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California Courier Online, March 18, 2004
1 - Commentary
United Kingdom Should Recall
Its Ambassador from Armenia
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
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2 - Steve Sarkisian Will Coach
Oakland Raiders Quarterbacks
3 - DSA Screening of Documentary
Benefits Projects in Armenia
4 - UCLA AGSA Hosts Academics to Discuss
Current Research in Armenian Studies
5 - Schwarzenegger Names Deukmejian
To Head State Prison Reform Panel
6 - Boghosian's 'One Woman Show"
Opens At Harvest Gallery, March 26
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1 - Commentary
United Kingdom Should Recall
Its Ambassador from Armenia
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
A lot has happened in the short two weeks since we disclosed in this column
that the British Ambassador to Armenia, Thorda Abbot-Watt, made the
offensive remark that the Armenian Genocide was not a genocide. Hundreds of
Armenians and non-Armenians alike from around the world continued sending
indignant e-mails criticizing the Ambassador as well as the British
government for their denial of the Armenian Genocide. In the last few days,
we received many more copies of such e-mails. Here are brief excerpts from
some of them:
"Your denial is a disgrace to you and your government. Over centuries,
British diplomacy has practiced in lying, deception, and disregard of
historical truth. I trust you will do the honorable and apologize profusely
or failing that, leave Armenia and never return, as you are no asset to
Armenia or to humanity in general," Mihran Keheyian.
"I think it would serve better to peace-loving Brits and Armenians alike if
you packed up and left Armenia. As a matter of fact, I have a suggestion
for a replacement for you: her name is Baroness Cox," Levon Habeshian.
"As an Armenian citizen, I wish to express my dismay at the statement you
made recently in Armenia on the Armenian Genocide.... Upholding truth or
morality is clearly not an essential part of your job description. But,
needlessly, publicly restating your government's position in Armenia seems
to me to go well beyond the customary cynicism of foreign policy. Indeed,
your statement is also a breach of the most elementary rules of courtesy
and hospitality.... I can only hope, therefore, that you will very soon take
the next opportunity to correct your gross lack of grace and style," Lilia
Hayrapetyan.
"My stomach dropped as I read your comments on the Armenian Genocide. I
experienced disbelief that you would not only uphold your government's
morally lacking stance of not taking sides, but go a step further into the
realm of genocide denial. In some countries that is a crime, though
unfortunately, Armenia is not one of them.... You could have had the decency
to simply ask any Armenians you work with in your very own offices what
happened to their own families.... The Genocide is a simple fact, and your
ignorance on the topic, whether real or feigned, is inexcusable. If you
want to continue representing your people in Armenia, you should apologize.
If not, you should have the decency to leave," Raffi Kojian (born in
Ethiopia thanks to the Genocide you refuse to recognize, raised in Orange,
California, and moved to Armenia in 1999).
"[Your] words reflect an amazing lack of tact and sensitivity as to be
unbelievable for anyone, let alone a diplomat.... If that is what you think
about the Armenian Genocide, you should have turned down the post, or, as
Jacques Chirac said in another context, 'perdre une bonne occasion de se
taire,' " Armen Kouyoumdjian.
"Your comments denying the Armenian Genocide do such violence to the
survivors and their children, grand-children and great grand-children. You
pick at their wounds and ridicule their sorrow," Matthew Der Manuelian.
"How can you be so close to the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial Monument
[in Yerevan] and have the guts to desecrate the memory of the 1.5 million
innocent victims? How dare you? I think your only salvation is to publicly
apologize to the Armenian people and ask for forgiveness," Hratch Simonian.
"You have insulted the memory of my ancestors who fell victim to a
monstrous crime perpetrated by the Turkish government. I am not surprised.
Your mercenary interests are far from human decency and dignity. I believe
the only honorable thing to do for a 'diplomat' like you, if there is any
honor left, is to leave Armenia very swiftly. I would not even accept an
apology from your putrid mouth," Dr. Stepan Simonian.
"I was appalled to read your recent quote and denial of the Genocide.... I
urge you to do some homework on the Armenian Genocide, if you are ignorant
on the subject, and apologize to the Armenian people. Should you not be
prepared to do so, then frankly, my Dear, you should consider leaving
Armenia," Lena Majarian (Australian Armenian living in Yerevan).
"It is preposterous that we should not be prepared to denounce a crime for
fear of upsetting the criminal," Paul Hampartsoumian.
"I would hope - fervently - that the memory of those who suffered in early
20th century Ottoman Turkey should not be sacrificed at the altars of
contemporary politics and historical revisionism," Audrey Selian.
"I was enormously disturbed and offended to read of remarks you made
concerning the Armenian Genocide.... This denial of history is unforgivable
and unconscionable. Your comments are the fuel that contemporary and future
genocides are created from. You must apologize, and you must begin to
educate yourself about the history -- documentation of the Armenian
Genocide is not hard to find," Eileen Claveloux.
"That any Ambassador residing in Armenia should have the temerity and nerve
to even imply that what happened to the Armenians in 1915 was not a
genocide - when everyone from the United Nations to university scholars
have affirmed what any Armenian whose own family was killed already knows -
is beyond reckoning. My advice is that you apologize to the Armenian people
and then pack your bags and resign. In fact, it is remarkable to me that
the Armenian government has not already formally asked for your
resignation. As a last note, that a representative of the British
government - a country which has over the centuries been complicit in
colonialism and exploitations of the worst kind - would display her
ignorance and insult another people and their history in such flagrant
terms, is even more galling," Christopher Atamian.
"Your statement has reinforced your government's stance on the issue, but
it has also caused much pain for the survivors of this great calamity,"
Alex Sardar.
"TARC...commissioned a legal analysis by an independent legal counsel.... This
groundbreaking study...concludes unequivocally that the events in question
'include all of the elements of the crime of genocide as defined in the
[UN] Convention, and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians,
journalists and other people would be justified in continuing to so
describe them,' " Alexander Arzoumanian, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Armenia.
"The Ambassador's statement on the Armenian Genocide is absolutely
unacceptable for the citizens of Armenia as well as all Armenians worldwide
and incompatible with the position of a foreign diplomat credentialed in
the Republic of Armenia. We appeal to her to make a public apology for her
statement, otherwise terminate her diplomatic activities in the Republic of
Armenia," students at Yerevan State University.
In a letter addressed to Jack Straw, the Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs, Dr. Tessa Hofmann, the Chairperson of the
Berlin-based "Working Group Recognition - Against Genocide, for
International Understanding," wrote: "As an international NGO which is
focusing on the recognition of denied genocide crimes, we urge you to
reconsider whether it is advisable that Mrs. Abbott-Watt, who is ignorant
of basic facts of legal history and international relations and who makes
repeated incompetent and offensive statements, may continue her diplomatic
career in a country where half of the population descends from survivors of
genocide."
Meanwhile, in a lame attempt at damage control, Amb. Abbot-Watt sent the
following standard response to all those who had e-mailed her: "I am sorry
that my Government's position on how we refer to the events of 1915-16
causes you personal distress. Please accept that we understand why
Armenians feel so strongly about what happened, and have ourselves always
condemned the massacres. We extend our sympathy to the descendants of all
the victims and our assurance that what happened will not be forgotten."
Her response, needless to say, did not satisfy anyone. Many readers sent a
second e-mail to her expressing their irritation and displeasure. Here are
some excerpts from their e-mails:
"It appears that you are quite a character! Your government has found the
perfect spot for you (Armenia) to exercise your right of free speech, while
mysteriously avoiding a slap on your wrist, if not your face. I am puzzled
as to why you have not been summarily thrown out as a persona non grata. If
I were the President of Armenia, I would have done just that, especially
now that you have become the darling of the Turks," Hovsep Fidanian, Ph.D.
"I would dare you to stand up in the middle of Tel Aviv and say a Holocaust
did not take place -- it was just a massacre. You are either ignorant or
worse yet, knowingly committing a moral crime. God help you Ms.
Abbott-Watt," Levon Habeshian.
"Thank you for your prompt, but unconvincing reply," Dr. Hagop Bessos.
"The notion that the historical record is 'not sufficiently unequivocal'
maligns history and historians everywhere.... Those who are 'equivocal' on
this matter are simply sympathizing with state terror and murder. Armenians
worldwide will not forget your callous disregard for the lives lost and
maimed across generations," Anahid Kassabian, Associate Professor, Fordham
University.
"Thank you for your 'cookie cutter' response," Nader Rastegar. In response
to his follow-up e-mail, asking specific questions about the British
government's denial of the Armenian Genocide, Amb. Abbott-Watt responded:
"I am sorry. I lack the resources in a small Embassy to enter into a
lengthy debate. I understand, and respect, the position you hold. It does
not, however, accord with ours, for which I would, ideally, like your equal
respect and understanding."
"When you state that there is not enough empirical data to prove genocide
and that historians are still debating the issues, you and your government
have assumed the role of deniers.... You call one of the most astute
statesmen of the 20th century, Mr. Winston Churchill, a fabricator since he
called what happened to the Armenians a holocaust, long before the word was
applied to the Nazi quest of 'the Final Solution.' ...I have much training
and experience in international conflicts, and have yet to discover that
denial of the truth leads to reconciliation," Moorad Mooradian, Ph.D.
"While I understand the need for regional cooperation and the need to look
to the future, you must also accept that your failure to accept a known
injustice as Genocide and a crime against humanity is a major obstacle to
such endeavors," Onnik Krikorian.
Scores of readers also sent critical e-mails to the Armenian Foreign
Ministry urging the Armenian government not to remain silent in the face of
the British Ambassador's denial of the Armenian Genocide. Here are excerpts
from some of their e-mails:
"How can our officials accept such lies and misinterpretations by the
Ambassador? Please don't hesitate to throw the Ambassador out of her
office. Take action and throw her out of Armenia so the other Ambassadors
to Armenia witness this and understand that Armenians can not be insulted,"
Tony Topsakalyan.
"I would like to see a more robust response from the Armenian Foreign
Ministry and government regarding the despicable statements from Amb.
Abbott-Watt and consider expelling her form Armenia forthwith. It is about
time that your response to such serious matters be more in tune with the
facts and public opinion rather than be so tame and defensive. We don't
need Great Britain to give us lectures on genocide and historical facts.
She is no asset to Armenia nor to humanity in general," Mihran Keheyian.
"This very improper statement should be officially condemned by the
Armenian government so other Ambassadors in Armenia would think long and
hard before making similar statements in the future," Ara Manoogian.
"An insult of this nature must not be tolerated no matter who says it. I
would strongly demand that you expel her from Armenia," Dr. Stepan
Simonian.
"I write to request that you expel the British Ambassador immediately. Her
statement displays a blatant disregard for the lives lost in the Genocide
and for her host country, Armenia. She should not be allowed to insult the
dead and the survivors in this way," Professor Anahid Kassabian.
"We appeal to the Foreign Minister of Armenia to put pressure on the
British Ambassador through diplomatic channels so that she would issue a
public apology, and failing that, we appeal to the Foreign Minister of
Armenia to send a note of protest to the Foreign Ministry of the United
Kingdom, and if need be declare the British Ambassador persona non grata,"
students at Yerevan State University.
Swiss-Armenian organizations issued a joint appeal demanding that: "the
Armenian Parliament and Government adopt all necessary legislative and
diplomatic measures to prevent, in the future, others from making such
offensive statements against the memory of the Armenian nation; and that
the British Ambassador in Armenia, Mrs. Thorda Abbott-Watt, apologize
publicly for her statement and officially retract them; if she refuses, the
Ambassador should be declared persona non grata in the Republic of
Armenia," Armenian Community of Neuchatel-Jura, Armenian Ladies Association
of Geneva, and Switzerland-Armenia Association.
In an unexpected development, while Armenia's Foreign Minister continued to
maintain his mystifying silence on this matter for the past two months,
Pres. Kocharian inadvertently became the first Armenian official to comment
on this controversy, when students at Yerevan State University, during a
question and answer session on March 10, asked him for his views on the
British Ambassador's statement. The President said that while he did not
condone those who deny the Genocide, he thought it would be naïve to think
that the Ambassador of a country that did not recognize the Genocide could
say anything else. Then, contradicting himself, the President said that the
British Ambassador could have avoided the issue altogether and could have
provided a vague answer. He said that Ambassadors representing other
countries that do not recognize the Genocide approach this issue with more
caution. Pres. Kocharian also said that Great Britain is not a country the
Ambassador of which could simply be kicked out, because Armenia would then
find itself in a diplomatic deadlock.
His foreign policy aides must not have properly briefed the President.
Rather than cautioning foreign diplomats that the Armenian government would
not tolerate such offensive remarks on the Armenian Genocide, the
President, unintentionally, seemed to be giving advice to them on how to
sidestep the Genocide issue. By stating that the British Ambassador could
not be easily expelled, the President has overlooked a series of other
options available to him ranging from its current position of inaction to
expulsion. Regrettably, the Armenian government's lack of any kind of
response projects an image of weakness to the Armenian public and the
international community.
In other developments, Erik Grigoryan, the President of the Club of Young
Diplomats of Yerevan State University, in collaboration with the Noyan
Tapan news agency, just set up a web site, http://campaign.nt.am, that will
post the latest developments on this issue as well as all letters,
articles, and other relevant documents. The Club issued a press release
calling on the British Ambassador to apologize for her statement and urged
the Foreign Minister of Armenia to take a more resolute stand on this
issue.
Send your e-mails to British government officials in London asking them to
recall their envoy from Yerevan, since Amb. Abbott-Watt could no longer
effectively carry out her diplomatic duties after having insulted all
citizens of her host country. Send your e-mails to: Michael Jay, the
Under-Secretary and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service:
[email protected], and to Prime Minister Tony Blair through the
following web site: http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page821.asp. Click
on select a subject, select "international affairs," and then click on the
GO button.
Please continue sending e-mails to the British Ambassador:
[email protected] and to the Armenian Foreign Ministry:
[email protected]. Please send me a copy of your e-mails and
any responses: [email protected].
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2 - Steve Sarkisian Will Coach
Oakland Raiders Quarterbacks
OAKLAND, Calif. - Steve Sarkisian, most recently quarterback coach to 2003
National Champion USC where he also tutored the 2002 Heisman Trophy winner
and NFL No. 1 overall pick, will operate in the same capacity for the
Oakland Raiders.
Sarkisian, 29, handled quarterbacks at USC for the past two seasons.
Last year, he tutored Matt Linehart, who was named Pac-10 Player of the
Year - only the second sophomore to win the award, John Elway being the
first in 1980 - as USC went on to win the National Championship. The
previous year, Sarkisian coached Carson Palmer, the NFL's top overall pick
in 2002 who won the Heisman Trophy and the Unitas Award en route to setting
Pac-10 career records for passing yards and total offense. He was offensive
assistant at USC in 2001 and in 2000 was quarterbacks coach at El Camino
Junior College in Torrance (Calif.) where his quarterback, Robert Hodge,
earned All-American honors.
As a senior in 1996, he led the nation in passing efficiency (173.6, the
seventh best mark ever) as the Western Athletic Conference champion Cougars
went 14-1 and won the Cotton Bowl.
He was the WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1996 and a second-team
All-American. As a junior, he was All-WAC and led BYU to the WAC title.
Against Fresno State that season, he set an NCAA game completion percentage
record when he hit 31-of-34 passes (91.2 percent).
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3 - DSA Screening of Documentary
Benefits Projects in Armenia
LOS ANGELES - The Organization of Developmental Services for Armenia (DSA)
showed the award-winning documentary "Khachaturian" on March 13, at the
Glendale Cinema, with a Gala Reception, Silent Auction and Dinner following
the screening at the Brandview Collection in Glendale.
A highlight of the benefit dinner was guests of honor, Dr. Robert Lawrence
Kuhn and Dora Serviarian Kuhn, the Executive Producers of the film which
was released as a Kuhn Foundation Film.
The success of this event will provide much needed resources for DSA
projects in Armenia. The most recent accomplishment was the delivery of
four ambulances distributed to various hospitals in Armenia.
In the past year DSA renovated the kitchen and cafeteria at the Children's
School #154, (Grades 1 to 10). In addition, a gas heating system was
installed, providing heat throughout the school for the first time.
Another achievement was at Primary Pre-School #301 for children ages 1 to
7, where DSA renovated bathrooms, the Nurses Facility which was collapsing,
plus installing a new roof.
DSA also completed a request for staples of sugar, pasta, butter and rice,
for the Psychiatric Hospital in the Sevan Region.
The DSA has also furnished and set up Computer labs at five different
schools in Armenia. DSA also renovated the Library at the Vartanantz Asbed
School.
DSA is a 501C-3 non-profit organization and registered NGO in Armenia.
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4 - UCLA AGSA Hosts Academics to Discuss
Current Research in Armenian Studies
LOS ANGELES - The UCLA Armenian Graduate Students Association held the
second annual international Graduate Student Colloquium in Armenian Studies
at UCLA on Feb. 20. It drew numerous academics and students from UCLA as
well as local universities who enjoyed presentations on themes from
Classical Literature, the Contemporary History and Politics of
Transcaucasia, Modern Literature, as well as Armenians and Education Issues
in the US.
"I found putting the colloquium together to be a most rewarding experience
and the day itself was not only informative and academically stimulating,
but exciting as well," remarked Ani Moughamian, a UCLA graduate student in
the School of Education and Project Director of the 2004 colloquium. "We
really brought a great group of students together from so many different
places and it was a thrill for me to see how successful the colloquium was
this year in terms of scholarship and camaraderie between students."
"It was a pleasure to be able to attend such a wonderful event. The AGSA
members did an excellent job and the colloquium has developed in so many
ways since last year. I can only expect its continued growth in the coming
years and the UCLA AGSA is happy to provide the foundation for the creative
and ambitious graduate students of this and future organizing committees,"
commended Haig Hovsepian, Executive Officer of the UCLA AGSA. He also
expressed his thanks to Dr. Peter Cowe (Professor and holder of the
Narekatsi Chair in Armenian Language and Literature) for his participation
in the organizing committee. "Dr. Cowe helped make the 2003 colloquium a
reality and continued to provide a professional experience for the 2004
organizing committee in its efforts to put together a quality event."
The first panel of the morning session featured Andrea Scala (Austria) and
Lilit Hovsepyan (Armenia) who presented their works regarding texts by John
Chrysostum and Gregory of Narek, respectively. Andrea hails from the
Armenology community of Italy where, since submitting his abstract in
response to the 2004 call for papers, he received his degree from the State
University in Milan. For Lilit, it was the first time presenting her work
in an academic conference outside Armenia. She happily relayed that "... it
was a good chance to come into contact with other people [in the field], to
make friends, and learn much about the students and educational system at
UCLA." She also noted that her participation in the colloquium and the
colloquium itself has received positive support and feedback from her
colleagues in Armenia. She looks forward to more graduate students
presenting their work in the coming years.
Leading off the second panel of the day, Ohannes Geukjian (Peace Studies -
University of Bradford, UK) presented a paper on the historical and
territorial dimensions of the conflict in Artsakh. He was joined by Asbed
Kotchikian, a political science doctoral student from Boston University,
who delivered a lecture on the perceived roles of Russia and Turkey in
Georgian and Armenian foreign policy.
"I was excited both about the geographical range of participants in this
year's colloquium as well as the diversity of disciplines which they
represented within the broad field of Armenian Studies," expressed Dr.
Peter Cowe. "This is a real indication of the growth and expansion of our
field and is very stimulating."
His sentiments were echoed by Talar Chahinian, a UCLA graduate student in
the Department of Comparative Literature, who presented her work on
French-Armenian writers in the years immediately following the Armenian
Genocide. "It is very exciting to see graduate students from different
countries and across various disciplines coming together... The colloquium
did a great job of providing a forum for these different voices and also of
providing a space for community building among the participants."
Talar was joined by fellow UCLA graduate student Tamar Boyadjian (Near
Eastern Languages and Cultures) who presented her latest work exploring the
use of natural imagery by late-19th and early-20th century Armenian poets.
Rounding off the third panel on modern literature was Karen Gharslyan of
the Bryusov State Linguistics University (Armenia) who compared the
literary perceptions of Giambattista Vico and James Joyce as it related to
the Biblical Flood, Noah and his descendent, as well as the role of the
Armenian people in this beginning of humanity.
Though the day's program was nearing its end by the end of the fourth
panel, the question and answer session that followed was no less energetic
than those that preceded it. Artineh Samkian who presented on the topic of
language use in Armenian private schools expressed her appreciation of the
dialogue between academics in the audienc
e. "I received some important comments and constructive criticism that will
help me to better shape my project in its 'final' state." Artineh, UCLA
graduate student in the School of Education was joined by Ani Moughamian
and Yeprem Mehranian (University of Massachusetts, Amherst). Whereas Ani
presented data on the literacy achievement of Armenian-American learners of
the English Language, Yeprem delved into the issue of the search for
identity and the negotiation between that of being Armenian and American.
Ramela Grigorian, a graduate student from the Department of Art History at
UCLA noted that a number of this year's participants had indicated that
they would be returning to their home institutes and students as well as
colleagues to excitedly inform them about the colloquium and the active
Armenian studies community. "How wonderful that a symposium like this has
the power to inspire! I do hope to see more members of the community attend
the conference next year!"
With only a week to rest, the organizing committee is already back to work
and is in the process of drafting the next year's call for papers. The UCLA
AGSA looks forward to February 2005 and hosting the next Graduate Student
Colloquium in Armenian Studies.
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5 - Schwarzenegger Names Deukmejian
To Head State Prison Reform Panel
By Don Thompson
SACRAMENTO (AP) - Former Gov. George Deukmejian will chair an independent
review panel
charged with finding ways to "turn around the crisis of confidence" in
California's youth and adult correctional systems, Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger said last week.
Panel members said they plan a report by June, including recommendations on
prison closures and the future of San Quentin, the state's oldest prison
that sits on prime development land.
Critics noted "Iron Duke" Deukmejian, who held office from 1983-91, helped
build the state's prison system into the nation's largest during a
law-and-order administration.
That system has become Schwarzenegger's biggest unexpected policy crisis
since he took office after October's recall election, diverting attention
from his attempts to rein in the state's massive budget crisis.
A federal court-appointed monitor found that a prison employee "code of
silence" protects wrongdoers and punishes whistleblowers, and recommended
the Department of Corrections' former director be charged with contempt of
court.
A series of scathing national experts' reports criticized the California
Youth Authority as a cruel version of the adult prison system, unable to
meet its responsibility to rehabilitate children before it's too late.
There are no boundaries on the panel's recommendations, including
sentencing changes, said Joseph Gunn, who was named the panel's executive
director. Gunn was executive director of the Los Angeles Board of Police
Commissioners and co-chaired the independent review panel that investigated
the city's Rampart police corruption case.
He said Schwarzenegger is concerned the youth authority is "set up for the
1950s and not the 2000s, and maybe they have to be brought up to modern
times."
Schwarzenegger said Deukmejian's experience as a legislator, state attorney
general and governor makes him the ideal chairman.
"George Deukmejian presided over one of the biggest prison-building
programs in the history of the world, and that's no exaggeration. His
record on prison reform is not good," countered Rose Braz of the sentencing
and prison reform groups Critical Resistance and a new coalition called
Californians United for A Responsible Budget.
"We know what kind of reforms are needed" after years of audits,
investigations and reports by experts and blue ribbon panels, Braz said.
"What we need now is the political will to do it."
************************************************** ****************
6 - Boghosian's 'One Woman Show"
Opens At Harvest Gallery, March 26
LOS ANGELES - Anahid Boghosian's "A One Woman Show" opens with an artist
reception on March 26, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Harvest Gallery, 938 North
Brand Boulevard, Glendale.
She brings tremendous presence to her stills with influences from the
greats combined with a distinctive signature flare, her Armenian heritage.
Boghosian exploits perceptions of sexuality, sensuality and its
contradictions. "Life is full of contradictions. It is our job to make
sense of them within our lives," says Boghosian.
Boghosian continues to discover and push the boundaries by exploring
different concepts, materials, and views thus, creating a truly unique
vision.
"A One Woman Show" will be on display from March 26 to March 28 at the
Harvest Gallery.
For general information about the exhibit, call Harvest Gallery at
818.546.1000.
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************************************************** ************************
1 - Commentary
United Kingdom Should Recall
Its Ambassador from Armenia
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - Steve Sarkisian Will Coach
Oakland Raiders Quarterbacks
3 - DSA Screening of Documentary
Benefits Projects in Armenia
4 - UCLA AGSA Hosts Academics to Discuss
Current Research in Armenian Studies
5 - Schwarzenegger Names Deukmejian
To Head State Prison Reform Panel
6 - Boghosian's 'One Woman Show"
Opens At Harvest Gallery, March 26
************************************************** **********************
1 - Commentary
United Kingdom Should Recall
Its Ambassador from Armenia
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
A lot has happened in the short two weeks since we disclosed in this column
that the British Ambassador to Armenia, Thorda Abbot-Watt, made the
offensive remark that the Armenian Genocide was not a genocide. Hundreds of
Armenians and non-Armenians alike from around the world continued sending
indignant e-mails criticizing the Ambassador as well as the British
government for their denial of the Armenian Genocide. In the last few days,
we received many more copies of such e-mails. Here are brief excerpts from
some of them:
"Your denial is a disgrace to you and your government. Over centuries,
British diplomacy has practiced in lying, deception, and disregard of
historical truth. I trust you will do the honorable and apologize profusely
or failing that, leave Armenia and never return, as you are no asset to
Armenia or to humanity in general," Mihran Keheyian.
"I think it would serve better to peace-loving Brits and Armenians alike if
you packed up and left Armenia. As a matter of fact, I have a suggestion
for a replacement for you: her name is Baroness Cox," Levon Habeshian.
"As an Armenian citizen, I wish to express my dismay at the statement you
made recently in Armenia on the Armenian Genocide.... Upholding truth or
morality is clearly not an essential part of your job description. But,
needlessly, publicly restating your government's position in Armenia seems
to me to go well beyond the customary cynicism of foreign policy. Indeed,
your statement is also a breach of the most elementary rules of courtesy
and hospitality.... I can only hope, therefore, that you will very soon take
the next opportunity to correct your gross lack of grace and style," Lilia
Hayrapetyan.
"My stomach dropped as I read your comments on the Armenian Genocide. I
experienced disbelief that you would not only uphold your government's
morally lacking stance of not taking sides, but go a step further into the
realm of genocide denial. In some countries that is a crime, though
unfortunately, Armenia is not one of them.... You could have had the decency
to simply ask any Armenians you work with in your very own offices what
happened to their own families.... The Genocide is a simple fact, and your
ignorance on the topic, whether real or feigned, is inexcusable. If you
want to continue representing your people in Armenia, you should apologize.
If not, you should have the decency to leave," Raffi Kojian (born in
Ethiopia thanks to the Genocide you refuse to recognize, raised in Orange,
California, and moved to Armenia in 1999).
"[Your] words reflect an amazing lack of tact and sensitivity as to be
unbelievable for anyone, let alone a diplomat.... If that is what you think
about the Armenian Genocide, you should have turned down the post, or, as
Jacques Chirac said in another context, 'perdre une bonne occasion de se
taire,' " Armen Kouyoumdjian.
"Your comments denying the Armenian Genocide do such violence to the
survivors and their children, grand-children and great grand-children. You
pick at their wounds and ridicule their sorrow," Matthew Der Manuelian.
"How can you be so close to the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial Monument
[in Yerevan] and have the guts to desecrate the memory of the 1.5 million
innocent victims? How dare you? I think your only salvation is to publicly
apologize to the Armenian people and ask for forgiveness," Hratch Simonian.
"You have insulted the memory of my ancestors who fell victim to a
monstrous crime perpetrated by the Turkish government. I am not surprised.
Your mercenary interests are far from human decency and dignity. I believe
the only honorable thing to do for a 'diplomat' like you, if there is any
honor left, is to leave Armenia very swiftly. I would not even accept an
apology from your putrid mouth," Dr. Stepan Simonian.
"I was appalled to read your recent quote and denial of the Genocide.... I
urge you to do some homework on the Armenian Genocide, if you are ignorant
on the subject, and apologize to the Armenian people. Should you not be
prepared to do so, then frankly, my Dear, you should consider leaving
Armenia," Lena Majarian (Australian Armenian living in Yerevan).
"It is preposterous that we should not be prepared to denounce a crime for
fear of upsetting the criminal," Paul Hampartsoumian.
"I would hope - fervently - that the memory of those who suffered in early
20th century Ottoman Turkey should not be sacrificed at the altars of
contemporary politics and historical revisionism," Audrey Selian.
"I was enormously disturbed and offended to read of remarks you made
concerning the Armenian Genocide.... This denial of history is unforgivable
and unconscionable. Your comments are the fuel that contemporary and future
genocides are created from. You must apologize, and you must begin to
educate yourself about the history -- documentation of the Armenian
Genocide is not hard to find," Eileen Claveloux.
"That any Ambassador residing in Armenia should have the temerity and nerve
to even imply that what happened to the Armenians in 1915 was not a
genocide - when everyone from the United Nations to university scholars
have affirmed what any Armenian whose own family was killed already knows -
is beyond reckoning. My advice is that you apologize to the Armenian people
and then pack your bags and resign. In fact, it is remarkable to me that
the Armenian government has not already formally asked for your
resignation. As a last note, that a representative of the British
government - a country which has over the centuries been complicit in
colonialism and exploitations of the worst kind - would display her
ignorance and insult another people and their history in such flagrant
terms, is even more galling," Christopher Atamian.
"Your statement has reinforced your government's stance on the issue, but
it has also caused much pain for the survivors of this great calamity,"
Alex Sardar.
"TARC...commissioned a legal analysis by an independent legal counsel.... This
groundbreaking study...concludes unequivocally that the events in question
'include all of the elements of the crime of genocide as defined in the
[UN] Convention, and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians,
journalists and other people would be justified in continuing to so
describe them,' " Alexander Arzoumanian, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Armenia.
"The Ambassador's statement on the Armenian Genocide is absolutely
unacceptable for the citizens of Armenia as well as all Armenians worldwide
and incompatible with the position of a foreign diplomat credentialed in
the Republic of Armenia. We appeal to her to make a public apology for her
statement, otherwise terminate her diplomatic activities in the Republic of
Armenia," students at Yerevan State University.
In a letter addressed to Jack Straw, the Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs, Dr. Tessa Hofmann, the Chairperson of the
Berlin-based "Working Group Recognition - Against Genocide, for
International Understanding," wrote: "As an international NGO which is
focusing on the recognition of denied genocide crimes, we urge you to
reconsider whether it is advisable that Mrs. Abbott-Watt, who is ignorant
of basic facts of legal history and international relations and who makes
repeated incompetent and offensive statements, may continue her diplomatic
career in a country where half of the population descends from survivors of
genocide."
Meanwhile, in a lame attempt at damage control, Amb. Abbot-Watt sent the
following standard response to all those who had e-mailed her: "I am sorry
that my Government's position on how we refer to the events of 1915-16
causes you personal distress. Please accept that we understand why
Armenians feel so strongly about what happened, and have ourselves always
condemned the massacres. We extend our sympathy to the descendants of all
the victims and our assurance that what happened will not be forgotten."
Her response, needless to say, did not satisfy anyone. Many readers sent a
second e-mail to her expressing their irritation and displeasure. Here are
some excerpts from their e-mails:
"It appears that you are quite a character! Your government has found the
perfect spot for you (Armenia) to exercise your right of free speech, while
mysteriously avoiding a slap on your wrist, if not your face. I am puzzled
as to why you have not been summarily thrown out as a persona non grata. If
I were the President of Armenia, I would have done just that, especially
now that you have become the darling of the Turks," Hovsep Fidanian, Ph.D.
"I would dare you to stand up in the middle of Tel Aviv and say a Holocaust
did not take place -- it was just a massacre. You are either ignorant or
worse yet, knowingly committing a moral crime. God help you Ms.
Abbott-Watt," Levon Habeshian.
"Thank you for your prompt, but unconvincing reply," Dr. Hagop Bessos.
"The notion that the historical record is 'not sufficiently unequivocal'
maligns history and historians everywhere.... Those who are 'equivocal' on
this matter are simply sympathizing with state terror and murder. Armenians
worldwide will not forget your callous disregard for the lives lost and
maimed across generations," Anahid Kassabian, Associate Professor, Fordham
University.
"Thank you for your 'cookie cutter' response," Nader Rastegar. In response
to his follow-up e-mail, asking specific questions about the British
government's denial of the Armenian Genocide, Amb. Abbott-Watt responded:
"I am sorry. I lack the resources in a small Embassy to enter into a
lengthy debate. I understand, and respect, the position you hold. It does
not, however, accord with ours, for which I would, ideally, like your equal
respect and understanding."
"When you state that there is not enough empirical data to prove genocide
and that historians are still debating the issues, you and your government
have assumed the role of deniers.... You call one of the most astute
statesmen of the 20th century, Mr. Winston Churchill, a fabricator since he
called what happened to the Armenians a holocaust, long before the word was
applied to the Nazi quest of 'the Final Solution.' ...I have much training
and experience in international conflicts, and have yet to discover that
denial of the truth leads to reconciliation," Moorad Mooradian, Ph.D.
"While I understand the need for regional cooperation and the need to look
to the future, you must also accept that your failure to accept a known
injustice as Genocide and a crime against humanity is a major obstacle to
such endeavors," Onnik Krikorian.
Scores of readers also sent critical e-mails to the Armenian Foreign
Ministry urging the Armenian government not to remain silent in the face of
the British Ambassador's denial of the Armenian Genocide. Here are excerpts
from some of their e-mails:
"How can our officials accept such lies and misinterpretations by the
Ambassador? Please don't hesitate to throw the Ambassador out of her
office. Take action and throw her out of Armenia so the other Ambassadors
to Armenia witness this and understand that Armenians can not be insulted,"
Tony Topsakalyan.
"I would like to see a more robust response from the Armenian Foreign
Ministry and government regarding the despicable statements from Amb.
Abbott-Watt and consider expelling her form Armenia forthwith. It is about
time that your response to such serious matters be more in tune with the
facts and public opinion rather than be so tame and defensive. We don't
need Great Britain to give us lectures on genocide and historical facts.
She is no asset to Armenia nor to humanity in general," Mihran Keheyian.
"This very improper statement should be officially condemned by the
Armenian government so other Ambassadors in Armenia would think long and
hard before making similar statements in the future," Ara Manoogian.
"An insult of this nature must not be tolerated no matter who says it. I
would strongly demand that you expel her from Armenia," Dr. Stepan
Simonian.
"I write to request that you expel the British Ambassador immediately. Her
statement displays a blatant disregard for the lives lost in the Genocide
and for her host country, Armenia. She should not be allowed to insult the
dead and the survivors in this way," Professor Anahid Kassabian.
"We appeal to the Foreign Minister of Armenia to put pressure on the
British Ambassador through diplomatic channels so that she would issue a
public apology, and failing that, we appeal to the Foreign Minister of
Armenia to send a note of protest to the Foreign Ministry of the United
Kingdom, and if need be declare the British Ambassador persona non grata,"
students at Yerevan State University.
Swiss-Armenian organizations issued a joint appeal demanding that: "the
Armenian Parliament and Government adopt all necessary legislative and
diplomatic measures to prevent, in the future, others from making such
offensive statements against the memory of the Armenian nation; and that
the British Ambassador in Armenia, Mrs. Thorda Abbott-Watt, apologize
publicly for her statement and officially retract them; if she refuses, the
Ambassador should be declared persona non grata in the Republic of
Armenia," Armenian Community of Neuchatel-Jura, Armenian Ladies Association
of Geneva, and Switzerland-Armenia Association.
In an unexpected development, while Armenia's Foreign Minister continued to
maintain his mystifying silence on this matter for the past two months,
Pres. Kocharian inadvertently became the first Armenian official to comment
on this controversy, when students at Yerevan State University, during a
question and answer session on March 10, asked him for his views on the
British Ambassador's statement. The President said that while he did not
condone those who deny the Genocide, he thought it would be naïve to think
that the Ambassador of a country that did not recognize the Genocide could
say anything else. Then, contradicting himself, the President said that the
British Ambassador could have avoided the issue altogether and could have
provided a vague answer. He said that Ambassadors representing other
countries that do not recognize the Genocide approach this issue with more
caution. Pres. Kocharian also said that Great Britain is not a country the
Ambassador of which could simply be kicked out, because Armenia would then
find itself in a diplomatic deadlock.
His foreign policy aides must not have properly briefed the President.
Rather than cautioning foreign diplomats that the Armenian government would
not tolerate such offensive remarks on the Armenian Genocide, the
President, unintentionally, seemed to be giving advice to them on how to
sidestep the Genocide issue. By stating that the British Ambassador could
not be easily expelled, the President has overlooked a series of other
options available to him ranging from its current position of inaction to
expulsion. Regrettably, the Armenian government's lack of any kind of
response projects an image of weakness to the Armenian public and the
international community.
In other developments, Erik Grigoryan, the President of the Club of Young
Diplomats of Yerevan State University, in collaboration with the Noyan
Tapan news agency, just set up a web site, http://campaign.nt.am, that will
post the latest developments on this issue as well as all letters,
articles, and other relevant documents. The Club issued a press release
calling on the British Ambassador to apologize for her statement and urged
the Foreign Minister of Armenia to take a more resolute stand on this
issue.
Send your e-mails to British government officials in London asking them to
recall their envoy from Yerevan, since Amb. Abbott-Watt could no longer
effectively carry out her diplomatic duties after having insulted all
citizens of her host country. Send your e-mails to: Michael Jay, the
Under-Secretary and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service:
[email protected], and to Prime Minister Tony Blair through the
following web site: http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page821.asp. Click
on select a subject, select "international affairs," and then click on the
GO button.
Please continue sending e-mails to the British Ambassador:
[email protected] and to the Armenian Foreign Ministry:
[email protected]. Please send me a copy of your e-mails and
any responses: [email protected].
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2 - Steve Sarkisian Will Coach
Oakland Raiders Quarterbacks
OAKLAND, Calif. - Steve Sarkisian, most recently quarterback coach to 2003
National Champion USC where he also tutored the 2002 Heisman Trophy winner
and NFL No. 1 overall pick, will operate in the same capacity for the
Oakland Raiders.
Sarkisian, 29, handled quarterbacks at USC for the past two seasons.
Last year, he tutored Matt Linehart, who was named Pac-10 Player of the
Year - only the second sophomore to win the award, John Elway being the
first in 1980 - as USC went on to win the National Championship. The
previous year, Sarkisian coached Carson Palmer, the NFL's top overall pick
in 2002 who won the Heisman Trophy and the Unitas Award en route to setting
Pac-10 career records for passing yards and total offense. He was offensive
assistant at USC in 2001 and in 2000 was quarterbacks coach at El Camino
Junior College in Torrance (Calif.) where his quarterback, Robert Hodge,
earned All-American honors.
As a senior in 1996, he led the nation in passing efficiency (173.6, the
seventh best mark ever) as the Western Athletic Conference champion Cougars
went 14-1 and won the Cotton Bowl.
He was the WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1996 and a second-team
All-American. As a junior, he was All-WAC and led BYU to the WAC title.
Against Fresno State that season, he set an NCAA game completion percentage
record when he hit 31-of-34 passes (91.2 percent).
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3 - DSA Screening of Documentary
Benefits Projects in Armenia
LOS ANGELES - The Organization of Developmental Services for Armenia (DSA)
showed the award-winning documentary "Khachaturian" on March 13, at the
Glendale Cinema, with a Gala Reception, Silent Auction and Dinner following
the screening at the Brandview Collection in Glendale.
A highlight of the benefit dinner was guests of honor, Dr. Robert Lawrence
Kuhn and Dora Serviarian Kuhn, the Executive Producers of the film which
was released as a Kuhn Foundation Film.
The success of this event will provide much needed resources for DSA
projects in Armenia. The most recent accomplishment was the delivery of
four ambulances distributed to various hospitals in Armenia.
In the past year DSA renovated the kitchen and cafeteria at the Children's
School #154, (Grades 1 to 10). In addition, a gas heating system was
installed, providing heat throughout the school for the first time.
Another achievement was at Primary Pre-School #301 for children ages 1 to
7, where DSA renovated bathrooms, the Nurses Facility which was collapsing,
plus installing a new roof.
DSA also completed a request for staples of sugar, pasta, butter and rice,
for the Psychiatric Hospital in the Sevan Region.
The DSA has also furnished and set up Computer labs at five different
schools in Armenia. DSA also renovated the Library at the Vartanantz Asbed
School.
DSA is a 501C-3 non-profit organization and registered NGO in Armenia.
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4 - UCLA AGSA Hosts Academics to Discuss
Current Research in Armenian Studies
LOS ANGELES - The UCLA Armenian Graduate Students Association held the
second annual international Graduate Student Colloquium in Armenian Studies
at UCLA on Feb. 20. It drew numerous academics and students from UCLA as
well as local universities who enjoyed presentations on themes from
Classical Literature, the Contemporary History and Politics of
Transcaucasia, Modern Literature, as well as Armenians and Education Issues
in the US.
"I found putting the colloquium together to be a most rewarding experience
and the day itself was not only informative and academically stimulating,
but exciting as well," remarked Ani Moughamian, a UCLA graduate student in
the School of Education and Project Director of the 2004 colloquium. "We
really brought a great group of students together from so many different
places and it was a thrill for me to see how successful the colloquium was
this year in terms of scholarship and camaraderie between students."
"It was a pleasure to be able to attend such a wonderful event. The AGSA
members did an excellent job and the colloquium has developed in so many
ways since last year. I can only expect its continued growth in the coming
years and the UCLA AGSA is happy to provide the foundation for the creative
and ambitious graduate students of this and future organizing committees,"
commended Haig Hovsepian, Executive Officer of the UCLA AGSA. He also
expressed his thanks to Dr. Peter Cowe (Professor and holder of the
Narekatsi Chair in Armenian Language and Literature) for his participation
in the organizing committee. "Dr. Cowe helped make the 2003 colloquium a
reality and continued to provide a professional experience for the 2004
organizing committee in its efforts to put together a quality event."
The first panel of the morning session featured Andrea Scala (Austria) and
Lilit Hovsepyan (Armenia) who presented their works regarding texts by John
Chrysostum and Gregory of Narek, respectively. Andrea hails from the
Armenology community of Italy where, since submitting his abstract in
response to the 2004 call for papers, he received his degree from the State
University in Milan. For Lilit, it was the first time presenting her work
in an academic conference outside Armenia. She happily relayed that "... it
was a good chance to come into contact with other people [in the field], to
make friends, and learn much about the students and educational system at
UCLA." She also noted that her participation in the colloquium and the
colloquium itself has received positive support and feedback from her
colleagues in Armenia. She looks forward to more graduate students
presenting their work in the coming years.
Leading off the second panel of the day, Ohannes Geukjian (Peace Studies -
University of Bradford, UK) presented a paper on the historical and
territorial dimensions of the conflict in Artsakh. He was joined by Asbed
Kotchikian, a political science doctoral student from Boston University,
who delivered a lecture on the perceived roles of Russia and Turkey in
Georgian and Armenian foreign policy.
"I was excited both about the geographical range of participants in this
year's colloquium as well as the diversity of disciplines which they
represented within the broad field of Armenian Studies," expressed Dr.
Peter Cowe. "This is a real indication of the growth and expansion of our
field and is very stimulating."
His sentiments were echoed by Talar Chahinian, a UCLA graduate student in
the Department of Comparative Literature, who presented her work on
French-Armenian writers in the years immediately following the Armenian
Genocide. "It is very exciting to see graduate students from different
countries and across various disciplines coming together... The colloquium
did a great job of providing a forum for these different voices and also of
providing a space for community building among the participants."
Talar was joined by fellow UCLA graduate student Tamar Boyadjian (Near
Eastern Languages and Cultures) who presented her latest work exploring the
use of natural imagery by late-19th and early-20th century Armenian poets.
Rounding off the third panel on modern literature was Karen Gharslyan of
the Bryusov State Linguistics University (Armenia) who compared the
literary perceptions of Giambattista Vico and James Joyce as it related to
the Biblical Flood, Noah and his descendent, as well as the role of the
Armenian people in this beginning of humanity.
Though the day's program was nearing its end by the end of the fourth
panel, the question and answer session that followed was no less energetic
than those that preceded it. Artineh Samkian who presented on the topic of
language use in Armenian private schools expressed her appreciation of the
dialogue between academics in the audienc
e. "I received some important comments and constructive criticism that will
help me to better shape my project in its 'final' state." Artineh, UCLA
graduate student in the School of Education was joined by Ani Moughamian
and Yeprem Mehranian (University of Massachusetts, Amherst). Whereas Ani
presented data on the literacy achievement of Armenian-American learners of
the English Language, Yeprem delved into the issue of the search for
identity and the negotiation between that of being Armenian and American.
Ramela Grigorian, a graduate student from the Department of Art History at
UCLA noted that a number of this year's participants had indicated that
they would be returning to their home institutes and students as well as
colleagues to excitedly inform them about the colloquium and the active
Armenian studies community. "How wonderful that a symposium like this has
the power to inspire! I do hope to see more members of the community attend
the conference next year!"
With only a week to rest, the organizing committee is already back to work
and is in the process of drafting the next year's call for papers. The UCLA
AGSA looks forward to February 2005 and hosting the next Graduate Student
Colloquium in Armenian Studies.
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5 - Schwarzenegger Names Deukmejian
To Head State Prison Reform Panel
By Don Thompson
SACRAMENTO (AP) - Former Gov. George Deukmejian will chair an independent
review panel
charged with finding ways to "turn around the crisis of confidence" in
California's youth and adult correctional systems, Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger said last week.
Panel members said they plan a report by June, including recommendations on
prison closures and the future of San Quentin, the state's oldest prison
that sits on prime development land.
Critics noted "Iron Duke" Deukmejian, who held office from 1983-91, helped
build the state's prison system into the nation's largest during a
law-and-order administration.
That system has become Schwarzenegger's biggest unexpected policy crisis
since he took office after October's recall election, diverting attention
from his attempts to rein in the state's massive budget crisis.
A federal court-appointed monitor found that a prison employee "code of
silence" protects wrongdoers and punishes whistleblowers, and recommended
the Department of Corrections' former director be charged with contempt of
court.
A series of scathing national experts' reports criticized the California
Youth Authority as a cruel version of the adult prison system, unable to
meet its responsibility to rehabilitate children before it's too late.
There are no boundaries on the panel's recommendations, including
sentencing changes, said Joseph Gunn, who was named the panel's executive
director. Gunn was executive director of the Los Angeles Board of Police
Commissioners and co-chaired the independent review panel that investigated
the city's Rampart police corruption case.
He said Schwarzenegger is concerned the youth authority is "set up for the
1950s and not the 2000s, and maybe they have to be brought up to modern
times."
Schwarzenegger said Deukmejian's experience as a legislator, state attorney
general and governor makes him the ideal chairman.
"George Deukmejian presided over one of the biggest prison-building
programs in the history of the world, and that's no exaggeration. His
record on prison reform is not good," countered Rose Braz of the sentencing
and prison reform groups Critical Resistance and a new coalition called
Californians United for A Responsible Budget.
"We know what kind of reforms are needed" after years of audits,
investigations and reports by experts and blue ribbon panels, Braz said.
"What we need now is the political will to do it."
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6 - Boghosian's 'One Woman Show"
Opens At Harvest Gallery, March 26
LOS ANGELES - Anahid Boghosian's "A One Woman Show" opens with an artist
reception on March 26, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Harvest Gallery, 938 North
Brand Boulevard, Glendale.
She brings tremendous presence to her stills with influences from the
greats combined with a distinctive signature flare, her Armenian heritage.
Boghosian exploits perceptions of sexuality, sensuality and its
contradictions. "Life is full of contradictions. It is our job to make
sense of them within our lives," says Boghosian.
Boghosian continues to discover and push the boundaries by exploring
different concepts, materials, and views thus, creating a truly unique
vision.
"A One Woman Show" will be on display from March 26 to March 28 at the
Harvest Gallery.
For general information about the exhibit, call Harvest Gallery at
818.546.1000.
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