Author: Emil Lazarian

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 31, 2006
___________________
KHRIMIAN LYCEUM STUDENTS IN NEW YORK CITY GRADUATE
Six young Armenians were celebrated in New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral
on June 10, 2006, after they completed the six-year course of study that
makes up the Khrimian Lyceum program of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern).
The graduating students were: Armen Acopian, Ani Ardzivian, Haig Halajian,
Nareg Haviters, Lori Khrimian, and Vatche Zohrabian. They had completed six
years of monthly classes focused on the Armenian language, religion,
history, and culture. They had also participated in classes teaching
Armenian dance, music, theater, and fine arts.
Janet Demirozu, the teacher for the graduating class, spoke during the
graduation service about the quality of the students’s characters. She has
known some of them since they were 4 or 5 years old. She thanked the
students’ parents for recognizing the importance of sharing our Armenian
culture.
The program is designed to instill a sense of Armenian pride in students, as
well as to give them skills needed to be leaders in the Armenian community.
The graduates will be taking their Armenian heritage to college this fall,
to schools such as New York University, Villanova, Boston University, and
Columbia.
Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies for the Diocese,
oversees the Khrimian Lyceum program. She spoke to the graduates and their
families about what constitutes the Armenian identity and the importance of
imparting it to the next generation.
“It has been transmitted to us without interruption and under dire
circumstances,” she said. “We have no right to treat it carelessly. We
need to prioritize the instruction of the Armenian language, use our
language, be actively involved in the Armenian community and hold the
Armenian torch with pride.”
The graduation services were officiated by Archbishop Yeghise Gizirian and
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the cathedral. In speaking to the graduates,
Archbishop Gizirian focused on the importance of education.
“Next to the Armenian Church, the Armenian school has been the mediator and
the fort that has sustained the Armenian nation over the years,” he said,
expressing joy at seeing young people express themselves through farewell
messages delivered in fluent Armenian.
The day also included an Azkatroshm service, which recognized students who
have completed the first three years of the Khrimian Lyceum program. This
year, they were: Nirva Aydin, Rosine Ghichlian, Nairi Hartounian, Shant
Keskinyan.
The Azkatroshm ceremonies were conducted by Shakeh Kadehjian. The service
began with the singing of “Oorakh Ler” by Maro Partamian, accompanied by
Florence Avakian on the organ.
The graduates were each presented with a silver medal depicting the Armenian
cross, a map of Armenia, and an image of Ararat, which was graciously
provided by Hampar and Tamar Kaiserian.
A reception in the Diocesan Center’s Vartan Hall followed the services.
Students were presented with a yearbook containing their writing and
artwork.
The Khrimian Lyceum is a six-year program for graduates of local parish
Armenian schools. Studies focus on Armenian language, religion, history,
and culture, as well as developing leadership skills and a sense of
community pride. The program is offered in both New York City and Boston.
For more information on this program, contact Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian,
coordinator of Armenian studies for the Diocese, via e-mail at
[email protected] or by calling (212) 686-0710 ext. 48.
— 7/31/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): The 2006 Khrimian Lyceum students sit in the front pew
of New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral during the graduation service on
June 10.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Teacher Shakeh Kadehjian leads students from the
Khrimian Lyceum in a reading during its Azkatroshm ceremony marking the
completion of three years of the six-year program.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Graduates and teachers with Archbishop Yeghise Gizirian
and Fr. Mardiros Chevian at the St. Vartan Cathedral following the
graduation service on June 10.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Students honored during the Azkatroshm ceremony with
their teachers, Archbishop Yeghise Gizirian, and Fr. Mardiros Chevian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
07/31/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. ARF Bureau Issues Announcement on Lebanon Crisis 2. Bryza Says Karabakh Peace Possible After 2006 3. Turkish Opposition Supports Cross-border Operation 1. ARF Bureau Issues Announcement on Lebanon Crisis YEREVAN--The Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation issued an announcement Monday urging all Armenians to actively participate in the relief efforts for Lebanon and called for an immediate cease-fire, especially in light of the civilian death toll following the Israeli bombing of a shelter in the city of Qana. Below is the translated text of the announcement: The Armenian Revolutionary Federation has been following the developments of the last three weeks in the Middle East with grave concern, and condemns the Israeli bombing of Lebanon's vital infrastructures and people, the most heinous of which was the bombing of a shelter in Qana. The ARF also is disappointed in the international community, especially the leading world powers and the UN Security Council for their inability to establish an immediate and complete cease-fire. The international community cannot allow the current bloody violence to continue against Lebanon, all the while abusing all international norms and depriving the people of Lebanon of from their fundamental right to life and property. The continuous Israeli bombing campaign already has dealt a severe blow to the vital mechanisms of the country's vital infrastructure and has turned significant portions of the population into refugees, a large number of whom have already left the country. O and others have sought refuge in governmental and non-governmental institutions. The intensifying and immediate need for relief for refugees is far beyond Lebanon's means and requires the immediate and complete rallying of the international community. The Lebanese-Armenian communityalthough away from the epicenter of military activitiesonce again is bearing the brunt of the ramifications of this acrimonious crisis. Yet again and despite its modest means, our community in Lebanon, which has come together around its political parties, has extended a helping hand to tend to the tremendous needs of the refugee population. A special committee comprised of representatives from Armenian organizations has taken on the immediate care and needs of the thousands of refugees who have sought shelter in Armenian-populated areas. On a daily basis the committee is immersed in the relief this effort, thus enabling helping all governmental and organizational relief projects to take shape. The situation resulting from this military campaign has created new challenges for our people. It is imperative for our community in Lebanon to be able to successfully tackle future issues related to the economic stability of Armenian-populated areas, as well as the security and safety of educational and other institutions. All Armenian institutions and factions have a decisive role to play in this aspecteffort. A movement to assist the victims of Lebanon has already begun in the Diaspora, and the government of Armenia has already sent the first phase of its relief shipment to that country. We call on all Armenians, especially our corps of affiliate organizations, to support Lebanese relief efforts in all countries. Lebanon often has served as a vital safe haven for the Armenian people. Today, the people of Lebanon need our moral and financial assistance. 2. Bryza Says Karabakh Peace Possible After 2006 YEREVAN, STEPANAKERT, BAKU (RFE/RL, Armenpress)--The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will not necessarily remain unresolved in the immediate future if Armenia and Azerbaijan fail to hammer out a framework peace accord this year, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza said on Saturday. He insisted that elections due in the two countries in 2007 and 2008 will not be an insurmountable obstacle to a compromise solution, reported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "I think it's possible to work through an election season and still make progress," Bryza said in an exclusive interview with RFE/RL. "It's up to the [Armenian and Azeri] presidents as to whether or not they have enough good will and political courage to do so. [Their failure to cut a deal in 2006] doesn't have to be the end of the process. It's just easier, much easier, if we get the heavy lifting done now." Bryza said he still hopes that Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian will iron out their differences in the coming months on the most recent peace proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group. "Of course I'm still hopeful," he said. "If I weren't hopeful, why would I even want to put in an effort? This isn't about theater, it's about results." Bryza was speaking in Yerevan after what he described as "encouraging" talks with Kocharian that marked the start of his first tour of the conflict zone since his appointment as US co-chair of the Minsk Group. In two subsequent statements, the mediating group's American, French and Russian co-chairs indicated their frustration with the fiasco. They said they will initiate no more Armenian-Azeri talks until the two sides display greater commitment to a lasting peace. Bryza, who proceeded to Stepanakert Saturday, met with Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Arkady Ghoukassian, reported Armenpress news agency. Following the meeting, Ghoukassian said "undoubtedly, one of the principal issues of our meeting was the participation of Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiations, and I think that Mr. Bryza understands that without Nagorno Karabakh the conflict cannot be settled." He added that he believes that all mediators also realize the necessity for Karabakh to participate in the peace talks. Ghoukassian noted that without visiting Karabakh and getting acquainted with the situation on the ground, the newly-appointed co-chair would not be able to completely grasp the situation in the region. "I did not have major expectations from Mr. Bryza's visit as I knew that he would not be putting forth new proposals, but was here to listen to us. In this respect my expectations have been justified because we could entirely present our positions," Ghoukassian said. He also discussed the fact that mediators had not visited Karabakh for a long time, explaining that he had received several invitations to meet with negotiators in Yerevan, but "I think that it would be right to hold such meetings in Stepanakert," Ghoukassian explained. "The ideas, which were to be specified, coordinated and discussed for a long time, have been articulated," said Karabakh Foreign Minister Georgi Petrossian, who participated in the meeting. "Mr. Bryza is energetic enough to make up his mind constructively," the minister said. After the meeting Bryza refused to comment on the meeting noting at the same time that it was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere. "It is just a familiarizing visit and I have not arrived here to present any new suggestions. I have arrived here to get acquainted with your viewpoints and suggestions," Bryza said. Noting that it would be wrong to have any expectations from the visit, Matthew Bryza also said that after the regional visit he will leave for Paris to discuss all approaches and suggestions with other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, reported the Armenpress news agency. Bryza, who is apparently the most high-ranking US official to ever visit Karabakh, appeared to downplay the Stepanakert government's objections, implying that it is Baku and Yerevan that have final say in the peace process. "It's really up to Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev whether or not they will agree to the formula," he said. "We are just waiting for a sign from the presidents as to whether or not they would like to restart a formal process," he added. Bryza said he is visiting the region to get "some more guidance from the presidents themselves to determine how they would like to take the process further." He said he was assured by Kocharian that the Minsk Group plan is essentially acceptable to Yerevan, reported RFE/RL. "I enjoyed hearing his account of where things stand and how we got here," he said. "I felt a constructive, candid attitude on his part. He was very open. And he helped me think through what sort of recommendations I might bring to my fellow co-chairs." Asked whether he found the kind of "political will" for compromise which was demanded by the mediators, Bryza replied: "I think there is political will here definitely to keep the process going. There have been public statements that the [Minsk Group's proposed] framework, the principles are agreeable [for Armenia]. "What's never clear is whether or not there is enough will on both sides to eliminate or to resolve the distance that still stands between them. But I will just say I feel encouraged after today's discussions." Armenian officials have claimed implicitly that the two rounds of negotiations between Kocharian and Aliyev this year collapsed because the latter backtracked on his earlier acceptance of the key principles of the peace plan that were officially disclosed by the Minsk Group co-chairs last month. Bryza effectively denied this and was careful not to blame any of the parties for the deadlock, saying that they both want to "enact some changes to the ideas that are on the table." "The principles that are on the table don't constitute an agreement," argued the US administration official. "They are principles, suggestions. So it's not possible for anyone to walk away from an agreement, if there isn't an agreement." At the heart of those principles is the idea of holding a referendum on Karabakh's status after the liberation of most of the Armenian-occupied districts in Azerbaijan proper surrounding the disputed enclave. Bryza confirmed that the mediators believe the status should be decided by the "people of Karabakh" "But the question is how do you define the people of Karabakh? And there were residents there in 1988 who wish to participate," he added in a clear reference to the region's displaced Azeri minority. "All these things have still to be worked out as part of a broad package." Following Bryza's visit to Baku, Aliyev made a speech on AzTV saying, "neither today nor tomorrow, or under any conditions, Azerbaijan will agree to the separation of Nagorno Karabakh," reported Armenpress. Aliyev said that the issue of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan cannot become a subject for the discussion at the negotiations. "Azerbaijan will not agree to the conditions which imply separation of Nagorno Karabakh," Aliyev stressed. Other Azeri officials have repeatedly stated in recent weeks that they will never accept any deal that could legitimize Karabakh's secession from Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov was quoted by the Day.az news service earlier this week as indicating that Baku is only ready to let the Karabakh Armenians decide the extent of their autonomy within Azerbaijan. "The principle of self-determination does not mean a breach of territorial integrity," Mammadyarov said. Some of them warned earlier that failure to do so before the end of this year would keep the peace process deadlocked for at least three more years. They pointed to parliamentary and presidential elections due in Armenia in 2007 and 2008 respectively and an Azeri presidential ballot scheduled for 2008. Many observers believe that it will be even more difficult for each side to make painful concessions to the other in the run-up to the polls. But in an indication of the mediators' fading hopes for 2006, Bryza insisted that a Karabakh settlement will be feasible even during the election period. "I don't necessarily feel that there needs to be a hard deadline on the peace process," he said. "It's better if we have a sense of what compromises might be suggested before other political events [in Armenia and Azerbaijan] move forward. But it doesn't have to be by the end of this year." "I would argue that the elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan don't pose an obstacle to reaching an agreement," continued the US mediator. "They just pose an additional complicating factor. It's up to the presidents to guide their populations or societies, their voters in whatever direction they wish: a) to win the vote for themselves and their political parties, but b) to build support for the agreement. "If the presidents succeed, with our help as mediators, in finalizing and eliminating the final differences with regard to this framework agreement and if they come up with an agreement that's mutually acceptable, that should be a plus in an election. That's a huge achievement that should actually help political leaders and their parties to win votes. So it could be useful to have elections. The is question is, though, will the presidents have decided to take these tough decisions in time?" 3. Turkish Opposition Supports Cross-border Operation ANKARA (Zaman)--Opposition parties in the parliament have given their full support to the Turkish cabinet's statement that 'Turkey is going to make full use of its international rights to prevent terrorist attacks against the country,' Zaman Daily reports. The Republican People's Party (CHP) said the decision may even be called a belated one, while the True Path Party (DYP) said they would fully support the government in a "cross-border operation." The Motherland Party said Turkey should risk everything for the unity of the country. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) stated Turkey's legitimate defense right is fully supported in international law, while the Great Union Party (BBP) announced Turkey should enter northern Iraq and eradicate terrorism by implementing permanent measures. CHP's Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Ali Topuz held a news conference at the parliament and gave his assessment on the stance the government has taken to combat terrorism. Citing that Turkey does not need permission from other countries to implement counter-terrorism offensives, Topuz said, "Turkey has the right, and is even obliged to eradicate terrorism at its source." Topuz asked the government not to follow the "suggestions intended to distract the nation," which are likely to come from the United States and Iraq, and warned that if the government followed such suggestions and its failure to carry out defense operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), would result in a greater situation. In a news conference held at the party's headquarters, Motherland Party leader Erkan Mumcu announced his party's support for the notion of a cross-border operation. Mumcu called on the Parliament to convene an extraordinary session and issue a "joint declaration" on the issue. Mumcu asked the government to employ good judgment, and said Turkey should show its determination to use its legitimate rights within the framework of international law when its national security is in danger of being compromised. Addressing members of the press outside the parliament building in Ankara, DYP leader Mehmet Agar stressed that Turkey may implement its rights under international law if diplomatic efforts prove fruitless. Asking the government to be courageous, Agar said, "Our opposition will not go beyond Habur. Counter-terrorism is a totally national concept and we fully support the government if Turkey is to take a step in this direction." MHP leader Devlet Bahceli issued a written statement saying that terrorist actions aimed at compromising the country's security and national unity have started to escalate to a dangerous level. Bahceli pointed out all the necessary measures must be taken for an effective struggle against terrorism and political divisiveness, as he called for a total mobilization to ensure this. BBP leader Muhsin Yazicioglu gave an assessment on the issue during a visit to the office of the Saglik-Is (Trade Union for Health). Yazicioglu also said that Turkey should launch a cross-border operation, adding that those supporting terrorism should be considered "the enemy" no matter where they are in the world and they should be punished. Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer, in a written statement, emphasized the right to conduct a cross-border operation is in Turkey's hand. Sezer said no country can solve its problems with the help of other countries, adding that Turkey should show that establishing security beyond its borders is its own decision. 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

Naregatsi Art Institute
Vartanants St. 16/1
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: 58-01-05
E-mail:
Nareg Seferian, Project Manager at [email protected] in Armenia
Seta Iskandarian at [email protected] in the US
PRESS RELEASE
August 1, 2006
The Naregatsi Art Institute (NAI) is proud to announce it has become
the Armenian national partner for the International Child Art
Foundation?s (ICAF) Third Arts Olympiad in Washington, D.C., the
world?s largest and most prestigious art competition for children aged
eight to twelve. The International Arts Olympiad involves three
million children in over 100 countries. Each national partner holds a
National Arts Olympiad, where the winning young artists represent
their countries during the week long festival and exhibition in
Washington, D.C. in June of 2007.
NAI has been chosen to be the national partner due to its dynamic and
growing presence in the art world of Armenia. NAI is dedicated to
serving Armenia?s existing cultural heritage through supporting
Armenian contemporary artists and creating a forum in which the spirit
of art and the common voice can resonate freely. Through its various
projects for children, NAI sees the artistic development of the
children of Armenia as an investment in the artists of tomorrow.
NAI invites all schools, art programs, orphanages, NGOs for children,
and community organizations throughout Armenia to participate in the
Armenian Children?s Arts Olympiad 2006. This free program for children
aged eight to twelve begins with a suggested lesson plan for teachers
in order to help students create paintings and drawings on the theme
?My Favorite Sport?.
Each school or organization may submit up to three artworks created by
their students by the deadline of October 5th, 2006. The Naregatsi
Art Institute?s independent and distinguished panel of judges will
choose the 50 best entries for an art exhibition in October, 2006,
when the 1st place winner will be announced.

A normal hatred?
Prospect
July 27, 2006
By Tony Klug
Recent actions by the Israeli military in Gaza and Lebanon, and
the responses to them, have prompted renewed fears of antisemitism
among the British and other Jewish communities. Jonathan Sacks, the
British chief rabbi, had already warned earlier this year of “a kind
of tsunami of antisemitism.” Yet some voices from within these same
communities are quick to deny any link between Israeli policies and
anti-Jewish feelings. Rather, current enmity towards both Jews and
Israel, notably from within the Arab and Muslim worlds, is explained
as a phase in Jew-hatred stretching back centuries. Melanie Phillips
promotes such a theme in her book Londonistan, where she writes:
“the fight against Israel is not fundamentally about land. It is
about hatred of the Jews,” who, she says, are viewed by Islam as
“a cosmic evil.” From this, it follows that the way Israel conducts
itself is at most a minor factor in the hostility directed towards it.
This is certainly a convenient argument for those who have an interest
in making it. But the evidence points in the opposite direction, as
exemplified by the Israeli-Palestinian accords of the “Oslo years”
in the mid-1990s, which sent Israel’s stock to unprecedented heights,
both in the Arab world and globally. In the same period, according
to leading Jewish research institutions, “a general lessening of
antisemitic pressure was recorded.”
As for the claim of historical “Jew-hatred” in the Islamic world,
its validity has been repudiated by no less an authority than veteran
historian Bernard Lewis, a middle eastern scholar of impeccable
pro-Israel credentials. In a presentation in 1985, he distinguished
three kinds of hostility to Jews: “Opposition to Zionism, ‘normal’
prejudice (what has been described as ‘the normal rough and tumble
between peoples’), and that peculiar hatred of Jews which has its
origins in the role assigned to Jews in certain Christian beliefs.”
Using the term “antisemitism” to refer to the third kind of hostility
only, he remarked: “In this specialised sense, antisemitism did not
exist in the traditional Islamic world.” Although he held that Jews
“were never free from discrimination,” they were “only rarely subject
to persecution.”
Lewis identified three factors that gave rise to a more recent
“European-style antisemitism in the Islamic world”: the rise of the
European empires, the collapse of the old political structures, and
Jewish resettlement in Palestine along with the creation of Israel and
subsequent Israeli-Arab wars. While arguing that antisemitism played
a part from the start of the mandate period, Lewis claims “the real
change began after the Sinai war of 1956 and was accelerated after
the six day war of 1967.”
What distinguished the 1967 war from previous battles was that it
concluded with Israeli military rule over occupied territories that
contained over 1m Palestinian Arabs, a number that has more than
tripled since then.
The importance of the distinction highlighted by Lewis-between
the centuries-old European Christian prejudice with its demonic
conception of the Jew and the more recent antipathy sparked off by a
bitter, contemporary political conflict-is compelling. Using the word
“antisemitism” to cover antagonism to almost anything Jewish, including
Israeli policies, Zionism as an ideology or even the existence of
Israel, and then rationalising this modern tendency by slapping on
the prefix “new” seriously risks debasing the coinage.
On the other hand, it is not as straightforward as this, for in
certain circumstances the different anti-Jewish phenomena may blend
into and nourish each other (what Brian Klug has termed “poisonous
intercourse”). Consider the following hypothetical case. In the
context of a fierce, long-standing dispute, the state of Armenia
captures and occupies a chunk of neighbouring Turkish territory, builds
Armenian-only settlements and highways, allows militant settlers to
intimidate local inhabitants, imposes curfews and closures, erects
myriad checkpoints, demolishes Turkish homes, imprisons a large segment
of Turkish youth and periodically bombards Turkish-inhabited towns.
Instead of dissociating themselves from such conduct, imagine that
organised diaspora Armenian communities around the world-haunted by
memories of massacres of their kinfolk-elect to defend and justify
it in a show of solidarity while displaying no tolerance for the
dissenters-“self-hating Armenians”-in their ranks.
In these circumstances, would it be surprising if a certain
anti-Armenian sentiment developed in a spread of countries, not only
among those who felt an affinity with people of Turkish or Muslim
origin but also among those committed to human rights and international
law? Yet Armenian communities, feeling besieged and misunderstood,
might put the animosity down to a historical Muslim antipathy towards
Christians and a latent anti-Armenianism on the part of not just the
Turkish people, but much of the rest of the world too.
For their part, the Turks and their supporters might investigate their
own or Armenian scriptures to see if they could uncover historical
explanations for what may seem to them like the cruel and treacherous
nature of their oppressors. In this hypothetical case, the search
would possibly lead nowhere. However, an equivalent investigation
targeted at Jews in the case of the very non-hypothetical Arab-Israeli
conflict would be certain to produce the sought-after results, if
only because of the ancestral battles that once took place between
the Jewish tribes of Medina and the contemporaneous followers of the
Muslim prophet, Muhammad.
In general, however, Muslim scriptures are not bountiful source
material for Jewish perfidy. It is not just that the messages they
give out are not consistent but also that Jews are not an especial
preoccupation of Muslim literature. And this is where bona fide
antisemitic ideas eagerly step in. Imported into the Muslim and
Arab worlds where once it was alien, the antisemitic “explanation”
is now increasingly embraced by disaffected people with minds primed
to be receptive to a simple it’s-all-the-Jews’-fault answer to many
problems. In short, what distinguishes the Jewish predicament from
the hypothetical Armenian one is that in the Jewish case, a potent,
ready-made ideology is lurking in the wings. Thus what starts out
as a political “anti-Jewish sentiment” may, in given circumstances,
metamorphose into classical antisemitism.
While helping to explain the cause of the phenomenon, none of this
justifies the rise of antisemitism in the Arab and Muslim worlds,
or anywhere else. It poisons the conflict and is intensely inimical
to a solution. As a strategy, it is counterproductive: indeed, it was
the spread of antisemitism that played the decisive role in winning
so many Jews to the Zionist cause in the first place. As a tactic,
it is highly divisive: confusing and alienating Jewish sympathisers
of the Palestinian cause as well as many others who despise racism
of all types. Moreover, stereotyping one party is liable to prompt
equally pernicious and ignorant counter-stereotyping.
The charge of antisemitism against Palestinians and others who
champion their cause is often made too flippantly. It lumps together
real antisemites with the real victims of oppressive Israeli
policies. Equally, many Arabs, Muslims and their supporters too
easily dismiss the accusation of antisemitism as just a device for
defending shameful Israeli policies. While this is sometimes true,
the accusation is sometimes true too-just consider the Hamas covenant.
Some leading Palestinian figures have not only acknowledged the
infiltration of antisemitism into Arab society but have been
outspoken in their rejection of it. But the longer the broader
conflict continues, the greater likelihood that antisemitism per se
will indeed take root throughout the region. In that event, it would
not only outlive the putative end of the Arab-Israeli conflict but
enormously complicate its resolution in the first place.
These are matters of serious concern not just for Israelis and
their government. They could affect the standing and safety of Jews
everywhere. If only for their own protection, Jewish communities
around the world have a strong interest in distancing themselves from
Israel’s repressive practices and annexationist tendencies. Beyond
this, they are sometimes in a position to influence Israeli policies
and to help bridge the gaps between the antagonistic parties. But to
engage in such initiatives would entail jettisoning their more common
instinct of unquestioningly following the Israeli government’s cue,
whatever it may be.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BAKU STUDYING REPORTS ON LEBANON ARMENIANS RELOCATION TO GARABAGH
AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 24, 2006 Monday
Armenians being evacuated from Lebanon over the ongoing military
operations are settled in Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, an Azeri region
under Armenian occupation, parliament member Ganira Pashayeva has
said. She noted that a scrutiny into the matter is underway. The
Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vladimir Karapetian has confirmed
that Armenians are being evacuated from this country. He told the press
that first, Armenian citizens, and then ethnic Armenian Lebanese, are
being delivered from Beirut to the Armenian capital Yerevan through
Halab, the second largest city of Syria. Over 300 Armenians have
already been evacuated from Lebanon. According to official sources,
Lebanon is home to 120,000 Armenians. The head of the Azerbaijani
community of Upper Garabagh, Nizami Bahmanov, regarded the ongoing
relocation of Armenians to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan
as a consequence of indifference on the part of international
organizations. He did not rule out that Armenians being re-settled
from Lebanon would be relocated primarily to the Lachin, Gubadly,
Kalbajar, and Aghdam Districts. With the rising chances for settling
the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Yerevan is trying to build a live
bridge between Armenia and Upper Garabagh. The Foreign Ministry
spokesman Tahir Taghizada said the Azerbaijani government is aware
of these facts. He said that if the ongoing scrutiny confirms them,
the ministry will put forth a terse stance on the issue before
international organizations.

ARMENIA EXPECTS NEW STAGE IN PEACE TALKS AFTER US MEDIATORS VISIT
AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 24, 2006 Monday
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian has said a new stage
in talks on the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict may begin after
the upcoming visit by the US mediator to the region. We expect the
Azerbaijani side to provide its consent to return to discussions
on the documents currently on the negotiating table, he told a news
conference in Yerevan while commenting on the visit by the US co-chair
of the OSCE Minsk Group, Matthew Bryza, to the two countries that
will begin from Armenia on July 29. Oskanian maintained that Armenia
has put forth a resolute stance on these documents, unlike Azerbaijan.
If Baku agrees to continue negotiations on the disclosed principles,
a new stage in the peace process may begin. The OSCE intermediaries
have lately said there is a framework agreement under discussion and
outlined its key principles. Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian
has said the Minsk Groups recent proposals are acceptable. For all
these years, our goal has been to achieve a package settlement. The
stage-by-stage resolution is unacceptable for us, he said. Margarian
made an outrageous statement, accusing Baku of breaking off peace
talks. He said Azerbaijans alleged withdrawal from talks shows Armenias
strong position. After visiting Yerevan, the American mediator will
visit Upper Garabagh and Baku. He is due to visit Azerbaijan July
30-August 1, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said. Bryza will bring
some new elements that he would like to table in Baku and Yerevan,
he added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Author may be jailed for literary ‘taboo’
United Press International
July 30 2006
University of Arizona Professor Elif Shafak was indicted and
interrogated by Turkish officials because a character in her novel
refers to the Armenian genocide.
The 35-year-old Turkish native had one of her characters in her novel
“The Bastard of Istanbul” refer to the 1915 Turkish genocidal war in
which 1.5 million Armenians were killed, and in doing so violated a
“taboo,” and possibly the laws of Turkey, the Arizona Republic said.
While the International Association of Genocide Scholars has ruled
the 1915 action by Turkey to be genocide, the concept is still not
accepted as fact in Turkey.
Turkish officials indicted Shafak based on a law which says if an
individual insults “Turkishness,” he or she could be punished by up
to three years in prison, the newspaper said.
While numerous other authors have been jailed for violating the law,
Shafak’s indictment and pending trial mark the first time someone
has had to defend a work of fiction, the newspaper said.
Shafak has not been jailed, and a trial date has not been set.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Fresno Bee (California)
July 29, 2006 Saturday
Blessing of the grapes in Fresno: Armenian churches plan for a
centuries-old tradition.
Ron Orozco, The Fresno Bee, Calif.
Jul. 29–St. Paul Armenian Church and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church each will present a blessing of the grapes ceremony in August
at the California Armenian Home in Fresno.
St. Paul Armenian Church will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 6, followed by the grapes blessing by Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, at noon. St. Paul Armenian Church is a member of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church will celebrate Divine Liturgy
at 10 a.m. Aug. 13, followed by the grapes blessing by the Rev. Vahan
Gosdanian at 11:30 a.m.
It is a centuries-old tradition for Armenian congregations worldwide
to pray for God’s blessings and protection over vineyards and grapes,
which are used in preparation for sacramental wine.
The St. Paul Armenian Church celebration will continue with the
annual congregational picnic, which will be held 12:30-5 p.m.
Armenian foods such as shish kebab and lulu kebab will be available.
There also will be dancing and entertainment. Music will be provided
by the Richard Hagopian Ensemble. A classic car show also will be
held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds will go to the church’s missions
programs.
The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church celebration also will
continue with a congregational picnic at noon. Traditional Armenian
foods will be available. Music for dancing will feature Hagopian on
the oud and Hachig Kazarian on clarinet. Proceeds will benefit the
church’s charitable programs. The public is welcome at both events.
Admission is free. California Armenian Home is at 6720 E. Kings
Canyon Road.
Details: (559) 431-5500 for the St. Paul Armenian Church event, (559)
486-1141 for the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church event.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
July 29, 2006 Saturday 3:47 PM MSK
Kocharian meets with U.S. mediator on Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenian President Robert Kocharian has met with U.S. Co-Chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza, who arrived in Yerevan on Saturday,
the presidential press service told Interfax.
“The parties discussed the latest developments in attempts to settle
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the press service said.
Bryza also met with Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian.
The U.S. diplomat plans to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh to meet with
the local leadership.
Oskanian said earlier that “Armenia does not expect Matt Bryza to
make some new proposals on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement and hopes
first of all that the U.S. co-chair would be able to return
Azerbaijan to the negotiating table to address the document on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement already on the table.”
The OSCE Minsk Group comprises representatives of Russia, France and
the U.S.
Bryza is visiting the region of the conflict as an OSCE Minsk Group
co-chair for the first time.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Times of India, India
July 27 2006
Iran bans Da Vinci Code after protests
AGENCIES[ THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2006 12:42:57 AM]

TEHRAN: Iran has banned the best-selling novel `The Da Vinci Code’
after protests from the country’s Christian clergy, the culture
ministry said on Wednesday, but the Persian translation is already in
its eighth edition.
Iranian publishing thresholds have relaxed considerably in recent
years and Tehran booksellers have noted an increased appetite for new
age and spiritual titles.
`Based on the request of three Christian clerics, yesterday we
decided to ban its republication,’ said an official at the ministry
of culture and Islamic guidance.
Most of Iran’s Christians belong to the Armenian church. Although a
small minority in a country of 69m Muslims, the Armenians have two
seats reserved for them in the 290-seat parliament.
The tiny Assyrian Christian community also has its own
parliamentarian. Many Christians have condemned Dan Brown’s
page-turner, saying the plot is offensive for arguing Jesus Christ
married Mary Magdalene and that their descendants are alive today.
The Da Vinci Code has sold more than 40m copies worldwide and has
been turned into a Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks.
Although the film has not had a box office release in Iran, the
pirated DVD is widely available.
Copies of the book were still on sale in Iran and will not be taken
off bookshelves, but a ninth edition will not be printed, the
official said.