Author: Jilavian Emma

RADICAL OPPOSITION PARTY ‘FUNDED BY OFFICIALS, OLIGARCHS’
By Astghik Bedevian and Ruzanna Stepanian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
April 17 2007

Armenia’s most radical opposition party plotting a post-election
"democratic revolution" claimed on Tuesday to be secretly financed
by unnamed government officials and government-connected businessmen.

"They have asked not to be identified for now," Smbat Ayvazian,
a leader of the Hanrapetutyun (Republic) party, told RFE/RL. "Maybe
we will able to disclose their names in 20 days."

"Realizing that the country is on the wrong track, they are giving us,
albeit with a lot of fear, some financial assistance so that we can
run our campaign offices, train our proxies and solve some propaganda
issues," he said. "Perhaps the fears of those businessmen and officials
will disappear with the change of the current political atmosphere."

Hanrapetutyun kicked off its election campaign last Thursday with a
rally in Yerevan, during which it urged supporters to gear up for a
campaign of anti-government demonstrations that could follow the May
12 parliamentary elections. Its chairman Aram Sarkisian and other
leaders claimed that the vote will almost certainly be rigged.

Ayvazian repeated their assertions that Hanrapetutyun will not
content itself with a handful of parliament seats as its key aim is
regime change. "The opposition has had 25-30 deputies in the current
[131-member] parliament but failed to solve a single issue," he argued.

Ayvazian added that the alleged funding by government-linked wealthy
individuals is essential for the realization of Hanrapetutyun’s
plans. "In case our financial issues are solved, it is evident that
these authorities will have no chance to keep plundering the country,"
he said.

Hanrapetutyun’s radical agenda is clearly not shared by other, larger
opposition parties that believe it is possible to prevent large-scale
fraud. The Orinats Yerkir Party of former parliament speaker Artur
Baghdasarian is one of them.

"I can’t claim that there will certainly be mass falsifications,"
Baghdasarian said on Tuesday. "I will be talk about that in early
May. The election campaign has only just begun, and we are still in
the process of analyzing and examining things."

But Baghdasarian did accuse the authorities of creating "numerous
obstacles" to Orinats Yerkir’s election campaign. He complained in
particular that the party is unable to place campaign billboards in
Yerevan and other parts of the country.

"They say there is no space," he told a news conference. "But you can
see that the campaign billboards in Yerevan belong to the Republican
Party, the Prosperous Armenia Party, and Dashnaktsutyun. The governing
parties do not face any obstacles."

The ex-speaker also claimed that authorities in small towns across the
country are obstructing campaign meetings organized by Orinats Yerkir.

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 17, 2007
___________________

LEITNER FAMILY PLEDGES TO MATCH DONATIONS FOR NEW PARISH EDUCATION AND
RECREATION COMPLEX IN FAIR LAWN, NEW JERSEY

Even the largest rainfall since 1892 couldn’t keep parishioners of the St.
Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, away from a groundbreaking
ceremony for their new education and recreation complex. Despite the
nor’easter that ravaged the eastern seaboard, over 300 parishioners gathered
on Sunday, April 15, 2007 for Badarak celebrated by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), which was followed by a ground blessing ceremony for the parish’s
new education and recreation complex. Because of the rain, soil from the
construction site was brought indoors for the blessing.

"This is a great day for St. Leon, and indeed, a wonderful day for the
entire Armenian Church," Archbishop Barsamian said. "The young people whose
cultural, national and faith identities that were first nurtured in their
homes at the hands of their parents will be furthered here, in the parish –
a true reflection of the importance of Church and Home."

Also present at the ceremony was Fair Lawn Mayor Steven Weinstein, who
presented the 250 attending parishioners with an official letter of
congratulations.

To be constructed on land purchased by the parish in 2003, adjacent to the
existing parish community center on Saddle River Road, the ambitious
multi-million dollar construction project will provide greater opportunities
and resources for the parish’s children. The building was designed
following an exploration of the needs of the parish’s various organizations
and parishioners.

The complex, being designed by architect Thomas Ashbahian, who is also a
parishioner of St. Leon Armenian Church, will hold classrooms, meeting
rooms, and a full-size, regulation gymnasium suitable for competitive play.
The new complex will also provide parking for almost 100 additional cars.
Construction is scheduled to begin by Summer, 2007.

The parish is in the midst of a $5 million fund raising effort. So far, the
parish has raised $3.4 million for the project. Major gifts have issued
from several individuals, including Charles and Grace Pinajian, Mrs. Siran
Gabrellian and Jim and Sandra Leitner – all of whom were all recognized
during the ground blessing service.

Encouraging others to become good stewards of the new education and
recreational center, parish leaders James and Sandra Leitner announced their
intent to create a grant that will match, dollar-for-dollar, all new
donations made to the building project for one year, or until the
outstanding $1.6 million in needed funds are raised.

Speaking to the assembled parish at a reception and celebration following
the Badarak and ground breaking service, Sandra Leitner said, "The evidence
shows that profound contentment is found in bonding with others in
community-building and public service, and in cultural and spiritual
pursuits. Ever since we joined St. Leon 17 years ago, our family has been
inspired by so many in this community who are living examples of this
approach to life: their deepest satisfaction and joy come from their
commitment to others."

The Leitners hope that their appeal will not only help the project reach its
goal, but also bring others closer to the community.

"We hope that this challenge grant will encourage anyone who has not yet
made a donation to jump on the bandwagon now and experience the satisfaction
that will bring," Mrs. Leitner added. "A donation will be your statement
that you want to build an improved future for this and future generations of
Armenians in the embrace of the Armenian Church."

Donations can be sent to St. Leon at 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ,
07410.

— 4/17/07

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), joined by Fr. Diran Bohajian,
pastor of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and parish leaders
conducts a ground blessing service for the parish’s new education and
recreation complex on Sunday, April 15, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): The brochure compiled by the St. Leon Church Building
Committee.

RUSSIAN AIRBASES IN KYRGYZSTAN, ARMENIA TO TAKE PART IN AIR DEFENSE DRILL

Interfax News Agency, Russia
April 16, 2007 Monday 4:30 PM MSK

An air defense command drill will take place on April 19, Assistant
to the Russian Air Force Commander Alexander Drobyshevsky told
Interfax-AVN on Monday.

"Over 120 planes and helicopters, and S-300, S-125 and S-75 anti-
aircraft missile systems will be involved in the training," he said.

Russian airbases in Kyrgyzstan and Armenia will also take part in the
drill, along with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, Drobyshevsky said.

"Air defense forces will train the suppression of supersonic and
stratospheric targets. Russian and Kazakh Mikoyan MiG-31 jets will
make joint maneuvers from the airfields in Karaganda, Tolmachyovo
and Bolshoye Savino," he said.

Belarusian and Russian Sukhoi Su-24 and Su-27 will also conduct
joint maneuvers from the Ross and Siversky airfields and four Russian
early-warning A-50 radar planes will give them support, he said.

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
www .anccanada.org

PRESS RELEASE

April 10, 2007

The Canadian-Armenian community and Armenians around the world will once
again commemorate the death of 1.5 million Armenians exterminated during
the first genocide of the 20th century by Ottoman Turkey.

In Canada, the various commemoration events will culminate on Parliament
Hill in Ottawa on April 24. Various religious leaders, representatives
of other community organizations, political representatives and other
genocide victim nations’ representatives will attend the commemoration.

This significant memorial ceremony will recall the horrendous crime
against Armenians and against humanity and will thank the Canadian
people for their support. Survivors of the Armenian Genocide and their
descendents will lay wreaths around the Eternal Flame. Various members
of the House of Parliament will accompany the survivors to place the
wreaths.

Here are list of the commemoration events which will be organized by the
ANCC and its affiliated chapters around the country.

Hamilton and St. Catharines Joint Commemoration:
Saturday, April 21, 2007
7:00 pm, evening
Hamilton Armenian Community Centre

Montreal and Laval Joint Commemoration:
Sunday, April 22, 2007
7:00 pm, evening
Montreal Armenian Community Centre

Cambridge Commemoration:
Sunday, April 22, 2007
3:00 pm, afternoon
Armenian Community Centre

Toronto Commemoration:
Sunday, April 22, 2007
3:00 pm, afternoon
Armenian Community Centre

Ottawa Commemoration:
Parliament Hill
1:00 pm, afternoon

Ottawa Book Reading:
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sossi
by Linda Ghan
7:30pm, evening
Ottawa Public Library

Vancouver Commemoration:
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
7:00 pm, evening
Armenian Community Centre

In addition to the above, the Armenian Cultural Association of Ottawa is
organizing a commemoration ceremony on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 7:30 at
St. George Anglican Church located at 125 Metcalf Street.

For additional information please contact Aris Babikian.

-30-

The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of
issues.

Regional Chapters

Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver

April 12, 2007

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] <mailto:[email protected]>
Website: <;

PRELATE VISITS C & E MERDINIAN ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL SCHOOL

On the morning of Wednesday, April 11th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, visited Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian
Evangelical School, accompanied by Christian Education Department Directors
Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian, Rev. Razmig
Khatchadourian, pastor of Holy Martyrs Church, and Merdinian alumnus and
current ACYA chairman Mr. Gregory Martayan.

Upon his arrival the Prelate was welcomed by Rev. Joe Matossian,
Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Principal Mr.
Hovsep Injejikian, Chairman of the Board Dr. Hrair Atikian, previous Chair
Mr. Harold Demirjian, and the school administration.

After a brief meeting, the Prelate and guests headed to the
school auditorium where the student assembly took place consisting of
performances of nationalistic and religious songs. During his remarks, the
Prelate expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended to him and
the warm reception, and commended the principal, teachers, and students for
their hard work and dedication.

Rev. Matossian expressed thanks on behalf of the school, emphasizing the
close bond between the Western Prelacy and the Armenian Evangelical
community.

Following the singing of an Easter hymn, the Prelate blessed the
administration and students. The assembly came to a close with the
collective singing of the Lord’s Prayer and the presenting of prayer cards
to the students by the Prelate.

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARMENIA TO GET MAJORITY OF DEPUTY MANDATES IN PARLIAMENT OF FOURTH CONVOCATION: HEAD OF RPA

Arminfo
2007-04-11 15:32:00

The Republican party of Armenia will get the majority of places in
the Parliament of fourth convocation, Head of RPA Galust Sahakyan
said at today’s press-conference in "Pastark".

"If until recently, we were talking about the necessity of keeping
our places in the Parliament and increase of the number of party
mandates, if possible, now we think that RPA should get the majority
in the National Assembly of the fourth convocation, since our party is
responsible for every second of Armenia’s vital activity", G.Sahakyan
said. He underlined that if RPA gets the majority of places in the
Parliament, that will not mean that the party will solely form the
Government. "In our opinion, the Government should be represented
by the forces which are ready to assume the responsibility for its
activity", G. Sahakyan said.

CBA PERMITS ARTSAKHBANK TO PARTICIPATE IN MASTERCARD SYSTEM

Arka News Agency, Armenia
April 11 2007

YEREVAN, April 10. /ARKA/. The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) permitted
Artsakhbank CJSC to participate in the MasterCard international
payment and account system. The respective decision was made by the
CBA’s Council, CBA’s press service reported.

Artsakhbank CJSC was founded by the decree of President of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) on the basis of Sberbank in December
1995. CBA issued a general license to Artsakhbank on 10.31.96.

According to the official balance data as of December 31 2006, the
bank total capital made AMD 3,962.3mln, its total assets amounted to
AMD 22,881.1mln and the credit portfolio AMD 12,547.4mln. The balance
sheet profit on the capital made AMD 1,327.4mln with profit amounting
to AMD 1,012 as of the end of 2006.

According to CBA, 209,113 plastic cards were in circulation in Armenia
as of the beginning of 2007.

11,817 MasterCards issued by Armenian banks were in circulation.

The Armenian Card national payment system became a full member of
MasterCard payment system in December 2002 and gained the right to
issue and serve EuroCards/MasterCards and CirrusMaestro cards. The
founder banks received the right to become its associated members. 19
commercial banks are currently members of Armenian Card. ($1=
AMD363.78).

INSUFFICIENT ELABORATION OF THE IMAGE OF ARMENIA REMAINS ONE OF THE BASIC OBSTACLES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM

Mediamax Agency, Armenia
April 11 2007

Yerevan, April 11 /Mediamax/. The basic obstacles to the development
of tourism in Armenia are the discrepancy between the local tourism
service and the international standards, the unbalanced price policy,
as well as the insufficient elaboration of the image of the country.

Mediamax reports that the Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic
Development of Armenia Ara Petrosian said this, speaking during
the two-day conference "Increase of competitiveness of the Armenian
tourism sector", launched in Yerevan today.

The main aim of the conference is to familiarize the specialists,
working in the sphere of tourism, with the results of the research,
during which the variants of turning Armenia into an attractive
tourism object were being considered.

Special part in the program is devoted to the Armenian Diaspora of
the USA, as, according to the research, 52% of the representatives
of the given Diaspora, plan to visit Armenia in the course of the
nearest 5 years.

"Tourism is developing in Armenia. In 2006, 380 thousand people visited
our country, this year their number, most likely, will reach the point
of 400 thousand. Nevertheless, we still have to solve many problems",
Ara Petrosian stated.

The head of the Union of tour operators of Armenia Araik Vardanian
stressed the importance of licensing of the Armenian tourism companies
and hotels, by means of conferring them "stars".

The organizers of the "Increase of competitiveness of the Armenian
tourism sector" conference are the Armenian Ministry of Trade and
Economic Development, The U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) and the Armenian Tourism Development Agency.

UN EXPERT: IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THERE WILL BE PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO THE KARABAKH CONFLICT IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 9 2007

"I am leaving Azerbaijan with a mixed picture," said Walter Kalin,
the UN Secretary-General’s Representative for the Human Rights of
Internally Displaced Persons at the end of his mission to Azerbaijan.

Having listened to displaced persons in different settlements, the
Representative left with the impression that their basic needs had been
addressed to a significant extent, but "what we need to do is really
to refocus on this situation and take joint action at the international
level to finally reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict."

Azerbaijan suffers from one of the most serious displacement problems
in the world. Tens of thousands of displaced Azerbaijanis continue
to live in run-down, overcrowded collective shelters with completely
inadequate sanitary facilities. So many people have been displaced for
so long, and "unfortunately it doesn’t look like there will be peaceful
solution to the conflict in the very near future," noted Kalin.

The Representative said he was satisfied that some of the worst camps,
where the displaced had spent over a decade in misery, had finally
been closed, and that more dignified conditions had been constructed
in new settlements. He welcomed the Government’s plan to shut down
the remaining tent camps by the end of the year.

"Although to date, the efforts and achievements of the Government of
Azerbaijan in addressing the problem of internal displacement are
impressive, a number of challenges still lie ahead to improve the
living conditions of the displaced populations," said the UN expert
after visiting Baku, Sumgayit, Bilasuvar, Imishli and Sabirabad from
April 2-6, 2007.

The main challenge now lies in the creation of livelihoods. Jobs
were even more difficult to find than in the rest of the country,
because settlements are often isolated from local markets, and
employment in agriculture was not always an option. For this reason,
Mr. Kalin stressed the importance of continued Government support,
through monthly allowances and subsidies, for the victims of forced
displacement.

After the visit Mr. Kalin will present a report on his findings
and recommendations to the Human Rights Council and to the General
Assembly.

"This is very important because the situation of the IDPs in Azerbaijan
is no longer in the headlines and many IDPs feel forgotten and
neglected and to a certain extent it’s true," Kalin said.

"I hope the first impact [of my report) will be that the Government
will take up some of my recommendations and that it will get assistance
and support from the international community in implementing these
recommendations."

The displacement in Azerbaijan is linked to the still unsettled dispute
over Nagorno Karabakh region, fifteen years after the conflict with
Armenia.

CONGRATULATION MESSAGES GOT ON OCCASION OF SERGE SARGSIAN’S
APPOINTMENT ON RA PRIME MINISTER’S POST

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, NOYAN TAPAN. Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians
addressed his Patriarchal blessing from the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and congratulated Serge Sargsian on the occasion of his
appointment on the RA Prime Minister’s post. It is particularly said
in His Holiness Patriarch’s congratulation speech:

"I wish you that on the high post of the Prime Minister of the
Republic of Armenia your experience and abilities and your love
towards the Fatherland bring to new achievements in the name of power
and progress of our Fatherland and prosperity and realization of just
hopes of our people."

Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia also congratulated
Serge Sargsian on the occasion of appointment on the RA Prime
Minister’s post. "…You carried on all the state obligations you were
instructed with an able-bodied soul and in a planned and successive
way. We are sure that you will implement with the same devotion this
new mission you are authorized to, cooperating with the President of
the Republic of Armenia, His Highness Robert Kocharian," is
particularly said in the message of Aram I Catholicos.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government’s Information and
Public Relations Department, Prime Minister of Great Britain Tony
Blair, Chairman of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barosso, Prime
Minister of the Russian Federation Mukhayil Fradkov, Auditing Chamber
Chairman Sergey Stepashin congratulated Serge Sargsian on the occasion
of appointment on the RA Prime Minister’s post.