Looking Back, Moving Ahead - January 1996 by Armenian International Magazine

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vol-.7, NO.

.Tauu,qnv 1996

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EDITOR'S NOTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BYTES ON FILE

FOCUS

7 g

ARMEIIIAN SURVEY

FonBcnouNn

95-96 LoorlNG BlcK, Movrxc FoRwARD

Ruxxrxc ron PnrsrocNr

Vazgen Manukian outlines his political agenda at the

sixth NDU Ceneral Assembly.

PurrrNc rHE BITE INro AnnIsNh's DsNrat-

C.q.nB

INTTBITIATItlI{At

Iurnnvtrw wITH

SHEIKH-uL-ISLAM Pasua-

Ztl,n

1n '95-'96 Looxrrc Brt'x, MovlNc Fonwrnn lU rno,or(seedescriptionbelowlefi)andcommentaryontheeventsofthelastyearandtheirimplica-

Azerbaijan's supreme religious leader offers solutions for Karabakh.

tions for the coming years.

TnB IrlrplrcatloNs oF Davtorl

ECO]'lOMY Deputy Minister of Agriculture assesses Armenia's

agricultural future. CIJPPINGS AND COMMENTARY

AflTS The photography of Mkhitar Khachatrian and the

paintings and sculpture of Emil Kazaz. BOOKS

[)ocumenting the Tenol More proof on the Genocide-this time from the

Pair-11

Americans.

Mining the Archives

Hish

An inside look at the Armenian Church during the

lir

ttt

Sire

tftlv[

ltY]'l.lj

UNDEHEXPOSED

MAII

nn lU

Amcrican dentists and a mobile dental clinic make a dit'ference in Armenia. rrmprw lor

GTI)BALAGE]I|DA

ESSAY

PHOTOS TOP RIGHT: Third place winner of the World Weighdifiting Championships, Alexan Karapetian (far right), in Guangzhou, China in November; July election posters for the women of Shamirm; Catholicoi

Arm I (left)

and Kuekin I

(center) with President Levon Ter Petrossian, during a September meeting.

ttd

ttr, t?,lnrl 3{}Yurr'*}tl nmn,*-;:f a r* h*ltl in *r:rr*eutitur with hlitrr that dif;;llll I 5,l.9.nrillion rJlnragrr{ ['lor:vtr tantputi

early years of the Soviet era.

OI}IER PEOPI.E'S

w&in lw eltlr.t

He i.r ehla ffifl$r and (c{r.p,ret lxr{s Lru els$.i{) r. an{ !4t sqr,1 }ui*,n{s uri rchel welh, *AA&

!fl

Armenians in the world press.

JU Coven Drstcr.r sv Rnrrt

Tanplrutaru

AtM {ISSN 1050-3471). JANUARY 1996. Vol.7. No. I. rs Dublished monthlv $45 rer vea'. by The Fourlh Millennium Society,207 South Brand Boulevard, Suile 107, Gtendate, CA 91204; Phone: i818) 246-7979. Fax: (818) 246 0088. Sd@nd Clasa Postage paid ar Glendale. CA and additional maihng otlrces. Canada Post Publcations Mail Produd Salei Agreemenl No. 0516457. O Copynghl 1995 by The Fo-urlh Millennrum Society. All rights reserved. AIM may nol be reproduced in any manner. eilher in whole or rn pail. wilhoul wrinen permrssron lrom lhe publisher. The edtors are nol responsible lor unsoliciled manuscribts or ail unlesi a stamped, sell-addressed enielope is enciosed. Opinions expressed in signed ailrcles do not necessalily represeni lhe uews_ol

TheFourihMitlenniumsociety. Foradveilisingqueilesâ&#x201A;Źll:1818.24679/g.Subscriptlonralesloroneyear.US:$45.Canada$55,France:350FF($55)i $55:Mddl'eEast.Austalia.Aimenia:$50. Postmasters:Sendaddlesschanges Europe.FarEasl.S.Amenca.'Atrica.CommoniebthotlndependentStates lo: AlM. PO. Bor 3296. Manhanan Beach, CA 90266, U.S.A.

AIM

JANUARY 1996

ome of you didn't like the heavier paper; others were upset about the lady "in the fez" (Irners to the Editor p. 8), but by the sound of it, most readers are pleased with the new AIM. As anyone involved in this kind of endeavor knows, the publication of each new issue is akin to witnessing a birth. In AIM's case, given our involuntary hiatus of 1995-a rebirth. But every minute of the arduous labor process was well worth it. The response to the December issue was astounding-as werc your responses to our appeal for help (see names of donors on page 8). January is now in your hands. And, suggestions thatAIM go bimonthly will be gently set aside, as we plow full steam ahead each month. This is today's AIM. But don't expect it to stay ttris way. It is the nature of such a publication to change and evolve. After all, being an Armenian today is even more complicated ttran it's ever been. While looking for the answers, we find that sometimes just trying to mirror the questions is a challenge. Art Director Raffi Tarpinian has made basic design changes in AIM's look, but however cleverly it is presented, our primary AIM is to produce a magazine with substance. Substance doesn't have to be long and heavy, however. Many ofyou have told us it is the shorter, lighter pieces that you look for. That's why we created Bytes on File several yea$ ago. Except for the caller who didn't like ttre December Bytes ("Too much on women--does AIM have a women's agenda?'), the reactions to this page have been uniformly positive. Concrete, specific numbers are hard to come by in Armenia and harder still in the Diaspora yet a single sadsdc says so much more than a column of explanations. Photos, too, like numbers, are worth a thousand words. In a world that endlessly zaps the visual sensors, the lack of photos in the Armenian press from Yerevan to these western shores leaves a palpable gap in our understanding. That is why Photo Editors Ruben Mangasarian and Zaven Khachikian will uke every opportunity to highlight tlrc work of Yerevan's and tlrc Diaspora's best photographers to bring you exceptional phoojoumalism. FOCUS relies on a photo to highlight the most important news event of the month. LJNDEREXPOSED touches on littleknown facts, rarely covered stories, and lets the photos do the exposing. But photography is also art, and in this issue we are happy to highlight the work of AIM's (and Armenpress's) Staff Photographer Mkhitar Khacharian. Since the personal letters of some of our readers are often as informative as anything we might assign ourselves, we have added a new section called OTIIER PEOPLE'S MAIL. You will notice that these letters by and to our readers have been made anonymous, so it's safe to send us your own personal mail-whether via e-mail, or in taditional scribbles, in whatever language. Diaspora has its advantages. Our readers are heavy travelers and have far-flung family and friends. Events and exhibitions around the world which may inspire you to modi$ your travel plans are featured in GLOBAL AGENDA. Some of these world-class events may even be worth importing into your community. The other advantage of Diaspora is the access to the world press. As Armenian subjecs are more @uently covered by the world media, we will occasionally stop to hightight and comment on significant articles.

t0llBlll illttEtlillllill

$0C!EIY

A Not-ficrPofit, Public Bsnolit Corporation

DIBECTOBS

MICHAELNAHABET VARTAN OSKANIAN RAFFI ZINZALIAN ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES

KHACHIG BABAYAN FLORA, GEORGE DUNAIANS CALIFORNIA

RAZMIG HAKIMIAN CANADA

JACKMAXIAN HONG KONG

FOUNDII{G TRUSTEES

GARENAVEDIKIAN CALIFORNIA

VAROUJAN ISKENDERIAN AUSTRALIA

MEGO GODJAMANIAN CALIFORNIA

HAROUT KAHVEDJIAN VENEZUELA

MARDO KAPRIELIAN CALIFORNIA

HAGOP KOUSHAKIIAN FLORIDA

ZAROUHI MARDIKIAN PENNSYLVANIA

EDWARD MISSERLIAN CALIFORNIA

BOB MOVEL CALIFORNIA hen he's not busy tracking down ministers or mayors to interview, our Yerevan bureau Assistant Editor, Mark Grigorian, has been playing ttrc Moscow-based Russian language quiz show What? Where? When? On December 30, 1995, during tlrc show's 20ttr

anniversary broadcast, Mark provided tlrc final question which the opposing team of "experts" was unable to answer, thus clinching the victory for his team. During the Soviet er4 wirmers were awarded a book, but capitalism requires bigger and better prizes. Mark's winnings include a trip around the world, a good sum of money---+nough to make him a temporary ruble millionaire-and a crystal owl. The widespread popularity of this program throughout the CIS has made Mark an ovemight celebrity. He was recognized by just about everyone who passed him on the street in Moscow in the days after the game. Things did not change much when he arrived in Yerevan. Customs agents there recognized him at the airport, and waved him through. Once in the airport, crowds enveloped him and his escape was only possible thanks to a cooperative taxi driver. Nowadays, if he enters a store, all the clerks rush up to him in an attempt to be helpful, even as they immediately raise tlrcir prices. He has given interviews almost daily to newspapers, TV and radio stations. Mark says, "On the sEeet, strangers geet me. Funeral processions forget ttreir corpse and stare at me. Groups of young girls point their fingers and whisper. And children run alongside me as I walk, shouting, "What? Where? When?"

Zr-,r4,f 6 / AIM hr.ruenv 1996

VAROUJAN NAHABET CALIFORNIA

NORAIR OSKANIAN CALIFORNIA

EMMY PAPAZIAN CALIFORNIA

ZAREH SARKISSIAN CALIFORNIA

RAFFIZINZALIAN CALIFORNIA

207 SOUTH BRAND BLVD.

SUITE 107 GLENDALE, CA91204, USA Telephone: 818 - 2,46 - 7979

Fax:818-246-0088

,fNNI Editor - Publisher SAI-PI

HARoUINIAN GHMARTAN

SYLVA

Assistant Editors DAKESSTAN, Los ANGELES

of fan mail, I want to bring this observation to you regarding the article on "Collaboration First, Unity Lateq Maybe" (Dec. 95, Armenian Survey). The article correctly observes "the election of the Catholicos of Cilicia was carefully orchespiece

MARK GRIGoRIAN, YEREVAN

Art Director RAFFI TA.RPIMAN

Design, Photo Editing and Production AREG ASATRIAN, ZAVEN KHAC}IKIAN ROUBEN MANCASARJAN, ZAREH MARZBETIJNY

by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutiun (ARF)." The author concludes with the statement "[ARF] has had a control over the Cilician See since the mid 1950s." The last comment is loaded with interpretation instead of information. At a minimum, it trated

Editorial Assistants GoHen S,c.HAKrAN. YsREvnN MEGAN BARRoN, ARA PTRANTAN, LoursE A. SMr[r Los ANcEr-Es

Thanslators ARAM OHANTAN, Arus Srvnc

Director of Operations SETA KHoDANIAN

Subscriptions AsHcn BocHossrAN, ARA PTRANIAN

Advertising

needs expansion. The overall article, however, may have been more balanced had it

AI-NE KASABIAN YETERIAN, EDWARD JAMGCnCHIAN

also given equal treatment to President

Contributing Editors SARKIS SHMAvoNIAN, RoNALD GRrcoR

Suxv,

Jrve,r.r

Levon Ter Petrossian's heavy-handed

TABBTAN, TALIT.TE VoSKERTTHIAN

Writers AR}"GN BAGHDASAR]AN, HRAIR ZoRIAN, YEREVAN;

ToNY HALPN, LoNDoN

AIM IS BACK

Contributors ARAM ABRAHATTtrAN, ARTASHES EMIN, YEREVAN| HRATCH TcHtr-trrGRrAN, SUSAN PAr-nE, LoNDoN; JeNrr Selrueuer, Los ANGELES; MAm MelrAsreru, RHoDE ISLAND; GEoRcE BouRNo{,TrAN, LoLA

KoUMAKnAN, NEw YoRK; MooRAD MooRADIAN, WAsHINcroN, DC

Photographers MKHnAR KHACHATRTAN, ZAIEN KHACHIKIAN, RoUBEN MANGASAHAN, YEREVAN; ALINE MANoUKIAN, ARI\,mIEH JoHA-I.INES, PARIS; EDMON TERAKOPIAN, LoNDoN; KAR]NE ARMEN, Kgvonx D,rNsrzreN, Los ANGEI-ES; ARDEM ASLANTAN, NEw JERsEyl HARRY KoUNDAKnAN, NEw YoRK; BERGE ARA ZoBIAN, RHoDE ISLAND

I understand that tuming out a quality joumal, as you do so well, is

MrNAs KorArAN

not easy. The Armenian community does need a publication like yours.

FOUNDED rN 1990

EDIMR rcMDNG

OSXANIAN MICHAEL

PUBLISHED

PUBLISHf,R

MTLLENNTUM

Strrm

A Nfl-FOR-ROFIT BENEHT @RrcRATION

INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION AND ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

CANADA: Razmig Hakimian, 6695

Henri

Bowassa West, Montreal, PQ, H4R 2El, Telephone

514 339

the efforts of the church to become

Z5I7 UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES: Sebouh Armenagian, P.O. Box 3000, Sharjah, UAE, Telephone 971 6 331 361 UNITED KINGDOM: Misak Ohmian, l05A Mill Hill Road, Acton, hndon W38JF, U.K., Telephone 081 992 4621 FRANCE: Jem-Patrick Mouradian, 3 Rue Jules Guesde,94l,l0-Alfortville, Telephone 33 I 48 93 l0 33 ITALY: Piene Balmim, Via Morlacca,6l A4l5, Rome, Telephone 995 1235 HONG KONG: Jack

Muim, RM. M, llf, Block A, 26 Kai Cheung Rd., Kowlmn Bay, Kowloon, Telephone 852 795 9888 AUSTRALIA: Alfred Markrim, PO. Box 92, Merrylands, NSW2l60, Telephone 02 897 1846; Anin Goc, 29 Mayfair Ave., Femtree Gully, Mctoria 3 156, Phone 03-752-3873 Fax 03-752-3638

WRITETOAIM! We welcome all communication. Although we read all letters and submissions, we are unable to acknowledge evegrthing we receive due to limited staffing and resources. Write to usl We can be reached at AIM4M@AOL.COM or the traditional way at AIM P.O. Box 10293 Glendale, California 9 I 209-5793, or by fu, 818.245.0088, or phone, 818.246.7979.

December 1995 issue, however, I am NOT pleased at paying for a publication that is rarely delivered. I am little more than a student, and do not like throwing good

money after bad. I would prefer that you succeed at producing a bimonthly joumal, even at the same subscription rate, rather than failing to deliver on a monthly basis as promised. I can get via the Internet news on Armenia, although it lacks your quality pictures and insights. Rmn V. AnornN, Ps.D.

San Fn^q,Ncrsco, CA

I received the last issue of AIM with great joy and anticipation. What a timely surprise after a tumultuous year. The timing was perfect-right before Christmas. After all, it is the season for renewal. I went through the issue, from one thought-provoking page to another. You deserve a big Thank You for the splendid job that you do. But in order not to make this a simple

independent spiritual and moral force in he life of the entire nation. I wish AIM continued success, perseverance, and informed readers. ARA KASPARIAN, PH.D.

Glnuoare, CnLmonNre

Unlike the enthusiastic letters in the

NAHABET

As A PUBLtc sERvtcE By

mE FoumH

Mrcnorc MrcnorcyeN TsonNurl1, ONranro, Cauepl

of your efforts.

Editorial Consultant

VARTAN

survival instinct. You are Armenian after all.

Enclosed is my contribution in support

Editor Emeritus CHARLES NAZARIAN

FOUNDING

The best New Years present came by

mail this year. I love this Gaghant Baba [Santa Claus]. Congratulations on your

orchestration of the election of Catholicos Karekin I. earlier this year. I highlight this to underline the fact that both Sees are under the influence of govemments and political organizations, one in Armenia, the other in the Diaspora. Both influences compromise and weaken the Armenian Church. The separation of state and church in Armenia, and political parties and church in the Diaspora, helps

Thank you for your frankness. I realize how important it is to stress the independent nature of

AIM. However, it should

not be at the expense of readers and Armenians who have been raised in the culture of "them and us." I was raised under the ARF banner. However, times change. Armenia is the objective. The ARF was a means. There are many individuals, who, because of the culture in which they were raised, feel sympathy to certain organizations. Don't push them away by holding an independent stance which I don't think people understand. More time is required before the Diasporan culture of ARF and the rest is gone. Have patience with your own people. If the community realizes that what you advocate is the ONLY way to forge ahead, they will accept it in due course. SBvec Cnar-annN Svpr.rsy,

Ausrnaln VIA E-MAIL

Iatters to the Editor may be edited for publication

AIM Jltluenv 1996

A bttcr to thr rditpr,$@.1

tutrityt{r*Sl$f,.t*":ffi: ti&t+!{. No response from th dim does mC c'sn' *tlhrt* rgrwB ffi l6f ters do mtllt-..nlri+ .Cqgq!ryly. we

will

use

thk spme to di$grte or

wr g #&

Questio*: *-

**e

p*roto for €ie Won-ren's Cover, Stof-y pn tlte Contents Page (Dec, 95X Answer Sllo's weering d fezn $s shg rrrEst half Muslim, If *hp's a candi;

date, she'd better ls{vo'her

PIIR(IIUS

THE FOffiTH MIUANUUM

*t $(lGIETY

home.

D. S. Hnemm BosrnN, MesslcrrusrT rs

Looking at the photo *hichof &e prcsenoo of, that extraordinary hat, some questions automatic*lly arise. Mari*e h{argqiaa=

stands out bwause

is a jazz singer, a beautiful wtrnan who likes to dress nicely. I remernber a gathering once where there was talk

*traditispal eo-,q4,..'E-haraet*r-. tapsr!1g' and the clo&f h{p,qi abouf

She

explaine,..d,

.,tha1..-=.llie...-

for- ..'t

belonged to the grardf*lwr of one of

trerrclatiYw-;r..s that it hadT

t ltsqev r- I

had seen many pictures of people

u,earing''-fezzqs

}ike thal' in

Anrcni*phoro*IMiffl

been

ii*d$.

*#,-

6616iap r#o-l{flEi.[, &e social,..b k@.rffidii;f*1#.@ arn

trX*g:to -

.ff;oy..ti

til$ ffi*ponsi

bilities of journalism, or trying to cheat tlre viewer. Rather. it is to emPLaslao

and:'+:d ::''f:9t$

charm

-,=

-.. .E fy.,

sf..

iarl

I-et such questions arise and be answered wi& lyrical rcsponses; as a result we will have a conversation, and these arp the things which make life more interesting. Z,cvE{ KH.ACilIKIAN.

Pngrmnlprm.

JnNuenv 1996

LARRY AND

GeoRoe nruo GRACE

AcelereN

Seol BlRres

VlnrrEs eruo Jeeru Bnnslu HARRY AND ArvlRr Blnseosran BeRr eruo HERA BoYAJTAN ARDASH AND MARY ANN DeRoenhN ARMEN DERDERIAN STEVE AND LUcILLE ESTEPHANIAN MANoUSHAG FeRuarutnlt Gror nruo KNAR GALSTTAN Vaxeru aruo AUDREY GBEGoR PTERRE AND

KAY

JoHN AND ROSE KETCHOYAN KRTKoR KRTKoRTAN

AlEx Meruoocntt STEPAN AND

ERolerurx MaRxlntnru RrrA MESRoBTAN

Hlaour llro

JASMTNE McRDTcHTAN

Rarr OuRrnltnlt MTcHAEL AND HeRurrue PtRarunru

ALex SaRxtsstalt DoRA SERVTARTAN-KUHN Rosenr lNo HeLeu Suaurnlt

Alrce Hare

JosepH nto Jovce Srent

M. HeRoutrrurer Knrxoa nNo HeRout lsnugulrnru ARAXTE

PETROS AND GARINE TAGLYAN RALPH ANo SAVEY TUFENKIAN GATDZAG AND Dzovc ZerTltntt

ARPTAB AND HeRurrue JnruovnN

KEvoBK AND SATENIG KARAJERJIAN

muE'los 0t AIM The Fourth Millennium Society is grateful to the following for contributing $1-$999 during the last month to help secure AIM's financial future. Arthur & Else Agajanian, NY; Agopian & Sasaki, CA; Arman Akarakian, CA; Michael & Lucy Alekian, CA; Anahid Alvandian, MD; Mardo Anastasian, NY; Michael Ansour, NY; Ara & Alice Apkarian, CA; Paul Kaspar Apkarian, NV; Batfi Aroian, CA; lsabelia Avedissian, NY; Theodole Bagdikian, NY; Anny Bakalian, MD; K. Balian, CA; Nishan Balikjian, NJ; Walter & Marian Bandazian, NJ; Dick & Vicky Berberian, CA;Jirire and Jeannette Boyajian, CA; Richard Boyajian, PA;Alan & Zaghig Callian, NY; Edward C. Caprielian, CA; Bouben & Tania Chakalian, CA; Lee K. Chakalozian, CA; Vahan & Anoush Chamlian, CA; Garbis & Therese Davoyan, CA; Richard & Alice Demirjian, CA; Ara & Sonia Der Aprahamian, CA; Serop Der Boghossian, CA; Aghop & Armine Der-Karabetian, CA; Hagop & Lucy Dikranian, CA; Richard Erganian, CA; Leo H. Gardarian, CA; lskouie Gasparian, CA; Steven & Nevari Grigorian, CA; Paul & Rose Hachigian, CA; Kenneth & Gloria Hachikian, lL; Edward & Louise Hahamian, CA; Grisha & Elena Hambarsumian, CA; Dikran M. lskenderian, CA; Zaven & Mildred Jardarian, CA; Hrayr & Zaroug Kabakian, CA; Hagie Kandarian, CA; Walter and Laurel Karabian, CA; Alber & Josephine Karamanoukian, CA; Ara & Rosmari Kasparian, CA; Vasken Kassarjian, CA; Alex & Seta Kouyoumdjian, CA; Ralph Kulajian, CA; Kevork & Nadia Kuyumjian, CA; Stephen & lris Luarian, CA; Samuel & Roubina Malayan, CA;T. & G. Mangassarian, NY;Vicky Manjikian, CA; M. & M. Manoukian, CA;Ardash Marderosian, lL; Martin & Seda Maroolian, CA; Gregory Mamanian, CA;Victor Meghrouni, CA; Haroutioun & Sossy Mikaelian, lL; Armand K. Mirijanian, lL; Dan Momjian, CA;John O. Mouradian, CA;Aris & Bransim Muradian, CA; Bichard Mushegain, CA; Gertrude Nahigian, CA; Parik Naarian, CA;John & Lucille Noraian, Ml;Judy Norsigian, MA; Nikit & Eleanora Ordjanian, NY; StePhen & Mariam Ovanessotf, Az:Zaruhi Ozutucuyan, NY; Pete Parnagian, CA: Sargis & Pearl Safarian, CO; Henry & Nancy Sanoian, CA; Michael Saroyan, CA; Arthur & Lily Seredian, CA; Vazguen & Flora Shahverdian, CA: Movses & Mich€lle Shrikian, CA; S. & B. Simonian, CA;Vine & Alice Smith, CA; Mary Torossian, FL; Vartanian Enterprises, lnc., CA; Armineh Vosganian, MA

:.*Ils.

wofilen,

8 /elu

MTHRAN AND ELTZABETH

nld

Those who were driven out during the Genocide tried to take something with them. Some took the Armenian smelt with them, others took the holy fifu1ie€ other$ a woaderful dre* or-plx$ mayh the art of &essing. Finally, some took the de*ire fo{' ileii:::lE land with them, as dkt Anhile Gorky. Some people were unfortunate enorgh not to be able to take anything at all.

When S$otn

Patrons ol the Fourth Millennium Society are committed to the well-being, growth and development of Armenians and Armenia through the promotion of open discussion and the lree flow of information among individuals and organizations. Their financial contribulions ($1 000-$5000) support the work of the Fourth Millennium Society and ensure the independence ol AlM.

lrrythat

this was the hssddres$ of :&o olflto, tr had always a$sumsd rlm dl tht g@l bakers, jewellers, tailry*, doctm-s*d

rtriters must have

FOUBTH MILLENNIUM SOCIETY A Not-for-Profit, Public Benefit Corporation 207 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale, California 91204, USA Phone: 81 8.246.7979 Fax: 81 8.246.0088

Sargizova, President of Armenia's Women's Peace Congress, was incorrectly identified as Lilya Lzizova. AIM regrets the error.

