Every Picture Tells A Story - January/February 1997 by Armenian International Magazine

.IANUARY

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EDITOR'S NOTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NOTEBOOK

BYTES ON FILE

FOCUS

z 3

E U

ARMENIAN SURVEY FOREGROUND COVER STORY

16 '18

? N

Armenia is changing and so are images of life. A look at Karabakh, politics, economics, social life and sports during 1996.

INTERVIEW

z s

President Levon Ter Petrossian dons a historian's hat and speaks about the last five years.

ANALYSIS

z rz

The difference between Caucasian politics

and Realpolitik.

INTERNATIONAL FOREGROUND

ANALYSIS

International Law expert Yuri Barsegov defines the issues surrounding the Karabakh conflict.

ECONOMY FOREGROUND

SPORTS

UNDEREXPOSED

t E

OTHER PEOPLE'S MAIL

ARTS

ESSAY

54:

covER sroRY Imagine Armenia and Karabakh. Imagine the political, social, economic and spiritual changes for an old nation and a new country. Cooperation between Armenia and Diaspora manifested itself in specific projects, such as the nursing school under the sponsorship of First Lady Lucia Ter Petrossian (top). Armenia's foreign relations with near and distant neighbors (center left, Turkish Prime Minister Ciller with Armenia's Foreign Minister Arzoumanian) revolved around the Karabakh conflict and Armenia's support of thepopulation of Karabakh, working to strengthen links with Armenia (center right). Economic and social changes were intertwined-a somewhat healthier economy (lower left) lightened the national mood even before Santa Claus brought good cheer (lower right).

Commonwealth ot lndependent Slates: $55i Middle East, Australia, Armenia: $50. Poslmasters: Send address changes

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EIWIHImffi Melkonian Story. by Tony Halpin. which appeared in the May-June issue Ihe I of AIM continues to stir interest. In this issue, AIM Contributor and I Anthropologist Susan Pattie (see Essay, page 54) presents some personal

FOURTH MILLENNIT]M SOCTETY A Not-fotrProfit, Public Benefit Corporation

thoughts and impressions on the issues facing the Melkonian and the Armenian community of Cyprus. Taken in a broader context, her questions (ust as the Melkonian dilemma) are relevant to Armenian educational institutions and communities throughout the world. Pattie knows whereof she speaks. Her recent book, Faith in History-Armenians Rebuiding Community (Smithsonian Institution, 1997) is a look at the Armenian communities of Cyprus and London and how genocide survivors scattered around the world set about the business of creating and maintaining a community. etters to the Editor of any magazine are often that publication's most popular section. AIM is no exception. One long letter which arrived this month, by e[. mail. is in response to one of last month's letters. The writer says. "There is not a single Armenian that doesn't want to help the country of his ancestors. However, so many of them have mixed feelings, since they are practically considered 'good cows to be milked....' Because of a strong Diaspora, although not very well organized, Armenia has much better chances than many of the other old

DIRECTORS

MICHAEL NAHABET VARTAN OSKANIAN RAFFI ZINZALIAN ASSOCIATE TBUSTEES

KHACHIG BABAYAN FLORA & GEORGE DUNAIANS CALIFORNIA

I t

RAZMIG HAKIMIAN CANADA

LOUISE MANOOGIAN SIMONE NEWYORK

JACK MAXIAN HONG KONG

soviet republics."

FOUilDING TRUSTEES

GARENAVEDIKIAN

oincidentally, these were indeed some of the topics addressed by President Levon Ter Petrossian in an exclusive AIM interview in early January. The President spoke candidly about Armenia-Diaspora relations, media relations, and the international political arena.

CALIFORNIA

VAROUJAN ISKENDERIAN AUSTRALIA

MARDO KAPRIELIAN CALIFORNIA

he window which opened on Armenia nearly l0 years ago has resulted in an fr unprecedented flow of images. If the statues of David of Sasun, Mother tr Armenia and Papa Lenin used to be the visual standbys of the last decades, today we have the pictures of real people living real lives. Still, it's never quite sufficient or comprehensive. Ask anyone who hasn't been to Armenia and Karabakh to conjure up an image of that land of dreams, and that's exactly what you get--a dim construct of a heaven (or a hell) which has little to do with reality. Thus, as in years past, l0 AIM pages in this first issue of the new year, are devoted to little-seen visual images of Armenia and Karabakh, because every picture tells a story.

HAGOP KOUSHAzuIAN FLORIDA

ZAROUHI MARDIKIAN PENNSYLVANIA

EDWARD MISSERLIAN CALIFORNIA

BOB MOVEL CALIFORNIA

VAROUJAN NAHABET CALIFORNIA

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tors and students who wrote quality poems and essays in Armenian. During

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this time, the revitalization of

Editor - Publisher

the

Armenian language is evident through several student-produced newsletters,

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LIKED LISBON Thanks for running Jivan Tabibian's article on the Lisbon

MEGAN BARRON, RAIMOND DER AVANESSIAN. ZARoUG KABAKIAN. N0RA NALBANDIAN. LoUISE SMITH

Tianslators ARSINE ARAKELIANS. HARRY DICKRANIAN

Aneu O1nu1en. .l11

Summit (Armenian Survey-Analysis, November-December 1996). It was very informative and well written.

SIVAC

Administrative Director DANIA OHANIAN

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ManrNs AnarnlraNs

SETA KHoDANIAN

SeN BnuNo. CelmonNre

Advertising MELINE OUNJIAN, ZARREH MARTIN BURG ADVERTISING. YEREvAN

Contributing Editors ToNv HllprN, Srnxls

SYLVA DAKESStAN,

Sgu,qvoNr,q.N, RoNALD GRTG0R SUNY JIVAN TABIBIAN, TALINE VoSKERITCHIAN

Contributom ARAM ABRAHAMIAN, ARMEN BAGDASARIAN, ARTASHES EMIN, ARAIK GALSTAN, MARK GRIGoRIAN, HRAIR ZoRIAN, YEREVAN; HRATCH TCHILNGIRIAN, SUSAN PATIE, I,NDON; JANET SAMUELIAN, HRAC

Irs ANcrLes; Menx MALx,{sm, Rrooe Islero; Gponce Bounnormer, Lole KoUNDAKJTAN, NEw YoRK; MooRAD MoORADTAN, VARJABEDTAN,

WASHTNGToN.

Photogmphem MKHTTAR KHACHATRIAN, ZAVEN KIACHIKIAN, ROLtsEN MANGASARIN. YEREVAN: ALNE MANoUXIAN, ARMINEH JoHANNES, PARISi EDMoND TEMKoPIAN, I,NDoN; KARINE ARMEN, KEvoRK DJANSEZTAN. RAFH EKMEKJT. l,os ANGELES: LecrmuaN, MennAND; ARDEM ASLANTAN, NEw JERSEE HARRY KOUNDAKJIAN, NEW Y0RK: BERGE ARA ZoBhN. RHoDE ISLAND

raiio. E."ritu. NAaRtAN Fditorial Consullant CHARLES

THE

Regarding US Ambassador Joseph Presel's "blunt" pronouncement in Michigan that "Karabakh is not going

become an independent country"

As A PUBLIC SERVICE BY

FoumH Mn-r-ENNtrrM SmTFJY

CANADA: Razmig Hakimian,6695 Henri Bourassa West, Montreal, PQ, H4R 2El, Phone 514 339 2517 UNITED ARAB EMIRAIES: Sebouh Amenagian, PO. Box 3000, Shdah, UAE, Phone 971 6 331 361; Gulizu Jonian, PO. Box 44564, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Phone 971 2 775 721, Fax 971 2 775 191 UNITED KINGDOM: Misak Ohanian, l05A Mill Hill Road, Acton, l-ndon w38JR Phone 081 992 4621 ITALY: Piene Balaian, Ma Morlacca, 6l A4l5, Rome, Phone 995 1235 HONG KONG: Jack Maxian, RM. A2, I lf, Blmk A, 26 Kai Cheung Rd., Kowloon Bay, Kowloon,

Phone 852 795 9888 AUSTRALIA: Alfred P.O. Box 370, Hanis Park NSw2l50

Mukrian,

Sydney, Phone 02 897 1846: Artin

Gc, 29 Mayt'air

Ave., Femtr@ Gully, Victoria 3156, Phone 03-7523873

03-752-3638

WRITE TO AIMI We welcome all communication. Although we read all letters and submissions, we are unable to acknowledge everything we receive due to limited staffing and resources. Write to usl We can be reached at AIMAGAZINE@AOL.COII or the traditional wa.v at AIM PO. Box 10793 Clendale. California 9 1209 -3793. or by fu, 818.246.0088, or phone, 818.246.7979. If,ters to the Editor may be edited lbr publicarion.

My husband Sarkis died last month,

just after you published the follow-up on his critical condition (Postscript, September-October I 996).

November-December 1996), someone should have told Presel equally bluntly that a world with selective decoloniza-

leukemia, we moved to Los Angeles

tion is

unsatisfactory and that

the Azerbaijani mini-empire with hegemony over Karabakh is unacceptable. PIERRE

V. HAIG

DANA PorNT, CeLrFonNre

When we discovered he

had

from Boston thinking that with

the

large Armenian community here, we would have a better chance of finding a potential bone marrow donor with a matching blood type. Despite all public appeals, just a handful of Armenians

matic drop in Armenian education at

responded. Our hopes were betrayed. As a result of AIM's coverage, we received calls--rven from as far away as Australia. Unfortunately, too late. He was a wonderful husband for l3 years. I grieve that Armenians wereunable to offer him the chance to be

Melkonian is due to unqualified teach-

saved.

DIFFERENT MEMORIES In the letter entitled "Meaningful Thanks" on the Melkonian Educational 1996), the writer declares that the dra-

ers who have "killed the Armenian lanINTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION AND ADVERTISING REPRESENTATTVES

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

(Armenian Survey-Foreground,

Institute (Letters, September-October

MrNAs KoIATAN F0UNDED rN 1990 FOUNDING EDITOR FOUNDINC PUELISHER VAMAN OS$NIAN MICHAEL NAHABET PUBLISHED

FACING FACTS

guage and culture in the eyes of their students." The letter also includes other unfair and unfounded claims. The author's criticism is based on his personal experiences at Melkonian from 1975 to 1986. During this same period, I was a teacher of Armenian Language. Principal Sossi Bedikian, Samuel

The sooner our community is educated about the need to contribute to blood banks, the better. Leukemia can

happen

anybody. Giving

little

blood doesn't hurt the donor. yet it can

Antossian, Paren Minassian, Ardem Sarkissian, Bedros Bedirian and many other past colleagues, who were wellknown authorities in their fields taught various courses in Armenian studies. The author is naive in his claims and accusations because this group of teachers and instructors were successful in preparing Armenian teachers, pedagogues, principals, newspaper edi-

AIM

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comments alone and not considering any other data, one could surmise that

Sere SxesvenoreN

procedural violations were such that the will of the Armenian people, as expressed at the ballot box, was

its part. PALMDALE. CeLlronNre

Having worked at The Associated Press for over 40 years, I see photos like this regularly. I am waiting for the day when our president will hold regular press conferences and invite journalists from Armenia and around the world to participate.

denied. Upon closer examination. one can just as easily conclude that even if all the violations cited were accurately observed and noted. the Armenian people indeed chose President Levon Ter Petrossian, albeit by a very small mar-

gin." The problem with this statement is that it indicates that the checks and bal-

ances placed in the law were often unobserved, and that the transparency of the process was seriously in ques-

tion. For example, in at least two

HARRY KOUNDAKJIAN

NEw YoRK, NEw YoRK

MORE ON THE ETECTIONS

Your coverage of the Lisbon Summit and the post-presidential election events in Armenia have been excellent. You are one of the few publica-

tions that looks at the situations

Karabakh and Armenia with realism rather than self-delusional romanticism.

