Month: November 2009

Fund for Armenian Relief
Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
Press Office
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
email: [email protected]
web:
blog: farusa.wordpress.com
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Honoring the Strength and Vision Behind One of FAR’s Most Influential
Programs On September 23 some of the most prominent members of the
Armenian-American community gathered in New York City to recognize and
celebrate the impact of the Armenian National Science and Education
Fund (ANSEF), a program that is changing the face and the future of
Armenia by giving opportunity to its most valuable resource – its
people. The evening also honored Armen Avanessians, an
Armenian-American of outstanding caliber whose vision and dedication
have helped this program to thrive.

ANSEF, which is run through the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), helps
the Armenian intellectual community to grow in the area of science and
the humanities by awarding scientists and engineers with yearlong
research grants. The grants not only allow these scientists to stay in
their own country to pursue research, but they also allow them to be
at the cutting edge of their field and inspire their countrymen.

For Mr. Avanessians, ANSEF is not only helping these individuals
achieve their career goals, it is the key to the success of a
nation. ANSEF provides a way for scientists and scholars to flourish,
and as a result their findings will guide their nation toward greater
prosperity and success.

Mr. Avanessians is a truly notable Armenian-American in his own
right. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University
educated engineer, he is now a partner at Goldman Sachs. His generous
personal donations have been the backbone of the ANSEF program. In
2008, he fully funded the ANSEF program and his most recent donation
of $100,000 enabled FAR to award 25 grants in 2009. Because of his
generosity the grants were renamed the "2009 Armen Avanessians ANSEF
Awards."

Mr. Avanessians worked as a technical staff member at Bell
Laboratories for a short time after graduating from Columbia with his
master’s degree in 1983. He then joined Goldman Sachs as a foreign
exchange strategist, later became vice president, then a partner in
1994. Now, he is director of the firm’s Fixed Income, Currency and
Commodities Strategies, Equity Strategies, Investment Banking and
Finance Group Strategies, and GSAM Strategies.

Throughout his career, he has always remained committed to
education. He is a trustee of Columbia University and he sits on the
Engineering Councils of Columbia and MIT.

When Mr. Avanessians first learned about ANSEF, he knew such an effort
would fit perfectly with his commitment to this cause.

"Education is the key to the future. It is young people, the junior
scientists who serve on these research groups funded by ANSEF, who
will make tomorrow’s vital discoveries," he said.

Mr. Avanessians has always believed strongly that with opportunity for
education, Armenians will not only be able to improve their own lives,
but also their nation.

The discoveries they make through their own opportunities also enrich
an entire community through learning and knowledge. Continuing to
strengthen those opportunities through ANSEF is something
Mr. Avanessians and others believe is the duty of Armenians around the
world.

Cornell University Astrophysicist Yervant Terzian, who spearheads the
selection of grantees, paid tribute to Mr. Avanessians during the
celebration. He also said ANSEF is a key to giving Armenia a brighter
future.

"There is nothing more important for our happy future than
education. A peaceful, prosperous, and safe future depends on an
educated public and an educated workforce, and today a very major part
of this education has to do with science and technology," he said.

Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York
and one of ANSEF founders, pointed out the importance of education in
his speech. "An investment in education is requisite to secure
Armenia’s place in the global economy," Mr.

Gregorian said.

Just over 200 grants have been awarded since ANSEF’s inception in
2001. Awardees are selected through a blind, peer-reviewed process
that bucks the former Soviet system when people were rewarded based
on their connections. Through the yearlong grants, recipients are
allowed to pursue the research project of their choice. The broad
range of research topics includes investigations of solar energy,
biochemistry, the control of tuberculosis and breast cancer, and the
historical monuments of Northern Artsakh.

For Mr. Avanessians ANSEF is an investment, one in which every gift
from donors will impact and bring about a prosperous return that
future generations of Armenians will reap the benefit of. He believes
in this program because it doesn’t offer a handout. Instead, ANSEF
gives Armenians the tools they need to tackle new problems and
challenges to push their country forward, maintain a place on the
international stage, and succeed. Support from the international
community – no matter how small – enables this to happen.

"Armenia still needs the support of the Diaspora. They need our
encouragement and to know that people out here care about their
future," Mr. Avanessians said. "They can build up their country
themselves. They have the brainpower and the knowledge.

They just need a slight boost to compete in this challenging global
economy."

# # #

About FAR
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
hundreds of thousands of people through more than 220 relief and
development programs in Armenia and Karabagh. It has channeled more
than $265 million in humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide
range of projects including emergency relief, construction, education,
medical aid, and economic development.

For more information on FAR or to send donations, contact us at 630
Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212)
889-4849; e-mail [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]].

Fund for Armenian Relief | 630 Second Avenue | New York | NY | 10016

PRESS RELEASE
ARPA Institute
18106 Miranda St. Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact: Hagop Panossian
Tel: (818) 586-9660
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

ARPA Institute presents the Lecture/Seminar: "Responses from the
Diaspora to the Dangers of the Protocols," by Prof. Levon Marashlian,
on Thrusday, November 12th, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Merdinian School
auditorium.

The Address is 13330 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.
Directions: on the 101 FWY exit on Woodman, go north and turn right on
Riverside Dr.

Abstract: The premise of the presentation is that normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations is a natural and necessary goal, but the
road to that good goal that is charted by the Armenian-Turkish
Protocols will undermine Armenia’s ability to survive as an
independent state, impede efforts to move Turkey closer to recognizing
its moral and material responsibility, and violate the Diaspora’s
fundamental right to participate in the formulation of policies
involving the legacy of the Armenian Genocide. After an analysis of
the alarming threats to Armenia’s security and survivability posed by
the Protocols, the presentation will focus on responses from the
Diaspora -especially responses from individuals and organizations that
do not see, or do not want to see, or do not know how to take
defensive action against the clear and present danger to Armenia’s
future.

Dr. Levon Marashlian is Professor of History at Glendale Community
College in California where he teaches Armenian history and Diaspora
current affairs, as well as Middle Eastern, Russian, and US history
and politics. He has also taught courses at UCLA, UCI, CSUN, and Los
Angeles Valley Community College. He has lectured extensively in
Armenia at the Academy of Sciences, Yerevan State University, and the
American University of Armenia, as well as in Beirut and Montreal. He
was a Fulbright Scholar in Armenia in 1994, teaching courses on
democracy in America. In 1996, he testified before the US House of
Representatives International Relations Committee, during a hearing on
the Armenian Genocide. His testimony was published in the
Congressional Record, 5 May 1998. He was invited to Ankara in 1990 to
participate in the government-sponsored 11th Congress of Turkish
History. His paper, `Economic and Moral Influences on US Policies
Toward Turkey and the Armenians, 1919-1923,’ covered the Armenian
Genocide and its aftermath and it was published in Ankara by the
Turkish Historical Society Press in 1994. In 1987, he served on the
California Department of Education Curriculum Advisory Committee for
the development of instructional material on genocide and human rights
and testified before government committees in favor of legislation
mandating the teaching of the Armenian Genocide in secondary
schools. His publications include: Ermeni Sorunu ve
Türk-Amerikan Iliskileri, 1919-1923; Politics and Demography:
Armenians, Turks and Kurds in the Ottoman Empire; `Finishing the
Genocide: Cleansing Turkey of Armenian Survivors, 1920-1923,’ in
Richard Hovannisian, ed., Remembrance and Denial: The Case of the
Armenian Genocide; as well as numerous articles and letters to the
editor in scholarly journals and the general press. He has been
interviewed frequently on radio and television and in the press in the
US and Armenia, as well as in Cumhuriyet, Tempo, and Hürriyet
in Turkey. He received his BA from the University of Illinois in
Chicago (UICC) and his MA and Ph.D. from UCLA. He was born in Beirut
in 1948, raised in Chicago since 1956, and served in Vietnam as a US
Army infantryman, 1968-69.

For information please contact Dr. Hagop Panossian at (818)586-9660 or
[email protected]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Europe
c/o 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

Friday, November 6, 2009

AGBU Europe Calls on UK to Recognize the Armenian Genocide

Brussels — Today AGBU Europe called upon the government of the United
Kingdom to rescind its established policy of denying the Armenian
Genocide and initiate a more ethical and constructive policy towards
Turkey and Armenia by acknowledging the 1915 genocide and its
consequences in order to build confidence and contribute to security in
the region.

The call follows the publication of a legal opinion by Geoffrey
Robertson QC, an authority of matters on international criminal law, on
the British government’s long-held policy of considering that there is
"insufficient evidence" to consider the 1915 mass slaughter of the
Armenians in Turkey as genocide. The United Kingdom is the only
government in Europe that effectively denies the Armenian genocide.

Based on a thorough investigation of the written confidential/secret
internal documents obtained under Freedom of Information Act (FIA) from
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office since 1997, the Opinion concludes
that the "advice [upon which the government’s opinion is based] reflects
neither the law on genocide, nor the demonstrable facts of the massacres
in 1915-1916, and has been calculated to mislead Parliament into
believing that there has been an assessment of evidence and an exercise
of judgment on that evidence".

In fact, internal FCO documents make it abundantly clear, according to
Mr. Robertson’s analysis, that the British government’s position was
adopted exclusively to placate its ally Turkey and that the UK’s stance
is, as the FCO diplomats themselves put it, "open to criticism in terms
of its ethical dimension".

The legal opinion published on Tuesday also refers to the agreement
signed on October 10 between the Presidents of Turkey and Armenia to
establish relations, which it terms a "welcome development" but warns
that debate among historians about the Armenian genocide would be a
"pointless exercise" and that the matter cannot be suitably addressed
with Turkey as long as article 301 of its criminal code, which restricts
public debate on such matters as the Armenian Genocide, remains in
force.

AGBU Europe believes that the British policy of pandering to Turkey’s
Armenian Genocide denial is not only unethical but also ineffective and
short-sighted. The UK can play a role in promoting trust and stability
between neighbors in the South Caucasus and in Turkey, but their policy
must be based on the values and standards they would apply to fellow
European nations.

Said Armine Afrikian, Member of the board of AGBU Europe for the UK: "I
truly hope that our government will do the right thing this time. It
troubles me that Britain should still refuse to acknowledge the basic
facts which the UK was the first to denounce at the time".

In particular, the UK must support the forces of democracy and tolerance
in Turkey. Earlier this year, for example, a group of Turkish
intellectuals took the unprecedented step of issuing a public apology
for the World War I extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire,
even though they avoided using the word genocide, perhaps understandably
under 301, which nevertheless helped to challenge the taboo about the
Genocide in Turkey; in the face of such a bold public collective move,
the Ministry of Justice took the equally unprecedented decision not to
prosecute the initiators of the petition.

Genocide denial, by contrast, further casts doubt on Turkey’s
questionable reputation, delays the transformation and modernisation of
its society and institutions and feeds tensions and distrust between
neighbours. The 2007 assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant
Dink and the justice system’s dismal management of the prosecution of
his murderers, for instance, have severely tarnished Turkey’s reputation
abroad, particularly among the European public and decision-makers.

The Mr. Robertson QC’s Legal Opinion concludes by regretting that "there
is no recognition at all [on the part of the British government] of the
importance of nations acknowledging Genocide and their past crimes
against humanity or of supporting the descendants of victims who still,
almost a century later, have to live with the consequences", suggesting
that the contemporary relevance of the recognition of a past crime is
self-evident to a prominent expert in international justice.

The outcome of the struggle between the forces of tolerance and
democracy in Turkey and those who oppose them is by no means a foregone
conclusion. As one of Turkey’s closest partners and advocates, the UK is
ideally placed to help the country overcome its Armenian Genocide taboo.
In doing so, the UK can furthermore continue to pursue its own long-term
interests with Turkey and stay true to its values.

The Legal Opinion was drafted by Geoffrey Robertson QC, for Doughty
Street Chambers.
It was commissioned by the Armenian Centre, London.
The report can be downloaded at:
For further information, please email [email protected]
AGBU Europe: [email protected], tel: 00 33 1 45 20 03 18

AGBU Europe is the European branch of the Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU). Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s
largest non-profit Armenian organization and touches the lives of some
400,000 Armenians worldwide. AGBU Europe coordinates and develops the
pan-European activities of the organization; it preserves and promotes
the Armenian identity and heritage through programmes in the fields of
education, leadership training, cultural heritage, humanitarian and EU
public affairs.

Background
The Armenian Genocide and relations between Turkey and Armenia

Armenians represented a substantial minority in the Ottoman Empire, of
roughly 2 million people, both in their historic homeland and in the
Empire’s major cities. They played an important part in the Empire’s
economy as well as in its intellectual and artistic life and in the
professions. In 1915, the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire,
fearing foreign interference in Armenia, initiated the extermination of
the Armenian population of the Empire, which led to the death of an
estimated 1.5 million ethnic Armenians. After the establishment of the
Turkish Republic in 1923, a policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide
was established and accompanied by a sustained effort to remove all
trace of Armenian presence.

Thousands of buildings were destroyed, place names were changed and
public reference to Armenians became a taboo. Across the world, the
survivors of the slaughter were increasingly confronted with the efforts
of Turkish diplomats to prevent them from commemorating and sharing
their story, a policy which continues to this day.

Since 1993, Turkey has maintained a blockade of Armenia in an attempt to
pressure the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to surrender to the Azeri
forces and to stop the campaign for the recognition of the Armenian
genocide across the world. This policy was inspired by "Turkic"
solidarity between Azeris and Turks against Armenians. It produced no
result because it was premised on the idea that the Republic of Armenia
should control the actions of all ethnic Armenians, whether in Karabakh
resisting Azeri special forces or lobbying for genocide recognition in
the Diaspora.

November 6, 2009
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:

PRELATE TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN HONOR OF THE
24TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE PARISH

On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the 24th anniversary of St. Sarkis
Church in Pasadena will be celebrated with Episcopal Divine Liturgy and a
luncheon.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon on this occasion.
The luncheon organized by the Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies
Auxiliary will take place following church services at the Union of Marash
Center.

PRELATE WELCOMES FORMER PRESIDENT OF
NKR H.E. ARKADY GHOUKASIAN

On the afternoon of Thursday, November 5th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy former President of
the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian, who was accompanied by
Armenia Fund Chair Mr. Ara Agishian and Public Relations Director Mr. Sarkis
Kotanjian. Joining the Prelate were VeryRev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Rev. Fr.
Ardak Demirjian, Central Executive member Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Executive
Council members Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, Dr. Navasart Kazazian, and Mr.
Khatchig Yeretzian, as well as Board of Regents member Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni.
The former President, who is Vice-President of the "Hayastan"
All-Armenian Fund Board of Trustees, is currently in Los Angeles ahead of
the Telethon which will air on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th.
The discussion centered on preparations for the Telethon and means
of garnering support for the rebuilding of Shushi, which this year’s
proceeds will be allocated towards. The Prelate assured H.E. that the
Prelacy remains a staunch supporter of Armenia Fund and that our churches
and schools will lend their support by contributing to the Telethon.
The meeting came to a close with the presentation of a memento by
the Prelate to President Ghoukasian.

"YEAR OF THE YOUTH" CELEBRATION
HELD AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH

In response to the proclamation of H.H. Catholicos Aram I of 2009 as
the "Year of the Youth", on the evening of Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009, a
celebration was held at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale under the auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The event was organized by
the Prelacy Outreach Committee.
The event began with the collective recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
by the Prelate, clergy members, and guests, after which Master of Ceremonies
Mrs. Sona Madarian delivered the welcoming remarks. The first part of the
program consisted of youth remarks by representatives of community
organizations; they were Talin Hindoyan (Homenetmen), Arek Santikian (AYF),
Melanie Vartabedian (Shant Student Association), and Raffi Naljian (ACYA).
The representatives briefly presented the general endeavors of their
respective organizations and spoke of their participation in our community
life. At the end of the remarks, a video on the activities of the ACYA was
shown.
Keynote speaker Dr. Viken Yacoubian was then invited up for his
speech on "The Role of Youth in our Church and National Life". Dr.
Yacoubian went over the challenges facing youth today, from finding their
self-identities, to faith and ethics issues. He focused specifically on the
situation of Armenian youth living in the Diaspora and the special
challenges they face living in a multi-cultural environment with a number of
outside influences that can alter their sense of belonging to their
nationality. Dr. Yacoubian noted that kids growing up in America struggle
between their Armenian and American identities and face the challenge of
finding a balance between the two. He stressed the role of Armenian
families, our church, and community organizations in this regards, making
sure that our youth are ready to actively participate in our national life
in any and every capacity. He noted that adults must stand by our youth,
welcoming their participation and giving them opportunities; and they must
allow our youth the chance to reconcile their two identities all the while
contributing to the advancement of our nation. He concluded by reiterating
that we must stand by our youth and allow them the chance to build their
self-identities and self-awareness.
The artistic program consisted of two songs presented by Sossy
Avakian-Mardirossian, and a performance by the "Lousavorich" Youth Choir led
by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian.
Following the choir’s performance, the MC invited the Prelate to
deliver his message. The Prelate first and foremost thanked God for the
successful event, and commended the organizing committee and participants
for their efforts and contributions, specifically Dr. Viken Yacoubian for
his thoughtful presentation. The Prelate noted that events dedicated to the
"Year of the Youth" have taken place throughout the year in various
parishes; however, this evening was difference in that we were able to hear
the perspective of our youth. He commended them once again for their
remarks and urged them to become further involved in our church and
community. The Prelate continued, stating that although our churches and
various organizations individually carry out great work, he stressed the
need to combine efforts for a more productive outcome, and called for
further collaboration and the uniting of minds and efforts. The Prelate
concluded by underscoring the need for youth involvement in all aspects of
community life, whether as clergy members, educators, Board of Trustees
members, delegates, and so on, and the responsibility of the older
generation to give the right guidance and instruction to our youth.
The singing of the Cilician and Pontifical anthems followed the
Prelate’s message, and the evening concluded with the Prelate’s benediction.
Guest were then hosted to a reception in the church hall organized
by the parish Ladies Auxiliary.

PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY ON
THE NAME DAY OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

On Saturday, October 31st, 2009, the Armenian Church observed the
Feast of All Saints’ Day, which is also the name day of Holy Martyrs Church
in Encino. On this occasion, on Sunday, November 1st, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the
sermon at Holy Martyrs Church. Assisting at the altar were Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian also participated in the sevice.
The Prelate began his sermon by giving thanks to God for His
blessings and guidance to Holy Martyrs Church over the past 46 years. In
honor of the name day of the Church, the Prelate invited the faithful to
renew their vow of faith and their commitment to the splendor of the Church
and community.
Speaking on the Feast of All Saints’ Day, the Prelate explained that
our saints are champions of our faith who gave their lives for Jesus Christ.
They are living witnesses of Christ who with their bloodshed and unwavering
faith established the Church. Our saints not only heard the commandments of
God, they heeded His commandments and applied them in their lives. They
left for us a legacy of faith and spiritual riches, and it is our
responsibility to remain true to that legacy, to walk in the path of
righteousness just as they did, and to live our lives true to the
commandments of our Lord. The Prelate concluded, acknowledging that though
we find ourselves in difficult economic times, we must not be disheartened
or lose faith; on the contrary, we must remain unyielding in our faith and
continue to look to Jesus Christ for guidance to overcome any obstacles.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate was led in a
procession to "Avedissian" Hall where he blessed the madagh that was
prepared by the parish Ladies Auxiliary. The Prelate conveyed his blessings
and commendations to the Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Auxiliary, and
all the servants of the church for their devoted service, as well as the
faithful for their support, specifically Mrs. Janet Vartazarian who had
taken on the sponsorship of the madagh in memory of her husband Razmig
Vartazarian. The Prelate also honored the memories of the founders of Holy
Martyrs Church and the servants who are no longer with us.
The ceremony came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and the
singing of the Cilician anthem.

PRELATE TO DELIVER THE INVOCATION AT THE
ANC WESTERN REGION ANNUAL BANQUET

On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the annual banquet of the Armenian
National Committee Western Region will take place at the Pasadena Convention
Center.
The Prelate will attend and deliver the invocation.

SAYAT NOVA DANCE COMPANY PERFORMANCE

On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the Sayat Nova Dance Company will be
performing at the Glendale High School auditorium. The presentation is one
of a series taking place nationwide in celebration of the organization’s
23rd anniversary.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate at the
event.

ARS CENTENNIAL LOGO UNVEILING

Under the auspices of the Armenian Relief Society Executive Board,
the ARS Regional Executive has organized a formal unveiling of the ARS
Centennial Logo which will take place on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at
the ARS headquarters in Glendale.
The Prelate will preside over the unveiling and convey his blessings
and well wishes. Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will accompany the Prelate.

PILIBOS SCHOOL 40TH ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF RECEPTION

The administration of Rose and Alex Pilibos has organized a kick-off
to its 40th anniversary, to take place on the evening of Friday, November
13th, 2009, at Phoenicia Restaurant. The 40th anniversary banquet is
scheduled for March 6, 2010.
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian will attend and convey the Prelate’s
blessings.

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION For Justice & Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel/ Fax: +32 2 732 70 27/26
Website :Eafjd [1]

PRESS RELEASE
FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2009
CONTACT : VARTéNIE ECHO
TEL. / FAX. : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27

THE EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION CALLS UPON THE UK GOVERNMENT TO
RECOGNISE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

– IN HIS RECENTLY LAUNCHED REPORT, GEOFFREY ROBERTSON QC
CALLS UPON UK TO GIVE AN END TO THE BRITISH POLICY OF DENIAL REGARDING
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

– HE DENOUNCES THE WAY THE FOREIGN OFFICE DELIBERATELY
MISLED FOR YEARS THE BRITISH MINISTERS, MPS AND PUBLIC OPINION ON THIS
ISSUE

Internationally-recognised human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC
released a legal opinion slamming the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO) [4] for having deliberately misled the British Ministers,
Parliament and People about the Armenian Genocide.

Taking ground on the declarative value of the 1948 Convention, Mr
Robertson categorically rejects the foundations of the official
British position which are deceitfully supported by the FCO and
especially the allegation according to which there is no written
document giving evidence of any governmental decision to exterminate
the Armenians. With the help of the jurisprudence from the
International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia, Mr.
Robertson recalls that such documents are absolutely not required in
establishing the genocidal intent and that it is generally impossible
to provide these kinds of documents, even for the Holocaust.

On this point, the lawyer blasts the FCO’s manipulation which
would require `sufficiently unequivocal evidences’, as a
`meaningless’ concept forged to be never complied with and which
encroaches the clear principles of both the civil and criminal
standard of proof.

Examining the FCO’s internal documents, Mr Robertson shows that by
appeasing the Turkish State’s campaign of denial, the genuine
concern of British diplomacy is `to evade truthful answers because
the Truth would discomfort’ Turkey where UK has economical
interests, Turkey being `neuralgic’ to the whole genocide issue.

Mr. Robertson ends his analysis by recommending the UK to end this
denial policy and by clearly calling upon it to recognise the Armenian
Genocide. Mr Robertson concludes `_if these same events occurred
today, in a country with a history similar to Turkey’s in 1915,
there can be no doubt that prosecutions for genocide would be
warranted and indeed required by the Genocide Convention’._

The legal opinion shows that in giving priority to economical
considerations, the FCO departed from its mission and severely warped
its objectives.

« If true, the United Kingdom must seriously discipline this
administration’ stated Laurent Leylekian. `This is the
international credibility of UK as a State of Law which is challenged
by this legal opinion’ he added.

Furthermore, this study is an outstanding disavowal of the official
British position about the Armenian Genocide.

`We call upon the British government to recognize the Armenian
Genocide and to clearly state that this recognition by Ankara is a
condition for the continuation of the negotiations between Turkey and
the EU’ concluded Leylekian.

Links:
——
[1] /extern/url.php?u=3382&qid’9949
[2]
http://ach khar.eafjd.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/ur l.php?u=3383&qid’9949
[3] /extern/url.php?u=3384&qid’9949
[4] /extern/url.php?u=3385&qid’9949

PRESS RELEASE

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC. REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Rita Hintlian
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
Web Site:

A Century of Service
UNVEILING OF THE CENTENNIAL LOGO OF THE ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY

GLENDALE, California (November 6, 2009)- The Armenian Relief Society
(ARS) is turning 100 years old in 2010. To commemorate the ARS
Centenary, a Centennial logo has been created. This new logo will be
used in all 26 countries where the ARS has regions and chapters. The
ARS of Western U.S.A., Inc., Regional Executive Board will be the host
of the logo unveiling ceremony, under the auspices of the ARS Central
Executive Board.

The logo unveiling ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 12,
2009, at 6:30 pm, at the ARS of Western U.S.A., Regional Headquarters,
517 West Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202. This by invitation only
red carpet event will provide a preview to those events, which will be
hosted by other ARS entities on various continents.

`We are very pleased that our Region is hosting the ARS Centennial
logo unveiling ceremony. This is our chance to share our passion for
service locally and globally,’ said Sossie Poladian, Chair of the ARS
of Western U.S.A., Regional Executive Board. She added, `The essence
of service by the ARS has not changed. We continue to adapt to provide
compassionate culturally sensitive services.’

The ARS was founded in New York City in 1910, and the first ARS
chapters in the west were in Fresno and Los Angeles. The ARS of
Western U.S.A., Inc. became a separate entity from the East Coast and
Canada in 1984, with established headquarters in the City of Glendale.

The Western U.S.A. continues to make a difference locally and globally
to assist those in need. The Social Services offices and Child, Youth
& Family Guidance Center offer culturally sensitive services to help
guide those seeking help to resolve their personal issues, adapt to
their new environments and become more productive members of society.

Centennial celebrations planned for the year 2010 are a chance for ARS
members and supporters to come together as one big family, to
collectively remember those who came and passed leaving a legacy, and
to pull their strength together to embark on new paths for the next
century.

For more information about the Armenian Relief Society of Western
U.S.A., Inc., please check our web site at

Glendale Public Library Celebrates the Armenian Kitchen

By Alex DerAlexanian on Nov 6th, 2009 and filed under Community,
Society. Print ThisPrint This | ShareThis

SQ_Cover_1MONTEREY-Keep up with the Los Angeles Times food editor who
recently featured two recipes from award-winning cookbook author,
Barbara Ghazarian, in her new cookbook, Simply Quince (August
2009). Join Ghazarian for a free talk and food tasting at the Glendale
Public Library on Thursday, December 10, at 7 pm.

Did you know that the near-forgotten quince (sergevil in Armenian)
claims its origin in Armenia? Ghazarian’s Armenian grandmother, like
many Armenian grandmothers, made sweet, festive, ruby-red quince jam
and jelly every fall that her family ate on Armenian Cracker
Bread. Did yours?

Today, Ghazarian’s new cookbook, Simply Quince, is making
history. It’s the first tribute to cooking with quince ever
published. In 70 easy recipes, she masterfully demonstrates the
fruit’s versatility in the kitchen and presents a trendsetting array
of contemporary flavors. Professional chefs and home cooks will find
basics such as Candied Quince, Quince Jam, Chicken and Quince Stew,
Classic Quince-Apple Pie, and Caramelized Quince Upside-Down Cake a
breeze. The more adventurous will want to try Quince-Orange Pickles
and Lamb-Stuffed Quince Dolmas, as well as the medley of quince
chutneys, compotes, cobblers, and sweets. Creamy Quince Mascarpone
Pie, homemade Grand Marnier Ice Cream with Bits of Quince, or
Quince-Infused Grappa will finish an autumn meal with mouthwatering
perfection.

QueenofQuince-cropped (Small)Most quinces sold in the United States
are grown in the San Joaquin Valley of California by Armenian
growers. Quinces are in season from September through January and can
be found at grocers such as Whole Foods as well as farmers’ markets.

For the past decade, Ghazarian has shared new and exciting ways to
prepare traditional Armenian foods with professional and home cooks
across the United States. The Armenian table defines what
nutritionists now agree is the healthiest way for everyone to eat to
promote health and longevity. KOIT 96.5 – San Francisco said,
"Vegetarian dishes are a staple. They shine in Simply Armenian:
Naturally Healthy Ethnic Food Made Easy," Ghazarian’s first
award-winning cookbook (August 2004).

Both Simply Armenian and Simply Quince offer revolutionary reads and
taste experiences that will satisfy foodies and gardeners
alike. Ghazarian’s talk and book signing is free to the public. For
more information, contact Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St.,
Glendale, CA 91205, 818/548-2030; or
Mayreni Publishing, PO Box 5881, Monterey, CA 93944, 831/655-4377;

-library-celebrates-the-armenian-kitchen/

AZERBAIJANI FM: WE USE THE NOTION OF ‘SELF-DETERMINATION OF NATIONS’ ONLY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN

news.az
Nov 6 2009
Azerbaijan

We use the notion of ‘self-determination of nations’ only within the
framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in relation to
the Karabakh conflict, while mechanisms of possible self-determination
may be a subject of negotiation process, spokesman of Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov has said.

As for the announcements of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Edward
Nalbandyan who said "the status of "NKR" is being discussed today
during negotiations on the Karabakh conflict settlement", Polukhov said
these statements are intended for the internal audience of the country.

"Nalbandyan knows well which issues are discussed during the
negotiations process", the diplomat said.

SERZH SARGSYAN MET OSCE MG CO-CHAIRS

news.am
Nov 6 2009
Armenia

November 6, 2009 RA President Serzh Sargsyan received OSCE Co-Chairs
Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia), Bernard Fassier (France), Robert Bradtke
(U.S.) and Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office Andrzej
Kasprzyk, RA presidential press service informed NEWS.am.

The officials discussed a wide range of issues on the current stage of
Karabakh conflict resolution. The mediators presented Serzh Sargsyan
the talks’ results in Baku.

Earlier, OSCE MG Co-Chairs met with RA Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan.

As NEWS.am reported previously, Nov. 5, the mediators were on a visit
in Azerbaijan, where met President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Affairs
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

CONTROVERSY OVER LARSI CHECKPOINT OPENING

The Messenger
Nov 6 2009
Georgia

The Larsi checkpoint is currently the only place at which a
Georgian-Russian land communication still exists, although it is not
functioning at the moment. There were three such points initially, one
at Psou on the Abkhazian segment of the Georgia-Russia border on the
Black Sea coast and the other at the Roki Tunnel, the northern entrance
of which officially belongs to Georgia but is now controlled by South
Ossetian separatists. The Psou and Roki checkpoints have not been
available for the Georgian Government for around 17-18 years. In 2006,
Russia unilaterally closed the Russian side of the Larsi checkpoint,
explaining that it needed to undertake reconstruction work there,
although Georgian analysts are almost unanimous in believing that this
was one of the many punitive steps taken by the Russian authorities
to punish ‘disobedient’ Georgia. Ironically, Russia’s most devoted
ally in the South Caucasus, Armenia, was also disadvantaged by this
step as the Larsi checkpoint was also the only place cargo to and
from Armenia could pass through.

Russia did not achieve its ends by punishing Georgia. It continued to
embrace the West despite this action but Armenia lost out. Today, the
issue of reopening this checkpoint is on the agenda. The Parliamentary
opposition is concerned about this possibility, and is demanding
that this issue be discussed at a Security Council session, but the
authorities are mostly positive about it. The main point of controversy
is whether it is appropriate to consider opening a checkpoint with
a country with which Georgia has no diplomatic relations, which is
occupying 1/5th of Georgia’s territory. Sceptics think that if the
checkpoint is opened the Russian propaganda machine would call this a
step in the normalisation of Georgia-Russia relations, and claim it is
an indirect recognition by Georgia of Russia’s position in the dispute
between the two countries, i.e. the "new reality" of two puppet regimes
running what it calls "sovereign states" on Georgian territory. The
Georgian leadership meanwhile tries to present the possible opening of
the border as a humanitarian gesture, being undertaken out of concern
for Armenia’s needs, although it has expressed no previous desire to
work with the Russians for the sake of Armenia.

We currently have the ridiculous situation in which the Georgian
Foreign Ministry says that it is not conducting negotiations with the
Russian side but with the Armenian side, whereas the Armenians are
negotiating with the Russians. Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze
briefed journalists about this on November 2. Moscow declared its
readiness to open the Larsi checkpoint back in May 2009, and Georgian
Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze then expressed Georgia’s readiness
to start negotiations on this topic. The Kremlin was not expecting
this reaction. Logically Tbilisi should have refused to countenance
negotiations, while the Russians would scream about Georgia’s inhumane
treatment of its Armenian neighbours, but maybe Tbilisi was smarter
than Moscow for once.

If the Larsi checkpoint is opened for Armenia’s sake this will
automatically have positive side effects for Georgia too, because the
vehicles loaded with goods will need to be serviced, so canteens,
petrol stations, hotels and so on could revive along the Georgian
Military Road. However the possibility poses a certain threat as well,
as the Christian Democrats pointed out at the Parliamentary plenary
session on November 3. MP Nika Laliashvili stated that North Caucasian
unrest might be imported into Georgia. Former head of the Border Police
Badri Bitsadze thinks that if the official structures do their jobs
properly there will be no such threat, but that might be a big if.

A decision on reopening the checkpoint should be taken in the near
future. Let us see what the consequences will be.