Author: Tadevosian Garnik

WAR WON’T SETTLE KARABAKH – OSCE MEDIATOR

Arminfo
24 May 07

Yerevan, 24 May: There is no an alternative to a peaceful settlement
of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The [OSCE Minsk Group] Russian and
French co-chairmen, Yuriy Merzlyakov and Bernard Fassier respectively,
stressed this position of the Minsk Group co-chairmen with regard to
the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict at a news conference today.

Bernard Fassier shied away from commenting on the current war
threats by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, but said that neither
Washington, nor Moscow or Paris think that a war may be an option
for the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict.

"We have repeated several times that there is no other alternative than
a peaceful settlement of the issue through negotiations between the
sides and reaching an agreement. War is not a way out," Fassier said.

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

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

"ANTELIAS IS NOT STONE, BUT A MISSION,
IT IS NOT A STRUCTURE, BUT A MISSION"
EMPHASIZED HIS HOLINESS

The Primate of the Diocese of Aleppo, Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, and the
Diocese’s governing bodies organized a public gathering on May 19 on the
occasion of His Holiness Aram I’s Pontifical visit to Syria. The event,
which took place in the "Yessayan" hall in Aleppo was organized in honor of
His Holiness, the Armenian Church, the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s holy
mission and its Seminary. The large public attendance of the event served as
a witness to the love, trust and faith that the Syrian Armenian community
has towards the Armenian Church and its Pontiff.

Among the unending claps of large crowd, the Catholicos took the podium to
deliver his speech. Referring to the previously made remarks about the
importance of Antelias, His Holiness said: "No matter how much we talk about
Antelias, it is not possible to wholly and accurately characterize its
crucial role in the life of the Armenian Church and nation particularly in
light of the situation resulting after the Armenian Genocide."

"The Cilician Seminary that was re-established in Antelias on 1930 played
and continues to play a pivotal role in the formation of Armenians.
Alongside its spiritual mission, it became an Armenian School through which
the Armenian alphabet flowered in the lives of generations. It became the
champion of restitution for our nation’s violated rights and for the
achievement of the dream of a free and sovereign Armenia. However, we do not
only look to the past and feel pride in the past; rather, strengthened by
the past we see the future and walk towards it with determination,"
emphasized the Catholicos.

During his speech the Pontiff also talked about the unity of the Armenian
nation around its national values and ideals. In this respect, he
particularly highlighted the role assumed by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
"We will continue to exert efforts for our pan-national values and
interests. If we adopt lenient and wise approaches, and we do adopt them, we
do so consciously, bravely and only on the basis of our nation’s and
fatherland’s collective and chief interests," he said.

Prior to the Catholicos’ speech, Bishop Shahan delivered the opening
remarks during which he welcomed the Pontiff, "who today is a shining
presence on the Armenian Church with his unhesitating dedication and
service. Under his wise leadership, our church’s and nation’s ship is guided
safely to the shore."

The Bishop also spoke about the Antelias Seminary, which for over 75years
has provided important figures for the Armenian Church and nation, becoming
a spirit and breath in the lives of the new generations. The Bishop
particularly mentioned the later Catholicos Karekin I, "a fruit of the
Seminary in Antelias. Also, His Holiness Aram I, a graduate of the same
Seminary, became of the brightest figures of the Armenian Church and nation
with the skills of an internationally and ecumenically prominent leader.
Each graduate of the Antelias Seminary feels proud to have been formed under
that holy roof both as a man and as an Armenian."

The main speaker of the day, chairman of the Pontifical visit committee
Daron Avedissian, highlighted the important role of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in four points. He first talked about the Holy See’s work in
spiritual, educational, cultural and national struggle-related fields. He
then looked at the Catholicosate’s irreplaceable role in the current life of
the Armenian Church and nation.

Avedissian stressed the importance of the Diaspora, rejected all claims
that it was "temporary, weakened or a feature of the past. All nations go
through conflicts. However, their will for struggle can’t be overcome. The
Diaspora has not weakened, neither has it been consumed up, nor has it
become a feature of the past."

The Vicar for Jezire, Rev. Fr. Masis Zobouyan, a former student of the
Antelias Seminary, spoke briefly about its mission in the formation of
generations.

The event included an entertainment part featuring performances by two
choirs and piano performances. The event concluded by the blessing of His
Holiness.

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View the photos here: #2

A1+

HAKOBKOKHYAN STOPPED HUNGER-STRIKE
[04:25 pm] 21 May, 2007

At about 3:00, the World Box Champion Israel Hakobkokhyan stopped his
hunger-strike.

He made the decision after RoA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan’s
visit. It is noteworthy that latter whispered something in
Hakobkokhyan’s ear after warm greeting.

Today morning Hakobkokhyan informed A1+ that `Serge Sargsyan is the
only person who can help me.’

To remind, Hakobkokhyan went on hunger-strike in front of the Central
Electoral Commission six days ago. He urged the CEC to annul the
election results of Precinct 11.

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS TO VISIT REGION MAY 21

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.05.2007 18:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The visit to the South Caucasian region will
launch from Armenia May 21," OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-Chair Yuri
Merzlyakov stated. He said, this time not all Co-Chairs will visit the
region and a trip to Stepanakert is not excluded either. The Co-Chairs
will depart for Azerbaijan from Armenia. The goal of the visit is to
prepare a meeting between the presidents of both countries in Saint
Petersburg June 10 in the framework of economic forum, APA reports.

NATO official urges further reforms in Armenia after polls

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan
19 May 07

19 May: An exclusive interview of NATO Secretary General’s special
representative for Central Asia and the South Caucasus Robert Simmons
to Mediamax news agency

[Mediamax] In his 14 May statement, NATO Secretary General Jaap de
Hoop Scheffer noted "with satisfaction that the [12 May] parliamentary
election in Armenia were considered by international monitors to be
largely in accordance with Armenia’s OSCE and Council of Europe
commitments". What is your personal assessment of the Armenian
election?

[Simmons] Democratic institution building is an essential part of
Armenia’s Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO and I am
therefore pleased that an important step in the right direction was
taken. But, like the Secretary General, I would like to stress that
there remains significant work to do. The international observers have
noted a number of shortcomings and these will need to be addressed
effectively.

[Mediamax] This election were the first after adoption and putting
into force of the Individual Partnership Action Plan. Can you say that
Armenia proved its adherence to the commitment of implementing further
democratic reforms, as stated in the IPAP?

[Simmons] The Individual Partnership Action Plan sets out ambitious
objectives in a number of areas, including democratic reforms. Even
before the election, in April 2007, we conducted an assessment of
Armenia’s progress in the implementation of the IPAP, which was
largely positive, though we also noted many areas where further work
is required.

In this context, it is a very positive signal that the parliamentary
election last weekend were an improvement over previous ones. It makes
me confident that further progress can be achieved in the many areas
we work on with our Armenian partners and we look forward to
continuing this work.

[Mediamax] Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stated NATO’s readiness to continue
to support Armenia’s reform efforts. Which reforms are of particular
importance today?

[Simmons] The IPAP is a comprehensive programme that covers many
areas, with a strong focus on the defence and security sectors.
Reforms in these areas are naturally long-term projects which will
require constant and systematic efforts.

We are now at a stage where the next steps will need to be taken
towards a Strategic Defence Review, including the formulation of a
Military Doctrine. Defence Planning and Budgeting are key issues, as
is the introduction of more civilians into the Ministry of Defence.

And, of course, the further improvement of interoperability to
increase the opportunities for Armenian forces to make contributions
to NATO-led peace support operations is a key priority. We also need
to continue to improve the way in which various government agencies
work together, in particular in such areas as crisis management and
the fight against terrorism.

With a newly elected Parliament we also need to focus on improving the
capabilities of the legislature to exercise strong and effective
oversight of the defence and security sectors. In short, there is
still much on our plate and defence reform, democratic institution
building and strengthening of the rule of law need to continue. We
will continue our support to Armenia on these and many other issues,
as set out in the IPAP.

ISRAEL HAKOBKOKHIAN CONTINUES TERMLESS HUNGER STRIKE

YEREVAN, MAY 19, NOYAN TAPAN. It is the third day since Israel
Hakobkokhian, candidate nominated by the majoritarian electoral system
at electoral district No 11, world boxing champion, went on a termless
hunger strike at the RA Central Electoral Commission. He demands that
the results of elections be recognized as invalid. According to him,
electoral violations were committed at the elections.

During a talk with NT correspondent, I. Hakobkokhian said that
various politicians also come to speak to him. "Leaders of almost all
parties have come to express their support. I told them that there is
no need to support me. They should unite and give up their ambitions
so that they together with the people will fulfil the fair demand of
the people."

Member of "Impeachment" bloc Nikol Pashinian who started a sit-down
strike three days ago (it is proceeding under the slogan of uniting by
the principle "1+1+1") has welcomed the hunger strike.

The ideological idea of I. Hakobkokhian is that the Armenian people
should not be classified by places of origin – those from Karabakh,
Yerevan, Gyumri, Syunik.

One of his purposes is to attract the attention of the Central
Electoral Commission (CEC) to his demand. In his words, the CEC
chairman Garegin Azarian visited him, advising him to dispute the
results of the elections in electoral district No 11 at the RA
Constitutional Court.

H. Hakobkokhian does not complain about his health. "My spiritual
state is strengthening with each hour," he assures, noting that he
gets charges for continuing his struggle from supporters –
passers-by. "Theis assistance makes me powerful," he said.

Human rights supporter, former Armenian ombudsperson Larisa Alaverdian
regularly visits I. Hakobkokhian, urging him to choose another form
of struggle. Representatives of the Red Cross came to him only
once. Instead, doctors from polyclinic No 4 take care of the health
condition of I. Hakobkokhian.

SERGE SARGSIAN: GOHAR GASPARIAN BUILT A BRILLIANT CREATIVE BIOGRAPHY

Noyan Tapan
May 17 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian sent
a telegram of condolence on the occasion of the death of one of
prominent figures of Armenian art of singing, world-famous singer
Gohar Gasparian. In the telegram the Prime Minister on behalf of
RA government and on his behalf personally deeply condoled with her
relatives, all fans of her brilliant art.

"I perceived with pain the grevious news about the death of USSR
People’s Artist, USSR and Armenian SSR state prize-winner, great
Armenian singer Gohar Gasparian. Gohar Gasparian being one of the
most distinguished representatives of opera singing school, indeed
built a brilliant creative biography.

Singer’s performances brought universal recognition and authority
not only to her, but also to Armenian art of singing and to our
homeland. At this hard moment of loss I ask you to accept my and RA
government’s condolences and support," Prime Minister’s telegram of
condolence said.

As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA government Information and
Public Relations Department, on the occasion of G. Gasparian’s death,
a governmental commission with its presidency was created by Prime
Minister’s decision.

The governmental commission reports that G. Gasparian’s civil funeral
rites will take place on May 18, at 18:00, in Baghramian 50 B, second
entrance, apt 20.

The farewell to the great singer will take place on May 19, at 12-14:00
at A. Spendiarian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. The
burial ceremony will take place on May 15 at Komitas Park Pantheon.

TWO ARMENIAN CHESS PLAYERS ARE AMONG 12 YOUNG CHESS STARS OF WORLD

Noyan Tapan
May 16 2007

KIRISHAKH, MAY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The international chess tournament
"The Young Stars of the World" is being held in the city of Kirishakh
(Leningrad region) on May 13-28. The tournament has 13 stages.

The 12 participants are from Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, India,
Germany, Russia and Armenia. Armenia is represented by grand master
Zaven Andriasian and international master Avetik Grigorian.

ARTUR BAGHDASARIAN: OPPOSITION SHOULD CONSOLIDATE AND TAKE WAY OF CIVILIZED STRUGGLE TOGETHER

Noyan Tapan
May 16 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. "OYP’s current task is clear – to apply
to the Constitutional Court with facts proving falsification of the
parliamentary elections results and to achieve revoting," Chairman
of Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) Party Artur Baghdasarian stated
at the May 16 press conference. He called all parties having such
facts for providing them to OYP promising to protect the interests
of these parties, too, at the court.

In A. Baghdasarian’s words, the opposition even without uniting
received in total 450 thousand votes as a result of the elections
held with many falsifications and violations, which can be a basis for
oppositionists’ consolidation. He said that an OYP representative will
take part in the May 18 rally of Impeachment bloc, Hanrapetutiun and
Nor Zhamanakner parties and will call for struggling in a civilized
way, through the Constitution.

In response to the question of a journalist, how he treats RPA Board
Chairman Serge Sargsian’s proposal to form government of national
consent, A. Baghdasarian said: "We are opposition, we do not want
even to reason in connection with such proposal." He added that OYP
will not renounce the deputy mandates it received, as "boycott is
not an effective way of political struggle."

Daily says Armenia to pursue pro-Russian line in next five years

Quotes package from BBC Monitoring, in English 14 May 07

An Armenian independent daily has said that the victory of the
governing party in the 12 May parliamentary vote means that Armenia
will be pursuing a pro-Russian line in the next five years. In the
meantime, pro-government Hayots Ashkharh said that the Republican
Party had finished first because of its well-organized campaign. The
following are quotes from Armenian newspapers on 14 May:

Azg (independent daily): "Irrespective of what shape the newly-elected
parliament and future government will take, the sweeping victory of
the Republican Party in the election points to absolute pro-Russian
control in our country… It is obvious that as a result of the latest
election the speaker, the prime minister and most probably the
Armenian president will be representatives of the Republican Party,
and in the next five years Armenia will lead a Moscow-oriented foreign
policy." (Commentary by H. Avetiqyan)

Hayots Ashkharh (pro-government): "Because of a successful and
well-organized campaign, the Republican Party of Armenia was able not
only to finish first but also to be remarkably ahead of its main
opponent, the Prosperous Armenia Party." (Commentary by Armen
Tsaturyan)

Aravot (opposition daily): "It is more difficult than it may seem at
first glance for the government to remain in power. Unless there is a
majority of trusted and conscious citizens, the government will always
find ways to stay on, even if revolutions happen every other day."
(Commentary by editor Aram Abrahamyan)

Hayastani Hanrapetutyun (pro-government): "Now that the Armenian
parliamentary election has ended and has been assessed as positive by
international observers, it is obvious that some opposition parties
are not in a good condition. They insist on having passed the
5-per-cent threshold to make it into parliament." (Commentary by
Tigran Petrosyan)