Author: Chakrian Hovsep

VARTAN OSKANIAN ASSESSES HIS BELGRADE MEETING WITH AZERAIJANI COUNTERPART AS NORMAL

Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian assessed the Belgrade meeting between the Armenian
and Azerbaijani foreign ministers on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement as normal in comparison with previous meetings. "After
the meeting in Geneva I said that it was quite difficult. This one
was more normal, without tension," he said in an interview to Radio
Liberty, adding: "We focused on the issues which had not been agreed
on, but no new issue was settled."

V. Oskanian said that the OSCE Mnsk Group co-chairs decided to visit
the region and try together with the presidents to ascertain the
parties’ positions concerning their proposals. They will also try to
come to an agreement with the presidents about the date and place of
the next meeting.

APRIL 24 PROCLAIMED AS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY IN CHICAGO

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.04.2007 14:06 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Chicago City Council adopted a resolution,
according to which April 24 is being proclaimed as Armenian Genocide
Remembrance Day. Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley has undersigned the
resolution, the PanARMENIAN.Net journalist was told in the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA). In 2005 the American State
of Illinois became 11th in number to include facts of genocide in
curriculum of schools and colleges of the state. Currently 12 of
19 Congressmen from Illinois express their support for H. Res. 106,
which recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

WEA RESPONDS TO MURDER OF THREE CHRISTIAN WORKERS IN TURKEY

Inspire Magazine, UK
April 20 2007

Three workers at a Bible publishing house in Malatya, Turkey were
killed on Wednesday in the latest apparent attack on Turkey’s minority
Christian community.

The three Christian men — Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel of Turkey,
and Tilman Ekkehart Geske of Germany — were bound and had their
throats slit in a Christian book publishing office. Several people
have been detained for questioning regarding the killings.

The murder has sent shockwaves across the Christian minority in Turkey,
and the Christian community worldwide.

Political tensions have been rising in the secular but largely Sunni
Muslim country over the past year. Earlier this year, Armenian
Christian editor Hrant Dink was shot dead by an ultranationalist
youth. Last year, a Catholic priest was killed.

World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) representative Johan Candelin of
Finland will travel to Turkey on Friday to provide spiritual support
to the families of the three deceased.

"Something very dangerous is happening in Turkey at this time. The
country is knocking at Europe’s door and far from everyone is happy
about it. At the same time the nation is about to choose a new
president and tension between Islamists and nationalists is growing
stronger everyday. I ask all Christians to pray for families of the
victims, for the protection of the Christian minority and for Turkey,"
Candelin said on Thursday.

Geoff Tunnicliffe, international director of the WEA, also expressed
his grief over the tragic event.

"We condemn this act of violence against Turkish Christians. We
must find a way of resolving conflict without resorting to these
kinds of brutal acts. It is incumbent upon government, community
and faith leaders to help create a climate of mutual respect that
builds understanding and reconciliation. Today, we grieve for the
loss of our brothers and we stand in solidarity, prayer and support
for Christians in Turkey."

ews.aspx?action=view&id=1139

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE April 19, 2007

Contact: Haig Hovsepian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR Welcomes Unanimity of Colorado Delegation– Colorado joins
Massachusetts and Rhode Island as States with Unanimous Congressional
Support for H. Res. 106 and S. Res. 106
Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR) has learned that Colorado has joined Massachusetts and
Rhode Island to become the third state with a complete Congressional
delegation in support of both H. Res. 106 and S. Res. 106. The ANCA-WR
is happy to report that Colorado activists were instrumental in gaining
the cosponsorship support of the Colorado delegation.

With the recent additions of Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Congressman
Thomas Tancredo (R-CO-06), the Colorado Delegation now unanimously
supports the Armenian Genocide Resolutions of the Senate and House of
Representatives. Senator Salazar joined Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) and
Rep. Tancredo joined Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Rep. Mark Udall
(D-CO-02), Rep. John Salazar (D-CO-03), Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO-04),
Rep. Douglas Lamborn (R-CO-05) and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07) in
cosponsorship.

As an example of their grassroots efforts, on March 23, 2007, local
constituents Kim Christianian, Ken Allikian, Denise and Diane Gentilini
and Michael Chandler met with Congressman Ed Perlmutter’s local district
office in Lakewood as part of their grassroots efforts in Colorado. The
constituents met with Congressman Perlmutter’s Congressional Aide,
Christopher Votoupal to discuss H. Res. 106 and to urge the Congressman
to join the Armenian Caucus. During this meeting, the group discussed
issues ranging from the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink to the re-nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia.

"This meeting was a good opportunity to articulate issues that are
important to Armenian-Americans that go beyond H. Res. 106 regarding
Armenia and its future," said Christianian. "Even though Rep. Perlmutter
had already signed on as a cosponsor, it is always important to meet
with local Congressmen and strengthen your ties with both them and their
staff."

Because Congressman Perlmutter had already signed on to H. Res. 106, the
constituents asked him to also urge his colleague Senator Ken Salazar to
also join as a cosponsor. "This is a collaborative effort between all
the local organizations working on getting this Resolution passed
whether it is the Armenian National Committee of Colorado or the
Armenian Assembly," said Christianian. "We are very pleased with the
work we have done and happy to do our part here."

"Colorado provides a wonderful example of the power of grassroots
advocacy," stated Andrew Kzirian, ANCA-WR Executive Director. "The
POWER Initiative will continue to reach out to the Western United States
to ensure that the interests of the Armenian American community are
represented properly," he added.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American
community on a broad range of issues.

###

PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Raffy Kendirjian
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

Primate of the Western Diocese Visits Twin Towers Penitentiary

On April 19th, upon the invitation of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, made a pastoral
visitation to the Twin Towers Penitentiary. Accompanying the Primate were
Fr. Vazken Movsessian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center in
Glendale, Mashdots Chobanian, and Dn. Mayis Ksachikyan.

This visitation marks the first time the Primate celebrated the Divine
Liturgy within a California correctional facility. The Primate formally
established the tradition to perform annual Liturgies during the Easter
season. Prior to the celebration of the Liturgy, the Rev. Fr. Vazken
Movsessian offered an introduction to the services that were about to be
conducted. He also thanked the Sheriff Baca as well as Division Chief Sam
Jones. Holy Communion was administered to those in attendance. At the end
the Primate delivered the Sermon.

In his sermon the Primate said, "We are here to extend to you the love of
Christ and assure you that Christ is with you. We expect from you that you
should always cherish your prayerful lives even though you are in prison. Do
not imprison your souls; remember that even in freedom there are many who
have imprisoned their souls by rejecting God in their lives."

His Eminence then invited Fr. Vazken to address the inmates. In his
passionate words he inspired the inmates saying, "We all have crosses in our
lives. The resurrection reminds us and promises us that the day will come
when our crosses will be taken away. Therefore, stay steadfast in faith and
never lose your hope."

At the conclusion the Primate sincerely thanked the Honorable Sheriff Baca,
Chief Sam Jones, Mr. Tevan Aroustamian, accompanying the Sheriff, and the
entire staff of the Twin Towers facility for their good works and especially
for helping to coordinate the day’s visitation.

PHOTOS

Inmates rise during the Divine Liturgy as the Holy Chalice is blessed
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Inmates gather to take communion
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The Primate administers Holy Communion to those in attendance
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BANANTS AND ARARAT WIN IN FIRST MATCHES OF HALF-FINAL OF ARMENIAN FOOTBALL CUP TOURNAMENT

Noyan Tapan
Apr 18 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, NOYAN TAPAN. First matches of Armenian Football
Cup Tournament’s half-final were held on April 18. At the republican
stadium Banants defeated Mika (1 to 0) and at Ararat’s Araks stadium
Ararat defeated Pyunik (1 to 0).

It is noteworthy that for the first time the tournament is served by
judges invited from abroad.

The return matches of Armenian Football Cup Tournament are scheduled
for May 1.

ONLY 10% OF HIV POSITIVE PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ARE AWARE OF THEIR DISEASE

Noyan Tapan
Apr 18 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, NOYAN TAPAN. A three-day consultation on the subject
"Improvement of Accesibility of Medical and Social-Medical Aid and
High-Quality Services for AIDS/HIV Patients" started in Yerevan on
April 18 on the initiative of the European Regional Office of the
World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Director of the Republican Center of AIDS Prevention
Samvel Grigorian, representatives of legislative, governmental,
social organizations of CIS countries, as well as of international
organizations are participating in the consultation. He said that
during the consultation, in particular proposals aimed at improving
HIV-related research and advisory services will be worked out.

In the words of S. Grigorian, HIV-related research and provision
of high-quality advisory services continues to be one of the major
health care problems in CIS countries. He noted that only 10% of HIV
positive people worldwide are aware of their disease.

The center director said that the number of persons undergoing medical
examination with the aim of diagnosing AIDS/HIV (free of charge) is
increasing in Armenia with every passing year, which is conditioned
by measures taken within the framework of the national program on
fight against AIDS/HIV. S. Grigorian noted that the program enabled to
increase accesibility of medical services in the country. For example,
there were only 3 points for HIV diagnosing in Armenia 5 years ago,
whereas now their number reaches 150.

‘HOT LINE’ OF RA POLICE RECEIVED 77 CALLS ALREADY IN VIEW OF INACCURACIES IN VOTER’S LISTS

Arminfo
2007-04-19 15:30:00

The "Hot line" of RA Police has received 77 calls already in view of
inaccuracies in the voter’s lists, Head of the Passport-Visa Department
of RA Police, Colonel Alvina Zakaryan said at today’s press-conference.

The "Hot line" has been functioning from April 9 every day from 10:00
AM to 10:00 PM. All the citizens may call and inform about inaccuracies
in the voting lists. According to A. Zakaryan, 497 citizens have
addressed the Passport-Visa Department of RA Police, as of April 18,
to get new RA passports and change the USSR passports. The General
Headquarters of RA AF again passed the lists of servicemen who are in
service for a fixed period. Upon the check-up results, corrections were
introduced to the lists concerning 3680 people. The names of 2275 died
persons were expunged from the lists as a result of check-ups. There
is still the issue of specifying and expunging the names of the former
owners of flat, which remain on the books along with the new ones. As
a result of check-ups, 290 citizens are taken off the books and 4125
citizens are registered in their new residence places.

TURKEY URGED TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS

Agence France Presse — English
April 19, 2007 Thursday

Current EU president Germany urged Ankara on Thursday to take
measures to protect religious freedoms after one German and two
Turkish protestants were killed in the east of the country.

The appeal followed a meeting in Istanbul of the ambassadors of the
27 European Union member countries to discuss the gruesome murders
in Malatya on Wednesday in the latest attack against minorities in
EU-hopeful Turkey.

"These despicable murders were strongly condemned and all member
countries expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, who
include a German national," German Ambassador Eckhart Cuntz said in
a statement.

"We see the murders as an attack not only against individuals, but
also against the principles of freedom and tolerance," he said.

The assailants tied the three men up and cut their throats at the
offices of a publishing house, which belongs to Turkey’s tiny
Protestant community and published Bibles and other books on
Christianity.

"I believe that Turkey will guarantee the safety and particularly the
religious freedoms of both Turkish and foreign nationals," Cuntz said.

He called for support for "the implementation of reforms that aim at
(ensuring) a modern, open and tolerant society" in Turkey.

The EU has often pressed Ankara to guarantee the freedoms of its
tiny non-Muslim communities, which consist mostly of Orthodox Greeks,
Armenians and Jews concentrated in Istanbul.

Wednesday’s murders followed the killings of Italian Roman Catholic
priest Andrea Santoro in the northern city of Trabzon in February 2006
and of prominent ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul
in January.

The attack raised concerns that nationalism and hostility towards
non-Muslims is on the rise in Turkey, which has long argued that its
EU membership would build a bridge between East and West.

ROSE ROTH SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS DISCUSS CAUCASUS-NATO-EU RELATIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.04.2007 15:04 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The NATO PA 63rd Roth-Roth seminar starting in
Tbilisi April 18 will focus on conflicts in the South Caucasus
and Georgia’s integration into the European family. Besides, the
attendees will discuss NATO and EU relations with the South Caucasian
states, the role of Russia in the region and other issues. Georgian
parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze, NATO PA President Jose Lello and
other officials are expected to address the seminar.