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01/19/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Bureau Member Hovannisian Slams Jones's MKR Statement 2) Youth Demonstration Vocalizes Concern about US Remarks on Karabagh 3) Vatican Unveils Monument of Saint Gregory the Illuminator 4) ARS Annual Christmas Party Honors Longtime Volunteer Sarkissian 1) ARF Bureau Member Hovannisian Slams Jones's MKR Statement YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Responding to the outgoing US Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones's incendiary statement about the Mountainous Karabagh Republic, Armenian National Assembly vice speaker and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau member Vahan Hovannisian told Yerkir media on Wednesday that the American official's stated opinions were the result of Turkish and Azeri lobbying efforts. As reported by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) on Wednesday, Jones, during a January 13 video conference discussing US bilateral relations with Russia, called for increased US 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." Hovhannisian said that Jones's statements are both obnoxious and baseless. "Jones is an outgoing official, and had never made similar comments during her tenure as assistant secretary of state." This fact, according to Hovhannisian, indicates that high ranking American officials had not authorized her to express such statements. He added that Jones's stance does not actually reflect official US policy. "Don't forget former Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly rapporteur on Karabagh, Terry Davis, who issued a report after leaving the post. The same goes for the next rapporteur, David Atkinson," Hovhannisian said. On Wednesday, the US embassy in Yerevan issued a statement in response to situation, noting, "US policy with respect to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not changed. The United States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent country, and its leadership is not recognized internationally or by the United States." "The United States supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and holds that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a matter of negotiation between the parties in the Minsk Group process," continued the statement. "The United States remains actively engaged in advancing a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the Minsk Group process. We are encouraged by the continuing talks between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Assistant Secretary Jones's comment quoted in the Moscow Times was directed at the need for the US and Russia to work together to resolve the conflicts and advance transparency and rule of law in the conflict areas. We recognize that the circumstances of each conflict are unique." 2) Youth Demonstration Vocalizes Concern about US Remarks on Karabagh YEREVAN--Representatives of several youth organizations in Armenia expressed their indignation with US Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones's recent statement referring to Mountainous Karabagh's leaders as "criminal secessionists" and calling for their removal from power. Organized by the "Baze" youth group, demonstrators gathered in front of the US embassy in Armenia on Wednesday. Participants included representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Republican, and Orinats Yerkir youth groups, as well as non-governmental organizations. The demonstration closed down Bagramyan Avenue, while police protected them by forming a chain and controlling the traffic. Carrying posters that read "Shame on Elizabeth Jones" and "No to double standards," the youth expressed their outrage at Jones's remarks on January 13 during a digital video-conference with journalists in US Embassies in Moscow, Rome, and Bratislava. Expressing the Armenian American community's shock and outrage at Assistant Secretary Jones's remarks, the ANCA, on Tuesday, also 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. 3) Vatican Unveils Monument of Saint Gregory the Illuminator (VATICAN CITY)--Pope John-Paul II, along with Armenian Church officials, attended the official inauguration of the statue of Saint Gregory the Illuminator in the Vatican on January 19. The almost 18 feet high statue was placed in the last remaining empty niche along the walls leading to St. Peter's Basilica, which house the statues of famous saints. It is situated at the site where visitors wait to climb the cupola. An almost two-foot gilt bronze Armenian Cross is situated in the right hand of the statue, and a Holy Bible in the left. Two Armenian crosses and Saint Gregory's adorn the statue's vestment. The Latin and Armenian inscription on the pedestal reads, "Saint Gregory Illuminator of Armenia 301." On his trip to Armenia to mark the 1700th anniversary of the conversion of the Armenian nation to Christianity, Pope John-Paul II became inspired by a visit to Khor-Virab where Saint Gregory was confined, crouched in the dark for 13 years. Thus, at the urging of the Armenian catholic Patriarch Nerses-Bedros XIX, the Pope pledged to do his utmost to erect, in the Vatican, a statue of the Saint Illuminator of the first Christian nation. In 2001, the Vatican Launched an international design contest for a marble statue of the Founder of the Armenian Church. The winner was artist Khachik Kazandjian from Paris, who recently created a 30 feet high monument of Alfred Nobel. That statue is in the center of the city of Sevran where Nobel lived and worked. Kazandjian is also a founding member and the First President of the Society of Armenian Artists of France. 4) ARS Annual Christmas Party Honors Longtime Volunteer Sarkissian GLENDALE--The Armenian Relief Society Western Region (ARS-WR) annual Christmas party took on a special celebratory mood on January 4, not only because 350 ARS members from San Diego to the San Fernando Valley, representing three generations, gathered to celebrate, but also because one of its finest members was honored. ARS social services worker Annig Sarkissian was honored for her dedicated volunteer work throughout the years. As Santa escorted Sarkissian, who was a little shy, from her seat to the stage, ARS members were ready to speak of her efforts and present a commemorative plaque. Explaining that volunteer work lies at the heart of the ARS, ARS-WR Social Services Director Sona Zinzalian explained Sarkissian's work as incomparable. Zinzalian described her as the kind of volunteer who does not stop when her work is done, but asks if other committees need help. ARS-WR Regional Executive Chair Angela Savoian expressed the Regional Executive's appreciation of Sarkissian's presence within the office saying, "We are so happy that we have someone like you among us." In her turn, the honoree, who is in her eighties, promised to volunteer until she turns 100. Members of the ARS Central Executive (CE) and ARF Central Committee representative were among the attendees. An east coast transplant, Yeretzgin Habeshian, officiated the prayers. Speaking on behalf of the ARS-CE, Anahid Meymarian urged the membership to stay physically and mentally healthy in order to carry on the name and reputation of the ARS--an organization which will celebrate its centennial in 5 years. Savoian invited the Regional Executive members to join her for a toast, expressing her appreciation for being surrounded by like-minded board members who make the meetings an enjoyable place to discuss serious issues for the ARS. She also announced the start of a campaign to assist the tsunami victims. On January 15, the ARS-WR Regional headquarters were open to accept donations. ARS General Accountant Jassik Jarahian, party coordinator, had arranging for performances by Razmig Mansourian and Alen Aghajanian, as well as a cappuccino service, and a uniquely decorated fruit table donated by Arthur Hamedi. For a brief few hours, the ARS enjoyed the company of fellow members in a happy and carefree atmosphere, only to return to their chapters and continue working for their communities. 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. 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