Month: October 2008

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL COUNCIL

armradio.am
16.10.2008 10:38

The Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) Western Region Office
announces the formation of its Southern California Regional Council
(Council).

The Council consists of current Assembly Board Members Lisa Kalustian,
Joyce Stein and Peter Kezirian, Jr.; past Assembly Board Member Richard
Mushegain; 2007 Gala Co-Chairs Al and Diane Cabraloff; and former
Assembly intern and AGBU Committee Member of Hye Geen, Talin Yacoubian.

"The Council will play a pivotal role in working with the Western
Region Office and it’s Director in facilitating its grassroots
operation and community outreach initiatives," said Bryan Ardouny,
Assembly Executive Director.

At the inaugural meeting, the members reviewed issues for the remainder
of 2008, as well as upcoming priorities for 2009 – including the
March 1-3 National Advocacy Conference in our Nation’s Capital and
the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution.

"I look forward to working very closely with each and every member,"
stated Assembly Western Region Director, Yeghig Keshishian. "The key
to developing a strong and effective grassroots effort is to bring
in individuals that have left a positive imprint on the surrounding
Armenian communities.

Working within this dynamic framework, I am confident we will further
strengthen and build on the Assembly’s successes."

LOS ANGELES MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA RECEIVES ANC-WR’S "MAN OF THE YEAR" AWARD

armradio.am
16.10.2008 11:14

More than 1000 supporters of the Armenian National Committee – Western
Region (ANC-WR) gathered at the organization’s annual banquet held
at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California
to celebrate the achievements of the past year.

Public officials joined members of the community in honoring Democratic
Vice-Presidential Candidate Senator Joseph Biden, Los Angeles Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa, President Ronald Reagan and long time ANC
supporter Mrs.

Ashkhen Pilavjian. Honorary chairs of the event included Congressmen
Adam Schiff, George Radanovich, Ed Royce, Congresswoman Jackie Speier
and several others.

"This year’s banquet provided an opportunity for the Armenian American
community’s supporters and human rights activists to reflect on
the past year," said ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "The
Ronald Reagan Presidential library offered a unique perspective on
our community’s challenges and achievements as President Reagan was
the last sitting President to properly characterize the Armenian
Genocide," he added.

The recipient of the ANC-WR’s "Man of the Year" Award, Mayor
Villaraigosa addressed the sold out venue and discussed the importance
of grassroots activism, reiterating his support for the Armenian
American community.

"What happened in 1915 was not simply the unfortunate collateral
damage =0 Aof a civil war, but the systematic and inhuman genocide of
a people. And friends, I hope that next year this charade that has
lasted almost a century will enter its final act so that we can all
move forward on the issues critical to ensuring peace and prosperity
for the next 100 years," Mayor Villaraigosa said.

In 2007, Villaraigosa received a series of denialist publications
from the Turkish Consul General of Los Angeles and a letter which
sought to pressure the Mayor to not support Armenian Genocide
recognition efforts. In response, Mayor Villaraigosa donated the
books to the ANC-WR for educational purposes along with a letter
to the Turkish Consul General reiterating his support for Armenian
Genocide recognition.

"Like so many of you, I have written letter after letter supporting
Congressman Adam Schiff’s Armenian Genocide Recognition bill," he said.

"After a letter urging a vote on H. Res. 106, last year the Turkish
Consulate kindly sent me two books to teach me ‘the truth’ about what
happened in 1915. Now, I know I’m not the first politician to say this,
but I had no problem saying, ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ for those books
to nowhere."

Senator Biden was also honored with the prestigious Freedom Award for
his steadfast support of the Armenian American community dating back
to his first days in public office. As Chairman of the United States
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden has cosponsored numerou
s Armenian Genocide resolutions and most recently presided over the
confirmation hearing of Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch. Accepting the
award on his behalf was Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) who expressed
that the Senator was humbled to be honored and would continue to be
an advocate for issues relating to Armenian Americans.

Also honored was long time community activist and supporter Ashkhen
Pilavjian who accepted the "Legacy Award" for her remarkable commitment
and dedication to the Armenian American community. Over the years,
Pilavjian has vigorously supported several Armenian organizations
including the Western Prelacy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian
National Committee, Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society as well as
many Armenian Schools. Pilvajian’s diligent efforts are truly admirable
and she has been instrumental in support of the community’s growth.

On behalf of the Reagan Family, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library Duke Blackwood accepted the "Woodrow Wilson
Award" for President Reagan’s courageous and principled affirmation
of recognizing the Armenian Genocide following his election to the
presidency in 1980.

President Reagan was the last U.S. President to properly characterize
the Armenian Genocide.

PM SARGSYAN, STATE SECRETARY RICE MEET IN WASHINGTON

armradio.am
16.10.2008 12:16

Within the framework of his visit to Washington, Prime Minister of
Armenia Tigran Sargsyan had a meeting with US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice.

The parties agreed that the process of settlement of the Karabakh
(Artsakh) issue should proceed in the format of negotiations underway
within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. According to Rice,
the attempts to transfer the issue to other instances do not deserve
attention.

PM Tigran Sargsyan underlined that Armenia is ready to continue to
the negotiation process and assessed as dangerous the statements
that unilaterally emphasize the principle of territorial integrity,
while ignoring other principles of international law.

Speaking about the Armenian-Turkish relations, Ms. Rice said to
be interested in the situation established after the visit of the
Turkish President to Armenia. The Prime Minister noted that Armenia
does not pose preconditions to Turkey for establishment of diplomatic
relations and hopes that Turkey will follow that example.

The State Secretary expressed her willingness to maximally support
the realization of technical assistance programs in different spheres
of bilateral cooperation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LOVERS’ PARK YEREVAN OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC

armradio.am
16.10.2008 13:29

Hayastan All-Armenian Fund is proud announces the opening of Lovers’
Park Yerevan on October 17. Starting October 18, the park will welcome
all the visitors.

Revitalization works of the 1.6 hectare park have been implemented
according to Swiss Landscape Architect (DPLG), Pierre Rambach’s
design. He is the author of many works on eastern gardens and has
rich experience in designing boulevards worldwide.

The sponsor of the rehabilitation of the park is the Boghossian
Foundation.

Since 1995 Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has implemented numerous projects
through the sponsorship of the Boghossian family, amongst which the
President of Republic of Armenia Award is particularly noteworthy.

"Implementation of construction works in this much-loved park was a
great responsibility. Together with the Boghossian Foundation we have
spared no efforts in order to restore the park, as well as have done
our best to provide a fresh touch and new quality. I hope that the
park will continue to be a favorite place for relaxation both for
the residents of Yerevan and the guests to the capital", says Ara
Vardanyan, the acting executive director of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

As you step in at the main entrance, you find yourself in a lovely
cozy setting, the paths of which encourage you to stroll and
chat. The artificial lake with=2 0its islets, the waterfalls, the
stone compositions, the beautiful, nursed lawns and the plentiful
flowers promise wonderful moments of relaxation and leisure to the
visitors. As in the past, fans of chess and backgammon will be able to
spend their time in beautifully furbished and inviting corners of the
park. Lack of stairs and sharp passages make the park a comfortable
place for the physically challenged people to spend their time in.

Decorative lights will come as a nice surprise especially for those
who enjoy strolls in the evenings.

Boghossian Foundation is committed to carrying out maintenance of
the park for the next 21 years.

Children and pedagogues of the kindergarten neighboring the park are
amongst the "privileged" few who, weeks before its official opening
ceremony, have been enjoying the stunning vista of the park.

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, RA Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Chair of the Constitutional Court, Gagik
Haroutiunian, RA National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan, Members
of Parliament, Ministers, the Ambassador to the Vatican, Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, Ambassadors, cultural figures and honorary guests
from Switzerland, Belgium, France, Lebanon, the USA and other countries
will participate in the opening ceremony of the park.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BIG WEDDING" IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

De Facto
Oct 16, 2008

STEPANAKERT, 16. 10. 08. DE FACTO. A large-scale measure titled "Big
Wedding" is being held in Nagorno-Karabakh. 700 young pairs from
Artsakh are getting married within the frames of the action.

According to DE FACTO own correspondent in Stepanakert, now all wedding
corteges are heading from the Stepanakert Revival Square, where the
wedding ceremony will be held. Some pairs headed for Gandzasar. In the
second half of the day the secular wedding ceremony will be held at
the Stepanakert Stadium after Stepan Shahumian. The newly-weds will
get certifications on marriage and first presents – plastic cards
of Unibank.

To note, the initiative of holding the unprecedented action in
Nagorno-Karabakh that belongs to a philanthropist Levon Hayrapetian
was supported by Nagorno-Karabakh government.

The wedding ceremony will be accompanied by a big concert program.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT ARMENIA

armradio.am
16.10.2008 13:42

On October 20 the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry
Medvedev will arrive in Armenia for a two-day official visit at the
invitation of the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan,
President’s Press Office reported.

GHANA AMBASSADOR HANDS HIS CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT SARGSYAN

armradio.am
16.10.2008 14:03

The newly appointed Ambassador of Ghana to Armenia Edward Apau Sentey
(seat in Moscow) presented his credentials to the President of Armenia,
Mr. Serzh Sargsyan.

Congratulating the diplomat on assuming office, the President said
Armenia is interested in the development of relations with African
states and in this context attaches importance to the mutually
beneficial cooperation with Ghana.

Serzh Sargsyan prioritized the issues of familiarization of the two
countries and peoples with each other, saying that in that case edges
of cooperation will certainly be found.

The parties underlined the cooperation within international
organizations, particularly the UN.

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT-ARMENIA PRESENTS THE RESULTS OF THE BASELINE FARMING PRACTICES SURVEY

armradio.am
16.10.2008 14:36

Millennium Challenge Account – Armenia (MCA-Armenia) has released
the results of the first round of the Farming Practices Survey (FPS)
which will serve as a baseline for the Water-to-Market activity (WtM)
impact evaluation. The survey was commissioned by MCA-Armenia and
implemented by "Areg" NGO in consortium with Jen Finance, Engineering
and Management Consult Ltd. The analyses of survey data was conducted
by Mathematica Policy Research (MPR), MCC’s consultant for impact
evaluation. The results of the survey were presented today by the
MCA-Armenia, MPR and "Areg" NGO.

FPS is the main data source for the impact evaluation of the WtM, most
notably, training in water management and high value agriculture. The
baseline survey provides important initial data on such characteristics
as land size and type, crop production and sales, income and poverty
rates of the farmers participating in trainings.

Through FPS 4855 farmers were surveyed in 200 villages. 120 of
these villages are part of the treatment group for the impact
evaluation where training has been provided in the second year of
the program. Farmers in the remaining 80 control communities will
be trained in last year of the program. Such a distribution will
allow the impact evaluators to observe and compare developme nts in
farmers/farms in communities served by the program and those excluded
from it at its initial stages.

OSCE OFFICE IN YEREVAN HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS

armradio.am
16.10.2008 14:48

A seminar for young people from the OSCE region on human rights issues,
supported by the OSCE Office, began at the Children’s Rehabilitation
Centre in Yerevan today.

The four-day event brought together 26 young people and volunteers
from 14 countries. They will enhance their knowledge on human rights,
discuss human rights protection mechanisms in their countries, and
learn more about international practices.

"Human rights awareness-raising and education is an effective
instrument in promoting human rights protection that has been one of
OSCE principal goals," said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of
the OSCE Office.

The seminar was organized in co-operation with the Voluntary Service
of Armenia and with the financial support of the Italian Government.

Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanyan, and Ambassador Massimo
Lavezzo Cassinelli of Italy took part in the opening ceremony.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL’S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO VISIT ARMENIA

armradio.am
16.10.2008 16:47

Special Representative of NATO Secretary General in Central Asia and
the South Caucasus Robert Simmons will visit Yerevan on October 19-21.

The Information Center on NATO in Armenia informed that on October 19,
Robert Simmons will participate in the so-called "VIP-Day" of NATO
Cooperative Lancer-2008 Exercise in process in Yerevan.

Within the framework of his visit, Robert Simmons will hold talks
with representatives of the Armenian leadership, and on October 20,
will hold a meeting with the students of the Yerevan State Linguistic
University.

In late September, 2008, Robert Simmons stated in an interview to
Mediamax that "I think both sides, NATO and Armenia, can be satisfied
with the development of our relations over the past five years."

"Our cooperation has grown significantly in all areas and Armenia has
been making a valuable contribution to NATO’s operation in Kosovo. This
contribution was recently doubled. Armenia has also increased its
participation in other Partnership for Peace activities with NATO in
a wide variety of areas," Robert Simmons stated.

He noted that, with the agreement of an Individual Partnership Action
Plan (IPAP) of Armenia with NATO in 2005, "we upgraded our political
dialogue and practical cooperation across the board and jointly set
out a programme of reforms to assist Armenia in coming closer to
Euro-Atlantic standards."

The Special Representative of NATO Secretary General stated that while
implementing the IPAP over the last two-and-a-half years, Armenia has
made serious efforts in a number of areas, especially defense reforms.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress