Author: Toneyan Mark

May 4, 2018 
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GARABED CHURCH OF
HOLLYWOOD
        St. Garabed Church of Hollywood this year marks its 40th
anniversary. On Sunday, April 29, 2018, this milestone anniversary was
celebrated with a reception presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate. The celebration was organized by Parish Pastor
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and the Board of Trustees, and was hosted by
Dr. and Mrs. Navasart and Maral Kazazian at their home. Church consecration
Godfather Mr. Vahe Karapetian was the event's Honorary President. 
        On this special occasion, on Sunday, May 6, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon
at St. Garabed Church.
***
ANNOUNCEMENT
 "HARUT BARSAMIAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND" ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2018-2019
ACADEMIC YEAR
        His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the
Executive Council, and the "Harut Barsamian Scholarship Fund" Committee
announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2018-2019 academic
year.
        The Fund was established by the late Prof. Harut Barsamian to assist
students of Armenian descent obtain higher education in the United States in
scientific fields of study. 
        Application packet must include:
      1. Brief biography, resume, students photo, and information on
community involvement. Applicants must also note a concern regarding the
Armenian Diaspora and what he/she proposes to rectify that
concern/challenge. 
                2.  Proof of acceptance or enrollment at a
college/university in the United States 
                3. Student ID 
                4. Official transcript and preferably a letter of
recommendation
        Applications (complete package) must be received by Monday, July
2nd, 2018 at the following address:
Harut Barsamian Scholarship Fund
c/o Western Prelacy
 6252 Honolulu Ave.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
WESTERN PRELACY TIVAN
CLERGY CONFERENCE HELD AHEAD OF WESTERN PRELACY 46TH REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
        Ahead of the Western Prelacy 46th Representative Assembly and in
preparation for a new term of service, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, a clergy
conference was held at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino presided by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. 
        The day began with a prayer service and a spiritual meditation by
the Prelate. His Eminence first greeted the clergy and once again
congratulated Vicar General H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan on his recent
Episcopal ordination. The theme of the meditation was Romans 12:2, which
gives the message to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God." Renewal necessitates living in the
example of Christ, it begins with a conscious awareness of the mission we
are called to, and renewal of the mind comes from the presence of the Holy
Spirit, said the Prelate, and called for the clergy to serve our church and
nation with renewed faith and devotion. 
        The conference convened at "Yeghia Sarafian" Hall with opening
remarks by the Prelate, who wished for the day's proceedings to be
beneficial for all and lead to renewed spirits and drive. The election of
the tivan followed; Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian served as Chair and Rev.
Fr. Karekin Bedourian as Secretary. Fr. Muron also expressed his wish for
the conference to be fruitful and impel all in their mission. The Religious
Council report to be presented at the Representative Assembly was reviewed
and participants offered their input. 
        The second session convened after lunch. The Vicar General presented
a lecture on spiritual renewal highlighting the message of Ephesians chapter
4. "Renewal is an ongoing process. It has a beginning but no end. When it
comes to our faith especially, we are always in need of renewal," said the
Vicar General, who then presented the ten-year plan of action for
reorganization and revitalization which was prepared by a special committee
and whose work continues. The Prelate shared his thoughts and suggestions,
and clergy participated in the discussion by sharing their ideas and
experiences.
         The remainder of the session included the presentation of reports
by parish pastors, plans for the centennial celebration of the first
Republic of Armenia and forthcoming feasts, drafting of suggestions to
present to the Representative Assembly, election of religious delegates to
the Assembly, and unforeseen matters.
        Given that the Prelate was to participate in a meeting of the In
Defense of Christians Religious Advisory Board, the Vicar General delivered
the closing message commending the service of the clergymen and urging for
their service to be rooted in devotion and mutual respect.  
        The conference concluded with the singing of the hymn "Disciples of
Christ," Cilicia, and the Pontifical anthem, followed by the benediction. 
***
ST. GARABED CHURCH 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
        On the afternoon of Sunday, April 29, 2018, a reception in
celebration of the 40th anniversary of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood was
held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Navasart and Maral Kazazian under the
auspices of and presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and organized by the Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and Board
of Trustees. Church consecration Godfather Mr. Vahe Karapetian was the
event's Honorary President. His Eminence was joined by H.G. Bishop Torkom
Donoyan. In attendance was Catholicosate Central Executive member Mr.
Gaidzag Zetlian, Executive Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian, ARF Central
Committee member Mr. Garo Ispenjian and "Karekin Njteh" Gomideh
representatives, altar benefactor Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Haiguhi Daglian,
Rose and Alex Pilibos School Principal Dr. Alina Dorian, members of the
church and school family, sponsors and friends. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by MC Mrs. Tamar
Tufenkjian-Seraydarian, who greeted the guests and briefly reflected on the
role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in our society. A group of students
from Pilibos School participated in the celebration with songs and
recitations. Dr. Navasart Kazazian welcomed the guests and thanked all those
who contribute their moral and financial support to the advancement of St.
Garabed Church. Fr. Vicken expressed gratitude to the Prelate and thanks to
the guests, church members and volunteers, sister organizations, and
sponsors, after which he highlighted St. Garabed Church's mission and
service to the community over the past four decades.
        Given that the Prelate was to attend the ARS Montebello "Nairy"
Chapter's 50th anniversary celebration, he delivered his message early in
the program and conveyed his congratulations and commendation to the parish
family. Referencing the day's feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross, he
noted that the Armenian people have for centuries trusted in the power of
the Holy Cross and looked to the Holy Cross for inspiration and guidance.
His Eminence stated that this anniversary is an opportunity for all to
become renewed and strengthened in their journey of faith and service, and
highlighted four points in this regards. First, he urged for faithfulness to
God and humility, love, and devotion in our service. Second, to be grateful
for those who came before us, who served with faith, hope, and love. Third,
to find joy in our present successes, and finally, to look to an even
brighter future with faith and hope. 
        In his remarks, Mr. Vahe Karapetian conveyed his congratulations and
invited all to continue to lend their valuable support to St. Garabed
Church.
        Bishop Torkom Donoyan delivered closing remarks. He highlighted the
Armenian Church's mission of defending and promoting our Christian faith and
national identity over the centuries, stressing that the Armenian Church is
not only a bastion of our faith but also of culture and enlightenment, and
stating, "where there is a church, there the Armenian people are strong."
        The reception concluded with the cake cutting and the benediction. 
***
VICAR GENERAL BISHOP TORKOM DONOYAN CELEBRATES FIRST EPISCOPAL DIVINE
LITURGY AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH IN GLENDALE
        On Sunday, April 29, 2018, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar
General, celebrated his first Episcopal Divine Liturgy at St. Mary's Church
in Glendale following his ordination and consecration by His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided
over Divine Liturgy, which was attended by Catholicosate Central Executive
member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian,
Vice-Chair and ordination godfather Mr. Garo Eshgian, and Council members,
representatives of community organizations, and a large number of faithful.
Bishop Torkom was assisted at the altar by Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian,
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, and deacons.
        In his address to the faithful, the Prelate thanked God for the
blessing of the day and reflected on the ordination ceremony in which he
participated and which Executive Council and community members attended. He
congratulated Bishop Torkom, wished for the living message of the feast of
the Apparition of the Holy Cross to strengthen in him the spirit of love and
sacrifice as he continues his service for the advancement of our church and
nation, and wished him good health, strength, and vigor in his calling as a
servant of God. He concluded by greeting the members of the Executive
Council and commending Mr. and Mrs. Garo and Sosse Eshgian who graciously
took on the role of ordination godfather.
        Bishop Torkom began his message by thanking God for making him
worthy of receiving Episcopal ordination and prayed for the Lord's strength
and guidance in the lives of all according to their faith. He conveyed his
gratitude to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I for finding him worthy of the
episcopate, which will spur him in his service for the prosperity of our
church and nation, and with brotherly love greeted the Prelate, wishing him
many bright years to come. He thanked also clergy and Executive Council
members, in particular his godfather, and all those who offered support and
prayers on his ordination.
        Bishop Torkom thereafter delivered his sermon on the feast of the
Apparition of the Holy Cross, praying for the Holy Cross of our Savior to
bring blessings, guidance, and strengthening of faith to all. Next, he spoke
on true Christian love, stating, "God is love, He is the essence of love.
And out of the abundance of His love He created the universe and mankind,
and granted the gift of love to man. Indeed He loved mankind so much, that
He sacrificed His Son for our sins. God's love is greater than man's sin and
evil. His love made us worthy to be temples of His Holy Spirit. Christianity
is a religion of love, and love is the greatest virtue a Christian faithful
can possess." He concluded by urging the faithful to exceed one another in
loving God and to serve our church and nation with utmost love.
        At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, faithful had the opportunity to
receive the blessings of Bishop Torkom. A reception followed at "Armenak Der
Bedrossian" Hall. 
***
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ARS "NAIRY" CHAPTER OF MONTEBELLO 
        On Sunday, April 29, 2018, the ARS "Nairy" Chapter of Montebello
celebrated its 50th anniversary, the 37th anniversary of its Saturday
School, and 20th anniversary of its Pre-School with a gala held at Holy
Cross Cathedral's "Bagramian" Hall. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, attended and conveyed
his message. Among the guests in attendance were ARF Central Committee
member Mr. Levon Kirakosian, Executive Council member Mr. Antranik
Kasbarian, members of the "Tro" Gomideh and Holy Cross Cathedral Board of
Trustees, sponsors and friends. 
        The program began with the American, Armenian, and ARS anthems. Ms.
Rita Topalian and Ms. Khatoune Pakradouni served as the evening's MCs. The
"Nairy" Chapter message was delivered by Ms. Sona Fundukian, followed by the
presentation of proclamations by elected officials and the invocation by Fr.
Muron. On behalf of the "Nairy" Chapter, awards were presented to Preschool
Director Lilit Barsegyan and Saturday School Principal Naira Ouzounian. The
ARS Regional Executive's message was delivered by Ms. Silva Poladian.
        The Prelate began his message by congratulating the ARS family on
the various milestones anniversaries being celebrated this year, the
centennial of the Hollywood "Mayr" Chapter, the 60th anniversary of the San
Fernando Valley "Anahid" Chapter, the 50th anniversary of the "Nairy"
Chapter, and the 35th anniversary of the ARS Western Regional Executive. His
Eminence presented a letter of blessing and commendation in which he lauded
the members of the "Nairy" Chapter for their faithful and exemplary service
as well as the ARS Western Regional Executive and the entire ARS family,
stating that this celebration is a joy and triumph for all. The Prelate
highlighted the "Nairy" Chapter's indispensable role in the life of the
Montebello community through its invaluable moral and financial support to
Mesrobian School, through its founding of a Saturday School and Pre-School,
and through countless other endeavors. "A resounding job well done to you
all, to the devoted members and to the generous sponsors. We are certain
that you will continue to thrive in your noble mission and reach even
greater heights so long as you continue to work together with faith, love,
goodwill, and utmost dedication as you have been for all these years," he
concluded.
        The program continued with more award presentations. On behalf of
the ARS Central Executive and Regional Executive respectively, Ms. Rita
Hintlian and Ms. Silva Poladian recognized "Nairy" Chapter members with
fifty years of service. Ms. Olga Kirakossian was honored with the Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Central Executive. 
        A candle-lighting ceremony concluded the official program. The
celebration continued with musical entertainment. 
***
COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND TRIBUTE TO MARIA JACOBSEN IN
SOLVANG 
        By the initiative of the Friends of Maria Jacobsen committee, on
Sunday, April 29, 2018, a special tribute was held at Bethania Lutheran
Church in Solvang honoring the life of Danish missionary Maria Jacobsen who
saved thousands of Armenian orphans during the Armenian Genocide and later
founded the Bird's Nest Orphanage in Jbeil, Lebanon, to house and care for
the young orphans.  
        On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev.
Fr. Movses Shannakian participated in the commemoration.
        The day began with a worship service, followed by a memorial service
in memory of Maria Jacobsen in front of the bust sculpture in the church
courtyard. Opening remarks were delivered by organizing committee Chair Dr.
Garbis Der Yeghiayan. Fr. Movses offered a prayer in memory of Maria
Jacobsen and delivered his remarks stating "On this beautiful day, we have
gathered here to join in prayer for the souls of our holy martyrs and to
renew our pledge to persevere in our cause until we reach a just resolution
of recognition, reparations, and justice. We are thankful to the nations and
states that have recognized the Armenian Genocide as the irrefutable fact
that it is, and to organizations and people like Maria Jacobsen who opened
their hearts and arms to aid the Armenian people," he said.
        Pastor Chris Brown from Bethania Lutheran Church conveyed his
message, stating "We are all brothers and sisters and children of God, no
matter Armenian or Danish. Genocide and crimes against humanity shall never
go unpunished and we must stand united in times of trials and tribulations."
        The service ended with singing of "Cilicia." The attendees were then
treated to a fellowship lunch hosted by the organizing committee. 
***
ARMENIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY 
33RD ANNIVERSARY GALA
        On Saturday, April 28, 2018, the Armenian American Medical Society
celebrated its 33rd anniversary with a gala held at the Loews Hollywood
Hotel, proceeds of which were allocated to the health care needs of wounded
soldiers of the Artsakh war. On this occasion, the AAMS honored Prof. Ara
Babloyan, Dr. Simon Keushkerian, Dr. Raffi Minasian, and the former Ladies
Auxiliary for their years of service and contributions to the field of
medicine.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, attended and delivered his message. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by the evening's MCs, Dr.
Vicken Sepilian and Ms. Helen Kalognomos, followed by the national anthems.
        In his message, the Prelate lauded the Armenian American Medical
Society's valuable mission and the devoted service of its members and all of
our healthcare professionals "who have dedicated their lives to making a
positive difference in the lives of others, who invest their time and
talents for the wellbeing of others, and who day in and day out carry the
massive weight of our care and our health on their shoulders." He blessed
and commended also the evening's honorees for their valuable service and
contributions as well as the sponsors and guests for their moral and
financial support, wishing continued successes to all. 
        The program continued with remarks by AAMS Vice-President Dr. Kevin
Galstyan and President Dr. Armond Kotikian, the presentation of awards, and
cultural performances. 
***
WELCOMING RECEPTION FOR LEBANESE CONSUL GENERAL MIRNA KHAWLY
        On the evening of Friday, April 27, 2018, a reception in honor of
the new Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles, the Honorable Mirna
Khawly, was held at the California Club in Los Angeles hosted by Mr. and
Mrs. Harry and Cheryl Nadjarian and a group of Lebanese-Americans and
Lebanese-Armenians. 
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and once
again conveyed his congratulations and well wishes to the Consul General.
        On Sunday, April 29, the Lebanese Diaspora, including
Lebanese-Armenians in Los Angeles, voted in the country's Parliamentary
elections. The Prelate cast his vote and had the opportunity to meet with
the Consul General and Armenian members of the election committee.
***
PRELACY PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE 
        On Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, events were held across the United
States in observance of National Day of Prayer, which is observed annually
on the first Thursday of May. As in previous years, Los Angeles Mayor Eric
Garcetti and First Lady Amy Wakeland hosted an interfaith celebration at the
Getty House on this occasion. Representing H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, at the event were Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian and
Chaplain Rafi Garabedian. 
        The program featured remarks by the Mayor and First Lady, prayers
for city leaders, the homeless, and the collective faith community, and a
panel discussion on "Building the bridge through faith."
***

                                        Friday, 
Armenian Police Struggle To Contain Continuing Protests
        • Karlen Aslanian
        • Narine Ghalechian
        • Tatev Danielian
        • Hovannes Movsisian
Armenia - Police detain a protester in Yerevan, .
At least 169 people were detained in Yerevan on Friday as the Armenian police 
tried to stop opposition supporters from again blocking streets in protest 
against Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian.
The protests mainly involving young people resumed in various parts of the 
Armenian capital in the morning following opposition leader Nikol Pashinian’s 
calls for a “total blockade” of streets as well as roads leading to the city.
Hundreds of protesters led by Pashinian marched through Yerevan’s northern and 
western districts, urging Armenians to “reject Serzh” and again rally in 
central Republic Square in the evening. They were greeted by many bystanders 
and car drivers honking their horns in response to Pashinian’s appeal to “beep 
if you are against Serzh.” Many car horns reverberated throughout the city.
One of the city’s main bridges was blocked by three heavy trucks when the crowd 
reached early in the afternoon. The truck drivers left their vehicles parked 
there and joined the Pashinian-led march.
“We want to stand with our young people,” one of them told RFE/RL’s Armenian 
service (Azatutyun.am). “We want a good life for our children.”
Armenia - A heavy truck blocks access to Yerevan's Kievian Bridge in a show of 
support for opposition protesters, .
Meanwhile, smaller groups of Pashinian supporters tried to shut down traffic in 
several other parts of Yerevan. They were confronted by riot police keen to 
keep the roads open. Dozens of protesters were detained as a result.
Several hundred employees one of the country’s largest information technology 
firms, Synopsys Armenia, went on strike and blocked a major street adjacent to 
their company’s offices. Police intervened to reopen Arshakuniats Avenue to 
traffic 30 minutes later.
Synopsys engineers were joined by other protesters later in the afternoon. More 
than two hundred students marched unimpeded through downtown Yerevan in the 
meantime.
Armenia - People block a street in Yerevan to protest against Prime Minister 
Serzh Sarkisian, .
According to the police, the total number of detainees stood at 169 as of 2 
p.m. local time. RFE/RL correspondents witnessed two dozen people bundled into 
police vans, personal cars and even public buses used by the police. 
Plainclothes policemen were also involved in the operation.
The police defended the detentions, saying that the protesters are not legally 
allowed to block streets and law-enforcement officers have to restore “public 
order.” A police statement warned that failure to obey officers’ orders will 
lead to “negative legal consequences.”
More than a hundred protesters were detained and kept in police custody for 
several hours on Wednesday.
Karapetian Retains Key Economic Role
Armenia - Outgoing President Serzh Sarkisian and outgoing Prime Minister Karen 
Karapetian meet in Yerevan, 7 April 2018.
Karen Karapetian said on Friday that he will remain in charge of the Armenian 
government’s economic policies in his new capacity as first deputy prime 
minister.
The former prime minister met a group of other senior government officials 
three days after being replaced by former President Serzh Sarkisian. The latter 
named Karapetian his first deputy on Wednesday.
“We have divided our functions in this way: I will be responsible for the 
economic bloc and regional governance,” Karapetian told the officials, among 
them the ministers of economy, agriculture, energy and transport.
“Accordingly, we are making some changes in the [government] staff and 
ascertaining the functions and tasks of departments, and so we have to work in 
a very targeted manner,” he said, adding that the relevant government agencies 
must now “review and restart the plans for this year.”
Karapetian was tasked with improving the socioeconomic situation in Armenia 
when Sarkisian appointed him prime minister in September 2016. He subsequently 
unveiled an ambitious economic reform agenda.
Citing robust economic growth recorded by the government last year, Karapetian 
said his cabinet has succeeded in achieving “all macro-objectives” set by 
Sarkisian when he met with the outgoing president on April 7. Sarkisian said at 
that meeting that he and Karapetian will be Armenia’s two top government 
leaders in the coming years.
Armenian Church Leaders Concerned About Unrest
Armenia - Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian meets with Garegin II (R), Catholicos 
of All Armenians (R), and Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, 
Yerevan, 20Apr2018.
The two heads of the Armenian Apostolic Church voices their concerns in 
connection with continuing anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan when they 
met with Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian on Friday.
According to Sarkisian’s press office, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II 
and the Lebanon-based Catholicos Aram I “appreciated” the fact that there have 
been no serious violent clashes between protesters and security forces so far.
Aram, who is the number two figure in the church hierarchy, said the daily 
protests against Sarkisian disrupting traffic in the capital are hurting 
Armenia.
“After all, it will take months to overcome the consequences of these 
demonstrations and damage caused in the course of them,” he said. “The country 
could be damaged. We must tell the demonstrators that this is our common 
fatherland and all of us are its children.”
In this regard, Aram hailed Sarkisian’s offers of dialogue made to the protest 
leader, Nikol Pashinian. Armenia’s government and opposition should discuss all 
contentious issues “at the negotiating table, not on the street,” he said.
Garegin also called for “national consolidation and unity” but stopped short of 
explicitly criticizing the protesters, according his remarks publicized by 
Sarkisian’s office. “We are praying for this situation to gradually calm down 
and return to normal,” he told the premier.
In a televised interview aired on Thursday, Sarkisian criticized the protests 
against his decision to stay in power, as prime minister, after serving out his 
final presidential term on April 9.“When there is no logic in people’s actions 
it’s very difficult to understand how events will develop,” he told the Shant 
TV channel.
“Unfortunately, we once went down that bitter path,” he said, apparently 
referring to the March 2008 violent unrest in Yerevan which preceded the start 
of his presidency. He said his government “will do everything to avoid” a 
repeat of that scenario.
The premier also said: “We will never opt to restrict rights under any 
circumstances.”
Armenian Protest Leader Demands Snap Elections
        • Emil Danielyan
        • Karlen Aslanian
Armenia - Opposition supporters demonstrate in Republic Square in Yerevan, 20 
April 2018.
Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian stepped up the pressure on the Armenian 
authorities on Friday, saying that he would only discuss with them the terms of 
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s resignation and demanding snap parliamentary 
elections.
Pashinian responded to government offers of “dialogue” as he held what appeared 
to be his largest rally yet, which followed spontaneous protests staged by his 
supporters in various parts of Yerevan throughout the day.
Addressing thousands of supporters in the city’s central Republic Square late 
in the evening, Pashinian labelled Sarkisian a “political corpse” who has 
effectively lost power.
“It doesn’t mean that we are not prepared to have any discussion [with the 
authorities,]” he said. “We are certainly ready to discuss time frames and 
certain conditions for Serzh Sarkisian’s resignation.”
“I think you will agree with me in that we don’t want any vendettas or 
revenge,” he said. “And if Serzh Sarkisian opens his eyes and steps down as 
soon as possible that will only be good for him and Armenia.”
After Sarkisian’s resignation, Pashinian went on, the Armenian parliament must 
appoint a “candidate of the people” as prime minister, form an interim 
government and then call fresh general elections that would have to be “100 
percent clean, free and fair.”
ARMENIA -- Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian (R) speaks in a megaphone as he 
takes part in an opposition rally in central Yerevan, April 17, 2018
The 42-year-old admitted his willingness to be interim premier. “If the people 
think I should shoulder such responsibility, I will shoulder such 
responsibility,” he told reporters.
Sarkisian, who has governed Armenia for the past ten years, has sought to reach 
out to Pashinian through his Republican Party (HHK) and his junior coalition 
partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun). 
Dashnaktsutyun’s leadership proposed on Thursday a “forum for political 
consultations” between the country’s leading political groups which would be 
mediated by President Armen Sarkissian.
First Deputy Prime Minister Karen Karapetian also made a case for dialogue on 
Friday, saying that he is “very worried” about the weeklong wave of protests 
that has swept through not only Yerevan but also several other cities and towns.
“Even warring countries negotiate and find logical solutions,” Karapetian told 
the Armenia TV channel. “We, Armenians, must sit down in hour own home, 
rationally negotiate and find logical ways out of this situation. In case of 
instability, all of us will suffer, our country will suffer.”
Karapetian, who was replaced by Sarkisian as prime minister on April 9, would 
not be drawn on possible government concessions to the Pashinian-led 
opposition. “Let us listen to concerns, make proposals, raise all contentious 
issues and audaciously talk about them,” he said, speaking before Pashinian’s 
latest speech.
Armenia - Young supporters of opposition leader Nikol Pashinian converge on 
Republic Square in Yerevan, .
An HHK spokesman insisted on Thursday that Sarkisian’s resignation is out of 
the question. The ruling party did not immediately react to Pashinian’s 
preconditions for the proposed dialogue.
Pashinian, his Civil Contract party and other opposition and civic groups 
launched the daily protests on April 13 in a bid to prevent Sarkisian from 
extending his rule. The campaign showed no signs of abating on Friday as more 
young Armenians, including high school students, took to the streets and tried 
to stop traffic ahead of the Republic Square rally. More than 230 of them were 
detained by the police.
The police continued to threaten to forcibly break up the “illegal” gatherings. 
A police statement released on Friday evening warned that security forces are 
allowed to use “special means,” presumably including stun grenades and tear 
gas, against protesters defying their orders.
Joined by and hundeds of his supporters, Pashinian marched through Yerevan’s 
northern and western districts in the morning and afternoon. He said he will 
take his campaign to other city suburbs on Saturday morning.
Press Review
“Zhoghovurd” hits back at Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s claim that ongoing 
anti-government demonstrations in Armenia could have an adverse impact on the 
domestic economy. “Serzh Sarkisian has revealed the reason for a drop in 
foreign investment in Armenia,” it comments sarcastically. The paper says 
Armenians are now protesting against him in large numbers because “the 
authorities have always rigged election results, thereby incurring the public’s 
ire.” “By the way, does Serzh Sarkisian know by any chance for whom the last 
two presidential elections were falsified and who became the head of state as a 
result of that?” it asks, adding that it is Sarkisian and his HHK who have been 
“repelling investors from Armenia.”
“Aravot” worries that both the authorities and the protesters led by Nikol 
Pashinian are reluctant to end the deepening standoff through negotiations. 
“Clearly, the authorities and the so-called revolutionaries are seeking a 
zero-sum game,” editorializes the paper. “But that is not possible because 
Armenia is not run by a dictatorial regime whatever some oppositionists may 
say. We have no resources to become a dictatorship. All other results of the 
game are acceptable.” The paper believes that a mutually acceptable compromise 
solution can be found.
“Hayots Ashkhar” also discusses growing calls for such a dialogue. “A dialogue 
is certainly a good thing,” it says. “Political negotiations have been a part 
and parcel of wars and revolutions and coalition building since ancient times. 
And therein lies the main problem. How interested is Nikol Pashinian in a 
search for mutually acceptable solutions? Is he interested at all? One can say 
whatever they want, but how to gauge one’s sincerity?” The pro- government 
daily suggests that Pashinian does not really want a dialogue with the 
government. “Negotiations and mutual concessions just don’t fit into the 
strategy of street activists,” it says.
“As recently as two weeks ago, everyone in Armenia was convinced that the 
people’s spirit of resistance has been utterly broken and that Serzh Sarkisian 
will do whatever he wants because people will not take to the streets in any 
case,” writes “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.” “The authorities were also sure about 
that, asserting the irreplaceability of their boss and saying that the game is 
over. There are now tens of thousands of protesters in the streets of Yerevan. 
Rallies are also held in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Armavir and other towns. The 
public’s hatred towards the HHK-controlled authorities and Serzh Sarkisian 
personally was obviously underestimated.”
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org

"Tufenkyan" Foundation established a peach orchard in Van
The annual competition "Cultural Crossroads" will be held in Stepanakert
A photo exhibition dedicated to the Artsakh movement in Stepanakert 
will be arranged
A group of water system employees were awarded