Author: Nadirian Emma

PRESS RELEASE

The Genocide Education Project
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 264-4203
[email protected]
www.GenocideEd ucation.org

Contact: Raffi Momjian – [email protected]

THE GENOCIDE EDUCATION PROJECT VISITS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM INSTITUTE
/05_22_2010.htm

YEREVAN, ARMENIA – On May 7, Sara Cohan, Education Director of The
Genocide Education Project met with the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute (AGMI) director and staff about the principles of
genocide education in the United States. The meeting took place at the
museum’s subterranean building under the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian
Genocide memorial complex in Yerevan, Armenia. Cohan detailed the work
of The Genocide Education Project in the U.S., which develops secondary
school resources and lesson plans on genocide and provides teaching
workshops. She also discussed effective approaches to teaching high
school students about the Armenian Genocide. Cohan and the museum staff
exchanged ideas on ways to integrate more educational opportunities for
school children into the museum’s tour experience.

The museum staff who participated in the meeting are experts on various
aspects of genocide studies, including the psychological and political
facets of genocide. They expressed the need to establish genocide
education programs in Armenia. Suren Manukyan, the museum’s Deputy
Director said that genocide education needed to be expanded in Armenia,
not just for students to learn the history truth, but because Armenia
still faced a real threat of genocide from its neighbors.

Cohan described the meeting as the highlight of her visit to Armenia.
She said it was an important first step in what she hopes will develop
into a productive relationship between the two organizations. She said
it also served to broaden her personal perspective on this subject. "I
had tended to think of the Armenian Genocide as part of our past," said
Cohan, an Armenian-American. "But visiting the museum was a sobering
reminder that Armenians could again be victims of mass violence. After
the massacres of Armenians in Azerbaijan in the late 1980’s,
understanding the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is even more crucial for
young people in Armenia. They need to understand the warning signs of
genocide, because of the precarious position of Armenia, and they need
to be able to identify such signs in other countries."

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute conducts ongoing research and
exhibits. Since its establishment in 1995, the institution has
increasingly become an important resource for scholars, the
international community, and members of the public seeking to expand
their understanding of the Armenian Genocide. For more information on
the museum’s work, visit

####

The Genocide Education Project is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
organization that assists educators in teaching about human rights and
genocide, particularly the Armenian Genocide, by developing and
distributing instructional materials, providing access to teaching
resources and organizing educational workshops.

Azerbaijan fails propaganda event in Moscow

14:19 22/05/2010 » Politics

Azerbaijan initiated a press conference on `Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
in the context of Armenian-Turkish normalization’ at `RIA Novosti’
Russian news agency in Moscow 2 days ago. Azerbaijani side was
represented by Elkhan Nuriyev, Director of the Center for Strategic
Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mili Mejlis
deputy Asim Mollade and political expert Rasim Mosabekov.

8-10 reporters were present, including 7 Azerbaijanis, with the others
representing the Armenian side. What comes surprising is that no
Russian reporters were present at the conference. Azerbaijani side
said Azerbaijan is an economically powerful country and can give more
to Karabakhi people than Armenia.

Armenian reporters had hot discussions with the Azerbaijani side,
which was followed by the ungrounded explanations of the latter over
Azerbaijan’s current aggressive policy. Eventually, as the press
conference turned into hot discussions and Azeris appeared in a
difficult condition, the organizers announced the end of the event.

Source: Panorama.am

International Rock Band Viza Brings New Sound to East Coast

Armenian Weekly
Thu, May 20 2010

By: Taleen Babayan

With a music scene dominated by recycled pop music and digital voice
enhancers, it is a challenging feat to turn on the radio and hear a
song that is unique yet appealing to the listener. The band, Viza,
however, has achieved just that, fusing rock, metal, and Middle
Eastern music to create a one-of-a-kind sound. The Los Angeles-based
group will perform for the first time in New York City at the Knitting
Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Fri., May 21 at 9 p.m. and in
Philadelphia at the Northstar on Sat., May 22 at 9 p.m.

The Los Angeles-based group will perform for the first time in New
York at the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Fri., May 21
at 9 p.m. and in Philadelphia at the Northstar on Sat., May 22 at 9
p.m.
Viza, which is managed by System of a Down lead singer Serj Tankian’s
label Serjical Strike, was initially formed years ago in New York City
by vocalist K’noup and developed further in Los Angeles into a
nine-member band. Each of its nine members – which includes K’noup
(vocals and 12-string guitar); Jivan Gasparyan Jr., the grandson of
the legendary Armenian duduk master of the same name, (duduk and
zurna); Orbel Babayan (electric guitar, tar, saz, vox); Shant
Bismejian (electric guitar); Andrew Kzirian (oud); Alex Khatcherian
(bass); Suguru Onaka (keyboards, accordian); Chris Daniel
(percussion); and Hiram Rosario (drums) – is talented in their own
right.

Viza’s brand of international rock music is influenced by
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Latin cultures,
and each of their songs is more eclectic and different than the next.
The hard-working group, which has played in many venerable rock venues
including the Troubadour, Key Club, Roxy, Derby, and Viper Room, has
put out an album a year since its formation, including `Eros,’ `De
Facto,’ `Maktub,’ and `Visa E.P.’ They are currently working on their
newest album titled `Made in Chernobyl,’ which features Serj Tankian
on the track `Viktor.’

Aside from creating innovative music, Viza is a socially conscious
band and has been covered in the Los Angeles Times for their activism
on human rights and social justice work. Of the band’s nine members,
six are Armenian and one is Greek, so `the band is well aware of the
history of Anatolia through the years,’ said band member Andrew
Kzirian, noting that many of their families were impacted by Ottoman
policies against minorities and the persecution of certain ethnic
groups. Because of this, `the band has taken on a strong human rights
awareness approach in its advocacy and shows.’

The group has organized benefit concerts to promote understanding of
the Armenian Genocide and human rights as well as to raise funds for
the Armenian Relief Society’s Armenia-Artsakh Orphan Project and the
Bird’s Nest Orphanage in Lebanon. `Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth’
on April 24 at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles enabled Viza to work
with community organizations such as the Armenian Youth Federation
(AYF), Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), and the Armenian
General Benevolent Union (AGBU), as well as social justice groups
regarding human rights. The group also organized a `Feed the Need’
show on Thanksgiving Eve last year, held at the Troubadour in Los
Angeles. Portions of the ticket sales of each show went to Armenian
orphanages and the Los Angeles Mission to Help Feed the Needy,
reflecting the band members’ awareness and passion about their
surroundings in Los Angeles and the need to speak out against
genocide.

`I feel that music and artistic expression is a fresh and appealing
medium for educating our youth, some of whom will inevitably serve as
our leaders of tomorrow,’ said Kzirian. `It is an effective supplement
to more conventional approaches to societal change and informing the
audience about what is going on the world.’

The band’s diverse backgrounds also help contribute to the originality
of Viza’s music. Aside from the six Armenian members, vocalist Knoup
is Greek, drummer Hiram Rosario is Puerto Rican, and keyboard and
accordionist Suguru Onaka is from Japan.

`Viza is a celebration of life, world cultures, and music, and is a
representation of the individuality of the band,’ said Kzirian, a
Philadelphia native who was influenced by the Armenian American oud
tradition on the East Coast and started learning the instrument at a
young age. He said his generation has the opportunity to `help revive
and sustain the tradition of the oud through a new prism,’ which
Kzirian expresses through his music with Viza.

As some of the band members have roots in New York and on the East
Coast, both the musicians and fans are looking forward to Viza’s
upcoming concerts in two of the most revered rock venues in New York
City and Philadelphia.

Said Kzirian, `It’s exciting for us to connect with new fans and
demonstrate our creativity in new venues.’

For more information about Viza and information on purchasing tickets,
visit

Berdj Djamdjian Named 2010 `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’

Friday, May 21st, 2010
by Asbarez

EAGLE ROCK – Every year, the Homenetmen Western United States Regional
Executive bestows the title of `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’ upon one
individual in the organization who demonstrates a primary example for
others to follow. This year, Berdj Djamdjian, notable in the community
for his active involvement in scouting life, has deservedly been
endowed with this esteemed title.

The opportunity to meet with the title recipient and obtain further
insight into his background and organizational activities offered a
true testament as to why he is indeed worthy of such an honor.

Born in June of 1946 in Cairo, Egypt, Berdj Djamdjian received his
elementary education from the Kaloustian School, where he also
actively engaged in the scouting movement. After also attending the
local Mekhitarian Fathers School for two years, he relocated to
Lebanon in 1960 and continued to pursue his education at the
Mekhitarian Fathers School in Hazmieh.

In 1963, Djamdjian moved to the United States, settling in Los
Angeles, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from
the California State University. He was considered a model student
and, upon graduation, selected by Security Pacific Bank to specialize
in IBM computers. His professional life, until today, continues to be
dedicated to the computer sciences and his specialty is computer
programming.

Berdj Djamdjian married and started a family with Norma, whom he met
in 1968. The couple has two children, Monique and Armen, as well as
two grandchildren.

The details Djamdjian shared regarding his organizational life and
activities provide indication of his great interest and commitment to
scouting and Homenetmen, in general. He has spent a great deal of time
as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, assuming positions of unit
leader and instructor.

After becoming a member of the Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter in 1985,
Djamdjian wholeheartedly became involved with the scouting division
and served as an Assistant Scout Troop Leader, Troop Leader, and
`Avak’ Leader, respectively. His commitment to Homenetmen is apparent
through his history of involvement as a member of the Los Angeles
chapter’s Scouting Council, a chapter executive member, and a
three-term member of Homenetmen’s Regional Scouting Council.

To this day, Djamdjian is the representative to the Boy Scouts of
America on behalf of Homenetmen’s religious program. He has applied
his vast knowledge to providing input in the development of the
Western Prelacy’s St. Mesrob Emblem and has also received the
International Wood Badge. Djamdjian continues to provide invaluable
assistance to the community’s scouting divisions and in particular,
the Los Angeles chapter.

Currently, he is a member of the Homenetmen Camp Tecuya committee and
represents Homenetmen in the National Armenian Committee on Scouting.

Alongside his professional and organizational work, Djamdjian takes
great interest in photography and dedicates his time taking photos of
Homenetmen events and activities. For twelve years, he operated a
Craft Shop and Wood Crafts establishment. He enjoys nature and retains
his own Nature Study Collections and Props, which he presents to
Homenetmen and various schools. As a hobby, Djamdjian also enjoys
beekeeping.

Concluding the meeting, Jamjian expressed his heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to the Homenetmen Regional Executive for awarding him
with the `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’ title. He reflected that he has
great regard for Homenetmen, through which he has developed close
friendships, and confidently assured he would continue serving the
organization with great vigor.

May. 18, 2010

Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Billionaire’s hedge fund buys into MGM Mirage, Boyd

John Paulson: Neither investment would require Nevada licensing approval

By HOWARD STUTZ
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The long-term intentions of New York billionaire John Paulson, whose hedge
fund is now the second-largest investor in casino giant MGM Mirage, were
unclear Tuesday, although the news of his investment in the casino company
helped lift the share prices of much of the gaming sector.

Paulson & Co. disclosed its purchase of 40 million shares of MGM Mirage and
4 million shares of Boyd Gaming Corp., in a filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission late Monday. The gaming investments were lumped among
the stock purchases of 60 companies by the hedge fund. The purchases totaled
$21.15 billion.

The casino company acquisitions were made in the first quarter, which ended
March 31. The MGM Mirage purchase gave Paulson 9.06 percent of the casino
operator’s 441.27 million outstanding shares.

According to the SEC filing, Paulson paid $12 a share, or $480 million.

Los Angeles billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, MGM Mirage’s founder, is the
company’s largest shareholder, controlling 37 percent of the company through
Tracinda Corp., the 92-year-old financier’s privately held investment arm.

Armel Leslie, a spokesman for Paulson, who founded his hedge fund in 1994,
said there wouldn’t be any comment beyond the SEC filing, which disclosed
investments in banks, home builders, hotel companies and pharmaceutical
companies.

However, in a conference call with investors and analysts earlier this
month, Paulson said he was bullish on the U.S. economy.

He thought the American housing markets would have a "V-shaped recovery"
throughout the year. Paulson speculated that housing prices could climb 3
percent to 5 percent this year and 8 percent to 12 percent in 2011.

"We’re looking for a very strong period of corporate earnings growth," he
said on the conference call.

Paulson’s hedge fund made $15 billion betting on the decline in subprime
mortgages in 2007. Paulson oversees $35 billion in hedge funds, which are
loosely regulated private partnerships that can bet on rising or falling
prices of any securities.

"Most of the gains from distressed investing have been realized," Paulson
said on his conference call. "Once a bond goes to par, all the incremental
increase in the value of the enterprise will flow through the equity. That’s
where we’re positioned."

Analysts speculated that Paulson’s investment in MGM Mirage and Boyd could
be a signal that he believes a recovery in the housing market will be a
boost to the gaming industry, which saw revenues decline 5.5 percent
nationwide in 2009.

On Tuesday, shares of MGM Mirage and Boyd Gaming initially rose on the New
York Stock Exchange following news of Paulson’s investment.

Boyd Gaming closed at 13.78, up 54 cents, or 4.08 percent, after initially
climbing more than 11 percent in value. MGM Mirage, which had been up as
much as 2 percent, closed at $12.98, down 34 cents, or 2.55 percent.

Paulson’s acquisition in Boyd Gaming gave the hedge fund 4.6 percent of the
company’s outstanding shares, the fourth-largest ownership stake. Paulson
paid $9.88 a share, or $39.52 million.

Boyd Gaming operates casinos in Nevada and several Midwest regional markets.
MGM Mirage has 10 resorts on the Strip and casinos in Northern Nevada;
Detroit; Biloxi, Miss.; and Macau. The companies have 50-50 ownership in the
Borgata in Atlantic City, but MGM Mirage has put its share of the resort up
for sale.

Independent gaming analyst Frank Martin speculated that Paulson, who was
required to report the acquisition, already could have flipped the shares in
MGM Mirage. The company hit a high of $16.64 on April 26.

Neither investment would demand Paulson to seek licensing approval from
Nevada gaming regulators. State gaming law requires passive investors to
file an application if their investment exceeds 10 percent.

Leslie said he didn’t know whether Paulson had spoken with Kerkorian, whose
stake in MGM Mirage shrank last year when the company restructured a portion
of its $13 billion in long-term debt by issuing additional shares on both
the open market and through a private placement.

The investment in MGM Mirage by Dubai World, the business arm of the Persian
Gulf emirate, shrank to 5.9 percent and the entity is MGM Mirage’s
fourth-largest shareholder. Dubai World also owns 50 percent of CityCenter,
the $8.5 billion Strip development in which MGM Mirage owns the remaining 50
percent.

Spokesmen for MGM Mirage and Boyd Gaming separately declined comment on the
Paulson investment.

CRIME SUSPECT FALLS TO HIS DEATH IN ATTEMPTED ESCAPE FROM COURTROOM

ime_suspect_falls_to_death
20.05.10

The Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan’s Kentron and Nork-Marash
Districts

A man on trial for suspected drug dealing fell to his death as he
attempted to escape by jumping out of a window shortly after the end
of court proceedings on Monday, according to a police report.

Gagik Ghazaryan, 49, arrested on May 14 and appearing in court on a
prison remand procedure, reportedly sustained heavy injuries after
falling to the ground from the second floor. The suspect later died
in hospital without regaining consciousness.

A judiciary official said the escape attempt happened after the judge
and his secretary had left the courtroom.

"DO NOT OPEN PANDORA’S BOX"

azgen-manukyan
May 19, 2010

Chairman of the Public Council of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan urges
the RA government to recall its proposal on opening foreign schools
in Armenia.

The Council considers the bill to be inadmissible and compares it
with Pandora’s Box.

"First of all it is a blow to our national and state interests. We
think that the government must increase the quality of education but
through other methods," said Vazgen Manukyan.

Manukyan received Russian education and remembers the gap between
Armenian and Russian schools.

"Over 90% of Russian school-leavers did not know Armenian history
and grammar," he recalled.

"It is very important that a child obtains primary education in his
mother tongue and then learns foreign languages," he concluded.

YEREVAN TO HOST CONFERENCE OF RUSSIAN GAZPROMBANK

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 19, 2010 – 15:57 AMT 10:57 GMT

Yerevan will host a conference of Russian Gazprombank and its branches
on May 20 and 21.

The bank’s activities, outlooks and organization of work with
corporative clients in 2010 will be in the focus of discussion,
Areximbank-Gazprombank Group said on its website.

The conference will bring together over 100 representatives
of Gazprombank’s branches from 44 cities of Russia, as well as
subsidiaries of Belarus and Armenia.

DIRECTOR OF BYURAKAN OBSERVATORY CONSIDERS COMMERCIALIZATION OF ASTROPHYSICS INAPPROPRIATE

/ARKA/
May 19, 2010
YEREVAN

Hayk Harutyunyan, Director of Byurakan observatory of National Academy
of Sciences considers commercialization of astrophysics inappropriate
in Armenia.

"Of course astrophysics can give certain benefit if it is participating
in applied activities…. But in general, commercialization of
astrophysics is inappropriate. Fundamental part of science is ahead
of commerce for about 100 years", he said.

Speaking about profitable directions of astrophysics he said that
during Soviet times Armenian astrophysicists were participating in
the activities of satellite observation but today such works are
not conducted. Profitable work in this sphere can be study of space
garbage which is dangerous for cosmic ships and planes.

He reminded that at the beginning of 20th century Einstein considered
that energy can be received on the basis of the formula of mass
and energy ration in 100-150 years but in 20 years nuclear reactor
was created.

No scientist working in the sphere of fundamental studies can say
when the work can bring profit. He brought the example of cybernetics
and genetics from which nobody expected large profits which they
bring today.

Armenia should develop three types of science – Armenian studies
and genocide studies, sciences on international level and sciences
bringing economic profit.

Even in the case of the latter state funding is necessary for creation
of working conditions for the development of this direction.

RA PING-PONG PLAYERS TO PARTAKE IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ARMENPRESS
MAY 18, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 18, ARMENPRESS: 6 Armenian ping-pong players are expected
to partake in the World Ping-Pong Team Championship, which is to
be held May 22-30 in Moscow. Sportsmen from over 188 countries are
expected to compete with each other in the Championship.

Murad Asatryan, Mesrop Ghukasyan and Alexander Diaryan will represent
Armenia in Men’s Tournament. They will partake in the fourth group
tournament, in which teams of over 40 countries are expected to
partake. The head coach of RA ping-pong team is Felix Sargsyan.