Author: Badalian Vardan

THIRTY-FIVE NEW MEMBERS JOIN THE AYF RANKS

Friday, November 7th, 2014

Thirty-five young AYF Juniors took their oaths to become members of
the AYF

GLENDALE–Thirty-five Armenian Youth Federation Juniors joined the
ranks of the AYF on Saturday during an oath ceremony that took place
at the Glendale Youth Center.

The AYF – Western United States, along with the Juniors Central Council
and the AYF Glendale “Roupen” Chapter, held an educational workshop the
same morning for the 35 young activists that transferred to the AYF.

“The JCC body is so proud of the 35 AYF Juniors that have worked so
hard to be here today,” said Saro Shirinian, chairperson of the JCC.

During the workshop, the Juniors transfers received a hands-on
educational regarding AYF and ARF history, as well as a review of
important dates and events. The workshop was organized by the AYF
Central Executive and led by the Central Executive.

The transfers were then faced with a teambuilding and leadership
challenge where they were given the opportunity to work and compete
with one another. Aram Kaloustian, youth advisor to the AYF, concluded
the workshop with a brief educational on the subject of what it is
to be an Unger within the organization.

Upon completion of the educational workshop, Dr. Talar Chahinian
administered the oath ceremony for the 35 bright and eager transfers.

Chahinian welcomed the new members to the organization, recounting
her days as an AYF member.

“It is always such an amazing feeling to watch such a large group of
juniors take their AYF oath,” said Hrache Novruzyan of the AYF CE.

“The group of AYF Juniors we had transferring this year are all
very active in their respective communities and shared fresh new
ideas with us throughout the educational workshop. I can say with
confidence that our future is in good hands.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and
most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world,
working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural
awareness of Armenian youth.

COMMENT S’ORGANISE L’ANNEE DU CENTENAIRE A MARSEILLE ? PAR JACQUES DONABEDIAN

OPINION

En general les craintes, les croyances les plus farfelues, les
suspicions, naissent de l’ignorance des choses. Quand on n’arrive pas a
comprendre quelque chose on va chercher les explications extremement
compliquees. D’ailleurs c’est ainsi que se creent les sectes qui
justement exploitent l’ignorance des gens qui croient y trouver >.

Il y a les aigris de la vie communautaire, les revanchards,
ceux qui sont encore dans les querelles et règlement de compte de
l’après-guerre, ceux a l’ego sur dimensionne qui se croient les seuls
a pouvoir sauver la nation, ceux qui ont des ambitions personnelles,
ceux qui se servent de > pour leur cause a eux, bref
il y a la secte des gens anti-CCAF, ceux qui disent que le CCAF ne
represente rien, ceux n’ont toujours pas compris ce qu’est vraiment
le CCAF ou pire qui ne veulent pas comprendre. Malgre tout, comme
tous les descendants des rescapes du genocide, ils ont au fond d’eux
meme la hargne que justice soit rendue au peuple armenien.

Ce constat est particulièrement vrai a Marseille et ce a la veille
du centenaire du genocide des Armeniens. Quel est-il plus precisement ?

Il est necessaire de rappeler ce qu’est le CCAF. Il est forme par le
CCAF Paris, le CCAF Centre (a Lyon) et le CCAF SUD (a Marseille).

Le Conseil de Coordination des organisations Armeniennes de France
pour la region Sud regroupe plus de trente associations, les partis
traditionnels, les structures laïques des eglises apostoliques,
protestantes et catholiques, les associations culturelles, sportives,
caritatifs, les amicales, bref les structures les plus representatives
de la communaute. A ce titre on peut dire qu’il la represente et est,
en tous cas, consideree en tant que telle par les autorites locales
tout comme le CCAF l’est par les Gouvernements francais et armenien.

Le CCAF SUD est fier de ses titres de noblesse acquis sur les fronts
des batailles pour la reconnaissance du genocide, pour la lutte
contre le negationnisme, pour la reconnaissance du Karabagh et de
sa reactivite aux evènements qui ponctuent notre triste realite
quotidienne. Il est nationalement reconnu qu’avec et grâce a la
quasi-totalite des Elus, Marseille a joue et joue un rôle capital
dans ces batailles politiques.

Certes etant donne ses statuts le CCAF n’est pas parfait. Il ne
regroupe que des associations et est donc hermetique aux individus. Il
se prive ainsi de la competence d’un grand nombre de personnes
desireuses de servir. Un projet existe pour une meilleure structure
plus democratique.

Pour aborder ce centenaire avec plus d’efficacite, le CCAF SUD
affiche l’unite du monde associatif armenien (comme s’il etait
encore necessaire de le montrer !) en se dotant d’une presidence a
trois : Dachnak-JAF-UGAB, une union sacree validee a l’unanimite des
associations qui le compose.

En 2012 il a ete decide a Erevan que l’organisation du centenaire
devait s’appuyer sur l’Etat armenien, l’Eglise et le CCAF pour ce qui
concerne la France. Ainsi est ne >, emanation du CCAF.

> travaille pour etablir une bourse des projets,
pour les coordonner, pour les labelliser, pour aider les associations
dans leurs demarches financières auprès des collectivites. Il
existe des grands projets nationaux en relation avec par exemple, le
Gouvernement, l’Education nationale ou les instances religieuses. Il
y a egalement les projets regionaux, finalement plusieurs centaines
a l’echelle nationale, et tout ceci doit etre coordonne pour que
tout soit judicieusement etale tout au long de l’annee 2015. Quant au
financement des projets, le CCAF et les associations qui le composent
ont l’experience des relations et du travail avec les Elus et les
Collectivites.

A Marseille il ne devrait pas poser de problème d’autant que le
Senateur-Maire Jean-Claude GAUDIN a declare que 2015 serait une annee
consacree a l’Armenie.

Seulement voila !

Nous devons saluer et remercier Monsieur le Senateur-Maire de son elan
spontane, toujours desireux de servir la cause de la verite et de la
justice. Nous n’oublions pas qu’il a mouille sa chemise quand il a
fallu livrer combat pour la reconnaissance du genocide. A cette epoque
il a travaille en etroite collaboration avec le CCAF qui s’appelait
alors Comite 24 Avril. Il est a l’ecoute de nos aspirations et essaye
toujours d’apporter une solution a nos nombreuses demandes.

J’etais recu mardi 23 septembre dernier dans son bureau avec son
Excellence l’ambassadeur d’Armenie en France M. Viken TCHITETCHIAN
et le consul general d’Armenie a Marseille M. Vartan SIRMAKES. Le
Senateur-Maire a confirme son desir de nous aider et reciproquement son
Excellence lui a rappele que l’organistion du centenaire s’appuyait
sur l’Eglise, l’Ambassade et le CCAF avec sa >
qui de partout en France travaille avec le soutien des autorites
locales. Tout allait bien et ce en presence de l’adjoint au Maire M.

Didier PARAKIAN.

Le lendemain un communique signe par lui annoncait la creation
d’une structure regroupant les collectivites locales et la chambre
de commerce franco-armenienne. Cette structure avait pour tâche de
reunir des fonds auprès des collectivites et du secteur prive afin
d’alimenter le financement des projets qu’elle selectionnerait.

Et le CCAF dans tout ca ! Le CCAF n’a pas ete consulte. Il est
evident que la volonte etait de l’ecarter. Comment peut-on, justement
pour le centenaire, ostraciser le CCAF qui de par ses statuts est
l’organisateur officiel des commemorations concernant le genocide ?

Immediatement, le jeudi 25 septembre, le CCAF SUD avec l’appui du
CCAF a reagi par un communique denoncant violemment cette situation
et demandant la suppression de cette structure qui ne fait que
compliquer les relations des associations avec les collectivites,
de plus illegale car il est interdit de redistribuer les subventions
attribuees par les collectivites.

Le CCAF SUD et M. Didier PARAKIAN ont ensuite essaye de trouver
un compromis. Finalement cette structure n’allait pas recolter les
fonds pour les redistribuer mais simplement presenter les dossiers
aux collectivites au vue de leur financement. Dans cet eventuel
partenariat le CCAF SUD devait conserver la maîtrise de la selection
et de la labellisation des projets. Avant de prendre sa decision le
CCAF SUD a demande les statuts de cette nouvelle association.

Heureusement ! car a la lecture des statuts de la structure > le CCAF SUD n’a pas retrouve les
elements allant dans le sens d’un accord. Entre autres anomalies,
le bureau n’a pas ete decide en commun, les collectivites n’etaient
pas inscrites en tant que telles, toutes n’etaient pas representees
et des personnes n’appartenant a aucune des structures y avaient des
responsabilites. Devant tant de legèrete et d’imprecisions le CCAF
SUD a de nouveau manifeste son desaccord. Par l’article paru hier
sur le site de Nouvelles d’Armenie on decouvre que le bureau de cette
nouvelle association a encore ete change avec des personnes qui y sont
sans leur accord et que toutes les collectivites n’en font pas partie.

A mettre la charrue avant les boeufs on multiplie les incoherences.

Ce qui est regrettable c’est que finalement on s’achemine vers deux
structures concurrentes pour l’organisation du centenaire. Je ne pense
pas que tel est le voeu de notre Senateur-Maire Jean-Claude GAUDIN et
encore moins celui de notre communaute qui risque de le lui reprocher.

Pourquoi en est-on arrive a une telle situation ?

C’est une question essentiellement politique. Le CCAF SUD est considere
a tort comme le bastion de la gauche revolutionnaire foncièrement
anti droite et donc contre notre bienaime Senateur Maire.

Il y en a qui surf sur ce faux constat et qui en rajoute creant
ainsi un climat deletère qui ne peut qu’entrainer la division de
la communaute qu’ils desirent probablement. Ce sont en general les
memes que ceux qui sont cites plus haut. Au sein du CCAF le clivage
ancestral lie a la rivalite des partis politiques armeniens n’existant
plus, ils cherchent a le remplacer par un clivage gauche-droite
franco-francais. Les laisser- pour-compte se souviennent que lorsqu’on
veut tuer son chien on dit qu’il a la galle. Certes il y a au sein
du CCAF SUD des dirigeants qui ont un peu trop sans doute exprime
leur couleur politique. Et alors ! Nous sommes francais dans un
pays où règne la democratie et libres de nos opinions. Chacun a le
droit d’exprimer son desaccord et puis les associations sont libres
de choisir leurs dirigeants sans que l’on y trouve quoique ce soit
a redire et sans qu’on leur impose tel ou tel dirigeant. Faut-il
absolument mettre une etiquette politique sur chacun de nous alors que
ne nous sommes tous, avant tout, que des representants venu defendre
une cause qui est celle de la verite et de la justice ? Tous les
membres du CCAF SUD ont en commun ce meme but.

Et meme si dans le passe ces dirigeants ont faute, il y a maintenant
prescription. Devant l’enjeu que represente l’organisation du
centenaire ces querelles paraissent ridicules.

Le CCAF SUD fort de sa legitimite et assure de la sympathie et du
soutien de la quasi-totalite de la classe politique poursuit son
travail. La reunion d’hier temoigne de l’enthousiasme des associations
porteuses de projets. Plus d’une cinquantaine deja a ete exprimee et on
en attend d’autres ! : des conferences, des expositions, des colloques,
des grands evènements vont se derouler tout au long de l’annee 2015
en memoire de nos martyrs, pour montrer que le peuple armenien est
malgre tout vivant et pour affirmer nos legitimes revendications.

Il est imperatif que très rapidement un terme soit mis a cette
division artificielle.

