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09/14/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Kocharian, Aliyev to Tackle Karabagh Conflict at Astana Summit 2) Congresswoman Eshoo, State Senator Poochigian Honorees at 2004 ANCA Banquet 3) NATO Delegate Remarks on Armenian Genocide 4) Hamazkayin Honors its Cultural Leaders 1)Kocharian, Aliyev to Tackle Karabagh Conflict at Astana Summit YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--President Robert Kocharian will leave for Astana, Kazakhstan on Wednesday to participate in a summit of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) heads of state. Kocharian and his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev will meet on the same day to discuss the current state of negotiations on settling the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. On the whole, the summit will take up broader cooperation of CIS member-countries in responding to new challenges of global security and stability. Economic interaction within the CIS, along with tackling problems that hinder trade and economic cooperation, and other urgent issues are also on the agenda. The summit is expected to draft and ratify more than a dozen documents. 2) Congresswoman Eshoo, State Senator Poochigian Honorees at 2004 ANCA Banquet --Pre-banquet party to kick off fiscal year fundraising LOS ANGELES--The Armenian National Committee of AmericaWestern Region (ANCA-WR) recently announced that Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and California State Senator Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno) will be honored at the 2004 Annual Banquet. ANCA-WR Chairman of the Board of Directors Raffi Hamparian praised the honorees saying, "Congresswoman Eshoo and Senator Poochigian are role models and exemplary public officials in their respective bodies. They have brought great pride to Armenian Americans and we are extremely grateful for their hard work." The Annual Banquet will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel in Pasadena on Sunday, October 24. The largest event of its kind that brings Armenian Americans together with a large number of federal, state and local public officials, the Banquet annually draws over 750 individuals, including a long list of dignitaries. Last year's event was no exception, and with this year's guest list packed with high profile figures, tickets sales are already heating up. The ANCA-WR Banquet is attended annually by prominent Members of Congress, State Legislators, Mayors, academics, and a vast number of Armenian American political activists. "The Banquet continues to get better with each passing year, with more dignitaries, better venues, and an amazing list of honorees," commented ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. "If you haven't been to an Annual Banquet, then you must attend. If you're an activist or supporter interested in politics, helping the Armenian Cause, and meeting exciting and interesting people, then this is your event," added Kassakhian. The annual pre-Banquet Kickoff Party will be at the elegant Cicada Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, on Thursday, September 16, at 7:30 PM. The Kickoff Party generally attracts those interested in reserving tables for the Annual Banquet. The complimentary event is part of ANCA-WR tradition marking the beginning of the fundraising drive leading up to the Annual Banquet. 3) NATO Delegate Remarks on Armenian Genocide YEREVAN (A1Plus)--Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday after meeting with Armenia's officials, head of Germany's NATO delegation Markus Meckel, said Armenia plays a key role in the stability of the South Caucasus, adding that neighbors should maintain good relations for common security. A visiting delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the NATO member states arrived Monday in Yerevan. Meckel acknowledged the Armenian genocide, and maintained it must be recognized by the international community. Meckel, a lawmaker, is a member of Germany's Social Democrat party, and a former East German Foreign Minister. 4) Hamazkayin Honors its Cultural Leaders The Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Society honored three members who, through their dedication and skill, have succeeded in elevating culture in the California Armenian community. Hamazkayin Kousan Choir director Professor Ara Manash and the co-founders and artistic directors of the Ani Dance Ensemble Suzy Parseghian-Tarpinian and Yeghia Hasholian, received the Society's highest medal on September 12, during a public gathering that took place at Ferrahian School's Avedissian Hall. Awarding the medals was Hamazkayin Central Executive chairman Dr. Megerdich Megerdichian, who is visiting from Lebanon to review the region's activities. Megerdichian, who served as the keynote speaker of the September 12 event, was honored two days earlier during a reception in his honor at the Pasadena Armenian Center. Hamazkayin Central Executive member Edward Misserlian and Western Region chairman Vahakn Abkariants joined in congratulating the medal recipients, and addressed the mission and future of the 76 year-old organization. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.