Author: Chaltikian Arsine

Providence Journal RI

Adrina and Agnooni Baligian

01:00 AM EDT on Monday, September 10, 2007

`His aunt lived in Haverhill and decided I should meet her
nephew. That’s how they did things in those days. It wasn’t even a
date. We came down to Providence, went to his mother’s house for
dinner. Nooni was home on leave from the Navy.’

It was May 1944. And on Dec. 24 of that year, Adrina and Agnooni were
married at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, in
Providence. She was 22; he was 24.

`I had to go to Haverhill to fetch her cause that’s the tradition. My
father was furious because that was our busiest day of the year.’
Nooni’s family was in the candy business in Providence.

`It was icy snow, but my father said, `If you don’t come and get her,
there will be no wedding.’ ‘

Agnooni had joined the Navy in 1939. A violinist, he played with the
Navy band, first in Washington, D.C., then in Honolulu. He was at
Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. After four years in the South
Pacific, he was sent stateside to Sampson Naval Base in New York. And
that’s where the newly married couple lived until Nooni got out.

`We bought a house in Cranston. Nooni had saved $5,000. The house cost
$10,500. Our monthly payment was something like $38.’

`My folks were in the confectionery business in The Arcade. I helped
them out, but it was never enough to support two families.’ Nooni
started working for Avery Piano Company as a technician, learning to
tune pianos, and was second violinist with the Rhode Island
Philharmonic for 17 years. `I played with every musical organization I
could – at the Warwick Tent, when the Ice Capades came to town, and in
between, we both helped my dad with the candy business.’

`I’d play a concert, and in my tails and bow tie would come down to
the candy store, take my tails off, loosen my tie, and we’d be making
candy until 2 or 3 in the morning.’

Adrina, who studied voice at the New England Conservatory, grew up
helping her parents in their Haverhill tailoring shop. But she started
losing her sight at age 18, gradually, but enough that she could no
longer read music. `I’m legally blind. I have Stargardt’s Disease. It
wasn’t diagnosed until after we were married. There’s no treatment,
nothing that can be done. Everything I see is blurred: I can see your
shape but I can’t see your face.’

Adrina and Nooni had two children – a daughter born in 1945 and a son
in 1949. `They got up early, prepared meals themselves, went to bed on
time. We never had to tell them to go to bed or to get up,’ Adrina
said.

`We always worked hard,’ said Nooni. `When we grew up and got married,
everybody worked hard.’

Now, at 85 and 87, and going on 63 years of marriage, Adrina and Nooni
live in an apartment at Briarwood Meadows, in Warwick. Adrina has been
diagnosed with cancer. `I took her for radiation treatment, every day
for five weeks. But now it’s metastasized into her lungs.’

`I will live out my life and have a positive attitude, and I’m not
going to do anything more. … But I depend on him for everything. He
even takes me to buy my underwear.’

`It’s payback time. It’s time that I do things for her.’

`I always tell him, `If you multiply a breakfast every day for 365
days by 63 years, that’s over 20,000 breakfasts I’ve made for him!’ ‘

[email protected]

The Times Higher Education Supplement
September 7, 2007
BOOKS; Pg. 26 No. 1810

Tragedy and farce meet in the trenches

A. W. Purdue

World War One: A Short History
By Norman Stone
Allen Lane 187pp, £ 16.99
ISBN 9781846140136
Published July 26, 2007

Norman Stone’s World War One: A Short History is, indeed, at about
40,000 words, a short history of a long war. It provides an excellent
introduction for readers new to the field, and specialists will enjoy
the insights, sweeping judgments, piquant asides and humour we have
come to expect from an unconventional historian. This is a synthesis
based on profound knowledge that is lightly, some would say too
lightly, worn.

As the author of The Eastern Front 1914-1917 (1975), Stone’s account
corrects the over-emphasis on the Western front that characterises
the British image of the war. Here, not only the Eastern Front but
also the much-neglected Italian Front are given proper weight.
Writing, as he tells us, from his desk overlooking the Bosphorus, he
also gives attention to the Turkish role in the war, which is too
often confined by British historians to accounts of Gallipoli. It is
a pity, however, that he didn’t look further east. An overview of the
war in the Ottoman Empire’s Arab provinces would, given Stone’s
knowledge of Turkey’s war, have been welcome. Controversy and Stone
are far from strangers, and the book’s description of the Turks’
treatment of the Armenians as a "massacre" has already upset
Armenians who insist that it was genocide.

Few histories of the tragic conflict are strong on humour, but Stone
punctuates his account with wry asides pointing to the absurd and the
mundane amid carnage and death. Far from being consecutive as Marx
alleged, tragedy and farce are entwined in this history. Thus we have
the Bolsheviks remembering that they needed a "delegate from the
peasantry" to make up their team for the negotiations that led to the
Treaty of Brest- Litovsk and picking up a hard-drinking peasant from
the street; he got on well with the Austrian aristocrats who "asked
him about the planting of onions". Then there’s the Tsar, licking his
own postage stamps to help the war effort, and the German Chancellor
concerned about his travelling expenses in the crucial month of July
1914. Many document exercises have been set for history
undergraduates based on the peace treaties signed in Paris but surely
none on the article of the Treaty of Sevres, which, Stone tells us,
provided for the suppression of dirty postcards.

The author’s tone is humane and generous. He gives full recognition
to the ghastly nature and futility of the war but doesn’t fulminate
at the failings of generals or the mistakes of statesmen. If the
generals are not mocked in an Oh What a Lovely War fashion, this is
not a full-blooded revisionist account, and even the best generals
are seen to have failed when, having made advances, they didn’t know
when to stop. There are no saints or real sinners in this account,
but fallible men with vaster armies than they had been trained to use
and monarchs entrapped by their own rhetoric into impasse. Stone is
surely wrong, however, to see the desire for expanded frontiers as
the root cause of the war. Fear of possible futures in which allies
disintegrated and enemies grew stronger were more important, while
the war aims of the combatants were largely developed after the war
had begun.

Such a short book has inevitably lots of omissions: the long war in
Africa doesn’t rate a mention, while the war at sea is also, save for
Jutland, rather neglected. Perhaps this short history should have
been just a bit longer, yet extra length might have altered its
character. It reads as if it were written easily and quickly by an
author enjoying writing it – a longish seminar given by a real expert
who never bores his students.

– A. W. Purdue is a visiting senior lecturer at the Open University.

"NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT CANNOT BE SETTLED THROUGH MILITARY ACTIONS, " RA PRIME MINISTER SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Sep 6, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The visit of the representative
delegation of the Socialist Party of France, besides the development
of interparty relations, will contribute to the strengthening of
Armenian-French relations, as well as development of cooperation. This
statement was made by Serge Sargsian, the Prime MInister of the
Republic of Armenia, on September 6, when he received Francois Holland,
the First Secretary of the above-mentioned party, and the delegation
headed by him.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the recent active
development of bilateral relations during the meeting, and the holding
of an Armenian year in France , as well as a French year in Armenia
with numerous and various measures, the mutual visits of the Presidents
of the two countries, to name but a few, speak about this fact.

At the request of his interlocutor, Serge Sargsian introduced the
current political and economic state of Armenia, the development
prospects, as well as the possibilities directed at a further
strengthening of Armenian-French relations, in the spheres of politics,
economy, education, culture, as well as in many others. Speaking about
regional problems, the Prime Minister referred to the settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, intoducing the approaches of Armenia. Serge
Sargsian expressed hope that this conflict will be solved in a peaceful
way as a result of negotiations due to the mediation of the OSCE Minsk
Group. He stressed that this problem cannot be solved by military
actions. He also mentioned that France as well is conducting great
work in this direction as a co-presiding country.

During the meeting Francois Holland referred to the recognition
issue of the Armenian Genocide, and mentioned that the bill adopted
in the French parliament was the initiative of the French Socialist
Party. According to him, the party is currently working out a new
bill on setting a punishment for denying the Armenian Genocide.

The RA Prime Minister thanked his interlocutor and the party
headed by him for their activities directed at the development of
Armenian-French relations, as well as for the friendly attitude they
have always displayed towards Armenia. Serge Sargsian stressed that
each Armenian, naturally, has respect for those people, organizations,
and individuals, who contribute not only to the restoration of
historical justice, but, henceforth, also to the prevention of such
crimes directed against humanity by their activities inclined to the
recognition and condemnation of genocides.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DUE TO HOLD HEARINGS ON ‘FROZEN’ CONFLICTS, SEPT. 14

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 5 2007

Hearings on protracted conflicts in the CIS territory are expected
to be held in European Parliament on September 14, the Parliament
told APA.

The Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia, Transnistria and South Ossetia
conflicts will be on the agenda. The discussions will focus on social
aspects of the problems.

The participants will discuss the state of refugees, scale of the
damages and restoration of infrastructure.

COMMISSION STUDIES RISE IN PRICES

Panorama.am
20:30 05/09/2007

Recently in Armenia a price rise has been noted in wheat, oil,
butter, and various other goods. In connection with this, Armine
Utumyan, press secretary of the government agency concerned with the
protection of a competitive economy, spoke with panorama.am, stating
that a study is now underway as to the reason these prices have been
increasing. She said that the rise in wheat prices are tied directly
to what is happening in the international market.

We note that the price of wheat, internationally, as risen by 30%, and
that in Paris a ton of wheat has reached 270 euros, which is a record.

Concerning the rise in butter prices, Utumyan said "It seems there
may be other, subjective reasons causing this increase." She assured
that they are studying whether there is exploitation in regard to
these unknown, subjective causes. As to the rise in price of oil,
she said that is also being studied.

Utumyan also assures that the studies will be completed within two
weeks, and only then would it be clear as to why these price increases
have taken place.

The Jewish Advocate

Turkey’s response to ADL controversy

By Nabi Sensoy – Wednesday September 5 2007

Turkish ambassador: Give all sides a hearing

In response to an inquiry by the Advocate, the Turkish ambassador to
the U.S. issued the following statement:
It was surprising and disappointing when, on August 21, ADL abruptly
changed its longtime position regarding the historical interpretation
of the events of 1915 – even though the organization appeared later to
recalibrate its course.
There is a moral argument in supporting efforts to shed light on this
period by a genuinely sincere and thorough scholarly inquiry making
use of all evidence, foremost the Ottoman, Armenian and other
archives. Our ultimate responsibility is to seek out the truth and
engender reconciliation. We owe this to our past and future
generations.
ADL and many prominent historians have agreed with us that the world
has yet to see a full review of the historical record. That’s why
Prime Minister Erdogan proposed on April 10, 2005, to Armenia’s
President Robert Kocharian the creation of a Joint Commission of
Historians to establish the facts of the Armenian and Turkish tragedy,
in order to "shed light on a disputed period of history and also
constitute a step towards contributing to the normalization of
relations between our countries, and… leave to our future generations
a peaceful and friendly environment in which tolerance and mutual
respect shall prevail." Then-Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül
subsequently invited other countries, including the United States, to
participate in this commission. The response from the Armenian
government has been negative. We need the support of all interested in
this effort. That is why, on a positive note, I am glad that ADL has
expressed support to Turkey’s proposal.
In this context, the resolution in Congress to pass judgment on the
events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire is an effort to rewrite history
by a political organ. What’s more, the Congress will be asked to do so
with a selective and factually incorrect dossier.
It is heartening that ADL has affirmed that "the force and passion of
the debate today leaves us more convinced than ever that this issue
does not belong in a forum such as the United States Congress."
Even in our surprise and disappointment, we maintain our strong desire
to deepen our relationship with the Jewish community – in the U.S., in
Israel and around the world. The Turkish Jewish community is an
enriching and integral part of the Turkish society. The exemplary
relationship between Turks and Jews everywhere for over 500 years is
strong enough to endure beyond this episode. As such, we expect the
Jewish organizations to give all sides of the debate the benefit of
the doubt and stand against an act of great injustice to a friendly
nation in the Congress, and in public opinion, without a thorough
examination of all facts.

