Armenia's Invisible Children - February 1999 by Armenian International Magazine

A SolidFoundation Arl[JnbrolrcnTiadition Throughout nearly two decades

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flourishing practice, Ourfalian & Ourfalian have grown into a

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vol.

FEBRUARY 1999

'r0, No.2

DEPARTMENTS

4 Editor's Note 5 Letters to the Editor 8 View 10 The long view 11 Notebook

13 14 59 60 62

Bytes on File Global View Cyberpages Underexposed Essay

NATION '1

Focus A month of public and political clamoring over a telecommunications deal.

Cover Story

Armenia's lnvisible Children

A look at the lives and future of orphaned and abandoned children. What's the Diaspora doing? ls adoption an option? Want to buy

this homeless child? The

REGION

Georgia: Everyone's Favorite Trading Partner ls Georgia developing as the fulcrum

BUSINESS

for regional trade?

& ECONOMY

Out With the Old, ln With the New Armenia prints new bills

Beer A new beer culture and beer industry take off in Armenia.

RELIGION

The Malakans A milk-drinking, Russian-speaking sect in Armenia.

lillNEcrroNs Expectations in Australia.

of an Armenian school education-

Different Hemisphere, Same Problems The history and challenges of Armenian Day Schools in Australia.

49 AGBU Professionals Program in Armenia 50 Earthquake in the Other Armenia 52 How Some Are Dealing with Mental Retardation BOOKS

Faith in History: Cyprus's Armenian Community

ARTS

Pianist Artur Papazian

COVEFI DESIGN BY HAFFI TARPINIAN; COVER PHOTO BY ARMINEH JOHANNES

No More Vodka; Armenians are Drinking Beer-and the local beers are competing with the imports.

G18) 246 7979, FaN: \A$) 246-@88 Peidicab P6kge pdd at Gkndde, CA ild additional mdlin8 offices. Canada Po* Publicalons Md Produd kle5 AErftmentNo 61&57. @ Copf8mlrybyThe Foudh Millennium 56iety. Alithb r*ryd AIM may notb cproducd n any manrer, efther in whole orh pat, wfthout wden Fmtsion lDm Se publtsher. fte ditou are not rEpnde lor unsllcibd manuscnpb or ad unle$ a stamFd, er-addres*d envdotr R enctosed. Opinions expr$d in ntrd adcB do nd ne<esdly .ep@nt ffe vieB oi The Foud Milkinrum kiety. For advedsing quenes call: I A1A-246-7979. AlM, P O Box 10793 Ghndae, cA912@ U sA Subripiion.at6lor12 isue5, U5:J45, Fodp: ls. Pdm&6:*ndaddBchanFsb

1\INIti:il**lt;:

\7ith Vision and Conscience

Armenian lnternational Magazine 207 South Brand Blvd. Suite 203 Clendale, CA 91204, USA

rel:8182457979

ou've seen Kristen Kidd's byline in this magazine for nearly a year. What you didn't know is that she is an Emmy-award winning news writer and producer whose CBS program News for Kids won two Emmies just a couple of years ago. Kristen has worked for television stations in Fresno, Denver and Los Angeles, and continues to do so even as she writes for AIM. Kristen spent two weeks in Australia just before the Christmas holidays, and there, she was able to report on several subjects of interest not just to the local community, but to the Diaspora in general. In this issue, Kristen writes about the challenges facing Armenian day schools in Sydney. Her descriptions of what she saw and heard, her take on the stated and unstated problems, are right on the mark. It's interesting watching a professional who is new to the ills and concerns of the Armenian Diaspora pick up so quickly on the burdens, dreams and paradoxes. Kristen also had a hand in the cover

0088

EDITOR.PUBLISHER

Haroutinian Chazarian

Salpi

MANAGING EDITOR Hratch Tchilingirian DESIGN Raffi Tarpinian ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A. H. Alexandrian, Yerevan SENIOR EDITOR Tony Halpin, London

PRODUCTION AND PHOTO MANAGER Parik Nazarian

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Dania Ohanian

story. For l0years,

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Seta Khodanian

various Diaspora organizations have collected money to help the orphans in Armenia. From small,

ADVERTISING MANAGER Fimi

Mekhitarian

INTERNS

Karine Avedissian, Sonig Krikorian

local, limited operations to sustained. ongoing programs supported by the larger Diaspora institutions, nearly 10,000 orphans are supported by individuals in the Diaspora. Who are

Fax: 818 245

E-mail: aim4m@well.com

z g G

zg = I

Sydney Australia, Kristen

Kidd (right) speaking

zU F

these organizations with Father Anton Totonjian of the St. Gregory and what are they try- Armenian School. ing to do? That was Kristen's assignment. I have to say that in the nearly year-long process not only did she gather information, but she also learned a thing or two about how the Diaspora works. How does the Diaspora work? Sometimes in a clumsy, arbitrary, short-sighted way. For example, two organizations (who shall for the time being remain nameless) who had been presented with countless requests fbr information had to be called the week before the issue went to press with the news that they were in fact not included in the article. At that point, they suddenly returned phone calls and answered questions. Kristen's question: Why does it have to be this way? We've been wondering that ourselves. But, that's OK. Our job is to keep poking and digging with a clean conscience. Yourjob, as reader, is to keep demanding that we (and every other publication you read) stay true to the vision-provide information with which you can form opinions and take action. If we do our job-and with the story on Armenia's Invisible Children, you will find ample information-then, hopefully, you will have no choice but to form opinions and take

action'

/. .. - {r^--r_t -f L^,_.AIM FEBRUARY I999

YEREVAN AUREAU 5 Nalbandian Room 24 Tel; 583639 rel/Fax. 151849 E.mail: aimarm@arminco.com

COORDINATOR Anahit Martirossian ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cohar Sahakian DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Areg Asatrian, Vahan Stepanian

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ronald 6rigor 5uny, Taline Voskeritchian CONTRIBUTORS Adashes [min, ]ohn Hughes, Yerevan; Susar Patte, London tdik Balaian, Ara Chouliian Lo5 Angeles; lanet Samuelian, Palm Sprrngs; Mark A,,lalkatlan, Rhode lsland ceorge EournouUan, Lola Koundakjian, New Yo* Myriam Caume, Paris Matthew Karanan Moorad Mooradtan, Washington DC Vadan Matio$lan, Euenos Anes

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mkhltar Khachatrian. Zaven Khachrkian, Rouben /\langasaran, Yerevan Antone Agoudjian, Armineh Johannes, Aline lilanoukian Parist Edmond Terakopian, London; Karne Amen Kevork Djansezian, Ratfi Ekmekji, Eric Nazanan, Ara Oshagan, Los Argeles: Caro Lachinan, Massachlsetts: Ardem Aslanran. New ie6ey Harry (oundakl an New Yorki Eerge Ara Zob an, Rhode sland

EDITOR EMERITUS Charles Nazarian

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Minas Kojaian

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WRITE

TO AIMI

We welcome all communication Although we read a I etters ard submisstons, we are unable to acknowledge everythlng we receive due to imited *affing and resources. Lefters to the Editor may be edited for publication.

,1\INl

was built in the 1970's. It has a sanctuary, classrooms, and a social hall. The Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church in the same block has a similar if not identical doctrine and does meet in a property which formerly was the Nazarene bookstore. I suppose this is the "store front." The Armenian Nazarene congre-

,.,,.:;

gation meets

in the facilities of

or Jehovah's witness, but these groups have traditionally been aggressive proselytizers and have meetings in Pasadena and Altadena. Certainly Rev. Movsesian is so preoccupied with them that he condemns them in nearly

St.

Gregory Armenian Church would probably not even know they exist without the constant reminder.

Dillerent Gonnections

was surprised and dismayed at some

the inaccuracies of fact and interpretation in your article "The Armenians of Pasadena," (Connections, November 1998). These seem to be attributable to misinformation supplied by Rev. Vazken Movsesian and insufficient research by your author. As a lifelong resident of Pasadena familiar with the community and its history. I teel obligated to colrect any misunderstanding your readers may have gotten. As to the insulting characterization of the community by Rev. Movsesian as "segmented,

factionalized, and dysfunctional" and full of wife-beaters and criminals, this is so contrary to the experience of those of us who have seen the efforts of the generation of our parents and grandparents to work, sacrifice, and provide us

with the spiritual and material necessities of life that it should not need any response at all. Rev. Movsesian seems to be unwilling, after 150 years, to reconcile himself to the existence of Armenian Evangelicals. In point of fact, the first Armenian church in Pasadena was Cilicia Armenian Congregational Church, founded in 1922 by immigrants from Hadjin and other town in Cilicia. The parishioners built a building with their own hands, which was dedicated on June 13, 1937 , with 400 persons present. The hall of this church served as the Armenian community center for many years. The Evangelical Brethren gathering in Pasadena dates

from 1925. They kept separate

from Cilicia Congregational Church for doctrinal reasons. Although they can fairly be described as "Fundamentalist," that is hardly a term of opprobrium. It means that they take the Gospel seriously and literally. They meet in a church building, not a "store front," which

Rev. Movsesian exhibits an antiArmenianness which has caused many of those, not just newcomers, who have felt so uncomfortable that they have even left the parish,

can experience of George Kooshian and the social and economic problems confronted by Rev. Mov.sesian and some of his parishioners are clearly different. The Editors

Bresee

Nazarene Church, across the street. Their beliefs are similar but in the Holiness tradition. There are a number of different ethnic groups which have meetings in these Mormon

every sermon. Most parishioners

In any t'ase, this letter is perhttps a good illustration of Rev. Movsesian's point about a segmented community-The Armenian-Ameri'

wonder why exactly he

Armenian priest. They think he would be more

suitable as an Episcopalian or as a social worker. This is captured in the statement you

In an article entitled "Armenian in Pasadena" (Connections,

Entrepreneurs

November 1998) you presented a short list of success stories. With all due respect, and a great appreciation for the positive influence they yield and the goodwill they create, may I suggest that you broaden your horizons? Next time, present to your readers companies based in Pasadena and Glendale that have products that are sold nationwide and worldwide, manufacturing companies in high-tech industries that are innovative and that contribute in some way to the welfare of Armenians here and in Armenia. I am certain there are many, and though most are less visible than the businesses you've named, they are not less important. Still, thank you for the wonderful job you

are doing in continuing the publication of AIM. I look forward to receiving each and every issue. George L. Keushguerian

quote, "Pasadena is the oldest Armenian ghetto. We have not been able to get out of it. Even

the American-born generation, they're still within the Armenian community and have not crossed over the general American community,' laments Movsesian." I find this statement absolutely astound-

ing. In the first place, everyone in American-born generation

the

completely Americanized and in the "general American community." Every single one of us went to public schools because in our time there was no Armenian school, most of us have military service, and all of us have or had jobs in the "general American community." To have an

Armenian community leader print such

statement, so destructive to our existence as a people, so offensive to the memory of our parents, and so demoralizing to our children, is indeed regrettable.

"'";f :"ir;f:';li#;l,: Since Rev. Movsesian chttse not

respond to these comments, especially the per' sonal characterizations, we wish to note: For the record, Rev. Movsesian's exacl

words were: "Wfe-beating is a major problem." He did not say the community is made up of wife-beaters and criminals.

AIM FEBRUARY I999

Glendale, Califurnia

Ilelining Amenian Every issue of your magazine is like a breath of fresh air for me and for all of us who

live far from our motherland. The

subjects

and problems discussed in AIM are mostly of a very serious character and they affect both Armenia and the Diaspora. I like very much the way you are interpreting our national culture and history, especially in the light of the modern times and events. And I really adore the photos you publish, both from Armenia and from our lost (but

not forever) homeland-Western Armenia. Those rare glimpses of our motherland from the other side of the Arax river make me feel I have found something I have dreamed about since I was a child. For those of us bom in the 60s, Westem Armenia was always something like a terra incognita, a forbidden and hidden place.

But let me come to the point. Both in the September and December issues, I saw a photo and an advertisement of the so-called

popular Armenian singer Aram Asatrian. I think it is morally unforgivable to put his CD

in the same row with

Rouben Hakhverdian,

Lusine Zakarian and Komitas.

His

cheap,

Turkish-inspired songs with stupid lyrics have nothing to do either with Armenian music or

The Founh Millennium Sociery is an independently funded and administered

fie dissemination of information lbr the purpose of infomed public. Underpinning all our work is the lirm conviction that the vitality of an independent press is tundamental to a deilocratic society in

public charity committed ro developing an

with Armenian culture and language. It is still a mystery for me why he is so popular in California. Instead of listening to Aram Asatrian, one can just take a modern Turkish pop song and ignore the lyrics and you have a song which could be the crown of his repertoire.

careful when dealing with such issues. Your influence and power is much greater than you imagine. Vahram Bagratounian Please be

Armenia and democraric instituiions

discussion and

Your article on the Armenian opera, Arshak II (Arts, November 1998) by the San Francisco Opera is truly exciting. Armenia requires reinforcement

its

positive image to insure and increase American political and financial support. An Armenian opera on a world class stage will bring that awareness to a very important segment of the American population. Can't you just see it now-Arshak CDs, Grammy Awards, T-shirts, etc.? King Arshak reunified Armenians

and

fought off their enemies 1,600 years ago. Perhaps he can do it forArmenia again in the new millenium.

well-being,

lhe liee flow of infbrmation among individuals and organizations.

ensure the independence

S0CIBTY, Inc.

ofAlM.

Michael Nahabet, Raffi Zinzalian. Directors.

DIRECTORS'98 Shahen Hairapetian, Armen Hampar, Zaven Khanjian, Michael Nahabet,

Alex Sarkissian, Bob Shamlian, Raffi Zinzalian. BENEFACTORS Sarkis Acopian, Hirair Hovnanian, The

Lincy Foundation, Louise Manoogian Simone

SENIOR TRUSTEES

AUSTRALIA: Heros & Kate Dilanchian; CALIFORNIA: Khachig Babayan, George & Flora Dunaians, George & Grace Kay, Joe & Joyce Stein CANADA: Razmig Hakimian, Kourken Sarkissian HONG KONG:

Jack Maxian

FOUNDING TRUSTEES AUSTRALIA: Varoojan Iskenderian CALIFORNIA:

Garen Avedikian, Mardo Kaprielian,

Edward Misserlian, Bob Moveli, Varoujan Nahabet, Norair Oskanian, Emmy papazian, Zareh Sarkissian, Raffi Zinzalian FLORIDA: Hagop Koushakjian

PENNSYLVANIA: Zarouhi Mardikian ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES Araxie M. Haroutinian, Ralph and Savey Tufenkian

PATRONS ARMENIA Khachatur Soukiassian

Arpiar and Hermine Janoyan Walter and Laurel Karabian

AUSTRALIA

Kevork and Satenig Karajer.jian

CONNECTICUT

Arman and Nairi Derderyan

Nishani and Sona Kazazian

Louis T. Hagopian

George and Vartouhi Tavoukjian

John and Rose Ketchoyan

Artin Etmekjian

Gdy

and Sossi Kevorkian

CANADA Migirdic

and

Ani Migirdicyan

CYPRUS Gtro Keheyan

Anonymous

Zaven and Sona Khanjian

CALIFORNIA

ITALY

Krikor Krikorian

Mihran and Elizabeth Agbabian

Krikor and Harout lstanbulian

Garabed Akpolat

Dora Seruidian Kuhn AYik Mahdesian

Armand and Nancy Arabian

Stepan and Erdjanik Markarian

Vailkes and Jean Barsam

Harout and Rita Mesrobian

Hary

Beincamallon ol Atshak l!

ro the

Their flnancial contribulions suppo( the work of the Fourth Millennium Society and

use the correct

name-Artsakh Lives, October 1998) you refer to Artsakh in the terminology of her enemies. The people of Artsakh have been struggling to keep it as Artsakh. Even the photograph on page 20 tells you that this land is called Artsakh, and nothing else. If we don't find any fault in us calling Artsakh something else, why should we find fault in anybody who calls Stepanakert Khangendi'! Please be kindly reminded about the political meaning and the political importance of the words that you choose. One can not justify using another name for Artsakh, by perhaps claiming that, internationally it is with this other foreign name that Artsakh is known. Although not yours, such a claim clearly indicates why you should make the correct political statement by using, thus educating, and then demanding the usage of her correct name-Artsakh and nothing else. Thank you for that very nice article. Name Withheld Canada

of the Fourth Millennium Society who {re comntitted

growlh and development ofArmenians and Arme[ia through the promotion ofopcn

FOURTH MITTBNNIUM

What's ln a Wold The words that we choose reflect a certain political understanding, and they make a certain political statement. In the cover story

Lives-I will

Diaspora. The Fourth Millennium

national dialogue. The directrrs are graleful to the Benetaclors, Trustees, putrons ilnd Friends

Copenhagen, Denmark

(Karabakh

in the

Society publishes Armenian Inlcrnarional Magazine in its ettbft to contribute to the

and

Alvail Barseghian

Jasmine Mgrdichian

Berj and Hera Boyajian

Edwdd and Alice Navasargian

Hagop and Violet Dakessian

Kenneth and Cindy Norian

Ardash and Marian Derderian

Dimitri

and Tamara

Dimitri

Steve and Lucille Estephanian

Rafi Ourialian Michael and Hermine Piranian Hralch and Helga Sarkis

Manoushag Fermanian

Alex Sarkissian

Cagik and Knar Galstian

Robert and Helen Shamlian

LEBANON Kevork Bouladian MASSACHUSETTS Richdd Simonian

MICHIGAN George Chamchikian

Alex Manoogiani' NEVADA Lany and Seda Barnes

NEWYORK Harry and Aida Koundakjian

Petros and Garine Taglyan

Vahe Nishaniant

Pierre and Alice Haig

Ara and Avedis Tavitian

UNITED KINGDOM

Armen and Gloriaf Hampar

Gaidzag and Dzovig Zeitlian

Diran and Suzi Chakelian

Vahan and

Audrey Gregor

FRIENDS OFAIM The Fourth Millennium Society is grateful ro the following fbr contributing during the last month to ensure AIM's financial independence.

AZ:

Stephen OvanessolT CA: Earl and Barbara Hamlin, Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian DC: Barry Zonhian MD: Edwud Betzig, Peter B. Gabrielian MI: Hratch Vartanian MO: Sam Toumayan Ny: Simpad Salbasian OR: Yerchanik Arakelian PA: John and Debra Paulson Argentina: Culos

Demirdjian Austria: Tanil Hnazant Canada: Lida Alexanian Cyprus: Mry Nishanian Egypt: Berge Avedissian France: Claude Mutafian Greece: Dikan Mekhsian ltaly: Roben Keyvanian, Nicole Minassian Lebanon: Rafi Mikaelian

Anita P. Kazarian Cleveland, Ohio AIM FEBRUARY I999

JET LINE

lu e"*r" "+ With direcf service from US io Armeniq ond frcm Armeniq to US, Jet Une ensure the timely and sofu delivery of your corgo shipmenfs. From lorge shipmenfs to smoll porcels ond even food pockoges, we

will provide you

\^/ifh fiosf, e{ficient ond relioble serwice ot teosonoble tulres.

\ rith over :., : yeors

intemcniranol shipping,

il is lro

surprise ftof Jet Une is the compony of choice fior qll corcto serrrices to Armenh.

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0nce an 0ruhan, Always an 0ruhan

0ruhans Who IUm 18 l,leed $ystematic Assistance to Become SelFReliant and lndercndent ndranik Zaroukian, born in l9l 3, was raised in orphanages in Aleppo and Beirut. That's all one needs to know about him to I \understand the following paragraph taken from the first page of his book, Men Without Childhood. I know that scattered in the four corners of the world is a lost multitude, tens of thousands of sad souls like me who were and always will be the most unfortunate of people because they had no childhood. We seem to have gone through something quite nameless instead, a savage mixture of misery and suffering the very memory of which, even years later, still hardens the heart and scorches the soul. We were never children because we were Armenian and we were orphans. Is it for children to feel denial, hunge4 tears, the rejection of relatives? The generation of orphans which Zaroukian represented grew up, had families, led communities and built the Middle Eastern

A l\

Diaspora. Ten years after the beginning

the events-the

Karabakh conflict, the earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union-which created today's orphans (See page 20), Armenia and the Diaspora lack a coherent children's policy. Such a policy is necessary because at least half of Armenia's orphaned and abandoned children are without parents not because the parents have died, but because the people intended to be physical, social and economic caretakers are unable to provide that care and have "given them up". The economic conditions that make this kind of extreme, some would say unnatural, action necessary are not likely to improve radically within the decade. So, as new children are added to the "orphan rolls" and as existing children become older, laws and programs are necessary to resolve the following potentially great problems. What happens when a parent returns to reclaim a child from an orphanage, only to find themselves several months later again unable to care for their offspring? Is the child, like a yo-yo ro go back and forth between institution and relative? Are foster care and adoption not available to the child, because the rights ofthe parents

must be ultimately defended? What happens to the soul of a child who is rejected not once, but several times? If this problem affects just some of Armenia's vulnerable childrren. there is a bigger problem that affects them all. Armenia is a socir ety that defines a person first and foremost by family. Without family and without connections, a person, in essence, does not exist. The only thing that changes for an orphan who turns 18 is that he or she can no longer live in an orphanage. However, without family to fall back on, thatl8-year-old can only head for the streets. This is no exaggeration. Consider this. Everyone, even married couples. live in the family home. Young people don't leave home and rent apartments with roommates. Rent is prohibitive. Jobs are hard to come by. What happens to an orphan who has spent his or her whole life within an institution? There is no social network to fall back onno neighborhood, no friends, no links. In a society where everything, everything, depends on who you know, these children and young people have no one to fall back on. Not even themselves. There is no access to cheap or affordable housing or skills training. There are no transitional communities or institutions to facilitate their transfer from totally dependent to gradually independent. The handful or fewer programs which have already worked or will go into operation soon deserve encouragement. The Nursing School at the Erebuni Hospital, a program endorsed by the former First Lady and supported by Diasporan women, was established expressly for the purpose of offering young women with no families the opportunity to learn a skill and support themselves. The numbers of children and young people in need of continuing assistance are, thankfully, not huge. That is exactly why it's worth sounding the alarm. Focusing on the 1000-plus orphaned, abandoned and homeless children is intended not to sensationalize the problem, rather to call for a planned solution. We cannot afford to accept the adage-once an orphan, always an orphan. I

Lots and lots ol Questions The

[aison d'Elre ol an A]menian School Education Has Gone Unquestioned lor loo long

utside of the Middle East, Armenian day schools are over 35 years old. As they approach middle ug", i, unyon. stopping to ask what it's all about? The schools in Australia, just 15 years old, (See page 42) are already having to deal with the same social and economic issues facing schools from Montebello to Montreal. Is there a critical mass sufficient to support these institutions? Where are all the school-age children? Why do some parents opt for Armenian schools and others don't? What is expected of an Armenian school education? Is it enough to say Armenian schools are teaching Armenian language and culture? Do they in fact do so? Is the version of history being taught the same one that has been

served up for decades-brave kings and determined warriors whose battles and actions are never placed in the context of world history? Does teaching Armenian mean imposing Western Armenian on the thousands of school age children whose home language is Eastem Armenian? Is the rest of the curriculum and teaching just good, or excellent? If necessary, should Armenian classes and teachers be sacrificed in order to pay for and provide a top-flight academic education? Does it have to be a choice? Are Armenian schools really, basically, fundamentally for the purpose of keeping our kids away from the big, bad world? Is that a good thing? If they are not intended to isolate, do they manage to

teach an integration

AIM FEBRUARY I999

of the best of both worlds-Armenian

and

Australian, Armenian and Argentinean, Armenian and American? What are the values being taught to children who must function and excel in the 2 I st century? Is another generation of successful tradesmen and self-employed professionals adequate for a community's needs? Are the schools supposed to attempt to satisfy the community's needs or just the individual student's? Are schools the institutions which will produce teachers, writers, priests and editors or shall we look elsewhere? Are these the nests which shall spawn cybertraders, negotiators, investors and filmmakers or, again, shall we look elsewhere? Questions about community belonging, identity, philanthrophy, participation, leadership-all of those haven't even been touched. Nor, has the huge, unexplored area of Armenia-Diaspora relations even been broached. Yet, these are clearly the questions that are being answered by default every single school day by principals and

trustees who make decisions about fundraising activities, teacher and student recruitment, awards, field trips, guest speakers. No new schools have opened since the establishment of an independent Republic of Armenia. In that context, the most fundamental question of all hasn't even been asked. Dare we ask it? We do, but with a cautionary note that asking the question does not assume the answer.

The question is this: Are Armenian schools necessary or even supportable given the existence of an independent Armenia? If it was the Armenian language or culture we were preserving, Armenia does that much more effectively. If it was our personal command of the language which was our concern, one extended summer vacation in Armenia takes care of that worry. So, what is the concern? That's the question, isn't it? And it's time someone asked. Your answers are welcome.

Welcome to Glo[alization

Worldwiile Gapital Flow 0uenules ilational laws and Begulations

T-lor almost a year now. the privatization of major companies in N .t.menia and the methodologies of transition to market econL omy have become almost permanent features of Armenian economic, political and national discourse (See page 18). While the case of Armenia has its own merits, problems and socio-political idiosyncrasy, the current world economic situation provides a useful (not necessarily helpful) and wider analytical perspective.

Mozambique is the poorest country in the world, yet it will continue to pay $107 million every year in debt service-that's about $6.60 for every citizen. By contrast, Mozambique spends only $2 per person per year on health and $4 on education. The

international community has agreed

cancel some of

Mozambique's debts, however, not enough since only those debts which will never be paid will be canceled. According to UN figures, if Mozambique took just half of its debt payments per person per year and spent that on health and education, 115,000 children who would otherwise die before their fifth birthday would be saved. In Armenia, foreign debt servicing will reach $ 108 million this year, which is approximately equal to the loans Armenia expects to receive. Azerbaijan's foreign debt in 1998 was $500 million; foreign debt servicing in 1997 was about $97 million. In neighboring Georgia, state budget shortfall for the first 10 months of 1998 was $120 million. As a result, the Georgian government owed $9 million in wages to public sector employees and a staggering $35 million in pensions. By mid-1996 Georgia's foreign debt had climbed to over $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, Armenia's foreign debt will reach $847 million by the end of 1999. From African to the former Soviet states, efforts to raise needed capital through international trade and direct foreign investment continue to yield far less than needed funds. Governments are com-

pelled to seek funding from international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. However, funds provided by such organizations come with a number of requirements for economic reforms and adjustments. Forced to comply with requirements in the form of structural adjustment programs and economic recovery programs and with virtually no other

alternatives, recipient governments end up inflicting unintended and undesired hardships on their societies. Coupled with the lack of pro-

fessional expertise, inexperience and inherent cronyism, the negative impact of such measures is exhausting the patience of populations, especially in the former Soviet countries. Welcome to globalization! Less than l0 years ago, the term globalization was used infrequently. Today, it has become a household word reflecting the explosive increase of international capital flow. Today, the global economy has reached a point where capital makes and follows its own operating methods and creates its own rules, which not only transcend but also, most critically, override national laws and regulations. The pressure of global institutions-World Bank, World Trade Organization, IMF-has resulted in increased deregulation, whereby the legal, social and economic activities of poorer or emerging countries have been greatly abrogated. Economic globalization has meant rapid acceleration of transactions and gigantic financial gains for multinational corporations, On the one hand, multinational corporations with their huge amounts of capital are essential to a country's development. On the other hand, the bottom line of the multinational corporation is the bottom line-not the

individual country's growth and development. Doesn't matter whether the country is small Armenia, or powerful Germany. In fact, during the last four years, German corporate profits rose by 46 percent, but wages by only five percent. This is not a hopeful lesson.

Well-intentioned governments and emerging nation-states around the world have become economic hostages to international financial organizations and global corporations that set the rules. Coupled with the learning curve necessary for new players to catch up with the experienced, mature buyers and sellers nurtured by the multinationals, all this means trouble for Armenia and others new to the negotiating game who must play ball in the big boys field. But the averuge Shakar Shakarian could care less. He has a family to feed and is entitled to decent telephone lines, bread supplies, transportation, housing and shelter. Someone has to pay the price. Who will it be?

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

The Caspian Playground AIM FEBRUARY I999

"Please do nol cxporl an ugly side ol your history and Ghalacteristics t0 us... Iuftey may hauc its shortcomings and mislakes, but not this." kmail Cem, Turkish Foreign Minister in reference

to nwssacres and racial extermination in Westem Europe.

"In the case of apology politics, it's not the material compensation, it's simply someone getting up and saying, 'Look, we've been hiding this all along and this was a wrong thing that we did.'I think, in the case, for example, with the Turks and the Armenians, with the genocide that took place around the time of World War I, what the Armenians want and the Turks just have not been willing to give them is simply a statement of what happened. You have all these dead people, all of this suffering, and yet, the present day authorities try to gloss it over and pretend it never happened. I think that it just means a lot to tell the truth in these kinds of circumstances."

Fukuyama, author

-Francis Public Radio's All

The End of History, on National

Things Considered

"It is our deep hope... that the Palestinian people will gain independence." Peres, Former Israeli Prime Minister and onetime Inbor -Shimon Party leader told the Palestinian Legislative Council "From the West, starry-eyed idealists came pouring into the Caucasus and Central Asia thinking they would persuade the leaders to introduce pluralist democracy and market reforms. On the other side, the countries thought these companies would come in with all their investments and, before you say Jack Robinson, they would have a modern economy. From both sides it has proved very wrong." Bergne teaches about the Caspian region at Oxford University

-Paul

"There is incredible wealth of human talent in [Armenia] that is not being fully utilized."

-Michael

Lemmon, US Ambassador to Armenia

"The Karabakh problem would not be solved for another four years. I am now abandoning diplomatic language and declaring openly that the issue is one of a cold war between Russia and Turkey." Guluzade, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of -Vafa Azerbaijan, told Istanbul-based Zaman newspaper "Those who touch Azerbaijan will touch Turkey." Demirel, President of Turkey

-Suleyman

"Regrettably, we tend to view the future as projections of the past." Maxwell, a senior World Vision policy advisor, in reference -Dayton to developing conflicts in the world in 1999

"I want to prove that we are Europeans. I am carrying out my own business. I can believe in whatever I want and get insulted by whoever I want. I believe that [religious] icons should be destroyed. I venerate the axe and make daily sacrifices to it. I am as much a believer as [the Russian Orthodoxl are." Ter-Oganyan, controversial Moscow-based artist whose -Avdei "Young Atheist" presentation at an aft fair in Moscow's Central Exhibition Hall caused outrage in the national press and the Russian Orthodox Church. "Those who criticize Turkey's human rights record can take some comfort from the fact that Turks seem to be ffeating animals better than they used to... actively secular Turks like to show off their dogs partly to demonstrate how European they are." Economist

-The

Rich cultural diversity is what Glendale Community College touts as one of the qual-

ities which make it attractive to ils 20,000 students and 969 staff. But too much cul-

tural diversity may not be a good thing, as

the

following

memo

from College President

John Davitt implies. Who are the employees? The mostly white faculry is combined with a heavily Asian, Latino and Armenian staff in this small town that until very recently was very white and very conseryative. Tbday, Armenians are Glendale's largest minority-some one-third of the ciry and one-third of the college stud.ents are

Armenian).

Yet, there are no Armenians on the Community College

Board ofTrustees

or on the Glendale Unified School District Board. of Trustees. NOTICE TO ALL GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

All

employees proficient in English are directed to speak only in English in connection with work. During lunch, breaks and employees' own time, employees are obviously free to speak in languages other than English if they wish. However, the District directs all employees not to use their fluency in another language in a fashion which insults other employees or leads other employees to suffer humiliation. Issued in January, the memo was retracted just days later in order for "the legal staff to prepare a clarification" because "it has caused a great deal ofconfusion" said the President's new memo. It concluded, "Please be aware, however, that if you do speak in a language other than English in the work setting, your remarks can certainly be misinterpreted by those who do not understand you."

AIM FEBRUARY I999

(Walthm, MA, 1997).

What a Year

Honoring Justice and Fairness

A year after he

resigned from office, President Levon Ter in seclusion, certainly out of the limelight. The president who left office last February because of pressure from what he described as "powers well known to you" has

Petrossian remains,

if not

spent the year reading, corresponding with new and old colleagues-and generally staying out of the public eye. He and his family live in a house on the road toward Ejmiatsin, with their son David, daughter-in-law Lilit and grandson Levon. He and former First Lady Lucia Ter Petrossian both have small offices, cars, drivers and bodyguards. She continues her projects on behalf of needy children and women. The former president has made two official appearances. The first was at Robert Kocharian's inauguration in April 1998, making Armenia the only country of the former Soviet Union where a second president was congratulated by the first. Ter Petrossian's next public appearance was just last month to express his condolences to Kocharian on the occasion of his brother's accidental death while hanggliding. Otherwise, unlike nearly everyone else in his administration, he has not been seen or heard. Soon after he left office, he released a statement saying he was prepared to work with the authorities if they saw the need to use his services. He had little or nothing to say when in May there were stories in the media that his home was being shot at. Finally, in January, right after former Interior Minister Vano Siradeghian publicly charged Ter Petrossian with knowledge and collaboration in the rigging of the 1996 presidential elections, Siradeghian was accused by the Prosecutor General of ordering the murder of two police officers in 199? Ter Petrossian issued a

terse, biting statement blasting the authorities for ineptitude in attempting to railroad Siradeghian based on the unproven charges

of one man.

Three years ago, the remains of German poet, novelist,missionary and Genocide documentarian/photographer Armin Wegner were brought to Armenia. Last April, Johannes Lepsius, Germany missionary who protested inaction in the face of Genocide, Lord James Bryce, the first to submit an official report documenting the Genocide to the British parliament, and Austrian novelist and author of Forty Days of Musa Dagh, Franz Werfel, joined Wegner in an (see AIM July 1998). On April 24, 1999, a handful of earth from the gravesite of US

official ceremony at the Genocide Museum

Ambassador to Turkey Henry Morgenthau will be interred at the Genocide Memorial-eight decades after the US diplomat went out

of his way to document the atrocities committed

against the

Armenian population of Turkey and his conversations with Turkish leaders who implemented the program of destruction. Last month, a plaque honoring the US diplomat was placed at his gravesite in Westchester County, New York. The plaque was presented by the Armenian National Institute (ANI) of Washington DC which together with the Armenian governmentx will host the

April

ceremony.

Also hosting will be the Union of Armenians of ltaly whose representative Pietro Kuciukian has been instrumental in organizing and facilitating these acts ofhonor which go beyond symbolic gestures. In the presence of the ambassador's grandsons, Robert and Henry Morgenthau (above, standing with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Rabbi Ronald Sobol of Manhattan), Armenia's Ambassador to the UN, Movses Abelian (above, lower right) helped dig some earth to be transported to Armenia for what Kuciukian called an effort to "perpetuate the memory of a great American and a great humanitarian". Morgenthau had resigned his post as ambassador in the face of the Turkish government's actions. AIM FEBRUARY I999

bytes on file 60,000 Approximate population of Toronto and

Founding Father Arshak Galstaun, one

Montreal, combined the first Armenians to settle in

Australia, celebrates birthday number 88 this month. Aretired businessman, Galstaun first visited Sydney more than 40 years ago, never guessing he would one day call it home. "I didn't come here to stay-I came on a business trip in 1954. In 1960 I opened an office here, and in '62I bought a home." Before Sydney, Galstaun lived in Singapore, and before that Calcutta. He was born in Persia in 1911. Galstaun had travelled the world and decided Sydney was the best place to retire. After attending the Armenian college in Calcutta, Galstaun went to work for an Armenian company in Singapore. He was there

when World War II began and, being a British subject in the Volunteers, was obligated to join the fighting. Japanese soldiers captured and held him prisoner for three and a half years. Amazingly, Galstaun survived and became an adventurous businessman, taking risks and always enjoying life along the way. Following the long tradition of Armenian traders in Southeast Asia, he started an import-export business, trading exotic items including

reptile skins. "snakes and crocodiles and lizards-you name it!" he recalled. Galstaun was the first reptile tanner in Australia, a country now famous for its crocodiles. "Think big!" became his lifelong motto. In addition to all things scaly, Galstaun traded coffee, jewelry and glassworks from Europe and the Orient. Today the home he and his wife Sophie share on a lush Australian hillside is like a museum, displaying a fantastic international art collection. While he may be called a founding father of Sydney's Armenian community, the Galstauns have no children of their own. They have been devoted champions ofyouth nonetheless, supporting 10 Armenian orphans, and in 1985 donating a quarter of a million dollars to start an Armenian school (See page 42).

3,500 Number of students in Armenian schools in Toronto and Montreal 500,000 Approximate population of Armenians in California 5,000 Number of students in Armenian schools in California 137

Number of titles listed under the subject

heading "Armenia" at www. barnesandnoble.com

30 Number of titles listed under the subject

heading "Azerbaijan

" at

www. barnesandnoble.com 76 Number of political padies registered with Armenia's Justice Ministry 39,500:1 Ratio of Armenian residenb per political party

905 Number of media outleb registered in Armenia 30,000 Number of Armenians in Australia's New South Wales, as estimated by the community

7.552 Number of Armenians self-identified as Armenian-speaking on Australia's 1996 census 1

Number of years after Russian Tsar Peter I moved into Karabakh,in 1722, that the Ottomans invaded Transcaucasia, fearful of a Russian presence on their eastern borders AIM

Research; Aragil News; G.

Arm

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

eni

ans

Boumouian

Russia and the

of Transcauasi a.

UNITED STATES I During a working visited

HAITI

ro thc uS Foreign Minister vartan oskanian met wirh US Undersecretary of State Strobe Talborr in washington. The talks focused on the resolution ol the Karabakh conflict and a number of regional concerns. among them Armenian-

Turkish relations. oskanian welcomed US effirts towards improvement of relations between Armenia and Turkey. I Ar a press conferen.. in Y.r.u*, Ambassador Michael Lemmon (below) praised Armenia's economic reforms as "far ahead" of other regional states and predicted that reforms would open the door to further intemational assistance and foreign invesrment in Armenia's economy. Ambassador Lemmon acknowledged that Armenian-Russian rela-

tions are "very important," however, he urged Armenia to improve its relations with western countries and NATO. He expressed hope that Baku would agree to the oSCE Minsk Group's latest proposals as the basis for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. While acknowledging that compromise is needed. he said rhat "solutions should be mutually acceptable and mutually helpful. They should nor be proArmenian or pro-Azerbaijani. "

TURKEY I According to

The ambassadors:

of Arme$ia arid Haiti to

ttre

United Nations signed a joint communique in New York o! the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between the two countries.

IVORY COAST Armenia established a consulate in Abidjan, Ivory Coasl and appointed French-Armenian businessman and Abidjan-fesident Raymond Yeze-guelian ils honorary consul. The consulate is expected to serve Atmenian interests inr:a number of West African countries.

ZAMBIA The Ambassador of Zambia to Armenia Francii Sibamba (residing in Moscow) handed his credentials in Yerevan. The new ambassador met with Armenia's President and Foreign Minister. During the discussions it was noted that during Soviet times many Armenian specialists worked in Zambia as pan of an exchanging program.

Foreign Minister Vartan

Oskanian a dialogue between Armenia and Turkey has been launched in recent months, despite their differences. "Wb hope that we will be able to develop an agenda on the basis of which a higher Ievel meeting will be held ro solve some problems and take a step forward."

Meanwhile. Vafa Guluzade. Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the'President of Azerbaijan,

in an interview with a Turkish

newspaper described the growing Armenian-Russian mil-

itary cooperation as a "cold war between Russia and Turkey" and called for an AzeriTurkish defense pact, Oskanian expressed concern about such an agreement. which he said would undermine stability in the region. f A recent report prepared by renowned

Canadian seismologist and president of Earthquake Forecasts, Inc. Karl Buckthought concludes that should a Canadian designed

and built CANDU nuclear reactor be con-

Akkuyu Bay on Turkey's southern coast. the probability of damage due to an earthquake is at least 50 per cent over the 40year lit'e of lhe reactor. The report casts doubt on the claims made by Canada's nuclear reactor maker that Turkey's proposed nuclear plant site is earthquake-safe. The Canadian geological survey indicates that the sire is seismically very active. Meanwhile. Turkish aurhorities had announced in July 1998 thar they will go ahead with plans to build Turkey's first nuclear structed at

power plant despite concem by environmental-

irm

(rt

it.4ray be siarated in an earthquake

zone. Ironically. Turkey has

repeatedly

qxpreqsed cqncemrabourthe operation and safe-

ty of Armenia's Medsamor Nuclear Power PIant which is scheduled to be shur down in 2004.

CHINA I Presidential

Political Council members met with China's Ambassador to Armenia Tsju Tsjaoshun (above)l discussions focused on Armenia's domestic and loreign policy issues. As an example of Armenian-Chinese cooperation in the agricultural seclor. frost-resisLant Armenian grapes wi[[ be plantcd in China rhis year as pan of an experiment. According to Andranik Petrosian of the Agriculture Ministry, a number of measures were implemented in 1 998: The Armenian apricot was planted in a one-hectare garden in China as a test. In a6di-

tion to scientific cooperation in the lield of agriculture. iarious crops and

seeds were also

exchanged. betrl--een the two countries.

Armenia will participate1n an international horticultural exhibitiqn, ealled,"Man and' Nature on the Threshold of 2lth century," scheduled to take place between'May and October of this year in China. The Chinese government is sponsoring the travel and related expenses of the Armenian delegation and will provide lree spaces to the Armenian participants at the exhibit.

IRAN

f,,.p9eh+rqrCharibjanian, (below right) Natiftal Ai!q4b,lr'qlpmt*r;,fld Cha,rtman of its Standing Ctimmitttg,for Soqal geuf&,.are and Environment Protection l*ues, $liiS, app6ltq&d Armenia's Ambassador to lran.

Koleyni fleft, witli President Kocharian)f ii.s: a ch,.-1199 d'affaffes to Armcnia. HQwever, at a press conference, Forqlgn MiniSter of anibassadot an instead

i:kan

ap,.pointed .Farhad

Vartan Oskanian stressed tliat this does not reflect a souring qf rplations betweet Armenia and kan. While acknowledging that Iran expressed discontent over Oikariiarirg:tisil to Ismel, Arneoian'

hanian relations remain at &e same'level, Q-s\anian 94id, continuing &at such dillomalie d5ggrsenellts a{9 not uncommon in'internatiiinal relations and that Armenia also occallgnallY expres# its disirtisfactisn'howeveri this d-oes notimply a worseningdbilateral relations' '.

tuq-

OSCE The resolution of the Karabakh conflict was discussed at a meeting-initiated by the outgoing Organizations for Security and Cooperation in Europe IOSCE) Chairman, Polish Foreign Minister Bronislave Geremek @elow)--beiween rhe foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Vanan Oskanian stated that there are a wide range of differences between the-sides, and that

"Everything depends on the further actions of the lMinsk Group] co-chairmen (bottom). The resumption of the talks depends on Azerbaijan.,' a press conference, Oskanian urged the US, French, and Russian co-chairmen not to amend their latest proposal, which advocatei the creation of a "common state" between Azerbaijan and Karabakh. Azerbaijan has rejected the proposals. I The Karabakh conflict was also discussed during a working meeting of the Standing Committee of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

in Vienna. Yuri Bashkhian, Vice-speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, represenied Armenia at the meeting.

OXFAM The UK-based non-govemmental organization Oxfam implemented a $119,000 prcgram in the villages of Siunik which are populated by Armenian refugees. A series

of water supply systems

and medical

clinics were repaired and built.

UN. CCD Armenia's Deputy Minister for Nature Protection Samvel Baloyan participated in the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD), in Dakar, Senegal. The conference announced measures and pro-

jects to deal with the desertification of Central and Eastem Europe. This will enable Armenia to benefit from international programs and receive financial assis-

tance

deal with desertification in

of arid land is a problem in Armenia, where over 45 percent of lands are eroded, while the annual increase over the past 15 years has been Armenia. Degradation

1.5-1.9 percent. As a signatory to the Convention, Armenia has instituted a National Program of Action, which still remains to be fully developed. Around the globe some 900 million to I billion people live in dry-land areas, which constitutes some 25 percent of global land area. The CCD was signed in June l994by some 1 l5 countries, as a result of the Agenda 21, the progftrm of action adopted by the 1992

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the environment and development instruments signed after the Rio Conference. The CCD is directed towards establishing a process which consists primarily of national action programs. It also provides for improved coordination between donor countries and affected countries and estab-

lishes a broad policy framework which embraces land and water management. socio-economic considerations and matter5s related to land ownership. At the same time, it facilitates research and provides new technology to deal with desertification.

CN Russia's Ambassador to Armenia Anatoli Dryukov presented a letter from president Boris Yeltsin to President Robert Kocharian foi ways to further develop the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In anorher developmenr, focusing on the integration processes within the CIS, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said that last year the member-countries were engaged in reforming its structures, raising their efficiency and adjusting economic aspects of integration. oskanian pointed out that

Armenia leads the cIS countries in the number of documents signed within the organization. "we shall continue to actively participare in perfectinf and developing clS, which is a major system of regional integration,'; he said. oskaniin also stated that due to Armenia's current economic situation,

CIS Customs Union.

it is still

too early for Armenia to join the

CST A working meeting among the representatives of the

eight-state Collective Security Treaty (CST) was held in the Russian president's office in Moscow, where matters connected with the need to extend the CST (made up of memberstates of the Commonwealth of Independent States) were discussed' The meeting considered refining cooperation among CST signatories with due regard for cunent conditions and the adalrtation of CST to the present-day geopotitical conditions. The CST was adopted in Tashkent in 1992, at first by the leaders of six

countries-Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan- B-elarus joined in June 1993,.Azerbaijan in September and Georgia in December 1993.

GM Giant car manufacturer General Motors (GM) senior executives visited Armenia (for the second time) to unveil "concrete business proposals" to the Armenian gov-

ernment and enterprises. According to

David Herman, corporation Vice-

President for Russia and NIS, research carried out by GM has revealed a "favor-

able investment environment" in Armenia. Plans are underway to further

study the feasibility

assembling

minibuses, small tractors and trucks in

Armenia and the possibility

selling

them in the region.

EBRI} The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed to extend a $57.4 million credit to Armenia after the government's assurance that the

Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP)

will be closed by the

end

200,4.

Recently, the ANPF, which provides 40

percent

Armenia's power supply,

returned to full-capaeify operation. The plant was built 20 years ago and was

in 1989, after the December 1988 earthquake in northern Armenia. closed

KPMG

a unit of the international accounting and business consulting frrrn KPMG, announced that partrer Paolo DeMarla, 36, who was former Ohio State Budget Director, will advise the govemment of Armenia on $udget development and finaneial maflagement. DeMarials first assignment will be to help the US Agency for International Development pro-

US-based Barents Croup,

mote reform in the Caucasus.

Trffiffii/,*#i

a fiber optics cable aimed at upgrading the region's network by 2000. The deal was led by ArmenTel's parent company, -FiberGreece's OTE Telecom' Optic Cable Systern which has a 30 pecent itut e in the itlack Sea (BSFOCS). The project will provide a large capacity, high quality telecoms route at a low cost for at least seven countries and will connectBulgaria, Russia and Uhaine with coastal access to tlreir ports of Varn4 Novorossiysk and Odessa respectively- tt 4aition to ArmenTet, the consortium consists of Bulgarials BTC, Cyprus's CYTA, Russias WESTELCOM, Ukraine's UKRTELECOM and Slovenia Telecom. A number of other companies, such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Croatia's HT and Japan's I(DD, will also participate in the project.

lion deal to build

TACIS The Armenian Constitutional Court ruled that a 1998 Armenia-EU agreement for

TACIS (Technical Assistance to CIS countries) Program for technical assis-

tance meets the stipulations of Armenian law. The program will provide some ECU 7.6 miltion for Armenia's state investment prograrns, private sector development, and human resources and democracy development. The projects are expected to be completed in December 2002.

ArmenTel's monopoly, 72 National Assembly deputies took the matter to Armenia's Constitutional Court. In late

N[lB[l Who is Responsiile

January, the Court ruled that ArmenTel's l5-

year monopoly is unconstitutional; however, they found that the company's exclusive rights were based on a clause in Armenia's law on telecoms passed last year. The Court refused to challenge the terms of the original agreement, arguing that the company's exclusive rights were a major condition for

Mainlaining Armenia's lelephone Syslem?

By HRAIGH IGHILII{GIRIAI{ verything is being done to do nothing," said Makich Demirian, Chair-

man of the Merchants Guild of

Armenia, regarding the recent and growing dissatisfaction with ArmenTel. Armenia's sole telecommunications company. An exasperated population in Armenia is caught between company executives looking out for corporate interests, a government trying to figure out which official made what deal with whom, and a political opposition garnering momentum on a critical economic issue prior to the May parliamentary elections.

host of political groups-from

the

opposition parties in the National Assembly to the Republican Council of Women to the Youth Party of Armenia- launched angry protests against ArmenTel, for its "unfair" monopoly, unimpressive services and price hikes. Even rival political parties, such as the ARF and the Armenian National t8

Movement (ANM) started to actively campaign against ArmenTel, calling upon the people to refrain from using their telephones. While lacking articulated political and economic solutions to Armenia's impending problems, various political forces are trying to capitalize on the public's negative reaction to ArmenTel to enhance their own pop-

ular standing. The government has defended the terms of the deal. Prime MinisterArmen Darbinian told his cabinet that the 1997 deal with the Greek telecommunications company, OTE, was "the best in the CIS". He argued that the sale had facilitated improvements in Armenia's telephone network and reminded his colleagues that "High quality has to be paid for. Telephone services that are free of charge existed only in communist times."

Challenging the constitutionality of AIM FEBRUARY I999

the purchase of the 90 percent stake in ArmenTel. The Court said that, despite constitutional contradictions, the existence of "natural monopolies" is not against the basic law, leaving it to the government and the National Assembly to find a legal solution to the current confusion. The Court urged the enactment of a new law that would specify certain economic spheres where natural monopolies can exist, and bring the telecommunications law into conformity with the constitution. That leaves OTE sole owner of 90 percent of ArmenTel, Armenia's national telecom company, purchased for $142.5 million. in 1997. The Armenian government retained l0 percent of the company. Later, in March 1998, the Cypriot Leventis Group expressed interest in purchasing the l0 percent. In August, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced that it would purchase a l0 percent stake in the company. Currently, according to ArmenTel's Hasmik Choutilian, negotiations are still underway with both Leventis and EBRD. The EBRD is expected to issue a $60 million credit to ArmenTel (repayable in eight years with a three and a halfyear grace period) to develop and expand communication networks in Armenia. This is the first time EBRD would be investing in a private Armenian company. Once the deals are finalized, and after several reshuffles of the company's equity,

ArmenTel shares would be divided among four groups: OTE with $126.7 million (72 percent), the EBRD with $17.6 million (10 percent), the Armenian government and Leventis with $15.8 million (9 percent) each. Greece's state-owned OTE, the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, is the largest company on the Greek Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of $9.5 billion. The company is in the process of privatization and holds shares of various

telecommunication companies in Serbia and other Balkan states. OTE's acquisition of ArmenTel was part of the company's dtrategic focus in the Balkans and the Black Sea

region where

it is involved in submarine

cable and terrestrial extensions through Georgia and Armenia.

The sale-so far the largest privatization deal in Armenia-was seen as an indication that privatization, which had stalled earlier in 1991 , had picked up again. For a country with an average per capita income of just $430 in 1997, such a large foreign investment was seen as a critical element of economic development.

With a population of about three million, Armenia has 585,000 telephone lines in service. In

1998 ArmenTel reported $34

million in pre-tax earnings in the first half of the year, compared with $47 million for

1997. The company expects the figure to rise to $70 million this year. The acquisition agreement stipulates that ArmenTel is to benefit from a license for the exclusive provision of a wide variety of fixed and mobile telecommunication services in Armenia for a period of 15 years. In March 1998, Armenia received $62 million from OTE toward the purchase, which boosted Armenia's Central Bank's currency reserves.

the whole

Growing dissatisfaction with OTE's

them Arminco, the largest Intemet provider

in Armenia, the National

Academy of

Sciences, and Noyan Tapan News Agency-

complained loudly when communication lines were cut unexpectedly and without reason.

At the same time. the Armenian

in a letter to the govemment stated that ArmenTel's telecommunications monopoly "hinders the development of Internet services in Armenia. For example, to lease a 64kb/s Internet channel Union of Internet Users,

costs $5,000-$6,000

in Armenia, some

"seven to ten times more than

in other coun-

tries in the world," they charged.

Still, there are questions about Trans World Telecom (TWT), the company which owned 49 percent of Armentel (with an initial investment of $6 million, and later another $3.5 million) before the OTE takeover.

It is not clear whether

the

"American" TWT is a registered company in the US. In June 1997, TWT received $77

million for its share of Armentel. This, too, has become a sore point for politicians who

management of ArmenTel became apparent

are smelling a comrpt deal.

early this year. Multi-layered problems caused by unfulfilled original intent, mis-

The government's efforts to renegotiate ArmenTel's l5-year monopoly have so far been successful in (partially) lifting the

management and failure to meet investment

expectations surfaced. In late May, shortly after the privatization of the company, Armenia's Prosecutor General's Office stat-

ed that two mid-level

managers of

ArmenTel were arrested on bribery charges. Grigor Boghbatian, former Communications Minister, was interrogated in connection with the case, as was Vahram Soghomonian, former CEO of Armentel. Other major problems exasperated the government's and the public's patience. In 1998 OTE was supposed to invest $60 million in Armenia's telecommunica-

tions infrastructure. But, according to ArmenTel's Choutilian, only $14 million has been invested so far. Based on the acquisition deal, OTE had agreed to invest $100 million in the first two years to create

monopoly

for

cellular communications

only. Indeed, the EBRD insists, as one of its terms for the 10 percent acquisition, that ArmenTel should reduce its exclusive right to provide mobile telecommunications from 15 years to five years.

On its part, ArmenTel is unhappy about the Armenian government's sloppy handling of ttre deal. OTE is also displeased about its contract (signed by the previous owners) with the German-giant Siemens because Siemens reportedly charges high prices for supplying telecommunications equipment to ArmenTel. Siemens has provided a $100 million loan to ArmenTel for purchase of equipment. The complex Ar-menTel arrangements do not end there. The French-giant AlcaTel has a FR 50 million (about $10 million) deal

a new telecommunications infrastructure in

with ArmenTel and Armenia's Ministry of

Armenia. Many question the wisdom of

Communications to modernize some 80,000

maintaining ArmenTel's l5-year monopoly when the company failed to meet its obligations in the first year after acquisition. Although ArmenTel is entitled to decide on its rates unilaterally. the government attempted to convince ArmenTel to defer the measure for one year. Nevertheless, OTE introduced increases starting January

I, 1999. In addition to an increase in charges for international calls, the basic monthly telephone service charge for local lines was raised from 600 to 900 Dram (about $1.70), with only four minutes a day allotted for free calls. Beyond individual several institutions and large businesses customers-among

communication lines in Yerevan. AlcaTel was first involved in Armenia in the early 1990s when small telephone switching stations for 10,000 users were installed in various regions of the country.

In the final analysis, while admitting that it was "politically wrong" to introduce the highly unpopular per minute fee before parliamentary elections due in May, and opening up such a large can of worms,

Artak Vartanian, Minister of Postal Services and Telecommunications,

affirmed, "Yes, we do have low salaries and grave social problems; but we must have a growing economy, which is impossible without investments." AIM FEBRUARY 1999

q :',t{'t

C beaten up by them." Six-year-old Gayane and

lost some weight after the transfer, but has

her lO-month-

now mixed in with Kamo's 130 other

old brother also arrived at the orphanage accompanied by a policeman. "My mother left us sitting on the stairs of Shahumian Square in Yerevan, saying that she would be back in a few minutes, but she never came back," said

orphans. Due to the distance from Yerevan and the cost of transport, Mariam's mother will no longer be able to visit her daughter. Still. she is not willing to sign a consent so that Mariam may be adopted.

Gayane. Despite her young age, Gayane

The majority of children are in Mariam's situation, and as a result, most

understands a great deal about the world. "Every time my mother went out with a man, she brought home $100 to $200; insread of working here, you should find such men," she counsels the employees at Nork Orphanage.

In late 1998, 77 children aged from one month to six years, lived at the orphanage, which is the first stop for

children end up spending I 8 years in these institutions. Some do return home, however. From Nork, every year, about 25 to 30 children are reclaimed by their parents. For those who stay, Nork orphanage is a pleasant enough place. Fvery morning Luisa Mkrtichian, a musician, plays the

water is only available certain times during the day. This might explain the long time which lapses between diaper changes, and the rare baths which children receive. The staffis concerned about children catching colds, and that's why a bath is a rare thing in winter, they explain. Nevertheless, the government's Sanitary Inspection Unit visits the orphanage once a month to determine if hygienic conditions are maintained. That's when a

certdin tension is visible in the orphanage-children are dressed up, diapers are changed more frequently. "The Nork orphanage has an annual

state budget of 35 million

Dram

Views of life at the Zatik Orphanage (above, left) the Kamo orphanage (upper right) and Nork Orphanage (lower right).

Armenia's 800

or so orphans without

for the children, who

sometimes accompany her and other times dance along.

turned over, personally by the mother or with her signed consent.

During the summer months, children can play in the yard-ride tricycles, play on the swings, or play ball. In the winter, they can do gymnastics or play in rhe gym. The director, Liana Karapetian. is constantly looking for ways to find organiza-

Armenia's adoption laws favor the biological mother. Mariam's mother, who would visit her once in a while at the Nork orphanage, was contacted by the director in order to see if she could take her daughter home, as Mariam was now six and had to be transfered to another orphanage for school age children. "Nobody in my village knows I have a daughter; I can't take her, I have to think about my honor," her mother responded. So, Mariam was transferred to Kamo in September, where she entered school. She looked a little sad before the move. and

piano and sings

homes, parents or.relatives able to care for them. Of the 77, more than half were

tions or private donors who can sponsor some of the orphanage's needs. Until recently, the orphanage did not have hot water-water had to be boiled in pots

for all daily needs; however, with

donation Karapetian bought a few small electric hot water boilers to be placed in different rooms. But the water boilers only function when there is running water; at Nork,

AIM FEBRUARY I999

($70,000). This must cover the salaries of eight doctors, 42 nurses and nursing assistants, gardeners, cooks, and others. In the absence of foreign and sometimes local aid, the orphanage would have much difficulty to function properly," explains Karapetian. "It is not easy to find suitable employees who are willing to work long hours and do this kind of tiring work for a salary of 10,000 Dram ($20) a month," she conrinues. Given the myriad hardships, adoption seems a real option. Although the procedure is simple for adoption by local adults, it is different for adoptions abroad-not just different, but often difficult and expensive. The convoluted post-Soviet system, combined with sometimes desperate and emotional circumstances almost

invites trouble. This, combined with an

o v

at Nork orphanage, the couple opted to

unstated govemment policy to discourage

the "Ioss" of children to

It was in

"foreigners", makes adoption of Armenian children by

a deliberate and lengthy process, at best. [Karen Hairapetian, head of the government's committee on adoptions refused to be non-Armenian citizens

interviewed for this article, explaining that such an story "would be like an advertisement and hundreds of adopting parents will want to come to Armenia tomorrow."]

a maternity hos-

look elsewhere. pital in Gumri that they found a baby girl, one and a half months old. They were asked to pay $600-"to cover the hospital's expenses during the baby's stay" they were told. The couple arrived in Yerevan

June and

left in October with their

adopted baby.

was too old to adopt, even though accord-

Another adopting parent, a FrenchArmenian woman, Anahid (not her real name) went to the see the Mayor of Nork for his reapproval. A high ranking friend in government had told her to mention his name so that the papers could be signed

ing to Armenian law one can adopt until

rapidly, since Anahid had already spent six

II fhen Jenia arrived at the municipaliW ,v of Nork. the Mayor told her she

for her "humanitarian" services.

Siranush's

contacts included the former director of the Nork Orphanage, Yelena Gasparian.

Gagik Yeganian, the Social Welfare Minister, expressed surprise when asked about this kind of transaction. "I am totally unaware of such a practice and it is the first time that I hear about it; that kind of transaction is illegal and it is up to the Ministery of Interior who is in charge of maternity hospitals to look into

and fight against it; when I receive adoption documents, I cannot know if the couple has paid to have the child or not, I only check to see if the information presented is correct," explained Yeganian.

,ril;:f;1

Children learning to weave at Kamo orphanage (upper left), playing at Nork (lower left) and babies at Nork (lower right). This was not the first offer Anahid months in Armenia; "I will sign the papers the age of 60. "I have a number of properA 45-year-old divorced woman had heard. your high ranking it-ask I feel like when will ties, and no heir; the child I adopt inherit all I have," explained Jenia, adding, "If a woman becomes pregnant at the age of 50, no one can dissuade her, so why discriminate against an adopting mother?" It took Jenia two and a half months in order to get her papers signed by the Mayor. "He was obviously expecting some money from me, perhaps because I said that I had properties; he made me go back and forth over 10 times; finally I made it clear that I was not going to pay anything; eventually he signed," said Jenia. An Italian couple decided to adopt in

Armenia, because they were involved in the Solidarity Association of BergamoSpitak, established after the earthquake in Armenia. After learning of the waiting list

friend to call me, we will see who is more influential," said the mayor. Finally, after several telephone calls and visits over the course of a month, the mayor agreed to sign the papers in question.

Certain maternity hospitals keeP for a few weeks in

abandoned newborns

order to find adopting parents who are willing to pay from $2000 for a girl to $4000 for a boy. Anahid had received such

an offer; she was also contacted bY a woman named Siranush who proposed to find a baby and take care of all the paper-

work in one month only-for a fee of $8000. Siranush explained that she did not receive any portion of that sum, and if Anahid wished, she could pay her something

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

had a child from her boyfriend.

She

brought the five-day-old child to the Nork Orphanage, temporarily, saying that she felt ashamed to have a baby at her age because she was already a grandmother. "I was offered $1000 by a woman

who wanted to adopt my child, but I refused," she said while breastfeeding, "If you are looking to adopt a child," she told Anahid, "Maybe I can ask my friends if they know of someone who will leave their child for money; how much would you be willing to pay?" "Nothing at all", replied Anahid. Faced with this unequivocal reaction, "You are totally right," she replied. I

& h"

ffi Ge-

rfirnt[r T0 [u0pT? In addition to the requirements of rhe government of Armenia, which are very stringent. there are rhe requirernents ol' your own country. In Europe, the Depafirnent of Social Aflairs works wirh the prospective adoptive parents for nine months (equal to a norrnal pregnancy) in order to mentally and physically prepare the parents. The department also becomes invtrlved after the child is brought home.

Besides purchasing

round-trip

ticket 1o Yercvan. pr()specltve parents must be prepared to stay in Armenia between five to nine months, or clpt t'or making a number of visits back and forth.

general, the cost of adoption for non-Armenian citizens, including the expenses for translations and approval o1'

the documents and airline ticket(s) is $6000 to $8000; these are legitirnate expenses when adopting through an orphanage. without paying for "intermed iaries".

The Nork orphanage. rhe lirsr stop. alreldy has a waiting Iist. For thut reason, some people prefer to go directly t<,r maternity hospitals where there is no

waiting Iiit. Although all rnatcrniry hospitals are supposed to transf-er

abandoned babies to an orphanage, many keep them lbr a tew weeks in order ro find

).4

adopting parents willing to pay in order to take the baby in a shorter period of time.

A local municipality's adoptions comrnitlee must revien und approve the parents' documents. Although

these

cornmittees are supposecl to meet every two weeks, still, getting this approval can take up to two tnonths: the upproval ol thc government of Armenia, too, is required. This may take just one month to obtain, br"rt usually takes several months, especially if there is a document rniss:ing. After securing the government's approval, the docunrents are returned once again t<t

the local municipality

lbr reapproval-

another five to six weeks).

Now, a new birth certificate and adoption certificate are necessary from the birth lnd marriage registration bureau: all documents must be translated into the language

of the co!lntry of

residence.

by a notaly public. and finally application must be made fbr a passport starnped

fbr the chiltl. This passport rs necessary to obtain a visa for the count|y you live in. When 1ou relurn ttl )()ur country of residence. the adoption may or may not need to be made official in a local court. This. too. nreans tirne and money. By AnrarNru JoHaNNss

\t\1 I:F_llttt .\RY

I999

*'"r

AiM FEBRI]ARY I999

children on the streets of Armenia's capital city.

If you haven't seen Vahe, Garen, or other homeless children like them on the streets of Yerevan, then "you haven't been very observant," says Ophelia Petrosian, a department chief from Armenia's Ministry of Social Services.

Don't look for these children during the

day. Instead, go to the parks before sunrise. Look amid the scraggly bushes, where an I

unfolded cardboard box is a mattress, a newspaper is a blanket, and the evening's annoyances are not gnats or mosquitoes, but wild dogs and rodents. There, asleep, are the children who we think don't exist. "We must separate them from the streets. We must build new centers for the homeless," says Petrosian, with the emphasis on each "must" as she speaks passionately about Armenia's less fortunate children. But homelessness among children is just one of the many challenges facing Petrosian as she and the rest of the Ministry of Social

Services struggle

to articulate and

enforce

children's rights. Petrosian heads

the Department of Women and Children, a division of the Ministry that has only been open for about a year. "In the Armenian family the child is worshipped," she says, without making clear whether she is defending the need for state guarantees, or whether this need instead puzzles her. She and her colleagues are working to create, from scratch, a state structure to care for children and to guarantee their rights. In May 1996, the National Assembly adopted-and President Levon Ter Petrossian signed-the Republic's first legislation articulating and guaranteeing children's rights in accordance with the UN Convention on Children's Rights. The legislation is the source for much of the authority of the Department of Women and Children. This is the govemmental body that is charged, most directly, with implementing the law. But that implementation has been slow. To be sure, some of the delays in enforcement of the children's rights law have political roots. Changes in leadership positions in government have contributed to the slow progress of enforcement. Bureaucrats delay new initiatives. And many bemoaned the loss from public life of First Lady Lucia Ter Petrossian who was seen as a tireless advocate for the homeless.

But Armenia's weak i.

*4,

economy

has

prompted most of the delays and setbacks. Take the case of the brothers Vahe and Garen, for example. Today, thanks to the new

national legislation, they each have the right to "adequate living conditions for physical, mental, and spiritual development." But l0 years ago, before this right was expressed, children like Vahe and Garen would have been much less likely to end up on the streets. Children who, l0 years ago, would have been competing for good grades, today are competing for scraps of food because the economic crisis caused their parents to pack up and move to Moscow without them.

I doptions are one answer to the question l1.of what to do for these children, but there hasn't been a lot of local demand, probably because of the economic conditions, says Petrosian, but also because of the cumbersome procedures involved. The Zatik orphanage (see accompanying

story) is a case in point. Among its 127 children, there have been only three adoptions in the past year, says Director Ashot Mnatsakanian. One child was adopted by a couple in Karabakh. The other two children went to two couples in Yerevan.

But one of the children that went to

Yerevan couple was returned within the year. "It was not a good match," says Mnatsakanian. Mnatsakanian tells another story of a mother of four who moved to Russia to look for work. She left her four children at Zatrk. She returned to Yerevan after earning some money in Russia, and she took her children back. After a short time in Yerevan, this single mother again faced economic hardships, and she sought to return her children to the orphanage. This time, says Mnatsakanian, there was

no room for them. Their places had been filled by other children whose destitute parents were also using the orphanage as a means of proSo, for the children of Zatik who are there

of Armenia's dire economy, rather

than because they have no family, a streamlining of Armenia's adoption laws is not going to change their lives.

These children, of course, don't exactly anything. Mnatsakanian sums up the situation for a vis-

need to be rescued from

itor, "No child ever runs away from here." And then, perhaps in anticipation of a retort, he arches his eyebrows and smiles. "Our gates are not locked." The children, who seem genuinely happy

and playful, refer to Mnatsakanian without hesitation as hayrig-father. To a visitor who arrives without advance warning, they appear well nourished, clean and well-adjusted. It's the other children, the ones without homes, who stand to gain the most from new adoption laws. New foster care laws, too, are on the books. Beginning in January 1999,

foster family will receive $50 per month from the government for each child in their care. Each family signs an agreement to provide foster care for a period of three years. Within the first month of the program, four families had agreed to provide care for five children.

It is for children such as Alexandra, age 15, and her sister Hasmik, age 11 , for whom foster care might be ideal. They have lived at

Zatik since it opened five years ago in 1993. Their parents are alive, but unable to keep them. These are the types of kids who are eligible for adoption. "It wasn'( difficult for them [financially]. They just didn't want us," says Hasmik. Their 78-year-old mother lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. Their father, whose age neither Hasmik nor

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

dren.

Hasmik says that

viding for their care. because

Alexandra can guess, lives somewhere in Russia with another woman and their two chil-

she didn't

live

Zatik, she doesn't know where she would live. "I don't know where I'd go, because I haven't a home."

Fifteen year old Bella does have a home to go to, but it's not much of one. Earlier this year she went home to her mother, who lives in Yerevan, but she only stayed a few days before retuming to Zatlk. Her "mother's lack of morals rather than her lack of money" drove

Bella out. She would like to stay al Zallk as long as possible. Even so, she will be on the streets in less than three years, on her eighteenth birthday. But none of these youth are likely candidates for adoption. Children older than five are almost impossible to place, say authorities. Placement in a foster family might instead provide an altemative and nurturing environment for teenagers like Bella, Hasmik and Alexandra. New legislation has been passed defining the rights and responsibilities of foster families, and the amount of money the govemment will be able to pay to those providing this type of rather long-term temporary care. Another less costly alternative to orphanages is direct government payment to families: welfare. Petrosian estimates that the aveta5e family in Yerevan spends only about 600 Dram (a little over $l) daily on food for each child. If the single mothers who are sending their children to orphanages for economic rea-

sons received 600 or 1,000 Dram daily in financial assistance from the state, families could be kept together, and the state might even save money. At the moment, however, there are no plans to set up a welfare program for mothers with dependent children. National resources are simply not adequate.

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o V

A a*

one evening after dinner, Alexandra Hasmik, Bella and several other childreq talked about their plans for the funre with a visitor ftom dr US. The children, first six or seven of them, and

English and German mission organizations. Zatik also receives $2,000 a month for food from the government; each staff member earns $10 per month.

As families adjust to the new economics of Armenia, some are making plans to reclaim their children from Zatik. "But there is a problem," Mnatsakanian says. "The children don't want to leave." Nor do some parents want to deprive their children of living in a place nicer than what they themselves can provide. "Why should I take them back and give them a worse life?" they ask the director. Most, however, like l7-year-old Hasmik and her two sisters, Anna, 15 and Ashkhen, 7, don't have a choice. Hasmik's mother, mentally unbalanced after the earthquake destroyed their home in Lori, left her children to survive on their own in a region with no water, no electricity.

"We have no problems here," Hasmik says. "We get everything we need ahd see that my sisters are taken care of. "We feel safe here."

Mnatsakanian says

that for

can

every

Hasmik. there are more children whose homes

are in tunnels or railway stations. He

says

there are enough homeless children in

fill two more orphanages like his. Accurate figures are still hard to deter-

Yerevan to

mine, but Mnatsakanian says whatever the figure, one abandoned child is too many. His is a passion which was shared by former First Lady Lucia Ter Petrossian, who vis-

ited Kamo three times during her husband's presidency, raising its visibility and chances

for assistance. As a result, director Nicolai Nalbandian has overseen a remodeling effort. Some things

as simple as covering plain walls

with cheer-

ful wallpaper

have changed the atmosphere at

Kamo, but bigger needs are still obvious. When many in the region were without electricty during harsh winters, the orphanage got its power from generators. The orphanage's inner court looks more like a prisonyard than a playground, but, with such basic needs as shoes and clothes and common supplies, money simply isn't available for reconstruction of a recreation area. The Kamo orphanage operates on an annual budget of $28 million Dram (about $56,000) including salaries for its 70-member staff which includes four nurses, a dentist, a dietician and a pediatrician. Still, even the well-established institu-

tion has suffered.

At one time the orphanage owned a onehectare farm, built during soviet times, where 150 pigs and 350 chickens provided meat and eggs for the orphanage. But that property had to be shut down in the harsh winter of 1993, the orphanage could not afford to pay for electricity there. Currently there are 68 girls and 62 boys, five of whom are over 18 but have nowhere else to go-one of the boys is waiting for his army assignment. "Compared to the overall situation outside," Nalbandian says, "l am satisfied with what we have here." Still, he too, wonders what will happen to those who become too old to stay in orphanages.

'Those who graduate (from public schools in Kamo or from the nursing school attended by many of the girls) return to Yerevan with uncertainty," Nalbandian says. "We are always afraid the girls might turn to prostitution or the boys to crime. If this happens, the efforts spent on these children will have been wasted.'

AIM FEBRUARY I999

finally more tlran

a dozen as others srraggled

into the room, spoke freely. The visitor was the only adulr present. Edina looks like she's 12 years old, butjust about all she can compose herselfto say. benveen tears'and sniffles, is that she likes "everything" about Zatik. If she had to choose tbnveen saying in Armenia and leaving to be adopted by a foreigrr

family, she would stay put.

Bella agrees. She was outside Armenia once, and she missed it. She does not want to leave Armenia again. Alexandra also would preferto say in AmBnia

eithe.r

in Zatik or wi&

new family rather than be adopted or plrced in a

foster family qrtside of Armenia. But Cireece would be a second option for Alexandra Her fattrer, she explains, is Greek

What if any of them could be adqted by a family fiom America? Without hesitation, a cho. rus of agreement was soun&d. For this group, ody ttle uulikely pnimise of a future inAmerica could Ear the.rn ftom Arrnenia. Or each ober. On a hot sumlrrr day wlrn your feet stick to the asphalt and you can bum your hand by opening the car door, some children from Zatik werâ&#x201A;Ź on a field trip to a consEuction site near Yerevan. Cold waEr was gushing ftom an oper pip. and the children were playing in it before it could get sucked into ttre dry ground.

After taking a Polaroid photograph of a ofthe children, a tourist asked them ifthey

group

didn't want to pose for several more Polaroid pictures, so they could erch have a copy. Making gifts ofphotographs, afterall, was the only reason the tourist lugged the Polarcid camera around. Ttrb chil&en wse drilled to have the photogaph, but no, they didn't want more than one copy. They would share ttrc one photograph. At

fust fu tourist didnlt undâ&#x201A;Ź{stand. But these children, you wiU recall, are from an orphanage where everyone calls the director ftayng,

"It's okay," explained one of the boys, who looked to be about nine or 10 years ol4 and whose sentiments were shared by the others. "We're all Mhe$.r'

Bv Marrrmw KARANIAN

"\p 1

By lffilSlEl{ l$DIl t the start of this

decade the alarm-

ing number of orphans in Armenia was a subject of great concern to Armenians in the Diaspora. Back-to-back catastrophes starting with the devastating earthquake of 1988, followed by the eco-

nomic and energy blockade and

the

Karabakh war created a tidal wave of children who had lost one or both parents. These were the most helpless victims, and this high-profile crisis inspired several organizations in the Diaspora to start up programs on their behalf. Grassroots efforts to find and sponsor orphaned children soon reassured single parents and overburdened orphanages that the Diaspora would not let their suffering go unanswered. The response was quick and generous, and as a result countless lives were saved and improved. But now, l0 years after the quake, with war no longer raging, many in the Diaspora

assume the orphan crisis has passed. Several small groups continue in earnest. but they are finding a cause that once sold itself now requires much more effort. Sheer stubborness and dedication on the part of 30

just a few individuals keeps the cause alive, even as sponsorship is on the decline. And the frustration is apparent. "I don't know how we will sustain this. As the years go by people become more and more apathetic. The initial shock has sub-

sided," explained Nourhan Ouzounian, director of the Children's Fund For Armenia (CFFA), the program of the Armenian

Apostolic Church, Canadian Diocese. Ouzounian notes that there are a wide range

programs

to aid the homeland-from

schools to hospitals to the environment. He suspects this is partly why it has become increasingly difficult for orphan support groups to compete for the limited number of dollars Diasporans are willing or able to

people emigrate from Armenia is a desire to improve their social and economic situations. Of 600 Yerevan youth surveyed, 50.8 percent cited an improvement in socioeconomic conditions as the top reason for leaving Armenia. Nearly 24 percent say those young people who leave the country do so because they can not adjust to the new style of life in Armenia. The study also found an alarming increase in juvenile delinquency in Yerevan, largely among the orphan population. There is no question these children are desperate, but at a time when outside help may be most needed, it is in danger of dwindling to its lowest level in years.

CFFA recently lowered its eligibility age from 18 to 16, resulting in a decrease in

give to benevolent causes.

the number of orphans sponsored from

There is also a quiet concern among some Diasporans that these children will

1,200 to 850. Organizers say the move was prompted by shrinking sponsorship, not a decline in need. Sponsorship entails a $20

eventually be tempted to leave Armenia and ask to join their sponsors. It is a scenario that keeps some from getting involved, and it is a fear that's not without basis. A July 1998 survey by the Areg-73 Youth

donation per month. The money is convert-

ed to Dram and distributed every

three

months. CFFA representatives, often at their

Scientific and Cultural Association in

expense, travel to Armenia to make sure contributions reach the children. At

Yerevan found that the main reason young

Christmas and Easter an additional $10 is

AIM FEBRUARY I999

own

photograph and information

about the child he

or she is

ple volunteer their time to operate this program. They manage to keep expenses under six percent of the revenue, so that 94 percent of the money donated goes directly to the children. Sponsors contribute $200 a year which is given to the orphans'caretakers. Coordinator Julie Ashekian travels with

given as a gift to the children. Each sponsor

receives

supporting.

Sponsors are encouraged to correspond with the children in order to provide moral sup-

port. Currently, CFFA is not actively seeking

new sponsors for children who are not already covered. "The program will discontinue after all those kids reach the age of

her husband Clement to Armenia many times a year to personally deliver funds.

been thinking about this, we always bring up this topic in our meetings, but this program cannot continue forever." The downward trend of support at CFFA began not long after the program started in 1991. In 1996, sponsors contributed more than $141,000. That number dropped by more than $37,000 the very next year and it continues to drop.

also helps

Stepan Karapetian, who directs a small staff through the Araratian Diocese in Yerevan,

16," Ouzounian said. "I tell you we have

Ouzounian sounds reluctantly

resigned to accept the decline in sponsors, others are equally adamant about rejecting such a trend. The Armenian Missionary

Association of America (AMAA) reports that a European group suddenly ended its aid program late last year. The AMAA quickly decided to take over care of the hundreds of orphans who might otherwise have been left to fend for themselves. The move bumped AMAA s total sponsorship from 1,600 to 1,800 according to Elizabeth Agbabian, co-chair of the Orphan Care Committee. However, due to the low sponsor-to-orphan ratio, AMAA also draws the line at the younger age of 16, with some exceptions. The monthly contribution for this program, too, is $20 which is used to purchase food, clothing, school and hygiene supplies. A full-time staff of 13 in Yerevan distributes the goods to children they have identified through governmental agencies. There are also dozens of volunteers in cities

throughout Armenia who assist this program. Rev. Rene Leonian of France, supervises the operation.

In the US, AMAA Field

Director

Hagop Manjelikian echoes the concerns of other orphan assistance organizers. "We see no evidence that the need for such assistance is declining. However, it is becoming more and more difficult to find sponsors." Manjelikian addresses a, larger concern expressed by some who wonder whether this kind of social welfare does more harm than good in the long run. "The AMAA recognizes that this type of long-term support must eventually have repercussions, in that it may create a dependency on free handouts. In the absence of such alternatives as

with distribution. CASP

has

helped more than 4,200 children since 1991, but says there are many more who are not receiving aid. Ashekian has342 children on the eligibility list who are quickly approaching the cutoff age of 18. Last September

Opposite page: A graduation ceremony at the Kamo Orphanage; above: A plaque

marking the assistance provided to Kamo Orphanage by CASP. employment opportunities or larger government pensions, however, such aid is crucial to the survival of many improverished individuals and families." The trouble doesn't end with orphans

either. Abandoned children have also become a major problem, especially in Yerevan where the number of street kids has

risen dramatically in recent years. The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) recently renovated a rundown building in the Zeitun section of Yerevan to accomodate approximately 350 street children who are either

orphaned or whose parents are unable to support them at home. FAR receives food and funding from US government agencies including USAID and USDA and the US Embassy in Armenia as well as many other corporate, religious and non-profit groups. Even with this solid backing, FAR Chairman Kevork Hovnanian admitted in the 1997 annual report, "unfortunately we cannot help everyone and usually must target several important problem areas in order to maximize our contributions." In addition to its orphan assistance programs, FAR focuses on helping schools, hospitals and farmers.

CASP,

the Children of

Armenia

Sponsorship Program, which operates under the auspices of the Eastern Diocese of the

Armenian Church of America has 1,050 sponsors who support 1,700 orphans up to the age of 18. Incredibly, a mere three peo-

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

those children received a special cash gift from a one-time $77,000 donation. They will receive another such gift this spring thanks to a recent contribution of $75,000. After that it is unknown whether sponsors will be found to give them more regular help before they reach 18 and are no longer eligible. Ashekian is annoyed at potential sponsors who hold off because they fear their money will fall into the wrong hands. "The easiest thing to do is to try to find an excuse not to help," Ashekian remarked. "People should know their assistance will forever make a difference in the lives of these kids." Going on seven years of dedicated work for Armenia's neediest children, Ashekian says she would encourage people to put their worries aside and reach out to make a personal connection. "The monetary assistance is important of course, but the people I have met are so genuinely thankful that there are

strangers-brothers and sisters- who

are

not forgetting them during this difficult time. The fact that people care is what's most appreciated," said Ashekian who urges CASP sponsors to write letters and travel to Armenia for personal visits. Ashekian feels it is time to remind and re-educate all Diasporans about the continuing need for assistance. She points to high unemployment and widespread poverty in Armenia as the new culprits. Unfortunately, Ashekian has found that victims of economic circumstance do not attract the same media attention as victims of natural disaster and bloody conflict. This new wave of orphans has not received the same level of international news coverage as their predecessors, and so their plight is not as well known. Ashekian realizes it is up to individuals like her to get the word out, but it's a fine line to walk. She recently retumed

COVER STORY

from a trip to Armenia and wrote about it in the Armenian Reporter. "I was really sur-

fund transfers between the Prelacy

families with one or two children.

Yerevan. Because the number of sponsors is roughly 25 percent less than the number of orphans in the program, the money collect-

A similar program is run by the Armenian Relief Society's Central Executive office in Watertown, Massachusetts, in conjunction with two full-time workers in

prised by the donations I received after that article, because I didn't write it as an appeal," Ashekian remarked. The unexpected and unsolicited response renewed her faith that people still care.

Flora Dunaians, coordinator

children and no father, and single-parent

Yerevan. Sponsors from 25 countries donate

the

$130

a year,

$120

of that is

distributed

Western Diocese Orphan Support program, had the same experience. On the occasion of the lOth anniversary of the earthquake, Dunaians sent a letter thanking sponsors fbr

annually to approximately 3,300 orphans in Armenia. The cutoff age is 18 and program organizers are careful to make sure recipients actually live in Arnrenia. Because of its

their commitment and asking for renewed help in light of the economic difficulties in Armenia. An overwhelming response from donors, in addition to occasional one-time contributions made in lieu of flowers at

international base, the ARS reaches the largest numbers of orphans in Armenia from the broadest base of sponsors. Here, too, donors are encouraged to make personal contact with their orphans, the ARS provides a photograph and information about

funerals maintains a general fund that supports 500 orphans in Yerevan. The program also has 250 individually sponsored children, who receive $10 a month until they

each

those who help, she worries the aid being given will soon be inadequate. "Years ago, the money was a nice amount, but today $10 a month in Yerevan doesn't do what it did six years ago," she remarked. Dunaians has also noted a decline in sponsorship. "In the beginning, there were a lot oforganizations that backed the program. Now they're into other things," Dunaians explained. In spite of the decrease, the Western Diocese program in Yerevan continues to distribute

a bond

will

The Armenian Church Prelacy of the Eastern US and Canada program also continues under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Vazken Ghougassian. About 750 children throughout Armenia and Karabakh are helped through donations. Every two or three months the money is transferred to Armenia and distributed to the children who either travel to the Yerevan office to pick it up, or receive it through per-

sonal deliveries made by employees in Yerevan. Sponsors are asked to commit to

funds and monitor the situation. "They have

in hopes

SOTS.

done a lot of cross-checking and kids are disqualified if it's found they are receiving aid from another organization, or they've reached 18 or their parent has remarried,"

have lost both parents, those whose father died in the war, families with four or more

sponsors

handle distribution of letters and other mailed items between orphans and spon-

reach age 18. While Dunaians is grateful for

noted Dunaians who says orphans are placed in one of four categories: those who

child to

be formed. Like other programs they also

the orphans until the age of

18.

"Unfortunately, in the course of the past 5

ll2 '

years, some sponsors have not been able

to continue their commitment for various reasons, including advanced age, death, relocation or financial difficulties," reported Sophie Khachatrian who coordinates the

AIM FEBRUARY I999

and

ed is distributed evenly in order to reach more children. It averages out to $10 a

month per child but contributions vary month to month. This program is also preparing to end once all of the 750 orphans reach the age of 18, due to a lack of new sponsors. Khachatrian points out that campaigns to attract new sponsors rarely result in more than l0 new commitments-less than the number of drop-outs each year. There are other programs, run by individuals or by small local organiza-

all the programs added up, including the seven reviewed for this article add up to less than 10,000 orphans currently sponsored. No one, including the Armenian government, has an accurate count of the number of orphans or homeless children actually in need. Nor does anyone, including the Armenian government, have a plan for what happens to these orphans when they turn 1S-what do they do for shelter, income or companionship, in a society where everything is defined by parents, family and tradition? This final year of the millennium and century when all people seem to be revisiting the past and re-evaluating choices for the future, and at the end of a decade that has been particularly hard on Armenia's most helpless children, FAR President Archbishop Khajag Barsamian put it this way, "I implore you to never tions. Still,

think that we have done enough for Armenia. Our work has just begun and our support is nothing short of essential for Armenia's

future."

COVER

STORY

Arnrenian Apostolic Church, Canadian Diocese Children's Fund forArmenia (CFFA) 615 Stuart Avenue Outremont, Quebec, Canada H2V 3H2 (514) 27G9479

Armenian Misslonary Assiciation of America (AMAA) Child Sponsorship Program

W. Cenrury Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652

The Burdens of Orphanhood

QAD265-2ffi7

Anmnian Relief Socicty (ARS) Sponsor a Child Program 80 Bigelow Avenue

Watertown, MA02472 (617) 926-5892 Diocese of theArmenian

Church Childrnn of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP) 84 Ellsworth Boulevard

Kensington, CT 06037

Laur on the Bighls ol a GniH The rights of children in Armenia are outlined in major new legislation. This "Law on the Rights of a Child" closely follows a 1989 United Nations Convention on children's rights, to which Armenia became a party in 1991.

The US and Somalia are the only nations represented in the UN that have not

ratified this Convention. The Soviet Union

6rf

fts

Armenian ApostoHc

Chrrch of America Orphars, $ponsorshi$ Frograrn 138 East 39th Street

New York. NY 10015 (212) 689-78t0

Armenia will present an oral defense of this law, and LTNICEF will complete a comprehensive written review and analysis of its enforcement, by early next year. This legislation will

Child Labor: Child labor shall be restricted. The law contemplates that detailed regulations will

enable future laws and regulations to be adopted, in accordance with its guiding provisions.

Children shall be restricted from selling or using cigarettes or liquor. No age limits are specified, so this restriction is presumed td apply to children under the age of 18.

parties

Convention.

X'pnd for Arrrrentan Relief (FAR) 630 Second Avenue New York, NY 10016 (212) 889-s150

Western Diocese of the

Anwninn Chureh Orphan Support hogram. 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504 (818) 5s8-7474

Free secondary education is guaranteed

to all children, and post-secondary and specialized education shall be provided at no cost to children with proven ability. Children with mental or physical disabilities are entitled to receive free specialized education. [Articles 11,26]

of the original

Highlights of the Legislation :

Education:

the

was one Eruiern Prelacy

ly authorized. [Articles 8, 25]

Living Conditions: Armenia must establish "adequate conditions" for children to live and develop, and must provide free health care to children under the age

18. No standards are men-

tioned. [Articles l, 5, 7, 8] Adequate living conditions for physical, mental and spiritual development are guaranteed. If parents or guardians are not able to provide these conditions, the State is obligated to provide

be adopted in the future. [Article l9].

lArticle l9l

At age 16, a child

has the right to

become emancipated and to enter into contracts. Emancipated children are entitled to receive financial assistance from the State. [Articles 19, 24]. Children are barred from participating in the military. [Article 29]

The Courts:

A child cannot be compelled to testify

in court against himself, his parents or

his

assistance. Children without families shall

other relatives. Searches and seizures. and

schools. No standards are mentioned. and the use of foster care is implied but not express-

detentions or other arrests of children, shall be conducted only in accordance with laws that will be introduced in the future. [Article 3l]

be placed in orphanages and boarding

AIM FEBRUARY I999

:ta

Armenia without their consent

approval. Naturally, Georgia complies with the Azeri request."

couple of years, and it currently attends meetings as an observer. Abashidze will

Department Of World Trade

This is nothing less than an international norm. he says to qucll Arrnenian coneerns.

continue his lobbying on behalf of

Organization (WTO) Atfbirs, in Tbilisi, Georgia, and his task is to gain Georgia's admission to the WTO. His mission frequently requires great tact.

You won't hear him talk about Armenia's resen{ment over Georgia's cozy relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, for example. Georgia has relations with these countries, as well as with Armenia, because it "supports the fast achievement of stability in the Caucasus region." Georgia, he says, can therefore be used "like a negotiation destination." And what's his spin on Georgia's compliance with the Azeri embargo of Arrnenia?

Simply unavoidable, he

says.

When countries have what he tactfully

calls "complications"

relations,

says, they usually ask a third country for assistance.

"Azerbaijan requested that oil from Azerbai.jan must not be re-exported to

invitation to join the WTO for the

oseb Abashidze is not a diplomat, but he knows how to talk and not talk like one.He is the head of the

and

And then there's the matter of Georgia's increased ties to Turkey, and Georgia's strained relationship with Russia, neither of which seems to bode well fbr Armenian interests. Abashidze adroitly suggests that neither

event is significant.

Georgian leaders have had

play the significance of lots

downweighty

events in recent months. Its need to tread gingerly is a result of Georgia's precarious location, wedged between rivals Turkey and Russia, and between combatants Armenia and Azerbaijan. This strategy of not provoking its neighbors has macle it possible for Georgia to

avoid obstacles

in its drive to develop its

tbreign trade. First among the successes is Georgia's progress in its quest for membership in the

wTo. Georgia has been negotiating

AIM FEBRUARY I999

for

Georgia's membership month and in March.

past

rneetings this

to join the WTO it be only the third republic of the former

If Georgia is allowed will

Soviet Union to join. Kyrgyzstan and Latvia were accepted at a meeting of the general council in October. Georgia's likely admission to the WTO cornes as a surprise, especially in Armenia. Georgia started its drive fbr membership rnuch later than Armenia. and Annenia had made much more progress when Georgia began its efforts.

The "political instability" in Arrnenia has enabled Georgia to catch up with Armenia, and to pass it, says Abashidze. Georgia has its own instability, of course, as any casual observer knows. Overcoming the crises in Abkhazia and

if Georgia is to develop its international trade, and erase a negative balance of trade with its rnajor partners.

Ossetia are necessary

There is no interest

in reducing trade

*'ry

"@q*ecg

_;.*" {-...:- *"ij*

,"*,r&gI 5----*

Restoring the ancient Silk Road will help promote this. The Silk Road is the l.rade route that Europeans and Asians used, and it traverses Georgia, Armenia

huge

simultaneously expand

its trade with

Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Tariffs for trade within the Caucasus and Russia haye been eliminated. making imports from these

countries less costly

Georgians than

imports from elsewhere. Free trade agreements have also been proposed for Ukraine, Uzbekistan and eight other trading partners. although they have not all been ratified yet. Turkey has been awarded the status ol most favored nation, which means, in a nutshell, that the terms for international trade with Turkey must be at least as liberal as the terms Ceorgia grants to any other nation. "Naturally, when Georgia increases its

and Azerbaijan. The nations along the route met last year in Baku and signed a protocol for its revival. If their efforts succeed, Ceorgia can count on becoming a major transit country.

i i

,*.d

,-*,

"*#* â&#x201A;Ź*ffi

"We're not interested in reducing contacts with any country. Russia is a great

for Georgian production, a

'#w-rtt*

relations with other countries, it will reduce its dependency upon Russia," says Abashidze.

market for commodities." he says. But there certainly is great interest in diversifying, in order to prevent any future crisis like the one in Moscow from disrupting the national economy. To this end. Georgia is working to

;;w

*..

contacts with Russia, despite the turmoil in the markets there, says Abashidze.

market

-i.""d&

Armenia. however. cannot. This because Azerbaijan signed the protocol

with

the reservation that no trade could cross its territory il it also crossed Armenia. Armenia can be bypassed. Azerbaijan. located on the Caspian Sea, and adjacent to both Georgia and Iran, cannot. Any discussion of trade cannot ignore The Pipeline. An oil pipeline from Baku to

the Georgian Black Sea port of

Supsa

already exists, and another is planned which would traverse Georgia. skirting just outside of Armenian territory. and then cross Turkey to its Meditenanean pon of Ceyhan. Transit fees would add to Georgia's coffers, but many say the greater benefit will be

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

from the perception that will develop that Georgia is a major regional player.

"The pipeline interests

will bring

investment

to all the involved countries,"

says Abashidze.

Georgia therefore finds itself in the unlikely, and enviable position, of becoming a major Silk Road nation. an essential link to the West for Baku's oil, a member of the WTO, and a trade partner with rivals Turkey and Russian, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

All of this trade brings with it problems. such as the counterfeit tobacco products that have appeared on the streets of

Tbilisi-the

cigarettes that look like Marlboro. but which are something else-and black market tax avoidance of alcohol. Georgia is fighting back. Agents are conliscating bogus products. and the government is working to protect trademarks

and intellectual property rights. Georgia recently joined the Madrid Protocol. an intemational ionvention that guarantee$ the protection of these rights. And business leaders are finding. that although Georgia's political climate can be volatile. its business

environment is promising.

BUSINESS

ECONOMY

OU WIIH IHE OtD

IN WIIH IHE

astronomer Viktor Hambartsumian is comthe 100 Dram note. memorated Armenia's original bank notes depict historic monuments and ancient leaders.

"We thought that since we needed to print new notes anyway, we should change the design, too," says Gevorg Tumanian, the head of the Issue and Reserve Department at the Central Bank of Armenia. Additional notes were needed because Central Bank reserves of 50 and I 00 Dram notes had been depleted after having been used to replace

worn notes.

Armenia's Neul Dtam Gets a Facelilt and Proteclion

There are abundant reserves ofArmenia's other bank notes, which bear denominations ranging from 10 to 5,000 Dram. The Central Bank does not intend to redesign any of these bills for at least several years. In addition to their accomplishments in the arts and sciences, Khachaturian and Hambartsumian meet two of the other primary requirements for depiction on Armenian currency----each of them is a dead Armenian.

The Central Bank defines as

Armenian anyone who is either a citizen of the republic or who has Armenian ancestry. Armenians of the Diaspora are therefore eli-

gible fbr commemoration.

"We even thought about William Saroyan," says Tumanian. Saroyan, an

By ITIAIIHEW IOBANIA],I

money had feelings, there would not be a bill in the cash

drawer that would

envy

America's one dollar bill. Unlike the glamorous fifties and hundreds, the single gets tossed around disdainfully. It gets wrung into vending machines and flung into purses. It gets exchanged for candy and soda, but never for coq-a-vin or pinot noir. It rarely travels anywhere exotic. We fold it. We spindle it. And after using it for about a year. we burn it. The life of a dollar bill in the US is

not pretty. But before taking pity upon the most junior of America's bank notes, consider the life of money in Armenia. Consider the Armenian Dram. ,i

# d i

Long after their brethren in America have been put out of their misery, Armenian currency stays in circulation. Armenian money does not last longer. But replacing every worn bill is a luxury that Armenia is reluctant to enjoy, so its Dram notes keep working. And working, and working, and working. Even a frugal nation such as Armenia can not expect all of its assets to last forevhowever. So, in November, it placed new 50 and 100 Dram notes in circulation. The value of the 50 Dram note is just shy of l0 cents now as one US dollar is trading for about 550 Dram. These notes bear new, engraved designs that form the beginning of a series of notes that will feature contemporary artists and scientists. The 50 Dram note features composer Aram Khachaturian. A highly revered

er,

American-born writer of Armenian extraction, died in 1981 . Other prominent 20th century Armenians who were considered for the

new notes, and who may be considered again when additional designs are contemplated, are the poet Yeghishe Charents, the writer Hovanes Tumanian, and the painter Martiros Sarian.

The new culrency

noteworthy for

more than just its commemoration of contemporary subjects, however. These new bills also look and feel better. The original designs on the 50 and 100

Dram notes were not "appropriate," says Tumanian.

He's being tactful. The original bills looked unprofessional. They included small and indistinct photographs that were printed

on an offset press, making each note look more like a coupon than a national currency.

The original bills were also easily counterfeited.

BUSINESS To demonstrate this point recently, Tumanian went to the filing cabinet in the back of his office. and removed a folder filled with Armenian bank notes. He placed a half dozen 5.000 Dram notes on his desk and asked a visitor to select the fake bill

from among them. The trick, of course, was that they were all counterfeit. And although the paper didn't feel quite right on some of the bogus bills, each of them looked perfect. They had

ECONOMY

The new designs are engraved, and they

include several features that cannot reproduced on

a photocopier. There are

watermarks, microprinting, imbedded fibers, see-through images, and other safety features.

And because the notes are

engraved, they bear a texture that cannot be replicated with a photocopying machine. The 50 and 100 Dram notes, with values of less than l0 and 20 cents. have never interested counterfeiters

been produced on a photo copier.

Tumanian says that whoever printed these notes was not an amateur.

"l'm

'.::aa

sure they

are

printed in shops that are established for just such a reason. They have all the technical specifications,"

introduce a one dollar coin in 1978.

This coin. which featured Susan B. Anthony, was wildly unpopular. Consumers didn't like it because it was frequently mistaken for a quarter. Merchants didn't like it because they did not have room for it in their cash drawers. The US mint will make another attempt to introduce a one dollar coin in 2000, when it strikes a new gold colored coin featuring the likeness of a native American. Armenia already has a full set of coins that are officially in circulation, but they are unpopular for yet another reason. They are not worth anything. Or, as Tumanian puts it, "they are worn out morally, not physically."

he says.

He also says the Central

Bank has no idea who

When Armenia first introduced the Dram, it

involved in the counterfeiting. "If we knew who did it, the person would be in jail." The bank

intended for it to be equal i,

in value to the dollar. And But

does not have a lreasury service that investigates currency fraud.

Instead, instances

Tumanian says that since

Armenia needed new

counterfeiting are

reported to the local police. The professional counterfeiters proba-

bly

operate from outside Armenia, says

Tumanian, and this makes investigation difficult. He says he wonders whether the counterfeiting is politically motivated, and whether Azerbaijan is involved. There is no proof of this, however. And even amateurs who have no political motivation can make a convincing fake.

Tumanian's

filing

cabinet

tricks

bills in

these denominations, it made sense to use them to test the new design and printing methods. If the Central Bank is pleased with these anti-counterfeiting features, it will use them

again when it eventually prints new notes with denominations of 500, 1,000 and 5,000 Dram. These are the bills that are most frequently counterfeited, says Tumanian. They can be exchanged for approximately one dollar, two dollars, and ten dollars. Production costs for the newly designed bills are higher than for the original notes, but Tumanian would not give details. Because of these costs, the Central Bank

included a notebook which displayed page after page of 500 and 1,000 Dram notes. The money looked like it had been taped down to the pages in the binder, as if it was

coins, especially in the 50 and 100 Dram

part of a numismatist's display. But there

denominations.

was no tape. And these weren't notes. These were merely full color photocopies. But one

The production cost for coins can be as much as four times that of a paper bill, but they also last more than ten times as long. In

couldn't know this without touching them. Making counterfeits of the new designs will not be possible with today's photocopying technology.

would eventually like to start using more

the long run, production costs would

reduced. This is precisely the economy of production that prompted the US to

just

as the dollar has cents, Armenia decided that one Dram would have 100 Luma. So

coins valued at 10,20 and 50 Luma were struck. There are also one, three, and five Dram coins.

But with an exchange rate that values one Dram at only one fifth of a cent, those

l0 Luma coins. worth one fiftieth of a penny, are just too burdensome to lug around by the wheelbarrow. The Central Bank's investment in the production of these coins proved unwise. This mistake has

left the bank reluctant to strike any more coins. When current supplies of the 10 and 25 Dram notes are exhausted, and no sooner, they will be retired, and replaced with a l0 Dram coin.

Until then, which should be several years away, says Tumanian, the currency that circulates in Armenia will remain entirely paper. Just how much paper is in circulation, however, is one bit of information that he would not allow to circulate. "The number of new notes we print is a state secret," he says. "There's no reason to

tell."

BUSINESS

ECONOMY

HOLD IHE UODKA Ihe IIrink 0l Ghoice in Armenia ilow is Beer By TIIAIIHEW IMRAilIA]I ussians love their vodka. Can you

imagine the pain they must have endured to earn this reputation? After all, they drink rotgut, they drink it straight, and they drink it right down to the

Demand has increased, and local brewers are meeting the demand. Or is it the local brewers who have created the demand? Just about everyone here says Armenians have always enjoyed the taste of

The unabashed market leader is

the

Abovian Brewery which produces Kotayk beer in light and dark varieties. Kotayk beer is estimated to have already captured 70 percent of the beer market in Armenia. Their challenger is the Kilikia brewery, which produces beer that it sells under the monikers Kilikia, Kilikia Special and

bottom of the bottle. Armenians love vodka, too. This love might even be one of the better legacies of

beer. They just never drank

the Soviet era.

Well it's not awful anymore, now that two Armenian breweries have introduced

Yerevanian. They would not estimate

several new brands. The renaissance of beer in Armenia,

that it is small. These are not imports. Kilikia is produced and bottled in Yerevan, and it is locally owned, primarily by one Armenian man. Both the company and its flagship beer are named for the ancientArmenian kingdom of southwestern Anatolia. Kotayk's brewery is in the nearby town of Abovian, from which the brewing company takes its name. Their beer also carries a local name. Kotayk is the, name of the region where the town of Abovian is located, just outside Yerevan. Don't let the pedi-

But theirs was an acquired taste, tastes are changing in

and

Armenia. Vodka may

be on the way out.

The cafes that have popped their umbrellas all over Yerevan still list vodka on their menus, but it's the beer that is selling, like never before.

before

because the local beers tasted so awful.

seems, is the result of beer makers who are both creating and meeting demand, in one of the most time honored traditions of capitalism.

their market share beyond acknowledging

greed names fool you. The Abovian Brewing Co., unlike Kilikia, is controlled by a foreigner. The French manufacturer of Castel beer owns a

controlling share of the Abovian Co. An Armenian businessman

Brewing

owns only a minority interest.

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

BUSTNESS

ECONOMY

Ironically, the Armenian district of Cilicia was a French sphere of influence before succumbing to Turkish rule earlier this century.

It's anyone's guess which of these beers tastes best. Kotayk is a light beer which approximates the taste of some of America's most popular beers. They also make a darker version. Kilikia is heavier, more robust, and a little sweeter. Their Yerevanian brand is a bit lighter, and each tastes more like the beers of Germany than does Kotayk. They all taste good. Each ofthem is also relatively inexpensive. The beer is sold in warm one half liter and one third liter botfles, for as little as 250 Dram at the outdoor markets. Chilled bottles cost a bit more. Prices at the cafes tend to be at least 50 percent higher. (The Dram trades at about 550 to the dollar.)

This is where the similarities

end

between Kotayk and Kilikia.

Kotayk has no competitors in marketing, production or distribution. Because of this, by next year Kotayk

could easily become as prevalent in Armenia as Coca-Cola, another popular beverage that has virtually the entire share of the soft drink market here. To see how this could happen, and to understand how Kotayk was able to capture 70 percent of the market for beer in just one year, one needs to lrst undeistand the most

basic and vernacular tenet of marketing: Plaster your name all over the place. Kotayk appears to be familiar with this rule. They've got snappy commercials on

television, and several billboards in Yerevan. Their name is prominently displayed at sidewalk cafes throughout Yerevan, and their familiar green bottles are everywhere you look. These green bottles have a modern design with a midJength neck that resembles the bottles that are served in bars in America. The labels on these bottles have a modern typeface and a clean design featuring no

words. The name Kotayk is prominently printed in large, easy to read Latin and Armenian scripts. The typefaceand color scheme is easy to recognize at a unnecessary

Armenian-French joint beer plant in Abovian (far Left); President Kocharian and French Ambassador Michel Legras

E rz u t

at Kotayk (left); getting ready for the first anniversary of Kotayk brewery (top right); serving at the Beer festival in Yerevan (bottom right)

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

BUSINESS

ECONOMY

Beverage store in Yerevan (left); beer festival in Yerevan under the auspices of the Mayor of Yerevan glance, even

you read neither Armenian Coca-Cola or

nor English. Think:

McDonald's, and you'll get the idea. The youthful message that helps to sell beer in the US is working in

Armenia, too. Kotayk looks like a modern beer aimed at a youthful market. There

is nothing about the label or the

bottle

design that suggests the old days. Kilikia's brewery also does some adver-

tising, but their ad budget competes with Kotayk the way generic cola competes with

Coke and Pepsi. Kilikia's beers

also sleek Kotayk. Kilikia and Yerevanian beer is sold in refillable bottles of varying colors, in the familiar chunky design that has been used for other beverages since Soviet days. They look like family size ketchup bottles compared to Kotayk's stylish design. The labels also appear old fashioned, and there's too much text on them. The brand names seem lost in a sea of words,

appears

a bit more stogy than the

and can themselves be difficult to read. Sales clerks frequently are unaware that they are selling three distinct brands from the

Kilikia

brewery.

Kotayk is also aggressively promoting its beers at cafes and restaurants. Some cafe owners have been told that if they will agree to sell only Kotayk beer, they will be able to get their hands on all kinds of freebies. Harutun Harutunian owns a cafe near Republic Square, at the heart of central

Yerevan. In exchange for his written to sell only Kotayk beer for the

promise

next three years, Kotayk has provided him with a refrigerator and several umbrellas,

each

which is emblazoned with

the

Kotayk name. He says he'll also get some paint for his cafe from the brewery, in the distinctive shade of Kotayk blue. He's been in this business for l1 years, and this past year has been the first time that beer sales have exceeded vodka sales. "Kotayk sells because it's high quality, it's good. And the advertising has helped," says Harutunian. Last year, before Kotayk was brewed, the beer sold in Armenia was of poor quality, he says, and as a result his customers drank only vodka. At a competing cafe nearby, operated by Felix Sirunian, the verdict on the old beer of Armenia is echoed. "Before, the beer was bitter and flat," says Sirunian, referring to the Soviet style beer which is no longer produced. Now, he says, "Everyone drinks Kotayk. Even children. My son is in the third grade; and he

drinks Kotayk."

Everyone may drink Kotayk, but Kotayk won't sell to just anyone.

of Kotayk, the manufacturers of Kilikia beer say they can meet the challenge

paign

of this tough competition. Hakob Hakobian,

the director of production technology at Kilikia Brewery in Yerevan, suggests that Kotayk has command of the market in Armenia this year only because Kotayk is making more beer, and not the other way around.

"We didn't produce much beer recently, so naturally [consumers] had to buy what they found," he says. Hakobian refuses to disclose production quantities for Kilikia, except to say that it was "not enough."

Kilikia

was unable to produce as much

beer as necessary in order to quench the thirst of Armenia this past summer because of the old technology of its brewery. They still use the bottling plant that has been in use for the past three decades, and beer is brewed using the same equipment that was used for the beer that Hakobian says was so

"awful" before the introduction of Kilikia

When Harutunian wanted to make improvements at his cafe, and to have

and Kotayk.

Kotayk pick up the tab, Kotayk first sent out a representative to the cafe to see if the cafe was up to standards. According to Harutunian, Kotayk liked the cafe, and so they agreed to an exclusive licensing agreement with him. Harutunian got his refrigerator and his umbrellas. Yelena Tomassian, the owner of a cafe in the green belt that surrounds Yerevan, in a less desirable location, didn't get any deal. She buys Kotayk and Kilikia from an outdoor market, and sells each of the brands without the benefit of any free merchandise. Despite the aggressive marketing cam-

gram is underway, and Hakobian hopes to oversee its completion before next summer.

AIM FEBRUARY I999

reorganization and rebuilding pro-

The small facility, located near the cognac factory in Yerevan, operates 24 hours a day and bottles the Kilikia and Yerevanian brands on alternate days. A third brand, Kilikia Special, is produced as needed.

Kotayk's production has not suffered similar production handicaps. Kotayk's joint venture with France's Castel beer group permitted it to build a $20 million brewery and bottling plant. Kotayk has a shiny, spotless, stainless steel factory with an output so high that it does not need

BUSINESS

to operate daily. The brewery also produces Castel beer, from the French recipe, for sale in Armenia. Each of its beers is pasteurized, to permit a long shelf life without artificial preservatives. Distribution is handled by a modern net-

work of trucks that is owned by the SIL Group, prominent Armenian business enterprise that also owns the SIL Plaza, and sev-

eral pizza restaurants (See AIM, xxx). Kilikia and Kotayk each dbtains the grain they need from sources in Europe. Kilikia's production methods are local. Kotayk's are a combination of local and French methods. Despite their competition, the two brew-

ECONOMY

Cognizant of his agreement not to criticize Kotayk, Hokobian is careful in describing his product. "It's very soft. It's very drinkable. The more you drink, the more you want. But first, I would say, just try it." Then, conscious of the familiar association of beer with men, and of a large untapped market in Armenia, he adds, "It's so good that women have already started to try it." Armenia exports less than five percent of its beer production, mostly to Georgia. But Armenia does import several European beers-Heineken, Bavaria and Holsten from the Netherlands and Germany, are the most

ing companies do cooperate in some areas. "We have mutual agreement that we

popular, and the most regularly available,

will

Romania's Zagreb, and Bulgaria's Astika, were popular prior to the arrival of Kilikia and Kotayk, but are rarely available now. I

never say the other is worse and ours is better," says Hakobian. "We say, let the shops sell, and let the people decide."

imports. Others, such as Turkey's

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

Efes,

DIFFERENI HEMISPHERE, SAME PROBLEM Ghallenges Facing Armenian Schools in Sydney, Australia

lffilSlEl{ Klllll; Photos by IEI|Y AGHAlIlAtlAll-l(0RIlA1{

T-tor all its divisiveness, the Armenian N .o.*unity in Sydney. Australia has ar least three things going for it: St. I Gregory's Armenian school. Hamazkaine Arshak and Sophie Galstaun School, and AGBU Alexander Primary School. These three small centers

educational, cultural,

and religious instruction are almost too young to be called institutions. The oldest was established just 14 years ago, but together they are

cultivating hundreds

Australian-born

Armenian children, enriching their lives and maintaining their cultural heritage in a far off land Armenians had yet to call home just 40 years ago.

ln fact, last December saw the very first group of students to have completed their

entire education-kindergarten through l2th grade-in this new Armenian school system. Most of those students are now adjusting to

university life, fulfilling the dreams of their immigrant parents. Dr. Arsine Oshagan, who was Principal at Hamazkaine from 1992-97, says she is thrilled the promise of Sydney's Armenian day schools is finally starting to be realized, although she notes it will be a while before that promise is fully acknowledged. "I do believe that the school needs to have a few more graduated classes successfully going on to university, or making a successful entry into the Australian work force, for parents to see the light," Oshagan remarked. Janet Michaelian's son just entered his fifth year at St. Gregory's but already she is

AIM FEBRUARY I999

sold on the promise. "The reason why we're sending them to Armenian schools is coming

to fruition," remarked Michaelian who is not only pleased with the cultural knowledge and pride her son displays, but with his academic performance. Like most parents who spend the money to enroll their children in one of the

independent Armenian day schools, Michaelian fully expects her son and daughter to pursue university educations. "We want to see more of our children go on to university because that's what strengthens the community. The old thinking was 'oh no let them learn a trade,' and that's what I think we've got to move away from." It's an old saying: the children are

the

future, but in Australia's case the potential in

Students of the Hamaskaine Arshag and Sophie Galstaun School during recess that adage is somehow more evident than in some more established Diaspora communities.

"It's become

very sophisticated international

multicultural society," declared Arshak Galstaun, the man for whom the Hamazkaine school is named, and one of Australia's first Armenian residents. "The opportunities for young people are incredibly great here," he said. As Galstaun sees it, this first generation of Australian-born Armenians enjoys the unique benefit of life in a modern and multi. cultural society, coupled with strong roots in

Armenian tradition and heritage. The Armenian schools offer the best of both worlds. So why aren't more parents taking them up on the opportunity? With an estimated 5,000 school-aged Armenians living in Sydney, there are less than 700 enrolled. "Where are the others?" asks Father Anton Totonjian, founder and principal of St. Gregory's. The answers will sound familiar to those who've asked the same of Armenian schools elsewhere in the Diaspora. lhe Honelmoon ls 0ucl Sydney's three Armenian day schools may

be young, but they are old enough for the excitement associated with their openings to have faded, and for outside criticism to have established a strong hold on doubters. "It tends to be an unfortunate national pastime I think,"

commented Kaylar Michaelian, Deputy Principal at Hamazkaine, a school that is condemned for its lack of sports programs in spite of its students' high test scores. Mention the

AGBU school to an Armenian parent in Sydney and he or she will readily acknowledge its sparkling new classrooms and positive

leaming environment in the same breath as its miniscule enrollment. St. Gregory's is at once applauded for its zero-tolerance policy on

drugs, violence, profanity, misbehavior and for its distant location and lag in establishing computer literacy training. While it is true some parents simply candenounced

not manage the tuition, there is no question the service these schools provide is a bargain many others can afford, but are passing up. Children become fluent speakers, readers and

writers of Armenian, they learn their 3000year history and culture and they are kept safe from society's ills for a fraction of the fees

other non-public schools charge. "Private school tuition fees in Sydney are on average about $7,500 per student. An all-inclusive fee at Hamazkaine is $2,500 annually on aver-

age," noted Michaelian. AGBU Alexander Primary School charges $900 a year. St.

Gregory's. which teaches kindergarten through l0th grade, has a yearly fee of about $1,700, and that includes pick up and drop off at the student's front door. Not only are these rates competitive within Sydney, they compare quite favorably to US Armenian schools which charge anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 a

yeil

per student. Schools are able to charge so

little because the Australian govemment covers a large percentage of their operating expenses, as much as 30Vo according to administrators. Because of its large investment, the government is also strict on curriculum standards. Contrary to popular belief, the Armenian schools in Sydney are not run by amateurs with no background in education. Teachers are union members and must meet rgquired levels to be certi-

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

fied. Administrators at all three schools have experience in education although some have admittedly gained it on-the-job these last few

of the schools belong to the nationally accredited Association of years. Each

Independent Schools which helps set curricu-

lum and evaluates school performance. Even so, the perception that Sydney's Armenian schools are less professional and substandard academically compared to Australian schools is a major reason many parents continue to send their children elsewhere.

Oshagan, who now teaches Math at Westchester University near Philadelphia not years only spent Principal at

six

Hamazkaine, she was previously Vice-

Principal

for

Academic Affairs

Armenian Sisters Academy

the

Philadelphia,

Principal at Krouzian-Zekarian Armenian School in San Francisco and has visited Armenian schools in Armenia, Karabakh, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Jerusalem, Kuwait, France, Greece and Canada. Her experience in Sydney indicated not only financial and distance constraints but social concerns as reasons many parents choose

not to participate.

"The powerful Anglo influence on migrants to Australia seems to foster a deepseated feeling of inferiority in the older generation. Armenian parents, who for the most part have limited educations themselves, want their children not to suffer any trace of racism or in any way feel as second-class citizens in this new land," Oshagan noted. "They believe that sending their children to an Australian school will allow them to cultivate that desired proper English accent and leam to compete with their local peers early on."

N don't have low achievers in this school," boasted AGBU Principal Gloria Harris. "We take part in the New South Wales basic skills Iest, and university competitions every year and our kids do quite well," Harris noted. St. Gregory's also boasts high academic achievement. The independent academic and research firm Bricolage Ltd. conducted a recent study and found, "this school enables all children to perform to their potential. This is especially impressive when the school population at the intake level speaks very little English." Woillng to lmlrure lho[ lmago While St. Gregory's has hired outside consultants to identify its strengths and weaknesses, Hamazkaine recently formed a public rela-

tions committee to promote the school's achievements and attract more students.

AGBU Armenian School The oft-cited "ghetto" iugument is another

common excuse adminstrators hear. "They think that bringing up children in an atmosphere where the students are all Armenian and the only contact they have is with Armenians doesn't prepare them to tackle the outside

pressures once they leave the school," explained Kaylar Michaelian. "But if we look at the students who have left the school, they've all done very well. I don't understand this argument anyhow, we're a very adaptable people. This has never been a problem for Armenians." Interestingly, each school has a substantial percentage of non-Armenian teachers, and in the case of the AGBU school

the principal isn't Armenian, either. Ten percent of the students at St. Gregory's are nonArmenian, facts that might impress some parents, but apparently tum off others. What about grades? Australia's standardized HSC (Higher School Certificate) test given every year to high school graduates measures academic performance and

used

by universities in accepting applicants. "The government publishes a merit list based on test

scores and,

for the first time this year, our

school was mentioned because one of our stu-

in the top 90 in maths," Michaelian pointed out. Grades are above the national average at all three schools. "We

dents scored

Unlike the AGBU school which receives funding from the AGBU Central Board in New York, Hamazkaine and St. Gregory's rely entirely on local support in addition to govem-

ment funding. Hamazkaine's immediate goal is to add 80 more students to the school's current figure of 290 in order to become financially self-sufficient. It is an urgent goal and one that caused its long{ime board to resign late last year in acknowledgement of the failure to reach financial solvency. A new board

has commited

to regaining the

stability

enjoyed by Hamazkaine over the last 12 years. Actually, all three schools are operating well below capacity. AGBU has just 55 students enrolled and St. Gregory's has 280. It's a

situation that baffles and frustrates school "In the beginning I think there was

St. Gregory's Armenian Day School

leaders.

great support and it was a new concept, but with time I can feel neglect setting in which is a shame because the achievements are outstanding," noted AGBU Administrator Laura Artinian. Fr. Totonjian agrees, although in St. Gregory's case he believes the support was weak to begin with. "I was hoping for a little bit more cooperation from the community, and

it's not there is the Catholic aspect. Or maybe it's just an excuse, I don't know," he admitted.

the reason

Fifteen years ago, Fr. Totonjian started with just $20 and 20 students, two teachers and a couple of temporary trailers. After years of tireless leadership, Fr. Totonjian is starting to contemplate an end to his commitment. The vision that inspired him to take on a challenge

few expected him to achieve has

now

changed. "The strength of the Armenian community outside Armenia was very important back then," Fr. Totonjian said of his feelings in 1985, prior to Armenia's independence. "Now I don't see that need anymore. The place ofthe 44

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

E Armenian school for me has become. secondary." With very little support from the Armenian community and virtually none from Australia's mainstream Catholic community,

Fr. Totonjian singlehandedly started Australia's first Armenian day school. He refused to let the rejections deter him from reaching his goal, because he believed the children deserved and needed the guidance. Arhsak Galstaun. who chose to donate $250,000 to the Hamazkaine school project rather than St. Gregory's because of the Catholic connection nevertheless admires the priest's achievement. "He's a very dedicated man. He's got tremendous drive and energynobody else could've done what he's done," Galstaun said.

everything he's done-he's nity a lot. He's devoted all

respect him for given the commuthese years to that

Janet Michaelian agrees.

school, you can't take anything away from that at all," said Michaelian who has at times had a

contentious relationship

with the Father.

Michaelian believes the ironic thing is that Fr. Totonjian's stubbom commitment to running a strict and successful school is now the very thing working against the school's progress. "It's time to start teaching other people and showing them how to do it-let others be part

D of

o N

the decision making process," Michaelian

suggested. As a parent and former participant

in St. Gregory's "Parent and Friends Committee," Michaelian is in a unique position to comment on the school's state of affairs. She is also married to Kaylar Michaelian, Deputy Principal at Hamazkaine. Together the two are highly involved in educational issues, and with two young children of their own, pay close attention to developments. When asked if he has a cavalier attitude toward parents, Fr. Totonjian's surprising response is, "I have not found one single parent worth my effort! But the children

are

worth it, and these children are going to be running the school in the future." He continues, "My whole attitude has changed and I would like to go work in Armenia now. What I find is our people do not have the necessary vision. I have always maintained that it is the poor uneducated Armenians who come to Australia, so this is why I have such a battle with the parents!"

His statement is a common rundown on older generation Armenians in Australia, where political and social divisions are strong. Frustration over lack of progress ultimately

ends with someone declaring the AustralianArmenians too dense to reach agreement and

ARrAN

take action, that the truly smart and talented Armenians immigrated to the US or Canada or Europel As preposterous as it sounds, it's a belief that may in actuality be working to keep the Australian-Armenian community divided. A final grumbling from some in the community that three separate schools are an unneccesary division of resources, that a more efficient system could be created by combin-

ing all three into one institution is a frequent suggestion. "I have spoken about this before,"

said Oshagan who believes at least Hamazkaine and AGBU could attempt such an arrangement due to their close proximity. "It would be the greatest community achievement to have two upstanding Armenian orgarizations-the Hamazkaine and the Armenian General Benevolent Union-join hands for such a unique venture on an island so far from any other significant center of Armenian life. It would take opening people's hearts as well as eyes to the greater possibilities that would flow from such a courageous step. I do believe

the younger generation of Austral-Armenians

could take this on successfully." It remains to be seen whether the next generation of Austral-Armenians, graduates and non-graduates of Armenian schools, will see the problem and seek a solution. I

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AIM FEBRUARY

1999

RELI

PURE AS MIITHER'S

N long history in Armenia, most have managed to preserve Russian traditions in their homes.

In the peaceful village of Fialetovo. l,-500 Malnkans live in homes painted blue and white; here, with no Armenian neighbors and in their own closed comrnunity, the only language needed (or spoken)

Russian.

"After Annenia's independence, some Malakans left for Russia. But we preferred to stay here, on the land which welcomed us and gave us a second home," says Nicolai.

In the Soviet period, Malakans worked in the collective t'arrns, just like other peas-

ants. But with the independence of Armenia, many have now become private farmers. Like many of their spiritual brothers and sisters. Nicolai and Maria grow cabbages, carrots and potatoes on a few acres of land; the two cows which they keep in the stable adjacent to their house provide them with milk, cheese. butter and yogurt.

Ihe Malakans ol Armenia Iext and Photos by ABMI]'|EH J0HANNES

of Nicolai and Maria Minassayev in Fialetovo, just 40

are meticulously arranged on shelves.

miles from Yerevan, the borscht is

Russian sect known as Malakans. Exiled from their homeland by Queen Catherine II, Malakans have lived in Armenia since the beginning of the 19th century. Despite their

the home

slowly cooking in a black cast-iron cauldron, while the tea brews on a golden samovar. Dozens of home-made pots of jam

Nicolai and Maria belong to

the

half

Malakanism was born in the second o1' the 18th century in the Dambovi

region of Russia. and latel spread. Persecuted by both church and state, Malakans were forced into exile in thc Caucasus towards the end of the 18th

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

E,LICIO

R Century. Although there are no official fig-

ures available. an eslimated one million Malakans live in Russia and the Caucasus today. Some 5.000 are estir.nated to be in

AImenia. rnainly in Yererun and in

Fialetovo, Lermondovo. and Dilijan, often in closed communities, without links to other religions. The Malakan sect was established originally by a village tailor who was a great orator. Malakanism rejected Russian Orthodoxy; it was a manifestation of believers' disapproval of serfdom and poor social

conditions. According to solne, the name Malakan derives from the Russian word fbr

milk, rnalako, as on fasting days

the Malakans drink a lot o1'milk. According to another version. Malakan comes fronr the word malinki, meaning small in Russian, und charuetenzci this rninolitl group.

Malakans interpret the Bible and the

Christiar.r

faith differently from

Orthodox Church and reject all

the external

symbols of its ritual ecclesiastical hierarchy. monastic life, icons, veneration of saints and the cross.

"How can one worship the cross

which Jesr"rs suffered," protests Svetlana. Besides the Old and New

Testaments, the Malakans also have a Sacred Book, which is a simplified version of the Bible written by a prophet who was arrested in Armenia in 1858 by the Tsarist authorities.

Malakans do not worship in churches; instead, they gather in homes bought by the comrnunity and set aside specifically fbr the

purpose

prayer. Every Saturday

and

Sunday. men with Iong beards and women

wearing white lace aprons and flowery scarves over their heads, walk in groups to their Prayer Home. During prayers, the Prisvitzer, a figure appointed by the cornmunity as a spir"itual

guide because ol' his knowledge of Malakanism's Bible and religious books. stands together with the choir, composed

only of men. at the front

Meanwhile. the women

fall to

their

knees, hide their faces in their hands, bend

their bodies to the floor and start cryin-e. Explains the Prizvitzer, "By crying. each wom.rn coml'orts herself and liberates her soul from her worries and any problems she may have." As soon as prayers are ovel', the homes becorne meeting places for social gatherings as people engage each other in conversation, discussing community issues and sipping tea prepared on dozens of samovars placed outside the Prayer Horne.

Many Malzkan traditions and beliefs seem to resemble those of the Amish community in the US; Malakans reject luxury,

divorce, man'iage outside the comntunity. television and radio. Having one's photo

the room.

taken, drinking alcohol, smoking, eating

Women, who usually outnumber the men, stand in rows at the back. Parts of the liturgy are sung to the rhythm of tapping f.eet. The beat gradually becomes Iouder and, as

pork or unscaled flsh are also tbrbidden.

accelerates. sorne believer\ \lut1 nloving

their arms up towards the sky. shakin-r: their

bodies and hopping up and down. They a sort of physical ecstasy which, according to Prizvitzer Nicolai, "only those with a pure spirit are able to expelience".

enter

Once she marries, the Malakan woman must

cover her hair, men grow beards since

shaven face is a sign of non-belief.

Malakans believe in the Apocalypse and the Last Judgernenl, and accord great importance to family and community cooperation. to work, and to benevolsnL'gthey consider that the proper practice of these virtues will bring about God's king-

.*"#i#

-2

r f,

AIM FEBRLTARY I999

o N The

-*{ fiIffi -d'S'

i,6 i .'

'4C@*-'

:::::

fundamentalist

group. called Prigouns in Russian, were formed in I 850's and are the hopping

'i'

group. They and the moderates

;

have different prayer homes, but they have good relations with each other and there is no animosity between the differ-

ent

practitioners

Malakanism.

In Yerevan, where

approximately 3,500 Malakans

live, women sell

vegetables

(mainly cabbages and carrots)

in the markets, while the men work mainly in construction. Malakan children living Yerevan go to Armenian schools, and speak Armenian as well as Russian, even while continuing to live within their own tlght tight communtty. community.

dom on earth. "We are divided into two groups. The fundamentalists, also called the hopping group, never allow themselves the slightest deviation from the prescribed rules, while the moderates have a little more relaxed attitude. While a fundamentalist

will not allow himself to vote or take part in political life of the country, or take up arms and go to war, or even receive welfare or a retirement pension, a moderate Malakan will not reject these things," said Leonide Marozi, Pizvitzer of the moderate group in

has to move with the times and be informed about what goes on in the world; I am not a believer; I drink and smoke, and I like watching television," says Sergei, who is not alone in

Yerevan.

redefining Armenia's Malakans.

Still,

it is difficult living

the strict rules of the sect. "I

according to

think one

FINDIilG RtltlIS EXTENIIING BRAilGHES

o N

something of extended summer camp, they are also contributing to the development of the republic.

Moushigian's translation, for example, should make it easier for F.nglish-rpeaking Western attorneys to understand the subtleties of Armenian law. "The system is slow, and that can be frustrating," Moushigian says. "I've got two

dictionaries, and every other word, I'm

Iliaspora Prolessionals Working in Armenia By |OHII HUGHES

pulling them out. Down the road, hopefully,

will make things better." Through the fall, eight professionals had participated, ranging from civil engithis

neering to accounting.

LanaKazangian, who came up

f,arshall

lVl

nt*

Moushigian, 28.

l" "

with the idea and was given

the blessing of AGBU PresidentLouise Manoogian Simone, runs the resi-

.ff :" ".'.. l::

than 'Just going to church functions dancing in circles and eating pilaf." So shortly after passing the Bar Exam last May, he called the

dency program from the AGBU offices at the American University

Armenia. Most participants, Kazangian says, are fust-timers to Armenia. The director has learned already to expect some common reactions from participants. "All of a sudden," Kazangian says, "They realize that they have to deal with what Armenia really is now, and reconcile it with their

Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and asked for an application to its Professional Experience in Armenia program. Just three months later,

Moushigian found himself in the

Yerevan offices of Arlex

International Ltd. a dictionary in each hand, translating Armenia's

Civil Code. Along way from circle and pilaf.

expectations.

dances

A long way closer

But

there's this

understanding that you're coming to find yourself as an Armenian." The experience is meant as a

two-way street-give and take.

experiences craved by Diasporans like Moushigian. Like Jack

"We want to provide an outlet for Diasporan Armenians who want to become a part of Armenia in some way," she says. "It is also our hope that the host institution gets some benefit out of this program.

Bournazian, a San Diego, California resident currently teaching at Artsakh State University in Stepanakert. Like Harry Gurahian, 75, an attorney from Southampton, New York, who spent four weeks working at the Central Bank of the

But she's not looking for Messiahs.

"If I hear people talking like Republic of Armenia. they're coming to try and (make a And like Mariam Matossian, a TOP: Mariam Matossian (left), an English teacher from Canada, big difference in a short time)," 26-year-old English teacher from editing abstracts at the National Survey for Seismic Protection she says, "I try to stop them from Vancouver, Canada who was the (NSSP). BOTTOM: Vatche Janoyan (left), a civil engineer from thinking that way, because that's AGBU's first resident when the Australia, with the Prcsident of NSSB Dr. Sergei Balassanian just not how it works.il

program began last summer. Matossian did translations for an

The average program

English weekly news service in Yerevan. The official AGBU announcement said the program's goal "is to offer its participants the unique opportunity to share their Western professional skills, knowledge and

experience

with their counterparts

Armenia, and witness first-hand the process of reform currently underway in the country's governmental, business, health care,

education and other sectors."

Unofficially, "unique" might be the key word. "Just being in Armenia is the main thing," Moushigian says. "People who are born in the Diaspora can only feel foreign. But here, where I can speak the language, I feel more Armenian." Which is the point. But with a twist. While Diasporan professionals are enjoying

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

lasts

about five weeks and the timing is

arranged according

to the

participant's

career schedule. Participants are not paid

for

their work nor for their transportation. AGBU provides only housing.

Applicants must have

bachelorrs

degree, preferably a master's and at least two years professional experience. Speaking Armenian is not a requirement. Wanting to learn and help is.

LIUI]IG FULL LIUES Ihe Glendale Association lor the Mentally Retarded 0pens Windows to the World By lffilSTEl{

A A

lfl0ll; Pholos

Bu EilG NAZARIAII

glass case sits inside the entryway of the Glendale Association for the

\Retarded (cAR).The

case is filled with a variety of products: packages of latex gloves, stuffed toys, bags of goodies made by the Nestle Foods company, Christmas

cards and much more.

It is a display

designed to promote, educate and congratulate the clients and visitors who walk in and see it everyday. The case is filled top to bottom with items that have been assembled or packaged by the 55 developmentally disabled adults employed at GAR's workshop. It is proof and testament of their abilities to work as reliable employees despite their mental and in some cases physical disabilities. GAR's mission statement is "to provide developmentally disabled adults the opportunity to participate in mainstream community life and to attain their highest levels of

individuals whose families can no longer provide care, and for those who wish to live away from their family home. This month the GAR is opening its third group home in Glendale. Califomia law allows no more

lowered property values or threats to their children's safety not only to ignorance but to the so-called N-I-M-B-Y attitude-not in

than six residents per house, but permits such homes to be operated in any zone, including single family home neighbor-

GAR triumphed in buying and remodeling the home which they have named the

hoods. In trying to purchase the new house in just such a neighborhood, Jouroyan encountered an astonishing opposition. "We had two meetings with the neighbors, the second meeting was attended by over 100," Jouroyan related. "The discrimination, the lies, the ignorance I heard at those meetings shocked me. What it made me realize is no

matter how much people profess to be accepting, it's really only okay as long as everybody's in their own environment. The minute you start mixing them up, then you

abilities break through the glass ceilings society has placed so near to the ground. GAR has been in Glendale since 1954, serving a growing number of clients, including an increasing number of Armenian immigrants. Jouroyan, a veteran warrior, has kept the association on the cutting edge of a relatively new trend toward transitioning developmentally disabled adults into the community. During her tenure she has witnessed a movement among parents to stop hiding and start exposing their children to the world.

retarded children.

They're saying I don't care if my son or daughter gets hurt or not, they've got to learn to live in society. Which is healthy. So

ly has a foundation that contributed to the purchase of the Glendale home in honor of his memory. This is just one of many Armenian con-

nections to the GAR. In addition to Jouroyan, there are Armenians in the foundation, on the board of directors and among

the staff. And-the greatest surprise for those who assume Armenians traditionally

Navasargian said he and his family are so proud and happy to see Svedlana excited about going to GAR every morning. Her IQ

I think we're going to see a different generation and a more independent generation ofretarded

individuals growing up," Jouroyan said.

"David Gogian House." Gogian was

retarded boy who died as a result ofbrain surgery to relieve his seizures. His fami-

there was no such program so Svedlana stayed home and never went out without supervision from a family member. "Now, from time to time, she does some simple cooking; she's become aware of herself, how she dresses."

"I've seen a difference in attitudes of

In addition to job training and placement, the GAR operates group homes for

my backyard. Ultimately Jouroyan and

number of the clients are Armenian. In fact, a full one-fourth of the clients speak only Armenian and are learning English through the program. Edward Navasargian is treasurer of the Glendale Association for the Retarded. He became involved after his 52-year-old sister started going to GAR for job training seven years ago. "It's changed her whole life, she's become more independent," said Navasargian who explains his sister moved to Glendale from Iran l0 years ago. In Iran

the past 18 years, Jouroyan has been working to help adults with developmental dis-

Jouroyan attributes people's fears of

hide the developmentally and physically disabled away from society-an increasing

independence." A lofty goal some might say, but not impossible according to Executive Director Carole Jouroyan. For

younger parents

start seeing the negative response."

Clients of GAR working, loading newspapers into a truck.

AIM FEBRUARY I999

is equivalent to that of a two-year-old, so she is limited in her abilities, but it is apparent to the Navasargian family that working and having friends outside the family has

improved her life immensely. The opportunities provided are a welcome service to many of the families who have come from Armenia and other countries. "Some family members have said how 'this is wonderful, and in my country there was nothing'. We've had very good support from the Armenian community, although I

probably would want more support from them," she added. It continues to be an uphill battle but one Jouroyan has found incredibly reward-

ing. "I truly

parents'home. Inside the home he had no responsibilities and spent most of his time watching television. What little education he had he received from his mother who was unwilling to expose her youngest son to an unaccepting and sometimes cruel society. Today Zorik is living a life his late mother

the board, everything from personal to academic to vocational," Poulatian commented.

Today Zorik works two mornings

to the Glendale Association for the Retarded. Zorlkcame to the United States in l99l never dreamed possible, thanks

with his oldest brother Verej. Like many

in the community's attitude toward Zorik

compared to people he encountered in Iran. Here his brother can go freely out in public

without being chastized. "There they looked at him like a person from another

next day they're eating lunch together. I think

planet," said Verej, "now he goes shopping, spends money, he talks with people, he presents himself, he can explain things. He has fallen into a good place, by fortune or by system or by whatever; he's in the right place at the right time." When Zorik is not working he enjoys

hold on to all the negative, and have that sense ofjoy and trust. I've learned a lot from them."

Navasargian agrees and hopes that all

families with adults who are mentally retarded will seek help from an organization like GAR."Ifs definitely going to change

life.

It's never too late, whatever we can do to enhance their lives we have to do it right way," said Navasargian who admit ted it is difficult for older families to open up to the idea of exposing their retarded family members to the world. "Most of the first generation Armenians consider this a very private issue, a shame, they try to pro-

tect and cover it up but

think they're

wrong. There's nothing to be ashamed about."

SUCCESS STORY

Meet Zorik Hagopian, a 40-year-old with Down syndrome. Hagopian spent the first 33 years of his life a virtual shut-in in

Iran. He had no formal education, friendships or contact with anyone outside his

week with a grounds crew at the Glendale YMCA. The other three days he works on projects at the GAR, including basic assembly and recycling projects. He also rides along in the workshop's delivery truck and helps the driver load and unload material. Verej says he is amazed at the difference

how wonderful to be able to let go, and not

their

his English speaking skills. It's all across

the whole world was retarded we'd never have problems or wars," Jouroyan observed. "They can be very upset with each other one day and the feel

bowling and going out to dinner with friends. He still likes watching television too, especially programs that feature Armenian dancing and music. That's

immigrants. the Hagopians' trip was not a direct or easy one. First they spent a month

Turkey, then another 14 months in

Germany awaiting permission to come to the US. Once they arrived lhey went straight to Glendale where Vere.j's wife and

two children were already

Zorik plays the flute and drums and his goal is to become good enough to play at because

weddings. He smiles a lot and finds plea-

living.

Zorik went to live with an elderly couple related to the Hagopians. "Based upon reports, he didn't do a lot when he was living in the apartment," explained Adrineh Poulatian, GAR's multicultural programs coordinator. Zorik now lives in a group home run by GAR where he

has discovered his potential for learning. "He's a completely new person. There's been a lot of noticeable progress, mainly in

AIM FEBRUARY I999

sure in the simplest tasks including cleaning

up the kitchen and folding laundry.

"My mother, her last days were just thinking what's going to happen to Zo.'i,k? She didn't know that Zorik was going to live a good life," said Verej. "He and his friends, they are really pure people and they have the right to live, they have the right to grow in the community and nobody can take this right from them."

o o

REBUITDING A GIIMMUNIIY Faith in History. Annenians Rebuilding Community, by Susan Paul Pattie. Washington, DC and london: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1977.282pp. By

AlltY BAl(AtlAll Fany

Armenians

will

recognize

l\ /l rannitiar exoeriences and issues in IYItnis ,,ory Lr Cypriot Armenians building community on that small

clearer and deeper understanding of issues that so perplex diasporan Armenians. This book disproves many assumptions Armenians hold about themselves and their

Armenians together? Pattie says

it is their

definition of the 'historical truth' (p.236). She writes, "Armenians speak of feeling both a collective debt to the past and an

ln other words,

the

culture. One pervasive misconception is

individual one" (p. 23).

Genocide and deportations; then after the Turkish invasion and division of Cyprus in 1974, resettling in London and starting all over again. Susan Pattie's Faith in History is also the tale of Armenians in diaspora in the twentieth century. The subtext of this book is how a people living in diaspora face psychological scars from the past and physical insecurity about the future, and how a traditional culture adapts to the forces of modernization, technological complexity and a global economy. With engaging narrative and insightful illusffations, readers of

that Armenian culture fl notably language, history and church fl is unchanging. On the contrary, explains Pattie, "people are always in the process of becoming. New ties and attachments are found and re-formed at personal, communal, and national levels. Living in diaspora includes a constant reconstruction of a sense of place, where the past is woven into the prese[t on new territory and the new space made meaningful" (p. 30). She further contends there are "a variety of ways of reacting to and living in diaspora" (p. 8). What then is the catalyst that brings

"History becomes a raison d'etre, a mythi-

Mediterranean

island following

Faith in History will be enriched with 54

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

cal charter for the nation, and what is selected as proper history in turn reflects the concerns of the present" (p.236). Indeed, the title of this book, Faith in History astutely captures the essence of what it meant to be an Armenian in diaspora today. The book is divided into fourteen chapters. In the first section, Pattie, an anthropologist, discusses the theoretical premise of her work and describes how she collect-

ed her data in both London and Cyprus between 1983 and 1988. She conducted interviews with community members, par-

BOOKS

Left: Melkonian Educational Institute; center: the city of Nicosia; right: The Armenian Apostolic church in Nicosia. ticipated in public events, was invited to private homes, and systematically observed the rhythms of life and the institutions that give it structure such as church, family and language. Next, Pattie traces the history of the Armenian Cypriote community from its

origins (circa 578 C.E.) to 1974, and its reconfiguration and continuation in London. Other topics covered in the book are family, language, and religion.

A major contribution in Faith in History is Pattie's vivid depiction of changes in Armenian family life and the emergent tensions between generations and genders. With empathy and sensitivify, she

shows how the older generation's authority diminished and their worldview was contested and eventually undermined. For

example, the modern, "interest-based, romance-filled alliance [was] most antithetical to the grandparental generation's under-

standing of marriage as a union of two extended families" (p. 165). There were also unexpected consequences to the patriarchal character of the Armenian family. Parents were more watchful and strict with their daughters than their sons. Not surprisingly, more boys were sent abroad to college. Later as eligible bachelors, these men could find little in common with their female peers in Cyprus. Pattie reveals that

"parents of unmarried daughters in Cyprus

and even in London confessed their deep worries, guilt feelings, or confusion that somehow their own policies had backJired and been responsible for their daughter's not being married as yet" (p. 167). Another manifestation of gender friction was the double standard of morality. Pattie found young men dating Greek or British women while believing they would

eventually marry an Armenian woman. Meanwhile, the young women told her they

iwere tired of sitting at home, waiting for the day the boys decided it was time to get serious" (p. 16). One could fault Pattie for understating the level of conflict between genders in her work. On the other hand, it has been shown elsewhere that those who do not tolerate the patriarchal structure of Armenian culture tend to withdraw from communal life. It appears there were few objectors in her sample. For a society that places a high premium on reproduction, replenishing the num-

bers

of Armenians around the world

and

perpetuating its cultural heritage, it was surprising for Pattie to find a large number of single men and women in their sixties and seventies. Pattie's analysis attributes this phenomenon to "the shame of the radical change in status" of those seeking sheher in

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

Cyprus in the 1920s. While once they were land owners, merchants and skills artisans, they were now refugees. Moreover, "the cold reception" they received from those "they considered to be their social equals, the deghatsi [natives]," added insult to injury. "The deghatsi, for their part, had no sure way of knowing who the newcomers were... [Some] families ... seem to have encouraged their children to wait as long as necessary for someone worthy of their own status.... [F]or some this wait became permanent" (p. 160-1). Faith in History is a must read, and a musr buy. In its July 1998 issue, Armenian International Magazine featured an article about diaspora-Armenia relations revealing the abundance of stereotypes and myths that

Armenians around the world hold about each other. To debunk such misconceptions,

Armenians must start learning the facts about self and others from studies such as this ethnography. In a demand-supply economy, it is also important to encourage the future publication of works on Armenians

reputable publishers such

the

Smithsonian Institution. So, get your copy of Faith in History and enjoy reading! r

Anny Bakalian is professor of sociology at Notre Dame College in Baltimore, MD.

6 E

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Houl to Find Authentic Armenian Reciles You'll never have to worry about losing your mother-in-law's dolma or pilaf recipes. The internet offers a dozen sites where hundreds of traditional Armenian recipes can be found. Better than a kitchen drawer or an old notebook. Here is just a taste'

Order Dessert and Coffee on the Net*

Armenian Recipes Adventures in Armenian Cooking http ://www.cilicia.con/armo-cookbook.html

This is the most comprehensive Armenian recipe site. Some 200 recipes (orgininally published by St. Gregory Armenian Church of Indian Orchard, MA, in L973) are listed under I 1 categories appetizers to delicious Armenian dishes. There is also a page for "Glossary" and anoth-from er for "Helpful Hints". There are over 30 recipes for appetizers and over 35 soup and salad recipes. This site is a vegetarians delight, there are over 25 Armenian vegetarian dishes.

Panos Pastry http ://www.panospastry.com/main.htm So far we could find only one Armenian pastry shop (located in Los Angeles) with a complete onJine menu, description and order form. Panos Pastry lists some 33 varieties of pas-

Mr. Pilafian's Pilaf http ://www.pilaf.com/dem/pilaf.html If you love pilaf, don't look anywhere

else.

Dem T. Pilafian says that his "distant relatives in Armenia were respnsible for the pilaf for the village feasts." A variety of pilaf recipes are provided. The "Ultimate Version" of rice pilaf is provided by his dad, Peter Pilafian, director of photography and camera operator at the award-winning Horizon Pictures in Los Angeles. (Peter's resume includes People vs. lnrry Flynt; The River Runs Through It, arld HBO's The Larry Sanders Show). N,{r. Pilafian's pilaf is not your ordinary pilaf, the ingredients include minced garlic and chopped onion, sliced mushrooms and dried dill weed.

Searchable Online Archives of Recipes http ://soar.berkeley.edu/recipes/ ethnic/armenian Seventeen Armenian recipes-from "Achot" (garlicky farmer's cheese with walnuts) to "Topig" (Lenten chick pea koftaFare provided along with over 32,000 others from around the world. Don't forget to check the "Armenian In-Law Dessert," listed under "Armenian Recipes".

as Khadaif and Baklava-with unit prices and credit card order form. There is a "10 percent discount for purchases of $20 or more."

tries-such

Sarkis Pastry http ://www.armeniandirectory.com/ht mUbody sarkis_pastry.htm Look for Sarkis Pastry "coming soon to ArmeniaMall.com."

Global Gourmet http ://www.foodwine.com Has a large database of recipes covering virtually evey nation in the world. Of particular interest is the Middle East section, where Armenian recipes are listed, for example:

-Anoush

Abour

ry ry*f-

dhlW

Har*

ffis

ffi,

tiâ&#x201A;ŹH Christmas Pastry ffi& -Armenian http ://www.foodwine.com/food/holiday/ pageant/sweets/pastry.html fefta Kebab http://www.foodwine.com/destinations/mideasUkefta.html

-Gritled *Provides the Armenian

and other Middle Eastern variations.

Cookbooks on Line http ://www.cookbooks.com There are over one million recipes at this site. "Accuracy is betieved to be good, but is not guaranteed." There are only two Armenian recipes here. Try ttre Eggplant Caviar with Armenian lavash:

Caviar

-Eggplant http :/www.cookbooksonline.com/app etizersl3T 61 434296.asp (Armenian Cookie)

-Kurabia http ://www.cookbooksonline.com/miscellaneous/4

Mt. Ararat Coffee T[aders http ://www.araratcoffee.com

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l.asp

AIM FEBRUARY 1999

"Wholesale prices offered to the public" says the Los Banos, Califomia, based company. You can check the varieties, blends, flavors and prices of the listed coffee. For example, a pound of Brazil Santos or French Vanilla is cheaper than what you would pay retail. *The infomtion for there compmies

bded on their

webpaSâ&#x201A;Źs.

Their inclusion in lhis page d@s not imply endorrcment md @ not paid advenisrens. Use6 should ue their own discreation md judgement.

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ntpluL ,t-,bL_#!tuef:

,.:.

7-l-there

hasn't been much discussion about dual citizenship for several months in Armenia. Every now and then, an aspiring calls attention to it as a way to appease the nationalists, without offering much detail about how tax, military Politician ! I- and other responsibilities will be met. Soon after the presidential election last spring, the coupon below began to appear in Armenian centers and grocery stores around Southern California: "Armenian citizenship is my birthright" it states and continues." I demand that a law on dual citizenship be passed by Armenia's legislature." The form can be returned to the Luys newspaper published in Los Angeles.

ichel Hallet Eghayan is a modem dance choreographer who studied with Merce Cunningham in New York before he established his dance compa-

ny in Lyons, France, two decades ago. Eghayan's current cycle of productions is called "Mediterranean" and consists of an amalgamation of Arab and Western music. It is a mixture of Western and Eastern concepts and stories as well. Poetry, drama and dance combine with music to evoke untold stories and dramatize poems and ideas. The company has toured Beirut and New York.

ssociated Press

photographer

Kevork Djansezian caught New York Yankees batter Scott Brosius as he watched his three-run homerun clear the fence in the 8th inning during Game

Three of the World Series in San Diego, Califomia. That was in October 1998. Then, in January, Djansezian watched as his name came over the wire as the first place winner in the Action category of the Baseball Hall of Fame Photo Contest.

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

UND

EREXPO

19l8) a stellar representative of the Communist hierarchy, a Transcaucasian military and political leader, sociologist,joumalist, is remembered today throughout the Transcaucasus because regions, streets, bridges, railway stations bear his name. His statue, too, is prominently displayed in Yerevan. So prominently that it was one of the first to

tepan Shahumian (1878-

in 1988 (center) at the beginning of the Democratic movement. Last month, it was defaced again (left) as vandals dumped paint and other material on his image. And not just his. His colleague Alexander Miasnikian (right) (1886-1925) also a soviet official and communist part leadet as well as writer and critic, too, was the object of vandalism.

be vandalized

f) l{ l\ar

eal estate prices have

held steadv over rhe last oecaae in Armenia. And, in some areas such as central Yerevan, they've gone up, sometime$ as much as l00 percent. Whether for locals or periodic visitors, Ycrevan real estate has proven a good investment. A one bedroom apartment in cenhal Yerevan, purchased for

$13,000

1994 goes for

$30,000 today. How to buy prime real estate? The bcring

way is to find a real estate agent-there are many reputable ones around town who

will handle the entire

proces$

from the search to signing the deed. The exciting way is to go to Yerevan's weekly real estate market held qn the bridge facing

the cognac factory. Rain or shine, buyers and sellers con$egate to cut deals. There are no lS-year mortgages. Everything is a cash deal.

AIM FEBRUARY I999

A Y

Who Can Say 'I Know His Truth'? By MYBIAM n Armenia, everything becomes legend, epic or drama. In Armenia, one has to be superhuman to be equal to history: Vartan is a hero who was defeated in battle, Andranik was forced into exile, Komitas was crushed by the tragedy of his people. Armenia's heroes all loved liberty, but none of them a long career. Viewed from Yerevan, Manvel Grigorian is someone who rose to the rank of major general by the age of 40. He was one of 31 highranking officers to receive the Hero of the Fatherland Medal without having to die first. Tall, gruff, distracted, Manvel is in battle fatigues more often than in parade uniform. And, he is one of the most feared officers in the

had

GAUTUIE

once said: They didn't know it was impossible, and they did it. The people in Armenia wanted victories. From the Arax to Martakert, Manvel and his brigade won several victories that cost lives. Manvel didn't lose his. Peace entitles a civilian population to become a many-headed mob. The rumor mills began churning out their version of events. Manvel became atarget. Was it the blood shed by the soldiers which made the generals what they were? The collective subconscious only grants absolution to commanding officers who fall on the field ofbattle, not to those who survive.

Can Manvel Grigorian enjoy the glory of the victories without also being blamed for the sacrifices? Last spring, in the company of the taciturn man who, in five years, had never once refused me the hospitality ofhis barracks, the question that came to mind was, "What kind of a soldier have you become?" "In Ejmiatsin," answered Manvel, "There are 250 families that have lost a

country. People pronounce his name with envy and dread: Ejmiatsni Manvel. He

has a beautiful house a stone's throw away from the nuclear power plant in Metsamor, and he drives a big jeep. And, he spends the bulk of his time in the most woebegone spots in the country. In Karabakh, Manvel was the officer who always wore a striped shirt, smoking like a madman as he leaned up against a building half-destroyed by the bomb that had fallen not long before. In the village, you could hear the loud cries and laments of mothers who had just recovered the

mutilated corpses

son. I can understand how they feel. I myself lost two brothers. People have taken to blaming me for every death, every bomb, for the war itself. I am an ordinary person; today they criticize me for being a general. But did I know that I would become a solider at the age of 30? Or that I would remain in these mountains and rise to the rank of general?"

of their

sons. Their helpless rage made the victory of the previous days a bitter one. The day after, Manvel ordered his men to find warm clothing for the Azeri prisoners. They were civilians; the women were put in one room, the men in another. Fear was etched on their faces. Someone had nailed an owl with outspread wings to the Azeris' door to ward off evil spells. In Azerbaijan, a price had been put on Manvel's head-a high price. This was 1993, and the first thing one noticed about the brigade commanded by Manvel, whom everyone called "The Chief' was the rigorous, unbending discipline that reigned there. Life was not easy, because it was subject to military discipline. The sector was vast, abandoned. A godforsaken stretch of country out on the middle of a plain, without natural defenses. The Armenian army was barely two months old. Agdam had been taken. Back in Yerevan, people believed that the war had already been won. Is it that history is too large for those it sweeps along in its course? Is surviving history the only way to mature? For as long as they were at the front, nobody knew anything about them. You could contact them only if you were willing to come under Azeri fire. And if you did, you would find yourself thinking something Saint-Exupery

The hurt was obvious. But Manvel smiles at his reputation for being a monster. "The day of the presidential elec-

tions,

went to the polling-place in I wanted to get it out of

Goris to vote;

the way. 'How do I vote for

Kocharian?' I asked. Someone showed me and I cast my vote and left. That afternoon, people in charge of the polling place rang the barracks. They were so afraid of me that they had forgotten to ask me for my passport to take down the number." Only children are brave enough to beard monsters. And, lo and behold, there are three children knee-high to a grasshopper living in Manvel's house, which is not far from the sector he is responsible for defending. In the evening, after the field radio announces that the chief is on his way back home, they come running out of the house, laughing, and line up at attention. They execute a faultless military salute to celebrate his return. Smiling into his mustache, Manvel leans down to give each of them a firm handshake. Then he says,

"At

ease!"

"There is more than one truth to a man," wrote Georges Simenon. "Which one comes up is a matter of chance." Translated from French by Geoffrey Goshgarian

AIM FEBRUARY

1999

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