Month: June 2005

BUNDESTAG TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENCOIDE BEFORE PRE-TERM ELECTIONS, ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY SAYS
Armenpress
YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS: Armenian ambassador to Germany,
Karine Ghazinian, argued today that a largely- expected victory
of conservative Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union
(CSU/CSU) bloc in pre-term parliamentary poll , would result in more
favorable conditions for Germany to recognize officially the 1915
Armenian genocide.
On April 22 the German parliament agreed on a resolution that
asked Ankara to accept its role in the expulsion and massacre
during and after World War I that killed up to 1.5 million
Armenians. Mrs. Ghazinian said the resolution is very likely to win a
final approval by lawmakers before they leave for a summer recess. The
resolution that avoids the word “genocide,” calls on Turkey to
“take historic responsibility” for the massacres of Armenians by the
Ottoman Turkish government and ask forgiveness from the descendents
of the victims. The ambassador said she had received assurances of
many of Bundestag members, who, despite their involvement in a new
election campaign, said the resolution would be passed before pre-term
parliamentary elections. She also said the new resolution would use
the word “genocide.” She also said the Armenian community of Germany
is working hard to have the resolution passed.
The three-page resolution also recognizes a limited German role
that was Turkey’s main ally in the World War I in the massacres
that killed between 1.2 and 1.5 million Armenians. Gernot Erler,
the Social Democratic (SPD) deputy foreign affairs spokesman in the
Bundestag had said in a statement.
“The Bundestag asks the Armenian people for their forgiveness.” The
resolution was condemned by Turkey’s ambassador to Germany, Mehmet
Ali Irtemcelik, as containing “countless factual errors” written “in
agreement with propaganda efforts of fanatic Armenians.” Germany has
been reluctant to address the issue of Turkish and Armenian history
in the past largely due to its own 2.5 million Turkish residents.

HAYRUSGAZARD HAS NO PLANS TO RAISE GAS PRICES
Armenpress
YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS: Hayrusgazard natural gas operator
said it had no plans to ask a government-affiliated public services
regulatory commission to allow it to raise prices for gas supplies
this year. Ashot Hovsepian, Hayrusgazard deputy executive manager,
said the company may change its plans only in case of a drastic fall
in gas consumption volumes.
Hayrusgazard says it has presently 270,000 consumers, a 70,000 rise
over the beginning of the year.

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
May 31 2005
Iran-Armenia economic cooperation of constructive nature
Tabriz, May 31, IRNA
Iran-Armenia-Cooperation
Head of Iran-Armenia Chamber of Commerce Aha Ronian said here Tuesday
that existing economic ties between Iran and Armenia had a constructive
nature.
Speaking at Iran-Armenia economic confab, he said that mutual economic
cooperation would have numerous economic privileges for both sides and
this required endeavors by businessmen and traders in both countries.
Given Iran’s great economic potentials, the country could be considered
as a reliable partner for Armenia, he said.
To join WTO, it is vital to adopt new strategies to prepare the
grounds for accession to the world body, he said.
The Iran-Armenia trade center which is to become operational in the
near future would play a very significant role in expanding economic
cooperation between the two countries, he said.
An exclusive trade exhibition is to be held in the center, he said.
Iran-Armenia held a joint economic commission in Tabriz to review
further expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
During the two day seminar, the two sides’ businessmen and economic
experts are to study grounds for further promotion of economic
cooperation between the two countries.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
May 31 2005
Iran gives priority to expansion of ties with neighboring states
Tabriz, East Azarbaijan prov, May 31, IRNA
Iran-Ties-Armenia
Iran’s Ambassador to Yerevan Ali-Reza Haqiqian on Tuesday referred to
expansion of multifaceted relations with the neighboring countries in
line with the policy of promoting regional peace, stability, balance,
security and welfare in the region as one of the basic principles
of Iran.
Speaking at inaugural ceremony of a conference held by Iranian and
Armenian tradesmen, he added that given the historical commonalties
and peaceful communication between the two nations, the two countries
should further bolster cooperation.
“The economic potentials of the two states and the interests associated
with the privilege of being neighbors justify making optimum use of
the favorable conditions.
He hoped to witness the achievements of Iranian and Armenian tradesmen
after the necessary grounds are prepared by the officials of both
countries for such cooperation.
Stressing that bolstering mutual ties is one of the objectives of
the high-ranking officials of the two states, the Iranian diplomat
said, “Establishment of Aras Free Trade and Industrial Zone, joint
construction of Nowzar bridge and Armenia’s access to the remarkable
facilities of East Azarbaijan province will serve as a proper
infrastructure to strengthen collaboration between the two states.
He reiterated the need to hold similar conferences in Iran and Armenia
and noted that looking for new fields of cooperation and struggling
to use the available potentials requires close assistance of the
officials in charge.
The two-day conference is held at the premises of Tabriz Chamber of
Commerce, Industries and Mines.
During the seminar, the attending tradesmen and industrialist will
discuss trade cooperation between the two countries.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 315-3339
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:
NKR representation announces new contact information
PRESS RELEASE
May 31, 2005
Washington, DC – Today, Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
(NKR/Artsakh) Vardan Barseghian announced new contact information for
the NKR representation in the United States. Barseghian also thanked
the Armenian Assembly of America for its continued multifaceted
support of Artsakh’s de-facto embassy in Washington, DC.
The new contact information is as follows:
NKR Office
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 223-4330, Fax: (202) 315-3339, Email: [email protected]
“It is critical for the Nagorno Karabakh Republic to continue its
representation in Washington, DC and work efficiently with the U.S.
Government and the American public throughout the United States. I
thank those who have supported our office in the past and appeal to
our friends to continue supporting Artsakh’s diplomatic efforts in
the United States. I am confident that together we will make Artsakh’s
voice in Washington, DC even stronger,” said Barseghian.
* * *
The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States
is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government,
academia and the American public representing the official policies
and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under
the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available
at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

California Courier Online, June 2, 2005
1 – Commentary
Turks Cause Worldwide Outcry
By Canceling Genocide Conference
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 – Ani Darakdjian Named
US Director of JAA
3 – Paul Krekorian Elected President
Of Burbank Board of Education
4 – Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Meeting
Identifies 2005 Beneficiary Project
5 – Catholicos Karekin II Begins
Visit to California on June 1
6 – Turkey Refuses
To Register YBC’s
Ararat Brandy
7 – WDEF Receives $3 Million
From Paul Lyons Estate
8 – Armenian Moms & Daughters Team 813
One of Largest in Revlon Walk for Cancer
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1 – Commentary
Turks Cause Worldwide Outcry
By Canceling Genocide Conference
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
For several months now, I have been writing about the Turkish officials’
unintended efforts in publicizing the Armenian Genocide issue worldwide.
Last week, Turkey’s Minister of Justice Cemil Cicek provided the best
evidence for my contention.
Three of Turkey’s most prestigious universities had organized a conference
that was to take place in Istanbul, May 25-27, on “Ottoman Armenians During
the Decline of the Empire: Issues of Scientific Responsibility and
Democracy.” Invited to this conference from around the world were only
those Turkish scholars who did not accept the Turkish government’s denial
of the Armenian Genocide.
Minister Cicek, speaking on the floor of the Turkish Parliament, called
these Turkish scholars “traitors” and accused them of “stabbing the Turkish
nation in the back.” He made this statement after several so-called
historians, who are hired by the government to deny the Armenian Genocide,
complained that they were not invited to this conference. A few members of
the parliament also attacked the organizers of the conference for betraying
Turkey’s interests.
Fearing that these scholars were about to disclose a version of history
which was not in line with that approved by the Turkish government, the
Governor of Istanbul called Ayse Soysal, the rector of Bogazici University,
the day before the conference, and ordered her to cancel the meeting. She
declined. She also refused requests later that day from the Chief Public
Prosecutor to hand over the texts of the papers to be delivered at the
conference. In such an atmosphere of insults, slander, intimidation and
threats, the organizers were left with no choice but to cancel the
conference.
The Turkish government made, once again, a very serious miscalculation. By
trying to silence these scholars, the Turkish officials stirred up a
hornet’ s nest. This time, the Turkish government was not attacking
Armenians or foreigners for maligning the Turkish nation, but a large
number of Turkish
scholars who had refused to swallow the “official” Turkish version of the
Armenian Genocide. In the past seven days, Turkish newspapers have
published hundreds of articles and commentaries condemning the Justice
Minister’s attempt to deprive these scholars of their right to free speech,
especially at a time when the Turkish leaders are trying to convince the
world that they have met all the requirements for the start of negotiations
to join the European Union.
Making matters worse, scores of Turkish and foreign officials and
associations have also deplored the heavy-handed approach of the Turkish
government. Here are some of the reactions to the cancellation of the
conference:
— Several congressmen made remarks on the House floor questioning Turkey’s
democratic credentials and its qualification for EU membership (Cong. Frank
Pallone, Joe Knollenberg, Adam Schiff, George Radanovich, Thaddeus McCotter
and Steve Rothman).
— Statement issued by the Prof. Tosun Terzioglu, the President of Sabanci
University, one of the organizers of the conference, expressing distress
and displeasure at the cancellation of the conference.
— Press conference held by Professors Selim Deringil and Edhem Eldem,
professors of history at the Bosphorus University, the host of the
conference. Prof. Eldem said: “The one that would lose the most as a
consequence of these developments will, unfortunately, be Turkey.”
— Declaration by Orhan Silier, the Director of the Turkish Historical
Foundation.
— Press releases issued by the Zoryan Institute, the ANCA and the Armenian
Assembly.
— A joint declaration by the conference organizers and participants. —
Letter to Prime Minister Erdogan from Prof. Ali Banuazizi, the President of
the Middle East Studies Association of North America, calling on Turkey, as
a member of the Council of Europe and a signatory of the European
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to
protect the rights of the Turkish scholars.
— Dispatches released by international wire services (AP, Reuters, AFP)
and articles published in hundreds of newspapers and magazines around the
world, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, criticizing the
cancellation of the genocide conference.
— Statements of condemnation issued by various European political parties
and EU officials. “The remarks of the Justice Minister are unacceptable.
This is an authoritarian approach raising questions over Turkey’s reform
process,” a diplomat from an EU country told AFP.
— The International Association of Genocide Scholars issued a statement
calling the cancellation of the conference “a major violation of basic
standards of academic freedom in the free world.”
–154 scholars from 11 Turkish universities signed a joint letter
protesting the violation of the academic independence of universities.
— The Izmir Contemporary Attorneys’ Association and the Izmir Human Rights
Association filed charges against the Justice Minister. They accused the
Minister of violating several articles of the Turkish constitution, along
with articles of the International Convention on Civil and Political
Rights.
— Dogu Ergil, in a commentary in the Turkish Daily News, ridiculed Prime
Minister Erdogan’s repeated calls to leave the issue of the Armenian
Genocide to historians. “The last decision of the government was to ‘leave
the matter to the historians.’ Well, it is the historians who are taking on
the initiative now. No, oh, no! They are the ‘wrong’ historians and
scholars because they do not accept and repeat the same political position
adopted by the officialdom,” wrote Ergil.
Despite this worldwide outcry, neither Minister Cicek nor his boss, Prime
Minister Erdogan, seem to have learned anything from the worldwide
anti-Turkish publicity they helped generate. Cicek insists that he stands
behind his words and does not regret calling the scholars traitors. He said
he has the right to express his opinion. Apparently, only government
officials enjoy the freedom to express themselves, but not the scholars,
and not anyone else, for that matter.
Prime Minister Erdogan also does not get it. He said that the Turkish
scholars should first study the archives before they can hold a conference
on the Armenian Genocide – a convenient excuse to avoid this issue. The
whole purpose of the conference was for the scholars to present what they
had uncovered in their research.
Before the Prime Minister of Turkey can invite Armenian and Turkish
historians to discuss the Armenian Genocide, he should allow independent
Turkish scholars to discuss it first among themselves. These Turkish
scholars may find the truth on their own without needing any help from
their Armenian counterparts.
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2 – Ani Darakdjian Named
US Director of JAA
LOS ANGELES – The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Armenia (JAA)
has named Ani Darakdjian its US Director, a new full-time post based in Los
Angeles, California.
“The appointment of Ani Darakdjian as US Director marks a significant
development in the history of our organization,” commented Armine
Hovannisian, JAA’s Executive Director. “She is the perfect addition to the
JAA family and comes on board at a time when our growth presents new and
exciting challenges.”
Darakdjian’s responsibilities cover the entire spectrum of JAA’s stateside
operation, including financial management, collaborating with JAA’s
Armenia-based staff to coordinate and manage all programs and activities,
and actively pursuing new sources of funding for the organization.
“The establishment of a US Director position is a testament to JAA’s
continued commitment to achieving excellence both in programming and in
organizational operations,” said Jack Berberian, President of the JAA Board
of Directors
Darakdjian comes to JAA after an exhaustive nationwide search that produced
many impressive candidates. Her resume stood out among the dozens received
because of her exceptional professional and academic accomplishments. Her
career spans corporate consulting, business development and international
affairs, including experience both in the US and Europe in economic
development and international trade. She holds an MBA in Finance and
Management as well as a Master of International Affairs, both from Columbia
University.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to Armenia’s economic and political
development in this capacity,” said Ms. Darakdjian. “The work of this
organization – instilling in Armenia’s youth the values and principles of
democracy, social responsibility and ethical free enterprise – is essential
to building a strong foundation for the country’s future.”
The hiring of Darakdjian comes amidst the expansion of JAA’s vital and
much-lauded work in Armenia, which today reaches 170,000 students annually
through both its economics and civics courses.
JAA has successfully rolled out its civics program to all of the country’s
high schools. With the conclusion of its current USAID grant in 2005, the
Armenian Ministry of Education and Science will assume the administrative
and financial responsibilities of the program in the 8th, 9th and 10th
grades. JAA will continue to play a critical role in civics education by
providing advanced teacher training, innovative extracurricular programs,
increased access to the Internet, international competitions, and
supplemental civics materials.
*****************************************************************
3 – Paul Krekorian Elected President
Of Burbank Board of Education
BURBANK, Calif. – The Burbank Board of Education has unanimously elected
Paul Krekorian to serve as the President of the Board for 2005-2006.
Krekorian, who has served as a Board member since 2003, was elevated to the
highest position at the Board’s May 4 meeting, before a crowded audience
of friends and supporters.
Upon his selection, Krekorian was handed the gavel by outgoing President
Dave Kemp. Krekorian thanked Kemp warmly for his leadership for the past
year and presented him with a plaque of recognition. Krekorian then took
the center chair and led the remainder of the meeting.
In his comments, Krekorian cited some of the many accomplishments of the
Board in the two years since his election. Burbank schools have made
great strides during that period in academic achievement, significantly
increasing test scores. English language learners are being redesignated
as fluent in English at a much faster rate than in surrounding districts,
and much faster than the County and State averages. The district’s
finances are now strong, marking a huge turnaround from the disastrous
condition of the budget just two years ago. The district has made great
improvements in communication with all families and in outreach to Armenian
parents. The district’s relationships with its teachers, with the City and
with its business partners have never been stronger.
“I feel honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this
outstanding school district,” Krekorian said. “We’ve made tremendous
progress over the last two years, and I’m looking forward to building on
that progress and taking the Burbank Unified School District to an even
higher level of excellence.”
Krekorian is believed to be the only Armenian-American ever elected to any
office by the voters of Burbank. As such, Krekorian brings a special
insight to the Board on issues that impact the ever-increasing number of
Armenian students and their families. “We need to ensure that all of our
students are treated fairly and have every opportunity to participate fully
in all school programs,” Krekorian said. “No student and no parent
should ever feel stigmatized or excluded because of their last name or
because they have limited English abilities.”
In his first year in office, Krekorian demanded and obtained recognition of
the April 24 remembrance of the Armenian Genocide by the L.A. County Office
of Education. As a result of Krekorian’s efforts, the remembrance will be
observed in all future editions of the County Education Office’s calendar
of important educational events, which is distributed to teachers
throughout the County. Previously, Krekorian had worked with State Senator
Jack Scott and the Burbank ANC to ensure that all of the district’s world
history teachers would have the curricular material they need to teach the
Genocide appropriately.
Krekorian also initiated the first-ever Armenian Cultural Awareness
workshop for Burbank teachers, in partnership with the Burbank Teachers’
Association and the Burbank ANC. The workshop gave participants new
insights into Armenian history, culture, language and traditions, and
offered a variety of tools to help make teachers and administrators more
effective in reaching their Armenian students. Similarly, Krekorian has
worked closely with the PTA on strategies to make Armenian families feel
more welcome in the schools and to encourage greater parental involvement
in their children’s education.
**************************************************************
4 – Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Meeting
Identifies 2005 Beneficiary Project
GLENDALE – With the North-South Highway in Nagorno Karabagh on the verge of
successful completion, the Board of Trustees of “Hayastan” All-Armenian
Fund identified a new three-year beneficiary project, Revival of Artsakh,
during its 14th annual meeting on May 2, in Yerevan.
Scheduled to air live on Thursday, November 24 this year (Thanksgiving Day)
from Glendale, Calif., Telethon 2005 will raise funds for the first stage
of the program – structural development of Martakert region of Nagorno
Karabagh.
“The Board of Trustees meeting reassured once again that as always Armenia
Fund, Inc., along with its 19 worldwide affiliates, is on the frontline of
nation-building. This time we embark on a grand program of bringing
regional development to Nagorno Karabagh. Upon completion, the
multifaceted project, that is broken up into three stages will lay down the
necessary infrastructure in key areas in each of the three zones that would
induce overall economic development. Health care, housing, rural roads,
education, drinking water, agricultural initiatives and irrigation are the
primary areas that we are going to target in
Martakert, which is the first zone that we have chosen. The Trustees chose
Martakert as the first zone taken the fact that it is the most damaged
region in the war with Azerbaijan, it is right on the border with
Azerbaijan and it has the greatest potential for growth.” explained Maria
Mehranian, chair, Armenia Fund – United States Western Region.
Chaired by Armenian President Robert Kocharian, over 27 trustees and 19
representatives from affiliates worldwide convened
for Hayastan Fund’s annual meeting. Armenia Fund’s U.S. Western Region was
represented by Mehranian and Ara Aghishian, Vice-Chair.
Highlighting the accomplishments of 2004, Naira Melkoumian, executive
director of Hayastan Fund, emphasized the significance of Telethon 2004 and
the unprecedented $11.5 million raised towards the completion of the
North-South Highway. “In 2004, Hayastan Fund implemented over 100 projects
at a cost of $18 million throughout Armenia and Karabakh,
financing or which was made available through the donations of Armenians
from around the world.” added Melkoumian.
It is noteworthy that Hayastan All-Armenian Fund passed a rigorous
financial and construction audit conducted by Grant Thornton Amyot, a
leading global accounting and business advisory firm.
Commenting on the financial audit, chief auditor Armand Pinarbasi noted “In
our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the
financial position of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund as of December 31, 2004,
and of the funds received and expenses incurred and its cash flows for the
year ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards”.
For more information on Armenia Fund – US Western Region, visit
or call 818 – 243 – 6222.
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5 – Catholicos Karekin II Begins
Visit to California on June 1
LOS ANGELES–The second Pontifical Visit of Catholicos Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, to the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Apostolic Church, will take place from June 1-20. This particular visit is
of historical significance as the foundations of the new Mother Cathedral
of the 107-year-old Diocese will be laid during a groundbreaking ceremony.
The Pontiff’s visit marks a milestone in the life of the Armenian community
in North America. During his time in California, the Catholicos will
celebrate Divine Liturgy, visit Diocese churches, conduct religious
services, meet with organizations and youth, as well as visit hospitals in
the area.
The Blessing of the Foundation Stones of the Mother Cathedral of the
Western
Diocese will take place on June 4, at 10 AM, presided by the Catholicos and
assisted by Western Diocese Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The
Pontifical banquet welcoming the Catholicos will take place later that
evening at the Century Plaza Hotel.
For reservations or more information, visit the Armenian Church website at
or contact the Diocesan office at (818) 558-7474.
The Pontifical Divine Liturgy will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of
Angels in Los Angeles on June 5 at 3:30 PM. The Catholicos will follow his
Southern California visit with travel to the Central and Northern
California parishes from June 11-20.
After visiting Fresno area parishes, the Catholicos will hold a Pontifical
meeting June 15 with local dignitaries at a private reception in
Sacramento.
At 6 p.m., the Hrashapar Service will be held at St. James Armenian Church,
3240 “B” Street in Sacramento.
On Saturday, June 18 at 6 p.m., a Pontifical Banquet will be held at the
Burlingame Marriott Hotel.
Banquet tickets must be purchased by June 4, 2005. Seating is limited.
For information, contact one of the Northern California churches: St. James
Armenian Church, Sacramento, (916) 443-3633; St. John Armenian Church,
San Francisco, (415) 661-1142; St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland, (510)
893-1671; St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino, (408) 257-6743
On June 19, at 10:30 p.m., a Pontifical Divine Liturgy will be held at the
St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church in Cupertino
Catholicos Karekin II will celebrate the Divine Liturgy with Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian. Assisting clergy include: Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian (St.
Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino), Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarafian (St. Vartan
Armenian Church, Oakland), Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (St. John Armenian
Church, San Francisco), and Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian (St. James Armenian
Church, Sacramento). Joint choirs from these Northern California churches
will sing ancient hymns of the liturgy led by Anahid Nalvarian. Holy
Communion will be offered to all Armenian Orthodox faithful during Mass.
On June 20, the Catholicos and his entourage will return to the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin.
**************************************************************************
6 – Turkey Refuses
To Register YBC’s
Ararat Brandy
YEREVAN (Arminfo) – Turkey has refused to register the Ararat brand of
Yerevan Brandy Company, President and Director General of YBC Herve Caroff
told Armenia media last week.
He said that Turkish officials explained their denial by the fact that
Ararat is in Turkish territory of Turkey and does not belong to Armenia,
hereby the Ararat trademark of YBC cannot be registered in Turkey.
YBC has appealed the refusal, but its claim has not been satisfied, Herve
Caroff says. He says YBC policy is to register its trademarks in the
markets it intends to enter.
YBC trademarks are registered in 48 countries, and its production is sold
in 25 countries.
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7- WDEF Receives $3 Million
From Paul Lyons Estate
BURBANK, Calif. – The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
American received $3 million to its Endowment Fund from the trust of
Frances Paul Lyons. Upon the passing of the trustees, Dr. S. Barre Paul and
Lillian M. Paul, the distribution of the trust was completed by beneficiary
Varnum Paul, Frances’s brother.
The Western Diocese Endowment Fund (WDEF) will received approximately
three-fifths of the total trust of $5 million. The remained will benefit
the St. Nersess Theological Seminary, the St. John Armenian Apostolic
Church of San Francisco, and the California Armenian Home in Fresno.
The funds will be placed in the WDEF as “The Almas Paul and Frances Paul
Lyons Fund,” and will benefit the general operation of the Western Diocese.
Varnum Paul and Dr. S. Barre have been members of the Armenian Apostolic
Church and staunch supporters of the Western Diocese. In 1979, Varnum Paul
was instrumental in creating the WDEF. The Paul Brothers have played key
roles in the materialization of the several important projects of the
Diocese, including the construction of the S. Barre and Varnum Paul
Galleria of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex. Varnum Paul has also
contributed to the construction of the Mother Cathedral of the Western
Diocese as a Godfather.
**************************************************************************
8 – Armenian Moms & Daughters Team 813
One of Largest in Revlon Walk for Cancer
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Moms & Daughters Team 813 was one of the most
impressive teams participating in the 3.1-mile Revlon Run/Walk for Women on
May 7. With 167 registrants, the Armenian team was ranked 14th in size
among 800
teams that participated and all along the 3.1-mile route around the Los
Angeles Memorial Coliseum Revlon people could be heard saying, “Wow, that’s
a really big team.”
“We are proud that so many Armenian women and men joined the team and we
were able to walk together. It’s a sign of unity among the Armenians,
regardless of age, background and affiliations,” says Team 813 co-captain
and organizer Eileen eusseyan. “What is most impressive is that the teams
that were larger than us represented huge corporations with tens of
thousands of employees, like Sav-On Drugs. They walked in smaller groups,
while we Armenians stuck together and looked like an army of pink.”
Keusseyan’s reference to pink was the color of the Armenian Moms &
Daughters t-shirts, all 200 of which were donated by Dr. Jack H. Sarkisian,
a family doctor in Glendale. The shirts bore a special logo designed by
Michael Chakrian, a 10th-grade student.
The Armenian Moms & Daughters team included men, boys and young girls.
Melissa, a young teen and a 6-year survivor of kidney cancer, joyfully
walked along with women much older than she, some of whom had had one or
both breasts removed due to cancer. While many of the members of the
Armenian team had lost a mother, an aunt or a sister to cancer, the mood
was positive and upbeat.
“We can overcome this if we stay together and support each other,” says
Team 813 co-captain and organizer Alice Chakrian, who lost her
mother-in-law to breast cancer last year. “That’s why we’re here. To raise
awareness and money so that more research can be done to find a cure.”
The Armenian Moms & Daughters Team 813 has raised well over $7,000 for the
Revlon Run/Walk, whose proceeds go
to support women’s cancers research and provide diagnostic treatment
services, counseling and financial aid for the needy who are found to have
cancer.
June 10 is the final deadline for donations. Anyone wishing to make a
donation to the Revlon Run/Walk may send a check to: Revlon Run/Walk For
Women, P.O. Box 4059, Santa Monica, CA 90411-4059. Please mark Team 813 on
the check and the form, which can be obtained on the event website at
. For further information on Team 813, contact Eileen
Keusseyan at [email protected] or Alice Chakrian at [email protected].
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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05/31/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Thousands Dance to Mark Armenia's Independence Holiday 2) Empty Polling Stations in Beirut~Rs Armenian Districts Reflect Dissent 3) ANCA & Africa Action Call on Bush Administration to Take Decisive Action on Darfur Genocide 4) Russia Agrees to Close Military Bases in Georgia 5) Turkey Adopts Penal Code Reforms 1) Thousands Dance to Mark Armenia's Independence Holiday YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Tens of thousands of people, among them President Robert Kocharian, formed a human chain around Armenia's highest mountain on Saturday in a dance that celebrated the 87th anniversary of the restoration of Armenian statehood. The traditional Armenian circle dance took place along the 163-kilometer perimeter of the sprawling Mount Aragats and was meant to symbolize "national unity" on one of the country's most important public holidays. Organizers hailed it as a resounding success, saying that more than 160,000 people participated in the unprecedented event. "We will try to express the unity of our nation around Aragats," Kocharian said before he joined hands with fellow participants in the area about 60 kilometers north of Yerevan. "Thank you all for coming," he added. The dance began at 3 p.m. local time after a public "blessing" voiced by the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II, and lasted for 15 minutes, with several Armenian fighter jets roaring overhead. Participants, each of them part of a group assigned to a particular section of the area, began arriving at the Aragats foot early in the morning. The massive movement was overseen by the police that closed some of Armenia's key highways for regular traffic. Thousands of buses and minibuses were diverted from their service routes in Yerevan and other parts of the country to transport people to the scene. The operation left public transportation in the capital effectively paralyzed throughout the day. 2) Empty Polling Stations in Beirut~Rs Armenian Districts Reflect Dissent BEIRUT (Combined Sources)--Heeding the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) call to boycott the Beirut district elections, the majority of Armenians stayed home in Sunday's first stage of the staggered election to the 128-member assembly. In heavily Armenian populated areas such as Ashrafieh, the effects of the boycott were apparent with only 17 percent voter turnout. Overall low voter turnout--only 28 percent of 420,000 eligible voters casting ballots, seemed to indicate that many people in Beirut stayed away because Saad Al Hariri's victory seemed a foregone conclusion, with nine of the 19 seats falling unopposed to his bloc even before the vote. Hariri, the son and political heir of former slain Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri, angered Armenians when he opted to exclude ARF candidates from his electoral list for vacant Armenian seats in Beirut's three constituencies. Hariri instead proposed Armenians who do not have the backing of the majority Armenian population, namely ARF supporters. The party called for the boycott, saying that Hariri's "list ignores those forces that hold actual political weight in Beirut." Low voter turnout was also felt in Christian districts, in protest of the electoral law which they claim does not allow for true representation. Hani Hammud, editor-in-chief of the Hariri-owned Al Mustaqbal daily, said, "Working toward national unity after the elections would be achieved with the drafting of a new electoral law to replace the current one which was drafted by the [Lebanese] authorities and the services, under Syria's tutelage." "The electoral law has rightfully frustrated many Lebanese, mainly the Christians," he acknowledged. "The first mission of Saad Hariri and his allies [in the opposition] will be to start dialogue for a new electoral law, following a compromise with all parties," Hammud said. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, nevertheless, praised the "democratic conduct" of the first round of voting. "These elections constitute a major opportunity for the Lebanese people to shape their own future, to strengthen their political institutions and to restore their full sovereignty," he said in a statement. Results announced by Interior Minister Hassan Sabei showed Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, won 39,500 of 42,000 votes cast in his constituency, the highest number in any of the 10 contested seats in the mainly Sunni Lebanese capital. A pro-Syrian Shiite Hezbollah candidate on Hariri's slate was the second highest vote-getter with 32,000. Beirut had a 34 percent turnout in 2000, when Hariri's father, then cooperating with Syria, also swept the board. For the first time, foreign observers monitored the polls, with a team of more than 100 led by the European Union, who announced the first round of elections were "open and transparent." Political analyst Ghassan Ezzeh said: "I do not think we can speak about free and democratic elections because there was no real electoral battle." But he said that "even if the new parliament will not have real popular representation, world powers [the [US and France] have already given it legitimacy, and this is enough." As soon as Saad claimed victory late on Sunday, he called for national reconciliation in a country still bearing the scars of the 15-year civil war and extended an open hand to all factions who helped the campaign that led to the Syrian pullout. 3) ANCA & Africa Action Call on Bush Administration to Take Decisive Action on Darfur Genocide Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) Draws Parallels between Darfur and Armenian Genocides at White House Vigil WASHINGTON, DC--Armenian Americans from the Greater Washington, DC area joined with local student leaders and community activists this week to protest the ongoing Genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) was among speakers at the May 25 White House vigil, organized by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Rep. Pallone thanked attendees for calling attention to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, and went on to draw parallels between the Armenian and Darfur genocides. "It's very reminiscent of what happened in the case of the Armenian Genocide," stated Rep. Pallone. "There were people that were speaking out that were not listened to. In the case of the Turks, they were out there in the fields, constantly killing people and moving people into the desert. While there were those who were speaking out [about the Armenian Genocide], the Western powers really weren't doing anything about it. We don't want to be in that situation again here in the United States." Rep. Pallone praised the leadership of fellow New Jersey Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) in spearheading the Darfur Accountability Act (S.495/H.R. 1424) in the Senate and House. The ANCA has joined with Africa Action and other groups in nationwide ANCA WebFax campaigns calling for the passage of the legislation. ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian updated attendees about the status of each bill and called on activists to urge House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) to work for final adoption of the measure. During the vigil, representatives of the ANCA, Africa Action, the Armenian Youth Federation, Genocide Education Project, and Armenian American activists and supporters gave impassioned remarks about the importance of continued activism to press for decisive action by the Bush Administration to end the violence in Darfur. Among the speakers joining Rep. Pallone and Nahapetian were ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian; Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian; Africa Action Executive Director Salih Booker, Director for Public Education and Mobilization Marie Clarke Brill, and Program Associate Akenji Ndumu; Genocide Education Project Education Director Sara Cohen; Armenian American activist Sylvia Parsons; and AYF member Megan Young. Hamparian expressed concern about the US Government's inaction following a September 2004, statement properly characterizing the killings and rapes in Darfur as "genocide." "By using the term genocide--and not acting on our legal and moral obligations, our invocation of the term genocide is hollowed of meaning. Our commitment to the Genocide Convention is undermined. Those whose lives it was within our power to save are abandoned," explained Hamparian. Booker concurred and noted, "President Bush's senior advisors have been asked, 'Is the President still engaged on the issue of genocide in Darfur?' And the Presidential aides, the White House aides have said: yes, the President remains engaged on the subject of genocide, but there are other more important matters requiring his attention. We are here on the lawn of the White House to ask: What is more important than stopping genocide?" Booker thanked the ANCA for providing the leadership for the vigil, and for providing leadership "not just today, not just over the weeks, not just being an ally, but providing leadership in this country to get people to understand what the crime of genocide is and why it's unacceptable anywhere that it occurs on this earth." The ANCA has participated in previous Darfur vigils, protested outside the Sudanese Embassy, spoken at genocide prevention conferences, and generated support--both at the grassroots level and in Washington, DC--for Congressional legislation aimed at ending the slaughter in the Darfur region. Up to 400,000 people have already died and more than 2,000,000 dislocated in Darfur over the past two years. Recent reports confirm that the situation on the ground is deteriorating, and the humanitarian crisis is reaching desperate proportions. For more information about Darfur: To send a free ANCA WebFax protesting the Darfur Genocide: 4) Russia Agrees to Close Military Bases in Georgia --NATO, EU Hail Russian Pledge MOSCOW (AFP/Reuters)--Moscow and Tbilisi have completed an agreement on the pullout by the end of 2008 of Russia's last two Soviet-era military bases in Georgia, a deal that could allow the establishment of other foreign bases there. "The final pullout will be finished during 2008," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after talks Monday in Moscow with his Georgian counterpart Salome Zurabishvili. "We have taken an important and constructive step. We have achieved our goal," Zurabishvili told journalists. The government in Tbilisi is left free to bring in US or other foreign troops, but Zurabishvili said her government had no intention of doing so. The agreement marked a breakthrough after years of rancorous negotiations over the two bases, formerly part of Soviet defenses on the southwestern flank with NATO, but more recently a bargaining chip in Moscow's fight to retain influence in the Caucasus. Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili hailed the agreement as "historic." "This is a very important political event, it is a historic moment for our country, as it puts an end to Russia's 200-year military presence in Georgia," Saakashvili said late Monday following the signing of the deal in Moscow. "We want friendly, neighborly relations, we will never create any problems for Russia," the Georgian leader added. Under the accord, the approximately 3,000 servicemen on the two bases--one in Akhalkalak, near the Georgian-Armenian border, the other in Batumi, on the Black Sea coast--are now on 'withdrawal' status. It was unclear whether Georgia had made any major concessions in the deal, but a mention in the agreement of a possible joint "anti-terrorist" centre seemed to leave the door open for some sort of Russian military presence in the country. Under the accord signed by both foreign ministers, withdrawal of heavy weapons will begin later this year, with September 1 the deadline for removing the first hardware, including up to 20 tanks, the agreement said. The last heavy weaponry must be gone from Akhalkalak by the end of next year, and from all Russian installations by the end of 2007, with the final pullout of the last men and materiel by the end of the following year. The agreement also says that "part of the personnel and technical means and infrastructure" from the Batumi base will be used to set up a Georgian-Russian anti-terrorist center. Russia's refusal to make a speedy withdrawal from the two bases has contributed to tense relations with its neighbor since the collapse of the Soviet Union, especially since Georgia's pro-Western president Mikhail Saakashvili came to power in the "rose revolution" of November 2003. Russia has hoped to stem an erosion of its influence in the Caucasus, where the United States has become an increasingly important player. Georgia has applied for membership in NATO and hosts a small contingent of US military trainers. NATO and the European Union welcomed Russia's pledge to pull its troops. "In taking steps to resolve this longstanding dispute, the two sides have ..advanced security in the Caucasus region," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de. Hoop Scheffer said. De Hoop Scheffer also called in a statement for an early solution to a separate dispute with Moldova over 1,200 Russian peacekeeping troops in the Russian-speaking Dnestr region, which fought a brief war with newly independent Moldova in 1992. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana also issued a statement welcoming the Georgia accord. Some diplomats have suggested the presence of Russian troops in Georgia is an obstacle to Tbilisi's ambition to join NATO, though the alliance insists there is no formal link. In another sign of a possible thaw in relations, Lavrov said there had also been a decision to agree before the end of the year on delimitation of the Georgian-Russian border, which runs along the Caucasus Mountains range. "We will do everything" to contribute to peaceful resolutions of Georgia's separatist conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Lavrov added. Moscow-backed separatist forces control both regions, which are on the Georgian side of the rugged border. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently cleared the way for an end to the row over the bases, saying that Moscow could not drag its feet. "Foreign bases of all countries in the world--if they are not occupying troops--are there with the agreement of their partners. If there is no such desire among our partners, then we have no choice. We have to take this step. For better or worse, we are leaving there," he said. Georgia is impoverished and has a population of less than five million. But it has gained in strategic importance with the building of an oil export pipeline that stretches from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, with a section passing through Georgia. Its troubled border with Russia includes a section shared with Chechnya, where tens of thousands of Russian troops are tied down in the second guerrilla war in a decade. 5) Turkey Adopts Penal Code Reforms ISTANBUL (BBC News)--The Turkish parliament has approved changes to a new penal code--a key condition for the start of European Union membership talks. The code will come into effect at the beginning of June. The last-minute changes came after journalists said that some clauses were highly restrictive of media freedom. Turkey is due to start entry talks with the EU in October, but is not expected to be allowed to join the bloc for at least another nine years. Few pieces of reform legislation have been as difficult to get through parliament as the new penal code. Late last year, Turkey's entire EU membership project appeared to be under threat when the government insisted on including a clause criminalizing adultery in its reformed code. After some heavy hints from Brussels, the clause was dropped. A couple of months ago, just as the code was supposed to come into force, journalists protested at clauses covering what could or could not be published. They said that some were as bad as those in the old code. Some of those clauses have been changed, but there are still restrictions that will raise eyebrows in western Europe: criticizing some state institutions is still a criminal offence, as is publishing material deemed "contrary to fundamental national interests"--such as suggesting that the killings of Armenians in World War I was a genocide. But the code as a whole has been welcomed by EU officials and human rights activists as a giant step forward for the Turkish penal system. 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. 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PRESS RELEASE
HERITAGE PARTY
7 Vazgen Sargsian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 580.877
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected]
May 30, 2005
HERITAGE HOLDS PARTY CONGRESS, ELECTS HOVANNISIAN
Yerevan, May 30 – HERITAGE, a national liberal party, held its third
congress at the government conference facility here today.
Attended by 700 delegates from Yerevan and across Armenia, officials
from the foreign diplomatic corps, media representatives and invited
guests, the convention elected Raffi K. Hovannisian, the Republic’s
first minister of foreign affairs, as its chairman.
The newly elected executive board comprises high school principal
Anahit Bakhshian; former minister of state Hratch Hakobian; law
professor Hrair Tovmasian; theology professor Vardan Khatchatrian;
Health and Humanitarian Assistance Center director Anania Maghakian;
teacher and Artsakh war veteran Davit Badalian; airline executive
Gevorg Kalenchian; and economics professor Zoya Tadevosian.
The day’s agenda included an invocation by Father Haikazun Mkrtchian
of the Armenian Apostolic Church; a moment of silence in tribute to
Armenia’s fallen heroes; greetings by academician Rafael Ghazarian,
People’s party chairman Stepan Demirchian, Republic party chairman Aram
Sargsian, Progressive Liberal party chairman Hovhannes Hovhannisian,
National Democratic party chairman Shavarsh Kocharian, Socialist
Union chairman Ashot Manucharian, and Self-Determination Union
chairman Paruir Hairikian; the adoption of HERITAGE’s charter,
program, and proclamation; and the election of its constitutional
and audit commissions.
Raffi Hovannisian’s “state of the state” address noted the presence
of war hero General Arkadiy Ter-Tadevosian, world-renowned conductor
Ohan Durian, and boxing champion Israel Hakobkokhian; offered the
connection between the Armenian nation’s past heritage and future
legacy; set forth the priority benchmarks of state sovereignty,
national unity, civil liberty, and the rule of law; identified the
key challenges of the country’s domestic and international life;
introduced a ten-point plan for resolution and peace in Karabagh and
the broader neighborhood; discussed the pivotal need for the greater
good to regulate Turkish-Armenian relations based on an assumption
of history; and called for an immediate nationwide transformation
of state and society based on true democracy, citizen’s rights,
and national security.
Founded in 2003, HERITAGE has local chapters throughout the land. Its
main office is located at 7 Vazgen Sargsian Street, Yerevan 375001,
Armenia, with telephone contact at (374-10)580.877, fax at 543.897,
and email at [email protected]. The complete Armenian transcript
of Hovannisian’s speech can be accessed via