Author: Nanijanian Alex

RA PRIME MINISTER TOOK PART IN FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN

Yerevan, December 25. ArmInfo. A delegation, headed by RA Prime
Minister, Andranik Margaryan, took part in the funeral of the President
of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, on December 24.

As the Governmental press-service told ArmInfo, A. Margaryan has
written in the book of condolences on the occasion of death of
the President of Turkmenistan: "On behalf of the whole Armenian
people, I present my condolences to the Turkmen people in view of
an untimely death of the great son of Turkmenistan, the President
Saparmurat Niyazov. It is difficult to revalue the role of Niyazov
in the formation of the Turkmen state. His death is an irreversible
loss for the whole Turkmen people. Her also played a great role in
strengthening of the Armenian- Turkmen relations. Saparmurat Niyazov
was loved and respected in Armenia. He will always remain in the
memory of the Armenian people as a state figure who assisted greatly
to our people in a right moment".

RA NA IN SECOND READING ADOPTS BILL "ON RA NATIONAL ANTHEM"

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, NOYAN TAPAN. At the December 22 sitting,
RA NA with 64 votes in favor, 5 opposed and 1 abstention in second
reading adopted the bill "On RA National Anthem" submitted by the
government. The bill regulates relations connected with RA national
anthem and the order of its use. The draft law should still pass
through the procedure of third reading. ULP faction members present at
the sitting, non-partisan MPs Emma Khudabashian and Manuk Gasparian
were against the draft. Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) faction
members present at the sitting, except Gagik Mkheyan who registered
abstention, as well as ARFD and Ardarutiun (Justice) factions did not
vote. (Ardarutiun faction member Arshak Sadoyan was for the draft). The
main reason of the boycott was that the government refused to withdraw
the bill’s transitional provision, according to which "Our Homeland"
anthem is in force until the lyrics and music of the new anthem are
established by the law.

In Spite Of The Genocide . . .
By Serge Sarkisian

Wall Street Journal , NY
Dec 22 2006

YEREVAN, Armenia — Over the past few months, attention in Europe has
focused once again on the genocide of the Armenian people. The debate
in the European Parliament over whether Turkey’s recognition of the
genocide should be a precondition for membership in the European Union,
and the French National Assembly’s bill criminalizing genocide denial,
have put the spotlight on this tragic period of Armenia’s history.

I want to look to the future and I hope that Turkey’s negotiations
for EU membership will provide the long-awaited opportunity for
our two countries to establish civilized relations for the benefit
of our peoples and the region. Armenia is part of the new European
Neighborhood Policy and is seeking closer ties with the EU. As the
country with the oldest Christian community in the world, we are a
neighbor to Europe, but also to Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey.

Turkish-Armenian relations and the genocide are, of course, important
factors that need to be considered during Turkey’s negotiations
for EU membership. It is important to remember the past to ensure
that such crimes against humanity are not repeated. Nevertheless,
Armenia has a very straightforward and practical position in terms
of future relations with Turkey. We would welcome starting normal
diplomatic and other relations — without preconditions. That includes
not tying the establishment of diplomatic relations to recognition
of the genocide. More importantly, we want to profit from such
diplomatic relations as a means to overcome the issues that burden our
relations. We cannot expect solutions to come before we start talking
to each other. Solutions will only arise when we work hard for them,
starting by establishing an open dialogue.

In addition to building diplomatic ties between our two countries,
we believe that in negotiating for membership — and perhaps as a
future EU member state — Turkey will contribute to an economically
stronger and more stable neighborhood. This is in the interest of both
Turkey and Armenia. EU membership would also make Turkey much more
predictable. It is always easier to deal with a predictable neighbor.

Sadly, in the past Turkey’s response to Armenia’s desire for normal,
diplomatic relations has been to punish and threaten those who have
recognized the genocide. The breakthrough promised 15 years ago when
Ankara announced its recognition of Armenian independence remains
unfulfilled. Turkey refused then to establish diplomatic relations
with my country — and refuses to do so to this day. The result
is that our bilateral relations are zero. Worse, Turkey maintains
closed borders with Armenia despite growing international pressure and
condemnation, throws every effort into isolating landlocked Armenia
from international and regional transportation projects and does
not play a constructive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. While
these policies contradict contemporary principles of international
relations and world order, Armenia does not regard Turkey’s potential
membership in the EU as a threat to national security. Quite the
contrary. We hope it will mean that Turkey will change, and be in a
better position to face both its history and future.

The entry negotiations hold seeds of hope that the impasse between
Turkey and Armenia can eventually be broken. If Turkey lifts the
blockade of its border with Armenia, my small country becomes
geopolitically closer to Europe. Armenia already shares a common
interest with the EU on a large range of issues ranging from regional
security to democratic development.

The statehood that both Armenia and Turkey enjoy is not an apartment.
You cannot sell it and leave it. Neither Turks nor Armenians will
leave the region. The logical solution is to have normal relations
with each other. That’s what neighbors seek to do in today’s world.

I do not say that Armenia should resolve its relations with Ankara at
any price. What I do say is that it is ready to regulate its relations
with Turkey without any preconditions. Armenia is committed to doing
everything it can to find a way to develop bilateral relations,
as much as we are seeking close cooperation with the EU. We look
forward to the EU becoming increasingly involved in finding a way to
a breakthrough for relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Finally, let me make yet one more appeal to Turkey. We cannot be
permanent enemies — and even if we could, there is no need or sense in
being such enemies. So for the sake of our future, let us move forward.

Mr. Sarkisian is Armenia’s defense minister.

REGIONAL RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN AIR-RAID SYSTEM TO BE CREATED IN CAUCASUS

Yerevan, December 21. ArmInfo. A regional Russian-Armenian air-raid
system will be created in the Caucasus, the deputy CC of Russia’s
Air Forces on a United System of CIS AR, Aitech Bizhev, said , the
GZT.ru informs.

According to him, a session of the Coordination Committee of the United
System of AR of CIS countries will be held February 17 in Yerevan,
during which a new united regional system (URS) of AR in the Caucasus
will be presented. "We shall introduce the new system to all the
commanders of AF and AR of CIS counties. This system will include the
AF and AR of Russia and Armenia ", Bizhev said. The regional system in
the Caucasus will become an analogue of the united regional system of
AR of Russia and Belarus, the formation of which is under completion.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA’S WALL,
POCKET, DAILY BIBLE READINGS POCKET CALENDARS AND DIARY

The Printing House of the Catholicosate of Cilicia has published its wall,
pocket and daily Bible readings pocket calendars as well as the pocket diary
for 2007.

The wall calendar portrays the image of Saint Mesrob Mashdots surrounded by
the Armenian Alphabet, in line with the theme of 2007 as decided by His
Holiness Aram I: Year of the Armenian Language.

The pocket calendar includes the holidays of the Armenian Church against a
beautiful background photograph of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
in Antelias.

Published by the Christian Education Department, the daily Bible readings
pocket calendar is prepared as a useful guide to spiritual formation.

The pocket diary, published again by the Catholicosate’s Christian Education
Department is dedicated to the Year of the Armenian Language. It includes
useful information about the dioceses and the parishes of the Catholicosate
of Cilicia.

##
View the photo here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the books
published in the Printing House of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

December 20, 2006

PRESS RELEASE

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

HEEDING THE CALL OF H.H. CATHOLICOS ARAM I
PRELACY SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE
THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL

On the morning of Friday, October 15, 2006, students of Prelacy
Schools gathered at "Avedissian" Hall of Ferrahian High School to
celebrate the Year of the Armenian School, which His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, had proclaimed 2006 to be.

The gathering was held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The Prelate was in attendance along
with Clergy, Executive Council and Board of Regents representatives,
principals, teachers, and parents. The organizer of the event was the
Board of Regents and a special committee established for this purpose.

The gathering began at 10:30 a.m. with the pledges by Ferrahian
High School student Teny Issakhanian and opening remarks by Armenian
Mesrobian School student Araz Harboyan. Remarks were also made by
Executive Council Vice-Chair Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian and Board of
Regents Chair Mr. Avo Kechichian, both of whom noted how by heeding
the call of His Holiness, the students on various occasions celebrated
the Year of the Armenian School and the invaluable role the Armenian
School plays in the lives of all Armenians and especially in the
structuring of the new generation. The students’ message was delivered
by Mesrobian student Sevana Dimijian who beautifully characterized
the Armenian School and its livelihood by comparing it to a phoenix,
in the sense that both are continually reborn and renewed.

The artistic portion of the program consisted of Armenian folk dances
by Pilibos School students, group recitation by Ferrahian students,
group recitation and a play by Ari Guiragos Minassian School students,
and songs by the Chamlian School choir. Special guest singer Armen
Movsessian from Armenia also participated in the program with a set
of songs.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Mardirossian first thanked God
for offering the opportunity to have such a gathering to collectively
celebrate the Armenian School. He then offered appreciation to the
students and organizers for their remarkable efforts. Speaking on
the role and mission of the Armenian School, the Prelate remarked
"The Armenian School is a second home and a second homeland for us
all, an institution with familial warmth that spiritually bridges
us with our homeland, our heritage, and our spiritual and national
traditions. Poets have likened the Armenian School to a luminous
torch, the lighthouse of the mind and soul.

These few words illustrate beautifully the purpose and uniqueness of
the Armenian School where you learn our language, history, culture,
and values. The enthusiasm expressed in your performances today is
evidence of this fact.

It is true that this gathering today is the final official celebration
of the Armenian School for the year 2006.

However, the spirit and message will not end here, because His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I has proclaimed 2007 to be the Year of the Armenian
Language and because the Armenian language and culture are inseparable
and integral to the Armenian school. Therefore, the upcoming year
will be the direct continuation of today’s celebration, message, and
spirit. In the coming year, let us collectively celebrate the year
of the Armenian Language, just as we celebrated the Armenian School
throughout the year 2006. Let our students, teachers, principals,
and parents join hands to organize events that showcase the beauty
and preciousness of our language."

The Prelate concluded by noting that we are on the threshold of the
New Year and Christmas, and offered his prayers for God to fill our
hearts with love and peace during this festive time.

The gathering came to a close with the Prelate’s "Bahbanich" prayer
and the singing of "Giligia" by the Chamlian choir.

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

December 19, 2006
___________________

DR. ZAREH DEMIRJIAN PRESENTED WITH STS. SAHAG AND MESROB MEDAL

By Florence Avakian

The importance of a man is in his contributions to society. This
description is befitting any mention of Dr. Zareh Demirjian, a leader of the
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, who was recently presented with the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, on behalf of His Holiness Karekin
II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

"Dr. Demirjian is a community leader who has given our people so many
spiritual and cultural gifts during the past 40 years, especially in the
Boston area," the Primate said during the service on Sunday, December 3,
2006. "His dedicated life and service is a testament to the strong
foundations of his devoted parents, and his family."

The honoree, born in Aleppo, was educated in Beirut and became the head of
the Hematology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also a
respected professor at Harvard Medical School. He has devoted his life to
the Armenian Church, Armenian culture, and his humanitarian work.

"He has brought help to anyone in need from kings to the poverty-stricken,"
the Primate added.

The Primate also noted that Dr. Demirjian’s mother was honored by Catholicos
of All Armenians Vasken I, of blessed memory. In his encyclical, Catholicos
Karekin II noted the importance of the connection between generations.

"In following the dedicated spirit of your parents, who were devoted members
of the Armenian Church and the AGBU, you have made significant contributions
to the Boston-Armenian community, and played an important role in the AGBU,
the Tekeyan organization and other cultural areas. You have also
courageously worked for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide," the
Pontifical Encyclical read. "In your profession as a prominent doctor, you
have passed your valuable knowledge to your students at the Harvard Medical
School."

His colleagues, gathered to honor Dr. Demirjian, agreed that he impacted
people around the globe, and especially touched those in the Boston area.

"Dr. Demirjian’s role in the cultural life of the Boston Armenian community
is exemplary," said one of the many speakers of the evening, Dr. Marzbed
Margossian, who also recalled the years they spent together as students at
the American University of Beirut.

Speaking on behalf of the Demirjian family present — which included the
honoree’s wife Margo and daughter Talin — was his son Dr. Aram Demirjian,
who reiterated the "great role model" that his father has been for him and
the family.

The special evening began with evening vespers in the sanctuary conducted by
the Primate, assisted by Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Fr. Arakel Aljalian, and Fr.
Arsen Barsamian.

In performing the role of master of ceremonies, Fr. Maksoudian read the
Pontifical Encyclical in Armenian. Another speaker, Nubar Dorian paid
tribute to Dr. Demirjian in English, when he extolled the honoree’s life and
accomplishments, not only in Boston, but around the world.

— 12/19/06

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), with Dr. Zareh Demirjian, a leader
of the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, after presenting Dr. Demirjian
with the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf
of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Krikor Maksoudian reads the encyclical from His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
while the Primate and Dr. Demirjian look on during a service at the St.
James Church of Watertown, MA, on December 3, 2006.

# # #

ARMENIAN CHOIR WAS THE BEST

A1+
[12:39 pm] 18 December, 2006

A competition of Christmas spiritual songs took place in St. Mary
catholic church in Calcutta. The choirs of about 10 schools
participated in it. The choir of the Armenian Humanitarian Lyceum,
conducted by Vachagan Tadevosyan also participated in the competition.

The competition started with "Our Father" after which each choir
performed two songs in English.

As a result of the competition the choir of the Armenian Humanitarian
Lyceum was declared the best winning the first prize.

GAGIK TSARUKIAN HAS BIGGEST RATING IN POLITICAL FIELD OF ARMENIA,
MANUK GASPARIAN FINDS

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The propaganda of already started
not only 2007 parliamentary but also 2008 president’s elections will
be held with inadmissible methods. NA Deputy Manuk Gasparian expressed
such a foresight at the December 15 meeting with journalists. In his
words, the politicians’ action way of slandering each other will bring
to the people’s deep dissappointment. Commenting upon the place and
role of the opposition in the inner-political field of Armenia,
M.Gasparian fixed that at present the authorities have a bigger rating
than the opposition forces. "The authorities have never has such
beneficial conditions as today," he mentioned. In the NA Deputy’s
words, such a fall of the rating of the opposing forces is provided by
the fact that the latters are not given TV broadcast, and local
authorities hinder from holding meetings in marzes. On the future
president’s post M.Gasparian wants to see such a figure who "has
remained clean during the whole period of his political biography."
Responding the question "Who do you consider a clean politician?", he
said the following: "Gagik Tsarukian today has the biggest rating in
Armenia, and with this rating, he surpasses even Stepan Demirchian."
In M.Gasparian’s words, the Chairman of the "Bargavach Hayastan" party
"in the case of wish, may gather 50-100 thousand people in the square,
but, naturally, he will not take such a step."

NATIONAL MINORITIES CONDEMN NAGORNO-KARABAKH REFERENDUM

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 14 2006

Representatives of national minorities in Azerbaijan gathered at the
International Press Center in Baku on Thursday to condemn the December
10 referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh.

At the initiative of the Head of Russian community of Azerbaijan
Mikhail Zabelin, the participants of the gathering agreed to establish
the Congress of National Minorities of the Azerbaijan Republic. They
formed a working group, produced a charter of the organization, and
issued an appeal to the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, U.S. Department of
State and Congress, parliament of France, Russia’s Foreign Ministry and
State Duma, strongly protesting against the so-called "constitutional
referendum" in Nagorno-Karabakh. "This action by the separatist regime
of Nagorno-Karabakh contradicts not only Constitution of Azerbaijan but
also norms and principles of the international law," the appeal says.

It also says that representatives of tens of nationalities and
ethnic groups have been living in Azerbaijan for ages. They enjoy
all the rights of citizens of the sovereign and democratic country,
with the opportunity to preserve and develop their culture, language
and traditions.

The Congress of National Minorities expressed its full support for
the efforts by the leadership of Azerbaijan towards resolution of
the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the base of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, and called for condemnation of
the illegal act, and unrecognizing of the results of the so-called
"referendum".