Author: Emil Lazarian

Armenian Defence Ministry denies Azeri report about truce violation
Arminfo
4 Aug 06
Yerevan, 4 August: Armenian and Nagornyy Karabakh’s defence ministries
have flatly denied the Azerbaijani media report about a cease-fire
violation occurring on 2-3 August.
The press service of the Armenian Defence ministry in particular said
that another report of the Azerbaijani media is wide of the mark.
In turn, the head of the information and propaganda department of
the Karabakh defence army, Lt-Col Senor Asratyan, also denied the
report, noting that it is wide of the mark. “Such reports are of
propaganda nature. The Azerbaijani side periodically disseminates
this kind of misinformation, in order to draw the attention of the
world community. The Karabakh side remains committed to preserving
the cease-fire regime.”
According to the Azerbaijani media report, which quoted the press
service of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, the cease-fire was
violated in the direction of Qazax District at about 1615 [1115 gmt]
on 2 August and in the direction of Tartar District at about 0245 on
3 August [2245 gmt on 2 August].
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 4, 2006
AGBU CENTER IN BEIRUT A SAFE HAVEN FOR 600 LEBANESE REFUGEES
Close to 600 refugees from Southern Lebanon, displaced during the
recent Israeli shelling, have been given refuge at AGBU’s Alex
Manoogian Center in the Zarif section of the Lebanese capital,
Beirut. Since July 12, 2006, an escalation of fighting between the
Israeli army and Hezbollah fighters has forced almost a million
Lebanese and hundreds of thousands of Israelis from their homes.
With a long tradition of humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people,
AGBU first opened the doors of its Manoogian Center to refugees in
the 1970s during the early years of the Lebanese Civil War. At the
time, hundreds of Lebanese received shelter and humanitarian aid in
the AGBU refuge.
The AGBU Central Board is in regular contact with representatives
of the Lebanese Armenian community to receive updates on the
situation. AGBU hopes the Lebanese-Israeli conflict will be resolved
soon and put an end to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the
region.
For more information about AGBU its humanitarian projects, please
visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Community Sets Sights On Church
By CHRISTOPHER KAZARIAN
CapeNews.net, Massachusetts
Aug 4, 2006
When George Shalian, chairman of the parish council for the Armenian
Church of Cape Cod, drives by 646 Old Barnstable Road in Mashpee,
he does not see a vacant three-acre lot. He sees what will one day
be there-an Armenian church and cultural center.
A sign that reads “Future Site of Armenian Church & Cultural Center”
sits on the lot, representing not just Mr. Shalian’s vision, but
those of the Armenian Church of Cape Cod and its members.
Some of those members are from Falmouth, he said, including Lucy
Kayajanian of Chilmark Drive, the parish council’s treasurer.
Shahkeh Yaylaian Setian of Mashpee, a retired educator, said the
idea for building an Armenian church and cultural center began in
the early 1980s with a small population of dedicated and devoted
Armenian-Americans.
In February 2005, that goal moved closer to becoming a reality when
the Mashpee parcel was purchased for $280,000. The church raised the
bulk of that money through the years from donations of church members
who shared the goal of establishing an Armenian church on Cape Cod.
Without the generosity of parishioners, Mr. Shalian said, “I don’t
think we would have this land.”
Mashpee was chosen because of the town’s accessibility to the rest
of Cape Cod and the price of the lot, he said.
Another reason this area was chosen: “There is a big Armenian community
in Falmouth,” he said. While some are members of the church, he hopes
more will become involved in the near future.
The church will be situated between Leather Leaf Lane and Leisure
Green Drive near Mashpee High School.
Now that the church has an actual site, parishioners are focusing
their efforts on fundraising, he said.
On Saturday, August 19, the church is sponsoring an Armenian Family
Kef and Dance at St. George Greek Community Center in Centerville.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 children and include lamb and
chicken kebabs and music by Roger Krikorian and his ensemble.
Residents can call Sharlene Mourian at 508-771-2352 for more
information.
The kef, which means a celebration in Armenian, is now in its seventh
year, Ms. Mourian said. All proceeds will go toward the future church
and cultural center.
Once the building is complete, parishioners will have a place to
worship on a weekly basis. Mr. Shalian said the church averages
anywhere between 20 to 30 people who attend the monthly services at
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Wianno Avenue in Osterville.
This Sunday parishioners of the Armenian Church of Cape Cod will
welcome the Reverend Father Vasken Kouzouian and an organist from the
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge to St. Peter’s Church in Osterville.
Father Kouzouian, a guest celebrant, will preside over the service for
church members. The service begins at 2 PM and constitutes the only
public worship offered by the Armenian Church of Cape Cod this month.
Mr. Shalian said, “We used to do it once a week.” Because the church
is considered a mission parish, it has to hire priests from outside
the area to officiate its Eucharistic services. “Hiring a priest is
expensive,” he said.
He estimates there are roughly 600 Armenians living on Cape Cod. In
addition, a number of summer residents who currently attend services
and events will also benefit from having an Armenian church in the
area, Mr. Shalian said.
Dr. Setian, who teaches a course in the Academy of Lifelong Learning
at Cape Cod Community College titled, The History of Genocide: Using
the Armenian Genocide as a Case Study, hopes the church will prove to
be a resource for all Cape residents to learn about Armenian culture.
The daughter of parents who survived the Armenian genocide, Dr.
Setian said the Armenian church “is what has kept the culture alive
during all these massacres, not just at the hands of the Ottoman-Turks
[in 1915], but before that as well.”
Part of what makes Armenians so unique, she said, is that “they have
maintained their culture through all these adversities.”
Although there are no definitive plans yet, Dr. Setian said, she
hopes that the cultural center will offer visual displays of Armenian
history, host lectures, and foster the language and dance that make
the culture distinct.
While many details still have to be worked out, Mr. Shalian said,
the most important part is that “we are looking forward…We will
have our own church.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TREND, Azerbaijan
Aug 4, 2006
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs eager to submit different versions to
Nagorno-Karabkh conflict sides
Source: Trend
Author: S.Agayeva
04.08.2006
On August 2, 2006, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassador
Yuriy Merzlyakov (Russia), Ambassador Bernard Fassier (France) and
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza (United States of
America) met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris to assess
the current stage in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
Trend reports citing a statement by the French embassy in Baku on
the results of Paris consultations.
The Co-Chairs also discussed the results of Matthew Bryza’s
introductory visit to the region, in his capacity as a Co-Chair.
Proceeding from the St Petersburg G8 Chairman’s statement on Nagorno
Karabakh, the Co-Chairs considered different options to achieve its
objectives, which will be proposed to the parties, and await them
for their thoughts.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Today, Azerbaijan
Aug 4, 2006
Arzu Abdullayeva: “We monitored Shusha prison during our visit to
Nagorno Karabakh”
04 August 2006 [09:56] – Today.Az
Today Arzu Abdullayeva, chairmen of the Azerbaijan National Committee
at the Helsinki Civil Assembly, gave a press conference on the visit
to the Nagorno Karabakh July 28-30.
According to APA, Arzu Abdullayeva said that the visit was realized
within Parliament Assembly of European Council: “Project on war
prisoners and hostages was implemented at the initiative of HCA. Our
principal aim of the visit to Nagorno Karabakh was to monitor the
occupied lands.”
A. Abdullayeva added that they could monitor Shusha prison only: “We
were delayed for half an hour at the fourth floor of the Shusha
prison where Azerbaijani war prisoners were collectively held. We saw
the wall writings by Azerbaijani prisoners in the jail in unbearable
condition. We were not allowed to go to Meden in Kelbajar and to use
cameras.”
Abdullayeva also said that they met with Arkadi Gukasyan, leader of
the separatist regime, and family members of the alleged Armenian
missing and war prisoners.
URL:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CEASEFIRE BREACH INTERRUPTS OSCE MONITORING
AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 4, 2006 Tuesday
The monitoring in a village of the Khojavand District on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan frontline was interrupted after Armenians opened
fire at the OSCE representatives conducting the procedure. The OSCE
chairmans special envoy Andrjej Caspzyk ordered to stop the monitoring
after his field assistants, Gunter Falk and Peter Key, were subjected
to shooting on the Armenian side, according to the Azerbaijan Defense
Ministry. The procedure was to be overseen on the Azeri side of the
frontline by field assistants Yuri Aberle and Imre Palatines.

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS Military Newswire
August 4, 2006 Friday 2:52 PM MSK
Breakaway republics should hold referenda after refugees return –
Chubinishvili
MOSCOW Aug 4
Abkhazia and South Ossetia should hold referenda on their
self-determination only after Georgian refugees have returned there,
Georgian Ambassador to Russia Irakli Chubinishvili said.
“We have nothing against the referenda, but one has to understand
that over 300,000 Georgians have been driven out of Abkhazia,”
Chubinishvili told a news conference in Moscow on Friday.
“Let them return to their homes and then hold any referendum you
like, and the same goes for South Ossetia,” he said.
“We want refugees of all nationalities: Ossetians, Abkhaz, Greeks,
Georgians, Russians and Armenians to return and restore the status
quo of the population which existed before the conflict,” he said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
August 4, 2006 Friday
ANOTHER TRAIN WITH RUSSIAN ARMAMENT AND MILITARY PROPERTY WILL LEAVE
GEORGIAN TERRITORY
Another train with armament and property of the Russian military
bases withdrawn from Georgia was prepared for departure at the
railway station Tsalka. Colonel Vladimir Kuparadze, deputy commander
of the group of Russian forces in Transcaucasia, reported, “Departure
of the train is scheduled for Tuesday morning. It will bring to
Russia ten tanks and two combat infantry vehicles, as well as about
100 tons of armored property of the 62nd military base deployed in
Akhalkalaki.” According to Kuparadze, this will be the 19th train
with Russian military property shipped in 2006 from Georgia.
Kuparadze added, “Sixty-six tons of ammunition will also be shipped
from Akhalkalaki on Wednesday by 14 trucks to the 102nd Russian base
in Gyumri (Armenia).” According to the staff of the group of Russian
forces in Transcaucasia, by the end of 2006, it is planned to ship
six trains more from Georgia to Russia.
Source: Krasnaya Zvezda, August 01, 2006, p. 3
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/04/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. ARS Central Executive Issues Urgent Appeal on Lebanon Crisis 2. ANC Leaders Meet with Reps. Watson, Doolittle 3. Aram I Receives St. John's University Award 4. Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes 5. Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry's "Walk of Life" Draws 500 1. ARS Central Executive Issues Urgent Appeal on Lebanon Crisis WATERTOWN--The Armenian Relief Society Inc. Central Executive issued an urgent appeal to Armenians around the world regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Below is the text of the appeal. Urgent Need for Food and Medicine in Lebanon Since our July 20 appeal, the ruthless violence victimizing the people and cities of Lebanon continues with renewed impetus, in full view of the world community, creating an extremely precarious situation for the traumatized communities of the beleaguered country. Already, one full quarter of Lebanon's entire population has been turned into a mass of homeless refugees, in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. Faced with deteriorating conditions, in order to meet the multiplying needs of the people, an interdenominational Board of Assistance was formed in Beirut, headquartered in the offices of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon. In view of the depletion of the country's indispensable provisionsparticularly those of food and medicinethe ARS Central Executive Board has already sent $20,000 to the Board of Assistance, to help cover the purchase of immediate needs. Now, we appeal to all our communities, around the world, to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters, the elderly and the children who find themselves on the verge of total disaster, facing an uncertain future, in a hostile environment. Fellow Armenians, since our first Appeal, the hundreds of displaced persons who had taken refuge in the Armenian school buildings and athletic fields of Bourdj Hammoud, today can be counted in the tens of thousands, creating a critical situation, getting worse by the hour. In response to this heightening tragedy, we ask you to rush your generous contributions to the offices of your local ARS office, with checks made out to ARS Lebanese Relief. 2. ANC Leaders Meet with Reps. Watson, Doolittle GLENDALELeaders of local Armenian National Committee chapters this week met with representatives Diane Watson (D-33) and John Doolittle (R-4) to discuss pertinent issues of interest to the Armenian-American community. A Hollywood ANC delegation led by its chairman Garo Ispenjian met with Rep. Diane Watson this week in her Los Angeles district office to discuss issues of concern to the local Armenian American community. During the meeting, the ANCA-WR expressed appreciation for the Congresswoman's record of support for Armenian American issues. Numerous topics were discussed including Armenian Genocide legislation, the railway projects in the Caucasus, Armenia's growing economy, and the recall of US Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans. Ispendjian, who is also a constituent of Rep. Watson, briefed the Congresswoman about the firing of Ambassador Evans and the delay of Ambassador-designate Richard Hoagland's confirmation as ambassador to Armenia. Congresswoman Watson agreed to join her colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking the State Department to respond to a series of questions, including specific inquiries about reports that Ambassador Evans had been recalled due to accurately describing the Armenian Genocide as a genocide. "Congresswoman Diane Watson has always been a strong supporter of the Armenian American community. She is always ready to listen to the concerns of the community, understand the issues, and properly represent her constituents in Congress," said Ispendjian. Since taking office in 2002, Rep. Watson has been a member of the Armenian Caucus and has cosponsored numerous resolutions in favor of Armenian Genocide recognition, economic support of Armenia through trade, and ending Turkey's blockade of Armenia. Three of the most recent pieces of legislation that she has supported are the Armenian Genocide resolutions, H.Res. 316 and H.Con.Res. 195, and South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, H.R. 3361. ANC of Sacramento representatives Ohannes and Silva Boghossian met with Rep. John Doolittle in his Santa Barbara district office earlier this week while the Congressman was in town during the Congressional August Recess. During their meeting, the Boghossians thanked Congressman Doolittle for his support of Armenian American issues, most notably for his co-sponsorship of H. Res. 316, a resolution which calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign of the United States reflects understanding and sensitivity of issues such as the Armenian Genocide. Numerous issues of concern to the Armenian American community were discussed. Boghossian asked Representative Doolittle to urge House Speaker Dennis Hastert to bring the Armenian Genocide resolutions to a House floor vote, which he has thus far failed to do. The Congressman expressed his commitment on this issue and pledged to actively support the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh and expressed concern over Turkey's blockade of Armenia. "The Armenian American community is grateful for Congressman Doolittle's support," said Boghossian. "We look forward to the Congressman's leadership in advancing our issues on Capitol Hill." Congressman John Doolittle represents California's 4th district, where a large number of Armenians reside. The district stretches from the eastern Sacramento Region to Lake Tahoe on the south and runs up the Sierra Nevada range to the high desert of Modoc County on the Oregon border. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and is a native of Glendale. The 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. 3. Aram I Receives St. John's University Award ANTELLIAS, LebanonHis Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia received the 2006 Pax Christi Award from St. John's University, Minnesota, said the Catholicosate. In a letter addressed to Aram I, Dr. Dietrich Reinhart, president of St. John's, praised the life and ministry of Aram I stating, "Particularly notable is your support for Ecumenical and Inter-religious relations, dialogue and cooperation. Through your prolific writings, public lectures and interventions, and your leadership in the World Council of Churches, you have played a significant role in promoting common values, mutual understanding, and peaceful co-existence among people of faith throughout the world." The Pax Christi Award is the highest honor bestowed by St. John's University. The conferral ceremony will take place on December 6 at a special event at St. John's University. During the recent crisis in Lebanon, Aram I has been an influential figure in coordinating efforts between Muslim and Christian leaders to respond to the needs of the country. 4. Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes BY JIM LOBE WASHINGTONIn systematically failing to distinguish between Hezbollah fighters and civilian population in its three-and-a-half-week-old military campaign in Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have committed war crimes, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch Wednesday. The 50-page report, "Fatal Strikes: Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon," detailed nearly two dozen cases of IDF attacks in which a total of 153 civilians, including 63 children, were killed in homes or motor vehicles. In none of the cases did HRW researchers find evidence that there was a significant enough military objective to justify the attack, given the risks to civilian lives, while, in many cases, there was no identifiable military target. In still other cases cited in the report, Israeli forces appear to have deliberately targeted civilians. "By consistently failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians, Israel has violated one of the most fundamental tenets of the laws of war: the duty to carry out attacks on only military targets," according to the report. "The pattern of attacks during the Israeli offensive in Lebanon suggests that the failures cannot be explained or dismissed as mere accidents; the extent of the pattern and the seriousness of the consequences indicate the commission of war crimes," it concluded. The report, which was based on interviews with victims and independent witnesses of attacks, as well as investigation of the sites where the attacks occurred, called for the United States to immediately suspend transfers to Israel of arms, ammunition, and other material credibly alleged to have been used in such attacks until they cease. In addition, it called on United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to establish a formal commission to investigate the alleged war crimes with a view to holding accountable those responsible for their commission. Such a commission should also investigate Hezbollah's rocket attacks against Israel which have been the subject of previous HRW reports. Since the onset of the latest round of fighting July 12, Hezbollah has launched some 2,000 rockets into predominantly civilian areas in Israel, killing at least 19 Israeli civilians and wounding more than 300 others. Given the inherently indiscriminate nature of the rockets, these attacks also constitute war crimes, according to the New York-based group. The report, whose main conclusions about Israel's failure to discriminate between civilian and military targets echo a statement by Amnesty International two days ago, was issued just hours after HRW released the preliminary results of its investigation of the July 30 Israeli air strike on an apartment building in Qana in southern Lebanon, which was initially reported to have killed 54 people, most of them children, who had taken refuge in the basement. HRW, which took testimony from some of the nine survivors it identified, said that it had confirmed the deaths of 28 people, including 16 children, in the building and that 13 others remained missing and were believed to be buried in the rubble. It said that at least 22 people survived the attack and escaped the basement. One of the survivors, Muhammad Mahmud Shalhub, as well as a Qana villager who helped in the rescue effort, strongly denied initial Israeli claims that any Hezbollah fighters or rocket launchers were present in or around the home when the attack took place.. HRW said its own on-site investigation, which took place July 31, as well as interviews with dozens of international journalists, rescue workers and international observers who visited Qana July 30 and 31, also yielded no evidence of any Hezbollah military presence in or around the building. "The deaths in Qana were the predictable result of Israel's indiscriminate bombing campaign in Lebanon," said Sarah Leah Whitson, director of HRW's Middle East and North Africa Division, who called for international investigation to determine what took place. Israel has insisted that it has tried hard to avoid civilian casualties, although the great majority of the more than 500 Lebanese who have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire have been civilians. Israel has claimed that Hezbollah's alleged practice of shielding its fighters and arms by locating them in civilian homes or areas and firing off missiles in populated areas allegations which HRW said are the subject of ongoing investigations has made civilian casualties unavoidable. But the rights group said its own investigations of specific Israeli attacks, which included interviews with victims and witnesses, on-site visits, as well as corroboration, where available, by accounts by independent journalists and aid workers, had failed to uncover any evidence that Hezbollah was operating in or around the area during or before each attack. "Hezbollah fighters must not hide behind civilians that's an absolute but the image that Israel has promoted of such shielding as the cause of so high a civilian death toll is wrong," according to HRW's executive director, Kenneth Roth. "In the many cases of civilian deaths examined by (us), the location of Hezbollah troops and arms had nothing to do with the deaths because there was no Hezbollah around." He cited a July 13 attack which destroyed the home of a cleric known to be a Hezbollah sympathizer but with no record of having taken part in hostilities. The strike killed the cleric's wife, their ten children, the family;s Sri Lankan maid, as well as the cleric himself, according to the report. In a July 16 attack on a home in Aitaroun, an Israeli aircraft killed 11 members of the al-Akhrass family, including seven Canadian-Lebanese dual nationals who were vacationing in the village at the time. HRW said it interviewed three villagers independently, all of whom denied that the family had any connection to Hezbollah. Among the victims were four children under the age of eight. The report also assailed statements by Israeli officials and IDF commanders that only people associated with Hezbollah remain in southern Lebanon, so all are legitimate targets of attack. Israel has dropped leaflets in the region and even telephoned residents warning them that if they do not flee, they will be subject to attack. But the report stressed that many civilians have been unable to leave because they are sick, wounded, or lack the means, such as money or gasoline, or are providing essential services to the civilian population that remains there. Still others have said they are afraid to leave because the roads have come under attack by Israeli warplanes and artillery. Indeed, the report documents 27 deaths of civilians who were trying to flee the fighting by car and notes that the actual number of killings is "surely higher". In addition, the report cites air strikes against three clearly marked humanitarian aid vehicles. "The pattern of attacks shows the Israeli military's disturbing disregard for the lives of Lebanese civilians," said Roth. "Israeli warnings of imminent attacks do not turn civilians into military targets," he added, noting that, according to the IDF's logic, "Palestinian militant groups might 'warn' Israeli settlers to leave their settlements and then feel justified in attacking those who remained." Amnesty accused Israel of trying to convert southern Lebanon into a "free-fire zone" which it said Monday was "incompatible with international humanitarian law." 5. Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry's "Walk of Life" Draws 500 LOS ANGELESArmenians and non-Armenians alike rallied together on Saturday, July 29 in the First Annual 5k/10k Walk/Run around the Pasadena Rose Bowl to help raise awareness in support of further expanding the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry's critical life-saving mission to recruit more Armenian bone marrow donors. In addition to raising needed funds and awareness through the Walk of Life, 100 new donors signed up. "We are thrilled with the spirit of giving and life expressed through the overwhelming participation in our first annual 'Walk of Life'," said Dr. Freida Jordan, President of the ABMDR based in Los Angeles. "We are also greatly appreciative of all our sponsors and the organizational and individual support that made the first Walk a resounding success and will enhance our ability to fulfill our life-saving mission." Corporate sponsors included Glendale Memorial Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital, Closet World, Next Day Color Printing, Glendale Water and Power, City of Los Angeles and GNC. A key method of treating leukemia patients or people with other life-threatening blood diseases is through bone marrow/stem cell transplants. In order to treat Armenian patients, bone marrow transplants require compatible tissue types that match the genetic makeup of the patient which is most likely to come from other Armenian donors. There are currently 630 patients throughout the Diaspora and Armenia who are desperately waiting to find a matching donor to help save their lives. On average, it takes 200 donors to find a precise match for one patient. The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry has a goal to increase its registry from the current 11,000 donors to 126,000 in order to meet the critical need. The ABMDR partners closely with Glendale Memorial Hospital and St. Josephs Hospital in addition to being a member of global organizations such as the World Marrow Donor Association and World Marrow Donor Worldwide "By simply walking today, you are helping save a life" said Steve Artinian, chairman of the Walk of Life organizing committee. "With this Walk we hope you will spread the message that by taking the simple step of signing up with the registry every Armenian can give the most precious gift of a second chance to another fellow Armenian who is fighting for their life against these destructive diseases." Special guests included Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Father Dajad Yardemian, representative of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Dr. Sevak Avagyan Executive Director of ABMDR in Armenia and Varant Melkonian, CEO of Closet World and treasurer of the ABMDR. There was also entertainment at the end of the walk. Welcoming the participants at the finish line was the band Element and singer Mariette Soujian. "The Walk of Life is a huge success today because of all the hard work and dedication of our volunteers," said master of ceremonies and director of operations for the Walk Taleen Khatchadourian at the post-Walk event. "If we join together like this for our common mission we can make a big difference in the lives of Armenian patients in need." During the short program after the Walk, the family of Biurad Moghadasian, who is an eight-year old Armenian patient currently at Los Angeles' Children's Hospital being treated for leukemia, approached organizers to stress the urgency of the ABMDR's mission using their son's plight as an example. The family made a plea to all present to recruit additional bone marrow donors which is the only way her son and others like him will have a chance at beating the disease. Biurad is currently looking for a matching donor to help save his life. The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry encourages all Armenians to call and join the registry with the hope of saving another life. The registration process is very simple and non-intrusive and only takes a few minutes. ABMDR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations of any size which are tax-deductible. 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) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LEGENDARY FRENCH FOOTBALL PLAYER TAKES PART IN OPENING OF SMALL
ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELDS IN YEREVAN
Yerevan, August 3. ArmInfo. The legendary French football player,
the vice president of the National Football Federation of France,
FIFA and UEFA executive Michel Platini has taken part in the opening
of small artificial turf fields in Yerevan’s Avan and Kanaker-Zeitun
communities.
During his visit Platini will meet with Armenian PM Andranik Margayan,
President of the Football Federation of Armenian Ruben Hayrapetyan,
local political, sport and public figures.
Asked by journalists to comment on the Zidane-Materazzi incident
during the World Cup 2006 final, Platini said: “I was shocked like
everybody. I think Zidane’s red card was absolutely fair!”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress