Author: Emil Lazarian

REFORMS REFER TO THE ELITE

Lragir.am
05 May 06

Today Armenia is a more democratic country than it was before its
accession to the Council of Europe, stated Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan in the conference “Council of Europe and Armenia: 5 Years of
Cooperation” on May 5. Vardan Oskanyan assured that Armenia fulfilled
all the commitments it had undertaken on accession to the Council of
Europe. “We are going through a second stage of democratization. It is
a difficult stage for it suggests reforms that are directly related
to the political elite. We must display a political will,” stated
Vardan Oskanyan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

JUST A FEW NAIVE QUESTIONS ON THE ‘ARMENIAN GENOCIDE’
Cem Oguz

New Anatolian, Turkey
May 4 2006

At a symposium held in Kayseri recently Turkish Armenians’ Patriarch
Mesrob Mutafyan II wisely argued that it’s unethical for both Armenians
and Turks “to ignore each other’s responsibility or completely put it
on the other side although responsibilities weren’t equal in the brutal
consequence.” He then criticized the great powers of the time, ranging
from France to the U.S., since they bore a responsibility as well.

What might be the responsibility of the great powers that the patriarch
touched upon? And what is its relevance today?

During his visit to Ankara two weeks ago, Polish Foreign Minister
Stefan Meller, in response to Turkish criticism regarding the Polish
Parliament’s recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide, said that
the decision neither has a binding impact on his country’s foreign
policy nor reflects the view of his government. Supposedly the decision
wasn’t one taken against Turkey. Since a number Polish citizens
with Armenian roots have carried out significant duties in Poland,
the Polish Parliament considered the decision moral compensation for
Armenian suffering and pain stemming from the 1915 tragedy.

The foreign minister’s statement begs one simple question: Is the
Polish Parliament’s decision indeed so apolitical?

Just as was the case when the U.S. public TV network PBS a short
while ago aired a controversial documentary on the so-called Armenian
genocide but gave little opportunity for scholars supporting the
Turkish thesis to have a say, every defensive attempt by Turks are
zealously blocked by Armenian diaspora organizations.

If our Armenian friends are so sure that our arguments are baseless
why are they so hesitant about giving us a chance to fall flat on
our faces?

A memorial in Lyon, France honoring those killed in the so-called
Armenian genocide was vandalized just a week before it was to be
unveiled, which, as The New Anatolian’s Nazlan Ertan two days ago
wrote, has created a fertile atmosphere for the new law that would
punish genocide deniers with time in prison.

Who might the vandals be? Some men with moustaches, as some circles
are trying to portray, or teenagers being paid in a dark alley by a
guy in a suit?

As of today the number of U.S. states that have passed resolutions
supporting the Armenian allegations has reached 36 in total.

Why then are we heartened on April 24 every year to see that the U.S.

president, whoever he is at the time, has avoided using the term
“genocide” in his message to Armenia and the Armenian Americans? Are
these resolutions passed by U.S. states, on the other hand,
just like the controversial movie “Midnight Express,” a sign of
anti-Turkishness? As our U.S. friends do about “The Valley of Wolves
Iraq,” shall we complain about it as well?

George W. Bush, in his presidential message this year, interestingly
expressed his willingness to strengthen Armenia’s inclusion in the
Euro-Atlantic family.

Doesn’t the U.S. president or other Western leaders realize that
the biased Western stance towards the Armenian claims, in turn,
is accelerating the Turkish people’s alienation from the West?

TNA recently published a striking news story entitled “New measures
to fight Armenian claims.” Due to the fait accompli of the Armenian
diaspora, a high-level and unnamed Turkish source ironically asserted
that sometimes even the foreign ministries of some countries find out,
much to their “surprise,” that their parliament took a decision on
the matter. Supposedly Venezuela was a good example. Its Foreign
Ministry officials discovered that a resolution supporting the
Armenian allegations was passed in their Parliament only after it
was condemned by Turkish diplomats. The way these resolutions are
passed is also worth considering. In several cases previously such
drafts were brought to Parliaments during late evening sessions when
the number of deputies present was very few indeed.

This leaves us scratching our heads, wondering why the Turkish
diplomats in Venezuela didn’t inform their colleagues before the law
was passed. Or are such arguments merely another reflection of our
diplomats’ professional kindness?

Last, but not least, why doesn’t Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc,
instead of making speculative speeches that further divide the public,
convene Parliament on his own initiative to formulate a national
declaration, to be signed by all political parties in and outside
Parliament, reaffirming that the Armenian allegations are unacceptable
and Turkey is ready to pay the consequences of its alleged “denial”
whatever they are? Why do opposition parties, in turn, make this
national cause simply another matter of domestic polemics and populism
despite the fact that they’re equally responsible?

Can nobody see that the Turkish people won’t forgive those who are
trying to attribute a grave moral flaw to them?

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SHUSHI, SAN DIEGO AND ETHNOGRAPHY

Lragir.am
5 May 06

Shushi is not ignored by the Armenia Fund, we simply have to have a
clear perception, Naira Melkumyan, Executive Director of the Fund,
said May 5. While we will be trying to perceive, there will remain
nothing in Shushi that can be perceived, for the town is ruined, and
the population is quickly dropping instead of growing. Nevertheless,
it is interesting to know what needs to be perceived. It turns out
that there is little to perceive.

“Shushi is not the case when we must implement separate programs
there. A long-term policy, an urbanist program must be worked out,
because Shushi is a town, it does not have agricultural potential,
and we need to find peculiar solutions there. There are cities,
such as San Diego, for instance, if I am not mistaken, which have
ethnographic elements,” says Naira Melkumyan. She says they have
been seeking for such interesting solutions for over two years,
and Diasporan specialists on urban development have been involved.

“We must carry out a complex policy. A policy which is not developing
a town or a district but it drags the entire region, if I can say
so. I think the development of Shushi also needs the support of
private business,” says the executive director of Armenia Fund.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

INFLATION IS DETERMINED BY THE STATE OF AGRICULTURE

Lragir.am
5 May 06

The president of the Central Bank of Armenia told the reporter of
Lragir.am May 5 that sustaining a 3 percent inflation projected for
2006 is quite realistic. “Our estimations show that it is realistic
to sustain a 3 percent inflation determined by monetary factors by
the end of this year. Especially that the growth of the price of
gas was softer than it had been expected,” said Tigran Sargsyan. He
mentioned that the rate of inflation will greatly depend on the state
of agriculture, the rate of growth in this sector.

“For the fluctuations of the price of agricultural products has an
essential effect on the level of prices, and it will determine the
rate of inflation this year,” said Tigran Sargsyan.

OSKANIAN SAYS ARMENIAN AND AZERI LEADERS LIKELY TO MEET NEXT MONTH

Armenpress
May 05 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign minister Vartan Oskanian
said today Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents are likely to have
another meeting early next month, but added there were no concrete
arrangements about the venue and the date of the possible meeting of
Robert Kocharian of Armenia and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of “Armenia and the Council
of Europe: Five Years of Membership” conference, kicked off today in
Yerevan, Oskanian said the anticipated meeting may suffer a setback
as the one earlier this year in the French castle of Rambouillet.

Oskanian said again that Armenia had done everything it could and now
the turn was for Azerbaijan to make its concessions in order to give
a fresh push to the process of peaceful talks.

“The problem now is to avoid a setback and we expect appropriate
moves from Azerbaijan,” he said, adding otherwise it would be very
difficult to move forward. Oskanian downplayed media allegations that
Aliyev’s recent visit to Washington has given an additional weight to
Azerbaijan’s positions. “We know that Aliyev was made understand in
Washington by very top US government officials that seeking a military
solution to the Karabakh conflict is not an option. We appreciate it,”
he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARA ABRAHAMYAN SAYS THEY ARE THE RUSSIAN PATRIOTS

Panorama.am
13:44 05/05/06

According to Armeina Union of Russia (AUR), 4 Armenian nationals were
murdered during the first quarter of 2006, AUR Chairman Ara Abrahamyan
told Echo Moscow today. According the him, the statistics shows that
this number is increasing year by year and said that “nothing has
been done to prevent that in the course of 10 years.”

“When Vigen Abramyants was murdered, I was personally talking to 500
young men talking them into not to go out,” Ara Abrahamyan said.

The Chairman noted that the Union is pursueing its own investigation
on the case of 17 year old Vigen Abramyants. He said the law entitled
them to do so.

According to Ara Abrahamyan, when 16-17 year old becomes a mudered,
this is a social problem. The more we think on that and take actions,
the less criminal acts will be committed. It seems that they are better
organized than we. Those who cover such actions are only seemingly
“patriots”. We are the patriots who name things as they are, Ara
Abrahamyan said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

MAY 4, 2006

ARMENIAN AIRLINE PLANE CRASHES IN BLACK SEA
We mourn the loss of the 113 passengers on an Armavia Airbus A-320 that
crashed yesterday near the southern Russian resort city of Sochi on the
Black Sea. Officials believe the crash was caused by poor visibility due to
pouring rain. Many of the passengers were vacationers.
Upon hearing the sad news Archbishop Oshagan telephoned His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to express
condolences. In a message issued to the Faithful circulated yesterday in a
special edition of Crossroads, the Prelate said: “We extend our heartfelt
sympathy to the families who lost loved ones. May the love of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ comfort them in this time of deep sorrow. We urge our
Faithful to join our brothers and sisters in Armenia in offering special
prayers on Friday, May 5. May the souls of the victims find everlasting
peace in our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom.”

PRELATE WILL ATTEND ST. ILLUMINATOR SCHOOL GALA
Archbishop Oshagan will attend the dinner dance gala sponsored by the St.
Illuminator School, tomorrow, Friday, May 5, at the Terrace on the Park in
Corona, New York. In an innovative change of pace the event is also a
reunion of Armenian School students going back to the 1930s to the present.
Many remember with great fondness the first-rate Aharonian Mayr Varjaran
where the first generation of Armenian Americans was taught the Armenian
language, history and culture. Back then (yes, some of us here at Crossroads
are old enough to remember those days) students went to Armenian School
three afternoons a week (after regular school was dismissed). Dressed in
“Sunday-best” attire, most of the students were from the Armenian enclave in
the neighborhood near the Cathedral on the lower east side, but many others
traveled by subway or trolley from distant parts of the city-including the
outer boroughs.

PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO PHILADELPHIA ON SUNDAY
TO ATTEND ST. GREGORY ANNIVERSARY GALA
On Sunday, May 7, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Philadelphia where he
will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
and the church’s 39th anniversary celebration that will follow the church
service.
The Philadelphia community is one of the oldest Armenian communities in
the United States. Its history goes much further than 39 years. However, the
current church complex was built and consecrated in May 1967. Since then it
has been serving the growing needs of the large Armenian American community
in the sprawling Philadelphia area, which includes southern New Jersey and
nearby Delaware. Last year the church embarked on a new phase of growth and
is now in the midst of a fundraising campaign for a much-needed renovation
and expansion of facilities in order to provide spiritual, educational and
cultural services to the community.

DEACON SHANT WILL LEAD RETREAT IN PHILLY
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council, will lead a retreat for the Sunday School teachers and
staff of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, beginning
tomorrow evening, Friday, May 5, through Saturday, May 6. The theme of the
retreat is “Nurturing Faith.”

SCHOOL VISIT PLANNED BY ANEC
In her continuing schedule of visits to Armenian schools, Nayiri
Balanian, chair of the Armenian National Education Committee, will visit the
Taniel Varoujan School in Chicago on May 12 and 13. She will meet with the
teachers and the principal on May 12 and the next day will attend a Mothers
Day luncheon where she will honor the teachers for their dedicated service.
ANEC is jointly sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and the Armenian Relief
Society (Eastern).

TURKISH NOVELIST SELECTED AS TIME MAGAZINES
100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
Orhan Pamuk, the acclaimed and prize-winning Turkish writer, was named
this week as one of the one hundred most influential people in the world by
Time Magazine.
Describing Pamuk as the “Teller of the Awful Truth,” Time writes: “Pamuk,
already the most famous author in contemporary Turkey, became a global cause
celebre early last year after he pointedly criticized his country’s
all-too-willful historical blind spots: the genocide of Armenians in 1915 by
the Turkish military and a similar suppression of the country’s Kurdish
minority.” All this led to fierce criticism from nationalist groups and the
government prepared to put him on trial. Human rights organizations and
writers’ unions around the world came to his defense attracting intense
worldwide publicity. In the end, as Time Magazine notes, “Pamuk’s name has
become even more recognized and his words even more influential. In the
confrontation of rock-hard reality and paper-thin artistry, sometimes, as in
the children’s game, paper overcomes stone.”

PRELATE WILL ATTEND SYRIAN ORTHODOX LEADER’S ANNIVERSARY
On Saturday, May 6, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a celebration of the
10th anniversary of the Episcopal Consecration of Archbishop Mor Cyril
Aphrem Karim, Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox Church (Eastern U.S.)
The Syrian Orthodox Church is within the family of Oriental Orthodox
Churches which includes the Armenian Apostolic Church.

PRELACY LADIES GUILD MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
WILL TAKE PLACE MONDAY, MAY 8
The Prelacy Ladies’ Guild’s Mothers’ Day Luncheon will take place on
Monday, May 8, at The St. Regis, 2 East 55th Street, New York City. The
event, which has become an anticipated event for women in the metropolitan
area and beyond, will take place in the beautiful St. Regis Roof with
reception beginning at 11:30 am, followed by luncheon at 12:30 pm. A special
Musical Interlude, “Voices of Spring,” will provide entertainment and the
“Mother of the Year” will be announced and honored.

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
WILL CONVENE IN NEW JERSEY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will convene May
17 to 19, at the host church, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
The concluding reception and banquet will take place Friday evening, May
19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Route 4 East, Fort Lee, New Jersey. During the
banquet program a number of individuals will be honored including “Persons
of the Year,” “Spirit of Armenia,” and “Youth Leadership” awards.
“Certificates of Merit” will be presented to deserving members of the local
host community. To make reservations for the banquet ($75. per person)
contact any of the following: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 201-943-2950; Bea
Movsesian, 201-445-6867; Sonia Setrakian, 201-313-7157; Lynn Mahlebjian,
201-440-3018.

CONFERENCE FOR YERETZGEENS WILL TAKE PLACE
DURING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW JERSEY
Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious and Executive Council are pleased to
announce that a conference for Yeretzgeens of the Eastern Prelacy will be
held in New Jersey on May 16-17, in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly. All Yeretzgeens are invited to attend the
conference. Archbishop Oshagan will open the session with a prayer and
deliver the opening message. The remainder of the conference will feature
two sessions on various aspects of the life of a priest’s wife (family,
parish life, work) by Presvytera Athanasia Papademetriou of the Greek
Orthodox faith and one session titled “Women of Noble Character,” by
Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian.

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND JOINT MEETING
Archbishop Oshagan and V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan will attend the third
meeting of Christian, Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together next
Thursday, May 11, which will take place at the Eparchy of St. Maron of
Brooklyn, hosted by Archbishop Gregory Marsour.

REGISTER NOW FOR DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Urge your teenagers to enroll in the St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute. The weeklong program will take place July 2 to 9 at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. This year the Institute is
marking its 20th anniversary and all kinds of commemorative events are being
planned. We will provide full details in the coming weeks.

THE ART OF EMMA GREGORYAN
TO BE EXHIBITED AT THE PRELACY
The works of noted artist, Emma Gregoryan, will be shown beginning on
Friday evening, May 12, at the Prelacy’s Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall,
138 E. 39th Street, New York City. The opening reception will take place
Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. The artist will be present to welcome guests.
Refreshments will be served.
Ms. Gregoryan’s works are currently being shown at the Susquehanna Art
Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as part of an exhibition of the Armenian
art collection of the late John Vartan.
Born in Gumri, Armenia, Emma Grigoryan graduated from the Fine Arts and
Theatrical Institute of Yerevan. Her paintings have been exhibited in
Yerevan, Paris, Beirut, New York, Washington and throughout Canada.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I ISSUES FIFTH DIALOGUE WITH YOUTH
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I recently issued the 5th in a series of
dialogues with the youth, entitled “The Imperative of a Faith-Sustained
Life.”
His Holiness describes the general understanding of faith and then say,
“.being Christian does not mean merely knowing about our faith or even
witnessing about it. It means keeping firm our faith. This is the message of
our Lord Jesus Christ. The church, the mystical body of Christ, constantly
reminds her faithful to remain faithful to the Christian faith by responding
to its challenges, demands and implications.”
His Holiness says faith means to “remain faithful to the Christian faith
by responding to its challenges, demands and implications.” The Pontiff
expands on other important aspects including, placing faith at the center of
life, preserving the integrity of faith, participating fully and actively in
the life and mission of the church, and translating faith into work.

GEORGE MGRDICHIAN: FRIEND AND EXTRAORDINARY MUSICIAN
This week we mourn the loss of a personal friend and an extraordinary
musician, George Mgrdichian. His funeral took place today in Philadelphia at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. He grew up in Philly, but later moved to
New York.
George was an accomplished musician and also a talented artist, who loved
to draw cartoons, including a parody of himself and his world he called
“Kokorig.” He had undergraduate and graduate degrees from Juilliard and was
a gifted classical clarinetist.
Most probably he could have had a distinguished career in symphony
orchestras, but his true love was the oud, an instrument that he
single-handedly elevated to concert status. He performed in almost every
major concert hall in the U.S., wrote and performed musical scores for
movies, television and Broadway. His obituary was published today in the New
York Times and the New York Sun, and we are sure dozens of other newspapers
around the country.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING TURNS 75
On Monday, May 1, New York’s Empire State Building (ESB) marked its 75th
birthday, beginning a year-long celebration. Built at the height of the
Great Depression, the building has gone through many hardships including a
1945 plane crash. When built, the ESB was the tallest building in the world
and remained the tallest in New York until the completion of the World Trade
Twin Towers in 1972. After September 11, 2001, the ESB again became New
York’s tallest building and remains so today. It now ranks 9th in the world,
and second in the United States behind Chicago’s Sears Tower.
Construction of the 102 floors was considered to be one of the most
remarkable feats of the 20th century. More than 3,400 workers-most of them
immigrants, desperate and grateful for employment-worked on the
construction, which took a mere 410 days to complete. Which leads us to
wonder: Why is it taking so long to repair the FDR drive?

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 5-Reunion of all students beginning from the 1930s who attended St.
Illuminator Armenian School in New York. Dinner Dance at Terrace on the
Park, Corona, NY. For reservations or information contact the St.
Illuminator’s Day School, 718-478-4073.

May 7-Mothers’ Day celebration at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

May 8-Mothers’ Day Luncheon by Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York
City.

May 12-Exhibition of the works of artist Emma Gregoryan at the Prelacy, 138
E. 39th Street, New York City.

May 13-Dinner-Dance organized by the St. Sarkis Church Ping-Pong Club. For
details 718-224-2275.

May 17-19-National Representative Assembly (NRA), hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Concluding reception and banquet will take
place Friday, May 19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Reception at 7 pm, followed by dinner. For information/reservations: Sts.
Vartanantz Church office, 201-943-2950.

May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.

May 20-Year-end Hantes for Sunday School and Saturday School, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.

June 4-16th Anniversary Celebration of the new St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.

July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.

September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.

Visit our website at

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/04/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM

1) Senators, Representatives Mark Armenian Genocide in Remarks at Their
Respective Chambers
2) Rescue Workers Step up Search after Armenian Plane Crash
3) NATO Parliamentary Assembly Invites Armenian And Azeri Presidents to Paris
4) Armenia to Hold Economic Forum And Conference in September
5) Requiem Mass for Plane Crash Victims to Be Held Sunday
6) US Legislators Urge President Bush to Condemn Azeri War Rhetoric,
Demolition
of Armenian Cemetery

1) Senators, Representatives Mark Armenian Genocide in Remarks at Their
Respective Chambers

WASHINGTON, DC–More than a dozen Senators and Representatives took to the
floors of their respective chambers during the week of April 24 to mark the
91st anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide and share with
their
colleagues the moral imperative to enact legislation condemning this crime
against humanity, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
These remarks were in addition to the annual Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide
Observance, held on April 26, which drew forty Senators and Representatives
and
featured the presentation of the ANCA’s Voice of Justice award to Serj Tankian
and John Dolmayan of System Of A Down.
On the Senate side, speeches were delivered by Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Maria
Cantwell (D-WA), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Carl Levin
(D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI). The House initiative was organized by
Congressman
Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and featured remarks
by Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Vice-Chairman of the International Relations
Committee; Howard Berman (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Mark Foley (R-FL),
Sander Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael
McNulty (D-NY), Jon C. Porter (R-NV), John J.H. “Joe” Schwarz (R-MI), Hilda
Solis (D-CA), and Henry Waxman (D-CA).

Among the most compelling Senate remarks were the following:

* Senator Russ Feingold: The international community has made the first
steps,
but it has a long way to go in punishing and, particularly, preventing
genocide. As we move forward, we must learn the lessons of Armenia’s genocide.
We cannot be misled by the rhetoric of scapegoating, denial, and obfuscation
used by murderous leaders to disguise their agenda. And we cannot respond to
evidence of methodical, brutal violence by wringing our hands and waiting for
some definitive proof that these events qualify as genocide. Enforcing a
collective, international commitment to prevent and stop genocides from
occurring is imperative. We owe the victims of the Armenian genocide this
commitment.

* Senator Barbara Boxer: The brutality of the genocide was atrocious. But the
inhumanity continues today because the Turkish Government refuses to
acknowledge the massacres as genocide. The wounds cannot heal until the
Armenian people receive recognition.

* Senator Jack Reed: So as history does not repeat itself, we must study and
remember the events of our past. In instances such as the Armenian genocide,
all nations must educate their youth in the hatred, the wrongdoing, and the
oppression to deter future atrocities against humanity. Not more that two
decades after the Armenian genocide, Hitler said to his generals on the eve of
sending his death squads into Poland, “Go, kill without mercy… who today
remembers the annihilation of the Armenians.” We remember the Armenians. “Menk
panav chenk mornar.” We will never forget.

* Senator Dianne Feinstein: The Armenian-American community knows this all
too
well and today, we stand with them in commemorating the start of the Armenian
genocide. So let us renew our commitment to support those around the world who
face persecution and even death simply because of who they are. We will never
forget the Armenian genocide, and we look to the present and future with a
newfound sense of hope and optimism so that we may have the strength to stand
up and prevent such atrocities.

Among the more compelling excerpts from the speeches in the US House are
provided below:

* Congressman Chris Smith: Unfortunately, President Bush, in his annual
message about the Genocide, did not use the word. Once again, terms like “mass
killings” and “forced exile” mask the depth of the horror that took place,
carefully avoiding the plain truth. In fact, as has been described in numerous
newspaper articles, Ambassador John Evans, who was posted in Yerevan, is being
recalled for having the courage to say publicly that what happened to the
Armenians of the Ottoman Empire was genocide. It saddens me that the US
Government would go to such lengths to deny the undeniable. I would like to
commend Ambassador Evans for his braveryas a career Foreign Service
Officer, he
must have known what the consequences might be.

* Congressman Frank Pallone: Last week I was joined by my Co-Chair of the
Armenia Caucus and many of my colleagues in Congress on a bipartisan basis in
sending yet another bipartisan congressional letter to President Bush urging
him to use the word “genocide” in his April 24th commemorative statement. With
over 178 signatures, the message in that letter is loud and clear: 90 years is
too long to wait for justice to be served and proper recognition to be made.
The US owes it to the Armenian American community, to the 1.5 million that
were massacred in the Genocide, and to its own history to reaffirm what is
fact. As we have seen time and time again, the United States has a proud
history of action and response to the Armenian genocide. During a time when
hundreds of thousands were left orphaned and starving, a time when a nation
was
on the verge of complete extermination, the US took the lead and proudly
helped
end these atrocities. In fact, Americans helped launch an unprecedented US
diplomatic, political, and humanitarian campaign to end the carnage and
protect
the survivors.
Regardless of President Bush’s inaction, I call on Speaker Hastert to bring
the resolution to officially recognize the Armenian genocide to the House
floor. The resolution that passed in committee last September, again on a
bipartisan basis by an overwhelming majority, has over 148 cosponsors. Now is
the time to allow Members to reaffirm the United States’ record on the
Armenian
genocide. The US Government needs to stop playing politics with this tragic
time in history and take a firm stance for the truth. Genocide must not be
tolerated.

* Congressman James McGovern: Luckily, such leadership and courage is not
lacking among the Armenian American community. Not only do they continue their
historic work on the recognition and documentation of the Armenian genocide,
but they are genuine leaders and partners in efforts to educate Americans
about
the other genocides of the 20th and 21st Centuriesthe Holocaust of World War
II, Cambodia, Rwanda and Bosnia, to note some of the most prominent.

* Congressman Howard Berman: The debate on this historical issue has been
settled. The distinguished International Association of Genocide Scholars,
among others, has concluded that it is undeniable. Others, including some who
accept the historical facts, say Congress should not pass a resolution
recognizing the Armenian genocide because it will irreparably damage our
relationship with Turkey. This is a phony argument.

* Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney: The tragic events that began on April 24,
1915, which are well known to all of us, should be part of the history
curriculum in every Turkish and American school. On that dark April day, more
than 200 of Armenia’s religious, political and intellectual leaders were
arrested in Constantinople and killed. Ultimately, more than 1.5 million
Armenians were systematically murdered at the hands of the Young Turks, and
more than 500,000 more were exiled from their native land.

* Congressman Jerry Costello: Despite the effort of some to minimize the
scope
and deny its occurrence, the Armenian genocide is a historical fact. In the
years since, descendants of Armenian immigrants have clung to their identity
and have prospered across this nation and throughout the world. In my
district,
there is a significant population of Armenian survivors and their families
that
showed heroic bravery and a will to survive. With faith and courage,
generations of Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved
their culture, traditions, and religion by sharing their story of the
Genocide.
It is through their unforgettable tragedy that we are able to share in their
history and strong heritage.

The full text of all the Senate and House remarks is available on the ANCA
website at:
< eleases.php?prid=942>
/press_releas es/press_releases.php?prid=942.

2) Rescue Workers Step up Search after Armenian Plane Crash

(AFP/Armenpress)–Anguished relatives faced the grim task Thursday of
identifying their loved ones as rescue workers stepped up the search for
bodies, debris, and the data recorders of an Armenian plane that plunged into
the Black Sea, killing all 113 on board.
Russian rescue teams continued searching the area where the Airbus A320
plunged into the sea near the Russian resort of Sochi on Wednesday,
investigating the depths with special equipment, including sonars.
An official with Russia’s emergency situations ministry, Andrei Pakulov, told
AFP that a signal had been picked up from what might be one of the Airbus
A320’s black box flight recorders. Officials said that the signal was detected
at a depth of 680 meters where the rescuers found a great number of debris of
the plane.
Once the black boxes are found, they can be compared to the recorded
conversations between the pilots of the plane and the air traffic controllers,
providing a better understanding of what went wrong.
For now, investigators have said bad weather was most likely the cause of the
crash, which occurred as the aircraft was approaching the landing strip,
awkwardly located between the sea and the Caucasus Mountains.
The RIA news agency, quoting an official in the search operation, said a
major
section of the plane had been located with the help of a submersible search
vessel. “All our deep water special equipment will be assembled at that point
in the coming hours,” RIA quoted the official as saying.
At a nearby Armenian school a memorial ceremony took place for two former
students of the school. Afterwards, students and teachers went to the seashore
and placed 113 carnations and roses into the water.
Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin addressed over 200 relatives of the
victims desperate to find the bodies of their loved ones. Investigators will
work “for as long as it takes to recover all the bodies and body parts,”
Levitin said, adding that it was too early to say for sure what had caused the
crash.
“Do everything you can to recover the bodies–I implore you,” urged one young
man, in tears. “How will the bodies be identified? Let us enter the morgue and
see the personal belongings,” urged another relative.
By Thursday morning 53 bodies had been fished out of the water and 22 had
been
identified, news agencies said. The remains of the aircraft were submerged in
more than 400 meters (1,300 feet) of water, but Levitin said a team of French
specialists brought in to search for the jet’s black boxes had “all the
technical means needed” to locate them.
Relatives of the victims were to visit the crash site by boat on Friday to
drop commemorative wreaths into the water. Both Armenia and Russia have
declared Friday an official day of mourning.
On Wednesday, relatives began identifying their loved ones from photographs
taken of the bodies recovered so far, including that of a child. On Thursday,
Tamara Mkrtchian, 36, said she had lost her husband Markar, their 17 year old
daughter Flora, and two other relativeswho were returning from a wedding in
Yerevanbut had yet to recognize any of their bodies.
“The photos are horrible. Imagine what they suffered. My daughter had
forebodings. She had been afraid to take the plane, afraid it would fall into
the sea. I suggested she change the ticket but she didn’t want to,” said
Mkrtchian.

3) NATO Parliamentary Assembly Invites Armenian And Azeri Presidents to Paris

BAKU (Armenpress)President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Pierre
Lellouche invited Armenian and Azeri Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham
Aliyev to Paris in late May. Aliyev has agreed to the visit.
Regarding the Karabagh conflict, Lellouche said that the NATO PA is making an
effort to help the parties reach a resolution to the conflict. He said during
his meeting with the two Presidents, they will discuss the regulation of the
conflict.
“This conflict is very destructive and results in the exhaustion of resources
and causes human losses,” said Lellouche. “The Caucasus needs stability.”
Lellouche also said that a military solution to conflict is not the right
one.

4) Armenia to Hold Economic Forum And Conference in September

In order to promote increased economic cooperation between Armenia and the
diaspora, Armenia will hold the Second Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum in
Yerevan on September 20, 2006. Marking the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, the third Armenia-Diaspora economic conference will be held
later
that week, from September 18-19, also in Yerevan, followed by the
“Pan-Armenian
EXPO-2006” exhibit on September 22.
The First Economic Forum, which was held in 2003, resulted in increased
investment from the diaspora, better export quality, and sustainable economic
development.
The Second Forum will build on these achievements, strengthening the economic
development of Armenia and cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora. It
also reflects increased interest from diasporan Armenians in investing in
Armenia.
To participate in the conference or for more information, call (310) 657-6102
or visit the Consulate General of Armenia at 50 N. La Cienega Blvd., #210,
Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

5) Requiem Mass for Plane Crash Victims to Be Held Sunday

The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and the Western
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America released separate
statements Thursday announcing that on Sunday, May 7, all churches of the
Diocese and Prelacy will hold requiem mass services in honor of the Armavia
airplane crash victims.
The Prelacy also stated that Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian will preside
over the requiem service at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino to give his message
on this somber occasion.

6) US Legislators Urge President Bush to Condemn Azeri War Rhetoric,
Demolition
of Armenian Cemetery

–Representatives Knollenberg, Pallone, Radanovich, and Schiff Registered
Concerns on Eve of Bush-Aliyev Meeting

WASHINGTON, DC–The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has
expressed its appreciation to four leading legislators–Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and
Representatives
George Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA)–for urging President Bush to
personally encourage Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to stop his government’s
threats against Armenia and Karabagh.
The two leaders met at the White House last week in a meeting, which was
reported to have covered, among other items, energy security issues, Iran’s
nuclear program, and democratic reform in Azerbaijan. It was not immediately
clear, based on media accounts, if President Bush addressed the issues raised
in the Congressional letter.
In their letter, the four legislators voiced their concern that, “in the
years
since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
Azerbaijani government officials have consistently threatened war and fostered
anti-Armenian intolerance. Ignoring international criticism, President Aliyev
has repeatedly declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new military offensive
against Karabakh, and that he is waging a ‘cold war’ against Armenia where the
ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve unilateral Armenian
concessions.”
Furthermore, the letter condemned Azerbaijan’s demolition of an over
1,000-year-old Armenian cemetery in Julfa, Nakhichevan, noting that
“[k]nowingly expunging traces of Armenian presence also raises serious
questions about Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage in the peace process.” The
legislators credit the Administration for its assurances that “US
opposition to
such tactics has been officially conveyed. However, the United States will be
unable to advance its policy objectives and the OSCE Minsk process will
achieve
nothing if Azerbaijan is allowed to risk war with impunity. These
counterproductive strategies are undermining the stability of the South
Caucasus region.”

The full text of the Congressional letter is provided below.

#####

Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

April 27, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

It is our understanding that you will be meeting with President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev later this week. We urge you to take this opportunity to condemn
the Azerbaijani war rhetoric and other actions taken against the Republic of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh which undermine U.S. objectives in the region.
In the years since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, Azerbaijani government officials have consistently threatened war
and
fostered anti-Armenian intolerance. Ignoring international criticism,
President Aliyev has repeatedly declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new
military offensive against Karabakh, and that he is waging a “cold war”
against
Armenia where the ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve unilateral
Armenian concessions.
As part of this campaign, this year Azerbaijan has increased its military
spending by 100% over the previous year to more than $600 million. It has
also
tightened the seventeen year economic blockade against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Moreover, President Aliyev has indicated he would not engage in any
confidence-building measures with Armenia and he had “no desire” to tone down
his country’s war-mongering and anti-Armenian propaganda.
Under the backdrop of the peace talks last December, eyewitnesses captured on
film Azerbaijani soldiers destroying historical Armenian monuments in the
medieval cemetery of Julfa, Nakhichevan of Azerbaijani Republic. Condemned by
the European Parliament, this incident is not isolated. A Scottish expert on
Armenian architecture, who traveled though Nakhichevan in the summer of 2005,
found that a number of Armenian monuments that were intact as late as the
1980’s were razed to the ground. Knowingly expunging traces of Armenian
presence also raises serious questions about Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage
in the peace process.
We acknowledge and appreciate the assurances of the Administration that U.S.
opposition to such tactics has been officially conveyed. However, the United
States will be unable to advance its policy objectives and the OSCE Minsk
process will achieve nothing if Azerbaijan is allowed to risk war with
impunity. These counterproductive strategies are undermining the stability of
the South Caucasus region.
We urge you to condemn these actions and call upon President Aliyev and
Azerbaijan to desist from making any further threats against its Christian
neighbors Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
We look forward to working with you on this issue and look forward to your
response.

Sincerely,

JOE KNOLLENBERG
Member of Congress

GEORGE RADONOVICH
Member of Congress

FRANK PALLONE, JR
Member of Congress

ADAM SCHIFF
Member of Congress

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Haigazian University
Rue Mexique – Kantari
P.O. Box 11-1748
Riad El-Solh 1107 2090
Beirut – LebanonBeirut, 04/05/2006

HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS IN BEIRUT

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman: We applaud Haigazian’s
role as a strong voice for American values, for freedom and democracy,
education and service.

On May, 1, 2006, after completing a successful day of meetings
with the Board of Trustees, during which the future academic and
development plans of the university were discussed, the president
of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian hosted a special
dinner of fellowship in hotel Le Bristol, Hamra.

In attendance were the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman,
the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Vahan Der Ghevontian and
his spouse, the Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy, Juliet Wurr,
the Executive Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Andrew Torigian, the President of the Union of the Armenian
Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Rev. Megrdich Karagoezian,
members of the board, and the academic and administrative leadership
of the University.

During dinner, President Haidostian acknowledged the vigorous efforts
of the Board members, the support and friendship of the US Embassy,
as he congratulated the Armenian Ambassador for his appointment
to Lebanon.

“In our consciousness, the USA denotes a people, a system, a
tradition, a set of values, a heritage of virtues, where voluntarism,
philanthropy, respect for life, critical thinking and democracy
are taught for the benefit of all, especially the underprivileged
ones of this world…In fact, the Armenian experience of suffering,
coupled with the American outlook created a strong foundation for an
educational system at Haigazian”, said Haidostian during his address.

Ambassador Feltman was struck by the real family spirit of the evening,
as he considered the event a celebration of Armenians, Lebanese and
Americans gathered for the sake of Haigazian University.

During his speech, Feltman expressed his admiration of Haigazian
University in promoting a tolerant, multi-confessional society,
respectful of the rights of minorities. Moreover, he applauded
Haigazian’s role as a strong voice for American values, for freedom
and democracy, education and service.

“The long-term, non-negotiable commitment of the United States to
Lebanon remains as strong and vibrant as ever…The ties between the
American and Lebanese people span generations and are sustained by
mutual affection. As U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, I am proud to affirm
the commitment of the United States to Lebanon and to pledge America’s
support to Lebanon and the Lebanese people today, tomorrow and in the
future, to build and support a secure, sovereign, democratic, united
and prosperous Lebanon”, noted Feltman upon concluding his speech.

The Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary (LA), represented by
its chairwoman Joyce Stein and 3 other members, donated a generous
amount of USD100,000 towards the funding of the new building project
of the University.

On accepting the donation, the president expressed his gratitude by
presenting the ladies a plaque which acknowledged the auxiliary’s
43-year unconditional dedication in supporting needy Haigazian
students.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

ARAMAC STATE CHAIR PAMELA BARSAM BROWN WORKS WITH COLORADO PBS
AFFILLIATE TO BROADCAST GENOCIDE AWARENESS PANEL

Washington DC — The Armenian Assembly of America today commended
the leadership of Assembly activist Pamela Barsam Brown for taking
the initiative and working with Colorado PBS station KBDI, which
broadcast a genocide awareness panel following the debut of Andrew
Goldberg’s documentary, “The Armenian Genocide” on April 26.

The panel, which featured genocide scholar and Assembly Member
Dr. Dennis Papazian, examined issues surrounding past and present
genocides including the Holocaust, Armenian Genocide and the recent
situation in Darfur.

“Weappreciate thework of Peter Boylesand KBDIfor helping raise
awareness of these crimes against humanity,” said Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny. “We also applaud our State Chair, Pamela Barsam Brown,
forrallying community support andfor spearheading this initiative
in Colorado.”

“Dr. Papazian’sinsightful and historically revealing comments,
asguest panelist,providedColoradoan’s with animportant and timely
opportunity to learn about the Armenian Genocide,” said Barsam Brown,
Colorado State Chair for ARAMAC.

“I am particularly proud that my local PBS affiliate chose to create
a unique and positive post-program format. OurPBS audience was
well-served by a robust discussion which touched upona wide range of
past and presentGenocide topics,” Barsam Brown continued.

Dr. Papazian served as the Armenian Assembly’s first Executive Director
as well as Co-Chair of the Assembly’s Board of Directors. Currently,
he is the Director of the Armenian Research Center at the University
of Michigan, Dearborn.

Other panelists included Ved Nanda, Director of the International
Legal Studies Program at the University of Denver, United Nations
Association of Colorado President Dr. Tim Kubik, and Ahmed Adam Ali
Mohammed, the Secretary General of Darfur Association in the U.S.

The program also promoted a local Conference entitled “Genocide and
Crimes Against Humanity: Challenges and Actions” that will be held
on May 8 under the sponsorship of the Colorado Coalition for Genocide
Awareness and Action of which the Armenian Assembly is a part of.

For more information about the Conference or the Coalition,
contact Roz Duman, Project Director at (303) 320-6565 or email
[email protected].

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress