Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Armenians: Minister insists House probe is wrong
By Joseph Murimi
The Standard, Kenya
June 23 2006
The Government on Thursday pressed harder to scuttle the two
Parliamentary committees investigating the activities of the deported
Armenian brothers.
But the chairman of the joint probe team, Kabete MP Paul Muite,
vowed to go ahead with the investigations by questioning its first
witness Immigration minister Gedion Konchella at 10am on Friday.
Artur Margaryan (left) and Artur Sargasyan during a past Press
conference at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly Francis Ole Kaparo,
Justice minister Martha Karua dismissed arguments by Muite in support
of the probe. She warned that “unnecessary confrontations with the
Executive would only erode the dignity and authority of Parliament.’~R
“Investigations of alleged criminal activities can never be the role
of Parliament, nor is the maintenance of national security the role,’~R
she said.
Karua said Parliament passes the necessary legislation to be
implemented by the Executive. She said it was absurd to argue that
Parliament could exercise parallel powers with the Executive when it
is expected to oversee the same.
She was responding to a letter Muite had written to the Speaker
responding to her earlier one. He dismissed Karua’s arguments as
lacking merit in law and fact. Muite said the letter tabled by
Karua in the House on Tuesday was “an attempt to block impartial,
independent and thorough investigations into a matter where the
Executive is heavily implicated.’~R
‘Handpicked commission’
Muite, who co-chairs the joint Parliamentary committees investigating
the Armenian brothers saga, said emerging evidence showed that the two
enjoyed close relations with powerful individuals within the Executive.
He said in view of the gravity of the issues that call for
investigations and the involvement of the Executive, only Parliament
could unravel the truth. A commission of inquiry appointed by the
President could not be expected to unravel the whole truth regarding
the activities of the two brothers, he said.
Muite said unlike the joint committee that would report to Parliament,
the handpicked commission would report to the President.
But Karua said she was surprised at Muite’s casual dismissal of the
central pillar of a democratic government – the doctrine of separation
of powers.
“He does not at all respond to the fact that Government cannot function
if there were no clearly separated roles for the three arms,” she said.
A ruling by Kaparo that could have allowed or blocked the sessions by
the joint committee was not delivered, giving Muite a chance to go on.
The fate of the joint committee was thrown in abeyance after Karua
declared it illegitimate and an attempt by Parliament to usurp the
role of the Executive.
Karua tabled her misgivings on the floor of the House and asked
the Speaker to give directions. Kaparo is expected to make a ruling
next Tuesday.
hp?articleid=1143954372
From: Baghdasarian

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS Military Newswire
June 23, 2006 Friday 2:02 PM MSK
Karabakh talks proving unproductive – Aliyev
BAKU June 23
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has admitted that the negotiations on
Nagorno-Karabakh have proved unproductive.
“Unfortunately, the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh have not produced
any result. They are moving ahead but remain inefficient, as we cannot
come to any result,” Aliyev said at a graduation ceremony of military
officers from Azerbaijan’s three military academies on Friday.
“We remain committed to negotiations, despite the continued occupation
of our lands and the existence of one million refugees. This fact
manifests our constructiveness. But, unfortunately, Armenia’s non-
constructive position prevents the resolution of the conflict,”
he said.
Aliyev criticized Armenia for ignoring resolutions by the UN Security
Council and other international organizations demanding the immediate
withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan and called for reform
to these organizations to ensure they fulfill the decisions that
they pass.
The president positively assessed the international community’s
role in attempting to settle the conflict. “I also highly value the
activity of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen, who are truly trying to
facilitate the resolution of the conflict, but Armenia’s destructive
approach does not provide for this opportunity. In these conditions,
we need to adjust our policy. How long are we supposed to tolerate
the occupation of our lands?” he said.
“I simply regret that we are losing time. Armenia is dragging out
the process,” he said.
From: Baghdasarian

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
President Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan needs to change its policy as
Armenia shows incompliance with international norms
[ 23 Jun. 2006 15:48 ]
Graduation ceremony was held at Azerbaijan’s Higher Military School
named after Heydar Aliyev on the occasion of graduation from the Armed
Forces educational institutions and Medical University’s military
medicine faculty (APA).
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also attended the graduation
ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, the head of state said the state
is taking much care of army institution in Azerbaijan noting that
military budget was raised for four times in the past three months.
The President stressed that the military budget was $135 million in
2003 and reached nearly $700 million in 2006.
“The salaries of military men increased three times in the past three
months. We know well from the history that a strong army means a
strong state,” Mr.Aliyev said.
Touching on the Nagorno Garabagh conflict, the Supreme
Commander-in-Chief regretted for fruitless result so far.
“The world is ruled in accordance with certain rules. The influential
organizations such as the UN, Council of Europe, GUAM, Organization
of the Islamic Conference, Organization of Economic Development have
stated their positions and adopted fair decisions regarding this
issue. However, Armenia ignores the positions of the international
organizations. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan cannot
be the topic of the negotiations. We welcome the efforts of the
international organizations regarding the continuation of the
negotiating process. However, out patience is not endless. Armenian
does not comply with international norms, in this case, Azerbaijan
has to make changes to its policy. How long will the negotiating
process last and how long shall we wait?
Armenia cannot be a rival to us and it is a reality that we are
more powerful. As far as we know, they find it difficult to protect
the contact front line due to lack of forces while Azerbaijan is
developing speedily in all spheres and becoming powerful day by day,”
President Aliyev noted.
The President also said the state budget has reached $5 billion and
total budget is much higher. The head of state stressed that the Gross
Domestic Product increased by 26% and by 40% in the past five months,
400,000 new work places have been opened, more than 300 schools were
built and several other important measures were implemented./APA/
From: Baghdasarian

A1+
FIRES ARE ALREADY A USUAL THING
[12:48 pm] 23 June, 2006
A fire broke out today in the green area near the Abovyan street
today. Two fire-fighting vehicles were trying to extinguish the
fire. When we tried to learn the reasons of the fire from the Armenian
Rescuers Service of the Ministry of Regional Government, we were told
half in jest, “There are fires every day; you just haven’t seen them”.
According to the Rescuers Service, there were 13 suchlike fires
yesterday. Three of them were in the area near the Grigor Lousavorich
street.
The Rescuers Service claimed that the reason of the frequent fires
is the heat, the drought, as well as the carelessness of the people,
“Even a cigarette-end can cause a fire”, they added.
From: Baghdasarian

MINE EXPLOSION DAMAGES TWO SERVICEMEN
Armenpress
Jun 22 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS; Two servicemen in a military unit in
the southern province of Syunik were hit by fragments of a mine that
exploded on June 21.
The 20 year-old servicemen, one from Yerevan, and the other from
Tavush province, were taken to hospital, where the doctors had to
amputate the foot of one of the soldiers.
The other soldier did not sustain serious wounds and was soon
discharged. There is no yet exact information about the cause of the
incident but most likely one of the servicemen hit against the mine
that had been planted in the earth near the village of Pelasar in
early 90-s.
From: Baghdasarian

OTE MAY SELL ITS SHARE OF “ARMENTEL” COMPANY
ArmRadio.am
22.06.2006 10:48
The sitting of the general assembly of the OTE Company – the owner of
90 percent of “ArmenTel” shares – will be held today in Athens. The
Assembly may possibly take the decision to sell its share of the
monopolist company of Armenia’s telecommunications. Eight Companies
have applied to purchase “ArmenTel” shares.
From: Baghdasarian

THE HONORABLE RICHARD G. STEARNS, US FEDERAL DISTRICT JUDGE, VISITS ARMENIA
ArmRadio.am
22.06.2006 11:08
The Honorable Richard G. Stearns, a U.S. Federal Judge, accompanied
by US Department of Justice Prosecutor Michael Yoon, visited Armenia
June 17 through 23. In Armenia at the invitation of the US Embassy
and the US Department of Justice, Judge Stearns met with several of
Armenia’s leading judges and with Justice Minister David Harutyunyan,
who chairs Armenia’s Judicial Reform Council. Judge Stearns also
conducted training sessions for Armenian judges, the Prosecutor
General’s Office, and the Armenian Police Department. The training
sessions focused on human trafficking issues, and specifically on
the victims’ rights and the protection of witnesses.
From: Baghdasarian

IS DUAL CITIZENSHIP A MEANS TO STRENGTHEN ARMENIA
Panorama.am
16:33 21/06/06
All-Armenian National Movement (ANM) board vice chairman Andranik
HOVAKIMYAN expressed his surprise today that Armenian Republican Party
was against dual citizenship in the past discussions on constitution.
“I do not know why they defend dual citizenship so much now,” he said.
Armenian Republican Party member Samvel NIKOYAN noted that problems
which may arise with dual citizenship may be regulated by law. However,
he did not clearly answer why they were against dual citizenship in
the past and now they support it. Nikoyan is sure that with dual
citizenship links with diaspora will strengthen and the Armenia
economy will grow with their investments.
ANM board vice chairman, however, argued that diaspora Armenians
have always made donations to Armenia and their link with Armenia is
strong. According to S. Nikoyan only Armenian nationals should have
the right to have dual citizenship but Hovakimyan argued that right
of minorities would be violated in that case.
From: Baghdasarian

June 21, 2006
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
DURING HIS SERMONAT HOLY MASS ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONA
PARISH
COME, LET US BUILD THE ALTAR OF LIGHT AND
BRIGHTEN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES
Preached His Eminence the Prelate
On Sunday June 18, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate conducted Holy Mass at the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Corona, Riverside County, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of the establishment of the parish community. Holy Mass took place
at St. Anthony and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian assisted at the altar. Also
participating in the Holy Mass were deacons and choir members of the
local parish as well as from Forty Martyrs Church of Orange County
and St.Garabed Church of Hollywood.
The procession entered the church with the singing of “Hrashapar”
as youngsters carried candles and recited a psalm.
In his sermon, the Prelate first gave glory and thanks to Almighty
God for looking over the parish community and keeping them away from
harm. God is love and we are the result of that love, therefore we
must have that same love and bond toward God and toward each other,
said the Prelate. “Let us build the Altar of light and brighten our
spiritual lives,” invited the Prelate and concluded by asking the Lord
to accept our prayers, to keep our families prosperous, to enlighten
the Armenian Church, and to keep us all in His mercy and love.
Following Mass and the offering of Holy Communion, the parishioners
sang “Giligia” and “Mer Hayrenik” along with the clergy.
After church services, the parishioners headed to the church hall
where the Ladies Auxiliary had organized a reception.
Among the guests were Nazareth Dishoian, Chair of the Forty Martyrs
Board of Trustees, and Leo Donian, Chair of the Colorado parish Board
of Trustees, who delivered remarks and made donations on behalf
of their parishes. Various donations were also made throughout
the reception. Following welcoming remarks by parish Chairlady Ani
Barmaksyan, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian made remarks in which he
congratulated the Prelate on the occasion of Father’s Day, reminding
the faithful that on this very day thirty years ago, the Prelate
vowed to devote his life to serving the Armenian church and people.
On this occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Vartkes Dishoian,
and Suren Hazarian sang songs for the Prelate and for all fathers.
In his concluding remarks, the Prelate commended the enthusiasm
of the parish community, offered them guidance and encouraged them
to be active in the parish and to work together to brighten their
parish and community. The reception concluded with the “Bahbanich”
prayer by the Prelate.
From: Baghdasarian

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY LOOKS
TO SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR
ANSWERS TO AMB. EVANS FIRING
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Set to Consider
New Nominee on June 28th at 2:30pm
WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian Americans across the U.S. will be closely
following the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation
hearings for U.S. Ambassador to Armenia nominee Richard Hoagland,
in hopes of gaining concrete insight into the exact nature of the
State Department’s policy of complicity in Armenian Genocide denial
– particularly as it relates to the firing of the current U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The nomination hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 28th at 2:30
pm in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee room, 419 Dirksen
Senate Office Building and is open to the public.
The hearing comes as Armenian American activists across the U.S.
continue to call on Senators to demand a full explanation for the
early recall of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans.
Concerned Americans can join the ANCA Congressional Call-in
Campaign to urge their Senators to attend the upcoming hearing and
press for answers by visiting:
t?alertid=8836481&type=TA
Amb. Evans, who first took on his post in August 2004, spoke openly
and honestly about the Armenian Genocide in community briefings in
San Francisco, and other cities in February 2005. The Ambassador
was later forced by State Department leaders to twice recant his
statement. The American Foreign Service Association, set to award
Amb. Evans with the Christian A. Herter Award for constructive
dissent, rescinded the decision, according to the Washington Post,
following pressure from State Department officials.
Calls by Members of Congress, the media and activists for answers
to Amb. Evans’ recall have been ignored or sidestepped by State
Department spokespeople, who have simply repeated the fact that
ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the U.S. President.
In recent weeks, Rep. Markey spearheaded a Congressional letter
with sixty signatories calling for clarification on the recall. In
the Senate, Massachusetts Democrats Edward Kennedy and John Kerry
registered a similar letter of concern. In previous months,
Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) have each publicly
called for an explanation for the State Department decision. No
concrete answers have been provided to date.
On June 9th, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, urged Senate Foreign
Relations Committee members to demand the truth about the Evans
firing prior to confirming his replacement. “The U.S. Senate
cannot, in good conscience, approve the nomination of a new
ambassador to Armenia until the circumstances of the current
envoy’s highly controversial firing are fully, officially, and
openly explained to Congress and the American people,” stated
Hachikian. More broadly, the Administration needs to honestly
explain its policies concerning the Armenian Genocide. This is
especially true given that serious questions remain unanswered
concerning the role that the Turkish Government played in
Ambassador Evans’ firing.”
Below find a list of suggested questions that Senators may ask Amb.
Hoagland.
#####
=========================== =====================================
The Firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans:
Suggested Questions for the Ambassador to Armenia-Designate
================================ ================================
* What guidance has the Department of State given you concerning
your public statements on the Armenian Genocide?
* Has the Department of State instructed you not use the word
genocide in characterizing the Armenian Genocide?
* Has the Department of State instructed other Department of State
employees or government officials not use the word genocide in
characterizing the Armenian Genocide? If your answer is yes, was
this instruction given in writing?
* What instructions do you intend to give your Embassy staff
concerning statements about the Armenian Genocide?
* What, in your opinion, is the impact on U.S.-Armenia relations
of having an Ambassador in Yerevan who fails to properly recognize
the genocidal crime that destroyed the majority of the Armenian
people, exiled a nation from its historic homeland, and continues
to severely impact the future of the Republic of Armenia?
* What is your understanding about the recall of your predecessor?
Specifically, can you describe the events, policies, and process
that led to his recall; explain the reasons for his replacement,
and; share your views on the implications of this action on the
U.S. Embassy in Armenia?
* What training and education have you received from the
Department of State on the Armenian Genocide?
* What are your thoughts about the Armenian Genocide – as a
historical event, a moral issue, a subject of denial, and a matter
of ongoing geopolitical significance?
From: Baghdasarian