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01/18/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous Karabagh Republic as 'Criminal Secessionists' 2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF 3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission 4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian 5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate's Christmas Dinner 1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous Karabagh Republic as 'Criminal Secessionists' Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of State Jones Undermine the Karabagh Peace Process WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) condemned highly incendiary statements by US Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones referring to Mountainous Karabagh's leaders as "criminal secessionists" and calling for their removal from power. The statement came as part of a January 13 digital video-conference with journalists in US Embassies in Moscow, Rome, and Bratislava. "Assistant Secretary Jones's comments seriously weaken the foundation of our role--as Americans--as impartial mediators of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "Her remarks unfairly attack the right of the people of Mountainous Karabagh to express themselves democratically through elections. They also prejudice the outcome of the OSCE negotiations, materially compromising the search for peace, and--very significantly--embolden the growing chorus in the Azerbaijan government that is calling for renewed aggression against Mountainous Karabagh." Expressing the Armenian American community's shock and outrage at Assistant Secretary Jones' remarks, the ANCA condemned her statements "as counter to the long-standing US policy of helping the parties reach a negotiated settlement." The ANCA also called on the Administration to begin repairing this damage by immediately and clearly renouncing the unfair and inaccurate remarks. During the video conference, Jones, in discussing US bi-lateral relations with Russia, called for increased engagement in resolving regional conflicts in the former Soviet Union, stating: "It is in Russia's interest for these areas--for Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Mountainous Karabagh--to be stable, for corruption to end there, for the criminal secessionists who rule there to be removed. It is not appropriate for this kind of instability and criminality to exist right in the middle of Europe." When asked to clarify her reference to "criminal secessionists" in the region, Jones stated: "The areas that are right around Russia's borders where there are, as I said, secessionists who are criminals seem to us to undercut Russia's security by allowing and not really addressing in a concrete way the fact that there are two secessionist areas remaining in Georgia and one in Moldova. There are still outstanding questions with Mountainous Karabagh. Russia can play a very positive leadership role in addressing these questions. It cannot be in Russia's interest to allow this kind of criminal activity to take place so close to its borders. This is where there can be a breeding ground for terrorists. That is not in Russia's interests. It is not in Russia's interest, or in the interests of the United States or Europe for these areas to be free for weapons transportation, for narcotics transportation and trafficking." The complete transcript from the video conference may be obtained on the US Embassy-Moscow, Russia website: <;www.mo scow.usembassy.gov/embassy/transcript.php?record_id=99 2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF ENCINO--Twenty-two members joined the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western Region during a swearing in ceremony on January 15. ARF Western Region Central Committee (CC) member Khajag Dikranian served as the godfather for the 8 female and 14 male novices to the ARF ranks. On behalf of ARF CC's educational committee, Marzbed Margossian introduced the new members, affirming their competence to enter the ranks of the ARF, and capability to assume responsibility. He urged the new members to immediately take on tasks entrusted to them. Addressing the novices, Khajag Dikranian said, "For our organization, this moment is one of renewal; this pledge and the legacy of struggle have been transferred from generation to generation to finally reach us." He reminded the audience that the novices must be nurtured, as each has volunteered to join the ARF; their individual paths of continuous struggle within the organization will be long and tireless. He conveyed that the ARF is an organization that undergoes constant renewal. Recalling the words of Nigol Aghbalian, he said that whoever leads the organization, whatever form the methodology or direction, the ideal and vision remain the same. ARF CC Representative Hovig Saliba pointed to two distinct moments in the life of an ARF member--the oath of the Tashnagtsagan and the burial of a fellow ARF member. In both cases, those assembled together renew their oath--united in their emotion and conviction. ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian welcomed the novices into the great family of the ARF, saying that we are born into families, but we join the family of the Tashnagtsoutiun by choice. He expressed hope that the new members continue working within the ranks of the ARF with their current level of eagerness and resoluteness--even in moments of doubt--and remain worthy of being a member of the ARF by being exemplary and committed members of the organization. Following the swearing in of the new members, more than 600--mostly youth--celebrated the evening's dinner dance organized by the Papken Suni ARF chapter, featuring singers Karnig Sarkissian and Hovhannes Shahbazian. 3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--After more than a year of preparations, a small contingent of Armenian non-combat troops set out for Iraq Tuesday on a mission that will cement Armenia's basic security ties with the United States. Forty-six Armenian servicemen, among them medics, sappers, and truck drivers, flew to Kuwait on board a US military transport plane after an official ceremony attended by Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian and senior army officers. The unit is due to undergo final preparations in the Gulf state and proceed to Iraq within two weeks. "Our mission in Iraq is strictly humanitarian," Sarkisian told the troops lined up on the tarmac of Yerevan's Zvartnots airport. "We have chosen the most necessary ways of helping the Iraqi people: medical treatment, demining, and cargo shipments that pursue the noble task of saving human lives," Sarkisian said. "The Armenian people have repeatedly seen assistance from the international community in critical times. Today is our turn to stretch a helpful hand to the Iraqi people caught in a destructive whirlwind of war." The US ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, was also in attendance. "We applaud the decision of the government of Armenia to deploy this contingent to Iraq," Evans told reporters. "Armenian-American relations are in very good shape," he said. "They are improving day by day. In particular, our security relationship is growing in a very positive way. So I think this deployment can only help to strengthen that relationship." Armenian military presence in Iraq will give a largely symbolic boost to the international legitimacy of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The administration of President George W. Bush has used the participation of over 30 other nations in America's "coalition of the willing" to argue that its military action in Iraq has not been unilateral. However, some of those nations, notably Poland, are now considering recalling their troops in the course of this year due to the deteriorating security situation there. Incidentally, the Armenian contingent will be part of a Polish-led multinational division deployed in south-central Iraq. Both Sarkisian and Evans admitted that the decision to join the US-led occupation force has caused controversy in Armenia. Critics of the deployment have warned of possible terrorist attacks on thousands of ethnic Armenians living in Iraq. Iraqi Armenian leaders have themselves pleaded with Yerevan not to send any military personnel. In his speech, Sarkisian argued that peace and stability in Iraq is important for Armenia. "Our efforts to fully integrate into the international community create moral responsibilities to make our contribution to the resolution of problems facing that community," he said. "We understand that the decision to send this contingent to Iraq was not an easy one," Evans said for his part. "But it is very important for the world and this region in particular that democracy and stability should come to Iraq, the people of which have suffered so much." "We have great confidence in the contingent. They are well trained, they are well prepared, they have a good spirit," the US envoy added. The mood among the Armenian servicemen bound for Iraq appeared remarkably festive. Some of them played folk music and danced to its tunes as they waited for the arrival of the US C-130 Hercules plane. Their family members, allowed to attend the ceremony, also sounded optimistic. But tears in some of the relatives' eyes betrayed deep anxiety for the safety of their loved ones. "We are wishing them a nice trip," said one woman. "Let Armenia's army help other countries in trouble." The troops are to serve in Iraq for six months and be replaced by another Armenian contingent. Each serviceman will get at least $1,000 for every month spent there, a princely sum by Armenian standards. 4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian YEREVAN (Yerkir)--On Tuesday, President Robert Kocharian met with Agricultural Minister Tavit Lokian to discuss the various technological and economic issues that impact Armenia's farming communities. Prompted by the president, Lokian spoke about a number of advancements to be introduced in 2005 that seek to boost crop yield through improvements in irrigation technology and fertilizer quality. President Kocharian reiterated his administration's concern about the growing burden farmers face as a result of high interest rates on government issued loans--an issue brought to the ministry's attention last year. Lokian assured Kocharian that the ministry is attempting to ease such problems, and that it will implement a 3 point cut in interest rates during the upcoming year. The two men also discussed government efforts to repopulate the country's forests, which were devastated during the years following Armenia's independence. On the ministry's agenda currently, is a proposal to reforest approximately 5000 hectares of land, 200 of which runs adjacent to Yerevan. 5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate's Christmas Dinner LA CRESCENTA--The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church's New Year and Christmas dinner fundraiser on January 6, 2005 was a resounding success for Prelacy projects and schools. The evening's supporters included numerous dignitaries and representatives of Armenian organizations, Prelacy benefactors, Representative Assembly members, church boards of trustees, and associated church and school committee members. Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, Central Executive Council member Khajag Dikijian, ARF Bureau member Viken Hovsepian, ARF Central Committee representative Hovig Saliba, Regional Executive members from ARS, Homenentmen, and Hamazkayin were among the many supporters who gathered at the Montebello Baghramian Hall. Longtime Prelacy benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig Bedrossian hosted the dinner. Organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, the evening began with the religious procession followed by welcoming remarks by Mrs. Mariam Karapetian of the Ladies' Auxiliary. In a special taping, His Holiness Aram I stressed the importance of expressing love towards the church, the Armenian people, and the homeland. Among the performers who entertained the crowd was soloist Rima Garabedian of the Glendale St. Mary church, Hovig Shahbazian, and the young dancers from the Djanbazian Dance Academy. In his message, Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian reminded everyone of the tsunami tragedy in Asia and said that special prayers were said at Prelacy Churches for the victims. He also thanked the evening's sponsors for their continued support, while declaring 2005 as the "Year of the School.' Recent accomplishments for various Prelacy schools were highlighted. The Encino preschool was renamed "The Holy Martyrs ARS Ashken Pilavjian Preschool" to commemorate Mrs. Pilavjian's pledge of $200,000. Mrs. Pilavjian is also the sponsor of the new chapel being built at the Prelacy and dedicated to St. Dertades and St. Ashkhen. The chapel is expected to be completed by October 2005, in time for a Pontifical Visit by His Holiness, which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the See of Cilicia Catholicosate's seminary. Charles Keyan added $50,000 to his original donation to establish a scholarship fund for Mesrobian High School. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian donated a property located adjacent to the Tufenkian Pre-School, to be used for parking. Tony and Eileen Keusseyan donated 10 copies of the "Partzerpert" Bible to each of the Prelacy school libraries, so the students can see and touch one of the treasures of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Mrs. Rose Kasimian donated $150,000 in memory of her late husband, Kegham Kasimian, towards Prelacy Media Department and equipments, a "khachkar" and religious publications. The Compatriotic Union of Ourfa donated $50,000 in memory of the Ourfa martyrs by sponsoring the Western Memorial Wall of the Prelacy Building, as well as a khachkar and a fountain. The Carolan family continued their support of the Christmas Fund with a $25,000 donation, in memory of Richard Carolan. The Prelate also announced the establishment of a Mortgage Burning Fund to pay off the loan on the Prelacy building. Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig Bedrossian, one of the major donors of the new building, made the first major donation to the fund. Based on the recommendations of the Representative Assembly, the Prelate also reported that youth groups have been established under the auspices of Prelacy churches to help guide teenagers and young people with Christian values and Armenian traditions in an atmosphere conducive to providing young souls the spiritual guidance they need. In concluding his message, Prelate Mardirossian wished for "the year 2005 to be the year for great accomplishments for our organizations and churches, individually and collectively, in the spirit for peace brought to us by the Son of God's Birth. May our good intentions enrich our lives; may we find peace and love to brighten our spirits; and may our steps be led by the example of the humble and modest shepherds. Let Christmas renew ourselves and help us lead our lives in peace and love, accepting God's offer for knowledge and accepting Him as our savior. And let us join our voices to the singing angels to praise the Lord, to wish for peace and good will towards men, and say: Happy New Year. Christ was born and revealed." 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) 2005 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.