California Courier Online, September 15, 2005

California Courier Online, September 15, 2005

1 - Commentary :

L.A. Times Retracts its Reference To "Alleged Slaying of Armenians

By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier

2 - Federal Court Upholds Citizenship for Armenians in Turkish Consulate Plot

3- Armenian Church Convenes Meeting to Study Sainthood for Victims of Armenian Genocide

4 - USC Friends of Armenian Music Honor Mills at Oct. 2 Luncheon

5 - Catholicos Aram I Will Address L.A. World Affairs Council, Oct. 14

6 - Deadline for Entries to CSUF 7th Annual Armenian Film Festival Set for Jan. 15, 2006

7 - NorCal Home Hosts Bay Area Health Faire

8 - Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City Inaugural Reception Set for Sept. 25

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1 - Commentary L.A. Times Retracts its Reference To "Alleged Slaying of Armenians"

By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier

The Los Angeles Times published a lengthy article on Sept. 1 on the indictment by a Turkish court of Orhan Pamuk, Turkey's most famous writer, for telling the Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger in an interview published on February 6: "30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it." The L.A. Times reported that "Pamuk will go on trial in December and could face three years in prison under the country's revised penal code, which deems denigrating Turks and Turkey a punishable offense." The article was written by Amberin Zaman, the Times' stringer in Ankara, who had to be extra careful how she referred to the Armenian Genocide. Otherwise, she too could end up getting indicted under the draconian Turkish Penal Code that was adopted in June, just months prior to the scheduled start of talks on Turkey's bid for European Union membership. Correspondent Zaman, in her article, cautiously referred to the Armenian Genocide, as "the mass deaths of Armenians during and after World War I." She also wrote: "Turkey has long denied that more than 1 million members of its once thriving Armenian community were the victims of systematic annihilation between 1915 and 1923. Armenians and many others label the campaign genocide."

While Amberin Zaman did her best to toe a fine line between the Los Angeles Times editorial policy of referring to the Armenian mass murders as genocide and the Turkish laws prohibiting such a qualification, someone at the copy desk of the L.A. Times, when writing the subheadline for the article, ended up calling the Armenian Genocide the "alleged slaying of Armenians."

How could the Armenian Genocide be so distorted and belittled that it be characterized as an "alleged slaying?" This was such an outrageous departure from the editorial policy of the L.A. Times that all it took was a simple phone call to the paper's copy editor to recognize the error. On page 2 of its September 11 issue, under the rubric, "For the Record," the L.A. Times recognized and retracted its error. It wrote: "The subheadline on a Sept. 1 article in Section A about a Turkish author accused of denigrating his country referred to Turkey's 'alleged slaying of Armenians.' It should not have been qualified with the word 'alleged' in reference to the slayings of Armenians during and after World War I." Even though this retraction leaves a lot to be desired, it was nevertheless an attempt by the editors of the L.A. Times to acknowledge and correct their mistake. The word "Slaying" is a far cry from an accurate characterization of the Armenian Genocide. There seems to be a need to further sensitize the L.A. Times editors on this important issue. A further indication of such a need is the editorial published by the L.A. Times in its Sept. 8 issue, titled "Turkey's war with history." The editorial correctly takes Turkey to task for filing charges against Pamuk, just a few weeks before the anticipated start of talks on Turkey's bid for EU membership. The Times said that such an indictment "clearly violates the conditions set for Turkey's EU membership, such as guaranteeing free-speech rights."

Regrettably, this otherwise admirable editorial seems to have lifted a page from Pres. Bush's list of euphemisms in referring to the Armenian Genocide as "the hundreds of thousands of Armenians killed during the era of the Ottoman Empire," and "the Turkish government engaged in the systematic annihilation of Armenians." Unfortunately, the most appropriate word, genocide, was missing from the editorial." On the other hand, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times, on Sept. 2, 7 and 10 respectively, in their editorials condemning the indictment of Pamuk, used the word genocide to describe the mass murders of Armenians. Countless other newspapers and wire services around the world reported and commented on Turkey's indictment of Pamuk and his statement on the Armenian Genocide. The British newspaper, The Guardian, in its Sept. 9 editorial, found it "regrettable - and a gift to Turkey's enemies - that at this delicate moment the renowned novelist Orhan Pamuk is facing Ataturk-era charges of 'belittling Turkishness' over his brave comments about the Armenian genocide of 1915. Countries that join the EU must be able to confront their own past, and respect free speech." The Financial Times, in its Sept. 5 editorial on Pamuk, said that the famous author had complained about "the conspiracy of silence about the mass murder of the Ottoman Empire's Armenians during and after the first world war. In the real world, it is inconceivable that Turkey will ever enter the EU if it cannot face up to this blood-sodden chapter of its history."

As Maureen Freely explained in her opinion column in The Independent (UK) on August 31, with the indictment of Orhan Pamuk and without any outside assistance Turkey scored "an own goal" or "shot itself in the foot." All Armenians have to do now is sit back and watch as the Turks with their own hands destroy their prospects of entering the EU and unintentionally disseminate through the international media the facts of the Armenian Genocide to countless millions who had not been aware of it before.

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2 - Federal Court Upholds Citizenship for Armenians in Turkish Consulate Plot

By Gillian Flaccus

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A federal appeals court ruled last week that a judge did not err in granting U.S. citizenship to two Armenian men convicted more than 20 years ago of planning to bomb the Turkish Consulate in Philadelphia. The decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ends a long struggle by Viken Hovsepian and Viken Yacoubian, who plotted to bomb the consulate in retaliation for the massacre of Armenians by Turks in 1915. The men, who have been out of prison since the early 1990s, now have doctorates, have renounced violence and volunteer many hours a week in the Los Angeles Armenian-American community, said Mathew Millen, an attorney who helped handle the immigration portion of their case. Federal law currently forbids convicted terrorists from becoming citizens. But anyone convicted of an aggravated felony before November 1990 can be granted citizenship if they have been "of good moral character" for five years prior to their application, Millen said. "They both renounced violence as a means of achieving any kind of political end," Millen said by phone. "They both have Ph.D.s and they had a lot of witnesses who talked about their activity in the community" at their immigration hearing. The federal government fought the citizenship application, contending the men lied on certain portions of their applications. The 9th Circuit affirmed Tuesday a lower court opinion that the alleged "lies" were actually misunderstandings or oversights. "We accept the court's ruling, as we do with any ruling," said Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. The men were in their early 20s when they and two others were arrested in 1982 after authorities tape-recorded them planning the bombing. Authorities at the time said they were linked to the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide.

Hovsepian was sentenced to six years in prison in 1984, while Yacoubian was sentenced to three years in prison and 1,000 hours of community service. Yacoubian is now principal of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles' Little Armenia and has obtained a doctorate in counseling psychology from USC, according to court documents. He declined to comment when reached by phone at the school. His attorney, Michael Lightfoot, did not immediately return calls. Hovsepian is now a hedge fund manager and speaks to youth groups about his experience and the importance of nonviolent protest, said his attorney, Barry Litt. "He's a very different person than the person he was in the early 1980s," Litt said of his client. "He's a contributing member (of society)." Tuesday's decision marks the end of a complex case that began almost as soon as the men were released from prison. The men applied for citizenship in 1997 but then sued to have their cases decided by a federal judge when immigration officials didn't rule on their applications within 120 days, Millen said. In 2001, the same judge who presided at the men's 1984 trial opted to administer the oath of citizenship after reviewing their files. But last year, the 9th Circuit ordered U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer to reconsider the case after including in her review evidence from the bomb plot, which had previously been under seal. Pfaelzer again ruled in favor of citizenship, saying the men had "completely reformed."

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3 - Armenian Church Convenes Meeting to Study Sainthood for Victims of Armenian Genocide

ETCHMIADZIN - The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the Canonization of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting, Sept. 3-6 in Etchmiadzin. Prior to their meeting, the committee members were received by Catholicos Karekin II, who gave them his Pontifical blessing, placing importance on the work ahead and wishing them success in their endeavors. Bishop Yeznik Petrosian introduced the members of the committee to the Catholicos. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian transmitted the fraternal greetings and best wishes for success from Catholicos Aram I, of the Great House of Cilicia. The members of the committee are: Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Co-Chairman (Cilicia); Bishop Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Etchmiadzin); Bishop Kegham Khatcherian (Cilicia); Very Rev. Fr. Papken Charian, Secretary (Cilicia); Very Rev. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Etchmiadzin); Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikian (Etchmiadzin). During their meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints, and following substantial discussion, established the main task, the framework for analysis, the working timeline and underscored the fundamental statement of the question. The first working session of the committee will take place, Nov. 8-12, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

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4 - USC Friends of Armenian Music Honor Mills at Oct. 2 Luncheon

LOS ANGELES - A tribute luncheon honoring Anne Mills will be held Oct. 2, at USC's Town and Gown, under the auspices of the USC Friends of Armenian Music. On this occasion, Mills will be recognized for her 26 years of dedicated service to USC FAM, and support of its mission and goals. Anne Zorigian Mills has devoted her time, energy and expertise to USC Friends serving on the Board of Directors since it was founded in 1979. She has had a distinguished career at USC beginning in 1959, and eventually become a part of the School of Performing Arts as Executive Secretary to Dean Grant Beglarian in 1973. In 1979, the program for Armenian Musical Studies was founded and organized by Dean Beglarian. Following his departure, she joined the School of Music under Dean William Wilson. Anne became deeply involved and committed to support its programs and endeavors. Anne is currently Secretary/Assistant Treasurer of USC Friends of Armenian Music; a member of the Westside Guild of Ararat Home; St. James Ladies Society; Armenian International Women's Association; USC Life Member of SRA; Hathaway House Affiliate, and recently elected to the Board of Governors of the California Dance Hall of Fame. The Luncheon Committee, co-chaired by Artemis Bedros and Lily Balian, have planned an afternoon which will be highlighted by a music program featuring Armenian students who have received USC scholarships. Since 1984, when the USC FAM Endowment Scholarship funds were established, approximately 40 music students have received scholarships at USC. The musical program will feature pianist Sarkis Ksazaryan and a trio consisting of pianist Dr. Lucy Nargizian, violinist Samuel Chilingarian, and cellist Garik Terzian. Chilingarian recently won the "Most Dinstinguished Musician Award" in Italy. The program will close with tenor Levon Makasjian, returning from a recent European tour, accompsnied by pianist Michael Galloway. Noted attorney Arthur Avazian will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Robert A. Cutietta, Dean, USC Thornton School of Music, will be a special guest on the program. USC Friends President Maro Makasjian said she anticipates a capacity crowd. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Anne Mills Scholarship Fund. For information and reservations, call Dalita Meketerian (626) 282-5295 or Seda Marootian (818) 790-7271.

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5 - Catholicos Aram I Will Address L.A. World Affairs Council, Oct. 14

LOS ANGELES - Joining a long list of Presidents, Prime Ministers and global leaders, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will speak before the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on October 14, 2005. The Pontiff's remarks will focus on Christianity in the Middle East and the current challenges facing inter-religious dialogue in the region. The speech will be timely given the historic events in Iraq and the current

turmoil with respect to the United States' foreign policy in the Middle 

East. "The dramatic events unfolding in Iraq and around the Middle East place a new imperative before Christian communities in the region and globally," remarked Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. "For thousands of years Armenian communities and the Armenian church have been an important part of the fabric and history of the region providing a unique perspective." The Prelacy is sponsoring the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, during which many of these critical issues will be discussed. The World Affairs Council luncheon speech, which is open to the public, will be held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and will attract political, civic and religious leaders from across the State of California and Los Angeles. "We are honored and fortunate to have the opportunity to hear His Holiness Aram I share his views and knowledge about the many critical issues confronting the Middle East," said J. Curtis Mack, II, [or Robert Eckert, Chairman] President of the World Affairs Council. "There is a dire need to have greater dialogue during these historical times and we are pleased to provide the forum to further greater understanding of the region and the role the Armenian communities play." The council's mission is to promote greater understanding of current global issues and their impact on the people of Southern California by inviting authoritative, influential figures in world affairs to Los Angeles, and providing a forum for constructive discussion. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld recently spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Council and the President of the Polish Republic Aleksander Kwasniewski is slated to address the Council later this month. For more information or to RSVP for this historic event, call (213) 628-2333. Table for this event are available for $400 (individual tickets $40) and will not be made on the day of the event.

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6 - Deadline for Entries to CSUF 7th Annual Armenian Film Festival Set for Jan. 15, 2006

FRESNO - The 7th Annual Armenian Film Festival at California State University, Fresno will take place February 10, 2006, sponsored by the Armenian Students Organization, the Armenian Studies Program at CSUF, and partially funded by the Diversity Awareness program of the University Student Union, CSU, Fresno. Films made by Armenian directors/writers, or films with an Armenian theme are being sought. Requirements include: Films up to 1 hour in length; Films may be in any language, English preferred; Films may be on any topic, Armenian theme preferred; Film must be in video (NTSC)/DVD format Deadline for entries to be received is January 15, 2006. Entries should be accompanied by a CV of the director/writer and a synopsis of the film, and mailed to: Armenian Film Festival c/o Armenian Studies Program, 5245 N Backer Ave. PB4, Fresno, CA 93740-8001 The Festival Committee will meet to view and judge which entries will be accepted for the Film Festival. Entrants will be contacted by email with the decisions

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7 - NorCal Home Hosts Bay Area Health Faire

BURLINGAME - NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services is hosting a Health Faire on Sept. 24, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calvary Armenian Congregational Church, 725 Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Admission is free. NorCal is organizing this very special event for the Armenian senior community and including the Baby Boomer generation of the San Francisco Bay Area to encourage and promote healthy living and educate residents about preventing future health problems. Local Armenian physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, lawyer will be participating with various organizations dealing with seniors and their rights. Blood pressure and glucose screenings will be available; fasting is required. Transportation will be provided from the East Bay and South Bay roundtrip $10. to 725 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco - RSVP required. The site for the Health Faire has been made available by the Calvary Church at no charge. For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation for this worthwhile project: mail your checks to NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services, 1818 Gilbreth Road, Suite 132, Burlingame, CA 94010 or call (650) 697-7474 or e-mail: hyedoun@sbcglobal.net.

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8 - Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City Inaugural Reception Set for Sept. 25

MONTEBELLO, CA - The inaugural reception for the Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City Association will be held Sept. 25, starting at 4 p.m. at the Montebello City Hall foyer, 1600 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, the organizing committee announced this week. Highlights of the reception will include addresses by elected officials, picture poster presentations, as well as a brief video of Stepanakert showing local institutions, including schools and Artsakh University, prepared by Stepanakert TV. The launch of the Sister-City program with Montebello was initiated by the San Gabriel Valley Armenian National Committee, and supported by a score of local businesses, individuals, and city officials. Among the 22 members of the Sister-City Committee are City Councilman Bob Bagwell, Councilwoman Normal Lopez-Reid, Chief of Police Garry Couso-Vasquez, and other volunteers from both the Armenian-American community and the Montebello community at large. Also actively participating in the Committee are members of State Assemblyman Ron Calderon's office. During the reception, details of some of the programs that are under consideration will be announced. Admission to the event is free. Donations to the non-profit Committee will be accepted for use in implementing the programs. For more information, call Stepan Altounian, (562) 698-1647, or Al Cabraloff (562) 943-1081.

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