Author: Taslakhchian Andranik

GIVEN EXISTENCE OF ANTI-ARMENIAN SYSTEM IN REGION, ARMENIA’S AGGRESSIVE POSITION TO SOME EXTENT WOULD COME IN HANDY

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.06.2007 18:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s possible concessions in the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict do not imply changes in Azerbaijan’s attitude towards
Armenia, director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Hayk Demoyan said
during round-table discussions titled "Possible developments of the
Nagorno Karabakh talks."

If we suppose that Armenia will make concessions in the name of peace
in the region, it does not mean that the Azeris will stop viewing
Armenia as a rival, he said.

Since 1991 Azerbaijan has exercised a certain code in the state policy
and public conscientiousness, according to him. "This code like DNA
is being hereditary faction of this country," he said.

Besides, the problem is not reduced to debated territories, it’s
complex, he added.

"We do face a problem of further existence in the region and it’s
not an exaggeration, Given the presence of anti-Armenian system in
the region, Armenia’s aggressive position to some extent would come
in handy," he said, Novosti Armenia reports.

TWO PERSONS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMEMT FOR ROBBERY OF TWO FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE OFFICES IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Jun 04 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 4, NOYAN TAPAN. The court of first instance of Yerevan’s
Kentron and Nork-Marash communities (chairman – Judge Mnatsakan
Martirosian) on June 4 passed sentence on the case of robbery of two
foreign currency exchange offices in Yerevan in January 2006. The court
considered the charge brought by the investigation as substantiated and
sentenced two of the gang members – Georgian citizen Andronik Torosian
and Armenian citizen Sergei Movsisian to life imprisonment. According
to materials of the case, A. Torosian initiated the "case" of robberies
of two foreign currency exchange offices in Yerevan, formed a gang,
with 3 out of its 5 members being citizens of Georgia. During the
attack of robbers, Atrur Mkrtchain, who was in the exchange office
at that time, was killed by S. Movsisian who stabbed him with a knife.

By the sentence, another two Georgian citizens – Nuzgar Khositashvili
and Karen Davtian were sentenced to 14 and 13 years’ imprisonment
respectively, while Armenian citizen Hayk Sargsian – to 8-years’
imprisonment. The court fully satisfied the civil suit of the victim’s
legal successor Zhora Mkrtchian in the amount of 4 million drams.

Glendale News Press
June 2 2007

>From the Margins:
Progress is built by vision

By Patrick Azadian

I was invited to a big Armenian wedding. I headed down to West L.A.
to buy a suit.

I wanted good sushi. I went to Pasadena.

I was craving cold tomato soup. I took a short trip to Los Feliz for
authentic French attitude.

I had a friend visiting from out of town. We ended up at a Japanese
restaurant with make-believe geishas in Hollywood.

It’s not that I don’t hang out in Glendale. I do. I try to patronize
as many establishments as possible. I shop at the "organic"
supermarket; I am a frequent visitor to the Korean as well as the
Armenian marts; I’ve covered the Brazilian, the Lebanese, the Cuban
and the burger eateries on Brand Boulevard.

But it seems, whenever I am in search of a distinct atmosphere, or a
variety of quality choices, I have to travel outside the borders of
G-Town.

One reason may be that I may be a snob. But on second thought, I am
not.

Anyone who takes time to shuffle through Persian cucumbers at the
market, while competing with Armenian grandmas to end up with the
best harvest, loses the right to be a snob.

I would actually prefer to stay in town for entertainment. Gone are
the days that I traveled to Santa Monica to catch the sounds of a
live blues band from Alabama.

The real reason for my travels lie behind what’s not available in
town. With all due and undue respect to our business establishments,
there are only a handful of good restaurants locally, there is not
much of nightlife and, without a doubt, there are not too many places
with character.

Why can’t Glendale compete with the likes of Pasadena, Santa Monica
or Hollywood? How come we don’t attract the best of the bunch?

One possibility could be that we just don’t appreciate the good
things in life or don’t have the finances.

That’s a weak argument.

One good look at the quality of homes and vehicles many residents
have chosen puts a void stamp on this theory. Many residents spend
their time and money outside our city borders. If it’s not Beverly
Hills for shopping, it’s Pasadena for dining; if it’s not Hollywood
for cocktails, it’s Santa Monica for lounging.

Of course, we can’t close our borders and join the Soviet Bloc (any
more), but it would be nice to keep some of that revenue here.

How about this argument? Our city is conservative and keeping it safe
requires that we have mediocre choices. Development and safety are
mutually exclusive.

This argument is also frail.

It’s not as if we don’t have watering holes or clubs in this town. We
do. But with some unique exceptions, we cannot compete with some of
our neighboring cities.

Moreover, we are not as conservative as we claim. One mind-boggling
proof is the presence of ‘X-type’ newspapers on many of city’s street
corners. I am not a prude, and I am not sure of the laws governing
such material, but someone in the city must have issued permits for
such publications. Sadly, schoolchildren have access to them on a
daily basis. Point being, this is not a convincing sign, if we want
to act conservative.

So, we have the money and we are not very conservative.

What’s left? We can always blame the city’s leadership for their lack
of vision.

Old Town Pasadena did not just grow out of nowhere. I remember when
it was undeveloped and was a magnet for crime and desolation. And
Santa Monica did not cease to be ‘Soviet’ Monica because the Soviet
Union collapsed.

What both cities had in common was a vision by their leadership. In
both cases, city officials worked hand in hand with the private
sector to transform their business districts into sprawling centers
for retail, entertainment and residence.

The opening of the Americana may be a good sign, but it is not a
substitute for vision. A survey of how many businesses open and close
shop on Brand Boulevard could be a sign that something is not right.
Maybe we are not attracting the right kind of business. Perhaps our
laws and traditions interfere with the progress of certain types of
establishments.

Or is it possible we are spending too much time on the petty, on
finding creative ways to resist progress, avoid the present and shun
the future?

Lack of vision can lead to stagnation.

PATRICK AZADIAN works and lives in Glendale. He may be reached at
respondfromthemargins.net.

PATIENCE IS EXHAUSTING FOR AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA NATIONS ON RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: CE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
May 31 2007

France, Strasbourg / corr Trend A.Ismayilova / Terry Davis, the
Council of Europe Secretary-General, stated in Strasbourg on 30 May
that the patience of the nations of both Azerbaijan and Armenia to
resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is exhausting.

He stated during an interview with Azerbaijani journalists that talks
are the only way out from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE
Minsk Group is involved in the resolution of the conflict, though it
mostly depends on Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The CE Secretary-General reminded them of the obligations of Azerbaijan
and Armenia while entering the organization with respect to the
peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Regarding Armenia’s position, Davis voiced his concern as to how long
the CE will remain patient on this issue.

COMMISSION ON ORGANIZATION OF FESTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF NKR’S PROCLAMATION ESTABLISHED IN KARABAGH

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
May 30 2007

The Nagorno-Karabagh Republic government has rendered a decision on
holding festivities in connection with the 16th anniversary of the
NKR’s proclamation to be celebrated September 2, 2007.

According to the information DE FACTO received at the NKR government’s
press office, a governmental commission on organization and
coordination of festivities headed by vice premier Ararat Danielian
had been formed in the Republic.

The Stepanakert city hall and regional administrations are to
establish corresponding commissions within 10 days and present the
programs of measures to be held in the course of the festivities to
the governmental commission by current June 15.

RA AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE: RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS NECESSARY FOR TURKEY FIRST OF ALL

ArmInfo News Agency
2007-05-29 09:48:00

If Turkey wishes to unit with the great European family, recognition
of the Armenian Genocide is necessary for Turkey, first of all,
RA Ambassador to France Eduard Nalbandyan told ArmInfo special
correspondent in France.

The Ambassador emphasized the importance of recognizing not only
the Armenian Genocide but all the genocides which happened in other
countries because of dictatorship. "It is necessary to fight such
phenomenon as denial of genocide at the international level and by
joint efforts of the peoples which underwent genocide", the Ambassador
said and added that the "Armenian issue" turned into lump for Turkey.

E. Nalbandyan said it is envisaged to open the Centers in several
French cities to fight denial of the Armenian Genocide and in favour
of its recognition. Such a Center was opened in Valance and the one
will be opened in Decines. The Ambassador emphasized importance of
activities of the "Hay Dat" organization, in particular, the role
of Chairman of this organization’s European Office Hilda Choboyan,
due to whom the Armenian genocide issue was sounded in many European
organizations and structures. Foe her part, H. Choboyan emphasized
that the "Hay Dat" will fight denial of the Armenian Genocide until
solution of this issue at the international level. "Only in case of
the Genocide recognition, Turkey may be considered as a candidate
for EU full member", she said.

PRO-WESTERN OR PRO-RUSSIAN?
By Karine Mangassarian

Yerkir.am
May 25, 2007

Political analyst Alexander Iskandarian believes both options are
for internal use.

Political analyst Alexander Iskandarian says our society has a wrong
perception of pro-Russian or pro-Western orientations. We tried to
find out whether there have really been a shift from pro-Russian
to pro-Western orientation in our society as a result of which more
pro-Western opposition forces were elected to the parliament.

Before commenting on the question Iskandarian noted that it is very
important to define the word "opposition" correctly. None of the
political forces in the parliament except for the Republican Party
that has a majority can be clearly defined as pro-government or
opposition forces. Each of the other four parties in the parliament
can theoretically join the coalition government or become opposition.

"It is not correct to call this or that political force ‘opposition’
today.

The political system is constructed in such a way that the political
forces come to replace each other, at least this is the case in
countries with a normal political system. There can be no permanent
opposition because any political force is striving to get to power
and does not want to be in the opposition. At the same time, any
party should be ready to become opposition," Iskandarian said.

Iskandarian quoted the German experience where a coalition government
was formed from political forces that could not sit together at one
table. However, this did not prevent them from forming a coalition
and the forces that were more tolerant towards each other became
opposition.

What do people mean when they say pro-Russian or pro-Western
orientation?

Iskandarian believes people mean that this or that party is defending
the interests of the West or Russia. In other words, if the West says
‘this is good’ then it is good. If the West is fighting a war in Iraq –
then it is the correct thing to do.

If the West decides to pressure Turkey – then it is the correct thing
to do.

And what if the West decides tomorrow to give Nagorno Karabagh to
Uzbekistan? Will this be the correct thing as well? The same can be
said about pro-Russian orientation.

"I can say that these are all signals aimed at attracting the
electorate. In order to gain the support of the older people,
especially those living in the rural areas, they say that Russia is
good, everything was perfect in the Soviet times. Meanwhile, people
in Armenia do not know today’s Russia and the Russian TV channels
they watch do not give the true image of Russia.

On the other hand, in order to gain the support of the younger
generation and the electorate in the urban areas they say the same
good things about the West despite the fact that even in the Western
countries elections are sometimes rigged, the judicial system is
interfering into the political, and there are clans like for instance
the Bush brothers. We do not notice this. They explode cars in France
after the elections. We do not notice this. I think this is to some
extent normal because the political consciousness in transitional
countries is infantile," Iskandarian says adding that pro-Russian
and pro-Western orientations are the same thing.

Commenting on politics, Iskandarian says that Serzh Sargsian is
different when he is in Washington, Moscow, Paris or Yerevan. He has
different priorities, his wording is different. Even when Armenia is
involved in some European projects and Russia makes a more advantageous
proposal we agree to what Russia is offering. Iskandarian believes
any political leader should agree to that.

"Of course there will be discussions and negotiations. We cannot say
that we can live without gas because we are pro-Western. Or that we
can live without trade because we are pro-Russian. People in Europe
understand very well that the parliamentarians and the state officials
are different. Putin cannot say the same things as Zhirinovski.

The latter’s goal is not to govern Russia but to gain the voters’
support.

You can be pro-Western if you are representing the Rule of Law Country
Party or the Heritage party. If you are representing the Republican
Party you cannot be pro-Russian or pro-Western.

You should be pro-Russian or pro-Western depending where you are
and with whom you cooperate. You should try to survive in a real
political system. If the same Heritage Party becomes the governing
force it will change its behavior because it will have to negotiate
about gas supply and other issues," Iskandarian says.

He believes these are elementary things. From our political debates
one can see that there is a misperception of the situation. He
reminded of the anti-Russian policies of the Pan-Armenian Movement
in the first post-independent years when Armenia was getting money
form the West, importing food through the Turkish border and buying
weapons from Russia. And this was done by people with pro-Western
orientation. Our political leaders are pro-Armenian and they make their
decisions based on the country’s interests, Iskandarian concluded on
an optimistic note.

Porterfield shuffles Armenia pack
Thursday, 24 May 2007
by Khachik Chakhoyan
from Yerevan

Injuries and suspensions have prompted Armenia coach
Ian Porterfield to invite two newcomers to the squad
for the games against Kazakhstan and Poland.

New faces
With regular starters Romik Khachatryan and Levon
Pachajyan both suspended for the UEFA EURO 2008′
qualifier against Kazakhstan on 2 June, FC Ararat
defender Vahagn Minasyan and FC Banants defender
Ararat Arakelyan may yet be drafted into the team. CSF
Zimbru Chisinau’s Karen Aleksanyan misses out on the
squad through injury while there is no place for FC
Illychivets Mariupil forward Ara Hakobyan. Armenia are
currently bottom of qualifying Group A with just one
point from five games.

Armenia squad
Goalkeepers: Roman Berezovski (FC Khimki), Gevorg
Kasparov (FC Pas).

Defenders: Robert Arzumanyan (FC Pyunik), Karen
Dokhoyan (no club), Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik),
Valery Aleksanyan (FC Pyunik), Aleksander Tadevosyan
(FC Bargh), Yegishe Melikyan (FC Banants), Vahagn
Minasyan (FC Ararat), Ararat Arakelyan (FC Banants).

Midfielders: Agvan Lazarian (FC Bargh), Hamlet
Mkhitaryan (FC Pas), Romik Khachatryan (AFC Unirea
Valahorum Urziceni), Artavazd Karamyan (FCU
Politehnica Timisoara), Levon Pachajyan (FC Pyunik),
Rafael Nazaryan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC
Ararat), Samvel Melkonyan (FC Banants).

Forwards: Arman Karamyan (FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt),
Armen Shahgeldyan (FC Mika), Aram Hakobyan (FC
Illychivets Mariupil), Edgar Manucharyan (AFC Ajax),
Robert Zebelyan (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

ARMENIAN ROOTS AND IDENTITY
Charlotte Stoudt

Calendar Live
LA Times, CA
May 25 2007

Theater Beat
A wacky star is born in ‘Tinseltown’

"Eth-nic." Nora Armani pronounces the word like she’s trying to
swallow something that doesn’t agree with her. No wonder: This
Armenian-Egyptian-American actress-poet-storyteller knows all those
hyphens can really stick in one’s throat. Does difference set you –
or keep you – apart?

Armani’s one-woman show, "On the Couch," which kicks off the Fountain
Theatre’s Summer Armenian Festival, meanders unevenly through a life
spent crossing borders geographic and emotional. With her striking
looks and British-inflected vowels, Armani has an elegant, feline
presence. Yet "On the Couch" lacks a satisfying cohesion, even for
a monologue about the experience of diaspora.

The show is loosely framed around an unresolved affair – Armani
keeps addressing her lover, imagining him sitting in the audience
– a strategy that feels indulgently dear-diary-ish. (Although she
does offer a sly riff on how cultures around the world deal with the
eternal question of men, women and the toilet seat: up or down?)

Far more interesting are her stories about family rituals, tales of
courtship, and surviving the Armenian genocide, all of which bring out
Armani’s engaging vitality. She ends, however, on a bittersweet note:
"Where is my home?" she wonders. "Where is my spirit?" But it’s as
if she hasn’t heard her own story: Home is the sound of her Armenian
accent and her French one; old world memories and Hollywood horror
stories; the sway of her hips when she dances, the ironic elan of her
parting shots. As that other Egyptian diva Cleopatra knew, infinite
variety conquers all.

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

May 24, 2007
___________________

STUDENTS FROM NEW YORK, BOSTON GATHER FOR SYMPOSIUM

What does it mean to be an Armenian living in America? How important is the
Armenian language to creating a cultural connection? How have Armenian
traditions held up over time and distances? These questions were the topic
of discussion when young Armenians from Boston and New York gathered for the
annual Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.

The students from the two Diocesan Khrimian Lyceums, six-year educational
programs for graduates of local Armenian schools, gathered at the Diocesan
Center in New York for the day-long symposium.

The day featured three guest speakers: Lucine Kasbarian, Hovhannes
Hosdeghian, and Sahan Arzruni.

ARMENIAN IDENTITY

Writer and editor Lucine Kasbarian spoke to the students about current
issues touching on language, homeland, school and dating from her
perspective as an American born Armenian. She spoke in detail about what it
really means to be an Armenian and questioned if growing up Armenian is a
"duty, burden and joy" no matter what part of the world one lives in.

"Being Armenian is the toughest job you’ll love" Kasbarian told the
assembled students and teachers.

She also distributed IndyKids, a youth-oriented publication which included
her article about the lingering effects of genocide denial. The publication
also featured Tamar Beylerian, a student in the St. Leon Armenian School of
Fair Lawn, New Jersey, who was shown in traditional Armenian costume.

"Lucine left me with a lot of food for thought," said Khrimian Lyceum
student Liana Kurkjian. "We could very much relate to her, because as
teenagers and the future of the Armenian society, it is our job to carry the
torch to the future generation of Armenians. Our culture, beliefs and
people are so strong and we must make sure it stays that way no matter
circumstances are barring down upon us."

ORIGINS OF ALPHABET

Longtime educator and scientist Hovhannes Hosdeghian spoke about the origin
of the Armenian alphabet – tracing it back to migration from the 10th
century BC, when the Urartian Kingdom developed the parent of the Armenian
language. Speaking about the times of Haig and Pel and the subtle
differences and influences that came from other peoples, Hosdeghian made a
comparative analysis with other indo European languages.

"Our language is its own and has never and will never change into another,"
student Kurkjian said in describing Hosdeghian’s remarks.

TRADITION

Noted pianist and musicologist Sahan Arzruni led an animated presentation
about the centuries old feasts and traditions that still remain in effect in
much of Armenia and other areas in the Middle East with historic Armenian
communities.

His talk of tradition touched on Navasart, the traditional celebration of
Armenian New Year; as well as the Armenian tradition of using characters
from the alphabet to represent numbers.

He also led the students in an interactive recreation of Vijag, a pagan
practice that takes place at the same time as the Feast of the Ascension of
Christ. During Vijag, flowers are gathered from seven water sources and put
in a bowl. Personal items are added to the bowl, which is covered. An item
is drawn out and the fortune of its owner is told.

Following the symposium, students from the New England Khrimian Lyceum
toured the St. Vartan Cathedral with Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the
Cathedral.

NANCY KRIKORIAN

The following month, on May 19, students from the Khrimian Lyceum heard from
another exemplary writer, Nancy Krikorian, author of the book "Zabelle."

She told students she was inspired to write because of the stories her
grandmother told. "Writing the novel was an inheritance and a debt," she
told the students as she read an excerpt from the novel. The story led to a
discussion of what it means to be an Armenian.

One of the students reflecting on her true identity said "being Armenian is
not a job." Several students also expressed the dichotomy they occasionally
experienced as Armenians integrating into American society.

Kricorian encouraged the Khrimian Lyceum students to write and told them to
feel free to contact her for writing advice.

PLANNING FOR ANNIVERSARY

Khrimian Lyceum organizers are planning a celebration for the program’s 20th
anniversary. The celebration, which will feature this year’s graduation, a
talent show, and an alumni reunion, is scheduled for June 16, 2007, at the
Diocesan Center in New York City.

Khrimian Lyceum alumni are encouraged to contact the Diocese in order to
develop an alumni network.

For more information on the anniversary celebration, or on registering for
the 2007-2008 school year, contact Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, coordinator of
Armenian Studies for the Diocese, by e-mail at [email protected] or
by calling (212) 686-0710, ext. 148.

— 5/24/07

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Students from the New York City and Boston Khrimian
Lyceum programs gather at the Diocesan Center in New York City for the
annual Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Writer and editor Lucine Kasbarian speaks about Armenian
identity during the Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Hovhannes Hosdeghian speaks about the history of the
Armenian alphabet to students in the Khrimian Lyceum, a six-year educational
program for graduates of local Armenian schools.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Sahan Arzruni leads the Khrimian Lyceum students in a
recreation of the Armenian traditions of Vijag during the Khrimian Lyceum
Symposium on April 14, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): Nancy Krikorian, author of the book "Zabelle," reads
excerpts from her work to students in the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum on May
19.

PHOTO CAPTION (6): Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St. Vartan Cathedral,
give students from the Boston branch of the Khrimian Lyceum a tour of the
Cathedral in New York City.