Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

AZERBAIJAN SHOULDN’T REJECT RECOMMENDATIONS OF OSCE MINSK GROUP: ARMENIAN FM

YEREVAN, April 25./ARKA/. Azerbaijan should not reject the
recommendations of the OSCE Minsk Group related to following the main
principles for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, Armenia’s
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said Thursday at a news conference
in Moscow.

“If the Azerbaijani side really wants to maintain status quo, it should
not, possibly, reject all the proposals coming from the co-chairs
(of the OSCE Minsk Group),” he said, Novosti-Armenia reports referring
to Russia’s RIA Novosti.

The Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group recommend to the conflict parties
to demonstrate the political will necessary to reach the peaceful
settlement. They should follow Helsinki principles related to
refraining from using force or force threat, territorial integrity,
equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

Azerbaijan not only “rejected the recommendations on the basic
principles, but also all the other proposals related to strengthening
mutual trust, such as withdrawal of snipers from the front lines,
ceasefire enhancement, investigation of the incidents at the contact
line.”

Nalbandian also noted Yerevan’s official stance stays in line with
that of the Co-Chairs.

“It would be much better if Azerbaijan agreed to accept the
recommendations of the Co-Chairs in negotiating, like Armenia did,”
FM resumed.-0-

From: Baghdasarian

MONUMENT TO ARMENIAN VICTIMS OF AZERI POGROMS UNVEILED IN DETROIT

April 25, 2013 – 13:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The first outside of Armenia monument to martyrs
of Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad pogroms was unveiled in Detroit,
on the grounds of Saint John Armenian Church.

The monument was raised on the donations of all members and
parishioners of all 4 Armenian churches in Detroit area as well as
those of Armenian ex-refugees from Azerbaijan.

The cost of monument was about $55,000.00.The stone was delivered
from India and carved in Vermont, USA.

The author and designer of this monument is Artur Lazaryan. Blessing
of the monument was lead by the head priest of Saint John Armenian
church Ter-Hayr Garabed. The State and city officials were present
at the ceremony. The Blessings of the monument was accompanied by
the Gomitas Choir of Saint John Armenian Church, conducted by choir
director, deacon Ruben Mailian.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
The Paros Foundation
918 Parker Street, A14
Berkeley, CA 94710
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 310-400-9061
Web:

April, 2013

Kanakeravan, Armenia–The Paros Foundation successfully completed its
Kanakeravan Art School Bathroom Project in the village of Kanakeravan,
Kotayk province, one of its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity,
through the generous sponsorship of Adam & Rita Kablanian (CA) and
Shahen & Arax Hairapetian (CA). The Paros Foundation underwrote all
administrative expenses allowing the sponsor contributions to be spent
100% on the project.

“The Art School provides afterschool classes in the fine arts, dance,
and music (both classical and folk),” said Peter Abajian, Executive
Director of The Paros Foundation. “Having a dignified bathroom at the
school is important for both the students and staff.”

The School, which was built in 1992, provides classes to 123 students
from both the village of Kanakeravan and a neighboring village. The
residents of Kanakeravan have a deep appreciation for the arts and
truly appreciate their facility.

The Paros Foundation remains committed to helping Armenia’s children
learn in a dignified environment. Many restrooms throughout Armenia’s
schools remain in deplorable conditions and with your help, we can fix
this one bathroom at a time. Please make a generous contribution today
in your family’s name and lets work together to solve this important
need. When in Armenia, Paros will arrange a visit and tour of your
project. Donations can be made online via credit card or via check
made payable to: The Paros Foundation, 918 Parker Street, A14,
Berkeley, CA 94710.

The Paros Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation to the
Kablanian and Hairapetian Families for their generous support of this
effort. A video regarding this project can be viewed by visiting

Consider having your family sponsor a project in memory of the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, through the Paros Foundation’s
100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, by visiting
The Paros Foundation underwrites all
administrative expenses allowing 100% of sponsor contributions to be
spent on the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3
private foundation, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed
by law.

About The Paros Foundation

Officially launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation has identified and
partnered with six organizations in Armenia: The Paros Chamber Choir
, Unison NGO , Vanadzor Arts School
, Manana Youth Center ,
Vanadzor Museum of Fine Art and the Ghoghanj Children’s
Center These organizations serve as leaders in
their respective fields of children, people with disabilities and the
arts. Foundation support comes in the form of organizational operating
funds, office space and organizational resources and mentoring. The
mission is to help these modest size projects manage their growth and
attract more financial, human, and physical resources to their
respective causes.

