Month: May 2008

PRESS RELEASE
May 16, 2008
Armenian National Committee of America
Eastern Region
122 W. 27th St. Floor 12, New York, NY 10001
Contact: Karine Birazian
Tel: 917-428-1918

ANCA AND AFRICA ACTION CALL ON U.S. TO TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO END
DARFUR GENOCIDE

— May 22nd Rally in New York City to Take Place U.S Mission to the
United Nations

New York, NY- With the U.S. set to take over the presidency of the
United Nations Security Council this June, the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) and Africa Action have teamed up Africa
Services Committee, American Jewish World Service, the Damanga
Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, Genocide Intervention Network,
NY City Coalition for Darfur, New York Vigilers, STAND, Rock for
Darfur, Darfur Metro, Darfur Rehabilitation Project, and other
human rights organizations in calling for the deployment of well-
equipped peacekeepers in Darfur. The groups will hold a rally on
May 22, 2008 from 12-2pm at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations,
located at 140 East 45th St. between 3rd and Lexington Avenues.

"The recent rebel attacks on Khartoum by Darfuri rebel group the
Justice and Equality Movement and subsequent government reprisals
against civilians may worsen the humanitarian situation in Sudan
that has already grown more dire over the course of 2008," said
Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action, who has taken
the lead in organizing the rally. "The U.S. presidency of the UN
Security Council in June offers an opportunity for the Bush
administration to deliver bold diplomatic action, not mere
rhetoric, to address this crisis. U.S. leadership at this critical
moment is vital to upholding the international community’s
responsibility to protect the people of Darfur and promote peace
for Sudan."

The U.N Security Council has primary responsibility to maintain
international peace and security. The Presidency of the Council
rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of
its member States, and on June 1, 2008, the United States will take
over the presidency. Over 450,000 people have lost their lives and
millions have been displaced in the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
Although the U.S. government has acknowledged this genocide, it has
failed to take the necessary action to protect the people of
Darfur. Africa Action, the ANCA and rally supporters are calling on
President Bush to assert U.S. leadership in support of a
multinational intervention to stop the ongoing genocide in Darfur.

"The Armenian American community knows all too well the
repercussions of inaction in the face of genocide," noted ANCA
Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian. "We commend
Africa Action in taking the lead on this initiative and look
forward to working with all rally organizers to once and for all
put an end to the cycle of genocide."

Armenian Americans and concerned human rights activists are
encouraged to attend the rally in large numbers and raise their
voices in support of decisive U.S. action to end the genocide in
Darfur. For more information, please contact Briggs Bomba at
Africa Action at 202-546-7961 or email at [email protected].
Please click here to RSVP online.

May 16, 2008
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

HIS HOLINESS APPROVES THE ELECTION OF THE PRELATE AND RELIGIOUS AND
EXECUTIVE COUNCILS

Following the conclusion of the 36th Representatives Assembly on
Saturday, May 10th, the results of the proceedings were immediately sent to
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who approved
the election of the Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils.
Throughout the past week, leaders of community organizations and
individuals sent congratulatory letters and visited with H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian personally to congratulate him on his re-election for
a fourth term. A letter from the Honorable Consul General of Armenia Armen
Liloyan congratulating the Prelate were among those received.

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH

On Sunday, May 18, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale and
deliver the sermon.
On Sunday, May 11, the Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy
Martyrs Church in Encino and delivered the sermon on the feast of Pentecost.
H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian was also present.
During the Liturgy, Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian congratulated the
Prelate who just two days earlier was re-elected for a fourth term. At the
conclusion of church services, a reception took place at the adjacent
"Yeghia Sarafian" Hall. Parishioners had the opportunity to congratulate the
Prelate. Members of the Executive Council, parish Board of Trustees, and
sister organizations were also in attendance.
The Prelate thanked the faithful for their well wishes and the
conclusion came to a close with the singing of "Giligia".

ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE BURBANK ANC

The third annual banquet of the Armenian National Committee of
Burbank will take place on the evening of Sunday, May 18th, at Arbat Banquet
Hall in Burbank, with the participation of elected officials, community
leaders, and ANC supporters.
The honorary chairman of the banquet is Assembly member Paul
Krekorian and the keynote speaker is Congressman Adam Schiff.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian will attend and convey the Prelate’s
blessings and remarks.

PRELATE TO DELIVER THE INVOCATION AT THE ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE USC INSTITUTE
OF ARMENIAN STUDIES

On the evening of Sunday, May 18th, the third anniversary gala
banquet of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies will take place at the
Universal Hilton. During the banquet individuals and organizations who have
contributed to the progress of the Armenian community will be honored.
The Prelate will be in attendance and will deliver the invocation.

WORLD PREMIERE OF "RED DOG HOWLS"

The world premiere of "Red Dog Howls" by Alexander Dinelaris will
take place on the evening of Monday, May 19th, at the El Portal Theatre in
North Hollywood. The play, which is directed by Michael Peretzian and
features original music by Ara Dabanjian, tells the tale of a young man
dealing with the aftermath of the Genocide.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian will represent the Prelate at the premiere.

VANDALS DESECRATE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MONUMENT IN VALENCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.05.2008 12:39 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Memorial to the Armenians Genocide victims was
desecrated in Valence, France, on May 15 night. The vandals painted
an illegible inscription on the monument base, independent French
journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

The Coordination Council of the French Armenian Organizations from
Drome-Ardeche area’s (COADA) deposited a complaint to the Police
office of Valence.

7 Armenian memorials – in Saint-Chamond, Creteil, Lyon, Valence
(France), Cardiff (UK), Budapest (Hungary) and Lviv (Ukraine) –
have been desecrated since January 2008.

UN: ARMENIA VOTES AGAINST RESOLUTION ON RETURN OF DISPLACED TO ABKHAZIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.05.2008 14:08 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The General Assembly today adopted a resolution in
which it recognized the right of return of all refugees and internally
displaced persons (IDPs), regardless of their ethnicity, to Abkhazia.

With 14 votes in favor, 11 against and 105 abstentions, the Assembly
adopted a Georgian-sponsored text that recognizes the right of return
for IDPs and refugees and also their descendants.

The resolution stresses the importance of preserving the property
rights of the refugees and IDPs and underlines the urgent need for
a timetable to ensure the prompt voluntary return of all refugees
and IDPs.

Assembly members also requested that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
submit a comprehensive report at the Assembly’s next session on the
implementation of today’s resolution.

The countries which supported the resolution make 7 per cent of the
total number of the UN member states.

In favor: Albania, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, U.S. and Ukraine.

Against: Russia, Armenia, Venezuela, India, Iran, China, Myanmar,
Serbia, Syria, Sudan, the UN news center reports.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH NGOs TO GATHER FOR FIRST CONFERENCE ON MAY 17

ARMENPRESS
May 16, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS: Non-governmental organizations of
Nagorno-Karabakh will convene on May 17 for their first conference
which is entitled "Nagorno-Karabakh Civic Sector; the Past and
Development Prospects."

Irina Grigorian, administrator of the Center for Conflicts
Transformation and Peace Resource, told Armenpress that the goal of
the gathering is to discuss with non-governmental originations and
identify what kind of problems exist in Nagorno Karabakh and what
kind of programs they are implementing.

She said also new projects for which there is a need, will be
proposed. Participants will also find out what they can do to help
each other and the society in general.

Representatives of about 70 non-governmental organizations will take
part in the conference.

HAYASTAN FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 27 IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
May 16, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS: The 17-th meeting of the Board of Trustees
of the pan-Armenian Hayastan Fund will be held in Yerevan on May 27.

The press office of the Fund told Armenpress that the meeting will be
chaired by president Serzh Sarkisian. President of Nagorno-Karabakh
Bako Sahakian, Armenian and Nagorno-Karabakh prime ministers Tigran
Sarkisian and Araik Harutyunian, Armenian foreign minister Edward
Nalbandian and finance minister Tigran Davtian, who are members of
the Board of Trustees, will also participate in it.

Hayastan Fund executive director Vahe Aghabekiants will present to
the members of the Board of Trustees and representatives of local
branches the ongoing projects, including the rural development project,
in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The meeting will discuss and make decisions on the long-term goals
of the Fund, short-term projects, urgent issues. It will also specify
the details of the next fund-raising telethon.

Before the meeting on May 26 a special ceremony for handing of
Presidential Awards will be held at the presidential palace. Winners
in 13 categories will be announced. The president of the country will
personally hand all prizes.

EXTENDED SESSION OF A COUNCIL SUPPORTING BUSINESSMEN CONDUCTED TODAY

ARMENPRESS
May 15, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS: An extended session of a council of
support to businessmen affiliated to the Armenian prime minister
took place today chaired by the head of the council, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsian.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that besides the members
of the council leadership of customs and tax committees, chairman
of the Protection of Armenian Competitiveness Commission, heads of
non-governmental and other organizations participated in the session
which discussed issues on strategy of the council stemming from the
Armenia’s government’s program and its further activity.

Opening the session Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian said that
the newly formed government underscores the activity of the council
the main issue of which is to create such a business environment in
the country which will not only be considered the best one in the
region but will compete on an international level.

Referring to the main aim of the meeting, the prime minister said
that they are three – first to discuss the approaches the newly
formed government has adopted and which are put in the basis of the
program of the government, second, to discuss with the businessmen
the existing issues and what organizational approaches are necessary
for the council to work more effectively, and the third to discuss
the program of the council for 2008-2009.

Tigran Sargsian presented in details his viewpoints connected with the
implementation of the goals of the council, implementation of reforms,
establishment of state-private sector cooperation.

The representatives of business environment underscored in their
speeches the necessity of constructive dialogue, ensuring participation
of the private sector in the implementation of the government’s
program, consolidation of trust towards each other for reaching real
reforms in the country.

They positively assessed the open discussions conducted over important
issues with unprecedented bravery, publicity and suggestions. The
businessmen said that the reforms inspire hope that the fight against
corruption, shadow economy, sponsorship and other bad phenomena will
be more effective.

After the exchange of opinions, prime minister assigned to present
all remarks and suggestions over the strategy of the council to its
secretariat in two weeks. He said after their discussion in smaller
membership the document will be presented at an extended session.

NEW APPROACH TO KASHATAGH

KarabakhOpen
16-05-2008 11:37:03

Prime Minister Ara Harutiunyan introduced the new head of the
administration of Kashatagh Kamo Martirosyan in Berdzor. The prime
minister said the replacements are determined by the focus of the
government on the region. He urged to spur settlement and economic
development of the region.

The prime minister thanked the ex-governor of Kashatagh Ernik
Ghevondyan and noted that there will always be a place for him in
the government.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RATE OF DEATH AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 1 YEAR IS 15

KarabakhOpen
16-05-2008 11:37:41

In January to April 2008 747 children were born in Karabakh, which
is up by 110 or 17.3 percent compared with the same period in 2007.

In the same period the rate of death was 503 which is up by 61 compared
with the previous year. In addition, the rate of death among children
under 1 year was 15 compared with 3 in the previous year.

The average growth of the population was 224, which is up by 25.1
percent compared with the previous year.

The rate of arrivals (excluding internal migration) was 400, the
number of departures 146.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES COORDINATOR OF U.S. ASSISTANCE TO EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN COUNTRIES

ARMENPRESS
May 15, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian received
today coordinator of U.S. assistance to European and Eurasian countries
Tom Adams.

Presidential press service told Armenpress that during the meeting the
president underscored the consolidation of relations with USA viewing
it in pre-context of economic success, development of democracy and
regional stability.

The sides spoke about the post-electoral situation created in the
country and issues stemming from them.

They also referred to the further activity of the "Millennium
Challenges" Foundation.

Tom Adams said they have some concerns connected with the maintenance
of standards put in the basis of the program.

Noting that the programs carried out with the support of the foundation
have been formed by the government and are mainly aimed at poverty
reduction, development of rural areas for overcoming the gap between
them and the capital, S. Sargsian said that Armenia wishes to continue
the partnership with the "Millennium Challenges" Foundation.

Referring to the economic and political standards put in the basis of
the Foundation, president said that in economic respect no regress
has been registered, with which Tom Adams fully agreed, noting that
Armenia’s macroeconomic indexes are good and continue to stay so.

The sides also exchanged ideas over political standards and
processes. The president pointed out the necessity of right assessment
of the situation. Tom Adams underscored the in-depth investigation
of violations in the electoral process and post-electoral developments.

He also said to the Armenian president that "The administration of
the United States wishes You to reach success. Washington ties big
hopes with Your activity and is sure that You may be strong leader
and undertake important steps for taking the country forward."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress