Author: Chilingarian Babken

ACCORDING TO ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, REDUCTION IN DURATION OF IRANIAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT HAS NO POLITICAL IMPLICATION

Noyan Tapan
Oct 24, 2007

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The reduction in the duration of
the Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Armenia has no
political implication, the foreign minister of the RA Vartan Oskanian
stated in the RA National Assembly on October 24. According to him,
the Iranian president left only 1.5 hours earlier than was scheduled,
due to which he did not pay some of the planned visits, including
visits to Tsitsernakaberd, the Blue Mosque and the National Assembly.

Commenting on the statement of M. Ahmadinejad that his visit to
Armenia laster longer than was scheduled, Vartan Oskanian noted that
it was so "in terms of contents". The minister said that visit went
successfully. "I can say that there was a serious meaningful dialog,
with agreements being reached on programs of strategic importance:
everybody will be informed about it in the near future and the results
will become evident," V. Oskanian stated.

VARTAN OSKANIAN RECEIVES NEW HEAD OF OSCE YEREVAN OFFICE

ARMENPRESS
Oct 24, 2007

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS: Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian
received today ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the new head of the OSCE
Yerevan Office.

The foreign ministry quoted Oskanian as saying that he is sure that
the traditional and effective cooperation with the Yerevan Office
will continue.

The two men emphasized the continuity of programs carried out by the
Office, especially a program designed to help reform the Armenian
Police Force, a poverty reduction program, carried out by its Syunik
branch and some other social and economic projects.

Ambassador Kapinos said the agenda of cooperation with Armenia is
extensive and the Office is resolute to go on with the projects
underway and initiate new ones.

MINISTER OSKANIAN MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN STROHAL

A1+
[06:27 pm] 24 October, 2007

On October 24, 2007, Foreign Minister Oskanian met with Ambassador
Christian Strohal, Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions
and Human Rights, based in Warsaw, to recap their assessment of the
progress made during the 2007 parliamentary elections and to talk
about the preparatory steps for 2008.

Mr. Strohal was in Armenia on a working visit to begin preparations
for the presidential elections in 2008.

Ambassador Strohal stressed that although democracy is not just about
elections, elections are an indicator of a society’s understanding
of and responsibility towards democracy. He reiterated ODIHR’s
position that the momentum built by the positive marks received by
the parliamentary elections needs to be maintained.

Minister Oskanian repeated Armenia’s appreciation for ODIHR`s work,
and confirmed that there is an understanding of the importance of good
elections. He said the Armenian government remains ready to work with
ODIHR to assure that the conclusions are based on solid documentation
and ensure objectivity, so that the assessment are both fair judgments
and good learning tools.

MINISTER OSKANIAN MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN STROHAL [06:27 pm]
24 October, 2007

On October 24, 2007, Foreign Minister Oskanian met with Ambassador
Christian Strohal, Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions
and Human Rights, based in Warsaw, to recap their assessment of the
progress made during the 2007 parliamentary elections and to talk
about the preparatory steps for 2008.

Mr. Strohal was in Armenia on a working visit to begin preparations
for the presidential elections in 2008.

Ambassador Strohal stressed that although democracy is not just about
elections, elections are an indicator of a society’s understanding
of and responsibility towards democracy. He reiterated ODIHR’s
position that the momentum built by the positive marks received by
the parliamentary elections needs to be maintained.

Minister Oskanian repeated Armenia’s appreciation for ODIHR`s work,
and confirmed that there is an understanding of the importance of good
elections. He said the Armenian government remains ready to work with
ODIHR to assure that the conclusions are based on solid documentation
and ensure objectivity, so that the assessment are both fair judgments
and good learning tools.

THE PRIME MINISTER’S US MEETINGS

Hayots Ashkharh Daily
Oct 23 2007
Armenia

On October 20, in the evening, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan left
for Washington from Los Angeles where he continued his Washington
meetings. On October 21, the newly appointed Managing-Director
of International Monitory Fund Dominick Straus-Kan started his
second working day with a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Serge
Sargsyan. At Dominick Straus-Kan’s request Serge Sargsyan introduced
the current tendencies of Armenia’s economic development as well as
the prospects of Armenia-IMF future cooperation.

In connection with Armenia-IMF future cooperation Prime Minister
Serge Sargsyan expressed opinion that RA-IMF program that is drawing
to a close in 2008 must continue. He also underscored that for
the future reforms Armenian government will advance affectionate
programs and expects corresponding technical assistance and political
consultations. The scope of those reforms will include modernization
of tax and customs administrations, issues of increasing the financial
sector and economic competitiveness.

On the second half of the day Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan hosted
OSCE Minsk Group Co-President Mathews Braise in RA Embassy. During
the tete-a-tete issues of mutual interest have been discussed.

On October 21 the Prime Minister had meetings with the heads of the
World Bank. The first meeting was with the vice-President of the World
Bank Shigeo Katsu. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with
the present level of the cooperation with the Bank and introduced
the supremacies adopted by RA government that can become the most
important directions of the future cooperation with the World Bank.

The vice-President of the World Bank said Armenia has been recognized
by International Development Association as a country that has recorded
high results in terms of economic indexes and pace of reforms and in
many countries it is introduced by the World Bank as a "successful
example" of effective reforms. The two sides shared the opinion that
by transferring from the status of a poor country to the status of a
country with average income Armenia must continue to actively pursue
the adopted policy.

The main topic of the meeting between the Managing Director of
the World Bank Grim Willy and Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan was the
prospects of RA economic development. The Prime Minister particularly
mentioned that the main issue of Armenian government would continue
to be the provision of high economic growth. But in his opinion it
is very important for this growth to be visible and essential for
every inhabitant of Armenia.

As the main directions of the future cooperation with the World
Bank the two sides underscored the development of the private
sector, economic competition and the issue of increasing economic
competitiveness.

CONSTRUCTION OF SUBWAYS TO FINISH BY LATE THIS YEAR

Panorama.am
17:17 22/10/2007

Yerevan mayor Yervand Zakharyan has issued a decision on October
16 to implement the road construction in two phases. According to
the decision, the upper parts of the subways constructed in Yerevan
must finish first. Only after that the underground parts will be
constructed. This was informed by deputy mayor, Karen Davtyan, in a
press conference today.

In his words, the upper-ground sections of the subways under
construction was planned to finish by September 1, however, due to the
communication problems the construction was delayed until November. In
his words, the under-ground sections will be constructed by the end
of this year.

OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS INCLUDING CHIEF EDITORS DETAINED IN ARMENIA

Regnum
Oct 23 2007
Russia

On October 23, at about 06:40 p.m. Moscow time, editor-in-chief of
Haykakan Zhamanak Daily, leader of the radical opposition Impeachment
Bloc Nikol Pashinyan, leaders of parties in the bloc, Democratic
Homeland Petros Makeyan and Conservative Party Mikael Hayrapetyan,
editor-in-chief of The Fourth Power newspaper Shogher Matevosyan
as well activists accompanying them were detained in presence of
witnesses in central Yerevan.

The opposition parties’ leaders were detained while they were calling
people to join an opposition rally to support Armenia’s first president
Levon Ter-Petrosyan as presidential contender. They were detained
while handing out their leaflets to people. Law enforcement officers
and policemen staged a scuffle on the site.

It is worth mentioning, at a rally on October 26 sanctioned by the
Yerevan city administration, Levon Ter-Petrosyan is supposed to address
the people with an hour-long speech. On the same day, member of the
ruling coalition, the Republican Party is staging a charge-free
concert. Moreover, on this very day, the Armenian section of an
alternative highway joining Armenia and Iran is planned to be unveiled.

IRAN AND ARMENIA SIGN AGREEMENT ON OIL PROCESSING PLANT CONSTRUCTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
22.10.2007 19:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A number of agreements in various fields were signed
in the framework of Iranian President’s visit to Armenia.

Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Minister of Armenia and Manouchehr Mottaki
of Iran signed agreement on establishment of Consulates in Armenia
and Iran.

Agreements on banking control and investments were signed. Special
attention was paid to energy issues and accomplishment of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline construction as well as building of an oil
processing plant.

ANKARA’S AMBASSADOR RETURNS TO WASHINGTON

Agenzia Giornalistica Italia
Oct 22 2007
Italy

(AGI) – Ankara, 22nd October – Turkey’s Ambassador has returned
to Washington ten days after being recalled to Ankara following the
presentation to the US Congress of a resolution condemning the Armenian
genocide. According to the Anadolu agency, the Turkish government
has given the go ahead to the return of the head of the country’s
diplomatic mission in the midst of tensions between Washington and
Ankara over the Turkish army’s intentions to attack Kurdish guerrillas
in the North of Iraq.

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WESTERN DIOCESE E-NEWSLETTER
============================
Bible Readings
—————–
Wis 14.1-8
07-10-28#Wis%2014.1-8

Is 33.22–34.1 8#Is%2033.22–34.11

Cor 1.18-24
e07-10-28#1 Cor%201.18-24

Mt 24.27-36 8#Mt%2024.27-36

Diocesan News
—————–

NEWLY FORMED ARESH FOUNDATION HOLD DINNER MEETING

A group of Armenian residents of Los Angeles have formed the Aresh
Foundation with the aim of assisting the Aresh district of the city of
Yerevan.
( story.php?id=640)

DIOCESAN MEETINGS

On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Primate presided over the Diocesan
Council and Mother Church Construction Committee meetings. His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian also participated in the
CYMA-2008 meeting where the 2008 program details were introduced.
( story.php?id=641)

PRIMATE ATTENDS MAJOR AGBU ANNUAL EVENT

On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Primate, accompanied by Very
Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the
Illuminator, attended the AGBU Annual Gala Banquet at the Ritz Carlton
Hotel in Pasadena.
( ory.php?id=642)

PRIMATEÂ’S FIRST PASTORAL VISIT TO VENTURA COUNTY

On Sunday, October 14, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.
( y.php?id=643)

PRIMATE TO PRESIDE OVER WHITTIER 3RD ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

The first Sunday of each month, Whittier’s Armenian Church
parishioners gather for their monthly celebration of Divine
Liturgy. Parish Council Chairman Dr. Deacon Vahe Charkhutian has
organized the exciting 3rd annual dinner and dance.
( .php?id=644)

CLERGY MEETING AT THE DIOCESAN HEADQUARTERS

On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 9:30 a.m., the Primate presided over
the Clergy Meeting that was held in the Armen and Gloria Hampar
Room  at  the Diocesan Headquarters.
( s/story.php?id=645)

LOS ANGELES COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, the Western Diocese hosted the monthly
meeting of the Council of Religious Leaders.
( ry.php?id=646)

PRIMATE VISITS RABBI HAROLD M. SCHULWEIS, FOUNDER OF JEWISH WORLD WATCH

On Thursday afternoon, October 18, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian accompanied by the Vicar General of the Western
Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, paid a visit to the
founder of the Jewish World Watch, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis.
( tory.php?id=647)

ECF FUNDRAISING EVENT

We gladly announce that through the admirable efforts of the
Etchmiadzin Children Fund Chairlady, Gayane Tatoulian, they were once
again successful in securing donations for the orphans in Etchmiadzin.
( /story.php?id=648)

ECF FUNDRAISING EVENT

We gladly announce that through the admirable efforts of the
Etchmiadzin Children Fund Chairlady, Gayane Tatoulian, they were once
again successful in securing donations for the orphans in Etchmiadzin.
( /story.php?id=648)

EVENT TO BENEFIT Â?MER DOONÂ’ PROGRAM

The Choir of St. James Armenian Church of San Diego and the Daughters
of Vartan organization will present a joint program and concert with
all  proceeds donated to the “Mer Doon” program.
( ry.php?id=655)

Â?HAYORDATSÂ’ CHOIR AND DANCE-TROOP PERFORMANCE

We inform the faithful members of the Western Diocese of the upcoming
performances by the “Hayordats” Performing Art’s
Troupe from Armenia. This great undertaking was the result of
collaboration between the Western Diocese and AGBU, the sponsor of the
program.
( /story.php?id=656)

HIS GRACE BISHOP ARAM ATESHIAN

It is with spiritual contentment we inform our faithful that His Grace
Bishop Aram Ateshian, a high ranking clergyman from the Armenian
Patriarchate of Turkey,  is visiting the Western Diocese.
( ry.php?id=657)

REV. FR. KARNIK GARABEDIAN

We are pleased to inform the Armenian faithful that Rev. Fr. Karnik
Garabedian, Pastor of St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew Armenian
Churches of Marseille, France,  is visiting the Western Diocese.
( ry.php?id=658)

HIS GRACE BISHOP NATHAN HOVHANESIAN

In the forthcoming days, the Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain,
His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanesian will depart London for Los
Angeles.
( /story.php?id=659)

Upcoming Events
—————–

10/27: Benefit Concert in Support of Mer Doon
( ail.php?id=70)
10/29: Alumni & Friends of the Armenian Studies Programs
( /detail.php?id=67)
11/11: Armenian American Veterans to be honored on November 11
( l.php?id=64)

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The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of 47
churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as the
Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United States
and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to exclusivly serve
the western United States.

3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

VOTE ON ARMENIANS SEEN AS SLIP-UP
Renee Schoof, McClatchy Newspapers

The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)
October 21, 2007 Sunday

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi found herself in a tight spot
last week over her support for a resolution condemning the Ottoman
Turks’ slaughter of Armenians more than 90 years ago.

Pelosi didn’t take President Bush’s advice that the resolution would
alienate Turkey, a NATO ally that plays a key support role in the
war in Iraq. About 70 percent of the U.S. military air cargo entering
Iraq goes through Turkey, as do an estimated 3,000 trucks each day.

Turkey, one of America’s closest Muslim allies, responded to the
resolution by recalling its ambassador to the United States —
a stern diplomatic signal — and threatening to chill cooperation
with America in the region.

The result: Many House members found Bush’s argument persuasive
and withdrew their support for the resolution. It started with 226
co-sponsors and a solid majority, but so many dropped off that it’s
now unlikely that Pelosi will even bring it up for a vote.

The drama was an unusual public slip-up for Pelosi, and it has raised
questions about her judgment and priorities.

Still, expert Congress watchers say it doesn’t outweigh her overall
success in holding House Democrats together and getting things done.

But the incident sheds light on how House Democrats operate and the
difficulties that lie ahead for them.

Pelosi, D-Calif., said she has long supported a resolution on the
Armenian genocide. The resolution declared that 1.5 million Armenians
were killed in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. Turkish
leaders acknowledge that many died but deny that there was genocide —
the intentional destruction of an entire people.

Pelosi’s spokesman, Brendan Daly, said she didn’t try to persuade
Democrats to vote for it but left it to each member to decide.

Norman J. Ornstein, a scholar at the conservative American Enterprise
Institute, said he doesn’t fault Pelosi. She didn’t orchestrate
the vote.

Still, Ornstein conceded, in the end, strong intervention averted
"a major foreign policy disaster."

Bill Frenzel of the centrist Brookings Institution, a former
Republican congressman from Minnesota, said that all speakers do
better in their first year, when members of their party give them
special support. Later, committee chairmen flex their muscles and
the rank-and-file feel more independent, especially as elections near.

Things also could change when Democrats take up more controversial
matters, he said.

"So far, the speaker has done well," Frenzel said, "but the job is
getting harder every day."