Month: October 2006

RA FM: RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS NOT CONDITION FOR
ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS ARRANGEMENT

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

Recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915 is
not a condition of Armenia-Turkey relations arrangement, RA Foreign
Minister, Vardan Oskanyan, said in an interview to the "Haikakan
Zhamanak" newspaper.

According to him, recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a recognition
of the historical fact , according to which a monstrous crime was
committed with respect to the Armenian people, one and a half million
people had been killed, the people turned out to be alienated from its
land. The world has to recognize this crime. "Our moral debt before
the people is to achieve this", V. Oskanyan emphasized. He also noted
this problem will remain in the RA Foreign Ministry’s agenda until
Turkey recognizes the Genocide.

AZERBAIJAN’S PRESIDENT THANKED AMBASSADORS OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES FOR
SUPPORT IN NAGORNO KARABAKH ISSUE

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has thanked the Ambassadors
of Islamic countries, accredited in AR, for support in the Nagorno
Karabakh issue. As the Azeri "AzerTag" State Agency informs, the
President said during the meeting with the Ambassadors the day before
on the occasion of Ramazan holiday.

"Your countries’ support in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, being the most difficult one for Azerbaijan,
is also very important to us. I would like to express my gratitude to
you and the whole Islamic world for this support", I. Aliyev said. He
noted that the most serious attitude is shown to this issue in the
resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Conference. "Certainly, it
strengthen more and more our position. All the Islamic countries have
to support each other, to help each other, if necessary. The Islamic
solidarity plays its role in the strengthening of each country and
I am sure that brotherhood and friendly relations between us will
further become more stronger", I. Aliyev said.

INTERVIEW OF ARMENIAN PRESIDENT WITH AL-JAZEERA FAILURE OF COUNTRY’S
COMPLEMENTARY FOREIGN POLICY: LEADER OF ARMENIAN MARXIST PARTY

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

The recent interview of Armenian President Robert Kocharyan with
Al-Jazeera is a full and scandalous failure of the country’s
complementary foreign policy, said David Hakobyan, Leader of the
Armenian Marxist Party, at the Discussion Club "Pakagits," Friday.

He said it was for the first time in this interview that
Robert Kocharyan spoke of the possibility of transferring the 7
liberated regions to Azerbaijan and of the prospects of creating
a Confederation of Armenia and Nagorny Karabakh. "No returns –
everything or nothing!" As regards the Confederation, it is absurd
as a Confederation can be formed by two different ethnic people and
not by the one people and two states. "Confederation of Armenia and
NKR is a hallucination of Artsakh Vikings," the Marxist said.

Azeri Islamic Party stages rally to mark Al-Quds Day

ANS TV, Azerbaijan
20 Oct 2006

The Islamic Party of Azerbaijan marked Al-Quds Day on 20 October
by staging a rally in the village of Nardaran outside Baku, the
Azerbaijani private TV channel ANS reported.

The protesters chanted "Death to international Zionism and the USA"
and other slogans. They called on countries conducting an "aggressive"
policy to give it up and condemned the Armenian occupation of
Azerbaijani territories, ANS reported.

The protesters also set fire to US, Danish, British and Israeli flags,
the TV said.

FOREIGN MINISTER OF RA AT THE UN CONFERENCE IN TORONTO, CANADA

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

Vardan Oskanyan, Foreign Minister of RA, took part in Toronto
conference on Diaspora’s role in building peace and development
organized by UN and University for Peace.

MFA Press Service told ArmInfo that Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa,
Head of the 61st Session of UN General Assembly, came out with
speech. Vardan Oskanyan in his speech told participants of the
conference about experience of Armenian Diaspora, activities of its
structures in different parts of the world. He made a historic excurse
of the Diaspora’s formation and spoke of its originality. They spoke
about Armenia-Diaspora relations. It was pointed out that Diaspora
supports Armenia in economical and political aspects by investments,
benevolence and money transfers.

As for political support, it is carried out in the main directions:
solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, recognition of Armenian Genocide
in Ottoman Empire in 1915 and the problem of relations between Armenia
and Turkey. In the end Vardan Oskanyan met with representatives of
Armenian Diaspora in Canada. They discussed details of participation
of Armenian Diaspora and its representatives in the Agricultural
Regions Development Programs and other projects.

Armenians reportedly holding military exercises in occupied Azeri district

ITV, Azerbaijan
20 Oct 2006

Gunshots have been heard again on the contact line between the Armenian
and Azerbaijani armies. Local residents have told ITV’s Karabakh bureau
that this is linked to exercises held by Armenia in the occupied part
of Agdam [District].

[Passage omitted: Armenians fired on the village of Saricali in Agdam
last night]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN AND TURKISH JOURNALISTS INTENDING TO ESTABLISH
NETWORK OF ECOLOGICAL JOURNALISTS OF REGION

A group of Armenian, Georgian and Turkish journalists jointly with
the "Ecolur" ecological public organization, are going to establish a
network of ecological journalists. A preliminary agreement on this
has been reached within the framework of the journalists’ media-tour
of the hot ecological spots of Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. The
media-tour was financed by the World Wildlife Fund and the Critical
Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

WWF and CEPF regional representative Karen Manvelyan has promised to
support the idea. The journalists expressed willingness to regularly
monitor their countries’ environment and provide their foreign
colleagues with information for a wide coverage of the ecological
problems more or less concerning the transfrontier zones of special
protection. During the media-tour, the Armenian, Georgian and Turkish
journalists visited the valley of the Fertina river in Turkey, where
the TRACECA project, meant to connect Europe and the Central Asian
region with a transport-communication corridor, is being implemented.
Stones are uncontrollably felled along the banks of the Fertina river
for the road laid along the Black Sea’s coastline from the city of
Hop to the port of Trabzon. According to ecologists, this is a big
damage for endemic fishes in Fertina. The forests of the Kolhida
province are also being destroyed without any control. In Georgia the
participants of the media-tour visited the Borzhomi-Kharagaulini
National Park, where rare endemic species of plants are being
destroyed and the life of wild animals is threatened by new tourist
route projects. In Armenia the main problem is the pollution of
rivers with chemical waste of the mining industry.

The journalists assumed obligations to be consistent in covering hot
ecological problems in the South Caucasian region.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIA MEDIA: REASONS OF ARMAVIA A-320 CRASH MAY BE MADE PUBLIC TODAY

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
October 20, 2006 Friday

The reasons of the crash of the Armenian Airbus A- 320 on May 3
near Sochi may be made public today. The data will be presented in
the so-called "enlarged statement," IBK.ru reports. International
Aviation Committee (IAC) says some points of the document will be
replenished by the Armenian party, the source reports.

Talking to ArmInfo, Press Secretary of the Armenian Civil Aviation
Chief Department Gayane Davtyan explained that Armenian specialists
had again discussed the conclusions regarding the crash reasons within
1.5 month. The final document on this discussion consisting of 9
pages was transferred to IAC. This document is enclosed to the main
document of IAC on the reasons of A-320 crash. "The content of our
document is to be discussed with IAC representatives i.e. in order
to resolve if it is subject to publication or not," she said. She
said that additional information on the document may be received soon.

In the meantime, Vadimir Poghosyan, first class pilot, veteran of
the Armenian aviation, said at a press conference, Thursday, that
a criminal squabble took place on board of A-320 which became the
reason of the crash. However, the given statement has been factually
refuted by the country’s official circles.

October 20, 2006

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW LARK CENTER

On Tuesday, October 17, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, met with LARK Musical Society founding member and president
Mr. Vatsche Barsoumian, at which time Mr. Barsoumian updated the
Prelate on LARK’s future projects.

In October of 2005, during the Pontifical Visit of H.H.

Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, His Holiness
bestowed Mr. Barsoumian with the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" medal. At
Tuesday’s meeting, the Prelate presented Mr. Barsoumian with the
Pontifical Encyclical corresponding to the medal.

On Sunday, October 22, the official opening ceremony of
LARK’s new premises, located at 543 Arden St. in Glendale, will take
place at 3:00 p.m. The Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev
Gulumian, will conduct the opening ceremony.

At 6:30 p.m. of the same evening, the Prelate and Very
Rev. Fr. Barthev will attend a concert by the LARK Orchestra Chorus
and soloists at Glendale Presbyterian Church, where he will convey
his blessings and best wishes.

PRELATE REPRESENTED AT THE ARMENIAN FUND KICK-OFF

On the evening of Thursday, October 17, the Armenian Fund kick-off
reception and dinner took place at Bistro Garden restaurant in Studio
City, hosted by Armenia Fund International Board Trustee Mr. and Mrs.

Albert and Tove Boyajian.

Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs
Church, represented the Prelate. Also in attendance was Prelacy
representative and Armenia Fund Board member Mr. Peklar
Pilavjian.

PRELATE TO PARTICIPATE IN CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

On Friday, October 20, the Prelate departed for Washington, D.C., to
attend the opening ceremony of the new ANCA headquarter, and also to
participate in a reception celebrating the 15th anniversary of the
independence of Armenia.

The official opening of the ANCA office will take place
on the morning of Saturday, October 21st, during which the Prelate
will convey his remarks and blessings.

On the same evening, the Prelate will attend a special
reception at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, hosted by H.E. Ambassador and
Mrs. Tatoul Markarian, and featuring keynote speaker H.E. Vartan
Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL UNION GALA-BANQUET TO HONOR REV. BARKEV
DARAKJIAN

On Saturday, October 21st, the Armenian Evangelical Union of North
America will honor Rev. Barkev Darakjian, for his 40 years of
service, at a gala-banquet to be held at the Paul Avazian hall of
United Armenian Congregational Church.

The Prelate will be represented by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian,
who will convey the Prelate’s blessings and congratulatory remarks.

PRELATE TO BE REPRESENTED AT THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
GREEK-ARMENIAN ASSOCIATION

On Saturday, October 21, the Greek-Armenian Association will
celebrate its 15th anniversary with a banquet at "Ararat Home" in
Mission Hills.

Prelacy Christian Education Co-Director Very Rev. Fr.

Muron Aznikian will represent the Prelate and convey his blessings.

PRELATE CONVEYS HIS BLESSINGS TO THE KESSAB EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

The Kessab Educational Association has organized a cultural event,
consisting of an exhibition of art works and books, to take place on
Sunday, October22, at 3:00 p.m., at "Garbian" Hall in Reseda.

Archpriest Fr. Zaven Poladian will represent the Prelate
and convey his blessings.

FRIENDS OF NEW JULFA COSTUME SHOW TO BE HELD

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PRELATE

On Sunday, October 22, under the auspices of the Prelate, the Friends
of New Julfa have organized a costume show of traditional
Iranian-Armenian costumes at the hall of the Homenetmen "Ararat"
Chapter in Glendale.

Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will represent the Prelate
and convey his blessings and best wishes. Dr. Hagop Der
Megerdichian, Co-Chair of the Prelacy Executive Council, will also be
in attendance.

HOLY MARTYRS MONTHLY RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL SERIES

On Wednesday, October 25, the second lecture in the religious
educational series organized by the Holy Martyrs Church youth
association will take place. Prelacy Christian Education Department
Co-Director Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will speak on the topic
"The Armenian Church and the sects". The event is open to all ages.

ST. GREGORY CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

On the weekend of October 27, the Prelate will depart for San
Francisco to join the parish community in celebrating the 40th
anniversary of St. Gregory Church.

On this occasion, the pastor, board of trustees, and
ladies association of St. Gregory Church have organized a three-day
celebration, beginning on Friday, October 27.

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO THE PRELATE

On October 17, the Prelate was presented with a
certificate of recognition from the Honorable Paul Koretz, Assembly
Member for the 42nd District. On behalf of the California State
Assembly, Assembly Member Koretz commended the Prelate’s dedicated
service and thanked him for his contributions and leadership.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The annual meeting of the Association of Theological Institutes in the
Middle East (ATIME) was convened on October 13-15 in the Evangelical
University of Cairo with the full participation of all its members.

Rev. Megerdich Keshishian represented the Theological Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia during the meeting.

The association’s activities agenda and budget for the previous year, as
well as new proposals and membership applications were discussed during the
meeting. Great emphasis was put on cooperation between theological
universities, the continuation of student meetings and the organization of
lectures for the benefit of the new generation’s good formation.

The participants decided to hold the association’s next meeting in the
Atshane Monastery in Lebanon.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Theological
Seminary of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.