Keep up the good work

and

remember to approach our problems in the Diaspora, such as the political parties ad the dual Catholicosates, with that same analytical approach. Mtcslpl HlnrruxtnN CleN Heno, NEw YoRK

In reference to the article "Who's

to Judge?" (September-October

1996,

Armenian Survey) we would like to correct a factual error regarding the Technical Assessment Report on the Presidential Elections in Armenia, issued by the IFES. Of that report, the author stated, "If imprecision in the application of the letter of the law is sufficient for the IFES to doubt the official count, the same standards of analy-

sis should apply to the many monitor reports on which IFES based its conclu-

sions."

regions, it was found that blank official tabulation sheets had been pre-signed, and therefore subject to tampering. In addition, the portion of the presidential election law stating that precinct tabulation sheets be posted at each precinct voting center was largely ignored, specifically so in 10 out of 1l voting centers visited by IFES personnel the moming after the election. If the analysis of a democratic election indicates that there was evidence to question the outcome, then something is seriously wrong with the process. To do anything other than acknowledge the seriousness of what happened in Armenia on Septemer 22 would be a disservice to the people of

Armenia and their efforts

build

democracy.

IFES/Armenia has a strong, ongoing working relationship with both the Central Electoral Commission and the National Assembly Committee for State and Legal Issues of the Republic of Armeia. IFES looks forward to its future cooperation with these entities

as the effort to build and strengthen democratic institutions in Armenia continues. Jru Sroven PRoCRAM OFFICER FoR ELIRoPE AND ASIA

IFES. Wa,spmcroN DC

regard

to the letter of

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In fact, the IFES report was based exclusively on the actual eyewitness accounts of IFES personnel. In addi-

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AcroN. MlsslcHUsETTS

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AIM Jer.rueny-FEBRUARY 1997 I

0TtB 0 0l(

Four months after his appointment (Focus p. 14), Prime Minister Armen Sarkissian began to receive get-well cards. Hospitalized for a recurring health problem

with a too-long

recuperation period,

Sarkissian resigned from his post as the prime minister of Armenia on March 7. "My present health status makes my further work as Prime Minister impossible; that is, I find it impossible to remain Prime Minister and to work at half capacity," Sarkissian explained during a live telephone press conference from his hospital bed in London. Seven Armenian journalists questioned Sarkissian on everything from his motivations to his future plans. Rumors about political reasons for the resignation

a 4

z z &

* J a

were the subject of most of the questions Sarkissian denied any political conflicts witt

certain

members of

the

government-Defense Minister vazger Sargsian in particular-labeling such allega. tions both ridiculous and regretful.

Unfortunately, the rumors which dis. counted the health reasons were fueled

poor public relations, which continued

minimize the severity of the prime minister't illness or the length of the recuperation peri. od. The information disseminated was s( inconsistent that just two days prior to tht prime minister's announcement, the healtl minister had issued a press statement insistinl *rat the prime minister would retum to worl within two weeks.

Gohar Gasparian, the beloved soprano who war famous for her starring roles in the Barber of Seville Anush, Faust, and dozens of other operas, now is a sta herself-a galactic star. The International Star Registrl

named a stellar body for the.singer known as "the nightingale"

The 73-year-old Gasparian is as proud of her teachinl career as her singing. The dozens of singers who studier with her at the Komitas Music Conservatory in Yerevar

revere her as professor and department chair. First shr travelled the globe and sang in 45 countries and learne( seven languages. Now her students participate in intema tional competitions and come away with top medals. Gasparian still gives recitals and occasionally appear on Armenian television. Gasparian continues as senio consultant to the State Opera of Armenia, whose director

NAME: Rick's Notes FmmArmenia WHATIS IT LIKE? Stories of people, sites and issues in the Republic of Armenia by Rick L. Ney (TransWorld Support andDevelopment Association of America) presented with humor, photos and comparisons.Rick has been living in Armenia for the last four years.Topics range from "The Petrol that TastesGood" to "Immigration and Customs" to "Dignity l: HumanitarianAid?" and "The Gift of Stone"

WHERE YOU'LL FIND IT? hnp://arminco.com (minor site in the USA: www.arminco-usa.comThomepages/Ricldindex.htnD

I.]PSIDE: Excellent graphic prcsentation. There are also "sample notes" for each of Rick's eight Notes if you do not wish to read the entLâ&#x201A;Ź story.

DO\trNSIDE: The Notes are updated only'Trom time to time". (Ihe last Note, No. 8,was written on August 17, 1996).

TYPICALQUOTE: "I've been here so long, some suggest it is time to change my passport." BY H. TcH[-rNorRrAN

AIM JeNuenv FesnunnY

1997

Tigran Levonian, is her husband.

Even though Vladimir Ilyich Lrnin

passed away

January 1924,

remained an entire empire's political ideologue, the caring grandfattrer in children's poems, the legendary figure who was an inextricable par of everyday life. He's finally dead. He's not even laying in the mausoleum in Moscow any more, where for decades, his tomb was a favorite tourist sits. The beginning of the end came with the Democmtic Movement inArmenia in

1988. Streets were renamed: Lenin Boulevard became Mashtots. The city of kninakan reverted to the old Gumri. And I*nin himself no longer stood at the cen-

ter of his own square. It was rerfamed Republir Square and the statue of Papa knin sculpted b1

ffi*Iiqsll:es8ffisffi

As a result of such diverse stories, everything from political pressure from the outside to his own inability to deal with the social and bconomic realities of life in Armenia were bandied about as reasons for Sarkissian's resignation. . "I was fully aware of all the difficulties related to domestic policy, foreign relations &nd economy. I did not have any illusions, and therefore I could not have been disappointed,"

ffiffim Armenia's ranking in 1996 FIFA (soccer) finals (out of 188 countries):

106

Mr. Sarkissian explained. He expressed sorrow that he had to leave the post, with his projects incomplete, yet he hoped that his leaving the office would

ttot have any bearing on the completion of these projects. Finally, Sarkissian has

Number of leather basketballs promised to Team Armenia by the Homenetmen of Lebanon, in exchange for three of Armenia's professional players for one

y..' 200

promised to remain politically active.

100

Number of basketballs delivered: Number of unemployed in Armenia,

1541000

Number of disabled:

I 14,000

Number of refugees:

215 1000

Percentage of refugees in need of housing:

Number of Armenian citizens (including children) arrested at the PolishGerman border in December,1996, while attempting to illegally enter Germany,

Number of Armenian-language dailies published in the Diasporu,

Sergei Merkurov in 19,10 came down in 1991, and lay unattended for awhile behind ttre State

Museum of History (left). Over the New Year holiday, a gigantic Christrnas tee stood in his place on ttre b,ronze and granite pedestal. As soon as the hee came down, so did the pedestal. And now, the square designed by Alexander Thmanian w 1924 stretches down to the nearby 2750 fountains.

But ftere are plenty of other reminders. There is a whole generation of men named l.endrush [-enin's flag], Mels fMarx-EngelsI,enh-Stalinl, Karlen fKarl and Lrnin] carry trrnin's legacy. But names aren't the problem. If only the attitudes and mentality could be

Number of dailies not aligned with a political party (Marmara (Istanbul), Zhamanak (Istanbul), H aratch (Paris): Percentage of children in Turkey's work force

of l1 million;

Number of those children who are between ages 6 and r+:

1r000r000

Manchester Guardian, Info-Turk, Harqtch, Azg, Futbol Plus

rernoved as easily as pedestals.

AIM

JaNueny-FEBRUARy 1997

ll3

S[ Al'melt, lhe Dl'auoltSlryEF As soon as Armen Sarkissian.44. physicist and fbrmer Ambassador to Great Britain and the UniteC Kingdom. Italy, Belgiurn. the Netherlands. the Vatican and Luxembourg, was namecl Prirne Minister. everyone started to prepare a wishlist. Nothing big. Il he coulcl just strengthen the economy, root out corruption. institutionalize justice and tairness in the social welfare system. inspire and prepare the youth by overhauling education. and. of course. irnprove the business environment, while developing transparency and openness in the workings of governrncnt. Thesc werc just the priorities. The rest of the items on the "to do" list involved the ou1sicle worlcl. "Crip ancl srin" is rvhat the Arnerican public relations machine calls thc process that is an intrinsic part ol'every politician's li1'e . Mcct pcople. rrip their hancls and grin rven as you speak thc tough truths and hear the unplcasunt realities. Not all politicians like this part ol'thc.job. Whether Sarkissian likcs it or not, l.rowever. he certainly does it well. Ancl soon r.rpon assunrin-s of lice. he dicl lots ol-it. He began with a trip to Moscow and met with Prime Minister Viktor Chernclnryrclin to fine-tune Arrnenia-Russia economic rclations. Thcn. hc continued thc samc charrn and caiole carnpaign in the Llnitcd Stalcs from Jarruary,l through 13. ln Washington DC. he met with representatives of the International Monetary

Fund and the World Bank. The commitments of the World

Bank (its President James Wolf-enson in inset, lar right) to Amenia fbr l0 cunent projects total US 5265 million. What began as a visit to the international financial institutions soon expanclecl to include meetings with top US officials. In a meeting with Vice-President Al Gore (lelt), Sarkissian (center), together with Annenia's Ambassador to the US, Rouben Shugarian (ri-sht) tbcused on the irnpoltance of sustaining macroeconomic stability. accelerating the privatization process. elirninating corruption and strenglhening the legal l'ranrework tirr the successful in'rplernentation ol rctirrrns. Corc rcpcatcrl how inrportant such a ll'arnework is, il'lbleign invcstnrcnt is to conie to Arnrenia. ancl also expressecl his support filr Arnrcnia's .joining thc World Tradc Organization. Sarkissian rcal'l'irrnecl the Tcr Petrossian governrncnt's comrnitrnent to stay thc course ol relbI.rs, whilc at the samc tintc clcveloping saf'cty rnccharrisn'rs for thc cconomically vulnerable. There were more ofTicial nreetings-with thc Chicl'of US

Naval Research. senators ancl congressnren. thc US Secretary o1' Commerce. the Russian Arnbassador to thc US, State Department and National Security Affairs olficials, arnong others. Nevertheless. fbr many in the Armenian comrnunity, the highlights of his tlip were the public -eatherings in Boston, New York, Washin-ston DC and Los An-eeles. "There is nothing

soviet about him." was the frequently-heard reaction to Sarkissian's spontaneous. open. honest presentations on l4 / AIM Januar\,-Februirr\,

1997

Armenia's social. econornic and political situation before thousands of Diasporans still r-rnsure of their relationship to the homeland. Hc spoke about fiee media. fair business practices and the necessity of an An'nenia-Diaspora

partnership. E,vervone applauded. From the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Press. consistent in its indiscriminate condemnation of the

Armenian govemment, to the non-Armenian press, everyone liked what they heard. Now comes the hard part. Lots to do, with lots of eyes watching. The prime minister was accompanied not only by Shugarian, but

ilso Minister of Trade and Tourism, Gamik Nanagulian-for obvious

With improved trade comes a more active economy and therefore better living conditions. Peter Tomsen, the US Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, was also part of Sarkissian's delegation, hopefully a sign of continuing US commitment to Armenia for economic and development assistance, not simply humanitarian aid. reasons.

/AIM

January-February 1997

ABMEII!AN SUHVEY

Not two months after a meeting between Pope John Paul tr and Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians, the Pope met with Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia. The official three-day meeting at the Vatican was attended by highlevel clergy and lay leaders from around the world. Catholicos Aram I held three separate meetings with the Pope, and at the conclusion of their meetings, a joint declaration was issued. In theirpublic addresses, both patriarchs addressed the Cilician See's and Catholic Church's centuries-old

relationship. They addressed the national

struggles

of the Armenian people,

and

referred to the struggle of the Armenians

Lebanon

l6 / AIM JeNt;eny-FssnueRY

1997

to survive and maintain

their

community ard institutions, in a country destroyed by

civil war.

Iran's First

Yice-President

Hassan Habibi led a delegation of over

lfi) oflicials to Yerevan in late December. Among the participants in this official visit were kan's ministers of Economy and Finance, the First Deputy Minister of Foreigr Affairs, and Iran's Ambassador to Armenia. The delegation

met with Armenian ministers of economy, finance, trade, transportation and other high-ranking offrcials. Habibi met with Speaker of the National Assembly

Babken Ararktsian and delivered a speech there about the potential of

is the third foreign mission to occupy the

to be intened in Armenia. The

three-story Spanish Colonial Revival Mansion at 7 Delaware Avenue. The Uruguayan embassy was there in the 1940's and the Hungarian embassy followed from 1965 to 1995.

ond funeral was held in the presence of his nephews: Shahen, chief of staff to Armenian President Levon Ter Petrossian, and Nerses, thenhead of the financial affairs department of the Mother See of Ejmiatsin. He wanted the rest of his ashes laid to rest in Syria, where Karamanoukian had served in the

Vartan Gregorian was still president of Brown University when llilary and Chelsea Clinton went looking at

potential colleges for

armed forces from 1946 to 1957. During his service he assisted in the creation of the National Army for the

Chelsea.

Gregorian accompanied the Fint Lady and First Daughter (below) on the college

Armenian-hanian relations. Habibi met with President lrvon Ter Petrossian and Prime Minister Armen Sarkissian. He also visitedYerevan State University, met

with the rector, and with a group of stu-

dents

in the Oriental Languages

Departrnent. As part of his working visit, Habibi (above) began digging the founda-

newly independent Syria. He was the

highest ranking foreigner in the Syrian armed forces. So close were

tour. Soon afterwards, Gregorian accepted

of the

the

presidency Carnegie Foundation, one of the country's largest non-profit agencies. The position is a

his ties to the Syrian military that on his last trip to Syria, he stopped at the grave of the late son of Syrian President Haftz al Assad, a former comrade in the armed forces.

switch for Gregorian, who will now head a major ganting agency. He has usually

been on the other side

sec-

Karamanukian was born in

of the funding

Aintab, Turkey in 1910. During the evacuation of Armenians, his family settled in Aleppo. In 1932, he entered

tion for the embassy of Iran in Yerevan.

the Syrian military academy in Damascus. In 1953, he received the rank of general and a few years later was assigned to Washington DC as a military attache in the Syrian embassy. At the age of 54, after having served in the army for 32 years he retired and pursued an education in law. He received his LLD degree

The Republic of Armenia has been represented in Canada for nearly two

years. The Armenian Embassy in

Ottawa officially

opened this last

December in the presence of hundreds of community members and leaders, and the philanthropist who made possible,

Sarkis Acopian of Pennsylvania. Gamik Nanagulian, Armenia's Ambassador to Canada, who had just been named Minister of Trade and Tourism was pre-

International Law from the in Paris. His

Sorbonne University

thesis was-not accidentally-on foreigners and military service. His service in the Syrian army, was honored by various medals presented to him, not only by the gov-

sent, as were Rouben Shugarian, Armenia's Ambassador to the US, and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Canada.

ernment

The three-story Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion at 7 Deleware Avenue,

process, having made a name and a career

which dates back to 1907-1908, Armenia

from the New York Public Library to Brown University. Gregorian, born in

Syria but also by those

of fundraising for educational institutions

1934 in Iran, is a historian.

When General Aram Karamanoukian died in December 1996, at the age of 86, he had three funerals. The first was performed in New Jersey where he had lived since 1965, by

z s T

z 3 o

Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian

Apostolic Church of North America

Just months earlier, the Archbishop had bestowed upon the general the medal Prince of Cilicia (righ0.

another one-third of his ashes were

B U

Per

Karamanukian's wish,

Egypt and Lebanon. Karekin [I, when Catholicos of the See of Cilicia, had bestowed upon him the

Knight of Cilicia medal

and

Catholicos Yazgen I granted him the Nerses Shnorhali medal. AIM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1997

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ARMENIAN SUBVEY

Ten Pelnossian At the beginning of his

second term, Armenia's President analyzes the past, raises questions for the future. hat happened in Lisbon at the OSCE Summit, that 53 countries voted against Armenia? We must accept that the international community expressed a "political opinion". This was not new for us.

For most countries in today's world what is desirable is the current world order-the stability of borders, territorial integrity. We must realize this; otherwise, if we construct our political expectations on inaccurate calculations, then our disappointment will be great. There are very few countries in

our situation, with problems similar to ours, who desire to change the cunent world order. There is Quebec, in which France has some interest; Ireland is somewhat interested in the struggle of Northern lreland. Turkey is interested and supportive of Northern Cyprus; Pakistan supports Kashmir's claims. There are perhaps a few other such cases. I am referring to claims for secession or independence where the claimant has a state supporting it in its claims. Karabakh has Armenia's sup-

port. Abkhazia has no such patron country. 180 countries are insistent on maintaining today's ordeq and just a

handful have an interest to change them. Politically, in this environment, we cannot have allies. Even those countries which have similar problems

cannot serve as allies. For example, Pakistan which rs defending Kashmir, is on Azerbaijan's side in our conflict. Turkey has interests in supporting N. Cyprus. but at the same time, it is in opposition to us, and is defending Azerbaijan, against Armenia, against Karabakh. So, in Lisbon, countries expressed

their opinions. But they

hadn't told us anything different prior to this. Neither the US, nor France, nor

Russia-no one had said they would

defend our interests 28 / AIM JeNunnY-Feenuenv

1997

above

Azerbaijan's. We must realize this and act accordingly. lt is not going to be easy. It will be very difficult for us.

What cards are we holding? Until nou Karabakh has benefitted from the internal contradictions within the international community. One may not be able to continue to count on that, however. Russia, tbr example, appears to have common interests with Armenia, especially in

the

Caucasus.

But Russia's

and

Karabakh's interests are not the same,

and Russia can never det'end Karabakh's claims of independence, because within the Russian Federation there are over 20 such problems. As for our own resources, that depends on our

believe that if Armenia and Karabakh can hold out, then the final outcome of the Karabakh conflict will be a favorable one. For that to happen, the country's economy must be strengthened, and the social

ability to withstand.

problems must be addressed. We must be able to ensure internal stability, to do

During the campaign, you were just president, but also candinot date. You did things that were quite different from your presidential activities. You were visible in a way that you had not been since the days of the Democratic Movement.

A campaign has its rules. In the US, too, during the campaign, the president is more active and more visible. During the last several years, I have frequently been to the regions outside Yerevan, the earthquake zone, etc. Those visits have not been the subject of mass attention, because they were simply functional meetings, and there was no need to organize rallies, meet-

uation and Bill Clinton's is that he acts like a candidate for the entire four years of his first term, and not just during the campaign months. You distinguish between the roles of president and candidate. For him, it's all one role. Do you overestimate

the people, by expecting that once you've made a statement or offered an explanation, even if it was two years ago, that they had heard it then, understood it, remember it and recall it when necessary? Perhaps, I do. But repeat myself.

I don't like

But you do that all day long-Whether it's with ambassadors or

ings, public events. The purpose was to

foreign delegations-you say the

go and work. One must distinguish between the campaign, its require-

tions-about Karabakh's

ments. and the regular functions of the

Armenia's reforms-don't you?

tob.

Yes, during the carnpaign,

went

around the country. I can't say how the

same things, repeat the same Posistatus'

I must talk to the ambassadors and the foreign representatives all day and

away with political contradictions. If we cannot hold out under these conditions, then the outcome will be far less

public reacted to those meetings, but

all night, if

fbr nre, they were an opportunity to mix

things, saying the same things again

beneficial to us.

about 30 minutes, but stay and talk to the people tbr three hours. There were

How do you assess the elections,

of post-election events, Armenia

We must confess that as a result

would speak for

sirnple, every-day problems which needed resolution.

and the post-election fiasco?

the

with the people.

As for

national

issues, most seemed to understand our important accomplishments: peace in Karabakh. secure borders. Internal sta-

became weaker. Both internal stability,

bility was

which was one of our n-rost significant accomplishments of the last five years, and our external status. As for the elec-

understood and appreciated, as was our

tions themselves, we have what

have--we have 52Vo. That is quite satisfactory and more than many sitting presidents receive in reelection. As for the expectations, I don't know. Perhaps the initial projections were wrong, perhaps our campaign did not work as well as it could have. That the opposition received 487o is a reality with which I must deal. Obviously, I have not satisfied nearly half of our people. That is no fiasco. The fiasco is what happened after the elections. The def'eated side had already decided that if they do not win, they would not accept the results of the elections. They had made such announcements half a year befbre the elections: "lf we win. the elections are

fair. If we lose, the elections not fair."

somehow instinctively

foreign policy. It was natural that each person who was able to talk to the president wanted to share his personal concerns. Thousands of letters were hand-

ed to me personally at the campaign

rallies. They were all studied and answered. Some could not be resolved, and those individuals received letters of explanation about why their requests were not legal. or possible. The rest received responses with possible solutions lnd unswers. There was interesl and enthusiasm and activity among the people.

know the public likes

such

appearances; journalists complain that I don't give enough interviews, and am

not visible enough.

know that. My

character is such that I don't like to talk a lot and repeat things. That may be a

mistake in politics.

are

The difference between your sit-

necessary.

But

repeating

and again, lor me, that's torture.

In retrospect, do you think

You

overreacted to either the Dro Case or the post-elections violence?

Not at all. After the violence, cer-

tain individuals were arrested,

ques-

tioned and released. There was no military activity of any sort. No exaggerated actions of any sort. The same in the case of Dro. People who had committed specific crimes received specific sentences for those crimes. I am convinced that even those who said that all

this is a lie, are now convinced that those crimes were committed by those people, that those people were involved in narcotics sales. How could it all have been a set-up if the corpses are there, if

the perpetrators are there. This was

dangerous event: three terrorist assassi-

nations in a country like ours is quite If we had not put a stop to that. there could have been dozens of corpses. They had to understand that in Armenia, it is not possible to bring about changes by terrorism. As to the ARF ban, that completely corresponds dangerous.

with the laws of the republic. In Armenia, there cannot be a political party governed by those outside the AIM JaNuenv-FEBRUARY

1997

I 29

i,ilirri:ir$tiif,ltiBl*ff.i$l$ll$jiffi!!$dffiI*ffs:isi;t{ri.*nni}-i:i:s,:*5n&I

country. They must resolve this problem. Until then, they will not be registered and allowed to carry out their activities. No state tolerates a political party governed from the outside. Has all this been explained satis-

factorily? Has there been enough information available for those not on one side or another in this issue, to understand what is going on?

Here, I can speak as a historian. One must never be under the illusion that it is possible to bring everyone to the same conviction. That will not happen. That cannot be an objective. The state will perform its task, will attempt to explain its task. Some will understand and agree, others will oppose it, another segment will remain disinterested. That is how it is. It may be possible to say we have not explained well. But that does not mean that had we explained well, that everyone would have agreed. They will not agree today, tomorrow or even l0 years from now.

s:5#H$ffiffiwffiffiffiffiw

Perhaps if we had worked better, it would have been possible to convince those in the middle. Perhaps.

If it wasn't this

Looking in as an outsider, the Armenia Fund appears to be this

As to why it hasn't had even better results, that's another matter. Whether it's a Diaspora problem, or whether we

government's most successful activity. Without pretending that it's perfect or that it is working at optimal levels, why do you think it's working as well as it is? Because

has been set up on the

correct foundation.

In the Board of

Trustees, we have included representa-

tives from a significant portion of our

nation-the religious, the political, the philanthropic organizations-and had there been goodwill on their part, the political parties would also have been included as they were the first year. Also, the staff works very effectively, on clear guidelines, with high standards, with open accounting and international audits. Fundamentally, such a body had to be creared, there had to be a link between Armenia and Diaspora.

structure, it would have

been another. But something would have had to exist.

should be working better here in I don't know. After all, the

Armenia,

Diaspora's national institutions depend on the same "pocket" for funding, so a kind of natural competition is not surprising. Nevertheless, it must be said that all resources have not been utilized. The church, in particular, is still passive. You know the attitude of the political parties--one segment is actively, openly opposed, another segment is passive.

Again, as an outsider, three years ago, the reality of the ongoing war and blockade was very evident. Today, you can't see either war or blockade. That is your success, isn't it-your administration's success, that life has somehow nesumed normalcy? This isn't just an outsider's observation. I think our people, too, have a

fr-rmp"fl,Fqs

$torq

somewhat erroneous impression-that

we have won the war, that we are assured internal stability, that the blockade has ended, and that

at all the case. We are not fighting today, but we are maintaining an army and preparing to resist new. military challenges. The blockades-who says they are removed? Today, we have no

of other refugeee from lhe Turkieh maosacreo of 1915-18 As a child of nine, second in command No hie faNher, he

transit connections with the outside

d a dull reop on eibililiee for hie family'e eateby.

world, not even a railroad. What does that cost us? How expensive is freight

a ee ume

They lourneyed

for

transfer? The economy depends on that,

Nhree

doesn't it? Business computes everything down to the last cenr. Today, if

yearo, by ox cart, on fool, by, eleamer and Lrain, from

lheir emall village in norlhweotern lran lo Dasra in Meeopotramia and the prolection of a tsritish refu4ee cam?, lhence to Domb ay, O enoa, Mareeillee

and finally Lo the oafety of America.

$24 postpaid Dr, Varun Grcgotian, Pnsidat of Bruw Utioasity, uys: Arthur (ircgoriant recordings makes for hscinaring reading. A tragic episode in Middle Easrern Hisrory which is often forgorterr but needs ro be rold

Da EhilaYdfthard, Hagop Kcuorhiat Prufcs o t of I ta n ia n S*dia at Cabmbia Unioosity, sayr t his is r nro ing

story that h* anrhropological, sociological and hisrorical facers rhar would bencfit mchen in rhee fields.

Order From:

futhur T. Gresorian 100 Newbury Courr, Suire 502 eoncord,

30 / AIM January-February 1997

all this

can be taken for granted, that there is no danger of losing these gains. This is not

The childhood exVeriencee of Arlrh u r (Ar m en a q) G re qo ri a n are like lhose of lhoueands

01742

only the Abkhazian rail connection

functioned, and connected Armenia to Russia, on one ton of fuel, we would save $10. Can you imagine what that is worth to the businessman? The same is true of the roads to Iran. Yes, we do have serious trade with Iran. Without those roads, I don't know ifthere would

be an Armenia today. But what does that trade cost? Bringing freight in through the mountain roads of Meghri is costly. Let me give you a simple example. In Meghri, mazut costs $100.

By the time it

reaches Yerevan, it's within the Armenian borJust $147. ders, still. Imagine, they say there is no blockade. Yet, that blockade has a cost. On the one hand, we ignore that, and on

the other hand, the people say, look, there is no war, no blockade, then

improve our living conditions. Of course, we must worry about that, and this year. there is greater opportunity to work on those problems. Yes, salaries

are extremely low today, but they are three times what the extremely-low salaries were three years ago. If we could register such success in five years, then I am convinced that we will make faster progress. We are no longer

living a period of crisis. We resolved the problem

have

survival.

Today, we can talk about progress, and

not merely survival. Can you talk about the time during the last five years when Armenia was closest to entering into war?

I don't think I want to answer that question. Ask me another question. Let's talk again about ArmeniaDiaspora relations.

Aren't we being

repetitious?

Haven't we said it all?

One of the problems is that there is no

appropriate "partner"

for

dialogue with the Diaspora. If the Diaspora had been organized, if each regional community had been organized even, it would have been different. The same people who complain loudest that Armenia does not have relations with the Diaspora, are the ones who complainjust as loud at every contact. I go to France, I meet with some individuals and groups, and l0 others stand up and say, "Who are they that you met with them, and not with me?" Just this week, Armen Sarkisian is in the US, and he has met with some ARF representatives. Now, even those who support the government are saying, why did he meet with them, does this mean the government's policy is changing, will you now be speaking with them, and not with us? As if this weren't enough, there is the matter of the church. At least if the church were not split... There, they can't blame us; we didn't have anything to do with the division. On the

What milking cow? What is there to talk about? If one were to compute

all of the funds that Armenia has

What can be said

Catholicos

Greeks don't have such a thing, neither do the Jews. There are national charitable, athletic organizations, but there cannot be a political party which is in

opposition

to the govemment

here,

and yet says it is helping the country on the outside. I don't blame the ARF. They simply cannot struggle to unseat the government here, and then help the

government at the same time. And this divided condition is only beneficial to foreign powers. After all, who needs a strong Armenia, with united forces? sv SeLpt

:,:

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sclcctcd l0 rilustraio this occk.

Armenia's approach,

Then there is this matter of the political parties. I've said it countless times-there is no country with foreign-based political parties. The

.:' ..

lic-and

shameful.

around Ejmiatsin could easily have rejected the candidacy Karekin.

ago

milking cow? Talking about it is even

Ejmiatsin's magnanimity. Those in and

ABMENIA]II RUGS

from the GREGORIAil

received over the last five years-from Europe, from international institutions, from the Russian Federation-you can find those numbers, they are all pub-

compute what the Diaspora has contributed either individually or collectively, it would barely constitute a few percent of the total input. What

regard, everyone should appreciate

ARMENIAN RUG BOOK COLLEGTIOH

No, not at all. The claims atrout the Diaspora being Armenia's milking cow have not stopped.

contrary, the only positive steps taken in that direction are ours. And, in this

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about

or lack

approach, to its relationship with the Diaspora? This is a fundamental problem for Armenia. I've said so several times.

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& GU]IURE I|RGANIZITIIIN

ABME[I!Ail

SUR

The ftnnlnolltlk Dllstnlna he realist philosophy of international politics is amoral. It sports an egocentric mindset let loose in

the Realpolitic minefield.

The realist philosophy dominates govermental circles and when playing the

realist game,

officials better be in

shape.

The US brings much Realpolitik ballpark.

except Iran, belong to the OSCE and the Minsk Group which has the task of

Lachin, and the defensive circle that the

convening

Karabakh.

conference (at Minsk, Belarus) where the ultimate settlement

can be designed.

This, then, is the environment in the official arena where diplomats go about their chores.

the

has prestige,

military and economic poweg influence

every corner of the earth, and "friends" to support US policies.

Miscues by US officials do not necessarily add up to a national disaster. A relatively new

The most potent ingredient brought to the Realpolitik ballpark by Azerbaijan is oil. Morality is not involved with the black liquid; history right/wrong, human misery and selfdetermination, unfortunately are wasted sentiments in the realist world,

Karabakh forces have forged around The other strong Armenian asset, and it too, may be considered realist, is the strong support in the US Congress over the past four years, as evidenced by Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and the Humanitarian CorridorAct. However, the latter has not lived up to its intent because the Clinton adminis-

tration has used the national security

to circumvent the Humanitarian Corridor Act, and continue to provide aid to Turkey, even escape clause

though

Turkey pre-

participant in

vents use of its air and

the

Realpolitik ballpark is

land as a "humani -

Azerbaijan. It brings a num-

ber

tarian corridor" to

allow

assets

either desired by the over-

whelming number of

Armeni a. Slowly, the

in the realpolitik

pants

arena and/or a cause which most of the realist players support. Those two most significant assets are the concept of the

inviolability of internationally recognized borders and the ocean of crude Every nation

in the Realpolitik

ballpark have unequivocally stated that

Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan. The US, Russia, Iran and Turkey have decided that the only solution for settling the conflict is for Karabakh to forget separation from Azerbaijan. Once the Armenians agree, the status quo defenders, along with Azerbaijan and Armenia will negotiate to discover what "the highest possible degree of sovereignty for Karabakh" actually means. It is said that the international community-and it is not clear what or who these are- will guarantee the security of the Armenians in Karabakh. In reality, the Armenian side is being asked to take Azerbaijan's word that it will live by any agreement to safeguard the lives and well-being of the Karabakh Armenians. All the nations mentioned, 34

/AIM

aid

through to

other partici-

that lies therein.

humanitari-

JAN.UARY-FEBRUARY

I997

where the bottom-line reigns supreme. Historically, realist politicians have sold their souls under the guise of the balance-of-power concept, and innocent people have been sacrificed at the altar of profit and power that the crude can bring. The official circles in which Armenia, Karabakh and Azerbaijan are vying for a victory has shown that history does not repeat itself, realist diplomats do.

Armenian politicians bring to the Realpolitik ballpark a host of moral and historical evidence which are irrelevant in the realist atmosphere. These do not measure up to the demands for the status quo and a share of the oil profits in official diplomatic circles. Diplomats want a rapid settlement (as opposed to

a resolution) so that they can get on with business, even as they have recognized that a relative calm between the Armenian side and Azerbaijan is not a peace. The one major reality that real-

ists

understand and which the Armenian side brings to the Realpolitik ballpark is control of Karabakh,

oil lobby, and friends are chipping away at Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which

prevents direct government-to-government assistance from the US to

Azerbaijan, because

Azerbaijan's

aggressive policies against the peoples

of both Armenia and

Karabakh. Azerbaijan and Tirrkey have argued that the Armenian side does not need such

support since

has been, and is, in

Russia's hip pocket.

Realities aside, a Russian general recently stated that indeed, Russia has

been supporting Armenia against Azerbaijan. He claimed that it is time for Russia to tell the Armenians to agree

to the status quo or see Russian troops

pull out of Armenia and throw

its

weight to Azerbaijan. This statement was criticized by another Russian general who maintained that the comment was a decidedly minority view. That may be so, but it remains a fact that the issue was discussed. Most Armenian Americans are aware of Secretary of State Madeleine

Albright's recent comments defending

cial, what is there to lose? Unofficial diplomats cannot make binding decisions, and they work in strict secrecy. Unlike official diplomats who are often

trators of unofficial paradigms may be able to assist the conflicting parties to author a breakthrough that is unavailable to official diplomats because of the Realpolitik blinders worn by realist politicians. Highly educated, experienced and skilled unofficial diplomats exist in the US, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain and France, who with sufficient funding to start and stay over the long-term, are a phone call away from complimenting the work of the official

prohibited from discussing

teams.

Azerbaijan's position regarding both

break the current stalemate to look for

those laws. Germany and Iran have also made very clear statements about their views, which are contrary the

another process to help attempt to break the Karabakh loglam. An unofficial process, perhaps similar to the Oslo effort that broke the stalemate between the Palestinians and the Israelis, is an option that warrants serious consideration. Since it is unoffi-

Armenian side. Britain, while not

member of the Minsk Group. is a mem-

ber of the OSCE and has openly defended the inviolability of borders

over self-determination

sincel992.

France is the only power that may have slightly hedged.

While official diplomacy cannot supplanted by another forum

because the

official

representatives have the constitutional right, obligation and the power to make official agreements, it is past time for all who wish to

some issues, on the unofficial table all issues are open for analysis. There are no guarantees, particularly at this stage in the conflict. However. skilled orches-

There really

BY MooRAD

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Quarterly Magazine of Literature, History and the Arts Ararat, is the leading Armenian-American Literary Magazine, publishes short stories, poems, analyses of current events, historical research, excerpts from new publications, commentary, reviews and letters. Past contributors include Anthony Burgess, Pete Hamill, Ken Kesey, D. M. Thomas, Kevork Emin, Silva Gaboudikian, Sergei Paradjanov, Henri Troyat, and a host of others. Subscribe to Ararat, published by the AGBU, and you join those who thrive on staying abreast of Armenian literary activity worldwide.

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/ 35

I[ITTHI'lATIOilfi[ An explosion and fire consumed the Ttanscaucasus gas pipeline in North Ossetia on January 29. This pipeline supplied gas to both Armenia and Georgia. According to an ITARTASS report, sabotage has been ruled out as the cause of the explosion. Repairs to the main line were expected to take two to three weeks. Armenia's Energy and Fuel Ministry said that a reserve pipeline with a smaller diameter had been reopened. The electricity production was supplemented by the activation of the nuclear power station.

branches

in the Ingush zone.

Iran resumed a rail link with the autonomous Azeri republic of Nakhichevan, disrupted nine years ago, simultaneously with the onset of the war between Azerbaijan and Karabakh. A train will leave from Tabriz for Nakhichevan once a week, every Monday, on the same route which once linked Iran and the former Soviet Union. hanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alireza Bikdeli, said that in addition to the railway, a gas pipeline from

The Ingush people of the North Caucasus want their country to become the Hong Kong of the region. How? By becoming an off-shore bank-

ing haven. For Russian speakers who have a hard time traveling to Malta or Cyprus or Geneva, the Ingush off-shore zone, a special tax free economic zone for Russian residents was set up two yeuus ago. The tax advantages were obtained as a result of Ingushetia's geographical position-next door to rebellious Chechnya. After Russia lost untold billions fighting the Chechens, compromising tax revenues to ensure the stability of the region was not tough to accept. The free economic zone is still largely unknown among Russian businessmen, but several of Russia's larger corporations have already registered

36 lefr4

JeNueny-Fpsnuenv 1997

northem Iran to Nakhichevan will beginoperating next year.

Ttrrkmenistan and Iran reached an agreement in coordinating customs and border procedures for moving cargo. The rail link through Turkmenistan is Iran's only connection to the Central Asian rail network. Allegations continue regarding collusion between Ttrrkish government officials, drug traffickers and

corrupt businessmen. Recent

statements by German judges, who had

presided over the trials of convicted drug smugglers, about close ties between the Turkish govemment and heroin dealers, angered many in Turkey, but there were no retractions in Germany.

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0hfecl$ altd $uhfgcl$ Implications of International Law for Karabakh Yuri Barsegov, professor of international law, is a regular member of the Karabakh negotiating team. He spoke about the implications of international law at the American University of Armenia Lecture Series Program on January 23. Barsegov, 72, born

in Tiflis, is a graduate of Moscow's Institute of International Relations. From 1962 through

1991,

Barsegov worked at the UN, in various capacities dealing with international legal relations. hen the Artsakh problem (which

1918) erupted once again in 1988, it was intentionally led toward an impasse. Two

began

principles were immediately set to collide head-on-self-determination and territorial integrity. The impasse was created artificially. In reality, under neither the former Soviet Union's constitutional system nor under contemporary international law are these two principles in contradiction. Territorial integrity. as a principle, was accepted for the first time by the League of Nations. The League noted that its purpose is to protect the state from extemal dangers. The League

of Nations affirmed that the principle of tenitorial integrity cannot oppose the will of the population.

While self-determination refers to

the interrelationship of a state and a people, it insists that the state must accept and be accountable to the people's will. The loftiest basis of the right

to territory is the

acquiescence

the

governed. This idea took form in the concept of self-determination, according to which all peoples always have the right to determine their own destiny.

Self-determination is one of the basic premises of the declaration of international rights in the UN Bylaws, which the OSCE has adopted. A people's right to self-determination is also one of the OSCE's own l0 guiding principles. The UN and the OSCE definitely and unequivocally set forth that all these premises are equal and similar

in importance. Each has its place,

and no single principle may oppose another. Nevertheless, the conflict between these two principles continues, as in the

Lisbon statement of the OSCE chair38 /AIM JeNueny-Fesnuenv 1997

Cotti, in December 1996. The Azerbaijani delegation insisted that one principle holds man-in-office, Flavio

claims that Armenia opposes the terri-

torial integrity of all states. In reality, Armenia accepts the principle of terri-

In reality, there is no such

torial integrity as an intemational right,

thing. Those asserlions are not serious. It has been clearly stated that it is not possible to subordinate a people's right to self-determination, to change its borders for the interests of an undesirable state, especially when that state has no legal foundation upon which to claim the right to that territory. Is there an intemational agreement in which the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been defined? For years, there has been a territorial dispute, recognized as such by both pre-

but it cannot accept that the principle can be applied to Karabakh. That is

primacy.

Soviet and Soviet Azerbaijan

and

Armenia, as well as the Russian Soviet

Socialist Republic, the Paris

already

a great concession

Armenia's part. Armenia does not insist that Karabakh come under its jurisdiction, proposing rather that Karabakh determine its own status. And this proposal is not new; it was set forth in the l9th century even, by Azerbaijan itself. What happened in Lisbon? The premise had been set that the issue must

be resolved solely through peaceful means, based on the principles of international law. of the OSCE and the UN. In fact, at one time, Azerbaijan had

Peace

agreed to this part of the text. The pro-

Conference and the League of Nations. After the creation of the Soviet regime, the dispute was transferred to a somewhat different plane. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan voluntarily withdrew its intentions towards Nakhichevan, Zangezw and Karabakh. Later, Azerbaijan attempted to change its position and accepted that Nakhichevan and Zangezur belong to Armenia, but for Karabakh, it proposed complete and free self-determination. Complete means everything up to

vision is a very flexible formulation,

secession. That was followed

the

Communist Party's Caucasus Bureau's famous decision to leave Mountainous

Karabakh within Azerbaijan-which both Armenia and Azerbaijan rejected. So, on what does Azerbaijan base

its

declarations

that its territorial

and was used by Russia to put an end to

the butchery

Chechnya. Such an

agreement allows each side to continue to hope that in the future the issue will be resolved peacefully, in a manner that

is to its own liking. Specifically, such a statement allows the Chechens to think

that they have achieved what they wanted, while at the same time Russia

can say that Chechnya continues to remain within its jurisdiction. After that, it is up to the politicians to find a wise and compromising solution which will finally bring about not simply a de facto, but also a de jure peace. The

Azerbaijani leadership has spoken against the Russian policy, accusing Russia of adopting double standardsone policy for Chechnya and another

integrity includes Karabakh as a territo-

for Nagomo Karabakh.

ry legally belonging to Azerbaijan? No

Azerbaijan's president believes that if Russia insists upon its territorial integrity in the case of Chechnya, it

one can answer this question. After Lisbon, the Azerbaijani side

should also support Azerbaijan's terri-

torial integrity. However, each conflict has its own characteristics

Yet, on 1920s maps, Mountainous Karabakh and Armenia were not cut off from each other, and Karabakh has

The formula which Azerbaijan believes should be accepted for the Chechens is a model which Azerbaijan

never been an enclave, either historical-

and the European governments rejected in Lisbon. The Chechen formula entails a solution based on intemational law.'

issues resulted in a postponement of the

We want the same thing-to apply

ly or geographically

The introduction of these discussion

side

of the main problem-

Karabakh's status. which has never come to the table. Nevertheless, during the last session of the Lisbon Summit, a

international law. This does not please Azerbaijan. And after all this, they talk' about double standards, when it is their demand which directly supports a mili-

proposing that Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, inclusive of Mountainous

tary solution, even while Russia has

Karabakh,

declined to use force in Chechnya. A similar formula was accepted by

document appeared, specifically

be accepted, and that Karabakh's self-determination be realized within Azerbaijan.

the negotiating sides in the Minsk Group, Karabakh among them. However, after some time, Azerbaiian's appetite grew. Perhaps someone pointed out to Azerbaijan that in the case of Abkhazia or Dniester, the matter of territorial integrity has been noted, but it has not been in the case of Karabakh. At the same time, it goes without

leads one of the parties to consider a military solution. Although there is talk of the possibility of a spring offensive, I don't think Azerbaijan will make such a move now. It is true there is active military preparation going on, with Turkish military assistance. Nevertheless, relying on its own forces alone, Azerbaijan will abstain from any attacks for now. Nor do I think it will attempt to involve other forces, since that would upset the relative

military balance in the region. We must find a mutually acceptable solution based on principles. Armenians cannot be controlled once again by a country that committed genocide against them. We cannot forget the massacres of Shushi of 1919-1920, when 20,000 people were murdered; we remember Kirovabat, Shamakhi, Baku and Sumgait

in the 1990s. Intemational law stipulates a state which commits genocide

that

against its own population cannot govern that population. There is ongoing discussion about finding a political solution to the conflict. This sounds good. But the term "political

saying that the hardening of

Azerbaijan's position has its basis in

solution" has a dual meaning.

the politics of oil. The leadership of

alternative to a military or forcible solution. We have no objection to this interpretation. With the other interpretation.

Azerbaijan has publicly announced that those countries which receive the right to develop Caspian oil (which may not

even legally belong

It is an

politics is juxtaposed with the law-an attempt is made not to provide a legal

Azerbaijan)

should also help Azerbaijan find ways

solution but a political solution. With this

to resolve the Karabakh conflict. This, then, is the main cause of the current situation. Although the documents note that the mediators must be neutral,

we cannot agree. Politics must remain

Azerbaijan nevertheless remains hopeful that it can dictate to the mediators. This pressure eventually led to the situation that emerged in Lisbon.

Mountainous Karabakh

within the law. International law is on our side. This

means that the accomplishments of human civilization are on our side, The biggest problem with this suggestion is that it demands the revision of the fundamental principles of the

has

Minsk Conference. This is illegal. The

always insisted that the issue of status be discussed. They say this is the most stable path to peace. The co-chairmen were not supportive of this idea, indicating that Azerbaijan does not want such discussion. Instead, Azerbaijan wanted to discuss other issues, such as Shushi and Lachin. According to Azerbaijan, not only must the Azeri population return to Shushi (to which

neutrality of the mediators has been violated. They did not have the right to recommend to the chairman-in-office the principles which were circulated during

Karabakh does not object) but that Karabakh must become a bi-communal

entity, like Cyprus. And Lachin is referred to not as a a permanent link between Armenia and Karabakh, but as a card to keep Karabakh an enclave.

the last days

of the Lisbon Summit.

OSCE-a very young organization. When the

Such maneuvering harms the

OSCE openly makes self-determination

conditional on teritorial integrity. reexamines its own and the UN's principles, as well as the provisions of international law, it raises serious concems among those who want to see the OSCE strengthen and prosper. Such redefining of basic principles

it is true that oil interests are against us. I want to believe that at the end of this millennium, it will be shameful to once again sacrifice our people and then shed tears and say-using Churchill's words-that the tragedy of the Armenian people is that their blood is lighter than although

oil. In our time, such an approach is impossible. This does not mean that international law is our only recourse. Howeveq

we choose the right legal

position, and find the right solutions, if we use the political means appropriateIy. we can defend our interests. Armenian diplomacy. young as it is, is beginning to master the methods which are the preconditions for success. BY YURI BARSEGoV

also harms the negotiations, since it AIM hNururv-Frenu,{nv

1997

/39

ECONOMY

First Dynasty Mines Ltd. of

Singapore signed an agreement with the Global Gold corporation, and the Armenian Global GoldArmenia Ltd., to develop Armenia's gold processing industry. Global Gold Armenia, is a joint-stock company of Armenia's state

gold enterprise, Armgold, and

the

be allocated by the United States Agency for International Development

economic revitalization. The immediate goal of this venture is the upgrading and expansion of the present facilities the Zod and Meghradzor gold mines and the con-

plied to a total ol 3.000 consumers in

struction of a tailing processing plant near these mines to allow for the pro-

duction

of 300,000

ounces

(usArD). Under this project gas will be sup-

six villages of the Kotayk region

(immediately north of Yerevan) and the

Nubarashen

district of

Yerevan.

Simultaneously, Hagler Bailly is setting up a laboratory for testing electricity meters in Ararat city. Meters will be

gold

installed at electricity distribution sta-

before the end of the century. The initial planned production rate is 165,000 ounces of gold per year. The project capital is estimated at US $10 million. Cash production costs are estimated to

tions. The shipment of computers, network systems, training of staff and an assessment of the condition of the pre-

be US $180 per ounce of

recovered

gold. Kilborne Engineering of Toronto, Canada, is to begin the immediate construction of the tailing facility which is expected to be commissioned in September.

40 /AIM Jerunnv-Fegnuanv I997

Armgasprom, Armeniats state-owned gas company, will implement two projects on commercialization of the gas and electricity sectors. Each project will cost US $500,000. Funds will

Ministry of Industry. This international collaboration is the first step in utilizing the mineral resources of Armenia for its

Hagler Bailly, a US energy conin collaboration with

sulting firm,

sent energy transporting system will begin in March. This will be followed by a computerized billing and metering system for both projects.

A delegation led by Energy Minister Gagik Martirosian left for

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Iran on February

13. Martirosian met with his Iranian counterpart to discuss a

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is a continuation of talks on arangements concerning the lran-Armenia gas

pipeline, enabling possible ransport of liqui-

fied gas supplies toArmenia and *re consideration

aspects

technical, economic and legal hydroelecaic power plant con-

struction

on the Arax

River.

Martirosian and Deputy Energy Minister, Karen Galustian also attended an international gas conference to discuss prospects for regional cooperation.

The conference was held on the Island of Kysh in the Persian Gulf.

international economic ties, which consequentely will stabilize the political situation in the region. As the Georgian

Parliament chairman, Zwab Zhvaniya, said at a two-day conference in London: "We should aim to create a common eco-

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AIM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1997

I 43

SPOB

G ans watched as Los Angeles's I Ga*, was losins to the Columbus f C."*,-u major leagL team from Ohio. I Strot after shot went wide, high and everywhere but into the net. Just minutes later, however, the ball was at the feet of player No. 1l who kicked it into the net and tied the game at2-2.The [,os Angeles

fans were jubilant, chanting "HAR[IT,

[IARUT."Afew moments later,

the chant

was heard again, even louder, as Harut Karapetian, with his second tie-breaking

ently inArmenia and Europe. Overseas, it is a game of technique; the players have a discipline in handling the ball with their feet. Here, in the US, it is a game of speed and quick passes," Karapetian says. Karapetian has only been living in the US for seven years. He was bom and raised in Yerevan. "When I just started to

speak," the still wide-eyed Harut says jovially, "anything I saw circular, I would say

GOAL-a

ball, a marble, a tire-they

were all GOALS for me."

goal of the day, led his teammates to a3-2

His true goal in life was to be the

victory. That was last May. Since then,

"best soccer player in the world"-a high standard for any player, especially one

Galaxy Coach Lothar Osiander has played Karapetian, 23, more often in the major league soccer games.

"To be quick and physical on the field

is what

counts

in American futbol,"

Karapetian explained standing in the shadows of the Rose Bowl, which gained its fame as the venue of choice for the other "football". But "futbol," as he and the rest ofthe world call soccer, "is played differ44

/Aru

Jer.ruany-Frenueny 1997

who had to leave Armenia and resettle in America at the age of 17.

"Back then," Harut says "I had to work at odd jobs-gas station attendant, salesman at Thrifty's---anything, to help my parents." At Marshall High School in Hollywood, Harut found out that soccer in America was a third-rate sport that no one cared about. There were no soccer clubs

or teams that he could join. Yet, he contin-

ued to practice his soccer skills as he joined the high school track and field team. "I just never lost hope. Every mom-

ing or night I just kicked the ball around and did my soccer exercises, as game the next day."

ifI

had a

The tuming point in his life came lxer in 1992 when he tried out

three years

for the LA Salsa soccer team. The LA Salsa was a Los Angeles-based soccer team that had decided to have try-outsjust for publicity. Their scheme worked as a thousand

hopefirl soccer players showed

up, each one yeaming to be chosen. As each player strutted his stuff, the coach

5'9" boyish Karapetian, and although he did not need any extra players, he recruited Karapetian. For Karapetian, the LA Salsa gave him the chance to meet other soccer enthusiasts saw potential and talent in the

and leam the more physical aspects of playing midfield and forward. He played for the LA Salsa for two

i$t$s]?etffi:k"l

li::ffi

wr$xr t+di:id#**W*

in 1994. Again, Karapetian found himself without a team. "I love this game so much that I continued practicing even when I didn't know what was to happen next. Belief and hope kept

with eight goals and seven assists still challenges himself to play better, faster and stronger. His perseverance and love

me going."

World Cup game. And he may have

years until they dissolved

By the summer of 1994, the World Cup games had come and swept over the

US. Americans were attending soccer games in large numbers and big sports

for the game has taken him far. He hopes

to go farther-to his greatest dream, a a

chance. Karapetian, together with several other Galaxy players, have the opportuni-

Anahit "Annd'Yorganu

ty to play on their country's national team.

He has already played on Armenia's team

Youn MulrrrNGUAr Guror

organizations had taken notice. Karapetian heard from his LA Salsa

TO REAL ESTNTT

friends that there were try-outs at UC lrvine for a new s@cer league. There, he

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competed against the best soccer players. He chuckles at the memory. "I went onto the field and played. I thought only the field can determine my fate now. By the

sixth round, they told me

PnorpssroNeusM vITH

was in."

Karapetian did not know at the time which major league team he would be playing with. Being chosen by the Los Angeles team was just icing on the cake. Karapetian's position as left forward and left mid-field for the LA Galaxy is very demanding. "My teammates expect me to set the defense and the offense. When trying to defend the ball or when

o a

z a

going on the offensive, I must run fast at

mid-field."

in friendly matches-against France,

laughs Karapetian, "is very unhealthy for me in my position as forward." However, in the summer, he invited the whole Galaxy team to a barbeque. "I wanted my teammates to see Armenian hospitality and enjoy the food." It doesn't seem to matter that Karapetian (and several other players) speaks less than perfect English. The

Chile and Paraguay. Armenia is out of the running for the next World Cup games, in 1998. But Karapetian says that major league soccer and the Galaxy just suit him fine, especially when he sees the crowd of fans that cheer them on. Was putting him on the Los Angeles tearn a marketing ploy by the organizers, aware of the southland's huge Armenian community? One never knows, but the fans are not complaining.

"Armenian food,"

camaraderie-and the food-are sufficient. "I think everyone gained some

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weight that day," he laughs. SyARMEN Mrn,terueN

Although the LA Galaxy lost the major league soccer championship to the Kansas Ciry Wizards in 1996, Karapetian

MEYue.nieN

A FREE-IANCE WRITER

LrvrNG rN [,os ANGELES.

NBAI,TY

n\ncartvos AIM JaNueny-Frsnu.Anv 1997 i 45

U N D E R EX P 0 S E [l

t-r^r.&:a-<rtu*..*.\$$q$&+F]q]&ffiqh\.-*30.&"&;.'.-dd-*"rrgyl*d!i-{sa;na*'Huerffi.*&ed

Melkonian Educational Institute graduates remembff him as a math teacher-and a good one. Cypriot Armenians know him as tho dedicated and persistent principal of the Nareg Schools. However, it was Vartan Tashjian, the artist, whom Cypriot President S'trafcos Clerides (above, left, with Tashjian) came to honorat the opening of the a(ist's exhibition of watercolor and oil paintings at the Cypms Hilton Gallery in Nicosia, Iast year. Alecos Mikhailides. the foreign minister of Cyprus, attended the opening ceremony and aclorow!1 edged Tashjian's input in the Cypriot artistic community. This was Tastrjian's 33rd one-man show-almost. His daughter Nanor rnade her debut at this exhibition a$ a graphic a:tist, displaying 30 works.

