Author: Toneyan Mark

Secretary Clinton distancing State Department from its traditional
stand against Armenian Genocide resolution

26.02.2010 13:34

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in response
earlier today to a series of questions during her testimony before
Congress, broke with the Department of State’s long-standing pattern
of aggressively opposing legislation recognizing the Armenian
Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

During her testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Foreign Operations, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Mark Kirk
(R-IL) noted Secretary Clinton’s previous support for Armenian
Genocide legislation in the Senate. Referring to the impending
Committee vote on a similar resolution, H.Res.252, Rep. Kirk stated:
"I hope we do that; and I hope the House of Representatives does
that, and I hope you let that happen."

Secretary Clinton responded, citing the ongoing Turkey-Armenia
Protocols discussion and continued efforts by the Administration to
urge their ratification, but remained silent on the resolution. In
past years, previous administration’s, both Democratic and
Republican, have used every opportunity to seek to defeat such
legislation.

Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA), during
his questioning, stated, "I don’t think the prospect of
reconciliation, as much as I would like it to happen, should be used
as a reason not to recognize the undeniable fact of the Armenian
Genocide." He urged "the Administration’s support on the
legislation and at a minimum certainly not to get involved in opposing
the legislation."

Secretary Clinton offered her support for the Turkey-Armenia
Protocols, but, once again, did not attack the Armenian Genocide
Resolution in response to questions during an earlier hearing before
the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Secretary Clinton’s remarks represent the third time in just the
past few weeks that a senior Obama Administration official – in
response to pointed questions about the Armenian Genocide Resolution –
has chosen not to voice any opposition to the adoption
of this genocide-prevention measure," said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. "The current Administration’s conduct, at least to
date, stands in stark contrast to past Administrations – both
Democratic and Republican – that used every opportunity to score
points with Ankara by attacking the broad, bipartisan Congressional
majority that has long existed in support of U.S. condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide."

Secretary Clinton appeared before both Committees to outline the
fiscal year 2011 State Department foreign aid priorities. Foreign
Affairs Committee member Brad Sherman (D-CA) praised the Obama
Administration for increasing its assistance request for Armenia in
2011, but argued that "Congress should enhance that." He noted that
while the Obama Administration had maintained parity in Foreign
Military Financing assistance between Armenia and Azerbaijan, military
training assistance was not balanced. He also called for a "specific
aid request for Nagorno Karabagh."
Secretary Clinton will have an opportunity to respond to his questions
in writing.

"We would like to thank Representatives Kirk, Schiff and Sherman for
speaking out about Armenia foreign aid priorities and once again
urging passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution," stated
Hamparian. "With the Foreign Affairs Committee set to vote on
H.Res.252 and the foreign aid process in full gear, we are actively
reaching out to our community expand our engagement with legislators
from across the country."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) has
scheduled a vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.252) on
March 4th. Over 137 House Members have cosponsored this measure,
spearheaded by Representatives Schiff, George Radanovich (R-CA), and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Mark
Kirk (R-IL). A similar measure in the Senate (S.Res.316), led by
Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV) has 13 cosponsors.

Presently Turkey is in no mood for Protocols
In case of military coup in Turkey, Armenia will get a very
unpredictable and dangerous neighbor, which, by the way, has always
been such.
26.02.2010 GMT+04:00

Thus, the Armenian-Turkish Protocols reached an impasse, or rather
fell into the trap set by Azerbaijan and the ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP) in Turkey. Detentions of senior military
officials, who are accused of the coup attempt organized in 2003 may
lead to two consequences: either there will really be a military coup,
or the secular government will be finally replaced by an Islamic one.
In either case the country will have to face instability and setback
that will immediately reflect on ratification of the Protocols by the
Turkish Parliament.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ By the way, most apparently the Turkish Parliament
was not going to ratify the Protocols anyway. As always Ankara pinned
its hopes on blackmail and threats, without delving into the essence
of the problem. But the fact is that for Turkey the Protocols could be
the only road to Europe. It was an issue of secondary importance
whether Armenian-Turkish relations would be normalized. The essential
point was opening of the border, but Ankara did not realize or refused
to realize this importance. Detentions of military officials began
just as the country’s leadership came to the conclusion that
international community can no longer be influenced and it has firmly
decided to push ratification of the Protocols. In case of military
coup in Turkey, Armenia will get a very unpredictable and dangerous
neighbor, which, by the way, has always been such. But now the danger
is much greater and no one can foretell how the confrontation between
the generals and the AKP will end. As a result of the possible coup,
we’ll witness a new round of Kurdish-Turkish confrontation in close
proximity to the Armenian border. A more detailed inspection of the
situation brings up several questions, the first of them being why the
coup, which was prepared in 2003, was not suppressed then. Or is it
possible that the AKP had kept it `in reserve’ to use in case of
unexpected developments in the region? As long as Turkey was rapidly
gaining weight and with the help of Russia and the United States it
had a chance to really become a regional power in near future, the
army had taken the government side. Or, at least, so it seemed.
Moreover, the army, so true to the precepts of Kemalism, favoured
Turkey’s integration into the EU. What is more, after the August war
in South Ossetia, it was Turkey that revived the completely forgotten
Platform of Stability in the Caucasus. And it was Turkey that for some
reason decided she could settle the Karabakh conflict and become
co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The blame for such behavior of Ankara should be assigned to the
superpowers, which hurried to declare Turkey a bridge from East to
West, from Islam to Christianity. And only the French President kept
to his position. According to him, there is no place for Turkey in
Europe. Roughly the same happened 100 years ago, when with the support
of then powers Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom the Ottoman
Empire got involved in the World War I. As a result the Young Turks
slaughtered almost the entire Christian population of the Empire, and
these were not only Armenians, but also Greeks and Assyrians. And then
Ataturk came, and Turkey began to build something of a `civilized’
state, which was collapsed 50 years ago, after the first military
coup. Afterwards there were three more – in 1971, 1980 and 1997. So
there is nothing particularly surprising – military coups in Turkey
are a custom that started with the Janissaries, who overthrew the
sultan then.

They were especially the military coups that led the powers to show a
more restrained attitude towards Turkey, because nobody knows what
consequences next coup can have. But, be that as it may, nothing may
happen this time. In the face of the threat of opening the
Armenian-Turkish border, or, more specifically, in the face of the
superpowers’ support for Armenia, the army will not decide on an open
confrontation. But an excellent excuse is chosen for the protocols.
However, Ankara should keep in mind that Armenia will not be seeking
excuses for denunciation of the Protocols. According to the supplement
to the `Law on international treaties’ adopted the other day, the
Armenian President is granted such a right. So, the future of the
Protocols is rather dim. If Ankara is reluctant to obey direct signals
from Washington, it means Turkey has decided she can do what she
pleases. This position is fundamentally vulnerable and entails
far-reaching consequences. Under the present circumstances there is
nothing good for Ankara. And no matter how hard the Azeri media tries
to pass the desirable for reality, the Turkish press is soberer in
this sense. And when Mehmet Ali Birand writes that Turkey and
Azerbaijan have found themselves in diplomatic isolation, he knows
what he says.

Karine Ter-Sahakyan
«PanARMENIAN.Net» analytical department

DAVIT HARUTYUNYAN: RATIFYING PROTOCOLS WITH RESERVATIONS MEANS REJECTING THEM

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.02.2010 17:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian government has already initiated
introduction of amendments to the RA Law On International Agreements,
an Armenian official said.

"The issue will be discussed during next 4-day parliament session,"
head of the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe Davit Harutyunyan said, when commenting on the
possible withdrawal of signature from the Armenian-Turkish Protocols.

As to the ruling of the RA Constitutional Court, Mr. Harutyunyan
said the CC did not make reservations but just prevented attempts to
distort the essence of the Protocols. "Ratifying the Protocols with
reservations means rejecting them," he said.

Asked about the possible ratification terms, Mr. Harutyunyan remarked,
"I would refrain from setting dates. Reasonable terms can’t imply
years. It’s a matter of a couple of months."

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

PURCHASE AND SALE TRANSACTIONS OF .95 MILLION CONDUCTED AT NASDAQ OMX ARMENIA OJSC ON FEBRUARY 22

Noyan Tapan
Feb 22, 2010

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, NOYAN TAPAN. Purchase and sale transactions
of .95 million at the weighted average exchange rate of 382.53 drams
per dollar were conducted at Nasdaq OMX Armenia OJSC on February 22.

According to the press service of the Central Bank of Armenia, the
closing price was 382.65 drams.

PETER SEMNEBY ARRIVES IN AZERBAIJAN

News.am
Feb 23 2010
Armenia

February 23, EU Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central
Asia Peter Semneby will pay a 2-day visit to Azerbaijan.

He will hold meetings with Azeri high-ranking officials and NGO
representatives, APA agency reports referring to Semneby’s adviser
Claire Delessard.

Issues on Azerbaijan-EU cooperation, as well as Karabakh peace process
will be in focus.

WELCOMING ADDRESS OF ARTSAKH REPUBLIC PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN …

22-0 2-2010

to the participants of the meeting with NKR National Assembly deputies
of all convocations in connection with the Artsakh Revival Day

Dear attendees,

I am glad to welcome all of you and congratulate all our compatriots
on the Artsakh Revival Day. Each of you carries the very symbol of
this day and has had a personal contribution to the realization of
the ideas of the national liberation movement. Many of our friends
have laid down their lives for victory of these ideas. Eternal glory
and honor to them! 20 February of 1988 became the starting point
of our national revival. We stood to defend our natural right for
free and independent life on our native land, for mastering our own
destiny independently and in correspondence with international norms
and principles. Azerbaijan reacted to our peaceful and just demand
with cruel and bloody war, which caused heavy human sacrifices and
devastations.

The heroic people of Artsakh together with world spread Armenians
managed to withstand all the ordeals and chose the path of building a
democratic state. For us this way has been irreversible and final. We
are very much confident that every problem the contemporary world faces
can be solved exclusively in civilized manner, around the negotiation
table through direct dialogue. In contrast with this the authorities
of Azerbaijan continue to wage militaristic policy keeping their
own people in a situation of permanent tensions and the danger of
war resumption. These threats are vain and inappropriate. We have a
regular and efficient army that is ready to give a fitting rebuff to
any encroachment upon the security of our state and people.

Dear friends,

The NKR National Assembly of all convocations has played a
great role in building an independent statehood, forming state
institutions and consolidating democratic values. Soon there will
be new regular elections of the NKR National Assembly. For our
people it is a political event of utmost importance. And we should
do everything possible for these elections as always to be carried
out in correspondence with international standards and take us a step
forward Ïn the way of building a firm and prosperous future of Artsakh.

Thank you!

LEVON TER-PETROSYAN MAKES DISPOSITIONS FOR EARLY ELECTION AT THIS POINT: ANC MEMBER

news.am
Feb 23 2010
Armenia

"At the rally scheduled for March 1 Levon Ter-Petrosyan will
appear with concrete proposals, as promised during the January 8
demonstration," ANC coordinator Levon Zurabyan told journalists today.

Not disclosing the details of Ter-Petrosyan’s speech that day,
Zurabyan recalled their statement that said of March 1 rally agenda:
"This is like in the bag — results are known before the game, when
it is pointless to watch it. But let’s hope it will be a thrilling
game," he stated.

ANC coordinator also called all political forces to be ready for
early election at any point, informing that they already do so: "We
have instructed all our regional departments to check voter’s lists
long ago and be ready for early presidential elections," Zurabyan
declared, adding that Levon Ter-Petrosyan makes dispositions for race
at this point.

IRANIAN EMBASSY IN AZERBAIJAN DISMISSES REPORTS IN ARMENIAN MASS MEDIA

news.az
Feb 23 2010
Armenia

Flag of Iran The Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan has dismissed the
reports in Armenian mass media.

"The position of official Tehran regarding the Karabakh conflict
remains changeless and has repeatedly been voiced by the president,
the foreign minister and other officials of Iran. Iran recognizes the
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and it will never disavow this
position", said the news service for the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan.

The embassy also rejected the statements by the Armenian press saying
they have distorted the statements of the Iranian diplomats in Yerevan.

Reports said earlier that the Iranian embassy in Armenia has spoken
against the opinion of the vice speaker of the Iranian parliament,
thus rejecting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

"Only the president, the foreign minister and the foreign ministry’s
office voice the official position of Iran in the issues of foreign
policy", said spokesman for the Iranian embassy in Armenia Ardeshir
Javadi, commenting on the statements of vice speaker of the Iranian
parliament Muhammed Reza Bahonar.

15:02 20/02/2010 » Politics
Panorama.am

US Senators concerned over human rights and freedom of speech in Azerbaijan

US Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her grave concerns to Azerbaijani
community representatives in the US over Azerbaijani bloggers Emin
Milli and Adnan Hajizade imprisonment, Turan reported.

`The US continues to cooperate with Azerbaijani government and people
over reinforcing democratic reforms, including the limitations of
freedom of speech and holding of mass meetings,’ the letter says.

Senator recalled that earlier Washington had urged Azerbaijani
authorities to ensure bloggers’ legal defense and medical aid.

Virginia Sen. Jim Webb also expressed concerns over human rights and
freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.

February 19, 2010
Press Release
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:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH

Sunday, February 21st, 2010, is the second Sunday of Great Lent, also
known as Sunday of the Expulsion.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Garabed
Church in Hollywood.
Following Divine Liturgy the Prelate will preside over the
40th day requiem service for Archpriest Fr. Anoushavan Artinian.

LADIES AUXILIARY GREAT LENT LUNCHEON

On Wednesday, February 24th, the Prelate will preside over Sunrise
Service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
The service will be followed by the annual Great Lent
luncheon organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary under the auspices
of the Prelate. The Prelate will attend the luncheon, which will be
held at the adjoining `Armenak Der Bedrossian’ Hall.
A cultural program will also take place.

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE AT
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE AT
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

On Wednesday, February 17th, the Prelate presided over the first
Sunrise Service of Great Lent at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, and
delivered his message on Great Lent to the faithful in attendance,
among them students of Ferrahian High School.
Following the service the Prelate presided over the Lent
luncheon organized by the ARS Anahid Chapter at the adjacent
`Dikranian’ Hall, and conveyed his blessings to the guests.
During Lent, Sunrise and Vesper services are offered in
all Prelacy churches. Call your local church or visit the Prelacy
website for a schedule of services.

PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN MEETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX
BISHOPS

The Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops, comprised of the spiritual
leaders of the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Orthodox Churches, held
their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, at St. Mary and
St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church in Northridge.
The meeting began with joint prayer conducted by the three
spiritual leaders, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Church), H.G. Bishop
Serapion (Coptic Church), and with the participation of clergy from
the three churches. Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev
Gulumian also participated in the meeting.
Items on the agenda included a report on Sunday School and
youth group activities, and the drafting of future joint activities.

WESTERN PRELACY PAREGENTAN CELEBRATION

The eve of Great Lent, or Paregentan, is traditionally is a day of
joyous celebration when festive gatherings and feasts take place
filled with merriment and tradition.
The Prelacy family celebration of Paregentan took place on
Sunday, February 14th, 2010, under the auspices of and with the
presence of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. More than
300 guests attended the celebration, which was organized by the Sunday
Schools’ Directorate and Parent Committee and held at `Armenak Der
Bedrossian’ Hall of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Master of
Ceremonies Mrs. Ani Marabian, followed by the collective singing of
the Lord’s Prayer and the singing of the Sunday School anthem by
Sunday School students. Led by their teachers, the students then
performed a series of songs, recitations, and a presentation dedicated
to Paregentan.
Directorate head Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian offered
remarks on behalf of the committee and invited the Prelate to deliver
his message. The Prelate applauded the efforts of the organizing
committee in organizing this and similar events throughout the year,
as well as the participants for their continuous support of the
Prelacy’s endeavors and undertakings. He commended Fr. Muron,
Chairman Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian, the parent committee, the Pastors
and Board of Trustees of the host church, as well as those of our all
churches, for their constant support and encouragement of our Sunday
Schools.
The Prelate also spoke on the spiritual meaning of
Paregentan, stressing the importance of keeping God’s image pure and
holy in ourselves and not abusing the freedoms granted to us. Through
the celebration of Paregentan we relive the blissful life of the first
man when he was free and reveled in joy in God’s presence, which
serves as a reminder for us to turn our lives around to that ideal.
The celebration continued with a performance of
traditional and popular songs by Nshan Chaghatsbanian.

DIVINE LITURGY AND LIGHTING OF THE BONFIRE ON THE FEAST OF THE
PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD TO THE TEMPLE

Saturday, February 13th, was the feast of the Presentation of our Lord
to the Temple, or Dyarnentarach.
The feast was celebrated in all our churches, with the
Prelate presiding over services at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
In keeping with tradition, Homenetmen scouts, scout
leaders, and Regional Executive members participated in the ceremony,
as well as members of the Prelacy youth groups. Following the
service, the traditional lighting of the bonfire took place in the
courtyard.
The Prelate, clergy, Board of Trustees members, Homenetmen
scouts, and our churches’ youth group members then gathered at
=80=9CArmenak Der Bedrossian’ Hall for a dinner reception together
with the Prelate, hosted by the parish Board of Trustees.
During the reception Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian spoke
on the meaning behind the feast.
In conclusion, the Prelate conveyed his blessings and
message.