Author: Maghakian Mike

A1plus

| 13:33:51 | 27-05-2005 | Official |

FROM HAGUE TO LUXEMBURG

In Hague the delegation with NA President Arthur Baghdasaryan at the head
has had meetings with the organization prohibiting chemical weapon. Armenia
is one of the countries which have ratified the convention prohibiting
chemical weapons. Head of the organization Rogelio Pfirter found the role of
the Parliamentarians extremely important in taking the challenges if the
time mentioning that they can not only create laws but also follow their
realization.

RA NA President Arthur Baghdasaryan represented Mr. Pfirter the developments
in Armenia in the combat with chemical and biological weapons. During the
meeting an agreement was reached to organize in Yerevan a forum with the
theme of prohibiting chemical weapon.

On May 26 In the Netherlands Royal University the EU «New Neighbors» program
was discussed. NA President Arthur Baghdasaryan represented in every detail
all the reforms in Armenia and the Armenian point of view about the regional
problems. Also, an agreement was reached to establish close cooperation
between the Armenian and Dutch higher educational institutions.

At the same day the delegation with RA NA President Arthur Baghdasaryan at
the head left for Luxemburg.

Turkish parliament speaker urges U.S. not to declare 20th century
killings as genocide

AP Worldstream
May 26, 2005

The speaker of Turkey’s parliament, Bulent Arinc, said Thursday that
the U.S. Congress should avoid allowing political considerations
affect historical judgments _ implicitly urging lawmakers not to
recognize the World War I-era killings of Armenians as genocide.

“We find it wrong that the U.S. Congress should be forced into a
position of passing judgment on historical issues,” Arinc said in a
speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a
Washington think tank.

Armenia accuses Turkey of genocide in the killings of up to 1.5
million of its people between 1915 and 1923 as part of a campaign to
force them out of eastern Turkey. Turkey denies this.

Several countries have declared the killings a genocide and there have
been calls from Armenians worldwide for the U.S. Congress to do the
same.

Arinc said it was important to oppose “such narrow-minded attempts.”
He said Turkey is ready to establish an independent commission to
investigate the killings.

Arinc offered a generally upbeat view of U.S.-Turkey relations. “What
unites us is far more pronounced than what may divide us,” he said.

A!plus

| 16:51:39 | 24-05-2005 | Social |

MAYOR OF YEREVAN `REVEALED’ COMMERCIAL SECRET

50 Ukrainian buses were put into operation in Yerevan today. Alleging
commercial secret head of the transport department Tigran Ghazaryan
refrained from naming the organization, which paid $26000 for the buses.

However Mayor of Yerevan Yervand Zakharyan revealed the secret. Bus CJSC
received the credit from the Intergovernmental bank subordinated to the city
administration. The interests of the bank were left in the frames of the
`commercial secret’.

Today Yervand Zakharyan stated that till the end of the year the number of
buses will make 200 and in future 50 more buses and 12 trolley-buses will be
imported.

The new buses can convey 45 sitting passengers and the fair will make 100
drams. The buses will follow 6 new routes.

A1plus

| 17:29:56 | 24-05-2005 | Politics |

ARMENIANS OF JAVAKHETIA UNDERSTAND

Today the Council of the public organizations of Samtskhe-Javakhetia
discussed the withdrawal of the Russian military bases from Akhalkalaki.

`The population of Javakhetia should get the understanding of the fact that
took place, since the decision depends on the position on the Russian and
Georgian authorities. It is true that the Russian military base solved
certain economic problems and was a guarantor of physical security but the
resident of Javakhetia should not perceive the withdrawal as a tragedy. Even
of the Georgian authorities fail to provide security of the Javakheti
population, the people can rely on the international community and
international laws’, the conclusion of the council was, A-info reported.

To remind, the negotiations on the terms of the withdrawal are coming to an
end in Tbilisi. The talks are conducted by Ambassador with special
commission of the RF Foreign Ministry Igor Savolsky and Georgia Deputy
Foreign Minister Merab Antadze. The Russian party proposes to withdraw the
troops during 2008 while Georgia insists that the bases should be withdrawn
till January 1, 2008.

Hürriyetim
23.05.2005
War of words before conference on Armenians has even begun
,,sid~381@nvid~580682,00.asp
Profes sor Ilber Ortayli (left) and Murat Belge

Sefa Kaplan
A conference to be held between May 25-27 at Bosphorus University is
sparking arguments before it has even started. The conference, organized by
the Bosphorus, Bilgi, and Sabanci Universities, is entitled “Ottoman
Armenians During the Collapse of the Empire: Scholarly Responsibility and
Problems with Democracy,” and is expected to attract wide participation.
The sharpest criticism so far of the conference has come from Professor
Ilber Ortayli of Galatasaray University, who has said:

The same old team of people

“The people invited are the same ones who are always invited. There is no
way the issues can be argued healthily.” Ortayli went on, “Maybe they
couldn’t invite Professor Yusuf Halacoglu (embattled Turkish professor
recently accused by a Swiss prosecutor of violating Swiss law by denying the
Armenian genocide), by they should have invited retired diplomat Gunduz
Aktan for his knowledge of law….In this country, there is democracy,
everyone can do what they want. Everyone can account for their actions. My
views on this matter are clear.”

Professor Yusuf Halacoglu also had criticisms for the upcoming conference:
“They have invited people who will echo the views of the Armenian side. Why
haven’t they invited me? If they see me as representing the official view on
the matter, they must be defending the diaspora view of things.”

Professor Berktay of Sabanci University: No need for Halacoglu to
“re-enlighten” us

In answer to much of the criticism, Professor Halil Berktay of Sabanci
University had this to say: “The official response of the Turkish government
on this matter has practically been memorized. Conferences on the Armenian
question have been organized for years in this country. All of them have
been one sided; historians that criticized freely were never invited. There
is no need for Professor Halacoglu to “re-enlighten” us on his views.”

Retired diplomat Elekdag: Goal of conference is to stain Turkey

Retired diplomat and Republican People’s (CHP) Party MP Sukru Elekdag had
these strong words for the conference organizers: “There is a desire to
broadcast Armenian propoganda. No one was invited to speak about history in
an objective and honest way. It is very sad that a meeting whose objective
is to stain Turkey is being held at Bosphorus University.”

A1plus

| 14:18:38 | 23-05-2005 | Social |

LET’S SHOW OUR POWER WITH DANCE

`The round dance will not be in the same place. It is our symbol, our eagle
which will be like a fire ring when shot from above. Dancing holding each
other’s pinkies will have no power, we must stretch like a string to have
power’, said Vanoush Khanamiryan, President of the Dance Union, about the
Round Dance around Aragats on May 28. Vanoush Khanamiryan was the guest of
the club `Pakagits’.

Vanoush Khanamiryan was angry by the fact that the Round Dance will not have
a name. Besides, by the request of Aghvan Hovsepyan, the heads of the 50
dance groups have gathered and created the music for the dance with Ara
Gevorgyan. They have collected a number of Armenian songs (Dance of Sasoun,
Berd), which was later altered by the heads of the Round Dance. In this
connection Mr. Khanamiryan said, `Well, we are Armenians, we are all
Generals, there are no soldiers.’

In spite of this, Vanoush Khanamiryan will take part in the dance together
with 6000 dancers, wearing Armenian national dresses, and he will show his
dance, which he also showed today with the participants of the press
conference.

CIS AND BALTICS PRESS REVIEW ON RUSSIA

[parts omitted]

RIA Novosti, Russia
May 20 2005

ARMENIA

The statement of former Russian FSB colonel Alexander Litvinenko
that the shooting of the Armenian parliament on October 27, 1999 was
organized by Russian special services received a powerful reaction.
“Armenia’s National Security Council rule out the possibility that the
October 27 [incident] was organized by Russian special services… The
investigation and trial that received close attention did not reveal
even a hint at that.” (Aiots Ashkhar, May 11.) “The Russian citizen’s
[Litvinenko’s] statement is very serious and, of course, cannot be
ignored.” (Aravot, May 11.)

The media cite Western analysts who forecast Russia’s geopolitical
defeat due to the US policy in the CIS member states. “Russia is
being ousted from the post-Soviet states. The Kremlin itself, via
President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov, has stated that the
CIS has failed as an integration structure and it is no more than a
presidential club for friendly meetings and discussions of topical
and less topical issues over a cup of coffee, as was the case at the
latest summit of some CIS leaders during the celebrations devoted
to the 60th anniversary of the World War II’s end in Europe.” (Golos
Armenii, May 17.)

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 20, 2005

Contact: Armen Carapetian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA BECOMES NEXT MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES

— ANCA-endorsed candidate wins landslide victory

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles City Council Member Antonio Villaraigosa
scored a decisive victory in the May 17 run-off election for Los
Angeles Mayor, running against incumbent Mayor Jim Hahn. This was the
second time the two have faced off with the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA) having endorsed Villaraigosa both during the previous
election in 2001 and this election cycle. This victory makes Antonio
Villaraigosa the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872 and
also positions him to be a political force in national politics.

Villaraigosa rode a wave of voter discontent with Mayor Hahn and his
administration and was able to build a substantially broader coalition
of support this time, especially among the city’s different ethnic
communities, including the Armenian American community. This fact,
coupled with voters’ desire for a fresh direction for the city,
resulted in a major voter swing in Villaraigosa’s favor.

Commenting on the strong relationship Villaraigosa has with the
Armenian American community, Steven J. Dadaian, Chairman of the ANC
Western Region, stated, “Antonio’s relationship with our community is
based on years of being a leading advocate in supporting justice for
the Armenian Genocide, promoting genocide curricula in our schools,
strengthening economic ties with Armenia, and increasing the inclusion
of Armenian Americans in public service. We congratulate him on his
election as Mayor of the nation’s second largest and most dynamic
city and look forward to his leadership in making our goals a reality.”

The ANCA conducted a major voter awareness campaign for the election
and Villaraigosa’s candidacy which included television interviews,
producing a TV commercial targeted at the Armenian American community
that aired on many Armenian cable stations, print advertising,
and providing volunteers to do Armenian voter outreach throughout
the campaign.

“As we have seen in both the Glendale city elections and now the Los
Angeles Mayor’s election, there is a growing electoral shift occurring
in Los Angeles that is creating new opportunities for political leaders
of different ethnic backgrounds,” said Zanku Armenian, ANCA Liaison
to the Villaraigosa campaign. “Recognizing the need for more dynamic
and diverse leadership in City Hall, the ANCA endorsed Villaraigosa
and deployed substantial resources to get out the Armenian American
vote in support of his candidacy. As with his past positions, we felt
Antonio Villaraigosa would prove to be a mayor who will work closely
with the Armenian American community, ensuring we play a vital role
in city government,” added Armenian.

Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa will be sworn into office on July 1.

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

Editor’s note: Photos attached. Photo 1 caption: From left to right –
Zanku Armenian, Antonio Villaraigosa and Vicken Sonentz-Papazian. Photo
2 caption: Antonio Villaraigosa with Steven Dadaian.

#####

MUSICAL COMPETITION AFTER SPENDIARYAN

A1plus
| 14:19:24 | 18-05-2005 | Culture |

On May 19-30 in the Musical school after Spendiaryan a republican
musical competition will be held in connection with the 75th
anniversary of the school. The opening and the closing will take
place in the National Academic Theater after Sundukyan. The festival
will have 450 participants. They will represent piano, brass bands,
string instruments, vocals, folk instruments, etc.

The jury will consist of 3 people. The reason, according to the
headmaster of the school, us that “Juries are usually meant to frighten
the children. Bu we mean to encourage them”. There will be no winners
or losers; everyone will be given diplomas of participation.

Why Are We So Anxious About Armenia?

Turkish Press
Published: 5/19/2005

BY ISMET BERKAN

RADIKAL- There has been a great revival in Turkey’s initiatives
concerning Armenia with recent efforts from both Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Foreign Ministry. The reason for this
revival isn’t developments in Armenia or on the international stage,
but Ankara’s initiatives. Actually, Turkish-Armenian relations are
the same as they were, for example, five years ago. In other words,
at that time both Armenia and other countries under its influence
wanted Turkey to open its border with Armenia, and today the same
thing holds. At that time, Turkey said the reason for the closed
border came from the Nagorno-Karabagh issue and Armenia’s invasion
of Azerbaijani territories; it’s saying the same thing today.

Armenian President Robert Kocharian has been emphasizing the
so-called Armenian genocide since the day he took the office. Former
Armenian President Levon Ter Petrosyan talked about the same thing
as well. The word ‘genocide’ makes the relations of two countries
more difficult. Indeed, since Kocharian became president, Turkey’s
embargo on Armenia has grown harsher. The Armenian people are
suffering under this embargo and there are great economic problems
in this small country. Besides, Kocharian’s uncompromising stance
has brought the country to a serious economic collapse, because the
population is fleeing the country. Turkey used to only watch this
situation. However, recently Turkey started to seek dialogue with
Armenia, maybe in order to impress European Union member countries,
or due to other reasons. In the past, Armenia was pursuing Turkey,
but now there’s an impression that the situation is just the opposite
due to the ignorance and carelessness of certain columnist in the
Turkish press. However, there’s nothing new in this confusion. The
key for Turkish-Armenian relations is the Nagorno-Karabagh issue
and Armenia’s occupation of one-fifth of Azerbaijan’s territory. If
the occupation ends and Armenia and Azerbaijan reach an agreement,
this situation would relieve Turkish-Armenian relations as well. At
least, both countries would be able to talk about their bilateral
relations. The issue of the so-called genocide is a political matter
not only between Turkey and Armenia, but also between Turkey and the
Armenian diaspora living in the West. If one day Turkish-Armenian
relations were normalized, the pressure of the genocide allegations
on Turkey would be lighter.