Author: Basmajian Ani

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE MINISTER OF CULTURE
TARIK MITRI

The Lebanese Minister of Culture, Tarek Mitri, paid an official visit to His
Holiness Aram I on May 23 on behalf of His Excellency the Prime Minister
Fouad Siniora. The Pontiff and the Minister held a cordial meeting given
their long years of friendship going back to their active involvement in
ecumenical activities within the World Council of Churches.

Minister Mitri briefed the Catholicos on the situation prior to the
negotiations between the Lebanese sides in Qatar, the details of the
discussions held and the circumstances under which the agreement was finally
adopted.

The Armenian Pontiff expressed his satisfaction at the results of the
meeting in Qatar, considering the agreement a victory for Lebanon, on in
which "there are no losers and only one winner- Lebanon with all its
communities, sections, its people and its authorities."

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View the photo here:
tos/Photos266.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

ANDRANIK HOVAKIMIAN PASSED AWAY

A1+
[12:57 pm] 22 May, 2008

Andranik Hovakimian, deputy chairman of the "Armenian Pan-National
Movement" Party, died at the front entrance of his house
yesterday. Hovakimian had undergone a heart operation before.

Today the Pan-National Movement Center sent a condolence message
to Hovakimian’s family expressing deep sympathy and compassion on
the event.

EU MISSION TO KOSOVO FACING DELAY

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.05.2008 15:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The European Union’s mission to Kosovo is unlikely to
be fully operational by 15 June, as first planned, due to opposition
by Serbia and Russia which are blocking the transfer of power from
the UN to the EU and local authorities.

Under an initial plan, UN mission UNMIK which has been administering
Kosovo since 1999, was to hand over the power to local authorities
on 15 June.

After this, the EU would have stepped in to help with police and
judicial work, while NATO forces would have continued to be responsible
for hard security in Kosovo.

However, this transfer of power has been blocked by UN members Serbia
and Russia, which do not recognize Kosovo’s unilaterally proclaimed
independence of 17 February.

For his part, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has also avoided clear
statements on the matter so far, saying simply that the UN was taking
note of the EU’s wish to intervene.

"It’s quite possible that we won’t progress much further by June 15,
as long as we don’t have a clearer political framework," said Yves
de Kermabon, EULEX mission chief.

"The mission is somewhat on standby waiting for decisions from the
United Nations," he added.

The EULEX mission, consisting of around 2,000 people, was set to be
the EU’s response to Kosovo’s independence and the new situation in
this part of the Balkans. Brussels has repeatedly stated that Kosovo
is a "European problem."

But to date, only some 200 to 300 people are on the ground, according
to press agencies.

Moreover, it remains unclear how the transfer of power will take place,
if at all. One possibility would be that the UN stays on the ground
after June.

But this model risks confirming Kosovo’s North-South division, with
UNMIK taking care of the mostly Serb-populated North and the EU running
the rest of the majority-Albanian state, European diplomats said.

Despite the problems, EULEX’s Mr Kerambon does not foresee a delay
of more than "one, two or three months," and expects the mission’s
general objectives to be eventually reached.

The mission has three components – a rule of law wing, an EU special
representative who will also chair an International Civilian Office
there, and a European Commission unit leading economic development
and reform.

But EULEX’s main aim is to help Kosovo authorities in areas related
to the rule of law, particularly police, judiciary, customs and
correctional services, the EUobserver reports.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES THE REPRESENTATIVE
OF PATRIARCH LAHHAM

The representative of Greek Catholic Patriarch His Beatitude Gregorios III
Lahham visited Catholicos Aram I in Antelias on May 16. The Primate of the
Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, also attended the meeting.

Bishop Michel Abbas consulted Catholicos Aram I on behalf of Patriarch
Lahham on a number of inter-church issues. The Catholicos and his guest
exchanged views on forming an inter-church committee to organize the
celebrations to be held within the context of the "The year of St. Paul"
announced by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Catholicosate of Cilicia has received an individual invitation from the
Vatican to participate in this unique event and Catholicos Aram I has
accepted the invitation in an official letter addressed to the Vatican. In
the letter the Armenian Pontiff has outlined his vision for transforming the
celebration of one of Christianity’s leading figures into an opportunity for
the renewal of faith at a pan-Christian level.

During the meeting, Bishop Michel also briefed the Pontiff about the details
of Patriarch Lahham’s recent visit to the Vatican, during which he had
discussed issues related to the peace process in the Middle East and the
internal situation in Lebanon.

##
View the photo here:
tos/Photos263.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

NA SPEAKER NOT GOING TO WORK ANYWHERE ELSE BUT PARLIAMENT

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 20, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 20, NOYAN TAPAN. "I said still before the May 12 elections
that I am not going to work enywhere else but the parliament," Tigran
Torosian told journalists on May 19 in connection with the rumours
circulating about the possible resignation of the post of the Speaker
of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and appointment as
an ambassador. He expressed regret that "nonsenses, gossips become part
of the work of journalists as well." "On the contrary, in my opinion,
it is you, who should assist that those senseless mechanisms, which
are applied for creating certain problems, are not paid attention to,"
the NA Speaker said.

ARMENIA ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS WITH THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

armradio.am
20.05.2008 13:57

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the South-African
Republic to Armenia Andries Venter (seat in Kiev) presented his
credentials to RA President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and
noted that Armenia attaches importance to the development of
relations with the African continent, especially the South African
Republic. Serzh Sargsyan highly appreciated the balanced position the
South-African Republic demonstrates on Armenian issues in international
organizations.

The newly appointed Ambassador said he noticed problems in the Armenian
Government Program, which are common for his country, as well, and
such problems allow to better understand each other and serve as a
basis for future partnership.

According to President Sargsyan, if there are common approaches,
there should be common interests and edges of cooperation. In this
regard he specially underlined the organization of reciprocal visits
and exchange of information, which will allow determining the possible
spheres of partnership.

According to the President, the small but active Armenian community
can also serve as a link in the relations between the two countries.

RA NA REGULAR FOUR-DAY SESSION STARTS

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 19, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The work of the RA National Assembly
regular four-day plenary session started on May 19. More than 40 issues
and 5 international agreements submitted for the ratification of the
RA President are on the agenda. The agreement On Permanent Mission of
the Asian Development Bank signed on January 23, 2008 in Manila and
on January 30, 2008 in Yerevan between the RA government and the Asian
Development Bank was ratified. The prevailing part of the adopted bills
envisage amendments and addenda to a number of laws in force. The bill
On Firm Names and the legislative package On Inventions, Useful Models,
and Industrial Samples adopted in the second reading are an exception.

After the voting the parliament started discussing the bill On Making
Amendments to the RA law On Holding Gatherings, Meetings, and Marches.

According to the author of the latter, NA Speaker Tigran Torosian,
it has been worked out as a result of the discussions held in April
in Yerevan jointly with the experts of Council of Europe Venice
Commission and OSCE/ODIHR. The experts’ conclusion is positive,
but it is mentioned that "the quality of any law depends on the
circumstances of both its planning and use."

SERGE SARGSIAN TO PRESIDE OVER AT 17th SITTING OF HAYASTAN ALL-ARMENIAN FUND’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 19, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian President Serge Sargsian will
preside over at the 17th sitting of Board of Trustees of the Hayastan
All-Armenian Fund to be held on May 27 in Yerevan. NKR President
Bako Sahakian, Armenian and NKR Prime Ministers Tigran Sargsian and
Arayik Haroutiunian, Ministers Edward Nalbandian and Tigran Davtian,
will also take part in the annual sitting. They have been taking
these posts after the sitting held in June 2007 and are members of
Board of Trustees officially.

Vahe Aghabekiants, the Executive Director of the Hayastan All-Armenian
Fund, will present Fund’s initiatives implemented in Armenia and
Artsakh, including those carried out within the framework of the
Rural Development Program.

According to the information provided by the Hayastan All-Armenian
Fund, during the sitting, Fund’s long-term goals, short-term programs,
and urgent issues, as well as Fund’s coming fund-raising telethon’s
details will be discussed and decisions on them will be made.

On May 26, the eve of the sitting of Board of Trustees, a solemn
ceremony of awarding the RA President’s prizes will take place in
the RA President’s residence. The names of winners in 13 nominations
will be announced and the RA President personally will award the
prizes. The RA President’s prize is the considerable contribution of
Boghosian Fund to Armenia’s cultural life, since 2001.

THE OPENING OF THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER IS A POLITICAL PROJECT AND IN THE ECONOMICALLY ARMENIA DOES NOT NEED IT, NEITHER DOES TURKEY

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.05.2008 GMT+04:00

The opening of the borders can have a negative impact on Armenia and
also in the regard that the war between the Turkish regular army and
the Kurds may noticeably approach the Armenian border.

The congressman Adam Schiff introduced the bill calling the US
President of Senate to urge Turkey to raise the blockade of the
Armenian border. "The act of raising the Turkish blockade of the
Armenian border" presumes a response from the Secretary of State about
the measures of the USA for raising the blockade of the Armenian
blockade in 30 days after final passing of the document. "We must
intensify the pressure on Turkey so that it raises the terrible
blockade of the Armenian border, which will allow the Armenian
entrepreneurs to fully participate in the global economic procedures,
as well as will promote Armenia’s integration into Europe," said
Adam Schiff.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the assessment of the US Secretary
of States, due to the blockade the transport expenses of Armenia
make 30-35% more than it normally would. Besides, the blockade puts
obstacles on the way of American and international humanitarian aids,
which is a violation of the US and international humanitarian aid
standards.

Lately Azerbaijan has become the most active "protector" of Turkey
on the international arena. One can understand Baku very well;
it Turkey is suddenly forced to deploy the border with Armenia,
which is by the way under blockade with the request of Azerbaijan,
Baku will be left all alone in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Conflict. Turkey is not a very reliable ally, but Azerbaijan does
not have any other choice.

The issue of the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border has a different
interpretation in Turkey. For example, the Deputy of the National
Assembly of Turkey, the former State Minister Reshat Dogry announced:
"From time to time this question is raised in Turkey. However, I think
that no international organization will be able to make Turkey open
the borders with Armenia unless the Karabakh Conflict is resolved,
unless Armenia gives up the idea of its claims on territorial integrity
towards Turkey, and finally, unless Armenia does not stop putting
pressure on Turkey in the issue of the Armenian Genocide. This is
the viewpoint of the Turkish nation and government," says the Azeri
Agency APA.

Unfortunately, the current Administration of the USA will hardly be
able, or will hardly want "to call Turkey to open the borders," but
maybe the next one will not follow Ankara’s tastes so blindly. First
of all the USA, only then Armenia and the entire region need it.

The opening of the Armenian-Turkish borders, as it has been mentioned
more than once, is simply a political project and in the economically
Armenia does not need it, neither does Turkey. In the given situation
we should take a closer look at Georgia, whose economics and industry
was destroyed due to the Turkish stock.

Something like this may be expected for Armenia. In the economic
point of view it is better to enjoy the contacts one has and not want
anything else. The strange thing is that the Turkish party is of the
same opinion. Non-official turnover of $400 million between the two
countries is most acceptable.

Together with this we should not forget, that in the provinces
bordering on Armenia are mostly populated by Kurds and sons of the
Armenians who have survived 1915. The opening of the borders can
have a negative impact on Armenia and also in the regard that the war
between the Turkish regular army and the Kurds may noticeably approach
the Armenian border, which is a very serious problem. Based on the
national security of Armenia, in the given situation the closed borders
with Turkey, at present, is the smallest of all evil, not mentioning
the fact that on the maps of the Great Kurdistan the huge territory
between Turkey and Armenia is "sought by Kurdish territories".

A. ABELIAN AND S. LALAYAN APPOINTED AIDES TO THE PRESIDENT

ARMENPRESS
May 16, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian decreed
on May 15 to appoint Armen Abelian and Sevak Lalayan as aides to the
Armenian president.

Presidential press service reported that on the same day the president
also decreed to appoint Aram Ananian as referent of the Armenian
president.