Author: Hambardsumian Paul

Zenit News Agency, Italy
May 10 2008

Patriarch: Modernity Demands Christian Unity

Karekin II Lauds Close Relations With Catholic Church

ROME, MAY 9, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Armenian Apostolic Church and the
Catholic Church have a duty to be ever more united in their defense of
human rights, said Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

The patriarch affirmed this today at a press conference at Vatican
Radio, shortly after having been received in audience by Benedict
XVI. Karekin II and a delegation of bishops and Armenian Apostolic
faithful are in Rome for events through Sunday.

The Armenian Church leader emphasized the positive state of relations
between the two Churches.

Noting centuries of effort toward unity and a common declaration
signed in 1970 by Pope Paul VI and Armenian Patriarch Vasken I,
Karekin II said the current visit "comes once again to reinforce that
warm atmosphere of love and respect which was formed between our two
Churches."

"The love received from our Lord Jesus Christ bears much good fruit in
the field of ecumenism today. Faithful to the holy Church fathers and
their legacy, despite our differences and unique characteristics, we
shall place greater importance on that which unites us," he said.

The Armenian Apostolic Church separated from Rome after the Council of
Chalcedon in 451, over controversy arising from the council’s adoption
of the Christological terminology of two natures in one
person. However, most now agree that the controversy arose over
semantics, not doctrine.

It has since taken steps toward unity, notably thanks to a 1996
declaration signed by Pope John Paul II and Patriarch Karekin I on the
nature of Jesus.

Warm and close

Karekin II said it is "especially pleasing for us to confirm that the
spirit of love and collaboration between the Armenian and Catholic
Churches finds its tangible expression in our times. The living
testimony to the Spirit can be found in the fact that relations
between our two Churches are warm and close, not only at the level of
Church leaders and headquarters, but also among the communities,
parishes and dioceses throughout the world."

The Armenian patriarch said that in a globalized world with its
political, social and economic challenges, "the greater consolidation
of diligent efforts and partnership are an imperative for Christian
Churches. […] Only through inclusive cooperation shall we be able to
better serve the establishment of peace in the world and to better
defend human rights, and the rights of nations, families, and those
classes of society which are at-risk.

"The transfiguration of life through the values of the Gospel shall be
our path to the creation of a prosperous and virtuous world."

Christianity in Armenia traces its roots back to the preaching of the
Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus.

The Armenian people converted to Christ at the dawn of the fourth
century, in the year 301. A century later, the monk Mesrop Mastoc
invented the Armenian alphabet so as to be able to translate the
Bible.

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ONE OF FOUR CANDIDATES FOR POST OF NORK-MARASH COMMUNITY HEAD WITHDRAWS
HIS CANDIDATURE

YEREVAN, MAY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. Non-party man Melik Hovhannisian – one of
the four candidates for the post of head of Yerevan’s Nork-Marash
community to be elected on May 18 – has withdrawn his candidature
within the envisaged period, NT correspondent was informed by the
chairwoman of the district electoral commission No 10 Silva Markosian.
Thus the acting head of the community, member of the Republican Party
of Armenia (RPA) Varazdat Mkrtchian and non-party men Garnik
Martirosian and Ashot Margarian will run for this post.

Elections will be held on the same day in another three communities of
Yerevan. One candidate will run in elections in each of these
communities: in Avan – the acting head of the community, RPA member
Taron Margarian, in Davitashen – the deputy head of the community, RPA
member Arthur Gevorgian, and in Malatia-Sebastia – the head of the
district municipality’s unit of trade and services, non-party man Davit
Ohanian.

ARMENPRESS

DELEGATION HEADED BY ARMENIAN PRESIDENT PARTICIPATES
IN CELEBRATIONS OF 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF
SHUSHI AND VICTORY DAY IN KARABAKH

YEREVAN, MAY 9, ARMENPRESS: Delegation headed by
the Armenian President Serzh Sargsian left on May 8
for Nagorno Karabakh.
Presidential press service told Armenpress that the
delegation consisted of the Secretary of the Armenian
National Security Council Arthur Baghdasarian, head of
the Republican party’s NA faction Karen Karapetian,
Defense Minister Seiran Ohanian, Agriculture Minister
David Lokian, Finance Minister Tigran Davtian, Health
Minister Harutyun Kushkian and Emergency Situation
Minister Mher Shahgeldian.
The delegation headed by the president participated
in the celebrations dedicated to the Day of the
Nagorno Karabakh Army, 16th anniversary of liberation
of Shushi and Day of Victory.
On May 8 Armenian president had a face-to-face
meeting with Karabakh president during which they
discussed a wide-range of issues on Armenian-Karabakh
relations.
On May 9 Armenian President Serzh Sargsian visited
Stepanakert memorial and put flowers on the tombs of
the freedom fighters killed during Artsakh war.
Afterwards the delegation headed by the president left
for Shushi. President Sargsian put wreath on the
memorial on the monument to the Chief Commander Vazgen
Sargsian, participated in the service in St. Rescuer
Church, visited Gandzasar.

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
May 8 2008

26 HOUSES FOR FAMILIES HAVING MANY CHILDREN TO BE BUILT IN KARABAKH

YEREVAN, 08.05.08. DE FACTO. 26 dwelling-houses will be built in the
capital city and regions of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic for families
having many children (6 and more). The decision was made in the course
of the sitting of the NKR State Committee for Coordination of Housing
Programs held in the Republic’s government presided over by the NKR PM
Ara Harutyunian.

Besides, according to the program of measures targeted at the
settlement of social issues of migrants and refugees, a decision on
the restoration of a tenement-house in Shoushi and completion of
construction of a tenement-house in the town of Martakert was made. 6
dwelling-houses in the village of Talysh and 10 new houses in the
village of Madagis, Martakert region, will be put into operation. It
has been decided to repair a building in the town of Berdzor. A
separate house will be built in the Hadrut region for the family of a
killed home guardsman.

All proposals to be made will be discussed at the forthcoming sittings
of the State Committee.

Brantford Expositor (Ontario)
May 8, 2008 Thursday

Armenian refugee story takes stage

by Elizabeth Yates, expositor staff

Seeing his dad’s story in print was a huge thrill for Brantford’s Carl
Georgian.

Watching it come to life on stage will be unimaginably exciting, says
Georgian, who heads off to a special gala performance of The
Georgetown Boys on May 14.

The play is based on two books by Brantford author Marsha Skrypuch:
Aram’s Choice, which came out in 2006, and a sequel called Call Me
Aram, due this fall.

Both draw upon the life of Kevork Kevorkian, who was 11 in 1923 when
he left an orphanage in Greece for a new life in Georgetown,
Ont. Kevorkian was among the first 50 youngsters rescued by the
Armenian Relief Association of Canada, thus escaping a brutal massacre
that killed more than one million of his fellow Armenians.

After five years in Georgetown, he went to a farm near Hagersville as
a foster child. Eventually, Kevorkian, who changed his named to George
Georgian, settled in Dunnville, becoming a popular figure in the
community as the town milkman.

But he still went back to visit his foster parents, the Wodskows, in
Hagersville. And, on the 14th, Carl Georgian will bring his dad’s
foster brother, George Wodskow, and his wife, Odeyne, to the
gala. He’ll also watch the show with daughters Susan Georgian and
Kelly Lee.

They’ll be among a large contingent of area Armenian descendants
watching their history portrayed by 25 members of the Georgetown
Little Theatre Youth Company.

"I just think it’s wonderful," says Georgian. "I’m really excited and
so is my family. I can’t wait to go."

Naturally, Skrypuch will also be on hand for the gala, along with a
limo full of friends and family.

The adaptation of her books is "stunning," says Skrypuch, adding that
the script by Sam Hancock nicely widens the scope of the story.

Hancock, a native of Georgetown, had always been intrigued by the
history of Cedar Vale Farm, but never tracked down any firm details –
until he happened upon the story of the Georgetown Boys.

In 1923, 110 young Armenian boys aged eight to 12 where brought to
Cedar Vale Farm as part of Canada’s first international humanitarian
effort. They were taught English and trained as farmers before leaving
to carve out their own lives.

"It’s not a negative story," says Hancock, a theatre veteran who works
by day as a writer for the Ministry of Transportation. "It’s so bright
and optimistic, I can’t believe it’s not celebrated more."

He proposed a play after moving back to Georgetown and, last fall,
Georgetown Little Theatre jumped on board. Skrypuch’s books proved a
helpful base for the script, says Hancock, who also incorporated
original letters and telegrams.

The Georgetown Boys opened on May 1 and response has been
overwhelmingly positive, with local residents "stunned" to discover
the history of their community. As well, busloads of Armenian students
have come from the Toronto area to watch.

"They were really moved. They said it is nice to see Canadians telling
the Armenians’ story."

Up to 1.5 million Armenians living in the then-Ottoman Empire were
killed during and after the First World War in a genocidal campaign
mounted by the new revolutionary Turkish government. They died in
massacres and forced marches under inhumane conditions. Rape was also
commonplace.

While Georgian’s grandparents survived the massacre, two of his great
aunts did not: they were bayoneted on the street.

But, until recently, their story was largely absent from historical
record. When Skrypuch met Georgian in 1989 and set out to research his
story, she found scant mention of the massacre in any books.

Now, she has written more historical fiction about the genocide than
any other North American writer. Daughter of War, released in May,
follows the stories of Armenian teenagers Kevork and his betrothed,
Marta, who survive the genocide and live disguised as Muslims. But
Kevork is living as an Arab in Syria while Marta remains in Turkey,
pregnant with another man’s child. Marta’s sister, Mariam, meanwhile,
has been sold into slavery. Daughter of War is a sequel to 2003’s
Nobody’s Child, which was nominated for several writing awards.

The new novel is being launched with a series of events, including
receptions at the Armenian embassy in Ottawa and at community centres
in North York and Montreal.

It’s all part of a rising wave of awareness about the genocide, which
was officially recognized by the Canadian government last fall.

"Now, you cannot pick up a newspaper without reading about it," says
the author. "It’s within the public consciousness."

Skrypuch’s books have been invaluable in educating people, says
Georgian, who hopes the play becomes another way of spreading the
message.

"A lot of people don’t even know what an Armenian is. We are happy
when anybody helps tell our history."

To that end, Georgian has been working to locate Georgetown Boy
descendants and invite them to the play. It’s a tough job, as the
Armenians spread all over the globe after leaving Cedar Vale.

He also helped the play secure a donation from Armenian-owned
Alexanian Carpets. And, on the 14th, he’ll present cast members with a
special token: pins emblazoned with the flag of Armenia.

"They’ll remember this story for the rest of their lives."

ó What: The Georgetown Boys, a play based on books by Brantford author
Marsha Skrypuch

ó When: tonight through Saturday, 8 p.m., also a 2 p.m. matinee on
Saturday.

ó Where: Georgetown Little Theatre, Stewarttown, Ont.

Tickets: $10; call 905-977-3422

GALA NIGHT PERFORMANCE

ó When: May 14, 6:30 p.m. reception, performance at 8 p.m.

ó Where: John Elliot Theatre, Georgetown

Tickets: $25; call 1-905-877-3700; quote number 1923 when ordering.

The Georgetown Boys will also be mounted at the John Elliot Theatre in
Georgetown on Sept. 12-13.

THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE PUBLIC DIALOGUE
GEVORG HARUTYUNYAN

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on May 08, 2008
Armenia

By the recommendation of President Serge Sargsyan in the near future a
Public Chamber or Council will be established in Armenia. Not only
parliamentary but also extra-parliamentary powers will be involved in
the Public Chamber. That is to say the parties that have participated
in the most recent parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as
representatives of political, social organizations, men of art who had
active participation in the public life.

MP Victor Dallakayan was one of the first to underscore the
indispensability of establishing the Public Chamber, still on August 13
of the past year, by addressing the package of the draft laws on
`Making Amendments in the law on `NA Regulations and `About the Public
Chamber in Armenia’, as a legal initiative, to the Speaker of the
National Assembly. In his interview with the correspondent of `Hayots
Ashkharh’ daily Victor Dallakyan expresses his point regarding this
issue.

`I would like to bring your attention to the fact that I have submitted
this initiative to the discussion of the parliament still in August of
the past year. That is to say immediately after the parliamentary
elections, when the political field was being prepared for the
presidential elections and the famous events, beginning from September
up to the post-election developments have not yet taken place.

The indispensability of the establishment of the Public Chamber, in my
deep conviction, is conditioned by the fact that the National Assembly,
with its intellectual and political potential, in fact, can’t
completely express public moods. Very often the National Assembly
overlooks many issues of public concern.

In my view The Public Chamber can somehow fill the before mentioned gap
of the parliament.

As a precedent I have taken into consideration the social-political
situation in the Russian Federation and I have made use of the
corresponding RF law.

People who enjoy respect in the society and are perceived by our people
must be involved in the Public Chamber. The skills and the experience
of these people, their intellectual potential must work for the
confrontation of the challenges faced by our country, the state, and
the people. The Public Chamber can become a center of ideas.

In essence this new structure can become the filter of the discussion
of the draft laws submitted to the National Assembly.’

`In the legislative package submitted by you, did you envisage
amendments and changes in the NA Regulations-law as well?’

`These amendments and changes are important to provide opportunity for
the representatives of the Public Chamber to participate in all the
discussions and sessions of the National Assembly. It is previewed to
give the right to the members of this structure to express public
opinions, in the parliament. In accordance with this their competencies
will be equal to the competencies of the MP-members of NA Standing
Committees. The members of the Public Chamber will be competent to
introduce the results of the drafts their conclusions and to
participate in the government sessions, in a consultative manner.

It is a very high status, and the Public Chamber will be completely
represented and will participate in all the important discussions on
different levels. It is the highest level of public dialogue and, which
is more important, it will be continual and permanent.’

`According to your bill what kind of staff, structure and status should
the Public Chamber have?’

`According to my bill the Public Chamber will be formed by the citizens
and unions who will have volunteer participation in the structure’s
activity. The core functions of the structure will be the coordination
of the public interest with economic, educational, cultural, health,
social, environmental issues, the rights of the citizens, protection of
the freedoms, observance of the constitutional order and the
accomplishment of the civil society by the principles of democracy.

The Chamber must be able to involve the citizens and the public unions
in the functions of pan-Armenian significance implementing the state
policy.

The Public Chamber must elaborate and confirm its own charter, which
will envisage the status of the members in the activity of the Public
Chamber, the schedule of the sessions, the administrative staff and the
council, the competencies and the staff.

According to the bill the Public Chamber must have 60 members, from
which 20 will be appointed by the President, and 40 will represent
public unions, 20 of which must be from the provinces. The members of
the Public Chamber will work for two years, after which another member
will be appointed.

Public Chamber is a permanent body. Committees and working groups will
also be formed. The Public Chamber can convene sessions at least two
times a year; it can also convene extraordinary sessions by the
decision of the council. The decisions will bear a consultative nature.

In my view this bill must be included in the agenda and discussed
during the spring session. In case the bill is adopted in the first
reading, by June, in summer we will be able to, seriously and
profoundly, discuss the bill, together with the public organizations.
I’m sure there will be lots of interesting proposals. Later we can
organize parliamentary hearings, and only thereafter can second and
third readings be possible during the NA Plenary session.’

Tandem, Canada
May 8 2008

Atom Egoyan’s Alternate World

Canadian director returns to Cannes with film exploring identity and
technology

By Paola Bernardini

`Films confront things, the most extreme of things, they look them in
the face, they analyze them. The role of art is to imagine that which
one is afraid to confront in life. Perhaps it provides us with new
ways to overcome fear in real life.’

In his new film Adoration, Atom Egoyan confronts the fear of a virtual
separation between mind and body and, therefore, the paranoia that
technology will replace humankind. The film explores a type of
artificial intelligence, with the possibile risk of coming face to
face with a computer that has the capacity of human thought, but in
the end, reason overcomes fantasy and encounters the reinterpretation
of an individual identity.

Adoration, written and directed by Egoyan and a candidate for the
Palme d’Or at the 61st edition of the Cannes Film Festival (May 14 –
25), centres on a high-school student who is fascinated by technology
and above all by the idea of recreating two historical figures.

Virtual reality is skewed with everyday life and the protagonist’s
obsession comes to life when he creates a new identity for himself on
the Internet, a place where he also encounters threats because of his
contact with issues such as international terrorism. Through the
Internet, the boy also drags his circle of friends into his unique
journey, where they face suffering caused by a tragedy that never took
place. This struggle takes place all through the medium of their
computer monitors, a space where video is the sole means of
communication.

In this film, Egoyan uses a traditional maze-like structure to entrap
the audience, including parallel scenarios, and of course there is
always a secret hidden in his plots.

`When I began to explore technology in the 1980s, I thought that
certain multimedia instruments serve only to distance us from each
other,’ the director said. `But then I convinced myself that techology
actually connects us more than we could have ever imagined.’

The idea for Egoyan’s latest film was born some 20 years ago with a
news story: a Jordan teenager convinced his pregnant Irish friend to
board a plan, unaware of the fact that she was carrying a bomb in her
purse. This story is transposed in the film as the protagonist
fantasizes about a similar scenario.

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RADIO WILL NEVER LOSE ITS SIGNIFICANCE BECAUSE IT IS ACCESSIBLE TO
EVERYONE, VETERAN PRESENTER OF PUBLIC RADIO SAYS

YEREVAN, MAY 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Radio will never lose its significance
because it is accessible to everyone, Varuzhan Olkinian, a veteran
presenter of the Public Radio Company, stated on May 7 – Day of Radio.
According to him, the Public Radio with its 82-year history has more
opportunities than the rest as it broadcasts programs not only all over
Armenia but also abroad, and programs are prepared in 13 languages.

V. Olkinian said that the technical re-equipment of the radio has been
almost completed, with all the records kept in funds having been
digitalized. In his words, the Public Radio has mostly cultural
orientation and its main function is instructive and educational. About
4,000 people visit the Public Radio’s website daily.

In the words of Shushanik Arevshatian, director of Radio Van, the 12 FM
radio stations of Armenia mainly operate at the expense of revenues
from advertising. She expressed an opinion that the Public Television
and Radio Company should not advertise as it is a public company,
whereas it currently broadcasts the largest number of advertisements.
At the same time S. Arevsahtian said that radio advertisement price is
5 times lower in Armenia as compared with Georgia.

34,585 pensioners, 10,207 disabled people

07-05-2008 13:00:19 – KarabakhOpen

According to statistics, as of January 1, 2008 15,005 children get a
monthly benefit, the average size of the benefit is 4,600 thousand
drams (10 euro). Compared with the same period of 2007, the number of
children who get a monthly benefit has increased by 235, and the size
of the benefit has increased by 14.3 percent.

As of January 1, there are 34,585 pensioners and 10,207 people with
disabilities.

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER COMMENTS ON HIS DEPUTY’S RESIGNATION

ARKA
May 4, 2008

YEREVAN, May 4. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan
has commented on the resignation of the RA Deputy Defense Minister
Gurgen Melkonyan.

"The main reason for Melkonyan’s retirement was that he had held this
position for a long time," the Minister said.

Officials must no way hold the same posts for a long time, as this
can cause tenseness and relax vigilance, according to Ohanyan. -0–