Author: Hambardsumian Paul

Turkey Condemns German Parliament After Vote on Armenian Deaths

Bloomberg
June 17 2005

June 17 (Bloomberg) — Turkey condemned a ruling yesterday by the lower
house of the German parliament criticizing Turkey for not recognizing
the alleged massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915.

“Such a decision, coming from a country such as Germany that has always
been considered a friend and ally, hurts the Turkish people deeply,”
the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement late yesterday. “We
would like to point out that it will have a negative effect on our
relations.”

The European Union has said Turkey’s bid to join the bloc may be
clouded by the claims of genocide. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
is a leading supporter of Turkey’s accession, while the opposition
Christian Democrats oppose the move. Entry talks are scheduled to
begin on Oct. 3.

The extent of the massacres and deportations of Armenians is being
played down or denied by the Turkish government, contradicting the
idea of reconciliation promoted by the EU, according to yesterday’s
motion. It stopped short of describing the killings as genocide.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday said he hoped
the bill would be halted after Schroeder on May 4 urged Armenia to
accept a proposal by Turkey that scholars from both countries study
the Armenian claims, the Turkish CNN Turk said.

Turkey says hundreds of thousands of Turks and Armenians died in wider
ethnic clashes as the Ottoman Empire defended itself from Russian
forces during the Second World War. Turkey says some Armenian groups
sided with Russia in the conflict.

Turkey should take responsibility for the deaths because the evidence
of genocide is “abundantly documented,” the Purdue University,
Indiana-based International Association of Genocide Scholars said in
a letter to Erdogan on April 6.

German lawmakers yesterday criticized the cancellation by the Turkish
Justice Ministry of a conference on the subject by Turkish academics
that had been due to take place in May.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mark Bentley in Ankara at
[email protected]

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
For Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel: +32 2 732 70 26
Tel/Fax: +32 2 732 70 27
Email : [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
17th June 2005
Contact :Talline Tachdjian
Tel/Fax :+32 2 732 70 27

EUROPEAN DECLARATION ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE SENT TO THE ENTIRE
EUROPEAN COUNCIL

Brussels, Belgium (17th June 2005) The European Armenian Federation
yesterday forwarded a Europe-wide public declaration, launched on
the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, to the
heads of the 25 members States of the European Union gathered at the
Brussels Summit on the 16th and 17th of June.

Hundreds of European associations, organizations and institutions
have already signed this declaration, which calls on the European
Council and the European Commission to establish, as a formal
requirement within the negotiations framework for Turkey’s potential
membership in the European Union, the necessity that Turkey abide by
resolutions adopted by the European Parliament since 2000 demanding
its acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide.

“While seeking to maintain the image of a state committed to accepting
its responsibilities,” wrote the Federation in a letter accompanying
the declaration, “Turkey, in practice, continues to escalate its
aggressive denial campaign and to pressure the European Union to avoid
this issue altogether.” In light of Turkey’s stark hypocrisy, “only
a clear and decisive approach on the part of the European Union will
lead to any meaningful progress in this area,” said Hilda Tchoboian,
chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.

“The European citizens represented in this declaration hold that the
democratically expressed views of the people of Europe, as expressed
European Parliament, must be reflected in the actual decision-making
concerning Europe’s future,” concluded Tchoboian.

Turkish, Lebanon premiers hold joint news conference in Beirut

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
16 Jun 05

Beirut, 16 June: Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently
in Lebanon, held a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister
Najib Miqati on Thursday [16 June].

Miqati said that they discussed Middle East peace process,
Israeli-Palestinian dispute and recent developments in Iraq. He said:
“We also took up economic cooperation between Turkey and Lebanon
and agreed to increase mutual investments and collaboration in
international areas.”

On the other hand, Erdogan said: “Lebanon supports Turkey’s point
of view in Cyprus issue. We also share the same views as regards
Iraq. I conveyed that Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative
is a democratization and freedom process as well as an initiative
to establish a joint programme to fight terrorism and to increase
prosperity in the region.”

Replying to a question on the Armenian allegations, Erdogan said:
“Turkey urged Armenian authorities to open their archives because
Turkey has already done so. Other countries can open their archives
too. It is impossible to accept a genocide claim which is not based
on documents and sound information. We have a positive approach, but
Armenia is still busy with the past. Future cannot be established on
hatred,” noted Erdogan.

Yesterday, nearly 1,500 Armenians who are living in Lebanon held a
demonstration to protest the visit of Erdogan to Lebanon.

Turkish prime minister arrives in Lebanon as Armenians protest, burn Turkish flag

Associated Press Worldstream
June 15, 2005 Wednesday 4:40 PM Eastern Time

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan flew
into Lebanon on Wednesday for talks on expanding relations, but the
country’s Armenians protested his visit, burning the Turkish flag and
calling for Lebanon to recognize the World War 1 killing of Turkish
Armenians as genocide.

Erdogan and members of his Cabinet were received at Beirut airport
by Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The two prime ministers talked alone,
but no details were released.

Shortly before his arrival, some 1,500 Armenians demonstrated in the
northern Beirut district of Bourj Hammoud against Turkey’s refusal
to recognize what Armenia and several other countries regard as an
act of genocide.

Armenians say Turks killed up to 1.5 million Armenians in eastern
Turkey between 1915 and 1923. Turks claim the number is inflated and
that the victims were killed in civil unrest or during deportation
to Syria.

The Lebanese protesters burned a Turkish flag and closed their shops
for an hour in Bourj Hammoud, which has a large Armenian community.
Some 100,000 Armenians live in Lebanon.

A newly elected Armenian member of parliament, Hagob Pakradounian,
said Lebanon must follow 18 other countries in officially recognizing
the killings as genocide. Speaking to reporters, he demanded that
Turkey recognize the massacre.

Erdogan and his wife, wearing a purple headscarf, visited the
residence of the slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to pay their
condolences to his widow, Nazek. Later, the three visited Hariri’s
grave on Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut. Hariri was killed with
20 other people in a massive bombing in Beirut on Feb. 14.

During his two-day visit, Erdogan is scheduled to attend the Arab
Economic Forum for Investment and Arab Capital Markets, which opens
in Beirut on Thursday, the official National News Agency reported.

Erdogan is also due to meet President Emile Lahoud and parliamentary
Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday.

Russian materiel relocation to Armenia won’t endanger Azerbaijan
By Alexander Konovalov, Sergei Babkin

ITAR-TASS News Agency
June 14, 2005 Tuesday

DATMOSCOW, June 14 — The relocation of Russian military hardware from
Georgia to Armenia will not change the balance of regional forces
or endanger Azerbaijan, Russian Chief of Staff Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky
said in answer to an Itar-Tass question after negotiations with his
Italian counterpart Gianpaolo di Paola.

“Baku should not worry about the relocation of some Russian military
hardware from Georgia to Armenia. As I have said before, the tight
schedule of the Russian military bases’ withdrawal from Georgia
may require the relocation of some military hardware to the 102nd
Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia. The military hardware will be
stationed at the base, but it will not change the balance of regional
forces in compliance with the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in
Europe and will not endanger our neighbor – Azerbaijan,” he said.

Karabakh leader appoints new spokesman

Mediamax news agency
14 Jun 05

Yerevan, 14 June: The first assistant to the president of the Nagornyy
Karabakh Republic (NKR), Eduard Atanesyan, has been appointed press
secretary of the republic’s president. The NKR president, Arkadiy
Gukasyan, has signed a decree to this effect.

Earlier, the press secretary of the NKR president was Marina
Akopdzhanyan, the deputy chairwoman of the central information office

Parties Make Harsh Statesments at Turkey-EU JPC Meeting
source: SABAH

Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 14 2005

The parties made harsh reactions at the 54th meeting of the Turkey-EU
Joint Parliamentary Commission.

The EU wing stated that reforms slowed down in Turkey, criticized
postponement of an Armenian conference and made criticisms that Chief
Negotiator Ali Babacan did not attend the meeting.

The Turkish delegation reacted to such a manner which was described as
“giving lesson”.

Co-President Joost Lagendijk said there were statements that few
progress was recorded in Turkey, noting that, “it seems the momentum
before December 17th has changed. Do you think of maintaining the
reform process?”. As to the Armenian conference, Lagendijk said,
“I was very pleased when I first heard about the conference. I hope
this is not a cancellation but a postponement.”

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

His Holiness Karekin ii

catholicos of all armenians

In the western DIOCESE

breakfast MEETING between

his HOLINESS and the clergy

of the WESTERN DIOCESE

Thursday, June 9, 2005

On Thursday, June 9, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, accompanied by the Primate of the Western Diocese me with
over 40 clergy of the Western Diocese in the Armen and Gloria Hampar
Reception Room. His Holiness entered the room during the singing of
the hymn `Hrashapar’.

Following the blessing of the tables by His Holiness the Primate
once more greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians, and extended his
appreciation to the clergy for their spiritual missions and the
service of their people. He conveyed his gratitude to the Pontiff for
granting crosses to the clergy during the reception of the previous
evening.

The Primate then invited His Holiness to address the clergy in
attendance. The Catholicos extended his appreciation to the Primate
for the events which have been successfully planned and are being
implemented on the occasion of his Pontifical visit. He provided the
clergy with detailed information on the activities and project of the
Mother See.

The Catholicos informed the clergy that the Kevorkian Seminary
housed in the Mother See has reached a new academic level. Currently
there are 250 students enrolled in the Kevorkian and Vazkenian
Seminaries. It is also expected that a Seminary in Gumri be opened in
the near future.

His Holiness said that the center of illumination of our people and
faith is the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This has been the case
also in the past, even during times of political uncertainty. The
Catholicos mentioned that more and more clergy are being ordained and
that the Mother See has taken on the task of renovation and
construction throughout Armenia.

The Catholicos also spoke of hospitals, orphanages, medical centers,
and the possibility of a pilgrimage comprised of 1,000 youth.
`Shoghagat’, the religious television station sponsored by the Mother
See will also have new headquarters in the near future thanks to the
donation of benefactors. His Holiness Karekin II blessed the clergy
and urged them to continue their mission.

luncheon for his holiness

and diocesan council

June 9, 2005

On Thursday, June 9, 2005 a luncheon took place in the Armen and
Gloria Hampar Reception Room of the Diocesan Headquarters during
which His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, met with
current and former members of the Diocesan Council. Present at the
Luncheon was also His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese, as well as Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Dajad
Dz. V. Yardemian.

Diocesan Council members were informed by His Holiness of the many
activities of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, following which a
discussion took place regarding issues and concerns related to the
Western Diocese and the Mother See.

His Holiness commended the dedication and service of the Diocesan
Council, and urged them to continue their support of the Western
Diocese.

Presided by the Primate, the Diocesan Council is an elected body of
the Diocese. The current members are:

Deacon Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian, Chairman, St. Paul Armenian Church,
Fresno

Dr. Vahram Biricik, Vice Chairman, St. Mary Armenian Church, Costa
Mesa

Peter Abajian, Secretary, St. James Armenian Church, Los Angeles

Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Assistant Secretary, St. Mary
Armenian Church, Yettem

Ben Krikorian, Treasurer, St. Paul Armenian Church, Fresno

Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Advisor, St. Gregory Armenian
Church, Fowler

Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Advisor, St. John Armenian Church,
Hollywood

Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Advisor, St. Andrew Armenian Church,
Cupertino

Deacon Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Advisor, St. Paul Armenian Church,
Fresno

Mr. Armen Hampar, Advisor, St. Peter Armenian Church, Van Nuys

Mr. Gregory Tcherkoyan, Advisor, St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland

groundbreaking CEREMONY of

taglyan center

St. John Garabed Armenian Church, Hollywood

June 9, 2005

On Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, entered St. John Garabed Armenian Church
in Hollywood during the singing of the hymn `Hrashapar’, performed by
the students of TCA Arshag Dickranian School. His Holiness was
accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese, and high ranking clergy, and was greeted by the
clergy of the Diocese, deacons and students of the Dickranian School.
Upon the entrance of His Holiness doves were released as a symbol of
peace.

Following the prayer His Eminence addressed the faithful saying that
the spirits of the faithful of the Diocese and filled with joy during
the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II. He commended the
accomplishments of the parish thanks to the efforts of Archpriest Fr.
Manoug Markarian, Pastor; the Parish Council, Building Committee, and
Ladies’ Society.

He also expressed his appreciation to Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan
thanks to whom the construction of the Taglyan Complex was made
possible.

`We commend the efforts of Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor,
and the Parish Council, who along with the helping hand of beloved
benefactors made it possible to purchase the buildings adjacent to
St. John Garabed Church, expanding church property,’ said His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in his message printed
in the commemorative booklet on this occasion. `Thanks to the handsome
donation of Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan the construction of the
Taglyan Cultural Center will become a reality. In the near future the
church will also be renovated and given the classic Armenian style and
dome.’

In appreciation of their continued support and handsome
contributions His Holiness bestowed the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Medal of Honor upon Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan. The Pontifical
Encyclical was read by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian.

`In the course of your God-pleasing life, undertaking the renovation
of St. John Garabed Armenian Church is a new testimony of your
dedication to the church and your love towards God,’ read the
Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness. `The construction of
the hall adjacent to the church will have a significant meaning, and
will serve to host cultural and academic events sponsored by the
church, further strengthening the Western Diocese within the life of
the community.’

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered his
message to the clergy and faithful in attendance. `Armenia Resonates
in this church,’ said the Catholicos. He continued by extending his
prayers that the blessings of Holy Etchmiadzin become a source of joy
and direction for the faithful throughout their lives. Our forefathers
have enriched the life of our people and the church with new zeal. In
independent Armenia the Church prospers even further through the
prayers of the faithful.

He conveyed his sincere appreciation to benefactors Drs. Petros and
Garine Taglyan, who with their generous donation have made possible
the construction of a Center that will serve as a home for many
parishioners.

The evening concluded with the Benediction by the Catholicos.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 10, 2005
Burbank, California

Azerbaijan’s war is against Russia, not Armenia, former Azeri official says

09.06.2005 14:26

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Speaking at a conference in Baku, a former
Azerbaijani state advisor said that Russia pursues a goal to restore
its military influence on Azerbaijan.

Vafa Guluzade also said that the war in Karabakh would not resume and
a peace would be established according to an American scenario, and
the Caucasus would be under the U.S. influence over time.

He went on saying that the Karabakh conflict is not an Armenian-Azeri
one, in fact it is a Russian-Azerbaijani confrontation.

Armenpress

US EMBASSY GRANT TO HELP COMMUNITIES REPAIR THEIR FACILITIES

YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: Communities in Yerevan, Ararat, Gegharkunik,
Lori, Shirak and Kotayk provinces will make their input to a generous
$190,000 grant of the US embassy in Armenia for repair of schools,
kindergartens, bridges and irrigations systems.
US deputy ambassador Anthony Godfrey said the program is important as the
US government investments are adapted to communities’ potential and efforts.
Around 185 companies and firms applied to participate in a tender for
implementation of overall 13 projects announced in 2004. Godfrey said the
selection of the communities was made based on their urgent needs. The
program will be implemented by Save the Children charity organization and
supervised by USAID. The program is the third stage of a wider program
called Community Self-Assistance Fund, which was incepted in 2003 November.
During the two previous stages some 20 projects worth $250,000 were carried
out