Month: April 2007

CONGRATULATION NOTES SENT TO NEWLY APPOINTED PRIME MINISTER

Panorama.am
14:37 07/04/2007

The government receives numerous congratulations notes in relation to
Serzh Sargsyan’s appointment. French Prime Minister Dominick di Vilpen
also congratulated the prime minister. "After the sorrowful death
of Andranik Margaryan, I have not doubt you have all the strength to
continue the work of your predecessor and continue to guide economic
and political reforms in Armenia with the same determination and
spirit of cooperation," French prime minister says in his message,
government press services report.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel rendered assurance that our country
will continue reforms in building democracy, rule and law and market
economy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WILL BAKU DECIDE TO RESOLVE THE KARABAKH CONFLICT BY USE OF FORCE?

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.04.2007 GMT+04:00

Azerbaijan hurries, by all means, "to resolve" the Karabakh Conflict in
its own way, taking advantage of Europe’s extreme interest in Baku’s
hydrocarbons, which may be of lower price than that of Russian. In
exchange for oil and gas, and particularly for gas, Ilham Aliyev
intends to have Europe, particularly OSCE Minsk Group, falsify
the events.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As insurance, Azerbaijan also wants to enlist UN
support, though recently the mentioned Organization "has been good
for almost nothing".

Neither the UN plan regarding Cyprus, and moreover nor Ahtisaari’s
plans regarding the further developments in Kosovo will be realized,
unless both of them defend one of the parties only, refusing the
other party’s rights.

In this sense the Karabakh Conflict as well as any other conflict
is impossible to be resolved according to the UN Plan. The proposed
Resolution about the "frozen conflicts", even if it is not discussed
may serve as one more propagandistic step from Baku.

However, if Azerbaijan got acquainted with UN Charter more carefully,
it wouldn’t take any hasty measures, which could result in just
the opposite outcomes. The Article 73 of the Charter states, that
"The UN Members, which are responsible for the administration of
the territories, whose nation has not achieved self-government yet,
recognize that the interests of the nations of those territories are
of paramount importance."

Baku prefers better to speak about the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan and its right over Nagorno-Karabakh, which according
to Azeri experts "was recognized by the International Community in
1992." Perhaps the admission of Azerbaijan in UNO in the existing
limits at a point in time of the USSR breakdown is meant. That is to
say, that again all the matter is in UN which in fact becomes a big
obstacle in the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, as well as
other conflicts.

Besides the UN plan there is also the so-called Aland Model,
whose main point is the strong autonomy and guarantees for the
Islands’ population. The fundamental principle of the Document
was giving the population of the Aland Island noticeable freedom
in administering their home policy for providing inner and external
security of Finland. In the Document there is also mentioned Finland’s
responsibility in assuring the security of the Island’s population. But
projecting the given Model for the Karabakh Conflict is impossible for
one main reason – Azerbaijan will never be able to give any guarantees
for the lives of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. In this
case Baku tries to convince more itself than others that it is able to
assure the security of Nagorno-Karabakh, which doesn’t console itself
with illusions, since the anti-Armenian mood on the national level in
Baku is more than obvious. Even Turkey will never catch up with what
the Azeri Mass Media, totally under control of the Aliyev clan, writes.

Most probably Azerbaijan binds up the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict with the US possible war with Iran. In the
opinion of Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the Oriental Studies Institute
of RA, in case of exacerbation of the US-Iran relations Azerbaijan
may take advantage of the emerged chaos and will try to resolve the
Karabakh Conflict by use of force. The question is whether or not the
World Community will shut its eyes to such a step from Ilham Aliyev.

"PanARMENIAN.Net" analytical department

COUNCIL OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEFS OF NIS FRONTIER TROOPS TO HOLD A SESSION IN ARMENIA

Panorama.am
20:28 06/04/2007

Council of commander-in-chiefs of NIS frontier troops will hold a
session in Armenia from April 10-13 in a resort town of Tsaghkadzor,
national security services report.

Several institutions applied for participation including Executive
Committee of NIS, Secretariat of Council of Defense Ministers,
Organization of Collective Security Treaty, EurAzES.

The session agenda includes international terrorism and extremism,
regulation of crises situation on the frontiers, combat of illegal
migration, drug smuggling, contraband and some other issues of
interest.

4.238 BILLION DRAMS FOR CHARITY IN 2006

KarabakhOpen
07-04-2007 11:37:10

In 2006 charity programs of 4 billion 238 million drams were
implemented.

The vice premier of NKR, the head of the NKR Central Committee on
Humanitarian Aid Ararat Danelyan told Mediamax that the charity funds
on social and economic programs grew by 9.5 percent compared with 2005.

Ararat Danielyan said in 2006 Nagorno Karabakh received humanitarian
aid of 66 million 85 thousand drams which was spent on medicine,
medical equipment and computers.

Presently over 20 companies are implementing charity and humanitarian
programs in NKR, as well individuals from Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia,
the U.S., France, Germany and Russia.

The organizations and individuals implementing humanitarian and charity
programs are exempt from the VAT by a decision of the Committee.

"Charity and humanitarian programs are important for the solution
of social problems and creation and development of infrastructures
in NKR. They help to spare significant budget funds, which helps
speed up long-term social and economic development of the country,"
Ararat Danielyan said.

HRANUSH HAKOBYAN SAYS SHE HAS DEVELOPED LAWS FOR WOMEN

Panorama.am
16:03 07/04/2007

Towards April 7, Beauty and Mother’s Day, Hranush Hakobyan, deputy
of parliament, tried to recall what she has done for women. She named
several laws at Hayatsk Club today she has developed, among them laws
protecting children and youth and strengthening families.

Hakobyan said the proportion of women in men in the governing system
is not equal in Armenia. "Women and men must be equal in all spheres,"
she said. Asked how long will take until a woman may be nominated as
the president of the Republic, Hakobyan said, "15 years."

Hranush Hakobyan is running for the upcoming elections with the
Armenian Republican Party (HHK). She urged other parties not to engage
in fruitless debate. Asked about the incidents when HHK collects
passports, she said, "If I were nominated in that election community,
I would certainly punish those who collect passports."

DISABLED PEOPLE INVISIBLE IN AZERBAIJAN

A1+
[03:50 pm] 07 April, 2007

People with disabilities still live on the margins of society.

In a Baku apartment, a pale thin boy in a blue sweater and tracksuit
trousers used his small fists to haul himself up in bed and pulled a
wheelchair closer to the edge of the bed so that he could get into him.

He wheeled himself over to the door to answer it and let in a guest.

Ilkin Gafarov is 13 and is unable to walk on his own because of a
congenital condition which means his legs have not developed fully. He
will be confined to a wheelchair for life.

"I’ve never gone to school – I’m tutored at home," said Ilkin.

His mother Afyat said, "He is very shy and shuns company. I think
he’s simply grown tired of all these sympathetic and embarrassed
glances from passers-by and acquaintances.

"Of course, he wants to play with other children. He wants to have
friends – boys and girls. I often find him at the window watching kids
of his age-group running one after another, playing and laughing …

Ilkin doesn’t laugh very much."

Ilkin himself rarely complains, and the look in his eyes is mature
beyond his years. He is very good at computer programming and spends
hours in front of a computer screen.

"Maybe I will be able to go to university in future and become a
famous programmer," he said wistfully.

Ilkin is lucky that his parents can afford to hire tutors for
him. Azerbaijani schools are not equipped to deal with pupils with
disabilities, who have to go to special schools instead.

The education ministry says a new law on integrated education is
beginning to bring disabled children into mainstream schools. The
law says children with physical disabilities should attend general
schools like any other pupils.

However, before the law can really take effect, school premises will
have to be adapted, a transformation which could take many years.

The disabled are still a virtually invisible group in
Azerbaijan. According to the government statistics agency, there are
around 275,000 people with various physical disabilities.

These days, they are no longer referred to as "invalids" but as
"people with disabilities". But apart from that little has changed.

Lotus, a centre for disability issues, says the country lacks
no entrances, ramps, lifts or toilets designed for people with
disabilities, so public buildings, underground passages and railway
stations are no-go areas for them.

People classed as being in the "first category", the most seriously
affected, receive a monthly benefit of 65 manats (74 US dollars),
the next category 45 manats and the third group 24 manats. They also
receive concessions when buying a flat or taking out a mortgage loan,
while veterans injured in the Nagorny Karabakh conflict are entitled
to a free apartment and medical aid.

Recipients say the benefits are pitifully low.

"All these privileges are enough to make a cat laugh," said Viktor
Stepanovich, 81. His disability dates from 1943, after he went to
war as a 17-year-old.

"I am a group two invalid. I’m old and need money badly – medicines
are very expensive," he said.

"Prices are soaring, and taxes have gone up several times." Listing
the battles he took part in the Second World War, the old man brushed
away the tears welling up in his eyes.

"I was at a medical clinic the other day," he said. "I had hardly
entered the waiting room when they asked me for money. And what’s
worse, the doctor won’t even look at you unless you put a "shirvan"
[two manats] in his pocket. He doesn’t give a damn for your [war]
service or your disabilities."

Disabled people also complain of discrimination when they look
for jobs.

"I live off my parents, although I think I could work in a business,"
said Irana, 25. "I have applied repeatedly to the labour registry
office, but they have never replied."

There are a few projects that offer some hope and encouragement to the
disabled. Outside Baku is a "Rest and Labour Home for Young Disabled",
founded in 1999 and housing over 200 people.

Staff at the centre said that various courses such as dress-making,
knitting, drawing and embroidery, had been run for the residents with
assistance from the American humanitarian organisation Umkor. Art
works produced at the centre are now displayed and sold at exhibitions.

"I love to draw," said Seilan, a young artist who lives at the
centre. "My drawings are reflections of my thoughts, dreams and fears –
everything I have on my mind."

In her works, the girl depicts the streets of Baku’s old town, green
hills and gloomy forests. One of her most admired drawings is of a
melancholy girl who may or may not be Seilan herself.

Another resident, Ganira Abilova, has become famous as a carpet
weaver. She said she had received orders from California and dreamed
of showing her work to Mehriban Alieva, the wife of Azerbaijan’s
president.

"Also, all my life I’ve been dreaming about a house of my own,"
she added quietly.

Tamara Grigoryeva is a correspondent with APA news agency in Baku
Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Caucasus Reporting Service

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Lernayin leave Armenia short-staffed
Thursday, 5 April 2007
by Khachik Chakhoyan
from Yerevan

For the second season in succession, the Armenian
league has been hit with last minute withdrawals,
while a new side have made a bright start in the cup.

Late withdrawal
Last season’s Armenian league campaign was preceded by
the withdrawals of both Yerevan United FC and FC
Esteghlal-Kotaik, both of whom disbanded. Eight teams
competed in the top division in 2006, and it will be
the same in 2007 after FC Lernayin Artsakh declined to
join the top division.

Financial problems
Lernayin had been due to take their place in a
new-look nine-team Armenian elite but it soon became
clear that the club did not have the finances to
support a top-level campaign, causing a last-minute
readjustment of the fixture list ahead of 14 April’s
big kick-off.

Cup openers
The season began in earnest with the last-16 ties in
the Armenian Cup, with a hitherto untried side – FC
Bentonit Idjevan – winning through 2-1 on aggregate
against FC Gandzasar Kapan to earn a place in the last
eight, where they will take on reigning champions FC
Pyunik.

New club
Formed at the start of the year by former Armenian
international David Davtyan, Bentonit have been
admitted to the cup and the second division. Boasting
players from Brazil, Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia
and Mexico, they are led by a German coach,
33-year-old former goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel.

Goalkeeper departs
Pyunik and FC Banants look like the favourites for
league honours this season, although the champions
received a major blow with goalkeeper Gevorg Kasparov
deciding to move to Iran. Banants are also short of a
reliable goalkeeper and could still use an out-and-out
finisher to spearhead their campaign.

MIKA resolved
A training camp in Antalya, Turkey, has allowed FC
MIKA to have a good look at their options for the
season, and the five-time Armenian Cup winners are set
to rely on foreign talent. Luis Rodrigues, Akleison
and Talles have joined fellow Brazilians Alex and
Kleber at the club along with Serbian midfielder Ivan
Ristiæ.

Ulis arrivals
Having been spared from relegation last season
following a play-off win, FC Ulis Yerevan will hope to
do better in 2007 and have brought in some foreign
talent to help them. Brazilian Oliveira, Georgians
Georgi Khutsishvili and Georgi Sulaberidze and
Lithuanian defender Vadims Javoiss have joined on
one-year deals.

©uefa.com 1998-2007.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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:

April 5, 2007

International and Armenian Public Charge UN With Responsibility to Protect
Against Genocide

Large Numbers Open to UN Intervention in Darfur

French and Americans Ready to Contribute Troops to Darfur Peacekeeping
Operation

April 5, 2007, 14:00 GMT
Contact, International Findings:
Steven Kull, 202-232-7500
Christopher Whitney, 312-451-1040

April 5, 2007, Yerevan, 19:00
Contact, Armenia Findings:
Stepan Safarian, 37410-528-780
Syuzanna Barseghian, 37410-274-818

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today convened a roundtable discussion to present the results of the third
in a series of reports based on a poll of worldwide opinion on key global
issues. The report was devoted to the United Nations’ role in genocide
prevention and possible intervention in Darfur. The meeting brought together
citizens, members of leading think tanks, analysts, and media
representatives.

ACNIS director of research Stepan Safarian delivered opening remarks.
"Regrettably, people in different corners of the world are still being
annihilated, deprived of their homeland, and subjected to genocide," he
said. "At the turn of the 20th century–during the reign of the Ottoman and
Young Turk governments–the Armenians, their historic homeland suffered
greatly as a consequence of genocide. Since this crime against humanity was
not prevented at the time, and the Armenian Genocide still awaits
international recognition, the very same transgression now continues against
other nations and races. Therefore, genocide prevention by means of
humanitarian intervention is imperative." ACNIS analyst Syuzanna Barseghian
then presented survey results.

Publics around the world say the United Nations has the responsibility to
protect people from genocide and other severe human rights abuses even if
this means acting against the will of their own government, according to a
multinational study.

Large numbers are open to UN intervention in Darfur, where Arab militias
linked to the Sudanese government are accused of massacring the civilian
population. But many seem to be uninformed about the situation in Western
Sudan and declined to answer.

Support for action to halt genocide is consistent with the final document
endorsed by the 2005 United Nations World Summit, which recognized that the
world body has a "responsibility to protect" vulnerable populations from
"genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity" should
national authorities fail to do so.

"There seems to be a world-wide consensus that the UN Security Council has a
responsibility to act to protect populations against genocide," said Steven
Kull, editor of WorldPublicOpinion.org. "It also seems that, to the extent
that people are aware of the situation in Darfur, most believe that the
United Nations has the right, if not the responsibility to intervene there."

This is the third in a series of reports based on the findings of a larger
survey, analyzing attitudes on key international issues, conducted by The
Chicago Council on Global Affairs and WorldPublicOpinion.org, in cooperation
with polling organizations around the world. The larger study includes 18
countries–China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Russia, France,
Thailand, Ukraine, Poland, Iran, Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines,
Australia, Argentina, Peru, Israel and Armenia–plus the Palestinian
territories. Not all questions were asked in all countries.

UN Security Council Action

Respondents in 12 countries were asked whether the UN Security council has
the "responsibility to authorize the use of military force to protect people
from severe human rights violations, such as genocide, even against the
will" of the government committing such abuses. The most common response
in all 12 countries polled on this question is that the UN Security Council
has a responsibility to authorize the use of military force in such cases.

The Chinese public shows the highest level of support for the idea that the
United Nations has a responsibility to intervene (76%), followed by the
United States (74%), the Palestinian territories (69%) and Israel (64%).
The lowest levels of support are in Ukraine (40%), Thailand (44%), Russia
(48%), and Argentina (48%). But the proportions in these four countries
that say the UN Security Council does not have such a responsibility ranged
between only 16 to 31 percent. A majority of Armenians believe the UN
Security Council has the responsibility to authorize the use of military
force to stop crimes such as genocide. Although Armenians tend to favor
action in Darfur, large numbers are uncertain. Two-thirds of Armenians (66%)
feel that the UN Security Council has the responsibility to approve military
intervention to protect people from severe human rights violations "even
against the will of their government." Only 16 percent think it does not and
19 percent decline to answer.

"What is remarkable is the degree of international agreement–across
countries with very different approaches to human rights issues–on the need
for UN-authorized military action," said Christopher Whitney, executive
director for studies at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Darfur

In the 10 countries asked specifically about international intervention in
Darfur, most of those who answer indicate that they are open to U.N. action
to stop the killing. In all countries the most common response is that the
Security Council has at least the right to authorize intervention in Darfur
and many say it has the responsibility to act. But large numbers did not
respond suggesting many are uninformed about the conflict in Sudan.

Support for UN action is highest in France where 84 percent say the Security
Council has either the "responsibility" to authorize intervention in Darfur
(55%) or the "right" (29%) to do so. Close behind is the United States
where 83 percent say the Security Council has either the "responsibility"
(48%) or the "right" (35%) to intervene. Israelis (77%) are the next most
likely to favor UN action with 46 percent saying it has the responsibility
to act and 31 percent saying it has the right to do so. Forty-four percent
of Armenians believe that the UN Security Council has either the
responsibility to authorize intervention to stop the killings in Darfur
(29%) or the right to do so (15%). Only 9 percent think it does not have
this right. "Nearly half (46%) of those polled declined to answer, however,
which suggests many Armenians are uninformed about the situation in western
Sudan," the report mentions.

Respondents in seven countries were also asked whether they thought their
country should contribute troops to "an international peacekeeping force to
stop the killing in Darfur." A very large majority of the French (84%)
support contributing troops to a peacekeeping force in Darfur. Among
Americans 65 percent approve the idea and just 28 percent are opposed.
Armenians tend to be against sending their own troops to join an
international peacekeeping force in Darfur. By a margin of 45 percent to 27
percent, Armenians oppose participating in such a mission (28 percent
declined to answer).

For details, please see or
WorldPublicOpinion.org is a publication of the
Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland. For
the Armenian version, visit

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

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:

THE WASHING OF FEET AND CRUCIFIXION SERVICES: A SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

The services marking the last week of the Great Lent and the events of
Jesus Christ’s last week on earth are the most festive services of the
Armenian Church in terms of their rituals. On the Thursday of this week in
particular, three consecutive services are held: Holy Mass, the Washing of
Feet and Crucifixion.

A large number of faithful attended the Holy Mass held in the St. Gregory
the Illuminator Cathedral on the morning of April 5.

The Washington of Feet service, an example of unbounded Godly humility
that calls on men to modesty and tolerance, was conducted by His Holiness
Aram I in the afternoon. Wearing an apron, the Pontiff washed the feet of 12
Seminary students representing the 12 apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Catholicos then delivered a sermon, considering the message of the
story as the basis of human society. "Humility is the prerequisite of love,
harmony and peace. God’s humility to even wash the feet of his apostles is a
moral lesson to men of all times," he said. The faithful took with them
blessed oil to mix with the oil they use at home with the hope of spreading
God’s blessings over their homes.

Later in the evening, starting with 7 PM and till late at night, the
Cathedral of Antelias was again filled with faithful, and mostly the
Armenian youth, who attended the service of the "Evening of weeping". V.
Rev. Shahe Panossian delivered the sermon on Jesus Christ’s crucifixion,
talking about his sacrifice for the world.

The Cilician Brotherhood Members read the seven sections of the Gospel,
during which following Armenian tradition, the faithful made seven knots on
a piece of strong to wear on their wrists the strength of God’s prayers
until Ascension.

After the "Bahbanich" prayers said by His Holiness and the blessings by
the Cross, with a relic from the original Cross of our Lord, the faithful
went home late in the evening, renewed with the legacy of Good Thursday.

##
View the photos here:

ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206
Press Release
Local Activists Attend Fundraiser for Presidential Hopeful Senator Hillary
Clinton
April 5, 2007
On Saturday March 24, 2007 Aida Dimejian, an active supporter of the
Armenian National Committee – Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC) and
Michael Mahdesian, current member of Senator Clinton’s National Finance
Committee and former senior Clinton appointee at USAID, attended a VIP dinner
in Los Angeles for the Presidential Campaign of Senator Hillary Clinton. As
contributors to the campaign, Dimejian and Mahdesian joined Senator Clinton
at the fundraising dinner, which was hosted at the home of long-time
Democratic fundraiser Ron Burkle. The 700 guests in attendance included
former governor of California Gray Davis, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi,
Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Jack
Weiss and Wendy Greuel. The successful evening raised upwards of $2.7
million.
Following the dinner Senator Clinton addressed her guests on how she
intends to change the direction of the country, particularly on matters of
war and diplomacy throughout the Middle East. She also discussed her plans on
how to move the country towards universal health care for all Americans. The
speech was then followed up by a question and answer session between Senator
Clinton and her guests.
During the reception Mrs. Dimejian and Mr. Mahdesian had a chance to speak
with Senator Clinton about issues concerning the Armenian American community.
"We had a good opportunity to talk with Senator Clinton about the political
importance of the large Armenian community in California, especially in light
of the California primary being moved up to February 5, 2008," said Mr.
Mahdesian. He added, "for the first time, the largest Armenian community in
the U.S. will have a prominent role in selecting the Presidential nominee of
both parties, and we’ll do everything we can to introduce Senator Clinton and
her campaign to Armenians in California to ensure her victory."
"Attending this event allowed me to continue my work with members of the
Democratic Party, while meeting a strong Presidential hopeful in Senator
Clinton," stated Dimejian. "Furthermore, I always welcome the opportunity to
discuss issues of concern to our community with national political leaders,"
added Dimejian.
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.