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AGBU Orange County Saturday School hosts Prof. Abazajian presenting “History of the Universe”

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On Saturday, January 28 the AGBU Orange County Saturday School is proud to host Prof. Kevork N. Abazajian, Professor of Physics & Astronomy and the Director of the Center for Cosmology at the University of California, Irvine.

His research focuses on the nature of dark matter at the interface between particle physics and astrophysics, the origin and cosmological impacts of neutrino mass, galaxy formation, high-energy astrophysics and precision cosmology. He received his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of California, San Diego in 2001.

In the fall of 2011, Prof. Abazajian joined the faculty at the Department of Physics & Astronomy at UC Irvine. He has been awarded the distinction of being the Faculty with the Greatest Impact on an Outstanding Graduating Senior in 2012, as well as the Distinguished Assistant Professor Award for Research from the University of California Academic Senate, Irvine Division, in 2013. Prof. Abazajian became an Associate Professor with tenure in 2013, and a full Professor in 2017. He was elected as a founding member of the Armenian Society of Fellows in 2021 and became a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2022.

You are cordially invited on the 28th at 1 pm at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church where Professor Abazajian will make his presentation about “History of the Universe”.

The event is open to all. For more info & RSVP: Gevork (714) 488-2097

Date:January 28, 2023
Time:1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Address:St. Mary Apostolic Armenian Church
148 22nd Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Katia Tavitian Karageuzian’s “Forbidden Homeland” Book Launch Gathers Crowd of Over 200 Community Members

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By ANNA GASPARYAN, ANCA

The ANCA-Western Region Education Committee organized a “kinetzon”, or wine blessing, for one of its own members, author Katia Tavitian Karaguezian, in a book launch for Forbidden Homeland, a personal account of diaspora with a focus on the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict.

“The ANCA-WR Education Committee was pleased to host the traditional Armenian book blessing, Kinetzon,” said Alice Petrossian, Chairperson of the ANCA-WR Education Committee. “Birthing a book is as difficult as birthing a child. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian has made us proud by telling her story through the lens of our painful history.”

“They say when you send the universe question marks, sometimes it sends you back the answers,”remarked Katia. Forbidden Homeland is a true account of the author’s family’s survival story and how a seemingly unremarkable comment she made in college led to the discovery of her roots and heritage.

The launch took place at the Glendale Public Library, where over 200 Armenian-American community members, public officials, and the author’s family members packed the hall to hear excerpts from the book and to witness the wine blessing, initiating its success.

“A whole community with churches, schools, and centers had risen from muddy marshes thanks to the will of an exiled people who fought to survive by rebuilding a new home to identify with” read artist and MC, Arpi Krikorian, from the chapter “Bourj Hammoud”.

Katia Karageuzian expressed her gratitude to the ANCA-WR Board and Education Committee for their support of the project. She went over some historic facts covered in her memoir adding, “And so it is, that regional players continue to use Armenian lands to negotiate compromises and push for their interests, while we constantly fight to hang on to our ever-shrinking forbidden homeland.” She hopes that her book will not only be a conversation starter when it comes to sharing our diverse backgrounds but that it will also reveal truths about the Armenian Genocide that seems to be continuing today in Artsakh and Armenia.

The timely launch of Forbidden Homeland sheds light on the origins and root causes of the Karabakh Conflict. After 44 long days of Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade, the United States and other western countries continue their shocking inaction: withholding aid for the Armenians in Artsakh who are at the brink of starvation and a complete lack of life-saving resources.

The book is available for purchase now on Amazon for Kindle and paperback, as well as Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores like Abril and Sardarabad.

Armenian Rabbit PM finally come out of the hole. Call Fake Press conference questions were handed to the pro-Government Journalists

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is holding a press conference.

After a long break, this press conference takes place in a non-online format when a journalist of the state-funded Public Television of Armenia read the written but preselected questions sent by the mass media.

This format was boycotted by a number of leading mass media during the previous “press conference.”

Nonetheless, a number of opposition media were not invited to today’s press conference either.

Irvine: A Special Screening Event of the investigative documentary “Motherland” directed by journalist Vic Gerami. Wed, Jan 25, 2023, 5:45 PM

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Location

Location 1 Civic Center Plaza Irvine, CA 92606

University of California, Irvine in cooperation with the City of Irvine, with hosts Vice Mayor Tammy Kim and Professor Kev Abazajian invite you to a special screening of the multi-award winning documentary feature film, ‘Motherland.’

‘Motherland’ is an ‘Official Selection’ in (63) film festivals and has won (38) awards. It was shortlisted for Film Independent’s ‘Spirit Awards’ and Oscar-qualified.

Hosts: University of California, Irvine, City of Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim, UCI Center for Armenian Studies, UCI Armenian American Alumni Chapter, UCI Armenian Students’ Association, ANCA OC.

This is a FREE Event and FREE Parking Outside City Hall

Location: Irvine City Council Chambers, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606

Synopsis: Written, produced, and directed by journalist & activist Vic Gerami, ‘Motherland’ is an investigative documentary feature film about Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s unprovoked genocidal attack on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2020, the massacre of 5000+ people, and the two nations’ ongoing campaign of hate violence, and disinformation against the indigenous Armenians.

Schedule:

5:45 PM Pre-Screening Reception

6:25 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks

6:35 PM Screening

8:30 PM Moderated Q&A

Learn More: MotherlandDoc.com

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights: Movement along the Lachin Corridor should be restored as a matter of urgency to prevent a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

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“I have been closely following the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh following the blocking of the road running through the Lachin Corridor since 12 December. I am concerned that the prolonged disruption in the movement of people,

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

preventing some from reaching their homes, and in access to essential goods and services, including food supplies and urgent medical care, threatens the enjoyment of human rights by the population of Nagorno-Karabakh”, said today Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. “Those responsible for maintaining public order and security of the Corridor should take all the necessary steps to restore movement along that road as a matter of urgency and prevent a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Furthermore, all relevant stakeholders should avoid escalation of tensions.

The present situation shows once more the importance of ensuring free and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance and international human rights missions to all areas and people, including those residing in Nagorno-Karabakh. As I indicated in my 2021 Memorandum, the relevant authorities should come up with effective and flexible modalities of access enabling all relevant actors, including my Office, to reach out to those in need of humanitarian assistance and human rights protection as a matter of priority.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights, I will continue paying close attention to the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. I stand ready to engage with all the relevant interlocutors to assist in overcoming the existing challenges.”

Parallel to Putin’s visit, RA citizens were detained. Khzmalyan is also among them

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As is known, the session of the CSTO Security Council has started in Yerevan. A little while ago, four citizens were detained from Paronyan Street, who wanted to carry out a protest against CSTO and Vladimir Putin.

The citizens were detained for not complying with the legal demand of the police officer. Tigran Khzmalyan, head of the European Party of Armenia, is also among the arrested citizens.

Diaspora News: Armenian American Museum Announces Phase One Construction Completion

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By Armenian American Museum,

Glendale, CA (November 16, 2022) – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California celebrated a major milestone for the landmark center with the completion of the first phase of construction featuring the museum parking garage and building foundation.

The Phase One Completion Ceremony was held on the upper deck of the museum parking garage at the construction site of the cultural and educational center.

Executive Director Shant Sahakian officially kicked off the ceremony by welcoming donors and supporters of the museum to the construction site on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.

“We have come together to celebrate the historic progress of the Armenian American Museum and celebrate the promise of a one-of-a-kind cultural and educational center whose grounds we are now able to stand on today thanks to your generous support,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian.

The National Anthems were performed by the renowned Alene Aroustamian.

The Invocation was conducted by the museum’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairs including Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Torkom Donoyan, and Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian.

Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian delivered remarks on behalf of the City of Glendale which has dedicated a premier downtown location for the museum in Glendale Central Park. The Mayor expressed his appreciation to colleagues including Councilmember Ara Najarian, Councilmember Paula Devine, Councilmember Daniel Brotman, and Councilmember Elen Asatryan for continuing the City of Glendale’s longstanding legacy of support for the museum project.

“The Armenian American Museum’s completion of the first phase of construction is a testimony of the work of our unified community,” stated Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “Once opened to the public, the museum will draw people from all over the country and around the world to learn about, appreciate, and share the Armenian American experience.”

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian expressed gratitude to the many donors, supporters, community leaders, and government partners who have come together and contributed to making the momentous occasion a reality.

“Today’s celebration is a tribute to the exceptional supporters and friends who together are elevating education, preservation, and cultural enrichment for generations to come through the creation and construction of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “The institution will strengthen and elevate the Armenian American community and it will also build bridges and foster collaboration between our diverse communities.”

Major sponsors of the Phase One Completion Ceremony included Edison International and Bank of America who are longstanding supporters of the museum.

The next major phase of the project will be the construction of the two-level 50,820-square-foot museum superstructure.

For more information, visit https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

United State Election: Armenian Caucus members overwhelmingly re-elected to Congress

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With the results of the mid-term elections coming in, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes the overwhelming re-election of members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, along with U.S. Senate friends, and looks forward to working with newly-elected officials in Congress to increase awareness of Armenian issues, the Assembly said in a press release on Thursday.

As of press time, according to projections, all Congressional Armenian Caucus members seeking re-election have either won, or their election has not been decided. The following Congressional Armenian Caucus members’ races have yet to be called: Armenian Caucus Co-Chair David Valadao (R-CA), and Reps. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Katie Porter (D-CA), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), and Dina Titus (D-NV).

“The Assembly congratulates members of the Armenian Caucus on their election day victories, as well as our returning friends in the Senate,” said Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. “The hard work and efforts of the Armenian Caucus has been crucial in advancing key U.S. policy objectives and bolstering democracy in Armenia.”

In other victories, Senator Bob Menendez’s son, Robert Menendez, Jr., won the seat of outgoing retiring Armenian Caucus member Albio Sires (D-NJ), and Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) – who pledged to join the Armenian Caucus – beat Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

The Armenian Caucus, which expanded to 127 Members during the 117th Congress, is led by Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

The Assembly expresses its gratitude to retiring U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Rob Portman (R-OH), and Rep. Speier, who have strong records on Armenian issues, and who will be retiring from public office this year.

The Assembly also extends its appreciation to the following Armenian Caucus members, who are either retiring from public office or seeking election to a different office this year. They include Reps. Karen Bass (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Anthony Brown (D-MD), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Andy Levin (D-MI), Fred Upton (R-MI), David Price (D-NC), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Michael Doyle (D-PA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Van Taylor (R-TX), and Peter Welch (D-VT). The Assembly salutes Congressional Armenian Caucus Members, Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Andy Levin (D-MI), for their exemplary records of support on pro-Armenian legislative priorities. Both were defeated in primary elections earlier this year.

The Armenian Caucus, which was founded in 1995 by Rep. Pallone and then-Congressman John Porter (R-IL), is a bipartisan body of elected officials who have played a critical role in the House of Representatives on all-encompassing issues that positively impact the Armenian people and Armenia, including humanitarian assistance for Armenia and Artsakh, U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, strengthening U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Artsakh relations, and addressing the ongoing aggression by Azerbaijan and Turkey.

In addition, the Assembly congratulates the following Senators for their pro-human rights and pro-Armenian positions, and for their efforts in blocking the sale of U.S. military materiel and weapons systems to Turkey. They include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

The Assembly also congratulates U.S. Governors, who have historically solid records on Armenian issues, whether as Governor or in another public office. They include Governors Mike DeWine (R-OH), Maura Healey (D-MA), Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Tim Walz (D-MN).

Turkish-American Dr. Mehmet Oz (R-PA), who holds dual Turkish and American citizenship, was defeated by Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman (D-PA), who flipped the PA Senate seat as a result of his victory, and who has issued a series of statements conveying his support for Armenian Genocide affirmation and education. Greg Landsman (D-OH) also declared victory over Steve Chabot (R-OH), who serves as a Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and Congressional Turkey Caucus Co-Chair.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

‘Global Armenian Summit’ Divides Armenians, while Pretending to Unify Them

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By Harut Sassounian,

In a few days, we will witness once again an unfortunate manifestation of Armenia’s leadership dividing the Armenian nation, while claiming to unify it.

The High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan, has organized what he arrogantly calls a ‘Global Armenian Summit,’ to take place in Yerevan, Oct. 28-31.

This is yet another example of the Armenian government’s inability to properly promote Armenia’s national interests. On the contrary, the Armenian government is undermining Armenian interests through divisive and ill-conceived schemes.

Ever since Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came to power, he has spoken more harshly against his domestic opponents than against Armenia’s enemies — Azerbaijan and Turkey. He has frequently talked about blacks vs. whites — the good guys (his supporters) vs. the bad guys (his political opponents). Shockingly, Pashinyan waved a hammer in the air during his campaign speeches, threatening to bash the heads of his opponents, squash them on the asphalt and slam them to the wall! He has pitted Armenia’s population against Artsakh and alienated Diasporans from Armenia. Yet, those of us who criticize his divisive actions are lectured by his supporters not to divide the nation!

Prime Minister Pashinyan abolished the Ministry of Diaspora and replaced it in 2019 with Sinanyan, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs. Judging by Pashinyan’s many other appointments, the sole reason he appointed Sinanyan was that he backed the ‘velvet revolution.’ Competence does not seem to be an important criteria for Pashinyan, blind support is!

In the last three years, Sinanyan toured the world, at Armenia’s taxpayers’ expense, accomplishing very little, but causing more internal dissension in the Diaspora. Rather than trying to unify Armenians, he has played partisan politics siding with Pashinyan’s political party. Sinanyan does not seem to understand that he is getting a salary, not to be the Chief Propagandist for Pashinyan’s political party, but to pursue the best interests of all Diaspora Armenians regardless of their differing persuasions.

I have described in previous columns my criticisms of Sinanyan’s misguided and false statements. He has announced many plans that have remained unfulfilled, such as his questionable idea to appoint partisan representatives in various Diaspora communities. Another one of Sinanyan’s half-baked ideas is encouraging Arabs to immigrate to Armenia. He is not aware that his duties are to deal exclusively with Diaspora Armenians, not foreign immigrants.

Sinanyan should not be blamed as much as Prime Minister Pashinyan who appointed him. In any normal country, apparatchiks like Sinanyan would have been fired long ago, but not in Pashinyan’s administration, where incompetence and blind loyalty are prerequisites for appointments.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Sinanyan, with the blessing of his boss, announced a “Global Armenian Summit,” to be attended by supporters of the regime. Not surprisingly, Sinanyan has not invited some of the major Armenian Diaspora organizations, just because they oppose the regime.

In an astounding blow, both leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced that they will boycott Sinanyan’s poorly organized partisan “Summit.’ A spokesman for Karekin II said that the ‘Summit’ “could cause new sensitivities and tensions in our national life and will not be effective.” Given the strained relations between the Church and Armenia’s government, the Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, bluntly asked: “why should we [the Church] participate in their [the government’s] PR action?”

To make matters worse, Hetq, the website of investigative journalists in Armenia, reported that the Armenian government is paying $768,000 to an outfit named Factory Production LLC, to organize the ‘Summit.’ I read the contract which indicates that it was signed on Oct. 21, 2022, just one week before the ‘Summit.’

The lack of seriousness of the organizers of the ‘Summit’ is indicated by the fact that in four days of meetings only one hour is devoted to Artsakh, with the participation of representatives of the Artsakh government along with Armenia’s Foreign Ministry and Security Council. This does not do justice to a critical issue which is of utmost importance for all Armenians, but sadly, not the government of Armenia.

Two ‘panel discussions’ are planned for the ‘Summit’: “How Diaspora communities organize for local and national-level representation within their countries” and “Diaspora representation within the Republic of Armenia’s governing structures: Models to consider.” Both of these topics require serious discussions with the participation of major Armenian organizations and knowledgeable individuals who were not invited. I presented to Prime Minister Pashinyan, during my visit to Armenia in 2019, a concrete plan for the formation of a Diaspora Armenian Parliament which Pashinyan enthusiastically welcomed. Regrettably, along with many others, I have not received an invitation to present this important plan to the ‘Summit.’

There are also three simultaneous ‘Breakout Sessions’: 1) “Appointing Republic of Armenia state representatives in Diaspora communities,” 2) “Models for Diaspora representation in Parliament,” and 3) “Models for Diaspora participation in governance and within the executive.”

Hopefully, a future Armenian government, which is less inclined to divide the nation, will reconvene a proper “Diaspora-Armenia-Artsakh Conference” with the participation of all Armenian organizations and influential individuals, regardless of their affiliation, to deal with the existential challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh.

At a time when Armenia and Artsakh stand at the edge of the precipice, there is no need to play self-defeating partisan politics and divide the nation further. Recently, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mavlut Cavusoglu complained once again about the Diaspora’s anti-Azerbaijan and anti-Turkey activism. The last thing Armenians need is having the Armenian government help Azerbaijan and Turkey to weaken and neutralize the Diaspora. No wonder I did not see on the agenda of the ‘Summit’ the topic: how to counter Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s anti-Armenian activities.

Most diaspora Armenian boycotting, fake world Armenian summit to be held in Yerevan by Zareh Sinanyan and Nikol close “Kiplik” circles

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On October 28-31, the World Armenian Summit will be held in Yerevan, replacing the Armenia-Diaspora Forum. This time it will be held with the participation of Diaspora Armenians from Zareh Sinanyan and Nikol Pashinyan’s close “Kiplik” circles. And Diaspora Armenians will participate, not Diaspora Armenian structures because Sinanyan decided that individual Diaspora Armenians should be invited. It is already known that the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia refused to participate in this summit, explaining it by the fact that individuals were invited, not structures.