Nabi Sensoy is the Republic of Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States.

ks_issue/news/?content_id=3613

PLACE AND TIME OF INAUGURATION WILL BE ARRANGED TOMORROW

KarabakhOpen
04-09-2007 14:35:25

On September 5 the NKR National Assembly kicks off its first autumn
session at the new hall of the National Assembly. The parliament will
discuss the special meeting of parliament for the inauguration of
the NKR president. The chair of the CEC Sergey Nasibyan will report
on the preparation and conduct of the NKR presidential election of
July 19, 2007.

The parliament will also discuss the amendments to the laws on
state levies, advertisement, the regulatory commission of public
services and economic competition, television and radio, energy,
energy infrastructures, condominiums, police and others. The bills
on traffic security and juvenile sports will be presented to the
National Assembly.

ARMTV HAS READY THE JESC ENTRY; MORE INFO

oikotimes.com
dex.php?file=articles&id=807
Sept 4 2007
Greece

Armenian national broadcaster has selected the song for their first
Junior representation and despite not announcing the title of the
song yet here are the latest information. Backing vocals are finally
recorded and now the participants work their choreography. There
will be 8 kids on stage, which are all singers, but the main part of
the song is sung by 3 of them (Marianna- the author of music, Anahit
and Christine). Sargis (a boy) is actually the lyricist, though all
the kids took active part in writing lyrics for the musical theme
Marianna has written. Now ARMTV focuses on the show (what it will
look like and the dance, etc.).

IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO BAKU: IRAN RECOGNIZES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN

arminfo
2007-09-03 19:11:00

Arminfo. Iran recognizes territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and is
for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict within the frames
of the recognized by the world community borders of the Azerbaijani
republic, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Iran to
Azerbaijan Nasir Hamidi Zari said to "Novosti-Azerbaijan".

The Iranian diplomat expressed bewilderment in connection with the
information disseminated in Armenian mass media with reference to the
Armenian Foreign Ministry, that Azerbaijani journalists distorted
the meaning of the statement made by him recently. ‘The occupied
territories should be released, refugees and displaced persons should
return to their houses, and their damage should be compensated’, –
the diplomat emphasized.

He also added that the Azerbaijani leadership said many times that they
are ready to give high status of autonomy to Nagornyy Karabakh within
Azerbaijan. ‘Official Teheran comes forward with the same suggestion
according to which Jews maybe given high status of autonomy at the Near
East’,- Nasir Hamidi Zari said. He also added that representatives
of the Armenian and Jewish nations together with local population
peacefully co-exist at the territory of Iran, and there are even the
Jewish deputies in the parliament of the country.

CONSUMER PRICES DECLINE BY 0.8% IN ARMENIA IN AUGUST 2007 ON DECEMBER 2006

Noyan Tapan
Sep 3, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. The consumer price index made 99.2%
in Armenia in August 2007 on December 2006, including the consumer
price index of food commodities (including alcoholic drinks and
cigarettes) – 97.6%, of non-food commodities – 100.2%, the index of
service tariffs – 101.4%. The average montly fall in consumer prices
made 0.1% in January-August 2007 against an increase of 0.3% in the
same period of last year.

The price fall tencdency registered in June continued in the
Armenian consumer market in August 2007: the overall price fall
over the last three moths made 4.9%. According to the RA National
Statistical Service, consumer prices fell by 1.5% in the country in
August on July, mainly due to seasonal fluctuations of prices of some
foodstuffs. During the indicated period, prices of food commodities
(including alcoholic drinks and cigarettes) fell by 2.7%, of non-food
commodities – by 0.5%, while service tariffs grew by 0.2%.

The consumer price index made 101.6% in August 2007 on August 2006,
including that of food commodities – 102%, of non-food commodities –
98.1%, of service tariffs – 102.9%. The same indices in January-August
2007 as compared with January-August 2006 made 103.9%, 104.9%, 99.2%
and 104.7% respectively.