Month: August 2008

ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO SRI LANKA PARTICIPATES IN THE 15TH SUMMIT OF SOUTH ASIAN REGIONAL COOPERATION ASSOCIATION IN SRI LANKA

ARMENPRESS
Aug 4, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS: The 15th summit of the South Asian
Regional Cooperation Association took place August 2-3 in the capital
of Sri Lanka Colombo.

Armenian Foreign Ministry press service told Armenpress that countries
having status of observers – USA, EU countries, Iran, China, Japan,
South Korea as well as foreign ambassadors accredited in Sri Lanka
participated in it. Armenia was represented by Armenian ambassador
to Sri Lanka Ashot Kocharian.

Heads of the member-countries of the association (India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Butane) and the
heads of their governments delivered speeches calling on uniting
efforts and closely cooperating against all the manifestations of
terrorism. In the speeches they also referred to the cooperation in
transport, environment and food security, agriculture, reduction of
poverty, education and science, technology, water resources spheres.

The Summit approved the Declaration of Colombo, besides, its
participants signed documents on creation of a fund of development
of South Asian Regional Cooperation Association and on cooperation
in a number of issues.

Within the framework of the visit to Colombo Armenian ambassador had
a number of meetings and private conversations with officials of Sri
Lanka ministries and businessmen. During the meeting they particularly
discussed a number of issues on development of Armenia-Sri Lanka
trade-economic cooperation, opportunities on organizing mutual
high-level visits.

U.S. SENATE CONFIRMS MARIE YOVANOVITCH AS NEW AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
Aug 4, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Marie
Yovanovitch as new ambassador to Armenia, AP reported.

Earlier on July 29 her nomination was confirmed by Senate’s Foreign
Relationships Commission.

She served as ambassador to Kyrgyzstan since 2005. Before that she
served as an aide to deputy U.S. secretary of state.

Former ambassador John Evans was recalled in 2006. Before Yovanovitch’s
nomination, President Bush picked Richard Hoagland as a nominee to
serve as ambassador to Yerevan, but his candidacy was put on hold
twice by Senator Robert Melendez after Hoagland refused to term the
1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Turkey as genocide.

The White House withdrew Hoagalnd’s candidacy in 2007 August.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSIAN TAKES TWO-WEEK VACATION

ARMENPRESS
Aug 4, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian
left today for a two-week vacation. Presidential press service told
Armenpress that the president will spend two days in Europe and
afterwards he will leave for Beijing to participate in the opening of
Olympic Games and follow the pace of performance of Armenian athletes.

Armenian president will continue his rest in Armenia.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART ON DEATH OF RUSSIAN DISTINGUISHED WRITER AL. SOLZHENITSIN

ARMENPRESS
Aug 4, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian sent
a message of condolences to his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev on
the death of the Russian distinguished writer Alexander Solzhenitsin.

Presidential press service told Armenpress that in his message the
president particularly said, "Dear Dmitri Anatolii, With deep sorrow
the Armenian people learnt about the death of well-known writer and
humanitarian, man-century – Alexander Solzhenitsin. It is the loss
of the whole humanity.

The life of the people like him is not limited to the years given
to them. That moral, spiritual, creative beginning does not have an
end. The trace left by Solzhenitsin will be a long-time guide in the
moral and spiritual upbringing of generations.

I express my condolences to You, relatives of Solzhenitsin and all
Russian people."

"YERKIR" UNION’S APPEAL TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH RESPECT TO THE RECENT EVENTS IN AKHALKALAKI

AZG Armenian Daily
02/08/2008

Javakhk

On July 17, 2008 a blast took place in the town of Akhalkalaki,
regional center of the Akhalkalaki district of the Samtskhe-Javakheti
region of Georgia, near the house of the Chief of Police Samvel
Petrosyan. There were no casualties.

Immediately after the blast, the local police forces initiated an
unprecedented wave of arrests within the ranks of the activists
of the "United Javakhk Democratic Alliance" the local political
movement. Thus, up to 15 activists were brutally arrested, some were
fiercely beaten. The police also entered the building of the Youth
radio station which belonged to the same political movement. For this
purpose, the entrance door was crushed and internal doors and windows
were damaged. No arms were found however on the premises.

On July 17, around 8:00 p.m., some 40 persons regrouping both
police forces and civilians, stormed into the house of the local
activist, Gurgen Shirinyan. During this operation, Gurgen’s father
was fiercely beaten and one local policeman, Arthur Berudjanyan,
was shot dead. Police sources declared that Gurgen Shirinyan fled,
while his father and aunt were arrested.

On July 18, "United Javakhk Democratic Alliance" issued a statement
describing both the blast and the incidents that followed as
provocations aiming the destruction of their organization. The
statement required from the authorities the holding of an impartial
investigation.

In the afternoon of July 20, another policeman – Armen Gabrielyan was
shot dead. According to a declaration on behalf of the authorities,
the dead policeman had… committed suicide.

At 4:00 am on July 21, armed and masked Georgian special forces
intruded the house of the "United Javakhk Democratic Alliance"
political movements’ leader, Vahagn Chakhalyan, and arrested all
the members of his family. At 5:00 am, Vahagn Chakhalyan’s mother
was set free, but he, his father and his adolescent brother were
detained in Akhaltsikhe, the center of the province. Later on they
were taken to Tbilisi, where they continue to remain in custody up to
now. Chakhalyan’s, his father’s and brother’s preliminary detention
was immediately extended to two months.

Parallel to these events, the police stormed once again the building
of the Youth radio station, but this time… arms and ammunition were
"found" and confiscated.

Currently, authorities keep under arrest Gurgen Shirinyan’s father
(Harutyun Shirinyan), Gurgen Shirinyan’s aunt (Karine Shirinyan),
as well as Vahagn Chakhalyan, Vahagn Chakhalyan’s father (Rouben
Chakhalyan) and Vahagn Chakhalyan’s brother (Armen Chakhalyan). The
building of the "Youth Radio" is closed and sealed, all computers
and other furniture are confiscated.

On July 23, "Yerkir" Union of NGOs for Repatriation and Settlement,
in collaboration with its Georgian chapter "Yerkir-Georgia", has
sent a fact finding mission to Akhalkalaki; including a cameraman,
a lawyer and members of the UNGO. The delegation interviewed relatives
and neighbors of the detained persons, as well as policemen. The Main
places where the incidents occurred were also visited and filmed.

The following facts were noted:

1. All arrests were conducted with flagrant violations. None of the
arrested persons was informed of his legal rights, his legal status,
or of his possibilities for self- protection.

2. Many of the arrested were beaten both at the time of the arrest
and during the detention period.

3. Detained persons were interrogated, (some, for several hours)
however written reports on the interrogations were not kept.

4. During the search of Gurgen Shirinyan’s house, the police has
"discovered" ammunition, however no external witnesses were present
to verify and register the facts.

5. An official search warrant was not presented to the father of
Gurgen Shirinyan.

6. The police officers used degrading treatment toward Gurgen
Shirinyan’s relatives, and in particular, Gurgen Shirinyan’s father
was slapped and then brutally beaten.

7. Under the pretext that an investigation has to ascertain as to
whom the discovered ammunitions belong, Gurgen Shirinyan’s father
and aunt were arrested and detained without any warrant.

8. During Chakhalyan’s house search, arms and ammunitions were "found"
and caused the arrest of Chakhalyan and his relatives. However no
external witnesses participated to the search or noted the results
of the search.

9. Neither Vahagn Chakhalyan, nor any of the members of his family
were shown a search warrant.

10. The arrest of the members of Chakhalyan’s family was accompanied
with violence, Rouben, Vahagn and Armen Chakhalyan were beaten and
threatened.

11. Chakhalyan’s mother (Gayane Chakhalyan) was also arrested. She was
questioned for more than a hour, but no written record was kept of her
interrogation. She was threatened and freed without any explanation.

12. Armen Chakhalyan, who is a minor, was interrogated without the
presence of his parents or of any impartial adult.

13. In addition to the above mentioned persons who continue to still
remain in police custody, numerous other persons were arrested and
interrogated, they were all threatened, many were beaten, but all
were released without any explanation and with no written record of
the on-going interrogations which concerned them personally.

The "United Javakhk" Democratic Alliance" political movement
participated in the local elections in October 2006, in which they
got about 30% of the Akhalkalaki district votes and took 3 seats in
Akhalkalaki sakreboulo (local self-governing body). Yet, the movement
rejected the election results as far as it was concerned, dubbing
those results as a flagrant fraud. The leaders of this political
movement, and especially Chakhalyan, struggles for a long time now
for the fulfillment of the Armenian minority rights. Based on this
fact, "Yerkir" Union strongly believes that Chakhalyan’s arrest and
subsequent detention were purely motivated by political reasons.

"Yerkir" Union considers the recent incidents in Akhalkalaki to be
the Georgian government’s unwillingness to solve minority issues,
preferring instead to resort to brutal force to suppress expressions
of legitimate complaint.

"Yerkir" Union therefore calls upon the Georgian government:

– to guarantee a fair and unbiased investigation of the recent
incidents in Akhalkalaki,

– to immediately release from detention all relatives of Vahagn
Chakhalyan and Gurgen Shirinyan,

– to immediately investigate all human rights’ abuses which took
place during the recent incidents in Akhalkalaki, and in particular,
the human rights’ abuses which occurred during the arrests, the
interrogations and the detentions,

– to hold a fair and impartial investigation of the assassination of
the two ethnic Armenian policemen,

– to guarantee Vahagn Chakhalyan’s rights for a fair and impartial
trial.

"Yerkir" Union also calls upon foreign missions in Georgia,
international organizations and institutions, international and local
human rights organizations and Georgia’s human rights public defender,
Mr. Subari

– to recognize Vahagn Chakhalyan and all his detained relatives,
as well as Gurgen Shirinyan’s detained relatives as political prisoners

– to take appropriate steps for monitoring the conditions of detention
of all the political prisoners, to secure their right not to be
subjected to torture and ill-treatment any more, and to assure their
right to be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent
dignity of the human person.

"Yerkir" Union urges the Georgian mass-media to respect the right of
the Georgian and international communities to be informed and to break
the information blockade around this case by providing objective and
full-length coverage.

"Yerkir" Union also expresses its concern about the alarming
socio-political and psychological impact which will have the recent
incidents on the Armenian minority of Javakheti. We call upon the
Georgian government, as well as upon the international and local
organizations and institutions to take appropriate and efficient
steps for eliminating the possible negative impacts of these recent
critical developments.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, August 4, 2008

AGBU Lebanon District Celebrates 50th Anniversary of "Khosnag" Monthly

On June 15, 2008, the golden jubilee anniversary of the AGBU Lebanon
District Committee’s Armenian-language "Khosnag" publication
("Announcer" in English) was marked with a special celebration at the
AGBU Demirdjian Center in Antelias, Lebanon. In attendance were Bishop
Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Diocese of Lebanon, members of AGBU
Lebanon District Committee, members of the executive committee of the
local Armenian Youth Association (AYA), and many devoted readers of
"Khosnag."

Angele Misisian delivered the opening remarks, in which she elaborated
on the influence that "Khosnag" has had on generations of Armenian youth
and young professionals. Writer and educator Jirair Tanielian, and
former "Khosnag" editors Bariur Aghbashian and Aram Sepetjian reflected
on the periodical’s history and the role it has played in
Lebanese-Armenian life, also making reference to its offshoot the
"Khosnag-Badanegan" ("Khosnag-Youth") periodical.

Words of congratulations were then offered by Garo Jeghelian, chairman
of AYA Executive Committee, and Avedis Demirdjian, chairman of the AGBU
Lebanon District Committee. Rosette Alemian, in turn, was invited to
read the official words of AGBU Central Board of Directors President
Berge Setrakian on the occasion. Finally, current "Khosnag" editor
Hampig Mardirossian took to the podium to share his feelings about the
publication.

Plaques were awarded to all the past editors of "Khosnag": Onnig
Sarkissian (1957-1959), Levon Vartan (1961-1963), Sarkis Minassian
(1964-1973), Aram Sepetjian and Bariur Aghbashian. Family members of the
two deceased editors, Sarkissian and Vartan, accepted plaques in their
honor.

The 50th-anniversary celebration also featured an artistic program of
song, dance and recitation by various student groups, including the
Garmirian and Nazarian schools’ choral group, which was led by Nora
Yeghiayan; Raffi Arakelian (piano and organ); Toukhig Avedisian
(recitation); Arin Cherchian and Houri Babahekian (dance); Anna
Batouzian and Ani Madjoulian (solos) and the AGBU "Spitak" choral group.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $34 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.

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

PRESS RELEASE

August 04, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS IN
WASHINGTON, DC, YEREVAN HAVE ROBUST EXPERIENCE

Washington, DC – For over 30 years, the Armenian Assembly of America’s
(Assembly) Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program (Program) has
given participants the ability to travel to the Nation’s Capital and
be part of a unique class of students for an unforgettable educational
experience. At the same time, the Program also affords the students
the opportunity to develop and enhance their professional abilities
and gain a competitive edge for the future.

"One of the goals of the internship program is to bring us together to
discuss and review current issues facing Armenia and the Diaspora,"
said Haig Kherlopian, the Assembly’s 2008 Washington, DC, Intern
Coordinator. "The interns travel to DC, adapt to city-life, settle-in
and develop a greater understanding of Armenian issues, and as a
result will advocate for Armenia in their respective fields and
communities."

This year’s intern class is a diverse group of 18 college students who
reside in all parts of the country and abroad, and they are pursuing
degrees in political science, law, journalism, humanities and
history. What binds them together, however, is their personal
commitment to their Armenian heritage.

While in Washington, students intern in offices on Capitol Hill, with
government agencies, non-governmental organizations and media
outlets. The program also gives students a full schedule of
educational activities, presentations by journalists, professors, and
lawyers, as well as meetings with Members of Congress. "What’s most
interesting about the Assembly’s internship program is the sheer
diversity of both the job placements and the participants involved,"
said Assembly intern Lisa Haidostian. "The result is a patchwork of
personalities and experiences, fostering an environment that’s
gratifying."

Already in its second month, the interns have met with Hayk Demoyan,
Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute; John Hughes,
Editor of ArmeniaNow, "Independent Journalism from Today’s Armenia,"
published every Friday, online; Noris Balabanian, U.S. Department of
State, Bureau of International Law Enforcement Affairs; Victor
Vartanian, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration &
Customs Enforcement; Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center
for Immigration Studies; Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA); Jackie
Speier (D-CA); Ed Royce (R-CA); Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and with the
Co-Chairs of the Armenian Caucus Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI), as well as attended Congressional hearings for the
South Caucasus region and the Senate committee hearing for Ambassador
Marie L. Yovanovitch, who is the Bush Administration’s nominee to
serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. The interns also visited the
White House, the Armenian Embassy and the Library of Congress, where
they met with Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, Dr. Levon
Avdoyan.

"Thus far, I’ve been privileged to have worked in a House office
building; watched hearings; participated in briefings; lead tours of
The Capitol and meet with numerous Members of Congress," said Assembly
intern Ari Zartarian. "I have been fortunate to witness first hand the
efforts and involvement needed to craft policy and enact
legislation. It is an experience for which, I will be forever
grateful."

During the concluding week of the program the interns will meet with
Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director, Armenian National Institute; Dean
Shahinian, Senior Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing
and Urban Affairs and Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Zack
Space (D-OH). The interns will also participate in an Assembly Young
Professionals Panel, where former interns will share their stories
about interning at the Assembly and life after graduation from the
Program.

Assembly Internship Program, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia – The Assembly 2008 Summer Internship Program in
Armenia is in its ninth-year, with eight interns participating. "The
Summer Internship Program in Armenia provides an opportunity for
interns to experience life in Armenia and better understand the
challenges, and opportunities, Armenia and Karabakh currently face,"
said Arpi Vartanian, Assembly Country Director for Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. "It is an absolutely unforgettable experience, providing
lifelong memories, and changing the interns’ lives forever," added
Vartanian.

Since the program’s inception in 1999, fifty-seven interns have
participated, working in various government offices, media outlets,
hospitals, non-governmental organizations and think tanks.

"This is my first time in Armenia and I didn’t really know what to
expect," said Tatiana Gumuchdjian. "I am interning at ArmeniaNow media
agency and National Geographic Traveler-Armenia (NGTA), as a
contributing journalist, and I had a story published on the ArmeniaNow
Website within five days of my arrival in Yerevan!" Keep an eye out
for several more articles by Tatiana, which are expected to appear on
ArmeniaNow in the coming weeks. Tatiana has completed an article about
ancient Ani, and expects to soon complete an article about the 10th
century Amberd Castle in Armenia. Both these articles are expected to
be published in upcoming issues of National Geographic
Traveler-Armenia.

Michael Morel, from Merrimack College and Vram Kherlopian, from
Bentley College, spoke and understood very little Armenian when they
arrived at the onset of the Program. Yet, in just a few short weeks of
immersion and effort, they learned a great deal, and can understand
and speak much more than they did upon arrival. They are very excited
to be interning at the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS). Both were given the freedom to choose their own
research topic; Michael is researching the history of Armenian-Russian
relations and Vram is studying the influence of western musical
culture on modern Armenian music. Vram also interns at the National
Competitiveness Center of Armenia (NCAA), where he proofreads
documents and edits the NCCA Website. "This internship is a great way
to visit Armenia and experience as much as possible," said Vram. "The
excursions, meetings with politicians, and all of the other activities
offered are all great ways to immerse oneself, as much as possible, in
the Armenian culture," added Vram.

Tsoline Avedisian, from Widener University, also interns at the
recently-established NCCA. She translates articles to English,
proofreads documents and updates the NCCA Website. In addition, she
interns at National Geographic Traveler-Armenia, established this
year. Tsoline, whose major is Business Management and Marketing, is
developing means to increase the sales of the magazine in Armenia and
abroad. "Over the years I have heard many positive things about the
Armenian Assembly and so, I decided to participate in the internship
program this summer," said Tsoline. "The internship program has turned
out to be a great learning experience, as well as a lot of fun! Even
though I have previously been to Armenia on several occasions, this
program has allowed me to visit places that I’ve never seen and most
importantly, be able to give back to my country as an intern."

Liana Mayilyan, from the University of Texas at Austin, is interning
at both the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and the Human Rights Defender’s
Office. At both offices, her proficiency in reading, writing and
speaking Armenian prove invaluable as she translates and proofreads
documents. At the Human Rights Defender’s Office, she also monitors
Armenian cases pending in the European Court of Human Rights. "The
Armenia experience so far has been very rewarding," said Liana. "It is
very interesting to be part of the Armenian workforce. I am very much
enjoying my time working and touring the country."

Sarkis Balkhian, from Clark University in Massachusetts, is interning
at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI), and at the Middle
East Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sarkis’s
proficiency in Armenia, English and Arabic prove useful at both
organizations as he reviews, edits, and translates documents, and
updates the official Website of the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute. At the Foreign Ministry, he has been tasked with
providing comparative analysis of relations with middle-eastern
countries, and proposing ways to enhance Armenia’s relations with
countries in that region. "My Armenian Assembly internship in Armenia
has provided me the opportunity to experience the nature of
professional life in Armenia," said Sarkis. "While interning at the
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, I
was able to utilize the knowledge and skills of an apprentice at the
field of politics and international relations, to a professional
level. In addition, the internship provided me the invaluable
opportunity of experiencing life in Armenia, not as a tourist, but
rather as a resident. Above all, the internship reignited the fire
inside of me to fight, live and work for our beloved Armenia," added
Sarkis.

Aline Mnayan, from University of California, Irvine, is interning at
the Ministry of Education, where she edits and translates the
Educational Cooperation Program between Armenia and Georgia. She
assisted in organizing, and also attended, the recently-held
All-Armenian Educational Forum. This forum provides an opportunity for
Armenian teachers around the world to discuss educational issues
facing the Diaspora. "Though I have been to Armenia before, I have
never worked here," said Aline. "I am really involved in the projects
and I constantly learn from the people I work with." In addition to
her internship at the Ministry of Education, Aline also interns at the
Millennium Challenge Armenia office, where she is involved in project
development.

Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, is interning at both ACNIS and the
Ministry of Finance. In addition to proofreading and translating
documents at the Finance Ministry, Zaven has a unique opportunity to
become acquainted with international trade agreements of the World
Trade Organization, the European Bank of Reconstruction and
Development and the Asian Development Bank. At ACNIS, like Michael and
Vram, Zaven selected an independent research topic: "Economic
Conditions in Armenia and Dollar-Dram Exchange Rate Fluctuations."

"I breathe Armenia, I hear Armenia, I live Armenia," said Zaven. "It
is in Armenia where one feels life, where one feels whole and
complete. I came here thinking that I might affect Armenia somehow,
but realized that Armenia has affected me. And throughout all this, if
you were to ask me what I would change, all the difficulties,
disagreements, and inconveniences I have had here, I would say
‘Nothing.’ I would change absolutely nothing," said Zaven.

Interns are encouraged to greet each day as an exciting, new
adventure. During their time in Armenia, interns also visit places of
cultural and historical interest throughout Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh, and meet with a variety of people to discuss current issues
facing Armenians today, all while working and experiencing everyday
life in Armenia.

To date, interns have visited St. Etchmiadzin, as well as the Khor
Virap, Noravank, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Haghpat and Sanahin
Monasteries. They swam at Lake Sevan, toured Gyumri, visited
Tsakhkadzor, and saw the ancient ruins of Ani from afar, at the
Armenia-Turkey border. They visited the Zvartnots Temple, and the
Sardarapat Memorial and Ethnographic Museum. Interns celebrated
Vardavar (Water Holiday) at Water World. They toured the Yerevan
Brandy Company and the Areni Wine Factory, and visited VivaCell, (a
mobile phone company operating in Armenia). Just days ago, filled with
unforgettable memories, they returned from a 3-day trip to the
Zangezur Region and Nagorno Karabakh.

In addition to their daily work schedule and weekend trips, interns
meet with government officials, spiritual leaders and other prominent
individuals. So far, the 2008 Intern Class met with His Holiness,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II; Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan; Parliament Members Davit Harutyunyan, Hranush Hakobyan and
Raffi Hovannisian; Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Vano Vardanyan; Officials
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; U.S. Charge
d’Affaires Joseph Pennington; NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi
Petrosyan and Head of the USAID-FAR Humanitarian Mission in NKR
Andranik Sargsyan. During these meetings, interns learned about the
inner workings of the Armenian and Karabakh Governments, the Armenian
Parliament, the significance of the Armenian Church in the history of
Armenians and the important role of the Diaspora in their homeland.

Interns share their impressions and thoughts with the Armenian public
through interviews with local Armenian media. This provides an
opportunity for the Armenian public-at-large to become better
acquainted with Diasporan youth, their thoughts, perceptions and
hopes.

"This internship program provides Armenian-American youth an
exceptional opportunity to interact both professionally and socially
with counterparts in Armenia. They gain a better understanding of what
they can do to strengthen their Armenian communities. Many interns
return to Armenia with their friends or parents. Some of them have
even established their own internship or assistance programs," said
Summer Internship Program Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.

Assembly Internship Descriptions

In 1977, the Assembly launched its pioneering internship program to
give college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to live and
work in Washington, DC, for eight weeks each summer. Interns gain
exposure to the policy-making process in our nation’s capital.

Thanks to a gracious bequest made possible by the Memorial Fund
established through the generosity of Aram Terjenian, Annie Thomas and
Florence Terjenian, the internship program was re-named the
"Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program" in 2003.

In 1999, the internship program in Armenia, which aims to introduce
college-aged students to life in their ancestral homeland, and to
foster the skills needed to help them become the next generation of
leaders, was launched.

Assembly Internship Participants

Washington, DC

Adrine Akopyan, University of California, Los Angeles, Congressman Adam Schiff
Helen Avunjian, University of California, Los Angeles, Armenian
National Institute
Maral Balayan, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt, Armenian
Assembly of America
Armena Ballard, University of Pennsylvania, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Vatche Cherchian, City University London, Armenian Embassy
Hamazasp Danielyan, Yerevan State University, Policy Forum Armenia
Carissa Greenberg, Gonzaga University of Law, Armenian Assembly of America
Lisa Haidostian, University of Michigan, Climatewire
Talar Hovnanian, University of California, San Diego, Center of
Immigration Studies
Teny Josephbe, University of California, San Diego, Library of Congress
Allison Khederian, Williams College, Armenian International Policy
Research Group
Sarah Khederian, George Washington University, Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
Elina Khodorkovsky, University of Southern California, Office of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Allison Sadoian, California State University, Fresno, Congressman
George Radanovich (R-CA)
Lauren Sarkesian, University of Michigan, Senate Sub-Committee for
Investigation
Ari Zartarian, University of Michigan, Congressman Joseph Crowley
Christie Chorbajian, University of Maryland, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Amalya Hovsepyan, Yerevan State University, Voice of America, Armenia Desk

Armenia

Tsoline Avedisian, Widener University, National Competiveness Council
of Armenia (NCCA), National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Sarkis Balkhian, Clark University, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tatiana Gumuchdjian, New York University, ArmeniaNow News Agency,
National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Vram Kherlopian, Bentley College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS), National Competitiveness Council of
Armenia (NCCA)
Liana Mayilyan, University of Texas at Austin, Human Rights Defender’s
Office, Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Aline Mnayan, University of California, Irvine, Ministry of Education
and Science, Millennium Challenge Armenia
Michael Morel, Merrimack College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS)
Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, Ministry of Finance, Armenian
Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR#2008-060

Photographs can be viewed on the Assembly’s Website at the following link:

2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Jackie Speier (D-CA)
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Rep.-Speier-CWB.jpg

2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Representative Ed Royce (R-CA)
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2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Rep.-Knollenberg-CWB.jpg

Armenia Ambassador to the United States, Tatoul Markarian, with the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Intern class
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Armenian Assembly Interns: Lisa Haidostian, Allison Sadoian, Lauren Sarkesian and Armena Ballard pictured with Chris Matthews at a Georgetown eatery
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Chris_Matthews.jpg

Dr. Levon Avdoyan, Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, giving the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns a tour of the Library of Congress
ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Library-of-Congress-CWB.j pg

2008 Armenia Interns at Shushi
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2008 Armenia Interns meet with Nargorno Karabakh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgi Petrosyan in Stepanakert, NKR
PR_-_2008/June-July/NKR-Minister-of-FA-CWB.jpg

20 08 Armenia Interns at Sardarapat Memorial, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns at Tatik-Papik Monument, in Nagorno Karabakh
ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Tatik-Papik-CWB.jpg

2008 Armenia Interns: Liana Mayilyan Tsoline Avedisian Vram Kherlopian Michael Morel Zaven Sargsian Sarkis Balkhian and Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants meet with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II at the Residency of Catholicos, Etchmiadzin, Armenia
ges/PR_-_2008/June-July/Etchmiadzin-Catholicos-CWB .jpg

2008 Armenia Interns outside in Etchmiadzin, Armenia
ges/PR_-_2008/June-July/Etchmiadzin-1-WB.jpg

2008 Armenia Interns enjoying some down time at Lake Sevan, Armenia
ges/PR_-_2008/June-July/Sevan-Haghartsin-WB.jpg

2 008 Armenia Interns pose with Khatchars at Lake Sevan, Armenia
ges/PR_-_2008/June-July/Sevan-Haghartsin-5-EWB.1.j pg

ARMENIAN DEPARTMENT TO OPEN AT TURKISH UNIVERSITY

arminfo
2008-08-04 13:17:00

ArmInfo. The Turkish High Certifying Commission granted permission
to the university of Nevshehir city to open the Armenian Language and
Literature Department after coordinating it with the Turkish Foreign
Ministry. The permission was granted at the request of professor
Metin Hulagu, the dean of the Literature faculty of this university,
Trend agency reports referring to Habertimi information agency.

According to the professor, the establishment of this department
will enable to improve bilateral relations and to cover the country’s
demand in relevant specialists. Taking into consideration the lack of
teachers, the Nevshehir University has appealed for assistance to II
Mesrob, the ecclesiastical head of the Armenian community in Turkey. He
did not exclude the possibility to invite teachers form Armenia.

Earlier, professor Metin Hulagu, visited Armenia, where he established
relations with teachers of the Yerevan University. Admittance
of students to the Armenian Language and Literature Department
of the Nevshehir University will begin in 2009 school-year. At
present the Armenian language is taught in the Bogazichi Istanbul
University. Nevshehir city is located in the central Turkey, where
the world-known Kappadokiya tourist centre is situated. The university
in Nevhshehir city was established on 17 May 2007.

AZERBAIJAN RETURNS FOUR ARMENIAN HOSTAGES

arminfo
2008-08-04 12:13:00

ArmInfo. After long negotiations with the Armenian party, Azerbaijan
returned four Armenians hostages Monday at 12:20 in area of the village
of Yeraskh, Nakhijevani direction of Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

To recall, April 19 night four Armenian citizens – Vanik Zmboyan
(Gavar), Aryom Zohrabyan (Noraduz), Karen Torosyan (Noraduz) and
Aghasi Yenokyan (Noraduz) crossed the Azerbaijani border near
Nakhijevan. According to the available information, a group of
civilians "came to help" their friend who had been moved to a new
military unit. A conflict arose between the young men and his fellow
servicemen, and " the chaps" came to the unit by several cars to
showdown. A squabble took place. The commander of the unit fired
into the air to stop the squabble, and "the chaps" left the unit. As
the young men knew that place badly, one of the cars made a turn in
the wrong place and crossed the Azeri border. A total of 13 people
took part in the attack on the unit, including those in captivity. A
criminal case under the article "hooliganism" has been instituted.

HEAD OF RA SPECIAL INVESTIGATION SERVICE: COUNTERFEIT EXCISE MARKS ARE IMPORTED IN COUNTRY IN A CONTRABAND WAY

arminfo
2008-08-04 09:58:00

ArmInfo. Counterfeit excise marks are imported are mainly printed
abroad are imported in Armenia in a contraband way, Head of the Special
Investigation Service of Armenia Andranik Mirzoyan said at the session
of the law machinery representatives held in Yeghegnadzor yesterday.

‘Counterfeit excise marks are printed mainly in foreign countries,
in Turkey, in particular’, Mirzoyan said.