Author: Torgomian Varazdat

Zaman, Turkey
Jan 13 2007

Direct trade regulation for Turkish Cyprus expected on Jan.22

Saturday, January 13, 2007
zaman.com

Signals for ‘European Union’s first serious step for Turkish Cyprus’
came from Marc Pierini, head of EU Commission’s Delegation for
Turkey.

In a speech in Barcelona at the seventh EU-Turkey Seminar organized
by European Institute of the Mediterranean(IEMED) and Istanbul Policy
Centre from Turkish Sabanci University, Pierini said he expected
direct trade regulation for Turkish Cyprus to be launched on the EU
General Affairs and External Relations Council on Jan. 22.

Pierini also said that despite the stalling of eight chapters in
Turkey’s EU bid process, the important thing was that the
negotiations were still on track.

Regarding the so-called Armenian genocide, Pierini said that it was
an issue pending for solution but not at all to be brought up as an
obstacle in Turkey’s membership marathon.

Commissioner also said that Turkey needed to work on its image in the
process of negotiations for the membership.

Ottawa Citizen, Canada
January 12, 2007 Friday
Final Edition

Holy Christian site violates safety rules: Jerusalem’s church of Holy
Sepulchre needs a fire exit

Tim Butcher, The Daily Telegraph

JERUSALEM – A battle is brewing in one of the holiest Christian
shrines, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City,
after the Israeli government found that it violates health and safety
rules because it has only one exit.

Israel says an emergency exit must be built even though this risks
antagonizing the three mutually suspicious Christian communities who
run the church, built on the site where Jesus is said to have been
crucified and resurrected.

But while the three communities — Greek Orthodox, Franciscans and
Armenian Orthodox — rarely agree among themselves, they are
unanimous in their opposition to the building of a second door.

"Such an action would be an unprecedented violation of the status
quo," a Franciscan spokesman said.

Yaakov Edri, the Israeli Jerusalem affairs minister, was shocked when
he recently joined Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Sepulchre.

"If there was a fire inside the church near the door, people inside
would have no way of escaping," he said.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is backing his call for an emergency exit
to be constructed.

In the mid-1990s, the three Christian communities failed to reach
agreement on an emergency exit to cope with the large surge in
pilgrims expected for the millennium.

"RADIO VAN" DOES NOT BOYCOTT BUT PROTESTS THE DECISION OF MTC

Yerevan, January 12. ArmInfo. Radio Van does not boycott but protests
against the "order of Andranik Manoukyan, Minister of Transport and
Communication, which contradicts 9 Law on ‘Legal Acts’. The law says
that means, volumes and order of tax and other obligatory payments, of
physical and legal entities, should be determined only by law",
Shoushanik Arevshatyan, Director of the "Radio Van" told ArmInfo
today.

She said that new costs were determined only in the end of 2006. As
per 42 Article of Armenian Constitution, laws and other legal acts
worsening legal status of an entity do not have the reversed
power. "Annual payment for broadcasting wasn’t increased from 600 thnd
AMD to 900 thnd AMD. It varies from former to the latter",
Ms. Arevshatyan said.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES A DELEGATION FROM
THE CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES

His Holiness Aram I received a delegation representing the Conference of
European Churches (CEC) on January 9. The delegation included Reverend Jean
Arnold de Clermont, President of the CEC, the conference’s General
Secretary, the Venerable Colin Williams. It also included Very Reverend
Margarethe Isberg, Deputy Vice-President of CEC, His Eminence Metropolitan
Gonnadios of Sassima and Reverend Arlington Trotman, Moderator of the
Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe. Senior officials from the
Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), including General Secretary Gerges
Saleh accompanied the CEC delegation.

Immediately after arriving in Lebanon, the delegation met with the Pontiff
with the aim of developing cooperation between the CEC and the MECC. The
Armenian Catholicos had made a proposal a year ago for a fruitful and a
mutually beneficial cooperation between the two bodies. During the meeting
he delved more into his proposal, giving further explanations about the
process he has in mind.

His Holiness also presented his interpretations of recent regional and
international political developments, based in particular on the situations
in the Middle East and Lebanon. He emphasized the need to broaden the
Christian-Muslim dialogue and talked about the work achieved in this field
so far.

##
View the photo here:
******
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

January 10, 2007

PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

*CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS*
*IN THE WESTERN DIOCESE*

On *January 1, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
accompanied by members of the clergy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St.
Peter Armenian Apostolic Church – Youth Center in Glendale.

Following church services, the Primate conducted home visitations of
families who have recently lost a beloved one and families who have been
chosen by their respective pastors. The Primate has established this
tradition of visiting families whenever he is celebrating church services in
their area.

On *January 3, 2007,* His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
visited the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. Fr. Zaven Margossian celebrated the
Divine Liturgy. The Primate with the members of the clergy visited the
residents of the Home offering their prayers and blessings during the
Christmas Season.

On Christmas Eve, *January 5, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian celebrated the Holy Nativity Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory
Armenian Church in Pasadena, The Primate was assisted at the altar by Pastor
Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian.

A special highlight of the church services was the presentation, by the
Primate, of the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal and Pontifical Encyclical,
bestowed upon Mrs. Doris Sarkisian by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian read
the Pontifical Encyclical from His Holiness Karekin 11, in recognition of
her dedicated service and devotion to the Armenian Apostolic Church. In his
remarks, the Primate commended Mrs. Sarkisian for her selfless service to
the Armenian Church and the Western Diocese for over 50 years. He
congratulated both Doris and Greg Sarkisian and the members of their family
on this auspicious occasion, wishing them long life, happiness, and
continued success.

Following church services, Doris and Greg Sarkisian hosted a gala reception
and dinner for their family and friends at St. Gregory Calusdian-Dunians
Hall. The joyous atmosphere and expressions of love continued throughout the
evening. Pastor Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, in his remarks stated that there was
a "shine" about Doris and Greg Sarkisian, referring to their silver plating
business and the "shine" which they continue to reflect in their daily
lives.

Joan Meymarian, Chair of the Ladies Society, stated that Doris has served
with great distinction as a member of the Ladies Society, Parish Council,
Diocesan Delegate, Diocesan Ladies Auxiliary and Ladies Society Central
Council. Silva Katchiguian, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Council,
read a congratulatory letter commending Doris for her contributions and
commitment to her church, culture and heritage.

On *January 6, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated
Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank. The Blessing of
the Water Ceremony was conducted by the Primate and members of the clergy.
Present at the morning services were Ecumenical and religious leaders and
government officials.

The Ecumenical and religious leaders included:

· The Very Rev. Fr. Alexei Smith, representing His Eminence Cardinal
Roger Mahoney

· Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, representing the Episcopal Archdiocese
of
Los Angeles and the Right Rev. Bishop Jon J. Bruno

· Rev. Fr. John Capallero, Pastor of St. Michael and All Angeles
Episcopal Church of Studio City

· Rev. Fr. Rick Byrum, Pastor, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of
Alhambra

· Rev. Albert Cohen, Southern California Ecumenical Council

· Rev. Sally Welch, The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

· Rev. David Berkadal, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

· Rev. Edie Gause, Transitional Synod Executive of So. California
and
Hawaii for the Presbyterian Church of America

· Brother Shakeel Syed, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California

· Mr. Jay Johnson, Director of Public Affairs in Southern
Californiafor the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The following government officials were also present:

· His Excellency Valeri Mgrdoumyan, Ambassador for the Republic of
Armenia to Brazil

· His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General for the Republic of
Armenia in Los Angeles

· Mr. Haroutiun Kojoian, Consul for the Republic of Armenia in Los
Angeles

· The Honorable Leroy Baca, Sheriff of the County of Los Angeles

· The Honorable Paul Krikorian, California Assemblyman, 43rd District

· Mr. Tevan Aroustamian, Deputy Sheiff, County of Los Angeles

· Mr. Whitt Proudy, Candidate for Burbank City Council

At the conclusion of the services a Khatchkar, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Misak
Nazarian, was consecrated in memory of their beloved son Alfred.

A small reception was held in the Primate’s Office on this occasion.

On the evening of *January 6, 2007, *to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity
and the

Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
invited the faithful of the Diocese to a reception to celebrate the Glorious
Birth of our Savior. Approximately 800 members of the Armenian community
filled the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor
Dickranian Complex on this special occasion.* *It was especially gratifying
to see entire families, with their young children, enjoying the evening and
participating in the celebration of the birth of Christ.
**

* *The evening’s program began with the traditional House Blessing Ceremony
conducted by the Primate and assisted by the clergy from the Los Angelesarea..
In his remarks the Primate stated, "Tonight’s celebration is spiritually
rejuvenating. We celebrate the birth of Christ in our hearts and souls. With
Him and in Him we are graced with the renewal of life. Truly Christmas is
the greatest gift from God. The son of God descends from heaven into our
hearts and transforms our inner life and spirituality. We take courage to
change our way of life to continue in our journey towards God. Therefore,
the blessed birth of Christ our Lord is the call for a spiritual journey
towards God in the service of humanity. The celebration of the birth of
Christ should be reflected in our God given lives, in our personal lives, in
our relation-ships with one another, and in our commitment to serve one
another."

Following remarks by the Primate, His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul
General for the Republic of Armenia to Los Angeles, extended his
felicitations and best wishes. Present also on this occasion were
Assemblyman Paul Krikorian, representing California’s 43rd District and
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, representing California’s 44th District.

Guests enjoyed entertainment by the Little Angels Choral group from St.
Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys. The choral group, conducted by Sevag
Derderian, beautifully sang traditional Christmas Carols in Armenian. The
Paragamutuin Dance Ensemble comprised of young boys and girls enchanted the
audience with their performance. The fabulous dance routines were
choreographed and directed by Lucine Kevorkian.

The Zartonk Musical Band, accompanied by singer Armen Hovhanesian, performed
their wonderful music throughout the evening to the enjoyment of the guests.

Archbishop Derderian expressed his thanks and deep appreciation to Mr. and
Mrs. Haroutiun Aga Sarkisian for donating the bountiful and elaborate buffet
in honor of their parents the late Arakel Aga Sarkisian and Mrs. Shake Aga
Sarkisian.

The Primate expressed his gratitude and pride in the members of the Ladies
Auxiliary for arranging and planning the evening’s festivities. Again, as
in previous years, the Ladies Societies of the churches in the Los
Angelesarea of the Western Diocese, prepared the elaborate desserts
beautifully
presented throughout the hall. Guests indulged their sweet tooth with an
overwhelming selection of pastries created to delight the palate of even the
most discriminating gourmands.

A highlight of the evening was a special gift prepared by the members of
the Ladies Auxiliary containing the necessary items for a Home Blessing. In
keeping with tradition, Armenian homes are blessed within the forty days
following Christmas and Easter. The

Ceremony performed this evening is a symbolic blessing of the homes of those
attending the festivities. During the ceremony bread, water and salt were
presented to the Primate along with members of the clergy for the blessing.
The gift included a nishkar, salt, candle, charcoal, incense, a beautiful
handmade cross, and prayerbook – all previously blessed by the Primate –
for each guest to take home. Many of the guests generously gave a donation
as they received the packet.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, on the evening of *January 6, 2007
*, continued the festivities of Christmas by visiting the California
Armenians Christmas Celebration at the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. The
Primate made special remarks emphasizing the significance of Christmas and
maintaining the Armenian traditions in our Diaspora life.

On Christmas Day, *January 6, 2007*, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V.
Yardemian, representing the Primate, presided over the Christmas celebration
at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena. The church services were
particularly significant since this was the last Divine Liturgy for
Archpriest Dr. Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian as pastor of St. Gregory, Pasadena.
During church services, Fr. Dajad read a letter of appreciation from the
Primate to Dr. Fr. Arzoumanian commending him for his dedicated and devoted
service as Pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church.

On this occasion, Fr. Dajad informed the faithful of the Primate’s
assignment of the new Pastor for St. Gregory Armenian Church, the Very Rev.
Fr. Baret Yeretzian.

With the special arrangements of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,

Primate, Christmas services were celebrated on *January 7, 2007* in the
following areas.

The Primate celebrated Christmas Badarak at St. Gregory Armenian Church in
Fowler, followed by a reception.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian celebrated Christmas Badarak at
St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, followed by a reception.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz.V. Yardemian celebrated Christmas Badarak at St.
Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, followed by a reception.

Fr. Baret Yeretzian celebrated Christmas Badarak in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian celebrated Christmas Badarak in Salt Lake
City, Utah. He also celebrated Christmas Badarak s in Santa Clarita on
January 6, 2007

Rev. Fr. Mampre Kesabyan celebrated Christmas Badarak in Victorville. He
also celebrated Christmas Badarak in Whittier on January 6, 2007

Archpriest Fr. Shahe Altounian celebrated Christmas Badarak at Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church in Reedley.

Christmas celebrations were held in all parishes throughout the Western
Diocese by their respective Pastors.

DIOCESE OFFICE

ERDOGHAN: IRAQ HAS MORE PRIORITY FOR TURKEY THAN EU TALKS

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.01.2007 19:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Currently Iraq has more priority for Turkey than
entry talks with the European Union, stated Turkish prime minister
Rejep Tayyep Erdoghan.

In his words, the international community should take joint efforts
to ensure stability in Iraq. "2007 will be significant for Iraq. The
possible split of this country is fraught with serious consequences
for regional security. Currently some 650 000 people have died in
Iraq. At the same time the coalition forces have lost not more than
5000 men," he stressed.

The head of Turkish government accused the Iraqi authorities of bad
governance. "Today’s administration of Iraq is not better of the
previous. Every day streets of this country become bloody rivers. We
are afraid that Saddam’s execution and spreading the scenes of
his death penalty in the world can result in isolation of Iraq and
the Arabic world, as well as in emerging of tendency to blood feud
among ethnic communities. It is necessary to prevent blood feud,"
Erdoghan said.

In his words, in the North of Iraq, populated with Kurds, where
soon a referendum will be held on the region’s future, rapidly is
changing the demographic structure. "Already today we must warn that
we are not going to remain as exterior observers of changes in Kirkuk
demographic structure. Turkey stands for assuring political unity,
territorial integrity of Iraq, providing stability, non-admission of
clashes on ethnic grounds, establishing control on oil sources by the
central administration, as well as guaranteeing peaceful co-existence
of Sunnis and Shiahs and protection of legal rights of Turkmen. Turkey
will carry out a balanced policy towards Iraq," Erdoghan underlined,
RIA ‘Novosti’ reports.

NAGORNO KARABAKH REGIME READY TO HAND OVER CAPTURED AZERBAIJANI SOLDIER ELDENIZ NURIYEV

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 10 2006

Separatist Nagorno Karabakh regime declared that they are ready to
hand over Azerbaijani soldier Eldeniz Nuriyev that was captured on
December 31, APA reports quoting to Pan ARMENIAN.

The information released by State cCmmittee for war prisoners, hostage
and missing says that the commission has appealed to International
Committee Red Cross Nagorno Karabakh office and asked to take measures
for handing over captured Azerbaijani soldier. The officers of the
committee had visited the soldier for several times.

It should be noted that Eldeniz Nuriyev born in 1976 was drafted in
Aghsu Military Registration Department. He was captured on December
31 in the territory of Fuzuli region. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry
declared that the soldier got lost.

OSKANYAN: ARMENIA INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATION IN TRANS-CASPIAN GAS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Jan 9 2007

YEREVAN, January 9. /ARKA/. Armenia is interested in participation
in Trans-Caspian gas pipeline construction, Armenian Foreign Minster
Vardan Oskanyan said Tuesday at a press conference in Yerevan.

"Armenia would like to take part in the construction and negotiations
over the matter are under way now. However, they produced no results
so far", he said.

The minister said Armenia should make all possible efforts not to
be left on sidelines, since participation in the project will enable
the country to diversify its energy system.

The project is estimated to cost $2.5bln to 3bln. The
two-thousand-kilometer gas pipeline will start from Turkmenistan
and cross Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The pipeline final
destination is planned to be Turkey’s city of Erzrum. The United States
and European Union are interested in the pipeline construction.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: January 3, 2006

Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR ESTABLISHES HAROUTIOUN KASPARIAN ENDOWMENT FUND

-New Endowment Fund Will Serve To Engage Armenian American Youth on Hai Tahd
Issues

Glendale, CA — The Armenian National Committee of America — Western Region
(ANCA-WR) recently announced the establishment of an endowment fund in the
name of the late Haroutioun Kasparian of Los Angeles. The endowment fund
will be used to educate Armenian American youth on issues related to the
Armenian Cause. The endowment fund will amount to $50,000 when it is fully
funded.

Haroutioun Kasparian, a lifelong supporter of the ANCA-WR, passed away on
June 23, 2006. Among his memoirs, Kasparian wrote the following of his
passion for the Armenian Church and the Armenian Cause: "I would like to
convey, after my passing, that you [the Armenian people] must love the
Armenian Church because it is the Armenian Nation. And the nation has an
obligation to work for Hai-Tahd [the Armenian Cause] which is both our
national pride and obligation."

"Haroutioun Kasparian was an Armenian American patriot," remarked ANCA-WR
Chairman Raffi Hamparian. "He and his family have in the past and will
remain model ANC activists, always ready to lend a hand to advance the
Armenian Cause and participate in the miracle of American democracy. I will
forever miss Haroutioun and know that his endowment fund will make sure that
a new generation of Armenian Americans picks up the torch he held high for
decades," Hamparian added.

Haroutioun Kasparian was born on April 23, 1930 in Athens, Greece. Born of
parents who had survived the Armenian Genocide, Kasparian lost his father at
a young age and began working to support his family at the ripe age of
eleven. In 1946 his family moved to Soviet Armenia, where he lived for 22
years. During his time in Armenia he continued his education and fell in
love with and married Elizabeth Papazian. The couple had two children, a
daughter Arsho and a son, Vram. Due to the hardships of living in Soviet
Armenia, Kasparian fled the country in 1968 after a decade of attempting to
emigrate to the United States. Arriving in America, Kasparian quickly found
employment and began a remarkably successful career in business.

Kasparian was an active member of the Armenian Church, a fervent supporter
of Homenetmen and a staunch patron of the Alex Pilibos School in Hollywood.
He was a deacon and among the first contributors to St. Garabed Armenian
Church in Hollywood. His wife Elizabeth has been a strong supporter of the
Armenian Relief Society "Mayr" Chapter. His son Vram was among the first
Homenetmen scouts in the Los Angeles area and his daughter Arsho has been a
consistent supporter of Alex Pilibos. In all ways, Haroutioun Kasparian was
proud of his Armenian heritage and was especially proud of young Armenian
Americans who supported the work of the ANCA and other worthwhile Armenian
causes. The ANCA-WR Haroutioun Kasparian Endowment will forever honor this
special Armenian American.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots
political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of
the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

#####

Turkish Premier Visits Beirut For Talks

German Press Agency, Germany
Jan 3 2007

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Beirut on
Wednesday for a one-day visit to Lebanon during which he was to meet
with senior officials including embattled Prime Minister Fouad Seniora
and Damascus-backed President Emile Lahoud, officials said.

The Turkish premier was also scheduled to visit Turkish troops serving
with the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon later Wednesday.

Erdogan first met with Seniora and was later scheduled to meet Lahoud
as well as parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri and parliamentary majority
leader Saad Hariri during his one-day visit to the country.

"Turkey is working towards achieving peace and stability in the
Middle East region," a member of the Turkish delegation told Deutsche
Press-agentur, dpa.

Erdogan had last month visited Iran and Syria, the two main allies
of Lebanon’s Hezbollah-led opposition which is currently engaged in
a political standoff with the pro-Western government. A Lebanese
government source said that Erdogan sought to help Lebanon out of
its political deadlock.

Hezbollah has been since December 1 leading a mass sit-in in central
Beirut which is aimed at toppling Seniora’s government.

Erdogan’s visit to the country has however drawn criticism from the
Armenian community in Lebanon over Turkey’s refusal to recognize the
mass killings of Armenians from 1915 and 1917 as genocide

Some 100 Lebanese of Armenian heritage were seen demonstrating
Wednesday morning near Beirut airport. Leaders of the Armenian
political parties, Ramgafar, Hanshak and Tashnak, also expressed
their objections to Erdogan’s talks in Lebanon.

The parties pointed out that "Armenians all over the world are still
demanding that Turkey acknowledge the Armenian genocide, present
compensations to the people and restore their rights."

Turkey in October assigned 261 soldiers to the United Nations Interim
Force in southern Lebanon to help reconstruction following the summer
2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.