Author: Emil Lazarian

Los Angeles Daily News
June 8 2005
House panel will debate genocide
By Lisa Friedman
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON – Rep. Adam Schiff, D- Pasadena, announced late Wednesday
that the House International Relations Committee has agreed to take
up the contentious debate over whether Congress should officially
call the massacre of Armenians during World War I a “genocide.”
Schiff, who has written a resolution supporting recognition of the
genocide, said he secured an agreement from committee Chairman Henry
Hyde to hear the matter. Hyde promised that the committee would
debate and vote on his resolution “in a timely fashion,” Schiff said.
In exchange, Schiff said he agreed to withdraw two amendments to a
foreign policy bill under debate. One of them would have asked for an
accounting of U.S. responses to Armenian, Cambodian and Rwandan
genocides as well as the Holocaust; the other would have condemned
Turkey’s blockade of Armenia.
The deal came as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in
Washington with President George W. Bush, where both declared a
strong alliance.
Schiff said he believed he was able to strike the deal because House
Republican leaders who have opposed the genocide resolution fearing
it could endanger U.S./Turkish relations, “weren’t sure that they
could defeat my amendments and they were also concerned about the
timing of the amendments during the prime minister’s visit.”
Attempts to reach both Armenian and Turkish officials for comment
late Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Armenian-Americans say 1.5 million Armenians were killed in a
genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.
Turkish officials say far fewer people died amid a multiparty
conflict.
The last time the International Relations Committee held a hearing on
the issue was in 2000 as a political favor to then-Rep. James Rogan,
who was facing a tough re-election battle against Schiff.
Officials estimate there are more than 300,000 Armenian-Americans in
Southern California, about a third of them in the Glendale area.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT VISITS RF EMBASSY IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has visited the
RF Embassy in Armenia on the occasion of the Russian national holiday,
Day of Declaration of State Sovereignty. The RA presidential press
service reports that in his congratulatory address he expressed
confidence that the centuries-old Armenian-Russian relations will be
consolidated. P.T. -0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SILVER COMMEMORATIVE COINS DEDICATED TO 1400TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANANIA
SHIRAKATSI TO BE ISSUED IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. Silver commemorative coins dedicated to
1400th anniversary of Anania Shirakatsi will be issued in Armenia with
nominal value at AMD 100. According to CBA Press Service Department,
500 coins of silver 925 0 metal will be issued. Anania Shirakatsi was
born in Shiraki Aneanq or Shirakavan village. He is a 7th century
Armenian philosopher, mathematician, astrologer, calendar man, founder
of exact sciences and natural sciences in Armenia. Anania
Shirakatsi’s scientific heritage witnesses to the absolute depth and
independence of his vision. The coin was mint at the Mint Place of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands. L.V.–0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1plus
14:23:23 | 09-06-2005 | Culture |
ARMENIA CHARMED BURGAS
The other day Andranik dancing group of the national aesthetic center of
Gyumri returned from the 5th children’s festival of national dance held in
the Bulgarian town of Burgas.
Among 13 participant-states Armenia was represented by the Gyumri children
only. They returned with the diploma For the Best Performance. To note, a
dancing group from Georgia was also awarded with the same diploma.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #105, 09/06/2005
Turkey
‘ARMENIAN ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE POLITICIZED NOR SHOULD IT BE PUT FORWARD AS A
PRECONDITION FOR TURKEY’
Halil Berktay States in a Letter to Publicist Taha Aqyol
When the “Ottoman Armenian at the decline of the Empire” workshop to discuss
Armenian issues at the Bosphorus University of Istanbul on May 25-27 was
postponed and when the organizers yet decided to hold it on May 28, Turkish
publicist Taha Aqyol appealed to the organizers through the pages of
Milliyet presenting his 3 proposals: “1. To issue a statement condemning the
European governments, jural bodies and parliaments that administer
punishment for defining “the events of 1915 not as genocide, 2. To condemn
extreme views of the Armenian Diaspora, 3. To call on the European states to
keep back of taking decision on the matter”.
Aqyol wrote that Prof. Halil Berktay replied to his letter stating, “I want
to note that I agree with you in regard to the contents of all 3 issues. I
agree with you insomuch that I have been doing so up to now”. After this
extract Aqyol presents Berktay’s letter as it was, but adding his prologue
and epilogue to the letter in order to avoid bewilderment.
Here is what Berktay wrote in the letter to Aqyol, “Defining the events of
1915-16 in my reports to Turkish and foreign newspapers I constantly
emphasized that this is solely Turkey’s issue. It will get solution if
freely discussed and once out of the shadow of political polarization and
skirmishes. This incident, no matter how we call it, does not occupy any
place in the memory of today’s generation. This means that the events of
1915-16 are not a contemporary but historic issue thus it is to be left over
to the science. Therefore there has to be free study and free dispute. They
should be free not only in Turkey but also elsewhere. I am entirely against
any discussions over the issue not only in European institutions but also in
all third states, naturally it refers to USA, France, Switzerland etc.
Moreover, we should underscore that the European Union has never imposed any
precondition on other states commenting on the history of European states”.
Aqyol confirms Berktay’s views at the end of the letter. “Do you remember
former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari’s ‘Independent Commission on
Turkey’ created within the framework of the European Parliament? He prepared
a powerful report backing Turkey’s accession to EU. But before writing the
report Ahtisaari talked to Berktay and inquired about his opinion on the
Armenian cause. Berktay explained them that the Armenian issue should not be
politicized at all and that the report should not put it forward as a
precondition for Turkey. Gila Benmayor touched upon this issue on the pages
of Hurriyet emphasizing that it was Halil Berktay who persuaded members of
the commission”.
By Hakob Chakrian

AZG Armenian Daily #105, 09/06/2005
Neighbors
MAMEDIAROV: YEREVAN AND BAKU TALK OVER LACHIN AND NAKHIJEVAN ROADS
Yerevan and Baku are conducting negotiations over the roads connecting
Armenia with Nagorno Karabakh (via Lachin) and Azerbaijan with Nakhijevan.
Elmar Mamediarov, Azeri foreign minister, stated.
Mediamax informed that Elmar Mamediarov said that “he meant the road and the
railroad.” But we think that the operation of the road will be more useful
for us. The issue of opening the roads should be of mutual interest,” Azeri
foreign minister said.
Elmar Mamediarov said that 7or 9 points will be included on the agenda of
June 18 meeting between the Azeri and RA foreign ministers. “Each of them is
of great importance,” he added.
“We will discuss each of these issues. The position of Azerbaijan is well
known and the territorial integrity of the country should be restored,”
Mamediarov said. He said that they will also discuss the issue of locating
the peacekeeping forces in the region after the return of the Azeri
refugees. “The security issue is very important. After the Azeris return to
their homes, this issue will become very actual. The Armenian side treat
this issue very seriously, as well,” Mamediarov pointed out. He said that
the sides will also discuss the issue of clearing the mines and withdrawing
the forces from the Azeri territories.
Mamediarov said that the discussion of the abovementioned points is being
discussed stage by stage and the settlement of each issue depends on the
settlement of the previous ones.
Mamediarov said the visit of the OSCE Minsk group co-chairs to the region
will depend on the results of the negotiations in Paris. “But we expect that
they will stir to activity after that meeting,” he said.
It’s worth reminding that it’s been already the third case when Elamr
Mamediarov states that the issue of opening Lachin and Nakhijevan corridor
is being discussed during the negotiations.

A1plus
| 14:31:59 | 08-06-2005 | Politics |
THE YOUNGSTERS COOKING A POLITICAL SOUP
Leader of the Progressive Party Tigran Urikhanyan held a press conference
today to inform the journalists that they will join the Justice Party. By
the way, the party has nothing to do with the Justice bloc. Tigran
Urikhanyan announced that they carry out negotiations to join the
left-socialist powers.
Tigran Urikhanyan also informed that they will create a union of
national-patriotic powers joining together right, left and pro-governmental
powers. These are parties which are not very famous for the society but
which all together gathered 15% votes in the Parliamentary elections.
What if uniting together political parties of different ideology, trends and
plans the Progressive Party cooks a `political soup’? The party leader
refused to answer this question. Neither did he say who will lead the new
union. He underlined that `If Serge Sargsyan puts forward his candidacy for
the coming Presidential elections, we will by all means defend him’.
The leader of the Justice Party with which the Progressive Party United
today announced that they form an alliance `to do good for this country’.
One of the good things, according to him, was the cleaning of the walls of
Yerevan from posters. With this their party saves the money of the
communities and pays taxes to the budget. He did not explain where the money
to be spent on the wall cleaning comes from.

Congressional Record
June 7, 2005 (Extensions)]
ANNOUNCING THE PUBLICATION OF AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PASSAGE THROUGH
HELL: A MEMOIR
HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the publication of an
English translation of Passage Through Hell: A Memoir. The original
version was written in 1955 by Armenian poet, educator and author Armen
Anush. It has been published by Hagop and Klar Manjikian on the
occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Armen Anush was an eyewitness to the deportation and massacre of
Armenians by the Turks during 1915-1916. On April 24, 1915, the Turkish
government began to arrest Armenian community members and political
leaders. Many were executed without ever being charged with crimes.
Then the government deported most Armenians from Turkish Armenia,
ordering that they resettle in what is now Syria. Many deportees never
reached that destination.
From 1915 to 1918, more than a million Armenians died of starvation
and disease on long marches, or were massacred outright by Turkish
forces. From 1918 to 1923, Armenians continued to suffer at the hands
of the Turkish military, which eventually removed all remaining
Armenians from Turkey. The Armenian Genocide was a tragedy not only for
the Armenian people but a tragedy for all humanity. Passage Through
Hell: A Memoir is critically important because it recounts the horrors
of genocide and the psychological impact it had on the survivors.
I hope the day will soon come when it is not just the survivors who
honor the dead but also when those whose ancestors perpetrated the
horrors acknowledge their terrible responsibility and commemorate the
memory of genocide’s victims. This book should be read by all whose
ancestors were in any way involved and by everyone who cares about
understanding history.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute
to Hagop and Klar Manjikian for making this important book available in
English.

Azad-Hye, United Arab Emirates
June 8 2005
UAE Armenians: Abu Dhabi Armenian School Final Celebration 2005
AZAD-HYE: On the 13th May 2005 the Armenians of Abu Dhabi gathered in
`The Club’ to mark the end of the school year.
During the past years this has been an opportunity for the largest
gathering of Armenians in Abu Dhabi, besides the annual Ball.
The Director of the School, Mrs. Tamar Der Ohannesian, welcomed the
guests, among them the Ambassador of Armenia (Dr. Arshak Poladian),
the pastor of the UAE Armenians (Der Aram Deyirmenjian), members of
the Council (headed by Vahe Toukhmanian) and numerous friends and
family.
It has been customary to perform a school play with the participation
of all the students of the school and their teachers. The play
usually involves all kinds of expressive art forms, such as songs,
dances, poems, paintings, etc.
There was a slideshow about the student activities and events during
the year, followed by a show by the pupils of different classes:
The kindergarten pupils danced on the rhythm of a song called “Come
to my home”. The students of the higher grades presented three
dances, entering into the stage with the known patriotic song
“Kedashen” (devoted to the struggeling town in Artsakh). One of the
dance carried the rhythmic style of composer Ara Gevorgian.
A student recited `For my sweet Armenia’ by famous poet Yeghishe
Charents.
All the other classes performed enthusiastic dances tailored on
modernized rhythms of known Armenian melodies.
There was even a ballet performance by Kindergarten students (The
Swan Lake).
The students of the fifth grade came on stage with patriotic chants,
and proceeded to perform a modern dance set to the music of Ara
Gevorgian.
`The girls of Yerevan’ pop song of Tata was the musical background of
an original dance performed by KG2 students. (click READ MORE)
The students of the eight grade took the role of the presenters or
masters of the ceremony.
5 pupils graduated from the kindergarten.
Der Aram highly appreciated the efforts of the teachers and mentioned
that without the school it would have been difficult to keep the
Armenian language as a live means of communication among the younger
generation.
Mr. Vahe Toukhmanian, chairman of the Council of the Armenian
Community, awarded gifts to the teachers representing the Armenian
alphabet on framed golden plates, symbolizing the 1600th anniversary
of the invention of the Armenian alphabet by Saint Mesrob Mashdots.
It is worth mentioning that the school had published a volume called
`Our School Year’ in which detailed account of the school life and
students achievements, as well as many contributions from the
students were recorded in a presentable and memorable way, along with
photos and comments.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/08/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) House Members Urge Pres. Bush to Raise Serious Issues with Turkey's Prime Minister 2) Rep. Rothman Takes Lead in Calling Attention to Turkey's Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism 3) Bush Upholds Turkey's `Democracy' as Example 4) Oskanian Vienna Meeting Concludes, in Washington to Meet US Officials 5) South American Countries Expand Armenian Genocide Recognition Efforts 6) Prime Minister Opens Armenian Pavilion at World Expo in Japan 7) His Holiness Karekin II Opens Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library 1) House Members Urge Pres. Bush to Raise Serious Issues with Turkey's Prime Minister Blockade of Armenia, anti-American sentiment and anti-Semitism among key issues discussed in Congressional letters to Pres. Bush WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--In the days leading up to Wednesday's meeting between Pres. Bush and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, members of the US House of Representatives raised serious concerns about Turkey's 12-year blockade of Armenia, growing anti-Americanism, and anti- Semitism. In a June 3 letter, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) were joined by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA) in urging Pres. Bush and Secretary of State Rice to "again call upon Turkey to comply with your Administration's long-standing position that in order to restore economic, political, and cultural links with Armenia, Turkey should immediately lift its ongoing blockade with Armenia." The House members detailed the high cost of Turkey's blockade on Armenia's struggling economy. "A recent State Department report estimated that the blockade is inflating Armenia's transportation costs by 30-35%, thereby stifling its trade and economy," noted the letter. "This report also stated that opening the border would catalyze commercial opportunities for Turkey and Armenia in the fields of energy, trade and tourism, valued at $1 billion per year." The letter concludes that "if there is to be a resolution of conflicts in the region and a reduction of tensions along borders, it is essential that Turkey move forthwith to lift this destructive blockade." 2) Rep. Rothman Takes Lead in Calling Attention to Turkey's Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism On the eve of Pres. Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan, Rep. Rothman was joined by 10 House Colleagues in sending a meticulously documented letter to the President, detailing rampant anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiment in the Turkish press. The June 7 letter noted the rise of anti-Semitism, citing as one example, that "some of Turkey's best selling books this past year include Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, which has been published at least 45 times between 1940 and 2005 in Turkey and is not being marketed by 11 publishers." It goes on to detail the complex ways anti-Semitism manifests itself, including "animosity toward Jews and Judaism;" and, "a hostile approach towards the Jewish citizens of Turkey, including questioning their loyalty, accusing them of treason and blaming them for the fall of the Ottoman Empire..." In detailing anti-Americanism in Turkey, House members cited "last year's BBC poll, which found Turkey to hold the most anti-American sentiment in the world." The letter also notes "Turkish government officials comparing the US to Nazi Germany and President Bush to Adolph Hitler." Joining Rep. Rothman in cosigning the letter were Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY). 3) Bush Upholds Turkey's `Democracy' as Example WASHINGTON (AP)--President Bush held up Turkey's democracy as an important example for other Mideast nations Wednesday during an Oval Office meeting with the country's prime minister in which both leaders declared a strong relationship after differences over Iraq. "We're happy that we were able to confirm that our strategic relationship will move and take place in the future as it has been done in the past," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bush thanked Erdogan for Turkey's support in building democracy in Afghanistan and working with the Palestinians to build an independent state. "Turkey and the United States have an important strategic relationship," Bush said. "I told the prime minister how grateful I was that he is a strong supporter of the Broader Middle Eastern Initiative." Erdogan said they also discussed plans to reunify Cyprus, a tiny island in the Mediterranean Sea that has been divided since 1974 between a Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the Turkish-occupied north. Turkey alone recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north, and keeps 40,000 troops there. The issue has become vital for Turkey as it pushes to join the European Union, which already includes the divided island. The United States supports Turkey's bid for membership in the EU. Erdogan said he and Bush also discussed Iraq, but neither leader provided any details about what was said. They did not take questions from reporters but only gave brief statements at the end of their meeting. Turkey's relations with the United States showed some strain after Ankara refused to allow US troops in the country for the Iraq war. Erdogan's trip to Washington has been seen as a fence-mending visit and both leaders said he also encouraged US investment in Turkey. Bush said the visit was extensive and that they focused on "foreign policy and shared interests between our countries." "Turkey's democracy is an important example for the people in the broader Middle East, and I want to thank you for your leadership," Bush said to Erdogan in front of the cameras. 4) Oskanian Vienna Meeting Concludes, in Washington to Meet US Officials VIENNA (Combined Sources)--After meeting with OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen in Vienna, Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said that a set of issues on the regulating the Mountainous Karabagh conflict were discussed. According to the Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry press services, Oskanian and the co-chairs the Steven Mann (US), Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia) and Bernard Fassier (France) also specified details about the June 17 meeting between Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart, due to take place in Paris on June 17. Okanian then departed for Washington, DC where he is expected to hold a news conference on June 10 at the National Press Club to discuss, developments in the South Caucasus, the Mountainous Karabagh Peace Process, and Armenian-Turkish Relations. The Minister is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, National Security advisor Stephen Hadley, other Bush Administration officials, and members of Congress to discuss these and other issues, including Armenian forces in Iraq as part of the multinational coalition. 5) South American Countries Expand Armenian Genocide Recognition Efforts MONTEVIDEO (Combined Sources)--Parliament members of Uruguay have initiated a signature collection campaign under a petition appealing to the European Union to urge Turkey to acknowledge its 1915 genocide of Armenians. Similar campaigns have also been launched in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The action was initiated by deputy of the Uruguayan parliament Lilian Kechichian. All Armenian organizations functioning in Latin America have signed-on in support of the initiative. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has already responded with a note of protest, which says, in part, "The Paraguayan authorities support groundless statements of Armenians." Uruguay was the first nation to officially recognize the Armenian genocide in 1965, while Argentina recognized it in 1985. On April 24 of this year, Uruguayan President Tabare Vasquez addressed the Armenian community in Montevideo, in unveiling a monument honoring the Armenian genocide victims. 6) Prime Minister Opens Armenian Pavilion at World Expo in Japan AICHI (Combined Sources)--Armenia marked its national day at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi State, Japan on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Andranik Margarian opening Armenia's pavilion dedicated to the National Day of Armenia. Welcomed by a wave of Armenian flags and the playing of the national anthem, Margarian told guests and participants that similar events help to promote integration among nations by establishing not only economic and commercial relations between peoples and states, but promoting cultural and humanitarian ties. "In the age of scientific and technological progress, economic development is necessary to create opportunities to unite nations and target opportunities for cooperation," Margarian said. He stressed that International integration and unification can only be possible via the development of each sovereign state and knowledge of the history and culture of each people. "I assure that we brought the best from the heart and the soul of sunny Armenia, and it has been peculiar to the Armenian people throughout the ages, and remains today and in the future," he stressed. Armenia's pavilion, "Art of Life," presented the culture, history, economic and intellectual potential of Armenia, as well as the co-existence of existence man and nature, and the country's process of international integration. After attending a reception in their honor in Nagoya city, the Armenian delegation departed to Tokyo for bilateral meetings with Japanese officials. The Expo, in which 200 nations are partaking, began on Monday with Japan Day with Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on hand for the opening ceremony. "As the host country of the exposition, we have a unique opportunity to let the people of the world know what efforts we're making to leave a better Earth for future generations," the crown prince told the 2,000 guests. "On Japan Day, I hope we can increase people's awareness of Earth and environmental problems, and deepen understanding among the people of the world about Japan's endeavors in this regard," he said. Koizumi said he believed that economic development could go hand in hand with environmental protection and that science and technology were key to achieving this. "I hope the people of the world will work together and think about a future where people and nature can exist in harmony," he said. 7) His Holiness Karekin II Opens Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library BURBANK--Singing the hymn "Hrashapar," His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, began the opening ceremony for the Arakel and Shake Aghasarkissian Diocesan Library. Following the reading of the Gospel, His Eminence Archbishop Derderian thanked benefactors Mr. and Mr. Harout Aghasarkissian and Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Aghasarkissian for their generous support. His Holiness congratulated the Diocese on the occasion, and conveyed to the faithful in attendance his blessings form the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He concluded with the Benediction. Attending the ceremony were Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, and Aghasarkissian family friend, former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress