Month: November 2006

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:
PEACE -BUILDING AS AN INVITATION TO SPIRITUALITY
AFFIRMED THE PARTICIPANTS OF MIDDLE EAST-ASIA INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
The Asia-Middle East interreligious dialogue inaugurated on Sunday 12
November 2006, continued its work in the Armenian Catholicsate of Cilicia
with the leadership of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
The representatives of different religions presented papers on
peace-building from the perspective of their on faith traditions. His
Holiness Swami Parmeshananda chaired the meeting. Sheikh Muhammed Najaf (Shi
‘ite Iran) Dr Ugyen Tashi (Tibetan Hindu monk Taiwan), Dr. Muhammed Sammak
(Sunni Lebanon) and Dr. Paul Haydotsian (Christian Lebanon).
Building peace based on love, search for truth and justice is the vocation
of all religions said the speakers. At the end of the session the
participants visited at Dar-al-Fatwa Sheikh Muhammed Kabbani the Mufti of
the Republic of Lebanon. After leaving the Mufti the delegation visited the
ruins of the Israeli invasion in July 2006 in the southern suburbs of
Beirut.
Sacredness of life, a gift and a call to spirituality was the topic of the
afternoon session. Dr. Hisham Nashabe(Sunni) moderated the session and the
Venerable Guo Yuan (Buddhist Taiwan) and Mr. Camil Menassa (Christian,
Lebanon) reflected on the theme. Speakers emphasized the centrality of
protecting all life in their religions.
Following the panels the participants met in two groups to discuss the
presentations of the past two days.
One of the important aspects of the agenda of this meeting is the visits to
religious leaders in their own communities. On Sunday the members of the
dialogue had visited the Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Sfeir. In both visits
the participants appreciated the openness and sincerity of the religious
leaders. The meeting will be concluded on Tuesday 14 November in the
afternoon.
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View photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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.

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:
ARMEN IAN YOUTH MEET WITH THE MIDDLE EAST-ASIA DIALOGUE PARTICIPANTS
In the evening of Monday 13th November, participants of the Middle East-Asia
Dialogue met with a group of Armenian youth members of Armenian Church
University Students’ Association (ACUSA).
The gathering was opened with a welcome speech by Ms. Carla Khijoyan who
presented ACUSA, focusing on the importance of Inter-church and Inter-faith
dialogue in order to have a peaceful world. Ms. Teny Simonian presented the
guests and explained the aims of this Inter-faith conference, gathering for
the first time in the Middle East different religions from the far East.
Mrs. Dima Myriam spoke about the importance of dialogue with youth and
shared some of the Global Peace Institute Programmes.
The panel was followed by a discussion and sharing experiences between the
youth and the religious leaders, overcoming all generational, cultural and
religious differences.
The evening was closed by a will of recommitment in making the world a
better place for living.
##
View the photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Youth
activities 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.

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 ARAM I RECEIVES THE IRANIAN HEAD
ON THE INTER-ISLAMIC RELATIONS
His Holiness Aram I received Sheikh Mohammed Mehdi Najaf, a senior official
in the Iranian department of international inter-Islamic relations, on
November 13. Sheikh Najaf arrived in Antelias to participate in the
inter-religious conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Armenian Primate of Tehran and Archbishop Avak
Asadourian, Armenian Primate of Iraq, attended the meeting between
Catholicos Aram I and Sheikh Najaf. Discussions revolved mainly around
issues related to inter-religious and primarily Christian-Muslim dialogue.
Sheikh Najaf praised His Holiness Aram I for organizing a conference he
deemed important, stressing that such initiatives are essential for
deepening the mutual understanding, respect and trust between religions and
nations.
##
View photo here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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.

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 INTER-RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE CONCLUDES IN ANTELIAS CALLING
ON HIS HOLINESS TO PURSUE THE PROCESS HE INITIATED
The participants of the inter-religious conference, organized in Antelias by
the Catholicosate of Cilicia, thanked His Holiness Aram I for organizing the
initiative and called on him to continue the process of inter-religious
dialogue and cooperation among all the religions of the Middle East and
Asia.
The final part of the conference included a special session, which focused
on the essential role of moral values in the life of societies. His Holiness
Souami Parmeshananda (a Hindu delegate from India) and Father Fadi Daou (a
Christian delegate from Lebanon) presented speeches on this topic. Rev.
Haroutioun Selimian from Syria chaired the session.
The participants broke up into small groups and discussed the importance of
moral values and their place in people’s lives. In the plenary session,
which followed, they presented their conclusions to the rest of the
participants. In these presentations, members of the groups analyzed the
various issues taken up by the conference and delineated the similarities
and differences in the approaches to these issues taken by the different
religions.
The conference was officially concluded with a special session on the
evening of November 14. Dr. Joan Campbell, Former General Secretary of the
United States Council of Churches, chaired the event.
The closing session provided a platform for the participants to evaluate the
various aspects and achievements of the conference. The delegates all agreed
on the importance of such an initiative for Asia and the Middle East. The
representatives of the Buddhist and Hindu religions, in particular;
expressed gratitude for this first-ever opportunity to interact with
Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders from the Middle East. Expressing
their gratitude to His Holiness Aram I, they asked him to pursue the process
he initiated.
The conference report was then read and adopted.
His Holiness Aram I delivered the concluding remarks of the conference,
during which he emphasized the following issues:
He thanked all the participants for accepting the invitation of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia and coming to Antelias. In this respect, he
particularly praised the efforts of Dina Myriam from the United States and
Teni Simonian from Geneva for organizing the conference.
Secondly, His Holiness stressed that humanity today faces various
difficulties in a world that has grown smaller over time. He pointed out
that it is essential for religions to cooperate as much as possible, and
concluded that the differences between religions should be respected and
should not lead to polarization and isolation. Religions should approach
each other for cooperation and look together for common grounds.
Thirdly, His Holiness stated that religions should seek to become a moral
force and an authority in today’s societies, by practicing moral values and
working to spread them.
A delegation of the participants had the opportunity to meet the spiritual
leader of the Shiite Community in Lebanon, Sheikh Abdel Amir Kabalan.
All the participants visited the Birds’ Nest in Byblos, where they had
lunch.
A number of spiritual leaders from both regions sent letters to the
conference. These included addresses by His Holiness Matta Amirtanandamayi,
head of an important Hindu organization, Ayatollah Taskiri, head of the
inter-religious department of the Republic of Iran and Prince Hasan Bin
Talal, head of the Christian-Muslim dialogue committee of Jordan.
##
View the photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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.

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:
MESS AGE
ASIA -MIDDLE EAST INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
12-14 November 2006
Antelias, Lebanon
Religious leaders from Asia and the Middle East came together in Antelias,
Lebanon on November 12-14, 2006 at the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos
Aram I at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilica. His Holiness Aram I provided
the vision and guidance for this meeting, which was convened so that
religious leaders from these two regions could get to know each other better
and begin to develop greater understanding of each other’s religious
traditions.
Between them, Asia and the Middle East gave birth to the world’s great
religions. And yet until now, there has been little inter-religious exchange
between these two regions. During this meeting, through panel discussions,
dialogue and meditation, we sought together ways to build bridges between
religions, cultures and nations, striving to understand each other’s
concerns and challenges.
Bridges of faith can provide hope and healing to wounded nations and
pain-filled people, of which there are too many in our world today. During
the dialogue, we heard serious concerns from both Asia and the Middle East
regarding the world situation. We heard of the need to recommit ourselves
to the spiritual core of our religious traditions so that people and
societies may translate into daily life the spiritual and moral values
cherished by our traditions. We also heard of the need for religion to
provide us with the strength, vision and understanding for reconciliation
among individuals and communities based on truth and justice. We heard of
the need for an engaged spirituality, where the deeper meaning of our
traditions, moral teachings and values can be experienced. And we heard of
the need to foster a deep respect for the differences that give us our
distinctive identities, while recognizing the universal values that bring us
together as a human community.
Because these issues present strong challenges and because there is an
urgency felt by all, we dare to move from dialogue and contemplation to
common action. These small groups of religious leaders from Asia and the
Middle East have listened intently to one another. Trust has begun to build.
We have found common ground and acknowledged our differences. We have
challenged one another and have grown in love, mutual understanding and
respect. Our beginning, though humble, is strong. We believe there can be no
turning back! We declare this not for ourselves, but because we fervently
seek peace for our hurting and war-weary world.
Therefore, we, the participants in this first, historic Asia-Middle East
Inter-Religious Dialogue, urge His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to continue
this pioneering journey by initiating a process and providing a framework
for deeper exchange. We call for an ongoing effort that will enable the
spiritual leaders of our regions to come together with a united moral voice
to address issues of great concern to the world community. A small working
group can continue this process and create the necessary framework so that
this effort can grow. In closing, we leave this place agreeing to pray for
one another and to continue our exchange. Hearing the call for renewed and
joint spiritual action on the part of the world’s faith communities, we must
and will respond.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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.

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:
HARUT SASSOUNIAN SPEAKS AT THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE REVOLUTION OF ZEITOUN
The Union of Zeitoun Armenians organized on November 9 a celebration of the
110th anniversary of the Zeitoun Revolution. The event held at the Der
Melkonian Hall in Bourdj Hammoud, was sponsored by His Holiness Aram I.
The event attracted community leaders including Primate of the Diocese of
Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, the Armenian Ambassador in Lebanon,
Vahan Der Ghevontian, mayor of Bourdj Hammoud, Antranig Meserelian, clergy,
representatives of political, cultural organizations and unions of other
regions, in addition to a large public.
In his opening remarks the union’s chairman, Berge Arabian, said 110 years
after the “greatest victory in the history of Zeitoun and Cilicia,”
Armenians are gathered “to send good news to Zeitoun through their
survival.” He stressed that the descendants of Zeitount’s Armenians will
bravely defend their nation’s rights in their respective communities.
The legacy of the Zeitoun Revolution was then revived through poetry and
music by performances by Hagop Mikaelian, Alina Guilvanessian-Dakessian,
Arek Dakessian, Anayis Nenedjian-Gedigian and Ani Yepremian.
The speaker of the event, Harut Sassounian, stressed that in their struggle
today Armenians should follow the steps of the brave Zeitountsi that fought
in the revolution.
Himself a descendant of Zeitoun Armenians, Sassounian said that the means of
the struggle have changed today, but the challenges remain the same:
surviving as Armenians and defending the Armenian nation’s rights.
The speaker pointed out that the Armenian Cause is an international Cause
today and said the results of this week’s US congressional elections have
possibly created a positive situation for the pursuit of the Armenian Cause.
He added that Armenians should not only block Turkey’s membership to the
European Union, but create opportunities that would cause major setbacks in
Turkey’s policy.
Concluding his speech, Sassounian said that the first Armenian school in the
United States was established with the efforts of Lebanese Armenians. He
added that the donation he brought to the Armenian schools of Lebanon was a
“mutual gesture.”
The sponsor of the event, His Holiness Aram I, then said that being proud in
the past is not enough, as it is essential to strengthen the present with
the past and to look to the future.
His Holiness Aram I advised looking at the status of Armenian communities,
and particularly the Lebanese-Armenian community, with a spirit of useful
self-criticism. “Presenting everyone as pink and beautiful is not right; on
the contrary, it is harmful and destructive. Self-praise subjects us to
regression and retreat in all fields. We should be realistic and see our
mistakes; we should have the courage to correct our shortcomings and to look
at our future with faith and self-confidence. This is how we can progress as
a community and as a nation with all our communities and throughout Armenia
and the Diaspora”, he said.
Commending the donation to the Armenian schools of Lebanon, His Holiness
stated that Zeitoun is not a mere city in the history of the Armenian
nation, but a synonym of bravery for Armenians.
At the end of the event the Catholicos presented the medal of a “Cilician
Knight” to Dr. Sebouh Siserian, a descendent of Zeitoun Armenians, as an
acknowledgement for his contribution to Armenian national life.
##
View the photos here:
*****
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.

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:
&quot ;WE WILL SURVIVE AND STRUGGLE THROUGH
THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL AND OUR CULTURE”
SAYS HIS HOLINESS DURING A SERMON IN ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I delivered a Pontifical Sermon in the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias on November 12, focusing on three main
areas: the Armenian school, the Armenian book and inter-religious dialogue
in light of the ongoing international ecumenical conference in Antelias.
Speaking from the Cathedral’s altar, the Catholicos first and foremost
stressed the importance of the Armenian school as the basis of the Armenian
nation’s struggle for survival.
“To agonize over the Armenian school, means to struggle for our survival.
God Help those for whom the Armenian school is not is a concern, a daily
agony and a holy commitment. What we are and what we will yet be as a nation
we owe to the Armenian school,” said His Holiness.
The Armenian spiritual leader then spoke about the grand donation of 4.5
million dollars by philanthropist Kirk Kirkorian’s “Lincy” foundation to the
Armenian schools of Lebanon. He highly commended the donation made to the
most important community in the Diaspora and the heart of preserving
Armenian identity. He also praised the Vice Chairman of the foundation,
Harut Sassounian, a former Lebanese-Armenian, who came to Lebanon to
personally deliver the donation to the various schools.
On the occasion of the 28th Armenian Book Fair in Antelias, His Holiness
talked about the preservation and flourishing of Armenian culture in the
second part of his Pontifical message. Referring to the tens of new Armenian
publications, he said they give a new and fresh breath to the history of
Armenian culture.
The Catholicos praised Armenian book writers and publishers alike,
highlighting particularly the role of the Gulbenkian Foundation and its
director of the Armenian Department, Dr. Zaven Yegavian, whose cooperation
with the Catholicosate of Cilicia has resulted in the publication of many
books by Antelias. Finally, he commended those who are nurtured by Armenian
books, because their connectedness to the Armenian book will keep them
attached to the family of the Armenian nation, church and fatherland.
In the third and final part of his sermon, the Pontiff talked about the
international ecumenical conference to be launched in Antelias that same
afternoon. About 60 people from various religions from the Middle East and
Asia will participate in this conference, highlighting the areas of
cooperation between religions and the possibilities of overcoming the
challenges to humanity together.
“The full existence of religions in today’s world is guaranteed by dialogue
and united struggle. All religions exist for humankind and should therefore
fight for its spiritual, intellectual and physical safety. That struggle
becomes more effective if all religions, with their moral values as shared
traits, fight together against evil and its driving force of world
destruction.” He said.
His Holiness then emphasized that cooperation rather than comparison between
religions is the path to adopt: “Emphasizing our differences drifts us
further away from finding the truth. We should avoid contradictions and
search for the truth through the similarities found in religions. And the
source of truth is God himself. On the way to recognizing God, justice,
peace and love between nations are the most rightful paths leading to God.”
After the Holy Mass, the Catholicos headed a procession of Cilician
Brotherhood members and Seminary students outside where the opening of the
28th Armenian Book Fair was held.
##
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.

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:
HARUT SASSOUNIAN SPEAKS IN ANTELIAS AND IS HONORED
WITH THE “SAINT MESROB MASHDOTS” INSIGNIA
“California Courier” editor Harut Sassounian delivered a lecture on
“Armenians facing new challenges” during a special event held in the
“Gulbenkian” hall of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on the evening of November
7. Sassounian was also presented the insignia of “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” by
His Holiness Aram I. The event attracted a large number of people.
V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer, highlighted during his
opening remarks that in addition to its spiritual role, the Catholicosate of
Cilicia’s mission includes national, religious, educational, intellectual,
political, ecumenical and cultural initiatives.
The speaker briefly presented Sassounian, adding that he had come to Lebanon
as the special guest of His Holiness and the Catholicosate of Cilicia, “with
a heavy financial burden on his shoulders.”
“A sacred duty, the target of which is again our nation, with its cause and
struggle, its existence, conflicts, daily concerns and the education and
development of its new generations,” V Rev. Fr. Chiftjian said, referring to
the 4.5 million US Dollar donation to Armenian schools by the Lincy
Foundation. The donation is the primary purpose of Vice Chairman Sassounian’
s visit to Lebanon.
Zakar Keshishian and Camilla Keshishian entertained the attendants with
beautiful performances of a few songs.
Sassounian then took to the stage talking about the main challenges
Armenians face today and stressing that after 91 years of the Armenian
Genocide, a need for reevaluation of efforts is needed.
Assuring, with compelling arguments, that the United States will recognize
the Armenian Genocide, Sassounian emphasized that the Genocide is an
internationally recognized fact today, which constitutes a victory for the
Armenian nation.
“We should not wait for Turkey to acknowledge the Genocide before we press
our demands. We should go beyond recognition, to presenting our cause and
rights to regional, international and other courts,” he said.
Sassounian then talked in detail about the work carried out in the United
States with respect to the Armenian Cause, focusing on the developments
following the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by former US Ambassador
to Armenia, John Evans.
The lecturer maintained that the Armenian Cause is an international issue
today, emphasizing that Armenians should be prepared to seize the day when
the right conditions arise for its pursuit.
In the following question and answer session Sassounian renounced the
presence of Turkish troops in Lebanon as part of the United Nations
peacekeeping force and shed light on the main purposes of the financial
contribution of the Pan-Armenian Fund to Armenian schools in Lebanon.
After Sassounian’s lecture, the Catholicos talked about the significance of
the Armenian Cause for the Catholicosate of Cilicia. “The Armenian Cause is
not just a regular aspect of the Catholicosate’s mission, it is a constant
part of this Holy See’s identity. It is the people of this Holy See that
were massacred, deported. It is this Holy See that was deported with its
people, extradited and destroyed. It is, therefore, the duty of this Holy
See to pursue its rights, our nation’s violated rights, its cause, our
collective just Cause by all means,” he said.
“The truth should be revealed and rights should be pursued. It is with this
realization that we will continue our efforts with the participation of all
our structures,” concluded the Pontiff.
The Catholicos then presented the “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” insignia of the
Catholicosate to Sassounian, in recognition of his mutli-faceted work and as
an incentive for his future efforts. The Pontifical Encyclical was read by
V.Rev. Fr. Norayr Ashekian.
The Catholicos advised Sassounian to invite Ambassador Evans to Lebanon on
his behalf, pointing out that the latter should be honored for having the
courage to tell and defend the truth.
##
View the photos here:
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*****
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.

FRENCH AMBASSADOR READY TO PROMOTE ARMENIA-FRANCE COOPERATION
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 14 2006
The newly appointed Ambassador of France Serge Smessov handed his
credentials to President Robert Kocharyan.
Congratulating the Ambassador, the President wished him success in
carrying out his high mission. Positively assessing the relations
between the two countries, the parties said that good evidences of it
were French President Jacques Chirac’s state visit to Armenia, conduct
of the Year of Armenia in France and President Robert Kocharyan’s
visit to France scheduled next year.
In the President’s words, the high level of the political dialogue
between the two countries finds its expression in economic, cultural
and political spheres.
According to Robert Kocharyan, the economic component of bilateral
relations has greatly advanced, French companies are represented in
Armenian infrastructures. Speaking of the Year of Armenia in France,
the President said our country is seriously preparing for it. He
is assured that more than 500 events to be held in different cities
of France will properly present Armenia and will enable the French
to familiarize themselves with the Armenian people and its cultural
legacy.
Turning to the broad agenda of bilateral cooperation, Ambassador
Smessov emphasized his readiness to promote the deepening of
cooperation between Armenia and France in all fields.

SERGE SARGSAYN TO MEET WITH HIS IRAQI COUNTERPART
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 14 2006
Today RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan will visit the place of
deployment of Armenian peacekeepers in Iraq, Deputy Defense Minister,
Lieutenant-General Arthur Aghabekyan told the journalists.
According to the General, the Minister will familiarize himself
with the work and everyday life of the peacekeepers. Yesterday Serge
Sargsyan visited the multinational corps to get to know how the work
is organized. Today the Defense Minister is due to have meetings with
the leadership of the corps and his Iraqi counterpart. Tomorrow the
Minister will return to Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress