Month: June 2005

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/08/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) House Members Urge Pres. Bush to Raise Serious Issues with Turkey's Prime Minister 2) Rep. Rothman Takes Lead in Calling Attention to Turkey's Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism 3) Bush Upholds Turkey's `Democracy' as Example 4) Oskanian Vienna Meeting Concludes, in Washington to Meet US Officials 5) South American Countries Expand Armenian Genocide Recognition Efforts 6) Prime Minister Opens Armenian Pavilion at World Expo in Japan 7) His Holiness Karekin II Opens Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library 1) House Members Urge Pres. Bush to Raise Serious Issues with Turkey's Prime Minister Blockade of Armenia, anti-American sentiment and anti-Semitism among key issues discussed in Congressional letters to Pres. Bush WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--In the days leading up to Wednesday's meeting between Pres. Bush and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, members of the US House of Representatives raised serious concerns about Turkey's 12-year blockade of Armenia, growing anti-Americanism, and anti- Semitism. In a June 3 letter, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) were joined by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA) in urging Pres. Bush and Secretary of State Rice to "again call upon Turkey to comply with your Administration's long-standing position that in order to restore economic, political, and cultural links with Armenia, Turkey should immediately lift its ongoing blockade with Armenia." The House members detailed the high cost of Turkey's blockade on Armenia's struggling economy. "A recent State Department report estimated that the blockade is inflating Armenia's transportation costs by 30-35%, thereby stifling its trade and economy," noted the letter. "This report also stated that opening the border would catalyze commercial opportunities for Turkey and Armenia in the fields of energy, trade and tourism, valued at $1 billion per year." The letter concludes that "if there is to be a resolution of conflicts in the region and a reduction of tensions along borders, it is essential that Turkey move forthwith to lift this destructive blockade." 2) Rep. Rothman Takes Lead in Calling Attention to Turkey's Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism On the eve of Pres. Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan, Rep. Rothman was joined by 10 House Colleagues in sending a meticulously documented letter to the President, detailing rampant anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiment in the Turkish press. The June 7 letter noted the rise of anti-Semitism, citing as one example, that "some of Turkey's best selling books this past year include Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, which has been published at least 45 times between 1940 and 2005 in Turkey and is not being marketed by 11 publishers." It goes on to detail the complex ways anti-Semitism manifests itself, including "animosity toward Jews and Judaism;" and, "a hostile approach towards the Jewish citizens of Turkey, including questioning their loyalty, accusing them of treason and blaming them for the fall of the Ottoman Empire..." In detailing anti-Americanism in Turkey, House members cited "last year's BBC poll, which found Turkey to hold the most anti-American sentiment in the world." The letter also notes "Turkish government officials comparing the US to Nazi Germany and President Bush to Adolph Hitler." Joining Rep. Rothman in cosigning the letter were Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY). 3) Bush Upholds Turkey's `Democracy' as Example WASHINGTON (AP)--President Bush held up Turkey's democracy as an important example for other Mideast nations Wednesday during an Oval Office meeting with the country's prime minister in which both leaders declared a strong relationship after differences over Iraq. "We're happy that we were able to confirm that our strategic relationship will move and take place in the future as it has been done in the past," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bush thanked Erdogan for Turkey's support in building democracy in Afghanistan and working with the Palestinians to build an independent state. "Turkey and the United States have an important strategic relationship," Bush said. "I told the prime minister how grateful I was that he is a strong supporter of the Broader Middle Eastern Initiative." Erdogan said they also discussed plans to reunify Cyprus, a tiny island in the Mediterranean Sea that has been divided since 1974 between a Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the Turkish-occupied north. Turkey alone recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north, and keeps 40,000 troops there. The issue has become vital for Turkey as it pushes to join the European Union, which already includes the divided island. The United States supports Turkey's bid for membership in the EU. Erdogan said he and Bush also discussed Iraq, but neither leader provided any details about what was said. They did not take questions from reporters but only gave brief statements at the end of their meeting. Turkey's relations with the United States showed some strain after Ankara refused to allow US troops in the country for the Iraq war. Erdogan's trip to Washington has been seen as a fence-mending visit and both leaders said he also encouraged US investment in Turkey. Bush said the visit was extensive and that they focused on "foreign policy and shared interests between our countries." "Turkey's democracy is an important example for the people in the broader Middle East, and I want to thank you for your leadership," Bush said to Erdogan in front of the cameras. 4) Oskanian Vienna Meeting Concludes, in Washington to Meet US Officials VIENNA (Combined Sources)--After meeting with OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen in Vienna, Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said that a set of issues on the regulating the Mountainous Karabagh conflict were discussed. According to the Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry press services, Oskanian and the co-chairs the Steven Mann (US), Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia) and Bernard Fassier (France) also specified details about the June 17 meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart, due to take place in Paris on June 17. Okanian then departed for Washington, DC where he is expected to hold a news conference on June 10 at the National Press Club to discuss, developments in the South Caucasus, the Mountainous Karabagh Peace Process, and Armenian-Turkish Relations. The Minister is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, National Security advisor Stephen Hadley, other Bush Administration officials, and members of Congress to discuss these and other issues, including Armenian forces in Iraq as part of the multinational coalition. 5) South American Countries Expand Armenian Genocide Recognition Efforts MONTEVIDEO (Combined Sources)--Parliament members of Uruguay have initiated a signature collection campaign under a petition appealing to the European Union to urge Turkey to acknowledge its 1915 genocide of Armenians. Similar campaigns have also been launched in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The action was initiated by deputy of the Uruguayan parliament Lilian Kechichian. All Armenian organizations functioning in Latin America have signed-on in support of the initiative. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has already responded with a note of protest, which says, in part, "The Paraguayan authorities support groundless statements of Armenians." Uruguay was the first nation to officially recognize the Armenian genocide in 1965, while Argentina recognized it in 1985. On April 24 of this year, Uruguayan President Tabare Vasquez addressed the Armenian community in Montevideo, in unveiling a monument honoring the Armenian genocide victims. 6) Prime Minister Opens Armenian Pavilion at World Expo in Japan AICHI (Combined Sources)--Armenia marked its national day at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi State, Japan on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Andranik Margarian opening Armenia's pavilion dedicated to the National Day of Armenia. Welcomed by a wave of Armenian flags and the playing of the national anthem, Margarian told guests and participants that similar events help to promote integration among nations by establishing not only economic and commercial relations between peoples and states, but promoting cultural and humanitarian ties. "In the age of scientific and technological progress, economic development is necessary to create opportunities to unite nations and target opportunities for cooperation," Margarian said. He stressed that International integration and unification can only be possible via the development of each sovereign state and knowledge of the history and culture of each people. "I assure that we brought the best from the heart and the soul of sunny Armenia, and it has been peculiar to the Armenian people throughout the ages, and remains today and in the future," he stressed. Armenia's pavilion, "Art of Life," presented the culture, history, economic and intellectual potential of Armenia, as well as the co-existence of existence man and nature, and the country's process of international integration. After attending a reception in their honor in Nagoya city, the Armenian delegation departed to Tokyo for bilateral meetings with Japanese officials. The Expo, in which 200 nations are partaking, began on Monday with Japan Day with Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on hand for the opening ceremony. "As the host country of the exposition, we have a unique opportunity to let the people of the world know what efforts we're making to leave a better Earth for future generations," the crown prince told the 2,000 guests. "On Japan Day, I hope we can increase people's awareness of Earth and environmental problems, and deepen understanding among the people of the world about Japan's endeavors in this regard," he said. Koizumi said he believed that economic development could go hand in hand with environmental protection and that science and technology were key to achieving this. "I hope the people of the world will work together and think about a future where people and nature can exist in harmony," he said. 7) His Holiness Karekin II Opens Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library BURBANK--Singing the hymn "Hrashapar," His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, began the opening ceremony for the Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library. Following the reading of the Gospel, His Eminence Archbishop Derderian thanked benefactors Mr. and Mr. Harout Aghasarkissian and Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Aghasarkissian for their generous support. His Holiness congratulated the Diocese on the occasion, and conveyed to the faithful in attendance his blessings form the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He concluded with the Benediction. Attending the ceremony were Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, and Aghasarkissian family friend, former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell. 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. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Romania beats Armenia 3-0 in Group 1
AP Worldstream
Jun 08, 2005

Gigel Bucur scored two goals and Ovidiu Petre added another Wednesday
to lead Romania over Armenia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
Romania, which lost to the Netherlands on Saturday, started the game
with a revamped squad with many new players, including Bucur.
Romania pushed for an early goal, and defender Cristian Chivu came
close to scoring after only three minutes, but his powerful shot from
inside the box was deflected wide by a defender.
Petre broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a header from six
meters (yards). It was Petre’s first goal for the national team.
Romania made it 2-0 in the 40th when Bucur broke into the Armenian box
and beat the goalkeeper with a well placed shot to the far corner.
Armenia missed its biggest chance in the dying minutes of the first
half when Ara Hakobian hit the post with a shot from inside the box.
Bucur, who was playing his first match as a starter, scored again in
the 83rd minute with a shot to the top far corner.
“This is a time for reconstruction of the national team,’ Romania
coach Victor Piturca said.
___
Lineups:
Romania: Bogdan Lobont; Cosmin Contra (Flavius Stoican, 67), Gabriel
Tamas, Cristian Chivu, Razvan Rat, Ovidiu Petre, Dorinel Munteanu
(Ionut Mazilu, 87), Gigel Bucur, Mihaita Plesan, Gigel Coman (Nicolae
Mitea, 80), Marius Niculae.
Armenia: Roman Berezovski; Sarkis Hovsepian, Romik Haciatrian, Karen
Dohoian, Alexander Tadevosian, Eghise Melikian, Ara Hakobian, Agvan
Mkrcian (David Grigorian, 85), Armen Sahgeldian, Edgar Manusarian
(Arman Karamian, 54) Aram Voskanian (Robert Arzumanian, 46).

Between Brussels and Moscow: Only Democratic and Legalistic Russia Can Be the
EU’s Strategic Partner
Polish News Bulletin
Jun 08, 2005

Where are the boundaries of the Europe of common values and standards?
Defining its borders in the north, south (except Turkey perhaps), and
west is not particularly difficult. It is the east that causes
problems.
For some, Europe ends with the last European baroque churches, others
set its border on the Ural, and the greatest optimists see it in
Vladivostok, writes Moscow correspondent Slawomir Popowski in
Rzeczpospolita.
The problem is that Europe’s eastern borders have always been
artificial. Whether it was the Roman “limes,” the Berlin wall
separating the European democracies from the Soviet bloc, or the
Schengen treaty barring Europe against the hordes of new “barbarians”:
impoverished, feeling inferior, with a mentality deformed by decades
of Soviet conditioning.
So can Europe turn away from them? The question is basically rhetoric.
Especially in the wake of the Ukrainian orange revolution which became
a challenge both for the EU and for Russia. For Moscow, because it
challenged Russia’s position as the Soviet Union’s political heir.
For Europe, because it put on the agenda the question of the EU’s role
in an area which until then it had silently regarded as Russia’s zone
of influence, if only to avoid the problems and burdens associated
with the necessity of maintaining a relatively stable political
situation in the potentially explosive area.
The Ukrainians, voting against the rigged elections, turned all that
upside down. For the first time, Europe was forced to involve itself
so directly and so openly in solving a conflict in the post-Soviet
area.
It was a special conflict, where one of the parties, acting under
Moscow’s dictation and in defence of its interests, strived, at any
prices, not excluding electoral falsifications, to maintain the
political status quo. The other, supported by the protest of hundreds
of thousands of Ukrainians, fought for a European future for Ukraine.
It is not particularly important that it was Poland, in cooperation
with Lithuania, that mobilised the European politicians to offer their
mediation. What is important is the Europe finally noticed Ukraine and
its European aspirations, and, above all ? that it was the only thing
it could do.
For a dozen years following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia did
not have to fear any competition. Though the Moscow-led Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS) was an amorphous structure, criticised for
its weakness, one thing seemed certain ? that the post-Soviet states
had no choice and sooner or later would have to merge with Russia;
they were sentenced to integration on Moscow’s terms, and the Russian
diplomacy’s only goal was to prevent anyone from mingling with their
affairs.
Shortly speaking, Moscow did not have to worry, it could wait calmly
for the situation to become ripe for more decisive solutions, making
only sure that power in the satellite countries remained in the hands
of people loyal to Moscow.
The Ukrainian elections, won by Victor Yuschenko, meant a failure of
that strategy. The new Kiev government proclaimed euroatlantic
integration the priority of its policy, and the Kremlin’s project of
the Common Economic Space, which was supposed to become the foundation
of a new economic and political community as well as help Russia
rebuild its former position as a global power, was in effect dumped.
The Russian political elites interpreted that as the greatest,
strategic defeat of Putin’s Russia and their reaction was
understandable. The earlier “revolution of roses” in Georgia could
have been ignored. The orange, Ukrainian one cannot.
Firstly, because Ukraine has always been a crucial element of Russia’s
strategic concepts (in line with Zbigniew Brzezinski’s thesis that
without Ukraine, Russia will never be an empire).
Secondly, there are a lot of indications to believe that we are having
to do with a new process here: having moved its borders eastwards, the
united Europe for the first time gained a direct border with the
post-Soviet space.
As a result, perhaps involuntarily on the EU’s part, a new,
alternative integration project emerged in the post-Soviet space. It
was that project that won in Ukraine. Moldova was another stage of the
same process. The same, Russian analysts believe, will now happen with
Belarus, and then possibly with Armenia and Azerbaijan.
In all, this amounts to a fundamentally changed geopolitical
situation. The EU has virtually no choice but to accept the European
aspirations of one after another post-Soviet country breaking free of
Russian hegemony.
The EU’s power of attraction, according to Fiodor Lukyanov, editor in
chief of Russia in Global Politics, a periodical published in Moscow
together with Foreign Affairs, lies in its unwavering conviction that
it represents the most progressive, democratic, and fair development
model, and that its neighbours will sooner or later choose the same
path and adopt the same values and standards as their basis.
It is thanks to such an approach, writes Lukyanov, that the EU
overcame the consecutive crises and achieved goals that had previously
looked fantasy, i.e. the euro. However, such a philosophy only makes
sense if the EU ? even when imposing tough, or actually restrictive
conditions ? remains open to those who want to join it. And that us
why it could not leave Ukraine to its fate.
That is something one can hardly disagree with. The alternative would
be to build a new wall in the east, knowing perfectly well that a
decisive “no” for Kiev” would mean a “yes” for Moscow and its imperial
ambitions, with all the consequences of that, including Europe’s new,
inevitable division into a “Brussels,” western one, and “Moscow,”
eastern one.
The former would be ruled by its own principles and values, and so
would the latter. While the latter’s values and standards could be
somewhat similar to those of the former, they would still be
different, filtered by Moscow depending on its needs and interests.
Thus, at the EU’s silent consent, a new, powerful, and independent
“power pole” would grow at its side, directly referring to the Soviet,
imperial political doctrine ? a very dangerous one for Europe and its
security, even if free of any communist ideology.
Without a power base in the shape of the CIS, without Ukraine,
Georgia, Moldova and other post-Soviet countries ? this will be
impossible, or at least highly unlikely. And that us an additional,
strategic reason why the EU must not be indifferent to what happens
beyond its eastern border and, if need be, will have to become
increasingly involved. Even at the cost of tough political competition
with Russia in the area.
One can hardly be surprised by Russia’s irritation following the lost
battle in Ukraine. Russia had long perceived the post-Soviet countries
at its borders as the so called “close abroad” ? an area requiring
special treatment, formally separate from Russia but tied to it in
various ways and one that, when the time is right, will be
reunited. In other words, Russia had never accepted the Soviet Union’s
collapse and perceived it as temporary.
Vladimir Putin’s recent interpretation of its collapse as the 20th
century’s “greatest catastrophe” only confirms this.
This raises the question what Russia can do to oppose the EU’s
expected growing presence in the CIS area? Contrary to what it might
seem, it can do little, though, it needs to be admitted, it is not
utterly helpless.
One of the methods is trying to divide the EU. Moscow has been
stubbornly trying to prove that the main culprits are the new member
states, which, having old scores to settle with Russia, are trying to
“squeeze it out of Europe.” Therefore, it is necessary to limit to
the minimum the new member states’ influence over the EU eastern
policy.
This fundamentally false assumption does not stand up to criticism. It
is not the new member states who are isolating Russia, and it is not
the EU ? contrary to what Russian politicians are saying ? that is
“building new lines of division in Europe,” but Russia itself,
rejecting the European standards of the rule of law and democracy, or
demanding that Europe accepts its special rights in the post-Soviet
area.
But Russia also has its “realists,” looking at the future more soberly
than the radical nationalists or the political constituencies tied to
the special services do. In April, a report on Russia-EU relations was
published, drawn up by a team led by Sergey Kaganov of the influential
Foreign and Defence Policy Council.
The report says that if the present trends, including in Russia’s
domestic policy, continue, then within the next couple of years most
(if not all) former republics of the Soviet Union’s western part will
“find themselves part of the euroatlantic military-political system,”
and striving for EU membership. In other words, the process of the
EU’s expansion in the post-Soviet area cannot be stopped and Russia
has to accept that “in the longer term, the civilisational,
military-political, and economic border will run alongside Russia’s
western borders.”
Above all, however, the report stresses that Moscow has to define a
clear strategy towards the EU. This will be the most difficult task of
all. At the very beginning of its transformation, Russia made a
fundamental assumption that it would remain a separate centre of
power.
This principle remains valid to this day. Though Russia officially
declares that it wants to have closer relations with the West, and
stresses that cooperation with the EU is of strategic importance for
it, it has kept demanding special treatment and recognition for what
it calls the “Russian specificity.” Moscow realises the need for
bringing Russian regulations more in line with the EU ones, and yet it
does not want to “share” its sovereignty and refuses to accept
regulations over whose adoption, as it says, it had no say. In
reality, it rejects the very idea of integration with the EU for a
simple reason:
it would have to accept the position of one of many member (or at
least associated) states, and that, putting aside the question of
Russia’s size, is irreconcilable with its ambitions and effort to
regain global power status, which is one of Putin’s main goals.
In this situation, the only thing that the EU can do is to firmly
continue its policy of bundling cooperation with Russia with pressure
for democracy, human rights, and regulatory harmonisation. That Russia
cannot become an EU member does not mean it can do whatever it wants,
and the EU has to make it clear to the Kremlin, in its own, well-meant
interest.
After all, the policy of integration towards Russia will only be
successful if the EU and Russia develop similar models of democracy
and socio-economic development. That is why the EU should keep asking
the Kremlin about Yukos, Chechnya, the freedom of press, electoral law
reforms, and even the attitude towards history. Only a democratic and
legalistic Russia (in the European sense of the words) can be a
strategic partner for the united Europe.
At the same time, the EU has to remember that Russia is not the only
subject in the post-Soviet area. There is also Ukraine, Moldova,
Georgia, as well as Belarus, even with its grotesque dictator
Lukashenka. Let alone the others. The only thing that those countries
had until recently had in common was a Soviet way of thinking about
the state and about politics.
Georgia and Ukraine have made only their first step towards
Europe. The EU, and, more broadly, the West have to make sure now that
they continue on this path. If they keep building genuine civic
societies, the door to Europe has to be open increasingly wide for
them.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ENDANGERED SPECIES OF TRITON IS DISCOVERED IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, JUNE 8. ARMINFO. An isolated population of tritons (Triturus
vittatus) has been discovered in Armenia outside their traditional
habitat, Head of Hydrobiology Department of the Institute of
Hydroecology and Ichthyology of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences
Evelina Ghoukassyan says in an interview to ARMINFO.
She says that the prehistoric triton lives in fresh reservoirs near
town Shamlukh, Lori region. Besides, when biologists asked the
Ministry for Nature Protection to do something to protect the triton
they were threatened against advertising the discovery. Goukassyan
says that the Ministry’s argument was that should local residents
happen to know about the rarity of this species they will start
catching it without any control. Some sources say that the triton is
not only well known in Armenia but is actively smuggled to United Arab
Emirates where local residents are ready to pay big money for exotic
species.
The herpentologist of Zoology Institute of the National Academy of
Science of Armenia Aram Agasyan says that the triton was first
registered in Armenia in 1937. In 1985, 1992 and 2002 scientists asked
the Armenian authorities to recognize the triton as an endangered
species but the latter failed to mention the amphibian in Armenia’s
Red Book edition of 1988. If ever published the new edition will
certainly mention the triton, says Agassyan.
The triton belongs to the order of salamanders. During the period of
coupling male tritons acquire very bright coloring – an attraction for
collectioners.

ARMENIA WEAK LINK IN TRANSFORMATION OF CIS ELITE
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. Armenia is, first of all, a weak link in the
transformation of elite in the CIS, MiK reports, referring to Director
General of the Council for National Strategy Valery Khomyakov. He said
that a referendum on constitutional amendments and, may be, on the
adoption of a new constitution, is to be held in Armenia this summer.
“As far as we know, elections or voting in the CIS, as well as
subsequent protests against the results, are one of the main occasions
for public discontent and later for orange and other revolutions,”
Khomyakov said.”Although Aliyev is implementing a rather pro-American
policy, or rather, is not implementing an anti-American policy,
parliamentary elections are to be held in Azerbaijan this autumn,
which may be one of the detonators of the situation as well,”
Khomyakov said.
He believes that the two countries have an old problem (Karabakh),
which may cause some events in Azerbaijan and especially in Armenia –
events that may be similar to those in Tbilisi, Kiev and Bishkek. “It
is rather an acute problem both for the Azerbaijani elite and people
and for the Armenian elite and people. And any outbreak or events
related to Nagorno Karabakh may cause serious public discontent,”
Khomyakov said.P.T. -0–

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIAN BLESSES OPENING OF LIBRARY AT RESIDENCE OF
HEAD OF US WESTERN DIOCESE
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/.Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has
blessed the opening of a library at the residence of the Head of the
US Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Berbank, suburb
of Los Angeles, USA. The press service of the Holy Echmiadzin reports
that the Arakel and Shake Agha-Sargsyan library has been founded on
the donations of Harut and Sargis Agha-Sargsyan. Garegin II
appreciated the initiative displayed by the faithful sons of the
Armenian people, congratulating the diocese on the library. Attending
the opening ceremony were RA Consul General to the USA Gagik
Kirakosyan and Mayor of Atlanta Bill Campbell. P.T. -0–

Armenian premier thanks Japan for financial assistance
Arminfo
8 Jun 05
YEREVAN
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan, who is paying a working
visit to Japan, met his Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi at
midday today.
Markaryan said that Armenia attaches special importance to expanding
cooperation with Japan and rates highly Japan’s contribution to the
preservation of stability and peace, as well as its assistance to
developing countries, the press service of the Armenian government has
reported. The Armenian prime minister expressed the hope that Japan
will continue to maintain a neutral position on the resolution of
regional conflicts within the framework of international cooperation.
Markaryan thanked Japan for continuous technical assistance to
Armenia, as well as for grant and loan programmes in the sphere of
small and medium-sized businesses, energy, agriculture, health care
and culture.
The sides expressed the hope that cooperation between the two
countries will expand. They pointed out cooperation in the sphere of
seismology where Armenian and Japanese scientists have achieved great
success. The sides also confirmed the agreement on holding an
Armenian-Japanese business forum in Moscow on 24 June.
Markaryan thanked Japan on behalf of the Armenian government for a
150m-dollar soft loan for the energy sphere, which is the largest one
among those allocated by donor countries.
The sides pointed out that cooperation in the sphere of information
technologies, chemical industry, processing of foodstuffs and tourism
was more effective.
Tomorrow, the Armenian prime minister will meet the management of the
Japanese Bank of International Cooperation and will visit the
Panasonic centre.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
His Holiness Karekin ii
catholicos of all armenians
In the western DIOCESE

his HOLINESS meets with
armenian day school students
Tuesday, June 7, 2005

On June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the students of Armenian Day Schools in the
Glendale Civic Center. Over 1,000 students representing the Armenian
schools of the Los Angeles area were present, led by their principals
and teachers.
His Holiness entered the auditorium accompanied by high ranking
clergy, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the
Mother See; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace
Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, His
Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, as well as several clergy
of the Diocese.
Also present were several dignitaries including Consul General of
the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Kirakosian; Rafi Manoukian, Mayor,
City of Glendale; Ara James Najarian, Esq., Member, Glendale City
Council; Randy Adams, Glendale Chief of Police; Jim Starbird, City
Manager, Glendale; George Chapjian, Director, Parks & Recreation,
Glendale; and Dr. Armine G. Hacopian, Member, Board of Trustees,
Glendale Community College.
The following schools had brought their participation to the
program: Armenian Sisters Academy, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School,
Mesrobian Armenian School, Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian
Evangelical School, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School,
Mkhitarian School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School, Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School,
TCA Arshag Dickranian School, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School,
and Ferrahian Armenian School.
Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, Chairman of the committee in charge of the
organization of the event, served as Master of Ceremonies. He invited
to the podium Mr. Rafi Manoukian who welcomed His Holiness Karekin II
to the City of Glendale.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the opening remarks,
extending his warm regards to the Catholicos. He also welcomed him on
his second Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese. Dr. Yacoobian,
Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, delivered his message on
behalf of the principals of the schools in attendance.
Following the addresses a cultural program took place with the
participation of each school. The program included remarks on behalf
of the students, recitation, music, singing and Armenian dance.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to the podium
to address the students. `Today is a miraculous day, as the students
are gathered to express their respects and warm regards towards His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. We have no doubt
that through his presence you are visited by Holy Etchmiadzin, our
Motherland Armenia, as well as our people in Armenia. We have no
doubt that the Pontifical visit of His Holiness strengthens your love
towards Armenia and keeps alive the memory of our martyrs. We have no
doubt that with the visit of the Catholicos you are challenged to
continue your lives with greater pride as a symbol of the
Resurrection of Christ, and the testimony that the Armenian people
will live forever.’
His Eminence then invited to the podium Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan
who read the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness bestowing
the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal of Honor upon renowned Armenian poet
Jacques S. Hagopian. Following, His Holiness pinned the Medal of
Honor on Mr. Hagopian.
In his adders to the youth in attendance His Holiness Karekin II
expressed his immense joy in being in the presence of the students.
He urged the students to keep alive the Armenian language and the
love for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He continued, `Today I
extend to you the love of your brothers and sisters in Armenia who
anxiously await your return to the Motherland.’
Following his address, His Holiness presented gifts to each of the
principals in attendance.

his HOLINESS meets with
armenian students of
burbank unified school district
Tuesday, June 7, 2005

At 4:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the Armenian students of the Burbank Unified
School District, in the Burbank High School auditorium. The event
marked the fourth gathering between the youth and His Holiness since
his arrival to the Western Diocese on June 1st.
Accompanying His Holiness were high ranking clergy of his entourage,
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See;
His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy.
The event began with the singing of the national anthems followed by
the `Toccata’ on the piano, two Armenian dances (Three Girls and
Dream), and `Yerevan Erepouni’ on the flute. All performances were by
student representatives of the Burbank Unified School District
schools.
Paul Krekorian, President of the Burbank Unified School District
Board of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation to the
Catholicos for his visit to Burbank High School. Mr. Krekorian
acknowledged the members of the District present during the event,
Ted Bunch, Vice President of the BUSD Board of Education; Dave Kemp,
member of the Board; Gregory Bowman, Superintendent; and Alexis
Sheehy, Assistant Superintendent.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian delivered his address to
the students with the words, `We are delighted to have His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, among us. Since his arrival
the Catholicos has met with the youth on several occasions, showing
the great love and respect of Vehapar towards the youth. He knows
that with the youth is a new beginning. In Armenia he has initiated
several projects for the youth in the Araratian Diocese. Today thanks
to his efforts over 8,000 students have the opportunity to attend art
centers in Armenia. The youth have truly become the instruments of
his vision. We celebrate his presence which brings to us the love of
Armenia and Holy Etchmiadzin.’
Upon the request of the Catholicos, Compositor Robert Amirkhanian, a
member of the official entourage of His Holiness, performed two of his
pieces, `Hayi Achker’ and `Yeraz Im Yergir.’
His Holiness was invited to the podium to address the youth. `I have
come from the Motherland to create and enthusiasm among you so that in
your joy you cultivate your life and your love for your Motherland,’
said the Pontiff. `During the past few days, we have witnessed that
you have already built a small Armenia. Armenia is present here in
your songs, recitations, dance and prayers. Our soul is enlightened
and uplifted in witnessing your enthusiasm. May God bless and keep
you.’
His Holiness presented an Armenian painting to Mr. Paul Krekorian,
in appreciation of their hospitality.

reception in honor of his HOLINESS
by armenian general benevolent union
Tuesday, June 7, 2005

At 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, attended a reception in his honor, hosted by the AGBU
Southern California District Committee (SCDC), held in the AGBU
Center in Pasadena.
His Holiness was accompanied by his entourage which included His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese;
His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See; His
Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy and guests.
Opening remarks were made by Mr. Ara Babayan, long time member of
the AGBU. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Vahram Biricik,
member of the AGBU SCDC. He invited to the podium Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the SCDC who officially welcomed the Catholicos
of All Armenians on behalf of the AGBU and expressed his warm
appreciation for his active cooperation with the AGBU.
Mr. Sinan Sinanian, member of the SCDC also extended his
appreciation to the Pontiff, and conveyed his gratitude for the
immense support which the AGBU has continually received from His
Holiness.
Following the address of Yenovk Balekian who outlined the different
projects which have been realized thanks to the cooperation of the
AGBU and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a video was presented
which described the joint activities and projects of His Holiness and
the AGBU when he was the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian extended his appreciation
to the AGBU for hosting the reception. `Here in the AGBU Center His
Holiness feels at home,’ said His Eminence in reference to the strong
bond between the AGBU and the Catholicos.
In his address His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
stressed the importance of cooperation between the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. `The Armenian General Benevolent Union is
an extension of the Armenian Apostolic Church,’ said the Catholicos,
`in the sense that alongside the Church the AGBU also caters to the
needs of the Armenian community.’ The Catholicos extended to the
attendees his blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
In appreciation of the warm reception which he received by the AGBU,
and in the spirit of continued cooperation, His Holiness presented an
Armenian painting to Mr. Vahe Imasdounian.
A plaque of appreciation was presented to Mr. Jirair Boyajian by the
AGBU for his unrelenting devotion to the organization. The reception
was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boyajian, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe
Imasdounian, and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Truisi.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 8, 2005
Burbank, California

Equatorial Guinea hands over six Armenians granted pardon in coup plot
AP Worldstream
Jun 08, 2005
RODRIGO ANGUE NGEUMA MBA

Authorities in this oil-rich African nation on Wednesday released six
accused Armenian mercenaries granted a presidential pardon after
spending nearly 15 months behind bars.
The six were arrested March 6 in Equatorial Guinea’s capital, Malabo,
and sentenced to 14 and 24 years in prison in an alleged plot to
overthrow the government.
“This is a very important act, which once again proves the generous
and great humane nature of the president,” Justice Minister Angel
Masie Mibuy said at a ceremony inside the ministry that was attended
by Armenian officials and the former detainees.
Those released included an Armenian pilot that the government said was
hired to fly gunmen and material in for the plot, and five other crew
members.
An Armenian official said they would be flown home as soon as
possible.
On Tuesday, human rights group Amnesty International said that the
trial and detention of the group of alleged mercenaries had been rife
with human rights violation.
The London-based group also said the court repeatedly ignored
allegations that defendants had been tortured while under
interrogation in order to extract confessions.
Torture allegations emerged after one German defendant died in March
in the notorious Black Beach prison. Rights groups cited witness
accounts that he was wounded during torture, but authorities said he
died of malaria.
The alleged leader of the mercenaries, South African arms dealer Nick
Du Toit, and six other South Africans are still in detention. Du Toit
was sentenced to 34 years in prison, though he repudiated an alleged
confession that had provided the bulk of Equatorial Guinea’s case.
Equatorial Guinea opposition figure Severo Moto, in exile in Spain,
was sentenced in absentia to 63 years. Eight other opposition figures
also living in exile each were sentenced to 52 years in prison.
Equatorial Guinea alleges that Mark Thatcher _ son of former British
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher _ and other, mainly British,
financiers commissioned the bid to overthrow the 25-year-old regime of
Obiang and install an opposition politician as the figurehead leader
of Africa’s No. 3 oil producer.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
June 8 2005
SPEAKER OF AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT RECEIVES GERMAN AMBASSADOR IN BAKU
[June 08, 2005, 22:55:49]
Chairman of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan Parliament) Murtuz Alaskarov
on 8 June received the ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan Detlef
Lingemann. Noting the role of the heads of state in development of
the friendly relations between two countries, Mr. Alaskarov said the
documents signed during the official visit of the nationwide leader
of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev to Germany in 1996 have created
legal base for these relations. The official visit of President Ilham
Aliyev to Germany in 2004 has specified the directions of these ties.
The parliamentary links also develop successfully, he underscored.
Both parliaments have friendship groups and they have regular
meetings and cooperate closely.
Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament informed on the realized reforms in
the country, spoke of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. Chairman of the Milli Majlis expressed gratitude to the
German government and Parliament for fair position in this question,
emphasizing confidence that this policy would never change. Mr.
Alaskarov wished the Ambassador success in his diplomatic mission.
Ambassador Detlef Lingemann said he had been in Azerbaijan 22 years
ago, stressing that he was admired by present development of the
country. He stressed readiness to assist in integration of Azerbaijan
to the European structures.
Touching upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the German diplomat said
his country adheres settlement of the problem in the frame of
territorial integrity and peacefully.
Also were exchanged opinions on a number of other issues of mutual
interest.