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Asbarez Armenian News
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Link: http://asbarez.com
Description: Grassroots Media Bringing News & Views From Armenia, the Diaspora and Around the World
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Prince Charles To Visit Armenia On May 28
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110251/prince-charles-to-visit-armenia-on-may-28/
Description: Prince Charles LONDON Charles, the Prince of Wales, will pay a private visit to Armenia May 28-30 at the invitation of the Yerevan, My Love charity foundation. Prince Charles will visit historical-cultural sites in Armenia. The Prince will visit Matenadaran, the ancient manuscript repository and research center, which holds 17,000 Armenian and foreign manuscripts and 30,000 other documents which cover a wide array of subjects such as historiography, geography, philosophy, grammar, art, history, ... read more »
Anca-wr Congratulates Eric Garcetti
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110255/anca-wr-congratulates-eric-garcetti/
Description: Eric Garecetti, center with Councilman Paul Krekorian, and ANCA-WR Board and chapter memebrs LOS ANGELES The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region ANCA-WR and its 5 local chapters in the City of Los Angeles, ANCA Hollywood, ANCA Crescenta Valley, ANCA San Fernando Valley East, West and North congratulate Eric Garcetti on being elected as the next Mayor for the great City of Los Angeles. Though the City Clerk has not yet returned canvass for the May 21 City of Los Angeles Election... read more »
Co-chairmen Mediating New Armenian-azeri Summit
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110258/co-chairmen-mediating-new-armenian-azeri-summit/
Description: OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmen meet with President Sarkisian on Friday YEREVAN RFE/RL Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding intensive discussions to try to arrange a fresh meeting of their presidents on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, international mediators said in Yerevan on Friday. The U.S., Russian and French diplomats co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group met with President Serzh Sarkisian and Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian during a fresh tour of the conflict zone. They held talks with Azerbaijan s... read more »
Anca-wr To Host Town Hall Meeting In Seattle Area
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110262/anca-wr-...st-town-hall-meeting-in-seattle-area/
Description: ANCA-WR Townhall in Seattle LOS ANGELES True to its grassroots, the ANCA will continue its road trip around the Western United States, now with a stop in the state of Washington. On Sunday, June 2 at noon the Armenian National Committee of American Western Region will host its next Town Hall at the Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church located in Redmond, Washington. The town hall meetings play a key role in connecting with the different communities in the region and learning about their n... read more »
Spitrain Vi
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110265/spitrain-vi/
Description: A glod mine in Armenia BY GAREN YEGPARIAN It has been almost three years since any person or organization won the much-coveted SpitRain award, but boy-oh-boy does this winner deserve it in a grand way. You ll remember Spit-Rain comes from the Armenian saying, He s so shameless, if you spit in his face, he d think it s rain. The winner is Deno Gold Mining Company operating a gold mine in Ghapan , a wholly owned subsidiary of Dundee Precious Metals DPM , a Canadian company whose stock is traded on... read more »
Massis Kabob: Old World Charm In The Century City Mall
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110268/massis-k...world-charm-in-the-century-city-mall/
Description: Customers gather at the new Massis Kabob in Century City BY ELIZA GALFAYAN After more than 30 years in business Massis Kabob has definitely perfected the art of the kabob experience in the fast food sector. When Jack Baghdassarian opened his flagship store in the Glendale Galleria in 1976 there was nothing like it in the fast food world. Today, the Massis International Grill franchise has five locations in four malls including the Glendale Galleria, Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, Santa Anita Shopp... read more »
Walk Of Life Draws Strong Community Support And Youth Participation
Published: Friday May 24th 11AM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110272/walk-of-...nity-support-and-youth-participation/
Description: The start of the walkathon, at Glendale Memorial Hospital Annual event advances ABMDR s life-saving mission worldwide LOS ANGELES More than 500 supporters participated in Walk of Life 2013, the eighth annual walkathon of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry ABMDR . The jubilant community event took place on the morning of Saturday, May 4, in Glendale, California. The 5-K walk-run started at the plaza of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, looped through central Glendale, and conclud... read more »
Funeral Services Set For Allen And Sos
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110175/funeral-services-set-for-allen-and-sose/
Description: Funeral services set for Allen and Sos Funeral arrangements have been made public for Allen Yekikian and his wife, Sos Thomassian-Yekikian, who tragically perished in a car accident on May 10 in Georgia, the late couple s families announced Tuesday. A funeral Mass will be said on Saturday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary s Armenian Apostolic Church, 500 S. Central Avenue, Glendale. Burial will follow immediately at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. A memorial gat... read more »
Vision, Dream, Love, Passion, Hope And Unanswered Questions
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110246/vision-d...assion-hope-and-unanswered-questions/
Description: Heghinar Melkom Melkomian BY HEGHINAR MELKOM MELKOMIAN Just like any other day in my life during the past 25 months, on the morning of May 11, I was busy with the kids when my sister came out of her room and said, Ahh, I m so tired. Barely slept last night. Insomnia Why didn t you sleep I asked. No, she replied, I read about the death of this young couple and lost sleep Allen I think… Sose and A What Wait What did you say Allen I almost began to shout without realizing I was doing so. My h... read more »
Military Vows Firings Over Deadly Shooting
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110243/military-vows-firings-over-deadly-shooting/
Description: Relatives of Lyuks Stepanian, a soldier killed by a fellow conscript on May 15, demonstrate on a highway outside of Yerevan YEREVAN RFE/RL Several army officers are currently under investigation and will be sacked in connection with the latest non-combat death of an Armenian soldier, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday. The soldier, Lyuks Stepanian, was shot and killed by a fellow conscript, Davit Khachatrian, in still unclear circumstances on May 15. Another soldier from their army unit deplo... read more »
Australian Politician Hits Back At Turkey S Gallipoli Ban Threat
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110240/australi...back-at-turkeys-gallipoli-ban-threat/
Description: Marie Ficara SYDNEY–Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Marie Ficarra has condemned a statement released by the Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which suggests the country will block Australian politicians from visiting Gallipoli for the centenary of ANZAC Day in 2015. Turkey s statement was made after both Houses of the NSW Parliament adopted unanimous motions, recognizing the Greek and Assyrian genocides as well as reaffirming the Armenian Genocide. The statement says... read more »
Turkish-armenian Writer Given Jail Sentence For Blasphemy
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110213/turkish-...er-given-jail-sentence-for-blasphemy/
Description: Sevan Nisanyan ISTANBUL Reuters An Istanbul court has sentenced a Turkish-Armenian author and blogger to more than a year in prison for insulting the Prophet Mohammad, local media reported on Wednesday, weeks after a similar case caused alarm among secularists. Sevan Nisanyan, who has authored several books and who runs a blog on what he describes as “history, religion and a little politics”, posted a link to the offending blog on his Twitter account following the ruling. The accompa... read more »
Illinois Anca Hosts Conference On Armenian, Assyrian And Greek Genocides
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110234/illinois...rmenian-assyrian-and-greek-genocides/
Description: Participants in the International Conference on the Ottoman Turkish Genocides of Anatolian Christians SKOKIE, Ill. The largest academic conference ever held focusing on the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocides concluded on Saturday, May 11, after two days of presentations by more than a dozen scholars from Armenia, Australia, England and across North America. The event, titled The Ottoman Turkish Genocides of Anatolian Christians: A Common Case Study, was organized by the ANCA of Illinois, the... read more »
Rep. Cardenas To Be Strong Leader In Congress
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110231/rep-cardenas-to-be-strong-leader-in-congress/
Description: Rep. Cardenas with ANCA's Elen Asatryan LOS ANGELES As the sun rose and settled above North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley on the morning of May 13, 2013 a breakfast meeting was marked by firsts. First-term Congressman Tony Cardenas, newly elected to represent California s 29th Congressional District met with Elen Asatryan, who was enjoying her first day on the job in her new post as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region ANCA-WR . The intro... read more »
Blazing New Trails For Armenia S Olympic Skiing
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110217/blazing-...for-armenia e2 80 99s-olympic-skiing/
Description: Arman Serebrakian is full speed ahead in his quest to bring Armenia a skiing medal in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Arman Serebrakian aims to bring gold for Armenia at Sochi Olympics BY TOM VARTABEDIAN PHILADELPHIA The road to Sochi may be high and mighty but Arman Serebrakian is prepared to take his leaps and bounds. His passion is skiing. His intent To bring Armenia a skiing medal in the 2014 World Olympic Games in Russia or the very least, some credibility in the sport. One ... read more »
Pan-homenetmen Games To Take Place In Armenia
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110225/pan-homenetmen-games-to-take-place-in-armenia/
Description: Homenetmen Pan Armenian Games The Homenetmen Central Executive announced the organization of the 9th Pan Homenetmen Games. The games, a highly anticipated tradition whereby hundreds of Homenetmen s youth from around the world assemble to meet, compete, and strengthen their Armenian spirit and identity, take place every four years in a country where Homenetmen has a presence and a well-organized chapter. This year, the 9th Pan Homenetmen Games will be held in Yerevan, from July 27 to August 3. Th... read more »
Montebello Donates Surplus Fire Engine To Armenia
Published: Thursday May 23rd 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110221/montebel...nates-surplus-fire-engine-to-armenia/
Description: Kids explore one of Montebello s fire engines during Fire Service day on May 11. EGP photo by Nancy Martinez MONTEBELLO EGP News A fire engine that has been used for over two decades in Montebello will travel across the world to help save lives in Armenia, a donation approved by the city council. Council members authorized the fire department to declare the fire engine as surplus and then approved the donation of the fire apparatus to Armenia during last week s council meeting. Armenia is a coun... read more »
Glendale Schools To Close On April 24
Published: Tuesday May 21st 4PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110180/glendale-schools-to-close-on-april-24/
Description: Glendale Unified School District GLENDALE The Glendale Unified School District Board on May 16 announced that beginning in 2014, all schools will be closed on April 24 out of respect for the large Armenian community in Glendale and La Crescenta. With this agreement on next year’s calendar, we are meeting the needs of our students, employees and community simultaneously, said Board President Nayiri Nahabedian, who added that the decision accommodates the commemoration of the Armenian Genoci... read more »
Moscow Finds Karabakh Status Quo Unacceptable
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110184/moscow-f...s-quo- e2 80 98unacceptable e2 80 99/
Description: Elmar Mammadyarov and Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday MOSCOW Combined Sources Russia s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday said that the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was unacceptable, while his Azeri counterpart, Elmar Mammadyarov said Baku would push for peace after the presidential elections there slated for the fall. The status quo is definitely unacceptable to anyone, first of all to Azerbaijan and Armenia, and those who live in Nagorno Karabakh, said Lavrov, accordi... read more »
Russia Pressured Armenia Over Iran Gas, Says Official
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110189/russia-p...-armenia-over-iran-gas-says-official/
Description: Armenia-Russia gas pipeline YEREVAN RFE/RL Armenia granted Russia s Gazprom giant ownership of a pipeline supplying limited amounts of natural gas from Iran under pressure from Moscow, a senior Armenian pro-government lawmaker said on Tuesday. The pipeline was controversially handed over to Armenia s ARG gas distribution network mostly owned by Gazprom shortly after it was built in 2007. Government critics decried this development at the time, saying that it limited the country s ability to dive... read more »
The People Trust Vs. The Brain Trust
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110192/the- e2 ...vs-the- e2 80 98brain-trust e2 80 99/
Description: Maria Titizian BY MARIA TITIZIAN In 1932, writer James Kieran used the term Brain Trust in the New York Times when referring to the close group of experts that surrounded United States presidential candidate Franklin Roosevelt. Today it is widely regarded as a group of official or unofficial advisers concerned primarily with planning and strategy especially for a government. Many years ago I was part of the Women s Coalition of Armenia WCA composed of women from different political parties and c... read more »
House Resolution Goes Beyond Genocide Recognition Seeking Truth And Justice
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110195/house-re...ecognition-seeking-truth-and-justice/
Description: Harut Sassounian BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN In a welcome move, four members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a resolution that advocates a new approach for the pursuit of Armenian rights in Congress, going beyond genocide recognition. This new bipartisan initiative, introduced by Congressmen David Valadao R-CA , Adam Schiff D-CA , Michael Grimm R-NY , and Frank Pallone D-NJ , is appropriately titled: Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act. It is well-known that the U.S. government ... read more »
Anca-burbank Announces 2013 Banquet Honorees
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110199/anca-burbank-announces-2013-banquet-honorees/
Description: ANCA-Burbank annual banquet BURBANK The Armenian National Committee of America Burbank announced its 2013 honorees. At its 6th Annual Banquet, slated for May 31st, ANCA Burbank will recognize John Krikorian, posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Marsha Ramos with the Citizen of the Year Award, Timmy Mardirosian with the Business Civic Leadership Award, and Woodbury University with the Organization of the Year Award. The Honorable Jack Hadjinian, Montebello City Councilmember will act... read more »
May 25 Deadline For 10,000 Culture Grant. Apply Now
Published: Tuesday May 21st 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110204/may-25-d...ne-for-10000-culture-grant-apply-now/
Description: YEREVAN April 24, 1915. A date every Armenian associates with one word genocide and the injustices of mass-murder and denial. Every year, it s a day spent mourning the dark past that links all Armenians to each other. An overwhelming heaviness 98 years and counting. But non-profit funding platform ONEArmenia is pointing out that Armenians and Armenia are still here. While there is that dark past–and an ongoing quest for justice–there are a present and future taking place right now, i... read more »
Nalbandian, Mammadyarov Meet
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110136/nalbandian-mammadyarov-meet/
Description: Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian meets with OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen in Krakow KRAKOW, Poland The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and international mediators met again on Friday to discuss ways of breaking the deadlock in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The U.S., Russian and French diplomats co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group said they discussed with Edward Nalbandian and Elmar Mammadyarov in the Polish city of Krakow possible ways to advance the peace process. The Ministers excha... read more »
Commemoration 2013: An La Chronicle
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110133/commemoration-2013-an-la-chronicle/
Description: Garen Yegparian BY GAREN YEGPARIAN Seventeen participants started in Glendale s brand Park and hiked up to the Seven Trees area. A brief presentation, focusing on the necessity of assisting the republics that we have and the lands under our control, was followed by a few poems recited. Then a few people shared thoughts, including a gentleman who had arrived separately. Then, everyone returned to the cars to go about the rest of their Genocide doings. for full disclosure, I was an organizer of th... read more »
A Great Legacy To Follow
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110129/a-great-legacy-to-follow/
Description: Allen, with his brother-in-law and comrade in arms, Vache Thomassian during the ANCA Telethon BY PATTYL APOSHIAN KASPARIAN I hate the lack of control over my body s physical reaction to pain not the pain of a torn meniscus or a bumped shoulder, but pain that makes you sick to your stomach, changes your breathing pattern and makes you wish your heart was numb to all feelings. I received a call Friday morning from an agoomp friend. His voice was not chipper as expected. He asked if I could handle ... read more »
Thank You
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110126/thank-you/
Description: Allen Yekikian BY GAIANEH AVANESSIAN Text message: Allen Yekikian died in a car accident. What This can t be real. Stealthily check my Facebook during a meeting and see confirmation via the Asbarez post. I feel the color drain from my face. I stand up, shake the hand of the recruiter and politely excuse myself. I ll keep in touch I say, and leave. Walking to the meeting on campus from my apartment, I actually took time to notice what a beautiful sunny day it was. Walking out of the meeting and i... read more »
Angel Sos
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110123/angel-sose/
Description: Sose Thomassian BY MELODY NAZARIAN She wore white on her wedding day And gleamed from head to toe And though I wasn’t present there I could still see the glow. The way she peered into her Allen’s eyes She couldn’t hide her awe if she tried They were married in August in Armenia, With smiles they couldn’t hide. That night she illuminated like an angel Not knowing she would become one soon She danced in circles surrounded by light That had nothing to do with the moon. She w... read more »
An Open Letter To Him
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110119/an-open-letter-to-him/
Description: Paul Chaderjian BY PAUL CHADERJIAN It wasn t supposed to turn out like this. This wasn t how it was scripted. < #inhale > I don’t know where you are and what you’re doing, but I imagine you two floating in slow motion in the middle of a vast, serene, white place full of clouds, hearing echoes of conversations from the wretched world far below. Here, we are chattering simultaneously, posting, blogging, liking your photos, and it s all reverberating through you and in you, even t... read more »
Watch: A Tribute To Allen And Sos
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110167/watch-a-tribute-to-allen-and-sose/
Description: Tribute at St. Mary’s church for Allen Yekikian and Sos Thomassian read more »
Alas Yet Inspirational
Published: Friday May 17th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110116/alas e2 80 a6-yet-inspirational/
Description: Garen Yegparian BY GAREN YEGPARIAN I haven t even gotten to write the second one, and now I m compelled to write the third tribute/testimonial/memorial of this year. I had feared this might become a more frequently occurring duty, but never would I have thought I d be trying to address the loss of a 28- and 30-year-old couple. Setting my fingers to the keyboard to write this piece just has not come easy. The tragedy has sent severe shock waves throughout our dispersed nation, not just because of... read more »
Greeks And Armenians Call For Conditions On Turkey Trade Deal
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110106/greeks-a...-for-conditions-on-turkey-trade-deal/
Description: Acting US Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis Ask White House to Require that Ankara End Occupation of Cyprus and Lift Blockade of Armenia WASHINGTON As Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan continues his visit to Washington the leaders of the Greek and Armenian American communities have joined together in formally calling upon the White House to set strict legal conditions on any new trade agreements involving Turkey. The Turkish government has, in the months leading up to this week’s ... read more »
Infusion Of Experience And Enthusiasm At Anca-wr Headquarters
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110139/infusion...d-enthusiasm-at-anca-wr-headquarters/
Description: Newly-appointed ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan GLENDALE Major changes have occurred at the ANCA-Western Region headquarters over the past 10 days with the appointment of Elen Asatryan as Executive Director, the addition of Haig Baghdassarian as Legislative Affairs Director, and the promotion of Tereza Yerimyan to Government Relations Director. We are very excited to announce our new ANCA-WR staff and division of responsibilities, and we are extremely confident that our team will succes... read more »
West Valley And Hollywood Communities Host Fundraiser For Eric Garcetti
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110142/west-val...es-host-fundraiser-for-eric-garcetti/
Description: Garecetti addresses the crowd Raise Approximately 50,000 TARZANA The Armenian American communities of the West San Fernando Valley and Hollywood hosted a joint fundraising event for Los Angeles City Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti raising approximately 50,000. This marks the second Armenian American fundraiser held in the past two weeks approximately raising a combined 100,000 to elect Garcetti. Over 100 local community leaders and supporters from all segments of the Armenian community including... read more »
Ferrahian Victorious At Ucsd Model United Nations
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110145/ferrahia...torious-at-ucsd-model-united-nations/
Description: Ferrahian students at UCSD Model UN BY ALEXA KOVACS On the weekend of April 27 and 28, twelve high school students participated in the last Model United Nations conference of the year. It took place at the University of California, San Diego. Students prepared months in advanced for their last opportunity to win the Best Delegate award and take home the gavel. This is Ferrahian s first time participating in the UCSD MUN conference. It is now added to the line-up of conferences at UCLA, UCSB and ... read more »
Abstraction Trailer Builds Anticipation For Film By Armenian Filmmaker
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110160/ e2 80 9...ation-for-film-by-armenian-filmmaker/
Description: Prince Ishcan Bagdasarian " film poster LOS ANGELES PIB Productions has announced the release of a new movie trailer for Abstraction, an intense action crime drama revolving around the heist of a half a million dollar painting. Abstraction is written and directed by Armenian filmmaker Prince Ishcan Bagdasarian and stars Academy Award Nominee Eric Roberts Dark Knight, Expendables , Ken Davitian Borat, The Artist , Hunter Ives, Korrina Rico School Dance, In Time , Natalie Victoria Deadheads ,... read more »
Innovative New Armenian Program At Chamlian
Published: Friday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110156/innovative-new-armenian-program-at-chamlian-2/
Description: The Armenian Alphabet GLENDALE Chamlian Armenian School realizes that for many parents, helping their child ren with Armenian homework when necessary can be quite a challenge, especially if they have not attended an Armenian school. With this in mind, the school has started a free after-school tutoring program in Armenian Eastern and Western , during which students are able to receive extra support with their Armenian Language homework. Furthermore, to continue the support at home, the administr... read more »
Armenian Genocide Truth And Justice Act Introduced In Congress
Published: Thursday May 16th 4PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110102/armenian...d-justice-act-introduced-in-congress/
Description: Representatives Adam Schiff left and Michael Grimm Reps. Grimm, Schiff, Valadao and Pallone Introduce Legislation During Prime Minister Erdogan’s White House Meetings New Measure Calls for a Just and Comprehensive International Resolution of this Crime against Humanity WASHINGTON As Turkey s Prime Minister Recep Erdogan continues his official U.S. state visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, a new measure calling upon the P... read more »
Are You Ready To Laugh Vahe Berberian Asks
Published: Wednesday May 15th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110099/are-you-ready-to-laugh-vahe-berberian-asks/
Description: Vahe Berberian's Yete Are you ready to let loose and laugh If you are, then you have to watch Vahe Berberian s latest monologue Yete, which will be performed on Thursdays starting June 6, at Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale. Berberian is a master of finding the comedy in personal, social, and cultural topics in this case, he finds the humor in anxiety. Yete is Berberian s fifth monologue after Yevayln, Nayev, Dagaveen, and Sagayn. Following 20 sold out shows in Los Angeles, his Sagayn tou... read more »
Anca-wr Opens Application Period For 2013 Summer Internship Program
Published: Wednesday May 15th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110096/anca-wr-...d-for-2013-summer-internship-program/
Description: ANCA-WR 2012 interns with former State Assemblymember Anthony Protantino GLENDALE The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region announced Wednesday the opening of the application period for the ANCA Western Region 2013 Summer Internship Program. Interested individuals may apply online at www.ancawr.org/internship by the June 7 deadline. The ANCA-WR internship provided me with an introduction to the conduct and responsibilities that are expected in the professional work atmosphere and... read more »
Dink Murder Was Organized Crime, Court Rules
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110057/dink-murder-was-organized-crime-court-rules/
Description: Hrank Dink's body in front of the Agos newspaper offices in January 2007 ISTANBUL A Turkish High Court on Wednesday ruled that the murder of Hrant Dink in 2007 was a crime committed by an armed criminal organization and not an act by individuals, reported Hurriyet Daily News. The ruling opened the way for the retrial of suspects on charges related to the formation of an armed crime organization. The court stated that the organization was formed with the purpose of committing a crime. However... read more »
Artsakh Heroes Monument In Proshian Vandalized
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110067/artsakh-heroes-monument-in-proshian-vandalized/
Description: The desecrated bell tower wall KOTAYK, Armenia The eastern wall of a bell tower of a monument dedicated to Artsakh freedom fighters in Proshian village was desecrated Wednesday, reported Yerkir Media. As relatives and friends of former Proshian mayor Hrach Mouradian, who was murdered last month, approached the monument on his 40th day memorial, they notices the words The Party is Over smeared on the wall of the bell tower. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine who tainted the m... read more »
Turkic Organizations Sign Joint Action Strategy
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110076/turkic-organizations-sign-joint-action-strategy/
Description: A scene from the Turkic country representatives' meeting ANKARA Organizational leaders from member countries of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States met in Ankara and signed a joint action strategy agreement to coordinate activities, reported the Azeri Trend news agency on Wednesday. The second such gathering, the meeting was chaired by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag, who is charged with representing Turks living abroad, was attended by the heads of Turkic organizati... read more »
Diaspora Monitors Remain Positive Despite Widespread Election Irregularities
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110079/diaspora...e-widespread-election-irregularities/
Description: Diasporan repatriate Babken Der Grigorian watches the vote counting process after the polls close Photo by Eric Grigorian BY SARA ANJARGOLIAN AND URSULA KAZARIAN Photos by Eric Grigorian As reports of irregularities during the Yerevan municipal election continue to make headlines in the media, members of a joint local-Diaspora monitoring team, which exceeded 100 people, are nevertheless optimistic about the level of engagement and partnership between local organizations and Diaspora resources. T... read more »
White House Files Politically-motivated, Anti-armenian Brief To Us Supreme Court
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110082/white-ho...i-armenian-brief-to-us-supreme-court/
Description: Harut Sassounian BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN The U.S. Supreme Court asked the Obama Administration last October if it should review a Federal Appeals Court decision that had struck down a California law Section 354.4 extending the statute of limitations on Armenian Genocide-era life insurance claims. The U.S. Solicitor General, the lawyer representing the United States government before the Supreme Court, filed a response last week. He urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal, and let stand the Ni... read more »
Anca-hollywood Endorses John Choi For Council 13th District
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110053/anca-hol...-john-choi-for-council-13th-district/
Description: John Choi HOLLYWOOD The Armenian National Committee of America Hollywood announced its endorsement of John Choi for the District 13 Los Angeles City Council. The ANCA-Hollywood encourages the large and influential Armenian American community in District 13 to vote for John Choi on Election Day, May 21. John Choi is an exceptionally qualified candidate and a staunch supporter of the Armenian American community, remarks Lara Yeretsian, ANCA-Hollywood Board Member. She continues, if elected, Mr. Ch... read more »
They Are My Heroes They Are Our Heroes
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110090/in-memor...-heroes-they-are-our-heroes e2 80 99/
Description: Sose Thomassian and Allen Yekikian BY NORA YACOUBIAN Sose and Allen were not of our world as we know it. There are those who drift in and out of our lives with such ease, such grace and leave us with an undying love for them as well as their cause and struggle. They are quiet in their passion, but perseverant in their fight. They are surrounded by love, loyalty and solidarity. They are kind, empathetic, and possess an insatiable zest for life. They embrace beauty in its simplest forms. They are ... read more »
Russia Ends Pipeline Deal With Azerbaijan
Published: Wednesday May 15th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110087/russia-ends-pipeline-deal-with-azerbaijan/
Description: Novorossiisk pipeline Russia says Azeris not shipping enough oil MOSCOW Reuters Russia has terminated a contract to pump Azeri oil across its territory, ending a 16-year intergovernmental agreement, because Azerbaijan has not been shipping the agreed quantities, Moscow said in a decree. The contract, signed in 1996, allowed Azerbaijan to pump oil through a 1,330-km pipeline from the Azeri capital of Baku to Novorossiisk, a port on Russia’s Black Sea coast. Under the agreement, Azerbaijan g... read more »
Obituary: Bedig Tashjian
Published: Monday May 13th 10PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110042/obituary-bedig-tashjian/
Description: Bedig Tashjian The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee would like to announce the passing of one its members, Unger Bedig Tashjian, which took place on Friday, May 10, 2013. Unger Bedig Tashjian, in the past, served on the ARF Western Region Central Committee. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee read more »
Obituary: Allen Yekikian
Published: Monday May 13th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110036/obituar-2/
Description: Unger Allen Yekikian The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Shant Student Association would like announce the untimely passing of one its members, Unger Allen Yekikian, who died on Friday, May 10, 2013, along with his wife Sose Thomassian in a car accident en-route to Georgia from Armenia. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Shant Student Association read more »
Mining Company Threatens Residents, Environment Of Kapan
Published: Monday May 13th 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110030/mining-c...atens-residents-environment-of-kapan/
Description: Pan-Armenian Environmental Front YEREVAN The Canadian Deno Gold Mining Company filed a slander lawsuit against Armenian environmental activist Yeghia Nersesian The company claims that in December of 2012, during a meeting with the Armenian community in the USA, Mr. Nersesian announced that Deno Gold Mining Company applied electric shock to miners 1 . However, the company denies the allegation and has gone to court seeking a refutation of the slanderous charges which it claims tarnishes its good ... read more »
Belarus President Visits Armenia
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110027/belarus-president-visits-armenia/
Description: President Serzh Sarkisian welcomes his Belarussian counterpart Aleksander Lukashenko YEREVAN RFE/RL Belarus is keenly interested in Armenia s experience in the peaceful use of atomic energy and hopes to receive Armenian technical assistance after constructing its first-ever nuclear plant, President Alexander Lukashenko said during an official visit to Yerevan on Monday. Lukashenko also called for deepening ties between the two former Soviet republics in all directions after meeting with Presiden... read more »
Philanthropic Support Fuels Growth For Aua Undergraduate Program
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110024/philanth...growth-for-aua-undergraduate-program/
Description: American University of Armenia YEREVAN–The American University of Armenia AUA continues to garner overwhelming philanthropic support for its new undergraduate program, set to launch in the Fall of 2013. Recently, AUA received 50,000 from Dr. and Mrs. Noubar Ouzounian of California and 25,000 from the San Francisco Armenian Professional Society. AUA will utilize the generous commitment of 50,0000 by Dr. and Mrs. Ouzounian to build a strong foundation for the new Bachelor s program. It is ou... read more »
A Little Less Sunshine
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110021/a-little-less-sunshine/
Description: Maria Titizian BY MARIA TITIZIAN The news hit me in the gut… “Our beloved Allen is gone, Sose is in a coma.” …Allen is gone and Sose is in a coma. How can Sose exist, live, breathe without Allen How can Allen be gone, what does that mean, gone Horror in the pit of my stomach, I stand, I walk, I sit again, I cover my face to hide the unspeakable anguish. My husband grabs the computer and reads the heartwrenching news. Then the phone calls, the texts and the final blow, a f... read more »
Allen And Sos
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110018/in-memoriam-allen-and-sose/
Description: Allen and Sose at their wedding BY ARIS HOVASAPIAN I turned 30 earlier this year. Many people mark that milestone as the last of their youth, and first of their old age, but to me, it didn t matter much. I felt the same on my last day at 29 as I did on my first day at 30. I was at work on my birthday; I had no epiphanies, no discoveries, no depression, no sense of impending doom. It was just another day, governed by reason and logic, with no room for silly superstitions, just like the day before... read more »
Ars Offers Grief Counseling After Tragic Loss
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110015/ars-offers-grief-counseling-after-tragic-loss/
Description: Armenian Relief Society GLENDALE The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA ARS mourns the loss of Allen Yekikian and his wife, Sos Thomassian. The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive would like to extend condolences to their families, and particularly Vach Thomassian, who has been a former member of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee. Allen Yekikian was a former Assistant Editor of Asbarez and director of Communications of AUA, as well as a leader of Armenian Youth Federation. His beloved wife Sos , was a ... read more »
Ars 12th Annual Festival Offers A Taste Of Armenian Culture
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110012/ars-12th...l-offers-a-taste-of-armenian-culture/
Description: Traditional Armenian wedding was staged at ARS Festival GLENDALE Attendees marveled as Armenian culture came alive during the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA s 12th Annual Cultural & Food Festival held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium from May 4 to 5. Clad in orange t-shirts, ARS members once again assumed all tasks in the organization of this annual event, which attracts thousands of Armenians and non-Armenians alike. The two-day festival program commenced with ARS school students si... read more »
Dancer And The Dance
Published: Monday May 13th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/110008/dancer-and-the-dance/
Description: Paul Chaderjian BY PAUL CHADERJIAN On the edge of this multicultural metropolis, miles shy of the suburban promises of Americana in Orange County, thousands of cars have come to a halt on a massive multilaned interstate in Buena Park. Cars, new and old, foreign and domestic, weave an incomprehensible tale of multicultural harmony in our globalized 21st century. Inside the inner sanctum of isolated metal boxes on rubber wheels, radios blare the latest sensational headlines. A young Chechen is cha... read more »
Aacc And Ameria Honor Women S Achievements
Published: Saturday May 11th 12PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109998/aacc-and-ameria-honor-womens-achievements/
Description: The honorees during the Ameria and AACC Luncheon BY ANUSH HOVSEPYAN How often do we get to celebrate being an achiever The Armenian American Chamber of Commerce AACC does so every year. AACC s 6th Annual Women in Excellence Luncheon, co-sponsored by Ameria Group, brought together 15 powerful Armenian-American women from all aspects of life and honored them for their extraordinary achievements and contribution to the Armenian community. This year s honorees include names such as Union Bank s VP S... read more »
A Tragic Loss
Published: Friday May 10th 11PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109988/a-tragic-loss/
Description: Sose Thomassian and Allen Yekikian We mourn the deaths of Asbarez collaborator and former Assistant Editor of the English Section, Allen Yekikian and his wife, Sose Thomassian who were in a car accident on Friday en route from Armenia to Georgia. The entire editorial board, staff and management of Asbarez would like to offer their condolences to the Yekikian and Thomasian families. read more »
Elections: Here & There
Published: Friday May 10th 11PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109984/elections-here-there/
Description: Garen Yegparian BY GAREN YEGPARIAN Since early 2012, we, as Armenians, have been in elections mode , especially those of us living in the U.S., and arguably more so those of us living in the Los Angeles area. Don t think so Here s a list: the Republic of Armenia s RoA parliamentary elections Winter 2012 , U.S. presidential/other Primary Elections Winter/Spring/Summer 2012 , U.S. presidential/other General Elections November 2012 , RoA presidential elections Winter 2013 , local elections primary ... read more »
Obama Asks Supreme Court Not To Hear Insurance Claims Case
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109969/obama-as...rt-not-to-hear-insurance-claims-case/
Description: President Obama WASHINGTON The Obama Administration urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal of the Ninth Circuit’s 2012 decision striking down a California law extending the statute of limitations on Armenian Genocide-era life insurance claims, reported the Armenian National Committee of America. “President Obama, rather than filing a brief based on the merits of this case, chose instead – on the eve of Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to Washington, DC – to se... read more »
Turkey Bans Australian Lawmakers From Gallipoli
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109957/turkey-bans-australian-lawmakers-from-gallipoli/
Description: Gallipoli SYDNEY Turkey has sensationally stated that certain Australian legislators are not welcome to take part in Anzac celebrations in Gallipoli, as a consequence for passing a motion recognizing the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides. Both Houses of the New South Wales State Parliament Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly passed motions over the last week, affirming the reality of the 1915 Genocides which Turkey still denies. In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has release... read more »
Mayor S Son To Stand Trial For Election Fraud, Violence
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109961/mayor e2...nd-trial-for-election-fraud-violence/
Description: Presidential election observer Narine Esmaeli was assaulted while observing polling YEREVAN RFE/RL The son of an Armenian town mayor will go on trial soon on charges of assaulting an Armenian-American observer in one of the most serious cases of fraud reported during the February 18 presidential election. The incident took place at a polling station in Artashat, the administrative center of Armenia s southern Ararat province. Narine Esmaeli, a U.S. citizen of Armenian descent, monitored voting t... read more »
La City Council Approves Transfer For Encino Community Center Updated
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109976/la-city-...-for-encino-community-center-updated/
Description: New ACF Center in Encino Garcetti, Koretz, and Krekorian Lead Effort ENCINO On Tuesday, May 7 the Los Angeles City Council voted 10-0 to approve a motion directing the appropriate City Departments to negotiate a long term lease of surplus City property to the Armenian Cultural Foundation. The surplus property known as the former fire station number 83 is located in Encino on Balboa Boulevard, just North of Ventura Boulevard. The former fire station is slated to be rehabilitated under the directi... read more »
Andre Agassi Visits St. Garabed Church In Vegas
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109965/andre-agassi-visits-st-garabed-church-in-vegas/
Description: Tennis legend Andre Agassi lights a candle at St. Garabed Church in Vegas LAS VEGAS On the afternoon of Thursday, May 9 tennis legend Andre Agassi visited the newly built St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas. Upon arrival Agassi met Archpriest Fr. Avedis Torossian, Parish Council Chairman Adroushan Armenian and Building Committee members Koko Darakjian and Levon Gulbenkian. Houry Darakjian representing the ARS Armenian Saturday school, Lindy Schumacher representative of Kirk Kerkor... read more »
Da Investigating O Farrell Campaign For Voter Fraud
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109995/da-inves...ng-ofarrell-campaign-for-voter-fraud/
Description: John Choi right and Mitch O'Farrell during a debate at Karapetian Hall on Thursday. Val Zavalla far left moderates the debate LOS ANGELES–The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the District Attorney is investigating charges that the Mitch O’Farrell campaign for the LA CIty Council District 13 is engaging in systemic and widespread voter fraud. O’s opponent John Choi’s campaign has turned over to the District Attorney and the City Clerk the names of nearly 200 vo... read more »
Glendale Library, Alex Theatre Renovations Proceed
Published: Friday May 10th 7PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109980/glendale...ary-alex-theatre-renovations-proceed/
Description: Elise Kalfayan BY ELISE KALFAYAN From Opera Talks on Rossini to Mark Geragos on the Criminal Law System The Library Arts and Culture Department, the Friends of the Glendale Public Library and the Associates of Brand Library continue to offer excellent free programs for the community, even as the Central Library facility awaits an 8 million renovation go-ahead and Brand Library and Art Center remains closed while extensive renovations are underway. Meanwhile, the Alex Theatre is preparing for a t... read more »
White House To Submit Brief To Supreme Court On Genocide-era Claims
Published: Thursday May 9th 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109939/white-ho...supreme-court-on-genocide-era-claims/
Description: US Supreme Court WASHINGTON The Obama Administration will likely respond in the coming days to a request by the Supreme Court for a brief detailing the U.S. government’s position on the Ninth Circuit’s 2012 decision striking down a California law extending the statute of limitations on Armenian Genocide-era life insurance claims. The Supreme Court, which requested the Administration’s brief in October of 2012, will consider the Solicitor General s position, along with several f... read more »
Osce S Mixed Verdict On Armenian Presidential Vote
Published: Thursday May 9th 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109943/osce e2 ...erdict-on-armenian-presidential-vote/
Description: Heidi Tagliavini, head of an OSCE election monitoring mission, and her deputy Stefan Krause L give a press conference in Yerevan in January YEREVAN RFE/RL Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe gave on Thursday a mixed assessment of Armenia s recent presidential election, reiterating that it was generally well-administered but questioning its official results that gave victory to President Serzh Sarkisian. In their final report, the observers stood by their earlie... read more »
Voter Complaints Dismissed By Yerevan S Electoral Commissions
Published: Thursday May 9th 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109947/voter-co...evan e2 80 99s-electoral-commissions/
Description: Lawyers Tigran Yegoryan and Lousineh Hakobyan view video footage and discuss electoral code violations with diasporan repatriate Babken Der Grigorian who was a monitor in District 7 during the Yerevan elections. Photo by Eric Grigorian BY TAMARA S. VOSKANIAN YEREVAN–Following Yerevan s May 5 municipal election, in which a variety of voting day violations were observed by election monitors, attorneys have filed approximately 160 complaints with the Territorial Electoral Commissions of the f... read more »
Washington Anca Calls For Investigation Into Anti-armenian Threat
Published: Thursday May 9th 6PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109950/washingt...estigation-into-anti-armenian-threat/
Description: Copy of the hate mail Elderly Armenian Couple Targeted with Racist Letter BETHESDA, Md. The Armenian National Committee of America – Greater Washington Wednesday called upon police and postal authorities to fully investigate and prosecute an anti-Armenian threat against an elderly Rockville couple of Armenian heritage. An envelope addressed to A. Sahagian included a news clipping see attached image about the recent Boston Marathon bombing, with the handwritten message: “Another Armen... read more »
Editorial: Shoushi Stands Tall
Published: Wednesday May 8th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109913/editorial-shoushi-stands-tall-2/
Description: The celebration of the Shoushi Liberation 20th anniversary last year The anticipation that had been building on May 8 turned into jubilant pandemonium on May 9. SHOUSHI WAS TRIUMPHANTLY LIBERATED. The people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Artsakh in and around Stepanakert had endured grueling daily barrage of fire from Azeri forces, which had taken their positions in Shoushi and were relentlessly bombing the civilian population. The operation, whose military precision had delivered an exacting... read more »
Traveling To Karabakh Is An Elusive Prize For Many Visitors
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109902/travelin...s-an-elusive-prize-for-many-visitors/
Description: The Artsakh Army marching band Photo by Matthew Karanian EDITOR’S NOTE: For a second time, Asbarez is teaming up with travelogue Matthew Karanian to present a travel special to serve as a guide for its readers who are planning a trip to Armenia and Karabakh. Matthew Karanian is the author of ARMENIA AND KARABAKH: THE STONE GARDEN TRAVEL GUIDE, which was published in February. This title is the first commercial travel guide to independent Armenia and Karabakh. To order by mail in the USA, s... read more »
Ayf S With Our Soldiers Effort Helps Artsakh Veterans
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109917/ayf e2 8...0 99-effort-helps-artsakh-veterans-2/
Description: Gharib Karapetyan from Echmiadzin, who joined the liberation struggle when he was 21, talks about his experiences during the war and sends a message to the Diasporan youth. The assistance from the With Our Soldiers campaign came in the form of a specially retrofitted car, which will enable this freedom fighter to find a job and become a fully-integrated member of the society. Having joined the liberation struggle in its beginning stages, Garnik Madinyan suffered a minor eye injury which turned i... read more »
Bay Area Activists Share Input At Anca Town Hall
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109924/bay-area-activists-share-input-at-anca-town-hall/
Description: ANCA's Chris Guldjian and Nora Hovsepian make presentation SAN FRANCISCO The Bay Area Armenian National Committee hosted Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region co-chairs Nora Hovsepian and Chris Guldjian at an ANCA Town Hall on Sunday at San Francisco’s Vasbouragan Hall. The program included a short report on the ANCA’s latest efforts and a question and answer session, which provided grassroots activists and supporters an opportunity to ask questions and to... read more »
Astrologer Of Karabagh : A New Novel Released
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109920/ e2 80 9...rabagh e2 80 99-a-new-novel-released/
Description: Astrologer of Karabagh The Astrologer of Karabagh or the Establishment of the Fortress of Shushi: A Transcaucasian Novel. by Platon P. Zubov. ARLINGTON, Mass. The exotic and mysterious Caucasus has always captured the imagination of writers, artists and travelers. The Russian Empire s southward expansion stimulated an incomparably rich body of literature and an exceptionally lively engagement with questions of Russian cultural identity. Alexander Pushkin s poem The Prisoner of the Caucasus, Leo ... read more »
Unity Is Our Strength Gains Momentum In Orange County
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109929/ e2 80 9...0 99-gains-momentum-in-orange-county/
Description: Armenian Genocide Tent at JWW Walk to End Genocide Community Remembers the Genocide and Renews Commitment to Fight for Justice ORANGE COUNTY On April 21 the Armenian community of Orange County commemorated the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, remembered the victims of this tragedy as well as the heroes that fought against the Ottoman forces and saved thousands, and renewed its commitment to continue the struggle for justice for the Armenian people. Three separate yet coordinated events... read more »
Zanoyan S New Book Highlights Sex Trafficking In The Former Soviet Union
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109933/zanoyan ...afficking-in-the-former-soviet-union/
Description: A Place Far Away Sex trafficking is a global problem. And yet, it is often baffling how that dark world can coexist parallel to ours, with the vast majority of us being unaware of its horrors. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the ensuing chaos in almost all of its former republics created a particularly fertile ground for the spread of, among other crimes, sex trafficking from that region. A new novel by Vahan Zanoyan, entitled A Place Far Away, exposes the nature of that beast and touches u... read more »
Beyond Geghard And Garni
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109897/beyond-geghard-and-garni/
Description: Sardarabad photo by Matthew Karanian BY MATTHEW KARANIAN First-time travelers to Armenia seem to always end up at Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Geghard, and Garni. There s nothing wrong with this. After all, Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, and Geghard are three of the most significant cultural and religious sites in Armenia. The fourth site, Garni, is the most significant site that s located along the road to Geghard, which is, I suppose, a good enough reason to keep it on the itinerary. Plus it s a great spo... read more »
The Magic Of Southern Armenia
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109892/the-magic-of-southern-armenia/
Description: The Tatev Monastery with the tramway in the background photo by Matthew Karanian BY MATTHEW KARANIAN The Syunik Region of Armenia covers a vast expanse that stretches from Spandarian Reservoir, near the town of Sisian, all the way south to the Iran border. Despite its grand size, there is usually no argument about which of the cultural sites of Syunik is the grandest. I posted the question on FaceBook a while back and the two words that came back most frequently were Tatev and obviously. Tatev i... read more »
Excerpts From A Los Angeles Times Interview With Matthew Karanian
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109889/excerpts...imes-interview-with-matthew-karanian/
Description: Matthew Karanian photo by Karine Armen The Los Angeles Times published a major feature last month on the book Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide. The story, A Fresh View on Ancient Armenia, included an interview with author Matthew Karanian. Excerpts from the interview are printed below. LOS ANGELES TIMES: How many Americans visited Armenia last year MATTHEW KARANIAN: Not enough. That s why I published the book. There were about 850,000 tourist visas issued for Armenia in 2012. ... read more »
Armenia And Artsakh
Published: Wednesday May 8th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109886/armenia-and-artsakh/
Description: Armenia and Karabakh Travel Guide The stories and photos that appear in this travel section of Asbarez are adapted from Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide, by Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian. Armenia and Karabakh is a 320-page comprehensive travel guide, and is the winner of three national book awards, including an award for best travel guide by the Independent Publishers Association. The book was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times, which described it as a fresh vie... read more »
Orange County S Forty Martyrs Church Robbed
Published: Wednesday May 8th 12PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109882/orange-c...2 80 99s-forty-martyrs-church-robbed/
Description: Surveillance video captured the suspects removing the safe at Fory Martyrs Armenian Church SANTA ANA CBSLA.com Police are asking for the public s help in identifying three suspects wanted for stealing a safe from an Orange County Armenian church. Watch the news report. The three men are suspected of forcefully breaking into Forty Martyrs Armenian Church, 5315 W. McFadden Avenue, just before 5 a.m. on May 1, Santa Ana police said. According to officials, the suspects, who were caught on surveilla... read more »
La City Council Approves Property Transfer To Valley Community
Published: Tuesday May 7th 5PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109838/breaking...roperty-transfer-to-valley-community/
Description: The old Fire Station number 83 Old fire station to serve as community center LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted 10 to 0 approving the transfer of surplus city property, formerly know as Fire Station Number 83, to serve as the new community center for the Armenian Cultural Foundation in Encino. The motion was co-introduced by City Councilmembers Paul Koretz and Eric Garcetti and seconded by Paul Krekorian. We thank the Los Angeles City Council, especially councilmember Paul... read more »
Azerbaijan Threatens Fresno County
Published: Tuesday May 7th 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109833/azerbaijan-threatens-fresno-county/
Description: Fresno County FRESNO The Fresno County Board of Supervisors became the newest target of Azerbaijan s wrath after the local body passed a resolution recognizing the self-determination of the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and its independence last month. The Fresno Bee reported Tuesday that Azerbaijan has officially written to the Board of Supervisors urging the body to rescind the April 23 resolution. Fresno County became the first County in California to officially recognize the indepe... read more »
Armenia S New Cabinet Unveiled
Published: Tuesday May 7th 2PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109848/armenia e2 80 99s-new-cabinet-unveiled/
Description: The Republican Party meeting where the cabinet was unveiled YEREVAN RFE/RL Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan unveiled late on Tuesday his new but largely unchanged cabinet that was formed as a result of Armenia s recent presidential election. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia HHK approved the candidacies of the new ministers submitted by Sargsyan during a meeting of the HHK s governing body. HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov said they will be formally appointed by President Serzh Sarkisian on W... read more »
A True Path To Armenian-turkish Peace And Progress.
Published: Tuesday May 7th 2PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109860/a-true-p...-armenian-turkish-peace-and-progress/
Description: Aram Hamparian BY ARAM HAMPARIAN It’s time for a new American approach to the Armenian Genocide, one that is as simple as it is sound: Progress and peace based upon truth and justice. American policy on the Armenian Genocide can be both principled and practical. For, in properly commemorating this crime, standing up to its denial, and seeking its just resolution, we will be bringing our policies as a government into alignment with our principles as a nation – to the benefit of both U... read more »
Azerbaijan Urged To Stop Forced Evictions
Published: Tuesday May 7th 2PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109852/azerbaijan-urged-to-stop-forced-evictions/
Description: A building in Baku that was forcibly demolished and its residents evicted BERLIN The Azerbaijani authorities should immediately stop its campaign of forced evictions and demolitions in the capital, Baku, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday. The government should also guarantee fair compensation to homeowners and residents, including those already evicted. The controversial Winter Garden opens the week of May 6, 2013, in central Baku, where hundreds of residents were evicted to make way for the park,... read more »
Armenians For Wendy Greuel Raise Over 50,000
Published: Tuesday May 7th 2PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109863/armenians-for-wendy-greuel-raise-over-50000/
Description: Greuel with owners of NASA Disposal Sarkisian Brothers STUDIO CITY Armenians from all around the San Fernando Valley and beyond raised over 50,000 for Wendy Greuel in her campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Michael Israyelyan at his restaurant Romonov’s in Studio City. It was the most successful event to date within the Armenian community for a candidate running in the 2013 race for Mayor of Los Angeles. Wendy Greuel with community leader Michael Mahdessian More than... read more »
Tsarni Breaks Promise To Rectify Earlier Claims
Published: Tuesday May 7th 2PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109867/tsarni-breaks-promise-to-rectify-earlier-claims/
Description: Harut Sassounian BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN Armenians woke up on April 30 to the breaking news: Ruslan Tsarni Apologizes to Armenian Community, as reported by Alin Grigorian, editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator of Watertown, Mass. Prior to this apology, Tsarni had been telling the international media that an Armenian convert to Islam had brainwashed his nephews — Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev — the Boston bombers. By linking an Armenian to such a heinous crime, Uncle Tsarni had infuria... read more »
Yerevan Elections Marred By Fraud
Published: Monday May 6th 4PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109824/yerevan-elections-marred-by-fraud/
Description: Voters at a Yerevan polling station on Sunday YEREVAN–Amid allegations of massive voter intimidation and fraud, the Yerevan municipal elections concluded Sunday night when polls closed at 8 p.m. The Central Election Commission issued preliminary results Monday, announcing that Serzh Sarkisian’s ruling Republican Party of Armenia came ahead with 55.86 percent of the voter. Trailing in second place was the Prosperous Armenia Party with 23.05 percent. Opposition presidential candidate R... read more »
The Time Of Reckoning : Thoughts On The Yerevan Municipal Elections
Published: Monday May 6th 4PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109820/the-time...s-on-the-yerevan-municipal-elections/
Description: Maria Titizian BY MARIA TITIZIAN It s time to take away the levers of their perceived power. It is time to eradicate the uneducated, morally bankrupt, economically powerful, groveling, sniveling mob of young men and boys and silly, vacuous girls who think they will determine the destiny of my country. I m done with being politically and socially correct. I m done with the dim-witted and brainless little boys dressed in black who hang out on street corners with their thick necks and shaved and em... read more »
Neighborhood Guys Define Another Armenian Election
Published: Monday May 6th 3PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109815/ e2 80 9... 99-define-another-armenian-election/
Description: A goverment loyalist protests at being filmed by RFE/RL correspondent Irina Hovhannisyan outside a polling station in Yerevan BY IRINA HOVHANNISYAN YEREVAN RFE/RL –Groups of pro-government youths standing in or outside polling stations, keeping a watchful eye on voters and clearly influencing the process have been a fixture in Armenian elections and Sunday s municipal polls in Yerevan were not an exception to this rule. Their menacing presence, largely ignored by the police despite running... read more »
Yerevan Elections Fraught With Allegations Of Violations
Published: Sunday May 5th 1PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109811/yerevan-...aught-with-allegations-of-violations/
Description: Voters crowd a local polling station BY GREG BILAZARIAN With polls now closed in Yerevan, today s mayoral election has been marred by extensive reports from local and Diasporan observers of intense cheating, interference and violations. The mayoral election, which many had hoped would be a progressive step forward from February s presidential election, has been described by some observers as a step backward with one calling it “the worst election of the past few years.” Just minutes ... read more »
Armenia-diaspora Election Monitoring Mission: First Of Its Kind
Published: Saturday May 4th 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109806/armenia-...monitoring-mission-first-of-its-kind/
Description: The local-Diaspora monitoring mission prepares for Yerevan municipal elections on Sunday, May 5 BY URSULA KAZARIAN In an unprecedented effort, approximately 100 Diasporans, both visiting and repatriated, as well as local Armenians and non-Armenian expats, have been working with approximately 160 election observers from civil society organizations such as Transparency International, and Asparez Press Club, Gyumri, to monitor the upcoming Yerevan municipal elections this Sunday, May 5th. On Electi... read more »
Aliyev Named Predator Of Information Freedom
Published: Friday May 3rd 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109799/aliyev-n...ator e2 80 99-of-information-freedom/
Description: Azeri president Ilham Aliyev NEW YORK On World Press Freedom Day, Reporters Without Borders has released an updated list of 39 Predators of Freedom of Information presidents, politicians, religious leaders, militias and criminal organizations that censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and kill journalists and other news providers. Powerful, dangerous and violent, these predators consider themselves above the law. These predators of freedom of information are responsible for the worst abuses against ... read more »
Repositioning Diaspora And The Role Of Its Intellectuals
Published: Friday May 3rd 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109796/repositi...ra-and-the-role-of-its-intellectuals/
Description: The participants of the Diaspora conference BY TALAR CHAHINIAN Over the last few decades, the term diaspora has rapidly spread and expanded to take on multiple meanings both inside and outside of academic disciplines. So much so, that this proliferation of meaning, configured as the dispersion of the term in a semantic and conceptual space, has been referred to as diaspora diaspora. In response to the concept s growing discursive popularity, the founder and editor of Diaspora: A Journal of Trans... read more »
On The Electoral Process And Democracy
Published: Friday May 3rd 8PM
Link: http://asbarez.com/109793/on-the-electoral-process-and-democracy/
Description: Yerevan municipal elections are Sunday BY CHRISTIAN GARBIS The Yerevan municipal elections are right around the corner, scheduled for May 5. Many political parties that are in opposition to the government or still on the fence are putting their faith in these elections, hoping that democracy will work in their favor this time around and system-wide reform will begin in Yerevan. Onlookers from thousands of miles away will be eager to see the election results and make their judgments about politic... read more »