California Courier Online, November 2, 2006

1 – Commentary
Turks Are Troubled by Probable Next
Speaker’s Pledge on Genocide Bill

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Armenia Marriott Hotel Donates $2,500 to Project Discovery!
3 – Cal State Northridge Hosts Book
Presentation on Egyptian Armenians
4 – Diocese APN to
Host Journalist
Hrant Dink, Nov. 5
5- Mary Terzian Named in Best Books 2006 Award
6 – Balians Named Entrepreneurs
Of The Week in Micronesian Island
7 – 9th Annual Telethon Set to Air Internationally,
Nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23
8 – L.A. Element Band to Perform Nov. 12
At Fresno’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium
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1 – Commentary

Turks Are Troubled by Probable Next
Speaker’s Pledge on Genocide Bill

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Just when Turkish officials are grappling with the devastating blow
of the French Parliament’s adoption of bill criminalizing the denial
of the Armenian Genocide, it appears likely that they will be
receiving a second blow shortly from the U.S. Congress.
The U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who is expected
to be the next Speaker of the House, should Democrats win the
majority in the House, issued an exclusive statement to this writer
last week pledging to support the passage of the Armenian Genocide
resolution in the next Congress.
She said: "I have supported legislation, including H.Res.316, that
would properly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. It is imperative
that the United States recognize this atrocity and move to renew our
commitment to eliminate genocide whenever and wherever it exists.
This effort enjoys strong bipartisan support in the House, and I will
continue to support these efforts in the 110th Congress."
If the Democrats control the House after the November 7 elections,
Cong. Pelosi is slated to become House Speaker. As such, she would
control which bills come to the floor for a vote. Based on her
20-year record of staunch support for the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by the House of Representatives, there is a high probability
that the Armenian Genocide resolution would finally get scheduled for
a vote in the House.
In contrast, the current Speaker, Dennis Hastert (R-IL), has
repeatedly blocked this resolution from coming to the floor since
October 2000. In July of 2004, following the adoption by the House of
an amendment recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Speaker Hastert
issued a blunt statement vowing to block any future consideration of
the Armenian Genocide Resolution by the full House. For his denialist
efforts, Speaker Hastert has received an "F" rating from the ANCA,
while Cong. Pelosi has consistently received an "A."
Two weeks before Cong. Pelosi made her pledge to the
Armenian-American community, the Turkish Daily News had already
published an article headlined: "A Democratic victory in the US
congressional elections next month will mean more ‘Armenian Genocide’
trouble for Ankara."
The Turkish article stated: "A Democratic triumph in the House, or
the Senate, will mean major problems for Turkey in its efforts to
stop genocide recognition. In the outgoing House, the International
Relations Committee in September 2005 approved a resolution for
genocide recognition, But House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a close Bush
ally, has never allowed a full floor vote. But if the Democrats win
in November, it will be Nancy Pelosi, a staunch supporter of Armenian
causes, who most probably will become the new speaker. In the event
of a Democratic victory in the House, pro-Armenian lawmakers will
definitely force a new legislation for genocide recognition shortly
after the new Congress takes office in January.
"Tom Lantos, presently the ranking Democratic member on the House
International Relations Committee, is most likely to lead the
committee. His position is not predictable. Lantos, a Holocaust
survivor, backed Turkey in 2000 but voted for the Armenian side last
year, voicing deep disappointment over what he saw as anti-American
Turkish policies in the Middle East. In any case, a strongly
supported genocide recognition resolution would easily pass the
International Relations Committee hurdles, and reach the full House
controlled by the pro-Armenian Pelosi, who in turn normally would be
expected to favor a quick floor vote. Analysts warn that Turkey is
doomed to lose any vote on any platform, so the key would be to avoid
voting. Would Bush, like Clinton did in 2000, intervene personally at
the last minute again to avoid a floor vote? Or would the Democrats
who hate Bush turn it into a major domestic policy showdown? The
answers are not clear at this point. The only certain thing is that
Turkey will have a major headache on Armenian-related matters in the
event of a Democratic victory in Congress," the Turkish Daily News
wrote.
After Cong. Pelosi’s pledge, the Turkish Daily News published a
second article on Oct. 29, headlined: "Turkey’s ‘Democratic’ woes:
Ankara fears fallout from likely Democratic victory in U.S.
congressional elections on genocide." The newspaper quoted an
anonymous Turkish diplomat in Washington (probably the Turkish
Ambassador in Washington), as saying: "I would never think that I
would be wishing a Republican win in the November 7 congressional
elections, but it’s ironic to see that a Democratic victory likely
will be even worse for Turkey." The Turkish reporter then wrote that
after his earlier report of two weeks ago, Cong. Pelosi made a pledge
on the Armenian Genocide resolution to "a prominent U.S. Armenian
publisher" (yours truly). This confirmed the Turkish reporter’s worst
fears about the likely passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in
the next Congress.
Another major Turkish publication, Hurriyet, featured a lengthy
analytical article on the same subject on Oct. 27, stating that the
election of a Democratic majority in the House on Nov. 7, would
likely create new storms in U.S.-Turkish relations due to the
Armenian issue. Hurriyet also referred to the statement released by
Cong. Pelosi to this writer, as evidence that things would be much
different (meaning worse) in the next Congress for Turkey.
Several other Turkish newspapers and websites also referred to Cong.
Pelosi’s statement with ominous predictions for Turkey. The Fresno
Bee published a more skeptical analysis. Referring to Cong. Pelosi’s
statement to this writer. The Bee wrote: "Armenian Americans are
accustomed to hearing election-year promises. Now they have another
one to mull over." The article concluded by raising the prospect that
Cong. Pelosi "may be more willing than Hastert to embarrass the White
House on this issue."
Let us hope that the Democrats would win the majority in the House on
Nov. 7, thus realizing the Turks’ worst nightmare! Nothing would be
more satisfying to most Armenian Americans than seeing Hastert lose
his "speakership" and become once again the lowly Congressman that he
used be. He would no longer be able to play sleazy political games
with the sacred memory of genocide victims.
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2 – Armenia Marriott Hotel Donates $2,500 to Project Discovery!
YEREVAN – Project Discovery! received a $2,500 donation from the
Armenia Marriott Hotel, the non-profit organization announced last
week.
Project Discovery!provides grants for archaeological research in
Armenia and for the preservation of Armenia’s historic and cultural
monuments.
In making the contribution, Alex Nurock, Director of Sales &
Marketing for the Hotel, said: "The Armenia Marriott Hotel is
pleased to be able to support Project Discovery! in its most
worthwhile efforts to discover and preserve Armenia’s cultural
legacy. We wish Project Discovery! continued success in its
endeavors."
Project Discovery! president, Teryl Minasian Asher, expressed her
delight in being able to add the Armenia Marriott Hotel to the
growing list of individuals and organizations who recognize the
critically important nature of the work that Project Discovery! is
doing to preserve the archaeologically and historically significant
monuments of Armenia. "We are racing against time", Asher commented.
"The forces of nature and economic development are working against
us. The Armenia Marriott Hotel’s very generous contribution will
enable us to move more quickly toward our goal of preserving the
monuments that embody Armenia’s legacy."
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3 – Cal State Northridge Hosts Book
Presentation on Egyptian Armenians
NORTHRIDGE, CA – The Armenian Studies Program, in collaboration with
the Armenian Student Association at the California State University,
Northridge (CSUN) will host a book presentation with author Sona
Zeitlian ON Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at CSUN’s Sierra Hall, Whitsette Room
451. The event will feature Zeitlian’s latest study on The Armenians
in Egypt: Contribution to Medieval and Modern Egypt,"
The book is the first attempt to present in English the continuous
presence of Armenians in Egypt from the Roman to Byzantine to modern
times. Part I charts the participation of Armenians in the fields of
political, military, economic and cultural life in the 11th-12th
centuries. Part II documents the achievement of Armenians in
leadership positions in the 19th-20th centuries. Part III is an
account of the contribution of Armenians to Egypt’s architecture,
painting, caricature, sculpture, photography, crafting, and designing
jewelry.
Zeitlian was born in Egypt. She has studied social sciences and
psychology at the American University in Cairo (AUC), and has taught
in community schools in Cairo, Beirut and Los Angeles. She has
worked as senior editor at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica. In
1995 she was nominated to the Advisory Board of Gustav E. Von
Grunebaum Center of Near East Studies at UCLA. Zeitlian is the
author of several monographs and studies.
The public is cordially invited. Admission is free. Parking is
available in Lot B3 ($4.) on Darby Street (at Nordhoff Street
westbound, just before Reseda Avenue).
For further information, contact Prof. Vahram Shemmassian at (818)
677-3456 or vahram.shemmassian@csun.edu.
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4 – Diocese APN to
Host Journalist
Hrant Dink, Nov. 5
BURBANK – The Armenian Professional Network of the Western Diocese
hosts an "Evening with Hrant Dink," editor of the Turkish-Armenian
newspaper "Agos," on Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Zorayan at the Arshag and Eleanor
Dickranian Diocesan Complex, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., in Burbank.
The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Sylva Natalie Manoogian.
Admission is free.
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5 – Mary Terzian Named in Best Books 2006 Award
WHITTIER, Calif. – USA Book News announced its Best Books 2006 Awards
on Oct. 16, naming Mary Terzian, a Hacienda Heights, Calif. resident
and member of the Writers’ Club of Whittier, as the winner in the
Multicultural Non-Fiction category, for her first book The
Immigrants’ Daughter, published by Booklocker.com.
Terzian was previously awarded a PEN USA West, Rosenthal scholarship
in 2001, while her book was in progress; first prize in Literature in
the Armenian Allied Arts Association’s annual contests in 1992 and
1994; and recognition from various organizations for her writing (see
).
She is a distinguished speaker with a ready sense of humor. "My
Toastmasters Club was the back door entry to writing," she chuckles.
