Author: Hunanian Jack

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
July 29, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
RE: Assembly Executive Director thanks House Members for Supporting
Armenian Cause
Washington, DC – As Congress prepares to recess for the summer, the
Armenian Assembly wrapped up a series of key meetings, thanking
lawmakers for cosponsoring the pan-community Armenian Genocide
resolution (H. Res. 316) and urging them to support other crucial
legislation.
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny met with Congressman Mike
Bilirakis (R-FL) to thank him for his continued support and to discuss
the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005
(H. R. 3361), which Bilirakis agreed to cosponsor. The resolution
would bar U.S. assistance for a proposed Kars-Akhalkalaki rail link
that isolates Armenia from East-West commercial corridors.
Ardouny, together with Congressional Relations Director Rob Mosher,
also met with Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who agreed to
cosponsor the Genocide bill (H. Res. 316) during the meeting. The
Assembly delegates also urged Fitzpatrick to support the railroad
legislation (H. R. 3361).
In other meetings, Ardouny met with Representatives Dan Lungren
(R-CA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) to discuss
several issues including the blockades and Nagorno Karabakh peace
process.
Ardouny and longtime Assembly Fellow Trustee James Melikian of
California also met with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA), both members of the House
Committee on International Relations, to thank them specifically for
their efforts to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
NR#2005-084
Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
CAPTION: L to R: Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny,
Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Assembly Congressional
Relations Director Rob Mosher.
CAPTION: L to R: Ardouny, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Assembly
Trustee Jim Melikian.

ARMENIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN CIS WITH ‘HALF-FREE ECONOMY’
Azg/arm
28 July 05
According to a joined survey by US Heritage Foundation and the Wall
Street Journal in 161 countries, Armenia is the only CIS state with
“half-free economy” rated 42d.
Radio Liberty informs that Georgia’s economic index has decreased by
0.5 percent. Georgia was put in one row with countries of “chiefly not
free rivalry” and occupied 100th place. Azerbaijan shared 103 and 105
positions with Chad and Egypt.
Russia occupies 124th place and Turkey 112th.

ARMANI’S ‘SOFA’ IN AMERICAN COLLECTION
Azg/arm
27 July 05
The Armenian Mirror Spectator weekly informed recently that “On the
Sofa” the play by Nora Armani, talented soloist, was included in the
Contemporary American Playwrights collection. The volume will be
published in the US by the end of the year. The volume will include
five plays only.
Midtown International Theatre Festival included the play in its
repertoire this year, too. “This is an interesting play, well
elaborated. Armani managed to fully display her skills and talent,”
“Talking Broadway” said about the play. While,
described Armani as “an established singer, actress, poet and
dancer. She is shining with warmth and optimism,” the website stated.
It is also envisaged to represent the play at Workshop Theatre on July
30 and August 2. It’s worth adding that this mono performance was
represented in English and French in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit,
Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Lion, Paris and Cairo.
Nora Armani, prominent actress, represented her famous plays in 25
cities in English, French, Russian, Arabian, Italian and Armenian. She
played in such plays as “Site in Ararat,” Nanto Nanto,” “The Couples
of the World. Talkingof Love,” and “The Snow Flakes in April.” She is
going to play roles in “The King and I,” (Cairo), “The Arms and the
People,” (London), plays, as well as in “The Labyrinth,” “The Last
Station,” “The Seven Day Deadline,” “New Eva” films.
In June Mrs. Armani delivered a lecture on the History of the Armenian
Cinema at the London University and at “The Poetry Club.”
By Hakob Tsulikian

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9413-1709
Email: [email protected]
26 July 2005
PRIMATE VISITS PARISHIONERS OF ADELAIDE
Sydney, Australia – His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand made a pastoral
visit to the small Armenian parish of Adelaide over the weekend.
On Saturday, 23 July Archbishop Baliozian was the guest of honour at a
dinner hosted by some 30 community members who gathered to create a “little
Armenia” in a suburban community hall. The warm-hearted gathering which
included the usual Armenian hospitality of lavish food, good cheer and
spirited camaraderie was a memorable occasion for all.
The following day, community members and friends congregated in the Chapel
of the Christian Brothers College to partake in the Divine Liturgy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church offered by the Archbishop. The Primate later
performed a Marriage Sacrament and enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere of the
wedding reception.
Archbishop Baliozian had opportunity to meet with a number of Armenian
families over the course of the weekend before returning to his residence in
Sydney on 25 July.

Adding some style to the neighborhood
The folks who run Sidebar are setting their sights on revamping
Glendale’s image
THE MIXER
Los Angeles Times
CalendarLive.com
July 21, 2005
By Lina Lecaro, Special to The Times
Glendale has more shop spots than hotspots, and even with the nearby
Scene Bar’s eclectic rock bookings, it’s a galaxy far, far away from
becoming a hipster hub.
Or is it?
The folks who run Sidebar are setting their sights on revamping
Glendale’s image.
Though most neighborhood bars tend to be no-frills dives or loud,
sports-oriented spaces, Sidebar is far more atmospheric. The
crimson-hued room is warm and inviting, from its earthy walls to the
pretty lamps that dangle from the ceiling, to the plush sofas and
pillows that line the length of the place. We did notice a TV tuned to
ESPN, but other than providing a way for those who care to check scores,
it’s incidental on most nights.
Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays there’s a smooth yet funky mix of
hip-hop, ambient electro and pop set at a volume loud enough to groove
to yet low enough to have a conversation. Things get louder on Tuesdays
and Wednesdays, which feature live blues and jazz, respectively, and
Fridays and Saturdays, when house and hip-hop DJs get patrons shaking in
the open space at the back of the bar.
Owner Louis Hayek had his eye on the little-known dive called the Gold
Rail for some time, and two years ago, he and Nigel Manoukian took it
over. After a gradual remodel and name change, it wasn’t long before the
place was packed with Hayek and Manoukian’s pals, and their pals.
Although Hayek and his partner are of Armenian descent, he’s annoyed
that some, including online city search guides, have labeled his place
an “Armenian bar.”
“It might have been popular with a young Armenian crowd when it first
opened,” he says. “But it’s really mixed now.”
He’s right. On a recent Thursday night, Sidebar was sprinkled with a
rainbow of races, ages, fashions and characters. There was the white,
married couple in their 50s wearing jeans and sipping red wine; the two
Latinas in office attire who popped in after a late work night to relax
on the comfy couches, sip martinis and vent about their boss; and a pair
of trendy young local gals dressed down in plush velour sweatsuits
chatting up the bartenders.
Sidebar was the perfect pit stop for our group, which was headed for the
more hectic Sunset Strip later in the evening. The reasonably priced
drinks (we had sweet – but perfectly spiked – Sea Breezes and Long
Island iced teas) weren’t watered down, and we were able to sit down
without forking over dough for bottle service.
“I wanted to bring a little Westside flavor to the area,” Hayek told us.
“Like Cedd [Moses, a pal of Hayek’s] did with the 4100 Bar in Silver Lake.”
Could Glendale be the next Silver Lake or Hollywood, nightlife-wise? Not
likely. But Sidebar is a casual yet stylish alternative for locals weary
of the street congestion, valet fees and the meat-market vibe at boîtes
in more bustling parts of town – and it’s at least as much of a
destination as the Galleria.
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–Boundary_(ID_RcUh0Bk/hjb1HDjDY6U+7Q)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Taylor involved in another England U-19 draw
Story by Reggie Holdsworth
Scottish Fitba, UK
July 21 2005
Andrew Taylor was the only Boro player to play against Armenia in
the UEFA European U-19 Championship.
England U-19’s must now beat Norway on Saturday if they are to progress
to the semi-finals of the tournament.
England U-19’s made hard work of it against the unfancied Armenians
and were fortunate for an OG ten minutes from time. They were made
to pay for an earlier missed penalty, as Armenia rallied and forced
an equaliser three minutes from time.
Boro’s Tony McMahon, James Morrison and David Wheater were all unused
substitutes.

OSCE PA elaborates on Garabagh conflict report
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 20 2005
Baku, July 19, AssA-Irada — The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
has elaborated on the report prepared by its rapporteur on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper Garabagh conflict, Goran Lennmarker.
The report, which was discussed in July at the OSCE PA session
in the United States, terms some views on the conflict settlement
made in Washington as an ‘invaluable opportunity’, the OSCE PA
secretariat said.
Azerbaijan and Armenia interpret history differently, which
necessitates achieving a ‘balanced agreement’, the document said.
“Unbiased understanding of the past is particularly important for
those who suffered and are now seeking justice.” Lennmarker suggested
that European experience should be used in settling the conflict based
on several key principles, including assurance that the two countries
face no national security threats from each other, observance to high
standards on democracy and human rights, and economic integration that
would promote multi-faceted development. The citizens of Azerbaijan
and Armenian should enjoy living conditions meeting European standards,
the report said.
The rapporteur also said that Azerbaijan and Armenia could set up a
zone of security, democracy and prosperity jointly with Georgia.
With regard to the status of Upper Garabagh, Lennmarker emphasized that
seeking solutions based on economic integration would considerably
simplify the issue. If the borders open up and an integrated economy
is established, control over the territory will become less important
and disputes over the matter will subside, the report said.
Lennmarker also recalled that Azerbaijan stated its readiness to
provide Garabagh with the highest status.*

Ceasefire breached again, reports say
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 20 2005
Baku, July 19, AssA-Irada — Armenian military units, from their
positions in the occupied area called “Gulchuluk Sovkhozu” in the
northwest Aghdam District, fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani
troops located in Chiragly settlement of the same district with
submachine guns and machine guns from 00.00 till 01.40 on Tuesday,
local TV reports say.
Armenian military units, from their positions in the occupied Bash
Garvand and Shikhlar villages of Aghdam, subjected the Azerbaijani
positions in the Orta Gishlag village to sustained fire. No casualties
were reported.
The Ministry of Defense did not confirm the reports.*

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 ARAM I’S REPRESENTATIVE VISITS THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT)
Bishop Nareg Alemezian visited one of the most well-known universities
in the United States, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
on July 14 and 15 on behalf of His Holiness Aram I. The bishop held
meetings with the general director of the university’s education
department and responsible officials from several departments in
the university.
The main purpose of the visit was to plan a web portal that would
contribute to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide
over the next ten years through art and education. The web portal
will be realized by the collective efforts of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia and MIT.
The bishop also discussed the possibility of using technology in
the educational curriculum of the Seminary of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia. He also invited officials from MIT to visit Antelias and
get closely acquainted with Armenian Church’s multi-faceted mission.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
Ecumenical activities 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.

Azeri diplomat says OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs visit “effective”
Turan news agency
18 Jul 05
Baku, 18 July: [Azerbaijani] Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov today
gave a press conference on the results of the visits to Azerbaijan
and Armenia by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
He said that the meetings held by the co-chairmen in Baku were
“effective and fruitful”. “All aspects and issues were discussed,”
Azimov noted. At the same time, he described the negotiating process as
“hard and complicated”.
“One cannot say that agreements were reached. Azerbaijan demonstrated
a constructive position in all meetings. We would like the opposing
side to be constructive too, otherwise whatever has been achieved
will be lost,” Azimov said.
Azimov described Armenia’s position on some issues as non-constructive
altogether. “Lately, Armenia has been engaging in numerous disputes
and speculation. A peace treaty meeting the interests of only one
side is impossible,” Azimov said.
He said that the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers are
expected to meet in Moscow on 23 August in order to prepare the meeting
between their presidents to be held in Kazan on 26 August. Azimov said
that the Armenian side is trying to introduce “new elements” into
the negotiating process, which are not a subject of the talks.
“Now there is a great chance of achieving peace, which may be lost
due to the opposing side. I am calling on the Armenian side to use
this opportunity,” Azimov said. He did not specify what exactly the
Armenians may lose.
In reply to questions, Azimov partly touched upon complications that
have arisen. “Azerbaijan’s territories must be returned. In this
context, it is impossible to claim Azerbaijani territories under the
guise of a corridor. The Armenians may use a road passing through
the Lacin corridor. However, the town of Lacin itself cannot remain
under occupation,” Azimov said.
He also expressed his opinion on the status of Nagornyy Karabakh. He
said that this issue may be resolved only with the participation of
the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of Nagornyy Karabakh.
“Some of the people currently living in Nagornyy Karabakh are
Armenians who came from abroad. The local Armenians, who are citizens
of Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijanis, must themselves determine
their status. For this, the Azerbaijani population must return to the
territories being liberated, and mutual trust and economic relations
must be restored,” Azimov sad.
He denied earlier media reports that only five occupied districts
around Karabakh would be liberated. The question of liberating seven
occupied districts is now being discussed. However, it is too early
to talk about any agreement, Azimov said.
Azimov categorically denied reports about a forthcoming referendum in
Karabakh. “A referendum is not a subject of the talks. We are ready
for any kind of cooperation within the framework of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity. Under the Azerbaijani constitution, there can
only be a nationwide referendum, or no referendum at all,” Azimov said.
The opening of the Agdam-Xankandi[Stepanakert]-Susa-Lacin-Sisyan-Sahbuz
road will serve the cause of normalizing relations and restoring
cooperation and trust between the peoples. The Minsk Group co-chairmen
support Azerbaijan on this issue. Turkey is also ready to open
communications. It all depends on Armenia, Azimov said.