Author: Chatinian Lara

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 12, 2010
____________________________________________

COMMEMORATING THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Upcoming Events at St. Vartan Cathedral and the Diocesan Center

The Eastern Diocese will host a series of events this month to commemorate
the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, with two literary evenings
(on April 15 and 22), and a concert (on April 23), in addition to religious
observances in New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

On Thursday, April 15, four panelists will share reflections on personal
accounts of the Genocide. Speakers include Peter Balakian, author of Black
Dog of Fate and The Burning Tigris, who recently co-translated and edited
Armenian Golgotha, his great-uncle’s memoir of the Armenian Genocide; Nancy
Kricorian, author of the novels Zabelle and Dreams of Bread and Fire; Mariam
Stepanian, of ALMA, who will discuss Genocide survivor interviews; and Ruth
Thomasian, of Project Save, who will speak about photos of Armenians in the
Ottoman Empire circa 1915. The discussion begins at 7 p.m. in Guild Hall of
the Diocesan Center.

On Thursday, April 22, New York City artists, authors, and other
professionals will present an evening of dramatic readings from the works of
Armenian authors of Constantinople, who were rounded up on the night of
April 24, 1915. The readings, in Armenian and English, will take place in
the sanctuary of St. Vartan Cathedral, beginning at 7 p.m.

Both the April 15 and April 22 events are sponsored by the Diocese’s Krikor
and Clara Zohrab Information Center, with the Columbia Armenian Students
Association, the Armenian Students Association, the Armenian Network of
America (N.Y. region), and the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

On Friday, April 23, a concert titled "Requiem and Resurrection" will be
held in the sanctuary of St. Vartan Cathedral. The concert of remembrance
will feature works by Komitas, Khachaturian, and others, as performed by
pianist Karine Poghosyan, the Merlin Virtuosi string quartet, and the St.
Vartan Cathedral Choir under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. The
evening begins at 7 p.m., with a requiem service, followed immediately by
the concert. The event is being sponsored through the generosity of the
Edward and Grace Alexanian Fund.

On Armenian Martyrs Day, Saturday, April 24, a requiem service will be held
at St. Vartan Cathderal for the departed martyrs of 1915. The service will
begin at noon. The cathedral will remain open throughout the day for prayer
and remembrance.

On Sunday, April 25, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral, beginning at 10:30 a.m. A requiem service
and blessing of madagh will follow. The annual Genocide Commemoration
sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan will begin at
Times Square in New York City at 2 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. The Diocesan Center and St.
Vartan Cathedral are located at 630 Second Avenue in New York City. For
information, call the Diocese at (212) 686-0710.

###

TURKEY SENDS ENVOY TO ARMENIA FOR HIGH-LEVEL TALKS

Yerkir
07.04.2010 13:34

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent
Turkey’s top diplomat to Armenia to discuss snags in reconciliation
efforts between the two estranged neighbors, Turkish officials said
Wednesday, AFP reported.

Feridun Sinirlioglu, undersecretary of the foreign ministry, was to
meet Wednesday with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Sinirlioglu "will reassert Turkey’s commitment to the
[reconciliation] process but will also convey our concerns," the
official, who requested anonymity, told AFP.

The envoy will also discuss "steps that need to be taken to ensure
that the process moves forward," said a senior diplomat, who also
declined to be named.

He will also explore the possibility of arranging a meeting between
Erdogan and Sargsyan on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit
in Washington next week, the sources said.

KARABAKH SOLUTION IN HOURS IF AZERBAIJAN RESPECTS SELF-DETERMINATION RIGHT

HULIQ
April 5 2010
SC

The ongoing struggle in the relationship of Turkey and Armenia is
even gaining more momentum as the issue of Nagorno Karabakh, an
Armenian stronghold, is pushed into the forefront. Serzh Sargyan,
the president of Armenia, believes that the currently closed borders
of Turkey and Azerbaijan could be opened and the Karabakh problem
solved in hours if Azerbaijan would recognize the people’s right to
self-determination and freedom for the region.

Nagorno Karabakh is a small, landlocked region in the South Caucus,
encompassing over 3,000 square miles. It is a de facto independent
republic whose name derives from a Russian word meaning "highland"
and a Persian word meaning "black garden". The region has been under
dispute since Armenia and Azerbaijan gained their independence from
the Russian Empire in 1918.

However, internationally, the region is considered to belong Azerbaijan
despite being governed largely by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic of
Armenian majority. The conflict is similar to that of the ethnic
Albanians in Kosovo, who wanted freedom from Serbia due to religious
and cultural oppression.

As it stands now, relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia remain
incredibly strained. Azerbaijan has support from Turkey, which refuses
to recognize its part in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Azerbaijan
and Turkey share both language and religion (Turkish and Islam,
Armenia is Orthodox Christian). Turkey siding with Azerbaijan, has
closed its borders with Armenian, while aspiring to be a member of
the European Union. Now Turkey pushes for concessions from Armenian
on Nagorno Karabakh to reopen its borders with its neighbor.

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Serzh Sargsyan believes the
issue of opening borders should not be linked to the recognition
of Genocide on Turkey’s part. Rather, he believes, it is merely an
issue of giving Nagorno-Karabakh self-determination. Sargsyan said
"If Azerbaijan recognizes the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, I
believe the issue can be solved in a matter of hours. Unfortunately,
they still believe that they should bring Nagorno-Karabakh back,
while returning Nagorno-Karabakh back under the control of Azerbaijan
would mean that before long Nagorno-Karabakh will be rid of all its
Armenian population." Turkey, however, gauges progress by the ongoing
conflict itself and wants to see serious progress made in the conflict
resolution before normalizing relations with Armenia. In the meanwhile
recognition of Armenian genocide by various parliaments around the
world unnerves Turkey as it does not know how to cop with the darkest
pages of its history.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic still maintains a heavy Armenian
military presence, which Turkey and Azerbaijan feel does not help
matters. Armenia, conversely, believes the issue is rooted deeply in
the politics of oil rather than people’s rights.

While the European Union, USA and Russia push Turkey to remain
impartial in the matter, the 16 year + conflict shows a stalemate
of sorts among the three countries. The issue remains divisive and
border negotiations are often fraught with what seems to be a general
distrust and unwillingness to move forward without major concession.

For the Nagorno-Karabakh issue to be resolved and the right to
self-determination to be installed, it seems more incentives will
have to be put it place for talks to move forward.

Written by Lani Shadduck HULIQ.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2010
CONTACT: Press Department
Phone: (202) 393-3434
Web:
E-mail: [email protected]

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FLY-IN DAY APRIL 21

Community Activists to Unite in Washington for Day of Advocacy and Affirmation

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) will hold
its 2010 National Fly-In Day entitled `Day of Advocacy and
Affirmation’ on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in the nation’s capital.

`With the House Foreign Affairs Committee adoption of H. Res. 252, the
Armenian Genocide resolution, Assembly members, ARAMAC activists,
friends and colleagues are all urged to join us in Washington, DC as
we push forward,’ stated Assembly Grassroots Director Taniel
Koushakjian. The next step in the legislative process is to secure an
affirmative vote on the House floor.

Also, on the evening of April 21, the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps.
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) will host the Capitol
Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, which will be held in the
Cannon Caucus Room.

`With April designated as Genocide Prevention Month, the Obama
administration has an important opportunity to further the cause of
genocide education and prevention through a clear and unambiguous
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide,’ stated Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. `We encourage activists and all people of good
will to take action to ensure that President Obama and Congress affirm
the truth.’

For more information about our National Fly-In Day, please contact
Taniel Koushakjian at (202) 393-3434, extension 335.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2010-022

EU BACKS RATIFICATION OF THE ARMENIA-TURKEY PROTOCOLS WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS
Anna Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
06.04.2010 15:27

The European Union is a reliable political and economic partner for
Armenia, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at a joint
press conference with Stefan Fule, EU Commissioner for Enlargement
and Neighborhood Policy. Minister Nalbandian attaches particular
importance to the creation of free trade zones, easing of the visa
regime and the start of the talks on the Association Agreement.

EU Commissioner Stefan Fule also attached importance to the development
of relations with Armenia. The Commissioner’s visit to our country
marks a breakthrough in the Armenia-EU relations, especially under
the Eastern Partnership Program.

For his part, Mr. Fule noted that the European Union wishes stability
and development for EU’s eastern neighbors. "We are glad that our
cooperation with Armenia is gradually developing and reaching a
new level. I hope that talks on Association Agreement will start
in near future and I hope that a part of this agreement will be the
so-called economic integration, i.e. a deep and comprehensive free
trade agreement, a strong tool that the EU offers to Armenia to help
it integrate in European market," he said.

The recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to
self-determination is the top priority of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process, Minister Nalbandian stated, adding that "our position has
not changed in any way."

"We have repeatedly stated and not only we, but also the three
Minsk Group Co-Chairs realize as well – that the recognition of the
Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination, which can
actually be exercised, is the top priority of the Nagorno-Karabakh
peace process. If this major problem is resolved, the others will be
easier to discuss and solutions will be found," Nalbandian said.

Stefan Fule reiterated EU support for the OSCE Minsk Group activity.

Touching upon the Armenian-Turkish relations, the Commissioner said
"EU backs ratification of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols without
preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe. According to him,
EU assisted the process of normalization of relations between the
two states and is ready to aid in solution of transboundary issues
after the protocols come into force.

Stefan Fule urged Turkey to press on with stalled reconciliation
efforts with Armenia and linked the issue with Ankara’s EU membership
bid.

"Good relations with neighbors are very important in the framework
of any country’s entry to the European Union," Fule told journalists.

"The EU must also make efforts to help both sides end this deadlock,"
he added.

CONGRESS OF INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS STARTED IN YEREVAN

news.am
April 6 2010
Armenia

April 6, the 37th Congress of International Federation of Human Rights
started in Yerevan welcoming 300 delegates from different countries.

Many Armenian human rights advocates boycotted the event and will
not attend. RA Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan waved his right to deliver
a speech.

"The registration is still available, so everyone is welcome to sign
up," Iranian human rights activist and the Nobel Prizewinner Shirin
Ebadi stated commenting on the situation for NEWS.am.

Representative of Civil Society Institute (CSI) Artak Kirakosyan
said that only several advocates refused to participate. "It is their
viewpoint and we welcome any decision," he said.

CONSTRUCTION AND INTERIOR 2010 EXHIBITION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 21-23 IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 5, 2010 – 12:57 AMT 07:57 GMT

The third largest, regional, international exhibition Construction
and Interior 2010 will be held in Yerevan from April 21 to 23 2010
at the SCC after Demirchyan, press office of exhibition’s organizer
Promexpo reported.

"This exhibition is a great opportunity for companies and business
people to establish new business relationships and to explore the
construction market, it is a good occasion for consumers to make
better choices," Promexpo’s report said.

The exhibition will be attended by producers, importers and exporters
from Armenia and foreign countries, offering Armenian construction
market the latest products and technologies. The exhibition is always
of great interest for domestic and foreign construction companies
form Russia, Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, Iran, the report says.

Construction and Interior 2010 will be officially supported by the
RA Government, the Ministry of Urban Development, the Ministry of
Emergency Situations, Chamber of Commerce, Yerevan mayor’s office,
the National Centre for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

General sponsor of the exhibition is "Glendale Hills" and the official
sponsor is H M Tiles LLS.

news.am, Armenia
April 3 2010

FPWC to organize Earth Day activities in Armenia

13:34 / 04/03/2010The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and
Cultural Assets (FPWC) will organize its Earth Day activities in
Armenia as a part of global celebrations of the Earth Day 40th
anniversary. Program aims at raising public awareness on environmental
issues and nature protection.

The events will take place from April 2 to April 22 covering all
regions of Armenia. The program offers film screening of documentaries
about environment, tree planting, photo exhibition of children,
garbage gathering etc.

The year 2010 marks both 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 95th
commemoration of Armenian Genocide. Thus, the pinpoint of Green
Generation Campaign will be a solemn tree planting ceremony on April
22 in Genocide Memorial complex alley. Overall, ninety-five trees will
be planted reminding that new generation need to care about the future
without forgetting the past.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 3 2010

Azerbaijani Presidential Administration official: Azerbaijan supports
Turkey’s position on the Karabakh conflict and Ankara-Yerevan
protocols

03 April 2010 [22:43] – Today.Az

Official Baku supports Turkey’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and Armenian-Turkish Protocols.

Commenting on the Delegation’s (headed by the head of the
Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev) visit to Turkey, the Head
of the social and political problems department Ali Hasanov said, that
official Baku supports Turkey’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and Turkish-Armenian protocols.

In general, Hasanov said that the visit was positive and fruitful.

According to him, the Turkish leadership has once again stated that
the Armenian-Turkish protocols will not be approved until such time
until the Azerbaijani territory remains under Armenian occupation.

This is consistent with the interests of the Azerbaijani people. The
Parties agreed to conduct a joint struggle against the allegations of
the Armenian lobby in connection with the "Armenian genocide", Hasanov
said.

/ANS PRESS/

URL:

GIRL WHOSE FAMILY WAS SLAIN NOW IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY

Contra Costa Times
April 1 2010
CA

An Armenian girl who recently found her mother shot to death in
Hollywood, 18 months after she discovered the bodies of her father
and 9-year-old sister, who also were shot dead, has been placed in
protective custody, law enforcement sources said today.

The slayings of Karine Hakobyan, 38, Khachik Safaryan, 43, and their
9- year-old daughter, Lusine, appear to be targeted "hits" that may
have stemmed from a disagreement that Safaryan had with someone over
money or romance, said the sources, who requested anonymity because
they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

Los Angeles police Robbery-Homicide detectives in Hollywood were
investigating all three deaths, the most recent of which occurred
Friday.

Hakobyan’s body was found by Los Angeles police in the driver’s
seat of her Honda sport utility vehicle around 8:20 p.m. Friday. The
vehicle was parked in the 5800 block of Lexington Avenue in Hollywood,
according to police. The Honda was parked in a fenced-in, gated area.

Hakobyan’s husband and 9-year-old daughter were found shot to death in
December 2008 in their home on the 1200 block of Tamarind Avenue. The
couple’s other daughter discovered the deaths when she returned from
school on Dec. 11, 2008.

A $75,000 reward was offered in February 2009 for information leading
to the arrest of whoever killed them.

The victims have not been linked to any criminal activity in the
United States or Armenia, according to police.

An FBI spokeswoman would not immediately comment on whether a Justice
Department’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force has been deployed
to assist in the homicide investigations.

"Whatever the motive, whether it’s money or romance, these are
clearly hits," a local law enforcement source said. "There is no
coincidence here."