Author: Andres-Papazian

MINISTER: OUTDATED NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN ARMENIA IMPOSES THREAT FOR TURKEY

Trend
March 17 2011
Azerbaijan

Outdated Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant is a threat of radioactive
contamination for Turkey, the Minister of Environment and Forests of
Turkey Veysel Eroglu said, website of CNN Turk reported.

The Metsamor nuclear power plant , which began its work in 1976 ,
is located in a seismically active area approximately 30 kilometers
west of Yerevan. After the devastating earthquake in Spitak in
1988, the Armenian authorities decided to close the Metsamor NPP,
but economic straits forced the country’s leadership to restore the
plant’s activity in 1993.

Answering the question about how to secure the construction of
nuclear power plants in Turkey, which is located in a seismically
active zone, the Minister replied that even if the country does not
build nuclear power plants, Turkey is not free from the danger of
radioactive contamination.

“There is an outdated nuclear power plant in Armenia in 26 kilometers
from the border with Turkey. So the risk is still present. During
the construction of nuclear power plant, it is important to choose a
suitable place for this, use advanced technologies, taking into account
the risk of earthquakes, tsunamis and other calamities,” Eroglu said.

During a press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev,
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey will
not call off its plans to build nuclear power plants despite the
ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan.

“I have already said that the earthquakes are possible anywhere,
and our country is located in a seismic area. We take the necessary
measures to ensure that those facilities that we are building would
be the most safe,” he said.

Erdogan added that “during the construction of nuclear power plant,
we will also take the necessary measures so that these facilities
withstand 8 to 9 point earthquake”.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Assemblymember Portantino
CONTACT: Wendy Gordon
626.720.3409 mobile
626.577.9944 office

3/17/2011

Assemblymember Portantino Honors Memory of
Martin Marootian Plaintiff in Landmark Genocide Case

Sacramento – Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada
Flintridge) has commemorated the life and accomplishments of Martin
Marootian by adjourning the State Assembly in his
memory. Mr. Marootian died February 25, 2011 at the age of 95.

In 1999, Mr. Marootian joined a legal battle to force New York Life to
honor life insurance policies purchased by more than 2,000 Armenians,
most of whom perished in what historians have described as the first
genocide of the 20th century. From 1915 to 1923, an estimated 1.5
million Armenians died at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Marootian,
along with other Armenians, saw the battle with New York Life as an
opportunity to win some official acknowledgement of the suffering of
genocide victims and their heirs. It was the beginning of a legal
battle that culminated in a $20 million settlement in 2004.

Marootian “was not interested in…money but in restitution of
Armenian history,” said Vartkes Yeghiayan, the Glendale attorney who
spearheaded the lawsuit. “He was one of my heroes.”

“Martin Marootian is a hero to all who value truth and justice and I
am proud to honor his memory,” commented Assemblymember Portantino.
“Nearly a century later, the genocide remains firm in our minds and we
recall the lives of so many innocent people lost during those terrible
years.”

Portantino was joined in remembering the life and legacy of
Mr. Marootian by Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo).
Portantino and Achadjian are also jointly authoring the Assembly’s
Armenian Genocide Memorial Resolution.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205-1075
Phone (818) 548 – 3288
Fax (818) 548 – 7225

Grammy Nominated Composer Tigran Mansurian At Glendale Central Library

Glendale, CA – Grammy nominated composer Tigran Mansurian will lecture
on the life and work of Armenian composer and musicologist, Komitas
Vardapet, on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 & 17, 2011, at 4 p.m., in the
Glendale Central Library Auditorium, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale.
The event is organized by The Glendale Public Library. The program will
be presented in Armenian. Admission is free. Library visitors receive 3
hours FREE parking across the street at The Market Place parking
structure with validation at the loan desk.

Tigran Mansurian studied at the Yerevan Music Academy and completed his
PhD at the Komitas State Conservatory where he later taught contemporary
music analysis. In a short time he became one of Armenia’s leading
composers, establishing strong creative relationships with international
performers and composers such as Valentin Silvestrov, Arvo Pärt,
Alfred Schnittke, as well as Jan Garbarek, and the Hilliard Ensemble.
Mansurian’s musical style is characterized mainly by the organic
synthesis of ancient Armenian musical traditions and contemporary
European composition methods. His oeuvre comprises orchestral works,
seven concerti for strings and orchestra, sonatas for cello and piano,
three string quartets, madrigals, chamber music and works for solo
instruments and a numbers of film scores. Tigran Mansurian was nominated
for a Grammy award in 2006. He is the first Armenian composer to have
ever been nominated for this award.

Komitas Vardapet was born on 1869 in Kütahya, Ottoman Empire. He was
an Armenian priest, composer, and musicologist. He studied music at the
private conservatory of Prof. Richard Schmidt in Kaiser Friedrich
Wilhelm University, and acquired the title of Doctor of Musicology. He
traveled extensively around Armenia, listening and recording details
about folk songs and dances performed in various villages. He collected
and published some 3000 songs. In April 1915, Komitas was arrested
together with a number of outstanding Armenian writers, publicists,
physicians, and lawyers. After the arrest, accompanied by violence, he
was deported to Anatolia where he became a witness of the brutal
extermination of the nation’s bright minds. Due to the intervention of
influential figures such as the U.S. ambassador Henry Morgenthau,
Komitas was returned to Constantinople. The nightmare and the amount of
violence he witnessed left a deep ineradicable impression on him.
Komitas remained in seclusion from the outer world, absorbed in his
gloomy and heavy thoughts – sad and broken. Komitas saved the cultural
heritage of Western Armenia that otherwise would have disappeared
because of the Armenian Genocide. Today the music academy in Yerevan is
named after Komitas. He died in 1935. His ashes were transferred to
Yerevan and buried in the Pantheon.

###

CONTACT: Elizabeth Grigorian, [email protected] or call
(818) 548-3288.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

March 17, 2011

TRAGEDY IN JAPAN
The images of the series of tragedies that have plagued Japan this
past week are hard to forget. Within a short span of time Japan has
endured one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, the
resulting tsunami that devastated large portions of heavily populated
northern coastal areas, and the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Each alone is a monumental disaster;
Japan is coping with all three.
Archbishop Oshagan has directed all Prelacy churches to offer
prayers for the people of Japan, those who perished and those who
survived, during the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, March 20. His
Eminence also asked all parishes to pass a special offering plate to
help meet the immediate needs of the people in the area.
Individuals wishing to make a donation can send their check
payable to the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, to the Armenian
Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016. Please note Japanese
Relief on the memo portion of your check.

For a touching video on YouTube of Japanese students singing Yerevan
Erebuni click here (

).

LENTEN LECTURES CONTINUE
The second of the six-part Prelacy Lenten program took place yesterday
evening, March 16, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan. The lecturer was His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General,
who spoke on Children in the Life of the Armenian Church and
Community.
Bishop Anoushavan skillfully highlighted children in the
history of the Armenian people, citing examples from ecclesiastical
and secular literature. His Grace stressed that children are an
integral part of family and community life, and in many respects they
were treated like adult members, particularly when it came to
spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Child, as proclaimed
by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, all
of the Lenten lectures this year will focus on children. Next
Wednesday, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral in New York City, will speak on Childrens Armenian Religious
Literature.
The Lenten programs begin with table fellowship at 7:15 pm,
followed by Lenten Service (Husgoom) at 8:00 pm, and lecture and Q/A
from 8:30 pm to 9:15 pm.
The Lenten programs are sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the
Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Cathedral. For further information
contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or the church office at
212-689-5880.

PRELATE WILL BE IN WHITINSVILLE
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Whitinsville, Massachusetts, where
he will preside over the New England Regional Conference for Board of
Trustee members and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
on Saturday, March 19. The conference will begin at 10 am and conclude
at 4 pm.
On Sunday, March 20, the Prelate will attend and preside over
the Divine Liturgy at St. Asdvatzadzin Church. The Liturgy will be
celebrated by the pastor, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian. Archbishop
Oshagan will deliver the Sermon.

RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
Because Council members will be in Whitinsville for the Board of
Trustees Conference, the Prelacys Religious and Executive Councils
will convene their regular monthly meeting at Sts. Asdvadzadzin Church
in Whitinsville this weekend.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL TRAVEL TO WORCESTER
Bishop Anoushavan will attend and preside over the Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, this Sunday, March
20. The Liturgy will be celebrated by the parish priest, Rev. Fr.
Khatchadour Boghossian. Bishop Anoushavan will deliver the Sermon.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS CONFERENCE
A conference for Prelacy Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators is scheduled for the weekend of March 25-27. Sponsored by
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the conference will
be held at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary in
Bloomfield, Connecticut. The theme of the conference is The Feasts of
the Armenian Church.
The program will integrate biblical, liturgical, doctrinal,
and iconographic elements in its presentations and discussions,
together with pedagogical insights for age-appropriate
applications. The speakers of the conference are: H. G. Bishop
Anoushavan, Prelacy Vicar; Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of
St. Stephens Church (MA); Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of
St. Asdvadzadzin Church (MA) and Chairman of the Prelacys Religious
Council; Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church (MA); Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC; and
Mary M. Shamshoian-Olson, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, Consolidated
School District 158 (Illinois).
For information and registration, click here (

).

MUSICAL ARMENIA ON MARCH 27
The 2011 Musical Armenia concert, presented by the Eastern Prelacy and
the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will take place on Sunday, March 27, at 2
p.m., at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh
Avenue, New York City.
Featured artists are Karen Hakobyan, piano; and Joao
Kouyoumdjian, Classical Guitar. For tickets contact the Carnegie Box
Office, 212-247-7800; or the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Distinguished for the musical color, brilliance, and
excitement of his performances, the talented Armenian pianist and
composer Karen Hakobyan has been acclaimed for his individual style
and depth of his interpretations. His performances have been
broadcasted on WQXR, New Yorks classical radio station, and on
Armenian National Radio. Mr. Hakobyan recently completed Professional
Studies Diploma at Mannes College of Music, and is currently pursuing
a PSDF program at Manhattan School of Music.
Extraordinary guitarist Joao Kouyoumdjian has presented solo
and collaborative concerts in the United States, Brazil, and El
Salvador. He was a recipient of several Juilliard Fellowships to
present interactive concerts and teach in Manhattan public schools and
health care facilities. In his home country, Brazil, he has appeared
in traditional festivals and major concert series. Mr. Kouyoumdjian
holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a
Bachelor of Music from the University of Sao Paulo.
Click here (

) for more information.

DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The Program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information and registration, contact the AREC
office by telephone at 212-689-7810, by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or click
here (

).

SPECIAL CHILDRENS PROGRAM AT ST. ILLUMINATORS CATHEDRAL
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Child, the Sunday School of
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, invited Gakavig Childrens
Magazine founder and editor Juliette Tavitian to present a workshop
for children on Sunday, March 13. The event featured a sampling of the
magazines activities, an arts and crafts project, and a puppet show in
Armenian based on a story by Hovhanes Toumanian. Over 40 children and
their parents filled the hall for the event. For more information
about the magazine go to (

).
Sunday School students enjoy the workshop.
The children listen intently to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian.
ST. SARKIS CONTINUES WORSHIP, EDUCATION AND TRADITION SERIES
For the Lenten season, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, began
a series of Friday evening presentations under the general title of
Worship, Education and Tradition. Tomorrow, March 18, a special
reflection will be offered by Marilyn Martone, Ph.D., a theologian and
associate professor of health-care ethics at St. Johns University in
New York. She brings her unique perspective as a mother of a young
woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury into dialogue with her
professional work. In her newly published book, Over the Waterfall,
she reveals a mothers spiritual journey, which begins with facing the
possibility that her child may die and continues into the world of
disability. Professor Martones reflection will touch on some of the
theological themes in her book. All are invited. Vespers 6:30 pm;
Lecture 7:30 pm, followed by Q Fellowship hosted by Young Adults
Group.

ST. ILLUMINATORS SCHOOL PRESENTS VARTANANTZ PROGRAM
Students of St. Illuminators Day School, Woodside, New York,
celebrated Vartanantz with a special program of songs, recitations,
and a play. Mrs. Z. Markarian directed the students in grades 1 to 6,
and Miss Susan Savzyan directed pupils in Nursery-Kindergarten.
Board chairman, Dr. Herand Markarian, welcomed the
attendees. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, praised
the children for their performance, and Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der
Kaloustian conveyed his fatherly blessings and encouraging words.
Students of St. Illuminators Day School honor the heroes of
Vartanantz.

OUR OWN MARCH MADNESS
Seven NY-NJ Metropolitan area Armenian Churches are part of a
basketball league with various levels in four divisions (Mens; Girls;
Sr. Boys; Jr. Boys). There are a total of 22 teams with 250
participants. Playoff games took place two weeks ago, and last weekend
championship games were played with the following results:
Mens Division: Holy Martyrs 58, Sts. Vartanantz 56.
Girls Division: Sts. Vartanantz 45, St. Thomas 32.
Junior Boys Division: Sts. Vartanantz #1, 48, Sts. Vartanantz #2, 42.
Senior Boys Division: St. Leons 68, Sts. Vartanantz 45.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, March 20, Third Sunday of Lent, Sunday of
the Prodigal Son, are: Isaiah 54:11-55; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1; Luke
15:1-32.
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and
saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.
So he told them this parable: Which one of you, having a
hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine
in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And
when he comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying
to them, Rejoice with m e, for I have found my sheep that was
lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.
Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of
them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully
until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her
friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the
coin that I had lost. Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Then Jesus said, There was a man who had two sons. The younger
of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me. So he divided his property between them. A few
days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him
anything. But when he came to himself he said, How many of my fathers
hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of
hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer
worthy to be called you4r son!
; treat me like one of your hired hands. So he set off and went to
his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was
filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed
him. Then the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven
and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the
father said to his slaves, Quickly, bring out a robethe best oneand
put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And
get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for
this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found! And they began to celebrate.
Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and
approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the
slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, Your brother has come,
and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him
back safe and sound. Then he became angry and refused to go in. His
father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his
father, Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave
for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never
given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my
friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your
property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him! Then
the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is
mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this
brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has
been found. (Luke 15:1-32)

For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, March 19, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Cyril
(315-386) of Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a
pleasant and conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when
bishops were embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to
condemn any attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were
spent in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the
possessions of the church to raise money for the poor starving
people. He was condemned for selling church property and was
banished. His best-known work that has survived, The Catechetical
Lectures is believed to be one of the earliest systematic accounts of
Christian theology. The lectures consist of an introductory lecture,
followed by eighteen lectures on the Christian faith that were used
during Lent for those preparing to be baptized on Easter, and five
lectures on the sacraments to be used after !
Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 20, is
the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son is
intended to show Gods fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who
repent. (See Bible reading above).
Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.
Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept
your house, purified the world from sins and having found your image
in it you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.
With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father,
we have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.
Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the
heavenly Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirits
wisdom, pray that we may be given a fountain of tears for the
cleansing of our sins.
>From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.

RITUALS COMMITTEE OF ARMENIAN CHURCH MEETS IN ANTELIAS
The Rituals Committee of the Armenian Church convened its second
meeting on March 7 at the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
The committee members include Bishop Michael Achabahian, Bishop
Arshak Khatchadurian, and Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhannessian,
representing the Holy See of Etchmiadzin; and Archbishop Komitas
Ohanian, Archbishop Kegham Khatchaerian, and Very Rev. Fr. Krikor
Chiftjian, representing the Holy See of Cilicia. The members continued
the work on the Mystery of Baptism. They continued studying current
texts on Baptism used in the churches, comparing them to the original
sources. The goal is to produce a common text to be used in all
Armenian churches.

This Week from the Prelacy Bookstore
THE REPATRIATE: Love, Basketball, and the KGB
By Tom Mooradian
Tom Mooradian, a retired journalist, has written a fascinating memoir
about his repatriation to Soviet Armenia when he was 18 years old, and
his subsequent struggle to return to the United States, which he
finally managed to accomplish thirteen years later. And yes, love,
basketball, and the KGB all played a part in this incredible journey.

Softcover, 460 pp, $24.95 plus shipping & handling

To order this book, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
telephone at 212-689-7810.

WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME
Spring arrives officially this Sunday, March 20, at 7:21 pm. Praise
the Lord.

REMEMBERING REV. FR. VARTAN KASSABIAN
March 12th was the second anniversary of the sudden and untimely death
of Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory Church in North
Andover, Massachusetts. He is missed by many. His reflections and
meditations were a regular part of Crossroads. Shortly before his
death he offered the following Lenten meditation:
The Gospel reading for the Eve of Great Lent reminds us that
although we celebrate the Sunday of Good Living (Poun Paregentan)
prior to beginning our Lenten journey, it is also the Sunday of
forgiveness as evidenced in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who
told us to forgive others as God has forgiven us, for if we cannot
forgive others their transgressions God will not forgive our sins.
True forgiveness is first manifested in our being able to
forgive one another; Gods mercy is revealed by the way we treat one
another. Great Lent is a gift from God. We have forty days to look
into ourselves and seek forgiveness and repentance. When we bring
back God into our hearts we find the goodness in ourselves which makes
it so much easier to find goodness in others.
This period of examination helps us in our struggle to be more
forgiving of others, and to realize that when we forgive others we
lift a heavy burden from our own shoulders. As always the choice is
ours. A blessed and peaceful journey through Great Lent.
To read a remembrance of Der Vartan by Greg Minasian click here (

).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 6 through LentSt. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic
Church, Granite City, Illinois, Lenten Bible Study Series 2011. Begins
Sunday, March 6, immediately following Divine Liturgy; continues every
Friday evening during Great Lent, from 6-7 pm. (Vigil service to
follow). Topic: Understanding the Divine Liturgy (Because lets face
it, you dont!). A detailed look at the origins, structure, theology
and historical development of the Soorp Badarak.

March 9 to April 13Prelacy Lenten Lectures, every Wednesday during
Lent, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
City. Fellowship at 7:15 pm; Lenten service at 8 pm; Lecture at 8:30
pm. For details click here (

).

March 18St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. Over the Waterfall, a lecture on
Suffering by Professor Marilyn Martone, Ph.D., St. Johns
University. Fellowship by Young Adults Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture
7:30 pm; Q: 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 pm.

March 19New England Regional Conference, hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin
Church, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, for clergy,
board of trustees members, and delegate. Members of the Religious and
Executive Councils will be present. Conference will begin at 10
a.m. and continue to 4 p.m.

March 20Educational Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, presents The Harvest Years? featuring legal and financial issues
facing seniors, at 1:30 pm. Presentations by: Ann Margaret Carozza,
JD, Attorney at Law, Elder Law, Asset Protection & Qualifying for
Medicaid.; Lori Shibilo and Mary Ann Kuntz, The Medical Application
Process,; Dickran Kabarajian, CLU, LUTCF, Long Term Care
Insurance. For information: 718-786-3842 (Dr. Arthur Kubikian); or
718-224-2275 (church office).

March 25St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. Lecture by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Ph.D., Vicar General of Prelacy. Fellowship by the
Choir. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

March 25-27Conference for Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC), at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield,
Connecticut. Theme of the conference: The Feasts of the Armenian
Church. For information and registration click here (

).

March 27Musical Armenia Concert. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy, Weill
Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City. For information click
here (

).

March 27Traditional Lenten Luncheon featuring Topig and an array of
Lenten dishes, hosted by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, immediately following church services. Adults
$20; children (5-12) $10.

March 27Lenten Luncheon, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
following Church services. Traditional home-cooked Lenten
meals. Reservations suggested. Church office: 718-224-2275.

April 1St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, A Conversation with the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of Eastern Prelacy. Fellowship by the
Saturday School PTA. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm;
Fellowship 8:15 pm.

April 8St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, Biblical Meditation on the Year of the
Armenian Child, by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminators Cathedral. Fellowship hour by the Yeraz Dance
Ensemble. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

April 9Evening service at 7 pm, followed by a reception for the
Pillars of the Prelacy in New England area, at St. Stephens Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.

April 10St. Illuminators Cathedral, Pashalian Hall, New York,
Traditional Lenten Luncheon and Program, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Cathedrals Ladies Guild; adults $25, children $10. For
information/reservations: 212-689-5880.

April 15St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education and Tradition series, For Christ our Passover lamb, has been
sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)a Reflection on the Death of Christ, by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacys Armenian Religious
Education Council. Fellowship hour by the Senior Citizens
Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

May 2Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers Day Luncheon, New York City. Lucy
Ishkanian will be honored as the Woman of the Year.

