California Courier Online, September 7, 2006

1 – Commentary
Hoagland Must not be Confirmed
Until US Policy Change on Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Guzelimian to be Dean of Juilliard
3 – California Trade Office in Yerevan
Hosts Round Table Discussion
4 – Yeprem Mehranian Appointed Principal
Of San Francisco’s KZV Armenian School
5- St. James Autumn Concert Honors
Contributions by Margaret Tolegian
6 – Diocese Will Host
Sept. 16-17 Festival
Of Faith and Culture

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1 – Commentary
Hoagland Must not be Confirmed
Until US Policy Change on Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to vote on
Sept. 7 on the nomination of Richard Hoagland, the
Ambassador-Designate to Armenia. This is the third attempt by the
Bush administration to get Hoagland confirmed ever since May when the
White House first announced the recall of Amb. John Evans.
On June 28 and August 1, the Foreign Relations Committee postponed
action on Hoagland’s nomination, after complaints from more than 60
Congressmen and a dozen Senators from both parties about the lack of
a clear statement by the State Department as to why Amb. Evans was
being dismissed from the Foreign Service. The members of Congress,
the media and the Armenian American community were all incensed that
the administration, under pressure from Turkish officials and their
lobbyists, would fire such a distinguished career diplomat simply for
saying "Armenian Genocide," during a February 2005 pubic appearance
in California.
Hoagland’s confirmation hearings have become a tug of war between the
Bush administration and a large number of Senators who would like the
U.S. government to reconsider its refusal to characterize the
Armenian Genocide as such. Administration officials have been
lobbying hard to get the members of the Foreign Relations Committee
to vote for Hoagland on Sept. 7. Anticipating victory, they have
already ordered the departure of Amb. Evans from Armenia. He is
scheduled to return to the U.S. on Sept. 10.
In a lengthy interview with Armenia’s state TV, to be broadcast on
Sept. 6, Amb. Evans spoke warmly of his time in Armenia and tried to
avoid discussing the details of the controversy that led to his
recall.
When asked why his term as Ambassador to Armenia lasted only two
years and not the usual three, he diplomatically replied: "As you
know, there is no set term for an Ambassador. I said it before; I
serve at the pleasure of the President. I am very pleased to have
recently received a nice note from Pres. Bush, thanking me for my
service here. I would note that the voyage of Kilikia [a replica of a
medieval Armenian sailboat that has been sailing around Europe] and
my term here in Yerevan have been almost exactly co-terminus. The
Kilikia set sail in 2004 and I came here then. The Kilikia will come
back to Armenia just a week or two after I depart. I think the
coincidence makes my point. Three years’ voyage by Kilikia would have
been no better in a qualitative sense than 2 years."
When asked if he has been offered a new diplomatic post, he replied:
"It is true that when I leave here, I intend to go to New York and
take a kind of a sabbatical year. Eventually, I expect to get back to
Washington, but not any longer in the diplomatic service. I have
resigned and I will be retiring from the diplomatic service, but not
retiring to a life of inactivity."
Asked to comment about his reference to the Armenian Genocide in
February 2005 while visiting California, he said: "I have not
discussed this question here in Armenia. There are some questions
that we are talking among ourselves about in the United States. The
record is clear and it is available on the American Embassy website
for anyone who wants to see."
When pressed further on whether he was leaving Armenia for having
used the term "genocide," he replied: "I would not put it that way.
You have said to that way. At some point, I may write a book and you
will have the full picture."
It is obvious from these remarks that Amb. Evans has remained a
gentleman and a consummate diplomat to his last days in office,
promising to disclose more about his controversial dismissal in his
memoirs. Clearly, he is leaving his post with more of a sense of
relief than bitterness.
This week, all readers should contact their Senators and urge them to
hold up the vote on Hoagland in order to force the Bush
administration to reverse its immoral and unacceptable policy of
refusing to characterize the Armenian Genocide as genocide. The
Foreign Relations Committee should be asked once again to postpone
the scheduled vote on Sept. 7. Should Hoagland make it out of
Committee, the full Senate should postpone floor action on his
nomination until the administration stops playing silly word games
with the Armenian Genocide!
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2 – Guzelimian to be Dean of Juilliard
By Daniel J. Wakin
The New York Times
Ara Guzelimian, a Carnegie Hall executive and prominent voice in its
artistic direction, is leaving to become dean of the Juilliard
School, Juilliard said last week.
Guzelimian, 52, will start July 1 after a six-month transition at the
school, overlapping with the current dean, Stephen Clapp, who will
retire and return to teaching full time. Guzelimian will stay on at
Carnegie Hall this season as a consultant and as the host and
producer of the Making Music series at Carnegies Zankel Hall.
Guzelimian joined Carnegie as senior director and artistic adviser in
1998. His position was important for classical music lovers in New
York, given the halls increasing role as a presenter of performances
and not just a rental space. In a telephone interview he said that in
recent years he came to be most excited by Carnegie’s training
workshops and education programs and wanted to devote himself to the
world of teaching.
At Juilliard, he said, his emphasis would center on the role of the
artist in society, or the subject of how do you engage in the society
around you in the broadest and most unexpected ways, rather than the
narrow definition of success for a young dancer, actor or musician.
It was poetic justice, he said, that after working at a place
considered the pinnacle of a performing career, he was moving to the
opposite end of the continuum.
I want a hand in shaping it, he said of an artist’s career.
Clive Gillinson, Carnegie’s executive and artistic director, said he
tried to induce Guzelimian to stay, but could not find a role with as
much emphasis on education. He will eventually be replaced, Gillinson
said.
"He’s a guy with phenomenal expertise, experience and breadth of
knowledge and somebody who’s obviously made an enormous contribution
to Carnegie Hall," Gillinson said.
At Juilliard, Guzelimian will be second in command to the president,
Joseph W. Polisi. He will oversee faculty, hiring, the curriculum and
the performance programs at one of the country’s premier
conservatories.
Polisi said he had worked with Guzelimian on various projects and
approached him about the job in March. I was very impressed with his
thinking about larger issues, about the education of musicians in
America and the role of the artist in America, he said.
Guzelimian also lectures and writes on music, and has produced radio
programs. He was simultaneously artistic administrator of the Aspen
Music Festival and School and artistic director of the Ojai Festival
in California in the 1990s. Before that he worked for 15 years at the
Los Angeles Philharmonic as producer of its radio broadcasts and as
artistic administrator.
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3 – California Trade Office in Yerevan
Hosts Round Table Discussion
YEREVAN – In October of 2005 under the auspices of California
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, the Foundation for
Economic Development ("FED") was established to promote trade with
Armenia and the surrounding countries. The FED operates the
California Trade Office in Yerevan ("CATO") and is the only foreign
trade representative for the State of California in the region.
The mission of the Trade Office is to:
Assist California companies to increase their exports to Armenia and
the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, Eastern
Europe, and Western Asia (region),
Assist companies from the region and California who seek trading
partners, and
Serve as the "address" of the State of California in Armenia and the
region.
On June 29, 2006 the Californian Trade Office in Yerevan hosted a
Round-table discussion with participation of various companies from
California and Armenia. The discussion included the best practices
and lessons learned as well as the major problems and obstacles that
the companies face while conducting business in Armenia.
The Round-table was attended by some 30 companies, representatives of
the US Embassy, Armenian Government, American and Armenian Chambers
of Commerce and FED Board Members. Dr. Arthur Khachatryan, the CATO
Executive Director, made a presentation about the role and functions
of foreign trade office in general; as well as the peculiarities of
the CATO in Yerevan in terms of its geographic coverage, management
and financing. The CATO web site, , was
also demonstrated.
"We stand ready to assist any company that wishes to expand its trade
relations in the region…" said Dr. Khachatryan in his introductory
remarks.
After answering numerous questions regarding the type of services
provided, the mandate and mission of the Trade Office, the companies
shared their experiences of doing business in Armenia and the
problems they found most troubling. It was agreed that despite the
difficulties mainly associated with administration of some laws, the
situation was gradually improving.
The participants of the Round-table unanimously agreed to organize
discussions and consultations on a regular basis. They also advised
the Trade office to form either one general Consultative Group or
several Groups dealing with specific sectors of the economy.
Currently, CATO is providing in-country consultation in the form of
several feasibility studies and relationship development for
California businesses that are interested in making investments in
Armenia.
CATO will also be participating at the Diasporan Conference and
Economic Forum in September with a trade mission from California that
will be composed of various California businesses and FED Board
Members.
For inquiries regarding the CATO or the FED, contact them through
their web site,
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4 – Yeprem Mehranian Appointed Principal
Of San Francisco’s KZV Armenian School
LOS ANGELES – Yeprem Mehranian was appointed the new principal of the
San Francisco Krouzian Zakarian Vasbouragan Armenian School, the
Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools announced last week.
Mehranian’s educational background includes a Masters of Science
degree in Elementary Education, a Masters in Fine Arts, and a
Bachelors degree in the Arts. Currently, he is completing his
dissertation for a Doctorate degree from the University of
Massachusetts, within the Department of Teacher Education and School
Improvement, and is expected to earn his Ph.D before Christmas.
He has had experience in a variety of educational areas including
teaching, teacher education and curriculum development. He has had
many years of experience at elementary, middle, and high school
levels. He has a well-rounded understanding of Armenian educational
and cultural issues and the educational needs of students attending
private Armenian schools. He knows first hand the challenges the
Armenian families face in the Diaspora and has a great understanding
of these challenges based on his extensive research and teaching
experience, the Baord of Regents said..
Mehranian has been employed at various universities such as American
University of Armenia, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and
Ramallah Friends School in West Bank.
"We have great confidence in Mr. Mehranian’s administrative and
educational capabilities" said Board of Regents chairperson Dr.
Rubina Peroomian. "Having received his higher education in the
United States and with his years of experience at various
universities and communities, we are certain that he will be able to
further advance the educational growth of our students at K.Z.V.
Armenian School. We were introduced to Mr. Mihranian’s theoretical
and practical knowledge in Armenian education during the Board of
Regents seminar on the Reevaluation of Armenian Education at Woodbury
University in June of 2004.
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5 – St. James Autumn Concert Honors
Contributions by Margaret Tolegian
LOS ANGELES – The St. James Armenian Apostolic Church and The
Armenian Allied Arts Association will jointly present a special
program on Oct. 1 honoring the contributions of Margaret Tolegian
whose devotion to the Armenian community and beyond has been
extremely notable.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the program will be held during a
special luncheon in the Church’s John Gogian Hall, 4950 W. Slauson
Ave., in Los Angeles.
The month of October is traditionally recognized by Armenians as
"Cultural Month."
Father Arshag Khachadourian, Parish Priest of St. James Church
contends, "It is most fitting to present and honor the memory of Mrs.
Tolegian, whose generosity has served to enrich the lives of others.
She has generously shared her art collection, and the gifts of many
artists, with her friends and the church."
The luncheon will start at 1:30 PM, and the program will follow at
2:30 PM. An art exhibit, featuring the work of Helen Kasparian, a
long time special friend of Margaret’s, will be on display. Helen’s
husband, Oshyn, and Margaret were classmates at UCLA, and Margaret
married Dr. Aram Tolegian on the same day Helen married Oshyn
Kasparian.. .
The musical program features musical selections by Margaret’s son,
David Tolegian and his Jazz Ensemble. In addition, the audience will
be treated to selected works by other musical notables.
Tickets for the luncheon are $25.00 each and may be obtained by
calling Bob Melcon, Chairman of the event, at 310-474-0551, Maurice
Yotnegbarian (818)553-1134, or the church office, (323)295-4588.
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6 – Diocese Will Host
Sept. 16-17 Festival
Of Faith and Culture
BURBANK, Calif. – On Saturday and Sunday, September 16, and 17, the
first Festival of Faith and Culture will take place on the grounds of
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, at 3325 North Glenoaks
Boulevard, Burbank.
Under the auspices of Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the
Festival will feature traditional and contemporary Armenian
music, artists, still art, performing arts, literary arts, and Divine
Liturgy.
Some of the participating artists include: Winds of Passion, Element,
Andre Danik, Gor Mkhitarian, Arax & Alik Garabedian, Elon Sarafian,
Sako, George Baghdoyan, Hovig Krikorian, Adiss Harmandian, Sosie,
Rima Garibedkian, Gagik Badalian, Michael, and Harut Hagopian.
There will also be a special program for children.
Admission and parking at the Festival are free. For information,
contact the Diocesan Office at 818-558-7474, or visit

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