Author: Vardanian Garo

The New Anatolian, Turkey
June 21 2005

German realism vs. Turkish naivete
View: Huseyin Bagci

Yes, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan is very disappointed with the
decision of the German Parliament concerning the so-called Armenian
genocide. Yes, the Turkish public is very disappointed also. But does
this change anything? The German Parliament was giving the signal
three months ago when European Union members from Eastern Europe
accepted the “genocide” in their parliaments, as some German
opposition Christian Democrat politicians were using the opportunity
to carry it also to the German Parliament. Indeed, German Chancellor
Gerhard Schroeder was successful in diverting the debate to other
directions before he came to Ankara just at the beginning of May with
a greatbusiness army of 600 investors. Germany was the last
stronghold in this respect that Turkey should not lose. However,
first the early elections decision and now the ever-stronger
Christian Democrats applied such pressure that neither Schroeder nor
Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer could defend Turkey anymore. In
other words, German realpolitik made it imperative that the
Parliament accept the decision without even debating it! So
naturally!

The Turkish disappointment does not count for very much. Germany is
aware that Turks need Germany, and Germany can decide what is right
for Germany, but not what is right for Turkey. Understandable. What
is not understandable is how Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan could fall
into the German trap! Erdogan was really hit very badly by this
decision. It will have a huge domestic political impact. Than, after
Cyprus, now also the Armenian issue became a political defeat for
him. His good brother and friend Schroeder, as the German press
called it “man-to-man on the Bosphorus,” is damaged. Everyone knew
that Prime Minister Erdogan was so sure that Germany would protect
him against the other EU countries, and Germany is the advocate for
the Turkish cause in EU matters. Such a naivete by Erdogan? Yes,
Erdogan was naive. But politics is no place for naivete. For this you
should know European history and the European mind. How it is
functioning and how it is responding requires another expertise. The
accusation of Erdogan’s that this decision of Germany is ethically
not right, this is true, but who cares about ethics in international
politics since September 11?

The public reactions towards the German decision last Friday, like
the protest in front of the German Embassy in Ankara or the
demonstration in Berlin, as experience shows will not change
anything. The reason for that is that Germany is in trouble and
French and German politics must go hand in hand. Even French
President Chirac turned his back on Turkey, Germany’s shift is just a
normal one. What is at stake is the future of Europe, not Turkey. The
summit in Brussels last week showed how Turkey will be gradually
excluded. It is understandable that the EU will not do anything until
2013 and the negotiations will start formally this October.

Why has Germany taken this decision, and what does it means for the
future? First of all, this decision is damaging Turkish-German
relations. The trust in German politicians will be questionable.
After the Christian Democrats come to power, it is expected that
relations will be further determined not in political terms but in
political and defense terms. Turkish politics is in a “exclusion
period” from now on, and the Armenian diaspora will score more
victories in other EU and non-EU countries. The German decision will
certainly encourage some other countries. Germany is changing history
with this decision. At least that they are partly responsible for the
events of 1915-16 is nothing new. The German word “Volkermord” is
something which is difficult to translate and understand for Turks.
Yes, Germany is finishing the legend of “Turkish-German brothers in
arms” from World War 1. It was never truly accepted by the Germans,
but accepted one-sidedly by the Turks.

Yes, there is an ignorance by the EU countries of Turkish history,
and once again the Turks are “guilty” in the eyes of many EU
countries.

Many will not accept it but with this decision of Germany, Turkish-EU
relations will be never be healthy again. The reason is, one can
foresee it, that the so-called “Armenian genocide” will become a
political sine quo non when the day comes that Turkey should join the
EU. The Cyprus issue is the best example. The EU is acting unjustly
towards Turkey on the Cyprus issue and will continue to do so, and
the Turks only blame the EU for having double standards. As our
saying goes, “Good morning after supper!” (Why did this take you so
long?)

Turkish political parties are losing their enthusiasm for the EU.
They will get more and more anti-EU tendencies. The opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP) is the latest example of this, and
definitely others will follow. Who is the loser? Surely the Justice
and Development (AK) Party government. Both the prime minister and
foreign minister find it very difficult to tell winner here. The
second step will be a privileged partnership debate. Turkish-German
relations will move into a much tenser period. This is Germany’s
decision, not Turkey’s. They know what is realpolitik, while the
Turks on the other side still try to convince the world that ethics
is important in politics. Again, only Turks can be so naive

Edicom, Suisse
20 Juin 2005

Législatives au Haut-Karabakh: les partis pro-gouvernementaux
remportent la majorité

EREVAN (AP) – Les partis pro-gouvernementaux ont récolté la majorité
des sièges lors des législatives qui se sont déroulées dimanche dans
l’enclave arménienne du Haut-Karabakh en Azerbaïdjan qui a proclamé
son indépendance selon les résultats annoncés lundi par la commission
électorale.
Le Parti démocrate de l’Artsakh, principale formation qui soutient le
gouvernement du président Arkadi Goukassian, a obtenu 12 des 33
sièges de l’assemblée et le parti «Patrie libre», autre formation
pro-gouvernementale, en a gagné dix, selon le chef de la commission
Sergueï Nassibian.
Quelque 90.000 électeurs étaient appelés aux urnes dimanche pour ces
législatives. La participation a atteint plus de 73%. AP

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GENOCIDES

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
20 June 05

Stated the foreign minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanian in his speech
on the Armenian Genocide at the House of Lords. On June 15th the
minister of foreign affairs of Armenia Vardan Oskanian, who was in the
UK on an official visit, took part in the international conference on
genocides at the House of Lords, organized by the British – Armenian
Friendship Group. The press centre of the State Committee on the 90th
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide informed that the foreign
minister of Armenia invited as the main spokesman of the conference
arrived in London in the evening of June 14th from Peking where he was
on an official visit. The conference was opened by the chairman of the
friendship group Baroness Caroline Cox and the ambassador of Armenia
to the United Kingdom Vaheh Gabrielian. The foreign minister of
Armenia presented a report. The former Canadian parliamentarian, chief
advisor to the prime minister of Canada Sarkis Assadourian, the head
of the French – Armenian friendship group of the National Assembly of
France Francois Rochebloine, the executive director of the Beth Shalom
Holocaust Commemoration Fund James Smith addressed the conference as
well. The topic of the conference was the issues of prevention and
condemnation of genocide which is still a threat for the humanity, as
well as the unacceptability of the Turkish policy of denial. The issue
of the Armenian Genocide was also discussed in the context of Turkey’s
membership to the European Union. It was mentioned that Turkey has to
recognize it and set up normal relationships with Yerevan before
that. According to the same source, V. Oskanan pointed out the
contradiction between the actions and words of the Turkish government.

On the one hand, it tries to look like an advocate of reconciliation,
on the other hand, criminalizes the term `genocide’, forbids public
discussions on this topic and claims that the British government
should re-write the history by the diplomat James Brice and the
historian Arnold Toynbee. Nevertheless, the foreign minister of
Armenia expressed the commitment of Armenia to reconciliation and
establishment of normal relationships with Turkey without any
preconditions. Among the participants of the conference there were
British politicians, representatives of the local authorities, foreign
guests, diplomats, representatives of the university, British and
foreign press. A similar event was held in 2000, in the year of the
85th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. After the conference dinner
was given at the House of Lords. In the afternoon the British –
Armenian parliamentary group extended a formal request with 3000
signatures to the British Parliament to recognize the Armenian
Genocide perpetrated in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 and promote the
Turkish – Armenian reconciliation. On the same day Anglican and
Apostolic mess was held at Westminster Abbey, in St. Margaret Church
to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. At the
mess were present Minister Oskanian, Ambassador Gabrielian, Baroness
Cox, Duke Shannon, the founder of the British – Armenian friendship
group, Member of Parliament Paddy Tipping, one of the authoritative
members of the Labour Party, Abbot Rice, clergymen, foreign guests,
representatives of the Armenian community. The events in London were
organized with the support of the Armenian General Benevolent Union
and owing to the efforts of the honorary secretary of the British –
Armenian Friendship Group Odette Basil. On the same evening Minister
Oskanian left for Brussels to present the Individual Partnership
Action Plan at the meeting of NATO. On June 18th the minister left for
Paris to meet with the minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan
E. Mamedyarov. The meeting was organized by OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs.

CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN.
20-06-2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ARMENIA
Aygestan 8th str, h5
Yerevan-070
Armenia
Contact :

Zaruhi Tonapetyan
Resource Development Coordinator for HFH Armenia
(374 10)556-114
[email protected]
Cell (404) 242-8804
Cell (310) 430-3527
[email protected] [email protected]

Armenian Church forges ties with Habitat for Humanity; Armenian
delegation joins the Jimmy Carter Work Project

Head of the Armenian Orthodox Church, the Catholicos, to meet President
Carter in Michigan; His Holiness to announce plans to help combat
poverty housing with Habitat for Humanity

DETROIT, Mich. (June 17) – On Tuesday, June 21, Habitat for Humanity
and the Armenian Church will announce details of a new partnership
to combat poverty housing both in the United States and worldwide.

The announcement, at a 10:30 a.m., press conference at the Masco
Corp. headquarters at 21001 Van Born Road, Taylor, Michigan, comes
on the heels of a breakfast hosted by Masco Corp. to honor the head
of the Armenian church: The Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of
All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II. The Primates of the Eastern
and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of America and Canada,
a representative from the office of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm,
the Armenian ambassador to the United States, and a delegation from
Habitat for Humanity-Armenia also will attend the breakfast.

The goal of the partnership between Habitat and the Armenian Church is
to provide homes to 100 families over the next three years, primarily
in Armenia, but also throughout the world. Since it was established
in 2000, Habitat in Armenia has built homes for 600 people in need.

“We are delighted about our blossoming friendship with the Armenian
Church,” said Rick Beech, director of church relations for Habitat
for Humanity International. “The relationship is evolving into a
partnership that will not only strengthen community ties but also
enable us to serve more families in need.”

Masco Corp. is a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity,
locally and around the globe, including in Armenia. The Catholicos’
visit takes place during the 22nd annual Jimmy Carter Work Project,
a blitz build in which President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn,
and thousands of volunteers will complete 230 homes by June 24 in the
host cities of Benton Harbor and Detroit, and in more than 60 other
communities in the region as well as in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Volunteers from more than 50 churches will sponsor and build more
than 40 homes.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is
an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty
housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th
house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes
they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest
mortgages.

Pro-Armenian former Russian mediator heats up tensions

AzerNews
16 June 05

Tensions rose after the former Russian intermediary on the Upper
Garabagh conflict, largely seen in Azerbaijan as a pro-Armenian
diplomat, visited Baku last week.

Former Russian co-chair of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group Vladimir
Kazimirov’s attending a seminar on the geo-strategic importance of
Azerbaijan in

Baku infuriated the participating representatives of the radical
Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO).

The pressure group deputy chairman Firudin Mammadov demanded that
Kazimirov leave the seminar and the country, as he does not recognize
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“Kazimirov has always acted on Armenians’ behest and his participation
at the event sparked protests among those driven out of Garabagh and
all Azerbaijanis.”

The GLO members walked out of the conference room after their demands
to oust the Russian diplomat were not met.

Former state foreign policy advisor Vafa Guluzada tried to ease
the tensions. He noted that he was one of the people who regularly
criticized Kazimirov.

“You know that I have always adhered to a radical position toward
Russia and Kazimirov. But we need him at the seminar so that we can
say what we think and have him convey this to others.”

Guluzada also said that Kazimirov is an independent political analyst
and may express any opinion.

Kazimirov said in his statement that Azerbaijan and Armenia should
adhere to peace, as resumption of hostilities over Upper Garabagh,
along with human casualties and destruction, would negatively affect
the economic and democratic development of the two countries.

“If Azerbaijan launches military action, it will suffer major loss.

First of all, the future of the ongoing regional projects will be
questioned. On the other hand, Baku will miss the chance of taking
advantage of its lucrative geo-strategic position. Moreover, all
international organizations will condemn Azerbaijan and it may further
face sanctions.”

Kazimirov claimed that ‘the frequent ceasefire breaches on frontline
are aimed at achieving the international community’s pressure on
Armenia’. He noted that the ‘adventurous statements’ concerning the
launch of military operations cause a reaction from Armenia as well,
which diminishes ways of settling the Garabagh conflict.

The former Russian diplomat also said that Azerbaijan ‘should guarantee
security of Armenians and assure them that it won’t launch a war’.

“Despite the ceasefire that was reached 10 years ago, Azerbaijan has
not guaranteed so far that it won’t launch hostilities.”

Kazimirov refuted the statements that Russia is trying to freeze the
Upper Garabagh conflict. “On the contrary, Moscow is trying to break
the ice,” he said.

MP Asim Mollazada said that the seminar organizers have taken a
‘smart step’ by inviting Kazimirov to Azerbaijan. “It is good that
you are attending the seminar. I would like you to know that no one
in Azerbaijan will accept the occupation of lands,” he emphasized.

The President’s Office socio-political department representative Fuad
Akhundov said commenting on Kazimirov’s statement that Azerbaijan is
not getting ready for war.

Azerbaijan’s military spending and rampant economic growth will allow
settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, said.

“The fantastic economic development will facilitate settling the
conflict. Rising military expenses will increase as well. Armenia
will not be able withstand this and will concede to official Baku.”

Akhundov added that the country’s military spending will exceed the
entire state budget of Armenia in a few years, creating favorable
conditions for the conflict resolution. He also recalled that ‘US
ex-President Ronald Reagan made the former USSR collapse without
shooting a single bullet.’ The presidential administration official
said that there are forces trying to affect the situation inside
Azerbaijan. He noted that the Azerbaijani President is supported by 77%
[according to a recent poll] of the population but said the government
ready to negotiate with those discontent with his activity.

“We are ready to negotiate with the rest of the people but we do not
accept speaking on ultimatum terms.”

Chairman of Yurddash Party, MP Mais Safarli has suggested that
the country pass a law banning visits by ‘undesirable’ people to
Azerbaijan.

“Visits by undesirable people, such as Kazimirov should be prevented.

But this is currently not regulated by the legislation. I will raise
the issue at the next session of the parliament.”

Safarli said that inviting Kazimirov to the country was aimed at
subversion.

“Everything could happen at the event he attended. He could have been
beaten, killed or thrown out of the window.”

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website;
June 16, 2005
************************************************

HIS HOLINESS PAYS PONTIFICAL VISIT TO SACRAMENTO MEETING WITH
GOVERNOR AND STATE OFFICIAL

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, accompanied by
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Dajad
Dz. V. Yardemian, paid a visit to the Capital city of Sacramento on
June 15, 2005. Also present was Pastor of St. James Armenian Church
Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian.

His Holiness arrived at the Governor’s office at 11:00 accompanied by
his entourage. Over the course of one hour the Catholicos met with
several city officials including Senator Chuck Poochigian.

At 12:00 noon a reception took place in the Governor’s State Room in
honor of His Holiness with the presence of state legislators and
congressional officers. Senator Poochigian introduced His Holiness to
the officials, saying that the Pontiff, the 132nd Catholicos of All
Armenians, was visiting from Armenia and the centuries old center of
the Armenian Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Several Senators were present at the reception, including Jackie
Speier, Charles Poochigian, Joe Simitian, Jack Scott, Dave Cox,
Elaine Alquist, Dick Ackerman, Abel Maldonado, Richard Alarcon, Bob
Margett, and Roy Ashburn.

Assembly Members in attendance were Greg Aghazarian, Carol Liu, Dave
Jones, Jackie Goldberg, Cindy Montanez, Audra Strickland, Alan
Nakanishi, Betty Karnet (Chief of Staff Attended), Jerome Horten,
William Emmerson, Bonnie Garcia, Mimi Walters, and Rick Keene.
Representing the Office of the Governor were Lisa Kalustian and John
Kaboteck.

His Holiness meets with Governor: At 4:30 p.m. His Holiness Karekin
II, accompanied by the Primate and members of his entourage had a
private meeting with California State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Governor extended a warm welcome to His Holiness on the occasion
of his visit to the Capital city of California and wished him well on
his spiritual mission. The meeting was a historic and memorable one,
with a warm atmosphere.

* * *

MICHIGAN TO WELCOME CATHOLICOS NEXT WEEK

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, will be welcomed in Detroit next week, following his
month-long visit to the parishes of the Western Diocese. Our
Primate, His Eminence4 Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, will accompany His
Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.

In Detroit, the Catholicos will lead a hrashapar service at the St.
John Church at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday (6/21), before attending a
reception and dinner with parish council members. On Wednesday (6/22)
the Catholicos; Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese; and Detroit community leader Richard Manoogian will meet
with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and work on a home through
the Habitat for Humanity project.

* * *

MR. & MRS. SOUREN AND LILY ADJEMIAN BENEFACTORS OF THE CANARM DIOCESE

It is with great joy and gratitude that we announce to the faithful
of our Church in Canada, that Mr. & Mrs. Souren and Lili Adjemian
from Toronto, longtime benefactors and well-known philanthropists,
have donated generously towards the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church
Canadian Diocese general fund. Last week, the Adjemian family donated
$25,000 to the Diocese.

After the election of Bishop Galstanian as primate of the Diocese Mr.
& Mrs. Adjemian contributed on many levels towards the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin, the Gevorgian and Vazgenian Theological Seminaries
as well as building projects of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Canada. The Adjemian family is a great supporter of the Canadian
Diocese and the Holy Trinity Armenian school of Toronto. Since June
2003, the Adjemian family has donated over $75.000.

On behalf of the Primate His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian,
Diocesan Council, the Clergy and faithful we thank the beloved
benefactor of our Church and ask the Almighty God to grant Mr. & Mrs.
Souren and Lily Adjemian good-health and many blessings.

* * *

DIOCESAN COUNCIL TELECONFERENCE

On Thursday, June 23 2005 at 7:30pm the Diocesan Council of the
Armenian Church of Canada will hold its regularly scheduled
teleconference meeting. Diocesan council members from Ontario and
Quebec provinces will participate in the consultations presided by
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.

The Diocesan Council will review a number of new proposals and
studies pertaining to various parishes as well as the youth of the
Diocese. Special consideration will be given to the future projects
of Holy Cross (Laval) and St Vartan (Mississauga) Churches.

* * *

JUNIOR CHOIR SINGS AT ST. VARTAN, MISSISSAUGA

The angelic voices of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church Junior
Choir of Toronto sang at the last Badarak before summer break for St.
Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church faithful, Sunday, June 5. The 30
boys and girls traveled by bus with their Choirmaster Lena
Beylerian.

Mrs. Beylerian has been leading the Junior Choir since 1999. Karin
Simonian, daughter of St. Vartan Parish Council Chairman Vartegez
Simonian, is the sole Mississauga member of the choir. The children
sang soprano-alto and included solos.

The church was filled with more than 100 faithful. Following his
sermon, Very Rev. Fr. Hayrik Hovhannisyan blessed the parish’s five
high school graduates and presented them each with a Bible to give
them guidance as they continue their education. Grade 12 graduates
Steven Beler, Danny Hanna, Nairi Kazazian, Lara Sevadjian and Taline
Shalvardjian were wished success in their future.

Members of St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, Oakville, had also been
invited to attend this service. St. Vartan rents St. Cuthbert’s
facilities for its Badaraks. Regular Sunday Badaraks will resume in
September for St. Vartan parishioners.

* * *

YEGMALIAN ARMENIAN BADARAK CDs

Zohrab & Yester Sarkissian the brother and sister of late Catholicos
of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin I, have sponsored the
publication of Yegmalian Armenian Mass. The CD has been published in
memory of Vehamayr Ovsanna Sarkissian.

The Yegmalian Badarak is performed by Holy Etchmiadzin Chorus in
Armenian conducted by Khoren Mekhanejian accompanied on the organ by
Levon Abrahamian. The Soloists are Loussineh Zakarian, Nora
Melkonian, Hovhannes Bastajian, Constantine Simonian and Dickran
Jamgochian.

Upon the wish of Sarkissian family and directive of His Eminence
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the pastors of the Armenian Church Canadian
Diocese parishes will give a copy of the CD to a newly baptized
child.

* * *

ST. VARTAN SUMMER DAY CAMP JULY 11-15

For the third summer in a row, St. Vartan Armenian Church is running
a summer day camp for children four to eight years old.

Under the guidance of Mississauga’s Very Rev. Fr. Hayrik
Hovhannisyan, the camp will offer five days of activities with an
Armenian theme at Fogolar’s Country Club in Oakville.

The children will be able to swim every day in the pool, sing songs,
learn prayers, do crafts and play games. Youth, 12 and older and
parents are invited to volunteer at the camp. For more information or
to volunteer, contact Christine Ermarkaryan at 905-825-5299

* * *

JOIN THE DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP “AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER”

We are pleased to offer this wonderful overnight camp, August 8 – 13,
2005 at Echo Lake, Frontenac County (approximately 50 km NW of
Kingston, Ontario.) This is a Christian-based facility consisting of
several acres of wooded property, together with sandy beach for
relaxing and swimming, a fireside area overlooking the lake and
sports fields.

Come enjoy our overnight summer youth program (open to children 8 to
14 years old), consisting of land and water sports activities, arts
and crafts, music and religious education, and wonderful snacks and
home cooked meals prepared by our In-house Chef. Our new Counselor in
Training (CIT) program provides an opportunity for young adults
(15-17 years old) to develop leadership skills and friendships in the
context of Christian camping. Our capable, trained staff of
counselors and staff are sure to make the children’s experience a
safe, fun and memorable one.

The vision of Camp Ararat is one day to have our own camp facility,
where the children of our Diocese from across Canada can come
together and not only create everlasting friendships with one
another, but also where they can strengthen the bonds with the
Armenian Apostolic Church, which is an integral part of their culture
and heritage. This same facility would serve as a central location to
be used for various other Diocesan projects and activities. Come join
us in realizing our vision and making it a reality. The future of our
people lies in the eyes and hearts of our children. Let’s make it
happen.

* * *

PILGRIMAGES TO THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN AND MOTHERLAND
ARMENIA

To commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and
celebrate the 1600th Anniversary of the invention of the Armenian
Alphabet; the Diocese of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church of
Canada, under the auspices of the Primate His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian is organizing Pilgrimages to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and Motherland Armenia through the year 2005.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, TORONTO: Has planned a unique pilgrimage to
Armenia and Artzakh, to take place from July 3-19.

With deep spiritual joy and gratitude to Almighty God, we inform our
faithful that by the initiative of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian and the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians Ordination of 8 young Armenians from the Toronto
Armenian Church Parish will take place in the Cathedral of the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadin on Sunday, July 17 2005.

Rev. Archpriest Fr Zareh Zargarian, Pastor, will lead the group of
pilgrims. The eight sub deacons are Mher Torossian (18), Van Vanes
(18), Darius Gumushjian (19), Haykaz Mirzoian (21), Arin
Khachadourian (16), Ari Boyaji (19), Saro Sahakian (18), Mardiros
Davitian (18).

For more information on this please contact the Holy Trinity Armenian
Church of Toronto at: 416 – 431-3001.

CYMA, BUILDING OUR FUTURE: The 12th mission of the Canadian Youth
Mission to Armenia is rapidly approaching! Departure date is July 9,
2005 with return date of August 9, 2005.

This year’s mission will be the Renovation of the Christian Education
Center in the Diocese of Armavir. The participation fee ($2,300.00)
includes accommodation (room and board) for the entire duration of
the trip as well as excursions including a 3-day trip to Kharabagh, a
first for CYMA participants!

For more info, please call: V. Rev. Fr. Ararat Kaltakjian, Director
(514) 276-9479 [email protected], [email protected] . Talar
Chichmanian, Chairperson, (514) 745-6456, [email protected] .

ECUMENICAL PILGRIMAGE: By the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II
Catholicos of All Armenians, a high ranking delegation of the Church
Leaders of Canada will participate in an unprecedented Ecumenical
Pilgrimage to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Motherland Armenia
and Nagorno Karabagh.

The ecumenical pilgrimage will take place starting August the 24th
till September the 1st. Members of the high ranking ecclesiastical
delegation include: His Eminence Archbishop Andrew Hutchison
(Primate of the Anglican National Church of Canada), His Eminence
Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios (Greek Orthodox Metropolis of
Canada), His Eminence Archbishop Brendan O’Brien (President of the
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops), Dr. Richard Schneider
(President of the Canadian Council of Churches).

SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL, MONTREAL: Has also planned a
pilgrimage to Motherland Armenia. Reverend Father Vazgen Boyajyan,
will lead the group of pilgrims to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. The pilgrims will receive the blessing of His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. They will be touring the
Churches, Monasteries and historical sights of our Motherland.

The pilgrimage will take place from August 30 to September 15, 2005.
For further information please call the Church Office at
514-276-9479.

* * * * * * * * *

Toronto immigrants’ tale gains acclaim
by Susan Walker, Toronto Star

The Toronto Star
June 17, 2005 Friday

Nothing says you can’t move an audience with a dramatic story –
and raise some social issues while you’re doing it – in 17 minutes.

Hogtown Blues, a short film made as a graduating project by York
University film students Hugh Gibson and Carl Elster, has made its way
into 10 film festivals, from Whistler to Bilbao, since it premiered
last year at the Toronto film festival.

A strong entry in the Canadian competition at the Worldwide Short Film
Festival, Hogtown Blues screens tonight at 9: 30 at Innis College. Akin
to the story of the ugly side of immigrant life revealed in Stephen
Frears’ Dirty Pretty Things, the script originated with Gibson’s
admiration for a 1949 French film, Le Sang des betes, about conditions
in a slaughterhouse.

One bit of research led to another. Gibson found out that Toronto was
dubbed Hogtown because of the many stockyards where immigrants found
work. Developments in Russia, where Chechnyian rebels had just taken
hostages in a Moscow theatre, made him think of the lives of Russian
immigrants in Toronto and the baggage they might bring with them.

His male character is a hard-drinking Russian brute who steals from
his mates in a meatpacking plant and calls his daughter a “whore”
for consorting with a Muslim man.

“I’m interested in the juncture where documentary and fiction meet,”
says Gibson, who got searing performances out of actors Vladimir
Radian and Araxi Arslanian. Arslanian is the daughter Katsia, a
nurse in her native country. She cleans toilets and is caring for
her severely ill son Ivan, played by 11-year-old Mitch Daniels.

“I was interested in what was going on in Russia and Chechnya, and
how this family had been affected by that war,” he says. “There’s a
lot of different subject matter packed into the movie.”

The filmmakers got a lucky break when casting director Jenny Lewis,
a York University alumna, agreed to send their script around.
Arslanian, who was developing her own one-woman play and would later
earn a Dora nomination for her performance in it, has an Armenian
background. Radian is Romanian-born. Both were taken by the script,
says Elster, who was both producer and cinematographer on the short.
“Araxi had to learn to speak Russian phonetically for the film.”

Shooting in donated space in an apartment building near Broadview
and Danforth Aves., Elster adopted the hand-held style of Lars von
Trier’s cinematographer on Breaking the Waves.

The students raised financing and favours to the tune of $10,000
to make the film, but marketing and appearances at festivals added
$5,000 to their budget.

Since opening at the Toronto festival, Hogtown Blues has screened
at the Montreal World Film Festival, the Palm Springs International
Festival of Short Films, and at fests in Edmonton, Austin, Whistler,
Sudbury and San Jose, Calif. Last month it won an audience award in
Bilbao and, this month, the short screens in the Netherlands.

All this exposure has made some valuable contacts for the filmmakers.
They are now negotiating with a distributor who wants to sell their
film overseas, where broadcasters are friendlier to the idea of airing
short films.

GRAPHIC: Vladimir Radian is searing as Alexi in Hogtown Blues.

Zaman Online, Turkey
June 14 2005

Armenian Bill About to be Submitted to US House
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Tuesday 14, 2005
zaman.com

The so-called Armenian genocide bill that the Armenian lobby in the
US has been working on for a long time will be submitted to the US
House of Representatives during this month.

One of the prominent names in the Lobby group, Democrat Party
California Representative Adam Schiff has reported the new bill will
be presented to the House of Representatives within the next two weeks.

The new draft will be similar to the one that was turned down
five years ago as a result of a tremendous pressure by the Clinton
administration, Armenian sources informed. It will suggest a full
recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide by the House of
Representatives.

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 12 2005

Armenian FM: US Should Be More Active

Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan urged the United States
(US) to become more involved in settling his country’s dispute with
Turkey, especially in persuading Turkey to reopen its border and
resume normal trade with its landlocked northern neighbor. Turkey was
one of the first states which recognized independent Armenia. However
when Armenian forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories
and claimed territories from Turkey, Ankara closed the territorial
borders while the air traffic has been free between Yerevan and
Istanbul.

“The United States is active in this, but we would like to see them
more engaged,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said Friday
after a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “I
believe the United States can be more assertive on the border matter.
Not other matters, but on the border.”

However Turkey urged the Armenians to withdraw from Azerbaijan. The
OSCE, the EU and the US named Armenian forces `occupier’ and
Azerbaijan is the only European country which 20 percent of its
territories are under occupation by another European state.

Ankara called Yerevan to set a joint commission to discuss the
disputes yet Yerevan rejected. Dr. Sedat Laciner from ISRO says
`Erdogan Government is really sincere in restoring relations with
Armenia.’:

`However Armenia has many pre-conditions. In fact the side in need is
Armenia. Armenia needs Turkey than Turkey needs Armenia. Both sides
can solve their problems if the Armenian diaspora does not involve
the problems. Armenia should be integrated into rest of the region.
Azerbaijani and Kazakh oil and gas will bring wealth to the region.
Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan are getting integrated. Similarly the
trade volume between Turkey and Russia is rocketing. Armenia should
also join the rapid development. Otherwise the fate of the second
Armenian State will be similar to the first one. Armenians and Turks
should make anything possible to survive Armenian State. If we cannot
survive Armenia, the Armenian nation will become more diaspora. In
another word, more radical and incurable.’

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
June 12 2005

Turkish Minister Postpones Swiss Visit in Protest

ANKARA – Turkish State Minister Kursat Tuzmen postponed an official
visit to Switzerland to protest against a Swiss investigation into a
Turkish historian, Yusuf Halacoglu, who denied the so-called Armenian
genocide claims, officials said late Thursday. In Switzerland no one
can defend a pro-Turkish approach on Armenian issue.

Tuzmen had been scheduled to take part in a June 22-24 Turkish-Swiss
business forum. But his visit and the conference were “indefinitely
postponed” because of an ongoing Swiss criminal probe into Halacoglu,
the head of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK), officials in
Tuzmen’s office said.

The probe was launched because of suspicions that Halacoglu had
violatedSwiss ‘anti-racism laws’ by denying the so-called Armenian
genocide claims in a speech last year.

Turkish the Anatolia news agency said a visit by Swiss Economy
Minister Joseph Deiss to Turkey, scheduled for September, has also
been postponed. Turkish officials could not immediately confirm the
report.

Manuel Sager, spokesman for the Swiss Economy Ministry, said that
Deiss would like to travel to Turkey as planned, but “the trip has
yet to be confirmed from the Turkish side.”

Tuzmen’s postponement is the latest row between Turkey and
Switzerland over the Armenian “genocide” claims.

Micheline Calmy-Rey, the Swiss foreign minister, had been scheduled
to travel to Turkey in 2003, but Turkey withdrew its invitation after
the Parliament of a western Swiss canton (state) recognized the
so-called Armenian genocide claims that March.

The Armenians claim that the Ottomans committed a genocide against
Armenians in 1915, and modern Turkey has to recognise it. However
Turkey has never accepted the allegations. Hundred and thousands of
Turks and Armenian died during the Armenian riot. Moder than 523,000
Turkish Ottoman citizens were massacred by the Armenian gangs.
Similarly many Armenians died in the ethnic clashes. Many more died
due to the war curcumstances. The Armenian diaspora never used the
term ‘genocide’ till 1965. However after the 1965 demonstrations,
Armenian groups started anti-Turkish campaigns in the Western
countries.

There is a strong Armenian diaspora in Switzerland and it manipulates
the Swiss politics towards Turkey.