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California Courier Online, November 25, 2004
1 - Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can't Be Under Azeri Rule
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
3 - Ron Mortanian's Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
4 - Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
5 - Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon '04
6 - Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
7 - Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can't Be Under Azeri Rule
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Karabagh Armenians keep telling the world that Azeris abused them so much
and for so long that they can never go back to living under the yoke of
Azerbaijan again. Armenians provide documented evidence of the trampling of
their most basic rights by Azeri officials during the Soviet years. Most of
these arguments, regrettably, fall on the deaf ears of insensitive world
leaders who care more about Caspian oil than Armenian blood.
A scandalous incident at the Baku airport last week came to demonstrate
what Karabagh Armenians have been saying all along. A prominent Bulgarian
journalist, Edward Papazian, who is the sports editor of "24 Hours," the
largest daily newspaper in Bulgaria, had flown to Azerbaijan along with
Bulgaria's soccer team to cover a friendly match between the two countries.
Upon arrival at the Baku airport, the Bulgarian soccer players and their
entourage quickly made it through passport control and were allowed in the
country except for one passenger -- Papazian. His sole guilt was that he
had an Armenian last name. Even though the government of Azerbaijan was
notified in advance of the list of the travelers accompanying the soccer
team, as soon as Azeri border guards saw Papazian's last name in his
Bulgarian passport, they began yelling "Armenian, Armenian!" They
immediately took him in for questioning. They asked him how long he had
been a citizen of Bulgaria. Papazian told them that he was born in
Bulgaria, as were his parents and even grandparents. He told them that he
had traveled around the world, both in civilized and uncivilized countries,
and never had this kind of trouble. The border guards were angered by
Papazian's implied reference to their country as being uncivilized. They
told him that all Armenians were barred from entering Azerbaijan,
ostensibly because their security could not be guaranteed! One of the
airport officials told Papazian that he was being harassed because of
Karabagh. Despite his vehement protests, the journalist was forcibly put
back on the same plane that he had just arrived in and unceremoniously
deported from the country.
In the meantime, Bulgarian officials, through their Ambassador in Baku, had
made every effort to secure Papazian's entry into Azerbaijan. The
journalist's deportation was not only discriminatory, but also offensive to
the government of Bulgaria. This incident had a chilling effect on
relations between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
subsequently delivered a diplomatic note of protest to the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Sofia.
The Bulgarian press widely covered this scandalous event. "24 Hours" quoted
Papazian as saying: "I thought we lived in the 21st century rather than the
Middle Ages. I am proud of my heritage and my family and I am not going to
change my name just because of Azerbaijan."
Rather than apologizing for their shameful and racist behavior, Azeri
officials tried to cover up this incident by insisting that it never took
place and no person named Papazian had tried to enter Azerbaijan.
This appalling episode leads us to the following conclusions:
-- Azerbaijan has declared an all-out war not only against Karabagh, but
also against all Armenians, regardless of their country of origin;
-- Azeris resort to all possible means to demonstrate their hatred of
Armenians, including lying and covering up not only historic events but
also incidents that occurred just a few days earlier;
-- By barring all Armenians from entering Azerbaijan, the Azeri authorities
are basically confirming that Karabagh Armenians are no longer considered
to be citizens of Azerbaijan, (which is exactly what the Karabagh Armenians
want);
-- If the anti-Armenian hostility and hysteria in Azerbaijan is such that
even a third generation Bulgarian of Armenian ancestry cannot go to Baku to
cover a soccer match, how could more than 150,000 Karabagh Armenians risk
their lives believing that they can live in peace under Azeri rule?
A whole new generation of Armenians have been born and raised in Karabagh
since its separation from Azerbaijan. These youngsters have only known life
under a free and independent Karabagh! Putting them back under Azeri rule
would be as unnatural and unacceptable as returning the 13 U.S. colonies to
the British, Louisiana to the French, and Alaska to the Russians!
The Azeri officials, by their hateful action, proved once again that
Armenians couldn't even visit Azerbaijan, let alone live there. Karabagh
Armenians are perfectly happy not to be associated with such a country!
************************************************** ************************
2 - Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
BURBANK, CA - The Second Sanahin Institute of the Western Diocese was held
Sept. 23-26 at the Armenian Church Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Institute is a project of the Christian Educational Council (CEC) of
the Western Diocese. Its mission is to train participants to know about
their own faith through the study of Scriptures, the Sacraments, the
liturgies, the spiritual tradition and the history of the Armenian Church.
There is also training in the principles of faith development and teaching
methodology.
Topics covered this year were: Old Testament: Genesis, taught by Fr. Perry
Kavoukjian of the St. Paul Newman Center of Fresno; Scripture: Development
of the Armenian Canon of the Bible, Fr. Arshen Aivazian, St. Paul Armenian
Church, Fresno; Introduction to Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, Fr.
Sarkis Petoyan, St. John, San Francisco; New Testament: Gospel of Mark,
taught by Michael Danks Fergusen, San Joaquin Memorial High School; and
Methods of Religious Education, Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian, Fresno.
The Sanahin Institute Committee is headed by Sarkis Hardy. Yn. Sirarpi
Aivazian is the project coordinator, and Maral Cingoz is the project
administrator. Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian is the Committee Secretary and the
chairperson of the Christian Educational Council.
The Committee thanks the St. John Garabed Ladies, Society, San Diego; St.
James Ladies Society, Los Angeles; St. Paul Ladies Society, Fresno; Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Ladies Society, Reedley, and St. Andrew Ladies Society,
Cupertino for their assistance. Their contributions assisted the CEC in
completing another successful year for this project.
For more information about the Institute and plans for 2005, contact the
Western Diocese - Armenian Church Office or Maral Cingoz, project
coordinator at (510) 847-4362.
************************************************** *************************
3 - Ron Mortanian's Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
FRESNO - Ron Mortanian's class made it big recently. A Subway sandwich,
that is. In fact, so big, it is due to be listed in the Guinness Book of
World Records as the largest Subway sandwich in the United States - over
200 feet, according to organizers' records.
"I always like bigger, better and the first," says Mortanian, whose Reach
for the Stars program, which benefits special needs students, organized the
event at Fresno's Tehipite Middle School on Oct. 16. Mortanian is a Special
Education Teacher. His Language Arts Program "Reach for the Stars" enables
his students with writing skills.
The event brought out employees and owners from 18 Subway franchises to
build the monster sandwich.The sandwich was sold in $5 sections with chips
and soda. Part of the proceeds went to the Reach for the Stars program, the
rest was distributed between departments at Tehipite for teachers' use.
More than a dozen sandwich artists worked 25 minutes to create the sub,
which included 204 feet of bread, 108 pounds of turkey, 120 pounds of roast
beef, 72 pounds of hand and 72 pounds of lettuce and stretched on a table
almost the full length of the grass field behind the school.
Moving away from the typical was important for organizers, who were tired
of seeing t he standard fund-raising fare.
"It's book sales and candy sales, says Martin Viramontes, a Subway
franchise owner and event organizers."We wanted to do something unique, so
we thought, "Why not do this?'"
They brought in several local organizations for the event, including the
Fresno County Sheriff's Department - that flew in their helicopter - and
the Fresno Fire Department, which had a fire engine on display.
There was also music, dancing and more than 30 prizes given away. In all,
more than 50 local organizations and businesses took part.
Also participating in a big way was actor Max Gail, famous for playing
Detective Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz on the Barney Miller television show.
Hands gloved in latex, a knife in one hand, and a loaf of bread in another,
he asks: "Are we making this to go?"
************************************************** *************************
*********************
4 - Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) last week announced that
she has selected Tom Bohigian as her State Director. Bohigian has been on
Boxer's staff for more than 11 years, serving as Acting State Director for
the past 10 months.
Boxer, who was reelected to a third term on November 2nd, said, "I am
delighted that Tom Bohigian will stay on as my State Director. He is a
great asset to our staff and to the 35 million Californians we all serve."
As State Director, Bohigian is responsible for supervising Boxer's
California operations and her six state offices, which are located in
Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San
Diego. He will continue to be based in the senator's Fresno office and
travel widely throughout the state.
Bohigian has worked for Senator Boxer since 1993, the year she entered the
U.S. Senate. He has previously held the positions of Field Representative,
Northern California Director, and Deputy State Director. Before joining
Boxer's staff, he served as a Fresno city councilmember (1989-1993) and as
a field representative for Assemblymember Bruce Bronzan (1982-1989).
A lifelong resident of Fresno, Bohigian attended local public schools and
holds a degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno.
************************************************** ************************
5 - Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon '04
GLENDALE - Several internationally-recognized Armenian entertainers from
the folk, jazz, pop, rock and comedy worlds will perform during the
Thanksgiving Day Telethon "Make it Happen," organized by the Armenia Fund
on Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the GRAMMY® award winning band
Shadowfax, will lead Telethon 2004's live, seven-member house band with
world renowned oudist and composer John Bilezikjian. Zulal, the acclaimed
New York City-based a cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian
and Anais Alexandra Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the
12-hour international broadcast.
The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram
Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk
ensemble Winds of Passion and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by
comedian Vahe Berberian.
The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and
political leaders from Armenia, Karabakh and the Diaspora as well as
construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh and stories of lives
impacted by AFI initiated infrastructure development projects.
Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, Calif., will air throughout the United
States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS and Armenia.
Telethon 2004's goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining 52 miles
of the North-South "Backbone" Highway in Karabagh. Upon completion, the $25
million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages and provide
crucial economic, trade and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also provide continued assistance in the areas of health care, education
and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia.
Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is
available at www.armeniafund.org or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004
will also be available in full-motion web-cast on www.armeniafund.org.
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
************************************************** ************************
6 - Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
OAKLAND, Calif. - On December 1-3, Facing History and Ourselves will host a
global online conversation for educators, scholars, and university and
graduate students focusing on the difficult choices individuals, groups,
and nations have confronted - and continue to struggle with - in the face
of genocide.
The forum will build upon the issues explored in Facing History and
Ourselves' newest resource book, Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization:
The Genocide of the Armenians, as well as examine the work of contemporary
human rights activists and scholars who challenge indifference and believe
that prevention of genocide is possible.
Facing History and Ourselves staff will facilitate this three-day online
forum with the participation of leading human rights and Armenian Genocide
scholars, including Chair of Modern Armenian History at UCLA Richard
Hovannisian. Smith College Professor and human rights activist Eric Reeves,
a frequent writer and commentator on the genocide in Sudan will also join
us along with Helen Fein, the executive director of the Institute for the
Study of Genocide and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
The online forum is free of charge, Interested individuals can RSVP online.
For more information, go to http://www.facinghistory.org/agforum
************************************************** *************************
*
7 - Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
By K. George Najarian and
Carolann S. Najarian, M.D.
We would like to relate a sad, but true account of what we have experienced
within Armenia's legal system over this past year.
Let us first introduce ourselves: our humanitarian efforts in Armenia and
Artsakh have spanned nearly 16 years. Our projects began after the
earthquake and during the Artsakh liberation war and continue through
today, with more than 50 trips to Armenia, the delivery of millions of
dollars of medical supplies to both regions; the establishment of the
Primary Care Center in Gyumri (1994) and the Arpen Center for Expectant
Mothers in Artsakh (1995); hospital renovations; and many other efforts,
including the rebuilding of Tsitsernavank, the 4th c. basilica in Kashatagh
(Lachine corridor), assistance to villagers, invalids, veterans, orphans,
and schools. Our work has been carried out through the Armenian Health
Alliance, Inc. and its supporters as well as through our own private funds.
In response to the Armenian government's pleas to the Diaspora to invest in
Armenia, George undertook a project with a young man whom he met after the
earthquake and with whom he subsequently became a friend. (We even brought
him to Boston to have surgical correction of his infertility for which we
paid; he now has two children, thanks to us!)
In 1996, after a year of prodding George to finance a business venture,
they opened a photo shop as partners - he did the work and George paid for
everything. He also introduced George to various people with other business
propositions. One introduction led to our purchase of two parcels of land
in the Ethnographic Center at Tzorakugh with spectacular views of Ararat.
Throughout this time this 'friend' presented himself to us as an honest
person, thankful for the assistance we had given to him and wanting to help
George in whatever way he could.
This 'friend' was George's representative, not partner, in the development
of these two parcels of land. Thus, he had Power of Attorney to represent
George in his absence. However, he used this Power of Attorney to
fraudulently privatize in his name these lands and our two newly
constructed buildings, in effect expropriating our substantial investment.
When we understood what he had done, with the hope of
avoiding a legal battle, we tried to negotiate with him for the return of
the properties. This failed, despite offers of significant sums of money.
Without any other recourse open to us and based on the advice of legal
experts in Armenia, we filed a criminal case against him, first with the
Yerevan City Prosecutor's Office (September, 2003) and later with the
Prosecutor General of Armenia's office (March, 2004).
We had assumed the facts in the case were obvious -- "open and shut"--
given the evidence of scores of witnesses, bank documents, receipts, etc.
We had not anticipated that our 'friend' would enlist the help of
well-connected persons in the government who could influence the case
through bribes and whatever other means available to them, including
intimidating witnesses and threatening lives. In December, 2003, after a
long but superficial investigation, the Yerevan City Prosecutor's Office
dismissed the case and referred us to civil court. (We suspected the
prosecutor had been bribed but could not prove it.) On appeal, the case was
reopened at the Prosecutor General level. This time prosecutors agreed we
were the victims of fraud. They also found that the 'friend' was guilty of
tax evasion. Attempts were again made to hijack the case through dismissal
at this point but failed. While the Yerevan City Prosecutor who previously
dismissed the case admitted during a meeting at the General Prosecutor's
Office, in George's presence, that he made a mistake by dismissing the
case, the current prosecutors said that the evidence was too powerful to
dismiss, and sent the case to the next phase within the criminal process --
that of acquiring evidence for the trial.
Two investigators were assigned the task of preparing the evidence for
trial: witnesses were repeatedly called and subjected to hours of
interrogation; George returned to Armenia again to testify - this time for
more than 40 hours; and, documents were requested and provided by us for a
third time. Again, the investigation dragged on for months and despite
mountains of evidence supporting our claims, and little on the other side
supporting his claim of ownership, the two investigators doing the work
dismissed the case! Their decision, a shabby, crude, and even absurd
document completely ignored or marginalized important
evidence supporting our claims and falsified facts --openly. We were again
referred to civil court. We had information that these investigators were
following orders from persons within the government who stand to benefit
from expropriating these properties from us.
Prominent legal minds in Armenia, including experts within the government,
have advised us that this is a criminal case of fraud punishable under
Armenian law. Similar cases, with less evidence, have been fully prosecuted
by the Prosecutor General's Office. The attempt to move us into civil court
is an attempt to kill the case completely. Under Armenian law, we have no
civil case because there is no partnership agreement between the parties -
we were not partners with this 'friend.'
It pains us to tell you we did not find an objective, fair justice system
in Armenia, but instead we have seen the inside of a system wrought with
deceit and corruption that crushes even their own when they try to resist.
During this past year, in addition to our direct appeals, others, including
a high ranking member of the Armenian government, have appealed repeatedly
for a fair and objective hearing of our case to persons within the judicial
system and to President Kocharian himself.
The US Embassy is fully aware of the circumstances of our case as are a
number of US congressmen who have written to the Armenian ambassador in
Washington expressing concern over the conduct of our case - judicial
processes must be open and fair otherwise investors will be leery of
undertaking investment risk in Armenia.
It is impossible to recount all that we have been through this past year.
It has been an emotional roller coaster as we faced the fact that persons
within this government would participate in this humiliating and base fraud
against us. It appears due process of law and the protection of rights and
investments are still fragile concepts for the government of Armenia. As we
understand other Diasporans have encountered similar problems and have been
treated in this same manner. We hope with our case being made public there
will be a willingness to discuss these critical issues, and the Armenian
government will take the necessary steps to clean up corruption: the
judiciary should not exist to guarantee people in power wealth. It is no
way to build a country!
Writing about our ordeal is a very painful step taken reluctantly after one
year of struggling to get a fair hearing of our case. Although we are still
in the appeal process, we understand that our property - including the
place where we anticipated living out our retirement years - has been taken
from us. What you are not seeing, though, are the tears we have shed over
knowing that we may never be able to return to Armenia, to live and
continue our work, and knowing not only has our property been expropriated,
but we as people who have loved and worked for the good of Armenia and its
people have been so dishonestly treated.
The pain goes very deep.
************************************************** *************************
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1 - Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can't Be Under Azeri Rule
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
3 - Ron Mortanian's Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
4 - Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
5 - Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon '04
6 - Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
7 - Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can't Be Under Azeri Rule
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Karabagh Armenians keep telling the world that Azeris abused them so much
and for so long that they can never go back to living under the yoke of
Azerbaijan again. Armenians provide documented evidence of the trampling of
their most basic rights by Azeri officials during the Soviet years. Most of
these arguments, regrettably, fall on the deaf ears of insensitive world
leaders who care more about Caspian oil than Armenian blood.
A scandalous incident at the Baku airport last week came to demonstrate
what Karabagh Armenians have been saying all along. A prominent Bulgarian
journalist, Edward Papazian, who is the sports editor of "24 Hours," the
largest daily newspaper in Bulgaria, had flown to Azerbaijan along with
Bulgaria's soccer team to cover a friendly match between the two countries.
Upon arrival at the Baku airport, the Bulgarian soccer players and their
entourage quickly made it through passport control and were allowed in the
country except for one passenger -- Papazian. His sole guilt was that he
had an Armenian last name. Even though the government of Azerbaijan was
notified in advance of the list of the travelers accompanying the soccer
team, as soon as Azeri border guards saw Papazian's last name in his
Bulgarian passport, they began yelling "Armenian, Armenian!" They
immediately took him in for questioning. They asked him how long he had
been a citizen of Bulgaria. Papazian told them that he was born in
Bulgaria, as were his parents and even grandparents. He told them that he
had traveled around the world, both in civilized and uncivilized countries,
and never had this kind of trouble. The border guards were angered by
Papazian's implied reference to their country as being uncivilized. They
told him that all Armenians were barred from entering Azerbaijan,
ostensibly because their security could not be guaranteed! One of the
airport officials told Papazian that he was being harassed because of
Karabagh. Despite his vehement protests, the journalist was forcibly put
back on the same plane that he had just arrived in and unceremoniously
deported from the country.
In the meantime, Bulgarian officials, through their Ambassador in Baku, had
made every effort to secure Papazian's entry into Azerbaijan. The
journalist's deportation was not only discriminatory, but also offensive to
the government of Bulgaria. This incident had a chilling effect on
relations between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
subsequently delivered a diplomatic note of protest to the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Sofia.
The Bulgarian press widely covered this scandalous event. "24 Hours" quoted
Papazian as saying: "I thought we lived in the 21st century rather than the
Middle Ages. I am proud of my heritage and my family and I am not going to
change my name just because of Azerbaijan."
Rather than apologizing for their shameful and racist behavior, Azeri
officials tried to cover up this incident by insisting that it never took
place and no person named Papazian had tried to enter Azerbaijan.
This appalling episode leads us to the following conclusions:
-- Azerbaijan has declared an all-out war not only against Karabagh, but
also against all Armenians, regardless of their country of origin;
-- Azeris resort to all possible means to demonstrate their hatred of
Armenians, including lying and covering up not only historic events but
also incidents that occurred just a few days earlier;
-- By barring all Armenians from entering Azerbaijan, the Azeri authorities
are basically confirming that Karabagh Armenians are no longer considered
to be citizens of Azerbaijan, (which is exactly what the Karabagh Armenians
want);
-- If the anti-Armenian hostility and hysteria in Azerbaijan is such that
even a third generation Bulgarian of Armenian ancestry cannot go to Baku to
cover a soccer match, how could more than 150,000 Karabagh Armenians risk
their lives believing that they can live in peace under Azeri rule?
A whole new generation of Armenians have been born and raised in Karabagh
since its separation from Azerbaijan. These youngsters have only known life
under a free and independent Karabagh! Putting them back under Azeri rule
would be as unnatural and unacceptable as returning the 13 U.S. colonies to
the British, Louisiana to the French, and Alaska to the Russians!
The Azeri officials, by their hateful action, proved once again that
Armenians couldn't even visit Azerbaijan, let alone live there. Karabagh
Armenians are perfectly happy not to be associated with such a country!
************************************************** ************************
2 - Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
BURBANK, CA - The Second Sanahin Institute of the Western Diocese was held
Sept. 23-26 at the Armenian Church Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Institute is a project of the Christian Educational Council (CEC) of
the Western Diocese. Its mission is to train participants to know about
their own faith through the study of Scriptures, the Sacraments, the
liturgies, the spiritual tradition and the history of the Armenian Church.
There is also training in the principles of faith development and teaching
methodology.
Topics covered this year were: Old Testament: Genesis, taught by Fr. Perry
Kavoukjian of the St. Paul Newman Center of Fresno; Scripture: Development
of the Armenian Canon of the Bible, Fr. Arshen Aivazian, St. Paul Armenian
Church, Fresno; Introduction to Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, Fr.
Sarkis Petoyan, St. John, San Francisco; New Testament: Gospel of Mark,
taught by Michael Danks Fergusen, San Joaquin Memorial High School; and
Methods of Religious Education, Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian, Fresno.
The Sanahin Institute Committee is headed by Sarkis Hardy. Yn. Sirarpi
Aivazian is the project coordinator, and Maral Cingoz is the project
administrator. Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian is the Committee Secretary and the
chairperson of the Christian Educational Council.
The Committee thanks the St. John Garabed Ladies, Society, San Diego; St.
James Ladies Society, Los Angeles; St. Paul Ladies Society, Fresno; Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Ladies Society, Reedley, and St. Andrew Ladies Society,
Cupertino for their assistance. Their contributions assisted the CEC in
completing another successful year for this project.
For more information about the Institute and plans for 2005, contact the
Western Diocese - Armenian Church Office or Maral Cingoz, project
coordinator at (510) 847-4362.
************************************************** *************************
3 - Ron Mortanian's Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
FRESNO - Ron Mortanian's class made it big recently. A Subway sandwich,
that is. In fact, so big, it is due to be listed in the Guinness Book of
World Records as the largest Subway sandwich in the United States - over
200 feet, according to organizers' records.
"I always like bigger, better and the first," says Mortanian, whose Reach
for the Stars program, which benefits special needs students, organized the
event at Fresno's Tehipite Middle School on Oct. 16. Mortanian is a Special
Education Teacher. His Language Arts Program "Reach for the Stars" enables
his students with writing skills.
The event brought out employees and owners from 18 Subway franchises to
build the monster sandwich.The sandwich was sold in $5 sections with chips
and soda. Part of the proceeds went to the Reach for the Stars program, the
rest was distributed between departments at Tehipite for teachers' use.
More than a dozen sandwich artists worked 25 minutes to create the sub,
which included 204 feet of bread, 108 pounds of turkey, 120 pounds of roast
beef, 72 pounds of hand and 72 pounds of lettuce and stretched on a table
almost the full length of the grass field behind the school.
Moving away from the typical was important for organizers, who were tired
of seeing t he standard fund-raising fare.
"It's book sales and candy sales, says Martin Viramontes, a Subway
franchise owner and event organizers."We wanted to do something unique, so
we thought, "Why not do this?'"
They brought in several local organizations for the event, including the
Fresno County Sheriff's Department - that flew in their helicopter - and
the Fresno Fire Department, which had a fire engine on display.
There was also music, dancing and more than 30 prizes given away. In all,
more than 50 local organizations and businesses took part.
Also participating in a big way was actor Max Gail, famous for playing
Detective Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz on the Barney Miller television show.
Hands gloved in latex, a knife in one hand, and a loaf of bread in another,
he asks: "Are we making this to go?"
************************************************** *************************
*********************
4 - Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) last week announced that
she has selected Tom Bohigian as her State Director. Bohigian has been on
Boxer's staff for more than 11 years, serving as Acting State Director for
the past 10 months.
Boxer, who was reelected to a third term on November 2nd, said, "I am
delighted that Tom Bohigian will stay on as my State Director. He is a
great asset to our staff and to the 35 million Californians we all serve."
As State Director, Bohigian is responsible for supervising Boxer's
California operations and her six state offices, which are located in
Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San
Diego. He will continue to be based in the senator's Fresno office and
travel widely throughout the state.
Bohigian has worked for Senator Boxer since 1993, the year she entered the
U.S. Senate. He has previously held the positions of Field Representative,
Northern California Director, and Deputy State Director. Before joining
Boxer's staff, he served as a Fresno city councilmember (1989-1993) and as
a field representative for Assemblymember Bruce Bronzan (1982-1989).
A lifelong resident of Fresno, Bohigian attended local public schools and
holds a degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno.
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5 - Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon '04
GLENDALE - Several internationally-recognized Armenian entertainers from
the folk, jazz, pop, rock and comedy worlds will perform during the
Thanksgiving Day Telethon "Make it Happen," organized by the Armenia Fund
on Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the GRAMMY® award winning band
Shadowfax, will lead Telethon 2004's live, seven-member house band with
world renowned oudist and composer John Bilezikjian. Zulal, the acclaimed
New York City-based a cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian
and Anais Alexandra Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the
12-hour international broadcast.
The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram
Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk
ensemble Winds of Passion and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by
comedian Vahe Berberian.
The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and
political leaders from Armenia, Karabakh and the Diaspora as well as
construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh and stories of lives
impacted by AFI initiated infrastructure development projects.
Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, Calif., will air throughout the United
States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS and Armenia.
Telethon 2004's goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining 52 miles
of the North-South "Backbone" Highway in Karabagh. Upon completion, the $25
million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages and provide
crucial economic, trade and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also provide continued assistance in the areas of health care, education
and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia.
Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is
available at www.armeniafund.org or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004
will also be available in full-motion web-cast on www.armeniafund.org.
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
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6 - Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
OAKLAND, Calif. - On December 1-3, Facing History and Ourselves will host a
global online conversation for educators, scholars, and university and
graduate students focusing on the difficult choices individuals, groups,
and nations have confronted - and continue to struggle with - in the face
of genocide.
The forum will build upon the issues explored in Facing History and
Ourselves' newest resource book, Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization:
The Genocide of the Armenians, as well as examine the work of contemporary
human rights activists and scholars who challenge indifference and believe
that prevention of genocide is possible.
Facing History and Ourselves staff will facilitate this three-day online
forum with the participation of leading human rights and Armenian Genocide
scholars, including Chair of Modern Armenian History at UCLA Richard
Hovannisian. Smith College Professor and human rights activist Eric Reeves,
a frequent writer and commentator on the genocide in Sudan will also join
us along with Helen Fein, the executive director of the Institute for the
Study of Genocide and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
The online forum is free of charge, Interested individuals can RSVP online.
For more information, go to http://www.facinghistory.org/agforum
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*
7 - Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
By K. George Najarian and
Carolann S. Najarian, M.D.
We would like to relate a sad, but true account of what we have experienced
within Armenia's legal system over this past year.
Let us first introduce ourselves: our humanitarian efforts in Armenia and
Artsakh have spanned nearly 16 years. Our projects began after the
earthquake and during the Artsakh liberation war and continue through
today, with more than 50 trips to Armenia, the delivery of millions of
dollars of medical supplies to both regions; the establishment of the
Primary Care Center in Gyumri (1994) and the Arpen Center for Expectant
Mothers in Artsakh (1995); hospital renovations; and many other efforts,
including the rebuilding of Tsitsernavank, the 4th c. basilica in Kashatagh
(Lachine corridor), assistance to villagers, invalids, veterans, orphans,
and schools. Our work has been carried out through the Armenian Health
Alliance, Inc. and its supporters as well as through our own private funds.
In response to the Armenian government's pleas to the Diaspora to invest in
Armenia, George undertook a project with a young man whom he met after the
earthquake and with whom he subsequently became a friend. (We even brought
him to Boston to have surgical correction of his infertility for which we
paid; he now has two children, thanks to us!)
In 1996, after a year of prodding George to finance a business venture,
they opened a photo shop as partners - he did the work and George paid for
everything. He also introduced George to various people with other business
propositions. One introduction led to our purchase of two parcels of land
in the Ethnographic Center at Tzorakugh with spectacular views of Ararat.
Throughout this time this 'friend' presented himself to us as an honest
person, thankful for the assistance we had given to him and wanting to help
George in whatever way he could.
This 'friend' was George's representative, not partner, in the development
of these two parcels of land. Thus, he had Power of Attorney to represent
George in his absence. However, he used this Power of Attorney to
fraudulently privatize in his name these lands and our two newly
constructed buildings, in effect expropriating our substantial investment.
When we understood what he had done, with the hope of
avoiding a legal battle, we tried to negotiate with him for the return of
the properties. This failed, despite offers of significant sums of money.
Without any other recourse open to us and based on the advice of legal
experts in Armenia, we filed a criminal case against him, first with the
Yerevan City Prosecutor's Office (September, 2003) and later with the
Prosecutor General of Armenia's office (March, 2004).
We had assumed the facts in the case were obvious -- "open and shut"--
given the evidence of scores of witnesses, bank documents, receipts, etc.
We had not anticipated that our 'friend' would enlist the help of
well-connected persons in the government who could influence the case
through bribes and whatever other means available to them, including
intimidating witnesses and threatening lives. In December, 2003, after a
long but superficial investigation, the Yerevan City Prosecutor's Office
dismissed the case and referred us to civil court. (We suspected the
prosecutor had been bribed but could not prove it.) On appeal, the case was
reopened at the Prosecutor General level. This time prosecutors agreed we
were the victims of fraud. They also found that the 'friend' was guilty of
tax evasion. Attempts were again made to hijack the case through dismissal
at this point but failed. While the Yerevan City Prosecutor who previously
dismissed the case admitted during a meeting at the General Prosecutor's
Office, in George's presence, that he made a mistake by dismissing the
case, the current prosecutors said that the evidence was too powerful to
dismiss, and sent the case to the next phase within the criminal process --
that of acquiring evidence for the trial.
Two investigators were assigned the task of preparing the evidence for
trial: witnesses were repeatedly called and subjected to hours of
interrogation; George returned to Armenia again to testify - this time for
more than 40 hours; and, documents were requested and provided by us for a
third time. Again, the investigation dragged on for months and despite
mountains of evidence supporting our claims, and little on the other side
supporting his claim of ownership, the two investigators doing the work
dismissed the case! Their decision, a shabby, crude, and even absurd
document completely ignored or marginalized important
evidence supporting our claims and falsified facts --openly. We were again
referred to civil court. We had information that these investigators were
following orders from persons within the government who stand to benefit
from expropriating these properties from us.
Prominent legal minds in Armenia, including experts within the government,
have advised us that this is a criminal case of fraud punishable under
Armenian law. Similar cases, with less evidence, have been fully prosecuted
by the Prosecutor General's Office. The attempt to move us into civil court
is an attempt to kill the case completely. Under Armenian law, we have no
civil case because there is no partnership agreement between the parties -
we were not partners with this 'friend.'
It pains us to tell you we did not find an objective, fair justice system
in Armenia, but instead we have seen the inside of a system wrought with
deceit and corruption that crushes even their own when they try to resist.
During this past year, in addition to our direct appeals, others, including
a high ranking member of the Armenian government, have appealed repeatedly
for a fair and objective hearing of our case to persons within the judicial
system and to President Kocharian himself.
The US Embassy is fully aware of the circumstances of our case as are a
number of US congressmen who have written to the Armenian ambassador in
Washington expressing concern over the conduct of our case - judicial
processes must be open and fair otherwise investors will be leery of
undertaking investment risk in Armenia.
It is impossible to recount all that we have been through this past year.
It has been an emotional roller coaster as we faced the fact that persons
within this government would participate in this humiliating and base fraud
against us. It appears due process of law and the protection of rights and
investments are still fragile concepts for the government of Armenia. As we
understand other Diasporans have encountered similar problems and have been
treated in this same manner. We hope with our case being made public there
will be a willingness to discuss these critical issues, and the Armenian
government will take the necessary steps to clean up corruption: the
judiciary should not exist to guarantee people in power wealth. It is no
way to build a country!
Writing about our ordeal is a very painful step taken reluctantly after one
year of struggling to get a fair hearing of our case. Although we are still
in the appeal process, we understand that our property - including the
place where we anticipated living out our retirement years - has been taken
from us. What you are not seeing, though, are the tears we have shed over
knowing that we may never be able to return to Armenia, to live and
continue our work, and knowing not only has our property been expropriated,
but we as people who have loved and worked for the good of Armenia and its
people have been so dishonestly treated.
The pain goes very deep.
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