Author: Tavakalian Edgar

EDWARD NALBANDIAN: ARMENIA HAS DECLARED LONG AGO THAT IT ADMITS THE MADRID PRINCIPLES AS A BASIS FOR NEGOTIATIONS

Arminfo
2010-03-18 13:24:00

ArmInfo. Armenia has declared long ago that it admits the Madrid
Principles as a basis for negotiations for settlement of the Karabakh
conflict, said Edward Nalbandian, Foreign Minister of Armenia,
in response to ArmInfo’s question when speaking in a joint press
conference with Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak on Thursday.

"As you know Azerbaijan had been refusing even discussion of the
Madrid Principles proposed in yet Nov 2007 for a long period of time.

Even when Baku started discussions on the basis of the Madrid
documents, it did not announced officially that it admits them as a
basis for negotiations," E. Nalbandian said. The minister believes
that now when Baku has finally declared that it admits the Madrid
proposals as a basis for negotiations, Armenia cannot but welcome
this. "In their latest public statements there are rather exceptions
than admissions. For instance, there are nearly 10 exceptions,
and only one or two issues related to the conflict aftermaths, they
admit," the minister said. Edward Nalbandian outlined that the Madrid
Principles are still on the negotiating table and discussions are
continued on their basis. "The OSCE MG Co-Chairs have made working
proposals throughout process and the latest ones were also working.

Like the previous ones we are discussing also the latest working
proposals and there is nothing extraordinary in it," the minister said.

Edward Nalbandian said that it is just a smokescreen presenting
that one party admits the Madrid Proposals and the other doesn’t,
one party is constructive and the other is not. Azernbaijan uses
this smokescreen from time to time, especially recently. As regards
the Paris meeting with the MG Co- Chairs, it was rather constructive,
the minister said. "We continued the discussions we held on the basis
of the Madrid Principles over the last two-three years in the same
constructive spirit," he said.

CYCLE OF GENOCIDE DISCUSSED WITH LAKEWOOD HIGH STUDENTS

Asbarez
Mar 16th, 2010

HOLLYWOOD-This past Wednesday, more than 250 sophomores and juniors
at Lakewood High School took part in a special discussion on the
Armenian Genocide led by the AYF and ANC. The presentation marked the
second year in a row that Armenian activists have visited the school
to speak with students about the horrors of genocide.

Lakewood High History teacher, Angela Wood, extended the invitation
to the AYF to organize the discussion. With the curriculum for her
students already covering the Armenian Genocide, the presentation was
geared more toward giving them insight into what can be done about
stopping such atrocities.

"As the direct descendents of those who survived the Armenian Genocide,
we see it as our duty to raise awareness about this grave crime
against humanity," said AYF Executive Director Serouj Aprahamian. "It
was very rewarding speaking with the students at Lakewood High, not
only about the crime of genocide, but the steps our generation needs
to take to eliminate this scourge once and for all."

Aprahamian and ANC-WR Community Relations Director, Haig Hovsepian,
gave the two, two-hour presentations to mostly non-Armenian history
students gathered in the school library. In addition to covering the
motivation and steps behind Turkey’s attempted annihilation of the
Armenian people, they discussed the ongoing killings in Darfur and
explained how students can get involved in advocacy efforts to end
the cycle of genocide.

"Just as important as it is to learn about the Armenian Genocide
is to learn that it is also a part of American history as well as a
contemporary issue," said Hovsepian. "Education and civic engagement
form the base of any meaningful change towards ending the cycle of
genocide. While there was much to share, it was also inspiring to
hear from many of the students who had learned about the genocide
and were eager to translate that knowledge into action."

Towards the end of each session, the students drafted letters, in
their own words, directed toward Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi,
calling on her to push for a full vote on the Armenian Genocide
Resolution. "History is written by its victors, but if the Turkish
government receives what they want Armenian culture will be lost,"
read one of the letters written to Pelosi. "All I ask for is that
the Genocide be brought to justice. Please do your part by supporting
this request."

The students were also shown the recent 60 Minutes segment on the
Armenian Genocide, as well as footage of recent AYF grassroots activism
on the issue. They were encouraged to visit to the ANC’s website to
learn more about how to get involved and encouraged to attend the AYF’s
upcoming April 24 demonstration in front of the Turkish Consulate.

FRENCH DIPLOMAT RAPS ARMENIAN MEDIA FOR DISTORTING WORDS ON KARABAKH

ANS TV
March 15 2010
Azerbaijan

A French diplomat has said the Armenian media distorted his words
about Karabakh war, Baku based ANS TV reported on 15 March.

The French co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, which mediates
a solution to the Karabakh conflict, Bernard Fassier, has denied
Armenian media reports which quoted Fassier as saying in a NATO
seminar held in Yerevan that Azerbaijan would lose if it decides to
start military operations in the Nagornyy Karabakh.

In a phone talk with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov,
Bernard Fassier said his words "were completely distorted".

"As a co-chairman and in particular, as a military officer, I would
never allow myself to assess any army. As a co-chairman, I would
never make such a serious mistake," ANS TV quoted Fassier as saying.

Meanwhile, prominent Azerbaijani political expert Ilqar Mammadov,
who attended a NATO seminar in Yerevan, has said in a message posted
on his blog on 12 March 0644 gmt that Bernard Fassier had indeed
said the following: "[Azerbaijani Defence Minister] Safar Abiyev’s
recent belligerent words were irresponsible. Imagine that Azerbaijan
wins the war, which is impossible, because people of Karabakh are
brave soldiers."

MFA: TURKEY PUTS A CRIMP INTO ARMENIA-TURKEY RECONCILIATION

Aysor
March 16 2010
Armenia

"All those statements that Turkey makes, referring to approval and
passage of Resolution on the 1915 Genocide by Sweden’s Parliament
and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States House of
Representative, that these processes will harm process of normalisation
of Armenia-Turkey relations, is nothing else by a folding screen,"
said Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, when spoke to the
German Foreign Relations Council.

"Actually, Turkey itself does its best to impose preconditions to
make the process run into difficulties and to put a crimp into the
process of normalisation of relations. By these meanings Turkey is
calling into the question the sense for ‘reasonable time’," he said.

Edward Nalbandian said hopes Turkey will realize the responsibility
for effects of its carried policy and will not betray international
communities’ hopes, a spokesperson for Foreign Ministry of Armenia
quoted Nalbandian as saying.

TURKISH MP: TURKEY MAY REFUSE TO ESTABLISH RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA IF U.S. EXERTS PRESSURE TO RATIFY PROTOCOLS

Today
4139.html
March 16 2010
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Member of the Grand National Assembly of
Turkey (Parliament) from the ruling Justice and Development Party,
Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Affairs
Mehmet Ceylan.

How do you assess the move by the U.S. Congress House Committee on
Foreign Relations to pass the Resolution 252 labeling the 1915 events
in the Ottoman Empire as "genocide"?

It should be noted that the "genocide" resolution is very inappropriate
and absurd project. The resolution was adopted by a margin of only one
vote. But, anyway, this is a dangerous process. The voting procedure
showed that the Armenian lobby can achieve its goal through pressure
on the Congress where Democrats, who are supporters of the "iron
democracy", make up majority.

In fact, it was a very unpleasant scene for the United States. The
actions of the U.S. Democrats can be considered "black spot" in the
history of American democracy. President Barack Obama, being aware
of this, announced that he would try to ensure that the project is
not debated by the House of Representatives. So, I think that the U.S.

will no longer take risks and bring up the resolution for discussions
by the full House. In addition, the United States is well aware that
Turkey plays an important role in regional peacekeeping programs.

Turkey is one of the great and powerful regional states.

The "genocide" resolution has caused deep resentment in the Turkish
society. The U.S. analysts emphasize that the reaction of the Turkish
public will be even stronger if the resolution gets Full House vote.

The U.S. ambassador to Turkey in his turn announced that this
resolution will not bring benefit to anyone, but cause damage to
relations between the U.S. and Turkey. This shows that the U.S. public
is not resolute in the issue of "genocide" and they have no unified
position.

It was the U.S. which asked Turkey to contribute to normalization of
relations in the Caucasus. It considered resolving problems between
Turkey and Armenia as a first step to normalize ties. But instead of
normalizing ties, the U.S. added fuel to the fire. If Americans wish
to normalize relations in the region, they have to replace their
tinderbox with barrel of water. I do not think that the U.S. will
continue the path leading to deterioration of relations with Turkey.

It is believed that the "Armenian genocide" resolution was adopted in
an attempt to exert pressure on Turkey to ratify the Turkish-Armenian
protocols. Do you share this opinion?

When we talk about normalization of relations in the Caucasus,
primarily we have in mind relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, but
not the Turkish-Armenian relations. We began to normalize relations
with Armenia to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and liberate
occupied territories of fraternal Azerbaijan. We thought that problems
with the Armenians can be solved at negotiating table. There will be
no peace, stability and cooperation in the Caucasus while Karabakh
problem remains unresolved.

Turkey along with Russia is a country with an opportunity to influence
ongoing processes in the Caucasus. Once Turkey can contribute to peace
process in the Caucasus, why not to do this? The U.S. is mistaken
if it thinks that by discussing this resolution it can put pressure
on Turkey to achieve ratification of the protocols. Turkey is not a
country to cede under pressure. Turkey is the most powerful country in
the region and it should be the country that makes terms. If the U.S.

exerts pressure on Turkey because of the protocols, Turkey will
refuse to establish relations with Armenia. Then Turkey will think
about other options to establish peace in the Caucasus.

The Turkish opposition calls for withdrawal from the Turkish-Armenian
protocols. The protocols are in your commission at the moment. Will
you discuss the protocols following the recent events?

The fact that the issue of "genocide" has been raised once again proves
Armenia’s insincerity in relations with Turkey. The Turkish-Armenian
protocols envisage consideration of "genocide" by a commission of
historians, but not on political arena. As strange as it may seem,
the United States, which was involved in refining the text of the
protocols, adopted a political decision on the "genocide". So,
protocols should be discussed once again. Today, the protocols are
widely discussed in Turkey. I think withdrawal from the protocols
at this stage may further aggravate the situation. We must wait for
a favourable situation. In any case, we do not want to be a country
that will bury the protocols. Let the whole world see who and what
impede normalization of relations.

There is an opinion that Armenia has made three steps against
the normalization of relations: the well-known decision of the
Constitutional Court of Armenia, the "genocide" resolution and the
lack of progress in terms of liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani
territories. Does the Turkish leadership plan to discuss these issues
with Armenia again?

As far as I know, the Turkish leadership is not in contact with
Armenia on this issue. Armenia often blamed Turkey for the delay
in ratification of the protocols. However, after the "genocide"
resolution was passed, Armenia became silent and does not push Turkey
any longer. The Armenian authorities have certainly understood their
contradictory policies. I think Turkey will eventually return to the
issue of Turkish-Armenian protocols. But the whole situation must be
clarified first.

SLOVAKIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.03.2010 18:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Wednesday, March 17, Slovakian Foreign Minister
Miroslav Lajcak will arrive on a 2-day visit to Yerevan on Edward
Nalbandian’s invitation.

Meetings with RA President Serzh Sargsyan, Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian, as well as participation in Armenian-Slovakian business
forum opening are on Miroslav Lajcak’s agenda.

Armenian and Slovakian Foreign Ministers will sign an agreement on "Air
Communication" and a memorandum on "Mutual understanding in European
integration sphere", RA Foreign Ministry press service reported.

SPEAKER OF AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT: ARMENIAN PEOPLE BECOME HOSTAGE OF POLITICAL AMBITIONS OF ARMENIAN DIASPORAS

Trend
March 15 2010
Azerbaijan

Armenian people have become the hostage of political ambitions of
the Armenian diasporas in foreign countries, said the chairman of
the Azerbaijani parliament.

"Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing relations with key
international organizations, including the OSCE Parliamentary. Our
country is now surely moving towards building a democratic, secular
state and every day strengthens cooperation with different structures
of the organization. Members of the Azerbaijani delegation actively
participate in the activities of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and
we assess it as a positive case. Ignoring the well-known resolutions
and decisions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, adopted by the UN
Security Council and other influential international organizations,
Armenia continues to pursue its aggressive policy," said Speaker of
Azerbaijan Parliament Oktay Asadov at a meeting with a delegation
led by Chairman of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Joao Soares, press
service of the Parliament reported.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the
occupied territories.

The Chairman of the Parliament presented to the attention of guests the
geopolitical position of Azerbaijan in South Caucasus and spoke about
Azerbaijan’s role in the energy security of Europe. "It was stated
that the unresolved conflicts in the region, along with preventing
region’s integration into European structures and its development,
constantly threaten the security of the South Caucasus.

Remembering the events in the region occurred in August 2008,
the Speaker noted to what dangerous consequences can the delay in
resolving such conflicts bring," the statement says.

According to the Chairman of Parliament, Europe must already make its
choice in this regard. "Either to select the development, progress
of the region, or "listen" to the fabrications of the Armenian
lobby. For over 20 years, monuments of culture, clubs, libraries
belonging to Azerbaijan have been destroyed and razed to the ground
in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the international community turns blind eyes
on this that can not be explained. Despite that the OSCE Minsk Group
has been dealing with the solution of problem over the past 18 years,
unfortunately, real results have not been achieved yet. We support
the solution of the conflict under international law based on the
principle of territorial integrity of states," Asadov said.

Despite that Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated its position on this,
Armenia does not want to withdraw from the occupied territory of
a neighboring state. "In this case, naturally the Azerbaijani side
preserves the right to ensure its territorial integrity, using all
possible means. However, we believe that through the efforts of the
OSCE Minsk Group and the world community, the problem will soon find
its fair solution," said Asadov.

Soares said that his organization attaches great importance to
developing relations with the South Caucasus region. He highly
assessed the activities of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation
to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and noted the high professionalism
that the representatives of the Azerbaijani Parliament demonstrate
in the organization.

Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly said that he closely got
familiarized with the situation during his visit to the South Caucasus
region and will strengthen his efforts to address the problems of
the region within the organization. Prompt resolution of existing
problems is a requirement of the day in the question of security and
development in the region, said Soares.

AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTER TELLS HOW HE IMAGINES STAGE-BY-STAGE SOLUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT

ArmInfo
2010-03-15 18:15:00

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov told a press
conference on Monday how he imagines the stage by stage solution to
the Karabakh conflict. The Azerbaijani media report E. Mammadyarov
as saying: "Five regions and 13 villages of Lachin region should be
released in the first stage of the settlement"

Baku. Lachin Sultanova – APA. "We are analyzing the Madrid proposals
and thinking that the new version of Madrid principles proposed in
Athens creates an opportunity to make next steps and to start working
on a large agreement", said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan
Elmar Mammadyarov.

The minister said there was diplomatic solution to any conflict. "The
Prague process is continued for six years and the presidents and
foreign ministers held several meetings in the past two years and
mediators made numerous visits to the region. The Madrid principles
were proposed in anew version. Azerbaijan creates an opportunity
to accept the document and it means that Azerbaijan has chosen the
diplomatic solution to the conflict and we are moving on this way. Let
Armenia to announce whether it will accept this version or not and
after that we will know what steps we have to make. We are discussing
various options at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thinking about
that what methods and ways of discussions we have to choose".

The minister reminded that the Prague process was started in 2004
and it is a stage-by-stage process and Madrid document describes all
these stages. "According to the document, Armenia must withdraw its
forces from five region and plus 13 villages of Lachin region in the
first stage. Then all borders and communications are opened, a donor
conference is held, territories and communications are restored,
programs are started to be carried out, the issue of international
observers is solved due to the security of internally displaced persons
returned to their homeland because it is very important issue, then
Armenian troops are withdrawn from Lachin and Kelbajar and all roads
are opened. Return of Azerbaijani community to Karabakh will create
an opportunity to pass into the last stage – start of determination
of Nagorno Karabakh status. The determination of Karabakh status is
very important issue for Azerbaijan. Karabakh is an Azerbaijani land
and it is not correct to pull out any territory of Azerbaijan from its
administrative control. Of course, we are stating that all issues must
be solved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Regarding
the self- 0determination issue, it is a part of international law,
but it doesn’t mean that the territorial integrity can be violated
in this case. We have stated for many times that there are different
autonomies and status in the world:For example, Tatars and Bashkirs are
self-determined, but within the Russian Federation: We are supporting
the phase-by-phase process because we believe that all issues can
not be solved within a day. If Armenia withdraws its troops from
the occupied lands step-by-step, it will create large economic and
security opportunities for the region. No one can take the lands
away. It needs to establish right policy towards neighbors.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, I believe that
it is most important and best process. We have to recall the issue
of occupied territories and internally displaced persons from the
negotiation table. It will be better to do it quicker. It will prevent
the war rhetoric as well. The war rhetoric exists because there are
problems of occupied territories and internally displaced persons",
Mammadyarov said.

Targeted News Service
March 11, 2010 Thursday 5:11 AM EST

Holocaust Lecture Series Explores ‘Repercussions of Genocide: Family,
Community and Society’

SONOMA, Calif.

Sonoma State University issued the following news release:

The long term repercussions of genocide are explored in the 27th
annual Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series entitled "Repercussions
of Genocide: Family, Community and Society" from 4-5:40 p.m., every
Tuesday, through May 25 in Warren Auditorium.

This year the series includes a number of distinguished speakers from
throughout the world, representing survivors of the Holocaust and
other more recent genocides such as those of Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia
and more.

The free series includes the screening of the film, "The Rape of
Nanking," a feature-length documentary film about a young woman’s
journey to bring one of the darkest chapters of history to light.
Following the March 30 film will be a discussion panel with community
members.

Later in the series, Human Rights activist and Cambodian survivor, Arn
Chorn-Pond tells the story of how he survived the horrors of the Khmer
Rouge regime, in his lecture "Child of War, Man of Peace" on April 20.

Among other lectures scheduled are "Inheriting the Holocaust: A Second
Generation Memoir" on May 4 by Dr. Paula Fass of the University of
California, Berkeley, in which she explores her own past as the
daughter of Holocaust survivors to reflect on the nature of history
and memory.

The Robert L. Harris Memorial Lecture on May 11 features Dr. John Roth
of Claremont College discussing "Bricks, Trees, and the Failure(s) of
Ethics: Reflections on the Common Good."

This powerful lecture series offers audience members a rare chance to
listen to and interact with individuals who not only experienced
genocide, but also the immeasurable loss that comes with it.

The series is greatly strengthened by the participation of Holocaust
and genocide survivors, liberators and rescuers, as well as
researchers in the field.

At the end of each lecture, audience members are given the opportunity
to ask questions, and discuss with the speakers more in-depthly about
what they experienced, and how they survived it.

Remaining lectures for Spring 2010 include:

March 16: "Perspectives on International War Crimes" presented by Eric
Williams, Ph.D., Sonoma State University.

March 23: "Repercussions of Genocide: Rebuilding Rwandan Society" with
Mathilde Mukantabana, M.A. and M.S.W., Consumnes Community College,
and President, Friends of Rwanda Assn. (FORA)

March 30: "The Rape of Nanking: Film and Discussion" with community panelists.

April 13: "Becoming Evil" with James Waller, Ph.D., Auschwitz
Institute for Peace and Reconciliation.

April 20: "Child of War, Man of Peace" with Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian
Survivor and Human Rights Activist.

April 27: "The Geopolitics of Armenian Genocide Recognition: American
and Israeli Reactions" with Sergio LaPorta, Ph.D., CSU Fresno,
Armenian Genocide Memorial Lecture.

May 4: "Inheriting the Holocaust: A Second Generation Memoir" with
Paula Fess, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley.

May 11: "Bricks, Trees, and the Failure(s) of Ethics: Reflections of
the Common Good" with John K. Roth, Ph.D., Claremont College
(Emeritus) – Robert L. Harris Memorial Lecture.

May 18: "Genocide Beneath Our Feet? with Greg Sarris, Ph.D., Endowed
Professor, Sonoma State University and Chairman, Federated Indians of
Graton Rancheria

May 25: "What Have We Learned?" Faculty/Student Panel

For further information, contact the Sonoma State University Center
for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide at (707) 664-4296 or (707)
664-4076.

A complete schedule can be found at

Contact: Jean Wasp, Media Relations Coordinator, University Affairs,
707/664-2057, [email protected]

Chelmsford Independent
March 13 2010

Gregorian brothers follow in military dad’s footsteps

GateHouse News Service
Posted Mar 12, 2010 @ 07:07 AM

Chelmsford ‘ For Felix Gregorian, nothing could be prouder than having
two sons attending the most prestigious military academies in the
land.

Not even two service tours overseas with the United States Army in
Iraq and Afghanistan where he was immersed into a hotbed of hostility.

Say what you want about sibling rivalries but when Dro got accepted
into the Naval Academy at Annapolis, his brother Greg wasn’t to be
denied. On came his acceptance three years later to the Military
Academy at West Point.

Add it up and it represents nearly $400,000 in full scholarship
grants, not to mention the endorsements each received from their
Congressmen and support from the general community as well.

And should they be deployed like their dad, it goes with the
territory. Both boys are disciplined in the highest military order and
put their country before themselves.

Come May 29, Dro will graduate from Annapolis. He will take a leave
of absence throughout June, then return to the Naval Institute to
finish Introductory Flight Screening during July and August. Once
trained, he will report to a squadron and complete a three-year tour.

The deployment schedule typically includes a six-month stint
overseas, followed by another six months in the United States before
awaiting further orders. He credits his dad with guiding him in the
right direction.

`After researching and applying to different schools, I decided the
Naval Academy had the most to offer in terms of majors, sports,
extra-curricular activities and service assignments,’ said Dro. `My
father taught me it was an honor and privilege to serve. The branch
didn’t matter.’

At Chelmsford High School, he played varsity soccer and ran track.
Dro was a member of the North Andover AYF and served as chapter
president. He remained active with St. Gregory Church where he was
ordained as an acolyte and stole bearer.

At graduation, Dro had been offered full ROTC scholarships from the
Navy, Army and Air Force. His nomination to Annapolis came from U.S.
Congressman Martin T. Meehan.

A typical day starts at 6:30 a.m. with formation, then a full class
load. Afternoons consist of intramural sports and conditioning while
evenings are devoted to study time until 11 p.m. His major is
mechanical engineering

His freshman year, Dro went out for lightweight crew before joining
the high-power rifle team. As a first sergeant his sophomore year, his
role leaned toward the care and welfare of underclassmen in terms of
professionalism, military appearance, fitness and high academic
standing.

He later became company executive officer, taking command of 150
midshipmen, followed by a battalion administrative officer this
semester in charge of five company officers.

The fact his brother chose West Point and Army sent the boys off
toward opposite extremes, causing somewhat of a dilemma when the two
schools clash during their traditional football rivalry.

When Felix attended the game last fall with his wife Candace, the
parents divided their time on each side of the cheering section,
feeling somewhat unique about two sons in such a simultaneous ‘ yet
diverse ‘ setting.

`This year’s Army-Navy game was especially remarkable because of the
rivalry, not only between the two services but between my brother as
well,’ Dro admitted. `Despite our differences, we did spend the entire
game together with our family. I was especially pleased that day. Navy
won, of course, just like they’ve done for the past eight years.’

Brother Greg is a mirror image of his older brother who, no doubt,
carried a big influence in joining the military ranks. He, too, was a
scholar-athlete at Chelmsford High, graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He
captained the track team and played varsity soccer, filtering through
the AYF ranks with the North Andover Chapter and playing in the HMEM
Olympic Games. He was a member of two honor societies and like his
brother, served St. Gregory Church with diligence as a stole bearer
and acolyte.

`Seeing my brother apply was a huge reason for my application,’ said
Greg, who was recommended for appointment by U.S. Congresswoman Nikki
Tsongas.

`There is no question in my mind when it comes to becoming part of
the world’s most elite military. My brother’s insight was also
indispensable, as was my father’s initiative to attend. Growing up
with all the military toys, watching war movies and dressing as
soldiers during Halloween played a big influence in our younger years.
The military is my call.’

Straight out of high school, Greg was accepted to six of the nine
schools he applied. Much to his dismay, his three rejections were by
the military academies. He attended Virginia Tech for a year and
enrolled in the Marine ROTC program.

Greg reapplied to West Point and Annapolis, was turned down by the
Naval Academy but got the appointment to West Point.

`It was a hard decision leaving Virginia Tech and repeating my
freshman year, but the best one I could have made,’ he recalled.
`Forbes ranked West Point the Number one college in the nation and for
good reason. The military training and academic curriculum here are
top notch.’

His daily schedule is much like his brother’s ‘ austere and by the
book. Study, gym time, meals. marksmanship, land navigation and
treatment of combat wounds are among the required classes for plebes
(freshmen). Taps occur at 11:30 pm.

`It is not a normal college,’ Greg confirms. `There are no parties.
This is a disciplined institution which trains military officers for
the future.’

Currently ranked 836 in a class of 1,242 with a 2.7 GPA, Greg expects
to be deployed once he leaves here, but not necessarily to the Middle
East. Depending on where soldiers are needed and the branch of
service, it could be elsewhere for humanitarian purposes such as
Haiti. He hopes the concentration will be intelligence, armor, field
artillery or infantry.

`I’m prepared to serve my country wherever I’m needed,’ he says. `I
have no doubt the training I receive at West Point will prepare me for
deployment when that time comes. I thank all the men and women
currently serving America in the Armed Forces and those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.’

Which all bodes well with the Patriarch General of this military
unit. Felix Gregorian offers a hearty salute to his two sons and
invites other Armenian youth to forge new avenues of approach with the
world. Someone has to serve and carry the torch of freedom and fight
for us all, he says.

In 2003, he made his Boston Marathon debut. The money he raised in
pledges went toward the building fund of St. Gregory Church in North
Andover. He also waged a personal mission to raise genocide awareness
in his community by designing and distributing special commemoration
pins.

He’s been with the Army Reserves 22 years and works in the
respiratory care program at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. It wasn’t
until completing a service tour of Afghanistan did he learn about his
sons’ decisions. Both boys were bent on following in dad’s footsteps.

`We live in the best country with the best opportunities,’ he says.
`Our Armenian veterans are prominent in every conflict with every
nation down through the course of history. Many of them are members of
my church. These are Armenian-American heroes who’ve spent time on the
battlefields. They are proof that patriotism is alive and well. God
bless the Armenian Republic. God bless the United States of America.’

eatures/x99745094/Gregorian-brothers-follow-in-mil itary-dad-s-footsteps