YEREVAN—Wine has been produced in Armenia for millennia, as evidenced by one extraordinary cave nestled alongside the Arpa river running through Vayots Dzor Province. In recent years, the industry has flourished and Armenian wines have gained international recognition. However, the average grape grower in the country lack the skills to produce, brand, and market wine from the grapes they grow. As major wineries progress by leaps and bounds each year, small farmers are being left behind.

In recent years, the wine industry has flourished and Armenian wines have gained international recognition. (Photo: ONEArmenia)

ONEArmenia and Semina Consulting seek to address this issue by partnering to empower local farmers to break into the fast growing industry through the crowdfunding campaign, Farm-to-Bottle.

The crowdfunding campaign will raise $61,515, which will provide farmers in Vayots Dzor—the oldest winemaking region in Armenia—with training, tools and facilities to produce and market their own unique brands of wine. The average salary in Armenia is approximately $4,200 per year, but the ability to sell quality wine will enable the farmers to increase their annual income significantly, with the potential to make an average of $12,000 per person within the first year of production.

“This project hopes to create a ripple effect on rural entrepreneurship in Vayots Dzor, by demonstrating that farmers can launch sustainable businesses with a little startup support.” says Aimee Keushguerian of Semina Consulting. “We can show others across Armenia the path towards independence and prosperity.”

Semina Consulting, a winery incubator whose mission is to develop and promote the wine industry in Armenia, has mentored several of the recently emerging wine brands and is now turning their attention to small farmers. In collaboration with EVN Wine Academy, they will provide viticultural training to the farmers, so that they can grow quality grapes. Semina will go on to produce wine from these vineyards, in their state of the art facility, return the wine to the farmers, and proceed to coach them through the process of creating a brand and marketing the products.

As wine tourism increases, so too does the need for infrastructure to support those eager to discover Armenian wines.

“Armenia has a rich, 6,000 year old history in winemaking—it’s time to accelerate the ability for tourists and locals to easily access products from local farmers,” said Patrick Sarkissian founder of ONEArmenia.

Each farmer will be provided with a tasting room, called Wine Cubes, which will allow them to showcase their wine to tourists visiting the region. The Wine Cubes, beautifully designed by DZ Architectural and Design Studio and constructed by Shelter Construction, will serve as the starting point for each farmer to build their own winery and will bolster tourism to the region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the vineyards and then sample the wine on the spot, in the stylish Wine Cubes. Each farmer will learn how to present their wine, how to educate visitors on their work and how to sell the wine directly from the tasting room. Every farmer has their own skill set and assets and can tailor the tourists’ experience accordingly. They will be able to offer other products that they produce from honey to jam to cheese or even sit down meals.
With the proper training and infrastructure in place, the possibilities are limitless for farmers in Vayots Dzor. Farm-to-Bottle is an opportunity for people around the world to show their support for local farmers in Armenia and empower them to become major players in the wine industry.

The end result will be more beautiful and exciting tourist experiences in Armenia, stronger local economies in Vayots Dzor and more quality Armenian wine on the market- and that’s something everyone can benefit from.

WOBURN, Mass.—Last month Armenian communities around the world commemorated the 99th anniversary of the battle of Bash Aparan. On May 21, 1918, an Ottoman Turkish division attacked Armenian forces at Bash Aparan, with the intent of pushing towards Yerevan. After three days of fierce combat, the Armenians, led by General Drastamat Kanayan, known as General Dro, began to repel the Turkish regiments, and they retreated on May 29, 1918. The victory at Bash Aparan, along with Armenian success at Saradarabad and Karakilisa, was instrumental in leading to the formation of the First Republic of Armenia.

As the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Bash Aparan approaches, ATP is creating a living memorial to General Dro and his victory in 1918 near the monument and final resting place of the national hero.

As the 100th anniversary of the battle approaches, General Dro’s family is cooperating with Armenia Tree Project (ATP) to create a living memorial to Dro and his victory at Bash Aparan. There is a park in the town of Aparan, Armenia at the site of the battle where a visitor will find General Dro’s final resting place as well as a monument to the victorious battle of Bash Aparan.

ATP has begun to beautify and improve the Aparan site, planting trees and shrubs and developing walking paths. This project will culminate in May 2018 with a ceremonial tree planting at the park with Dro’s family and friends.

General Dro’s grandson Philip Kanayan states, “Any monument to our grandfather should be a living memorial. General Dro was not a man who wore medals. He lived a life of service to the Armenian nation, and in that vein the Armenia Tree Project promotes those ideals of giving back to the Armenian Nation.”

General Dro’s daughter Olga Proudian of Watertown, Mass. describes her father not as a war hero, but a man who was always true to his ideas and himself. “He was always positive about the future of Armenia,” she said. “He assumed we would have an independent Armenia, and he believed we should give it priority. His mission was always an independent Armenia. He would not allow the world to not have an Armenia.”

In 2000, Olga and other family members accompanied Dro’s remains to Armenia, where they were re-interred near the Bash Aparan memorial. It was an emotional experience for Olga. She felt a tug on her sleeve. An elderly man, recognizing her as Dro’s daughter, wanted to show her a small house nearby. He explained that his father and Dro had fought the Turks together from that house in 1918.

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian first met Dro in Cairo in the early 1950s, when both men attended the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) World Congress there. Tatul remembers Dro as a great diplomat, strategist and tactician, but also much more: “Not only did General Dro play a key role in formation of the First Republic, he re-kindled the Hai Tahd fighting spirit. Thanks to his work in Armenia and the Diaspora, the spirit of Hai Tahd lives on in youth around the world.”

General Dro’s grandson and namesake, Dro Kanayan of Massachusetts, says that planting trees in his grandfather’s honor is appropriate because he had a strong connection to the land. He grew up on a farm in Igdir, and at times fed his army from the harvest of his father’s farm: “Dro understood the importance of what the land can provide for the people. Armenia Tree Project provides resources for our people to survive and prosper by living off the land, which follows Dro’s ideals to continue helping our nation.”

Last fall, ATP began the beautification of the site honoring General Dro and the Battle of Bash Aparan by planting nearly 1,000 trees with volunteers from Birthright Armenia. (Photo: ATP)

Since 1994, ATP has used trees to help Armenians improve their standard of living and help protect the global environment. ATP’s work is guided by its core principles: promoting self-sufficiency, aiding those with the fewest resources and conserving the indigenous ecosystem.

“ATP is proud to participate in this project. We’re honored to help remember  the historic victory at Bash Aparan. Planting trees for the future is a fitting tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of General Dro and his troops,” said ATP Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian.

ATP and the Kanayan family will hold fundraising and promotional events on the east and west coasts in the coming year. If you would like to support this project, or participate in the May 2018 planting in Armenia, please contact ATP at info@armeniatree.org.

The Armenian Cultural Foundation of Arlington, Mass.

ARLINGTON, Mass.—In pursuant of its mission, to sponsor programs in the arts and humanities for the advancement of culture in general, and the Armenian culture in particular, the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) recently announced the launching of a new musical program. On June 25, at 3 p.m., the ACF, co-sponsored with Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) New England affiliate, will hold the inaugural concert of the Mirak Chamber Music Series, named in memory of John P. Mirak (1907-2000) entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, sole benefactor for decades, and late president of the ACF.

The Series aims to place the world’s finest classical music at the center of the cultural life of the Boston Armenian community in general and Arlington in particular.  In line with the Foundation’s mission, to focus “on the history of Armenian music in the diaspora and on the role of Armenian women in the nation’s history,” the Series will showcase works by international and Armenian composers, with an emphasis on introducing works by Armenian women composers in Armenia and the Diaspora. On occasion, the Series will also feature and promote young and promising performers, and groups and premieres of newly written works.

With this inaugural concert, the ACF will also celebrate the rededication of the Foundation’s piano. The handsome ebony 1897 Steinway is the gift of the late Lillian Norian Moranian (1929-2006).  Refurbished and extensively renovated, the Moranian piano will provide new opportunities for higher quality performances and musical events at ACF.  Several noted and internationally recognized pianists have already praised the quality of this especial gift and pledged participation in future events.

Born in North Bergen, N.J., Lillian Moranian is the child of Armenian immigrants from Aintab: her mother was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and her father was a businessman and philanthropist.  She grew up in a musical home: two of her sisters were concert pianists. She received her formal education at Drew University in Madison, N.J.

For decades, Moranian and her husband played instrumental roles in the development of such important Armenian cultural and academic organizations as the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), the Armenian Museum of America (AMA), and AIWA.

Performing at the concert will be the NOR [“new” in Armenian] Trio, formed in Boston by the coming together of three instrumentalists, Nune Hakobyan (piano), Sarkis Karapetyan (violin), and Andrei Sobchenko (saxophone). A trio whose instruments do not traditionally comprise a classical trio, Nor Trio produces music that is distinctive, while retaining the traditional aspects of a piano trio. It seeks to promote Armenian and Russian music, introducing rarely performed composers through their own unique arrangements.

The program will include works by Glinka, Franck, and Khachaturian.  Specifically, the concert will feature Boston premieres of three works:  Paul-Henri Büsser’s (1872-1973) Rhapsodie armenienne [Armenian Rhapsody], Elegia for violin and piano by Svetlana Aleksanyan (b. 1965) and Cantique by Koharik Ghazarossian (1907-1967).

Paul-Henri Büsser was born in Toulouse. He received his musical education at Paris Conservatoire, where he studied under César Franck. Later he became protégé of Jules Massenet. He composed a wide range of pieces, mostly for the stage. His Rhapsodie armenienne, dedicated to violist Maurice Vieux, on a popular theme, was written for the “Concours” of the Conservatoire nationale de Musique in Paris in 1930.

This will be the Boston premiere of the piece arranged by the NOR Trio.

A native of Armenia, Svetlana Aleksanyan belongs to the younger generation of Armenian composers.  A graduate with honors of the Tchaikovsky Music School (1982), Aleksanyan continued her studies in the Komitas Conservatory of Music under N. Shamakhyan and Ghazaros Saryan and received her Doctoral degree in composition with high honors in 1991. Some of her works include “Nocturnal Dialogue with Narekatsi,” based on Vahagn Davtian’s same-named poem, “Devotional Choral-Melody in memory of her mentor Ghazaros Saryan, and Cindrella, a musical which was staged in Armenia under the directorship of Arman Mirijanian. Aleksanyan is the recipient of a number of national and international awards. Her above-mentioned work, Elegia for violin and piano, will be premiered in Boston for the first time.

Born in Istanbul, Ghazarossian received her early musical education in her native town under European instructors and Armenian composer Edgar Manas. Upon graduating from the Essayan School, she left for Paris to continue her musical studies at the Conservatoire National de Musique where she studied under prominent pianists Lazare Lévy, Camille Decroix, Paul A. Dukas, and Jean Roger-Ducasse.

Upon completing her studies, Ghazarossian embarked on a flourishing career of composing and performing.  She performed almost 400 concerts that spanned Europe and the United States. One Paris critic wrote about her performances: “She shows in her entire execution that she is a cultivated musician of superior intelligence.”

Ghazarossian has left a rich musical legacy. Among her works are: Two Sharakans (1940), Prelude and Fugue (1941), Album (1948), Sonate (1956), 24 Etudes for piano (1963), and concertos for double piano.

Established in 2003, the ACF musical archives house a unique collection of Koharik Ghazarossian papers, articles, newspaper clippings as well as musical scores and correspondence.  This special collection constitutes part of the Ardashes H. Shelemian Collection, a massive collection of books and Armenian music, donated to the Foundation in 2012, which will also be dedicated on this occasion.

Born in Constantinople (1923 -) Ardashes H. Shelemian received his early education at the Nersesian School, Constantinople, and the Azgayin Kentronakan [National Central], and continued his higher education at the American Robert College, graduating with a B.S. in Exact Sciences. Later he attended the Reserve Officers Academy where he received the rank of Lieutenant in the signal corps.

A music lover and enthusiast, Shelemian received his musical education under Sargis Boyajian of historical St. Gregory the Lusavorich Armenian Church of Galatia and Harut’iwn Muradian (later, Fr. Shnorhk’ Muradian). He also studied violin under Enoch Gavafian and harmony and composition under prominent musician Koharik Ghazarossian.

Fluent in Armenian, Turkish, English, and Spanish, Shelemian has been an active member of his community in his birthplace as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Boston. As a freelance writer and correspondent, Shalemian has contributed pieces to several Armenian language periodicals, among them Jamanak, Marmara, Jarakeyt, and Badge, Arev, and Yerchanik, all in Istanbul; and Nerkay, Hay Ketron, and Vospor as editor, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Shelemian has held a number of academic positions in the United States, Argentina and Turkey. He has been a member of a number of Armenian and non-Armenian organizations and institutions, among them, Alumni Association of Ketronakan Armenian Lyceum, Istanbul; Associacion Cultural Armenia de Estambul, Buenoes Aires; Co-founder of Pro-Music Armenia, Buenos Aires; Association of Argentino-Armenian Musicians; National Association for Armenian Studies and Research; and Tekeyan Cultural Association, Boston.

The Shelemian collection, donated to ACF in 2012, is a welcome addition to the ACF musical archives collection. It will join those of violinist, composer and conductor Rouben Gregorian (1999), maestro Arsen Sayan (2002), pianist Beatrice Ohanessian (2012), world renowned prolific composer Alan Hovhaness (2013) and Hayg Boyadjian (2012).

The concert, free of charge and open to the public, followed by a reception, will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m. For more details, contact (781-646-3090) the ACF office during office hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

BELMONT, Mass.—Researcher George Aghjayan will lead a series of genealogy workshops beginning on, June 22, at 7 p.m., at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, Mass. 02478.  Subsequent meetings on Thursdays June 29, July 13, and July 20 (there will be no meeting on Thursday, July 6), with additional sessions being planned for the fall.

George Aghjayan speaking at an Armenian Genocide commemoration event in Ankara (Photo: Mehmet Ozer)

For beginners to more experienced researchers, this workshop will provide both a general overview of available resources and research strategies as well as address specific inquiries.  All are welcome to participate in the discussions led by Aghjayan, NAASR Board Member, researcher on Armenian demographics and population records in the Ottoman Empire, and co-organizer of the 2016 and 2017 Armenian Genealogy Conferences in Watertown, Mass., and Dearborn, Mich. Aghjayan is also is chair of the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern United States.

Advance registration (per session or for all four) is required for all attendees.  Registration fees are $10 ($6 for current NAASR members) per session or $30 for all four ($24 for current NAASR members).  Participants can contact  NAASR at 617-489-1610 or hq@naasr.org to register.

DETROIT, Mich.—The hall was filled with the music of violinist Harry Hovakimian as guests enjoyed an Italian feast prepared Krista Tossounian at the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Detroit “Sybille” chapter’s annual Mother’s Day celebration. The event, which brought together friends and families, also included its famous tin can raffle and an opportunity to meet Diane Harountian of “The Pampered Chef.”

ARS members stand with Rev Fr. Hrant Kevorkian and keynote speaker Liana Aghajanian

Armenian-American journalist Liana Aghajanian was event’s the keynote speaker. Aghajanian is currently based in Detroit, after being awarded a home by the non-profit “Write a House.”  In her address, she reflected on moving to Detroit a year ago and our collective Armenian identity.

The “Sybille” chapter is honored to share excerpts from the speech that Aghajanian so eloquently delivered that very special evening (below).

***

To understand this city—and appreciate it—you have to be here. You have to be gardening with your Bengali neighbors, you have to be going to the Michigan’s oldest blues bar on a Thursday night – the only establishment that seems to be holding down a devastated street full of empty building every which way you look.

You have to be eating at coney islands peppered throughout the city, you have to be visiting cemeteries and the African-American mosque after Friday prayers. You have to be attending the soccer games of the city’s underdog team, or hanging out for weeks with the crew of the only mailboat in the world with its own zip code. You have to drive your car over the pot-hole ridden streets, and recognize that the new, hip and cool Detroit is only contained in less than 10 miles and that this city still has very serious, visible problems with infrastructure and water and perhaps most important of all—schools.

