Author: Toneyan Mark

The Detroit News
Oakland
Southfield
Input invited in planning sessions
The city invites the public to listen as officials discuss the future
of Southfield during the second of three strategic planning sessions
that will be held from 5-10 p.m. today at St. John’s Armenian Church,
22001 Northwestern. Council members met Tuesday with a Florida-based
municipal consultant and plan to address Southfield’s financial future,
redeveloping commercial areas and more. The final session will be
held at the same time and location Thursday. For information, call
(248) 796-5000.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
October 13, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Receives Foreign Minister of Norway
On October 10, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, received Mr. Jan Petersen, Foreign
Minister of the Kingdom of Norway. Accompanying the high-ranking
guest and his delegation to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin were
Mr. Vladimir Karmirshalian, Ambassador of Armenia to Norway, and
Mr. Timothy Straight, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Norway to
the Republic of Armenia.
During the meeting, His Holiness and the Foreign Minister discussed
the present day opportunities and challenges facing the Armenian
Church and Nation. Reflecting on the historic close ties between
the two countries, His Holiness expressed the gratitude of Armenians
from throughout the world for the assistance and solidarity of the
Norwegian state and people during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923
and also following the tragic and devastating earthquake in Northern
Armenia of 1988. The Catholicos of All Armenians also extended his
appreciation for the continued support of the Norwegian government to
the Republic of Armenia in the last ten years following independence.
Mr. Petersen thanked His Holiness for the audience, noting his
confidence that his visit to Armenia would foster and encourage
the greater strengthening and productivity of ties between Norway
and Armenia.
##

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA ADVOCATES FOR ARMENIAN AMERICANS
IN ETHNIC ROUNDTABLE WITH AMB. HOLBROOKE
— Leading Advisor to Kerry-Edwards Campaign
Welcomes Dialogue with Ethnic Leadership
WASHINGTON, DC – ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian participated this past
week, along with fifty of America’s ethnic community leaders, in a
policy roundtable featuring Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, a senior
advisor to the Kerry-Edwards campaign and a leading candidate for
Secretary of State in the event of a Democratic victory this
November.
The private policy discussion was held on Thursday, October 7th in
Cleveland, Ohio. Topics ranged from a general review of ethnic
priorities to specific issues of concern to individual communities.
A consistent theme raised by each of the groups was that the Bush
Administration has failed to meaningfully engage America’s ethnic
leadership or to seek out their special insights during the
formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
Speaking to concerns raised by the ANCA delegation, Amb. Holbrooke
stressed that Senator Kerry’s “friendship for Armenia goes back a
long way. It’s well established. He understands the issues. He’s
taken a very strong stance on Nagorno-Karabakh, on aid, on
recognition of the Genocide, ending the blockades of Armenia.
There is a very clear cut difference between the two candidates.”
More broadly, the Ambassador noted that ethnic Americans “should
make a determination as to which candidate cares more about the
issues of Central Europe, including Macedonia, Armenia, and the
other issues that we discussed today. Without exception, the
Democrats are going to do more. All of you in this room know that
. . . It’s just not a close contest here.” He added that, “You
can’t represent the United States overseas if you don’t listen to
the people of the United States. . . John Kerry and anybody he
appoints to senior jobs ­ I don’t know who he will appoint – but he
will listen to you all.”
“We welcomed this opportunity to represent the concerns of the
Armenian American community in this roundtable meeting of the
leaders of our nation’s ethnic communities,” said ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. “Speaking to this group, Ambassador Holbrooke – a
veteran foreign policy expert who has served at the highest levels
of the State Department – highlighted Senator Kerry’s strong
support for Armenian issues – including the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. We were, of course, gratified by these remarks,
as well as by his clearly articulated expectation that a Kerry-
Edwards Administration would pro-actively seek the unique input and
special insights of ethnic Americans on the often complex foreign
policy issues facing our nation.”
Richard Holbrooke served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
in the Clinton Administration. He was also an Assistant Secretary
of State and a special envoy to Bosnia and Kosovo. In this latter
capacity he helped negotiate the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. He
was introduced at the roundtable by his wife, Kati Marton, who
serves as the Chairwoman of the International Women’s Health
Coalition.
In addition to the Armenian American delegation, which included
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian and two leaders of the Ohio
Armenian community, were leaders from organizations representing
Albanian Americans, Arab Americans, Byelorussian Americans,
Croatian Americans, Czech Americans, Greek Americans, Hungarian
Americans, Irish Americans, Italian Americans, Lithuanian
Americans, Muslim Americans, Polish Americans, Portuguese
Americans, Romanian Americans, Serbian Americans, Slovak Americans,
Slovene Americans, Ukrainian Americans, and Vietnamese Americans.
#####

Norwegian minister, Azeri opposition discuss election reforms, rights
ANS TV, Baku
12 Oct 04
[Presenter Leyla Hasanova] Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen
is on an official visit to Azerbaijan. Petersen held meetings with
opposition leaders today.
[Correspondent, over video of Petersen outside the Norwegian embassy in
Azerbaijan] Petersen, who is the chairman of the ministerial committee
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe [PACE] as
well, started his official meetings today. He met the leaders of
three opposition parties, i.e. the chairman of the Musavat Party,
Isa Qambar; the chairman of the People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party,
Ali Karimli, and the chairman of the Azarbaycan Milli Istiqlal Party,
Etibar Mammadov, at the Norwegian embassy in Baku.
Following the meeting, Qambar said that the sides had discussed
relations between the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan.
[Qambar] We discussed all the issues. Petersen said that Azerbaijan
should fulfil all its commitments to the Council of Europe.
[Correspondent] Qambar said that the opposition leaders had expressed
their unbiased opinions at the meeting with Petersen.
[Qambar] You must know that what we tell representatives of
international organizations is similar to what we tell the Azerbaijani
media, i.e. you receive the same reports as they do. We discussed
election issues, the events in Azerbaijan after the [2003 presidential]
elections, political arrests, the issue of political prisoners, false
trials, violation of human rights and other problems of Azerbaijan.
[Correspondent] The opposition leaders put forward a proposal to the
European guest as well.
[Qambar] We proposed that the Council of Europe acted in line with
the principles it had declared.
[Correspondent] Karimli said that election reforms had been discussed
at the meeting as well. He spoke about the need for conducting election
reforms ahead of Azerbaijan’s parliamentary and municipal elections.
Mammadov drew Petersen’s attention to the fact that Azerbaijan is
not the only one to blame for its failure to fulfil its commitments
to the Council of Europe. Mammadov said that the Council of Europe
should share responsibility for this as well. Speaking about the lack
of independent courts in Azerbaijan, Mammadov said that this issue
should be settled.
Petersen is meeting representatives of Azerbaijani NGOs at the
moment. He will hold a meeting at the Azerbaijani parliament
tomorrow. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is expected to receive
Petersen as well. Petersen arrived in Baku following his visit to
Yerevan within the framework of his South Caucasus tour.
Qanira Atasova, Zeynal Zeynalov for ANS.

Turkish Press To Refute Kerry’s Readiness To Recognize Armenian Genocide
Azg/am
12 Oct 04
The US presidential elections will take place on November 2. Armenians
as well as many other nations of the world pursue their goals in
the US elections. John Kerry’s words that he “will fight against
denial of the Armenian Genocide” made the Armenians of America give
preference to Kerry. Turkey, on the contrary, wants to see Bush taking
the second term.
Turkey considers failures of Bush’s administration in Iraq as grounds
for Kerry’s victory and fears that the Turkish-American discords will
make him keep his promise. Turkey also is well aware that senator
Kerry was a supporter of the Armenian issues in the Senate.
John Kerry wrote in a letter to the Armenian National Committee of
America on an occasion of a festival organized for his support on
August 28: “As a president of the USA I will fight against denial
of the Armenian Genocide, my administration will acknowledge April
24 of 2005 as 90-th anniversary of these atrocities, and I will do
everything that people learn from these crimes in order to prevent
future genocides. There may be no compromise in this moral issue”.
He also urged the Armenians to go and vote for him and Edwards
on November 2. Around 800 Armenian participants of the festival
expressed their willingness to support John Kerry.
The letter stirred up both Armenian and Turkish circles. While the
Diaspora and Armenia were exited over the fact, Turkey and Turkish
community of the US were opposing to it.
While Turkish analysts and political observers were speaking of the
possibility of Genocide recognition in case Kerry took the office,
Zaman in October 8 issue puts under the suspicion the existence of
such a letter and thus, Kerry’s promise to Armenians.
The Turkish newspaper writes: “Answering Zaman’s questions, John Kerry
refuted the claims of Armenians as regards his recognition of the
Armenian genocide. Kerry noted that though he supported senator Robert
Dahlâ^À^Ùs initiative in 1990, he mentioned of genocide neither during
the electorial campaign nor in the past 10 years. “Turkey is among
the oldest allies of America and will always be candidate Kerry said”.
The Zaman correspondent had the chance to meet Kerry at the
Democratic convention in Washington October 2. “Your statements about
acknowledging Armenian genocide greatly disappointed Turkish society
and American voters of Turkish origin”, he said. “When did I say
that?”, Kerry asked with amazement. When the correspondent reminded
about the Armenian festival Kerry refuted everything and noted that
he never said anything like that during last 10 years.
The Zaman writes in the meantime that no American newspaper
responded to Kerry â^À^Ùs statement nor even it was included in the
candidate’s homepage.
It’s interesting by what chance the Turkish journalist appeared at
the Democratic convention and how he managed to come up to Kerry
surrounded by American journalists. What we know is that the article
is signed by Mustafa Sungur and that it casts a false color on reality.
By Hakob Chakrian

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 8, 2004
___________________
HOLY CROSS CHURCH MARKS 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSECRATION
On Sunday, September 19, 2004, the Holy Cross Church of Armenia in upper
Manhattan marked the 75th anniversary of its consecration.
To mark the occasion, the parish, which has about 90 active
parishioners, welcomed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), who celebrated a
special Divine Liturgy, and held a banquet which brought out more than
200 people.
The historic church in upper Manhattan has seen its share of joys and
challenges. But the parishioners have always retained their devotion,
said the church’s pastor for the past three years, Archbishop Anania
Arabajyan.
“It is a very faithful parish. They’re strong believers and they help
keep the Armenian tradition alive,” he said. “They’re strongly
dedicated to the church and are always doing the work to keep it alive.”
HONORING THE STEWARD
One long-time parishioner at the Holy Cross Church was honored during
the anniversary celebration. Archbishop Barsamian presented the St.
Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a pontifical encyclical from His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to Holy Cross parishioner
Deacon Krikor Anoushian.
“He is truly a devout and dedicated steward, not only of his parish but
of the Armenian Church in general,” the Primate said. “A tireless
worker, his passionate service has been an example for his fellow
parishioners.”
A parishioner at Holy Cross for more than three decades, Anoushian
currently serves as a deacon on the altar, is the parish council
treasurer, and a Diocesan delegate. He is also a leader of the Komitas
Choir.
“He is important to the life of our church,” Archbishop Arabajyan said.
“He is originally from Turkey, where the Armenians have the tradition of
being close to their parishes. He came here and brought his dedication
and faith with him to this church.”
— 10/08/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): During a banquet marking the 75th anniversary of the
consecration of the Holy Cross Church of Armenia in Manhattan,
Archbishop Anania Arabajyan, parish pastor, congratulates Krikor
Anoushian after Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presented him with
the St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a pontifical encyclical from His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on Sunday, September
19, 2004.

CHARITY UNDERTAKING FOR VAZGENASHEN
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
08 Oct 04
At the initiative of the public organization `Youth Centre’the youth
union ` GAKHEX’, Republic of Armenia, provided a large number of books
fromits library to the school of the village of Vazgenashen. Also a
certain number of books was provided by the scientific and educational
foundation `Noravank’. Several days ago the members of `Youth Centre’
and the expert of the department of relationships with public
organizations of the mentioned foundation Karen Avetissian visited
Vazgenashen to deliver the donation to the school. The other part of
the books will be delivered later. At the meeting in the study of the
director of the school the head of the community Andranik Babayan was
also present. The young people were interested to know about the
problems and development programs of the village at the same time
expressing their will to help them within their abilities. The
director of the school Mher Poghossian and the head of the community
thanked the youth organizations. It should be mentioned that this is
not the first undertaking of the `Youth Centreâ=80=9D. Several months
ago the organization acquired clothes and shoes and provided to the
resettlers of the village. The chairman of the centre Lousine
Grigorian assured that the process will be continuous. The
organization also delivered a souvenir and sports equipment to the
school.
LAURA GRIGORIAN.
08-10-2004

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Oct 7 2004
AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AND PRESIDENT OF BULGARIA GEORGI
PARVANOV MEET IN PRIVATE
[October 07, 2004, 13:54:05]
Following the official welcoming ceremony, President of the Republic
of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Georgi Parvanov have held a one-on-one meeting at the Presidential
Palace.
The Azerbaijani leader pointed out the importance of the Bulgarian
President’s visit and expressed confidence that it would give a
powerful impetus to development of political, economic and
humanitarian relations between the two countries. He appreciated the
OSCE-presiding Bulgaria’s effort to settle the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, and expressed hope for its
intensification in the future.
President Georgi Parvanov pointed to existence of a huge potential
for development of the bilateral relations, and expressed a desire
for close cooperation with Azerbaijan in process of integration into
Europe.
The parties also exchanged views on a number of other issues of
mutual interest.

People remain in limbo a month after Russia closed border with Georgia – TV
NTV, Moscow
6 Oct 04

[Presenter] Hundreds of people have been caught between two
states. Russia announced the closure of its border for people crossing
from Georgia. Tbilisi promised to solve the problem quickly. But
passengers on scheduled buses and lorry drivers have been living in
their vehicles for over a month.
Here reporting from the so-called neutral territory is Nugzar
Kereselidze.
[Correspondent] In the Dariali Gorge on the Georgian military road 50
lorries and buses have been caught in a stubborn trap. Having passed
through the Lars border crossing in Georgia they did not manage to get
across the so-called neutral zone of a sector of the Russian-Georgian
border under review when Russia closed its frontier. The official
reason for the closure of the border was the Beslan tragedy, and the
necessity to apprehend all the people involved in the terrorist
attack. The closure was made unexpectedly in the course of a few
hours. For this reason hundreds of vehicles piled up on both sides. In
the course of the next few days their number even increased, partly
because the Georgian authorities gave a promise, as is said, to come
to an agreement about opening the border. However, a month later
passengers from Armenia are living in buses. There are many women and
children among them.
[Unidentified woman] People have been here for a month and two
days. They are living or surviving. It’s worse than survival. There
are children, sick people and old people. And the older people are
suffering. In the evening it’s cold. Really cold.
[Correspondent] When the passengers ran out of the food they had
brought with them the drivers came to their aid with food that was
beginning to go off. What had actually gone bad was thrown into the
river Terek. A businessman from Yerevan, (?Artur Bagasyan), had to get
rid of 30 tonnes of peaches.
Several vehicles from Azerbaijan, Belarus and other countries turned
round and went to Russia through South Ossetia using the Roki tunnel
where the border had not been closed. This caused bewilderment in
Tbilisi.
[Korneli Salia, chief of headquarters at the Georgian Department of
State Border Protection, captioned] Russia did not close this sector,
which we don’t understand. It turns out that Russian official bodies
support the separatists prospering in South Ossetia.
[Correspondent] More and more freight has now started passing into
Russia through South Ossetia, despite the fact that a lot of money has
to be paid for escorts and security. But businessmen have no
choice. They agree to pay more rather than lose everything.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
5 October 2004
Minister Oskanian Meets Finland’s Erkki Tuomioja
On 5 October, Foreign Minister Oskanian received Finland’s Foreign Minister
Erkki Tuomioja, who is on a regional visit to countries of the South
Caucasus.
The parties exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues
of common interest. They stressed the importance of integration of South
Caucasus countries into the EU New Neighborhood program. Concerning this
issue, Minister Oskanian briefed Finland’s Foreign Minister on a recent
EU-Armenia cooperation council meeting in Brussels and agreements reached in
its framework.
In the context of European integration, the parties discussed the progress
and drawbacks of democratic reform in Armenia.
The parties also reflected on regional issues. Armenia’s Foreign Minister
offered a briefing on the current status of Nagorno Karabagh conflict
settlement and Armenia’s position on the issue.
The parties also discussed prospects of normalizing Armenia – Turkey
relations and stressed the importance of EU’s positive contribution to this
end.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Oskanian expressed his deep appreciation
for Minister Tuomioja’s visit both in the context of European dimension of
Armenia’s foreign policy and in terms of development of bilateral political
and economic relations.
After the meeting, Armenia’s and Finland’s Foreign Ministers signed an
Agreement between the Governments of the two countries on the Promotion and
Protection of Investments.
Prior to the signing ceremony, Finland’s Foreign Minister visited
Tzitzernakaberd Genocide memorial.