Author: Karakhanian Suren

,1518,3616 72,00.html
FRIEDENSPREIS DES DEUTSCHEN BUCHHANDELS
Orhan Pamuk ist neuer Preisträger
Er gehe “wie kein anderer Dichter unserer Zeit den historischen Spuren
des Westens im Osten und des Ostens im Westen” nach, hieß es heute in
Frankfurt: Der türkische Schriftsteller Orhan Pamuk steht für den
anspruchsvollen Dialog von Orient und Okzident. Jetzt wird er mit dem
Friedenspreis des Buchhandels geehrt.
Frankfurt/Main/Köln – Ein Werk, “in dem Europa und die muslimische
Türkei zusammenfinden” – dies sei die große Leistung des 53-jährigen
Autors, der auf der Frankfurter Buchmesse den mit 25.000 Euro
dotierten Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels erhalten wird. Der
in Istanbul geborene Orhan Pamuk wuchs in einer gutbürgerlichen
Familie auf und studierte Architektur sowie Journalismus. Er gilt
heute als einer der bedeutendsten Prosaschriftsteller der jüngeren
türkischen Generation. Seine Werke wurden bislang in 34 Sprachen
übersetzt und in mehr als 100 Ländern veröffentlicht.
Auf Deutsch sind unter anderem die Bücher “Die weiße Festung”, “Das
schwarze Buch”, “Das neue Leben” und “Rot ist mein Name”
erschienen. Von der Kritik hoch gelobt wurde zuletzt sein Roman
“Schnee”. Die “New York Times” feiertedas Werk als bestes
ausländisches Buch des Jahres 2004.
Der in Istanbul lebende Schriftsteller sei einem Begriff von Kultur
verpflichtet, “der ganz auf Wissen und Respekt vor dem anderen
gründet”, so der Stiftungsrat zu seiner Wahl. In seinen Romanen “Die
weiße Festung”, “Rot ist mein Name” oder “Schnee” verbinde Pamuk
“orientalische Erzähltraditionen mit den Stilelementen der westlichen
Moderne”.
Er entwickele Bilder und Begriffe, die die Gesellschaft in einem nicht
eng verstandenen Europa gebrauchen werde. So eigenwillig das
einzigartige Gedächtnis des Autors in die große osmanische
Vergangenheit zurückreiche, so unerschrocken greife er die brennende
Gegenwart auf, trete für Menschen- und Minderheitenrechte ein und
beziehe immer wieder Stellung zu den politischenProblemen seines
Landes, heißt es in der Begründung weiter.
Beim Münchener Hanser Verlag, der die Werke Pamuks in Deutschland
herausgibt, mischen sich Freude, Stolz und auch ein wenig Sorge. Wie
die Nachrichtenagentur dpa berichtet, habe Pamuks Lektorin Anna Leube
auf die Nachricht vom Friedenspreis “voller Freude, aber auch mit
etwas gemischten Gefühlen” reagiert. “Die Entscheidung hat angesichts
der aktuellen europapolitischen Lage ja schon etwas Brisantes”,
erklärte sie heute. Nach den Anfeindungen gegen den türkischen
Schriftsteller in seinem Heimatland, “bange ich ein bisschen, weil
Pamuk durch den Preis noch mehr in den Blickpunkt der Öffentlichkeit
geraten wird”.
Der im Februar erschienene Roman “Schnee”, der das Verhältnis von
traditionellem Islam und Moderne in der Türkei thematisiert, ist laut
Leube Pamuks erstes dezidiert politisches Buch. “Früher hat er gesagt,
er wolle kein politischer Schriftsteller sein, aber mit ‘Schnee’ hat
er nach seinen historischen Romanen neues Terrain betreten.” Dabei sei
es für den Autor wichtig, dass “Schnee” “nicht auf die jetzige
Situation anspielt, auch wenn das Thema für uns gerade so aktuell
ist”.
Der Hanser Verlag will demnächst Pamuks erstes auf Deutsch
erschienenes Buch “Die weiße Festung” (Insel Verlag, 1990) neu
herausbringen. Im Herbst 20006 soll dann ein hierzulande bislang
unveröffentlichter Text Pamuks erscheinen: eine Art Erinnerungsbuch an
Pamuks Heimatstadt Istanbul.
Für den Kölner Autor und Publizisten Ralph Giordano (“Die Bertinis”)
ist die Vergabe des Friedenspreises an Pamuk eine ausgezeichnete
Wahl. “Kollegiale Glückwünsche an Orhan Pamuk, Kompliment aber auch an
die Organisation ‘Deutscher Buchhandel’. Mit der Verleihung 2005 hat
sie ins Schwarze getroffen”, sagte Giordano, 82, heute der dpa in
Köln. Pamuk habe sich öffentlich gegen die “türkische Lebenslüge”
gestellt.
Pamuk wird von nationalistisch gesinnten Türken angefeindet, seit er
behauptete, in der Türkei seien 30.000 Kurden und eine Million
Armenier ermordet worden. Sein mutiges Bekenntnis habe den Dissidenten
ins Exil gezwungen, betonte Giordano, der für die ARD 1986 eine
Dokumentation über den Massenmord an den Armeniern produziert hatte.
Giordano verlangte vom “angeblichen EU-Musterschüler Türkei” eine
Anerkennung der Geschehnisse von 1915 als “Völkermord”. Nach Ausbruch
des Ersten Weltkriegs hatten türkische Truppen Armenier in
Hungermärschen in die syrische Wüste getrieben, wobei nach Angaben
internationaler Historiker 600.000 bis 800.000 Menschen ums Leben
kamen.

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 23 2005
EU’s New Scapegoat: Turkey
* “No” votes mean Turkey can not join EU soon… The real problem is
Turkey -Prodi
Jan SOYKOK and Cathrine GULCAN, JTW(ROME and ANKARA) – Turkey has no
chance of joining the European Union (EU) in the foreseeable future,
former European Commission President Romano Prodi said in newspapers
on Wednesday. According to Prodi, one of the key reasons of `nos’ in
the referendums of France and Netherlands was Turkey. However experts
say `Turkey is not EU member and cannot be responsible for any
current problem. The EU leaders are reluctant to face the real
reasons’. Only 3 percent in France said `the real reason for their no
votes was Turkey.’
European Commission President Jose Barroso called also for a “frank
discussion” of Turkey’s prospects of joining the European Union,
saying opposition to Turkish membership helped defeat the EU
constitution. `We should discuss seriously the signals that were sent
by the electorate regarding Turkey” Barroso told a Brussels press
conference. `We need to have a frank discussion on that matter’ he
added.
The commission will on June 29 outline its strategy for entry talks
with Turkey, a decade-long process due to start Oct. 3. All 25 EU
countries will have to approve the negotiating road map.
Barroso said that `for the time being’ the EU governments haven’t
altered the bloc’s commitment to Turkey. Polls in Germany suggest
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will be ousted in an election in
September by `anti-Turkish’ Angela Merkel. Merkel is against Turkey’s
membership and favors a `privileged partnership’ with Turkey which in
fact means keeping Turkey outside. Turkey has already had customs
union with the EU.
Turkey, which says the talks with the EU will help attract record
levels of foreign investment to its more than $300 billion economy
(17th biggest economy in the world). Turkey will be the first and
only Muslim EU member if it will be accepted. It has a population of
70 million people, almost equal to the total of the 10 countries that
joined the bloc last year.
Romano Prodi, who as Barroso’s predecessor championed Turkey’s entry
last year, has changed his mind about Turkish membership, according
to an interview with the Gazzettino newspaper.
`I now believe that there are no longer the conditions for Turkey to
join the EU in the short or medium-term,’ Prodi told the daily
newspaper. `We need to rethink things.’
Prodi, now leader of Italy’s centre-left opposition, implied many
Italians had an emotional fear of Turkey, a populous and
predominantly Muslim country on the edge of mostly Christian Europe.
“I come from a country where my mother, when she wanted to say
something scary, would say: ‘The Turks are coming’.”
Prodi’s position marks a clear difference with Prime Minister Silvio
Berlusconi, who supports Turkey’s EU entry despite opposition from
many in his centre-right government.
“Better late than never. Finally even he has realized Turkey must
stay out,” Calderoli told the Corriere della Sera daily.
Many politician in the EU countries believe that Turkey must be out
because of religious and cultural differences.
`EU NEVER KEPT ITS PROMISES’
Dr. Sedat Laciner from Ankara-based Turkish think tank ISRO says
`Turkish public will not be surprised, because they know that the EU
has never kept its promises about Turkey’. According to Dr. Laciner
the main reason is cultural differences and the EU leaders’
narrow-minded civilization understanding:
`Europe has changed very little since the Medieval Europe. Religion
and civilizational differences are still vital. There are very little
difference between Chirac and Pope when we are talking about Turkey’s
entrance to the EU. Turkey is one of the first countries, (even
before the UK, Ireland, Spain and many others) who applied to become
EU member. Turkey’s economy and political conditions were better than
Poland, and other Eastern European countries after the Cold War. All
these former communist countries are now inside, while Turkey has
been kept outside.’
French President Jacques Chirac on June 17 urged the EU to re-
examine the planned enlargement, calling for a special summit on how
the process can continue `without having the institutions capable of
making the enlarged union function efficiently.’
`FULFILL YOUR PROMISES’
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today urged Europe’s
politicians to fulfill its promises to Turkey.
“The negotiations must start on Oct. 3,” he told his deputies in a
speech at the Turkish parliament.
“We are implementing the steps that we promised. I believe that the
EU will overcome the current problems that it’s experiencing.”
Similarly Dr. Gulcan says `the EU does not keep its promises’:
`We are used to it. They said the isolation of the TRNC (Turkish
Cyprus) would be left if the Turkish Cypriots had supported the UN
Peace Plan. Turkish Cypriots strongly supported the Annan Plan, while
the Greeks rejected the Peace Plan. However the EU accepted the Greek
Cypriots and kept no promises about the Turkish Cypriots at all.
Turkish public understood the role of religious differences in the EU
policies. The EU leaders has showed religious solidarity and accuse
only Turkey in Turkey’s relations with the Christian neighbors. For
instance, Armenian forces occupied Azerbaijan. However no EU leader
focuses on Occupation problem of 20 percent of Azerbaijani
territories. Armenia does not recognize two European countries’
(Turkey and Azerbaijan) national borders, yet no one warns Armenia.
Ordinary Turkish now thinks that if you are Christian, you are right.
If you are Muslim, you must die’.
`THE WORLD NEEDS A MIRACLE’
Sedat Laciner says the EU leaders cannot understand the vital
importance of Turkey’s EU membership for the global security and
peace:
`The Muslim world does not believe the EU’s and the West’s sincerity.
There are many Muslim nations in Europe, but none of them is the EU
member. Turkey, Albania, Bosnia, Azerbaijan, Turkish republic of
Northern Cyprus… None of them has a hope to become EU member, while
many problematic countries like Southern Greek Cyprus became EU
member. Turkey’s EU membership will prove that a coexistence is
possible between Muslims and Christians. The Islam world and the
globe needs a miracle. And Turkey is the miracle the people have
expected for the long years.’
The U.S. and Britain have urged the EU to embrace Turkey to help
democracy in the Middle East, which Turkey borders.
POPE: `TURKEY IS NOT EUROPEAN’
Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church,
showed a suspicious attitude towards Turkey’s EU membership in the
first book he has written since becoming the new Pope in the Vatican.
Pope Benedict XVI indicates in his new book titled “The Example of
Benedict in the Crisis of Cultures” (L’Europa di Benedetto nella
crisi delle culture) that Turkey does not have Christian roots
contrary to European countries. According to the news published by
Apcom, a private Italian news agency, the Pope invites readers to
think about Turkey’s EU bid. The Pope had defended that Turkey should
not be EU member because it is not Christian. The new Pope is
considered `anti-Turkish’ by most of the Turkish public.

Armenian leader signs law on building depot for spent nuclear fuel
Arminfo
20 Jun 05
Yerevan, 20 June: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan signed a law on
18 June allowing the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant to build a depot for
spent nuclear fuel, the presidential press office has reported.
The depot is designed to store spent nuclear fuel for 50 years, then
the depot will be inspected. Used nuclear fuel loses 70 per cent of
its radioactivity in the first few years, but fully only over 130
years. The construction is expected to cost 10m euros.
[Passage omitted: other known details]

Agence France Presse
20 juin 2005 lundi 7:27 AM GMT
Nagorny Karabakh : 11 ans après, toujours des centaines de disparus
(PAPIER D’ANGLE)
Par Mariam HAROUTIOUNIAN
STEPANAKERT (Azerbaïdjan) 20 juin 2005
Onze ans après la fin du sanglant conflit du Nagorny Karabakh, une
enclave arménienne en Azerbaïdjan, le sort de centaines de disparus
pendant les affrontements entre Arméniens et Azerbaïdjanais n’a
toujours pas été éclairci.
“Après tant d’années, nous sommes sans nouvelles de plus de 800
personnes disparues pendant la guerre contre l’Azerbaïdjan et la
déportation d’Arméniens des villes azerbaïdjanaises de Bakou,
Soumgait et Ganca”, déplore la présidente de l’Union des familles de
personnes disparues Vera Grigorian.
“600 environ d’entre elles étaient des civils. Dans nos listes, il y
a des enfants, des femmes, des vieillards, des familles entières”,
ajoute-t-elle.
Les affrontements au Nagorny Karabakh entre les habitants arméniens
soutenus par Erevan et les forces de Bakou ont commencé en 1988 et
ont fait de 25.000 à 30.000 morts, selon les estimations.
L’Union des familles a été créée il y a six ans, mais ceux qu’elle a
pu retrouver, et le cas échéant faire rentrer, ne sont pas nombreux.
“Nous collaborons avec la Croix-Rouge Internationale et avec une
organisation analogue du côté azerbaïdjanais. Aujourd’hui, nous avons
des renseignements solides sur 65 personnes. Nous savons qu’elles
sont vivantes et qu’elles séjournent dans différentes régions de
l’Azerbaïdjan”, poursuit Mme Grigorian.
Selon elle, certains disparus ont été conduits d’Azerbaïdjan en
Turquie et en Iran, où ils sont contraints d’effectuer des travaux
pénibles.
“La partie azerbaïdjanaise propose souvent de rendre un disparu
seulement en échange d’un disparu azerbaïdjanais, mais il arrive
qu’on nous propose de racheter une personne pour plusieurs dizaines
de milliers de dollars”, affirme-t-elle.
Ces cinq dernières années, trois personnes ont de la sorte pu être
récupérées.
“Nous savons où se trouvent quelques autres personnes, nous avons
arrêté avec les Azerbaïdjanais les conditions de leur retour, mais
leurs proches ne sont pas en mesure de débourser les fortes sommes
réclamées”, indique Mme Grigorian.
En 1994, elle-même a vécu la disparition d’un fils unique de 20 ans,
pendant le conflit armé, et n’a plus depuis de nouvelles.
“La douleur que causent de telles pertes ne connaît pas de
nationalité. Mères azerbaïdjanaises et mères arméniennes, nous devons
nous aider mutuellement pour faire rentrer nos enfants”, dit-elle.
Elle garde toujours chez elle, y compris accrochés sur des chaises,
des vêtements de son fils, convaincue qu’il reviendra un jour, tout
comme d’autres disparus.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:
April 14, 2005
ACNIS 10TH ANNIVERSARY MARKED BY US CONGRESS, CALIFORNIA SENATE
Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
recently marked the 10th anniversary of its founding here. On this occasion
the Congressional Record of the US House of Representatives has registered a
statement of commendation by Congressman George Radanovich, and the
California State Senate has adopted a resolution offered by Senator Charles
Poochigian.
The Congressional Record reads as folows:
HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH
of CALIFORNIA
in the U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 13, 2005
Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies on the occasion of celebrating their 10th
Anniversary as a leading strategic research center and think-tank. A special
reception to honor the occasion will take place on April 14th, 2005, in
Fresno, California.
The Armenian Center for National and International Studies was created by
Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the
post-Soviet era, ACNIS has served as a link between scholarship and the
public policy challenges facing the Republic of Armenia.
ACNIS continues to work diligently to be a vehicle for creative and
strategic thinking, focusing on public outreach, civic education, and
applied research on domestic and foreign policy issues affecting the
Armenian nation-state.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Armenian Center for National and
International Studies on the occasion of celebrating their 10th Anniversary.
I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing ACNIS many more years of
continued success.
The California Senate Resolution reads as follows:
HON. CHARLES S. POOCHIGIAN
of CALIFORNIA
April 14, 2005
WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the tenth anniversary of the Armenian Center
for National and International Studies and, in recognition thereof, it is
deserving of special public commendations; and
WHEREAS, The Armenian Center for National and International Studies, located
in Yerevan, Armenia, is the institutional initiative of Raffi K.
Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs; and
WHEREAS, Following his diplomatic service, Raffi Hovannisian, a native of
Fresno, California, and graduate of the University of California, Los
Angeles, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Georgetown University
Law Center, founded the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies in 1994; and
WHEREAS, As a leading independent strategic and educational research center,
the Armenian Center for National and International Studies focuses its
research on a comprehensive agenda of foreign and public policy issues,
which are articulated analytically in political and academic arenas around
the world; and
WHEREAS, The Armenian Center for National and International Studies is
supported by the Lincy Foundation and a global network of contributors, and
serves as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy
challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world;
and
WHEREAS, The Armenian Center for National and International Studies also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking, and a wider
understanding of the new global environment; and
WHEREAS, In this, its tenth anniversary year, 2005, the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies is focusing primarily on public outreach,
civic education, and applied research on critical domestic and foreign
policy issues for the state and the nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY SENATOR CHARLES S. POOCHIGIAN, that he draws the attention of
the public to the Armenian Center for National and International Studies on
the occasion of its tenth anniversary, commends Founder and President Raffi
K. Hovannisian on his exemplary record of service, and extends sincere best
wishes for continued success in the future.
Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2005, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, conflict resolution, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]; or visit

Voters go to polls in disputed Nagorno Karabakh enclave
Agence France Presse — English
June 19, 2005 Sunday 3:49 PM GMT
STEPANAKERT, Azerbaijan June 19 — Voters cast their ballots Sunday
in parliamentary polls in the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno
Karabakh, a mostly ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan, amid
strong opposition from Azeri authorities.
Seven parties and 185 candidates were vying for places in Nagorno
Karabakh’s fourth parliament, with two thirds of the parliament’s 33
seats to be elected directly and one third under a proportional system.
No major violations had been reported by the time polling stations
closed at 8:00 pm (1500 GMT) with preliminary results expected
Monday morning.
Voting was brisk, with lines forming outside polling stations and
officials reporting turnout at 60.5 percent by 5:00 pm, exceeding
the 25 percent minimum needed for the vote to be declared legitimate.
The central market in Stepanakert, the enclave’s main city, was
unusually empty as traders deserted their stalls to vote.
“Everyone’s gone to vote,” said one trader, gleeful at her temporary
monopoly.
Nagorno Karabakh’s authorities have said the vote is a chance to
prove to the world the territory’s independence.
“I voted for stability, independence and prosperity,” Nagorno
Karabakh’s leader, Arkady Gukasyan, said after casting his ballot.
It was essential, Gukasyan said earlier, that the vote meet European
standards in order to avoid harming Nagorno Karabakh’s image and
“the process of peaceful settlement with Azerbaijan”.
But Azerbaijan, which claims the territory, said any vote in the
region would remain illegal until hundreds of thousands of Azeris
banished from Nagorno Karabakh and seven surrounding regions were
allowed to return.
“Armenia is zealous to legalize the occupation… elections and
referendums on the occupied territories must be conducted only after
the territory’s restoration to Azerbaijan,” Azerbaijan’s election
commission said in a written statement on Saturday.
Nagorno Karabakh is widely seen as propped up by Armenia, which fought
a war with Azerbaijan over the territory in 1993 and 1994 that left
an estimated 25,000 people dead and forced a million people from
their homes, three quarters of them Azeri.
On Friday, Turkey, long at odds with Armenia and a staunch supporter
of Azerbaijan, joined its ally in criticizing the poll.
“Turkey believes that such unilateral initiatives… will not help
efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem
and considers those elections as illegitimate,” foreign ministry
spokesman Namik Tan said in a statement.
No foreign governments have sent observer missions, reflecting the
territory’s unresolved status.
But as voting got under way Sunday, monitors from non-governmental
organizations reported a number of minor violations.
Supporters of Araig Horutyunyan, a candidate closely linked to Nagorno
Karabakh’s leader, “were actively proselytizing” near polling stations,
said Antranig Kasabaryan, local representative of the Tufenkyan
foundation, a New York-based aid group.
Earlier, Gukasyan had rounded on opposition parties, accusing them of
“insinuations” and “libel” after they accused senior Karabakh officials
of abusing their positions in order to win support.
“False rumors were circulated that the authorities sanctioned pressure
on the electorate, threatened people… this didn’t and couldn’t
happen,” Gukasyan said.
The unrecognized Nagorno Karabakh Republic has a population of
145,000. It is spread over eight regions of Azerbaijan including
Karabakh itself and comprises 14 percent of Azerbaijan’s overall
territory.
The parliament is elected for a five-year term.

Turkey fears EU turmoil will affect membership talks
Agence France Presse — English
June 19, 2005 Sunday 12:00 PM GMT
ANKARA June 19 — The rejection of the EU constitution and the bloc’s
budgetary deadlock last week could have a negative impact on Turkey’s
accession negotiations, the country’s foreign minister Abdullah Gul
said Sunday.
“We could not say at this time that everything that has happened
will not affect enlargement and Turkey, we must wait until the dust
settles,” said Gul in an interview with the newspaper Radikal.
However it may take some time for the dust to settle with Josep Borell,
president of the European parliament, not optimistic about a resolution
during Britain’s six-month turn at the rotating EU presidency which
starts July 1.
“The discussions in Brussels and the positions that were taken in
the last phase of negotiations don’t give much hope that we can find
a solution under the British presidency,” Borell said Sunday in an
interview with the Italian newspaper Repubblica.
“We have just welcomed 10 new countries and created legitimate
expectations with others. We can’t be content just to survive. There
must be certainty about financial resources available until 2013 to
allow each country to do their accounts and program their development,”
Borell said.
Turkey, a largely Muslim country of 71 million people, is due to
start accession negotiations on October 3.
Gul said Turkey “would not be provoked” by those who don’t want Turkey
to join the EU, referring to a motion passed by the German parliament
condemning the “massacres” of Armenians by Turks between 1915 and 1917,
which Turkey denies.
Questioned about a possible suspension of the process of EU enlargement
Gul said: “I don’t think that such a situation can occur, but if that
is the case, I would say straight away that we won’t be crying. We will
continue along our path and consolidate our economy and democracy”.
The EU budgetary deadlock provoked a positive reaction in the Germany
press Sunday with one newspaper even thanking British Prime Minister
Tony Blair for his call for budgetary reform.
“The failure of the Brussels summit ended at the right place: we can
now finally think about renewing the ‘financial constitution’ of the
European Union,” said the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.
“What legitimate economic justification remains for providing some
60 billion euros in subsidies to European agriculture year after year
(…)” it said.
“Why must Germany, whose per capita revenue is now only slightly higher
than the average for the (EU) 25 and already less than the average
for the former 15, deliver to Brussels a half percent of its GDP,”
the newspaper asked.
Die Welt am Sonntag said: “Thank you, Tony Blair, for making a petty
debate (on the British rebate) a meaningful debate”.

Turkish researcher arrested in Armenia on suspicion of smuggling antique books
The Associated Press
06/17/05 16:14 EDT
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) – A Turkish researcher was detained at Yerevan
airport on Friday on suspicion of smuggling antique books out of
Armenia, the National Security Service said.
An official for the security agency, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said that Turkish citizen Yektan Turkyilmaz had been
arrested in possession of books dating from the 17th to 20th
centuries and was suspected of seeking to take them secretly on a
flight to Turkey.
Turkyilmaz, of Duke University in North Carolina, is likely to
be fined although the offense he is accused of carries a maximum
five-year jail term, the security official said.
Books older than 50 years cannot be taken out of Armenia without
special permission. Turkyilmaz was in Armenia to carry out research in
the Armenian national archives, the first Turk to be allowed to do so.
Armenia and Turkey do not have diplomatic relations because of dispute
over the killings of Armenians during World War I, which Armenians
say was genocide.
Armenians say some 1.5 million of their people were killed as the
Ottoman Empire forced them from eastern Turkey between 1915 and 1923
in a deliberate campaign of genocide.
Turkey says the death count is inflated and insists that Armenians
were killed or displaced in the civil unrest during the collapse of
the Ottoman Empire.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/17/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for Karabagh 2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide 3)Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide 4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution 5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators 6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar 7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students 8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award 9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA 10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings 11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer 1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for Karabagh Maintains military aid parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan WASHINGTON, DCThe House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations today voted to allocate $67.5 million in US aid for Armenia for fiscal year 2006, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The amount represents a $12.5 million increase over President Bush's budget request, but is lower than last year's appropriation of $75 million. The panel also agreed to maintain parity in US military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan, at the level of $5.75 million to each country. The appropriators allotted $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Mountainous Karabagh. "We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg for his advocacy within the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim Kolbe and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to share our gratitude for the support of Steve Rothman, John Sweeney, Mark Kirk, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Carolyn Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, and our other friends on this vitally important panel," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We were, of course, especially pleased to see that, consistent with the President's budget request, the Subcommittee contributed to the continued stability of the Caucasus by appropriating aid directly to Mountainous Karabagh, and maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. We also appreciate the efforts of our friends, in the face of overall reductions in aid to the region, to increase Armenia's assistance above the level proposed by the President, and look forward to action by the Senate - and later in conference committee - to bring this figure to at least last year's figure of $75 million," added Hamparian. On April 18th of this year, Representative George Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) sent a letter to the leadership of the Subcommittee, cosigned by 43 of their House colleagues, calling for an earmark of at least $75 million for Armenia; maintaining the President's request for equal levels of military aid for Armenia and Azerbaijan; an additional $5 million in direct aid to Mountainous Karabagh for fiscal year 2006, and; keeping in place the Section 907 restriction on aid to Azerbaijan. The names of the forty-five signatories are as follows: Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY), Thomas H. Allen (D-ME), Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Beccerra (D-CA), Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Michael E. Capuano (D-CA), Dennis A. Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers Jr. (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David Dreier (R-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Michael M. Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell E. Issa (R-CA), James R. Langevin (D-RI), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Clay E. Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), John Shimkus (R-IL), Mark E. Souder (R-IN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Diane E. Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Jerry Weller (R-IL). In making the case for increased levels of US assistance to Armenia, the ANCA has stressed the following points: 1) The impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades: The World Bank estimates that these blockades are costing Armenia $720 million a year. Despite US pressure, these blockades have remained in place for more than a decade. Armenia is making tremendous progress toward a modern, market-based democracy, but needs continued US help to offset the efforts of Turkey and Azerbaijan to strangle its economy by blockading its eastern and western borders. 2) The effectiveness of US foreign aid: US Ambassador John Evans, in the fall of 2004, stressed that, "Since arriving in Armenia, I have been deeply impressed by not only the breadth and depth of our assistance programs, but by their high quality and the exacting standards of the US Government staff and implementing partners who help design, execute and evaluate these activities." 3) Armenia's progress on economic and democratic reforms: According to the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia is the only former Soviet republic, which is rated "mostly free." In fact, Armenia is ranked 42nd overall and the closest former Soviet republic is the Ukraine, which is ranked 88th. Armenia is one of only 16 countries to have qualified for the Millennium Challenge Account and has already submitted its application. Armenia is clearly on the right path, and it needs United States assistance to continue on this path and withstand the devastating impact of the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades. 2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation on Thursday forwarded a Europe-wide public declaration, launched on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, to the heads of the 25 members States of the European Union gathered at the Brussels Summit June 16 and 17. Hundreds of European associations, organizations, and institutions have already signed the declaration, which calls on the European Council and the European Commission to establish, as a formal requirement within the negotiations framework for Turkey's potential membership in the European Union, the necessity that Turkey abide by resolutions adopted by the European Parliament since 2000 demanding its acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide. "While seeking to maintain the image of a state committed to accepting its responsibilities," wrote the Federation in a letter accompanying the declaration, "Turkey, in practice, continues to escalate its aggressive denial campaign and to pressure the European Union to avoid this issue altogether." In light of Turkey's stark hypocrisy, "only a clear and decisive approach on the part of the European Union will lead to any meaningful progress in this area," said Hilda Tchoboian, chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. "The European citizens represented in this declaration hold that the democratically expressed views of the people of Europe, as expressed European Parliament, must be reflected in the actual decision-making concerning Europe's future," concluded Tchoboian. 3) Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide BRUSSELSThe Armenian National Committee of FRANCE (CDCA-France), European Armenian Federation (EAFJD) and the Armenian National Committee (ANCA) launched a worldwide campaign this week protesting TIME-Europe~Rs recent decision to disseminate a DVD advertisement which grossly mischaracterizes the Armenian Genocide. The advertisement, paid for by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, is valued at $1 million. The DVD, with content available in seven languages, was packaged as part of TIME-Europe~Rs June 6 issue, which included Turkish denial of the Armenian genocide, under pretense of tourism advertisement. The magazine was distributed to 485,000 households and businesses. The European Armenian Federation, CDCA France and ANCA have urged people of good conscience around the world to send James Geary, Senior Editor at Time-Europe a free ANCA WebFax by visiting the EAFJD website:, or going directly to the following link: <; /mail/compose/?mailid=7722236. On Thursday, the European Armenian Federation requested a meeting with TIME-Europe publishers to discuss the issue. In the request letter, the European Armenian Federation noted that the dissemination of ~Sthis State propaganda is just as unacceptable as having relayed a pro-Nazi or pro-apartheid advertisement.~T The letter stressed, that ~Sgenocide denial has nothing to do with freedom of speech~T but is a ~Sharsh attack on human dignity.~T The Federation stated that that this act calls to ~Squestion both TIME~Rs credibility and the ethical principles which underlie its editorial line.~T 4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution ISTANBUL (AFP)--A German parliamentary resolution adopted Thursday to mark the killings of Armenians during World War is "ugly," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, while other Turkish officials warned the move could cloud bilateral ties. "I find it politically wrong and furthermore ugly that the German parliament sacrificed the issue without debate to petty [Armenian] lobbying," Erdogan told reporters here late Thursday on his return from a visit to Lebanon. He chided German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder--whom he said was against the resolution--for not pulling his weight before the vote to persuade his lawmakers to reject the motion. In a move that has angered Turkey, the Bundestag lower house on Thursday adopted a resolution commemorating the 1915-1917 massacres of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire, but stopped short of condemning it as genocide. ~SThe lower house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion of events in the then Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that academics and writers who want to look into this part of Turkish history are being prosecuted and defamed,~T the motion said. The resolution called on the German government "to help Turks and Armenians resolve their differences by reviewing, reconciling, and forgiving historical guilt." The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the time didn't act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of what was happening. The Turkish foreign ministry condemned the resolution and warned that the move could have repercussions on bilateral ties. The issue has taken on increased importance as some European politicians have pressed Turkey to address the Armenian genocide in what Ankara sees a politically-motivated campaign to impede its bid to become a member of the European Union. 5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators --Board of Regents to establish Endowment Fund for Educational Activities ENCINO--The Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools held its first Annual BanquetAwards night, on Friday, May 6, at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School's Avedissian Hall. More than 450 community members attended the banquet to support the Board of Regents' efforts in honoring individuals with extensive service to their local Prelacy schools, and to assist the Board of Regents in the establishment of an Endowment Fund to provide for additional educational activities. The success of the evening was largely due to the hard work of co-chairs Nova Hindoyan and Yeznik Kazanjian and the organizing committee, who--along with the Board of Regents members-- worked diligently to organize an evening full of excitement and appreciation. Hindoyan thanked the committee and the guests for their sincere support. The master of ceremonies for the evening, Patyl AposhianKasparian, presented the structure of Prelacy Armenian Schools and its activities. The program began after Father Razmig Khachadrian of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church performed the invocation. "Educational Reflections," the official publication of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, was distributed to the guests as they appreciated its attractive cover, rich content, and colorful pictures. Hovan Tashjian was extended sincere appreciation for his contributions to the publication's content and layout. Throughout the evening, several sections and articles from this publication were highlighted by various speakers, as the publication provided detailed information regarding the goals and activities of the Board of Regents and facts about the Prelacy Schools. The "Educational Reflections" will be published on a regular basis to inform the community about the forthcoming educational activities and goals of Prelacy Armenian Schools. Dr. Rubina Peroomian, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, conveyed the Board~Rs message as she thanked all the individuals and organizations who had dedicated their time and talent, over the years, to the educational and financial success of Prelacy Armenian Schools. Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the other Board of Regents' members joined Dr. Peroomian on stage in bestowing the prestigious awards. Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, were honored by the Board of Regents, for Tufenkian's continued support of the Tufenkian Preschool. Their generous donations in the past, and their most recent donation, have assisted in the establishment and expansion of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. The Tufenkians have adopted and shared the concerns and challenges that our schools face, thus, bringing their financial and moral support to the betterment of education of the Armenian children. Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, presented the biographies of the honorees and extended the Board of Regents' most sincere appreciation for the many years of service to their respective schools and communities. Each honoree was invited to the stage and received his/her award. Stepan Kabadaian was presented with the Board of Regents' "Oshagan Lifetime Achievement Award," for his dedicated services in establishing the Saint Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, and Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. Kabadaian received a standing ovation as he approached the podium to receive his award. The Board of Regents "Khatchadour Abovian Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and long-serving retired educators Marilyn Arshagouni of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Ohanessian, Rubina Pakradouni, and Khatoun Pakradouni of Armenian Mesrobian School; and Haigaz Terterian of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. The "Daniel Varoujan Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and long-serving current educators Garo Bedrossian and Alfred Mardoyan of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Essayan of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool; Garbis Shekerdemian and Dr. Hasmig Tashjian of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School; and Alvart Hounanian of Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool. The "Nareg Lifelong Service Award" was presented to Arpi Ananian, as one of the longest serving staff members at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian offered his blessings and words of appreciation and encouragement to the honorees, and to all those who participated in organizing this successful event. He encouraged community members to take part in the establishment of this worthwhile Endowment Fund in order for the Board of Regents to be able to provide much needed educational activities and staff development within the Prelacy Armenian Schools. Throughout the evening, contributions and pledges were made towards the establishment of the Endowment Fund and the evening culminated in a performance of creative arrangements of traditional Armenian music performed by vocalists Saro Koujakian and Gars Sherbetdjian, and guitarist Ara Dabandjian. The Board of Regents is accepting contributions to its Endowment Fund. Please contact (818) 500-0822 or email [email protected] to send your contribution or to receive the Board's official publication; the Educational Reflections. 6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar WATERTOWN, MA--Over 350 junior and senior members of the Armenian Youth Federation-Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region gathered in Prospect, Penn. from May 27-30, to attend the 34th annual National Junior Seminar. The theme for this year's event, ~SStepping in to the Future: A Journey through Armenia's Past,~T aimed at bridging Armenia's history and today's efforts of cultural preservation, Genocide recognition and reparations, and a deeper understanding of Western Armenian lands. Welcoming remarks were given by the 2005 Junior Seminar committee, and members of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and Central Junior Council were introduced. A slide show was presented by Greater Boston AYF chapter member Sossi Essajanian on the AYF Pan-American Seminar and the contributions of the eight AYF-YOARF delegates to the seminar. Central Executive member Aram Hovagimian showed a PowerPoint of his recent trip to Turkey, with comparative photographs from the region of sites before the Genocide and today. During the event, members attended lectures various topics including activism and Hai Tahd issues, genocide denial, and Armenia's independence and progress. Lecturers included Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western Region Board of Directors member Raffi Hamparian, who discussed the activities of the organization and each individual~Rs contribution to the cause; Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian, who presented a slide show of Armenian monuments and manuscripts; and Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who discussed the modern history of Artsakh. This year, the seminar also featured four lectures by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Rev. Father Anoushavan Tanielian, who discussed the challenges facing the Armenian Church and Christianity as part of Armenia's history. According to the Prelacy Crossroads E-Newsletter, the Archbishop noted that he was particularly impressed with the questions that were posed by the young participants, showing maturity and knowledge, he said. Addressing attendees this year was ARF Eastern Region Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan, who spoke to the older juniors and senior members about the ARF, its goals and work in the Eastern US and abroad. Oshagan answered many questions from the large group, ranging from his work as chairman to the structure of the organization. Evening entertainment was provided by singer Avo Ashjian from California, as well as Antranig Kzirian on oud, Aram Hovagimian on keyboard, Jimmy Kzirian on dumbeg and vocals, and on the final night, Armen Sevag on violin and vocals. The group energized junior and senior members alike by leading AYFers in singing patriotic songs, as well as popular Armenian songs. Various chapters also presented skits during a talent show with performances commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and remembering the founding of Armenia's first independent republic in 1918. Acts included a solemn skit depicting the many fedayees that fought in the battle of Sardarabad, as well as a moving presentation of Western Armenian villages and the total number of people lost in each. The following evening, the Central Junior Council announced the winners of its annual programs and contests. The first award given was for the Junior Page contest, where chapters submit articles for the Armenian Weekly newspaper's AYF Page. Taking first place was the Greater Boston chapter, followed by the Chicago and Providence chapters. The honor of Best Article was awarded to Sahag Zakarian, while a Camp Haiastan Campership was gifted to Araxi Karafian of the Greater Boston chapter. Finally, Outstanding Junior Member awards were given out to one person from each of the region's 18 chapters. In an attempt to link the past, present and future, members also filled a time capsules with letters and keepsakes from the weekend, to be opened by the committee in five years. "As a parent and as a lecturer, I was very impressed by how well Junior Seminar was run. Any event that can gather 60 percent of an organization's membership is astounding. In this age of video games and youth sports, it is to the great credit of the AYF that so many of its members are dedicated enough to travel hundreds of miles for an educational, as well as social, weekend," said lecturer George Aghjayan. "The whole weekend is energizing. I only wish the entire Armenian community could witness junior seminar, where our kids shine; intellectually, athletically and socially," he said. Junior members were also enthusiastic about the event. "I thought this year's seminar was a great success. The lectures covered a lot of topics including the AYF history, Armenian dynasties, and Armenian architecture. I especially liked the way the lecturers presented the information; by using PowerPoint, maps, videos, slide shows, and through group activities. It was also fun reuniting with of all of my Armenian friends. Nothing makes me happier than seeing over 300 people Armenian line-dancing; this is a way of keeping our Armenian culture alive," said Providence junior member Ani Anto Megerdichian. Since 1971, Junior Seminar has grown to become the largest AYF junior event with more than 350 junior participants from throughout the United States and Canada each Memorial Day weekend. The event is an opportunity for juniors to meet and take part in a thorough educational program, which consists of a set of eight lectures geared to the participants~R age groups to relay information and to encourage discussion and independent thinking. The seminar is supervised by a staff of more than 50 AYF senior members from various local chapters who accompany the junior participants to activities and supervise them throughout the weekend. 7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students GLENDALEThe Armenian Youth Federation on Friday announced the names of the seven recipients of the ~SNanor Krikorian~T Scholarship, after reviewing 30 prospective applicants. The AYF will provide a total of $3500 in scholarship funds to Maral DerSarkissian and Rubina Ghazarian of Crescenta Valley High School, Edgar Mkrtchian of La Canada High School, Shaunte Baboumian of Townsend Harris High School, Ara Thomassian of Alex Pilibos High School, Justine Karanian of Avon High School, Katie Kavorkian of Shepherd Hill Regional High School. Each of the seven scholarship recipients has not only displayed commendable academic achievements, but has also been actively involved in the Armenian community, displaying exemplary involvement in cultural, political, and community activities. According to scholarship coordinator Ani Garibyan, the goal is to encourage youth to be both academically successful and promote the interests of their community.~T We are proud of the recipients and know that they will undoubtedly serve Armenia generously in the future.~T Now in its third year, the Nanor Krikorian Scholarship has awarded 23 graduating high school seniors of Armenian descent a total of $9600. The scholarship is named after a young AYF activist, Nanor Krikorian, whose life was cut short by cancer. Those interested in contributing to the expansion of the scholarship can mail donations payable to AYF to 104 N. Belmont St. #206 Glendale, CA 91206. The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States serves Armenian American communities west of the Mississippi through education, athletics, political activism, cultural activities and social settings. To learn more about the AYF please log on to <; 8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award (LOS ANGELES)--The Independent Book Publishers Association awarded the Armenia travel guidebook, ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, as finalist in the category of best travel guide book published in 2004. The award, known in the industry as an ~SIPPY,~T recognizes independently published books in categories that include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Poetry, Art, Photography, and Travel Guide, among others. The winning Armenia guide book competed with more than 1,500 entries from the US, Canada, and 18 foreign countries. Bedros Safarian, a spokesman for Stone Garden Productions and the publisher of the Armenia book, said he was thrilled with the award. ~SAs far as I know, this is the first time an Armenia-themed book has received such an award,~T he said. The Armenia book shared its finalist status in the travel guide category with ~SMichelin Must Sees: New Orleans,~T which was published by Michelin Travel Publications. The overall winner in the travel category was a guide to the Grand Canyon, published by Destination Press. Jim Barnes, the Managing Editor for the Independent Publisher~Rs Association, praised all of the winning books for their quality and diversity. Independently published books such as the Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, he said, ~Sare changing the world, one book at a time.~T Complete award results are available at Sample pages from ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh~T can be viewed at The book is sold online at and at independent retail bookstores such as Abril Books and Sardarabad Books, both in Glendale. The authors, Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian, are currently working on other projects overseas and were not available for comment. The travel guide has been the best-selling English language book in Yerevan since its publication in September 2004. In the US last year, The Stone Garden Guide to Armenia was the best-selling independently published book about Armenia, based on reports from booksellers. 9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA LOS ANGELES--The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA/USA) organization will present ~SArmenian Architectural Heritage Endangered,~T from June 20 through July 31 at UCLA. With fifty images of twenty-five sites of historic architectural and cultural interest in the traditional Armenian homeland--now governed by the Republic of Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and the autonomous region of Nakhichevan in the Republic of Azerbaijan--the exhibit traces the background of the sites, including their construction and function, cultural significance, and issues of preservation to ensure that the sites can be appreciated and investigated by future generations. Co-sponsored by the UCLA College Library, and the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures Armenian Studies Program, the exhibit~Rs opening reception will take place on Monday, June 20, 8:00 p.m. at UCLA Powell Library Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda. Featured speakers include S. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Professor of Armenian Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Jora Manoucherian, Vice President of Research on Armenian Architecture, USA, as well as ethnic music and light refreshments. Admission is free. 10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings By Berdj Djamdjian Two members from the National Armenian Committee on Scouting (NACS), Berdj Djamdjian and Taleen Hindoyan representing Homenetmen~Rs Scouting Council, participated in the Boy Scouts of America National Committee meetings held in Grapevine, Texas, May 25-27. As the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) encourages all religions and cultures to participate and flourish. As members of BSA~Rs Religious Relationship Sub-Committee, a variety of topics were reviewed and discussed at the meetings including Literature Review, Philmont Training Center, High Adventure, Jamboree Services, Conferences/Seminars/Special Events, and Awards/Emblems. The NACS members discussed problem areas in management of Scouting activities, where ideas were exchanged. The members also visited the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas where they metMr. Joseph Csatari--the artist, illustrator, and art director of Boys' Life magazine who followed his predecessor Norman Rockwell, the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator. One of Homenetmen~Rs (Western US) religious programs which teaches the religious faith and experience of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the St. Mesrob Emblem program. Approved in 1988 by the Boy Scouts of America, and in conjunction with the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is among the official badges a Boy or Girl Scout of America can earn after fulfilling the program requirements. The program is managed by the National Armenian Committee on Scouting for Armenian boy and girl scouts that want to learn about the Armenian Apostolic Church history and faith. The sponsors of this program--the Armenian Apostolic Church of America Western Prelacy, Homenetmen Scouting of Western Region, and Boy Scouts of America--all believe in spiritual growth, Duty to God and Country. Homenetmen is an athletic and scouting organization with regions and chapters thought the world that provide athletic activities for youth to reach their highest goals, as well as a place to meet and express their faith, cultural and experience adventures in scouting. 11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer By Garen Yegparian I used to wonder if the rabid conservatives could really be as petty, miserly, and cowardly as they seemed. It just didn't seem humanly possible. But a recent passing interaction in the snack shop at work makes it seem more probable that there truly can exist human beings who are so small of spirit. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's what happened. As I was buying a muffin, I noticed the young employee had taped a small US flag to his shirt. When asked why it was on upside-down, he said it just happened that way. I remarked that he was likely to get hassled by some people over that inversion, whereupon another customer chimed in with something to the effect of the impropriety of inverting the flag. Then the same guy added, "He probably also voted for Kerry." Of course, I told him, I had too and we exchanged words. But it wasn't substantive, just accusatory, not much more than derogatory name calling. As I walked back to my desk, it struck me. This skinny, weaselly looking guy had been in the snack shop before me, seen the inverted flag, but was afraid to say anything until he thought he had an all--me--who would back him up. He hadn't the courage to speak up until he was part of a perceived majority, the typical approach of bullies and Turks everywhere. They're ferocious tigers when outnumbering or obviously better situated than their foes. But the minute their opponents show resistance, they run off like frightened, skittish kittens. This accounts for the policies and politics of the Bush regime's cabal of wannabe tyrants. Every heartless, ill-conceived, and societally destructive proposal emanating from these people has a small constituency of mean people who have been assembled by extraordinarily gifted organizers. All these small groups, from hate-spewers to the super-rich to the narrow-minded-religious-fanatics to the chest-thumping-war-mongers, would never have dared be as bold and brazen as they now are in advocating restoration and implementation of approaches, mindsets, and policies that demonstrated their ineffectiveness and abject failure in the 19th century! Let's work on providing the ego support these pathetic creatures need so they don't feel compelled to go about destroying everyone's quality of life. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

CALTHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS OFFERS PATRIARCHAL LITURGY AT ARMENIA
SAINT PAUL CHURCH IN FRESNO
YEREVAN, June 15. /ARKA/. Catholicos of All Armenian Garegin II has
offered a patriarchal liturgy at the Armenian Saint Paul Church in
Fresno, California, USA. The press service of the Holy Echmiadzin
reports that attending the liturgy was Leader of the Fresno Catholic
Church John Stainback. “We are praying for strengthening of Diaspora,”
Garegin II, blessing the Armenians present and calling on them to
remain faithful to the Armenian Church and Holy Echmiadzin. In his
sermon Garegin II addressed the problem of human and national
values. He stressed the importance of the creation of Armenian
alphabet, which strengthened the people’s faith in Christ and in the
Armenian Apostolic Church. Garegin II called on everybody to preserve
national values and “never forget the birthplace of [their] souls,
the Armenian Church and Homeland.” P.T. -0–