Que tous les descendants des rescapes du genocide, qui ont au fond
d’eux meme la hargne que justice soit rendue au peuple armenien
s’associent au CCAF SUD.

Marseille le 6 novembre 2014

Jacques DONABEDIAN Co-president du CCAF SUD

vendredi 7 novembre 2014, Ara (c)armenews.com

LA TURQUIE NE RECONNAITRA JAMAIS LE GENOCIDE A DECLARE LE MINISTRE TURC DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES

TURQUIE

Le ministre turc des Affaires etrangères Mevlut Cavusoglu a declare
qu’il est impossible pour son pays de reconnaître le genocide armenien.

Mevlut Cavusoglu a fait cette declaration jeudi lorsqu’il s’exprimait
au Parlement turc a rapporte l’agence de presse Gercekgundem.

Il a aussi evoque l’affaire qui concerne Dogu Perincek devant la
Cour europeenne des droits de l’homme sur la question de la negation
publique du genocide armenien et a souligne que son ministère suivait
de près le cas.

Et en ce qui concerne les “evenements qui ont eu lieu en 1915,”
Mevlut Cavusoglu a affirme qu’il est impossible pour la Turquie de
reconnaître le genocide armenien qui est attribue a leurs ancetres
et a la nation turque.

“Nous insistons a chaque fois” a declare le ministre turc des Affaires
etrangères.

vendredi 7 novembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

HRAPARAK: ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO HAVE CONFIDENTIAL MEETINGS IN MOSCOW

09:10 * 07.11.14

President Serzh Sargsyan’s working visit to Moscow is not reportedly
limited to the earlier announced plan to attend the Tigran Petrosyan
Chess Memory Tournament.

The paper claims that the Armenian leader is set to have several
confidential meetings in the Russian capital to discuss the
developments in Georgia and his new talks with Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Citing its “well-informed sources”, the paper says that Armenia’s
accession to the Eurasian Economic Union has given rise to a serious
race among the wealthy Armenians residing in Moscow ahead of the
government’s reported plans for replacing the prime minister in
March-May next year.

Armenian News – Tert.am

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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:

November 6, 2014

The Armenian Prelacy =99¦ 138 East 39th Street =99¦ New York, NY
10016

tel: 212-689-7810 =99¦ Fax: 212-689-7168 =99¦ Email:
[email protected]

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND

SYNOD OF BISHOPS IN ETCHMIADZIN

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan, Prelate and Vicar,
respectively, of the Eastern Prelacy will travel to Etchmiadzin,
Armenia, next week where they will join other bishops of the Armenian
Church from all over the world for a three-day synod that will begin
on Tuesday, November 4. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Holy See of Cilicia, will preside.

The bishops met last year in September for the first time in nearly
six centuries, and agreed to meet again in the autumn of 2014. The
bishops will continue their examination of the collective canonization
of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the holy sacrament of
Baptism and Chrismation. Serving as co-chairs are Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan; Archbishop Nareg Alemezian
and Archbishop Arshak Kachatryan serve as secretaries.

CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION IN WASHINGTON

The National Centennial Committee has announced events that will take
place from May 7-9, 2015, in Washington, DC. His Holiness Karekin I
and His Holiness Aram I will preside over the events that are
organized under the patronage of the Diocese and the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church.

50th ANNIVERSARY OF SOORP KHATCH CHURCH

Archbishop Oshagan will travel to the Washington, DC area this weekend
where on Sunday he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Following the
Liturgy, His Eminence will preside over the celebration marking the
50th anniversary of the parish.

PRELATE AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH

Last Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon at All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois, on
the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the parish. Following the
services His Eminence presided over the anniversary banquet that took
place in the parish’s Shahnasarian Hall.

Archbishop Oshagan with deacons and altar servers during the Divine
Liturgy at All Saints Armenian Apostolic Church, Glenview.

Bishop Anoushavan ordains Stephen Sherokey to the diaconate.

VICAR IN SPRINGFIELD LAST WEEKEND

Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the
sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, of Springfield & Indian
Orchard, Massachusetts, last Sunday. During the service His Grace
ordained Stephen Michael Sherokey to the diaconate and consecrated an
icon of Saint Sarkis the Warrior. The Vicar presided at the banquet
that followed the liturgical services.

The newly ordained deacon, Stephen Sherokey, graduated from the
University of Balamand’s American Program in 2004 with a Master of
Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology. In 2010 he received a Doctor of
Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. One of his major
interests and studies has been Armenian Orthodoxy. Deacon Stephen will
serve two Prelacy parishes, Holy Cross Church in Troy, New York, and
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Vicar with the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, altar
servers, choir, and members of the community.

BOOK FAIR AT ST. ILLUMINATOR

St. Illuminator Cathedral’s annual Book Fair and Lecture will take
place this Sunday, November 9, following the Divine Liturgy in the
Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City. A large selection of Armenian books, CDs and gift items will be
available.

Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, will present a lecture on
=80=9CThe Holy Translators and the Survival of St. Ephrem’s
Prayerbook.’

ST. ILLUMINATOR’S SISTER COMMUNITY IN ARMENIA

Last Friday evening, Archbishop Oshagan and many parishioners and
friends of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral gathered in John Pashalian Hall
for a special dinner and program featuring Ms. Margarita Hakobyan,
Oxfam Armenia’s Country Director who spoke about the first joint
project in the Lchkadzor sister community in the Tavush region of
Armenia.

The dinner also honored H.E. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the recently
appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations of the
Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of his first visit to the
Cathedral. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral,
welcomed the attendees and thanked all of the donors to the sister
community project. In her presentation, that also included a film,
Ms. Hakobyan introduced the process of launching a green-house
installation in Lchkadzor, and provided details on how each dollar of
the donations raised by St. Illuminator’s was
spent. Ms. Hagobyan’s visit is the second to New York City to
show how much progress has been made in just one year.

In his comments, Mr. Mnatsakanyan described the operations of
Armenia’s Mission to the United Nations, and his vision of
Armenia-Diaspora cooperation. He praised Oxfam for its exceptional
work in Armenia. He thanked the Cathedral for its partnership with
Oxfam on this important initiative.

Archbishop Oshagan expressed his appreciation to Ms. Hakobyan for
Oxfam’s professional performance. He noted that although the concept
of sister communities is not new for the Diaspora, the way it is done
through partnership with an internationally known and respected
organization like Oxfam is new and innovative. The Prelate noted that
the funds raised by the Cathedral are matched by Oxfam who assures
accountability, transparency, and visibility. The Prelate expressed
the hope that other parishes in the Eastern Prelacy will follow the
example of the Cathedral.

The event included a performance by the Cathedral’s `Huyser’ musical
ensemble that delighted the audience. Contributions for the
Cathedral’s Lchkadzor sister community project can be sent to the
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York, NY 10016. Checks should be
payable to St. Illuminator’s Cathedral with `Sister Community’ noted
in the memo area.

Margarita Hakobyan, Director of Oxfam Armenia, explains the sister
community project for green-house installations.

A green-house installation in Lchkadzor.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, November 9, Ninth Sunday of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, are: Isaiah 24:1-13; Ephesians 5:15-33; Luke
8:49-56.

While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to
say, `Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’
When Jesus heard this, he replied, `Do not fear. Only believe, and she
will be saved.’ When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to
enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father
and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said,
`Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at
him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called
out, `Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at
once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents
were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had
happened. (Luke 8:49-56)

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().

A modern depiction of Archangel Michael.

ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL

This Saturday, November 8, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The word `angel’ (hreshdag) means
messenger. Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the
celestial hierarchy.

Michael (Hebrew meaning `Who is like God’) is the prince of all
angels and the leader of the celestial armies. He is considered to be
the protector of Christians in general and soldiers in particular, and
the guardian of the orthodox faith and defender against heresies.

Gabriel (Hebrew meaning `Strength of God’) is one of God’s chief
messengers. He was God’s messenger to Daniel to explain his vision
(Dan. 8:16-26) and prophecy (Dan. 9:21-27). He foretold the birth of
John the Baptist and was the messenger announcing the forthcoming
birth of Christ (Luke 1:11-21).

`Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that
some have entertained angels without knowing it.’ (Hebrews 13:2)

You who see the unseen One who reveal to mankind the depths of God’s
mysteries, you came down with the Only-Begotten to serve his economy
at his birth you were announcers to the Shepherds and to the
myrrh-bearing women; you were proclaimers of the Good News of the life
of the risen one; we beseech you, be our intercessor before the Lord
for the purification of our sins.

Guardians of the world, the Lord’s guardians of those who fear God,
friends of the human race, mediators between death and resurrection,
great Michael and Gabriel who stand before the all-Holy Trinity; we
beseech you, be our intercessor before the Lord for the purification
of our sins.

(Canon to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel and all the Heavenly
Powers, from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church).

NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE

HIS HOLINESS PRAYS, MEETS YOUTH,

VISITS WITH OFFICIALS IN IRAN

His Holiness Catholicos Aram spent his last weekend in Iran meeting
and praying with members of the Iranian Armenian community. He also
met with Ali Larinjani, chairman of the Parliament of Iran, and
Dr. Abuzar Ibrahimi, director of the Islamic Culture and Relations
Organization.

His Holiness presided over the Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, met with
the Sts. Vartanantz parish in the Sardarabad area for canonical
prayers, and visited the Armenian schools in Tehran, cultural centers,
and the offices of ALIK, the Armenian daily newspaper, where he met
with the editorial board, representatives of the Armenian Cause
committee, and members of the Central Committee of the ARF.

On Sunday October 26, His Holiness presided over the Holy Liturgy at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Tehran. Bishop Sebouh
Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, introduced the activities of the
community to His Holiness, who praised the community and emphasized
that faith and good works must go together. Later in the afternoon the
Catholicos met with the youth at the Prelacy of Tehran. After the
young people spoke about their various projects, His Holiness
expressed his confidence in the Armenian youth and in their ability to
face difficult challenges. He urged them to remain attached to
Armenian spiritual and cultural values and to participate in the life
of the community. In the evening the Catholicos was the guest of honor
at a farewell dinner hosted by the Prelacy Council of Tehran. Speaking
on behalf of the Armenian community in Iran, Eduard Papakhanian,
President of the Council, said that His Holiness’ visit had
invigorated the community and strengthened their ties with the Holy
See of Cilicia. In his concluding message, the Catholicos said,
`Antelias belongs to the people, and the aim of the Catholicosate is
to respond to the aspirations and needs of Armenians.’

DEIR ZOR MEMORIAL LISTED AS PRICELESS LOSS BY CNN;

WCC CONDEMNS DESTRUCTION OF GENOCIDE MONUMENT

There are two items on the internet today concerning the Armenian
Church and Genocide Memorial at Deir Zor that was recently destroyed.

CNN includes the Genocide Memorial in its list of `The greatest
buildings you’ll never see: 19 priceless monuments lost in conflict.’
You can see it here ().

The World Council of Churches posted on its web site a `Reflection on
the destruction of the Armenian Church in Deir Zor.’ Read it here
().

SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER

The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.

Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE
DIFFICULT.

THE NEED IS REAL.

THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
() AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:

Armenian Prelacy

138 E. 39th Street

New York, NY 10016

Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

Thank you for your help

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Inauguration of the National Library of Armenia (November 7, 1922)

The biggest repository of Armenian literature in the world is the
National Library of Armenia, founded in 1921, but officially
inaugurated on November 7, 1922.

The beginning of its history is linked to the foundation of the
library of the Boys Gymnasium of Yerevan, in 1832. (`Gymnasium’ was
the name of Russian schools that emphasized strong academic learning,
similar to U.S. preparatory high schools.) During the first
independence of Armenia, this library, with a collection of 18,000
volumes, became the main state library after a decree was passed by
the Council of Ministers of the Republic. The first director of the
library was Stepan Kanayan, between 1919 and 1921. His efforts were
instrumental to collect and buy the libraries of various Armenian
organizations and schools in Tiflis, Baku, Akhaltskha, and Kars, and
transfer them to Yerevan.

Various private and public collections were assembled and became the
basis for what was known, during the Soviet period, as the Yerevan
Public Library. Alexander Miasnikian, chairman of the Soviet of
Popular Commissars (Council of Ministers) from 1921-1925, was
instrumental in its foundation and initial growth. After his death in
an airplane accident in 1925, the library was named after him and
maintained that name until 1990 when it became the National Library of
Armenia. Since 1999, July 4 is celebrated as day of the National
Library of Armenia.

The library has four buildings. The oldest is the main building
designed by architect Alexander Tamanian (1868-1936), who designed the
master plan of Yerevan, and finished in 1939.

The number of daily visitors to the library is about 900. An annual
average of 1.5 million pieces is delivered to library users. The
library collection encompassed more than 6.3 million units as of
January 1, 2014, including books, journals, newspapers, maps, posters,
dissertations, musical notes, postcards, stamps, calendars, ex libris,
banknotes, audiovisual and electronic supports (CDs, DVDs),
etcetera. The library has the first printed book in Armenian,
Urbatagirk (Venice, 1512); the first newspaper in Armenian, Azdarar
(Madras, 1794); and the first map printed in Armenian,
Õ=80Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Ö=80Õ¡Õ® Õ¡Õ·Õ-Õ¡Ö=80Õ°Õ¡Ö=81Õ¸ÕµÖ=81 (Worldwide Map;
Amsterdam, 1695). Its current director is Tigran Zargaryan.

Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History’ can be read on
the Prelacy’s web site ().

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

The Prelacy Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories,
historical novels, memoirs, eye witness testimonies, essays, and
poetry. From now through next April we will feature one or two books
each week from the Bookstore’s collection.

My Father’s Journal: A Soliloquy

By Toros Ari Gochigian

Translated by Aris Sevag

Although technically this is not the story of a survivor, since its
author had left his native village of Odour in Western Armenia in 1913
and was living in the United States when the Armenian Genocide
began. However, he suffered the loss of his wife, two children, and
many members of his family. The book reflects the vicissitudes he
experienced through an eclectic mix of autobiography, letters from
home, soliloquies, dreams, reminiscences, poems, and lamentations.

$15.00 plus shipping & handling

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ÔµÖ=80Õ¥Ö=82Õ¡Õ¶, Ô±Õ´Õ¡Ö=80Õ¡Õ½, 2000

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Ô³Õ«Õ¶Õ=9D 13 Õ¿Õ¸Õ¬Õ¡Ö=80 (Õ©Õ²Õ©Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¦Õ´)

To order these books or for information contact the Armenian Prelacy
Bookstore by email ([email protected]) or by phone
(212-689-7810).

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Money, Money, Money…

Before the European Union officially introduced the euro as currency
in 1999 and Greece adopted it in 2001-2002, it had its own currency,
called drachma, with a very long history. It had been used by many
Greek city-states between the second and the first millennium B.C.,
including the Classical period; then it was used in the Hellenistic
period and finally under Roman domination. Greece obtained its
independence in 1830 from the Ottoman Empire, and two years later, the
drachma was restored as the official currency.

The drachma was also a weight unit, first equivalent to 66.5 grains,
and then approximately to one gram. It is likely that this quantity
was first used as monetary unit before metals were adopted; the word
δÏ=81αÏ=87μή (drakhmḠ– ) was derived from
δÏ=81άÏ=83Ï=83ομαι (drássomai, `to grasp, seize’) and
originally may have meant `fistful.’

The Greek word was loaned by the Iranian languages, and thus we have
words like Persian diram, Pahlavi dram (`a small weight; money’) ,
and Kurdish diraw (`money’). On its way, it lost the middle sound kh
(an aspirated h) and the final e. And yes, we also have Armenian
Õ¤Ö=80Õ¡Õ´ (Classical/Eastern Armenian dram; Western Armenian tram),
which most probably came from Middle Persian or, otherwise, had a
similar bumpy road of lost sounds from Greek drakhmḠ– . In any case,
the word was already mentioned in the Armenian translation of the
Bible (before the first half of the fifth century A.D.).

The word dram was already used as a monetary unit during the time of
the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia, particularly in the 13th and 14th
centuries, and the second republic of Armenia adopted the dram as the
name of its own currency in November 1993.

However, you should not be confused in the streets of Yerevan:
although Modern Armenian uses the word dram in both Western and
Eastern Armenian, for instance for the word tghtatram
(Õ©Õ²Õ©Õ¡Õ¤Ö=80Õ¡Õ´ `banknote’), in Eastern Armenian the word pogh
(Ö=83Õ¸Õ²) is used in colloquial language with the meaning of
=80=9Cmoney.’ This word, which was also utilized in Cilician times
as a monetary unit, comes from Persian pul (`small coin’).

Previous entries in `The Armenian Language Corner’ can be read on the
Prelacy’s web site ().

11-11-11

Tuesday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day, formerly called Armistice Day
marking the end of what was then called the Great War, subsequently
known as World War I. The Armistice between the Allies and Germany was
signed at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918 at
Compiegne, France. Veterans Day in the United States now honors all
American veterans, living and dead.

Please pause this Tuesday and remember those who made the ultimate
sacrifice, and pray for the safety of all of our service men and women
serving around the world.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 7-8-9-Rouben Mamoulian Film Festival, 7 pm, at the Museum of
the Moving Image in Astoria, New York. Sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York, the Armenian Cultural Educational
Resource Center Gallery at Queens College, and The Museum of the
Moving Image. Opening night and reception will feature Love Me
Tonight, the 1932 musical comedy film produced and directed by
Mamoulian, with music by Rodgers and Hart, starring Jeanette MacDonald
and Maurice Chevalier. For tickets and information:
[email protected] or 718-428-5650.

November 7 & 8-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 58th
Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational
Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from
11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take out is available). Enjoy delicious meals,
Armenian pastries, gourmet items, arts and crafts, books, raffles,
attic treasures. For information: 617-924-7562.

November 8-ARF Day Celebration, hosted by the New York Armen Garo
Gomideh. Dinner followed by patriotic songs by Karnig
Sarkissian. Guest speaker, Vicken Hovsepian, Central Committee Western
Region, at Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, New York, at
8 pm. For reservations/info: 718-651-4687.

November 9-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York
City, 1 pm, Armenian Cultural Month, `The Holy Translators and the
Survival of St. Ephrem’s Prayerbook,’ presented by Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian. Book Fair with hundreds of Armenian books, CDEs and gift
items at reasonable prices.

November 14-Lecture by Hagop Balian, `Boghos Snabian (1927-2014),
Armenian Center, Woodside, New York, 8 pm. Organized by
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York.

November 14-15-Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Annual
Fall Fest. Friday, 4 to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Shish, chicken,
losh kebab and kheyma dinners. Home made pastries and special
desserts. For information: 508-852-2414.

November 15 &16-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
Armenian Fest 2014 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston,
Rhode Island. Largest indoor festival in Rhode Island. Delicious
shish and losh kebob, chicken and kufta dinners and Armenian pastry
available all day. Live dance music. The Mourad Armenian School and
Providence Hamazkayin dance groups will perform on Saturday and Sunday
at 5 pm. Hourly raffles, silent auction, country store, gift baskets,
flea-market, arts and crafts. Main raffle prizes worth total
$2,700. Fun for all ages. Free admission, parking and valet. For
information: 401-831-6399 or

November 20-`Reflections,’ CD release concert, music by Karen
Hakobyan, at Louis K. Meisel Gallery, 141 Prince Street, New York
City; Wine & Refreshments 7 pm to 8 pm; music and wine, 8 pm to 9:30
pm. For information and tickets contact [email protected].

November 21, 22, 23-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners
(chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made
delicacies; Boutique Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for
children; Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun;
Take-out available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional
Kavourma dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For
information: 201-943-2950.

November 23-Thanksgiving Luncheon, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New
York City, John Pashalian Hall, Featuring St. Illuminator’s Huyser
Music Ensemble. Admission: $30. Reservations: email
([email protected]) or phone (212-689-5880).

December 6-Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church,
Bethesda, Maryland.

December 6-Lowell Gomideh anniversary celebration, 6 pm, at
St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, program, speaker: David
Boyajian, `The Survival of Armenia: Dangers and
Opportunities. Admission: $20 adults; $10 students. For information:
[email protected] or 978-373-1654.

December 6-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar at Christian Reform Church, Whitinsville, 10 am to 5 pm.

December 7-Ladies Guild of St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain and
Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the
church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk, tasting,
and Armenian food pairing will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery,
Woodstock, Connecticut, owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger. For
information: 860-229-8322.

December 7-8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery
Park, NY. Freedom Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney
Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan Cardashian Award
Honoree: ANCA activist Alice Movsesian. Tickets are $250.

For reservations and information, please visit
or 917.428.1918.

December 12-Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) 11th Annual Holiday Gala,
Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. Cocktails and Silent Auction, 7
pm; Dinner & Program, 8 pm; Dancing & After Party, 10 pm. For tickets
and information or 212-994-8234.

December 13-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, =80=9CA
2014 Christmas Celebration’ at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Usher in the
Christmas season with family and friends. Featuring master organist,
Ara Eloian, group caroling in Armenian and English. Reception
following in Terhanian Hall. Admission is Free. RSVP to church office
215-482-9200.

February 9-11, 2015-Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the
Eastern Prelacy.

March 13-15, 2015-`Responsibility 2015,’ International conference for
Armenian Genocide’s centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. for information.

March 20, 2015-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and
Prelacy Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New
York City.

October 5-9, 2015-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [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]

POLITICAL EXPERT: WITH IRAKLIY ALASANIA’A RESIGNATION WE DOUBT ABOUT TBILISI’S ADHERENCE TO THE PROCESS OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

by Ashot Safaryan

Thursday, November 6, 09:35

With Georgian Defense Minister Irakliy Alasania’a resignation we doubt
about Tbilisi’s adherence to the process of the European integration,
Georgian political expert, Giya Nodia, told Arminfo correspondent.

He said that the political leadership of the country have decided to
replace Irakliy Alasaniya as he is a rather influential politician
with high rating. The “Free Democrats” party has left the coalition
together with Alasaniya.

‘The formal reason of Alasaniya’s resignation is the arrest of several
officials in the Defense Ministry for corruption. But everybody
understand that a political motivation is behind that. They simply
wanted to get rid of him. One thing is clear that “Free Democrats”
and Alasaniya’s staying within the coalition guaranteed Georgia’s
remaining committed to the process of the European integration and
rapprochement with NATO. But with Irakliy Alasania’a resignation
we doubt about Tbilisi’s adherence to the process of the European
integration”, – Nodiya said. He also added that the ideas about the
Kremlin’s direct immixture in these process is hypothesis.

GEOTEAM
Hanrapetutyan 37, 4 floor,
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: +37410546037

The discussion formed part of the rigorous Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for the Amulsar Project undertaken by
the company together with its major investors, the International
Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
————————————————————

GEOTEAM JOINS CONSTRUCTIVE ROUNDTABLE WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANISATIONS ON AMULSAR PROJECT

YEREVAN, Armenia, 5 November 2014-Lydian International Ltd and its
Armenian subsidiary Geoteam yesterday took part in a roundtable
meeting organized within range of discussions on development of Local
environmental action pland for Jermuk hosted by the Regional
Environmental Centre for Caucasus (REC Caucasus) in Yerevan alongside
representatives from a diverse range of civil society organisations
and scientific and research institutes. It was a constructive
conversation which gave participants the opportunity to discuss
environmental and social considerations associated with the
development of the Amulsar mine.

The discussion formed part of the rigorous Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for the Amulsar Project undertaken by
the company together with its major investors, the International
Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Lydian and Geoteam are
committed to following the highest international and environmental
standards in accordance with the practice of these organisations; the
Company has spent around US $5 million on a comprehensive scientific
environmental research and socio-economic assessment with the help of
world-class specialists. As part of this commitment, the company
places great importance on ensuring that local communities and civil
society help shape this project while being kept well informed on its
design and impact assessment.

The event was organised to give all participants the opportunity to
engage in a frank, open and broad conversation. All NGOs who have been
involved in the process were invited and the event was open to all
civil society groups. Lydian plans to organize additional similar
events.

Didier Fohlen, Executive Vice President of Lydian International, said:

`We at Lydian are grateful for the input from those who participated
in today’s discussion and, we continue to welcome every opportunity
for open and constructive dialogue. We are committed to ensuring that
Amulsar will raise the bar for environmental management in the mining
industry in Armenia. We hope that an open and transparent discussion
around the impact assessment and the mitigation measures included in
the ESIA will help to establish a roadmap for civil society engagement
with mining companies. The successful development of the Amulsar
project offers a major opportunity to Armenia. The $420 million
financing required will be one of the largest private investments ever
made in the country, helping to enhance the economic development of
Armenia.’

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AZERBAIJANI CIVIL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVES CONDEMN ELDAR NAMAZOV’S SIGNING STATEMENT WITH DAVID SHAHNAZARYAN

APA, Azerbaijan
Nov 4 2014

[ 04 November 2014 18:34 ]

Can’t these persons understand that the Azerbaijani territories are
under occupation?

Baku. Rufat Ahmadzada – APA. “I have never supported such initiatives.

Dialogue between civil societies and public diplomacy initiatives
are favorable for Armenia in the current situation”, Sahib Mammadov,
Chairman of the Citizens’ Labor Rights Protection League told APA
while commenting on a joint statement signed by chairman of the
Public Forum For Azerbaijan, Eldar Namazov, and head of Armenia’s
Center for Political and Legal Studies “Concord”, David Shahnazaryan,
in Helsinki, Finland.

“If the peace process doesn’t yield any results at the presidential
level, then there is no meaning in our dialogues. Of course, we can
not remain enemies forever. But 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories
are under occupation. If Armenia takes a step toward, a peace agreement
with Azerbaijan, starting with the liberation of the adjacent regions
to Nagorno-Karabakh, representatives of civil societies can work for
good neighborhood in peaceful conditions,” he said.

Mammadov is also surprised at the call “not to sell arms to both sides”
that was envisaged in the statement: “I do not understand them.

Increasing the power of self-defense is the right of Azerbaijan, whose
territories are under occupation. Why should our country fall weak
in comparison with Armenia? On the other hand, we need to be careful
while using the expression “right of peoples to self-determination”.

Armenians already have a state and it is illogical to establish a
second, third or fourth Armenian state everywhere Armenians densely
populated in. I think that the territorial integrity should come before
anything else. This important point shouldn’t be forgotten in the
resolution of this conflict as well. If Armenia takes a step towards
peace accepting Azerbaijan’s proposal to grant the highest status,
the conflict can be resolved completely within a few years”, he added.

Chairman of Karabakh Liberation Organization Akif Naghi told APA that
he felt sorry about the names in the list that joined this statement
from the Azerbaijani side. “They take this wrong step either because
of naivety or intentionally. Non-use of force, self-determination
and give up defending… Can’t these persons understand that the
Azerbaijani territories are under occupation? Such statements are
useful not for us, but for Armenians”, he said.

Naghi stressed that the issue of liberating the seven regions is
pending. “No step is taken toward the peace agreement. What else shall
we do to satisfy the co-chairs and the invaders? It is ridiculous that
a handful of Armenians in Karabakh demand independence. As if we speak
about the people under colonial rule. Everyone should understand that
we cannot wait for them returning our lands willingly. The Azerbaijani
people do not need such defeatist dialogue”, Akif Naghi added.

Note that, President of the Public Forum for Azerbaijan Eldar Namazov
and Director of Armenia’s Center for Legal and Political Studies
“Concord”, David Shahnazaryan, have signed a joint statement in
Helsinki, Finland.

In the statement, the sides also mentioned a document they had
signed as part of the Independent Civil Minsk Process (ICMP) on the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on 8 December 2010 and
noted they call on the sides to put an end to military rhetoric and
politically informative campaigns aimed at fueling the conflict and
begin working on a “road map” to resolve the conflict.

The sides signing the document said they regret these calls were
overlooked over the past period.

The statement addresses the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs
and those countries, calls to stop selling offensive weapons to the
region, and calls on the sides’ civil society representatives to be
active in the process of peace.

On the Azerbaijani side, Zardusht Alizadeh, Arzu Abdullayeva, Ali
Abbasov and Leyla Aliyeva joined the statement, and Agasi Enokyan,
Aykak Arshamyan, Karen Ohajanyan and Natalia Martirosyan on the
Armenian side.

DEMOCRAT LOSSES IN SENATE MIGHT BE GOOD NEWS FOR COPING WITH CRISIS IN SYRIA

Daily Sabah, Turkey
Nov 5 2014

Ragıp Soylu

WASHINGTON — Republican party got whatever it wanted from Tuesday’s
election and majority of Senate now consist of red Senators. By
gaining seven new seats GOP now can block any Presidential nominations,
from Ambassadors to Surgeon General, and try to overhaul Obamacare,
although President Obama holds his veto power, and pass new laws
can make Democrat President looks like an obstructionist. Apart from
its echoes related to usual domestic political matters, Republican
victory means opportunities for Turkey’s foreign policy and the
region’s unsolved problems under the American leadership for the last
6 years. Republicans, who are famously known for their pro-active
approach to solve crisis in Middle East, can help Turkey to carve out
a proper strategy against ISIS and Assad regime in Syria. “Republicans
will force Obama administration to implement clearer and stronger
foreign policy. Senators, like John McCain, will increase their role
in Syria. Those senators who also usually called as “hawks” think
likewise with Turkey on the topics such as Assad’s future, creating a
secure zone, carrying out a no-fly zone and training of Free Syrian
Army. In addition to this, they believe without American soldiers
being on the ground, air operations will be inefficient against ISIS.

“Dr. Kadir Ustun, the Research Director at the SETA Foundation at
Washington, D.C, said.

However foreseeing Republican strategy from now might be tricky too.

Some GOP members defended to stay away from military operations in
Middle East to cut spending and create a smaller federal state in
the past. BarıÅ~_ Ornarlı, Washington Representative of Turkish
Industry and Business Association (TUSÄ°AD), believes that conservative
voices in US’ capitol also are bothered by Turkey’s recent foreign
policy moves and Republican Senate might take an anti-Turkey stand
on some issues.

“However leading Senators defend a more engaging and aggressive
approach in Syria. They think, like Turkey, that there must be more
comprehensive strategy regarding ISIS.”

Republicans favor Turkey on Armenian issue

Some changes within the Senate will help Turkey’s distasteful
experiences with the Congress. For example Democrat Senator Robert
Menendez, who is very well-known for his anti-Turkish stance, will hand
over chairmanship of Committee on Foreign Affairs to his Republican
colleague. Menendez passed last April a resolution from the committee
accusing Ottoman Empire of committing genocide against Armenians in
1915 and calling on Turkey to recognize it last. A Turkish diplomat
said that such move was very unexpected and happened very quickly
at that time and it was the first initiative ever trying to pass a
resolution from Senate related to the issue. “We were surprised” the
diplomat added. Menendez’s removal from this post will help Turkey’s
uncomfortable and weak position in the Senate.

Republicans also kept House of Representatives under control with their
majority. It is another good news for Turkey as House Speaker John
Boehner promised not to bring Armenian issue to the executive agenda
of the chamber. “Congress won’t get involved in this issue. We don’t
write history, we are not historians” he reportedly said in his visit
to Ankara in April 2014. Ornarlı says despite Boehner’s resistance,
because of the significance of 2015, 100th anniversary of Armenian
atrocities, some draft bills can still gain ground. Dr. Ustun agreed,
“it is very hard to foresee what will happen in next year. But
Boehner’s existence is a big advantage” he said.

TURKISH AND AZERI ACADEMICS SEEK TO BOOST TIES

Daily Sabah, Turkey
Nov 5 2014

Ali Unal

BAKU — “We aim to strengthen Azerbaijani-Turkish relations in various
fields, which are already strong,” Dr. Farhad Memmedov said at a
press conference, while evaluating the results of an event, “Days of
Turkey in Azerbaijan,” jointly organized by the Turkish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Center for Strategic Studies (SAM) and the Azerbaijan
Presidency Strategic Studies Center (AzerSAM) on Nov. 5 in Baku. “It
is gratifying for me to say that bilateral cooperation with Turkey has
reached a certain point and we would like to expand this cooperation
level to trilateral cooperation by adding countries in our region,”
he added. AzerSAM Chairman Memmedov also underlined the importance
in expanding cooperation with countries in the region to ensure peace
and stability in the Caucasus.

SAM chairman, Professor Ali Resul Usul, on the other hand, described
the motto “One nation, two states,” as their main vision for bilateral
relations and said, “Azerbaijan’s border is the border of Turkey,
Turkey’s borders is Azerbaijan’s border,” to indicate the solid
relationship between the two countries. Usul also underlined that
from now on they should focus on activities to improve synchronization
between the two countries.

Answering a question regarding Turkey-Armenia relations, Usul stressed
that it is not possible to open the Turkish-Armenian border and
normalize relations as long as Armenia continues to occupy Azerbaijani
lands, which has continued for more than 25 years. “This problem must
be solved in a fair manner, and Armenia’s withdrawal from the occupied
Azeri territories is the only way to do that. Turkey supports the
concluding of political negotiations, but the solution must be fair,
Usul added.

Activities for “Days of Turkey in Azerbaijan” were jointly organized
by SAM and AzerSAM and took place Nov. 3-5. As a part of the event,
a group of Turkish academics along with their Azerbaijani colleagues
paid a visit to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and then moved on to
two other cities, Qebele and Aghdam.

Participating in panel discussions titled “Political Security
Dimensions of Azerbaijan-Turkey relations” and “Azerbaijan-Turkey
economic relations and economic future of the region,” academicians
from both countries debated issues that are of importance in boosting
bilateral relations. A day after the panel discussions in Baku, a round
table meeting co-moderated by Usul and Memmedov took place in Qebele.

“Days of Turkey in Azerbaijan” came after “Days of Azerbaijan in
Turkey,” which was held last year and a series of academic events
took place in the provinces of Edirne, Yalova, Bursa, Bandırma and
Ankara on Nov. 18-20, 2013.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have a close relationship in various fields, and
since the early 1990s, the relationship between the two countries has
been described as “one nation, two states.” As in the previous event,
this years’ jointly organized event aimed to help the countries to
better understand each other and enhance current cooperation areas.