Author: Kalantarian Kevo

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, August 13, 2007

Over 700 Young Armenians Participate in Sold-Out AGBU FOCUS 2007 in
New York

Weekend Celebrates 20 Years of New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP)
& Honors Mr. and Mrs. Vartkess and Rita Balian

AGBU FOCUS has wrapped up its fourth and largest biennial affair with
over 700 participants, from 15 countries and more than 150 US cities,
coming together in the city where it all began back in 2001. The
four-day event was hosted at the Hudson Hotel near Columbus Circle,
and included networking, fundraising and social activities throughout
Manhattan, and exposing guests to the city’s unique neighborhoods and
culture. Through the tireless efforts of FOCUS Co-Chairpersons, Arda
Berberian and Ani Manoukian, the weekend also raised over $85,000,
which will go toward a special scholarship endowment fund for the New
York Summer Intern Program. NYSIP is currently celebrating its 20th
anniversary and was selected by the FOCUS Committee as the "focus" of
its special tribute in 2007.

First initiated in 2001, FOCUS is designed to bring together young
Armenian professionals so that they can share their international
perspectives, as well as provide a venue for showcasing notable
contributions and achievements made by the organization’s diverse
youth programs. This landmark affair, planned entirely by a new
generation of AGBU beneficiaries and members, has grown to become the
most anticipated event for young Armenian professionals around the
world. Tickets for FOCUS events were sold out over two weeks before
the weekend began, setting a new record for this singular endeavor
that continues to set the standard for young Armenian professional
events.

GIVING BACK

FOCUS Co-Chairperson, Ani Manoukian, said this year’s event exceeded
everyone’s expectations, "The enthusiasm for this year’s FOCUS 2007
was unprecedented. We always hoped that young Armenians would share
the Organizing Committee’s passion for all things AGBU, but it was
amazing to see the true dedication of young Armenian professionals
toward the goals and mission of an organization that celebrated its
centennial last year but continues to be youthful in its energy and
drive."

"Every FOCUS highlights a specific AGBU youth program that has shaped
our generation. This year we chose the New York Summer Intern Program
and took this opportunity to honor Mr. and Mrs. Vartkess and Rita
Balian for their hard work and commitment for the past 20 years,
ensuring the Program’s success. The New York Summer Intern Program is
near and dear to many of the weekend’s attendees, including myself,"
Manoukian, who is a NYSIP alumna, explained.

To date, over 700 NYSIP interns worldwide have benefited from this
extraordinary life-changing program. To ensure the future success of
the Program, FOCUS fundraising initiatives established a NYSIP
scholarship endowment, which will offer students in need of financial
assistance the means to realize their professional potential.

NYSIP is sponsored by the AGBU President’s Club, which is co-chaired
by Vartkess and Rita Balian. As the driving force behind NYSIP, the
Balians were chosen as the guests of honor for the FOCUS 2007 gala in
acknowledgment of their visionary leadership that has helped NYSIP
thrive through the years.

The pre-weekend fundraising, which totaled over $50,000, included
dozens of donations from NYSIP alumni eager to give back and offer a
helping hand to others. Additional donations from individuals during
the weekend totaled $35,000, to bring the grand total for the special
NYSIP endowment to over $85,000. Among the weekend donations was a
generous pledge of $30,000 announced by Vartkess Balian at the Gala
evening.

ACTIVELY ARMENIAN

FOCUS ceremonially began on Thursday night with the traditional
Perspectives event at Midtown Loft near the city’s famed Empire State
Building. Over 200 guests attended the panel discussion on the topic
of "Active Citizenship: Duty & Responsibility Toward Your Armenian &
Non-Armenian Communities."

Moderated by Organizing Committee member, Amy Katcherian, the panel
included Natalie Gabrelian of New York, Rupen Nacaroglu of Lugano
(Switzerland), Vartan Marashlyan of Moscow, Serge Kassardjian of San
Francisco and Karen Papazian of Toronto.

Panelists shared their experiences in balancing their work and
personal lives, while making an effort to stay connected to both their
Armenian and non-Armenian communities. Audience members joined the
dialogue, asking pointed questions regarding the inspiration behind
thriving as an Armenian professional in the Diaspora, and panelists
revealed that an integral part of contemporary Armenian youth is the
constant negotiation among the various facets of an individual’s
identity. In fact, it is something that adds to its richness and
brings Armenians together. As part of the event, a display on 100
Years of AGBU history was on hand to educate participants about the
organization’s substantial history.

Panelist Karen Papazian was impressed with the level of discussion and
the strength of convictions among those who spoke. "I was delighted to
participate in this year’s Perspectives event, as it is an incredible
opportunity to engage the community’s young professionals in issues
that should be at the forefront of our thinking. I was honored to
share the stage with so many accomplished young Armenians who are
doing outstanding work in their communities. It helped me see what
FOCUS is all about — bringing people together."

After the discussion, guests were invited to the rooftop terrace,
where they were greeted with a reception served under the moonlit city
skyline, which included a picture-postcard view of some of the area’s
architectural landmarks.

From professional to funky, the following night’s highly popular club
night attracted some 600 Armenians to the Upper West Side’s LOFT
nightclub. Featuring two floors of hot rhythms, guests enjoyed a
global mix of Western and world music, while socializing with new and
old friends eager to share in the energy of the city’s wondrous
nightlife.

REUNIONS AND SHARED CONNECTIONS

This year, FOCUS organized a special reunion luncheon for NYSIP alumni
on Friday afternoon, attended by close to 80 alumni representing
almost every intern class through the years. Emceed by former NYSIP
Associate Director, Lana Kazangian, the informal gathering invited
some former interns to speak about the importance of their internships
to their future careers and personal growth. The speakers included
Robin Barone, Lara Setrakian, Krikor Deurdulian and the keynote
speaker, Paul Nadjarian, who is both an alumnus and currently a NYSIP
Supervisor.

Special guests, Vartkess & Rita Balian, also attended the intimate
lunch, which offered attendees an excellent opportunity to catch up
with old friends. Rita Balian addressed the group of alumni and shared
her thoughts about the lasting values of NYSIP and its role in the
lives of its participants.

A LIVELY ART AUCTION IN SOHO

On Saturday, July 28, FOCUS organized a unique art event, known as
"FOCUS on Art," which welcomed guests to the Grant Gallery in Soho for
a fundraiser featuring artworks by Armenian artists from five
countries (Armenia, Canada, Italy, Syria and the United States). The
combination live and silent auction raised thousands for the NYSIP
Scholarship Endowment.

Close to two hundred guests journeyed to one of the city’s most
vibrant cultural districts for the spirited auction. Charity
auctioneer Aileen Agopian assisted by Taline Aynilian, roused the
crowd as they bought select pieces in a memorable live auction.

Artworks from the AGBU Sarian Art Academy (Aleppo, Syria) and the
AGBU-supported Yerevan Fine Arts Academy (Yerevan, Armenia) were among
those sold for charity. An impressive scope of works by Anet Abnous,
Vahram Aghazarian, Shant Donabedian, Linda Ganjian, Aram Jibilian,
Carla Koulajian, Vadim Krisyan, Helga Sarkis, Gailyn Saroyan, Sam
Tchakalian and Sossy Terzian were also donated.

A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday-night Gala held at
Gotham Hall near Manhattan’s Herald Square. This elegant affair paid
tribute to the 20th anniversary of the New York Summer Intern Program
(NYSIP), and honored Vartkess and Rita Balian, Co-chairs of the AGBU
President’s Club, who have supported NYSIP from its inception.

Beginning with cocktails on the upper mezzanine of the classically
inspired venue, guests were then welcomed downstairs to the main hall
where they were treated to a multimedia program, a full-course dinner
and an evening with the Kevork Artinian Band from Montreal, which
played Armenian and international classics for a crowd eager to dance
the night away.

The Gala program commenced with opening remarks by the lively Master
of Ceremonies, NYSIP alumnus and longtime activities coordinator,
Arthur Bohdjalian of Vienna, Austria. FOCUS Co-Chairs Arda Berberian
and Ani Manoukian then took the stage, welcoming the 540 guests who
filled the room.

"As Co-Chair of this year’s FOCUS, I had the opportunity to see
firsthand how unique a weekend this truly is. Young Armenian
professionals from all over the world with diverse backgrounds have
the opportunity to come together and create bonds that last a
lifetime. I have personally appreciated the impact of these
friendships and am grateful for the experience," Arda Berberian stated
to the crowd. "FOCUS is also the vehicle for us to highlight and give
back to the important AGBU youth programs that have influenced our
lives and, this year, we honor the New York Summer Intern Program,"
she added.

Their words were amplified by a special video presentation with
photographs illustrating memories from the past two decades. The video
was narrated by alumni and staff of the Program, who shared their
experiences and highlighted the aspects of a program that has touched
the lives of many.

Raffi Balian, son of Vartkess and Rita Balian, was invited to the
podium to speak about his parents’ support of NYSIP and their belief
in the future of Armenian youth. "I can honestly say that one of their
biggest ideas was that, from the first day, they believed in the
possibility of you. They established the internship program because
they have tremendous faith in you and expect great things from you,"
he emphasized. "By their example, my parents have taught the value of
giving unselfishly, of working diligently, of persevering
relentlessly, and of loving wholeheartedly. I have always said that if
I am half the person that my father and mother are, then I will have
succeeded in life."

FOCUS presented a special award to Vartkess and Rita Balian for their
steadfast vision and commitment to AGBU youth. Mr. and Mrs. Balian
accepted the honor and expressed their appreciation to FOCUS for
making the dream of uniting Armenian youth into a reality. "Your
presence here tonight really exceeds our expectations. You don’t know
how happy you make us and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Manoogian [AGBU Life
President and his wife], who are watching us from the heavens. This is
their dream come true," Rita Balian said.

Her words were inspiring to those gathered, and she underlined the
principles that have guided her and her husband’s longstanding vision,
"I would like you, as Armenians, to always succeed and never leave
each other. Help each other, stick together, empower each other and
share everything that you have with the world. Always be proud that
you are Armenian, that you are talented people, and that you belong to
the Armenian General Benevolent Union."

Vartkess Balian, echoing his wife’s sentiments, pledged $30,000 for
the NYSIP scholarship endowment and added his own words of pride for
what they have accomplished together, "Twenty years ago, this
[internship program] was a dream. Today it is a reality. It is a
tremendous joy for me to see so many young people together."

The rousing words by Vartkess and Rita Balian sent electricity through
the crowd, who gave the couple a standing ovation in recognition of
their decades of work and commitment to AGBU youth.

BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

On the final morning, close to 250 guests came together for the
gourmet brunch at Josephina Restaurant near Lincoln Center. This
casual event offered them the opportunity to share stories and
reconnect with friends after an action-packed weekend that continues
to spotlight the vitality of the young Armenian professional community
around the world.

The FOCUS 2007 Organizing Committee was composed of over a dozen
volunteers and spearheaded by vivacious Co-chairpersons Arda Berberian
and Ani Manoukian. The dedicated members of the committee included Ani
Bardakjian, Aline Ekmekji, Natalie Gabrelian, Monica Ghailian, Aline
Ghazarian, Natalie Golnazarians, Veken Gueyikian, Mher Hartoonian,
Talia Jebejian, Amy Katcherian, Vana Khanjian, Vadim Krisyan, Serge
Kassardjian, Taleen Mangassarian, Aline Markarian, Salpi Mekhjian,
Tamar Nahabedian, Aida Setrakian, and Hrag Vartanian.

"We are grateful for all of the support from our Organizing
Committee. This was a truly a ‘dream team’ and we are proud to have
worked with such dedicated and forward-thinking individuals. We look
forward to another success in 2009," stated Berberian and Manoukian in
a shared sentiment.

To view photos and videos from the weekend or learn more about FOCUS
and how to get involved, please visit:

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000
Armenians around the world.

ARMENPRESS

NEW WAR WILL DESTROY AZERBAIJAN, U.S. DIPLOMAT

YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS: In an interview
with RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Daniel Fried
spoke about the latest developments in the Southern
Caucasus, including the efforts for resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Asked whether with both Armenia and Azerbaijan
entering their election cycles, he was less optimistic
about the chances for success in the Nagorno-Karabakh
peace process and whether he thought that the
presidents have missed an opportunity Daniel Fried
said, ` I don’t want to be critical, I think that we
were all disappointed that the last trip of the
Contact Group didn’t yield the results we had hoped.
There have been good negotiations, well good talks I
should say, some progress has been made and at some
point I hope that the leaders of the two countries
will find a way forward.
Ultimately, it’s in everyone’s interests. The
future of Azerbaijan will be under a cloud as long as
this issue is not resolved and it can only be resolved
peacefully. A war is going to destroy Azerbaijan’s
future and do no one any good. A peaceful settlement
is the way to go. We’ve come this far and I hope that
we can resolve it.’

ESMIRA ORUJOVA: CHIEF OF WORKING GROUP OF STATE COMMISSION FIRUDIN SADIGOV INSULTS PEOPLE WHOSE RELATIVES ARE CAPTURED

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug 7 2007

I will write to Eldar Mahmudov, chairman of State Commission regarding
the chief of Working Group of State Commission for prisoners of war,
hostages and missing people, Firudin Sadigov’s approach to us and
his activity.

I came across insulted people within two years since the establishment
of our public union. Sadigov respects neither me, nor people whose
relatives have been captured and insults them, Esmira Orujova, chief
of Hesret Yolu Public Union told the APA.

She stated that chairman of State Commission Eldar Mahmudov has
provided all opportunities for the activity of the working group,
but this opportunity is not used. She said that negative cases have
been revealed in the activity of the working group.

"The working Group publicized the report on clarifying the fates of
109 Azerbaijani civilians missing during the war. 34 of them were
captured and 39 became martyrs. The names of 39 people were repeated
in the list," she said.

Orujova saying that they have no contact with the working group
accused Sadigov in this issue.

"Our Public Union’s activity is closely connected with that working
group. But the system established by Sadigov spoiled our relations.

We invite him to the event, but he does not come, we make him a call
but he does not answer. We could contact only with the secretary of
State Commission for prisoners of war, hostages and missing people
Shahin Sailov. Sailov’s post is higher than that of Sadogiv. National
Security Minister Eldar Mahmudov received parents of Armenian-captured
Azerbaijani soldier Samir Mammadov, But Sadigov never did ," she said.

Ms.Orujova said that they have sent 14 letters to the working group,
but none of them was officially answered.

"Sadigov is probably naughty child of the State Commission. We can
carry out no campaign against Armenians with such persons," she said.

We tried to contact Sadigov regarding the accusations, but failed.

VICE PRESIDENT OF SYNOPSYS: LINKS ESTABLISHED AT "ARMTECH 2007" WILL BE CONTINUOUS ONES

Noyan Tapan
Aug 07 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Holding the ArmTech 2007 congress
in San Francisco (US) on July 4-7 proved that information and high
technologies are priorities in Armenia, the director of Synopsys
Armenia company Hovik Musalelian stated at the August 7 press
conference dedicated to the congress results.

In the words of Aram Vardanian, the Armenian co-chairman of the
steering committee of the congress, director general of Viasphere
Technopark, this event showed that Armenia has enough experience for
its developing. He said that during the congress, Armenian companies
reached agrrements on cooperation with foreign companies – event
participants.

The director of Industrial Technologies company Patvakan Hakhinian
noted that potential investors showed interest in their company during
ArmTech 2007.

Rich Goldman, the US co-chairman of the steering committee, vice
president for strategic market development and CEO of Synopsys Armenia
CJSC, in his turn stated that the links establishing during ArmTech
2007 will have a continuous character, with the congress-developed
actions being conducive to it. These actions contain Armenian IT and
high-tech-related proposals to the Armenian government.

Garegin Chugaszian, the head of the IT commission of USAID’ Competitive
Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Program that assisted 11 Armenian
enterprises with the participation in ArmTech 2007, executive director
of IT Foudation, attached importance to organization of a similar
congress by the RA government in Armenia.

A. Vardanian reminded that such congresses will be held every other
year. He considered it expedient that in the period between two
congresses, conferences on Armenian IT and high-tech will take place
in other regions of the world. A conference of this kind is expected
to be held in Venice soon, while the Association of Microelectronics
of Armenia will organize a seminar in the Aghveran resort in September
under the aegis of ArmTech.

DROSHAK NEWSPAPER REPUBLISHED

Yerkir.am
August 03, 2007

Droshak newspaper is republished after a long period of absence. The
newspaper is republished with a new editorial staff, new format and
new volume.

Droshak newspaper was published in 1891-1914, 1925-1933, 1969-1985
(under the tilted Azdak-Shabatoryak) and 1986-2005. These periods
coincided with various changes and developments at the global,
national and party levels.

Every time Droshak’s editorial staff, design and format were changed.

However, the ideology and principles of the newspaper never changed. In
one of the first issues of Droshak newspaper in 1981 it was stated
that the newspaper "would cover the ARF’s program".

In 1925, it was reconfirmed that "Droshak as the official publication
of the Armenian Evolutionary Federation shall be the outlet for the
ideas and actions deriving from the party’s program, its organizational
regulations, tactics and ongoing policies."

The adherence to set principles could be observed also in 1969 when
Azdak-Shabatoryak newspaper was republished, "The daily newspaper is
edited daily and reflects the rhythm and developments of each day.

The newspaper also reflects local developments to satisfy the specific
needs of local readers. The newspaper is published to reflect the
pressures of the daily life, to cover the events affecting the world
and to look for sustainable and stable values in these events."

In 1986 Droshak was again republished and the adherence to its
principles could be found in the following lines, "The ARF’s courage
to restore the ideological heritage gives impetus to our work as a
source of inspiration."

The following principles inherited from Kristapor Mikaelian, Mikael
Vardanian, Simon Vratsian, Sargis Zeitlian, Babken Papazian and
Nazaret Perperian remain as unquestionable values for Droshak’s
present editorial staff.

– Droshak, as always, shall reflect and spread the ARF’s views and
ideology.

– Deriving from the position of protection of the Armenian national,
political-economic and social-cultural interests and the ARF’s value
system, Droshak shall cover the global and regional developments,
issues connected with the Armenians and the Hay Dat, issues connected
with Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh Republic and our lost Homeland.

– Deriving from the protection of the above-mention interests,
Droshak will also discuss the negative aspects of Armenia’s and the
Armenians’ lives covering the anti-national political processes, the
negative developments in the economy, corruption and clan system,
social relations in the polarized society, improper and degrading
cultural phenomena.

– Droshak will cover all these issues always having as its guide the
spirit and progress of the time, clearly distinguishing international
values from cosmopolitan perceptions, and universal achievements from
superficial impositions of globalization.

Droshak is republished with these beliefs and innovations. We call
on the readers supporting our ideology to unite around Droshak and
keep it at the height from where it entered the minds and hearts of
the Armenian nation…

Armenia School Foundation, Inc.
125 W. Mountain St. #101
Glendale, CA 91202

URL:

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Annette Kiureghian
[email protected]

The Armenia School Foundation USA Delivers New Sets of Furniture to
Schools in Armenia and Karabagh.

Glendale, California August 1, 2007 – The Armenia School Foundation (ASF
USA), a non-profit organization dedicated to refurnishing schools in
Armenia, is proud to announce the completion of four more school projects
during the recent months.

Shaghat High School, in the city of Shaghat, Sunik Region, received 103
sets of student desks and chairs, 11 teachers’ desks and blackboards in
May, 2007. The project was funded ($7,610) by friends and family members
of Koutnouyan Family, in lieu of gifts for Shant Koutnouian’s Christening.

Uyts High School, in the city of Uyts, Sunik Region, received 55 sets of
student desks and chairs, 11 teachers’ desks and blackboards in May of
2007. The project was funded ($4,730) by friends and family members of
Koutnouyan Family, with in lieu of gifts for Shant Koutnouian’s
Christening.

S. Vardanyan School, in the city of Kotayk, Kotayk Region received 123
sets of student desks and chairs, along with 11 teachers’ desks and
blackboards in June, 2007. The project was funded ($8,810) by friends and
family members in memory of late Seroj Mirbegian. (Former chairman of ASF
USA)

#2 Begor School, in the city of Stepanakert, Karabagh, received 300 new
student desks and chairs in May of 2007. The project was funded ($7,000)
by various donors.

`One of our priorities is to provide the public and our donor’s accurate
and up-dated information regarding the completion and initiation of school
projects’ stated Armen Abrahamian, chairman of the Board. `ASF USA is in
the process of completing two more projects in 2007. For 2008, we already
have donors for schools in regions of Sunk, Armavir, and Lori as well as
in Karabagh’. We have embarked on a challenging journey but I have no
doubt that with the efforts of our dedicated Board and committee members,
and the generosity of our donors, ASF USA will achieve its goals’ stated
Mr. Abrahamian.

The Armenia School Foundation (ASF USA) is a non-profit and non-sectarian,
501c3 organization, founded in May 2003. ASF strives to provide new
furniture for underprivileged schools in remote regions of Armenia and
Karabagh to enhance the learning environment.

For more information about the Armenia School Foundation – the ASF USA –
please visit

Contact [email protected]
Website

MILENA AND NAREK ARE THE MOST POPULAR NAMES IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
03.08.2007 15:58

7,056 girls and 8,039 boys wee born in Armenia in January-May of the
current year.

According to statistics, more frequently girls are named Milena (323),
Ani (266), Mariam (237), Elen (217), Anahit (210), Anna (187), Mary
(184), Lilit (159), Mane (135) and Gayane (134).

Boys are often named Narek (349), David (339), Hayk (263), Erik
(237), Gor (223), Arman (205), Armen (173), Arthur (168), Samvel
(161) and Vahe (150).

Armenian National Committee of Canada

Comité National Arménien du Canada

130 Albert St., Suite/Bureau 1007

Ottawa, ON

KIP 5G4

Tel./Tél. (613) 235-2622 Fax/Téléc. (613) 238-2622

E-mail/courriel:national.office@anc-cana da.com

Press Release

July 31, 2007
Contact: Kevork Manguelian

ANCC and the Canadian Centre for Genocide Education Hold
4th National Genocide Education Institute

Toronto–The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) and the Canadian
Centre for Genocide Education held the 4th national teachers’ summer
institute at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto from July 23 to 27.

The five-day training session was an overwhelming success with teachers
travelling from all over Canada to attend the educational gathering. 40
teachers attended the Institute.

The Genocide Institute is designed to encourage teachers to instruct
students the lessons of genocide–the importance of tolerance, upholding
human rights, helping others in need–and to help prepare them to
effectively communicate these lessons to their students.

The institute’s morning portion was designed to introduce teachers to the
history of four case studies of Genocide. In the afternoon segment teachers
participated in classroom implementation, resources, multimedia
presentation, and group activity.

On the opening day Dr. Gerry Caplan and educator Dr. Barabra Coloroso talked
about the overall theme of genocide, the history of the UN Charter on
Genocide, the causes of genocide, its devastating effects on victims, its
social, religious, and political implications, its denial, and the
complicity of some governments, the perpetrators’ bully mentality, and
finally, the confidence of genocide perpetrators that you would be granted
impunity.

On Tuesday July 24, the main topic was the Armenian Genocide. Prof. Alan
Whitehorn and Dr. Isabel Kaprielian-Churchill presented the various aspects
of the Armenian Genocide. A number of teachers said that they were baffled
by the Turkish government’s denial of the Armenian Genocide against such
overwhelming documentation, evidence, and the verdicts of historians.

On Wednesday, Prof. Roman Serbyn and Valentina Kuryliw instructed the
gathering on the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933.

Thursday was allocated to the Holocaust. Prof. Gerald Tulchinsky and Sylvia
Bereskin brought to the attention of the teachers new details about the
horrors of the Holocaust. That evening Prof. Abdulkerim Ousman talked about
the latest developments in Darfur.

The genocide studies gathering came to a close on Friday with discussions on
the Rwandan Genocide. Major Brent Beardsley, Shyrna Gilbert and Leo Kabalisa
took the teachers on a painful journey of discovery about the latest
genocide of our times.

During the Monday July 23 banquet, the lead speakers were Drs. Caplan and
Coloroso. The latter observed that it is only a short walk from hate to
genocide. Representatives of partner communities also delivered messages
from their groups and expressed their confidence in the continued success of
the institute.

Aris Babikian, executive director of ANCC, saluted the "teachers’ dedication
and commitment to this noble cause." He added: "Your sense of mission and
duty to make Canada and the world a better place through education and by
sensitizing future generations and our country’s future leaders is greatly
appreciate not only by Genocide and Holocaust victim nations but everyone
around the globe."

The ANCC representative acknowledged "it is incumbent upon us [victim
nations and teachers] to work together to educate and to empower the next
generation of Canadians and world leaders with moral values which will guide
them to eradicate the plague of genocide and prevent other races and nations
from experiencing what we have suffered from."

Rich Hitchens, founder and president of the Canadian Centre for Genocide
Education, observed "it is a straight walk from the Armenian Genocide to
Darfur today. Each successive genocidal regime had learned from its
predecessors that the world would do little to nothing to intervene, to
prevent, to stop, or punish genocide. No one cared about the Armenians, as
Hitler observed, and so, in turn, no one cared about those to follow,
including Ukrainians, Jews, Cambodians, Bosnians, and Rwandans. What other
lesson could the regime in Sudan have learned other than that it was free to
pursue genocide with impunity."

Orest Steciw from the League of Ukrainian Canadians, Prof. Wsevolod W.
Isajiw of the Ukrainian Canadian Research & Documentation Centre, and MP
Peggy Nash also addressed the Monday evening gathering.

A silent auction featuring cultural pieces from the homelands of various
partners was held at the banquet.

The Genocide Institute was offered for the first time in London, Ont., in
2004, with the sole participation of teachers from the London area. In 2005,
teachers from across Southwestern Ontario participated in the second annual
Genocide Institute. Because of the success of the Genocide Institute, the
program was expanded in 2006 to include teachers from across the country.

One of the attributes that makes the Genocide Institute special is that it
is a partnership of a number of organizations representing victim groups of
genocide. Armenians, Jews, Rwandans, and Ukrainians have joined together in
common cause to encourage teachers to teach about the lessons of genocide.

The ANCC became a partner in the Genocide Institute in 2006. Meanwhile, the
Armenian Community Centre graciously donated its facilities and hosted the
Institute.

-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.

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AZERBAIJAN PROBES ILLEGAL ARMS SALES BY ALBANIA TO ARMENIA

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
July 31 2007

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said on Monday he
has sent letters to both the Albanian capital of Tirana and the
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) concerning illegal arms
sales to Armenia by Albania, the Anatolia news agency reported.

Last week it emerged that Turkey turned back an Albanian ship
transporting heavy weaponry bound for Armenia at the Bosporus.

"Officials in Ankara have refused transit to a sizable consignment of
weapons and ammunition bound for Armenia. The ship was turned back
at the Bosporus along with its cargo," Albanian Prime Minister Sali
Berisha was then quoted as saying in the Azerbaijani media. Noting
that the letter sent to Tirana was not meant to protest the Albanian
officials, Mamedyarov said Baku asked Tirana for an explanation and
information on the issue.

The Azerbaijani minister said his country has also appealed to
OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ýhsanoðlu and the head of the
organization’s Foreign Ministers’ Council, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
Khurshid Kasuri, concerning the same issue as Albania and Azerbaijan
are both members of the organization. In the letters Baku stressed
that arms sales to Armenia were in violation of the UN’s related
resolutions and brought to mind the fact that a territory inside
Azerbaijan has still been under Armenian occupation, referring to
the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"As you know, over 800,000 Azerbaijanis became refugees as a result of
Armenian aggression and ethnic cleansing. According to OIC resolutions,
in order to prevent Armenia from continuing aggression and enlarging
the conflict, the organization member states should not sell military
supplies and weapons to Armenia and should not allow their countries
to be used as transit countries. This fact contradicts norms and
principles of international law. Baku is against war and regards
selling military supplies and weapons to Armenia as an act against
Azerbaijan," the letter was quoted as saying by the Azerbaijani media.

–Boundary_(ID_o6ILktThuCspoFS7+vls9Q)–

"HERITAGE" PARTY LEADER, U.S. CO-CHAIR OF OSCE MG DISCUSS LARGE SPECTER OF ISSUES

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 30 2007

YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. "Heritage" Party leader Raffi Hovannisian
met today with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and
Eurasia Matthew Bryza, who is visiting Armenia as the US co-chair of
the OSCE Minsk Group.

The Party’s press service reported that Hovannisian and Bryza touched
upon the issues of Armenia’s foreign and home policy, Armenian-American
relations, peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict, and discussed
regional developments

The "Heritage" is a national-liberal party founded in 2002. The Party
has about 5ths members.

In May, the Party participated in the parliamentary elections for
the first time and obtained seven deputy seats.