Author: Jalatian Sonya

PRESS RELEASE
ARPA Institute
18106 Miranda St. Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact: Hagop Panossian
Tel: (818) 586-9660
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

ARPA Institute presents the Lecture/Seminar:
`Pre-Christian Culture and Impact of Christianity on
Armenia"," by Mr. Hovik Nercissian, on Thursday,
August 30, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Merdinian School
auditorium.

The Address is 13330 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, CA
91403. Directions: on the 101 FWY exit on Woodman, go
north and turn right on Riverside Dr.

Abstract: Culture should be considered as the total
reflection of the spiritual universe that emanates
from the collective mind and determines the course of
the history of a nation. This single most important
treasure of an ethnic structure is expressed through,
and at the same time is an expression of the social,
political, economic and behavioral aspect of life.
According to our ancient historical scriptures, the
Armenians were uncultured pagans and worshippers of
numerous deities. They had adopted and worshiped the
gods of the Persians. However, according to evidence
from ancient Cuneiform tablets, the worship of the god
Mihr was practiced in the Armenian highlands in the
14th century before Christ, while in Persia its
worship was introduced in the 4th century B.C. by the
Akamemnian king Ardakserkses 2ed. All modern religions
have the evil and the good dichotomy, while only the
Armenians had their one and only creator god, that was
good and the creator of all things. The history of
ancient Armenia should be studied through the recent
findings in excavations, old manuscripts and evidence
of all the written literature. Christianity was easily
adopted by the majority of the people in Armenia
because it was essentially like worshiping Mihr, the
Armenian god. The exceptions were that in Christianity
you had to forgive and love your enemy and turn the
other cheek, while, Mihr was a blacksmith, and always
carried weapons to protect the land and its people,
and his religion was of love and protection. St.
Gregory, who brought the Christian faith to the
Armenians, destroyed the pre-Christian cultural
monuments, the Armenian Literature and introduced
Assyrian and Greek into his new Christian schools as
formal languages of the land. These changes would have
completely wiped out the Armenian language if it
wasn’t for king Vramshabouh, who revived the Armenian
alphabet and thanks to whom we have the Armenian
written language today.

Hovik Nercisian: Was born in 1921 in Tehran, Iran and
received his elementary education in the local
Armenian schools. He received degrees from Tehran and
then Glasgow (England) universities, after which he
attended the Persian Military school and served as an
officer. In 1945 he was awarded a sword by the Shah of
Iran. In 1959 he moved to Hamadan and founded the
first private automated brick factory in Iran. In
1989 he moved to Glendale, USA. He is intimately
familiar with and knowledgeable in ancient
Zoroastrianism, and its relations with the old
Armenian religion, the cultures and histories of
Armenia and Persia. He has given numerous lectures,
written 5 books and is presently writing his sixth
book. His research work has concentrated on the
Summer-Accadian, Assyrian-Babilonian and Persian
history, literatures and cultures, as well as the
study of the Avesta, the bible of the Zoroastrians.

For more Information Please call Dr. Hagop Panossian
at (818)586-9660

YEZIDI LEADER BACKS SARKISIAN FOR PRESIDENCY
By Hovannes Shoghikian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug 21 2007

A leader of Armenia’s Yezidi community on Tuesday urged its members to
vote for Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian in the forthcoming presidential
elections.

Aziz Tamoyan said the decision to endorse Sarkisian’s presidential
bid was made by the leadership of his organization which claims to
represent Yezidis living in and outside Armenia. He said the Union
of the Yezidis of the World believes that ethnic minorities in any
country must "stand by their government."

"I have already called on the Yezidi people to vote for Serzh Sarkisian
in the presidential elections," Tamoyan told reporters.

Yezidis are Armenia’s largest ethnic minority, numbering an estimated
40,000 members. Some of them consider themselves non-Muslim Kurds.

Tamoyan’s leadership of the mainly rural community is disputed by
other prominent Armenian Yezidis. They have not endorsed Sarkisian
or any other potential presidential candidate yet. Yezidi leaders
pledged their and their community’s allegiance to three different
Armenian parties in the run-up to last May’s parliamentary elections.

Tamoyan spoke to journalists outside the main government building in
Yerevan where a small crowd of Yezidis gathered in protest against
the August 15 explosions in northern Iraq that killed several hundred
local Yezidis. The protesters urged the Armenian government to help
to protect their brethren living in the war-torn nation. They then
marched on to the nearby United Nations office in Armenia.

NKR DEFENSE MINISTER IS SATISFIED WITH THE LEVEL OF ARMY’S MILITARY EFFICIENCY

armradio.am
21.08.2007 20:01

On August 21, Minister of Defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Lieutenant General Movses Hakobian held a press-conference dedicated
to 100 days of his tenure in office.

"During my tenure in office regular army measures aimed primarily at
ensuring state’s security, maintenance of stability on the front line,
were continued," Movses Hakobian noted.

The Minister emphasized the significance of effective organization of
military duty on the front line. "As before, the attempts to reach a
certain advantage have been made by the enemy this year, but we did
everything to prevent their advance. We are always ready to resist
the enemy," NKR Minister of Defense said.

Movses Hakobian also informed that realization of army training
measures, scheduled for the second half year, is under way.

On the whole, according to the Minister, all subunits, units and
formations of the NKR Defense Army are notable for high level
of military efficiency and are ready to accomplish the tasks set
before them.

WINNERS OF SWIMMING COMPETITIONS ANNOUNCED AT 4th ALL-ARMENIAN GAMES

Noyan Tapan
Aug 20, 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 20, NOYAN TAPAN. Swimming competitions started on
August 20 in Yerevan’s Davit Hambartsumian Sport School by the program
of the 4th All-Armenian Games.

The winners became:

50-meter free-style swimming (women): 1. Anahit Barseghian (Yerevan,
29.41 sec), 2. Hasmik Movsesian (Yerevan, 31.15 sec), 3. Alina
Alexanian (Spahan, 33.66 sec).

50-meter free-style swimming (men): 1. Harutyun Harutyunian (Yerevan,
24.19 sec), 2. Gamel Dilanshean (Spahan, 25.03 sec), 3. Vigen
Mesrobovich (Plovdiv, 25.10 sec).

100-meter breats stroke swimming (women): 1.Varduhi Avetisian (Yerevan,
1 min 20.78 sec), 2. Lusik Ghukasian (Yerevan, 1 min 29.91 sec),
3. Armine Saribekian (Kiev, 1 min 34.97 sec).

100-meter breast stroke swimming (men): 1. Alik Alifian (Yerevan,
1 min 09.33 sec), 2. Gamel Dilanshean (Spahan, 1 min 10.87 sec),
3. Hayk Ananian (Yerevan, 1 min 11.04 sec).

200-meter free-style swimming (men): 1. Mikael Koloyan (Yerevan,
1 min 57.28 sec), 2. Gamel Dilanshean (Spahan, 2 min 02.66 sec),
3. Harutyun Harutyunian (Yerevan, 2 min 02.93 sec).

4×50 m free-style swimming (women): 1. Yerevan (2 min 08.12 sec),
2. Spahan (2 min 23.91 sec), 3. Tehran (2 min 32.09 sec).

"STEPANAKERT WILL NOT BE SHELLED ANY MORE"

Lragir.am
21-08-2007 14:31:11

On the hundredth day of his office the minister of defense of NKR
Movses Hakobyan held a news conference and said the defense army
of NKR fulfils its goal and provides the security of the borders of
the country.

The minister said today the purpose of the defense army is not to
allow the enemy to take the initiative. "Now our army can sustain
the balance of forces on the line of contact. The foe knows it cannot
break the balance.

Otherwise, it would have already attacked," the minister said.

According to Movses Hakobyan, the experts who saw the military
installations confirmed that Azerbaijan will lose in case it wages
a war on NKR.

Movses Hakobyan also said although the name of the armed force of
Karabakh is the defense army, if necessity arises, the army is ready
to launch actions in the rear of the foe. The minister said the air
defense of Karabakh is effective.

"Stepanakert will not be shelled any more," the minister of defense
assured.

Audiophile Audition
Aug 18 2007

KHACHATURIAN: Gayne Ballet Suite – London Symphony Orchestra /Anatole
Fistoulari – Everest/ Classic Records

Another HDAD reissue making available again some of the superb
Everest 35mm masters, including 3-channel options this time

KHACHATURIAN: Gayne Ballet Suite – London Symphony Orchestra /Anatole
Fistoulari – Everest/ Classic Records HDAD (2 discs) CD, DVD-Video,
DVD-Audio (both 2-channel 192K & 3-channel 96K), 47:15 ****:

Must apologize for sitting on this one for some time. It is one of
six Everest reissues HDADs put out by Classic last summer, which were
recently joined by four more. Some technical faults with a couple of
the first series caused me to put this one aside, but upon listening
again I find it excellent. Classic had quite a challenge in reissuing
these because the standard CD reissues of 1994 and 95 by Omega Record
Group were so well done. Most of the original recordings were done on
35mm film, with its superior signal-to-noise due to higher recording
levels allowed due to the film base being five times thicker than
conventional recording tape. The mechanical transport system also had
lower wow and flutter artifacts. I feel most of the CD series came
close to the quality of the original Everest vinyl releases, in
certain respects better than many of the Mercuries which also used
35mm film. Unfortunately, the Everest CDs are now out of print.

The reason for the two discs in the Classic series is that the
standard CD provided had to be a separate physical disc rather than
one side of a DualDisc, or it could be called a genuine compact disc.
Also, Classic wanted to provide both a standard DVD on one side that
would play on any video DVD player, plus a DVD-Audio disc on the
other side of the second disc for those with a specialized DVD-A or
universal player. In addition, since most of the Everests were
recorded originally on three channels – as with the Mercuries and
many of the RCA Living Stereos – Classic wanted to provide three
channel playback for those set up to make use of it. Due to the
specs of DVD-Audio the three channels are regarded as the frontal
channels of a 5.0 or 5.1 surround setup and thus restricted to a top
96K sampling rate vs. the 192K which can be offered on the
two-channel option. The HDADs default to the two-channel option if
you don’t have the on-screen display hooked up, and there is no way
to switch it without using the remote on the screen. The audio button
on my Integra remote would not operate on the discs to change this.
(An illustration of the album cover and the track title is listed
during playback of each track, but you have to return to the main
menu in order to switch from two to three-track.)

The Classic CD was a good match for the original Everest CD. Gayne
opens with the famous Sabre Dance and as with most of Khachaturian’s
works, is full of the colorful melodic, harmonic and rhythmic
qualities that come from his Armenian folk culture background. Some
of the 11 sections of the ballet suite may remind one of parts of his
other ballet, Spartacus. Gayne’s Adagio will remind most listeners of
something else too – Kubrick’s 2001 – since it was one of the
existing classical recordings used on the soundtrack of the sci-fi
classic. The three-channel 96K option was my reference, and it had a
very wide and deep soundstage with excellent balance among the three
channels (which not all of the Everest reissue seem to possess). I
did hear a slight "wow" at the very beginning of Track 5, but
otherwise the transfer was very good. There is not as much
enhancement of the hi-res options over the standard CD since the CDs
(both of them) are so excellent. There was even less difference of
course between the 192K and the 96K DVD-A options. Since the flutes
tend to sound a bit shrill on most of the Everest recordings, I
actually preferred the 96K choice, and it came with the most
noticeable enhancement – the center channel.

– John Sunier

SIX CANDIDATES TO CONTINUE THEIR STRUGGLE IN ELECTORAL CONSTITUENCY 15

AZG Armenian Daily
18/08/2007

The only candidate, who refused to take part in the further electoral
campaign, is non-party Mekhak Mkhitarian, an MP of the National
Assembly of the previous convocation, according to the Chairman of
the Constituency Electoral Commission 15 Hovhannes Asatrian, Noyan
Tapan agency informs.

Thus, Khachik Manukian, a member of the Republican Party of Armenia
and a former MP, Raffi Hovhannisian, an MP of the National Assembly of
the current convocation elected by the proportional electoral system,
the Founder and President of the "Zharangutiun" (Heritage) party and
Head of the homonymic faction, Gurgen Shahinian, a member of the ARF
Dashnaktsutiun party and the Chairman of the "Stone Mine of Ashtarak"
OJSC, as well as non-party Emin Karapetian, Vahagn Petrosian, and
Mnatsakan Mnatsakanian, the Major of Talin, are pretending on the
only vacant mandate of an MP of the National Assembly.

It should be mentioned that Kh. Manukian and M. Mnatsakanian were
nominated in the May 12 parliamentarian elections as well, and
Kh. Manukian, who was elected NA MP as a result of these elections,
later refused to receive the MP mandate.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT AND GERMAN AMBASSADRESS DISCUSS THE PRESENT LEVEL OF ARMENIAN-GERMAN RELATIONS

arminfo
2007-08-17 09:56:00

The newly appointed German Ambassadress to Armenia Andrea Joana-
Maria Wiktorin submitted her credentials to the Armenian President
Robert Kocharian.

As ArmInfo was told at the press service of the Armenia President, the
President congratulated the Ambassadress on her appointment and wished
her success in performing her high mission. The sides highly estimated
the present level of German-Armenian relations, the proof of which is
the active political dialogue, the intensive exchange of visits and the
dynamically developing trade and economic relations. The Ambassadress
noted with pleasure that in terms of development of cooperation Germany
is one of the leading donor countries for Armenia. Emphasizing that
the bilateral cooperation is well coordinated, Robert Kocharian noted
that the German promotional programs are quite effective, practical
and are directed to reforms in the most viable spheres. According
to the Ambassadress, the more concrete and practical the programs,
the more effective the work will be.

The sides emphasized the importance of new directions of the bilateral
relations, particularly, the importance of the Intergovernmental
Commission’s work was mentioned, which is to meet in September. The
meeting also covered European integration of Armenia, the possibilities
of Germany to help Armenia within the frames of European Neighborhood
Program of Action.

WAS IT A PYRRHIC VICTORY?
By Edmond Y. Azadian

AZG Armenian Daily
17/08/2007

Richard Hoagland’s withdrawal as the next US Ambassador to Armenia
by the administration was hailed by the Armenian news media, the
advocacy groups and friendly legislators. Armenian lobbying power
had scored a victory. But was it a victory against an individual or
against a policy?

By any measure Richard Hoagland cannot be labeled as an anti-Armenian
diplomat. But did the heat generated in the standoff between the
administration and legislators allow the nominee to realize that
there was no personal animosity towards him?

Once Hoagland became aware that the administration can ruin the career
of a diplomat for uttering the single word of genocide – as it happened
to Ambassador John Evans – he was not going to jeopardize his future
by opting for personal integrity versus an ill-conceived policy of
his superiors. That is why he refused to use the word genocide and
stuck to the administration policy line all along.

Armenian advocacy groups launched the campaign admirably in its
initial stages, gradually falling into discordance. Indeed, the
Armenian Assembly at one point decided that it was an uphill and
futile battle and gave up the campaign. The reasoning was that
Armenia’s government itself did not oppose the nominee when asked
by the State Department. Of course, it would have been politically
incorrect for one of the tiniest nations on earth to defy a superpower
in the nomination of an ambassador, but at the same time it would
not discourage Armenian advocacy groups in doing their job.

Sacking Ambassador Evans and nominating Hoagland twice for the post
are part and parcel of the same policy regarding the genocide issue.

The media, the advocacy groups, and members of the Armenian Caucus
on the Hill worked hand in hand until Senator Menendez’s hold on the
nomination brought to bear the salutary result. The administration
finally withdrew Hoagland’s nomination upon the latter’s request.

We cannot be naïve to believe that the next nominee, on his own, will
decide to follow Ambassador Evans’ path, unless there is a change in
the administration policy. Our fellow columnist, Harout Sassounian,
brings us to the next stage in this campaign by suggesting that the
passage of HR106 resolution will pave the way for a normal nomination
and the confirmation of the next Ambassador to Armenia.

Patience is running out in Armenian circles waiting for House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring the bill to a vote, especially since
227 co-sponsors have already signed it.

The timing of the vote is highly sensitive and it is a political
issue. No matter what may be said officially, the voting did not
come earlier because it could have complicated Turkey’s parliamentary
elections in July.

No one doubts where the speaker stands on the issue, but the voting
will coincide with a policy coordination; that is when US is ready to
extract a concession from Turkey, or a policy reorientation by the
latter. Then the bill will become a bargaining chip in the hands of
the US administration.

Upon the passage of the resolution Turkey’s reaction is
predictable. Turkey lost the battle with a number of countries when
they adopted genocide resolutions.

Its initial reaction was to call its ambassador from the respective
country, yet in time the relations were back to normal with the
same country.

But the United States is not any country. Although the resolution will
remain a benign commemorative act, it still has tremendous bearing
on Turkey’s foreign policy. That will signify the beginning of the
end of Turkey’s denialist policy.

The next nomination once again will draw the battle lines. In the
meantime, Armenian advocacy groups have become more battle hardened,
the legislators are more aware of what the genocide issue means for
Armenia and Armenians and hopefully all these factors will chip away
the administration’s resistance to admit what is already so obvious.

When we ask whether the first stage of this battle ended in a Pyrrhic
victory, we hope history will come to prove that what we have achieved
thus far is more than that.

–Boundary_(ID_s2q2v8kw6A4ebaN6QdGqjA)–

PRESS RELEASE
August 15, 2007
Armenian National Committee of Albany
6 Grace Street, Albany, NY
Contact: Antranig Karaegozian
Tel: 518-331-8559

SEVERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND ANNUAL PICNIC
IN TROY, NEW YORK

ANC of Albany Warmly Welcomes Political Attendees

Troy, New York- Sunday, August 5th marked a special annual picnic
for Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. With over 10 elected
officials and prospective candidates for local and national races,
community activists had an opportunity to meet with them and
discuss with them issues of concern to the Armenian people reported
the Armenian National Committee of Albany.

Working to help organize the political invitees in attendance, the
Armenian National Committee of Albany encouraged members like
Darius Shahnifar, Regional Director Representative for Rep. Kristen
Gillibrand. Mayors Robert D. Carlson of Watervliet and Harry J.
Tutunjian of Troy are always in attendance at such events like
this.

Antranig Karaegozian, Chairman for the ANC of Albany commented: "Of
the many present, it was a great pleasure to see our friend Darius
Shahnifar, Regional Representative Rep. Gillibrand at our picnic.
Earlier this summer the ANC of Albany met with him to discuss H.
Res 106, and since then we have begun to build a relationship with
the district office in Saratoga Springs, and look forward to
working with the Congresswoman in the future."

Gillibrand who signed on to the legislation shortly after the
meeting joins 23 out of the 29 New York Representatives, as well as
over two-dozen of her freshman colleagues that have signed on to
the legislation. Sworn into office this past January, Gillibrand
represents the 20th District of New York State, which stretches
across Saratoga, Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer, Washington,
Warren, Delaware, Greene, Essex and Otsego counties. She currently
serves on the Armed Services Committee as well as the Agriculture
Committee

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.
####

Photo Caption: Right to Left ANC of Albany Chairman, Antranig
Karaegozian, Rev. Father Bedros Shetilian, Darius Shahnifar,
Regional Representative Rep. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY-20), and
Mayor Robert Carlson