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PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

December 9, 2004
____________________

HAGOP KOUYOUMDJIAN AND RANDY SAPAH-GULIAN JOIN THE FAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) added Hagop Kouyoumdjian and Randy
Sapah-Gulian to its Board of Directors this fall, raising the total
number of members to 13.

Mr. Kouyoumdjian is the owner and President of SASCO Supplies and
Services LLC, an import-export business based in New Jersey. He was
born in Bucharest, Romania and received his education at the American
University of Beirut in Mechanical Engineering.

A venerable member of the Armenian community, Mr. Kouyoumdjian has
supported organizations promoting Armenia and its culture for several
decades. A long-time donor to FAR, Mr. Kouyoumdjian has served on
various Executive bodies of the Armenian Church, has been a Trustee of
the Hovnanian School (1980-1994) and an Associate Trustee of the
Armenian Assembly of America since 1990. Between 1995 and 2003, he
served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Armenia Fund USA.
He is very active in his local parish and was recognized as a Pillar of
the Prelacy in 2004. Mr. Kouyoumdjian was also recognized in 2004 for
providing assistance to the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in Westchester
for the construction of the His Holiness Karekin I Theological Center
and the St. Hagop Church.

Mr. Sapah-Gulian is the founder of InSearch Corporation, where he
currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has 25
years of executive search experience dealing with senior management
across a broad range of industries. During FAR’s search for a new
Executive Director after Simon Y. Balian’s departure, Mr. Sapah-Gulian
volunteered his firm’s services. Prior to his entry into the executive
search field, he worked in the publishing industry. Mr. Sapah-Gulian
holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Rutgers College and has
been a speaker at industry conferences.

Mr. Sapah-Gulian has been very active in the Armenian community dating
back to 1969. His involvement with AGBU’s Antranig Dance Ensemble began
first as a performer and then as the Artistic Director and
Choreographer, a role he maintained until 1986. Mr. Sapah-Gulian has
studied in Armenia as a guest of the School of Dance Choreography and
the Armenian State Dance Ensemble. He was subsequently elected to the
Central Committee of America, the AGBU’s U.S. Board of Directors. He is
active in his local parish as well as the Diocese, notably extending his
support to the Ararat Youth and Conference Center.

“I am delighted to be a part of this vibrant organization with a rich
history of helping Armenians in Armenia and Karabagh,” said Mr.
Sapah-Gulian. “FAR makes a real difference in the lives of all
Armenians today – unleashing its great potential will help to achieve
the dreams of our ancestors to build a free and democratic Homeland.”

On behalf of the FAR Board of Directors, Chairman Kevork Hovnanian
expressed “a warm welcome to Mr. Kouyoumdjian and Mr. Sapah-Gulian, good
friends to FAR and to Armenia.” The FAR Directors are pleased to have
them join the organization and are looking forward to working with these
accomplished leaders to move FAR onto new paths.

FAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in New York,
with offices in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Stepanakert. For 15 years, FAR has
implemented various relief, development, social, educational, and
cultural projects valued at more than $250 million. It is the
preeminent relief and development organization operating there. For
more information on FAR, contact us at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY
10016; telephone (212) 889-5150, fax (212) 889-4849; ,
[email protected].

— 12/9/04

E-mail photo available upon request.

CAPTION: Mr. Kevork Hovnanian, Chairman of the FAR Board of Directors
(center), extended a warm welcome to Mr. Hagop Kouyoumdjian (left) and
Mr. Randy Sapah-Gulian (right) who joined the FAR Board this fall.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian defence minister denies giving away Karabakh to Azerbaijan

Haykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
9 Dec 04

Text of Vaagn Ovakimyan’s report by Armenian newspaper Haykakan
Zhamanak on 9 December headlined “Let us reach the river then bare our
feet”

Recently the topic of the Karabakh talks has become the most urgent
problem in the domestic political life of Armenia. Defence Minister
Serzh Sarkisyan comments on this.

[Haykakan Zhamanak correspondent] Mr Sarkisyan, what is your attitude
towards the rumours about returning the territories?

[Serzh Sarkisyan] Rumours are spread from time to time that there is
even a signed document and that the territories have been
returned. There are three principles and we can settle the Karabakh
issue only based on them: the NKR [Nagornyy Karabakh Republic] cannot
be part of Azerbaijan any longer, Karabakh should have a land border
with Armenia, and Karabakh should have strong security guarantees,
including guarantees that there will be no war.

[Correspondent] Armenia’s first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan assessed
negatively the policy conducted by the Armenian authorities since
1998. It becomes clear from his words that in this matter Armenia has
found itself in deadlock. What do think of this?

[Sarkisyan] Any person has the right to express his or her view. I
think we are not in deadlock. Rumours were also spread about the
surrender of Megri, which did not come true later. I assure you that
there was no problem of this kind and there could not be any. Today
there is no ground to speak about deadlock.

[Correspondent] Anyway, Ter-Petrosyan assessed the negotiating process
negatively. What can you say?

[Sarkisyan] You want me to express my view regarding Levon
Ter-Petrosyan. I would like to generalize and say that today Armenia
is not facing deadlock. Today, according to all the parameters,
Armenia is more developed than in 2001, 2002, 1993 or 1991. This is
evident, and it is their problem if someone does not want to see this.

[Correspondent] Do you not think that recently the Armenian political
authorities seem not to be able to come to an agreement regarding
important issues and to make decisions? For instance, concerning the
Electoral Code.

[Sarkisyan] This is the first time I have heard this view. There is
nothing like that. The vote on the Electoral Code is delayed because
it is necessary to submit a draft passed in the first reading to
international experts for checking so that tomorrow they do not say
that it does not correspond to international norms.

[Correspondent] What is your attitude towards the formation of the
opposition according to a new format, which promises to be a
pro-Western political force? It is supposed that its creation is
conditioned by the developments in Georgia and Ukraine.

[Sarkisyan] I do not think that a statement about orientation may
become a basis for assessments. Actions can cause assessments, let us
live and see. But who says that the pro-Western orientation is bad? I
see no problem here. I do not know why, but Abkhazia has been recently
removed from the list of pro-Western countries, the context is clear
in this case: do not bare your feet before reaching the river.

[Correspondent] Now that the National Assembly has endorsed the state
budget, are rumours about possible change in the government real?

[Sarkisyan] I am not aware of these rumours. I think it would be more
correct to ask the president of the republic and the prime minister
about this. I am not aware of any change.

European Bank buys shares in Armenian bank

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
8 Dec 04

[Presenter] The European Bank [for Reconstruction and Development] has
allocated large funds to Armenia’s Ekonom Bank. However, the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development [EBRD] will not intervene in
Armenia’s banking sector, as is the case with 45 banks in 23
countries. EBRD experts say that Armenia’s trade sector needs many
credits.

[Correspondent] The EBRD has paid 583m drams [1.219m dollars] for 25
per cent of Ekonom Bank shares plus one share. This is the first large
investment made by the EBRD in the Armenian banking system. This
amount allows the bank to join the Ekonom Bank board.

[Ashot Osipyan, Ekonom Bank chief executive officer] Naturally, as the
owner of the bank’s shares, the EBRD will join the board and take part
in strategic decision-making.

[Correspondent over archive footage] The finance and economy minister
[Vardan Khachatryan] said that after three years of talks, a positive
outcome has finally been achieved.

The Central Bank has already agreed to this. Currently, the securities
committee is preparing to issue the shares to the EBRD.

[Maria Luiza Chigonina, head of the EBRD credit department] It is the
EBRD’s principle not to interfere in the daily activities of other
banks. In order to remove some hurdles in the management of Ekonom
Bank, we will spend 500,000 euros.

[Passage omitted: Correspondent is talking about EBRD projects in
Azerbaijan and Georgia]

[Nikolay Hadjiyski, regional representative of the EBRD] We have
already drawn up, together with other banks of Armenia, three
directions for targeted credits to small and medium-sized businesses.

[Correspondent] The EBRD also has other projects worth 9m euros in
Armenia. The programmes embrace food processing, construction and
other areas.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri customs impounds 1,500 wagons en route to Georgia

ANS TV, Baku
9 Dec 04

[Presenter Leyla Hasanova over archive footage] It is reported that
1,500 wagons en route from Azerbaijan to Georgia have been impounded
at the Boyuk Kasik railway station [northwestern Azerbaijan].

About 1,000 of them are transporting oil products, 300 grain and the
rest of them flour and fuel. A group of customs officers, who are
involved in inspecting the destination of the cargo from Azerbaijan to
Georgia [the cargo is said to be sent to Armenia], left for Batumi
yesterday evening. The investigation of this issue will continue for
three days.

[Passage omitted: ANS correspondent reiterates the same figures]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Two CIS air defence exercises planned in 2005

Interfax-AVN military news agency web site
9 Dec 04

MOSCOW

The CIS Unified Air Defence System will hold two exercises in spring
and summer 2005, the Russian air force deputy commander-in-chief for
air defence, Lt-Gen Aytech Bizhev, said on Wednesday [9 December].

There will be exercises involving Russia, Armenia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the middle of August at the
Ashuluk range in [Russia’s] Astrakhan Region, he said. Ukraine,
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan may attend as observers, he said.

Bizhev said that in April Tajikistan will host exercises in which the
destruction of terrorists in the air and on the ground will be
rehearsed and Russian bases in Kant, Kyrgyzstan, and Dushanbe,
Tajikistan, used.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KARS MAYOR: IF AZERBAIJAN IS SURE THAT IT WILL NOT FACE PRESSURE OF
DEFINITE FORCES IN THE WORLD, IT WILL INVADE ARMENIA AT THE SAME
MOMENT

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9. ARMINFO. If Azerbaijan is sure that it will not
face pressure of definite forces in the world, in particular, the USA
and Russia, it will invade Armenia and level it to the ground at the
same moment, Kars Mayor, the member of the ruling Justice and
Development Party in Turkey, Naif Alibeyoghlu says in his interview
with Zerkalo newspaper.

Taking into account that the military resolution of the conflict is
not on the agenda, we can establish relations through bilateral ties,
trade and cultural interaction in the region. But, if there is a
military situation, I shall be the first to arm and fight on the part
of by Azerbaijani brothers, Alibeyoghlu says. At the same time he says
that they believe in peaceful resolution of Karabakh conflict and Kars
is ready to do everything possible for establishment of peace in the
region. Alibeyoghlu refuted the statements on imposition of embargo on
the relations with Armenia by Turkey. If it takes place, so why the
air space between Yerevan and Istanbul is opened, 40,000 Armenian live
in Turkey, visas are provided to them, trips to Antalia and Trabzon
are organized?” It should be noted that in 1999 Alibeyoghlu signed a
Protocol on twin-towns with Gyumiry Mayor. He is known in the Eastern
regions of Turkey with his pro-Armenian sentiments.

The Messenger, Georgia
Dec 9 2004

Georgian cargo still held at Azeri border

The Georgia Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zurab Gumberidze told
Azerbaijan’s Trend News Agency that the two countries need guaranteed
mechanisms of control over cargo transportations through Azerbaijan.
The ambassador was commenting on the detention of cargo bound for
Georgia by Azeri officials concerned that some of the cargo might
then be transported to Armenia.
He said that there are currently 700 cars detained by Azerbaijani
Customs, and that this situation has caused levels of new cargo to
fall. As owners are afraid of incurring losses as a result of their
products standing idle at the border.
Gumberidze denied the statement of Azeri Prime Minister Arthur
Rasizade that Georgia had not presented the necessary transportation
documents, saying that “the Georgian side presented enough documents
for a prompt settlement of the situation.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

December 8, 2004
___________________

ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL 2004 SHOWCASED DURING GATHERING OF
BOSTON-AREA PARISHIONERS

On Wednesday, December 1, 2004, more than 70 Armenians from local
parishes throughout the Boston area attended a reception, during which
they were introduced to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004 and the
future plans of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

The reception, hosted by The Guleserian Family at the Sheraton Commander
Hotel in Cambridge, MA, was one of many regional receptions being
organized to give parishioners a chance to meet with Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate; members of the Diocesan Council; and representatives
from the Diocesan staff.

The evenings are a chance for parishioners to get a better understanding
of what the Diocese does to further the Armenian Christian faith, and
why donating to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004 makes a difference.

“People appreciated the Primate’s presence there, and the ability to ask
questions,” said John Amboian, vice chair of the Diocesan Council, who
attended the reception. “And they came away saying it was very
informative. They really learned how those funds will be utilized.
Some people think, when they give to something like the Archbishop’s
Annual Appeal that it will be used to pay rent or utilities. But the
point is that’s not right. We’re using those funds to expand our
programs and ministries that serve our parishes.”

The discussions on Diocesan programs and ministries focused on efforts
targeting six areas: building a better understanding of our faith,
engaging young people, supporting emerging Armenian communities,
providing continuing education and leadership training for clergy and
lay leaders, finding new ways to communicate with every Armenian, and
building a foundation of stewardship in all our parishes.

“The most encouraging part of the evening was there were a lot of new
faces that hadn’t been there in the past and that’s encouraging,” said
Jim Kalustian, a member of the Diocesan Council and Parish Council
Chairman at the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. “I believe that
means we’re reaching out to a broader cross section of the community and
people are seeing the value in some of the programs and efforts at the
Diocesan level. The message we’re trying to get across is the Diocese
is not an institution. It is the parishes and people at the local
level; because that’s who the programs are developed for.”

One person who spoke at the reception was Christopher Tashjian, a member
of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) Central
Council. He told the attendees how he personally has benefited from
programs and ministries operated by the Eastern Diocese thanks to the
continuous support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

“He spoke about how he has personally benefited from going on
pilgrimages to Armenia, taking part in our youth training programs,
being at St. Vartan Camp, going to the ACYOA Sports Weekend,” Kalustian
said. “It was very sincere and personal, a heart-felt expression of
appreciation to all the people there who supported the Diocese’s
programs. He struck a chord with everyone. What better way to
exemplify why people need to support the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal than
for someone get up and say how the Diocese has improved their personal
life.”

The reception is just one of several planned throughout the Diocese this
winter. The Primate and Diocesan leaders already met with parishioners
in Chicago. They will gather in New Jersey on December 10; at the
Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, on December 16; and at the
St. John Church in Southfield, MI, on January 20. Other events are
being planned. For information on any of these, please e-mail the
Diocese at [email protected].

“We want to meet with the faithful and answer their questions and hear
their suggestions,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “We want to show them
how the Diocese, thanks to their support, is working to make the
Armenian Church a vital part of each Armenian’s life.”

The receptions are not just for donors, but are open to every Armenian.

“The original idea behind the receptions was to thank our donors, and I
think it is still a good way to do that,” Kalustian said. “But it’s also
a way for people who have not given or may be thinking about increasing
their support to learn more first-hand, rather than just reading in a
pamphlet, why they should support these programs and what good these
programs are doing with their support.”

For more information on the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004 receptions,
and information on how to support Diocesan ministries and programs,
visit our website at

— 12/08/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, speaks with Boston area Armenians who turned out for a special
reception held on December 1, 2004, as part of the Archbishop’s Annual
Appeal 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Ed Guleserian, who hosted the Boston-area
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004 reception at the Sheraton Commander
Hotel, speaks to the attendees on the importance of supporting Diocesan
programs and ministries.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Christopher Tashjian, a member of the ACYOA Central
Council, speaks to attendees on the importance of supporting programs
and ministries aimed at youth.

# # #

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA’S ANTI-SMOKING LAW: PUFF OR PROGRESS?
By Karine Ter-Saakian in Yerevan

Institute for War and Peace Reporting
Dec 8 2004

In this country, even the doctors and politicians who warn of the
evils of nicotine are smokers themselves.

Armenia is the smoking capital of Europe.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, estimates that 63.7 per cent of
Armenian men are smokers, which makes them the heaviest puffers in
Europe. While there are no reliable statistics for the smaller number
of women smokers, their number is growing every year.

In Yerevan, billboards every ten metres display cigarette
advertisements for both Armenian and well-known international brands.

“It’s a national disgrace,” Grant Vardanian told IWPR. That’s a
surprising comment, coming from a business tycoon with a monopoly on
Armenia’s tobacco industry. “That’s what I say, even me, and those are
my advertising billboards hanging there! Until now, our legislators
have failed to pass a law prohibiting cigarette advertisements in
public places.”

Nonetheless, it was Vardanian and a group of other businessmen directly
involved in the production and distribution of cigarettes who earlier
this year led opposition to an anti-smoking bill in parliament.

Another legislative attempt to fight Armenia’s smoking habit is
currently being considered by the National Assembly, and could become
law by the end of the year.

The problem is chronic. In the cafes and restaurants of Armenia you can
hardly make out people’s faces in the dense tobacco smoke. “How can you
drink a cup of coffee without a cigarette?” is the sort of remark that
regulars in Yerevan’s countless cafes make to a curious journalist.

True, smoking has recently been banned in some large offices, but
this has little effect on the general public.

“All my friends smoke, so am I any worse than they are?” asked Narine,
a regular visitor to the Poplavok café in central Yerevan. “I know it’s
bad for you, but so what? What difference does it make if you live five
years more or less. I could give up if I wanted to. There is a saying,
you know: someone who doesn’t smoke or drink is damaging his health.”

According to the WHO, 2,000 people between the ages of 35 and 70
die every year in Armenia from smoking-related diseases such as lung
cancer and heart attacks.

“They are not dying from smoking,” said cardiologist Tigran Haianian,
“but from stress. Smoking only aggravates and attacks the weak parts
of the body. But they should give up, of course.”

Somewhat undercutting his fine words, Haianian admits he has been
smoking since his student years and is not about to give up.

Alexander Bazarjian, co-ordinator of the public health ministry’s
anti-tobacco programme, argues that if Armenia were to sign up to the
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control it could save millions
of lives, “The convention obliges everyone to fight against smoking,
and if we do not subscribe to it, then we are pronouncing an ultimatum
on our health.”

But this message does not seem to be getting through. After all,
health minister Norair Davidian is a smoker himself.

After doctors, it is of course journalists who smoke more than anyone
else. “Well, how can you write without a cigarette? Your head just
doesn’t work,” is a remark that typifies the attitude of three quarters
of Armenian journalists, regardless of gender.

On the days a newspaper goes to press, the smoke in editorial offices
is suffocating. “You may as well smoke yourself, at least fewer people
will hassle you about it,” said journalist Yelena Galoyan.

Legislation limiting the sale and consumption of tobacco products,
proposed by the permanent parliamentary commission for science,
education, culture and sport was adopted in a first hearing by
parliament in mid-November.

The campaign is already having some effect. Rumour has it that the
entire Armenian government gave up smoking simultaneously, but how long
they can keep it up is another matter. President Robert Kocharian does
not smoke, but the same cannot be said of his subordinates. True,
in the new Yerevan mayor’s office there is not a single ashtray and
no area for smokers.

Artur Bagdasarian, speaker of the National Assembly, laid down
something of a challenge when he declared triumphantly that he had
given up, prompting journalists to begin stalking him and other
deputies to see whether they could catch them out.

But there is another side to the coin. Cigarette production accounts
for 3.3 per cent of Armenia’s industrial output, and in 2001-03,
profits from both imported cigarettes and the sale of locally
manufactured product amounted to 42 million US dollars.

Last May, anti-smoking legislation failed in parliament because many
deputies had vested interests in the cigarette business.

The watered-down version reviewed by parliament last month now protects
the interests of cigarette manufacturers. As it stands now, smoking
will still be permitted in cafes and restaurants, and taxes and excise
duties on Armenian-made brands will remain low. Prices of cigarettes –
currently between 50 cents and a dollar for a packet – are set to rise.

If it is passed, the new law will impose restrictions on advertising,
the sale of cigarettes to minors, and smoking in public places.

Ordinary Armenians wonder how much difference it will make.

“Cigarette advertising is very attractive, with its courageous young
men and elegant models inviting you to take up smoking,” market trader
Grigor Khachatrian told IWPR. “Our young people are attracted by
beauty, they hardly think about the dangers. But banning it won’t work.
Smokers will smoke. The advertisements don’t work on me, though –
I’ve never smoked in my life.”

Economics expert Eduard Agajanov argues that “a ban on advertising
local products leads to buyers preferring attractive foreign goods”.

“If this law becomes government policy, then of course I will obey it,”
said parliamentary deputy Shavarsh Kocharian.

“And if we ban advertising, well so what? People will smoke all
the same.”

Kocharian should know – he’s not planning to give up.

Karine Ter-Saakian is a freelance journalist based in Yerevan.

–Boundary_(ID_Pzv9Uh7xYuhPmCodYdu0qQ)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pope condemns attacks on churches in Iraq

Reuters
Dec 8 2004

VATICAN CITY, Dec 8 (Reuters) Pope John Paul today condemned the
bombing of two churches in Iraq, the latest in a series of attacks
against the Christian community.

“I ask the Lord for the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, so that
dear Iraqi people can finally come to know a time of reconciliation
and peace,” the 84-year-old Pope told thousands of pilgrims packed
into St Peter’s Square.

Gunmen attacked two churches in the tense northern Iraqi city of
Mosul yesterday, in the latest violence directed against one of Iraq’s
several religious and ethnic groups.

Members of the churches, one Armenian, the other Chaldean, said gunmen
burst in, forced people to leave and set off explosions inside the
buildings. No one was hurt in the attacks.

Iraq’s 650,000 Christians — mostly Chaldeans, Assyrians and Catholics
— comprise about 3 percent of the population. Many have left Iraq
and the Vatican fears more will go if the attacks go on.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress