Author: Boshkezenian Garik

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 7, 2005
___________________
YOUNG DELEGATES FOCUS ON CARRYING THE FLAME OF CHRISTIANITY
The Armenian Church rocked in Cleveland, OH, as young people from
throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
descended upon the city for the 2005 Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) General Assembly and Sports Weekend from May 26 to
30, 2005.
Hosted by the ACYOA Sr. chapter of the St. Gregory of Narek Church in
Cleveland, OH — with an organizing committee chaired by Gregory
Andonian — the weekend began with the business of the General Assembly.
“I always enjoy being in the presence of our youth. Today, we have
young people in our parishes, in our Diocese, who have a sense of
identity as Armenian Christians,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate. “They live their faith in their daily lives, whether it’s at
school, at work, in their social lives, with their families, or in their
parish communities. I have the privilege of knowing our youth and am
always pleased to be with them. I feel so much joyful pride when I see
them gathered like this.”
DELEGATES TACKLE BUSINESS
More than 40 delegates and others representing 17 parishes attended the
two-day ACYOA General Assembly on May 26 and 27 at the Marriott Hotel in
down town Cleveland, OH. Antranig Garibian, a parishioner at the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, was elected Assembly chair and Ani
Tovar from the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, was elected Assembly
secretary.
Business tackled by the delegates included the presentation of committee
and leadership reports. Jennifer Morris, outgoing Central Council
chair, reviewed the activities, programs, and communication efforts of
the Central Council and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian
offered some recommendations and observations on the state of the ACYOA.
Other business included chapter reports and elections for Central
Council and the Nominating and Auditing Committees.
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian spoke to the delegates on the meaning of
Pentecost. During his presentation, the ACYOA leaders were given lit
candles as a reminder of the flame that empowered the apostles and which
is given to each of us to carry into the world. Fr. Doudoukjian said
the flame of the Holy Spirit infuses each Christian at the time of their
personal Pentecost at Chrismation.
“It is an inspiration to see the ACYOA delegates display a profound
faith and commitment to their Armenian identity,” Fr. Doudoukjian said.
“God is blessing our church with such dedicated and devoted young
members. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to infuse them with the
passion of service to Jesus Christ and the Armenian Church.”
PASSING THE FLAME
In his remarks, the Primate urged the young people to carry forward the
fame of their Armenian Christianity.
“I say to you: Be humble, as our Lord was; but don’t be shy — because
He wasn’t, either. Don’t be afraid to take ownership, and assume
responsibility, for the precious treasure of our heritage. You need to
receive the flame. And our elder generation needs to show its faith, by
passing the flame on to you,” the Primate said.
“I feel very confident, from my meetings with young people throughout
our Diocese, that your generation is eager, willing, and eminently
capable of doing justice to the task of carrying the flame. It will be
everyone’s task throughout this ‘Year of the Youth’ to seek out,
encourage, and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. But not only of
tomorrow. For as I said at the beginning, you are surely the leaders of
today, as well; and our church is depending on you to accept the role of
responsibility, and take up your rightful places in the long chain of
souls who have proudly and piously carried our flame, across the
centuries and across oceans, in times of liberty and times of
persecution, into the bright dawn of the 21st century.”
After the Primate’s remarks, delegates divided into small groups for a
discussion based on the issues raised by the Primate. They discussed
the nature of the flame, how each person can assume responsibility for
passing the flame, and what strategies we can use to engage more youth
in the life of the church.
ELECTION OF LEADERSHIP
Other highlights of the Assembly included the adoption of ACYOA’s budget
and elections for leadership positions.
Four new members were elected to the ACYOA Central Council: Gregory
Andonian of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; John El
Chemmas from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI; Ani Tovar from the
St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; and Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary
Church of Washington, DC. They replaced outgoing members: Jennifer
Morris, Tammy Bagdigian, Dn. Diran Jebejian, and Christopher Tashjian.
Newly elected Central Council officers for the next year are: Chair
Maria Derderian, from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA; Vice Chair Karen Khatchadourian of the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ; Treasurer Rita Akaraz from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI;
Secretary Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary, Church of Washington, D.C.;
Chapter Relations Coordinator Ani Tovar; Programming Coordinator Gregory
Andonian; and Public Relations Coordinator John El Chemmas,
“This is an exciting time for the ACYOA. We will reflect on how far we
have come as we plan for the upcoming celebration of the 60th
anniversary of the founding of our organization, and at the same time we
will look to the future,” Derderian said. “The large amount of
first-time delegates at General Assembly this year, eager to take an
active role in the business of the ACYOA, is proof that this
organization will continue to grow even stronger in the next 60 years.”
The 2006 Sports Weekend will be hosted by a National Committee in
commemoration of the ACYOA’s 60th anniversary, with the location to be
determined.
Present during the Assembly were several clergymen, including: Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of the St. Peter Church in Watervliet, NY,
and the newly appointed director of vocations and youth for St. Nersess
Seminary; Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Chicago, IL; Fr. Nersess Jebejian pastor of the St. Hagop
Church of St. Petersburg, FL; Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor of the St.
Mesrob Church of Racine, WI and a member of the Diocesan Council; and
Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
“I am always in awe of the intelligence, articulation and the purity of
the youth who come to represent the ACYOA at these general assemblies,”
Fr. Kelegian said. “I look forward to working in tandem with these
youth as we enter this year, carrying the flame of the Armenian Church.
These youth obviously will be our Parish Council members and Diocesan
delegates in the next 10 years.”
HONORING COMMITMENT
During lunch, traditionally hosted by the Primate, the Central Council
announced the winners of the group’s annual awards.
Several awards were presented to ACYOA Jrs. chapters and members. The
ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, received the
ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award for creating an atmosphere conducive to
Christian love, education, and service. Lauren Sarkisian, from the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI, received the Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan
Service Award for serving the Armenian Church and the ACYOA with the
humility and compassion similar to its late founder. Meredith Samoorian
from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, received the
Archbishop Tiran Nersoayn Leadership Award for approaching leadership
roles in her ACYOA chapter and parish with Chrsitian love,
understanding, and patience. Arthur Sabounjian from the Church of the
Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, was given the Archbishop Tiran
Nersoyan Vision Award for establishing meaningful programs and creating
a lasting effect on his ACYOA and parish.
Three awards were presented to ACYOA Srs. chapters and members. The
chapter A Award was presented to the St. Gregory of Narek Church of
Cleveland, OH, for fulfilling the standards set forth by the Central
Council and being a model chapter for all to follow. The Gregory
Arpajian Award, presented to Evelyn Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX, recognized her leadership and service to the Armenian Church
and community. The Sam Nersesian Award was given to Thomas Stamboulian
of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, for his Christian values of
love, patience, humility, and understanding.
The Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award was awarded to Fr.
Doudoukjian. That honor is given each year to a clergyman in
recognition of passionate leadership, exemplary service, and dedicated
efforts on behalf of the youth of the Armenian Church in loving memory
of a pastor whose dynamic ministry to youth continues to bear fruit.
The Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award was given to Steve Megrdichian, the
youth director of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
That award is presented each year to a layperson in honor of continued
devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church. The award was created in
loving memory of a pastor whose commitment continues to be an exemplary
model for all Christians.
Eliza Manukyan, who was invited to attend the ACYOA Assembly by the
Primate, is the director of the press center for the Araratian Diocese
in Yerevan, Armenia. She is also the chairperson of the local church
youth organization connected to that Diocese. She addressed the
Assembly participants in English and spoke about various youth ministry
efforts organized by the church in Armenia. During her three-week stay
in America, Manukyan will visit several communities as well as the
diocesan centers in New York City and Burbank, CA.
“I have observed that although many American-born young Armenians have
not been to their motherland, they do not forget their roots as Armenian
Christians. They belong to the Armenian Church,” Manukyan said. “Many
of them don’t speak Armenian, but they have the Armenian spirit and the
church is supporting them and keeping them together in the Diaspora. I
find it amazing that, in spite of the large geographic area of the
Eastern Diocese, the Primate has managed to provide opportunities for
young Armenians to gather together around the Church.”
For more information on the ACYOA, visit their website at
or contact [email protected].
— 6/7/05
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, joined by the
newly elected Central Council of the Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at the
St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate blesses the newly elected ACYOA Central
Council during badarak at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland,
OH, on Sunday May 29, 2005.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian is presented with The Very
Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award during the 2005 ACYOA General
Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Sam Nersesian Award is presented to Thomas
Stamboulian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, during the 2005
ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Gregory Arpajian Award is presented to Evelyn
Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): The chapter A Award is presented to the St. Gregory
of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, during the 2005 ACYOA General Assembly
and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): The ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, WI, receive the ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.

AZG Armenian Daily #103, 07/06/2005
Anniversary
ARAM KHACHATRIAN: I THINK PEOPLE WHO LOVE LIFE DREAD DEATH
102d Anniversary of Great Composer Celebrated
On June 6, the 102d anniversary of great Armenian composer and conductor
Aram Khachatrian was celebrated. Daily Azg has been informing readers about
arrangements dedicated to great composer’s anniversary. One of such was the
exhibition of pictures by Suzy Madre at the House-Museum of Khachatrian.
English-Armenian public figure Asatur Gyuzelian was the initiator of the
exhibition, and after the display Madre presented the picture collection (25
photos) to the House-Museum. Asatur Gyuzelian was the composer’s friend who
introduced Aram Khachatrian to Suzy Madre during Khachatrian’s last London
visit.
Photographer Madre recalls with pleasure the time when she was shooting the
composer. Suzy Mader who photographs mainly musicians had chance to befriend
with the composer and enjoy relations with him. “His attention and love for
me are my greatest memories”, the photographer says.
Asatur Gyuzelian got acquainted with Aram Khachatrian in 1976 London.
Gyuzelian is going to write down his memories of the friendship with the
maestro. But before that, he shared with London reminiscences.
“Our acquaintance started with Khachatrian shouting at me during a press
conference at Dorchester Hotel upon seeing me smoke. Now, I wonder how could
our relations grow into such closeness after such a cry”, Gyuzelian tells.
The composer had an interesting character, he says. “I have many
recollections about Khachatrian. He had such a feature in his character that
when he loved someone, he loved with all his heart, explicitly and
naturally, even kind of privatized the one he loved but if he did not,
nothing could make him change”.
Gyuzelian says that Aram Khachatrian loved his family with unique love. “He
loved the life so much that he feared death and he told me once, ‘Asatur, I
think people who love life dread death'”, Gyuzelian recalls.
By Gohar Grigorian

RIA Novosti, Russia
June 6 2005
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline: Oil or Politics?
16:15
MOSCOW (RIA Novosti economic commentator Vasily Zubkov) – The
ceremony of commissioning the Azerbaijani section of the new
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline again drew the attention of
analysts to the project.
Moscow did not support the idea of the pipeline but did not interfere
with it either, though it had said that it would not provide oil to
it. Sergei Grigoryev, vice-president of Transneft, had said that each
state had an inalienable right to build what it needs. I would add,
even if the project were unprofitable. Baku cannot supply as much oil
as the new, highly expensive pipe from the Caspian to the
Mediterranean can pump. Nobody is talking any more about the
allegedly giant underwater oilfields on Azerbaijan’s shelf. The truth
is that the bulk of oil is concentrated on the eastern, Kazakh, coast
of the sea.
The competition of oil companies for transportation routes, which is
always tough, has never been so politically loaded as in the case of
the BTC, described as the main geopolitical project of the U.S. in
the former Soviet states. The late president of Azerbaijan Geidar
Aliyev had said that the pipeline would pump oil in one direction and
politics in the other. Oil has not started flowing west yet, but
Georgia, a member of the project, has been shaken by a pro-American
revolution.
Americans spent through the nose to create the first stage of the
Great Oil Road, laying pipes by a route bypassing Russia, which, as
it grew stronger economically, is making public its view of
developments in the former Soviet states, in particular on its
southern borders, increasingly often. But will this pipe lower the
transit potential of Russia?
The new supermodern ports on the Baltic Sea, the upgrading of the
Baltic Pipeline System to 60 million tons this year, and the nascent
construction of pipelines in Russia’s European north and the Far East
will guarantee Russia a long geopolitical transit life in Eurasia.
The rerouting of Azerbaijani oil from Novorossiisk to the new pipe
was hardly noticed, because it accounted for a mere 1% of Russia’s
oil exports. Baku says openly that it would like Russian oil
companies to become its clients; it needs them to ensure the BTC’s
estimated capacity of 50 million tons a year. Besides, the capacity
of the Russian pipe monopolist, Transneft, has been larger than the
oil output for a second year running, according to its president
Semyon Vainshtok. The production of oil is lagging behind the
construction and modernization of pipelines and ports, though this
year Transneft plans to increase export deliveries by 16% to 255
million tons.
There will be a surplus of pipe capacities in the future, and so
Russia does not plan to change export routes. A spokesman of LUKoil,
which works energetically on the Caspian shelf, told RIA that the
current rates and the absence of “lines” for Transneft’s pipe suit
his company. Rosneft and other oil majors do not plan to change
export routes either.
Russia plans to complete the construction of an alternative route to
the BTC, from Burgas in Bulgaria to Alexandroupolis in Greece,
bypassing the Turkish straits. It will be more profitable than the
BTC: its length is slightly more than 300km (1,767km in the case of
the BTC), its throughput capacity is 35-50 million tons (50 million)
and it will cost about $700 million (some $4 billion). With the
completion of this pipe, tankers with Russian oil will no longer have
to spend weeks in the Turkish straits.
Baku thinks that the Kazakh oil can “save” the BTC, to a degree.
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was the highest foreign
guest at the commissioning ceremony and expressed interest in the
pipe, but his republic will not hurry to sign a contract. This
proceeds from the recent statement by Lyazzat Kiinov, deputy minister
of energy. He said that his country had an operating project
Aktau-Baku and hence the new pipe would be filled exclusively by
Azerbaijani oil. Kazakhstan will ponder participation in the BTC
project only when the new pipeline to the Mediterranean is completed.
What effect would it have on the Transcaucasus? Though there is not
enough oil for the pipe so far, the aggregate capital of companies in
the BTC consortium is $1 trillion, which makes the pipe an instrument
of powerful political influence in the region. This is the opinion of
Eduard Agadzhanov, of the Armat Center of Democratic Development and
Civil Society (Armenia). In view of the unsettled Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict over Nagorny Karabakh, the powerful U.S. assistance to Baku
is radically changing the geopolitical situation in the region.

ARMENIA AND GEORGIA INTERESTED IN RELAUNCHING ABKHAZIAN SECTOR OF GEORGIAN RAILWAY IN SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME
TBILISI, JUNE 2, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the RA Government
Information and PR Department, the Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian, who is on a working visit to Tbilisi with the aim of
participating in the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of CIS
Countries Governments on June 2-3, had a meeting with his Georgian
counterpart Zurab Nogaideli on June 1. Prime Ministers of the two
countries expressed their satisfaction at the activization of bilateral
contacts and mutual visits, which, according to them, promotes the
trade and economic relations between Armenia and Georgia. Noting
the efficient work done by the Armenian-Georgian Intergovernmental
Commission on Economic Cooperation, they discussed the implementation
of the decisions made at the third meeting of the Commission held
on July 26, 2004. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the
Commission in September. A. Margarian expressed his gratification
at the establishment of an active dialog on the issue of regulating
Georgia’s state debt to Armenia, as a result of which an agreement
has been reached to reformulate the debt. He said that Armenia gave
Georgia an comprehensive answer as to the issue of the Turkmenian gas
transition in 1993-1995, so neither the Georgian nor the Turkmenian
side have any unsettled financial problem. During the meeting,
agreements on cooperation in new directions in the sphere of energy
were reached. The Prime Ministers discussed in detail the problem
of constructing a new high-voltage electric line between Armenia and
Georgia. Z. Nogaideli reasserted Georgia’s interest in the country’s
participation in the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, in response to which
A. Margarian noted that the first stage of the project is underway,
but the Armenian side does not rule out conducting discussions on this
proposal with Georgia in the future. The Prime Ministers discussed the
demarcation of the border lines of the Armenian-Georgian state frontier
and decided to to hold a joint meeting of the bilateral commissions
dealing with this issue in November. As regards transport problems,
both sides stated their interest in relaunching the Abkhazian sector
of Georgian railway as soon as possible, from which, according to
Prime Ministers, the economies of the two countries will benefit. The
problems of the Armenian community of Georgia, especially of the
Armenians of Javakhk, were addressed at the meeting. Z. Nogaideli
reasserted the intention of the Georgian authorities to implement
a program on the improvement of the social and economic situation
in Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The sides agreed to have a working
meeting in Javakhk in July or August. Expressing his appreciation
of Armenia’s willingness to cooperate in implementing the program
aimed at solving the problems of Javakhk, Z. Nogaideli noted that
the issues of cooperation in the construction and repairs of roads,
schools, etc. can be discussed at the meeting in Javakhk. A. Margarian
expressed confidence that the Georgian authorities will make every
effort to solve problems related to protection of the Armenian
cultural and historic monuments in the territory of their country. A
decision was made to set up an Armenian working group to deal with
this problem, which will examine the legislative field of Georgia
and submit proposals for the solution of the problem.

Russia, Georgia should trust each other – Prime Minister Fradkov
18:12
RIA Novosti, Russia
June 3 2005
TBILISI, June 3 (RIA Novosti) – Russia and Georgia should trust each
other more, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said. “I wish we
had fewer problems and trusted each other more,” Fradkov said at a
joint briefing with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.
Speaking about problems in the dialogue on Georgia’s territorial
integrity, Fradkov said that was not working against us.
“Cooperation on this issue faces many problems and disputes but time
is working not against but for us,” the Russian prime minister said.
According to him, the withdrawal of Russian bases from Georgia and
their deployment to Armenia does not threaten Azerbaijan.
“We are pulling out the bases according to the schedule and specifying
details,” he said. “We should not scare each other.”
President Saakashvili said, in turn, that the sides had caught “a
second breath.” “The decision on the Russian military bases eased
our tensions,” he added.
There are no obstacles in Russian-Georgian relations and the countries
should get rid of the past heritage, the president said.
Saakashvili said that he was ready to go to Moscow on Victory Day.
“But the propaganda boom around the military bases did not let me go.”
“I would like to show vineyards in Kakhetia to Vladimir Putin and
treat him to real Kakhetian wine,” the Georgian president said.
Saakashvili hopes to sign a Russian-Georgian framework cooperation
agreement during Vladimir Putin’s visit.

JUSTICE MINISTRY WARNS: FOREIGN E-MAIL LOTTERIES MERE FRAUD
Pan Armenian News
03.06.2005 03:50
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On June 2 the Armenian Justice Ministry had to
issue a recurrent statement warning the Armenian citizens against
participation in Internet lotteries notifying of various big
winnings. The latest statements was issued at the beginning of 2005,
when Spanish swindlers offered Armenian citizens to make some payments
for receiving the winning of EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA lottery or NET
SWEEP STAKES LOTTARY. According to a source in the RA Justice Ministry,
one Armenian citizen even sold his car to pay for the “service” of the
Spanish swindlers and sincerely believed that he has really won $2
million in the lottery. It turned out that he was in correspondence
with the cheaters and even informed them about his bank requisites,
IA Regnum reports.

Brussels ‘Genocide’ Bill Shelved, Armenians Angry
Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 3 2005
The Armenian lobby was disappointed on Wednesday when Belgian
politicians withdrew their support for a bill that would have
criminalized denying the so-called Armenian genocide.
Discussions over how the bill would be applied were on the agenda of
the Belgian Senate’s Justice Commission. After a heated discussion,
the Valon Liberal Party (MR) and the Greens, who had both supported
the bill, found themselves outvoted and withdrew their support.
Following this disappointment, the Armenian lobby called on the
Brussels to establish an “international court,” since it had become
clear that the bill would not be approved by Parliament. The law aims
to punish those who deny the Armenian genocide claims with eight days
to one year of imprisonment, or with a fine of 26 to 5,000 euros.

6 ARMENIAN PILOTS IMPRISONED FOR LONG YEARS IN EQUATORIAL
AFRICA ARE LIKELY TO RETURN HOME VERY SOON
YEREVAN, JUNE 2. ARMINFO. The 6 Armenian Pilots Imprisoned For Long
Years In Equatorial Africa Are Likely To Return Home Very Soon. Head
Of The World Armenian Congress Ara Abrahamyan Informs The Armenian
Public Radio.
He Says Negotiations With The Authorities Of This African State Are
Actively Continued. Despite The Earlier Statement Tat The Final Date
Of The Negotiations For Their Release Was June 12, Ara Abrahanyan
Expressed Hope For The Pilot’S Return Home Before This Date. He
Did Not Inform The Radio Of Any Details Of The Negotiations Not To
Create Problems.
To Note, The 6 Armenian Pilots Have Been Sentenced To 14-24 Years Of
Imprisonment For An Attempted State Coup.

The Daily Star, Lebanon
June 3 2005
Aoun announces partial list of candidates for northern Metn
FPM leader starts news conference with moment of silence for slain
Kassir
By Leila Hatoum
Daily Star staff
BEIRUT: Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun announced his list
of candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the
northern Metn district, amidst the country’s dismay over a car
bombing that claimed the life of prominent anti-Syrian journalist
Samir Kassir.
During a news conference in the morning, Aoun called for a moment of
silence for the slain An-Nahar columnist, and said he believed the
murder was an act of vengeance by those Kassir had spent his life
battling.
Kassir was best known for his anti-Syrian writings and unrelenting
attacks against the pro-Syrian Lebanese security apparatus and
authority.
Aoun’s list, announced during a news conference at his home in Rabieh
on Wednesday, was still incomplete but included five names: former
General Edgar Maalouf, former MP Ghassan Moukhaiber, Ibrahim Kenaan,
Salim Salhab and Nabil Nicholas.
However, the list failed to include candidates for the Maronite,
Orthodox and Armenian seats in northern Metn.
Aoun explained the lack of a full list by saying: “The circumstances
didn’t allow us to form one unified list because of our alliance with
the opposing list in northern Metn, which will be declared Friday.”
The FPM list comes one day after Aoun formally unveiled an electoral
alliance with his one-time pro-Syrian rivals in a bid to weaken
leading opposition figure Walid Jumblatt in what is expected to be
the country’s main electoral battle. The two opposition leaders will
square off in crucial polls in the Baabda-Aley district of Mount
Lebanon, which is made up of Maronites, Druze and Shiite voters.
Both Aoun and Jumblatt have sought the backing of pro-Syrian forces,
each hoping to trump the other and gain extra seats in the new
Parliament.
Aoun has allied with Jumblatt’s rival in the Chouf, Druze pro-Syrian
MP Talal Arslan.
When asked whether his incomplete lists implied there were further
alliances to come in northern Metn, Aoun replied there are common
factors between the FPM and the Phalange party, former Interior
Minister Michel Murr and opposition members Nassib Lahoud and Gabriel
Murr.
He added: “We cannot screen the people and the choice goes back to
them whom to vote for and whom to follow.”
Aoun continued it is not acceptable for Lebanon’s diversified
political life to be transformed into one political line controlling
everything.
According Aoun, “this eliminated democracy, and if all of us parties
had a common agreement then our agreement would overrule everything
and delete the role of others.”
Aoun failed last week to reach a deal to run in the elections
alongside the other main opposition parties.
He insisted his differences with the opposition started when he
announced he wanted to reopen files, once in Parliament, into
allegations of government fraud over the past 15 years and bring in
international auditors to go over the accounts.
He said: “The main issue that terrified everybody and will continue
to terrify them is the issue of corruption and unjustified
indebtedness. Those candidates who are against us all took part in
the 15 years of corruption.”

HEGEL: WITHDRAWAL OF RUSSIAN BASES FROM GEORGIA WILL PROMOTE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT
Pan Armenian News
02.06.2005 02:45
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The US is for the peaceful and diplomatic resolution
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, stated member of the US Senate
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, as well as Senate
Intelligence and Rules Committee, Senator Charles Hagel. In his words,
“the US along with Russia is ready to provide any assistance for
the peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the conflict.” Mr. Hagel
said in his opinion the meeting of the Presidents in Warsaw is a
positive move on the way of settlement of the conflict. “However,
a long way lies ahead. It is necessary to reach a common stand in
order to solve the problem,” he added. Speaking of the withdrawal
of Russian military bases from the territory of Georgia the Senator
noted, “I positively evaluate Russia withdrawing its equipment from
Georgia and I think it will assist to realize more things, including
the solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.”