Author: Khondkarian Raffi

A1 Plus | 13:58:33 | 22-04-2004 | Politics |
CANADIAN PARLIAMENT RECOGNIZED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Canadian Parliament passes historic recognition of the Armenian Genocide by
a massive margin of 153 to 68.
Motion M-380 seconded by Sarkis Assadourian, M.P. Brampton Centre won the
resounding approval of the House of Commons.
The successful motion called on the House of Commons to acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 and condemn this act as crime against humanity.

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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Country with a Conscience, Canada Passes Armenian Genocide Legislation 2) Sen. Kerry Calls for International Recognition of Armenian Genocide 3) European Armenian Federation Hails Canada 4) Turkey Chides Canada over Armenia Genocide Vote 1) Country with a Conscience, Canada Overwhelmingly Passes Armenian Genocide Legislation OTTAWA (Combined Sources)--The Canadian Parliament on Wednesday ignored long-standing government policy and angered Turkey by formally declaring that Ottoman Turks committed genocide against Armenians in 1915. The non-partisan vote was 153 for and 68 against. When the result of the vote was announced, the House of Commons chamber, packed with Armenians from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and other Canadian cities, burst in applause, shouting “bravo.” Tears of joy could be seen in the eyes of many Armenians. Motion M-380, which reads: “That this House acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity,” was moved by MP Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral and was seconded by MPs Sarkis Assadourian, Jason Kenney, and Alexa McDonough. Voting, which began at 6:15 PM, lasted 30 minutes. The governing Liberal leadership paved the way for this vote by allowing a “free vote,” meaning that individual members are allowed to vote their conscience, without any pressure or negative repercussions from their respective party leaderships. Although Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham used every means available to him to defeat the Motion, he was unable to change the historic outcome. In the vote, several leading members of the Liberal Party, including parliamentary secretaries, voted in favor; however, no full cabinet minister voted against. Aris Babikian, of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, pointed out that several key cabinet ministers, including Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and even Prime Minister Paul Martin, were absent for the vote. “It’s a terrible double standard for Paul Martin to force his ministers to vote against it and not even show up himself,” said Tory foreign affairs critic Stockwell Day. “That is a hypocritical double standard.” At a celebration party after Tuesday’s vote, Babikian said he owed this victory to his grandfather who “lost six brothers and sisters in the genocide” and “saw his own six-year-old sister burned to death." On February 21, the Parliament held its first reading of Bill M-380, which included an hour of debate on the measure. Among those speaking in favor of the Resolution during the first reading were Derek Lee, Eleni Bakopnaos, Francine Lalonde, Stockwell Day, and the Hon. Lorne Nystrom. The second reading of M-380, to recognize the Armenian Genocide, took place on April 20. During the one-hour debate, only one member of the House spoke against the motion. The other seven speakers were favored of the motion. In the last two days, the Turkish Embassy and its public relations firms had launched a concerted campaign against the adoption of the bill. A delegation from the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) was on hand to counter the Turkish Embassy’s campaign of falsification and distortion of the historical facts. An ANCC team has been in the nation’s capital for the past several weeks representing the community’s views on this matter. The passing of this resolution was the culmination of a 25 year process which encompassed similar resolutions being passed by city councils, provinces, and the Canadian Senate (July 13, 2002). Dr. Girair Basmadjian, president of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), was elated by the result of the vote. “As an Armenian, I was moved and felt grateful for the respect that was shown by the Canadian Parliament to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. As a Canadian, I am proud that the House of Commons adopted this historic motion.” “This is a victory for truth and justice.” stated Dr. Basmadjian. “Implicated in this course of action for over two decades, the ANCC has constituted the driving force behind the process towards the adoption of this motion,” commented Basmadjian. “The accomplishment of this task was made possible through the mobilization, as well as the implication of our grass roots members who made sure that all Members of Parliament were aware of the importance of this issue for our community.” The ANCC was actively involved in promoting the passing of the motion. For the last six months, the ANCC worked very closely with parliamentarians and foreign affairs critics of all the political parties represented in the House. ANC of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian also lauded Canada’s lawmakers. "The Canadian Parliament, in rejecting intense Turkish government pressure, took an important step in further isolating Turkey for its shameful, international campaign of genocide denial." The ANCC mailed a specially-prepared brief to all members of the House. The ANCC also mobilized the Canadian-Armenian community to counter the Turkish Government’s propaganda campaign through e-mails, postcards and telephone calls to parliamentarians. Canada, a NATO ally, now joins a long list of nations including France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Russia which have recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. 2) Sen. Kerry Calls for International Recognition of Armenian Genocide DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL OUTLINES STRONG HISTORY OF SUPPORT FOR ARMENIAN AMERICAN CONCERNS IN APRIL 24TH STATEMENT SENATOR'S RECORD ON ARMENIAN ISSUES DETAILED ON WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Democratic Presidential hopeful, Sen. John Kerry, called for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide today, in a statement issued to Armenian Americans marking the 89th anniversary of that crime against humanity. An outspoken advocate of US recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Senator Kerry stated, "I join Armenian Americans and Armenians worldwide in mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide and I call on governments and people everywhere to formally recognize this tragedy. Only by learning from this dark period of history and working to prevent future genocides can we truly honor the memories of those Armenians who suffered so unjustly." Earlier this week, Senator Kerry joined 22 of his Senate colleagues calling on President Bush to "refer to the mass slaughter of Armenians as genocide in your commemorative statement." He was amongst the earliest cosponsors of the Genocide resolution (S.Res.164), which marks the 15th anniversary of the US implementation of the Genocide Convention. "With this most recent statement honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide, Sen. Kerry builds on his two decade long record of support for proper US recognition of this crime against humanity," stated Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) "This election season, we look forward to ensuring that our community is fully aware of the Senator's record on the Armenian Genocide and all issues of concern to Armenian American voters." In the statement, Sen. Kerry outlined his longstanding support for a broad range of Armenian American concerns. "In 1992, I authored an amendment to the Freedom Support Act making US aid to Azerbaijan conditional on it taking steps to end its blockades against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. I supported the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in 1996, which prohibits US assistance to any country that restricts the delivery of US humanitarian aid to another country. In 2003, I cosponsored legislation to extend "permanent normal trade relations" (PNTR) to Armenia. This January, I joined Senators Barbara Boxer, George Allen, Paul Sarbanes, Russ Feingold, and Jon Corzine in asking the President to urge Turkey to lift its embargo of Armenia." Senator Kerry's complete record on Armenian American concerns is posted on the Armenians For Kerry website-- The website includes previous statements by the Senator and provides ways for Armenian American supporters to become active in the Kerry campaign through donations or other volunteer efforts. The complete text of Sen. Kerry's statement follows. Statement by Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry In Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide: "April 24th marks the 89th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. Between 1915 and 1923 the rulers of the old Ottoman Empire killed or deported over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children in a systematic policy of ethnic extermination." "I thank Armenian Americans for their persistence in the struggle to gain international recognition of this atrocity. By keeping the memory of this tragedy alive, Armenian Americans remind us all of our collective responsibility to insure that such horrors are not repeated. "I am proud of my work with the Armenian American community to gain broader recognition of the Armenian Genocide, including fighting alongside Senator Robert Dole in 1990 for designation of April 24 as a national day of remembrance for this tragedy." "I have been an unwavering supporter of many other important Armenian issues. In 1992, I authored an amendment to the Freedom Support Act making US aid to Azerbaijan conditional on it taking steps to end its blockades against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. I supported the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in 1996 which prohibits US assistance to any country that restricts the delivery of US humanitarian aid to another country. In 2003, I cosponsored legislation to extend "permanent normal trade relations" (PNTR) to Armenia. This January, I joined Senators Barbara Boxer, George Allen, Paul Sarbanes, Russ Feingold, and Jon Corzine in asking the President to urge Turkey to lift its embargo of Armenia." "I join Armenian Americans and Armenians worldwide in mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide and I call on governments and people everywhere to formally recognize this tragedy. Only by learning from this dark period of history and working to prevent future genocides can we truly honor the memories of those Armenians who suffered so unjustly." 3) European Armenian Federation Hails Canada BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation applauded Canada’s passage of Armenian Genocide legislation on Wednesday, congratulating those organizations and individuals who doggedly pursued official recognition, as well as parliament members who backed the motion, ensuring its passage by a vote of 153 to 58. "In restoring truth, Canada also restores justice and paves the only possible way to a frank and fair reconciliation. That's why we ask the European Union to demand without delay Turkey to acknowledge and to give reparation for the Armenian Genocide before examining its application for membership," said the director of the European Armenian Federation Laurent Leylekian. 4) Turkey Chides Canada over Armenia Genocide Vote ANKARA (Reuters)--Turkey on Thursday condemned the Canadian parliament's decision to recognize the 1915 killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces as genocide and warned of damage to bilateral ties. "We strongly condemn the approval by Canada's Federal Parliament of this decision which follows (the pressure of) marginal groups despite our objections," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This decision will benefit neither Canadian Armenians nor Armenia. Responsibility for all the negative consequences of this decision belongs to the Canadian politicians," it added. The ministry did not say what these consequences might be, but Fazli Corman, the Turkish embassy councilor in Ottawa, earlier cited the example of Canadian companies seeking to sign contracts in Turkey. Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham said the motion would not alter Ottawa's official policy, that while the events of 1915 were a tragedy, they did not constitute genocide. Canada's embassy in Ankara issued a statement calling for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians. It also urged their governments to deal with the issue of the alleged genocide and to work for greater stability in their "volatile region." Turkey's Foreign Ministry accused "narrow-minded Canadian politicians" of fomenting ethnic and religious hatred between "people of different ethnic backgrounds who live in peace." Earlier this week, Turkey also criticized a reference to the alleged genocide on an Armenian monument unveiled in Poland. The word "slandered" the Turkish nation, the Foreign Ministry said, and hurt Turkey's historically warm ties with Poland. Parliaments in Russia, France and Switzerland, have also adopted motions describing the events of 1915 as genocide. Turkey froze official visits to France and temporarily blocked French firms from entering lucrative defense contracts in 2001 after the French parliament backed the Armenian case. France is home to Europe's biggest Armenian Diaspora. The US Congress dropped a similar resolution in 2000 after the White House warned it would harm US security interests in the Middle East. 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) 2004 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.

PRESS RELEASE
Department of Armenian Studies, Haigazian University
Beirut, Lebanon
Contact: Ara Sanjian
Tel: 961-1-353011
Email: [email protected]
Web:
HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ARMENIAN STUDIES
invites to a lecture on
The Armenian Genocide and the Comparative Dimension of Denial
(in English)
by
Henry C. Theriault
(Worcester State College)
Friday, April 30, 2004 – 7:30 p.m.
Haigazian University Auditorium – Kantari, Beirut
N.B. Please accept this message as a personal invitation.
Henry C. Theriault has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of
Massachusetts. He serves as Assistant Professor of philosophy at
Worcester State College (Massachusetts, USA), where he also coordinates
the College’s Center for the Study of Human Rights. His research focuses
on genocide nationalism, and the philosophy of history, with particular
emphasis on issues of genocide denial. His publications include
‘Universal Social Theory and the Denial of Genocide: Norman Itzkowitz
Revisited’ in Journal of Genocide Research (June 2001) and ‘Free Speech
and Denial: The Case of the Armenian Genocide’ in Richard G. Hovannisian
(ed.), Looking Backward, Moving Forward: Confronting the Armenian
Genocide (2003). This, Henry C. Theriault’s first lecture tour in
Lebanon, was initiated by the Lebanese-Armenian Heritage Club of the
American University of Beirut.
Haigazian University is a liberal arts institution of higher learning,
established in Beirut in 1955. For more information about its activities
you are welcome to visit its web-site at <; . For additional information on the activities of its Department of Armenian Studies, contact Ara Sanjian at

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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Opposition Rally in Yerevan 2) Minister Quits After Son's Arrest 3) Announcement 4) Congresswoman Napolitano to Speak at April 23 Genocide Vigil-Rally 5) Prelate's Easter Message 6) Primate's Easter Message: 1) Opposition Rally in Yerevan YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan/RFE/RL)--The April 9 rally organized by the Artarutyun alliance and the National Unity Party, calling for Armenia's president Robert Kocharian to step down or a referendum on his legitimacy, began with a one-hour delay and ended without major incident. Reported attendance at the rally varied, with police estimates at 6,500; Noyan Tapan estimated that 25,000-30,000 people were present, while Radio Liberty put the number at 10,000. Witnesses, meanwhile, told Asbarez that 10,000, at most, people were present. Rally organizers decided against marching towards Kocharian's official residence. Hundreds of riot police and interior troops backed by water cannons were on standby near the street leading to the presidential palace. While there was no visible police presence, opposition sources said at least eight demonstrators were arrested by plainclothes police immediately after the rally. The head of the Yerevan central Kentron district police department Hovannes Tamamian, confirmed that "several" opposition supporters were arrested at Freedom Square and would be charged with administrative offenses. Midway through the rally, almost half of the participants disbanded. More than a hundred people remained at the square late in the evening, singing songs and listening to folk music. 2) Minister Quits After Son's Arrest YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Urban Development Minister Ara Aramian stepped down on Friday following the arrest of his son accused of involvement in a high-profile gunfight in a Yerevan café earlier this month. "Given the artificial uproar [over the incident] that could damage the reputation of the country's leadership, my party, and me, I find it ethical to resign," he told RFE/RL. Aramian denied that the decision was taken under pressure from his Orinats Yerkir Party, which has been coping with the political fallout from the shooting. The party's leader, parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian, promised to announce plans to replace him on Wednesday. The arrest of 24-year-old Hayk Aramian was announced by prosecutors on Monday. He was charged with an attempted murder and illegal arms possession. Aramian was among at least five men wounded in the apparent settling of score. His father effectively denied the charges. "My son never carried weapons, drank, or smoked in his life. He has always been a benchmark for his friends," he said. According to media reports, relatives of other senior government officials also took part in the gunfight, which broke out while the presidents of Armenia and Georgia dined at a next-door jazz club. 3) Announcement April 24 Commemorations We would like to inform the public that the following events have been organized in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide: Public Gathering at Montebello Monument Saturday, April 25, 1 PM Keynote speaker from Armenia, National Assembly member Levon Mkrtchian by special invitation Program will begin with a requiem service. Transportation will be provided from various locations (please see ad on page 10 of Asbarez Armenian section). Rally Against Denial April 23 at 8 PM Homenetmen Ararat Center 3347 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA Demonstration at Turkish Consulate Saturday, April 24, 4 PM 4801 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Wilshire & June), Los Angeles, CA Let us participate in vast numbers to convey our protests effectively and with might. Armenian Genocide 89th Anniversary Commemorative Committee 4) Congresswoman Napolitano to Speak at April 23 Genocide Vigil-Rally MONTEBELLO--Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) will be one of the special guest speakers at the Genocide Remembrance Vigil/Rally on the evening of April 23, announced the Armenian National Committee San Gabriel Valley spokesperson. Napolitano, who represents the 38th District, is a strong advocate of Armenian American issues on Capitol Hill. Organized by the ANC, this year's Genocide Remembrance Vigil/Rally will be start at 8:00 p.m., on Friday, April 23, at the Armenian Martyrs Monuments in Biknell Park, Montebello. The official program will begin at 8:30 p.m.; it will include video presentation and speeches. Along with Congresswoman Napolitano, guest speakers will include other local and state dignitaries. The event will conclude with the traditional vigil and prayer. 5) Prelate's Easter Message Today Angels descending from heaven the give tidings of great joy to mankind: "He who was crucified is risen and has resurrected you with Him." Let us then renew our lives with renewal as a new people today through the Resurrection of Christ. (from the Patrum Chant of Easter Morning) Being obedient to the Will of His Father, the Son of God stretched His immaculate arms upon the Cross, thereby perfectly fulfilling His earthly mission. He was buried in a new tomb, and then rose from the dead on the third day as the immortal and heavenly groom. By His death He trampled upon Death, and He granted new life to all those who believed in Him, and who followed His Way, His Truth, and His Life. With the glorious Resurrection our Lord Jesus Christ completed the mission of the revelation of God, and as the Lamb of God, He took away the sin of the world. Behold once again the supreme meaning of our Faith and the foundation of its victory are celebrated with the joyous tidings of the Resurrection which fill our hearts and enkindle our souls with new breath. "Today Angels descending from Heaven give tidings of great joy to mankind: He who was crucified is risen and has resurrected you with Him." Such encouraging words! Such a hopeful testimony! Such inspiring good tidings! The Apostle Paul, the famous preacher of the Resurrection, conveys to us the great message with the same inspiration and emphasis: "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1) The Oil-bearing Women who discovered the empty tomb early on the first day of the week and told the Disciples were indeed the first witnesses of the Resurrection. They saw the risen Lord, they received His peaceful greeting, and as He commanded them, they went out to the entire world, baptized all who believed, preached salvation, and by giving testimony of the hope of the Resurrection, turned the eyes and attention of the faithful to the glorious Second Coming of the Lord. From the earliest days following the Pentecost, the lives of our people have been miraculously transformed through the miracle of the Resurrection because our fathers and mothers not only understood the mystery of the Resurrection but in fact effected the very mystery of renewal in the life of the Armenian nation. Today, more than ever, the Feast of the Resurrection invites us to accept the responsibility of renewal by abiding in the way of truth. Dear faithful, As children of the Armenian nation and as members of the same Church, let us go forth in the spirit of the message of the Holy Resurrection, remembering the words of the Apostle Paul: "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection: knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." (Romans 6:5-6) Our Lord Jesus Christ comforted His disciples, saying: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) With these same words of encouragement, as children of God and children of the Armenian nation, let us strive to overcome our own tribulations, weaknesses, and doubts. Let us flee from all those conditions and lifestyles which obscure and indeed which thwart the manifestation of the risen Lord in our life. Let us be mindful of the message of Apostle Paul not to follow in the ways of those who choose not to be obedient to God, and enhanced with the spirit of the Resurrection in our personal, family, national, and church lives, let us "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:9-10). Dear faithful, Let us comprehend the mystery of the Resurrection according to the encyclical of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, by which he has declared 2004 to be the "Year of the Armenian Family." Let us renew and restore our family life by strengthening our Apostolic Faith, by rediscovering our traditions and customs, and by reconnecting the youth of the community with our ancestral virtues. May the presence of the resurrected Saviour within every Armenian family bestow a new life therein and transform us into a family of Paradise so that our attention and focus may be directed heavenward. By the Resurrection of Christ may every Armenian family be cleansed of transgressions, and being rejuvenated, and every Armenian family resume the Way to Truth and Eternal Life. Renewed by the message of the glorious and holy Resurrection, we convey our love and Easter Greetings and Blessings to the Reverend Clergy, the Central Executive, the parishes and parochial institutions, educational and cultural organizations, charitable foundations, and all of the faithful who serve and are served within the Prelacy. We pray that our Lord who renews all may grace us likewise, and through His Resurrection may He grant newness of life in Armenia, in Artsakh, and throughout the Diaspora. Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ! Prayerfully yours, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian Prelate, Western United States 6) Primate's Easter Message: "To me, living is Christ and dying is gain" (Philippians 1:21) Inspired and enriched by the mystery of the Holy Resurrection of Christ the words of St. Paul are as powerful as a prayer. The same words not only come as powerful prayer echoing in our hearts, but as a way of life, because we realize the truth that "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Eph. 5:2) The mystery of the Holy Resurrection of Christ becomes the essence of our spiritual life only when the old person in us is reborn and we fearlessly inaugurate the new man, " to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph. 4:22-25) The entire spiritual journey of Lent leas us to the glorious mystery of the Resurrection of Christ, which ushered in for mankind a new life and the Christian believer discovered within himself the divine power that enables one to constantly renew his life to the extent that he feels in his soul the miracle of the new life. Dear faithful, with a joyous heart we send you our Easter Message and call upon all of you to rededicate you lives to Christ, to enter the depths of the mystery of the Holy Resurrection through the most noble life of prayer, and to discover in your souls the divine grace which makes it possible for us to renew our God-given lives. Undoubtedly each one of us needs the power of regeneration. Life may often be influenced by the manifold temptations of the world, but when a life is established on the cornerstone of the life-giving Resurrection of Christ it can repel the perils that it encounters every day. The glorious Resurrection of Christ opens before us the dawn of a new life. The Giver of life opens before us a new way in Christ, the Son of God, so that through the sacrifice of His life becomes the spiritual light of a new life for the entire human race. Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! The foundation of our Christian faith is the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Without the Resurrection of Christ Christianity would become for us a set of moral principles for life and a guiding doctrine. But Christianity is life itself, the source of salvation, because it is anchored in the personal sacrifice of Christ. Christianity is the movement from the mind to the heart that is dawned first in our own thoughts and then becomes the moving energy of our entire being. It is not possible to explain in words alone our faith in the Holy Resurrection. The Resurrection of Christ is ever spreading force that is kneaded in our essence and separates us from the foreign thoughts that have no root in God. In the words of St. Nerses the Graceful we subject our souls entirely to God and we take refuge in His power. "To you I surrender my soul. You provide and satisfy the needs of my soul and body." Dear faithful, the resurrection of Christ casts the roots of new life also in our Holy Church when we awaken in us the vision of a new Church, a revitalized Church. The Armenian Apostolic Church has reached such a critical moment when the mission of our Holy Church must echo the new circumstances of life. And to revitalize the Church means to lead the very same Church to a spiritual rebirth in the mystery of the Resurrection. To revitalize does not mean to reject the traditions that have reached us through the centuries, but to connect the people to those traditions, and to reunite as one reality the Church and the people who are drawing apart from one another. For when the Church does not reflect our life today she remains merely a concept, a lifeless doctrine. We are living in times when Christianity remains disconnected to man, when one turns to other sources to satisfy one's spiritual thirst, sources that provide only temporary satisfaction to one's spiritual needs. Today this is the reality in Armenia and in the Diaspora. The reality is no different for the faithful of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. In order to satisfy their spiritual thirst children of our Church leave the Mother Church and lead their lives on the paths of uncertainty. The situation dictates that we stay in our home and rejuvenate, renew and enrich the traditions of the Armenian Church that have reached us through the centuries. The Church is not a reality detached from us, and it is necessary to make the active life the very aim and purpose of the Church through visible actions. Anything else would suggest weakness, which we reject. The glorious Holy Resurrection of Christ today is an invitation to all the children of the Armenian Apostolic Church without exception to return home. The mystery of the glorious Resurrection of Christ becomes real when through Holy Etchmiadzin a new unity is established in our community, a unity whose strength will enable us to see more brightly the eternal truths. Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Easter 2004 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) 2004 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.

THE BLOWHARDS OF BRUSSELS
NYPost

April 10, 2004 — Belgium, which apparently has decided that it was
meant to be the world’s moral compass, has pronounced a new judgment:
The worst genocide in recorded history, declare the Belgians, is
America’s treatment of its indigenous people. American Indians, that
is.
But please don’t take this as a criticism of the United States, they
add.
A display at the nation’s Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Brussels
– meant to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan horrors –
contains a panel listing the tragic history of genocide.
The Nazi Holocaust is there.
So are the killing fields of Cambodia and the massacre of Armenians
during World War I.
But worst of them all, says the official display, came in North
America at the hands of European settlers and immigrants.
And not just in the past, either – according to the display, said
genocide began in 1492 with the arrival of Christopher Columbus and
“continues to this day.”
The Belgian defense ministry defended the display, claiming it was
based on the work of “noted scholars.”
But it’s a curiously selective listing.
For one thing, there’s no mention of the millions of Russians who died
under Josef Stalin’s murderous rule. Nothing about the gulags or the
forced starvation of Ukrainians.
And, wouldn’t you know, there’s not a word in the display about the
reign of terror perpetrated in the Congo for decades by its onetime
occupying power – a place called Belgium.
Of course, the notion that genocide is being waged now on this
continent is taken seriously only by Ramsey Clark and his ilk – and in
faculty lounges from Cambridge, Mass., to Berkeley, Calif.
Equally ludicrous – and increasingly treated as fact in those same
spots – is the notion that Columbus, and the many Europeans who
followed him to the New World, were genocidal maniacs who decimated
the native population.
Of course, had Europeans somehow never managed to discover the
Americas, those same gentle indigenous folk would likely have come
under the control of empires like the Aztecs and the Incas – societies
in which ritual torture, enslavement of women and infant sacrifice
were central.
In today’s politically correct world, though, any society – no matter
how cruel – is considered preferable to a capitalist democracy.
Rather than lecture the rest of the world on moral niceties, the
Belgians should stick to a topic they truly understand.
Like waffles.

ZAMAN Online
04.08.2004 Thursday
French Left Seeks Armenian Condition
The French Socialist Party favors Turkey’s membership in the European
Union (EU) in general, but suggested on Wednesday that Turkey should
solve the Armenian issue in order to persuade the French public.
Socialist Party Foreign Affairs Secretary-General, Pierre Moscovici,
spoke about Turkey in a Paris meeting where he said that their Turkish
policy has not changed and that they want negotiations to start if
Turkey fulfills the Copenhagen criteria. However Moscovici, underlining
that the French public should be persuaded, defined three main problems
facing Turkey: securing secularism, the army’s role in politics and the
so-called Armenian genocide issue.
The French politician said that they are entertaining an idea by Turkish
Ambassador to Paris, Uluc Ozulker, to establish an independent
investigation committee into the Armenian genocide allegations.
A.A.’s false report creates a stir
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister, Michel Barnier, said that there is
no change in France’s policy on Turkey’s E.U. membership and said they
will wait for the European Council’s decision. Barnier, answering
questions at the parliament, said that the doors were opened to Turkey
in 1963 but said Turkey has not yet fulfilled all the requirements. The
French Minister’s words were misunderstood by Anadolu News Agency
(A.A.), and falsely reported to be, “we will refuse Turkey’s
membership,” causing quite a stir that reached many web site headlines.
04.08.2004
A. Ihsan Aydin
Paris

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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Body Calls for Dialogue, Outlines Proposal to Defuse Crisis 2) Opposition Rejects ARF Call for Negotiations, Seeks Regime Change 1) ARF Body Calls for Dialogue, Outlines Proposal to Defuse Crisis YEREVAN (YERKIR)As political tension sharply escalated in Yerevan between the government and the opposition, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's Supreme Body of Armenia issued a statement during a news conference on Monday. The following is the full text of that ARF statement. The internal political tension in the Republic is approaching the brink of outright confrontation. Further escalation may result in destabilizing the country, undermining the authority and credibility of the state, and impeding the normal process of the country's development. Public resentment stemming from socioeconomic problems is being politically exploited with the aim of bringing about a political crisis to attain a swift change of power. The tactic of creating political instability and an environment of intolerance leads to unacceptable internal political relations. At the core of the current political tension lies, on the one hand, the opposition's intolerance and extremism and its modus operandi of rejecting the legitimacy of the authorities, which leads to political disobedienceand, on the other hand, the [authorities'] failure to secure the full participation of the opposition in resolving the issues that are critical to the development of the country. The real reasons for the current discontent are the persistent, grim social conditions and the low level of efficiency in resolving those critical issues. The ARF fully recognizes and acknowledges the extent of its share of responsibility in this matter. Today we confront the imperative of preventing that potential confrontation, and the best means of doing so is to reach a political agreement. An awareness of the need to jointly tackle the critical issues vital to the welfare of the people, and a willingness to do so, must form the basis of that agreement. The possibility of reaching that agreement can be ensured only if there is the willingness to reach a commonality of goals, guarantee the resolution of critical issues and obtain the opposition's active participation in those efforts, and to meet each other halfway. Taking into account the complexity of internal political relations and the degree of mutual exclusion among the various positions, we propose a possible mechanism for reaching an agreement. It is necessary to initiate dialogue regarding the prospect of reaching an agreement, but each side must refrain from issuing demands that are a priori inadmissible and unacceptable to the other side. It is necessary to abstain from dividing society into allies and enemies, and to avoid taking actions that risk bringing about clashes. Dialogue in accordance with the following principles might be productive: Armenia's Constitution and laws should form the legal basis of the dialogue; the actions of the sides should fall strictly within the limits of the law and constitutional order. In this process, both sides should moderate their views. The dialogue must not bring about winners and losers: either we shall all win, ensuring the rapid and stable development of the country, or we shall all lose, reaping the devastating consequences of confrontation and civil conflict. The objective of ensuring real and guaranteed reforms in the life of the country and its people might form the substance of the agreement, which would include the following priority issues: The formation of an electoral system that entirely meets international standards Constitutional reforms that strengthen democratic mechanisms A comprehensive fight against corruption, the shadow economy, and the system of clans Ensuring the proper level of opposition involvement is an important guarantee of the agreement's effectual implementation. That may mean including the opposition in the Security Council and the fight against corruption, delineating possibilities of adopting the constitutional and electoral reforms through consensus, and resorting to various other options and solutions, depending on the extent of the agreement. Efficient use of the present moment is necessary for achieving voluntary mutual concessions. Otherwise, full responsibility for any clashes that occur will fall squarely on the shoulders of those who allowed to slip away an opportune occasion for reaching agreement. Subsequent developments will, in any event, compel the political forces to make involuntary concessions, with all their attendant consequences. The political coalition should be the guarantor of, and responsible for, the establishment of dialogue and agreement. The ARF resolutely rejects any action that might thrust the country into unpredictable external or internal consequences, thus condemning the people to an uncertain future; it steadfastly stands for the upholding of the legal and constitutional order; and it is prepared to back all constructive initiatives aimed at achieving guaranteed political reforms and civil accord. 2) Opposition Rejects ARF Call for Negotiations, Seeks Regime Change YEREVAN (Armenpress/RFE/RL)Armenia's two main opposition groups announced Monday that their long-anticipated joint campaign to topple President Robert Kocharian will get underway this Friday. The leader of the Artarutyun (Justice) bloc Stepan Demirchian, and the leader of the National Unity Party Artashes Geghamian, together vowed to join forces and "restore constitutional order in Armenia." They issued a declaration urging opposition supporters to take to the streets of Yerevan, calling for the removal of President Kocharian. Both Demirchian and Geghamian told reporters on Monday that starting April 9 they will launch "mass protest actions," to ensure the "departure of the illegitimate regime," and rejected a call on Monday by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation to engage in dialogue to diffuse the tension. Demirchian said that a referendum of confidence in President Kocharian is the only pre-condition for engaging in dialogue. The two leaders refused to disclose details of the planned protests, saying that they want to keep the authorities guessing about their tactics. It thus remained unclear whether Friday's rally will be an ordinary one or will continue "day and night" as was promised by some Artarutyun leaders. Nor is it known how the opposition will respond if the authorities block the city's main square and the street leading to Kocharian's official residence. The Office of Prosecutor-General confirmed on Monday reports that Suren Sureniants of the Hanrabedutyun party, a leading Artarutyun force, was detained the previous night in connection with an official criminal investigation into the ongoing opposition rallies held across the country. Officials there said that no charges have been brought against him yet. Demirchian claimed that not only had Sureniants been arrested, but also the head of the opposition Nor Jhamanak party Aram Karapetyan, who a few hours later, said that he, in fact, had not been apprehended, but that a cousin and a leader of his party Samvel Khatchatrian had. The prosecutors claim that the opposition protests, launched by Artarutyun and the National Unity Party in February, are accompanied by calls for a "violent overthrow" of the ruling regime and offensive language directed at senior government officials. 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) 2004 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.

The Daily Star, Lebanon
April 5 2004
Tearing down Lebanese stereotypes of the ‘Armenian ghetto’
Special to The Daily Star
By Houry Mayissian
The discussion revolved around elections in Lebanon. Although the
title of the course was “International Communication,” our professor
never stuck by the book, always trying to stir up discussions on a
broad range of issues relevant to the course. I don’t exactly
remember what point he was trying to make, but he certainly made a
point for me. Turning to one of the students he asked: “Who doesn’t
have the right to vote in Lebanon?” The student looked confused for a
second and then, not so sure of herself, “Armenians?” she said. The
answer the professor was looking for was of course “citizens under
21.”
At first I thought her answer was just funny; insulting to a certain
extent, but also funny, because the young lady was a university
student and particularly a journalism student. Then, it struck me. Is
it possible that we’ve been citizens of this country for almost a
century now and yet people know so little about us?
Well, it seems that it is possible. The Lebanese not only know so
little about their fellow Armenian citizens living here, but also the
things they know are solely based on stereotypes. Two main
stereotypes particularly revolve around the Armenians living in
Lebanon: Armenians don’t know how to speak Arabic and the Armenians
live in a ghetto in Bourj Hammoud.
These are the two lenses through which the Armenians are most often
viewed. They are often blamed for living too close with each other,
holding each other too tight. They are even made fun of, supposedly,
because they don’t know how to speak Arabic well or have a funny
accent. While I do acknowledge that there are some elements of truth
in these images, it must be said that they are overly exaggerated and
often insulting.
It is true that most elderly Armenians don’t know Arabic well.
It would be much wiser, however, to try to understand the reason
behind it, rather than use it as a means to mock Armenians. Most of
these Armenians constitute the first generation born after the
survivors of the Armenian genocide of 1915 hit the region. Most of
these survivors were orphans when they got here; poor, with no money,
clothes, home or family. Gradually, they started building – building
houses, schools, churches, cultural organizations, gathering places,
sports’ groups, and newspapers: In other words, building a home. The
Armenian community came to be settled mostly in two major areas,
Bourj Hammoud and Anjar, which are to this day mostly inhabited by
Armenians. In these two areas the Armenians established tightly held
communities, in which the coming generation grew up surrounded by
everything that is Armenian. The kids went to Armenian schools, the
youth gathered in clubs, the neighbor was an Armenian family, the
shopkeeper was Armenian.
Taking into consideration the Armenian genocide, the loss of family,
friends and home which had a psychological
impact on these survivors, it wouldn’t be surprising that they held
so tightly to each other, helped each other out and stood by each
other. Their fear of a foreign land, foreign people and foreign
language made them stick to each other and to the community. They
seldom went outside of its borders. Perhaps, they didn’t even need
to.
This is the reason behind the elder Armenians not knowing Arabic
well. This is how the tightness of the Armenian community should be
interpreted instead of being classified as a ghetto.
The younger Armenian generations are past the problem of not knowing
Arabic well. Despite that, the stereotype, sadly, still prevails.
Even as a university student, I’ve had people asking me if I can read
or write Arabic!
Perhaps the media in Lebanon are to a certain degree responsible for
this image, or to be more accurate, responsible for not changing this
image. I remember that a few years ago a certain TV station had a
special talk show on the occasion of the Armenian genocide. The
featured guests were from the Armenian community. The show started
with a discussion about the historical causes of the Armenian
genocide, and its impact. Later, however, the host somehow segued
into asking questions about the “Armenian ghetto.” About why
Armenians allegedly preferred to shop from Armenians and a couple of
other outrageous questions. I, as an Armenian, was deeply offended to
hear a program supposedly dedicated to the Armenian genocide and
meant to be a gesture of compassion or support towards the Armenian
citizens of Lebanon, which was turned into an interrogation about the
so-called ghetto. It was not only rude, but also insulting.
I believe that as long serving and faithful citizens of this country
we deserve more respectful treatment from our fellow citizens.
Houry Mayissian is a journalism student at the Lebanese American
University
;article_ID=1601&categ_id=14

Armenian prosecutor opens criminal case against opposition
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
31 Mar 04
[Presenter] The Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office has issued an
official report saying that from February 2004 activists of the
Justice bloc and their supporters have been organizing illegal rallies
and meetings in various regions of the republic and communities of the
capital, where the representatives of the authorities have been
insulted and calls have been made to throw out the state’s leadership
by force and change the constitutional system.
Such calls were voiced during rallies in the Shengavit, Nor-Nork,
Avan, Achapnyak and Davidashen communities in Yerevan and in the
regions of Nor Achin, Egvard, Nor Gekhi, Garni, Abovyan, Razdan,
Azatavan, Verin Artashat, Aygezard and Alaverdi. The rally in the town
of Gyumri was accompanied by outrage and disorder, violence against
citizens who did not share their views and disobedience to the
employees of the law-enforcement bodies, who were also injured.
The Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office initiated a criminal case on
30 March 2004 under Article 318 of the Armenian Criminal Code,
publicly insulting an official, and Article 301, public calls to
change the authorities and constitutional system by force. The
investigation department of the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office’s
is carrying out the investigation.

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
March 30, 2004
SCHOOLS IN MARTAKERT RESTORED
During the war of Artsakh, in Martakert which became the target of
enemy bombs the school buildings were also damaged greatly. As a
result of the temporary retreat of the Defence Army some of the school
buildings were either ruined or turned into barracks. After the
liberation of Martakert and signing of the cease-fire serious and
consistent efforts were required to restore the damaged and ruined
schools. In this reference in 1994-1995 the operation of the schools
number 1 and 2 needing capital reconstruction and furniture was a
heroic step. And despite the great number of problems the both schools
in the academic year 1994-1995 opened their doors for the pupils. The
school number 1 of the regional center of Martakert bearing the name
of azatamartik Vladimir Balayan on September 1, 1994 could admit 300
pupils; before the war 1600 pupils attended this school and 160
teachers worked there. According to Lydia Petrossian, the director of
the school since 1994, repair works of the school started in 2000. In
about 2 years the French charity “Mission Childhood” repaired the
building of the school. In September of 1994 the number of the pupils
was 204; at the end of the year the number of pupils increased to
300. As a result of move of the families of military officers and
outflow of the population in 1994-2004 the number of the pupils
dropped from 420 to 378. Today 47 teachers work in this school. The
school has 2 male teachers, there is need for more men
teachers. Before the war the school had a Russian department. Since
1995 the Russian department has had 7 classes, and in the academic
year 2003-2004 it will give its last graduates. The school N1 of the
regional center is sponsored by Armenian benefactor, the chairman of
the Toronto body of the All-Armenian Foundation “Hayastan” Mkrtich
Mkrtichian. He provided 6 computers to the school and promised to
furnish the computer study room. According to the director of the
school, one of the primary problems of the school is the Internet
connection. “As a personal donation M. Mkrtichian provided a car to
the school, and I am sure in case of applying to him with any urgent
problem we will not be refused help,” mentioned L. Petrossian,
emphasizing that the teachers of the school are interested in solving
the numerous problems of the school, be it problems with the socially
insecure pupils or organizational matters. The school regularly holds
cultural and sport events. In February of this year the school
celebrated the anniversary of azatamartik Vladimir Balayan. Here at
school there is a museum devoted to the memory of the azatamartiks
killed during the war in Artsakh. The school has a gallery, where
recently the pupils of the school have exhibited their works; part of
these works were bought by foreign benefactors. Lydia Petrossian said
this year 28 pupils of Martakert, of them sixteen from this school,
took part in the republic competitions in school subjects and achieved
considerable success. The school number 2 after Vardan Minassian in
the regional center Martakert, according to director Rafael
Petrossian, has 190 pupils and 20 teachers. The school was repaired by
the international organization “Catholic Aid Service”. Due to several
French charities computer study rooms were opened here with 8
computers. And the All-Armenian Foundation “Hayastan” provided the
school with furniture. According to Rafael Petrossian, on December 3
he met with the NKR minister of education, culture and sport Armen
Sarghissian and discussed the question of providing the school with
Internet. “I know that the government has an agreement with “Karabakh
Telecom” to provide the schools of the republic with free Internet
connection. We applied to the minister and he promised to help,
however, the solution of the problem is postponed for unknown
reasons,” mentioned the minister. Among the unsolved problems are
those of opening specialized laboratories and providing them with
necessary equipment (the school N1 has the same problem). The school
lacks teachers of English, singing and music. The only teacher of
English works in the other school too, and work overloading, according
to the director, may negatively affect the quality of her
work. According to Rafael Petrossian, the anticipations from the
reforms in the system of education are not many, whereas new and fresh
way of thinking lacks. According to him, retraining of teachers,
which was one of the best traditions of the Soviet years, is of urgent
need today. Nevertheless, despite many problems yet unsolved, the
school does not deviate from its mission. The teachers and pupils
organize different cultural and sport events, the pupils take part in
different competitions in school subjects. In other words, the school
lives with a lively routine.
NVARD OHANJANIAN