While the decline of print media has become a matter of concern in the Diaspora, two new. colorful. glossy magazines published in Lebanon dispel this fear. Tidag (Scope), published by Sam Rakubian. covers culfural, social, economic and educational topics with articles in Armenian, French and English. The first issue appeared in July I996. Arin (Life) is the brairrchild of two 23-year old entrepreneurs --4erard Keledjian (editor) and Maria Tatarian (executive director). Entirely in Armenian, the 8Gplus pages address social and youth-related issues each month. The first isue of Ann was published in August 1996. Arin's purpose is to bring together ycrung talents and discuss issues related to Armenian youth, by the youth, and from the perspective of youth in a public forum. Both magazines have a distirbution of about 4@0 copies a month, and are sold through Armenian outlets and newspaper kiosks in Beirut.-, _ BY

46 I AIM JaNuenv-FrsnueRY 1997

H. TcHn-nrtn,cN

Witj.tt!ril

Independence brings economic and social changes-and bears. Together with clowns, jirgglers, and balloon artists, wouldbe bears even appear on the streets of Yerevan, today. They entertain passers-by, have their pictures taken with the

young and the curious-and make some money.

Standing 200 meters from the Turkish Embassy in Athens, is a khachkar monument, presented to the mayoralty of Athens, by the Armenian Red Cross. At the installation ceremony in December, Ambassador Arman Kirakosian acknowledged not just the economic, political and moral support of the Greek govemment during the Armenian Republic's first five years, but also the friendship and help that was shown by the Greeks to Armenian genocide survivors at the beginning of the 20th century. Athens Mayor Dimitrios Avramopoulos noted that the placement of the khachkar represented a reaffirmation of the centuries of friendship between the Armenian and Oreek peoples, the similarities in the long histories of the truo peoples, their rich cultural heritage and their continuing banles for survival. To furdpr reinforce Armenian and European cooperation, Awamopoulos proposed ttrat the Mayor of Yerevan be included in the C-ouncil of Mayor of Sotltheastem European Capitals. Yerevan's Serenade Chamber Orchestra had two performances in Athens as part of the continuing celbebrations.

AIM JeNunny-FEBRUARy

1997 I

THESE ARE REAL LETTERS TO RE,AL PEOPLE. SEND US YOURS

[Ef,G[ffi.

the point. Are we Armenians this stupid? Have we completely lost all strength and balance? Did we ever have it even--Or

Dear H,

There you are, living in Lebanon. Here I am living in the US. Listen to what happened. All over the world, Secret Servicemen are supposed to be secret--no face, no identification, nothing. Yet, here in the United States, all is open to the public. The other day, I called to reserve a

seat

at the Armenian Intemational

Women's Association (AfWA) benefit,

kslie

Ayvazian, the playwright. anywhere else, got a recording

featuring

machine. I announced myself-who and where I was and asked for a call back.

They did. It was the New York office of the Secret Service. They wanted me to tell them where I got their "unlisted number" and what was this meeting all about. They came and visited me. I did not ask them to show me their badges as one secret serviceman is like any other-they look faceless, don't they? I showed them the brochure that AIWA had prepared for publicity Now they know me, and I know them, too. And they know me also as an honest to goodness theater-goer and a real

Associated Press photographer. Funny? Yes. This will be our secret. At least I am not involved in any crime

-yet.

Sincerely, Your Backgammon Pal,

Harry Koundakjian

was

it all a myth they taught us at

Armenian Schools? Obviously I am having a deep identity crisis. The notions of nationality that I was raised with are being wrung, pressed, dry cleaned and stripped of everything noble. The moral and ethical well-being that was "inherent" in being Armenian is going through a garbage disposal.

Maybe my "coming of age" in the Armenian-American community, postindependence, post Bachelor's Degree, has taken too long. Possibly, at the age

should have had all this squared away. But first, there aren't too mary 24year-old Armenians around me who are

24,

willing to

address these issues of violence, theft, slander, urban decay in our community and the comrption of the religious, political or social leadership. Secondly, there's no framework for this kind of dialogue. There's no credibility or itengrity as I see it, on the part of the "elders" or "leaders". The majority of Armos I know have no qualms about getting into car accidents because it's a scam for making money. They have no problem lying to the govemment about their medical conditions. It's so hard to find someone in the community to whom I can actually look up to. Their talents and their integrity as humans are compromised for either work or money, Their sexuality is suppressed for the status quo, their minds are locked for fear of upsetting the pseudo "norm"s which exist in their various cultural, ath-

Dear S,

letic, religious or political organizations. It's an unsettling situation-half my day is spent at a community college

I'm sorry

resides.

Grrrlrr]ffi$

where the Armenian Generation X that my first letter to you is on such public matters. I couldn't think of

anyone else to vent to.

I'll

get straight to

48 /AIM JnNuenY-Fesnunnv 1997

And the other half of my day is spent at an oncologist's office, who happens to be-Armenian. So, I'm surround-

ed by elderly Armenian patients. I've been exposed to so muchArmenian crap,

can't remember the last honest, loyal, Eustworthy, credible or genuine Armo I met. The craziness I can handle, the stu-

pidity

can't.

I just want to know if

there's a balance that can be reached; i.e. accept and appreciate that which I like about Armenians and disregard the anti

evolutionary, self-destructive, backstabbing, ego-maniacal parts. Does anyone else care about these issues? How do they forgive the nastiness, the machoness, the cold-bloodedness, the instinctively underhanded way of doing things, the bureaucracy of the schools and organizations. Sometimes I wonder if these are just things that exist out there in the world as a consequence of urbanization, globalization, immigration and ecnomics, much like a natural phenomenon. Then, I think of other minorities who don't get caught with stolen public transportation buses or drug trafficking and laundering. So? The

Jewish Diasporan comnunity doesn't have a drug problem----or does it?

Up until now, I had seen my role in the Armenian picture as being intimately

linked to Armenia itself-like some kibbutz idea. If I wanted to do something, I should get my ass out there. And I did, for a few months. Now I'm back, and I can't help but to observe and care about my surrounding. Do I expend energy in preserving or socially re-engineering where I am, right now, or do I just say Fuck It? Is our Armenian settlement in Sourthem Califomia. or Clendale, not as important compared to Armenia "proper"? Well, as it tumed out, this was all pretty personal, huh? If you or anyone has suggestions for me, let me know. Thanks,

Fqb

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Those compulsive readers who clip every article

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years, Avakian

capund ee

ffi

devastating squahr and!

50 / AIM JeNueny-Fesnuenv 1997

l! T

with the word Armenian in it would have been busy during the last months good, the bad and the ugly would have nade suitable headings.

1996. Filing the articles wouldn't have been hard, either. The

ffi{::'

Good may be an understatement for tlre quality of the simple quarterly journal, Armenische Deutsche Korrespondenz, an 80-page quanerlyjqurnal, published in Hannover, by the German , r, r,r..t.,.t,i!r,j,:i!,,t:,rt,i.t,itt.i..,,.t.i,,,]..

Armenian Society. Refugees in the caucasu$,

.it

us aid to Turkey, Armenian

architectural monuments in Turkey, a$ and eulture--=ts$Ung is out of the snrall journal's large purview, or its website: http://wotan.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/*livoir/DAGldag-htrnl.

discpline" was in August, 1996. In September, Transition looked at "Drugs. a CIS Growth Industry." "Azerbaijan," Transition said, "particulary Baku and Sumgait, are frequently the destination for drugs moved from Turkmenistan and Kazaksran. Azerbaijan is mainly a refrning and transshipment point, with the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan serving as a hub, shared by such otherwise unlikely bedfellows as Armenian Dashoaks, Azerbrijaai and Turkish ulfianatio alists and Kurdish separatisrs."

"Armenia, too. is a transit, producer and consumer country for drugs," Transition continued. "Heroin is b'rought into the country from Iran at Meghri by smuglers in competition wirh T[rkish organized crime and is moved to Lebanon. Turkey and Europe. as well as Russia." The'country's unemployed chemists were credited with running production facilities for illicit amphetamine,

Receiving media coverage is not always a good thing. At *re end of January, several front-page stories in the Glendale News Press focused on aHegsdly illi

$AgentGundealsatst.Maly's

fa5rlJrr f;

A r $!-,.

f, :

i:::"

,"-

itgunsa}esbeingcarriedoutbyayoungArmenianman.The:daetlthat' Saladiian'j tud:rjr..l prominent c[rrych and Armenian g-evqlgf.onay

Federation leader in California, simply made the news more sensational for the mass media. The fact that undercover officers had been sbown guns for baie on the church premises helped keep the story in the news longer. The church and

the Armenian Revolutionary Federation did not help their causp;r,eifter",, -,hBre rilas ro press conference to deal with the public relations fiasco until one week after the publicity. Then, adding, insult to injUy; i?re Armenian Revolutionary Federation press accused the rest of the Armenian press for having covered the story at all. in an exceptionally imagnative spin. Southern Califomia's non-ARF press was accused of publicly running a non-story. thus causing the major media to pic it up. A tough juggle that would have been-the Glendrle News Press stories appeared at the end of January. The Armenian papers ran them in early February.

A local Los Angeles station presented a stq$r,.otrabqr$as and fraud among social security and welfare recipients in Sou&ern California According to the KCAL channel 9 report, Armenian political refugees were*re prime abusers of this system. The seven minute report explained how middlemen, fourd apknty in the Armenian Yellow Pages, are sometimes responsible for setting up scams with willing physicians. The community's reaction? The Armenian National Commiuee held a press conference. not necessarily to deny the charges, but to object to Armenians being singled oul ry Seln HARourrh'rAN GH*zemex

AIM January-Franuenv 1997 / 51

# " *.r'* {.,,

rcrue rnbcL. as rvell. Last lall, a photor:rapl.ric erhibit b1' thc -1 l-year-old twin brothers. paid lribute to the dignity ol'

irrtliritlLrrrl: grippt.rl irt erisis :ilttittitttts. Deccrnher. 1988. and photoPctcr Tulnler \\'as on his u a1 .jor.rlnalist tl'orrr Ye rcvan to Spitak to docLrt.t.tr-nt the clcr ustutiug hunran toll of the Arutcnian cilrlh(Flake. A man rvalkin-e rtlonc ott thc llrzcn road askecl hini il hc could har r'

r,,'as

ride.

"He got into the hack seirt oi' thc

relatcs Peter Turnlcy. "l-lc hatl lost his house. u'ilb antl thrcc chilclrcn. Hc s as going back to * hcr-c his ltousc once

clr."

stood. Sincr- ri'r'rlicln'1 spcak caclt other's Ilnuuage . he rttotiottcrl nlc to 1Llt

rnv hclid on his lap. ln unt' othcr circLilISli.lncL'. I $ rrultln't har e rkrnc this. hLrt I clitl. ,.\r hc stloktll rttr hltir. he sattg soltlr'. \lr Irrc\ellcc \crnrc(l t() c()rltli)rt 5l /.\l\l

\\r \ri\

l.t Brir

\R\ l()()l

hirn." Fol a brief' tirnc.

Pctcr. Tulnler

had heconrc his son.

"Whcrr u'e reachcrl thc alca. there lclt ol- his honte ." 'l'urrrle y c()ntlnLlcs qtrictlv. "'l-hc ntan l'ell to thc slountl antl sobbcrl. Wc IrLrg-ued. Hc' ri luplrcri his r,,'oolen scarl' at'or,rnd rny ncck. I cunre anar retuenrbeling that as onc ol'thc prolirundlv sacl tintes. as rvcll as onc ol'the hlilliant erpressions o1'thc hr,rrnan spirit. This man had nothing lclt in lilt. yct Ire gave mc olre o1' his lirst u as r.rothin!

possessions." sals Turttlcr'. his r oicc choking ancl eves hritururng u itlt tclrrs. cight yeals latc-r. Not onll, havc Pclcr rtntl l)rrr itl Turnley not ti)rg()tten. thcr hclp otltcrs

The erlrihit lt tlre plestigiott s International Centel ol' Photoglaphy tlCPt in New \irrk. t'nlitlcrl. "Irr Tirlcs o1'War and Pr'rlec." leatrrlccl sevcral photouraphs

ol tltc l(llJu Alrncniart

calthcluakt-. ancl its ulie rnurth.

Onc ol thc ntost soul-seatittg photognryrlis u'as ol l gricving f athel with or.rtstrctchc(l u|rils. sohhittg rlYcr the citskct o1' his l7-vcar-old son. This colot' irnlgc. enlurgccl to tht'cc-[r1'-l'ivc teet. rvas tlisplaycd in the nrain rvindo* of

I('[) on Anrcriclrs.

Mlrnlrattan's Avenuc'

the

'I'he cxhibit also I'eatured thc conllicts irr ('lrcchnya. Russia" China. Haiti. Ircllnrl. South All'ica and Prlestirtc.

and the women in another. A spread of tomatoes,

mutton, bread, cheese,

cucumbers and vodka covered the table. "This was a beautiful scene visually. We also partook in the ceremony. There was no separation between the people and

ourselves. We were honored

The Turnleys, born in Indiana, and

currently based in Paris, France, have photographed every impoltant news event ofthe past l-5 years. traveling to countries. and garnering evcry mnjor photojournalism award. Peter. a contract photographer tbr Newsweek Magazine, with his photographs gracing the magazine's front cover 27 times. traveled with David to 7-5

Armenia right atier the 1988 earthquake. Peter returned in the spring of 1990, anxious to see how the people of this devastated area were faring. "That earthquake had stirred a lot of emotions in me. I had to go back and confl'ont them." The signs of trauma were everywhere, he wrote poignantly at the time. "The center of lil'e in this area was the cemetery where monuments to the dead

are a grirn reminder

of the holocaust

which filrever aff'ected the lrves of these people." He predicted that it would probably take a generation to repair the huge devastation.

1995. David Turnley,

stal'l'

photographer tbr the Detroit Free Press. and a 1990 winner of the Pulilzer Prize

lor his photographic repofiase on thc revolutions in Eastern Europc. tt'aveled again to Armenia. Phrxos lhnr l9[38. l9U9 and 1995 werc t'eaturerl in the ICP exhibit. MEMORIES OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Befbre returning to Paris fitrr a recent trip to New Vrrk. Pc.ter Turnley sat down fbr an exclusive AIM inter-

view. His Armenia experience was "one of the most beautitul memories of my career." he said. "On a certain level. the Armenian earthquake was one of the most emo-

tional and difficult things I ever witnessed. I had never befbre seen an earthquake. It was as if a nuclear bomb had wiped out a city." The demolished houses. the sradium in Spitak which had

become the central morgue. affected

hirn as if "a bowling ball had been thrust into my stomach." The cornpassionate photojoumalist obselves thut in such traumatic siluations. "it helps to have a sense of pur-

pose, knowing that your work will touch someone. And this sense ol purpose allows you to endufe. It is not a gratuitous act. In the nridst of this horl'or, I was inspired by the courage and decency of the people." He recalls "nren and women seaching for krved ones. opening every casket, looking lirr tamily members. It was so clitllcult and unfbrgiving."

He relates another event which

took place near Spitak. "My brother Dar"id and I had stopped our car. and we lirllowed a funeral procession. We were tl-re only non-Armenians. yet no one

showed any sense

distrust. They

imrnediately accepted our presence. We didn't have to nrake gestures or explain oulsclves." The funeral was fbr a young nran. "After 1he casket was placed in the glavc. and flowers lhrown on it. vodka ,'vas p0ured several tintcs for evelyone present. It was ironic to be drinking in

invitecl to the honte of the young man's lrrrrrily. "All lhr'nlco uetL'in ()ne l'()()r'l).

ofl'end the people. He finally joined in." Without stopping, he relates anothel' event-the one story of his career

which "will stand out

forever." Following his lO-day stay in Armenia, Peter Turnley boarded a trarrsport plane returning to Cermany with 20 exhausted firemen who had volunteered their services to find victims under the rubble. "These German firemen had worked in Leninakan-now. Gumri-sleeping in tents in the fieezing cold. They obviously had seen hon'ific things." he relates. "On the plane. no one spoke. They all had distant stares. When we arrived

Stuttgart, one man stood up and

thanked the rest fbr their help. It was Christnras Eve. As the men walked off the plane and errrbraced their wives, they all broke down." he renrembers. "Now when I think ol Armenia. I think not of the sadness, but of the country and culture. I photographed many scenes th.lt I will never forget-mother and daughter standin-g belbre the graves

ol' six family mentbers killed; the first

day a young girl with a serious

leg

injury came home antl saw her lnother."

Peter Turnley was especially moved by the afTection. warmth. and beauty of the Armenian people. "You carr read the ernotion in their eyes. The wholc spectlunt ot hurrran ernotion is irr their laces. I hope to retunl sonte day."

this ernolional situation."

Later'. the Turnley brothers were

allowed to be part of this human experience." Also present was a writer from the US, he recalls. "When the vodka was passed around, he didn't want to drink. We told him, his refusal would

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AIM J.lxL.rnr-Fr,rlrtrrARy l()()7 I 53

ESSAY

lllo $chuol ls alt lsland T on, Halpin's careful examination of I the situation at the Melkonian Iil Edu.utionrl Institute (AIM. MayJune 1996) provides an oppomrnity

of the MEI are linked, but not causally. Whether a typo or an informant's eager exaggeration, there is one important mistake that deserves conection in AIM's

to look at a number of related, broader

article. The Cyprus community was

questions relevant to Armenian Diaspora

never 15,000 people. It reached a peak

education.

He describes the

current unceftain situation at Melkonian, noting at the same time that the Institute remains

a very powerful symbol of the Cypriot community and a center of activity. During my own research in Cyprus, I also found an intense passion for and loyalty to the school, together with a contin-

uous debate about its future. ln the Diaspora, there are two fiercely competing views regarding the kind of education which will best serve the chil-

dren in the long

run. Living in foreign

lands, school provides an opportunity for the serious study and experience of the Armenian language, history literature, theater and song. Just as importantly, it provides Armenian friends. On the other

around 5,000 Today,

in the

it numbers

1930s

1950s.

of the

less than 2,000.

Nevertheless, Cypriot Armenians not only survived but thrived, and the MEI added intellectual spice over the years. But the Melkonian is not, nor has

it ever been, responsible for maintaining the community. It is, however, a potent symbol. As such, its closure would have

many repercussions. The 200 students and many of their teachers would be gone, leaving a big hole in the community's tiny population. The property pre-

sumably would be sold. serving as a reminder to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as well as the Armenians, of

54 / AIM JnNuenv-Fesnuanv 1997

reality.

Why does the community speak one

way and act another, he asked? Indeed, the teachers had given their lives to the cause of education, to the children, and through them, to the community, but at no point had the teachers been treated as decent salaries, pensions, security? Sandruny's

truly valuable. Where were the

(amot!) some embarrassment (this is not the timel) but many cheers (at lastl). How do we measure a school's and a teacher's success? Who are the people who keep an Armenia Diaspora commu-

nity going? Certainly it is wonderfril to be able to count highly successful, influential professionals among a school's alumni but in terms of everyday community organizing, it is the more "ordinary"

depends on several factors. These include

elsewhere or closed? Perhaps the possible disappearence of the community and

longest serving, Berj Sandruny, was asked to respond on behalf of all teachers. Sandruny took the podium and gazed for a moment at his flower. The gracious, dignified acceptance which followed sought to bring about a union between symbolic value and practical

speech caused some consternation

hand, what is the point of in-depth knowledge of these subjects when the child will have to make a living, carving out a niche among people who share other kinds of experience and ideas? Can they excel (yes, we know they can survive) in their chosen field when thrown together with others? The answer, of course, is yes-in theory. But the theory excellent teachers, themselves well-prepared in contemporary knowledge and ideas and a well-thought-out conception of the kind of Armenian knowledge appropriate to children at this end of the 20th century-an education which seeks a balance between pride in one's own ethnicity and stimulation to discover and learn from others. No child or school is an island. But Cyprus ls an island and the reality of the Melkonian is grafted onto its geopolitical situation. It is also connected to the condition of the Armenian community there, though more obliquely than the symbolism makes apparent. Is the Melkonian really the "heart" of the community? Will it disappear if the Melkonian is moved

but it is highly symbolic of Diaspora life. The AIM article reminded me of a Melkonian anniversary celebration at which teachers were being honored. Each was invited to the stage as name and years of teaching were announced, and presented with a flower. Finally, one

of the MEI and other school Melkonian alumni, from left: Sehouh Abcarian, the school's musical director UN Assistant Secretary-Gene ral Be non Set'an,C :-prus House o f R e p re s e ntat iv e s D e p ru !^ B e d ro s Ka I a,- dj i a n.

The continuation of the MEI in Cyprus has represented a sort of vote of confidence in the future. In 1963 and again, in 1974, Armenians lost almost

everything----except the Melkonian. A reality, surely under consideration by the AGBU, is the possibility of the total loss

of the site following a further Turkish invasion.

practical businessman or

woman will wonder whether to sell while land prices and the value of the Cyprus pound are high and the property is still in Armenian hands. This is not an easy decision for families, let alone institutions-

graduates

who continue to shine. The Melkonian is not really a local school-the bulk of its student body has always come from outside Cyprus-but it is grounded in the warm Cyprus soil, its foundations linked to that of the surrounding community. In the past, the relative stability of Cyprus has enabled children lrom countries in transition or trouble to obtain an education. These will continue to be the largest proportion of

the student population, providing

ongoing challenge to the teachers as they

strive to meet varied linguistic, cultural and psychological needs. This is some of the most important work going on in the Diaspora, and it deserves the support of

everyone'

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