Author: Khondkarian Raffi

MINISTER OF DIASPORA AND REPRESENTATIVES OF HAMAZKAYIN ARMENIAN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY DISCUSS ISSUES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

NOYAN TAPAN
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
YEREVAN

During the September 22 meeting of RA Minister of Diaspora Ms. Hranush
Hakobian and the delegation headed by Chairperson of the Hamazkayin’s
Central Executive Board Mkrtich Mkrtchian, the participants discussed
issues related to the participation of the Hamazkayin Armenian
Educational and Cultural Society in the ministry’s projects, the
enhancement of efficiency of the activities of Armenian structures
in Diaspora communities and of Armenian embassies and consulates in
foreign states, the role of the Armenian state and the Diaspora in the
development of Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as the results of
the first Pan-Armenian Forum of Lawyers that finished its work the
day before.

Ms. Hakobian attached great importance to the foundation of the
All-Armenian Association of Lawyers at the forum with the participation
of more than 70 Diaspora Armenian experts from 20 countries, the
adoption of a statement, and the significance and diversity of the
subjects discussed. She pointed out such reports made at the forum
as the report of Argentinean Armenian lawyer Roberto Malkhsian on
the international recognition of the independence of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, and French Armenian lawyer Alexandre Aslanian’s
report discussing the opportunities of international cooperation of
advocates in order to prevent the arbitrariness of Turkish court at
the trial of the murder case of Hrant Dink considered the last victim
of the Armenian Genocide.

The minister said the Association has five groups which, within
the framework of the all-Armenian network of lawyers, will develop
proposals concerning Nagorno Karabakh, the international recognition
of the Armenian Genocide, the registration of Armenian property and
monuments abroad, and the improvement of the Armenian legislation.

At the request of the quests, Ms. Hakobian spoke about the programs of
possible cooperation between the Hamazkayin and the ministry, among
which is the forum "The State of Teaching Western Armenian in the
Diaspora" to be held in 2010. It is envisaged forming 5-6 regional
educational centers in the Diaspora and a group of scienists from
Armenia who will prepare a single textbook of Western Armenian. Out
of the programs implemented with the use of the Internet, Ms. Hakobian
indicated Hayern Aysor electronic newspaper of the Ministry of Diaspora
and the project on the all-Armenian portal and search system. It is
expected that in addition to its Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian,
English and Russian versions, the newspaper will soon have a French
version, later – also Spanish and Turkish ones. Besides, it is planned
to promote the opportunities of telecommunication among Diaspora
communities via the Internet and television channels of Armenia.

The minister considered it important to expand the network of Sunday
schools in communities and organize the change of the generation
of Armenologists. The Hamazkayin’s delegation stressed the need to
use spelling chekers for Western Armenian in the Internet. They also
attracted the minister’s attention to the necessity to have cultural
attaches at Armenian embassies abroad.

Ms. Hakobian reminded that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan plans
to personally present the prospects of developing Armenia-Turkey
relations during the upcoming visits to regional centers of the
Diaspora. According to her, the information flow expressing the
Republic of Armenia’s opinions about relations with neighbors will
grow. In her opinion, the notion "Armenian-Turkish relations" is much
more comprehensive than the scope of Armenia-Turkey relations.

"SUPPORT TO NATIONAL PROGRAM ON HIV/AIDS PREVENTION IN RA" GRANT WILL SUMMARIZE ITS 6-YEAR ACTIVITIES IN ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
23.09.2009 14:40 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On September 25, "Support to the National Program on
HIV/AIDS Prevention in RA" grant will summarize its 6-year activities
in Armenia and hand over coordination of activities to Principle
Recipients: RA Ministry of Health and "Mission East" International
Benevolent Organization.

Armenia was first awarded the grant in 2003. Total of $ 9 million was
provided to help strengthen Armenia’s national capacity to respond to
the HIV epidemic. During the first round of the grant, World Vision
Armenia coordinated 14 grants throughout Armenia.

"Handing over the responsibilities of the Principle Recipient was
carried out through a long process of handing over our experience
and skills in grant management. In future we are willing to support
the new Principle Recipients by sharing with them all the knowledge
we gained during the past six years", says Kamilla Petrosyan, World
Vision Armenia, "World Vision Armenia is grateful to its partners,
among them CCM and National Centre of AIDS Prevention that supported
the implementation of the program".

World Vision Armenia also assumed the responsibility for purchasing
Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV carriers. Currently 152 people
are receiving ARV treatment in Armenia.

The grant provided assistance to 29 HIV-positive pregnant women to
prevent mother-to-child transmission; only one HIV-positive child
was born as a result.

Eleven regional level blood testing laboratories were renovated and
equipped to provide high quality blood testing services and to ensure
all blood donors in the country are tested for HIV

WILL HE PROMOTE HIS CANDIDATURE?

w-lrahos15276.html
17:26:32 – 22/09/2009

Interview By Arman Galoyan

The central electoral commission deprived the NA parliamentary members,
the former political prisoners, the deputy head of the Yerkrapah Union
of Compatriots Myasnik Malkhasyan, the Chief of "Vogu pordzutyun"
NGO Hakob Hakobyan, the commander of Sasun battalion Sasun Mikaelyan
of their mandates. The ground for such a decision was the application
of the speaker of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan that the
court verdict on the parliamentarians entered in force. Though, let
us note that Myasnik Malkhasyan and Hakob Hakobyan were amnestied
and according to Myasnik Malkhasyan, he was illegally deprived of
his mandate. Myasnik Malkhasyan answers lragir.am questions.

What would you say in connection with the fact that you – the former
political prisoners, have been deprived of mandates? Was this decision
expectable for you?

Yes, of course. Nothing else maybe expected. We knew that the
government would make this step because just from the beginning
they had the aim not to let any free word and action at the National
Assembly. What happened is their regular illegality. Since we have been
arrested, illegalities are continuing. They point out the Article 67
of the Constitution according to which a parliamentarian’s credentials
are stopped if they are convicted. But nevertheless they did not have
the right to make this step because this Constitution norm implies
those who bear their punishment in detentions institutions. But we
were condemned to deprivation of freedom but were at once amnestied
and now we are free.

In this case, why did not you lay down the mandates but let them
deprive you?

I stated of being ready to lay down my mandate. We did not even go
to the National Assembly. But we did not lay them down on purpose
for the government to commit another illegality for us to be able to
dispute these illegalities in the European Court.

The NA parliamentary member Khachatur Sukiasyan laid down his mandate
stating that he had nothing to do in an unprincipled parliament.

His step was very right. I agree with his assessments. We may lay down
the mandate too, but they had already issued an illegal verdict on
us and we had already started our struggle through appeals. We did
not do it to appeal to the European Court. They do not understand
what they do. They did not pay our salaries since June. But I think
we will have success through our steps.

What are you going to do after all this? Will you stay in active
politics?

Do I need a parliamentary mandate to be engaged in politics? I think
life does not end only by the NA. I have been engaged in politics
since 1989-90. I have much to do. I have served my people and I will
continue doing it. I will always find work to do.

Extraordinary elections are expected in three electoral districts. Are
you possible to promote your candidature?

Most likely. I have not taken a final decision yet. I cannot answer
concretely now.

Will Hakob Hakobyan promote his one in your opinion?

I think it is a good idea if he promotes his candidature. I am sure
Hakob Hakobyan will surely promote it.

BRITISH EXPERT: I HAVE ALWAYS TREATED THE TERM OF ‘WINDOWS’ IN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT SKEPTICALLY

ArmInfo
2009-09-22 13:09:00

ArmInfo. "I have always treated the term of "windows" in the Karabakh
settlement skeptically", British expert, author of the "Black Garden"
book Thomas de Vaal told ArmInfo.

the expert said. However, he said, a new and influential factor in
the settlement appeared – a factor of Turkey. and diplomatic relations
between Yerevan and Ankara are recovered, the situation in the region
will essentially and positively change, however, I wonder that this
will happen without any stet forward in the Karabakh settlement,
T. de Vaal said.

According to him, the point is what step is Armenia ready for regarding
Karabakh: "Does the matter concern withdrawal of one or two regions
or anything more?".

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

September 21, 2009
___________________________________

HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF ARMENIA IN WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY, CELEBRATES 80TH
ANNIVERSARY

On Sunday, September 13, Holy Cross Church of Armenia marked the 80th
anniversary of its establishment in the uptown Washington Heights
neighborhood of New York City. The celebration coincided with the parish
name-day, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with assistance from
St. Nersess seminarians; their dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan; and
the Gomidas and Zvartnotz choirs.

"Over the centuries, we have borne Christ’s cross with faith, hope, and
love. What was once an instrument of torture and death, has become for us
the symbol of salvation, and victory over death," the Primate said.

Archbishop Barsamian added that Holy Cross Church has expressed the message
of the cross throughout its history.

"In profound ways, the Holy Cross Church symbolizes the entire story of our
people in America," he said. "This sanctuary has been a place of deep
sorrow, but also great rejoicing. It has known hardship, but has also become
a genuine place of pilgrimage for our people."

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian read the pontifical encyclical issued to the
church on the occasion of its anniversary.

"For eight decades this holy shrine has had its doors open to our faithful,
nourishing them with God’s word," His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, wrote in the encyclical. "Its 80
years of history attest to the strong faith and commitment of those who have
gathered in this house of worship for so many years."

A luncheon followed services. Program highlights included a musical
performance by Ani Kalayjian and Sophya Melikyan, and remarks by the Very
Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, who spoke about the church’s rich heritage and
the warm welcome it has extended to many deacons and young priests over the
years.

"May God inspire many more young people to come forward to serve our Holy
Cross Church as priests, as deacons, as choir members, as leaders in every
way," Fr. Findikyan said.

The parish also presented the "Mabel Fenner Scholarships" to five students
and eight St. Nersess seminarians.

Haik Hovnanian and family donated Sunday’s meal.

A Focal Point of the Armenian Community

Holy Cross Church opened its doors on January 6, 1929. The original building
– a small edifice on West 187th Street, formerly a Lutheran church – served
the congregation for 23 years.

In those years, the young parish faced its share of hardships, including the
financial burdens of the Great Depression and the aftermath of the 1933
murder of then-Primate Archbishop Ghevont Tourian, who was stabbed to death
during a procession to the altar.

But despite setbacks, the community persevered, establishing vibrant
Armenian and Sunday Schools, a renowned choir, a Women’s Guild, and other
organizations.

By the 1950s, the parish had outgrown its facilities, and leaders began to
make plans for building a new church. That dream was realized on October 17,
1954, when Archbishop Mampre Calfayan, Primate, consecrated the church
building still in use today. The community also enjoyed a new parish house,
complete with a church office, classrooms, and living quarters for the
parish priest.

"Armenians would travel from Long Island, from New Jersey, from upstate New
York – all to come to this parish," said Leo Manuelian, 80th anniversary
committee member and a former Holy Cross Church parishioner. "It was the
focal point of the Armenian community in New York City."

In 1960, Holy Cross Church welcomed His Holiness Vasken I, who became the
first Armenian Catholicos to visit the United States. His Holiness
celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross in July of that year – making it
the only church in America where he celebrated badarak during his visit.

During that decade, many parishioners at Holy Cross were involved in the
building of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. They also welcomed former
Primate, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, who moved into the parish house and
offered his guidance and support to the community.

Through the 1970s, the parish marked a number of milestones, including the
100th birthday of longtime parishioner and benefactor Haik Kavookjian, and
the parish’s golden anniversary in 1979, when the auditorium was dedicated
in honor of Simon and Lusaper Kachajian.

Even as many parishioners moved to the suburbs, they continued to visit Holy
Cross Church regularly. In fact, it was their experience at Holy Cross
Church that gave root to the new parishes established in Long Island and
Westchester, N.Y., and New Jersey – parishes which today comprise the
Armenian community of the New York-metro area. These newly-built churches
"benefited from the expertise of the parish councils that matured and
developed through" Holy Cross Church, Mr. Manuelian said.

In 1986, Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, then-Patriarch of Constantinople,
visited Holy Cross Church to consecrate the icon of Charkapan Soorp
Asdvadzadzin – a reproduction of a 15th-century icon located in Istanbul,
Turkey. The shrine of Charkapan Soorp Asdvadzadzin remains an important site
at Holy Cross Church.

In 1995, thanks to the generosity of Dolores Zohrab Liebeman, a fund was
established for Holy Cross Church, making it possible for the church to
continue its mission of spreading Christ’s message.

"Every Sunday, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, we pray together, and then
we come together and enjoy fellowship and being part of one another’s
lives," said parish council chair Charlene Simonian. "That’s a big part of
the mission here at Holy Cross Church – to provide that sense of community
for all Armenians."

###

Photos attached.

Photo 1: The faithful father for services at the original Holy Cross Church
of Armenia sanctuary, which was established in 1929.

Photo 2: The icon of Charkapan Soorp Asdvadzadzin at Holy Cross Church of
Armenia.

Photo 3: Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian reads the pontifical encyclical issued
to Holy Cross Church on the occasion of its 80th anniversary.

Photo 4: The "Blessing of the Fields" service at Holy Cross Church of
Armenia. The church marked its 80th anniversary on the Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Photo 5: The present-day building of the Holy Cross Church of Armenia.

Photo 6: Parish Council chair Charlene Simonian and Virginia Carbone cut the
anniversary cake at Holy Cross Church of Armenia. The cake was donated by
Virginia Carbone.

Photo 7: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian blesses the congregation during the
Divine Liturgy celebrated at Holy Cross Church on Sunday, September 13.

Photo 8: The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and seminarians of St. Nersess
Seminary assisted Archbishop Khajag Barsamian in the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on Sunday, September 13.

Photo 9: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, and
altar servers process to the altar at Holy Cross Church of Armenia on
Sunday, September 13.

Photo 10: Altar servers raise up the cross during a procession to the altar
at Holy Cross Church of Armenia on Sunday, September 13.

EGOYAN DENOUNCES TIFF TEL AVIV PROTEST

Screendaily.com
nto-news/egoyan-denounces-tiff-tel-aviv-protest/50 05880.article
Sept 18 2009

Film-maker Atom Egoyan has weighed in on the Toronto International Film
Festival’s (TIFF) Tel Aviv sidebar dispute claiming the protestors
have failed to substantiate their charge that the Israeli government
interfered with TIFF’s programming.

Led by Toronto-based film-maker John Greysonl, the so-called Toronto
Declaration accuses TIFF of allowing itself to be co-opted by the
state of Israel by programming its City To City sidebar on Tel Aviv
and to take the spotlight off the Israel/Palestine situation. TIFF
has strongly rejected the charge.

Egoyan said any controversy and discussion "should come from the films
and the film-makers. Questions of national history and identity must
be presented and discussed."

He has direct experience of similar controversy: he and his film
Ararat were impugned by Turkish nationalists for its representation
of the Armenian genocide.

"I have watched in dismay as many of my colleagues have signed this
open letter," Egoyan wrote.

Egoyan questioned if the Declaration’s signatories, who include
British film-maker Ken Loach and writer Naomi Klein, are aware of
the numerous Arab and Palestinian films programmed at TIFF 2009. It
should be noted one of the more prominent signatories, Jane Fonda,
has since reversed her decision.

In a statement posted on TIFF’s website yesterday, TIFF co-directors
Piers Handling and Cameron Bailey noted that the original Declaration
had not called for a boycott of TIFF. Regardless, one feature film,
Heliopolis by Kuwaiti director Ahmad Abdalla, was withdrawn as a
direct result. They wrote: "It is unfortunate that the producers have
decided to take this action, independent of the original disagreement
that sparked the Declaration."

RUSSIA HAILS ALL STEPS PROMOTING PEACE AND SECURITY IN REGION: AMBASSADOR

Today.Az
tics/55713.html
Sept 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Russia welcomes all steps that promote peace and security in the
region, Russia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin told
reporters.

The ambassador was commenting on Moscow’s attitude towards the
Armenian-Turkish political consultations.

"Moscow believes this is the business of the two countries and they
have a right to define their relations. We welcome the steps that
promote peace and stability in the region and we hope that this
convergence will lead to strengthening the security in the region,"
Dorokhin said.

On Aug. 31, Turkey and Armenia in the talks mediated by Switzerland
reached an agreement to launch "internal political consultations"
to sign the Protocol on Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and
Protocol on Development of Bilateral Relations, the Turkish Foreign
Ministry reported.

Political consultations will be completed within six weeks, and
following that two protocols will be signed and submitted to the two
countries’ parliaments for approval.

GUNAY: CULTURE MINISTRY READY TO BACK DEMOCRATIC INITIATIVE

Today’s Zaman
Sept 19 2009
Turkey

The culture and tourism minister told reporters Friday that the
ministry has been working to support the democratic initiative,
recently launched by the government aiming to reach a final resolution
to Turkey’s Kurdish question, by taking steps in the areas of music,
literature and theater.

"We are pursuing a determined policy to heal all kinds of pain,"
said Ertugrul Gunay, explaining the recent plan of the Culture and
Tourism Ministry to support the government’s Kurdish initiative. He
noted that officials from the ministry have launched research on
traditions in the eastern and southeastern provinces of Turkey.

Gunay also pledged that they are preparing to publish a Kurdish
book next year titled "Mem u Zin" by Ahmet Hani in Turkish and
Kurdish. Stating that the ministry had started to prepare the
publication of "Mem u Zin" before the government launched the
democratic initiative, he said they will kick off a restoration
project for the tomb of the book’s author.

The minister also stated that the ministry is showing their support
for the initiative by encouraging the singing of turku, Turkish folk
songs, in Kurdish and the staging of Kurdish plays in state-sponsored
theaters. "We have taken some steps in Van to stage a Kurdish
play. Yet, there are some technical problems and legal procedures
for Kurdish plays to be performed in state-sponsored theaters," added
Gunay. Recalling his statements during his visit to the southeastern
province of Hakkari, he underlined that "Kurdish songs are also the
wealth of this country, and they should be placed in state archives."

Gunay said his ministry is conducting studies to edit cultural works,
and he also stated that his ministry transferred publications to a
state archive, when he was asked by reporters whether the ministry
had carried out a project to collect Kurdish literature. He also
touched upon the recent reconciliation attempts with Armenia and said
if the grievances of the Azeri people are solved, Turkey is ready to
establish relations with Armenia.

Gunay complained that Armenians are not interested in cooperation
with Turkey in the restoration of historical places such as the Ani
ruins in eastern Anatolia.

BRIUSOV’S MEDAL AWARDED TO HEAD OF VTB BANK (ARMENIA) FOR CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN CULTURAL TIES

/ARKA/
September 16, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, September 16. /ARKA/. Medal named after Valery Briusov
has been awarded to the Chairman of Directors Board of VTB Bank
(Armenia) Valery Ovsiannikov for his contribution to development of
Russian-Armenian cultural and humanitarian links.

Days of Russian literature – 2009 were held in Yerevan and a number
of Armenian cities on September 9-15 under auspices of the country’s
president Serzh Sargsyan. Bank VTB (Armenia) was the main sponsor of
the event.

"Few things may come out without sponsors today. We express gratitude
for the opportunity to hold Days of Russian literature in Armenia,"
counsellor of Russian Embassy in Armenia Victor Krivopuskov said at
the official closing ceremony.

Ovsiannikov, in his turn, thanked the organizers for the honor.

"I hope we will go on making you happy with help of the Russian art,"
Ovsiannikov said to the Armenian audience.

Briusov medals were also awarded to Honored Artist of Russia Viacheslav
Spesivtsev, President of ALM Holding Tigran Karapetyan, Editor-in-Chief
of "Yunost" magazine Valery Dudarev and journalist Yekaterina Sajneva.

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR ENERGY: NO TALKS ABOUT ARMENIA’S INVOLVEMENT IN NABUCCO PROJECT ARE CONDUCTED

Azerbaijan Business Center
Sept 15 2009
Baku

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Armenia’s plans to accede to gas pipeline project
Nabucco will hardly be realized.

Today in Baku European commissioner for energy Andris Piebalgs has
stated that no talks about Armenia’s participation in the project
are being conducted.

"I am aware quite well of the course of this project realization,"
Mr. Pielbalgs said.

Armenia has recently expressed a hope that when settling relationships
with Turkey in 2009 Nabucco gas pipeline can change its route and
run through Armenia by-passing Georgia.