Month: October 2006

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected] <;

PRESS RELEASE
October 24, 2006

Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

COLORADO ARMENIAN COMMUNITY JOINS ANCA-WR FOR MEETINGS WITH LOCAL
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

DENVER, COLORADO – Members of the Colorado Armenian American community
joined Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR)
Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian earlier this month to meet with
US Representatives Tom Tancredo (R-6), Diana DeGette (D-1), and Mark Udall
(D-2).

The meetings began in Centennial, Colorado, where Hovsepian and long-time
Colorado resident Ken Allikian briefed Rep. Tancredo’s staff on Armenian
Genocide-related legislation and efforts by the Azeri government to inhibit
regional cooperation.

Hovsepian and Allikian then visited the Denver district office of
Congresswoman DeGette, where they thanked her for her support of H.Res.316
and discussed H.R.3361, encouraging the Congresswoman to become a
co-sponsor. Rep. DeGette expressed dismay in the firing of Ambassador Evans
and the lack of an appropriate explanation to date by the State Department.

Garo Chalian and Kim Christianian joined Allikian and Hovsepian for the
final meeting of the day with Rep. Udall’s staff. Meeting attendees thanked
Rep. Udall for his co-sponsorship of key pieces of legislation supporting
Armenia and addressed questions regarding the need to have Turkey address
its past as a prerequisite to truly join the civilized world and begin a
process by which good neighborly relations can be developed.

Allikian, Chalian, and Christianian are members of the "Armenians of
Colorado", a community group established in 1982, whose purpose is to
nourish a cohesive Armenian community to further the understanding of
Armenian history, culture, religion, language and heritage.

"It was a pleasure to work with Ken, Kim, and Garo," said Hovsepian. "The
Armenians of Colorado are doing admirable work to raise awareness about the
Armenian American community in Colorado and we are glad to have working
partnership in reaching out to members of Congress. We look forward to
working with them to continue these efforts."

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots
political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of
the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

#####

PHOTO CAPTION: (left to right) Ken Allikian, Congresswoman Diana DeGette,
District Director Greg Diamond, and ANCA-WR Community Relations Director
Haig Hovsepian.

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:

HIS HOLINESS CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN CYPRIOT MP
ON HIS ELECTION AS PARTY LEADER

His Holiness Aram I congratulated Cypriot Armenian Member of Parliament, Mr.
Marios Garoyan, for election as President of the Democratic Party (DIKO).
During a phone conversation with Mr. Garoyan, His Holiness considered him to
be a great honor for the Armenian nation in general and the Cypriot Armenian
community in particular. His Holiness Aram I wished the newly elected party
leader full success in his new mission.

A highly educated man from the Cypriot Armenian community, Mr. Garoyan has
for years been an active member in DIKO and was recently elected as a Member
of Parliament from that party.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission 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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian

LECTURE AT NAASR ON POST-1915 ARMENIAN DIASPORAN CULTURAL IDENTITY

Zeynep Turan, a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Psychology at the City
University of New York, will give a lecture entitled "Objects of Legacy:
Material Culture and Post-1915 Armenian Cultural Identity in Diaspora"
on Thursday, October 26, at 8:00 p.m., at the National Association for
Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center , 395 Concord Ave.,
Belmont, MA.

The displacement and involuntary resettlement of the Armenians of the
Ottoman Empire from their ancestral lands created the need to rebuild
identities based on lost landscapes, nostalgia, and collective symbols.
Having been displaced from one’s homeland, one might make one’s new
dwelling in language, in stories, or in personal objects. An identity
based on being from "there" but living "here" encourages a sense of
place maintained as much by stories and memories as by the topography of
one’s homeland.

Material Objects Provide a Link To Lost Homeland

Since the experience of forced migration destabilizes a person’s
relationship to the environment, a collection of personal objects may
allow one to form a safe area from which one can reclaim (or disclaim)
personal and cultural identity. For Armenians originally from Asia
Minor, as well as Greeks and displaced Palestinians, the personal
objects brought from their homelands provided a sense of cultural
identity and security that has been taken for granted. These objects
took on the roles that family, friends, and a familiar ancestral
environment would have played had the 1915 genocide, the population
exchange, and the displacements never happened. These material objects
enable their owners – the displaced persons and their descendants – at
least to imagine a security that has been lost.

Turan is in the final year of a doctoral program in Environmental
Psychology at the City University of New York (CUNY). A native of
Izmir, Turkey, she is focusing her research on the effects of
displacement on Armenians, Greeks, and Palestinians, as well as others
forced to flee their homelands, and their descendants. She holds
Masters degrees in Psychology and Architectural History and Theory.

The NAASR Center and Headquarters is located opposite the First Armenian
Church and next to the U.S. Post Office. Ample parking is available
around the building and in adjacent areas. The lecture will begin
promptly at 8:00 p.m. More information about the lecture is available
by calling 617-489-1610, faxing 617-484-1759, e-mailing [email protected], or
writing to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY,INC
Hamesd Beugekian
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA, 02427
Tel: 617-926 5892
Fax: 617-926 4855
E-mail: [email protected]

ARS Members Worldwide Join Together
to Commemorate
ARS Armenia’s 15th Anniversary

Event Coincides with the 3rd Republic’s Anniversary Celebrations

Members and supporters of the Armenian Relief Society recently concluded
a two week celebration of the ARS Armenia region’s 15th anniversary of
operation within the Homeland and joined their compatriots to
commemorate the coinciding 15th anniversary of the 3rd Republic of
Armenia.

Commemorative tours, celebrations, and visitations and a day long
conference dominated the Sept. 15-27 celebration. Activities were based
in Yerevan and included visits to Artsakh and Javakhq.

Months in the planning, the tour and anniversary celebration were held
under the auspices of the ARS, Inc. international Central Executive
Board. ARS members and friends attended from the United States,
Canada, France, Argentina, Australia, Italy, Germany, Lebanon, Syria,
England, Cyprus, Greece, Javakhq, Artsakh, and Armenia.

At the same time, the nine members ARS Central Executive Board (CEB)
held a full Board meeting, focusing particularly on its programs within
Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk. The ARS CEB and ARS members and
supporters were also present at the Sept. 18-20 Third Armenia-Diaspora
Conference sponsored by the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs where CEB Chairwoman Hasmig Derderian presented the ARS’s
message to the hundreds of attending representatives and observers.

The ARS Armenia 15th anniversary commemorative activities were organized
by the ARS Armenia Regional Executive Board. A description of the
highlights of the two week ARS celebration follows.

Tour of Armenia’s Historical Sites and Special Events

Members of the ARS 15th anniversary celebration tour were treated to
visits around Armenia, giving the first time visitor a superb overall
view of the country and keeping the repeat visitor interested and awed.
The tour was organized by Menua Tours of Yerevan.

The tour began on Sept. 15 with a visit to Yerablur, Soseh Mairik’s
tomb, Yerebuni, and a driving tour of Yerevan. On Sept. 17, tourists
visited Ejmiatzin cathedral and monastery in the morning and Sardarabad
and its museum in the afternoon. The day concluded at the Sundukian
Theater with the performance of "Yes mi Tzar em Tzirani," by former ARS
CEB member and ARS Armenian Regional Executive Chairperson Alvard
Petrosyan. Garni’s 2nd century pagan temple and Geghard’s ancient
monastery were on the agenda for Sept. 18, along with visits to three
schools sponsored by the ARS for children with developmental
disabilities.

On Sept. 20, the ARS tour group visited Ashtarak, Mughni, Saghmosavanq,
and Amberd, marveling at the ancient architecture. From Sept. 24-27,
tourists were able to visit Artsakh, taking in the ancient historical
sites and visiting ARS sponsored ‘Soseh’ kindergartens in the various
villages throughout the country. The Artsakh trip was followed by a two
day visit to Javakhq, where the ARS group was able to see the fruits of
the Society’s labors in bringing educational, medical, and social
stability to Javakhq’s population in the form of a clinic, offices, and
educational facilities. ARS members were also present for a ribbon
cutting ceremony held on Sept. 25 upon the opening of a long-awaited
youth center in Javakhq.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Unveils New CAT Scan Machine at
ARS Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center

On September 16, the ARS group visited the ARS Mother and Child Clinic
and Birthing Center, as well as the ARS Nigol Aghbalian School, both in
Gyumri. ARS CEB members recessed their meeting to visit the former
earthquake-stricken area with the group.

The ARS Nigol Aghbalian School was the first stop, where tour buses were
waved in by students holding bright red, blue and orange papers in the
spirit of the coming Sept. 21 15th anniversary Independence Day
celebrations. School Principal Khanum Babigian greeted the visitors and
directed students in singing and recitations for the crowd. ARS, Inc.
CEB member Shakeh Basmajian offered greetings from the CEB and praised
the schoolteachers and the 300 students for their dedication to learning
and educational improvement.

The next stop was the nearby ARS Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing
Center, where the group toured the maternity ward which opened in April
2005. The state of the art facility has now overseen the births of
nearly 1,500 babies, including one premature week old child in an
incubator who was born at 1 kilo and needed to gain a normal weight of
2.5 kilos before going home.

A highlight of the visit was a red ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil a
new CAT scan machine and newly renovated clinic space dedicated to
scanning and mammography. The CAT scan machine was donated by the
French S.O.S. and arranged by Dr. Samson O.Z. Ararat of France. The
machine is the only CAT scan machine outside of Yerevan and will serve
the entire northern region of Armenia, reaching into Javakhq. There are
only six such machines in Yerevan, a 120 kilometer drive from Gyumri.

"This gift will increase the flow of patients and the quality of care
in the region," said ARS Clinic Executive Director Dr. Sevag Avagian.
The donation will allow the ARS clinic to expand its medical services
and reach more patients in a cost effective manner.

ARS CEB Chairperson Hasmig Derderian and Dr. Ararat shared in the ribbon
cutting duties and happily shook hands to commemorate a new step in
ARS-provided health care in Gyumri and beyond.

The CAT scan machine joins another new addition to the ARS clinic’s
services: an ambulance. Complete with the ARS’s logo, the new ambulance
provides a unique and much needed service to the inhabitants of the
former earthquake region in an area which is second in population only
to Yerevan.

The day ended with a mandatory meeting between the ARS CEB and executive
board representatives from 15 ARS entities, where information and ideas
were exchanged in a spirit of cooperation. A question and answer period
followed between the CEB and the regional and chapter representatives.
The evening concluded with a reception for members hosted by the ARS
Armenia Regional Executive.

The ARS at the Third Armenia-Diaspora Conference

The ARS CEB and ARS members from various entities attended the opening
ceremonies of the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Third
Armenia-Diaspora Conference. The conference was attended by hundreds of
delegates and observers from around the world and held at the Karen
Demirchian Sports Concert Center, Yerevan.

Prominent political parties and non profit organizations were invited to
sit at the round table and offer remarks in the spirit of the conference
topic at hand which focused on revitalizing Armenia’s rural areas in the
coming years to begin a spread of prosperity and stability outside of
central Yerevan.

In her well received remarks, ARS CEB Chairwoman Hasmig Derderian
emphasized the ARS’s plan to contribute to rural revitalization by
replicating its premiere Artsakh Sosseh Kindergarten program and
bringing it to Armenia. Derderian also noted that ARS entities and
members will contribute to the organized Armenia rural revitalization
effort through its participation in community projects around the world.
(See elsewhere in this publication for Derderian’s full remarks).

Visit to ARS Armenia’s New Dilijan Camp

The ARS group stopped to enjoy Lake Sevan and her ancient monasteries on
the way to see the ARS Armenia’s new camp in Dilijan. Dilijan is known
for its restful atmosphere and crystal clean air.

ARS Armenia is planning for the camp to be used by ARS, youth, and other
groups in the coming months as renovations on the camp’s two buildings
are completed. The two buildings include sleeping rooms, a cafeteria,
kitchen, and meeting rooms.

The project was financed by the Republic of Greece’s Hellenic Aid
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reconstruction of the sanatorium building
was finance by the Greek non-governmental organization, Development
Cooperation & Solidarity (DCS).

The ARS group also visited the 10th century St. Grigor Lusavorich Church
in Dilijan, which is still active. Father Sasun Zunrughian invited the
group to partake of the traditional offering of bread dipped in salt and
proceeded to conduct a short religious ceremony in the St. Astvatzatzin
Church. Dilijan Mayor Armen Santrossian also welcomed the ARS group and
described some of the many highpoints of Dilijan.

The day concluded with a lavish lunch offered by the ARS Dilijan
Chapter, whose Chairperson, Esma Zargarian, welcomed guests to break
bread with her chapter’s members.

"The ARS in the Service of Armenians and Armenia"

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the ARS’s official presence in
Armenia, the ARS CEB organized a daylong conference, "The ARS in the
Service of Armenians and Armenia." The event was held on Sept. 22 at
the Hotel Marriott Armenia, Yerevan.

The conference opened with remarks by ARS Armenia Regional Executive
Chairwoman Alvard Petrosyan, who is a former ARS CEB member and a member
of the Armenian National Assembly.

Petrosyan welcomed prominent guests who attended the conference and
invited ARS CEB Chairwoman Hasmig Derderian to give the conference
address. Welcoming remarks were offered by Vice Speaker of the Armenian
National Assembly, Vahan Hovhannisyan and UN Children’s Fund Director,
Rights of the Child, Children of Special Needs Program Nayira Avetisyan.
Armenian National Assembly member and Chairman on the Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations Armen Rustamyan spoke on "The World at
Large and the ARS as a Pan-Armenian Organization."

Vehanoush Margaryan, Director of the ARS, Inc. Yerevan Central Office
and Sponsor a Child program and ARS Inc.’s Coordinator of Special
Programs in Armenia, Anna Mnatsakanyan, presented "ARS Achievements in
Armenia." Director of ARS Inc. Health Programs in Armenia, Dr. Sevag
Avagyan, discussed "ARS Health Programs."

The presentations were followed by lunch and a panel discussion on "ARS
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." ARS CEB secretary Mayda Melkonian
introduced the panel topic and the importance of having a realistic and
open discussion on the issue. ARS CEB member Tamar Der Bedrossian
introduced the panelists and moderated the subsequent discussion.
Former ARS CEB Chairwoman Vanouhi Issadjanian spoke on "The ARS
Yesterday;" Nanor Hreshdakian of the ARS Syria region spoke on "The ARS
Today;" and Lilit Hovhanisyan of the ARS Armenia region and Nyree
Derderian of the ARS Western USA region spoke on "The ARS Tomorrow."

Issadjanian described the ARS’s role in the history of Armenia and the
Armenian people from its establishment in 1910. "It’s impossible to
understand the present or future without knowing the past," she noted.

Hreshdakian added, "There are organizations that have existed for a
short time and organ-izations that are founded and thrive in the
community that last." Reflecting on the Third Armenia-Diaspora
Conference held earlier in the week, Hreshdakian observed, "The ARS is
an excellent example of an organization that works together in the
Diaspora and in the Homeland."

Hovhanisyan focused on the important ARS work that young people are
fueling in Armenia today, including issues focused on the human
trafficking of women and children. Derderian introduced bold ideas for
shaking up the ARS, including one set of uniform bylaws throughout the
ARS’s and consideration of an elected, but paid, chief executive
officer, similar to an organizational structure used by some nonprofit
organizations in the West.

The panel discussion was lively, as was the question and answer
discussion which followed. Conference attendees discussed interaction
among the generations, the process of implementing new ideas to attract
new members, and the roadblocks members sometimes encounter when they
propose bold, but untested methods to the Society. The conference was
inspired by the testimonials of young ARS leaders in Armenia. The
conference ended with the presentation of gifts from the ARS CEB to the
four panelists.

15th Anniversary Events Hosted by ARS Armenia

The ARS Armenia Regional Executive hosted a 15th anniversary gala dinner
on Sept. 22 and 15th anniversary concert on Sept. 23. The events were
attended by political dignitaries and guests.

The gala dinner was held at Bellagio Restaurant and was an evening
filled with food, music, and dancing. A raffle was held to benefit the
ARS Armenia and the night concluded with the singing of patriotic songs.

The concert was held at Sundukian Theater and was hosted by ARS Armenia
Regional Executive Chairwoman Alvard Petrosyan. Present were Armenia’s
First Lady, Dr. Bella Kocharian and Baroness Caroline Cox.

Congratulatory remarks were offered by ARF Bureau Chairman, Hrand
Margaryan, Armenian National Assembly President, Tigran Torosian,
Armenia Fund Executive Director, Naira Melcumyan, ARS Artsakh Chapter
Chairperson, Nelly Choulian, ARS Javakhk Chapter Chairwoman, Garineh
Tatevosian, and ARS CEB Chairperson, Hasmig Derderian.

A powerful film was shown of the ARS Armenia’s tumultuous first15 years,
documenting the Society’s active role in providing aid to the 1988
earthquake victims, giving medical care to those who were wound-ed or
fell in the battle for Artsakh, donating resources for the building of
medical and educational facilities, and supporting social and
educational programs for the betterment of Armenia’s men, women and
children.

A musical program followed, combining the joy of the ARS Armenia’s 15th
anniversary with the joy of the Republic of Armenia’s same 15-year
milestone. Singer Shushan Petrosian and Aved Parseghyan introduced the
entertainers who included Petrosyan herself, as well as Mikayel
Boghosyan, Armen Movsisyan, Layla Saribekyan, Hasmig Karapetian, David
Amalyan, and Aida Sarksyan and dance group "Agoonk." It was an
emotional and inspiring night of remembrance for the ARS’s past
contributions to the Republic’s first years and a night of hope for all
that the ARS plans to bring for Armenia’s future.

____________________________________

The ARS is the oldest continuing women’s organization in the world.
Learn more about the ARS or how to make a donation to help the Society
continue its important work by visiting , calling (617)
926-5892,or emailing [email protected].
________________________ ____________

Opinion: The Planting of Ideas
By Carolyn Mugar and Jeff Masarjian

Boston Globe
October 24, 2006

"THE PLANTING of trees is the planting of ideas," says Dr. Wangari Maathai,
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and environmentalist. But what does she mean?

Hosted by Boston’s Urban Forest Coalition, she will address this question at
Faneuil Hall today.

In a world faced with such weighty problems as global warming, dwindling
fossil fuels, and the gap between rich and poor nations — the planting of
trees may seem of little importance. Yet, as the founder of the Green Belt
Movement, Maathai has taught us that tree planting is a critical step toward
helping to protect the environment and fight poverty.

A Kenyan, Maathai has dedicated herself to fighting two of her country’s
starkest problems: poverty and deforestation. With less than 2 percent
forest coverage, Kenya is well below the UN recommended minimum of 10
percent. Maathai’s movement has held fast against these daunting challenges,
forging an ingenious path forward — one that simultaneously addresses both
crises. It is an approach built upon education and direct engagement with
local communities.

Led by Maathai, the Green Belt Movement organizes poor rural women in Kenya
to plant trees. Each new tree yields multiple benefits in their lives —
reversing the tide of deforestation, restoring Kenyan’s main source of
cooking fuel, and strengthening the community.

The Green Belt Movement has incorporated education on women’s rights into
its environmental programs, empowering disenfranchised Kenyans to fight for
a sustainable and viable economic future. All these actions make clear what
Mathaai means by comparing the planting of trees with the planting of ideas.

And she is not alone in that view. All around the world, NGOs and other
concerned parties are taking comparable steps to protect the environment and
combat poverty. In Armenia today, estimated forest cover is less than 8
percent; a dramatic decrease from a healthy 25 percent at the turn of the
last century. Moreover, its environment, one of the world’s most
ecologically diverse with seven different climate zones, is in grave
jeopardy.

Currently, due to lack of alternative energy sources, the 40 percent of
Armenians living below the poverty line are overreliant on wood for fuel. If
the trend of poverty-driven deforestation continues, much of Armenia will
become a desert in just 20 years. Like Kenya, deforestation threatens to rob
Armenia of its natural beauty and resources.

That’s why, similar to the Green Belt Movement’s efforts, an organization
called the Armenia Tree Project offers public education programs. We
recently developed a new interactive environmental curriculum, "Plant an
Idea, Plant a Tree," which offers instruction on how the health of Armenia’s
ecosystem is closely tied to its economic future. We have introduced this
curriculum in all 1,400 of Armenia’s public schools. In rural villages, our
staff trains and works with subsistence farmers on planting and forestation
techniques. At our large-scale nursery and environmental educational center,
we instruct college students and professionals on environmental stewardship.
In our 12 years, Armenia Tree Project has made enormous strides, planting
and restoring more than 1,250,000 trees and creating hundreds of jobs in our
backyard nursery micro-enterprises for Armenia’s rural poor.

In the 30 years of the Green Belt Movement’s existence, an astonishing 30
million trees have been planted and 30,000 Kenyan women trained in forestry,
food processing, bee keeping, and other trades. Their example inspires our
work.

Such accomplishments suggest that in a world overwhelmed by seemingly large
and unsolvable issues, the long-term solutions may well lie in simple but
practical actions, taken on the local level.

Carolyn Mugar is the founder and Jeff Masarjian the executive director of
Armenia Tree Project.

© Copyright 2006 The New York Times Company

PRESS RELEASE
ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206

ANC-PAC Issues Strong Endorsement ForOrange County Republican Congressman

Congressman Ed Royce is a Proponent of Stronger U.S.-Armenia Relations

October 24, 2006

LOS ANGELES, CA – Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) was endorsed this week by
the Armenian National Committee – Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC), the
nation’s largest grassroots Armenian American political organization. Royce,
a Republican from Orange County, has been a staunch advocate for his Armenian
American constituents in California’s 40th Congressional District.
"Ed Royce has earned the vote of every Armenian American in his district,"
commented ANC-PAC spokesperson Ara Malazian. "His principled leadership on
the powerful House International Relations Committee and his longstanding and
active ties to our community all across his congressional district give us
great faith in wholeheartedly endorsing his reelection to the U.S. Congress,"
Malazian added.
Earlier this year members of the ANC of Orange County met with Congressman
Royce to thank him for co-sponsoring the Crowley-Sherman-Royce Amendment to
the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. That amendment prohibits
the Export-Import Bank from providing any assistance "to develop or promote
any rail connections or railway-related connections that traverse or connect
Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically
exclude cities in Armenia." Congressman Royce was also fully briefed on both
the firing of former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans for honestly
referencing the Armenian Genocide and provided background on the ANCA’s
opposition to President Bush’s nominee to replace Evans.
Since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, Royce has
vigorously addressed the concerns of his Armenian American constituents in
Orange County. By providing outstanding constituent services through his
District Office in Fullerton and by working in the U.S. Capitol to advance
pro-human rights legislation related to Armenia, the Congressman has emerged
as a leading voice for his Armenian Americans. The Congressman has proudly
served for years as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
and has consistently endorsed legislation to encourage stronger economic
relations between the United States and Armenia.
"The ANC-PAC’s endorsement is also the result of Congressman Royce’s
proven track-record in leading the charge in Congress to stop the ongoing
genocide in Sudan. We know that he has visited Darfur and seen a modern
genocide with his own eyes. We stand shoulder to shoulder with him in working
to find an international solution that will immediately stop the bloodshed in
Darfur," Malazian added.
In 2004, the Armenian National Committee of Orange County awarded
Congressman Royce with its prestigious "Freedom Award" for championing the
concerns of his constituents in Washington, DC. The event, held at the
Armenian Community Center in Santa Ana, was attended by hundreds of the
Congressman’s constituents.
More recently, Royce has been an outspoken advocate for ending Turkey’s
shameful denial of the Armenian Genocide in which over 1.5 million Armenian
Christians were killed from 1915 to 1923. In September of 2005, the
Congressman participated in a markup of two Armenian Genocide resolutions in
the House International Relations Committee, on which he serves as a senior
member. With his full support, both measures, which call for proper U.S.
recognition of the Armenian Genocide and urge Turkey to end its decades long
denial of this crime against humanity, were overwhelmingly adopted.
Unfortunately, despite Royce’s backing, the Speaker of the House continues to
block both measures from being voted on by the full membership of the House
of Representatives.
Congressman Royce currently serves as the Chairman of the House
International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation. He is also being seriously considered by Republican
leaders to chair the full committee, given the retirement of the current
chairman, Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois.
The ANC-PAC is a non-partisan federally registered political action
committee established to support campaign committees for Members of Congress
who share the values of the Armenian American community. The ANC-PAC is at
the forefront of efforts to ensure that the voice of the Armenian American
community is clearly heard in our nation’s capital. The ANC-PAC continues a
century old tradition of Armenian Americans engagement on the public policy
issues facing national political leaders, both in the U.S. Congress and the
White House.

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]

PR ESS RELEASE

October 18, 2006

Contact: keveork Manguelian
Tel. (613) 235-2622

Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia Concludes a Successful
Visits to Canada

"It is not our Intention to Humiliate or Corner Turkey,"–Minister Oskanian

Ottawa-Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia,
concluded a successful working visit to Ottawa on October 18 meeting Canada’
s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay and Canadian
legislators.

To honour His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Gary Goodyear, (MP – Cambridge)
and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, in
cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ottawa, and the
Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), hosted a luncheon-meeting for
House of Commons and Senate of Canada members.

After welcoming the minister, Gary Goodyear emphasized that the high turn
out of Parliamentarians demonstrates "the positive relationship that exists
between Armenia and Canada. It also illustrates the importance of our
commitment to developing bilateral agreements with our Armenian friends and
counterparts." Goodyear concluded that by establishing Canada-Armenia
Parliamentary Friendship Group "we have the opportunity to share experiences
and develop warm friendships that will serve and strengthen our two
countries."

After thanking the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada members, and
the Canadian Government for their recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
Minister Oskanian said that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen
Canada-Armenian bilateral relations in economic and political fields,
Canada -Armenia cooperation in international organizations and obtain Canada
‘s assistance in enhancing Armenia’s peace-keeping capacities.

Minister Oskanian reviewed Armenia’s political, economic and social
development, Armenia’s relation with its neighbours, and the French National
Assembly’s principled stand on the Armenian Genocide.

Minister Oskanian stressed that Armenia has always advocated dialogue and
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Armenia and Turkey
without precondition. "It is not our intention to humiliate or corner
Turkey," stated Minister Oskanian.

Jason Kenney, Parliamentary Secretary of the Prime Minister of Canada, on
behalf of the Government of Canada welcomed Minister Oskanian and wished him
a successful visit.

The two-hour meeting provided an excellent opportunity for Canadian
legislators to get first-hand knowledge of Armenia, its concerns and hopes.

In addition to the Parliamentarians, the gathering was attended by ANCC
Chairman Dr. Vagharch Ehrmdjian, ANCC central and regional board members,
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Rev. Mher Khatchigian
and representatives from the Congress of Canadian Armenians.

Later in the day, Minister Oskanian met his counterpart– Hon. Peter
MacKay–to discuss issues of mutual interest to Canada and Armenia.

Minister Oskanian’s visit was covered by many major Canadian media
organizations.

"We are sure that such ministerial visits will pave the way for closer
relation between the two nations. The vibrant Canadian-Armenian community
and ANCC, will play, as they have done in the past, a pivotal role in
bringing Canada and Armenia closer," said Aris Babikian, Executive Director
of ANCC.

#

For media inquiries please contact:
Kelly Williams, Gary Goodyear- MP Office. Tel. (613) 996-1307

The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.

Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
THE ARMENIAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP
1300 E. Shaw Ave, Suite 149
P.O.Box 5969
Fresno, CA 93755-5969
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002
Email: [email protected]

ATG Seed Farmer Honored with Gold Medal

Yerevan, Armenia – At the second Armenian International AgroForum
Conference that took place in Yerevan, Armenia on September 22-23,
2006, Hovhanness Galoyan, an ATG farmer from Karnut village, near
Gyumri in Shirak Marz, was recognized by the Government of Armenia for
his exceptional achievement in the seed industry, and awarded him a
Gold Medal.

This is the second time in two years that the Armenian Government is
honoring the California based Armenian Technology Group (ATG) a Gold
Medal for its accomplishments in the rural agricultural development in
Armenia.

While awarding the medal, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Davit
Lokyan praised the work done by Galoyan and declaring that "this year
the average wheat yields were very low in Armenia (1.5-2.5 MT per
hectares)…. Galoyan harvested 6-6.5 MT per ha!"

A farmer working under the directives of the ATG, Galoyan has mastered
the production of high quality certified wheat seed in Armenia. He is
a member of the Seed Producers Support Association (SPSA) founded by
ATG in 1998. The association has 47 members who are specialized in
production of certified high quality wheat, alfalfa, corn and barley
seeds that are appropriate for different growing zones in Armenia.
This award is the result of a long and dedicated efforts of long term
US based ATG technical farm advisors such as Roger Culver, and Roger
Benton who lived and worked with the farmers in Armenia for over 12
years.

" I am so pleased that our farmers are getting some recognition! They
are the backbone of Armenia’s rural economy," said Roger Benton,
retired UC Extension Agent and a long time ATG technical advisor and
previous in-county director from his home in California. "ATG farmers
worked so hard to help feed the nation and their families. I remember
particularly when our seed growers literally saved thousands of people
from possible starvation and famine, by supplying clean and treated
seed to over 12,000 farmers to plant their winter wheat in 2000. May
God Bless them all!"

"ATG supplied the best of Western wheat growing knowledge together
with an initial variety of high quality wheat seed to the farmers of
Armenia", said Nubar Tashjian, President of ATG. "To the credit of the
Armenian farmers, they readily adopted the Western methods together
with the wheat seed and the benefits realized are history. Those
farmers adopting ATG supplied seed and methodology improved wheat
production many times over greatly benefiting Armenia. I commend the
Armenian farmer for his industry and intelligence. I congratulate
Mr. Galoyan for his achievement, a medal well deserved ".

The ATG Seed Multiplication Project has been funded through USDA
Foreign Agricultural Service – Food for Progress. Other major sponsors
are the Lincy Foundation, The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable
Foundation, PACC and other organizations and individuals in the United
States.

ATG is a California based non-profit, public benefit corporation with
offices in Fresno, Yerevan and Stepanakerd, NK. The organization can
be reached at 559-224-1000. Tax deductible donations could be mailed
to ATG 1300 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 131; P. O. Box 5969, Fresno, CA
93755. You can also visit the ATG web site at and
donate on line.

Rural Armenia News Service

Brought to you by ATG, Inc.
(Armenian Technology Group)

For more information about how you can help rural Armenia,
contact ATG at [email protected]

If you no longer want to receive news articles from RuralArmenia,
please notify us at [email protected]

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: 818-243-6222
Fax: 818-243-7222
URL:

PRESS RELEASE
Contact ~ Sarkis Kotanjian
[email protected]

Armenia Fund’s 9th Annual Telethon Set to Air Internationally
Nationwide Broadcast in All Armenian Communities

Los Angeles, CA – Armenia Fund United States Western Region is pleased
to announce the domestic and international broadcast coverage lineup of
its upcoming 9th Annual International Telethon. The telethon will be
aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006 in all Armenian communities
around the United States and the world.

As part of the Rebirth of Artsakh project, proceeds from the live 12
hour program will benefit the regional development of Hadrut, Nagorno
Karabakh. The funds will go towards building new drinking water
pipelines as well as reconstructing healthcare facilities and schools
that fell victim to the war and years of neglect. In an effort to
eradicate poverty in this war ravaged border region, Armenia Fund will
also implement a comprehensive agricultural development project to
impact 1,000 farmers in 8 Hadrut villages. A similar regional
development program is currently underway in the northern Martakert
region using the funds raised during last year’s Telethon 2005.

His Excellency Arkady Ghoukasian, President of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic and Mrs. Naira Melkoumian Chief Executive Officer of Armenia
Fund International will be present during the telethon. The live program
is set to air internationally from Glendale Studios, California. Below
is the listing of the domestic broadcast stations in the United States
and their times in respective local time zones.

H1-Armenian Public Television will also air the live program in Armenia,
as well as on satellite in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United
States. Viewers with a Globecast World TV satellite may tune in to
H1-Armenian Public Television and view the live 12 hour program. In
addition, Horizon Armenian Television, the largest Diaspora based
Armenian cable and satellite network outside of Armenia will air the
telethon on its channel as well. Viewers in North America may watch the
Telethon on Horizon’s satellite channels. The Telethon will also be
webcasted live for 12 hours on from 8am-8pm PST. For
detailed broadcast information, please log on to

Boston, Massachusetts
WBPX 68; WDPX 58; WPXG 21
12pm – 6pm EST

Chicago, Illinois
WCPX 38
11am – 5pm CST

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
KPXD 68
Charter Ch. 28; Time Warner Ch. 26
11am – 5pm CST

Detroit, Michigan
WPXD 31
12pm – 6pm EST

Fresno and Central California
KJEO Ch. 32
Comcast Ch. 14
8am – 8pm PST

Houston, Texas
KPXB 49
Time Warner Ch. 7; Phonoscope Ch. 49
11am – 5pm CST

Las Vegas, Nevada
KFBT 33
Cox Ch. 6
12pm – 8pm PST

Greater Los Angeles Area
KSCI 18
All Cable Sys. Ch. 18
8am – 8pm PST

Miami, Florida
WPXM 35
12pm – 6pm EST

New York, New York
WPXN 31
12pm – 6pm EST

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
WPPX 61
12pm – 6pm EST

Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe, Arizona
KPPX 51
Cox Ch. 17; Qwest Ch. 17
11am – 5pm MST

Providence, Rhode Island
WPXQ 69
12pm – 6pm EST

San Francisco & Bay Area
KTSF Ch. 26; Comcast Ch. 8
12pm – 6pm PST

Salt Lake City, Utah
KUPX 16
Comcast Ch. 16
11am – 5pm MST

Seattle, Vancouver, Western WA
KBCB 24
Comcast Ch. 14
8am – 8pm PST

St. Louis and Jefferson County, Missouri
Charter Ch. 8
10am – 10pm CST

Washington, DC
WPXW 66
12pm – 6pm EST

Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and
infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million in
development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is
the U.S. Western Region affiliate of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund. Tax
ID# 95-4485698

PRESS RELEASE October 23, 2006
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected] ;Web:

Armenian Embassy, with Leading Armenian American Organizations, Celebrates
Armenia’s Fifteenth Anniversary in Washington, DC

On October 21, 2006, the fifteenth anniversary of Armenia’s independence was
celebrated in Washington’s renown Omni Shoreham Hotel with a special event
drawing near 500 guests from all Armenian communities in the United States
and the heads of all the leading Armenian-American political, cultural,
religious, and benevolent organizations. Represented at the event were
organizations that made an essential contribution to sustaining the Armenian
independent statehood, such as the Armenian National Committee of America,
the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America,
Fund for Armenian Relief, the Armenian Missionary Association of America,
the Cafesjian Family Foundation, and the Armenian Relief Society, whose
representatives had the opportunity to make congratulatory remarks.

Also present at the event were representatives of U.S. State Department,
USAID, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as former U.S.
Ambassadors to Armenia. An official delegation headed by Minister of Foreign
Affairs Vartan Oskanian traveled to Washington to participate in the
celebration.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian
noted that among the major and irreversible achievements of independence
were democratic development, liberal market economy, strong state
institutions, and consolidation of the entire Armenian nation around the
newly-independent state. Ambassador Markarian stressed the essential role of
the strong Armenian-American community and U.S.-Armenian relations in
sustaining the newly-independent statehood and promoting Armenia’s economic
development. He noted that the above organizations and the Diaspora in
general enthusiastically embraced the newly-independent Armenia and
supported the efforts of the Armenian government. The Ambassador of Armenia
noted that the presence of all the leading organizations at the celebration
once more demonstrated the unity of the Armenian nation and the Armenian
state, which is the best guarantee for success of Armenia and all Armenians
in the twenty-first century and beyond. Excerpts from the Ambassador’s
remarks are presented below.

Speaking on behalf of U.S. administration, Deputy Assistant Secretary of
State for Europe and Eurasia and Special Negotiator Matthew Bryza offered
warm congratulations on the fifteenth anniversary of independence and noted
the friendly relations and close cooperation between the United States and
Armenia on issues of regional and global importance.

Delivering the keynote address during the celebration, Minister Oskanian
drew historical parallels between the current independence and the
experience of the First Republic and noted that upholding Armenia as an
independent, democratic, and prosperous state is a task for the Armenian
nation as a whole. He stressed the importance of unity and solidarity
between Armenia and Diaspora in further enhancing the indepependent
statehood. The keynote address by the Minister is available in full at the
Foreign Ministry website, at

——————
Excerpts from remarks by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian at the special event
celebrating fifteen years of independence

It is a great honor to welcome you to the event celebrating the fifteenth
anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Fifteen years
ago, the citizens of Armenia voted to make Armenia an independent and
democratic state. The newly-born Republic of Armenia has made enormous
efforts and tremendous sacrifice to build Armenia we all dream about. Among
the major and irreversible achievements of independence are democratic
development, liberal market economy, and strong state institutions. Armenia
has become an active and responsible member of the international community.
The restoration of Armenia’s independence also gave new life to the Armenian
Diaspora, helping revitalize the Armenian identity, revive the strength of
the Armenian communities, find new mission and adjust towards new goals,
especially in Armenia and Artsakh. Not having been a nation-state in the
conventional sense of the word, independent Armenia has become a truly
national state.

…
Celebrating the anniversary of Armenia’s independence in Washington, D.C. is
indeed appropriate since the U.S. government, and also the World Bank and
the IMF have been the biggest investors in Armenia’s independence from the
very beginning. Its latest manifestation is the Millennium Challenge
Corporation program in Armenia. The U.S. Congress has always been an
unreserved supporter of Armenia throughout its political and economic
transition. Our American friends on the Hill and in the Administration have
never had doubts about the dedication of the Armenian people and leadership
to our shared values and principles, and I want to thank them for that. Our
strong cooperation all these years and your eagerness to share our today’s
celebration express the warm friendship between the United States and
Armenia.

…
Washington also symbolizes the strong Armenian American Diaspora, which has
distinguished itself by its essential contribution to sustaining Armenia’s
independence from day one. The Armenian-American community was in the
forefront of the efforts to help make true the centuries-long dream, the
building of Armenian statehood, and worked tirelessly to help expand
U.S.-Armenian relations.

The Armenian Church, the Diasporan communities, patriotic individuals, and
organizations such as the Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
General Benevolent Union, Armenian Assembly of America, Fund for Armenian
Relief, Cafesjian Foundation, Armenian Missionary Association of America,
and Armenian Relief Society have enthusiastically embraced the
newly-independent Armenia. These organizations supported the efforts of the
Armenian government, and not only – in a way – co-sponsored the newly-born
independence, but also willingly came forward to co-sponsor with the Embassy
today’s celebration, which we appreciate highly. The list of patriotic
organizations naturally is not limited to those only, and there are also
great examples like Kirk Kirkorian’s Lincy Foundation and others.

I cannot enumerate all of them today but I want assure you that their
commitment and dedication will be admired and deemed even more monumental
from the horizon of the future by generations to come.

Independence has always been a unifying factor, and tonight’s celebration
once more demonstrates the unity of the Armenian nation and the Armenian
state, which is a prerequisite for success of Armenia and all Armenians in
the twenty-first century and beyond.

Once again, I want to congratulate and also thank each and every one of you
for being with us tonight. And thanks to all the individuals and
organizations who have helped us in organizing this event.

Thank you.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress