Author: Dabaghian Diana

Presidents of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh meet in Stepanakert

armradio.am
08.05.2008 16:13

The Armenian delegation headed by RA President Serzh Sargsyan arrived
in Stepanakert today to participate in the celebrations dedicated to
the Victory Day, the day of formation of the NKR Defense Army and the
anniversary of liberation of Shoushi, President’s Press Office informed
Mediamax.

Today Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with NKR President Bako Sahakyan. A
broad framework of issues of mutual interest was discussed.

AsiaNews.it, Italy
May 7 2008

Pope: an "ecumenical" general audience, also present the head of the
Armenian Church

Benedict XVI wanted beside him Karekin II, who is paying a visit to
the Holy See. An exchange of greetings highlights hope in the journey
toward full unity. This evening, the concert of the philharmonic
orchestra of Beijing. The Chinese embassy relates the event to the
Olympics and to an "improvement" in relations with the Vatican. A new
appeal for solidarity toward Myanmar.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The hope for Christian unity marked today’s
general audience, characterised by the presence, beside the pope, of
the head of the Armenian Church, the "catholikos" Karekin II, who is
paying a visit to the Holy See.

The entire audience thus bore a strongly ecumenical imprint. The pope
welcomed Karekin with an embrace in front of the basilica, and wanted
him beside him for the entire duration of the audience, which began
with an exchange of greetings between Benedict XVI and Karekin. The
prayer for Christian unity thus resounded in the words of Benedict XVI
and of the catholikos. The pope in particular emphasised the
"excellent relations" between the two Churches, and said that he is
sure that "the spirit of John Paul II is praying for unity".

The presence of the catholikos of the Armenians, who was accompanied
by 18 bishops and by a group of the faithful, is situated in fact in
the context of a progressive reconciliation between the two Churches,
which began at the start of the Vatican Council and received a strong
impulse during the pontificate of John Paul II, who visited the
country in 2001. Karekin recalled this, emphasising "common prayers"
to the Holy Spirit so that "the steps" toward full unity may
continue. "We are all children of the one Father, and we are all
brothers and sisters". Making a reference to the theological
differences between Catholics and Armenians, Karekin added that
"intolerance and conflicts cannot be permitted within our Churches".
Incomprehension and terrorism, he continued, sow distress in the
world, especially in the Middle East. Recalling the genocide of the
Armenians and the sufferings of his people, he concluded by
maintaining that in truth and in the unity of Christians, there is
hope for peace. Another embrace with the pope and a heartrending
Armenian song concluded this first part of the audience.

Repeating what he had said in his greeting to Karekin, Benedict XVI,
addressing the 40,000 people present in Saint Peter’s Square, spoke of
his "joy" at the possibility of welcoming the head of the Armenian
Church. "His presence", he continued, "revives within us our hope for
the unity of all Christians". The pope then recalled "the
unforgettable visit made" by Karekin to Rome in 2000, immediately
after his election. "In meeting with him, John Paul II gave him an
extraordinary relic of Saint John the Illuminator", a "father" of that
Church whose "commitment to dialogue" he emphasised. Benedict XVI
said that he is "certain that the current visit will contribute to
intensifying the relations that exist between our Churches", and to
"advancing hope along the road of ecumenism". The Lord, he added,
"never abandons us on our journey", and in our "efforts to overcome
every laceration in the living fabric of the Church".

Benedict XVI then gave thanks "for the accomplishments reached in this
journey that leads to the full communion of all the disciples of
Christ", and he finally repeated his exhortation to prayer for unity
that he addressed to Catholics during his recent visit to the United
States.

The pope’s schedule today, which was marked this morning by a step
along the journey for Christian unity, will in a certain sense have a
follow-through this evening. For the first time, and orchestra of the
People’s Republic of China, the China Philharmonic Orchestra of
Beijing, will hold a concert in the Vatican, in the presence of
Benedict XVI himself.

It is an event whose true impact is difficult to evaluate, and which
the political and press office of the Chinese embassy in Rome has
described in this way: "this performance is an initiative of cultural
exchange, we hope to express with music the enthusiasm and expectation
of the Chinese people for the Olympics of Beijing, we hope that music
may constitute a bridge of mutual understanding and communication
between the East and West. It will be our pleasure if this
performance may contribute a positive influence to the improvement of
China-Vatican relations".

At the end of the audience, the pope finally renewed his appeal before
the "cry of suffering and for help from the dear population of
Myanmar", renewing his exhortation "to open [our] heart to pity, and
to generosity "toward those who can alleviate the sufferings" of the
population.

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Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
May 5 2008

Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors in Georgia to Meet in Central
Election Commission
05.05.08 13:05

Georgia, Tbilisi / Trend News corr. N.Kirtskhalia / On 5 May, a
meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors will be held in the
Central Election Commission (CEC) in Georgia. According to CEC, the
Ambassadors will get acquainted with the situation of Azerbaijanis and
Armenians thickly populated in Georgia.

Ambassadors are interested to hold the free and democratic elections
in the regions and also to remove the pressure on Azerbaijani and
Armenian origin Georgian citizens.

Several incidents have already been observed in the Azerbaijanis and
Armenians residing regions and supporters of different political
forces.

The electorate registration process will also finish on 5 May.

On 21 May, the parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia.

The Messenger, Georgia
May 5 2008

Armenian oil refinery project to cost USD 2 billion

By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)
Monday, May 5

The construction of a new oil refinery in Armenia will cost USD 2
billion, according to Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsesyan.

The refinery, which will be built in Megri, on the Iranian border,
will process 7.5 million tons of oil annually, the news agency Regnum
reports.

The project is being jointly undertaken by Armenia, Iran and Russia
and will process Iranian oil.

ARMENIA AND ITALY EXCHANGE DEEDS OF CONVENTION ON DOUBLE TAXATION
EXCLUSION AND TAX EVASION PREVENTION

YEREVAN, MAY 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The ceremony of the exchange of the deeds
of the Convention between the Armenian and Italian Governments on
Exclusion of Double Taxation with respect to Income and Property Taxes
and Prevention of Tax Evasion, which was signed in Rome on June 14,
2002, took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Armenia on May 5.

According to a press release of the RA MFA Press and Information
Department, the RA deputy foreign minister Arman Kirakosian and the
Italian ambassador to Armenia Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli exchanged the
deeds.

Under the Convention, it takes effect from the day of the exchange of
the deeds, and its provisions will be in force:

a) with respect to taxes at source – regarding the sums received on
January 1st or after January 1st of the calendar year following the
year of the Convention’s taking effect,

b) with respect to other income or property taxes – regarding taxes to
be paid in any tax period that starts on January 1st or after January
1st of the calendar year following the year of the Convention’s taking
effect.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS LEAVES FOR VATICAN AT INVITATION OF POPE
BENEDICT XVI

ETCHMIADZIN, MAY 6, NOYAN TAPAN. At the invitation of His Holiness Pope
Benedict XVI, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II left for the
Vatican, NT was informed by the press service of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.

On May 6-9, His Holiness Karekin II will meet with Pope Benedict XVI,
the president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promotion of
Christian Unity Walter Cardinal Kasper, and will visit the Salesian
University. The Supreme Patriarch will take part in a conference on
Armenian Holy Liturgy at the Eastern University on May 8.

An ecumenical ceremony will be held with the participation of Benedict
XVI and Karekin II.

Catholicos of All Armenians will meet with members of the Armenian
community of Italy on May 10-13. At the end of the visit, he will go to
the island of San Lazzaro (Saint Lazarus) near Venice to have a meeting
with the Mechitarist Congregation.

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
May 6 2008

Mubariz Ahmedoghlu: "Armenia purchases Iran’s cheap fuel for its
military technique from the US-allocated funds"

06 May 2008 [16:55] – Today.Az

Currently the parameters of the Armenian armed forces in the occupied
lands of Azerbaijan can be considered as terror groups, prepared for
conduction of partisan war.

The due announcement was made by Mubariz Ahmedoghlu, head of the
center for political innovations and technologies, at a traditional
monthly press conference.

"Some groups will hold partisan war in woods and mountains, other
groups in big cities of Azerbaijan and the third for conduction of
terror acts against pipelines, passing via Azerbaijan", said he.

The political scientist noted that he made such conclusions on the
basis of articles and information, printed in the Armenian mass media,
as well as on the basis of comments of one or two Russian military
experts, working with Armenian armed forces.

He said the detainment of four Armenian servicemen in Azerbaijan is a
proof of his words and Armenians are preparing a terror attack.

"Armenian armed forces receive financial aid from the United States,
Russia and Iran. How can Armenia substantiate receipt of aid from
countries, opposing each other in the world arena? The matter is not
an annual aid, the United States provide to Azerbaijan and
Armenia. Each month the United States provide financial aid to various
powers of Armenia, which in the end are used for the armed forces",
said he.

At the same time, the political scientist considers that Armenia is
not able to ensure fuel for military techniques for participation in
various trainings, conducted in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan.

"So where do they take fuel for military technique if Armenia is short
of fuel? Obviously, it purchases it from Iran from US-allocated
funds. This means that Armenia, purchases cheap fuel from Iran from
the US allocated funds for its military technique", said he.

He considers that this is paradoxical as the United States, combating
terrorism throughout the world, promote development of terror groups
in Armenia. According to Ahmedoghlu, the developments allow to propose
that the proofs of all stated above will appear in the next 2-3
months.

/Day.Az/

URL:

GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SPIRITUAL INFORMATION

Panorama.am
14:39 05/05/2008

Have you questions to the priest? Write to the e-mail address
[email protected] and the clergy will willingly answer all
questions interesting you. It is according to this principle that
the website continues to function already for 5 years.

"AZD Production" has elaborated and shaped the websites
and of Araratian Patriarchal
Diocese according to new design having both ecclesiastical and
meanwhile modern solutions. The website functions with the blessing
of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan
already for 10 years. And the website functions only
for 5 years and however, during that period it has been useful to
Armenians and foreigners living in more than 32 countries throughout
the world. Author of the program is Eliza Manukian, Responsible for
the Press Department of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese. Sponsors of
the program are Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Irina Haroutunian.

Presently the websites and of
Araratian Patriarchal Diocese suggest the visitors a number of very
important and useful innovations.

– Church Calendar It is known that according to the Armenian Apostolic
Church Calendar the dates of many church feasts are not fixed and are
changeable, that is – each year they are celebrated or commemorated
on various days. From now on visiting the websites visitors may know
the date of any feast up to the year of 2030. The websites contain
the church feast dates and their descriptions in Armenian, Russian
and English Languages.

– Bible in One Year For being acquainted with the Holy Bible and
studying it we suggest you reading it divided into equal parts.

That is, we suggest you a special program of studying the Holy Bible
thanks to which it is possible to read every day the daily passage
and in the end of the year to finish the reading and the study of
the Holy Bible.

In case of questions arising during the study of the Holy Bible please
don’t hesitate to turn to the e-mail address [email protected].

– Hymns and songs sung during the Divine Liturgy The hymns and songs
sung during the Divine Liturgy are presented in the websites. The
hymns and songs are sung by the Choir "Hover"

– Audio reports of spiritual nature in MP3 format This innovation
provides the chance of listening to the reports of spiritual nature
installed in the website.

– Photo reports

Diocesan news, the activity of the Youth Association are elucidated
not only by means of articles, but also photo reports and series.

– Questions In this section any person may participate in voting
concerning any topic of spiritual nature. Voting results are summarized
by the clergy, psychologists, as well as specialists of other fields
who provide analyses on the topics under discussion.

– Articles In this section interesting articles and analyses on
spiritual topics are presented.

– Links to other useful spiritual sites Possibility to become
acquainted with other useful spiritual websites.

– Search system Possibility to find in the website any topic
interesting the visitors.

It is proper to remind that in 2006 the websites
and of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese won the grand prizes
in the All-Armenian e-Content Award Competition in the nominations
of El-inclusion and El-design. The competition was organized under
the auspices the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Besides the above mentioned innovations the clergy continue to
answer the questions interesting the visitors by means of the website

Answers and questions to them, interviews on various topics with the
clergymen and public, political figures, intellectuals, scientists and
artists are installed in the website The sections of
announcements, diocesan news and spiritual literature are periodically
refreshed.

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, NAGORNO-KARABAKH SETTLEMENT ARMENIA’S FOREIGN-POLICY PRIORITIES

ARKA
May 4, 2008

YEREVAN, May 4. /ARKA/. The development of partnership with friendly
states and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are
Armenia’s foreign policy priorities, RA Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan stated at his meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic
missions.

Armenia will continue making effective steps to intensify its relations
with friendly nations. Specifically, the country will develop its
partnership with Russia and the USA, Nalbandyan said.

The Press and Information Department, RA Foreign Office, reports that
during the meeting Minister Nalbandyan stated that the cooperation
with Europe has become one of the priorities for Armenia as well.

The Minister pointed out that Armenia attaches importance to its
relations with its immediate neighbors and is ready to make every
effort to improve its relations with the neighbors with which it
still has problems.

Nalbandyan singled out Armenia’s relations with the countries that
have diplomatic missions in Armenia.

The Minister stated that the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict remains a major priority of Armenia’s foreign policy. He
re-affirmed the country’s willingness to continue negotiations within
the OSCE Minsk Group.

Speaking of relations with Turkey, the Minister re-affirmed
Armenia’s willingness to develop its relations with Turkey without
any preconditions.

As regards Armenia’s cooperation with international organizations,
Nalbandyan pointed out that Armenia will develop its cooperation with
the UN, OSCE and CE and other international organizations.

In conclusion, Minister Nalbandyan pointed out the Armenian Diaspora’s
important role in developing friendly relations with Armenia and
other countries.

Armenian authorities fulfill demands of PACE Resolution on
fortification of democratic institutions, deputy from Prosperous
Armenia party thinks

2008-05-04 17:13:00

ArmInfo. The ruling political coalition of Armenia has enough will to
fulfill the demands of the PACE Resolution on fortification of the
democratic institutions, deputy from the Prosperous Armenia party
faction, Naira Zohrabyan, said at the traditional parliamentary
briefing today. She is sure that at the June PACE session Armenia will
perfectly present fulfillment process of the demands and avoid
sanctions.

She also added that the PACE demands were fixed earlier in the
Memorandum on setting up of the ruling coalition. It says, in
particular, about importance of raising trust in the election
processes, creation of a wide field for the political opposition and
ensuring of freedom of press.