Author: Hambardsumian Paul

REGULAR SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS

National Assembly
April 29 2009
Armenia

On April 27, the regular sitting of the National Assembly was begun
with the enshrinement of the drafts of the decision of the National
Assembly on special order of the debates of a number of laws on the
agenda of the four-day sittings on making addenda to the agenda of
the fifth session of the fourth convocation.

During the debate of the agenda of the four-day sittings, Mr. Armen
Martirosyan, Ms. Larisa Alaverdyan and Mr. Styopa Safaryan,
representatives of the heritage faction of the National Assembly,
considering urgent the necessity of the debates, related to the present
developments of Armenian – Turkish relations, turned to Mr. Hovik
Abrahamyan, President of the National Assembly for the issue to be
included on the agenda of the four-day sittings, and opportunity to
be given to the political forces of the parliament to express their
views on that very important issue.

To the response of the questions, Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan, President of
the National Assembly, said that the National Assembly is a tribune
of plurality. He proposed to touch upon the issue later, when the
issue is debated with the factions and would be decided when and how
to touch upon that issue. He said that no need to be worried and take
measures in haste and stressed that he is for constructive debates.

The National Assembly adopted by voting, debated during the previous
sitting, the bills on Making Amendments and Addenda to the Law of
the Republic of Armenia on Obligatory Copy of the Documents and on
Making Amendments and Addenda to the Law of the Republic of Armenia
on Citizens who have not complied with the Obligatory Military Service
through the Breach of the Defined Order.

Presenting the view of the Heritage faction on the debated issue,
Ms. Larisa Alaverdyan, Member of Parliament, the privileges given to
the Armenians in Javakh in educational area considered admissible. The
issue would have its productive solution only when Armenian- Georgian
University would be launched in Javakh. In this aspect the Member of
Parliament considered more admissible the Government submitted view.

Mr. Armen Ashotyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Science,
Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the National Assembly,
presented the legislative package, proposing amendments to the law
on TV and Radio and to the attached three laws, proposing it to be
debated through the second reading.

Ms. Naira Zohrabyan, co-author of the bill touched upon the functions
of the National Commission on TV and Radio.

Ms. Anahit Bakhshyan, co-author of the package, presented the
conclusion of the leading committee, related the issue. She said that
there was a necessity of adopting a new law.

The initiative of the Government on Making Amendment and Addendum to
the RA Law on Approving the List of Goods Imported by Organizations
and Solitary Entrepreneurs under 0 Customs Rate and not Subject to
Excise Taxation for which Customs Authorities shall not Accrue and
collect VAT was directed to increase the fuel of aviation.

Mr. Vardan Ayvazyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Economic
Affairs of the National Assembly, presented the endorsement of the
committee on the issue. Mr. Armen Martirosyan, Head of the Heritage
faction expressed concern that the shady circulation of the aviation
fuel should be increased through the amendment.

Mr. Hakob Hakobyan, Member of Parliament, presented his authorized
legislative initiative on Making Amendments to the Land Code of the
Republic of Armenia.

The Minister of Economy submitted for the second reading two agenda
issues on Making Amendment to the Law on State Duty and on Making
Amendments and Addenda to the Law on State Duty, which were not
essentially amended. According to Mr. Vardan Ayvazyan, the committee
on Economic Affairs endorsed the draft.

Mr. Mkrtich Minasyan’s authorized bill on foreseeing Amendment to
the law on Psychiatric Service was also not amended after the first
reading. Mr. Karen Avagyan, presented the endorsement on the bill of
the Standing Committee on Health Care of the National Assembly.

Mr. Pavel Safaryan, Deputy Minister of Finance, submitted for the
second reading the draft on Peculiarities of Forming the State Draft
Budget for 2010 of the Republic of Armenia. Mr. Styopa Safaryan,
member of the faction, in his speech assessed the Government this
initiative. The leading committee endorsed the issue.

At the end of the sitting Ms. Arevik Petrosyan, Vice President of
the National Assembly, informed the Members of Parliament on three
statements of the members of the ARF faction. Leaving the authority
coalition, applications for resignation were presented by Mr. Hrayr
Karapetyan, Vice President of the National Assembly, Mr. Armen
Rustamyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations
of the National Assembly and by Mr. Artur Aghabekyan, Chairman of
the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal
Affairs of the National Assembly. Ms. Petrosyan said that according
to the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Rules of Procedure of
the National Assembly, if, after the announcement of resignation,
the applications on resignation are not taken back by the applicants
within three days, then their resignations are recognized valid.

HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN: "NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONTINUE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS OVER ALL PROBLEMS OF THE EURO-ATLANTIC AGENDA

National Assembly
April 29 2009
Armenia

On April 28 the President of the National Assembly Mr. Hovik
Abrahamyan received Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) Mr. Claudio Bisogniero

Welcoming the guest the President of the National Assembly underscored
that he considers necessary to develop the cooperation as North
Atlantic ally within NATO and with partner countries. Mr. Abrahamyan
highlighted Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan as
a format of effective cooperation. The President of the National
Assembly told his interlocutor that since 2002 Armenia had been an
associate member of NATO Parliamentary Assembly and will continue to
actively participate in the discussions within the framework of that
structure over all problems of Euro-Atlantic agenda.

At the meeting the interlocutors also discussed issues related to the
normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations and Artsakh problem.

TURKEY INFORMS AZERBAIJAN OF ITS POLICY IN CAUCASUS

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.04.2009 21:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Azerbaijani-Turkish relations go far beyond any
bilateral ties. This is not subject to any change and everybody must
be aware of it," Turkish President Abdullah Gul announced.

According to Turkish President, Ankara’s diplomacy in relation to
Armenia applies both to Turkey and Azerbaijan. "Time will come when
everybody will approve that policy," Mr. Gul said.

In the meantime, the Turkish official stresses that each country is
independent in its policy-making and decision making-processes. "We
are friendly countries unanimous in our views. But we represent two
separate countries, let alone many other Middle Asian small states
that lie between us. From that viewpoint, we must have respect for
each other’s policy," Turkish President’s Press Service reports
quoting Mr. Gul.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
April 29, 2009

Rev. Fr. Khoren Hovhannisian Celebrates First Liturgy
as Pastor of the Armenians of India

By the Pontifical Directive of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, Rev. Fr. Khoren Hovhannisian, a member of
the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, has been appointed as Pastor of the
Armenian community of India and Manager of the Armenian College and
Philanthropic Academy of Calcutta (Kolkata), as of April 25, 2009.

On Sunday, April 26, Fr. Khoren celebrated his first Divine Liturgy in
India, in the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, located on the
grounds of the Armenian Home for the Aged in Kolkata.  During the Divine
Liturgy, Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian, Pontifical Representative of His Holiness
for India, having arrived in Kolkata with Fr. Khoren, greeted the faithful
on behalf of the Catholicos of All Armenians and conveyed His Holiness’
blessings to all present.  Fr. Ktrij welcomed Fr. Khoren to India, and
introduced him to the faithful Indian-Armenian community and the students of
the Armenian College.  Fr. Ktrij also expressed the appreciation and thanks
of the Pontiff of All Armenians to Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, outgoing
Manager of the school and former pastor of the Armenians of India, for his
five years of productive and devoted service to the community and the
students of the College, which resulted in many improvements and positive
reforms.

Thereafter, Fr. Khoren delivered his first sermon to the Indian-Armenian
community and the students of the College, expressing his happiness and
complete readiness to work together with the community for the glory of God
and the consolation of his flock.  Fr. Khoren thanked His Holiness for the
opportunity to serve in such a historic Armenian community, and pledged to
contribute his abilities and efforts for the prosperity and vibrancy of the
Armenian Church and faithful in India and the Armenian College and
Philanthropic Academy.

OBAMA AVOIDS USING ‘GENOCIDE’ IN STATEMENT ON ARMENIANS

Greek News
ews&file=article&sid=10302
April 28 2009
USA

Washington, D.C.- Despite repeated statements properly characterizing
the Armenian Genocide during his Senate career and a clear pledge
stating that "As President, I will recognize the Armenian Genocide,"
President Barack Obama issued on Friday an April 24th statement
evading the proper characterization of the Armenian Genocide. The
president instead voiced support for ongoing talks between Armenians
and Turkish officials to improve relations between their countries.

His statement sparked furious protests in California as Armenians
expressed outrage over his refusal to fulfill his campaign promise.

ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian issued the following statement regarding
President Obama’s April 24th statement: "I join with all Armenian
Americans in voicing our sharp disappointment with President Obama’s
failure to honor his solemn pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide."

"In falling short of his repeated and crystal clear promises,
which reflected a thorough knowledge of the facts, the practical
implications, and the profound moral dimension of Armenian Genocide
recognition, the President chose, as a matter of policy, to allow
our nation’s stand against genocide to remain a hostage to Turkey’s
threats."

"The President’s statement today represents a retreat from his pledge
and a setback to the vital change he promised to bring about in how
America confronts the crime of genocide."

"Genocide must be confronted unconditionally at the level of American
values and our common humanity. As Americans, we should never allow the
prevention or recognition of this crime to be reduced to a political
issue that can be traded away, retreated from under pressure, or used
to advance a political agenda, of any kind."

"Today’s statement does not reflect the change the President promised,"
stated Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Executive Director Bryan
Ardouny. "His failure to affirm the proud chapter in U.S. history,
the American response to the first genocide of the 20th century, has
needlessly delayed the cause of genocide affirmation and diminishes
U.S. credibility with regard to genocide prevention," added Ardouny.

In January 2008, then-Senator Obama stated: "As President I will
recognize the Armenian Genocide." In October 2008, President Obama
reiterated his views, "I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not
an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a
widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical
evidence."

"Empty promises are no change at all. Today, as we reflect on the
importance of genocide education, affirmation and prevention, we
must redouble our efforts to ensure that the words ‘never again’
have true meaning – starting with the adoption of H. Res. 252 in the
U.S. House of Representatives," concluded Ardouny.

The Armenian Genocide was acknowledged by Russia, France, Canadian
House of Commons, Lebanon, Uruguay, Cyprus, Argentina, Greece, Belgium,
Sweden, Slovakia, Netherlands’ House of Representatives, Switzerland
National Council, Vatican, Lower chamber of Italy, Germany, Lithuania,
Polish Seim and 42 US states.

Obama said he still stands by the views he has expressed on the subject
as a presidential candidate and a U.S. senator. Then, he called for
Turkey to acknowledge the genocide — and promised to do so himself
if elected president.

He again pointed to his previous remarks, while avoiding the term
many Turks find offensive.

"I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915,
and my view of that history has not changed," the president said
in his statement released this afternoon. "My interest remains the
achievement of a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the facts."

But Obama said he thinks the best way to advance that goal right now
"is for the Armenian and Turkish people to address the facts of the
past as a part of their efforts to move forward."

Today’s commemoration date fell two days after Turkey and Armenia
announced movement in ongoing talks to ease relations between their
two countries, strained for decades.

The Turkish foreign ministry said Wednesday the two sides have come
up with a framework for continued talks, but provided few details
on how, exactly, it might work. They have made "tangible progress"
toward mutual understanding and come up with a "road map" for how to
proceed, according to the statement.

Still, the measure is considered the first breakthrough in talks in
more than a decade.

Since Obama took office, Armenian Americans and human rights activists
have been asking him to make good on the campaign promise to declare
the mass killing a genocide. Advocates hoped the declaration would
come today.

But Obama signaled he might take a different route during a trip
to Turkey earlier this month, when he refrained from using the word
"genocide" to describe the killings. In a joint press conference with
Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Obama said he hadn’t changed his mind
about the historical record but still declined to use the word when
asked by a reporter about his position.

"I’m not interested in the U.S. tilting these negotiations one way
or another while they are having a useful discussion," Obama said in
early April.

In his statement, Obama used the words "Meds Yeghern," the Armenian
phrase for the atrocity.

"Ninety four years ago, one of the great atrocities of the 20th century
began," the president wrote. "Each year, we pause to remember the
1.5 million Armenians who were subsequently massacred or marched to
their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. The Meds Yeghern
must live on in our memories, just as it lives on in the hearts of
the Armenian people."

COMMEMORATION Dozens of Democratic and Republican Members of Congress
joined this evening with over five hundred Armenian Americans from
across the United States in Capitol Hill’s historic Cannon Caucus Room
in a solemn remembrance devoted to U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Majority Leader
Steny Hoyer (D-MD), in their remarks to the standing-room only
audience, both spoke forcefully of their personal commitment to proper
U.S. condemnation and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

"It is long past the time for the United States to formally recognize
the Armenian Genocide," noted Speaker Pelosi in her remarks. She
went on to spotlight the importance of grassroots efforts against
Turkey’s multi-million dollar campaign of genocide denial. "How far
we can go with the resolution [H.Res.252] this year depends on the
outreach that each and everyone of us in this room can do to win on
the floor of the House. We can do any amount of inside maneuvering
in the Congress and Washington, but what is important is the outside
mobilization to bring to bear the voices of people across America."

The Congressional Armenian Genocide observance was organized by the
Congressional Armenian Caucus, with Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL ) serving as Masters of
Ceremony. Opening prayers were offered by his Eminence Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Eastern
United States as well as Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Legate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Eastern United States.

ARF ‘Dashnaktiutyun’ leaves political coalition

2009-04-27 10:48:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktiutyun [ARFD] will
leave the political coalition, source close to the ARFD told ArmInfo.
They have already adopted such a decision which will be voiced at the
press-conference of the representative of ARFD Supreme Body Armen
Rustamyan at 1:00 PM.

To recall, representatives of ARFD said they are going to discuss the
problem of their party staying within the coalition because of the
recent joint statement of Foreign ministries of Armenia and Turkey
about definition of the roadmap. The ARFD is mainly displeased by the
fact that the statement was made at the threshold of 24 April – Memory
Day of the victims of the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey.

In all probability representatives of the ARFD will leave their high
post in the executive power.

ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION
Yerevan, Armenia
Website:

STATEMENT

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation announces the cessation of its
participation in the political coalition.

We deem it necessary to explain this step in view of its political
significance and consequences, and the public’s interest.

First of all, the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun joined the coalition in order to
overcome through the unity of forces the crisis facing the country
following the presidential elections and the threats to the
independence and security of the two Armenian states, and with the aim
of making coordinated reforms.

During this period there were certain achievements, but insurmountable
disagreements on matters of principle emerged with respect to the
direction of the foreign policy.

It has always been our conviction that one of the main directions of
the the state’s national security strategy is the universal
recognition and condemnation, especially by Turkey, of the Armenian
Genocide. This is seen not only in the context of the restoration of
historical justice, but also as a way to improve the overall
environment of mutual trust in the region, while also preventing
similar crimes in the future. In this sense, as we have already
announced, we find unacceptable and condemn the agreement by Armenia’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to join the April 22 joint statement with
Turkey, on the eve of April 24 and when the leaders of Turkey are
making anti-Armenian announcements and restating preconditions for the
normalization of relations. We also have principled disagreements with
the position of the authorities of Armenia on certain issues being
discussed in the Armenia-Turkey negotiations. We will publicize our
positions regarding those issues when they are discussed in public.

Henceforth, in the political landscape of Armenia the
ARF-Dashnaktsutyun will assume a new role, that of an opposition
force. Our main priorities will be:

1. To become a full-fledged alternative to the authorities,
proposing our own programs and solutions on all major issues.

2. As opposition to assume the role of effectively counterbalancing
and restraining the authorities.

3. To take the necessary actions to heal and crystallize the
political landscape, to form civilized relations between the
authorities and the opposition, to establish social justice and to
strengthen democracy.

4. To carry on comprehensive activities emanating from electoral
promises, showcasing the ARF-Dashnkatsutyun’s ideological and
political character.

5. In the processes of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations
and the resolution of the Karabagh conflict, to be guided exclusively
by our state-national interests and goals.

We appreciate the work carried out jointly with our coalition partners
and we wish them success in their endeavors in the interest of our
state and people.

ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION
SUPREME BODY OF ARMENIA
27 April 2009

IT WAS 94 YEARS AGO TODAY
by Jane Wells

Huffington Post
as-94-years-ago-today_b_191220.html
April 24 2009

April 24th is the 94th Anniversary of The Armenian Genocide. On this
day we honor those who perished in the first genocide of the 20th
century. The numbers are so huge and the events so long ago that it
is increasingly hard to put a face to such suffering -that is why
hearing the testimony of 96 year old survivor Alice Shnorhokian is
all the more powerful and important. Although Alice was only three
years old when the genocide occurred she still speaks to us on behalf
of over a million people lost. (link) The Armenian National Committee
of America has recently launched a campaign The Fierce Urgency of Now,
and it is aptly named. Genocide is still raging in Darfur, and crimes
against humanity are taking place in other parts of the world. Today
the Armenian story has a special impact, for several reasons.

Turkey and some of her allies, including the United States, have not
recognized the atrocities against the Armenian population of Turkey
in 1915 as genocide. If we take the time to look at the documentary
evidence and read the history there is no doubt that there was a
systematic, racially and politically motivated campaign to eliminate
a minority population in Turkey. Yet even nine decades later this is
still a potent political issue and one that the US has religiously
evaded as we value our strategic geographical relationship with Turkey.

In January 2008 Senator Obama spoke openly of the Armenian genocide and
he made an election promise to formally recognize this as genocide. Yet
when he spoke to the Turkish parliament earlier this month, he danced
around the issue:

"I know there’s strong views in this chamber about the terrible events
of 1915. And while there’s been a good deal of commentary about my
views, it’s really about how the Turkish and Armenian people deal
with the past."

The Armenian National Committee feels, not surprisingly, that President
Obama missed an opportunity there. There may be reason to think that he
has a discreet plan to change the years of deadlock and denial. Let’s
hope so, for it is vital to the security and future of all of us
that genocide is called when it occurs and denial is not allowed to
re-write history. If this can happen with the Armenian genocide now
that so few survivors are still alive, it might then only be a matter
of time until Holocaust denial is allowed to flourish and followed
by denial of the Cambodian, Bosnian and Rwandan genocides.

We must honor the dead, and fight for a future free of genocide and
crimes against humanity. The fierce urgency of now means today.

Today why not hear Alice Shnorhokian’s story and those of other
genocide survivors? They deserve to be heard. Genocide Prevention
Month is nearly over, but genocide is not yet over or eradicated.

ARFD: ARMENIA LOST IN ARMENIAN-TURKISH NEGOTIATIONS

PanArmenian News
April 22 2009
Armenia

Armenia lost in Armenian-Turkish negotiations, ARFD representative
Hrant Margaryan stated during discussion on Armenian-Turkish relations.

According to him, Armenia itself violated its principle of establishing
Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions. "Normalization
of ties without preconditions would be a proof that relations with
Turkey could be established. Yet violation of our principle became
the reason for failure. If we stood by it, the Turkish part would
appear guilty in front of the whole world, Margaryan said.

He also stressed that issues of Karabakh conflict, return of Western
Armenian territories, Armenian Genocide recognition and Javahk
Armenians require are national issues to be considered from a single
point of view. "We mustn’t sacrifice one issue to solve another,"
ARFD representative stressed.

A SYMPOSIUM WILL BE HELD IN MEMORY OF MARIA JACOBSEN TO COMMEMORATE THE 94TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

AZG
April 23 2009
Armenia

Friday 24th April 2009 from 16.30 – 19.00 at: Pensionhighschool
Fredericiagade 84, 1. CopenhagenThe Committee will mark the memory
of two Danish missionaries: Miss Maria Jacobsen [1982-1960] and
Miss Karen Jeppe [1876-1935] Maria Jacobsens wrote a diary during
the time she worked as a nurse in the American hospital in Harpoot
[Kharpert] covering the period between 1907-1919. She later moved to
the new Annie Tracy Riggs Hospital which opened in Mezreh, located
at Villayet Mamurat-Ul-Aziz in former Ottoman Empires, Turkey.

Over decades K.M.A [Woman’s Missionary Workers] has raised thousands of
kroners and sent dozens of missionaries for Armenian relief. Maria
Jacobsen, who stayed at her post during the Armenian Genocide,
recorded her own eyewitness account on local conditions while the
Ottoman government carried out its programme of annihilating the
Armenians under the cover of World War I.

Until recently the original diary was available only in facsimile form
attached to the Armenian version, translated, edited and introduced
in 1979 by Nerses Pakhdikian and Mihran Simonian

The committee has made a fair copy of the diary. The manuscript is
almost finished; it has been edited from old Danish to modern Danish
and ready to be published in a digitized format. The Committee,
therefore, is holding a symposium to introduce a Limited Edition
of the diary to the general public. The book which contains an
introduction, some articles of lightning accessories and annotation,
is to be published in September 2009.