Author: Nargizian David

CONNECTICUT ARMENIANS GATHER AT STATE CAPITOL IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
29.04.2008 10:29

On Saturday April 26, 2008, over 120 Armenians gathered at the
Hartford State Capitol for a commemorative service in recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America, Eastern Region.

The program included an invocation from the local Armenian Churches;
recognition of Armenian Genocide survivors in the Connecticut
area; remarks by Rep. John Geragosian (D-25); and presentation of a
proclamation by the Governor; as well as remarks and singing by the
youth and requiem service.

Greg Kuo from the Genocide Intervention Network, gave an informative
update on the actions GI-Net is taking to have the teachings of
genocide in the school system.

Keynote speaker ANCA Eastern Region Director Karine Birazian talked
about taking action and being part of the solution. During her
comments she said, "As Samantha Power, Pulizer Prize winner, for
her book a Problem From Hell has discussed on several occasions,
you can either be a bystander or an upstander. I implore all of you
to become upstanders. And not watch another survivor pass without
proper recognition or watch another Darfurian die. We must continue,
as Armenian Americans, to raise our voices about the truth and ensure
that our children will not have to bear witness to similar atrocities."

Following the special requiem service a "Madagh" was donated by the St.

Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Church of the Holy
Resurrection, and St. George Armenian Apostolic Church where gatherers
met with Birazian.

Earlier that week on April 24 community members gathered at the State
Capitol for an annual Armenian flag raising ceremony. Following the
events Geragosian commented: "For years we have been told that it is
‘not a good time’ to press for such a resolution. "Enough is enough;
it’s time for us to come to grips with what many nations the world
over have already recognized–the 1915 massacre of Armenian–Turks
was a genocide."

As Majority Caucus Chair, Geragosian was elected to the Connecticut
House of Representatives in 1994. Representing the 25th district
located in New Britain he serves on the Appropriations, Insurance &
Real Estate, and Judiciary Committees.

FORD SHARES JUMP AS KIRK KERKORIAN BUYS IN
By James Quinn, Wall Street Correspondent

Daily Telegraph
28/04/2008
UK

Activist investor Kirk Kerkorian has amassed a 4.7pc stake in car
manufacturer Ford, backing the turnaround being put in place by chief
executive Alan Mulally.

Mr Kerkorian, through his Tracinda investment vehicle, bought 100m
Ford shares on the open market in the last month, and plans to acquire
a further 20m through a tender offer.

Kerkorian says that the Ford turnaround is gaining traction Tracinda
is offering to buy the shares at a price of $8.50 each, a 13.3pc
premium to Friday’s closing price.

If the offer is a success, the billionaire will have a 5.6pc stake
in the company – worth approximately $1bn (£500m). Ford shares rose
as much as 10pc on the news.

Transport: news and views The American-Armenian’s interest in Ford
comes just a week after it delivered a $100m profit in the first
quarter, reversing previous losses as Mr Mulally’s plans appear to
be paying off.

advertisement In a statement, Tracinda said that Ford is starting to
"achieve highly meaningful traction in turn-around efforts."

Those efforts have included the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to
India’s Tata earlier this year, and a landmark pay deal with the
Union of Automotive Workers in the US last Autumn.

Mr Mulally welcomed the Tracinda investment, adding that "any investor
can purchase Ford shares, which are sold on the open market."

But he will be only too aware of Mr Kerkorian’s past form in the
automotive industry, where he has in the past built stakes in both
Chrysler and General Motors, where he pushed for change in the
structure of both companies.

However at Ford, Mr Kerkorian’s stake-building appears to be for the
purposes of support and profit rather than as an activist shareholder.

In any event, given the Ford family’s stranglehold on the company’s
voting shares, pushing for change would be difficult.

That said, Mr Kerkorian has very deep pockets – with a personal
fortune in the region of $16bn – and is no stranger to a fight,
having dropped out of high school at the age of 14 after which he
became a successful amateur boxer.

–Boundary_(ID_WKSExWLak4Zah737zJ78cA)–

Untitled DocumentPress 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
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

APRIL 25, 2008

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN PARTICIPATES
IN CAPITOL HILL COMMEMORATION
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan participated in observances on Capitol
Hill in Washington on Wednesday, April 23, on the occasion of the 93rd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, organized by the Congressional Caucus
on Armenian issues.
The Prelate’s prayers were a message of hope that has been handed down
>From the survivors of the genocide. His Eminence recognized the role of the
United States 93 years ago noting, "During those dark years, four American
presidents-Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover-took direct and bold action
to help the Armenians. Furthermore, overseas the entire diplomatic
corps-ambassadors, minister, consuls-shared in the responsibility of
publicizing the Genocide of the Armenians and administering relief. Foremost
among them was the United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry
Morgenthau, Sr. This was one of America’s finest hours, when commitment
became action."

PRELATE WILL DELIVER INVOCATION TONIGHT
AT REMEMBRANCE AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK
Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the invocation at the commemoration of
the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide tonight at City Hall Chambers,
Corner of Chambers Street and Broadway, New York City. The event is
organized by the Armenian National Committee of New York and Friends of the
Armenian National Committee. Attending the event will be New York City
Council members and New York Congress members. Professor Henry Theriault of
Worcester State College will speak.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN RETURNS FROM ARMENIA
Bishop Anoushavan returned from Armenia where he participated in the
meetings of the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Martyrs, at Holy
Etchmiadzin. Bishop Anoushavan represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia,
together with Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Bishop
Papken Charian, Prelate of Isfahan. The committee will submit a report to
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram
I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION ON SUNDAY
On Sunday, April 27, the Prelate will participate in the Times Square
Gathering, organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and supported
by all Armenian religious groups and major Armenian organizations.
The Gathering at Times Square (43rd and Broadway, NYC), will begin at 2
pm. Buses will depart from all Armenian churches in New York and New Jersey;
Baruyr’s Grocery, 40th Street & Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside; and from
Brooklyn from the corner of Coney Island Ave. and Brighton Beach Ave. For
information: 516-352-2587.

CONFERENCE ON MIGRATION CONVENES IN ANTELIAS
An international conference convened in the headquarters of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia on April 14-16, where the phenomenon of migration
and its impact on society was examined. One hundred twenty delegates
participated in the conference, which was chaired by His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
Addressing the attendants during the final session, the General
Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Dr. Sam Kobia, presented
the statement to be adopted by the conference, prepared by a special
committee on the basis of the delegates’ proposals and discussion. Dr. Kobia
thanked the Middle East Council of Churches, the conference’s organizing
committee, and the delegates for their active participation. He also
expressed special gratitude to Catholicos Aram I, both for the hospitality
demonstrated by the Catholicosate and for the Pontiff’s valuable
contribution on the basis of his extensive ecumenical and interfaith
experience.
In his closing remarks the Pontiff stressed the importance of discussing
pan-humanitarian and shared concerns during such conferences. "The issue of
migration is not a religious issue or an issue pertaining to a specific
community or context. It is a human issue which is expressed in different
forms and has different implications in different environments. Therefore,
migration being a global issue and at the same time a local issue, we need
to develop both a global perspective and contextual approach."

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED
Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the
recently published book, "Archbishop Nerses Labronaci: Commentary on the
Wisdom of Solomon," by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, on Friday, May 2, at 7
p.m., at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. The book, which will be
introduced by Professor Peter Cowe of UCLA, arose from his doctoral
dissertation. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in
2003 after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation and was awarded
the degree with distinction at the unanimous recommendation of the examining
committee.

PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
The Prelacy Ladies Guild’s popular Mothers Day Luncheon will take place
on Monday, May 5, at The St. Regis, Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, New York
City. Reception is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 12:30. Mrs.
Mary Mardoian will be honored as the Mother of the Year. Also honored will
be Mrs. Hasmig Hovnanian, the "Founding Mother" of the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
For reservations contact the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL;
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will be hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for
delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle
service are on the Prelacy web page. In addition to the NRA, the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating its 25th
anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place. To get to the
NRA site click

YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click
tifical%20Messages/messages58.htm.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click
.

2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Plans are underway for the 22nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute
Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the program will take place at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By
popular demand, this year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a
weekend retreat (optional) June 27-29. For details click

BLESSI NG OF MURON
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) on June 7, 2008.
The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally
blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which
is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the
parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which
are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus
creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron
is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior
to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the
Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
pilgrims from various parts of the world.
During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate
of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3
through to June 5.
The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron
blessing. For details click

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See
of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older,
to attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the
annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of
God.
Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes
to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting
with a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local
parish.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Friday, April 25 are: Luke 13:22-35; Acts
19:21-40; 1 John 2:26-28; John 8:31-59; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 8:1-9.
I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As
for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you
do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all
things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide
to him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed
we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. (1
John 2:26-28)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click

PR ESIDENT BUSH RELEASES STATEMENT ON MARTYRS DAY;
DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE GENOCIDE IN HIS FINAL STATEMENT
In what is his final presidential statement on the Armenian Genocide,
President George W. Bush once again did not use the feared "g" word,
describing the events as "one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th
century."
In 2005 and 2006 President Bush made subtle reference to the genocide by
mentioning the findings of the International Center for Transitional Justice
(CTJ). Last year, and again this year, under pressure from the Turkish
government, this reference was not made. Furthermore, official Washington
continues to ignore the proclamation made by President Ronald Reagan in 1981
recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The actions of the administrations since
that of Reagan besmirch the gallant efforts of past presidents, congresses,
and the American people who organized a massive relief program for the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide that today is still considered to be the
textbook model for humanitarian relief.

WE REMIND EVERYONE TO ATTEND MARTYRS DAY COMMEMORATIONS
IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2
pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the
AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With
the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the
Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical
Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth
organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York
and New Jersey; Baruyr’s, 40th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New
Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409;
Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.

May 2-Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s
Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York.

May 5-Mothers’ Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St.
Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon.

May 8-10-National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. Click
for details.

May 8 and 9-National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in
conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.

May 9-Mothers Day banquet hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter, New York, at Armenian
Center, 69-23 47th Ave. Woodside, New York. For information and reservations
contact Sonia 718-961-9550.

June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon.

June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Click
for details.

June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.

June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click

July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.

August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.

August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.

September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.

September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.

November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

BHK MP TO RESIGN FROM MANDATE

A1+
[01:30 pm] 25 April, 2008

According to some verified sources, Vahe Hovhannissian, member of
the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe (PACE) and "Bargavach Hayastan" (Prosperous Armenia) Party
MP, submitted a resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly
Tigran Torossian.

We tried to verify the information from the BHK parliamentarian. The
latter confirmed his intention on the telephone.

"I simply want to change my job and to start business in a private
sector. As you know a parliamentarian has no right to be engaged
in business. I made the decision long ago and wouldn’t like my
resignation to get different interpretations. I informed the BHK
leader of my intention a month ago. I have had no problems with Gagik
Tsarukian. We have worked together for a year, and our relations were
mainly based on mutual respect," said Vahe Hovhannissian.

The deputy’s resignation will be considered at the NA sitting on
Monday.

RUSSIAN HIGH-RANKER SUPPORTS HIGH-CLASS TV PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA

ARKA
April 24, 2008

YEREVAN, April 24. /ARKA/. In response to RA Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan’s proposal, Head of the RF Federal Agency for Culture and
Cinematography Mikhail Shvydkoy expressed his willingness assist
the elaboration of a concept of creating high-quality TV programs on
culture in Armenia.

The press service of the RA Government reports that the RA Premier
pointed out the necessity for Armenia’s TV companies to demonstrate
popular cultural programs. Sargsyan informed Mr. Shvydkoy that he had
issued an instruction to elaborate a concept and would be happy to
get the Russian official’s support in elaborating and implementing
the document.

Mikhail Shvydkoy accepted the proposal and stated his readiness to
contribute to this process.

The RA Premier pointed out that culture is of high importance for
the countries integration in various fields.

Svydkoy welcomed the fact that the RA Premier attaches high importance
to culture. He expressed his gratitude for the RA Government’s
assistance in organizing seasons of Russian culture in Armenia.

He said that seasons of Armenian culture are to be organized in Russia
as well. Shvydkoy expressed the confidence that it will become a
tradition in the future.

The sides also discussed the necessity for implementing cultural
programs, especially programs for young people, as the young generation
has not yet formed an idea of the two peoples’ rich cultural heritage.

Shvydkoy pointed out that cultural cooperation can also be developed
within the CIS Humanitarian Cooperation Fund.

Premier Sargsyan said that Armenia is interested in further education
and probation of Armenian students, which has successfully been
organized at Russia’s higher schools of art, as well as in the
organization of master classes.

The sides pointed out the importance of high-level implementation
of cultural projects coordinated by Armenia – an International
Humanitarian Festival of Russian-language radio broadcasts, the
conference of the CIS and Baltic States "Translation as a field of
cultural attraction", as well as the publication of a catalogue of
writers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The seasons of Russian culture in Armenia are to be opened in mid-May.

The theaters of Pyotor Fomenko and Armen Jigarkhanyan are to perform
plays in Yerevan. The Chekhov Arts Theater (Moscow) is to stage Hamlet
as part of the Shakespeare Festival.

A meeting in commemoration of the renowned Armenian composer Mikael
Tariverdiyev "Seventeen Moments of Spring" will be held. The soloists
of the Kremlin Ballet will perform a gala concert.

SEASONS OF RUSSIAN CULTURE TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA UNTIL LATE 2008

Noyan Tapan
April 24, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, NOYAN TAPAN. Mikhail Shvidkoy, the Head of the
RF Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography, is in Armenia at
the invitation of the RA Ministry of Culture. Within the framework
of the visit, on April 23, an agreement on organization and holding
of Seasons of Russian Culture in Armenia in 2008 was signed between
the Ministry and the Agency.

As RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian mentioned, Armenian-Russian
cultural relations have always been high-level. The Minister said that
many events will be organized both in Armenia and in Russia within the
framework of bilateral cooperation. In particular, Armen Jigarkhanian’s
and Fomenko’s theaters will perform on tours in Armenia. The latter
will present the War and Peace and Family Happiness performances
to spectators. And Moscow A. Chekhov Art Academic Theater will take
part in the Shakespeare Festival to be held in Yerevan presenting the
Hamlet performance. Besides, according to H. Poghosian, a series of
events dedicated to the memory of renowned Armenian composer Mikayel
Tariverdiyev will be organized within the framework of the agreement.

M. Shvidkoy, in his turn, said that companies of actors, who have
never been to Armenia, will also perform on tours in Armenia this
year. "Cooperation of Armenian and Russian artists continues and
we try to find new ways of cooperation, as well as to deepen and
strengthen bilateral cultural relations for even more," he said.

Press and Information Department
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Armenia
Tel. + 37410 544041. ext. 202
Fax. + 37410 565601
e-mail: [email protected]
web:

Minister Nalbandian visits Stepanakert

On April 18, Bako Sahakian, President of Nagorno Karabakh, received Minister
Nalbandian, who was in Karabakh on a working visit.

President Sahakian congratulated the Minister on the occasion of his
appointment. He highly appreciated the fact that the new Armenian Foreign
Minister’s first visit was to Artsakh.

In his turn, the Minister said that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
issue is essential in Armenia’s foreign policy, hence his visit to Nagorno
Karabakh is but natural, and there exists a need for frequent visits.

Furthermore, the two touched upon the present state and the prospects for
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process, as well as deepening the
cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh.

On April 19, Minister Nalbandian, met with the Speaker of the National
Assembly Ashot Ghulian, Prime-Minister Ara Harutyunian and Foreign Minister
Georgi Petrosian.

Ashot Ghulian, speaker of the National Assembly, congratulated Minister
Nalbandian on the occasion of his appointment saying that it will certainly
give a new impetus to the country’s foreign policy.

Upon the Minister’s request, the Speaker briefed him on the results of
Armenia – Nagorno-Karabakh interparliamentary commission meeting that had
taken place the previous day.

Minister Nalbandian attached importance to parliamentary cooperation between
Armenia and Artsakh, underlining the significance of the parliamentary
diplomacy.

On the request of Minister Nalbandian, the Head of the Artsakhi Government
Ara Harutyunian, presented him the prospects for the economic development in
Nagorno Karabakh. They also touched upon the implementation of new
technologies in economy, as well as cooperation between the Foreign
Ministries of Armenia and Artsakh.

The conversation with his counterpart Georgi Petrosian was primarily on the
present state of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. The top
diplomats spoke about a closer cooperation between the two Ministries, and
agreed to hold regular consultations.

On his way back, Minister Nalbandian met with Archbishop Pargev Martirosian,
Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

VAHRAM SHEMMASSIAN AND RICHARD HOVHANNISIAN TO MAKE SPEECHES DURING DIFFERENT EVENTS ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Noyan Tapan
April 22, 2008

LOS ANGELES APRIL 22, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. Prof. Vahram
Shemmassian, Assistant Professor of Armenian and Director of the
Armenian Studies Program at California State University, will speak
at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum on May 4. The lecture is entitled "The
Rescue of Enslaved Armenian Women and Children in Syria at the End
of the World War I Genocide." It will be co-sponsored by the Museum
and the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).

And Armenian Genocide Scholar, Dr. Richard Hovannisian will speak on
Armenian Genocide in Massachusets on May 2 during an event dedicated
to Holocaust Memorial Day.

TURKISH FORMIN SAYS SENT DIALOGUE LETTER TO ARMENIA
by Selcuk Gokoluk

Reuters
April 21 2008
UK

ANKARA, April 21 (Reuters) – Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
said on Monday he had sent a letter to Yerevan calling for dialogue
with Armenia and saying Turkey wanted to normalise ties between the
two countries.

Ankara has no diplomatic relations with Armenia and keeps its land
border closed in protest at the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh
region, which broke away from Azerbaijan as the Soviet Union fell
apart. It is run by ethnic Armenian separatists but is not recognised
by any state.

"Turkey desires to normalise its relations with Armenia. Turkey is
keeping channels of dialogue open with the new Armenian government,"
Babacan told a news conference.

Armenia and Turkey are also at loggerheads over Ankara’s rejection of
Armenian claims, backed by many Western historians, that massacres of
Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War One amounted to genocide.

Ankara says large numbers of both Christian Armenians and Muslims
Turks were killed during the violent break-up of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul congratulated Armenian President Serzh
Sarksyan on his election win in February and said he hoped for an
improvement in relations.

The tiny ex-Soviet republic of Armenia is sandwiched between Turkey
and Azerbaijan in a region that is emerging as an important transit
route for oil exports from the Caspian Sea to world markets, though
Armenia has no pipeline of its own.

Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Armenia’s
independence after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union but has no
diplomatic ties due to Armenia’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh,
a slice of Azeri territory populated by ethnic Armenians.

TRADITIONAL TORCH PROCESSION TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN ON APRIL 23

DeFacto Agency
April 21 2008
Armenia

YEREVAN, 21.04.08. DE FACTO. A traditional torch procession devoted
to the 93d anniversary of memory of victims of Armenian Genocide
committed in Osmanian Turkey will be held in Yerevan on April 23.

According to the information DE FACTO received at the ARF
Dashnaktsutyun’s Press Office, the procession will start at 8
p.m. local time. The action’s participants will gather on the Yerevan
Freedom Square and then head for Tsitsernakaberd – the Memorial to
the victims of Armenian Genocide. The action was initiated by ARF
Dashnaktsutyun Youth Union and Nikol Aghbalian Students’ Union.

To note, such torch processions are held in Yerevan every year in
tribute to the memory of Armenian Genocide’s innocent victims. The
hundreds of representatives of Armenian youth from Armenia and Diaspora
participate in the action.