The California Courier Online, January 25, 2018
1 – Commentary
Human
Rights Watch Reports on Violations
Rights Watch Reports on Violations
In Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Turkey
and Turkey
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – Airport
Mogul Eurnekian to Pass Baton to Nephew
Mogul Eurnekian to Pass Baton to Nephew
3 – L.A. Armenians Honor
Grammy Nominees
Grammy Nominees
Tigran
Mansurian and Constantine Orbelian
Mansurian and Constantine Orbelian
4 – Times Square
Armenian
Armenian
Genocide
Commemoration
Commemoration
Slated
for April 22
for April 22
5 – Turkish Party Woman
Who Recognized
1915
1915
Genocide
Hounded by
Hounded by
Pro-Government
Media
Media
6 – Flag Raising Dedication Marks Completion
Of
The Vineyards at California Armenian Home
The Vineyards at California Armenian Home
7- Two
Russian-Armenians Among Putin’s
Russian-Armenians Among Putin’s
Proxies
in 2018 Presidential Campaign
in 2018 Presidential Campaign
8 – Armenians Are World’s
Top Backgammon
Players in
2017
2017
9- Victoria Bedrossian Wilson Appointed
LA Superior Court Judge by Gov. Brown
10- Garo
Paylan Testifies in Ankara
Paylan Testifies in Ankara
Over
Assassination Warnings
Assassination Warnings
******************************************
1 – Commentary
Human Rights Watch Reports on
Violations
Violations
In Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Turkey
and Turkey
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
Human Rights Watch, a respectable and prominent
non-governmental organization, issued last week its annual report that
documented human rights violations during 2017 in more than 90 countries,
including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
non-governmental organization, issued last week its annual report that
documented human rights violations during 2017 in more than 90 countries,
including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
ARMENIA
Below is the summary of what
Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Armenia during 2017:
Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Armenia during 2017:
“Parliamentary elections,
the first since the 2015 constitutional amendments moving the country from a
presidential to a parliamentary system, failed to improve public confidence in
the electoral system. The ruling Republican Party dominated the polls amid
reports of irregularities. Authorities failed to bring to justice officials
responsible for excessive use of force against protesters and journalists,
including during largely peaceful protests in Yerevan in July 2016. The trials of 32 men
accused of crimes committed during the violent takeover of a police station in Yerevan, which prompted
the protests, were ongoing at time of writing. Four defendants have reported
ill-treatment in detention.”
the first since the 2015 constitutional amendments moving the country from a
presidential to a parliamentary system, failed to improve public confidence in
the electoral system. The ruling Republican Party dominated the polls amid
reports of irregularities. Authorities failed to bring to justice officials
responsible for excessive use of force against protesters and journalists,
including during largely peaceful protests in Yerevan in July 2016. The trials of 32 men
accused of crimes committed during the violent takeover of a police station in Yerevan, which prompted
the protests, were ongoing at time of writing. Four defendants have reported
ill-treatment in detention.”
AZERBAIJAN
Below is the summary of what
Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Azerbaijan during 2017:
Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Azerbaijan during 2017:
“The government intensified
its crackdown against critics in 2017. Courts sentenced at least 25 journalists
and political and youth activists to long prison terms in politically
motivated, unfair trials. Dozens more were detained or are under criminal
investigation, face harassment and travel bans, or have fled. Draconian laws
and regulations impede independent groups’ work and ability to secure funding.
Torture and ill-treatment in custody persist. In a violent campaign, police
arrested and ill-treated dozens of gay men and transgender women. Following
years of scrutiny and several warnings, the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI), an international coalition promoting better governance in
resource-rich countries, suspended Azerbaijan for failing to ease
restrictions on civil society groups.”
its crackdown against critics in 2017. Courts sentenced at least 25 journalists
and political and youth activists to long prison terms in politically
motivated, unfair trials. Dozens more were detained or are under criminal
investigation, face harassment and travel bans, or have fled. Draconian laws
and regulations impede independent groups’ work and ability to secure funding.
Torture and ill-treatment in custody persist. In a violent campaign, police
arrested and ill-treated dozens of gay men and transgender women. Following
years of scrutiny and several warnings, the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI), an international coalition promoting better governance in
resource-rich countries, suspended Azerbaijan for failing to ease
restrictions on civil society groups.”
Human Rights Watch also
provided the following details of human rights violations in Azerbaijan:
provided the following details of human rights violations in Azerbaijan:
— “18 activists are
imprisoned or awaiting trial on politically motivated criminal charges.”
imprisoned or awaiting trial on politically motivated criminal charges.”
— “7
journalists and bloggers are imprisoned or awaiting trial on politically
motivated criminal charges.”
journalists and bloggers are imprisoned or awaiting trial on politically
motivated criminal charges.”
— “11 times
the Council of Europe called on Azerbaijan
to release opposition leader Ilgar Mammadov.”
the Council of Europe called on Azerbaijan
to release opposition leader Ilgar Mammadov.”
— “5 major
media outlets are permanently blocked by Azerbaijan under the pretext of
‘national security.”
media outlets are permanently blocked by Azerbaijan under the pretext of
‘national security.”
— “162 out of
180 countries is where Reporters without Borders ranks Azerbaijan for press freedom.”
180 countries is where Reporters without Borders ranks Azerbaijan for press freedom.”
— “11
activists, including journalists and NGO leaders, are banned from leaving Azerbaijan.”
activists, including journalists and NGO leaders, are banned from leaving Azerbaijan.”
TURKEY
Below is the
summary of what Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Turkey during 2017:
summary of what Human Rights Watch reported on violations in Turkey during 2017:
“An April 2017
referendum, which voters approved by a slim margin, introduced constitutional
amendments switching Turkey
to a presidential system of governance, the most significant change to its
political institutions in decades. The referendum took place under a state of
emergency imposed after the July 15, 2016 attempted military coup, and in an
environment of heavy media censorship, with many journalists and
parliamentarians from the pro-Kurdish opposition in jail. The new presidential
system, which consolidates the incumbent’s hold on power, is a setback for
human rights and the rule of law. It lacks sufficient checks and balances
against abuse of executive power, greatly diminishing the powers of parliament,
and consolidating presidential control over most judicial appointments. The
presidential system will come fully into force following elections in 2019.”
referendum, which voters approved by a slim margin, introduced constitutional
amendments switching Turkey
to a presidential system of governance, the most significant change to its
political institutions in decades. The referendum took place under a state of
emergency imposed after the July 15, 2016 attempted military coup, and in an
environment of heavy media censorship, with many journalists and
parliamentarians from the pro-Kurdish opposition in jail. The new presidential
system, which consolidates the incumbent’s hold on power, is a setback for
human rights and the rule of law. It lacks sufficient checks and balances
against abuse of executive power, greatly diminishing the powers of parliament,
and consolidating presidential control over most judicial appointments. The
presidential system will come fully into force following elections in 2019.”
Below are brief
excerpts from the Human Rights Watch report which provides lengthy details
about violations in Turkey:
excerpts from the Human Rights Watch report which provides lengthy details
about violations in Turkey:
“Public
officials continued to be dismissed or suspended by decree without due process,
with more than 110,000 dismissed since July 2016. Hundreds of media outlets,
associations, foundations, private hospitals, and educational establishments
that the government shut down by decree remained closed in 2017, their assets
confiscated without compensation. …Those affected have no right to work in
public service, their bank accounts are frozen, and passports confiscated.”
officials continued to be dismissed or suspended by decree without due process,
with more than 110,000 dismissed since July 2016. Hundreds of media outlets,
associations, foundations, private hospitals, and educational establishments
that the government shut down by decree remained closed in 2017, their assets
confiscated without compensation. …Those affected have no right to work in
public service, their bank accounts are frozen, and passports confiscated.”
Furthermore, “people
continued to be arrested and remanded to pretrial custody on terrorism charges,
with at least 50,000 remanded to pretrial detention and many more prosecuted
since the failed coup. Those prosecuted include journalists, civil servants,
teachers and politicians as well as police officers and military personnel….
Under the state of emergency in Turkey
over 500 lawyers have been jailed pending trial, and over 1,000 prosecuted”
continued to be arrested and remanded to pretrial custody on terrorism charges,
with at least 50,000 remanded to pretrial detention and many more prosecuted
since the failed coup. Those prosecuted include journalists, civil servants,
teachers and politicians as well as police officers and military personnel….
Under the state of emergency in Turkey
over 500 lawyers have been jailed pending trial, and over 1,000 prosecuted”
The report also stated that
“Turkey
is the world leader in jailing journalists and media workers as they face
criminal investigations and trials, with around 150 behind bars at time of
writing. Most newspapers and television channels lack independence and promote
the government’s political line.”
“Turkey
is the world leader in jailing journalists and media workers as they face
criminal investigations and trials, with around 150 behind bars at time of
writing. Most newspapers and television channels lack independence and promote
the government’s political line.”
Compared to Azerbaijan and Turkey,
Armenia
had the least number of human rights violations. Turkey
is one of the biggest violators of human rights in the world with Azerbaijan
a close second. However, most Armenians prefer that their homeland be as
democratic as possible regardless of how undemocratic the neighboring countries
are.
Armenia
had the least number of human rights violations. Turkey
is one of the biggest violators of human rights in the world with Azerbaijan
a close second. However, most Armenians prefer that their homeland be as
democratic as possible regardless of how undemocratic the neighboring countries
are.
**************************************************************************************************
2- Airport
Mogul Eurnekian to Pass Baton to Nephew
Mogul Eurnekian to Pass Baton to Nephew
NEW YORK
(Bloomberg) – Argentine Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian reportedly will
pass the ownership of the Corporacion America Airports SA to his nephew,
Martin, according to a report in Bloomberg on January 11.
(Bloomberg) – Argentine Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian reportedly will
pass the ownership of the Corporacion America Airports SA to his nephew,
Martin, according to a report in Bloomberg on January 11.
Eurnekian’s
company, which operates concessions in 51 airports worldwide is looking to sell
as much as $750 million of shares between January and February in an initial
public offering, said he will oversee the deal, “but that doesn’t’ mean I’m in
charge.”
company, which operates concessions in 51 airports worldwide is looking to sell
as much as $750 million of shares between January and February in an initial
public offering, said he will oversee the deal, “but that doesn’t’ mean I’m in
charge.”
“I am
doing this IPO, but that doesn’t mean I’m in charge — the one who manages the
airports is my nephew,” Eurnekian told Bloomberg during an interview in his Buenos Aires office. “I
will oversee this deal this month, and my career in airports will be complete.”
doing this IPO, but that doesn’t mean I’m in charge — the one who manages the
airports is my nephew,” Eurnekian told Bloomberg during an interview in his Buenos Aires office. “I
will oversee this deal this month, and my career in airports will be complete.”
Armenia
International Airports, which operates Yerevan’s
Zvartnots and Gyumri’s Shirak International airports, is part of the
Corporacion America Airports, which announced the IPO.
International Airports, which operates Yerevan’s
Zvartnots and Gyumri’s Shirak International airports, is part of the
Corporacion America Airports, which announced the IPO.
A son of
Armenian Genocide survivors, Eurnekian, who has other holdings in Armenia, and has been a fixture in Armenia
since its independence, transformed the Zvartnots airport from its Soviet
structure to a bustling international travel hub. His investments in the Shirak
airport enabled air travel to Armenia’s
second largest city, which had long been dormant.
Armenian Genocide survivors, Eurnekian, who has other holdings in Armenia, and has been a fixture in Armenia
since its independence, transformed the Zvartnots airport from its Soviet
structure to a bustling international travel hub. His investments in the Shirak
airport enabled air travel to Armenia’s
second largest city, which had long been dormant.
***************************************************************************************************
3 – L.A. Armenians Honor
Grammy Nominees
Grammy Nominees
Tigran
Mansurian and Constantine Orbelian
Mansurian and Constantine Orbelian
LOS ANGELES – At a celebration luncheon held on
January 13 in Los Angeles,
the Armenian community honored two Armenian musicians, Tigran Mansurian and
Constantine Orbelian, on the occasion of their nomination for the prestigious
Grammy Awards. The luncheon, held at Bistro
Garden in Studio City,
was attended by a cross section of cultural leaders and music lovers. It was
sponsored by Drs. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian, Mrs. Alice Navasargian, and Mr.
and Mrs. Joe and Joyce Stein.
January 13 in Los Angeles,
the Armenian community honored two Armenian musicians, Tigran Mansurian and
Constantine Orbelian, on the occasion of their nomination for the prestigious
Grammy Awards. The luncheon, held at Bistro
Garden in Studio City,
was attended by a cross section of cultural leaders and music lovers. It was
sponsored by Drs. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian, Mrs. Alice Navasargian, and Mr.
and Mrs. Joe and Joyce Stein.
In his
opening remarks, the event’s MC Prof. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Chair of Armenian
Studies at UCLA, formally introduced the honorees and encapsulated the
achievements for which they have received Grammy Award nominations from the Recording Academy. Importantly, Prof. Cowe
highlighted the fact that this year marks the 85th anniversary of the
Yerevan Opera House, as well as the 150th anniversary of Armenian opera, which
was founded with the operatic masterpiece Arshak II.
opening remarks, the event’s MC Prof. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Chair of Armenian
Studies at UCLA, formally introduced the honorees and encapsulated the
achievements for which they have received Grammy Award nominations from the Recording Academy. Importantly, Prof. Cowe
highlighted the fact that this year marks the 85th anniversary of the
Yerevan Opera House, as well as the 150th anniversary of Armenian opera, which
was founded with the operatic masterpiece Arshak II.
During
the ensuing luncheon, Prof. Cowe also presented the biographies of the honorees,
detailing their outstanding bodies of work.
the ensuing luncheon, Prof. Cowe also presented the biographies of the honorees,
detailing their outstanding bodies of work.
Mansurian,
recognized as a People’s Artist of the Republic of Armenia,
is a leading composer of classical music and film scores. His “Requiem” has
been nominated for the Grammy Award in two categories: Best Choral Performance
and Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
recognized as a People’s Artist of the Republic of Armenia,
is a leading composer of classical music and film scores. His “Requiem” has
been nominated for the Grammy Award in two categories: Best Choral Performance
and Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
Orbelian is a globally acclaimed pianist and
conductor, and an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation. Since June
2016, he has helmed the
National Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia (the Yerevan Opera House) as its General
Director and Artistic Director. His recording of Sviridov’s “Russia Cast
Adrift,” featuring the late baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the State Symphony
Orchestra of St. Petersburg, has received a Grammy nomination in the category
of Best Conductor on a Solo Vocal Album.
conductor, and an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation. Since June
2016, he has helmed the
National Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia (the Yerevan Opera House) as its General
Director and Artistic Director. His recording of Sviridov’s “Russia Cast
Adrift,” featuring the late baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the State Symphony
Orchestra of St. Petersburg, has received a Grammy nomination in the category
of Best Conductor on a Solo Vocal Album.
Following
Prof. Cowe’s remarks, the guests were treated to a musical interlude performed
by pianist Artashes Kartalyan.
Prof. Cowe’s remarks, the guests were treated to a musical interlude performed
by pianist Artashes Kartalyan.
Subsequently,
in the event’s most anticipated segment, Maestro Orbelian was interviewed on
stage by “Asbarez” English editor Ara Khachatourian. The lively, highly
informative conversation touched on current plans for expanding the activities
of the Yerevan Opera House through new musical productions, performances
abroad, educational programs, and community outreach; and the need for
substantial pan-Armenian support toward the further modernization and
development of the Yerevan Opera House, as a dynamic cultural hub and a
national treasure.
in the event’s most anticipated segment, Maestro Orbelian was interviewed on
stage by “Asbarez” English editor Ara Khachatourian. The lively, highly
informative conversation touched on current plans for expanding the activities
of the Yerevan Opera House through new musical productions, performances
abroad, educational programs, and community outreach; and the need for
substantial pan-Armenian support toward the further modernization and
development of the Yerevan Opera House, as a dynamic cultural hub and a
national treasure.
*****************************************************************************************************
4 – Times Square Armenian
Genocide
Commemoration
Commemoration
Slated
for April 22
for April 22
NEW YORK (PanArmenian.net) – The Armenian Genocide Commemoration
organized annually in Times Square will be
held on April 22.
organized annually in Times Square will be
held on April 22.
Thousands gather in New York City
each year to commemorate the anniversary the Armenian Genocide in April.
each year to commemorate the anniversary the Armenian Genocide in April.
In recognition of Genocide Awareness Month in
April, Holocaust Remembrance Day is usually being commemorated too, along with
other genocides committed in contemporary history.
April, Holocaust Remembrance Day is usually being commemorated too, along with
other genocides committed in contemporary history.
The Genocide
is remembered in various corners of the world, where Diaspora Armenians and
locals alike join to remember those martyred in the massacres.
is remembered in various corners of the world, where Diaspora Armenians and
locals alike join to remember those martyred in the massacres.
*************************************************************************************************
5 – Turkish Party Woman
Who Recognized
1915
1915
Genocide
Hounded by
Hounded by
Pro-Government
Media
Media
ISTANBUL
(News.am) – Canan Kaftancıoğlu, who has been elected as head of the Istanbul
Province Chapter of main parliamentary opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP) of Turkey,
has been targeted by the pro-government media.
(News.am) – Canan Kaftancıoğlu, who has been elected as head of the Istanbul
Province Chapter of main parliamentary opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP) of Turkey,
has been targeted by the pro-government media.
Turkish pro-government media and representatives
of the authorities have launched a smear campaign against Kaftancıoğlu, in the
press and on social media.
of the authorities have launched a smear campaign against Kaftancıoğlu, in the
press and on social media.
One of the main accusations made against her is
that she recognized Armenian Genocide, by means of Twitter, on April 24, 2012,
the anniversary day of this tragedy.
that she recognized Armenian Genocide, by means of Twitter, on April 24, 2012,
the anniversary day of this tragedy.
“Today in history: Armenian Genocide started,”
Canan Kaftancıoğlu tweeted on that day. “We commemorate our murdered Armenian
citizens, at 19:15 at Taksim [Square in Istanbul].”
Canan Kaftancıoğlu tweeted on that day. “We commemorate our murdered Armenian
citizens, at 19:15 at Taksim [Square in Istanbul].”
*****************************************************************************************************
6- Flag
Raising Dedication Marks Completion
Raising Dedication Marks Completion
Of
The Vineyards at California Armenian Home
The Vineyards at California Armenian Home
FRESNO,
CA – The Board of Directors of the California Armenian Home celebrated the
completion of its $42 million senior lifestyle community, The Vineyards, and
the extraordinary 65-year, 5-star legacy of senior care of every national
origin with a symbolic flag raising dedication held on January 17 – the first
of several milestone events to be held through February.
CA – The Board of Directors of the California Armenian Home celebrated the
completion of its $42 million senior lifestyle community, The Vineyards, and
the extraordinary 65-year, 5-star legacy of senior care of every national
origin with a symbolic flag raising dedication held on January 17 – the first
of several milestone events to be held through February.
The flag
raising dedication provided an opportunity for the community to come together
to honor its diverse cultures and proudly honor the generations before them –
and those yet to come. It also served as a tribute to the founding fathers of
the California Armenian Home whose foresight 65 years ago helped to lay the
foundation for The Vineyards – the region’s newest senior lifestyle community
that welcomes residents of every origin, and where life is celebrated in a
beautiful continuing care community.
raising dedication provided an opportunity for the community to come together
to honor its diverse cultures and proudly honor the generations before them –
and those yet to come. It also served as a tribute to the founding fathers of
the California Armenian Home whose foresight 65 years ago helped to lay the
foundation for The Vineyards – the region’s newest senior lifestyle community
that welcomes residents of every origin, and where life is celebrated in a
beautiful continuing care community.
In a
patriotic gesture, and in honor of their love and respect for the senior
generation, the Mimi Koligian Family donated three stately flag poles that were
the center of the event. In a moving ceremony, the U.S.,
California and Armenia flags were presented by
residents of The Vineyards to the Sanger High School Navy Junior Reserve
Officers Training Corps who raised each flag while the national, state and
Armenian anthems were performed by the Sounds of Freedom band.
patriotic gesture, and in honor of their love and respect for the senior
generation, the Mimi Koligian Family donated three stately flag poles that were
the center of the event. In a moving ceremony, the U.S.,
California and Armenia flags were presented by
residents of The Vineyards to the Sanger High School Navy Junior Reserve
Officers Training Corps who raised each flag while the national, state and
Armenian anthems were performed by the Sounds of Freedom band.
The
dedication event was followed by ribbon cuttings led by the Fresno and Clovis Chambers of Commerce, which
were held in front of a new monument sign at The Vineyards. Attendees of the
dedication included the Board of Directors of the California Armenian Home,
donors, cultural, political leaders, and veterans.
dedication event was followed by ribbon cuttings led by the Fresno and Clovis Chambers of Commerce, which
were held in front of a new monument sign at The Vineyards. Attendees of the
dedication included the Board of Directors of the California Armenian Home,
donors, cultural, political leaders, and veterans.
“The
flags now on display represent the many cultures that make up our new senior
lifestyle community, and the deep respect we all feel for the older
generation,” said George Juarez, Executive Director for the California Armenian
Home. “We are eternally grateful to the Mimi Koligian Family for such a
generous donation and are excited to have these flags forever be a part of our
community.”
flags now on display represent the many cultures that make up our new senior
lifestyle community, and the deep respect we all feel for the older
generation,” said George Juarez, Executive Director for the California Armenian
Home. “We are eternally grateful to the Mimi Koligian Family for such a
generous donation and are excited to have these flags forever be a part of our
community.”
The
Vineyards at the California Armenian Home is the largest privately funded
senior lifestyle community in the Central Valley and includes private pay,
month-to-month rentals for 72 resort-style independent living villas and
apartments, 50 assisted living and 36 memory care apartments, plus a host of
hospitality amenities such as a theater, beauty salon and more, plus multiple
dining establishments, recreation, fitness and daily needs services.
Vineyards at the California Armenian Home is the largest privately funded
senior lifestyle community in the Central Valley and includes private pay,
month-to-month rentals for 72 resort-style independent living villas and
apartments, 50 assisted living and 36 memory care apartments, plus a host of
hospitality amenities such as a theater, beauty salon and more, plus multiple
dining establishments, recreation, fitness and daily needs services.
*****************************************************************************************************
7- Two
Russian-Armenians Among Putin’s
Russian-Armenians Among Putin’s
Proxies
in 2018 Presidential Campaign
in 2018 Presidential Campaign
MOSCOW (RIA-Novosti) – Two prominent Russian-Armenian
women – an Olympic champion and a top journalist – are among the proxies of
President Vladimir Putin in the country's upcoming nationwide
election.
women – an Olympic champion and a top journalist – are among the proxies of
President Vladimir Putin in the country's upcoming nationwide
election.
Yana Yegoryan, a double Olympic fencing
champion, and Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Russia Today – are on
the list of the 259 individuals authorized to represent the incumbent leader.
champion, and Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Russia Today – are on
the list of the 259 individuals authorized to represent the incumbent leader.
The Central Electoral Commission completed the
registration of proxies on January 12.
registration of proxies on January 12.
Under the country’s legislation, a presidential
candidate is entitled to appoint up to 600 proxies.
candidate is entitled to appoint up to 600 proxies.
The presidential elections are slated for March
18. The official campaign kicked off three months earlier, in December.
18. The official campaign kicked off three months earlier, in December.
*************************************************************************************************
8- Armenians Are World’s
Top Backgammon
Players in
2017
2017
YEREVAN
(News.am) -The year 2017 was successful, especially for Armenian professional
backgammon players.
(News.am) -The year 2017 was successful, especially for Armenian professional
backgammon players.
In particular, the national backgammon team of Armenia became the winner in the final of
world’s best backgammon teams’ tournament, the Worldwide Team Challenge, which
was held in Georgia
within the framework of the Backgammon World Championship. In addition, Tsaruk
Manukyan of Armenia
won the Grand Prix at this event.
world’s best backgammon teams’ tournament, the Worldwide Team Challenge, which
was held in Georgia
within the framework of the Backgammon World Championship. In addition, Tsaruk
Manukyan of Armenia
won the Grand Prix at this event.
Separately, Muscovite Armenian Mikayel Vardanyan
became bronze medalist in speed gammon at the annual Backgammon World
Championship, which was held in Monte
Carlo.
became bronze medalist in speed gammon at the annual Backgammon World
Championship, which was held in Monte
Carlo.
Armenians were among the best also at the
tournaments of the Russian Sport Backgammon Federation.
tournaments of the Russian Sport Backgammon Federation.
In addition, Russian Armenian football
journalist Artur Petrosyan became the winner of the speed competition at the
annual International MERIT Open Backgammon Championship, which was held in Cyprus.
journalist Artur Petrosyan became the winner of the speed competition at the
annual International MERIT Open Backgammon Championship, which was held in Cyprus.
************************************************************************************************
9 – Victoria Bedrossian Wilson Appointed
LA Superior Court Judge by Gov. Brown
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Victoria
Bedrossian Wilson, 48, of Los
Angeles, to a judgeship in the Los Angeles Superior
Court.
Bedrossian Wilson, 48, of Los
Angeles, to a judgeship in the Los Angeles Superior
Court.
Wilson
has been a Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of
Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 2001, where she has served as a
deputy attorney general from 1994 to 2001.
has been a Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of
Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 2001, where she has served as a
deputy attorney general from 1994 to 2001.
She has handled several significant cases.
Wilson
received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in 2007 from then-Attorney
General Jerry Brown. She has taught appellate brief writing to new
attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office and lectured at peace officer
training courses for the California Peace Officers’ Association,
received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in 2007 from then-Attorney
General Jerry Brown. She has taught appellate brief writing to new
attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office and lectured at peace officer
training courses for the California Peace Officers’ Association,
She earned a Juris Doctor degree from USC School
of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA with
honors: Phi Beta Kappa; Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s Honor List.
of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA with
honors: Phi Beta Kappa; Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s Honor List.
She graduated from Alex
Pilibos Armenian
High School in Hollywood.
Pilibos Armenian
High School in Hollywood.
She is the daughter of Armine Bedrossian and the
late Kourken Bedrossian. She is married to Malcolm Wilson.
late Kourken Bedrossian. She is married to Malcolm Wilson.
*****************************************************************************************************
10- Garo
Paylan Testifies in Ankara
Paylan Testifies in Ankara
Over
Assassination Warnings
Assassination Warnings
ANKARA, (Ermenihaber) – Garo Paylan, an Armenian
member of the Turkish parliament representing the opposition People’s
Democratic Party (HDP), has testified at the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s
Office in connection with his statement over assassination plots.
member of the Turkish parliament representing the opposition People’s
Democratic Party (HDP), has testified at the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s
Office in connection with his statement over assassination plots.
Speaking at a press meeting in the Turkish
parliament on December 20, Paylan said he had received intelligence about
assassination plots targeting Turkish intellectuals and public figures living
in Europe, among them Armenians who have left Turkey.
parliament on December 20, Paylan said he had received intelligence about
assassination plots targeting Turkish intellectuals and public figures living
in Europe, among them Armenians who have left Turkey.
“There is Hrant Dink’s case in Turkey. He was my friend. He was
constantly under target at that time. I wanted him to leave Turkey but he didn’t and was
killed,” Paylan told reporters after leaving the prosecutor’s office.
constantly under target at that time. I wanted him to leave Turkey but he didn’t and was
killed,” Paylan told reporters after leaving the prosecutor’s office.
“At present, some people, including Can Dündar
(the former editor-in-chief of the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet), as well as
several HDP figures are also targeted. We received intelligence from Germany
about assassination plans against those people. I made a statement after
receiving the information,” he said.
(the former editor-in-chief of the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet), as well as
several HDP figures are also targeted. We received intelligence from Germany
about assassination plans against those people. I made a statement after
receiving the information,” he said.
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the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week's issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, [email protected]. However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
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