Massis Weekly Online

VOLUME 27, NO. 4 (1304)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007

—————
— Private TVs Stations Set Artificially High Prices For Campaign Ads
— Youth Wings of Opposition Parties Sign a Statement of Cooperation
— Armenia’s Hunchakian Party Youth Address Embassy’s Inability to
Protect Armenians in Russia
— Armenian Community of Louisiana Mobilized for Passage of HR 106
— City of Los Angeles Calls on the Government To Recognize The
Armenian Genocide
— Italian Produced Armenian Genocide Documentary ?The Lark Farm?
Featured at the Berlin Film Festival
— Vazgen Manukyan Attends Round Table Forum
— Near East Foundation Elects First Chair Of Armenian Ancestry In 91
Year History

—————
– Private TVs Stations Set Artificially High Prices For Campaign Ads

Armenia?s leading private broadcasters under pressure form the regime
have set artificially high prices for political advertisements to be
aired during the unfolding election campaign. Opposition leaders have
claimed the prohibitive cost of such adverts is aimed at effectively
barring opposition parties from using the electronic media in the
run-up to the May parliamentary elections. Armenian law guarantees
them only 60 minutes of free airtime on state television and 120
minutes on state radio.
?The prices were set for progovernment parties,? said Grigor
Harutiunian, a leading member of the People?s Party of Armenia. ?Only
political forces with dirty money can afford them.?
?They are driving us to the streets,? warned Smbat Ayvazian of the
radical Hanrapetutyun party.
Some representatives of the governing coalition agreed that the
campaign ad rates, varying from 80,000 drams to 130,000 drams ($365)
per minute, are disproportionately high for a country like Armenia.
In another blow to the opposition, it emerged on Tuesday that 18 out
of the 29 local TV stations across Armenia have mysteriously decided
not to run any pre-election advertising. Opposition politicians and
some media experts believe that this will not keep them from promoting
pro-government candidates in their news programs.
The opposition complaints, meanwhile, were echoed by a top
representative of Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF), a Paris-based media
watchdog. ?It?s a very crude way of preventing an opponent from
addressing the country?s population,? Elsa Vidal, the RSF director for
Europe and the former Soviet Union, told RFE/RL.
?It?s old and useless method. It just underlines that the authorities
are afraid,? charged Vidal.

– Youth Wings of Opposition Parties Sign a Statement of Cooperation

Led by the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party ?Sarkis Dkhrouni? youth
and student union, the youth wings of seven opposition political
parties signed a statement of cooperate, pledging to use all their
resources to ensure a free and fair parliamentary election this coming
May.
The youth wings set aside difference of ideology in hopes of
establishing a truly democratic republic, represented by the people,
and not oligarchical system. ?We have not gathered here to decide
whether to tend to the needs of Russia or to the USA. We have a
greater problem facing our country and
Armenian Nation as a whole?, mentioned author of the initiative, head
of ?Sargis Tkhrouni? youth union Narek Galstyan. ?A transparent
democratic system is imperative for the people of the country to
address the needs and concerns of the people.? Galstyan continued.
The statement authored by the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party ?Sarkis
Dkhrouni? youth union was signed by the representatives of the youth
wings of ?New Times? Party, National League of Young Democrats,
Armenian Pan-National Movement, ?Republic? Party, National Democratic
Alliance, and National Self-Determination Union. They expect other
parties and NGOs to also sign the statement of cooperate in the near
future.

Armenia’s Hunchakian Party Youth Address Embassy’s Inability to
Protect Armenians in Russia

The ?Sarkis Dkhrouni? youth and student association of the
Social-Democrat Hunchakian Party addressed Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian in an open letter on Feb. 12 in Yerevan accusing the Armenian
Embassy of indifference towards the hate crimes committed against
local Armenians in Russia.
The letter is a call to action for all representatives of the Embassy
including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Armen
Smbatyan. A series of attacks and murders committed against Armenians
has prompted the youth association of the Hunchaks to ask for a more
vigorous actions by the foreign ministry to end the bloodshed through
diplomatic means. The youth stated that the Embassy does not serve its
intended purpose of a diplomatic office, rather it acts as a ?trade
organization.? The open letter also urged the Foreign Ministry of the
Republic of Armenia to be proactive towards the situation rather than
the reactive or in some instances non-active approach towards the
situation.
Commenting on the accusations of negligence and lack of concern,
Smbatyan responded to the ?Sarkis
Dkhruni? youth branch of Huchakian Social-Democratic party in Armenia
stating that every ethnic hate crime is treated with high importance
and swift measures are taken to curtail further instances of such
criminal acts. Additionally, he claims that all crimes are
communicated within the Ministries of Internal and Foreign Affairs and
the Plenipotentiary of Russia.
Although Smbatyan agrees that there might be some dissatisfaction
among the people with the Consul?s services, he is assured that the
Armenian Embassy in Russia does everything possible to protect
Armenians from the violence which has been reported in the media. He
added that the causes of these attacks on Armenians have been cases of
xenophobia and that they are not particularly geared towards Armenians
but to all people living in Russia who are of non-Slavic backgrounds.

– Armenian Community of Louisiana Mobilized for Passage of HR 106

Louisiana branch of the Armenian Council of America strongly urged
members of the Congress from Louisiana to sponsor House Resolution
106. House Resolution 106 calls upon the President to ensure that the
foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding
and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic
cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record
relating to the Armenian Genocide.
On February 11, the Armenian Council of America of Louisiana in
cooperation with St. Garabed Armenian Church of Louisiana organized a
signing petition advocating their respective members of congress to
cosponsor the Armenian Genocide resolution H.R. 106, as well as House
Resolution 102; condemning the assassination of human rights advocate
and outspoken defender of freedom of the press, Turkish-Armenian
journalist Hrant Dink on January 19, 2007.
In a letter addressed to the Congressional legislators of Louisiana
accompanied with the petition, Louisiana?s chapter of the Armenian
Council of America stated that the Armenian Genocide is an irrefutable
historical fact and the Armenian Council of America along with
Armenian Americans of Louisiana urge the Congressional representatives
to act insuring the recognition of the Armenian Genocide so that the
cycle of genocide and its denial are ended, and this human tragedy is
never repeated.
Currently only 1 out of the 7 Louisiana Congressmen have signed on to
the current legislation. Due to outside pressure, as well as from the
administration, Representative Bobby Jindal withdrew his
co-sponsorship of H.R. 106.
?Even though at some points it seems to be an uphill battle, we must
continue to strife and persevere for our cause.? stated Vasken
Kaltakdjian, chairman of Armenian Council of America Louisiana
chapter. He emphasized that the Turkish government is also actively
pursuing the legislators. ?We are good friends with Congressman
Jindal, urging him to reconsider his decision and not to succumb to
political threats from the Turkish government and the current
administration.? added Kaltakdjian.
?Currently the Armenian Council of America is actively utilizing its
strengths in advocating members of Congress in regions that are not
known for a history of being proactive for Armenian American issues?
stated Darakjian, Director of the Armenian Council of America.
Armenian Council of America is greatly encouraging Armenian Americans
to contact their respective members of Congress and
urge them to support H.R. 106. ?Louisiana is just one example of the
difficulty that the Armenian American community is facing. Despite
popular belief the Armenian Genocide resolution will not pass without
the support of members of congress that do not have a substantial
constituency of Armenian Americans.? stressed Darakjian.
Currently the support for H.R. 106 has included over 175 members of
the House. Key Congressional supporters include Congressmen Adam
Schiff (DCA), George Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).

– City of Los Angeles Calls on the Government To Recognize The
Armenian Genocide

The Los Angeles City Council went on record Wednesday in support of a
proposed federal resolution asking the U.S. government to recognize
the Armenian genocide, which resulted in deaths of 1.5 million people
in 1915.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, introduced HR 106 on Jan. 30, asking
President Bush to recognize the killings committed by Turkey?s Ottoman
Empire during World War I.
?This crime against humanity succeeded in the elimination of 3,000
years of cultural history in Ottoman, Turkey, and it was something
(Adolf) Hitler cited when he began the Holocaust of the Jews,?
Councilman Eric Garcetti said just before the council unanimously
voted to support the resolution. ?He said, `After all, who remembers
the Armenians???
?These atrocities occurred a long time ago, and we?re still fighting
for the first condition of justice, the recognition of the gravity of
the evil done,? Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said during a news
conference in front of City Hall. ?It is time we honored the Armenian
people by taking the first step toward justice.?
In other action, the City Council?s Arts, Parks, Health and Aging
Committee agreed that Los Angeles should adopt Yerevan as a sister city.

– Italian Produced Armenian Genocide Documentary ?The Lark Farm?
Featured at the Berlin Film Festival

A film depicting the tragedy of a rich family almost wiped out in the
mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915 is not meant to be
anti-Turkish, the directors said on Wednesday. Italy?s Taviani
brothers say ?The Lark Farm?, featuring at the Berlin film festival,
has a broad message about the human catastrophe of modern conflict.
Sparing little detail, the drama shows Ottoman Turks decapitating,
castrating and dismembering the men of the Armenian family in front of
their wives and children, who are themselves sent on a punishing
forced march towards the desert.
?This movie is not against Turks,? director Paolo Taviani told Reuters
in an interview, pointing out a Turkish man is instrumental in saving
some of the family?s children. ?It is not the Turks who kill ? it is
the Young Turks ? a political movement. It is exactly the same as what
happened in Italy with the Fascists and in Germany under Nazism.?
At the end of the press screening, the audience sat in stunned silence.
Ahead of the film?s public release, the Taviani brothers said they
were unaware of any adverse reaction from Turkey. Berlin?s Turkish
embassy said it had received no response to the film from Ankara.
Although a love story between an Armenian and Turk is a major part of
the film and some Ottoman soldiers are portrayed as being reluctant to
carry out orders to kill their friends, the focus is firmly on the
suffering of the Armenian family.
?We wanted to comment on current events like Kosovo, and Rwanda,? said
Paolo Taviani?s brother Vittorio. ?We thought we should look at one of
the most horrifying tragedies of mankind
because there is nothing worse than a war between people who know each
other well.?
The brothers say they are sure Turkey should join the EU. ?(But) we
are convinced … of the necessity that it publicly recognizes the
historical truth of the Armenian tragedy, in the same way as Germany
and Italy have come to terms with their criminal past,? they said in a
statement.
Actress Arsinee Khanjian, who plays a major character in ?The
LarkFarm?, says Turkey still has a way to go.?Turkey must change its
approach to theArmenian genocide but it also has big human rights
problems with many other minorities,? the actress of Armenian descent
told Reuters.

– Vazgen Manukyan Attends Round Table Forum

The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party ?Sarkis Dkhrouni? youth and
student union on February 10th continued its series of round table
forums. The panelist of this month?s forum was Mr. Vazgen Manukyan.
Mr. Manukyan was a member of the Karabakh committee and as a result
was arrested in December 1988 along with other members of the Karabakh
committee and spent six months in the Matrosskaya Tishina prison in
Moscow. Mr. Manukyan has served as prime minister and acting defense
minister of the Republic Armenia. Currently he is a member of
parliament and the chairman of the National Democratic Union Party.
The topic of the forum was the independence and establishment of the
Republic of Armenia, and the establishment and development of the
Armenian army.
Mr. Manukyan was able to provide insight of the establishment of the
Armenian Republic and the trials and tribulations associated with it
to the 30 plus young intellectuals of all educational backgrounds
attending the forum. Using specific examples, Mr. Manukyan also
addressed the hardships the Republic went through while he was
Minister of Defense in establishing a viable armed
forces while in the midst of the war of liberation of Artsakh. He also
touched upon reasoning?s and consequences of certain operations during
the war. Mr. Manukyan also thanked the young organizers of the forum,
which he considers a valuable tool for the future intellectuals and
leaders of Armenia.

– Near East Foundation Elects First Chair Of Armenian Ancestry In 91
Year History

As the newly-elected Chair of NEF (Near East Foundation) it is my high
honor to join the leadership ranks of this 91-year-old organization
which has had so profound an impact on me.
As an American of Armenian descent, NEF has brought me in touch with
my past…the past in which many Armenians? like my grandparents?were
saved by orphanages such as those established by Near East Relief
during the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.
During the five years of my involvement and now as the first Chair of
Armenian ancestry, I feel an obligation to give back to this
organization that has given so much, to so many, over its long history.
Like the men and women who have preceded me in this role, the
challenges are great. Poverty continues to dominate most of the world,
contributing to despair, political instability and resentment. War
rages on in the Middle East and parts of Africa, where long-standing,
unresolved conflicts fester. Genocide has become all too common a
term?and the slogan ?Never Again? has lost its meaning.
Religion still divides rather than unites the peoples of the world.
But never have the challenges barred NEF?s way.
The selfless dedication of NEF?s staff and supporters have always
succeeded in accomplishing a great deal despite limited resources.
Ironically, our past has brought us back to Armenia. I recently
returned from my second trip to further expand NEF?s role and presence
there once again. Given our historical connection, NEF was
enthusiastically received by several Armenian government ministries
and local nongovernmental organizations; we also reintroduced
ourselves to the local offices of USAID and the World Bank. You can
expect to hear more about new NEF programs in Armenia shortly.
NEF also returned to its roots in relief work by responding to the
humanitarian crisis in Lebanon (my birthplace) this past summer. We
have established a microcredit program that promotes the resettlement
of those who were displaced during the recent conflict. In short, the
future holds new and exciting opportunities for NEF.
With our newly-formed subsidiary NEFdev, we are uniquely positioned to
qualify as a small business thereby giving NEF an advantage when
bidding on U.S. government contracts.
As with everything in life, it is our past that makes us what we are
today. What we are today helps shape what we want to become in the
future. What we become in the future is a reminder of who we were in
the past. So may the memory of all those who gave so much before us,
reinvigorate the reasons we all give to this noble cause now. Please
join me as we embark upon NEF?s next phase. There is much work to be
done.
Shant Mardirossian

—
Massis Weekly Online
MassisWeekly.com
1060 N. Allen Ave, Suite 203
Pasadena, CA 91104
Tel. 626.797.7680
Fax. 626.797.6863