Gross Foreign Assets Of Armenia Increase By 118 Million Dollars In T

GROSS FOREIGN ASSETS OF ARMENIA INCREASE BY 118 MILLION DOLLARS IN THIRD QUARTER OF 2007

Noyan Tapan
Dec 5, 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The gross foreign assets of the
Republic of Armenia made 1 bln 333 mln 986.7 thousand USD at the end
of the third quarter of 2007 – against 1 bln 216 mln 27.4 thousand
USD at the beginning of the same quarter.

According to data of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), the
international rseerves of these assets (gross foreign assets in hard
currency) made over 1 bln 333 mln 985.9 thousand USD at the end of
the third quarter of 2007 – against over 1 bln 216 mln 26.6 thousand
USD at the beginning of the quarter. Out of this amount, the sum
in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made 2 mln 320.7 thousand
SDR and 3 mln 612.5 thousand USD at the end of the third quarter –
against 3 mln 973.6 thousand SDR and 6 mln 22.4 thousand USD at the
beginning of the quarter.

The net foreign assets of the RA made over 1 bln 145 mln 110.9 thousand
USD at the end of the third quarter of 2007, including over 1 bln
145 mln 110.2 thousand USD in hard currency. The same indices at the
beginning of the same quarter made over 1 bln 34 mln 740.8 thousand
USD and about 1 bln 34 mln 740.1 thousand USD respectively.

Prosperous Armenia To Support Serge Sargsyan’s Candidacy

PROSPEROUS ARMENIA TO SUPPORT SERGE SARGSYAN’S CANDIDACY

armradio.am
06.12.2007 17:28

On December 20 the Political Council of the Prosperous Armenia Party
(RPA) will declare about the decision to support the President of
the Republican Party of Armenia, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyanâ~@~Ys
candidacy at the presidential elections, RPA leader Gagik Tsarukyan
declared during in Yerevan today.

Mr. Tsarukyan reminded that the question of nominating a candidate had
been solved with the coalition agreement signed between the Republican
Party and Prosperous Armenia after the parliamentary elections of
May 12.

"We do not intend to refuse from the responsibility assumed," Gagik
Tsarukyan declared.

–Boundary_(ID_RMpQT4hZKO6DjZTrtQ0Oog)- –

BAKU: Former Armenian President & PACE Representatives Discuss Inter

FORMER ARMENIAN PRESIDENT & PACE REPRESENTATIVES DISCUSS INTERNAL POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Dec 4 2007

Levan Ter-Petrosyan, the former Armenian President, met with Jorge
Kolombye, a representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe (PACE) and Despin Chacivasili, the commission secretary.

Fulfillment of CE commitments by Armenia, the political situation in
the country, and also the upcoming presidential elections in Armenia
in 2008 were discussed during the meeting, ARKA reports.

The two sides also discussed the changes to the Elections Code
of Armenia.

Boyan Urumov, a special representative of the Secretary General of
the European Council in Armenia, and Alexander Arzumanian, the former
Armenian Foreign Minister also participated in the meeting.

The Armenian Weekly; Nov. 10, 2007; Community

The Armenian Weekly On-Line
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA 02472 USA
(617) 926-3974
[email protected]
menianweekly.com

The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 45; Nov. 10, 2007

Community:

1. ‘Lark Farm’ Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel ‘Skylark Farm’
By Andy Turpin

2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin

3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet

4. AMF Presents ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue’

5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel

6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary

***

1. ‘Lark Farm’ Premieres in U.S.
Arslan Speaks in NY About Novel ‘Skylark Farm’
By Andy Turpin

NEW YORK, N.Y. (A.W.)-On Nov. 6, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s film "The Lark
Farm" made its U.S. premiere at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York
in the presence of Antonia Arslan, the author of Skylark Farm, upon which
the film is based.

"We are proud to introduce the first U.S. screening of ‘The Lark Farm,’"
said Sylvie Keshishian, co-organizer of the event and public relations
director for the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

"I am very appreciative to the government of Italy," said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. "I’ll always remember how the Italian people responded to help
Armenia during the 1988 earthquake. Even the anchor on RAI Uno started
crying. This is another sign of the wonderful nature of the Italian spirit,"
he said of the Italian Cultural Institute’s hosting of the film. "There is
great humanity to that spirit."

Arslan said of the film, "I hope maybe the story of our people will now
become the story of everyone."

The previous day, on Nov. 5, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Eastern
Diocese presented a public discussion with Arslan about her novel. Italian
Cultural Institute curator Renato Miracco introduced Arslan. "This is my
first day [at the Institute] so I’m like a pupil at school," he said. "This
is a big honor. During the 18-hour flight I read the book. It gave me so
much to feel, so much to dream."

He continued, "My father was Greek Orthodox and came to Italy in the
beginning of the 19th century. Reading the book, I found so many feelings
that I cannot even share tonight."

Keshishian spoke next about the integral role books like Skylark Farm play
in educating people about the history of the Armenian genocide and Armenian
culture. "The mandate of our center is that it should provide information
about all things Armenian," she said. "We believe it is of the utmost
importance that people from all backgrounds make efforts to learn about each
other’s cultures."

Arslan then spoke, telling of her family and how she came to write the
novel. "My father was raised totally Italian-style," she said. "My
grandfather was so scared from the genocide period that he cut his name from
Arslanian to Arslan. . My knowledge of Armenian language was not allowed. My
uncle visited the monks of San Lazaro, but because of my grandfather was
forbidden to speak Armenian."

Yet, she continued, "we are no longer a forgotten people. For the Armenian
people, now is a very important moment. It was by chance my book was
published at the right time."

Arslan said of Skylark Farm’s popularity in Italy, "Bravo to the Italian
readers. It was so sudden! In three months, six editions!"

She continued, "Not everyone knows that in Italy there are only 2,000
Armenians, which is nothing. But it sold 20,000 in Italy-purely passage di
parola, by word of mouth."

Arslan’s longtime friend, author Siobhan Nash-Marshall, said, "I suspected
Antonia was a great novelist-and she didn’t. I said to her, ‘I will come to
Padova, and if you don’t write it, I will return that day on the next
flight!"

She added, "My threats are very, very serious. I’m not a literary critic,
I’m a metaphysician."

"The difference between being an Armenian descendent of the genocide is that
you can’t go back, you can’t transmit it," she continued. "By creating
something beautiful, Antonia has given us something to admire. But we can’t
live there, and we wouldn’t want to."

Asked why the Italians loved the book so vehemently, Arslan replied, "I
often think about this. The Italian people ask about the tragedy. They say,
‘Why don’t we know about this in schools? We have the right to know!’ And
it’s true. There is nothing in Italian history books about the Armenian
genocide. Today they feel like knights fighting for a good cause."

She recounted of her book tour in Italy, "I was talking at a high school and
500 people had read the book!" Of one engagement in the low-literacy Italian
city of Bergamo she remembered, "Two weeks ago there, 700 people had read
it! In Bergamo!"

She laughed, saying, "People write to me in friendship with the characters
of the book. One even from my editor said, ‘I’m really sad about the
priest’s wife, you just abandoned her!’"

For future events from the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, visit
www.iicnewyork. esteri.it/IIC_Newyork. For more information about future
events from the Zohrab Information Center, visit
—————————- ————————————————
– ————

2. Armenian Monuments of the Nakhichevan Region
NAASR Panel Condemns UNESCO Inaction
By Andy Turpin

BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 1, the National Association for Armenian
Studies and Research (NAASR) hosted a panel discussion on the now-demolished
Armenian monuments of the Nakhichevan region in present-day Azerbaijan.

Among the experts present were James R. Russell, Mashtots Professor of
Armenian Studies at Harvard University; Argam Ayvazian, deputy director of
the Agency on Protection of Historical and Cultural Environment in Yerevan;
Steven Sim, an architectural historian from Glasgow, Scotland; and Anahit
Ter-Stepanian, an architectural historian at Sacred Heart University in
Connecticut.

The Nakhichevan region was historically a part of Armenia, and had an
uninterrupted Armenian presence until the last decade. It is now the site of
thousands of destroyed Armenian monuments.

Ayvazian has assembled a photo exhibition of the monuments, currently on
display and open to the public at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian
Studies at Harvard. He’s served on the Commission for the Preservation of
Ancient Monuments in Armenia, and is the author of numerous books including
The Historical Monuments of Nakhichevan, published in 1990 and translated
into English by Fr. Krikor Maksoudian.

Steven Sim is the co-author of the 2006 report to UNESCO titled "The
Destruction of Jugha and the Entire Armenian Cultural Heritage in
Nakhijevan," prepared jointly with Ayvazian, Lucy Der Manuelian and Patrick
Donabedian. He has traveled throughout historic Armenia for the past two
decades documenting thousands of vanishing and at-risk monuments. He was one
of the last Westerners to see the Jugha khatchkars destroyed by the Azeri
military in 2005.

NAASR director of programs and publications Marc A. Mamigonian introduced
the panelists and thank them for their participation.

Russell spoke first and analyzed the symbols and calligraphy on
Nakhichevan’s numerous khatchkars and sacred stone markers using images
taken from the sites. Speaking of the unique nature of the Armenian Vishap
(dragon/snake stones), he said, "These were boundary stones." He showed
images of other stones, explaining how "the earlier khatchkars showed the
holy sign, usually above a pair of wings." Other notable symbols on the
stones were the Head of Adam, who "wanted to be freed by the blood of the
Messiah." Images of rings seen in the reliefs were an "ancient symbol of
glory given to kings," he explained.

Many of the Nakhichevan grave stones and markers were carved in the form of
rams, though, Russell noted, "The Yezidi carved stone horses instead of
rams, to ferry the departed souls to the other world."

Russell decried the destruction of the Nakhichevan monuments, stating,
"These objects were priceless to world history and art itself."

In 1994, he witnessed the destruction of a church from Narek, "as in the
context of Gregory of Narek," he recounted. "It is difficult to comprehend
the scale of the crime record. No government or international organization
has mounted any effective protest" to the monuments’ destruction, he said.

Russell praised Ayvazian’s efforts, saying, "As long as such good men labor,
there is still light."

Ayvazian spoke next about the Nakhichevan monuments and their imminent
extinction, showing slides of artifacts dating as far back as the 3rd
millennium B.C. "Science has nothing to do with politics and they have to be
viewed as separate things," he said. "Our colleagues in Azerbaijan are
erasing history and creating a new history. I have never done this and never
will. Today’s lecture is not a political talk but a history of the monuments
and what they represent."

Referring to the destruction at the hands of the Azeri government, he said,
"A group of people with hammers are destroying a 2,000 year old culture of
another people."

He explained that no other Armenian studies center has as much material
about the Nakhichevan site as he does-"and it needs to be published," he
added. "Let’s hope we find sponsors in Europe, Armenia and in the U.S."

A slideshow of Nakhichevan’s former collection of runes, markers and
churches included a cave dwelling near Sisian (1st Millenium B.C.), a
fish-like Vishap stone near the dwelling, and a cuneiform example (820 B.C.)
that represents the oldest form of writing in the Trans-Caucasus region.

Ayvazian also included a dated picture of the Biblical figure Noah’s reputed
mausoleum in Nakhichevan, from which Nakhichevan derives its namesake,
stating, "It survived until the 1940s."

Bringing the history to the precipice of its destruction date, Ayvazian
explained, "Ram-shaped tombstones were often used in ancient Armenian and
Azeri cemeteries. During the 1904-05 Baku railroad construction, 5,000
khatchkars were used as stones for the foundation of the railroad." He
ended, condemning, "Today not a single Armenian church has survived in
Nakhichevan."

Scottish art historian and former UNESCO advisor Steven Sim spoke next about
his experiences in 2005, when he was prevented from conducting adequate
research on Armenian monuments in the Nakhichevan area by Azeri authorities.
"I am here," he said, "to talk about nothing, because nothing is what I
found."

Sim characterized Koïchiro Matsuura, the still-current director-general of
UNESCO, as the primary villain in the struggle to have Nakhichevan declared
a protected World Heritage site.

He stated of Matsuura, "He’s done nothing to condemn the destruction in
Nakhichevan that’s ongoing."

Speaking about the Armenian cemetery khatchkars and their condition in
August 2005, Sim noted, "Most of the gravestones were toppled but not
destroyed." Turning to speak of the Aber-Khunis Armenian church that had
once stood in the Nakhichevan region, but has since been demolished and
whose existence at all was vehemently denied by locals, Sim approximated, "I
suspect the church was destroyed in 2004, because if it had been longer than
a year there would have been some grass growing [on its former site]."

Sim said resolutely of the sites’ complete destruction, "It does imply a
thought process to totally eliminate Armenian culture in Nakhichevan."

Of the UNESCO hearings in 2005 and 2006, in which Sim and other experts
appealed for the protection of Nakhichevan’s monuments, Sim detailed, "I was
probably the only person who had actually been to Julfa." He was given two
minutes to make the case for protection to Matsuura. Yet, in six years,
Matsuura "hasn’t done anything," Sim said. "I think we can assume it’s a
deliberate effort. He’s given himself a get-out clause that will never end."
Although UNESCO inspectors have informally seen the site from the Iranian
side of the border, Sim said it’s doubtful that they "will ever see anything
officially as long as Matsuura is in power. It’s an endemic problem with how
UNESCO is being led."

At the beginning of the allotted question and answer session that followed
the scholars’ presentations, a male Harvard Kennedy School of Government
graduate student, who at the time remained anonymous but was subsequently
presented in the Azeri Press Agency as a woman, and has since been
identified as Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, approached the podium and told Mamigonian
he wished to make a few remarks.

Mamigonian informed Hajiyev that the scheduled time was designated for
questions rather than comments but allowed him to speak on the agreed
condition that his remarks could be cut short for the purpose of time.

Hajiyev agreed to this precondition. He made his Azeri identity known and
voiced his objection to a specific map used in the presentation, and the
Armenian archeological sites and artifacts studied. He said he took offense
to the lands being called "Armenian," historical or otherwise, and to what
he saw as the political rather than archeological nature of the conflict. He
said, "In 2005, one of my Armenian colleagues said, ‘It’s not time to talk
about Nagorno-Karabakh, it’s time to talk about Nakhichevan. We will start a
campaign to get our lands back!’"

He appeared sincere in his belief that this sole unnamed Armenian spoke for
the entire Armenian people in desiring a military campaign to reclaim the
Nakhichevan region. His remarks were greeted immediately by angered Armenian
voices from the crowd at such a belief.

Russell spoke first to Hajiyev, clarifying his scholarship and the evening’s
presentation. "All my courses deal with Armenian history, mythology and
literature, none of which I have seen you attend, but to which you are
welcome," he said. "There is, in the Armenian Studies department, no bias
against Azeri or Turkish culture," he added resolutely.

In the face of allegations then made by Hajiyev that Russell was an
Armenian, Russel said, "You know nothing of my courses and you know nothing
of me."

Russell then stated for the historical record that "the ethnic cleansing of
the Armenians in Nakhichevan began in the Stalinist era." He explained
Stalin’s divide and conquer land distribution schemes and political
suppression of Armenian and Ukrainian nationalism through purges and
cultural desecration in the 1930s, bringing home that "Azerbaijan is not the
only country responsible for the cultural destruction of monuments."

At this point, Hajiyev distributed a single Azeri press release to
Mamigonian concerning the Nakhichevan Armenian destruction of Azeri
monuments and exited the meeting hall without further remark.

Emotionally engaged by the evening’s remarks and information presented,
audience members clamored to know if there was anything activist-related to
be done, and if the stones and khatchkars in Nakhichevan were truly forever
lost.

Sim responded first and supposed, "Theoretically, [restoration] could be
done if you knew where a majority of the stones had been dumped. Each stone
would have broken into about 20-30 pieces."

Contrastingly, Ayvazian answered, "Nothing can be done now. The khatchkars
cannot be replaced and UNESCO is a useless organization. It is no use going
to them at this point."

Sim closed the meeting by ending poignantly about the Nakhichevan
destruction, "What the Azeris did to the cultural monuments in Nakhichevan,
you can assume the Azeris would do to real people if given the chance.
That’s the political aspect."
———————————— —————————————-
——— ——–

3. St. James Saturday School Holds Annual Banquet

WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-On Nov. 4, the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian
School held its annual banquet at the Keljik Hall of the St. James Armenian
Apostolic Church.

Der Arakel Aljalian delivered the opening prayer, followed by opening
remarks by the school’s Board of Directors chairman Sarkis Soukiasian, M.D.,
and the school’s superintendent Marina Minasian, who talked about the
challenges facing the school and the importance of the community’s support
in overcoming them.

The Saturday School students then delivered a musical program, performing
songs dedicated to the Armenian culture.

The keynote speaker at the event was Armenian Weekly editor Khatchig
Mouradian, who talked about the difference between celebrating culture and
commemorating it.

"There are many cultures-some of which have made a great impact on human
civilization-that do not exist today," Mouradian said. "They are
commemorated and remembered at academic conferences and in history books.
We, on the other hand, are celebrating our culture, and it is our
responsibility to perpetuate the celebration and avoid making the Armenian
culture one that is commemorated," he added.

After an auction to benefit the school, Der Arakel Aljalian thanked all
those who contributed to the success of the event and concluded the event
with a prayer.
—————————————— ———————————-
————— –

4. AMF Presents ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A New Gershwin Revue’

BOSTON, Mass.-A full house greeted the New England Light Opera (NELO) for
the performance of "Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A New George Gershwin Revue,"
presented by the Andreassian Music Fund (AMF) on Oct. 26 at the Emmanuel
Church in Boston.

The NELO, now in its 6th season, has performed for the AMF on four other
occasions in this venue.

In his welcoming remarks, Armand Andreassian said that it had been a
pleasure to work with Mark Morgan, co-founder and artistic director of the
NELO. He also identified some guests in the audience who the other members
would enjoy meeting during the intermission or the post-performance
reception.

Present that evening were emmy-award winner, playwright and TV commentator
Dick Flavin; host, producer and director of "Prime Time" Barbara Brilliant
and her husband Dr. Elwin Brilliant; and executive director of "Ballets
Russes 2009" (a multi-media festival in Boston celebrating the 100th
anniversary of the Ballets Russes) Peter Rand and his wife.

Also in the audience were musical director of the St. Stephen’s Armenian
Church Karen Demirjian and her mother, Queenie Aykanian; Seta Gananchian,
(daughter of the late famed composer, Parsegh Ganachian) visiting from
Beirut, Lebanon, with her daughter and son-in-law Tsolig and Ara Chamlian;
New York violinist and Julliard graduate Emil Altschuler; and writer for the
Back Bay Courrier Lisa Beane.

As with other shows (Cole Porter, Richard Rodger, Jerome Kern) conceived by
Mark Morgan and his team, the musical selection contained some standards
such as "Summertime" and more obscure songs that added an element of
surprise.

The show was elegantly and smoothly directed by Michael Byrne, who has
extensive experience with Tufts University, the University of Massachusetts
and the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Performers included June Baboian,
musical director of the Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown; Kaja
Schupert, soprano, who has performed with several opera and theater
companies; Michael Ricca, tenor, who has performed with some productions
with the Huntington Theater as well as with the New, Speakeasy Stage Company
and Boston Theatre work; and Mark Morgan, who has appeared with the Lyric
Stage of Boston, the Seacoast Repertoire Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Ocean
State Lyric Opera and many others.

The pianist, Markus Hauch, was trained as a classical pianist in Germany
before studying jazz on a scholarship at Berklee College of Music. He has a
Masters Degree in choral conducting from the Boston Conservatory and is one
of the founders of Boston Opera Collaborative.

The event was most enjoyable for the performance as well as for the
socializing during the reception. Marie-Elise Gately of Brookline, who was
attending her first AMF event of a NELO production, said she is anxiously
awaiting the Cole Porter show ("Night and Day: A Cole Porter Celebration,"
back by popular demand) scheduled for March 7, 2008. Presented by the AMF,
it will again be held at the Emmanuel Church.
—————————————— ———————————-
————— —

5. Detroit AESA Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Betty Apigian-Kessel

It may have been Detroit’s best kept secret in the past, but the Armenian
Engineers and Scientists of America’s (AESA) Michigan section came out with
a bang at their 10th anniversary banquet held at St. John Armenian Church’s
Cultural Hall in Southfield, Mich., on the evening of Oct. 27.

Three hundred guests filled tables beneath ceilings holding lavish crystal
chandeliers and elegantly draped windows, adding to the distinction of this
cultural room adjoining the famous Michigan landmark of the "gold-domed
church."

Banquet chairman Ned Apigian welcomed the guests and said, "Tonight you’ll
learn what we are all about. Our primary concern as a group is to avoid
brain drain in Armenia. No other Detroit organization does this and we need
everyone’s help if Armenia is to survive and thrive." Apigian explained that
AESA’s membership comes from all parts of the Armenian community.

Apigian acknowledged the presence of Rev. Fr. Abraham and Yg. Shakeh
Ohanesian, Rev. Dr. Vahan and Rosette Tootikian (Emeritus) of Armenian
Congregational Church, Rev. Fr. Daron and Sossi Stepanian of St. Sarkis
Church, Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian of St. John’s Church, and Hayr Soorp Andon
Atamian of the Armenian Catholic Church.

Fr. Diran Papazian gave an impressive invocation revealing his
intellectualism in matters not exclusive to religion. The Armenian and
American National Anthems were sung by Deacon Rubik Mailian accompanied on
piano by Alice Berberian Haidosian, who also provided musical interlude
while guests arrived and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner.

AESA president George Mouradian attributed the evening celebration "The
inspiration of Ned Apigian," thanking the community for the impressive
turnout. He explained his group is a chapter of AESA headquartered in
Glendale, Calif., and their main purpose is to create a forum for
architects, engineers and scientists of Armenian heritage in Michigan. Their
second goal is generate worthwhile technical projects coupled with financial
help for the well-being of Armenia. Mouradian spoke of the important work
being done at the Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) and how scientists from all over
the world go to Armenia to collaborate on the important work done there. He
also encouraged young professionals to join the local AESA group.

Noted area architect Ovsep Sarafian introduced Ashot Kirakosyan, executive
director of the Armenian Social Investment Fund (ASIF) in Yerevan.
Kirakosyan explained the ASIF was established in 1996 by the newly
independent Republic of Armenia. "People learn to work in new social
economic conditions. Our goal is to improve the quality of the community
infrastructure," he said. With their focus on rural villages, they renovate
schools, build schools for children with special needs, build community
centers, orphanages, irrigation systems and sanitation improvement, and
print books in Armenian.

Kirakosyan recognized Detroit’s Knights of Vartan for their significant
financial support and thanked the Armenian community for their help.

The Aragats Space-Environmental Center in Armenia conducts research in the
field of galactic cosmic rays and solar physics. Two research stations on
Mt. Aragats are equipped with modern scientific detectors, which allow the
scientists to make new discoveries in high energy astrophysics. They are
developing space weather forecasting and early warning systems to allow the
international community to develop a reliable global space weather
forecasting service, vital to protect astronauts and satellites in space and
power grids on the ground for all mankind.

AESA’s concern has been to prevent the "brain drain" from Armenia, some of
which they have accomplished through their efforts with the Cosmic Ray
Division (CRD) Alikhanyan Physics Institute, whose world famous executive
director Prof. Ashot Chilingarian was introduced by Anahid Yeremian, a
physicist at Stanford University.

Prof. Alikhanyan said, "I want to stay in Armenia and encourage my students
whom it has been a pleasure to work with. Detroit has made immense financial
contributions to the CRD." He said if we need a strong Armenia we need
science to assist us by giving direction. We need more time to acquire
experience since Armenia is still a young country. He continued, "Cosmic
rays are a window on the world. We are establishing intern programs for
students from the United States to study with my students."

Plaques were exchanged denoting appreciation and recognition of each other’s
work by the AESA and their distinguished guests from Armenia. The
Benediction was given by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian.

It was a glowing evening of camaraderie but one had to wonder at the absence
of the Armenian and American flags at such an important event.
——————————————- ———————————
———-

6. HMEM Celebrates 30th Anniversary

On Oct. 27, the Homenetmen (HMEM) of the Eastern United States celebrated
its 30th anniversary with a special gala event at the Framingham Sheraton
Hotel.

Attending the event were Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, representing the
sponsor of the event; Prelate Oshagan Choloyan; members of the HMEM
executive board Vahram Tanielian and Koko Balian; members of the regional
executive board; representative of the Canadian regional board Vahan
Tchalikian; Fr.Antranig Baljian of the St. Stephen’s Church; Fr. Rafael
Andonian of the Armenian Catholic Church; and Rev. Avedis Boynerian of the
Armenian Memorial Church.

The gala began with the entrance of the HMEM scouts, with the U.S., Armenian
and HMEM flags. Sevag Khatchadourian then sang the American and Armenian
national anthems, as well as "Haratch Nahadag." Avo Barmakian, the evening’s
emcee and member of the organizing committee, welcomed the crowd of 400 and
spoke of the HMEM’s mission, which for 90 years has been to ensure that
young Armenians grow up as responsible, educated and conscientious
individuals.

Razmig Panosian, chairman of the Boston region executive committee,
addressed the attendees on behalf of the host chapter, and thanked those who
provided moral and financial support to the organization.

Hagop Ishkhanian then delivered the central executive board’s address, and
emphasized the importance of trusting the HMEM with the Armenian education
of the younger generation.

Vahan Chalikian, representative of the Canadian regional board,
congratulated the Eastern Region HMEM for having reached its 30th
anniversary milestone. He reminded the attendees of the first baby steps the
organization took, when the HMEM in Canada and in the Eastern Region were
one and the same.

Haig Oshagan delivered the address of the ARF Eastern Region’s Central
Committee. In his speech, he spoke of the HMEM’s role in restoring the
Armenian heritage, bringing Armenians together from all over the world, and
being a bridge between diasporan youth and independent Armenia. Oshagan also
commented on the difficulties the organzation is currently facing in the
region and promised that the ARF would support the HMEM in any possible way,
so that the latter could continue to play an important role in our lives.

Vahram Tanielian, HMEM cental executive board chairman, emphasized the role
the Eastern U.S. has played within the global HMEM network during the last
30 years. He called upon the audience to entrust their children to the HMEM
and to continue supporting the organization in the name of their education.

Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian delivered the closing remarks. He passed
along the blessings and gratitude from Prelate Oshagan Choloyan, then
emphasized that alongside the Armenian Church and the Armenian school, the
HMEM, with its chapters and centers, has been an important factor in
preserving the Armenian language and tradition.

Singer Adiss Harmandian and his band performed after the program.

The members of the organizing committee were enthusiastically praised for
having put together a succesful and memorable event.

–Boundary_(ID_tFTXpYzQF/hn3GOvBe6mFQ)–

http://www.ar
www.ZohrabCenter.org.

Jerusalem’s Dividing Lines

JERUSALEM’S DIVIDING LINES

Canberra Times, Australia
November 28, 2007 Wednesday

H is Beatitude, Theophilus III, "Patriarch of the Holy City of
Jerusalem and all Palestine, Syria, beyond the Jordan River, Cana
of Galilee, and Holy Zion" to give him his full and ancient title is
nothing if not hospitable.

He interrupts an interview in the tranquil stone-built Greek Orthodox
patriarchate in the heart of the Old City’s Christian quarter to offer
his visitors a tot of excellent 40-year-old Moldovan cognac. He is
justly proud of the Church’s venerable history here, dating back to
Byzantine times. In the wall of his wood-panelled first- floor office
there is a copy of the historic document given to his seventh-century
predecessor Sophronius by Omar Ibn al Khattab, the Second Caliph of
Islam, after his bloodless conquest of Jerusalem in 637 and promising
the protection of the holy places. With the Greek Orthodox Church well
known, among many other things, for being one of the biggest landowners
in the Holy Land, the patriarchate is, in the present incumbent’s own
words, "one of the largest and most powerful institutions in the land
… a state within a state". Yet not all has been well within the
cloistered calm of the patriarchate, thanks to a row with profound
ecclesiastical, financial, and above all political overtones. Two
years ago Theophilus was elected by a convincing majority of the synod
which had earlier deposed his predecessor, Irinaeus, in an atmosphere
of political scandal over property deals made on his watch.

But Irinaeus refused to go quietly. Maintaining that the patriarchate
is still rightfully his, Irinaeus remains holed up in an apartment
inside the building, guarded by armed Israeli police, together
with what his successor describes as "two or three monks totally
excommunicated from the patriarchate".

Moreover, as Theophilus explains, "our bank accounts are frozen" so
that money due to the patriarchate "is impossible for us to receive
in our own name. It has to go through other channels." Recently, a
senior police officer was called to the patriarchate when Theophilus’s
lawyers tried to execute a court order seeking to enter the apartment
occupied by his predecessor, to make an inventory of icons, documents
and other valuables held by Irinaeus which they argue belong to the
institution. But despite several hours of argument they were not
allowed to do so and the order was reversed by the same judge. Then
the Jerusalem District Court deferred a hearing on an appeal by
Theophilus’s lawyers. These unholy wars arise because for two years
after his election, the Government of Israel unlike those of Greece and
Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority has not recognised Theophilus
as the Patriarch. Theophilus says that "the White House recognised
us from the outset. I have received a very nice letter from President
[George W.] Bush signed by himself." Last month he declared that the
Government of Israel had "for the first time interfered in the inner
functioning and administration of a spiritual institution and tried
directly and indirectly to determine who is going to be the spiritual
leader of the Church and the community". Though he is, at times,
coy about using the word, Theophilus’s basic charge is that for two
years attempts have been made to blackmail him into completing and
approving the "unfulfilled" and in political terms radioactively
sensitive deals made during the tenure of his predecessor.

Last month, he detailed his complaints about his treatment by Israel
which he has described as a "humiliation and ridiculousness" at a
meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her last
trip to Jerusalem. It now looks as if Theophilus’s travails may
finally be reaching an end. A committee chaired by Israeli cabinet
minister Rafi Eitan has now made a landmark recommendation that
he should be recognised as Patriarch. The police stance shows that
the story is by no means over. But the Prime Minister’s Office has
indicated that subject to checks by government lawyers it is likely
that the cabinet will decide as Eitan has advised. It and the United
States consulate will not confirm what the Patriarch’s allies firmly
believe, namely that the path to his final recognition was cleared
after irresistible pressure from Rice. But either way the whole episode
sheds unusual light on the extraordinary determination of right-wing
Jewish settler groups to make inroads into Arab quarters of the Old
City. Rice had reason for concern. If it were to go through it would
have the potential to affect any future division between Arab and
Jewish neighbourhoods in the Old City. The properties involved are
on the north, and Arab, side of the wide road linking the Jaffa Gate
with the heart of the Old City. They include the Imperial Hotel,
which, while it has seen better days since General Edmund Allenby
stood on one of its still impressive wrought-iron balconies after
taking the city from the Turks in 1917, remains one of the area’s
landmarks. It has been leased from the Church since the 1940s by the
Dijanis, a long-established Palestinian Jerusalem family. In August
2004, however, Nicholas Papadimas, a finance officer who had been
given power of attorney by Irinaeus, negotiated a deal with Israeli
interests notably including, Theophilus says, Ateret Cohanim, the
Jewish settler organisation most associated with acquisition of
property in Arab sectors of Jerusalem.

When the negotiations were reported by Maariv in March 2005,
outrage spread rapidly among Irinaeus’s mainly Israeli-Arab flock
even though the then Patriarch maintained and still maintains that
he knew nothing of the transactions and that Papadimas, a high liver
with an expensive taste in cigars and cars who had by now disappeared,
had only been authorised to lease a single store.

Reflecting anger among junior clergy and laity, the synod convened
two months later and deposed Irinaeus. Theophilus maintains that
he swiftly came under pressure to approve the deal which led to the
downfall of his predecessor. The convulsions in the Greek Orthodox
Church are hardly simple, of course. Earlier this year the Jordanian
Government threatened its approval of Theophilus’s appointment and
demanded clarification of land deals in which the Church appeared to
be still involved. But it dropped the threat after receiving written
assurances from the Patriarch.

Meanwhile Irinaeus is fighting a determined rearguard court action,
arguing that he himself strongly resisted pressure to ratify them
once they came to light despite at least one lawyer representing
settlers threatening to put a "nuclear bomb" in the patriarchate
unless he agreed. But Theophilus now seems in no doubt that the task of
extricating the Church from the fallout of "Jaffagate" while preserving
its independence is with him. "The partiarchate has been dragged into
a political conflict and because of a crisis of leadership became
involved in things that were not for the patriarchate." Some allies of
Theophilus who still profess anxiety that the Eitan committee decision
may not spell an end to the story believe a key reason for the hold-up
after the end of Ariel Sharon’s premiership was to press him into also
ratifying a separate "non-ideological" land transaction with the Church
at Beit Shemesh, in which lawyer Uri Messer represented the purchasers.

Messer has denied trying to hold up Theophilus’s recognition. (To
add an entirely separate complication to the saga of Greek Orthodox
land transactions, two Israeli businessmen Yaacov Rabinowitz and
David Morgenstern, have been convicted of defrauding the Church of
$US20million ($A22.9million) by making bogus land deals seven years
ago). But it is Jaffa Gate which is of real international interest.

The idea that elements in the Israeli Government may have previously
supported the settlers’ cause something which Danny Seidemann,
an Israeli lawyer who has long contested Jewish settlement in Arab
parts of Jerusalem has "no doubt" is the case was arguably especially
sensitive in the run-up to the upcoming Annapolis Middle East summit.

While in any peace deal Jews would require what Seidemann calls "an
iron-clad guarantee" to use the route from the Jaffa Gate through
the Armenian Quarter to the Jewish Quarter with freedom and safety,
the strategic purpose may be to create a new Jewish "contiguity"
between the Jaffa Gate and the Jewish Quarter which would disturb
the delicate (but functioning) separation of Arab and Jewish quarters.

Nor will settler designs on Arab buildings in the Old City end with
Theophilus’s recognition.

"If you throw them out of the window they come under the lintel of
the door," Seidemann says. "The stake which will go through the
heart of the settlers has not been invented." The patriarch has
repeatedly stressed that he is not a politician, but he says the
patriarchate’s extensive landownership, not least in the Christian
Arab quarter behind the Imperial, is "why those who have their own
interests and want to bring about changes in the natural demography
of Jerusalem, the physical demography of Jerusalem, try and do this
through the patriarchate". While stressing that the $2.3million Jaffa
Gate transaction could yet wind up in the courts, and that he will
always honour properly reached agreements with any party, he adds,
"This is a legal matter and it should be dealt with legally. I
am the wrong man for certain people because they had other plans
in mind and they were not fulfilled." But he also sees the Church
as having a "moral responsibility to leave the city as it is, and
this has always been our policy". Recording that the city’s historic
role has been as a "meeting place for Jews, Christians and Muslims",
he says that part of the "beauty and greatness of Jerusalem" is that
"it should be an example of coexistence, and an example of religious
and cultural diversity". It seems that Theophilus has won a crucial
battle, but not yet the war.

Armenian President Meets With Head Of Dundee Precious Metals Company

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT MEETS WITH HEAD OF DUNDEE PRECIOUS METALS COMPANY

Economic News
November 29, 2007 Thursday

Erevan. ">OREANDA-NEWS . November 29, 2007. On November 27, 2007,
the President of Armenia Robert Kocharian received the owner and
President of the Dundee Precious Metals Company Jonathan Goodman. At
the meeting discussed were issues related to the development of the
mining sector in Armenia, the presidential press service reported.

Robert Kocharian noted that this direction is one of the priorities
for the economic development of Armenia, and that the Armenian side
is highly interested in cooperation with the experienced foreign
partners. According to the President it will allow to create a
qualitatively new situation in the mining sector.

Jonathan Goodman in his turn said that he sees great opportunities for
the development of mining industry in Armenia, and that his company
is ready to move forward slowly but steadfastly.

The two sides stressed also the importance of providing greater
attention to the environmental issues, training of the specialized
personnel, and the necessity of bringing the related legal field in
compliance with the international standards.

The Dundee Precious Metal Company is represented in Armenia by the
Dino Gold Mining Company, which is developing the Shahumian gold and
polymetal mine and the Kapan cooper and pyrites mine.

Mamedyarov preaches peace after yesterday’s warlike speeches

AZG Armenian Daily #222, 01/12/2007

OSCE Ministerial Council

MAMEDYAROV PREACHES PEACE AFTER YESTERDAY’S WARLIKE SPEECHES

"With a great anxiety I note that in despite of three year long
negotiations on the level of Presidents and Foreign Ministers we are
still facing Armenia’s efforts of concealing the occupation of
Azerbaijani territories and the policy of ethnic purge on those
territories," – this phrase was not taken from another groundless
publication of the Azeri mass media, but >From the statement of the
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mamedyarov, spoken at the OSCE
Foreign Ministers Council, Madrid.

Being nothing new in itself, such idea, expressed publicly on the
level of OSCE, can hardly benefit the Azerbaijani authorities, as the
party eager of unleashing another armed conflict is Azerbaijan.
Moreover, the previous day Mamedyarov had stated that he supports the
Azerbaijani Defense Minister’s idea of restarting the war, while it
has been stressed for many times that the Karabakh crisis must never
be settled with armed force.

It is even more remarkable that to Mamedyarov’s opinion "the Armenian
authorities make dangerous efforts of representing the Karabakh issue
as a religious conflict and as a confrontation of Christians and
Muslims". In this case it seems like Mamedyarov saw the smoke but knew
not whither it came.

As a matter of fact, Prime Minister of Armenia Serge Sarkisian,
answering the question of "Los Angeles Times" whether the conflict in
Karabakh has religious elements or no, said that it really does, but
he did not gave the conflict a wholly religious implication. However,
to Mamedyarov’s opinion, Armenia has also "intensified the
exploitation of Azerbaijan’s nature resources, which does not aid the
negotiation process". It is amusing that the Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister fails to distinguish the Republics of Armenia and of
Nagorno-Karabakh. Otherwise, how could he utter such phrases?

>From the aforementioned "facts" Mamedyarov made the following
conclusion, "Such policy is doomed, as Azerbaijan will never accept
the loss of a single centimeter of its territory. The Armenian side
should forget about its hopeless efforts and start peace negotiations,
so as we can achieve a peaceful settlement, which would benefit both
the peoples, living side by side".

Loud phrases on democracy and self-governments, spoken by the
Azerbaijani representative, cannot be taken seriously, as Azerbaijan
has a number of serious inner problems with freedom and human rights
and on the other hand Nagorno-Karabakh has a 15 years’ experience of
self-government as a republic. Nevertheless Mamedyarov declared, "We
should focus on providing conditions for the Armenian and Azeri
populations of Karabakh to take part in the global discussion of the
national self-determination issue in the frames of the state of
Azerbaijan".

Elmar Mamedyarov, who was speaking of such high humanitarian values
and was reluctant to shift the Karabakh conflict settlement to other
spheres, later on contradicted his own words, mentioning the GUAM
initiatives. Seemingly he was forgetful of OSCE Minsk Group’s
disapproval of the Karabakh issue’s discussion in UN and GUAM formats,
alongside with the conflicts in Dniester, South Osetia and Abkhazia.

By A. Haroutiunian, translated by A.M.

First president of Armenia meets leader of Democratic Path party

First president of Armenia meets leader of Democratic Path party

2007-12-02 09:22:00

ArmInfo. Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, met
Leader of the Democratic Path Party Manouk Gasparyan, Saturday. The
Office of Civic Initiative on Levon Ter- Petrosyan’s nomination for
president of Armenia told ArmInfo that Chairman of Board of the
Armenian National Movement Party Ararat Zurabyan was also present at
the meeting.

According to the source, the meeting covered issues regarding the
domestic political situation in the country, prospects for its
development, as well as the forthcoming presidential election. Levon
Ter-Petrosyan thanked the Democratic Path Party and its leader for
their decision to support his presidential candidacy. According to the
agreement reached at the meeting, L.Ter-Petrosyan will meet the members
of the Democratic Path’s Board in future.

Police To Ground The Refusal To Certify Candidate’s Permanent Reside

POLICE TO GROUND THE REFUSAL TO CERTIFY CANDIDATE’S PERMANENT RESIDENCE

ARMENPRESS
Dec 3, 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: Armenian police will have to
provide weighty reasons to ground why they refused to certify that
a presidential candidate, Aram Karapetian, was an Armenian citizen
residing permanently in Armenia in the last 10 years, a constitutional
requirement which all candidates should qualify for.

Aram Karapetian, chairman of the Nor Zhamanakner (New Times) party,
who said he would contest the February 19 presidential election,
was refused the reference last week and took the case to a lower
court in Yerevan.

During today’s hearing he showed a pack of documents which he said
prove his permanent residence in Armenia in the last 10 years.

The police representative asked two days to provide their grounds,
but the court said they must do it tomorrow, December 4.

Incidentally, Aram Karapetian was allowed to contest the previous
2003 presidential election. He came fourth then.

VISA CLASSIC Action To Be Held At Conversebank Branch In Exchmiadzin

VISA CLASSIC ACTION TO BE HELD AT CONVERSEBANK BRANCH IN EXCHMIADZIN

ARKA News Agency
Nov 15 2007
Armenia

YEREVAN, November 15. /ARKA/. The Conversebank’s branch in Echmiadzin
plans an action of issuing VISA CLASSIC plastic cards on November 14 –
December 15.

The bank’s press service reports that all the individuals that will
open accounts at the bank during this period will receive free VISA
CLASSIC cards. The balance on the card accounts will be 3,000 AMD
for the individuals. Legal entities will be able to open accounts
without effecting any payments for the minimum balance requirement.

The new branch will provide a full range of banking services and meet
the international quality management standards ISO 9001:2000.

An official opening of the Echmiadzin branch of the Armenian
Conversebank took place on November 14, 2007.

The Conversebank was incorporated on December 20, 1993. In February
2007, the Argentina-based Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekyan
became full owner of the bank.

By September 30, 2007, the bank’s assets had amounted 45.4bln AMD,
total capital 10.7bln AMD, net profit 1.1bln AMD (in January-September
2007), balance profit on the capital account 6.7bln AMD (on September
30, 2007). By September 30, 2007, the bank’s authorized capital had
reached 1.3bln AMD.