Author: Mamian George

MANY ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBERS ARE AMONG INCOMING LEADERS OF 111TH U.S. CONGRESS

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.11.2008 18:37 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The House Democratic Caucus met this week to select
its leaders for the 111th Congress, the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly) told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Armenian Caucus Member, and long-time supporter of Armenian Genocide
Reaffirmation, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) retained
her position as Speaker of the House while Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD),
a fellow supporter and Caucus Member, will continue to serve as
Majority Leader.

At the April 24th Armenian Genocide Commemoration on Capitol Hill
last year, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer reiterated their
strong support for genocide reaffirmation. Pelosi remarked "It is long
past time for the President and Congress to formally recognize the
Armenian Genocide… We must provide the leadership to ensure that
this human tragedy is not repeated." And Hoyer stated "Denial is the
child of repetition. If one does not remember that which happened,
and recognize it for what it was – a genocide, then the risk of it
being repeated is far greater."

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) will keep his position as Majority Whip
while another member of the Armenian Caucus and H. Res 106 cosponsor,
Rep. John Larson (D-CT), moves up to the position of Democratic Caucus
Chairman. Rep. Larson replaces Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) who will be
serving as Chief of Staff for the Obama Administration. Larson’s
Armenian Caucus colleague Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) was elected
to serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Caucus. A longtime friend of
Armenian-Americans, Rep. Becerra has cosponsored every Genocide
Resolution dating back to the 106th Congress and has signed multiple
letters to President Bush, urging for reaffirmation of the Armenian
Genocide.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) will continue to serve as the Chair
of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Additionally,
he will take on an expanded role as a special assistant to Speaker
Pelosi. As part of his new duties, he will coordinate policy
discussions with the incoming Obama Administration. Rep. Van Hollen is
a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, a cosponsor
of H.Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution and H.Res. 102,
the Hrant Dink Bill.

"I am honored by my re-election and privileged to have the opportunity
to serve this country and my constituency," said Rep. Van Hollen. "In
the coming 111th Congress, I look forward to working closely with
the Armenian Assembly and the community to advance important policy
initiatives."

"We congratulate the incoming leaders of the 111th Congress, and are
pleased to have so many Armenian Caucus Members with their ranks. We
look forward to continuing to work together to further strengthen the
U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Karabakh relations – from economic development
in Armenia to reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide in America,"
stated Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly.

KARABAKH SEPARATISTS HAND OVER DEAD AZERI SOLDIER

Mediamax
Nov 19 2008
Armenia

Yerevan, 19 November. Today, the authorities of the [self-declared]
Nagornyy-Karabakh republic (NKR) handed over to the Azerbaijani side
the body of the killed subversive.

The handover took place through the mediation of the International
Committee of the Red Cross at 1445 [1045 gmt], the NKR state commission
on POWs, missing persons and hostages told Mediamax.

The state commission said that the body had been handed over to
Azerbaijan "without preconditions as a gesture of good will".

CYPRUS CONCLUDES DAY 4 REHEARSALS

oikotimes.com
/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=4377
Nov 20 2008
Greece

Kalimera from the island of Cyprus, where the second set of rehearsals
began as of 09:00 CET. Stay tuned for the complete report from the
rehearsals at the Spiros Kiprianou Palais De Sports in Lemesos.

ROMANIA The Romanian entrants began their rehearsal very well and
there is no technical mistake. The song might do better than most of
us believe. The girls will wear clothes that represent a season. The
Romanian delegation wish they do better than the predictions. In the
meantime some postcards shown adn we see that there has been done a
great job based on Cyprus history, kids participation and very good
graphic work.

ARMENIA The Armenians are rehearsing with their clothes which are
colourful and combined with the hands. Monica gives one more good
performance and the lights are better this time.

BELARUS The Belarusian comments are made allong with Yorgos Ioannides
the 2007 Cypriot representative in Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The
Belarusians are wearing very nice outfits in light blue and white
colours. The overall outcome is simply superb and the song will get
us up but still vocally there seems to be something wrong. The camera
work also amazing.

RUSSIA Even Mikhail seems to be very dissapointed from his performance
which has nothing to do with the first rehearsal. The rehearsal
stopped as he didn’t manage to get the high notes. The rehearsal
continued really bad as his voice seems to be tired. The camera work
is very good on this song too and Mikhail although sweet, failed to
sing properly even in his 4th attempt.

GREECE >>From the very first moment the Greek entry gets very negative
comments by the foreign press representatives. We disagree not for
any other reason, but it seems that the song will be lost among the
other entries. Greece comes after a powerful and ambitioned to win,
Russia and before Georgia which is clearly the favourite. During the
peak of the song the vocal performance sounds nice as the two voices
(leading and backing) are well combined. The camera sequence and the
lights are average while the outfits are reminding us what Celin Dion
was wearing in 1988 Eurovision Song Contest – in a JESC edition though!

GEORGIA There are 3 little faces that are loved by everyone here. This
entry is amongst the favourites of press and fans, and it is indeed
the most original song this year in Junior Eurovision. When we see
the song from the monitors we see something very good. The Georgian
entrants must have learnt all other entries as waiting to go on stage
there where singing them and the entire stadium was listening!

BELGIUM The Belgian rehearsal went very smoothly. It is clear that
the song is very good but it is also clear that the televoting will
not help Oliver. The only thing that can save Belgium actually is the
jury voting. The lights, the staging and the performance in addition
with the perfect camera work surely boost it hight. Oliver seems
quite focused and professional. Well done Belgium!

BULGARIA At 14:00 local time (13:00 CET) the Bulgarian representatives
got on stage. The performance was average and was very poor even to
what we have seen yesterday. Maybe they are tired. The outcome was poor
though and definitely cannot seek a top 5 if they perform like that.

SERBIA Maja gives a very strong performance and she looks
beautiful. Those been in the arena were charmed from the beauty. The
performance is strong.

MALTA Once again a confident Daniel gives a more confident performance
this time. Judging from the history of voting distribution in JESC
though, we can hardly see points for this song, although it’s a very
descent entry.

NETHERLANDS The Dutch song is very interesting but the outfits are
not proper for this song. If they change them, then they might
do something. The overall outcome is not working fine on TV and
Netherlands doesn’t need much effort to fail because they usually
do. We hope the delegation to get some sense in the team.

UKRAINE Most of us are almost sure this is the winning song,
this year. Victoria’s performance is simply amazing and the tune,
the choreography along with the camera work show that this is the
2008 winner.

LITHUANIA Much better than yesterday, Lithuanian entry is now
considered amongst the press and media representatives as one of the
good songs of the contest. Lithuania will a tuff luck might surprise
us but again Georgia, Ukraine and FYR Macedonia try hard to take
the trophy.

FYR MACEDONIA Despite the poor performance yesetrday we have found
out that last night Bobi was admitted to the hospital. In today’s
rehearsal he was instructed to use his voice as little as possible
therefore he made 2 out of 4 singing performances. He managed to
be totally professional. Yesterday and today are two different
rehearsals. Right now FYR Macedonia can actually win, battling most
likely with Georgia and Ukraine.

CYPRUS Last but not least, the host country, Cyprus. The song remains
wonderful and catchy kid tune and there are perfect light and camera
work, adjustments. What we are all worried here with, is that there is
no one to vote for Cyprus. We hope European viewers will appreciate
the performance. After all CyBC is about to put up a show, which
already is considered by the press and media representatives as the
best ever JESC edition made for EBU.

So folks, that’s it from the island of Aphrodite. We are awaiting
some rehearsals for the opening of the show which will include the
UNICEF song. Stay tuned with oikotimes.com.

.eng.html

Armenia, Olympic champions for the first time in 2006, continues its march
in reatining the title this year as well as they are sole leaders with 13
points. They beat Russia 2.5 – 1.5

As you can see, Gabriwel Sargissian (2642) beat Grischuk Alexander (2719)
while Levon Aronian, Vladimit Akopian, Tigran Petrossian drew their matches.

PHOTO EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS’ IN YEREVAN

ArmInfo
2008-11-19 15:25:00

ArmInfo. The photo exhibition dedicated to the 60th anniversary of
"Universal Declaration of Human Rights" will be held in Yerevan. The
exhibition was organized by French Embassy to Armenia through the
intermediary of Armenian Culture Ministry.

As press-service of French Embassy reported, it is for the first time
that 30 clauses of the Declaration will be exhibited like photos made
by the known international agency of photo journalists Seven. The
photos show conflicts at different points of the world. The exhibition
will be also exhibited in embassies and consulates of France in
different countries.

FOREIGN MINISTER: "ROMANIA SUPPORTS SOLUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT ONLY WITHIN THE PRINCIPLE OF TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY"

Azeri Press Agency
Nov 14 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Lachin Sultanova-APA. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar
Mammadyarov met with his Romanian counterpart Lazar Comanescu. The
ministers underlined the high level of relations between the two
countries, same position of Azerbaijan and Romania on the most
international issues and signing of more than 40 bilateral documents,
and expressed satisfaction with existing cooperation in the political
and economic fields, as well as in the regional scale, press service of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA. They underlined particularly
partnership between the Black Sea and Caspian regions and within the
BSECO, exchange of experience in the field of integration into Europe.

The guest expressed pleasure with his participation at the energy
summit in Baku and highly appreciated organizing of the event. He
said his country valued Azerbaijan as an important partner and stable
energy supplier. He emphasized the deepening of mutual cooperation and
extension of relations between the business circles and underlined
the importance of simplifying the visa regime for mutual traveling
of the citizens.

Comanescu said Romania supported solution to all conflicts, frozen
conflicts in the region, including Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno
Karabakh conflict within the principle of territorial integrity.

Mammadyarov highly appreciated the position of Romania and emphasized
that it was important for European Union to leave double standards in
its approach to the regional conflicts. He said he hoped for Romanian
efforts toward this.

GNP GROWTH RATES MADE 13, 1 % IN NAGORNO-KARABAGH

DE FACTO
Nov 14, 2008

STEPANAKERT, 14.11.08. DE FACTO. In January-September, 2008, the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic GNP made 59, 3 milliard 791 million drams,
vs. 48, 5 milliard drams for the same period of last year.

According to the information DE FACTO received at the NKR National
Statistic Service, the GNP growth rates had made 13, 1 %. Calculated
per capita the GNP amount made 423, 2 thousand drams ($ 1383, 7)
vs. 351, 2 thousand drams ($ 1001) for the same period of 2007.

The total amount of employed population made 58, 575 people, 74, 2 % of
them are hired workers. 759 people received the status of unemployed,
267 people have been taken off the books for the same period. 92 %
of the unemployed are women, 50 % of which have secondary education
and belong to the category of 22-30-year-old citizens.

For nine months of current year the population’s monetary incomes
increased by 22, 2 % as compared with the same period of 2007,
expenses by 20,7 %.

In January-September average monthly wages increased by 20, 3 %,
compared with the same period of 2007, making almost 79, 000 drams.

Shant Student Association
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 306
Glendale, California 91206
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

November 13, 2008
Contact: Caspar Jivalagian

All-ASA Confederation Reaffirms Importance of Armenian American Issues

Los Angeles, CA – The All-Armenian Students Association ("All-ASA"), a
confederation of Armenian American college student organizations, adopted a
resolution reaffirming their support for Genocide recognition as well as the
self determination of Nagorno-Karabagh. In a general meeting held recently
at Loyola Marymount University, delegates voted in favor of the resolution
which was introduced by the Shant Student Association ("SSA"), one of more
than a dozen organizations represented.

The meeting was attended by more than 30 university students from throughout
California and was the first general meeting of the All-ASA for the
2008-2009 academic year.

"It is imperative that as Armenian American students, we voice our concerns
regarding community issues, including the Armenian Genocide, the Turkish
blockade on Armenia, and the self determination of Nagorno-Karabagh," said
SSA Representative to the All-ASA, Caspar Jivalagian.

The adoption of the most recent Armenian Genocide resolution in the U.S.
House Foreign Affairs Committee in October 2007 sparked a firestorm of media
coverage over the Turkish government’s threats to retaliate against America
if the measure were approved by the full House of Representatives. Turkey
has poured millions of foreign dollars into the U.S. political system,
hiring both former Members of Congress to make its case and public relations
firms to spin media coverage against this human rights legislation.

In September of 1991, the people of Nagorno-Karabagh formally declared their
independence, having previously voted overwhelmingly in favor of separation
from the Soviet Union and Azerbaijan due to repeated suppression of rights
and massacres of Armenians within Azerbaijan. Although Azerbaijan launched
a failed full-scale war against the people of Nagorno-Karabagh, it has been
unable to assert its authority over the region since the cease-fire brokered
in 1994. To this day the Azerbaijani government repeatedly threatens a
resumption of war to subjugate the de facto independent republic in
violation of the international principle of the self-determination of
peoples.

"As students we understand that education is crucial to ensuring that the
community at large understands Armenian American issues and our concerns,"
said Sevada Markosyan, who represented the Cal Poly Pomona ASA at the
meeting.

The All-ASA confederation provides a forum for participating independent
Armenian American colleges student groups through which these organizations
may facilitate cooperative initiatives and deliberate on issues faced by the
Armenian college student community.

###

The full text of the resolution is included below:

Whereas the current government of Turkey continues an international campaign
proactively denying the Armenian Genocide,

Whereas the blockade of Armenia by the government of Turkey has cost the
Republic of Armenia billions of dollars in economic opportunity and remains
the last "closed border" of Europe,

Whereas the establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey must
include a just resolution for the crime of the Armenian Genocide,

Whereas the government of Azerbaijan continues to spew belligerent war
rhetoric calling for a resumption of armed conflict against the
Nagorno-Karabagh Republic, as well as the complete destruction of Armenia,

Whereas a resolution to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict should be reached
expeditiously, respecting the natural right of self-determination,

Be it resolved, the All-ASA body reaffirm its support for Armenian Genocide
recognition as well as its commitment to the territorial integrity of the
Nagorno Karabagh Republic.

ADOPTED: Sunday, October 18, 2008

HAIRIKYAN CRITICIZES THE FIRST AND THE SECOND, AND HOLDS OUT HOPE WITH THE THIRD

Lragir.am
15:33:23 – 10/11/2008

After a lasting pause the leader of the National Self-Determination
Union Paruir Hairikyan held a news conference on November 10 at the
Hayatsk press club, who participates in the consultations among the
SIM, the Christian Democratic, the National Solidarity and other
parties, which is otherwise also referred to as the "patriotic
opposition".

Paruir Hairikyan said that this framework discusses the current
situation in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, generally the
home and external political situation of Armenia, and will probably
offer an evaluation on November 11. And on November 10 Hairikyan
spelled out his evaluation, noting that the Moscow declaration contains
no new negative things for Armenia.

Hairikyan stated that the negative thing for Armenia is that Armenia is
right but cannot present its rightness to the society with a determined
and consistent stance. Hairikyan noted that Armenia has forgotten about
the idea of unification when Levon Ter-Petrosyan who had come to power
with that appeal in 1995 deprived the Karabakh members of parliament
of the possibility to be elected to the Armenian parliament. Two
years later, according to Hairikyan, Levon Ter-Petrosyan appointed
the president of Karabakh as prime minister of Armenia, which should
not have been done.

Hairikyan says if Armenia accepted the self-determination, independence
of Karabakh, why was Kocharyan appointed as prime minister of Armenia,
and why did he later replace Karabakh by Armenia in the talks?

Criticizing the policies of the first and second presidents on
Karabakh, Paruir Hairikyan held out hope that the new president
will learn a lesson from the previous president. According to
Hairikyan, the new president, if he has taken the path for upholding
self-determination, should state that Armenia is not a conflict side,
and Artsakh should negotiate in the talks mediated by the Minsk
Group. And Armenia, according to Hairikyan, should resign from the
group, and state that it is the guarantor of security of Karabakh.

If we accept the self-determination of Artsakh, according to Paruir
Hairikyan, Artsakh should be given the arena. And if Armenia is
a conflict side, it should also bring up the issues of Artsvashen
and Nakhidjevan.

Generally, Hairikyan thinks it is wrong that we turned the issue of
Artsakh into the center of the world rather than part of the Armenian
issue. And turning something into the center of the world means to
place it on the shortest way to destruction, the leader of the National
Self-Determination Union thinks, noting that by turning something
into a center it becomes an idol, meanwhile idols are destroyed,
since there is only one idol, the Lord.

Hairikyan also says whatever the international community says,
subconsciously the Armenians are right. Those who think that the
Karabakh issue will be solved in the upcoming few months are mistaken,
Paruir Hairikyan thinks. He says the issue will be solved rapidly
only in case we cede everything.

ANCA-WR community pleased with CA Assembly and Senate election results

armradio.am
08.11.2008 11:55

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR)
congratulates all reelected and newly elected members of California’s
State Assembly and Senate. With several dozen supporters returning and
many friends new to the legislature heading to Sacramento next month,
ANCA-WR community advocates throughout the state look forward to
working swiftly with its state representatives as the new legislative
cycle begins.

From the southern California and San Joaquin Valley, outspoken friends
returning to the capital next month include Assembly Members Anthony
Portantino, Mike Feuer, Kevin de Leon, Van Tran, Mary Salas, Mike
Villines as well as newly elected State Senator Mimi Walters. Joining
them in Sacramento will be newly elected Assembly Member Bob
Blumenfield who will be replacing the termed-out Lloyd Levine
representing the west San Fernando Valley.

Assembly Member Paul Krekorian returns to Sacramento next month
representing part of Los Angeles along with Burbank and Glendale as one
of two Armenian Americans in the legislature. He is joined by Senator
Joe Simitian who won his re-election bid to represent San Mateo, Santa
Clara and Santa Cruz.

"We are proud to see Assembly Member Krekorian continue his service to
our district and state," noted Garen Yegparian, a Burbank resident and
activist with the local ANCA. "Since being elected in 2006, he has
taken on strong leadership roles within the major committees of the
Assembly while driving legislation that improves the quality of life
for all Californians ` especially with regard to schools and the
environment," he added.

Returning to the state capital next month with Krekorian is former
Assembly Member Carol Liu who won her race to succeed Senator Jack
Scott who completes his eight-year service in the Senate this year.

"Senator Scott was a true leader on human rights. He served as a
distinguished member of the state’s upper house and helped build strong
relationships between Armenia and California. We wish him well as
returns to academia as the Chancellor of the state’s community college
system," remarked Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, ANCA-WR Board Member. "We
look forward to continuing to address these issues with another
long-time friend of the Armenian American community, Senator-elect
Carol Liu, as she prepares to carry the torch passed on by Senator
Scott," she added.

California State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass retained her seat and will
continue to lead the chamber in the next cycle. The ANCA-WR joined the
speaker this past June for her inauguration ceremonies where she
reiterated her support for greater education about the Armenian
Genocide and growing the engagement Californian Armenians in public
service.

In northern California, the ANCA-WR community welcomed the Election Day
results as well.

"We are excited to see Assembly Members Huffman and Ma heading back to
the capital as well as Mark Leno as he moves from the Assembly to the
Senate," said Matt Senekeremian, local director of the San Francisco
Bay Area ANCA who says a top priority is to connect more Armenian
Americans in the area with their representatives both in district and
in Sacramento. "We have worked with San Francisco Supervisor Tom
Ammiano for the past fifteen years and look forward to continuing to do
so as he moves onto the state legislature," he added.

Over 99% of ANCA endorsed candidates for California Senate and Assembly
seats won their Election Day bids. The new legislature will be sworn in
on December 1, 2008 in Sacramento.

The Armenian National Committee of America 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.