Category: 2023

Book cover of the English translation of Soghomon Tehlirian’s memoir, Remembrances: The Assassination of Talaat Pasha”

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research will host an online program marking the publication of the first English translation of Soghomon Tehlirian’s memoir, “Remembrances: The Assassination of Talaat Pasha” (Gomidas Institute, 2022), on Wednesday, March 15, at 10 a.m. PST. This program is co-sponsored by NAASR, the Armenian Film Foundation, and the Ararat-Eskijian Museum.

The webinar will be accessible live on Zoom (registration required) and on NAASR’s YouTube page.

Dr. Carla Garapedian, who wrote the preface to this new edition, will provide a general introduction and Bedo Demirdjian, translator of the memoir, will talk about the challenges of working with this manuscript.

Marking the 102nd anniversary of the shooting of Talaat Pasha in Berlin, this program will focus on the process and the complexities of translating Tehlirian’s memoir, originally published in Armenian in Cairo in 1953 as “Soghomon Tehlirean: Verhishumner,” and its repercussions.  The assassination and Tehlirian’s trial had far-reaching consequences, including a direct impact on Raphael Lemkin, who coined the word “genocide” and worked for the adoption of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948.

Bedo Demirdjian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He is a graduate of Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus, and studied Economics and European Union Integration at the University of Peireaus in Greece. He has worked as a journalist, as Communications and Public Relations Director at the ANC Europe, and as the office coordinator of the Artsakh Republic permanent representative to the Middle East. In 2020 Bedo settled in Armenia, in the province of Lori, where he headed the COAF SMART Center. He is currently in Yerevan promoting “Remembrances.” 

For more information contact NAASR at [email protected].

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research will host an in-person and online program celebrating its Academic Director Marc A. Mamigonian’s 25 years at NAASR on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. Mamigonian will engage in a dynamic conversation with Khatchig Mouradian on a quarter century of developments at NAASR and in Armenian Studies generally, and a multitude of other topics, followed by an open discussion with the audience.

This will be an in-person event and also presented online live via Zoom and YouTube. For those attending in person, NAASR recommends the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. A reception will follow the program.

Marc A. Mamigonian is the Director of Academic Affairs of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), where he has worked since 1998. He is the co-author of the volume “Annotations to James Joyce’s Ulysses” (Oxford University Press, 2022; with John N. Turner and Sam Slote) and is the co-author of annotated editions of James Joyce’s “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” (Alma Classics, 2014; with John N. Turner) and “Ulysses” (Alma Classics, 2015, with John N. Turner and Sam Slote). He has served as the editor of the “Journal of Armenian Studies” and the volume “The Armenians of New England” (Armenian Heritage Press, 2004), and has published articles in “Genocide Studies International,” “James Joyce Quarterly,” “Armenian Review,” “Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies,” and elsewhere.

Dr. Khatchig Mouradian is the Armenian and Georgian Specialist at the Library of Congress, lecturer in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies at Columbia University, and member of the NAASR Board of Directors.

For more information about this program, contact NAASR at [email protected].

An Artsakh police vehicle was ambushed by Azerbaijani forces on Mar. 5

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed Sunday’s ambush by Azerbaijani forces of an Artsakh police vehicle that left three officers dead and another in serious condition.

“On March 5, 2023, at 10 a.m., the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan shot at the vehicle of the law enforcement officers of Nagorno Karabakh in the territory of Dukyanlar settlement. As a result of the clashes, three people were killed, and one was injured,” the Russian defense ministry said in a statement on Monday. “There were also losses on the Azerbaijani side. two dead and one injured.”

“The clash was stopped with the efforts of Russian peacekeepers. In connection with that fact, the command of the Russian peacekeeping military group is conducting an investigation with the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides,” added the statement.

“The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to carry out its tasks in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. In thirty observation posts, Russian peacekeepers monitor the situation around the clock and supervise the maintenance of the ceasefire regime,” said Russia’s Defense Ministry.

The Russian foreign ministry on Monday voiced Moscow’s “serious concern” over Sunday’s ambush of an Artsakh police vehicle.

As a result of the latest Azerbaijani attack Lieutenant Armen Babayan, Major David Danielyan and Lieutenant Ararat Gasparyan were killed and Lieutenant David Hovsepyan suffered a gunshot wound and is listed in critical condition.

“We express serious concern regarding the increase in tension in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Over the past few days, multiple violations of the ceasefire have been reported. On March 5, an armed incident took place, as a result of which both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides suffered casualties,” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Monday.

She called on the parties to exercise restraint and take steps to ease the tension.

“We reaffirm the need to strictly observe the provisions of the November 9, 2020 statement by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on the complete cessation of fire and all military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone,” Zakharova said.

The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that any security-related issue in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops should be resolved peacefully, through communication between the parties, under the auspices of the peacekeeping troops.

“The incident once again confirms the imperative for Baku and Yerevan to immediately return to the negotiations based on the implementation of the provisions of the trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on November 9, 2020, January 11, and November 26, 2021, as well as October 31, 2022, as well as the unblocking of regional communications, delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and elaboration of the peace treaty,” Zakharova said.

Russian peacekeeping forces at the site of the Azerbaijani ambush on an Artsakh police vehicle

The European Union and NATO voiced “concern” about the ambush of Azerbaijani forces on an Artsakh police vehicle on Sunday that killed three officers and injured a fourth. In statements reacting to the incident, neither body condemned Azerbaijan for its brazen attack.

“The EU is sorry for the violence that broke out on the Karabakh contact line yesterday, which resulted in at least five victims. The circumstances of this fatal incident must be thoroughly investigated. We call on all interested parties to exercise restraint to prevent further actions that could further undermine regional stability and threaten the peace process,” Peter Stano, the EU’s foreign affairs spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

The EU is currently deploying a 100-person mission on the border of Armenia that has been characterized as an effort to quell tensions.

In a similar statement on Monday, Javier Colomina, the NATO Secretary-General’s special representative to the Caucasus voiced “concern.”

“Very concerned with reports of deadly incident in vicinity of Stepanakert. This incident demonstrates the urgency to find solutions for outstanding issues at the negotiation table. NATO supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Colomina wrote on social media.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s ambush by Azerbaijani forces on the Artsakh police dominated a meeting between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Brice Roquefeuil, the French co-chair of the OSCE Minks Group, who is in Yerevan on a working visit.

Pashinyan emphasized that the actions of the Azerbaijani sabotage group cannot be described as anything other than terrorism and added that in addition to the blocking the Lachin Corridor and the actions aimed at provoking a humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh for almost three months, “Azerbaijan continues the actions of terrorizing the Armenian population of Artsakh with the ultimate goal of accomplishing ethnic cleansing,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said.

Both leaders reportedly emphasized the need for Azerbaijan to immediately implement the decision of the International Court of Justice on unblocking the Lachin Corridor.

At the same time, Pashinyan added that, under the existing conditions, sending an international fact-finding team to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno Karabakh “is a vital necessity.”

The United States Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono, who is also the American OSCE Minsk Group co-chair said that the U.S. stands ready to provide further assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan in signing a peace treaty.

“The peace treaty must be enduring and come from the two parties, rather than the United States or other countries,” Bono said after his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Baku on Monday, according to Interfax.

“It is important to Washington that Armenia and Azerbaijan interact irrespective of the mediation format. The final goal of the United States is peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Bono said. He noted that both sides would profit from peace, as they reaffirmed the aspiration for peace at a meeting in Munich on February 18, 2023,” added Bono, who, like his European counterparts, did not condemn Baku for the killing of three Artsakh officers. He is due in Armenia for talks on Tuesday.

The European reaction, especially a statement from the EU’s special representative to the Caucasus Toivo Klaar has angered Artsakh’s former state minister and human rights defender Artak Beglaryan, who in a tweet criticized the European diplomat for his lack of condemnation for Azerbaijan when visiting Baku.

“Back in Baku. Look forward to substantive meetings with [Azerbaijani] leadership to advance peace process after meetings in Munich,” Klaar tweeted. “The deadly incident today underscores the urgency of pushing forward with negotiations to achieve stability & a fair peace.”

Beglaryan hit back by calling Klaar “amateur.”

“My mistrust/doubts to Toivo Klaar get deeper due to his reactions to Azerbaijani crimes,” Beglaryan tweeted. “He is either: Amateur diplomat, Under Az [Azerbaijani] brainwashing, Corrupt official, With deviated perceptions of European values, interests & human rights. All four options require changes.”

[SEE VIDEO]

Editor’s Note: The 132nd anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation was marked on Sunday via a special broadcast produced by the organization’s Western U.S. Central Committee. The program aired on all Armenian television channels and was streamed on the Asbarez Facebook page.

The ARF Western U.S. Central Committee presented its message on this occasion, the English language of which was delivered by ARF members and attorney, Garen Kirakosian. Below is the text of his remarks.

The Armenian Nation is facing the challenge of ensuring that the Armenians of Artsakh remain on their historic homeland and preserve their independence and right to self-determination at a time of regional and international turmoil. We are fighting against time, as our Nation finds itself pitted against unprecedented developments and upheaval.

The blockade of Artsakh is part of a plan put forth by Turkey and Azerbaijan to annihilate the Armenians of Artsakh and divide our homeland by coercing Armenia to make detrimental concessions, such as joining a union state or surrendering territorial integrity. The gravity of the situation compels us to appreciate that we do not have the luxury of expending resources fighting over personal interests or engaging in political finger pointing.

The failure to settle the Artsakh conflict during the past three decades, has turned the Caucuses into an epicenter of conflict and thrust Armenia and Artsakh into reinvigorated, geopolitical disputes spilling over from the Russia-Ukraine War.

We are in this fight against time because, as a Nation, we failed to bolster state institutions and engage in concrete nation-building. Today, we understand that relying on a singular power or ally can have unexpected, uncontrollable, and even severe consequences. Now, more than ever, Armenia must find additional allies to emerge from the current geopolitical crisis.

A key aspect of state-building is the bolstering of armed forces. Without a strong and modern army, a state cannot progress. The need to balance the disparity with our enemies’ forces, has become a strategic imperative, in which we must play a critical role. And, as Armenians living in America, we have the means and opportunity to assist in fortifying our homeland’s Armed Forces.

Rooted in the ARF’s principles is the knowledge that it is impossible to advance our countries independence without ensuring the engagement of its citizens with state institutions. To secure the necessary participation and engagement, we need a strong, democratic society. A society where every individual plays a crucial role in the development of the nation. A society built on social justice and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

To strengthen our homeland, we must leverage the vast professional and financial resources of our diaspora. This requires an organized state structure that can harness these capabilities toward the betterment of our homeland and not hold the Diaspora at bay.

To achieve these goals, we as the ARF believe that our nation’s youth can, and must, play a critical role in the advancement of our nation. It is heartening to see so many young people engaged in the technology sector in Armenia. Through their innovations and inventions, these young Armenians have placed Armenia on the cutting edge of the international IT sector. We, as the ARF, believe that we must become the conduit for the young generation. We must develop and provide tools to be active and supportive of a strong armed forces, and to engage citizens and diasporans who will lift our nation from the throes of oppression and ethnic cleansing.

The founding fathers of the ARF, Stepan Zorian, Kristapor Mikaelian, and Simon Zavarian were idealistic youth who laid the foundations of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in 1890. With foundation rooted in the advancement of the Armenian people, for 132 years the ARF has played a pivotal role in leading the Armenian people through various historic milestones and endeavors, such as the establishment of the first Armenian Republic in 1918, the Artsakh Liberation Movement, and the continued effort to build and sustain vibrant Armenian communities in the diaspora—supported by schools, regional centers, and various other community institutions.

As the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in the Western United States, we continue to be guided by our principles and to be a voice for our national demands, and by engaging all facets of our community and our just cause of advancing and serving the interests of all Armenians. We have shown that by being on the frontlines and providing assistance to our communities in need and maintaining the institutions that have empowered our nation through generations.

And we will continue our work resolutely, because we are empowered by our people’s unwavering trust and support.

Long Live the Armenian Nation! Long Live Armenia and Artsakh!

More than 850 people attended a gathering marking the ARF's 132nd anniversary on Mar. 4

More than 850 community members and supporters gathered at the Glendale Civic Auditorium on Saturday to mark the 132nd anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, in an event organized the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee.

It did not go unnoticed that the event was taking place as Artsakh continued to remain under a blockade by Azerbaijan, which has shut off the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to the outside world, creating an acute humanitarian crisis.

The organizers had announced that a portion of the proceeds from the evening would be allocated toward programs in Artsakh, in keeping with the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee’s commitment to assistance the heroic, yet war-ravaged, people of Artsakh.

The evenings brief program started with welcoming remarks delivered by the Ayana Hamamjian, who also introduced the evening Master of Ceremonies Sarkis Garabedian. Hamamjian, as well as Anto Zoubian, who delivered the youth message of the evening, underscored the ARF’s ongoing commitment to defend the socio-economic and political rights of the Armenian people, advocating for individual rights, national self-determination and a free and independent state enjoys social justice and economic prosperity.

Garabedian, in his remarks, thanked those gathered at the event for their continued support and dedication to the ARF and its mission and pledged that the organization will continue to remain committed to its ideology and principles.

The entertainment and the cultural portion of the evening included performances by singers Berj Karazian, Hovesp Gomidas and Tigran Assatryan. Famous Armenian singer Gaby Galoyan was scheduled to perform at the event. However, an unforeseen circumstance prevented her from traveling from Armenia. In a video message to the gathering and her devoted fans, she congratulated the ARF on its anniversary and voiced her gratitude to the organization for continuing to advance the national aspirations of the Armenian Nation for 132 years. She also hinted at a special performance and event in Los Angeles that will mark the 105th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence on May 28.

Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation Avedik Izmirlian spoke about the generous donations received during the evening, pointing out that long-time activists and benefactors Varant and Hoori Melkonian were the evening’s sponsors, thanking them for their unwavering support of the ARF.

As the evening progressed, motivated and excited attendees made generous contributions, adding to the positive spirit of the evening and the pledge to support the Armenians of Artsakh.