Author: Nanijanian Alex

RA FOREIGN MINISTER PARTICIPATED IN THE SITTING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL

ArmRadio.am
18.04.2007 10:14

RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian participated in the sitting of
the OSCE Permanent Council in Austria.

In his speech Minister Oskanian dwelt on the OSCE reforms, the activity
of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the parliamentary elections in Armenia,
Armenian-Turkish relations and the current stage of settlement of
the Karabakh conflict.

The Minister’s speech was followed by the comments and questions of
the Ambassadors of OSCE member states.

In the first half of the day Minister Oskanian visited the Parliament
of Austria where he met with the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Parliamentary Relations Kaspar Aynem.

The parties talked about the parliamentary elections in Armenia,
stressing the importance of holding these in compliance with
international standards.

Turning to issues of bilateral cooperation, the parties attached
importance to the establishment of cooperation between the parliaments
of the two countries after the elections.

At Mr. Aynem’s request, Vartan Oskanian presented the foreign policy
priorities of Armenia, its relations with neighbors, the perspectives
of settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

UNITED STATES: RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN, TURKEY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Simone Comi

Equilibri.net , Italy
April 16 2007

Involved in a number of international fronts and areas the United
State’s remain the primary political and economic partner of the
European Union and the Caucasian States – due in part to strong
cooperative relations with Azerbaijan. The possible cooling of
relations between Washington and Ankara could have a negative influence
in the Middle East – an area already under a certain strain due to the
problematic relations with Syria and Iran and the difficult situation
in Iraq.

New energy agreements with Azerbaijan and a cooling in USA-Turkey
relations

The United States and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement of
reciprocal collaboration in the energy sector. The agreement,
developed by the Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Elmar
Mamedyarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, focuses on
collaboration in the context of energy security in the Caspian Sea
region. As its principal objective the Memorandum of Understanding
focuses on the enlargement of production and exportation, for and
towards international markets, of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas reserves and
the construction of a gas pipeline that will cross Turkey and reach
Greece and Italy. The pipeline will connect Europe’s distribution
network with Azerbaijan’s thus guaranteeing Europe greater energy
security and a diversification of natural gas and petrol sources,
a factor significant to reducing Europe’s energy dependancy on Russia.

In the same period that the MoU was being signed diplomatic relations
with Ankara registered a moment of difficulty. This was due to the news
that the House of Representatives were intent upon approving a motion
that would condemn as genocide the massacre of Armenians in Turkey
between 1915 and 1923. To date 15 countries, including Switzerland and
France, have denounced the acts as genocide. The reply to Turkey’s
protests was entrusted to the Secretary of State and the Defense
Secretary: Condoleeza Rice e Robert Gates in a joint statement to
the head of the House of Representative’s Foreign Commission, Thomas
Lantos, declared that the resolution would ruin relations with the
ally and requested that the motion not be voted upon. The Speaker
of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has already announced that the vote will
take place by mid-April, however, should this happen then President
Bush may well intervene in order to block any such action.

Speaking in front of the House Foreign Commission the under-Secretary
of State, Daniel Fried, explained that the repercussions to US-Turkish
relations would be extremely serious. The Turkish Government has
already threatened to close the American air-base at Incirlik – one
of the most important for troop and supply movements towards the
Middle East – and deny overfly permission. The under-Secretary of
State also let it be understood that Turkey could act against Kurds
in the north of Iraqi in a moment in which the American presence is
ever more important in the country.

Opinion polls in Turkey have shown that support for the United States
is at the lowest level ever, Fried underlined the fact that twice in
the past, in 1990 and 2000, the House did not vote on similar motions
in order to preserve American diplomatic relations with Ankara. The
turkish foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, during a visit to Washington in
January stated that Turkey is reconsidering its past history but that
all foreign condemnation would be counterproductive. For the Armenian
communities around the world postponing or canceling the resolution
would be a momentary defeat, representatives of the most important
American communities have already declared that even if the motion is
withdrawn it would be proposed again after the 2008 elections when, as
expected, the White House will host a representative of the Democrats.

The new economic agreement between Europe and the United States

Relations between the United States and Europe are completely
different: according to the official declarations of Robert Kimmit,
the vice-Secretary of the Treasury, Washington and Brussels seem
ready to up their economic integration to a higher level. This would
be achieved by lowering normative obstacles in order to reach direct
reciprocal investments and the integration of financial markets.

The United States have favorably received the initiative to improve
the transatlantic market proposed by the German Chancellor, Angela
Merkel, and representatives of the US treasury have declared that the
United States and the European Union need to arrive at the economic
summit of 30 April with a series of proposals. The objectives that
the US and European negotiators have posed are clear: reduce as far
as possible US and European norms and promote a harmonious convergence
of the policies that still divide the two markets. The vice-Secretary
of the Treasury underlined that the American priority in the global
commercial arena was the success of the Doha Round, thus lowering
the fears of many analysts that believed that a greater integration
of the world’s two major economic powers would favor a weakening of
the current forces aimed at reducing global barriers.

Both Kimmit and the principal US economic analysts agree that the
forces necessary to furthering economic relations between the United
States and Europe will be of equivalent success to the forces necessary
to obtaining a single european market – one which has less barriers,
better protects intellectual property and promotes greater competition
in transport infrastructure and business services.

As regards the potential of the agreements Daniel Hamilton, Director
of the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins
University, underlined how commercial relations between the US and
the EU differentiate from relations with other regions. The barriers
to free-trade between the US and the EU are already quite low and
the real question is removing legislative barriers to the flow of
capital. Hamilton added that a strong ‘transatlantic motor’ could
function to the advantage of the global economy; reaching a high
level of success in relations with the principal economic partners,
such as the EU, could bring the US to being a better client for goods
coming from markets in which the US presence is not so strong.

According to Hamilton during the first half of the current decade
Europe received more than 57% of American direct foreign investment
while representing 75% of foreign capital invested in the United
States. These investments could increase if both parties resolve the
issue of the diverse corporate administration and fiscal duties –
currently major investors lament the fact that the differences are
the source of considerable costs and problems.

Conclusions

The new MoU between the US and Azerbaijan have brought about a greater
closeness between Russia and China, not only politically but also
in terms of economic and technology cooperation. Although there has
been no substantial progress in the Siberian oil pipeline that would
create a link between the two countries, commercial agreements for
a value of 4 billion dollars have been agreed upon. Of particular
importance is the agreement to collaborate in space programs, including
the launch in 2009 of a Chinese satellite that will orbit Mars and
a Moon space-shuttle that will be used to build an orbiting space
station. The collaboration in question is of political significance
above all, even if their interests are diverse both countries are
intent on giving the impression of ever greater strength in order to
counter balance the United States – an influence particularly strong
in europe and one that will become ever stronger in the Caucasian
region. Of crucial importance is the resolution of the diplomatic
crisis between Washington and Ankara: the closure of the American
base in Incirlik and the blockage of fly-over permission would create
enormous obstacles to the US presence in Iraq.

_States__relations_with_Azerbaijan__Turkey_and_the _European_Union

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: POLICEMAN’S IMAGE SHOULD INSPIRE FEELING OF
CONFIDENCE AND PROTECTIVENESS

YEREVAN, APRIL 16, NOYAN TAPAN. "The image of policeman in democratic
society should inspire a feeling of confidence and protectiveness," RA
President Robert Kocharian’s address on the occasion of Police Day
read.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan from RA President’s
Press Office, the address also read: "Your rating in the society
directly depends on the amounts of crime in the country and the degree
of their disclosure. The reforms in the system of Police are aimed at
raising the efficiency of your work, at modernizing it, as well as at
liquidating the negative manifestations.

When implementing many of the functions given to you by the state you
immediately deal with citizens. You are the official, who represents
the Republic of Armenia from handing of passports to ensuring safe
traffic.

I wish you to do your professional work with high responsibility, with
dignity and successfully."

INTENDS TO PARTICIPATE IN ARMENIAN RAILWAYS CONCESSION TENDER

Arminfo
2007-04-11 15:48:00

RF President Vladimir Putin has approved the OJSC for participation in
the Armenian railways concession tender, the terms of which are under
development at present, Head of "RR" Vladimir Yakunin said upon the
results of the session on the Russian railway transport development
strategy till 2030, chaired by RF President, the "Finmarket"
reports. In Yakunin’s opinion, "there is the needed volume of
transport works in Armenia for serious consideration of the Company’s
participation in the tender, and the increase of freight flows through
Iran and the development of the Caspian ferry communication prove
that we shall not remain workless there", V.Yakunin said.

According to the source, Vladimir Putin also charged the Government
with consideration of the issue of state support of the "RR" OJSC’s
initiative for construction of 1520mm-railway track to the European
countries. V.Yakunin recalled that the Company has presently developed
the proposals for construction of 1520 mm-railway track to Vienna,
which are preliminary agreed on with the Chancellor of Austria.

RA PRIME MINISTER DOES NOT THINK THAT ELECTORAL PROCESS MUST HINDER WORK OF GOVERNMENT

Noyan Tapan
Apr 11 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 11, NOYAN TAPAN. "Elections demand from the political
forces great efforts and time and in that sense one can think that they
hinder works of the executive body," RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian
expressed such an opinion at the April 11 joint press conference with
First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Sergey Ivanov. In his words,
on the other hand, one must understand that for political forces it
is the zenith of their activity, and they must make effort to form
the next government.

"I must say that elections help work as it is the period of time when
the executive body wants to work better," S. Sargsian mentioned,
adding at the same time that he does not think that the electoral
process must hinder works of the government.

TURKEY, ARMENIA URGED TO RECONCILE

United Press International
April 10 2007

NEW YORK, April 10 (UPI) — Armenia and Turkey have been urged in a
letter from 53 Nobel laureates to make concessions and re-establish
diplomatic relations.

"We thought it would be important for Nobel laureates to join their
voices in support of Turkish-Armenian reconciliation," Elie Wiesel
Foundation for Humanity official David Phillips told Radio Free Europe
in an interview in New York.

In the open letter, the laureates urged the Turkish government in
Ankara to acknowledge the 1915-18 mass deportations and killing of
more than 1 million Armenians constituted genocide and also urged
the Armenian government in Yerevan to make changes.

"Armenia also should reverse its own authoritarian course, allow free
and fair elections and respect human rights," the laureates wrote.

Phillips said the letter was prompted by anti-Armenian backlash in
Turkey that followed the Jan. 19 murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink.

"The trends in Turkey right now are negative, and I hope that after
they get through this political cycle cooler heads will prevail and
that Turkey’s leaders will take a deep breath and reflect carefully
on what’s in their nationalist interests," Phillips said.

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 10, 2007
___________________

EASTER CROWD FILLS CATHEDRAL WITH JOYFUL CELEBRATION

By Jake Goshert

One by one, Bella Tashchian lifted her daughters up to take communion.
First was 4-year-old Anahid, followed by Zaruhi, age 3.

"It’s so natural for us to be in church, especially on Easter," said their
father, Hratch Tashchian. "They’re too young to really understand the
mystery of what’s going on – but it is important for us to be here. They’ll
learn as they grow."

The Tashchian family was one of the hundreds that filled New York City’s St.
Vartan Armenian Cathedral during the culmination of Holy Week – the Easter
celebrations on Sunday, April 8, 2007.

FOCUS ON FAMILY

In his message to the approximately 1,300 faithful that crowded the
Cathedral and plaza, the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
spoke of the importance of serving as role models for the next generation.

"I want each one of you to focus on the importance of the family," the
Primate said. "Teach your children to pray. But in order for them to
learn, you their parents have to pray. Teach them to love. But in order
form them to love, you their parents have to demonstrate love."

He urged every family to schedule a Home Blessing service. During this
ancient traditional service, Armenian clergy visit the homes of faithful
where they bless bread, water and salt — three fundamental elements that
are essential life-giving gifts for human existence. The service,
traditionally undertaken at Christmas and Eastertide, also includes prayer
involving the family.

"Let your children see the priests singing hymns in your Armenian home and
let the children experience God’s presence in their home," the Primate said.
"Make your home a Christ-centered home. Ensure there is prayer and that
traditions are kept, but more importantly, live your own lives in a
Christ-centered way. Inspire your children to be good Armenian Christians
and serve as role models."

POWER OF FAITH

Also during his remarks to the gathered faithful, the Primate spoke about
the power of faith by highlighting the story of one survivor of the 1990s
Rwandan genocide. He spoke of reading "Left to Tell," the autobiographical
story of Immaculée Ilibagiza and how she survived the bloody Rwandan
genocide in 1994 which claimed the lives of nearly one million ethnic
minorities.

A devout Catholic, she survived along with seven other women by quietly
hiding in a small bathroom, no longer than 3 feet long and 4 feet high.
During her torturous ordeal, she came to forgive those hunting her fellow
Tutsi countrymen, noting that if she truly loved God, she would love her
neighbors as herself, even if they were responsible for the murder of her
own family.

"Hers is an incredible story. You see she knows who Christ is because she’s
able to experience Christ’s presence in her life," the Primate said. "You
can see she even knows how to forgive the people who killed her parents and
brothers. There is God’s creative power in her. There is a power in each
of us as children of God. Our responsibility is to teach our children and
recognize how important home and family are.

"Indeed Immaculée received her foundation at home, in her Christian home.
She was able to endure and survive and continue her life with the foundation
she received at home," the Primate concluded.

CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL

Following the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral, Archbishop Barsamian led a
processional out to the Cathedral plaza. As the crowd of faithful
surrounded him, he conducted a Home Blessing service.

That was followed by the traditional Release of Doves ceremony, which has
long been a fixture of the Cathedral’s Easter celebrations. During the
ceremony, 12 white doves are released symbolizing Christ’s sending of his 12
Apostles to nations around the globe — including Armenia — to preach the
Gospel. Armenia, under King Tiradates the Great, was the first nation to
adopt Christianity as the official state religion – more than a decade
before Emperor Constantine did so with the Roman Empire.

Serving as this year’s godmother of the ceremony was Bobbye Acopian. Mrs.
Acopian, the wife of the late inventor and philanthropist Sarkis Acopian,
gathered with children and grandchildren to release the doves in memory of
her husband, a life-long friend and benefactor of the Armenian Church and
American charities.

"We are pleased Mrs. Bobbye Acopian and her family joined us today for this
joyous celebration," the Primate said. "For it is Easter, indeed, which
reminds us of God’s promise of eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom. And
through His love we will be reunited with our loved ones once again. This
is this rejuvenating spirit that fills us during Easter."

— 4/10/07

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Bella Tashchian lifts her daughter Anahid up to receive
communion during Easter Sunday services in New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral on April 8, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), addresses hundreds of faithful and
families who filled St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City for badarak on
Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Children peak around the corner in New York City’s St.
Vartan Cathedral to watch the celebration of the Divine Liturgy during a
packed service on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. (photo by Tony Savino)

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The faithful kiss the Archbishop Barsamian’s hand cross
as he leads a procession through St. Vartan Cathedral during Easter Sunday,
April 8, 2007. (photo by Tony Savino)

PHOTO CAPTION (5): Flanked by Bobbye Acopian and her children and
grandchildren, Archbishop Barsamian performs a Home Blessing service on the
St. Vartan Cathedral plaza following Easter Sunday services on April 8,
2007. (photo by Tony Savino)

PHOTO CAPTION (6): On Easter, the Primate releases one of 12 doves as part
of the traditional ceremony representing Christ sending his 12 Apostles out
into the world. (photo by Tony Savino)

PHOTO CAPTION (7): After a brief flight, one of the 12 doves released
following Easter services at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City, perches
on the shoulder of Archbishop Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
(photo by Tony Savino)

ARMENIANS IN LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN LAUNCH ARMENIA FOREVER! CAMPAIGN

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.04.2007 13:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On the eve of the 92st anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide perpetrated by Turkey, the International Armenian Network
– IAN is launching a worldwide campaign in support of Republics of
Armenia and Artsakh. The IAN Central Committee told PanARMENIAN.Net
that the collected support signatures will be saved on CDs that
will be delivered to the governments of Armenia and all other
nations through their embassies. A copy will be sent to the UN as
well. Armenia Forever! was set up by IAN (), the website
of Spanish-speaking Armenians from Latin America as well as Spain.

RUSSIAN FM TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA

Arka News Agency, Armenia
April 2 2007

YEREVAN, April 2. /ARKA/. RF Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is to
arrive for an official visit to Armenia on April 3, 2007.

The Press and Information Department, RA Foreign Office, reports that
during his visit the RF Foreign Minister is to hold meetings with
President Robert Kocharyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II,
Acting Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan.

The Russian delegation is also to lay wreaths to the Memorial to the
victims of the Armenian Genocide.

On April 4, the Russian FM is to make a speech at Yerevan State
University.

OVER 10.1 MILLION DOLLARS ALLOCATED THIS YEAR FROM STATE BUDGET FOR REPAIRS OF YEREVAN SCHOOLS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 02 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. 48 comprehensive schools under the
jurisdiction of Yerevan Mayor’s Office will be repaired in 2007
with state budgetary resources. Head of the Education Department
of Yerevan mayor’s office Onik Vatian said at the April 2 press
conference that 3.7 bln drams (over 10.1 mln USD) will be allocated
for this work. According to him, this year repairs of Yerevan scools
will also be carried out with resources of the Social Investment
Fund and the Lincy Foundation. The latter envisages to repair 5
comprehensive schools with 10 million dollars. O. Vatian noted that
construction work has already started in some schools, but the main
work will start in April and finish in accordance with the schedule –
by late 2007. In the words of O.

Vatian, 54 schools of the city have their own boiler-houses for local
heating, and their number will increase by the end of this year. He
said that as a result of check-ups conducted by the mayor’s office,
directors of comprehensive schools No 87 and No 121 were dismissed
from their jobs for abusing their official positions, while 37 teachers
received warnings.