NKR CELEBRATES ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY
ArmenPress
Sept 2 2004
STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
president Arkadi Ghukassian, Armenian defense minister Serze Sargssian,
NKR National Assembly speaker Oleg Yesaian, prime minister Anushavan
Danielian, other government officials, officers of defense army,
parliamentarians and guests from Russia, Armenia and Diaspora visited
the memorial of Stepanakert today at 12 am on the occasion of 13th
anniversary of NKR Independence Day. They put flowers on the grave
of NKR Supreme Council first chairman Arthur Mkrtchian and honored
his memory with a minute silence.
“Independence of NKR, perhaps, is the highest achievement of our
nation. Therefore it can not be looked at as a temporary state. We
have factually proved the international community that are capable of
creating an independent statehood and live independent of Azerbaijan.
A nation, which has passed through a hard war of trials and hardships,
sacrificing the best of its sons, is unconquerable,” NKR president
A. Ghukassian said.
“There will be a time when the cherished hopes of our generations
will come true, generations which have even before us fought for the
high ideals and consciously died for their motherland,” Armenian
defense minister Serze Sargssian said. Responding to the question
what are the major principles in Karabakh conflict resolution,
Sargssian answered that they are three of them which have been
variously stated by Armenian president Robert Kocharian, “We think
that Nagorno Karabakh should be granted a status which will provide
independence from Azerbaijan, NKR will have borders with Armenia and
strong security guarantees.”
During the second half of the day, festivities to the Independence
Day moved to the park near Shahumian monument, republican sports
field where concerts, sports competitions and national marches were
organized. In the evening a big concert will be performed in the
Square of Revival with the participation of Russian famous singer
Iosif Kabzon, other famous singers of Russian music and best bands
of Armenia and Artsakh.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VARDAN OSKANYAN RECEIVED FAMOUS AMERICAN ARMENIAN WRITER PETER BALAKIAN
ArmenPress
Sept 2 2004
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign minister Vardan
Oskanyan received yesterday famous American Armenian writer Peter
Balakian who is on his second visit to Armenia on the invitation of
Writers’ Union of Armenian and Armenian General Benevolent Union.
According to foreign minister press services, Balakian presented his
impressions from Armenia and talked about his meetings at Writers’
Union and Academy of Sciences where he was granted the titles of
honorable member of Writers’ Union and honorable doctor of Academy
of Sciences. He also conferred on his future plans.
The two talked about Peter Balakian’s writings on Armenian themes
thanks to which the issue of Armenian Genocide has stepped out of
academic circles and become a point of interest for larger public.
With respect to this, the two talked about possibilities of involving
the theme in different branches of art.
Oskanyan briefed Balakian on preparatory works for 90th anniversary of
Armenian Genocide. American Armenian writer also displayed interest in
the present pace of Armenian-American and Armenian-Turkish relations.
Peter Balakian is the author of 5 poetry collections. He is a historian
and a faculty member of Corgate University. He has written “The Black
Dog of Fate” and “Burning Tigris” novels. The Armenian translation of
the first and the publication of the second has been recently presented
in Yerevan. “The Black Dog of Fate” was awarded with Pen/Albrand title
in 1998 and “Burning Tigris” with the title of Outstanding Book and
Bestseller of New York Times.

Radical group members’ arrest sparks public concern
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 2 2004
Baku, September 1, AssA-Irada
The Nasimi district court’s decision to sentence six activists of the
Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO) to 3 to 5 years in jail has
sparked the public concern. MPs also expressed their concerns over
the imprisonment of the radical group members at the first meeting
of the parliament’s fall session on Wednesday.
Zahid Oruj said that while adopting a decision on imprisonment,
the judge of the court has not taken into account the fact that the
Azerbaijani lands are currently under occupation. He called on the
parliament not to remain indifferent to the matter.
Alimammad Nuriyev noted that the court’s decision is illegal.
Jahangir Huseynov underlined that 20 MPs have sent an inquiry to the
Prosecutor General’s Office concerning the arrest of GLO members but
have not received any reply yet. He stressed that two of the three
accusations laid on the radical group members are unlawful.
Zeynab Khanlarova, in her turn, demanded release for the arrested
and called on her counterparts to unveil their standpoints towards
the issue.
“I also protested against the arrival of Armenians in Baku,” said
Speaker Alasgarov, underlining that the parliament has no authority
to express attitude to court rulings. MP Ali Karimli, chairman of the
Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) assessed the imprisonment
of GLO members as insult against those who love Garabagh and have
fought for its liberation. The PFPA will continue struggle for the
release of the arrested members of the radical group, he stressed.
The intellectuals and politicians in their interviews with TV channels
and press assessed the arrest of the GLO members as disrespect to
the public.*

STRATEGY OF ARMENIAN OPPOSITION’S STRUGGLE AGAINST LEADERSHIP UNDERWENT NO CHANGES
02.09.2004 18:39
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The strategy of the struggle undertaken by the
opposition against the leadership has not undergone any changes,
members of Justice opposition bloc stated at the sitting of the Council
today. They also noted that the political forces, which making part
of the bloc will continue to boycott the sittings of the Armenian
National Assembly and will struggle against the ruling regime outside
the parliament by organizing rallies in the capital city and regions.

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN SENT A TELEGRAM TO VLADIMIR PUTIN ON THE OCCASION
OF TERRORIST ACT IN NORTH OSSETIA
ArmenPress
Sept 2 2004
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian
sent a telegram to Russian president Vladimir Putin on the occasion
of a terrorist act in North Ossetia, which says in particular,
“Armenia learned about taking captive of children, parents and teachers
in Beslan city with deep anger. Taking children captive, the terrorists
have defied the whole civilized world. At this difficult time of
waiting, Armenian nation shares the pain of emotional experience by
the Russian people. We seriously condemn any act of terrorism and
express our support to Russian nation and leadership in the fight
against that evil.”
Similar statement was made by the spokesman of Armenian president Ashot
Kocharian reiterating Armenian support in the fight against terrorism.

Azeri presidential aide says Karabakh talks in Astana might be “positive”
Yeni Azarbaycan, Baku
2 Sep 04
Some political analysts believe that significant steps are going to be
taken to settle the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict during the Azerbaijani,
Russian and Armenian presidents’ meeting set for mid-September
in [Kazakh capital] Astana. The Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign
ministers met in Prague several days ago and the sides are said to meet
again in New York with the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul. The Azerbaijani foreign minister said after the meeting
that he had strongly protested the latest activities of the Karabakh
separatists during the meeting with his Armenian counterpart and said
that these activities could negatively influence the peace talks in
the future.
Our interview with the head of the foreign relations department at the
presidential administration, Novruz Mammadov, covers the major points
in Baku’s foreign policy relating to the Nagornyy Karabakh settlement.
[Passage omitted: Mammadov says no changes in Azerbaijan’s foreign
policy]
[Correspondent] Novruz muallim [mode of address], the Azerbaijani
public has high hopes for the forthcoming Astana meeting of the
presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia. Some people even say
that official Baku may reconsider continuing the talks if the meeting
yields no results.
[Mammadov] First, I do not think that Azerbaijan will come up with the
initiative to withdraw from the talks if the Astana meeting fails to
produce any serious results. But theoretically, this option is always
there. Great hopes are indeed pinned on the Astana meeting. While
analyzing the recent developments, we can see that the processes in
this direction are intensifying. The Azerbaijani president will meet
his French counterpart Jacques Chirac again shortly. Doubtless the
Nagornyy Karabakh problem will be one of the issues topping the agenda
of this meeting, too. I mean, while systematizing all these processes,
one can conclude that the activities in this direction have intensified
to a large extend. Against the background of these happenings, it is
worth expecting positive results from the Astana meeting.
[Correspondent] Can Moscow activity in this direction bring something
new to the settlement on the whole?
[Mammadov] I can assure you that Russia’s position now is fairer
than it used to be several years ago. We are sure that if the Russian
Federation takes decisive steps to settle the conflict, we can achieve
serious changes. I regret that Russia is not yet doing so. But we
think that we will achieve some position changes in Astana.
[Passage omitted: Mammadov says Turkey’s involvement in the peace
process might be fruitful; on Europe’s stance on Karabakh]

Iran ready to assist Karabakh settlement, envoy says
Mediamax news agency
3 Sep 04
Yerevan, 3 September: Iran is in favour of the continuation of
bilateral meetings between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaderships.
Mediamax news agency has quoted the Iranian ambassador to Armenia,
Ali Reza Haqiqian, as telling a news conference in Yerevan today that
these meetings help build confidence between the conflicting sides.
“We cooperate with the OSCE Minsk Group and are ready to render
assistance to the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict,”
Haqiqian said.

A1 Plus | 19:29:52 | 03-09-2004 | Politics |
JUSTICE MINISTRY WILL ASSIST TO GET COMPENSATION
Through support of USA lawyers the Armenian Justice Ministry managed to
come to terms with USA Court over providing some additional mechanisms
regarding compensation of $ 11 million by “New York Life Insurance”
Company to the heirs of the persons who had insurance policies and
perished during the years of Armenian Genocide. Those mechanisms will
make the Agreement on sum payment approved by USA Court accessible to
the possible plaintiffs in Armenia and in the neighbouring countries.
Names and surnames of the persons possessing insurance policies in
“New York Life Insurance” are located in the following website
But since the Armenian names and surnames in the Internet site are
introduced in western Armenian version typed in Latin letters it
caused distortion. Justice Ministry invited a specialist in the
Armenian surnames to clarify them. By September 20, 2004, Justice
Ministry will publish the Armenian translation of names and surnames
of the persons having insurance policies in “New York Life Insurance”
as they are kept in the Company archives and the addresses of the
establishments where the possible complainants may get consulting.
Justice Ministry is ready to support the people whose insurance
policies weren’t inserted in the list produced by “New York Life
Insurance” and will take all the necessary steps to enrol those
policies in the Agreement, too.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 3, 2004
___________________
Week of August 27 to September 3, 2004
* * *
ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN RESIDENTIAL PRAYER SERVICE
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St. Vartan Cathedral, represented
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), during a prayer service with President and
Mrs. George Bush on Thursday (9/2). Fr. Chevian was one of 25 clergy
invited to the intimate interfaith service at the Roman Catholic Church
of Our Savior in New York City. He was representing the Primate, who is
out of the country.
During the 45-minute service, the Rev. George Rutler spoke of the story
of the calming of the sea by Jesus. He said calm only comes when we
believe the Lord is the only one with the true power to bring peace and
calm.
“His message was that our Lord can only bring calm to the life of our
nation and our world, and only if we put our trust in him,” Fr. Mardiros
said of the service, which was also attended by former President George
H.W. Bush, his wife, other family members, administration officials, and
state and local politicians.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 9/2/04)
* * *
PRIMATE GUEST SPEAKER AT CONFERENCE IN ITALY
The Primate is in Milan, Italy, where he will speak at a worldwide
gathering hosted by the International Youth Community of St. Egidio.
Representing His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, the Primate will speak as part of their three-day
international conference, titled “Religions and Cultures: The Courage of
a New Humanism.” His address will focus on the unity of Christians and
world peace. To read his remarks, click to our website:
;selmonth=9&sel
year=2004
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 9/3/04)
* * *
EDUCATORS GET NEW RESOURCES
This week the Diocese launched its new Armenian Church Educator
e-newsletter. It contains a wealth of multi-media resources and links
for Armenian and Sunday School educators. It is also a valuable
resource for parents in communities without Armenian Church parishes.
To access the on-line Armenian Church Educator, click to our website:
x.html
If you are a Sunday or Armenian School teacher and would like to receive
the bi-monthly Armenian Church Educator e-mail newsletter, ask your
superintendent contact the Diocese.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 9/2/04)
* * *
SEE ARMENIA ON A VIRTUAL TOUR
Click to our website for a virtual tour of Armenia. The beautiful
pictures will bring back wonderful memories for those who have traveled
to the homeland. For those who have yet to go, you’ll be even more
eager after seeing the sights of the Armenian homeland. Just click to:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 9/2/04)
* * *
FIND ARMENIAN RESOURCES ONLINE
Traveling to Armenia? You’ll find all you need from new guidebooks to
self-taught language lessons at the St. Vartan Bookstore website,
New items are continually added to the safe and secure website. Click
now to find lovely Armenian jewelry, made by skilled craftsmen in
Armenia. Your purchase will help those artisans earn a living and give
you a wearable reminder of your Armenian heritage.
For safe, simple, and secure ordering, 24-hours a day, click to the St.
Vartan Bookstore website:
(Source: , 9/2/04)
# # #

Kerry says he’ll recognize alleged Armenian genocide
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News
03 September 2004
‘I assure you I will continue struggling against the denial of Armenian
genocide as president. My administration will label April 24, 2005,
as the 90th anniversary of this violent act,’ says Kerry
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News
U.S. Democrat candidate for the upcoming presidential elections,
John Kerry, has said his administration will label the 1915-1918
events as genocide of Armenians by Turks if he becomes U.S. president.
Other previous U.S. presidential candidates had made promises to
recognize the alleged genocide, but what differs Kerry from other
candidates is his active support in the U.S. Senate for the recognition
of the alleged killings, a news report on the private NTV television
Web site said yesterday.
Kerry sent a letter to a music festival in Massachusetts organized
by an Armenian association in the United States, namely, the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
“I assure you I will continue struggling against the denial of Armenian
genocide as president. My administration will label April 24, 2005,
as the 90th anniversary of this violent act, and will work for this
crime against humanity to be used to prevent future genocides,”
the Web-site quoted the letter as saying.
Kerry’s remarks caused uneasiness in Ankara, NTV said.
ANCA, known for its hard-line opposition of Turkey and staunch position
for recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide, declared support
for John Kerry at the beginning of this month.
“For Armenian-Americans the clear choice is John Kerry,” said Ken
Hachikian, chairman of the hard-line ANCA group. “Senator Kerry has
been a friend of the Armenian-American community for over 20 years,
with a proven track record of fighting hard for issues of concern to
Armenian-Americans across the nation,” he added.
Armenians claim 1.5 million of their ancestors were killed between 1915
and 1918 as part of a genocide campaign at the hands of the former
Ottoman Empire. Turkey categorically denies the claims, saying the
death toll was inflated and that the deaths occurred as the Ottoman
Empire was trying to quell civil unrest.
Parliaments of 15 countries, including France, have labelled the
20th-century events as genocide, but the United States has so far
refrained from doing so, thanks largely to past administrations’
efforts. A resolution calling for the recognition of the alleged
genocide was shelved at the last minute in 2000 after the then
President Bill Clinton intervened.