Author: Nahapetian Zhanna

Armenian president, Canadian MPs discuss boosting ties

Arminfo
25 Apr 05

YEREVAN

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today held a meeting with a group
of members of the House of Commons and the Armenian community of
Canada.

Expanding Armenian-Canadian relations was discussed during the
meeting, the Armenian presidential press service has told Arminfo news
agency. It was noted that the opening of a Canadian embassy in Armenia
could boost economic cooperation.

Members of the Armenian community of Canada noted that they often
visit their motherland, but every time they see something new and this
inspires confidence that Armenia is moving forward.

They assured the president that the community is ready to develop
cooperation with the motherland and raise it to a qualitatively new
level. The international recognition of the Armenian genocide was also
discussed. In this context, they emphasized the adoption of a
resolution by the Canadian parliament in 2002 condemning the Armenian
genocide and the efforts of the Armenian lobby aimed at making it into
law.

SwissInfo, Suisse
23 Avril, 2005

10 000 Arméniens dans les rues d’Erevan por les 90 ans du génocide

EREVAN – Plus de 10 000 personnes ont défilé dans les rues d’Erevan à
la veille du 90e anniversaire du génocide arménien de 1915 sous
l’Empire ottoman. Ils ont réclamé qu’Ankara reconnaisse ces massacres
comme “génocide”.

Le président Robert Kotcharian a fait au même moment un geste de
bonne volonté en excluant de demander des compensations matérielles à
Ankara en échange de sa reconnaissance du génocide. Les massacres ont
fait 1,5 million de morts, selon Erevan, et 300 000 à 500 000, selon
Ankara.

“Arménie. Reconnaissance!”, ont scandé des milliers de manifestants,
essentiellement des jeunes, défilant torche à la main et formant une
grande marche aux flambeaux dans le centre d’Erevan.

Les représentants de la diaspora arménienne étaient nombreux à
participer à la marche aux flambeaux d’Erevan, avant les célébrations
de dimanche, où les organisateurs attendent 1,5 million de
participants.

Les cérémonies doivent débuter dimanche avec un dépôt de gerbe devant
le mémorial en présence du président Robert Kotcharian. Une messe
sera célébrée en fin de journée à Erevan et une minute de silence
observée à 19h00 (16h00 suisse) à travers tout le pays.

Le parlement polonais, à l’instar de 15 autres, vient de condamner ce
massacre, le qualifiant de génocide, suscitant la colère de la
Turquie, pays candidat à l’entrée dans l’Union européenne. Un débat
sur le sujet s’est ouvert jeudi dernier au parlement allemand.

SwissInfo
24 April 2005

Armenien: Hunderttausende gedenken des Völkermords vor 90 Jahren
(Hundreds of thousands remember the Genocide)

ERIWAN – In Armeniens Hauptstadt Eriwan haben über eine Million
Menschen des Völkermords im damaligen Osmanischen Reich vor 90 Jahren
gedacht. Die Türkei wurde erneut aufgefordert, den Tod von rund 1,5
Millionen Armeniern als Völkermord anzuerkennen.

In der Hauptstadt Eriwan legten die Trauernden Blumen an der
Gedenkstätte Zizernakaberd nieder. In dem auf einem Hügel gelegenen
Mahnmal türmten sich die Blumen meterhoch.

Armenien und weite Teile der internationalen Öffentlichkeit sprechen
von Völkermord. Die Türkei als Nachfolgerin des Osmanischen Reiches
bezeichnet die Massaker, welche am 24. April vor 90 Jahren begonnen
hatten, als kriegsbedingte Zwangsumsiedlungen.

Dieses Verbrechen habe “nicht einmal einen Namen”, sagte Armeniens
Präsident Robert Kotscharian mit Blick auf die Weigerung der Türkei,
die Massaker zwischen 1915 und 1917 offiziell als Völkermord
anzuerkennen.

Er forderte Ankara zu einem entsprechenden Beschluss auf. Doch auch
90 Jahre nach dem Beginn der Massaker und Todesmärsche ist das Thema
in der Türkei ein grosses Tabu. Die Türkei sieht die Forderungen nach
Anerkennung eines Völkermords als Versuch, sie international zu
ächten und ihr womöglich sogar Gebiete im ehemals armenisch
besiedelten Osten des Landes streitig zu machen.

Die türkischen Beziehungen zu Ländern wie Frankreich oder der Schweiz
wurden in den vergangenen Jahren belastet, weil deren Parlamente
offizielle Resolutionen mit dem Wort “Völkermord” verabschiedeten.

Die UNO-Menschenrechtskommission wie auch Papst Johannes Paul II.
werteten die Gräueltaten an den Armeniern als Völkermord. Auch
EU-Mitgliedstaaten wie Italien, die Niederlande, Belgien, Schweden,
Griechenland, Polen oder Slowakei sprechen offiziell von Genozid.

Turkish organizations condemn 1915 massacre – Armenian agency

Arminfo
24 Apr 05

YEREVAN

Representatives of a number of Turkish public organizations are
handing out leaflets outside the Tsitsernakaberd memorial to the
victims of the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey, demanding that
Turkey recognize the Armenian genocide.

The leader of the confederation of Turkish workers of Europe (FOIKA),
Ozgul Cem, told journalists that apart from his organization, the
action has also been joined by a number of other Turkish
organizations.

The leaflets handed out to Armenian citizens and foreign guests
visiting Tsitsernakaberd today condemn the genocide and demand that
Turkey unconditionally recognize and condemn it. “We regard Turkey as
a fascist state because it conceals historical facts. We are in favour
of recognizing and condemning the Armenian genocide,” Ozgul Cem said,
adding that the members of the organizations participating in today’s
action have been declared persona non grata in Turkey for their
repeated demands to recognize the Armenian genocide.

“The Turkish people has a normal attitude to the issue of recognizing
the genocide,” he said.

We should point out that Yezids are also participating in today’s
action.

MUSICIANS OF 17 COUNTRIES CALL TURKEY TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

YEREVAN, APRIL 22. ARMINFO. Musicians are not politicians, however,
their voice has a significant influence to call the world and, first
of all Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in
1915, five foreign singers arrived in Yerevan to perform songs of an
Armenian composer Ara Gevorkyan on words of American Daniel Decker
“Adana” at the Memorial of Genocide victims in Tsitsernakaberd
expressed such an opinion during today’s press-conference.

A Finnish singer Inka noted that she is very honored to perform songs
about Turks’ barbarities. She thinks that Armenia is the country of
God, all the peoples went from Ararat and it is unimportant that this
sacred mountain is located on Turkey’s territory now. A Bulgarian
singer Tzvetan Tzvetkov also considers that Turkey must recognize
Genocide, “in fact, not only Armenians’ blood is on Turkey’s
conscience, they shed much blood of Bulgarians and other christian
peoples”. All the performers noted that they are not afraid to become
“persona non grata” for Turkey and will keep their opinion.

“Adana” is performed in Turkish as well. Gevorkyan did not mention the
name of a “valiant and democratic Turk” from considerations of
security. He also informed that “Adana” compact-disk in 17 languages
will be delivered all over the world. Proceeds from sales will be
directed to charity. “Adana” in 5 languages will be performed at the
Yerevan House of Chamber Music APr 23 at 15:00 and in Tsitsernakaberd
at Apr 23-24 night. -r-

A1plus

| 20:08:59 | 21-04-2005 | Official |

TERRITORIES OF FILM STUDIO SOLD

According to the law «On Governmental Non-Commercial Organizations» the
government decreed to convey the building located in Teryan Street 2 and
belonging to Armfilm film studio after Hamo Baknazaryan to the department
for state property under the RA government.

It was also decided on a competitive basis to amortize the organization’s
buildings and constructions occupying the territory of 24292.6 square meters
in Chavush 50 assessed in 266 million 968 thousand AMD.

CIRCUS AWAITING THE SAME FATE

The department for the state property under the RA government was ordered on
competitive basis to amortize the property belonging to State Circus
governmental non-commercial organization in the value of 40 million 882.1
thousand AMD. A commission headed by the chairman of the state property
department Ashot Markosyan was formed.

The commission was ordered within 2 months to organize and carry out the
amortization of the above mentioned property, fixing the minimal price at 40
ìëí 882.1 thousand drams.

–Boundary_(ID_tyrPObpTME428QFnLGBEbg)–

MATENADARAN RECEIVES FRAGMENT OF MANUSCRIPT SAVED BY VICTIM OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

YEREVAN, APRIL 20. ARMINFO. A fragment of “Gospel of John” ancient
manuscript dated by the 10th century, was donated today to Matenadaran
by a representative of “Friends of Matenadaran” Benevolent Foundation
of France Claude Armen.

Director of Matenadaran academician Sen Arevshatyan noted that this
gift was dated to the opening of an exhibition in memory of Genocide
victims. He noted that along with ancient manuscripts 11.700 fragments
of manuscripts and parchments of IV-V centuries, the least and the
biggest manuscripts in the world, as well as unique letters concerned
with the first journey of Christopher Columbus to America are kept
in Matenadaran.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 21, 2005

AGBU GENERATION NEXT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES OF A LIFETIME TO LEARN
& SUCCEED

Pasadena, CA – In its eighth year, AGBU Generation Next continues its
mission to help students of Armenian descent in the Glendale Unified
School District (GUSD) by pairing them with mentors who will guide
them towards a brighter future. This mentoring relationship introduces
young Armenians to new experiences and alternatives, enabling them
to become responsible, self-sufficient, and independent adults.

Arlette Der Hovanessian, the Program Manager of the GUSD Project GRACE
(Glendale Refugee & Asylee Children Excel), is a firm believer in
AGBU Generation Next and its ability to effectively coach students
carefully selected by GUSD for mentoring. “I am a true advocate of
Generation Next and Project GRACE is trying to provide as much support
as possible to this worthwhile youth program,” she says.

Over the years, she has seen the program mentor over a hundred
students ranging from the seventh to the eleventh grades. “AGBU
Generation Next gives them positive role models and reinforces the
value system we already have as a community. We know we can always
motivate youngsters to achieve more,” Der Hovanessian explains.

Instrumental to the success of this program is the steadfast dedication
of the limited number of mentors (age 21 and over), who commit time
and energy every week.

AGBU Generation Next Director, Susanna Sahakian emphasizes the
importance of good mentors, “As we all know, mentoring has always
been a significant part of peoples’ lives. But today, mentoring has
become a necessity in our teenagers’ lives. That is why I would like
to encourage all those who are interested in being helpful in our
community to join our organization and become a mentor to a teenager
to assure a better future for our community and the world.”

This season, AGBU Generation Next kicked off its program with an arts
& crafts event in November and has since organized a diverse array of
activities, including a Christmas party, an excursion to the local zoo,
and a trip to the Los Angeles Connection Comedy Theatre.

Established in 1997, AGBU Generation Next is a mentorship program
whose mission is to serve the Armenian youth of Southern California by
providing personal and academic guidance. To receive more information
about the program or to request an application to become a mentor,
please call 626-794-7942 or email [email protected].

States and others that have diplomatic relations with the Vatican

The Associated Press
04/19/05 12:48 EDT

The Holy See has diplomatic relations with 174 countries:

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia,
Cameroon.

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Estonia, Ethiopia.

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,
Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,
Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Kiribati, Kuwait.

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta,
Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,
Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand.

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New
Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic
of Congo, Romania, Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal.

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,
Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Uganda.

Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Vatican also has diplomatic relations with the European Union and
the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and maintains “relations of a
special nature” with Russia and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Armenia to mark Ottoman slayings, predicts 1.5 million turnout for march
by Simon Ostrovsky

Agence France Presse — English
April 19, 2005 Tuesday 2:57 AM GMT

YEREVAN April 19 — Armenia marks the 90th anniversary Sunday of
mass killings by the Ottoman Turks, a slaughter that is among the
most painful episodes of Armenia’s ages-old history and that remains
a monumental impediment to modern relations between Armenia and Turkey.

Organizers have planned a week of events to commemorate the killings
and have laid on a program that culminates Sunday in a solemn march
that authorities predicted would be attended by 1.5 million people,
including thousands of diaspora Armenians expected to attend.

“We expect 1.5 million people to participate in the memorial march
to symbolize the number of victims of the genocide on April 24,”
said Aram Simonian, one the event’s organizers.

Although the entire population of this country nestled in the Caucausus
mountains bordering Iran, Turkey and Georgia does not exceed three
million, Simonian said many ethnic Armenians who reside in France,
the United States and elsewhere would visit their ancestral homeland
for the occasion.

Armenia hopes that the march and other events leading up to the
anniversary this weekend will draw attention to the massacres and
put pressure on Turkey to recognize them as a genocide.

It was on April 24, 1915 that the Ottoman Turkish authorities arrested
some 200 Armenian community leaders in the start of what Armenia
and many other countries say was an organized genocidal campaign to
eliminate ethnic Armenians from the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kinsmen perished in
orchestrated killings between 1915 and 1917 as the Ottoman Empire,
the predecessor of modern Turkey, was falling apart.

Ankara counters that 300,000 Armenians and thousands of Turks were
killed in “civil strife” during World War I when the Armenians rose
against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

Armenia hopes also to draw international attention to its cause as
Turkey bids to join the European Union (EU), saying it should face
up to its past before joining the bloc.

“We would very much like it if this issue was raised by this
organization (the EU) as a prerequisite,” Armenia’s Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanian said recently.

Ankara has shown more willingness to review its history in the face
of this week’s events which are potentially damaging to its image
and its EU accession talks.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed recently the
creation of a joint Armenian-Turkish commission to review the issue,
though officials expressed confidence that the study would confirm
Turkey’s current position.

“Turkey is ready to face its history, Turkey has no problem with its
history,” Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said.

The killings have already been acknowledged as genocide by a number
of countries, including France, Canada and Switzerland but have not
been recognized as genocide by Israel and the United States which
enjoy strong strategic relations with Turkey.

Ankara recognized Armenia’s independence when it broke away from the
Soviet Union in 1991 but has refused to establish diplomatic relations
with Yerevan because of Armenian efforts to secure international
condemnation of the World War I massacres as genocide.

In 1993, Turkey shut its border with Armenia in a show of solidarity
with its close ally Azerbaijan, which was at war with Armenia over
the Nagorny-Karabakh enclave, dealing a heavy economic blow on the
impoverished nation.

Armenia plans to hold a series of seminars, exhibitions, film
screenings and concerts in the lead up to Sunday’s march when churches
throughout the mountainous republic will hold memorial services.