CORRECTION: Liliya

Tftffiffiftff

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ffi

Thousands of subscribers around the world are proving that being independent doesn't mean beirg alone. Join them. SUBSGRIBE Ifyou're a borrower-reader, subscribe now. If you're

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ffitIru

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mffirouily miltll.

o Percentage of women among the 170 delegates who participated in the Catholicos elections in Antelias in June

4-7

Percentage of women among the 400 delegates who participated in the Catholicos elections in Ejmiatsin in April

9 Rank of Turkey among countries which represent a national credit risk, after Iraq, Russia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Philippines

31 Number of major wars in 1994, in 27 locations

Number of major wars in 1993, in 28 locations

6(,(,(, Total Armenian population of the Netherlands 6(D(D(D

Number of homes built in Gumri since the 1988 earthquake

19,5(D(D Number of families still homeless in Armenia after the earthquake

24o.,OOO

Numbe.i8s'3t:6u

Yerevan

Yerevan city budget in 1995, in US dollars

lO2,OOO,OOO Volume of Azerbaijani-Turkish trade in US dollars, in 1993

l44,OOO,OOO Volume of Azerbaijani-Turkish trade in US dollars, in 1994

Azg, Economist, Hayastani H anrapetutiun, Window Quarterly

}'l]lRT PRIIE HflPPIiIESSI Thanks to the generosiSr of caring people, Iast year more than 1600 children were able to attend Summer C.amp in Armenia and, among other things, enjoy freshly baked bread with their meals on a daily basis. During the past few years, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has been organizing summer camps in Armenia, which have been attended by hundreds of children and youths. Participants have benefitted physically and spiritually. W" are currently planning for the Association's 1996 Summer Camps and are anticipating the prayers and assistance of caring supporters.

tlill

Uou shdre in

lhis uort]tq ptoiecl?

Please be as generous asyou can to help the children in the above picture, as well as hundreds of other children, enjoy the benefits of these AMAA-

sponsored Summer Camps.

Fill out this coupon and mail it along with

your donation.

ARMEI\IAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIAION OF AMERICA 140 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07552

Yes, t'd like to support the AMAA's Summer Camp Project in Armenia. Enclosed is my gift.

Address

City, State, Zip Make your tax-deductlble check payable to AMAA Suomer Camp Program

AIM Jer.uARv 1996 I

"":::

i:.;#

rI:

Although the winter in Armenia has been unusually mild, the availability of elec-

tricity is still a problem. Over the last four winters, the population has found its own means of securing electricitynot always legally. This winter, through funds made available by the European Union and administered by the philan-

thropic'lA,znavour pour l'Armenie" organization, each family in Armenia is to receive an additional 100 kw hours of

November; and then the subject was raised again at the annual OSCE Council of Ministers meeting in early December

in Budapest, Hungary. Diplomats from Karabakh and Armenia were faced with difftcult sessions which did not bring the sides closer

signing the Political

Agreement on Karabakh. Nevertheless, the problem topics of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and the Lachin corridor were removed from the agenda of the

electricity per month. Additionally, the govemment says it is prepared to supply

Budapest assembly.

up to 8-10 hours per day, if people pay for what they use. Payments have not

The

been forthcoming, however. According

to official sources, these nonpayments are the cause of an increased Armenian

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) approved the Program of Structural Market Reforms that was

debt to Turkmenistan---<urrently at US

presented by the Armenian govemment and will allot US $65 million for imple-

$46 million.

mentation, starting in 1996.

The director of the Russian border

Bread prices rose in Armenia between six and l0 percent in early December 1995. This, at a time when minimal

forces, General Andrei Nikolayev, visited Yerevan in late November and discussed measures for strengthening the border

control. Russian forces continue to patrol Armenia's borders with Turkey

monthly salaries are just enough for three kilograms of bread. The rise in prices was explained as part of an intemational

and Iran.

trend in bread price increases. At the same time, a 25 percent excise tax on

Stepped-up pressure from the Russians

imported petrol resulted in a corresponding rise in bus fares.

negotiations on the Karabakh conflict. In October, the meetings were held on the Aaland Islands in Finland; they continhas resulted in a series of lengthy

ued in Russia and Germany

The World Congress of the Armenian

Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutiun convened in Beirut, Lebanon, in

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14 /AIMIANUARY

1996

qa ,Iis";

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ARF was unable to participate in the parliamentary elections of July 1995, and is keen to get back into politics in next year's presidential elections. In its political program, the ARF reaffirmed its dedication to the cause of genocide recogmtion, the retum of Westem Armenian lands, and repeated its support for the struggle of the people of Karabakh for independence.

ffi.

In early December, ten Azeri prisoners of war were unilaterally released to rep-

resentatives

of the

International

Committee of the Red Cross and eight

o I

prisoners were released

to Iran by

Karabakh authorities. Bahtijar Verballah Vaderzaid, an Afghan mercenary, commander of a troop of 22 Afghani muja-

tr E IY

heddin, was sentenced

to 15 years

imprisonment.

President Levon Ter Petrossian visited India on December 13-15, 1995. A treaty of friendship and cooperation was signed, as well as a package of agreements about cooperation in the spheres

of culture, sports, trade, education, science, public health and technology (including exchange training of personnel). India, Armenia and Iran

will sign a

tripartite agreement providing transit rights to each other. The Indian

press

commented that "it was through Persia that the Armenians came to India. Now three centuries later, Indian merchants will trade and travel to Armenia through Iran." Ter Petrossian also visited Calcutta, where Armenians had a thriving merchant community. In public speeches

and private meetings, Ter Petrossian underscored the longJived Armenian presence in India, noting that the first Armenian constitution was written there 200 years ago, and the first Armenian newspaper, Azdarar, began publication there in 1794.

zg I=

German Foreign Minister Klaus

Kinkel, accompanied by parliamentari-

ans and businessmen, visited Armenia in

December

early December, and approved the creation of an Armenia-based executive body, which the ARF's highest body, the

is touted by moderates as evidence of

Bureau, will oversee. The Congress also elected a nine-man Bureau to a new fouryear term. The new executive includes none ofthe party's traditional leaders and

decision clears the Armenian government's objection to extemal control of a local political party, and how the Bureau will oversee the party in Armenia. The

new party policies vis-a-vis the homeland.

It is not yet clear whether the

new

to discuss bilateral political

and economic relations, as well as Germany's role in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Kinkel offered assistance in further developing the security of Armenia's nuclear power plant. The German allocation of DM10 million in 1995 for the development of hydroelec-

tric systems will be repeated in 1996.

AIM Jewuenv 1996

.ry

IFE lN YEREVAN 1. Republic-wide basketball champinships produced winners in every school-age category. hildren from throughout the country came to Yerevan to articipate in a week-long competition in June. 2. Armenia rst to Spain, twice, in the European Championship tualifying Games, despite the best efforts of Hamlet lkhitarian (left) and his teammates. 3. The Anush opera, ever long out of favor, was staged in a new gala producrn by the State Opera and Ballet Company with extravaant costumes from Syria. 4. There are trees, still, in erevan, despite the stories of winters past. There are also 'arm homes, with furnaces and exhaust pipes, burning

recious wood secured through the summer months. 5. oubar Goudsouzian (left) of the Armenian Assembly's ocial lnvestment Fund worked with representatives of the /orld Bank and local communities to fund small-scale nprovement projects (such as irrigation channels and relters) as part of a USAID grant.6. After more than ten lars of absence, Yerevan's swan lake has swans again rnd a few ducks.) The interior ministry secured their cquisition and provided round-the-clock protection. The rathered flock was the talk of the town and evoked widerread feelings of nostalgia. 7. The French presence rmenia was strengthened with the official opening of new, spacious embassy, not far from the city center. mbassador France d'Hartingh, the most senior among rmenia's diplomatic corps, was joined by officials from aris at the November opening.

ZAvEr.r KHACEKTAN

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IIIATTERS OF STATE 1. Presidents and lremiers posed Ior a historic group photo at a special commemorative meeting marking :he 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Armenian President Levon Ter Petrossian stands first from left, in the fourth row from :he top. 2. Ter Petrossian greets Britain's first Ambassador to Armenia, David Miller. 3.

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)uring his first year, Catholicos Karekin net with many diplomats, including lran's )eputy Minister of Culture. 4. ArmenianI

American lobbying efforts on behalf of passage of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, rs well as the retention of sanctions against Azerbaijan paid off. Pictured left to right, Armenian Assembly of America's Tim Jemal, Congressman Pete Visclosky and AAA Director Ross Vartian. 5. Lady Caroline ]ox, British parliamentarian and humanitarian traveled the world to advocate peace for

(arabakh. ln Australia, she spoke at

Armenian National Committee function, and

rret with members of the community and Jovernment. 6. Vice-President Gagik

-larutunian received the ambassadors of

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THE NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Georgian soldiers and 2. Georgian President Edvard Shevardnadze voting in the country's first elections in November elected Shevardnadze president of a country still battling itself. 3. The president himself was the target of an August assassination attempt. 4. The promise of internal calm drove many to participate in still-novel pre-election activities, from

nailing posters to distributing leaflets. 5. Azerbaijani President Gaidar Aliev met with US President Bill Clinton and, among other topics, discussed Karabakh-and Azerbaijani oil. 6. The opening of Turkish airspace to Armenian aircraft was one more small step in efforts to improve Turkey's relationship with Armenia. This photo

of Mt. Ararat was taken from the air, in the first flight from Armenia to Turkey. 7. The Turkish domestic situation, however, also needed improvement. An American journalist, jailed on charges of inciting Kurdish rebellion and 8. jailed Kurdish politicians 9. were evidence of Prime Mlnister's Tansu Ciller's government's inability

to maintain civil order. Ciller resigned several times in efforts to build a stronger coalition government.

Diaspora is taking shape. Will 1996 see the creation of mech-

for individual involvementthrough money, time, work or ideas? anisms

New ways of participating are popping

up already. Whether it's several tiny communities in Texas sharing and discussing their future on the Internet, or whether it's the relatively new Armenian International Women's Association trying to develop a common agenda for

women, new institutions are here. In 1996,

will

a megastnrcture be created to

reactions will indicate whether there really is a change in the party's attitude toward Armenia and its leadership. Now that there is a citizenship law on the books, the Diaspora is not happy

will the traditional

institu-

tions-

the political parties (the ARF in particular), the Armenian Relief Society,

the Armenian General Benevolent Union---do to reinvent themselves?

Armenia Fund, which picked up steam and legitimacy in 1995, is in for a

corruption, vote-rigging, vote-buying ways of past. But, in fact, the lack of

Will 1996 be the year that the Diaspora-and Armenia-initiate a drive to amend the constitution of Armenia and allow dual citizenship, even though this right may have to be

accompanied by the strictest of requirements?

obvious. These were the unbearably hot last just about a month. Even a popula-

tion whose bones were still cold from last winter had ceased to welcome the heat. The neighbor continued, "You know, it's really hot today. It's over 40, and they're not telling us."

Seeing the quizzical look in the neighbor's face, the engineer went on,

"You see,

Constitution in 1995 to have any meaning, judicial reform must be high on the agenda for 1996. Independent, ethical judges and prosecutors with a respect for human rights, and the courage to act,

will not be found or trained overnight. But necessary legislation to buttress the

provisions

of the Constitution and

accompanying regulations must be developed to support them. At the same time, the ongoing Dro trial will continue to test the govemment

of Finally, and perhaps most importantly, are the presidential elections of September 1996. Political scientists say it is a country's second election which demonstrates the level of commitment to

Only with a peaceful, smooth transition of power from one presidential administration to another will the Armenian people have truly democracy.

entered a democratic era.

The presidential elections of 1996 will be a challenge to Armenia's ruling party. Following on the heels of the 1995

prosecution

secure in its case should not need to rely on heavy-handed police tactics to secure

only as corrupt as France, or even Russia or ltaly, with cozy circles of govemment

evidence and testimony. Western journalists have already concluded that the

to guarantee a lopsided win, even

govemment's strong case against the Dro may have been compromised by

IAIMJANUARY 1996

decades

of imposed impotence:

The

all-powerful government can even keep

parliamentary elections, which were called "free but not fair" by intemational observers, will Armenia strive to be

as much as the ARF.

if it's above 40 Centigrade,

then, by law, we don't have to work. Today, it's certainly over 40, but they're not telling us." There is a point at which even the most sensible and logical show the scars

fit

the

a briefcase full of

July days that everyone had said would

in? The West has become reconfigured as a multicultural society. Who are the Armenians? In the CIS, which is sometimes not Caucasian-friendly, what are

First, for the passage of

tomatoes,

real hot, isn't it?" he said, stating the

in providing the Diaspora with a channel for participation in Armenia's future-a channel for both ideas and funds? Finally, 1996 will force Armenians to redefine themselves even in traditional places. As the Middle East is being rebuilt and restructured-from Beirut to

Armenians? The challenges facing the Armenian state are many, too.

Conversations with members of any segment of society make this eminently clear. The following is no exception: The engineer greeted a repatriated neighbor walking home carrying 2 kilos

of ripe

succeed

do Armenians

understanding of civic responsibility is a

tougher problem.

paperwork and a portable computer. "It's

of choice for giving to Armenia? Will the old standbys agree to stand by and allow Armenia Fund to grow in stature commensurate with its mission? Most

Bank-where

understanding of its role in a representa-

tive democracy.

constitutions have amend-

All

in 1996. Will it succeed in replacing old standbys as the "charity"

the West

1995 parliamentary elections made very

clear that the public still has no real

ments, and there is no reason the Armenian Constitution should be an

about it.

tough test

importantly, will Armenia Fund

It is not the authorities alone for whom "democracy" is a challenge. The

Everyone's personal experiences with the power abuse means that if it was easy in 1995, it will be easy again in 1996 to explain the ruling party's lopsided election victory by the sabotage,

exception.

coordinate the parts?

What

unnecessary harrassment. At the same time, the newly-elected ARF Bureau has already begun to distance itself from the crimes with which some of its members have been charged. Their continued

insiders? Will the state apparatus be used

generous victory appears inevitable? How accessible will the state media be to opposition candidates and platforms?

the temperature a state secret and no one can do anything about it. The fundamental question of 1996 will be whetherArmenians begin to real-

examine the problems; whether dispersed around the world, they are one nation despite the gulf between Armenia and Diaspora, between "sides," between the new elite and the old grassroots. Will common ground be found in the collective challenges? Will the tone of the discourse finally change and the dialogue conducted "with dignity"? Will Armenians find a way to com-

bine the finest westem traditions of an independent judiciary, a sense of individual rights and fair play, and the freedom of expression, with the Armenian penchant for hard work, and a delight in creation, whether scientific, trade or art, to construct a new nation? sv SALpr H.\no(mNIAN

GHAZARTAN

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goals were and still are right, but that it is this govemment which is wrong," he concluded. He went on to condemn the Ter Petrossian administration's willing-

ness to tolerate the concentration of wealth in the hands of "some 20 families," while speaking almost favorably of

the

Runninu

government's "reality-driven"

peratures, Manukian insisted "the people must unite," before the presidential elections of 1996. "Those countries

where the whole population participates

in the national struggle are the

strong

nations," he stressed. Manukian is acknowledged as the

Karabakh policies.

most recognizable (and arguably, the most capable) figure to challenge Ter

On the elections, Manukian said although there may have been some improprieties, the elections produced more or less the expected results. It was the constitutional referendum which

Petrossian in the upcoming elections. Yet, over live years, the NDU has failed to draw a large following, and remains identified with a handful of recognizable names. They currently hold three seats in

Manukian rejected, calling the new Constitution a "false contract." To the qowd of 700 who sat bundled in hats and coats in near-zero tem-

the National Assembly. The NDU's 1995 budget was 5.5 million Dram (or

$13,7-50). ev SeLpt HanourrNreN Gsezenrex

lor

Pl'esidenl t the sixth general assembly of the National Democratic Union, held in Yerevan on December 9-10,

1995, delegates analyzed their surprisingly low turnout during the July Parliamentary elections, approved amendments and changes to party bylaws, and reelected as chairman Vazgen Manukian, Armenia's first prime minister. fbrmer minister of defense and presidential hopeful. In his opening speech, Manukian, a prominent member of the Karabakh Committee, analyzed the country's current tbreign and domestic policies. "If the goals of the Armenian National Movement were, concisely stated, independence, the liberation of Karabakh,

the establishment of a multi-party democracy and the development of a free market, it can be said that each of these objectives has formally, generally, been met," he stated. Yet, he went on, "the people have never lelt so frustrated and hopeless. Some think this is because the movement was wrong, its goals were

wrong, and we should return to the old system. Others believe that the movement's ideology and methodology were both correct, and, in the long run, all will be well. Yet others are convinced that the

AIM

JANUARY 1996

{w;$Ifi-ffiTg slH_li

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here is a long queue outside. The soldiers are impatient, and many of them enter the small room to watch

how the doctors work. "They're wonderful. I didn't feel any pain at

all," says the guy who lay in the armchair for over an hour while 12 of his teeth were treated. Many of the soldiers

shyly disappear after realizing that

reporter wants to speak to them. But the most daring say that it's a good chance to

treat all their teeth at one time, without pain and free of charge. A sprightly lad interrupts: "I want to have clean and healthy teeth. It's useful, you know, for kissing and such...."

This visit of representatives of the

of Califomia (ADSC) to Armenia in November 1995 is actually their eighth. During previous visits they have traveled to Goris, Sisian, Germon, Ejmiatsin and Gumri-always to treat civilians. This time they are working in a military unit in Yerevan, with the "blessings" of the commanders who realized the importance of this service for the troops. Over seven long days, they saw

Armenian Dental Society

and treated 80 soldiers.

28 /AIMJeNuenv

1996

"The ADSC has two goals in Armenia," explains Dr. Gary Kevorkian, the Glendale, Califomia-based president of ADSC. "The frst is to train Armenian colleagues to work with modem equipment, since local dentists have been working with Soviet equipment left over from the 70s. Another important goal is to

deliver dental care to remote districts where it is currently not available." A small mobile unit carrying three dental armchairs, all equipment necessary for dental procedures, and even a power generator, makes the traveling dentists totally self-sufficient. The equipment can be set up or packed in about an hour. Established in 1993, the ADSC con-

tinues its Califomia-based activities

well. It offers free dental screenings to students at Armenian schools in Califomia. Members lecture and show slides at PTA meetings and local church group gatherings to educate participants on proper den-

tal care practices. To help its

members

receive continuing education credit, the ADSC also offers monthly lectures. The organization, which has grown by word of mouth, boasts 90 members

who are now in the process of forming the

Armenian International

Dental Association (AIDA), which would widen the scope of cooperation to include dental care professionals from the Eastem US, Armenia, Canada and France. Armenia has been at the focus of the ADSC's activities since the group's inception, however. After meeting with repre-

sentatives Department

from the Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Health,

mobile dental units were brought to Armenia with the fust dental delegation in 1994. Groups of doctors have been making

regular trips to Armenia ever since, for two-week stints every four to five months, providing local dental students and practicing dentists the opportunity to observe the procedures the ADSC uses. During this trip, Kevorkian and Dr. Nishan Kazaziar. work on the soldiers,

and two dentists from Armenia assist them-Annetta Ayvazian and Aram Kartalian. Also on the team are Setrag Dermendjian from Syria, and Mesrob Sarkissian from Ethiopia, who are com-

pleting their residency. "They

have

worked with us for a long time, so we know they can work with all the equipment practically independently," says Kevorkian.

Visiting dentists also lecture on various topics to supplement clinical insfiuction with theoretical education. These lectures, which include continuing education topics for practicing dentists and institute level subjects for fourth- or fifth-year students, are organized with the cooperation of the Dental Institute. "Initially, during our first visits, we treated everyone who came to us," says Kevorkian. "But then we realized that the most important service we can do here is to work with children. So, for example, we visited all the schools of Goris, treated the children's teeth, explained to them the importance of preventive measures, provided oral hygiene instruction and gave a toothbrush to every child." Of course, a small unit with three seats cannot make revolutionary changes in the republic's dental service, which is provided through a wide network of polyclinics and private practices. So perhaps

the most important aspect of ADSC's work is to raise the public's awareness regarding preventive dental care; namely, the importance of prophylactic measures

and regular visits to the dentist. "The majority of people only visit their dentist when they are in pain," explains Kazazian,

for the hundredth time. "We need the people of Armenia to understand that preventative care will eliminate a great majority

of the dental problems that we are seeing today. It is the gap in mentality that we

wish to fiIl." Every year 40 dentists graduate from the Yerevan Medical University. This is evidence that the profession is popular and rather profitable. Annetta Ayvazian, who has worked as a dentist in Yerevan for 14 years and labors alongside her ADSC colleagues, asserts: "There are

many novelties for me. For example, some of the equipment and a whole set of completely new medicines that were never used here before. Actually, we have excellent dentists in Armenia, but the lack of modem equipment, medicines, and the absence of information regarding the latest procedures impede us." Ayvazian is one of three dentists who have been trained extensively during the two years that the ADSC members have

been making their regular visits. Some visiting dentists enjoy the process so

much that they make retum trips. Dr.

of Belmont, Massachusetts, has made three trips; Kazazian of North Hollywood and Dr. Vicken Garabedian of Laguna Niguel, twice each; while Kevorkian himself has now made the trip six times. "I plan my Vatche Serayderian,

own practice around this travel schedule," he confesses.

Participating dentists pay their own way to and from Armenia, in addition to their hotel accommodations inYerevan. If the volunteers are working in outlying areas, they are provided lodging at hospi-

tals through the health ministry or

are

offered rooms at the homes of clergy. To date, about $40,000 worth ofden-

tal

equipment has been shipped to

Armenia. Most of the funds were raised by ADSC members, with help from Rotary Intemational and REAP.

For the visiting dentists, the most valuable experience they take home with them from Armenia is the spirit of hospi tality and generosity. 'After our work with the orphans in Goris in October of 1995, it was really moving that they organized a party in our honor. Thbles were set; there was singing and dancing. Two of our American colleagues, one from Kansas and the other from San Diego, said, 'We came to give, but we're taking back more than we gave.' They plan on coming back

to Armenia next autumn, this time with their families," relates Kevorkian. av MAm GntconreN erp BnrH Bnousser-rnN

AIM JeNueny 1996 I 29

i I P{*HH;t ; *vu;fr"f.] ISiv

S n February 1993, rhe spiritual f, neaa of the Islamic community I of Azerbaiian. Sheikh-ul-lslam * Alluhrhrku. Pasha-Zade met fi* with His Holiness Vazgen I, to help find ways to resolve the conflict in Karabakh. This summer, the Sheikh also met His Holiness Karekin

I, during the latter's visit

Moscow.

AIM:

Please

tell us of

your

interest in hostages and prisoners of war.

Sheikh:

am prepared to take

steps to assist the hostages and prison-

ers

of war as a gesture of goodwill.

Together with His Holiness Karekin I, we, the religious leadership can participate in prisoner exchange right on the border. That would elevate both my role and the role of Karekin I. Early last year. Armenian prison-

ers of war, who were being held in a hospital, appealed to me and said they placed all their hopes on me. I didn't believe them at first. After I went to the hospital to ascertain the validity of their claims they were released under my authority. I was criticized for this

IetUJANUARY 1996

in Azerbaijan. On the other hand, there was not even an expression of appreciation from the Armenian side.

What were your impressions after meeting Catholicos Karekin I? As Sheikh-ul-Islam, I have for the last l5 years met many religious leaders. However, Karekin I was an enigma for me. Many warned me that with the election of a new Catholicos, our relations would return to ground zero. So, when he was elected, I sent him a congratulatory telegram. Many people blamed me for that. Nevertheless, I was pleased and surprised when he responded with a telegram of thanks.

What can you say about the discussions on the Karabakh conflict at every meeting of Armenian and

Azerbaijani clerics during recent years?

The start of the Karabakh conflict was the greatest sin. Thank God, efforts to give that conflict a religious coloring were unsuccessful. When the Soviet army entered Baku, [Mikhail] Gorbachev referred to our people as "Muslim extremists." A people's

revolt in the name of independence was interpreted as Muslim fanaticism. There were rumors that

would look

to the Koran and pray to Allah that there would be an earthquake in Armenia. But, how could I, a man of God, ask God to deprive women and children of the life that He, Himself, gave them?

Would you want to

see

Azerbaijan become an Islamic Republic, like some of its neighbors? Today, in Azerbaijan, there are, of of both Iranian and Turkish Islamicism. However. in my capacity, I can honestly tell you that we will follow Islam in its true formthe Azerbaijani way. Our people have their customs, and we will live according to the highest laws. The Koran

course, signs

says to judge man not by what he wears or by his external appearance, but by his work. If, by his work, he improves the lot of his people, then his people will become closer to Allah. The people will decide in the future whether to become more European or more Eastern. As Sheikh-

How do you think the deteriora-

tion of the situation in the region could have been averted, and where was the lost opportunity? ul-Islam, I would wish our people to become more civilized and not break the highest laws.

How can you explain destruction

the

in Baku just

an Armenian Church a few years ago?

I was in Moscow at the time, and I tried to explain to people that a stone structure carried no responsibility for what was happening. I tried to stop the destruction, but

was not successful.

Today, there are five Christian churches, 183 Russian schools and 179 Azerbaijani schools, all functioning together in the same city. We must

find those who instigated

the

Azerbaijani people and brought them and the Armenian people to this point.

Who are they? This was not done for the sake of God or the common people. This was necessary for those who wanted to achieve power at the time. The respon-

sibility falls on the intelligentsia and the writers. You don't find them or hear them anymore. Why don't [Abel]

Aghanbegian, Silva Kaputikian, Zori Balayan write anything anymore? Are they smarter now? They should have been smarter then, and not dragged the common man into this mess.

Why couldn't religion

have

been smarter and wiser, and why couldn't you use its force and influence to put the people on the true path?

Because at that time, religion in the hands of the state. The KGB was very busy in matters of

was

religion. You either did what they said, or you were removed. We bear great responsibility, Yazgen

and I,

because we allowed ourselves to be pressured by the politicians. This was

in the televised speech and interviews that Vazgen I gave.

obvious

Knowing him, I understood that he was saying what should not have been said, but what he could not not say. I was in the same position.

Gorbachev could have averted the tragedy. His power was such that he could have put a stop to it within a day. That didn't happen and he bears responsibility for that. At that time there was a law according to which it could have been determined whether those lands are Armenian or

HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Azerbaijani. However, as a man of the cloth, I must say that man does not have the right to want that land, or any other land. That is why each time someone says "Karabakh is ours," they must understand that it belongs neither to you, nor to us. It

belongs

to the highest

authority.

People simply live there. And, in fact, have lived there in peace and harmony, have loved and trusted one another. The extra key to my home was always with my

Armenian friend, Sergei. That

HAIGAZIAN

was

celebrates

the kind of trust we had....

Thank God that today, both the politicians and the common people understand that we have lived and must continue to live together, that Armenia and Azerbaijan are neighbors and must find a way of talking to

40th

its

ANNIVERSARY

For nrws about your alma mater and more information about participating in the celebrations, contact

each other.

I believe presidents Gaidar Aliev and Levon Ter Petrossian can do much to create an awareness among people, to lead them toward the normalization of relations. For example, I am very happy to hear Aliev, in recent speeches, mention that he has spoken with President Ter Petrossian, or that he has called him, and that they have talked. When people hear that presidents are in contact, that

they have spoken with each other, they ask why can't we act that way too? I am convinced that the people must be made to understand, must be given hope, and after that they will find a common language. sy Lustr GHuraslnr.r Moscow, RussnN FEDERATToN GuuxesreN ls EDtroR oF THE Moscow-eesno ARMENIA AND THE WoRLD MoNTHLy.

ALUMNI OFFICE HAI G AZI AN I,INIIIERSIry

O LLE GE

clo 5322 Satum Street Los Angeles, CA 90019 or phone the Alumni Message Center in LosAngeles at (213) 934-4714

i..a*.'-,

&*-, 5',.

isi#l&:'.,r,,' '

\: i*. -Tr*

[ains of continued President Bill Clinton the conflicting panies to Dal,ton for facc-to-face rneetings at an aLlstere but con-rfbrtable rnilitary base, the parties rierc lcluly to scriously bllgirin. Similarly, the failed December i993

to February 1994 Azerbaijani olfensive resulte d in a hurting stalemate, and induced "ripeness" in thc Karabakh war. Three months later, both sides agreed to a ceasellrc that for the most part. has lasted.

When the ripe tnoment is reached, even centuries-old enemics accede to negotiate. No parry. however. is likely to negotiate when it perceives itself to be at a disadvantage militarily and/or politically at the negotiation table. A powerful ancl rnutually trusted third party can hetp the process along by offbring data that shows that any slight disadvantage in the agree-

ment is shofi{enn and inconsequential comparcd to the long-term Etains.

President Clinton's interccssiott altered the power equation between the warring firctions by focusing the attention of the world on the Bosnian conflict. None of these warring fitctions could mask themselves once the US became directly involved in the negotiations. Any of the adversaries tl-rat rnight seek to

impede the peace process would

exposed to the intemational community's approbation and perhaps f'ace severe

Karabakh conflict has supported the territorial integrity ol Azerbaijan at the expense of self-detennination fbr Karabakh. Since the mediators have relied on ttre bargaining technique to settle the conflict, this predis-

Azerbaijeur; walk away from the negotiations and incur the wrath o1'the UN. OSCE and others; or seek a process that will allow the conflicting pafties to construct their own settlement. Peace cannot be achieved quickly when the conflict is grounded in deep-roor ed issues. What has been accomplished at Dayton ar-rd Paris is not pcace-it is a fragile settlement, albeit an important one. True peace (not simply the absence of violence), a peace that stands of its own accord without coercion, may be years away. A successful settlement will allow the adversaries to interact long enough to lower the barriers of hatred. mislrust. stereolyping. dehumanizing and the need for revcnge. In time, they will grow to see the conflict as

position on their pafi is perceived by the

their problem, which must be

Armenian side as strengthening the negotiating power of the Azerbaijanis by undermining Karabakh's main argument. The right to sell'-determination is Karabakh's

With the moral imperative undermined by

through cooperation. The Karabakh ceasefire has not been validated by a political agreement in which all puties offrcially forsake violence and coercion as a means to their ends; negotiations are at an impasse and the settlement

the mediators, it makes it appear at the bar-

remains illusory. Most conflicts need

gaining table that Karabakh fbught solely lor the acquisition of land. e position consistcntly held by Azerbaijm. Fighting for tenitory without a moral principle is tantamount to aggression, and bzrgaining is

mechanisms

talks. However. even a viable intercessor

(US. UN. OSCE, NATO) is likely

to cncounter severe obstaclcs to peace unless the adversaries design their own

formula tbr success. In Dayton, adversaries who hate one another agreed to give a nonviolent course of action a chance because the cnvironment there encouraged it. The US supported the rTrutually constructed settlement design and did not completely impose its own agenda. Conversely, every mediator in the

prime rnoral grounding fbr sovereignty.

sanctions as a result. The US intercession created an impartial atrnosphere suitable

extremely dilficult lor any side that is implicitly associated with aggression. The Armenians have f'ew options:

Ior n.'gotiations. The warring parlies

continue to fight this political battle of

irr

Bosnia acknowleclge that the US has no direct stake in the outcome of the Bosnian

32 I etHf J,rrurrv

1996

wills

and remain stalemated; agree and allow Karabakh to remain an integral part of

to implement a

For the Bosnian conflict, these

resolved

settlement.

will come in

the fbrm of "peacekeepers" with many

rules of engagement-tantamount to "peace enforcing" (US troops would not be in Bosnia if they were restricted to rules of

engagement that did not allow them to aggressively defend themselves). NAIO troops will help prevent any or all of the parties from slipping back into the policies of violence. Further. the commissions that

have been established

will

serve as "objec-

tive" sounding boards for complaints. NAIO, led by the US and UN, has a vital role. NATO alone was not acceptable to the Serbians, and Russia acting unilaterally was anathema to the other parties. By allowing the Russians to participate under

its umbrella, NAIO circumvented a situa-

tion that could have led to a confrontation between fte West-which was unwilling to see an independent Russian force in the

Balkans-and a Russia itching to get involved. There are similar pattems of disageement in the Ikrabakh conflict conceming Russian and Turkish roops, both of which want very much to be engaged in the Caucasus. However, their presence in large numbers is not acceptable to theArmenians of Armenia or Karabakh. The US govemment, on the other hand, has made it clear ttrough its spokespeople (such as former Ambassador to the OSCE, Jack Maresca) that American troops are not a viable option in the Caucasus. That leaves the Scandinavians to whom no one objects, but whose participation would be minimal.

Compared to the violence that existed

when the Bosnian talks commenced in Dayton, the relative calm in Karabakh makes the latter conflict more conducive to peacekeepers.

A signed political settlement

document engenders an environment that allows steps to be taken along the long road to real peace. It provides a yardstick by

which short-term progress is

measured. Settlements such as the Bosnian accord are and must be viewed as a first step. Other issues must still be negotiated. For exam-

ple, the Serbs in Sarajevo voted in December 1995 by a margin of 99 to I to keep the city divided, which is contrary to the accords. Muslims continue to argue that Serbs have been rewarded for their aggres-

sion eyen though all of the Serbian objectives were not met. Croatians wonder how they will manage in a system where Muslims share equal power. Croats, Serbs and NATO officials are already asking why Afghan and kanian "volunteer" mujaheddin who had come to help their Muslim kin do battle are now necessary in Bosnia with the presence of peacekeepers. These out-

side troops, who arrived in Bosnia from Muslim countries, have been called "third forces" by US Defense Secretary William

Perry and Secretary of State Warren Cluistopher. According to some US analysts, the mujaheddin are the best and most

seasoned troops and the Bosnian govemment might not wish to let them leave. Extremely difficult choices have to be

made in the Karabakh conflict, as well. Peace is unlikely to be achieved until the warring factions regain control ofthe peace process----currently the mediators are

outcomes in an open forum: the US and Russia have pressures to remain sensitive to Azerbaijan's oil card, and Russia faces major problems with of its ethnic republics, each of whom (like Chechnya)

wishes for greater sovereignty. For these and other reasons, control

orchestrating the solutions

by which the Armenians and Azerbaijanis are to live.

the negotiations needs to be taken away

The conflicting parties are exercising veto power over the formulas submitted by the OSCE. This is a wom and ineffective process and has not achieved success since 1992. As the negotiations are currently pro-

needs of their own agendas and be given to

from the mediaton who will fulfill

the

the people who must live by the decisions. The adversaries would be sequestered on

"neutral grounds" and told. to desigr

package for peace that is approved by con-

advantage. Foreign policy is often dictated by intemal politics. Further, the upcoming Russian and

sensus-Armenia, Azerbaijan and Karabakh. No party would be susceptible to outside pressure once the doors are closed. The most severe pressure will come from the knowledge that the ball has been thrown in the courts of the parties and ttnt they, not the mediators, are responsible for achieving a consensus. None ofthe adversaries can blame an outside party if they do not come to terms with their own issues. The consensus requirement gives each party equivalent power. It is at this point that the three may begin to recogrize that they must begin to cooperate in finding an acceptable formula and that the conflict is a shared problem that must be jointly resolved. The sooner

US presidential elections in 1996 are sure to be a factor in the kind of pressure exerted on the parties to the conflict, Armenia

adversaries the better.

ceeding, any one

other as

ofthe parties can use the

scapegoat

for

sidetracking

progress. The adversaries are so sensitive to political nuances in public that the insensi-

tive use of a word can and has delayed progress: calling Armenia the "aggressor," orAzerbaijan the "loser" and addressing or not addressing the Karabakh representatives as members of the "Nagomo

Karabakh Republic." Each of the reprcsentatives is obligated to retum to his or her home and answer to opposition parties that

take advantage of "slips" for political

and Karabakh in particular. Clinton and Yeltsin must insist upon politically conect

the onus for success is placed upon the to author their own solutions, nY Moonno

AIM

Moonnorltt

JANUARY 1996

{ffi

u*$) ii;i,i,",1

::'.

:ii:.ql r:11:4!11

$mall Plols

BiUPlaffi Interview with ISHKHAN MARDIROSSIAN, Armenia's Deputy Minister of

z 3

Food and Agriculture

E k I o I

AIM What is your

assessment

Armeniats farmers? Mardirossian: Armenia's farmers are a very patient group. If you do a thorough analysis, you will see that the private farmer, on his tiny plot, has produced a great deal for Armenia, and to a large extent, rescued us from famine. If this were another country, you would not see this degree of self-sacrifice. In the first year, farmers gave the state their crops and we were unable to sell them all. The second year, they again planted their fields. A lot of people would have said, "The government cheated us. They didn't give us the money." If this had been France or another country, farmers would not have planted their fields that second year. Our people, however, don't have that instinct. I salute our farmers for the fact that amid all of these difficulties they have grown their crops and fed the people.

What are the principle problems of Armenian agriculture today? Only one aspect of privatization has been completed: we've given the land to the peasants. The other strands, namely services and commerce, remain within the state structure. The state is the only source for insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, etc. We want to see private businesses opening in villages and towns that sell these goods. We want to encourage businesses that manufacture, sell and repair farm equipment, such as com-

bines and tractors. Finally, we want farmers to be completely in charge of selling their crops, rather than the present situation in which the state shares half the responsibility.

34 /AIMJeNuenv

1996

E E I Y

What then would be the function

of the Ministry of Food and

chance of succeeding in the export mar-

ket. The third element, which is very

Agriculture?

important, concerns providing credit to

The ministry's function would be strictly to regulate and maintain standards, to inspect for quality, to ensure

farmers.

that agricultural chemicals are not being used excessively, and to enforce rules

The fourth element in our strategy

is to review and strengthen Armenia's scientific and research infrastructure related

to agriculture. In Soviet times,

and regulations.

Armenia had numerous institutes that functioned not just for Armenia but for

Are private farmers in Armenia ready to take advantage of the free

the entire Soviet Union. Today, we have to ask ourselves if it is necessary to keep all of those institutes. Another question involves Armenia's ability to continue to

market? Most farmers today, unfortunately, are unable to bring their crops to market alone. We have to help facilitate their entry into the marketplace. The second phase of agriculture reform deals with these issues.

Tell us about this second phase.

We already have a broad reform strategy containing four main elements that we're putting into effect. First, regarding land privatization, individual plots have to be properly measured, so that if you have one hectare you can say that your land begins at this point and ends at that point. Once that is done, deeds can be issued. With his deed in hand, the farmer is free. He can sell his land, lease it, enlarge his plot. Second, we have to study, in accordance with

free-market principles, how we can improve Armenia's factories and enterprises connected to agriculture. We have to study how they can, for example, find complementary foreign partners or assist those enterprises that have the best

promote fundamental research,

opposed to applied research. Armenia has a very strong foundation in the sciences, and I am not saying

that we should forget fundamental research, but we have to place more emphasis on applied research to solve Armenia's problems. There has to be

new triangular relationship linking farmers, research institutes and the Academy of Sciences. Our scientific efforts ultimately have to reach the farmer in the field. Americans, for example, have agri-

cultural extension services which accomplish this. Armenia must establish

this chain connecting science, research and farmers.

How have foreign non-profit groups, such as the Armenian Technology Group [a California-

based organization dedicated to promoting Armenia's agricultural selfsufliciency; see AIM, Dec. 1995], con-

tributed to Armenian agriculture?

What I have to say applies to all humanitarian goups that have come to help Armenia. First, Armenia does not have a great need for technical assistance concerning basic agricultural know-how Understand me well. A lot of

will say, "Well, you don't want foreigners in Armenia." That's not it. Look, I'm from the Diaspora. That's not my point. With ATG, yes, the first year of independence there was a need. They people

proposed bringing American wheat seed to test in Armenia. We said, okay, bring it. ATG helped us to bring rhe wheat seed and we tested it. Unfornrnately, 80 percent of the seed that was brought was not suitable for Armenia. We suggested trying other varieties, and I'm sure that

there are varieties in the United States that will do well in Armenia. However,

we requested that AIG try varieties of seed that are produced in Armenia, about

which we already have some

data.

Unfortunately, it is not in AIG's hands.

ATG is itself financed by

other

American organizations, such as the

U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID]. USAID gives

the money and ATG provides the service to Armenia. But, unfortunately, the cost of providing the service and monitoring the project is very expensive. If I calculate from their budgets how much they spend on administrative costs, it comes to approximately 65 percent for staffand administration and 35 percent for investment in Armenia. So, as a republic do we accept or not accept this technical assistance? We're forced to accept it, because

SAYT

If you wantto learn \ilestern Armenian (or just brush up)

that 35 percent that is invested in Armenia is helpful. Gradually, I think we need a new approach to technical assistance. We should move away from accepting help

from humanitarian organizations

{(l9E7O?6 TYTTMAY

Ardiir-F'mm,

audilcacre pogmn tc.dcl frs largpry sp*cn by rpmximbly 2 milli:n pogh in

Weffi, Antsriu

move toward implementing develop-

Lcbur+ Syi&, Tukey, rnd l}Sypt. Yor o<t yor orrln leuriry pcc wi6 &ir unigc pogrurnatt mcfrod. Yorr cu*uc phvcr bccorncs a "tirelesr tutrr" rupcding 6c w<rds rnd flrrse* votr wrnt b hear rmlil xx udcrstud lhqn.

ment projects. We have to keep in mind that Armenia is not a third world coun-

try. We have significant intellectual resources here, although lacking in experience and contact outside of the

Western

Armcnirn:

Soviet system.

It's sad that today we lack the finanIf that were available, we could greatly improve our production. Of course, humanitarian organizations

cial means.

can help us in organizing a free-market system and improving management. ny

Mru-rasnxlxo Goxen SanexrnN

Ycru can

y'ear, offcrs

itr dcclisr of

relf-inrtructional langurgc eoursea. Thir

alil{okt

and

mw in is 25&

Wcstcrn Armenirn rmrxry

A Tadw*

orda now witr a lull

8 crrsctbs (?k.) rnd lt9-prge errrtook, gl85. (CI rcsidnls plece rdd sdss t8r)

&rch rrm;rhck

Cdl toll-{iEs 1-lXn-2,13-t2fd fax (20:l

turirraec.

453-y711. c.mril: ?4537,550t@.onpacrvccom

Or clip ftis ad anl srnd witr yor nrnc md rddrsss antl a dreck or nurnel n&r in ti.S. liurds. O r chrrgc trr a$.],rnsjfi srcdit cq{ by urclorurg c{d mtnfir, exfrintirn datc, and yorr *ftmtrrc. ()rr $-rrgtc l|'rob ltoild Longaage C*alq offert cffrs in 92 kryurgcs. Catl wib fc prr fue wpy.

ffi

Audio-f,'orum, Room

353

96 Bronl St., Cruilford, C'f 06437

(201) 451-9794

AIMlerueny

lWl35

ffi,#xffiffi one iue the days when everyone worried that big-city papers had nothing to say about Armenians.

A week doesn't go by that the Los Angeles Times, the newspaper of record in an area that is home to the largest Armenian community outside Armenia, doesn't mention an Armenian.

January 6 and April 24. The large and small papers of the Los Angeles area are testimony to the fact that Armenians are integral part of the larger society, and share in its joys and pain. ahan Zanoyan, Senior Director of the Petroleum Finance Company, is an important name in oil circles. In the November-December issue of Foreign Affairs, Zanoyan writes an immensely understandable analysis

Usually, the mention is in the newspaper's Metro pages, where news about community affairs and crime is reported. Thursday, January I l, was a red-letter day. First, there was the story of a

pair

youths anested

for setting a

Glendale-area high school on fire, causing $2.9 million in damage. One suspect,

Zavar Manokian, age 20, was a former

student who felt he had been treated unfairly at the school. The Glendale Unified School System has 30,000 students, of whom one-third are Armenian. That's more than in all Canadian and American Armenian schools combined. On the same page, the Times rePort-

ed the death of Avedis Kasparian, who

had sued Los Angeles

County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, charging Antonovich with meddling in court proceedings on behalfof campaign contributors who happened to be Kasparian's

former business partners and current rivals. An immigrant-turned-millionaire who took the US justice system at its word, Kasparian won judgment in his

favor but he died feeling

betraYed because the State Court ofAppeals later overtumed the ruling. Finally, a few pages down, HarrY Perzigian stood trial on charges of sell-

ing drugs to actor Canoll O'Connor's only son, who had committed suicide. Gone are the days when "ian's" were mentioned only in connection with

FORE AFEA.IRS \:r ( [rr.rtri]i:t! ]lilir.rrr Ihc Ohina Ohallcngc Po*ell: Cenenl or Polititianl )ft:id.r!

Iiil fv auliS,i6

and political gulf states the oil-rich facing dilemmas which enjoyed a "holiday" from the dayto-day infrastructure building processes required of any country attempting to modemize its economy and social structure. Zanoyan handily illustrates how depending on continuing oil revenues to

mask the nonexistence of necessary infrastructures will simply lead to regional political instability and therefore to international, economic instability.

he Wall Street Journal Europe's

Central European Economic Review of December-January has a handy report card on the 26 countries of the former Soviet bloc, where each is ranked on the basis of its attractiveness as a place to do business over the coming year. The top 13 spots go to the Eastern European and Baltic countries which have had a head start on the growth path, with the Czech Republic first and Albania listed l3th. The next 13 places go to the newly inde-

pendent states of the former Soviet Union, with Armenia coming in third after Russia and Moldova, and far ahead

of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and

the is unclear whose numbers were used as the

Central Asian States. Although

'r!iiii{vi6; Prn*,

lldi*

basis for their conclusions, the criteria by which a panel of economists who monitor the region made their judgments included more than numbers. Beyond economic growth, price stability, curren-

cy stability, they looked at legal

safe-

guards, productivity, infrastructure, ease of portfolio investment, banking system,

comrption and crime, and the tax burden. The panel was asked to forecast GDP and average annual inflation for

1996 in the countries

lkli,qfins t(evlirrirr

(.]*r lir:r,[]ir:t'l r,;iic

of the social, economic

covered.

Armenia's projection was highest at 7.3Vo, with Estonia next at 5.3Vo.

Azerbaijan came

in at -l.3Vo and

iustiqeth$

'k-W

ly'AMCSNANCT

ilt E frtlt.@rat I ton ruof"; .4**or tt {fcw PddondglY volttd to i.q-itdlo! abp, tlE fhtt rltncardi ?6e h.r{ Wednerde ln Lbâ&#x201A;Ź fiq,

rirt*t ta tr*.mn roor bbfi.l 6a ndcHo orhbod, ron ,'lk nrnvPeruAg 8acu..dddt' .' u anm lo. ll* lrto l&il (Im' d;. w& crlai "Dtutr Bery/. W dm rrM h slntr Imb. Suffirduyrsv"

ffii

Georgia at0.7Vo.

n odd portrayal of Caucasian Politics appeared in the Economist in mid-November, followed by a look

at Armenia's progress down

the

l trte.

Tha

democratic path by Steve Levine in the New York Times, on November 27. Both articles made it abundantly clear that the Armenian govemment's lack of attention to media manners is costing it heavily on the public relations

*r*rir

and public opinion front. The tone of

il ffi ?, t.rt

both pieces reflected the off-the-record frustration some Western reporters have

with official press spokesmen in Armenia who do little to make a jour-

l.G{

e*, g.Fdr .ri'il+iln*

a.ob u*t"{.i e. Lnl

!r{&

im.*i

lAAh

nalist's life easy.

In an uneven piece, the Economist stressed the temporary nature of peace in the Caucasus, referred to the "Sovietstyle personality cult

of Mr.

Aliev,"

agreed with Shevardnadze's assessment

that "stability in Georgia depends on me" and concluded that "Armenia, per-

fi.4{l

It to tt l{r

ri xi,

q.Ba

ffi *l.Lr

ffi aA.la

:Iflh.* t5,ltx

iffi

?,.,.ffi

36 /AIM

JeNuenv 1996

vber*e&allsld.g: ie&{"€il# Aahe&{"€iut*{ yr r0d da {i* lsd Mtd & ,Fl*AnB I Md & '.3 s@led

$ lra

tut !rI4 ilu,

mffi

8k$

dr of l,

fln

M,h$k{r.,idraddM P}* Xryhn. MN &n. k& & i sii *tr ffd & @85. tudsr:rr A.turr&,@d

hrl h :"q d , !:..h 'lh?r^ryrb r*l dtr'.i i.krfta. .Di :fid trh .nd'x'. *rk l{$401 sl .*''c id NMr i {,iil:{.

&i nl .bx:e{n@. ift

tfi

sofi

-"_ry!E'

h*pation wtlx in )s. . .r+,r? h,*r.f guy aho got ${-m8ii Kqlrtu. ,,{ hw,:rs !fi{q.:s :: : ld & r lr{s{n lrifr Jq.cor f*R JdSr grh E Ysgw.l he n*rE ru?AUiF, ft

-:-*:::*;.:.:-

haps, is less of a one-man show." The article credited Armenia with a more solidly based democracy than that in

Azerbaijan

Georgia and then said

observers and others note that "Armenia

Founded in 1993, the Fourth

has made a clear retreat from its previous enthusiastic commitment to human righs."

Millennium Society is an indepen-

Rather than explaining the problems of nation-building in a nonexistent civil society on the one hand, and the threat to intemal stabiliry presented by the ARF's activities as charged by the president on the other, presidential aide lrvon Zurabian

Georgia was the only one which "remains on the democratic pa*r." Gaidar Aliev's

Azerbaijan, Eduard Shevardnadze's Georgia and Levon Ter Petrossian's Armenia were portrayed as "three brawling drunkards"-an unfortunate metaphor, since those who have seen them working up close say these aren't the CIS leaders who drink. The most worrisome piece, however, was the New York Times article, timed to coincide with the Minsk Group's Bonn meetings of late November. [rvine's piece makes eminently clear that the forceful move by ttre Armenian govemment to ban the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-

responds, "What is wrong with Westem estimations is that they try to compare the

ffi..:rii:gr$3 a

of information and developing an informed public.

it with

firm conviction that the vitality of

What is wrong with Zurabian's flip remarks is that they do little to foster confidence in the principles and standards of the administration as consistently espoused by Ter Petrossian. Indeed, they make it easy for lrvine to quote a westem diplomat who says that Zurabian's boss has become a "pragmatist with the ,urogance of power." sv

SALpI

Harornwm Ggrzqnm

rd &d fr{a du rr{r Y,A a.a &a *!lr ,::::,+fi,rt 3.A O.e 8.4

dissemination

Underpinning all our work is the

an independent press is funda-

mentalto a democratic society in Armenia and democratic institu-

tions in the Diaspora. The Fourth Millennium Society supports Armenian lnternational Magazine

in its effort to contribute to the national dialogue.

Please remember the Fourth

a&ttlhlloarrHaalt tLL*01flrls{ttmcthlnrarafi a I&Eal|dallajnara0l'ttc cartrlityte 0m(bn[rlv*fisrada Itrrrara h ail{. titr !fi*ta ldus.n$d. i,aalrru ! affi*stn.}.ffi$ h? Bdr qdry lr {! d&l-!.d cdml

r$ &6

public charity committed to the

level of democracy here with Westem stan-

dards. Instead, they must compare Soviet times."

Dashnaktsutiun (ARF) has not been matched by an equally sfiong information campaign to explain why. The president's decree is reduced to "a move against the Dashnak." In that context, human rights

dently funded and administered

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dOt0'}0,

Millennium Society with your

ft*

gifrs.

?.1

Think ol the Fourth Millennium

lur{an O,c

0.9 a.ls 6^4

A.1

Society as you prepare your will. We can help you with planned

giving and estate planning.

t;l tr,l *i A.O ilt

Fourth Millennium Society

S.e

+9 9,6

P.0. Box 10793

3.o

Glendale, CA 91209

*'a

Phone (818) 2467979

a"?

Fax (818) 246 0088

*rt,

e.e S"t

AIM JaNunny 1996 I 37

each of us, and, like car-

tographers,

provide

maps for our humanity. Early on, Kazaz aban-

doned the

stiff

realist

paradise of his academic Soviet-styled art school training as well as the West's formalized penchant for abstraction and

conceptualism. He sees both systems as obsolete

and not helpful to the human catharsis within society. He also disclaims any connection to

the self-centered poli-

tical

appropriateness advocated by much of

today's criticism. His disembodied approach

tulythiual

Realities mil Kazaz creates mythologically grounded figures within a realm

of halfJight. His themes are a blend of sensual mysticism and provocative introspection-beauty, love and valor prevail. Kazaz's characters are original, acutely observed and marvelously refreshing---cspecially considering how wellworn this territory is. Although often obscured by the appearance of conformity to Westem classical figurative tradition, his sophisticated and culturally diverse aesthetic psychology produces a living rather than

mummified iconography-not form frozen in time but archetype dancing to our collective internal rhythms. Once

you recognize his anti-formal

dances, the classicism becomes transparent. Kazaz straddles the creative philosophies of two world cultures, East and West, bodies in constant flux. He twists

conventions together. Iridescent Arabic

manuscript illuminations romp with Western compositional restraints----emotion and color confronting line and form.

These myth-shrouded figures push us around, disturb our choices and decision, without slick faddism. They attach themselves to something deep within

40 /AIMJexuenv

1996

to figurative sculpture brings us to the fringe of human nature. At first glance, each piece has the appearance of classical representation; they are about life-serious, enchanting, and somehow transcending our terrestrial utilitarian mortality by edging towards divine inspiration. Yet, upon closer inspection, this isolated poise, cloaked in familiar classical vemacular, lies ruptured by incessant layers of baroque fidgeting and ornamentation. Emil Kaz az's outlandishly provocative drawings are not studies for sculptural pieces-they are separate works and, like his sculpture, also examine imaginary relationships. Sharp and powerful enough to stand on their own, Kazaz's figures possess a lyrical freedom and lightness that make his work inseparable from those artists associated

with the great figure drawing tradition. Kazaz works intuitively, starting in one place and often winding up in another area completely. Usually set in atmospheric and sketchy backgrounds, his characters have breadth and are vigor-

ously three dimensional-as if cast in stone. He pays close attention to the development of volume and mass bY using broad, easy and dignified groupings of raucous lines instead of outlines to imply form. These irregular shapes, accentuated by asymmetric dabs of pastel washes, emphasize Kazaz's clean and spirited approach to drawing. nv Joe Lpwts LEwIs Is AN wHo LIvEs

D,r

ART cRITIc

SoLnHERN CALIFoRNIA.

DoculnBrtinU

ths Tennol' istorian Rouben Adalian, who is the son and grandson of survivors

of the Armenian Genocide, has, over the past eight years, assembled the documentation on the Genocide that is contained in the US NationalArchives and the Library of Congress. The results are the 37,000 pages ofdocuments that have been pub-

lished by Chadwyck-Healey in a 396microfiche set entitled The Armenian Genocide in the U.S. Archives, l9l5' 19 I 8-ahe most comprehensive collection of documents on the genocide set into motion by theYoung Turk regime in 1915.

Adalian includes materials on

violence inflicted on Armenians

the bY

Turkish Nationalist forces from l9l81923, but he distinguishes this violence, the

which included massacres, from

Genocide, seeing it rather as an attempt to terrorize Armenians into fleeing Turkey. The current term for this is that hideous phrase, "ethnic cleansing." Similarly, he describes the massacres of 1894-1896 and 1909 as attempts not to eliminate theArmenians as in 1915, but to put them in their "place."

The documents on the

Genocide

come from many sources, ranging from American consular officials to records of

the War and Navy departments, the Commission to Negotiate Peace, Near East Relief, the American Red Cross, and the papers of US Ambassador Henry Morgenthau and President Woodrow Wilson. Documents include diplomatic

through these documents." There is also contained within the documents the story of the first largescale American effort at humanitarian aid.

An indispensable 476-page "Guide and Index," which can be purchased separately, provides both name and subject access. Thus, one can readily locate all

cables, consular reports, eyewilness les-

of the documents that describe, for

timony, survivor testimony, intelligence

example, the events in a particular location, or subjects such as deportation policy, confiscation of property, orphanages and resettlement of survivors. Many Armenians may be able to leam more about their families since the

reports, relief assistance records, news-

paper accounts and personal appeals. Among the many subjects covered are:

the Archives is that the State Department

acted as a substitute post office during the war, relaying messages and funds to the extent possible. The idea for this monumental task germinated at the Armenian Assembly,

and Adalian, who

Director of it to its conclusion. The result is both the documentation of the Armenian

Research and Analysis there, saw

Genocide and the making of those documents accessible to anyone. A copy of the collection is not cheap; it is slightly over $4000, but given its importance and the vast resources it makes available,

deportation, massacres, mistreatment of women and children, forced conversions, the Young Turk regime and its ideology, resistance to genocide, and relief

inquiries by Armenians in Turkey and by

library and in Armenian centers around

efforts. Indeed, as Adalian says, the "entire process by which the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire was made the victim of a policy aiming to

their relatives in the United States, both during and after the massacres and deportations: attempts to locate a particular family, requests for funds, informa-

the world.

destroy all vestiges

of its existence

documents contain thousands of

tion about reclaiming one's property.

Armenia and Anatolia can be traced

The reason that these are contained in

The Armenian Genocide in the U.S. Archives belongs in every university

sv Rocen Sr4rrH SnarrH rs PRoFEssoR op Socror-ocy

WILLIAM eNo Many

Collece

IN VIRGINIA-

throughout the Soviet Union and the West address financial problems, the need for

reconstruction and upkeep of churches (especially in Karabakh), and the occupation and destruction of churches. When viewed together, the documents depict the by the Armenian Church against the Communist authorities out to suppress the powerful

ongoing and losing battle

institution. Among the more unusual inclusions is a 1925 letter to Catholicos Gevorg V from Deaconess Nune Sargsian, who had fled Shushi and sought refuge in Ashkhabad, asking for assistance. There is also a letter from the Catholicos to Archbishop Yegishe Tourian of New York, extolling him for his position on the use of the tricolor flag and deeming unconstitutional the Diocese decision to remove him from his position.

IulininU the Al'c[iues he transition from an authoritarian society to an open one is a scholar's dream. Archival material that was once inaccessible becomes an open mine. In 1990, Sandro Behbutian, head of the Republic's

Archives Commission, went digging. The result is a 350-page volume

published in 1994 in Yerevan entitled Vaveragrer Hay Ekeghetsu Patmutian

IDocuments from Armenian Church History, l92l-19381. The volume offers nearly 200 documents, mostly correspondence, written by or to clerics, from the beginning of the Soviet period through 1938, "the year when the Communist authorities succeed-

ed in closing all working monasteries in Armenia," Behbutian explains. The letters from various churchmen

A graduate of the Gevorgian College of Ejmiatsin, Behbutian explains that the documents selected for this volume were

from KGB archives heretofore unavailable to scholars. Ejmiatsin's own copies were destroyed long ago. All posrl955 documents, however, are still available in the archives of the Mother See, according

to Behbutian, who is currently working on a second volume which will cover this

era. Publication will depend upon the availability of funding. The first volume

became possible through the efforts of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian of New York. sv GoHln SasarnN

AIM JeNueny 1996 I 41

$ r'r*-*$ ; $

x:r:e

h*$i]

42 I

AIM JANuanv 1996

;rsq#,.

u',*r,

ffiI'Jl?t-t*rr'$

It's

a good

5(}

thing the pic-

ture distinctly Armenia: Khor

represents Virab, near

the Turkish border, with Mt.

Ararat almost within reach, 3600 Dram at Yerevan's Communictions Center, in Republic Square, and use the card at Zvartnots airport, or at one of a half dozen key sites throughout the city. Just to remind you that you really are in Armenia, the other card features an equally beautiful photograph of the Cathedral of Ejmiatsin.

ilffiIfltli

The UN General Assembly resolution which marked 1995 as the Year of Tolerance was introduced by the Turkish Ambassador to the UN-the siune one who (coincidentally?) walked out when Special Austrian Envoy and "Nazi hunter" Simon Wiesenthal spoke during a November 20, 1995, ceremony marking the UN's commitment to tolerance and stressing the need "to inform the world about the genocide not just of the Jews, but also the Armenians, Cambodians and so on."

ffiffi&#'$i

zg o

z j o o f F

o F

(L E

o Part of the job of being president is attending state funcinaugurations, anniversaries and funerals. When President Levon Ter Petrossian attended Israeli Prime Minister Itzak Rabin's funeral in early November, he used his one-day stop to visit the Holy Places, to speak to the Armenians still living within the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and...to visit a 93-year-old colleague. No, Archbishop Norayr Bogharian is not a politician. He is a cleric in the traditional sense, who has spent a lifetime poring over ancient manuscripts and cataloguing them. Ter Petrossian was familiar with Bogharian's work from his own days as scholar at Armenia's Manuscripts Library, the Matenadaran. "I have come to kiss your hand," the president said to the Monk.

tions:

What happens in Yerevan when the federal govemment shuts down in Washington? The US Embassy slows down because its Consular Division is closed. This building, normally surrounded by nearly 100 people on a normal day, waiting for visas or information, is suddenly silent.

AIM JANUARy 1996 I 43

,*t.ri:,Jr:l& ; SS*J,ttu i :gqJJdlt. i :i;- : :+ .-"'.., '?: ..:::..::.. : .1:.::jr::---**

THESE ARE REAL LETTERS TO REAL PE,OPLE. SEND US YOURS sent our family, and for which we're very grateful, helps us on this economic road where we've landed. It's not a new path. Man has been here before. From revolution to materialism. Andy Warhol. Conformism. Liberation from the mater-

Hello, H, Your letter was a surprise! It's been a long time since I've received a letter from anyone. Your little boy's brilliant

and secretive, teasing smile presents quite a riddle. It's hard to tell who he looks like. As much as I try to find myself in my own

son,

ial life. The hippies. Pink Floyd. All this is clear.

I now realize it's

We've talked about this, you and I. What is interesting is to see how we adapt this process. how we change it. in all areas-in art, especially. We will see whether we

pointless. A new person has been born, and although we do share the same physical lines, I should look for the

new in him, not the famil-

really have the spirit,

iar.

the

months ago, I

blood to create-or not;

was reading Gauguin's let-

whether the young kid who sees Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone will simply

Several

ters.

In one, his

wife

blames him for neglecting his children and focusing

exclusively on his art. That was before Areg was bom, and I still had no idea how I would live my life after the birth of my own child. In Gauguin's response, he says, "There are things I must do, which no one else can do. If I don't do them, I will only be half a man. And my child will be the child of a half-man. In the future, he will behave the same way, and we will have generations of incom-

plete humans, a society of the unfulfilled." As Armenians, Gauguin puts us

all in a tough situation. I'm sure you I'm coming from. I'm an artist: I have knowledge, I have dreams; yet, I worry that perhaps I will understand where

not be able to do that which I want to do; will I have the strength? On this land, everything has always been created with great diffrculty. There are great obstacles from the outside,

even while the inner motivation is

immense. Sometimes I think the gods resolve their darkest and foggiest issues through us. First, we must be able to

determine which problems have been thrown at us by the politicians, the economists, the agronomists-in other words, by men-and which have been thrust upon us by the gods. Of course, there are general Prob-

lems which every nation has exPeriIn that regard, the money you

enced.

lAlMJer.ruenv 1996

copy them, or whether

way, with ; will make love his own unique In art. too. our voice. intemal his own I I tendency to copy is great. But time will I tell where, in whose soul, the secret I UomUs are being prepared. witn much longing, your cousin, I

IlW I

,"u, Mr. President, | wn.n you met the President of I I Armenia, you shook hands with him and I said that you will send help to Armenia I but they have not received it yet. I do not mean to be rude or anyI thing. but I was wondering when and I I no* they are going to receive it. I am I asking this question because in the wingot I ter in Armenia this year people only gas I one or two hours of electricity and I and hot water a day. t am a sixth grader and I will be I I going to Armenia in March with my I family to live there for 6 months. I am I hoping that by the time I get there, the I tls aia for Armenia will have arrived I and helped the people living there. I tnant you. and may you and your famiI ty trave a happy and healthy new year. I

sir,."r"ly,

Dear Miss N,

Thank you for your letter to President Clinton regarding US policy toward Armenia. As Director for the Office of Caucasus and Security Affairs at the Department of State,

asked

have been

respond on behalf

the

President.

Many of the newly democratic of the former Soviet Union have experienced extremely difficult transistates

tion periods, Armenia in particular. For that reason, the US has done what it can to extend a helping hand. We have contributed nearly $500 million in humanitarian and technical assistance since 1991, making Armenia the biggest per capita recipient of assistance in the former Soviet Union and one of the largest in the world. This aid has gone to help-

ing Armenian citizens get mazut (fuel

oil) and wheat to survive the winter,

well as provide assistance to farmers to help them produce more. Because of this

and the Armenian government's eco-

nomic reforms, Armenia is one of the few countries of the former Soviet Union to have registered economic growth and low inflation in the past two years. We have also worked with the Armenian govemment and various nongovernmental organizations to help promote democracy and human rights. We will continue to work with Armenia on these issues in the future. This process, however, cannot fully develop until there is a peaceful resolu-

tion of the conflict in

Nagorno-

Karabakh. For this reason, the US has been active in the Minsk Group of the

Organization

for Security

and

Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which

is involved in negotiating a settlement acceptable to all sides. President Clinton remains committed to help end this con-

flict. I hope this has addressed your concems. Sincerely, Stephen M. Young, Director Offrce of Caucasus and SecuritY

Affairs

GtomL&cpxmn El,ENTS

Ani and Ida Kavafian,

& EXHIBITI(,n|S

AR(,UND

THE Ul'(,RLD

The Melkonian Educational

viotinist

joint concert appearances are rare, will appear together sisters whose

Institute,

the AGBU's firsr school,

will mark its 70th anniversary with a series of celebrations. Nicosia, Cyprus, April 17-21, 1996; Los

February 9, Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Phoenix, Arizona; February 10, Catlin Gabel School, Portland, Oregonl February 12, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston Illinois; April 1, Cole

Angeles, California, July 5 - 7,L996.

International Philately Exhibition, in conjunction with the 32nd World Chess Olympiad.

Chapel, Norton, Massachusetts; April 20, Ford Center, Toronto, Ontario.

Yerevan, Armenia, September 15 to

October 2,1996.

Van, Its History and Culture, an exhibit from Urartu to Akhtamar to

a l9th-century period room, featuring photographs and artifacts. Armenian Library and Museum of America, Watertown Square, Massachusetts, through September 1996.

Ft ,.,J.\

International Symposium on the Application of the Theory of Metabolic Regulation to Pain, sponsored by the Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology in Karabakh, will feature intemational scientists and clinicians

The United Nations Habitat 2 Conferencâ&#x201A;Ź on managing urbaniza-

on metabolic regulation of cell excitability and nociception,

tion and improving the living environment will feature a world assembly of

peripheral and central mechanisms of pain, the pharmacology of pain, and pain management in developing coun-

cities, along with sessions on needs and opportunities for investment in

speaking

'.1

tries. Organized by Dr. Vania Apkarian

infrastructure and services in develop-

at the State University of New York at

ing countries. An exhibition of art works from 33 countries will include three from Armenia by Ashot Hovhanessian, Marine Dilanian,

NY 13210, (31\ a64-5787 and Dr. Sirenik Ayrapetian of the University of Nagorno Karabakh, Syracuse,

e-mail:

Martin Petrossian. Istanbul, Turkey,

Biophys@arminco.com. Stepanakert, Karabakh, September

June 1996.

23-29,1996.

Vahe Berberian, Words and Colors, an exhibition featuring the

Information is correct at press time,

artwork of the playwright, critic and artist.. Barnsdall Park Junior Arts

Rea.ders are welcome to submit

Center, Hollywood, California,

mation

February 14 through April

listing.

but please reconfirm dates and times.

for

possible inclusion

infor-

in this

AIM Jnxuenv 1996 I 45

$e ]lalla ]layel'olt* "finmonitn $[olcn llene

ari Luys is not an greeting

uncommon

in a store in

Bourj

Hammoud, Yerevan, or even Los Angeles. But, what if the person behind the counter, offering the

greeting, definitely isn't but Asian, ProbablY

Armenian, Chinese.

As a lifelong Angeleno, it is difficult not to notice the quirky ways cultures are mingling in our city. In certain neighborhoods, where Armenians were once the only noticeable ethnic

presence, they are now joined bY Koreans, Latinos, Filipinos and countless others in a city which is home to tens of thousands of new immigrants each year. Each group arrives with its own customs, food and language, and slowly soaks up some of the offerings of the other groups. Over time, the cultures exchange so much that they fuse and transform

into something new.

The most obvious and simPle form of cultural mingling takes place at the dinner table since PeoPle's appetites are usually more open to foreign spices and textures than they are

to stories of the first genocide of the 20th century. Even the homely lahma-

june has conquered the taste buds of the odars. Walking into an Armenian bakery in the afternoon You'll see Latino schoolchildren stopping in to get the meat pies and cheese beoreks for the walk home. However, You may not wish to tell your grandmother that at Partamian's bakery in a once heavi-

1y-Armenian neighborhood in the heart of old Los Angeles (see AIM, June 1992) that is now Part of the hood, the homeboys like their lahma-

junes topped with melted cheese. Consider the loYal Mexican American clerk who worked for 10 years at one of the oldest corner grocery stores in Hollywood. When the boss was out, the clerk managed the

store single-handedly and answered all questions about sujuk or feta strssss-i1 Armenian.

In all

areas

of dailY life,

the the

crossovers are visible. There is neighborhood gas station whose owners proudly display their ethnic identi-

46 I

AINI Jer-ruenv 1996

ty in their company colors. Red, blue and orange striping borders all their

fluid lines and harmonious colors. Lounging around a camPfire were

signs, the gas pump shelters and even the small building which houses the mini-mart and office. Inside, behind the bullet-proof glass, sit the owners,

each was wearing

an older immigrant couple. Request your pump number in Armenian and upon your return you can make small talk with the wife as you wait for your credit card slip to be printed. "Tank you, hunee" she says, as she sends You on your way. And she's alreadY helPing the next guy in line, "Quieres

Marlboro rojo?" Sometimes, the transformations

are more literal. Serob Restaurant opened in Hollywood with much fanfare-grand opening banners and fly-

ers distributed

all over the neighbor-

hood advertising their menu, which included three types of borscht and four types of dumplings along with other eastern Armenian standards, such as chicken tabaka and the usual kebabs.

A customer visiting Serob's in the

early days found a well-stocked deli case and a hayrig behind the counter

taking orders, while a mayrig cooked

in the back. The stews and dumplings were the real thing-Armenian homestyle dishes at the corner cafe. But what was most striking about the restaurant-a medium sized spot in a small mini-mall-was the mural that covered two of the interior walls. As

you walked in the door You were greeted by a pastoral scene done in

three men, sporting glorious mustaches. Sabers dangling from their belts,

traditional

Armenian village garb, including the sheepskin hats Perched on their heads. One tended the skewers of meat while another smoked a long pipe. On a smaller section of the adjacent wall, a woman with long dark hair dressed in traditional costume, offered the quintessentially Armenian lavash bread in her outstretched arms in a welcoming gesture. Behind her, at a distance, stood the unmistakable Mt. Ararat. If you walked into Serob a few months later, the deli case was gone and the long-winded menu had been

to a few different kebabs and side dishes. InevitablY, Serob closed, and no sooner than it took the work crew to change the sign and repaint the exterior with "Sopas'

truncated

Tortas, Tacos" Serob became Los Tres

Amigos.

If you enter Los Tres Amigos today, you will find those verY same villagers still cooking their skewers of meat-only now they're wearing sombreros. No Aztec pyramids, no Pancho Villa, no Diego Rivera style laborers here. For the new proprietors, nothing

was so essentially Armenian that it

couldn't be transformed

Mexican

with just a few brush strokes. TrxrlNo

PncYro nY SYLvr

DeresshN

Phatolsl Selected ::an .

S"d*y"".

checL or mon$y orden or your credit card inform-ation ts: AIM,207 S. Brand, Glendale, C491204, "r fa* to 818 ,246 .0#.6=. You are assured deliv+-ry of a quility I lx14 inch

print within 4$Krweeks.