You have to be the kind of person who cares enough to explore the complexity of this place. When I start to have panic attacks about the state of journalism fueled by overthinking, reality and copious amounts of tea, I try to remind myself why I start writing in the first place: journalism has always been my excuse to get the know the world.

That curiosity has helped me out before. Now it’s helping me understand the most misunderstood city in the country, which I’m still slowly getting to know.

***

The eternal conundrum of the Armenians, Jews, Rwandans, Bosnians, Cambodians and Native Americans – people who survive and overcome something as horrific as genocide is a dual reality, teetering between what once was and what is, an inability to exist only in the present, with time divided between the here and now and the past.  This is what happens when your connections to home are severed and when that home transforms and molds overtime to erase you.You are on a never ending mission, one that sometimes borders on an unhealthy obsession, to figure out what home even means. Not being able to think about your identity isn’t part of your reality, but an unreachable luxury reserved for those whose family lines follow a straight line. In the Armenian case, this quest for identity is made even more burdensome by an overarching issue that never actually resolves itself: the continued denial by the Turkish government that such organized annihilation ever took place.

What does this kind of mass displacement do to a people? It destroys bloodlines, cities, homes, success and wealth while insidiously making room inside you for the kind of inter-generational trauma that spreads itself into your consciousness over decades, seeping into your being and taking up residence in ways unseen. It disrupts memory, identity and your ability to cope with and process both.

But when we often talk about about genocide, we fail to discuss another aspect of what comes after – of how a population insists on not just existing in the face of unspeakable tragedy, but persists in spite of it.

When speaking about the fate that had befallen on the Ottoman Empire’s Armenian population, the French novelist Anatole France said in 1916 that “a nation that does not want to die, does not die.”

In many ways, this sums up the quintessential modern Armenian story, a roller coaster of building and rebuilding, over and over again for 100 years, despite genocide, despite being refugees, despite facing prejudice, despite having to start all over again as newcomers in foreign countries around the world, suffering through and escaping subsequent decades of violence, war and displacement.

Nowhere is this story expressed more poetically than America, where each generation of Armenian-Americans have contributed in their own way to a patchwork attempt to put the Armenian nation back together again. Nowhere is this better expressed than Detroit.

This history rooted in resilience has remained largely hidden—both to Armenians and Americans – despite the fact that the United State’s first collective display of humanitarian aid was a relief campaign dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.

***

I’ve learned to start over in a sense, in a new city that’s more complex and perhaps more misunderstood than anywhere else in America, here is a lesson I’ve learned, the biggest thing I’ve taken away with me both from Detroit and from the Armenian-American community sitting in front of me today: people can and will thrive, if you let them

***

STEPANAKERT, Artsakh (A.W.)— On June 12, the Artsakh Defense Ministry dismissed Azerbaijani media reports of Armenian troops setting the territories adjacent to the villages of Akna (Agdam) region aflame.

A screenshot from the video released by the Artsakh Ministry of Defense

Reports had recently surfaced that Artsakh forces set fires in the villages of Bash Karvent, Bayramlar, and Khenkerli.

“This is a propaganda tool—a hoax designed to confuse their own people and the international community,” a part of the Ministry’s statement read.

According to the statement, the fires were a result of stubble burning—a common practice in the region—by the Azerbaijanis themselves. “As a result, the fire often spreads to the neutral zone on the Line of Contact (LoC) between the Artsakh and Azerbaijani Armed Forces,” continued the statement.

A video showing Azerbaijanis setting fire to their own territories was also published by the Ministry, which can be viewed below.

YEREVAN (A.W.)— The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chairs recently met with Armenian and Artsakh leaders, as part of their ongoing efforts to restart Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks.

A scene from the meeting with Armenian President Serge Sarkisian (Photo: Press Office of the President of Armenia)

On June 10, the three Co-Chairs from the U.S., Russia, and France met with Armenian President Serge Sarkisian and Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian in Yerevan in separate meetings. Two days later, they made their way to Stepanakert to meet with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan for similar talks.

Azerbaijani news has reported that the Co-Chairs are expected to arrive in Baku on June 19.

The mediators gave very little detail about the meetings when they met with reporters.

“France, the United States and Russia are making every effort to achieve progress on this issue,” Stephane Visconti, the Minsk Group’s French Co-Chair told reporters according to RFE/RL’s Armenian service.

A scene from the meeting with Minister Nalbandian (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia)

The Co-Chairs will be issuing a statement following their visit to the region.

A scene from the meeting with Artsakh President Sahakyan (Photo: Office of the President of Artsakh)

Neither the mediators nor official Armenian sources specified whether they pressed for the conduct of high-level Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations. In his meeting with Visconti, U.S. Co-Chair Richard Hoaglan, and Russia’s Igor Popov, Nalbandian accused Baku of continuing to ignore their calls for the conflicting parties to comply with confidence building agreements that were reached by Sarkisian and Azerbaijani President Illham Aliyev last year. He urged the mediators to take imperative action in addressing Azerbaijan’s provocative behavior. Artsakh President Sahakyan also accused Baku of violating ceasefire violations along the Line of Contact (LoC).

YEREVAN—On June 3, the American University of Armenia (AUA) held its inaugural undergraduate and 25^th commencement ceremonies, in which over 400 students received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The ceremonies also welcomed graduates’ families and friends, the AUA Board of Trustees, dignitaries from the Armenian government, ambassadors, representatives from local and foreign organizations, and guests from the Armenian Diaspora.

A scene from the ceremony (Photo: AUA)

The morning began with the playing of the traditional graduation musical score, Pomp and Circumstance, and was followed by an invocation delivered by His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, Supervisor of Religious and Higher Education Institutions of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Thereafter, the ceremonies were led by AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, also one of the University’s co-founders.

“The founding of AUA in 1991 was a bold move at a difficult time in Armenia’s history. This is a special day of celebration for faculty, students, parents, and all the organizations and individuals who have worked towards the establishment and development of this institution,” said Dr. Der Kiureghian. He also highlighted the ways in which the University has grown its facilities threefold over the last 25 years, with modern classrooms, auditoria, offices and other facilities. Specifically, Dr. Der Kiureghian cited the modern collaborative study area, AUA’s first tiered classroom, and the Entrepreneurship & Product Innovation Center (EPIC), including its new classrooms and laboratories that were inaugurated last year. Founders, supporters, administrative staff, and faculty were also called on to be recognized for their efforts and many years of service to the University. His remarks were followed by a greeting from the University of California, with which AUA is affiliated, read by the Chair of AUA’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Lawrence H. Pitts.

In a heartfelt moment, Dr. Der Kiureghian addressed the graduates and asked that their family members also stand to be recognized for “their continuous hard work and sacrifices,” which helped students achieve their educational goals. In turn, he congratulated the graduates once again and encouraged them to think of ways to give back to their families, communities, and nation as they go forward.

The keynote address to the 190 undergraduates was delivered by Impact Hub Yerevan Co-founder and CEO Sara Anjargolian, who encouraged graduates to find their passions and pursue them. Finally she added, “Changes in this country will only be made by those who show up and raise their voice.”

Ms. Anjargolian was followed with valedictory addresses in both Armenian and English. The address in Armenian was delivered by Mikayel Arzumanyan, a business student: “Studying at AUA has been a journey, during which we became a family. Here, we learned how to meet expectations, gained the skills we need to deal with any given situation, and we learned how to communicate clearly and express ourselves.” He was followed by Nare Hovhannisyan, an English and Communications student, who delivered the English address. “Spending four years in the classroom, hallways, and library of AUA has changed our identities, given us the chance to meet inspiring people, discover new interests, and created long-lasting friendships,” Nare stated in her remarks.

Later in the day, Professor Dr. Naira Hovakimyan of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign delivered the keynote address to the graduating class of graduate students. The 210 students listened as Professor Hovakimyan urged them to dream, have the vision to realize their dreams, be resilient and pursue their set paths and strategies with courage. “The future is nothing more than what we create,” she added.

The ceremonies were highlighted by the inaugural bestowal of the AUA Presidential Commendation award to Edward Avedisian, an AUA Trustee and major benefactor of the University. As stated on the Commendation, it was “In recognition of extraordinary achievements and distinguished service in the advancement of education in Armenia.” Mr. Avedisian’s myriad philanthropic works were buttressed by his notable professional career as a musician, university professor, and investor. His gift to the University led to the building of the Paramaz Avedisian Building, named for his late brother.

The Presidential Commendation award was succeeded by two Teaching Excellence Prizes, which were awarded to Irshat Madyarov, Program Chair and Associate Professor of the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Program, and Vardan Baghdasaryan, Assistant Professor at the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics. The year was also marked by the establishment of the Staff Excellence in Service and Balian scholarship awards. The recipients of the Staff Excellence in Service award were Gayane Sargsyan, System Administrator from the Information and Communication Technologies Services, Robert Gyulumyan, Senior Accountant from Financial Services, and Hasmik Galstyan, Head of Reference/Circulation Department of the AGBU Papazian Library. The recipient of the 2017 Balian Scholarship award was Tigran Mamikonyan from the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program. This year, four faculty research grant awards were awarded on a competitive basis to Narek Mkrthchyan and Marina Dodogovic from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Gurgen Khachatryan from the Zaven and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering, Knar Khachatryan and Aleksandr Grigoryan from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, and Stefan Schlafer from the Acopian Center for the Environment. The faculty research grant awards were made possible thanks to the Hemayak Setrakian Endowment, as well as donations from Sam Simonian and Sinan Sinanian.

Special acknowledgments were also extended to those individuals and organizations who make it possible for AUA students to pursue their educations irrespective of the financial status. In particular, the Turpanjian Family Educational Foundation and the Akian Family Foundation scholarship programs were highlighted as key supporters in the University’s full-need and need-blind admission policy and commitment to accessible education.

“The depth and detail of what we are learning at AUA is far beyond my high school experience in Russia. Professors here not just demand but teach you, they encourage you to learn and awaken your sense of responsibility. Here, you gain knowledge and skills that will come in handy in your career; you meet friends for life; you find a second home,” English and Communications undergraduate student Mariam Mkrtchyan said.

Pattyl Vartanian, a student from the English and Communications program who came to AUA from Saudi Arabia, added, “Studying at AUA is a privilege. I received my degree with integrity and professionalism. The University provided me with the best quality of education that I’m sure will guide me towards a better life in the future.”

The commencement ceremonies were the appropriate coda to an exceptional year for the University. Topping the long list of accomplishments was the creation of two new degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences and the Master of Science in Strategic Management. Additionally, this academic year saw the establishment of the Center for Creative Writing and an AUA Extension office in Vanadzor.

Generous support for the University from a number of sources, including two capacity-building grants from the Erasmus+ program, the 25th Anniversary Gala celebration in Los Angeles that raised over $1.5 million for student scholarships, a $999,000 grant from American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the construction of a student residence facility, the establishment of a $1 million scholarship by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative for students from certain countries in the Middle East, and the 100 Pillars program and other philanthropic giving.

As AUA bids success to its graduates, it looks forward to the coming academic year with hope and high expectations.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.

VIENNA, Austria—Armenian-American pianist Kariné Poghosyan will teach and perform at the Vienna International Pianists Academy, taken place Aug. 5-13.

Kariné Poghosyan

The academy is set in the cultural heart of beautiful Vienna, with daily master classes, lessons, and performances at the legendary Ehrbar Hall (Ehrbarsaal), where Brahms himself once performed, on a beautiful Bösendorfer concert grand piano.

The director of the Academy is the legendary pianist and Beethoven expert, Professor Stephan Möller, who once performed a seven-concert series all 32 piano sonatas by memory in six days.

The academy is followed by the Rosario Marciano International Piano Competition on Aug. 14-20.

Poghosyan’s musical studies began in her native Yerevan in Armenia at the School of the Arts No. 1, continuing at Romanos Melikian College and the Komitas State Conservatory. Her teachers in Armenia included Irina Gazarian, Vatche Umr-Shat, and Svetlana Dadyan.

After moving to the U.S. in 1998, she received her BM, summa cum laude, from California State University in Northridge under Françoise Regnat, and her MM and D.M.A. degrees at Manhattan School of Music under Arkady Aronov, completing her D.M.A. in a record-breaking two years with a thesis on Aram Khachaturian’s works for piano.

She is currently based in New York, where she teaches at Manhattan School of Music.

Applications for the VIP Academy are due no later than June 30, and the materials and repertoire requirements can be found on the following website: http://www.pianists.at/vipacademy.html#ENGLISCH

ALEPPO, Syria (A.W.)— Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau chairperson Hrant Markarian met with the representatives of various Aleppo-Armenian organizations during his recent visit to the city, reported Aleppo-based Armenian news outlet Kantsasar.

A scene from the meeting (Photo: Kantsasar)

“The Armenian community of Syria succeeded through its attitude, behavior, and by serving as a model Syrian citizen as well as a patriotic Armenian,” Markarian during the June 8 meeting. Markarian provided details about the ARF’s Syrian Armenian Committee for Urgent Relief and Rehabilitation, which was formed in the beginning of the Syrian Civil War and explained that over the past seven years, the organization worked tirelessly to assist the Armenians of Syria.

Markarian stressed that the plight of the Syrian-Armenians should not only be a concern for the Syrian-Armenian community, but also for all Armenians around the world. According to Markarian, it is with that in mind that the ARF decided to include the problem within the top of its agenda.

“We’ve always tried to provide our greatest support to the Syrian-Armenian community and today we will lead the efforts towards recovery,” said Markarian. “The damage in Aleppo is so severe that it requires international attention and effort to rebuild the city.” According to Markarian, the ARF had anticipated that the civil war would not end quick and acted accordingly.

Markarian assured that although the situation in Syria is still unstable, the ARF and the global Armenian community are standing in solidarity with Syrian-Armenians and are ready to provide help when needed.  He also said that he believed that the conflict could come to an end soon if the international community wanted chose to act.

“Just like how we have been working actively for assistance and have been by your side for the last seven years, we will continue to do that,” said Markarian. “Although the priority is given to Syrian-Armenians that are still living in Syria, we will not remain indifferent to the many Syrian-Armenian refugees that are living around the world in difficult circumstances… We will stay by your side until the end,” concluded Markarian.

The representatives of the various organizations represented praised the ARF for its work and Markarian for his visit during a challenging time.

The Bureau chairperson also visited the gravesite of longtime ARF member and leader of the defense of the Armenian neighborhoods of Aleppo Raffi Bchakjian, who was killed last year on June 10.

As Turkey becomes the target of worldwide condemnation for its human rights violations, the Turkish government decides to spend a fortune on lobbying and public relations firms to try to cleanse its tarnished reputation.

Erdogan (Photo: R4BIA.com)

On the heels of the April 16 flawed referendum which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan barely won to give himself a wide-ranging dictatorial powers, and his bodyguards’ brutal attack in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C., on innocent protesters has been universally criticized by the executive and legislative branches of the US government, including a resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives 397-0.

Unfortunately, for Turkey and its autocratic president, the country’s reputation is so tainted that public relations firms, regardless of how powerful and competent they are, cannot whitewash its image. Turkish leaders are simply wasting millions of dollars of their taxpayers’ money attempting to accomplish an impossible task.

The Turkish government has already been paying five million dollars a year to 10 lobbying firms: The Gephardt Group $1,700,000; APCO $741,000; Amsterdam Partners $600,000; Greenberg Traurig $480,000; Capitol Counsel $384,000; Mercury $240,000; Madison Group $240,000; Mcbee Signal $240,000; Jim Arnold $240,000; and MediaFix $108,000! In addition, a business associate of President Erdogan paid President Trump’s disgraced former National Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn $540,000 in Sept. 2016 to lobby on behalf of the Turkish government.

In recent months, trying to get out of its P.R. quagmire, the Turkish government and groups affiliated with it have hired three new firms. This week we will present one of these lobbying firms, leaving the other two to a future column.

Monte Advisory Group was hired in Aug. 2016 for a fee of $400,000. According to the Daily Beast, the firm is run by Douglas Baker, the son of Republican James Baker [Chief of Staff and Secretary of State for President George H.W. Bush; and Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury for President Ronald Reagan). The firm is supposed to improve public perceptions of Turkey! Douglas Baker is the “sole and managing member” of the Monte Advisory Group. The contract is signed by an Istanbul-based mysterious non-governmental organization known as Knowledge Economy Association (KEA). The Daily Beast reported that KEA’s “activities aligned sometimes with the interests of the Turkish government.” More ominously, the Daily Beast reported that “at least one member of the KEA leadership was a representative of the Turkish government.” Furthermore, the founder and former president of KEA, Davut Kavranoglu, is now a scientific advisor to Presi Erdogan, according to the Daily Beast. Kavranoglu had tweeted a photograph of himself with James Baker.

The Daily Beast reported that, according to its filing with the Department of Justice, Monte Advisory Group was “engaged in outreach to the Trump Presidential Campaign and Presidential Transition Team” on behalf of KEA “to improve the overall relationship and public perceptions between Turkey and the United States.” Monte also made contacts with “outgoing Obama administration officials, holding meetings with staff from the Department of Defense and emailing Colin Kahl, the National Security Advisor to then Vice-President Biden.”

Israfil Kahraman, an Istanbul lawyer, was listed in the Department of Justice filing as the legal representative of KEA, according to the Daily Beast. Israfil stated that the purpose of the contract was “to develop friendship and cooperation between Turkey and the United States in the fields of scientific and economic development.” Kahraman is quoted by the Daily Beast as stating that the KEA was founded “by a group of distinguished scientists with the aim of conducting civil society activities in order to raise awareness in Turkey about developing an economy with high added value.” This makes no sense. Why would a group whose aim is to raise awareness about the economy in Turkey hire a lobbying firm in Washington? This sounds more like a front for the Turkish government than an independent group of scientists. It would be interesting to find out who is funding the KEA.

Interestingly, when contacted by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), Douglas Baker stated that there had been some concerns the US-Turkey relationship “has soured a little” in the latter years of the Obama administration. “There could be opportunities to either strengthen that relationship or see it undergo further harm. And that’s the reason that [KEA] retained Monte — to help during that transitional phase.”

Douglas Baker added that his company’s work for KEA “was never designed to be broad brush public relations campaign. It was a bit more of an opportunity to present their point of view… they felt we were positioned to help them with the necessary introductions.”

Not surprisingly, after President Trump’s inauguration, and after “the necessary introductions” were made between the KEA and Trump administration officials, KEA did not renew the contract with Monte when its initial six-month term expired in February 2017. “Only $105,000 of the contracted $400,000 was paid by this point,” according to the BIJ.

ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan and Program Alumni Share Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway and Karabian Fellowship Success Stories

WASHINGTON—Armenian-American university students from throughout the Southland took a break from final exam and graduation preparation to learn more about the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) signature career development efforts—the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) in Washington D.C. and the Walter and Laurel Karabian Fellowship in Sacramento, Calif.— with ANCA CGP Program Director Tereza Yerimyan and ANCA Western Region (ANCA-WR) advocates offering presentations at seven campuses in as many days.

The ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan is joined by the ANCA Western Region’s Alina Sarkisian, Levon Tossonian, and Ani Isayan at a presentation hosted by the UC San Diego ASA.

“It is encouraging to meet so many bright and energetic students who are preparing to take the next steps in their educations and careers, looking to the ANCA to help empower their success,” remarked Yerimyan. “We’re getting record numbers of applications for our internship and career development programs—and look to assist as many qualified candidates as possible—in D.C., Sacramento, and the Southland.”

The deadline for the Fall Capital Gateway session is June 15. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit: anca.org/gateway.

Yerimyan traveled to California for presentations hosted by Armenian Students Associations at University of California Irvine (UCI), University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California San Diego (UCSD), and Azusa Pacific University (APU). She also tabled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Cal State Northridge (CSUN), where interested students stopped by the ANCA booth for a cup of coffee and career advice. Yerimyan conferred with leaders of the All-ASA about expanded outreach efforts, shared program highlights during a presentation at Armenian Youth Federation Seminar at Camp Big Pines in Wrightwood, CA, and met with interested students on a one-to-one basis.

One such student, Pepperdine University sophomore Garen Kosoyan, was seeking a placement as part of the University’s D.C. internship program. “During my meeting with Tereza in California, I was immediately drawn by the mission that drives the ANCA. I applied to the program and I am now pleased to be an intern with the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights (ALC).”

During the course of the tour, Yerimyan was joined by colleagues from the ANCA-WR, who also spoke about local internship opportunities in Los Angeles and the successes of the prestigious Walter and Laurel Karabian Fellowship.  “The Walter Karabian Fellowship is a nine-month long journey for those interested in statewide public policy matters,” noted ANCA-WR Board Member, Joseph Kaskanian. “The Fellowship program offers an invaluable experience and exposure to the day-to-day workings of Sacramento, and an opportunity to strengthen your analytical skills.”

ANCA Capital Gateway Program Director Tereza Yerimyan sharing the broad range of internship and career development opportunities – in DC, LA and Sacramento – with UC Santa Barbara ASA students.

In an educational given to the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) leadership at Camp Big Pines, former ANCA-WR intern and current ANCA-WR Events Coordinator, Lori Sinanian spoke of her experience as an intern and the relevance to youth today. “The ANCA is a true grassroots political lobbying organization, in the best sense of this term. Like grass, we grow from the ground up—with deep roots in our community, nurtured by our surroundings, and enriching our environment.  Don’t let the term politics deter you from applying. This is politics in its most admirable sense—working together for justice and for each other.”

Photos from the campus and community visits are available on the ANCA Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ancagrassroots/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154845282486859

Launched in 2003 with a founding grant by the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the ANCA CGP has helped over 150 Armenian American professionals from across the U.S. explore career prospects in Washington. Gateway Program fellows are offered three months of free housing at the ANCA’s Aramian House, located in the heart of Washington, D.C. in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, just blocks from the ANCA offices. The Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC), comprised of a rotating group of program alumni, coordinates a series of career placement workshops on a range of issues including resume and cover letter preparation, effective interview strategies and networking. The CGPAC also connects fellows with mentors most closely aligned with their career goals for one-on-one advice and encouragement.

The ANCA CGP is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident in 2005 and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans. His family generously established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund  and, over the past decade, have played a vital role in the expansion of the program. Substantial support has also been provided by longtime ANCA benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Barbara Hekimian and the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Mass. (AAVO).

The Walter and Laurel Karabian Fellowship is a nine-month experience in California that offers young Armenian-Americans the opportunity to enhance their leadership and professional skills. The purpose of this fellowship will be to produce professionals in the public policy and political arena.

The ANCA-WR Internship Program is a selective part-time leadership program, which introduces high school graduates, college students, and recent college graduates to all aspects of the public affairs arena. The program provides an opportunity for student leaders and activists to gain an in-depth understanding of the American political system, Armenian-American issues and advocacy efforts on the local, state and federal levels.

The 2015 purchase of The Aramian House was made possible through a generous donation by the family of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island. The Aramian family—led by sisters Sue, Margo, and the late Martha—have long been among the most generous benefactors of ANCA programs as well as of charitable projects in the Armenian homeland and the Diaspora.

YEREVAN—On June 13, Armenian President Serge Sarkisian received the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, James Appathurai.

(L to R) James Appathurai and Serge Sarkisian, during their June 13 meeting (Photo: Press Office of the President of Armenia)

Welcoming the guest, the Sarkisian noted that such visits are a good opportunity to discuss the agenda of NATO-Armenia cooperation, as well as exchange ideas on the regional and international developments.

During their meeting, Sarkisian recalled his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, which took place at the NATO headquarters on Feb. 27. Appathurai, for his part, thanked the Armenian President for the reception and expressed gratitude to Armenia on behalf of the organization for its participation in efforts aimed at the establishment of peace and contribution to the international peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

Appathurai also stressed that in the recent years Armenia-NATO relations have developed in the climate of confidence and mutual understanding and that he will leave Armenia with a conviction to continue that efficient cooperation.

Upon Appathurai’s request, Sarkisian briefed him on the process of shifting to a new system of governance and the significance of the constitutional amendments as well as on the developments regarding the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict resolution.

A day earlier, on June 12, Appathurai said the issue of increasing the number of troops participating in NATO-led missions will be on the agenda of the Armenian Defense Minister’s upcoming visit to Brussels.

“All NATO allies are concerned by the increasing level of armaments in the region also because it’s increasing the level of hostilities and political tension. Two of the members of the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Minsk Group—France and the U.S.—are NATO allies. We can all see from the activities and statements of the Minsk Group like all NATO allies they are committed to a peaceful resolution. Overall, NATO’s position is to seek a reduction in tension, a reduction in hostilities and a peaceful resolution,” Appathurai said.

“We do follow very closely the security situation in the region, receive regular updates, and there is a higher level of concern among the allies with regard to the situation. As you know over the past year we have seen more military activity, higher level of military rhetoric, casualties and military exchanges,” he added.

During the press conference, Appathurai said that while NATO is not directly engaged in the Karabagh issue, its position is to support the OSCE Minsk Group. “We would support any steps by the two countries or the Minsk Group that would help decrease tensions,” he said, adding that he welcomed the “balanced foreign policy” that Armenia has.

“It causes us no complication that Armenia is in the CSTO or the Eurasian Economic Union. From NATO point of view Armenia is and has been a reliable partner,” Appathuirai said.

“We’ll continue the static cooperation and the practical improvements where it makes sense for both parties,” he added.

OTTAWA, Canada—Hisyar Ozsoy, vice co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party of Turkey (HDP) and the party’s foreign affairs critic, discussed the current political situation in Turkey and the ongoing persecution of minorities at a series of community events in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa on June 10-12. The events were jointly organized by the Canadian Kurdish Federation (CKF) and the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC).

Ozsoy speaking to community members at the Armenian Community Center of Toronto (Photo: ANCC)

At each event, Ozsoy spoke of the aftermath of the constitutional referendum and the ongoing uncertainty and concern regarding the rights and freedoms of the minorities living in Turkey today. He specifically stressed the importance of raising international awareness and ensuring that western powers categorically condemn Turkish President Recep Tayipp Erdogan’s misconducts and actively engage in empowering civil society in Turkey.

On June 12, Ozsoy met with Canadian Members of Parliament and various officials representing the Government of Canada at special meetings organized by Mr. Tom Kmiec, Member of Parliament (MP) for Calgary Shepard and chair of the Kurdish-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group. During the meetings, Ozsoy, accompanied by Mr. Abraham Niziblian, executive member of the ANCC, and Mr. Gurkan Ormangoren, co-chair of CKF, discussed Canada’s responsibility to protect human rights of minorities in Turkey.

Toronto City Councillor Jim Karygiannis presents Ozsoy with a special citation (Photo: ANCC)

“Times are difficult and challenging but we will survive despite all the hardships imposed by the Erdogan regime… 5000 members of my party are in prison today, and I will get arrested when I get back to Turkey as well. However, I refuse to hide in another country. I need to be there with my people. I still have work to do,” Ozsoy said in his Montreal speech.

“We highly appreciate and commend the unwavering commitment displayed by Mr. Ozsoy and his party in promoting tolerance and human rights for ethnic minorities in Turkey” said Raffi Donabedian, chair of the ANCC. “Our expectation is for our government and for the entire international community to become more engaged and actively pursue efforts to promote human rights and justice in Turkey, especially at a time when the current regime is descending into absolute autocracy,” added Donabedian.

A scene from the Montreal event (Photo: ANCC)

Commenting on the events, Ormangoran noted that the mistreatment of the Kurdish minority and all other minorities in Turkey today has reached alarming levels. “Ozsoy’s appeal in Canada and elsewhere is more relevant than ever,” Ormangoran said.

Ozsoy is a ranking member of the HDP and a long-time activist for human rights issues in Turkey and around the world. Ozsoy was first elected as an MP from his hometown Bingol on June 7, 2015. He was re-elected on November 1, 2015.

Ozsoy speaking to community members at the Armenian Community Center of Toronto (Photo: ANCC)

Ozsoy is currently serves as the vice co-chair of the HDP, in charge of foreign affairs and a member of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. He is also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) and a substitute member of  the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

BURBANK, Calif.—Members and supporters of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Harout and Vicky Marashlian on June 4 for a fundraising luncheon which raised over $33,000 to benefit the ARS Stepanakert Soseh Kindergarten and the purchase of a number of necessities for the kindergarten, including children’s bedding and furnishings.

Children of the Soseh Kindergarten at the ‘We Are Our Mountains’ monument (Photo: ARS)

Among the 80 guests were ARS Central Executive Board Vice-Chairperson Nyree Derderian; ARS Central Executive liaison to the Western Region Maral Matossian; Regional Executive Board Members Carmen Libaridian and Maro Papazian; Jackie Hawley, Jane Karageorge, and Catherine Yesayan of Sorptimist International of Glendale; Lynda Burns of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women; previous ARS Regional Executive Board chairpersons, chapter representatives, and donors.

The official re-opening ceremony of the ARS Stepanakert Soseh Kindergarten will be held in Artsakh on Sept. 6. ARS regions from around the world have joined the rebuilding project initiative to help ensure that the kindergarten will continue to provide early childhood education in a nurturing environment.

While the project turned into reality thanks to the government of the Artsakh Republic, which allocated the land for the kindergarten to the ARS and contributed to construction costs, the ARS has undertaken the greatest of responsibilities in the rebuilding project.

In an effort to ensure the smooth progression of the project, the ARS Central Executive Board formed a committee, which focused on fundraising for the project through events and programs throughout the Western and Eastern United States and Canada. ARS members Jasik Jarahian, Seda Khojayan, and Vicky Marashlian represent the Western Region on the ARS Stepanakert Soseh Kindergarten Rebuilding Project Committee. As a result of their dedication, the ARS of Western USA has brought its maximum participation to the rebuilding project.

During the event, each of the three committee members delivered remarks to guests, explaining the progress and goals of the rebuilding project. While this event may be one of the last ones in the region to benefit the project, the ARS of Western USA extends its utmost gratitude to all the supporters, who have helped further this cause.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Providence “Arax” chapter held its annual Mother’s Day celebration on May 13, attended by more than a hundred guests at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.  This year’s honoree was longtime ungerouhi, Marlene Vichabian. In attendance were representatives of sister organizations—the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Homenetmen, and Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society. Also present, was ungerouhi Johanna Chilingirian, representative and member of the ARS Regional Board of Executives.

Honoree Marlene Vichabian receiving her commemorative pin

Ungerouhi Maroushag Krikorian, vice-chair of the “Arax” chapter, welcomed guests and invited Der Gomidas Baghsarian to start the evening by blessing the tables. Ungerouhi Maro Nadjarian, chapter secretary followed with opening remarks, after which the guests enjoyed a delicious dinner.

After dinner, Nadjarian delivered the ARS message, stressing the challenges that Armenian mothers have faced, as well as their crucial role of the in the survival of the Armenian nation throughout a difficult history. The ungerouhi continued and praised the many accomplishments of the beloved ungerouhi Vichabian and her invaluable contribution to the ARS for more than half a century.

The ARS Providence ‘Arax’ chapter held its annual Mother’s Day celebration on May 13, attended by more than a hundred guests at the Crowne Plaza, in Warwick.

Nadjarian presented Vichabian’s brief biography. Marlene Vichabian was born in Beirut to Garbis and Hasmig Mardinian. She received her elementary education at Sourp Nshan School and continued her academic years at the Nshan Palandjian College. In 1962, she married the late and beloved unger Kevork Vichabian. They were blessed with three children, their eldest daughter Sossie (Pomakian), then Dzovig (Chobanian), and finally their youngest child, Yervant. She is the grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren.

In 1982, due to the unrest and ongoing civil war in Lebanon, Vichabian and her family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Seekonk, Mass. She has been a devout church member and a very active participant in our many community organizations, such as Hamazkayin, ladies guild, and ARS “Arax” chapter. She has been elected as a National Representative Assembly delegate for many years and a has served on the Board of Trustees of the Providence Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church.

Vichabian joined the ARS ranks in 1963 and throughout half a century, has held many positions in the organization. She has been the chairperson of the “Arax” chapter for years, has served on the ARS Regional board from 2000 to 2004, has represented our chapter in numerous conventions and has been one of the pillars of our community, leading our youth in an exemplary manner.  “We are extremely grateful to have ungerouhi Marlene as a wonderful role model to our youth and many generations to come,” said Nadjarian.

A scene from the celebration

Nadjarian then thanked Vichabian for her years of service to the Armenian community, here and abroad, and particularly for her work within the ARS family.

Following Nadjarian message, Vichabian’s son, Yervant thanked the ARS on behalf of the Vichabian family and entertained the audience by mentioning the uniqueness of all Armenian mothers and especially his beloved mother.

The ARS Providence “Arax” chapter held its annual Mother’s Day celebration on May 13, attended by more than a hundred guests at the Crowne Plaza, in Warwick.

Ungerouhi Taline Mkrtschjan, chairperson of the “Arax” chapter, presented Vichabian with a special ARS fifty-year commemorative gold pin and a certificate of appreciation issued by the ARS Central Executive Board. Ungerouhi Karen Pilla, chairperson of the ARS Providence “Ani” chapter, presented the ungerouhi with a wonderful bouquet of flowers on behalf of the chapter. Der Gomidas and Der Kapriel Nazarian then honored guests with their words of wisdom and congratulated Vichabian and thanked her for her many years of service.

The ARS Providence “Arax” chapter held its annual Mother’s Day celebration on May 13, attended by more than a hundred guests at the Crowne Plaza, in Warwick.

The evening continued with joyful dancing on the wonderful music of DJ Rams by Aram Kayserian.

The ARS “Arax” chapter would like to thank everyone that supported the event, especially all the ungerouhis that worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success.

Vartsket katar ungerouhi Marlene. May we all strive to follow your exemplary lead.

Additional $3 Million Included for Armenian-American Museum

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Senator Anthony Portantino announced that the Armenian Genocide Education curriculum implementation and the Armenian-American Museum funding have been included in the final version of the State budget.

The California State Capitol building (Photo: Henri Sivonen)

The California Legislature will be voting to pass the 2017-2018 budget on June 15.

The $3 million-dollar funding commitment for the Glendale-based museum brings the state investment to this important human rights project to $4 million dollars. Earlier in the year, Portantino helped restore the initial $1 million from last year’s budget. Portantino asked the State Senate to prioritize increasing the State’s commitment to the museum to an additional $3 million over the next three years.

Portantino, with the support of Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León and Budget Subcommittee Chair Richard Roth, arranged a presentation from Armenian Museum Executive Board Member Zaven Kazazian before the budget subcommittee. Portantino joined Kazazian in making the presentation before the subcommittee.

“I am extremely happy that as a member of the budget committee, I was able to bring these two important proposals to light this year. It was such a pleasure to invite Kazazian from the Armenian Museum Board to Sacramento to present this significant human rights project to the attention of the Senate and then into the State Budget,” commented Portantino.

The subcommittee and the Senate subsequently included the funding in the Senate version of the budget. Since the request was not included in the Assembly budget, it had to be sent to the budget Conference Committee for resolution. The Conference Committee adopted the Senate proposal, paving the way for the museum funding to be included in the fiscal 2017 – 2018 budget.

“I am very pleased that the State Senate included the request for funding of our important museum proposal. It was an honor to present at the Senate subcommittee and I’m very excited that the full budget includes the Senate request,” concluded Kazazian, Armenian American Museum Executive Board Member.

As Chair of Budget Subcommittee on Education, Portantino also put in the request for the funding of the genocide curriculum update implementation. Again, this proposal was included in the Senate priority list. After long negotiations, $10 million dollars was included in the 2017-2018 budget to fund the History-Social Science curriculum framework, which includes teacher training for the Armenian Genocide and other important historical updates.

Over the past several years, the legislature has passed bills to update California curriculum on various issues included the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian authored the legislation to include teaching Armenian Genocide history. Portantino’s budget request funds the development and implementation of this important curriculum update.

Portantino represents nearly 930,000 people in the 25th Senate District, which includes Altadena, Atwater Village, Bradbury, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, La Verne, Lake View Terrace, Los Feliz, Monrovia, Montrose, Pasadena, San Dimas, San Marino, Shadow Hills, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Sunland-Tujunga, and Upland.

After its initial phase (2011-2016), Armenia is moving away from its humanitarian measures and into a development phase with a 2018-2020 National Response Plan.  Very soon, Armenia’s National Integration Strategy and the Country Response Plan will be published. This is a document aimed at resolving the issues of Syrian refugees in Armenia. For it to turn into real action, it will soon require Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan’s full support.

Multi-generational Syrian refugee family in Gyumri, Armenia (Photo: James Aram Elliot, on assignment for the Armenia Redwood Project, 2017)

Just over a year since the last Syrian Refugee Summit held in Yerevan in Feb. 2016, the “Secretariat for Refugee Integration” in Armenia housed within the Ministry of the Diaspora (and funded in part by the Gulbenkian Foundation) released its draft plan to move the focus into Armenia’s Country Response plan.  Something we and many of our partners have long advocated for.  This is was a commendable effort by the staff headed by Narine Karinyan and under the leadership of Minister of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobyan. We also found the inclusive process to be praiseworthy as well.  The staff reached out for input to NGOs and donors and solicited input and listened.  This framework is also a golden opportunity for Armenian NGOs to learn how to collaborate. All in all, despite it taking a bit long for our taste, it was a comprehensive effort.

The Integration Plan addresses key priority intervention areas including housing, healthcare, education, and economic integration and lists policy and action interventions in each context.  The Plan offers suggestions for various provisions and seems to offer the policy choices.

From a “National Response” and capacity point of view, we view this Integration Plan the first institutional framework that attempts at coordinating fragmented efforts of the past few years.  And while we were frustrated at how long it took to develop, we remain excited as it marks an important milestone in the young republic’s learning curve in an area that has challenged many advanced economies. Please note that Armenia is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of the ratio of welcomed migrants to its number of native inhabitants.

Armenia’s next challenge beyond welcoming refugees will be to actually integrate them. Historically, Armenia’s track record on integration is at best mixed. This ranges from the 1946-48 migration (nergaght) all the way to the recent refugee influx from Azerbaijan in the early 1990s.  The plethora of academic and policy prescriptions on integration demonstrates that there are few absolute answers. In our experience, we feel that beyond publishing guiding documents, “political will” that drives practical outcomes in the lives of refugees can be useful.  This is why Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan’s leadership in this matter is very important. An effective Integration Plan is truly a multi agency initiative and will go far beyond the jurisdictions of the Ministry of the Diaspora.  It will also require public finances and other commitments that only a Prime Minister can make.

The upcoming integration phase will not only deal with the challenges of finding basic, decent housing for refugees, but will tackle the bigger issues of how to help refugees rebuild new lives, find their place in Armenia and participate productively in Armenian society.

In our conversations with dozens of Syrian refugees in Armenia, we have noted that they want what most of us want in life: to feel safe, to be treated fairly under the law, to work, to be surrounded by their loved ones and to see a better future for their children.

After seeing the anti-refugee mood in the West, many of the refugees seeking refuge in Armenia seem ready to settle with proper assistance. In the case of Armenia however, much of what the refugees require is also needed by 30% of Armenia’s population that lives under poverty.  We understand the challenge faced by the Prime Minister in terms of allocating resources.  However, If the Prime Minister can work collectively with the diaspora and international donors to provide key building blocks for a better life to refugees (and some of the local population), we feel he will turn a humanitarian crisis into an opportunity for Armenia.

Syrian refugees are a diverse source of human capital to Armenia.  Their presence is already being felt in Yerevan and beyond.

We hope Prime Minister Karapetyan’s response will be similar to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s: “Wir schaffen das” (“We will do it”). We have every confidence that he will do so, even in these difficult times.

***

This article first appeared on the Armenian Redwood Project’s website.

About the Armenian Redwood Project (ARP): Founded in 2014 and pioneered by the Ani and Narod Memorial Foundation, ARP Is a de facto action oriented think tank and a non-profit social enterprise alliance among diasporan Armenian philanthropists, NGOs, and international aid organizations aimed at complementing the efforts of the Government of Armenia in improving the lives of Syrian refugees that have taken refuge in Armenia. The effort included contributions from donors like the Gulbenkian Foundation, the Jinishian Foundation, The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Denmark’s Mission East Armenia branch, the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF), along with the project’s in-country partner Oxfam Armenia. Individual donors included Philanthropists Gerald Turpanjian, Carolyn Mugar, Zaven Akian, and Adam Kablanian.

ANCA’s Hamparian: ‘Two Arrests Are a Good Start, but this is About Far More Than Crime Enforcement. It’s About Our U.S. Government Standing Up Against Foreign Attempts to Silence Dissent by American Citizens’

WASHINGTON (A.W.)— United States Marshals have arrested two Turkish men living in the U.S., for their role in beating peaceful protesters outside of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C. on May 16, according to a report by The Daily Caller.

Eyup Yıldırım (Photo: Voice of America Turkish Serveice video screenshot)

The source who provided the Daily Caller this information did not provide the names of the men arrested for their role in the attack. However, the Washington-based Turkish news outlet Washington Hatti reported that one man involved in the attack was detained in New Jersey.

According to the report, Eyup Yıldırım was arrested on the morning of on June 14.

The U.S. Marshal Service referred The Daily Caller to the Washington, D.C. Metro police department, which is currently investigating the case along with the State Department and Secret Service. The department did not respond to a request for comment about the arrests, according to The Daily Caller.

Yıldırım was identified as the man in the videos kicking a female protester Lucy Usoyan, while she was on the ground. Usoyan, a Kurdish activist, was kicked and stomped by Yıldırım and other Erdogan supporters. She was rushed to the hospital following the incident, where she was diagnosed with a head trauma.

“We remain deeply troubled—nearly a month after this unprovoked assault by a foreign government on peaceful U.S. protesters—over the lack of criminal charges against Erdogan’s security detail and the failure of the Trump Administration to demand that Ankara waive its claims to immunity for all those involved in this assault on our American freedoms,” said Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian in a brief statement.

“These two arrests are a good start, but this is about far more than crime enforcement. It’s about our U.S. government standing up against foreign attempts to silence dissent by American citizens. In light of the major media attention devoted to this outrage and given the intense Congressional concern about its consequences – it is unacceptable that the White House and State Department have demonstrated such weakness, adopting, basically, a business-as-usual approach in the face of a brazen, angry, and arrogant foreign attack on peaceful protesters on American soil,’ Hamparian added.

Yıldırım, who is reported to be the owner of a construction company, was part of a group of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who showed up at the Turkish Embassy and attacked the peaceful demonstrators across the street. The attackers, including men from Erdogan’s security detail who were armed, were seen punching, kicking, and stomping on the protesters.

At least 11 people were injured while Erdogan watched the attack take place from his chauffeured vehicle, which was parked outside the embassy. Video recordings show that he may have ordered his bodyguards to initiate the assault.

The incident generated outrage from lawmakers both from the Republican and Democratic parties, while the Turkish government blamed the U.S. government and the Washington, D.C. police. Last week, the House unanimously passed a bill condemning the Turkish government over the incident.

Despite the arrest of Yıldırım and second individual, it will be difficult to arrest and punish some of the men from Erdogan’s security detail, who are likely protected by diplomatic immunity.

Certain lawmakers have already called for the removal of the Turkish Ambassador and have called on the State Department to halt a planned sale of $1.6 million worth of firearms to Turkey.

ANCA Calls Out Weak Administration Response to Foreign Attack on American Freedoms

WASHINGTON—Metropolitan Washington D.C. police made two arrests in the case of the May 16 beatings of peaceful protesters, but stopped short of leveling charges against the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security detail that led the brutal attack, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Turkish American businessman Eyup Yildirim was among two arrested by Metropolitan Washington D.C. Police in conjunction with the May 16 Erdogan-ordered beating of peaceful protesters. The New York Times had identified Yildirim among the attackers in a June 4th expose.

According to The Daily Caller’s Chuck Ross, Turkish Americans Eyup Yildirim, an owner of a construction company in New Jersey, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury and aggravated assault while Sinan Narin, a Virginia resident faces an aggravated assault charge.

“We remain deeply troubled—nearly a month after this unprovoked assault by a foreign government on peaceful U.S. protesters—over the lack of criminal charges against Erdogan’s security detail and the failure of the Trump Administration to demand that Ankara waive its claims to immunity for all those involved in this assault on our American freedoms,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

“These two arrests are a good start, but this is about far more than crime enforcement. It’s about our U.S. government standing up against foreign attempts to silence dissent by American citizens. In light of the major media attention devoted to this outrage and given the intense Congressional concern about its consequences – it is unacceptable that the White House and State Department have demonstrated such weakness, adopting, basically, a business-as-usual approach in the face of a brazen, angry, and arrogant foreign attack on peaceful protesters on American soil,” concluded Hamparian.

Hamparian was videotaping live at the scene of the May 16 attack, which took place in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence where President Erdogan was scheduled to have a closed-door meeting with representatives of The Atlantic Council, a leading think tank in Washington, D.C., which receives funding from Turkey. Hamparian’s video showed pro-Erdogan forces crossing a police line and beating peaceful protesters—elderly men and several women—who were on the ground bleeding during most of the attack.

Hamparian testified before a May 25th Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on this matter. Joining him at the hearing were Ms. Lusik Usoyan, Founder and President of the Ezidi Relief Fund; Mr. Murat Yusa, a local businessman and protest organizer; and Ms. Ruth Wedgwood, Edward B. Burling Professor of International Law and Diplomacy, at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Usoyan and Yusa were victims of the brutal assault on May 16th by President Erdogan’s bodyguards.

Virginia resident Sinan Narin was among two arrested by Metropolitan Washington D.C. Police in conjunction with the May 16th Erdogan-ordered beating of peaceful protesters. The New York Times had identified Narin among the attackers in a June 4th expose.

On June 6, with a vote of 397 to 0, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously condemned Turkey in response to the attacks, taking a powerful stand against Ankara’s attempts to export its violence and intolerance to America’s shores.  H.Res.354, spearheaded by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), has received the public backing of House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).  A companion measure has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

The House vote follows broad-based Congressional outrage expressed by over 100 Senate and House members through public statements, social media, and a series of Congressional letters.

Senate and House members have also raised concerns about the recently announced $1.2 million sale of semi-automatic guns slated for use by Turkish President Erdognan’s security detail, many of whom participated in the May 16 attacks.  Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Democrat Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and House Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ed Royce have already objected to the sale.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Dave Trott (R-Mich.) and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) are urging colleagues to co-sign a letter to Secretary Tillerson to block the gun sale to Turkey.  To contact legislators to cosign the letter, visit: anca.org/NoGunsForTurkey

ANCA live footage of the attack served as source video for CNN, AP, The Washington Post, The Daily Caller and other major media, transforming the violent incident into a global spotlight on Erdogan’s attempt to export his intolerance and aggression to American shores.

The Sunday, June 4 edition of The New York Times featured a two-page center-spread investigative report on the May 16th attack, with online version of the coverage translated to Turkish and shared widely on social media. The report identified Yildirim and Narin as having participated in the attacks.

The New York Times coverage is available here:

The ANCA is cited by The New York Times as a source for this report.

The May 16 protest in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence was a continuation of a demonstration held earlier in the day in front of the White House, co-hosted by the ANCA. As President Trump met with President Erdogan. Human rights and religious rights groups were joined by representatives of the Kurdish, Yezidi, and Armenian communities to call attention to the Erdogan regime’s escalating repression against free press, the Kurdish and other ethnic communities, as well as Turkey’s ongoing obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide.