Month: December 2008

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES
THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF NORWAY

His Holiness Aram I received the former Prime Minister of Norway, Dr. Kjell
Magne Bondevik in Antelias on December 16. Dr. Bondevik was on a one-day
visit to Lebanon to meet with senior government officials and inform them of
his projects on interfaith relations.

After leaving his office as Prime Minister, Dr. Bondevik established a
non-governmental organization in Oslo with the aim of promoting interfaith
relations, human rights and peace.

Catholicos Aram I knew Dr. Bondevik and his work well from the times when he
was Moderator of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.

##
View photos here:
tos/Photos347.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

Charging persons for political motivation is ‘unacceptable’: PACE
committee demands suspension of Armenia’s delegation voting rights

Strasbourg, 18.12.2008 – Declaring it "unacceptable" that persons could
be charged and deprived of their liberty for political motivation in
Armenia in relation to the events of 1 and 2 March 2008, the Monitoring
Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
yesterday recommended suspending the voting rights of Armenia’s
eight-member delegation to the Assembly until the authorities "have
clearly demonstrated their political will to resolve this issue." The
co-rapporteurs would visit the country in January 2009, with a view to
reporting back to the Committee on the first day of the January 2009
part-session on any progress with respect to the release of these
persons.

In two earlier resolutions, the Assembly had made several demands
following the post-electoral violence of March 2008, including the
holding of an independent, transparent and credible inquiry into what
happened, and the release of persons detained on "seemingly artificial
and politically motivated charges" in connection with those events.

In its draft resolution, adopted yesterday in Paris, the Monitoring
Committee welcomed the Armenian President’s creation of a fact-finding
group of experts to look into the March events as an important step
towards meeting the Assembly’s demands, but cautioned that its
credibility would depend on how it conducts its work. They also
expressed satisfaction at efforts to initiate reforms in the media,
electoral legislation and the judiciary.

However, the parliamentarians said that "notwithstanding positive
developments in some areas" the limited progress with regard to the
release of the above mentioned persons meant the Armenian delegation
should be deprived of its vote, if no further progress is reached in
this request before the January 2009 PACE plenary session.

The Assembly is due to decide on the matter on Thursday 29 January
during its forthcoming Winter plenary Session (26 – 30 January 2009).

Draft resolution
< resManager/defaultArtSiteView.asp?ID=3D831> (provisional version)
Resolution 1620 (2008)
< 3D/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/eRES1620.htm>

Resolution 1609 (2008)
< D/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/ERES1609.htm>

Press Release
Parliamentary Assembly Communication Unit
Ref: 926a08
Tel: +33 3 88 41 31 93
Fax :+33 3 90 21 41 34
[email protected]
internet:

The Parliamentary Assembly brings together 318 members from the national
parliaments of the 47 member states.
President: Lluís Maria de Puig (Spain, SOC) ; Secretary General of the
Assembly: Mateo Sorinas.
Political Groups: EPP/CD (Group of the European People’s Party); SOC
(Socialist Group); EDG (European Democratic Group);

ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe); UEL (Group of the
Unified European Left).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 12-18, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS:

"PRESS CLUB" AND "PRESS CLUB+": "EASTERN PARTNERSHIP" AND PROSPECTS OF LOCAL
SELF-GOVERNMENT

MEDIA ETHICS OBSERVATORY SUMMED UP ITS ACTIVITIES

"ARMENPRESS" NEWS AGENCY IS 90 YEARS OLD

"PRESS CLUB" AND "PRESS CLUB+": "EASTERN PARTNERSHIP" AND PROSPECTS OF LOCAL
SELF-GOVERNMENT

On December 17 the last "Press Club" show in 2008 went on the air of
"Yerkir-Media" TV company. The cycle was produced by Yerevan Press Club with
the support of the Human Rights and Governance Grants Program of the Open
Society Institute. The guests of the program host, YPC President Boris
Navasardian were the Chairman of the RA National Assembly Standing Committee
on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Issues Armen Ashotian,
political scientist, doctor of history Ashot Manucharian (Germany), observer
of "Aravot" daily Anna Israelian. The discussion subject was the new
initiative of the European Union, "Eastern Partnership".

On December 13 "Yerkir Media" aired the final program of "Press Club+"
cycle, produced by Yerevan Press Club with the support of the UK Embassy in
Armenia. The Chairman of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
Ashot Melikian and "Press Club+" participants – Deputy Chairman of the RA NA
Standing Committee on Territorial Governance and Local Self-Administration
Rafik Grigorian and the President of the Association of Communal Finance
Officers Vahan Movsisian discussed the development of local self-government
in Armenia. In the discussion audience, representing the media of Armavir
and Kotayk regions, took part.

MEDIA ETHICS OBSERVATORY SUMMED UP ITS ACTIVITIES

On December 13-14 in Tsaghkadzor a seminar "Prospects of Media
Self-Regulation and Activities in the Sphere" was held by Yerevan Press Club
with the support of Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia. In
the event members of the Media Ethics Observatory took part as well as the
heads of media who backed the YPC initiative to form a self-regulation
system.

At the seminar the activities of the MEO during the past year were summed
up, presentations were made on the trends of media accountability system
development in Europe, the professional ethics of Armenian media when
covering foreign affairs and regional problems. The participants also heard
about the findings of the survey administered by Yerevan Press Club in late
October 2008 in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Kapan to determine the
adequacy of Armenian TV companies’ work to the information demands of their
audience.

Within the seminar meetings with the RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian and
the RA Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian were held.

The RA Prime Minister was presented the activities of Media Ethics
Observatory, the mission of which is to consider the complaints-appeals on
the violations of the Code of Conduct of Media Representatives and making
judgments on them. The head of the Government supported the idea of
resolving conflicts between the executive and media out of court, through
self-regulation mechanisms, such as the MEO. Referring to other topical
issues faced by the media community, the seminar participants expressed
their concern over the new draft law on freedom of information, developed by
the RA Ministry of Justice (see details in YPC Weekly Newsletter, October
17-23, 2008). The head of the Cabinet stressed that the draft would not be
submitted to the parliament without a discussion with all the stakeholders.

In the conversation with the RA Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian the
urgency and the necessity for establishing cooperation between the
ombudsman’s office and the MEO was stressed. In particular, Armen
Harutiunian proposed the participation of his representative in the sessions
of MEO. The RA Human Rights Defender also suggested to jointly study the
types of complaints that people have against media for violating their
rights.

Media Ethics Observatory was formed on March 10, 2007 by the heads of
Armenian media who supported the YPC self-regulation initiative and signed
the Code of Conduct of Media Representatives and its addendum, the
Declaration on Election and Referendum Coverage Principles (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, March 9-15, 2007). Recently the initiative was joined by 4 more
media: "Noyan Tapan" News and Analysis Center, "Hrazdan" (Hrazdan, Kotayk
region) and "Last" (Goris, Syunik region) TV companies, "Zhamanaki Mitk"
newspaper. Thus, as of today the Code of Conduct is signed by 35 media. The
initiative is also supported by 8 journalistic associations.

"ARMENPRESS" NEWS AGENCY IS 90 YEARS OLD

On December 18 "Armenpress" news agency celebrated 90th anniversary since
its foundation.

Yerevan Press Club congratulates its colleagues on the jubilee and wishes
success and prosperity.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

PRESS RELEASE//FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE//PRESS RELEASE

Armenian Studies Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

For further information please contact:
Ms. Gloria Caudill, Administrator
[email protected]
(734) 763-0622

Hunchakian Party Newspaper Archives Available on the Web

The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan announced
the web posting of the Hnchakian Party  central organization,
"Hnchak." on its website. The Social Democratic Hnchakian
(Hunchakian) Party was the first Armenian political organization that
became a national/international organization aiming at the liberation
of Ottoman Armenians. The central organ of the party was the "Hnchak,"
published in Geneva, where the party was founded in 1887. The
collection of "Hnchak" issues presented here covers the period
1887-1915, including the publications as "Hnchaks"s of rival factions
of the party in 1903. Few full collections remain.

The digitization and webposting of the "Hnchak" collection from the
National Library of Armenia has been made possible by the the Nor
Serount Cultural Association and the Social Democratic Hnchakian
Party/California.

For further information and to view the archives, please visit our
website ; this information is located
under academic/resources.

Gloria Caudill
************
Administrator
University of Michigan
Armenian Studies Program
1080 S. University
Ste., 3633 SSWB
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Tel: (734) 763-0622
Fax: (734) 763-4918

Armenian Youth Federation of Australia
259 Penshurst Street, Willoughby NSW 2068
PO Box 238, Willoughby NSW 2068
E: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] | W:
<;

18 December 2008

HASG College Year 12 Students on HSC Distinguished Achievement Honour Roll

25% of HASG College Year 12 attained Distinguished Achievement (Band 6)
results in the HSC for 2008 and were listed on the Honour Roll. In
addition, 100% of the College students who sat for Mathematics Extension (3
Units) and Legal Studies achieved results in the top 2 Bands in the State.

"I am proud of the academic achievements of our Year 12 in 2008," said
Principal Kaylar Michaelian. "They have worked very hard throughout the
year. Whilst the HSC result is an indication of a student’s personal
academic achievements, HASG College always strives to nurture and support
each student to achieve their best academic potential.

During the course of the year, HASG College organised special HSC Workshops
for Year 12 to help them to prepare for their examinations.

"Our HSC workshops have been effective in assisting our Year 12 students
reach their individual potential and we will follow through in 2009 in
continuing and expanding these special Workshops for Years 11 and 12," added
Mr Michaelian.

HASG College Alumni Executive member, Mr Haig Kayserian said: "HASG Alumni
will be playing a greater role in 2009 in assisting Years 11 and 12 of
College in their preparation for the HSC through these dedicated Workshops."

He added: "Having recently gone through the experience of the HSC, the HASG
College Alumni can offer invaluable insights, experience and guidance for
our College students who are preparing for the HSC. This is one of the ways
the HASG College Alumni give back to their alma mater and to the Community."

Haig Kayserian was a graduate of HASG College’s Class of 2000, which
out-ranked all High Schools and Colleges in the Northern Beaches area,
including Manly Selective High School, in the HSC that year.

HASG College Board Chairman Ara Vartoukian said: "Nurturing and guiding our
students to achieve their personal best academically is one of the pillars
of our College."

He added: "We are very proud of our Class of 2008 and wish them success and
fulfilment in their tertiary studies and careers ahead."

On average, over 65% of HASG College Graduates each year enter Universities.
In some years, this figure is more than 80%. This is more than double the
state average of 30%, according to the NSW Board of Studies.
[end]

Nurturing individual excellence and community values
A K-12 co-educational, non-selective, bilingual Armenian and English
Christian College
5 Chiltern Road, Ingleside NSW 2101

8B60AE/Doc~E6BEB6963E6AA4AE0BD1592C162C766FA~ATpl~ Ecommon~Scontent.html

Frankfurter Allgemeine
FAZ.NET
18 Dezember 2008

R?Ã?¶misches Schlachtfeld entdeckt
Die Germanen in den Sumpf treiben
Von Ralf-Peter M?Ã?¤rtin

Caption: Zwei rund 1800 Jahre alte Fundst?Ã?¼cke

17. Dezember 2008 Dass die R?Ã?¶mer im dritten Jahrhundert gegen die
Germanen k?Ã?¤mpften, ist keine Sensation – dass man eines dieser
Schlachtfelder gefunden hat, schon. Noch ist das Fundmaterial f?Ã?¼r eine
?Schlacht` vergleichsweise mager, stehen die Ausgrabungen erst am
Anfang, aber so viel ist klar: In der Gemarkung Oldenrode bei Kalefeld
im Landkreis Northeim haben sich R?Ã?¶mer und Germanen ein erbittertes
Gefecht geliefert. Ein offenbar von Nord nach S?Ã?¼d marschierender
r?Ã?¶mischer Verband geriet am sogenannten Harzhorn, einem von Ost nach
West ziehenden H?Ã?¶henr?Ã?¼cken, in einen germanischen Hinterhalt und musste
sich darauf den Weg freik?Ã?¤mpfen.

Wie er das tat, beweist, dass es sich wirklich um r?Ã?¶mische Truppen
handelte. Denn die geborgenen St?Ã?¼cke sind Geschosspfeile und
Katapultbolzen, wie sie nur von der imperialen Feldartillerie
verschossen wurden, beispielsweise vom Typ Scorpio, einem
Torsionsgesch?Ã?¼tz. Es war leicht transportierbar, einfach zu bedienen und
durchschlug auf mehrere hundert Meter jeden Schild und jede R?Ã?¼stung. Im
Gel?Ã?¤nde haben die Arch?Ã?¤ologen mit auf St?Ã?¶cken aufgesteckten Tennisb?Ã?¤llen
markiert, wo die Salven einschlugen. Unterst?Ã?¼tzt wurde der Angriff von
orientalischen Bogensch?Ã?¼tzen. Ihre charakteristischen dreikantigen
Pfeile fanden sich ebenfalls. Dem Beschuss mit Fernwaffen folgte ein
Infanterieangriff. Ihn gegen den von Germanen besetzten Hang vorzutragen
war sicherlich Schwerstarbeit. Seine Sto?Ã?richtung bis hinauf auf die
Kammh?Ã?¶he l?Ã?¤sst sich an den verlorenen Eisenn?Ã?¤geln der Sandalen
verfolgen, der klassischen Fu?Ã?bekleidung der Legion?Ã?¤re.

Anzeige

Kein Hinweis auf den germanischen Gegner

Mit aller Vorsicht sch?Ã?¤tzt die Kreisarch?Ã?¤ologin Petra L?Ã?¶nne die St?Ã?¤rke
der R?Ã?¶mer auf eine Abteilung von vielleicht tausend Mann. Sie f?Ã?¼hrte
auch einen Tross mit sich. Ein sch?Ã?¶n gearbeitetes St?Ã?¼ck einer
Wagenaufh?Ã?¤ngung, Radnaben, eine Pionieraxt und ein Zelthering belegen
es, dazu auch ein eiserner Pferdeschuh, eine Steighilfe, die man f?Ã?¼r
Transportmaultiere in schwerem Gel?Ã?¤nde einsetzte, da Hufeisen noch nicht
in Gebrauch waren.

*
Die R?Ã?¶mer siegten. Jene verr?Ã?¤terischen Kleinteile, die beim Fleddern der
Toten von R?Ã?¼stungen, Helmen und Kleidung abrei?Ã?en und die zu Hunderten
auf dem wahrscheinlichen Varusschlachtfeld von Kalkriese geborgen
wurden, fehlen. Bislang gibt es au?Ã?er ein paar Speerspitzen keine
Hinweise auf die germanischen Gegner. Ebenfalls zu kl?Ã?¤ren bleibt, warum
die an Metall immer interessierten Stammeskrieger die r?Ã?¶mischen
Geschosse liegen lie?Ã?en. Vielleicht, vermutet der Arch?Ã?¤ologe Achim Rost,
weil sie sich zu tief in den Boden eingebohrt hatten.

Entlang einer klassischen Route

Wann hat sich das Gefecht abgespielt? Der einzigen gefundenen M?Ã?¼nze mit
dem Portr?Ã?¤t des Kaisers Commodus (180-192) – die ja nicht unbedingt mit
dem Kamp im Zusammenhang stehen muss – springt eine
Schwertscheidenverzierung zur Seite, deren Ornamentik sich eindeutig der
ersten H?Ã?¤lfte des zweiten Jahrhunderts zuordnen l?Ã?¤sst. Endg?Ã?¼ltige
Best?Ã?¤tigung dieser Zeitstellung lieferte eine C14-Datierung aus den
Holzresten eines Gesch?Ã?¼tzpfeils.

Der Schlachtplatz aus der Vogelperspektive: der H?Ã?¶henzug ?Ã?¼ber dem
Nettetal

M?Ã?¼ssen wir uns dar?Ã?¼ber wundern, so weit vom Rhein r?Ã?¶mische Truppen
anzutreffen? Die von den R?Ã?¶mern begangene Route kann man regelrecht
?klassisch` nennen. Es ist die Vormarschstra?Ã?e aus der Zeit der
Germanenkriege des Drusus und des Tiberius um Christi Geburt. Von Mainz
f?Ã?¼hrte sie durch die Wetterau ?Ã?¼ber das in j?Ã?¼ngster Zeit gefundene Lager
von Hedem?Ã?¼nden an der Werra am Westrand des Harzes entlang zur Elbe.

Wider die Legende

Es ist ein weitverbreiteter Irrtum, anzunehmen, Rom habe sich nach der
Niederlage in der Varusschlacht, die im Jahre neun nach Christus drei
r?Ã?¶mische Legionen vernichtete, f?Ã?¼r immer aus Germanien zur?Ã?¼ckgezogen. Im
Gegenteil: Ab der zweiten H?Ã?¤lfte des ersten Jahrhunderts schob das
Imperium sukzessive seine Grenze ?Ã?¼ber den Rhein und den Oberlauf der
Donau vor, eroberte die fruchtbaren Landschaften des Neuwieder Beckens,
der Wetterau, der Oberrheinischen Tiefebene, des Main- und Neckartals
und errichtete um 120 nach Christus die 550 Kilometer lange, von
Palisaden und Mauern gesicherte Kontrollzone des
obergermanisch-r?Ã?¤tischen Limes.

Die Fundorte sind mit Tennisb?Ã?¤llen markiert

Zu allen Zeiten beruhte die Sicherung der endlosen Fluss- und
Landgrenzen auf der Beherrschung des Vorfeldes. Mit sch?Ã?¶ner
Selbstverst?Ã?¤ndli chkeit nahm Rom sich das Recht, in der Tiefe des
germanischen Raums zu operieren und nach dem Prinzip
Vorw?Ã?¤rtsverteidigung drohende Gefahren abzuwenden. Dies wurde auch
beibehalten, als es zu Beginn des dritten Jahrhunderts zu Gro?Ã?angriffen
der Alamannen, kam, die 211 und 233 auf breiter Front den Limes
durchbrachen.

Ein weites Feld f?Ã?¼r Arch?Ã?¤ologen

Die Feldz?Ã?¼ge der Kaiser Caracalla (211 bis 217) und Maximinus Thrax (235
bis 238) stie?Ã?en aus dem Limesgebiet weit in die germanischen
Kerngebiete vor. Von Letzterem berichten unsere Hauptquellen, Herodian
und die auf ihm basierende ?Historia Augusta`, er sei mit einem Heer, in
dem vor allem orientalische Kontingente, syrische und armenische
Bogensch?Ã?¼tzen, eine gro?Ã?e Rolle spielten, gegen die Germanen gezogen,
habe sie in die S?Ã?¼mpfe getrieben und dort einen gro?Ã?en Sieg errungen.
Fixiert auf die in S?Ã?¼ddeutschland siedelnden Alamannen, hat die
Forschung den w?Ã?¼rttembergischen Raum als Ort der ?Schlacht im Moor`
angenommen. Der Althistoriker Gustav Adolf Lehmann verweist hingegen
darauf, dass auch eine andere Lesart der Quellen m?Ã?¶glich ist.
Topographie und Entfernung k?Ã?¶nnten durchaus zum Harzvorland passen.

Doch vor all diesen Vermutungen steht erst einmal der eigentliche Beginn
der Ausgrabungen. Allein schon das Ausma?Ã? des Areals, eine Fl?Ã?¤che von
1500 mal 500 Metern, wird die Arch?Ã?¤ologen auf Jahre besch?Ã?¤ftigen. Die
Arbeit wird sich lohnen. Neben Kalkriese, bislang das einzige ergrabene
antike Schlachtfeld weltweit, besitzt ausgerechnet das so weit von Rom
entfernte Niedersachsen nun noch das zweite. Segen und Fluch zugleich.
Denkt man an den viel zu mageren Forschungsetat vom Varusschlachtfeld,
wird man sich wohl auch am Harzrand in Geduld fassen m?Ã?¼ssen. Zeichen der
Hoffnung: Der Kultusminister pers?Ã?¶nlich war zur Besichtigung vor Ort.

Text: F.A.Z.
Bildmaterial: ddp, dpa

ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF KAZAKHSTAN TO CALL ON PARLIAMENT TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2008 12:14 GMT+04:00

The internal problems of the Armenian community of Kazakhstan are
caused by dissociation of its members and indifference about the
public life of the community, according to Maxim Dallakyan, leader
of Armenian Youth of Kazakhstan organization and member Kostanay
city Armenian community council, reported Yerkramas, the newspaper
of Armenians of Russia.

"Unfortunately, there are few people interested in the life of the
Diaspora," he said. "We are trying coordinate exchange of information
between the Armenian youth of Kazakhstan. An event commemorating the
Armenian Genocide was our first joint project."

"The Armenian community will call on the Kazakh parliament to recognize
the Armenian Genocide," he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH OPPOSITION "CONDEMNS" ARMENIAN APOLOGY CAMPAIGN

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2008 13:32 GMT+04:00

Members of Turkish Republican People’s Party (CHP) who hold seats at
the foreign relations committee of the Turkish Parliament, released
Wednesday a communiqué saying that Turkey has nothing to apologize
for.

"The claim that Turkey committed a crime in those years, requiring
an apology has no legal or historical foundation. If there is someone
who needs to apologize, it is the Armenian side, who attacked Turkish
soldiers and killed hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens while
siding with and supporting a foreign country on an attempt to invade
the Ottoman territory," said the communiqué, Turkish media reports.

Over 13 thousand people have already signed the public apology for
the Armenian Genocide launched on December 15 by a group of Turkish
intellectuals.

–Boundary_(ID_5S69BEEIG8m 3e3regAy7FA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MARK KIRK ELECTED CO-CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON ARMENIAN ISSUES

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2008 13:48 GMT+04:00

The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) echoed Representatives
Frank Pallone’s (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg’s (R-MI) welcome of the
selection of Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) as the incoming Co-Chair
of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Congressman Kirk
succeeds Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), who will be retiring at
the end of the 110th Congress, the Assembly told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"After 20 years of working with the Armenian-American community
to advance U.S.-Armenia issues, I am honored and excited to serve
alongside Congressman Pallone as co-chair of the Caucus on Armenia
Issues," Kirk said. "The Caucus on Armenian Issues is well-known for
its work to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship and recognize
the Armenian Genocide. I look forward to working with Congressman
Pallone and all members of the Caucus to advance the U.S.-Armenia
relationship in the 111th Congress."

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, Congressman
Kirk succeeded John Porter (R-IL), who served as the first Republican
Co-Chair of the Caucus. Rep. Kirk represents the 10th district of
Illinois, which is located north of Chicago, along Lake Michigan
and is home to St. George Armenian Apostolic Church. Congressman
Kirk serves on the Appropriations Committee and sits on the State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, responsible
for determining crucial funding to Armenia, and Financial Services.

During his tenure in Congress, Rep. Kirk has co-sponsored numerous
Armenian Genocide resolutions and made several statements in support
of reaffirmation. In addition, he has supported resolutions calling
for Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Armenia, and was a cosponsor
of H.Res. 3361, which prevented tax-payer funding of a rail bypass
of Armenia.

Jim Keledjian, ARAMAC Illinois State Chair said, "We are extremely
happy to have Rep. Kirk Co-Chair the Armenian Caucus. He has been a
strong advocate of Armenian interests throughout his tenure in the
House of Representatives and even prior as staff of former Caucus
Co-chair, Rep. Porter."

"The Assembly congratulates Congressman Kirk on this new role
and extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing Caucus Co-Chair
Knollenberg," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Nearly
90 percent of the Caucus is returning in the 111th Congress and we look
forward to working with Representative Kirk and the entire Caucus. The
Assembly’s 2009 Advocacy Conference and Banquet in Washington, DC
next March will help ensure continued success in the 111th Congress."

An Illinois native, Representative Kirk attended the Universidad
Nacional Autonoma de Mexico before graduating cum laude in History
from Cornell. He holds a Masters Degree from the London School of
Economics and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown.

ARMENIA NEEDS TO DEVELOP INFORMATION SECURITY MECHANISMS

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2008 13:58 GMT+04:00

Information Wars international conference kicked off in Yerevan today
with participation of Secretary of the National Security Council
Artur Baghdassaryan, Deputy Minister of Culture David Babayan, Deputy
Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan and other officials.

"The huge flow of information requires thorough research before
circulation," Shavarsh Kocharyan said, adding that the RA Ministry
of Foreign Affairs attaches importance to IT fields.

"To resist the challenges of information wars the Armenian MFA checks
the information it receives and doesn’t comment on absurd reports. We
take action to counterbalance false information spread by Azerbaijan
and Turkey and are ready to cooperate with various structures to
strengthen Armenia’s foreign policy," he said.