Author: Chilingarian Babken

GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA: GEORGIA DOESN’T WANT TO BE AT WAR WITH RUSSIA

arminfo
2008-08-11 15:18:00

ArmInfo. Georgia does not want to be at war with Russia but
the situation in South Ossetia left practically no alternative,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Armenia
Revaz Gachechiladze says in an interview with ArmInfo. Presenting
Georgia’s viewpoint on the developments, the Ambassador said that on 8
August the Russian Federation made a direct and full-scale attack on
Georgia: both the territory of its province of South Ossetia and the
territory rather far from the conflict zone. Russian planes bombed
the towns of Gori, Kareli, Poi, Senaki, Marneuli, Tbilisi and the
airdromes of other tows. ‘It can be called nothing but a strategy
of aggression. It is very distressing that I have to speak in such
way of a country we perceive as friendly and we have common history
and even fraternal relations with. But now, unfortunately, it is
nothing but aggression. ‘Peace-enforcement’ as Russian Federation
representatives call this cannot be legitimate without relevant
decisions of international organizations, specifically the UN Security
Council. It is known that UN Security Council could not adopt any
specific decisions on the issue since many countries insist that not
only Georgia but also Russia be responsible for it. All the norms
and principles of the international law were violated.

Russian Federation makes a challenge to the international community
again and threatens to the established international order and
stability in the Caucasus. Naturally, ‘blast’ in one region in the
Caucasus may have negative response in other regions. A question
may arouse why everything happened. Of course, Georgia undertook
an action a day before to establish constitutional order inside the
internationally recognized borders and did not exceed its territory
by a single centimeter. Georgia intended to disarm the bands of
separatists to create conditions for peaceful development of the
region.

Georgia is known to have developed the so-called ‘road plan’
of settlement of South-Ossetic problem that was approved by OSCE
Ministerial Council in Ljubljana. The plan provided for rehabilitation
of the region and very great economic assistance to that region. But
the region, of course, was to remain in Georgia having very wide
autonomy. By the way, at the first stage the RF Foreign Minister also
approved the plan. However, quite a few days later, when the text was
studied in the Kremlin, they understood that the plan might become
a real settlement to the problem and created all the conditions in
order the marionette regime in Tskhinvali refuses from the plan’,
the Ambassador says. He says that despite that Georgia continued
diplomatic efforts for the following two years proposing the region
unlimited autonomy as part of Georgia and economic rehabilitation. Many
diplomats in Tbilisi visited Tskhinvali, studied the situation and
proposed settling the problem.

However, Tskhinvali refused from everything. Moreover, Moscow
increased the military aid to Tskhinvali regime and a great quantity
of military equipment was delivered there which was not stipulated
by any agreement. ‘Starting from 2000 Russian passports were actually
distributed in the separatist regions of Georgia and the greatest part
of the population adopted Russian citizenship. That was a fact of gross
interference into the internal affairs of Georgia. After the greatest
part of the population in South Ossetia and Abkhazia become citizens
of RF, peacemakers on the border with Abkhazia – formal peacemakers of
CIS that were Russians in reality, and peacemakers on the border with
South Ossetia from CIS and North Ossetia turned from neutral mediators
into supporters of one of the conflicting parties. Russian leadership
has repeatedly stated that it intends to protect the rights of its
citizens whenever they were in the world. By the way, there were many
citizens of Russia also in Israel, but Russia does not take any measure
to help those people for some unknown reasons’, the Ambassador says.

‘How Georgia fell into its enemies’ trap?’ article by Edward Lucas
published in London Times on 10 August was very proper. Lucas describes
the scenario of the trap: at first to provoke, then to wait for
response and then to reply with a prevailing military force. To say
that Georgia wants war is to say nonsense. President Saakashvili has
repeatedly stated that war with Russia is fatal for Georgia. We had
no intention and desire to war with Russia. We do not need that and
it is very dangerous. But the situation in South Ossetia had left no
alternative actually’, the diplomat says.

He said that on August 7 presidential representative, Minister for
Reintegration Temur Yakobashvili was sent to Tskhinvali to negotiate
with local leadership. Representative of Russian Foreign Ministry
Popov was there as well. ‘Yakobshvili was not received. He was
ignored. In addition, the president called on ceasing fire from
Tskhinvali at Georgian villages. Maybe it was not intensive fire,
but it was constant and unbearable. Evidently, it was done to involve
Georgia into military actions. Georgia went to military actions and
established control almost over the entire region within a day.

It would allow starting peaceful development and rehabilitation of
the region. However, about 24 hours later RF sent an army, planes,
tanks and other military equipment to Georgia. To see how Ossetic
was the so-called ‘South-Ossetic leadership’, suffice it to look at
the list of its leaders.

There are citizens of Russia, mostly ethnic Russians sent to
Tskhinvali by Moscow. Actually it turns out that the leadership was
not local by appointed by Moscow. Naturally, Russia began to protect
the separatist regions of Georgia and establish ‘order’ there. What
takes place is very painful but international community cannot be
in a role of observer. Many countries have declared their support
to Georgia. Not only the USA, but also Great Britain and many other
countries- members of UN Security Council support Georgia.

Unfortunately, many international media rely on the misinformation
by Moscow that represents Georgia as an aggressor and outlines
‘ethic purges’. In the meantime we have repeatedly stated that we
have nothing against the Ossetic people who peacefully reside also
in Tbilisi and other towns and villages of Georgia. Moscow tries
to diabolize our leadership whereas devils sit in quite a different
place’, the Ambassador says.

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY FROM RUSSIA TO ARMENIA REDUCED

arminfo
2008-08-11 13:22:00

ArmInfo. Natural gas supply from Russia to Armenia has reduced a
little, the leader of press-service of CJSC "ArmRosgazprom" Shushan
Sardaryan told ArmInfo correspondent.

She also added that reduction is a little and it practically does
not affect consumption regimes. But she declined to answer for how
much gas supply reduced.

Meanwhile, as some Russian mass media reported, Georgian part "takes"
some part of natural gas destined for Armenia.

FOREIGN MINISTRY OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CALLING TO CEASE BLOODSHED IN ZONE OF GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICT

ARKA
Aug 11, 2008

STEPANAKERT, August 11. /ARKA/. The Foreign Ministry of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) is calling to cease the bloodshed in
the zone of Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

"We urge the sides to the conflict, all the involved states
and international organizations to make every possible effort to
immediately stop the bloodshed. Use of force is unpromising in settling
this kind of problems," says the statement of the NKR Foreign Ministry.

The escalation of the situation in the zone of Georgian-Ossetian
conflict raises serious concerns in Nagorno-Karabkh Republic, the
document says. The military operations that have already led to
numerous deaths are fraught with unpredictable consequences for the
entire region, says the statement.

NKR’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the international community
will make every effort to reestablish the peace and stability and to
resume the negotiations between Georgia and South Ossetia.

Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

August 7, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian

ANC-WR Intern Spotlight: Amy Kaladzhyan

Los Angeles, CA – As one of five Interns for the Armenian National
Committee – Western Region’s Summer 2008 Internship – Externship
Program (ANC-WR IEP), Amy Kaladzhyan has gained valuable knowledge and
experience within the public and media relations field. In addition to
building media relationships, Kaladzhyan writes feature articles and
press releases spotlighting ANC activists and various organizations.

In past weeks, Kaladzhyan and fellow Public and Media Relations
Intern, Tamar Tavlian, have also been developing a promotional video
detailing the Internship-Externship Program and are putting the
finishing touches on two sets of video blogs featuring their fellow
Interns and Externs.

"I feel that this program offers a great opportunity for Armenian
youth to get involved in politics while, at the same time, helping out
with a cause that they believe in," said Kaladzhyan. "Working
alongside the ANC-WR in Sacramento and in Santa Barbara, I feel that I
have acquired skills that are necessary in my future line of work,"
she added.

Kaladzhyan currently attends University of California at Santa Barbara
(UCSB) where she majors in Global Studies. After graduating, she plans
to attend Law School and eventually enter the broadcast journalism
field as a political reporter.

Besides being an Intern at ANC-WR, Kaladzhyan is also an intern at
KTLA and is a member of the Armenian Students’ Association (ASA) at
UCSB. While raising awareness of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL)
opposition to Congressional recognition of the Armenian Genocide in
Sacramento during Advocacy Day in April, Kaladzhyan learned about the
IEP from Haig Hovsepian, ANC-WR Community Relations Director, and was
eager to sign up and continue her work with the Armenian community.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in
the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organization around the country, the ANC-WR advances
the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.

The Messenger
Why is Russia willing to reopen Lars checkpoint?
By M. Alkhazashvili
Wednesday, August 6

Against the background of tense relations between Georgia and Russia the
positive information appeared that Russia is considering opening the Lars
check-point at the Georgian-Russian border, which is the only land
connection left between the two neighboring countries not in
separatist-controlled territory.

Georgian experts, while welcoming any positive step towards normalizing the
situation, still look for a Trojan Horse under any Russian proposal of a
similar type.

When the Lars checkpoint was closed some two years ago Russians said repair
works needed to be carried out. In reality Russia wanted to punish
disobedient Georgia for its independent orientation and NATO claims.

This anti-Georgian act was the first step against Georgian economy later
followed by banning of Georgian products from Georgian market: alcohol,
mineral waters, fruits, etc.; cutting air and postal communications; the
brutal deportation of Georgians from Russia; and other human rights abuses.
All this damaged Georgia’s economic condition but did not change its
political course.

Together with Georgia, Russia’s strategic partner Armenia also received a
serious economic blow because the Lars checkpoint was its only land
connection with Russia, while the Roki Tunnel and Psou River checkpoints
remain under the control of the separatists. Even here Russia tried a trick,
attempting to send transport for Armenia through Roki Tunnel but Georgian
side refused to allow the precedent.

Armenia appeared in a deadlock. The Kavkaz-Poti ferry boat did not
substitute the lack of land connection.

Today Russia offers a very strange timetable for Lars checkpoint operations:
one day it should pass cars from Russia and the next day from Georgia. The
economic sanctions against Georgia are not lifted as of yet, the visa regime
is still in effect for Georgian citizens. Under the circumstances only
Armenia directly benefits from the opening of the checkpoint.

So the question arises, is it beneficial at all for Georgia to open Lars?
There should be Georgian preconditions: lifting economic sanctions and
full-range functioning of the checkpoint. Unfortunately, so far rules of
game are set by Russia.

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

August 04, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS IN
WASHINGTON, DC, YEREVAN HAVE ROBUST EXPERIENCE

Washington, DC – For over 30 years, the Armenian Assembly of America’s
(Assembly) Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program (Program) has
given participants the ability to travel to the Nation’s Capital and
be part of a unique class of students for an unforgettable educational
experience. At the same time, the Program also affords the students
the opportunity to develop and enhance their professional abilities
and gain a competitive edge for the future.

"One of the goals of the internship program is to bring us together to
discuss and review current issues facing Armenia and the Diaspora,"
said Haig Kherlopian, the Assembly’s 2008 Washington, DC, Intern
Coordinator. "The interns travel to DC, adapt to city-life, settle-in
and develop a greater understanding of Armenian issues, and as a
result will advocate for Armenia in their respective fields and
communities."

This year’s intern class is a diverse group of 18 college students who
reside in all parts of the country and abroad, and they are pursuing
degrees in political science, law, journalism, humanities and
history. What binds them together, however, is their personal
commitment to their Armenian heritage.

While in Washington, students intern in offices on Capitol Hill, with
government agencies, non-governmental organizations and media
outlets. The program also gives students a full schedule of
educational activities, presentations by journalists, professors, and
lawyers, as well as meetings with Members of Congress. "What’s most
interesting about the Assembly’s internship program is the sheer
diversity of both the job placements and the participants involved,"
said Assembly intern Lisa Haidostian. "The result is a patchwork of
personalities and experiences, fostering an environment that’s
gratifying."

Already in its second month, the interns have met with Hayk Demoyan,
Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute; John Hughes,
Editor of ArmeniaNow, "Independent Journalism from Today’s Armenia,"
published every Friday, online; Noris Balabanian, U.S. Department of
State, Bureau of International Law Enforcement Affairs; Victor
Vartanian, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration &
Customs Enforcement; Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center
for Immigration Studies; Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA); Jackie
Speier (D-CA); Ed Royce (R-CA); Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and with the
Co-Chairs of the Armenian Caucus Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI), as well as attended Congressional hearings for the
South Caucasus region and the Senate committee hearing for Ambassador
Marie L. Yovanovitch, who is the Bush Administration’s nominee to
serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. The interns also visited the
White House, the Armenian Embassy and the Library of Congress, where
they met with Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, Dr. Levon
Avdoyan.

"Thus far, I’ve been privileged to have worked in a House office
building; watched hearings; participated in briefings; lead tours of
The Capitol and meet with numerous Members of Congress," said Assembly
intern Ari Zartarian. "I have been fortunate to witness first hand the
efforts and involvement needed to craft policy and enact
legislation. It is an experience for which, I will be forever
grateful."

During the concluding week of the program the interns will meet with
Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director, Armenian National Institute; Dean
Shahinian, Senior Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing
and Urban Affairs and Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Zack
Space (D-OH). The interns will also participate in an Assembly Young
Professionals Panel, where former interns will share their stories
about interning at the Assembly and life after graduation from the
Program.

Assembly Internship Program, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia – The Assembly 2008 Summer Internship Program in
Armenia is in its ninth-year, with eight interns participating. "The
Summer Internship Program in Armenia provides an opportunity for
interns to experience life in Armenia and better understand the
challenges, and opportunities, Armenia and Karabakh currently face,"
said Arpi Vartanian, Assembly Country Director for Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. "It is an absolutely unforgettable experience, providing
lifelong memories, and changing the interns’ lives forever," added
Vartanian.

Since the program’s inception in 1999, fifty-seven interns have
participated, working in various government offices, media outlets,
hospitals, non-governmental organizations and think tanks.

"This is my first time in Armenia and I didn’t really know what to
expect," said Tatiana Gumuchdjian. "I am interning at ArmeniaNow media
agency and National Geographic Traveler-Armenia (NGTA), as a
contributing journalist, and I had a story published on the ArmeniaNow
Website within five days of my arrival in Yerevan!" Keep an eye out
for several more articles by Tatiana, which are expected to appear on
ArmeniaNow in the coming weeks. Tatiana has completed an article about
ancient Ani, and expects to soon complete an article about the 10th
century Amberd Castle in Armenia. Both these articles are expected to
be published in upcoming issues of National Geographic
Traveler-Armenia.

Michael Morel, from Merrimack College and Vram Kherlopian, from
Bentley College, spoke and understood very little Armenian when they
arrived at the onset of the Program. Yet, in just a few short weeks of
immersion and effort, they learned a great deal, and can understand
and speak much more than they did upon arrival. They are very excited
to be interning at the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS). Both were given the freedom to choose their own
research topic; Michael is researching the history of Armenian-Russian
relations and Vram is studying the influence of western musical
culture on modern Armenian music. Vram also interns at the National
Competitiveness Center of Armenia (NCAA), where he proofreads
documents and edits the NCCA Website. "This internship is a great way
to visit Armenia and experience as much as possible," said Vram. "The
excursions, meetings with politicians, and all of the other activities
offered are all great ways to immerse oneself, as much as possible, in
the Armenian culture," added Vram.

Tsoline Avedisian, from Widener University, also interns at the
recently-established NCCA. She translates articles to English,
proofreads documents and updates the NCCA Website. In addition, she
interns at National Geographic Traveler-Armenia, established this
year. Tsoline, whose major is Business Management and Marketing, is
developing means to increase the sales of the magazine in Armenia and
abroad. "Over the years I have heard many positive things about the
Armenian Assembly and so, I decided to participate in the internship
program this summer," said Tsoline. "The internship program has turned
out to be a great learning experience, as well as a lot of fun! Even
though I have previously been to Armenia on several occasions, this
program has allowed me to visit places that I’ve never seen and most
importantly, be able to give back to my country as an intern."

Liana Mayilyan, from the University of Texas at Austin, is interning
at both the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and the Human Rights Defender’s
Office. At both offices, her proficiency in reading, writing and
speaking Armenian prove invaluable as she translates and proofreads
documents. At the Human Rights Defender’s Office, she also monitors
Armenian cases pending in the European Court of Human Rights. "The
Armenia experience so far has been very rewarding," said Liana. "It is
very interesting to be part of the Armenian workforce. I am very much
enjoying my time working and touring the country."

Sarkis Balkhian, from Clark University in Massachusetts, is interning
at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI), and at the Middle
East Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sarkis’s
proficiency in Armenia, English and Arabic prove useful at both
organizations as he reviews, edits, and translates documents, and
updates the official Website of the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute. At the Foreign Ministry, he has been tasked with
providing comparative analysis of relations with middle-eastern
countries, and proposing ways to enhance Armenia’s relations with
countries in that region. "My Armenian Assembly internship in Armenia
has provided me the opportunity to experience the nature of
professional life in Armenia," said Sarkis. "While interning at the
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, I
was able to utilize the knowledge and skills of an apprentice at the
field of politics and international relations, to a professional
level. In addition, the internship provided me the invaluable
opportunity of experiencing life in Armenia, not as a tourist, but
rather as a resident. Above all, the internship reignited the fire
inside of me to fight, live and work for our beloved Armenia," added
Sarkis.

Aline Mnayan, from University of California, Irvine, is interning at
the Ministry of Education, where she edits and translates the
Educational Cooperation Program between Armenia and Georgia. She
assisted in organizing, and also attended, the recently-held
All-Armenian Educational Forum. This forum provides an opportunity for
Armenian teachers around the world to discuss educational issues
facing the Diaspora. "Though I have been to Armenia before, I have
never worked here," said Aline. "I am really involved in the projects
and I constantly learn from the people I work with." In addition to
her internship at the Ministry of Education, Aline also interns at the
Millennium Challenge Armenia office, where she is involved in project
development.

Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, is interning at both ACNIS and the
Ministry of Finance. In addition to proofreading and translating
documents at the Finance Ministry, Zaven has a unique opportunity to
become acquainted with international trade agreements of the World
Trade Organization, the European Bank of Reconstruction and
Development and the Asian Development Bank. At ACNIS, like Michael and
Vram, Zaven selected an independent research topic: "Economic
Conditions in Armenia and Dollar-Dram Exchange Rate Fluctuations."

"I breathe Armenia, I hear Armenia, I live Armenia," said Zaven. "It
is in Armenia where one feels life, where one feels whole and
complete. I came here thinking that I might affect Armenia somehow,
but realized that Armenia has affected me. And throughout all this, if
you were to ask me what I would change, all the difficulties,
disagreements, and inconveniences I have had here, I would say
‘Nothing.’ I would change absolutely nothing," said Zaven.

Interns are encouraged to greet each day as an exciting, new
adventure. During their time in Armenia, interns also visit places of
cultural and historical interest throughout Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh, and meet with a variety of people to discuss current issues
facing Armenians today, all while working and experiencing everyday
life in Armenia.

To date, interns have visited St. Etchmiadzin, as well as the Khor
Virap, Noravank, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Haghpat and Sanahin
Monasteries. They swam at Lake Sevan, toured Gyumri, visited
Tsakhkadzor, and saw the ancient ruins of Ani from afar, at the
Armenia-Turkey border. They visited the Zvartnots Temple, and the
Sardarapat Memorial and Ethnographic Museum. Interns celebrated
Vardavar (Water Holiday) at Water World. They toured the Yerevan
Brandy Company and the Areni Wine Factory, and visited VivaCell, (a
mobile phone company operating in Armenia). Just days ago, filled with
unforgettable memories, they returned from a 3-day trip to the
Zangezur Region and Nagorno Karabakh.

In addition to their daily work schedule and weekend trips, interns
meet with government officials, spiritual leaders and other prominent
individuals. So far, the 2008 Intern Class met with His Holiness,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II; Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan; Parliament Members Davit Harutyunyan, Hranush Hakobyan and
Raffi Hovannisian; Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Vano Vardanyan; Officials
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; U.S. Charge
d’Affaires Joseph Pennington; NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi
Petrosyan and Head of the USAID-FAR Humanitarian Mission in NKR
Andranik Sargsyan. During these meetings, interns learned about the
inner workings of the Armenian and Karabakh Governments, the Armenian
Parliament, the significance of the Armenian Church in the history of
Armenians and the important role of the Diaspora in their homeland.

Interns share their impressions and thoughts with the Armenian public
through interviews with local Armenian media. This provides an
opportunity for the Armenian public-at-large to become better
acquainted with Diasporan youth, their thoughts, perceptions and
hopes.

"This internship program provides Armenian-American youth an
exceptional opportunity to interact both professionally and socially
with counterparts in Armenia. They gain a better understanding of what
they can do to strengthen their Armenian communities. Many interns
return to Armenia with their friends or parents. Some of them have
even established their own internship or assistance programs," said
Summer Internship Program Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.

Assembly Internship Descriptions

In 1977, the Assembly launched its pioneering internship program to
give college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to live and
work in Washington, DC, for eight weeks each summer. Interns gain
exposure to the policy-making process in our nation’s capital.

Thanks to a gracious bequest made possible by the Memorial Fund
established through the generosity of Aram Terjenian, Annie Thomas and
Florence Terjenian, the internship program was re-named the
"Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program" in 2003.

In 1999, the internship program in Armenia, which aims to introduce
college-aged students to life in their ancestral homeland, and to
foster the skills needed to help them become the next generation of
leaders, was launched.

Assembly Internship Participants

Washington, DC

Adrine Akopyan, University of California, Los Angeles, Congressman Adam Schiff
Helen Avunjian, University of California, Los Angeles, Armenian
National Institute
Maral Balayan, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt, Armenian
Assembly of America
Armena Ballard, University of Pennsylvania, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Vatche Cherchian, City University London, Armenian Embassy
Hamazasp Danielyan, Yerevan State University, Policy Forum Armenia
Carissa Greenberg, Gonzaga University of Law, Armenian Assembly of America
Lisa Haidostian, University of Michigan, Climatewire
Talar Hovnanian, University of California, San Diego, Center of
Immigration Studies
Teny Josephbe, University of California, San Diego, Library of Congress
Allison Khederian, Williams College, Armenian International Policy
Research Group
Sarah Khederian, George Washington University, Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
Elina Khodorkovsky, University of Southern California, Office of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Allison Sadoian, California State University, Fresno, Congressman
George Radanovich (R-CA)
Lauren Sarkesian, University of Michigan, Senate Sub-Committee for
Investigation
Ari Zartarian, University of Michigan, Congressman Joseph Crowley
Christie Chorbajian, University of Maryland, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Amalya Hovsepyan, Yerevan State University, Voice of America, Armenia Desk

Armenia

Tsoline Avedisian, Widener University, National Competiveness Council
of Armenia (NCCA), National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Sarkis Balkhian, Clark University, Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tatiana Gumuchdjian, New York University, ArmeniaNow News Agency,
National Geographic Traveler-Armenia
Vram Kherlopian, Bentley College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS), National Competitiveness Council of
Armenia (NCCA)
Liana Mayilyan, University of Texas at Austin, Human Rights Defender’s
Office, Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Aline Mnayan, University of California, Irvine, Ministry of Education
and Science, Millennium Challenge Armenia
Michael Morel, Merrimack College, Armenian Center for National and
International Studies (ACNIS)
Zaven Sargsian, University of Utah, Ministry of Finance, Armenian
Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)

Established in 1972, 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#2008-060

Photographs can be viewed on the Assembly’s Website at the following link:

2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Jackie Speier (D-CA)
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Rep.-Speier-CWB.jpg

2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Representative Ed Royce (R-CA)
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Rep.-Royce-WB.jpg

2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns with Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Rep.-Knollenberg-CWB.jpg

Armenia Ambassador to the United States, Tatoul Markarian, with the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Intern class
s/PR_-_2008/June-July/Embassy-WB.jpg

Armenian Assembly Interns: Lisa Haidostian, Allison Sadoian, Lauren Sarkesian and Armena Ballard pictured with Chris Matthews at a Georgetown eatery
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Chris_Matthews.jpg

Dr. Levon Avdoyan, Armenian and Georgian Area specialist, giving the 2008 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns a tour of the Library of Congress
ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Library-of-Congress-CWB.j pg

2008 Armenia Interns at Shushi
es/PR_-_2008/June-July/Shushi-EWB.jpg

2008 Armenia Interns meet with Nargorno Karabakh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgi Petrosyan in Stepanakert, NKR
PR_-_2008/June-July/NKR-Minister-of-FA-CWB.jpg

20 08 Armenia Interns at Sardarapat Memorial, Armenia
ges/PR_-_2008/June-July/Zvartnots-Sardarapat-CWB.j pg

2008 Armenia Interns at Tatik-Papik Monument, in Nagorno Karabakh
ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Tatik-Papik-CWB.jpg

2008 Armenia Interns: Liana Mayilyan Tsoline Avedisian Vram Kherlopian Michael Morel Zaven Sargsian Sarkis Balkhian and Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants meet with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II at the Residency of Catholicos, Etchmiadzin, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns outside in Etchmiadzin, Armenia
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2008 Armenia Interns enjoying some down time at Lake Sevan, Armenia
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2 008 Armenia Interns pose with Khatchars at Lake Sevan, Armenia
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WILL REMAIN IN LOVE
Gevorg Harutyunyan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on Aug 02, 2008
Armenia

"Analyzing the present situation and having the objective to liven the
social-political activeness in September, the center of the movement
considers it very important not to stop holding massive events, sit in
and hunger strikes, as well as realize the idea of Armenian National
Congress," Ter-Petrosyan announced during the demonstration yesterday.

In his 50 minutes’ speech, for 48 minutes Ter-Petrosyan repeated
the ideas heard during his previous speeches and only at the last
2 minutes he touched upon the congress: "You will eyewitness a
significant historic event – the ceremony of the establishment of
Armenian National Congress.

Later he read the declaration agreed with 16 parties and public
organizations, which are going to join Armenian National Congress:
"…taking into account the fact that during the post -election period
the Republic of Armenia is facing serious challenges, well-conscious
that there is a necessity to confront these challenges the political
parties which are the core of the movement declare about the formation
of the Armenian National Congress.

According to the leader of the neo-Bolsheviks the political parties
and the public organizations, which make up part of the congress have
the right to independence and to run for the elections separately. The
congress is open for=2 0the parties and public organizations both in
Armenia and Diaspora. We appeal to all the forces, organizations and
citizens concerned about the fortune of their motherland to become
members of the congress.

"Azatutyun" party, "Aylntrank" social-political organization, "People’s
Path" party, "Democratic Motherland" party, People’s Party of Armenia,
Marxists, Armenian Pan National Movement, "Motherland and Honor",
"Hanrapetutyun" party, People’s Rights – 96, Conservative Party,
and Social Democratic Hnchakyan party signed the memorandum of
Armenian National Congress. In general all in all 16 parties and
public organizations, instead of the promised 25 or 27.

To save the situation, they announced that later, parliamentary
opposition "Heritage" party, Armenian Communists’ Party and "Nor
Jamanakner" would join the congress.

Below some political figures express their standpoints regarding the
prospects of Armenian National Congress.

Vardan Khachatryan

"Heritage"

"The only thing that I can say is that the deceleration is in the
process of discussion. And it is very difficult to predict the
continuation of this process. The contents of the declaration heard
during the meeting have not been agreed with our party. Most probably
in future "Heritage" party will touch upon this issue.

Ruben Tovmasyan

Armeni an Communists’ party

"The party has not discussed similar declaration. Communists’ Party
has a clear stance regarding similar issues and is guided by concrete
position, which will never be agreed with any other party. No one
has the right to make announcements on behalf of the party.

Shavarsh Kocharyan

National Democratic Party

The fact that very few parties sign the declaration on the formation
of the National Congress testifies to the fact "against" ideology
never works.

Let’s expect that the congress will at least declare about their
goal. But I don’t think that this will work. The little number of
the people in the demonstration shows their estimation, which is very
important in such issues.

Arshak Sadoyan

National Democratic Union

"The National Congress doesn’t intend to take power, it has other
political goals. The 16 political parties and the public organizations
that have become members of the congress will very soon understand that
only Armenian Pan National Movement will remain in the congress. What
they really want is to return to the political domain with a new
name. They expect success in 2012.

Armen Ashotyan

Republican Party

"Those pro-oppositional forces that have joined Levon Ter-Petrosyan
are mostly guided by the outer effect. There are no values. Similar
course of action can’t be a success and it is ver y characteristic
to sects. They often announce that the end of the world has come,
and later they have to explain why their predictions didn’t come true.

Still on May 2 they announced about forming Armenian National
Congress. But by now this idea didn’t get an institutional shape. Even
the parties that support Levon Ter-Petrsoyan avoid becoming members of
the congress – a strange political project. Therefore the initiators
of the congress had to change the contents of the deceleration. As
a result it turned into a format, which simply recorded the list of
the forces supporting Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

They failed to realize the idea of establishing a powerful liberal
political force. Their biggest failure will be the refusal of
"Heritage" Party to become members of the congress. It reminds of the
situation when a couple makes a decision to get married, but on the
day of the marriage they announce that they don’t want to get married,
instead they prefer to remain in love."

NAGORNO-KARABAKH TALKS CONSTRUCTIVE: OSCE MINSK GROUP’S CO-CHAIRS

Trend News Agency
Aug 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Russia, Moscow, 1 August /Trend News corr. R.Agayev/ OSCE Minsk Group’s
co-chairs believe negotiations on settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict which took place between Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign
Ministers in Moscow on 1 August were constructive.

"We go forward and do our utmost. Now I cannot say whether it is a
progress or not, but the negotiations are constructive and it is a
very important advancement," U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
said at a briefing on 1 August.

"I can only cite the words of the foreign ministers. They said the
meeting was constructive. We, co-chairs, think both ministers were
satisfied with the results of the meeting," OSCE Minsk Group’s Russian
co-chair Yuri Merzlyakov said.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his Armenian
counterpart Edward Nalbandyan met in Moscow on 1 August to discuss
basic principles of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict settlement.

According to Merzlyakov, the press differently treats the Minsk
Group. "One cannot say we are inactive, since that was the third
meeting of the ministers within recent three months. The Presidents
also met, we paid a visit to the region. One could not be more active,"
he said.

"I think the quantity will be transformed into quality. That will
happen. But it is most difficult to foretell the time, so we will not,"
said Merzlyakov.

Minsk Group’s French co-chair Bernard Fassier said intensity of
the work is confirmed by the fact that ministers are holding the
discussions on the basis of Minsk Group’s last-year proposals made
in Madrid.

Matthew Bryza said the mood is constructive and that means the sides
are approaching to peace. "A compromise is possible, should the sides
show the political will. The two countries’ ministers and Presidents
normally treat each other and the negotiations are underway," he said.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group (Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.

AZERBAIJANI, ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET WITH RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

Trend News Agency
Aug 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Russia, Moscow, 1 August /Trend News corr. R.Agayev/ Azerbaijani and
Armenian Foreign Ministers discussed at Russian Foreign Ministry the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenia’s Edward
Nalbandyan met with the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Russian Federation Andrey Denisov in Moscow on 1 August.

They discussed the state and prospects of negotiations on
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry
reported.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was also discussed today at the meeting
between Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers.

The work over settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, suggested
by both countries’ presidents in St. Petersburg in June, will be
the basis for negotiations between Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign
Ministers in Moscow.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group (Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.

OFFICIAL BAKU AND LOCAL POLITICAL EXPERTS DIFFERENTLY APPROACH MOSCOW TALKS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Trend News Agency
Aug 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 1 August / Trend News / I.Alizade / Although official
Baku expects Armenia’s constructive position at the meeting to be
held between Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister
and his counterpart Edvard Nalbandyan in Moscow on 1 August on
the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, independent political
scientists consider this meeting to be fruitless. "The resolution of
the conflict depends on whether Armenia will take the constructive
position and observes international principles and standards," Khazar
Ibrahim, press secretary of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said to
Trend News on 1 August.

Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, and Edvard
Nalbandyan, his counterpart will meet in Moscow on 1 August to discuss
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,
including Mathew Bryza (the United States), Yuri Merzlyakov ( Russia)
and Bernard Fasier ( France) will participate in this meeting as well.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in
1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan
lost the Nagorno-Karabakh, except of Shusha and Khojali, in December
1991. In 1992-93, Armenian Armed Forces occupied Shusha, Khojali and
Nagorno-Karabakh’s seven surrounding regions. In 1994, Azerbaijan
and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active
hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia,
France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful, but fruitless
negotiations.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s official, Azerbaijan expects
Armenian’s constructive position not in words, but in steps, which
Armenia must take to resolve the conflict.

However, the Azerbaijani political experts do not expect serious
results from this meeting.

According to Asim Mollazade, a political scientist and member of the
Azerbaijani Parliament’s Standing Commission on international and
inter-parliamentary relations, Armenia does not hold serious talks on
the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh resolution: " Armenia is imitating
talks in order to deceive the international community. Therefore,
Moscow meeting will be fruitless."

Mollazade said that achievement of no progress in resolution of the
conflict so far is because of the Armenia’s position.

"These are ordinary talks and they will not lead to serious progress
in the resolution of the conflict," said Vafa Guluzade, a former
adviser to the Azerbaijani President on foreign policy issues