ASBAREZ Online [10-14-2005]

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10/14/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey 2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims 3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad Proposal That Bypasses Armenia 4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa 5) Critics' Forum 6) One Sided Bargain? 7) Week in Review 1) US Helsinki Commission Blasts Turkey Congressional panel calls on Turkey to face history; drop charges against writer for Armenian genocide remarks WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today welcomed efforts by leaders of the US Helsinki Commission to press Turkey to end the prosecution of noted Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk for speaking openly about the Armenian genocide in violation of the Turkish penal code, which prohibits public discourse about this crime against humanity. In a letter sent this week to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Helsinki Commissioners encouraged him to authorize the removal of charges against Pamuk, who was charged with "public denigration of the Turkish identity," for comments made in Switzerland about the Armenian genocide. "We appreciate all that Congressman Smith and Senator Brownback are doing to encourage Turkey to honestly face its history and come to terms with the Armenian genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Their efforts are in the best tradition of America's proud leadership on human rights, and reflect the growing Congressional consensus that Turkey - at long last - must immediately end its hateful campaign of Genocide denial." In a remark on Thursday, Commission Chairman Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) stressed that, "dropping the charges against Orhan Pamuk is not sufficient for Turkey to come to grips with its past, but it is necessary," commented Brownback. "If nothing else, the prosecution of Pamuk feeds the worst fears of those who are skeptical about Turkey's commitment to freedom and democracy." Co-Chairman Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) noted today that, "a stable democracy cannot blossom until the government ends the practice of stifling free speech and removes the clouds of deception and censorship from a true telling of history." He added that, "Turkey has barely taken the first steps toward coming to terms with its history. Until Turks honestly and openly discuss their history, their democracy will never be on a firm foundation." The US Helsinki Commission, also known as Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, is a US Government agency that monitors progress in the implementation of the 1975 Helsinki Accords. The Commission consists of nine members from the United States Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce. 2) ANCA Statement on AXA Settlement of Armenian Genocide Era Insurance Claims The Armenian National Committee of America on Wednesday welcomed the settlement of a class action lawsuit against AXA Insurance Company, allowing descendants of Armenian genocide era insurance policyholders to seek the assets denied to them for so long. The historic case is the second of its kind, following the New York Life Insurance class action case settled in February 2004. In both cases, the heirs of genocide-era claim holders were represented by Yeghiayan and Associates, Geragos and Geragos, and Kabateck Brown Kellner. To place this settlement in its proper context, it is important to note that, while the heirs and grandchildren of Genocide-era policyholders will now receive some small portion of those funds, we should remember that those moneys were not available when these orphans of the Genocide needed them the most. Instead, they were collecting interest in AXA coffers and remained there for some 90 years until this corrective action was taken. The European affiliates of the ANCA played an important role in educating the European citizenry in general and the Armenian community in particular regarding the AXA case through a far-reaching media and email campaign. As part of this effort, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) initiated a petition campaign to AXA France Supervisory Board Chairman Claude Bebear, urging the firm to accept a fair settlement that would extend a measure of dignity and recognition to the victims wrongfully denied their property for nine decades. The Armenian American community expects a fair, effective, and orderly claims process be put in place that fully accounts for each policyholder and appropriately disburses funds to European Armenian charities and organizations with a long-standing record of fighting for the rights of the descendants of Armenian genocide victims. While the AXA case is significant in that it recognizes the legitimacy of the insurance claims of Armenian genocide victims, it is by no means related to any claims for the deaths, thefts, bodily harm, and real and personal property confiscation undertaken by the government of Ottoman Turkey and the Republic of Turkey between 1915 and 1923, the liability and responsibilities for which continue to be held by the modern day government of Turkey. Nor does the damages calculation assigned in this case relate in any way to those claims, which remain outstanding. The ANCA remains committed to ensuring that, in time, the Armenian people will receive the restitution they are owed from all those who unjustly profited, either directly or indirectly, from the Armenian genocide. 