Who now remembers the Roma?

Romano Vod’i, Czech Republic
Jan 27 2005

Who now remembers the Roma?
Brussels, 27. 1. 2005, 15:10 (Valeriu Nicolae, ERIO)

Roma Holocaust remains largely unknown and ignored by mass media and
political elites.Accordingly, ERIO thinks widespread Anti-Gypsyism/
Romaphobia continues to be also played down despite numerous reports
of the European and International Institutions.

Who now remembers the Armenians?’-Adolph Hitler before launching what
was meant to be the total annihilation of European Jewry.

`In the case of the Jews there are not merely a few criminals but all
of Jewry rose from criminal roots, and in its very nature is
criminal. The Jews are no people like other people but a
pseudo-people welded together by hereditary criminality…The
annihilation of Jewry is no loss to humanity but just as useful as
capital punishment or protective custody against other criminals’ –
Joseph Gobbels 1944

It is the day of remembering the Holocaust and, as usual, there is
little or no talk about the Roma Holocaust in the European media. The
European Parliament passed a resolution on Holocaust and racism,
which includes no specific reference to the Roma Holocaust or the
rampant anti-Gypsyism in Europe.
A researcher into the Roma Holocaust thinks Gobbels’ discourse with a
small change, the replacement of the word `Jews’ with `Gypsies’ would
be as popular as it was 60 years ago, now, in a Europe struggling
with strong but paradoxically still ignored anti-Gypsyism.

http://www.romea.cz/english/index.php?id=servis/z_en_2005_0017

Natural gas operator does not plan price rise for 2005

ArmenPress
Jan 25 2005

NATURAL GAS OPERATOR DOES NOT PLAN PRICE RISE FOR 2005

YEREVAN, JANUARY 25, ARMENPRESS: Hayrusgazard natural gas operator
has dismissed rumours that it may raise the price of natural gas in
2005. The Russian-Armenian company, which is the sole supplier of
Russian gas to Armenia, has sent its 2005-2007 investment program to
Public Utilities Regulating Commission to seek its approval.
The company plans to invest more than 22 billion drams in three
years and wants to end the full gasification of the country in 2007.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union Armenia had 450,000 gas
consumers. Hayrusgard’s ambitious plans envisage to surpass this
number.
Last year 1.330 billion cubic meters of gas were shipped to
Armenia from Russia, in 2005 some 1.680 billion cubic meters are
expected to be delivered. In 1991 Armenia imported more than 6
billion cubic meters of gas.

Minister links ousting of Armenians from Turkey with Holocaust

Minister links ousting of Armenians from Turkey with Holocaust

Mediamax news agency
25 Jan 05

YEREVAN

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan has said that “Hitler linked
the Armenians with the Jews forever”.

The Armenian foreign minister said this speaking at a special session
of the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 January devoted to the
60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi death camps in Oswiecim.

“Hitler linked the Armenians with the Jews forever. ‘Who after all
remembers the extermination of the Armenians?’ Adolph Hitler said a
few days before the invasion of Poland. Hitler’s cynical mentioning of
the Armenians could be noticed in the Holocaust Memorial in Washington
since it stresses the key role of a third party in preventing
genocide,” Vardan Oskanyan said.

“What we are marking today became possible because Soviet troops
entered Oswiecim 60 years ago. I am here today because 90 years ago
Arabs gave asylum to deported Armenians [from Turkey],” the Armenian
foreign minister said.

BAKU: President starts official visit to Iran

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Jan 24 2005

President starts official visit to Iran

Baku, January 24, AssA-Irada

President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tehran on Monday on the invitation
of his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Khatami.
In his meeting with Aliyev, Khatami said Iranian media and public are
closely following the visit. The Azerbaijani President, in turn, gave
a high assessment to the Azerbaijan-Iran relations and voiced
confidence that the documents to be signed will be beneficial.
President Aliyev told a press conference following the meeting that
Azerbaijan continues cooperating with Iran in all areas, including
politics, economics and the humanitarian field. He said that
bilateral relations are rapidly developing and the current level of
ties meets the two countries’ interests. Aliyev also pointed out that
there is a potential to further strengthen the ties in an efficient
manner.Touching upon the Garabagh conflict, Khatami said Iran
supports Azerbaijan’s stance.
`Our position is clear and Iran is one of the very few countries that
support Azerbaijan’s position on the issue. We support a conflict
resolution not by force but through talks and diplomacy.’
Khatami said Iran is ready to cooperate with the conflicting sides in
resolving the Garabagh problem.
Asked why Iran has expressed a firm position on the Palestine issue
but not on the Garabagh problem, Khatami said he condemns all steps
aimed at occupation.
`Israel has completely occupied the Palestine territory. However,
unlike Israel, Armenia has not occupied such a large portion of
Azerbaijan’ land.’
Following the press conference, Aliyev had a broad meeting with
Khatami, and then met with Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi.
On Tuesday, President Aliyev is expected to meet with the chairmen of
the Iranian Islamic Council Assembly Haddad Adil and of the state
advisory council Alakbar Hashimi Rafsanjani, as well as Iran’s
spiritual leader Seyid Ali Khamnei. Aliyev will also visit the
`Khodro’ mechanical engineering plant, the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeyni
and the Azerbaijani embassy in Iran.
On Wednesday, the President will hold another meeting with Khatami to
be followed by signing of about 10 documents.
A $1 million grant, to be allocated by Iran under these documents,
will be spent on building the Shahtakhti-Poldashti bridge over the
Araz River in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Iran also plans to allot $4 million in loans for the construction of
the Astara-Baku highway.
President Aliyev will wrap up his visit to Iran after visiting
Azerbaijan’s Chief Consulate in Tabriz.*

Armenian-Greek school of tourism to be set up in Armenia

Athens News Agency
January 19, 2005

ARMENIAN-GREEK SCHOOL OF TOURISM TO BE SET UP IN ARMENIA

Greece will assit Armenia in setting up a Tourism Professions School,
the first such school in the country aimed to significant boost the
Armenia’s efforts to develop its tourism sector

Armenian authorities have recommended that the school be named
Armenia-Greek School of Tourism Professions and to include a lesson
on Greek language as well

The issue was discussed during a visit by a delegation of the Greek
tourism ministry in Armenia. The programme includes an action plan
for the creation and operation of the school, its integration to the
country’s educational system, supplying basic laboratory equipment
and a vocational training programme.

Armenian patriarch, Pope dedicate statue at St. Peter’s

Catholic World News
Jan 20 2005

Armenian patriarch, Pope dedicate statue at St. Peter’s

Vatican, Jan. 19 (CWNews.com) – Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX, the head
of the Armenian Catholic Church, was in Rome on January 19 for the
installation of a statute of St. Gregory the Illuminator–the
“Apostle of Armenia”–outside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope John Paul blessed the statue prior to his weekly public
audience. During that audience the Pontiff called attention to the
presence of the Armenian Catholic patriarch and several other
Armenian bishops who had accompanied him.

OBSE Directors will visit Stepanakert

OBSE Directors will visit Stepanakert

A1+
19-01-2005

OBSE directors of the Minsk Group will visit Baku on January
28th. They will be in Yerevan on January 30th, then will continue on
to Stepanakert on February 1st. As ambassador, Russian co-director
Yuri Merslyakov informed the Regnum agency that the co-directors will
be accompanied by the acting director’s personal representative, Anjey
Kaspshik.

They will organize an investigation of Azerbaijani land in order to
find out how many Armenians are living there.

The Russian representative has commented positively on the meeting of
Armenia and Azerbaijan’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which took
place in Praha on January 11. According to Merzlyakov, it is important
to begin negotiations. The latter has mentioned that in spite of
previous meetings, details prevailed during this meeting, and that the
parties had begun to discuss more specific issues. Also important is
that Armenia’s agreement about the visit will allow for the revision
of UN’s agenda regarding the question about the situation of areas
taken by Azerbaijan. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Valery Loschinin stated the other day that Baku has removed
this question from the agenda of UN.

US Emb. starts American studies winter institute workshop

ArmenPress
Jan 19 2005

US EMBASSY STARTS AMERICAN STUDIES WINTER INSTITUTE WORKSHOP

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS: The United States Embassy in
Armenia has started today a week-long “American Studies Winter
Institute” workshop in Adigas Resort House, in Tsakhkadzor. This is
the first time the Embassy has organized this workshop, which will
feature in-depth seminars about American society, culture and
institutions. The program is initiated and implemented by the Public
Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Armenia.
The program is designed as a week-long faculty level seminar for a
university professors and secondary school teachers. The purpose of
the Institute is to provide the participants with a deeper
understanding of the United States, its government, people, and
history – in order to strengthen their curricula and improve the
accuracy of what is taught about the U.S. in Armenia’s schools and
universities. The program will offer a broad overview of the United
States in the context of American studies and its constituent
disciplines through an integrated series of lectures, readings,
interactive discussions, and some activities.
Open recruitment was conducted by the Public Affairs Section and
selection was based on merit. In total, 29 educators will attend the
program, with all expenses covered by the Embassy.

St. James celebrates name day

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:

January 18, 2005
___________________

PRIMATE BLESSES NEW CROSS FOR WATERTOWN PARISH

To mark its name day this past month, the parishioners at the St. James
Church of Watertown, MA, gave the church a gift: a new cross to sit atop
the edifice.

In a sanctuary filled to capacity, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), consecrated
a new exterior Armenian cross following his celebration of the Divine
Liturgy on December 19, 2004.

Brothers Peter Babigian, Thomas Babigian, and K. Vasken Babigian, who
donated the new cross — joined by their wives Gloria, Linda, and
Christina — served as the godfathers of the cross during the
traditional Armenian service of blessing. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, the
parish pastor, first cleansed the cross by wiping it with water and then
wine, before the Primate consecrated it with holy oil (muron). The day
was an exciting, historical, and emotional one for the parishioners of
the church.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the new cross,
parishioners and friends celebrated the parish’s 73rd anniversary during
St. James Church’s annual Name Day Banquet, organized by Jacob and
Audrey Pilibosian.

The highlight of the banquet was bestowing the title “2004 St. James
Parishioner of the Year” on Harry G. Adamian. Wendy Adamian Avedisian,
Denise Adamian Oldham, and the former pastor of St. James, Fr. Dajad
Davidian, reflected on Harry’s life of service to his parish. Dr.
Gregory Adamian offered moving remarks about his brother and his
commitment to his family, his Armenian heritage, and the Armenian
Church. All present gave Harry applause in appreciation for his
dedication and, likewise, showed their appreciation with his wife Diana
for her continued love, support and encouragement.

Harry expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on him and shared
memories of his years at St. James and what the church has meant to him
and his family.

“You are a role model for all generations to follow. You are a true
example of Christian stewardship, and of what it means to serve God,”
Fr. Aljalian said to the honoree.

— 1/18/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrates the Divine
Liturgy at the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, on December 19, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor at the St. James Church,
washes the newly donated cross for the parish’s roof during a
consecration ceremony.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian consecrates a new exterior
cross with Muron during the Name Day celebration at the St. James Church
in Watertown, MA.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Babigians — Peter, Thomas, and K. Vasken — who
donated the new cross to the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, served
as godparents during the cross’ consecration on December 19, 2004.

www.armenianchurch.org
www.armenianchurch.org.

Astrological forecasts: the leaders of the CIS countries

Kommersant, Russia
Jan 17 2005

ASTROLOGICAL FORECASTS

The Leaders of the Countries of the CIS

No horoscope was prepared for the president of Ukraine, since his
identity was not known at press time.

Askar Akaev This leader is not interested in flashy appearances, but
he has great internal strength at his command. Water is the dominant
element in his chart. The conjunction of the Sun and Mars in Scorpio
characterizes him as outwardly unaggressive but capable of decisive
and harsh defense. Autumn will be the most difficult time for
Scorpions in 2005. For Akaev, that will be the first days of
September, the end of October, and then January 2006 again.
Nonetheless, nothing should seriously threaten the Kyrgyz leader’s
authority.

Ilkham Aliev He can be characterized as a somewhat harsh and
conservative person, but highly law-abiding. He has not only his Sun
in Capricorn, but Mercury and Saturn as well. Because of the position
of the Moon, he may do more than he wants. He has high energy in
general. It is possible that the Azerbaijani president will
experience an increased interest in women (due to the position of
Venus). Psychological and legal problems are most likely to occur in
July.

Vladimir Voronin The elements of earth and air and expressed in the
horoscope of this politician. Therefore, he makes decisions, or tries
to at least, governed by logic and not emotion. Nonetheless, because
of his birth just before the New Moon, his mind can sometimes betray
him and he can unwittingly be party to the successes of dark forces.
He can hardly be called free of conflicts. In 2005, the planets are
for the most part harmonious in Voronin’s chart. Therefore, he may be
able to achieve success and strengthen his position. Complications
(not necessarily political) are possible in the last days of
February, and in September and October. In Moldova itself,
complications are possible in April.

Islam Karimov Here we see the democratic Aquarius contradictorily
place against the old waning Moon. The conjunction of Mars and Saturn
can hinder this politician. When he needs to act decisively, he is
slow; and when he needs to obey the law, he resorts to violence. In
addition, he is liable to external contradictions. In 2005, the
Uzbekistani leader may have difficulties beginning in the middle of
August and meet with the most complex situations at the end of
October and in November.

Robert Kocharyan His horoscope is practically evenly divided between
harmonious and conflicting aspects. It lacks a certain finality.
Therefore, he needs appropriate partners. He is an analyst and makes
decision only after analyzing all the information. He is capable of
firmness and bravery. The strong presence of Mercury, Venus and Mars
in his horoscope vouches for this. Changes in his fate may take place
in April and September-October, under the influence of eclipses.
Those changes may be for the better or worse. Comparing the charts of
Aliev and Kocharyan, the very harshest aspects can be seen that
threaten direct conflict, as well as aspects that allow the two
presidents to understand each other, if they choose to.

Aleksandr Lukashenko The Belarusian and Armenian presidents were born
only one day apart, and without knowing the exact times of birth,
their charts come out with very similar characteristics. Here we
again see an analytical mind, a comprehension of aesthetics, firmness
of purpose and defense of one’s own interests. Legal problems and
issues of status may occur for Lukashenko in April, at the end of
summer and beginning of fall. In addition, Lukashenko may become
aggressive or come into danger in February.

Nursultan Nazabaev Only harmonious and creative aspects are to be
seen in the Kazakh leader’s chart. Problems avoid him. A New Moon
characterizes him as a rather progressive person who is oriented
towards things new. There is the emotionality of water in his chart,
the vigor of fire and the practicality of earth in his chart, but the
democracy of air is missing. In 2005, Nazarbaev will have to cope
with various problems. At the end of July and in August, his plans
for action may be legally blocked. The middle of November will be a
hard time for him.

Saparmurat Niyazov Usually the Aquarius loves freedom. But here we
see four planets in the element fire and three planets in earth. That
is the reason why the Turkmen leader is not more democratic, even by
the standards of the former Soviet Union. There are no eclipse or any
other aspects in Niyazov’s horoscope for most of the year, so there
is no reason to think that he will lead his country toward admission
to the European Union this year either. Things will remain unchanged,
although some sort of cataclysms may be possible in November.

Emomali Rakhmonov His horoscope is reminiscent of Putin’s. There is a
difference of only two days. For most of the year, Jupiter will be in
Libra, which is favorable for the Tajikistani leader, just as it is
for the Russian. His sphere of influence may broaden and his
authority increase. Complications arise only in fall, in September
and October. The eclipse of the Sun on October 3 will bring
substantial changes in the politician’s life.

Mikhail Saakashvili The young Georgian president’s chart is harsh.
His knows how to fight and to achieve his goals. His emotions can
draw him into conflicts. The general energy of the planets in his
chart is not very high. But he is fully capable of facing the
difficulties that stand before him in 2005. The most difficult months
for him will be April, August and November. If he makes it through
those dangerous periods, Georgia will not be threatened with
adversity.