BAKU: Elmar Mammadyarov And Vardan Oskanyan To Meet In Strasbourg

ELMAR MAMMADYAROV AND VARDAN OSKANYAN TO MEET IN STRASBOURG

Today, Azerbaijan
May 19 2006

Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is in Strasbourg, France,
to attend the 116th session of the Council of Europe Committee of
Foreign Ministers scheduled for 18 and 19 May.

Mr. Mammadyarov is expected to meet Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan. The Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe 46 member
states will discuss human rights and cooperation between the Council
of Europe and the European Union today.

Russian Federation will take over the presidency of the Committee of
Ministers from Romania, for a period of six months. Mammadyarov will
deliver speech at the session.

At the invitation of Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis,
the Ministers will hold an informal meeting with Martti Ahtisaari,
the United Nations Special Envoy for the future status of Kosovo. The
Ministers will also discuss other major priorities resulting from the
Council of Europe’s Third Summit in Warsaw, namely: the reinforcement
of the Council’s action in support of democracy and good governance,
the development of intercultural dialogue and the Organisation’s
process of internal reform.

Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova will have
separate talks on the development of the GUAM alliance, APA reports.

URL:

http://www.today.az/news/politics/26288.html

Le Gouvernement D’Ankara S’Apprete a Riposter

LE GOUVERNEMENT D’ANKARA S’APPRETE A RIPOSTER
Par Thierry Oberle

Le Figaro, France
18 mai 2006

SI LE PARLEMENT devait adopter la proposition de loi socialiste sur
la criminalisation de la negation du genocide armenien, la France
peut craindre des mesures de retorsion. ” La patience a ses bornes.

Nous n’aurons pas de haine mais nous imposerons des sanctions “,
a prevenu Recep Tayyip Erdogan, le premier ministre turc.

La menace est a prendre au serieux. La Turquie a deja fait savoir
que les relations bilaterales pourraient souffrir des ” dommages
incalculables “. Des degâts sans doute plus importants que ceux
provoques en 2001 par la reconnaissance par l’Assemblee nationale du
caractère genocidaire des massacres d’Armeniens de 1915. Car cette
fois, les autorites turques se sentent en position de force. Depuis
qu’elles ont le feu vert de l’Union europeenne, en 2001, pour
l’ouverture de negociations d’adhesion, elles ne cherchent plus a
s’attirer les grâces de Paris. Dans le meme temps, une course au
patriotisme s’est engagee dans la classe politique tout entière,
des islamistes a l’extreme droite.

” Insulte a la nation ”

S’ils reconnaissent du bout des lèvres que les Armeniens ont bien ete
deportes en masse en 1915 et que des massacres ont eu lieu, les Turcs
recusent avec vehemence le terme de genocide. A en croire leur histoire
officielle, quelque 300 000 Armeniens – et non pas 1,5 million comme
l’affirment les Armeniens – auraient ete tues durant cette periode. Les
victimes seraient de surcroît mortes en grande partie de maladies,
de faim ou de froid durant leur marche vers l’exil. Leur nombre est
mis en balance avec les 400 000 soldats turcs morts durant la Première
Guerre mondiale. Ces arguments sont marteles dès le plus jeune âge
dans les ecoles de la Republique. La querelle ne porte pas seulement
sur les chiffres : le refus de reconnaître la dimension genocidaire
des tueries est un des elements federateurs du nationalisme.

La levee de boucliers traduit aussi des crispations plus generales.

Ankara redouble d’intransigeance sur Chypre comme sur les minorites.

Pas question d’ouvrir en 2006, comme le demande Bruxelles, les ports
turcs aux Chypriotes. Et, en janvier, la justice turque n’a renonce
a poursuivre le romancier Orhan Pamuk que sur pression des Europeens.

L’auteur de Neige risquait une peine de prison pour ” insulte a la
nation “, après avoir declare dans une interview qu’ ” un million
d’Armeniens et 30 000 Kurdes ont ete tues ” en 1915.

Un debat, riche de promesses, s’etait pourtant ouvert avec la tenue
a Istanbul a l’automne, après plusieurs reports, d’une conference
organisee par de prestigieuses universites stambouliotes. Une
soixantaine d’universitaires avaient remis en cause les dogmes en
exposant des analyses contradictoires sur cet episode. ” En heurtant
de front les susceptibilites, la proposition de loi sur le genocide
risque malheureusement de freiner la societe civile dans sa recherche
historique “, deplore un diplomate francais en poste a Ankara. Un
point de vue que partagent de nombreux intellectuels turcs.

–Boundary_(ID_F9nY33wQy0loZ04H0+hVjQ)–

According To Chairman Of NA Committee On State And Legal Issues,By “

ACCORDING TO CHAIRMAN OF NA COMMITTEE ON STATE AND LEGAL ISSUES, BY “ORINATS YERKIR” PARTY’S LEAVING, COALITION STOPS FUNCTIONING

Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The main reason of the situation
created in the rulling coalition are disagreements existing not
among the coalition parties but between National Assembly Speaker
Artur Baghdasarian and country President Robert Kocharian. Grigor
Haroutiunian, a member of the NA “Ardaroutiun” faction, an
administration member of the People’s Party of Armenia expressed such
an opinion at the May 16 dispute organized at the “Hayeli” club. He
reminded that in the interview given to the German newpaper Artur
Baghdasarian said that the 2003 elections were falsified, what,
according to Haroutiunian, means that the country President is
not legitimate. At the same time, the Speaker did not exclude that
the happened may be a result of “rulling plays” as well, “as one
may expect everything from these authorities.” According to Grigor
Haroutiunian, the political field has not been completed in Armenia
as there are no conditions for it in the country. “If anybody thinks
that the political forces decide the future of Armenia, he is sadly
mistaken. The Karabakh clan leads the coutry policy in the face of
Robert Kocharian,” the opposing deputy stated. According to him,
the fact that businessmen, ministers and even the Deputy Chairman of
the party leave the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party, again
proves the fact of the political field’s not being completed.

According to Haroutiunian, time will show how the OYK activity will
be in the opposition field. He mentioned that coalitional political
forces “did everything together” and must repent, after what the
people will decide to accept it or not. According to the speaker, if
the OYK proves that it is really opposing and really strives to change
anything in the country, then it is not excluded that the People’s
Party of Armenia will cooperate with that party. Rafik Petrosian,
a republican member of the “People’s Deputy” group, the Chairman of
the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Issues, mentioned that
being a part of the authorities, the OYK must function according to the
Constitution, according to Article 55 of which issues of the foreign
policy are in competence of the President of the republic. According
to Petrosian, this innerpolitical process started from Baghdasarian’s
statement concerning the most important issue of the foreign policy
of Armenia. This step which was also a violation of norms of the
political ethics, was criticized by other members of the coalition
and as a result, it became a reason for the Parliament Speaker’s
resignation. According to Petrosian, the problem is not so much the
statement made about the Eurointegration of Armenia as the one that
Baghdasarian accused Russia of obstacling Armenia in that issue. “One
must not speak in that language with great states,” the speaker
mentioned. Petrosian stated that the Republican Party was interested
that the coalition continues functioning. But by the “Orinats Yerkir”
party’s leaving, the coalition stops functioning: according to the
lawyer, it is envsaged by the coalition memorandum. Petrosian mentioned
that after the “Orinats Yerkir” party’s leaving, the RPA and ARF must
form a new coalition together, and if a third political force joins
them, it will aslo be registered legally and a new coalition will
be created.

Western Diocese Ecumenical Fellowship

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

Ecumenical Fellowship

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, ecumenical Divine Liturgy was
celebrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in the Kalaydjian Hall of
the Western Diocese, marking the first time in Diocesan history that
such an event took place. The Liturgy began at 10:30 a.m. with the
participation of the Primates and clergy of the Armenian, Coptic and
Syriac Orthodox Churches.

His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, His Grace Bishop
Serapion, Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and His Eminence Mor
Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Primate of the Syriac Orthodox Church, took part
in the service.

Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church
in East Los Angeles, read the part of the Deacon. Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznigian, Rev. Fr. Bartev Gulumian and a clergy of the Syriac Church
served on the Altar. Rev. Fr. Asoghig Garabedian and Rev. Fr. Trdat
Bozigian, who are visiting from Etchmiadzin, Armenia, as well as
Deacon Vahe Abovian and Deacon Mayis Shahbazian, also served on the
Altar. The Liturgy was sung by the Burbank Parish Choir, directed by
Siranoosh Der Boghosian and organist Sirarpi Zirekians. Members of
the St. James Armenian Church Choir also participated.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Sebouh
Chouldjian, Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, and around 100 clergy
representing the Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac Churches, were in
attendance.

A moving moment of the ceremony was when the clergy approached the
Holy Altar in four rows to receive Holy Communion from Archbishop
Derderian and the Primates.

In his message Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed his joy in this
ecumenical event between three churches which share the same theology.
The Primate also emphasized the fact that the Oriental Orthodox
council was called to life three years ago and has been chaired for
the past two years by Bishop Serapion. The Primate presented icons to
the three bishops present, in appreciation of their participation in
the day’s service.

In his message Bishop Serapion thanked Archbishop Derderian for
hosting this service, and thus strengthening the ties between the
Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Archbishop Kaplan, upon thanking the Primate stressed the importance
of collaboration between the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the United
States, as is done in the Middle East. He also underscored the
significance of the proper training of our youth in Christian ethics.

Archbishop Mardirosian expressed his joy in witnessing the brotherly
love which was present during the day.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian made a presentation entitled
`The Personal Transfiguration of a Christian.’

A reception took place in the Galleria following the Divine Liturgy.
The tradition of the joint Divine Liturgy will also continue in the
future, hosted each year by a different church.

Ecumenical Sunday School Bible Competition

Organized by the Oriental Orthodox Churches of Western America, a
Sunday School Bible Competition was held on Saturday, May 13, 2006,
at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, in Glendale, California.
Sunday school students from the Armenian, Coptic and Syriac Orthodox
Churches participated in the competition that began at 10:00 a.m. and
concluded at 2:15 p.m. His Grace Bishop Serapion, His Eminence
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, and His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene
Kaplan were present, accompanied by clergy.

Sunday school students from St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys,
St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, the Armenian Church of
Burbank, and the Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley (Tujunga),
represented the Western Diocese. To promote fellowship among the
churches, students were divided into 16 groups, each containing an
equal number of children from each of the churches.

The competition began by a five minute prayer from the youth of each
church. The First and Second Rounds of competition were held between
10:45 – 12:00 pm. The Third and Final Rounds of competition were held
between 12:15 – 12:50 pm, after which, the Primates of the respective
churches addressed the students and urged them to continue to learn
about our Christian faith and teaching.

The winners were announced during the awards ceremony. The winning
team contained two students from the Sunday School of Crescenta
Valley and one from the Burbank Parish. The day’s program closed with
a prayer.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
May 16, 2006
Burbank, California

http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/

Tigran Torosian Sees No Tragedy In Collapse Of Coalition

TIGRAN TOROSIAN SEES NO TRAGEDY IN COLLAPSE OF COALITION

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 15 2006

BRUSSELS, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The most probable
candidate of the next Speaker of the RA National Assembly, Deputy
Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia and NA Deputy Speaker
Tigran Torosian relates to rumours about his appointment calmly. “Those
are usual rumours, there is nothing to be specially interpreted. We’ll
see what will be, and according to it, interpretations and explanations
will be,” he said to Radio Liberty.

As for the collapse of the coalition, Tigran Torosian said: “Coalitions
are always provisional, there is no tragedy either in formation or in
destroying. Everything is normal, it is important that works continue
at the National Assembly normally.” National Assembly Speaker Artur
Baghdasarian did not ascribe at the May 12 press-conference the
“Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party’s leaving the political
coalition to any pressure. Responding the question about pressures
from the presidential residence, Tigran Torosian mentioned: “I have no
basis not to believe Mr.Baghdasarian.” Deputy Speaker of the National
Assembly considers natural the flow of deputies, ministers from the
“Orinats Yerkir” party: “Movements within the party are painful for any
party. It is very important that the multi-parties system is stable
in Armenia and does not subject to different concussions. Weakness
of multi-parties system, its being still incompleted is today the
greatest challenge of the political sphere.” “I hope that no similar
serious concussions threaten the Republican Party, But, naturally,
it is impossible to exclude that if the RPA is not ever at power,
people will leave our party as well. But I’m sure that our party will
lose nothing from that,” Tigran Torosian summed up.

OYK Disproves News About Existence Of “Amirian” Council And ItsMembe

OYK DISPROVES NEWS ABOUT EXISTENCE OF “AMIRIAN” COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERS’ LEAVING PARTY

Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The special sitting of the “Orinats
Yerkir” (Country of Law) party administration took place on May
12. It discussed the strategy of the party’s activity in the created
interpolitical situation.

According to the information submitted to Noyan Tapan by the “Orinats
Yerkir” party administration, all the marz structures and unions of the
party again re-affirmed their inflexibility and resoluteness to protect
the party’s political line. The information published in press recently
about the issue that the “Amirian” council of pedagogues consisting
of 98 members left the “Orinats Yerkir” party, is estimated by the
party as a usual falsification and “a black PR,” as the pedagogues’
union joint with other unions made a united decision to protect the
party’s political line. “The fact that there is no “Amirian” council
of pedagogues in the OYK and there is no Council Chairman Artur
Azarian, just on behalf of you similar aspersians are presented to
press, is more absurd,” is said in the statement. The OYK stated that
“functioning on the opposition field, it will continue its successive
struggle to built a country of law, based on the slogan “With People,
For People,” condemning any conspiratorial step taken against the
party. We state that we are decisive and consider inadmissible any
attempt directed to political speculation,” is said in the statement.

TBILISI: Karsi-Akhalkalaki Railway Construction Might Start This Yea

KARSI-AKHALKALAKI RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION MIGHT START THIS YEAR

The Messenger, Georgia
May 15 2006

Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Karsi railway construction might start in
2006. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said this issue was
on the agenda on his current meeting with Turkish president.

President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment for the financial
liabilities of the project. According to him, this route will connect
Europe and Asia and it will contribute into the national interests of
Azerbaijan. Turkey on its side took the commitment to assist Georgia
in finding the investor.

Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Karsi railway project envisages building
of 98 km railway line between Akhalkalaki and Karsi. 27 km of this
segment are on the Georgian territory and 72 km in the Turkish side.

The project also envisages rehabilitation of the old obsolete
Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki segment of the existing railway.

The realization of the project might need USD 350-450 million. The
project is envisaged to be carried out in two stages. At the initial
stage only one track will be built and trains will start running on
it and only later second track will be constructed.

Some of Georgian experts demand from the government to carry out
better assessment of the pluses and minuses of the project. On one
hand, the project could be beneficial as it is yet another access into
the Turkish direction. On the other hand, it could become a kind of
competitor to the cargo transiting through Poti and Batumi ports.

This will be discouraging for turnover into these ports.

But the most actively opposing to this project is Armenia, which
puts forward its vision of activating already existing Karsi- Giumri
(Armenia) railway. Armenian-origin Georgian population of Akhalkalaki
region is also against this railway because in fact they repeat the
ideas implemented from Yerevan.

Economically, however, it should be mentioned that this project very
much contribute to the welfare of Akhalkalaki region in particular and
it will create many additional jobs not only during the construction,
but later as well. It will revive infrastructure, business, etc.

Baku-Jeyhan And The Geopolitical Interests (Analysis)

BAKU-JEYHAN AND THE GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS (ANALYSIS)
Armen Manvelyan

12.05.2006 14:20
“Radiolur” [ArmRadio]

Mass media report that Turkish Prime Minister Rajab Tayib Erdoghan
invited US President George Bush to participate in the official
ceremony of opening Baku-Tbilisi-Jeyhan pipeline to be held July 13
at Jeyhan port. The invitation was sent to the White House through
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The response of the American side is not known so far. It is noted,
however, that Washington has promised “to participate in the ceremony
on the highest possible level.”

It should be noted that still a year ago Baku-Jeyhan pipeline was
officially opened. Then it was asserted that everything was ready and
in autumn 2005 the first oil carrier loaded with Azeri oil would leave
from the port of Jeyhan. Despite the fact that a year has passed from
that day, Azeri oil has not even reached Jeyhan, which means that it is
still early to expect entry of oil carriers to this Mediterranean port.

It should be noted that the pipeline is of great political importance
for the real owners of it, i.e. Americans, who constructed it
proceeding primarily from political considerations. In this regard,
it is important just for the foreign policy of Armenia to correctly
comprehend and evaluate the political value of the program. We should
note that both underestimation and overestimation of the project are
equally dangerous, since it can result in incorrect understanding
of the political developments in the region and the struggle between
the heavy powers around these. Speaking about the politicization of
Baku-Jeyhan, we should first of all understand that the White House
is interested in the pipeline primarily as an alternative route for
exporting oil from the Caspian region, which will allow Washington
to reduce the so-called pipeline dependency on Russia. That is to say
that directing the oil flows to Baku-Jeyhan from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
and later from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the US attains not only
economic, but also complete political control over these countries.

>>From the geopolitical perspective Central Asia is of strategic
importance for official Washington, and Baku-Jeyhan is the means
through which the US can subject the countries of the region to its
interests. It should be noted that this region has nothing to offer
to the world except for oil and gas, therefore domination over this
branch means control over these countries. Hence, the United States
conceives Baku-Jeyhan as the most essential factor in the gradually
strengthening struggle between the US, Russia and China. What is
the most attractive for the United States in Central Asian region
is its geopolitical location. It’s not a secret that the region
neighbors four possible rivals of the US, i.e. China, India, Russia and
Iran. Therefore, considering these countries as possible competitors,
number one superpower of the world aspires to exert control over
a region, from where it can threat its potential enemies. In this
geopolitical game the South Caucasus and the Baku-Jeyhan pipeline
are mere links to help the US make its control more complete.

Agriculture Development Association To Be Established In NKR Martake

AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION TO BE ESTABLISHED IN NKR MARTAKERT REGION

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
May 10 2006

Hayastan Pan Armenian Foundation will establish Agriculture Development
Foundation in the Nagorno Karabakh (NKR) Martakert region, which
mostly suffered in the Azeri-Karabakh war.

Chair of Board of Trustees of Hayastan Pan Armenian Foundation Gevorg
Torosyan, who is in the NKR these days, noted the idea would be put
into practice in cooperation with the NKR government and Agriculture
Fund, REGNUM reports.

The Association will be a volunteer commercial organization. It will
render services referring to technique and equipment to its members
at obtainable prices. According to Gevorg Torosyan, the farmers will
manage to resolve the problems joining their efforts. “Agriculture
Services” joint-stock company is to be established as well.

California Courier Online, May 11, 2006

California Courier Online, May 11, 2006

1 – Commentary

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 – Armenian Summer
Games to Start
June 23 in Fresno
3 – UC Berkeley Gala Raises Endowment
For Armenian Studies to $700,000
4 – Armenians of Colorado Busy
With Legislative Agenda
5 – Catholicos Karekin II Visits Special-
Care Orphanage in Nor Kharberd
6 – Armenian Plane Crash Kills 113
7 – Armenian Consul to Japan Diana Apcar
Remembered Through Book at Prelacy
8 – Mehrabian Named
Recipient of College
Honorary Doctorate
9- Chamlian School Wins 7th Annual
Armenian Timeline Quiz Bowl
********************************************* ****************************
1 -Commentary
Pres. Kocharian Says Today’s Turkey
Is Responsible for the Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

In the vain hope of splitting the Diaspora from Armenia, Turkish officials
have been making self-delusional statements. They have repeatedly claimed
that Diaspora Armenians are the ones pushing for demands from Turkey, while
the people of Armenia supposedly just want to live in peace with their
Turkish neighbors.
On April 24 of this year, high-ranking Armenian officials went out of their
way to expose these Turkish distortions by taking a very tough stand
vis-à-vis Turkey. In an official statement issued on the occasion of the
91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Pres. Kocharian went far beyond
anything he had said before on Turkish responsibility for the Armenian
Genocide. For the first time, he blamed not only the Ottoman Empire for the
Genocide, but also today’s Turkish Republic.
Pres. Kocharian stated: “Today we commemorate the memory of the victims of
the Armenian Genocide. Ottoman Turkey and its legal successor bear full
responsibility for this crime. In the years succeeding the Armenian
Genocide, the survivors have borne the grave consequences of the committed
crime. The pain is all the more intense, as we are forced to struggle for
recognition as well as condemnation of that black page of history. The
Republic of Armenia, as the articulator of the national interests of
Armenians living in the homeland as well as those scattered throughout the
world, will continue that struggle. We are grateful to all the countries,
organizations and individuals who are supporting us.”
The Prime Minister of Armenia, Antranik Margarian, in his April 24
statement, found it salutary that “the number of countries recognizing and
condemning the Armenian Genocide is increasing with each passing year…. The
efforts of today’s Turkey aiming to deny the Genocide, distort the
evidence, cover up the facts, and silence the handful of Turkish
intellectuals who are exposing and condemning the shameful pages of its
history, are not only unhelpful in promoting a stable peace and good
neighborly relations in the region, but in an atmosphere of impunity, make
the perpetration of new crimes possible.”
The Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, Tigran Torosian, said:
“Recognition of the Genocide will dignify Turkey and the Turkish people.
They can also not recognize it, but that won’t change anything in the
world.”
The Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, Artur Aghabekian, stated:
“Turkey must understand that sooner or later the whole world, each and
every state, will recognize the Armenian Genocide…. Turkey will have to
recognize the Genocide. If it won’t do it today, it will do it tomorrow.
How could it evade historical justice?”
In an interview conducted by Paul Chaderjian and aired on April 24 on
Armenia TV, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said: “Today, the children of
the survivors and the Government of Armenia, both, have been transformed
from victims to activists working with the international community to right
a historical wrong, to acknowledge a crime against humanity and to advocate
prevention of such crimes in the future…. Today, in its search for European
Union membership, Turkey is having to deal with history and memory and
identity. And of course, the existence of an Armenian state means that we
can raise these issues at an official government level.”
When asked if it would not be wiser to let the Diaspora pursue the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Foreign Minister emphatically
responded: “The Genocide affected every single Armenian. The responsibility
to right the memory of that wrong rests with all of us. The Armenian
Government has the moral responsibility to speak about the Genocide of the
Armenians, and to call for Genocide recognition. This responsibility is one
we fully acknowledge. In fact, the active involvement of the Armenian
Government and its representatives has also played a role in the progress
of the recognition process. The podiums and forums that are available to
the representatives of a state are many and we use them to make our case to
the international community. At the same time, as a responsible member of
that community, we know that we cannot make Genocide recognition a
pre-condition to our relationship with the Republic of Turkey. The irony is
that we, the survivors and victims of Genocide, don’t make normal relations
conditional on its recognition, yet the Turkish side often suggests that
Armenia should put Genocide recognition aside if it wants normal relations
with Turkey. Clearly, we cannot.”
Foreign Minister Oskanian then provided the possible reasons for Turkey’s
refusal to face the Genocide issue: “There is perhaps a fear that entering
this realm, embarking on a relationship with Armenians will place them in a
morally uncomfortable and undesirable situation, and that they will be held
responsible for those events. I cannot repeat this often enough: Armenians
are able to distinguish between the perpetrators and today’s Turkey. But
Turks themselves must be willing to do what is morally right and reject and
denounce the crimes of the Ottoman Empire. Otherwise, today’s denial means
implicit endorsement or acceptance of those past crimes.”
Continuing to express his serious concerns over the denial of the Armenian
Genocide by Turkey, Minister Oskanian said: “Justifying, even revering the
genocidal state policy of one regime has become the state policy of another
regime. Denial is state policy, just as genocide is state policy. It is
today’s Turkish State that is wasting money and credibility on denying,
distorting, dismissing serious crimes against humanity committed during the
Ottoman years. Not only are they denying history, they are also legislating
denial by making it difficult, if not impossible, to actually dig into this
painful issue and come face to face with difficult historic and political
realities. It is safe to say that Turkish society — writers, historians,
journalists — are in fact seeking and trying to reach their own
conclusions about what really happened. It is the state that insists on
rejecting those questions even. The people of Turkey are searching for
answers. The memoir of US Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, the British Blue
Book, the works of Vahakn Dadrian and Peter Balakian can be found in
Turkish, in Turkey. We welcome this, because before there can be dialogue
with Armenians, there must be internal questioning and dialogue in Turkey.”

The Armenian Foreign Minister concluded with an ominous warning: “The
longer it takes for Turks to repudiate those acts, the more today’s Turks
and yesterday’s Ottomans will become synonymous in people’s minds.”
After such strong statements by the President, Prime Minister, Deputy
Parliament Speaker, Foreign Minister, and Deputy Defense Minister of
Armenia, it would be preposterous for any Turkish official to claim that
the Armenian state has no interest in pursuing the Genocide issue. All
Armenians, be they in Armenia or the Diaspora, are united in their resolve
to demand that the Turkish Republic acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and
make appropriate amends.
****************************************** ********************************

2 – Armenian Summer
Games to Start
June 23 in Fresno
FRESNO – Plans for the 36th Annual Armenian Summer Games are moving ahead
at a rapid pace. They will be held June 23-25 at the Buchanan High School
complex in Clovis, Calif.
This year, women’s basketball has been added to the existing sports of
men’s basketball, tennis, and track and field. Entries are coming in from
all over California for this unique event, organizers said.
Since its debut in 1969, the Armenian Summer Games provides a unique venue
for Armenian athletes of all ages. The only requirement for participation
is that at least one parent is of Armenian descent, or if the applicant is
the spouse of someone of Armenian descent.
Basketball will open on Friday evening, June 23 and continue throughout the
weekend. The track and field competition will take place on Saturday, with
tennis also starting that same morning. Both of these sports will be
contested in age groupings. All participants will receive a souvenir
T-shirt and a complimentary ticket to the traditional post meet picnic.
First, second and third place winners will receive Armenian Summer Games
medallions.
For applications for all the sports, as well as photos and results from the
last two Summer Games, visit the website at
For additional information, call Van at (559) 298-2372 or Marty at (559)
278-7887.
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3 – UC Berkeley Gala Raises Endowment
For Armenian Studies to $700,000
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco community “dressed to the nines” to show
their spirit and support for the UC Berkeley Armenian Studies Program at a
Benefit Gala held March 25 at The Olympic Club. With an attendance of over
250 people, the evening raised $250,000, bringing the total raised for the
William Saroyan Endowment since the beginning of the $2 Million Campaign to
$700,000.
“The excitement from this event shows just how committed this community is
to keeping Armenian Studies thriving at Berkeley” states Rachel Nadjarian,
Co-Chair of the Gala. “The Bay Area demonstrated its support by celebrating
what Dr. Astourian has accomplished by establishing such a fine program.”
Dr. Stephan Astourian is Executive Director of the Armenian Studies Program
at UC Berkeley and Adjunct Professor in History. Since the Program’s
inception, many courses have been added and the depth and breadth of the
coursework, particularly in the Armenian language, has expanded. A year and
a half ago, a fundraising committee was established to support a $2M
Campaign for the William Saroyan Endowment that funds the ASP in order to
help continue the expansion of the Program and sustain its future.
“This is an incredibly viable Program and its continuance and expansion is
critical for the next generation of Armenians,” says Adam Kablanian,
Chairman of the Endowment Fundraising Committee. “The success of the Gala
has helped us make a huge leap in the Campaign and garner further support
from our community. We look forward to seeing this continue.”
The Benefit Gala was an evening filled with entertainment. TV producer
Andrew Goldberg addressed the audience as guest speaker and presented two
video clips from his upcoming film The Armenian Genocide which aired on PBS
throughout the nation. Goldberg touched upon the ironies of Turkish
genocide denial and showed footage of Raphael Lemkin – the inventor of the
word “genocide” and its legal definition – in a 1949 interview on CBS in
which he refers to the Armenian massacres as rationale for such a concept.
Following Goldberg’s presentation, guests were treated to a very
entertaining Live Auction with long-time Bay area resident Ed Vasgerdsian
as auctioneer. Vasgerdsian kept bidding at a fast pace as he fancied people
with such gifts as two weeks in a 3,500 square foot apartment in Yerevan, a
week at a ski lodge in Meribel, France, and an original painting of the
Armenian alphabet by Zarmine Aghazarian of the East Bay. Guests continued
to exude their energy and excitement for the remainder of the evening while
dancing to the music of Arthur Apkarian and Armenian band from Montreal.
No less exciting than the live auction and dancing was the Silent Auction
and Diamond Champagne Raffle that occurred during the cocktail hour.
Outstanding gifts had been donated from the community, including a yellow
diamond ring, a framed print of one of Sumbat Der Kiureghian’s paintings,
and a 49ers hat signed by quarterback Steve Young.
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4 – Armenians of Colorado Busy
With Legislative Agenda
BOULDER, CO – The Armenians of Colorado, Inc., announced the passage of the
5th annual Colorado Armenian Genocide Commemorative Resolution last week.
The resolution passed in both chambers unanimously and the roll calls were
added as co-sponsors.
State Senator Lois Tochtrop, co-sponsor of all five resolutions, was very
pleased with the outcome and said, “I hope that the actions at the state
level will encourage or even push the legislators at the Federal level to
finally pass the Congressional resolution.”
Armenians of Colorado held its annual Commemorative ceremony at the
Armenian Genocide Memorial plaque at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
Co-sponsors Senator Tochtrop and Representative Michael Garcia addressed
the crowd as did representatives from Senator Allard and Congressmen
Udall’s offices.
Armenians of Colorado also announced a new partnership with the Colorado
Coalition for Genocide Awareness & Action.
The organization will hold its first conference on May 8,at the Adams Mark
Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
The conference will consist of renowned genocide scholars and speakers
with the focus of organizing efforts leading to the cessation and
prevention of genocide. The day will culminate with an “awareness” walk
from the hotel to the Colorado State Capitol where a rally and press
conference will take place. Many of the partners of the coalition are
organizations that Armenians of Colorado Inc has collaborated with in the
past to bring events of genocide awareness.
“This event will take the level of awareness out of the college setting and
bring it to the general public”, says Kim Christianian, Chairperson of the
Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee for Armenians of Colorado.
Christianian, who has written Colorado’s resolutions and proclamations for
the last five years hopes that through this alliance, the Armenian Genocide
curriculum can be introduced into the Social Studies curriculum at the
middle and high school level.
The Colorado Armenian community, through its coordinated efforts with the
Armenian Assembly, ANCA, and Armenians of Colorado Inc., has made great
progress in gaining support for Armenian issues at the federal level.
Colorado Congressmen Udall and Beauprez have joined the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues as well as signed the House Letter to President
Bush and co-sponsored H. Res. 316. Congresswomen Musgrave and Degette have
also co-sponsored H. Res. 316. Congressman Salazar has signed the letter
to President Bush. Senators Allard and Salazar have both signed the letter
and co-sponsored S. Res. 320.
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5 – Catholicos Karekin II Visits Special-
Care Orphanage in Nor Kharberd
ETCHMIADZIN – On the afternoon of April 9, Catholicos Karekin II visited
the special-care orphanage in the city of Nor Kharberd, in Armenia. The
religious leader brought his Pontifical blessings and fatherly love to the
240 mentally and physically handicapped children residing in the orphanage
who do not have the opportunity to attend church services on a regular
basis.
Upon his arrival in Nor Kharberd, the Pontiff was greeted by Minister of
Labor and Social Services Aghvan Vartanian; the Dean of the orphanage,
Haroutiun Balasanian; and the center’s staff of the center. The entourage
accompanied Karekin II as he first visited the bedrooms of those children
who could not be moved due to medical reasons. The Catholicos offered a
prayer and gave his blessing to all of the children as he presented each
one with a small cross.
A special program had been prepared by the children of the Armenian Church
Youth Center of Nor Nork, operating under the auspices of the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. The orphanage dean welcomed the Catholicos
and his accompanying clergymen, stating that their visit and blessings
would help the children withstand their physical ailments and emotional
pain with greater courage.
“We wanted to visit the Nor Kharberd Orphanage because we know that our
dear children living here do not have the opportunity to come and visit our
churches and participate in our services,” the Catholicos said. “We came to
bring with us our love for you and our blessings from Holy Etchmiadzin and
to tell you, our boys and girls, that we love you, we are grateful and
proud of you.”
The Catholicos also gave a message of appreciation to the dean and the
staff of the center, noting, “We all know that the message of Christ is the
message of love. Love conquers all,” the Pontiff said, asking for God to
strengthen the staff and volunteers of the orphanage, granting them
unending love and patience, so that they may transmit the warmth of their
spirits to the children and lighten the burdens placed upon these innocent
souls.
At the conclusion of the visit, Catholicos Karekin II offered a service for
blessing children prepared especially for this day. Prior to his
departure, the children of the Nor Nork Youth Center distributed presents
to the children of the Nor Kharberd Orphanage.
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6 – Armenian Plane Crash Kills 113
ADLER, Russia – An Armenian passenger plane crashed in stormy weather May 3
off Russia’s Black Sea coast as it was heading for a landing, killing all
113 people on board, most of them Armenians.
The Airbus A-320, which belonged to the Armenian airline Armavia,
disappeared from radar screens about four miles from shore and crashed
after making a turn toward the Adler airport near the southern Russian city
of Sochi, emergency official Viktor Beltsov said.
Officials said all 113 people aboard the plane, including six children,
were killed.
Armenian airline officials said they believed the crash was due to the
weather. Investigators did not believe terrorism was a factor.
The crash occurred early Wednesday during a flight from the Armenian
capital of Yerevan to Sochi, a resort city on the Black Sea about 350 miles
away.
The victims’ relatives gathered later Wednesday at the Yerevan airport for
a charter flight to Sochi after the crash. Gurgen Seroboyan, whose
23-year-old fiancee Lucenie Gevorkian was a flight attendant on the plane,
wept as he waited.
“We were planning to get married and then this tragedy happened,” he said,
choking up.
Samvel Oganesian said his 23-year-old son Vram and his friend Hamlet
Abgarian had been heading to Sochi for vacation. “Why did he go?” Oganesian
asked repeatedly in anguish.
In Sochi’s airport, about 100 tearful relatives – nearly all Armenians –
kept up an anguished vigil in a waiting hall. One man became hysterical and
had to be taken away by ambulance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian
declared Friday a day of mourning in both countries, the Kremlin said.
Meanwhile, divers searched storm-churned waters for the victimss remains.
Search and rescue teams had pulled 33 bodies from the water by midmorning,
Kubinov said. None were wearing life jackets, indicating they did not have
sufficient warning to prepare for an emergency landing.
Armavia said 26 Russians, one Ukrainian and one Georgian were among the
passengers. The rest were Armenian citizens.
The plane with 105 passengers and eight crew members disappeared from radar
at about 2:15 a.m. local time, Beltsov said. He said the plane went down
while trying to make a repeat attempt at an emergency landing, but the
Interfax news agency quoted the Russian air control agency as saying that
the plane’s crew had not declared any emergency.
Andrei Agadzhanov, Armavia’s deputy commercial director, said the crew had
communicated with Sochi ground controllers while the plane was flying over
the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The ground controllers reported stormy
weather but told the crew the plane could still land, he said.
Just before the landing, however, the ground controllers told the plane’s
pilots to circle again before approaching the airport. Then the plane
crashed.
Beltsov said the clouds were as low as 330 feet above the ground at the
time of the crash.
The plane broke up on impact with the water, and wreckage was scattered
over a wide area, Kubinov said. Salvage workers said the fuselage was
recovered at a depth of more than 1,300 feet.
Rough seas, driving rain and low visibility were hampering the search,
Russian news agencies reported. A deep-sea robot was to be used to try to
recover the plane’s black box, though Rudolf Teymurazov of the
Intergovernmental Aviation Committee expressed doubt it could be found
since some parts of the plane could be deep underwater.
Agadzhanov said that the airline’s deputy general director, Vyacheslav
Yaralov, had been aboard. He said the crew was experienced and that the bad
weather was “certainly” the cause.
The Airbus A-320 was manufactured in 1995 and had been acquired on leasing
by the airline. The aircraft underwent full-scale servicing a year ago.
Two Sochi-bound Russian planes crashed in August 2004, one near the central
city of Tula and the other in the Rostov region, when alleged Chechen
terrorists detonated bombs on board. Ninety people were killed.
****************************************** *********************************
7 – Armenian Consul to Japan Diana Apcar
Remembered Through Book at Prelacy
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles area residents were educated and enlightened
about the power and strength of Armenians all over the world on April 30
through a book found in Japan.
The main attraction of the event was the book, From the Book of One
Thousand Tales: Stories of Armenia and Her People 1892-1922, a collection
of 16 short stories, written by Diana Apcar, Armenia’s Honorary Consul
General to Japan during the first Armenian Republic.
Granddaughter Lucille Apcar contacted Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian to
introduce her grandmother’s book after she discovered the original
manuscripts in the rubble of her parents’ home in Yokohama.
The program went beyond introducing the author and the book to Western
Prelacy friends and supporters. It went beyond commemorating the Armenian
Genocide victims and martyrs. The program distinguished itself from other
events due to its unique content and messages delivered by Raffi Hamparian,
Lucille Apcar and Archbishop Mardirossian.
amparian reminded attendees about the importance of collaboration,
participation and support. He continued by emphasizing the value of time
as he requested individuals to remember Genocide survivors who did not
abandon their culture or heritage after witnessing the burning of churches,
inhumanities to man, and the continuance of struggle to merely survive.
The program included a brief biography of Diana Apcar presented by MC
George Bedigian, comments by Armenian Consul Gagik Giragossian, Dr.
Masahiro Kohara, Acting Consul General of Japan.
The program also included the reading of excerpts from the book, including
“The Sultan’s Cat,” a short story with a stunning metaphor equating the
well-mannered feline pet with an obsequious Turkish Sultan seeking the
acceptance and respect of his surrounding countries, including the Armenian
Patriarch.
Entertainment that evening included musical interludes by Nanor
Jamakordzian, Violin and Hermine Amirian, Vocal, accompanied by Garineh Der
Kevorkian on the piano.
Archbishop Mardirossian closed the program with words of praise, gratitude
and prayer. His remarks celebrated the life of Diana Apcar and the many
lost lives of the Armenian Genocide. He acknowledged the grand efforts of
men and women around the world and their dedication to their faith and the
Armenian nation-women like Apcar, whose knowledge and grasp of Armenia’s
history is incredible when one learns that she was born in Burma, lived in
Japan for 43 years and never set foot in any of the countless Armenian
cities and towns of which she wrote about. Thus, this can only attest to a
voracious reading of Armenian history and love of her ethnic heritage.
For a copy of the book, call the Western Prelacy at 818-248-7737
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8 – Mehrabian Named
Recipient of College
Honorary Doctorate
GLENDALE – Glendale businessman Onnik Mhrabian was named the 2006 recipient
of Mashdots College’s ‘Honorary Doctor of Huma
n Letters” degree, announced College President Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiayan
last week.
As the President and CEO of the KIA Glendale dealership in Glendale,
Mehrabian is also a generous supporter of numerous civic, educational,
religious and cultural organizations in Los Angeles, Glendale, USC
Institute of Armenian Studies, Mashdots College and the Armenian American
Chamber of Commerce, among others.
Mehrabian is also the godfather and benefactor of Glendale’s St. Peter
Armenian Apostolic Church and Youth Center. He was recognized by Catholicos
Karekin II of Etchmiadzin, with the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medal of
Honor.
He has also established a children’s center, adjacent to the church, the
Taline Mahrabian Christian Pre-School.
He is married to Armenouhi, and they have two children, Peter and Taline.
“He is an inspiring man of all seasons,” Dr. Der Yeghiayan said.
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*
9 – Chamlian School Wins 7th Annual
Armenian Timeline Quiz Bowl
LOS ANGELES – Thirty-five eight-grade students representing nine major
Armenian day schools in the greater Los Angeles area participated in the
Seventh Annual Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl at the Ararat Home of
Los Angeles on April 2.
In a competition lasting over two hours, the students answered a series of
questions on Armenian history and culture. They demonstrated familiarity
with material spanning three millennia and ranging over topics as varied as
history, geography, literature, science, the arts, and religion. The
competition was so spirited and the student preparation was thorough that
the winning team amassed a total of 98 points out of a possible 100, with
the second place team not far behind.
Chamlian School, with students Taniel Akay, Talar Alexanian, Sophia
Keshishian, and Talar Kossakian finished in first place, winning a check
for $1,000 for the school. Second place and a check for $700 went to the
Ferrahian School, represented by Maral Agvinian, Roupen Geudekian, Haig
Karapetian, and Kyle Khandikian. The Sahag-Mesrob School, with Karoline
Davidian, Talar Kakilian, Aren Markarian, and Tanya Moukhtarian, took the
third place award of $500.
The six other participating schools each received a check for $200. They
included the Manoogian-Demirdjian School, with Janet Parseghian, Elda
Boulgorjian, Serli Palatoglu, and Viola Sulahian; the Merdinian School,
with Nerses Aposhian, Movses Avedikian, Thalia Bajakian, and Dikran
Nalbandian; the Mesrobian School, with Mark Aloyan, Nicole Arvanitipoulos,
Maria Bagdasarian, and Liana Kabayan; the Pilibos School with Biayna
Ayvazian, Diana Boyrazian, Satinee Ghulizian, and Silva Serobyan; the
Sisters’ Acacemy with Khachik Aladzhyan, Hooree Amerkhanian, Talar
Malakian, and Lauren Tomassian; and the St. Gregory School, with Hagop
Kalaidjian, Tanya Mikaelian, and Sylvia Tomboulian.
All participating students received throphies, certificates, and a gift
from Robert Shamlian, prepared by the volunteers from the Ararat Home Gift
Shop. The cash awards, donated by a number of persons, most of whom
requested to remain anonymous, were designated for the schools’ scholarship
fund.
The Quiz Bowl was organized and assisted by: Hagop Arshagouni, MC, Marilyn
Arshagouni, Quizmaster, Tamar Boyadjian Avedissian and Arpy Chorbajian,
Judges; Margaret Abrahamian, Sue Abrahamian, Armen Avedissian, Agnes
Boghosian, Lucy Hovsepian, Beatrice Malkasian, Harold Mgrublian, Robert
Tuncer, and John Yaldezian, Proctors; Michael Arshagouni and Ned Rodriguez,
Scorekeepers; Maggie Goschin and Alice Mgrublian, Question Controllers, and
Camelia Boyajian, Timekeeper. Over 250 spectators followed the proceedings
and cheered on the participants.
The competition, organized and conducted by Hagop and Marilyn Arshagouni,
consisted of questions taken from their book “Armenian History Timeline,”
which includes graphics by the late Herach Hovsepian. The Timeline itself,
the only one of its kind in the world, is located on the grounds of the
Ararat Home in Mission Hills.
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