May 4St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Mothers Day Luncheon,
honoring all mothers, sponsored by St. Sarkis Senior Citizens Group,
12 noon. Live Armenian and Middle Eastern music featuring Jacque
Hagopian. Limited seating. Reservations by April 25. Donation $25
advance; $35 at door. Reservations: 516-587-0727 or 718-224-2275.

May 11-14National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted
by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

May 22Celebration of the 95th anniversary of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, will take place at the Terrace on the Park,
Flushing Meadow Park, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Cocktails 5 pm; Dinner 6 pm.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

From: A. Papazian

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

March 17, 2011

____________________

New iPhone App from the Eastern Diocese

This month the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America announced
the release of Vemkar-a new mobile application for the iPhone and iPod
touch.

The app-available free of charge in the App Store and on iTunes-incorporates
a wide range of features, including daily scripture readings, photo and
video galleries, Armenian spiritual and folk music, a calendar of events, a
directory of Diocesan parishes, a prayer request function, and much more.
Users are invited to post comments, share images with friends, or read the
latest news from the Eastern Diocese.

In Armenian, a “Vemkar” is the specially anointed stone that serves as a
movable altar, which can be used for ritual functions in the absence of a
permanent sanctuary. As a portable tablet, it allows the sacred power of the
Armenian Church to be brought to people in even the most remote places. The
Vemkar app places access to the Armenian Church in the palm of one’s hand.

The app is the latest in a series of efforts to expand the Diocese’s digital
media outreach.

In June 2010, the Diocese unveiled the complete redesign of its website:

The new site serves not only as a platform for the distribution of news and
information about the Eastern Diocese, but also as a vibrant portal where
visitors can submit questions and ideas, and share content via social media
sites.

The website project was followed by a redesigned weekly e-newsletter, and
the development of Facebook and Twitter communities.

The Diocese also continues to produce and post short video clips-on topics
ranging from the saints and feasts of the Armenian Church to brief news
updates and thematic clips focusing on ministry in the modern world-on both
its website and YouTube channel.

To learn more about the Eastern Diocese, visit

###

Photo: Screenshots of the Diocese’s new iPhone app, Vemkar, which is
available for free download in the App Store and on iTunes.

From: A. Papazian

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [23]
Links:
23.

TOP STORY March 17,2011

_Japan Earthquake Relief _

Parishioners of the Eastern Diocese are asked to continue to offer prayers
for all those who are suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake and
tsunami in Japan. In the week since the catastrophe, the situation has
escalated considerably, with a rising death toll and a growing nuclear
crisis.

The Diocese and the Fund for Armenian Relief are contributing to the relief
effort in Japan, working through the National Council of Churches.
Individuals can make contributions online by visiting our website and
clicking on the [4]`Donate’ tab, to make a credit card donation on our
secure server. (Please note: In the lower part of the online information
entry form, select the button `In Memory of,’ and type `Japan Earthquake
Relief’ in the memo bar that appears.)
Links:
4.

Checks made payable to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (please
write `Japan Earthquake Relief’ in the memo) may be sent to the Diocesan
Center (630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016) by Tuesday, March 22.

All proceeds collected will go to the relief efforts, to be distributed
through Church World Service, the humanitarian aid arm of the National
Council of Churches.

While material help is urgently needed, the magnitude of this catastrophe
makes us see with greater clarity mankind’s deep dependence on God. Please
offer your prayers to Him this weekend, asking Him to have mercy on the
earthquake victims, and to protect the people of Japan from further
calamity.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (file
photo).

_Primate Takes Part in “Leaders of Change Summit”_

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, took part in the “Leaders of
Change Summit” held in Istanbul, from March 14-15. The Primate attended the
event in his role as the vice president of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation, with the organization’s founder and president, Rabbi Arthur
Schneier.

During the two-day summit Archbishop Barsamian had the opportunity to meet
with former Vice President Al Gore, former Secretary-General of the United
Nations Kofi Annan, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Turkey’s Minister of
Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, and its president of Religious Affairs
Professor Mehmet Gormez.

The sessions focused on topics ranging from global business to social
development and possibilities for international cooperation.

During his time in Istanbul, Archbishop Barsamian also visited the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople where he met with Archbishop Aram Ateshian,
the Vicar General of the Patriarchate, and visited Patriarch Mesrob
Mutafyan. In addition, Archbishop Barsamian met with Armenian community
leaders in Istanbul.

On Wednesday, March 16, he departed for Armenia, where Archbishop Barsamian
will attend a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council at Holy Etchmiadzin.

Scripture of the Week

Lk 6:12-49
Is 54:11-55:13
2 Cor 6:1-7:1
Lk 15:1-32

Prayer of the week

Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom, that I may, at all times,
think, speak, and do before you that which is good in your sight. And save
me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon your creatures and
upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_19 March:_ St. Cyril of Jerusalem

_20 March:_ Sunday of the Prodigal Son

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Singapore was consecrated in 1836.

_Singapore’s Armenian Church to Mark 175 Years_

On March 26 and 27, the Armenian community of Singapore will celebrate the
175th anniversary of the consecration of the local St. Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Church. The weekend-long event will honor the church’s
founders and highlight Armenians’ other contributions to the area.

St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church was consecrated on March 26,
1836, and has the distinction of being the first Christian house of worship
to be erected in Singapore. It was built by a group of several dozen
Armenians, most of whom had come to the area from India and Malaysia shortly
after Britain founded a settlement there in 1819.

Today the local Armenian community-not much larger now than it was in the
1830s-is composed of descendants of the early settlers, business people from
the Armenian diaspora, as well as recent newcomers from Armenia. [5]Click
here to visit the community’s website, and to learn more about the upcoming
celebration.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

_109th Diocesan Assembly to be Held in Boston_

This year’s Clergy Conference and Annual Diocesan Assembly-themed
`Vocations-The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful’-will be hosted by
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

The Clergy Conference will be held at the Connors Family Retreat and
Conference Center in Dover, MA, from Tuesday, April 26 to Thursday, April
28. The Assembly proceedings will be held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston,
from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30 (the Divine Liturgy will be
celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, May 1).

Hotel reservations must be made by Monday, March 28, to receive the special
group rate of $159 per night. For more information, [6]click here to visit
the parish’s Assembly website.
Links:
6.

_Zohrab Center Catalog Available Online _

Scholars, researchers, students, and the general public can now access the
contents of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center’s collection,
thanks to the center’s new online catalog: [7]
Links:
7.

The catalog is a register of some 15,000 books found in the library’s rich
collection. The Zohrab Center contains volumes covering a range of topics,
including Armenian literature, history, and culture.

While the center’s holdings are not in circulation, users are welcome to
browse the online catalog to familiarize themselves with the center’s
collection prior to visiting the facility in Manhattan. Alternatively, users
are encouraged to contact Taleen Babayan, Zohrab Center coordinator, to
request digital copies when available.

The Zohrab Center is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 630
Second Avenue in New York City. For information, call (212) 686-0710, or
visit the center’s website at [8]
Links:
8.

Aghtamar Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on an island in
Lake Van.

_FAR’s Young Professionals Trip to Tour Historic Armenia
_
For the first time, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Hayastani Kidak
Society’ Young Professionals Trip will include a tour of historic Armenian
lands in eastern Turkey as part of its itinerary. The year 2011 marks the
16th summer that FAR has held the two-week trip, which also includes an
extensive and enriching tour around Armenia.

This year, participants will be able to visit incredible historic sites like
Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani, the holy island of Aghtamar, as
well as Kars and Van. The trip provides an ideal opportunity for young
professionals between the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group,
learn about the country and culture firsthand, and become acquainted with
FAR’s projects.

[9]Click here to learn more about the trip, on the FAR blog.
Links:
9.

PARISH NEWS

St. Sarkis Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

_Diocesan Vicar Visits Parish in Niagara Falls, NY _

The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, visited St. Sarkis
Church of Niagara Falls, NY, on Sunday, March 13.

Fr. Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and joined the community for a
Lenten luncheon. He also met with the Parish Council to discuss parish needs
and goals for the future.

The parish is presently served by a visiting priest-the Rev. Fr. Mampre
Kouzouian, who celebrates the Divine Liturgy once a month. The community
will be working to increase the number of monthly visits so that members can
take part in the Divine Liturgy more often.

The Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA.

_News from the Women’s Guild of Worcester, MA_

The Women’s Guild of the Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA, has
launched a newsletter. [10]Click here to read the first issue.
Links:
10.

Titled `Messages from the Women’s Guild,’ the quarterly publication will
offer updates on the programs and activities of the local Women’s Guild, as
well as a message from the church pastor, the Rev. Fr. Aved Terzian.

The newsletter committee is also welcoming suggestions for future articles.

_Upcoming Parish Events _

_Armenian Church of Nashville | Nashville, TN_
Professor Peter Balakian will give a lecture titled `The Armenian Genocide
and Modernity’ on Friday, March 18, at Middle Tennessee State University,
beginning at 6:30 p.m. [11]Click here to read more.
Links:
11.

The university is located at 1301 East Main Street in Murfreesboro, TN. The
lecture will be held in the State Farm Hall of the Business and Aerospace
Building.

The Armenian Church of Nashville mission parish will host a reception to
honor Professor Balakian on Thursday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. The reception
will be held at the Church of the Advent Episcopal in Nashville.

_Church of Southwest Florida | Bonita Springs, FL_
On Sunday, March 20, the Church of Southwest Florida mission parish will
welcome the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Department of Mission
Parishes at the Eastern Diocese, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
A Lenten luncheon will follow services.

The Divine Liturgy will begin at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 9801
Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL. For more information, call (239)
348-3804, or e-mail [12][email protected].
Links:
12. mailto:[email protected]

_St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY_
The Women’s Guild of St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will sponsor a
mid-Lenten dinner on Wednesday, March 30, beginning at 5 p.m. A Lenten
service will follow dinner.

Tickets are $16 for adults, and $8 for children. [13]Click here to view a
flyer for more information.
Links:
13.

EVENTS

_Two Lectures Planned at St. Nersess Seminary_

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will sponsor two lectures in the coming weeks.

The first lecture, scheduled for Friday, March 25, will focus on the science
of book binding and manuscript restoration. Tamara Ohanyan, a senior book
conservator at the Library of Congress who has also worked at the
Matenadaran Manuscript Archives in Armenia, will speak about preserving and
restoring Armenian manuscripts.

The second lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 7, will examine the future
of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian,
Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese, will discuss the role of the
Armenian Church in the Holy Land.

Both lectures are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information,
[14]click here to view a flyer or visit the [15]seminary’s website.
Links:
14.
15.

YOUTH NEWS

Last year’s ASP participants visit a church in Armenia.

_Travel and Volunteer with the Armenia Service Program_

The registration deadline for the 2011 ACYOA Armenia Service Program has
been extended to March 31. Click to [16]download a flyer and an
[17]application form.
Links:
16.
17.

The three-week trip to Armenia-from June 28-July 18- includes tours of
historic sites and a service component, which allows participants to
volunteer at the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Soup Kitchen in Gyumri and at
the construction site of the Diocese of Shirak Youth Center. The program is
open to young adults ages 18 to 28.

Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation by James and Marta Batmasian of Boca
Raton, FL, the Armenia Service Program is offering $500 scholarships to 20
participants.

For information about the scholarships, contact ACYOA executive secretary
Nancy Basmajian at (212) 686-0170, or e-mail [18][email protected].
Links:
18. mailto:[email protected]

A young participant shares his plans to communicate through Christ in his
everyday life, during the ACYOA Juniors Retreat in Illinois.

_Successful Start to ACYOA Juniors Retreats this Month_

Last weekend the first of five regional retreats planned for ACYOA Juniors
across the Eastern Diocese was held in Ingleside, IL.

Some 20 teens from the Diocese’s parishes in Illinois and Wisconsin gathered
for a weekend of activities focused on `Communicating through Christ.’
Sessions were held on topics, such as `Conflicts in our Past,’
`Communication is Love,’ and `Lent is a Gift from God.’

Retreat sessions were led by Jennifer Morris, Youth Outreach coordinator at
the Diocese, and area clergy, including the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian,
Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, and Rev. Fr. Tavit Boyajian.

The retreat concluded on Sunday at St. George Church of Waukegan, IL. The
Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy; the Rev. Fr. Paren
Galustyan delivered the sermon. The Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan also took
part in the weekend’s program. After the Divine Liturgy, local parishioners
hosted a Lenten luncheon for retreat participants.

Below is a list of upcoming ACYOA Juniors retreats throughout the Eastern
Diocese. To receive a registration packet, contact your parish priest or
youth advisor, or e-mail Jennifer Morris at
[19][email protected].
Links:
19. mailto:[email protected]

_New England Regional Retreat_
St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center (Contoocook, NH)
Friday, March 18 – Sunday, March 20

_Florida Regional Retreat/Lock-in_
St. Mary Armenian Church (Hollywood, FL)
Saturday, March 26 – Sunday, March 27

_New York Metro and Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat_
Don Bosco and Marian Shrine Retreat Center (Stony Point,
NY)
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3 (ending with the 3rd annual St. Nersess 3K
Walk for Faith, on April 3)

_Michigan/Ohio Regional Retreat_
Camp Ohiyesa (Holly, MI)
Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10

Campers enjoy campfire at St. Vartan Camp.

_Hye Camp Applications Available Online _

Applications for Hye Camp are now available for download. [20]Click here to
download and print camper, CIT, staff, and volunteer application forms.
Register by June 1 to take advantage of the early-bird discount.
Links:
20.

_Hye Camp 2011, housed at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL_
Staff Training: Thursday, July 27 – Saturday, July 30
Camp Session: Saturday, July 30 – Saturday, August 6

St. Vartan Camp registration may be completed online. [21]Click here to
register online for St. Vartan Camp.
Links:
21.

_St. Vartan Camp 2011, housed at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY_
Staff Training: Wednesday, June 22 – Saturday, June 25
Session A: Sunday, June 26 – Saturday, July 9
Session B: Sunday, July 10 – Saturday, July 23
Session C: Sunday, July 24 – Saturday, August 6

For more information about Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp, contact Jennifer
Morris, Youth Outreach coordinator, at (212) 686-0710, ext. 118, or
[22][email protected].
Links:
22. mailto:[email protected]

From: A. Papazian

IFEX
555 Richmond St. West, =23 1101, PO Box 407
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3B1
alerts=40ifex.org

ARMENIA: International reporters denied entry
IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________
ALERT – ARMENIA
17 March 2011

International reporters denied entry

SOURCE: Committee to Protect Journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) – New York, March 15, 2011 –
The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by Armenia’s refusal
to allow four reporters with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE to
enter the country, and called on the authorities today to allow the
journalists to resume their work in Armenia.

On Thursday, immigration authorities at the Zvartnots International
Airport in the capital, Yerevan, refused to issue visas to the four
reporters, and forced them to leave the country, according to local
and international press reports. Immigration authorities did not
provide an explanation to the reporters – two of whom are from
Estonia; the others are from Finland and Lithuania – as to why they
were turned away, Armen Nikogosian, a researcher with the Yerevan
Press Club, told CPJ.

Andrius Brokas, YLE’s executive producer, said in a statement that the
reporters had traveled to Armenia to collect material for a
documentary on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, the Armenian service of the U.S. government-funded Radio
Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

“At the very least, these journalists deserve an explanation as to
why they were not allowed to enter Armenia to cover a story of
international interest,” CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program
Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. “We call on the authorities to
allow the YLE crew to enter the country and work freely.”

Unidentified officials with the Armenian Foreign Ministry told the
regional news website EurasiaNet that they believed the documentary
was commissioned by the government of Azerbaijan for the purpose of
damaging Armenia’s reputation. Brokas denied the allegations. He told
the Russian service of the BBC that the documentary was financed by
YLE and a Lithuanian company, TV Komanda.

A violent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan erupted in February
1988 over the Nagorno-Karabakh region – a mountainous area populated
mostly by ethnic Armenians that is formally part of Azerbaijan but is
a de facto breakaway republic. Despite a May 1994 ceasefire, the
conflict has not ended and violent incidents continue to take place on
the border. Since 1994, the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan have
been participating in peace talks on the territory’s status, mediated
by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

For more information:

Committee to Protect Journalists
330 7th Ave., 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
USA
info (=40) cpj.org
Phone: +1 212 465 1004
Fax: +1 212 465 9568

The information contained in this item is the sole responsibility of
the above cited source. In citing this material for broadcast or
publication, please credit the source.

From: A. Papazian

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

PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2011

CONTACT : VARTENIE ECHO

TEL. / FAX. : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
EUROPE IN FAVOUR OF PEOPLE’S RIGHTS
_- FRANCE IS SUPPORTING PEOPLE’S RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION IN THE
NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT_
_ _
_- THE EUROPEAN UNION RECOGNISES THE LIBYAN TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL
COUNCIL AS A VALID POLITICAL FORCE_
_ _
The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy states
that two key declarations are questioning the European stance
regarding the relationship’s between people and States.
During a parliamentary session in the French National Assembly on
Wednesday 9 March 2011, when Mr. François Rochebloine ` an MP from
the group _Nouveau Centre_ asked a question about the peace
negotiations for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the
French Minister for Foreign and European affairs, Mr. Alain Juppé,
declared that a `peoples’ right to self-determination is a
fundamental principle of settling any conflict’.
Two days later, on March 11th, 2011, the President of the European
Union, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy made a statement at the end of the
extraordinary European summit in Brussels dedicated to the situation
in Libya, in which he welcomed and encouraged the Libyan Transitional
National council (TNC), which he considers as a `valid political
interlocutor’ for Europe and `with whom he wishes to work
closely’.
The European Armenian Federation welcomes these standpoints which
puts the European Union as the initiator of a total reconsideration of
the relations between peoples and States. Contrary to the traditional
Realpolitik, the Federation is expecting that, regarding this issue,
that Real Democracy will be implemented in Europe.
The Federation confirms that following the example of the Libyans,
the Karabakhis rose against the arbitrariness, which, in this case,
allowed the annexation of their territory to a totalitarian country;
the Federation also reaffirms that the Armenian people do not want to
be anymore the perpetual victim of the Realpolitik supremacy on
peoples’ right.
`The systematic massacres of Armenians by successive Azerbaijani
powers are proof that it is no longer possible that Karabakh returns
under the rule of Azerbaijan and that the international community does
not have the moral right to demand from the Armenians such a suicidal
act’, declared Hilda Tchoboian, President of the European Armenian
Federation.
The Federation considers that Mr Juppé’s declaration on the
primacy of the people’s right to self-determination in the Minsk
Group negotiations, is a major event which should change the Karabakh
peace negotiations process: `We, for the weeks to come, are waiting
for the conclusions from the Minsk group’s peace discussions’,
stated Hilda Tchoboian.
The Federation concludes that, by being the Minsk group’s
co-presidency since 1997, France has acquired the expertise which
gives the country the necessary authority to support the people’s
right’s.
`Mr. Juppé opens up the way for the international recognition of
Nagorno-Karabakh’, concluded Hilda Tchoboian.

From: A. Papazian

NOWRUZ CONTRIBUTES TO USD 20 MILLION INCREASE IN ARMENIA’S BUDGET

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 16, 2011 – 14:10 AMT 10:10 GMT

During Nowruz (Persian New Year), Iranians, who prefer to celebrate the
holidays in Armenia, increase the country’s budget by USD 20 million.

As Armenian expert Tigran Davtyan told a news conference in Yerevan,
because of the lack of hotel rooms, Iranians have to rent apartments
at USD150 per night.

Among main problems Iranian tourists face upon arrival in Armenia,
the expert noted the absence of English road signs and lack of contact
with the local police because of language-related difficulties.

The head of the tourism and territorial development department at
Armenian Economy Ministry Mekhak Apresyan, in turn, noted that to
meet the needs of arriving Iranian tourists, Armenian museums provide
exhibit information in Persian.

From: A. Papazian

MAJOR TOURIST INFLOW TO ARMENIA EXPECTED IN MARCH

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 16, 2011 – 13:39 AMT 09:39 GMT

A major tourist inflow to Armenia, specifically from Iran and Russia
is expected in March, according to the head of the department of
tourism and territorial development at Armenian Economy Ministry.

As Mekhak Apresyan told a news conference in Yerevan, several
significant events are due in March, including Armenia-Russia EURO
2012 qualifier (March 26), Festival de la Francophonie (March 17-18).

Arrival of Iranian tourists, who are celebrating Nowruz (Persian News
Year) in Armenia is also expected.

Apresyan urged the population against panicking. “We must do our best
to welcome the tourists, increasing inflow being a sign of growing
popularity of the country,” he stressed.

From: A. Papazian