3) International Opposition Continues to Mount Against Caucasus Railroad Proposal That Bypasses Armenia European Commission rules out support for Turkish railroad proposal that would institutionalize Turkey's closed border with Armenia WASHINGTON, DC--The European Commission has added its voice to growing international opposition to a Caucasus railroad proposal by the Turkish government that would, if built, institutionalize Turkey's border closure with Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The Commission's position was articulated this week by the Directorate General for Transport and Energy. In explaining why the European Union would not support the creation of this rail line, the directorate noted that its construction was both unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi. This line, which passes through Armenia, was effectively shut down more than a decade ago by Turkey's imposition of its blockade of Armenia, which continues to this day. The Commission's adoption of this position comes in response to a May 21 letter from Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian to Jacques Barrot, Deputy Chairman of the European Commission. In this letter, the Foreign Minister outlined the destabilizing implications of the proposed route bypassing Armenia, and stressed the willingness of the government of Armenia to cooperate in the reactivation of the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway, which remains fully functional but unused due to the unilateral Turkish blockade. "We welcome the wise position taken by the European Commission against Turkey's most recent effort to effectively institutionalize its border closure with Armenia. The well founded concerns raised by the Commission reflect and reinforce those being addressed in the US Congress by the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In pressing forward so recklessly with this politically motivated proposal, Turkey openly disregards the Administration's repeated calls to end its decade-long border closure with Armenia. Clearly, this disregard must be recognized and reckoned with by the US Congress, which should, in the coming weeks, act in an urgent and decisive manner to check Turkey's growing indifference to US priorities in the region." On July 21, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), along with Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), introduced legislation addressing this issue by barring US financing for rail projects circumventing Armenia. The ANCA welcomed this bipartisan effort, noting that it would protect US taxpayers from subsidizing a totally unnecessary and regionally destabilizing proposal by Turkey aimed at isolating Armenia. The measure, known as the "South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005" (HR 3361), currently has 39 House cosponsors and is gaining support from both sides of the aisle. The text of the legislation notes "the exclusion of Armenia from regional economic and commercial undertakings in the South Caucasus undermines the United States policy goal of promoting a stable and cooperative environment in the region." In its operative section, the legislation prohibits US assistance "to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections that do not traverse or connect with Armenia, but do traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey." Specific forms of US assistance prohibited would include: foreign economic and development aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Trade and Development Agency, and the Export-Import Bank. The ANCA raised this issue publicly as early as June 10 of this year in a question to Foreign Minister Oskanian, during a briefing at the National Press Club. Minister Oskanian expressed concern that this would be a wasteful undertaking for the international community. He said that they [Turkey] are planning on spending something from $600 million to $1 billion to put that railroad in place." The Minister closed his comments, by stressing that, "This is in no one's interest--not the US or European Union or the countries involved. I have raised this issue with the Administration and they understand. They promised to follow this, and to try to talk them [the Turkish government] out of engaging in this type of senseless, useless activity." 4) Los Angeles Pontifical Banquet Draws over 1,200 People Including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Inspired by His Holiness, surprise donation of $1,000,000 made to Western Prelacy LOS ANGELES--The Los Angeles Armenian American community joyously hosted a Pontifical banquet for His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, on Sunday, October 9, drawing a capacity crowd of over 1,200 people from all segments of the community. In addition to the many prominent members of the Los Angeles Armenian American community, also attending were Gagik Kirakosian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Charbel Wehbi, Consul General of Lebanon and several high-level public officials including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Senator Chuck Poochigian, members of Congress and other city officials. In addition to honoring His Holiness, the banquet also served as a forum to thank the many large church benefactors who have recently made donations to the Western Prelacy to advance several large-scale projects underway, especially the construction of the new Western Prelacy headquarters building in La Crescenta, California. Charlie Gailian was the banquet's Master of Ceremonies and one of the first words of appreciation were for John and Asdghig Bedrosian who underwrote the cost of the entire banquet, aside from making other major contributions to the Western Prelacy. The welcoming remarks were made by Ara Bedrosian, a member of the Public Relations Committee for the Pontiff's visit who was followed by Khajag Dikijian, from the Western Prelacy Executive Council, who outlined the themes of the visit and the many important leadership roles His Holiness plays throughout the world. Hrair Balian, the chairman of the Executive Council offered a toast to His Holiness stating that this visit will usher in a new era of expanded activity for the church in the western United States. Eastern Prelate Oshagan Choloyan gave brief remarks and said that His Holiness, through his multi-faceted work beyond the Armenian community, has earned our church a special place on the world stage. California State Senator Chuck Poochigian took to the podium to welcome His Holiness and thank him for re-energizing the community with his visit and offered a special proclamation from the state senate recognizing his visit on the occasion of his 10th anniversary of being elected Catholicos. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa briefly addressed the banquet and expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet His Holiness and respect for the important role the church plays in the life of the city. While the Mayor met privately with His Holiness briefly that evening, Mayor Villaraigosa said he looked forward to the official meeting he will have with His Holiness at City Hall on October 14 along with the rest of the City Council. His Holiness shared many important thoughts during his remarks at the banquet. He first recognized the Consul General of Lebanon explaining the important role the country has played for him while growing up there and noted that Lebanon is not just a country but a living message of how people of different cultures and religions must learn to live with each other. He then directed his remarks to the Consul General of Armenia by stating that "while we in the diaspora were not born in Armenia, however Armenia was born inside us and lives in each of our souls." He said that over the course of the past many decades, the diaspora kept the hopes of freedom alive for Armenia and has struggled for the Armenian Cause and a free, independent, and united Armenia. The Great House of Cilicia in Antelias has played its part in this struggle by keeping the Armenian yerakouyn (tri-color) waving and to this day works hard to help rebuild Armenia stated His Holiness. The Catholicos then focused on the theme of values and community service. He said, "people come and go, but values remain" and for that reason it is important that we live life with high moral values always seeking to unite together to build our communities and build bridges of understanding and trust. "Positions don't elevate people but rather people elevate positions," he said. In that context he also noted that the Great House of Cilicia always seeks close collaboration with the Holy See in Etchmiadzin to reinforce our national values and faithfulness by serving the people. "While we are physically in Antelias, we live outside Antelias," stated His Holiness. "Antelias is alive in each of us." Inspired by His Holiness, one of the highlights of the evening was the surprise donation of $1,000,000 by Khachik and Elo Mouradian to establish an endowment fund for the Western Prelacy. This added to the generosity of the many other major benefactors who were recognized during the evening by the Catholicos for their major contributions including Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig Bedrosian and Carolan Family for contributing $250,000 each; Mr. and Mrs. Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian, Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian, Mrs. Rose Kasimian, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karghossian and Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian all of whom made donations in excess of $100,000 each. To honor some of the benefactors for their exemplary contributions to the Western Prelacy building fund and to various schools and community centers, His Holiness presented special medals of honor including the "Cilician Eeshkhan (Prince)" medal to Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian for her sponsorship of the ARS preschool at Holy Martyrs in addition to recent contribution to the Western Prelacy building; and "Cilician Asbed (Knight)" medals to Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Susan Kitsinian for their contribution to the Pasadena St. Sarkis Church, Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Kohar Sulahian, Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Eileen Keusseyan, Mr. and Mrs. Osko and Yeran Karaghossian and Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri Melkonian all for their various contributions to the Western Prelacy building fund and other endeavors. His Holiness also presented a special cross to Father Nareg Shrikian for his more than 50 years of service to the church and community. Representatives from many of the major organizations in the Armenian community of Los Angeles were in attendance including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee and Bureau, the Armenian Relief Society, the Homenetmen, Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Board of Regents of Armenian Schools, National Representative Assembly of the Church and the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy. Also present were clergy from various churches including a representative of the Diocese. Other officials in the audience included various Armenian American judges and city officials including Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian and City Councilman Ara Najarian. 