ASBAREZ Online [07-07-2006]

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07/07/2006
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Gul Thanks Rice For Interfering In Genocide Bill Passage 2) Victory Ball a True Victory for Homenetmen 3) Minister Says Karabakh Recognition a Priority 4) Bryza Speaks of Territorial Integrity of Karabakh 5) Honhanessian Says One Day Karabakh Will Be Represented At PACE 6) Armenian, Georgian Prime Ministers Meet in Batum 7) Senior Karabakh Officials Highlight Progress During US Visit and Call for Greater American Engagement 8) 10,000 Attend Navasartian Closing Ceremony 1) Gul Thanks Rice For Interfering In Genocide Bill Passage WASHINGTONDuring a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul thanked her US counterpart for her efforts to impede the passage of an Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress. At a press conference following the meeting, Gul told the attendees that the passage of a Genocide recognition resolution by Congress would greatly hinder Turkish-American relations. "Turkey urges the US government to continue its efforts to deter the Congress from recognizing the Armenian Genocide and should take all steps to not allow such a development," Gul told reporters. 2) Victory Ball a True Victory for Homenetmen UNIVERSAL CITYHundreds of Homenetmen member and supporters gathered at the Universal Hilton ballroom last Saturday for the 31st Navasartian Games Victory Ball and to pay tribute to this year's Honorary Chairman Mr. & Mrs. Hovsep and Elizabeth Boyadjian for their contribution to the organization. Welcoming remarks were presented by Victory Ball committee member Arsho Beylerian, who outlined the importance of Homenetmen in our community. She then invited Master of Ceremonies Ardashes Kassakhian, who praised the Homenetmen for the service and education it provides to the Armenian youth. In his remarks, Kassakhian, who is the Glendale City Clerk, also praised Homenetmen's global reach with its 99 chapters and 30,000 members. Joining the Boyadjians, the honorary guests included Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Los Angeles Consular representative Armine Balian, Homenetmen Central Executive members Manuel Marselian and Mheir Davtian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western Region Central Committee member Hagop Tufenkchian, Glendale Mayor Dave Weaver and LA City Councilman Eric Garcetti's field representative Baidzar Tovmassian, as well as representatives of the Armenian Relief Society Western Regional Executive and representatives of Pacific Western and Bank of America. A representative of Congressman Brad Sherman presented an America flag that flew over the White House to the Honorary chairman and his wife. 3) Minister Says Karabakh Recognition a Priority STEPANAKERT (Pan Armenian)"We are not going to return territories, which serve as a security zone for Nagorno-Karabakh," Karabakh Defense Minister, lieutenant general Seyran Ohanyan stated at a news conference in Stepanakert. Ohanyan remarked that Karabakh exclusively supports a peaceful settlement of the conflict. "Azerbaijan imposed a war on us and we had to solve the problem by force. Territories controlled by Nagorno-Karabakh are not an end in itself, but serve as security zone," he added. The defense minister emphasized that the question of territory and deployment of peacekeeping forces will only be considered at the final phase of the settlement, after the core issuedetermination of the Nagorno-Karabakh statusis solved. "If there is no decision over the core issue, return of territories is out of question," he said. Commenting on statements made by the Azeri president regarding a military solution of the conflict and hostilities resuming in the region, the minister stated that the Azeri party does not wish to launch a war. In his opinion, militant rhetoric is aimed at testing public opinion. He added that the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army has counter measure plans that focus on defense. 4) Bryza Speaks of Territorial Integrity of Karabakh BAKU (PanARMENIAN.Net, Armenpress)OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Matthew Bryza, in an interview with the Azeri Service of BBC, said that the Minsk Group's statement, which says "there is nothing more to be achieved for determination of the peaceful principles of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," does not mean that the talks have reached a deadlock. Bryza commented that the statement means creative capabilities of the mediators have been exhausted and there is a need for new initiatives. "This is not a deadlock. This is a moment when co-chairs say 'now the leaders should make a decision on what they want,'" he said. In his opinion, both leaders have the political will and wish cooperation, "but do not know whether they are ready to conclude the basic principles of the framework agreement." "It is a time now, when the leaders should explain to their people the use of the peace plan, show the way of progress by concessions," Bryza added. "These are the best proposals proposals put so far. I'd say that we are as close to peace now as ever before. However, I cannot guarantee that the presidents, using their sovereign rights, will accept these proposals and will make changes that will fit both parties." According to the co-chair, statements by the United States supporting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the principle of self-determination for Nagorno-Karabakh do not contradict each other. "If you pay close attention to the statements by the co-chairs, they refer to both principles. The most important is to find contacts between these principles at the negotiation table," he said. Late last month, Bryza leaked confidential principles of the OSCE proposed plan. 5) Honhanessian Says One Day Karabakh Will Be Represented At PACE STRASBOURG (Pan Armenian)When addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) session, the head of the Armenian delegation parliament vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannesian stated that a Nagorno-Karabakh representative will one day appear at the PACE forum. Drawing parallels between Montenegro and Nagorno-Karabakh, Hovhannesian attracted the attention of the PACE parliamentarians to Serbia's civilized approach in a similar issue. Armenian Embassy official in Belgium Tigran Balayan told Pan Armenian agency that members of the Assembly were given booklets detailing the vandalism of Azeri authorities toward Armenian cultural monuments. The Azeri representatives only focused on the fires near the border of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Armenian parliamentarian Artashes Geghamian presented facts proving Azerbaijan's guilt in initiating the fire. The Azeri deputy accused the Armenian side of not actively extinguishing the fire. 6) Armenian, Georgian Prime Ministers Meet in Batum YEREVAN (Armenpress)Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian paid a three-day official visit on July 7 to Batum, the capital of Ajaria, Georgia to participate in the fifth session of the Armenian-Georgian economic cooperation intergovernmental commission. The Armenian delegation, headed by Prime Minister Margarian, comprised of Armenian Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatrian, Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanian, head of the Armenian State Tax Committee Armen Avetisian, Deputy Energy Minister Areg Galstian, aide to the prime minister Stepan Margarian, executive director of the Armenian Railway company Ararat Khrimian, as well as other officials, businessmen and members of parliament. In Batum, the Armenian prime minister met with his Georgian counterpart Zurab Noghaideli. Both sides noted the high level of relations and cooperation between the two countries and expressed conviction that during the session of the economic commission, they will discuss a wide-range of bilateral relations issues and develop new proposals directed toward the furthering of economic ties between the two countries. The prime ministers also noted that all the decisions approved at the 4th session of the commission have been completely implemented, including the opening of Yerevan-Tbilisi-Batumi-Yerevan railway. After expressing satisfaction over the decision of the Georgian authorities connected with the restoration of infrastructures of Samtshkhe-Javakheti, the Armenian prime minister noted that in order to smooth the tension of the local population, it would be purposeful to involve local businessmen and the local population in the construction work. He also confirmed the readiness of Armenian authorities to support the restoration of Javakhk infrastructures. During the meeting the two prime-ministers also spoke about the necessity of establishing an Armenian-Georgian university and about issues on re-opening regional railway communication. The prime ministers agreed to create a joint working group which will survey the opportunity and effectiveness of the restoration of Kars-Gumri-Tbilisi railway. After their meeting, the two prime-ministers co-chaired the 5th session of the Armenian-Georgian economic cooperation intergovernmental commission. In his opening speech, Prime Minister Margarian said he is sure the session will promote the continuation of constructive dialogue between the two countries. In his turn, Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli talked about the increase of the volume of trade-turnover between the two countries, and the necessity of encouraging investments, which may give new impetus to bilateral economic cooperation. During his visit, the Armenian prime minister also visited a Batum shipbuilding factory, the university and an airport, where he got acquainted with the reconstruction work. 7) Senior Karabakh Officials Highlight Progress During US Visit and Call for Greater American Engagement WASHINGTONNagorno-Karabakh Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulian and Foreign Minister Georgi Petrosian have successfully concluded a series of meetings and public engagements during their June 23-30 visit to the US. The visit aimed to rally stronger US support for Karabakh's democratic and economic development, and to help end Azerbaijan's aggressive policies toward Nagorno-Karabakh. While in Washington, Ghulian and Petrosian met with the newly-appointed United States envoy for the Karabakh peace process, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, key senate and congressional leaders, policy experts, media representatives and senior staff of Armenian-American advocacy organizations. In their June 26 meeting with Bryza, Karabakh officials provided an assessment of the most recent developments in the peace process, while highlighting the lawful nature of the establishment of Karabakh and its government's strong adherence to peace and security in the region. Bryza is expected to tour the region later this month. Nagorno-Karabakh officials held separate meetings with Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI), House foreign assistance appropriators Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), and Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues US Representatives Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). In those meetings, Ghulian and Petrosian highlighted the democratic and economic gains made by Nagorno-Karabakh during 15 years of independence, and called for increased US assistance to help make further progress. They also discussed Azerbaijan's military build-up and called for the US to undertake the necessary steps to preserve regional stability. Members of the US Congress have pledged their continued attention and support for Nagorno-Karabakh. On June 28, Speaker Ghulian and Foreign Minister Petrosian also spoke at a US Capitol reception organized in their honor. In addition to the Armenian Caucus Co-chairs, Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Royce (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and George Radanovich (R-Calif.), as well as Armenian Ambassador to the US Dr. Tatoul Markarian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, also spoke at the reception attended by congressional staff, journalists and Armenian community members. Ghulian and Petrosian also addressed a capacity audience at a June 28 public event jointly organized by the US Institute of Peace and Washington-based German Marshall Fund and attended by government officials, policy experts and media. Nagorno-Karabakh officials discussed Azerbaijan's continued effort to exclude Nagorno-Karabakh from the peace process and misrepresent the nature of the Karabakh conflict. Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulian stressed that "Nagorno-Karabakh's legal existence is completely in conformance with international law." Foreign Minister Petrosian noted that "the Karabakh conflict is fundamentally an issue of the right of our people to live free. But Azerbaijan seeks to paint it as an inter-state, ethnic or even a religious conflict. This only helps postpone the conflict's peaceful resolution...Our main goal is to be able to conduct normal relations and live normal lives and we will defend that right with all possible means." The officials' visit to Washington concluded with a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia hosted by Ambassador Markarian and attended by US and foreign diplomats, members of the Armenian community and others. Speaking at the reception, Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament Speaker Ghulian stressed that "Nagorno-Karabakh's determination to remain free and independent is as strong as ever. This visit is just another step towards international recognition of this fact." As part of their US trip, Karabakh officials also visited New York and Boston, where they met with state officials, media and Armenian community representatives. At the conclusion of the visit, Nagorno-Karabakh Representative in the US Vardan Barseghian remarked: "It's time for the US and the international community to recognize Karabakh's progress in building a free, democratic and economically viable society in the strategic South Caucasus. Karabakh is a serious and reliable partner when it comes to bringing about greater stability, long-term peace, democracy and prosperity to the region." Barseghian also express his appreciation to Karabakh's supporters in the United States and those who helped to make this visit a success, in particular Rita Balian, Hirair Hovnanian, Hratch Kaprielian, Raffi Megerian, Carolyn Mugar, Annie Totah, as well as the Armenian Embassy, the Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian National Committee of America. The Office of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington and works with the US government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. 8) 10,000 Attend Navasartian Closing Ceremony VAN NUYS, CaliforniaMore than 10,000 community members flocked to the Birmingham High School field Tuesday for the closing ceremonies of the 31st annual Homenetmen Navasartian Games, which culminated in a parade of athletes and scouts and an impressive display of fireworks. The athletic field and the entire high school was filled with Homenetmen members, supporters and community members who chose to mark the July 4 holiday at what has become a California-Armenian community tradition. The program began with announcers Nora Tchaparian (Armenian) and Patyl Kasparian (English) officially declaring the commencement of the parade and the closing ceremonies. The Homenetmen Regional Scouting Council members escorted the procession of honored guests led by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, 31st Navasartian honorary chairs Mr.& Mrs. Hovsep and Elizabeth Boyadjian, "Exemplary Homenetmen Member" Samuel Megerdichian and Homenetmen Regional Executive chairman Raffi Ispendjian. Among the guests attending the ceremonies were Armenia's Deputy Consul General Arthur Madoyan, Homenetmen Central Committee member Mheir Davtian and Manuel Marselian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western Region Central Committee member Hagop Tufenkian, Glendale School Board member Greg Krikorian, Burbank School Board member and the Democratic nominee for the 43rd Assembly district Paul Krekorian, as well as representatives of community organizations. The spectators were treated to two dance numbers by the Hamazkayin "Nairi" dance troupe led by Catherine Hairapetian. With the blessing of Honorary Chairman Boyadjian and a command by Homenetmen Regional Scout leader Hrair Boyadjian the ceremonies were officially underway. In his welcoming remarks, Master of Ceremonies Simon Manucharian welcomed all the guests and spectators. He continued by highlighting the role of the Homenetmen in the education of the Armenian youth, and emphasized the importance of the Navasartian Games, which brings together thousands of young Armenians under one umbrella and strengthens the spirit of athletic competition and organizational life within them. "During the last two months, the hundreds of teams competing in the games have led from one victory to another," said Homenetmen Regional Executive chairman Raffi Ispenjian. "After all, what is Homenetmen if not a victory, which was borne 88 years ago? A victory that is eternal for the Armenia people~E A victory, which continues today~E" Ispenjian added that Homenetmen was established 40 years ago on the Western Region with a mission to bring together Armenian youth under one banner and lead them toward victory. "From day one, with a firm belief in Homenetmen's mission, the Armenian community supported it. That same belief continues today. Your presence here today is proof of that firm belief. You should feel proud of your faith you have toward the Homenetmen. Your continued trust and endless support has enabled us to maintain our Armenian identity and to serve our youth. Through our and your efforts we achieved a new victory: the 31st Navasartian Games," added Ispenjian. In conclusion, Ispenjian thanked the Honorary Chairman and his wife, as well as all Homenetmen members, committees, volunteers who worked diligently to make the 31st Navasartian Games a success. In his remarks, Homenetmen Central Executive member Manuel Marselian described the two months leading up to the closing ceremonies as a period of competition, where wins and losses within a healthy competitive environment, lead to the victorious ceremonies, which have become a staple for the California-Armenian community for 31 years. "Homenetmen is now 88 years young. In fact, Homenetmen is the ever young organization growing and expanding every year," said Marselian, adding that today the international family of Homenetmen boasts 99 chapters and more than 30,000 members. He added that three new chaptersStockholm, Sweden; Marseilles, France; and Mosul, Iraqjoined the growing Homenetmen family in the past year. "It is true; as the famous saying goes, the sun never sets on Homenetmen's family." "Homenetmen has always been proud to be recognized as a volunteer-based organization. Our growth is undoubtedly largely thanks to the hard work of thousands of such volunteers; for example, this year's Exemplary Homenetmen Member Samuel Megerdichian, as well as the voluntary support and generosity of individuals such as Mr. and Mrs. Hovsep Boyadjian, the Pilavdjian family and countless others who do believe in Homenetmen's cause, and have been proud to offer their moral and financial backing to ensure the ongoing success of Homenetmen," added Marselian In conclusion, Marselian congratulated the Western Region of the Homenetmen, which will be represented by 700 scouts at the 8th Pan-Armenian Homenetmen Jamboree in Armenia later in July. After offering his blessing and congratulating the "Exemplary Homenetmen Member," the Honorary Chairman and the Western Regional Executive, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian praised Homenetmen for educating and elevating Armenian youth for generations. He stressed that His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia has declared this year as the "Year of the School." "Today we elevate the role of the Homenetmen-school in our Armenian reality," emphasized the Archbishop. The program continued with a performance by the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter choir, directed by Arik Gevorkian. Finally, the parade of athletes and scouts began becoming a powerful display of the Homenetmen family in the Western Region with its 18 chapters and hundreds of members. The Los Angeles chapter's large banner congratulating its members Mr. & Mrs. Boyadjian and Samuel Megerdichian was an impressive display of fraternal camaraderie that is the cornerstone of Homenetmen. After the parade, the medals and cups were distributed the winning chapters and athletes. On hand were the Archbishop Mardirossian, Honorary Chairman, Ispenjian, Marselian, Davtian and Homenetmen's Regional Athletic Director Viken Apelian. The annual scholarship presentations followed, with Sevag Ohanian of the Ararat chapter and Sevan Shrigian of the Shant chapter receiving the "Kevork Andonian" scholarship while Nairi Mikaelian of the Ani chapter walked away with the "Sako Dadoyan" scholarship. The festival continued long after the closing parade and ceremonies ended, as the community marked yet another successful Navasartian Games. 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) 2006 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.