What Now? - November 1999 by Armenian International Magazine

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voL. 10. NO.

NOVEMBER 1999

DEPARTMENTS

6 Editor's Note 7 Letters to the Editor '10 AIM View 1 2 Notebook 15 Bytes on File 16 Global Picture

NATION 24 Focus

1'l

'18 Armenia Briefs

20 Economic News 22 Diaspora Briefs 65 Other People's Mail 58 Underexposed

Election of New Catholicos of All Armenians

Archbishop Garegin Nersissian is Catholicos Caregin ll

Cover Story: What Now Five gunmen change the course of Armenia's history.

The Process Begins The Armenia Diaspora Conference concluded with high expectations'

REGION

Three Wishes for Yelda Turkish journalist on human rights and minorities.

BUSINESS

& ECONOMY

44 Modern Masters of an Ancient Art

New Catholicos is consecrated in Eimiatsin

Canada's lntergold company is out

to change the way

Armenian jewelers work

CONNECT!ONS

48 Living with the Scars

The dilabled population of Karabakh seeks more than understanding

Christmas Gift Time Again

REL!GION

57 Catholics Elect

New Patriarch

BOOKS

59 Cover Story: Emerging from the Nightmare

Romance, Armenian StYle

ARTS

50 Out of the

Groove

Looking for Armenian names in the world of classical piano

COVEB DESIGN BY RAFFI TABPINIAN; COVER PHOTO BY MARTIN SHAHBAZIAN q

endah, 9128: AtM (tssN 160-1471) t publtshd mon$t, ta5 Fr yea., by The Foudh Mlllennrlm sGiety, 207 buth Brand Soulevard, suite 203, O phone: @1a) 246-7979, td: t81 8) 245-m88 peidrah Po(4e Fid at clendale, cA and additional mailin8 offices. canada Po* Publi.ations Mail Prdud in in manner, ei6et reprduced anv AIM may .ot be all nShB rcseryed. Mrllenn um society The Foudh 5a es Agreement No 61 A57. @ Copyngit 198 by a iamPed, flfaddresfd whote or r pad, withoui wnren F.mission tom the publtsher The editou a.e not esponsible for unsolicited ma.uscriPh or ad unle$ Foradvedsingquenes6ll: envetoF senctored Opinonsexpr6rdinsignedadiclerdonotnec.senlyreprese.liheviewsofTheFoudhMillenn!msocety cha.tes to AIM P.o. Bor 1 0791, Glendale, cA 91 2@, u.s a 1 8 246 7979. Subsiption rar6 for 1 2 itsues, us: J45, aorcLg. 155 Po*mdeu: *nd adde$ 8

lndependence Day parade in Yerevan

What a Difference a Day Makes It now seems

eons ago, but

was only

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Armenian lnternational Magazine 207 South Brand 8lvd. Suite 203 Glendale, CA 912M, USA

August when we had decided to use the November 1999 cover of AIM to tell the

fel:

A'18 246 7979 Fax: 818 246 OO88 E-mail: aim4m@wenet.net aimagaine@aol.com

story of electoral power growing in Southem California's Armenian community, and exploring what this means for November 2000, when the US holds national elections. That idea soon gave way to another. The first Armenia-Diaspora Conference, held in Yerevan in September was a success by any standards. The enthusiasm, environment, and history-making reality of that Conference

CDlroR.PUBLISHER Salpi Haroutinian Ghaarian

MANACING EDITOR Hratch Tchilingirian ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A. H. Alexandrian, Yerevan SENIOR EDITOR Tony Halpin, London

meant that perhaps it deserved to be on November's cover. After all, it attracted

DESIGN

Patdck Azadian. Raffi Tarpinian

people from 80 countries, and would interest our readers in those countries. Later, when the leader of one of the two major lobbying groups in Washington, DC, was arrested on charges of conspiracy and

PRODUCTION AND PHOTO MANAGER Parik Naarian

SUBSCRIPTIONS

MANAGER

Seta Khodanian

terrorism, it made us wonder whether the revolutionary activities of the second half of the 20th century didn,t merit

cover,

and extensive coverage. But before that thought was even completely developed, october 27 happened and changed everything. The assassination of Armenia's prime minister, chair-

man of parliament, and six other public servants put all other topics, thoughts, ideas and projects on a distant burner. This is not the kind of story we want to be exploring. yet there were nagging

questions which jumped to everyone's mind as we watched and heard every major news outlet in the world carry this story: who were the men who conceived this dastardly act? what brings on the arrogance and ruthlessness necessary to carry out such a horrible act? who benefits by this tragedy? How could a horror of such a large scale take place in such a prominent location? Is the tradition of violence in Armenia so deep-rooted that all the danger signals could so easily be ignored? why was it so hard to learn anything beyond the shocking basics of who, what, when and where? what was it about this event that made the world's newspapers and television stand up and take notice? who is there on the political horizon that might fill the two major empty seats which have been created? what does the killing of r/eis prime minister mean for the country's immediate economic and political future? what do political assassinations of this kind mean for the country's future? These are just a few of the questions which came to mind. There were more, and almost all of them begin with why. why now? why this way? why such lax security? These are the questions which have no black and white answers. These are also the questions which open the gates for the conspiracy theories which abound. Most of them look for the easy answers. our cover story this month - the one we didn't want to have to write tries to ask the complex questions, and looks for the nuanced answers.

ADVERTISING MANACER Fimi Mekhitarian INTERNS

Karina Avedissian

YEREVAI{ BUREAU 5 Nalbandian Room 24 Tel: 583639 Tel/Fd: 151849 E.mail: aimarm@arminco.com

COORDINATOR

Anahit Martirossian ADVERTISING MANAGER Gohar Sahakian DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Areg Asatrian, Vahan Stepanian

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS John Hughes, Ronald Crigor Suny, Taline Voskeritchian CONTRIBUTORS Emin, Yercvan; Sugn pattie, l-ondon; tdik Balaian, Ara Chouljian, Los Angeles; Janet Samuelian, Palm Spdngs; Ma* Malk6ian, Rhode klandi Csrte Bournoutian, Lota Koundak;an, New yo*i Mynam Caume, Pafs; Matths Karanian, M@rad Mooradian, Warhington. DC; Vartan Matiossjan. Buenos

Ad6h6

Ai'm

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mkhitar (hachahian, Zaven Nhachilian, Rouben Mantasaian, yerevan; Antoine Agoudjian, Amaneh rohantrs. Aline a@ukian, parir; Edmond Teakopian, London; Kanne AmenlKevort Dpnrzian, Raffi tkmelji, tdc Naadan, Ara Oshagan, Lor Anfflerj cao Lachiniar, M6sachusetbi Arden,tslinian, New reMy; Hary (oundakjian, New yod(; 8!rge Ara Zobian, Rhode kland.

EDITOR EMERITUS Charles Ndarian

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Min6 Kojaian INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION AND ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES AnGEtmil:Cd€tio^4.khitai5taVifteyd€lpino3511fi420BurnosAirs,Tel.5415523G90 IIETMUA: Vffi, lstodsi8, 148 Koda Aw. tujt tdlda NSW, 2Oj1 iet. 02.9251 2U2l Alfu Atarkilih, PO. Box 370, Hilit pilt NSW 2150, Tel. 029997 i846i UrE lGteb PO. Box 250, Port Melboume. Victoria 3207, Tel. 03 9794 fiio9 CAilADt n mig Hakimie, 6695 thnil Boure West, Mmtreal, pO, H4R 2E j. Tel. 514 339 2517 HOiIGfONC:Jacllrlaia,R 1.A2,11/F,8lelA,25kaiCheungRd.,Kml@nBay,K@bon,Tet.8527959888 It LY: Ptft Balanie, yE lroia@, 5.1 M/5, Rome, Tel. 995 1235 tI8Al,lON: R@ (abalitr, PO. Box t5659, B€irul kbanm, Tel. (1) 5jo2t2 UNmD AMB EilR TIs: CL{ia,oniil, pO. 8ox Abu Dhabi,l)N,fel.971 2n572i.tdg]fl 2n5 E1 UMTED ftilcDol,tr Miel Ohei&, 105A Mill Hilt Rd. tutn, London W3&F. Tel. 0181 S2 ffi1.

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WRITE TO AIM! Wevelcome all comfiuniGtion. Although we read all letters and submissions. we are unable to acknowledte everythint we receive due to limited staffing and resources. Letter to the Editor may be edited for publication.

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

was no 0 year. Thus, the

frst century

ended on

midnight, December 31, 100. The second century began on January 1, 101 and extended through the year 200. It is clear that the centuries begin on 201,301, etc. and end on 300, 400. etc. Thus, it follows that the twentieth

century began on January 1, l90l and will end on December 31. 2000. We have another fulI

year to go in the 20th century and the third millennium will begin on January l, 2001. That is why Stanley Kubrick entitled his film, 2,001: A Space Odyssey and not 2,000. Jack Arisian Watertown, M as sachusett s

and still is, in the case of food products, a dumping ground for expired or nearly expired products that no self-respecting Western consumer will buy. How else would you explain that a pack of Marlboros in Armenia can be bought in one place for $3.00, but in another store for $0.50; this is also one ofthe reasons that Armenians have one of the highest incidences of food poisoning.

Now at least, the same Phillip Morris will have to print cigarette packs in Armenian with an Armenian health warning, and that alone will ensure that imported cigarettes be of reasonable freshness and quality.

will

The articles "Hazardous but Booming" Look on the Bright Side I am writing in response to "No Smoking, Please," (Connections, August-September). I fbund the presentation of Grand Tobacco one

sided and biased.

Internet or Not? I would like to commend Tony Halpin for his timely commentary "Word & Image," (Cover Story, July 99.) His study of objectivity in today's varying Diaspora publications was very enlightening and should give us insight into the value of a free press. As American Diaspora Armenians, most

of us take our free American press for granted. Some of us even ridicule it. As for interested Armenian readers, most of them grade our Armenian press by how subordinate they are to their personal views. And sad to say, because of this, there's an ever-increasing number of disinterested readers and, in turn, we find many of our independent Diaspora publications close to the edge of extinction. If, for instance, they write something factual

but inflammatory regarding any of our religious or political organizations, they run the risk of canceled subscriptions. For that matter, we have even seen physical assaults, for example on Nor Gyank's editor and publisher, Krikor Shenian in May, 1997. In short, our present-day Armenian

American readership seems to be made up of two groups of people: A minority group of readers with short-sighted, tunnel vision who are not, as yet, mature enough to tolerate objectivity, and a silent majority that is more objective, but reflects its objectivity through increasing non-involvement. Joseph Vosbikian H unt in gdo

Val I e Y, P enn st' lvania

What Millennium?

As I understand it, our present calendar dates from the birth of Christ in I AD. There

would like to set

the

and "No Smoking, Please" speak of the economic costs of smoking, but they fail to present the complete Picture. Contrary to what the articles will have us believe, the advent of Grand Tobacco did not

record straight.

make more people smoke. The number of

Nobody in his right mind can deny that smoking is harmful to a person's health.

unchanged since the 1970's. Armenia's ciga-

Chances are that smokers will die of some kind of smoking related disease. But Grand

Tobacco did not invent smoking, nor did it introduce cigarettes to Armenia. Armenians have been cultivating tobacco for at least 300 years. The president of our company, Hrant Vardanian, doesn't miss an occasion to remind people that this pleasure in the end exacts a heavy price from the smoker and those close to him. In fact, our company, unlike our American counterparts who for

years have denied the harmful effects of smoking, has been putting health warnings on cigarettes from the first day of production. It was not because we were forced to by the

Armenian government, as is suggested in your afiicle "Hazardous But Booming." but because we believe that we have an obligation towards our customers to warn them of the full consequences of their actions. Moreover. Grand Tobacco lobbied hard to make the Armenian govemment pass legislation, requiring mandatory health warnings in Armenian on all cigarettes and tobacco products. Some would say that we have done this out of pure self-interest. Even if it is so, let us

look at the results.

Before Grand Tobacco started production, the Armenian cigarette market was flooded with cheap foreign cigarettes, that did not have health wamings in any language, let alone Armenian. Not only that, but most of these cigarettes, even the ones made by tobacco giants such as Phillip Monis, were eight to ten years old. Your writer doesn't talk about the health hazards of l0-year-old cigarettes,

which are exponentially greater. Armenia was

AIM NOVEMBER I999

smokers

Armenia remains almost

rette consumption in the last 30 years has hovered around 5.5 billion cigarettes. In the late 1980s, Armenia was producing about l0 billion cigarettes, of which half was exported. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenian producers not only lost their outside market, but for a variefy of ecG nomic, political and psychological reasons, started losing even the domestic market, as the market was inundated with cheap foreign products. At the same time, interesting things started happening with cigarette consumption numbers: while the consumption remained stable at 5.5 billion per year, between 1992

and 1996 only two billion were officially declared annually, of which only 200 million was produced in Armenia. This means that

three billion cigarettes were smuggled into Armenia and were not taxed at all. This money was filling the pockets of foreign producers and smugglers, without bringing any of the economic benefits associated with domestic production - jobs, investment and taxes. There's more: of the two billion that was declared, 1.8 billion was imported. Again, money was leaving Armenia.

Grand Tobacco changed

all this.

pushed out the cheap and expired foreign products from Armenia. We have steadily increased our production to four billion per year, of which one billion is exported. This doesn't mean that more people started smoking; it simply means more of them now smoke Armenian cigarettes. Moreover, all of our production is taxed by excise duties. which brings millions of dollars into the state coffers every month. In addition, our plant in Yerevan

The Foufth Millemium S@iety is m independenrly funded and adminis_ tercd public

chtrity committed to the dissemination of infomation for the purpose of developing an infomed public. Underpinning all our work is the fim conviction that the virality

ofm

independent press is fundamental to a democratic.soci-

Amenia md dem@raric instirutions in the Dispora. The Founh Millennium Srciety publishes Amenim Intemational Maguine in its effon to contribute to the ety in

national dialogue. The directom m grateful to fte Benefactors, Trustees. patrcns and Friends of the Fomh Millennium Seiety who oe committed to the wellbeing, growth and development ofAmenians and Amenia through the p@motion

THE

FOURTH MILLENNIUM

of open discussion and the free flow of infomation among individuals and organi_ zations. Their financial conributions suppon the work of the Fou(h Millennium S@iety and ensure the independence

SOCIETY,Inc.

ofAIM, Michael Nahabet, Raffi Zinzalian, Dirctore.

DIRECTORS'99 Shahen Hairapetian, Armen Hampar, Zaven Khanjian, Michael Nahabet,

Alex Sarkissian, Bob Shamtian, Raffi Zinzalian. BENEFACTORS Sarkis Acopian, Albert and rove Boyajian, Hirair Hovnanian, The Lincy Foundation Louise Manoogian Simone

SENIOR TRUSTEES

AUSTRALIA: Heros & Kate Dilanchian; GANADA: Razmig Hakimian, Kourken sarkissian HoNG KONG: Jack Maxian CALIFoRNIA: Khachig Babayan, George & Flora Dunaians, Araxie M. Haroutinian, George & Grace Kay, Joe & Joyce Stein RHODE ISLAND: papken Janjigian FOUNDING TRUSTEES

AUSTRALIA: varoojan Iskenderian CALIFORNIA: Garen Avedikian, Mardo Kaprielian, Edward Misserlian, Bob Movelf , Vroujan Nahabet, Norair Oskanian, Emmy papazian, Zareh Sarkissian, Raffi Zinzalian FLORIDA: Hagop Koushakjian

PENNSYLVANIA: Zarouhi Mardikian ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES Walter and Laurel Karabian, Ralph and Savey Tufenkian

{tr

^T'r.-a ili, e

Commerce Casino: Hasmik Mgrdichian, George Tumanjan

oetr- gto ii

NASA Services Inc.: Sam & Elizabeth Sarkisian, Nick & Kamelia Sarkisian, Arsen Sarkisian Remax of Glendale: Vahe & Aida yeghiazarian

PATRONS ARMENIA Khachatur and Rouzanna Soukiassian

AUSTRALIA Aman and Nairi Derderyan Anin Etmekjian George and Vartouhi Tavoukjian Mack Vahanian

Anonymous

CALIFORNIA Mihran and Elizaberh Agbabian Garabed Akpolat Amand and Nancy Arabian Vartkes and Jean Bilsam Harry and Alvan Barseghian Aram and Terez Bassenian Berj and Hera Boyajian Hagop and Violet Dakessian Ardash and M0ian Derderian Dimitri and Tamara Dimirri Steve and Lucille Esrephanian Manoushag Femanian Gagik and Knar Galstian Vahan and Audrey Gregor Piene and Alice Haig Amen and Gloria+ Hmptr

Shahen and Manha Haroutunian Arpiar and Hermine Janoyan Jack and Mao Kalaydjian Kevork ild Satenig Ktrajerjian Nishant and Sona Kuaim John and Ros Ketchoyan Gay and Sossi Kevorkian Zaven ad Sona Khmjian

Krikor Krikorian SeNieian Kuhn

Dora

Avik Mahdesiant Stepan and Erdjanik Makdian Harout and Rita Mesrcbim

Edwud

Alice Navasargim Kenneth md Cindy Norian Rafi Ourfalim Michael and Hemine Piroian Hratch and Helga Strkis Alex Sarkissian Robeft and Helen Shamlian and

CONNECTICUT Louis T. Hagopian

CYPRUS

Gdo Keheyan ITALY Krikor and Haout Istanbulian LEBANON Kevork Bouladian MASSACHUSETTS Kevork Atinizian Richud Simonian

MICHIGAN George Chamchikian

Alex Manoogiant Kirakos Vapurciyan

NEVADA

CANADA

Larry and Seda Bmes NEW JERSEY Naztr and Anemis Nutrian NEW YORK Harry and Aida Koundakjie Vahe Nishaniani V John md Lucille G. Sakissian

Louise Aznavour Migirdic and Ani Migirdicyan

Diran and Suzi Chakelim

Petros and Garine Taglyan Ara and Avedis Tavitian Gaidzag and Dzovig Zeitlian

UNITED KINGDOM

FRIENDS OFAIM The Founh Millennium S@iety is grateful to the following for conributing during the lasr month ro ensurc AIM's financial independence. cA: Rouben md rania chakalim, Ara md sem churjim, Ken Duim, ko Gudrian, Nubr Gribyan, Raffie ud Mary Htrootim, violer Herbekim, Charotte Kloiil Holris, zaven Kurajian, Gertrude Nahigim, Margaet Shamlim, Nubar md M uy z6rfr Co: Sagis and Peul Safaim CT: Harry Keleshim, Kevork Torcym MA: Amen and sylvie Meguerditchian, Alma ild sahag sahagie MD: Anahid Alvmdim, Neubu md Magret Kmalim Ml: Helen Sahakim NJ; Nerses Aynilim, Walter and Mriu Bandzim, Sosie Kachikian Ny Nancy Kricorim, Mary Mugurdichiil, Edwad H. Noroian TXr Smuel Hagopian VA: y E. Soghoiil WASHINGTON, DC: Dickrm l*himdjian

AIM NOVEMBER I999

employs about 700 people, and by Armenian standards, these are all well paying jobs. Grand Tobacco is reviving tobacco growing in Armenia. In 1989, Armenia produced 17,000 tons oftobacco leaf. In 1996, that figure had dropped to only 200 tons. This year, thanks to Grand Tobacco. Armenia will produce 6,000 tons of tobacco leaf. To do this, Grand Tobacco has organized Armenia's first agricultural futures system. Grand Tobacco has signed contracts with 15,000 farms, whom it pays in advance of the harvest. This means that about 80,000 Armenian farmers will have an additional source of (hard cash) income this year. Add to this the ripple effect

of each of these 80,700 people spending this money in Armenia and you'll see that your writer's argument is one-sided at best. Your article also makes an unfair remark about ttre quality of our cigarettes. The fact that Grand Tobacco was able to capture 70 percent of the Armenian market in just two years attests to the quality of its ploducts. It is also unfair to

compare Grand Tobacco's low-end brand with

Marlboro. We do not compare Toyota with Mercedes: they are simply not in ttre same weight category. However, Grand Tobacco's high-end brands can go head-to-head with Marlboro. As for using the names ofArmenian cities for our brand names. What are Marlboro, Winston, and Salem, if not names of American cities?

Our second anniversary celebration, attended by guests from 40 countries, is a testament of the huge distance we have come and an affrrmation of faith by these foreign

companies that we

will

go far.

Mikael Vardanian Montreal, Quebec The Long and Short of It Keep up the excellent reporting in AIM. The magazine is a breath of fresh air with its mix of heavy and long articles mixed with short sharp sections. Well done. Ara Marryrosian Bray Berks, England Sins of Omission

I just finished reading

your eight-page (Connections, AugustOn Call article Doctors you that believe could not and September) would intentionally or otherwise omit mention

In 1986, Dr. Richard

KasPer, a member

of the Medical

Outreach board, went to Yerevan and worked in the Eye Center. He brought Dr. Alexander Malayan to the US to be trained and thus started the modern eye care center in Armenia with which Dr. Roger Ohanesian is now affiliated. Anhur Halvajian, chairman of the Medical Outreach of the east coast, had the vision to start the cardiac center. Physicians came to the US for training. He provided the hospital with its first cardiac surgery equipment and today, thanks to Dr. Flrair Hovaguimian who heads the centet it is the pride of Armenia. After the earthquake, Medical Outreach

(east and west coast regions) brought over 200 patients to the US for treatment.

During the war, Medical Outreach built

two operating rooms in Stepanakert, where according to the late Dr. Valeri Maroutian (mentioned

the AIM article on David

Dowell) 9,000 soldiers were treated in one year.

In the past four years, Medical Outreach

in the process of

renovating the Yerevan. Six of seven in Military Hospital The hospital, in use. and finished are floors which was ready to be condemned, is a showplace for what the Diaspora Armenians have accomplished. On each patient's room, there is a bronze plaque with the donor's name. On most trips to Armenia, I have accompanied my husband and worked side-by-side with him in surgery. On one hot October night in 1992,40 severely wounded soldiers were brought into the Stepanakert Emergency room. That night, my husband and Maroutian operated all night long. Half way through the night, the single overhead light went out. The generator had run out of gas. But the two dochas been

tors continued operating under candlelight.

1997, Vazgen Sargsian, then Minister of Defense, honored my husband with the rank of Colonel for his many years ofselfless service. By omitting Medical Outeach's name and

its contribution to healttr care in Armenia, you have insulted the Medical Outreach board and the 5,000 families who have supported Medical Outreach for the past 15 years. Most of all, you have deprived your readers of the complete story of Doctors on Call.

of Medical Outreach for Armenians and its

Mary Najarian La Canada, Califumia Given that dozens of health care provi'ders

chairman, my husband, Dr. Vartkes Najarian, who is the pioneer in health care to Armenia. Najarian started his 'calls' to Armenia in 1984, when it was next to impossible to enter the communist-controlled hospitals. In 1985, he inffoduced arthroscopic surgery - the first time it was performed in the Soviet Union.

have offered valuable medical assistance to Armenia, it is obvious that all of them could not have been included in this one article. DOCTORS ON CALL was neither an encyclopedic account of health care delivery to Armenia, nor was it a judgement on the comparative value ofvaious caregivers. AIM

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

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Not OverYet Other Casualties of the Assassination of Armenia's Top Political Leadership he events

of October 27 - a civil way to refer to the murder

of Armenia's top leadership

revealed deep societal ills the state and the nation are to go

which must be cured, if forward from here. The first painful reality was that as the country's top leadership was being assassinated in Armenia's National Assembly chambers (see Cover Story) less than 200 people were gathered on the streets. That apathy was both the cause and the result ofthe local media's ineffectiveness. State television resorted to playing and replaying Mozart's Requiem. No public officials came forward to make public pronouncements. No television cameras came to the scene. If nothing else, they could have broadcast images of an institution still standing, a city still calm. Even a day or two after the

tragedy, after the president had negotiated the release of the hostages, and the nonviolent apprehension of the perpetrators, news reports were undependable. The epitomy of inesponsibility was a release by Armenpress, still a state agency, which reported that a political figure had heard the presidenr say he would resign. No one picked up the phone to call the president's office to confirm such a momentous announcement. Yet, everywhere else, for days after the assassinations, telephone lines worked overtime to link the curious with those who might be in the know. This absence of a functioning media results in a similar absence of a common information field. Armenians around the world don't have access to the same information and the same facts in order to try to engage in a dialogue or a debate on common issues. yet, when CNN acquired an edited version of the video proceedings in parliament - seconds of tape documenting what may very well be the beginning ofthe end ofArmenian statehood - everyone talked about and was affected by the enormity of the act and its implications. That some could "explain" it or 'Justify" it is an indication of another major problem. The culture of violence which allows even

one person to "comprehend" that "blowing away the prime Minister" was somehow justified is frightening. But not surprising. In Yerevan, traffic accidents result in fistfights; boy-girl soap operas are lived out in homes and courtyards throughout the country; domestic violence is assumed as a form of marital negotiation. So, it doesn't take much to think that killing a prime minister because the economy he managed was very hard on society is a political act. The immense political vacuum in Armenia became crystal clear. During these l0 years, political cadres have been slow in developing. Those who enjoy the people's trust are few and far between. Those rare respected individuals don't have the necessary political power base to make a difference, to take the reins of power. All this has huge repercussions. The ultimate is the loss of hope: hope that in spite of the lack of the tradition of statehood, the absence of the skills of statecraft, the overwhelming difficulties preventing a period of training and learning, that somehow Armenians would be able to distinguish between the transitory and the permanent, the personal and the national, the insignificant and the real. But, it's not over yet. Despite the profoundness of the blow, it is still possible that Armenia's institutions will prove strong enough to overcome what would have tested even a more mature democracy. It's still possible if Armenia's leaders themselves, those in control of the economy, the military and public opinion, will choose conectly. It's also possible that the same people who saw eight open caskets carried through the streets of Yerevan will resolve to prevent such occurrences in the future. Finally, perhaps it's possible that the people of the Diaspora will truly embark on a campaign to save this republic, to bring solid economic and social improvement to the lives of the people. And, it's even possible that the international community will realize that this is the time to stand by Armenia and prevent the instability that will be latal for the entire region.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Wnning Is Not Enough Culture and Talent at the Crossroads o1'Global Marketins t \\as not long aqo that the classical niusic inclustry \\,as nervorrs

rihcthel it woulcl survive in thc llst ccnturv. But. rcst ussurecl. toilay classiclLl rnusic (rc-nurstct'ccl. cligitizccl ur re-recorulcd) is ntorc in clenianrl tltan clcr ancl it is no lonr:cr an industry cateritt!,,ttlr to tlte "elrtr"'\)l \rrLiel). In todav's global ..cultur-c" and rrarke t. talcnt - likc "intellectual property" has heconte ln crploitablr'and lucrativc contnroclity. Winning international ntusiclil cornpetitiorrs or lcccivirrg national au urds are tro lotrgcr guarantecs tir contntcrcial succcss firr ar-tists ancl nrusicinns. (Scc page 60).

Indeed. nou adays, arlistic "succcss" is cletenlincd bv the rtr-rrlbcr ol "prestitious" perlirrntances anti rccording cr)t)ttrets un altist has. Talent is packa-ued. aggressivclt publicized and ntarketed gkrballt' in nunterous firrmats. shapes and uutlcts. inclurling the Intcrnct. Enter the Arnrenian scenc. So tar. thc works of I host o1"'thnrous" Alrncnian conrllosers. pianists. r'iolir-rists anrl others harc not ntadc it into tl'tc charts ol'the cla:sicul rnusic irrdustrl'. uith thc crccption ol Ararn Khatchaturian and I fcu othc-r cotrtcntlx)l'ary ruusre iuns. Thc rcasons arc nriilt)r and variecl. Sonrc Arnreniun artists arguc that. u hilc ther have corlpcted anrl perlirrnrcd internationallr^ Altncniuns lrr ins in the Sor ict Llnion hacl to conrpcte u ith the tens ol' thorrsands ol tol-r ntusiciirns of the Russran scl.rools. Thcl also alguc that Anlcr.rians in the N{iikllc East lackcd access to rtrrrsical conscr-r'ltories. Both ol' thesc lrqurncnts havc rncrit. Yet, Alnrcnians lirin:r in \Vestcrn Europe antl North Atrerica huve hacl bettcr opportunitics. but havc not tirecl any bctter. Sorttc asse rt that Arrncnians arc lcu and thc (lcrtocide dcstrot,cd nranv talcntcrl rnusicilrns. Howevcr'. thcre are ler,' .ler,,s. as tcll and

AI\l

thc Holocar.rst celtainly destroyed utany great Jervish pianists

and

nrusicians.

Other Arrncnian pianists have conrplainr-cl that tlcspite good rcviews. thel cannot penctratc the inrisiblc wall crcctcd by thosc uho manage rnusicians ol' European dcscent. Yet. thc presence o1' East Asian musicians in thc concert halls unrl recoldins str-rdios has wcakcned that old arslrntent cunsiderablt. Fur clecaclcs. Arntenians and llieir institutions in the [)iaspora. rathcr than identill ing. sLlllporting. developrn-u and cxposinr: artistic talcnt. hale spent all their energies ancl I'inancial resourccs on preserl in-u the Arnrcniun languarc. Millions ol'rkrllars har,c bcen spent on building ancl nraintrining schools and sports clubs. but virtually nothing on artistic talcnt and creation. IndiviclLral initiativcs oncl pri-

\illc \l)r)lt\r)l\ utl] ll)e c\ecpti()n. In Armenia, ovcr the last clecatle. nllrturin!l lrtd develoltine of artistic tlrlcnt has bccn on the bottont of the countl'v's list ol'prioritics - lirr nranl'ob','ious rcasons. Institutions thilt once proviclccl the bleiidin-s ground tirr altists lre no longcr thcrc or. at best. arc barell, surriving. even at tintcs at the ntercy ol'spons()rs. Art ancl rrusic have universal appcal that Ianuuage. Itistory and relicion clo not have. Thc rnusic of Khatchaturian anrl Komitus are uootl eranrplcs.

The

of thc neu, rlillcnniunr is an opportnnitl, lirr thc Diaspora. to start rnobilizine thcir not only to'u'" arrl thc r.nainte nance ol cristing (albe it

clas

ning

Arnrenians. cspccially rcsources.

clcclining) institLrtions. but llso tou,arcl presenting and rnarketing Arnrenian alt. nrusic and cultr.rral hcrilage to thcir rcspectivc socictie-s ancl to the worlcl.

NOVEMBITIt I()99

Armenia's Elusive Reality AIM NOVEMBER I999

it you are going to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. rt

(r Let us know

-Heidar Aliyev Presirlent of Azerbaiian, to US Minsk Group Co-chairman Carey Cavanaugh in Baku

rr Our recent memories ol vulnerability and insecurity make it impossible lor any Armenian, anywhere, to accept anything less than the inalienable right ol the people ol Karabakh, not to be subiugated, not to be dominated, and not to be subordinate. lr -Vartan Oskanian Foreign Minister of Armenia, address to the UN.

IIThere are at least three variants of a lair solution to the Karabakh problem: One as seen by the Armenians, another by the Azeris, and the third is the real one. r, ,.,:,r9"?1#,#?!)?:,

Who invented laws according to which a person who

arrives in Armenia and brings something with him is liable to pay sky-high duties for anything that exceeds $500? The number of fiscal structures is shocking. What do they exist tor if hardly anything is produced in the country?rr -ArkadY Vartanian President of

st Century Internationol Association

with people is a crime. There is a good Azerbaijanisaying:'someone is learning the art of being a hairdresser on my head.' ...Many of our ministers have fumished their offices as if our counUy is induded in the G7.ll To experiment

Head of the Presidential Secretariat of

Azerbaiian;l'i:::'::;::'

Ir I must issue

a stark warning. Turkey cannot enter a new century with a constitution whose legitimacy is almost zero, and it must not. r,

-SamiSelcuk

rI I am in lavor ol putting up posters in the streets with the slogan 'Death to the Armenian occupiers'.lr

-Abulfaz ElchibeY Former President of Azerbaijan and leader of the PopuLar Front of Azerbaijan

tIOur neighbors [Armenians] should not lorget that they Iive in a territory that once belonged to Azerbaiian.

Chief Judge, Turkish APPeals Court

rr Five years ago, diaspora Jewry barely merited a yawn among lsrael's movers and shakers, except at times of disaster. Now, diaspora concerns may linally get the hearing they deserve in Jerusalem.ll

-J.J. Goldberg

The Jewish Week

NakhichevanAutonomousRepubticdeputyin,r"^::):"?;:!;#,'*::

.IWith0ut developing democracy and curbing c0rrupti0n lin Azerbaijanl, the people will not be able to display its potential in resolving the Karabakh conllict.ll

-rrrr;E?*G:rT!:: lr

I am simply seeking possibilities lor a peacelul

solution to the conflict. Thete is the [Azerbaiianil opp0siti0n, you understand, and it is a mediocre, mediocre, uneducated opposition, lacking in relinement. They grew up on the Karabakh problem, anyone who wanted to started shouting 'Karabakh, Karabakh, Karabakh,' his support on the streets increased. Then I came and stopped the war, that was live years ago, it had lasted lrom 1988 to May 1994. . . our opposi' tion says 'Let's go and fight, we'll win it back,' and so lorth, but I won't let them d0 so, I cannot allow it.ll

,;J:,i*ily;:, rr Russia was, is and will be a Gaucasian power. The Caucasus is our common house. rl -lgor lvanov Foreign Minister of Russia

AIM NOVEMBER I999

NOTEBOOK

tafiinu lnde[endence $eniously

A prime minister of a developing country has enough problems. The prime minister of a developing country that is unrecognized by any other countries has crises. Anushavan Danielian, the (fairly) new Prime Minister of Karabakh has a long list of predicaments and obstacles which must be resolved, and almost all of them come back to the economy. "In order for the economy to get moving at all, simple, basic needs like transportation must be resolved. Karabakh has lived withoutAzeri domination for nearly a decade, yet all its roads go through occupied

Azeri territory." This is what Danielian (above, with Mary Ann Kibarian of the Armenia Fund USA) had to explain to the one million Armenians of the US, as the Armenia Fund prepares for a Thanksgiving Day telethon this month to raise funds just for that purpose (A1M, August-September 1999.) In Southem California, Danielian also visited the homes of two Armenia Fund donors. Zaven Khanjian, President of the Armenia Fund of the Westem US, says he chose two names arbitrarily, by looking at their donation records. "We wanted the Prime Minister to sec the typical donor: the middle class family who gives regularly. But we had no idea about their family history or involvement with Armenia or anything else.',

Architect Vartan Chalikian, his wife Emilia and daughter Mako (above) were pleased to invite Danielian into their Hollywood, Califomia, home which was being remodeled with one room redone in the style of Saghmosavank. Mako, studying architecture herself, had just returned from a summer in Karabakh, helping rebuild homes and schools, with the Land and Culture Organization. Chalikian explained that every two weeks, he puts aside a portion ofhis earnings for Armenia Fund. When his wife occasionally reminds him of bills which need to be paid, he said "Armenia Fund is not negotiable,', is his standard answer. His wife smiled. Later that afternoon, in Glendale (left), Rouben, 84, and his wife Valentin Nazarian, 73, were proud to host such an important guest. ..In Iran, we were used to regularly giving parish dues to help the needy. Giving to the Armenia Fund is the same thing for us, it,s our responsibility." Coincidentally, the Nazarians' granddaughter, too, had just returned from an LCO summer in Karabakh and was also on hand to greet the Prime Minister. "We were all very touched by the visits; the families were so welcoming. The depth and sincerity of their commitment was evident; the prime minister was very moved," commented Khanjian. On both east and west coasts, Danielian met with community leaders, members of the press and potential donors. One reporter asked the prime minister, "So, how serious are you about this independence thing?" Danielian surprised, smiled and responded, "As serious as the US is about its independence."

AIM NOVEMBER I999

\oII..IiooK

Rememheninu Monuenthau llcnlr \lot"lcnllltLr. I S.\ttt Ilts:lrtIrr 1()'l't]r'l\.\ rlLr;ittr \\'olltl \\'lLr I. tlicri )1 r.'ltt..rr,r. t]li. ll()n1ll. irl hir lt,rtttc rtt \t'rr \irlk.

lL lcti ttlorltit. rilter ltis hrr

()0th

$ $i.lil Number of baptisms per"formed in 30 years by Father Daiad Davidian, a retiring priest from Watertown, Massachusetts

'l,i.;irill

Number of funerals per{ormed in 30 years by Father Dajad Davidian

llrtirrr.

,\llcl tltc \\'lir'. lre \rr'\('rl rl\ r' Ptr'rirk tll ('l lll. .\lll. l i...lr ('orlrlillce lirt \clrl l:irrL Il.'lrel. r ir

l\'lot'rttttltlttt i:

ralttattll)r'tr'11

.,,rr,llr .rrr,l , lr.,rt l') \'r r.trr,,.,. lrli,rrnil llrt ttotltl lrtt,l tltt,rtrtlt lltt'

!tllr'l illi()ll\. I)rrlirrr tlre *ltr'. \lot.lctttltlttt nr('l \\rlll tlre lrrrl'i.lr l)llllr. lnil

tct ltnrl r)lir)i\lal ot' ttltt. Pli:llr

lrnLl

I:nrcl

Iltlltrtl

l'lLshrt. iut(l 1r'iarl

iltrltin.t,,rli\L()tllil!alllctllltiritlillll)l(ll)!'rllil)S{hettlloltr'rl()t'\1('lllllllllla 1ltc.\trn.nilLtt. rrl tlte Oil,rttt:ttt LtttIite Itt Itir ttt.rttoitr. lritlr,ts,trlrtr .\lt,t<t'ttlltLttt.r .\1r,tt. l'Lrltli'hctl itl I I I \. llrc lrtlor nr\ tliPlrrtttltt l.c()ttllle(l llit ttlcctill!.' ri rlll lllt' I Lr|kislt lCtulCls..r: ucll ls otlter-er.ltcliCtt..'. rllttitt! ullltl ]lt tlut.til.etl il\ $)llla ill lttrl,tlr \ "lll,,\l lr,'tttl,l. \'\'lrl. Irr .\pttl. \lotletltllltrt r llllll(l\(rll\ itllti !laitt-glilllLl:trtt: li:itcrl .\r'rlcnilL ul llrc ittriiltliott ol'lhc \rrlletlilrtl \lttiottel ltl:lilLrlt'lttttl lllr' .\r nrcnilrtt \elttlctttr o1 \iittl.ct iill(l lll(' ( icttoi itlc \'lttsctrlll l() lllalll(r r ilrlizt \lrrtgcrtllllltt itt l.itt.'tllrtkltllctLi'r \\lrll ol l lottol.. I llt \trLLlettlr lLl\r) f ()ll\ lllCrl iL ( ()ll l ll r'llac ltlrrrttl tllc illllllli\\illlr)1. itl lllc tletlielttit'tt ol .\t thc:ltttlc litltt'. lllc Ilrrllrlr Illti.iIltir'il t,' tatlltlllt ltt lllL,i tLctitlctl r,1' \ ttLt lttl Se lrool No. ll(r ri ltir'lr llrc r'i1\ tha I l!'nt\ \l()r-llllllliLLl \r'lloL,l 'I lrr. Sclrtitttlr. t. tltL' [ 5 \illi]:t.\lltlot to \t lltttlilL. \licllllt'l I-r'111r(11 I 1)al$\\ I ir1Ituiltltrl itl !'alclll()lli('\ ltlltt l'itlg llti' Ilcgitlttitll r'l llrc rrrs :cll,,L,1 talLt. lilt(i tt()latl tllttt thc IlS llrtllrlLs.r irr \rrltcrlilL ui]l "\ll()ll$)r lltr :ihtiol. ltlltl lt:.itl tll l.ttl0l ltirlg tlle lriril,lirt-l lLll(1 t'(ltlil) l)in! ! lil\\11)$lll:.

j i i'},{"}ijij Number of refugees currently living in Armenia according to the UNHCR Armenia Office ":.;,,i,.

Number of refugee families still needing accommodation.

Number of refugees who were tranted Armenian citizenshiP in 1998 Sili] Amount, in millions of dollars, of business capital which bypasses Armenia's banking system, through the shadow economy, according to exPerts ":.

,,'

Amount in billions of Drams required to conduct the census in Armenia, in 2001 '11i3

peace corps volunteers who have

Number of served in Armenia since 1992

Rank of Mt. Sipan (near the western shore of Lake Van) in height, among the mountains in

the Armenian highlands ;r'.i

Varieties of lizards found in Armenia i iJ*

Number of Armenian soldiers who received the Hero of the Soviet Union medal in World War ll

-r Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze paid a two-day official visit to Armenia. In addition to discussing a host of interstate issues, a Declaration on the Main Principles of Cooperation at the New Stage of Georgian-Armenian relations was signed by Shevardnadze and President Robert Kocharian. The agreement envisions the elevation of bilateral relations to "a new level of friendship and cooperation." The two leaders agreed to step up polit ical and economic cooperation and

to promote stability throughout the South Caucasus. In this context, the situation in the North Caucasus and

in Georgia's predominantly Armenian-populated region of

Javakhk

were also discussed. Economic cooperation and development were priority topics for both heads of state. A large group of Georgian businessmen accompanying Shevardnadze met with Armenian business_ men and discussed prospects for expansion ofjoint ventures.

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian paid an official visit to Canada at the invitation of Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy. In Ottawa, Oskanian met with a number of government officials including the Deputy Prime Minister Herbert Gray, Speaker of the Senate, Gildas Molgat, and the acting head of the Canadian International Development Agency, Jean Marc Metivier. At a news conference, Axworthy and Oskanian stressed that sustained economic develop ment in the region is the main guarantor of stability and peace in the South Caucasus. Oskanian also called for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide stating that this is "important for humanity because denial of genocide can lead to the repetition of genocide.', Oskanian also visited Toronto and Montreal where he met Canadian provincial officials, businessmen and members of the Armenian community. In both Montreal and Toronto, Oskanian was the main speaker at independence day celebrations organized jointly by the Armenian Embassy in Ottawa, as well as local community organizations. The successful integration of Armenians in Canada's multicultural political environment was apparent in the huge tumout of provincial government leaders at each event.

. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin approved a draft bilateral agreement with Armenia on continuing current production and specialization of firms involved in the development, production and testing of weapons and other military products. The Russian

side charged the Economics Ministry with implementation of measures to realize the present agreement, and the Armenian side assigned the task to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

. In a development related to recent terrorist bombings in Russia

which may be linked to the Chechen struggle for independence, Putin met with the Interior Ministers of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia (the Borzhomi Four) and discussed the formation of a

joint anti-terrorist

center and the exchange of information on antiIt is expected that in the near future the lawenforcement bodies of the four states will take coordinated measures to fight crime and terrorism in the Northern Caucasus.

= =

terrorism measures.

o F I

AIM NOVEMBER I999

. President Robert Kocharian appointed Arman Kirakossian (right) Armenia's new Ambassador to the US. Kirakossian, previously ambassador to Greece, succeeds Ruben Shugarian who served in Washington for six years. . meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers was held in New York, facilitated by US Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Albright had sent letters to the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan urging them to establish a framework and schedule for the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE

Minsk Group prior to the November OSCE Summit Conf-erence in Istanbul. Albright met with Foreign Ministers Vartan Oskanian of Armenia and Tofiq Zulfugarov of Azerbaijan. This was followed by a second meeting the following day by the Armenian and Azerbaijani ministers who continued bilateral talks. The details of the talks were not made public. . The US House of Representatives voted 214 to 2ll approving the tiscal year 2000 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which allocates $89.67 million to Armenia. The bill also maintains Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which bars direct US government assistance to the govemment of Azerbaijan. Section 907 was established

Meeting Egypt's outgoing Ambassador to Armenia, Said Iman Said, President Robert Kocharian stated that Armenia views the development of relations with Arab countries as a key foreign policy focus. Said's tenure in Yerevan has been marked by his eflorts to increase bilateral economic cooperation. Still, there are huge opportunities for additional mutually beneficial projects.

Denis Corboy, the outgoing European Union Yerevan representative. said at a news conference that a bilateral agreement on partnership and cooperation between the European Union and Armenia, which was put in force in July 1998, is being implemented successfully as joint structures come into existence. The EU has similar agreements with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Armenian officials have also expressed satisfaction with the implementation process and consider the agreement the beginning of a "political dialogue" with the most powerful economic multistate group in the world. Since 1991, the EU has provided some $300 million in assistance to Armenia, mostly in humanitarian aid and development projects, and in the last three years has greatly contributed to the development of safety measures at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant in Metsamor.

1992 by Congress in response to Azerbaijan's blockade of Armenia and Karabakh. Meanwhile, Armenpress reported that in the last six years the US has provided $1,051,000,000 in humanitarian aid and grants to Armenia. . Armenia's Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian attended the annual meet-

ing of the Intemational Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington and held talks with senior officials of these organizations. World Bank President James Wolfensohn agreed to act as a host for a London meeting next May to promote business and trade contacts between Armenia and the Diaspora. While in Washington, Sargsian also met with US officials, including Vice President Al Gore. At the Pentagon, Sargsian met with First Deputy Defense Secretary John Hamre and they discussed military cooperation, especially within the framework of NATO's Partnership for Peace program. . The US Agriculture Department announced that it will donate about 3,200 metric tons of beans, lentils, peas, rice, whole fat dry milk, wheat-soy blend, corn-soy blend, vegetable oil, and wheat flour to Armenia. The assistance will be distributed through the Fund for Armenian Relief, a private voluntary organization established by the Diocese of the Armenian Church in America.

Armenia's First Lady Bella Kocharian participated in a two-day meeting to commemorate the lOth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children. The meeting was organized by Polish First Lady Jolanta Kwasniewska and brought together Queens Paola of Belgium, Rania of Jordan, Sophia of Spain, Silvia of Sweden, as

well

as nearly one dozen

first ladies. The event is designed to attract

more attention to the work of UNICEF and to improve the lives of children around the world.

Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian addressed the

United Nations 54th General Assembly. Oskanian pledged Armenia's support for regional peace, stability and economic development. while expressing regret that Turkey and Azerbaijan

continue

blockade Armenia.

He called the latest OSCE

Minsk

Group proposals for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict "more realistic than previous ones," adding that "they try to address the thorny issue of Nagorno Karabakh's political status with minimal prejudice to either of the competing sides." During his New York stay, Oskanian met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and discussed a range of regional issues as well as recent developments in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The foreign minister also signed the UN's Statute of the International Criminal Court, making Armenia the 88th country to sign the Statute adopted on July 1998.

Armenia's Ambassador to Lebanon Arman Navasardian met with Lebanese foreign ministry officials in preparation for President Robert Kocharian's upcoming visit to Lebanon. The sides also discussed

international developments, the Middle East peace process and Armenian-lrbanese relations.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Karabakh authorities approved a resolution aimed at increasing the birthrate in the country. In order to encourage families to have more children, the government will award $700 for a

couple's third child, $1,000 each for the fourth and fifth (and $1.500

the births are in

regions outside the capital Stepanakert), $2,000 for the sixth and seventh, $2,500 for the eighth and ninth, and $3,000 for the tenth child. amounts be

The

will

deposited in the Karabakh State Bank. Also, families with four or more children will receive additional financial assistance for the education of each child as well as subsidized electricity. In the regions, families with seven or more children will be provided with new accommodations and when the tenth child is born, the family will be provided with a car. The new resolution will come into effect on January 1,2000.

In the last six months, six groups engaged in illegal drug sales were arrested in Armenia compared with only one group in the same period last year, according to Ashot Mkrtchian, a senior lnterior Ministry official. Some 566 cases (compared with 477 last year) dealing with illegal trade and drug preparation were registered by the ministry and259 individuals were charged with drug-related crimes. The Interior Ministry reports that there are 20,000 drug addicts inArmenia - about half of them are unemployed or with low incomes, and about 20 percent are students. The overwhelming majority of drug addicts are male, between 30 and 49 years old. In recent years Armenia has instituted severe measures to fight drug trafficking. For example, the sale of one gram of heroine could result inl5 years imprisonment.

President Robert Kocharian and Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Yegorov opened "Days of Russian Culture" in Yerevan with the participation of anists Vasily Lanavoy and art critic Svyatoslav Belza. On this occasion President Kocharian awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal to Alexander Grigorian, Artistic Director of the Russian State Drama Theater, and actresses Leila Khachatrian and Irina Marchenko for their distinguished careers. A number of theatrical performances were held throughout Yerevan where, as Minister Yegorov described, "traditionally high Russian art" was presented to the public. A reciprocal "Days of Armenian Culture" will be held in Russia in 2001 in connection with the celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity as state religion in Armenia.

A delegation from the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities of Europe described the October 24 local elections in Armenia as "free and fair" and noted significant improvements over the 1996 local elections.

At the invitation of the Armenian government, the 10 foreign observers had arrived in Armenia a few days before the election and were accredited by the Central Election Commission. They visited 88 polling stations and monitored the counting process at five stations. They affirmed that the election process was well organized and the vote count was conducted in conformity with the election law. The observers noted a few minor inegularities with regards to the electoral lists, which they brought to the attention of the Armenian authorities. At certain polling stations, they observed low voter turnout and an insufficient number of candidates for local council seats. This election was closely watched because it has significant implications for Armenia's application for full membership in the Council of Europe.

Yerevan Police Chief Ashot Ghahramanian stated that in the last nine months of the current year,2,807 crimes have been formally registered in the capital, an increase of 142 crimes compared with the same period in 1998. He noted that the number of serious crimes has declined to 571, but cases involving state property theft have increased to 210 (164 in 1998). Economic crimes include bribery (179) and extortion (129). He noted that interior ministry personnel who are involved in various types of criminal behavior must be immediately removed.

Currently, some 378 ministry personnel are under investigation. Meanwhile, six employees are in temporary detention, 12 have been relieved of their positions and 32 expelled from the ministry. Ghahramanian noted that there is an increase in drunk driving as well. He said l9l drunk drivers were detained or fined by the traffrc police within only three days of intensified patrol in the streets of Yerevan in October. lncreased traffrc police deployment on the streets of Yerevan has resulted in thousands of checks of suspected drivers. Some 1,200 drivers lacking proper documentation have been fined in the crackdown. At the same time, drivers in Armenia assert that the problem of traffic policemen asking drivers for immediate, personal pay-offs, ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Drams ($2-20) continues.

Gayane Tadevosian was selected the first Miss University of Armenia at a beauty contest held for the frst time at Yerevan State University

(YSU). The contestants appeared in sportswear from Schwartzkopf and later in evening gowns. Hasmik Brutian was the first runner up and Anet Zakoyan the second runner up.

established

A special Miss

Peace prize,

by the Defense Ministry, was awarded to

Lusine

Topsakarian. The contest was initiated by Arsen Karamian, Chairman ofYSU Graduate Union and sponsored by several fashion and beauty businesses in Armenia.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Organized by Samvel Gevorgian's Siunik studio and the Siunik regional administration, the first-ever Siunik Film Festival was

held

in the city of

Kapan,

southern

Armenia.

Sixty actors, directors, producers

film critics

participated

and

in the festival.

During the opening ceremony a number of professionals spoke on the importance of the festival, including Siunik regional administrator Roman Navasardian, actor Khoren Abrahamian, Azat Gasparian, film critic Suren Hasmikian, Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Armenia Sergei Israelian and others. A message from Russian cinematographers was also read during the opening. A number of full-length and short hlms by Armenian filmmakers were shown throughout the festival, among them Parajanov's last Collage (R. Gevorkov), ktrd, Have Mercy Upon Us (V. Chaldranian)'

Labyrinth (M. Dovlatian), and Comrade Panjuni (A. Manarian) which won the Best Film award. Harutiun Khachatrian (top right) received the Best Director award for Retum to the Promised lttnd; Rudolf Vatinian won the Best Cinematographer award for lnrd, Show Mercy Upon Us; Hrachia Harutiunian won the Best Actor award for his role in Inrd, Show Mercy IJpon Us; and Nora Armani won the Best Actress award for her role in ktbyrinth.

Health Minister Haik Nikoghosian announced that 70 outpatient clinics would be opened throughout the regions in Armenia with the assistance of the World Bank's Primary Health Care Program. Nikoghosian attended the formal opening of one of these clinics in the village of Aigevan, in the Ararat region. Some 13 outpatient clinics in Ararat, Tavush, Lori, Siunik and Armavir are currently being renovated and expected to be ready by the end ofthe year. The Social Investment Fund of Armenia is responsible for the construction of the facilities and the National Institute of Public Health Family Doctors Chair is in charge of providing the necessary medical equipment and personnel training.

In less than six months, the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents (above) have met four times. Geneva used to be the favored meeting place. But in late September, the presidents met at the border in Nakhichevan. Nothing was said about the substance of the meeting, but both leaders indicated that the frequency of the contacts alone helped them on the road to addressing the difficult, painful issues that have to be tackled on the road to resolving the Karabakh conflict. Although the Armenian public has been more or less positive about these developments, the Azerbaijani opposition has held mass demonstrations, and two of Baku's top foreign policy officials, Senior Advisor Vafa Guluzade and Foreign Minister Tofik resigned. Meanwhile, US Undersecretary of State Strobe Talbott (below)

arrived in the Caucasus to discuss these recent developments in the Karabakh process. Talbott's meeting with the Armenian leadership was the last one Prime MinisterYazgen Sargsian attended prior to his assassination. Talbott returned to Yerevan after the assassination to express his condolences and to assure theArmenians ofcontinued US support for the peace Process.

The Ministry of Health and the parliament's permanent Commission for Social, Public Health andEnvironmental Issues jointly discussed amendments to Armenia's current Law on Prevention of Diseases Caused by the HIV virus. As a growing number of foreign patients are applying to Armenian authorities to participate in the clinical tests of the newly-discovered HIV treatment medicine, Armenicum, the country's health law requires amendments. The law adopted in February 1997 stipulates that foreign citizens suffering from AIDS or carriers of the HIV virus are to be evicted from the country. As the current law was adopted before the discovery of Armenicum, the new amendments would allow foreign nationals to enter Armenia for specialized treatment. Specific regulations, legal issues and methods for implementation are currently under discussion. There is also a proposal to institute a medical quarantine to specifically deal with HlV-related patients.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

The World Bank flMB) has announced that it will lend Armenia $238 million

for

2000-2003 economic develop AWB team, headed by the intemational institution's represenment prograrn.

in Armenia, Owaise Saadat (right), discussed the details and guide-

tative

lines

of the

program with hime

Minister Vazgen Sargsian. A final WB ruling on the program will be made in December. The Armenian govemment

has also asked for

a $40

Structural Adjustrnent Credit

million

(SAC4)

for next year in order to augment its budget deficit.

Owing more than $30 million in unpaid taxes and electricity bills to the government, the state-owned Nairit Chemical Factory with 4000 employees, is struggling to survive. Located in the outskirts of Yerevan, the giant factory was one of the largest producers of rubber in the former Soviet Union, but currently stands at the verge of bankruptcy, operating on a small fraction of its capacity. Gagik Nersisian, the director of the enterprise, is blamed for the long crisis facing the factory and the govemment has launched crimi_ nal proceedings against him, charging abuse of power. In August, the government's austerity budget, approved by the parliament, provided a $9 million rescue loan to Nairit to pay its huge debt to the energy sector. The IMF had agreed on the terms of the loan considering that the factory's operation has an impact on the overall economic situation of the country. In addition to management changes in the plant, which included the end of "unclear and damaging" barter exchanges with other CIS enterprises, the Russian economic crisis has had a great impact on its operation and production, since Russia was the main market for Armenian rubber. Observers see Nairit's troubles as part of the broader problems facing the industrial sector in Armenia. Some put the cumulative debts of major enterprises in the country as high as the government,s annual budget revenues. As thousands of families depend on the success of Nairit, its recovery has great significance to Armenia's overall economy.

Saadat expressed confidence that by the end ofthe yearArmenia would meet all its commitments for the $65 million SAC-3 loan pro-

gram, agreed upon in December 1998. Since its membership in ttre World Bank in 1993, Armenia has received 2l loans from the world financial institution totaling $535 million. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved

a $29 million credit line, stating that Armenia has exhibited betterthan-expected resilience to Russia's economic woes.

Armagrobank announced the launching of a long-term program intended to boost activities in Armenia's economy. The bank also announced a decrease in interest rates on deposits. Bank chairman Edward Sandoyan, former Minister of Finance and Economy, stated that current interest rates in Armenia "are much higher than what they should be." He added that although short-term credits have higher yields, but they have higher risks. While investments in the real econ-

omy could yield less short-term profits, they would generate more steady profits in the long-term. Sandoyan believes that mostbanks oprate at a loss all the while claim_ ing to "make money" at the expense of treasury bills. He believes that the capital growth in the banking sector is mainly due to additional financial

injections, mostly from foreign sources. He notes that Armenian banks have not been able to attact the funds circulatimg in the shadow economy.

In the last six months Armagrobank allocated one million dollars for grape purchases for Artashat, Vedi and other wineries and invested $300.000 in the autumn sowing activiries. Armenian Central Bank President Tigran Sargsian met with US Ambassador to Armenia Michael Lemmon and Overseas private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Caspian Financial Center Director p. Bolenger and Senior Investment Advisor J. Gordon. Sargsian stated there are no restrictions on payments, current accounts and movement of capital in Armenia. The participants underlined the importance of Armenia's cooperation with the US Export-Import Bank and the US Trade Development Agency (TDA). Early in October, OPIC approved a $18 million loan to a US small business group for the modernization of theArmenia Hotel. The project, which includes $14 million for renovations, is expected to .,spur economic development and foster tourism to Armenia,s considerable historical and cultural attractions," according to an OpIC announcement.

In the first half of the current year, total direct foreign investments in Armenia's economy amounted to $52 million, two times less than during the same period in 1998. According to a visiting IMF consultant, Armenia continues to be "a risky country for foreign investors.,, IMF consultant Christopher Richards indicated that only those investors looking for higher{han-usual returns on their investments would be attracted toArmenia. He said that current profit margins do not exceed l5 percent, while in Armenia they should not be lower than 25 percent. Richards believes the country needs to attract a few large Westem companies to inspire confidence among other foreign investors.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Tourism. The bane of Armenia's existence. Just improve the infrastructure for tourism and watch the money roll in. That's the solution offered for much of Armenia's economic woes. Located at the corner of Sayat Nova and Abovian streets, the Ani Hotel in central Yerevan is a l2-story giant left over from Khruschev's days. The wonderful central location used to be coupled with not-sowonderful tiny rooms and few hotel services. Not any more. A few Diasporans from Los Angeles got together and bought the hotel in 1998. And, three work crews worked around

A few days before he was assassinated, Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian pledged in a televised speech to the reduce corruption in nation Armenia, which has reached "disastrous levels." He urged a sfrong crackdown on widespread bribery and pro-

tectionism. "l promise that by May 2000. on the eve of the businessforum in London, real steps will have

the clock for

been undertaken to fight comrption,"

months

said Sargsian. He explained that in addition to the functioning of the law enforcement bodies, "certain changes will be made in the country's laws." Meanwhile, during a press conference, President Robert Kocharian stated that the exposure of economic crimes in Armenia has resulted in the recovery of over eight million dollars for the state budget in I 998. This year, already several million dollars have been similarly recovered. He assured his administration's vigilance to continue to fight economic crimes and comrption in Armenia.

hotel's renovation by this fall's tourist season. Today's Ani offers a

several

to complete the

glitzy, sophisticated lobby

perfect for cigar smoking or cognac drinking. Plus, a whole array of shops, restaurants, cafes. as well as business, tourist and laundry services are slated for open-

ing later this year.

At the Hotel's official a seminar in Yerevan on Women and Business, it was reported that women run nine out of about 1500 small and medium-sized privatized enterprises in Armenia. Currently, Armenian women own only one percent of the 41,000 registered individual businesses, according to Business Woman, a group representing women entrepreneurs. According to an opinion poll conducted by the same group, lack of direction, mistrust of banks and traditional family obligations are the leading factors hindering women's greater involvement in business. "There is not a single woman in the ruling cabinet and very few of them sit in parliament," said Anahit Sargisian, head of Business Woman. "Women are clearly discriminated against in the decisionmaking process," she added, explaining how this has made it very difficult for women to share equal opportunities with men in business. However, Sargisian was not pessimistic. She said, "Little by little,

there is a breakthrough in our society. There are now quite a few women who are able to successfully combine business with their fam-

ily and personal life."

The Central Bank's Director of Banking Technologies Development, Gevorg Machanian, announced that the test for the Common National Plastic Cards System (CNPCS) has been conducted in preparation for the launching of plastic cards in July 2fi)0. The first phase of the program will provide services for intemational transactions and the second phase will provide plastic cards for local use. The system is designed based on available smart technologies, known as "chip" cards. Currently not all commercial banks are capable of issuing such cards. Therefbre, they have been invited to cooperate in the use of CNPCS so that there will be a common platfbrm and system operating around the country.

opening, President Robert Kocharian (right with Savey Tufenkian, one of the owners) and other dignitaries arrived to stress the importance of the Armenia-Diaspora linkage.

With Hotel Armenia in Republic Square scheduled to begin work on major renovations this fall, tourists, and the economy, may have some new things to look forward to.

Organized by the US embassies in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, a Business Forum bringing together businessmen from the three South Caucasus countries was held in Istanbul. EightArmenian businessmen presented a dozen investment projects related to light industries, food production and tourism. Hovsep Seferian, head of Yeraz, an Open Joint-Stock Company, said they discussed investments and economic development in the region. Seferian expressed hope that Turkish-Armenian economic cooperation would lead to the opening of the border between the two countries, which has been closed since 1992. He said the offer of the Union of Entrepreneurs of Trabizon to cooperate with Armenian businessmen is a positive sign. He believes such relations can also contribute to the resolution of political problems. Arsen Ghazarian, director of Apaven, a transportation company. expressed similar hopes and added that major Turkish companies have expressed interest in cooperation with Armenia and both sides have great expectations about the opening of the border. Armenian businessmen who participated in the Istanbul forum said Turkey might possibly become a serious importer of Armenia's energy. Currently Armenian energy sold to Georgia is resold to Turkey by the Georgians. In recent years, Turkey's energy consumption rate has grown by 20 percent annually.

The Central Bank is to ask for a $2 million USAID grant for the establishment of a national system in Armenia.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

The Senate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a

bill mandating the study of

rhe

Armenian Genocide in the state's

public schools. The bill was introduced two years ago by State Representative Steven Tolman (Democrat). The senator

and his staff, together with the Armenian community, worked with state legislators and the

Department of Education to ensure the development and implementation of the curricu-

Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, paid an official visit to the US to preside over fundraising events for the benefit of Turkish earthquake victims. In New York, 30 prominent religious leaders and representatives attended an ecumenical luncheon in his honor hosted by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, where the Patriarch briefed the guests on the situation of the earthquake relief. Several donations by sister churches were announced at the gathering. A benefit concert for earthquake relief was held at St. Vartan Cathedral in York City where Istanbul natives - pianist Sahan Arzruni and violinist sisters Ani and Ida Kavafian performed. In Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, Califomia, the Patriarch presided over benefit banquets organized and hosted by the local Armenian churches. The $600,000 raised was matched by the Lincy Foundation.

lum. The bill passed despite

opposition from Turkish groups who attempted to include material in the curriculum denying the Armenian Genocide. Tolman and his colleague State Senate Majority Leader Linda Melconian (above) and Massachusetts education officials insisted on preserving the original intent of the bill and its educational purpose. The new curriculum, which will be introduced in April 2000, teaches about the l9l5 Armenian Genocide and covers the Holocaust, the Irish Great Hunger and the transatlantic African slave trade.

Archbishop Torkom Manoogian,

Patriarch together

Jerusalem (left)

with the Greek

and

A new branch of the Armenian Jewelers and Gem Dealers was established in New York as the Armenian Jewelers Association of the Eastern US members pledged to join their efforts to develop Armenia's jewelry industry, one of the most profitable sectors of the economy. Representatives from Armenia's Mission to the UN and Karabakh's Public Affairs Office in Washington addressed the inaugural meeting attended by some 70 jewelers. First established in Armenia in 1997 , the AJ Ahas branches in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Califomia. In October 1998 the AJA held its second assembly in Yerevan (the first was held in Basel, Switzerland in April 1998) with the participation of 200 Diasporan and local jewelers. AJA s mission is to bring together Armenian jewelers, traders, manufacturers, agents, and business executives and create professional networks for the industry's development around the world, and in Armenia.

Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem and the Roman Catholic Custodian

the Holy Places, urged

Israeli

Prime Minister Ehud Barak to intervene and resolve a longstanding dispute with the Muslim community in Nazareth over the proposed site of a new mosque.

Their protest letter asked Barak

to prevent the building of

mosque facing the Basilica of the Annunciation in the city of Nazareth, believed to be the site where Mary received a message from the Angel Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. The church leaders said, "We believe that the place currently proposed for the building of a mosque, besides being govemment-owned property, is not compatible with the larger vision of peace and harmony amongst all the faith communities in Nazareth and will remain an unfortunate source of friction and dispute in the future." The leaders reminded the Israeli authorities about the Christian pilgrimages and resultant tourism expected as part of the millennium celebrations. They asked the Prime Minister to "act decisively in order to resolve once and for all this dispute so that Nazareth can regain its authentic character as the City of the Annunciation, an open and welcoming city for all." According to some in Jerusalem, Pope John Paul II's planned visit to the Holy Land next year could also be called off unless the dispute is resolved. A few months ago, the Armenian Patriarchate ran into similar difficulties with Muslims over a propemy on the Mount of Olives (see AIM July 1999).

The Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Detroit celebrated its 30th anniversary. The current student enrollment exceeds 300, a frst in the history ofthe school; there are plans to expand the facilities to accommodate the community. A three-million-dollar fundraiser effort is underway for this purpose. After a decadeJong lapse, the school reopened its secondary school four years ago and this year it will graduate the flrst senior class with l3 students. Established in 1969 by philanthropist Alex Manoogian, it became a charter school in 1995. The status provides the school with state funds - helping the schools retain quality teachers and guarantees the school's Armenian program which complements the general education curriculum of Michigan's 150 other charter schools.

l,ondon-resident and genocide survivor Bedros Hagopian has filed a lawsuit in Turkey in an attempt to recover the lost real estate assets that once belonged to his family, according to Hurriyet. Specifically, he is demanding the retum of 40 acres of prime property in Istanbul, which was confiscated by the state. Numerous such Armenian-owned properties were taken over by the Turkish govemment as the owners were considered dead and property deeds were transferred to Turkish trusts. Hagopian, through his lawyer Suhayla Gul, is asking the Turkish court to reinstate his right to the property and annul the transfer ofownership.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

1986, one of the Diaspora's few playwrights, Vahe Berberian, premiered his first play, Pink Elephant, in Los Angeles. The Armenianlanguage play was an immediate hit in the large community of immigrants - even with those who had never lived through the Lebanese Civil War which served as the backdrop for the exploration of existential questions of life, death, love, war and survival. Several years later, Berberian followed Pink Elephant with two other successful pieces on the Diaspora experience: Quicksand and 200. Pink Elephant also became a film by Ara Madzounian in 1988. All this in the original Armenian. Last month, Aram Kouyoumdjian's English translation was

staged

the Vista Players Company (above and below) in

Sacramento. California. The dramatic play-within-a-play is

about a troupe of Armenian actors in Beirut rehearsing for

an avant-garde performance even as violence and tragedy explode throughout the city. Berberian, 44, who in recent years has concentrated on

screenwriting and painting. says, "The translation was

very

well done, and for that reason, it was funny to watch a group

non-Armenians discuss Armenian theater. and the

Armenian language. The actors and director were so into it. They had deciphered every single line. The director told me it took a while for them to understand where this is happening, who this is happening to, and what is war. Because none of them knew war." Nor did they know or understand diaspora or language or survival. But it's all been warmly received by theatergoers and critics.

The Armenian village of Ainjar (above, 1960) in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. In 1939, 5000 Armenians fleeing their homes in Musa Dagh (Turkey) were relocated to Ainjar by the French navy. First, they lived in tents and under very difficult conditions in what was a marshy area. Over 500 refugees died of disease and malnutrition in the first few years. They cultivated the land and restored a vibrant community life with churches' schools and clubs. Indeed, the various neighborhoods in Ainjar bear the names

of the villages in Musa Dagh

Bitias, Haji Hababli, Kabusia, Khdr

Bek, Vakif, and Yoghun Oluk.

The anniversary celebration ceremonies were attended by a host of Lebanese parliament members and high-ranking officials. George Kassardji, a parliamentarian representing the nearby city of Zahleh, whose administrative jurisdiction includes Ainjar' said, "These years were rich because we regarded this country as our own' struggling to safeguard freedom and democracy and standing against plots to divide

Lebanon." Today, virtually all of the 2,400 people living in Ainjar are Armenian. They have their own mayor, municipal council and public services. It has three schools run by the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic and Evangelical churches respectively. The Homenetmen sports club and the Hamazkayin Cultural Association also have branches in the village. Ainjar is famous for its apples. While not all residents are farmers, there are over 500 apple orchards and approximately 50 vineyards in Ainjar, which generate income for the population. In recent years, the youth have started to develop new industries as well, especially the manufacturing of jewelry. Ainjar is also famous for the Umayyad ruins located on the outskirts of the village, which atlracts hundreds of tourists and visitors every Year.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

I filntu B$$lnlllng Catholicos Garegin

II Faces the Task of Healing

and Leading the Church

By HRATGH TCHILINGIRIAN

he Armenian Apostolic

Church

elected the l32nd Catholicos of

All

Armenians on October 27. Archbishop Garegin Nersissian, Vicar of

the Ararat Diocese, succeeded Catholicos Karekin I, who passed away in June after serving for only four years as the head of the 1700-year old Church.

The National Ecclesiastical Assembly (NEA), the highest legislative body of the Armenian Church made of 455 delegares from Armenia, Karabakh and 43 countries in the

Diaspora, officially convened

Holy

Ejmiatsin, the Mother See of the Church in Armenia. One of the primary functions of the NEA is to elect a new Catholicos and discuss issues facing the church that serves millions of Armenians around the world. Nersissian, who will be known as Catholicos Garegin II, received 263 votes against ttre 176 votes of the only other candidate on the ballot, Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian, the Locum Tenens of the Catholicosate.

On Wednesday, October 27, the jubilation over the election of the new Catholicos in the Cathedral of Holy Ejmiatsin lasted only a few minutes as Nersissian intemrpted his accep-

to announce the murder of Armenia's Prime Minister and the shooting in the National Assembly building, which was reported to him as he was speaking. (See tance speech

Cover Story).

The first dury of the Catholicos-elect was to preside over the funeral services of the slain govemment leaders on Sunday, October 31. Nersissian's own consecration was postponed to Thursday, November 4.

Born

Armenia, the 47-year-old Catholicos Garegin II entered the seminary of Ejmiatsin in 1965. In the early 1970s he was among the first native clergymen who were sent to Europe by Catholicos Vazgen

I to study

of higher education. studied theology in Austria and Germany and attended the Russian Orthodox European institutions

Garegin

in Zagorsk, his return to

Church's Theological Academy

graduating

1979. Upon

Armenia, he was appointed Vicar of the Ararat Diocese, which includes Yerevan and its environs and is the largest diocese in Armenia. In 1980, he was consecrated a bishop by Vazken I.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (Eastern US) and Archbishop Barkev Martirosian (Karabakh) were withdrawn.

In April 1995, the entire catholicossal election process revolved around 'church unity.' As Catholicos Karekin I had been

Church-State Relations The Catholicossal election was dominated

with controveny over the Armenian government's alleged interference in the affairs of the church and the suitability of the candidates for the highest post in the Armenian Church. The election process was clearly divided into two main camps: between supporters of Nersissian and the 67-year-old Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian. The earlier candidacies of

AIM NOVEMBER I999

the

See since 1977, it was thought that his ascension to the throne in Ejmiatsin would bring about 'unity.'This time around, unity was not even mentioned. A month before the election, several high-

head

of the Cilician

ranking clergy including the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Istanbul issued a Pastoral Appeal waming against what they called "the involvement by govemment offrcials" in the elections.

The Armenian government, including President Kocharian strongly denied any direct

pressure in the election of the new Catholicos, but claimed every right to displaying interest in this most important process. While the signatories of the Appeal and a number of bishops were mustering support for Archbishop Bozabaltan, the supporters of Archbishop Nersissian were indignant that the issue of "govemment interference" was being used as ill excuse to discredit Nersissian's penonality. Responding to that charge, Patriarch Mesrob Mutaffan of Istanbul and All Turkey told AIM, "This absolute nonsense." Mutafyan was the most vocal among the archbishops over the issue and had become deeply embroiled in the controversy, {ls other senior bishops remained publicly silent. 'My objection is based on princrple. I deeply believe in ttre separation of church and state," said Mutafuan. "I do not think the Church should behave like the govemment and I do not believe that the govemment should interfere in the affairs and ministies of the Church," he explained. The defendants of the government position explained that it is impossible to influence the voting process as each delegate votes by secret ballot. However, others assert that the "influence" was exercised during the selection process. They point out that virtually all delegates from the Westem Diaspora were elected by their respective dioceses, parishes or communities, but, the delegates from Armenia, Karabakh and the CIS countries were appointed by their respective primates or lay leaders. No community or parish elections were held. On the opening day of the NEA, the president's absence was interpreted as an expression of the Armenian govemment's indigna-

tion at these charges. Levon Mkrtchian, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Religious Atrain, had been sent to deliver the the government's message.

As the govemment's point man for religious affairs, Mkrtchian explained the state's expectations from the Church. "We are interested in seeing a strong Mother See which will enjoy respect in society, will have irrefutable authority, will have strong clergy who will truly work with their flock. Only then can the church provide the moral assistance which is so needed by the population today," said Mkrtchian.

The new Catholicos told AIM that he would "pursue a policy whereby church-state

ties of our relationship are clarifred. There are

many European countries where such

'Today, the College of Bishops is virtually dysfunctional," says Bishop Sebuh Chouldjian,

arrangement already exists."

40, Primate of Gugark Diocese in Armenia.

Another concern for the Church is the legal status of church properties in Armenia.

"It has to become an active, rule-instituting body," he adds.

Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the National Ecclesiastical Assembly and Primate of the US Westem Diocese, explained, "We have many properties which were confiscated during the Soviet period. Some were given back, some were not; their legal status has to be clarified."

Several high-ranking bishops told AIM that they would also wish the Armenian

One

of the important functions of

the

College of Bishops is to clarify the church's position on dogmatic, theological, liturgical, social and moral issues and make deliberations on the "mission" of the church. Lay members of the Church, especially in North America, have complained for years that the Armenian Church has not expressed its "teaching" on such issues as abortion, homosexuality, capital punishment.

Apostolic Church would be declared the official state Church. While afhrming that other denominations could still exist and work in Armenia, they believe the Armenian Church should be the offrcial Church , as in the case of

"The Armenian Church should clearly define its position on all issues pertaining to the life of society,," says Bishop Chouldjian.

the churches in England and Greece.

"The church cannot continue to go on the basis ofthe modus operandi ofthe past,"

Church Constitution

says Bishop Chouldjian. "The problem of reforms in the Armenian Church has reached its maturity. The rich soil for such a move-

The new Catholicos and the Armenian Church face other key issues, as well. Hovsepian, 69, chairs the Constitution Committee which presented a draft constitution for discussion and comment. He explained that his committee should complete its work by January. An Ecclesiastical Representative Assembly will convene in July, 2000, made up of the 49 bishops of the Armenian Church and one lay delegate from each Diocese, to study the document, article by article, and present the

final document to the new Catholicos for approval and implementation.

Reforms

ment

is ready and we shall not miss

the

opportunity.

"There are, of course, some bishops, especially the ones advanced in age, who are not enthusiastic about such prospects. Not because they are traditionalist, but because they do not wish to give up their functional 'immunity'on which they have operated for decades." Chouldjian believes that the issue of church reforms is above and beyond any one bishop's personal interest or way of thinking. Both clergymen and lay members of the Armenian Church have pointed to a number of administrative, organizational and liturgical areas in need of serious attention . The length and methodology of perfor-

For decades, the Armenian Apostolic Church has lacked a clear, uniform constitution. "Any institution which does not have an intemal constitution is prone to diffrculties," says Hovsepian. "When you elect a head of an institution, but do not define his responsibilities and nature of authority, then you end up with a dictator. He will insist on his word and not accept any laws. We must have laws that define and determine the rights and authority of our church leaders."

Finally, the continuing diocesan division between the Sees of Ejmiatsin and Cilicia is still a painful and unresolved issue. In the last four years, instead of coming closer to a res-

The College of Bishops Just as the NEA is the highest legislative

North America have been virtually reduced to zero.lt remains to be seen whether under the

mance of the church's liturgies are among them.

olution, the prospects

diocesan unity in

of the new Catholicos of All

body of the Church, the College of Bishops is

leadership

relations are defined more concretely and clearly." He added, "It is obvious that after the dec-

the highest spiritual authority. For decades, successive Catholicoi, due to political circumstances and personal leadership styles, have

Armenians a new impetus will be given to the negotiations process which stopped in the

laration of independent statehood, as a church we did not have the chance to do this work." Mkrtchian explained that the govemment has a similar desire. He said, 'Together with the church we should develop a document, a concordat, where the duties and responsibili-

single-handedly dictated and administered the affairs of the Armenian Church, all along reducing the authority and ecclesiastical function of the College of Bishops to mere formality. At best, the College has been a "consultative" rather than an "authoritative" body.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

middle of this year. In 2001, the Armenians Church

celebrating

will

its l700th anniversary and

Catholicos Garefin II will usher the Church into the next millennium. "The church should

go forward and not backwards."

hopes

Bishop Chouldjian.

hal Now

Five Gunmen Change the Course of Armenia's History By T0NY HALPIN

hanks to those grainy television pictures beamed around the world from

Karen Demirchian, his two deputies, Operative Issues Minister Leonid Petrosian, and three

Yerevan's parliament, everyone

MPs were dead.

knows what happened in Armenia on

"Enough of drinking our blood"

laration

no one has the answer is why?

were the last words Sargsian heard. In life the Prime Minister had been an intensely controversial figure but his response before Hunanian emptied the Kalashnikov into his

The five gunmen who burst into

the

debating chamber when virtually the whole Govemment was present had clearly chosen their moment. In a few murderous seconds, Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian, Speaker

Gang leader Nairi Hunanian's chilling dec-

October 27. The question to which

chest, was

a noble epithel "Everything

being done for you and your children's future."

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Thus far thus clear. But things get considerably murkier from here on. The gunmen, according to witnesses in the chamber, shouted that they were launching a coup when they began their murderous assault. If this was ever a serious motive, there seems to have been tle in their subsequent actions tojustify it.

lir

The President's office, caught by surprise along with the rest ofthe nation, nevertheless quickly confirmed that no such coup was taking place. But, with the gang still holed up in

the parliament and holding dozens of hostages, it then went a step further. The gunmen were

it announced, without outside direction or political motive. Presidential spokesman Vahe Gabrielian told CNN: "This is just a handful of terrorists or individual people who don't have any affiliations with any political party or organizations, at least they don't claim anY." This may have been no more than bravado by an administration desperately trying to cope with the gravest crisis in the republic's ten-year history, but it was a remarkably confident statement in the midst of all the confusion. Within hours of the end of the hostage criacting alone,

sis, the military made its displeasure plain with a statement demanding the resignations

of Interior Minister Suren

Abramian,

National Security Serge Sargsian and the prosecutor general. The anger of men who regarded Sargsian as a hero was understandable but the Defense ministry's statement exposed a dangerous divide at the heart of govemment. For several hours, it was unclear

whether in fact a military takeover of power was underway. In a statement continuously read out on

national television, the Defense Ministry declared: "A treacherous and premeditated crime was committed. It was a plot aimed at Armenia's statehood and against the future of the Armenian nation." It wamed that "in such circumstances the national army cannot stand idly by." In the end, howeveq the army did stay its hand and Kocharian rejected what he called "ultimatums" to sack civilian ministers. In the circumstances, it is more astonishing that he

had not already dismissed them himself. The depth of the distrust between different arms of the state security structure was further illustrated when parallel investigations were launched by both the civilian and military prosecutors. A crime had been committed by civilians against a civilian Premier within the parliament, there should have been

no grounds for a military inquiry. But, with the five men initially held in the custody of military authorities, suspicion hung in the air.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Then the arrests began. First, a deputy in the parliament itself, Musheg Movsisian, was accused of "complicity" with Hunanian and his gang in plotting the attack. The following day, four more people, including the head ofan opinion polling firm, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killings. From being the work of isolated lunatics, the assassinations began to take on the character of a conspiracy involving a large network of people. Still no clear motive emerged. Hunanian's later statement that he meant only to kill Sargsian, and that the other victims were merely accidental, looked like self-serving nonsense particularly in the light of the video evidence. In the constitutional order of things only five people can summon a session of parliament - the President, the Prime Minister,

the Speaker, and the two deputy speakers. Hunanian's gang had wiped out four of those five - if the shooting was accidental, they were very lucky shots. But in whose interests was it to carry out such an attack? On the same day as the second set of

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COVER STORY arrests were underway,

It was no secret that Kocharian's presidential authority was slowly draining away as Sargsian and Demirchian consolidated

unexploded

grenade was found at the entrance to the resiof Armenian Vice-Premier Vahan

dence

power in their hands. Sargsian, long the man

Shirkhanian. Two days before, the chief of

the

with whom any premier had to reckon as defense minister, was as Prime Minister undoubtedly the most powerful politician in Armenia. Demirchian's showing in the presidential elections had demonstrated that he still enjoyed strong support, albeit mostly

Defense Ministry's armaments depart-

ment, Major Vartan Gnuni, had been killed when a bomb exploded in his office. Even in

Armenia, where government service

has

become a health risk, this was an unsettling series of events. Were they unconnected or was some sort of tit-for-tat power struggle under way in the power vacuum that had now been created?

The appointment of Sargsian's brother Aram to succeed him as Prime Minister only compounded the mystery. Lacking any prior political experience, Sargsian was plucked from obscurity as the head of a large cement factory and catapulted to the second-most powerful post in the republic. It is hard to believe that sentiment motivated the choice of someone who wasn't even a member of parliament. Why then was he nominated by the

sympathies towards the military, were the deputies putting forward a candidate whom the army felt able to trust, someone outside

Unity bloc of deputies, the grouping so successfully formed by Sargsian and

structures? Does Sargsian represent after all the constitutional face of a military coup?

Demirchian? With their well-known links and

the surviving power

nostalgic, and the partnership with Sargsian opened the prospect for the first time in years of a stable and popular parliamentary majority for the authorities. Sargsian himself had just enjoyed a successful visit to Washington, meeting Vice President Gore, which had raised his standing as the real effective leader of the country. There was even evidence that he had decided, despite his own undoubted involvement in the past, to clean up government with a crackdown on

coruption. This evolution from strongman to statesman was viciously intemrpted by the gunmen acting, they claimed, from a desire to cleanse Armenia of just such "bloodsucking" corruption. Acts of madness

2 I o = 7 F

= a

AIM NOVEMBER I999

COVER STORY by their nature make no sense but the timing of the killings seemed particularly at odds with the trend of events. Kocharian, brought from Karabakh by former president Levon Ter Petrossian, some said, at the urging of Sargsian, was a man without a natural constituency in the republic. Sargsian's subsequent decision to form a partnership with the man Kocharian beat in the presidential elections, resulting in a three-way power grid that was most stable Armenia had

in a decade. It will be some time - if ever - before the public knows whether the killings in the parliament were the criminal acts of deranged seen

extremists or the work of men serving political masters. But there are already profound political implications, changing the course of the

republic's future in a potentially dangerous direction. The fear is of a vicious contest for

three years has done tremendous damage to its image as an emerging democracy. But the events of October 27 were of an all together

different order. They showed the world and, with global media coverage, it really was the world - that Armenia is a country where politics have taken a murderous turn. Confidence among foreign investors and diasporan business people alike has been severely dented, another blow to the hopes of life for a population desperately weary of grinding poverty. a beuer

The gunmen dealt a blow too to the prospects of an outline peace deal on Nagorno Karabakh. After a series of private face-to-face meetings between Kocharian and

Azeri President Haidar Aliyev, hopes were high that an acceptable package was on the

dominance between Sarsgian's acolytes on the one hand and the "Karabakh faction" centered

There was intense pressure

around the President and Serge Sargsian, whether or not he survives as a minister. At best it makes for unstable govemment in the

hours

near future, at worst for bloody feuding.

The bitterly contested presidential elections of 1996 last brought tanks onto the

streets of the capital. The political turmoil which has plagued Armenia in the ensuing

AIM NOVEMBER I999

table, even

if its

details had not been set out. for agreement from the United States - Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott had just completed five

of negotiations in Yerevan with Sargsian and Foreign Minister Vartan

Oskanian on the day of the murders. Hunanian, who had a history of extreme

COVER STORY nationalism, denied that his actions were connected with developments over Karabakh.

But were he and his gang the unwitting instruments of internal political forces deter-

of impressionable men led by a disturbed and vengeful fanatic simply got lucky and wiped out Armenia's most important political leaders. Slack security may be

be that a group

mined to prevent a settlement, possibly on

the principal culprit, not sinister

terms which they considered worse even than those which Ter Petrossian had been prepared to accept in 199'l? Were the Russians, who have a dark history of manipulating events in Karabakh to their own ends, as keen as the Americans to see a solution? Embroiled in war in Chechnya, uncertain of its relations

Armenians everywhere must certainly hope so. Any alternative conclusions from the military and civil investigations, particularly if they differ, will be very bad news indeed. Finally, the tragic ordeal was also a test of Armenia's state institutions. Despite the resignations of the Interior and National Security ministers, the security of the population and the state did not seem to be at risk. Life went on in Yerevan and throughout the country virtually undisturbed by the tragedy in the parliament building. Even while the parliament was under siege, shops, kiosks and restaurants in Yerevan were open and serving customers. For outsiders, life looked eerily normal. The sarne was true on the day of the funeral of the slain leaders. Was this an indication of public apathy, numbness or shock? Perhaps a combination of different sentiments, but also an indication that, despite its shortcomings, Armenia has laid down relatively stable institutions and infrastructure since it's independence - able to withstand an enorrnous political shock. r

with Georgia and Azerbarjan, both of whom have been making overtures to the West, Russia regards Armenia more than ever as its one true friend in the Caucasus. A settlement that opened safe passage to Turkey and the West for Azeri oil wealth would do little to cement its influence in the region. Sargsian was close with the Russians, but as Premier he now also knew the full scale of

the economic burden being bome by

the

Armenian people because of the continued failure to resolve the Karabakh conflict. Was he ready to cut a deal despite Moscow?

It is easy in

such circumstances to con-

struct ever more fanciful and paranoid interpretations of events. The truth in the end may

AIM NOVEMBER I999

forces.

The PForB$$ BBUlns The First Armenia-Diaspora Conference Ends with High Expectations By SALP! HAR0UTtl{lA]{ GHAZAR|Ail; Phoros by MKHTTAR KHACHATRTAN

he most important thing that came

out of the flrst Armenia-Diaspora Conference, held September 22-23 in Yerevan, was that it happened at

all. Many were the skeptics from Armenia and from the dozens of participating countries who admitted that they

Armenians from Belarus to Brazil to articulate their vision of tlre Armenia-Daspora relationship.

The third most important thing was that Diasporans who participated in the Conference came to realize that the government is serious about developing, fine-tuning and institutionalizing an ongoing process of Armenia-

didn't believe the government could pull ofla massive organization effort such as this

turned out

to be. Equally doubtful was

whether the Diaspora would respond. But unlike most conferences, almost all of those who were invited actually came. Over 1,000 people participated either as members of

Court, were present for most of the trvo-day meeting. In the mornings, they addressed the participants; the remainder of the time, they listened to representatives of 59 delegations, each representing one country or geographic area. There were also statements by the leader-

ship of major intemational institutions from

the Conference proceeded smoothly and calmly,

the chairman of Armenia's Constitutional

churches and pottical parties to the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenia Fund and the Armenian Relief Society. Observers seated high in the bleachers of

regional delegations, or as invited individuals in this first-of-its-kind international conclave. The second most important thing was that

followed

Diaspora relations. Seated around a large circle of tables were the representatives of ttre smallest and largest Diaspora communities, as well as the republic's leadership. The president and the prime minister, the head of parliament and

Yerevan's Sports and Concert Complex

packed agenda and enabled

(called the Hamalir) had a complete view of

AIM NOVEMBER

1999

NATION the 60 ft. diameter central circle which was the first signal that this conference would not follow any old traditions. The table had no head. All communities, regardless of size, had one representative who sat around the main table. The round center was surrounded by rows of chairs where entire delegations sat.

- one person had come from India, nearly 100 from France, less than two dozen from England, a few from Uruguay, a handful from the Gulf countries, and nearly 200 each from the US Delegation sizes differed

and Russia. Still, each delegation was allotted

five minutes for a statement. One person

other's concerns, and agreed to look for ways

specific papers on various themes. The first one, entitled Communication

to continue to work together on matters of

and Linkages Between Diaspora Institutions

mutual benefit. Now, more than

and the Republic of Armenia was presented by Professor Khachig Tololyan of Wesleyan

organizations came together, heard each

eveq

Armenia and Diaspora need each other, albeit in different ways, to secure their own survival and prosperity," Oskanian said. This note rang through each delegation's report as well. There were common themes throughoul The need for more information from and about Armenia the necessity of coordinating projects, the need to allow the Diaspora to develop independently of Armenia's intervention, the desire by Diasporans to be included in planning inArmenia.

spoke for all of the Central Asian republics

(where nearly 100,m0 Armenians live) and another one on behalf of the Far East Asian countries of Thailand, China and Hong Kong (with less than 100 Armenians all together. Seated not far from them were the Canadian

Special Themes

The Organizing Committee had

asked

several professionals and experts to prepare

University.

examined

the nature of

Diaspora, the issues of representation inher-

ent in the life of a dispersed, decentralized community, models of relationships and cooperation between homeland and Diaspora. The second paper: Diaspora Humanitarian Assistance to Armenia in the Last Decade was prepared and presented by I{rarch Tchilingirian, Managing Editor of AIM. Tchilingirian had asked for the financial reports of major international Diaspora organizations and studied emerging pattems in the kinds and quantities of humanitarian assistance provided since Armenia's independence. Professor Kevork

delegate whose community numbers over 50,000, and the representative from Georgia where some half a million Armenians reside.

Who Represents the Diaspora

It was clear

as early as December 1988,

when President Robert Kocharian issued a decree calling for such a conference, that the process of choosing delegates would be the primary concern for all communities. Who represents the Diaspora is the question that had to be answered. Yet it was a question that had not been formally asked until now. Some communities like Ukraine and Hungary had old communal structures for choosing leaders and it was they who attended the conference and spoke on behalf of the community. Others such as Austria succeeded in holding elections to choose their delegates to the Conference. However, some of the more fractured (and larger) communities such as the US and Syria, did not have their heads of delegation selected until the day before the conference began. In both cases, the Armenian

government made

possible

for different

sides and parties to come together and overcome specific concerns to reach the goal of a unified, centralized delegation. Even the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, whose two factions had not worked together for several years, came as one delegation and presented ajoint report.

Working Together and Effectively

Chairing the Conference, and the Govemment Steering Committee which organized it, was Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. "For the first time ever, under one rooi

representatives

of Armenia and

Diaspora

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

NATION

HilufnndnllrB 2t;@ an independence day concert, under the auspices ofthe Foreign worian and the Armerdan Philharmonic Orchestra. Independence day ended with a reception hosted by President Kocharian. A

majestic outdoor dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sargsian, at the Sardarabad Monument concluded the historic meeting.

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

NATION

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

NATION Bardakjian

of the University of Michigan spoke about Culture, Identity and Relations

The final paper, on Armenia's economic development was written and presented by

Details and Logistics

between Armenia and the Dispersion, and con-

Economy Minister Armen Darbinian. In it, Darbinian called for the strengthening of the Armenian Development Agency to aid for-

conference displayed various organizational and logistics issues which will continue to confront Armenia-Diaspora relations. Although most presentations and discussion was conducted inArmenian, simultaneous translation into Russian, French and English was available throughout the conference. This

centrated

on the different ways in which

Eastern and Western Armenians had evolved. Bardakjian addressed the linguistic, cultural and identity questions which have emerged as a result.

Daron Der Khachadourian presented a report on Information Technology and Communication, in which the need for a common information field among Armenians, as well as more effective communication and common thinking, were identified as priority goals. Der Khachadourian discussed how satellite broadcast technology can be utilized to further these goals. Indeed, this was one of the themes of Kocharian's address as well, when he called on the Armenia and Diaspora together to make possible Armenian television satellite broadcasts around the world.

Advocacy: Current Capacities

and

Options and Future Prospects was the theme developed jointly by the Armenian Assembly

America and the Armenian National of America, whose executive

Committee

eign investors and businessmen, and enable a greater flow of investments into Armenia. The same theme had been stressed by Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian. The same six themes were the focus of special discussion groups. Delegates were able to share opinions on the various aspects of each complex theme. As a result of the thoughts and proposal expressed during the Conference, two documents were developed and received unani-

mous approval at the conclusion

the

Conference. One was a statement of unity and resolve regarding the future and security of Karabakh. The other was a declaration of the will and intent of the conference. It touched on all aspects of the ArmeniaDiaspora relationship: political, economic and social. It addressed the responsibilities of each toward the other. Perhaps most

importantly,

called for the reform of all

directors, Ross Vartian and Aram Hamparian

Armenian institutions within and outside

presented the report.

Armenia.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

From ffansportation to translation,

the

NATION

huge expense was bome by various donors from around the world. Transportation to and from the conference site was provided by Armenia's Transportation Ministry. Guests and participants were greeted at the airport by members of Armenia's State Protocol office. Social events held in conjunction with the conference (and with the anniversary of Armenia's independence) were open to conference aftendees.

Now What? Just as everyone was pleasantly surprised

and satisfied at the conference proceedings, they were equally concerned about what comes next. The Armenian government made clear its intention to continue to push for such conferences. Prime Minister Sargsian even turned down one delegate's suggestion that the budget for such activities be divided between Armenia and the Diaspora. "No," he said seriously, "we will simply add this amount to our already huge deficit." The Conference voted to extend the life of the Conference Steering Committee which had been created by Kocharian last year. Kocharian made clear that Oskanian will continue to head the work of this Committee, as well, even as he remains Foreign Minister. Besides beginning work on the next conference, the Steering Committee will convene five standing working groups on each of the topics preliminarily examined at this conference, and to reconfigure the make-up of these

groups within a month in order to include a broader base of experts. At the same time, the

conference charged the steering committee with constituting a sixth group to study the possibility and appropriateness of creating a coordinating body to deal with the emerging Armenia-Diaspora agenda. Recognizing that reaching Diaspora Armenians through Diaspora organizations is only partially effective, the Steering Committee immediately launched a website www.armeniadiaspora.com in order to inform and enlist a greater number of professionals and interested individuals in the development of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation. Minister Oskanian appealed to all those committed to participating in systematizing Armenia Daspora relations to contact the committee, indicate their interest and expertise, and suggest solid forms of cooperation. 'The conference was merely the beginning of a process which will continue to develop as individuals and organizations in the Daspora find ways to interact in constuctive, cooperative ways. And of coune, asArmenia and Dasporaworktogeth-

er to build the

necessary stuctures

solve

mutual problems. The critical mass that we had said was needed to address our national priorities has begun to come together. Now, we must continue on the path of defining and tackling those priorities. The conference was the first step down that road, which *in require consistency, and continuous involvement. We are convinced we are on the right path," Oskanian

said. !

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

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REGION

Thl,EE [tlishes

lor Yelda

Turkish Joumalist on Majorities, Minorities, Human Rights, Women's Rights

By TESSA HOFMANITI

Hofmann: In what ways do you think that your work as ajournalist can contribute to

improving the situation of ethnic or religious minorities in Thrkey?

Yelda: I am a woman who lives in Istanbul and belongs to the dominant majori-

ty in Turkey, the Turkish-Islamic-Sunni Majority, or TIS. The fact that I became acquainted with Marxism at the age of 17 does not mean that I do not enioy the advanof the dominant religious group. No one who has not officially renounced her tages

affiliation with this religious group. no one whose passport and other offrcial papers still identify her religion as "Islam" can understand the discrimination that all non-Muslims face. For example, I have been called a godless leftist, of course, but I have never yet been called an infidel. Like many other leftists, I too was impressed by the struggles Kurdish women in opposition movements have waged in defense of their identity. Because my own ancestors came from Silvan,

Diyarbekia Bitlis, and Ahlat, I had assumed, in the past, that we were among those Kurds who denied their Kurdish identity. But later, after I had read Mkrtich Margosian's book, The Armenian Quarter, I began to think that we might beArmenians who had converted to lslam. I researched the matter at length, but found nothing beyond the fact that my ancestors came from Eastem Anatolia to suggest that I was of Armenian or Kurdish descent. Yes, I must confess that I would have liked to escape my identity by discovering another. But I couldn't. I was obliged to accept the fact that I belonged to the TIS majority which

has to come to terms with its guilt-laden history. Consequently, I must answer your question, not as a journalist, but frst and foremost as someone who belongs to the TIS. As I see it, the best way to improve the situation of minorities is to call one's own status and power into question. In the past, leftists in Turkey confined their attention to the oppression of social classes. We became capable of perceiving Kurdish women only after they themselves had opened our eyes to their exis-

tence. It was the feminist movement of the 1980s which made the left aware of sexism. The gap between generations, between chil-

dren and adults, and the problems of the elderly are also not of much interest to the left, but at least it doesn't vehemently refuse to consider them. In my opinion, what leftists

in Turkey resist most violently is facing up to the issue of racism. Naturally, the children

the Turkish Republic, in their imperialist arrogance, have indirectly assumed the Ottoman heritage, but they refuse to take responsibility for their history. One has not assumed that responsibility simply by virtue of the fact that one is a leftist and a revolutionary. The Islamic Left even if it does not call itself that which sets the tone in Turkey has to acknowledge that racism is not confined to Europe, America, or Africa; it exists in our country as well, and we are guilty of perpetuating it. We have to call ourselves into question and settle accounts with our own history: that is, we must admit the crime we have committed, apologize for it, and take the required measures. Needless to say, in a period

in which Turkish leftists have still not even put the question of acknowledging our crime and asking forgiveness for it on the agenda,

do not presume to say what those "required measures" are. The struggle against racism, against our racisms, would improve the situation of everyone in Turkey, not just that of the country's ethnic and religious minorities.

You consider yourself a feminist. What connection do you see between discrimina-

tion against women and discrimination against minorities? We women are given to believe that we represent a minority, although we make up half - indeed, more than half - of the world's population. Throughout the whole of human history, we have been treated as if we did not even exist. The aim is to make us invisible, to make us experience precisely the same thing as those who are regarded as minorities. Members of ethnic and religious minorities, like women, are discriminated against simply for being what they are, not for anything they have done. From this standpoint, sexism and racism are similar. We are oppressed and humiliated for belonging to a certain group. although we can do nothing to change our group affrliation. Domination is masculine and.white. It is also rich, adult, healthy. Men

want to confine women to the home and minorities to the ghetto.

AIM NOVEMBER I999

"#.+'tyiLi"ei(**W@r*

REGION Nevertheless, I believe that in the present

period, in which nation-states continue to rule, the people in power feel much more threatened by ethnic and religious minorities than by women. For example, my participation in feminist actions and my pointed, outspoken articles and talks have met with a great deal of resistance. But the responses I provoked when I began publishing articles on the subject of "non-Muslims" were even more violent and angry although this time I tried to restrain myself and tone done my style. The violent reaction may have been due in part to the fear that minority rights would be extended and the rights of the majority restricted if what I advocated ever became reality... Although I have been active

in politics since 1976 and have taken a stand in defense of basic human rights in various domains, I had never before found myself as isolated and ostracized as I was when I began

to write about racism - about the suffering that we were inflicting upon Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Chaldeans, and Arameans. This experience gave me a lot to think about, for it made me see that this issue was more serious and more explosive than I had imagined.

radically other" doubtless resides in the experiences I accumulated in the left-wing movement for human rights, and also in my feminist sensibility. Positions of power exist not only in the state apparatus, but also in the opposition movements; in order to acquire a certain stature, you have to be in people's good graces, which means that you cannot question the dogma that our hands are per-

history which by no means disappeared after World War I. In line with this thesis, Akcam contends that we cannot rule out the possibility that a crime like the 1915 Genocide might be perpetrated again. Do you too regard this as a danger?

fectly clean. It is more than probable that I am able to deal honestly with my own stakes in the racist order because I am so poor that I have nothing to lose. I accept my own guilt and feel shame over it, not because of my intelligence, profound knowledge, lofty ethical principles or what not, but because I have no privileges to defend or lose. For Turkey, merely mentioning the year 1915 entails giving up a good deal. For l9l5 implies 1923the year the Turkish Republic was foundedand, therefore, the present as

cannot always make use

well. But even of the ideas I

believe in, cannot commit everything I think to paper. Once, when the police burst into my

apartment, they ransacked

Not only does that danger exist,

already a reality: war is being waged against the Kurds. Today the Kurds, tomorrow the Alewites and there is no guarantee that, the day after tomorrow, the Zazas won'tbe facing a war. hesent-day Germany, for instance, is a state based on the rule of law, and it is more democratic than Turkey; this respect for the law surely has something to do with the fact that Germany has admitted its responsibility for the destruction of the Jews and apologized

In your view, what would have to happen to make it possible for people in Tirrkey to conduct a searching discussion oftheir his-

minorities in our country are not in Diaspora.

for what it has done.

How would you characterize the problems of the minorities living in Ttrkey today?

The non-Muslim peoples known

tory and come to terms with it? We need to distance ourselves from the assumption that the state is the sole oppressor and that the people is innocent; we also have to get away from the idea that the Republic of

Turkey is an underdeveloped, backward

In T[rkey, the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is still a major social taboo. Even intellectuals who ane very critical of the state in all other respects find it difficult simply to mention the word genocide. What explains the fact that you are one of the very rare exceptions?

The reason for my interest in people whom our society regards as "the most

archives, although my archives had absolutely nothing to do with the matter they were pursuing at the time; then they switched my computer on and looked through my files. Thus I cannot write a word secure in the knowledge that it won't be made public. This is an exffaordinary state of affairs, and it does not hold for the Armenian massacres alone. I am quite as unable to express everything I think about Cyprus, for example, or the Greco-Turkish conflict over the uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea known as Imia in Greek and Kadrak in Turkish.

country. We have to challenge the assertion that imperialism is confined to the US and a handful of European countries, whereas our country is oppressed; and, in our discussions ofthis question, we have to take into account Turkey's expansion into the Caucasus and the

But is unfortunately also true that the atmosphere in Turkey is not a democratic one in which minorities can develop a sense that Turkey is their homeland. I don't think that the thesis according to which oppression in Turkey proceeds from the state is correct. The dominant majority, the people, approves of this oppression. They discriminate against minorities in everyday life and attack them whenever the situation permits. Our history provides countless examples. The Islamification or Turkification of Anatolia did not begin with the founding of the Republic; the Republic merely pursued already existing

Balkans.

policies. But because religious identity is even stronger than ethnic identity, non-

In a book on the Armenian Genocide published in Hamburg in 1996, the Thrkish scholar Taner Akcam reiterated his thesis that violence is a basic featurrc of Tirrkish

Muslim ethnic groups were driven out of the country or annihilated. The non-Muslims

AIM NOVEMBER I999

who were not forced into exile are today considered to be "native foreigners" and "internal

For more information 0r lor an ryplication pasket, pleasc contact:

l(nsrv M. IlErus, Goonourron Armenian language Summer lnstitute 1080 South University, $uite 2626 The University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Ml 48109-1106

E-Mail: kdemas@umich.edu

Phone:7ilnil-708i Fax:734[63-9154

REGION enemies." All our differences notwithstanding, we have to make certain that we can all live together as equals before the law, and we must critically examine our real history and our traditions as a conquering people. Most important, Turkish and Kurdish men and women have to acknowledge what the Muslims did to the Armenians in 1896, 1909, and 1915, and apologize for it. In order to make it possible to live together in peace with the Greeks, we need, among other things, to carry out a critical review ofthe history books which declare that "during our national liberation struggle, we drove the Greeks into the sea." And we need to settle accounts with the question of whom we really wanted to liberate ourselves from in our "national liberation struggle" and what sort of national struggle it in fact was. If we are to live in real friendship, we must forego sentimental or romantic approaches that only veil the truth. What we need is an accurate representation of the truth. Anti-Semitism has a very long history and is so widespread even today that Jews constitute a minority not only in Turkey, but also throughout the world. I would like to state emphatically ttrat anti-Semitic measures in

Turkey did not begin with the Social Justice party. Racist prejudice against Jews can be encountered in almost every sphere of social life. Even people who call themselves democ-

a good fairy werc to gnurt you what would you wish for?

thw

wishes,

I'm not going to make wishes on behalf of the people. That only proves what I said earlier: I am not a woman of lofty ethical principles. But I would like to make three wishes for myself. Since 1989, I have done various kinds of human rights and women's rights work in non-governmental organizations, and I have written and published. In addition, since 1990 I have been writing articles against

rats sometimes take Israel's Zionism as an excuse for their own anti-Semitism. It is an unfortunate fact that Christian ethnic groups as well as Jews are discriminated against on the grounds that they are all non-Muslims. What would have to happen to make it possible to solve this problem? I cannot imagine the dominant majority voluntarily abdicating is power and advantages. I have given up hope. If only leftists would promote the demand for equal rights for all, instead of stubbomly clinging to thefu privileges. We need a culture that excludes violence and ffies to understand other human beings.

SIZE 18" X 24" BROWN INK 01{ HEAVY OFF.WHITE PAPER PBINTED IiI ARMENIAII AND ENGLISH

racism and anti-Semitism which analyze and critically examine the situation of the "minorities" in Turkey. The book that I published on this question has, without fanfare, found its way onto the bestseller lists; the second edition came out recently. My essays on the subject "Racism on the Turkish Left and in the Turkish Feminist Movement" still await publication in book form. My flrst wish is that I might be granted the chance and the financial means to publish this book. My second wish is that I might find a way to publish my view on Greco-Turkish relations in connection with the Cyprus issue, views which I hardly even dare commit to paper today. And my third, most heartfelt wish, is that I not be separated from my son while doing all this, and that I r don't make him sad. Transtated by G.M. Goshgarian

srzE 16" x 20" c0L0R coPY OF AN ORTGINAL KALINIAN PHOTO SIGI{ED BY SAROYAN

lllodsm [[n$lgr$ ol illt Anclenl firl The Armutlu Family Strikes Gold in Calgary Photos & Text by KRISTEN KIDD

ad Miran Armutlu listened to

the

conventional wisdom of experts in the jewelry business, he would not

be the revolutionary force in

the

industry he is today. Warned countless times that his idea of finding a new way of making jewelry was impossible, Armutlu tried anyway. His persistence is now paying off in major fashion. Armutlu's Canadian-based company, Intergold, is now positioned to be a serious player in a specialty market long-dominated by the few US giants who make and sell graduation class rings. Not only could Intergold soon become the leading manufacturer in that enormous multi-million dollar market, but Armutlu and company could also begin to change the way jewelers worldwide do business. "This is not like the thousands of other Armenian-owned small manufacturing businesses, this is a

totally different idea," stated Garnik

Nanagoulian, Armenia's former Minister of

AIM NOVEMBER I999

BUSINESS & ECONOMY Industry and Trade, and newly appointed Intergold board member. "To this day, I go to some of my friends in the jewelry business and show them the rings we make, and they still don't believe we can do it." said Armutlu. What is so hard for them to accept is that Intergold can produce such a wide variety ofdistinct and intricately detailed rings cost effectively. In the traditional method ofjewelry making, a master die cutter with decades of experience works for 2-3 months hand-crafting a single steel mold. The only way to make a profit from such a labor-intensive endeavor is to mass produce jewelry from that single die cast. Intergold has found a way to cut a die that may be used only once and still make money. "We're the most efficient company that produces to the unit of one in the world," claims Armutlu. In tact Intergold now boasts an inventory of more than 30,000 different die casts, a feat that would take traditional companies decades to achieve. The Difference in the Technology "When I set up the factory the first thing that became very evident was the lack of labor," noted Armutlu who says there are only l1 master die cutters in all of Canada. "That's when the frustration set in. I said there's got to be a better way of manufacturing jewelry," Armutlu explained. His

brother Kapriel "Gabi" Armutlu was the one to find that better way, pulling from his experience as an engineer for a Canadian defense contractor. Gabi Armutlu discovered a US company that builds high-tech machines to cut small metal parts for manufacturing. He inquired about programming the machine to make steel molds for jewelry - an application its maker never envisioned. "Intergold seems to have a very good

knack for being in the right place at the

right time," remarked Miran Armultu, "because

if we had looked

at the computer-

ized process even two years earlier, we would have said 'impossible' because the processing power just wasn't there." Because these half-million dollar machines are PC based, the Armutlus found out they could instruct them to make precision cuts

steel, through computer design pro-

grams. However, since none existed for jewelry, Gabi had to create his own, making Intergold the first and, as far as they know, only company to apply this kind of technology to the jewelry manufacturing business. The breakthrough meant no longer having to rely on artists to do the tedious work of cutting die casts. Machines now handle

the job in far less time and with far greater

accuracy, sometimes making as many as 300,000 tiny cuts, each one-tenth the width of a human hair, for just one design. The process is reduced from months to hours. With this new and improved process,

Intergold incorporated in 1984 and has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since. In September, it launched its class ring business, ready to produce 50,000

units, translating into US $8 million. Armutlu expects that figure to quadruple

better." Gabi added. "When people look at our rings, they are amazed by our quality. When we put a football on the side of a ring, it's a perfect football." Intergold jewelry is sold in what's called the emblematic market, a made-toorder business that does not operate out of stock. Jostens and Balfour are two of the giants that have been in the business since the turn of the century. Intergold wants to move in.

Miran Armutlu also has his eye on the regular jewelry industry as a future facet to

within three years. When you consider there are five different basic class ring designs, six dit'fbrent metals, a choice of 12 gem stones and l0

the company. Already, Intergold ofTers a diverse array of goods and services. In addition to the emblematic jewelry busi-

different cuts. 84 different three-dimen-

ness which also caters to corporations and

sional symbols (such as a school mascot or

sports teams (lntergold made the Houston Rockets' NBA championship rings in 1994 and 1995), the company has more than 300 corporate clients in its employee recognition division. That side of the company has automated data bases that keep track of all clients' employees - handling reward and

astrological sign), the ring owner's name, and custom engraving made to each individual's ring size-you start to get an idea about the detail involved in this project. It is conceivable that 50,000 completely different orders can be placed from those combinations with a delivery deadline of a few weeks. Intergold's technology makes the task not only possible but profitable. Of course this high-tech approach to jewelry-making has not only been met with skepticism but hostility from some traditional jewelers. "With some it's pure art," noted Armutlu. "but we've added some science to it. We don't have craftsmen doing it the old way, but is the end result any worse or any better? When you talk to the endconsumer, they'll tell you that the result is

AIM NOVEMBER I999

recognition gifts when employees reach such benchmarks as a lO-year anniversary

or a sales goal. Up until now, the corporate

recognition division has brought

the

most business for Intergold. The class ring business is expected to surpass that however.

A Family Affair It has taken Miran Armutlu,43, a lifetime to reach this point. Born in Malatya, Turkey, his family moved to Montreal, Canada when he was 10. Armutlu is a fifth generation jeweler,

THE PROCEtt BEGINS: ARMENIA-DIAtPORA CONFEREN(E wa,r t*zfirt raV intho rearc/ofor a,franuorbfor continzous, ontotnt, siru*to, joa./,or ittted,,

uordinatd, Arwu.it

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY leaming the craft from his uncle, Kevork Sozkes. He improved upon that experience to create a small business supplying a network

home jewelry saleswomen while he was still studying at Concordia University in Montreal.

"I would go get jewelry from all my family it to the women who would do a home party. members on a Sanrrday afternoon, give

Sunday morning I would collect the merchandise and the cash. And I was able to do this because I had so many relatives and so many friends in the business," Armutlu recalls. The venture was so successful that after college Armutlu set out to open his own factory in the western Canadian boom town of Calgary.

Twenty years after his arrival, Armutlu

now heads the thriving company

130

employees, including his two brothers Gabi and Alex, and sister Ani. The company also boasts employment of an estimated five percent of Calgary's small Armenian population, which is roughly 200. That includes Elias and Yilmaz Arslan, brothers who have been goldsmithing since their childhood in Istanbul, brought to Calgary to work for Intergold. It is a rapidly growing company, but it has held on to its warm family atmosphere. Workers greet Miran by first name and with a smile. They know he understands what it is to sit eight hours working with tools to set stones and polish rings. Armutlu says his employees share a certain pride in the company's success, with an attitude that they are producing the best emblematic jewehy in the world.

Setting Up Shop in Armenia 'The next goal, three to four years from now, is to take on the Italian manufactured products. There's no doubt in my mind that we can produce a better product than the Italians and

just as cost effectively. And at that point, there's no reason why the labor can't be provided in Armenia," Armutlu declared. He has already recruited five Armenian craftsmen to come to his factory in Calgary and learn the

he made last year

going public on the Alberta Stock Exchange. The company's symbol is IGO. A year ago, shares were selling at $1.40 each, now the value is approaching $6.

It's a move not many immigrant

business

owners have made, but one that has allowed Armutlu to raise money quickly for the neces-

sary capital investments. One die cutting machine alone costs $500,000. Intergold currently has two with orders for four more.

"Miran Armutlu is a very sophisticated businessman. As a chess player he looks several steps ahead," said Garnik Nanagoulian, a

member

of Intergold's Board of

Directors. Since joining Intergold in April, Nanagoulian has become a major advocate of Armenian companies going public. "It's almost revolu-

tionary with Armenians, even though it's something very traditional for businesses in developed countries." Nanagoulian first

system. The plan is to open a factory in Armenia where these trained craftsmen will

became familiar with the company in his days

retum and oversee production.

time, Intergold created a special wristwatch with the Armenian coat of arms as a gift for

As an active member of the Armenian Jewelers Association (AJA), Armutlu has been looking for an inroad to Armenia. "[ don't believe in setting up a company in Armenia just because it's Armenia," Armutlu remarked. "Any business venture flrst has to make business sense. But once it makes business sense, and it's the type ofbusiness where we can manufacture anywhere in the world,

why notArmenia?" One reason Armutlu is able to make such bold moves is because of a business decision

Armenia's Ambassador to Canada. At that

Charles Aznavour.

The watch was presented at a ceremony in

Montreal organized by Nanagoulian. Since then, he has kept close tabs on Intergold, and after he left the govemment and became a

Visiting Fellow at Harvard University,

Nanagoulian was invited by Armutlu to join the Intergold board. Nanagoulian says he has had other such offers but this is the only one he has accepted, mostly because he was impressed with Armutlu's business savly.

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

"I would love otherArmenians who would like to start business to think about more than just a small traditional company, to think Kirk Kerkorian style." Nanagoulian believes the name Armutlu will soon be as well-known in the jewelry business as Arslanian or Moonjian. "There are big big names in Armenian jewelry but Armutlu is a totally new story." r STATEMENT 0F oW{EflSHlP MANAGEMEI'IT AND CIRCULATIoN 1. Publication Trtle: Armenian lntematimal Mageine 2. Publimtim th. 1050-3471 3. Fling published Date: August 1 0, 1 999 4. lsue kequency: Monhiy 5. ilo. of annually: 1 2 6. Annual Subsription Price: $45 t S 7. Comploh irailing Address of Knom otfice of Publicationr 207 S. Brand BL #203, Glendale, CA 9'1204

is6

Codact Persoo Salpi H. Ghailian Telephone (818) 246-7979 8. Complete Mailing Address of HHdquarters 0f General Business ofiice ol Publisher 207 S. Brand Bl. #203, Glendale, CA 91204 9. Full ihmes and Complete Malling Addresses o, Publisher, Editor and iramging Edibr fudisher-Edibr: Salpi Haroutinian Ghazarian, Managing Editor: Hratch Tchilingidan, m7 S. Brand Bl. #203, Glendale, CA 91204 10.owner: tourh Millennium Socidy, ihn-Profit organization 1 1 . Knom Bondholdets, lvltrEags, fr ohsr sffilrities: lhE 1 2. Tn Slatus (For Completion by Non-Profit oromlzatlons AJhoized b Mall at Special Rats): Hffi Not Chmged During Preceding 12 [4mfis 13. Publi€tion Tde: AIM 1 4. bsue Date for Circulation Date Below: Argust/Septembtr g0 1 5. Extent md Nature o, Circulaiion A. Total N0. Copies (Net Pre$ Run): 10,000 Average ilo. Copi6 Eaci lsue During Prseding 12 Monhs:10,000 B) Paid and/or requested circulationl) Paid/Requestd outside-County Mail Sub6criptions SHed on Fom 3541: Average # 2,750 lh. copies ol Sirule issue published nearest b filing date: 2,805 2) Pajd in-county sub6diptioftsAverage # 1 ,300 No. copies ol single issue published nearest b nfing dab 1 ,260 Sales Ihmuoh Dealers and Caniers, Street Vendors and Counbr Sds and ofier non'1,400 No. coples of single issue published WPS paid distribution: Avenge # neilest to filirlg date '1,,107 4) oher dass€s mailed tfogh he USPS: None C. Total Paid and/tr requested Circulatim: Average # 5450 No. copies ol single issue published nearest t0 filing Me 5,472 D. Fre Disfihnim by Mail (Sampl6, Complimentary md other Bee): 1) oubide-Cilnty as Shted on Fom 3541 Avemge # None No. mpi6 0f single issue published namt b filing date 2.339 2) ln-County as sffied 0n Form 354'l Avemge # thne tlo. mpi6 of single isue published nearest to filing date 115 3) otEr Classos Mailed firought he USPS Average * 2,500 No. copies of single issue published neaF e$ to fling date Nme. E. km Disfibution oublde he Mail (Cariers or oher means) Average * 1,600 N0. mpies ol single issue rublished neares't h filing '1,879 E Tobl kee Distbution (Sum of 15d and 15e):At/erag€ # 4,100 No, date copi€s 0I single ise published nsest h fillng rhb 4,:Xl3 G.Tobl Distibution (Sum ol 15c and 15fl Avemge # 9.550 tb. md6 d dmb publi$ed narest to filing date 9,805 H. Copies l\bt Disfihned At/€r4e * 450 i,lo. @pi6 of single isue published nercst to filing date 195 l. Iohl (Sum ol 159, 15h): AveGgel0,000 No. mpis of single isue published nearest b filing dde I 0,m0 J. Percent Paid and/or requested circulation (1 5c divided W 1 59. times '100)Aremge #57% I{0. @[i6 of single isue published neilBt to liling date 55.8% 1 6. Publicatim d Statement of omeMip: Novembcr 'l 998. I certity fiat all inltrmatim on his torm is tue and complete. I undershnd tBt ilyme who furnishes fals 0r misleading informalion on his fom or wio omils mderial or inlormation requested 0n tE form may be subjecl t0 cnminal sanc{ims (nduding lines and impri$nment) and/or civil sanclions (induding mulliple damag€s md civil penalties): Salpi Harcutinian Ghaarian EditorPublisher.

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LlulnU

wllhlhe $Gar$

Karabakh War Victims Seek More than Understanding Photos & Text by MATTHEW KARAtllAl,l

Hrair Abrahamian were to take you aside, and confide that he is overwhelmed by life in Karabakh, you wouldn't be surprised. Part of his skull his missing, the

thumb and fingers on his right hand are stumps, and he's got wounds all over his body. "I am the only person in Karabakh with shrapnel in his heart," he says. "And alive," he adds.

He's living in a self-declared but interna-

tionally unrecognized country that has

army, but that has few legal protections for the disabled men and women who are produced by the enemy of this army. And he is the leader of the only non-govemmental organization (NGO) in Karabakh that is dedicated to the needs of republic's non-civilian handicapped population. But Abrahamian is not overwhelmed

not

by his handicap, not by his govemment, not by his own responsibilities to the disabled.

Maybe he just doesn't have time for any of that nonsense. Abrahamian is one of a decreasing number of people who still lives in Karabakh. He

does what so many others do in Karabakh. He

just sets about performing his task, without dwelling on when, or even how, the task can ever be completed.

was disabled while fighting in Karabakh's war

of independence from Azerbaijan, and he has remained in Stepanakert, Karabakh's capital city, to help others who are similarly situated. Karabakh is a tiny and isolated nation of fewer than 150,000 people. How many fewer, is anyone's guess. One third of the population may have left for Russia or Armenia, in search of work, according to some estimates. Others suggest that the exodus is larger.

Social Programs For Abrahamian, the task is assisting the handicapped. He serves as the president of an NGO called Vita, and he lobbies the government ministries to advocate the rights of the disabled. He coordinates medical assistance programs. And he manages and takes orders for the shoe and garment workshops that Vita operates.

These estimates appeared to be credible

At the ministries, Abrahamian finds that

during five days in August, in the several towns and villages that span the north from

there isn't always a lot that he can accomplish

Kelbajar to Martakert, and which stretch south along the main artery that leads to Stepanakert and Shushi.

But there's no census, and only anecdotal reports of who is missing and where they went. Those who are still there today, after 10 years of war, are the core of the Karabakh nation. They are the loyalists. They are the heartiest. And they are the ones who don't have anywhere else to go. Abrahamian fits all three categories. So he

AIM NOVEMBER I999

on behalf of the disabled.

"It's very difficult now

because the gov-

ernment changes too often, and because ofthis I don't know if anyone is competent," he says.

Indeed, the government in Karabakh is new once again, after having been reorganized in July by PresidentArkady Ghukasian. The new Minister of Health isZoyaLazaian.

Lazar\an

also the former Minister of

Health. Ghukasian had removed her from her post as minister more than one year ago and has now re-appointed her.

CONNECTIONS And technically, there's no Minister of Social Security, although Lenston Gulian has unofficially filled the post since July 1998. Robert Kocharian had appointed Gulian to this post back in 1997,back when Kocharian was the president of Karabakh. And then Gulian was fired. And now he's back again. Abrahamian wants to help by putting the disabled to work. "Vita [the NGO] has great plans, but if the government (or somebody) doesn't help with money, it's difficult."

Vita's shoe and garment workshops

Abrahamian actually calls them by the more

ambitious Russian word fabrika, which means factory

don't have any work because

there aren't any orders. "The Ministry of Social Security once ordered 56 pairs [of shoesl," says Abrahamian. "We want them to do that again." Abrahamian exaggerates when he says there's no support from the government. The disabled in Karabakh do get support from the govemment. But the support is mostly moral, and not monetary. Lazaian, the Minister of

Health, provides an indication of this. She says there are no special programs for the disabled, but that she sincerely wants to do something. "We are going to create a program," she

May. This center already has a building, located near the Vita offices in the center of town, and it is waiting for the arrival of

says, which will include providing the disabled with apartments and with electricity. "lf we have a chance. we try to give it to the handicapped," she says. The govemment doesn't have a lot of chance.

equipment and medical staff.

"The government does everything for them [that it can]. They have free treatment at hospitals and free medicine." The hospital

treatment is limited, of course, and the medicine is what's available. Hospital care is set to improve next year, however. The Belgian chapter of Doctors Without Borders is set to open a psychology and mental health ward in Stepanakert for any adult or child who needs treatment as a result of the war.

And a rehabilitation center, the

Hans

Clinic, is set to open in Stepanakert next

The government also provides disability pensions, and it awards to the mentally hand-

icapped monthly stipends ranging from 5,500 Drams (US $10) to 11,000 drams. Getting funds to help the handicapped in Karabakh is a challenge. There's no assistance [intended to be given solely] to the handicapped from Armenia, and none from the US, says Gulian. "Just [from] Caroline Cox and the Germans." Cox, a baroness and a deputy speaker of the UK House of Lords, is a benefactor who heads the British division

of the German organization

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which, among other things manufactures prosthetics. She was also the impetus behind the Hans Clinic. There is a prosthetics-manufacnrring center

Stepanakert,

called, aptly enough, the Cox Center. This German organiza-

tion is funding "about 98

per-

cent" of the cost of manufacturing the prosthetics, says Gulian, and they have agreed to continue to do this through next year.

Legal Protection In a country as impoverished as Karabakh, which is struggling for its own survival against a much larger foe, one

AIM NOVEMBER I999

might not expect to find that the disabled and handicapped have clearly delineated rights, set out in methodically enacted laws. And they don't. "There is no concrete special law," says Lazaian. "But we have decisions that take the place of laws, so from this perspective you can say that we have a law." This absence of legal rights, and a leg-

islative framework protecting the disabled doesn't mean there is indifference to the needs of the disabled. Lazaiar. says that the handicapped are "always in the center of our attention," and this attitude may be more helpful to the handicapped than any law. The govemment nevertheless expresses frustration at its inability to do more. The attitude of Lenston Gulian, the Social Security Minister, is indicative of the mood here. Gulian is an earnest man. He's in his 40s, and he is clearly sympathetic to the needs of

the disabled. When he doesn't have

the answer to an interviewer's question, he does more than just admit he is ignorant, which would itself be honorable. He gets on the phone and finds the answer.

When Gulian talks about his Ministry's

priorities for helping the handicapped, he sounds a lot like a loving parent who wants his child to go to the best school, and have the best opportunities, but who can only provide borscht and a bed. Gulian sat at the desk in his office in central Stepanakert. The 100-degree heat forced him to wipe the sweat from his face several times each minute. He had no fan, and no

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A GA[t FfiOT HOIIE lRtElllA fflD lOHISfitIl..tI JSUnmt By Carolann S. Najarian, M.D.

water. He made a joke about baking lavash on the sidewalk. There are no plans to make build-

ings accessible to the handicapped, he says. There are no plans to provide special transportation for the disabled, or special jobs, or even vocational training, either. "At the moment, there are a lot of healthy men who cannot find ajob. Ofcourse the problem of rehabilitation [for the handicapped] is secondary," he says. The problems of the handicapped, of course, are always secondary. In

"Najarian urita aith compasioa and an eyfo, ulling tln truth about bow otdinarl btings can edarc utb* scerus wund*rabh. Her boob is a -hunun

unhrnal storlt and alatimory n hout onc po*n -PETER BAuroAN, Aurson oe

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"Dr. C*ohnn Nejarian is a ran sod,, erd thir ir a rne booh. Vc an fortwae slrc h*s nade drii atraordinuy conttih.tia, ndslwvd bcr *pr*;* Oy u uritingttis book Phasc rcnd"itlo -CanoryN G. Mucan Bo RD oF TRU$TEES AND Exxclrfrw DrREcroR,

FAxr4

ArD, USA

PREIDEMT, ARMENIN ASSEMBLY oF AMERJCA, INC.

such an impoverished republic, where the prospect of the govemment collecting income taxes, or sales taxes, or capital gains taxes, is so slim, one wonders how the government gets the money to do anything at all, even for the problems of the able-bodied people - the ones whose concerns are primary. "One must live here in order to understand," says Gulian. Unfortunately, it seems that there are fewer and fewer people who are able to do r

this.

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Name:

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Address:

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Phone: Please make checks payable to Arpen Pres and mail to the following address: P.O. Box 400-135, Cambridge, MA 02140 or catt/tdx (617) 661â&#x201A;Ź589 Books are also available through rnost Armenian hokstores

Arpon Preee,

AIM NOVEMBER I999

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thrlslmil$ 81fi TllngAUaln By SALPI HAR0UTINIAN GHAZARIAN

Very young children like bright colors and repetitive themes. Rarely are these used successfully in Armenian language texts. It may be surprising that the attractive publications are

g1#"'fr,$

produced in Aleppo. Syria. The

Kilikia Pubtishing iompany

s3 g H:il1x.i*;,n:jT.*1 books: the small. hard card-

board volumes include alphabet book,

a book of

#;**lrtlffi lively, but the content is sensible, too. No spindles and shepherds and other photos which a Diaspora child would have dilliculty relating to. lnstead, there are cars and planes. eagles and

ducks, bicycles and scissors, fruits and toys. $7.50 to $8.50 includes shipping.

Berj Bookstore 422 S. Central Ave. Clendale - CA 91204 Fax: 8l 8.244.9 107 Phone: 8 I 8.244.3830

Middle age children and other patient people will have fun with a pair of jigsaw puzzles. One is the Armenian alphabet as a poster, the other is a map of Armenia. One hundred fifty pleces turn lnto

a26" x20" or 30" x24" puzzle. $18 each includes shipping. Berj Bookstore

Writing children's books is not going to make anyone rich. But knowing that children can happily turn pages and look at pretty pictures and follow a fun storyline makes up for the

money, kind of. That's what moved Aida Pogharian to wrlte Pokrik Trchune [The Small Bird], ancl in two versions

AIM NOVEMBER I999

Eastern Armenian and Western ArmenianSimple child-like, full-color illustrations help tell the story of a young girl and her animal friends. $9.50 each, includes shipping. Ver Var Publishers 2924 Stevens Street La Crescenta, CA9l214 Fax: 818 2482202 Phone: 818 2482755

Teaching music for several decades is one kind

of incomparable contribution to culture and society.

kliting a book of

chil-

dren's songs in an accessible, presentable, readable, usable form is even more valuable. Ankine Mouradian has done both, and her song lxtok, Kenats Eryer [Songs oJ Life], is testimony to her understanding of children and music. Give this book to those parents whose elementary school age children spend a lot of time in cars. Keep tlrc book in the glove compartrnent. Pull it out and choose a song. Most of them are familiar popular, patriotic or religious tunes. Notes have been simply arranged by conductor Vatsche Barsoumian. Wonderful family gift. $20 plus $4 shipping.

Abril Publishing 415 E. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205 Fax: 818 243 4158 Phone: 818 243 4ll2

CONNECTIONS Personalized per-

land. This one may be the gift you give yourself. Out ofStone is a large 9" x 12" hard cover

fect for young chil-

printed on premium archival quality paper. And, it's very affordable. $49.95 plus $7.95

gift items are

dren who like seeing their names. Now the familiar picture frame, piggy

bank, clothes hanger, and art box are all available in Armenian, too. Call the friendly folks at Nuvart gifts and give them the correct spelling of your little Shant's or Maral's or Talar's name, and watch them work wonders. $12 to $65 plus shipping.

shipping & handling. Stone Garden Productions 4501 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 412 Washington, DC 20008 F ax 202.248.1550 Phone: 202.486.%50 e.mail: stonegarden20o0@ aol.com Great Need Over the

Nuvart Gifts

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1898

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fumtington Zieglea

Turkey,

to 1905, is a

new

volume published by the The National Chamber Orchestra, led by Aram Gharabekian received rave reviews from the l.os Angeles Times

during their US debut last month. If you didn't catch them then, or haven't heard them in Yerevan, here's your chance. Their CD fea-

tures the works of Edward Mirzoyan, Alexander Harutunian, Sargis Aslamazian and Edward Hairapetian. $15 includes shipping.

NCOA Music CD 3467 Ocean View Blvd. Unit E Glendale. CA 91208 Our Fathe rland

23-year-old Congregational missionary. Stories of massacre are interspersed with those about the neighbor's children, parties, Sunday service, shopping and school. A slim book that speaks volumes about a lost way of life. $25 plus $3 shipping

Gomidas Institute P.O. Box 208, Princeton, NJ 08542 Fax: 609.883.9277 Phone: 609.883.9222 Some say Armenian embroidery is a dying art. But the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon

A rme nia,

a well-prepared video

Gomidas Institute, and edited by Stina Katchadourian. Not a morbid book, it's an account of life - in all its aspects - in Kharpert as viewed by a

is out to prove it's

Arsen Aslanian, takes you on a painless journey. Accompanied by music

alive and well. Their large format,

and an Armenian-speaking narrator; the viewer gets to

graphed 135 page

visit all the historic

colorimages of tablemats, wall hangings,

beautifully photobook contains 250

spots.

And the tour guide

even slippers and head pieces. The

knowledgeable, too. $19 includes shipping.

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The stunning work ofAIM photographers is now available in book form. Photographers Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian have

published Out

type work is noted, together with the designer's, embroiderer's and owner's names. Wonderful to give not just to the last of the great needlework virtuosos, but also for those who only dream of one day having the time to leam this art. $85 plus $15 shipping.

Stone - Armenia and Karabagh. With minimal text and some poetry Out of Stone is 183 pages of not just beautiful, but also

Abril Books

unusual photos. They have

to many who had no idea about Armenia's vast natural resources and their significance (see AIM, November 1998). The Birds of Armenitt map which the project's director Sarkis Agopian has completed, after years of painstaking research, is a gem of

trekked through villages in northern Armenia and mountains southem

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AIM NOVEMBER I999

CONNECTIONS another sort. Not just for those who want to

Armenian rugs, thankfully, are not dying at booming. Tufenkian ofNew York is successfully designing and producing new designs based on tradi-

all. On the contrary, business is

track Armenia's bird-

life, and bird migration patterns through

tional themes; others, such as Califomia's Hovig Mahserejian of HyeKeer is importing rugs made in Karabakh. Mahserejian has

Armenia, but for anyone who wants to find a village or town in Armeni4 this

invested in Karabakh's first privatized factory

There isn't

is Diasporans can order Karabakh rugs without the need to travel, select and ship. There's a Christmas gift that will last several lifetimes. From smallish (3'x 5'for about $500) to large (9'x 12'for about $3,300) rugs, Karabakh can fit cozily into your home and life. and the result

is the map.

another

one like it. $14, includes shipping within the US.

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There are in fact people with time on their hands. Someone, after all, does the New York Times crossword puz-

Finally, give perfume. Yes, perfume. Fleurage to be exact. Vicken Arslanian owns Parfums Visari, New York, and Fleurage created by Annie Buzantian, is now available throughout frner stores in the US, and through the Nordstrom Hotline. The 2 oz. bottle looks classy, as well. $54 plus $8 shipping. Nordstrom Stores or

zles each Sunday. fu1ush

Tsaturian's Khachbar ICross-word] consists of 20 fairly complex puzzles - with their solutions, thankfully. $4 includes shipping.

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RELIGION

Ciltholius

tlgrl lllnul Patl'ial'ch

The Armenian Catholic Hierarchy and Community Face Daunting Challenges By HMTGH TCHILIilGIRIAN

mid-October, Cairo-born Bishop Bedros Tarmouni, 59, was elected

of the Lebanon-

elements" of the Armenian Apostolic Church. However, it was only in the l9th century that the Armenian Catholic Church was for-

by the

mally organized as a separate church. In

Synod of Bishops at the Monastery of

1831, when a new constitution for Christians living in the Ottoman Empire was instituted, the Catholics were legally recognized as a

Catholicos Patriarch

based Armenian Catholic Church

Bzommar. Unlike the Armenian Apostolic Church, lay representatives do not participate in the election of a Catholic patriarch. The Synod is made ofclergy delegates representing Catholic communities in Europe, the Middle East, the US, South America and Armenia. The new leader will be known as Patriarch NersesBedros XIX. Tarmouni replaces Patriarch Hovaness Bedros XVIII who tendered his

last month.

separate millet - an autonomous Church affiliated with Roman Catholicism - in the Ottoman Empire, with their own hierarchy and their own Catholicos-Patriarch. In the early l8th century, two Mekhitarist monastic congregations were established in Venice and Vienna. These monastic orders

communion with Rome" and pledges allegiance to the Pope as the supreme head ofthe church. For centuries, controversies, theological debates and mud slinging have gone on between the Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic churches. Even as recent-

ly as a few years ago, when the Armenian Catholic church announced a "return" to Armenia after its independence, clergymen in both churches exchanged bitter words over

who was to "reevangelize" Armenians after 70 years of Communism. The Armenian Apostolic Church has not fully accepted the

"validity" of the Armenian

Catholic

Patriarchate and has seen it as a

"separated" community. In

details were given about the reasons for the resignation, which was officially announced by the Vatican. After graduating from the

turn, Armenian Catholic clergy have consistently questioned

Levonian School in Rome and having completed his theologi

"heretical." One of the direst challenges facing the Armenian Catholic Church today is the lack of new

resignation

cal

studies, Tarmouni

ordained

a priest in

the Armenian

Apostolic Church's theology and history and some have branded it as

was

1965 to

for

serve the Armenian Catholic

recruits and novices

community of Egypt. He was ordained a bishop in 1990 and became a prelate in Egypt.

priestly vocations. The problem is most acute at the Monastery

a member of the

Catholic

Patriarchate's Synod.

Following

his

Bzommar where the majority of novices and newly ordained priests are not Armenian. Since the last decade, there is a rapid "Arabization" of the clerical ranks of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate in Lebanon.

Through the years, he has served

the

election,

Patriarch Tarmouni sent his greetings to Lebanese President

Emil Lahoud and pledged sup-

In addition to intemal

port to Lebanon's development.

sonal disputes and the continuing controversy over the extent

He explained that the Patiarchate

is the "Mother

Church" of

Armenian Catholics and plays a significant role in Lebanon's spiritual life. The new Patriarch addressed special greetings to the Catholic community in Armenia calling for spiritual renewal. Armenian-Catholic relations go back to at least the l2th century during the period of the Crusaders and their ties with Cilician Armenia. Later in the 14th century, through

the missionary activities

of the

Franciscan

and Dominican orders, a "Latinizing move-

ment" gained ground among the "liberal

are autonomous and do not

jurisdiction

fall under the

of the Armenian

Catholic Patriarchate, although they are affiliated

with the Vatican. According to Vatican sources, some 250,000 Armenians are members

the

"Armenian Rite" of the Catholic Church (others put the number closer to 150,000) with communities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Jerusalem and the US. The Armenian Catholic Church is in "full

AIM NOVEMBER I999

per-

Vatican control over the

Patriarch, the Patriarchate and the Mekhitarist Congregations, the role and activities of the Armenian Catholic Church in the Republic of Armenia remains a subject of debate and controversy, complicated by the attempts of the Vatican to reassert itself in the region. Even as the Mekhitarist congregations are relatively more successful in preserving the "Armenian character" of their rite, the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate will have a daunting task to reassess its mission and role r in the coming years.

BOOKS

Homattco, Armenian Stylo New Novelist Karine Aghabekian Creates New Feminine Images and Characters By MAITHEW KARANIAN

city.

erevan is not a romantic It has romance, to be sure.

herhusband,AlexanderAghabekian,

published

And the books. For each 300 books, they paid $300 for there are plenty of romantic spots

where

couple can spend

evening.

But it'll probably never have the glamour and cachet of, say, Moscow. This explains why all those romance novels that are on display at the newsstands in Yerevan are imported from Russia. Quite simply, Russia is a lover's paradise that even Niagara Falls can't touch. The proof of the romance is in the reading. If you're in Armenia and you're reading about romance, then you're reading a novel that was written by a Russian, which has a plot line about Russians, and which is, quite naturally,

the Russian language.

Or it's a translated Harlequin. But this year, it's possible to go to the beach at Lake Sevan with a light read that has an Armenian connection.

For the first time, there are original romance novels for sale in Yerevan that feature Armenian characters, Armenian locales, and the Armenian language. All this, and it's only been, what, 1,600 years since Mesrop Mashtots dreamt up the alphabet that made it all possible? The author of these Armenian romance novels is Karine Aghabekian. She's lived in Yerevan all her life, and she looks as much

like a romance novelist as any other middle-aged mother. She has two books that are out now, and a third is set for release. A fourth book is underway. She says she's writing so that she can provide young girls as young as age 14 - with positive role

models.

"I'm trying to persuade Armenian girls who are timid, to be more assertive. I'm helping girls to see themselves as equal to men," she says.

"Young girls are trying to liberate themselves," and she is trying to encourage them with her books. She's definitely not in it for the money. The total press run for the two novels is 300 copies each. The Guitank Publishing Co. of Yerevan, which happens to be owned by

printing, $40 for the cover design and material, and $200 for paper. If she sold each book for full retail,

which she set at 1,000 Drams (or nearly $2),

then she might

break

even.

So she's been mar-

keting the book.

She

held a book signing at

the

Noyan Tapan bookstore in February, after the first book,

The Ripening of lnve, was finished. She ended up sign-

that

ing six books, and selling eight. Her

"except some poems

whenlwasayoung

second book

girl." She

The

tunity to lose. But, again, she's not in this for the money. "It's a hobby," says Karine. "These books teach young Armenian girls - who are usually under the dictatorship of men - if they want to be happy they must sometimes go against their father's will and wishes," she continues. The geographic limits of Armenia have made it difficult to develop plot lines. The protagonists of The Return of lnve overcame this limitation by taking a vacation to Spain, where they met, and (hope this doesn't give away too much) fell in love.

This is all new for Aghabekian, who had never before written a book, or anything, for

AIM NOVEMBER I999

has eamed her

living over the previous

Retum of love was released in May. It has had a

similar sales history. Total book sales are roughly 50 copies. But wait, the financial picture gets worse: dealers buy the books at the wholesale price of 800 Drams. She loses money with each of these sales. And because the sales are on consignment, she has to wait for even this oppor-

matter,

20-odd years as a concert musician. Aghabekian's husband

sparked her interest in writing. She decided to become a romance novelist only after he remarked that he wanted to publish an Armenian translation of the Harlequin novels. This would satisfy a niche market because there are no Armenian language books of this genre, he told her. Alexander wanted his wife to edit the translations. But she said, "No! I can be better than

editor.

can write them myself." And so

she did.

The characters in The Ripening of Love, and in The Retum of love, are named Lilit, Mehair, Anush, Areg and Ara. The ages of the women are between 20 and25.The men are always about 30 to 35 years old. This, she creates more plot opportunities. Financially successful career men get to have encounters with women who are naive and just coming of age. "I have a rigid system of organizing the novels," she says. "Love always wins." r

says,

0lll ol lhg Groolle Classical Pianists Struggle to Break into the World of Recorded Music By GEOBGE BOURN0UTIAN ne of the most competitive fields in the world of classical music is that

of the piano. More music

students

study the piano than all other instruments (including voice) combined. To become well known therefore, a

audience, the goal and the measure

success

for any modern pianist is the number of recordings on major labels, including transfers to CDs from material previously recorded on the now-extinct LPs.

Piano competitions are a 20th century In the past, most world-class

pianist must either be a child prodigy with

phenomenon.

plenty of exposure (like Horowitz, Rubinstein, or Kissin) or win a top prize in a major international competition (like Van Cliburn or Argerich). Since concerts reach a very limited

pianists came to the public's attention as child prodigies. By the second halfofthe l9th cen-

tury, a career as a concert pianist

became

acceptable among European men, especially

AIM NOVEMBER I999

German, French and Russians, as well as Jews living in those countries. For the next 100 years, child prodigies were encouraged by their parents and their communities and performed concerts under the tutelage of artist managers. By contrast, Armenians and other "nonEuropeans," regardless of where they lived, considered music too "feminine" an occupation for men. For women, studying the piano was part of a well-broughrup young woman's

ARTS education, but not more. This attitude did not

placed third

encourage the fostering of child prodigies among Armenians. It was only in the second half of the 20th century that piano competi-

Ironically,

tions finally provided an avenue for Armenian and other non-European talents to enter the concert stage and obtain recording contracts.

Within the last 50 years, some 70 Armenian men and women qualified for

international piano competitions. Few

in the Chopin Competition. was not Papazian but Ivo

Pogorelich, eliminated in the third stage, who became a world famous pianist. One would assume that a third place

showing would assure Papazian a major recording career. Yet, he is not even listed in the Schwann. After unsuccessfully trying to obtain a recording contract on a major label, Papazian has decided to produce and sell his own CDs.

made it past the early rounds, and even fewer made it to the finals. Surprisingly, a number of Armenians who won top prizes in prestigious competitions have faded into obscurity or have not obtained major recording contracts. Among them are Tania Ashot-Haroutounian, who in 1960 won third

Dickran Atamian, a finalist at William Kapell Competition in 1974

place in the renowned Chopin Competition in

recordings.

Warsaw. The

first place winner, Maurizio

Pollini, is now a world-famous pianist with over 50 CDs on major labels. Ironically, Emanuel Ax, who placed seventh in the same competition (in

197

4 he won the less-presti-

gious Rubinstein Competition) is considered a Chopin specialist with numerous CDs. Tania Ashot-Haroutounian does not have a single listing in the current Schwann

interviews on Armenian music, as well as his recordings of Armenian music on the AGBUsponsored label Positively Armenian, have

provided him a niche as an Armenian musicologist and consultant. Armenian pianists face numerous hurdles - from fierce competition in the old Soviet days, to a lack of accessible conserva-

tories

in the large

communities

the

Middle East.

the has

only two CDs; Svetlana Navassardian,

finalist in four competitions (Sydney,

Queen Elizabeth, Bach and Schumann) has only one CD on a major label, and another with the smaller, Massachusetts-based MEG Emma Tahmizian, meanwhile, placed in the top of eight competitions, including the Smetana mentioned above, as well as the

Tchaikovsky, Leeds, Van Cliburn and Chopin. Still, she has either chosen, or been obliged to record modern piano works on obscure recording labels. Armen Babakhanian, top finisher in Sofia and the fifth place winner of the 1993 Van Clibum Piano Competition, has only recently

recorded a CD featuring concertos by Armenian composers with Loris ljeknavorian and the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra. A handful of Armenian pianists have managed minor successes. Seta Tanyel from

Turkey immigrated to Austria, entered 13 competitions, placed among the top in the Beethoven, Rubinstein and Iturbi, and has had a fair recording career on such labels as Collins and Chandos. Sergei Babayan, who won first place in the less-well-known Palm Beach Competition has recorded several CDs

of the music of Liszt, Ravel, Prokofiev, Mendelsohn and Scarlatti. The duo piano team of Chantal and Gisele Andranian has made a name for itself by specializing in contemporary French music.

Some Armenian pianists who have not entered competitions have succeeded in making records and establishing a career. Such is the case of Armen Guzelimian who has sev-

Catalog - the main source of information for classical CDs - and has not been heard from since.

ln 1974, Artur

eral recordings on such major labels

Elektra/Nonesuch, Delos, Teldec and EMI. His collaboration with other musicians has also extended his opportunities. Another example of such collaboration is

Smetana Competition in Czechoslovakia; he

Sahan Arzruni, who became known as

Emma Tahmizian froin Bulgaria came in third. Five years later, Papazian won first place in the da Motta Competition in Lisbon. In 1980, he

straight man

tied with Marina Abramian.

for

comedian-pianist Victor

Borge. His contributions to the Grove of Music ("Armenian Women

Dictionary

Composers" as well as other pieces), his radio

AIM NOVEMBER I999

charisma. Few non-Europeans have taken

first place in the well-known competitions. Non-Europeans are also absent from most juries. Today, there is no Soviet Union, the communities of the Middle East are not as insulated as they once were, and performers from Kiri Te-Kanawa to Yo Yo Ma have knocked down the baniers for nonEuropeans. One change that has not yet been made is among Armenians who still do not regard artists as highly as successful businessmen. In this environment, it is difficult for any pianist to muster the necessary passion to do battle in an extremely competitive

world.

living in Soviet Armenia, won second prize at the Papazian, then

There is also the absence of a "musical

tradition" which affects jury members and recording company executives, who view non-Europeans as lacking the necessary

Bournoutian, a historian specializing in

Iranian, Russian and Armenian History,

the author of eight history books and numerous articles. Bournoutian is also an ardent pianophile and music collectot; and has reviewed piano concerts for various publications and worked with the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

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no easier way home. For full details contact your local travel agent, the British Airways website at www.britishairways.com or call British Airways anytime on Free phone 1-800-AIRWAYS. Services from Heathrow operated by the independent carrier British Mediterranean Airways Ltd.

BRITISHO'*''AF

OTHER PEOPLE'S MAIL

Them ane neal lettens lrom neal people. $end us youns.

Dear T,

Aleppo was fascinating, especially after an almost

3O-year

My relatives are doing fine. But since I had just been in Armenia, where being Armenian is stunningly ordinary I sensed the social and political constraints of

absence.

being in a minority community once again. It forces one to think twice about the meaning of "homeland" for people who haven't lived there at least since the fall of Ani. I wonder what it means to you, a native, that I foundArmenia stunningly ordinary. So here's a picture: Republic Square on the night of Independence Day, wall-to-wall Armenians in a space the size of Southdale Mall, thousands of them, more than I've ever seen in one place in my entire life. I just dived right into the crowd and danced to the free live concert music with everyone else, in the rain, under the

midnight fireworks. I could make myself understood in Armenian, with difficulty, but people were so encouraging, older people and lir tle kids too, inviting me home with them right on the spot. You've heard it before: In Armenia, the fruits and vegetables have the taste of the sun in them, picked ripe - not picked green, shot through with chemicals and transported 2,000 miles. Let me put it like this: the difference between table grapes in America and in Armenia is like the difference between grapejuice and wine. I like grapejuicejust fine, but I didn't know the taste of Armenian grapes until I went back there.

there as I did and find out. Then go back some more. I'm only talking about the positive stuff, I realize, but for me they really outweighed the negatives that you know only too well, I am sure. I don't blame anyone who feels they need to leave. If I were facing the same conditions I don't know what I would do. Ofcourse, I can only speak as a Diasporan. That's not any sort of apology, just the fact. The Diaspora is a real place, too, real in the heart - transnational, multicultured, with its own histories and traditions. Be well, L.

Dear S, A few days ago I received an e-mail from my cousin G telling me that my Dad's Aunt Jenia passed away. I guess the letter u have for me from her must have been written a few days before her death. I don't know what the letter will say but I know she will watch over me as I read it. I think u met her once and I was surprised to hear u later say she was a classy lady. It's difficult to be classy in Yerevan when u are 85 and on a pension but u were right - class is about all they have left

I am inevitably

to have. I think I was about six or seven when I first met her; she came to visit us 'From Armenia.' She and my grandmother in Iran were finally united after many years of being apart. My memories of her then are some of my most vivid childhood memories. She had a magical impact on most people and in my case my first impression of Armenia came through her. When I met her again, almost 30 years had passed. She was the same as I remembered her - smiling, alert and positive. Later when I went to her apartment the reality of life in Armenia for people of her age and their total dependence on others was very apparent. Of all the people we met during those election days she seemed to 'get it'the most: she didn't expect much from the future and the past was - well, for the past. When I was leaving, she told me this would be the last time we would see each other. Don't be ridiculous, I said, I will be back in a few

Armenia is a real place that ought to be loved on its own considerable merits, by anyone, even non-Armenians. They will need to just go

months; she smiled and nodded her head. We all think that we have time, time is on our side. All the things I was going to do for her, all the things I want do in Armenia - I will, I still have time, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Too late. I must go now. I have kept her waiting long enough. It's time to open the letter. Farewell, A.

In Armenia you don't have the burden of representing the entire 3,fi)O-year cultural history all by yourself. You see a full range of

human behavior, good and bad. Armenians get to be ordinary instead

of on display. Don't get me wrong,

I'm

proud and happy to promote

Armenian culture wherever and with whomever, even here in Minnesota

where so few people have even heard of us. That's my calling as a Diasporan, but I don't think I appreciated what a burden it can be until I was in Armenia and didn't have that responsibility for a little while.

In Armenia

had to seriously

rethink what could possibly be meant by "homeland" for Armenians who haven't lived anywhere near the place for a thousand years. In can communicate much more easily, but much as I love Paris, a tourist there, and that's OK. In Armenia I felt that I too had a place: not as a native, but as much more than a tourist. I'm not sure I was expecting to feel such a strong connection, probably because I didn't want to raise my expectations and then be disappointed. I don't doubt that the US is my home. But perhaps for me, and for other Diasporans, Armenia is a homeland of the heart. I know now that France

AIM NOVEMBER I999

]lazarian Colleclion Auctioned al Chl'isliss The famous auction house, Christie's of London held a sale of Islamic, Indian and Armenian Art and Manuscripts on Tuesday, October 12,1999. The Hazarian Collection of Armenian Art made up the greatest part of the Armenian materials. TWenty-seven lots of silver vessels, Kotahya tiles and tile fragments, tableware (including an lSth century lemon squeezer) and others were sold in their entirety at a value of 99,589 pounds (about US $160,000).

tr E

? g E @

From left to right, top to bottom. A Safavid Armenian luster painted blue glazed porcelain bottle, southeast

Persi4 l7ttr Crnnry; a

Kutahya blue and white pottery saucer, westem Anatolia 18th Century; Kirman blue and white porcelain

dis[

southeast Persia

lTtr

Century; Kutahya pottery bowl, saucer distr, and teapot with covef, westem AnatoliA l8th Cennrry; a

silver rosewater sprinkler, a silver bottle, and a sprinkler, Armenian or

Ottoman Anatolia lSth Century. Christie's catalog on the bottom left.

AIM NOVEMBER 1999

lusfalian ]t|usic $tuilultl$ l(nnR Inailition filiue While it is common for children in Armenia to take kanon lessons, most in the Diaspora play classic European instruments and have never heard of the traditional stringed instument, the zyther. After Vartouhi I-epejian (at the piano, left) moved to Sydney, Australia in 1988, she soon inaoduced the zyther to six music students who are now keeping the ancient tradition alive' The five teenage girls and one young man include l5-year-old Sarah Derderyan who says she enjoys the uniqueness of the l<nnon. "It's different, no one else does it. When you play in front of Australians they all think it's like wow, and like it's really hard to hit a note and balance it on your knees! You've got to get a technique to balance it," explains Derderyan who has been studying tJtekanon for five years. Lrpejian took her students to Armenia in 1997 to expose them to other kids who play this unusual instrument - it was an eye-opening experience for the young players. "They live in Australia and don't have the full understanding of the culture. They loved it!" said Lepejian who hopes to also organize a trip to the US to show off her students' talents' "I think she's proud of us even though she doesn't say it," stated ls-yearold Arpee Apoyan. "She's very demanding, very strong about what she believes and I really admire that. She'sjust a great teacherl"

ARMENIAN STYTE SHABBAT

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AIM NOVEMBER I999

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