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07/05/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Lennmarker Speaks of 'Golden Opportunity' in Settling Karabagh conflict 2) OSCE Parliamentarians from 55-Member States Defeat Azeri Effort 3) Homenetmen's 30th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies End on High Note 1) Lennmarker Speaks of 'Golden Opportunity' in Settling Karabagh conflict YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--Speaking at an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) session in Washington, DC, Swedish member of parliament and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Rapporteur on the Karabagh conflict Goran Lennmarker said, "There is now a golden opportunity for a peaceful solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict based on a win-win concept where both Armenia and Azerbaijan come out better." Presenting his report to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Heads of Delegations, Lennmarker spoke of peaceful solutions to the Karabagh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group--co-chaired by France, Russia, and the United States. Lennmarker stressed that though "the conflict is not frozen," Armenia and Azerbaijan must intensify the negotiations. "There is no alternative to a peaceful solution; in fact, there is an urgent need to solve the conflict in order to end the personal, economic, and social suffering on both sides of this conflict." The OSCE rapporteur suggested basing a solution on experiences from Europe, where democracy and integration are fundamental components in securing lasting peace. Strong European and international institutions stand ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lennmarker stressed. Commenting on the effectiveness of the work done by the Parliamentary Delegations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lennmarker said, "Once a peace agreement has been finalized by the two Governments, the parliamentary dimension becomes invaluable in informing the public and in ensuring the implementation. It is of utmost importance that networks of Members of Parliaments already exist and stand ready to take on these tasks." Lennmarker was appointed in June 2002 and has since then visited Armenia and Azerbaijan on numerous occasions. 2) OSCE Parliamentarians from 55-Member States Defeat Azeri Effort ANCA Welcomes Parliamentary Assembly's rejection of divisive Mountainous Karabagh resolution WASHINGTON, DC--The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) meeting last night in Washington, DC, voted overwhelmingly to defeat a controversial measure on Nagorno Karabagh authored by Azerbaijani Parliamentarian Sattar Safarov, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The vote took place during a meeting of the OSCE PA's Heads of Delegation, as part of the opening session of the four-day meeting for members of Parliament from the 55 member states of the OSCE. The Safarov resolution, which was widely viewed as a biased and divisive measure, received only token support, with nearly all the Heads of Delegation voting to keep the measure off of the OSCE PA agenda. The OSCE PA proceedings are being presided over by Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL), the first US legislator to ever serve in this capacity. Other members of Congress participating in the Assembly include: Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), who is heading the US delegation, Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), and Representatives Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-NY), Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL), Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Joseph R. Pitts (R-PA), Mike Pence (R-IN), and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). The Armenian delegation is being headed by Vahan Hovhannisian, the Deputy Speaker of Armenia's Parliament. Other members of the delegation are Artashes Geghamyan, MP and Samvel Nikoyan, MP. The ANCA worked closely with the Armenian delegation and the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as with Armenian National Committee affiliates in Canada and throughout Europe, in sharing with OSCE PA members the dangers of the Safarov resolution. "We would like to thank Congressman Hastings for his leadership in the Assembly's proceedings, and to express our appreciation to all those who voted against the Safarov resolution for their responsible stewardship of the OSCE's efforts to facilitate a negotiated settlement to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. The defeat of the Safarov resolution set the stage for the standard consideration by the Assembly of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. This discussion is being led by Swedish Member of Parliament Goran Lennmarker, who has served since June of 2002 as the OSCE PA special representative on this issue. In preparation for the OSCE PA meeting, Lennmarker presented a report, titled "A Golden Opportunity: Some Ideas on Nagorno Karabagh Conflict," to the Heads of Delegations to the OSCE PA. In this report, Lennmarker stressed that there is now a golden opportunity, through the OSCE Minsk Peace-process, for a peaceful solution of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, based on concept where both Armenia and Azerbaijan come out better. In his remarks, Lennmarker noted that "the conflict is not frozen," adding that "there is no alternative to a peaceful solution--in fact there is an urgent need to solve the conflict in order to end the personal, economic, and social suffering on both sides of this conflict." He proposed basing a solution on experiences from Europe, where democracy and integration are fundamental components in securing a lasting peace, and added that strong European and international institutions stand ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the weeks leading up to the convening of this meeting, the ANCA--through grassroots outreach--stressed to the US members of Congress--serving in the OSCE PA--that Armenian Americans attach tremendous importance to Mountainous Karabagh's rights to freedom, democracy and, self-determination. The Armenian American community, the ANCA stressed, has invested considerable hope in the OSCE Minsk Group process and is strongly against any efforts to derail this effort. In a June 24th letter sent to Congressman Hastings and to others in the US delegation, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian warned of the dangers presented by the Safarov resolution. He described it as a "one-sided approach to a complex issue," that "neither fairly characterizes the conflict nor presents any practical steps toward its resolution. In sum, it is a destructive measure that will, if adopted, ultimately threaten the progress of the OSCE Minsk Group peace talks." Hachikian specifically called on the US members of the Assembly to vote against the Safarov resolution and "to strongly oppose any and all efforts to use the Assembly's meeting as a forum for one-sided efforts to derail progress toward peace in Nagorno Karabagh." The OSCE PA is the parliamentary dimension of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, whose 55 participating States span the geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok. The primary task of the 317-member Assembly is to facilitate inter-parliamentary dialogue, an important aspect of the overall effort to meet the challenges of democracy throughout the OSCE area. Recognized as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE is a primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in its area. The Parliamentary Assembly, originally established by the 1990 Paris Summit to promote greater involvement in the OSCE by national parliaments, has grown into a very active and esteemed member of the OSCE family. To learn more about the OSCE PA, visit: 3) Homenetmen's 30th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies End on High Note VAN NUYS--More than 20,000 people flocked to Birmingham High School's athletic field on Monday, July 4, to celebrate Homenetmen's 30th Navasartian Games closing ceremonies, officially marking the end of the athletic competitions. With colorful flags depicting the region's 18 Homenetmen chapters and the Navasartian torch burning at the center of the field, the Homenetmen Regional Scouting Council members, accompanied by Regional Executive chairman Raffy Ispendjian, led the procession of guests to the field, including Navsartian Honorary presidents Mr. & Mrs. Shant & Vergine Haytayan and Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian, along with the 2005 Homenetmen Exemplary member Lilit Baghdasarians and her husband. Following the ceremonial permission by the Honorary President, the Homenetmen regional scout council members and chapter scoutmasters proceeded to the field. With Regional scoutmaster Hrayr Boyajian's cue, the closing ceremonies commenced with the Homenetmen color-guard bearing the flags of the US, Armenia, Mountainous Karabagh Republic, Homenetmen, and three state flags. A second color guard--bearing the flags of the US and Armenia symbolizing the 30th Navasartian Games--made their ceremonial entrance onto the field. The US and Armenian national anthems were performed by the Homenetmen Western Regional marching band. Special guests included Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Hon. Gagik Kirakosian; Sheriff Lee Baca; Homenetmen Central Executive members Manuel Marselian and Mher Tavitian; ARF Central Committee representative Hagop Tufenkjian; ARS Central Committee Vice Chairman Hasmig Derderian; State Assembly member Carl Liu; City of Los Angles councilwomen Wendy Greuel; City of Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian; Clerk of the City of Glendale Ardashes Kassakhian; Glendale Unified School District Gregory Krikorian; Burbank Unified School District member Paul Krikorian; and former Homenetemen Honorary presidents Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Ghailian and family. The pre-show featured the energetic and graceful Nairi Dance Ensemble of the San Fernando Valley Hamazkayin chapter, directed by Cathrine Hairabedian. Homenetmen Regional Executive Chairman Raffy Ispendjian highlighted the importance of Homenetmen, declaring, `Empower the body and mind and you will not only elevate yourself but others with you. This was the objective for a group of visionaries who had survived the First genocide of the 20th century when they established this organization. Nearly nine decades later, while the Universal acknowledgement of the first genocide of the 20th century remains unexplainable missing, the acknowledgment of individual and collective advancements is refuted.' Placing the celebration of the 30th Navasartian Games in the US in context, Ispendjian stressed, `We are undeniably aware of the inseparable connection between individual and collective freedom. Our forefathers--both Armenian and American--fought bravely to guarantee us these truths and it remains our inherent responsibility to protect them. Homenetmen is committed to the Armenian youth, with them we will grow and for them we stand as guardians for their right to individual excellence and collective advancement.' Homenetmen Central Executive member Mher Tavitian gave an inspiring speech about Homenetmen's work on a global level, as he announced the Pan Homenetmen games to be held in Athens, Greece. A poignant moment was when the Homenetmen Ararat Choir, conducted by Arig Gevorkian, took the stage and performed a special Navasartian song written by Gevorkian for the 30th Navasartian Games. Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian commenced his blessing remarks by praising Homenetmen for its continuous efforts to educate generations of Armenians throughout the world. Following the Bishop's address, Winds of Passion, In Progress..., and the Gor Band performed Armenian songs. The parade's announcers--former Regional Executive member Garbis Chkherdemian (in English) and HTV Armenian news anchor Nora Tchaparian-- outlined each chapter's achievements and Navasartian wins as the trophies were presented. As Regional scoutmaster Boyajian gave the command, the long-awaited parade of athletes and Homenetmen members began. Cheers filled the stadium as Homenetmen chapter Executives, Committee members, coaches, athletes, and scouts proudly marched. The evening's festivities continued into the late hours of the Navasartian festival. 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.