5) Critics' Forum Theater Play Dates By Aram Kouyoumdjian If I were to tell you that I go to the theater every month with "a large group of friends," you'd probably think I mean a dozen people. Or maybe 15. Say 20, just to be generous. You'd be off by a mile. Over the course of the past year, I have enjoyed regular "play dates" with a circle of (mostly Armenian) theater aficionados numbering 50, 70, and even 90. Our outings have taken us all over Los Angeles, from points east to west, treating us to a wide range of theater--challenging drama, absurdist comedy, and even experimental fare. The outings started last November when my friend Ara Oshagan and I decided--"on a lark," as he describes it--to see plays on a monthly basis, inviting friends to join us as they wished. "Whoever comes, comes," he said, using English words but a decidedly Armenian construction to convey a sense of open-hearted, but casual welcome. We began, auspiciously enough, with "4.48 Psychosis," Sarah Kane's little-known, but poetically haunting rumination on suicide. We numbered a mere seven people at that premier outing, but as we dissected the play over late-night dessert, we knew that we were hooked on this collective experience. We would never see that kind of intimate group again. By the second outing, in December, attendance had quadrupled, as turnout grew to 28 for Harold Pinter's "The Homecoming" at A Noise Within in Glendale. In January, when we caught "Anna in the Tropics" at the Pasadena Playhouse, our number had reached 47. That third outing turned out to be a watershed evening, which we appreciated only in hindsight. Oh, it wasn't the play that left a lingering impression. The overpraised Pulitzer Prize winner by Nilo Cruz was underserved by a cast prone to overacting. The sparks lit up instead at our post-play gathering, where the common topic of conversation seemed to be the lack of arts venues in the Armenian community. Within a few months, many of the participants in that conversation had launched an ambitious project--the Armenian Center for the Arts--and the theater outings formally became a part of ACA's arts programming. In February, the taboo plot of Edward Albee's "The Goat"--about a successful architect's sexual liaison with the titular animal--lured 56 of us to the Mark Taper Forum downtown. But the master playwright's triumph lay in the script's insightful themes--the bounds of social tolerance and the rupture of human relationships in the face of unforgivable transgression. Equally strong themes resonated in our selection for March, John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt," a compelling play about a young priest's suspiciously inappropriate behavior towards one of his students. Oscar winner Linda Hunt headed the cast at the Pasadena Playhouse as the play was capturing the Pulitzer Prize for its script and the Tony Award for its New York production. Speaking of New York productions, we actually chose one as our pick for April. So as not to distract from local events commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, we announced the Off-Broadway production of "Beast on the Moon"the story of two Genocide survivors trying to carve out a new life in Wisconsinas our symbolic pick. (Still, despite the distance, nearly a dozen of us were able to catch a performance of the play over the course of its run). I've always had reservations about Richard Kalinoski's script, which often lapses into sentimentality, but this classy production eschewed manipulative emotion, thanks to strong acting by Omar Metwally and Lena Georgas, and well-calibrated direction by Larry Moss. In May, our group constituted two-thirds of the audience for "Yellowman" at the Fountain Theatre, in Hollywood. This two-character play--which tackles discrimination within the African-American community based on the lightness or darkness of one's skin color--boasted powerful, yet lyrical writing by Dael Orlandersmith and the undulations of its moods were expertly captured by the flawless performances of Deidrie Henry and Chris Butler. In the end, the audience rose for a standing ovation, and members of our group were effusive in their praise at a reception that the theater hosted for us after the play. Judging from the feedback, I'd say that "Yellowman" still ranks as the best received of the 11 productions we have seen to date. Opinion was far less unanimous in June, when 70 of us turned out for Sarah Ruhl's ironically-titled "Melancholy Play," our first comedy. Many of us were delighted by its witty dialogue and absurdist humor, though the sillier, more far-fetched elements of the script generated groans as well. Undeterred, we indulged in further experimentation in July, when we opted for an environmental staging of "Macbeth." Director Eric Tucker's inspired adaptation was performed in a NoHo warehouse, with the audience perched on bleachers that were often moved around the cavernous space to allow for ever-changing perspectives of the play's action. Since the venue could not accommodate all 80 members of our group, we bought out two successive nights of the show and soaked up the highly-inventive features of its movement sequences and lighting design. Our numbers peaked in August when 90 of us descended on the open-air amphitheater of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (in Topanga Canyon) for Arthur Miller's "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan." The script, by the brilliant mind behind "Death of a Salesman," was rich in language and ideas--both of which were butchered in the hands of a dreadful cast. After a summer of eclectic choices, this fall we returned to straightforward dramas in traditional theater settings. In September, we were back at the Mark Taper Forum for "Radio Golf"--the final installment in August Wilson's monumental 10-play cycle about the African-American experience during the 20th century. (Extraordinarily enough, Wilson recently succumbed to liver cancer, soon after completing a project that had preoccupied him for more than 20 years). And this month, we'll sample a bit of Americana with William Inge's "Picnic," set in "the quiet desperation of a small Kansas town," where "the sudden arrival of Hal, a dangerously handsome young drifter, ignites a firestorm of sexual passion, ripping to tatters pre-conceived notions of individual destiny." Promising, indeed. Next month marks the beginning of Year Two, which we'll open with Aram Saroyan's "At the Beach House." We'll try to make the next 12 choices just as exciting and adventurous, various in genre and geography, high in caliber but reasonable in ticket price, and followed, as always, by a post-play gathering marked by sparkling conversation. Will our numbers surpass 100? Will we encounter the next theatrical masterpiece? Who knows ... We'll see. For now, we'll take it one month at a time. All Rights Reserved: Critics Forum, 2005 Aram Kouyoumdjian is the winner of Elly Awards for both playwriting ("The Farewells") and directing ("Three Hotels"). Critics' Forum is a group created to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the diaspora. To sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email to [email protected]. 6) One Sided Bargain? By Garen Yegparian In a deal, agreement, or contract, everyone expects all parties to keep up their end of the bargain, right? Assuming you said yes, I'll presume you agree that the same holds for the social contract of which Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote. I lay no claim to having studied his writings, but the term is very evocative. The individual has certain expectations of and obligations to society, as represented through government-especially when democratically structured, and vice-versa. So what happens when one side isn't living up to the terms of the social contract? No, this is not an occasion to bash the Bush cabal and its failings. This time, it's an indictment of the individual, or rather a group of individuals. Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) opt not to participate in the life of a country. Sure they pay taxes (they might not even do that, but for the onerous alternative). Otherwise, they evade public life. They don't vote or otherwise participate in the life of the republic, any republic--Armenia, the US, or any other. Their collective wisdom, competence, and energies are denied to the rest of us. Why should they be allowed to reap public benefits? If I'm ignorant of the specifics, please enlighten me. Oops, there's the catch, it's unlikely that anyone who knows better would read this newspaper or article. It's different when a Quaker conscientiously objects, refusing to serve in the armed forces. That same person might well be involved in advocating pacifism. That's participating in and contributing to our collective life, as seen through his/her prism of life. When an individual refuses to vote based on some rationale, he/she usually still engages in societal activity. The dummy who just plain doesn't know enough to vote falls into a different category. Like someone who needs other types of assistance--mental health, financial, educational, etc., he/she is not making a CONSCIOUS, principled decision of non-participation. JW, based on their first principles, oppose participation in civic life. Why should we, the rest of us, the people, have to pick up their slack? The logical conclusion of what they advocate through their door-to-door recruiting/proselytizing is a complete collapse of society. So it strikes me that these folks should go live where they won't be a drain on society. All this came to me after a couple of discussions with my barber who belongs to the JW. While groups such as JW, by virtue of their relatively small number, may not have much practical impact on secure and large countries, or those with well-established polities, the same cannot be said of places such as Armenia. This presents a serious problem when human rights activists, based on their life experiences in the type of setting just mentioned, pressure Armenia and others to not discriminate against such sects. I say no. Unless JW or other sects and groups like them (I emphatically include all such withdrawal-oriented groups, not just JW) come up with a way to compensate for their non-participation, they should also be denied the benefits of citizenship. What do you think? 7) Week in Review Catholicos Aram I Calls for US Recognition of Armenian Genocide His Holiness says there can not be reconciliation before confession LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, made a firm statement calling for proper US recognition of the Armenian genocide during a special prayer service in honor of the victims of the Armenian genocide held on October 8 at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello, California. The Catholicos stated that the United States has always stood on the side of justice and human rights and should therefore take a principled stand by properly recognizing the Armenian genocide. The special ceremony was organized as a reaffirmation of the community's commitment to proper Genocide recognition on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. There were several hundred members of the community in attendance as well as many local public officials including State Assemblyman Ron Calderon, Montebello Mayor Bill Molinari, Pico Rivera Mayor David Armenta, Montebello Police Chief Gary Couso-Vasquez, and a representative from Montebello Congresswoman Grace Napolitano's office. "Reconciliation is based on forgiveness; however, there cannot be forgiveness until there is acceptance of the truth and real confession," said the Pontiff during the event referring to the Turkish government's continuing campaign of denial and the lack of official US recognition of the Genocide. The Pontiff ended his remarks by telling the story of how on April 24 of this year he journeyed to Der Zor to the Euphrates river where many Armenian women and children had died during the genocide. There he christened two Armenian children and "the river that had symbolized death for the Armenian people turned into a river of life," he said. On the previous day, Friday, October 7, His Holiness held a meeting at Glendale High School with approximately 1,000 students from the 11 Los Angeles area Armenian schools. His Holiness stressed that students should carry on the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Armenian people. That evening, His Holiness was present at the Glendale Homenetmen "Ararat" Chapters special event celebrating the Armenian alphabet. During the official remarks, His Holiness emphasized the importance of the Armenian language in defining the Armenian culture and encouraged the youth present to make the effort to learn the language as a means to living their identity. NATO Parliamentary Assembly Reviews Armenian Genocide YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--The Armenian genocide was on the agenda of a NATO Parliamentary Assembly seminar that took place in Armenia last week. Addressing the NATO Rose-Roth Seminar held in Yerevan October 6-9, Halil Berktay, professor of history at Sabanci University, specifically said, "I say that the Genocide was committed. The only question is how to come to its recognition." He suggested studying various approaches in order for Turkish society to first "realize" that genocide has been committed, "then to recognize it." Otherwise, he warned that tension among nationalist forces in Turkey would escalate. Armenian Parliament Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian commended Berktay's clear position of qualifying the events of 1915 as genocide. Sixty parliamentarians from 22 countries also discussed the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, among other topics at the Seminar. The Rose-Roth program was launched in 1990, with the initial aim to strengthen the development of parliamentary democracy in Central and Eastern European countries. Council of Europe Encourages Citizens to Support Proposed Constitutional Reforms YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The top decision-making body of the Council of Europe urged Armenians on Monday to vote for constitutional amendments at next month's referendum, saying that they are "vital" for Armenia's democratic future. "The referendum, to be held on November 27 on this reform, will be vital for Armenia," Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Portugal's foreign minister and the chairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, said in a statement. He added that the proposed changes would shore up Armenia's weak judiciary and create a "more balanced distribution of power between the executive and the legislative branches." The European Union and the United States have also expressed support for the draft amendments. Western officials say that as well as curbing sweeping powers vested in the Armenian presidency, the proposed reform would facilitate Armenia's integration into pan-European structures. A similar statement was adopted on Monday at a conference of an organization representing various-level Armenian judges. Armenia's leading opposition groups, meanwhile, remain adamant in rejecting the amendments as insignificant and irrelevant to the country's democratization. In a joint statement last month, 17 opposition parties said their enactment would only "legitimize the regime and prolong its life." They pledged to work together in trying to scuttle the referendum. Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey open Georgian Section of Caspian Oil Pipeline TBILISI (AP)--The presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey on Wednesday ceremonially opened the valves on the Georgian section of a US-backed Caspian pipeline that is seen as key to cutting Western dependence on Mideast oil. They said the new route would help their countries prosper. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, and Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer each pushed a button opening valves at a pumping station for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in the Gardaban district outside the capital, Tbilisi. "What does this pipeline mean for Georgia? Economically, it means investment," Saakashvili said at the ceremony. "But the significance of this pipeline is first of all political. Georgia's significance is growing on the world map and in this region." Known as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, or BTC pipeline, the $3.2 billion project aims to boost the energy-hungry West's access to the rich Caspian fields, estimated to hold the world's third-largest reserves. Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan all claim shares of the Caspian's undersea wealth. By year's end, the 1,100-mile project is to ship up to 1 million barrels a day to Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Most Caspian oil exports currently go through Russian pipelines to the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, where the oil is loaded onto tankers that squeeze through the crowded Bosporus Strait. Governor Signs Senator Scott's Armenia Trade Office Bill SACRAMENTO(Combined Sources)Senator Jack Scott's bill that extends the sunset date for the operation of a privately funded trade office in Armenia has been signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. California, home to about half-a-million Armenian-Americans, conducts most of the nearly 50 million in trade between Armenia and the United States. The trade office is expected to increase business, trade, and tourism between California and Armenia. This office is the first privately funded trade office for the state and it will be a win-win for California and Armenia. The trade office will open new and large growth markets for California businesses and investors. For Armenia and its neighbors, the office will generate much-needed business and investment." The state's trade office in Armenia opened last week in the capital city of Yerevan. It was funded with $75,000 in private donations. The Glendale-based Foundation for Economic Development helped create the trade office. Because the money was raised privately, the state was able to open the office in Armenia even though California's other foreign trade offices were closed recently because of state budget woes. That could be a model for the state if it opens other foreign trade offices, officials said. Officials expect that the office will facilitate in the export of information technology and health products going into Armenia and help Armenian businesses export foodstuffs and other products to California. ARF-Armenia Youth Organization Gains 42 New Members YEREVAN (Aztagdaily.com)--Forty-two youth recently joined the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) Nigol Aghbalian Student Union in Armenia at a ceremony that took place at the grave of Aram Boghosian who died fighting for the Liberation of Mountainous Karabagh. The October 7 swearing-in took place at Yerablur Military Cemetery in Yerevan. ARF Parliamentary faction secretary Hrair Garabedian noted the symbolism of the students taking their oath in the "presence of dedicated and martyred ARF members." Speaking to the new members, ARF-Armenia Supreme Body member Hratch Tadevosian said the people gave birth to the ARF at the end of the 19th century, and during the subsequent 115 years, the party led a resolute fight to protect the rights of Armenians. "But there remain many unresolved issues, and they await you; we must be able to pursue these together, step-by-step. I hope that you will provide force to the ARF." Tension Runs High in Akhalkalak AKHALKALAK (Armenpress)--Around 1,000 anti-Armenian Russian-language posters carrying the state emblem of Turkey were found pasted to buildings in Akhalkalak in southern Georgia on Tuesday morning. Signed "The Akhaltsikhe Liberation Army," the posters ordered local Armenians to move out of the region, to Armenia, the US and elsewhere, otherwise "be slaughtered as your grandparents were in 1915." Local Armenian organizations and many residents of the town say this is another attempt to terrorize local Armenians and destabilize the mostly Armenian populated region. The local administration convened an extraordinary session with law-enforcement bodies urging them to track down and punish the perpetrators. Akhalkalak, the main town in the predominantly Armenian-populated Javakhk region of Georgia, which borders Armenia, was the site of a protest rally on October 5, after tax officials from Tbilisi closed ten shops for alleged financial irregularities. The shop owners, mostly ethnic Armenians, and about 300 supporters, gathered outside the Akhalkalak's administration building to protest the violation of their rights. The clash between the authorities and the protesters left several people injured. Giorgi Khachidze, the governor of the region criticized the police for excessive use of force and promised to hold some of them accountable. Saakashvili and other Georgian officials have tried to downplay the latest events in Akhalkalak, claming that the radical organizations advocating autonomy for the region do not enjoy serious popular support. Fresno Mayor Pledges Monument for Armenian Genocide Victims FRESNO--The Mayor of Fresno, California expressed readiness to undertake the building of a Genocide monument in the near future to honor the victims of the Armenian genocide. Mayor Alan Autry made the announcement on the occasion of a visit to the city by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and as a response to a request by His Holiness. Mayor Autry said that the first step would be to target an appropriate location for the memorial. Fresno Armenian community members embraced the announcement, saying that it is a step in right direction in establishing justice. US Says Turkey Exerts Excessive Control over Religious Activity ARMENPRESS--A recent report by the United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized Turkey for exerting excessive state control over minority religions, saying the Muslim country risks eroding the centuries-old Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul, as well as the historic Syriac and Armenian Orthodox churches. "We regret that authorities continue to inhibit the opening of places of worship outside the Sunni Muslim mainstream and systematically disregard the OSCE's 1990 Bonn Document by expropriating the properties of religious groups without compensation," the US statement said. Concurrently, the European Court of Human Rights is weighing a decision on the property rights of two minority foundations in Turkey, the Soorp Purgich Armenian Hospital Foundation and the Fener Greek Boys High School Foundation. In both cases, property gifted to the Armenian and Greek foundations were seized as the Turkish courts upheld orders declaring that the bequest violated a decree disallowing non-Muslims from donating real estate. If the court rules in favor of the foundations, hundreds of buildings seized in the past may be returned. Councilman Eric Garcetti and DNC Chairman Howard Dean Visit Armenia LOS ANGELES--As a part of an official delegation of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR), Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti recently returned from a nearly week and a half long trip to Armenia, where he met Armenian local and national political leadership. The delegation met with several Parliamentary leaders including Levon Mkrtchian, Armen Rustamian and the Mayor of Yerevan, Yervand Zakharian. During these meetings, Garcetti and the Armenian officials discussed creating a Sister City relationship between Los Angeles and Yerevan, and issues that are of concern to both the diasporan and native Armenian communities. Councilmember Eric Garcetti said, "we looked at cooperation on the issues of law enforcement and we explored possible cooperation around seismic standards for buildings, considering we both live with fault lines in and around our cities." Throughout the remainder of their trip, as Garcetti and the delegation traveled through the highlands of Armenia, they met with US Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, and the Deputy Minister on Foreign Affairs, Arman Kirakossian. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Garcetti and his delegation on their visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Together, they planted trees in a grove where elected officials from around the world have done the same in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by the Ottoman Turkish government. "The truth is that the Armenian genocide took place 90 years ago," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "Over a million people were killed. There is no question that the United States should recognize this." During his short trip, Dean expressed his support for the congressional resolution that urges President Bush to "accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide" in his annual message to the US-Armenian community. Garcetti represents the 13th district, which is known as the heart of Los Angeles, and stretches between Hollywood and Downtown and includes the area known as "Little Armenia." AYF Eastern Region Members Gather for Annual Seminar WATERTOWN--On October 8, members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern Region gathered in Paramus, NJ, for the organization's annual Senior Seminar. Participants from Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC, attended the seminar, which included lectures on the current status of the organization; an overview of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF); and a discussion on what it means to be Armenian. "We have our monthly meetings to discuss chapter dynamics and the successes or failures that occur within our own cities. It is important for us, however, to take time out to meet with the leaders and active members of other chapters to discuss our organization as a whole," said Philadelphia AYF chapter president Angela Deese, who attended the seminar. "We must remember that we are part of a group of youth striving for the same goal, and as a part of ARF youth, we strive for this goal not only in our own cities, but with the rest of our ungers all over the world," she said. "I believe that this meeting was a successful event for two reasons. First, it addressed important issues that our organization faces and presented solutions. And secondly, the lectures and discussions were different than the usual take on the subjects," said New Jersey AYF attendee Razmig Tchaghlasian. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. 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