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09/10/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ANCA Fellowship Established in Memory of Hovig Apo Saghdejian 2) Armenian Americans Reach out to Republicans at National Convention 3) Tbilisi Condemns Resumption of Sokhumi-Moscow Railway 4) Armenians and Georgians Clash in Ninotsminda 5) Kocharian, Allies Review Proposed Reforms 6) Austria Says to Wait for EU Turkey report 1) ANCA Fellowship Established in Memory of Hovig Apo Saghdejian -- Over $50,000 Donated for Innovative Fund to Open Doors to Public Service for Young Armenians WASHINGTON, DC--The family of Hovig Apo Saghdejian, the 23-year-old student and Armenian community activist who lost his life this July in a car accident, has established a trust fund in his memory to advance the Armenian Cause by helping to bring promising young Armenian Americans to Washington, DC to pursue careers in public service. Hovig's sudden and tragic death has been a great loss for his family, friends, and the Armenian American community--in the Central Valley and around the nation. He was an exemplary son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, who left a legacy of love for his family and friends, and of selfless devotion to his fellow Armenians and his cultural heritage. This proud son of the Armenian nation was laid to rest at Fresno's historic Ararat Masis Cemetery, in the shadow of Armenian national hero Soghomon Tehlirian. In his memory, Hovig's father Apo, his mother Rosine, and sister, Nayiri have asked that donations be made to the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellowship of the ANCA Capital Gateway Program. These funds will be held in perpetuity, with all the income from fund using to finance the participation of young Armenian Americans in the ANCA Capital Gateway Program (CGP). This innovative program provides qualified college students and graduates the opportunity to secure part-time internship and full-time government, public policy, and media-related job opportunities in the nation's capital. The Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellowship fund, which has already collected over $50,000, will on an ongoing basis, sponsor a Fellow, covering his/her housing and providing a full range of support services--from improving the design of their resumes and sharpening their interview skills, to making the right introductions and integrating them into the growing network of Armenian American public policy professionals in the nation's capital. As one Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellow secures a full-time public policy job and graduates from the program, another will be brought to Washington, DC to take his or her place, ensuring a succession of fellowships that will, over the years, place dozens of Armenian American youth in the key positions from which they can support issues of concern to Armenian Americans. Typically, a Fellow is able to secure a full-time position within three months. For detailed information about the Capital Gateway Program, visit: "The ANCA is deeply grateful that Hovig's family has chosen to honor their son's memory--and to mark the loss of this exceptional young man--by opening doors for the youth of our community to the new opportunities we are creating here in Washington, DC to advance the sacred cause of our ancient nation," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "We are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support for the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellowship, and invite Armenian Americans--in Fresno and around the nation--to continue building this fund in the service of coming generations." Hovig Apo Saghdejian was born on December 31, 1980 in Fresno, California. He completed his elementary education at the Armenian Community School of Fresno. After graduation from the Armenian school, Hovig attended Kastner Intermediate and later Clovis West High School, where he received his high school diploma, as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors. Early in life, Hovig became a member of the Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, and he joined the ranks of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). These were the stepping-stones on which Hovig continued to live his life. After graduating from Clovis West in 1998, Hovig attended Fresno City College, California State University of Fresno, and the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis on economics, philosophy and film studies. While attending college, Hovig was active in the Armenian Student's Association. He also received numerous honors, such as the Armenian Relief Society Merit Scholarship and Foundation West Merit Scholarship. Hovig had a passion for his Armenian culture that was instilled by his family. As an active member of AYF and Homenetmen, as both a Scout and athlete, he contributed to the welfare of the Armenian American community and reinforced his commitment to his Homeland. He visited Armenia with the Land and Culture Organization, and traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with the Hamazkayin Cultural Society to broaden his cultural understanding. As a devoted son of the Saghdejian family, Hovig lived a life of commitment to the Armenian Cause and his ancient Armenian homeland. He breathed life into the ideals of his youth by working to preserve and reinvent Armenian identity in America, while bringing a sense of optimism to the people of Armenia for a better future. As a volunteer with the Land and Culture organization, Hovig traveled to Armenia during the summer of 2003 to work as a volunteer in Ayroum, developing infrastructure and self-sustainability for the impoverished population of this village. Beyond the value of the hard work that contributed significantly to the well being of the villagers, Hovig's efforts helped bring hope to all he came in contact with that the future held better things for the people of Armenia. Commenting on his time in Ayroum, in a testimonial on the Land and Culture website, Hovig explained that, "I know that when I reflect back on this experience I will feel ecstatic about the work we accomplished, the things we saw, and the bonds we forged." Hovig performed his civic duties by being politically involved, not only with the ANCA, but also with Congressman George Radanovich and State Assemblymember Steve Samuelian on campaign and public policy projects. Hovig enjoyed life, family, and friends. He had a very special bond with his parents, Apo and Rosine, and sister, Nayiri. He spent his spare time helping his mother at the Adult Day Care Center, and his father with the family business. Besides being confident, intelligent, and a driven young man, Hovig was also lovable, caring, witty, comical, laid back and very, very charming. He was a fine young man who always wore a smile on his face and somehow always managed to brighten up a room. Those who would like to contribute to this effort should make checks payable to the ANCA Endowment Fund, with "Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellowship" in the memo section, and addressed to: ANCA Endowment Fund Hovig Apo Saghdejian Fellowship 888 17th St. NW, Suite 904 Washington, DC 20006-3307 A Word of Thanks On the sad occasion of the passing of Hovig Apo Saghdejian, his parents Apo and Rosine Saghdejian and sister, Nayiri Saghdejian would like to express their deepest thanks to His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the Board of Trustees of the Holy Trinity Mother Church, Fr. and Yeretzgin Vahan Gosdanian, Fr. Hrant Yeretzian, Archpriest Nareg Shrikian, Fr. Hrant Arabian, Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Very Reverend Bernard Geokezian, Very Reverend Mgrdich Melkonian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau, ARF Central Committee Western USA, Fresno ARF Soghomon Tehlirian Gomidehoutiun, Fresno AYF Kevork Chavoush Chapter, Fresno ARF Krisdapor Badanegan Chapter, ANCA Western Region, ANC Fresno Chapter, ARS Western Region Central Executive, Fresno ARS Mayr and Sophia Chapters Executives and Members, Homenetmen Western Region Central Executive, Fresno Homenetmen Sassoun and San Francisco Homenetmen Executives and Members, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association Western Region Central Executive, Fresno Hamazkayin Taniel Varoujan Chapter Executive and Members, Land and Culture, Yerkir-USA, Kessab Research Association, Dr. Ara Soghomonian, and to all those who personally, through letters, phone calls, flowers and in-lieu-of-flowers donations, shared in their deep sorrow. 2) Armenian Americans Reach out to Republicans at National Convention NEW YORK--Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) activists joined Republican Armenians from throughout the country this past week, descending onto the Big Apple to interact with elected officials and spread their message among the thousands of party faithful that filled the convention halls and hospitality suites at the quadrennial Convention of the Republican National Committee. The Armenian American participation at the Convention highlighted the leadership of dozens of Congressional Republicans on issues of special concern to the Armenian American community, including Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and George Radanovich, the lead author of the Genocide Resolution. On the Senate side, leading advocates of Armenian issues include Senators Mitch McConnell, who chairs the panel that writes the foreign aid bill, George Allen, and John Ensign. The Administration, in contrast, has been less supportive on Armenian American issues, having opposed a number of key initiatives, including those recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenian Americans took full advantage of opportunities in and around Madison Square Garden, meeting with State delegations, attending receptions and speaking directly to key Party officials. During these interactions, they explained issues of concern to Armenian Americans, ranging from recognition of the Armenian Genocide, to increased aid, expanded trade, the lifting of the blockades, and self-determination for Karabagh. They noted, as well, the large and politically active Armenian American communities in several key swing states, including Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Oregon. At a Veteran for Bush event on August 31 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, the keynote speaker, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, was interviewed by ANCA activists. He commented on his long-standing relationship with Armenians, and noted that he had recently joined the Armenian Caucus. When asked about Genocide Resolution, the California Congressman stressed, "It did happen--the Armenian Genocide." He related a story of Armenian friends who were his family neighbors who had taught him about how the Ottoman government had attempt to annihilate its Armenian population during World War I. At the USS Intrepid, now permanently docked as a museum at a pier on the Hudson River, the Massachusetts delegation sponsored an event featuring Governor Mitt Romney. Attending the event was Congressman Joe Knollenberg of Michigan, who also spoke to ANCA activists on various Armenian issues, including the resolution of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. Congressman Knollenberg stated that he believed in the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh and would continue to defend this principle. The ANCA of Michigan recently held a community briefing and fundraiser for the Congressman. Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA), who represents the Santa Clarita area of Los Angeles, commented to ANCA representatives that he is committed to issues of concern to Armenian Americans. He also related stories of his longstanding relationships, both personal and professional, with Armenian Americans back in his home district. ANCA activists also met with Mayor Scott Avedisian of Warwick, Rhode Island, the youngest Mayor in the history of that city. Mayor Avedisian credited the local ANCA chapter's hard work and support in his campaign victory and encouraged Armenians from all party affiliations to become more involved in politics to ensure that the Armenian American viewpoint is heard. The Mayor congratulated Glendale Mayors Rafi Manoukian and Bob Yousefian for joining the "small but growing club of Mayors of Armenian ancestry in the United States." "We're fortunate to have so many great Armenian Americans involved in the Republican Party, from both the East coast and the West coasts," commented Doug Geogerian, ANCA-ER Executive Director. "This convention was a tremendous opportunity for us to thank our Republican friends and encourage others to support our issues." ANCA activists Sevag Demirjian and several other volunteers joined Georgerian as part of the ANCA delegation at the Convention throughout the week. Also playing a central role in this effort was Massachusetts delegate, John Meurgerian, who is a former ANCA "Leo Sarkissian" intern and recently returned from serving in Iraq with the Army's 4th Infantry. Other delegates included community activist Bob Simonian, who earlier this year worked on securing Genocide recognition statements from the Governors of various states who previously had not had a stance on this human rights issue. 3) Tbilisi Condemns Resumption of Sokhumi-Moscow Railway TBILISI (Civil Georgia)--After 11 years of not operating, the railway connection between Moscow and Sokhumi, the capital of Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia, resumed on September 10, despite protests from Georgia. The rail link connecting Georgia and Russia ceased operating after Abkhazia seceded from Georgia in a violent conflict 11 years ago. "With the restoration of the railway link, both Moscow and Sukhumi violate all the existing agreements. This is nothing more but disrespect of the country's [Georgia's] sovereignty," Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolutions Goga Khaindrava said on Friday. In December 2002 Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to re-open the link between the two countries via Sukhumi, with the Georgian side demanding return of the Georgian displaced persons to Abkhazia's easternmost Gali region as a precondition Claims of Pre-election Sabotage Abkhazia's Security Minister Mikhail Tarba accused Georgian special services of plotting sabotage and terrorist acts in the breakaway region on the eve of the presidential elections, scheduled in the breakaway region for October 3. "The Georgian special services aim to disrupt the forthcoming presidential elections and trigger destabilization in Abkhazia," Abkhaz news agency Apsnypress reported on September 9 quoting Tarba as saying. "The lives of the presidential candidates are in real danger," he said, adding that the Georgian armed groups have been noticed in the regions of Gulripshi and Ochamchire of breakaway Abkhazia. Meanwhile, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said on September 10, that Georgia does not intend to launch hostilities with Sokhumi, adding that a resolution can be found via negotiations; he added, however, that Georgia should strengthen its military forces. He also called on the Russian politicians to refrain from unilateral moves towards Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "Everybody should understand that Grozny [capital of Chechnya] and Vladikavkaz [capital of Russia's North Ossetia] belong to Russia, while Sokhumi [Abkhazian capital] and Tskhinvali [South Ossetian capital] are part of Georgia. So, you [the Russians] can arrive here as tourists," Saakashvili said. 4) Armenians and Georgians Clash in Ninotsminda YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Two ethnic Georgians initiated a clash between Georgians and ethnic Armenians in the southern Georgian region of Ninotsminda on September 6. After drinking in a restaurant, the chief of the Georgian National Security Ministry's local branch, and the deputy head of the Ninotsminda district council, attempted to fill up their car at a local gas station without paying, saying that Ninotsiminda belongs to Georgians and everything should be free for Georgians. After being denied free gas by the Armenian employee, the Georgian officials attacked and beat him. The local police interfered, but were unable to stop the shoot-out that followed a fistfight. The Georgian officials were arrested and transported to Akhaltsikha. 5) Kocharian, Allies Review Proposed Reforms YEREVAN (Armenpress)--President Robert Kocharian met with coalition government leaders on Friday to review proposed constitutional reforms and issues relating to the upcoming National Assembly session. After the meeting, the president's chief constitutional attorney Armen Harutiunian said that discussions on proposed reforms would have to continue. "We still don't know how the process will unfold," he said. 6) Austria Says to Wait for EU Turkey report VIENNA (Reuters)--Austria's foreign ministry stuck by a wait-and-see position on Friday on Turkish membership in the European Union, after Vienna's finance minister said he opposed starting membership talks with Ankara. A foreign ministry spokesman declined to comment directly on remarks by Austrian Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, a former member of Joerg Haider's anti-immigrant Freedom Party (FPO). "The position of the foreign ministry is the old one, that we have to wait first for the Commission report on Turkey and only then can a decision be made," the spokesman said. The EU executive is due to recommend next month whether Turkey has made sufficient progress on democracy, human rights and the rule of law to open accession talks next year. Austria's centre-right government coalition, which includes Haider's FPO, has long been reserved about Ankara's bid. Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, whose conservative People's Party dominates the two-party coalition, on Friday said the issue must still be discussed thoroughly. "The discussion is just beginning," Schuessel told a news conference, before Grasser spoke at a meeting of EU finance ministers in the Netherlands. "I think Turkey's membership of the EU would not be helpful. I am amazed that in the debate going on in Europe that practically no one has the courage to say that openly," Grasser told reporters. Grasser, who is now an independent, said Turkey was "certainly not ready for Europe." EU diplomats said in June that Austria had tried to water down the EU's commitment to open entry talks with Turkey. The effort, which was rebuffed, came when EU ambassadors prepared a draft declaration ahead of the 25-nation bloc's summit in June. Polls have consistently found a majority of Austrians against Turkey entering the EU. A survey in May in the news magazine Format found 56 percent of those polled said they could not imagine Turkey in the EU, 26 percent said they saw it as possible and 13 percent could imagine full Turkish membership. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. 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