Author: Babajanian Karo

GENOCIDE FOCUS OF ARAM I’S ADDRESS TO LA CITY COUNCIL

Asbarez
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Aram I addresses LA City Council

LOS ANGELES-His Holiness Catholicos Aram I arrived at Los Angeles
City Hall on the morning of Friday, October 14, where a breakfast
reception was held in his honor, after which His Holiness addressed
the full City Council in Chambers.

The Catholicos was accompanied by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian and staff bearer Very Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarkissian.

Participating in the reception were Clergy, Councils members, community
leaders and members, Prelacy sponsors and friends.

Opening remarks were delivered by Jim Clarke, Director of Federal
Relations for Mayor Villaraigosa. Council President Eric Garcetti
said it was a great honor to welcome His Holiness to City Hall and
invited Council member Paul Krekorian to deliver his remarks.

Aram I with LA City Council after receiving a proclamation

Council member Krekorian stated that it was personally extraordinary
for him to be there as the first Armenian-American Council member, and
that the presence of His Holiness at City Hall is “a point of pride for
each of us and gives us strength as representatives of this community”.

The Prelate thanked the Council members for the warm welcome and
reception, and for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa facilitating the arrival
of His Holiness at LAX. He noted that this is the fourth visit of His
Holiness to City Hall and invited His Holiness to deliver his message.

His Holiness expressed profound joy to be at City Hall in the heart
of Los Angeles stating, “This is no ordinary building. I came here
to examine the heartbeat, the activities, and the planning oriented
work towards helping and serving people. People are a part of the
government, as Plato said, and this is democracy in action.” His
Holiness concluded by saying, “The United States is a great nation
of values. May God less you all and may you continue to serve Los
Angeles”.

His Holiness, entourage, and guests were then escorted to Chambers
where the full City Council was assembled.

First to speak were Council member Krekorian and Council President
Garcetti.

Council member Krekorian said it was both an honor and a privilege
to be there. Antelias is the heart and soul of the Armenian people
and His Holiness is our spiritual leader and we are thankful for his
leadership and guidance. His Holiness has brought together many faiths
and he is responsible for inter-religious dialogue. It is rare that
we get a man of such stature in our Chamber, concluded Krekorian.

Council President Garcetti stated that is was a great honor to receive
His Holiness at LAX and welcomed him to the temple of democracy. He
referred to His Holiness as an inspiration and expressed his
appreciation for his involvement in educational institutions.

His Holiness then addressed the City Council stating that it was a
profound joy to be with them and being with them meant being with the
people. He urged them to serve with transparency and accountability
and to serve the interest of the people and not individuals. Looking
around at those assembled in the Chamber, His Holiness noted that each
of them has different root and different background, but they must
first and foremost remain true to their American values. He shared his
pride that so many Armenians are a part of America and share in those
American values, and expressed gratitude to the United States as it was
the first nation to accept refugees following the Armenian Genocide.

“I am proud that my own community is part of the diverse American
community, and a contributing one at that. After the genocide of 1915,
the United States was the first nation to accept refugees as Displaced
Peoples, but we didn’t remain as such, we became Americans. And I am
proud of that. We must remain now true to our American values. It
is my profound joy to be with you once again. As public servants,
service should be the center of our spirituality. We all serve the
same people. They should be the center of our reflection,” concluded
His Holiness who was met with a standing ovation.

The event concluded with the presentation of a proclamation to His
Holiness by Council members.

ANCA EASTERN REGION BANQUET HONORS ITS VENERABLE SERVANTS (SLIDESHOW)
By: Tom Vartabedian

Tue, Oct 18 2011

BOSTON, Mass. (A.W.)-When it comes to humility and community service,
look no further than Stephen Dulgarian and Ruth Thomasian, a couple
of goodwill ambassadors who have brought homage and respect to their
heritage through diverse ways.

Dulgarian (L) and Thomasian Both were honored by the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region for their untiring devotion
to the Armenian Cause before 300 guests at the Seaport Hotel Oct. 15.

The two icons, often known for their quiet and humble deeds, were
presented the coveted Vahan Cardashian Award, given annually to an
ANCA activist or supporter in honor of the Yale-educated lawyer who
set aside his successful New York practice to advocate for the plight
of the Armenian nation.

The evening was further accentuated by the presentation of the ANCA
Freedom Award to Senators Robert and Elizabeth Dole. Throughout
their tenures in Congress, both embraced the country of Armenia,
especially in the post-earthquake era with a trip to that shattered
land and vast missionary work.

The Freedom Award represents the highest honor bestowed by the ANCA
on those who have exhibited an extraordinary commitment to Armenian
American issues. Other recipients have included the late Senator Edward
Kennedy, human rights activist Samantha Power, former Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans, and New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez.

Because of Senator Bob Dole’s ill health, and his wife’s constant
care, the two were unable to attend the dinner. Accepting on their
behalf was ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

“The Doles helped shape and shepherd an entire era of Armenian
advocacy,” said Hamparian. “Together, they opened a door to friendship,
love, respect, and dialogue. They stood by the truth through the
highest stations of American power and never relented in their
support.”

An Armenian connection remains indelible. When Bob Dole returned from
World War II with injuries that left his left arm useless and about
to be amputated, Dr. Hampar Kelikian, an Armenian native of Hadjin,
repaired the shattered shoulder and allowed the Senator to regain
some use of the limb.

“Dr. Kelikian healed his body, mind, and spirit,” Hamparian added,
paving the way for a relationship that educated the future Senator
about the facts and morality of the Armenian Cause.

Hamparian further pointed to oncoming generations to perpetuate the
work of the ANCA and continue to plant the flowering seeds on an
inveterate history and heritage.

“So that we can sit as equals, contribute as friends, and celebrate
as Armenians at the table of nations,” he brought out.

Hamparian also called for a strong Armenia, free and fair; a safe and
secure Artsakh; a healthy Javakhk; and an acknowledged genocide with
just reparations by its perpetrators.

Thomasian was singled out for her 36 years as founder, director,
and purveyor of Project SAVE, an historical archive for Armenian
photographs that has preserved and documented some 35,000 images
dating back to 1860.

Over that time, 26 pictorial calendars have enhanced her mission,
based on 65 Main St. in Watertown, the latest titled “Hype Hats,
Hair, and Hands.”

“Her prodigious efforts have nourished the fruits of our banal
existence and given recycled Armenian visuals a new purpose in our
midst,” came the introduction. “Since 1975, Ruth has enhanced the
fragmented heritage of a dispersed people through memories of life
in historic Armenia and elsewhere.”

Among the congratulatory messages was one received from Wayne F.

Smith, winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for the elimination
of landmines.

Thomasian looked upon her earlier life as an isolated and uninvolved
Armenian who suddenly found her way to Project SAVE, after leaving
a tenured teaching position at age 24.

“Now, I know more than I ever dreamed possible, learned from people
I’ve met and the stories they have shared,” she revealed. “I’ve been
blessed with a devoted staff and Board of Directors, many of whom
are volunteers who’ve joined me with their love of social history
through photography.”

Thomasian also paid homage to Cardashian as “a man who had focus,
purpose, passion, and a vision-all in the name of a free and united
Armenia.”

Dulgarian’s book of golden deeds includes an active letter-writing
campaign to legislators and newspapers in pursuit of justice and
recognition toward human rights. The son of genocide survivors, he’s
a 50-year member of the Lowell Gomideh and is currently working toward
the erection of a genocide memorial in Lowell.

He’s made 12 trips to Armenia, supports many an “adopted” child in
that land with his wife Angele, and served as an AYF advisor and
coach for decades. It all translates to a lifetime of meritorious
service for his ancestry.

“Of utmost concern should be the centennial observance in 2015 and
the welfare of our remaining survivors,” Dulgarian brought out. “We
should lobby for the passage of a much-belated genocide resolution
in Congress, as well as a postage stamp commemorating our genocide.”

Dulgarian was joined at the dinner by his four children, their spouses,
and several of his nine grandchildren, along with friends throughout
the East Coast as far south as Florida.

“His home and hospitality, effort and enthusiasm toward a righteous
Armenia have always been extended,” came his introduction. “A scholar,
humanitarian, community activist, he remains a role model for others
of his kind.”

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Rita Bejakian, followed
by the singing of both national anthems by Tamar Kanarian. His Grace
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, delivered the invocation after
commending the committee’s diligent work and its focus on national
and international issues.

Banquet Chairman Joshua Tevekelian emphasized the need toward
affirmative action while encouraging others to grow involved.

“Each person in this audience can make a difference,” he said. “The
ANCA is an organization based upon dedicated, passionate, and
intelligent people who for the greater cause of our nation and her
interests have come together to create a better Armenia.”

Tevekelian described both Cardashian Award recipients as pillars of the
Armenian community who have enhanced the cause in their own subtle way.

“We owe them both a debt of gratitude,” he said. “They symbolize all
the qualities that serve our role.”

Greg Bedian, ANCA-ER chairman, said much has changed over the past
year while recovering from a hard-fought battle over the genocide
resolution, despite relentless measures to get it passed.

“New realities in Washington, D.C., and the rest of the world have
required us to devise fresh strategies and new approaches to pursuing
the Armenian Cause,” he said. “The winds of change that are sweeping
through the Middle East and the accompanying political realignment
will present us with different opportunities and perhaps new allies
to move our demands forward.”

Bedian further said the Turkish government is attempting to exert
increased influence in the region while the Turkish-American community
is getting increasingly sophisticated in its approach to counter
our efforts.

“Our secret lies in the spirit of commitment,” he noted. “The ANCA
has risen to the challenge and continues to be recognized by organs
like the Wall Street Journal.”

In the nine years Tsoleen Sarian worked as an aide to former State
Rep. Peter Koutoujian, the experience she gained proved instrumental
as a community activist. “Tonight we celebrate activism, political
willpower, and the courage to run for public office,” Sarian
indicated. “We must get more Armenians involved with the political
process and pledge our support to those running for office. Let
them feel the full strength of our Armenian American Diaspora.” She
acknowledged the following members of the Steering Committee:
Tevekelian, Kristin Asadourian, Rita Bejakian, Ari Janessian, Tamar
Kanarian, Sabine Keljik, Stepan Keshishian, Ani Khatchadourian,
and Mariam Stepanyan.

Other messages were shared by Koutoujian, now a Middlesex County
sheriff; George Aghjayan, representing the ARF; and Robert Avetisyan,
permanent representative of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic to the
United States.

Also recognized for his zealous efforts was ANCA Chairman Kenneth
Hachikian, fresh from an invigorating speech in Armenia marking the
20th anniversary of the Armenian Republic. He was joined at the head
table by his wife Gloria.

In lieu of table favors, a generous contribution was made to the
ARS Education Fund, which assists orphans residing in Armenia and
Karabagh who have reached the age of 18. Accepting on behalf of the
organization was Tatul Sonentz-Papazian.

A silent auction preceded the dinner with cocktail music provided by
the John Baboian Ensemble.

(Photos by Tom Vartabedian) .

125TH ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION STARTS ITS WORKS

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 18, 2011
YEREVAN

At the invitation of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
and the Presidents of the Council of States and the National Council
of the Swiss Confederation on October 16 the RA NA President Hovik
Abrahamyan took part in the works of the jubilee 125th Assembly of the
Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Heghine
Bisharyan, Anahit Bakhshyan and Mikael Vardanyan, the members of the
NA delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, are in the delegation
led by the RA NA President.

NA public relations department reported that UN Secretary General
Ban ki-Moon, President of Swiss Confederation Michelin Calmy-Rey,
President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Theo-Ben Gurirab and others
welcomed about the 1500 participants.

Members of the Armenian delegation participated October 17 in
the Assembly during which issues on membership to the Union were
discussed, the 2012 program and draft budget, 2012-2017 strategy were
presented. During the assembly results of the regional conference
dedicated to the rights of children conducted June 14-16 in Armenia
were presented.

The elections of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union are
envisaged at the October 19 plenary session.

SHOPS ARAY IN ARMENIA CLOSED FOR THREE DAYS DUE TO THE DEATH OF THE OWNER

ARKA
Oct 17, 2011

YEREVAN, October 17. /ARKA/. Shops of the Armenian network of household
appliances Aray will not work for three days due to the death of its
owner, service-center of the company informed ARKA News Agency.

Police discovered on Sunday a corpse of 31 year-old Armen Petrosyan
in his car “BMW X-5” parked on the road leading from the road of the
highway Sevan-Yerevan to the village Getamech of Kotayk region. Task
force group discovered on the right hand of Petrosyan a rifle TT
with six cartridges. In the leather bag of passenger seat a rifle
“Browning” and 53 cartridges were discovered, and in the salon of
the car – one spent cartridge.

Neither in the city office, nor in the stores of the network no one
answers the phone calls.

In connection with the incident a criminal case under part 1 of article
110 (incitement to suicide or attempted suicide by means of threat,
abuse, regular humiliation of human dignity) and part 1 of article 235
(illegal possession of firearms, except shotguns) is instituted.

Today the company Aray is the leader in the Armenian market by the
sale of electronics and household appliances. The company has several
stores in Yerevan and in the cities Gyumri and Vanadzor.

ARMENIAN DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENSE RECEIVES POLISH DELEGATION

Tert.am
20:03 17.10.11

Armenian Deputy Minister of Defense Ara Nazaryan held a meeting Oct.

17 with a delegation led by Mr. Stanislaw Koziej, Head of the National
Security Bureau of Poland.

The sides discussed the defense reforms in Armenia, Poland’s assistance
to the process and possibility of deeper cooperation both at the
bilateral level and within NATO.

Ara Nazaryan pointed out military education and military industry as
priorities of Armenian-Polish cooperation in the defense area.

The sides also discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process,
stressing the necessity for settling the conflict by means of peaceful
negotiations, on the basis of international legal norms and intolerance
toward use of force.

EXPERT: RELATIONS WITH TURKEY CAN’T BE BASED ON TRUST

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 17, 2011 – 14:35 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia-Turkey normalization dispelled a number
of myths around Ankara’s foreign policy, according to an analyst at
European Integration NGO.

“Turkey’s motto, “zero problems with neighbors”, proved to be another
exaggeration, seeing how the country’s facing problems with almost
all of its neighbors: Iran, Israel, Syria and even Cyprus,” Manvel
Ghumashyan told a news conference in Yerevan.

“The facts above demonstrate relations with Turkey can’t be based on
trust,” the expert said.

“Another one of myths dispelled is Armenia’s unwillingness to
normalize ties with Turkey, failing to show initiative in the issue,”
the expert said.

Commenting on mediators’ efforts in the course of normalization,
the expert noted, “although less active now, the mediators were to
thank for a shift in Armenia-Turkey rapprochement.”

US AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT SARGSYAN

armradio.am
17.10.2011 18:58

The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
the United States to Armenia, John Heffern, presented his credentials
to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and
voiced hope that he would contribute to the further deepening of
relations between the two countries. Serzh Sargsyan underlined that
our county’s relations with the United States serve as a serious
impetus for economic development, reinforcement of democracy, as well
as establishment of stability in the region.

“We are grateful to the United States for the balanced position on
issues of vital importance for us. Our relations are unprecedented
today. I would like to avail myself of the opportunity to praise
the work done by former US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch,” President
Sargsyan said.

Ambassador Heffern, in turn, thanked for the warm words and emphasized
the importance of reinforcement and development of relations between
the United States and Armenia. “President Barack Obama values your
resoluteness to solve regional problems and we are willing to continue
to work with you in that direction,” John Heffern said.

OUR MORAL DUTY IS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECTS

ARKA
17/10/2011 18:16

ARKA news agency’s interview with Armen Kara-Poghosyan, head of
customer and marketing department of Areximbank-Gazprombank Group

ARKA – In recent years Areximbank has become more active in social
responsibility and charity areas. Tell us more about the bank’s social
responsibility programs.

Armen Kara-Poghosyan – Areximbank has always attached special
importance to social programs. Following Russian Gazprombank’s
acquisition of Areximbank (in terms of financing social-oriented
projects Gazprombank is among top leaders in Russia), we have been
tasked to continue this tradition in Armenia. Moreover, adherence
to these traditions is fixed in our bank’s strategy, which provides
for implementation of various social projects held under the slogan:
“Across the country and in the interests of everyone” being adapted
to different segments of the population. The focus in our social
activities is on promoting culture and sport, contributing to the
protection of mothers and children, providing assistance to large and
poor families. Some of our projects are based on long-term cooperation
principles.

For example, it has been two years since the bank started granting
scholarships to students of different universities to encourage young
professionals demonstrating active public stand, as well as consider
the possibility of their future employment by our bank.

The bank also shows support to a variety of public and charity
organizations. Thus, within the program ‘Across the country in the
interests of each child’ the bank paid for a monthly food supply
to Orran charitable organization taking care of children and helped
children from Mother and Child charity organization to spend vacations
in the resort town of Tsakhkadzor.

The bank’s social programs are also aimed at supporting children with
cancer, locomotor system diseases. We do not forget about veterans
either. This year’s celebration of Victory Day was held jointly with
the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Armenia.

Supporting culture and sports has always been an integral part of the
bank’s social responsibility. Our bank has long relationship with the
Theatre of Soul and Dance of Sophie Devoyan. With regard to sport, most
recently Areximbank sponsored the 5th Pan-Armenian Games and we will
continue to contribute to the development of national sports, thereby
contributing to the strengthening of ties between Armenia and Diaspora.

ARKA – Media reports in 2010 said Areximbank introduced a unique
program of social protection of its employees. What makes it unique
and has it justified itself?

Armen Kara-Poghosyan – Social responsibility is not only helping
various segments of the population but also supporting own staff
through raising the level of their social security, making the
personnel feel sure about tomorrow. In 2010 we introduced a unique
program designed specially for our staff, envisaging a package
of social security benefits and incentives. This program is the
continuation of our shareholder’s policy. We actually introduced what
Gazprombank has been doing for years, modifying it to our realities.

Our own social security system provides for such privileges and
material benefits as provision of additional paid leave, provision of
material assistance to the annual paid leave, financial assistance for
staff members getting married, the birth of a child, to staff members
who have many children, retirement benefits, etc. In addition, staff
members who are on leave to care for a child under the age of three
get monthly benefits. All this allows us to significantly improve
the quality of their working and living.

ARKA – This year is not over yet, what are your plans?

Armen Kara-Poghosyan – Until the end of the year we plan to take
part in a major international project of a famous Armenian singer
Hayk Melikyan – a series of concerts of contemporary music “1900
+”, whose main goal is to present the works of modern composers to
Armenian audience because their music has not yet been performed in
Armenia. In the past the series featured works by Russian, French,
Czech and Japanese composers. This year’s program will present the
music of contemporary Armenian composers.

Much has been done, but more needs to be done. The Bank is developing,
its earning are growing and, therefore, we can allocate more funds
for social programs. Our approach is a striking example of how
modern businesses realize their responsibility towards the country
and society.

RUSSIA’S LAST HOPE
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir.am News

17:18:44 – 17/10/2011

Carlos Petrosyan, the ex-chief of the Armenian National Security
Service during Robert Kocharyan’s office, has been engaged in so-called
social activities in Moscow, and participates in the post-Soviet
integration initiatives. During one of these initiatives, he made an
interesting speech dedicated to Putin and the Soviet Union.

A very interesting circumstance emerged. A few days ago, speaking
about his return to politics, the second president of Armenia Robert
Kocharyan taught a “lesson” to those who connect his return with
Putin’s return in Russia, saying that it is unacceptable to think
on the days of celebration of the 20th anniversary of independence
of Armenia that the internal affairs of Armenia can be determined by
the Moscow events.

What does Carlos Petrosyan have to do with this? The connection is that
he was the head of the National Security Service during Kocharyan’s
office. At present, Carlos Petrosyan reveals his so-called thinking,
the values with which he was led. It turns out that this man is a fan
of Putin and the USSR. And it turns out that Robert Kocharyan had
appointed a fan of Putin and the USSR as the head of the National
Security Service of independent Armenia. Or didn’t he know who he
appointed as head of this important sector.

Although it is possible that Kocharyan was not the person who de facto
appointed him. The point is that in its 20 years of independence,
the national security of Armenia or the so-called KGB has never been
independent from its Russian namesake. This sphere has always been a
branch office of the Russian service. In addition, there are objective
reasons, though subjective reasons are not few either. The point is
that the Armenian government thinks it to be a risky business to
retrieve this sphere from under Russia, knowing that in that case
Russia may not help and assist the tradition of reproduction of
the government.

But at present, both in the world and in Armenia, in the context
of global processes, rather interesting changes are underway. They
are not quite visible and are usually deep, mostly psychological
processes. It is already visible that Russia is preoccupied with the
“outpost” destiny of Armenia.

Recently, the results of a sociological survey have been published,
according to which, 70 percent of the population of Armenia have
pro-Russian sentiments. It seems to be a “hopelessly” huge number. But
as soon as we view it in time, we see that this rate is decreasing, as
a few years ago it was 90%. In other words, the rate of the pro-Russian
sentiment being high, it has gone down by 20% in the past few years. It
is a significant number, especially in the context of the global and
Armenian deep process of changes.

Now, in Armenia, the necessity of reviewing the quality of the
Armenian-Russian relations is considered more than ever. In addition,
following the good and old Armenian tradition of distortion of
notions, many people are trying t present the situation as if people
who speak about the quality of relationship with Russia do not want
Armenia to be partners with Russia. Of course, not. The aim is not
to end the Armenian and Russian relationship but the review of its
quality which depends greatly on the Armenian government. Russia is,
nevertheless, a powerful state, and Armenia needs the relationship
with Russia. However, the Armenian government uses the power rather
than Armenia. Meanwhile, these are two different things, considering
the nature of formation and activities of the government.

In the meantime, it leads to distortion, demoralization of the
Armenian-Russian relationship, and Russia does not treat Armenia as
a state, as a serious political subject. Of course, there is also a
problem of mentality of the Russian government but it is their problem,
meanwhile the problem of Armenia is the mentality and behavior of
the Armenian government. Thanks to the review of the mentality and
behavior of the Armenian government the Armenian-Russian relationship
will be reviewed. In Armenia, this is discussed more than ever, at
the level of social, political initiatives, political individuals,
groups and forces, media outlets.

A process has begun, both at political and social levels, which
has caused serious concerns in Russia in terms of maintenance of
influence on Armenia. This is what allowed Carlos Petrosyan who was
the head of the Armenian National Security Service for many years to
open the cards.

In other words, the appearance of Petrosyan is evidence to Russia’s
desperate effort to keep Armenia. Perhaps the current quality of
relationship between Armenia and Russia is really about to end. It
is difficult to tell when it will make it but it is drawing nearer,
and there is no hope for deviation. So, Russia, is resorting to its
last hope, self-revelation.

TV CONFIRMS GADDAFI SON DEATH

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 17, 2011 – 15:14 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – A television station based in Syria that supports
Muammar Gaddafi confirmed on Monday, October 17, that the deposed
Libyan leader’s son Khamis had died in fighting southeast of the
capital Tripoli on August 29.

Khamis commanded an elite military brigade and his death marked the
highest-profile pro-Gaddafi casualty since the uprising began that
ended Gaddafi’s 42 years in power.

Arrai television announced Khamis’s death, along with that of
his cousin Mohammed Abdullah al-Senussi, son of Gaddafi’s wanted
intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, saying they were killed during
a battle with National Transitional Council (NTC) forces in the city
of Tarhouna, 90 km (60 miles) southeast of Tripoli.

The TV station, which has broadcast audio messages from Gaddafi and
his spokesman since the Libyan capital was overrun by NTC forces in
August, posted pictures of Khamis and Senussi and broadcast verses
of the Koran, the traditional way of mourning.

It said Khamis and Senussi died “while confronting the enemies of
their homeland” on August 29, Reuters reported.

NTC military officials had said in August that Khamis was killed
in Tarhouna and buried in the city of Bani Walid but there was no
confirmation at the time from Gaddafi loyalists. Khamis had been
reported dead twice before during the uprising, only to reappear.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters
the United States could not yet independently confirm Khamis’s death
but said similar information was being received in Washington from
“reliable sources.”