Terzian, of Armenian descent, is fluent in English and calls herself
"an imported American." She lived the first half of her life in
Egypt, and arrived in the United States in the 1960s, after spending
time in the Republics of Congo and Togo on assignment with the United
Nations, and in Lebanon. She is well traveled, sometimes running into
complex situations such as the demise of Khrushchev while visiting
the Soviet Union in 1964. She lived, studied and worked in New York
and Los Angeles, and took advantage of early retirement from a
left-brain occupation to pursue writing.
Her sideline activities include contributions to ethnic and American
newspapers, magazines, books and online publications. She held
several offices in professional and service organizations.
The Immigrants’ Daughter is the universal story of a displaced
family, victim to ethnic cleansing, going through the phases of
acculturation and adaptation with inherent problems of starting a new
life in a foreign country. It is "an easy read, not without its
humorous moments…" per one reader; "captivating, heartwarming and
unforgettable" per Richard R. Blake, in the August 2006 issue of the
Midwest Book Review; "a compelling memoir" per Susan Wittig Albert of
Story Circle Reviews; and "a fine job… reads more like a collection
of short stories…" per Danielle Feliciano of Reader Views. The book
has generated five-star ratings on Amazon.com. It is available in
paperback in regular or online stores and it is downloadable from the
publisher, Booklocker.com.
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6 – Balians Named
Entrepreneurs
Of Week in Saipan
By Walt F.J. Goodridge
Saipan Tribune, Micronesia
SAIPAN – Victory and Linda Balian have been named Saipanpreneuers of
the week by the Saipanpreneur Project.
They are the proud owners of the Golden Lobster Restaurant, located
on the Chalan Lay Lau end of Middle road.
Syrian-born Victor and his wife, Linda, originally from Iraq, are
proud US citizens who took over the restaurant in May of this year.
They will be changing the name of the restaurant very soon to the
Magic Lamp to reflect its new Mediterranean menu.
Victor came to Saipan in 1996 because of a job offer by a
construction company, and stayed there ever since.
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7 – 9th Annual Telethon Set to Air Internationally,
Nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23
LOS ANGELES – Armenia Fund United States Western Region announced
last week the domestic and international broadcast coverage lineup of
its upcoming 9th Annual International Telethon, on Thanksgiving Day,
Nov. 23.
As part of the Rebirth of Artsakh project, proceeds from the live
12-hour program will benefit the regional development of Hadrut,
Nagorno Karabagh. The funds will go towards building new drinking
water pipelines as well as reconstructing healthcare facilities and
schools that fell victim to the war and years of neglect.
In an effort to eradicate poverty in this war ravaged border region,
Armenia Fund will also implement a comprehensive agricultural
development project to impact 1,000 farmers in eight Hadrut villages.
A similar regional development program is currently underway in the
northern Martakert region using the funds raised during last year’s
Telethon 2005.
Nagorno-Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, and Naira Melkoumian
Chief Executive Officer of Armenia Fund International will be present
during the telethon. The live program is set to air internationally
from Glendale Studios, California..
H1-Armenian Public Television will also air the live program in
Armenia, as well as on satellite in Europe, the Middle East, Asia,
and the United States. Viewers with a Globecast World TV satellite
may tune in to H1-Armenian Public Television and view the live 12-
hour program.
In addition, Horizon Armenian Television, the largest Diaspora based
Armenian cable and satellite network outside of Armenia will air the
telethon on its channel as well. Viewers in North America may watch
the Telethon on Horizon’s satellite channels. The Telethon will also
be webcast live for 12 hours on from 8am-8pm PST.
For detailed broadcast information, log on to
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and
infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabagh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160
million in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
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8 – L.A. Element Band to Perform Nov. 12
At Fresno’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium
By Heran Kerashkenian
LOS ANGELES-Award winning Element Band, one of the hottest Armenian
groups around, will be performing at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in
Fresno on November 12 at 5 p.m. Veteran’s Memorial Hall is located at
2425 Fresno Street, Fresno.
Sponsored by the Armenian Technology Group (ATG), the concert
promises many surprises by a band that has taken Southern California
by storm.
The band’s premiere CD "Yev O Phe," received the 2006 Armenian Music
Awards "Best Newcomer Album of The Year." With the release of that
CD, Element has attracted an incredible mix of listeners: their fan
base spans not only three generations, but also transcends the
diverse musical preferences prevalent in Armenian culture. It has
also left fans wanting to hear more of their selections, and hear the
band live in concert.
In the two years together, the band gave their first solo performance
at the Ford Amphitheatre in June 2006 to a packed house of 1,200
fans. They have also played at the Kodak Theatre as the warm-up to
legendary Greek singer Demis Roussos, and at the Ford Amphitheatre
with the French Gypsy Band Bratsch.
Their concert in Fresno will feature 24 mostly Armenian and some
English selections.
The band’s sound is bold: Flamenco, Tango, Rembetika waft in and out
of performances of traditional Armenian songs as well as English
selections. And to achieve this, the band uses the accordion,
bouzouki, mandolin, classical guitar, violin, and the purity of the
band’s vocalists to serve-up a compelling combination of fiery
Mediterranean and European sounds that are partnered with hauntingly
raw Armenian.
Tickets for the November 12 performance can be purchased by calling
ATG at 559-224-1000 or 818-481-7172.
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