Author: Ekmekjian Janet

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Feb 7 2005
VISIT OF U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE TO ANKARA ENDED
[February 07, 2005, 18:54:16]
As was informed earlier, we already informed, on February 5, having
arrived on a working visit to Ankara the US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rise has carried out meetings with the President of
Turkey Ahmed Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Rejep Tayyip Erdogan, the
Deputy Prime Minister, minister of foreign affairs Abdullah Gul, and
also with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Sergey Lavrov now visiting Ankara.
Leaving on February 6, from Ankara, Ms. Condoleezza Rice has held
together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Abdullah Gul
a press conference at the Esenboga airport.
Answering questions of journalists, K. Rice has expressed
satisfaction with visit and the carried out negotiations. She has
told: “During the meetings taken place in Ankara, we had detailed
exchange of opinions on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan,
establishment of peace and stability in the Near East, the Cyprian
problem, American – Turkish relations, membership of Turkey in the
European Union and about other regional and international problems.
Mass media of Turkey have paid special attention to the meeting
between Kondoleezza Rice and Sergey Lavrov. As known, at this
meeting, that continued about three hours, there was a conversation
on democratic processes in Russia, situation in Ukraine and Georgia,
the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, struggle against
the international terrorism, the nuclear program of Iran, cooperation
between the USA and Russia in power sector, and also about other
regional and international problems.

FONAR Installs Upright MRI in Busy Long Island, New York Medical Complex
Neurosurgeon Says Upright MRI Provided an Explanation of Patients’
Symptoms and Other Possibilities of Treatment Not Possible without It
Business Wire
Thursday February 3, 2005
MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 3, 2005– FONAR Corporation
(NASDAQ: FONR – News), The MRI Specialist(TM), announced today it has
installed an Upright(TM) MRI at Great Neck Stand-Up MRI, located at 600
Northern Boulevard in Great Neck, NewYork. The facility is located in
close proximity to three major hospitals, Long Island Jewish Medical
Center, North Shore University Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.
“We are delighted with the reception our new Upright(TM) MRI has
received,” said Michael A. Brisman, M.D., and his associates Stephen D.
Burstein, M.D., William J. Sonstein, M.D. and Jeffrey A. Brown, M.D.,
all neurosurgeons at Great Neck Stand-Up MRI.
“The Upright(TM) MRI is a unique product and technology that provides
the image quality that discerning physicians expect, as well as enables
neurosurgeons, like me, to see changes in pathology based on a patient’s
position,” continued Dr. Brisman. “Moreover, the Upright(TM) MRI is
patient friendly, allowing even the most claustrophobic patients to be
scanned without difficulty. As a result, using the FONAR Upright(TM) MRI
gives Great Neck Stand-Up MRI a competitive advantage in an area that
already has many MRI machines and facilities.”
Dr. Brisman continued, “The ability to scan patients in the flexion and
extension positions is very significant because it allows us to see the
‘complete picture’ of the patients’ pathology. For example, a cervical
(neck) exam of a 57 year-old female in the extension position showed
more pathology than an exam in the neutral or flexion position. The
stenosis at C3-4 and C4-5, not evident on the flexion or neutral
positions, provided us with an explanation of the patient’s symptoms
that we were lacking without the extension study. The extension images
exhibited stenosis at a higher cervical level than we would have
suspected from either the neutral sit or flexion exam.”
For MRI images of the Patients go to:
“Another example is that of a 40 year-old male with low lumbar (back)
pain who we scanned in the Upright(TM) MRI,” said Dr. Brisbane. “His
scan in the extension position displayed more pathology than the scan in
the neutral position. The neutral scan provided no explanation of the
patient’s symptoms or a possible treatment. The Upright extension exam
exhibited a significant stenosis at L2-3, not visible in the neutral
position, which a surgical laminectomy could relieve. Whether or not the
patient chooses surgery, the cause of his symptoms is now clear. Once
again, this additional information significantly impacted my decision
process with respect to his treatment.”
Raymond Damadian, president and founder of FONAR said, “We are pleased
to hear Dr. Brisman’s report. Dr. Brisman has had precisely the
experience FONAR’s Upright(TM) MRI was designed to achieve: a complete
picture of the pathology relative to the incomplete picture of the
recumbent-only MRI, and the opportunity to optimize surgical treatment
for a better surgical result.”
“Dr. Brisman represents another good example of why we believe that the
era of Upright(TM) imaging is truly here,” concluded Dr. Damadian.
Great Neck Stand-Up MRI is located at 600 Northern Boulevard, Great
Neck, NY 11021. To schedule an appointment, please call (516) 478-0004.
About FONAR
FONAR was incorporated in 1978, making it the first, oldest and most
experienced MRI manufacturer in the industry. FONAR introduced the
world’s first commercial MRI in 1980, and went public in 1981. Since its
inception, we have installed nearly 300 MRI scanners worldwide. FONAR’s
stellar product line includes the Upright(TM) MRI (also known as the
Stand-Up(TM) MRI), the only whole-body MRI that performs Position(TM)
imaging (pMRI(TM)) and scans patients in numerous weight-bearing
positions, i.e. standing, sitting, in flexion and extension, as well as
the conventional lie-down position. With over 100,000 patients scanned,
the patient-friendly Upright(TM) MRI has a near zero claustrophobic
rejection rate by patients. As a FONAR customer states, “If the patient
is claustrophobic in this scanner, they’ll be claustrophobic in my
parking lot.” Approximately 85% of patients are scanned sitting while
they watch a 42″ flat screen TV. Our latest MRI scanner is the FONAR
360(TM), a room-size recumbent scanner that optimizes openness while
facilitating physician access to the patient. FONAR is headquartered on
Long Island, New York, and has approximately 500 employees.
MRI Specialist, Stand-Up, Upright, Position, pMRI and The Proof is in
the Picture are trademarks of FONAR.
This release may include forward-looking statements from the company
that may or may not materialize. Additional information on factors that
could potentially affect the company’s financial results may be found in
the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
FONAR Corporation
Daniel Culver or David B. Terry, 631-694-2929
Fax: 631-390-9540
or
Investor Relations:
The Anne McBride Company
Kathy Price, 212-983-1702, ext. 212
Source: FONAR Corporation

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Feb 3 2005
Russian FM cautiously optimistic of Garabagh conflict settlement

BAKU
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is cautiously optimistic with
regards to the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over
Upper Garabagh.
`We believe that there are grounds to be cautiously optimistic,
considering the ongoing meetings of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign
ministers. We will assist by all means for the parties to come to
terms’, Lavrov told journalists upon arriving in Baku for a two-day
visit.
`We are considering the fact that the mediators working within the
OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, US and France) are regularly in touch with
the parties – Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Lavrov also said that `Russia is quite active in the settlement of
conflicts in the former Soviet Union’.
Earlier, the US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian
Affairs, Elizabeth Jones, said the Bush administration is concerned
over the lack of efforts being taken by Moscow at resolving conflicts
in the former Soviet Union countries.*

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
February 2, 2005 Wednesday
Karabakh settlement may boost economic coop in region – FM
By Sevindzh Abdullayeva and Viktor Shulman
BAKU
The resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will create
conditions for the development of economic cooperation in the region,
said Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, presidential
special envoy at the talks on Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.
Speaking at NATO’s seminar, “Economy, Security and Defence”, on
Wednesday, Azimov said, “There is certain progress in the talks on
the solution to the Karabakh problem.” The sides are holding
negotiations on possibilities of withdrawing troops from all occupied
territories, restoring communications, and returning refugees to
their homes. “Then discussions will focus on the normalisation of
relations between the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of
Nagorno-Karabakh, between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the diplomat said.
“Relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, that have agreed to carry
out different projects in the energy sector, are an excellent model
of cooperation in the region,” he said. “The third country of the
region is losing its opportunities” due to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict,” Azimov said.
At the same time, he stressed, “Territorial compromises are
inadmissible and unacceptable in this aspect.” “Such conflict cannot
be settled on such base,” he added.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili’s initiatives on the
settlement of the South Ossetian conflict “may become an excellent
factor for Azerbaijan that may give an impetus to the resolution of
such conflicts,” Azimov pointed out.

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Jan 29 2005
Erdogan: We Have Been Maintaining Our Preparatory Efforts For Our
E.U. Membership Process
Anadolu Agency: 1/29/2005
DAVOS (AA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on
Friday, ”we have been maintaining our preparatory efforts for our EU
membership process. Also, efforts have been under way to form the
legal infrastructure for the Ankara Agreement. We are in favor of
solution.”
Prime Minister Erdogan, who is currently in Davos town of
Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum, held a news
conference.
Upon a question about so-called Armenian genocide, Prime
Minister Erdogan said, ”our official position is clear. According to
our point of view, not politicians but historians should deal with
such issues. As the Republic of Turkey, we have opened air corridor
with Armenia, and also initiated trade. There are 30 thousand
citizens of Armenian origin in Turkey. They do not have such
problems.”

-TURKEY-ISRAEL RELATIONS-
Upon a question about Turkey-Israel relations, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”Turkey is in favor of peace in the Middle East.
Turkey has good relations both with Israel and Palestine. But we are
against all kinds of acts of terrorism. We want two separate states
in the Middle East. We have launched a series of initiatives to this
end following the elections in Palestine. Foreign Minister & Deputy
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul paid visits to Israel and Palestine.”
”Our trade volume with Israel is about 2.5 billion U.S.
dollars. I will visit Israel and Palestine in the coming months. We
have always advocate a peaceful atmosphere. Both Israel and Palestine
should fulfil their responsibilities to this end,” he said.

-EU-
Replying to a question about Turkey’s EU membership process,
Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”we have been maintaining our
preparatory efforts for our EU membership process. Also, efforts have
been under way to form the legal infrastructure for the Ankara
Agreement. We do not want any delay. We are in favor of solution.”

-ELECTIONS IN IRAQ-
Upon a question about upcoming elections in Iraq, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”the elections will constitute a transition into
democracy. The new government should define the next process
carefully. It will have a heavy responsibility since it will prepare
a new constitution. This constitution should not allow sovereignty of
ethnic elements over each other. It should preserve Iraq’s
territorial integrity.”

-UKRAINE’S EU MEMBERSHIP-
Upon a question about Ukraine’s EU membership, Prime Minister
Erdogan said, ”as you know, the EU’s enlargement process has been
continuing. We support Ukraine’s EU membership as long as it is in
line with rules.”

Kommersant, Russia
Jan 28 2005
Doing unto Others: The Price of the Question
World Practice
There have been too many coincidences to think that it is accidental.
Mikhail Saakashvili is making the rounds in Strasbourg with new peace
proposals for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and what do you know?, at
the very same time the leaders of the two unrecognized states, Eduard
Kokoity and Sergey Bagapsh, turn up in Moscow and shriek in chorus
that the peace proposals are practically a declaration of war and
hitting him on both fronts at once. The next day, the UN Security
Council discusses Abkhazia on Moscow’s initiative and without any
representation from Georgia. It becomes clear that Russia sees no
reason for the Georgian ambassador to be present at discussions of
the Abkhazian problem. But you have to think that the problem has a
little to do with Georgia too.
Bagapsh, leader of sunny Abkhazia, has declared how happy he is to
have met Kokoity in snowy Moscow and that he intends to `coordinate
actions’ with the presidents of unrecognized Transdniestr Republic
and Nagorny Karabakh. Very touching, of course.
We have already forgotten our righteous anger over the intriguing of
outside forces in Ukraine. And it didn’t stop us from thinking that
our own actions were only for the sake of greater stability in
Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan and everywhere else. We know
best, of course, what the former Soviet republics and their citizens
really need. They couldn’t cope without us. We are a great power and
they are our buffer zone and underbelly. The present Russian-Georgian
collision has dispelled any doubts. The linchpin of Moscow’s position
among the former Soviet countries will be Abkhazia, South Ossetia
and, unseen, Transdniestr, Eastern Ukraine and area in similar
circumstances. It sounds scary, but it seems to be what’s happening.
We don’t have any other ways of keeping the West away yet. At least
in those places we still pull some weight. We have our own people. We
lost Aslan Abashidze in Ajaria, but there’s still Kokoity and
Bagapsh/Khadzjimba and Igor Smirnov in Transdniestr. We can give
Arkady Gukasyan in Karabakh a go if need be to. And there’s still
Viktor Yanukovich. He’s not finished yet and is putting gout signals
that he could use a hand – a sure sign of life.
It would seem that it is a no-lose, irrefutable position. But we have
to be morally prepared for to pay the high price of having our own
weapons used against us. They’ll use our experience and know-how.
There are lots more places to do it in. Just the North Caucasus, with
its eternal reputation as a tinderbox, is enough. Then we’ll remember
the old truth that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw
stones.
by Sergey Strokan

Frankfurter Allgemeine, Germany
Jan 28 2005
State removes reference to genocide from lesson
28. Januar 2005 POTSDAM. In response to a Turkish request, officials
in the state of Brandenburg have removed a passage in a history
lesson about a controversial event in Turkish history – the deaths of
thousands of Armenians in the early 20th century. The lesson focused
on genocide and mentioned the Armenian case as the only example. The
decision was made two weeks ago after Turkish General Counsel Aydin
Durusay raised the issue. Turkey maintains the Armenians were killed
as the Ottoman Empire fought civil unrest. Part of the empire became
Turkey in 1923. Armenians say 1.5 million people were killed between
1915 and 1923 as part of the empire’s campaign to push them from
eastern Turkey. pra

UK HOSTS FIRST SEASON OF ARMENIAN CINEMA FOR 25 YEARS
YEREVAN, JANUARY 27. ARMINFO. A season of Armenian cinema is to be
held in London Feb 11-17, says film director Artsvi Bakhchinyan.
This is the first such season in the UK in 25 years. The festival is
aimed to be an eye-opening glimpse into the Armenian culture too
little known in the UK.
Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries and artists’ film, the
season features established directors like Atom Egoyan and undisputed
classics like Paradjanov’s The Colour of Pomegranates but also
uncovers lost gems and overlooked directors of great
significance. Panel discussions will place the films in the context of
both Armenian experience and contemporary film, providing a unique
chance to encounter one of world cinema’s hidden national treasures.
Shown will be the following films:
Pierlequin, Lighter than Air, by Tigran Xmalian, with Vladimir Msrian,
Hrach Harutunian, Anush Khorenian;
Garin Torossian Artists’ Film Programme, Short Films Programme;
Vodka Lemon by Hiner Saleem, with Romen Avinian, Lala Sarkissian, Ivan
Franek;
Calendar by Atom Egoyan, with Atom Egoyan, Arsine Khanjian, Ashot
Adamian;
Return to the Promised Land by Harutiun Khachatryan;
Terra Emota & Lux Aeterna by Levon Minassian and Serge Avedikian;
Last Station by Harutiun Khachatryan and Nora Armani, with Nora
Armani, Gerald Papasian, Armen Djigarkhanian;
The Colour of Pomegranates by Sergei Paradjanov, with Sofiko
Chiaureli, Melkon Aleksanyan, Vilen Galstyan;
Ararat by Atom Egoyan, with Arsine Khanjian, Charles Aznavour, Elias
Koteas, Marie-Josie Croze;
Komitas by Don Askarian, with Samuel Ovasapian, Onig Saadetian,
Margarita Woskanjan;
Lovember by Tigran Xzmalian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO BE HARDLY PUSHED TO REVOLUTION IN NEAR FUTURE: RUSSIAN
POLITOLOGIST
YEREVAN, JANUARY 26. ARMINFO. Armenia will hardly be pushed to a
revolution in the coming years: the snowdrops are not ripe yet, says
Russian politologist Andrey Milovzorov on Utro.ru in his article
“Russia’s Partners are Pregnant with Revolutions of All Colors.”
Georgian and Ukraine have shown that the key prerequisite for a
revolution is mass popular displeasure with the ruling regime and life
under this regime (typical of all the CIS countries); growing
pro-Russian moods even in a pro-West government; the West’s fuel
interests (oil, gas, pipelines) in a given country in opposition to
similar potential interests from Russia. There are many candidates for
revolution: Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, shattered Moldova,
totalitarian Turkmenistan.
Armenia is also a worthy candidate. That country is facing a serious
social-economic crisis, its people is displeased with its regime,
Russian influence is too big and would better be reduced. Recent
surveys have shown that Armenians are becoming increasingly inclined
towards Europe and are tending to support any opposition to the
regime. Many experts say that Armenia is the next victim to revolution
– snowdrop revolution. But there are serious obstacles too: the
opposition is motley and lacks the political drive, the power hunger
of Saakashvili and Yuschenko. It is all but consolidated, has no
director and no financing. There could be revolution in Armenia after
the elections 2003 but it did not happen. Washington must have
considered the Armenian opposition not sufficiently anti-Russian – a
prerequisite for real support. Besides Russia has troops in Armenia.
As for neighboring Azerbaijan it is hardly a candidate for
revolution. Until recently it has been a loyal outpost of the US in
the Caspian region. Now under Aliev Junior Baku has become
ambiguous. It is still bad with Moscow (because of Armenia) but
instead it has made friends with Iran, the country the US hates very
much. This is serious but not enough for a coup. Besides there is no
mass displeasure with Ilham Aliev in Azerbaijan; nor are there any
threats to the US’ oil interests. No, in Azerbaijan the western
scenario makers will rather work with the incumbent regime than try to
change it, concludes Milovzorov.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
01/24/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide GLENDALE--The Southern California Armenian community, along with the faithful from as far away as Fresno, gathered in Glendale, California on January 22 to celebrate the anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), founded in 1890. Glendale High School's auditorium was packed with about 2,000 supporters who came to mark the venerable organization's unwavering commitment and dedication to the Armenian people for more than a hundred years, through thick and thin. The Homenetmen regional band, along with the scouts of its Ararat chapter, opened the program with the flag ceremony, followed by the performances of the American national anthem by Nanor Hindoyan, and the Armenian and ARF anthems by Nersik Ispiryan. Honored guests included Western Region Prelate Archbishop Mousegh Mardirossian and Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and former Primate Vatche Hovsepian, representatives of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches, Armenia's Consul General in the US Gagik Kirakossian, ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, as well as representatives of the ADL (Ramgavar party), AGBU, ARS, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, and other representatives of various organizations and the media. Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Vasken Madenlian conveyed welcoming remarks and served as the evening's emcee. Subsequent speakers included Melanie Vartabedian of the Armenian Youth Federation, Anahit Stepanian of the ARF Central Committee, as well as keynote speaker ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian. Margarian began, noting that for decades on, when commemorating the anniversary of the ARF, these events serve as an opportunity to be accountable to the public. Addressing current fundamental changes and unfolding of strategic situations throughout the world, Margarian stressed that numerous important political and international advancements were registered during the past year. "In the case of Armenia, these advancements have come in the social, domestic-political, economic sectors, and in foreign policy; there has also been progress in Armenia-diaspora relations, in the advancement of the Armenian case, pan-Armenian, as well in the development of pan-diasporan community relations." As far as ARF's role and activity in carrying out vital social and economic reforms in Armenia, Margarian noted that the ARF's role as a government coalition partner is not a self-serving one, and stressed that its participation does not imply that the Tashnagtsutiun is fully content with the government's activities. "Rather, as a coalition partner, the Tashnagtsutiun strives to guarantee that the government works toward maintaining and continuing reform programs. It serves to ensure that the government's fight against corruption and bribery are more forceful, and that it more effectively pursues the shaping of civil and public sectors, the implementation of democratic ideals, and preservation of national harmony." In order to effectively tackle the country's widespread corruption, the ARF, revealed Margarian, urged the Armenian government to join Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). As a result, Armenia became the 37th member, agreeing to adopt a strategic plan of action to stamp out corruption, and indicating its clear-cut political will to integrate European standards into society. Armenia's membership, he stressed, also presumes legislative commitments, and a multidisciplinary approach to fighting corruption that includes cross-border cooperation between states and international institutions. In summary, Margarian stated that for the ARF, priority lies in pursuit of issues tied to Armenia's security. "The ARF cannot win when the people of Armenia and our nation are under threat. During these times, the ARF, when considering its political goals, simply cannot assume the role of a spectator." He said that the ARF will continue to fight--at all cost and available means, to establish democracy in Armenia and in eliminating poverty and corruption. Margarian also spoke of recent upheavals in the South Caucuses, as well as the effects of foreign intervention and policy on the region, specifically Armenia. He said that the opposition in Armenia, inspired by developments in Georgia, attempted to seize power, creating instability, and threatening not only the situation in Mountainous Karabagh Republic, but also developments and advancements in Armenia. Margarian stressed that the ARF immediately called for negotiations between the government and the opposition to maintain internal stability. Although the opposition rejected all offers, the efforts and propositions of the ARF nevertheless helped in quelling internal crisis. And as a result of that policy, the party today enjoys a certain political authority, leverage, and respect by the authorities, opposition organizations, political forces, as well as international and diplomatic representatives operating in Armenia, he said. On Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), Margarian emphasized that the commitment of the diaspora to the issue, and the involvement of all Armenians are guarantees that our victories there will be preserved and strengthened. He affirmed ARF's commitment to its fundamental views in establishing a resolution to the conflict--according to which, and also legally--MKR must be a part of the Republic of Armenia. On the issue of Javakhk, a majority Armenian populated region of Georgia, Margarian said that Georgia is obliged to practically display its commitment to lifting not only its biased policy in the region, but one that has neglected the economic and basic social needs of the population. Margarian noted the importance of commemorating the 90th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey, saying, "Armenians must once again convey their condemnation of that act against humanity--stressing to the world that there will never be forgiveness without repentance and just compensation. Only then can there be normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, and only then can progress be registered." 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus --Two term Congresswoman has been active on Genocide Recognition and US-Armenia Economic Relations Issues GLENDALE--Southern California Democrat Linda Sanchez (39th Dist.) is the most recent in a line of Representatives who have become members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. She joins Representatives Ben Chandler (R-KY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Joe Schwarz (R-MI), all of whom have added their names to the Caucus over the past three weeks. Since her election to Congress in 2002, Rep. Sanchez has consistently been active on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In the 108th Congress, she was a cosponsor of a measure, which granted permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) to Armenia. She has also been vocal in urging President Bush to properly commemorate the Armenian genocide, joining over 160 of her colleagues in cosigning letters to the President regarding the topic in April 2003 and 2004. `We appreciate Rep. Linda Sanchez's leadership and advocacy on issues of concern to her Armenian American constituency,' commented ANCA Western Region Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. `It is through exemplary leadership like hers that we will see the membership of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues continue to grow.' An attorney by profession prior to her election to office, Rep. Sanchez currently serves on the House Government Reforms, Small Business and Judiciary Committees. She convincingly defeated Republican Tim Escobar in the 2004 Congressional elections, garnering 61% of the vote. Established in 1995 and co-chaired by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Congressional Armenian Caucus is a bipartisan forum for the discussion of policies to foster increased cooperation between the United States and Armenian governments and to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples. 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement YEREVAN (Arminfo)--In an interview broadcast by TV Company Armenia, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated, `I know what criminal elements US Assistant Secretary of the State Elizabeth Jones was referring to and do not think the matter concerned Nagorno-Karabakh.' According to the ambassador, the US's position on Karabagh, which calls for a peaceful settlement to the conflict, remains unchanged. `I have known her for almost 30 years as a professional diplomat and when I first read about her statement, I thought immediately: something is wrong here,' commented Evans. Jones's intent, according to Evans, is to create closer cooperation between the US and Russia in resolving the conflicts in Abkhazia, Transdnesitria, and Mountainous Karabagh. `I know the geography [of the region] and I don't think that the matter concerned Nagorno Karabakhwe know what districts and elements she meant,' the American diplomat said. Evans also added that the US has for several years now allocated support to Mountainous Karabagh, and those who misinterpret Jones's statement are attempting to damage US-Armenia relations. 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia STRASBOURG--The European Armenian Federation announced over the weekend that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is on the verge of adopting two resolutions, one questioning the independent status of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), and the other excluding the Armenian genocide day of remembrance from the European calendar. PACE members will determine the fate of both resolutions on Tuesday. Prepared by David Atkinson (Democrat) from the United Kingdom, the resolution dealing with MKR notes that `considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces' and that `separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.' Full of incendiary language, the resolution also describes MKR as a mono-ethnic area `which [evokes] the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing.' `The Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan. This country believes that shifting the institutional framework will turn its crimes into virtues. Attempts of ethnic cleansing actually occurred but, contrary to Mr. Atkinson insinuations, it was the policy led by Baku,' declared Laurent Leylekian, executive director of the European Armenian Federation. `Without the fight for self-determination led by the people of Karabagh, theses historically Armenian territories would no longer house Armenians, as is the case today in the region of Nakhitchevan or throughout the areas of Eastern Turkey,' Leylekian added. On Tuesday, parliamentarians will also vote on a resolution drafted by Sweden's Mats Einarsson (United Left), which calls for the `establishment of a European remembrance center for victims of forced population movements and ethnic cleansing.' In its current form, the resolution cites several examples of genocides perpetrated during the twentieth century, including the Holocaust organized by the Nazis, the forced migrations directed by Stalin, and the genocide of the Ukrainians. It, however, deliberately omits mention of the Armenian genocide. `How can we grant credibility to an institution which supports such a biased lecture of history?' questioned Leylekian. `By taking cues from Turkey, the Council of Europe is making itself party to a second symbolic murder of the Armenians of Anatolia and Western Armenia. Such a move, taken by an institution which claims to serve as the guardian of human rights in Europe, is simply pathetic.' The European Armenian Federation has called upon European citizens and organizations to intervene in the matter, by urging their PACE representatives to vote against the two resolutions. A complete list of PACE parliamentarians is available online at All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. 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