Author: Vanyan Gary

ARMENIAN, CHINESE PRESIDENTS EXCHANGE GREETINGS IN CONNECTIONS WITH 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Arka News Agency, Armenia
April 9 2007

YEREVAN, April 9. /ARKA/. Presidents of Armenia and China exchanged
greetings in connection with the 15th anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between the countries, the press service of
the Armenian Government reported.

The Armenian President Robert Kocharian pointed out in his message
that China is one of the first countries to recognize Armenia’s
independence. He emphasized the importance of expanding and developing
the friendly relations with China. He expressed confidence that further
development of cooperation between the two countries will contribute
to well-being of the two peoples.

The greeting message of Chinese President Hu Jintao says that over
the 15 years the relations between Armenia and China have experienced
stable development, and mutual trust has been strengthening. He also
pointed out that development of cooperation comes from life interests
of the two people.

ARMENIA SIGNS UN CONVENTION FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF DISABLED PEOPLE

ARMENPRESS
Apr 06 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenia’s Permanent Representative to
the UN Armen Martirosian on behalf of the Republic of Armenia signed
the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights
and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, Armenian labor and social
affairs ministry said.

Armenia has become the 81st nation to sign this Convention and the
third former Soviet nation, after Moldova and Lithuania, to do so.

The purpose of this Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the
full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their
inherent dignity.

Two Armenian girls with disabilities, Zara Batoyan and Ani Hovhanesian,
representing the Bridge of Hope non-governmental organization,
traveled to New York to participate in the ceremony.

ARMENIAN LOBBY SEEKS ‘GENOCIDE’ RECOGNITION IN UK
Suleyman Kurt Ankara

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
April 3 2007

Support for a motion at the British House of Commons calling on the
government to recognize claims of an Armenian genocide at the hands of
the late Ottoman Empire has been steadily growing, adding to worries
in Ankara over worldwide efforts of the Armenian diaspora to win
international recognition for allegations that it categorically denies.

The number of MPs having signed an "Early Day Motion," or EDM, has
reached 100 in the 646-member House of Commons, British parliamentary
records showed. The motion, EDM 357, was tabled on Nov. 29 and first
signed by Conservative Party Member of Parliament Bob Spink.

Turkey denies Armenian charges that up to 1.5 million Armenians
were killed in a systematic genocide campaign at the hands of the
late Ottoman Empire during the World War I years, and said there were
killings on both sides as the Ottoman Empire was trying to quell civil
unrest caused by Armenian revolts in collaboration with the invading
Russian army in hope of claiming part of eastern Anatolia.

Ankara is concerned over prospects for passage of a resolution in the
US Congress that calls on the administration to recognize the alleged
genocide and plans of the German presidency of the EU to introduce
EU-wide measures against the denial of genocide and crimes against
humanity have increased worries.

The EDM in question reads: "That this House believes that the killing
of over a million Armenians in 1915 was an act of genocide; calls
upon the UK Government to recognize it as such; and believes that it
would be in Turkey’s long-term interests to do the same."

An EDM is tabled usually for the purpose of calling for a debate on
a particular subject and, since there is rarely time to debate them,
the practical purpose of an EDM is considered to enable MPs to draw
attention to an issue and ensure other MPs support it. Diplomatic
sources say they have been following developments on this front and
share their perspectives with British officials and parliamentary
members at every chance possible. These sources note that there
is not much of a chance that Britain will officially recognize the
Armenian claims.

Ankara has been satisfied to learn that government sources reiterated
to parliament members that there was insufficient evidence to mandate
the official recognition of genocide claims. In addition, the motion
cannot be turned directly into parliamentary decisions. Armenian
circles in Britain, though, maintain the collection of MPs’ signatures
will be enough to keep the subject on the British political agenda.

Similar sources note that the collection of signatures sped up in the
wake of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink’s murder and that the
Armenian lobby has been using Dink’s murder as a way of increasing
support.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.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 THE "SHADOW GOVERNMENT"

The "Shadow Government" of Lebanese university students and university
graduates visited His Holiness Aram I in Antelias on March 31.

The group bearing this symbolic name was envisaged by former Member of
Parliament, the martyr Jebran Tueini and formed after his assassination. The
group driven by their high sense of responsibility as Lebanese citizens,
have decided to contribute to the difficult task of ending the conflict in
Lebanon.

The role of the "Shadow Government" is to meet with the leaders of all the
Lebanese communities and the country’s political leaders, inviting them to
carry out their jobs in running the country responsibly.

The Armenian Pontiff highly praised this initiative by the Lebanese youth.
Speaking about the situation in Lebanon, His Holiness said: "The prevailing
duality in Lebanon is unacceptable and harmful for the country. This
situation can not go on, however, the people are unfortunately not
demonstrating the necessary awareness. It is therefore, the role of the
youth to call on political leaders to assume their responsibility."

His Holiness highlighted the important role of Lebanon, particularly in
the Middle East and stressed the importance of preserving its unity and
uniqueness. "Lebanon is a country based on values and principles. Foreign
forces are disturbing Lebanon’s internal stability and unity. Cooperation
with others does not mean subjugation, does not mean loyalty," he said.

The Armenian Catholicos then called on the Lebanese people to think
independently and said: "Lebanon should hold on strong to its independence
and unity. Differences in viewpoints should not divide the Lebanese or
position them against each other. The concepts of majority and minority in
Lebanon should not be abused and transformed into a dividing factor. We
should find means of expressing, in tangible ways, the internal unity of the
Lebanese people."

##
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 history and
the mission 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.

Hilda Tchoboyan: Turkey’s policy towards Christian minorities unchanged over
200 years
Editorial

Yerkir.am
April 01, 2007

Following Armenian National Committee of America the European Armenian
Federation (EAFJD) is considered as one of the most influential
lobbying Armenian organizations. The `Hay Dat’ European Committee
struggles not only for Armenian Genocide recognition, but also for
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict proceeding from the right
of NKR people to self-determination. EAFJD Chairman Hilda Tchoboyan
answers the questions of PanARMENIAN.Net.

Judging from media Turkey activated his struggle against recognition
of the Armenian Genocide not only in the United States, but also in
Europe. What does Turkey fear so much? The problem of recognizing the
Armenian Genocide is within Turkey himself, in the Turkish society. If
this country recognizes the Armenian Genocide it will cease to exist
as a state. The whole world will look at Turkey as a state, which
committed a genocide and which is a threat for neighboring countries
and first of all for Armenia. Much is talked about that the current
Turkish authorities are not responsible for what happened at the
beginning of the 20th century, that the Armenian Genocide must be left
for historians to discuss. But it is a wrong viewpoint. The `Hay Dat’
Committees are sure that modern Turkey is the successor of the Ottoman
Empire since the closest circle of republic’s founder Kemal
Atatürk were those who are guilty in extermination of the
Armenian nation. And exactly for this Turkey is responsible for the
Genocide. In fact, Turkey’s policy towards national minorities is
unchangeable over 200 years.

Can the `Hay Dat’ European Office influence on recognition of the
Armenian Genocide in all European countries, particularly in Germany?
As you know, exactly Germany is the initiator of adopting a bill on
criminal punishment for denying all genocides, but there is no mention
in the document about the Armenian Genocide. We are going to insist on
the inclusion of the Armenian Genocide in it. The European Committee
actively cooperates in this issue, we have 12 committees, where
representatives of various nationalities are included and our goal is
recognition and prevention of genocides. I’ll underline that in this
case the problem is not with Germany, which is for adoption of this
law, but in the general mood in EU countries. Hearings are scheduled
for May 19 in the European Parliament, and if the bill is approved it
will mean that it is compulsory for all EU member-states after
bringing it in accordance with national legislation of every
country. The `Hay Dat’ Committees must carry out a work aimed at
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by parliaments of various
countries. If it happens, as a result the Armenian Genocide will be
recognized by the international community. The Armenian Genocide was
the first in the 20th century but for some reasons the attention of
the world community is concentrated on the Holocaust¦ Not the world
community, but Jews themselves are sure in it. They consider
themselves as a nation chosen by God and state that nobody but
themselves has undergone extermination. It is an ultimately wrong
introduction of problem. Jewish communities of Europe have begun to
approach to this understanding. They excellently realize that if an
estimation was given to the Armenian Genocide in due time, the
Holocaust may happen, but not in such scales.

It is considered that the `Hay Dat’ Committees are busy only with the
Armenian Genocide issue. Is it so? `Hay Dat’ is busy with
pan-Armenian national problems, among which the problem of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict occupies a particular place. If you remember, some
years ago reports of the Council of Europe (CoE) on the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict were ultimately one-sided, the Azeri viewpoint
prevailed there. By the efforts of the European Office, particularly
works in the CoE structures we could reach our goal and now reports
carry more balanced character. Particularly, earlier they used to
talk only about Azeri refugees. After our statements and explanations
reports began to include also situation with Armenian refugees from
Azerbaijan and occupied districts of Nagorno Karabakh. We think that
we must speak about everyone. And the fact that Baku holds his
refugees in tent villages for more than 15 years does not do him
credits.

How did the Diaspora reacted to the Dual citizenship law? The
Diaspora waited for the law of Dual Citizenship in Armenia a long
time. When Armenia’s independence was declared a lot of us hoped that
the Armenia government will recognize us as his own
citizens. Unfortunately it did not happen. The Diaspora was very
upset. And now we got moral satisfaction, we have a motherland where
we can come and do everything possible for her prosperity. It is
natural the fear of `local’ citizens of the RA that the Diaspora will
take the power into its hands, elect the president and so on. We are
not going to do that, the law clearly indicates our rights and
obligations. I consider the adoption of this law as very important,
even if it is a bit belated step.

Panorama.am

18:46 31/03/2007

BEST ACTORS RECEIVE ARTAVAZD AWARD

Annual awards `Artavazd’ were handed to the actors of theater
yesterday on the International Day of Theater. Lilit Arzumanyan,
chair of award committee, said applications from the Armenian regions
`were very weak’ and did not comply competition requirements.

The committee decided to give `Artavazd’ big award to Galia
Novents. The performance `Take the arms!’ (I zen) has been awarded the
title of `Best Performance.’ Satenik Hakhnazaryan and Armen Marutyan
won the title of `Best Performance of a Man and a Woman.’

This is the 7th time `Artavazd’ award competition is held.

Source: Panorama.am

UNTIMELY DEATH OF PRIME MINISTER WILL STRENGTHEN FOR EVEN MORE INFLUENCE OF FOREIGN FORCES ON ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. The untimely death of RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian will strengthen for even more the influence of
foreign forces on Armenian authorities, which "will finally turn
into an instrument in the hands of both the West and Russia." The
last circumstance is fraught with extremely negative consequences for
the country. Garnik Margarian, Chairman of Homeland and Honor Party,
stated this in his interview to Noyan Tapan.

In his words, "after the death of A. Margarian who was the only person
from Armenia in the highest echelon of power, in people’s consciousness
the Karabakh clan finally seized the power in the country." Garnik
Margarian said that this circumstance can increase the precipice
between the people and the authorities for even more, the authorities
will hardly manage to get over the increasing distrust to them in the
society. "The hatred for the authorities existing among the people
cannot be restrained long, it can result in uncontrolled processes,
and the authorities should first of all think about it and not about
their posts," he stated.

As G. Margarian forecast, it cannot be excluded that the
situation within the Republican Party of Armenia itself can become
complicated. "Andranik Margarian was a buffer not only within
the power, but also within the RPA itself, as he smoothed over
contradictions both in the power and in his party," he stated.

TURKISH CULTURE MINISTER DID NOT USE WORD "ARMENIA" EVEN ONCE IN OPENING OF HOLY CROSS CHURCH

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.03.2007 15:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The restoration of the Holy Cross Church had
been sold to the world – and specifically to the US, whose House of
Representatives is about to consider a resolution labeling the Armenian
deaths genocide – as proof that Turkey wants to put things right with
the Armenians, British newspaper The Independent reports. The article
says, despite the protests of the restoration project’s Armenian
architect, a cross was ruled out – as is any immediate prospect
of this Christian church being consecrated so Armenians might,
occasionally at least, pray here again. "The church is reopening as
a museum and doesn’t need a cross. Around 22,000 Ottoman buildings
have had crescents taken off when attacked. Other countries don’t
give as much attention to that," Yusuf Halacoglu, the head of the
Turkish Historical Society, insisted.

"The Turkish crescent and a giant Ataturk hung from the front of the
church where, after a triumphal rendition of the Turkish national
anthem, the culture and tourism minister, Atilla Koc made his
address. "We protect the cultural diversity and assets of different
cultures," he proclaimed during a speech in which the word "Armenia"
was not used once," the newspaper writes. He also mentions that 29
delegates have arrived from Armenia in Van via Georgia since the
Armenian-Turkish border is closed from 1993.

Spiritual leader of Armenians of Istanbul Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan
had a speech at the ceremony and said, "It is quite a positive move
in Turkish-Armenian relations and I offer my profound thanks." The
Independent reminds the Archbishop asked Turks to allow the
church to become the site of annual pilgrimage, concluding in a
Christian ceremony, once a year. Patriarch Mutafyan reminded Levon
Ter-Petrossian, Armenia’s first president, and his search for common
ground. Mr. Ter-Petrossian wanted a monument on the countries’
border with the inscription, in Armenian and Turkish, of the words
"I’m sorry". It was never built.

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ADOPTED RESOLUTION CONDEMNING HRANT DINK’S MURDER

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.03.2007 13:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Senate Foreign Relations Committee adopted human
rights legislation, authored by the panel’s chairman and presidential
candidate, Senator Joe Biden, condemning the murder of journalist and
human rights activist Hrant Dink and calling on the Turkish government
to repeal the law, Article 301, under which he was prosecuted. The
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reports that this measure
was adopted unanimously by voice vote March 28. At the last meeting,
on March 6th, the panel, at the request of its Ranking Member Richard
Lugar, had deferred consideration of the legislation for three weeks.

Despite the efforts to cut any reference to the Armenian Genocide,
the resolution noted Dink’s persecution because of his speech on the
Genocide. The legislation condemns Hrant Dink’s murder as "a shameful
act of "democratic values, non-violence, and media freedom." It
specifically notes that he was "subjected to legal action under
Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code for referring to the 1915
massacre of Armenians as genocide." It also calls on the Turkish
government to repeal this anti-free speech law and "work diligently
to foster a more open intellectual environment." "We want to thank
Chairman Biden for his leadership in honoring Hrant Dink’s memory by
urging the Turkish government to repeal Article 301 – the law under
which he was prosecuted," ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian said.

The version of the resolution adopted on March 28 is an amended version
of the text initially introduced by Senator Biden. The original version
included a more direct reference to the Armenian Genocide and a more
pointed mention of Turkey’s responsibility for its blockade and refusal
to normalize relations with Armenia. The State Department and Turkish
government, despite their aggressive lobbying, were unsuccessful in
removing reference to the Armenian Genocide from the resolution.

Earlier ANCA Press Secretary Elizabeth Chouldjian said removing the
term "genocide" from the text of resolution is unacceptable and makes
the document senseless.

LAST FAREWELL TO RA PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARIAN

Noyan Tapan
Mar 28 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian society bade a last
farewell to RA Prime Minister, Chairman of the Republican Party of
Armenia Andranik Margarian on March 28 at A. Spendiarian National
Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. Present at the ceremony were:
RA President Robert Kocharian, Defence Minister Serge Sargsian, NA
Speaker Tigran Torosian, members of RA government, RF Minister of
Transport Igor Levitin, Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli,
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, as well as
high-ranking officials who arrived from another countries.

"The Armenian people had a great loss. We lost not only a high-ranking
official, but also a national figure. A. Margarian’s role in country’s
economic, as well as political stabilization is invaluable," NKR
Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian said.

In the words of Orinats Yerkir Party Chairman Artur Baghdasarian, A.
Margarian was a kind and tolerant person and a figure "playing the role
of ferment" in the political field. He had always distinguished himself
with his balanced conduct. We lost a good person," A. Baghdasarian
emphasized.

"He was one of country’s leaders who loved the people, worked for it
and the people loved him, too. A. Margarian was also a good Prime
Minister, a Party Chairman and a friend," Chairman of NA Committee
on State and Legal Issues Rafik Petrosian said.

In the words of Chairman of People’s Party of Armenia
Stepan Demirchian, now it is not expedient to give political
estimations. "This was a loss for the people of the whole country:
in our memory Andranik Margarian will remain as a person having
high human values who had his deserved contribution in the issue of
establishment of our independent statehood," PPA leader said.

In the words of Ararat Governor Alik Sargsian, A. Margarian stood at
the sources of our independence. "We should do our best to be able to
consolidate for even more after his death for the sake of our future,
our success," the Governor emphasized.

In the words of Executive Director of Hayastan All Armenian Fund
Naira Melkumian, Prime Minister’s death will have an impact on the
future processes, as A. Margarian played a great role in the country.

In the words of Chairman of United Labor Party Gurgen Arsenian,
"A. Margarian had a very serious influence on our history, he was
a political figure having a very serious political heritage and his
death was a great blow to the Republic of Armenia and to the Armenian
people." In his words, the values A. Margarian was fighting for will
remain our goals for us to be able to build our desired state.

In the words of MP Arshak Sadoyan, first of all the opposition suffered
a great loss, as A. Margarian with his ability to understand, to
appreciate and to consider national values as primary served as a
bridge and was able to easily settle relations with everybody.

For Chairman of National Self-Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikian A.
Margarian was one of the most important figures of national liberation
struggle.

"True, our ways were different from some stage, but it’s a pity he
will not be with us any longer," P. Hayrikian said.

"I had an honor to be acquainted with A. Margarian. He was a good
partner.

To lose him was very hard for us," Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Matthew Bryza said. And in the words of Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Arseny Yatsenyuk, though the loss of RA government head is very hard,
nevertheless, Armenia will overcome all this and Ukraine is ready to
extend a helping hand to the Armenian people.

A. Margarian was buried at Yerevan’s Komitas Park Pantheon.