Putin arrives in Armenia’s Echmiadzin
ITAR-TASS News Agency
March 25, 2005 Friday
ECHMIADZIN, March 25 — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in
Echmiadzin on Friday. Echmiadzin is the administrative and spiritual
center of the Armenian Church that is located in Vagarshapat, 18
kilometers away from Yerevan.
Putin will meet with Armenian Catholicos Garegin II in Echmiadzin. He
will also visit the Catholicate and the Echmiadzin Cathedral.
PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF CANADA
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
H4J 1L5
Tél. (514) 334-1299 Fax (514) 334-6853
March 25, 2005
Contacts: Shant Karabajak 514-334-1299
Roupen Kouyoumdjian 514-336-7095
Aris Babikian 416-497-8972
For immediate release:
Cultural Genocide event deemed great success by the Armenian National
Committee of Canada
Montr̩al РThe Armenian National Committee of Canada, the largest
and most influential grass roots Canadian-Armenian political
interest group, has organized a series of events in memory of the
90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The events are
aimed at the general public and are intended to show the material
and cultural damage caused by the uprooting and destruction of the
Armenians from their homeland of four thousand year.
The first of these events was scheduled for Wednesday, the 23rd of
March at the National Press Club in Ottawa, an exhibit and reception
depicting the tragic and continuous state sponsored destruction
of Armenian architectural treasures in Eastern Anatolia (Turkey of
today). At the same time, it was an opportunity for the A.N.C.C. to
thank all the members of the House of Commons and Senators for making
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Canada possible.
Professor Samvel Karapetyan’s research found a wide audience of
Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators and foreign dignitaries,
among which were the Honourable Stephen Harper, Leader of the
Official Opposition, Mr. Stockwell Day, Foreign Affairs critic of
the Conservative Party of Canada, M. Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the
Bloc Quebecois, Honourable Sen. Raymond Setlakwe, Mr. Lui Temelkovski,
President of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship group, as well
as 80 Membres of Parliament and Senators, 20 Embassies presented by
their Ambassadors or representatives. Also notable was Mme Madeleine
Dalphond-Guiral, the Member of Parliament whose efforts lead to the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Canadian House of Commons
in April 2004.
Dr. Girair Basmadjian, President of the Armenian National Committee
of Canada said during the event that “it is very sad that traces of
thousands of years of Armenian civilization are being systematically
wiped out from its cradle”. He latter asked “what can be worse than
the uprooting of an entire nation from its homeland? The annihilation
of its traces from that homeland.”
Present at the event was Prof. Vahakn Dadrian, one of the
world’s foremost experts on the Armenian Genocide, who thanked the
parliamentarians for their commitment to truth and historical justice,
despite undue pressures.
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SERGE SARGSIAN: IT IS DIFFICULT TO RULE OUT THAT TENSION IN
KARABAKH WILL DEVELOP INTO SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS
YEREVAN, MARCH 23. ARMINFO. It is difficult to rule our that the
tension on the contact line of Karabakh and Azerbaijani armies will
develop into something more serious, Minister of Defence of Armenia
Serge Sargsian told journalists, Thursday.
According to him, Azerbaijan violates the cease0fire regime not for
the first time – it does it very often, as it tries to improve its
positions on the contact line. “It is obvious for any man, who knows
the Karabakh conflict in details, that only Azerbaijan is interested
in violation of the cease-fire regime, as in its times Armenian party
had opportunities to consolidate its grip on more favorable positions,
and we did it as far back as 1994”, Serge Sargsian declared. He added
that the statements of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan on the
violation of the cease-fire regime by the Armenian party are all
open lie. Commenting on the statements of the Defence Minister of
Azerbaijan Safar Abiyev and President Ilham Aliyev on the possible
settlement of the Karabakh conflict by force, the minister mentioned
“pilaw is not handed out during the war, and it would be very useful
for Abiyev to recall his past”.
The Messenger, Georgia
March 24 2005
Georgia launches new ferry service to Russia
But questions remain over what will become of Abkhaz rail link
By M. Alkhazashvili
Poti Port (above) launched a new ferry
to Russia on Wednesday; Russia and
others still hope that a larger transit
link can be renewed via Abkhazia
The opening of the Georgian-Russian ferry between the ports of Poti
and Kavkaz on Wednesday, March 23, represents a new building block in
cooperation between the two countries’ transportation systems but is
overshadowed by the lack of certainty on reopening the Abkhaz rail
route.
The ferry crossing, which had been agreed to in January by the
Minister of Economic Development Aleksi Aleksishivli and the Russian
Minister of Transportation Igor Levitin, will operate every three
days according to its preliminary schedule.
The roll-on-roll-off (RO-RO) ferry is the fourth ferry route
operating out of Georgia – others go to Bulgaria, Romania, and
Ukraine – and will be able to carry 24 railway freight cars on each
trip.
While significant, railway officials say it cannot make up for the
loss of the Abkhaz section of the railway line in terms of shipping
goods in and out of Georgia. Restoration of the rail line is one of
the main issues upon which Abkhaz de facto president Sergei Baghapsh
has staked relations with Tbilisi. “Georgiaa-Abkhaz negotiations
should be started first with the operation of the railway,” he said
last week after returning from meetings in Moscow.
While Georgia is not against the reopening of the rail link –
shipping officials in fact are eager for it – the country is
unwilling to accept an unfavorable agreement as to how this should
happen. An agreement regarding the operation of the railway via
Abkhazia was signed during a Shevardnadze-Putin meeting held in Sochi
in 2002. At the time the Georgian government laid out its stance that
the reopening of the railway is conditionally tied to the secure and
protected return of Georgian refugees to Abkhazia, first of all to
Gali. In addition, Tbilisi demanded that former railway workers be
given their jobs back. While talks have proceeded over the
restoration of the railway and Russian officials have helped open a
line connecting Abkhazia with Russia, Tbilisi has been frustrated in
its efforts to return IDPs to the region.
Armenia is also interested in the restoration of the railway via
Abkhazia, seeing it as a desperately needed outlet to the Russian and
European economies. During meetings with Georgian counterparts over
recent months, the Armenian side has continually raised the issue of
the restoration of the railway. Their argument is simple: blockades
with both Azerbaijan and Turkey have reduced its ability to trade
beyond Georgia and Iran to a trickle.
The question facing Georgia, however, is whether the restored railway
will help settle the conflict and speed the restoration of its
territorial integrity. Many in the government fear that without
proper controls, the operation of the railway will economically
strengthen only separatist Abkhazia and have few benefits for
Tbilisi.
Another concern is that a working Abkhaz railway would only increase
Russia’s influence on the separatist regime. The demographic ‘vacuum’
created by exiling Georgians from Abkhazia could be filled by Russian
workers; in addition Tbilisi would resist legitimizing Russian
tourist and business activities in the region if there are no
mechanisms for Georgians to do the same. While increasing Russian
influence in the region is an understandable fear, increasing Abkhaz
economic condition would only improve negotiations as the region is
destitute.
Questions that remain are where to establish custom check points and
border controls; Tbilisi has constantly refused to establish custom
checkpoints inside its own territory on borders with separatists
states. In addition, funds must be allocated to rebuild and operate
the railway which is missing several bridges and entire lengths of
track in some places.
Disagreements over the Abkhaz railway was a catalyst of the region’s
war; it would now be ideal, though difficult, if its restoration were
a building block in ending the conflict.
Easter, the ‘Light of Christ’, from Jerusalem to the Jordan
by Hana Mouasher
AsiaNews.it, Italy
March 22 2005
Amman (AsiaNews) – For Easter, the ‘Light of Jesus’ comes directly
from Jerusalem. Paschal tradition in this predominantly Muslim country
demands in fact that candles be lighted on the eve of Easter Sunday
with a lighted candle brought by the archbishop who celebrated mass
in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Brought to the shores of the Jordan river, the lighted candle is used
to light other candles that are taken across the country.
This year, Jordanian Christians have to wait till May 1, Easter
Sunday according to the old Julian calendar. The country’s Council of
Churches, which joins Copts, Catholics, Greek and Armenian Orthodox,
and Protestants, decided that Christmas would be celebrated according
to the Gregorian calendar and Easter according to the Julian calendar;
hence, Lent has just started.
Fasting is widely observed; Catholics abstain from food especially
on Fridays when they go to church to pray and take part in the Via
Crucis. People also abstain from eating meat and turn to traditional
dishes based on vegetables and grains cooked in olive oil.
Palm Sunday is celebrated with enthusiasm. The faithful arrive in
church with palm branches decorated in a multitude of flowers. During
mass, the priest leads a large procession of people around the church,
following the large cross carried by a group of church boys, with
everyone joining in the prayers and hymns. A great bundle of olive
tree branches are blessed and sprayed with holy water and distributed
at the end.
Then begins the final week of Lent when Palm Sunday rejoicing is
replaced by a more sombre mood.
On Good Thursday, evening mass is jam-packed-twelve people chosen
for the ritual washing of the feet. Churches stay open all night for
worshippers who come to pray before the open tabernacle.
On Good Friday, worshippers pass around a statue of the dead Jesus
lying on a wooden bed. With a train of flowers following the statue
is laid before the altar, blessed, ready to be kissed by all those
present.
On the afternoon of Good Saturday, confession impels people to come
to church in great numbers. When midnight mass begins churches are
crowded-many faithful forced to stand in churchyards and streets;
others following the liturgy from giant TV screens set up in parish
halls.
Lights remained dimmed until church bells ring; then they are turned
up. Candles are lit and blessed and passed around with people greeting
each other with “the Light of Christ”.
Holy Week is also a time when families boil and colour eggs for Easter
Day, a statutory holiday in Jordan.
On Easter, churches are again jammed with worshippers. Afterwards,
people break their fast, offer and eat Kaak and Maamoul, a popular
sweet usually made at home using special dough stuffed with date
paste or walnuts.
Kaak is doughnut-shaped with ragged edges resembling the crown of
thorns that Jesus wore on the Cross. Maamoul is a small, round piece
of dough that represents the sponge which was dipped in vinegar and
offered to the Lord when He asked for water whilst on the cross.
Jordan has a population of 5.6 million people, 92 per cent Sunni
Muslim, 6 per cent Christian and 2 per cent Shiite Muslim.
Armenian president, new Zambian envoy discuss ties
A1+ web site
22 Mar 05
The newly-appointed Zambian ambassador to Armenia, Peter Chintala,
(residency in Moscow) submitted his credentials to Armenian President
Robert Kocharyan today.
Kocharyan pointed out that it was important to exchange comprehensive
information between the two countries in order to specify possible
spheres of cooperation.
The ambassador said that his country was interested in establishing
relations with Armenia and the current opportunities will be studied
with this aim.
The sides expressed their opinion that they can implement joint
programmes, especially in the spheres of science, education and health.
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON
The U.S. Ambassador in Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman held a meeting with
His Holiness Aram I. For over two hours the two mainly discussed the
current political situation of Lebanon.
His Holiness Aram I outlined his views concerning the prevailing
situation in Lebanon, based on a thorough analysis of local, regional
and international politics. He stressed the importance of bringing
Lebanon out of the dangers of polarization and solving Lebanon’s
current crisis through dialogue and the establishment of a national
unity government.
It was the second time in the past month that Ambassador Feltman met
with His Holiness.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.
Azerbaijan News Service
March 19 2005
AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT AT
QORAN LENMARKER INITIATED MEETING
2005-03-19 19:32
Meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian parliamentarians held in
Brussels on initiative of Qoran Lenmarker OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
special representative on Daqliq Qarabaq conflict gave no results.
Member of Azerbaijani delegation at OSCE PA Eldar Ibrahimov informed
ANS about the meeting. Both sides put forward own arguments.
Azerbaijani side wants restoration of territorial integrity while
Armenians claim economic ties. That’s why we failed top come to any
agreement. Heads of international organizations during the meeting at
European Parliament and European Commission told the conflicting
sides it is up to them to find solution to the problem. Foreign
organizations may just assist by adopting documents and making
reports. OSCE PA special representative on Daqliq Qarabaq conflict
Qoran Lenmarker is going to present his report on the conflict on
March. The report will be presented to both sides. We shall see
whether we are satisfied or not says Eldar Ibrahimov. Mr. Lenmarker’s
report will be heard at OSCE session to be held on June in
Washington.
ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 18, 2005
Russia plays great stabilising role in Caucasus – Azerbaijani FM
By Alexander Zyuzin
BEIJING, March 18
Russia plays a great stabilising role in the Caucasus, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov, who accompanies Azerbaijani
President Ilkham Aliyev on his trip to China, said in an interview
with Itar-Tass on Friday.
As far as the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is concerned, Azerbaijan
always urged Russian leaders to be more active for soonest settlement
of the conflict, the minister said.
Russia itself is a Caucasian state, and its role is obvious,
Mamedyarov said.
The more actively Moscow will continue its activities in the
Caucasus, the more stable the region will be, he said.
This concerns not only political, but also economic issues. All the
countries of the south Caucasus have close economic ties with Russia,
the minister noted.
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
March 16, 2005, Wednesday
MILITARY BASES WILL BE OUTLAWED
SOURCE: Nezavisimaya Gazeta, March 14, 2005, p. 3
by Yuri Simonjan
PARLIAMENT OF GEORGIA PASSED A RESOLUTION OUTLAWING RUSSIAN MILITARY
BASES
Nongovernmental organizations of Djavakhetia (a region of Georgia
with a mostly Armenian population) staged protest actions in
Akhalkalaki, the town where one of the two Russian military bases in
Georgia is quartered. They protested against the decision of the
national parliament that outlawed Russian military bases. Organizers
of the rally are convinced that the 62nd Russian Military Base in
Akhalkalaki is a factor in stabilization. Also importantly, it is a
major employer and as such plays a vital role in the regional
economy.
On March 10, the parliament of Georgia unanimously passed a
resolution on illegitimacy of the presence of Russian military bases
in Georgia. The document gives Moscow and Tbilisi before May 15,
2005, to reach a mutually acceptable accord on the withdrawal of the
bases. The authorities of Georgia will have to demand Russia to
remove its bases from the territory of Georgia by January 1, 2006,
otherwise. “The parliament of Georgia is convinced that presence of
military bases in Georgia is a destabilizing factor. Their withdrawal
will facilitate regional security and stability and recovery and
normalization of the Georgian-Russian relations,” to quote from the
document. This airy advance to Moscow done away with, the document
proceeds to list the reasons that explain why the presence of the
Russian military collides with national interests of Georgia. The
list takes three pages.
“The resolution the parliament passed is a bit stiff, but I retain
the hope that we will make a civilized accord that will take Russia’s
interests into account and protect sovereignty of Georgia at the same
time,” President Mikhail Kasianov said. “Both parties should benefit
from the accord.”
Groups of experts began consultations in Moscow again. When Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Tbilisi not long ago, the agreement
was reached that the experts should draft suggestions on every moot
point by May 1, so that Vladimir Putin and Saakashvili will have
something to talk over in Moscow on May 9 (president of Georgia will
visit Russia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of victory in the
Great Patriotic War).
Negotiations are in a cul-de-sac
Four Russian military bases remained in Georgia when the Soviet Union
collapsed. Acting in accordance with the Istanbul OSCE summit
decision (1999), Moscow withdrew the 137th Base (Vaziani) and the
50th (Gudauta) from Georgia in 2001.
According to the Foreign Ministry, personnel of the two remaining
bases (the 62nd in Akhalkalaki and the 12th in Batumi) barely exceed
1,000 servicemen (servicemen numbered over 2,000 before 2003). On the
other hand, official figures differ from unofficial estimates. A
source in the Defense Ministry claims that the 12th Base alone
includes almost 150 Russian officers and over 2,000 contract
servicemen (most of them locals viewing a contract with the Russian
Defense Ministry as a source of income). The 145th Motorized Infantry
Division is the nucleus of the 12th Base which lacks heavy armament.
Negotiations over these two bases have been under way since 2002. At
first, Moscow claimed that it needed 11 years to withdraw the bases
and Tbilisi insisted on only 3 years. The Russians claimed by the way
that the withdrawal and re-settlement of the bases in Russia would
cost almost $500 million.
The Russian General Staff said that it was prepared to discuss
withdrawal in 7 to 9 years, a year later. These days, Colonel General
Anatoly Mazurkevich, Commander of the Main Directorate of
International Military Cooperation of the Defense Ministry, says that
the Defense Ministry is prepared to withdraw its bases from Georgia
“inside of 3-4 years”. Georgia immediately adapted to the new
situation and said that 2 years would suffice.
The latest round of the negotiations ended with nothing to show for
it in February 2005.
Translated by A. Ignatkin