Month: June 2005

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9904-8446
Email: [email protected]
21 June 2005
ARMENIAN YOUTH RESEARCH OFFICER IN FULL SWING
Sydney, Australia – The Armenian Community Welfare Centre (ACWC) that is
under the auspice of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New
Zealand has assisted members of the Armenian Community of Sydney for more
than 22 years. The Centre generally caters for the needs of elderly
Armenian residents with Aged Day Care Programs, Dementia Day Care and Carer
Respite, Community Workers and English Classes.
Over the past 12 months, the ACWC has taken on a new initiative to consider
issues relating specifically to the needs of Armenian youth under the
direction of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand and President of the
ACWC. A research grant has been awarded by the NSW Community Relations
Commission for this project. Since April 2005, a Youth Research Officer has
embarked on the research project to identify and highlight the needs and
issues of Australian-Armenian youth. In this capacity, Mrs Ida Soghomonian,
a well-respected psychologist in the Armenian Community, is targeting
Armenian youth aged 12 to 21 years seeking their input through
questionnaires and youth forums on a number of issues. Mrs Soghomonian
plans to conduct her research with the co-operation of the various Armenian
schools as well as Armenian cultural and sporting groups aimed at youth.
The research project is due for completion by end 2005 with a final report
expected in February 2006.
Mrs Ida Soghomonian received her Masters in Psychology from Sydney
University and has 14 years experience in field counselling, psychotherapy,
drug/alcohol counselling, youth and family therapy. She has her own private
practice in psychology and has also been a school counsellor.
Positive contribution and support by the Armenian Community of Sydney will
be instrumental for the good outcome of this research paper. For further
information on the Armenian Youth Research Project, please contact Mrs Ida
Soghomonian at [email protected]
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 CONDUCTS OPENING OF
NEW CENTER OF
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE DESERT, RANCHO MIRAGE
June 17, 2005

On June 17, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, conducted the official Opening Ceremony of the newly
constructed Kirkjan Family Hall of the Armenian Church of the Desert
located in Rancho Mirage. His Holiness was accompanied by His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and several clergy. The Catholicos also
consecrated a Stone Cross.
Visiting Pastor of the Parish Rev. Dr. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian
welcomed the Catholicos of All Armenians, followed by Varoujan
Mgrdchian, Chair of the Parish Council.
His Eminence Archbishop Derderian expressed his joy stating that the
parish was fortunate in having the opportunity for the Catholicos to
preside over the opening ceremony. He continued that His Holiness
brings with him the faith of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Primate then invited the Catholicos to deliver his message.
His Holiness commended the construction projects that have been
undertaken within the Diocese under the leadership of the Primate,
the success of which is undoubtedly also credited to benefactors,
building committees, parish councils, and the faithful. His Holiness
blessed the parish and in particular Mr. and Mrs. George and Tamara
Kirkjan, benefactors of the Kirkjan Family Hall, adjacent to which we
will soon see the construction of a new church under the auspices of
the Western Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
message of His Holiness was translated to English by Rev. Fr. Ktrij
Devejian, Director of the Press Office of the Mother See.
A reception took place following the ceremony where faithful in
attendance had the opportunity to personally meet the Catholicos and
receive his blessings.
The memorable evening came to a close with the Benediction of the
Catholicos.
The first Divine Liturgy in Palm Desert was celebrated in 1976 at
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Church services continued at St.
Margaret’s Episcopal Church from 1977 to 2004, with priests and
deacons provided by the Diocese.
In 1999 a land of 4.6 acres was purchased in Rancho Mirage and the
following year the consecration ceremony was held presided by
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. Ground was broken in 2003 and
construction began. On December 19, 2004 Rev. Fr. Mikayel Kyuregyan
celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the newly constructed Kirkjan Family
Hall. On January 29, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate, presided over the Dedication of the Hall.
The Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert is located at:
38900 Vista Dunes
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
June 20, 2005
Burbank, California

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

OFFICIAL BANQUET IN HONOR OF
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II
MARRIOTT HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO
June 18, 2005

Following the successful completion of the Pontifical visit of His
Holiness to Southern and Central California, on Saturday, June 18,
2005 accompanied by the Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, and the members of his entourage, the Catholicos arrived
at the San Francisco airport where he was greeted by the clergy of
the region and members of the Reception Committee.
At 7:15 p.m. the Official Banquet in honor of His Holiness Karekin
II took place at the Marriott Hotel in San Francisco, with the
participation of the four Churches of Northern California: St. John
Armenian Church, San Francisco; St. Andrew Armenian Church,
Cupertino; St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland; and St. James
Armenian Church, Sacramento.
Accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan and His Eminence Archbishop
Datev Sarkisian of the Mother See, and a procession of clergy, the
Catholicos was led to the hall where over 350 faithful anxiously
awaited the arrival of the Pontiff. Also present was His Eminence
Archbishop Anemios representing the newly elected Metropolitan of the
Greek Orthodox Church.
The Banquet began with the Opening Prayer of His Holiness. Rev. Fr.
Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco,
and Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Pastor of St. Andrew Armenian Church
in Cupertino served as Masters of Ceremonies.
During the program the faithful gave the Pontiff of All Armenians a
standing ovation. The program of the evening consisted of recitation
and music. Deacon Rod Jorjorian, member of St. James Armenian Church
and the Diocesan Council, welcomed His Holiness on behalf of the
Reception Committee. He expressed his joy that the four churches of
Northern California had the honor to express their respect and love
towards the Catholicos and the Mother See.
The Primate introduced His Holiness Karekin II, emphasizing the
success of the Pontifical visit of His Holiness. He then invited the
Catholicos to address the faithful.
His Holiness Karekin II expressed his joy in having the opportunity
to spend the past 18 days with his people, passing on to them the
blessings of God through the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He
commended the successes recorded within the Western Diocese under the
leadership of the Primate, as well as all future projects. He conveyed
to those in attendance the greetings and love of our people in
Armenia, and urged them to remain the loyal children of the Armenian
Apostolic Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Banquet closed with the Benediction of the Catholicos.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 20, 2005
Burbank, California
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AMIC’s Newsletter, Montreal, Canada
AMIC’s Info-Flash
2340 Chemin Lucerne, # 30
Ville Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
H3R 2J8
Tel : (514) 739 8950
Fax : (514) 738 2622
Web:
Email: [email protected]
June, 2005
1. Article 1: ” 9th AMIC World Medical Congress”
2. Article 2: “AMIC General Meeting”
3. Article 3: “AMIC-AUA database”
4. Article 4 : « What is AMIC?”
***************************************
Article 1: 9th AMIC WORLD MEDICAL CONGRESS
At the end of this month, the Congress starts with a cocktail party on
Wednesday, June 29. From June 30 to July 3, a very interesting scientific
program has been prepared for you, as well as social events for accompanying
persons.
If you have not yet registered, you still have the time. You can either go
to the Congress website (mentioned above), or call the president of the
organizing committee: Dr. Jerry Manoukian (650) 940 1006, or e-mail him at:
[email protected]
For any question/information concerning the Scientific Program, please call
Dr. Krikor Soghikian, chairman of the Scientific Program: (510) 339 6002 or
e-mail him at: [email protected]
“Info” herein provides the Congress program in two parts: the plenary
sessions and the concurrent breakout sessions.
PLENARY SESSIONS:
Plenary Session 1
Thursday June 30:
9:15 to 10:00 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
” Hypertension: A Worldwide Epidemic
Aram V. Chobanian, MD
President, Boston University
Former Dean, Boston University School of Medicine
10:15 to 11:00 a.m. OSTEOPOROSIS:
” Osteoporosis, 2005: Diagnosis and Therapy”
John Bilezikian, MD
Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology
Chief, Division of Endocrinology
Director, Metabolic Disease Program
College of Physicians and Surgeons
Columbia University, New York
11:00 to 11: 45 a.m. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
“An Overview of Alzheimer’s Research:
Prospects for Preventing Dementia”
Zaven S. Khachaturian, Ph.D.
Consultant, lecturer and author on Alzheimer’s
disease, neurodegenerative disorders, aging.
Editor in chief, “Alzheimer’s and Dementia:
Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association”. Formerly
Director, Office of Alzheimer’s Disease Research,
National Institute of Aging, National Institute of
Health.
Plenary Session 2
1:30 to 2:15 p.m. MENTAL HEALTH 1
“Generational Impact of War and Genocide:
Psychological Trauma Transmitted Generationally”
Anie Kalayjian, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Fordham University, New York
President, Armenian American Society for Studies
On Stress and Genocide
2:15 to 3:00 p.m. “Drugs, Diet, Herbs: Interactions in the Management
of Depression”
Talia Puzantian Atkinson, PharmD, BCPP
Associate Clinical Professor
School of Pharmacy
University of California, San Francisco
Plenary Session 3
3:15 to 4:00 p.m. DIABETES
“Pharmaceutical Advances in Insulin Therapy”
Arshag Mooradian, MD
Professor of Medicine
Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes and
Metabolism,
Saint Louis University
4:15 to 4: 45 p.m. SURGERY AND ORTHOPEDICS
“The Armenian nose”
Arnold Tchakerian, MD
“Prostatic Cancer treatment on community level”
Hagop Dikranian, MD
“Eastern Armenian DASH Questionnaire for Outcome
Mesurement in Hand Surgery”
Abrahamyan , MD et al.
« Express-Splinting Essential Part of Upper Extremity
Rehabilitation »
GV Yaghjyan, MD et al.
« Vertebroplasty »
Lazik Der Sarkissian, MD
” BAFA’s Support in the Development of Orthopedics
in Armenia in the Last 15 Years”
Hayk Avagyan, MD
Friday July 1
Plenary Session 4
8: 30 to 9:15 a.m. TRANSPLANTATION
“Transplantation- An overview”
April Zarifian, ANP, DNSc
Nurse Practitioner
Tulane University
9:15 to 10: 00 a.m. CHILDHOOD OBESITY
“Obesity and Comorbitidies in Youth: The Ticking
Bomb of the Millenium”
Silva A. Arslanian, MD
Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism
and Diabetes Mellitus
Children’s Hopital of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
10:15 to 11: 00 a.m. PLASTIC SURGERY
“My Most Unhappy Patients and What they
Taught Me”
Mark B. Constantian, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nashua, New Hampshire
11: 00 to 11: 45 a.m. RADIOLOGY
“New Imaging Technologies”
Ara Kassarjian, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiology
Harvard Medical School, Boston
Plenary Session 5
1: 30 to 2:15 p.m. MENTAL HEALTH 2
“New Understanding of Depression: Biologic and
Public Health Aspects for the Medical Practitioner”
Hagop Akiskal, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
Director, International Mood Center
University of California, San Diego
2:15 to 3: 00 p.m. “Depression in childhood and adolescence, diagnosis
and treatment: the SSRI saga”
Elizabeth Boghossian Weller, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Plenary Session 6
3: 15 to 4: 00 p.m. CARDIOLOGY
“Current and Future Trends in Interventional
Cardiology-Balloons, Stents, Devices, and Beyond”
Vicken Aharonian, MD
Director, Regional Catheterization Laboratory
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Los Angeles
4: 00 to 4: 45 p.m. “The Role of Stem Cell Therapy in Cardiac Disease-
Present and Future”
Yerem Yeghiazarian, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Interventional Cardiology
Director, Cardiac Translational Stem Cell Program
University of California, San Francisco
Saturday July 2
Plenary Session 7
8: 30 to 10: 00 a.m. HEALTH AND MEDICINE IN ARMENIA
TODAY
Norayr Davidian, MD., Minister of Health of
Armenia
Zoya Lazarian, MD., Minister of Health of Artsakh
10: 30 to 12: 00 STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Zareh Ouzounian, DDS
12: 00 to 12: 30 p.m. CONCLUDING REMARKS
Jerry Manoukian, MD
Chairperson of the Congress Organizing
Committee
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Concurrent breakout session 1
Thursday June 30
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. DENTAL PROGRAM 1
“Dental Implants”
Edmond Bedrossian, DDS
“Dental Emergencies”
Raffi Margosian, DDS
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
“Weight Loss and Healthy Living”
Arpi A Simonian, MS, ScM
“Impact of Diabetes Education Classes on
Control of Hemoglobin a 1 c”
Zarmine Naccashian RN, MN
“Folate Supplementation Lowers
Homocysteine Levels in Young Men with
Stroke”
Sarkis Nazarian, MD
“Repatriation, Repopulation, Socioeconomic
Betterment, and Stabilization of Border
Regions of the Republic of Armenia and
Karabagh”
Vicken Arabian
“The Diabetic Foot”
Hermoz Ayvazian, DPM
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
“Decidual Endothelial Cell Interactions with
Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Normal and
Type 1 Diabetic Human Pregnancy”
Karime Bidal, MD
“Histamine and Histamine Receptors in Human Tumors”
G. Badalienvery, MD et al.
“Successful Treatment of Acute Leukemia Patients by
Bone Marrow and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation
Mihran Nazaretyan, MD et al.
« Upregulated MMP-2 and MMP-3 in Melanoma Cell
Lines with Different Invasiveness by Interaction with
Soluble Elastin Peptides »
Pocza et al.
« Molecular Analysis of Iranian Families with Sickle Cell
Disease »
M. Ayatollahi, MD
” A Previously Unidentified MECP2 Open Reading Frame Defines A New Protein
Isoform Relevant to Rett Syndrome”
GN Mnatzakanian, MD
Concurrent Breakout Session 2
3: 15 to 4: 45 p.m. NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH 1
“Emotional Intelligence”
Mary Konyalian, RN, PhD
Ruzanna Ohanjanian, PhD
3: 15 to 4: 45 p.m. DIASPORAN ARMENIA PROJECTS 1
“AMIC Database”
Zareh Ouzounian, DDS
“Women’s Health Clinic in Stepanakert, Karabagh”
Avedis Bogosyan, MD
“From Nowhere to Everywhere-Bone Marrow Donor
Registry- A Window of Opportunity for Global
Integration”
Sevak Avagyan, MD
“Armenian American Medical Society of California-20 Years of Service”
Armen Cherik, MD, MBA
“An Arrhythmology and Electrophysiology Center in Armenia”
Smbat Jamalyan, MD
3: 15 to 4: 45 p.m. PUBLIC HEALTH IN ARMENIA
“Perspectives for Development of Children’s
Epileptology in Armenia”
Nune Aghababian, MD et al.
« Morbidity of Acute Leucosis in the Capital of Armenia, Yerevan. The Role
of Air-Polluting Substances”
Yelizaveta Amirkhanyan
“A Stress Center in Armenia – a History and a Future”
Adel Tadevosyan, PhD
“The Situation of Reproductive Health in Armenia and the Main Strategies”
Razmik Abrahamyan, MD
“ISTC: Achievements and Advantages for Armenian Public Health”
H. Navasardyan
“Breast Reconstruction-Current State in Armenia”
Artavazd Sahakyan, MD
Friday July 1:
Concurrent Breakout Session 3
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. DENTAL PROGRAM 2
“Advanced Bone Graft for Maxillofacial Defect”
Martin Chin, DDS
“Achieving Optimum Esthetic and Functional Results Using Gingival Colored
Ceramic”
Jack Koumjian, DDS, MSD
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. DIASPORAN ARMENIA PROJECTS 2
“Armenia Eye Project”
Roger Ohanesian, MD
“AECP Support in Creation of Cornea and Uveitis
Department in Armenia”
Anna Hovakimyan, MD
“Cochlear Implant: Armenia Regional Center”
Salpy Akaragian, RN, MN
“Armenian Dental Society of California Projects in
Armenia and Karabagh”
Nishan Odabashian, DMD, MS
“Fighting Infectious Diseases in Armenia-Our
Experience”
Daniel Stamboulian, MD
“The Shengavit Medical Center – Fruition of Labor of
Love and Cooperation”
Bedros Kojian, MD
1: 30 to 3: 00 p.m. PEDIATRICS
“Pediatric Urolithiasis in Armenia : Etiology in 312
Patients Observed 1991-2004”
Ara Babloyan, MD et al.
« Frontiers of Palliative Care »
John Saroyan
“Regional Peculiarities of Bronchial Asthma (BA) Morbidity Among the
Children of the Armenian Population”
Vardan Akunts
“HPA-1a Induced Neonatal Thrombocytopenia”
H. Bessos, PhD
“PTSD Symptoms, Depression, and Separation Anxiety Disorder Among Bereaved
Adolescents and controls”
Haig Goenjian, BA, Ida Karayan PhD
“Strategies in Child and Adolescent Health in Armenia”
Karine Sirabekian, MD et al.
Concurrent Breakout Session 4
3: 15 to 4:15 p.m. COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
“Noraluys-Homeopathy Project in Armenia”
Haritoun Kurtcuogly, MS
“Armenian Foods, Beverages, and Recipes in the 15th
Century Recorded by Amirdovlat Amasiatsi”
John Gueriguian
“Narek as a Means of Bibliotherapy”
Armen Nerisisan, MD et al.
“Intestinal Microflora, Probiotics, and Human Health”
Harout Bronozian
4:15 to 4: 45 p.m. FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER
“Process of Biosynthesis and Cleavage of
Phosphatdylcholines in FMF in Children During Pre-
and Post-Application of Colchicine Comnbine with Hypothalamic Polypeptide
PRP”
Petros Ghazarian, MD et al.
« The role of Somatoform Disorders in Case Aseptic Inflammations Observed
During the FMF »
Armen Nersisian, MD et al.
3:15 to 4: 45 p.m. NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH 2
“Evidence Based Practice”
Lucine Daderian Huckabay, RN, PhD
Salpy Akaragian, RN, MN
3:15 to 4: 45 p.m. SURGERY
“Reconstructive Mammoplasty with Autologous
Tissues”
AB Sahakyan, MD et al
« Hand Port-Assisted Laparoscopic Aortic Surgery »
Garo Yerevanian, MD
“The Role of Palmaris Muscle Tendon in Mitral Valve Annulus Reconstruction:
A Novel Technique for Mitral Valve Repair”
JH Shuhaiber, MD et al.
« Snoring Surgery in 2005 »
Walker Regina P, MD
“Sounding Like a Good Idea: The Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and
Management of Malignancies”
Eric Esrailian, MD
“The Neurosurgical Service in Armenia”
Arshak Zohrabyan, MD
3:15 to 4: 45 p.m. PHYSICIAN EDUCATION
“The Basics in Outcomes Research Process Development”
Chris Arslanian, PhD
“Hypothyroidism and the Internet”
Edward Paloyan, MD
“Armenian Medical Society and Foundation for
Education and Research-a New Perspective for Old
Friendships”
M. Zeveyan, MD et al.
« Evaluation of AAMSHA’s Mentorship Program »
Raffi Tashdjian, MD
“Actuality of Preparation of Nurses with Bachelor Degree in Republic of
Armenia”
Alina Koushkyan, MD
“Medical Equipment and Supplies for hospitals in Armenia and Karabagh”
Berge Minassian, MD
We encourage all our readers who have not registered yet, to do so quickly.
Don’t miss such an outstanding scientific program!!
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Article 2: AMIC General Meeting
AMIC General Meeting will take place on Saturday July 2 from 2 to 5.00 p.m.
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Article 3: AMIC-AUA database
The AMIC-AUA database lists health related projects undertaken by the
Diaspora in Armenia since the earthquake of 1988. It is posted on AMIC’s
website (). After a period of interruption, we inform our readers
that it is now functioning.
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Article 4: What is AMIC?
The Armenian Medical International Committee was created fifteen years ago.
It is an umbrella organization that unites Armenian medical associations
throughout the Diaspora, creating thus a large network through which
information and data are exchanged.
AMIC organizes Armenian Medical World Congresses. So far eight have been
held in different cities of the Diaspora. In 2003, “The First International
Medical Congress of Armenia” organized by Armenia, was held in Yerevan from
July 1 to July 3. The 9th AMIC Congress will be held in 2005 (from June to
July 3) in San Francisco (USA). We gave in this issue of the Info-Flash the
scientific program of this coming Congress (Website: )
AMIC publishes since 1998 an online newsletter and sends it freely to all
Armenian Health Care professionals. If you are a health care professional
and are interested in receiving Info-Flash, please send us your e-mail
address ([email protected]). To all those who already receive the Info, please do
not forget to send us your new e-mail address when you change it. For
further information, visit our website:
A useful information to remember: you can send freely from wherever you are
located, medical equipment/medicine through the services of the United
Armenian Fund; President Mr. Harout Sassounian ([email protected])

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN NKR IN NORMAL COURSE: ZORAN PUZICH
STEPANAKERT, June 20. /ARKA/. The parliamentary elections in Nagorno
Karabakh were held in their normal course, without any serious
violations. Democratic elections are more obvious in the unrecognized
country, Zoran Puzich, a member of the Croatian Human Rights
Committee, told ARKA.
According to him, the voters’ activity demonstrates the people’s
desire to participate in building up their future. All the different
political parties demonstrated the understanding of the importance of
elections, he said. Democracy is not only elections. Democratic
standards need to be consolidated, especially in relations with
refugees. Croatia has experience in overcoming the aftermath of
interethnic war. It is very difficult, but peace and democracy are
impossible without it, Puzich said.
In her turn, Chairperson of the Czech Association of Refugees Marina
Sargsyan pointed out that nobody forced Karabakh voters to vote
against their will. She also pointed out voters’ activity, saying
that the observers did not record any serious violations. P.T. -0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Le Figaro
20 juin 2005
Le Haut-Karabakh élit son Parlement ;
CAUCASE-DU-SUD
Les habitants de la république autoproclamée du Haut-Karabakh, une
enclave arménienne en Azerbaïdjan, votaient hier pour élire leur
quatrième Parlement.
Les autorités de Bakou ont dénoncé une tentative de « légaliser
l’occupation » arménienne. Le Parlement de ce petit « pays » de 150
000 habitants, en grande majorité Arméniens, est élu pour cinq ans.
Le Nagorny Karabakh a proclamé son indépendance en 1991 et l’a
défendue armes à la main avec le soutien de l’Arménie jusqu’à un
cessez-le-feu conclu en 1994.

Anti-Semitism in Armenia is a Result of Hate against Israeli-Turkish
Cooperation
The Journal of Turkish Weekly, April 22, 2005
Armenia’s tiny Jewish community has grown seriously concerned by what it
says is mounting anti-Semitism in the South Caucasus country. The issue
has growth over the past year amid a rise in anti-Jewish propaganda in
Yerevan. The government has so far done little to address the Jewish
community’s concerns.
Armenian Aryan Union Armen Avetisian in a interview in Iravunk alleged
that there are as many as 50,000 “disguised” Jews in Armenia, and
promised he would work to have them expelled from the country. He was
arrested on 24 January on charges of inciting ethnic hatred, however he
is no exception in Armenian society.
Davut Sahiner says “anti-Semitism is an old Armenian disease. However
has increased in the recent years as a result of Turkey-Israel
co-operation”.
According to Sahiner, Armenians did not like Jews during the Ottoman
Empire and they made co-operation with Greeks against the Ottoman Jews.
Sahiner further argues that armed Armenians not only killed the Muslim
Ottomans but also killed many Jewish in Eastern Anatolia. “In Hakkari
for instance armed Armenian militants destroyed the Jewish district and
killed many” added Dr. Davut Sahiner.
Dr. Nilgun Gulcan on the other hand says the anti-Semitism reached its
peak during the Second World War among the Armenians: “The Nazis
established an Armenian brigade to destroy the Jews. The Armenians
sought an independent country in the Caucasus and they did co-operation
with the Nazis.”
The Karabakh Jewish experience is the most vivid one to understand the
level the anti-Semitism reached in modern Armenia. Steve Sterdlow says
the number of Jews in Karabakh has decreased to 30, and the Karabakh
which was a paradise for the Jews during the Azerbaijaini rule, became a
‘hell’:
“The 30 Jews left in Nagorny Karabakh find themselves trapped in a
society which regards them with growing suspicion
For the tiny Jewish community in Nagorny Karabakh, paradise has been
lost irretrievably.
During the Soviet period, the Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan enjoyed a
reputation as a haven of ethnic and religious tolerance. Thousands of
Jews from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus flocked there in a bid to escape
the anti-Semitism endemic in Soviet society.
But the aftermath of the six-year war has ushered in a new era of
chauvinism and intolerance to non-Armenians living in Nagorny Karabakh.
And the Jewish community has dwindled to just 30 people.” (Steve
Sterdlow, “The Forgotten Jews of Karabakh”, IWPR, 4 June 2001).
Dr. Gulcan says “the tiny Jewish community pays the cost of
Turkish-Israeli co-operation in the region. Israel has good relations
with Turkey and Azerbaijan and Armenia has always been close to
anti-Israeli forces in the region.”
According to Dr. Gulcan minorities have always faced serious
discrimination in
Armenia:
“Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories. After the war,
no Azerbaijani left in Armenia. All were killed or deported, while
Azerbaijan allowed a strong Armenian minority in its country. Similarly
there is a 100,000 Armenian community in Turkey, and many Armenians go
to Turkey to work.”
Copyright 2005 The Journal of Turkish Weekly

Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 21 2005
Turkish FM: Karabakh Elections Illegal
Turkey says the elections in occupied Karabakh is illegal.
Press Secretary of the Turkish Foreign Ministry Namik Tan made an
official statement, which says that the `elections held by Armenians
in occupied Nagorno Karabakh are illegal’.
Namik Tan noted that Turkey is for the settlement of the Karabakh
conflict via dialogue within the frames of Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity and in accord with the principles of jus gentium.
Armenian forces occupied Karabakh and many Azeri towns almost a
decade ago. Yerevan rejected all calls to withdraw. The EU and OSCE
call Armenia ‘occupier’ in Karabakh.

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 21 2005
EU Official Says Turkey must Strengthen Relations with Armenia
KARS – Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission
Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk has indicated that Turkey’s most
important task in its EU process is good relations with its
neighbours. He urged Turkey to improve its relations with Armenia.
However he did call Yerevan to withdraw its forces from occupied
Azerbaijani territories.
Lagendijk was at the Kars Mayor Naif Alibeyoglu’s office where he
made comments on Turkey-EU relations.
“Turkey must strengthen its relations with Armenia. Nothing can be
achieved with isolationist policies. I believe that Azerbaijan can
get back its territory through dialogue. The EU must play an active
role to find a solution to the Armenian – Azerbaijani dispute. We
must look at the Turkey – Armenia and Armenia – Azerbaijan problems
as ones separate from each other,” told Lagendijk. Armenia does not
recognise Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Turkish
public perceive a religious solidarity between EU and Armenia in
Armenian issues because the EU offcils have always critising Turkey
and Azerbaijan though Armenian is the occupier in the region.
According to Lagendijk, it is vital to have regional policies to
develop the economy in poor areas.
“We agree with Mr Erdogan on his stance vis-a-vis Armenia. An
independent committee of historians must be formed to study the
incidents of early 20th century. Independent studies must take place
on the events of 1915. However, the border gate between Turkey and
Armenia must be opened soon,” said Lagendijk.
The bordergate was open however when Armenia occupied 20 percent of
Azerbaijan Turkey closed the territorial borders. Yet the air borders
are still open and 50more than 50,000 Armenians work in Istanbul
though no Muslim Turkish could stay in Armenia.
Meanwhile, Kars Mayor Naif Alibeyoglu stressed that the people of
Kars wholeheartedly support Turkey’s EU membership. “The EU is a goal
outlined by Kemal Ataturk. We want to be a part of the EU,” noted
Alibeyoglu.
Turkey simply asks Armenia 3 steps to take:
1. Do not try to change borders by force, and withdraw Armenian
forces,
2. Recognise Turkey’s national borders and do not imply any
irredentist policy towards Turkey and other neigbours,
3. Do not undermine the relations just focusing the historical
disputes.
The Armenian politicians put the 1915 events at the heart of Armenian
foreign policy. Armenians argue that the 1915 Relocation Campaign was
‘massacre’ against Armenians. The Armenians rioted in 1915 against
ýstanbul Government and when the armed Armenians attacked the Armies,
Istanbul Government decided to relocate them. Many Armenians died
during the campaign due to the ethnic clashes, epidemic diseases and
bad weather conditions. More than 520,000 Turks were masscred by the
Armenian extremists during the same years.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI
June 20 2005
Apostolic church to host Armenian Picnic Sunday
Racine – St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church will hold its annual
Armenian Picnic or “Madagh” on Sunday at Johnson Park.
St. Hagop has held its traditional picnic since 1938.
The word madagh means offering, and Armenians have designated places
of pilgrimage where they go to worship and offer a meal to the
community.
The blessing of St. Hagop’s meal will begin at 11 a.m., with
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, who is prelate of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of the Eastern United States, officiating.
>From noon to 7 p.m., the public is invited to attend the picnic
featuring marinated shish kebab and chicken, sarma (stuffed grape
leaves), penelee (cheese puffs), khurabia (butter cookies) and other
Armenian delicacies and pastries.
Live Armenian music will be provided by the Mideast Beat throughout
the afternoon, and children’s entertainment will include a magician
and face painter.
A cash raffle drawing will be held at 6 p.m.
The event is free. For more information on the picnic, contact Mary
C. Buchaklian at (262) 639-1567 or e-mail at m [email protected].