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation
launched The Paros 100 Projects for Prosperity Program to benefit
Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened, projects in the areas of
development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented
with your help, to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of
her people. Join us now and make your families’ commitment today.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 private foundation, are
tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Paros
Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all
sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project.

To learn more about the Paros 100 for 100 please visit
or contact The Paros Foundation at
(310) 400-9061 US or (091) 426 120 Armenia, or via email at
[email protected].

From: Baghdasarian

POLICE USE PEPPER SPRAY AT GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION IN GREECE

April 24, 2013 – 19:49 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Tensions broke out between police and demonstrators
in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, April 24 at the annual commemoration
of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey nearly a century ago.

Police used pepper spray to disperse the 250 protesters, mostly from
Greek-Armenian groups, who had gathered outside the Turkish consulate
in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

The incident occurred when a number of protesters challenged a riot
police cordon, demanding permission to hand a protest petition to
consulate staff, AP reported.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIANS IN MOSCOW PAY TRIBUTE TO GENOCIDE VICTIMS

01:57 pm | Today | Social

Hundreds of thousands of Armenians have gathered in the newly-built
Armenian church in Moscow to pay tribute to the innocent victims of
the Armenian Genocide.

After laying flowers at the cross-stone (khachkar) in the church yard,
a liturgy was served in the church, after which primate of the New
Nakhichevan and Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Bishop Ezras Nersisyan, read out the joint statement of His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
who called on Turkey to return the confiscated Armenian churches and
church estates.

Participating in the commemorative event were Armenia’s Ambassador to
Russia Oleg Yesayan, President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara
Abrahamyan, member of the Supreme Spiritual Council Ruben Vardanyan,
NKR permanent representative in Moscow Albert Andrian, representatives
of political, social and educational organizations and representatives
of the local Armenian community.

From: Baghdasarian

ASSEMBLY URGES TURKEY TO COME TO TERMS WITH ITS GENOCIDAL LEGACY

April 24, 2013 – 22:59 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Today, on April 24, President Barack Obama
commemorated the victims of the Armenian Genocide by reiterating his
position that his views on the Armenian Genocide have not changed,
stating that “a full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the facts is
in all of our interests,” reported the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly). As he did last year, the President also acknowledged that
the “Meds Yeghern” is commemorated in the United States “by our
states, institutions, communities, and families.” This is in clear
contrast to the assumptions in the February 2012 United States Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision in the Movsesian case,
regarding insurance claims dating back to the Armenian Genocide. It
also supports the earlier opinion of the Ninth Circuit Court December
2010 decision, which made reference to President Obama’s previous use
of the words “Meds Yeghern” and indicated that “‘Meds Yeghern is the
[Armenian] term for Armenian Genocide'” and is more in keeping with
the reality that 43 states have acknowledged it.

The Assembly also appreciates the statement of U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia, John Heffern, and the fact that the Administration sent
officials to the Armenian Genocide Commemorations held in Yerevan and
Istanbul.

President Obama stated that “Nations grow stronger by acknowledging
and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby building a
foundation for a more just and tolerant future.” The Assembly urges
Turkey to heed the President’s call and strongly urges Turkey to come
to terms with its genocidal legacy.

“Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming our
enduring commitment to the people of Armenia,” the President’s
statement concluded.

“The cause of genocide affirmation and prevention is a fundamental
issue for all of humanity,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan
Ardouny. “While President Obama’s statement builds upon last year’s
remarks, only by squarely acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, and
confronting Turkey’s denial, can the promise of prevention be realized
and truly give meaning to the words ‘never again’.”

From: Baghdasarian

PEOPLE IN ARTSAKH PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS

13:01 24.04.2013
Armenian Genocide, Nagorno-Karabakh

On 24 April President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan
accompanied by top officials of the republic visited the Stepanakert
memorial complex and laid flowers at the monument of innocent victims
of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, Central Information Department of the
Office of the Artsakh Republic President.

NKR President Baki Sahakyan issued an address on the Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide victims:

Dear compatriots,

Every year on this very day the entire Armenian people in all quarters
of the world pay homage to the memory of 1.5 million innocent victims
of the 1915 Genocide. We once again raise our voice against violence
and massacres, evil and crime, for the victory of historic justice
and exclusion of further genocides.

The civilized mankind must finally hear our voice that calls for
protecting and developing national and human values, must condemn
the terrible crime carried out by the Ottoman Turkey.

The Armenian nation has many friends who have helped us both at that
critical moment, giving harbor to our barely-survived compatriots and
today standing beside us supporting our demands. We remember everyone
and are profoundly grateful to all of you.

Strengthening day by day the independent Armenian statehood and
cementing the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable trinity, we move
with firm and steady steps towards secure and safe future, building
a strong and developed homeland for the generations to come. This
is our response to all the hardship; this is the only way of keeping
alive the memory of all the victims.

From: Baghdasarian

ISRAEL’S UNION OF ARMENIANS: GENOCIDE DENIAL ANOTHER CRIME

April 24, 2013 – 23:26 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Common grief, pain and memories about 1.5 mln people
slaughtered in 1915 unites Armenians worldwide on April 24. A rally,
organized by Union of Armenians of Israel , was held outside the
Turkish consulate in Tel Aviv.

The event aimed to urge the Turkish government and Israel to recognize
the Armenian Genocide.

“We, the citizens of Israel, address our government. Genocide denial
is yet another genocide. For the past 98 years the Armenian people
have been struggling against a horrible injustice. It is high time
Israeli government and people extended a helping hand to Armenians in
recognition of the tragedy that claimed millions of lives of innocent
people,” union’s spokesman Mendel Korsunski said.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS AND ILLEGITIMATE ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES SLOW DOWN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

YEREVAN, April 24. / ARKA /. Armenian-Turkish protocols and
illegitimate Armenian authorities are two factors slowing down
the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
Aram Manukian, a senior member of the recently established Armenian
National Congress party, said today.

Speaking to reporters he said the process of international recognition
of the Armenian genocide slowed down after Armenia and Turkey signed
protocols to normalize their relations, which called also for
establishment of a commission of historians that was to rule out
whether massacres of Armenians by Turkish government during World
War I constituted genocide.

The process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey
was initiated by Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan in the autumn of
2008. On October 10, 2009 Armenian and Turkish foreign ministers
signed in Zurich, Switzerland, protocols on the establishment of
diplomatic relations and normalization of bilateral relations, which
were to be ratified by the parliaments of the two countries. However,
in 2010 April Serzh Sargsyan suspended the process of ratification
of the Armenian-Turkish protocols by Armenian parliament saying that
Turkey was not ready to continue the process.

The second reason, according to Aram Manukian, is that for a long
time Armenia did not have legitimate authorities.

“For a long time, Armenia has not had a president enjoying the
confidence of his country fellows. When the authorities do not have
the trust of the people, they do not enjoy the confidence of the
international community either. A country, which has no elected
president enjoying the confidence of people cannot raise serious,
historical questions before the world community,” he said.

Manukyan said the first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan,
was unable together with his party members and supporters to visit
the Genocide Memorial by reason of sickness, but his wife and other
members of his family paid tribute to the Genocide victims.

The Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the twentieth century.

Turkey has been denying it for decades. The Armenian genocide was
recognized by tens of countries. The first was Uruguay that did so
in 1965. Other nations are Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Holland,
Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Greece,
Cyprus, Lebanon, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, 42 U.S. states. The
Armenian Genocide was recognized by the Vatican, the European
Parliament, the World Council of Churches and other international
organizations. -0-

From: Baghdasarian

JAROMIR STETINA TO INTRODUCE DECLARATION ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION TO CZECH SENATE

13:09, 24 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide Senator of the Czech Republic Jaromír
Å tÄ~[tina will introduce a bill on recognition of the Armenian
Genocide to the Czech Senate. In an exclusive conversation with
“Armenpress” the Czech Senator underlined: “To my opinion it’s of
a certain importance to adopt a realistic document condemning the
Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire in 1915.”

The Senator sees two possible options for the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide in the Czech Republic. The first is the Slavonic
version – to adopt a declaration on the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, and the second option is to pass a relevant bill. Among
other things the Czech Senator stated: “Taking into consideration
that the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is approaching,
I am going to introduce a declaration on recognition of the Armenian
Genocide to the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Defense
issues. In case of approval we shall try to pass the declaration in
the Czech Republic Senate.”

The fact of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman government has
been documented, recognized, and affirmed in the form of media
and eyewitness reports, laws, resolutions, and statements by many
states and international organizations. The complete catalogue
of all documents categorizing the 1915 wholesale massacre of the
Armenian population in Ottoman Empire as a premeditated and thoroughly
executed act of genocide, is extensive. Uruguay was the first country
to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1965. The massacres
of the Armenian people were officially condemned and recognized as a
genocide in accordance with the international law by France, Germany,
Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Poland,
Lithuania, Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Lebanon, Uruguay, Argentina,
Venezuela, Chile, Canada, Vatican, and Australia.

From: Baghdasarian