Author: Nahapetian Samvel

China secures Armenian president’s support on economy, Taiwan
Xinhua news agency
27 Sep 04
(New China News Agency)
Beijing, 27 September: China is ready to make joint efforts with
Armenia to raise bilateral relations to a new level, said Chinese
President Hu Jintao here Monday [27 September]. Hu made the remark in
talks with visiting Armenian President Robert Sedrakovich Kocharyan,
who is on his first state visit to China as president.
Hu vowed to increase political trust, saying China and Armenia should
carry out multi-channel and multi-layer exchanges, keep up political
and diplomatic consultations and strengthen communication in such
international organizations as the United Nations.
The two countries should find new ways to expand trade by taking
advantage of their trade cooperation committee, said Hu, adding
that China encourages Chinese companies to step up cooperation with
Armenia and to increase their investment in Armenia’s infrastructural
construction. Hu also advocated further exchanges and cooperation
between the two countries in the fields of culture, education,
science and technology, health and tourism.
Agreeing with the Chinese president, Kocharyan said Armenia
expects deepening bilateral relations with China, since the growing
relationship is of great significance to Armenia. China has accumulated
much experience in the process of developing its market economy and
practicing opening-up policy, which provides a vital opportunity for
trade cooperation, said Kocharyan.
Armenia recognizes China’s full market economy status, hoping the
two sides strengthen cooperation in such fields as energy, chemical
industry, agriculture and technology, said Kocharyan. The two sides
could take proper measures to help the entrepreneurs enhance exchange
and understanding to expand cooperation.
Hu said China and Armenia have treated each other with mutual respect
and equality since they forged diplomatic ties 12 years ago. Hu
said he appreciated Armenia’s diplomatic policy that puts priority
on relations with China, one of the earliest countries to recognize
Armenia as an independent nation, and expressed thanks for Armenia’s
firm support in controversial areas such as Taiwan and Tibet.
Kocharyan said the two countries have seen sound economic development
and have taken similar stances on international issues with no
political problems. Kocharyan said Armenia would continue to adhere to
“one-China policy” and support China’s reunification. After the talks,
the two heads of states signed a joint statement and attended a signing
ceremony for three cooperative agreements, including an agreement on
economic and technical cooperation.

2517
Mon fils sera Arménien
Souvenirs d’Arménie
Vanessa Quintal
Les souvenirs déchirants des centenaires ponctués des réflexions
sensibles des cinq Arméniens d’origine créent un pont entre l’histoire
arménienne et les générations de la diaspora.
Mon fils sera Arménien est un documentaire touchant sur la quête de la
douloureuse identité arménienne.
Entre 1915 et 1923, les Turcs massacrèrent un million et demi
d’Arméniens lors de ce qui fut considéré comme le premier génocide du
20e siècle. Pourtant, il n’est toujours pas reconnu comme tel par la
communauté internationale, trop désireuse de ne pas perdre ses bonnes
relations économiques avec la puissante Turquie. Aujourd’hui, les
Arméniens sont près de quatre millions en Arménie et autant sont
dispersés à travers le monde. Une diaspora où le pays d’origine fait
figure de mythe, de douloureux souvenir ou de brouillard.
Le réalisateur Hagop Goudsouzian a voulu retourner en Arménie
accompagné de cinq compatriotes: l’artiste Lousnak Abdalian, les
jeunes filles Gabriella Djerrahian et Martine Batani, le professeur
d’architecture né en Turquie Garo Shamilian et l’animateur télé
Patrick Masbourian. Leur but premier était de traverser le désert de
Syrie en marchant sur les traces des déportés, mais les autorités
syriennes refusèrent le visa à l’équipe qui fut forcée de modifier ses
plans. Ce voyage initiatique les mena finalement à parcourir
l’Arménie, recueillant les témoignages des derniers survivants des
massacres, visitant les villes, les monuments commémoratifs et les
cimetières. Malgré quelques maladresses, dont une structure un peu
brouillonne et un traitement parfois trop télévisuel, le film atteint
souvent de très beaux moments d’émotion. Les souvenirs déchirants des
centenaires ponctués des réflexions sensibles des cinq Arméniens
d’origine créent un pont entre l’histoire arménienne et les
générations de la diaspora, parfois coupée de ses racines. La jeune
Martine Batani, qui au départ se percevait comme une Québécoise, se
met soudainement à parler au “nous” lorsqu’elle évoque les
Arméniens. Patrick Masbourian, malheureux de ne pas parler la langue
de ses ancêtres, fait le voyage avec les cendres de son grand-père,
lui qui avait toujours rêvé de revoir son pays de son vivant. Le
présent rencontre le passé afin de le transcender et ainsi continuer à
vivre avec cet héritage riche, mais combien lourd de l’Arménie. Un
beau film sur la quête identitaire, la mémoire, le deuil et le drame
toujours non résolu de ce tout petit pays.

VISIT OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV TO NEW YORK
PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVED HEAD OF SOROS FOUNDATION
AzerTag
September 24, 2004
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, being on a visit
in New York, United States, to attend the 59th session of General
Assembly of the United Nations, on 22 September has received at his
residence in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, president of
the Soros Foundation Mr. George Soros, AzerTAj correspondent reported
from New York.
In the course of conversation, were exchanged views on the Fund’s
projects realized in Azerbaijan and also stressed their importance in
the transition period.
President Ilham Aliyev informed his interlocutor on the democratic and
economic reforms being conducted in the Republic, at the same time,
dwelt on the negative impact of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny
Karabakh conflict on the Country’s development.
Creation of the Oil Fund from the oil revenues received in development
of the Caspian natural resources to raise welfare of Azerbaijan
population and transparent management of the Fund is very positive
event, Mr. Soros emphasized. He expressed confidence that the
political, socio-economic reforms will not weaken in the country.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – September 23, 2004
STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH IN PROVIDENCE
CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF
MOURAD ARMENIAN SCHOOL
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan was in Providence, Rhode Island, last Saturday
to attend the gala celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Mourad
Armenian School. Joining the celebration were the former pastor of the
parish, Archpriest Mesrob Tashjian and the current pastor Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Baghsarian. Also attending were Gilda Kupelian and Nayiri Balanian,
Executive Director and Chair, respectively, of the Armenian National
Education Committee.
Appreciation and thanks were extended to the past and present teachers and
administrators. A booklet marking this occasion was produced which included
a history of the Mourad School written by Archpriest Mesrob Tashjian.
In his remarks, Archbishop Oshagan noted that in all parts of the world the
Armenian School has held a unique role of transmitting our culture, language
and history, and has been in the forefront of the wholesome education of our
children.
FIVE SESSION COURSE ON THE LITURGY
WILL BEGIN MONDAY, OCTOBER 18
A five-session introductory course on the Soorp Badarak (the Eucharist),
will start on Monday, October 18, 2004, at the Armenian Prelacy on the first
and third Mondays of the month, from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm. Classes will be
taught by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). Prior registration is required. The $25 course fee
(for five sessions) includes a light supper. To register, please contact the
AREC office by telephone (212-689-4481) or by email
([email protected]).
NEW ENGLAND SEMINAR FOR EDUCATORS
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) is sponsoring an educators
seminar in the New England area on Saturday, October 23, 2004. It will be
hosted by the Mourad School of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode
Island. The theme of the seminar is Teaching Armenian and History and
Teaching Methods for the non-Armenian speaker. To register or obtain
additional information contact the Executive Director of ANEC, Gilda
Kupelian, 212-689-7810, [email protected].
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
A Memorial Tribute to Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory, will
take place on Friday, October 15, at St. Peter Church, 619 Lexington Ave.
(at 54th Street), New York City, at 7:30 pm. The evening is organized by the
New York Hamazkayin and is under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan. The evening will feature remembrances by Dr. Ashot
Melkonian, Director of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences
in Armenia, and the Honorable Judge Sarkis Teshoian. Archbishop Oshagan will
deliver the final message of the evening and the benediction. Cultural
program includes the singer Hasmik Mekhanedjian and pianist Janet Marcarian.
A video presentation of the Life and Work of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian,
narrated by the recorded voice of the late Archbishop. Free admission. For
information, 718-459-2757.
REGISTER BEFORE OCTOBER 15 FOR
NEW ENGLAND RETREAT
The New England area Retreat, We Are Family, will take place on Saturday,
October 23. Registration deadline is October 15. The September 16 issue of
Crossroads gave some details of the retreat. New Englanders should contact
their local parish for information and registration form. Back issues of
Crossroads is on the Prelacy web page,
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
A CHILDRENS HOLIDAY CONCERT
The Prelacy is sponsoring a Family Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 4,
2004, 3 pm at Florence Gould Hall, the Alliance Francaise, 55 East 59th
Street, New York City. The concert features Nvair and her HyeFamily friends,
special guest from California, Taline, and Gaghant Baba. For tickets and
information, 212-689-7810.
MID-ATLANTIC DEACONS SEMINAR
IN PHILADEPHIA IN NOVEMBER
A Mid-Atlantic Deacons Seminar will take place at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church, 8701 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, on Friday and Saturday,
November 12 and 13. For information contact the AREC office, 212-689-7810.
ST. GEORGE THE COMMANDER AND
HOLY CROSS OF VARAG
This weekend the Armenian Church commemorates St. George (Kevork) and the
holiday of the Holy Cross of Varag.
On Saturday, St. George the Commander is remembered. Although there are no
exact records about St. George, he is a popular legendary hero among all
Christian people. He is considered to be the patron saint of soldiers and
boy scouts. As in other cases, the Armenian people have given St. George the
Commander an Armenian national character. The name George (Kevork) has been
used extensively by Armenians starting in the fifth century. There are many
large churches named in his honor. Perhaps the one we know best is Sourp
Kevork of Moughni (St. George of Moughni), the church in Armenia that the
late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian restored to its original glory through the
generosity of his friends in the United States and Canada. The monastery
complex stands today in living testimony to the dedication and patronage of
the late Archbishop.
On Sunday the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Cross of
Varag. The Hripsimiantz Virgins, after coming to Armenia, lived near Mount
Varag. Hripsime always carried a small wooden cross, which some considered
to be made of a piece of the true cross. One day, in order to escape
persecution, she found refuge on the mountain where she hid the cross among
the rocks before escaping to Vagharshapat. According to tradition, in the
year 563, a hermit named Todik, was searching for the hidden cross. He
followed a brilliant light that illuminated the mountain that guided him
inside the church to the altar and a fragment of the cross. The light
remained for twelve days. In memory of this event, Nerses Catholicos
established the Feast of the Cross of Varag.
Mount Varag is located in the southeastern region of Van in historic
Armenia. There, in honor of the Cross, the monastery of Saint Nishan was
built on the site where St. Hripsime had hidden her cross. The monastery
attained special importance especially during the leadership of Khrimian
Hyerik.
Some of us here at Crossroads had the opportunity to visit this site, among
others, with the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian in a pilgrimage organized by
Armen Aroyan. It was a thrill to visit Varaga Vank, but so sad to see ruins
and stones instead of a thriving monastery.
Apart from religious ceremonies honoring the Cross, the reverence shown
toward the Cross by the Armenian people is prominent. The Cross has been the
source of creativity in many areas of the arts. Perhaps the greatest of
these is the Armenian khachkars (cross stones), of which there are so many
beautiful examples.
We end with a poem, Khackkarere (the Cross Stones) written by Hovhannes
Shiraz:
I know not why, when a child,
I kissed the cross stones so,
When with my mother, I, barefoot,
Like a lamb, climbed the hills to the Vank.
I still kiss them now,
But now I know why.
I kiss them, O my forebears,
Your skilled hands made them emit light.
Fashioned of hard, harsh rock,
Miraculous works of the soul,
In kissing your holy presence
I kiss your immortality.
Visit our website at

City News Service
September 22, 2004 Wednesday
Missing Man
GLENDALE
Detectives sought the public’s help today to find Gregor “Vrej”
Adamyan for questioning in the disappearance of a 33-year-old medical
clinic manager, authorities said. Martin Pogosian was last seen in
Los Angeles on Jan. 23, 2003, at 3:30 p.m. after leaving a business
meeting in Glendale, said Sgt. Tony Futia. “He was in a dispute over
the telephone and went downtown to handle that,” Glendale police Sgt.
Steven Davey told the Daily News. “He was missing after that.” Police
believe Adamyan had dealings with Pogosian, the Daily News reported.
Pogosian’s family had talked to him on a cellular telephone on Jan.
24, 2003, a few hours before a large kidnap-ransom demand was
delivered to an unknown Armenian in Los Angeles, the Daily News
reported. The Glendale Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit
has developed new leads in the case and is asking for the community’s
help, Futia said. Anyone with information on Adamyan’s disappearance
was asked to call Davey at (818) 548-6485.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Messenger
Sept 22, 2004
Protesters plan to block Tbilisi-Baku railway
Inhabitants of the Gardabani region are going to block the Tbilisi-Baku
railway on Wednesday to demand the creation of a state commission studying
the corruptibility of local officials. Representatives of the Labor Party
told Prime News that they are also going to go on hunger strike.
According to the party, on August 18 the protestors addressed President
Mikheil Saakashvili, Labor leader Shalva Natelashvili and Minister of
Justice Giorgi Papuashvili with the request that corrupt local officials be
punished. They complain that the president’s representative in Kvemo Kartli,
Soso Mazmishvili, the majority MP of Rustavi Gogi Salakia and also the
Chairmen of the Board of Gardabani region conducted illegal personnel
changes.
Pipes from the gas pipeline Russia-Armenia are stolen and sold as scrap
metal, they allege, and bread prices were deliberately raised. GEL 3,8
million, which was allocated for carrying out repair works of the
Rustavi-Vakhtangisi highway, disappeared, the inhabitants declare.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ecumenical News International, Switzerland
Sept 22 2004
Trading, and possession, of nuclear weapons denounced by WCC head
Peter Kenny
Geneva (ENI). Revelations that nuclear weapons technology have been
traded are a scandal, but it is equally disgraceful that countries
possessing nuclear arsenals are unwilling to renounce their use and
are even developing terrifying, new technologies, the head of the
World Council of Churches, Samuel Kobia said on Tuesday.
Kobia, who is general secretary of the world church grouping, said
that the United Nations has called on all its member states to
observe 21 September as the International Day of Peace and the WCC
observed it in accordance with the International Day of Prayer for
Peace.
“Nuclear proliferation is an outrage to all humanity,” said Kobia,
noting that “violence as the opposite of peace, as a damage to the
image of God in us, takes many forms, including poverty.
“Poverty degrades human dignity and the human spirit,” said Kobia.
“Indifference to poverty and to the aspirations of those who have
been subjected to historical humiliation is as big a threat to global
peace as terrorism.”
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Orthodox
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I of Constantinople, and the head
of the Evangelical Church in Germany Bishop Wolfgang Huber were among
more than a dozen Christian leaders and peace-makers from all over
the world who affirmed churches’ and faith communities’ work for
peace and justice in a series of messages broadcast and Web cast
around the world.
Tutu said: “God weeps over God’s world, aching because of conflict in
Darfur, in Beslan, in Harare, in Colombia, in Jerusalem, in Belfast.”
The retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town said, God depends on
Christians to use their “influence on the powerful to use their power
for justice, for peace, for compassion, for gentleness, for caring,
for sharing”.
Patriarch Bartholomeos, who has spiritual authority over the world’s
300 million Orthodox Christians said in his message: “All of the
ideologies and convictions on the necessity and effectiveness of
violence are wrong and are to be condemned.”
His message was backed by Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian
Apostolic Church and WCC central committee moderator who said: “Peace
is an essential dimension of our Christian life and witness. Peace is
a gift of God given to humanity through the incarnation of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Peace is also a God-given vocation that must be
fulfilled in obedient response to the call of God.”
:: Peace messages of church leaders Web cast on:

SAMVEL BABAYAN FREED
A1 Plus | 20:31:38 | 17-09-2004 | Politics |
On September 17 NKR President Arkadi Ghukasyan looked through the
applications on amnesty of the sentenced.
Under the decision of Arkadi Ghukasyan, NKR ex Defense Minister Samvel
Babayan and Erik Faramazyan who had attempted life of NKR President
on March 22, 2000 are among those granted amnesty.

Fencing coach rides donkey with dignity
BY JESSICA FEINSTEIN, Staff Reporter
Yale Daily News
Sept 16 2004
Fencing head coach Henry Harutunian — whose office in Payne Whitney
has served him for 34 years — helped Yale become the first Ivy to
introduce a women’s fencing program. The 72-year old tour de force
shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to the sport he loves.
(ALEXANDER WHITE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Somewhere on the seventh floor of Payne Whitney Gymnasium, beneath
piles of sabres and gloves, sits the desk of fencing head coach
Henry Harutunian.
Only the desk’s general form can be made out beneath papers, broken
fencing gear, old rosters, promotional packets and the occasional
trophy. The clutter, accrued over nearly 35 years of coaching, spills
from the overwhelmed cabinets and boxes onto the floor and climbs
the walls. Harutunian’s office is a three–dimensional collage.
On Tuesday morning, like another piece of lost fencing gear, Harutunian
sat in the middle of it all, indistinguishable from the milieu around
him were he not shouting about a donkey.
“Screw the world — whatever!” said Harutunian, making a sweeping
hand gesture. “You need to keep your dignity riding the donkey!”
Harutunian was trying to explain an Armenian proverb. Through his
choppy English, the plot is hard to distinguish, but its punch line
is clear: If you are stuck on a donkey instead of a horse, ride
with pride.
It may seem odd for a man like Harutunian, who has dedicated his life
to the art of fencing, to compare the sport he loves to a donkey. At
nearly 72, with more than half a century of fencing experience,
numerous coaching accolades and a smattering of successful pupils, it
is clear that Harutunian owes a lot and has given a lot to the sport.
The force behind both Yale’s fencing teams and the founder of the
women’s fencing program, Harutunian has made a career out of turning
football players and track and field stars into All-American fencers.
He operates on the theory that good fencing translates into a good
life.
“Coach Harutunian is a legend,” Associate Director of Varsity Sports
Colleen Lim said. “He has developed so many world-class fencers and
so many world-class people.”
After three decades at Yale, Harutunian’s influence spreads over
multiple generations. This summer Harutunian watched Sada Jacobson
’06, the daughter of his first All-American fencer, David Jacobson
’74, win the bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games. Although
Harutunian has attended his share of Olympics — he was a U.S.
Olympic coach in 1984 — this year he viewed the Games on television.
Sitting behind his desk on the seventh floor of the gym, where
he arrives around 5 a.m. every morning, Harutunian has a fairly
intimidating presence. The volume of his voice can rise unexpectedly
when he is trying to convey a point. The movements of his hands are
the calculated swaths of a fencer.
Meanwhile, on the walls all around him are the mementos of his
long coaching career: photographs and posters of former and current
athletes. Many of these alumni still call and drop by for visits,
when Harutunian — who rarely drinks — will pull a bottle of alcohol
from one of the cabinets and take a “symbolic” shot with them.
“They’re unbelievable,” Harutunian said of his former athletes, who
take him to tennis matches in New York and house him in their homes
when he is traveling.
In fact, Harutunian’s entire career at Yale is due, in part, to an
early student. In 1966, Harutunian moved to the United States from
Armenia and, with no English language experience, began teaching
conversational Russian at Harvard. There, he met a Yale graduate who
persuaded him to apply for the job of fencing coach at Yale.
Harutunian procured an interview and visited the seventh floor of
Payne Whitney Gym. It was love at first sight.
“I looked down from the balcony and saw what a beautiful place [it
was] for fencing,” Harutunian recalled. “I closed my eyes and said,
‘God, please give me a chance to work here.'”
Four years later, in 1970, his wish came true when he took over
the role of men’s head coach. In 1974, after women matriculated
at Yale, Harutunian helped Yale become the first Ivy to introduce
women’s fencing as a varsity sport. On top of coaching two teams,
he makes himself available to his athletes at most times of the day
year-round and regularly teaches beginning fencing classes for the
Athletic department.
But Harutunian’s path to Yale may never have happened were it not
for the donkey proverb.
As a schoolboy in Armenia, Harutunian was first attracted to fencing
by romance literature like “The Three Musketeers,” with its “ladies,
blades and honor.” When he finally learned to fence, however, the
young Harutunian became disillusioned. The white fencing suits and
masks and the blood–free quality of the sport were not at all what
he had expected.
“I was so disappointed,” Harutunian said. “You can’t see blood,
you can’t see the face of the other person.”
Luckily, remembering the donkey proverb, Harutunian chose to stick with
the sport — to ride with pride. And to his pleasure, he soon found
that the donkey was not a bad ride after all. Fencing, he discovered,
was all about grace, agility and speed.
“I am very thankful I found the sport,” he says. “The more you know,
the more you love it.”
After 34 years at Yale, Harutunian has practically become part of
architecture of the seventh floor. At an age well past when many
men retire, he looks 15 years younger than he really is and shows no
signs of slowing.
“He’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met,” women’s captain
Erica Korb ’05 said. “He’s got more energy than about 30 college
students. I have no idea how he does it.”
Harutunian credits fencing with his vigor. A lifelong sport, clean
lifestyle, and coaching, he said, are the keys to youth.
“No matter how much older you get,” he said, “you feel the same as
your students.”

Armenia purchases 10 SU-25 fighters from Slovakia
Noyan Tapan news agency
7 Sep 04
Yerevan, 7 September: Azerbaijan newspaper Zerkalo has reported that
Slovakia has sold Armenia 10 SU-25 military jets. A Noyan Tapan
correspondent has tried to get details of the deal from the head
of the Armenian community of Slovakia, Ashot Grigoryan, who is on a
business visit in Armenia.
Grigoryan said that the deal was struck in August but fell through
at the initial stage, and the issue found its way into the Slovak
press since there were suspicions that the deal breached the law. In
particular, the major Slovak TV company Markiza carried reports in this
regard for several days in a row. The things reached a point where the
Ministry of Economy of Slovakia revoked the licence of the company
selling the planes and the government instructed the State Control
Committee to investigate terms of the deal and its legal aspects.
Grigoryan started negotiations on all official levels to renew the
deal. As a result, he received the consent of the Ministries of Defence
and Economy of Slovakia to strike the deal. Grigoryan said that after
the purchase of 10 (not 12) planes, Azerbaijan sent a note of protest
to the government of Slovakia.
Some interested parties put pressure on Slovakia at the initial stage
to sell the planes to Azerbaijan rather than Armenia. Thus, Armenia
has not only purchased modern military aircraft but also strengthened
political and economic ties with Slovakia, and disagreements between
Azerbaijan and Slovakia have aggravated. Doubtless this is the result
of Armenian-Slovak relations that have been steadily developing
recently.