The Face of the Caucasus - July 2000 by Armenian International Magazine

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July 2000, Volume 11, No.7

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14 llUlUlow 16 il0t8!00[ 19 Bytos on RIG

24 GlobalPlctrns 26 lrmenla Briols 28 Economic llews & lndlcatons 30 ReglomlBFlsls 60 SpoFts 63 llow ltot lhls $hot 64 lhlanl(cPlaGo 67 Flnst Porso[ 68 U[doroxposGo 70 Essay MITT 44 G0uncll 0l Eun0p0 Armenia is accepted

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59 llynamlG llu0 Nune and Djivan GauGasus

Cover design Patrick Azadian Photo Zaven Khachikian

Struggles and conflicts burning the rich tapestry of the region.

AIM JULY

2OOO

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Responding in Kind Some 12 percent of our subscribers responded to the AIM survey in our January and February issues. Those in the business of dealing with surveys and polls will tell you that's a remarkably high number. We aren't surprised. We know our readers are

Vartan 0skanlan

fumrillr lnbrorllonrl

ilaha[ol

l[r0azin6

(and need) to hear your comments.

Fax 818 246 0088

AIM to cover social quently

Phone 818 246 7979

issues more fre-

sexuality, intermarriage,

E-mail aimagazine@ol.com Edilor-Publisher

Selpi Haroulinien Ghrzaria[ Senior Editor

Hnl3h Tclrilingi.ian Art Direclor

identity, etc." An even greater number

Palricl lzadiar

do not want AIM to stay away from

Assistant to the Editor

controversial topics. Finally, almost unanimously, you said you did not

want AIM to present more articles about the Diaspora at the expense

Hralr Sertis Safiissian Editor at Large

Peril llazrliar Associale Editors

A. H. Alola[ddao, Yrrovan Tony Halpin, Loodon Contlibuting Edilors

llughrs, Lrtlhaw Krrrnletr, Ronald Grl0or Suny, Iallnc Uoskorllchhn John

articles about Armenia.

If all of the above is true, this issue should hit home.

Conlribulin0 Writers

Frlir Goilry, l(rhton fidd Associate Publisher

The cover story by Geneva-based

journalist Vicken Cheterian, is

FoundinO Editor

Founding Publisher ltlichaol

207 South Erand Boulevard, Suite 203 Glendale, California 91204 USA

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Founded in 1990

engaged and committed and we want

Right off the top, our subscribers

Vicken Cheterian, sell-portrait, on{he-road

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knowledgeable outsider's look at our

neighborhood. Cheterian, who cov-

kirung, also Asia. Does AIM need to

Monde Diplomatique and the Swiss Neae Nuercher

directs media related projects in the Caucasus and Central devote space and resources to stories about Ajaria and Daghestan? A careful read tells us that the answer is yes, and more frequently. The Caucasus region, besides being cra-

dle and crossroads, is also complex and complicated.

Tonl

ilolldonirr

Subscriptions Manager

Sol, xtodanian Adverlisin0 Manaqer

Flml ll8lhllarirn Administrative Assislanl

l(8rlne Avodissiel lnterns

Talire J. ilihnriar, Carolim Llvon Thomassian

ilhassirr,

Anl Par.lhkien,

Yo]tvan EuEau 67 Koohbatsi Strftt, No. Phone 533599

E-mail aimarm@arminco.com Coordinator

Anahil I[adi]ossian

Complex and complicated doesn't begin to explain the situation of gays and les-

Assistant

bians within the Armenian community. This story has been on the drawing board here

funa Govo*ia[

for several years. It's been a tough one to do, for obvious reasons. Everyone is curious, and has an opinion. No one wants to speak on the record. As Hrair Sarkissian tackled

Gotar Sahrtian

this topic, however, we found that we'd more than hit a raw nerve. We'd hit a gold mine. The names and titles of the individuals who spoke on the subject (most of them not using their real names) are astonishing. If this were television, the emotional, stirring, moving and charged exchanges between interviewer and interviewee would be

overwhelming.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of AIM. I hope you continue to share your opinions with us and with AIM's readers.

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lnhmrlloml SubcdplloDr rnd Adurildn0 Esprarcniatlrc8 ColBgio lil*trhrish. Virrey dâ&#x201A;Źl Pino 3511 (1426) Euenos Airs, Phore 541 1 4552 Varooj lslsderian, 148 (oola Aw East Killara NSW 2071 Phone 02.9251 28{B: Madaian, P0. Box 370, Haris Park NSW 2150, Phono 029897 18,46; Vahe Katob P0. Box 2fO, Po( Melbom, Viddia 3m7, Phore 03 979,4 0000 Cilad. Bamig Hakimian, 3150 Sarbton StrEt, Sl. buMt, oebe H4B1E3, Phone 514 339 2517 H0[0 Kon0 Jact Maian, RM. rO, 11f, Blok A,26 Kai Cheuno Rd., Xowloon &y, Kowloon, Phone 852 795 9888 lrly Pisrc Balmiil, Via Mod@,61 MA, Rm, Phore 995 1235 Lltano[ Zartolhi Kabakian, P0.8ox 55660. Bekut. L$anon, Phone (1) 510212 Udtld Emlntr! Guliar Jonian, P0. Box 44564, Abu Dlubi, UAt, Phone 971 2 644 r2'1, Fu 971 644 8191 Utrilid mlgdom Mi$k ohilian, 't05A Mill Hill Rd. Aclon, l"ondon r,V3&lF, Phone 020 899? 4621 3590 lsfrrlh ^llodlir

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We welcome all communication. Although we read all letters and submissions, we are unable to acknowledge everythin0 we receive due to limiled sbtfing and resources. Letlers l0 lhe Editoi may 6e edited lor publication.

AIM JULY

2OOO

that happens, it will mean that Armenians and Turks are no longer what they used to be. They have both grown beyond their previous limitations. In my mind there simply is no other way.

Arthur Saginian Saugus, California

AIM is by far among the most, if not the most literate, politically astute news magazine on the market. Each month I delight in the straightforward editorials and the historical, political and cultural-social contextualizing of the articles. The May 2000 issue featuring Armenian Turkish Dialogue is stunning. For these reasons, I plead with you to desist from promoting the tobacco industry, even if it does create jobs and revenue in the troubled econo-

Seeing Both Sides This is in response

to Carl

Robichaud's

"Armenian Turkish Dialogue" (Cover Story, May 2000) and the possibility of awakening and change in the landscape of the modem Tirrkish mind as it attempts to face its own identity, and its relationship to its closest neighbors. The words of Jean-Claude Kebabdjian in his November address at the Istanbul Book Fair are still ringing in my head: "One cannot

enclose a culture within frontiers or in the past... we have the oppormnity to see both sides of history to lift the face of the mirror and to truly learn about each other." These words are a declaration of truth and reality it would be wise to listen to them, understand what they mean, and begin living by them. The most significant contributing factor to the perpetuation of any conflict is the lack of

my, and even if Grand Tobacco is a major contributor to The Fourth Millennium Society. I implore you to consider the costs of respiratory disease and ear infections in young children and adults, cancer, asthma, and high mortality in the young republic. And, how much the contributions of time and expertise of countless health care professionals to Armenia are under-

mined by the continuing use

tobacco. I

salute your efforts of encouragement and com-

mitment to the state. I believe the tobacco ad so blatantly placed on the back page does a disservice to you and to your beloved cause. Molly Freeman, PhD Berkeley, California

Mail, April 2000) my heart broke in pieces. I want to tell him to listen to himsell and never to ourjudgmental nation. Our people gets

joy out ofjudging and ridiculing one another, is attached to religion, shame, and guilt, loves to kill your self esteem, and is constantly looking for ways to betay you. Until recently, I was in denial about my sexuality. For years I lived with self loathing, disrespect, shame, anger and loneliness. I lost my youth years for the sake of amot andwhatothers mightthink about me and my family. Who's going to give me my youth years back now that they're gone? Be yourself, we deserve happiness just like anyone else. Don't let your sexuality get in the way of your talents, and self esteem.

Name withheld upon request

Missing the Golden Years "Dr. Ana S. Avakian may have been tained aerospace technology, but his career in Armenian studies makes him one of the renaissance men..." (WhereAreThey Now, May 2000.) After looking through Avaki an's Armenia, A Joumey Through History, it seemed to me

that the years from November 1920 to September 1991 were lost in the expanse of 7 I years get lost in space?

the universe. Did the

It is without question that the author has done a fine job in presenting to the Englishreading public this very practical book, and I have used this book as an additional resource

in my teaching. But where is the history of seven decadesJong history of the Armenian

Appreciating the Diagnosis

am one of the earliest subscribers of AIM and I always read all the articles in every issue of your wonderful magazine. I have found many articles very instructive in their content and analysis. "What's On tlrc Horizon" by Richard Beilock (Cover Story April20ffi) is an excellent

appreciation for the other side's perspective. Awakening and acceptance are the only means to real peace. Not a negotiated peace, or a legislated peace, but a real peace which is based on the realization that borders, languages, religions, customs, and physical features do not constitute a material difference between peoples. These are superficial differences which can be changed and even eliminated. They are not absolute. Once this is recognized it becomes easier to begin facing those you once called your enemies. It would be nice to think that Turks have flnally arrived at a point at which they can sincerely address the embarrassing clutter in their historical closet. It would also be nice to think

analysis of the problems, which Armenia has faced since her independence. Like an expert doctoq Richard Beilock diagnoses the causes of ttre difficulties which Armenia suffers and suggess ttreir cures. I wish every responsible person in Armenia and every conscious Armenian in the Diaspora reads that article and fties to do something for our beloved country. I thank him particularly for the final paragraph of the article, which I quote for us all to remember: "Armenia is a valiant country,

that Armenians are likewise prepared to

Embracing a Stranger

address their own actions. A sincere regret deserves complete forgiveness, contingent on the fact that past horrors will not recur. When

This is in response to what that young man had written about his sexuality. After reading his letter in your magazine (Other People's

Soviet Socialist Republic? Wasn't it during those years that the one-tenth of historical Armenia which was saved became Soviet Armenia, that Armenia which today exists de facto and de jure as the Republic of Armenia?

It is strange, incomprehensible and unfair not to speak about the Armenian people's real renaissance which took place in - the Soviet

era. Historiography requires that past eras, with its good and bad days, be justly evaluated. I am also surprised that AIM made no comment in this regard. Minas Kojayan Van Nuys,

Califumia

Helping the Economy

are

Regarding "Helping a Nation, One Person at a Time," (View, May 2000) the simplest way

heirs to one of the most remarkable histories

to help our homeland help itself would be to

bright."

have 100,000 Armenians a year (out of over

with a friendly and literate people who on Earth. Its future can and should be

Bedikian Nicosia, Cyprus Sossy

AIM JULY

2OOO

Correction Anna from Stepanakert, Karabakh, writes: "ln Armenia Briefs, April 2000, the Sisian telethon revenues (350,000 Dramsl should have been presented as $650. not$6,500."

Thc Fourth Millennium Society is an indepcndently funded and administered public charity committed to the dissemination of information for the purpose of dcvcloping an informcd public. Underpinning all our work is the firm conviction that the vitality of an indepen-

three million Armenians in the Diaspora) vacation in their homeland for a couple of weeks, and spend an average of $1,000 each in the

dcnt prcss is fundamental to a democratic society in Armenia and dcmocratic institutions in the Diaspora. Thc Founh Millennium Society publishes Armetrian loternational

local economy as they normally would anyway while vacationing elsewhere. That would grow Armenia's GDP at over 30 percent a year and solve most (if not all) of its economic problems.

Magazine in its effort to conribute to the national dialogue. The directors are grateful to the Benefactors, Trusiecs, Patrons and Friends of the Fourth Millcnnium Society who are committed to the well-being, growth and development of Armenians and Armenia through the promotion of open discussion and the free flow of information among individuals od organiations. Their finmcial conributions suppon ihe work of the Fourth Millennium Society and ensure the independence of AIM. Michael Nahabet, Raffi Zinzalian, Dircctors

I just returned from my first visit to Armenia and was so impressed that I am planning to go back again in three months. Everyone should go see their homeland firsthand and as soon as possible. C e sar J acque s C hekij ian

Livingston, NJ

Princely Remains in a "Palace" Kudos for excellent work in general and for taking a bold and insightful stand on issues in particular. We have been noticing a very welcome and timely trend in transliteration. We may have many differences but orthography and transliteration need not be one of them. On the contrary, as insignificant as it may seem, uniformity may be more than a token gesture, it may be one ofthe very few factors of Armenian reality to contribute to our unity and perhaps one of the least complicated and less painful of all. AIM may have been one of the very few

DIRECTORS

Alex Sarkissian, Bob Shamlian, Raffi Zinzalian. BENETACTORS Sarkis Acopian, Albert and Tove Boyajian, The Cafesjian Family Foundation, Inc. Hirair Hovnanian, The Lincy Foundation, Louise Manoogian Simone

SEMORTRUSTEES AUSTRALIA Heros & Kate Dilanchian CANADA Razmig Hakimian, Kourken Sarkissian HONG KONG Jack Maxian USA CAArmand & Nancy Arabian Khachig Babayan, George & Flora Dunaians Araxie M. Haroutinian, George & Grace Kay, Joe & Joyce Stein RI Papken Janjigian FOUNDING TRUSTEES AUSTRALIA Varoojan Iskenderian USA CA Garen Avedikian, Mardo Kaprielian, Edward MisserliSn, Bob Movelf, Varoujan Nahabet, Norair Oskanian, Emmy Papazian, Zareh Sarkissian, Raffi Zinzalian FL Hagop Koushakjian PA Zarouhi Mardikian ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES USA CA Vartkes and Jean Barsam, Armen and Gloriat Hampar, Walter and Laurel Karabian, Gary and Sossi Kevorkian, Ralph and Savey Tufenkian NH Jeannette John Armenian Jewelers' Association Commerce Casino Hasmik Mgrdichian, George Tumanjan Grand Tobacco Hrand and Mikayel Vardanian ISB Group Armen & Ketty Kazandjian Law Office of Aris Artounians Aris and Karine Artounians Ourfalian and Ourfalian Rafi and Sarkis Ourfalian NASA Services Inc Sam and Elizabeth Sarkisian, Nick and Kamelia Sarkisian, Arsen Sarkisian Pacific Sales Jerry Turpanjian Remax of Glendale Vahe and Aida Yeghiazarian Yerevan Hotel

publications that took the pains to spell (Bash)

Aparan conectly "General Dro Reburied in Armenia, Armenia Briefs, June 2000." Albeit,with a slight departure. There is no Bash Aparan (anymore).

is Aparan, please!

Aparan, a town in the Aragatsotn district was, until recently, the seat of ttre county of the same name. It was known as BashAparan until

1935 when the turkifying qualifier was removed. There may be historical relevance for using the obsolete format since that is the way it was known during General Dro's campaign. Aparan may be well suited to contain the princely remains of a hero. It means "palace". And, yes, Dro. Not Tro. Keep up the good work. Zohrab Heghinian Clifton Park, NY AIM needs your help. Global Agenda -an international calendar 0l events will appear in AIM each

month, featuring inlormation about major cultural and political events, conlerences, exhibits, concerts and other activities 1)around which someone may wish to arrange a lravel schedule or 2) an organization in another part of the world may want to bring to their commu-

PATRONS AWENh Khachatur and Rouzanna Soukidsian

AUSTMLIA Arman ed Nairi Derderym Anin Ermekjian George and Vanouhi Tavoukjian Mack Vahaniu Anonymous CALIFORNIA USA

Mihran and Elizabeth Agbabim Gmabed Akpolat Harry and Alvan Barseghian Aram and Tercz Bassenian Daniel Behesnilian Berj and Hera Boyajian Hagop and Violet Dakessian Ardash and Marian Derdedan

Dimitri and Tamara Dimitri Steve and Lucille Estephanian Manoushag Femanian Oagik and Kn{ Galstian Vahan and Audrey Gregor Piefte and Alice Haig Shahen and Mdha Hdoutunian Arpia and Hemine Janoyan Z. Grcg Kahwajian Jack and Mtro Kalaydjian

nity. Please send all relevant information lull logistics and contacts (and il possible, a visual) - at least four months in advance to: AlM, 207 S. Brand Blvd, Suite

203, Glendale, CA 91204 USA.

e-mail

Kevork md Satenig Kilajerjian Nishanl md Sona Kazazian Kirk md Ann Kesapyan John and Rose Ketchoyan Zaven and Sona Khanjian

Krikor IGikorian Julie Kulhmjia md Roger Strauch Louis and Grace Kurkjim Dora Seruiuian Kuhn Avik Mahdesiant Stepm ud Erdaik Mrkrian Htrout ild Rita Mesrobian Edwdd and Alice Navasargian

Ammd O. Norehad Kenneth ed Cindy Norian Rafi Ourfalian Michael md Hemine Piranim Hmtch md Helga Silkis Alex Sukissian Robert and Helen Shamliil Sun Platics, Inc. Petrcs and Goine Taglyan Ara and Avedis Taviti0 Gaidzag and Dzovig Zeidian CANADA

Iruise Aznavour Migirdic and Ani Migirdicym

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CONNOCTICUT USA Louis T. Hagopian CVPRUS

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CYPRUS Roupen Kalfayo

AIM JULY

2OOO

USA

Kevork Atinizian

Richad Simonian MICHIGAN USA George Chamchikian

Alex Man@giant Kirakos Vapurciyan NEVADA USA

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Harry and Aida Koundakjian Vahe Nishaniant v. John ed Lucille G. Sdkissian Harout Topsacalim UNIIED XINGDOM Dimn and Suzi Chakelian

OFAIM

to:

Htrout Istmbulim

LEBANON

The Founh Millennium Sciety is grateful to the following for connibuting during the ldt month to ensure AIM'S finmcial independence

AlMagazine@aol.com. Fax: 818.246.0088. AIM does not guarantee the publication of all submissions.

2OOO

Shahen Hairapetian, Armen Hampar, Zaven Khanjian, Michael Nahabet,

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Bringing Back the Dispossessed Tolerance is necessary to utilize all resources There are so many issues to be resolved in the Diaspora, that it's understandable why the societal problems of gay and lesbian Armenians (see page 48) isn't on anyone's list.

or ignore or blame the subjects for gefting into these non-ftadition-

Yet, when professional, capable people are leaving the community, it's time to seek altematives. The purpose of this essay is not to defend (or attack) homo-

The only worthwhile and defensible answer is to accept and include all those who are Armenian by choice, regardless of their language skills, parentage, profession, social circle or lifestyle.

sexuality. Whether it's a lifestyle choice or a biological given, the fact remains that there are individuals who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. It is not their sexuality that is the issue here. What is at issue and at stake - is the real choice that is being made by those who

al situations is absurd. To pretend they don't exist is senseless. Finally, it is tlrc definition ofArmenianness that is being questioned.

feel they cannot be simultaneously Armenian and gay. The fre-

And regardless of their sexuality. Gay and lesbian Armenians are not looking for converts. They are simply looking to be allowed to be who they are. In fact, it seems inarguable that those who come back to the community, willingly - indeed fight to get in - are unquestionably committed to their identity.

quent choice is to opt out of the community because it is perceived to be - or because it actually is - intolerant and unaccepting. That is the problem that must be confronted. Armenia and Armenian communities around the world are not so populous that a numbers drain - of any kind - is permissible. In

They have already fought one battle and proven that although they are different, they are nonetheless equal in capabilities, sensibilities, thoughts and actions, to any other member of society. Thus, they are an asset to a community that has daily to prove to itself, its young people and the larger society that

the 2lst century, in urban centers around the world, Armenians are going to be facing choices and making decisions which are not in line with the rules of this fraditional community. To abandon or oust

being bicultural and bilingual is not a liability, but an asset in

Sque eztngWater

21st century society.

Throwing them out makes no sense.

from Stone

Beauty contests and expos are designed with minimal resources A flrst time visitor to Armenia invariably comments on the attention wittr which women, especially, care for their looks and their homes. And visitors, even return visitors, marvel at how all this is done when water has to be carried up flights of stairs, toilets and showers are washed with buckets, air conditioning is rare, and the neighborhood beauty supply store is a stand on a street corner. Frequent and infrequent travelers also can't help but take note

Music, lights, action. It all needs to come together, regardless of the difficulties, problems, gaps and lags. And somehow, magically,

it does. For an exposition of culture and economy to succeed, local and outside resources and capabilities need to be brought together to

make arks out

of plywood,

earthen ovens out

aluminum.

Technicians and musicians have to be assembled, costumes have to

of the ingenuity that goes into any construction, reconstruction,

be rigged, displays have to be designed and constructed.

maintenance and renovation job. In the absence of a comer hardware store, ingenious use is made of the most ordinary materials. Recycling takes on new meaning. The results are improved con-

This is all in a day's work, if materials are available. But, even without easy (or affordable) nails, pins, adhesives, paint, cable, fabric

ditions for adults, children, pets and workers.

age to display resourcefulness is incredible.

Multiply each of these realities and reactions several times and imagine what it takes to stage a beauty contest (see page27) or participate in an international expo (see page 28.) Beauty contest contestants need clothes, a change ofclothes, irons and ironing boards,

cosmetics, lights, cleansers, appropriate shoes and other accessories. Everything needs to match, everyone needs to be in sync. t4

- in a word,

everything

how Armenia and Armenians man-

And this, in sectors where outside help and assistance is minimal. Diaspora organizations help schools and orphanages. No one helps the beauty contest participants or organizers. Expo designs and construction are handled by local experts and professionals. With boundless creativity and inventiveness.

AIM JULY

Imagine what they could do with some real

2OOO

resources. r

((You haue the advantage of being Americans who are empourered and anchored by their rich Armenian heritage. lntegrate your identities in the most constructive way and reject any loolish advice that might suggest that you have a disadvantage to overcome.rien

W0MEN'S RIGHTS: A UN committee overseeing the implementation of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) asked Armenia to "use the [countrys] educational system and electronic media to combat the traditional stereotype of women

'in the noble role of mother,' " it ordered Kyrgyzstan to legalize homosexuality, China to legalize prostitution.

yacouoian

Principal ol the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, to the graduating Class of 2000

THE RED GARD: Azerbaijans Ambassador to the US, Hafiz Pashayev, testifying before a US Congressional commission stated that as a result of

((Jobs, Bread, Free Election, Karabakh. r,

Congressional ban on direct US government aid to his country, students

-Rally motto, Union of Pro-Azerbaijan Forces

([ Our quest for historical justice does not, at all,

in Aaerbaijan used old textbooks that present "the US in a communist way, s0 to speak," he said. "As a result of Section 907, for a number of

imply a hostile attitude toward the Turkish people. Repentance elevates and purifies peoples;

years Azerbailani students studying English had to use old communist era textbooks because the American ambassador could not donate modern

it does not humiliate them. r,

Robert Kocharian

English-language texts to Azerbaijan."

President of Armenia

G0ING UP: With 40 years of mountain climbing behind him, Lev

(!Today my ministry has only 140 Armenian Drams (25 cents) in its bank account. !!

Sarkisov, 61, until recently the oldest person to reach Mt. Everests sum-

-David Vardanian

mit, led an expedition of fortysomething dotcom executives to 20,320leet (6,194 meters) high Mt. McKinley in Alaska. Shant S. Hovnanian,40, a

com me nti

s,, fl l:ilil

Iffi i,Tffil'jifl

(6ll

one businessman earns 100,000 in Azerbaijan, in the end he will be lett with only 28,000 from this sum in his hands. It can be said that this man spends his earnings on taxes. tl a r itai n

s RmoaslsISP,T

JiflTf,

Company founder, Chairman and Chiel Executive Olficer of Speedus.com was among the climbers. Sarkisovs Everest record was broken by a 63year old Japanese mail service manager in late May, but the veteran

climber and others intend to hit the summit again next year.

IIThe

Turkish government's obdurate resistance to organized Kurdish political participation has become an anachronism; even Saddam Hussein is more open to cooperation with (some) Kurdish groups than Turkish nationalists

are'tt

-Ted Robert Gurr Director, Minorities at Risk Project, University ol Maryland

NIYET! Relatives of Lavrenty Beria, the notorious head

the Stalin era

Soviet secret police responsible for mass purges and state terror, asked the Russian Supreme Court to overturn his 1953 death sentence. The

court refused, arguing that Beria "was a bloody figure on whose conscience lies thousands of murdered people, and there can be no lorgiveness for him." Beria, a close confidant of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, was in charge of a vast network of labor camps where millions of people suffered and died.

IIYour inquiry asked if Armenian monasteries in ilakhichevan, who haue lields ploughed by monks or, by rent_ed_labor, should pay taxes in cash and kind to the treasury. I lind that colteCting talres lrom monasleries for using their own lields is against our regulations, and is indecent. However, il the said monks are using slate lands lor agricultural purposes, then they have to pay the necessary tares to the treasury.ll

*,,, *g,l,Tf 1l Li[lx' fi 3 SlfJl:x to the Administration of the Armenian Province, May 182g Source: George Bournoutian, ed. Russia and tha Arnenkns of Tnnscaucasia, Dacuments 1827-1831.

AIM JULY

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Anmgnians 0l l$tan[ul

ilouemren,,',

In November 1990, Kevork Imirzian wrote: On December 20, 1989, a grief-ridden Shnork Kaloustian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul made a tip to Ankara Turkey to meet with President Turgut Ozal and hime Minister YtldirimAkbulut. The occasion for the visit was the onus of presenting to the men in power a document that requested govemment action to rcmedy certain grievances voiced by his constituents. As much as this practice had become a rite of passage for a long line of patriarchs over the centuries, ttrc ponffi was ffilling his duty as political leader, a role assigned to his throne by tlre Ottoman authorities back in 1461, and not solely as a spiritual leader of a Cluistian denomination. The Armenians of Istanbul, of coune, are much more than a religious minority. Having been denizens of the ciry even before the Ottomans conquered it in 1453, they have always been a vital element of this potis situated on the crossroads of two continents. As the city of Istanbul has grown with leaps and bounds, the Armenian communi-

ty, its largest minority group, has shrunk to a nominal presence. In the last 20 years alone, thousands of families have left Turkey for good to settle in Detroit, Montreal, New York France, and Buenos Aires. The heaviest concentration in Los Angeles has ffi e a population that has soared to around 10,000. The ongoing exodus has caused an immediate crisis for the schools and churches while raising grave concems about the future of the Armenian community

A= a

'.r:lt

"'1r"'r

iili Snipped of any political ambitions and regarded as pariahs in anghing outside of business, commerce and handful of white+ollarprofessions, IstanbulArmenians have been obliged to concentrate tlreirenergies on making a living or making money while hanging on tlre few symbolic insdffiions to geserve tlreir religious and ethnic identities. The struggle has never been an easy one and the conditions they face may seem grating to those in the Diaspora who are used to taking their cultural and political freedoms for granted. '"The community here now concentrates on how to preserve what it has in terms of schools, churches and few alumni clubs," says an active member of the community. The conscious Armenian, regardless of status or class, leads a life of wistfirl resignation - not so much resigned to fate, but resigned from all idealistic, nationalistic and ribal pride.

AIM JULY

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NOTEBOOK

Uahe 0s[auan:

I[e Last Man ol letten$ for many younger writers. His articles, poems and interviews - in which he did not sufler fools gladly - were everywhere. When the devastation of the Lebanese Civil War began, he emigrated to the US with his family, remarried, and continued to write (always) and teach

Vahe Oshagan was - and a week after his death I am still not reconciled to having to write that verb in the past tense - tJle last man of letters in the Armenian Diaspora. Of course there are still numerous joumalists, columnists, poets and short story writers, and the occasional novelist, who write in Armenian in the Diaspora, but he was the last man of letters in the full sense of that word; he did it all. He was a scholar who knew more about the development of the Armenian Press in the nineteenth century than anyone now living. He was an intellectual who possessed all the requisite talents of that abused term. That is, he had ideals about humanity and his own special segment of humanity, the Armenian people; he had political commitments that he worked to keep consistent with his moral ideals; he had advanced knowledge about an aspect ofArmenian life and culture; and, for-

(sometimes), both in this country and in Australia, where his wife Arsine served as principal of an Armenian school. He returned to settle in Philadelphia, where he died on Thursday the 29th of June, of complications from heart surgery. Only a few older critics and poets will now remember the impact of Badouhan (Windoq 1956), the book of poems that did what Vahe promised and tfueatened - threw

open the windows on the stuffy room of Middle Eastern Armenian poetry of the late 1950s. Other books followed, most important-

Kaghak (City,l963), Ahazank (Alarm,

1980), Artartsanner (Suburbs,

mulating his views out of the crucible of those commitments and skills, he communi-

Hampouyr (Kiss, 1996), along with plays and

cated his views about literature and the

poems and the endless columns which

Armenian condition articulately, provocatively and prolifically. He was a critic who came closer to reading every new book published

always read before anything else in any periodical the mail brought. What is left? A prose style so saturated with his mind and personality as to be uniquely, unmistakably his own, his voice instantly

in Armenian in the past two decades than I know, and he had something to say about them in his frequent reviews in anyone

recognizable by any literate Armenian. A sfieam of poexry, abundant, irresistible, sometimes careless and often powerful, some of which will always be included in any future

Asbarez, which were widely reprinted and informed the Diaspora's writers about what their colleagues elsewhere were up to. Last but not least, he was an artist who wrote in several gemes, but whose poety was especially good and had an abiding influence on two generations ofyounger poets. Vahe was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the son of Araxie and Hagop

Oshagan. His father, who had barely survived the Genocide, was the most important man of letters of his generation, a writer whose criticism remains formative and whose prose fiction - massive, painful, ambitious and remarkable - may well have been the one paternal burden his son could not deal with effectively. So he became the poet his father was not. The family lived in Cyprus and Jerusalem, where Hagop taught and Vahe acquired fluency in both English and French. After World War II he did his massive doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne in Paris, on nineteenth century Armenian literature and the Press. He was in Paris when Jean-Paul Sartre was King, Simone de Beauvoir his consort Queen and Albert Camus the Prince Regent of French letters, and he struggled with the heritage of existentialism, European modernism and urbanism in ways that bore fruit throughout his work. Returning to the Middle East, Oshagan taught in Beirut at the American University and elsewhere. For a while he was in danger of becoming a professional iconoclast of modern Armenian letters. But he overcame the temptation of easy invective and instead became the scourge of the more pretentious older writers and an enabling figure

1991),

anthology of the formative poetry of modem Armenian, if anyone in the Diaspora or Armenia has the time and esthetic taste to put together such an anthology. He himself was a master poet of defenal, of the claim that life was all around us and yet elusive, hard to grasp in mind and art, so paradoxically with us and always just out of reach, like Ararat on the other side of the border. Yet he lived a full and productive life. He loved - his family and the Armenian people, which he chastised with the passion of the disappointed lover and praised fervently even while castigating some of its leaders and other failures. He received the love of many and the admiration of many more (and, yes, the dislike of his enemies, which, had he wished, he could have worn like medals). And he left behind his work, about which he had this to say in a letter to my father in 1975: "What else is there? Life, the world and - but who cares - my life. And the work, irreplaceable and important, though we smile at the claim, and the independence of the work from its author, work which one day will not need its author." We still needed Vahe Oshagan; we will have to console ourselves with his work. -Khachig T0l0lyan

Tiit6lyan is Prolessor of Comparative Literature at Wesleyan University, editor of Diaspora.

AIM JULY

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and

NOTEBOOK

Roses and Waten

It is the coolest day in all of summer. On a certain hot July afternoon, children tkoughout the Middle East and Armenia douse all unattentive passers-by with water. Why? Because it's Vardavar. Actually, it's the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on the Christian calendar. It comes 98 days after Easter. But it has retained all the customs and symbolism of the pagan holiday Vardavar, which was closely associated with the goddesses Asdghik and Anahit. The feasts of fertility were interlinked with Vardavar (and the later Feast of the Virgin Mary). In his book, The Armenian Church Feasts, the late Archbishop Artak Manookian explains that, until recently, in those regions where grapes ripen early, the ceremony of blessing grapes was performed at Vardavar instead of waiting for the feast of the Virgin Mary in August. The goddess Asdghik was offered roses (uard, in Armenian) on her feast day. According to a legend, whenever the goddess walked barefoot, her feet bled, and from the drops rosebushes sprung up. But the name may not have anything to do with roses. Vardavar may be composed of the Sanskrit words'. Vard meaning water and yar meaning sprinkle. Thus, the association with the adoration of water, as well. In modem times, it's gone a bit beyond adoration. It's become allout water fights, usually started by children, but often dragging in everyone else, as

well.

Above: Celebrating Vardavar in Yerevan. Photos by Armineh Johannes.

AIM JULY

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tuuhnrlmlnlhe[|$ Armenian President on a Working Visit to Vfashington, DC Texl & Photos by MATTHEW KARAlllAll

he Arnrenian President Robe$ Kochar-

ian, could not conceal his pleasure. With its sirens wailing, his motorcade had just whisked him to the

White House for a meeting with President Clinton. As Kocharian stepped out of his limousine, he looked up and saw the outsfretched hand of Mary Mel French, the US Chief of Protocol.

And for one brief instant, this typically reserved and frequently reticent man allowed himself an indulgence. He flashed a smile that was almost a grin and that said more about

him than all of the words he had used during five days of visits to public officials tlroughout Washington, DC. The smile said, "Armenia has arrived."

and gone, and both tp andAnrenia had already anived. The brevity of this accomplishment, and of the subsequent meeting with ksident

Kocharian was still getting out of his car. He hadn't finish€d standing uprighq and he hadn't yet graspedthe outsrerchedhandof theChief of

Kocharian's five-day visit to Washington. Beginuing on June 25, Kocharian participatrd in a lengthy succession of brief metings with senators and representatives, business leaders and newspper editon, and diasporans and ambassadors. Kocharian spoke a lirle, listened a lot, and seemed to ovedookno ore,, The meetings in the US did not result in any foreign policy announcements. There also

Protocol in a firm handshake. The rnembers of his delegation had not yet approached and &e US Marine gumd who stood at rigid attention hadn't yet allowed himself to breathe. All of this had not yet happened, and Kocharian's flash of pleasurehad already come

AIM JULY

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Clinton,

characieristic

much of

{&'pr*,

were no concrete accon-rplishments involving the economy or the private sector according to a spokesman for the president. Instead. the apparent benefit to Armenia from the participation of its president in these meetings was fiom the cultivation and maintenance of personal relationships with American leaders. Early in the week. Vice President Al Gore met with Kocharian at the State Dept..

and then hosted an elegant state dinner. Kocharian and Gore enthusiastically greeted each of the 8O-or-so guests. When it was tirne fbr a toast, the Vice President raised his glass

of white wine and told Kocharian "l am confident that with your leadership, Armenia's

flsffir'

great rejuvenation can be achieved." Gore, the presunlptive Democratic nomi-

Left: President Robert

Kocharian with US Vice

PresidentAl Gore in Washington Top, right: Kocharian with US President Bill Clinton.

right:

r rtXru

Bottom,

The ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb 0f

the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines received the President; the US Army band played Mer Hairenik.

AIM JULY

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nee for president, was cenainly sending a signal to Armenian-American voters for his own

reasons. But, with the possibility of eight years ahead of him as president of the US, Gore may have also have been interested in cultivating good relations with the Armenian leadership.

At &e White House the next day, Clinton met with Kocharian in the Oval Office, and reportedly discussed the Karabakh peace process, as well as eronomic issues. He proceeded later in tlrc day to lay a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery. Throughoutthe week, Kocharian also used

Kocharian had meetings at the IMF and at the

World Bank. He atlended the symbolic opening of the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, and while he was there he patienG ly posed for photographs not only with the leaders of &e Armenian-American community, but also with college students and retirees. Kocharian didn't snub anyone. Kocharian even went to Georgetown one night, to visit tlre Blues Alley Jazz Club, and

on the previous night he didn't shy away

his Watergate hotel suite as the venue for several meetings. Robert Dole walked over one day, to meet Kocharian for lunch at one of the hotel's restaurants. At another time, Kocharian hostedAmbassador Peter Rosenblatt and other leaders of the American Jewish Congress. Kocharian also met with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in the Capitol building and with Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy at the Armenian Embassy. He had a meeting with House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, and congressional members the Armenian Caucus.

with

The world's financial leaders weren't omitted from Kocharian's schedule, either. Above: At the symbolic opening of the Armenian Genoclde Museum and Memorial in Washington DC.

Bight

President Kocharian with Armenian

Assembly Board ol Directors Cfnirman Van Kikorian.

AIM JULY

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from bellying up to the bar with leaders of the Armenian Assembly of America at a swank downtown Washinglon hotel. One more week in Washington, and he might have been elected Mayor. Kocharian also rpt-triyafoly - with the editor of the Washington Posr. But, as with most of the president's meetings, this meeting, too. was part ofa long-fimge procpss ofdeveloping

relations. Kocharian's visit to the US wasn't r nEntioned in the Post. At least not yet.

GlrinrG Eicet$ KoGhaiien in Pani$

The presidents o1Armenia and France met at the Elysee Palace on June 30, immediately lollowing Kocharianb visit to the US. France, together with the US and Russia,

co-chairs the Minsk Group of the 0SCE, charged with finding an acceptable resolution to the Karabakh conflict. At the same time, France is a maior player in European structures, lrom which Armenia expects and needs economic and development assistance. The large Armenian community in France has in recent years continued lo publicly demand the French government's recognition of the Armenian Genocide by holding frequent (and large) demonstrations. One was held just days prior to the arrival ol the Armenian president.

Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev, and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Ivanov.

Discussions focused

on bilateral political,

economic and military issues, including reduction of Russian gas tariffs, deferment of Armenia's debt to Russia, Armenians studying at Russian military academies and eco. nomic joint ventures. The visit came just days after President Kocharian was in Moscow for a CIS heads of state summit.

GonGnGnGc The regular CIS leaders summit took place in Moscow on June 21. On the eve of that meeting, however, the presidents of ttre three Caucasus republics met together with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting afforded presidents Kocharian and Aliyev to meet again after a long hiatus. The CIS meeting focused on the recurring subjects of security and economic development and integration.

ffiiinileffiniin6i- ifii

4:4

i:'

High Level Ui$it to Mosconu Defense Minister and Secretary of Armenia's Security Council, Serge Sargsian,

paid a working visit to Moscow and held meetings

with Russian President Vladimir

Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov,

on'lnmenhn-

Iunkish llialogue Gonuenes in the Fnenc $enate

papers wrote long and frequently on the sub-

ject of dialog. While rejecting the "bellicose and hostile" approach of the speakers from Armenia, the Turkish writers and columnists called on the Tirrkish government to cease from repeating the age-old "nothing happened" Iine and come to the table to establish normal relations with Armenia. "Neither the

Karabakh conflict

June 17 which featured the director of Armenia's Genocide Museum, Laurenti Barseghian, Armenia-based Turkish scholar Hakob Chakrian, as well as Historian Jirair Libaridian, who for seven years was senior advisor to former Armenian President l-evon

Ter Petrossian. Turkish scholars, too, spoke during a program organized by Jean Claude KebaMjian of CRDA under the auspices of French Senate President Christian Poncelet.

Kebabdjian called for a spirit of tolerance. "[rt us not continue to use language which we wouldn't want to hear," he said. Turkish news-

AIM JULY

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(pul$ion Gneatc$

lliplomatic lension an

The Paris-based Research Center on the Armenian Diaspora (CRDA) had spearheaded the organization of a conference in Paris on

nor the assertions of

Genocide should stand in the way of such a development," said a columnistfor Hurriyet.

Turkish security officials in Kars expelled Armenian delegation that had been invited

attend a conference on peace in the Caucasus. The Deputy Mayor of Gumri and the Deputy Regional Administrator of Shirak province were among the four delegates from Armenia. While they had valid entry visas and were invited by the local organizers ofthe reportedly with the knowledge conference of the Turkish Foreign Ministry the Governor of Kars, Nevzat Tuhran, told the Turkish Daily News that the Armenians were not welcome. "Their passports and visas [were] all right, but they were not invited."

After the incident, Naif Alibeyoglu, Mayor of Kars, repeated that Armenians were not invited to the conference "formally or

informally."

have moved to Russia and vise versa, including civil, social, cultural, economic and legal rights. This is significant in light of the continuing anti-Caucasus, anti-foreigner sentiment among residents of Moscow, even as the numbers of Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians increases in Russia.

Iliplomatic Gomings and Eoings

. South Korea's Ambassador (below) to Armenia.Lee Jai-chun (resident in Moscow) presented his credentials to

. Armenia's Ambassador to Spain Eduard IGojayan (resident in Yerevan) presented his credentials to King Juan Carlos of Spain in Madrid. . Armenia's Ambassador to Latvia Ashot Hovakimian presented his credentials to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. . Armenia's Ambassador to the United Nations Movses Abelian (below) made a presentation on behalf of Armenia at the UN General Assembly's special session on "Women in 2000: Equality Between Women and Men, Development and Peace in the 21st Century."

President Kocharian.

In a statement on the incident, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey is "not promoting" close bilateral contacts with its neighbor as Armenia is "occupying" Azerbaijani territories and promoting hostility toward Turkey, a reference to Armenia's statements on the Armenian Genocide. In a strongly worded response, Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ara Papian reiterated Yerevan's position. "We regret that the Turkish authorities banned the officially invited Armenian delegation from taking part in

the Kars forum. The Turkish

statement,

[which links the Kars incident to]

Ar-"n'u'.

efforts toward the intemational recognition of

the Genocide and to the course of

the

Karabakh conflict settlement, appears to be even more inexplicable," Papian said. Papian continued, "We find it necessary to state that the issue of the Genocide has always been and will be on the agenda of Armenia's

foreign policy. Armenia

will

. Sweden's Ambassador (below)

to Armenia

Swen Hirdman (resident in Moscow) led a Swedish delegation to Yerevan on the occasion of "Swedish culture days" in

Armenia held in early June.

Papian added that Armenian-Turkish bilateral relations cannot be linked to rela-

tions with a third country,

in this case

Kocharian.

IUITO

to Pnomote PGace

-''

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian met Robertson in Brussels. Discussions revolved

around resolution

of the

Karabakh conflict

and Armenia's participation

efforts toward the intemational recognition of the Armenian Genocide, including toward

relations as soon as possible."

ed his credentials to President Robert

with NATO General Secretary George

continue its

Turkey's admission of guilt. This policy is not aimed at creating tension between the two states, on the contrary, its aim is to settle these

. Qatar's Ambassador to Armenia Hussein Ali Al-Doseri (resident in Tehran) present-

. Iran's Ambassador (below)

to Armenia Mohammad Farhad Koleyni returned to Yerevan after an incident at Zvartnots airport on his way to Tehran, when Koleyni was reportedly assaulted in a limited access zone by a security guard. Armenian authorities are investigating the incident.

Azerbaijan. He explained that the incident in Kars contradicts "recent progress in ArmeniaTurkey dialogue and does not promote the establishment of lasting peace in the region."

NAIO's

Partnership for Peace progftrm. Robertson spoke favorably about Armenia's participation in NAIO programs, as "they will promote establishment of peace and stability in the region." The General Secretary will visit Armenia in late September. While in Brussels, Oskanian also met with the Belgian Senate's Armenian-Belgian Friendship Group Chairman Philip Mahou. They discussed a range of bilateral issues,

including the Belgian foreign minister's upcoming visit to Yerevan, later this year.

In mid-June, a Yerevan State University by University Rector Radik Martirosian, paid a reciprocal visit to

#i{:i{,ydri&#*.r!,r,,pq

delegation, headed

ffiar?*r!r.:ii:rdu,ffi

lntenstate Relations

Turkey and held talks with their counterparts at Ankara Technical University (ATU) concerning inter-university academic exchange

The Russian State Duma, lower house of parliament, ratified an Armenian-Russian agreement (by 395:8 vote) on the legal status

and dialog. An ATU delegation visited

citizens permanently residing in each other's country. The agreement provides

Yerevan in May where a landmark agreement scholars between the two universities was signed.

on cooperation and exchange of

maximum rights to citizens of Armenia who

AIM JULY

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mo$$mmGdietion

The Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin ll (above, left), consecrated the cross of the St. Gregory the llluminator Cathedral (above, right) being built in the center ol Yerevan, and slated to be officially opened in 2001.

late at night, while he was inspecting

DOMG$UG POWGF

grounds

$hifts and Fonmation$ Major-General fukadi Ter Tadevosian, a career soldier and the former aide of Armenia's Defense Minister announced in mid-May the formation of a new political organization. Better known under the nick-

name Commando, Ter Tadevosian

respected officer who led the military operation to liberate Shushi in Karabakh in May, 1992."Yeterans of the Liberation Struggle," a new grouping of veterans of the Karabakh conflict, can be considered a competitor and even a dissident off-shoot of the Union of the

Yerkapahs. Ter Tadevosian himself was

member

of the Yerkrapah

leadership. Commandos explained his move by saying that the army as an institution should not meddle in politics as it has done during the last several months. The new organization over which he presides will try to find solutions to the social and economic problems facing veterans, but will remain outside politics. Approximately l0 days after this ,lfllouncement. one of Ter Tadevosian's aides was knifed

the

of the

Major-General's house. Ter Tadevosian's new organization is not the first manifestation of dissent within the Yerkrapah's ranks. At the end of March, another organization of veterans, the Special Brigade linked to the lnterior Ministry, was created. Later, former Deputy Defense Minister Astvatsatur Petrosian, a recently ousted Yerkrapah leader

There is disagreement between the hardliners and General Manvel Grigorian, the current

president

There

of the Union of the Yerkrapatrs. also a significant portion of the

Yerkapahs from ttre Ararat region (the home of Vazgen Sargsian's family) who are still reeling from the ouster of Aram Sargsian from the premiership. Some observers say the intemal

Serge Sargsian maintaining a highJevel posi-

disagreements arc so numerous and deep that the military may cease being a political player, as it had been since 1995. Then, largely under tlre leadership and confrol of the late Yazgen Sargsian, it was first an insfrument to further the goals of the ruling circles, then, in 1997-98 independently pursued its own goals. After the murder of Vazgen Sargsian, the Yerkrapahs failed to find an altemate leader ofthe same reach to gather around and reconstitute what they had lost. Today, the Alliance can collapse at any moment, as the People's

tion within the administration. Those who

Party (of the late Karen Demirchian) is less

Ardsiv-l, consisting of prisoners condemned to death but amnestied due to ttreir created

confribution to the war effort. Much of this public dissent can be traced to President Kocharian's bestowing military titles and official functions to some within military and Yerkrapah circles. Certain Yerlaapah and military leaders objected to

thus being divided up and brought into Kocharian's camp. They also objected to have pulled out of Yerkrapah have included 12 hardliners, members of parliament, who have formed their own parliamentary group Hayastan - which they hope to turn into a

political party.

In addition to these divisions, there is

rift

among crrrent Yerkrapah leaders as well. AIM JULY

2OOO

and less disposed to cooperate with the Republicans and the Yerkrapahs in the absence of the two strong leaders which held the Alliance together. Today, the People's Party seems to favor an independent line to establish itself politically. President Kocharian, in addition to work-

The third annual Miss Armenia pageant was held and the youngest-ever Miss Armenia, Christina Babayan,

ing with some of the smaller parties, has chosen to cooperate mainly with the Republican Parfy and the Stability Parliamentary Group, composed mostly of businessmen who are now prepared to work with and through government, since their economic interests are at stake. Several new parliamentarians have joined this group which was offered two min-

isterial portfolios in the new government. They have declared that preparations are underway to create a new party. *}$ns}iliiliji\1{rqr'

ffi

gaf ii$tr-I'1rt{s*','4*ef

Gonnuption Moue$ Up The govemment approved a bill requiring all high-ranking officials inArmenia to publicly declare their income, assets and properties. This affects the country's top leadership: the president, prime minister, cabinet ministers, Constitutional Court president, Cenral Bank chairman, Central Electoral Commission members, and heads of regional administrations. Minister of State Income Gagik Poghosian said the move is part of the effort to fight comrption at high governmental levels.

7, was elected. She succeeds Gohar Harutiunian

the Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutiun, Orinats Yerkir, National Democratic Union, and Right and Accord. The proposal

would have meant

a radical change

Armenia's electoral process. Under the current proportional (56 seats) and majoritarian (75 seats) system, political parties are allocated fewer seats than single mandate candidates. The new bill would have increased the number of proportional seats to 101, and reduced majoritarian seats to 30. The authors of the bill argued that an increase in the number of proportional seats would contribute to the development of political parties in the country and would reduce the possibility of vote manipulation by the authorities.

Pnosecution lightcning Focus hosecutors

Yerevan d.opped charges against National Assembly member Mushegh Movsesian who was accused of taking part in planning the attack on the parliament last October, when five gunmen killed eight offi-

office said ttrat charges against four other previously arrested and later released individuals, including Deputy Director of National television Harutiun Harutiunian, and Presidential aide Alexander Harutiunian were dropped as well. The main gunman Nairi Hunanian had said, in witing, that he withdrew his prior testimony about the involvement of othen in the devastating attach. His statements were the result of physical pressure brought to bear on him during the preliminary examinations. Thus, the investigation into the assassinations appears to have taken a tum. Some analysts say that the initial approach was politicized. It seemed ttren that the real target of the investigation was to find some link that will eventually show a criminal involvement to the Oct. 27 attack of personalities belonging to political circles close to the hesident. The various arrests of political personalities may be seen within this context. However, such links were not found. Besides, with the easing tensions, President Kocharian was able by a series of delicate negotiations and constinrtional moves to come out of the comer and regain the auttrority which belonged to him by Constitution. From bipolar

as it was in the aftermath of Oct. n, S1erte authority thus became unipolar again, and the

cials, including Prime Minister YazgenSargsian and Assembly Speaker Karen Demirchian. The case against Movsesian, who was released from custody last month after seven months in deten-

the National Assembly and the govemment which was missing for a long time, re-emerged

proposed election bill presented by five of the parliament's minority blocs the Communists,

tion, has been closed due to lack of evidence to support the charges, The Military Prosecutor's

with the appointment Antanig Markarian.

Pnoposed Election Bill The National Assembly voted down

AIM JULY

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prospects of cooperation between the President,

Prime Minister

Brpo 2000 Maq Nature, Technology, Stable Development is the theme of Expo 2000, being held in Hanover, Germany. Armenia is among the 192 counries participating in the exposition which will stay open until November l. During its fivemonth stay, some 40 million people are expected to visit Expo-2000. June was Armenia Day at the Expo.

The Armenian pavilion occupies a 36G hectare area and is composed of four major stands presented under the "[rt's discover Armenia anew on the tail of Noah's Ark ' banner. The paviJion itself is sha@ like the ark (above, left) and is set against a background feanring a 9meter-high (28 ft) Ararat. At the entrance, a huge map featuring Armenia and Karabakh and

Historical Armenia wittr its capitals, regrons and heraldry, greet the visitor. The first stand presents Armenia as a country of stones and the poefy from the stones is is industial pro duction, culture, architecture and religion. The stand also displays traditional producs such as ogl&, gold jewelry and carpets. The second stand is the cradle

ofcivilization

beginning with Noah's Ark and embracing all of Armenian history including the history of the Armenian church. The third stand rcpresents Armenia's future prospects: new technology, achievements in astronomy, information technologies, and other sciences presented through products, filrn and slides depicting the country's various scientific instiotions. Even Armenicum is featured, with film of aids patients who have tried the Armenian-produced anti-AIDS drug. The last stand, 'The nation's portrait " features

well-known Armenian personalities from around the world. The fint genocide of the 20th century, too, is covered through the biographies of Armenia's intellectual greats.

lmenican Ghamten ol GommencG in Anmenia In an effort to bring a single voice to the many concerns facing business operation in Armenia, operating

a group of foreign businessmen in Yerevan recently formed the

American Chamber of Commerce inArmenia. In a letter soliciting members "AmCham" invited businesspeople in Armenia to join the

international organization of "companies, both big and small, facing similar challenges working in Armenia." The Chamber offers basic services such as a business library and translation services and the more complex lobbying efforts aimed at establishing standards

of ethics.

After a year of organizing, the Chamber held its first general meeting in May, having registered as an organization in January.

At its general manager

Anil

meeting, Hotel Armenia

Sampat was elected president,

Edith Khachatourian (former Armenian Assembly of America liaison who has since

started her own firm, International lrgal Consulting) was elected vice president and Tim Papworth, from Armenian American Fxploration Company, became second vice

Among issues to be addressed by the Chamber are customs and tax, tourism, and trade-transport. Membership fee for'trll voting members" is $400, and to qualiS, companies must have either American ownership, American management or have significant trade with the US. Non-voting members ($2OO;, including non-govemmental organizations, have access to the chamber's services. Sampat says a special non-voting membership may be offered to Diaspora companies with interests in Armenia.

mennaflonilP0uuen hgineening Finm 0rcns 0llice in Yeneuan The Swiss ABB, a leading energy sup-

plies and distribution company, opened

office in Yerevan. ABB is involved with a number of projects inArmenia and is the winner of a tender for the reconstruction of the Kanaker Hydropower station. Company Vice hesident Bruno Bergren said his firm is cur-

rently bidding for another conmct with tlrc Armenian govemment for the reconsffuction

The aim of the chamber in Armenia, Sampat says, is to provide something of a

of power substations in Vanadsor and Kamo. Last year the company received some $25 million in orders fromArmenia. This yearABB is planning to develop joint investrnent projects, especially in creating communications net-

clearinghouse-support group that would

work.

president-treasurer.

smooth the many bumps of trying to run business in a country still adjusting to a free market environment. And, specifically, "to foster the development of commerce befween the United States andArmenia, by representing, expressing and giving effect to opinions of our member companies, regarding issues of common interest."

AIM JULY

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One project involves the laying of over 600 km. (400 miles) of fiber optic cable. ABB will also be upgrading Yerevan's

Thermal Power Plant

in which it's

investor. Referring to the company's longterm involvement in Armenia, Bergen said, "ABB will continue its participation in the counffy's development and we hope to have a share in [Armenia's] future."

*The Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC), owned by the French giant Pernod Ricard, complained that the government has continuously failed to stop Armenian state-owned distilleries in Russia from using trademarks held by YBC, as stipulated in the company's 1999 purchase agreement. YBC officials said they will not buy grapes from local growers unless the govemment resolves the issue. Last year YBC bought 18,000 tons of grapes from Armenian growers.

Repnesentatiues $eelr lnuestmcnt 0ppontunities An Armenian-Belgian business forum, organized by the Armenian Embassy in Brussels and the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, was held in Yerevan with the participation of representatives of 12 Belgian and some 40Armenian companies involved in food processing, technology, mechanical engineering, machinery, energy and other industries. The Belgian businessmen got acquainted with Armenia's investment climate, tax, customs and trade laws and investment opportunities, as well as existing legal and bureau-

cratic hurdles. They were particularly interested in information technologies, food and energy sectors, and took note of Armenia's highly skilled labor.

Currently, Belgium

is Armenia's

top external trade partner, mainly in the diamond

industry. Last year exports to Belgium reached $169 million, more than those to Iran, Georgia or the US.

"We are conscious of the importance of these purchases for the country but one should also understand our standpoint and respect the terms of the takeover agreement," said YBC President Pierre Larretche. He said the trademark dispute also effects YBC's $20 million loan request from the European Bank

for

Reconstruction

and

Development

(EBRD.) "If we don't obtain that loan, we won't buy any grapes this year. The purchases are conditional on the resolution of the trademark problem and receipt of the loan," added Larretche. ln addition to the three distilleries in Russia which the Armenian govemment was supposed to close, YBC said the use of the name "Ararat"

by the recently established Great Valley Armenian firms is illegal, as "Ararat" is among l8 different YBC nademarks.

While affirming that the Armenian authorities have recognized the validity of YBC's grievances, Larretche said they have done very little to resolve the matter. "One day we get assurances but the next day our

interlocutors sound less certain," he said, adding that the company would like to resolve the issue without going to the courts.

"We don't want to think of such an option difficult to live in a country when you are in conflict with its authorities," said

because it is

Larretche. However, if the govemment does not resolve the situation, Pernod Ricard will take the case to court.

ffi'Tddh

io.lfipil6iiii"*

Inanspontation lnfnastnuGtune The World Bank (WB) approved a $40 million loan to Armenia, to improve Armenia's transportation infrastructure, including upgrad-

ing roads, rehabilitating bridges and repairing railroad trains and tracks. The low-interest loan be repaid in 35 years. This is the Bank's second loan specifically earmarked for the improvement of Armenia's poor transportation network. Owaise Saadat, WB Resident Representative in Armenia, said the new funds are also intended to "support regional development of the road and rail net-

will

work by improving the transport links to neighboring Georgia and Iran." Since 1992 Armenia has received a total of $647 million in loans and credits from WB.

A rilateral Energy

Committee, made of

Armenian, Greek and Iranian seniorenergy officials, met in Yerevan to discuss issues related to the consfuction of the lz10 km gas pipeline that would carry Iranian gas toArmenia. While negotiations between Armenia and Iran continue over the price of the fuel to be imported, the pipeline will transport some five

AIM JULY

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million cubic meters (cu.m.) of gas a day to Armenia. Cunently, Yerevan buys 3-3.5 cu.m. of gas a day from Russia at $70 1000 cu.m. while kan is asking $90-100 per 1000 cu.m. Dscussions are also taking place on the possibility of transporting Iranian gas to Georgia and other states via theArmenia-han pipeline. China, Greece, France, Japan and Russia have expressed interest in participating in the financing of the project, as have the EBRD and the WB. Beyond supplementing Armenia's energy needs, the pipeline has strategic significance

for Armenia and would connect the country with other regional energy networks.

A directory of products made in Armenia has been published by the Spyur Information

Service of Yerevan, under a grant from the Eurasia Foundation. Hundreds of companies and their products were evaluated and those included were selected based on the quality of the product and the readiness of the companies to do business. More than 1200 products or product groups are featured (400 of them with photographs) and for each, information is provided about materials used, price and production capacity. The directory, designed and printed in Armenia, is available free. In the US, Irv Lineal, is helping Spyur distribute the directory <armeniacat@ aol.com>. Lineal was a volunteer in Armenia, sent by the International Executive Service Corps, an organization which sponsors retired executives on special assignment to emerging democracies. Lineal, whose experience is in international advertising, marketing and publishing, helped plan the format of the catalog as well as the plan for publicizing it worldwide. Lineal is currently president of Lineal Publishing Company, headquartered in Jupiter, Florida. Lineal says the catalog, "a showcase of

Armenian products,

aimed

accelerate

growth of export markets. The goal is to obtain the best possible results by increasing sales for the companies whose products are included.

of the

products meet

quality standards.

All

exceed intemational

Pakistan and Turkey founded ECO in 1985 with the intention of creating a "Muslim common market." Since then it has grown into a lO-state regional organization, which includes

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan,

Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In view of the several proposed pipelines cunently being discussed in the region - especially the US-backed multi-billion Baku-Ceyhan route - hanian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi (below with Kocharian) said his country is "the best transit route for the transport and exchange of crude oil or gas" among ECO member states. "We are not opposed to the transportation of oil or gas via other routes," he said, "but we believe

Iran is the best, most economic and safest route for exporting energy from the Caspian Sea to Asian markets." The heads of state at the summit also discussed a number of regional issues, including trade, banking, land and sea transportation, as well as prospects for peace in Afghanistan. gate the incident. Meanwhile, Zurab Aleksidze of the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan expressed

Glash with Bonden Georgian border guards and Akhalkalaki Armenians (above) clashed at the Ninotsminda border control as the Armenian residents of the southern Georgian town were returning from a tip to Armenia. The incident was amplified as other Akhalkalaki Armenians joined the fight, which resulted in the buming of the Georgian guard post building. Georgia's N*ional Security Council established a commission to investi-

regret over the incident and called for calm.

Guts Militany As the Georgian government faces seri-

Energy and Pipeline Routes lliscussed at ECll Summit The Economic Cooperation Organization

(ECO) held a two-day summit in Tehran, focusing on transportation and exchange of energy resources among member states. Iran,

ous financial shortfalls, the

Georgia Parliament voted to cut the country's armed forces from a total of 47,500 soldiers to 38,414. The reduction applies to the army (from 27,000 to 20,000); the border guards

(from 3,600 to 3,000); and the Interior Ministry forces (from 7,900 to 6,400). Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it would not give loans to Tbilisi this year because of the govemment's failure to meet budget revenue targets.

Going to Pay? The Turkish parliament ratified the Baku-

Ceyhan pipeline agreement signed with Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Azerbaijani and Georgian parliaments ratified the agreemenl signed last November in Istanbul. The 1,730-

kilometer (1,080-mite) pipeline, which would transport Azeri crude oil to Turkey's Meditenanean coast, is estimated to cost $2.4 billion to build, but analysts believe it would be closer to $3-3.5 billion. Turkey also agreed to pay additional funds if the section built on its territory exceeds the estimated cost of $1.3 billion. Experts believe the arrangements for financing and engineering work would take about l8 months, and the actual construction of the pipeline would take about three years to complete. If all goes well, oil would flow no AIM JULY

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earlier than 2005. However, oil companies are not sure the current volume ofdiscovered oiljustifies the high cost of the pipeline. 'There isn't enough information yet to determine whetlrcr Baku-Ceyhan is commercially viable," said Igor Effimov of Pennzoil Caspian, a co-owner of Azerbaijan lntemational Operating Company

(AIOC). So far, only Norway's Statoil

has

expressed commitrnent to participate in the financing of the pipeline. NatikAliyev, president of Azerbaijan's national oil company SOCAR, said tlre project would 'tnake sense" only if all nremben of AIOC pledge to participate. As the ClintonAdministration has been the driving force behind the multi-billion, strategically significant pipeline, John Wolf, US special envoy in the Caspian region, was optimistic that fte project would go fonvard as planned. During the annual Caspian Orl and Gas Conference in Baku, Wolf said, "Several dozen companies met [in Baku] to begin discussions on establishing a Main Export Pipeline Company that will build, own and operate the pipeline." He added that by late June and early July, "Some from ttrat group are likely to

ty for

several months. His father, President Heidar Aliyev, had stated a day earlier during an energy conference in Baku that since independence, "Azerbaijan has tumed into the

most important

oil and gas center for

the

Caspian region." While Azerbaijan has singed multi-billion dollar contracts with giant energy companies for the exploitation and transportation of the country's oil, Ilham Aliyev indicat-

ed that Azerbaijan might continue to import gas

until 2002. Russia, Turkmenistan and Iran

are potential suppliers, however, Azerbaijan's difficult bilateral relations with each state may further complicate the siruation.

ffr Aggnession"

indicate their willingness to begin spending money on tlre basic and detailed engineering phases of the pipeline." [n another development during a nvo-day seminar in Baku, representatives from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Poland, Norway, the US, and NATO discussed issues related to security and safety of energy resources in ttre Caucasus.

ffi

The US signed yet another agreement with Georgia on defense cooperation. 'The main goal of our work together is to see how the US can assist the government of Georgia and the Defense Ministry in the very challenging

defense reform," said Edward Wamer, US Assistant Secretary of Defense. As contentious Georgian-Russian negotiations continue over the terms of withdrawal of four Russian military bases from Georgia, the US offered assistance in the process of removal of two Russian military bases, which are scheduled to be decommissioned by mid-2001. process

lon 0il-Rich

Ilham Aliyev, vice-president of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR

announced that Baku

will

have to import about

income, health care, life expectancy and educational levels. Canada is on top of the list, Siena Leone is last at

74.

Rank

Country

Belarus

Russia

Georgia

Kzakhstan

Ukraine

Aaerbaijan

Armenia

Kyrgyzstan

100

Turkmenistan

102

Moldova

106

Uzbekistan

't10

Tajikistan

Source: United Nations

the Islamic Conference Organizations meeting

Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, condemned "Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan" monuments by Armenian occupants." In a series of other resolutions, the 56-member organization also called for the lifting of sanctions against Iraq, criticized Israel for building settlements on occupied territories, chastised India over Kashmir, and called upon Russia to settle the conflict in Chechnya peacefully.

Turkish border guards at the ArmenianTurkish frontier killed a 2l-year-old Russian serviceman, Sergeant Nikolay Yablitsev, who reportedly crossed over the Arax river into

Turkish territory illegally and did not heed waming shots. A "barbaric murder" said Russian military commander General Mikhail Naymilo, branding the incident as a violation of international conventions. Yablitsev's body was returned to Armenian authorities. Meanwhile, Russia has filed an official protest with

two billion cubic meters of gas this fall,

Turkish authorities and

of energy fuel again. Last winter Azerbaijan ran out of both gas and oil causing rationing ofelectrici-

km (210 mile) border with Turkey is patrolled by a joint Russian-Armenian border force.

because the country faces shortage

ln an annual survey, the UN Human Development Report ranked 174 country countries based on

As in previous summits, this year again,

and the alleged "destruction of historicalAzeri

fl$$istanGe to Geongia

rniiffifiiHtdiiffiffih-ffi

joint Russian-Turkish investigation is under way. Armenia's 355 a

AIM.IULY

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The World Health 0rganization (WT0), ranking the

efficiency of health systems of 191 countries, puts France on top ol the list and Sierra Leone at the bottom. The three South Caucasus states are below the middle, lollowed by Russia and Jour Central Asian states.

Rank

Gountry

Kazakhstan

Belarus

Ukraine

101

Moldova

104

Armenia

109

Aaerbaijan

114

Georgia

117

Uzbekistan

130

Russia

1s.l

Kyrgystan

153

Turkmenistan

154

Tajikistan

Source: World Health 0rganizati0n.

By VICKEN CHETERIAN

he face of the caucasus has changed with each century and each passing ruler. From rigid dominance, which precluded any local development to flexible policies, which tolerated regi0nal customs and norms, the people ofthe Caucasus have experienced itall. Through-out,

there has been remarkable continuity and endless transformation. The civilizations of the Caucasus are the oldest on the territory of the former Soviet Union. For centuries, these highlands were viewed as an exotic place, peopled by fierce mountaineers and wise centegenarians, a land of imaginary vistas and inaccessible cultures,

Smoldering Conflicts Politicians in ttre post-Soviet space as well in the West have misunderstood the roots of the Caucasus conflicts and misjudged theirconsequences. The dominant theory about the region is that the conflicts are the as specialists

The territory north ol the Caucasus mountains is home to the Circassians, 0ssels, Chechens and

result ofthe rise ofulfia-nationalism that threatens the unitary state, leading to separatist wars.

some two dozen mountain tribes of Daghestan, in addition to Russians and a few German settlers. The land south of the Caucasus mountains is home to the Abkhaz, Armenians, Georgians, Kurds, Persians

These theories often refer to the political movements of the minorities - Karabakh Armenians,

and to various Turkic groups who in the 20th century began to refer to themselves as Aaerbaijanis. Christianity, lslam and Judaism are practiced in the region. The Caucasus was the place where the superpowers of each era forged alliances and fabricated bor-

ders. The centuries of conquest by Slavs, Turks, Mongols, Arabs, persians

and Europeans meant annexation, depopulation, repopulation, religious conversion, social growth and expansion. ln the 16th and 17th centuries, the Russians demonstrated a serious interest in the Southern Caucasus. ln the'l9th century, they sought to extend their rule by subduing the various mountain tribes of the North Caucasus

and Daghestan. ln the 20th century, the Soviets strengthened their hold over the region. Following the

fall of the last empire, the Caucasus

north and south

has been fraughtwith migration and conflict.

AIM JULY

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Abkhaz, Chechens against the states of Azerbaijan, Georgia or Russia, respectively. The problem with this dominant thinking is that it is unable to explain why entities as small as Karabakh, Abkhazia or Chechnya were victorious in their struggle against "states" superior in demography, economic potential and military might. Azerbaijani and Georgian leaders explain their defeats by blaming Russia for interfering in their domes-

tic affairs on the side of the insurgent minori-

COVER STORY ties. From President Eduard Shevardnadze in Georgia to former Presidential Advisor Vafa

Guluzade in Azerbaijan, the line is that Georgia and Azerbaijan were fighting not against the Abkhaz or the Karabakhis, but against Russia, which used the Abkhaz or Karabakhi card against Azerbaijani or Georgian statehood. In other words, Georgia and Azerbaijan lost, not to former Soviet autonomous entities of Abkhazia or Karabakh but to Russian neo-imPerialism. Such interpretations are valuable instruments as ideological and propaganda tools, but they do not hold up against hard facts. If it was Russia that trounced Georgia and Azerbaijan, then how to justify Russia's own humiliating beating in Chechnya in the previous war? The leaders of the minorities have a different interpretation, of course. They say they won because they were fighting for their own land, in heroic resistance. The concept of separatism is in even further trouble when one looks at the way the military conflicts started. Separatism implies rebel forces claiming independence for an ethnic group, and

Chechnya: The-200-Year-Old War

In September 1999, Russian tank columns entered Chechnya under a barrage of artillery fire. Much of the scene was familiar. Russian soldiers entering destroyed Chechen towns and villages; Chechen fighters attacking from the rear, surprising the Russian forcesl Russian soldiers facing flerce resistance despite the superiority of their numbers and firepower. Surprisingly, the second Chechnya war started exactly three years after generals Alexander Lebed (for Russia) and Aslan Maskhadov (for Chechnya) signed a 'peace treaty' in the town of Khasavyurt. What went so wrong in those three years?

attacking the authority of the dominant state.

Yet, the Georgian-Abkhaz military conflict started on August 14, 1992 when 5,000

by the then-Defense invaded Abkhazia. In Kitovani Tengiz Minister forces which on was Russian it too, Chechnya, December 11,1994, entercd Chechnya marking the start of the newest Russo-Chechen conflict. The problem is that most analysts, by forgetting the root cause of all political events in the area, confuse cause and effect. The cause of the conflicts is the collapse of the Soviet Georgian troops led

state, while nationalism is the consequence, as Georgians, Armenians, Abkhaz, Chechens,

Azerbaijanis, Ossets and numerous others attempt to fill the vacuum' Those who witnessed the battles and know these societies would agree ttrat the 'tollapse" is a better description than "national liberation."

They would also agree that a military solution is impossible in the Caucasus. Apart from the on-going war in Chechnya, there are numerous conflicts as well as dormant tensions both in the north and south Caucasus. According to military experts, Russia would need a permanent military force of 250,000 soldiers in the North Caucasus, if the Kremlin wanted to impose a military solution on the reglon. Since the Russian army numbers between 1.2 and 1.3 million soldiers, Russia would be unable to afford such an approach. Photos: Opposite Page: The Caucasus mountains; Right: World War ll veteran grandfather and grandson, in ChechnYa.

AIM JULY

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The first Russian military campaign in Chechnya was a catastrophe. The Russian army was unprepared and opposition to the war was felt at every level from simple privates up to deputy defense ministers. In December 1994, the Russian army could amass no more than 30,000 troops for the Chechnya operation, and inadequate planning led to heavy Russian losses. Two years later, in August 1996, Chechen fighters launched massive counter attacks and took control of

major urban centers including Grozny' Gudermes and Argun, leaving the Russian military with a bitter choice: either admit defeat and leave Chechnya, or restart the war from point zero. After withdrawing from Chechnya Moscow

COVER STORY colrld havc i-enored this scparatist state by recognizing it as I dc facto independent entity.

u'hilc insisting that Chcchnyn is de jure part of the Russian F-edcration. Frtr the Caucasrrs resion this is no novelty. since Mountainous Karabakh. South Ossetia, ancl Abkhazia are in

thc sante situation. Whut Moscou,

needetl

was political leadership that could control the Chechcn tirrces. ancl could collaboratc with

thc Krernlin on projects of rerional inrportallce

narnely. the oil pipelines. Herc. Moscou hacl scvcral tmrnp cards.

Althou-qh Wcstern analvsts olten *ritc that the u ar in Chcchnya has to do with the ..Great Ganrc" and thc stnlggle orcr Caspian energy

resourccs, close cxarlination sho\\,s that Mosco'nr and Grozny ate on the santc sido in this struggle. Both share thc sanrc intcrest: to have Caspian oil flow l'rom llakrr to the Black Sea throtrgh the existing pipe linc that crossc-s

Chechnt,u.

to earn transit

f'ecs and thus

acquirc -scopolitical relevancc at the rc-uional lcvel. Thc Chechens har.e nothing to gain h1,

opposin-t Russian plans. and hlvins the Ciaspian oil flow through Turkish terrninals instcatl. Thc sccontl bit ol'good neq,s lirr Moscor,r, was that the ccccntric Chcchen learler Joklrlr Duclalcr wls killecl in thc hrst

wtr. lnd replace d b1 the pragmatic Maskhadov with whont Moscow, rvas rcadv Itr tulk.

Maskhadov and thc Chechen leadership fuiiled to establish the basics

state structure.

sr)nrcthinq tltat was succcsslully done in Karabakh ancl Abkhazia. Still. Maskhadov's rnain failure has been his inability to create a uniticrl militar'\ \truL.tLlrc. B,rrh Kat.ahtrkh irntl

Abkhazia accomplished that in wlr. (ihechnya

ils thlrl alter

thc

was dontinatecl by a series of

u,arlorcls en-taled in tlle-qal tratiicking of' arrns. oil and even hostages. Chcchen war_ lo11l. 11g1'c, tlespi.ed hy the Clrr'chen prrhlie.

ulro rrrllelerl lrrryll 111.. Mu:klrudor'. fltiltrres and the trbitrary rule of the arn)ed clans. Chechnya became u haven lirr all kinds of

outlaws. includin-u Daghestan's Nadir Khachilaev. the firrrncr head o1'the Muslirns Union of Russia. ancl Midclle Eastern Islantist

"Ernir Khattab." Thci, provtcled Chechen lielcl cornn'randers such as Sharnil

uilh

Basaev

a prc-uranr o1'Islanric Rcvolution to pro-

nrotc w,ilh thc people. This uas uelconte. sincc thc Chechen leatlers had f nilecl to acldress thc people's

gle to hrrild ln irrdepcrrdent slirle. I_asl sunr mer. when Khattab and sevcral lhousancl Chcchen fighters invadetl Dashestan. thev were in a rl,av also escaping florn the reality

ol this lirilur('. Thi: rrrilitlrrr lrtlrelrture tr.iq!ercLl thc 'etond Chee hnyl wlr. with dislrs-

trous consequences.

The Ru:siln

u'artinte.

when they neeclcd to crette elficient rnilitarv

or!Anizltiorr'. Tlte rt,rult

ed an alternativc-. Chechnva hlcl won its indepcrrderree orr thc hattlclieltl. btrt lort the:trug.

tlaily problents and necd-

lcutle

Caucasian wal'

;

to their

r\l\,1

adr,antage as thcy

rtou "tlcrnoerlrlre" Russilrn heScrnonl ftrr. (cl'ltLrrte\. AltlroUgI thc Rrrssilrn

O\fl l\\r)

anned cantpitisn sectns rnilitarily efficient today- lt least or.r the various Russian TV channels - it is harrl to imagine that thc Russian slate budsct is ablc to ntaintain such an irr.rportant ntilitary prescnce in Chechnva fbr a long period.

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scneral. thus ignorirrg its own historv. Thc Chechclr: htrre rc:isled 'fsari:t. S,,r ict an,l

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ltpitrrlize rrn l[e lirct tllxl thc Cficche1 p,rpulation was tired of the reign of the warkrrcls, and aspired fbr norrnalization of their condition. The1, \\:ere more interested in using the e

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V CKEN CHIIERIAN

Daghestan: Ethnic Mosaic in A Sea of Nationalism "Glory to Work" says thc slogan on the main square of Makhachkala. Ncxt to it stands a massive statue of Lenin. looking towards the parliarnent buildin-tl. This nray' be the only place in the Caucasirs where street natnes and decorations tioni the Soviet period are iealouslv preserved. Undoubtedly. Daghestan is one of the nrost diversc anthropological entities in the world. This "cotlntry of mountains" is the homeland of over 32 ethnic groups. and ol- as many original languages spread over 50.000 sq. km. The majority of the 1.9 million inhabitants in this autonomous republic which is part ofthe Russian Federation speak various Caucasian languages. The rest speak a Turkic or an Iranian language. Considering its ethnic diversity. and the existence of wars all around it. tlne wtlnclers

why there are no conflicts

Daghestan.

Daghestan's ethnic corr.rposition rnight be reason enough. No ethnic group is large enough ttr Photos: 0pposite Page: New mosque in Chechnya, Above: Boys piaying tn Derbent, Daghestan

hope firr any kind of victory in case of war. And. the tragedies oi the other wars around it nray actually serve as deterrent. Daghestan was one of the least developed areas of the old Soviet Union. Called Port Petrov before the revolution, Miikhachkala. the capital, is a dusty provincial town. where cattle

graze in public parks. Most of the rnilitary industrial enterprises and electnrnics fttctories have shut down, since they dependecl on products coming fionr fhctories in Yerevan and

Minsk. Belarus. "Daghestan does ttot Ineet the requirements ti)r tnarket contpetition." says Dalga Akl.rrredkhanov. editor ol a local claily. "From top to bottorn. the otlicials fhrm the Brezhnev cra hiive kcpt their posts." she adds. The collapsc of the Soviet Union has lead to the rise of national consciousness. and the creation o1' national organizations. Many dornrant pnrblct'trs have surl'aced. sharpening intcr-ethnic relations. Yet anti-Russian sentir.ncllts rre uncorlrtlon. "Without Rttssia we arc unable to survive." said Akhmedov Bagaudin. the fbrrner vice president of the parliarnent. "Eighty percent of or-rr budget is financecl by Moscow." Russia is seell as a stabilizing fbrce that keeps this rnulti-ethnic land

united. while the ditticulties AIM JULY

2O(X)

breakaway

Chechnya kr the west do not encourage secessionist trends. Yet, the on-going con[1ict in Chechnya has wursened the situation in Daghestan. The highway and railway connecting Makhachkala with the Russian network passes through Gnrzny. and therefore has been practically closed down since 199.1. Communication with major Russian and intemational urban centers has been disrupted because of the darnage to telephone lines in Chechnya. The result is the complete collapse of the Daghestani econtlmy, and its criminalization. Rumors circulate that the illegal caviar tralfic. arrns and drugs mafias, as well as hosta-cc taking. in collabola-

tion with sinrilar bands in Chechnya,

have

flourished rapiclly in the last years. The border regions with Chechnya have been tense

tbr yeu's. Chechen fighters have reg-

ularly carriecl ollt cross-borclc-r atlacks. musing the anger ol'Daghestanis. The various ethnic groups of Daghestan pride themselves as lierce fighters. no less than the Chechen warriors themselvcs, ancl pref'er to have selt'-rule within the Rlrssian Federation. than to be ruled by another

Caucasian nation,

like the

Chechens. When

Chechen fightels crossed the Daghestani borders last sunrmer. it ttxrk two weeks for Russian t'ederal tnxrps to iurive. It was the Daghestani vil-

COVER STORY lagers who maintained a defense against the invading Chechens.

A tenitorial conflic! too, lies latent benreen Chechnya and Daghestan, with roots dating back to World War tr. AfterChechens were deported to Central Asia 1944, a few Dhghesani groups inhabitd some of tlreir villages. Some Chechen nationalists have demanded that these villages

should be retrrmed to tlreir original owners, and even demanded the attachment of &re region to Chechnya-

Another explosive region is Daghestan's southem border with Azerbaijan. Here, trzgins Iive on the two sides of ttrc Samour river, ttrat constitutes the border between Russia and Azerbaijan. tn Soviet times, the division of the kzgins into nvo different administrative regions was of no significance since most decisions were

made in Moscow. Now, the Russian auttrorities

say that Azerbaijan's easily traversed borders wittr han and Turkey endanger Russia's security. Russia also accusesAzerbaijan (and Georgia) of providing logistical support to Chechen fighters. As a result, the Russians have tightened border

contol. Thus, the trzgins are in danger of becoming a divided nation.

Nariman Ramazanov, the chief of the lezgin National Sovie! is afraid t]rat tlre isolation of the trzgins in Azerbaijan would lead to their assimilation, like the Tats and Thlish of Azerbaijan who have lost their language and national identity. He said that there are 700,000

because of a voluntary act of an administation. National unity is our holy aim." Daghestan has survived thus far by dividing power among the elites of major ethnic groups. The division of subsidies from Moscow has kept the county together. Yet, a younger generation,

Irzgins in Azerbaijan, while Baku puts the figures only at 170,000. The lrzgins consider

often with links to ttre criminal underworld can challenge this power-sharing system. Still, ttris

themselves the descendants of the Caucasian Albanians, a people who ruled over (what is today) Aze$aijan before the arrival of Seljuk TUrks in the I lth century. Ramazanov also com-

of education in Azerbaijan, and the forced

plained about turkification

Irzgin

areas

lrzgins during ttre Karabakh war. "We don't want to take part in [the war in

recruitrnent of

Karabakhl just like the Azeris of Georgia were neutal in theAbkhazia war," he said. The aim of the trzgin National Soviet is "self determination" of the Lrzgin people, or, Ramazanov explained, to uni|t the lrzgins of Azerbaijan with those of Daghestan within the framework of the Russian Federation. Doesn't this sound similar to what KarabakhArmenians wanted and which resulted in war? To this, Ramazanov answered: "A nation should not be divided

AIM JULY

2OOO

mosaic of ethnicities and mounain of languages can succeed in preserving is sability ifcooper-

ation between the local elite and Moscow continues. Forthe Kremlin, Daghestan is of sfrategic importance, and its loss could mean losing yet ofthe Caucasus, losing leverage over Azerbaijan, and being kicked out of the intemational competition to contnrl Caspian oil another chunk

pipelines and reserves. The explosion of Daghestan, therefore, could send shock waves

that would further desabilize both the northem and southem parts ofthe Caucasus, and shift the regional balance of forces. Photos: Below: Daghestans Khachilaev, former head of Russias Muslim Union, has brought an

lslamic program to Chechnya. Opposite Page: The parliament building in Sukhumi, Abkhazia.

COVER STORY

Abkhazia: Fighting for Paradise A car flying the blue UN banner has no

trouble crossing the Ingouri river. Young heavily-armed Russian soldiers standing next to two Georgian officials allow the travelers to cross the bridge that separates Abkhazia from the rest of Georgia. But because the river lies in the heart of a demilitarized zone that is 20 km. (13 miles) long and is guarded by a Russian peacekeeping force of 1,5fi), the local population has to travel and transport products on foot. No Georgian car dares drive north, and no Abkhaz car ventures in the other

a l3-month war in 19921993, Abkhazia remains a land cut off from the outside world. direction. After

Abkhazia, a region of 8,000 sq. km., is one of the most attractive areas of what was the Soviet Union. The Caucasus mountain chain slides into the Black Sea, where sandy coasts stretch to green forests. Most Soviet leaders from Stalin to Gorbachev had their vacation homes inAbkhazia. Several hundred thousand Soviet tourists passed their summer vacations here as well. Today, the region is a "hot spot" of another kind.

Tensions existed here even during the Soviet era. In 1978, clashes took place in Sukhumi between Georgians and Abkhaz, with the lafter demanding to become part of the Russian Federation, instead of depending on Tbilisi. Antagonism between the two groups increased after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. In August 1992, Georgia's defense minister led an army of 5,000 to Abkhazia, triggering a war which caused the death of 10,000 people. In September 1993,

defeated Georgian forces escaped Sukhumi, leaving behind vast destruction and hundreds of thousand of mostly Georgian refugees. Between Abkhazia and Georgia, the southern Gali region is a grey zone, a sort of

no-man'sland. Before the war, Gali had

population of 60,000, nearly all Georgians. The retum of the Georgian refugees is a highly political issue: the Abkhaz authorities demand a case-by-case return, and refuse to accept the repatriation of those who took part

in the war. Georgian authorities, on the other hand, demand an unconditional return of all refugees. Behind the rhetoric, the struggle is really about who is supposed to rule over

Abkhazia. The Abkhaz leadership wants to take back as few Georgians as possible to preserve its newly acquired demographic superiority. Before the war, 45 percent of the population living in Abkhazia were ethnic Georgians, while ethnic Abkhaz made up only 17 percent. So, for Tbilisi today, the return of the refugees is an important way of regaining leverage over Abkhazia.

The road between the border and is littered with villages that are

Sukhumi

either partially or totally destroyed. There are several bridges blown up - by Abkhaz fighters who wanted to sabotage Georgian supply lines. Now, it is the Abkhaz authorities trying

COVER STORY zation (NGO.) She criticized Westem NGOs, too, for coming to Abkhazia not with human-

itarian principles, but with a clear political agenda. "We were often told that if we wanted to receive grants for development projects, we had to apply through Tbilisi, which we refuse to do," she added.

"We never demanded secession from Georgia before the war, but Georgia was not ready for any compromise. After the war, we

to repair the damage, but reconstruction

slow. In Sukhumi, the wounds of war are evident: museums and schools are bumt down, there are few public buses, and the few open cafes lack customers. Yet, unlike the impression one gets from Georgian politicians in Tbilisi, the population of Abkhazia is not desperate to make conces-

sions in return for lifting the blockade. "Ardzinba (the Abkhaz president) is the most moderate politician here, and people will accept his compromise policy simply because he is popular. But, after the war, we have no desire to live with the Georgians anymore." The speaker is not a militant, but a woman working in a local non-governmental organi-

adopted a constitution according to which Abkhazia is a sovereign state," said Sergei Shamba, the foreign minister of Abkhazia. The compromise solution, according to Shamba, would be to create a new unified state based on equal subjects. He also recognized the serious danger of a new war. "We did not win the war against Georgia, he said, but we are able to defend our statehood."

The Abkhaz politician complains that Georgia continuously threatened to use force even while conducting negotiations. Shamba

said that he had proposed

to adopt the

Russian-Chechen compromise model, in which Moscow apologized for the war and declared that it would not use force in the future, while the difficult subject abour the

COVER STORY status of Chechnya was to be discussed five years after the cease-fire. Shamba also criticized the international diplomatic community for "listening to only one side" and insisting on the Georgian right to territorial integrity. In autumn 1996, the situation deteriorated further. A group called White Legion claimed responsibility for a number of bomb attacks

Chechnya. And the other goes through Abkhazia. Therefore, the resolution of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict could open trans-

against Abkhaz targets and Russian peace-

the war, Armenians fought on both sides, and Armenian casualties were registered both on the Georgian side as well as the Abkhaz side. But Armenians fighting on the Abkhaz side were better organized and drew more publicity. The General Baghramian batallion, with

keeping troops. Dozens

port routes to Armenia, and increase potential economic exchange between Armenia and its major industrial partner, Russia. Another major concem forArmenia is the

Armenian community in Abkhazia. During

soldiers died.

Georgian officials say they have no relation to

this guerrilla group, which is composed of frustrated Georgian refugees. But Abkhaz sources insist that the Legion is nothing else than the former Georgian police from Sukhumi who are trained and armed by the Georgian interior ministry.

its 300 fighters under the

battles, including the attack on Sukhumi.

Albert Topolian, a community figure in

Armenians in Abkhazia The situation in Abkhazia has great significance for Armenia. Both rail lines which link Yerevan with Moscow have been inaccessible. One goes via Baku to Daghestan-

Sukhumi, for a while even held the post of vice-prime minister of Abkhazia. Before the war, the over 90,000 Armenians of Abkhazia were a rich and thriving commu-

nity. Known as Hamshenahayer, most had immigrated from villages to the south of Trabizon, or from the Black Sea coast of present-day northeast Turkey. By participating in the war on the Abkhaz side, the community

Photos: 0pposite Page: Georgian refugees lrom Abkhazia; Right: The remains of a burnt residence in Sukhumi.

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COVER STORY succeeded in creating its own armed groups, which legitimated their presence in post-warAbkhazia, and gave them the arms to defend their villages in case armed groups came looting. Yet, economic hardship as a result of the war and the blockade that followed has hurt theAbkhaz Armenians. It is believed that more than half the community has already left Abkhazia, in search of better life in various Russian cities.

The Georgran Paradox Abkhazia isn't Georgia's only "hot-spot." Even before the war started on the shores of the Black Sea, irregular militias were clashing

near the suburbs of Tskhinvali, the central town of South Ossetia. Georgian troops failed to take control of the region, and a cease-fire was signed with Russia's blessings

- and military presence - in early summer 1992. Apart from the two war-tom regions ofAbkhazia and South Ossetia, most of the country-side is either self-governed or hostile to Tbilisi. The westernmost province of Ajaria, with its strategic port Batumi, has been living

as a city-state since the collapse of the USSR. To its southeast, the mainly Armenian inhabited region of Javakheti (the Armenian Javakhk)

is militarily under the influence of the Russian base of Akhalkalaki, while economically and culturally it is linked to Armenia proper. The local inhabitants speak fluent Armenian and Russian, but rarely Georgian. The western province of Mengrelia, the shonghold of Zviadists, is hostile to Shevardnadze's govemment. [n other words,

Terek Valley and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

Georgian authorities have little control over vast parts of the counfiry. The Georgian paradox is that a richly diverse land was inherited from the USSR, but without the means to create a modem centralized state out of it. The Georgian nationalist elite tried to impose unity with force, and failed to achieve that in South Ossetia. After Shevardnadze's

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COVER STORY coming to power, a second attempt was made in Abkhazia, with even more tragic results. That tailure produced over 200,000 refugees. The Georgian elite has now adopted a new approach to integrate the various provinces, former autonomies, and the ethnic mosaic that is Georgia. This slow integration, with diplomacy and economic collaboration as the major tools does not seem to be producing results either. The problem is that the Georgian state does not have its own means for any kind of integration. It depends heavily on Intemational Monetary Fund, World Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development funding to keep afloat. Alexander Rondelli, a foreign relations expert in Tbilisi, put it this way: "Now the Osset leadership are coming back to us and ready to work with us. But we have nothing to give them in return."

The "Nationalist Plague" Is the Caucasus cursed by the "nationalist plague?" On the surface, dominant political forces in the north and south Caucasus are run by leaders and political movements that developed in the early 90s utilizing nationalist discourse, as the Soviet Union collapsed. But the

decade introduced tremendous changes. Nationalism is not the driving force in the region anymore; only reasons of self-defense can mobilize the populace, as demonstrated in

Chechnya. Otherwise, it is nearly impossible to mobilize the masses, even in Georgia and Azerbaijan, where slogans call for "regaining" Abkhazia or Karabakh. Similarly, in Armenia, the Karabakh issue is no longer the first priority of Armenian political life. All this does not mean that the Caucasus is entering

period ofstability. Rather, the focus

m rl

polarization has shifted from the "outside" into within each society. The tragic events in the Armenian Parliament on October 27 of last year testify to such a shift. The socio-economic collapse is such that ttre majority of the population in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia looks at the posrindependence elite as the source of their misery. This was also true in Chechnya just before the Russian re-invasion. The challenge in the Caucasus today is not where to draw the national border, but what to do with independence. Over 20 percent ofthe total population

the Transcaucasus has left their national homeland in the last decade. The newly independent republics are facing threats not fiom an outside enemy but fiom intemal failures that can deep

en the tensions and make life unbearable for large portions of society. In the face of such a deep crisis, there are no visible political or social

movements that are able to formulate responses to the challenge of

state-building.

SAVE 40o/o'70o/o EVERYDAY

Karabakh Holds Parliamentary Elections

Frse alld Falr Texl and Photos by MATTHEW KARAI{lAil

n election day in the tiny village of just outside Stepanakert, the village's 403 eligible voters had cast 165 ballots by about 5 p.m. The villagers were joining voters throughout Karaparticipating in parliamentary elecby bakh tions on June 18. The polls wouldn't close for another three hours, but the participation rate was already more than 40 percent in an election for which there was only one candidate. Edward Arabekian, the candidate for the deputy who would represent Shosh in parliament, was running unopposed. Voter tumout was strong elsewhere, too. Sosh,

By the end of the day, close to 6O percent of the country's 84,000 registered voters had cast ballots. The best turnouts were in the

towns and villages outside Stepanakert. The unopposed race in Shosh was not indicative of the amount of competition in the nationwide elections, however. One hundred thirteen candidates competed for the legislature's 33 seats, each of which was up for grabs. And at Commission #14 in Stepanakert there was a field of seven parliament-hopefuls to choose from. Shortly after the 8 p.m. close of the polls, the parliamentary elections ttrat had been denounced

by Azeftaijan and Turkey were hailed by international observers as being in accordance wittr intemational norms and with Karabakh law.

The President Votes Among those casting ballots was Arkady Ghoukasian, the president of Karabakh.

AIM JULY

2OOO

Ghoukasian had just returned to Stepankert the previous day, after his release from a hospital in Yerevan. He has been recuperating from an assassination attempt. Ghoukasian cast his ballot in a special box that was brought to his home. This wasn't the

fint time

that a ballot box had

been brought to someone's house in Karabaltr.

In the town of Askeran, which lies midway between Stepanakert and Aghdam, life-long resident MargooshahAgajandjian says she has never missed a vote. She says she was able to prcserve ttris perfect voting record when, during an illness several years ago, a ballot box was brought to her house. Agajandjian hadjust voted in the parliamentary elections, and she was sitting outside the town's polling station, waiting for her great-grandson to drive her

NATION home, whcn she rraclc this bolst to an inquisitive visitor. Agaianjian is 9.1 vcars old. Her great-grandsolt vouchecl lirr her claint about thc ballut box.

Fivc political parlies parlicipared in

the

June elections. arrd sup1roI1crs of Ghoukasian captufcd l3 of thc 33 seats. This is the third parliarnentaly clcction in inclepcndent Karabakh. and this lcgislaturc rvill sit tbr f ir,e 1,cars. Karabakh voters wercn't akrne at the polls.

At precinct l2 in Stepanakert. l5 tbreigners had rlreacly signed in by 2 p.m. According

to Karabakh law. r,isitors to polling stations are required to present identification and to have their names recorded. More than 100 fbreign observers and journalists had registered with Karabakh's election contmission before the stafi of polling. At this precinct. one of the observers. a person who signed in as William Bernard Owen, was later quotecl as sayinu that the elections were "transparent. indepcndent and tiee." Owen is Secretary' General ol'the Paris Center tbr Elections.

The .journalists who had tlavclcd

ix.iritr$f

.,d 1;11

Karabakh included a telel,ision creu lhrrn Arnrenian National Television. Their on-theair reporter, Julia Hakobian. also tiled a storv with CNN World Report. DLrring t,rsits b1,, AIM to three polling stations in Stepanakert. and to stations in Karmir Shuka. Sosh and Askeran. no irlegularities u'ere detectecl. The atmosphere u'as calnt ancl orderly. thcre were no sisns of intintidation. ancl the representatives of candidates u,ere allowed to ntonitor the process to ensure t'airness. International praise fbr the tairness of the election was abundant. but it didn't deter Turkey and Azerbaijan frorn condernnin-s this exercise in der-nocracy. The Turkish Foreign Minisrrl issued a srarerrent that the elections \\'erc "yet another indication that Azerbaijan's tenitorial integrity- and sovereignty iue bein-g violated." Azelbaijan's Central Electtx'al Contntission said the rote was "iln attcmpt to givc an air ot lerritintacy to the Kilrabakh crintinal rcgirne." Vrrdan Barseghian. Director ol thc Karabakh Intirrnration Olllcc in the US. brushecl oll' the criticisnr.

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rr*S*-q*{l.'iffit"!'ii!"u-!i1

"Evcry tirnc there's any sign ol lile in Karabakh, Azerbaijan becortrcs irritatcd." says Barscghian. "Karabakh is buildin,u a dentocracy. a democratic state. And Azerbaijan is upset because they can't el'en do this fbr thentselves in Azerbaijan." Photos: 0pposite Page: Parliament building in right: Votlng at a sch00l, Bottom right: Julia Hakobian reporting for CNN World Reporl Stepanake(; Top

AIM JULY

](X)O

n June 28, the Council of

Europe's Parliamentary Assembly @ACE) voted unanimously to approve Armenia's bid to join the 4l-member organization. Armenia is set to become a fulI member of the Council of Europe (CE) when its Committee of Ministers meets in September.

Azerbaijan's

bid was also overwhelrningly

accepted.with just one vote against. Based in the French city of Strasbourg, the Council of Europe is the first pan-European organization. It was established in 1949 by l0 Western European countries. The CE was set up to stengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout its member states.

While for the first 40 years of its exis-

it remained a mainly West European institution, since the fall of the USSR, its tence

membership has expanded to over 40. Today, some 800 million people in Europe and former Soviet states have access to the CE's democracy and human rights programs. The Council of Europe is not a structure of the European Union (EU). While the CE cooperates with the EU and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE),

in practice, ttre CE and the EU are "profoundly different institutions," even ttrough 15 EU

counffies are members of CE and play a leading role. Ambassador Christian Ter Stepanian, Armenia's Representative to the Council of Europe, explained to AIM during an interview from Strasbourg the significance of Armenia's membership. "First, it will help the process of regional cooperation among the three south Caucasus states," he said. "Already, under the auspices of CE, the parliamentary speakers of Armenia"

Welfare, Culture, Education and Local

- are involved with CE committees and programs in implementing srucAdministration

tural reforms and protection of citizens' rights." He says, "this will certainly

be invaluable for the development of Armenia's state struchlres and the development of civil society in Armenia." Indeed, because of Armenia's pending CE membership, many of the country's laws conceming for example, social security, family

Azerbaijan and Georgia have met several

laws, higher education and cultural policy, have

times. The ministers of the three states have also met to discuss mutually concemed issues,

been and are being reassessed. Perhaps the most important aspect of Armenia's membership in the CE would be the "new rights" accorded to the citizens of Armenia. Unlike any other intemational organization, the CE has a judicial procedure, which allows individuals in

such as social and educational issues." The second area of importance is the technical assistance Armenia will receive from CE. Ter

Stepanian explained, 'The CE can contribute greatly bringing Armenia's laws in conformity with European norms. This has significant impact on Armenia's integration into European sfiucfures and eventually, when (he time comes, its membership application to the EU." And thid, Ter Stepanian added, is democ-

racy and protection of human rights. As Armenia's point man in Strasbourg, he explains that already "several Armenian minisfties - such as Justice. Interior, Healttr, Social AIM JULY

2OOO

each member state to bring actions against gov-

erments, if they consider that they are the victims of a violation of the Convention. '"The citizens of Armenia will now be able

to apply to the

European Court

for

Human

Rights," says Ter Stepanian, adding that since Georgia's membership last year, they have already made 25 applications to the European Court of Human Rights. Since 1996, whenArmenia fint applied for

NATION membership and received "guest" status. the road has been an arduous one. "There were two pre-conditions for Armenia's membership," says Ter Stepanian. "Progress in the political solution of the Karabakh conflict and l'ree parliarnentary elections in 1998. The faceto-face meetings of Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents reassured the CE that the process toward negotiilted settlentent of the Karabakh conflicl was or-r its way," he continues. And the fiee parliamentary elections in 1998, albeit with rninor irregularities. "assured the CE that Arrnenia is serious about rnembership." However, the shootings in the National Asserrbly last Octobcr had the ir own inrpact on the process of'acccssion. Sonrc CE nrenrber states thought Arnrenia's menrbership should be delayed. but. thcn. others thought continuin_s the process would benefit Armenia more. In tact, a CE delegation visited Armenia in November. a few weeks alter the assassination of much of the country's top lcadership. They decided in favor of Arrrenia's aclrrittance. Yet. while Annenia was getting closer to tullilling CE requirements, Azerbaijan was slow in instituting the necessary legislative refbnns. "The general view in the CE was that Arrnenia and Azerbaijan should be adrnitted togcther," explains Ter Stepanian. This prescntcd dilficullies fbr Armenia as there was il tendency anrong CE members to think that Armenia should wait until Azerbaijan is ready to be admitted. However. Ter Stepanian says that CE otficials thought of another proccss. They active-

ly got involved in convincing

the Azerbaiiani

leadership lhat ''ittslc:rtl ol' SttlinS up\ct ()\ er' they should speed up changes in their legislature and catch up with Arnrenia laster. ln a way. Arrnenia's readiness encouraged Azerbaijan

Armenia's imminent nrenrbership.

beconre ready sooner than expcctcd,"

explains Ter Stepanian. This "new process" satisfied those member states that were in lavor ol adrnitting brxh countries at once. Ter Stepanian believes that had Anr.renia been recommended fbr firll nrembership by itself'. there might have been dithculties dr,rring the final vote of the Cornrlittee o1' Ministers. "Some states, especially Turkev. would have lobbied against Armenia and advocated Azerbaijan's simultaneous adrnittance." he cxplains. "lnclirectly," he adds, "An-enia's reaclincss firr acccssion helped Azerbaijan's application as well." Once they a'e full mem-

bers, the CE will provide Armenia Azerbaijan with m<lnitoring mechanisnis

and and

technical assistance krwards the irnplenrentation of the necessar] legal and adrninistrative refbnns in Arnrenia and Azerbaijan

lFacts on the Souncil i ttre Council ol Europe has lhree main bodies:

decision making body) is made up of the foreign ministers of all member states - currently 4'1. lt meets twice a year in ordinary sessions and sometimes, when matters arise,

0n special occasions. The Committee chairman rotates every six months among member stales. The Ministers' deputies meet at least once a month and draw up the CE's program of activities and adopt its budget (currently over 1.3 billion French Francs.) lt also decides follow-up procedures and pre-

The Committee

of Ministers (a

sents pr0posals

I I

| I

I I

to the Parliamentary I ol Local and I

Assembly, the Congress

Regional Authorities and the specialist

min-

isterial con{erences that the Council

Europe regularly

organizes.

The Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) is the parliamentary organ of the CE consisting of 291 representatives(andanequalnumber0f substitutes) from member states, with an elected President. Currently the president is Lord Russell-Johnston, a British Liberal Democrat and member of the House of

Lords. The number of representatives and votes in the Assembly is determined by the size of each country. Armenia will have four representatives (and votes); Azerbailan will have six, Georgia has five. The maximum numberof representativesisl8,thesmallest, two. The representatives of each member state are elected by each national 0r federal parliament or appointed from amongst the members of national parliaments. PACE holds four plenary sessions a year, where a wide range 0f social issues are debated and recommendations are made to the Committee of Ministers. PACE also plays a significant role

I I I

I I

tion to significant social issues and t0 the protection of citizens of member states. Human Rights: extends safeguards provided by the European Convention on Human Rights, accelerates judicial procedures and adds to the list of rights, especially concerning national minorities. Media and Communicalion$: encourages freedom 0f expression and the free circulation of information. Social and Economio issues: establishes guidelines for achieving greater social justice in Europe and better protection for the most vulnerable and the socially excluded. Education: Transmits democratic values t0 the youth and prepares them for life in a multilingual and multicultural Europe. Culture and Hedtage: develops a European cultural identity and draws up heritage protection policies. Sports: promotes sports for all and draws up rigorous ethical principles Environment: helps defend the naturalenvironment and organizes information campaigns. Local and Regional Authorities: strengthens the democratic process and organizes local and regional cooperation. Legal lssues: modernizes and harmonizes

I national legislation on issues as diverse as I corruption, nationality and bioethics. I

i i

Treaties and Conuentions The bases of Council 0f Europe's activities are more than 160 European conventions,0r the equivalent of more than 10,000 bilateral treaties. Among the key conventions are: The European Convention on Human Rights, designed to protect individuals'fundamental rights and freedoms. The European Social Charter, which lays down 23 fundamental rights for the protection of the family, young workers, trade union rights and social insurance.

in the accession process for new members and in monitoring

Council of Europe Priorilies: TheCouncilof Europepaysparticularatten-

compliance I . The Congress 0f Local and Regional | . Authorities 0f Europe has 291 representa- I

I I authorities and the other regions. lts {unc- I . The Convention for the Prevention of tion is to strengthen democratic institutions I Torture which provides for an independent of two chambers, one representing local

tives and 291 substitutes. lt is composed

at the local level, and in particular to assist the new

democracies.

I I

committee with the power t0 make unannounced visits to places of detention

f.'r..TT!rj:t:lr' ] . +lieot,i,'.it-:x'of,iiro, convention which 99,.: ] idl"r,Jinr[".ii;f,;'i;ilsilrnmentatcoopretariat, headed bv a secretary f:l:fl, *lg ] Lirtion in the fietds 0r educarion, cutture,

some '1500 officiars work in the organizatio.'r^,lllg'l1tl.^ll]

is elected by the Parliamentary Assembly

+^,n

a {i,^ ..^^a five-year term.

i-l:r"r, Crrrrttil

Euw A]M JUIJ

for

| ]O(X)

;: rJr0pe's

heritage, sport and youth activities,

::*r.:_?:!!:!:f

Er,:P,

hey are the ones meant to be forgotten, these with the unacceptable features of

Yerevan businessmen.

the impaired. Western societies don't

makes fundraising more difficult. Still, she continues with her various educational and humanitarian projects. These include Kharberd, where she is greeted like royalty by staff whose work has been made more tolera-

call

them'trippled" anymore. But, here,

they are so. Disfigured by fate, they are dismissed by a culture taught to hide what it cannot correct. Kharberd Specialized Child Center is not just an assisted living facility. It is an orphanage. Shamed parents abandon children here at this remote compound outside the city of Yerevan where they live misunderstood lives enclosed by walls and iron gates. And when they die, the state doesn't pay to bury them. Yet, these l7l children live lives remarkably improved from the generation that preceded them, due largely to attention paid to

Today, her diminished political clout

Fint Lady Lucia Ter Peffossian. Before becoming flrst lady, Ter Petrossian was a journalist whose attention to social shortcomings often contradicted the Communist Party line. Once in a position of influence, Ter Petrossian used her status to

ble because ofTer Petrossian's attention, and by children who don't understand politics, but who welcome a familiar and kind face. Inside Kharberd, walls are smartly painted and floors sparkle, as if Ter Petrossian's visit might have been expected. "But," she says, "I never let them know ahead of time when I am coming." Photographs of the residents hang as proudly as posters of healttry babies. Those who are able to do so go on occasional sighbeeing trips. Recently a group went to the Yerevan Zoo (courtesy of a Finnish group that supports the faciliry, and lunch was donated by the zoo.) Some here are perpetually bed-bound. But the ratio of staff to patients is nearly one to one (166117l), so individual attention is not lacking.

gain support for projects such as the children's home whose dismal conditions were profiled in an AIM article in October 1991. She held a fundraising dinner for Kharberd and received $100,000 in donations from

Toy stuffed animals rest on pillows of beds made in bright-colored linens. And at meal time, residents line up single file to a dining room with a panorama of the Ararat Valley and flnd their usual places, like chil-

them by former

AIM JULY

2OOO

dren in any school lunchroom. On good days, there is meat in the soup. Good days are injeopardy here. Like nearly every institution and most households, economic hard times have put this specialized children's home in peril. But hard times make clear priorities: "Our first aim," says the center's psychiatrist Gagik Babakhanian, "is to feed the children. Our second aim is to pay our staff." Meeting the first aim is often difficult, and sometimes a choice has to be made between buying food and buying medicine. (The center

tain floors from revenues generated by the State Lotto, but Babakhanian says pleas to various government ministries have gone

owns a cow which helps provide milk and cheese, and there are fruit trees on the grounds.)

But modern equipment and clean facilities aren't as important as food and medicine and Babakhanian fears the failing infrastructure of Kharberd may have contributed to the deaths of eight children between January and April. Babakhanian says the mortality rate is about two per cent "when everything is normal." But because everything is not normal in

Recently, purchasing medicine has a problem because the center is

become

300,000 Drams (about $600) in debt to local pharmacists and no new credit is being offered.

Of the

166 staff, only six have received

salaries in the past three months. And those six

(including $42 per month for the director) are paid by Finnish donors. (Regular staffsalaries are about $25-$30 per employee per month.) The center received help to remodel cer-

unanswered.

The entire Kharberd staff has been trained by foreign specialists to international standards, Babakhanian says. Their equipment is more modern than might be expected, and was brought to the center

agencies such as Medicins

Sans

Frontiers, Mission East and by Belgian doctors who adopted the hospital as a humanitarian project.

Armenia, everything is notnormal at the children's home. And so eight new graves were dug in the

Kharberd community cemetery by local men donating the only service they could afford.

Photos: Top Left: A disabled child is confined to bed most of the day; Top right: Meals rarely include meat, but bread is plentilul. Bottom lar left: A staff member accompanies children; Bottom

left: Former

First Lady Lucia ler Petrossian continues to take an interest in the orphanage which she helped rehabilitate.

AIM JULY

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Gau

& Leshian

Arfuenians

$eanrh lon Acceplance By HRAIR SARKIS SARKISSIAN

lllustrations by VAHE BERBERIAN

I I ! I I

t'r l barrqtret ut Sponsrrrerr'. Lodce irr Stu.li, Citr. Cllilbrnia. Thc hall is ele ..,,,,r,,u dce.l'111gq \\ ttn. iltnonll ()tnet ininsi. \c\e lill tli-c()Lrr Hu-q:. The lttt'rru""r rrc (lrc\\c(l to lh.: nrl.:\. enlhurtlrs

Thosc in attendancc range in agc li'oni [6

acceptance." But fbr many. these clroices

to 60. Tliere are about 2(X) attorneys. teach-

have become unacceptahle. As a result, sonre hlrve starlcd l() t. reate lheir ()$ n cornrntrnitie.. AGLA, the tirst of three Arrnenian gay

ers. homemakers. insurance agents. architects ancl students in thc hall. They have two

clance as a disc jockel plays Aram Asatrian's popular Hti otr

things in common: they're Arnrcnian and they'rc homosexual. "Ga1' ancl lesbian Arrnenians are olten

Hui c.t dtt ['m Arnrenian. you're

faced with one of two painfirl decisions." says

tically dancing the circle yes.

Arrnenian. I It's just one more dinner dance in lhe Diaspt,ru'. lurgest Arrttcrtian corttrttttrtitr. With one ditlbrence. The banner ovcrhead reads: Arrnenian Gay & Lesbian Association (ACLA) Second Annual Banquet.

Azad. lbundel ot'AGLA. "Live your lif'e the way you f-eel you were created and stay away fhrnr the Amrenian community fbr f-ear of pcrsc(r.rlir)n. ()f )ti.r\ in lhe Alrrrcrrilrn comrrrrrrritl and dcny your scxual identity in order to gain

AINl JTJI,\'](XX)

and lesbian organizations in the US. was .'For ycars. I triccl to find ftrundecl in 1997.

I knew they hrd to be arouncl," says Azacl. She placed an advertisement irr a Los Angeles gay and lesbian publication announcing thc fbunda-

other Arnrenian gays and lesbians.

tion of AGLA ancl its first nreeting at

her

home. Within two weeks, she received over 2(X) calls. "They wcrc all in disbclief. Sorne

|r,r.r

CONNECTIONS thought it was a joke, others thought it was a set-up. A group of 15 started to meet and soon grew to more than 80. I was overwhelmed. These were kids in their 20s who had given up

on ever being accepted by other Armenians. They would sit around and talk for hours." Ultimately, the discussions always led to how the Armenian community treats them, how they might tell their parents and what would

if they did. This was a subject with which Azad herself was painfully familiar. Born in happen

Baghdad to a family of eight children, she knew early on that she was different from her sisters and identified more with her brothers. "I used to steal my brothers' shorts and wear them in hiding, away from my mother," she remembers. Azad's internal battle continued for years even after moving to Los Angeles with her family. "I used to be very sad and miserable. I felt like a freak. I was constantly questioning why this was happening to me. But there was no getting away from it." After a great deal of pressure from her family to get married, Azad finally told them that she was a lesbian. "It was a nightmare.

All hell broke loose," says Azad, haltingly,

to take a minute and think about what they are

the pain still evident eight years later. Her

actually doing to their own children. They are hurting them more than anyone else can ever hurt them." Azad cunently lives with her partner of

older brother pulled a gun on her. Her mother told her she would go to hell. "My mom was mostly concemed about what to tell people if

they found out," she recounts tearfully. "I

seven years, Wendy. The couple has been the

couldn't believe what I was hearing. I asked them if their concern about what to tell people was more intense than their love for me. They had no answer." AfterAzad's oldest sis-

only parents Wendy's now l5-year-old son has ever known. "He is a wonderful young

ter convinced the brother to put down the gun,

they told her to leave and not to come back. "As far as they were concerned, I didn't exist. They said they didn't have a sister named Azad anymore," she adds. "We used to be so close and now I was alienated, considered dead. I agonized a lot. I missed them so much," continues Azad, quietly. '"This is one of the reasons I started AGLA. I didn't want others to be alone going through what my family put me through." Azad has seen similar behavior in other families as well. "When I try to help families deal with their gay and lesbian kids, I often hear them say that they would rather see the child dead than live in shame. The outside pressure is so strong, it doesn't allow families

AIM JULY

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man, a straight

student and a gentle soul,"

of trying, Azad was finally able to educate her family regarding her sexuality and they have finally come she says. After years

around. "Now, they cannot get enough ofme. Wendy and our son are part of the family. At Christmas and Thanksgiving, the whole family comes to our house. It means a lot to me. And it makes all the difference in the world," she says, smiling. Azad's willingness to speak publicly is rare. Other members of AGLA were less willing. Indeed, one of the organizations even asked not to be identified by name for this story. In true Armenian spirit, this second group split off from AGLA a year and a half ago over some differences in direction. It now has over 100 members and fears risking the safety and security of its members,

CONNECTIONS who come "to find comfort and acceptance in a safe and supportive Armenian environment," says a member. "We all have heard horror stories about

gay and lesbian Armenians in the name of God or to protect the community's honor," says Khachig, the organization's former president, and a successful businessman who has been involved with these groups for over three years. Azad had received such calls when she first organized AGLA, "threatening to kill her, even threatening to bum down her businesses. Others informed her that she was going to hell," says Khachig. Khachig, 34, was bom in Irbanon and has been living in Los Angeles for 15 years. He has been involved in other community organizations, but this is the first organization where he is open about his sexuality.

Armenians abusing

Born Into the Enemy Camp The newest of the three organizations, Armenian Gay and lrsbian Association, (not related to AGLA in Los Angeles) was founded in New York's East Village in May 1999. One of the founders, Arsen, a 26-year-old

art student, was watching the Gay

Pride

Parade in New York City last year, when he saw two women marching with an Armenian flag. "I thought I had lost my mind," he says. "I ran into the crowd, hugged them and asked who they were. We exchanged numbers and later got in touch with each other. We decided to start a group for people like ourselves, who

minorities. 'Most members of minorities are bom into minority families where they have the support of the parents who will teach them the necessary techniques to survive. But not when it comes to gay and lesbian children. Not only do strangers hate them, but their own family may reject them." he adds.

are completely cut-off from the Armenian community because of our sexualtty." The organization has already atftacted over 50

The Community Perspective

members, most of them over the age

35.

"Our members are curious about Armeniiu culture, something that has been missing from

their lives," says Vartan, one of the initial founders of the organization. "They miss that. They want to rekindle their heritage. We pro-

Although the APA removed homosexual-

ity from its list of mental disorders in 1973, there are many within and outside the Armenian community who do not accept homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle and who believe gays and lesbians should be unconditionally condemned. Reverend Father

Saint Peter

vide them with a comfortable environment

Shnork Demidian, Pastor

where their interests in their heritage will not result in ridicule." The irony is inescapable. They voluntarily retum to the Armenian community, and there, they face abuse. This is not unusual, explains Jack Drescher, MD, a psychiatrist who is the

Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California, is

American Psychiatric Association's (APA) spokesperson on homosexuality issues. "Being bom gay or lesbian is like being bom into the enemy cirmp," says Drescher and continues that this is different from what happens to most

not among them.

Demirjian has had ttre oppormnig to inter-

act with gay Armenians. "After getting to know me, they reveal themselves, they want to find out how tolerant the church would be regarding their lifestyle," he says. Demirjian is not hesitant in telling them about the church's negative position regarding homosexuality, "But that does not mean they are not welcome in the church. They

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CONNECTIONS want an Amenian clergy to greet them, go to their home and bless them. They don't want to be ignored because of who they are. Although I don't agree with their lifestyle, it does not mean that I cannot be their friend," he adds. "If I think that a person has created an obstacle on his or her way to heaven, I cannot create an obstacle on my way to heaven. Lack of compassion towards any person, including a homosexual person, would be such an obstacle."

Demirjian believes that a homosexual is

in transition, although he doesn't rule

out exceptions. "My personal belief is that any priest, based on God's unconditional love,

should show compassion, love and care towards the homosexual members of our community. God did not say 'I love you if.' There are no ifs. But, according to the church's canons, sexual relations between same sex individuals are not condoned. So, the priest should also pray for that moment of change. I try to help them understand the dif-

ficulties and try to show them the love of God," he says. Demirjian is not alone among those who believe that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice that can be undone. Drescher disagrees.

"It

not a matter of choosing to be gay, lesbian or straight. Rather, a choice of whether to hide or reveal yourself," he explains. Drescher believes that Armenians, like many

communities in diaspora, have a particular need not to enter into the mainstream community when it comes to social change. On the contrary, they demand the retention of the traditional culture, unchanged. Since no gay and lesbian culture is traditional, it is automatically considered a betrayal of the traditional culture. "The community is not deliberately trying to hurt anybody, but it is unintentionally creating an environment where their gay and lesbian children are not accepted by the entire community," he says.

wrong. He wasn't happy in his maniage. But I never, ever suspected. I'm still surprised.

This was my son,

that it's a bad thing, but you know the way we've been raised," and her voice trails off Seta was born and raised in Lebanon. She and

her husband were active in the community's cultural life.

blamed myself for not having My son had obviously suffered so much, trying to do what we expected of

guessed.

him, and later worrying about how to tell his

mother, Alternative to Betrayal For those children who do not wish to "betray" the expectations placed on them, the alternative is "constant internal conflict." Or denial. Saro, 31, was married for nearly a decade, divorced, and finished professional school before he accepted his homosexuality. He moved

another state. His

mother never suspected. He didn't tell her. "We would only see each other every few months, but could tell something was

AIM JULY

2OOO

could read his every thought, every emotion, and I never knew. "Finally, I pushed and pushed, and he told me. I was in shock," she says, still looking stunned years later. Quickly, she adds, "Not

Seta continues, teary-eyed.

thought a lot about it. One thing convinced me. Saro loves me so much, he's the last person in the world who would want to see me sad and upset. He wouldn't tell me this and live this way knowing it's something that's going to upset me, if there was anything he could do about it. So, it's not something he can overcome, it's something that's not in his hands to change." Seta acknowledges that she hasn't told most of her friends. Still, she has met her

CONNECTIONS It is the same Armenian culture that

some

gays and lesbians want to make a part of their lives that they say is also pushing them away. "What concerns me most about the Armenian community is that in an effort to maintain a strong sense of Armenian culture, the community hangs on to old ways of thinking. That is self-defeating and does not

achieve what it intends," says Arlene Avakian, author of Lion Woman's Legacy, an Armenian-American Memoir. Avakian teaches at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and does not participate much

theArmenian community. "My adult female identity is not reflected in the community," she says. "I can barely bring my feminist self into the community, let alone my lesbian identity." The Armenian community tends to "push

many interesting people out. It allows only people who believe in the status quo to become leaders and set values for the community. Many who are interested in looking at new ideas and want to see change, or don't fit into the status quo are labeled as not a hun-

dred per cent Armenian. They are forced away," she says.

Arlene, who has been with her partner, Martha, a psychotherapist, for 26 years, receives many messages from Armenian

son's friends, has invited them for dinner. "Imagine that someone should suffer so much in society, and then the family should make him or her suffer even more. I won't do that to my son," she says. Those interviewed for this story say more parents react like Azad's than Saro's. "There is this ridiculous belief in many communities, including ours, that if you talk about certain things, kids will do it, or become it," argues Mken Yacoubian, principal of Rose

and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, Califomia. Yacoubian, a Ph.D. candidate in psychology, is also an adjunct pro-

fessor at Woodbury University's Behavioral Science Department. 'As illogical as it is, that belief still exists. To say that if we talk about homosexuality, someone will change from being a heterosexual to a homosexual is completely ridiculous." Yet, based on that belief, many in leadership positions shun those who are openly gay.

AIM JULY

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women who are shocked to find that there is another Armenian lesbian. "It's always something like 'Oh my God, I thought I was the only one. I want to get in touch with other Armenian gays and lesbians,"' she says. "I think it's great that these individuals are organizing and are able to find others they can identify with as both Armenian and gay or lesbian. They don't have to split themselves." The three gay and lesbian organizations explain their raison d'etre in much the same terms as any otherArmenian organization: To expose Armenians to the Armenian culture. And they try. Kevork was born in Beirut and has lived in Los Angeles since he was two. "Logically, I knew I would not be accepted in the Armenian community, being gay," he says. As Kevork finally accepted his sexuality during his college days, he felt the need to connect with his Armenian culture as well. But he wasn't sure how he could be more involved with the community as a gay person. "I accidentally found out about the group

in Los Angeles and it was exactly what I needed," he says. It's been over a year since that day and Kevork is now the secretary of the organization and has made many friends there. Four months ago, he started to leam

Armenian for the flrst time with the help of

CONNECTIONS some friends from the group. "We get togeth-

er every week.

I have learned most of the

alphabet and hope to speak fluently one day," he says. Kevork credits the organization for bringing him back to his Armenian roots. 'This has been a great experience," he says. 'There is a signiflcant need for such an organization in our homophobic community." Not too long ago, a l6-year-old girl heard Kevork and his friends studying Armenian at a local caf6 and came over to talk to them. "When she found out we werc gay, she was incredibly relieved, realizing that she wasn't alone," he says. "She was suicidal because her parents had found out she was a lesbian and told her to either kill herself or they would kill themselves." Kevork realized that this young woman's problems were beyond the reach oftheir organization, "but we were able to direct her to the right people and offer her an environment where she can be with people who understand her and have been through similar experiences."

Choosing an Armenian Partner There are some who have come out to their immediate families, only to find that they are expected to stay away from the community. "I came out when I was 20," says Hagop, a 29-year-old attomey, "and am more or less openly gay among nonArmenians. My parents are not particularly accepting of my homosexuality. My father clings to the notion that I will get married someday, and my mother, though understanding, has requested that I not come out in the Armenian community." Hagop thinks that's because she does not want him to be exposed to ridicule. But he can't be completely certain since they haven't discussed his homosexuality since he first told them almost a decade ago. "There is no compelling reason for me to come out at this time in the community. One powerfrrl reason would be if I were to find an

Armenian partner who would want to be involved in the community. Maybe a nice doctor?" he says, laughing. "When I have someone in my life whom I love, I hope that my parents will eventually see it and accept it. But I can't force them. "Someday, I'd like to have kids. A gay couple probably won't be allowed to adopt an orphan from Armenia, but the idea is for the child to be brought up in an Armenian community, go to youth groups, have the same experiences I had growing up," says Hagop. Hagop expresses a sentiment shared by many gays and lesbians, "The only thing bad about being gay is that you have to put up

with everyone else's preconceived, and often uninformed, notions about what it means." At age 30, Vahan is the director of operations for a major corporation and a the current president of the Armenian gay and lesbian organization in LosAngeles. He has also been in a relationship with an Armenian guy for the last year. They met through the group. "Having an Armenian partner is an amazing experience," he says. 'IV'e understand each other on all levels. Our culture and religion is so unique. It is great to go to the same church together, speak the same language, enjoy the

same foods."

Although Vahan is not out to his fami-

ly for fear of disappointing them,

as a cou-

ple, they are accepted by his partner's parents. "We travel together and she calls me 'son'. She introduces me to their friends as

her son's boyfriend," he says.

Vahan

enjoys the acceptance from his partner's family but is pained by what has happened to his relationship with his own family. "We used to be so close, but I've become so distant from them," he says. Knowing that they will not accept his homosexuality, "I have created this barrier between us, which is killing me inside." Having to Choose But for some, leaving the Armenian community behind was not a choice, rather a necessary act of survival. "Growing up, my first identity was Armenian. The first lens I learned to see the world through," says Haig,

28, a recent Psychology graduate from Columbia University. "When I came to terms with my sexual identity at age 20, I knew I would not be accepted in the community which had meant so much to me," he says. After attending several Armenian Student Association meetings both at USC, during his undergraduate years and later at Columbia, it was clear to Haig that he was not welcome. "I hated Armenians for a while because I felt that I was being forced to make a choice."

Haig recently discovered AGLA in New York. "This is my opportunity to be within

the Armenian community and still

myself," he says. But things were much different for Haig when he f,rst came out to his family at the age of 23. He decided to wait until he was no longer dependent on them, fearing that he might be asked to leave the family's home. Although his (divorced) parents did not react rashly , Haig has not been in contact with his father for the last year and a half. "I don't want to talk to him since he has chosen not to

CONNECTIONS someone who understood her. She was also shocked by the number of gay and lesbian Armenians there." he adds.

"All my friends are Armenian

and it

with them," he says. Sevag finds this organization to be a grcat opportunity for Armenian gays and lesbians to find support, make true friendships, have fun and be accepted for who they are. Sevag believes society pushes gay and lesbians away and forces them to lie. "If means a lot being

Armenian society was more open and accepting, gays and lesbians won't be forced to make wrong choices for themselves by getting into straight relationships," he says. "It happens all the time and it destroys lives, families and people. They end up playing roles in society instead of

being themselves and being much happier and productive individuals." Throwing the First Stone The fear of not being accepted by their families and society in general is magnified in teenage boys. "Nobody really forces teenage girls to go out dating. Boys have a lot of pres-

sure to show interest in the opposite sex in their teenage years. That may be why gay adolescents are thrce times more

likely to

commit suicide than straight adolescents," says Drescher, author of Psychoanalytic Therapy and the Gay Man.

respect my relationship with Peter. I translate that to mean that he does not have any respect

for me." Peter, 36, and Haig have been living together for over three years. "When things became serious with Peter, the fact that he was not Armenian was in the back of my mind. Then I realized that this is it. He is the one I want to spend my life with;" adds Haig. "Peter is great. He is very level headed, generous and has a kind heart. He is also leaming about the Armenian culture and just read Passage to Ararat." Haig's mother, who lives in Los Angeles, has been very understanding and supportive.

She has a picture of Haig and Peter in her bedroom and has the couple over for holidays. When she calls their home, she leaves messages for both, calling Peter 'Bedig'. Sevag, a 23-year-old graduate student, lives with his Mom who has known about his sexuality for a long time, "but needed to hear it from me," he says. Things went quite smoothly and she is proud of who he is, even though she has not fully accepted it. "She came to one of the dances of our group to see

who my friends were," says Sevag. At the dance, she ran into another parent who was

there

for the same reason. "They

cried together, but she was happy to have found

AIM JULY

2OOO

Sevag continues, "Suicide, which is another taboo subject in Armenian society, happens but no one hears about it. We hear that this kid died of heart failure, or in a car accident, or drowned. Some of them commit suicide, but no one knows," he adds. "The church should proclaim her teachings about homosexuality," responds Demirjian. "But this does not mean that the tools of punishment of the medieval period should be revived and homosexuals be singled out and made scapegoats of society and thus persecuted," he adds. "When they brought to Jesus the woman who'd had immoral sexual acts, according to Mosaic Law, she was going to be stoned to death. But Jesus' compassionate response was, 'Let he among you who has never commit-

ted a sin cast the first stone.' Then

looked at the woman and told her to go and sin no more." There are plenty willing to throw the first stone, nevertheless. Melineh, 29, who maintains the website for one of the gay and lesbian organizations, finds the negative messages posted there

notjust degrading, but also

disturbing and horrifying. "There is one guy who visits the site two to three times a week

CONNECTIONS and posts

pomo$aphic images. He says 'This

and lesbian Armenians, we get this false of security, thinking that all Armenians

is normal - you are not.'Another guy suggested that all gay and lesbian Armenians

sense

should go to Armenia so they can be used as

Melineh, who was involved in various Armenian social groups during her teens and early 20s, found herself staying away from the community, knowing she would not be accepted. "I had to get away from the social constraints that are put upon an Armenian daughter. I did not want to be a doctor or a lawyer. I wanted to be an artist and a linguist." But the minute she got away, Melineh

coal, for fire," says Melineh, crying as she repeats the tales.

False Sense ofSecurity "A certain percentage of the general population is homosexual. You can see that they have not been converted to homosexuality. This suggests that it is normal to assume that the Armenian community, being part of society, also has homosexuals," says Yacoubian. Obviously, not everyone shares this logic. '.A frequently-repeated comment is that gay and lesbian Armenians bring disgrace to the Armenian community. And of course, 'There

is no such thing as gay Armenians this. "'recounts Melineh.

I can't stop

"When I see these comments, help but think these people might be our neighbors," says Melineh, who, together with her partner of five years, Ani, also 29, lives in one of the most densely-populated Armenian neighborhoods of Los Angeles. "I walk around wondering what would happen if the person behind me knew that I am gay," she says. "l realize that by being around gay

realized she was missing something. "I realized that I had to bridge the gap between

me and the Armenian community." Being with Ani helps, along with her involvement with the local Armenian gay and lesbian organization.

'"The people who are just starting to come to our meetings are exhausted and

'starved' from being away from

being suicidal to feeling complete as

Armenian and a lesbian," she says. As a past president of the organization, "It is great to

see that something

helped create goes

to august 15, 2000

every tuesday night

at 8.30pm

ti ckets: $15.00 1 i mi ted seats

the

Armenian community. They are really enjoying being around Armenians. One person, within two months, came full circle from

a hi larious and engag'ing monologue written and performed in armenian by vahe be rbe r i an

people's lives," says Melineh.

love us."

" yev ay l e l'r" letc .l

j une 27

beyond just the group and actually changes

f OCOCO : 64 west uni on street

oId pasadena, ca 91103 you may want to come early and enjoy a pretheater dinner upstai rs , at caf e santori n'i

626.564 .420L

Parents, First and Last But her biggest accomplishment Melineh believes, is her family's acceptance of her and the relationship she has with Ani. "Armenian parents live for their children," she says. "Now, my parents know that I'm in a safe place and my life is falling into a good rhythm." Areg,22, was born in Yerevan and has lived in Los Angeles since 1991. "I never felt different, and still don't," says Areg about his homosexuality. It wasn't until he saw a program on television about gay kids

that Areg realized that he was gay too. "They were describing me, my thoughts, my feelings," he says, at which time he told his parents. They took him to two therapists who "worked more towards my parents' acceptance than anything else," he says. Next, they asked him to date women, which he did but found no physical or personality attractions towards them. "My dad was frustrated because logically it made sense to him but emotionally, he couldn't understand

or relate to it. My mom was more

angry,

more emotional." Areg feels that he has been luckier than

CONNECTIONS r

rrHffi '"i#

According to Dresch% "Parents continue

to believe that they have done

something

wrong, even though the theory that parents cause homosexuality has never been proven.

-1 "

It is very difficult for parents to accept this." But just as it has taken years for many gays

"4;nr

and lesbians to accept themselves, Drescher points out that it will take parents some time

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also to get used to the idea, unless they choose not to know. "But the future of these gay and lesbian children lies in being accept-

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ed by their

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ties, integrate their cultural identity and resolve the inherent conflicts in the most constructive way, it would be hypocritical of me if I don't address the issue of sexual identity," says Yacoubian. "You cannot struggle against things like racism and sexism, and not engage

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families," he adds.

Yacoubian acknowledges this, and the resulting responsibility. "As an activist, be it a principal, teacher or mentor, if I am trying to encourage these kids to explore their identi-

tL.

r\F

in trying to eliminate homophobia. This is part of a systemic approach," he adds. It is within this context thatYacoubian encourages his colleagues and students to explore these issues both in the larger society and the Armenian community.

JN"f; sbe**

Yacoubian doesn't just talk tolerance. Recently, at a faculty retreat, he invited a speaker to address and educate teachers on issues of homosexuality and homophobia. "I

thought

it was very relevant," says

Yacoubian, regarding the issues discussed. "Regardless ofthe teachers'own positions on homosexuality, they will encounter homosexuals in our classes. One of the paramount roles of an educator is to break all forces of denial. We have the responsibility of fostering discussion about this."

Demirjian, too, acts out of a feeling of responsibility. "I don't want to be framed as the priest who is intolerant. If I do, my ministry will be over."

most. "I see some of the ways my gay and lesbian friends' families treat them. There is so much hate. Families should be based on love and any problems should be solved

with love and understanding," he

says.

"Families should offer a safe environment where their kids can be open about themselves, whoever they may be. Parents and kids alienate each other for something so insignificant compared to the bonds that make an Armenian family." If Areg's parents went from denial to

acceptance, this isn't true of most others. "I really believe that when parents are confronted with their child's homosexuality, a grieving period is created, which leads the

parents into acceptance or denial," says Demirjian. "Parents mourn the death of the dreams they have held for that child. Parents should come out of the grieving situation prayerfully, and although they may not be

pleased

with the child's lifestyle,

they

should have the courage to embrace them with love and forgiveness." AIM JULY

2OOO

A More Perfect Union? Zabelle and her partner Amy have been together since 1981. They are both professionals in their 40s and came out in the context of the feminist movement. "I've always wanted an equal relationship," says Zabelle. "It could've happened with a man but Amy and I had a spark and knew that it could happen with each other. We fell in love. The fact that she was a woman was great," she adds. Zabelle is referring to the sexism she finds in straight relationships. "A man, on some deep

level, is glad he is not a woman, like his wife. What kind of a relationship is that? He is also trained from early on to be in charge,

CONNECTIONS responsible, the boss. Some women like that," she says. "In the Armenian community, women are expected to be subordinate to men. We have a relationship where we are truly equal partners. A lot more things are understood. We don't have to deal with gender roles," says Zabelle.

Being an openly lesbian couple, Zabelle and Amy have come across many who have not been able to see past the stereotype. "When a straight woman talks about her husband, she is not making an announcement about what they do in bed.

It frustrates me

because when we do the same, all people think about is what we do in bed," she says. In 1989, Zabelle and Amy got married at

ue to live a traditional lifestyle. They are married, have children, and are invisible. Some made the choice consciously, others thought they had no choice at all. But they, together with those who have 'come out,' exist, nonetheless. "We have gays and lesbians in our communities. But they are closeted because our community is homophobic," explains Yacoubian.

"But who do these kids look up to, for ques-

not afford to waste the talents of

any

Armenian who is motivated and willing to contibute to our nation. We can't afford to marginalize any of us," she says. "The Armenian nation needs all of us. In my community, we have demonstrated that it can be done," she adds, referring to the community's ability to look past the sexuality issue and to accept her based on who she is, her dedication and her work. Finally, that's what it comes down to. The

tions, comfort, love, and then empowerment as human beings? It is our responsibility to create

other folds in the lives of gay and lesbian

ttre milieu for that," he adds. '"There has to be room for all Armenians in our community," says Zabelle. "There aren't many of us around the world. We simply can-

Armenians - bisexuality, AIDS, equal rights, willingness to speak on the record with name and photos - all come later. For them, the first issue is acceptance based on who they are. r

their local Unitarian Universalist Church, the most progrcssive of the Christian Churches. Although the marriage is not binding by law, their city does have a domestic partnership registry where they are recognized as a couple and enjoy some of the same rights extended to straight couples. "I married my best friend," says Zabelle. "We share values, politics and our personalities are compatible." Zabelle's sister and Amy's mother were the only family members present at their wedding, but there were many friends. "We played Armenian classical music and readArmenian poetry," she says. After the

ceremony, a longtime friend offered the Armenian traditional toast, 'May you grow old on one pillow.' Zabelle got involved with fundraising within her community after the earthquake in Armenia. She felt lucky to have been in an Armenian community that was isolated and small enough not to have formed any traditional Armenian organizations. "The Armenians here had realized that there were so few of us that if we wanted to have a community, we had to do it with everyone's help," she says. "I made sure that whatever I did

to our community and it." Eventually, she told them

brought honor strengthened

about her partner. Some distanced themselves, for a while. Later, "they realized that I was not bringing shame to the community. I kept doing exactly what I was doing all along. I worked hard, represented theArmenian heritage to anyone who wanted to know. They realized that I was the same person," she says. "They got over their fears because they took the time to see the reality."

Acceptance Based on Who They Are

For each of the individuals who did speak

to AIM for this article, there

are

many others who are not "out" and contin-

AIM JULY

2OOO

5',7

'PECIAt

INVITATION

WWW.ABIAENIADIA3PORA.COTVI lNVlTEt IOU to ptotet* /,ttr Arw,e,il,a-ba,rel, p.roje,otr oru thi,r site. subnb soo wordr tlut deruiloyotu orga. nirzatitw (or yojeft) in Arwenia,. Ptu,se proddo /**ail,t about ptrrposo, ptotrail,t, ttq/pr4t )ttatbn, aad, bdlrt. Abo pron)o cnnta.ct informarbu, it, ords to allotn hterutei, inli,rrifuuk to link oy utith,yow anoLyou* projut. rh,o utorld,r tlw linitt WWW.ABT$EN IAD tAtPO RA.COrlt fal,illbah, altuo indittiilul,ail,orya. ilzAHrM^L innbuut in,&o duehpnut of tila rtrurto*u for Armod^a,-Diaspora cooperation. Datoba,ro/atelap+ttctrt, tttorkial

retolrt@

ids4t@ina

tili,r rtA. Jointlwyourr. Hueyoow WWW. A

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Tx: x:wGrr rrNtr rN THc SOOO-ycAR-orD (HArN

ArmeniaDiaspora

THE OFFICIA1

'ITE

OF THE

ARIIENIADIA'POBA

CONFERENCE

ARTS

alnh Duu Nune Yesayan and Djivan Gasparyan Team Up to Push the Bounds of Traditional Music By PAUL CHADERJIAN

ntertainers Nune Yesayan

and

Djivan Gasparyan need no introduction; their first names alone warrant recognition. She sells out concerts in

Armenian communities all around the world, has four best-selling CDs, and her name is part of the pop culture lexicon in the homeland and Diaspora (AIM May

1998). He is known in the international music industry as the master of the duduk, the Armenian flute, works with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Michael Brook and Brian

Eno, and has contributed

several

Hollywood motion pictures and performed

with

symphonies

like the Los

Angeles

Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a favorite of "World Music" and alternative radio stations around the globe, while she is a favorite of Armenians of all ages from all walks of life and celebrated by Armenian broadcast and print media. These two performers'celebrity may be an abstract concept for many, but it can be defined by their popularity and name recognition in their respective venues and communities. Now the two have teamed up to share a stage in the fall and perhaps push traditional Armenian music to a new level of international popularity. Their collaboration began last year when Nune was asked by the

Armenian government to perform with Djivan at the April 24 commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at the National Opera House. "They asked us to perform Kele Lao," says Nune, "and it turned out to be a very moving tribute to the millions who were massacred and displaced, and it was also an invitation to Armenians around the world to return to the homeland, to support their homeland." The 85th anniversary commemoration at

the Opera was televised in Armenia

and across Europe, and fans quickly asked to hear more of Nune's haunting voice set to the melodies coming from Djivan's duduk. "So I asked him to perform with me in my concerts in the US," says Nune. "He said he couldn't imagine what he could contribute and what he

would perform. I told him theArmenian stage needs you because you're the master, and people, our people need to hear you perform this sacred instrument." It didn't take any more to persuade Djivan to participate in Nune's concerts. "Armenians Iove her," says Gasparyan. "I couldn't imagine a better tour to perform for Armenians around the world. When people come to hear

us, they are going to hear pure and true Armenian melodies and songs." The collaboration will perhaps be ben-

eficial for both artists. While Armenian audiences rarely hear Djivan perform for them, Nune's fans will most likely cele-

of the 3000-year-old instrument. The Armenia 2000 tour will begin at the Pasadena Civic Center, continue at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and

move to the East Coast and the Lincoln Center in New York City. Additional concerts are planned for Boston, Detroit and Washington, DC. Djivan's retum to the Armenian stage to perform with Nune will perhaps give the master the personal satisfaction of having his own people, his own community validate his successes in the mainstream music industry, while his celebrity with the industry's movers and shakers will introduce Nune's talents into new arenas and uncharted territories. giving the pair more opportunities to become Armenia's true ambassadors of culture to the world.

brate his mastery

AIM JULY

2OOO

Paul Chaderjian

is a TV news reporter at the

NBC affiliate in Fresno.

Photo: Nune and Djivan,

FnanGe Gonquens Eunope nuith

Ethnic Battalion France took the Euro 2000 title on July 4 by beating Italy 2-1. The 1998 World Cup champions had already beaten the Czech Republic, Spain and Portugal - again by 2-l - to reach the European Championship final. They trailed the Italians for most of regular time, equalizing in the final minute and winning the championship by a 'golden goal'in the extra time. The French were jubilant, filling the streets of Paris in

celebration (left). French-Armenian Youri Djorkaeff (above, far right) brought his share to the triumph by scoring crucial goals against the Czechs and the Spaniards. The French team was one of the most ethnically diverse in the toumament, employing the talents of Frenchmen of West African, Basque, Argentinean, Polynesian, Spanish, Algerian, and Armenian descent. It was also one of the most attacking and creative sides competing for the title. Homogeneous Italy, on the other han4 owed its presence in the final to a defensive-minded and conservative strategy.

AIM JULY

2OOO

0lympics Day ln thc Gity For four days at the end of June, Armenia marked Intemational Olympic Day 2000. Messages liom Intemational Olympic Comminee President Juan Antonio Samaranch and UN Secretary General Koh Annan were read by

Armenia's National Olympic Committee President.

Balloons in the five Olympic colors were released, children of all ages ran a marathon through Republic Square (below.) Cyclists rode 20 times around the Children's Park just past the Square. Other events included a soccer match at the Hrazdan Stadium of l2 to l3year-old players. The celebration was sponsored by the Armenian Olympic Committee to mark the beginning of preparations ior Olympics 2000 in Sydney. Coca Cola was a main sponsor.

ffi

,f,,,

Unheaten Duo

ilrl

Unbeaten

Arnr Grigorian of Armenia Oelow

left photo, boxer on the right) successfi.rlly defend-

ed his World Boxing Organization lightweight Jlune 24, by stopping Hungary's Zoltan Kalocsai in the 12th round. Weightlifter Ashot Danelian (below, far rieht) lifted 252.5 kg in the over 105 kg category at the 79th European Weightlifting Men's Championship in Sofia on April 30. Danelian won the gold

title Friday,

medal with a total weight of 457.5 kg.

-rm

AIM JULY

2OOO

l/lffirhi d

ntel,ltatio ttal

h nferente

New Visions, New Horizons Yerevan, Armenia 0ctober 8 to 11, 2000 PROGRAM Distinguished panels

will examine the role of the Armenian woman in business, journalism,

education. health, family issues, history, religion, arts, politics, leadership positions and more. Panelists will address the progress of Armenian women historically, current concerns and issues, and visions and goals for the future. OBJECTIVES To build a strong international network of Armenian women.

Come and be a part of this inspiring, historic event.

CONFERENCE FEE INCLUDES Sunday Gala 0pening Reception,

all sessions, simultaneous translations, lunch and snacks, Gala Closing Evening Celebration. FEES Registration $350 ($325 for AIWA members) Reserve your place now with a $100 deposit (refundable by August 1)

AIWA.IA

t0DGlNG Armenia Hotel, Ani Plaza Hotel and Erebuni Hotel

P.0. Box 1344

Glendale California Fax 818.342.4660

209

AIWA P.0. Box 654 Belmont, MA 02178 USA Ter/Fax

611.926.0171

r:(

1{ L

On a SCOfChing SUIIfmef day laSt ]e&f,

a brilliant sun-filled moming sky belied the horror that would drifr over a pasture later that same afternoon. Word of newly discovered mass graves had spread quickly among the residents of the Albanian village of Cikatova, in central Kosovo. Parents, grandparents, and children came from all directions - on horseback, on ox-drawn carts, in cars and on foot - bringing with them the dismal hope of learning any news about missing relatives. After so many months of tenor and incertitude in their lives, any information - even the morbid news of the death of a family member would be welcome. As the moming wore on, UN War Crimes investigators slowly cleared away mounds of dirt by hand. With each one of the 63 graves that were dug up came the stench of rotting human flesh. Clothing, shoes, belt-buckles, any identifuing items, were neatly laid out in rows with a number corresponding to the pit they were removed from. Villagers looking for anything familiar pushed their way to a barbed-wire fence which kept them back from the excavation but allowed their emotions full access to the horror. Cries of misery rang out as families realized the twisted piles of bones and decomposed scraps of blood-soaked cloth were all that were left of their missing loved ones. These three linle girls - sisters, I discovered later - sat alone and quietly huddled together at the far end of the field. I followed their gaze and saw that they had locked their eyes on the newest pile of decayed clothes being displayed in front of the crowd. They had recognized ttre artifacts as belonging to their missing father. Their expressions changed from curiosity to disbelief, then to shock and honor. Without taking their eyes off the hideous sight, the two girls on the end slowly brought their hands to their mouths and let out what appeared to be silent screalns. They stood motionless for several minutes, hands cupped over their mouths, their vacuous eyes fixed on all that remained of their father. Then they slowly tumed away and walked, hand-in-hand, down the dirt road toward the village center. -Garo Lachinian is a staff photographer for the Boston Herald

AIM.IULY

2OOO

Anmenia and lnmenian-Amcnican$ Children's Magazines By Gobbleslone Publishing Gompany

Christianity in Armenia, Third lssue

$15.00

The third series issued on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia features Armenian Educational Centers in the

Diaspora. Features Antelias, the Nercissian School in Tbilisi, the Holy Cross Churchin Rostov upon Don, the Mekhitarian Monastery in Venice, the St. James Monastery in Jerusalem and the Lazarian Seminary in Moscow

The respected Cobblestone Publishing Company is responsible for nearly half a dozen children's magazines. Faces and Cobblestone are each quarterlies, and during the last year, each has had one special issue on Armenians and Armenia. Beautilul visuals (including photographs and

illustrations) make the magazines attractive and accessible to elementary and middle school students. 48 pages each. $10.00 for both Faces and Cobblestone.

Postcands by lssadoun Martyred Sons ol Armenia $8.00 Three stamps issued to commemorate Karen Demirchian, with the National Assembly and the flag as background, Vzgen Sargsian with a military parade and the flag as background; and a third features all eight slain officials.

Assadour, born in Lebanon in 1943, is a graphic artist whose "game of opposites is eternal and infinite... He is the master of contradictions, of innuendos, of ambiguities, of paradox." This set of 16 postcards, produced by ANME elegantly designed and printed rs a unrque way to communicate with those for

whom things Armenian don't need to be limited by traditional

Ghildnen's Gonstruction Gu[es

designs.

Made in the Republic ol Amenia 11 pieces of hand-cut and shaped wooden pieces embellished with Armenian manuscript designs make for a beautiful and satisfying first toy for the youngest child, as well as the budding architect. Older children will enjoy the special designs and the traditional motifs.

Pack of Sixteen

4x6 full-color postcards

$20.00

Fnagile llneams Armenia Photography by Antoine Agoudjian More than 150 black and white photos

from 1 989 to 1 998 depict various

$45.00

moments of joy and pain in the lives of Armenians after the earthquake. "The same things Antoine Agoudlian saw in Armenia, but he did it with a talented and watchful eye, as an artist devoting his sensibility to his art, with love. He took his time so he would not miss anything. Thanks to him, I went back, saw again and took a new measure of all that my eyes had only brushed past and skimmed through. Visiting in black and white this old colorful country." -Charles Aznavour Paperback - 80

Available exclusively through AlM.

1999, Actes Sud, France, ISBN 2-7427-2316-1

pages

$28.00

AIM JULY

2OOO

The Gycle ol Lile on Gompact llisc

Business Financing in Anmenia

Songs for the Soul

A Handbook

Performed by Parik Nazarian

By Timothy Jemal Silk Road lnvestments

Each of these songs is a page of life, a mirror of a time, a link to our history. lnherited from ordinary people who expressed their feelings and deeds through song, these bittersweet pieces sung with the occasional accompaniment of duduk, dhol and shvi, depict the disparity of birth and death, the pain of loss and the joy of birth, yearning and sorroq genocide and displacement followed by rebirth, love and joy and war and vengeance. ln these songs, the beauty of love is symbolized by the seed of a pomegranate, the vigor of life by a blade of wheat.

Designed to assist investors, policy-

makers and international organiza-

tions involved in external financing of business projects in Armenia. A comprehensive resource guide that outlines financing options available in Armenia from gbvernmental, nongovernmental, multilateral and private sources, among others. Lists banks, international, micro-credit lending and equity financing organizations. Paperbound

1 CD, accompanied by a 20-page full color booklet with Armenian text, English translations and related photos

82 pages, $25.00

$15.00

2000, Silk Road lnvestments, Yerevan, Armenia rsBN 1890549-11-8

1999 Garni

I Uhll ol $ilence The Unspoken Fate of the Armenians Produced and Directed by Dorothee Fotma Humanist Broadcasting Fnd, The Netherlands An unprecedented documen-tary 0n the Armenian Genocide. The film presents the lives and scholarship of two historians - Turkish Scholar Taner Akcam and Armenian professor Vahakn Dadrian. "Turkey cai never become a democracy if it does not face its history," says Akcam, "We have to research violdnce in Our past in order to know and understand our present. Contemporary Turks are not guilty, but they have a responsibility toward history." Video Documentary - 54 Minutes - VHS NTSC

$25.00

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Over $80.01 add $10. Add an additional $5 to Canada orders. Add an additional $'10 to international orders. Chect< Enclosed Payable

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Mail 0rders. AlM.207 South Brand Blvd. Suite 203. Glendale.

City

91204 USA. Phone 0rders 818.246.7979. Far orders 818.246.0088

AIM JULY

2OOO

U N I ltlttt]llllllf't Dl]llltRI

MoNurrv Started

1999,

BruEFINGS

oN CruncAL IssuEs

AIM's monthly dinners, featuring distinguished speakers, have turned into the gathering

place for the "new" Armenian. Dinner

followed by a short briefing by AIM on the news events and

developments of the month. The featured speaker makes

presentation on a contemporary topic with

significance in the new millennium. Presentations are followed by a dialogue with the audience.

Bl|Illltll Mnnr

& lilil

GrneCOS

ilondaynusurtr 1000 Rnr,,rnNrANs rN

counr

Mark Geragos, a Los Angeles area attorney, has defended Susan McDougal, Mourad Topalian, and now, defends one of the three young Armenians being charged in the case of the youth violence in front of Hoover High School in Glendale. Geragos, the son of prominent criminal attorney Paul Geragos, has strong

opinions about the justice system and Armenian involvement in the system from defendant to prosecutor to victim,

IRTI

ltondry leptmbrr

ll tooo

Vnug BnngnRIAN Dmspone Anusr Vahe Berberian is a child of the Diaspora. So is his art.

His plays, paintings, stories, novels, and now his monologue mirror

Diasporan's existence. His humor is poignant, sharp, honest, pointed.

Dinner 7:30 pm. Briefing 8:00 pm. Speaker 8:30 pm.

BnINDVIET$r/

CorrncnoN

Donation $28 for AIM subscribers, $32.00 for non-subscribers.

109 East Harvard Street

Glendale, California

For reservations and inrormation call

810.146.lrl,

By ROGER OHANESIAN

ne of the most prominent men in Armenia is asking me to touch his head. I am a doctor and so this is not unusual. Except that this man, a min-

ister and the Prime Minister's Chief

of Staff, is asking me to run my finger over the spot where one of eight bullets from a terrorist's assault rifle forever changed him last October 27. There is a slight dip on the top of the head

of Andranik Manukian, a man who was announced to be dead by CNN and others. I first saw him on a news broadcast that

showed gunmen spraying chaos in Parliament. The video showed a man crawling across the floor. Crawling with three bullets in his face, two in his legs, one in his arm, one in his stomach and one lodged somewhere after it dug the shallow trench that my finger finds.

Crawled, this man did, leaving 2.5 liters of his blood on the Parliament floor. I tell him that John Lennon lost as much and died on his

own sidewalk.

Andranik Manukian cannot tell me how he lived for 23 minutes without half the blood

his body needs. But he can tell me about a few seconds that were to have been his last. The right side ofhis face looking like an exploded firecracker, Andranik Manukian crawled toward an open door, then found the strength to stand up and walk toward safety. "I must kill you," one of the terrorists said to Manukian. But the shoGup man grabbed the barrel of the rifle, pulled it away, and staggered out to collapse. The man before me should be a ghost. His memorial photo should be hanging next to (assassinated Prime Minister) Yazgen Sargsian's in this office of the Government Building in Yerevan.

have taken photos

of his rebuilt

face.

Have promised to bring a plastic surgeon with me on my next trip to evaluate him for future reconstruction. Now he is asking what he can do for me. I think of a lot of things: Tell your Customs Officers to stop confiscating our medicines. Tell your Minister of Health that regulations make it more difficult than is necessary for humanitarian agencies. Pay my fellow doctors here, who haven't received their 915 per month salaries since last November. But I do not say. Because I don't accept favors from politicians. Besides, he has done something for me. Without trying, he has provided an answer to a troubling question.

The circumstance under which I am standing in this office turns Andranik Manukian's dramatic story into a parable. I am here, because the other man in this room, Dr. Armen Vardanian, is a surgeon trained by the group I represent, theArmenian Eye Care Project. And Dr. Vardanian, in an I l -hour surgery, rebuilt Manukian's face. Put his nose back on. Dug his teeth out of his tongue and put them back into his jaw. Shaped what was left of the right side ofhis face into a cheekbone and an eyesocket to hold the prosthetic the surgeon implanted. Vardanian had never met Manukian before last October. Three years ago our project and the

Armenian American Medical Society of Califomia brought Armen Vardanian to the United States for a retina fellowship. We

asked

for financial

support from

the Armeniar/American community and, although we got much help, there was great concern by

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some that the doctor would get his free training, then stay and use it to his own profit in the U.S. Vardanian's commitment to his country is showcased in the crooked but remarkable remade smile of Andranik Manukian. But no more so than in the eyes of hundreds of Armenians whose names nor faces will ever be known. Those on whom Vardanian operates

every day; most of the time at no charge because he agreed to do so in exchange for our help from America. Here, then, is the answer to the troubling question I have been hearing too often from fellow Diaspora members since that October

event brought Andranik Manukian crawling across our

screens:

I continue to give to the Armenians, when they don't seem to be helping themselves?" Because for every terrorist, for every questionable politician, there are thousands more whose lives are so meaningless that even notoriety escapes them. And somewhere in between are hundreds of Armen Vardanians, trying to make lives better for all, without regard to political climate. r "Why should

The Armenian Eye Care Prolect is based in Laguna Beach, California. Dr. Roger Ohanesian ophthal-

mologist, is its founder. The Project has been making semi-annual visits to Armenia since 1992. Donors to AECP have sent more than $5 million in supplies to Armenia and have sponsored three, year-

long lellowships at the University of Calilornia, lrvine, in cooperation with the Armenian American Medical Society ol California. He can be reached at EyeProject@aol.com. Photo: 0hanessian in a Military Helicopter headed for Karabakh.

Irghtnope

ln Yeneuan Some people will do anything to eam a few bucks. Cityfolk and villagers alike have discovered street performance art inArmenia. Tightrope walkers and cyclists who used to be holiday phenomena are now seen in various villages (such as Khor Virab below left) and even in front of the Yerevan Opera House (left.) The father will often be seen dressed in a clown's outflt, attracting a stand-up audience, and the son will be the one displaying his skills several yards above ground.

Antsalfi in watertown In Watertown, Massachusetts, a whole (little) street was renamed Artsakh just a few years ago, in response to the requests of the local Armenian community which is a significant minority in the small Boston suburb. Artsakh street is the address of St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church. The Do Not Enter sign is merelya a traffic aid.

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Unuenilied Minacles on A Hilltop Some would say there aren't enough tiny little churches in Armenia. Not to worry. A brand new one named St. Varvara has been built in recent years on a hilltop, just outside the city of Abovian. The [unverified] story goes that a man named Samvel received a message from God that if he built a church on this site, his wife would bear a son. So he did, and she did bear a son. But the miracle doesn't stop there. A local Kurdish villager tells visitors that when a huge weapons warehouse nearby exploded just a few years ago, there were no casualties. "St. Vawara protected us," she explains.

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leauing an Ethnic $tamp on Unuguay How do you get yourself on a stamp in Uruguay? One way is to establish an Armenian radio program that runs for 65 years. Harutiun (or Antonio) Rupenian established Radio Armenia and ran it for the first 58 years. Now, his wife and a small collective of three reporters and an operator run the two-hour daily program together with Rupenian's sons Berch and Aram who are also TV and Radio announcers. Radio Armenia broadcasts music, news, interviews, editorials and cultural items in Armenian and Spanish, 365 days a year. The program is broadcast off a family-owned transmitter, and is therefore not dependent on administrators at other radio stations agreeing to make time available. Other language groups such as the Italians and the Jews have similar programing, but not for as many hours. Montevideo also enjoys another radio broadcast, Radio Komitas, with almostsimilar longevity.

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ByJ0HN HUGHES; Photo by ZAVEN KHACHIKIAN o how do you flnd our ciry after a year? It was a question I was invited to

ponder often on my first trip back to Armenia since '99. Soon I came to recognize the question as a means of introducing a conversation these friends of mine might not have volunteered when last

I'd

seen them. The question behind the ques-

tion was: "Do you feel it too?" And the answer was yes. I felt it: A heaviness that made early June feel like late August; an unnamable weight, sure and unavoidable. Yerevan has changed in ways that might never be revealed in the ongoing cosmetics of new hotels and cafes and conveniences like Noy

[Noah] bottled water and an airport that has finally become civilized. I give a short answer to my friends'ques-

tion: It's heavy here. The comments I hear from them answer their own question better ... A successful artist in his mid40s: "For ttre first time in my

life,I

have thought about leaving."

A business professional in her early

30s,

working two jobs so she can save money to leave: "Each day I am here, I feel like I am losing time."

businessman

in his

40s: "Half my

neighbors are gone."

A couple in their 30s, professionals who endured effects of earthquake, war, the hideous winter of 92-93 with no electricity or water, and in that same time firmed down jobs abroad, but Photo: The late Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian (in water) and bodyguards in Lake Sevan in winter.

now: "We'll be gone by the end of summer."

in the Gumri earthquake. More than died in

A doctor in her 50s, married to a doctor: "Our own people are doing to us what ttre Turk did."

the war over Karabakh. If the same number were dying by epidemic, the best Diaspora doctors would clog Zvartnots airport like they did in 1988. But there are no stacks of coffins on street comers; no soldiers' funerals for these who go as something less than heroes. No, the symbols of this disaster are not compelling. "For sale" signs don't make sexy broadcast footage. There is nothing to nail a

About once every two hours (a conservative estimate) someone leaves Armenia to live somewhere else. The population that has dwindled considerably from its outdated figure of 3.5 million, is diminished by about 10 per day. Leaving. Maybe coming back. But not unless circumstances change. In the space of time it takes a round of golf, one less. A movie, one less. A dinner pafty, one less. Ten in the time it takes to fly fiom Yerevan to Los Angeles. A country disappearing. Less dramatically, and with much less individual consequence, but disappearing as surely as 80 years ago. At a caf6 in Goris. Near the banks of Lake

Sevan.

In the shadows of Dilijan

guilty ones, greedy for personal power and willing to perpetuate suffering to get it. Airline pilots tell of full flights going out, empty ones returning.

According to a media survey, 3,000 a month are going out through countries where their leaving is recorded. But that number does not include, significantly, Russia. This year more will leave than were killed

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One of my friends called Armenia's current crisis "a brain drain." And, said one: "(Out- siders) can't see it, but the face ofYerevan has changed. There is a different kind of people here now. People from the city are moving out and people from the regions are moving in."

forests.

Somewhere right now someone is making the decision to leave. They are crossing borders voluntarily this time, but driven out still. Yes, by their own this time. By innocent. but inept. government officials overwhelmed by problems for which history does not provide a lesson. And by the

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plaque to with the name of a Diaspora messiah.

Politely put, but meaning: The well-educated are

leaving to be replaced by the less-educated.

A heaviness. The weight of loss. But why now? Why, after all they have been through? Because during earthquake, during changing governments, during energy crises, during war, there was hope for change. Because the symbols of hope are gone. Right or wrong, Vasgen Sargsian and Karen

Demirchian symbolized change. Sargsian was untouchable. Now the Big Man's legacy is a lesson in vulnerability. Who represents hope now? Change? Like a Mao Tse Tung prophecy, change came to Armenia through the barrel of a gun. The killing was over in minutes. The ! dying was just beginning.

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