Month: May 2008

PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Remo Alexandri
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

May 15, 2008
<[email protected]>
DIOCESE HONORS JEWISH WORLD WATCH FOUNDER

Burbank, CA – It was truly an auspicious occasion when, under banner of the
Kinship of Suffering, the Armenian Community and the Jewish Community joined
together to give reverence to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and
Jewish Holocaust, as well as celebrate each other’s rich culture. On
Thursday, May 15, 2008 the Western Diocese hosted a special event to honor
Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch, spiritual leader of
Valley Beth Shalom, and long serving advocate of social and interfaith
initiatives. Nearly 400 members of the Armenian and Jewish communities were
in attendance, as well as several dignitaries and elected officials.

The evening’s program was a rich and varied representation of the spiritual
and cultural heritage of the Jewish and Armenian peoples. A united choir was
formed with representatives of each community that performed the Israeli,
Armenian, and American National Anthems, and spiritual hymns in beautiful
harmony. Two graceful and entertaining dance groups, the Armenian Dance
Center and the Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble, also offered several
performances during the evening.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq., who
welcomed the evening’s guests, as well as acknowledged the planning
committee and those who worked hard realized the event. In his introductory
remarks he said of Rabbi Shulweis, "Brilliance and humility don’t frequently
find harmony within the same soul. Yet the fact he possesses these qualities
combined with a fierce sense of justice has benefitted not only the Jewish
community, but the world as a whole."

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian was then invited to offer his remarks,
"Our journey tonight proves to be a sign of victory and perseverance for the
cause of global justice. ‘Together we will not forget’ is the leading
thought. History demands justice and justice is a prerequisite for peace.
The Honorable Rabbi Harold Schulweis the founder of the Jewish World Watch
is not only a spiritual leader of the Jewish community, but a leading figure
amongst the leaders. He has a compassionate heart, whose love is the
reflection of God’s love for humanity, whose genuine respect for the victims
of the Armenian Genocide has utterly rejected all political considerations."

The Primate then presented Rabbi Schulweis with the gift of a handmade
Armenian tapestry. The Rabbi then offered his reflections on the evening to
the attendees, "What would our ancestors wish? That we together answer the
question that pursues human history from the story of Cain and Abel. ‘Am I
my brother’s keeper?’ Cain asked. We know the answer that the children of
Abel must give is ‘Yes, Dear God – we are our brother’s keepers.’ We know
from the bowels of our haunted histories that… You, God, want us to
protect Your children. You, God, want us to cry out against the myriad forms
of genocide. You, God, want us to make whole shattered lives. You, God, want
us to enlarge the meaning of our hemorrhaging ancestors lying in the
blood-soaked earth, ‘The voice of the blood of your brothers cries out unto
me.’ Two communities, yours and mine, have found each other. We must not let
go."

The Western Diocese was proud to host many esteemed guests and officials
whose attention and leadership the Armenian Community cherish. The guests
include Consul General Armen Liloyan, Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky,
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, Hon. Wendy Greuel, Hon. Dave Golinksi, Hon.
James Bozajian, Judge Armand Arabian, Judge Zaven Sinanian, Fr. Alexei Smith
representing Cardinal Roger Mahony, and JWW Executive Director Tzivia
Schwartz-Getzug.

The event was sponsored through the generous support of the George Ignatius
Foundation, whose trustees are Michael Amerian Eqs., Walter Karabian Esq.,
and George Phillips Sr. Esq.

Full text versions of Abp. Hovnan Derderian’s and Rabbi Harold Schulweis can
be found at
jewish-world-watch-founder/.

###

Photos

http:/ / /DSC_0532.jpg

Caption: Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky speaking at a private reception prior to
the event.

leries/kinship/DSC_0572.jpg

Caption: Hon. Judge Armand Arabian presenting Rabbi Harold Schulweis with a
gift.

lleries/kinship/DSC_0576.jpg

Caption: Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Grueul addressing guests of a
private reception.

/galleries/kinship/DSC_0585.jpg

Caption: Assemblymember Paul Krekorian addressing guests of a private
reception.

m/assets/galleries/kinship/DSC_0649.jpg

Caption: Master of Ceramonies Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq.

ries/kinship/DSC_0750.jpg

Caption: Consul General of the Republic of Armenian Armen Liloyan

lleries/kinship/DSC_0817.jpg

Caption: Rabbi Harold Schulweis

galleries/kinship/DSC_0838.jpg

Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweiss shake hands as
onlookers, including Consul General Armen Liloyan and Assemblyman Paul
Krekorian, applaud the Rabbi’s Accomplishments

ssets/galleries/kinship/DSC_0864.jpg

Caption: The Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble leading guests in a traditional
Jewish dance

eries/kinship/DSC_0913.jpg

Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweis presented a
traditional Armenian carpet gifted to the Rabbi.

The 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Republic
By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian
AMAA News
Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America
March/April 2008
The year 2008 is the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. On May 28,
1918, the independent Republic came into existence amidst the most trying
conditions. Three years after the Turkish Genocide of the Armenians, in May
1918, the Armenians in their homeland were once again threatened by their
enemies. The Turkish forces had encircled the region of Yerevan and intended to
destroy the Armenian Remnant. Surrounded by mortal foes, with no avenue of
escape and no one around to extend a helping hand, Armenians of every age and
rank, including women and the very old took a heroic stand. At the battlesof
Sardarabad, Kara-Kilisa and Bash-Abaran, the little Armenian force of about
35,000 fought against the Turkish army and triumphed. These triple battlesof May
1918 led to the establishment of the Republic of Armenia in a small part of
our historic Fatherland. If these three battles, particularly that of
Sardarabad, had not been won, it is almost certain that the remaining Armenians in
the Caucasus would have been murdered by the invading genocidal Turkish
armies. Had the Turks broken the Armenian army they would have finished the rest of
the Armenian people in that part of the world.
The Armenian folk who survived because of their heroic valor later became
the citizen nucleus of the Republic of Armenia and still later constitutedthe
population of present-day Armenia.
Much like the proverbial phoenix rising from its ashes, the victorious
Armenian people proclaimed the independence of Armenia on May 28, 1918. Six
hundred years after the fall of the last independent Armenian kingdom we had
conquered our land for ourselves!
The creation of the Republic, born out of the threat of annihilation, was a
miracle. It was our only haven in the sea of despair. Preserving the infant
Republic was an even greater challenge. The economic conditions within the
country were catastrophic. Famine and privation, cholera and typhus epidemics,
the presence of enemy armed bands who attacked the Armenian populace were
devastating. World War I continued for another five months and the future of the
Armenian state remained uncertain until the Armistice and the surrender of
Turkey to the Allies. Armenians breathed a sigh of relief in November 1918.
With the defeat of Turkey, the Allied nations demanded the Ottoman troopsto
withdraw from some of their occupied Armenian territories. As a result, the
Armenian Kars, Ardahan and Nakhichevan territories were added to the Republic.
The territory of independent Armenia was considerably larger than that of the
present-day Republic of Armenia. But in spite of the fact that its economy
was a shambles, half its population scattered, the Armenian government did
the best it could for its people. For two and a half years, Armenians clung to
their independence and built a whole new infrastructure, a university,
institutes and schools, with industries budding here and there. With great hopes
they sent their representatives to the Paris Peace Conference and presented
their demands for a united Armenia that encompassed Western Armenian territories
as well. In August 1920, the Treaty of Peace with Turkey, signed at Sèvres
(France), recognized the independence of Armenia and its right to Western
Armenia. Woodrow Wilson, the President of the United States of America, drew the
borders of Armenia-a country with an area of around 87,500 square miles
(227,500 square kilometers). Unfortunately, the signatories of the Treaty of
Sèvres had disagreements with one another. Meanwhile, in Turkey a newleader came
forth in the person of Musafa Kemal (Ataturk), who launched a new Turkish
national movement, organized an army and was chosen president of the newly
formed parliament. He made an agreement with socialist Russia and challenged the
disunited Allies.
Thereafter, the Turks and the Soviet Russians put pressure on little Armenia
to renounce the Treaty of Sèvres. Armenia was caught between the Turkish
anvil and the Russian hammer. The Turks tried to gain control of the Armenian
Karabagh-Zankezour-Nakhichevan belt and unite with Azerbaijan; they attacked
Armenia without any provocation. Meanwhile, the Armenian Socialists, with
seventy thousand Russian soldiers, entered and occupied the northern Armenian city
of Dilijan.
The Armenian government asked the Socialist government of Russia to stop the
Turkish advance but the Russians considered friendly relations with the
Turks more important than the security of an insignificant Armenia. They
suggested that the Armenians accept the Turkish conditions. On November 29, 1920,
the Armenian Republic fell under the Socialists’ dominion. Armenia signed the
Treaty of Alexandropol, making huge territorial concessions to the Turks.
In December 1920, a socialist system was set up in Armenia, and in 1921, the
peoples of the Caucasus united to form the Transcaucasian Federated Republic,
subject to Socialist Russia. With the new Soviet Constitution in 1936, each
nation of the Caucasus formed a part of the Soviet Union as separate
republics.
Under the aegis of the Soviet Union, the Second Republic lasted from 1920 to
1991. Despite the dictatorial political system and violation of human rights,
the people of Armenia developed their economy and culture. With Soviet
assistance great industrial advances occurred. Along with economy and industry,
great impetus was also given to the educational, scientific and artistic ar
eas. Illiteracy was almost completely eliminated.
Soviet Armenia became a highly advanced and industrialized republic and
major center for the development of Armenian arts and culture and maintained for
more than 70 years the continuity of the Armenian state.
With the decline of the USSR, Soviet Armenia was one of the first republics
to declare independence. After a national referendum, 95.6% of over two
million eligible voters overwhelmingly voted for independence on September21,
1991. Thus, the Third Republic burst forth.
The Third Republic, present-day Armenia, is just a tiny part of the historic
Armenia. It covers 29,800 square kilometers, or 11,506 square miles. It
represents only one-sixth of the Armenian territories delineated in the Treaty of
Sèvres. Its current population is estimated 3.5 million.
Considering the challenges that Armenia has faced since the creation of the
Third Republic, the fact that it survived all the odds against it, is itself
a miracle. After its devastating 1988 earthquake, the country was hardly
prepared for the moment of destiny when it declared its independence. It was
subjected to Turkish-Azeri attacks and an economic blockade.
During the past sixteen years, the Republic has made every effort to
consolidate its independence. Economic reforms are made to ensure smooth transition
from the old system to a free market economy. Land reforms are made. The
government has been working hard toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in
Nagorno Karabagh and the establishment of friendly relations with all its
neighbors.
On the other hand, however, there are some concerns about the free and
democratic process in elections. There is corruption in the government. There is
an increase in disparity on economic and social levels. There is also an exodus
of Armenians from Armenia because of the aforementioned and other problems.

But despite all of these difficulties, the Republic of Armenia has grown and
prospered during the past 16 years and has become the actualization of the
dream that a people without a land and a land without a people would be
reunited.
The Republic of Armenia, with all its faults and foibles, has given
Armenians all over the world the pride of national identity, that they area people
with a country, and have a national flag which readily identifies them and
with which they are identified. And as someone once said, `Armenianism and
pessimism are not compatible.’ This has been our strength and our salvation-that
we have lived with hope.
This hope endured even during centuries in which Armenian history was the
saga of Armenian endurance and suffering. Now the older chapter of passivity has
ended, and the new chapter of creativity has begun. We can no longer be
called `Starving Armenians,’ or `Wandering Armenians.’ We are no longer `a
homeless people,’ or `a captive nation,’ but a nation in control of its
destiny.
Armenia is our beacon of hope because it is the best guarantee of our
survival as a nationality. It is the irreplaceable base upon which our future can
be built, especially when we consider the fact that the Diaspora faces a
downhill struggle in the preservation of the national character as a new
generation come along.
For Armenians, the Republic of Armenia is a dream come true, a prayer
answered and a faith renewed. It is the indomitable will of an undying people
inspired by its divine assurance. It is a land made fertile by the work and sweat
and hope of men and women, standing together in the valley with the Prophet
Ezekiel and seeing dry bones come to life.
Yes, the Republic of Armenia is 90 years old. Our ancestors pledged
themselves never to forget the land of their inspiration, and we once morerenew the
ancient pledge.
We pray that God will protect the Republic of Armenia and keep our people
filled with grace and reinforced with faith to live and work for the love and
well being of our fatherland.

# # #
The Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is the Minister Emeritus of the Armenian
Congregational Church of Greater Detroit. He was the senior pastor of the church
for 30 years, from 1975-2005. Rev. Dr. Tootikian is a graduate of the Near
East School of Theology, and did his graduate work at Harvard and Andover
Newton Theological seminaries, earning two masters and a doctorate. He andhis
wife Rosette, live in Royal Oak, Michigan. Along with his pastoral duties,
Rev.Tootikian has been a lecturer at Lawrence Technological University,
Southfield, MI, and also a lecturer at the University of Michigan. He has authored
twenty-eight books, and is a regular contributor to several papers and
magazines. Since January 2003, Rev. Dr. Tootikian has been the Executive Director of
the Armenian Evangelical World Council.

Eurovision.tv, Switzerland
May 17 2008

Interview: Eurovision.tv talks to Sirusho

17/May 2008 @ 18:17 by Marco Brey

After a long night of partying, Sirusho got up early for an interview
with Eurovision.tv. She told us about her career and her thoughts
about her participation in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. In the
end, she left a video message for the readers of Eurovision.tv! This
year will mark the third time that Armenia participates in the
Eurovision Song Contest. So far, Armenia has always reached the eighth
place. What result are you aiming at?

Sirusho: "Right now, we think that we have already won because our
song is considered one of the favourites. Whatever happens now is
God’s will, and we will be thankful for it. If I could get my country
a higher place than eighth, it would be great, but we will just enjoy
our time on stage and do our best."

How do you judge your stage performance in the second rehearsal
yourself? Are you satisfied with everything, and do you intend to make
any changes for the Semi-Final?

Sirusho: "Before my arrival in Serbia, I was so much more concerned to
do the right things on stage. But now that I am here, it’s so much
better because me and my dancers are just happy to be on stage. If we
make a mistake or start laughing, it will be just like that. We are
honest with the stage, and we’re loving it at this moment."

Your song Qele, Qele was selected in a national final, where you
performed four songs and the public decided which one should be your
entry for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. Which one of the four
songs was your personal favourite and why?

Sirusho: "I liked all four songs. I have taken part in the creation of
all four of them, as I have written the lyrics and I participated in
composing the music as well. But I was very happy for Qele, Qele, as
it was my idea to have the Armenian part in the beginning. Every time
I perform it on stage, it gives me this power that I can’t explain."

Was writing the lyrics for the four preselection songs your first
experience as a lyricist? And can you explain the idea behind the
lyrics of Qele, Qele?

Sirusho: "With the lyrics, I didn’t want to pressure it too much. I
just wanted to create a song that takes you away from your daily
worries, so I tried to make the lyrics as easy and memorable as
possible. If you look at the other lyrics I wrote, you’ll see that
there not very similar to Qele, Qele. I wanted to make something easy
and catchy which is suited for the Eurovision Song Contest. There is
too much to worry about in the world today, so I just wanted to
distract everyone from that fact for three minutes."

You have accompanied and supported Andre, the Armenian representative,
at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens. Why did you go there
with him, and what experiences did you get there?

Sirusho: "I wanted to experience what it’s like to participate in the
Eurovision Song Contest. But now that I am here, I realized that it is
totally different than it was back then. When I was with Andre, I was
much more nervous, as I was worried about my friend and my
country. Now, I know that it all depends on me. By the way, both Andre
and Hayko, our two former representatives in the Eurovision Song
Contest, are here to support me!"

Your parents are both well-known artists in Armenia, too. How did this
fact influence your life and your career?

Sirusho: "I have seen the way the work since I was a baby. That has
meant so much to me, as, by looking at them, I learned so much. They
never actually told me anything about performing on stage. They showed
me that, if you love what you’re doing, and if you’re serious about
it, people will love you and your work as well. That’s really
something I am looking up to."

You went on an extensive promotional tour before the 2008 Eurovision
Song Contest. How did this help you to prepare you for the
competition?

Sirusho: "All the support, all the kindness that we received, all the
people who would come up to us to tell us that they love our song and
that they were wishing us luck – that was the greatest preparation, I
think. They already made me feel confident by saying, no matter what
happens, they would still love our song. That really gave me
strength. I had been to most countries before, giving solo concerts
for the Armenian population. It was great to go back, to see the
Armenians again, to meet new people who are not from Armenia. They
were so nice to us – it was great!"

At this moment, Armenia is one of the favourites with the
bookmakers. Does this fact put some extra pressure on you, or does it
make you more confident?

Sirusho: "I don’t even want to think about that, because I remeber
something that happened in 2006: Kate Ryan was leading according to
many predictions and odds, but in the end, she didn’t even qualify for
the final. I don’t know what happened – maybe nobody voted for her
because everyone thought she would make it to the final anyway? She
had a great song, and she had all that the Eurovision Song Contest
actually needs. That’s why I don’t even want to think about that."

There are many Armenians living all accross Europe, in various
countries. Did you encourage them in any way to vote for you on the
Semi-Final night?

Sirusho: "I have grown up in front of their eyes. They have seen me
since I was very little. They have followed my career from the first
time I entered the stage, they have given me my awards. Now that I
entered the Eurovision Song Contest stage, I have seen that I have
relatives not only among Armenians, but also among Europeans, who
share the same feelings and the same passion for my song. I will just
sing for all of them, and I love them the way they are!"

What can we expect in case Armenia wins the 2008 Eurovision Song
Contest? Is Yerevan ready to host it next year? How would you
encourage people to come to Armenia?

Sirusho: "I cannot explain what that would mean for my country
because. If there is one country where Eurovision Song Contest is a
national celebration, it’s Armenia! We put too much hope in it. We
feel like this an occasion where we can be appreciated. Winning would
be the greatest gift for me and my country."

Eurovision.tv thanks Sirusho for this interview and wishes her the
best of luck for her participation in the 2008 Eurovision Song
Contest!

Northfield News , MN
May 17 2008

An open letter from a mom to son in Iraq

By VALERIE ENFIEJIAN HOEKSTRA
Updated: Saturday, May 17, 2008 12:10 am

As I have watched our country’s involvement in Iraq, I cannot help but
notice where we choose not to be. While atrocities have occurred in
Iraq, there are other places in the world where they also occur and on
an even larger scale. Consequently, I cannot dispel the feeling that
we are there because of oil.

While not a historian, I am the mother of a Marine and as such, feel I
have a right to an opinion in light of the sacrifice that our family
is making.

As I survey the landscape of the American way of life, it seems that
our political agenda is clouded by our love of oil, the consumption of
which allows us to lead opulent lifestyles by world-wide standards.

Have we considered that were we to divorce ourselves from this love,
perhaps it would clear our political heads and lead us to live
differently? Perhaps self-examination and recognition of the manner in
which our daily conduct impacts others is in order.

I am looking for a presidential candidate who can boldly say to
Americans, `You need to reduce your consumption of oil.’ While likely
political suicide, it would be reasonable in my estimation.

Reduced consumption could be our contribution to the war effort and
its potential impact on American policy would be a start.

As a parent, I am willing to sacrifice if our military efforts prevent
people working in an American skyscraper from having to decide whether
to burn or jump to their deaths; willing if our actions prevent loss
of innocent life and aid in granting relief to the suffering.

As a descendent of survivors of the Armenian genocide, I express this
willingness fervently. With equal veracity, I express an unwillingness
to sacrifice so that Americans can consume.

Become contemplative for a day. Perhaps it may lead us to change to
energy efficient vehicles, reduce our speed limit and bus rather than
drive our children to school.

We may notice product labels and better attempt to buy locally,
consume responsibly and live simply.

Doing so may save the life of a soldier or at least give us the solace
of knowing that our participation in conflict is for honorable
reasons. Freedom is not free but it does not give us the right to
enlarge our piece of the pie and consume it with entitlement.

I offer these words out of sincere concern for the direction in which
our country seems bound. I speak out of desire to do my part in being
certain that the orders our serving men and women are required to
follow reflect a just spirit.

To our Bret, we anticipate your safe return from Iraq. While being
away from you is difficult, the joy of reunion makes the wait
possible.

I am immeasurably proud of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers
every moment. Thank you for doing your part and I promise you, we will
do ours. Stay safe. I love you.

-Valerie Enfiejian Hoekstra is a Northfield resident.

?viewStory=22680

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Hürriyet, Turkey
May 17 2008

Gul says concerns of EU over Turkey are baseless

Concerns that the EU cake would be lessened after Turkey’s membership
were baseless, "on the contrary, the cake will get bigger," Turkish
President Abdullah Gul said on Saturday, Anatolian Agency reported.

"We are aware that there are some concerns about Turkey in EU
countries. Turkey has to carry out works convince European public
opinion. We have lots to do. We will not come before finishing our
homework," Gul is quoted as saying in an interview with daily Kronen
published in Vienna.

Referring to decision made in 2005 to launch negotiations between
Turkey and the EU, Gul said Austria also approved this
decision. "There is no need for the Austrians to feel concern over
Turkey’s EU membership as a referendum would be held in the end," he
added.

Gul said views that reform process slowed down were "partially right",
indicating that, "Turkey had two elections last year. The government
was engaged with the elections. However a new period started in
2008. As the president, I am closely following the reform process."

When Kronen newspaper journalist Kurt Seinitz said Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan described assimilation a crime against
humanity and this led to discussions in Austria, Gul said, "such kind
of expressions can be interpreted differently in different
languages. The communities should integrate in the best way with the
societies they have been living in and should share, strengthen and
defend their common values."

Gul responding to a question about Armenian claims said, these claims
were not a "taboo" in Turkey, adding that, "we are sorry over what had
occurred in the past. However, this is not a genocide which the Jews
had to experience in Europe. The incidents erupted after revolt of
Armenians with the affect of some foreign forces. But one thing is
important, all the churches were open even during the incidents and
the Armenians, who were in important posts in the Ottoman
administration, continued to work."

Armenia, with the backing of the diaspora, claims up to 1.5 million of
their kin were slaughtered in orchestrated killings in 1915. However
300,000 Armenians along with at least as many Turks died in civil
strife that emerged when the Armenians took up arms for independence
in eastern Anatolia.

Referring to Turkey’s call to all related parties to open their
archives, Gul said, "Turkey assumed a pioneering role here and
accepted to open its secret military archives."

ISNA, Iran
Iranian Students News Agency
May 17 2008

Iran and Armenia to boost economic ties

ISNA – Tehran

TEHRAN, May 17 (ISNA)-Armenian defense minister Seyran Ohanian and
Iran’s ambassador to the country Ali Saqaiyan underlined continuing
economic and political cooperation deeply rooted in bilateral friendly
ties.

The two states are determined to lift trade exchanges reaching 200
million dollars to 500 million dollars.

Building Iran-Armenia gas pipeline providing the country with Iran’s
gas as well as establishing two power lines to deliver Iran’s
electricity are the two most important bilateral projects, Novosti
news agency reported.

The Iranian ambassador also delivered Iran’s defense minister Mustafa
Mohammad Najjar’s message to his Armenian counterpart inviting him to
visit Iran.

The two sides also called for carrying out previously-signed accords
as highlighting the necessity to resolve Karabakh dispute.

Hürriyet, Turkey
May 17 2008

Armenia asks US to press Turkey to normalize relations

Armenian lobby in the United States presented a new bill to House of
Representatives envisaging Washington to put pressure on Ankara to
lift the embargo which it claimed Turkey imposes on Armenia, the
state-run Anatolian Agency reported Saturday.

Adam Schiff, an MP of U.S. Democrat Party, prepared the bill. Schiff
is known as leading Armenian initiatives in the House of
Representatives.

The bill envisages U.S. to launch initiatives for the removal of the
alleged embargo and U.S. Secretary of State to prepare a report for
the Congress about the incidents.

The same text should be submitted to the senate and the bill should be
adopted both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate and
should be signed by U.S. President in order to be enacted.

Armenian lobby in the United States had submitted a similar bill two
years ago but the bill has not been presented to the agenda of the
House of Representatives.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic links after Ankara severed ties
in protest against Armenian control and violence in the
Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Armenia invaded in a war with
Azerbaijan in the early 1990s. The border between Turkey and Armenia
has been closed.

Armenia’s genocide claims are another problem in two countries’
relations. Armenia, with the backing of the diaspora, claims up to 1.5
million of their kin were slaughtered in orchestrated killings in
1915. However 300,000 Armenians along with at least as many Turks died
in civil strife that emerged when the Armenians took up arms for
independence in eastern Anatolia.

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
May 17 2008

Azerbaijani National Army’s Officer Killed
17.05.08 13:00

Azerbaijan, Barda, 17 May /Trend News corr Sh. Jaliloglu/ As a result
of violation of ceasefire at the Armenian-Azerbaijani troops contact
line by the Armenian Armed Forces, senior lieutenant of the
Azerbaijani National Army was killed. On 16 May at 7.30pm, Armenian
troops located in the Azerbaijani occupied village Yusifjanli in Agdam
region fired at the opposite positions of the Azerbaijani
troops. Senior lieutenant Vugar Najafov was shot and died from the
wound.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in
1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan
lost the Nagorno-Karabakh, except of Shusha and Khojali, in December
1991. In 1992-93, Armenian Armed Forces occupied Shusha, Khojali and
Nagorno-Karabakh’s seven surrounding regions. In 1994, Azerbaijan and
Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active
hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia,
France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful, but fruitless
negotiations.

In 1992, about 10 OSCE countries established Minsk Group for peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Since 1997, Minks Group
includes co-chairmen from three countries – USA, Russia and France.

The Defence Ministry has not yet confirmed the reports.

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
May 17 2008

Armenian National Movement: "The authorities, led by Serzh Sarkissyan
de jure and Robert Kocharyan de facto, act beyond the frames of law
and democracy"

17 May 2008 [12:37] – Today.Az

The working authorities of Armenia continue to ignore decisions,
adopted by the EU Presidium, PACE resolution, and appeals of other
international structures and European countries.

The due announcement is contained in the statement of the Armenian
National Movement.

The shooting of March 1 peaceful protests participants and further
large scale terror against tens of thousands of people did not
overpower the National Movement. The politically motivated arrests of
over 150 key movement activists also were not effective-they were
replaced by new people, says the statement.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s speech at the congress of opposition powers
showed that the strengthening and determination of the political
forces, struggling for democracy and freedom have strengthened. This
caused a new wave of arrests and persecutions.

"Within several days following the congress over 200 people were
brought to the law enforcement bodies only by information of the
movement (which is 30% of the reality, as most people fear to speak
about the events). All of them are participants of March 1 protests
and other meetings, relatives of political prisoners, their
friends. They were deprived of legal defense, subjected to physical
and psychological pressure and not allowed to inform their relatives
about their detainment.

All, who tried to get false testimonies against political prisoners by
way of terror, have empty materials of guilty. This proves once more
that the authorities, led by Serzh Sarkissyan de jure and Robert
Kocharyan de facto act beyond the frames of law and democracy.

The movement closely watches officials and law enforcement bodies,
conducting an illegal activity. No matter whoever they are, they will
be brought to responsibility.

The leaders of the regime failed to understand the essence of the PACE
resolution. The spasmodic actions of the authorities will lead to
nowhere. Armenian people will win the fight for freedom and
democracy", says the statement.

/ARMENIA-Today/

URL:

From: "Katia M. Peltekian" <[email protected]>
Subject: Hamidiye Mosque unique architecture with a sultan’s touch

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
May 17 2008

Hamidiye Mosque unique architecture with a sultan’s touch

You may have noticed an elegant minaret rising modestly to the sky to
your right while climbing up from Barbaros Bulvarı toward
Yıldız in the BeÅ?iktaÅ? district.

If you were careful enough, you may also have noticed the clock tower
just across from the minaret.

It is Hamidiye Mosque — or Yıldız Mosque, as it is used
to be known to the public — that sits at the top of a hill in
Yıldız. Once rows of soldiers encircled the mosque and
mounted troops gathered just outside its courtyard, with the sultan’s
subjects behind them. Hamidiye was once the scene of flamboyant `Cuma
SelamlıÄ?ı’ ceremonies — held before and after
the Friday prayers with the participation of Ottoman sultans. Sultan
Abdülhamid II participated in these ceremonies at Hamidiye
Mosque. It is no longer possible to witness these scenes except
through historical accounts, but the mosque has lost nothing of its
elegance.

Hamidiye, adjacent to Yıldız Palace, was built by
Abdülhamid II in 1886. The architect was Nikogos Balyan, the
chief imperial architect of the time.

Once you pass through the doors leading to the courtyard of the mosque
you see two white, marble staircases, which connect you to two
different rooms on the second floor, and between them the main door,
decorated with beautiful calligraphy.

The stairs on the right lead to the Süfera Odası, a room
reserved for ambassadors, with its gilt ceiling, while the stairs to
the left lead to the ornately decorated Hünkar Mahfili, the
royal booth. To the left of the royal box, there is an elegant, white
ceramic stove that remains well-preserved, and to the right there is
another booth separated from the rest of the room with a door made
mostly of glass. This smaller booth looks out through latticework over
the main space of the mosque.

You enter the mosque through two covered rooms, the first smaller and
the second larger. These rooms contain lockable shoe boxes.

Unique architecture

Rich in interior ornamentation, Hamidiye Mosque is a unique example of
gothic revivalism (neo-gothic), an architectural movement that became
popular in the Ottoman capital in the 19th century. The neo-gothic
style is combined with classical Ottoman motifs in the mosque.

The major neo-gothic features of the mosque stem from its vertical
emphasis and the longitudinal proportions of the parts of the
building. The mosque — excluding the dome — has a total of 17
windows, which were all treated in the neo-gothic style. The mosque
has a single-balcony minaret adorned with stone carvings.

Its single dome is surrounded by 16 windows and sits upon four elegant
piers. The gilded wooden decorations on these piers supporting the
dome were partly done by Abdülhamid II himself, who was known
for his carpentry skills. The sultan’s carpentry workshop remains
today and is open to Yıldız Palace visitors. The sultan
is also said to have been involved in the design of the mosque.

The dome is painted a bright blue, which makes you feel like you are
under a twilit sky. The dome is also unique since it is one of the few
to feature star decorations, which further the feeling of looking
skyward.

Quranic verses decorate the four sides of the mosque, while the panels
on the walls are made of ebony with pearl engravings.

Hamidiye Mosque is significant because it represents a period when the
Ottoman capital was seeing a rising number of Western-style buildings
competing with classical Ottoman styles. A search for new
architectural forms was at stake. The neo-gothic style of the mosque
is one of the new major styles reflecting the architectural pluralism
of the city, as well as the Western-influenced nature of Ottoman
architecture in the 19th century.

Yıldız Clock Tower

Yıldız Clock Tower (Yıldız Saat Kulesi)
was also built by Sultan Abdülhamid II between 1889 and
1890. The tower is located at the far right corner of Hamidiye
Mosque’s courtyard.

It is a three-storey structure, also done in a neo-gothic style. The
first floor is adorned with inscriptions while the second floor houses
a thermometer and barometer and the third floor holds the clock
itself. The tower was built in honor of the 25th anniversary of the
reign of Abdülhamid II.

If you are interested in the historical Friday prayers, like those
held at Hamidiye Mosque, you can find many photos on the Internet. For
those who like to keep pictures of places they visit, photography is
certainly allowed: You can take as many photos of this magnificent
mosque as you like while enjoying its unique architecture, which is
richly decorated but somehow maintains a sense of modesty.

Who was Nikogos Balyan?

Nikogos Balyan was from the distinguished Balyan family, an
ethnic-Armenian family of Ottoman imperial architects. Architects from
the family built various mosques and churches in Ä°stanbul
throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Members of the family served a
total of six sultans during the period of the Ottoman architecture’s
Westernization. Some of the monuments they have built include Valide
Mosque, Dolmabahçe Mosque, Yıldız Palace, the
Ã`sküdar Armenian Gregorian Church and Beyazit Tower.

17 May 2008, Saturday
BÃ`Å?RA Ä°PEKÃ?Ä° Ä°STANBUL

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