Author: Jagharian Tania

ERASMUS MUNDUS ESTABLISHES EDUCATIONAL BRIDGE FROM ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
30.06.2009 18:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The purpose of the Erasmus Mundus program is to
exchange graduate students, program coordinator Tanya Papiki told
reporters. Saying that the program started in 2007, Tanya Papiki
stressed, that the program can become an ‘educational bridge’ for
Armenia which recently introduced credit system in education. According
to Tanya Papiki, this program allows to bring the best students into
Europe’ s industry and vice versa. Papiki noted that Erasmus Mundus is
an alternative way of obtaining education abroad. A regular meeting of
partner universities under the EU Erasmus Mundus program took place
in Yerevan. Two best student, studied abroad, have been awarded in
the meeting. Meetings will be also held in Gyumri and Gavar. On June
3 a presentation of a new phase of the program will be organized. The
purpose of the meeting is to strengthen and deepen cooperation between
the Caucasus countries and EU in the field of higher education,
promote exchange of students and teaching staff between partner
universities, promote research. This program is coordinated by the
Technological Institute of Education in Thessaloniki and includes 11
higher educational institutions from Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan,
Italy, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Bulgaria.

Yerevan State University, Yerevan State Economic University, Armenian
State Agrarian University are involved in the program.

SPEAKER: AZERBAIJAN WILL EXPRESS ITS POSITION ON US AID TO NAGORNO KARABAKH

APA
30 Jun 2009 14:35

Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev – APA. Parliamentarians made a number of
proposals during the next sitting of the extraordinary session of
Azerbaijani parliament, APA reports. MP Nasib Nasibli offered to adopt
a national program on the Karabakh problem, increase the role of the
parliament in the settlement of the problem. He said the parliament
should discuss the issue and pass a decision.

"I have worked out a project and will present it to the parliament,"
he said.

MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev touched on the reports in Iranian mass media
about Israeli President Shimon Peres’ visit to Azerbaijan.

"They write that Azerbaijanis protested against this visit, Iran
recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan. Iran’s approach is a hostile
approach. The whole country wants Azerbaijani embassy to be opened
in Israel. Reports spread that official Tehran wants to send back
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Iran. We should react to these issues,"
he said.

Siyavush Novruzov said 20,000 pupils failed to get certificate of
secondary education in Azerbaijan.

"We understand the Ministry of Education, this is a right attitude. But
this step can not be taken all of a sudden. The process should be
realized in stages. Secondary schools are not ready for this process
yet. The failed pupils should be reexamined. We can appeal to president
if necessary," he said.

Igbal Agazadeh underlined the importance of solving the problem of
certificate of secondary education.

HARIRI SAYS MPS SHOWED OPENNESS, LEBANON’S 2 VOICES SHOULD BE UNITED

Naharnet
Beirut, 29 Jun 09, 21:38

Premier-designate Saad Hariri said after day-long consultations with
parliamentary blocs on the future cabinet that MPs showed openness
and stressed the "two voices" of Lebanese should be united in the
country’s interest.

"Consultations were good. There was openness by MPs. Tomorrow I will
inform the president about my meetings with the blocs," Hariri said
after his last meeting with MP Nayla Tueni Monday evening.

He said that he will start discussion on the cabinet following his
meeting with President Michel Suleiman.

"We hope to open a new page in order to form a cabinet of national
unity … in which everyone is represented," Hariri told reporters
in parliament. "We hope division would come to an end."

"We should build trust through dialogue," the PM-designate stressed.

He also hoped to reach the expected cabinet formula.

"We heard all citizens who cast their ballots on June 7. We should
unite the two voices in the interest of the country," said Hariri in
the aftermath of the parliamentary elections, adding that the country
can no longer tolerate crises.

Tueni, who was the last to meet Hariri, hoped there would be a bigger
representation of women and young people in cabinet. "The government
should preserve the majority and there should be no veto power,"
she said.

Samir Jisr, who spoke on behalf of the Mustaqbal bloc, hoped the bloc
would get the right representation.

MP Michel Pharaon, in his turn, told reporters after he met with Hariri
that everyone should be given the opportunity to be represented in
cabinet. "We also hope there would be no hindrance."

MP Anwar al-Khalil said at the start of consultations that the
Development and Liberation bloc demanded to strengthen the army and
protect the resistance. The bloc also adopted Speaker Nabih Berri’s
speech during his reelection.

Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun said the current situation
requires a national unity government, adding that all parliamentary
blocs should be represented in cabinet and the majority should
understand this situation if it wants to benefit the country.

Loyalty to the Resistance head Mohammed Raad told reporters after
the bloc’s meeting with Hariri that the country is in need of a true
national unity government capable of lifting Lebanon. "We presented
Hariri with the full details of what we seek."

As for MP Michel Murr, he called for a government of national
unity that includes everybody. "We made no demands regarding cabinet
shares. This issue is up to the president and the premier to decide,"
he said.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat told reporters
that shares must not be allocated only to parties. "There should be
diversity in our bloc."

MP Nicola Fattoush said his Zahle in the Heart bloc has the right to
be represented in cabinet .

The LF bloc’s statement was made by MP Elie Kayrouz, who said:
"We presented our blueprint to Hariri and left the matter to him. We
support a government that does not cripple official institutions."

MP Sami Gemayel called for the separation of powers. He said cabinet
must not become a miniature replica of parliament and rejected any
move to legalize the resistance’s weapons arsenal.

As for Talal Arslan, he said his bloc’s position is clear. "We
demanded a government of national unity and real partnership,
especially considering the significance of Hariri’s designation for
the premiership."

Speaking on behalf of the Zgharta bloc, MP Suleiman Franjieh said: "We
call for a factual partnership with veto powers for the opposition."

MP Hagop Pakradounian said the Armenian bloc will participate in a
government of national unity and requested two ministers. His rival,
MP Jean Oghassabian said the Armenian Consensus bloc presented its
demands for approval by the premier.

Imad al-Hout hoped his Jamaa Islamiya would have one minister in
the cabinet.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTERS IN PARIS WAS EFFECTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE

ArmInfo
2009-06-27 11:49:00

ArmInfo. Meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Edward
Nalbandian and Elmar Mammadyarov in Paris on June 26 was effective
and constructive, the press-service of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia
told ArmInfo.

In addition, Minister Nalbandian met with OSCE MG Co-chairs as well as
OSCE CIO Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk. The negotiations
of the parties lasted over 6 hours. Charged by their presidents,
the two ministers continued the negotiations to make the stands of
the two countries closer on the basis of Madrid principles.

E. Nalbandian and E. Mammadyarov discussed the possibility of the next
meeting of the two countries’ presidents. During the negotiations
the next visit of the OSCE MG co-chairs to the region was scheduled
for the first half of July. On June 27 the Armenian foreign minister
left Paris for Greece to participate in the OSCE Ministerial Meeting.

IRANIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALL FOR DEATH SENTENCE FOR DEMONSTRATION ORGANIZERS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
27.06.2009 13:08 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iranian religious leaders call for death penalty
for leaders of the popular demonstrations.

At his five-day prayers sermon, hard line cleric Ahmad Khatami (who
is close to the hard line faction of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad)
called for capital punishment for leaders of the popular demonstrations
against the outcome of the election, "I demand that the country’s legal
system launched decisive confrontation with demonstration organizers. I
demand that they all be indiscriminately sentenced to death penalty,"
MIGnews.com quotes religious leader as saying.

Capital punishment against organizers of disorders is consistent with
the norms of Islamic legislation, Khatami said. Iranian government-run
media report that 8 Basij militia members and 17 demonstrators died
while dispersing demonstration.

June 26, 2009
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AND PONTIFICAL THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
AT ST. GARABED CHURCH IN HOLLYWOOD

On Sunday, June 28th, the 14th anniversary of the election and
consecration of H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will
be observed in all Prelacy churches. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Pontifical thanksgiving prayers
(Hayrabedagan Maghtank) will be offered on this occasion in our churches.
The Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy and Pontifical prayers
at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood, and will also deliver the sermon. The
Liturgy will be celebrated by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian.
Her Excellency Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, who is currently in Los
Angeles to meet with the Armenian community, will be in attendance.

PRELACY "LOUSAVORICH" YOUTH CHOIR PERFORMS
TO GREAT ACCLAIM

In response to the proclamation of 2009 as the Year of the Youth by
H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, events dedicated to
our youth have taken place and will be taking place throughout the year
within the Prelacy.
One such event was the first performance of the newly formed
"Lousavorich" youth choir, which took place on the evening of Thursday, June
25th, at Glendale Presbyterian Church.
The choir, comprised of forty-five youth, was led by Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian.
The evening began with welcoming remarks by choir members Suren
Hazarian and Merry Melkonian. The choir presented a repertoire of songs
from a variety of musical genres including spiritual, folk, patriotic,
traditional, and anthems.
The evening came to a close with the Prelate’s remarks and
blessings, and benediction.
Detailed press release to follow.
PRELATE TO ATTEND 34TH NAVASARTIAN VICTORY BALL

The 34th Navasartian Victory Ball, organized by Homenetmen Regional
Executive, will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 27th, at CBS
Studio Center in Studio City.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings.
The 34th Navasartian festival will begin on Thursday, July 2nd, and
culminate with the closing ceremony on Sunday, July 5th, at Birmingham High
School.

PRELACY YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN THIRD ANNUAL ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES YOUTH
GATHERING

On Saturday, June 20th, 2009, youth from the Armenian, Coptic, and
Syriac Orthodox Churches gathered at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
in Pasadena for the third annual Oriental Orthodox Churches (OOC) Youth
Gathering. The event is organized each year by the OOC Youth Delegates
Committee to bring together youth from sister churches to participate in a
day of prayer and fellowship.
The gathering took place under the auspices of the Council of
Oriental Orthodox Bishops which is comprised of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, H.E.
Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Orthodox Church), and H.G.
Bishop Serapion (Coptic Orthodox Church).
The gathering began with morning prayers from the Book of Hours led
by the Archbishops Mardirossian, Derderian, and Kaplan, and with the
participation of clergy members and youth. The sermon was delivered by
Archbishop Derderian.
Clergy and youth then headed to the church hall where welcoming
remarks were delivered by Sophia Allaf, Chairlady of the OOC Youth Delegates
Committee, followed by welcoming remarks by H.E. Archbishop Kaplan who
conveyed his blessings to the youth.
In his message to the youth, H.E. Archbishop Mardirossian addressed
and acknowledged the difficulties they face growing up in the 21st century,
and offered his advice and guidance.
Prior to lunch, an ice breaker took place to bring the youth closer
together through a fun and educational activity, where participants chose a
character from the Bible and explained how they relate to that particular
figure in today’s times.
After lunch, the youth were split into four groups to participate in
a discussion session led by one clergy member from each of the churches.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian led the discussion for the Prelacy.
The discussions related to the theme of the gathering "Me, Myself,
and Christ", and focused on how youth in the 21st century can lose their
selfishness and concentrate on building and strengthening their relationship
with our Lord Jesus Christ. Youth then had the opportunity to share with
each other what they had learned from the discussion sessions.
The gathering officially came to a close at 3:30 p.m., after which
youth were invited to participate in games and social hour.

Armenian Assembly of America
1334 G Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE

June 26, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

NEWLY INTRODUCED LEGISLATION MAKES CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY A VIOLATION
OF U.S. LAW

Armenian Assembly Signs Letter Urging Passage of Act

Washington, DC – The Crimes Against Humanity Act, legislation that would
make it a violation of U.S. law to commit a crime against humanity was
introduced this week by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy
(D-VT) and Russ Feingold (D-WI), reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly). The intent of the legislation is to prevent
perpetrators of the worst human rights violations from finding safe
haven in the United States.

Senator Durbin, Assistant Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the
Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law, commented, "The
United States led the first prosecutions for crimes against humanity in
the Nuremberg trials, following the Second World War. These horrible
crimes, however, are still taking place. Our promise to hold accountable
those who commit the most unspeakable crimes will ring hollow unless we
lead the world in punishing those responsible for the gravest human
rights violations."

"The Armenian Assembly commends Senators Durbin, Leahy and Feingold for
introducing this important legislation," said Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. "It was Henry Morgenthau, Ambassador to the
Ottoman Empire, who alerted the world to the horrors of the Armenian
Genocide setting in motion America’s first international humanitarian
intervention to help save the survivors. America’s response at that time
was unprecedented. Chairman Durbin’s legislation represents another step
forward in the cause of genocide prevention by ensuring that the
perpetrators of such heinous acts cannot find refuge in the United
States."

A broad coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Assembly,
signed a letter sent to Chairman Durbin, urging passage of this
legislation, which "has not existed before today, despite the U.S.
government’s sustained efforts to ensure accountability for crimes
against humanity elsewhere." The letter went on to read, "though U.S.
law prohibits grave human rights violations such as genocide and
torture, alleged perpetrators of crimes against humanity may escape
accountability due not to their innocence of unforgivable acts but to
loopholes in the U.S. criminal code. The Crimes Against Humanity Act of
2009 would close this illogical gap in U.S. law."

Last year, Ardouny submitted written testimony to a Subcommittee hearing
entitled, "From Nuremberg to Darfur: Accountability for Crimes Against
Humanity," which read, "The U.S. can and must utilize the resources at
its disposal to stem the loss of life and end the cycle of genocidal
violence… We urge this Subcommittee to continue to actively generate
and introduce new mechanisms to better protect potential victims from
future genocides and the consequences of genocide denial."

In 2007, Durbin authored of the Genocide Accountability Act, which the
Assembly supported and was signed into law. Durbin has also taken the
lead in spearheading legislation to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide,
which despite incontrovertible evidence, Turkey continues to deny.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR#2009-057

IT’S TURKEY THAT HAS TAKEN TIME-OUT IN NEGOTIATIONS, NOT ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
26.06.2009 16:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "It’s Turkey that has taken time-out in negotiations,
not Armenia," Head of Hay Dat office Kiro Manoyan told today a
news conference. "As soon as Ankara renounces its preconditions,
negotiations will continue," he stressed.

"Armenia should demonstrate the firmness of its position," the
speaker said, adding that the world is already aware of our country’s
willingness to continue talks. Turkey’s pressures with regard to
Karabakh issue may lead to negative consequences, he added.

PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA VISITS ARMENIA

armradio.am
25.06.2009 11:02

At the invitation of President Serzh Sargsyan President of Georgia
Mikhail Sahakashvili and Mrs. Sandra Roelofs arrived to Armenia on
June 24 for a two day official visit.

The official ceremony of welcoming the President of Georgia took
place at the Presidential Palace and was followed by the private
meeting of the two Presidents, President’s Press Office reported.

The meeting of Serzh Sargsyan and Mikhail Sahakashvili was followed
by the meeting of the delegations in the extended format with.

Noting that few nations in the world can take pride in such
long-lasting and good-neighborly relations as those of the Armenian
and Georgian people, President Sargsyan said "We have inherited these
relations from our predecessors and we must develop them further."

Presidents Sargsyan and Sahakashvili noted that frequent contacts
and negotiations benefit allow to swiftly define issues of mutual
interest as well as to decide on the best avenues for their resolution.

During the negotiations discussed were issues related to the
cargo transportation through the territory of Georgia, transport
connection between Armenia and Georgia, tourism development, as
well as issues related to cooperation in the area of education and
culture. The parties also discussed the issue of demarcation of the
Armenian-Georgian border.

Implementation of joint projects in different are as and making
them traditional was viewed by President Sargsyan as an important
means for intensifying the interaction between the two peoples. As
an example of such a joint project he proposed, in particular, to
organize annual Olympiad for schoolchildren on different subjects as
well as sport events. The parties reached the agreement to conduct
the first Olympiad in the fall of this year.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan awarded the President of Georgia Mikhail Sahakashvili with
the Medal of Honor, which is the highest state decoration awarded to
foreign citizens.

The medal was awarded in accordance with the June 24 decree of the
President of Armenia for President Sahakashvili’s contribution to the
strengthening of the centuries-long friendship of the two peoples and
for the activities directed at the deepening of the Armenian-Georgian
cooperation.

COMPETITORS OF FOOTBALL TEAMS OF ARMENIA AT EUROPEAN TOURNAMENTS KNOWN

Noyan Tapan
June 25, 2009

NYON, JUNE 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The sortition of the football tournaments
of the 2009-2010 European tournament season took place in the city
of Nyon, Switzerland, on June 22.

77 teams from 52 countries will participate in the champions’ league
cup tournament. Pyunik will compete here with Serbian Dinamo. The
first matches are scheduled for June 30 and July 1.

193 teams from 53 EUFA member countries will participate in the
European cup tournaments. The competitor of the Armenian Banants
is Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia, Mika will compete with Helsing Borg of
Sweden. The first meeting will take place on July 2 and 9. Gandzasar of
Kapan will start its competition in the tournament from the 2nd stage.