Author: admin

TELEGRAM & GAZETTE (Massachusetts)
October 19, 2004 Tuesday, FINAL EDITION

Schaeffer-Duffy plans trip for firsthand look at Sudan

by Kathleen A. Shaw; TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER

Scott Schaeffer-Duffy of the Sts. Francis and Therese Catholic Worker
House will join three other peace activists in late November and
early December for a fact-finding and aid trip to Darfur, Sudan.

Money for the trip, and to buy supplies for the people in the region,
has been donated by actor Martin Sheen, who plays President Bartlett
on the television program “The West Wing.”

Mr. Sheen, a Catholic and longtime peace and social justice activist,
has had a long association with the local Catholic Worker House, now
located at 52 Mason St., and has given donations in the past.

Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said Mr. Sheen helped the group financially when
its first house burned down about 18 years ago, and that he has
provided funds for some other peace trips.

The peace activists plan a peace Mass on Nov. 29, the evening before
their departure, at St. Paul’s Cathedral. They will leave Nov. 30
from Boston and expect to be in Sudan at least until Dec. 9.

The other members of the group are Brenda Cussen of South Bend, Ind.,
who, like Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy, is a graduate of the College of the
Holy Cross, and who is associated with the St. Peter Claver Catholic
Worker in South Bend; Christopher Doucot of the St. Martin de Porres
Catholic Worker in Hartford, also a graduate of Holy Cross; and Grace
Ritter of Ithaca, N.Y., a member of the Ithaca Catholic Worker.

Mr. Sheen’s secretary called first to see how much money was needed
to get the group to Sudan, Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said. He said air fare
and immunizations would be about $6,000. Mr. Sheen then called back
personally and said he thought he should send $10,000, Mr.
Schaeffer-Duffy said. The extra money will allow the group to buy
some supplies to bring to people. It has not been decided whether
they need food, medicine or both, he said.

According to a BBC report, 50,000 people have died and 1.4 million
have been made homeless by fighting in that region during the past 18
months, Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said. The Sudan government has said about
7,000 have died.

“We want to do some fact-finding to find out exactly what has
happened,” Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said. He said some of the recent
reports coming out of Sudan indicate that women who leave their
village to collect firewood “are routinely raped.”

Pro-government Arab militias have been attacked by African rebels in
Darfur, which is in Western Sudan. U.S. Secretary of State Colin L.
Powell has referred to these attacks as genocide.

Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said the United States has a long history of
avoiding acting on genocide, going back to the Armenian Genocide in
the early 1900s. “The government does nothing until it is over and
then does something. But by then the people are dead,” he said.

The peace activists have also been told that the rebel militias in
Sudan are not attacking villages where there are “internationals,” he
said. They hope that by going into these villages they can help
stabilize the situation so people will move back and try to get their
lives going more normally.

The people going on this trip are veteran peace activists who have
gone on similar trips to other parts of the world. Mr.
Schaeffer-Duffy has taken part in or led peace campaigns in
Nicaragua, Bosnia, India and Iraq. Mr. Doucot has been involved in
more than 10 peace missions, including trips to Bosnia and Iraq. Ms.
Ritter has been active in the campaign to close the United States
Army School of the Americas, and recently spent a month volunteering
in a refugee camp in Bethlehem.

None of the activists has been to Africa and are “cramming” to learn
the history and geography of the area, Mr. Schaeffer-Duffy said.

The Catholic Workers, a movement started in the 1930s by the late
Dorothy Day and Pierre Maurin, live among poor people and work on
peace and justice issues in this country and around the world.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenianow.com
Oct 22, 2004

Interference: Radio Free Europe chief tells Kocharyan TV station was yanked
by “pressure”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Thomas A. Dine today sent a letter
to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan this week, denouncing the
“Soviet-style” cancellation of the new RFE/RL Armenian Service news and
analysis program, “Azatutiun” by the private Armenian television station
Kentron. Dine urges President Kocharyan “to denounce this contemptible
Soviet-style act, and to help return “Azatutiun” to the air.”
In his letter, Dine asserts that he is “determined to get “Azatutiun” back
on the air and will make every effort to make that happen — including
raising this issue with the Bush Administration, the U.S. Congress, the
Council of Europe, and non-governmental organizations worldwide.”

“Azatutiun,” a new television program created by and featuring news and
analysis from RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, was abruptly pulled from the
schedule of the local Armenian television station “Kentron” on October 13,
three days after it debuted to rave reviews on Kentron. (See related story.)
Although the television station’s management has made no comment on the
decision, it is widely suspected that Kentron was pressured to suspend
further broadcasts of the program, either by official interests or local
media competitors.
The suspension of the “Azatutiun” program has been widely covered in the
Armenian press. On October 14, “Aravot” daily alleged that the head of
Armenian state television and radio, Aleksan Harutiunyan, was instrumental
in the ban because he wanted RFE/RL to lease airtime from his channel and
pay for it. Harutiunyan, in an interview published by “Aravot” on October
15, denied any involvement in the suspension of “Azatutiun”. In his letter
to President Kocharyan, however, Dine states that he has been “personally
informed that this cancellation was the result of pressure from a high-level
Armenian government official.”
RFE/RL’s Armenian Service broadcasts four hours of programming a day to
Armenia, produced in Prague and the service’s Yerevan Bureau and transmitted
to listeners via shortwave, satellite and FM, AM, Cable Radio, UKV and
long-wave signals provided by local affiliate stations.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenianow.com
Oct 22, 2004

Faith Fight: Church goes on defensive against Jehovah’s Witnesses

By Marianna Grigoryan
ArmeniaNow Reporter

The Armenian Apostolic Church appears to be mobilizing to stop the spread of
Jehovah’s Witnesses and other “sects” in Armenia.
On Tuesday (October 19), the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese hosted a roundtable
discussion to address concerns raised since Jehovah’s Witnesses became an
officially registered religious body in Armenia, October 8. (See related
story).
“The problem is not only the sect’s registration that has extremely
embarrassed the youth and us,” said Father Zohrab Kostanyan. “It is rather
the danger of sectarianism for our country.”
(According to information from the Armenian Apostolic Church, there are some
6 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. Many beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses
are similar to traditional Christian religions. But they part from the
traditional faith on matters such as the Trinity. For related information:
; )
Officially, there are some 20,000 registered Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia.
Unofficially, the number is put at about 80,000 by the Apostolic Church.

Members of Armenia’s main Church are concerned about the “sect”.
“The Armenian Apostolic Church has 160 clergymen in Armenia,” Father
Kostanyan says. “And notwithstanding such a small number of clergymen and
very little funds, our Church, it could be said, works miracles. However in
this context we should be alert and attentive.”
The participants are sure that the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia
was growing underground while the sect was still illegal in Armenia. But
now, as Council of Europe requirements have forced the government to accept
a variety of faiths, traditional religious groups worry that sects will
spread more quickly and thoroughly.
Elza Manukyan, head of the press office of the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese,
says that after the sect was given an official status, different layers of
the society have expressed their discontent.
“We were periodically receiving alarm calls about this problem from young
men, so we decided to make an arrangement and assemble everyone to find a
solution,” she says.
The roundtable was attended by representatives of more than a dozen
university student councils, various youth organizations and clergymen.
Jehovah’s Witnesses “do not accept the Church, think that man has no soul
and that the soul dies with the body and they put forward a number of such
arguments that totally refute the Armenian Apostolic Church and our creed,”
Manukyan says.
But the danger, according to Manukyan, from the activities of the Jehovah’s
Witnesses is their proselytizing. She says they go from one apartment to
another knocking at doors and alluring passers-by on streets and entice
these persons into their sect by ruining their families and life.
Theater Institute representative Emin Torosyan accused the Jehovah’s
Witnesses of espousing a belief that encourages suicide. “We should do our
best to protect especially the youth,” he said.
Hayk Akarmazian, representative of the Engineering University, says that
their student council has implemented certain programs aiming at directing
young people to be faithful to the traditional Armenian variant of
Christianity.
Karen Avagyan, representing the Medical University, says his council will
picket the Ministry of Justice to protest the registration of Jehovah’s
Witnesses.
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to pay special attention to the
provinces, where it believes residents are more vulnerable to proselytizing.
“Several phone lines will be on for giving comprehensive answers and
protecting the rights of people,” Manukyan said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Messenger
Friday, October 22, 2004, #201 (0725)

Electricity imports set for October
By Christina Tashkevich
Georgia will be able to receive imported electricity from Armenia already
this October.
The negotiations on the imports of energy from Armenia are currently
underway, and according to the Minister of Energy Nika Gilauri, these
imports are necessary in order to avoid an energy crisis in the country.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, he added that imports should have been
started in November but the process was sped up because of the latest
sabotage on the high-voltage line Kartli-2.
“We want to make this winter much better for the population as far as
electricity supplies go,” said the minister. He adds there should not be any
problem of supplying Tbilisi with 24-hour light if not for some force majeur
situation.
On October 9 the Kartli-2 transmission line was knocked out of operation
because of an explosion that officials blame on saboteurs. To transfer
electricity from western Georgia to the east, officials have been forced to
use 200-kilovolt low transmission lines instead of the 500-kilovolt
Kartli-2.
Meanwhile the repairs on the Kartli-2 are underway. According to Shota
Maisuradze, the General Director of SakRusEnergo who is in charge of the
repairs, the line will be operational again in one week. “One tower of the
line is almost repaired, the other is half repaired,” he told journalists on
Thursday.
Gilauri is sure that the energy system needs full rehabilitation. “There has
not been a serious rehabilitation of the system which was working in force
majeur state,” he said adding there has already been four cases of sabotage
on the high voltage line in the last two months.
Currently the energy sector plans to provide Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and
Zugdidi with better energy supply. “We can offer only eight-hour supply for
other regions of Georgia,” says Gilauri.
Meanwhile the government reports the sabotage group which attacked the
Kartli-2 line was eliminated by Georgian special forces. “We will secure the
system so that there is no other sabotage acts in Georgia,” President
Mikheil Saakashvili declared at a Wednesday briefing after announcing that
the group was captured.
Without mentioning where, when or how, President Saakashvili explained to
journalists that “trespassers” were destroyed by Georgian law-enforcers.
“The members of this gang planned to make the same type of sabotage along
other sections of the power line but our law-enforcers foiled their plans,”
Saakashvili said.
According to him, a special forces unit was sent to the whereabouts of
saboteurs, but “the gang members refused to surrender and opened fire.” As a
result of the gunfight, the group was forced to surrender.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GEORGIAN, ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS PRAISE BILATERAL RELATIONS, NOTE REGIONAL
ISSUES

Georgian State Television Channel 1, Tbilisi
22 Oct 04

Meeting in Tbilisi, the Georgian and Armenian presidents, Mikheil
Saakashvili and Robert Kocharyan, have discussed bilateral and
regional relations. Speaking at a joint news briefing there on 22
October, which was broadcast live by Georgian State TV, Saakashvili
said that Georgia, in the wake of the closure of the Georgian-Russian
border at Verkhniy Lars, should also be able to export to countries
other than Russia. Kocharyan urged a “pragmatic” solution to the issue
of railway traffic through Abkhazia. The two presidents also noted
that they would welcome “concrete” proposals and “real content” in the
European Union’s new neighbourhood initiative. The following is an
excerpt from the report on the joint briefing; subheadings have been
inserted editorially:

(Presenter) A joint news briefing by the Georgian and Armenian
presidents has just started at the State Chancellery. We are about to
join the briefing live.

Good Georgian-Armenian relations

(Saakashvili, briefing in progress; all questions and answers in
Russian unless otherwise indicated) For us it was easier to travel to
the border (with Armenia, where the two presidents met today) than to
the airport. Sometimes we forget about distances.

I think that we had a very good meeting. We have a common
understanding on nearly the entire range of issues. We always come to
each other’s aid and this is very important. For example, since the
recent acts of sabotage against our main electricity transmission
lines we have been importing most of electricity from Armenia. Armenia
responded to our request very promptly and started to export
electricity to Georgia. We would like to simplify customs and border
procedures. (Passage omitted)

(Kocharyan) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen: First and foremost, I
would like to thank you for the invitation to visit Georgia. While
this is not my first visit to Georgia, every visit is extremely
important given the wide-ranging agenda of our relations. It is
becoming wider with every passing year.

We discussed very specific issues to do with our relations, and
focused primarily on economic, transport and energy issues. We also
talked about the harmonization of our laws, relations between the
customs departments, police bodies and other matters. (Passage
omitted)

Turkey constructive player in region

(Question) Armenian news agency Mediamax. Mr Saakashvili, you said in
Yerevan last March that you would discuss the prospects for the
restoration of rail traffic between Kars (Turkey) and Gyumri (Armenia)
during your planned visit to Turkey. This, naturally, would benefit
Georgia as well. However, there has been a lot of discussion recently
about the prospects for building a railway to link Kars and
Akhalkalaki (Georgia). Should we assume that the Turkish leadership is
refusing, at least at this stage, to discuss the prospects for the
restoration of a Kars-Gyumri service?

(Saakashvili) Our approach, not only towards Armenia but also to all
other international talks, including the talks in Turkey, has been
absolutely clear. We are for the opening of more communications, more
roads, more border checkpoints, because traditionally Georgia has been
at the crossroads of transport corridors, various cultures, various
trade routes and, what is very important, various human
contacts. Naturally, we do not welcome any restrictions.

Unfortunately, not everything is up to Georgia. Of course, there are
complex regional problems. I am sure that the Turkish leadership is
very constructive. This was my impression after all my talks with
Prime Minister (of Turkey Recep) Erdogan. They are firmly on the road
towards integration with the EU. Our experience of relations with them
has been exclusively positive. I have never heard them making any
aggressive statements about any one of the issues concerning their
neighbours. I think that the process of regional cooperation and the
opening of new roads are inevitable and we will have even more
opportunities to solve the problems that exist.

Naturally, there are historical problems, there are problems which
have accumulated in the region over recent times, but I think that
there is a trend towards their resolution, not the emergence of new
problems or the preservation of status quo. In this respect, Georgia
is ready to play a positive role everywhere, at all levels, at all
forums, both multilateral and bilateral. This is what I can say.

Georgians should also export to countries other than Russia

(Question) Rustavi-2 TV. I have a question to both Mr Saakashvili and
Mr Kocharyan. The question concerns the Larsi section (Verkhniy Lars
checkpoint on the Georgian-Russian border), which has been closed for
quite some time. This is creating problems for both Georgians and
Armenians.

Did you discuss the issue today? In your view, how can this problem be
resolved? And was it a mere coincidence that Russia reopened the
border today?

Robert Sedrakovich (Kocharyan), we know that you spoke to Russian
President Vladimir Putin yesterday. Did you touch on this issue? Thank
you.

(Kocharyan) Sometimes there are pleasant coincidences which may not
have happened by chance. I think that the opening of this road means
that the tension in North Ossetia, caused by the Beslan events, has
subsided. I think that this step (the closure of the border) was a
result of the tension in North Ossetia.

(Saakashvili) I think this did not happen by chance. I think that
today’s visit by the president of Armenia and our meeting coincided
with the opening of this road. (Sentence as heard)

At the same time, we must know that (changes tack) – of course we want
Russia to resolve all its problems concerning the North
Caucasus. However, the Georgian exporters, as well as all the others,
must diversify their markets. (Switches to Georgian)

Our side of the border will open in half an hour and traffic in the
direction of Russia will resume. However, everyone should remember the
lesson we have learnt in recent months. We must realize that should
problems of this sort arise, all Georgian exporters, all Georgian
businesses should be ready to search for alternative markets, with the
state’s help. Of course, we should also preserve the Russian market,
as we cannot be dependant on only one market forever.

Our independence, our freedom, our independent course and our
wellbeing require that we, together with our friends, learn to work on
all other markets, while maintaining good relations with
Russia. (Passage omitted: repeats the same in Russian; Kocharyan says
all parties have suffered because of the closure)

(Kocharyan) One may see something bad behind this fact (border
closure), but one may also try to find an explanation in the present
situation, the present concerns which I have mentioned. I am inclined
not to dramatise the situation and I would not like to see this sort
of thing happen again. I want roads to operate in a normal way. The
more roads there are, the better. If there was a Turkish road across
the Armenian border, everything in the region would have been
excellent.

Georgia to build new road to Javakheti region

(Question) Armen Akopyan, correspondent of the (Armenian) newspaper
Ayots Ashkhar. I have a question to Mr Saakashvili. Mr President, it
is well known that many Armenians live in Georgia, especially in
Javakhk (predominantly Armenian-populated Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda
districts in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti Region). It is also well
known there are difficult economic conditions in this region: shortage
of jobs, damaged highways. Does the Georgian leadership have a
programme for the economic and social development of Javakheti? By the
way, when are you going to visit this region?

(Saakashvili) First of all, I am indeed indebted to the population of
Javakheti who provided great support to me in the (January 2004)
presidential election. My wife has already been there seven or eight
times, but unfortunately I have not been able to go there. However, I
am going to pay a good visit. I do not want to go anywhere with empty
hands. We have been talking to donors, to the countries which have
been supporting us, and I think that we will be able to obtain money
for building a new road to Akhalkalaki. This is very important for us,
both economically and politically. We already have enough money from
the World Bank to build half of this road, and its construction is set
to begin next year. As regards the other half, we have got several
concrete promises. I think that this road should be built within the
next two years, so that the population gets access to all markets and
the region is integrated economically.

It is also very important for us that the region should maintain close
ties with border areas of Armenia and with Armenia in general, but, at
the same time, the region should be economically successful in
relation to the whole country (Georgia), and the road is the key to
this. This is one of the priorities of my presidential term. I think
that our citizens who live in Javakheti are very talented people, very
interesting people in their attitude towards business and
entrepreneurship. I would like to say that many of them work in Russia
on various construction sites where especially skilled workers are
required. We would like these people to work in Georgia. We would like
to see local businesses (of Javakheti) to expand throughout
Georgia. We would like these people to take part in various regional
projects. However, the journey from there to Tbilisi is three times
longer than it should be. This is absolutely inappropriate, of
course. Once again, I would like to note that despite its isolation
and unfavourable climate, local people there have still managed to
build good hotels, good shops, a good network of cafes, and they are
managing well. I do not think that this is an achievement of the
Georgian government, I think that this is an achievement of their
talent. If we open our doors for this talent to reach the whole
country and international projects, I think that not only this
population but also the whole of Georgia will have many good
prospects. (Passage omitted)

No disagreements in border demarcation work

(Question) Armenian newspaper Azg, this is a question to both
presidents. When will the process of demarcation of the
Georgian-Armenian border begin? Have you discussed this issue? Could
this issue lead to some disputes, so to speak, between Georgia and
Armenia? Thank you.

(Kocharyan) It is better to ask when this work will be finished, not
when it will begin. There was agreement in principle and we should
have finished the work this year. There have been changes on the
Georgian side of this commission. The Georgian representative was sent
to Poland as ambassador, if I am not mistaken, and a new person will
be appointed. I think we will work in a normal manner and we will be
able to finish this work next year. So far, there have been no painful
issues in the commission’s work which could lead to serious
disagreements. It is possible to resolve these issues in a normal,
calm and working atmosphere.

(Saakashvili) For the past two thousand years, Armenia and Georgia
have had no territorial claims against each other (smiles), and I
think this will remain as it has been.

Cooperation with Baltic states and Europe in general

(Question) Malkhaz Oniani, Channel One of Georgian Television. Mr
President Kocharyan, do you share the Georgian president’s initiative
about a three-plus-three format regarding cooperation between the
Baltic and South Caucasus countries? And my second question is this:
Have you discussed the issue of reopening railway traffic between
Armenia and Russia through Abkhazia? Thank you.

(Kocharyan) As regards the first part of your question, we began
discussion of our coordinated activities within the framework of the
European Union’s new initiative about new neighbourhood. We agreed to
continue this discussion tomorrow because it requires some
brainstorming. This policy has been declared, but it has not been
formulated what it means specifically. Right now, the process of
formulating this concept is under way. We should be able to play a
certain role in this too. I think that the concept of the new
neighbourhood should be fully fledged, it should not be just a
declaration about new neighbours, there should be some real content.

As regards the three-plus-three idea, if I’m not mistaken it was
declared in the same context – that the Baltic republics could act as
lobbyists in the formulation of this concept of new neighbours. We are
ready to cooperate with them. We will continue the discussion of this
issue with the president of Georgia today and tomorrow. However, I am
not sure that the three Baltic republics themselves have reached a
consensus in this respect. Two years ago, there was no full agreement
there, among them.

(Saakashvili) We talked about this issue. This issue is about regional
cooperation. We are not talking about some radical political platform
or a formal international organization, but I think the South Caucasus
countries will reach an agreement on this issue, and Robert
Sedrakovich (Kocharyan) has confirmed this. As regards agreement among
the Baltic countries, Lithuania has assured us that they have already
reached agreement. So, we have made steps forward. We are interested
in concrete issues. We are members of the European Union’s new
neighbourhood. What will we gain from this? What will each country
gain from this, with respect to tariffs and preferential treatment? I
want to know specifically when we will be exporting Georgian wine to
Poland. Will it be subject to three times more taxes than now? Or will
it be subject to a preferential tariff, which it should be? We will
certainly be able to agree on this if we create certain formats of
regional cooperation. Therefore, I think that the initiative was
timely. We see pragmatic aspects of this initiative for the
development of our economies. (Passage omitted)

Armenia calls for restoration of railway traffic through Abkhazia

(Kocharyan) Your second question was about railway traffic. In
general, we discussed questions related to railway traffic in the
South Caucasus. There are certain ideas in this respect, but I do not
want to talk about them now because they are only raw ideas. These are
ideas about possible cooperation of all railways, maybe cooperation in
some structural forms.

We did not discuss this (Abkhazia) section specifically, but I can
tell you what my point of view on this is, taking into account
Georgia’s concerns as well. In principle, the more lines are in
operation, the better it is for all of us. As regards the Abkhazia
section specifically, this section is working between Abkhazia and
Russia. So, if it is working there, the absence of any through traffic
is simply disadvantageous for both you and us, which makes no sense.
I think that, taking into account all difficulties and all concerns, a
pragmatic attitude would be useful, although I understand that this is
complicated. This is a question for Georgia to decide.

(Saakashvili) Thank you. I think there will be more possibilities (to
ask questions) during the next few days. Thank you once again, and
special thanks to our guests.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia unruffled by Azerbaijan’s bid to take up Karabakh issue with UN

Arminfo
22 Oct 04

YEREVAN

It is not the first time Azerbaijan has been exploiting the Nagornyy
Karabakh problem trying to come up with initiatives on the settlement
of the conflict at various international structures, the information
and public relations department of the Armenian Foreign Ministry has
told our agency, commenting on the statement by the Azerbaijani
Foreign Ministry on the possibility of putting the issue of the
situation in the occupied Azerbaijani territories on the agenda of the
59th session of the UN General Assembly.

However, the department said that Azerbaijan’s intentions did not mean
that they would be realized. Nevertheless, the Foreign Ministry said
that such attempts are in the centre of attention of Armenia’s
diplomatic circles.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry proposed to include the
issue of the situation in the occupied Azerbaijani territories on the
agenda of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly. In particular,
Baku intends “to prevent attempts of the Armenian side to foresee [as
received, presumably, predetermine] the outcome of the settlement of
the conflict”.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HAYOTS YERKIR INITIATIVE GROUP PROPOSES OWN VERSION OF NEW ARMENIAN
CONSTITUTION

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 22. ARMINFO. The Hayots Yerkir initiative group
proposes its own original version of new Armenian constitution with a
no less original mechanisms of its adoption.

The member of the group Khachik Chilingaryan says that now that delay
is similar to death one should immediately change the “completely
rotten and compromised” current system of government. This requires an
absolutely new constitution rather than some constitutional
amendments. The group’s constitution stipulates particularly that the
president and the constitutional court chairman should be elected once
in 7 years, the parliament should consist of 2 chambers the second one
comprising representatives of Diaspora and the regions.

The state budget should also consist of 2 parts: internal budget and
Diaspora related budget. Any unpopular governmental action should be
considered at a nationwide referendum without preliminary
parliamentary discussion. The people should have the right to dismiss
(through referendum) any top official.

The group member Agasi Manukyan is sure that the government will
reject such a democratic constitution. The text of the constitution
will be placed on the group’s web-site

In a month the group will meet again to set up coordinating groups for
explaining the constitution to the people. “As soon as people are
aware of the constitution they will rise on such a mass scale that the
government will not dare to oppose and will be forced to adopt the
constitution,” say the group members.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

<SELF-DETERMINATION UNITY> PARTY LEADER READY TO UNITE WITH ARMENIAN
NATIONAL PARTY

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 22. ARMINFO. <Self-determination unity> party’s
leader Paruyr Hayrikyan didn’t exclude the possibility of the
unification with Armenian National Party. Paruyr Hayrikyan himself
stated at the press-conference, Friday.

According to Hayrikyan, he is ready to unite with any party with whom
< Self-determination unity> party will find common
interests. Concerning the issue on the registration of <Jehovah’s
Witnesses> religious organization, he noted that the organization is
not mentioned in law violations in Armenia. At the same time, the
Government must exercise severe control over its activity. Referring
to his favorite theme of the negative influence of Russia on Armenia,
P. Hayrikyan reminded that he is the opponent of Russian imperialism,
which reemerged with <security officer’s> occupying the President’s
office. He mentioned that Russia’s ex-President Boris Yeltsin’s policy
included some democratic elements. What democratic elements the matter
concerned, when the whole world was witnessing Russia’s collapse,
P. Hayrikyan preferred not to go into details.

During the press-conference Hayrikyan informed that he will take part
in the international conference <The European Union. The priorities of
foreign policy> , which will take place 30-31, October, 2004 in
Tbilisi. He will make a 15-minute report. According to P. Hayrikyan
there will be representatives from Georgia, Germany, Great Britain and
other European countries at the conference.-A-

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GibrahayerGIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected] m.cy

TURKS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST EURO-ARMENIAN CONVENTION IN BRUSSELS

– More than 200 delegates from 20 countries participate
– Cyprus delegation raises Melkonian and MagaraVank issues

Gibrahayer – 20 October, 2004 – Brussels, Nicosia: More than 200
Euro-Armenian delegates gathered in the European Parliament in Brussels, to
send a message of unity, regarding the Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
and Turkey’s EU accession possibilities.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by European
Armenian Federation chairwoman Hilda Tchoboian and Armenia’s Deputy Foreign
Minister Ruben Shugarian, and messages by Cathoicoi Karekin II and Aram I,
as well as Patriarch Nerses-Bedros XIX.
Issues on the agenda were Armenian Culture and Identity in Europe,
EU-Armenia Relations and the Challenges of the Enlargement Process. Keynote
speakers included representatives of European institutions and Euro-Armenian
politicians and intellectuals. Discussions often drew the active
participation of MEP’s.
Participants underlined the necessity forGenocide recognition,
respect toward the country’s non-Muslim minorities and withdrawal of Turkish
troops from Cyprus to be addressed before the member-states of the EU could
grant Turkey “the” date.
Cyprus Delegation
The Cyprus delegation was one of the first to address the Convention, with
Dr. Antranik Ashdjian of ANC Cyprus highlighting the need for action against
the destruction of Armenian heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus and Massis
Der Partogh of the Melkonian Alumni stressing the need to stop the closure
and subsequent sale of the Melkonian Institute.
A Cypriot delegation visited the Cyprus Permanent Mission, and
briefed about the conclusions of the Convention. The entire delegation was
also received by Cypriot MEP Ioannis Kassoulides, at his office on the 8th
floor of the Europarliament.
Turks and Azeris angered by Armenian presence
In response to the Convention, Turks and Azeris staged a protest meeting
outside the European Parliament building, a few hours after the convention
called upon EU bodies not to give in to vivid Turkish propaganda aiming to
convince for a positive decision at the December 17 EU Heads of State
summit.
The Cyprus delegation returned to the island on Wednesday.

CHRISTOFIAS ON OFFICIAL VISIT IN ARMENIA
Gibrahayer – 21 October, 2004 – Nicosia: – The Cyprus delegation – visiting
Armenia under House President Demetris Christofias – met with the President
of Armenia Robert Kocharian as well as Prime Minister Antranik Margarian and
President of the National Assembly Arthur Baghdassarian in Yerevan. Demetris
Christofias is being accompanied by a representatives of members of
Parliament, great friends and warriors of the Armenian people Dr.Eleni
Theocharous and Honourary President of EDEK Socialist Party of Cyprus
Dr.Vassos Lyssarides. Joining the delegation are Democratic Party
Vice-President Nicos Kleanthous and AKEL Press Secretary Andros Kyprianou.
In Yerevan, Demetris Christofias characterised the tiesbetween Cyprus
and Armenia “not friendly but more than brotherly” and highlighted the
similarity of the history of the people of Cyprus and the people of Armenia,
noting that ”we are two victimized people that through our struggle to
survive we have developed a high sense of solidarity and love for the
individual and of justice”.
The delegation visited the Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert on
Tuesday where Christofias declared that if Turkey wants to join the EU they
must recognise the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian government officials expressed the desire to follow the path
of Cyprus toward European integration to which Christofias affirmed Cyprus’s
commitment to help Armenia to that end.

CYPRUS THREATENS TO USE VETO AGAINST TURKEY

EU Observer:-Cyprus has raised the spectre of voting against Turkey when EU
leaders gather in December to decide whether to open membership negotiations
with Ankara.
President Tassos Papadopoulos told Cyprus television onMonday (11
October) that Cyprus reserved the right to use its veto. “We will decide on
the matter in December” said Mr Papadopoulos. He added that he knew that a
small country like Cyprus resorting to the veto would be “no easy thing”.
German newspaper Die Welt quotes Cypriot diplomats as saying that it
would be impossible for Nicosia to accept the opening of EU talks with
Ankara so long as it does not recognise one of the 25 member states.
At the moment, Turkey recognises only Turkish Northern Cyprus as a
state – and at the same time it refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus
as a state.
Turkish papers quote Greek president Costis Stefanopoulos as saying
that Athens would support Turkey’s EU membership but that there were
obligations it had to fulfill under international law. “Under international
law, first Turkey needs to recognize Greek Cyprus”, said Mr Stefanopoulos.
Turkey wants changes to Commission report Turkey also has issues on
another front. A spokesperson for the Turkish government on Monday demanded
that changes be made to the recently published report by the European
Commission on opening EU negotiations with Ankara. Turkey is objecting both
to the phrasing that the negotiations have an open end and to the fact that
permanent curbs to the freedom of movement of workers have been suggested.
Debate but no vote in France Meanwhile, in France, the discussion about
Turkey continues to rage. On Monday, it was decided that French MPs will
hold a parliamentary debate on Turkey, but will not vote on the issue. The
debate will take place on Thursday (14 October) and threatens to split many
parties, including the ruling UMP party. Mr Chirac has tried to reassure
French voters – hostile to Turkey – by saying that France could apply its
veto on Turkey whenever it wanted.

ARMENIAN ARCHBISHOP ASSAULTED BY SPITTING JEW JERUSALEM
(Combined Sources)An altercation that started when a yeshiva student spat at
the cross being carried by Armenian Archbishop in Israel Nourhan Manougian
during a procession near the Holy Sepulcher on Sunday, has exposed growing
tensions between traditional Christian denominations and religious Jews in
Jerusalem’s Old City.
The student, Zvi Rosenthal, not only spat at the cross but also at
Manougian himself; Manougian reacted by slapping the yeshiva student.
The incident developed into a brawl during which Manougian’s ceremonial
medallion, which has been used by Armenian archbishops since the 17th
century, broke.
Both Archbishop Manougian and the yeshiva student were detained for
questioning. Police are now considering whether to initiate criminal
proceedings against the Armenian archbishop and to charge him with assault.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked much anger among the clergy of the small
Armenian community in Jerusalem.
Religious Jews, among them yeshiva students, customarily spit on the
ground as a sign of disgust on seeing the cross. The Armenians, who live
adjacent to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, suffer from this phenomenon
more than any of the other Christian sects in the Old City.
Manougian says he and his colleagues have already learned to live with
it. “I no longer get worked up by people who turn around and spit when I
pass them by in the street; but to approach in the middle of a religious

procession and to spit on the cross in front of all the priests of the sect
is humiliation that we are not prepared to accept,” he notes.
A policeman is customarily posted to guard the Armenians’ religious
processions, but doesn’t generally do anything to prevent the spitting. The
Armenians took the matter up with Interior Minister Avraham Poraz some seven
months ago, but nothing has been done about until now.
“The Israeli government is anti-Christian,” Manougian charges. “It
cries out in the face of any harm done to Jews all over the world, but is
simply not interested at all when we are humiliated on an almost daily
basis.”
“Incidents like these aim at ridding Jerusalem of its Christian and
Muslim populations in order to emphasize the city’s Jewish character,”
emphasized Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia Aram I.
Lawmaker Rabbi Michael Melchior (Labor Party) says the phenomenon
should be tackled through educational means. “I would expect prominent
figures among the religious and ultra-Orthodox sectors, such as the chief
rabbis, to denounce this phenomenon,” he says.
Yassir Arafat, leader of the Palestinian National Authority, condemned
the Israeli attack on Archbishop Manougian. Arafat held a telephone
conversation with the Archbishop inquiring about his health following the
unwarranted assault.

TATIANA’S CORNER
This space is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.

NEWS IN BRIEF
* Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan has denied in a newspaper
interview any plans to return three or four regions to Azerbaijan in return
for concessions on Karabakh.

* Armenian Catholicos Garegin II said he was to make a visit to Moscow to
join the Armenian community of Moscow in celebrating the 75th birthday of
Russian Patriarch Alexy II.

* The Youth Movement of Dashnaktsoutiun together with over 300 organizations
participated in the third European Socialist Forum (ESF) in London, October
15-17. a delegation of the Socialist Youth Movement of EDEN also
participated from Cyprus.

* The Armenian and Cyprus Football National Football teams lost at home to
the Czech Republic and France 0-2 and 1-3 respectively for the
qualifications of the World Cup 2006.

* Armenia registered the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Wednesday, allowing the
religious group to operate after years of debate and denial.

* 783 Azerbaijanis are currently held in captivity and as hostages in
Armenia according to Eldar Samadov, acting chairman of the working group of
the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.

* Karabakh PM Anushavan Daniyelyan is in the USA on a working visit. The
main purpose of his visit is to help organize the coming telethon aiming at
fund raising to assist the NKR, and especially to complete North-South
highway in Nagornyy Karabakh. On Monday Daniyelyan met with representatives
of Dashnaktsoutiune’s Western Central Committee members in a meeting that
span over two hours.

* The Armenian Cause Committee of France has filed a lawsuit against the
Turkish consul of Paris for statements posted on the consulate’s website.
Turkey must resolve differences with its neighbor Greece especially over the
divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus before it can join the European
Union, Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos said Sunday.

* Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Armenian FM Vardan Oskanian said
Turkey does not deserve that the European Union begin accession talks with
that country.

SUPPORT HAY TAD ACTIVITIES IN CYPRUS
To support its political activities, The Armenian National Committee of
Cyprus has organised a raffle, participants of which will have the
opportunity to win Armenian Commemorative Coins depicting themes from
ancient Armenian history. A block costs £50.00 ($100 for our international
readers).
Your support will enable the local chapter of our enthusiastic political
action group to materialise its multidimensional political agenda, in
promoting Hay Tad activities both in Cyprus and in Europe.
You can make your contribution to the following account:
Armenian National Committee of Cyprus
P.O.Box 21171 – Nicosia 1503 – Cyprus
Hellenic Bank: account Number 122-01-039699-01
IBAN: CY88 0050 0122 0001 2201 0396 9901

g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r

* Armenian Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter Fund Raising Tea for the ARS
Armenia Projects on Sunday 28 November, 2004 at The Holiday Inn Hotel at
4:00 p.m. Handicraft, Lebanese cookies and home made delicacies on sale.
Proceeds to the “Sosse” Kindergarten of Stepanakert – Republic of Karabagh.

* Melkonian Cyprus Alumni Banquet.Sunday, November 7, 2004 – 1pm
“Christiana” Reception Hall, Alambra. Guest of Honour: Jack R. Melkonian,
grand-nephew of Garabed Melkonian. CYP 15.00 adults / CYP 5.00 students and
children. Prizes included on entrance ticket and raffle tickets. Contact
names for reservations to be announced. Directions to “Christiana” and
convoys will be arranged. All are welcome.

* California Alumni Dinner banquet Oct. 30, 2004. Details to be announced.

* AYF Badanegan Miaoutian get-togethers begin on Saturday October 16,2004
and will continue every Saturday starting from 4:00 p.m. Contact Vartoog
Karageulian on 24-659245.

* AYMA Chicco Football practices have begun and are taking place every
Friday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. for children starting from the age of 7.
Contact Krikor Mahdessian on 99650897.

* AYMA Table Tennis practices have also begun two weeks ago. They will
continue this Saturday 16 October 6:00 – 8:00 p.m and every Saturday
throughout the season, under the expert guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion
Sirvart Costanian. Classes and practice session for all ages.

* AYMA Football team practices are taking place every Tuesday and Thursday
from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. A.Y.M.A. will be participating in the Second Division
Amateur Football League and will be bidding for the Championship Title and
subsequent promotion to Division One. The Championship begins on Saturday
November 20, 2004.

* A.G.B.U Women’s Auxiliary Body. Armenian Food Bazaar. Sunday 14 November,
2004 starting from 12:00 lunch time at AGBU club premises.

* Bible Study Group Organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The
Group got together on Wednesday 13 October 2004, at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin
Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To receive further details please call
Elise at the Prelature office on 22 493560 or email [email protected]

* This October the Pharos Trust, in cooperation with the Brazilian
Consulate, is proud to present a month of Brazilian Culture in Nicosia.
Through film, photography, literature, music and performance art, the Trust
offers audiences in Cyprus rare opportunities to experience the spirit,
history, culture and diversity of this vast and unique country. You can
subscribe to receive the e-newsletter of The Pharos Trust at

* StHilarion – Lapithos – Kyrenia BIKE RIDE Sunday October 24,organised by
Micromania. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint. Meeting time:
9:00 am. Bus leaves: 9:30 am. Bus arrives St Hilarion: 10:00 am. Riding
time: approx 2 ½ hours from St.Hilarion to Lapithos & then to the beach.
Riding distance: approx 20 km. Bring with you: passport, water, helmet ,
swim wear. Cost of bus and food + one drink: Between £10- £12 per person
depending on how many turn up. Bus leaves the beach: 3 pm Bus arrives back:
3:30 pm. Age limit: 12+. First come first serve, so book your seats early
!! Please contact Ricky or Baret (Duke) Bedelian on: 22-661517 ,
99-433972.

* If you happen to be in London on Friday, 12th November don’t miss this
Back to Hye Skool Party. Time: 8pm-1am. Venue: The ultra-hip & funky
Babushka 41 Tavistock Crescent, Notting Hill, W11 1AD. Tix: £5 before
10:30pm, £7 after, Age: Strictly 18+ (No ID? No HYE party) Tube:Westbourne
Park (Hammersmith & City) – 1 min walk Notting Hill Gate (Central, District
& Circle) – 5 min ride (#27, 28 & 328 buses on Pembridge Road opposite
WHSmith outside station). Music:DJ Josey Kray & FBI Squad playing old skool
tunes, as well as the freshest tracks, Armenian and more. Xtra: Quality
prizes for the best dressed skool boy and skool girl. New surprises in store
for all. Contact: Raffi 07958 137 702, John 07961 166 969 [email protected]

* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be heard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 25 October,2004

* Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito,
Puzant Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert
Camassa. You can also hear it on Real Audio from the Internet edition of
CyBC on . A repeat program can also be heard seven hours
later at 2:00 a.m. local time.

* The Hairenik Association, Inc. launched its online Armenian Radio
Station.You can now listen to a variety of Armenian music online, 24 hours a
day, combined with news and other interesting information about the Armenian
community in the US, Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk and the Armenian Diaspora.
To listen to the Hairenik Online Radio go to the RADIO button then click on
your player of choice.
Launch Hairenik Radio in your preferred Player 24 hours of non-stop Armenian
music and programs on the internet

. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .

Gibrahayer, is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian community of
Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also promotes the
discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The subscription to
this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer e-newsletter, follow the
instructions at To contact the
listmaster send an email to [email protected]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE
October 21, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA PRAISES REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS FOR POWERFUL
SUPPORT ON KEY ARMENIAN AMERICAN INITIATIVES

— Cites Role of Rep. Knollenberg, Radanovich and
others in Advancing Armenian Issues on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
cited key House Republicans for their leadership on wide range of
issues of concern to the Armenian American community, including
support for Armenian Genocide reaffirmation, strengthening U.S.-
Armenia economic relations, and ensuring parity in U.S. military
assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We appreciate the leadership and value the support of the many
Congressional Republicans who have consistently taken a principled
stand on fundamental issues of concern to the Armenian American
community,” stated ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “In the coming
109th Congress, we look forward to working with these friends and
with all Members committed to expanding U.S.-Armenia relations,
continuing U.S. assistance, ensuring proper U.S. recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, and securing a lasting and equitable resolution
to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict.”

Republican House Members including Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Genocide Resolution lead
sponsor George Radanovich (R-CA), Michigan Freshman Congressman
Thaddeus McCotter, Indiana Republican Mark Souder (R-IN) and
California Freshman Devin Nunes have been awarded an “A+” rating by
the ANCA, based on a series of over 25 grading criteria, ranging
from support on key legislation to the cosigning of over a dozen
Congressional letters. A complete listing of Congressional grades
will be posted on the ANCA website – – in the upcoming
days. The specific achievements of each of the “A+” Republican
House Members are cited below.

* Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI): Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-
Chair since 2001, Rep. Knollenberg has consistently received an
“A+” grade from the ANCA. A senior member of the House Foreign
Operations Subcommittee, the Michigan legislator has continuously
supported high levels of U.S. assistance to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabagh, and fought to maintain military aid parity between
Armenia and Azerbaijan. In remarks delivered at the 10th annual
ANCA Armenian Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill in April of 2004,
Rep. Knollenberg spoke about Administration efforts to reduce
assistance to Armenia. “There is no reason in the world why
Armenia has to get stiff-armed, has to get stuck at a lower number.
We will continue to scrap and claw and fight our way [in Congress]
to make sure Armenia does get what it deserves,” explained
Knollenberg.

During this Congressional term, Rep. Knollenberg was the lead
sponsor of legislation to permanently normalize U.S.-Armenia trade
relations (H.R.528). The legislation, which currently has 113
cosponsors was adopted as part of a larger trade measure in the
House and awaits final Senate approval. Rep. Knollenberg is also
an original cosponsor of the Genocide resolution, H.Res.193.

* George Radanovich (R-CA): Throughout his years in the House,
Rep. Radanovich has played a leadership role in Genocide
reaffirmation efforts, first leading a successful effort in 1996 to
cut $3 million in U.S. assistance to Turkey, a symbolic amount
representing the amount allocated by the Government of Turkey for
Genocide denial lobbying activities in the U.S. During the current
108th Congress, Rep. Radanovich was joined by Congressional
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg,
and California Democrat Adam Schiff (D-CA) in advancing the
Genocide resolution (H.Res.193). The legislation, which marks the
15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the Genocide
Convention, was unanimously adopted by the House Judiciary
Committee in May, 2003, and currently has 111 cosponsors.

* Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI): A freshman Congressman from Michigan,
Rep. McCotter has consistently supported Congressional letters and
legislation dealing with Armenian Genocide reaffirmation. In
October 2003, he questioned a pro-Turkish panel of witnesses
testifying before the House International Relations Subcommittee on
Europe about Turkey’s ongoing obstruction of Armenia-Turkey
relations. Rep. McCotter, who was among the first to join the
Congressional Armenian Caucus upon taking office in January of
2003, has also been outspoken in his support for U.S. aid to
Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.

* Mark Souder (R-IN): With an “A+” grade in the last two
Congressional terms, Rep. Souder has been among the most consistent
supporters of Armenian American concerns, cosigning almost every
Congressional letter in support of U.S. assistance to Armenia and
Armenian Genocide reaffirmation. In February of 2003, Rep. Souder
participated in the “Pro-Armenia” Conference held in Paris, France,
which brought together executive and legislative branch officials
from countries around the world to discuss efforts to strengthen
the political and economic future of Armenia. In an interview with
the “Armenian Weekly” following the Conference, Rep. Souder
commented that a highlight of the Conference for him was “the
opportunity to meet Armenians from around the world, understanding
the diversity of opinions of those of the Diaspora and yet their
unity on the central importance of Armenian Genocide, and the
economic potential of an Armenia based upon free market
principles.”

* Devin Nunes (R-CA): Rep. Nunes received an “A+” rating during
his first term in Congress for cosponsoring the Genocide Resolution
(H.Res.193) and legislation normalizing U.S.-Armenia trade relation
(H.R.528), and co-signeding a series of letters in support of U.S.
assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Representing
constituents in California’s Central Valley, Rep. Nunes has worked
closely with the ANC chapter in the Fresno area.

Other House Republicans in the highest tier of support for Armenian
American concerns include Representatives Michael Bilirakis (R-FL),
Michael Ferguson (R-NJ), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-IL),
Edward Royce (R-CA), and John Sweeney (R-NY), all of whom received
an “A” from the ANCA. Representatives Christopher Smith (R-NJ),
Duke Cunningham (R-CA), James Saxton (R-NJ), and Judiciary
Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) received an “A-”
rating for their leadership on Genocide affirmation efforts.

To review the specific records of all House and Senate members on
each of the ANCA rating criteria, visit the ANCA Election 2004
section: