California Courier Online, April 27, 2006

1 – Commentary
FOX-TV Airs Armenian
Genocide Program
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Raffi Manoukian Selected for 2006
Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award
3 – Raffe Deirmenjian Named to
L.A. Human Relations Commission
4 – Mitch Kehetian Honored For
Outstanding Journalism Career
5 – Birthright Armenia Hires L.A. Sevan
Kabakian to Head Armenia Operations
6 – Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 23-29,
‘Days of Remembrance of Armenian Genocide
7 – Kazanjian Picked by Tournament
Of Roses as Float Judge for 2007
8 – Over 200 Members of Congress Urge President
Bush to Properly Characterize 1915 Genocide
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1 – Commentary
FOX-TV Airs Armenian
Genocide Program

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

In recent days, thousands of articles were published on the Armenian
Genocide in newspapers around the world. In addition, in dozens of
countries, TV and radio stations provided extensive coverage of the
commemorative events for the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
This writer brought his share by delivering public remarks and
participating in several Armenian and non-Armenian TV programs. Last year,
the Los Angeles affiliate of FOX-TV (KTTV, Channel 11) interviewed him on
the eve of the 90th anniversary, while airing live satellite pictures of
the procession of hundreds of thousands of Armenians at the Genocide
Memorial Monument in Yerevan.
This year, FOX-TV invited this writer again to their studios on April 23rd,
while airing live satellite footage of the procession at the Genocide
Monument in Armenia. An hour later that night, he was interviewed by UPN
(KCOP-TV, Channel 13). The transcript of that second interview will be
provided at a later date. Here is the transcript of the FOX-TV interview:
FOX-TV anchor 1: It’s Monday morning in Armenia where an entire nation is
marking the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
FOX-TV anchor 2: The Los Angeles area is home to 350,000 people of Armenian
descent. The Genocide, long denied by the Turkey, is a very emotional issue
for Armenians here and around the world.
Anchor 1: And now you are looking at a live shot of Yerevan, Armenia’s
capital, where ceremonies are underway commemorating the start of the
Genocide on April 24th, 1915. It’s estimated over one million Armenians
were killed between 1915 and 1923.
Anchor 2: Joining us now in studio is Harut Sassounian of the United
Armenian Fund. It’s nice to have you back. Thanks for coming in. And yet, I
feel that when we begin to ask you questions in 2006, the questions don’t
differ a whole lot from in 2005. Does that make you feel sad, to an extent
that the progress has not been as quick as you would like it to be?
Sassounian: It’s frustrating because the facts of history are clear, but
for political reasons, people play games, and that is what’s frustrating to
us — because they know the truth, and yet, they want to cover up the truth
for political considerations.
Anchor 1: Let’s go back a step and be more precise here. You would like the
United States government to recognize that there was an Armenian Genocide,
in the first place, and the Turkish government as well?
Sassounian: The United States government in the past has had no problem
recognizing it, but in recent years, because of political considerations in
the region, they have started playing word games. They don’t want to come
out and flat out to say it. There is a resolution in both the House and the
Senate which the administration is blocking from coming to a vote. If it
would come to a vote, it would pass with an overwhelming majority.
Anchor 2: I would also like you to speak to the live pictures that we are
seeing in Yerevan.
Sassounian: Every year on April 24, it’s already April 24 — Armenia is 12
hours ahead of Los Angeles — so already tens of thousands, if not hundreds
of thousands of Armenians are starting the solemn procession from early
morning hours till late at night. They pay their respects and they place
flowers. The government leaders are there as well as the ambassadors of
various countries.
Anchor 2: Speaking of ambassadors, you have been writing a lot of editorial
pieces, a lot of articles lately about the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Evans, talking about the U.S. government calling him back to the United
States after he said what?
Sassounian: Amb. Evans was in Los Angeles last year, in February 2005. He
met a large number of Armenian groups and in one of his meetings, he made a
statement acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, calling it “the first
genocide of the 20th Century.” A few days later, when he got back, they
[the State Dept.] slapped his hands and told him, “that’s a no-no! You’re
not supposed to say that. Issue a clarification, saying that that was your
personal opinion as opposed to the policy of the U.S. government.” He
issued that [clarification]. Then they made him retract a part of his
clarification. They did not like the way he had clarified it. They made him
make a second clarification. Then the American Foreign Service Association
gave him a “Constructive Dissent” award. They gave him an award for
dissenting from policy. Right before getting the award, the State Dept.
forced the Association to rescind the award. So they took the award away,
and now they are firing him!
Anchor 1: Does this say more about politics of the word genocide?
Sassounian: The facts are clear. There is no dispute about the facts. Even
the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk, recognized the
Genocide in a 1926 interview. Turkish tribunals tried and sentenced to
death the masterminds of the Genocide. The U.S. government…Pres. Reagan
recognized it in a Presidential Proclamation in 1981. The U.S. Congress —
the House of Representatives, twice in 1975 and 1984, passed resolutions
recognizing it. There are millions of documents in the U.S. national
archives testifying to that fact. The U.S. Ambassador back then in 1915….
Anchor 1: What the Turkish government says is that there were casualties on
both sides. That’s why they are reluctant….
Sassounian: Even though they know better…. The good news this year, as
opposed to last year, more and more Turkish scholars are coming forward
saying, “look, we started this, it is genocide, and it is time for Turkey
to face the facts of history.” So that’s the new development.
Anchor 2: Which is what the U.S. State Dept. has said it is encouraging.
That’s its position. It says that we believe we want other countries, we
encourage other countries to examine themselves, examine their own issues.
Why is that not good enough for you?
Sassounian: It’s not good enough because the U.S. government, first of all,
before the United States starts giving a lecture about democracy to foreign
countries, it has to practice what it preaches itself, by recognizing a
fact of history that happened 91 years ago, And then, only then, when you
are on a solid ground, you can give a lecture about bringing democracy to
Iraq, Russia or China. Then, that would make it more credible, if we
practice what we preach ourselves.
Anchor 2: Is there concern, I am looking here at, from the United Nations,
there are adopted resolutions on what genocide is and on what the
ramifications are when signatory countries dispute genocide, as they are
right now? Is it possible that this could end up in the International Court
of Justice should the United States make a wrong step? Is that actually
what you are concerned about?
Sassounian: We would not take the U.S. to court. But there is a lot of
conversation in the Armenian community worldwide, consulting with
international legal experts on possibly taking Turkey to the international
court.
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2 – Raffi Manoukian Selected for 2006
Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award
GLENDALE – City Council Member Rafi Manoukian was recently notified that he
has been selected by the Board of Directors and the Selection Committee of
the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) as a recipient of the
2006 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Manoukian is one of 100 recipients who will be presented with this award on
Ellis Island on Saturday, May 13.
“This is truly a great honor for not only me but for the City of Glendale,”
says Manoukian.
The medal honors Americans of diverse origins who have made great
contributions to the nation. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution sponsored
by Senator Hilary Clinton (D-NY) that officially recognizes this award,
calling it a “celebration of the richness and diversity of American life.”
The House of Representatives passed a similar resolution. This recognition
from both the House and the Senate adds an even greater distinction to one
of the nation’s most prestigious awards and pays tribute to those
individuals who have been honored as recipients.
Members of the NECO Board of Directors and Honorary Chairpersons include
Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Representative Dan Burton (R-IN), former New
York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Gov. George Pataki, George Steinbrenner,
III, and Lee Iacocca, among other notables.
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3 – Raffe Deirmenjian Named to
L.A. Human Relations Commission
LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti has
appointed Raffe Deirmenjian to serve on the city’s Human Relations
Commission Advisory Committee that strives to promote positive race and
human relation in the increasingly complex and multicultural county of Los
Angeles, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR).
Deirmenjian, a member of the West San Fernando Valley ANCA, has worked
diligently to have the Armenian Genocide included in the Los Angeles
Unified School District’s curriculum, and during a time of racial conflict
at local Grant High School, worked with students and administrators to
successfully settle the conflict. ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian described
Deirmenjian as an ideal candidate for the position.
“Having worked closely within the ANCA, Raffe has the necessary background
in not only managing human relations, but also grasping the ideals that
help to overcome prejudice, bias, and other divisive attitudes that can
lead to inter-cultural tension,” said Dadaian.
The Commission teams with law enforcement, schools, cities, community-based
organizations, youth, academics, policy makers, businesses and other
leaders, to bring key players together to resolve immediate inter-cultural
conflicts.
“It’s rare to find a person with such a diverse background,” stressed
Dadaian who points to Derimenjian’s current position as a Second Vice
President of Wealth Management at Smith Barney, who also carries education
in political science and business marketing and has five years of hands-on
experience on Wall Street, coupled with consistent and practical public
policy experience within the ANCA. “He fits the ideal profile to serve on
this Commission whose mission is to lay the groundwork for a long-term
campaign to eradicate unfair practices, while working within the system,”
remarked Dadaian.
Also appointed to the Human Relations Commission Advisory Committee were
Vicky Ortega, Karen Hallock, Al Garcia, and Jose Roberto Hernandez.
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4 – Mitch Kehetian Honored For
Outstanding Journalism Career
DETROIT — In recognition of 52 years as an outstanding newspaper reporter,
editor, and leader in journalism, veteran Michigan newsman Mitch Kehetian
was awarded Wayne State University’s coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award”
at the April 6 campus observance of Journalism Day.
Kehetian started his newspaper career in 1953 with the Detroit Times and
was with the paper until its demise in 1960. He joined the ranks of
retirement last Nov.18 from the Macomb Daily, a suburban Detroit daily
newspaper where he served as editorial page editor. Previously Kehetian
held the posts of city editor, managing editor, and editor-in-chief with
the paper.
At the awards ceremony, Professor Ben Burns, director of the journalism
program at Wayne State, praised Kehetian’s career as a journalist who
practiced the tenets of truth in reporting and for dedicating a lifespan in
protecting the public’s right to know and by serving the journalism
community. In honoring Kehetian, Burns addressed the newsman’s stellar
service and leadership as president of the Detroit Chapter’s Society of
Professional Journalists and Detroit Press Club.
The veteran newsman held reporting and editorial posts with the Columbus
(Ohio) Citizen-Journal, Daily Eagle (western Wayne County – Michigan), and
East Side Newspapers-Community News in Detroit.
Kehetian said the last 52 years of his career placed him at the sidelines
of history and the award from Wayne State’s Department of Communication is
an honor he treasures.
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5 – Birthright Armenia Hires L.A. Sevan
Kabakian to Head Armenia Operations
YEREVAN – In a forward-looking initiative, Birthright Armenia has announced
that Sevan Kabakian will join the organization as Executive Director to
head up its Yerevan-based office, the Depi Hayk Foundation. The
organization celebrates its third year of successful service to Armenia and
the Diaspora and looks toward future expansion.
Linda Yepoyan, Executive Director for the organization’s U.S. operations,
describes Kabakian as “a committed, energetic and experienced individual
who will bring excellent leadership and vision to our Armenia-based
operations. His decades of grass-roots community experience within the Los
Angeles Armenian community will certainly serve as a great asset to
Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk.”
Sevan Kabakian has an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Master’s degree
in Aerospace Engineering from University of Southern California. Since
1987 he has worked as a flight performance engineer at McDonnell
Douglas/Boeing. On his journey to Armenia, he is joined by his wife,
Klariss, and his three young daughters, Naro, Naneh and Lalig.
In his new position, Kabakian will be managing all of the organization’s
operations in Armenia, working with local organizations and governmental
branches to establish new areas for volunteer job placements and internship
programs, as well as enhance an already active connection between Armenia
and the Diaspora.
He will also be charged with establishing the groundwork for the future
growth of the Depi Hayk Foundation, including expansion of the organization
outside Yerevan to the more rural areas of Armenia. “Birthright Armenian
is a wonderful vehicle by which countless Diasporan youth will experience
their ethnic homeland in a meaningful way,” says Kabakian. “I look forward
to serving the organization on this vital mission.”
While his role with Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk may be new, Kabakian is no
stranger to the Armenian Diasporan community, especially among Armenian
youth. Born in Lebanon, he has been a well-respected leader in the Los
Angeles Armenian community for 25 years. As leader of the Glendale
Armenian Youth Federation Badanees (Juniors), he actively encouraged a
sense of pride, duty and responsibility among youth through a strong
connection to the Motherland.
“Visiting Armenia is at once a highly rewarding and emotional experience,”
says Kabakian. “I see myself as a host that welcomes Diasporan youth to
their second home.” As evidence of his dedication, Kabakian led a group of
Armenian youth in a pilgrimage to Western Armenia last summer in an
exploration of that lost element of the Armenian heritage.
Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the Homeland and
Diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of Armenia’s
daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through work, study
and volunteer experiences, while developing life-long personal ties and a
renewed sense of Armenian identity. For those interested in learning more
about Birthright Armenia, visit or email
info@birthrightarmenia.org .
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6 – Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 23-29,
‘Days of Remembrance of Armenian Genocide
April 24, 1915, marked the beginning of the Armenian Genocide – a crime
against humanity that led to the death of 1.5 million Armenians between
1915 and 1923. The 500,000 Armenians who survived the horrors of this
extermination by the Ottoman Empire were expelled from their homes and
forced to settle in various countries throughout the world.
Stripped of their possessions, these refugees carried with them little more
than the memories of loved ones, a hope for a better life and the courage
to start anew. Armed with this determination, they flourished in many of
their adopted homelands, including California – home to the largest
Armenian population outside of the Republic of Armenia.
Today, these Armenian survivors and their descendants continue to provide
tremendous leadership and invaluable contributions to our state’s
businesses, art community, and academic, governmental and cultural
institutions. Their spirit of hard work and perseverance, coupled with
their dedication to tradition, is a great example to all Californians and
adds to the luster of our Golden State.
As we commemorate the ninety-first anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we
must study and learn history’s lessons, fight to end bigotry and hate in
all their forms and live lives of tolerance towards all people. Silence
only serves to perpetuate the denial of the past, while open
acknowledgement lays the foundation for a more hopeful tomorrow. In that
spirit of hope, I stand alongside our friends in the Armenian community in
recognizing the Armenian Genocide, and urge all freedom-loving people in
America and around the world to do the same.
Now, therefore,, I, Arnold Swarzenegger, Governor of the State of
California, do hereby proclaim the week of April 23rd through April 29th,
2006, as “Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.”
/s/ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
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7 – Kazanjian Picked by Tournament
Of Roses as Float Judge for 2007
PASADENA, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ — The Tournament of Roses has
selected Bev Doolittle, Frances Dudley and Howard Kazanjian as float judges
for the 118th Rose Parade themed, “Our Good Nature.” Twenty-four of the
floral beauties in the Parade will receive awards in a variety of
categories and specifications. The Judges’ scores are based on criteria
such as creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized
animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and
dramatic impact. Doolittle, Dudley and Kazanjian were appointed by the
Tournament’s Judging Committee.
Film and television producer and entertainment executive, Howard Kazanjian,
was born and raised in Pasadena. A graduate of the film school at USC,
Kazanjian is most well known for serving as producer for blockbusters such
as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Return Of The Jedi.” Kazanjian also
produced the pilot and first season of the hit television show “JAG.” In
addition to his
film and television success, Kazanjian is also an author. His works include
a biography of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans titled “The Cowboy and the
Seniorita.”
The 118th Rose Parade themed “Our Good Nature” will take place Monday, Jan.
1, 2007 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping
equestrian units and spirited marching bands from throughout the nation.
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8 – Over 200 Members of Congress Urge President
Bush to Properly Characterize 1915 Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC – Two hundred and eight U.S. legislators last week called on
President Bush to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian
Assembly of America, who credited a unified community effort for the
outpouring of support.
In separate letters, 178 Representatives and 30 Senators specifically asked
the President to properly characterize the atrocities as “genocide,” in his
annual April 24th remarks. In February of 2000, during Michigan’s hotly
contested Republican primary, then Governor Bush promised to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide if elected president. Since taking office
in 2001, the President has retreated from this pledge, issuing a succession
of April 24 statements that use euphemistic terminology to diminish the
full historical, moral, and contemporary legal implications of Ottoman
Turkey’s genocide against the Armenian nation.
The House letter, organized by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), stressed that, “the United
States must never allow crimes against humanity to pass without remembrance
and condemnation. As U.S. efforts to aid victims of genocide continue, it
is imperative that we pay tribute to the memory of others who have suffered
and never forget the past. By commemorating the Armenian Genocide, we
renew our commitment to prevent future atrocities and therefore negate the
dictum that history is condemned to repeat itself.”
“We thank Senators Ensign and Durbin and Congressmen Knollenberg and
Pallone for circulating these critical initiatives requesting that the
President reaffirm the Armenian Genocide,” said Assembly Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. “We also thank the Armenian-American community
for their unified effort in urging their Congressmen to support Genocide
reaffirmation in the face of Turkey’s ongoing denial campaign.”
The Senate letter, led by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Richard Durbin
(D-IL), noted that, “The memory of the Armenian Genocide underscores our
responsibility to speak forcefully about our respect for fundamental human
rights and opposition to mass slaughters. It is in the best interests of
our nation and the entire global community to remember the past and learn
from these crimes against humanity to ensure that they are never repeated.
We respectfully request that you refer to the mass slaughter of Armenians
as genocide in your commemorative statement.”
“The Armenian Genocide is incontrovertible, of which the U.S. Archives is
replete with thousands of pages documenting this horrific crime,” said
Co-Chairmen Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone. “The President has employed
a textbook definition of genocide to describe the events that occurred from
1915-1923, but a full and irrevocable U.S. affirmation of the Armenian
genocide is necessary to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.”
“We are very gratified by the strong, bipartisan message from Congress
encouraging the President to properly recognize the
Armenian Genocide in his April 24th remarks,” said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. “We join with our Congressional friends –
most notably Senators John Ensign and Dick Durbin and Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg – in calling for moral clarity
in our nation’s response to genocide.”
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