California Courier Online, September 30, 2004

1 – Commentary
US Suffers From Credibility Gap
In Accusing Sudan of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
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2 – Academic Year Begins at Merdinian
3 – DSA Ships 3 Ambulances
In Containers to Armenia
4 – AIWA’S Fourth International
Conference to be Held in Geneva
5 – Manjikian, Krekorian, Boyajian Named to
Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
6 – Armenian Agribusiness Conference
Scheduled in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30
7 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
8 – Author Peter Balakian to Begin
National Book Tour in October
9 – UAF’s 130th Airlift Delivers
$3.7 Million of Aid to Armenia
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1 – Commentary
US Suffers From Credibility Gap
In Accusing Sudan of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Over the years, various American officials have made so many self-serving
and politically expedient statements that they have lost all respect and
credibility both at home and abroad.
In early September, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell told the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee that the United States viewed the killings in
the Darfur region of Sudan as genocide, and called on the United Nations to
take urgent action. The White House then released a statement by Pres. Bush
making public his determination that the violence in Sudan amounted to
genocide. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution declaring the
massacres taking place in Sudan to be genocide.
It is interesting to note that Pres. Bush, Secretary Powell, and the
congressional leaders, who have fought tooth and nail to block the most
innocuous resolutions on the Armenian Genocide, are so eager to qualify the
killings in Sudan as genocide. The U.S. tried to push through the UN
Security Council a strongly-worded resolution on the killings in Sudan. The
measure was finally adopted, but not before it was watered down after
objections from China, Russia, Pakistan and Algeria. The UN did not accuse
Sudan of genocide. Instead, the Security Council decided to appoint an
international commission to determine “whether or not acts of genocide have
occurred.”
Here is the ironic situation the United States government finds itself in.
In the case of Sudan, because it suits its political interests, Washington
first qualifies the killings as genocide, and then votes for a resolution
that asks the UN to study if genocide had occurred. On the other hand, due
to opportunistic political agendas, U.S. officials are reluctant to
recognize the Armenian Genocide even though 20 years ago a UN human rights
panel, following a lengthy investigation, classified the mass killings of
Armenians by the Ottoman government as genocide.
Such immoral political behavior, however, does not go unnoticed by the
international public opinion. Officials in various countries have pointed
out the political considerations involved in the Bush administration’s
pre-occupation with the killings in Sudan on the eve of the U.S.
presidential elections. It is no secret that the United States has opposed
the authorities in Khartoum for many years. Pres. Clinton even ordered a
missile attack on a Sudanese factory, claiming that it produced a dangerous
chemical that turned out to be a harmless pharmaceutical substance.
The sad part in all of this is that a truly great human tragedy is
unfolding in Sudan right now that may indeed qualify as genocide. However,
successive US governments, by their cynical behavior, ignoring the worst
crimes of their friends and condemning the slightest violations of their
foes, have undermined their own credibility in the eyes of the world, to
the point that even when their assessments are accurate, no one believes
them anymore.
To regain its credibility as well as the respect of the world, the US
government has to make a principled stand towards its friends and foes
alike.

TARC Moderator is about to Lay a Big Egg

I disclosed several months ago in this column that the moderator of the
infamous Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission, David L. Phillips, was
busy writing a book on his misadventures with a few duped Armenians and
several wily Turks.
At the time of making that announcement, I had commented that since
Phillips had committed scores of factual errors in his brief anti-Armenian
opinion column published in the Wall Street Journal, how many more mistakes
would he make in a much longer writing? We are about to find out. I, for
one, can’t wait to take apart this soon to be published book: “Unsilencing
the Past: Track-Two diplomacy and Turkish Armenian Reconciliation.”
The publisher, Berghahn Books, in seeking pre-publication orders for this
$40 volume, states that Phillips, a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of
the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations,
undertook to bring Armenians and Turks together and “to work with them
towards a peaceful resolution of the enmity that had made any contact
between them taboo. His lively account of the difficult negotiations makes
fascinating reading; it shows that the newly developed ‘track-two
diplomacy’ is an effective tool for reconciling even intractable foes
through fostering dialog, contact and cooperation.”
It would be fascinating to see how Phillips manages to present his
miserable failure at TARC as a brilliant success!
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2 – Academic Year Begins at Merdinian
SHERMAN OAKS, CA – Smiling faces, full of anticipation, greeted the new
academic year on the Merdinian campus on Sept. 7. The flag ceremony took
place on the playground, followed by a special Chapel Service in the hall.
The new Principal, Hovsep Injejikian, welcomed Rev. Joe Matossian, Minister
to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Dr. Hrair Atikian,
Board Chairperson, Harout DerTavitian, Board member, faculty/staff,
parents, and students. Victoria Abrahamian-Elyasi, Music teacher, led the
students in singing the Armenian national anthem followed by Armenian and
English songs. The students then recited Psalm 23 led by Hermine Abajian,
Religion teacher.
Following this, the Principal invited Rev. Matossian to deliver his opening
remarks to the students and parents. Rev. Matossian emphasized the teaching
of Christian values at Merdinian within the framework of the Armenian
heritage and stressed the importance of God’s words in daily spiritual and
physical lives. He extended his best wishes to the new Principal for a
successful academic year and concluded with a poem about the Armenian
family, church, and school working together to maintain beliefs, values,
and traditions.
The Principal then invited Dr. Atikian to address those in attendance. Dr.
Atikian welcomed the new Principal and students to the school and
encouraged the teachers to pursue their mission in educating the children
entrusted to their care by parents. He also thanked the PTO and Women’s
Auxiliary for their invaluable contributions to the school.
Injejikian thanked Dr. Atikian for his encouraging words and he also
stressed the importance of cooperation and the involvement of all concerned
groups to achieve the goals set forth for the upcoming year. The uniqueness
of Merdinian School lies in the fact that the school provides good academic
education, as well as a solid religious education. Injejikian said that
recently, even in Armenia, Christian education has become part of the state
curriculum. The Principal then presented the faculty and staff members and
wished them well in their mission.
Founded in 1982, Merdinian School is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges. The school nurtures children from preschool
through middle school by offering a strong academic program, emphasizing
Christian and ethical values for the development of sound characters, and
teaching Armenian and American traditions. For information, contact the
school office at 818-907-8149.
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3 – DSA Ships 3 Ambulances
In Containers to Armenia
LOS ANGELES – The Board of Directors of DSA (Developmental Services for
Armenia) met recently to review the status of their projects in Armenia and
the donations to be shipped to Armenia in two containers. Chairman George
Dunaians reported that members of the Board will be in Armenia during
September and October and will view the containers upon their arrival.
Dunaians stated, “We are grateful for the donations we have received which
enabled us to send much needed ambulances, equipment and supplies, valued
at approximately $125,210.00.”
The containers will take three ambulances, two motorized wheelchairs,
regular wheelchairs, medical supplies, walkers, weight scales and clothing.
The shipment will also include 50 computers and five printers, 50 new
tables and chairs from IKEA to set up computer labs at five schools, toys,
stuffed animals, digital cameras, sporting goods, two IV pumps by Abbot,
sutures, needles, tapes, paddings and other miscellaneous syringes.
The containers also included supplies for use in the dental bus that
reaches outlying areas. Dental supplies and equipment were also sent for
the 12 teacher dental clinics that has a National Institute of Health
residency program for training post graduate dentists in cooperation with
Loma Linda University that is supplying a teaching resource. Coordinating
the distribution and monitoring of all the activities is being done by DSA
Project Director Gegham Minasyan.
Board members discussed the status of ongoing projects in Armenia and
focused their efforts on the following: Installation of a heating system in
the social hall at Liejashen School which was to be completed by Sept. 10;
roof repair and installation of metal doors at School #154 (completed);
renovation of the roof at Kindergarten #33 (completed); renovation of the
gym at School #106-Vardanantz Aspetner, $3200 was funded by the Homenetmen
Glendale Ararat Chapter (completed July 25); Kharberd Orphanage continues
to receive $300 a month for assistance, plus renovation of the visiting
quarters for parents which it is anticipated will be completed by Sept. 15;
Kharberd Orphanage received funds to convert their mini-bus to propane,
cost and rehabilitation equipment was also provided; DSA donated funds to
the Mekhitar Sebastatsi Hamaleer Youth Center; DSA continues to assist the
Nubarashen Orphanage by providing $300 a month; the #1 Trauma Hospital
received equipment for their ambulance; and Seven Psychological Hospital
received $1,965.00 for food costs.
The Board members, including George and Flora Dunaians, Elizabeth Agbabian,
Hermine Janoyan, Charlene Asdourian, Roubina Begoumian, Dr. Gary Kevorkian,
and Dzovinar Zeitlian, will visit these projects while in Armenia and
assess what needs to be done.
Developmental services for Armenia is a 501 ©(3) tax exempt organization.
“In lieu of flowers” donations have been requested by many of DSA’s
supporters and contributors. For further information or to make a
contribution, call 626-445-4749.
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4 – AIWA’S Fourth International
Conference to be Held in Geneva
LOS ANGELES – Armenians from all over the world will be attending the 4th
International Women’s Conference being hosted by the Armenian International
Women’s Association at the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The theme of this
year’s conference – “Armenian Women Shaping the Future” -will examine the
evolving status of Armenian women. The conference will begin on Oct. 24
with a welcome reception and will feature renowned speakers and women
leaders who will discuss women’s issues such as health care, domestic
violence, role in politics and government, and achievements of women
leaders and entrepreneurs.
The chair of the conference, Lily Ring Balian, generated much excitement at
the last conference planning meeting in Los Angeles when she announced that
the keynote address would be delivered by Aimee Emile Lahoud, First Lady of
the Republic of Lebanon. Other noted guests and speakers will include
Susana Margaryan, wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia, and Anna
Baghdasaryan, wife of the Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly. Other
highlights of the conference will include the opportunity to attend a
special session at the United Nations and receive a tour of the UN complex
led by Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakian, Armenia’s representative to the United
Nations (Geneva). The attendees will also be treated to a concert at Le
Conservatoire de Geneve.
“As with AIWA’s past conferences in London (1994), Paris (1997), and
Yerevan (2000), we will offer the opportunity to interact with Armenian
women from around the world,” said Joan Quinn, AIWA’s United Nations
Representative and Liaison. This conference furthers AIWA’s statement of
purpose: To unite Armenian women worldwide and to address the critical
issues facing them everywhere.
For more information about the conference, call Lily Balian at (310)
472-2454. Accommodations are available in several hotels in Geneva,
including the Hotel des Bergues and travel arrangements can be handled
through Travel by Savey at (818) 956?8455.
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5- Manjikian, Krekorian, Boyajian Named to
Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced three
appointments to the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board. The board was
created to oversee the settlement of claims against New York Life Insurance
Company as directed in the settlement of a class-action lawsuit on behalf
of heirs and descendants of policyholders who were killed during the
Armenian Genocide more than 90 years ago.
The board members, Viken Manjikian, Paul Krekorian and Berj Boyajian, will
evaluate claims and determine which are to be paid pursuant to the terms of
the settlement agreement. The board’s decisions will be final with no right
of appeal.
“I am honored to appoint these three accomplished, capable and fair
individuals who will further the pursuit of justice for heirs and
descendants of victims of the Armenian Genocide,” Commissioner Garamendi
said. “This is an important step to help bring closure to the victims and
their families.”
Early this year, Garamendi, after long negotiations, was able to secure a
$20 million fund to help fund the payment of claims in the case. New York
Life compromised in order to reach a detailed agreement that will benefit
both the survivors of the policyholders as well as the Armenian community.
Of the $20 million fund, at least $3 million will be put into the
‘Unclaimed/Heirless Fund,’ which will be contributed to court-approved
charitable organizations – as set forth in the settlement agreement – whose
activities advance the
Court-approved charitable interests of the Armenian community.
Manjikian, of Lancaster, is Director of Inpatient and Emergency Radiology,
and Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Antelope Valley
Hospital. He has extensive credentials in the field of radiology and earned
his medical and undergraduate degrees at UCLA.
Boyajian, of Beverly Hills, operates Boyajian and Associates in Los
Angeles. His practice specializes in business and toxic torts, and he has
extensive experience in litigation on behalf of individuals and workers
exposed to toxic substances.
Krekorian, of Burbank, is a founding partner of the law firm Fisher &
Krekorian in Los Angeles. His practice specializes in representation of
business, charitable organizations and individuals in matters
involving trademark, copyright and commercial disputes.
Potential claimants in the Armenian Genocide case have been informed via
Notice by the Court and published statewide. The Department of Insurance
consumer hotline will also be able to direct potential
claimants to the settlement Web site. Or, call the Department’s hotline at
800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).
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6 – Armenian Agribusiness Conference
Scheduled in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles and the Fresno-based
Armenian Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) invite individuals and firms to an
“Armenian Agro Forum” Agribusiness Conference in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30.
The conference is organized by Armenia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the
United Nations Development Project (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO); the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
(EBRD) and ATG.
The conference will discuss investment opportunities, evaluate prospects
for growth in Armenian agribusiness, and discuss ideas on Armenian farming
and food-processing, as well as interact with producers, handlers,
marketers, and investors from Armenia and elsewhere. Visitors will also
have an opportunity to visit farming, processing, and storage facilities,
as well as historical and cultural landmarks
For more information, call: the Armenian Consulate at 1-310-657-6102, or
the Armenian Technology Group, Inc. at 1-559-224-1000.
Registration deadline is October 15.
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7 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
By Seda G. Marootian
LOS ANGELES – The grand dining hall of USC’s Town and Gown was the venue
for USC Friends of Armenian Music when it recently celebrated its 25th
anniversary. On its brief quarter-century, USC Friends has established a
sizable music library, scholarship programs to Armenian students and
Armenian classes in the curriculum of USC Thornton School of Music.
A capacity audience of members and guests was entertained to a concert
performed by past and presenty USC scholarship winners and accomplished
artists from Los Angeles, Armenia, Bulgaria and Syria.
Opening remarks were offered by Diana Artunian, USC Friends president,
Christopher Samson, Associate Dean for New Initiatives of the Flora
Thornton School of Music and Fred Mickaelian, Jr., reviewing the
committee’s mission and accomplishments.
Past president Artemis Bedros moderated the program and introduced flutist
Zevart Joulhaian, who performed Khachaturian’s “Masquerade Waltz,” “Saber
Dance,” and Derbashian’s “Prelude.” Pepron Philibosian, scholarship
recipient, accompanied on the piano.
Tenor Leon Makasjian, in his second appearance for USC Friends’ audiences,
rendered two Neapolitan favorites, accompanied on the piano by Michael
Galloway.
The ever-popular violin-piano duo, brother/sister Sarkis and Aroussiak
Baltaian, both recipients of Friends’ scholarships, premiered their
father’s composition, “Nocturn in D Minor.”
The senior Baltaian, Garo and his wife Arsine, residents of Plovdiv,
Bulgaria, were in Los Angeles visiting their children. It was fortunate
that their visit coincided with the Friends’ celebration. Garo, a composer
and violinist, is present of the Armenian Arts and Culture Society in
Bulgaria, and has recently been appointed by the Minister of Culture to sit
on the Inter-Regional Committee for the Spiritual Unity in Bulgaria.
Soprano Salbi Mailyan, originally from Armenia, accompanied by maestro
Levon Abrahamyan, whose an Italian aria, and two Armenian pieces, Sayat
Nova’s Bulbuli Het,” and Ayvazyan’s “Arax.”
The program’s finale was a dramatic and powerful performance with a
piano-string trio, cellist Garik Terzian, and the Baltaians performing Arno
Babadjanian’s “Trio in F Sharp Minor.”
Past president of the Friends were also acknowledged, beginning with the
first, Dr. Jirire Boyajian in 1979, followed by Eric Avazian, Audrey
Gregory (two terms), Fred Mickaelian, Jr. (two terms), Elise Tashjian, Rose
Ketchoyan, Manush Simonian and Artemis Bedros.
Also recognized was the anniversary celebration committee: Diana Artunian,
Lisa Ayvazian, Artemis Bedros, Audrey Gregor, Maro Makajian, Seda
Marootian, Dalita Meketarian, Anne Mills and Sossi Sarafian.
Generous anniversary donations to the USC Friends were made by Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Stein, Vaughn Gregor, Zave Akian, Joth Ketchoyan, John Mills, Normal
Sarafian, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Meketarian, Arousiak Bedrossian, Dr. and
Mrs. William Kaloostian, Navasart Kazazian, Charles Parker and Vahe
Meghrouni.
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8 – Author Peter Balakian to Begin
National Book Tour in October
NEW YORK – The National Book Tour schedule for Peter Balakian and his
critically-acclaimed book “The Burning Tigris,” will take the author to
several US cities for book signing and lectures from October through
November, 2004.
The paperback publication of “The Burning Tigris,” the most widely read
book on the Armenian Genocide, provides Armenian Americans with an
opportunity to see that the history of the Armenian Genocide becomes a
permanent part of the curriculum in every high school and college in the
country.
With the publication of the paperback edition (revised and slighted
expanded), there is a call for every Armenian American to adopt a school or
school system and work with teachers and administrators to make sure the
Armenian Genocide is taught in all appropriate history classes.
Author Peter Balakian has noted that “any course dealing with World War I
must include the Armenian Genocide; it is as essential to understanding
World War I as the Holocaust is to understanding World War II.”
Furthermore, courses dealing with twentieth century global history, middle
eastern history, history of
human rights and genocide should incorporate the Armenian Genocide. The
Armenian Genocide was the template for all modern genocide that has
followed; it is a seminal event for modernity.
The tour begins Oct. 5 in Ithaca, New York, and will end Nov. 14 in Los
Angeles.
Cities and institutions included in the book tour include Cornell
University, Atlanta’s Emory University, Albany, New York, Watertown, Mass.,
Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Ann Arbor, Mich., Detroit, New
York City, St. Louis, Denver.
California dates include San Francisco, Nov. 9 and 10; Los Angeles, Nov.
12, Near East Foundation/USC Armenia Institute (Venue to be announced);
Glendale Public Library/Borders Bookstore, Nov. 13; Museum of Tolerance,
Los Angeles, Nov. 14.
For more details, contact: dvcrossnyc@aol.com or 212-580-9730
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9 – UAF’s 130th Airlift Delivers
$3.7 Million of Aid to Armenia
GLENDALE, CA – The United Armenian Fund’s 130th airlift arrived in Yerevan
on Sept. 25, delivering $3.7 million of humanitarian assistance.
The UAF itself collected $3.2 million of medicines and medical supplies for
this flight, most of which were donated by AmeriCares ($1.7 million); the
Catholic Medical Mission Board ($935,000) and MAP International ($542,000).
Other organizations which contributed goods for this airlift were: Nork
Marash Medical Center ($150,000); Dr. Stephen Kashian of Illinois
($53,000); Fondation Semra of Switzerland ($38,000); Armenian Missionary
Association of America ($28,000); Harut Chantikian of New Jersey ($27,000);
and the Armenian American Medical Society of California ($24,000).
Also contributing to this airlift were: Gil Harootunian of New York
($21,000); Women’s Guild Central Council ($21,000); Armenian Relief Society
($18,000); Helmer Labs ($15,000); and the Armenian American Health
Association of Greater Washington ($11,000).
Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $391 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia on board 130 airlifts and 1,103 sea containers. The
UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of
America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the
Lincy Foundation.
For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific Avenue,
Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress