Author: Emil Lazarian

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
STATE DEPARTMENT MISLED SENATE ON
TURKISH COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT AMB. EVANS
— Signed Statements Contradict State Department’s
Official Denial
— Justice Department Records Reveal Repeated Contacts
by Turkey’s Foreign Agent with the State Department
Concerning Remarks by the Ambassador to Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC – In yet another troubling development concerning
the controversial nomination of Richard Hoagland to serve as U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia, Department of Justice records have revealed
that the State Department has misled the U.S. Senate regarding its
communications with the Turkish government concerning the February
2005 public affirmation of the Armenian Genocide by U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia John Marshall Evans, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
In a letter, dated June 28, 2005 written on behalf of Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice to Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), the Ranking
Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the State
Department denied that the Turkish government had even approached
the Administration on this issue. However, official Foreign Agent
Registration filings by the Turkish government’s registered foreign
agent, the Livingston Group, document that, in the days following
Ambassador Evans’ February 19, 2005 remarks, one of Turkey’s agents
communicated on at least four different occasions with State
Department officials concerning the envoy’s statement and his
subsequent retraction.
“With each new revelation, we see more clearly the corrosive impact
that the Administration’s complicity in Turkey’s denial is having
on our own core values as Americans,” said ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. “This latest failed attempt by the State Department to
mislead the Senate adds to the many compelling reasons to block the
confirmation of a new Ambassador to Armenia.”
Consistent with the pattern of unresponsiveness that has come to
characterize the Administration’s actions on the Hoagland
nomination, the only answer the State Department chose to provide
in response to Senator Biden’s four questions was a misleading one.
His other inquiries – including an official request for an
explanation of why Ambassador Evans was being replaced prematurely
– remain unanswered.
On June 23rd, as part of Ambassador Richard Hoagland’s confirmation
process to replace Amb. Evans in Yerevan, Senator Biden wrote a
letter asking Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice a series of
questions including the following: “Has the State Department
received any communication – written, electronic, or spoken – from
the Turkish Government concerning Ambassador Evans?”
Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Jeffrey T.
Bergner responded on behalf of Secretary Rice with the following
assertion: “Please be assured that allegations that the U.S. is
removing Ambassador Evans under pressure from the Government of
Turkey are simply untrue. The Government of Turkey has not
approached the Administration on this issue, and the United States
and Turkey engaged in no diplomatic exchanges related to this
matter.”
However, Justice Department filings by the Livingston Group reveal
that a day after Amb. Evans’ statements on the Armenian Genocide
were publicized in an ANCA-San Francisco press release dated
February 24, 2005, a Turkish agent communicated with the State
Department concerning his statements. On February 28, 2005, one
business day after the agent’s first phone call, Ambassador Evans
issued his first public retraction – noting that his mention of the
Armenian Genocide was made in a private capacity. Later that same
day, the Livingston Group reported three additional calls between
one of Turkey’s agents and State Department officials including the
Deputy Chief of Mission-designate at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara to
discuss Ambassador Evans’ retraction. The very next day on March
1, 2005, Ambassador Evans issued a public correction of his
retraction – removing entirely any mention of the Armenian
Genocide.
In addition to the Justice Department filings, several Turkish
press accounts reported that officials of the Government of Turkey
communicated their concerns to the State Department regarding
statements made by Ambassador Evans:
1) Turkish Press
On March 3, 2005, Turkish Press reported that, “Turkey’s Ambassador
in Washington Faruk Logoglu reacted to this. Ambassador Logoglu
reminded his interlocutors in the State Department that the United
States did not recognize ‘Armenian genocide’ noting the expression
in Evans’ apology was unacceptable. Justifying Turkey’s warning,
US State Department made Evans to issue a ‘correction’ for the
apology.” (“Evans Had to Correct His Statement Again After Using
‘Genocide’ in His Apology,” Turkish Press, March 3, 2005)
2) Anadolu News Agency
On March 4, 2005, the Anadolu News Agency reported that, “The
Turkish ambassador to Washington Faruk Logoglu reacted to this
message and the Washington administration approved Turkey’s demand
and made Evans correct the message of apology. Logoglu reminded the
US State Department that the US does not recognize the Armenian
genocide, but the term was used in the message of apology of the US
Yerevan Ambassador. Logoglu noted that a term that is not accepted
by USA could not be used in a statement of policy.” (“Double
Genocide Correction from US Yerevan Ambassador,” Anadolu News
Agency, March 04, 2005)
3) Turkish Daily News
On May 27, 2006, Turkish Daily News reported that, “‘After his
remarks last year that caused reaction at the State Department and
by Turkey, Evans was given a second chance, but he continued to
deviate from the official U.S. policy, working almost as a part of
Armenian groups that have a specific agenda,’ one U.S. analyst
familiar with the matter said on Thursday. ‘As a result he was
recalled.'” (“US Envoy Fired Over ‘Genocide’ Claims,” Turkish Daily
News, May 27, 2006)
The ANCA has circulated relevant sections of the Justice Department
FARA filings to Congressional offices.

H. Silvanyan: Extremism against Armenians Rare in Georgia
PanARMENIAN.Net
24.07.2006 15:59 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia supports any initiatives targeted at
improving the living conditions of population of the Armenian-inhabited
region of Javakhk (Georgia), RA Ambassador to Georgia Hrachya Silvanyan
stated in an interview with Novoe Vremya newspaper. In his words,
the interaction on the Javakhk issue is discussed at the meetings of
government officials while a number of regional projects provide for
contribution by the Armenian side. He reminded that at the recent
sitting of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission RA
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan reiterated Armenia’s readiness to
promote implementation of program for reconstruction of Javakhk’s
infrastructure.
“Armenia can assist in finding an optimal solution for stabilization
in the region.” Hrachya Silvanyan said. At that he underscored
that he stands against the notion of “anti-Armenian spirit”
in Georgia. “National extremism against Armenians is rare in
Georgia. Of course there are nationalists but their number is small
while unproductiveness of their political choice is obvious in
multinational Georgia,” the Armenian diplomat said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REPUBLICAN PARTY CONGRESS ELECTS DEFENSE MINISTER CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNING BOARD
Armenpress
YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS: An extraordinary congress of the
governing Republican Party elected last Saturday defense minister
Serzh Sarkisian chairman of its governing council. This position was
specially created to be given to the influential minister.
Speaking to reporters after his election Serzh Sarkisian explained
his desire to formalize his membership in this party by a long record
of mutual cooperation. He recalled also that he had been elected to
parliament in 2003 elections on this party’s ticket.
“Though the defense minister has become member of a political party,
the armed forces remain non-partisan and therefore my decision is
legally correct,” he said. The extraordinary congress has raised the
number of members of its ruling council from 42 to 70. It now comprises
many parliament and government members, wealthy businessmen. It
also incorporated a series of changes to its statutes. Addressing
the congress, the chairman of the party, prime minister Andranik
Margarian, spoke also about the resolution of the Karabakh conflict,
reiterating that the most recent proposals put forth by the OSCE Minsk
group, calling for the pullout of Armenian troops from some of regions
surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, deployment of international peacekeeping
contingent and a referendum to decide the final status of Karabakh,
were largely acceptable for Armenia. Margarian, however, added
that these principles were again rejected by Azerbaijan. Margarian
said this conflict must be resolved based on four basic principles:
international acknowledgment of the Nagorno-Karabakh population’s
right to self-determination, Nagorno-Karabakh must have an overland
connection with Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh must never become part of
Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh must have international guarantees of
security of its people and borders. Speaking about other priorities
of the government, the prime minister listed the European integration
and boosting cooperation within CIS. The Republican Party, making
the coalition government together with the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation and the United Labor Party, has more seats in the parliament
than other forces and boasts of some 30,000 members.

There is still a chance for reaching an agreement
Yerkir.am
July 21, 2006
In this politically peaceful summer period when no one seems to
have any desire to work the political forces in the parliament are
engaged in heated debates of the CoE Venice Commission’s opinion on
the amendments to the Electoral Code.
The fifth session of these discussions will be held today. National
Assembly’ s ARF faction leader Hrayr Karapetian presents his opinion
on the results of the previous discussions.
The CoE Venice Commission’s comments on the amendments to the Electoral
Code are divided into three main groups. According to Karapetian,
the first group includes amendments that the VC welcomes considering
that they contribute to free and fair elections.
These amendments include the proposal to place the ballots into
envelopes, proposals about making the punitive measures in case of
electoral violations stricter in the Criminal Code. There are some
amendments for which the VC has requested further clarifications from
the National Assembly.
The Commission has noted that some of its proposals were not included
into the draft amendments and believes these proposals should be
discussed as well. For instance, finger inking, mobile ballot boxes,
video taping in the voting site and the issue of people who cannot
vote at the voting site should also be further discussed.
“Our factions believes that all proposals related to the amendment
of the Electoral Code that will contribute to the transparency of
electoral mechanisms and democratic elections should be adopted. The
question is that there are issues that should be further discussed
based on the specific situation in Armenia. We will discuss these
issues with the Venice Commission again.
For instance, the issue of mobile ballot boxes. We have not
included this in the amendments since it can result in a number
of violations. Meanwhile, the Venice Commission believes that the
absence of mobile ballot boxes will deprive people who cannot vote
at the voting site of their voters’ rights.
The finger inking also may arise some problems taking into
consideration our people’s psychology. The question of video taping
is under discussion. If we manage to find some mechanisms to insure
technically the implementation of these proposals while at the same
time ensuring the secrecy of the vote, this also can be applied,”
Karapetian noted.
As to developing a mechanism for recalling electoral commission
members, the National Unity party insists on this proposal. Meanwhile,
the Venice Commission believes this proposal should be excluded. “We
believe that the recalling mechanism should be excluded. The opposition
believes that the recalling mechanism can be used under certain
time frames.
This issue is also under discussion. Overall, we hope that it will be
possible to reach a point when all political forces will come to an
agreement, of course going for compromises on certain issues so that
both the pro-governmental and opposition political forces sign under
the amendments to the Electoral Code to be discussed in the National
Assembly. There are still chances that we will manage to do this,”
Karapetian noted.
When the political forces come to a final agreement the questions
related to the amendments will be discussed with representatives of
the Venice Commission in mid August.
As to the proportion of majoritarian and proportional votes, ARF has
always supported 100% proportional vote. However, Karapetian noted, if
we see today that there is no agreement on this issue today, we will
try to shift the proportion between majoritarian and proportional
votes in favor of the proportional – 75% proportional and 25%
majoritarian. This issue should be decided based on a consensus.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

No panic among Lebanese Armenians as situation escalates
Yerkir.am
July 21, 2006
By Karine Mangasarian
The military operation unleashed by Israel against Lebanon has already
killed and wounded hundreds. Speaking to Yerkir, Shahan Gantaharian,
the editor-in-chief of the Armenian-language Aztag Daily published
in Beirut, said that despite the dangerous situation the Lebanese
Armenians do not plan to flee the country.
Gantaharian: The Israeli army continues its military operation in the
south causing thousands to flee. The only way to leave Lebanon is the
Syrian border but it is not safe either. The Armenian community too
has found itself in a desperate state but they have not intention
to leave the country.
Many refuges have found refuge in Armenian-populated areas, including
Beirut, Burj Hamoud and Antelias. The Lebanon Central Committee of
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has set up a body to coordinate
the assistance to refugees. The body, in cooperation with the Burj
Hamoud municipality, is engaged in delivering aid.
The main task of the body is to set up contacts with Armenian charity
organizations. The ARF Lebanon CC has already issued a statement
condemning the Israeli violence against innocent civilians. Q: The
Armenian government has decided to aid the victims of the military
actions. Could you say where the Armenian government could be helpful?
Gantaharian: If the situation escalates there would be a need for
medical assistance and food. Currently, there is no such danger
although the power blackouts become more frequent, the gas prices
have soared, there is shortage of food but the government has announce
the stocks would last for several months.
To avoid panic in the community, all the Armenian organizations and
clubs are engaged in the ARF preparatory works. If there is need, we
can also coordinate our efforts with those of the Armenian government.
Gantaharian also informed that taking into account the immense
interest of the international community and Armenian communities
worldwide, the Aztag has placed relevant information on its website
at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Story of a pilgrimage
Yerkir.am
July 21, 2006
There was a surprise waiting for me in the newsroom. Robert Arakelian’s
“In the Footsteps of the Past” was on my desk.
An actor, Arakelian had been working for the Yerevan Drama Theater
until 1992 when he moved to Lebanon and settled down in Ainchar,
a town with a significant number of Armenians. Since then he is the
director of the “Lusardzak 40” troupe of the “P.Sevak” branch.
Sponsored by the Hamazkayin, his first book, “In the Footsteps of the
Past,” has been published by the Vahe Satian Publishing House. This is
a story of a pilgrimage, or to put it more accurately, a long return
of an Armenian from Lebanon to Cilicia and Cappadokia. To say that
an Armenian pilgrim is just a tourist is equal to saying nothing.
Every town is a historic holy site and no matter how hard the current
owners of those lands try to erase the traces of the Armenian presence,
those traces remain and speak of themselves.
The language of the book is a unique combination of the Eastern and
Western Armenians.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ComNews: Results of Tender for ArmenTel Known
PanARMENIAN.Net
24.07.2006 13:22 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ System Russian Holding and an international
consortium formed by VTEL Holdings Indian company and Knightsbridge
Associates (said to be backed by a well known Armenian entrepreneur)
will become the new owners of ArmenTel’s 90% stocks, reported
ComNews Russian news agency with a reference to a source close to the
negotiations and tender proceedings. The Russian holding will own the
PSTN while the Indian-Armenian consortium will obtain the cellular
communication. These are the results of the tender announced by OTE
Greek company, the owner of ArmenTel 90% stocks.
“OTE promised to publish the outcomes of the tender late July or early
August. Anyway System will be the winner but to all appearance it will
have to share ArmenTel with VTEL Holdings/Knightsbridge Associates,”
the source said. System’s PR Officer Irina Potekhina neither refuted
not confirmed the information. In her words, the results will be
known in early August.
According to ComNews the tender was marginally provoked by Altimo
Russian company, which offered $360 million for ArmenTel’s
90% stockshare. However OTE considered the sum as a starting
point. “Atlimo’s mistake was that it listed the support of an
official of the Armenian government and thought it’s enough,” the
source said. It should be noted that OTE is not empowered to sell its
stocks without the consent of the Armenian government, which owns 10
percent of the stocks.
To note, Deutsche Telekom, TeliaSonera and Tele2 Swedish companies and
CBOSS (Russia), who also wished to purchase ArmenTel’s stocks failed
in the first round. “The price is not a decisive issue for OTE. It
highlights political motives. These companies might have proposed a
greater sum that System has,” the source supposed, ComNews says.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933

Over 400 Attend Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar
WATERTOWN, Mass.-Over Memorial Day Weekend, over 400 AYF junior
andsenior members, representing over 15 chapters of the Eastern
Region, gathered at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, Penn., for the annual
AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar. Attendees, as well as lecturers and guests,
gathered for a weekend of educationals, discussions, and AYF
camaraderie.
This year’s theme was `Identity. Spirit. Tradition: Experience AYF.’
The weekend’s educational content revolved around this central message
where members learned about the various realms that theorganization
encompasses. The educational aspect of the weekend commenced early
Saturday morning where members attended various lectures geared to
their specific age group.
Various topics such as Armenian Kingdoms; the AYF members’ college
experience; AYF evolution; and the AYF members’ role in the
Armeniancommunity, sparked discussion on all levels amongst juniors,
seniors, and lecturers. `This year’s content was exceptional. Given
that we are two years away from celebrating the 75th anniversary of
the AYF, it isimportant for our members to know about the AYF as it
relates to itself, the community, and other organizations with which
it works with,’ saidNora Keomurjian, 2006 Junior Seminar committee
chairperson.
In addition to taking part in eight lectures, attendees rekindled
friendship and met fellow ungers and ungerouhis from various
chapters. `One of my favorite parts about Junior Seminar when I
attended as a junior was meeting new people from so many different
places. I continue to do so today as a senior,’ said 2006 Junior
Seminar committee member Simone Dinkjian-Soultanian.
Evening activities also added excitement to the weekend, including the
traditional Saturday night talent show. DJ Chris Krikorian, Aram
Hovagimian, andSevag Khatchadourian provided entertainment throughout
the weekend. A special addition to this year’s program was a showcase
of young talented members from the New Jersey Arsen chapter. Brothers
Shant and Raffi Massoyan, and Raffi Kouyoumjian played Armenian
melodies on traditional Armenian instruments such as the zurna, oud,
and dhol.
In its 36th year, Junior Seminar continues to be the driving force
that brings together membership, not only providing them with social
outlets, but the tools and knowledge needed to continue their
membership in the AYF.

Armenia president cancelled his visit to CIS informal summit
ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 21, 2006 Friday 04:48 AM EST
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has cancelled his visit to Moscow
because of his illness, the president’s press service reported.
Kocharyan was scheduled to attend an informal summit of the CIS
leaders planned for July 21-22.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Dance troupe arrives back in Sydney
ABC Transcripts (Australia)
SHOW: AM 8:12 AM AEST ABC
Members of a Sydney dance troupe have arrived back in Sydney to
emotional scenes, after being stranded in Lebanon after the crisis
broke out.
Eighteen dancers and supporters of the the Armenian dance troupe
touched down at Sydney airport overnight, on a flight from Jordan.
The rest of the group will arrive on separate flights over the next
two days.
Fifteen-year-old dancer Annette Mazmanian was clearly relieved to be
back on home soil, and with her parents.
“I just feel much relieved that I’m home,” she said.
“As much as you’re far away from your parents and you have your
friends around, you just want to come back home as soon as you can .
“With the bombs going on, it’s the first time I’ve ever felt that way.
“Words can’t explain I just wanted to hug them and never let go.”
This morning, 65 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are leaving
for the Middle East.
They will be helping the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) evacuate
Australians caught up in violence.
Brigadier Mick Kehoe says 19 ADF members are already in the area
working with DFAT.
“In all likelihood some will remain in Cyprus,” he said.
“Some will be on the ground in Lebanon and operate in direction
and under direction… of the DFAT personnel who’ll be managing the
evacuation of Australian nationals.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress