Month: July 2014

SPONSORSHIP NEEDED FOR ALINA HARUTYUNYAN AT MER HOOYS

SOAR’s Sponsorship Program is the primary mechanism through which we
provide support to specific orphaned Armenians. The entire donation
benefits the individual you are sponsoring – no funds support the
facilities or SOAR generally, and SOAR assumes the cost of all wiring
fees. We offer three sponsorship levels from which to choose:

Once a week, we highlight an orphaned Armenian in need of
sponsorship. This week we highlight Alina Harutyunyan.

Name: Alina Harutyunyan

Facility: Mer Hooys

Gender: Female

DOB: February 28, 1999

Father’s name/Occupation: Artak/Deceased

Mother’s name/Occupation: Tatevik/Unemployed

Siblings/Family history:

Alina has one sister, who is also at Mer Hooys. The mother cannot
work because of a disability, and Alina’s father is deceased.

Health history and current medical conditions:

Alina is a healthy child.

Special interests, talents, hobbies, and future aspirations:

Alina wants to be a policewoman.

Intended use of sponsorship funds:

Funds will be used for therapeutic swimming and language (Armenian,
Russian, English) and academic (mathematics and physics) tutoring

If you would like to sponsor Alina, please contact George S.

Yacoubian, Jr., [email protected] or select her (under Mer
Hooys) through ourSponsorship Enrollment page. Thank you in advance
for your support!

The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to
orphaned Armenian children and adults. Working with a loyal donor
base and a trusted network of partners, SOAR distributes clothing,
educational supplies, medicine, and other essential resources to
orphaned Armenians throughout the world.

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR)

1060 First Avenue, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Office: 610.213.3452 Fax: 610.229.5168

Email: [email protected] Web:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PROTEST IN CEMIGEZEK DISTRICT OF DERSIM
July 1, 2014

A march has taken place in the CemiÃ…~_gezek district of Dersim against
the construction of a dam and hydroelectric complex that will affect
historic sites and flora and fauna in the area. Following the decision
of the Government to implement compulsory purchase of land in the
area local people organised a protest march.

The protesters pointed out that the dam over the Tagar river that runs
through the district centre, which has a population of around 3,000,
will damage the 200 year-old bridge and affect ancient caves used by
the Urartu civilisation.

Shop keepers joined the protest by keeping their shutters down as
the protesters made their way to the town square accompanied by pipe
and drum.

The spokesperson for the Tagar river solidarity platform, Hakan
Gökalp, spoke at a rally in the square, saying: “The Tagar is our
life source and has flowed freely for thousands of years. Now they
want to divert it into pipes and tunnels and take it elsewhere for
the sake of electricity. The Tagar valley will be destroyed and the
old bridge will no longer have water flowing under it. The natural
balance will be upset. CemiÃ…~_gezek is the only place in the world
where chamois and human beings co-exist.”

Gökalp stressed that no one in the district wanted the dam, adding:
“Whether from the AKP, CHP, MHP, BDP, whether Alevi, Sunni, Kurdish
or Turkish, everyone is opposed to the hydroelectric project.”

HOMENETMEN ANTELIAS WINS 2014 LEBANESE WOMEN’S CUP

July 1, 2014

BEIRUT, Lebanon (2014 Lebanese Women’s Cup): Homenetmen Antelias
wrought a handsome revenge for their defeat in the Lebanese Women’s
League Finals beating Al Riyadi Beirut 52-39 (Box scores) in the 2014
Lebanese Women’s Cup on Monday.

Former Lebanese international Aida Bakhos had a mammoth game of
21 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks leading
Homenetmen’s triumph – their first in a long time.

Homenetmen’s seasoned campaigner Sandra Najem added 14 points,
4 rebounds and 5 assists withNathalie Sevajian contributing 10 points.

Shada Nasr’s 13 points was the only double-digit score for Riyadi.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Thanksgiving Prayers to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Election of
His Holiness Aram I as Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia

Antelias – On Sunday 26 June, the liturgy was devoted to the celebration
of the 19th anniversary celebration of the election of Chis Holiness Aram I
as Catholicos. During the thanksgiving prayers priests read Biblical
passages and special prayers wishing health to the Catholicos and
long-lasting presence of the Catholicosate among the Armenian people.

At the end of the Holy Liturgy, the clergy, members of the governing
bodies of the Catholicosate and the faithful met at the Main Hall of the
Catholicosate where Rev. Torkom Donoyan addressed His Holiness on behalf of
the community.

His Holiness thanked the people and said, “Thanksgiving prayers do not
address the Catholicos but the Catholicosate. The role of the Catholicos is
to express this role through the quality of his life and his service to the
people. This is how my predecessors understood their vocation as shepherds
and this is the path I have chosen. If I have erred in my mission, I ask for
forgiveness from God.” He then recommitted himself to strengthening the
Catholicosate of Cilicia and to make it unique in its mission in order to
continue serving the Armenian people and the homeland.

His Holiness Aram I receives Ignatius Aphrem II, the new Syrian Orthodox
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and his delegation

Antelias – On Saturday 26 June, H.B Ignatius Aphrem II made an official
visit to the Catholicosate of Cilicia and met with H.H. Catholicos Aram I.

After canonical prayers at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, His
Holiness the Patriarch and the accompanying delegation moved to the Main
Hall of the Catholicosate, where Catholicos Aram I welcomed them. In his
welcoming speech, the Catholicos spoke of the history and the circumstances
that have bound the two churches together. He then said that the unity in
faith between their churches should presently find concrete expression in
the lives of their people. His Holiness also referred to ecumenism and
emphasized the importance of bilateral theological dialogues between the
Oriental Orthodox family of churches and other churches. He then concluded
by calling for closer cooperation between the two churches in dealing with
the difficult issues impacting the lives of Christians in the region.

In his response, the Patriarch thanked His Holiness for his welcoming
words and recalled their ecumenical cooperation when His Holiness was the
Moderator and he a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council of
Churches. He then promised to continue the legacy of their predecessors and
continue the strong relationship between their two churches and the Oriental
Orthodox family in the Middle East.

After the formal meeting, the Patriarch and his delegation were the guests
of His Holiness for lunch. Bishop Shahé Panossian, the Prelate of Lebanon,
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, the Director of Ecumenical Relations, and Dr.
Bedros Karajerjian, Chairperson of the Executive Council of the
Catholicosate, were also present.

The Catholicosate of Cilicia participates in an Interfaith Meeting of
Religions in Europe

Antelias – The European Contemplative Alliance and the Hearth.Net
organization in Prague, Czech Republic, held a “circle of discussion” on
June 20th and 21st on the theme, “An Emerging Vision for the Global
Community Moving from a Paradigm of Separation to One of Interdependence.”
Around fifty religious leaders, politicians, scientists, philosophers and
social scientists from Europe and the USA were invited to attend the circle.
Ms. Teny Pirri-Simonian, Vice-President of the Ecumenical Relations
Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, was invited to offer a Christian
meditation during the opening session and later to present a paper on the
theme, “Diversity, Integration and the Movement toward Human Unity.”
# #

TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School
1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tel: 323-461-4377
Fax: 323-323-461-4247

TCA Arshag Dickranian School Holds Its
2014 Commencement Ceremonies

Los Angeles, July 1, 2014 – In an air of celebration, TCA Arshag
Dickranian School held its 33rd Commencement Ceremony for its 12th,
8th, and 5th grades on Saturday, June 21st, at 5:00 p.m. at the Walter
and Laurel Karabian Hall. Honorary guests included His Eminence Arch.
Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Armenian Church of the Western
Diocese, school benefactresses Mrs. Cindy Norian and Mrs. Laurel
Karabian, benefactor Mr. Hmayak Baltayan, who joined at the event
along with Board Members, parents and friends to celebrate the
significant achievements of the graduating students.

The Commencement Ceremony began with the Processional of the 12th,
8th, and 5th grade students, followed by the school choir’s rendition
of the American and Armenian National Anthems and the
Arshag Dickranian School hymn.

Third grade teacher and 1997 alumna of Arshag Dickranian School, Mrs.
Violet Tatoian, acted as the MC of the event. Mrs. Tatoian greeted
the students, the guests and teachers in her opening remarks and gave
a heartening speech about her experience graduating from Arshag
Dickranian School. She then invited Board Chairman, Mr. George K.
Mandossian, to deliver his remarks on behalf of the School Board of
Trustees. Mr. Mandossian stipulated upon the curricular and student
achievements attained during the academic year under the
school’s new leadership and ended his remarks by thanking the parents,
the organizations and benefactors for their support.

The MC next called upon the Senior Valedictorians Nerses Bogosyan and
Zhanna Khnkoyan and Senior Salutatorian Lilit Demirtchian to deliver
their speeches. In their deliveries, these outstanding students
thanked their parents for the sacrifices they have made for them, and
the school for giving them the opportunity to learn very valuable
lessons in life. The students also talked about their most fond
memories at the school and of their classmates, moving their
classmates and attendants with their touching words.

Next, Principal Dr. Manoug Seraydarian conducted the Presentation of
the Awards by handing prizes to the achieving students.

The Keynote Speakers of the ceremony were 1994 ADS alumna, Ms. Astghik
Pilossyan, D. Phar., and 2004 ADS alumnus, Mr. Hovsep Yepremian, Esq.
In her speech, Ms. Pilossyan urged Armenians to continue sending their
children to Armenian schools, highlighting the safe environment
Armenian schools offer and the unique Armenian moral system taught at
Armenian schools and expressing how grateful she is for attending
Arshag Dickranian School. On the other hand, Mr. Yepremian discussed
about life after graduating from ADS. Mr. Yepremian advised the
students to work relentlessly towards their goals but to also learn
from their mistakes and utilize that knowledge to move ahead with
their endeavors.

Next, MC Violet Tatoian invited 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher Ms. Lusine
Asatryan and Principal Dr. Seraydarian to present the 5th grade
diplomas, which was followe by presenting the 8th Grade
with their diplomas and finally the Class of 2014. Principal Dr.
Seraydarian invited school benefactor Mr. Hmayak Baltayan to join him
in presenting the diplomas to the 5th grade students and school
benefactress Mrs. Cindy Noryan in presenting the diplomas to 8th grade
students. Principal Dr. Seraydarian then invited Arch. Hovnan
Derderian and Board Chairman Mr. Mandossian to present the diplomas to
the Class of 2014. Students Vahe Arevshatian, Nerses
Bogosyan, Lilit Demirthcian, Chrisitne Dzhulfayan, Gayana Khachikian,
Zhanna Khnkoyan, Narek Mamikonyan, Arthur Mazloumian, Hakop Mkhsian,
Johnny Odabashyan, Hakob Seropian, David Sulian, Mary
Sultanyan and Mariana Toutoundjian stood up when their names were
called and walked across the stage to receive their high school
diplomas amid cheers and applause.

Principal Dr. Seraydarian followed with his message. He sealed his
message by bidding farewell to the graduating students and
congratulating them and their parents for their memorable
achievement. The Commencement Ceremony was concluded with the closing
remarks and benediction of Arch. Hovnan Derderian.

After the recessional, the graduates gathered with family and friends
for carousing, picture taking and congratulating one another.

Located at 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, the TCA Arshag
Dickranian Armenian School is a federally tax exempt, Pre-K to 12th
grade private educational institution. For more information visit

###

KARABAKH PRESIDENT RECEIVES ARMENIAN PHILANTHROPIST FROM THE DIASPORA

STEPANAKERT, July 2. /ARKA/. Premier of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
(NKR) Ara Harutiunyan received Armenian philanthropist from the
Diaspora Levon Nazaryan on Tuesday.

Nazaryan’s family is funding the reconstruction of the dormitory of
the Shushi Technical College, the press office of NKR’s government
reported.

The premier expressed his gratitude to the philanthropist for modern
and convenient conditions being created for students.

The college is expected to open in September 2015 after the
reconstruction.

Nazaryan briefed the premier on subsequent projects and stressed the
willingness of his family to do their best for enhancing educational
opportunities in Shushi. -0–

– See more at:

YEREVAN THERMAL POWER PLANT TO SEEK LOAN WORTH $450MLN FOR THE SECOND POWER UNIT

YEREVAN, July 2. /ARKA/. The Yerevan thermal power plant is planning to
seek a loan worth $450 million for modernization of its second unit,
general director of the plant Hovakim Hovhannisyan told reporters
on Tuesday.

Armenia’s government gave permission for attracting lending resources
for reconstruction of the second unit at the Yerevan thermal power
plant, secured on the plant’s real estate.

The negotiations on investments are under way, and the Japanese side,
according to the preliminary agreements, is ready to provide a soft
loan, Hovhannisyan said. The general director refrained from specifying
the loan terms though.

Modernization of the second unit will allow enhancing efficiency
substantially, Hovhannisyan said. He also said if a loan worth $450
million is provided a power unit of 400-450 megawatt can be built.

The Yerevan thermal power plant was modernized and equipped with
a new steam-gas unit of combined cycle and was re-commissioned in
April 2010. Total rated capacity of the new plant is 271.7 megawatt;
the production output is 242 megawatt and thermal output is 434.9
gigajoules-hours. The new steam-gas unit was constructed in cooperation
with the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation that provided a
loan worth $247 million for 30 years with a 10-year grace period. -0–

– See more at:

From: Baghdasarian

HAYKAKAN ZHAMANAK: PRICES OF AIR TICKETS TO MOSCOW INCREASE

11:07 02/07/2014 ” DAILY PRESS

Prices of air tickets have increased in Armenia, Haykakan Zhamanak
writes, adding that prices of Yerevan-Moscow flights are especially
high.

A representative of the Golden Tour company told the newspaper that a
two-way ticket to Moscow now costs AMD 150,000 instead of the former
AMD 98,000.

Another company said they can offer a two-way ticket to Moscow for
AMD 133,000 instead of the former AMD 125,000.

Meanwhile, prices of air tickets to European countries have dropped.

Source: Panorama.am

SOLAR POWER NOT TOO DEAR FOR FAR-SIGHTED INVESTORS – OPINION

10:19 * 02.07.14

Investments in solar energy projects are not absolutely too dear
against the backdrop of the surge in natural gas and electricity
prices, says the chief of an Armenian company engaged in the production
of alternative power.

Artin Melikyan, who heads the closed joint-stock company Solar,
says he believes investments in alternative energy production will
fully meet all expectations in about six or seven years’ time. “What
now seems dear is very relative, so I don’t think it is an expensive
pleasure for a far-sighted client. Expensiveness is very relative
given the surge in the natural gas and electric power [prices], and
all the risks stemming from our status as an energy importer. And the
considerable increase in orders by both individuals and businessmen
testify to what I say,” he noted.

Melikyan said he doesn’t expect any state support to such an
initiative. “I don’t think there will be any state assistance, because
don’t believe the government bodies in Armenia will have that will,
being under the pressures of the gas-supplier and manufacturer. I
think it is an open secret to all that they import gas from Russia
and distribute electric power through networks,” he said, stressing
the importance of investments that would help lower the costs of
alternative energy supplies.

Melikyan even brought the example of Iran which abolished the import
taxes for alternative energy supplies. “The solar batteries, which
Armenia imported at a zero tax rate until three years ago had later
to be imported with a 20 percent of value added tax as a result of
energy reforms adopted. So the price increased by 20 percent. The
only thing the state can do is to lower the import taxes. Secondly,
it can grant income tax privileges to such companies. That’s to say,
it can lower or abolish the taxes,” he noted.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

LA TRAITE D’ADHESION DE L’ARMENIE A L’UNION DOUANIERE EST REDIGE

Cooperation

L’organe executif de l’Union economique eurasienne (EEU) a redige un
traite d’adhesion avec l’Armenie et l’a envoye a trois Etats membres
du bloc dirigee par la Russie pour approbation, a declare hier un
haut fonctionnaire armenien.

Selon le ministre adjoint des Affaires etrangères Chavarch Kotcharian,
la Commission economique eurasienne a ainsi respecte le delai fixe
au 1er juillet par les presidents de la Russie, la Bielorussie et du
Kazakhstan lors de leur sommet du 29 mai a Astana.

“Hier, la Commission economique eurasienne a envoye le projet d’accord
deja prepare”, a t-il declare. “En ce sens, tout se deroule comme
prevu.”

Kotcharian ne pouvait pas dire quand le traite serait signe, faisant
valoir que le texte doit d’abord etre examine et approuve par les
trois Etats membres ainsi que l’Armenie. “Nous esperons que [le
processus d’approbation] ne prendra pas trop longtemps”, a t-il dit.

Le Premier ministre, Hovik Abrahamian, a admis la semaine dernière que
le processus d’adhesion prend plus de temps que prevu par Erevan. “Les
choses seront claires après la reunion du 3 juillet”, a t-il dit,
sans donner plus de precisions.

Kotcharian a rejete la conviction de nombreux observateurs que la
Bielorussie et le Kazakhstan ne veulent pas que l’Armenie adhère a
l’Union douanière.

Le president kazakh Noursoultan Nazarbaïev avait renforce cette
croyance quand il a declare lors du sommet d’Astana que le traite en
question doit indiquer clairement que l’Armenie se joint a l’EEU avec
ses frontières internationalement reconnues, qui ne comprennent donc
pas le Haut-Karabagh.

Il n’est pas encore clair si le projet de traite contient une telle
reference.

mercredi 2 juillet 2014, Claire (c)armenews.com

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress