Author: Andres-Papazian

TWO YEARS SINCE THE FIVE-DAY WAR
Andrei ARESHEV

en.fondsk.ruEurasia
14.08.2010

The International Association of Ossetian Communities held rallies in
several European cities on the eve of the anniversary of Georgia’s
aggression against South Ossetia. In Brussels, Strasbourg, Berlin,
and Ankara, protesters demanded the recognition of South Ossetia’s
independence, official condemnations of the Georgian policy, and
the release of Ossetian prisoners. Representatives of the Ossetian
communities in Europe, the administration of South Ossetia, and
several European public organizations must be credited with serious
efforts to convince Europe not to view the situation exclusively
through the prism of Georgia’s arguments. In particular, Ossetian
activists translated into English and French an array of historical
documents showing how the Republic of South Ossetia was crushed by the
Menshevist Georgia in 1920 and published a number of vivid accounts
of the drama suffered by South Ossetia during the 2008 Georgian attack.

An international conference titled “Two years Later: Lessons, Realia,
and the Future. Europeans’ perspective on the Five Day War in South
Ossetia” convened on the eve of the tragic 08.08.08 anniversary. The
discussions at the forum largely revolved around the reflection of
the Five Day War in global media and the forecasts for the Caucasian
region. Representatives of European NGOs gave intriguing talks and
occasionally expressed views quite critical of Georgia, but the easily
unveiled truth is that the international politics decision-making
behind the facade of the “public democracy” is concentrated in the
hands of a handful of individuals.

Two years ago Russia faced massive media and diplomatic pressure
over its response to Georgia’s aggression against South Ossetia. The
pressure is still on and will likely persist, meaning that we are to
witness a new series of debates and disagreements in the future.

For the most part, Europe’s perception of the August, 2008 war between
Georgia and South Ossetia remains unchanged. The EU still supports
Georgia and regards Russia’s reaction as at least unwarranted. Due
to various circumstances, the Georgian theme in Russia’s relations
with the US and the EU has receded from public discourse but its
reanimation can be expected any moment, for example if the US and/or
Israel strike Iran and the attack triggers major military provocations
in the Caucasus. Europe continues denying South Ossetia the recognition
of its independence and treats it as a province of Georgia. The
later is a US ally in the Caucasus, and Italian journalist Giulietto
Chiesa even believes that – as a result of the recent Gaza crisis –
the Israeli aircrafts based in Turkey can be relocated to Georgia.

The August, 2008 developments marked a crucial phase of the collapse of
the already inefficient system of the instruments of international law,
predictably giving military force an ever greater role in international
relations. In fact, commonly accepted legal mechanisms of preventing
conflicts between ethnic groups or countries are hardly worth talking
about since the passing of the notorious verdict on the Kosovo
independence by the International Court of Justice. The resolution
of ethnic conflicts has irreversibly drifted from the sphere of law
to the sphere of current politics, and the arrangement exposes the
international security architecture to fundamental risks.

>>From the outset, there was no hope that the Russian diplomacy would –
on the UN level, for example – convince the international community
to condemn Saakashvili’s aggression or to impose an embargo on
weaponry supplies to his regime. Russia’s objections notwithstanding,
Europe is eager to integrate Georgia – as well as Ukraine – into
NATO. The Russian diplomacy’s failure to make the world realize that
Saakashvili’s regime was responsible for unleashing the war in South
Ossetia1 did not come as a surprise – no doubt, double standards will
dominate the global politics in the foreseeable future. This is the
reason why the Russian administration chose to de jure cement the
new status quo in the Caucasian region, regardless of how the step
angered Western (British and other) thinktanks. The anger surfaced
at the forum in Strasbourg…

Evidently, Tbilisi is seeking to maximally drag the US and the EU into
the Caucasian affairs. Notably, the EU with its initiatives like the
Eastern Partnership and association agreements is a background player
in the Caucasian region compared to the US and Russia.

The immediate parties to the conflict – Georgia on one side and South
Ossetia plus Abkhazia on the other – are equally committed to the view
that a fair resolution can only be brokered with the help of external
forces. Georgia is inviting the US and the EU while Abkhazia and South
Ossetia are summoning Russia. The Geneva consultations produced no
breakthrough, nor will they as long as their agenda is focused on
formulating a legally binding agreement on avoiding the use of force.

Georgia rejects the deal out of hand claiming that it can only sign
an agreement of the kind directly with Russia. Geopolitical reckoning
and vague expectations that the strategic balance in the region will
tilt prevail over the intentions to build a common European security
architecture.

The current – and, alas, temporary – dip in the intensity of
anti-Russian rhetoric may well be a prologue to a new round of pressure
on Moscow. Things can get worse if the US adopts a hawkish stance
(for example, due to the advent of a new US Administration or the
triumph of Republicans in the coming Congress elections). Then we are
sure to encounter a full-scale revival of all of the recent critical
stereotypes. A “gentle” version of essentially the same evolution
will likely materialize in the form of the reset which has already
drawn Moscow closer to Washington on Iran and several other issues.

>>From the perspective of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia as the
country interested in maintaining its influence over the region in
the long term should extend to them guarantees of their security,
which they bought dearly and cast irreversibly in the legal form of an
independent statehood. Abkhazia and South Ossetia hope that, led by
its own geopolitical interests, Russia will create an alliance with
them and will never revert to its defeatist 1990ies policies2. The
projection is that Russia’s strategic stance in dealing with Georgia
will be consequent and will not be affected by minute plans to reach
a deal with Georgia at the cost of sacrificing the gains of the Five
Day War.

The struggle between Russia and the West over the Caucasus will
continue despite the pledged reset. The visits of US Vice President J.

Biden to Tbilisi and of US Secretary of State H. Clinton – to Baku,
Yerevan, and Tbilisi (a year later), along with a whole range of
other developments, showed clearly that the intensity of the rivalry
between Washington, Brussels, and Moscow over the Caucasian region is
not going to subside. The US has no intention to leave South Caucasus
to Russia, and the EU will not become the champion in the region in
the nearest future due to the following reasons:

1) The EU mediation lacks a unified underlying policy.

2) The EU is overly burdened with its own problems.

3) The EU would not risk tilting the balance in the Caucasus at the
cost of antagonizing Moscow over relatively minor issues.

4) The EU will likely opt for an auxiliary role in implementing a
new US strategy aimed at maximally pushing the Caucasian republics –
especially Abkhazia – off Russia’s orbit.

5) There is no clarity concerning the future Eurointegration of
Georgia and other Caucasian republics3

At the same time, South Ossetia and Abkhazia hope to eventually
establish normal relations with the EU and to start moving towards
Eurointegration, though the latter task ranks lower on their lists of
priorities than cultivating the relations with Russia as the guarantor
of their security. Brussel’s position will render meaningless any
talk about the region’s European future as a means of addressing
its conflicts given that the EU believes that Georgia should retain
its Soviet-era borders. In the mid-term, the situation around South
Ossetia is bound to be a zero-sum game in which gains on one side
are tantamount to losses on the other.

The interpretations of the events that took place in Abkhazia two years
ago and the visions of Georgia’s relations with its former autonomous
parts will at various levels remain a sphere of ideological strife. A
lot depends on the clarity and coherence of the positions of Moscow,
South Ossetia, and also of the Ossetian communities which are growing
increasingly visible in Europe and other parts of the world.

In this context, the rallies which convened early this August instill
a measure of optimism.

_________________________ (1) A. Kurtov. South Caucasus: Expectations
and Reality // Russia-Armenia: Opportunities to Deepen the Strategic
Partnership.

Moscow, RISI, 2010, p. 56

(2) Tbilisi was the first to resort to military force in dealing with
its defiant autonomies, but at the initial phase of the conflict the
Soviet – and later the post-Soviet – Georgian leadership met with no
response whatsoever from Moscow

(3) E. Ponomareva. Abkazia and South Ossetia: the
Future of Their Relations with Georgia. Part III //

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY: OTTOMAN EMPIRE ENJOYS AN IMAGE TURNAROUND AFTER YEARS IN THE CULTURAL WILDERNESS
CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA

Associated Press Writer
3:49 AM PDT, August 16, 2010

ISTANBUL (AP) – This month, a troupe of 100 musicians, dancers,
acrobats and robed actors is performing an Ottoman-style spectacle
near Topkapi Palace, once home to the sultans. An exhibition of
Ottoman poetry is on display at Istanbul’s international airport.

Ottoman cuisine, a fusion of flavors from old imperial lands, is
in vogue.

It’s quite a turnaround. For most of the last century, Turks were told
to look askance at the Ottoman Empire. Nostalgia for the 1453 conquest
of Constantinople and other early triumphs was fine – but the excesses
of the sultans were the stuff of decay, no model for modern Turkey.

Today, the legacy of the Ottomans is enjoying a makeover.

Turkey is a regional power that no longer sees itself as a junior
partner of the West. Its diplomats and entrepreneurs reach out to Iraq,
Iran, Syria and other lands once ruled from the Ottoman court.

The roots of this confident campaign lie partly in the protocol,
pluralism and Islamic piety of the imperial past.

These selective views, the old and the new, mirror a contemporary clash
over Turkey’s identity. It pits old secular elites in state entities
such as the courts and military against an educated class of devout
Muslims that has controlled the government since election in 2002.

“This is a point of real contestation: what is the Ottoman Empire
for Turkey?” said Donald Quataert, author of “The Ottoman Empire,
1700-1922” and a longtime researcher into the lives of Ottoman peasants
and workers. “They’ve been arguing about this for 100 years.

It’s been going back and forth.”

At one time, the Ottoman sultans commanded vast swaths of territory
from Istanbul, which spans the European and Asian continents. Their
armies marched as far as the gates of Vienna. The rise of European
powers compounded their decline, and the empire dissolved in war
and chaos at the beginning of the 20th century. The mass killing of
Armenians, deemed a genocide by many international experts despite
Turkish objections, happened in the last years of Ottoman rule.

Any discussion of its legacy must include Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a
war hero who founded the Turkish republic in 1923 as colonial powers
gobbled up former Ottoman territories. He abolished the caliphate and
its traditions of dress and language, viewed as symbols of stagnation.

Secularism was the creed, the West was the model.

Today, Ataturk’s image adorns state offices, shops and many private
homes. Roads and sports stadiums bear his name. A huge mausoleum in
the capital, Ankara, harbors his remains, and most visiting foreign
dignitaries are expected to pay tribute. It is a crime in Turkey to
insult the memory of Ataturk, whose name means “father of the Turks.”

Many Turks, including those who resent how he curtailed religious
expression, believe Ataturk saved Turkey in a time of crisis. But
increasingly, even staunch supporters admit unquestioning devotion
is out of sync with democracy.

“The changes of the republic, like many other things in this country,
were imposed from the top and not designed by the public itself, and
this is a bad habit of our people,” said Ahmet Hicyilmaz, a publicist
in Istanbul.

Ataturk’s unrelenting nationalism allowed little room for minority
rights, seen as a dire threat to state unity. Ottoman advocates,
however, note the sultans were generally tolerant of Christians and
other minorities in a tactic that may have extended the empire’s life.

On Sunday, for the first time since the fall of the empire, Orthodox
Christians led by their spiritual leader, Patriarch Bartholomew I, held
a Mass at an ancient monastery cut into the side of a mountain near the
Black Sea. The Byzantine-era monastery of Sumela was abandoned in 1923.

Turkish nationalists have objected to Bartholomew using the term
“ecumenical” to describe his Istanbul-based patriarchate, fearing
it implies a Vatican-style state on Turkish soil. But Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to Ottoman times when asked about the
matter by a journalist during a May visit to Greece.

“When it comes to the question of ecumenical, if the term did not
bother my ancestors, than it does not bother me,” Erdogan said,
using an Ottoman-era term for ancestor – “ecdad” – instead of the
modern Turkish term, “ata.”

Erdogan, a fierce critic of Israel, has cited the Ottoman Empire as
evidence that Turks are not anti-Semitic. Many of Turkey’s Jews trace
roots to Spain, where Jews fled persecution in the 15th century and
were welcomed by the Ottomans.

“Republican history taught the Ottoman era in a very backward
and negative light,” Suat Kiniklioglu, a member of the Turkish
parliament’s foreign affairs committee, wrote in an email to the
Associated Press. “We are now correcting the imbalance on our
historical perceptions.”

The Islamic-oriented government, however, objects to the term
“neo-Ottoman,” which has been used by some commentators to describe
Turkey’s outreach to former colonies. Turkey says it has no hegemonic
intent.

Even Kurdish rebels fighting the Turkish state for autonomy are looking
to imperial history to press their case. A recent rebel statement
quoted a top leader, Murat Karayilan, as saying Kurds always enjoyed
autonomy under Ottoman rule.

Now that the Ottomans are back in favor, there is the danger of
glossing things over. Many Turks know Piri Reis, an admiral and
mapmaker, as a key figure in Ottoman marine history. Fewer know that
he was beheaded after a falling out with authorities.

Historian Ilber Ortayli, head of the museum at Topkapi Palace, said
the Ottoman empire was the “basic identity” of the Turkish people,
excluding some minority groups. He said Turks were studying the period
in earnest, though the road to full understanding was long.

“We didn’t learn it well,” he said. “Our knowledge is full of mistakes
and black holes.”

From: A. Papazian

SOUTHAMPTON SCREENS FILM ABOUT MEDIEVAL FOUNDER BEVOISCONTINUE READING THE MAIN STORY

BBC

16.8.10

About 300 guests are expected to attend the premiere in the city

Southampton’s knight at the movies A film about the legendary 10th
Century founder of Southampton, Sir Bevois, is being screened in
the city.

The 15-minute film, To Unwill a Heart, used local actors and was shot
around the city’s medieval landmarks.

It was developed by film staff and historians at Southampton Solent
University.

The film was also shown at the Cannes Short Film Corner, part of the
international film festival.

Writer and director Gela Jenssen researched the legend of Sir Bevois,
who was the the son of Sir Guy, Earl of Hampton.

Ms Jenssen used historical documents recounting storytellers’ accounts
of Sir Bevois’ adventures.

Two lions

They include being sold to slave merchants by his mother, ending up in
the court of the king of Armenia and falling in love with a princess.

He reputedly returned to England to reclaim his father’s land, and
founded the city of Southampton.

Cast and crew will be among 300 guests attending the premiere at the
Harbour Lights Picturehouse later.

Ms Jenssen said: “It’s exciting to show the film to the people
of Southampton, get their reaction – many of them don’t recognise
the legend.

“After hundreds of years, the story deserves to be told.”

The production team is also submitting ideas for a feature length
version to several film companies.

Although the authenticity of the legend is debated, the two stone
lions at the city’s Bargate represent two lions the knight is reputed
to have slain.

From: A. Papazian

DMITRI MEDVEDEV ARRIVES IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
16.08.2010 18:10

On August 19 Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev will arrive in Armenia
with her wife for official visit at the invitation of the President
of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan.

Dmitri Medvedev will visit Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial monument of
the victims of the Armenian genocide and will place a wreath.

Afterwards, official dinner will be served in honor to Dmitri
Medvedev in the Residence of the President of RA, Press Service of
the President informed.

“In the framework of the official visit the Presidents of Armenia and
Russia will meet face-to-face, following which the delegations will
meet in an enlarged format. Different documents on the development
and strengthening of the Armenian- Russian strategic cooperation
will be signed. Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev will give a joint
press conference.

The presidents will visit Gyumri to take part in the honorary opening
ceremony of the “Hill of Honor” monument.

