PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN MET WITH CSTO SECRETARY GENERAL
ArmRadio.am
15.03.2007 14:43
President Robert Kocharyan received the Secretary General of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization Nikolay Bordyuzha.
The interlocutors discussed the main issues the CTSO faces, the ways
of resolution of these, questions related to the improvement and rise
of efficiency of the organization’s activity.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
U.S. EMBASSY EXPRESSES DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT AT STATEMENT OF ANCA DIRECTOR ARAM HAMBARIAN
Noyan Tapan
Mar 15 2007
YEREVAN, MARCH 15, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 15, U.S. Embassy in Armenia
spread a statement in response to the statement of Armenian National
Committee of America. The statement read:
"Regarding the Statements Made by ANCA The Embassy noted with deep
disappointment the statement made in Yerevan on March 13 by ANCA
Exec Director Aram Hambarian. His remarks were a wilful distortion
of reality and have no place in any serious discussion about policy
differences. Mr. Hambarian’s comments are particularly out of place
in Yerevan, where the Government of Armenia has already signaled
its readiness to work with Ambassador Hoagland. Neither Ambassador
Hoagland nor the Administration has ever denied the mass murders and
forced exile of over 1.5 million Armenians that occurred in the final
years of the Ottoman Empire.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee on June 28, 2006, Ambassador Hoagland specifically said,
on the record, "No one in the Administration has ever denied the
events." He has read broadly the history of the period. However,
the Administration, and therefore Ambassador-designate Hoagland,
does not use the word "genocide" to describe these events."
To recap, during the March 13 press conference in Yerevan ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hambarian, in particular, said: "U.S. President
George Bush has no clear policy in the issue of Armenian Genocide. He
neither says "yes" nor "no." If there was such policy, the Armenian
community of U.S. would not protest against appointment of Richard
Hoagland to the post of U.S. Ambassador.
Indeed, RA needs U.S. Ambassador, but he should not be pro-Turkish."
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
SERGE SARGSIAN AND NIKOLAY BORDYUZHA DISCUSS CSTO’S PROBLEMS
Noyan Tapan
Mar 15 2007
YEREVAN, MARCH 15, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 15, Serge Sargsian, Secretary
of National Security Council under RA President, RA Defence Minister,
received Nikolay Bordyuzha, Secretary General of Collective Security
Treaty Organization (CSTO).
According to the report submitted to Noyan Tapan from RA Defence
Ministry, during the meeting the sides discussed the problems faced
by Collective Security Treaty Organization, the ways of their solution
and their future tasks.
CONCERT OF ENGLISH CONDUCTOR PAUL MACALINDIN AND SWISS CELLIST IVAN MONIGHETTI TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan
Mar 15 2007
YEREVAN, MARCH 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The concert of English conductor Paul
MacAlindin and Swiss cellist Ivan Monighetti will be held on March
16 at Aram Khachatrian concert hall. Their Yerevan concert has been
initiated by Armenian Music Center within the framework of Prospects
of 21st 8th international music festival. To the accompaniment of
Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, works of Shostakovich, Beethoven
and Stepan Rostomian will be performed at the concert.
S. Rostomian stated at the March 15 press conference that world
premiere of his Symphony N 1 will take place at the concert. In his
words, that symphony was composed in 1980 for Armenian Philharmonic
Orchestra, on the initiative of Orchestra’s conductor David Khanjian,
but it has not been performed up to present. In S. Rostomian’s words,
the work includes ensemble and solo performance fragments.
P. MacAlindin said that though this is his second visit to Armenia,
he is sufficiently familiarized with Armenian culture and has been
cooperating with S. Rostomian for several years. "For me, it is a
great honor to cooperate with such a composer, as well as to conduct
Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, which is becoming more and
more famous," the conductor said.
In I. Monighetti’s words, though it is the first time he cooperates
with Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, the rehearsals made it clear
that the Orchestra is at a very high level. "I am happy to take part
in this festival. I am convinced that our cooperation will continue,"
the cellist said. By the way, I. Monighetti will also take part in the
concert dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich’s 80th birth anniversary
to be held soon in Moscow. He has been invited by RF President
Vladimir Putin.
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.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 PRESIDES OVER
A SUNRISE SERVICE MARKING THE MEDIAN DAY OF LENT
AT ST. NESHAN MOTHER CHURCH IN BEIRUT
His Holiness Aram I presided over the Sunrise service held at the St.
Neshan Mother Church in Beirut on the median day of Lent following an
invitation from Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, Primate of the Diocese of
Lebanon, and the Armenian National Council. The median day of Lent is the
24th day of Lent and it occurs on the Wednesday of the fourth week. Although
it does not have any specific religious significance, this mid-point day has
been traditionally marked as a special occasion. It often features
gatherings of fellowship and friendship and the sharing of a Lenten meal.
His Holiness was accompanied by members of the Cilician Brotherhood and a
large number of Seminary students and believers filled up the church. Since
the establishment of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias in 1930, it
has become a tradition for the Pontiff to attend the Sunrise service during
the median day of Lent in the St. Neshan Mother Church.
Speaking after the service, Bishop Khatcherian welcomed the Catholicos in
his traditional visit to the church and stressed the importance of ties
between a Spiritual Leader and his believers like a shepherd and his flock,
as one of the foundations of a healthy and strong church.
His Holiness Aram I praised the Primate, the National Council and all the
bodies in the Diocese for their active and healthy contribution to the life
of the Armenian Church. He based his Sermon on the concept of following
Jesus Christ, focusing mainly on three notions: recognition, confess and
participation.
The Catholicos stressed the importance of knowing Christ and his teachings
in order to be able to follow him. Logic is the greatest wealth of human
beings and it leads them to understanding and recognition, as well as a
conscious faith in God.
The Pontiff then pointed out that being a Christian does not mean only
knowing and reading the Holy Bible. A non-Christian can also do this. What
differentiates Christians is that they live the teachings of the Bible in
their daily lives.
His Holiness also emphasized on the need for participation in the Church
life. He said God speaks to each nation through their culture. As such,
Armenians have come to know God through their cultural values as a nation.
He called on Armenian believers to steer away from foreign influences.
Armenians should thus approach Christ and take part in his mission through
the Armenian Church. Therefore, being Armenian Christian means participating
in the life of the Armenian Church and its mission through its rituals and
cultural traditions.
The Church’s Board of Trustees and its Ladies’ Guild had organized a
reception in the Prelacy in honor of His Holiness. Seminary students, former
minister Souren Khanamirian as well as friends of the St. Neshan Mother
Church were also present.
##
View the photo here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the 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
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) – Yerevan Office
53-55 Pavstos Byuzand Street, 0010
Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Inessa Grigoryan
Tel: (+374 10) 522076; 562068
Fax: (+374 10) 522076
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
< xchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=3Dhttps://mail.antigenics .com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=3D ds.org>
Children of Armenia Fund – New York Office
162 Fifth Avenue, Suite 902,
New York, NY 10010, USA
Contact: Anna Sargsyan
Tel: 212 – 994 – 8234
Fax: 212 – 994 – 8299
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
< xchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=3Dhttps://mail.antigenics .com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=3D ds.org>
COAF Reviews Psycho-Social Center Activities at a Roundtable
Karakert, Armavir District, Republic of Armenia, March 15, 2007 ¾
Today, the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) held a roundtable in the
newly opened Sirius restaurant complex in Karakert to review the
activities of the Psycho-Social Center and to present the preliminary
results of the project. The project was made possible through the
co-sponsorship of UNICEF and close cooperation with Mission East and the
Arabkir Medical Center.
Launched in June 2006 as part of COAF’s Model Cluster program, the
Psycho-Social Center [PSC] serves all six communities ¾ Argina,
Dalarik, Karakert, Lernagog, Myasnikyan and Shenik. Temporarily
located in Dalarik, the PSC staff travels through the villages to bring
its services directly to the communities. The purpose of the project is
to raise public awareness of child’s rights, with emphasis on training
parents and educators on the rights of children with special needs and
the socially disadvantaged, ultimately aiming at their integration in
the larger society.
Participating in the event from the Armavir District were the Mayors of
the Model Cluster villages, headed by Deputy Governor Dr. Larisa
Muradyan and Ms. Marine Hovakimyan, Head of Child Protection Unit at the
Armavir Municipality. Making presentations on behalf of COAF were Dr.
Arpie Balian, Resident Country Director, Dr. Naira Gharakhanyan, Manager
for Health, Social and Educational Programs and Mr. Ara Amirjanyan,
Psycho-Social Project Manager. Speaking for UNICEF was Mr. Sheldon
Yett, Representative of UNICEF Armenia. Also present at the event were a
multitude of representatives from international organizations and local
NGOs, including Mission East-Armenia and Bridge of Hope NGO.
In her welcoming address, Dr. Balian focused on COAF’s fundamental
purpose, which is the principal driver for creating the Psycho-Social
Center. "This is yet another project that aims to ensure that this
generation of young Armenians is afforded the opportunity to reach full
potential. Our mission cannot exclude the physically or socially
disadvantaged. On the contrary, COAF pays special attention to the
underprivileged and is proud to witness their gradual integration into
society." In turn, Mr. Yett spoke of the importance of the project with
regard to data collection for perusal in formulating government policy
and programmatic direction. On behalf of Armavir Marzpetaran, Dr.
Muradyan ensured the continuous support and cooperation both with COAF,
local NGOs and other international counterparts.
Dr. Gharakhanyan presented the Psycho-Social Center’s service components
and methodology used in the project, followed by a presentation of the
findings and accomplishments by Mr. Amirjanyan. The specific social and
psychological issues found to date were displayed by Ms. Gayane
Asatryan, the Staff Social Worker, and Ms. Tamara Harutyunyan, the Staff
Psychologist. An open discussion followed, during which the
participants exchanged ideas and explored avenues of further
cooperation. The round table concluded with a commitment by all partner
organizations to ensure the project sustainability and expanded service.
# # # # #
PRESS RELEASE
AGBU London
Contacts: Armine Afrikian (07866064156)
Armen: 0732024631
email [email protected]
13/03/07
ARMENIANS INSIDE EUROPE : A DIASPORA CONNECTS WITH ITS INSTITUTIONS.
A conference and debate hosted on March 22 by the AGBU Young
Professionals in London
The European Union is increasingly shaping the lives of Armenians: it is
promoting multilingualism, cultural diversity, human rights and much
more through legislation, budgets and campaigns. It is helping shape the
future of Armenia; and may one day accept Turkey as a member.
How can contact be established with Brussels? Speakers will outline and
debate selected EU policies from the point of view of Armenians in
Europe, and share experiences of dealing with the European institutions.
Panelists:
– Dr Charles Tannock, MEP for London
– Dr Susan Pattie, Senior Research fellow, UCL, Director, Armenian Institute
– Dr Armine Ishkanian, lecturer, London School of Economics
– Jonathan Fryer, Chairman, Liberal International British Group
– Ara Sarafian, Director of the Gomidas Institute, London
– Hratch Koundardjian, political consultant and parliamentary
advisor, Aegis Trust
– Nicolas Tavitian, director, Inside Europe, Brussels
On 22 March 2007 at 7.30 pm at the Armenian House: 25 Cheniston Gardens,
London, W8 6TG
Drinks & snacks to be served
Participation: free
This event is supported by the European Commission and the AGBU and is
part of a project run jointly by Orer (Prague), Les Nouvelles
d’Arménie (Paris) and Inside Europe (Brussels).
PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:
March 15, 2007
ACNIS Hosts Forum on Democracy and Falsifications in the Upcoming
Armenian Parliamentary Elections
Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today hosted the second lecture in its international visitors’ series.
Entitled "Promoting Democracy and Controlling Vote Fraud," the
off-the-record presentation and panel discussion focused on Armenia’s
upcoming parliamentary elections.
In the company of scholars, policy specialists, diplomats, commentators,
political leaders, and other public figures, Professor David Schultz of the
Graduate School of Management at Hamline University, Department of Law at
the American University of Armenia, and the Law School at the University of
Minnesota, presented his views on Armenia’s political field. He spoke
specifically on issues of encouraging democracy and containing election
fraud. The discussion was moderated by ACNIS director of research Stepan
Safarian.
Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2007, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, democratic development, conflict resolution,
and applied research on critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the
state and the nation.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected]; or visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
PRESS RELEASE
Senator Barbara Boxer
Washington D.C.
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553
Dear Friend:
I wanted to let you know that I am cosponsoring Senate
Resolution 65, condemning the murder of Armenian journalist and
human rights advocate Hrant Dink. The text of the resolution
can be found below.
Hrant Dink offered a voice for freedom and truth about the
Armenian Genocide and the history of Armenian-Turkish
relations. His death will not silence his message.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
S. RES. 65
Condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and human
rights advocate Hrant Dink and urging the people of Turkey to
honor his legacy of tolerance.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 1, 2007
Mr. BIDEN submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
RESOLUTION
Condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and human
rights advocate Hrant Dink and urging the people of Turkey to
honor his legacy of tolerance.
Whereas Hrant Dink was a respected, eloquent advocate for press
freedom, human rights, and reconciliation;
Whereas, in 1996, Mr. Dink founded the weekly bilingual
newspaper Agos and, as the paper’s editor in chief, used the
paper to provide a voice for Turkey’s Armenian community;
Whereas Mr. Dink was a strong proponent of rapprochement
between Turks and Armenians and worked diligently to improve
relations between those communities;
Whereas Mr. Dink’s commitment to democratic values,
nonviolence, and freedom in the media earned him widespread
recognition and numerous international awards;
Whereas Mr. Dink was prosecuted under Article 301 of the
Turkish Penal Code for speaking about the Armenian Genocide;
Whereas, notwithstanding hundreds of threats to Mr. Dink’s life
and safety, he remained a steadfast proponent of pluralism and
tolerance;
Whereas Mr. Dink was assassinated outside the offices of Agos
in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 19, 2007;
Whereas tens of thousands of people in Turkey of many
ethnicities protested Mr. Dink’s killing and took to the
streets throughout the country to honor his memory;
Whereas the Government of Turkey has pledged to undertake a
full investigation into the murder of Mr. Dink;
Whereas the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has
stated that when Mr. Dink was shot, `a bullet was fired at
freedom of thought and democratic life in Turkey’;
Whereas the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian,
stated that Mr. Dink `lived his life in the belief that there
can be understanding, dialogue and peace amongst peoples’; and
Whereas Mr. Dink’s tragic death affirmed the importance of
promoting the values that he championed in life: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate–
(1) condemns the murder of Hrant Dink as a shameful act of
cowardice perpetrated with contempt for law, justice, and
decency;
(2) supports the pledge of the Government of Turkey to conduct
an exhaustive investigation into the assassination of Mr. Dink
and to prosecute those responsible;
(3) urges the Government of Turkey to repeal Article 301 of the
Turkish Penal Code and work diligently to foster a more open
intellectual environment in the country that is conducive to
the free exchange of ideas;
(4) recognizes the decision of the Government of Turkey to
invite senior Armenian religious and political figures to
participate in memorial services for Mr. Dink;
(5) calls on the Government of Turkey to act in the interest of
regional security and prosperity and reestablish full
diplomatic, political, and economic relations with the
Government of Armenia; and
(6) urges the people of Turkey to honor Mr. Dink’s legacy of
tolerance.
=================================== ============
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PRESS RELEASE – 3/15/07
2007 Arpa International Film Festival
2919 Maxwell St.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact: [email protected]
Phone/Fax (323) 663-1882
ARPA FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES TO CELEBRATE 10th ANNIVERSARY
–Festival Organizers Announce Call-for-Entries
The festival is presently seeking entries from Armenian filmmakers.
Submissions can be made in the following categories: Feature Length,
Short Film, Documentary, Animation, and Music Video. Entries must be
received no later than June 30, 2007. Rules and entry form are
available online at: and For more
information, please call (323) 663-1882.
Other upcoming events include the AFFMA Tent Sale: Community Outreach
in support of filmmakers. Sponsored by Prudential – John Arrow
Division. Sunday, April 1, 9am to 5pm – 13103 Ventura Blvd., Studio
City, CA 91604. Also, AFFMA will be presenting a fashion show,
Saturday, June 16, at 11am at the Sheraton Universal.
Dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy,
Arpa creates a dynamic forum for international cinema with a special
focus on the work of filmmakers who explore the issues of Diaspora,
exile, and multiculturalism. Arpa nurtures Armenian cinema and
cultivates the next generation of filmmakers in Los Angeles and
abroad. In a world increasingly dependent on cultural understanding,
Arpa has emerged as one of the most dynamic festivals in Los Angeles.
The 10th Annual Arpa International Film Festival will be held November
2-4 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. The festival concludes with
a Gala Awards Banquet to be held on Sunday, November 4 at the Sheraton
Universal Hotel.
For more information about the tent sale or to make a donation, please
contact Amalia Khachikian at (818) 380-2165. For more information
about AFFMA, please visit