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California Courier Online, May 18, 2006
1 - Commentary
Turkey Declares Diplomatic War
On France on Armenian Genocide Law
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Lucy Mardian, 85, wife of former mayor of Phoenix, dies
3 - Armenia Fund Donates $25,000
To Plane Crash Victims' Families
4 - Triple X Golf Tournament
Will Benefit Youth Camps
5 - Turkish PM Asks French Firms
To Help Defeat Genocide Bill
6 - Parliament Deputy Hranush Hakobyan, Actress Nora Armani
Will Highlight AIWA's 15th Anniversary Celebrations
7 - ArmenBar Holds 17th Annual
Convention in Washington, D.C.
8 - Diocesan Council
Officers Elected
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1 -Commentary
Turkey Declares Diplomatic War
On France on Armenian Genocide Law
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The Turkish government gets embroiled in diplomatic conflicts every time that
a country acknowledges the Armenian Genocide. However, what happened this
month is extraordinary even by Turkish standards. Ankara simultaneously recalled
its ambassadors from France and Canada to express its displeasure at these
countries' stands on the Armenian issue. The confrontation with Paris hasmuch
more serious repercussions as Turkey is caught between needing France's
support to join the European Union and going on an all-out offensive attempting to
stop the French Parliament from adopting a law on May 18 that would make the
denial of the Armenian Genocide a criminal offense. After recalling its
Ambassador to France, Ankara threatened to exclude French companies from
multi-billion dollar tenders, called for a boycott of French products, rallied the
Turkish community in France against this law, placed ads in various French
newspapers, pressured French companies operating in Turkey to lobby againstthis bill,
and dispatched teams of Turkish politicians, trade union officials and
businessmen to Paris to dissuade the French Parliament from such action. Both the
Turkish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with their French counterparts,
urging them to prevent their Parliament from considering such a law. The
Turkish government is outraged that the Armenian Genocide issue is being raised
once again in the heart of Europe, despite Ankara's extensive efforts to
relegate this "tragedy" to the dustbin of history. Consequently, Turkey hasresorted
to all sorts of political and economic pressures, even threats and blackmail,
to thwart the passage of the new law. In their desperation, Turkish leaders
have shamelessly tried to use the argument that the ban on genocide denial would
constitute suppression of freedom of expression! Turkey is in no position
to lecture anyone, especially a democracy like France, about the protectionof
civil rights. A pariah state like Turkey, that has long violated just about
every human right of its citizens, makes itself the laughing stock of the entire
world when it tries to give lessons to Europeans on civil liberties. The fact
is that Turkey is using all possible means in its disposal and making up
ridiculous arguments in order to silence discussion of the Armenian Genocide in
France. Regrettably, it appears that even some highly-educated and
independent-minded Turkish individuals, along with a handful of Armenians, have been
fooled by the shenanigans of the denialist leaders in Turkey. Since these
otherwise reputable individuals have come forward opposing the French bill on
grounds that it limits freedom of expression, I must say that in a perfect world no
government should restrict any of the liberties of its citizens. As the
publisher of a newspaper, I value highly freedom of the press and take full
advantage of it in my weekly columns. However, I realize that even in the United
States, where such freedoms are cherished and zealously guarded, legal limits have
been placed on them, such as libel, defamation and fraud. Freedom of speechis
therefore not an absolute right in the United States, and even less so in
France, where verbally assaulting the dignity of an individual is itself a crime
under French law! Many European countries, where such freedoms are further
restricted by outlawing racism, anti-Semitism, and advocacy of crimes against
humanity, have laws that specifically criminalize the denial of the Jewish
Holocaust. Such restrictions have not only been sanctioned by national laws, but
by the European Court for Human Rights. Isn't it ironic that neither a single
Turkish official nor any of those siding with Turkey's position on this bill
have uttered a single word against such restrictions on freedom of speech in a
dozen or so European countries? But, all of a sudden, when the French
Parliament considers making the denial of the Armenian Genocide a criminal offense,
all sorts of complaints are voiced about the sanctity and inviolability of
freedom of speech. There seems to be an unacceptable double standard in this
matter. Logically, either these other laws are also considered to be restrictive of
the freedom of speech, in which case Ankara should have complained about them
years ago, or they are not, in which case Turkish officials should not utter
a single word of complaint now! Last week, nine prominent citizens of Turkey
(Murat Belge, Halil Berktay, Hrant Dink, Muge Gocek, Ahmet Insel, Etyen
Mahcubyan, Baskin Oran, Elif Shafak, and Ragip Zarakolu) who are well-knownfor
their opposition to the Turkish state's denial of the Armenian Genocide,
surprised everyone by issuing a hasty statement which put them inadvertently and
uncomfortably in bed with Genocide denialists! They condemned the proposed French
law by claiming that the ban on the denial of the Armenian Genocide would not
only curb free discussion of this issue in France, but even more so in Turkey.
These professors and journalists, who are frequently accused of being
traitors to their nation by the Turkish "deep state," were probably trying to
rehabilitate their reputations in Turkey by issuing a statement that criticized both
Armenians and Turks. However, they seem to have overlooked five key points in
making their joint declaration:
Their utopian view of freedom of expression contradicts the Europeans'
long-standing acceptance of certain restrictions for the sake of higher values, such
as the rights and dignity of the victims of racism, genocide and crimes
against humanity.
These nine individuals singled out the proposed ban on the denial of the
Armenian Genocide in France, while remaining silent on the criminalization of the
denial of the Holocaust throughout Europe. Why is the former considered
suppression of free speech, while the latter is not?
No moral equivalence should be drawn between laws in Europe banning the
denial of the Armenian Genocide and Turkish laws banning its recognition. In
Europe, it is against the law to lie, while in Turkey, it is against the law to tell
the truth on genocide!
They unfairly accuse "Armenian nationalists" for supporting laws limiting
freedom of expression in France. This law is being debated and considered not by
"Armenian nationalists" but by the French Parliament. It is simply untrue that
the Armenian minority in France, that constitutes less than 1% of the
country's population, controls the French Parliament's actions and decisions. Similar
laws have been or are being passed also in Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.
Do "Armenian nationalists" control the parliaments of these countries too?
The proposed law, if adopted, would not ban the discussion or even the debate
on the facts of the Armenian Genocide. It would simply ban its denial.
The rationale behind the French Parliament's intent to pass such a law is
very simple and straightforward. When the French government adopted a law in
January 2001, stating that France recognized the Armenian Genocide, no punitive
damages were assigned for those violating that law. The French Parliament is now
trying to correct that oversight by prescribing a punishment for those
denying the Armenian Genocide. This is why the title page of the proposed law states
that it is intended for the "completion" of the law of 2001. Finally, all
those who are unhappy that such a law is being considered by the French
Parliament, should note that the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, 91 years after
the fact, are still hounded by a country that brings to bear all of its
powerful political and economic resources to boycott, bully and threaten everyone
around the world, from journalists to politicians, in order to silence any and
all mention of the Armenian Genocide. The descendants of the survivors of the
Armenian Genocide, who are engaged in a David vs. Goliath struggle, use what
little clout they can muster to counter the onslaught of the Turkish state,which
makes no distinction between legal and illegal means, and shows no regard for
any kind of rights, starting from the right to life and ending with the right
to be free of abuse and insults. All the while, the fledgling Republic of
Armenia, due to its many domestic problems, is unable to come to the defense of
its compatriots scattered in the four corners of the globe, leaving them alone
to fend for themselves in the face of the massive Turkish assault. The
proposed French law also corrects the existing imbalance in French law between
punishing the denial of the Holocaust, but not the denial of the Armenian
Genocide. It eliminates a glaring double standard! All those who are sidingwith the
denialist Turkish state on this bill are consciously or unconsciously backing
the victimizers against
the victims! Since the final stage of any genocide is its denial, and since
committing genocide is punishable by law, so should its denial! Even if this
law is not adopted this week by the French Parliament, the bullying behavior
exhibited once again by the Turkish government on this occasion, would surely
further erode its low standing in the eyes of the European public. A country
that uses threats and boycotts against its future partners cannot then turn
around and ask for their support to gain entry into the European Union.
Furthermore, thanks to the Turkish overreaction to this proposed law, Ankara has once
again managed to do something Armenians could never have accomplished on their
own: it has placed the Armenian Genocide issue on the front pages of
newspapers around Europe and indeed around the world. The only thing that would top
this in the future is if the Turkish government would repeat its erratic
behavior in many more countries. Should that happen, Turkey would withdraw its
ambassadors from several countries, cancel all trade, boycott foreign products, and
become an isolated pariah state - a fitting punishment for a denialist regime!
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2 - Lucy Mardian, 85, wife of former mayor of Phoenix, dies
By Brent Whiting
The Arizona Republic
PHOENIX, AZ - Lucy Mardian, wife of a former Phoenix mayor and a member of an
influential Arizona family, died Friday.
Friends said the 85-year-old Mardian will be remembered for her years of
service to Phoenix in a number of civic and charitable ventures.
"She was the ultimate lady, absolutely," said Anne Walsh, widow of Mason
Walsh, a former publisher of The Arizona Republic.
"She was the type of woman everybody would like to have as a sister," she
added.
Her husband, Sam Mardian Jr., 86, served as mayor from 1960-64. The Mardians
celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Dec. 1.
"She was totally devoted to her children," said Sam Mardian III, 62, oldest
of the couples' five children, when reached at his father's Phoenix home.
Dennis Mitchem, director of corporate relations for Northern Arizona
University, described Lucy as a warm and friendly person.
"She could laugh at herself and at things going on around her,"Mitchem said.
"She could lighten up things when political things
would sometimes get tense."
He described her death as a true loss to the community and to her family.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor
Mardian and his family for the loss of his wife."
Lucy served with the Phoenix Symphony Guild, Phoenix Art Museum League and
hospital, charitable and Kiwanis Club auxiliaries.
She had been in failing health for a number of months, said the Rev. Peter K.
Perry, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church.
It was always a joy to meet with the Mardians and hear them reflect on the
years he was active in politics, he said.
The Mardians moved to Phoenix in 1947 from Pasadena, Calif., to join his
brothers in the construction business.
Lucy Mardian, formerly Lucy Keshishian, was born in Cyprus on Oct. 6, 1920.
Her family and the Mardians came from Hadjin, a small village in Armenia.
Her parents and her husband's parents knew each other in Armenia but went
separate ways.
Lucy and Sam met in 1939 after the Keshishians traveled across the country
from New York to attend an Armenian picnic in California.
She is survived by her husband and five children, Sam III of Meyer; Jim of
Paradise Valley; Carol Pickens and Doug, both of Phoenix, and Steve of
Scottsdale, and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held May 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 5510
N. Central Ave, Phoenix.
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3 - Armenia Fund Donates $25,000
To Plane Crash Victims' Families
LOS ANGELES - Armenia Fund and its worldwide affiliates donated $25,000 to
the account set up to assist the families of the recent airliner crash that
occurred in the Black Sea on May 2, 2006. The amount was approved during the
Fund's Board of Trustees meeting which took place on May 5, 2006 in Yerevan.
The government of Armenia has set up an international account for the families
of the victims of flight 967. The airliner crash is the worst aviation
disaster in the history of Armenia,
prompting the President to declare May 5 and 6 as official days of mourning
in the republic.
Armenia Fund's U.S. Western Region leadership was on hand during and after
the disaster in Yerevan. "Armenia Fund stands ready to further provide
financial and moral assistance to the victims of this tragic incident. Armenia Fund
will make every effort to help our nation recover from this disaster," stated
Maria Mehranian at a press conference following the Board of Trustees
meeting.
Individuals or organizations interested in assisting the victims' families
through monetary means may donate to Armenia Fund and specify it as "Armavia
Victims' Account". Armenia Fund will safely transfer the entire amount to the
international account. Tax-deductible Donations could be sent to Armenia
Fund, Inc. 111 N. Jackson St. Ste. 205, Glendale, CA 91206 or by making a secure
online donation at www.armeniafund.org (Please specify "Armavia Victims'
Account). Armenia Fund, Inc. is a reliable entity that draws years of experience
in facilitating humanitarian aid to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.
International leaders and officials also sent their condolences. U.S.
Congressman Adam Schiff, representing the 29th District, pledged full U.S. support
for the investigation of the crash. "I have been in contact with the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is the transportation investigative
arm of the U.S. government and is widely recognized as the preeminent agency in
the world at investigating the cause of aircraft accidents. TheNTSB has
informed me that they stand ready to assist Armenian and Russian authorities in
investigating the disaster and that either your government or the Russian
government can request assistance through the United States Embassy in Yerevan or
Moscow", stated Schiff in a letter to President Kocharian.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure
development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S.
Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
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4 - Triple X Golf Tournament
Will Benefit Youth Camps
LOS ANGELES - For over 75 years the Los Angeles Chapter of the Triple X
Fraternity of California has enjoyed a reputation as an organization that has
contributed to the Armenian community while providing a social setting thatis
well-known throughout the state.
Part of that heritage includes the annual Armenian Open Golf Tournament, a
tradition that was started in 1955 and is eagerly anticipated each year. Since
its inception the tournament has raised over $250,000 that has been distributed
to various Armenian charities at home and abroad. The proceeds from 2005 went
to two Armenian youth camps.
This year the fraternity is presenting its' 51th Annual Tournament on June 16
at the prestigious Brookside Country Club in Pasadena, California. The
organizers of the event stress that golfers of all skill levels are invitedand
that there are trophies for each level, including a Senior flight. The trophies
will be given at an awards banquet immediately following the tournament. There
will be a sumptuous dinner, a raffle that promises to be a lot of fun, and
overall general camaraderie that occurs when Armenian golfers get together!
Those interested in participating or getting more information should call Tev
Eminian (818-366-7888) or Mike Kourtjian (818-885-6500).
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5 - Turkish PM Asks French Firms
To Help Defeat Genocide Bill
ANKARA (AP) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with
representatives of French companies Tuesday and warned them that a French bill
criminalizing denial of Armenian genocide would damage relations between their
countries, the state-owned Anatolia news agency reported. Erdogan's spokesman
confirmed the meeting took place.
On Monday, Turkey recalled its ambassador to Paris over the proposed bill,
which would make it a crime to deny that the mass killings of Armenians by
Ottoman Turks at the beginning of the 20th century constituted a genocide.
The French bill was proposed by the opposition socialists and submitted to
the French parliament. It is similar to a law making it a crime in France to
deny the Holocaust of World War II.
Turkey has used economic leverage before to punish France for its stance on
this issue: in 2001, Turkey canceled millions of dollars worth of defense deals
with French companies after lawmakers in France recognized the killings of
Armenians in Turkey as genocide.
Erdogan reportedly told the assembled company representatives in Ankara that
he wanted them to pressure the French government not to enact it. "We expect
executives of French firms to react to the draft law," Erdogan was quoted as
saying, warning that its passage would negatively affect relations. Erdogan
added that the law was not conducive to freedom of thought and expression,
Anatolia reported.
Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was widely quoted in the
Turkish news media as asking his French counterpart, "Will you throw me in jail
too?" if Gul stated that the killings were not genocide, which is official
Turkish government policy.
The recalling of the ambassador was a strong statement by Turkey, which faces
an uphill battle to win over the French public in hopes of gaining eventual
entrance to the European Union.
Turkey also recalled its ambassador to Canada over the genocide issue, saying
remarks by the Canadian prime minister recognizing the genocide could
seriously harm Turkish-Canadian relations. Turkey has said it would return both
ambassadors after consultations in Ankara.
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6 - Parliament Deputy Hranush Hakobyan, Actress Nora Armani
Will Highlight AIWA's 15th Anniversary Celebrations
BOSTON - Hranush Hakobyan, one of only five women deputies in Armenia's
Parliament, will join in the celebration of the Armenian International Women's
Association's 15th Anniversary Gala at the Oakley Country Club in Watertownon
Friday night, May 19.
The evening will feature a performance by actress Nora Armani, who recently
returned to the United States after several years of dividing her time between
London and Paris. Both women have had a long association with AIWA and will
take part also in the organization's 15th Anniversary Annual Meeting on
Saturday, May 20, at the Winchester Country Club, where the focus will be on "Paths
to Leadership: Armenian Women in Business and Government."
The public is invited to join AIWA members and friends to celebrate the
achievements of this independent, non-political and non-sectarian organization
dedicated to increasing the visibility of Armenian women and achieving an equal
role in the community.
The Anniversary Gala has been designed as a celebration, with cocktails,
dinner, and music provided by the Artie Barsamian Springtet.
The Annual Meeting on May 20 will begin with registration and coffee at 10
a.m., the business meeting at 10:30 a.m., and luncheon at 12 noon. The luncheon
program will consist of a panel discussion about effective means to encourage
women to assume leadership positions, with Hranush Hakobyan, Massachusetts
State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, Nancy and Michele Kolligian, respectively
Chairman and Director of Human Resources for Distributor Corporation of New
England, and Sharyn S. Boornazian, Leslie University Certification Officer and
Armenia liaison for AIWA's Women's Entrepreneurship Program.
Spearheading the Gala Honorary Committee are Margrit and Nishan Atinizian.
The organizing committee is headed by Olga Proudian and co-chaired by Michele
Fashjian and Margaret Kilajian.
The public is cordially invited to the Anniversary Gala on May 19 and the
Annual Meeting on May 20. Further information and reservations are available by
contacting the association at 65 Main St., Watertown, MA; telephone:
617/926-0171; e-mail: [email protected].
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7 - ArmenBar Holds 17th Annual
Convention in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC - Springtime in the nation's capitol provided a picturesque
backdrop for the 17th Annual National Meeting of the Armenian Bar Association
(Armenbar). Over 100 judges, lawyers, politicians, dignitaries and membersof
the public attended the meeting at the Embassy Row Hilton near Dupont Circle,
and were treated to a number of interesting activities, elegant receptions and
excellent substantive panel discussions.
Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee, and
Armen Kharazian, Director of Research and Analysis of the Armenian Assemblyof
America, were CO-guests of honor at the meeting luncheon. Hamparian and
Kharazian are head of the two most powerful Armenian lobby groups in the United
States, and offered encouraging words about the Armenian community and the
Republic of Armenia. Kharazian discussed the challenges and opportunities
for
the Armenian community, and stressed the areas of Genocide recognition and
assistance to Armenian, while Hamparian suggested that Armenians overcome their
past and become assertive and forceful in their efforts to obtain their
goals. Hamparian stressed the importance of activism, especially in topicssuch as
Genocide recognition and prevention. The meeting included a full day of
informative topics and lectures. Following a general business meeting, presided
over by Chairman Gary Moomjian, the membership voted on the appointment of five
new Board members.
The vote resulted in Federal Judges and Honorary Life Members Dickran
Tevrizian and Larry Burns being elected along with Armenbar Vice-Chairmanand
Chairman elect Frank Zerunyan, a City Councilman from Rolling Hills Estates,
California and accomplished attorneys Garo Hovannisian and Sonya Nercessian all
joining the Board. Tevrizian, Zerunyan and Hovannisian were on the Board
and the election installed them into their second terms.
The first lecture was given by Jacob Bournazian on the US Energy market and
the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Bournazian has been a spokesman for the US
Department of Energy under both the Clinton and the current Bush administrations.
Bournazian discussed the current US energy situation, reliance on foreign
producers of oil and other energy related prospects, in addition to future
trends and possible alternate energy sources.
Speaking next was Olga Ruda, a legal analyst and Deputy Coordinator of the
Judicial Reform Focal Area with the American Bar Association's Central European
and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI). She is primarily responsible for
managing and the implementation of the Judicial Reform Index, an assessmenttool
designed to analyze the compliance of a country's judiciary with fundamental
international standards on judicial independence. She spoke of the situation
in Armenia, giving constructive criticism and pointing out areas needing
improvement in the Armenian judicial system.
The first afternoon panel was on the topic of the Griswold v. Driscoll case
in Massachusetts. In the pending case, plaintiffs challenge the Genocide
curriculum in the Massachusetts public school system and seek to force the Board of
Education to include references to Genocide denial materials. In response to
the case, Armenbar assembled a team of attorneys and law firm, including
Bingham McCuthcheon and Wilmer Hale. Former Armenbar Treasurer and currentRights
Watch Chair Saro Kerkonian was the moderator while Zerunyan gave an overview
of Armenbar's efforts in opposing the case. Ariel Waldman of the WilmerHale
firm discussed the research of the cases which went into the filing of an
amicus brief by Armenbar. David Balabanian, the first Chairman of Armenbar,
and a preeminent attorney in California, discussed strategies and
considerations in putting together the Amicus brief with Mona Simonian, ofhis firm.
Genocide reparations was the final topic and the panel was moderated by
Thomas Samuelian, current Dean of the Law Department of the American University
of Armenia (AUA) in Yerevan. Samuelian is also the former Chairman of
Armenbar. He was joined by Manuk Hergnyan, Executive Director of Vem Spyur Media
Company in Yerevan, and Hakob Martirosyan, who holds a LLM from AUA. The panel
discussed such issues as the return of land to the Armenian community and
the Armenian Church, who have evidence in the form of deeds to real property
in Turkey. The panel also looked into the projected monetary losses suffered
by the Armenians during the Genocide.
On Saturday evening, Armenbar held a lavish reception at the Armenian
Embassy. Arman Israelyan, Counsel General of the Embassy gave words of
congratulations and encouragement to those in attendance. Lisa Barsoumian was the hostess
for the reception, and Moomjian offered a donation of $1,000.00 to the
Embassy, pointing out with pride that the members were technically on Armenian soil
while in the Embassy.
Nevart Jamgotchian, Armenbar Executive Director Betty Jamgotchian's mother,
and Nicholas Simonian, nephew of Armenbar Treasurer Vicken Simonian, provided
musical entertainment with several selections from the grand piano, including
the Armenian National Anthem.
On the last day of the meeting, the Board met once again to choose the
Officers of the corporation. Zerunyan was hairman, Melineh Verma of the Wilmer Hale
firm was appointed Vice-Chair, Rita Bojalian, an employment specialist with
CBS, became Secretary and Edvin Minassian, a certified specialist in worker's
compensation law, became Treasurer.
On May 1, several members and guests of Armenbar attended a session of the US
Supreme Court, where nine members were sworn in into the court. Shahinian
served as the sponsor who presented the qualified Armenian attorneys to the
court. Armenbar had the largest number of applicants that day. It was a
memorable experience for all in attendance, as they ere able to see the court in
action, with its two newest members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate
Justice Samuel Alito.
Armenbar will next meet in Philadelphia in mid-September, for its Midyear
meeting. The Board of Governors resolved to hold s 2006 Annual National meeting
in Santa Monica, California.
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8 - Diocesan Council
Officers Elected
COSTA MESA, Calif. - At the conclusion of the 79th Assembly of the Diocesan
Assembly on May 6, the delegates elected the officers after two days of
deliberations, reports and discussion.
Held at the St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa mesa, the Assembly,
conducted under the auspices of the Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
elected the following slate of officers: Diocesan Assembly Vice Chair Deacon Rod
Jorjorian
Diocesan Assembly Armenian Secretary Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian; Diocesan
Assembly English Secretary Shoghig Giragosian; Diocesan Council - clergy Rev.
Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian; Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian; Diocesan Council -
laymen Ben Krikorian, Deacon Barlow Der-Mugrdechian, Joseph Kanimian,
Esq.,,Armen Hampar, Auditing Committee Sarkis Der Sarkisian The Primate presented this
year's Archbishop's Award to Mrs. Lily Balian, Chair of the Ladies' Auxiliary.
The Primate commended Mrs. Balian's service over the past many years, as well
as her extensive accomplishments in a variety of fields. The Primate presented
certificates of "Blessings and Appreciation" to the sponsors of the banquet,
donors, and the members of the organizing committee.
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1 - Commentary
Turkey Declares Diplomatic War
On France on Armenian Genocide Law
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Lucy Mardian, 85, wife of former mayor of Phoenix, dies
3 - Armenia Fund Donates $25,000
To Plane Crash Victims' Families
4 - Triple X Golf Tournament
Will Benefit Youth Camps
5 - Turkish PM Asks French Firms
To Help Defeat Genocide Bill
6 - Parliament Deputy Hranush Hakobyan, Actress Nora Armani
Will Highlight AIWA's 15th Anniversary Celebrations
7 - ArmenBar Holds 17th Annual
Convention in Washington, D.C.
8 - Diocesan Council
Officers Elected
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1 -Commentary
Turkey Declares Diplomatic War
On France on Armenian Genocide Law
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The Turkish government gets embroiled in diplomatic conflicts every time that
a country acknowledges the Armenian Genocide. However, what happened this
month is extraordinary even by Turkish standards. Ankara simultaneously recalled
its ambassadors from France and Canada to express its displeasure at these
countries' stands on the Armenian issue. The confrontation with Paris hasmuch
more serious repercussions as Turkey is caught between needing France's
support to join the European Union and going on an all-out offensive attempting to
stop the French Parliament from adopting a law on May 18 that would make the
denial of the Armenian Genocide a criminal offense. After recalling its
Ambassador to France, Ankara threatened to exclude French companies from
multi-billion dollar tenders, called for a boycott of French products, rallied the
Turkish community in France against this law, placed ads in various French
newspapers, pressured French companies operating in Turkey to lobby againstthis bill,
and dispatched teams of Turkish politicians, trade union officials and
businessmen to Paris to dissuade the French Parliament from such action. Both the
Turkish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with their French counterparts,
urging them to prevent their Parliament from considering such a law. The
Turkish government is outraged that the Armenian Genocide issue is being raised
once again in the heart of Europe, despite Ankara's extensive efforts to
relegate this "tragedy" to the dustbin of history. Consequently, Turkey hasresorted
to all sorts of political and economic pressures, even threats and blackmail,
to thwart the passage of the new law. In their desperation, Turkish leaders
have shamelessly tried to use the argument that the ban on genocide denial would
constitute suppression of freedom of expression! Turkey is in no position
to lecture anyone, especially a democracy like France, about the protectionof
civil rights. A pariah state like Turkey, that has long violated just about
every human right of its citizens, makes itself the laughing stock of the entire
world when it tries to give lessons to Europeans on civil liberties. The fact
is that Turkey is using all possible means in its disposal and making up
ridiculous arguments in order to silence discussion of the Armenian Genocide in
France. Regrettably, it appears that even some highly-educated and
independent-minded Turkish individuals, along with a handful of Armenians, have been
fooled by the shenanigans of the denialist leaders in Turkey. Since these
otherwise reputable individuals have come forward opposing the French bill on
grounds that it limits freedom of expression, I must say that in a perfect world no
government should restrict any of the liberties of its citizens. As the
publisher of a newspaper, I value highly freedom of the press and take full
advantage of it in my weekly columns. However, I realize that even in the United
States, where such freedoms are cherished and zealously guarded, legal limits have
been placed on them, such as libel, defamation and fraud. Freedom of speechis
therefore not an absolute right in the United States, and even less so in
France, where verbally assaulting the dignity of an individual is itself a crime
under French law! Many European countries, where such freedoms are further
restricted by outlawing racism, anti-Semitism, and advocacy of crimes against
humanity, have laws that specifically criminalize the denial of the Jewish
Holocaust. Such restrictions have not only been sanctioned by national laws, but
by the European Court for Human Rights. Isn't it ironic that neither a single
Turkish official nor any of those siding with Turkey's position on this bill
have uttered a single word against such restrictions on freedom of speech in a
dozen or so European countries? But, all of a sudden, when the French
Parliament considers making the denial of the Armenian Genocide a criminal offense,
all sorts of complaints are voiced about the sanctity and inviolability of
freedom of speech. There seems to be an unacceptable double standard in this
matter. Logically, either these other laws are also considered to be restrictive of
the freedom of speech, in which case Ankara should have complained about them
years ago, or they are not, in which case Turkish officials should not utter
a single word of complaint now! Last week, nine prominent citizens of Turkey
(Murat Belge, Halil Berktay, Hrant Dink, Muge Gocek, Ahmet Insel, Etyen
Mahcubyan, Baskin Oran, Elif Shafak, and Ragip Zarakolu) who are well-knownfor
their opposition to the Turkish state's denial of the Armenian Genocide,
surprised everyone by issuing a hasty statement which put them inadvertently and
uncomfortably in bed with Genocide denialists! They condemned the proposed French
law by claiming that the ban on the denial of the Armenian Genocide would not
only curb free discussion of this issue in France, but even more so in Turkey.
These professors and journalists, who are frequently accused of being
traitors to their nation by the Turkish "deep state," were probably trying to
rehabilitate their reputations in Turkey by issuing a statement that criticized both
Armenians and Turks. However, they seem to have overlooked five key points in
making their joint declaration:
Their utopian view of freedom of expression contradicts the Europeans'
long-standing acceptance of certain restrictions for the sake of higher values, such
as the rights and dignity of the victims of racism, genocide and crimes
against humanity.
These nine individuals singled out the proposed ban on the denial of the
Armenian Genocide in France, while remaining silent on the criminalization of the
denial of the Holocaust throughout Europe. Why is the former considered
suppression of free speech, while the latter is not?
No moral equivalence should be drawn between laws in Europe banning the
denial of the Armenian Genocide and Turkish laws banning its recognition. In
Europe, it is against the law to lie, while in Turkey, it is against the law to tell
the truth on genocide!
They unfairly accuse "Armenian nationalists" for supporting laws limiting
freedom of expression in France. This law is being debated and considered not by
"Armenian nationalists" but by the French Parliament. It is simply untrue that
the Armenian minority in France, that constitutes less than 1% of the
country's population, controls the French Parliament's actions and decisions. Similar
laws have been or are being passed also in Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.
Do "Armenian nationalists" control the parliaments of these countries too?
The proposed law, if adopted, would not ban the discussion or even the debate
on the facts of the Armenian Genocide. It would simply ban its denial.
The rationale behind the French Parliament's intent to pass such a law is
very simple and straightforward. When the French government adopted a law in
January 2001, stating that France recognized the Armenian Genocide, no punitive
damages were assigned for those violating that law. The French Parliament is now
trying to correct that oversight by prescribing a punishment for those
denying the Armenian Genocide. This is why the title page of the proposed law states
that it is intended for the "completion" of the law of 2001. Finally, all
those who are unhappy that such a law is being considered by the French
Parliament, should note that the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, 91 years after
the fact, are still hounded by a country that brings to bear all of its
powerful political and economic resources to boycott, bully and threaten everyone
around the world, from journalists to politicians, in order to silence any and
all mention of the Armenian Genocide. The descendants of the survivors of the
Armenian Genocide, who are engaged in a David vs. Goliath struggle, use what
little clout they can muster to counter the onslaught of the Turkish state,which
makes no distinction between legal and illegal means, and shows no regard for
any kind of rights, starting from the right to life and ending with the right
to be free of abuse and insults. All the while, the fledgling Republic of
Armenia, due to its many domestic problems, is unable to come to the defense of
its compatriots scattered in the four corners of the globe, leaving them alone
to fend for themselves in the face of the massive Turkish assault. The
proposed French law also corrects the existing imbalance in French law between
punishing the denial of the Holocaust, but not the denial of the Armenian
Genocide. It eliminates a glaring double standard! All those who are sidingwith the
denialist Turkish state on this bill are consciously or unconsciously backing
the victimizers against
the victims! Since the final stage of any genocide is its denial, and since
committing genocide is punishable by law, so should its denial! Even if this
law is not adopted this week by the French Parliament, the bullying behavior
exhibited once again by the Turkish government on this occasion, would surely
further erode its low standing in the eyes of the European public. A country
that uses threats and boycotts against its future partners cannot then turn
around and ask for their support to gain entry into the European Union.
Furthermore, thanks to the Turkish overreaction to this proposed law, Ankara has once
again managed to do something Armenians could never have accomplished on their
own: it has placed the Armenian Genocide issue on the front pages of
newspapers around Europe and indeed around the world. The only thing that would top
this in the future is if the Turkish government would repeat its erratic
behavior in many more countries. Should that happen, Turkey would withdraw its
ambassadors from several countries, cancel all trade, boycott foreign products, and
become an isolated pariah state - a fitting punishment for a denialist regime!
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2 - Lucy Mardian, 85, wife of former mayor of Phoenix, dies
By Brent Whiting
The Arizona Republic
PHOENIX, AZ - Lucy Mardian, wife of a former Phoenix mayor and a member of an
influential Arizona family, died Friday.
Friends said the 85-year-old Mardian will be remembered for her years of
service to Phoenix in a number of civic and charitable ventures.
"She was the ultimate lady, absolutely," said Anne Walsh, widow of Mason
Walsh, a former publisher of The Arizona Republic.
"She was the type of woman everybody would like to have as a sister," she
added.
Her husband, Sam Mardian Jr., 86, served as mayor from 1960-64. The Mardians
celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Dec. 1.
"She was totally devoted to her children," said Sam Mardian III, 62, oldest
of the couples' five children, when reached at his father's Phoenix home.
Dennis Mitchem, director of corporate relations for Northern Arizona
University, described Lucy as a warm and friendly person.
"She could laugh at herself and at things going on around her,"Mitchem said.
"She could lighten up things when political things
would sometimes get tense."
He described her death as a true loss to the community and to her family.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor
Mardian and his family for the loss of his wife."
Lucy served with the Phoenix Symphony Guild, Phoenix Art Museum League and
hospital, charitable and Kiwanis Club auxiliaries.
She had been in failing health for a number of months, said the Rev. Peter K.
Perry, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church.
It was always a joy to meet with the Mardians and hear them reflect on the
years he was active in politics, he said.
The Mardians moved to Phoenix in 1947 from Pasadena, Calif., to join his
brothers in the construction business.
Lucy Mardian, formerly Lucy Keshishian, was born in Cyprus on Oct. 6, 1920.
Her family and the Mardians came from Hadjin, a small village in Armenia.
Her parents and her husband's parents knew each other in Armenia but went
separate ways.
Lucy and Sam met in 1939 after the Keshishians traveled across the country
from New York to attend an Armenian picnic in California.
She is survived by her husband and five children, Sam III of Meyer; Jim of
Paradise Valley; Carol Pickens and Doug, both of Phoenix, and Steve of
Scottsdale, and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held May 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 5510
N. Central Ave, Phoenix.
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3 - Armenia Fund Donates $25,000
To Plane Crash Victims' Families
LOS ANGELES - Armenia Fund and its worldwide affiliates donated $25,000 to
the account set up to assist the families of the recent airliner crash that
occurred in the Black Sea on May 2, 2006. The amount was approved during the
Fund's Board of Trustees meeting which took place on May 5, 2006 in Yerevan.
The government of Armenia has set up an international account for the families
of the victims of flight 967. The airliner crash is the worst aviation
disaster in the history of Armenia,
prompting the President to declare May 5 and 6 as official days of mourning
in the republic.
Armenia Fund's U.S. Western Region leadership was on hand during and after
the disaster in Yerevan. "Armenia Fund stands ready to further provide
financial and moral assistance to the victims of this tragic incident. Armenia Fund
will make every effort to help our nation recover from this disaster," stated
Maria Mehranian at a press conference following the Board of Trustees
meeting.
Individuals or organizations interested in assisting the victims' families
through monetary means may donate to Armenia Fund and specify it as "Armavia
Victims' Account". Armenia Fund will safely transfer the entire amount to the
international account. Tax-deductible Donations could be sent to Armenia
Fund, Inc. 111 N. Jackson St. Ste. 205, Glendale, CA 91206 or by making a secure
online donation at www.armeniafund.org (Please specify "Armavia Victims'
Account). Armenia Fund, Inc. is a reliable entity that draws years of experience
in facilitating humanitarian aid to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.
International leaders and officials also sent their condolences. U.S.
Congressman Adam Schiff, representing the 29th District, pledged full U.S. support
for the investigation of the crash. "I have been in contact with the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is the transportation investigative
arm of the U.S. government and is widely recognized as the preeminent agency in
the world at investigating the cause of aircraft accidents. TheNTSB has
informed me that they stand ready to assist Armenian and Russian authorities in
investigating the disaster and that either your government or the Russian
government can request assistance through the United States Embassy in Yerevan or
Moscow", stated Schiff in a letter to President Kocharian.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure
development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S.
Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
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4 - Triple X Golf Tournament
Will Benefit Youth Camps
LOS ANGELES - For over 75 years the Los Angeles Chapter of the Triple X
Fraternity of California has enjoyed a reputation as an organization that has
contributed to the Armenian community while providing a social setting thatis
well-known throughout the state.
Part of that heritage includes the annual Armenian Open Golf Tournament, a
tradition that was started in 1955 and is eagerly anticipated each year. Since
its inception the tournament has raised over $250,000 that has been distributed
to various Armenian charities at home and abroad. The proceeds from 2005 went
to two Armenian youth camps.
This year the fraternity is presenting its' 51th Annual Tournament on June 16
at the prestigious Brookside Country Club in Pasadena, California. The
organizers of the event stress that golfers of all skill levels are invitedand
that there are trophies for each level, including a Senior flight. The trophies
will be given at an awards banquet immediately following the tournament. There
will be a sumptuous dinner, a raffle that promises to be a lot of fun, and
overall general camaraderie that occurs when Armenian golfers get together!
Those interested in participating or getting more information should call Tev
Eminian (818-366-7888) or Mike Kourtjian (818-885-6500).
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5 - Turkish PM Asks French Firms
To Help Defeat Genocide Bill
ANKARA (AP) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with
representatives of French companies Tuesday and warned them that a French bill
criminalizing denial of Armenian genocide would damage relations between their
countries, the state-owned Anatolia news agency reported. Erdogan's spokesman
confirmed the meeting took place.
On Monday, Turkey recalled its ambassador to Paris over the proposed bill,
which would make it a crime to deny that the mass killings of Armenians by
Ottoman Turks at the beginning of the 20th century constituted a genocide.
The French bill was proposed by the opposition socialists and submitted to
the French parliament. It is similar to a law making it a crime in France to
deny the Holocaust of World War II.
Turkey has used economic leverage before to punish France for its stance on
this issue: in 2001, Turkey canceled millions of dollars worth of defense deals
with French companies after lawmakers in France recognized the killings of
Armenians in Turkey as genocide.
Erdogan reportedly told the assembled company representatives in Ankara that
he wanted them to pressure the French government not to enact it. "We expect
executives of French firms to react to the draft law," Erdogan was quoted as
saying, warning that its passage would negatively affect relations. Erdogan
added that the law was not conducive to freedom of thought and expression,
Anatolia reported.
Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was widely quoted in the
Turkish news media as asking his French counterpart, "Will you throw me in jail
too?" if Gul stated that the killings were not genocide, which is official
Turkish government policy.
The recalling of the ambassador was a strong statement by Turkey, which faces
an uphill battle to win over the French public in hopes of gaining eventual
entrance to the European Union.
Turkey also recalled its ambassador to Canada over the genocide issue, saying
remarks by the Canadian prime minister recognizing the genocide could
seriously harm Turkish-Canadian relations. Turkey has said it would return both
ambassadors after consultations in Ankara.
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6 - Parliament Deputy Hranush Hakobyan, Actress Nora Armani
Will Highlight AIWA's 15th Anniversary Celebrations
BOSTON - Hranush Hakobyan, one of only five women deputies in Armenia's
Parliament, will join in the celebration of the Armenian International Women's
Association's 15th Anniversary Gala at the Oakley Country Club in Watertownon
Friday night, May 19.
The evening will feature a performance by actress Nora Armani, who recently
returned to the United States after several years of dividing her time between
London and Paris. Both women have had a long association with AIWA and will
take part also in the organization's 15th Anniversary Annual Meeting on
Saturday, May 20, at the Winchester Country Club, where the focus will be on "Paths
to Leadership: Armenian Women in Business and Government."
The public is invited to join AIWA members and friends to celebrate the
achievements of this independent, non-political and non-sectarian organization
dedicated to increasing the visibility of Armenian women and achieving an equal
role in the community.
The Anniversary Gala has been designed as a celebration, with cocktails,
dinner, and music provided by the Artie Barsamian Springtet.
The Annual Meeting on May 20 will begin with registration and coffee at 10
a.m., the business meeting at 10:30 a.m., and luncheon at 12 noon. The luncheon
program will consist of a panel discussion about effective means to encourage
women to assume leadership positions, with Hranush Hakobyan, Massachusetts
State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, Nancy and Michele Kolligian, respectively
Chairman and Director of Human Resources for Distributor Corporation of New
England, and Sharyn S. Boornazian, Leslie University Certification Officer and
Armenia liaison for AIWA's Women's Entrepreneurship Program.
Spearheading the Gala Honorary Committee are Margrit and Nishan Atinizian.
The organizing committee is headed by Olga Proudian and co-chaired by Michele
Fashjian and Margaret Kilajian.
The public is cordially invited to the Anniversary Gala on May 19 and the
Annual Meeting on May 20. Further information and reservations are available by
contacting the association at 65 Main St., Watertown, MA; telephone:
617/926-0171; e-mail: [email protected].
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7 - ArmenBar Holds 17th Annual
Convention in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC - Springtime in the nation's capitol provided a picturesque
backdrop for the 17th Annual National Meeting of the Armenian Bar Association
(Armenbar). Over 100 judges, lawyers, politicians, dignitaries and membersof
the public attended the meeting at the Embassy Row Hilton near Dupont Circle,
and were treated to a number of interesting activities, elegant receptions and
excellent substantive panel discussions.
Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee, and
Armen Kharazian, Director of Research and Analysis of the Armenian Assemblyof
America, were CO-guests of honor at the meeting luncheon. Hamparian and
Kharazian are head of the two most powerful Armenian lobby groups in the United
States, and offered encouraging words about the Armenian community and the
Republic of Armenia. Kharazian discussed the challenges and opportunities
for
the Armenian community, and stressed the areas of Genocide recognition and
assistance to Armenian, while Hamparian suggested that Armenians overcome their
past and become assertive and forceful in their efforts to obtain their
goals. Hamparian stressed the importance of activism, especially in topicssuch as
Genocide recognition and prevention. The meeting included a full day of
informative topics and lectures. Following a general business meeting, presided
over by Chairman Gary Moomjian, the membership voted on the appointment of five
new Board members.
The vote resulted in Federal Judges and Honorary Life Members Dickran
Tevrizian and Larry Burns being elected along with Armenbar Vice-Chairmanand
Chairman elect Frank Zerunyan, a City Councilman from Rolling Hills Estates,
California and accomplished attorneys Garo Hovannisian and Sonya Nercessian all
joining the Board. Tevrizian, Zerunyan and Hovannisian were on the Board
and the election installed them into their second terms.
The first lecture was given by Jacob Bournazian on the US Energy market and
the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Bournazian has been a spokesman for the US
Department of Energy under both the Clinton and the current Bush administrations.
Bournazian discussed the current US energy situation, reliance on foreign
producers of oil and other energy related prospects, in addition to future
trends and possible alternate energy sources.
Speaking next was Olga Ruda, a legal analyst and Deputy Coordinator of the
Judicial Reform Focal Area with the American Bar Association's Central European
and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI). She is primarily responsible for
managing and the implementation of the Judicial Reform Index, an assessmenttool
designed to analyze the compliance of a country's judiciary with fundamental
international standards on judicial independence. She spoke of the situation
in Armenia, giving constructive criticism and pointing out areas needing
improvement in the Armenian judicial system.
The first afternoon panel was on the topic of the Griswold v. Driscoll case
in Massachusetts. In the pending case, plaintiffs challenge the Genocide
curriculum in the Massachusetts public school system and seek to force the Board of
Education to include references to Genocide denial materials. In response to
the case, Armenbar assembled a team of attorneys and law firm, including
Bingham McCuthcheon and Wilmer Hale. Former Armenbar Treasurer and currentRights
Watch Chair Saro Kerkonian was the moderator while Zerunyan gave an overview
of Armenbar's efforts in opposing the case. Ariel Waldman of the WilmerHale
firm discussed the research of the cases which went into the filing of an
amicus brief by Armenbar. David Balabanian, the first Chairman of Armenbar,
and a preeminent attorney in California, discussed strategies and
considerations in putting together the Amicus brief with Mona Simonian, ofhis firm.
Genocide reparations was the final topic and the panel was moderated by
Thomas Samuelian, current Dean of the Law Department of the American University
of Armenia (AUA) in Yerevan. Samuelian is also the former Chairman of
Armenbar. He was joined by Manuk Hergnyan, Executive Director of Vem Spyur Media
Company in Yerevan, and Hakob Martirosyan, who holds a LLM from AUA. The panel
discussed such issues as the return of land to the Armenian community and
the Armenian Church, who have evidence in the form of deeds to real property
in Turkey. The panel also looked into the projected monetary losses suffered
by the Armenians during the Genocide.
On Saturday evening, Armenbar held a lavish reception at the Armenian
Embassy. Arman Israelyan, Counsel General of the Embassy gave words of
congratulations and encouragement to those in attendance. Lisa Barsoumian was the hostess
for the reception, and Moomjian offered a donation of $1,000.00 to the
Embassy, pointing out with pride that the members were technically on Armenian soil
while in the Embassy.
Nevart Jamgotchian, Armenbar Executive Director Betty Jamgotchian's mother,
and Nicholas Simonian, nephew of Armenbar Treasurer Vicken Simonian, provided
musical entertainment with several selections from the grand piano, including
the Armenian National Anthem.
On the last day of the meeting, the Board met once again to choose the
Officers of the corporation. Zerunyan was hairman, Melineh Verma of the Wilmer Hale
firm was appointed Vice-Chair, Rita Bojalian, an employment specialist with
CBS, became Secretary and Edvin Minassian, a certified specialist in worker's
compensation law, became Treasurer.
On May 1, several members and guests of Armenbar attended a session of the US
Supreme Court, where nine members were sworn in into the court. Shahinian
served as the sponsor who presented the qualified Armenian attorneys to the
court. Armenbar had the largest number of applicants that day. It was a
memorable experience for all in attendance, as they ere able to see the court in
action, with its two newest members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate
Justice Samuel Alito.
Armenbar will next meet in Philadelphia in mid-September, for its Midyear
meeting. The Board of Governors resolved to hold s 2006 Annual National meeting
in Santa Monica, California.
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8 - Diocesan Council
Officers Elected
COSTA MESA, Calif. - At the conclusion of the 79th Assembly of the Diocesan
Assembly on May 6, the delegates elected the officers after two days of
deliberations, reports and discussion.
Held at the St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa mesa, the Assembly,
conducted under the auspices of the Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
elected the following slate of officers: Diocesan Assembly Vice Chair Deacon Rod
Jorjorian
Diocesan Assembly Armenian Secretary Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian; Diocesan
Assembly English Secretary Shoghig Giragosian; Diocesan Council - clergy Rev.
Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian; Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian; Diocesan Council -
laymen Ben Krikorian, Deacon Barlow Der-Mugrdechian, Joseph Kanimian,
Esq.,,Armen Hampar, Auditing Committee Sarkis Der Sarkisian The Primate presented this
year's Archbishop's Award to Mrs. Lily Balian, Chair of the Ladies' Auxiliary.
The Primate commended Mrs. Balian's service over the past many years, as well
as her extensive accomplishments in a variety of fields. The Primate presented
certificates of "Blessings and Appreciation" to the sponsors of the banquet,
donors, and the members of the organizing committee.
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