Dmitri Medvedev will participate in the non official summit of CSTO
member countries from 20 to 22 August.

From: A. Papazian

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
16.08.2010

Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Begins Moving Turkmenistan Crude

Transport of Turkmenistan crude via the main export pipeline,
Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan, began in July this year, BP-Azerbaijan reported
according to Novosti-Azerbaijan.

The volume being pumped so far is small. Turkmenistan oil began being
pumped to the Ceyhan port along the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline after a
new transport agreement was signed in July.

Currently, the pipeline is moving crude from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunsheli
field and condensate from the Shah-Deniz field. An agreement has also
been inked to deliver crude from Tengiz in Kazakshtan.

In the first six months of the year, the pipeline delivered 18 million
tons of crude.

Copyright 2010, Novosti-Azerbaijan.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian National Committee-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: (818) 500-1918

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 13, 2010
Contact: Tamar Baboujian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR AND AYF ADVOCATE FOR ARMENIAN AMERICAN TAXI DRIVERS STRUGGLING TO
KEEP THEIR JOBS IN SANTA MONICA

SANTA MONICA, CA—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
(ANCA-WR) and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) are working with Armenian
American taxi companies who were refused operational rights by a Santa
Monica City Council Taskforce, through a recommendation which would allow
the franchise of only five taxi companies to operate within the City. The
Santa Monica City Council is scheduled to vote on this recommendation in
September.

“When we were approached about this issue a few weeks back, we did a
thorough investigation about the process used by the bureaucrats in Santa
Monica in awarding franchises,” said Armen Martin, a board member of the
ANCA-WR. “That investigation has left us with significant worries about a
flawed and potentially discriminatory process. We intend to follow up with
Santa Monica city officials as well as other representatives of the area to
advocate on behalf of the nearly 300 Armenian American families which will
lose their primary source of income if this decision is not reversed.”

“The fact that 6 out of 13 applicants were owned or operated by Armenian
Americans and not a single one of them was recommended to win a franchise,
speaks volumes,” said Serouj Aprahamian, Executive Director of the AYF.
“When you look into it on a deeper level and you see that some of these
Armenian American taxi companies had substantially longer operating
histories and were stronger companies than some of the companies which were
recommended, it certainly raises a concern that the Armenian American owned
companies were intentionally discriminated against.”

The ANCA-WR and AYF are planning to meet with Santa Monica City Council
members in the coming weeks, to share their concern about the unjustified
recommendation.

“We are incredibly grateful that the ANCA-WR and AYF have taken such an
interest on this issue,” said Elen Poghosyan of VIP Yellow Cab. “We look
forward in working together to help save the livelihoods of over 300
Armenian families in Los Angeles.”

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest
Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United
States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and
supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations
around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian
American community on a broad range of issues.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation, with chapters throughout the
United States and affiliated organizations around the world, has grown to
become the largest Armenian American youth organization. Inspired by the
past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to
advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all
Armenian youth.

From: A. Papazian

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, August 16, 2010

Author Margaret Ahnert Presents Her Book “The Knock at the Door” at
AGBU’s Central Office in New York

On July 28, 2010, author Margaret Ahnert presented her gripping book,
“The Knock at the Door,” to a large audience at AGBU’s Central Office in
Manhattan for the second year in a row. “The Knock at the Door” is a
unique first-person narrative chronicling the harrowing experiences of
the author’s mother, Ester, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. The
book weaves together two narratives, including firsthand stories told by
Ester about her miraculous escape as a 15-year-old girl who narrowly
survived the Genocide, as well as the author’s own thoughts on her
connection to her mother, culture, and the memories of the tragedy that
Ester lived with every day of her life. The book has been translated
into many languages, including Armenian and Spanish.

Ahnert’s presentation immediately caught the attention of her audience,
as she read her mother’s recollection of the words of a Turkish
neighbor, “We will sharpen our knives so that you won’t feel any pain.”
Ahnert recalled the last days of her mother’s life, when Ester was 98
years old. The author expressed mixed emotions, showing sadness and
holding back tears, then smiling with pride. Ahnert also discussed her
personal struggles after publishing the book, including being honored
with the award for “Best Fiction” during the New York Book Festival.
Despite strong pressure from her publisher, Ahnert informed The New York
Book Festival Award Committee that she could not accept the award
because her book was not a work of fiction. Recognizing their
unintentional error, the New York Book Festival Award Committee
immediately awarded her with “Best Historical Memoir.” Ahnert’s
presentation was followed by an in-depth question-and-answer session
with the audience.

After the event, the author signed copies of her book and met with the
attendees, which included 31 participants of the AGBU New York Summer
Intern Program (NYSIP). The event was particularly emotional for the
author, as the participants of NYSIP had recently fulfilled their
community service obligations by taking part in Sunshine for Seniors, an
AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY) event which takes
place annually at the Armenian Home for the Aged in Queens, NY. Ahnert’s
mother, Ester, spent the last few years of her life there and was
frequently visited by the author.

Margaret Ahnert’s presentation of “The Knock at the Door” has become an
annual event for AGBU’s NYSIP, which is currently celebrating its 23rd
anniversary.

Each summer, the New York Summer Intern Program (agbu.org/nysip) chooses
30-35 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to
participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in New York City.
Students intern in a variety of industries, including finance, media,
law, international relations and the arts. Applicants must have
completed their sophomore year of college to be eligible for
participation. After selecting the most qualified applicants, NYSIP
conducts a search of available positions and discusses options that suit
the demands of each student’s professional goals. All students are
housed at the New York University dormitories. The interns participate
in specially organized social, educational and cultural activities that
highlight current and Armenian topics.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
August 15, 2010
Land and Culture Organization
1435 Old House Road
Pasadena, CA 91107

DIASPORA AND ARMENIA VOLUNTEERS EXPERIENCING THE LAND AND CULTURE

Yeghvard/Shirakamut, Armenia – The Land and Culture Organization (LCO-USA),
Organisation Terre and Culture (OTC-France) and Yergeer Yev
Meshagiut-Armenia annual summer campaign is in full swing. During the
months of July and August 37 dedicated volunteers from Armenia, Canada,
England, France, Syria, and the United States have been hard at work
restoring two ancient Armenian churches.

This summer, LCO is restoring the 17th Century Sourp Astvatzatzin Church in
the Yeghvard village in the southern Syunik province on the border of
Armenia and the liberated areas surrounding Artsakh. This renovation
project began in 2007 and will continue until its completion in 2011.
Volunteers have been restoring the interior of the church and its altar, as
well as clearing around its exterior and digging out khatchkars (stone
crosses) and memorials on the church’s complex. As with many ancient
churches throughout Armenia, these religious sites had been closed and
neglected during the Soviet period

The second site is the Tchitchkhanavank Monastery in the village of
Shirakamut in the northern Lori Province near Spitak. Tchitchkhanavank was
built on the plan of a Christian cross, typical to the sixth and seventh
centuries. This church was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1926,
neglected during the Soviet era, and again suffering destruction by the 1988
earthquake. In 2008 and 2009, LCO began the archaeological excavations,
which revealed the church’s foundation along with ancient tombstones and
objects of archaeological interest. This summer, volunteers will begin the
renovation and construction of the foundation walls of the church.
Historical experts, skilled craftsmen, and LCO Board Members are overseeing
both restorations.

This has not been the typical Armenia vacation for the volunteers from the
Diaspora and Yerevan or a quiet summer for the local residents. Volunteers
have been living in the village and experiencing the sites and sounds of
farm life. This has given all of them an appreciation of the challenges and
joys that rural remote Armenian villages and their residents face. The
volunteers have personally become more enriched having had the opportunity
to participate in preserving the Armenian heritage and living among the
people of Armenia.

For the villagers, they are moved that Armenian youth from the Diaspora have
given their time and dedication to a project off the beaten path where they
do not have any personal connections, except for being Armenian and wanting
to give back to their ancestral nation. The village children especially
become energized and excited assisting the volunteers in the work and
inviting them to play. LCO-USA President Haig Manjikian reflected, `Armenia
and the Diaspora are a family tree with Armenia being our roots and the
Spiurk its leaves. Both are equally important and need to be nurtured. If
together, we care for the roots, the tree can survive.’

Aside from bonding with the land and locals, volunteers have also been
touring historical sites throughout Armenia and Karabakh. On weekends, they
have enjoyed excursions to Khor Virab, Zorats Karer/Karahunj, Noravank,
Vahanavank, Hovanavank, the regional capital city of Kapan, and other
Armenia landmarks restored by LCO such as the Tatev Monastery and
Saghmosavank. In Karabakh, they visited the cities of Shushi and
Stepanakert, as well as previous LCO/OTC renovation projects of the
community center and schoolhouse of Karintak and the entire third floor and
operating rooms of the Shushi Central Regional Hospital. The village of
Karintak played a pivotal role in the securing of Shushi, and the hospital
has been serving the health needs of the residents of the region. In
addition, LCO Board Members have been actively searching prospective sites
for upcoming campaigns.

Besides the Yeghvard and Shirakamut sites, OTC is participating in a joint
venture project with the sister cities of Vienne, France and Goris, Armenia
renovating the 7th Century Sourp Hripsime Church near the pagan era caves in
Old Goris. An additional 23 Armenian and non-Armenian volunteers from the
Vienne community have committed themselves to this project.

For over 30 years, LCO has been one of the earliest volunteers groups in
Armenia and Karabakh working to restore, renovate, and rejuvenate the
historical monuments and sites of our nation. It has performed this mission
through its summer campaigns, by volunteers of every age from the Diaspora
and Armenia.

To help our mission or join in our summer volunteer program, you may reach
us at

From: A. Papazian

FAMOUS GEORGE MURESAN TO DELIVER MASTER CLASS TO YOUNG ARMENIAN AND TURKISH BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Tert.am
16.08.10

US, Armenian and Turkey have jointly initiated an international sports
program organized by the American World Learning NGO and sponsored
by the US State Department.

Speaking to local Armenian sports news website Armsport.am Anna
Tadevosyan, an Armenian participant to the program, said that Armenian
boys’ and girls’ youth basketball teams (6 players in each team)
will on August 18 leave for Oren, a resort town in Turkey, to hold
a training session with similar Turkish basketball teams.

In the framework of the training session seminars, courses and a
cultural evening party will be held. The participants will on August
27 depart for Izmir, western Turkey, where a day later they will
watch one of the World FIBA Championship 2010 matches.

Further former NBA star George Muresan will deliver a master class
to the Armenian and Turkish young players.

Interestingly, Muresan has been one of the tallest-ever players in
NBA. He is 231cm tall.

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:

August 16, 2010
Special Issue

IN MEMORIAM:
ARCHPRIEST FATHER VAHRICH SHIRINIAN
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, and the Religious
and Executive Councils announce with sorrow the passing of Archpriest
Fr. Vahrich Shirinian, on Saturday, August 14, 2010, in New
Jersey. Der Vahrich served as pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church in New
Jersey from 1966 until his retirement in 1991.
The Homecoming Wake service will take place at 7:30 p.m. on
Thursday, August 19, 2010, at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic
Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
The Extreme Unction will be officiated by His Eminence
Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, former Prelate of the Western Prelacy,
during the Divine Liturgy which will start at 10 a.m., on Friday,
August 20, 2010, at Sts. Vartanantz Church. Interment will follow at
George Washington Cemetery, Paramus, New Jersey.
In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be made to Sts. Vartanantz
Church or the Eastern Prelacy.
We extend heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Prelate, the
Religious and Executive Councils, and Clergy, to Der Hayrs Yeretzgin
Shake, children, grandchildren and relatives.
May the memory of the righteous be ever blessed.
SECRETARIAT
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Eastern Prelacy of the United States of America
August 16, 2010

From: A. Papazian