Author: Takmazian

CAPITOL HILL SCREENING OF FILM DEPICTING EVENTS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CAPTIVATES AUDIENCE

DeFacto Agency
April 15 2008
Armenia

YEREVAN, 15.04.08. DE FACTO. Over 150 congressional staffers and
community activists were present for a special April 9th Capitol Hill
screening of "The Lark Farm" (La Masseria delle Allodole), a powerful
film depicting the events of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region
(ANCA-ER).

Hosted by the ANCA-ER, in cooperation with Rep. Daniel Lipinski
(D-IL-3), "The Lark Farm" tells the moving story of an Italian
Armenian family planning a visit to their home in Ottoman Turkey,
only to be caught up in the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. It is
based on the novel "Skylark Farm" by Antonia Arslan, which has thus
far won 17 book awards in Europe, including the Italian P.E.N. Club
Award. Already translated into fourteen languages, "Skylark Farm"
was recently selected as a First Fiction Finalist for the 2008 Los
Angeles Times Book Prize.

Addressing the crowd during his introductory remarks, Cong. Lipinski
stated, "I am very happy to have been able to play this role in
bringing this film here up to Capitol Hill. I know that the issue of
the Armenian Genocide is one that we have to keep working on bringing
public attention to. Unfortunately, it has been swept under the rug
and we really need to shine the light on it. This film really helps to
do that, and to spread the word about what happened there to so many
millions of Armenians." The representative concluded with "We need to
fight against genocide wherever it occurs to prevent future genocides."

The Lark Farm, directed by brothers Paolo Taviani and Vittorio Taviani,
was featured at the Berlin Film Festival, as well as in Spain and
Armenia. With an outstanding international cast, including Paz Vega,
Mohammed Bakri, Tcheky Karyo and Arsinee Khanjian, the film helps the
viewer understand the struggles and devastation that the Armenians
endured from Turkish authorities during the genocide.

Following the movie, Arslan addressed the crowd during which attendees
thanked her for all that she had done to raise awareness on this
issue. On tour in America to promote her novel, which has recently
been released in paperback, Arslan has traveled throughout the world
speaking to hundreds of thousands about the story of her family. "I am
very excited about being in America. The warm welcome from the various
audiences I have spoken to, both Armenian and non-Armenian has been
wonderful. I hope the novel and the movie can play a role in connecting
not only the Armenian communities throughout the Diaspora, but also
in connecting Armenians to those who do not have any connection to
the Armenian people at all. My family’s story is really the story of
all those who struggled – and continue to struggle – for survival,
for life, during and after a genocide."

Siobhan Nash-Marshall, Professor of Philosophy at Manhattanville
College in New York City and close friend of Arslan, made a powerful
closing statement at the event, ‘~RWithout truth, there is no peace."

Marshall, who hosted a book reading of Skylark Farm at Manhattanville
College earlier this month, has been instrumental in pursuing the
advancement of this issue through education.

ARMENIA VOTE PROTESTER DIES OF WOUNDS: OFFICIAL

Agence France Presse — English
April 14, 2008 Monday 2:34 PM GMT

An Armenian opposition protester seriously injured during post-election
unrest on March 1 has died, bringing the death toll from the clashes
to 10, a health ministry spokeswoman said Monday.

Samvel Harutunian, 29, who had been in a coma since arriving in
hospital, died Friday night, health ministry spokeswoman Ruslana
Gevorgian told AFP.

He had received a heavy blow to the head during the unrest.

Three other people injured during the clashes remained in hospital,
Gevorgian added. Two were in a stable condition and one was due to
be released Tuesday.

Two policemen and seven civilians were killed during street battles
involving opposition supporters, who rallied for 11 days to protest the
victory of outgoing prime minister Serzh Sarkisian in the presidential
election.

They alleged that the ballot had been rigged in Sarkisian’s favour.

Dozens more protesters were injured, many from gunshot wounds.

Sarkisian was sworn in as Armenia’s president on April 9.

Police have arrested 90 people in connection with the unrest, including
many senior opposition figures.

A mountainous country of about three million people — wedged between
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Turkey — Armenia has experienced
repeated political violence and post-election protests since gaining
its independence with the 1991 Soviet collapse.

LOCAL BOARDS FOR WATER SUPPLY WILL BE SET UP

KarabakhOpen
14-04-2008 12:23:10

The Chartar Water Supply state-run company was set up in the village
of Chartar, Martuni, which will deal with water supply, water meters
and water bills. The head of the Water Board of NKR Seiran Mikayelyan
said in an interview with Karabakh-Open.com similar companies will
be set up in other regions as well.

According to Seiran Mikayelyan, Chartar will be supplied with the
water of artesian wells, and electricity will be subsidized by the
government. If the pumps work for 8 hours a day, 832 cubic meters
of water will be supplied, which is enough to supply the demand of
the village.

Seiran Mikayelyan said a program worth 550 million drams has been
worked out which will enable to supply Chartar with water from
the village of Sargsashen through natural pressure. The program is
expensive and sponsors are needed, said the head of the Water Board.

Fighting for free speech in Turkey

Story from BBC NEWS:
mmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7342869.stm

Publi shed: 2008/04/12 11:00:53 GMT

Hundreds of writers have been prosecuted in Turkey for "insulting
Turkishness", but Sarah Rainsford discovers that there are still some
people willing to publish controversial books.

It is a very difficult time to be a writer in Turkey.

Last year the prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist, Hrant Dink, was
murdered. This year, an ultra-nationalist gang allegedly had the Nobel
laureate Orhan Pamuk on its hit list.

Both men had been prosecuted for "insulting Turkishness".

Today, many writers once known for their forthright views have fallen
silent. But one man is still putting himself on the line in a fight for
free speech.

I found Ragip Zarakolu in one of the dimly-lit corridors of the
Sultanahmet courthouse waiting to be called for his latest trial.

A small man with grey curls and crinkled kindly eyes, Mr Zarakolu is a
publisher on a mission to shatter every taboo in Turkey.

As a result, he once admitted to me with characteristic chuckle he is
now the most prosecuted publisher in the country.

This time he is also accused of "insulting Turkishness" under article
301 of the penal code.

The case was opened after he published the work of a British writer. It
was the story of the writer’s family in 1915, when hundreds of
thousands of Ottoman Armenians were deported as traitors during World
War I.

Turkey’s taboos

Ragip Zarakolu is one of very few Turks to challenge the official line,
but it comes at a cost.

Shortly before his trial I visited his office just across the tram
lines from Grand Bazaar. In a basement beneath McDonalds I discovered
an Aladdin’s cave of Turkey’s taboos.

Crammed on to shelves and piled high on tables and on the floor were
books on every controversial topic in Turkey, and an American
ambassador’s memoir of the Armenian massacres side by side with books
on Kurdish nationalism.

"My late wife and I began by publishing the history of the Turkish
Communist Party. That was the first taboo," Ragip Zarakolu explained, a
pretty unlikely looking subversive in his woollen overcoat and brown
moccasins.

The book came out in 1982, in the wake of a military coup. It was
banned and later burned by the generals as a threat to social order and
Ragip’s wife was brought to trial.

A decade later the pair shifted focus to the plight of Turkey’s Kurds.
It was the height of the separatist insurgency and the mainly Kurdish
south-east was under martial law.

Undaunted by yet another court case, they then published texts about
the fate of the Ottoman Armenians.

"We decided it was time to confront our past and discuss it," Ragip
explained.

But in 1993 that approach was not welcome. Ragip’s wife was sentenced
to two years in jail – under anti-terror legislation – for publishing
the work of a French scholar about the Armenian massacres.

EU accession efforts

Turkey has changed enormously since then, working towards membership of
the European Union. But the trials of writers and publishers continue.

Ironically, the book Mr Zarakolu is currently being prosecuted for is
among his least controversial. It tells how a Turkish official
protected the author’s Armenian grandmother in 1915 – a Turkish Oskar
Schindler.

Our society has traumas that we are avoiding
Ragip Zarakolu

But the insult charge was brought as nationalist feeling began to soar
here, partly linked to Turkey’s EU accession efforts.

The Justice Ministry recently revealed that 1,700 people were tried
under Article 301 in 2006 alone. The best-known cases have all involved
comments on the Armenian massacres.

"If you believe you are great, clean, and honest it is hard to face
something like 1915," Ragip Zarakolu explained.

"Our society has traumas that we are avoiding.

"Really, we should see a therapist!"

Fuelling discussion

What Turkey has instead is Ragip Zarakolu relentlessly publishing books
that delve into the darkest chapters of the past. And, despite the
nationalist backlash, he is sure he is making a difference.

His books are read mainly by students and academics, but they have
helped fuel a cautious discussion on topics that were once utterly
off-limits.

And now the law may be changing too, to protect people’s freedom to do
just that.

Under immense pressure from the EU, the Turkish government has proposed
softening Article 301 on "insulting Turkishness".

Nationalist politicians are outraged, but for Ragip Zarakolu it was a
well-timed move.

His trial was postponed until parliament decides whether the crime he
is accused of should actually exist.

As we filed out of the courthouse into the sunshine, the veteran
publisher was pleased. But he believes even a "reformed" Article 301 is
dangerous, so his fight goes on.

"My wife went to prison for publishing the first book here on the
Armenian genocide. Now I plan to print that book again and to include
the notes from her trial," Ragip Zarakolu confided.

"Fifteen years later we’ll see what happens!" he said.

Then, chuckling as usual, he wandered away from the court and down the
street.

From Our Own Correspondent was broadcast on Saturday 12 April, 2008 at
1130 BST on BBC Radio 4. Please check the programme schedules for World
Service transmission times.

VARTAN OSKANIAN HAD FAREWELL MEETING WITH STAFF

ARMENPRESS
April 11, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS: Outgoing foreign minister Vartan
Oskanian had a farewell meeting with staff on Thursday to thank all
diplomats who has worked with him for the last 10 years. He also
thanked the technical staff who have made their work in Armenia and
abroad possible. He then thanked ambassadors who have worked hard,
against great odds, to maximally promote our interests.

"We can all be proud of our work, and we can all feel satisfied that
we are performing a civic duty. We are all citizens of Armenia – you
by birth, I by choice. For me, the decision to pack up and return to
Armenia after independence was a default decision, a non-decision,
an obvious choice. Having come, I’m not now preparing to go’ he said.

"I’ve been here since almost the beginning, working with you, to create
something out of nothing, to build a new institution and a new kind
of institution. I have served as Foreign Minister since the beginning
of President Kocharian’s term. I had served as Deputy Minister and
First Deputy Minister under President Ter Petrossian. In other words,
I have served not a man, but a people and a country. Together, that’s
what we have done since independence — we have served the state,
the Republic of Armenia. I am proud of the work we have done together."

"During these 10 years, I believe much has changed in the nature of
our work. Of course the Republic of Armenia has changed and progressed
such that many objective conditions have changed – we don’t wait 2,
3, sometimes 5 months to get paid. We have paper on which to print
treaties, conventions and documents. We are not hostage to irregular
flights into and out of Armenia.

There are other differences, too. Diplomats, and all staff, are
accepted solely on merit and not for any other reason. Diplomats are
assigned postings solely based on professional circumstances and not
for any other reason. This ministry has a reputation now for being
the cleanest, the most professional, the best regulated, and not
corrupt. And that’s no small reason to be proud," Oskanian said.

"Now, we must perform our job in the changed environment of the last
several months. When we allowed the political tensions and emotions
of the election and post-election period to reign, they demonstrated
that we sometimes imagine that revolution can be an alternative to
reforms, and that revenge can take precedence over reconciliation. No
one knows better than we in this building that that is false. No one
knows better than we that our domestic strength, integrity, stability,
morality and perseverance are our best – actually our only – calling
cards in the international arena," Oskanian said.

"I will continue to work with you. I don’t intend to terminate my
public engagement, but to enter a new phase. I don’t intend to be
foreign minister but I intend to work domestically to help the next
minister to succeed internationally," he said.

PRESS 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

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER

APRIL 10, 2008

MRS. RAKEL DINK VISITS PRELACY
Mrs. Rakel Dink and nephew visited the Prelacy offices on Monday, April
7. She was escorted by members of the New Jersey community, Pauline
Dostoumian and Ovsanna Korogluyan. They were received by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan, Vicar, on behalf of the Prelate, who was out of town.

PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO NORTH ANDOVER
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to North Andover, Massachusetts, to the
parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Merrimack Valley, where he will
preside over the Liturgy on Sunday, ordain acolytes, consecrate a painting,
and preside over the church’s anniversary celebration.

VICAR WILL ATTEND GROUNDBREAKING IN PHILLY
Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Liturgy and preside over the
groundbreaking of Founders’ Hall at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Philadelphia, this Sunday, April 13. A champagne reception will follow the
groundbreaking.
The parish’s expansion will provide new and larger Sunday school rooms,
a more up-to-date kitchen, a new general purpose room, a new larger main
hall, and storage space.

VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO ARMENIA NEXT WEEK
Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Armenia next week where he will
participate in the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Saints, which will
take place at Holy Etchmiadzin, April 15 to 18. Bishop Anoushavan will be
representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

JOHN K. BARONIAN, 87
John K. Baronian, a Knight of Cilicia, Prelacy Man of the Year in 2002,
and a Pillar of the Prelacy, died on April 5, at Massachusetts General
Hospital. He was 87 years old.
Funeral services took place this morning, April 10, at St. Stephen
Armenian Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, followed by interment at Oak
Grove Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, presided over the
services today and offered the heartfelt condolences of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, who was en route to New York from an overseas trip.
Mr. Baronian was a lifelong supporter of the Armenian Church and
community, and was an active and passionate alumnus and advocate of Tufts
University, where he served as Trustee for many years.
Memorial gifts are being accepted for St. Stephen’s Church or St.
Stephen’s Elementary School.

HELEN HAJINIAN, 100
We note with sadness the passing of Miss Helen Hajinian. For many years
Helen lived in a residence for professional women right across the street
>From the Prelacy on 39th Street in Manhattan. She became a volunteer member
of the Prelacy staff offering her services of typing and whatever else
needed to be done for more than twenty years. She was soft-spoken but had a
strong will. She was a "cracker-jack" proofreader, and even into her late
80s her sharp eyes and mind managed to catch errors that others missed.
Several years ago, she relocated to the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York.
During the time she spent at the Home, the area clergy and Prelacy staff
members kept in touch with her, visiting whenever possible. She died this
week at age 100. In 2001, during the Prelacy Ladies Guilds’ Mothers Day
luncheon, Archbishop Oshagan honored Helen for her years of devoted service.
At the time, she expressed her genuine surprise at being honored and said,
"I received so much more than I gave."
Funeral services will take place tomorrow, Friday, April 11, at St.
Vartan Cathedral, in New York City, at noon. Interment follows at Cedar
Grove Cemetery, Flushing, New York.

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 awarded the
degree summa cum laude 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 we honored as the Mother of the Year.

INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH CONFERENCES AND DIALOGUE
An international interfaith conference on migration will take place in
the headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, next
week. More than 100 delegates from around the world will participate. The
conference is jointly organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and
the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The opening session will feature
remarks by Catholicos Aram I Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of WCC, as well
as spiritual leaders of the Maronite, Orthodox, Sunni and Shite communities
in Lebanon, and the Lebanese Minister of Culture.
His Holiness will also take part in an international interfaith
conference in Barcelona, Spain. He will be joined by V. Rev. Fr. Krikor
Chiftjian, Communication’s Officer, and Mrs. Teni-Piri Simonian, Deputy
Chair of the Catholicosate’s Ecumenical Committee.
The third conference on dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran
and the Catholicosate of Cilicia will convene in Tehran. A delegation from
the Catholicosate and the three dioceses in Iran-Tehran, Isfahan and
Tabriz-will participate along with Catholicos Aram I.

UNIQUE VOLUME ON THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE
A new volume on Armenian Literature, Orhnerkoutyoun Medzaskanch, was
published recently in Antelias as part of the "Kevork Melidintsi Literary
Award," that is administered by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The 632 page
book brings together works of Armenian literature, including prose and
poetry. Edited by Sarkis Giragossian, this volume provides easy and
convenient access to Armenian literature.

MAJOR RENOVATION OF ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL BEGINS
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Starting this Sunday, April 6, until further notice, the Divine
Liturgy will be offered on Sundays at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center,
69-23 47th Street, Woodside, New York. For information contact the church
office at 212-689-5880.

PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OPENS TOMORROW
A Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian will take
place at the Prelacy April 11, 12, and 13. Jointly sponsored by the Prelacy
and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society, the proceeds
will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The opening reception will take place
tomorrow, Friday, April 11 from 7 to 10 pm. The exhibition will also be open
to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 from 1 pm to 5 pm.

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. Additional information will be posted
on a regular basis, so check the site often. 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.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL
16. DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR INFORMATION PACKETS; PLEASE MAKE
YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 16 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE.
INFORMATION IS ALSO ON THE PRELACY WEB SITE.

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

BLESSING 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.

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, Thursday, April 10 are: Luke 8:1-21; Acts
11:1-26; 1 Peter 3:10-22; John 4:24-42; Matthew 9:35-10:15; Mark 4:1-9.
Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered
around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole
crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in
parables, and in his teaching he said to them: "Listen! A sower went out to
sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate
it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and
it spring up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose,
it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell
among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and
increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." And he said,
"Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" (Mark 4:1-9).

RED SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 6, is the fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Red
Sunday (Karmir Kiraki). The name Red Sunday does not have an ecclesiastical
origin, but rather it is similar to last week’s Green Sunday. The name Red
Sunday is believed to refer to the burst of color that comes forth from the
land after a barren winter. It is a celebration of nature, especially the
rebirth after the Resurrection we celebrated a few weeks ago. The Gospel
reading for this Sunday (John 5:19-30) emphasizes the life-giving word of
Jesus.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ATTICS AND BASEMENTS..
This year, as many of you know, we are marking a dual anniversary: the
110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America by
Catholicos Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. We are seeking any type of
memorabilia and photographs, especially during the tenures of Archbishop
Hrant Khatchadourian (1958-1973) and Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian
(1973-1977). Anything you have will be returned to you safe and sound after
we scan them for use in a
forthcoming book. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or
by telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 11-Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian. Opening
reception, 7 to 11 pm, at the Prelacy offices, New York City. Jointly
sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian
Relief Society. Proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The
exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12
and 13, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

April 20-Third lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.

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 here 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.

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 here for details.

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 here.

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

A NUMBER OF TRIALS RELATED TO ELECTION AND POSTELECTION PROCESSES TO BE HELD IN COMING DAYS

Noyan Tapan
April 9, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, NOYAN TAPAN. The court of Yerevan’s Kentron and
Nork-Marash communities has so far received 12 cases opened under
Article 316 of the RA Criminal Code (violence against a representative
of the authorities), NT correspondent was informed by spokeswoman for
the RA Cassation Court Alina Yengoyan. In particular, the trial of
Davit Hambartsumian is scheduled for April 11, that of Mesrop Zakarian
and Raji Petrosian – for April 14, the trial of Ruben Voskanian will be
held on April 16, and the trial of Sargis Abrahamian and Armen Avagian
– on April 17. The dates of other trials have not been decided yet.

According to the same source, the court sitting on the case of Hripsime
Haytian, chairwoman of the commission at polling station 22/21,
charged with the crime envisaged by the CC Article 150 (forgery of
election or voting result) is scheduled for April 10, 2:00 pm at the
Gegharkunik regional court. Simon Amirkhanian, presidential candidate
Levon Ter-Petrosian’s empowered person at polling station 22/18, and
Samel Karapetian, L. Ter-Petrosian’s empowered person in the commission
of electoral district No 22, are accused of assisting with the above
mentioned crime. The trial of Ashot Zakarian, Shota Saghatelian and
Petros Makeyan charged with the crime envisaged by the CC Article
149 part 2 points 3 and 5 (hindrance to the exercise of the right to
elect, which is accompanied by violence or threats to use violence)
will take place in the Shirak regional court on April 17, at 11 am.

The court examination of the case opened based on a fact of hooliganism
in the square of the city of Talin during the pre-election campaign
of L. Ter-Petrosian will continue in the court of Aragatsotn marz
on April 15, at 3 pm. On April 16, at 11 am the RA Criminal Appeal
Court will examine the appeal against the decision of Yerevan’s
Kentron and Nork-Marash communities, by which the chairman of the
electoral commission 9/31 Eduard Aghajanian was sentenced to two
years’ imprisonment.

The RA Administrative Court (chairman – Judge Hovsep Bedeyan) will
hold a preliminary sitting to examine the suit filed by four former
employees of the RA foreign ministry, who have

UAE PLANS TO OPEN EMBASSY IN ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
April 8, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, ARMENPRESS: Armenian deputy foreign minister Gegham
Gharibjanian received today ambassador Ahmad Abdullah al Musali, head
of a department at the foreign ministry of the United Arab Emirates
in charge of relations with Asian and African countries.

The Arab diplomat has arrived in Armenia to attend the inauguration
ceremony of president-elect Serzh Sarkisian.

The foreign ministry said during their conversation the two men
discussed bilateral economic and political relationships and looked
into ways to boost them. They also exchanged opinions on a set of
regional issues and discussed then issues related to opening of the
UAE’s embassy in Armenia.

BRITISH NGO HEAD CALLS ON BAKU, YEREVAN TO CONTINUE PEACE TALKS
by C. Ali’s

Day.Az
April 4 2008
Azerbaijan

Denis Sammut: The Minsk process should be improved

A Day.az interview with the executive director of the British
non-governmental organization Links, Dennis Sammut.

[Interviewer] How can the recently adopted UN Resolution "On the
situation in the occupied territories ofAzerbaijan" influence the
peace talks on Nagornyy Karabakh?

[Sammut] I think that Azerbaijan must use peaceful means to resolve
the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. In this sense theUN resolution is
one of such means. I cannot criticize Azerbaijan for using its own
diplomatic potential to assert itsposition. It is a matter of tactics.

[Interviewer] Do you not think that the vote of the co-chairs [of
the OSCE Minsk Group, the USA, Russia and France,which was set up
to resolve the conflict] against this resolution spoils the image of
these countries as mediators inthe Karabakh settlement?

[Sammut] I was very surprised to see that the co-chairs voted in
that way. I have to admit that I did not expect themto make such a
decision. But I understand that on the whole the co-chairs did not
act against this resolution. They wereunhappy that the resolution was
taken into consideration as such. I think that their vote should be
considered in thecontext that the USA, Russia and France voted against
the resolution not as the co-chairs but as individual countries.They
have to admit what has eventually happened in any case.

[Interviewer] Are the calls of Baku for the replacement of the
co-chairs in this case justified?

[Sammut] The Minsk process has several elements. First of all, it
is the OSCE itself, the second is the Minsk Group, the third is the
co-chairs of the Minsk group as mediating countries and the fourth
is the public represented by thosecountries. I am not still clear
what this protest is aimed at. What is the object of the criticism:
the OSCE, the Minsk Group, the co-chairs or separate representatives?

I have always said that the Minsk process should be flexible. The
situation in Nagornyy Karabakh and around it haschanged and one
needs to understand that the Minsk process should be improved. This
process is not something sacred orimmune, but is an instrument through
which the international community offered assistance to Azerbaijan
and Armenia inthe resolution of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict more
than 10 years ago and which should be changed depending on thecurrent
situation.

[Interviewer] How can the election of Serzh Sargsyan as the new
president of Armenia tell on the peace talks on theKarabakh settlement?

[Sammut] I visited Armenia last week and met different members of the
Armenian government. They tried to convince me at every meeting that
Armenia was about to see big changes. There will be a lot of new people
and new policies. Theymeant not only Nagornyy Karabakh, but also policy
in general. But in any case, this will affect the Karabakh problem,too.

I believe that we are in such a vital period when the mechanism of
talks should be more actively used. I hope thatboth Azerbaijan and
Armenia will use it in the months to come.

WIFE OF THE RUSSIAN PRESIDENT LYUDMILA PUTINA OPENS RUSSIAN BOOK CENTER IN YEREVAN

ITAR-TASS
April 7 2008
Russia

YEREVAN, April 7 (Itar-Tass) — Wife of the Russian president Lyudmila
Putina has opened a Russian Book Center in Yerevan. She arrived in
Armenia at the invitation of the Armenian president’s wife Bella
Kocharyan.

The Book Center is located at the Armenian Society for cultural
contacts and cooperation with foreign countries. This is one of the
most beautiful mansions in the center of Yerevan built in 1896 to a
design by architect Boris Megrabov. In the 1940s the building housed
the Armenian Foreign Ministry, in 1949 the building was turned over
to the Armenian Society for culture and cooperation with foreign
countries.

The idea to establish the Book Center was first suggested three
years ago when Putina and Kocharyan visited the Armenian Center in
the framework of opening the Year of Russia in Armenia.

The new Russian Book Center is expected to be a popular treasury
of Russian culture in Armenia and promote the development of
Russo-Armenian cooperation in the humanitarian field.