Month: April 2007

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 3, 2007
___________________

ARMENIANS GATHER IN NYC’S ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL FOR REQUIEM SERVICE HONORING
PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARYAN

By Florence Avakian

A memorial service was held on Thursday evening, March 29, 2007, in New York
City’s St. Vartan Cathedral to celebrate the life of Armenian Prime Minister
Andranik Margaryan, who passed away on March 25, 2007, at age 55.

The service, presided over by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern), included a dozen priests and
deacons and the participation of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. Joining
the mourners were Armenian Ambassador to the United States Tatoul Markarian
and Armenian Ambassador to the United Nations Armen Martirossian.

"It is right and fitting that we remember him here, in the Eastern Diocese,
for we shared a common hope with the Prime Minister for a strong,
independent Armenian nation," the Primate said in his remarks, which were
delivered in both Armenian and English. "With the passing of Prime Minister
Margaryan, we have lost a thoughtful and reliable partner who had a
passionate vision and goal of improving the lives of all the citizens of
Armenia."

The Primate stressed that Prime Minister Margaryan was one of the "earliest
leaders in Armenia to understand the power of the Diaspora, and
specifically, the transformative energy that we provide through
organizations such as our Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). He shared our
mission to provide hope, opportunity and empowerment to the individual
citizens of Armenia so that they could build a brighter future themselves.
He saw the future of Armenia coming from educated young people, passionate
individuals empowered with new training, modern tools, and competitive
resources."

During the war in Karabagh, Prime Minister Margaryan sent military equipment
and food, and participated personally in the struggle, Archbishop Barsamian
said. "He was always at the side of his people despite his own personal
pain, in order to strengthen the lives of his people," he said.

The prime minister was also remembered for the work he has done in
strengthening the Armenian Church and the unique bond between the Church and
the nation.

"As a devoted son of the Armenian Church, he understood the powerful bond
that exists between the Armenian nation and her mother church, and acted
accordingly to return to that tradition following the collapse of the Soviet
regime," the Primate said. "He was literate and an intellectual, but he
remained a modest worker for his people."

The Primate noted he had sent personal letters of sympathy on behalf of the
Diocese to President Robert Kocharian and His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

LONGEST TENURE SINCE INDEPENDENCE

"The outpouring of support and expressions of sympathy over the past few
days have signified both respect for the Armenian statehood and for Andranik
Margaryan as an individual and a statesman," Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
told the assembled people.

Prime Minister Margaryan had served in the position since 2000. He has had
the longest tenure of all prime ministers since Armenia’s independence. But
he is remembered not because of the time he put in the office, but what he
did while in office.

"He will not be distinguished merely by the length of his tenure, but rather
by his significant accomplishments in the economic, social and political
arenas during Armenian’s transition to, and strengthening of Armenia’s
statehood," Ambassador Markarian said.

Noting Prime Minister Margaryan’s deep political conviction and vision for
Armenia’s future, Ambassador Markarian emphasized that the "indelible mark"
the prime minister left on Armenia’s political scene.

"His patriotism, respect for national tradition and the Armenian Church,
devotion to family values, and personal modesty have earned the respect,
admiration, and love of his compatriots," the ambassador said.

As a sign of the Armenian people’s ultimate respect, the ambassador noted
that the prime minister was laid to rest in Yerevan’s National Pantheon on
Wednesday, March 28, 2007, surrounded by massive crowds.

"Tens of thousands of Armenians braved the inclement weather to pay their
love and respect to the late leader," the ambassador said. "His legacy will
live on as Armenia becomes stronger economically and politically. His
personal integrity and great political accomplishments guarantee him a place
in the modern history of Armenia."

Prime Minister Margaryan was born in 1951 in Yerevan, the descendant of
Genocide survivors from Mush. It was this crucial issue which sparked his
interest in politics when, in 1965, he participated in the 50th anniversary
commemorations of the Genocide held in Soviet Armenia. A prominent
dissident, his political life began in 1968, when he joined the National
United Party which advocated for Armenia’s independence and defended the
Armenian cause. In 1974, he was arrested, tried, and served two years in
the Soviet Gulag.

He was a strong supporter of Karabagh’s defense and the Armenian army. A
founding member of Armenia’s Republican Party, he became its leader in 1997,
serving until his death. He was elected to the Armenian National Assembly
in 1995, and became the head of the Unity faction in 1999.

Appointed prime minister in May, 2000, he served with distinction following
the tragic assassinations in the Armenian Parliament in October 1999, making
an essential contribution to restoring domestic political stability in the
country. Since 2003, he headed the coalition government in Armenia.

On the 15th anniversary of the formation of an independent Republic of
Armenian, President Robert Kocharian awarded the prime minister the nation’s
top honor – the Order of Soorp Mesrob Mashdots — in recognition of his
"outstanding contributions to state-building and economic development of
Armenia."

Prime Minister Margaryan is survived by his wife, three children, and five
grandchildren. Following the requiem service, attendees gathered at a
reception in the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium organized by the Fund
for Armenian Relief (FAR).

— 4/3/07

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Dozens of clergymen from the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern) join Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, in
New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral during a requiem service for the late
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan on Thursday evening, March 29,
2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presides over a requiem service
honoring the late prime minister of Armenia, Andranik Margaryan, on
Thursday, March 29, 2007, inside St. Vartan Cathedral.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Armenian Ambassador to the United States Tatoul
Markarian offers thoughts on the life of the late Armenian prime minister.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate delivers his remarks during the requiem
service for the late Prime Minister Margaryan of Armenia, which was held
Thursday, March 29, 2007, in New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral.

PRESS RELEASE:
Armenian Festival of Orange County
P.O. Box 3136
Laguna Hills, Ca 92654-3136
X-Sender: Asbed Bedrossian <[email protected]>
X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 — ListProcessor(tm) by CREN

Thursday, March 29th, 2007, Orange County, California. Public
television station KOCE-TV broadcast the acclaimed documentary, "The
Armenian Genocide," by Emmy Award-winning writer, director and
producer Andrew Goldberg who was present in the studio as co-host
during the station’s live membership drive.

KOCE collaborated with The Armenian Festival of Orange County and
other predominant Armenian Organizations in the county, to invite
volunteers to answer telephones from contributors during the live
telecast. Volunteers were specifically recruited to form a broadly
diverse group representing Armenians organizations all over the
Southland.

The results astonished everyone. The three-hour event turned out to
be a stellar accomplishment amassing a final total of $118,535 from
902 pledges, breaking the station’s 35-year record set in 1994 when
the Three Tenors -"Encore" performance in Dodger Stadium was aired
during a six-hour on-air pledge drive.

The leaders who deserve special mention, and who are also
publicity-adverse, should be thanked and congratulated soundly with
cheers. These are not the public relations artists who would, if they
could, take credit for the sunrise, but who work hard quietly behind
the scenes to shepherd through great accomplishments. They will also
disclaim any credit for their critically important involvement.

The leadership and executives of the following organizations were among the
forefront for their encouragement, support and participation:
* Armenian Festival Board of Directors and Executive Committee
* Armenian National Committee – Orange County Chapter
* Armenian Relief Society Karni Chapter of Southern Orange County
* Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church
* OCAPS Executive Committee and Board of Directors
* Paros Foundation
* St. Mary’s Armenian Church – Costa Mesa
During the live telecast, various Orange County organization
representatives were interviewed on-air by KOCE’s "Real Orange"
broadcast news anchor, Ed Arnold.

On air interviews were given by the following representatives in order of
appearance:-

1. Arthur Aykanian – Orange County Armenian Festival
2. Serge Tomassian – Orange County Armenian Professional Society
3. Jason Kizerian – Orange County Armenian Professional Society
4. Ara Malazian – Armenian National Committee – Orange County
5. Lina Tufenkjian – Armenian Relief Society Karni Chapter So. Orange
County
6. Thomas Kalajian – Orange County Armenian Festival & Orange County
Armenian Professional Society
7. Angie Kardashian – OCAPS, Past President – Tustin Chamber of Commerce.
Recognized for her humanitarian contributions.

Heartfelt thanks was communicated to volunteers who answered the call
for help from throughout the Southland, including from Glendale, San
Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and throughout greater Orange County
and who made this accomplishment possible by their overflowing
response to work on the phone bank.

For the first time, KOCE staff had to double up people in the training
and the volunteers were so eager to help, the 30 volunteers rotated
duty in shifts on the 20 telephone positions available. Nearly 50
persons responded to the invitations for 20 volunteers, and more
stepped forward to accept positions on a standby basis if needed.

Special thanks were expressed to Paul Aslanian, Founder of the Orange
County Armenian Festival and Tom Kalajian, Planning Coordinator for
the Armenian Festival, for accepting this challenge and coordinating
the evening’s activities together with the Armenian Festival committee
members.

If it were not for the contributors, inspired by the
emotionally-moving documentary, and who also understood the issues at
stake by taking "action" on the subject, rather than taking a
"position" on the subject, the financial success would not have been
possible. KOCE received donations from across the entire Southland,
due in large part to those who helped pass along the word with a
groundswell of emails and phone calls to inform friends and family to
watch and contribute. Those anonymous persons who helped pass the
word saturated the communities in Glendale, Pasadena, San Fernando
Valley, Hollywood and beyond.

Organizational donors, who issued on-air challenges were:
* Armenian Festival of Orange County
* Orange County Armenian Professional Society
* Provident Financial Services, Inc.and the Provident Group of
Professional Service Firms
Organizers emphasize that this was a "Pan-Armenian" event claiming
that this event proves that the idea of community support,
collaboration and congeniality across the spectrum of diversity is no
longer an abstract concept.

Plans are already in the development for future projects through new
friendships and collaborations forged that evening.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. SENATE PASSES GENOCIDE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Washington DC – The Armenian Assembly commended Senator Richard Durbin
(D-IL), along with Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)
and John Cornyn (R-TX) as legislation which they introduced, passed the
U.S. Senate last week. The Genocide Accountability Act, S. 888, closes a
legal loophole that prevented the U.S. Justice Department from punishing
perpetrators of genocide who find safe haven in the United States.

"There is no safe haven for the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese facing
genocide in Darfur and yet our country is providing a safe haven for
their killers," said Senator Durbin who chairs the Senate Judiciary
Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law. "The current loophole in our
genocide laws has real-life consequences. While genocide rages in
Darfur, the United States must commit to holding those guilty of
genocide accountable."

"The extraterritorial jurisdiction contained within the Genocide
Accountability Act upholds the spirit of the United Nations Convention
on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide," said
Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. "We commend
Senators Durbin, Coburn, Leahy and Cornyn for bringing much needed
attention to this important human rights issue," Hovnanian added.

The legislation allows foreign nationals who enter America to be
prosecuted for committing the crime of genocide outside of the United
States.

"In America we are blessed with the most effective and just legal system
in the world. It is contrary to our system of justice to allow
perpetrators of genocide to go free without fear of prosecution," said
Senator Coburn, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Human Rights
and the Law. "Fundamentally, we must decide if genocide is a bad enough
crime, no matter where it happens, that it warrants the same treatment
as terrorism-related crimes."

This is the first piece of legislation to be produced by the
Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law, which has jurisdiction over
all human rights laws and policies and follows a hearing held in
February entitled "Genocide and the Rule of Law" where the Armenian
Assembly submitted testimony. The Genocide Accountability Act has been
endorsed by the Save Darfur Coalition, Genocide Intervention Network,
American Jewish World Service, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian
National Committee of America, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch,
Alliance for Justice, Refugees International, and ENOUGH.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

###

NR#2007-044

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
April 3, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY TO HOLD ANNUAL TRUSTEES MEETING
& ADVOCACY CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly will hold its Annual Trustees
Meeting and Advocacy Conference on April 23-24, 2007 at the Renaissance
Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

The two-day event kicks off with the Annual Trustees Meeting where
Assembly leaders will review the past year and discuss the
organization’s upcoming plans and initiatives. In addition, participants
will be briefed on pending legislation and sharpen their skills with an
advocacy training session. Activists will also embark on a full day of
meetings with Members of Congress and their staff to advocate for
critical legislation and strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship.

"This is a great opportunity to come together in our nation’s capital to
press for key legislation affirming the Armenian Genocide," said Board
of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. "We encourage all of our members
and activists to attend."

On the evening of April 24, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ) and Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI) will spearhead a Capitol Hill
commemoration for the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This
pan-Armenian event will be held in conjunction with the Armenian Embassy
and will feature former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans as the
keynote speaker.

The schedule of events is as follows:

April 23, 2007
* 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Assembly Trustees Meeting
* 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Advocacy Training
* 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Reception

April 24, 2007
* 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Final Briefing Breakfast
* 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Meetings with Congressional Representatives
* 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Capitol Hill Commemoration of Armenian Genocide

For more information on the Assembly’s Annual Trustees Meeting and
Advocacy Conference, contact Mary Garabadian at the Assembly’s
Washington Office at (202) 393-3434 x222 or via email at
[email protected].

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###
NR#2007-041

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 ARMENIAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATION PARTICIPATES IN THE
LECTURE ON FIGHTING AGAINST DRUGS

Haigazian University hosted, on March 30, a lecture aimed at exchanging
viewpoints on fighting against drug addiction. The event was organized by
the Armenian HORIZON Drug Free Zone, which was established in June 2006.

The administration of the Armenian Church’s Sunday Schools delegated Rev.
Fr. Torkom Donoyan (director of the Sunday Schools) and Krikor Allozian (a
member of the Armenian Church’s Christian Education committee) to
participate in the event on its behalf.

Rev. Fr. Torkom participated in the discussions saying: "the detrimental
phenomenon of drug addiction is an international problem. Spread all around
the world, it particularly entraps the youth. All the structures of our
community- families, schools, churches, clubs and union- have their role in
preventing drug addiction. But the first of these, the family, has the
primary role in this context, because as His Holiness Aram I stated on the
occasion of the Year of the Armenian Family, a family is our first school
and church, it is the first station of the formation of children."

Several viewpoints were expressed on preventing this destructive
addiction, specially in an environment based on family values like that of
the Lebanese Armenian community.

The lecture and the following discussions ended at 8:30 in the evening.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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:

TEN GIRLS MARKING THE MEMORY OF THE TEN MAIDENS RECEIVE HIS HOLINESS’
BLESSINGS

A large crowd of believers gathered in the Saint Gregory the Illuminator
Cathedral in Antelias on April 3 to commemorate the memory of the Ten
Maidens. The service, held annually on the Tuesday of the last week of Great
Lent, was based on the story of the Parable of the Ten Maidens told by Jesus
Christ.

While the Bible was being read during the service, 10 Armenian girls from
Yeghishe Manoukian College stood up with candles in their hands. The five
among them, who had "intelligent" written on the papers distributed to them,
kept their candles lit. The other five, whose papers said "stupid", blew off
their candles signifying the two groups of people in society. The five
intelligent girls symbolized the group of people ready for Jesus Christ’s
coming like the five Maidens in the story. The rest represented indifferent
people, who go through their daily lives far from Christian principles.

At the end of the service, the Ten Maidens followed Rev. Fr. Sdepanos
Pashayan into the Veharan (residence of the Catholicos), where His Holiness
Aram I welcomed them with gifts and blessings. He praised their interest in
the traditions of the Armenian Church and advised them to always follow
their Church and its rich ritualistic heritage.

##
View the photos here:

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

03-04-2007

Foreign Minister Oskanian Receives
Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russian Federation

On April 3, Foreign Minister Oskanian received Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign
Minister of Russian Federation, who is in Armenia on a two-day official
visit.

Welcoming the guest, Minister Oskanian stressed the importance of the
permanent dialogue established between those who lead the foreign relations
processes of the two countries. He pointed out that this dialogue provides
for the deepening of the beneficial cooperation that exists between Armenia
and Russia.

Sergey Lavrov expressed his satisfaction with the high level of
Armenia-Russia relations, as well as with the productive collaboration in
the framework of international organizations. He also pointed out that the
wide-ranging bilateral agenda includes cooperation in the spheres of
economy, culture, education and tourism.

Within the context of economic relations, the Ministers discussed the
ongoing implementation of economic projects proposed the last time the two
presidents met.

The Ministers also talked about the prospects of economic progress, noted
that there is a significant increase in trade between the two countries
since 2006. The two stressed the importance of securing dependable and
economically efficient transport communication, which will support the
implementation of bilateral and multilateral projects.

Minister Oskanian and Minister Lavrov discussed a number of issues on
regional security and stability, expressing their readiness to establish an
atmosphere of confidence in the South Caucasus. In this context, the
colleagues focused on the latest developments in the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement process. The Russian Foreign Minister especially
underlined that the mediators’ positions on the conflict settlement
coincide, which benefits the resolution process.

The two also exchanged views on the situation surrounding Iran, on Kosovo,
on Russian-Georgian relations, as well as on ongoing reforms within the
framework of the OSCE and the CIS.

OPPORTUNITY OF HOLDING INTERNATIONAL WEIGHT-LIFTING COMPETITIONS IN ARMENIA DISCUSSED

Noyan Tapan
Apr 02 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. During the April 2 meeting in Yerevan,
the Armenian President Robert Kocharian and the President of the
International Weight-Lifting Federation Tamas Ajan discussed the
opportunity of holding international weight-lifting competitions
in Armenia. According to a press release submitted to NT by the RA
President’s press service, Tamas Ajan said that the Olympic Committee
of Armenia implements considerable work for development of professional
sports. He expressed a willingness to assist the Armenian side with
its initiatives.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ZHIRAYR SEFILIAN: BLOW OF KARS-AKHAlKALAK RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION IS AIMED AGAINST JAVAKHK’S HEART

Noyan Tapan
Apr 02 2007

AKHALKALAK, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The Javakhk-Info agency on April 2
spread the text of the open letter bearing the signature of Zhirayr
Sefilian and addressed to the Armenians of Javakhk. The full text
of the letter is given below: "The governments of Turkey, Azerbaijan
and Georgia plan to start the construction of Kars-Akhalkalak railway
this year. Armenians are against this project not because of the fact
that the railway communication by-passes the territory of Armenia but
because this is a very dangerous link of the Pan-Turanist programs
to blockade Armenia from the north. The blow of this anti-Armenian
project is aimed againt Javakhk’s heart. The purpose is to cleanse
it from Armenians and populate with strange elements which must
penetrate into the region as builders and workers servicing
the railway. Unfortunately, the Armenian government failed to
understand the essence of the problem. It speaks against the new
railway’s construction, but only for the reason that the Gyumri-Kars
railway will be put into operation instead of it and the Armenian
budget will receive a few cents’ profit from the Pan-Turkist
communication. Whereas, the problem is first of all political and
poses the threat that our region will be turkified completely in
economic, cultural, political and demographic sense. The revival of the
national movement in Javakhk in recent years inspires a hope that this
Turkish-Georgian project can be suspended with relative ease. Yet in
this case too, the Armenian ruling regime betraying national interests,
not only did not assist Armenians of Javakhk but also tried to impede
its struggle, disappoint it and deprive it of its support, arrested and
deported Vahagn Chakhalian who struggled against this anti-Armenian
project. Local officials serving the Georgian state behave in the
same way. However, I am convinced that our compatriots living in
Javakhk are fully aware of the threat facing not only this region but
also all the Armenians and will be able to hinder this anti-Armenian
project. I an sure that at the decisive moment they will have support
of Armenians of Homeland and Diaspora. Nobody and nothing can break
the freedom-loving will of the Armenian people. Let’s not despair
and defend our country from the growing threat of Turkish blockade."

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARMENIA TO DETERMINE NOMINEE OF NEW PRIME MINISTER TODAY EVENING

Arminfo
2007-04-02 18:26:00

The Council of the Republican Party of Armenia will hold a session
Monday evening to consider and advance the nominee of the future
Prime Minister.

Earlier RPA press-secretary Eduard Sharmazanov told an ArmInfo
correspondent that the RPA will most likely advance the nominee of
Serzh Sargsyan, Defense Minister and Chairman of the RPA Council,
who has been the acting RPA leader after Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan’s death. According to a political agreement, the position of
the Armenian Prime Minister is reserved by the RPA after A.Margaryan’s
death. The RPA will submit the nominee for the approval of President
who is to appoint the new prime minister before April 6, as in
accordance with the Armenian Constitution, the new prime minister is
to be appointed within 10 days from the date the position becomes
vacant. It is not clear yet who will become the Defense Minister
after S.Sargsyan is appointed Prime Minister, however, according to
Armenian mass media, Seyran Ohanyan, the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense
Army Commander, is an applicant for the Armenian Defense Minister’s
position. To note, the RPA Board’s session will also cover the issues
of the party’s pre-electoral campaign.

56 year old Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan died of infarction on
March 25.