Sept 30
Cyprus pulls out of AGBU conference
The following is a communiqué received from Cyprus
"The Nicosia branch of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has decided to pull out of the forthcoming annual general meeting of AGBU to take place in Yerevan starting on October 4, 2004.
The local committee of the Nicosia branch posted an official announcement informing Ms. Anita Anserian that a previous nomination of Mr. Hratch Manoukian to represent AGBU Nicosia at the Yerevan conference is null and void, since by omission, the decision had not been taken collectively by all the Nicosia Board members.
In its new announcement dated September 21, 2004, the AGBU Nicosia Board informed New York that since none of the members of the Board will be attending the conference, therefore no other person is authorised to represent AGBU Nicosia in Yerevan.
The decision is seen as a further setback for AGBU President Mr. Berge Setrakian to justify the decision to close the Melkonian school in June 2005 during the conference, where the issue is sure to surface.
By stripping Mr. Hratch Manoukian - a friend and close ally of Setrakian - the right to represent Cyprus at the conference, AGBU Nicosia is sending a strong message that the overwhelming majority of its members and the Board vehemently oppose the decision to close the school.
The Cypriot Armenian community, rank-and-file AGBU members and the Melkonian Alumni in Cyprus continue their struggle to keep the Melkonian open."
Mr. Hratch Manoukian goes to Yerevan
It appears that in spite of the decision of the local AGBU committee in
Nicosia mentioned above, Mr Manoukian, armed with approx 20 proxy votes, will
in fact be attending the AGBU General Meeting in Yerevan, where he will no
doubt claim to represent the Cyprus branch of the AGBU.
After all why should he bite the hand that has fed him so well over the years
( and no doubt will reward him well from the spoils of any future sale of the
property) ?
Did you know?
That between 1993 to 1997 the Income per student that the Melkonian realised rose from £829 to £1, 215, in spite of the fact that the number of students fell from 212 to 174.
Meanwhile the cost of the school rose from £493,149 in 1993 to £744,855 in 1997
So how long has the AGBU been planning the closure of the school for?
Has it been slowly and artificially been inflating the cost of the
school?
The sudden rise in expenditure starting in 1994 seems suspicious........... so
that they can then say that it is too expensive to run?
Sept 28
Hayatsk and the missing computers
Further to the article about the school magazine, we have had confirmation from the school that indeed the annual glossy magazine "Hayatsk" will not be published this year.
In shades of the good old USSR, the computers used for the production of
the magazine have in fact been taken away.
After all computers are dangerous things, they allow people to disseminate
information, brows the web, best to ban them really.
Still awaiting an apology
Last year in a letter to Medzn Berge Setrakian, the teaching staff asked
for an apology for the aspersions cast by him about their teaching abilities
and the academic standards at the school.
In spite of a reminder there has been no word from Berg.
The teachers have not forgotten, and are not happy, they are still awaiting
for an apology.
I wonder how much longer they will have to wait, or be willing to wait......
Carol ArseLanian
There is a rumour that Carol Arslanian, the none Armenian speaking director
of Education for the Armenian General Benovelent
Union will shortly be visiting Cyprus.
If true I do hope that she will be given a very warm
welcome
Forbes votes Richard Manoogian of Masco Corp "worst chief executive"
The offspring of Alex Manoogian seem to have much in common with each
other, and little with their father.
We all know what a caring and generous person Lou Lou is, but her brother
seems to have similar "generous" attributes
Forbes magazine says of him "Our worst chief executive, Richard Manoogian of Masco Corp., checked in with an average annual paycheck of $13 million and a 2% annual return to shareholders" (Full story at http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2004/0510/108.html )
Sept 27
New Section
Today we start a new section on our website called "The
Students Story", where Alumni and current students can tell their story,
after all a school is not just an abstract concept.
It is made up of students, and the Melkonian has over 78 years worth of
students who have a story to tell.
This section will allow them to tell their story.
If you want to add your story about your school, send it to
diary@savemelkonian.org
First two articles are by recent graduates read it and remember what the
Melkonian stands for ....
School Magazine
The Melkonian has a long tradition of publishing an annual magazine.
In my day it was called "Tsolk" and I still have copies amongst my other book
on my bookshelves.
In those far off days it was mimeographed (Younger alumni may wish to consult
a book on ancient printing methods) by hand by the students.
In recent years it has become a glossy magazine with digitised photographs
and even colour !
Notwithstanding these changes it was always designed, edited and produced by
the students with one of the teachers casting a benign eye over the contents
to ensure that we did not libel or slander the teachers too much.
From Tekeyan to Anderson
We now hear that this year the main glossy magazine will not be published, instead a much toned down booklet is planned, and as editor in chief it will have that well known Armenian linguist and giant of Armenian literature, one Gordon Anderson, who started life as an amateur wrestler (yes it is indeed true, our own Gordon used to be a wrestler, which may explain much about him) and is not chief hatchet man for the AGBU CB.
From Tekeyan to Anderson.....
PS can someone please explain to Gordon and Frieda who Tekeyan was?
Sept 12
Melkonian Website
Late last week the official Melkonian school website was taken offline.
I suppose it has now become a bit of an embarrassment to the AGBU CB, much
like the Churches of Anatolia are an embarrassment to the Government of
Turkey.
A reminder of something that they would rather forget.
Just as the Ottomans hierarch with the collusion of the ordinary rank and file
of the rest of the Ottoman society wiped out the Armenians of Anatolia, today
we have the AGBU hierarchy with the collusion of the rank and file of
the AGBU in general attempting to wipe out the Melkonian school, the main
educational establishment for Armenians in the Diaspora.
AGBU Rank and file
While we have stressed that our argument is with the AGBU CB and their
decision to close the school, it does make one wonder about the rank and file
of the AGBU.
Standing back and saying, "pan me chenk grnar enel" (we cannot do anything),
is not an excuse.
With a few notable and noble exceptions, the majority of AGBU members seem
to have adopted the approach that while they are against the closure of the
school, there is nothing they can do, apart from maybe writing the odd letter
to the CB.
Letters that are never answered, showing the arrogance of the CB and the
distain that they hold their members in.
AGBU Cyprus
Even the AGBU in Cyprus which would be nothing without the Melkonian seems
to be in hibernation, all they seem to care is that their beloved "agoomp".
You see their "agoomp" is built on Melkonian land and they have been promised
that whatever happens to the School, their beloved "agoomp" is safe.
The fact that hardly anyone goes there any more is lost on them.
The fact that if the Melkonian is closed there will be no one to go there,
that there will be no AGBU members in Cyprus seems to be lost on them
The word "abesdampootyoon" seems to have no meaning for them
AGBU holds its 83rd Assembly meeting in Yerevan from October 1-7
Let us hope that we can be proved wrong.
The AGBU will be holding its 83rd assembly in Yerevan in less than a month.
We urge our friends and supporters of the Melkonian to contact delegates from
their own countries who will be attending the assembly and ask them to bring
up the issue of the Melkonian.
Make your voice heard.
Sept 09
FROM OUR CYPRUS CORRESPONDENT:
Welcome back
Students of the 2004-2005 term returned this week with school starting on Monday. Rest assured, our young friends, that our battle to keep the Melkonian open beyond June 2005 is well under way and you will hear of many developments very soon. You must already have read from our press releases that Jack Melkonian (who addressed the school’s 75th anniversary events in 2001) has joined our campaign. Watch this space...
Academic Gaffe
Turns out that what we said about “American does American a favour” is true after all. The AGBU and its Global Rep., Gordon Anderson, are not at all interested in Armenian education, but are now more busy trying to save another American school. (Armenian schools do not net saving)
The alleged ‘deal’ with the American Academy in Nicosia, which will supposedly host the Melkonian students from September 2005 is a ‘win-win’ deal for the Academy, which will continue to charge 2415 Cyprus pounds per student, will NOT offer any Armenian language or Armenian history course, and, thanks to the AGBU’s generosity of shutting down the MEI, will boost its enrollment from the present-day 200 students ... for primary AND secondary education.
So, who’s doing a favour to whom? What are the kick-backs from the deal? What are Gordon & Co. getting out of all this? What is the Academy offering Melkonian students?
(At least on the last question we know - NOTHING!)
Men In Black
The ‘suits’ that descended upon the School last Wednesday (Sept. 8th) were not FBI agents, nor Secret Service men. They were none other than the legal counsel hired by the Melkonian Alumni and Friends of California, head by Mark MacCarley, managing partner of the law firm MacCarley & Rosen of Glendale, California.
The ‘suits’ stopped over in Cyprus during their worldwide fact-finding tour of many countries, including the successful meeting in London on Sept. 6th. While on the island, they did, however, meet with Gordon “Flash” Anderson and Annie Lachinian, which we understand, were of a ‘civilised’ nature.
At least now, “they” know “our” cards...
In Memoriam
A memorial service (hokehankisd) will be held at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church, in Nicosia on Sunday morning at 9am, for Sheyla Mokin, one of the most loved students at the Melkonian, who, as a sixth-former, addressed the 2003-2004 class during their graduation ceremony.
Sheyla was killed in a tragic accident in her home country, Albania, and laid to rest on Aug. 4th. She was a wonderful person with a beaming personality. She will be greatly missed.
All her classmates of the 2004-05 graduating class will be there. The Alumni urge all Melkoniantsis to attend. Plans are also underway to organise an event or project to perpetuate her memory.
Sept 6
London Meeting
Last Friday members of the various Melkonian Alumni worldwide met in
London.
Personally present were representatives from Cyprus and the UK as well as a
representative from SaveMelkonian.
Additionally members from the USA, Canada and Lebanon who could not be present
personally were teleconferenced in, so that they could take part and add their
voice to the discussions.
This was the first opportunity that the various groups have had to be
'present' together at a worldwide meeting.
A representative of the law firm hired by the California Alumni was in
attendance to discuss the legal action being pursued by his firm on behalf of
his clients and to help during the discussions on strategy and further action.
Jack Melkonian
Jack Melkonian, great nephew of Krikor and Garabed Melkonian, representing the Melkonian family was also present and took an active part during the discussions, outlining his family's concerns regarding the legacy of his great uncles and offering his families help to secure the continuation of the Melkonian as a boarding school in Cyprus.
Legal Opinion
SaveMelkonian and the Cyprus Alumni presented legal opinion from lawyers they had hired in Cyprus, opinion that indicated that the Alumni have a good case to pursue in the Courts of Cyprus, and possibly elsewhere.
Discussions took place on what steps to take next, and a strategy was
agreed by all present.
Obviously details of this strategy cannot at this stage be publicly announced,
but will become apparent during the next few weeks and months.
UNITED ALUMNI
With the London Meeting, the Alumni now have a united, agreed and coherent
strategy, a strategy that encompasses more than one action against the
proposed closure of the Melkonian School in Cyprus.
A strategy based on legal principles and backed by some very eminent lawyers,
both from the USA and Cyprus
Sept 2
"They will soon tire"
About 10 months ago, Mr 'Medzn' Berge Setrakian contemptuously dismissed
the attempts of the Melkonian Alumni worldwide to stop the closure of the
Melkonian Educational Institute with the words "They will soon tire"
Since then, the protests at the proposed closure of the school have not
diminished, but have in fact strengthened.
During that time the name of a once august and trusted institution, namely the
Armenian General Benovelent Union founded by Nubar Pasha, has been dragged
through the mud.
The AGBU Central Board has refused to listen to their opponents, even to those
of their supporters who have asked them to reconsider their decision.
They do not seem to care what happens to the AGBU or its once great
reputation.
As with many tyrants they have relied on the fact that while the masses will initially make some noise and protest, most would then tire of the struggle and give up, while the more persistent and influential can always be bought off with a few pieces of silver (or free flights to Yerevan).
Unfortunately for them, this time that has not happened.
In fact the opposition has grown.
Not only to the proposed closure of the school, but, unfortunately for the
AGBU, opposition and distaste for all things associated with the AGBU.
This is something that we regret, but it is the CB's own doing.
Lawyers
Much has been said about legal action being the only option open to us.
Legal action is difficult and expensive, (Mr Setrakian should know that well,
being himself a lawyer)
On the other hand there are many examples where AGBU local chapters have taken the AGBU CB to court and won, (again something Mr Setrakian is well aware of).
Well, we have not "tired"
In fact, California Alumni have raised funds, hired lawyers and have
started the process that will soon lead we hope to legal action against the
AGBU CB's decision to close the Melkonian.
Those who wish to contribute financially to the California Alumni and Friends
struggle may do so by initially contacting
Admin@melkonianforever.org
There is more
There is much going on at legal and political levels, as will become
obvious over the next few days and weeks.
Just keep checking our website for updates (for automatic updates register
with us by clicking here)
Sept 1
Gordon’s Academy of Deceit
The AGBU’s representative, Gordon ‘Global’ Anderson, has struck a deal with the American Academy in Nicosia, to shuffle all remaining Melkonian students there as of September 2005.
There is no mention about the perpetuation of the mission of the school’s founders, Krikor and Garabed Melkonian, “to provide shelter and education for young Armenians”. Will the Academy offer Armenian classes? Not likely, but who cares?
It is a shame that the principal of the Academy has rushed to conclude a deal when he has not met the affected parents, nor has the Melkonian administration discussed this or any other alternative with the parents. Why the American Academy? Why not the Junior School, or the Highgate, or any other school that Gordon has been visiting?
Could greed be the driving force here? There is no other explanation for the Academy to take in 100 to 150 youngsters with mixed educational and cultural backgrounds. Unless, of course, this is another ‘American-meets-American’ scenario, and Gordon decided to drop the other ‘natives’.
But what sort of person could the Academy principal be, to be negotiating a deal in the absence of the students and their parents or guardians? Does he not know that Gordon is a deceiver, promising one thing and delivering something else?
Does he know of the insults that Anderson has hurled at MPs during a House Education Committee meeting? Does the Academy know that Gordon also ignores the House of Representatives resolution calling on the AGBU to enter a dialogue with the Armenian community and all interest parties, including parents and alumni?
By knowingly agreeing to deal with such a person, the Academy’s principal is liable to adopt Gordon’s “tell them to f*** off!” attitude as regards the Cyprus parliament, the government, the community and the affected students.
AGBU Sisters strike again!
Gordon’s faithful sisters, Aznive and Marie Papazian, have been calling parents asking them: “do you plan to send your children to the Melkonian?” What a stupid question...
Asked who is giving these orders, the pair say these come from the school’s administration - Gordon Anderson himself.
Well, at least we now know who is really rrunning the school, with Gordon, Aznive & Co. running the show, is anybody else needed?
Watch this space next week for another exciting episode of “Flash Gordon: Return to the Planet of the Apes”...
