Month: May 2008

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Toll Free: (866) 965-TREE
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
May 21, 2008

Public Forum to be Held on Sustainable Development Strategies For Armenia’s
Future

WATERTOWN, MA–According to studies by international forestry experts,
Armenia is one of the vulnerable countries with a forest cover of less than
10 percent. As a result, Armenia faces challenges caused by erosion,
landslides, water management, climate change, and desertification. A number
of factors have contributed to this crisis, some of which are related to
geopolitics, poverty, corruption, and poor land management practices.

Since 1994, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has been working to implement
solutions to these problems by planting trees at hundreds of urban and rural
areas around the country. To highlight the next phase of this work, ATP and
a number of cosponsoring organizations will be hosting a public forum on
Thursday, June 19 titled "Sustainable Development Strategies for Armenia’s
Future."

The program will begin with the screening of a recent documentary film by
Vem Media Arts of Yerevan, followed by a presentation by ATP Executive
Director Jeff Masarjian and Zachary Parisa of the Yale University School of
Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Mr. Parisa has done field work in the forests of northern Armenia, near
ATP’s 15-acre Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery in Margahovit Village, and
he is drafting a sustainable forestry manual for Armenia.

This event is cosponsored by Armenia Tree Project, Armenian Assembly,
Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Environmental Network, Armenian
National Committee, and Vem Media Arts. "We are very excited to be
collaborating with these organizations, all which have recently partnered
with ATP to spread the message about sustainable development and the threat
of deforestation," added Masarjian. "It is our sincere hope that the list of
organizations grows in the coming years as we advance our reforestation
programs in Armenia."

The Thursday, June 19 event will begin with a complimentary reception at
6:00 pm, followed by a public presentation at 7:00 pm. The program will be
held at the Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic Avenue, Arlington,
Massachusetts. Seating limited, so please RSVP by June 13 by calling (781)
646-3090 or send an email to [email protected].

PHOTO CAPTION: Zachary Parisa (right) from the Yale University School of
Forestry and Environmental Studies has done field work in Armenia’s forests
near ATP’s Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery and he is drafting a
sustainable forestry manual for Armenia (Photo by Kathryn Howard)

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

MAY 22, 2008

WORLD GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS POSTPONED TO AUTUMN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
that the World General Assembly which was scheduled to convene in Antelias,
Lebanon, has been postponed to the autumn of 2008. The exact date will be
announced at a later time.
In his announcement, the Pontiff noted that although the situation in
Lebanon has greatly improved during the past few weeks, it was decided that
it would be wise to postpone the world assembly since so many delegates were
traveling from distant dioceses.

BLESSING OF MURON
Preparations for the blessing of the Holy Muron on June 7 are continuing
at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. The Holy Muron, symbol of
the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally blessed every seven years.
Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which is then distributed to the
various dioceses for distribution to the parishes. The oil consists of 48
different herbs, flowers, and oils which are combined in a special vessel
and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus creating an unbroken chain with
the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron is a long process and each stage
is accompanied with special prayers. Prior to its blessing, the Muron
remains for forty days on the altar of the Cathedral.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL LEAVE FOR LEBANON NEXT WEEK
FOR MEETING OF THE BROTHERHOOD AND BLESSING OF MURON
A meeting of the Brotherhood of the Holy See of Cilicia will take place
prior to the blessing of the Muron. The meetings are scheduled for June 5-6
at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon. Archbishop Oshagan will travel to
Lebanon next week to participate in the meeting and the blessing of Muron.
The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, has already arrived in Lebanon and will
participate in both events.

CATHOLICOS ARAM RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVE
OF PATRIARCH GREGORIOS LAHHAM
Bishop Michel Abbas, representing the Greek Catholic Patriarch, His
Beatitude Gregorios III Lahham, visited Catholicos Aram I in Antelias on May
16. Also attending the meeting was Bishop Kegham Khatcherian. Bishop Abbas
consulted with Catholicos Aram on behalf of the Patriarch, on a number of
inter-church issues. They exchanged views on forming an inter-church
committee to organize the celebrations to be held within the context of "The
Year of St. Paul," recently announced by Pope Benedict XVI. The
Catholicosate of Cilicia has received an invitation from the Vatican to
participate in this event and Catholicos Aram has accepted the invitation.
In his acceptance letter, the Catholicos outlined his vision for
transforming the celebration of one of Christianity’s leading figures into
an opportunity for the renewal of faith on a pan-Christian level. During the
meeting, Bishop Michel also briefed the Pontiff about the details of
Patriarch Lahham’s recent visit to the Vatican, during which he had
discussed issues related to the peace process in the Middle East and the
internal situation in Lebanon.

BISHOP NAREG CHAIRS WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES MEETING
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, chaired the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of the
World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Secretaries of Church Families from
May 13-15 in Geneva. Representatives from the Russian Orthodox, Roman
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist and other Protestant
churches participated. In his opening remarks, Bishop Nareg emphasized the
uniqueness of the gathering as a meeting place for regional and
international ecumenical relations. He stressed the need for cooperation and
united approaches towards issues of concern for all churches.

REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN PARTICIPATES IN
DARFUR RALLY AT U.S. MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,
participated in a rally to end genocide in Darfur and promote lasting peace
in Sudan, this afternoon, May 22. The rally took place at the U.S. Mission
at the United Nations in New York City. The rally was scheduled at this time
because the U.S. will take over the presidency of the U.N. Security Council
on June 1, and the organizers (Africa Action) are urging the United States
to use its influence in the UN to deploy well-equipped peacekeepers to
Darfur.
Der Mesrob addressed the large gathering and expressed solidarity with
the people of Darfur "who since 2003 have experienced the greatest cruelty."
Der Hayr also told the gathering, "Having experienced the same type of
cruelty early in the 20th century, during the Armenian Genocide, Armenian
Americans join with Africa Action in calling for bold leadership by the
United States when next month the U.S. assumes presidency of the UN Security
Council.. In the words of the psalmist," Der Mesrob concluded, "let us
commit ourselves to defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the
afflicted and needy."

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.

SUMMER CAMP AT ST. SARKIS
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, will once again have a summer
camp for children from age 5 to 12. The camp will take place at the church
facilities from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Registration must be completed by June 8. The program includes arts and
crafts, music, dance, prayer, Armenian language and history, introduction to
the Bible, sports, games..and more. See calendar of events below for more
details.

YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.

"STILL ROOM AT THE INN," FOR 2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
"There’s still room at the inn," says Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), about the 22nd annual St.
Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. So, if you
have not yet registered for this popular program, do it right now. Sponsored
by AREC, the program will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center in
Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By popular demand, this
year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a weekend retreat
(optional) June 27-29. For details click here.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See
of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older,
to attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the
annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of
God.
Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes
to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting
with a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local
parish.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, May 22, are: Proverbs 15:21-26;
Isaiah 22:20-25; 1 Peter 5:1-7; Matthew 11:2-14
Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding
walks straight ahead. Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many
advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word
in season, how good it is! For the wise the path of life leads upward, in
order to avoid Sheol below. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but
maintains the widow’s boundaries. Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure. Proverbs 15:21-26.
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here.

ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR’S
DELIVERANCE FROM THE PIT
This Saturday, May 24, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s
emergence from the pit (khor virab). Gregory is revered as the founder of
the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and
western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves
three feast days in his memory: Entrance into the Pit; emergence from the
pit; discovery of relics. In addition to these three dates, there are
several feast days to which he is connected, such as: Feasts of Sts.
Hripsimiantz and Sts. Gayaniantz; Feast of Shoghakat, Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin, Feast of King Tiridates (Trdat).
St. Gregory was condemned to the pit in 287 AD by King Trdat and the
persecution of Christians in Armenia began. After the persecution and
martyrdom of a group of nuns who came into Armenia, led by Hripsime and
Gayane, seeking refuge from persecution in Rome, Trdat came down with
strange maladies. His sister, Khosrovidukht, had a dream that Gregory was
the only person who could heal her brother. Miraculously, Gregory was still
alive after many years in the pit (thanks to an anonymous woman who
regularly lowered food and water into the pit). Gregory was brought out of
the pit. The king was cured, was baptized, and he proclaimed Christianity to
be the official religion of Armenia.

FEAST OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Sunday, May 25, is the feast day of Holy Mother Etchmiadzin, the
cathedral built by St. Gregory after his deliverance from the pit, to the
specifications he saw in a vision, and on the place marked by the Lord with
a golden hammer. This feast day commemorates the establishment of the
Armenian Church and the eradication of paganism. It is the oldest example of
a four-altar, four-pillar, domed, cruciform church in Christian
architecture. More than 1700 years old, it is the oldest surviving Armenian
Christian site. The complex consists of several buildings, including the
main cathedral and two other churches nearby.
Come and construct the holy tabernacle of light
Because it radiates for us the light of Armenia.
(from a sharagan written by Catholicos Sahak III Dzoraporetsi (677-703)

MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day-a day of remembrance for those who
died in service to the United States of America. It was originally for the
Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World
War I it became a holiday to honor all men and women who died in service.
Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but it was one of those
holidays that was moved to Monday to form a long weekend.
"Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling
place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.. Those who
love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they
call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will
rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show
them my salvation."
Psalm 91, known as the "Soldier’s Psalm." (Note: It is Psalm 90 in the
Armenian Bible).

NEW ON OUR WEB PAGE ()
Go to the web page for information about the recent National Representative
Assembly. We will be continuing to add more information and photographs in
the coming days. To view the site thus far click here.

PLG Mothers Day luncheon..Lots of Photographs. Click here.

90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY AT SARDARABAD AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN REPUBLIC
This year we mark the 90th anniversary of the 1918 independent republic
of Armenia. After defeating Turkish forces at Sardarabad, Bashabaran, and
Karakilise, on May 28th the Armenians proclaim an independent democratic
Armenian Republic on what was left of the Armenian homeland. Throughout
these critical days, Catholicos Kevork V remained in Etchmiadzin against the
advice and urging of authorities, maintaining that he would rather die in
Etchmiadzin. The battle of Sardarabad is recognized today as not only
stopping the Turkish advance but also preventing the complete destruction of
the Armenian nation.
At about the same time Allied forces entered Cilicia, and Catholicos
Sahag II returned to the Catholicate in Cilicia, after being forced into
exile by the Ottoman Turks one year earlier. In 1919 French forces entered
Cilicia, joined by a large number of Armenian volunteer soldiers (gamavors)
of the "Legion Armenienne." This year is also the 90th anniversary of the
victory of this volunteer Armenian Legion over a combined Turkish-German
force at the Battle of Arara, in Palestine, on September 19, 1918.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
With the milestone anniversaries this week of the Battle at Sardarabad and
the establishment of the Armenian Republic of 1918, we direct our readers to
books on these subjects. Nothing compares with the monumental work done by
Professor Richard G. Hovannisian in this area in his pioneering work in
Armenia on the Road to Independence and his four-volume, The Republic of
Armenia.
For quick reference we call your attention to the two volume, Armenian
people from Ancient to Modern Times, edited by Richard G. Hovannisian. The
second volume includes two chapters on the subject. One is titled "Armenia’s
Road to Independence," the other "The Republic of Armenia."

Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times
Volume 1: The Dynastic Periods from Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century. 372
pp. $31.95, plus shipping.

Volume 2: Foreign Dominion to Statehood: The Fifteenth Century to the
Twentieth Century, 493 pp, 34.94, plus shipping.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY’S WEB SITE () OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL ([email protected]) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).

DISASTERS IN MYANMAR AND CHINA
We end this week asking for prayers for the devastating loss of life and
destruction that has affected parts of Asia-the cyclone in Myanmar (formerly
Burma) and the earthquake in central China. The Chinese government has just
in recent days begun to accept outside help; Myanmar is still very reluctant
to accept foreign assistance. There are some charities, such as Project
HOPE, that are having a modicum of success in sending aid. There is little
that can be done for the tens of thousands who died, but please remember the
tens of thousands more that will need help in the coming months and years.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia, which was scheduled to convene in Antelias, Lebanon has been
postponed and will take place in the autumn.

June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Click here for details.

June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.

June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click here.

July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Registration deadline is June 8. For
information contact the church office, 718-224-2275.

June 22-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Anniversary
Celebration, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Special program
and exhibit dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy’s affiliation
with the Holy See of Cilicia. For reservations contact the church office,
718-224-2275.

July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.

August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.

August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.

September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.

September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.

November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.

PRESS RELEASE
THE ARMENIAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP
1300 E. Shaw Ave, Suite 149
P.O.Box 5969
Fresno, CA 93755-5969
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002
Email: [email protected]

ATG Farmer Recognized with Anania Shiragatsi Medal

The Armenian Technology Group (ATG) is proud to announce that the
Presidency of Armenia has honored an ATG farmer with the Anania
Shiragatsi Gold Medal for the highest achievement in agricultural
development. Albert Ayvazyan of Shirak marz is the third ATG farmer to
receive the government’s recognition.

Ayvazyan was born in the village of Arapi west of Gyumri in 1957,
studied agronomy in Yerevan, and has returned to his birthplace where
he is now the village mayor. He joined the Seed Producers’ Support
Association (SPSA) in 1998, the same year that ATG founded it. As an
SPSA farmer Ayvazyan produces around 60 tons a year of certified seed
for winter wheat, barley and other crops; he grows over 300 tons a
years of potatoes and other vegetables as well.

ATG transfers farming and seed technology and applied science to SPSA
farmers such as Ayvazyan and trains them in their use. As mayor of
Arapi, Ayvazyan now extends this same knowledge to the farmers of his
village and works with them to improve their productivity. Ayvazyan
also tests new varieties of seed to selects those best suited to his
region, and organizes the production of elite and super elite seeds of
these varieties.

"Every acknowledgement of an Armenian farmer’s achievements is an
encouragement to us and the other farmers in Armenia" said ATG
Executive Director Varoujan Der Simonian. "Their success is a step
toward ATG’s goal of empowering the people with knowledge to develop
their capabilities and improve their quality of life." Ayvazyan’s
success with ATG over the last ten years provides a shining example of
how ATG’s cooperation with the farmers of Armenia enables them not
only to increase their productivity but also to fulfill the dream of
feeding their country.

Rural Armenia News Service

Brought to you by ATG, Inc. (Armenian Technology Group)

For more information about how you can help rural Armenia, contact ATG
at [email protected]

If you no longer want to receive news articles from RuralArmenia,
please notify us at [email protected]

Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences
UBC
May 31-June 8, 2008
Vancouver, BC

Tri-Part Session sponsored by the
Society for Socialist Studies

Thursday June 5, 2008, 9:00-10:30, 10:45-12:15, and 1:00-2:30
Anthropology & Sociology Building Room 205
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C. Canada

In Search of a Language of Reconciliation

Session organizer: Sima Aprahamian, Ph.D. ([email protected])
Sociology-Anthropology & Simone de Beauvoir Institute, Concordia
University,Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Papers are based on studies of alternatives to the conflict-resolution
model now being used. In particular papers were sought that have a
critical view on the current attempts by international bodies & the U.S.
in particular to situate genocide in the context of conflict resolution.
Papers were also sought that explore paths or ways to bring closure and a
sense of justice, as well as explorations of possibilities of
communication and dialogue between or among ethnic, religious, national or
other groups in contexts of post-war, post-conflict, post-genocide
situations. Also papers that explore the applications (and
mis-applications) of Truth and Reconciliation commissions.

PANEL ONE

Discussant: Dorota Glowacka, Ph.D. (Kings College, Dalhousie, Halifax. NS)

Barabara Coloroso and a new possible language of reconciliation

Sima Aprahamian, Ph.D. ([email protected]) Sociology-Anthropology
& Simone de Beauvoir Institute, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec,
Canada

The paper examines the current language used in post-conflict,
post-genocide contexts. The idea for the paper and panel emerged after a
discussion with a Ethiopian of C. Gibbs novel, Sweetness in the belly. The
reaction in Ethiopia was that it only presented the Harare perspective.
This paper will explore the possibility of a language of reconciliation
that Barbara Coloroso, the educator, provides.

Rupture and Redress: The Geopolitical barriers to Genocide Reparations

R.S. Ratner ([email protected]) Sociology, University of British
Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

and Andrew Woolford ([email protected]) Sociology, University
of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN, Canada

This paper will examine some of the conceptual and empirical obstacles to
obtaining genocide reparations, cross-culturally and in individual cases,
including those instances in which the application of the term `genocide
is moot. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which globalization and
neoliberal rationalities of governance have created new opportunities for
pursuing reparations (e.g., by spreading the
actuarial and juridical logic of compensatory justice), while
simultaneously placing limits on the form reparations might take (e.g., by
discouraging reparative payments that might disrupt national or global
economies). We end the paper by evaluating the
possibilities for "transformative" reparations within current geopolitical
contexts.

PANEL TWO:

Organizer: Sima Aprahamian

Tricks or Treaty? An Examination of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace
Accord

Aditya Dewan, PhD. ([email protected]) Sociology-Anthropology, Concordia
University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The Government of Bangladesh made a peace treaty with the Jana Samhati
Samiti (JSS) and signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord December
2, 1997. The JSS, a political organization (or party), represents a dozen
indigenous peoples’ groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of eastern
Bangladesh. The Shanti Bahini, armed wing of the JSS, waged guerrilla
warfare1972-1997 against the army for regional autonomy, land and human
rights. The CHT peace accord brought no peace for the indigenous people in
the CHT. The government violated its own promise by not implementing the
peace accord until today. Instead, the peace accord helped the government
suppress indigenous peoples’ rights through continuous settlement of
Bengalis from the plains and displacement of native villagers from their
ancestral lands. This paper will survey the post-peace Accord social,
economic and political situation in the CHT.

Attitudes towards Reconciliation in Iraq

Aysegul Keskin ([email protected]), Kent State University,Kent, OH, USA

Post-Baathist Iraq seemed to provide a unique case study for Truth and
Reconciliation Commisioins to settle differences between former members of
the Party and communities affected by its policies. Despite TRC plans
based on the South African model, the Coalition Provisional Authority
(CPA) instead embarked on a policy of De-Ba.athification and disbanding
the Iraqi military. The Arab League efforts to hold a reconciliation
conference in 2005 failed as .reconciliation., for the Kurdish and Shi.a
parties in power meant negotiating with the Ba.athists. Prime Minister
Maliki later adopted a plan for .National Reconciliation,. opposed by the
Ba.athists and insurgency groups. Reconciliation in both cases ultimately
failed. This paper examines literature on TRC and reconciliation in the
Middle East, and how it could still function in an Iraqi context.

Individual Autonomy and the Kurdish Question: De-Politicizing National
Cleavages

Erol Ulker ([email protected]) History, University of Chicago, Chicago,
IL, USA

For Austro-Marxist intellectuals Otto Bauer and Karl Renner, the
individuality principle is a radical critique of the conviction that every
nation should form its own territorial state – an unnecessary condition
for the existence of nation whose realization as a cultural community is
part of emancipation in a classless society. Implications of this critique
for today.s ethnic conflicts bear in particular on the Kurdish question of
Turkey, in search of a new discursive field that may integrate struggles
for Kurdish rights with justice and emancipation. Fixation on territorial
claims is an obstacle to achieving integration. Recognizing and promoting
Kurdish national claims, the individuality principle has the potential to
constitute a new reference point for cooperation and solidarity among the
Kurds and the Turks in their struggle for justice.

PANEL THREE:

Compassionate Listening: Building Trust One Oral History at a Time

Marion Gerlind, Ph.D. ([email protected]) Gerlind Institute for Cultural
Studies, Oakland, CA, USA

While conducting oral histories with female working-class and rural Jewish
survivors of the European Holocaust, I had to face my role as a child of
the generation of German perpetrators and collaborators. This presentation
discusses the process in which narrators and interviewer are able to
overcome mistrust and engage in (im)possible conversations. I reflect on
the significance of mindful listening which I am currently exploring in
interviews with working-class and rural German Christians who have not
recorded their war stories. My aim is to integrate legacies of
victimization and collaboration into a complex, gender- and
class-conscious analysis of genocide.

Confronting the parts torn apart: Armenian pilgrimages to Anatolia

E-mail: Carel Bertram ([email protected]) University of California

Armenian pilgrims are "returning" to Turkey in search of the houses,
villages and towns of their families, bringing back stories of Armenian
daily life to their place of origin. This adds a focus of what was lost
to a focus on how it was lost. Unexpectedly, by meeting residents of
their old homes and towns, pilgrims help overcome a collective Turkish
amnesia. For when locals understand that these are shared stories of a
shared culture, the success of genocides, with their goal of erasing not
only a people, but the normalcy of their past, is interrupted.

Attempts to Resolve Ethnic Conflict in the Canadian Multicultural Context

Nellie Hogikyan, Ph.D. ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Centre
Interuniversitaire d.tudes sur les lettres, les arts et les traditions,
CLAT, UQM Montral, Qubec, Canada

Recent minority cultural productions, in the context of the post-genocide
traumatic transmission, are trying to understand and re-appropriate such a
heritage to bring closure to a troubling question that has haunted four
generations. Focussing on Araz Artinian.s The Genocide in Me (NFB, 2005)
and Atom Egoyan’s Ararat (Alliance, 2002), I will offer an analysis of the
strategies that the third and fourth generation Canadians of Armenian
origin use in an attempt to create a dialogue with the inheritors of the
Turkish Ottoman legacy of denial, holding the current generations of
Turkish men and women as being responsible, but not guilty for the history
of their nation.

PRESS RELEASE
Radio Sevan
Karakol Al-Druze, Beirut
Contact: Michael Vayejian
Tel: 961 1 37 30 04
[email protected]

May 16, 2008

Radio Sevan Targetted during Recent clashes in Beirut

One week ago, the newly inaugurated `Radio Sevan’ broadcasting station
was set on fire, at the Beirut MAR ELIAS neighborhood.

In this respect, we deeply thank all the organizations establishments
and individuals, who felt, regretted, sympathized, and expressed their
moral support.

Nevertheless, at this stage, it is necessary to make certain adjusting
verifications related to this regretful evidence in order to clarify
once and for all the picture of this regretful incident and overcome
the confusion.

A) On 08/05/2008 at about 5:00 PM the Director of `Radio Sevan’ was
duly notified by the Security Sources that HEZBOLLAH armed elements
were planning to invade the locals of Radio Sevan broadcasting
station.

Upon the decision reached by the administrator, the personnel members
came out of the station, without even taking their personal belongings
with them.

B) A few hours later, a rocket was fired towards `Radio Sevan’ by
HEZBOLLAH armed elements who invaded the premises and set fire to the
station.

According to the conclusion reached by specialists, the fire had
started from the far-edge room, and then progressed towards the
entrance.

The neighboring `Radio Orient’ broadcasting radio station, annexed to
`Radio Sevan’ was not subjected to the same assault. Their damages
were by far lesser than those of `Radio Sevan’.

Consequently, we can easily conclude that, the main target of the
attack was `Radio Sevan’.

C) `Radio Sevan’ is not located within the Building of the Central
News Media Reporting Offices of the `Moustaqbal’ Movement (Future
Movement led by the son of assassinated PM Rafiq Hariri).

D) `Radio Sevan’ is not located in the same Building as the Central
News Media Reporting Offices of the `Moustaqbal’ (Future) Movement as
some media had misinformed.

E) `Radio Sevan’ is an Armenian Station.

Within the context of the Lebanese Law, the station follows its
projected policy line, and its own principles, within which the most
fundamental aim is the defense of the most basic rights.

`Radio Sevan’ believes in the freedom of speech, transparency,
democracy, freedom of opinion, and tolerance.

Furthermore, it believes in the coexistence of communities, and in the
National solidarity, based on the mutual respect.

Those, who projected and ordered this regretful event, very clearly,
are miles away from the above principles.

E) It was possible to save only few types of equipment from the
devastated and burned offices of `Radio Sevan’.

All the remaining machines, equipment and furniture became totally
useless.

F) `Radio Sevan’ has already resumed its activities, and very shortly
shall return to the Armenian public, with its projects programs.

Once again, we express our thanks, to all those individuals who called
by phone, E-mail, fax and through the Media and News Press channels to
condemn this action and showed support to `Radio Sevan’.

RUSSIA LIKELY TO RESUME EXPORTING ROUGH DIAMONDS TO ARMENIA SOON

ARKA
May 21, 2008

YEREVAN, May 21. /ARKA/. Armenian Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan
expressed hope on Wednesday that Russia will resume exporting rough
diamonds to Armenia this summer.

Russian ALROSA sent the first consignment of rough diamonds worth $1
million to Armenia in late December 2007 under the agreement signed
with Armenian Government on cooperation in jewelry and lapidary
industries.

In February 2008, Nerses Yeritsyan said that Armenian enterprises
have already cut the sent diamonds.

"No other consignments have been received after that because of
customs problems with Russia", Yeritsyan said.

He told journalists on Wednesday that Russian prime minister, after
meeting with his Armenian counterpart on Feb 6 in Yerevan, gave the
finance minister a task to convene a meeting between Armenian and
Russian relevant officials to settle the matter.

"However, the meeting has not been held because of elections in both
countries", the minister said.

He said Armenian Economy Ministry is considering room for working
out an alternative strategy of diamond industry development putting
emphasis on jewelry industry.

Under the former Armenian-Russian agreement, Russia’s companies –
ALROSA and Almazyuvelirexport – exported rough diamonds to Armenia
from 2002 to 2006.

Diamonds up to 400,000 carats were intended for the period between 2002
and 2004 and diamonds of 450,000 carats and higher for 2005 and 2006.

However, the flow of rough diamonds from Russian to Armenia started
dwindling in 2004 and ended in 2006

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN’S NORTH AVENUE TO OPERATE AT DESIGND CAPACITY IN 2010

ARKA
May 21, 2008

YEREVAN, May 21. /ARKA/. North Avenue is Yerevan is to start operating
at designed capacity in 2010, said the Professor of Architecture
Narek Sargsyan.

The construction of the avenue got under way in autumn 2001, and
the first section was put into service in May 2006. The master plan
provides for the construction of elite housing, offices and shops. A
total of $200-$250mln are to be invested in the project.

"We will launch the second stage of the project in two months, and
the construction of North Avenue will be completed in two years,"
N. Sargsyan told reporters.

He reported that the second stage of the project provides for the
construction of three hotels – a three-, four- and five-star hotels,
which will represent well-known French hotels. Fountains and sculptures
will also be set up in the avenue.

"We also have to implement a large-scale planting program,"
N. Sargsyan said.

The architect added that lighting will be installed along the full
length of North Avenue in two years.

A total of 371.2mln AMD or $1.2mln were allocated from Armenia’s
state budget for the construction of North Avenue of Yerevan in
January-September 2007. Private investment totaled 8.1bln AMD or
$26.3mln.

MOSCOW DELEGATION SEEKS TO RECRUIT ARMENIAN WORKERS

RIA Novosti
May 21 2008
Russia

MOSCOW, May 21 (RIA Novosti) – A delegation from Moscow will arrive
in Armenia for a six-day visit on Thursday to encourage Armenians
to work in the Russian capital as part of a pilot project to boost
Russia’s migrant workforce.

Last April Russia toughened its migration policy, banning migrants
from working in retail markets. According to various estimates,
around 20,000 non-Russians were employed in Moscow markets alone
prior to the ban.

"If we do not switch to organized labor recruitment on the territories
of the donor countries, the labor market in Moscow will continue to
be spontaneous and poorly regulated," said Olga Veldina, a spokeswoman
for the Moscow committee for interregional links and national policy.

The Moscow city government has launched similar projects to attract
foreign workers from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, mainly in construction,
while another Central Asian country, Uzbekistan is prepared to
follow suit.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia, particularly Moscow,
saw a strong inflow of migrant workers. Many of them stayed in the
country illegally because official registration processes are too
complicated and time-consuming.

Nearly 1 million foreign workers were officially registered in Moscow
in 2007 with a total population of 10.4 million.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA HRAYR KARAPETYAN

National Assembly of RA
May 21 2008
Armenia

Hrayr Karapetyan was born on August 11, 1963 in Yerevan.

In 1980 he finished Yerevan secondary school #135.

1980-1981 he was a worker at Yerevan Lamp Factory.

In 1985 he studied at and graduated from Yerevan Kh. Abovian Armenian
State Pedagogical Institute. Later he continued his postgraduate
studies at the same institute.

He defended his thesis on the theme "The Problem of the Learners’
Civil Upbringing in the System of National Education."

He is a candidate of pedagogical sciences, author of a number of
scientific manuals and works.

He is a lecturer of the Pedagogical Chair of Yerevan State University.

1985-1990 he worked at school in the village of Nor Geghi, later at
Yerevan # 181 school as a teacher.

1985-1987 he joined Zangakatun/Belfry organization.

1987-1989 he was a member of Unity organization, editor of Zangakatun
periodical.

In 1989 he joined the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

1990-1995 he was elected a member of the ARF Central Committee
of Armenia.

1990-1992 he participated in the organization of self-defense battles
of Getashen, Shahumian, Berdadzor, Mardakert and other borderline
regions.

1996-1998 he was elected a member of the ARF Supreme Body of Armenia.

1998-2003 he was appointed governor of RA Aragatsotn.

2003-2007 – NA deputy (proportional list, ARF). He was head of ARF
faction of the National Assembly.

On May 12, 2007 he was elected a deputy of the National Assembly by
the proportional electoral system from the ARF Party. He was head of
ARF faction of the National Assembly.

He instigated dozens of laws and legislative initiatives.

He is head of the group of Parliamentary Cooperation of the Protection
of the Consumers’ Interests of the National Assembly.

He was awarded medals and orders by the Prime Minister RA Defense
Minister, and the Chairman of the Federal Council of the Russian
Federation.

On May 20, 2008 he was elected Vice President of the National Assembly.

He is married and has three children.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EP APPROVES TURKEY’S 2007 COUNTRY REPORT

Hurriyet
May 21 2008
Turkey

Turkey set to push ahead with EU membership talks

In its latest progress report on Turkey, adopted by a large majority
of 467 for, 62 against and 61 abstentions, the European Parliament
welcomes recent legislative activities in the country, while insisting
that the speed of reforms must pick up. (UPDATED)

The own-initiative report, drawn up by Dutch parliamentarian Ria
Oomen-Ruijten, "welcomes the commitment of Prime Minister Tayyip
Erdogan that 2008 is going to be the year of reforms" and "urges the
Turkish government to fulfil its promises" by implementing them.

While the Parliament stresses that "modernisation is first and foremost
in Turkey’s own interest," it also notes that "further delays will
seriously affect the pace of negotiations."

The parliament rejected amendments to the report regarding the
incidents of 1915 submitted by a group of French MEPs trying to
support Armenian allegations against Turkey.

MEPs expressed their concern about "the excessive use of force by
Turkish police against demonstrators at this year’s May Day parade
in Istanbul.

The amendment also said the changes made in the controversial article
301 of Turkish Penal Code were not enough and urged Turkish parliament
to revise the article and completely remove other restrictive
stipulations.

The report, adopted last month by the European Parliamentary Committee
on Foreign Affairs, expressed concern about the potential consequences
of the recent dissolution case filed against Turkey’s ruling Justice
and Development Party (AKP).

Another amendment to the report said the EP expected Turkish
Constitutional Court to act in accordance with the Venice Commission
guidelines and European standards on the prohibition of political
parties.

It also called on the Turkish government to respect pluralism,
secularism and democracy while carrying out reforms and to reach a
compromise with political parties and urged the political parties to
distance themselves from violence and terrorist organizations.

"Since the last report, we have seen some very positive developments
in Turkey (the Law on Foundations, some reform of Article 301). We
have a mixed picture, and a lot more needs to be done in order for
Turkey to keep its promises to the EU and to its own people," Ruijten
said in the debate on Wednesday morning.

She said a new constitution is the only way the government can ensure
separation of state and religion, and all civil society representatives
need to be involved in this process, adding that 2008 was supposed
to be the year of reforms for Turkey.

"We have a mixed picture, a lot more needs to be done, in order for
Turkey to keep their promises to the EU and to their own people. This
is a balanced report… But we are concerned with regard to the
case against the AKP, hopefully the constitutional court will follow
international law on this issue," she said.

"We want to ensure that Turkey remains a lay state. Separation between
church and state is creating friction in Turkish society. Nearly 50%
of citizens are concerned about the state of the secular state. A new
constitution is the only way the government can ensure separation of
state and religion, and all civil society representatives need to be
involved in this process," Ruijten added.

Parliament can make recommendations on foreign policy, although these
are not binding on the 27 EU states. The resolution will be taken
into account when the Commission makes its annual report on Turkey
accession process in October.