April 24 commemoration events on Monday

The largest circulation Armenian e-magazine, circulates every Thursday. Est. 1999

APRIL 24 IN CYPRUS

GIBRAHAYER TO COMMEMORATE 96th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ON MONDAY APRIL 25 WITH MARCH & VIGIL Details of events in our calendar

On Monday 25th of April the Armenians of Cyprus will be marching on Armenia street in Nicosia to commemorate the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide that was perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government at the turn of the 20th century. The march will be concluded with a commemoration at the Genocide Monument on Armenia Street. Archbishop Varoujan and the Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian will address the memorial. The reality of the Genocide is an undisputed fact supported by thousands of documents, including Turkish archives of the Military Tribunal that condemned the architects of this crime against humanity that resulted in the death of 1,500,000 Armenians and the deportation of the survivors from their ancestral lands, marking the beginning of the Armenian Diaspora. The Armenian community of Cyprus is to a great extent the result of the deportations from Cilicia (now southern Turkey). These surviving refugees, having settled in Cyprus, formed close ties, with both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. As we draw near to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Armenians all over the world stand united in demanding justice and reparations. We continue this struggle for justice and human rights without feelings of hatred towards the Turkish people. Our struggle is aimed against the Turkish Government that continues the policy of Genocide by denying it. Armenian National Committee of Cyprus - 24 April, 2011

NATASHA TAVOUKJIAN WINS THE HEARTS OF THE GIBRAHAY AUDIENCE WITH "GES HAY" (IN L.A.)

200 images of Ges Hay (in L.A.) by Hamazkayin's Timag Theater Group: here

A 10+ performance by a cast that brought out the best of a play - a first from a young female writer - right out of the life of Armenians in the Diaspora

200 images of Ges Hay (in L.A.) by Hamazkayin's Timag Theater Group: here

THE FOUR PROPOSERS OF MP VARTKES MAHDESSIAN

Gibrahayer Tuesday 20 April - Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian announced the names of the four community members that will be proposing his candidacy in the forthcoming elections of May 22. They are prominent Dental Surgeon Dr. Armig Nadjarian, X-Factor star Hovig Demirjian and two businessman from Larnaca and Nicosia, Yeghia Boyadjian and Apraham Yacoubian.

CRITIC OF KARS MONUMENT REMOVAL, STABBED IN TURKEY IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

Armenian Weekly -Bolis - Turkey - A man was arrested on April 18 in connection with the stabbing of prominent Turkish artist Bedri Baykam, after he spoke out in defence of sculpture symbolizing peace between Turkey and Armenia which is currently being demolished, local media reported. Baykam, 53, and his assistant were both stabbed in the abdomen in broad daylight as they left an artists’ meeting. Both were in stable condition later at an Istanbul hospital. A prolific painter and multimedia artist, Baykam is a prominent fixture in Turkey’s contemporary arts scene and is known internationally. The artist, who is also a newspaper columnist known for his outspoken political views, had strongly criticized the demolition of the “Monument to Humanity” in the city of Kars, a city in eastern Turkey near the border with Armenia. Built by sculptor Mehmet Aksoy as a friendship monument to promote Turkish and Armenian reconciliation, the sculpture became the subject of political controversy after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Kars earlier this year. Erdogan called the sculpture—which consists of two 30-meter-high concrete figures—a “freak” and said it was not in keeping with the historical fabric of the city. The Kars municipal assembly later voted to tear down the sculpture, saying it had been erected illegally in a protected area. The monument’s demolition, which began over the weekend, is opposed by artists and civil society groups who say nationalism, not historical preservation, lies behind the decision to take it down. At Monday’s meeting, Aksoy called for a march to the “Monument to Humanity” on April 23 in protest of its destruction. “We are here to prevent an artistic massacre,” Baykam was quoted by private broadcaster NTV as saying at the artists’ meeting. “If this sculpture is torn down, the whole world will hear of this as Turkey’s "Buddha assault," after the destruction of the Buddha monuments by the Taliban,” Baykam said, referring to the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Nothing was yet known about the suspected attacker or his motives, but footage from security cameras at the scene of the crime showed that the man had waited half an hour for Baykam to appear, indicating that the attack was premeditated.

TURKISH SOLDIERS OF THE OCCUPATION REGIME OPEN FIRE ON FISHERMEN IN PARALIMNI

Gibrahayer e-magazine - Nicosia 22 April 2011 - Soldiers of the Turkish occupation regime opened fire on unarmed fishermen in the region of Kappari in Paralimni. While Turkey continues to proclaim a "zero conflict" policy with its neighbours, this is the third event in the last two months that saw EU parliamentarians arrested and put on trial, a church service in Turkish occupied north Cyprus forcefully halted and now, fisherman becoming victim of indiscriminate shooting in open seas. Turkey's declarations and deeds still remain at odds.

IN SUPPORT OF WESTERN ARMENIAN LANGUAGE

www.arevmdahayeren.info

The first group of petition originators are the following: Ani Apartian - FR, Tatiana Ferahian - CY, Dalita Hacyan - FR, Koharig Kevorkian - FR, Antoinette Unanyan, AU, Jirayr Magarian - US, Simon Aynedjian - CY, Aris Avedyan - US, Bedros Hadjian - AR, Harouthioun Manukyan - FR, Ashod Merdinian - CA, Artun Maranci - US, Souren Sarafyan - UK, Vartan Ozininian - FR, Armand Ayaltun - CA, Simon Babikian - FR, Jean Ipdjian - UK, Hrach Kalsahakian - AE, Jirayr Hermann Dilaveroglu - DE.

Photo Album links of the week:

Ges Hay in L.A. by Hamazkayin's Timag written & directed by Natasha Tavoukjian: here

Dzaghgazart in Sourp asdvadzadzin Church in Nicosia: here

Garabed Momdjian picture exhibition at Utudjian Hall of the Armenian Prelature: here

Armenian Relief Society's (HOM) Tea fundraiser at HMEM / AYMA: here

SIPAN DANCE ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM ON MAY 6 IN NICOSIA AND ON MAY 15 IN LARNACA

Gibrahayer e-magazine - On Friday May 6 at 8:00pm the much anticipated annual performance of Sipan dance ensemble of the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshagan" Chapter will take place at the Pallas Theatre in Nicosia. SIPAN will also perform at the Larnaca Municipal Hall on Friday May 15. Director/Choreographer Felix Haroutunian, who has been teaching Hamazkayin dance ensemble in Beirut for almost two decades, has been working hard with the Cyprus chapter and are expected to thrill the audiences with a versatile bouquet of dances and songs.

Click here to view a video of SIPAN Dance Ensemble's practice session dancing ZORBA

VARTKES MAHDESSIAN CONDEMNS DEFAMATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIM

Dear compatriots, All announcements and declarations to date, related to the upcoming election of the Armenian Representative have expressed the desire that the election campaign be civilised and aspire to high moral standards. With deeds and actions, my supporters and I have followed this path. We have presented to the electorate my achievements over the last five years, as Representative, as well as my aspirations for the future and we await its verdict on the 22nd of May. At the same time, I cannot overlook, the organised smear campaign being conducted against my candidacy, based on fabricated, malicious and slanderous lies directed against me personally and attempting to belittle my achievements as Representative over the last five years. I can only express my disappointment and regret about these developments and submit those responsible to the judgement of our community. In the weeks ahead, I expect new intrigues, new fabrications and lies, as the same circles increase their efforts to undermine my integrity and achievements. I am confident they will fail to realise their aim, because the members of our community and people in business and political circles, know the Armenian Representative too well to be swayed by lies and deceit. This statement about the mode of operation of those opposed to my candidacy will be the last time I involve myself in addressing their actions. From now on I will refrain from engaging myself in any form of confrontation with them. Vartkes Mahdessian Representative of the Armenian community in the Cyprus House of Parliament

HUNCHAK PARTY ENDORSES DR. ANTRANIK ASHDJIAN

Gibrahayer e-magazine - In an announcement issued last week, the Hunchakian party of Cyprus announced that they are backing Dr. Antranik Ashdjian, in next month's parliamentary elections that will take place on Sunday 22 May, for the seat of the Armenian MP in the Cyprus Parliament and called its party members, affiliate organisations and supporters to vote for Dr. Antranik Ashdjian's candidacy.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have been enjoying your e-paper for years now and have had the greatest admiration for the technical aspect of your site as well as the rich information disseminated on the Armenian community in Cyprus. Recently, however, and obviously due to the upcoming elections for the Armenian representative to the Cypriot Parliament, you have shown how unashamedly and unabashedly unprofessional you can be as a journalistic source. Your preference in this election is obvious and instead of your publication staying neutral and covering all candidates, their platforms and activities, you have been totally one-sided showing pictures of the incumbent, his schedule and even maps showing how to get to this candidate's political events! In addition you bombard us with put-on articles from paid article-writers as well as "voluntary letters to the editor" (of highly suspect origin) praising the incumbent even from North America. Why is that, I wonder? Could it be that you are serving political parties which use you and your publication for their usual "standard bureau" line? Shame on you for being the media instrument for organized groups of political Neaderthals who wish no progress but to hold on to their chairs and not allow younger, more progressive and professional people come into the community's leadership and lead the Cypriot-Armenian community into the future it deserves. You see, in a democratic society like your Island it is difficult to repeat the scenes of discontent we see from Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen as neutrally reported by the professional world media. You are contributing to a negative election environment and should be shut down except if you come clean and declare that you are a member of the Dashnag Party and a media representative of the ARF in Cyprus. Now, THAT would be professional and genuine, but waiting for something like that would be as futal as waiting for the Armenian Genocide be recognised by Turkey! Your sincerely, Miran P. Sarkissian Athens-Brussels-New York P.S. I will fully understand if you do not publish my letter as it will only reconfirm my points above!

Dear Miran, I will not answer to your comments one by one, I will ignore your P.S. note, but this much I will say. Gibrahayer e-magazine has an opinion about everything concerning our society, and we express this with every opportunity - not only during election time - in an effort to enhance the quality of life of our community. The positive changes are the results of the daily effort of many volunteers who have contributed to this process for decades, without ulterior motives. As a close relative of Antranik and as godfather of his son, I understand your drive to come to his aid. But we need to keep this campaign in perspective and address the issues. Changes in our society have not come about by slogans in election booklets and are not accomplished by one man. What would really be a shame is if this magazine was used as a time machine to allow a group of parachutists with personally driven dark agendas and suspect and unholy alliances, to take us back to the dark ages of the recent past. I have come to respect the evaluation of my community and will leave your unfortunate email to my community’s good judgement. Simon Aynedjian - Nicosia

To be or not to be Armenian As long as I can remember I have been brought up and thought that I am an Armenian. My circle of friends worldwide see me as an Armenian, I was brought up in Sweden with hardly any Armenians around and still speak our language fluently as it is my mother tongue. Today I was very surprised to hear that a certain “respectable” member of our community is trying to deny me of my rights, to be Armenian, which to me is my: identity, heritage, culture, my whole ethnicity and being. It was very insulting and needless to say hurtful for me to hear today some do not wish me to be eligible to vote for the Armenian Representative in the Cyprus Parliament, due to the fact that I am “not Armenian”. However: I am christened an Armenian in our Church, My maternal family are all Cypriot -Armenians, My spoken Armenian is better than most Armenians that I know. Should I be deprived of my “Armenianness” due to the selfish reasons of a candidate that does not wish me to vote at all? What is most despicable is that someone would come in my own home, ask for my family’s vote (including mine), and then badmouth me and stab me in the back like this, once he finds out that our votes were not his. If he wants to get voted maybe he should learn some manners and etiquette before going this low and insulting innocent people for his own benefit. Moreover, he should learn the constitution and the laws of this Country before trying to bend them. A representative of any community should be a leader and someone who does not need to enforce people to like him or her. We live in a democratic society, and I will vote for a leader that I see fit to make decisions and give our community the maximum; not a Machiavellian puppet that will try to lure people to vote for him and eliminate the ones that he cannot convince... I only have one thing to say to Mr. Antranik Ashdjian : I WILL be voting, and it WILL be for Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian. So try harder next time to eliminate me. Alexandra (Ashdjian) Awad

Easter message from Hrayr Jebejian

The Cross: The Gateway to Hope - “I am with you always” Matthew 28: 20

The world we are living in is not getting any better. We continue to struggle with countless political, social, economic, ecological and natural hardships. From the Jasmine revolution in Tunisia to the Tahrir Square revolution in Egypt, communities around the globe are expressing their dissatisfaction with their country’s governments and the lack of a decent living. Despite the Internet, Skype, Facebook and Twitter men and women across the world seem to feel lonelier than before. The world with its values has not yet been able to provide the necessary security and meaning in life that people are seeking. So, how can we cope with our frustrations and at times our despair? Is there a way we can follow that can help us to navigate through turbulent times? Can we still value life in spite of its many hardships? The Christian has the answers to these questions: The Cross and Jesus’ Resurrection. There is no earthly power that can replace that which Christ has provided through the Cross. There is no earthly power that can provide Hope for a better life on earth and in eternity. Today, that same power which 2000 years ago rolled the 2-ton stone away from Jesus’ tomb and breathed life in Him can roll away our despair from us and breathe in us a new life, love, hope and purpose. Against the backdrop of hardships stand Jesus’ memorable words: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). He said those words on this side of the Empty Tomb, after he had already come back from the dead. As His children, we have that security too because we have a God who even though He hides himself He is never at a distance. The Lord Jesus says to us, “I will never leave you” (Hebrews 13:5). This is a promise that you can depend on. Kristos Haryav i Merelots. His Resurrection is the gateway to everlasting hope. Have a blessed Easter.

News in Brief by Sevag Devletian

Despite the efforts by the Azerbaijani delegation, the issue of the Stepanakert Airport won't be discussed at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly session. Serj Tankian of renowned rock band System of A Down has urged a public protest through his Facebook page with the slogan "Mister President, keep Your promise and recognize the Armenian Genocide". A delegation of British Parliamentarians headed by Baroness Caroline Cox, Chairwoman of the British-Armenian Parliamentary Friendship Group, visited Dzidzernagapert the Memorial to Genocide Victims. The Parliamentarians laid wreaths at the memorial, also leaving signing the record book at the museum. Baroness Cox expressed her satisfaction over the delegation’s visit to Armenia, as well as the site symbolizing tragic events of 1915. A delegation member, Baroness Shreela Flather in turn, noted that the parliamentary group is taking best efforts to increase the British society’s awareness of the Armenian Genocide. Facebook has banned the Turk Bayragi (Turkish Flag) group page. The group had five million 500 thousand members. No reason behind the ban was given. On April 19, Zvartnots Yerevan airport hosted a ceremony of the transfer of the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 plane, named after the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, to national Armenian air carrier, Armavia. The USD 24 million plane was leased for the period of 8 years. 2 more Sukhoi Superjets, 2 airbuses and 2 Bombardier CRJs will be acquired before the year end. The new plane will perform flights to Russia and Ukraine, with the first flight to be performed on Yerevan-Moscow route.

Gibrahayer Calendar Events

Wednesday 20 April from 4:00 - 7:00 pm - Blood-giving ceremony at Nareg School in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Thursday 21 April at 10:30 am (Avak Hinkshapti) - Divine Liturgy. Thursday 21 April at 5:00 pm (Avak Hinkshapti) - Vodenleva. Thursday 21 April at 9:10 pm - "Oi Epizontes" - "The survivors" - a documentary in Greek, about the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, living in Cyprus that will be aired from RIK2. Friday 22 April from 7:00 pm (Avak Ourpat) - Taghoum. Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 5:00 pm- Easter Message by Hrayr Jebejian from the Armenian program of CyBC. HAROUTIAN OUJE - (The power of the Resurrection). Saturday 23 April from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Jrakalouys. Sunday 24 April at 10:00 am - Easter Liturgy-Karoz by Archbishop Varoujan. Monday 25 April at 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service at Sourp Boghos Chapel (old ceremony near Ledra Palace check-point). Monday 25 April at 7:30 pm - April 24 march from Melkonian traffic lights on Armenia street until Armenian Genocide monument. Monday 25 April at 8:30 pm - Memorial and Vigil - Badkam from Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian. Message of the day: Armenian MP in the Cyprus Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian. Sunday 1 May - Annual picnic organised the Melkonian Alumni and Friends. All are welcome. Details to follow. Wednesday 4 May at 5:30 pm in Nicosia - Kravadz or. Details to follow. Friday May 6 at 8:00pm - Annual performance of Sipan dance ensemble of the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshagan" Chapter at the Palace Theatre in Nicosia. Director / Choreographer Felix Haroutunian. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 6:30 pm - Armenian Evangelical Church service at the Greek Evangelical Church, 20 Gladstonos street. Message of the day from Mihran Jizmejian an educator, scholar, writer and lay preacher, a graduate of Near East School of Theology and the American University in Beirut, who also taught at the Melkonian Institute from 1965-1973. Sunday 8 May - Pilgrimage to St. Magar Monastery organised by the Office of the Armenian Representative Vartkes Mahdessian. Details to follow. Monday 9 May 8:00 pm - Election Gathering of Dr. A. Ashdjian at Hilton Park. Tuesday 10 May at 10:00 pm - Eurovision Night at HMEM / AYMA. (semi finals). Details to follow. Wednesday 11 May at 8:00 pm in Nicosia - Pan-Cyprian Election gathering of Armenian MP Vartkes Mahdessian at OCCHIO Lounge (ex-Mimoza cinema, 30 meters from The Europa Hotel) in Nicosia. Special appearance by X-Factor star Hovig Demirdjian. Drinks and food will be served. There will be bus services to the event from Armenian communities of Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca as follows: At 7:00 pm from METRO SUPERMARKET Car Park in Larnaca. At 7:00 pm from Sourp Kevork Church in Limassol and at 6:00 pm from the Carrefour Supermarket in Paphos.

Saturday 14 May at 10:00 pm - Eurovision Night (Finals) at HMEM / AYMA. Sunday 15 May at 7:00 pm - Larnaca Performance of Sipan dance ensemble of the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshagan" Chapter at Larnaca Municipality Hall. Director / Choreographer Felix Haroutunian. Wednesday 18 May at 5:00 pm in Nicosia - Marzahantes for Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol Nareg schools on the grounds of the Nicosia Nareg school. Thursday 19 May at 8:30 pm - Kravadz or. Sunday 22 May - Parliamentary elections for the new House of Representatives, including elections for the seat of the Armenian MP.

Armenian Sports by Sevag Devletian

WEIGHTLIFTING: Vice-champion of European Weightlifting Championship Araik Mirzoyan (77 kg) is distressed over being deprived of the championship gold because of the referee mistake. Mirzoyan, similarly to Turkish sportsman Semih Yagci, lifted 347 kg in clean and jerk discipline, yielding only in personal weight factor. However, Yagci performed the third attempt at jerk lift with his kneed bent, which is a mistake the referees failed to notice. According to the weightlifter, Armenian Weightlifting Federation has already addressed the International Federation, appealing against the arbiters’ decision. SAMBO: Armenian sambo wrestlers returned from the European Sambo Championship among youth (M-F) and juniors (M-F) with 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. Razmik Petoyan (52kg) and Hovhannes Aleksanyan (56kg) won silver. Grigor Mkhitaryan (48kg), Rafik Manukyan (65kg) and Roza Khachatryan (52kg) won bronze among youth. Serezha Aleksanyan (57kg) and Mher Karapetyan (82kg) were bronze winners of junior tournaments. FOOTBALL: Raymond Zarpanelian, a former coach of Sierra Leone died at the age of 78. The Franco-Armenian passed away a week ago at a hospital in Paris after a protracted battle with kidney cancer. Zarpanelian was the first Armenian to lead an Anglophone team after guiding Sierra Leone at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 in Tunisia. WEIGHTLIFTING: At the European Weightlifting Championship, 2010 European Champion, Gevorg Poghosyan lifted 389 kg (173+ 216) in clean and jerk discipline and gained bronze. KICKBOXING: Nikola Vardanyan won the Chelyabinsk Governor’s Cup, Russia-hosted kickboxing tournament. The Armenian sportsman was representing Russia in 81 kg weight class. BOXING: WBO #1 middleweight contender Gennady Martirosyan (22-2, 11 KOs) got what he needed in a tune-up fight against Argentinean journeyman Valentin Antonio Ochoa (20-19-5, 8 KOs), which took place at the “Typhoon” sport club in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The fight was halted due to a deep cut over the eye of the Argentinean, with Martirosyan announced the winner. CHESS: Out of 8 Armenian chess players, Vladimir Akopian showed the best performance, having come 11th with 6,5 points to his score. David Harutyunyan of Georgia took the 14th position having scored 6,5 points at the Dubai Open international chess tournament. WEIGHTLIFTING: On April 17, Armenia's Hripsime Khurshudyan (+75kg) won silver at the European Weightlifting Championships in Kazan, lifting 245kg in snatch and clean & jerk combination. BOXING: Super middleweight contender Khoren Gevor has been suspended for six months and fined 5,100 Euros by the BDB (German Boxing Federation) for attacking referee Manfred Kuechler, who had disqualified him in the tenth round of a WBO world title fight against Robert Stieglitz in Magdeburg, Germany. CHESS: Armenian GM Varujan Hakobyan defeated Alexander Stripunski in the 3rd round of the US National Chess Championship. Scoring 1.5 points, Varujan Hakobyan shares 4th-5th places.