Author: Chalian Meline

DEPUTY OF REGIONAL SAKREBULO OF AKHALKALAK STARTS IMPLEMENTATION OF PRE-ELECTORAL PROMISES

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Oct 26 2006

AKHALKALAK, OCTOBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Aram Vardanian,
the deputy of the newly elected regional sakrebulo of Akhaltskha
already started implementation of his pre-electoral promises. According
to the "A-Info" agency, A.Bardanian with his co-thinkers started
reconstruction of the Tsughrut sports ground as well as improvement
of the yard and walls of the Saint Sion church. Works of improvement
of the roads tiing villages of Tsughrut and Tsira to the regional
center will start soon. A.Vardanian envisages to re-open the youth
club of the village as well.

OSCE OFFICE IN YEREVAN PRESENTS SECOND EDITION OF TEXTBOOK ON OSCE

Public Radio, Armenia
Oct 20 2006

An updated version of a textbook entitled "OSCE: History, Activities
and Perspectives" was presented today by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

"Assisting Armenia in implementation and promotion of OSCE
commitments is part of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan,"
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office, said during
the presentation ceremony. "This book is valuable because it raises
awareness about OSCE, its concept and key values."

Given the demand and interest the first edition, published two years
ago, attracted, the Office initiated a new edition that includes
information on the ongoing OSCE reform. In particular, readers are
introduced to a report prepared by an OSCE panel looking into how to
make the Organization more effective.

Education and Science Minister Levon Lazarian welcomed the book at
the presentation ceremony.

"Co-operation, key to security, lies in the main philosophy behind
the OSCE. Thorough knowledge of OSCE principles and values will help
future diplomats and politicians to better understand the system of
European security," he said.

The book is recommended by the Ministry of Science and Education as
a textbook for students and lecturers. The book also is useful for
policy-makers and legislators.

RASSEMBLEMENT CONTRE LA LOI PENALISANT LA NEGATION DU GENOCIDE ARMENIEN

Agence France Presse
21 octobre 2006 samedi 2:18 PM GMT

Une centaine de personnes se sont regroupees samedi a Paris a l’appel
d’organisations turques pour denoncer le texte vote par les deputes
francais penalisant la negation du genocide armenien et defendre
"la liberte d’expression", a constate un journaliste de l’AFP.

Les organisateurs de la manifestation, regroupes dans un comite
Talât Pacha, en reference a Mehmet Talât, le principal responsable
des massacres d’Armeniens durant la Première Guerre mondiale, sont
restes absents du rassemblement qui s’est deroule place de la Bastille.

Les manifestants ont brièvement deploye une banderole sur laquelle
etait ecrit "il n’y a pas eu de genocide" avant de la ranger a la
demande des forces de l’ordre.

Ils ont deployes des drapeaux turcs rouges et blancs sur les marches
de l’opera Bastille et entonne des slogans en francais et en turc,
dont "genocide – mensonge" et "Armeniens menteurs".

Les deputes francais ont adopte le 12 octobre un texte rendant passible
de prison la negation du genocide armenien de 1915-1917. La proposition
de loi qui emane du groupe socialiste doit maintenant etre debattue
par le Senat.

"Nous nous reunissons pour protester contre cette loi qui nous interdit
de nous exprimer librement", a declare Ercan Akay, un etudiant âge
de 19 ans. Son frère Rustem, 20 ans, a assure qu’en depit de la loi,
"chaque Turc continuera a dire ce qu’il pense".

"C’est honteux de la part de la France", a estime pour sa part Dalmaz
Esen, une lyceenne de 17 ans.

"Que la France essaye de resoudre ses problèmes interieurs, pas les
nôtres", a lance de son côte Ozlem Alankaya, 24 ans, en reference
a une proposition de loi turque, qui n’a pas ete adoptee a ce jour,
qualifiant de "genocide" les massacres francais commis en Algerie.

Le rassemblement s’est termine sans incident vers 15H00.

–Boundary_(ID_2bVvi4N01nxjxzblIcS6IQ)–

FRANZ WERFEL VON ARMENIEN GEEHRT
Erna Lackner

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
20. Oktober 2006 Freitag

Postumer Ehrenburger

Vom armenischen Volk wird Franz Werfel als ein ganz Großer, als
"gottgesandter Freund" gluhend verehrt. Wenn immer auf der Welt der
Volkermord an den Armeniern bestritten wird, "haben wir eine Antwort:
Franz Werfel", sagt Ashot Hovakimian, Wiener Botschafter der Republik
Armenien. Denn Werfels 1933 erschienener Roman "Die vierzig Tage des
Musa Dagh" beschreibt Verfolgung, Leiden und Widerstand der Armenier.

Musa Dagh, Mosesberg, heißt das Bergmassiv an der Mittelmeerkuste,
wohin sich im Jahr 1915 funftausend armenische Manner, Frauen und
Kinder gefluchtet hatten, um den Todesmarschen zu entkommen. Nach gut
vierzig dramatischen Tagen wurden sie von franzosischen Schiffen
aufgenommen und gerettet. Doch bis zu 1,2 Millionen Armenier
wurden im Osmanischen Reich Opfer von Handlungen, die die Turkei
bis heute nicht Genozid nennen will. Daß die Debatte durch die
Literaturnobelpreisvergabe an Orhan Pamuk und das Gesetzesvorhaben in
Frankreich jetzt wieder aufflammen wurde, konnte die Osterreichische
Gesellschaft fur Literatur nicht ahnen, als sie die Feier der
postumen Verleihung der Musa-Dagh-Ehrenburgerschaft an Franz Werfel
festsetzte. Einundsechzig Jahre nach dem Tod des Schriftstellers wurde
in der Nationalbibliothek zum Originalmanuskript nun die goldene
Musa-Dagh-Medaille gelegt. Der aus Paris angereiste Schriftsteller
Peter Stephan Jungk, dessen Werfel-Biographie als Referenzwerk gilt,
bezeichnet Werfels "Musa Dagh" – neben dem "Stern der Ungeborenen"
– als dessen bedeutendstes Buch: Der epochale Roman habe die Zeit
unbeschadet uberdauert. Und kaum ein Buch des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts
sei – leider – bis heute so aktuell. "Den Anstoß, das unfaßbare
Schicksal des armenischen Volkes dem Totenreich alles Geschehenen
zu entreißen", wie Werfel selbst formulierte, bekam er 1930 auf
einer Nahost-Reise beim Anblick armenischer Fluchtlingskinder. Nach
Wien zuruckgekehrt, recherchierte er die damals funfzehn Jahre
zuruckliegende Tragodie der Armenier im Mechitaristenkloster und
stieß dabei auf die Musa-Dagh-Ereignisse und die Dokumentationen des
deutschen Theologen Johannes Lepsius, dessen Disput mit Enver Pascha,
dem Oberbefehlshaber im Regime der Jungturken, zu einer Schlusselstelle
seines Buchs wurde. "Der Roman ist aus Geschichte gewachsen und
mundete in Geschichte", ssagte Hermann Goltz, Lepsius-Experte und
Theologieprofessor in Halle-Wittenberg. Die Parallelen zwischen der
jungturkischen und nationalsozialistischen Ideologie, die "symbolische
Aktualitat" waren dem aus einem judischen Prager Haus stammenden
Werfel stets vor Augen. Der dann im Zsolnay Verlag erschienene, in New
York und Paris gefeierte Bestseller wurde in Deutschland 1934 wegen
"Gefahrdung offentlicher Sicherheit und Ordnung" verboten. Werfel starb
1945 im kalifornischen Exil. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer hatte die Filmrechte
an seinem Hauptwerk schon 1934 gekauft, aber nach Protesten der Turkei
auf die Verfilmung verzichtet.

–Boundary_(ID_+BmMkbU4HBaJdDfAcIRmGQ )–

New Kazakh envoy presents credentials to Armenian leader

Interfax, Russia
20 Oct 2006

Astana, 20 October: Kazakhstan’s new ambassador Ayymdos Bozzhigitov
presented his credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today.

"During the talks following the ceremony, the sides considered
issues related to deepening bilateral cooperation in the trade and
economic field. In particular, they discussed opportunities for
delivering agricultural products and minerals from Kazakhstan and
making investment in the banking sphere of Armenia," a press release
circulated today by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry says.

"Kocharyan noted that Armenia views Kazakhstan as a leader in the
Central Asian region. He also spoke about the need for further
expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan,"
the press release says.

The Kazakh envoy met Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan the
same day.

FRENCH COMPANIES CONCERNED
By Economy News Desk

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 18 2006

Boycotts launched after the passage of the French bill criminalizing
the denial of an Armenian genocide has unsettled French businessmen.

Laurence Parisot, the president of MEDEF (the French Business
Confederation) – described as France’s TUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists’
and Businessmen’s Association) – said that the reactions to the bill
had unsettled French companies investing in Turkey.

Parisot remarked that the French Assembly moved to vote without having
a full understanding of the gravity of the issue and without trying
to appreciate the possible consequences beforehand.

In a statement to the French news agency AFP, he said: "It is not
for companies to write history, nor is it for lawmakers to write it.

Everyone must appreciate their limits and must stay within their
boundaries. Our evaluation of the bill voted in the French Parliament
is that the French parliamentarians overstepped their boundaries on
such a serious and important matter. We must not make such decisions
without considering their consequences. There are many French companies
either operating in or exporting to Turkey. It is not difficult to
foresee that any rash and impulsive reaction given by the Turkish
government and decision-makers in the economic sector would cause
negative consequences for the French companies in question."

Parisot met with Omer Sabanci, the chairman of the board of directors
of TUSIAD at a meeting organized in Brussels by the Confederation of
European Business (UNICE).

During the meeting, Parisot’s statement came up. Sabanci pointed out
that the parliament’s decision completely baffled the business world
in Turkey and the public.

Sabanci invited Laurence Parisot, president of MEDEF for a year, to
Turkey so he can get to know Turkey better and develop the present
economic ties with the Turkish business world.

"Turkey’s process for full membership to the European Union has got
the full and persistent support of TUSIAD. The French private sector
must also demonstrate its full support to our membership in a much
clearer manner," said Sabanci.

In order for the bill to become law, the endorsement of the senate
and the president is needed. The bill envisages a one year term
in prison and a fine of ~@45 thousand euros for those who deny the
Armenian genocide.

————————————— —————————————–
No Use of Boycott In the Long Run While reactions against France’s
genocide bill are growing, calls for moderation on the boycott issue
are also on the increase.

Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Tanil Kucuk said:
"I’m of the opinion that it should not be incumbent on the ISO to
bolster attempts to put an embargo on present investments in Turkey
while making great efforts to attract more of them. If we wrongfully
do so, this will place a question mark in the minds of those willing
to invest in Turkey and considering the present need of Turkey for
more foreign investments, we should adopt a different approach to
the problem."

Kucuk said that reactions such as boycotting French products would
not bear any fruit in the long run but rather the Turkish private
sector should consolidate ties between the two countries instead of
freezing them.

——————————————- ————————————-
Let’s not Dismiss Commonsense Chairman of the Kayseri Chamber of
Industry Mustafa Boydak accentuated the importance of keeping the
boycott within tolerable limits and emphasized that "when our reactions
are more judicial and rational, they will be more effective."

We should never dismiss commonsense.

"We are altogether very sensitive about national issues. We should
not respond to France’s mistake with a mistake. That is to say, our
reactions shouldn’t be based on emotions, but rather on intelligence,
we should make great efforts to observe the limits and be imperturbable
all the time. Let’s not forget the proverb, ‘Haste will bring
repentance’. I especially ask you not to get me wrong; I don’t mean
that we should call it quits and leave everything altogether, however
if we react rationally, our reactions will be more fruitful.

Let us be patient and do whatever befits us as a nation."

CHRISTIAN MIGRATION FROM MID-EAST AT HEART OF PATRIARCHS’ MEETING
by Youssef Hourany

Asia News, Italy
Oct 18 2006

A meeting of the seven leaders of the eastern Churches opened yesterday
in Lebanon. The leaders criticized some Arab states that treated
Christians as second class citizens and fundamentalist groups that
portrayed them as linked to the West.

Beirut (AsiaNews) – How to stop the emigration of Christians –
guarantors of human rights – from the Middle East was the main topic
of the first day of a meeting of the seven patriarchs of the East.

The gathering opened yesterday in Bzoummar, the seat of the
Armenian-Catholic patriarchate on Mount Lebanon. From the start,
participants lamented conditions facing Christians in some Arab states,
where they were treated as second class citizens, made to feel like
"strangers in their homeland" and hence pushed to emigrate.

Significantly titled "The Church and the earth", the Ordinary Session
of the meeting of the seven patriarchs of the East started yesterday,
Tuesday 17 October, with an appeal to all Christians of the East.

Ending on Friday, the meeting gathers the following patriarchs:
Maronite, Nasrallah Sfeir, Greek-Melchite, Gregory III Laham, Coptic,
Antonios Nagib, Syrian-Catholic, Boutros VIII Abdel Ahad, Latin of
Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, Chaldean, Emmanuel III Delly, as well as
the host, the Armenian Catholic patriarch, Narsis Bedros XIX.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, Mgr Luigi Gatti, greeted the
patriarchs and underlined the importance and meaning of the chosen
topic. He also stressed the value of the Christian presence in this
land, because "Christians must understand that their staying is the
only guarantee of the survival of symbolic values of independence,
pluralism, denominational balance and respect for human rights". The
pontifical representative expressed hope that dialogue would be
strengthened, as it is the only means capable of fighting fear,
anguish and neglect.

In his opening address, the Armenian-Catholic patriarch talked much
about the hidden danger in the emigration of Christians from the
Middle East. He insisted on the value of the Christian presence
in the region, consisting of testimony and mission. He indicated
wars and social crises as the main historical reasons for migration
that has affected all religious families of the East. But Narsis
Bedros XIX also hit out at the approach of some Arab countries that
treated Christians like second class citizens, making them feel like
"strangers in their homeland". This attitude was caused by a lack
of trust in Christians, who are often thought to be linked to the
West and to be somehow less Arabic than their compatriots. Moreover,
due to the action of fundamentalist groups, continued the Armenian
Catholic patriarch, we are faced with violence and persecution
against Christians, their churches and their assets, to force them
to leave their land of origin and to emigrate. To this must be added
the incentives offered by countries that need their presence.

The patriarch closed his speech by reiterating the need of keeping
the Christian presence alive in the East and of highlighting their
cause in the international community. Key to the struggle is immediate
solutions for the prevalent unemployment crisis, to give Christians
the jobs they deserve.

;art=7511

THEY DEMAND TO MAKE A FAIR DECISION

A1+
[12:39 pm] 18 October, 2006

The advocates of soldiers Razmik Sargsyan, Musa Serobyan and Arayik
Zalyan turned to Court of Cassation on June 9, 2006, but the Court has
not yet made a decision. According to the advocates, it contradicts
the European convention on Human rights, the RA Criminal Code and
the Constitution.

The advocates sent an application to the Court of Cassation to
investigate the case within the defined period of time. Many RA
citizens, public and political figures and NGOs have also sent an
open letter to the Court demanding to make a fair decision.

At present Razmik Sargsyan is in the hospital of Noubarashen prison
with tuberculosis. According to his doctor, Razmik’s situation is
not dangerous.

Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-1890
[email protected]

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2006

Armenian Americans Gather in Support of Deval Patrick and Tim Murray
Democratic Ticket for Massachusetts Governor and Lt. Governor

Winchester, MA – Armenian Americans from throughout Massachusetts gathered
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Aida Bejakian on Sunday, October 15, for
a fundraising brunch reception which raised over $20,000 for Deval Patrick
and Tim Murray, the Democratic ticket for Massachusetts Governor and
Lieutenant Governor, reported the Armenian National Committees of
Massachusetts.

The event was cosponsored by The Honorable George Keverian, State
Representative Peter Koutoujian, State Representative Rachel Kaprielian,
Joyce Aghjayan, Sharistan Ardhaldjian, Elo Artinian, Nancy Barsamian, Aida
Bejakian, Houry Boyamian, Arev Dervartanian, Linda Kaboolian, Bella
Khachatourian, Hasmik Kouchakdjian, Dr. Lilian Mahrokhian, Julia Mirak Kew,
Carolyn Mugar, Dr. Carolann Najarian, Muriel Parseghian, and Lisa Sedrakian.

Host Sam Bejakian welcomed a crowd of Armenian American activists from
throughout the Commonwealth to his home and spoke of the Armenian American
community’s support for the Deval Patrick – Tim Murray team.

Bejakian then introduced Sharistan Ardhaldjian of the Armenian National
Committee of Eastern Massachusetts who spoke of the broad community support
for the Deval Patrick – Tim Murray ticket. "The Deval Patrick-Tim Murray
team make the most exciting ticket this state has seen in a very long
time," stated Ardhaldjian. "Together they are going to make this state the
best place in the country to live. We are here today to support this team in
that effort but in no uncertain terms also because of their commitment and
sensitivity to so many of the issues of particular concern to the Armenian
American community."

Ardhaldjian then introduced the lineup for the afternoon.

Muriel Parseghian of Lowell, Massachusetts, introduced Mayor Murray.
Parseghian, a long time activist with the Armenian National Committee of
Merrimack Valley and Chairwoman of the Armenian Relief Society of North
America, was a Deval Patrick – Tim Murray committed delegate to the
Massachusetts State Democratic Convention.

In introducing Mayor Murray, Parseghian spoke of Murray’s long time
commitment to working families and improving living conditions in cities and
towns across the commonwealth, noting that Murray had already done just that
in Worcester. Parseghian noted Murray’s long time relationship with the
Armenian American community in Worcester and his support of issues of
special concern to Armenian Americans. Parseghian also noted the Mayor’s
commitment to properly commemorating the Armenian Genocide and also noted
Murray’s leadership in revitalizing the City of Worcester by redeveloping
industrial brownfields, increasing energy conservation, and pursuing an
aggressive education reform package.

Mayor Murray then addressed the audience. Murray, a third term mayor of
Worcester, spoke about his own experience growing up in Worcester and some
of the important endeavors he has embarked on since becoming mayor. He spoke
passionately about his commitment to justice and overcoming intolerance and
remarked on the similarities between his own background and of that of so
many in attendance, particularly when it comes to seeking justice. Murray
outlined the commitment of the Patrick-Murray team to building a better
Massachusetts by improving the judicial system.

The Honorable George Keverian, former speaker of the Massachusetts House of
Representatives, then offered his personal remarks about the Deval Patrick
– Tim Murray ticket, noting that Patrick does not shy away from difficult
positions just because they are unpopular. Keverian also remarked that
Patrick is an outstanding leader for those who need his help the most.

State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, who represents the largest Armenian
American community in Massachusetts, also expressed her deep commitment to
the Patrick – Murray ticket noting what a bright future the state of
Massachusetts will have when Deval Patrick and Tim Murray become Governor
and Lt. Governor. Kaprielian encouraged the audience to become as involved
as possible in the three weeks leading up to the election to help secure
Massachusetts’ future.

State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who represents the second largest
Armenian American community in Massachusetts, also talked passionately about
the commitment of Deval Patrick and Tim Murray to so many of the issues of
particular concern to the Armenian American community. He noted Patrick’s
commitment to education, faith, community, and family. Koutoujian also noted
Patrick’s long time commitment to protecting civil and human rights.

Carolyn Mugar, Director of Farm Aid, President of the Armenian Assembly of
America, and Founder of the Armenia Tree Project, then introduced Deval
Patrick by noting that we haven’t had in a long time a team that represents
so many of the core interests and with as much integrity as this team. Mugar
noted Patrick’s long history protecting civil and rights during the Clinton
Administration. Mugar then thanked Patrick for taking the high road in the
campaign and for listening to the community.

The Democratic Candidate for Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick, then
addressed the audience, first thanking hosts Sam and Aida Bejakian for their
hospitality. Patrick outlined a commitment to towns and communities and
individuals living in the Commonwealth and spoke of improving the health
care system to better serve more residents, awakening our sense of
community, which he likened to his own upbringing in Chicago. Patrick spoke
passionately about rebuilding a firm sense of community and character. And,
committing his campaign to governing the grassroots way he assured the
audience that his campaign would continue to be built on positive ideas and
vision. Patrick reminded the audience that, "you don’t have to agree on
everything to work together."

Ardhaldjian then thanked Murray and Patrick for their integrity and personal
commitment to so many important issues and also thanked those in attendance
for supporting the Patrick – Murray ticket for Massachusetts Governor and
Lieutenant Governor. And, Mugar reminded the auidence to get involved with
the election and help get out the vote.

To learn more about where Deval Patrick and Tim Murray stand on issues of
particular importance to Armenian Americans, visit

####

N ote to Editors: Pictures sent under separate cover

NATO ADMINISTRATION SATISFIED WITH ARMENIA’S STEPS UNDER IPAP

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 16 2006

YEREVAN, October 16. /ARKA/. The NATO administration is satisfied
with Armenia’s steps under the Individual Partnership Plan (IPAP),
stated Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General to the
South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons.

He stated that this cooperation will be based on official documents
in the future.

Simmons pointed out that NATO attaches high importance to the
development of cooperation with Armenia and stressed that NATO is
ready to render any possible assistance to the country, particularly
in reforming its armed forces.

In his turn, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan pointed out
that IPAP and EU Neighborhood program are complementary ones.

Simmons also reported that NATO attaches high importance to free and
democratic elections in Armenia. He stressed that it will closely
watch the parliamentary and presidential elections in the country in
2007 and 2008.

The Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) was signed in
December 2005. Armenia’s involvement in the program implies regular
consultations on regional security with NATO, elaboration of a security
strategy and of Armenia’s military doctrine, improvement of defense
and budget planning.