Author: Chakrian Hovsep

Iran accuses U.S. of waging a “psychological war” against it
15:46|09/ 04/ 2006
TEHERAN, April 9 (RIA Novosti) – Iran on Sunday called “a
psychological war” a report that the U.S. was preparing for possible
military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

A report by influential journalist Seymour Hersh in the New Yorker
magazine said the United States was considering using tactical nuclear
weapons to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.

“This is a psychological war launched by Americans because they feel
desperate regarding Iran’s nuclear dossier,” Iranian Foreign Ministry
spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said.

Asefi said the United States was unwilling to solve the Iran nuclear
problem peacefully and was seeking to create a crisis around this
issue.

Concerns about Iran’s nuclear program have been growing since the
Islamic Republic announced its intention to resume nuclear research in
January and the country’s hard-line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,
made a number of controversial remarks, including a call to wipe
Israel “off the face of the map.”

A number of countries have expressed alarm over Iran’s controversial
nuclear programs and have pushed for the UN Security Council to impose
sanctions on the country, as they suspect that Tehran is using its
civilian-energy programs to disguise military projects.

Russia has been at the forefront of efforts to solve the escalating
crisis diplomatically. Moscow has offered to enrich Iranian uranium –
a vital component in both civilian energy and military projects – in
Russia. But Tehran said in March that it would enrich a small amount
of the radioactive substance anyway, an announcement that was greeted
with widespread condemnation.

ARMENIA DROPS COACH
Ottawa Sun, Canada
AP
April 6 2006
YEREVAN, Armenia – Armenia’s soccer federation said Thursday it would
not extend coach Henk Wisman’s contract and would appoint a replacement
to lead the team in qualifying for the 2008 European Championship.
“The soccer federation of Armenia refused to extend its contract
with Henk Wisman, head coach of the national team,” Araik Manukian,
spokesman for the federation, told The Associated Press.
Wisman, from the Netherlands, took over in May 2005 and was contracted
until the end of the World Cup qualifying last October, with an option
to extend his term for another two years.
Wisman replaced France’s Bernard Casoni and was Armenia’s fourth
foreign coach in three years, but Armenia lost five matches under
him and finished next-to-last-last in its World Cup qualifying group.

FOOTBALL MATCHES BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA PROBABLE NOT TO BE HELD
Author: Z.Safarov
TREND, Azerbaijan
April 5 2006
The selection matches of the European championship-2008 between
Azerbaijan and Armenia is probable not to be held.
Lars-Christer Olsson, the Managing Director of UEFA, noted if the
countries did not manage to come to agreement on the place of the
matches, the matches would take place in neutral stadium or would not
be held at all, Trend reports. “If the country states that it isn’t
ready to ensure safety, UEFA is powerless,” Olsson said during his
official visit to Yerevan.
The same time UEFA offered to help in the determination of the place
for organization of the matches to be held in September 2007. “We
understand there is a problem with safety of holding the matches in
Yerevan and Baku,” he stressed.

EU UNDERSTANDS ARMENIA’S INTEREST IN IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE
PanARMENIAN.Net
05.04.2006 20:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia is going to become a part of the new
Euro-Atlantic energy security concept being elaborated by the U.S. and
EU, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated at a press
conference in Yerevan. In his words the elaboration of the concept
started after the rise in tariffs for Russian gas and problems with
its delivery to Ukraine. “The matter concerns new NPPs, construction
of a Transcaspian gas pipeline. These projects are of big interest
for Armenia,” Oskanian noted. For his part EU Envoy for the South
Caucasus Peter Semneby remarked that the EU understands Armenia’s
concern in the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. At the same time noted
he is unaware whether the U.S. will make an attack on Iran. “The EU
knows that Armenia and Iran enjoy neighbor relations,” Semneby said.

EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR S CAUCASUS: IT IS NOT PROFITABLE FOR THE CONFLICT PARTIES TO DRAG OUT NK CONFLICT SETTLEMENT
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
April 5 2006
“Despite contradictory comments on failure of the talks in Rambouillet,
according to our estimation, the negotiation process on the Karabakh
settlement is alive, there are still possibilities to continue the
process and achieve progress”, stated RA FM Vardan Oskanyan today in
the course of a joint press conference with the newly appointed EU
Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby.
According to RA FM, during the meeting with Peter Semneby, who has
for the first time visited the South Caucasus as the European Union
Special Representative for the South Caucasus, the key subject of
the discussions was the Karabakh conflict settlement process. The
parties discussed the latest events and the situation created after
the talks in Rambouillet.
The EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby
noted the Special Representative’s mandate had become wider, which
allowed him more actively participate in the settlement process. In
Peter Semneby’s words, change of the mandate is explained by the
European Union’s interest in settlement of the frozen conflicts in
the South Caucasus. “The European Union wishes to be more actively
involved in the settlement process”, stated Peter Semneby. The EU
Special Representative for the South Caucasus noted that after RA
and AR Presidents’ talks in Rambouillet efforts were being made to
achieve some progress in the conflict settlement process.
According to the Special Representative, it is not profitable for
the conflict parties to drag out the problem’s solution. He believes
for Armenia the settlement’s protraction is fraught with continuation
of isolation and blockade of its borders. In its turn in Azerbaijan
delaying may result in strengthening aspiration for the conflict’s
military settlement. In this connection Peter Semneby said he
disapproved militarist statements periodically voiced in Azerbaijan.
In his turn, RA FM stressed the military solution of the Karabakh
issue was inadmissible. “The only way of settlement is a way of
mutual compromises”, stressed RA FM. Without going into detail of the
issues being discussed in the course of the talks, Vardan Oskanyan
noted Armenian party had nothing to concede. In Oskanyan’s words,
the Azeri party should display political will, and then the talks on
search for the problem’s solution may be continued.
While speaking about the European Union’s role in the Karabakh conflict
settlement, the Special Representative stressed the matter did not
concern change of the negotiations’ format. The talks proceed within
the frames of the OSCE Minsk group, which, in Semneby’s opinion,
discharges its duties well.
Touching upon Armenia-the EU relations Vardan Oskanyan noted he had
assured Peter Semneby of Armenia’s adherence to the Euro integration
process. RA FM informed that the current stage of Armenia-the EU
talks was likely to be held late April – early May, in the course
of which the parties would finish the works on the program’s final
elaboration. In Vardan Oskanyan’s opinion, realization of the Action
Program will open up new perspectives for the development of bilateral
relations.
RA FM noted the issues of the Armenian-Turkish relations had also
been discussed at the meeting with the EU Special Representative for
the South Caucasus. The possibility of the Special Representative’s
involvement in the process of establishing relations between Armenia
and Turkey was considered as well.
In this connection Peter Semneby stated the issue of the
Armenian-Turkish relations was directly connected with the Karabakh
problem. He emphasized establishment of the Armenian-Turkish relations
proceeded from the European Union’s interests, especially in the
context of the talks on Turkey’s entry into the EU.

PRESS RELEASE
NAREK Bell Choir of St. Mary Armenian Church
4125 Fessendedn Street, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Contact: Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian
Tel: (202)363-1923
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

NAREK Bell Choir of St. Mary and Junior Choir of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Performance at the United Nations

The Junior Choir of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI
(Director- Maestro Konstantin Petrossian) and the Narek Bell Choir of
the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C. (Director- Leon Khoja-Eynatyan),
will perform a joint concert at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2006, in
the Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium inside the United Nations
Headquarters in New York City.
The combined choirs will perform Armenian liturgical, folk, and
popular music. While this concert is being held primarily for
ambassadors, diplomatic officials and members of the United Nations
community, it’s open to general public and free of charge.

GREEK TELECOMS GIANT OTE BEGINS PROCESS TO SELL STAKE IN ARMENIA’S ARMENTEL
Agence France Presse — English
April 4, 2006 Tuesday 10:22 AM GMT
ATHENS
Greece’s Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) on Tuesday
said it was examining options to sell its 90-percent controlling
share in Armenian operator Armentel.
“Following consultation with the Armenian government, (OTE) has
begun a procedure of examining options to sell its 90-percent stake
in Armentel’s share capital,” the semi-state Greek telecoms giant
said in a statement.
“OTE has decided to focus on the Balkans … Armentel is now a
healthy company … and there is a rather large interest from Russian
companies and funds,” said Michalis Tsamaz, managing director of
OTE International.
HSBC Bank PLC has been selected to advise OTE in the procedure,
the company said.
Armenia’s main telecoms operator, Armentel in 2005 posted a net
income of 45.8 million euros (55.4 million dollars), an increase of
56.8 percent over the equivalent period in 2004, and had operating
revenues of 119.1 million euros.
OTE purchased its Armentel stake in 1997 at a cost of 120 million
euros, Tsamaz said.
Partially controlled by the Greek state, the OTE group, which comprises
the profitable Cosmote Greek mobile telephony unit and subsidiaries
in Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania in addition to Armenia, in 2005 posted
a net loss of 216.8 million euros.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
04-04-2006
Memorial to Victims of Armenian Genocide Unveiled in France
On April 2, Edward Nalbandian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the French Republic,
and August Trupheme, President of the General Council of the Departement of
Hautes-Alpes, unveiled a sculpted stone cross khachkar dedicated to the
victims of the Armenian Genocide, in the central square of the city of Gap,
France.
In his speech, Ambassador Nalbandian stressed the need to always remember
and condemn the crime against humankind. “Man without memory has no future.
A people without memory have no history. Humankind without memory will lose
its human face,” said the Ambassador.
A reception followed the event at the City Hall during which honorary
citizenship was granted to Armenia’s Ambassador.
Deputies, senators, local authorities, political figures, as well as
hundreds of representatives of the Armenian Community from nearby regions
attended the ceremony.
Some fifty memorials dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide are
placed throughout France which, along with the law on Genocide recognition,
stand not only for recognition and condemnation of the Genocide by the
French people, but also peace and harmony between the two nations.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
April 4, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY HOSTS PAN-ARMENIAN ADVOCACY CONFERENCE IN NATION’S CAPITAL
Conference Coincides with MCC Signing and Senate Introduction of Rail Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Building on its strong record of educating and
empowering Armenian activists, the Armenian Assembly hosted a
pan-Armenian advocacy conference, March 26-28, 2006, in the nation’s
capital. Hundreds of activists – including more than 60 college and
high school students – participated in the event, which included major
speeches by Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.
The National Conference and Banquet, co-hosted with the Armenian
General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Eastern and Western Dioceses
of the Armenian Church and coordinated with 15 partner organizations,
coincided with the signing of an historic five-year $235 million
Compact between Armenia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
and the introduction in the U.S. Senate of a critical measure
(S. 2461) that would bar assistance for a proposed railway that would
connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey while bypassing Armenia.
The three-day event, which builds on the success of the Assembly’s
2004 community-wide Conference and Banquet, is designed to better
prepare activists to promote community issues to Washington’s most
influential decision makers. In addition to Oskanian and Fried, other
special guests included NKR Deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian,
Senator George Allen (R-VA), House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans. The Banquet honored Senator
Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) for his dedicated leadership on Armenian-American
issues and paid special tribute to more than two-dozen
Armenian-American veterans.
“The Armenian Assembly is grateful for the public and active
cooperation of the AGBU and the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the
Armenian Church, as well as our partner organizations, benefactors,
patrons, sponsors, and activists from across the nation, who took part
in this Conference and Banquet,” said Assembly Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. “We were very happy to witness the signing
of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact at the State
Department, which signifies the strong U.S.-Armenia partnership and
will help Armenia’s rural areas. The accomplishments, legislative and
otherwise, are a testament to the strength of our dedicated activists
and grassroots coalition.”
FOREIGN MINISTER VARTAN OSKANIAN
The Conference began with a warm welcome and overview from National
Conference Chair Lisa Esayian, followed by a speech by Armenia’s
longest serving Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian.
“What impresses me most is the unity you are projecting here today,”
the Foreign Minister told Armenian-Americans. “You are here to work
together, plan together and to register success together.”
Oskanian commended the Assembly for its continued efforts on behalf of
Armenia and Karabakh, saying, “Our relationship with the Assembly has
been wonderful these past 15 years. Every time we have called on them,
they have been there.”
The Foreign Minister, who joined Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
for the signing of the $235 million MCA Compact, told Conference
participants that Armenia is fortunate to receive the funding, which
will help the country reduce rural poverty. “Armenia needs the
generosity of the United States to help us move in the right
direction,” he said. Oskanian also recognized the work of
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, who was present and received a
standing ovation.
Also, in a major announcement, Oskanian said that Armenia will launch
a rural poverty plan that builds on its partnership with the MCC. The
Foreign Minister urged the Armenian Diaspora to join this effort and
help eradicate poverty and rebuild Armenia’s villages.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE DANIEL FRIED OUTLINES U.S. POLICY
Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, in his remarks, said, “I
value my years of cooperation with the Assembly and I appreciate its
leadership’s professionalism and their …commitment as Americans to
work with us to support a democratic and prosperous Armenia.”
Fried, who recently traveled to Yerevan for talks with President
Robert Kocharian and his administration, also stressed the importance
of the Millennium Compact. “[This] is new money for Armenia. It is a
testament to Armenia’s progress and its commitment to do more on good
governance, economic freedom, and investment in its people,” he said.
“The challenge….is allowing voters to independently and freely
choose their leaders through elections that meet international
democratic standards,” Fried continued. “We’re looking at the
parliamentary and presidential elections next year and in 2008 as key
tests.”
Fried also said that the U.S. is closely monitoring the NK peace
process and remains hopeful that a resolution will be reached. He also
laid out the U.S. Administration’s position on the Armenian
Genocide. While avoiding the term genocide, Fried, like President
George W. Bush, employed a dictionary definition to characterize the
events: “murders on a mass scale, killings without justification,
deportations. Over 1.5 million people lost their lives, innocent
victims.” Fried also called on “Turkey to reflect more seriously about
subjects which have been taboo for generations in that country.”
“We do not support…export of denialist literature or positions. We
do support efforts by Turkey to deal with its history more seriously,”
Fried concluded.
A complete transcript of Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried’s
remarks may be viewed at:
HOUS E DEMOCRATIC WHIP STENY HOYER
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) discussed efforts by Turkey and
Azerbaijan to further isolate Armenia by proposing an $800 million
railway that would bypass Armenia.
“The U.S. should not be involved in any way to facilitate its
construction,” Hoyer told the Conference. “We ought to support efforts
to foster cooperation and integration.”
The Congressman, who is a cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide
resolution (H.R. 316), also said he will continue to fight for
U.S. reaffirmation of the historical truth and said that he has asked
Turkish leaders why they cannot acknowledge their genocidal legacy.
“If they cannot admit [the Armenian Genocide], does it mean they are
sympathetic or might consider a similar event in the future?” Hoyer
asked.
MONDAY NIGHT BANQUET
Following the National Conference, California State Senator Charles
Poochigian (R-Fresno) presided over a Banquet featuring prominent
U.S. and Armenian officials, Armenian Assembly leaders, including
Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian and President Carolyn
Mugar, His Eminence Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese,
His Eminence Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and AGBU
Central Board Member Carol Aslanian.
The evening began with a rousing speech by keynote speaker Senator
George Allen (R-VA). The Senator said that the Assembly has played an
“indispensable” role in strengthening the U.S.-Armenia relationship
and added, “I salute you all and I am proud to work with you to
confront key issues.” Turning to the key issues facing the Republic
of Armenia, Allen said that he strongly opposes efforts to marginalize
the country and called Turkey’s ongoing blockade of Armenia
“completely unacceptable.”
Allen also expressed his fierce opposition to the proposed
Kars-Tbilisi-Baku rail line threatening Armenia’s isolation, saying,
“There should not be a single penny that goes to this railroad that is
trying to bypass Armenia.”
The Senator closed his speech by reiterating his commitment to work
for reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide. “Next month, on April 24,
we will mark the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide…One needs
to remember that we have an obligation to ourselves and we can’t
remain silent.”
“You can count on me to work on your side,” Allen concluded.
Participants also honored longtime Armenian issues supporter Senator
Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) with the Assembly’s Deukmejian Award for Public
Service.
Sarbanes, who was greeted with a standing ovation said, “I accept your
award tonight in recognition of all the years we have worked together
for our shared goals.”
The award, named after former California Governor George Deukmejian,
was created in 1997 and is given to those individuals who embody the
qualities of an exemplary public servant.
In his remarks, Sarbanes hailed the signing of the Armenia MCA Compact
as a “major achievement” in U.S.-Armenia relations and said the funds
will go a long way in reducing Armenia’s rural poverty.
The lawmaker, who is also a well-known champion of reaffirmation of
the Armenian Genocide, said that the Genocide resolution pending in
the Senate has his “vigorous support.”
“If other nations can speak the truth – so must ours. We must work to
set the historical record straight,” the senior Senator from Maryland
said.
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA JOHN EVANS
Like Sarbanes, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans was greeted with
a standing ovation from community members. Evans, who was appointed
Ambassador in 2004, also expressed his support for the signing of the
MCC grant.
“This has been a great day,” Evans said. “This is a very generous
program — it’s the biggest one that’s been approved.”
The Ambassador, however, added a caveat: “A country that is found
eligible for MCC must continue to remain eligible,” he said.
Evans explained that Armenia must do more to foster democratic reform
and stressed the importance of free and fair elections in
2007-2008. “Regimes that falsify their elections don’t fool the
public, they bring people to the streets,” Evans said. “If indicators
go steeply down, this grant could be lost to Armenia and that would be
a great shame,” he warned. 
U.S.-ARMENIA PARTNERSHIP
Following Evans’ remarks, Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian welcomed to the stage Major Timothy Stevens, on behalf of
Major General Todd M. Bunting, Adjutant General of Kansas. Major
Stevens spoke about the importance of the Kansas-Armenia State
Partnership Program and saluted the Armenian-American veterans in the
crowd, who attended the National Conference and Banquet at the special
invitation of the Assembly.
Barsamian, who led a fitting tribute for Armenian-American veterans at
the World War II Memorial earlier in the day, said that too often the
distinguished service of the men and women of the armed forces is
overlooked. During the Banquet, Barsamian specifically highlighted the
heroism of World War II veterans Mary Ashjian, who was Technical
Sergeant in the Women’s Army Corp., and Arpeni Mirigian, who served in
the U.S. Navy Waves.
The Banquet program also included a special performance by the
YerazArt Young Musicians from Armenia. The group, which included
singers and musicians ages 12 through 16, captivated guests with
Armenian melodies.
MEETINGS WITH LAWMAKERS
Following a full day of activities to better prepare activists for
their meetings with lawmakers, Armenian-Americans stormed Capitol Hill
to promote Armenian concerns. Activists met with more than 80
congressional offices representing the Armenian Caucus, the House and
Senate leadership, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the
House International Relations and Senate Foreign Relations Committees,
the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The National Conference opened on March 26 with a welcoming reception
at the U.S. Botanic Garden. The evening’s featured speaker, NKR Deputy
Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian, thanked the Armenian Diaspora for its
ongoing and critical support of Artsakh.
“My government deeply appreciates the tireless efforts of our
congressional friends and those of the Armenian-American community,
particularly the Armenian Assembly, to ensure continued U.S. support
of Nagorno Karabakh — through its balanced role in the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict resolution process and the ongoing assistance in the
post-war rehabilitation, economic recovery and development of Nagorno
Karabakh.”
Prior to the opening reception, National Banquet Chair and Armenia
Mission Leader Annie Totah welcomed more than 60 participants of the
Assembly’s annual Mission to Armenia and Karabakh to a special reunion
event at the Garden.
In her welcoming remarks, Totah extended her personal thanks to
everyone who has participated on the Mission, saying, “I believe you
have become even more dedicated members of the Assembly and have made
a huge difference in the lives of the people of Armenia and Karabakh.”
Totah also encouraged Mission participants to join the Assembly for
its next trip in late October.
Totah also hosted an elegant reception in recognition and appreciation
of Assembly Life Trustees, Endowment contributors, Board Members,
Legacy Society Members, corporate sponsors, benefactors and patrons of
the Assembly’s National Conference and Banquet. The reception, held
March 25 at the Totah residence in Potomac, Maryland, was followed by
a performance at the Strathmore Concert Hall that Totah organized.
On March 27, former Assembly interns and young professionals attended
a special gathering in downtown Washington following the Assembly
Banquet. More than 40 young adults came together to mix and mingle at
Lima, a popular downtown restaurant.
The National Conference was held in partnership with the following
Armenian-American organizations: Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian
Catholics, Armenia 2020, Armenia Tree Project, Armenian American
Chamber of Commerce, Armenian American Cultural Association, Inc.,
Armenian Church Youth Organization – Eastern Diocese, Armenian Church
Youth Organization – Western Diocese, Armenian High Tech Council of
America (Armentech), Armenian International Policy Research Group,
Armenian International Women’s Association, Armenian Missionary
Association of America, Inc., Armenian Network of America, Inc.,
Armenian Students’ Association of America, Inc., Birthright Armenia
and Knights of Vartan.
The National Conference officially closed with a farewell reception
and tour at the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum on March
28.
(All photos by Joyce Naltchayan and Neshan Naltchayan)
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
####
NR#2006-027
Photo graph available of the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

Caption: Hundreds of Armenian-American activists gathered at the
historic Mayflower Hotel for the Monday night banquet featuring
prominent U.S. and Armenian officials.
6-027/2006-027-1.JPG
Caption: Armenia’s Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatryan and
MCC Chief Executive Officer John Danilovich signed the MCA Compact at
the U.S. State Department on March 27. Standing L to R: Chief Economic
Advisor to the President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiantz, Armenia’s
Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian, Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans and Members of the MCC Armenia Team Stephen Groff
and Alex Russin.
27/2006-027-2.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Fellow Trustee E. James Keledjian,
Representative Danny Davis (D-IL), former Assembly intern Arpi Paylan
and National Conference Chair Lisa Esayian.
027/2006-027-3.jpg
Caption: Students from the AGBU Alex-Marie Manoogian School in
Southfield, MI and local constituents discussed community issues with
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).
27/2006-027-4.JPG
Caption: (L to R) ARAMAC State Chair for California Peter Kezirian
Jr., Azar Kayal, Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Board of Trustees
President Carolyn Mugar, Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and Board of
Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian.
6-027/2006-027-5.JPG
Caption: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) met with Armenian-American
activists from the Golden State on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
027/2006-027-6.JPG
Caption: Assembly Associate Trustee Jirair Hovnanian and New Jersey
activists met with Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) on Capitol Hill.
/2006-027-7.JPG
Caption: Assembly Life Trustees Joe and Joyce Stein flank Fellow
Trustee Andrew Torigian.
-027/2006-027-8.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans, National Banquet Chair Annie Totah, House Minority
Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian,
Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar, Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian.
6-027/2006-027-9.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian, Christine Sarbanes, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), National
Banquet Chair Annie Totah and Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian at the National Banquet.
027/2006-027-10.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Board of Directors Member Lu Ann Ohanian,
Assembly Fellow Trustees Savey Tufenkian and Elizabeth Agbabian and
AGBU Central Board Member Carol Aslanian.
-027/2006-027-11.JPG
Caption: Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, right,
with Senator George Allen (R-VA).
27/2006-027-12.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Diocesan Legate
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian
Church, Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, AGBU Central
Board Member Carol Aslanian and Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian.
ress/2006-027/2006-027-13.JPG
Caption: The Assembly saluted Armenian-American veterans at the
National Banquet and honored them with a tribute at the World War II
Memorial.
006-027/2006-027-14.JPG
Caption: Participants of the Assembly’s Mission to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh reunited at a reception at the U.S. Botanic Garden on March
26.
-027/2006-027-15.JPG

LAST COURT SESSION ON RAMIL SAFAROV CASE TO BE HELD TOMORROW
PanARMENIAN.Net
04.04.2006 03:11 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Representative of the Armenian Defense Ministry
Hayk Demoyan and lawyer Nazeli Vardanyan representing the interests
of Gurgen Margaryan’s family departed for Hungary to participate in
the court session April 4, RA Defense Minister’s Spokesman, Colonel
Seyran Shahsuvaryan told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. April 4 the Budapest
court will hear the final plea of the murderer of Gurgen Margaryan. On
the same day the prosecution and defense are expected to address the
court. The verdict will be announced April 13.
To remind, February 19, 2004 lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Armenia
Gurgen Margaryan, sent to Budapest to take English courses within
the NATO Partnership for Peace Program, was brutally hacked by Azeri
officer, who took the same courses. Safarov is indicted in compliance
with article 116.2 of the Criminal Code of Hungary (murder, committed
with special cruelty, and attempt at lives of over one person), which
provides for punishment varying from imprisonment of 10-15 years to
life sentence.