly
will make payments into the Fund. The Fund insures foreign exchange
deposits equivalent to AMD 1 mln., and deposits in AMD up to 2 mln.
The law will relate to banks that will operate in the normative field
beginning from July 2005, and will not refer to branches of foreign
banks that according tot he Armenian legislation have no right to
attract deposits of individuals on the territory of Armenia. Daughter
banks of foreign banks are also included into that scheme, and their
deposits will be insured by the fund. A.H. –0—

*********************************************************************

REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH TO MEET WITH THE HEADS
OF KOPT AND ASSYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. Representatives of Armenian Apostolic
Church will meet with the heads of Kopt and Assyrian Orthodox
Churches, St. Echmiadzin press office told ARKA. On Feb 13-15
Patriarchal Envoy of AAC to Central Europe, Archbishop Mesrop
Grigorian will meet with Charge D’Affairs of Interchurch Relations
Bishop Yeznik Petrosian with the head of Kopt Orthodox Church,
Patriarch Shenuda III. Besides, the parties will discuss issues
considering family of Ancient Eastern Churches. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH BUSINESS LINKS READY TO
DIALOGUE WITH DASHNAKTSUTYUN PARTY

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. Development council of Armenian-Turkish
business links is ready to dialogue with Dashnaktsutyun party,
Turkish Co-Chairman of Council for Development of Armenian-Turkish
Business Links Kaan Soyak stated today in Yerevan. According to
Soyak, bilateral dialogue between the Council and ARF (D) will make
serious contribution in the sphere of development of Armenian-Turkish
relations and will contribute to opening of Armenian-Turkish border.
He also said that till now he did not meet with representatives of
political parties of Armenia, however expressed readiness to assist
the visit of Dashnaktsutyun representatives in Turkey and to the
beginning of bilateral dialogue.
ARF Dasnaktsutyun was founded in 1890 and operates in the whole
world. The member of active members of the party in Armenia makes
more than 6 thousand people. The party is represented in the
parliament with 12 deputies. One of the priority goals of the party
is achievement of international recognition of Armenian Genocide in
Ottoman Empire. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

RA PRESIDENT HOLDS A WORK MEETING WITH THE RA MINISTER OF TRADE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan held a
work meeting with the RA Minister of Trade and Economic Development
Karen Chshmarityan. According to RA Government’s Press Service
Department, priority directions of economic development of Armenia in
2005, as well as the package of legislative changes offered by the
Minister were discussed during the meeting. Chshmarityan introduced
the process of development of programs on credit guarantees aimed at
developing SME. The programs will enable to ensure to grant credits
totaling AMD 500 mln. mainly to SME in regions close to borders and
in the regions far from Yerevan. According to the press release, also
issues relating to activity of Armenia in international economic
organizations, in particular in WTO, were discussed. ($1- AMD
473,77). A.H.—0—

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RA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PARTICIPATES IN THE 41ST MUNHEN
CONFERENCE DEVOTED TO NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan
Oskanian participated in the 41st Munhen conference devoted to
national security issues. According to RA MFA Press Service
Department, bilateral meetings of Oskanian with the UN Secretary
General Coffi Anan, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer,
Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis, the
Councilor of the Germany Republic Chancellor for Foreign Policy and
Defense Bert Mucelburg, and the political Director of the German MFA
Michael Shefer took place in the framework of the conference.
According tot he press-release, the emphasis during the forum was put
on the search of ways for peace process by means of a dialog. In this
regard, participants of the conference (over 250 top officials and
political figures from 40 countries of the world) attached special
importance to the Near East peace process and new accents that came
forth as a result of personnel changes in the American government.
The delegates of the forum also discussed the issues connected with
the future of NATO and the role of the alliance in the light of the
Pan-European foreign and defense policy being formed, and the
influence of the new political situation in Georgia and the Ukraine
on integration processes on the territory of the former Soviet Union.
A.H.–0—

*********************************************************************

POPULATION CENSUS TO BE CONDUCTED IN NKR

STEPANAKERT, February 14. /ARKA/. A population census is to be
conducted in Nagorno Karabakh in October 2005. At its first meeting,
the NKR special state commission discussed the organization of and
preparations for the census. The ARKA special correspondent in
Stepanakert reports that Head of the Commission, NKR Vice-Premier
Ararat Danielyan pointed out the paramount importance of the first
census in the independent republic’s history for the formation and
consolidation of its nationhood, as well as for the international
recognition of the NKR.
The meeting also discussed the issues of forming regional
commissions, training necessary personnel, elaborating the methods
and organizational provisions of the census program. Preparations for
conducting a test census in a number of settlements late in March are
currently under way.
It will be the seventh census in the NKR. P.T. –0–

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ONLY COMMUNIST PARTY ABLE TO MAKE REVOLUTION IN ARMENIA, COMMUNIST
LEADER CONVINCED

Yerevan, Fabruary 14. /ARKA/. Only the Communist Party is able making
revolution in Armenia, as First Secretary of the Central Committee of
the Armenian Communist Party Ruben Tovmasyan said. He considers New
Times party leader Aram Karapetyan’s statement on the beginning of
the revolution in April 2005 as baseless. “The most revolutionary
party is the Communist Party”, he noted. In his opinion, revolution
is “a serious, complex and efforts consuming activity” which is not
announced publicly.
To remind that recenltly the leader of New Times party stated that
his party plans to lauch revolutionary processes that would finally
lead to change of the regime. T.M. –0–

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER HAS A PHONE TALK WITH HIS FRENCH
COUNTERPART

YEREVAN, February 14, /ARKA/. Arthur Baghdasaryan, the Head of
Armenian National Assembly, has a phone talk with his French
counterpart Jean Louis Debre today. Armenian Parliament Speaker
thanked Debre for paying attention to the issue related to the
Armenian Genocide, committed by Ottomans, during his visit to Turkey.
French Parliament Speaker, in turn, said he attached great importance
to the revealing of the historic truth while speaking with Turkish
President and PM.
An arrangement had been reached in the course of conversation about
Debre’s official visit in Armenia.M.V–0–

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USAID RECORDS REGRESS IN DEMOCRATIC REFORMS IN ARMENIA IN 2004

YEREVAN, February 14. /ARKA/. The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) recorded regress in democratic
reforms in Armenia in 2004, as Ron Sprout, USAID Consultant stated
summarizing the results of Monitoring of Country’s Progress (MCP). “I
think that suppressing of peaceful demonstration in April 2004 was
decisive for the report”, he said. At that he noted that it was in
2004 when Georgia recorded better indicator than Armenia per
indicator of democratic reform.
To remind, on April 9, 12, 16 and 21 the opposition organized rallies
of many thousands demanding resignation of Armenian President. On
April 12, the meeting turned into unsanctioned rally to President’s
Residence and Parliament’ building. The participants were stopped by
police cordons and in the night of April 13 the Armenian law
enforcement bodies launched special operation for pushing away the
rally out of Baghramyan Avenue after the participants refused to
leave the roadway. The police used water jets and flare pots to
disperse the rally entailing a number of affected and detained,
including pressmen. T.M.—0–

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COMMODITY TURNOVER BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY IN 2004 MADE $120 BILLION

PanArmenian News
Feb 14 2005

14.02.2005 16:54

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The commodity circulation between Armenia and Turkey
in 2004 made about $120 billion, Kaan Soyak, the Co-Chairman of the
Armenian-Turkish Relations Development Council, stated in Yerevan
today. According to him, before the formation of the Council in
1997 the turnover made no more than $60 million. He says, in case
of opening of the Armenian-Turkish border the turnover can increase
at least three times. Kaan Soyak stated he is for soonest opening
of the border and invited representatives of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun
to Turkey for establishing dialogue on urgent issues. “The ARFD is a
serious and experienced party and if they agree I am ready to exert
every effort to start this dialogue”, he noted. When touching upon the
Armenian Genocide Soyak said that Turks began speaking of it during
the recent 2-3 years. “Our organization will do its best to make the
historical truth clear to the Turkish people”, he stated. It should
be noted that when commenting on the killings of 1915 in the Ottoman
Empire the Turkish businessman used the word “genocide”.

PanArmenian News
Feb 14 2005

ARMENIA FAR FROM EU MEMBERSHIP

14.02.2005 17:43

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The possibility of Armenia’s eligibility for EU
membership will not be subject to discussion for a long time, head of
the EU Commission in Armenia and Georgia Alexis Leber stated, Arminfo
news agency reports. However not being an EU member Armenia can join
the programs of trade relations with the EU. Thus, consultative
programs will encourage Armenian manufacturers to export goods, which
are in demand in the European market, Mr. Leber noted. In his words,
the implementation of New Neighborhood program does not provide for
Armenia’s EU membership. It is to establish a political and economic
dialogue between EU and Armenia. “The movement towards Europe does
not mean entry to the European Union”, he said noting at the same
time that the program will allow realization of projects directed to
the establishment of peace, development and prosperity in the South
Caucasus.

PanArmenian News
Feb 14 2005

IF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN COULD COME TO AGREEMENT ON KARABAKH
CONFLICT THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT LONG BEFORE

14.02.2005 13:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijan is viewing the Minsk Group as a single
whole and would not like to draw a distinction between the
Co-Chairs”, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in his
interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta Russian newspaper. However Russia
is the only chair-state bordering with Azerbaijan and is a power of
our region. Surely, this circumstance increases her responsibility
for the Karabakh conflict settlement, he stated. “We think that the
activities of the Minsk Group should not proceed from the principle:
“you will come to agreement and we will confirm”. “If we could come
to an agreement, we would have done it long before. The Minsk Group
was formed because the conflicting parties could not arrive at an
agreement themselves. That is why we hold the opinion that the MG
activity should be directed at the asserting of principles and norms
of the jus gentium according to which the territorial integrity of
any state is inviolable. Azerbaijan did not violate the territorial
integrity of any country while our own territorial integrity was
violated. This fact was recorded in some document of the leading
international institutions, in part, in the resolution by the Council
of Europe”, Azeri President said. In his words, official Baku sees
the settlement of the conflict in thew following way: Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity should be restored, Armenian forces should
leave the Azeri territories, and the refugees should return their
homes. Then peace will be established”. According to him, this
approach becomes more and more acceptable for the international
community and the latest activation of the OSCE Minsk Group may be
efficient.

ILHAM ALIYEV: AZERBAIJAN FOR PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH CONFLICT

PanArmenian News
Feb 14 2005

14.02.2005 12:26

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Azerbaijani leadership is for the peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, President Aliyev stated
in his interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta Russian newspaper. “We
adhere to the peaceful settlement and try to resolve the problem
peacefully”, he said. “We still hope that the negotiations will be
successful. However we will not hold negotiations for the sake of
negotiations only and will not take part in an imitation of talks”,
the Azeri President noted.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Portland Press Herald (Maine)
February 10, 2005 Thursday, Final Edition

TASTE OF FOOD AND HISTORY;
A local author’s cookbook preserves the stories and recipes of
Maine’s Armenian immigrants.

by GISELLE GOODMAN Staff Writer

Anthony P. Mezoian is not a chef. He is a historian.

It stands to reason, then, that his new book, “Armenian Baking and
Cooking: From Middle East to Down East, Since 1896,” is more than a
cookbook. It also chronicles the Armenian people of early 1900s
Portland.

“I felt most ethnic groups, most nationalities who settled and
established themselves in Portland, left something, a cultural
center, a church,” he said. “The Armenians have nothing, which is a
shame. If I didn’t write it, nobody is going to remember the
Armenians of Maine. These foods were cooked and created in Armenian
homes in Armenia and along with them are interesting stories.”

Mezoian, of South Portland, is no stranger to Armenian history. This
is his third book on the subject, which is close to his heart.

A first-generation Armenian, Mezoian’s father came to Portland around
1909, fleeing from the 1896 massacres at home (which at the time was
a part of Turkey). Here he found work in a bakery, and Anthony
Mezoian, known as Andy to his friends, was taught how to bake
Armenian breads at a young age.

Perhaps the cookbook stands as a tribute to his father, who had his
special way of making bread, described in detail on Page 19. There
are other recipes, like the one for Armenian cheese bread, for
example, that are coupled with stories of Mezoian’s dad.

But many of the recipes in the 112-page book go beyond dough. There
are meat and grain and vegetable dishes as well as drinks, desserts
and soups. Those, too, are coupled with stories about Mezoian’s
Armenian neighbors, family members and history of their home country.

Mezoian began working on the book nearly 10 years ago. He knew he
wanted to get his father’s bread recipes in print before they were
lost. He also kept a running collection of other recipes from his
mother or grandmother.

There was another drive to put the book together, too. For years
Mezoian searched for an Armenian cookbook that included a recipe for
pagharch, an old-country, slow-cooked bread. He knew how his father
made it, but wondered how other Armenians mixed up the traditional
favorite.

He couldn’t find any recipes.

He researched the origin of the bread, and learned that it probably
came from a particular district in Turkish Armenia called Keghi. But
he wasn’t sure if the pagharch bread was an Armenian or Turkish food.

“Combining academic research with ancestry, my intuitive gut feeling
is that this unique food is surely Armenian,” he writes. “If nothing
else, the recipe for pagharch is now officially recorded and
published as an Armenian food in this cookbook.”

It is one of his favorite Armenian foods. The other is khama. The
recipe is in the book, but probably won’t be the most popular item,
since it is essentially a raw hamburger.

It was this dish, though, that made Mezoian realize that many
cultures make the same sorts of foods, just with different names. In
America, this khama is called steak tartare. The baklava of his
ancestors is similar to the baklava made by Greeks. He also has
recipes for stuffed cabbage, which can also be found on Polish
tables, and stuffed grape leaves.

Mezoian has made everything that is in his cookbook. They are foods
he enjoys eating.

He hopes other people, not just those of Armenian descent, will find
them tasty, too.

“I wrote this for anyone who is interested in sitting down at night,
maybe not deciding to cook, but reading it and saying, ‘Oh, I know
what this is,’ and maybe make it someday,” he said. “Even
non-Armenians are interested in the foods, as they would be in foods
from other nationalities.”

Staff Writer Giselle Goodman can be contacted at 791-6330 or at:
[email protected]

GRAPHIC:
Mezoian’s cookbook includes a recipe for pagharch, a food that
Armenians eat when having a family celebration such as a christening
or reunion.
Staff photo by Gordon Chibroski
Anthony P. Mezoian, author of a new cookbook about Armenian cooking
in Maine, at his home on the Cape Elizabeth-South Portland line.

Village Voice (New York, NY)
February 8, 2005, Tuesday

ATROCITY EXHIBITION

by j. hoberman

Oh! Uomo
Directed by Yervant Gianikian and Angela Ricci Lucchi
February 3 through 9
Anthology Film Archives

” The appetite for pictures showing bodies in pain is as keen,
almost, as the desire for ones that show bodies naked,” Susan Sontag
wrote in Regarding the Pain of Others. The success of The Passion of
the Christ notwithstanding, that sounds a bit hyperbolic–still, if
Sontag is correct, there should be a line around the block at
Anthology Film Archives this week for Oh! Uomo (Oh! Man).

The latest archival assemblage by Milan-based filmmakers Yervant
Gianikian and Angela Ricci Lucchi, Oh! Uomo is the final panel in
their World War I triptych. The previous films dealt with the
massacre of civilian populations, but Oh! Uomo is more viscerally
horrifying, focusing largely on the effects of modern warfare on the
human body. The movie’s title is taken from Leonardo da Vinci and so
is its premise, namely that images of suffering will promote empathy.
Da Vincian too is the scientific interest in human anatomy.

War has no rationale here. Oh! Uomo naturalizes carnage in its first
shot with graceful biplanes wheeling through a bird-filled sky. (Even
before World War I broke out, Italy had used this new
invention–another da Vinci idea–as the means to bomb the restive
natives of their colony Libya.) The arrival of a military band cues
music: Ghosts already, soldiers on horseback are shown riding out of
the stables toward the battlefield, while priests make an offering.
The officers, shown in negative, include Mussolini (perhaps a
flash-forward). Then shells explode and the earth is consumed in the
conflagration. So much for combat.

Gianikian and Ricci Lucchi have been making archival films for nearly
20 years–the encyclopedic actualite compilation From the Pole to the
Equator remains their most widely seen work, but their style has been
widely imitated. The couple treats each scrap of unearthed footage as
though it were a holy relic. The original film is step-printed and
slowed down to reveal fleeting expressions and gestures, as well as
to emphasize the material nature of the scratched, blotchy, fragile
celluloid stuff itself. The preciousness of the preserved footage is
underscored by color tinting. But no matter how beautiful the ruddy
gold or electric chartreuse, the effect is not exactly distancing.

“The gruesome invites us to be spectators or cowards, unable to
look,” Sontag notes in apparent self-contradiction. So it is with Oh!
Uomo, once pain arrives in the form of maimed children and starving
war orphans. Unfortunately, the filmmakers feel the need to up the
sensory ante. The choral keening that accompanies the image of one
bedridden girl escalates into a rhythmic mock wailing that grows
increasingly abusive with footage of a dead child atop a mountain of
corpses. (The filmmakers have made this mistake before–accompanying
People, Years, Life, their account of the 1915 Armenian massacres,
with a discordantly cloying requiem.) Sound is intermittent
throughout Oh! Uomo, but the movie is almost always a stronger, more
awe-inspiring experience without the presence of an editorializing
musical counter-irritant.

The underlying question, of course, is, will these sights turn people
against war? The Bush administration must think so–at least to judge
from its news management style, blocking images of American
casualties, let alone those of civilians or enemies. “The Face of
War,” the most notorious section of Ernst Friedrich’s 1924
photography collection War Against War!, documented the hideously
blasted, melted, shattered features of World War I’s wounded
survivors. (These “broken mugs,” as the French called them, also
appeared in Abel Gance’s 1938 anti-war feature J’accuse.) A similar
gallery of destroyed and reconstructed faces is at the heart of Oh!
Uomo: Eyes are surgically removed, ears repaired, jaws refastened.

The filmmakers end their terrifying expose on a strangely positive
note with the production of heroic cyborgs. The wounded learn how to
screw on their new hands or fit into prosthetic legs. Many are
cheerful; they smile as they model their afflictions. Humanity has
successfully turned itself into an object.

GRAPHIC: The face of war: Gianikian and Ricci Lucchi’s Oh! Uomo

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress