Author: Hakobian Adrine

SYRIAN CHURCH LEADERS TO VISIT MAY 9 2007

ic Wales, UK
May 9 2007

CHURCH leaders in Wales will host its first delegation of church
leaders from Syria this week.

Seven of the most important Christian leaders in Syria will spend
eight days here as part of an inter-church initiative to forge links
between the two countries.

During the visit, the delegation, which includes bishops from
the Syrian Orthodox church and the Armenian Evangelical church,
will tour the nation, meeting representatives from Welsh churches,
politics and the arts.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

The Armenian Center for National and International Studies

World Public Favors New Powers for the UN

Most Support Standing UN Peacekeeping Force,
UN Regulation of International Arms Trade

Majorities Say UN Should Have Right to Authorize Military Force
to Stop Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation, Genocide

May 9, 2007, 18:30 GMT
Contact, International Findings:
Steven Kull, 202-232-7500
Christopher Whitney, 312-451-1040

May 9, 2007, Yerevan, 23:30
Contact, Armenia Findings:
Stepan Safarian, 37410-528-780
Syuzanna Barseghian, 37410-274-818

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today convened a roundtable discussion to present the results of the seventh
in a series of reports based on a poll of worldwide opinion on key global
issues. The report was devoted to the United Nations’ role in world affairs.
The meeting brought together citizens, members of leading think tanks,
analysts, and media representatives.

ACNIS director of research Stepan Safarian delivered opening remarks.
"According to the results of the international survey, the world public
greatly favors giving the UN greater powers of intervention to prevent and
handle global crises," he said. "The opinions of Armenian respondents also
reflect this international attitude. This can partly be explained by the
fact that Armenia is located in a volatile region and face many security
challenges." ACNIS analyst Syuzanna Barseghian then presented survey
results.

Publics around the world favor dramatic steps to strengthen the United
Nations, including giving it the power to have its own standing peacekeeping
force, to regulate the international arms trade and to investigate human
rights abuses.

Large majorities believe the United Nations Security Council should have the
right to authorize military force to prevent nuclear proliferation, genocide
and terrorism. However support is not as robust among the publics polled
for accepting UN decisions that go against their countries’ preferences.

These are some of the findings from a survey conducted by The Chicago
Council on Global Affairs and WorldPublicOpinion.org, in cooperation with
polling organizations around the world. Respondents were interviewed in
countries that represent 56 percent of the world’s population: China,
India, the United States, Russia, France, Thailand, Ukraine, Poland, Iran,
Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Argentina, Peru, Armenia
and Israel, plus the Palestinian territories. Not all questions were asked
in all countries.

The idea of "having a standing UN peacekeeping force selected, trained and
commanded by the United Nations" gets support from majorities in 12 of the
14 countries asked (64% on average). Peru is the most enthusiastic (77%),
followed by Armenia (75%), France (74%), Thailand (73%), and the United
States (72%). In none of the countries polled do most respondents oppose
this idea, though views are divided in the Philippines.

Support for "giving the UN the power to regulate the international arms
trade" is also supported by majorities or pluralities in 12 of the 14
countries (55% on average). France shows the greatest support (77%),
followed by South Korea (75%), Israel (60%) and the United States (60%).
Only two publics tend to reject the idea: Filipinos (58% say no) and
Argentines (42% negative, 36% positive).

Giving the UN authority "to investigate violations of human rights" receives
very high levels of support (64% overall). Overwhelming majorities favor
this idea in France (92%), the United States (75%), Peru (75%), and South
Korea (74%). No country is opposed, though Filipinos are divided.

"Despite well-publicized disagreements over the role of the United Nations
in world affairs, this survey clearly shows that international public
opinion has coalesced around the notion that the UN should be the vehicle
for conflict resolution and international cooperation on a wide variety of
pressing problems," said Christopher Whitney, executive director for studies
at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Steven Kull, editor of WorldPublicOpinion.org, adds, "While leaders of
nation states may be wary of giving the United Nations more power it is
clear that publics around the world are comfortable with the idea of a
stronger UN," Kull said.

Even the idea of giving the UN authority to fund its activities through a
tax on the international sale of arms or oil is supported by nine of the 14
countries polled, though support is more moderate (on average 46% in favor
to 37% opposed). Among Americans, though, only 45 percent favor the idea,
while 50 percent are opposed.

The poll also finds support for giving the UN Security Council the right to
authorize the use of military force to address a wide range of problems.
Not surprisingly, using military force to "defend a country that has been
attacked" is strongly supported. In all countries polled, large majorities,
ranging from 84 percent in France to 66 percent in India, believe the
Security Council should have this right.

Clear majorities in 10 countries polled also favor a more controversial
option of giving the Security Council the right to authorize the use of
military force "to stop a country from supporting terrorist groups."
Palestinians and South Koreans are the least supportive (61% each) while the
most supportive are the Israelis (85%) and the French (84%). Average
support for this idea is 71 percent.

Publics show very strong support for allowing the UN Security Council to use
military force to "prevent severe human rights violations such as genocide."
Very large majorities in all 12 countries polled on this issue agree that
the Security Council should have the right to use force in such cases.
Majorities or pluralities in 12 countries go further and say the United
Nations has the responsibility to use force to stop such abuses.

Interestingly, the Chinese (76%) show the strongest support for the idea
that the UN has a responsibility to halt genocide, followed by Americans
(74%) and Palestinians (69%).

Support is more modest for using collective force to stop nuclear
proliferation. In eight out of 11 countries polled, the most common view is
that the UN should have the right to use force to prevent countries from
acquiring nuclear weapons. But on average just 53 percent favor this
option. These results are particularly relevant to the international
controversy over Iran’s decision to continue enriching uranium in defiance
of the UN Security Council.

There is less enthusiasm about submitting to UN decisions even if this means
going along with policies that are not a country’s first choice. Ten of the
16 publics asked about this say that their country should do so, but only
four of these are a clear majority, while six are pluralities.

For details, please see or
WorldPublicOpinion.org is a publication of the
Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland. For
the Armenian version, visit

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2007, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, democratic development, conflict resolution,
and applied research on critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the
state and the nation.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected]; or visit

LEVON MELIK-SHAHNAZARIAN: AZERBAIJAN IS TRYING TO INFLUENCE ON THE OUTCOMES OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN RA

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
May 8 2007

Statements made by AR FM Elmar Mammadyarov and President Ilham Aliyev
on reaching agreements concerning the Karabagh conflict settlement’s
basic principles are targeted at influencing the outcomes of the
Parliamentary elections to be held in RA, IAA DE FACTO political
editor Levon Melik-Shahnazarian stated at the Pastark press club in
Yerevan on Tuesday.

To remind, early May AR FM Elmar Mammadyarov stated there was an
agreement on returning the seven regions to Azerbaijan, including
Kelbajar and Lachin, and on the Azeri migrants’ return to Shoushi,
Hojalu and other settlements. Then, in Mammadyarov’s words, a
referendum on verification of the Nagorno-Karabagh’s status within
Azerbaijan will be held. Since the Armenian party did not react to
the statement, AR President Ilham Aliyev also made almost analogous
statement.

May 4, speaking at the opening of a settlement for migrants in the
village of Ramany, Ilham Aliyev said, ‘~Rall the seven regions of
Azerbaijan, including Kelbajar and Lachin, should be unconditionally
liberated’~R. ‘~RThere is a common agreement. We can do it step by
step, however, the process should not be dragged out, it needs to
be resolved in a few years’~R, he noted. Aliyev added the second
principal issue was the refugees’ return to their ‘~Rnative hearths’~R.

‘~ROnly after it the Nagorno-Karabagh’s juridical status cane be
considered, and it should be resolved within the frames of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity’~R, AR President underscored.

In the course of the press conference a political scientist Levon
Melik-Shahnazarian stated such an agreement on determination of
the Nagorno-Karabagh’s status did not exist. As for the NKR status,
it was determined by its population’s will in 1991.

At the same time, commenting on RA FM Vardan Oskanian’s statement,
according to which the parties have never been so close to reaching
agreement on the settlement’s basic principles, the Armenian political
scientist noted there was not and could not be an agreement on the
settlement’s basic principles – the Nagorno-Karabagh’s status.

‘~RLack of an agreement on an item of the document on the bargaining
table reduces all previously reached agreements to zero’~R, Levon
Melik-Shahnazarian underscored.

According to the political scientist, the Azeri party’s statements are
targeted at influencing the outcomes of the elections to RA National
Assembly. The Azeri party considered that believing the statements
Armenian voters would think the ruling parties had betrayed national
interests and would not give their votes for the Republican Party and
ARF Dashnaktsutyun, which are in power. In the political scientist’s
words, Azerbaijan is trying to assist liberal Armenian parties,
as RA present leadership is uncompromising in its desire to protect
Artsakh. Levon Shahnazarian noted Azerbaijan’s statements were likely
to be coordinated with the American party, which wishes more liberal
and pro American forces to come to power.

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 8, 2007
___________________

DIOCESE HONORS COMMUNITY LEADER, DIPLOMAT, CLERGYMAN DURING ASSEMBLY BANQUET

By Jake Goshert

During the 105th Diocesan Annual Assembly Banquet held Saturday, May 5,
2007, in Nashua, New Hampshire, three individuals were honored for their
service to the community.

John Amboian was named "Armenian of the Year." Ambassador John Evans was
presented with the "Friend of the Armenians" award. Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian was presented with the "Spiritual Leadership Award."

"We are expressing our sincere appreciation and honoring them each for
service to our community and our Church," said Rosette Jacobson, the parish
council chairperson of the Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford,
Massachusetts, the parish which hosted the 105th Diocesan Annual Assembly.

"Though they come from varied backgrounds, the three men share in common
being role models for today’s youth," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

"We become role models for our youth through our actions. We become the
spark that ignites the flame of Christianity in their souls," he added.
"Each of these three men serve as reminders of the power of our actions.
Individuals can make a difference in the world, in society, in the Church.
Each of us must live as Christ commands and show our youth the power of
Christ’s teachings."

ARMENIAN OF THE YEAR

John Amboian was honored for his years of service to all levels of the
Armenian Church, from serving in the parish, as a member of the Diocesan
Council, as a member of the board of St. Nersess Seminary, and as a member
of the Diocesan Board of Trustees.

"If I was to read a list of his accomplishment, such a long list, you would
find it impossible to believe it was the dossier of one man," said Diocesan
Council Chairman Oscar Tatosian. "No list would do justice to detailing
John’s service. No matter in what capacity he has served, he has brought
dignity and honesty."

Amboian’s son, John Jr., surprised his father by flying in for the banquet
and introducing the honoree, whom he described as a man whose dedication to
the community served as an inspiration to his family.

"Over the years, the Church has been a priority for my father," said
Amboian’s son. "He has a very deep commitment and dedication to serving the
Church. I’ve always seen him work hard his entire life, but never harder
than when he is working on behalf of the Church. I thank my father for
being a fine role model for us all, demonstrating the qualities of
dedication and commitment and a life of service."

In accepting the award, Amboian said he could not have been as involved as
he was without the continued support of his wife Pat. Sometimes, such as
when he was going to night school, he was unable to be involved in the life
of the Church. His non-Armenian wife, however, remained active at the parish
while he was stuck home doing homework. "Pat deserves a portion of this
award as well," he said.

Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, visiting pastor of the host parish, said he has
enjoyed working with John and Pat while serving in Chelmsford.

"John is a loyal member of the Sts. Vartanantz Church. He is a dedicated
servant of the Armenian people," he said. "He is a great leader. He has a
unique dignity that you have to respect him."

FRIEND OF THE ARMENIANS

Ambassador John Evans was America’s ambassador to Armenia when he dared to
use the word "Genocide." He was asked to retire and forced out of his post
earlier than scheduled, because the use of "Genocide" to describe what
happened to the Armenian people in 1915 went against American foreign
policy.

"What you did was remarkable and courageous. And I can think of 1.5 million
reasons why your conviction to the truth is important to us," Council Chair
Tatosian said. "Ambassador Evans, you are not just a friend of the Armenian
people; you are a friend of the innocent victims of the past."

Ambassador Evans said his decision to use the word "Genocide" was not casual
or a momentary lapse.

"It was not a simple blurting out of a word. I felt we needed to recognize
the facts. Everybody knows the facts and if we were inhibited by taboo or
denial we could never move forward," he said.

As he was being criticized and forced out of his job after a 35-year career
in the Foreign Service, he said he felt the Armenian community standing with
him.

"When we were going through what was a crisis in our lives because of what I
had done, we felt your support. So I want to thank you for that," he said.
"I want to live up to this award. I don’t think I deserve it, but I hope to
in the future." He said.

Archbishop Barsamian noted that Ambassador Evans was being honored not just
for his courage of convictions, but also for the many successful measures he
advanced as America’s envoy to Armenia. However, by standing up for the
truth, the ambassador was an excellent role model for others, the Primate
said.

"Your commitment to the truth is a wonderful example to all of us that doing
the right thing is not necessarily the easy thing. It is a lesson we should
all take to heart, and one we must teach our children," he said.

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian was born in Damascus, Syria, in 1926, and was
ordained into the priesthood in 1947. He served in many parishes in the
Eastern Diocese and as Primate of England, before retiring and returning to
the United States, where he continues to serve in parishes.

"I am merely an instrument in the hand of God," Archbishop Gizirian said as
Archbishop Barsamian presented him with a panage (Eastern-style pectoral
icon) on behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians. "Since 1935, I dedicated my life to the Church
as an acolyte in Damascus. Words are not capable of expressing my gratitude
to your generous and thoughtful expression with this award."

Fr. Kouzouian, a former student of Archbishop Gizirian, said he was honored
to have such a gifted teacher. "As one of your students that love and admire
your ministry to the Armenian Church, we congratulate you," Fr. Kouzouian
said.

The Primate noted that the Diocese was thankful for Archbishop Gizirian’s
continued service, even after his official retirement.

"We are grateful he has returned to our Diocese," he said. "Though
‘retired,’ I do not think it appropriate to use that word in describing
Archbishop Yeghishe. His soul is one of service and he continues to work
today. He gratefully shares his passion and faith when he visits our
parishes."

— 7/8/07

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presents the
"Armenian of the Year" award to John Amboian, joined by his wife Pat, during
the 2007 Assembly Banquet, held in Nashua, New Hampshire, on May 5, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presents Ambassador John Evans,
America’s former envoy to Armenia, with the "Friend of the Armenians" award
during the 2007 Assembly Banquet.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Ambassador Evans, joined by his wife Donna, accepts a
round of applause from attendees at the 2007 Assembly Banquet in Nashua, New
Hampshire.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Barsamian presents Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian with a panage on behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Assembly
Banquet on May 5, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): To mark the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the
priesthood, Archbishop Girizian is presented with the "Spiritual Leadership
Award" from Archbishop Barsamian during the 2007 Assembly Banquet in Nashua,
New Hampshire.

Five presidential hopefuls nominated in Nagornyy Karabakh

Arminfo, Yerevan
7 May 07

Stepanakert , 7 May: Nagornyy Karabakh’s central electoral commission
(CEC) has completed the registration of presidential candidates
nominated by initiative groups. Thus, five candidates have been
nominated – the head of the republic’s national security service, Bako
Sahakyan; deputy foreign minister Masis Mayilyan; MP Armen Abgaryan;
Karabakh’s communist party leader Hrant Melkumyan; and teacher from
Artsakh State University, Prof Vanya [Vanik] Avanesyan.

The registration of the actual candidates will take place from 30 May
to 19 June – within this period the CEC will study the candidates’
documents and make a relevant decision.

[Passage omitted: CEC chairman says election campaign will start on 20
June]

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
May 4 2007

ARMENIAN CITIZENS TO GET DRIVING LICENSE AT AGE OF 18

YEREVAN, May 4. /ARKA/. Armenian citizens will be able to get driving
license only at the age of 18, Deputy Chief of the Armenian Police
Ararat Makhtesyan reported at a briefing on Thursday, presenting the
order of citizens’ passing exams and getting driving licenses.
At the same time, Makhtesyan reported that according to the new
regulation, getting a driving license under A category for driving
snowmobiles is now mandatory.
"Among other changes is abolishment of the demand to retake exams for
getting a driving license if lost. Now, a citizen who lost his
driving license will have a chance to restore it in very short
terms," he said.
Chief of the Armenian Traffic Police Ishkhan Ishkanyan reported that
the process of the lost driving license restoration will now take 20
minutes from the moment of applying.
The Armenian government approved the regulation of taking exams and
getting a driving license for Armenian citizens. This regulation
introduces the requirement of mandatory training at driving training
centers for admission to exams in order to get a driving license.
R.O. -0–

Armenian leader pledges to punish falsifiers in parliamentary poll

Arminfo
5 May 07

Yerevan, 5 May: At a meeting with governors today, Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan promised to punish falsifiers in the upcoming 12 May parliamentary
election.

The election campaign and the preparations for the parliamentary election
were discussed at the meeting, the presidential press service told Arminfo.
The president noted the necessity of conducting the election in line with the
Electoral Code. Kocharyan also noted the importance of ensuring the normal
functioning of all state agencies on the polling day, including the support
for the formation of the territorial electoral commissions.
Minister for Territorial Administration Hovik Abramyan, Yerevan’s deputy
mayor and the chairman of the Central Electoral Commission Garegin Azaryan
attended the meeting.

8-9% GDP GROWTH PREDICTED IN ARMENIA

ArmRadio.am
04.05.2007 15:40

The CIS Interstate Statistics Service predicts 8-9% GDP growth
in Armenia.

The same index is expected to reach 26 and 7% in Azerbaijan and
Georgia respectively.

The Press Office of the Service informs that on the average the GDP
growth in CIS countries wil reach 7%.

Simultaneously, the Interstate Statistics Service predicts 4% price
rise in Armenia, 8% in Georgia and 15-17% in Azerbaijan.

119 CANDIDATES FOR DEPUTACY TO BE VOTED ON BY MAJORITARIAN ELECTORAL SYSTEM AT PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ON MAY 12

Noyan Tapan
May 02 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 2, NOYAN TAPAN. 14 candidates for deputacy, who were
registered for participation in the parliamentary elections by the
majoritarian electoral system, withdrew their candidatures within the
specified period, while registration of another two was recognized as
invalid by decision of the court of first instance. Thus, one candidate
for deputacy will be voted in each of 7 electoral districts of Armenia,
2 candidates – in each of 11 electoral districts, 3 candidates –
in each of 9 electoral districts, 4 ones – in each of 9 electoral
districts, 5 – in each of 3 electoral districts, and 6 candidates
for deputacy will be voted on in two electoral districts (each).

Within the specified period, the Armenian National Movement party and
the Progressive Party of Armenia withdrew their nominations, as well
as a candidate on the electoral list of each of the following parties:
the ARF, the Democratic Party of Armenia, People’s Party of Armenia,
the United Liberal National Party and 2 candidates on the list of
the "Orinats Yerkir" Party withdrew their candidatures, and their
registration was recognized as invalid at the May 2 sitting of the
RA Central Election Commission (CEC).

A total of 1,245 candidates for deputacy are on the electoral lists
of 23 political forces that continue to participate in the electoral
struggle.

USSR PEOPLE’S ARTIST IOSIF KOBZON’S CONCERT TAKES PLACE IN YEREVAN ON MAY 1

Noyan Tapan
May 02 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 2, NOYAN TAPAN. USSR People’s Artist Iosif Kobzon’s
solo concert dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the singer took
place on May 1 at the Alexander Spendiarian Opera and Ballet National
Academic Theater. As I. Kobzon stated at the meeting with journalists,
he will go on jubillee councert tours to former Soviet countries till
the end of the year.

In I. Kobzon’s words, his art has always been appreciated by the
Armenian people, especially, by the high-ranking officials and the
present President of the RA. That’s why, in I. Kobzon’s words, he
never miss the possibility of performing concerts in Armenia. "I am
tied with Armenia with the whole soul. It is a great honour for me
to perform concerts in Yerevan and to sing on the stage where famous
people like Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babajanian, Alexander Hekimian,
Davit Tukhmanov, once performed," I. Kobzon mentioned.

In his words, old and new songs will be performed during the jubilee
concert. In Kobzon’s words, he is glad to mark May 1, the International
Day of Workers’ Solidarity, in Yerevan.

The USSR People’s Artist mentioned that he observes all the events
taking place in Armenia which do not always make him happy. However,
in I. Kobzon’s words, Armenians are a special nation and are able to
overcome all difficulties. "Today Armenia live a proper life. I am sure
that the RA President’s wish to hold democratic parliamentary elections
will also become reality," the artist emphasized. And responding the
question, which party or individual he will assist, I. Kobzon said:
"I have no right to estimate the political state of another country
or to say who I assist. I shall only say that I sympathize with the
President of Armenia.

Touching upon the Armenian-Russian relations, the singer mentioned that
Armenia has never betrayed Russia. He is sure that the good-neighborly
relations will continue in future as well, what first of all depends
on the younger generation. I. Kobzon mentioned with pain that the
youth of Russia gradually perishes as it is carried away by narcotics,
spirits, and it is necessary to immediately take steps in direction
of keeping the youth back from that evil.