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The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 International Armenian advocacy efforts get $5 million boost n Continued from page Prosperous Armenia Party, and Ara Abramyan, who heads the Union of Armenians of Russia. Acknowledging the diversity of the participants in the event, Hrant Markarian, representative of the ARF’s governing Bureau, said the Armenian Cause united people regardless of their political beliefs. The Armenian Cause “has united all of us. Practical work, which is above day-to-day issues and differences, has united us. Work, which is geared to empowering Armenia and Armenians, to accumulating and organizing our collective power, to becoming a factor to be reckoned with in the world,” said Mr. Markarian. Offices in Washington, Brussels, Moscow, Beirut, and Tbilisi “coordinate and marshal the efforts of Armenians and our friends toward elevating Armenia’s political stature internationally, securing economic assistance to Armenia, defending the rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, bringing about international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, and countering Turkish and Azerbaijani anti-Armenian propaganda,” he said. The Armenian Reporter’s Tatul Hakobyan asked Giro Manoyan, director of the ARF Bureau’s Central Hai Tad and Political Office in Yerevan, for more details. Tatul Hakobyan: Why did the event take place in Dubai Giro Manoyan: The fundraising in Dubai was the third such event. The first was held in 2001 in Geneva; the second in 2005 in Paris. The goal of these events was and is to raise funds for the ARF’s Hai Tad (Armenian Cause) political activities in Europe (including Russia and the CIS) and in the Middle East. The locations of these events have been chosen taking this fact into consideration. The last two events were held in Europe and it was time to hold one in the Middle East. Dubai was chosen for practical purposes, taking into consideration the fact that a significant number of the invitees were from Armenia, the Middle East, and the Russian Federation, and visa and flight arrangements for them are easier to Dubai. TH: So the event did not take place outside Armenia so that official Yerevan could deny being part of the effort to secure universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. (Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey claimed just last week, “The Armenian diaspora is plotting,” but “the current administration in Armenia doesn’t take part in this.”) With Armenia and Turkey engaged in high-level talks, fundraising in Armenia for the Armenian Cause could be viewed badly by Turkey. Was this a consideration in choosing Dubai GM: The ARF holds a lot of its partywide events – world congresses, youth camps, Hai Tad Committees’ conferences – in Armenia for obvious reasons. But these fundraising events, as I said before, are specifically for Hai Tad–related political activities in the diaspora, specifically Europe and the Middle East, and the ARF Bureau has decided to hold these events in the diaspora. But, to demonstrate to everyone that these activities are not only supported by Armenians in the diaspora, but also by Armenians from Armenia, since the 2001 fund raising, businesspeople from Armenia as well as from Russia and Ukraine have been invited. The Geneva event was the first time ever that businesspeople from Armenia Catholicos Aram I offers a blessing at the start of the gala fund raiser. donated to a project being realized in the diaspora – in this case, to the establishment of the Hai Tad office in Brussels. Furthermore, the former and current presidents of Armenia, Robert Kocharian and Serge Sargsian, have supported these events. In this year’s case, the president not only sent a congratulatory message to the participants in the event, but one of his brothers, Levon Sargsian, was seated at the head table. Finally, at the event in Dubai, Hrant Margarian, the chairperson of the ARF Bureau publicly thanked President Sargsian for his support, “without which we would not have the success that we have.” President Sargsian told the Armenian community in Zurich, “establishment of relations with Turkey does not mean forgoing the Genocide.” All this was and is done publicly and if the prime minister of Turkey is not aware of the role that official Yerevan plays in Hai Tad activities, including but not limited to Genocide recognition, then I think he either has a poor intelligence-gathering service (after all, all of this is public information) or what he says about Armenia and the diaspora not working together in their efforts for Genocide recognition is wishful thinking. I tend to believe it is the latter. Technically speaking, what Erdogan said regarding Armenia-Turkey negotiations and his take on the role of the diaspora came a day or so earlier than the event in Dubai and the publishing of President Sargsian’s message, which, by the way, is dated January 26, that is before the Sargsian-Erdogan meeting. Anyway, after their meeting in Davos and our event in Dubai, President Sargsian addressed the Armenian community in Zurich, where he reiterated that “establishment of relations with Turkey does not mean forgoing the Genocide; establishment of relations with Turkey does not mean subordination of our national interests to some other issues.” What the Turkish prime minister wants to read from all of this is his prerogative, but we should at least be careful not to fall in the traps he sets for us. TH: The $5 million raised is an unprecedented amount. Which activities and programs will this finance GM: I want to stress that the five million raised will be our budget for the next four years for Hai Tad political activities in the Middle East and Europe, including the Russian Federation and the CIS. Obviously, we will try to translate more financial means into more public relations and political dividends for the Armenian people and Armenia, widening the scope and geography of our activities. Pursuing international and Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Armenian rights; raising the issue of Turkey’s responsibility in the Genocide; paying closer attention to the situation of “Turkish Armenians”; countering Turkish denial and Azerbaijani anti- Armenian activity and propaganda; garnering support for the recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination; defending the rights of the Armenians in the Javakhk (Samtskhe-Javakheti) region of Georgia; supporting Armenia’s integration into Europe and its closer cooperation with Middle Eastern countries: these are the major items on our agenda. More direct and individualized advocacy with parliamentarians and high-ranking functionaries in European states and structures; more relations with European and Middle Eastern media, think tanks, and academic circles are the accents we will be adding to our existing activities. I wish to stress that although the five million is an unprecedented amount for our activities, it still is much less than what Turkey and Azerbaijan spend in these same regions against Armenian interests. We have been able to counter their anti-Armenian policies by spending much less, because the added component, the multiplying factor, to our financial means is the active support and participation in Hai Tad activities by our communities, as organizations and as active citizens of the countries they reside in. We will focus more on developing further this capability of our communities. TH: What percentage of pledges were you able to actually collect from the previous two fund-raising events in Paris and Geneva GM: Following the first fundraising dinner in Geneva, around 78 percent of the pledges were actually collected (total pledges in U.S. dollars and euros were $1,017,660); and following the fund-raising dinner in Paris, around 75 percent of the pledges were collected (total pledges were $1,746,062.50). Since our budgets are primarily based on the pledges, the difference was provided by the ARF Bureau. I have solid grounds to believe that this time we will be able to collect Giro Manoyan. even a larger proportion, if not all of the pledges. TH: Can you tell us the names of the people who made large contributions in Dubai GM: Before giving any names, let me give you general figures. A total of 240 donors pledged the $5 million. The smallest amount pledged was $5 thousand. Of the $5 million pledged, almost half is by benefactors from Armenia, around 12 percent is from supporters in the Russian Federation and the rest, around $2 million, is from supporters in the Middle East and Europe. Almost half the money pledged is from Armenia. The names of the donors will be published shortly. TH: It was a little surprising that people representing other political powers, like Gagik Tsarukian, made pledges to the activities of the ARF Hai Tad. Is it possible to say that the ARF is no longer the only political party in Armenia pursuing Hai Tad GM: The ARF has never considered Hai Tad to be its monopoly. Especially in our Hai Tad activities, we have always had the financial and moral support of a large segment of our communities. A lot of the members of our Hai Tad committees (Armenian National Committees in North America), and some of the staff of our ANC offices have been supporters of the ARF, but not necessarily members of our party. And especially financially, a large portion of Hai Tad donations has come from non-party members. Just to give you two examples: When in 1944 the Armenian National Committee was formed in New York, a total of $165,000 was raised by the community. And the latest ANC of America telethon in May 2006 raised $2.7 million, with the participation of thousands of community members. The fact that businesspeople from other political parties in Armenia and the leader of another advocacy organization based in the Russian Federation have participated in our fundraising efforts only demonstrates how widespread the support is for our goals and trust in our efforts are. We have always been in favor of more segments of our society getting involved in Hai Tad activities, as long as more does not mean more bickering, but means more concentrated and coordinated effort. TH: Has the time not yet arrived for funds raised for Hai Tad to be directed toward the repopulating of Karabakh’s liberated territories GM: I am afraid, as a nation we are even late in raising funds to support a population increase in all of Artsakh – and for us NKR and the “liberated territories” should all have the same status, all are Artsakh – but the population increase is an issue that no single political party or charitable organization can handle on its own. This is an issue that requires state planning and a pan-national effort. Several years ago, the ARF Bureau undertook to bring together all major religious, charitable, and political structures and organizations in Armenia and the diaspora to focus on this most pressing issue, but unfortunately at the last moment the gathering fell apart for obvious political reasons. Since then we have tried to cooperate with different charitable organizations and other structures to help plan and raise funds for this issue. We also have Artsakh Fund committees working toward this goal. Last but not least, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund is the pan-national structure coordinating efforts toward developing Artsakh as well. Furthermore, in Artsakh, we have tried to have our party members be in charge of the implementation of programs in this sphere to hold them accountable by the party as well. In short, this is not just a financial issue. Primarily it is a national security issue, which demands political will, and it is at the center of our attention. After all, $1.25 million annually for rehabilitation is really not that much of a financial resource for this goal. Finally, our advocacy efforts all over the world are also aimed at supporting the Armenian people’s right to Artsakh. With all the good intentions we all have, we should not mix everything up. Population increase in Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia is of utmost urgency and we are trying our best to make progress. At the same time, we are the leading organization pursuing Hai Tad political activities worldwide, and enjoy the trust and support of a large segment of our society, both in Armenia and the diaspora. All finances raised by us through public fundraising will be used for the stated aim for which they were raised. f Missing credit An uncredited photograph of the Armenian Writers’ Union building in Yerevan that accompanied an article by Aram Arkun about the union (Jan 10) was taken by Mr. Arkun.
The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 5 Community Mass-media panel provides networking opportunity by Alene Tchekmedyian BURBANK – “Mass Media in the Armenian Community” was the title of a panel discussion organized by the Armenian National Committee and held at Woodbury University on January 31. Co-organized by the ANC Professional Network (anc-pn) and the Woodbury University Armenian Students Association, the panel was the first event in the anc-pn’s Professional Panel Series, which aims to connect Armenian students with professionals of specific fields. The panelists were Maria Armoudian of KPFK (90.7 FM, Pacifica Radio); Paul Chaderjian of the Armenian Reporter and reporter. am ; Ara Khachatourian , editor of Asbarez Daily ’s English-language section; and Harry Vorperian , general manager of Horizon TV. With the panel representing the television, print, radio, and electronic arenas, the event provided a diverse forum to discuss trends in journalism, the impact of the Armenian-American media on the community, and the future of news consumption. While there were divergent views as to whether Armenian media qualify as “mass” media, the panelists agreed that Armenian media serve as a catalyst for political activism and social change. “Just because we are Armenian, we are inherently political,” Mr. Khachatourian averred as he described what he viewed as the growing power of the Armenian media in influencing decision-making and public perceptions of issues pertaining to the Armenian Cause. Turning to community activism, Mr. Khachatourian noted that large media firms, including the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, some years ago stopped characterizing the Armenian Genocide as a mere allegation; he credited strong Armenian-American community activism for this change. Mr. Khachatourian found it “remarkable” that a media outlet “would reverse its editorial policy in the face of a government that won’t.” Mr. Chaderjian said the core functions of the Armenian-American media are to perform the public service of providing vital news, helping the community set collective social and political agendas, providing entertainment, and helping continually shape and preserve the Armenian cultural identity. Ms. Armoudian, who volunteers her time to host the progressive talk show “Four PM” on kpfk, encouraged aspiring journalists to question the status quo and become agents for social and political change. Ms. Armoudian said one of the main reasons she joined Pacifica Radio was what she called the “dumbing down” of the American mass media - and specifically news dissemination and analysis. She said complacency, “political correctness,” and shallow entertainment increasingly have replaced substantive, thought-provoking journalism. The panelists acknowledged the financial difficulties facing the owners of print media outlets- noting the woes of the Tribune Company, which publishes the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune ; they said, however, that it is up to the journalists of tomorrow to revolutionize newsgathering, through nonprint media such as the Internet. While the economic downturn and shifts in news consumption have hurt conventional journalism, Mr. Chaderjian said, today’s aspiring journalists have access to novel and diverse ways to tell a story. “I envy people who want to get into media today because all of the doors are open,” he explained. “Twenty years ago, I didn’t have access to cameras or editing programs; it was a whole different landscape.” As he spoke of the evolving needs and preferences of local Armenian television audiences, Mr. Vorperian mentioned certain changes which he hopes to implement at Horizon TV, such as introducing English-language programming in order to tap into the 18-25 age bracket. That age group “probably doesn’t watch Armenian TV stations,” he said. Mr. Vorperian went on to extend an “open invitation” to aspiring journalists, encouraging them to pitch story Petroleum geologist George Chilingarian honored Panelists Ara Khachatourian, Harry Vorperian, Maria Armoudian, and Paul Chaderjian at the Jan. 31, 2009, event, “Mass Media in the Armenian Community.” Photo: Nora Yacoubian ideas and potentially have air time on Horizon. Students wishing to pursue a career in journalism were informed of freelancing and internship opportunities through the panel discussion. In addition, a representative of Hamazkayin introduced a $5,000 scholarship opportunity for graduate students in the fields of literature, journalism, or theater/film studies. Details about the scholarship can be found at hamazkayin.net/news/2008_Hamazkayin_Scholarship.php. Raffi Kassabian, anc-pn Board member, said he thought the panel discussion provided inspiration to aspiring journalists and an opportunity for social networking. “The goal was achieved today because so many students showed willingness to learn from the experiences of media professionals,” he explained. by Shahane Martirosyan TUJUNGA – Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, to an Armenian father and a Russian mother, Professor George Chilingarian grew up in Russia and Iran, where his father was the shah’s physician. Iran is also where Prof. Chilingarian, as a civil and petroleum engineer, discovered several oil fields, which the Iranian government has named after him. Considered one of the world’s foremost petroleum geologists, Prof. Chilingarian has published 61 books and hundreds of articles on geology, petroleum engineering, and environmental engineering. He is a recipient of the Lomonosov Gold Medal from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the White Elephant Medal from the King of Thailand, and the Knight of Arts and Sciences Medal (Russia), among others. Now retired - he taught at the University of Southern California, his alma mater - Prof. Chilingarian has set out to explore the possibility of finding petroleum in Armenia. His idea is postulated in his most recent book, co-authored with former Armenian geology minister Ashot Karapetyan. Prof. Chilingarian has provided much assistance to Armenian institutions, the American University of Armenia (aua) in particular. Last October, at the opening of the aua’s Paramaz Avedisian Building, he was to be honored with a gold medal bestowed by Armenia’s Ministry of Education and Science, in aua President Emeritus Mihran Agbabian notes some of the accomplishments of Professor George Chilingarian, center, as aua President Harutune Armenian looks on, in Tujunga, Calif., Jan. 25, 2009. Photo: Shahane Martirosyan recognition of his contributions to the university as well as the educational and scientific development of Armenia. However, Prof. Chilingarian was unable to attend the ceremony. The story had a happy ending on January 25, when Haroutune Armenian, president of the AUA, and his wife, Sona, hosted a luncheon at their hilltop home in Tujunga, California, to present the gold medal to Prof. Chilingarian. The event was attended by some of Prof. Chilingarian’s closest friends and family as well as a number of dignitaries, including Honduran Consul General Vivian V. Panting Galo and Armenian Consul General Armen Liloyan. Let us know what’s on your mind. Write to us at letters@reporter.am Mr. Liloyan told the Armenian Reporter, “The Armenian government has great respect for the diaspora’s scientists, because their work is so crucial to the future of our government and the sciences.” In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Armenian commended Prof. Chilingarian for his contributions to the aua. Prof. Chilingarian “brings honor to Armenia,” he said. Next to speak was Prof. Mihran Agbabian , the first president of the aua. Prof. Agbabian noted some of Prof. Chilingarian’s great accomplishments as a geological engineer and commended the honoree for his generous support of the aua. At the end of his remarks, Prof. Agbabian invited Mr. Liloyan to present the gold medal to Prof. Chilingarian. After joyfully accepting the award, Prof. Chilingarian made a powerful yet entertaining acceptance speech, in which he expressed gratitude to Armenia, Prof. Agbabian, Mr. Liloyan, President Serge Sargsian , and the Armenian Ministry of Education and Science. Prof. Chilingarian also mentioned his late uncle, Rouben Darbinian, longtime editor of Boston’s Hairenik newspaper, whom he credited with inspiring him to always honor and support the Armenian homeland. Before concluding his remarks, Prof. Chilingarian presented Mr. Liloyan with a copy of his latest book as a gift for Armenia’s president. In addition, the honoree invited Iranian-American painter Perri Amini to present to the consul general a portrait of President Sargsian. Ms. Amini had been commissioned to create the portrait especially for the occasion. The attendees watched intently as the artist unveiled a watercolor piece depicting Mr. Sargsian alongside the Armenian flag. Ms. Amini noted that, as she had grown up in Esfahan, she had many Armenian friends and it was an honor for her to paint a portrait of the president of Armenia.
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