Author: Emil Lazarian

ARMENIA PUTS PRISONERS TO WORK PRODUCING CRAFTS FOR SALE
Avet Demourian
AP Worldstream
Apr 06, 2006
The men in simple black turtlenecks bend low over the workshop tables,
intently carving key chains, model ships, even an elaborate walnut
backgammon set in the pale light of an Armenian prison workshop.
These and other handicrafts will go on sale at the Prison Arts kiosk
at a weekend market in the center of the capital, Yerevan _ part of
a new program to occupy inmates’ time.
“Earlier it was their cellmates who ordered them around and forced them
to make this or that object,” said Tigran Navarsardian, the director
of the Erebuni prison in Yerevan. “Now they work for themselves and
are legally protected.”
The program is the brainchild of Justice Minister David Arutyunian
and the director of the ministry’s prison reform program, Nikolai
Arustamian.
“(The inmate) is occupied, he creates and gets satisfaction from this,”
Arutyunian said. “For many the financial aspect is secondary.”
The prisoners craft watches, religious medallions, woven wall hangings,
slippers and leather cases for mobile phones or keys, all of which are
affixed with labels in Armenian and English identifying the craftsman
and describing what materials were used. The label does not indicate
the sentence the artisan is serving and for what crime.
_ but the inmates eagerly volunteer that information.
“I’ve been ‘inside’ since I was 16,” said 34-year-old Fyodor
Matriashin, serving his sixth sentence for robbery. “I began making
wooden boxes when I first arrived, but if I used to give them away,
now I’m paid for them.”
Armenia’s 13 penitentiaries, home to some 3,000 inmates, had some
sort of manufacturing department during Soviet times, but over the
past decade and a half they have closed production and most of their
equipment has been carted away.
Today, a prisoners’ advocacy group called the Assistance to the
Prisoner Fund is trying to revive the manufacture of ceramics
and bricks at Erebuni, a special prison for repeat offenders. It
already has provided clothing for prisoners, cut and sewn in the
penitentiaries.
But it is the small craft workshops _ which at least in the case
of Erebuni, had no guards supervising inmates _ that seem to give
prisoners the greatest satisfaction.
“Just about everyone in the prison uses my cigarette-holders,” said
Abel Pogosian, a 32-year-old serving his five sentence for assault
who spends his days carving bone-and-metal cylinders.
“Now maybe someone on the outside will like them, too.”
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
APRIL 6, 2006
PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE ASKS THE FAITHFUL TO
“LISTEN, BREAK BREAD, PROCLAIM”
In his annual Easter Message to the Faithful, His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan, advises the Faithful to “Listen, Break Bread, Proclaim.”
His Eminence describes the journey of the two disciples on the road to
Emmaus who meet a “stranger” and thus become the first witnesses to see the
resurrected Christ and the first bearers of good news announcing the
Resurrection of the Son of God.
The Prelate describes our duty to “Listen to the Prophetic Words,” to
“Break Bread with Christ,” and “Proclaim the Resurrection of Christ.”
“During these days when we live with the mystery of Christ’s
Resurrection, let us all become travelers to Emmaus, meet Christ through our
faith, listen and follow his teachings, and together become communicants to
His sacrifice and be witnesses and preachers to His miraculous
resurrection.”
To read the entire message in English click
To read the entire message in Armenian click
MessageArm.pdf
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Tomorrow, April 7 is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary,
which is the celebration of the announcement of the archangel Gabriel to the
Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God, as recorded in the Gospel
according to Luke (Chapter 1, verses 26 to 38).
HOLY WEEK BEGINS
In a few days we will be entering the most solemn period of Christendom,
Holy Week, leading up to Christianity’s most joyous period-Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection.
The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus
that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the resurrection of
Lazarus and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we
commemorate on Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a
donkey, as described centuries earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large
enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches and with the
words, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.” (John
12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, “Open to us Lord, the door of mercy.” This service is now held
immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, rather than in the
evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. It is also a tradition for the faithful to bring
flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan will officiate over
services at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
On Holy Thursday, for the Washing of the Feet service and the Vigil, the
Prelate will travel to All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois.
On Good Friday he will officiate over the burial service at Sourp Hagop
Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
On Easter Eve, His Eminence will officiate at services at Sts.
Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
On Easter Sunday the Prelate will officiate at services at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.
RETIREMENT LUNCHEON FOR PRELACY STAFF MEMBER
Last Friday, March 31, a retirement luncheon took place at the Prelacy
in honor of Mardirous Minas-Haftvani, who has served as the Prelacy’s
bookkeeper for the past twenty years. The Prelate, the Vicar, and staff
members joined in expressions of thanks and appreciation. In a convivial and
merry atmosphere staff members shared memories while expressing their best
wishes to Mardirous.
LENTEN SERIES CONCLUDES
The final Lenten meditation took place last night, with V. Rev. Fr.
Daniel Garabedian’s focus on the final three stanzas (22 to 24) of St.
Nerses Shnorhali’s, “In Faith I Confess” (Havadov Khosdovanim).
The Lenten programs took place Wednesdays during Lent at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. The annual Lenten program is
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Prelacy
Ladies Guild.
PASSING OF DIRAMAYR ROSE VARTOUHY KASSABIAN
We note with sadness the death of Diramayr Rose Vartouhy Kassabian,
mother of Der Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in North Andover, Massachusetts. She was 82 years old, and is survived by
Der Vartan, and a daughter, Ovsanna Kassabian.
Funeral Services took place on Monday, April 3, at Sts. Vartanantz
Church in Providence, Rhode Island, with V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Prelacy, officiating, with the participation of the
clergy from the New England and New York metro areas.
We express our sincere words of condolence to the Kassabian family.
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WILL BE SHOWN ON PBS ON APRIL 17
The new PBS documentary, “The Armenian Genocide,” will be shown
nationwide on PBS stations, Monday, April 17, from 10 to 11 pm. Check loyal
listings, as the date and time may vary in some locations.
The powerful documentary was written, directed and produced by Emmy
Award-winner producer Andrew Goldberg of Two Cats Productions, in
association with Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The documentary features interviews with leading experts including
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power and New York Times best-selling
author, Peter Balakian. This one-hour documentary includes historical
footage that has not been seen before. The documentary is narrated by
Julianna Margulies and includes narrations by Ed Harris, Natalie Portman,
Laura Linney, and Orlando Bloom, among others.
Filmed in the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Turkey and Syria,
the program includes discussions with Kurdish and Turkish citizens in
modern-day Turkey who speak openly about the stories told to them by their
parents and grandparents.
2006 GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK CITY
The City Council of New York together with the Armenian National
Committee of New York, and the Friends of ANC will host the 2006 Genocide
Commemoration at City Hall, on Friday, April 21, 6 to 9 pm. The
commemoration is sponsored by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and City
Council members Melinda Katz and Peter Vallone, Jr. In addition to speakers
there will be a musical presentation and an Armenian Genocide photo and
video exhibit. For details contact the ANC of New York, 718-651-1530.
GATHERING AT TIMES SQUARE
And don’t forget the commemoration at Times Square organized by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan and co-sponsored by ArmenPac
and with the participation of area Armenian churches and organizations,
Sunday, April 23, beginning at 2 pm. The event is supported by 155 members
of the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues. National, state and
local dignitaries will participate as well as scholars and artists. For bus
information: 516-627-6687, 718-777-7765, 201-265-1275.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
A very wise person once said, “Those who sing, pray twice.”
The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created!
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after forty days of Lent and
the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe.”
During the Opening of the Doors ceremony the beautiful hymn “Open for
us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or before the
closed altar. “We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the
gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord.”
During the Vigil on Maundy Thursday some of most melodious and memorable
hymns are sung including, “My Heart Trembles” (Sird im Sasani); “Seized by
the Love of Money,” (Ardzatsirootyampun Molyal), and the truly beautiful and
haunting “Where Are You, O Mother?” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most
sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with
bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?”
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, “Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!” (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!”
Calendar of Events
April 8-Ladies Guild Annual Bake Sale, 10 a.m., Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
April 17-“The Armenian Genocide,” a new documentary will be shown on most
PBS stations. Please check your local listings.
April 21-2006 Genocide commemoration at City Hall, New York City, sponsored
by the New York City Council and the Armenian National Committee of New York
and Friends of ANC. For details, 718-651-1530.
April 23-Commemoration of the 91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at
Times Square-the crossroads of the world. Organized by the Mid-Atlantic
Knights and Daughters of Vartan, co-sponsored by ArmenPac and with
participation of area Armenian organizations. Featuring Prof. Israel W.
Charny, Andrew Goldberg, Edward Korkoian, Asien Surmeian, Annie Totah, Aram
Hamparian, Curtis Sliwa, and more. More details to follow.
April 29-Presentation by comedian Vahe Berberian at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For details 718-224-2275.
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.
May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
May 20-Saturday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
May 21-Sunday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
Visit our website at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Avenue, Suite 803
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-5307
Fax: 212-689-5317
E-mail: [email protected]

Charles Aznavour and Baroness Carolyn Cox Support
Armenia Fund USA’s Phonathon 2006, April 27-30, 2006
~A message in your homes from
two great philanthropists and supporters of Armenia~
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA (Fund), East Coast Affiliate of
Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenian Fund, is pleased to announce that France’s
most famed singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Carolyn Cox of the British
House of Lords have given their support to the Fund’s Phonathon 2006 that
will be conducted on April 27th through 30th, 2006. With their messages of
appeal delivered straight to many home phones, the fundraising campaign will
benefit the Agricultural Initiative for Haterk farmers in Mardakert region
of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Fund has taken the lead among the 18 worldwide affiliates of Hayastan
Himnadram in the implementation of the Agricultural Initiative of the
larger, more comprehensive “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development
Program. (The other components of the larger program include medical
facilities, auxiliary roads, water distribution projects, education and
housing).
As part of the Fund’s awareness and fundraising campaign, French-Armenian
singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury, Deputy
Speaker of the British House of Lords, and have given their encouraging
support and endorsement to the recently launched Agricultural Initiative.
The initiative is a three-year, three region development plan designed to
help farmers in Nagorno-Karabakh move from subsistence farming to export
production in order to economically strengthen both themselves as well as to
stabilize the region economically. With these changes, they will move beyond
producing only enough to feed their families – thereby improving their
families’ health; providing for their families’ educational and day-to-day
needs; and increasing their production of quality agricultural goods.
Charles Aznavour, one of France’s most popular singers, songwriters and
actors, is a philanthropist and a well-known supporter of Armenian causes.
He has stood beside the Armenian people since the disastrous earthquake of
1988 and delivered humanitarian aid to the devastated towns and villages in
Armenia. Charles Aznavour has been honored with a statue in Gyumri, Armenia
in recognition of his outstanding humanitarianism towards people of Armenia.
What makes this honor even greater is that it was the first time in Armenia
a statue was erected for an honoree while that person was still alive!
Baroness Caroline Cox – member of the British House of Lords, human rights
advocate, head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide- is also a staunch
supporter of Armenia and Karabakh, having made more than 60 trips there
since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
The Fund, in cooperation with Hayastan Himnadram’s Yerevan affiliate and the
Nagorno-Karabakh government, will establish Agricultural Development
Associations (ADAs). Starting with Haterk, the ADAs will provide
modern agricultural equipment and technology to farmers who, by becoming
members of the ADA, will have access to discount rates for fertilizers,
seeds, tractors, etc. in order to work the land at affordable rates. The
program’s initial goal is to substantially improve the overall agricultural
productivity of Karabakh farmers; and the ultimate goal is to reduce rural
poverty in the region
During April 27th-30th, Armenia Fund USA with the help of its enthusiastic
group of volunteers – eager to make a difference- will conduct follow-up
calls and take pledges from donors wishing to help the Fund in its efforts
to combat rural poverty in Nagorno-Karabakh. The volunteers will answer
their questions and spread the word about the Agricultural Initiative.
Volunteers participating in Phonathon 2006, especially those who have
visited Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, are very passionate about donating
their time during those 4 days to support the campaign.
If you would like to be part of Phonathon 2006, please call us at
212-689-5307, or e-mail: [email protected]. We need your help!
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was one of the
first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 18 international affiliates and serves
constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit,
non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all
Armenian constituents.

Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international
affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia and
Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles of
waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210 residential
buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.
Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic socio-economic
infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as
major highways, schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian
programs in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has adopted
a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for
projects it sponsors.
To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please go to our website at
or call us at 212-689-5307.
Armenia Fund USA, 152 Madison Ave., Suite 803, New York, NY 10016
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH FERTILIZER
A1+
[04:14 pm] 05 April, 2006
By the decision of the Georgian Government, every family of the rural
residents of the Samtskhe-Javakhq region will receive a present of
25 kg of fertilizer.
The Ministry of Agriculture has already carried out corresponding
calculations according to which 1096 tons of fertilizer will be
distributed to 47 844 families.
According to A-info, the 25 kg of fertilizer to be allotted is too
little even for the smallest rural economy. Every spring an average
amount of 500-1000 kg fertilizer is used by these families.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RESIDENTS OF KOZERN ARE “CIVIC REBELS”
A1+
[04:41 pm] 05 April, 2006
The residents of the district Kozern which is also a realization zone
are afraid that one day they will have the same fate as the residents
of the North Avenue. They applied to the RA Government to get right
of property for their houses. The Government promised to take care
of it, but the residents are not sure.
Today the head of the NGO “Community and Right” Samvel Lazarian
who represents the rights of the Kozern residents rendered a press
conference.
According to the census carried out by the NGO, there are 783
people living in Kozern 153 of which are not included in ht official
lists. There are 7-8 elite houses in the district which belong to
rich people and are not threatened. As for the other residents,
they have been forbidden to carry out construction work.
“We applied to the President, the municipality and the Prime
Minister, but all our applications appear in the office of the Yerevan
municipality urban development program which does not correspond to
the promise we were given”.
Samvel Lazarian claims that the residents have applied to the local
cadastre to register their houses but they were rejected. Nevertheless,
the residents of Kozern are going to fight till the end. They
expect an answer within 10 days, otherwise “Kozern will announce
civic disobedience”. They did not explain what they by “civic
disobedience”. Samvel Lazarian joked, “We will announce Kozern an
independent republic”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FADEY SARGSYAN DECIDED NOT TO RESIGN
Lragir.am
05.04.2006
The meeting of the presidency of the National Academy of Sciences
of Armenia on April 5 lasted for over 4 hours, but no episode of the
forecast came true. Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan did not turn up,
the president of the NAS did not resign.
The gathering of the academicians, who lived the greater part of their
lives under the Soviet rule, reminded similar gatherings of Soviet
times. The leader is never mistaken, the criticizer is a betrayer. The
meeting of the presidency of the NAS of non-Soviet Armenia heard
the 13 accusations of Academician Henry Nersisyan against Fadey
Sargsyan. Henry Nersisyan was characterized as “having dishonest aims,
an extremist capable of anything, eccentric.” And Fadey Sargsyan as
someone who made Armenia prosperous, having great merits, too tolerant.
The finish of the “revived” Soviet lifestyle was “disturbed”
by Academicians Hrachik Simonyan and Lenser Aghalovyan only, who
disagreed to the words addressed to Henry Nersisyan. Moreover,
like Henry Nersisyan, they wanted to find out where the 50 million
drams economized from the sum of honorariums of the academicians,
the annual 5 million drams from the lease of the territory, belonging
to the NAS, as well as donations to the NAS disappear. The commission
had not answered these questions either.
And the chair of the commission Yuri Chilingaryan declined to
answer the same questions during the meeting, saying “we wouldn’t
like to frighten our benefactors.” It apparently means that not
everything is clean but let us not talk about it “not to frighten
our benefactors.” Instead, speaking about the Medical Genetic Center,
headed by Tamara Sargsyan, Fadey Sargsyan’s daughter, the commission
found that the phrase “her daughter’s center” used by Fadey Sargsyan
is unacceptable. Similarly, it means that Fadey Sargsyan cannot be
introduced as the president of the NAS, Yuri Chilingaryan cannot be
introduced as the head of the department of Yerevan State University.
Fadey Sargsyan has formed a bureau, an advisory body, which passed
decisions, however. Nevertheless, the commission thinks that the law
was not broken. At the same time, the presidency of the NAS offers “to
choose in such cases the way which is more democratic, like the system
of academy.” However, no one explained why such a democratic system
does not accept criticism or an opinion that differs from the majority.
At the end, not deferring to some people’s requests, Fadey Sargsyan
announced that there was no reason for dismissing Henry Nersisyan. And
deferring to the request of the same persons, announced that he will
not resign. And the meeting of the presidency of the NAS decided to
approve the findings of the commission, eliminate the shortcomings,
reported by the commission.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CIS AIR-DEFENCE COMMANDERS HOLD EXERCISE AT RUSSIA’S BALTIC FLEET
RIA Novosti, Moscow
5 Apr 06
Kaliningrad, 5 April: A training assembly of air-defence commanders
from CIS member states has got under way on the basis of the Baltic
Fleet.
The Baltic Fleet press service told RIA-Novosti that the training
assembly of members of the coordinating committee for air-defence
issues under the CIS Council of Defence Ministers will be held on
5-8 April on the basis of the Baltic Fleet air force and air-defence
facilities. The chairman of the coordinating committee, Russian Air
Force Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Mikhaylov, will lead the assembly.
The delegation will include chiefs of air-defence troops of the
Armenian, Belarusian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek and Ukrainian armed
forces, representatives of the Russian Defence Ministry and Russian
industry, as well as representatives of the executive bodies of the
CIS and the Collective Security Treaty organization.
“The programme of the training assembly of military leaders envisages
a visit to the command post of the Baltic Fleet air force and
air-defence, practical training at the command post, familiarization
with the way air defence is arranged on the fleet’s surface ships,
and work at the Baltic naval base,” the source said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES FERTILIZER TO PEASANTS OF JAVAKHK
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 05 2006
AKHALKALAK, APRIL 5, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. By the decision
of the Government of Georgia, every family of the rural settlements
of Samtskhe-Javakhk will get 25 kg chemical fertilizer as a present,
for agriculture at the spring sowing. The Ministry of Agriculture
of the country and the staff of the authorized representative
of the President in Samtskhe-Javakhk have already implemented the
corresponding calculation, according to which 1096 tons of fertilizer
will be given to 47844 families. During the preliminary period, the
Government’s assistance will be given to the regions of Akhaltskha,
Aspindza, Adigen and Borzhom of the lower zone, then to the regions
of Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda of the higher zone. At the same time,
according to the “A-Info” agency, 25 kg fertilizer to be given to
villagers is few even for the smallest rural family-household which
uses up to 500-1000 kg fertilizer in middle in different cases during
the spring sowing.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KNOLLENBERG QUESTIONS SECRETARY RICE OVER ARMENIA-AZERI MILITARY AID DISPARITY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 05 2006
WASHINGTON, APRIL 5, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Armenian
Assembly of America (AAA) commended Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues Co-Chair Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) for questioning Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice on the disparity in military funding to
Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY)
2007 budget. During a hearing before the House Foreign Operations
Subcommittee on Appropriations, Knollenberg questioned Rice over the
Administration’s proposal to provide Azerbaijan with an approximately
20 percent increase in military funding over neighboring Armenia. In
her response, Rice said that the issue of need and requirement is
handled on an individual basis and that the U.S. is working with
both governments. Rice also noted that the U.S. and Armenia recently
signed a five-year $235 million Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)
Compact which will help Armenia reduce rural poverty. Rice also
added that the U.S. maintains good relations with both Armenia and
Azerbaijan. Knollenberg countered that the U.S. is a leading mediator
in the Nagorno Karabakh peace conflict, pointing out that a disparity
in military funding can damage U.S. credibility in the region. Rice,
answered in part, that slight differences in military assistance can
be tolerated between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Administration’s
2007 funding proposal for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) calls for
$4.5 million for Azerbaijan and only $3.5 million for Armenia. The
proposed budget also recommends $885,000 for Azerbaijan versus
$790,000 for Armenia in International Military Education and Training
(IMET) assistance. Congressman Jesse Jackson (D-IL) expressed concern
over the decrease in U.S. economic assistance to several countries
including Armenia. Jackson noted that the Administration requested $50
million in assistance to Armenia in FY 2007 while Congress provided
Yerevan with just under $75 million in FY 2006. “We appreciate
Congressman Knollenberg’s leadership on this critical issue,”
said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “Given the ongoing
bellicose statements emanating from Azerbaijan, the Assembly will
continue to fight to ensure that parity is reinstated.” “We also
commend Congressman Jackson for raising concerns about the decrease
to Armenia and will continue to work with our friends in Congress to
increase this request, especially in light of the ongoing blockades
by Turkey and Azerbaijan,” Ardouny continued.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ENTITLED “ROLE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY-CIVIL SOCIETY COOPERATION IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION” TO BE HELD ON APRIL 6-7 IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan
Apr 05 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 5, NOYAN TAPAN. An international conference entitled
“The role of National Assembly-civil society cooperation in fighting
corruption” will be held on April 6-7 at RA National Assembly. The
conference was organized by NA, OSCE, Eurasia Foundation, USAID, UNDP,
on RA NA Speaker Artur Baghdasarian’s initiative (by the agreement
reached during his visit to U.S.). The conference will open on April 6,
by speeches of A.Baghdasarian and Eurasia Foundation Vice-Chairwoman
Andrea Harris, U.S. Ambassador to RA John Evans, UN Resident
Coordinator Consuelo Vidal, OSCE Yerevan Office Head Vladimir Pryakhin.
Then the discussions will continue on the following subjects:
“Parliament-civil society cooperation models and GOPAC experience”,
“Parliament-civil society cooperation in fighting corruption”,
“State-NGOs cooperation experience”, “Some legal problems of fighting
“shadow law”, negative fenomenon giving rise to corruption”, “The
role of public control bodies in fighting corruption”, “The role of
the Control Chamber in fighting corruption: new possibilities and
new prospects in the context of the constitutional reform”, ” The
cooperation of the Control Chamber with meas media and civil society”,
“The role of mass media in fighting corruption”, “The correlation
of corruption and press freedom”, “RA mass media legislation and
the influence of its application on journalists’ involvement in
anti-corruption activity”. On April 7, group discussions will be held
on the subjects “NA-civil society cooperation”, “The role of external
control bodies in fighting corruption”, “The role of press in fighting
corruption”. Representatives of a number of international organizations
and 10 countries (including U.S., Canada, Germany, Poland, Romania)
take part in the conference. According to the report provided to Noyan
Tapan by RA NA Public Relations Department, within the framework
of the conference it is envisaged to found an Armenian structure
of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption
(GOPAC). After the adoption of a statement, the conference will be
concluded by a press conference.