Author: Chmshkian Vicken

A1plus
| 15:18:17 | 24-05-2005 | Culture |
ANDRANIK DANCING GROUP TO DEPART FOR BURGAS
May 30 folk festival with the participation of groups from 40 states will be
held in the Bulgarian town of Burgas. Armenia will be represented by
Andranik dancing group of the Gyumri-based national art center.
The dancing group has functioned for about 10 years already. It gave
performances both in Armenia and abroad. In 2004 it became the winner of One
Nation. One culture festival. Due to this success the it was decided to send
the group to Burgas.
Andranik has prepared 11 dancing performances and 2 songs. According to a
report of Tsayg TV Company, in September the group will leave on a tour for
France.

Pan Armenian News
ARMENIA FOR NORMAL RELATIONS BETWEEN COUNTRIES OF REGION
24.05.2005 05:46
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ May 23 the Armenian delegation headed by Chairman of the
National Assembly Artur Baghdasarian arrived in Belgium within an official
visit to the Benelux countries, reported the Press Service of the Armenian
Parliament. The delegation included representatives of the main political
forces of the country, including the three parties forming the ruling
coalition, as well as Justice opposition bloc. In the course of the meeting
with representatives of EU diplomatic missions, including those of Turkey,
Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and others, NGOs, as well as Eurasia
Foundation, the Open Society Institute and a number of European structures
urgent topics of the Armenian political agenda were touched upon. The
parties discussed the democratization of the country, the problem of Nagorno
Karabakh settlement and relations with Turkey. `Armenia comes for
establishment of normal relations between all countries of the region,’ the
Armenian Speaker said, when addressing those present. `The creation of an
Interparliamentary Assembly of the South Caucasus based on the already
existing South Caucasian Parliamentary Initiative can become the
contribution of the Parliaments into that affair,’ Baghdasarian continued,
adding that the formation of a structure of the kind will allow arrangement
of a dialogue over establishment and development of political, economic,
scientific and cultural ties. Touching upon the Nagorno Karabakh problem he
noted that Armenia comes for its peaceful solution via talks and
compromises. In his turn member of Justice opposition faction Aram G.
Sargsian stated that `the people of Nagorno Karabakh has started struggle to
attain independence from Azerbaijan and used all rights corresponding to
international norms to that end, thus another status is not acceptable to
it.’ `Compromises are indispensable, as many new problems appeared during
the process – there was a war, problems of refugees, territories appeared –
mutual concessions are possible in that circle.’ In the course of the
meeting a representative of the Turkish Embassy in the EU tries to connect
the issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border with `Armenia not
recognizing the borders of Turkey and touching upon the topic of Western
Armenia in its Constitution.’ The Armenian Speaker emphasized that there is
no mentioning of that in the Armenian Constitution and advised that the
Turkish diplomat study the Organic Law of Armenia by means of the Internet.
`We consider that the relations with Turkey should be normalized without
preconditions and we should live in peace, face the future and take care of
our descendants,’ Baghdasarian noted adding that Armenia is not against
Turkey’s accession to the EU, however it comes against application of double
standards, Regnum news agency reported.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS VISITS OURMIA AND MEETS WITH THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
His Holiness spent the second day of his official visit to the Diocese of
Adrpatakan, by visiting the various Armenian-populated regions of the
diocese. After visiting the historic province of Salmasd, His Holiness went
to Ourmia, where he was greeted by a large number of Armenians.
Students, youth, adults and old people gathered at the newly built St.
Stepanos Armenian Church to welcome His Holiness. The spiritual leaders of
sister churches, including those of Assyrian, Chaldean and evangelical
churches, as well as senior officials from the region also greeted His
Holiness.
The primate of the diocese delivered the opening remarks, welcoming His
Holiness Aram I. The Pontiff spoke about the thriving spiritual life of the
Armenians of Ourmia and commended them for holding on to their church. He
considered that the newly built church is the “tangible expression” of this
attachment to the church.
“This church will flourish through you, through the dedication and faith you
bring to it. Our nation has everywhere, even after barely surviving the
Genocide, built churches before building houses, so it could gather around
them, be strengthened by them and survive through them,” said His Holiness.
The Catholicos also spoke about the dedication and the contribution of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia to the spiritual needs of the Armenian people.
“Antelias is not a far away place. Rather, through its service, it is right
here, close to you. It is not only a spiritual center; it’s a prayer
transformed to service. It waters your personal and familial lives with the
word of God and with our national traditions,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness praised benefactors Mr. Edig Metchloumian and his wife Mrs.
Sandra, who contributed to building the new church in memory of their
parents.
A luncheon dedicated to His Holiness was organized in the church’s hall. His
Holiness praised the work and activities of the church and community and
advised them to always aim at getting better. Aram I returned to Tehran in
the evening.
The same evening The Armenian Embassy in Iran hosted dinner in honor of His
Holiness. The ambassadors of France, Britain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine,
Jordan, Argentine, Sweden, Poland, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Zimbabwe,
Cuba and a number of other countries were also invited to the event.
After the welcoming note of the Ambassador of Armenia, Mr. Garen Nazarian,
His Holiness pointed out some of the challenges the international community
faces today and highlighted the possibilities of cooperation between
religions and cultures.
“We are colleagues as religions and nations. We will live not side-by-side,
but together in this small world,” emphasized His Holiness.
His Holiness called for the strengthening of Armenia, its economic growth
and the enhancement of cooperation between different states. He also asked
about questions regarding the current situation of Lebanon.
His Holiness also spoke about the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
as “a stage in the struggle for ensuring the violated rights of the Armenian
people.”
The Catholicos mentioned that the countries of the world continue to
recognize the Armenian Genocide.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

EurasiaNet Organization
May 23 2005
AZERBAIJAN’S POLITICAL TEMPERATURE RISES AS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION
CAMPAIGN LOOMS
Khadija Ismailova and Shahin Abbasov 5/23/05
Two principles seem to guide Bush administration foreign policy – an
intent to open up international energy markets and a desire to
promote democratic values around the globe. These two notions appear
to be on a collision course in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich state in the
Caucasus where the risk of risk of political violence is growing.
The last half of this year promises to be eventful in Baku. The main
pillar of the country’s long-range economic development effort – the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline – is expected to become operational in
late 2005, around the same time parliamentary elections are held in
November. Already, there are indications that the election could
prove tumultuous. Political uncertainty, in turn, could cloud the
pipeline’s prospects for a smooth launch.
Opposition parties have become increasingly active in 2005, clearly
emboldened by the revolutionary trend in the former Soviet Union that
has produced regime change in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan over
the past 18 months. On May 21, an opposition coalition sponsored a
demonstration, calling for guarantees of a free-and-fair legislative
vote. The Azerbaijani government refused to sanction the rally, and
police used force to break it up. Dozens were injured in the
confrontation, including several journalists covering the event who
were wearing special vests designed to identify them as members of
the press and thus protect them from harassment. Arrest estimates
ranged from 45 to 149.
Before being set upon by club wielding riot police, some opposition
demonstrators could be seen holding portraits of US President George
W. Bush. During a May 10 speech in capital of neighboring Georgia,
Bush indicated that the United States would back democratic change in
all former Soviet states. “Across the Caucasus, in Central Asia and
the broader Middle East, we see the same desire for liberty burning
in the hearts of young people. They are demanding their freedom —
and they will have it,” Bush told the crowd assembled on Tbilisi’s
Freedom Square. “We are living in historic times when freedom is
advancing, from the Black Sea to the Caspian.” In organizing the Baku
rally for fair elections, opposition leaders seemed to be acting on
Bush’s Tbilisi’s comments.
One of the explanations given by local authorities in refusing to
grant the opposition permission to assemble was a desire to maintain
stability in the capital in advance of the opening ceremony for the
BTC pipeline, scheduled for May 25. The event is expected to draw
dignitaries, including US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, from
around the world. The extent of force used by police, however, puts
foreign diplomats and corporate representative in a difficult spot
for the BTC ceremony. Some may end up staying away from the event out
of concern that an appearance would be seen as an endorsement for the
suppression of right to freedom of assembly.
The incident puts the Bush administration in an especially awkward
position. As a key backer of the BTC project, Washington has
developed a close strategic relationship with Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev’s administration. US officials have energetically
promoted stabilization initiatives in recent months, including a
diplomatic push to break the stalemate in the talks between
Azerbaijan and Armenia on a Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. [For
background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. A stable political
environment is needed to help BTC realize its economic potential,
many observers say.
The aggressive tactics adopted by Azerbaijan’s opposition seem sure
to raise the country’s political temperature, running counter to the
US desire for regional tranquility surrounding the BTC launch. Yet,
given the Bush White House’s messianic advocacy of democratic values,
US officials cannot appear to discourage the Azerbaijani opposition’s
quest for a free-and-fair vote. A US Embassy statement, issued after
the rally was suppressed, expressed regret over the police use of
force in Baku, adding that American officials will closely monitor
events. “We urge the Azerbaijani government to respect the democratic
freedoms of the people,” the statement said.
In comments made prior to the May 21 rally, Ali Hasanov, an advisor
to Aliyev, insisted that the Azerbaijani government is committed to
democratization. “We think this [democratization] is normal,” Hasanov
said in comments broadcast May 21 by Space TV. “Azerbaijan has chosen
the way of evolution. Some states have chosen the way of revolution,
and that is their own business.”
Opposition leaders characterized the May 21 rally as a success, and
gave every indication that the use of confrontational tactics would
continue. “Although hundreds of people were arrested and injured,
these people brought the victory of democracy even closer,” said Isa
Gambar, leader of the opposition Musavat Party was quoted as saying
in the May 22 edition of the Yeni Musavat newspaper.
Another opposition leader, the Popular Front reformist wing’s Ali
Karimli, said the demonstration was “more effective than we had
planned.” He added that the rally offered confirmation that
“Azerbaijani authorities are ready to rig the elections and that they
have no respect for human rights,” Yeni Musavat reported.
The Azerbaijani government’s image has taken a beating since the
October 2003 presidential election, and the ensuing crackdown on the
Aliyev administration’s political opponents. [For background see the
Eurasia Insight archive]. International monitors found numerous flaws
in the conduct and the results of the 2003 vote, in which Aliyev
secured his own political mandate, succeeding his father, Heidar, who
died in December of the same year. [For background see the Eurasia
Insight archive].
On May 11, the younger Aliyev took action designed to improve the
country’s electoral image, issuing a decree to make the
ballot-counting process more transparent. A week later, government
officials and opposition representatives agreed to a code of conduct
governing the upcoming campaign. In the so-called “Consensus of
Behavior” document, both sides pledged to observe democratic norms.
Prior to May 21 incident, officials sought to persuade opposition
leaders to postpone the demonstration until mid June. Opposition
leaders dismissed the proposal, saying that such a postponement would
greatly reduce their ability to influence the debate on possible
amendments to the country’s election code. Parliament is expected to
take up the issue in early June.
In the aftermath of the May 21 incident, both sides’ commitment to
the code of conduct seems in doubt. Officials and opposition leaders
have traded accusations that the other side was the first to violate
the agreement. “The ink on the “Consensus of Behavior” agreement …
was hardly dry when the police wielded their truncheons [to break up]
a peaceful manifestation,” complained Fuad Mustafayev, the Popular
Front’s deputy chairman. Mustafayev maintained that the opposition
was determined to promote changes to the electoral code.
A spokesman for the governing Yeni Azerbaijan party, Husein Pashayev,
seemed equally determined not to give in to opposition pressure. “The
government of Azerbaijan is not that weak so that it should [alter]
its position just because of rally of some radical groups,” Pashayev
said.
“After the acts of violence performed by opposition in October of
2003 we had no confidence that they (opposition activists) will not
destroy public order in the city,” Pashayev said. “The fact that
opposition parties did not agree … to postpone their rally until
late June shows that they are keen to create troubles.”
Pashayev hinted ominously that international organizations played a
role in organizing the opposition rally. However, he declined to
identify any foreign entity under suspicion of assisting anti-Aliyev
forces. Meanwhile, Mustafayev dismissed the notion that opposition
parties received assistance from foreign “donors.” At the same time,
he indicated that opposition leaders had contacts and shared
information with foreign organizations, noting that all such
interaction was driven by a common interest in “freedom of speech,
freedom of assembly and fair elections, which are the basis of any
democracy.”
In addition to the US Embassy statement on the May 21 clash, the
European Union and the OSCE office in Baku also criticized the
behavior of Baku police. Andreas Herkel, the co-raporteur of the
Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe, said the “practice of banning mass actions must be
abolished.”
The US and EU commitment to democratic reforms is sure to be put to
the test in Azerbaijan in the coming months. The Azerbaijani
opposition appears determined to push the government on the election
issue. Aliyev administration officials seem to view the opposition
activists more as rabble rousers than democracy advocates. Thus, the
stage is set for fresh, and potentially more violent confrontation as
the election campaign progresses.
Some political analysts in Baku believe the government is committed
to retaining power at any cost, describing as “just words” the Aliyev
administration’s rhetoric on the need for free elections. “The
government possesses the tools to ban demonstrations, and change
election statistics,” said Rasim Musabekov, a skeptical political
analyst.
There is a good chance that the Azerbaijani government’s behavior in
the coming months could force the Bush administration, along with
European governments, to choose between the desire for stability and
a smooth launch for BTC, and the desire to promote democratic
reforms.
Editor’s Note: Shahin Abbasov and Khadija Ismailova are freelance
journalists based in Baku.

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF ARGENTINEAN CITY OF VICENTE LOPES RECOGNIZES AND
DENOUNCES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN OTTOMAN EMPIRE
YEREVAN, May 23. /ARKA/. The Municipal Council of Argentinean city of
Vicente Lopes has taken a decision recognizing and denouncing the
Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire. As the State Committee on
Organization of Events dedicated to 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide told ARKA News Agency, the document states the Municipal
council of Vicente Lopes recognizes and denounces the massacre of over
1,5 mln Armenians in Ottoman Empire in 1915. The members of the
Council also call other Municipal Councils of Buenos Aires to
recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide. L.V.–0-

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI
May 23 2005
Students learn from those who lived history
Teens write about people who experienced America’s past
By JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM
[email protected]
Greendale – They fled genocidal conditions, endured tough times on
American farms, and fought in and survived wars.

Such are the stories that Advanced Placement U.S. history students in
veteran history teacher Brian Gunn’s class at Greendale High School
have been collecting from relatives and others for a class project
called “Meeting with History.”
Instead of turning exclusively to textbooks for insight into
America’s past, Gunn has his students seek out individuals who
actually experienced various events in American history, such as the
Great Depression and World War II.
“All too often, students see history created by high-placed figures
that are far removed and remote from everyday existence,” Gunn says.
“Lost are many people who in their way and at that right moment acted
and changed the course of events, causing history.”
By dispatching students to talk to these individuals, Gunn says,
“history becomes alive.”
Students say they appreciate the assignment because it gives them an
opportunity to do research beyond library books and the Internet.
They say it also gives them a better sense of the rich history in
their own families and in the lives of people who are still here
today.
“It makes us more aware,” says Laura Briskie, 18, who presented a
paper called “Remembrances of a Farmer’s Life,” which speaks of how
her grandfather, Anthony Joseph Briskie, still resides on the same
100-acre farm just east of Ripon where he was born. It deals with how
he had to balance his education and farm chores.
“His day began around 4 a.m. and went straight through to the night,
with little to no breaks,” Briskie wrote of her grandfather, who
ultimately had to forgo college to take over the family farm.
When Derek Engebretsen, 18, asked his farming grandmother, Dorothy
Kelley, how the Great Depression changed life, she responded: “It
might have made a lot of city people frugal, but farmers were always
trying to make ends meet.”
During the protests of the 1960s, the demands of farm life left
little time for criticizing governmental actions abroad.
“They were too busy milking cows, so you’d have to schedule your
protests around that,” Engebretsen said in one of several humorous
moments of the class presentations.
Steven Blinka, 17, presented a paper about how his great-grandfather,
Nazaret Avakian, left Turkey in the 1910s, the same decade that his
three brothers and four sisters died in the fatal “death marches”
Armenians were forced to make under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
Avakian made it to America by way of Argentina via the SS France, a
cargo ship on which he assiduously avoided Turkish militiamen who had
been guarding cargo during the 17-day journey.
“Had my great-grandfather been found trying to flee the country, he
would have been executed on the spot and thrown overboard – which he
had heard happened on other vessels leaving the country,” Blinka
wrote, based on an interview with his grandfather, Samuel Avakian,
who is Avakian’s son.
The older Avakian eventually settled in Racine, where he worked at
Case Manufacturing and later Walker Manufacturing, where he was known
as “Charlie Johnson,” until his retirement in his mid-90s. He lived
to be 104.
Colin Bennett, 18, interviewed his mother, Mary Bennett, who had been
an intern for former U.S. Sen. William Proxmire of Wisconsin.
Bennett relates an anecdote that typifies the oft-celebrated
integrity of the senator.
It involves the time a constituent called with a request for some of
the dirt from Proxmire’s jogging trail.
Acting on the orders of other staffers who said it didn’t matter if
the senator had jogged on the dirt or not, his mother went out and
got some dirt the senator hadn’t jogged on. When Proxmire found out
what his staffers were up to, Bennett says, Proxmire ordered them to
be honest in filling the constituent’s request.
“She (Bennett’s mother) had to wake up at 5 a.m. the next morning and
follow the senator around to get actual dirt from his jogging trail,”
Bennett says.
Cherish Zugbaum interviewed Dave Meyers, a Vietnam veteran who found
himself involved in the war at the age of 17.
Meyers related being “somewhat bitter” about how the government
handled the conflict in Vietnam. He questions the legitimacy of the
war.
“It still, after all of these years, does not make sense to me,”
Meyers told Zugbaum. Asked for his final thoughts, Meyers said he was
“completely dismayed at the actions and decisions that are being made
in Iraq right now.”
“I feel that it is kind of like history repeating itself in a vicious
cycle,” Meyers is quoted as saying. “I often wonder and ask myself:
What did we learn from the past? We should have learned from our
mistakes instead of repeating them.”

PM CRITICIZES ARMENIAN OUTBURST
IPR Strategic Business Information Database
May 19, 2005
According to Hurriyet, addressing the second day of the Council
of Europe summit in Warsaw, Poland, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan rebuked Armenian President Robert Kocharian for raising
the issue of the alleged genocide during his speech. Stressing that
Europe could not be constructed on the basis of historical enmity,
Erdogan called on the parliaments of certain countries to evaluate
the issue in line with documents in historical achieves. In addition,
the Turkish premier met separately with European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR) head Luzius Wildhaber and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
Accompanied by his Polish counterpart Marek Belka, Erdogan also opened
a trade center build by Turkish firms in Warsaw. After completing
his contacts, Erdogan returned to Ankara last night.

NK POPULATION EXPRESSED OPINION ALREADY
A1plus
| 19:25:56 | 19-05-2005 | Politics |
During his visit to NKR Director of the CIS Institute, Russian Duma
deputy Konstantin Zatulin expressed regret that the international
community is not ready to recognize the independence of Karabakh yet.
K. Zatulin also informed that was invited to be present at the
parliamentary elections as an observer. “My visit to Karabakh is
conditioned by the desire to familiarize with the pre-election
situation. He evaluated the fact that the election campaign is
proceeding within the frames of civilized political process.
When commenting on Azerbaijan’s negative reaction to the upcoming
elections in Karabakh Zatulin said “The position of the Azeri
leadership is clear it did not undergo any changes during these
years”. In his words, the people of Karabakh have not only defended
their right of self-determination but are actively participating in
the public life and economy development. “The people of Karabakh have
already expressed their opinion”, he stated.
As for Russia’s role in the Karabakh conflict settlement K. Zatulin
noted that Russia’s principal task as the Co-Chair is to be the
guarantor for prevention of resumption of hostilities.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383, x137
Fax 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 19, 2005
AGBU MONTRÉAL ANNOUNCES PAUL & SIRVART KICHIAN CAPITAL RENOVATION FUND
Montreal, Canada – On May 1, 2005, during a special event held to
honor its former Chairman, Paul Kichian, and his wife, Sirvart, AGBU
Montreal announced the founding of the Paul & Sirvart Kichian Capital
Renovation Fund, which will be used to cover the ongoing expenses of
the newly-renovated Alex Manoogian Center. The Chapter will contribute
an estimated C$5,000 to this fund annually.
“We are proud to announce this special fund in the name of Paul and
Sirvart,” said Viken L. Attarian, AGBU Montreal Chairman. “It is our
way to honor two people who have made an incredible contribution to
our Chapter. This fund will serve to keep the Kichian legacy alive
and to maintain our newly-renovated Center in excellent condition on
an ongoing basis.” The dinner event attracted over 250 guests raising
C$25,000 in pledges and donations.
The Chapter also established Honorary Membership, with Paul and
Sirvart Kichian as the first two recipients of this distinguished
award. “Both of us are truly moved by your presence, your enthusiasm,
your generosity and by your sincere emotions,” said Mr. Kichian in
his speech. “We will forever carry AGBU and all of you in our hearts.”
Founded in 1957, AGBU Montreal is dedicated to preserving and promoting
the Armenian heritage and culture through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs within the greater Montreal region. For more
information on AGBU Montreal or to make donations to the Paul &
Sirvart Kichian Capital Renovation Fund, please call 514-748-AGBU
(2428) or email [email protected].
For more information on AGBU and its chapters around the world,
please visit
–Boundary_(ID_z/NTa45A6W4KKV5Jc/QANA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Russian military says part of its equipment from Georgia could be sent to base in Armenia
The Associated Press
05/19/05 05:38 EDT
MOSCOW (AP) – A top military officer said Thursday that some of the
equipment from Russia’s bases in Georgia could be transferred to
Armenia, where Moscow also has a military presence, the Interfax news
agency reported.
Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, chief of the Russian General Staff, said that
would help Russia reduce the timeframe for withdrawing the bases to
four years, Interfax said.
Russia and Georgia have been in tense negotiations over the base
withdrawal, which Tbilisi insist be complete by the beginning of
2008. The two sides are to hold a fresh round of negotiations on the
lingering dispute in Tbilisi on Monday.
Armenia, an impoverished, landlocked Caucasus state, is one of Moscow’s
closest allies on its southern flank.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress