Author: Chmshkian Vicken

NKR PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS AND FACTIONS ISSUED A STATEMENT
ArmRadio.am
02.05.2006 15:25
The press conference featuring representatives of NKR Parliamentary
groups and factions was dedicated to the 15th anniversary of
displacement of the population of Getashen region. “Arminfo”
correspondent reported form Stepanakert that head of the “Democracy”
Party, Head of the NKR NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations
Vahram Atanesyan made a statement on behalf of Parliamentary groups and
factions regarding the tragic events of 30 April, 1991, characterizing
these as terrorist acts against the peaceful population of Getashen.
The Deputy informed that the displacement of the Armenian population
was preceded by anti-Armenian actions of the leadership of Soviet
Azerbaijan. In Vahram Atanesyan’s words, the displacement of the
Armenian population from Getashen was carried out with the permission
of Moscow. He noted that April 6, 1991 USSR Deputy Interior Minister,
Colonel-General Boris Gromov secretly arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh
and met with the Second Secretary of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of Azerbaijan Viktor Polyanichko.
“Based on the agreement between the two on April 30 divisions of the
4th Soviet Army deployed in Kirovabad surrounded Getashen,” Vahram
Atanesyan reminded, adding that more than 4 000 citizens were displaced
by May 6, 1991. He reported also that the NKR National Assembly will
hold hearings, featuring former Getashen residents.

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, April 28, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANCA-WR JOINS WEST COAST COMMUNITIES TO COMMEMORATE 91ST ANNIVERSARY
OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
GLENDALE, CA – This year, Armenian American communities, student
organizations, and youth throughout the West Coast commemorated the
Armenian Genocide more actively than ever. The Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) brought together
elected officials and dignitaries to mark the 91st anniversary of the
genocide alongside Armenian Americans. Whether in Las Vegas, Colorado,
New Mexico, Fresno, San Francisco, Phoenix, Montebello or Los Angeles,
the message remained clear: the US government must once and for all
speak with moral clarity and officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide.
LOS ANGELES
Thousands gathered at the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montebello on
Sunday, April 23rd to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Elected officials joined Armenian religious leaders to honor
the victims of the genocide and demand proper recognition and justice
for the first genocide of the 20th Century.
In her introduction, Mistress of Ceremonies State Senator Jackie
Kanchelian-Speier stressed `We demand justice because we know, as
students of history, that our world is more dangerous by virtue of
Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide.’ She urged all Armenians and
elected officials to utilize their passion and power, along with
perseverance to stop the cycle of genocide forever.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Peter Cowe, Narekatsi
Professor of Armenian Studies at UCLA, and Turkish Publisher Ragip
Zarakolu served as keynote speakers.
Speaking about US Ambassador John Evan, Mayor Villaraigosa said
`Earlier this year, we witnessed a rare display of diplomatic
courage…John Evans spoke out about these crimes by stating the
obvious – he used the word `genocide.’ And, for this, some are now
trying to end his career. They want to silence him. They want John
Evans recalled from his post.’
Among the many elected officials were Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez,
Congressman Adam Schiff, Member of the Board of Equalization John
Chiang, California State Senator Jack Scott, Assemblymembers Judy Chu,
Ron Calderon, Lynn Daucher, Jerome Horton, Carol Liu, along with a
host of other members of area City Councils.
Many who spoke pointed to the genocide in Darfur today and asked
whether the unpunished genocide of Armenians has not perpetuated the
cycle of genocide in the world.
FRESNO
Around four-hundred Fresno Armenians gathered at City Hall on April
22nd, for a joint Fresno ANCA-City Hall sponsored event that was
emceed by Councilman Tom Boyajian and featured Congressman George
Radanovich (R-CA), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Assemblyman Juan
Arambula, ANCA-Fresno Chairworman Hygo Ohannessian, and Glendale City
Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian. As the keynote speaker, Kassakhian said
that it was not only an honor to speak in Fresno, the home of William
Saroyan and great heroes of the Armenian Cause such as General
Antranik and Soghomon Tehlirian, but also inspiring to see Congressmen
George Radanovich and Jim Costa as well as Assemblymember Arabuela,
and Mayor Autry on hand to promote Armenian Genocide recognition
efforts.
On Sunday, community members visited the Soghomon Tehlirian Monument
in the Massis Ararat Cemetery to honor Tehlirian and commemorate the
victims of the Armenian Genocide. ANCA-WR Board member Armen Martin
spoke of the persistent struggle in getting not only Turkey to
recognize the genocide, but also the United States that goes as far as
stifling a long-time career diplomat for his acknowledgment of the
Armenian Genocide. `As Americans we are outraged by this. As
Armenians, we are insulted by this,’ Martin said, encouraging the
crowd to be ever vigilant in demanding recognition and justice for the
Armenian Genocide.
SAN FRANCISCO
The South (San Francisco) Bay Armenian community held a somber service
on April 23rd at St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino. On the
following day, April 24th, the Mt. Davidson Cross was the site for a
requiem ceremony led by clergy of Bay Area Armenian churches. On
Tuesday, the Bay Area Armenian community rallied across from San
Francisco City Hall, where a commemoration program hosted by Mayor
Gavin Newsom was later held. Keynote speakers featured Dr. Antranig
Kasparian and Dr. Richard Hovanissian. Addressing the almost 600
community member and guests in attendance, Kasparian detailed the new
dimensions of Armenian-Turkish relations, stressing that gains may be
achieved by engaging Turkish society, while maintaining pressure from
the outside. Distinguished guests included Henry Morgenthau IV, great
grand-son of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Consul General of Greece
Xenia Stephanidou, Deputy Consul General of Russia Yuri Bedjanian, San
Francisco County Board Supervisors S! hawn Elsbernd and Aaron Peskin.
ARIZONA
The ANCA-Arizona chapter commemoration featured ANCA-WR Board member
Thomas Azaian who addressed the crowd of over 400 at the genocide
monument in Phoenix as part of the day’s events which also featured an
Armenian Youth Federation-led march to the State Capitol. Azaian
touched on the pressure exerted on US Ambassador to Armenia John
Evans, since his proper acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide this
past autumn. Rather than punishing the Ambassador, Azaian called on
President Bush to follow Evans’ lead in properly acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide. Azaian stressed, however, that the goal of genocide
recognition is justice, not mere affirmation of a historical fact.
Emphasizing the Arizona Armenian community’s strong leadership and
active youth, he noted, `They are ready to work and can deliver. There
is a lot of potential here.’
Arizona State House Representative Ted Carpenter was among those
participating in the commemoration program. Ani Shekerjian presented
Governor Janet Napolitano’s proclamation in honor of the Armenian
Genocide.
NEW MEXICO
Glendale City Clerk and former ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes
Kassakhian, joined the Armenian Cultural Association (ACA) of New
Mexico for its commemoration in Albuquerque on April 23rd. The day’s
events began with the placing of a memorial plaque and tree outside
the Albuquerque Museum, followed by a memorial service at the ACA’s
community center.
In his keynote address, Kassakhian briefed the community on the
continued denial campaign waged by the Republic of Turkey and spoke of
their effectiveness in challenging this effort by reaching out to
elected officials.
Albuquerque resident A.J. Kerian presented Mayor Martin Chavez’s
proclamation on the occasion of the commemoration.
Commenting on the event, Kassakhian said the efforts of the growing
community are impressive. `A proclamation is a strong indicator of
their success; I look forward to the future accomplishments of the New
Mexico Armenian American community as they work with organizations,
like the ANCA, to raise awareness within their communities regarding
issues of concern to all of us.’
MOUNTAIN STATES AND BEYOND
The ANCA-WR also participated in commemoration events in Las Vegas,
Nevada and Denver, Colorado. Back in Los Angeles, ANCA-WR leadership
addressed the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society-organized
panel discussion regarding the Armenian Genocide and distributed
petitions at the `Izabelles Scar 2006′ benefit/awareness concert,
featuring the apex theory, Harout Pamboukjian, the Freeway People, and
special guests John Dolmayan (System Of A Down), and poet/word-smith
Knowledge, among others. ANCA-Glendale Director Alina Azizian
delivered remarks on the occasion at an event organized by Bank of
America. ANCA leadership and members also joined the Armenian Youth
Federation for its annual protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in
Beverly Hills, California.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.
Editor’s note: Photos attached.
Photo 1 caption: ANCA-WR board member Souzi Zerounian addressing the
Los Angeles City Council.
Photo 2 caption: Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti
presenting Los Angeles City Council resolution on the Armenian
Genocide.
Photo 3 caption: Armenian American community leaders and members with
Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Dennis Zine.

NEW TIMES PARTY HOLDS RALLY AND MARCH OF PROTEST
Yerevan, April 28. ArmInfo. The New Times party held today a rally and
a march of protest towards the buildings of the Police and the
National Security Service. The leader of the party Aram Karapetyan
said that he and his supporters protest against the interference of
the police and the NSS in the internal political processes. These
structures should serve the state rather than small cliques. “We have
nothing against the Police and the NSS, we are against their chiefs
who serve the interests of the regime,” Karapetyan said.
The police did not interfere in the rally and just cordoned off the
target buildings. The ralliers – some 500 people – marched there and
Karapetyan asked to give the party’s written appeal to the chiefs of
the police and the NSS.

AZERBAIJAN LEADER STAYING OUT OF IRAN FRAY
By Barry Schweid
Washington Post
April 26 2006
WASHINGTON — President Ilham Aliev of Azerbaijan opened a three-day
visit to the United States on Wednesday by saying he would not
allow his country to be used by the U.S. for any operations against
neighboring Iran.
Aliev, scheduled to meet with President Bush on Friday, cited a
“very clear” agreement with Iran that the two countries would not
permit their territory to be used for operations against the other.
His visit comes at a time of rising U.S. tensions with Iran over its
nuclear program, and Aliev said he would remain at arms’ length from
that conflict.
“Azerbaijan will not be engaged in any kind of potential operation
against Iran,” he said in remarks at the private Council on Foreign
Relations.
The Caspian nation, which shares a border with Iran and Russia, is
strategically important to the U.S. because of its location and its
role in supplying the West with oil.
Azerbaijan wants to remain an “island of stability” in the region,
Aliev said. At the same time, he said Azerbaijan had sent troops
to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, and would “do its best to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder” with the United States on security.
The president, who took office in October 2003, has the potential to
be an intermediary between the Bush administration and Iran. Iranian
Defense Minister Mustafa Mohammad Najjar, on a visit to Baku last
week, said Aliev could use his talks in Washington to “explain”
Iran’s views to the United States.
Aliev said he did not think Iran would be a “major aspect” of his
talks in Washington, which are due to include a meeting with Vice
President Dick Cheney. But he said “if the question of regional
security arises we will discuss it.”
Azerbaijan is committed to peace in the region, he said. “We need to
try to provide peace and stability.”
“At this time,” he said, “it is best to concentrate on a peaceful
resolution” of the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programs, which the
United States and European allies say seek development of a nuclear
bomb.
On another issue, Aliev conceded there was need for political reform
in his country, a former Soviet republic that became independent 16
years ago. Referring to Azerbaijan’s energy boom, Aliev said “economic
reform without political reform will lead to severe problems.” He
said his country was moving forward on both fronts.
Human rights groups have criticized the nation for restricting
political and human rights and questioned whether U.S. criticism
would be muted due to Azerbaijan’s role in supplying the West with oil.
Freedom House on Tuesday said Azerbaijan restricts political and human
rights and is among the lowest-ranked countries in the private rights
group’s annual surveys.
“President Bush has made democracy promotion a priority of his
presidency,” Freedom House executive director Jennifer Windsor said
in a statement. “His upcoming meeting with President Aliev presents
an important opportunity for him to discuss Azerbaijan’s democracy
deficit.”
Aliev, in response to questions Wednesday, rejected the description
of his government as a “regime” and said, “We have all the major
freedoms.”
In his remarks, Aliev spoke most about a dispute with Armenia over the
Nagorno-Karabakh enclave of Azerbaijian. Ethnic Armenian forces occupy
the region, in what Aliev called an occupation. He said Azerbaijan’s
recovery of the territory was not subject to negotiations.
Photo: Azerbaijani President, then Prime Minister, Ilham Aliev,
speaks to the media in Baku, Azerbaijan, in this Monday, Oct. 13,
2003 file photo. As the starting point for a pipeline that will pump
1 million barrels of oil a day to Western markets, the former Soviet
republic Azerbaijan has long ranked as a strategic foothold for the
United States in the Caspian Sea region. But it’s the shared border
with Iran, where up to 30 million ethnic Azeris live, that has earned
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev an invitation to the White House
this week, analysts say. Aliev leaves Tuesday for a three-day visit on
the invitation of President George W. Bush. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky,
File) (Efrem Lukatsky – AP).

EBRD TO IMPLEMENT MORTGAGE CREDITING PROGRAM JOINTLY WITH ARMECONOMBANK
Noyan Tapan
Apr 26 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 26, NOYAN TAPAN. The European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD) will allocate funds for Armeconombank to
implement mortgage crediting. NT correspondent was informed at
Armeconombank that negotiations on the program’s implementation are
underway. It is envisaged that the two banks will sign a respective
agreement in late May.

TURKEY DISAGREES WITH SOME OF BUSH STATEMENT ON ARMENIAN ANNIVERSARY
Anatolia news agency
25 Apr 06
Ankara, 25 April: “It is not possible for Turkey to share some
expressions of US President George Bush in his statement released
on 24 April. On the other hand, the reference to creation of joint
commissions is positive,” said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman
Namik Tan on Tuesday [25 April].
Replying a question about President Bush’s statement on so-called
Armenian genocide anniversary, Tan said: “President Bush displayed
his regular attitude of releasing a written statement on ‘Armenian
remembrance day’ on 24 April this year as well. It is not possible
for Turkey to share some assessments in the statement.”
“History can only be written and assessed on the basis of official
documents. The resource is the archives,” he noted.
“Controversial part of Turkish-Armenian joint history can only be
researched on scientific aspect, and the assessments can be made
under the results of these researches,” he added.
Tan said: “Thus, Turkey’s proposal (to Armenia) to investigate
incidents before and after 1915 by a joint history commission (and to
share results with people) can enlighten this period of history and
normalize the relations between the two countries, and this initiative
should be supported.”
US President George Bush said in his statement (released on 24 April):
“Today, we remember one of the horrible tragedies of the 20th century
– the mass killings and forced exile of as many as 1.5m Armenians
in the final days of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. This was a tragedy
for all humanity and one that we and the world must never forget. We
mourn this terrible chapter of history and recognize that it remains
a source of pain for people in Armenia and for all those who believe
in freedom, tolerance, and the dignity and value of every human
life. We encourage dialogues, including through joint commissions,
that strive for a shared understanding of these tragic events and
move Armenia and Turkey towards normalized relations.”

TERRY DAVIS: I SEE NO SERIOUS PROBLEM IN ARMENIA-COUNCIL OF EUROPE RELATIONS
ArmRadio.am
26.04.2006 14:10
Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis declared in
his interview to MEDIAMAX Agency that he does not see any problem in
Armenia-Council of Europe relations.
“Sometimes I’m surprised with the fact that we are constantly searching
for problems. Sure, there are certain phenomena in Armenia, which
we would like to see changed. We call on Armenia to do everything
possible to “reach” the rest of Europe. From time to time we have to
tell our friends from Armenia that we still expect accomplishment of
this or that obligation. It is useful.
Therefore, I see no serious problem in Armenia-Council of Europe
relations,” Terry Davis declared.

REMEMBERBING THE ARMENIANS
Amy Lee / The Detroit News
Detroit News, MI
April 24, 2006
Service marks 1915-23 genocide
Photo: The Rev. Daron Stepanian prepares to enter the ceremony,
which was attended by 600 people. The genocide claimed more than 1.5
million lives. See full image
Photo: Allan Foord of Garden City attends the service to learn more
about the genocide. See full image
Photo: Souren Aprahamian, from left, Simon Tashjian, Sarkis Demirjian
and Olive Mooradian are some of the 10 survivors of the Armenian
genocide in Metro Detroit at the Sunday ceremony at St. John’s Armenian
Church Hall in Southfield.
Spiritual reflection mixed with calls for recognition during a
somber ceremony marked the 91st anniversary of Armenian genocide,
an eight-year campaign by Turkey’s Ottoman Empire that killed 1.5
million people of Armenian descent.
On today’s date 91 years ago, members of the Ottoman Turkish
government arrested and executed 200 Armenian community leaders in
Constantinople, marking the beginning of an extermination program
that eventually claimed more than 1.5 million lives between 1915 and
1923. The Turkish government denies that the mass murders were part
of a government-backed campaign.
About 600 people, including 10 survivors who live in Metro Detroit,
reflected with prayers and by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and
“Mer Hayrenik,” the national anthem of Armenia, during a service at
St. John’s Armenian Church Hall in Southfield on Sunday.
U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township, was the keynote
speaker; Knollenberg co-chairs the Armenian Congressional Caucus.
There are about 40,000 people of Armenian descent in Michigan and
1 million nationwide, according to a study issued last year by the
Armenian Research Center/University of Michigan-Dearborn.
The group mourned the victims and underscored the need to educate
the world about the genocide and its aftermath.
“Historically, there hasn’t been enough recognition that it really
happened, so they’re very dependent on the oral history from people
who were actually there,” said Gloria Baykian, whose mother, Rose,
fled Armenia as a child in 1909 when the clampdown on Armenians was
picking up steam.
Baykian and 26 others were honored on a list of survivors at St.
John’s. The 10 survivors at the ceremony received a standing ovation
from the congregation during the commemoration, said Christopher
Korkoian, co-master of the ceremony.
The present-day Republic of Turkey denies that a genocide took place,
and the United States has thus far refused to recognize the actions
as a genocide. France, Argentina, Greece and Russia, however, have
officially recognized the campaign against Armenians.
“This is one of the most important days for our culture and our
history. They were martyrs,” Korkoian said. “Our ancestors fought for
survival, but their numbers are getting smaller as time passes. Now
we’re fighting to make sure no one forgets or denies that anything
even happened. It’s something we are never going to forget.”
icle?AID=/20060424/METRO/604240311/1003

TODAY IS A DAY TO REMEMBER, THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
ABC 7, CA
April 24, 2006
An estimated 1.5 million Armenians died between 1915 and 1923 in the
waning days of Turkey’s Ottoman Empire
Flags will fly at half staff in West Hollywood today to honor Armenian
victims of genocide.
An estimated 1.5 million Armenians died between 1915 and 1923 in the
waning days of Turkey’s Ottoman Empire.
Today is the 91st anniversary of what many Armenians consider the
start of the genocide, when Turkish authorities arrested two hundred
Armenian community leaders.
The Turkish government says allegations of genocide have never
been proven.
Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy, in response to the Public Broadcasting
Service documentary “Armenian Genocide,” said last week that
“Armenian allegations of genocide have never been historically or
legally substantiated.”
The West Hollywood City Council has passed a resolution “condemning
the human rights violations of the Turkish government,” according to
City Councilman Jeffrey Prang’s office. The resolution was introduced
by Prang and Councilwoman Abbe Land.

ARMENIAN PM DENOUNCES GENOCIDE MASTERMINDED BY OTTOMAN TURKEY TOP OFFICIALS AS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
April 24 2006
YEREVAN, April 24. /ARKA/. The Genocide masterminded by Ottoman Turkey
top officials, in essence, is a crime against humanity, Armenian
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan said in his national address on
91st anniversary of Armenian Genocide.
Armenian Government press service told ARKA News Agency the premier
said in his address that every year on this day Armenians worldwide
remember and honor thousands of innocent victims.
Margaryan pointed out that this fact has been left unrecognized and
uncondemned long years laying favorable ground for new genocides.
The PM said Armenia considers genocide prevention by displaying
international political will a top-priority issue and welcomes many
countries joint efforts to resist such crimes.
The premier said Turkey remains adamant in denying facts and
suppressing the truth. He thinks this stance taken by Turkey not
only hampers good relations in the region and is leaving room for
new crimes in atmosphere of impunity.
“Marking 15th anniversary of declaration of Armenia’s independence
this year, we realize very clearly that international community’s
efforts are not enough to prevent such a thing in the future”,
Margaryan said. He finds it necessary to unite the whole national
capacity to strengthen Armenia state system with its democratic values.
The 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide orchestrated by Ottoman Turkey’s
leadership is the first genocide of XX century. Half a million
Armenians were slain in Western Armenia, which was a part of Turkey
then.
The fact of Armenian Genocide has been officially admitted by
Uruguay, Russia, France, Lower House of Italian Parliament, many of
the U.S.A. states, parliaments of Greece, Cyprus, Argentina, Belgium,
Wales, Switzerland’s National Committee Canadian Parliament’s Community
Chamber and Polish Seim.