Voice of America News Kurds Say Turkey Plans to Reshape Demographics in Northern Syria by Jamie Dettmer 11:47 AM Turkey's latest military incursion into northern Syria which it says is aimed at reining in Kurdish separatists will speed up the return of Syrian refugees to their homes, Turkish officials say. But Kurds are fearful Ankara plans to use the returnees to displace them and engineer a population shift. Kurd officials say Ankara wants to re-shape the demographics of the borderlands in a bid to establish a "corridor of stability" populated by fewer Kurds and with Sunni Arab refugees currently in Turkey taking their place. That would weaken the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara dubs an affiliate of Turkey's outlawed Kurdish separatists, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Kurdish political activists and YPG propagandists have been mounting a Twitter and social media campaign highlighting the danger, claiming "ethnic cleansing" is one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's key war aims in the offensive, which is now in its second week, and named Operation Olive Branch. Fear of ethnic cleansing Former U.S. officials have also expressed alarm. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon adviser and currently an analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, says, "What Turkey seeks to do in Afrin is not eradicate terrorism, but rather to engage in ethnic cleansing." Former U.S. envoy Alberto Fernandez picked up on remarks made last week by Erdogan in which he talked of settling Syrian refugees in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, which is bearing the brunt of Turkey's operation. In a tweet, Fernandez warned, "If true, this would mean the ethnic cleansing of #Afrin right before our eyes is looming." Turkish officials dismiss the claim they intend to reorder ethnic populations in northern Syria. But they say they expect once the Turkish military offensive has secured territory that tens of thousands of Syrian refugees will flood back to their homes, much as thousands did in the wake of the 2016 Turkish incursion northeast of Aleppo. Turkey is hosting more than three million Syrian war refugees. Thousands are fleeing Afrin or trying to. U.N. officials say flight is being restricted not only by the hostilities, including continuous shelling, but also by local Kurdish authorities, who closed exit points between the enclave and Syria government-held areas in Aleppo province. Syrian soldiers have also been reported to have sent some refugees back. Erdogan has prompted the rising alarm about a planned mass population displacement. On January 24 he told a meeting in the presidential complex in Turkey's capital Ankara that one goal of Operation Olive Branch is to return Afrin to its "rightful owners." "First, we will wipe out the terrorists and then make the place livable. For whom? For 3.5 million Syrians who are our guests. We cannot forever house them in tents," he said. He dismissed the idea that Afrin is a Kurdish enclave. "In Afrin, 55 percent are Arabs, 35 percent are Kurds and the rest are Turkmens." That may be the case now as the population has been swollen by thousands of refugees, the majority Arabs. But traditionally Afrin has been seen as Kurdish territory, with a peppering of other minorities, including Turkmens, Alawite Kurds, Yazidi Kurds and with some Armenians and Circassians, say analysts. Yazidi activists last week urged the United Nations to protect their 21 villages in the Afrin pocket, saying they are at serious risk because of Turkey's military operation. A Yazidi advocacy group, Yazda, warned they will hold Turkey and Syrian rebel militias fighting alongside the Turks, responsible "if any persecution of cleansing takes place against our people." Population displacements All sides in the vicious Syrian war, with its seemingly endless cycles of sectarian and ethnic revenge, have engaged in war crimes and population displacements. That includes the Kurds, who rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accuse the of forceful displacement and razing Arab villages, prompting fierce Kurdish denials. But VOA interviewed dozens of Arab residents from a string of traditionally Sunni Arab villages east of Afrin, including Tell Rifaat, who say the YPG blocked them from returning home after the Kurds seized the territory as a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive against the rebels was underway in 2016. Population displacements have long been employed by the region's rulers to shape demographics to suit their purposes. Syrian autocrat Hafez al-Assad shifted populations around for collective punishment as well as for strategic reasons, including moving Arabs into Kurdish territory in northeast Syria. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein did the same during his 24-year rule. Historically the Ottomans, along with Russia's Stalin, have been responsible for some of the biggest forcible ethnic displacements.
Category: 2018
Azerbaijan’s actions question its credibility as negotiating side – Armenian MFA sums up 2017
Categories
Politics
Region
The Armenian foreign ministry has released the 2017 annual report.
The report, regarding the Karabakh conflict, in particular states that Armenia, together with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – Russia, US and France, continued the steps aimed at creating respective conditions for moving forward the settlement process of the Karabakh conflict by exclusively peaceful means.
“In the beginning of the year, the Azerbaijani side, violating the 1994-1995 trilateral termless ceasefire agreements, initiated new wave of provocations and sabotage actions along the entire length of the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh and the border with Armenia which resulted in casualties also among civilians. By grossly violating the international humanitarian law the Azerbaijani side targeted civilian objects. Baku continued its actions to deploy its military bases in the Azerbaijani settlements and their neighboring settlements and to initiate provocations from there, and this behavior should be strongly condemned”, the report says.
The report also touched upon the May 18 addressed statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs which was issued due to the constant actions by Azerbaijan aimed at escalating the situation in the line of contact and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
In 2017 five meetings were held between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan – February 16 in Munich, April 28 in Moscow, July 11 in Brussels, September 23 in New York and December 6 in Vienna.
“The meetings between the ministers and the Co-Chairs’ practical mediation efforts enabled to hold a meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan on October 16, 2017 in Geneva after 16 months of pause within the frames of which, nearly after a four-year pause, a joint statement of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs was adopted for the first time which mainly highlighted the agreement reached, that is to intensify the negotiation process and take additional steps to reduce the tension in the line of contact, the same steps mentioned in the statements made in the Vienna and St. Petersburg 2016 summits and to which Armenia has repeatedly expressed its support. However, committed to its style of action, Baku immediately after the summit restarted his groundless accusations and militaristic rhetoric”, the report says.
According to the report, Baku didn’t implement numerous other agreements, and these examples question Azerbaijan’s credibility as a negotiating side.
Last year 14 statements at the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format were adopted, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs made three regional visits on March 27, June 10 and October 6 within the frames of which the Co-Chairs in Yerevan were received by the Armenian President, meetings were also held with the foreign minister.
The provision of supporting the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the three principles of international law proposed by them as a base for the conflict settlement is enshrined in the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between Armenia and the European Union on November 24.
Military authorities probe soldier’s death, fellow serviceman arrested
Category
Artsakh
The military investigative committee launched a probe into the death of Private Hovsep Grigoryan, the committee reported.
The Private was killed with a gunshot wound to the head in the afternoon of January 27 while on duty in the Defense Army positions.
Preliminary information suggests that the shooting occurred as a result of negligence and violation of firearm safety rules by a fellow soldier.
The soldier suspected in the friendly fire has been arrested.
Investigation continues.
ՀՔԾ-ն քրգործեր է հարուցել ոստիկանության և Քննչական կոմիտեի պաշտոնյաների նկատմամբ
- 29.01.2018
- Հայաստան
- arm
78
ՀՀ հատուկ քննչական ծառայությունում քրեական գործեր են հարուցվել ՀՀ ոստիկանության և Քննչական կոմիտեի պետական հատուկ ծառայություն իրականացնող պաշտոնատար անձանց կողմից պաշտոնեական կեղծիք կատարելու և պաշտոնեական դիրքը չարաշահելու առերևույթ հանցագործությունների առթիվ:
Այսպես, քրեական գործերից մեկը հարուցվել է ՀՀ ոստիկանության ներքին անվտանգության վարչությունից ստացված նյութերի հիման վրա: Մասնավորապես, հիշյալ նյութերի համաձայն, ՀՀ ոստիկանության անձնագրային և վիզաների վարչության Ստեփանավանի անձնագրային խմբի` պետական հատուկ ծառայություն իրականացնող առանձին պաշտոնատար անձինք ՀՀ-ից բացակայող Ա. Հ.-ին անձնագիր տրամադրելու նպատակով 2017 թվականի հոկտեմբերի 24-ին և 30-ին կազմել են Ա. Հ.-ի անունից կեղծ դիմումներ` վերջինիս Ստեփանավան քաղաքում հաշվառելու և անձնագրավորելու վերաբերյալ ու հանձնել դրանք, այնուհետև նրան ձևականորեն հաշվառել են Ստեփանավան քաղաքի բնակարաններից մեկում, իսկ 2017 թվականի նոյեմբերի 7-ին անհայտ անձին տրամադրել են Ա. Հ.-ի` ՀՀ քաղաքացու անձնագիրը:
ՀՀ ոստիկանության անձնագրային և վիզաների վարչության Ստեփանավանի անձնագրային խմբի` պետական հատուկ ծառայություն իրականացնող պաշտոնատար անձանց կողմից պաշտոնեական կեղծիք կատարելու վերը նշված դեպքի առթիվ Հատուկ քննչական ծառայությունում հարուցվել է քրեական գործ` ՀՀ քրեական օրենսգրքի 314-րդ հոդվածի 1-ին մասով:
Կատարվում է նախաքննություն:
Մյուս քրեական գործը հարուցվել է Ռ. Ա.-ի հաղորդման հիման վրա: Վերջինս Հատուկ քննչական ծառայությունում հայտնել է, որ 2017թ.-ի դեկտեմբերի 6-ին ՀՀ ոստիկանության Մաշտոցի բաժնի աշխատակիցները, չարաշահելով իրենց պաշտոնեական լիազորությունները, առանց որևէ հիմքի` մասնավորապես, դատարանի համապատասխան որոշման առկայության, իրեն ու իր ընտանիքի անդամներին ապօրինի վտարել են Երևան քաղաքի իր նախկին բնակարանից:
Եվս մեկ քրեական գործ էլ հարուցվել է Հ. Մ.-ի հաղորդման հիման վրա: Վերջինս Հատուկ քննչական ծառայությունում հայտնել է, որ իր վերաբերյալ ՀՀ քննչական կոմիտեում քննված քրեական գործի նախաքննության ընթացքում գործով վարույթն իրականացնող քննիչն իրեն ուղղորդել է իրականությանը չհամապատասխանող ցուցմունքներ տալ, հակառակ դեպքում` սպառնացել է ենթարկել քրեական պատասխանատվության:
Այսպիսով, ՀՀ ոստիկանության և ՀՀ քննչական կոմիտեի պետական հատուկ ծառայություն իրականացնող պաշտոնատար անձանց կողմից պաշտոնեական դիրքը չարաշահելու վերը նշված երկու դեպքերի առթիվ Հատուկ քննչական ծառայությունում հարուցվել են քրեական գործեր` ՀՀ քրեական օրենսգրքի 308-րդ հոդվածի 1-ին մասով:
Կատարվում է նախաքննություն:
Celebrating the Life of Hrant Dink: "Our Martin Luther King"
Zoryan Institute
[email protected]
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807
Celebrating the Life of Hrant Dink: “Our Martin Luther King”
TORONTO, CANADA (): On the 11th anniversary of Hrant Dink’s assassination, the Armenian community of Toronto gathered at St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church to honour his legacy and remember his message for humanity and love.
Journalist, Filmaker, and Professor at Carleton University, Mr. Kumru Bilici had this to say about Hrant Dink.
“He fought for everyone…there were no Turks, Kurds or Armenians when its comes to injustices. He deeply cared about freedom of _expression_ and believed that there is nothing that we cannot solve through dialogue, freely expressing our views and listening to one another. I thank you all for honouring this incredible human being, our Martin Luther King.”
Dr. Payam Akhavan, a famed human rights lawyer and Professor at the McGill School of Law, served as the keynote speaker of the event. Dr. Akhavan eloquently explained the complexity of Turkish civil society, where ethnic nationalism has been defining “identity” by excluding and demeaning others.
“When we stoke the fans of hatred, the consequence is ethnic cleansing and genocide…All great evils begin with words – that demean and dehumanize others.”
This is exactly what Hrant Dink fought against. His mission was to find the shared humanity amongst all citizens of Turkey. For Hrant, there were no Turks, Kurds, Alevis, Jews, Greeks, Yezidis or Armenians when it came to injustices. His mission was to destroy the “us vs. them” notion and help Turkey to become a true democracy.
Father Elias Kirijian, founding pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church and the host of the event, opened the event by asking the audience to take a moment and get to know the person sitting next to them. This was a kick start of the celebration and a wonderful way to put Hrant’s message into practice.
Megan Reid, Outreach Coordinator of The Zoryan Institute, then painted a picture of today’s political environment in the United States, Turkey and Europe of risingpopulism of religious, ethnic and racial exceptionalism in contrast to upholding universal human rights violations.
Raffi Bedrosyan, Special Advisor for Turkish Affairs to the Zoryan Institute and Representative of the Bolsahay Cultural Association, took the audience through a journey of Hrant’s life and showcased how intellectuals, novelists, journalists, filmmakers and friends were profoundly impacted by Hrant’s mission. He concluded his presentation by sharing Hrant’s core question:
“Will we act like those responsible for the great atrocities of the past, or will we learn from those mistakes and write new pages worthy of civilized humanity and the elimination of us vs. them?”
As part of the local observance, this event was organized by The Zoryan Institute and the Bolsahay Cultural Association with the partnership of the Armenian Association of Toronto, The Armenian General Benevolent Union of Toronto, the Canadian-Armenian Business Council, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society ‘Klatsor’ Chapter, the Mekhitarian Alumni Association of Toronto, the Nor Serount Cultural Association and the Tekeyan Cultural Association.
RFE/RL Armenian Report – 01/29/2018
Monday, January 29, 2017 Sarkisian Vows To Implement Defense Plan For 2018-2024 . Sisak Gabrielian Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian gives a speech at the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan, 27 January 2018. With just over two months to go before the end of his final term, President Serzh Sarkisian pledged at the weekend to personally help to implement a seven-year program of modernizing Armenia's armed forces. "We will continue to consistently enhance the combat readiness of our army," Sarkisian said in a speech delivered at the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan. "To that end, we have adopted a seven-year program of modernizing the army which we will put into practice in accordance with a timetable." "I personally will spare no effort to ensure that our army becomes more modern and stronger," he added during an official ceremony to mark the 26th anniversary of the official creation of the Armenian military. He did not specify in what capacity he will be doing that. Sarkisian's second and final five-year presidential term will end on April 9. It will be immediately followed by Armenia's transition to a parliamentary system of government. Most of the existing presidential powers, including that of army commander-in-chief, will be transferred to the next Armenian prime minister. Local observers believe that the outgoing president, who leads the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), will remain in power in one way or another. Many of them think that he will become prime minister. Sarkisian himself has not clarified his political plans yet. The seven-year plan cited by him was drawn up by the Armenian Defense Ministry earlier this month. It has not yet been formally endorsed by the head of state. Speaking to reporters at Yerablur, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian declined to divulge any details of the unpublicized document."There is a different format for doing that," he said. "We will definitely address it." The Armenian president said in October that the plan in question will call, among other things, for sizable annual increases in defense spending. It is projected to rise by about 18 percent to 247 billion drams ($515 million) this year. Armenian Health Ministry Seeks Heavy Fines For Smoking . Anush Muradian Armenia - An anti-smoking campaigner talks to passersby in Yerevan, 31May2011. The Armenian Ministry of Health has drafted a bill that would introduce a blanket ban on smoking in cafes, restaurants and other public places and impose heavy fines on people violating it. The bill posted on a government website is part of the ministry's efforts to reduce the large number smokers in Armenia blamed by medics for the country's high incidence of lung cancer. According to ministry estimates, 55 percent of Armenian men are regular smokers. The smoking rate among women in the socially conservative society is much lower: 3 percent. It is considerably higher in Yerevan where around 10 percent of women aged between 30 and 40 are tobacco addicts. The Armenian authorities already took a set of anti-smoking measures over a decade ago. A special law that came into force in 2005 banned smoking in hospitals, cultural and educational institutions and public buses. Additional restrictions introduced a year later required other entities, including bars and restaurants, to allow smoking only in special secluded areas. But with no legal sanctions put in place against their violation, those measures have proved largely ineffectual. The new bill would extend the ban to cafes, bars, restaurants, government offices and even elevators. People caught smoking there would be fined 250,000 drams ($520), a figure exceeding the average monthly salary in the country. A repeat offense detected within three months would carry an even heavier fine: 500,000 drams. Smoking inside public buses or minibuses and even at bus stops would be punishable by 100,000 drams. The fine for smoking bus drivers would be set at only 50,000 drams. The bill, which the Ministry of Health has submitted to the Armenian cabinet for approval, also calls for some restrictions on sales of cigarettes and a ban on any form of tobacco advertising. Armenian TV and radio stations were banned from airing cigarette ads several years ago. People randomly interviewed by RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) in Yerevan on Monday generally approved of the proposed anti-smoking measures, while objecting to the proposed amount of fines. "It's definitely about health and it's is very good," said one smoking man. "In my view, it's the right thing to do," agreed another male smoker. "But how are they going to enforce the fines? The figure is too high. But I think they would be right to fine people." "Let them fine smokers. The state will get richer," another Yerevan resident commented with sarcasm. A middle-aged minibus driver criticized the proposed penalty for fellow drivers smoking at the wheel."Fining is a wrong solution," he said. "In this nervous job, people smoke to calm their nerves." Armenian Ratification Of Key Deal With EU Imminent, Says Nalbandian . Sargis Harutyunyan Armenia - Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian speaks at a news conference in Yerevan, . Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian confirmed on Monday that the Armenian parliament will likely ratify by the end of March an extensive agreement on deepening Armenia's political and economic ties with the European Union. The chairman of the parliament's foreign relations committee, Armen Ashotian, predicted the impending ratification of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) when he spoke RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) on January 10. "Armenia has stated that it is taking steps to ratify this document before April," Nalbandian told a news conference. "But we are looking further. We hope that it will also be ratified by other European countries." One EU member state, Estonia, has already ratified the CEPA. The 350-page agreement also needs to be endorsed by all other EU member states as well as the European Parliament. But some of its provisions can be implemented even before the ratification process is complete. Nalbandian emphasized this fact. "That may start on May 1 or June 1," he said of the CEPA's provisional implementation which is conditional on Armenian parliamentary ratification. The minister also described the deal as an "important milestone" in Armenia's relations with the EU. Under the CEPA, the Armenian government is to carry out political reforms aimed at democratizing the country's political system and boosting human rights protection. It must also gradually "approximate" Armenian economic laws and regulations to those of the EU. President Serzh Sarkisian set up on December 25 an ad hoc government commission tasked with ensuring Yerevan's compliance with the deal. Sarkisian's Preferred Successor Starts Talks With Armenian Parties . Ruzanna Stepanian . Sisak Gabrielian Armenia - Former Prime Minister Armen Sarkissian visits Echmiadzin, 18 October 2012. The outgoing President Serzh Sarkisian's preferred successor met lawmakers representing the ruling Republican Party (HHK) on Monday at the start of political consultations which he has said will help him decide whether to become Armenia's next president. The HHK's governing board unanimously accepted on January 19 Sarkisian's proposal to nominate Armen Sarkissian (no relation), Armenia's ambassador to Britain, for the post. The latter did not immediately accept the nomination. He said he needs to talk to major political parties, civic groups, prominent intellectuals and "business circles" before making a "final decision." Sarkissian, who had briefly served as Armenian prime minister, repeated that statement when he was approached by reporters after the meeting with members of the HHK's parliamentary faction. He refused to comment further. Sarkissian met with leaders of the HHK's junior coalition partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, later in the evening. The HHK's parliamentary leader, Vahram Baghdasarian, told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) earlier in the day that he and his colleagues expect their potential presidential candidate to give a short speech before answering their questions. He made clear that the ruling party will continue to support his candidacy regardless of the course of the meeting. "Armen Sarkissian could get clearer ideas as a result of this meeting," said Baghdasarian. "This is why he will be meeting with political forces." Armenia - Armen Sarkissian meeting representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Yerevan, . The next Armenian president will be elected by the parliament, rather than popular vote, and unlike the previous heads of state, will have largely ceremonial powers. President Sarkisian expressed hope on January 19 that should he decide to accept the HHK nomination the former prime minister would try to win the backing of the three other political groups represented in the National Assembly. One of them, the opposition Yelk alliance, has already made clear that it would vote against Armen Sarkissian. Yelk's Edmon Marukian said on Monday that he and other leaders of the bloc have nonetheless accepted Sarkissian's proposal to meet. The meeting will take place next week, said Marukian. It is not clear when Sarkissian will meet with representatives of the Tsarukian Bloc, the second largest parliamentary force which also claims to be in opposition to the government. According to a senior Tsarukian Bloc member, Mikael Melkumian, no agreements to that effect have been reached yet. Sarkissian, 64, has lived in London for nearly three decades. A physicist and mathematician by education, he worked at the Cambridge University before being appointed as newly independent Armenia's first ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1991. He served as prime minister for four months in 1996-1997 before being again named ambassador in London in 1998. Sarkissian's second ambassadorial term was cut short in 1999 by then President Robert Kocharian. The ex-premier stayed in the UK and made a big fortune there in the following years. He was named ambassador for a third time in 2013. Press Review (Saturday, January 27) "Zhamanak" looks at possible reasons why a new plan to modernize Armenia's armed forces, which is due to be approved by President Serzh Sarkisian, will span a seven-year period. "Generally speaking, seven years is probably the length of time envisioned by Serzh Sarkisian for the continuation of his rule," writes the paper. "If there are elections in Armenia during which no vote bribes are handed out, the ruling party does not abuse its administrative resources, opposition forces are not pressurized, that will surely be a successful test of maturity for our country," writes "Haykakan Zhamanak." "Or if the scale of corruption in Armenia substantially falls, the pace emigration significantly decreases, the poverty rate falls noticeably, government officials stop engaging in business activities, economic competition rises sharply, courts administer even a bit of justice, impunity is eliminated and the quality of education improves. These are probably the other tests. Our independent state, which is nearly 30 years old, is still failing to pass those maturity tests for one simple reason: these are not regarded as important subjects by the Armenian authorities." "Hraparak" wonders if Armenians will take to the streets this spring to voice their grievances to the authorities. "Are people different and are their leaders solving totally different issues now?" asks the paper. "Zhoghovurd" claims that the Armenian government is "jubilant" about official statistics showing that economic growth in Armenia sharply accelerated last year. "The government is also buoyed by foreign trader indicators," says the paper. "The rise [in foreign trade in 2017] came in at 26.9 percent. Exports rose by 25.2 percent and imports by 27.8 percent." But, it says, Armenian exports are still dwarfed by imports. (Tigran Avetisian) Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc. 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
Fwd: California Courier Online of Feb. 1, 2018
The California Courier Online, February 1, 2018
1 – Commentary
New Biography Portrays Kirk Kerkorian,
Not Trump, as ‘the Greatest Deal Maker’
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – Dr.
Yektan Türkyılmaz to Give Lecture
Yektan Türkyılmaz to Give Lecture
Feb.
6 at Fresno State on ‘Van Vaspurakan’
6 at Fresno State on ‘Van Vaspurakan’
3 – Book Review:
Kirk
Kerkorian, ‘The Gambler’
Kerkorian, ‘The Gambler’
By
Marc Levinson
Marc Levinson
4 – Sen. Portantino Urges Colleagues to
Oppose
Increased Azerbaijan
Lobbying Efforts
Increased Azerbaijan
Lobbying Efforts
5 – Mike Sarian Donates $10 Million
Of Medical Equipment to
Armenian Defense Ministry
6 – Shant Sahakian Appointed Chairman of
Glendale Arts &
Culture Commission
Culture Commission
7- $2.9
Million Plot of Land Donated
Million Plot of Land Donated
To
Armenian Church of San Diego
Armenian Church of San Diego
8 – Armenian
Genocide: How Valley Prosecutor Missed
Genocide: How Valley Prosecutor Missed
His
Chance to be ‘Immortal Symbol of Justice’
Chance to be ‘Immortal Symbol of Justice’
9- Armenian
Brand Shabeeg Going
Brand Shabeeg Going
To New York Fashion Week
10- Kerkorian
Estate Executor Refuses
Estate Executor Refuses
To
Grant Former Wife $10 Million
Grant Former Wife $10 Million
******************************************
1 – Commentary
New Biography Portrays Kirk Kerkorian,
Not Trump, as ‘the Greatest Deal Maker’
By Harut
Sassounian
Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
William Rempel,
a veteran investigative reporter, just wrote a comprehensive biography of
industrialist and philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian published by Harper Collins.
The book is titled, “The Gambler: How Penniless dropout Kirk Kerkorian became
the greatest deal maker in capitalist history.”
a veteran investigative reporter, just wrote a comprehensive biography of
industrialist and philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian published by Harper Collins.
The book is titled, “The Gambler: How Penniless dropout Kirk Kerkorian became
the greatest deal maker in capitalist history.”
Rempel
has meticulously pieced together the details of Kerkorian’s phenomenal and
extremely private life through war records, business archives, court documents,
recollections and recorded memories of longtime friends and associates.
has meticulously pieced together the details of Kerkorian’s phenomenal and
extremely private life through war records, business archives, court documents,
recollections and recorded memories of longtime friends and associates.
Although
both are Billionaires and casino owners, Kerkorian and Donald Trump had very
little in common. Rempel wrote: “Fellow casino owner Donald Trump called Kirk
‘the king’ and told friends: ‘I love that guy.’ However, Kirk was Trump’s polar
opposite in style and temperament. Kirk was soft-spoken and understated with a
paralyzing fear of public speaking. He wished, he said, that he ‘could talk
like Trump.’ Kirk also wanted his name on nothing — not on buildings, not on
street signs, not even on his personal parking spot at MGM Studios. And Kirk
never defaulted on a loan and always regarded his handshake as a binding
contract.”
both are Billionaires and casino owners, Kerkorian and Donald Trump had very
little in common. Rempel wrote: “Fellow casino owner Donald Trump called Kirk
‘the king’ and told friends: ‘I love that guy.’ However, Kirk was Trump’s polar
opposite in style and temperament. Kirk was soft-spoken and understated with a
paralyzing fear of public speaking. He wished, he said, that he ‘could talk
like Trump.’ Kirk also wanted his name on nothing — not on buildings, not on
street signs, not even on his personal parking spot at MGM Studios. And Kirk
never defaulted on a loan and always regarded his handshake as a binding
contract.”
When
Kerkorian’s new multi-billion dollar ‘CityCenter’ hotel-casino complex at the
heart of Las Vegas
ran into financial trouble in 2009, Rempel wrote that Trump initially expressed
some sympathy: “I love Kirk and hope it works out for them.” Trump then turned
around and called the ‘CityCenter’ project “an absolute catastrophe” during an
interview on CNN’s Larry King Show. Trump later stated: “It will be the biggest
bust in the history of real estate…too bad.” Of course, Trump was wrong in his
prediction. Kerkorian, once again, bounced back on his feet and ‘CityCenter’
became a great financial success!
Kerkorian’s new multi-billion dollar ‘CityCenter’ hotel-casino complex at the
heart of Las Vegas
ran into financial trouble in 2009, Rempel wrote that Trump initially expressed
some sympathy: “I love Kirk and hope it works out for them.” Trump then turned
around and called the ‘CityCenter’ project “an absolute catastrophe” during an
interview on CNN’s Larry King Show. Trump later stated: “It will be the biggest
bust in the history of real estate…too bad.” Of course, Trump was wrong in his
prediction. Kerkorian, once again, bounced back on his feet and ‘CityCenter’
became a great financial success!
While
Kerkorian was on the Forbes magazine’s billionaires list in 1989, Trump was
also initially on that list. However, soon after, Forbes dumped Trump from its
list of billionaires explaining that “they had been misled by incomplete
information provided by Trump…. The future U.S. president’s net worth was
then, said the editors, ‘within hailing distance of zero.’”
Kerkorian was on the Forbes magazine’s billionaires list in 1989, Trump was
also initially on that list. However, soon after, Forbes dumped Trump from its
list of billionaires explaining that “they had been misled by incomplete
information provided by Trump…. The future U.S. president’s net worth was
then, said the editors, ‘within hailing distance of zero.’”
A press
release issued by Harper Collins described Rempel’s biography of Kerkorian as
the “rags-to-riches story of one of America’s wealthiest and least-known financial
giants, self-made billionaire Kirk Kerkorian — the daring aviator, movie
mogul, risk taker, and business tycoon who transformed Las Vegas and Hollywood
to become one of the leading financiers in American business.”
release issued by Harper Collins described Rempel’s biography of Kerkorian as
the “rags-to-riches story of one of America’s wealthiest and least-known financial
giants, self-made billionaire Kirk Kerkorian — the daring aviator, movie
mogul, risk taker, and business tycoon who transformed Las Vegas and Hollywood
to become one of the leading financiers in American business.”
One of
the key advantages of this biography is the extensive coverage of Kerkorian’s
philanthropy for the Armenian-American community and the Republic of Armenia.
In the past two years, I spent several hours with author William Rempel to
brief him about Kerkorian’s contributions to American-Armenian charitable
organizations and major projects in Armenia. Rempel described me in the
book as: “Publisher of the California Courier, an English-language Armenian
weekly based in Glendale, California, was also president of the United
Armenian Fund [now Armenia Artsakh Fund] and the driving force behind Kirk’s
Armenian charity efforts.” In reality, Kerkorian himself was the driving force
behind his charitable giving! He really cared about the Armenian community’s
well-being and Armenia’s
prosperity.”
the key advantages of this biography is the extensive coverage of Kerkorian’s
philanthropy for the Armenian-American community and the Republic of Armenia.
In the past two years, I spent several hours with author William Rempel to
brief him about Kerkorian’s contributions to American-Armenian charitable
organizations and major projects in Armenia. Rempel described me in the
book as: “Publisher of the California Courier, an English-language Armenian
weekly based in Glendale, California, was also president of the United
Armenian Fund [now Armenia Artsakh Fund] and the driving force behind Kirk’s
Armenian charity efforts.” In reality, Kerkorian himself was the driving force
behind his charitable giving! He really cared about the Armenian community’s
well-being and Armenia’s
prosperity.”
Although
Kerkorian remains a very well-known and highly respected name among Armenians
worldwide, many non-Armenians are unaware that he was an Armenian-American.
Fortunately, Rempel’s biography devotes three chapters to Kerkorian’s Armenian
heritage and philanthropy.
Kerkorian remains a very well-known and highly respected name among Armenians
worldwide, many non-Armenians are unaware that he was an Armenian-American.
Fortunately, Rempel’s biography devotes three chapters to Kerkorian’s Armenian
heritage and philanthropy.
Chapter
12 of the book is titled: “The Armenian Connection.” It describes Kerkorian’s
chance meeting in Las Vegas with Manny Agassi in
1963, a waiter at Tropicana hotel and a fellow Armenian originally from Tehran, Iran.
Manny became a close friend of Kerkorian and named his future son, Andre Kirk
Agassi, who became a famous tennis player. Rempel also described Kerkorian’s
business dealings with George Mason (Elmassian), his longtime stockbroker, and
the founder of the California Courier newspaper in 1958.
12 of the book is titled: “The Armenian Connection.” It describes Kerkorian’s
chance meeting in Las Vegas with Manny Agassi in
1963, a waiter at Tropicana hotel and a fellow Armenian originally from Tehran, Iran.
Manny became a close friend of Kerkorian and named his future son, Andre Kirk
Agassi, who became a famous tennis player. Rempel also described Kerkorian’s
business dealings with George Mason (Elmassian), his longtime stockbroker, and
the founder of the California Courier newspaper in 1958.
In
chapter 31, Rempel described the tragic earthquake of December 7, 1988, in
Northern Armenia and how Kerkorian agreed to join the United Armenian Fund in
sending over 150 airlifts for the next 25 years to transport $700 million of
humanitarian aid initially to the survivors of the earthquake, and subsequently
to the entire population of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh). The
biographer Rempel also described how the United Armenian Fund was founded, a
coalition of the seven largest Armenian-American charitable and religious
organizations, including Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation. Alex Yemenidjian was
Chairman of the United Armenian Fund and Harut Sassounian was its President.
chapter 31, Rempel described the tragic earthquake of December 7, 1988, in
Northern Armenia and how Kerkorian agreed to join the United Armenian Fund in
sending over 150 airlifts for the next 25 years to transport $700 million of
humanitarian aid initially to the survivors of the earthquake, and subsequently
to the entire population of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh). The
biographer Rempel also described how the United Armenian Fund was founded, a
coalition of the seven largest Armenian-American charitable and religious
organizations, including Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation. Alex Yemenidjian was
Chairman of the United Armenian Fund and Harut Sassounian was its President.
Chapter
36 is titled: “Genocide and Generosity.” It described Kerkorian’s first-ever
visit to Armenia
in 1998 on his private jet accompanied by Harut Sassounian. The chapter relates
conversations about Turkey
and the occupied Armenian lands during the flight to Armenia and discussions to fund new
projects by Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation. I was subsequently appointed Vice
Chairman of the Lincy Foundation to oversee $242 million of infrastructure
projects in Armenia
and some in Artsakh. This revealing book also includes amusing anecdotes about
Kerkorian’s uncomfortable stay in an old Soviet-style mansion which forced him
to switch to the Marriott Hotel, and his traumatic visit to the Armenian Genocide
Museum in Yerevan!
36 is titled: “Genocide and Generosity.” It described Kerkorian’s first-ever
visit to Armenia
in 1998 on his private jet accompanied by Harut Sassounian. The chapter relates
conversations about Turkey
and the occupied Armenian lands during the flight to Armenia and discussions to fund new
projects by Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation. I was subsequently appointed Vice
Chairman of the Lincy Foundation to oversee $242 million of infrastructure
projects in Armenia
and some in Artsakh. This revealing book also includes amusing anecdotes about
Kerkorian’s uncomfortable stay in an old Soviet-style mansion which forced him
to switch to the Marriott Hotel, and his traumatic visit to the Armenian Genocide
Museum in Yerevan!
Kirk
Kerkorian’s biography is the fascinating story of a unique human being. He was a
brilliant businessman, an extremely modest philanthropist, a true American as
well as a true Armenian. As a last indication of his kindness and generosity,
he departed this world in 2015 at the age of 98, leaving his entire fortune of
$2 billion to charity, in addition to the $1 billion he had already donated to
American and Armenian charitable causes through the Lincy Foundation.
Kerkorian’s biography is the fascinating story of a unique human being. He was a
brilliant businessman, an extremely modest philanthropist, a true American as
well as a true Armenian. As a last indication of his kindness and generosity,
he departed this world in 2015 at the age of 98, leaving his entire fortune of
$2 billion to charity, in addition to the $1 billion he had already donated to
American and Armenian charitable causes through the Lincy Foundation.
I
recommend that every Armenian buy a copy of Kirk’s biography and suggest it to
their non-Armenian neighbors, friends and colleagues. Kerkorian’s incredible
accomplishments bestow a great honor upon Armenians worldwide!
recommend that every Armenian buy a copy of Kirk’s biography and suggest it to
their non-Armenian neighbors, friends and colleagues. Kerkorian’s incredible
accomplishments bestow a great honor upon Armenians worldwide!
**************************************************************************************************
2- Dr.
Yektan Türkyılmaz to Give Lecture
Yektan Türkyılmaz to Give Lecture
Feb.
6 at Fresno State on ‘Van Vaspurakan’
6 at Fresno State on ‘Van Vaspurakan’
FRESNO – “Van Vaspurakan Armenians: From Renaissance to Resistance and
Genocide” will be the topic of Dr. Yektan Türkyılmaz’s presentation at 7:30PM
on February
6, 2018, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium,
Room 191 on the Fresno State campus.
The presentation is part of the Spring Lecture
Series of the Armenian Studies Program. A welcoming hors d’oeuvres reception
will be held from 6:30-7:30PM immediately preceding the lecture in the
University Business Center Gallery.
Series of the Armenian Studies Program. A welcoming hors d’oeuvres reception
will be held from 6:30-7:30PM immediately preceding the lecture in the
University Business Center Gallery.
Dr. Türkyılmaz was appointed the 14th Henry S.
Khanzadian Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies for the Spring 2018
semester.
Khanzadian Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies for the Spring 2018
semester.
Through a brief overview of the turbulent
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries of Van/Vaspurakan Armenians, this
lecture will underscore the ways in which studying this particular location
challenges the conventional understandings regarding Armenian modernization,
inter and intra-communal relations in the late Ottoman period and, particularly
the Genocide. It will also try to suggest potential ways of opening up new
horizons in rewriting the story of Van in various contexts.
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries of Van/Vaspurakan Armenians, this
lecture will underscore the ways in which studying this particular location
challenges the conventional understandings regarding Armenian modernization,
inter and intra-communal relations in the late Ottoman period and, particularly
the Genocide. It will also try to suggest potential ways of opening up new
horizons in rewriting the story of Van in various contexts.
The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries
indisputably marked the most crucial span of time for Van/Vaspurakan Armenians.
The period witnessed rapid economic growth, increased social diversification
and mobilization, and cultural burgeoning. Yet, it was also a time when the
most brutal massacres, systematic persecution and finally the catastrophic
total destruction of social life in the area took place.
indisputably marked the most crucial span of time for Van/Vaspurakan Armenians.
The period witnessed rapid economic growth, increased social diversification
and mobilization, and cultural burgeoning. Yet, it was also a time when the
most brutal massacres, systematic persecution and finally the catastrophic
total destruction of social life in the area took place.
Van/Vaspurakan is particularly salient for the
study of the Genocide. Between August 1914 and April 1915 the political
barometer in the province measured the growing tensions along the fault line
that stretched from the Russian Southern Caucasus and Northern Iran to Istanbul through
Van.
study of the Genocide. Between August 1914 and April 1915 the political
barometer in the province measured the growing tensions along the fault line
that stretched from the Russian Southern Caucasus and Northern Iran to Istanbul through
Van.
Drawing on Armenian, Ottoman and Russian
archival documents, periodicals, memoirs, photographic and cartographic
materials and secondary sources this lecture will explore the rise and the
tragic death of Van in century up to the Genocide.
archival documents, periodicals, memoirs, photographic and cartographic
materials and secondary sources this lecture will explore the rise and the
tragic death of Van in century up to the Genocide.
Dr. Türkyılmaz received his PhD from the
Department of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University.
He taught courses at the University of Cyprus,
Sabancı, Bilgi and Duke
Universities addressing
the debates around the notions of collective violence, memory making, and
reconciliation. Türkyılmaz is currently a research fellow at the Forum
Transregionale Studien in Berlin,
Germany.
Meanwhile, he is working on his book manuscript based on his
dissertation, Rethinking Genocide: Violence and Victimhood in Eastern Anatolia,
1913-1915, concerns the conflict in Eastern Anatolia
in the early 20th century and the memory politics around it.
Department of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University.
He taught courses at the University of Cyprus,
Sabancı, Bilgi and Duke
Universities addressing
the debates around the notions of collective violence, memory making, and
reconciliation. Türkyılmaz is currently a research fellow at the Forum
Transregionale Studien in Berlin,
Germany.
Meanwhile, he is working on his book manuscript based on his
dissertation, Rethinking Genocide: Violence and Victimhood in Eastern Anatolia,
1913-1915, concerns the conflict in Eastern Anatolia
in the early 20th century and the memory politics around it.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Free
parking is available in Fresno State Lots P5 and P6, near the University Business
Center, Fresno State.
A parking code, 273825, must be used at a kiosk to receive the free permit.
parking is available in Fresno State Lots P5 and P6, near the University Business
Center, Fresno State.
A parking code, 273825, must be used at a kiosk to receive the free permit.
For more information about the lecture please
contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669, visit our website at
www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies or visit our Facebook page at
@ArmenianStudiesFresnoState.
contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669, visit our website at
www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies or visit our Facebook page at
@ArmenianStudiesFresnoState.
***************************************************************************************************
3 – Book Review:
Kirk
Kerkorian, ‘The Gambler’
Kerkorian, ‘The Gambler’
By
Marc Levinson
Marc Levinson
The long subtitle of “The Gambler” includes the
claim that Kirk Kerkorian was “The Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History.”
It is certainly true that the California
billionaire, who died in 2015 at the age of 98, had a hand in a lot of major
deals over his long and busy career, and William C. Rempel’s breezy biography
offers an entertaining look at Kerkorian’s outsize life, but the question of
his historical stature is still open to debate.
claim that Kirk Kerkorian was “The Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History.”
It is certainly true that the California
billionaire, who died in 2015 at the age of 98, had a hand in a lot of major
deals over his long and busy career, and William C. Rempel’s breezy biography
offers an entertaining look at Kerkorian’s outsize life, but the question of
his historical stature is still open to debate.
Mr. Rempel has come up with information that the
secretive Kerkorian would no doubt have preferred to keep under wraps, and the
investigative work couldn’t have been easy. Kerkorian apparently left no public
papers, and his main lawyer bluntly told the author, “No one is going to help
you.” Mr. Rempel’s research yields a portrait of a guy who took big risks that
made him very rich but who had an unhappy personal life, including an on-again,
off-again relationship with a professional tennis player who contrived a plot
to persuade him that, at age 81, he had fathered her child. In his prime, he
was accused of consorting with the mobsters who financed casinos when banks
would not; in his extended old age, he was desperate for companionship and
vulnerable to people who wanted his money. You might have liked to have
Kerkorian’s wealth, but most reasonably balanced human beings wouldn’t have
liked to be him.
secretive Kerkorian would no doubt have preferred to keep under wraps, and the
investigative work couldn’t have been easy. Kerkorian apparently left no public
papers, and his main lawyer bluntly told the author, “No one is going to help
you.” Mr. Rempel’s research yields a portrait of a guy who took big risks that
made him very rich but who had an unhappy personal life, including an on-again,
off-again relationship with a professional tennis player who contrived a plot
to persuade him that, at age 81, he had fathered her child. In his prime, he
was accused of consorting with the mobsters who financed casinos when banks
would not; in his extended old age, he was desperate for companionship and
vulnerable to people who wanted his money. You might have liked to have
Kerkorian’s wealth, but most reasonably balanced human beings wouldn’t have
liked to be him.
The son of illiterate Armenian immigrants whose
business ventures ended badly, Kerkorian grew up in California and dropped out of school in
eighth grade. After stints in the Civilian Conservation Corps, the used-car
business and the boxing ring, in 1940 he talked his way into flight school at
the Happy Bottom Ranch and Riding Club, an establishment in the Mojave Desert
run by a colorful Hollywood stunt pilot named
Florence Barnes, and paid his tuition by milking cows and slopping hogs. To
improve his career prospects, he obtained a bogus official letter stating that
he was the graduate of a Los Angeles
high school. The letter was unneeded: Amid wartime pilot shortages, the
military was desperate for instructors with cockpit experience, and he was soon
training pilots for the Army Air Force. Ferrying planes across the North
Atlantic seemed more challenging and paid better, so he spent the balance of
the war flying Mosquito fighter-bombers from Canada
to Scotland.
business ventures ended badly, Kerkorian grew up in California and dropped out of school in
eighth grade. After stints in the Civilian Conservation Corps, the used-car
business and the boxing ring, in 1940 he talked his way into flight school at
the Happy Bottom Ranch and Riding Club, an establishment in the Mojave Desert
run by a colorful Hollywood stunt pilot named
Florence Barnes, and paid his tuition by milking cows and slopping hogs. To
improve his career prospects, he obtained a bogus official letter stating that
he was the graduate of a Los Angeles
high school. The letter was unneeded: Amid wartime pilot shortages, the
military was desperate for instructors with cockpit experience, and he was soon
training pilots for the Army Air Force. Ferrying planes across the North
Atlantic seemed more challenging and paid better, so he spent the balance of
the war flying Mosquito fighter-bombers from Canada
to Scotland.
Unemployed at war’s end, Kerkorian opened a
flight school in a Los Angeles
suburb, then bought a five-seat Cessna and launched a charter service. That
business was soon dealt off to finance a batch of used airplanes, which in turn
were sold to acquire a small charter airline. He turned his modest Los Angeles
Air Service into the ambitiously named Trans International Airlines, sold it,
repurchased it, sold it again. Deal making became a habit, or perhaps an
addiction.
flight school in a Los Angeles
suburb, then bought a five-seat Cessna and launched a charter service. That
business was soon dealt off to finance a batch of used airplanes, which in turn
were sold to acquire a small charter airline. He turned his modest Los Angeles
Air Service into the ambitiously named Trans International Airlines, sold it,
repurchased it, sold it again. Deal making became a habit, or perhaps an
addiction.
Much of Kerkorian’s charter business had
involved flying gamblers between Los Angeles and
Las Vegas.
Himself an avid gambler, he took aim at Sin City.
His first small investment lost money. By 1968, he owned the Flamingo and
Bonanza hotels, the land beneath Caesars
Palace, and a second
mortgage on the new Circus Circus. He began construction of the immense
International Hotel and Casino without the cash to finish the job; that problem
was solved by taking International Leisure Corp. public—and requiring investors
to buy a $1,000 bond for every 20 shares of stock. At the same time, an
unsolicited tender offer won him 28% of Western Airlines, the better to
transport gamblers to the desert.
involved flying gamblers between Los Angeles and
Las Vegas.
Himself an avid gambler, he took aim at Sin City.
His first small investment lost money. By 1968, he owned the Flamingo and
Bonanza hotels, the land beneath Caesars
Palace, and a second
mortgage on the new Circus Circus. He began construction of the immense
International Hotel and Casino without the cash to finish the job; that problem
was solved by taking International Leisure Corp. public—and requiring investors
to buy a $1,000 bond for every 20 shares of stock. At the same time, an
unsolicited tender offer won him 28% of Western Airlines, the better to
transport gamblers to the desert.
Anyone could see that Las Vegas was burgeoning, but Kerkorian was
among the few who could grasp the possibilities beyond the casino floor. “I
thought it was going to become an adult Disneyland,”
Mr. Rempel quotes him saying. When he paid Barbra Streisand more than $100,000
a week to open the International in 1969 and then signed Elvis Presley to a
five-year contract, he transformed the town.
among the few who could grasp the possibilities beyond the casino floor. “I
thought it was going to become an adult Disneyland,”
Mr. Rempel quotes him saying. When he paid Barbra Streisand more than $100,000
a week to open the International in 1969 and then signed Elvis Presley to a
five-year contract, he transformed the town.
In 1969, with no advance notice, Kerkorian made
a tender offer for MGM, the venerable movie studio. He had little interest in
the risky and unpredictable business of making movies. “What Kirk saw in a
tired old MGM with its run of box office losers was something beyond the view
of most investors,” Mr. Rempel writes. “He saw hidden value.” Specifically, he
saw gold in MGM’s rights to a vast library of old films and to the esteemed
corporate name. He redefined MGM as a leisure company and attached its name to
the biggest hotel in Vegas, the MGM Grand, which would open in 1973.
a tender offer for MGM, the venerable movie studio. He had little interest in
the risky and unpredictable business of making movies. “What Kirk saw in a
tired old MGM with its run of box office losers was something beyond the view
of most investors,” Mr. Rempel writes. “He saw hidden value.” Specifically, he
saw gold in MGM’s rights to a vast library of old films and to the esteemed
corporate name. He redefined MGM as a leisure company and attached its name to
the biggest hotel in Vegas, the MGM Grand, which would open in 1973.
This was only the beginning. Over the ensuing
decades, Kerkorian sold International Leisure to Hilton, made a run at Columbia
Pictures, bought United Artists, sold MGM’s film library to Ted Turner, made
passes at Chrysler (very profitably), Ford (at a loss), and General Motors, and
acquired still more properties in Las Vegas. At one point, according to Mr.
Rempel, he owned nearly half the hotel rooms and casino floor space on the
Strip. He often skated close to the edge, urgently restructuring his holdings
to avoid default on his enormous debts.
decades, Kerkorian sold International Leisure to Hilton, made a run at Columbia
Pictures, bought United Artists, sold MGM’s film library to Ted Turner, made
passes at Chrysler (very profitably), Ford (at a loss), and General Motors, and
acquired still more properties in Las Vegas. At one point, according to Mr.
Rempel, he owned nearly half the hotel rooms and casino floor space on the
Strip. He often skated close to the edge, urgently restructuring his holdings
to avoid default on his enormous debts.
Mr. Rempel paints a picture of a man who lived
to do deals. Many interesting characters, from Bugsy Siegel to Lee Iacocca,
crossed his path, and his philanthropy, undertaken late in life and mostly in
secret, was substantial, featuring donations to Armenian causes and to UCLA. It
adds up to an interesting portrait of a billionaire so shy that he rarely spoke
in public, so secretive that when he applied for a credit card in 1996, at age
79, he was rejected for lack of a personal credit history.
to do deals. Many interesting characters, from Bugsy Siegel to Lee Iacocca,
crossed his path, and his philanthropy, undertaken late in life and mostly in
secret, was substantial, featuring donations to Armenian causes and to UCLA. It
adds up to an interesting portrait of a billionaire so shy that he rarely spoke
in public, so secretive that when he applied for a credit card in 1996, at age
79, he was rejected for lack of a personal credit history.
But that bold subtitle notwithstanding, Mr.
Rempel doesn’t have much to say about Kerkorian’s legacy. His wheeling and
dealing appears to have left few traces. Three years after his death, Kirk
Kerkorian is all but forgotten. Perhaps the problem is that making deals isn’t
quite the same thing as making history.
Rempel doesn’t have much to say about Kerkorian’s legacy. His wheeling and
dealing appears to have left few traces. Three years after his death, Kirk
Kerkorian is all but forgotten. Perhaps the problem is that making deals isn’t
quite the same thing as making history.
*************************************************************************************************
4 – Sen.
Portantino Urges Colleagues to
Portantino Urges Colleagues to
Oppose
Increased Azerbaijan
Lobbying Efforts
Increased Azerbaijan
Lobbying Efforts
SACRAMENTO– Last week, Senator Anthony J.
Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) sent out a letter to his Senate and
Assembly colleagues in the Capitol urging them to resist increased lobby
efforts put forth by the Government of Azerbaijan. Portantino became
alarmed by the increasing presence of the Azeri Government in Sacramento
and in Los Angeles.
Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) sent out a letter to his Senate and
Assembly colleagues in the Capitol urging them to resist increased lobby
efforts put forth by the Government of Azerbaijan. Portantino became
alarmed by the increasing presence of the Azeri Government in Sacramento
and in Los Angeles.
Recently the California Azerbaijan Friendship Association
(CAFA) has begun outreach to political and academic leaders in a significant
public relations and lobbying effort. And, last year Azerbaijan
opposed Portantino’s initiative to create a formal State Senate Select
Committee on California,
Armenia & Artsakh cooperation. Senator Portantino has been at the
forefront of promoting efforts in Sacramento to
advance economic relations between California
and Nagorno-Karabakh which is also known as Artsakh. Given Azeri
aggression toward the people of Artsakh, Portantino felt it necessary to share
his strong views and give Senators and Assemblymembers a complete picture of
events in the region. Portantino represents the 25th State
Senate District which is home to many Armenians who trace their heritage back to
Artsakh.
(CAFA) has begun outreach to political and academic leaders in a significant
public relations and lobbying effort. And, last year Azerbaijan
opposed Portantino’s initiative to create a formal State Senate Select
Committee on California,
Armenia & Artsakh cooperation. Senator Portantino has been at the
forefront of promoting efforts in Sacramento to
advance economic relations between California
and Nagorno-Karabakh which is also known as Artsakh. Given Azeri
aggression toward the people of Artsakh, Portantino felt it necessary to share
his strong views and give Senators and Assemblymembers a complete picture of
events in the region. Portantino represents the 25th State
Senate District which is home to many Armenians who trace their heritage back to
Artsakh.
“As the proud representative of the largest
Armenian community in the country, I have become quite alarmed by Azeri
lobbying efforts in Sacramento.
I feel it is important to proactively guard against its influence. As a
legislative body, we must unite and fight against attacks on human rights and
unprovoked aggression against a peaceful and sovereign country,” commented
Senator Portantino.
Armenian community in the country, I have become quite alarmed by Azeri
lobbying efforts in Sacramento.
I feel it is important to proactively guard against its influence. As a
legislative body, we must unite and fight against attacks on human rights and
unprovoked aggression against a peaceful and sovereign country,” commented
Senator Portantino.
The 25th Senate District has
the largest Armenian American community in any legislative district in the country.
Senator Portantino is the Chair of the Select Committee on California Armenia
& Artsakh Trade Art and Culture Exchange. He has a long history fighting
for the civil rights of the Armenian Community.
the largest Armenian American community in any legislative district in the country.
Senator Portantino is the Chair of the Select Committee on California Armenia
& Artsakh Trade Art and Culture Exchange. He has a long history fighting
for the civil rights of the Armenian Community.
“The Legislature must strongly condemn civil rights
abuses and attacks by foreign governments on innocent people. Accordingly, it
must refuse to cooperate with such governments until there is a demonstrated
effort toward reconciliation. Joining the California Azerbaijan Friendship
Association would in effect condone the Azeri government’s acts of violence
against the Armenian people of Artsakh,” concluded Portantino.5 –
abuses and attacks by foreign governments on innocent people. Accordingly, it
must refuse to cooperate with such governments until there is a demonstrated
effort toward reconciliation. Joining the California Azerbaijan Friendship
Association would in effect condone the Azeri government’s acts of violence
against the Armenian people of Artsakh,” concluded Portantino.5 –
*****************************************************************************************************
5 – Mike Sarian Donates $10 Million
Of Medical Equipment to
Armenian Defense Ministry
YEREVAN
(News.am) – Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan visited the Central base
of medicines and medical property of Defense Ministry on January 25. The
minister got acquainted with the medical equipment donated to Armenian Armed
Forces by Californian Armenian benefactor Mike Sarian.
(News.am) – Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan visited the Central base
of medicines and medical property of Defense Ministry on January 25. The
minister got acquainted with the medical equipment donated to Armenian Armed
Forces by Californian Armenian benefactor Mike Sarian.
The donation, which included 100 items of
medical equipment, was transferred through the scientific, educational and
cultural foundation "Luys".
medical equipment, was transferred through the scientific, educational and
cultural foundation "Luys".
The total value of transferred equipment,
property, hygiene items and medical products is $10 million.
property, hygiene items and medical products is $10 million.
*****************************************************************************************************
6 – Shant
Sahakian Appointed Chairman of
Sahakian Appointed Chairman of
Glendale Arts &
Culture Commission
Culture Commission
GLENDALE
– Glendale School Board Member Shant Sahakian was appointed as the new Chairman
of the City of Glendale Arts & Culture Commission with the vote of his
colleagues at the first Commission meeting of 2018.
– Glendale School Board Member Shant Sahakian was appointed as the new Chairman
of the City of Glendale Arts & Culture Commission with the vote of his
colleagues at the first Commission meeting of 2018.
"I am grateful to have been entrusted as
the Chairman of the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission," stated Shant
Sahakian. "I am looking forward to our Commission's exciting year ahead
and continuing our important work of supporting, promoting, and advancing arts
and culture in Glendale."
the Chairman of the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission," stated Shant
Sahakian. "I am looking forward to our Commission's exciting year ahead
and continuing our important work of supporting, promoting, and advancing arts
and culture in Glendale."
Sahakian was appointed to the Glendale Arts
& Culture Commission in July 2015 with the nomination of Councilmember
Vartan Gharpetian and approval of the Glendale City Council. The mission of the
five-member Commission is to enrich the human experience, reinforce Glendale's identity and
civic pride through arts and culture, and to recognize the importance of arts
to our quality of life and to the local economy.
& Culture Commission in July 2015 with the nomination of Councilmember
Vartan Gharpetian and approval of the Glendale City Council. The mission of the
five-member Commission is to enrich the human experience, reinforce Glendale's identity and
civic pride through arts and culture, and to recognize the importance of arts
to our quality of life and to the local economy.
During his tenure, the Arts & Culture
Commission has initiated Glendale's first Public
Art Master Plan to help shape the future of public art in the city, expanded
the Beyond the Box program to over one hundred utility box murals painted from South Glendale to Montrose, and sponsored arts and
culture events, exhibitions, programs, and performances throughout the
community. Most recently, Shant successfully advocated for the fair and
equitable compensation of every artist hired by the Commission, leading to the
adoption of artist stipends for the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station
exhibition series.
Commission has initiated Glendale's first Public
Art Master Plan to help shape the future of public art in the city, expanded
the Beyond the Box program to over one hundred utility box murals painted from South Glendale to Montrose, and sponsored arts and
culture events, exhibitions, programs, and performances throughout the
community. Most recently, Shant successfully advocated for the fair and
equitable compensation of every artist hired by the Commission, leading to the
adoption of artist stipends for the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station
exhibition series.
Sahakian is an Elected Member of the Glendale
Unified School District Board of Education representing District D. He was
elected in April 2017, becoming the first Millennial and youngest School Board
Member elected in Glendale
history.
Unified School District Board of Education representing District D. He was
elected in April 2017, becoming the first Millennial and youngest School Board
Member elected in Glendale
history.
A product of Glendale
public schools and a lifelong resident of Glendale,
Shant has deep roots in the community. He is a longtime community leader who
has championed Glendale's
youth, advocated for the underserved, and served the community through a
distinguished record of public service. He is a graduate of CSUN and UCLA
Extension. Shant and his wife, Suzanna, reside in Glendale with their son, Raffi Sebastian.
public schools and a lifelong resident of Glendale,
Shant has deep roots in the community. He is a longtime community leader who
has championed Glendale's
youth, advocated for the underserved, and served the community through a
distinguished record of public service. He is a graduate of CSUN and UCLA
Extension. Shant and his wife, Suzanna, reside in Glendale with their son, Raffi Sebastian.
*************************************************************************************************
7- $2.9 Million Plot of Land Donated
To
Armenian Church of San Diego
Armenian Church of San Diego
LOS
ANGELES (Asbarez) – An anonymous donor has decided to donate a
$2.9 million parcel of land to the St.
John Garabed Armenian Church which is currently under
construction in San Diego,
Calif., Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian
and the Board of Trustees of the church have revealed,.
ANGELES (Asbarez) – An anonymous donor has decided to donate a
$2.9 million parcel of land to the St.
John Garabed Armenian Church which is currently under
construction in San Diego,
Calif., Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian
and the Board of Trustees of the church have revealed,.
The donor has expressed a wish that an elder
care center be constructed on the territory, with all the proceeds set to go to
the church.
care center be constructed on the territory, with all the proceeds set to go to
the church.
After a lengthy battle, the project of the St. John
Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego was finally approved for construction near
the beach city of Del
Mar.
Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego was finally approved for construction near
the beach city of Del
Mar.
The complex will host a new church, a special
hall for meetings, a youth center, a sports center, a library, classrooms, an
open-air gathering venue and a spacious parking lot.
hall for meetings, a youth center, a sports center, a library, classrooms, an
open-air gathering venue and a spacious parking lot.
************************************************************************************************
8 – Armenian
Genocide: How Valley Prosecutor Missed
Genocide: How Valley Prosecutor Missed
His
Chance to be ‘Immortal Symbol of Justice’
Chance to be ‘Immortal Symbol of Justice’
By David Minier
FRESNO
(Valley Voices) – Twice each year, my thoughts turn to the Armenian Genocide.
On April 24, the anniversary date of the 1915 massacres orchestrated by the
Turkish government. And on Jan. 27, when 45 years ago Gourgen Yanikian
assassinated two Turkish diplomats in Santa
Barbara to avenge the genocide.
(Valley Voices) – Twice each year, my thoughts turn to the Armenian Genocide.
On April 24, the anniversary date of the 1915 massacres orchestrated by the
Turkish government. And on Jan. 27, when 45 years ago Gourgen Yanikian
assassinated two Turkish diplomats in Santa
Barbara to avenge the genocide.
Yanikian, age 78 and a former Fresno resident, was charged with murder, and
I was his prosecutor.
I was his prosecutor.
The aging Armenian had lured the diplomats to a
cottage at Santa Barbara’s
exclusive Biltmore Hotel, promising gifts of art treasures for their
government. Instead, he pulled a Luger pistol from a hollowed out book and
emptied it at them. He then called the reception desk, announced he had killed
“two evils,” and sat calmly on the patio awaiting arrest.
cottage at Santa Barbara’s
exclusive Biltmore Hotel, promising gifts of art treasures for their
government. Instead, he pulled a Luger pistol from a hollowed out book and
emptied it at them. He then called the reception desk, announced he had killed
“two evils,” and sat calmly on the patio awaiting arrest.
Yanikian’s purpose was to create an “Armenian
Nuremberg” – a show trial to call world attention to the genocide, as the Nuremberg trial had done
with Nazi war crimes. And perhaps to be acquitted. Yanikian’s hope was not
unreasonable.
Nuremberg” – a show trial to call world attention to the genocide, as the Nuremberg trial had done
with Nazi war crimes. And perhaps to be acquitted. Yanikian’s hope was not
unreasonable.
In 1921, a German jury had acquitted Soghoman Tehlirian of
murdering Talaat Pasha, the Turkish official most responsible for the genocide.
Tehlirian later settled in Fresno, and his tomb
is the centerpiece of Fresno’s Masis Ararat
Cemetery.
murdering Talaat Pasha, the Turkish official most responsible for the genocide.
Tehlirian later settled in Fresno, and his tomb
is the centerpiece of Fresno’s Masis Ararat
Cemetery.
Talaat had been sentenced in absentia to death
for “crimes against humanity,” and had fled to Germany. Tehlirian found Talaat and
shot him to death on a Berlin
street. As planned, Tehlirian pled not guilty, and his trial was reported
worldwide.
for “crimes against humanity,” and had fled to Germany. Tehlirian found Talaat and
shot him to death on a Berlin
street. As planned, Tehlirian pled not guilty, and his trial was reported
worldwide.
‘They Simply Had to Let Him Go’
Tehlirian testified about the rape and murder of
his sisters, the beheading of his mother, and the killings of his brothers. It
took a jury less than two hours to find Tehlirian not guilty. The New York
Times headline read, “They Simply Had To Let Him Go.”
his sisters, the beheading of his mother, and the killings of his brothers. It
took a jury less than two hours to find Tehlirian not guilty. The New York
Times headline read, “They Simply Had To Let Him Go.”
Fifty-two years later, in a Santa Barbara courtroom, Yanikian sought his
“Armenian Nuremberg,” and an acquittal. As prosecutor, it was my duty to
convict him.
“Armenian Nuremberg,” and an acquittal. As prosecutor, it was my duty to
convict him.
The trial proceeded without personal rancor. I have
a photograph of Yanikian, his attorneys and me, standing together, smiling,
during a court recess. And another, with the inscription “to our admired and
respected District Attorney and friend.”
a photograph of Yanikian, his attorneys and me, standing together, smiling,
during a court recess. And another, with the inscription “to our admired and
respected District Attorney and friend.”
Yanikian’s attorneys told the judge they wanted
to call as witnesses eminent historians and elderly Armenians who had survived
the genocide. And survivors were available. Bused daily from Southern
California, they sat silently in the courtroom among family
members, ready to recount unspeakable horrors.
to call as witnesses eminent historians and elderly Armenians who had survived
the genocide. And survivors were available. Bused daily from Southern
California, they sat silently in the courtroom among family
members, ready to recount unspeakable horrors.
One of Yanikian’s attorneys, Vasken Minasian,
asked me to allow the testimony. He gave me a copy of “The Cross and the
Crescent,” about the Tehlirian trial. In it he wrote: “The tragedy in Santa Barbara has brought
destiny and God to your doorstep,” and he urged me to “bring forth an
indictment against genocide.” He added, “You stand to become an immortal symbol
of justice around the world.”
asked me to allow the testimony. He gave me a copy of “The Cross and the
Crescent,” about the Tehlirian trial. In it he wrote: “The tragedy in Santa Barbara has brought
destiny and God to your doorstep,” and he urged me to “bring forth an
indictment against genocide.” He added, “You stand to become an immortal symbol
of justice around the world.”
This was heady stuff, and I faced a dilemma: to allow
a parade of eye-witnesses to the genocide, risking an acquittal, or to block
the evidence to obtain a conviction. I knew such evidence would likely lead to
“jury nullification,” where a jury disregards the law and acquits for a
perceived greater justice, as the Tehlirian jury had done.
a parade of eye-witnesses to the genocide, risking an acquittal, or to block
the evidence to obtain a conviction. I knew such evidence would likely lead to
“jury nullification,” where a jury disregards the law and acquits for a
perceived greater justice, as the Tehlirian jury had done.
I took the safer path, and the judge sustained
my objection to the witnesses. But I could not in good conscience block the
testimony of Yanikian himself, no matter how it inflamed the jury. He
commanded the witness stand for six days and described in detail, without
objection, the Armenian genocide.
my objection to the witnesses. But I could not in good conscience block the
testimony of Yanikian himself, no matter how it inflamed the jury. He
commanded the witness stand for six days and described in detail, without
objection, the Armenian genocide.
Turks slaughter 27 family members
Yanikian told how, as a boy of 8, he watched
marauding Turks slit his brother’s throat, and of the slaughter of 26 other
family members. He testified in Armenian, translated by Aram Saroyan, former Fresno grape shipper, San Francisco attorney, and uncle of author
William Saroyan.
marauding Turks slit his brother’s throat, and of the slaughter of 26 other
family members. He testified in Armenian, translated by Aram Saroyan, former Fresno grape shipper, San Francisco attorney, and uncle of author
William Saroyan.
Jurors were moved to tears by Yanikian’s
testimony, but they were denied the corroborating testimony the defense hoped
would sway their decision. The Yanikian jury, unlike the Tehlirian jury,
followed the law and gave me what I asked: two first-degree murder verdicts.
There would be no nullification. Yanikian was sentenced to life in prison. He
was granted compassionate release to a care home in 1984, over objections of
the Turkish government, and died of cancer two months later.
testimony, but they were denied the corroborating testimony the defense hoped
would sway their decision. The Yanikian jury, unlike the Tehlirian jury,
followed the law and gave me what I asked: two first-degree murder verdicts.
There would be no nullification. Yanikian was sentenced to life in prison. He
was granted compassionate release to a care home in 1984, over objections of
the Turkish government, and died of cancer two months later.
Yanikian failed to get his Armenian Nuremberg,
and “The Forgotten Genocide,” denied to this day by the Turkish government, was
never proved in a court of law by the testimony of eyewitness survivors.
and “The Forgotten Genocide,” denied to this day by the Turkish government, was
never proved in a court of law by the testimony of eyewitness survivors.
Looking back, I regret I hadn’t the courage
to allow such evidence, and trust the jury to follow the law. And attorney
Minasian’s words still haunt me: “… bring forth an indictment against
genocide.” History’s darkest chapters – its genocides – should be fully
exposed, so their horrors are less likely to be repeated.
to allow such evidence, and trust the jury to follow the law. And attorney
Minasian’s words still haunt me: “… bring forth an indictment against
genocide.” History’s darkest chapters – its genocides – should be fully
exposed, so their horrors are less likely to be repeated.
Notwithstanding Turkish denials, the historical
evidence of the Armenian genocide is so abundant that 48 American states, and
at least 25 nations, have memorialized and condemned it.
evidence of the Armenian genocide is so abundant that 48 American states, and
at least 25 nations, have memorialized and condemned it.
Valadao pushes resolution on genocide
Not so the American government. For years,
Congressional Resolutions condemning the genocide have been defeated after
intense pressure from Turkey,
where American military bases exist at Turkish pleasure.
Congressional Resolutions condemning the genocide have been defeated after
intense pressure from Turkey,
where American military bases exist at Turkish pleasure.
Passage of the current version, House Resolution
220, “would be a critical step towards ensuring an event like the Armenian
genocide never takes place again,” says Hanford Congressman David Valadao, a
co-sponsor.
220, “would be a critical step towards ensuring an event like the Armenian
genocide never takes place again,” says Hanford Congressman David Valadao, a
co-sponsor.
But H.R. 220 has languished in the Foreign
Affairs Committee for 10 months, and chances for passage are remote. The House
will doubtless take the safer path, as I did in the Yanikian trial.
Affairs Committee for 10 months, and chances for passage are remote. The House
will doubtless take the safer path, as I did in the Yanikian trial.
And once again, truth will fall victim to
expedience.
expedience.
David
Minier of Fresno is a former district attorney of both Madera and Santa Barbara
counties, and a retired Superior Court judge who sits frequently by assignment
in Valley courtrooms.
Minier of Fresno is a former district attorney of both Madera and Santa Barbara
counties, and a retired Superior Court judge who sits frequently by assignment
in Valley courtrooms.
*****************************************************************************************************
9 – Armenian Brand Shabeeg Going
To New York Fashion Week
YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net) – A newly-created
Armenian brand,
Shabeeg will participate in the New
York Fashion Week, slated for February 8-16, the brand’s
founder Mary Sukiasyan told PanARMENIAN.Net
Armenian brand,
Shabeeg will participate in the New
York Fashion Week, slated for February 8-16, the brand’s
founder Mary Sukiasyan told PanARMENIAN.Net
Held in
February and September each year, the semi-annual series of events is one of
four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the "Big
4," along with those in Paris, London and Milan.
February and September each year, the semi-annual series of events is one of
four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the "Big
4," along with those in Paris, London and Milan.
According to Sukiasyan, the Armenian brand will
unveil their designs at a showroom on February 7-10, alongside collections of
new and not-so-famous brands from around the world.
unveil their designs at a showroom on February 7-10, alongside collections of
new and not-so-famous brands from around the world.
“We are planning to invite New York-based
Armenians and will introduce Shabeeg to the representatives of the fashion
industry on February 10,” Sukiasyan said.
Armenians and will introduce Shabeeg to the representatives of the fashion
industry on February 10,” Sukiasyan said.
Also, she said the new collection features
elements and patterns of taraz – the Armenian national costumes – but with a
modern twist and street fashion components.
elements and patterns of taraz – the Armenian national costumes – but with a
modern twist and street fashion components.
Shabeeg will thus become the only Armenian brand
to participate in the New York Fashion Week.
to participate in the New York Fashion Week.
***************************************************************************************************
10- Kerkorian
Estate Executor Refuses
Estate Executor Refuses
To
Grant Former Wife $10 Million
Grant Former Wife $10 Million
LOS ANGELES (Metropolitan News) – The Court of
Appeal has upheld a Los Angeles Superior Court order allowing the executor of
the estate of multi-billionaire businessman Kirk Kerkorian to oppose an
“omitted spouse” petition by the decedent’s widow, who expressly waived the
power to bring such a petition in a prenuptial agreement.
Appeal has upheld a Los Angeles Superior Court order allowing the executor of
the estate of multi-billionaire businessman Kirk Kerkorian to oppose an
“omitted spouse” petition by the decedent’s widow, who expressly waived the
power to bring such a petition in a prenuptial agreement.
The opinion, by Justice Lamar Baker of Div.
Five, was filed late Friday. It affirms an order by Judge Maria E. Stratton
granting the petition of executor Anthony Mandekic, to “assist the court” by
participating in litigation over Una Davis’s bid to acquire a third of the
estate, as the surviving spouse.
Five, was filed late Friday. It affirms an order by Judge Maria E. Stratton
granting the petition of executor Anthony Mandekic, to “assist the court” by
participating in litigation over Una Davis’s bid to acquire a third of the
estate, as the surviving spouse.
That portion is estimated at more than $600
million.
million.
Davis and Kerkorian were wed March 30, 2014. He
was 96; the Wall Street Journal had earlier described her as “much younger”
than he.
was 96; the Wall Street Journal had earlier described her as “much younger”
than he.
They separated two months after the wedding.
Kerkorian died June 15, 2015, at age 98.
Kerkorian died June 15, 2015, at age 98.
Davis
maintains that she is entitled to take the same share of the estate she would
have received had Kerkorian died intestate. But he did have a will, executed in
2013, and she was not included in it.
maintains that she is entitled to take the same share of the estate she would
have received had Kerkorian died intestate. But he did have a will, executed in
2013, and she was not included in it.
$10 Million Payment
However, executor Mandekic maintains that that Davis waived any right.
Two days before the marriage, Kerkorian gave
Mandekic, chief executive of his private holding company, $10 million to confer
on Davis after
the wedding. This was to be the totality of what she would receive from him.
Mandekic, chief executive of his private holding company, $10 million to confer
on Davis after
the wedding. This was to be the totality of what she would receive from him.
Davis
signed a prenuptial agreement under which she agreed that in exchange for the
$10 million payment, she would receive nothing from her husband’s estate. The
terms included a disavowal of entitlement to seek a share as an “omitted
spouse.”
signed a prenuptial agreement under which she agreed that in exchange for the
$10 million payment, she would receive nothing from her husband’s estate. The
terms included a disavowal of entitlement to seek a share as an “omitted
spouse.”
Davis’s
petition, in which she does seek a share of the estate, includes her
declaration in which she attempts to minimize the significance of the
prenuptial agreement.
petition, in which she does seek a share of the estate, includes her
declaration in which she attempts to minimize the significance of the
prenuptial agreement.
She contends that she signed the prenuptial
agreement “under duress,” that her husband was too infirm to understand what he
was doing, and that the instrument was, in any event, ineffectual because it
bears only her signature, not his.
agreement “under duress,” that her husband was too infirm to understand what he
was doing, and that the instrument was, in any event, ineffectual because it
bears only her signature, not his.
*********************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************************
California Courier Online provides viewers of
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.
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.
******************************************************************************************************
Armenia concerned over new hotbed of tension in Syria
News.am, Armenia
Jan 29 2018
Armenia concerned over new hotbed of tension in Syria Armenia concerned over new hotbed of tension in Syria
17:59, 29.01.2018
YEREVAN. – Armenia is concerned over new hotbed of tension in the region, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said when asked about Turkey’s actions in Syria.
“There is a concern about a new hotbed in the region, which will lead to human casualties. Civilians are injured, and Syrian Armenians are among them. A very serious cause for concern,” the minister said.
According to him, the success achieved in the fight against the ISIS and other terrorist groups inspired hope that peace and stability would be established in Syria. Meanwhile, the emergence of a new hotbed of tension can become an obstacle to stabilization.
“We are supportive of controversial issues to be resolved through negotiations and by using international platforms,” he added.
MFA: Armenia actively develops relations with Middle East countries in 2017
News.am, Armenia
Jan 29 2018
MFA: Armenia actively develops relations with Middle East countries in 2017 MFA: Armenia actively develops relations with Middle East countries in 2017
18:17, 29.01.2018
YEREVAN. – In 2017Armenia took certain steps to develop cooperation with the Middle East countries, Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an annual report, summing up 2017.
Over a dozen documents were signed with Middle East countries. Armenia paid attention to issues of national and religious minorities.
The Armenian-Lebanese relations continued to develop. The Minister for Planning Michael Pharaoh visited Armenia in April 2017.
Armenian-Egyptian technology forum was held in Cairo in May 2017. Regular flights from Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada to Yerevan were opened in June.
The 5th meeting of the Armenian-Egyptian intergovernmental commission was held in Yerevan in September 2017, during which five documents were signed.
Armenia continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria. The only foreign office in Armenia continued its work in Aleppo. A regular flight Damascus-Yerevan-Damascus was opened in June 2017.
Armenia also developed relations with the UAE, Qatar, and Oman in 2017.
Syrian Armenians to participate in Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi
News.am, Armenia
Jan 29 2018
Syrian Armenians to participate in Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi Syrian Armenians to participate in Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi
16:55, 29.01.2018
Representatives of the Armenian community of Syria will be among the participants of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi. Deputies of the Syrian parliament Nora Arisyan and Zhirayr Reisyan have already arrived in Sochi.
According to the national composition, the majority of delegates will be Arabs (94.5%). Over 1600 delegates representing all layers of the Syrian society are invited to the Congress. Kurds, Yezidis, Assyrians, Armenians, Circassians, Chechens, Dagestani, Abkhazians, Turkomans and Druze will also attend the congress.
Syrian National Dialogue Congress will be held on January 30, 2018.