Author: Zakarian Garnik

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

March 9, 2007
___________________

ACYOA BREAKS RECORDS AT EIGHTH ANNUAL YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

When Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary for the Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA), realized 75 young people would be attending
the organization’s Young Adult Leadership Conference March 2 to 4, 2007, she
was excited, because it would be a record number of attendees to the annual
gathering. But she was also worried, being told by others that bringing
that many young people together for a weekend could cause trouble.

During the conference, held at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point,
New York, she was approached by a Catholic priest, attending a different
meeting at the center. He asked her if she was with the group of
youngsters.

"I thought, ‘Oh no, here it comes. What’s the trouble,’" Basmajian said.
"And then he told me that the Armenian Church should be proud to have such
well mannered young people willing to delve into their faith and heritage so
deeply."

FOCUS ON FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

By all accounts the conference was a critical success. The 75 young people,
ranging in age from 17 to 29, represented 24 parishes. Guided by 13 clergy
and Diocesan staff, the young participants explored their personal faith,
talked about ways to strengthen the bonds between young Armenians and the
church, and gained valuable insight into how to be leaders of their local
communities.

"This weekend had a very special effect on me," said Violet Mirzoyan of the
Armenian Church of Atlanta, Georgia. "I met a lot of new Armenians, and I’m
going home with great, new ideas. I hope I can bring young Armenians
together in my parish."

The participants gathered on Friday night for an opening prayer and to be
welcomed by ACYOA Central Council Chair Greg Andonian. In introducing
themselves to each other, participants were encouraged to share memories of
how their home life intersected with their Christian faith.

The act of worship plays an integral part of every National Young Adult
Leadership Conference. Vespers services were conducted on Friday and
Saturday nights and Matins on Saturday morning. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean
of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary of New Rochelle, New York, celebrated
the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, with several participants joining him on the
altar.

In his sermon he related the conference theme of "Church and Home" to the
story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector, found in the Gospel of Luke
(19:1-10).

"Just as Jesus took the initiative to visit Zacchaeus in his home, Jesus too
wants to come into our homes," Fr. Findikyan said. "He wants to be our
guest. He wants to experience our hospitality. He doesn’t want to be
locked up in the church or in the sacraments. Your home travels with you and
is not a home until you invite Jesus in."

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited with the participants on Saturday morning.
Addressing the youth, he said he was pleased they chose to spend their
weekend at the conference worshipping, learning, and making friends. He
then answered questions of the young participants.

"You are the engine that will drive our church and our local communities for
years to come," he told the youth. "And it is encouraging to see you making
the choice to come here, to equip yourself with knowledge and a deeper
understanding of your faith. It shows that the next generation is preparing
for the challenge to lead."

Before the Primate left, he greeted each one of the participants and
presented them with a wooden cross from Armenia and a copy of "A Dictionary
of the Armenian Church," by Archbishop Malachia Ormanian.

WORKSHOPS AND LESSONS

During the weekend, participants took part in a number of sessions designed
to strengthen their faith and prepare them to lead.

"This conference helped me get back in touch with the Armenian Church after
having been away at college," said Taleen Terjanian of the St. Stepanos
Church of Elberon, New Jersely. "It helped me determine how I can still
make a difference in my parish through the ACYOA, and gave me ideas on how
to keep the youth active in their faith."

"Ten Things You Should Know about Our Liturgy," led by Fr. Findikyan
included discussion on such topics as "it’s all about love," "it’s about God
and us, not just God and me," and "it’s a matter of life and death."

In a related workshop, "Ten Things You Should Know about Scripture," Fr.
Vahan Hovhanessian, pastor of the Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, New
York, and perhaps one of the foremost Biblical scholars in the Diocese,
offered his "list" of the top ten things everyone should know about the
Bible. Participants found the session very informative and were especially
interested in how the Armenian Church interprets Scripture.

"This conference was an amazing experience that gave me a better
understanding of the Armenian Church," said Anush Djaniants, from the St.
Sarkis Church of Charlotte, North Carolina. "The lectures were full of
information that will strengthen my personal faith."

Participants also heard from several seminarians during a session titled
"Vocations: Responding to God’s Call." Justin Ajamian, Greg Andonian, Maria
Derderian, Dn. Vahe Hovsepyan, Megan Jendian, and Ryan Tellalian all shared
their personal journeys and discussed their vocational goals, which range
from entering the priesthood to serving in lay ministry. The consensus of
the panelists was that a calling is usually not a single dramatic moment but
a gradual process over time.

In a workshop titled "ACYOA: What Are We Called To Be?" Central Council Vice
Chair Ani Tovar of Dallas, Texas, Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan
Sheridan of Racine, Wisconsin, asked participants to respond to questions on
the mission of the ACYOA and to explore if the group was living up to its
mission and what participants were called to do.

During a session on "Leadership at Church and Beyond," former ACYOA Central
Council member and a current Parish Council member and Diocesan delegate
from the Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, Antranig Garibian
spoke about his experiences as a young adult parish leader and as a new
attorney. He talked about the importance of character and morality during
the college years and in the professional world.

"Stay true to yourself, serve as role models for the next generation and
share yourself, your gifts and talents with your parish and the larger
church," he told participants.

Participants also heard from Dr. Thomas Samuelian, an Armenian American who,
after receiving his doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and
a law degree from Harvard, returned to Armenia. For the past ten years he
has practiced law in Armenia and now considers the nation his home. In a
workshop titled "Home to Church via the Homeland," he spoke about the
various homeland immersion experiences available to Armenian Americans and
encouraged the participants to accept the challenge of helping strengthen
the Armenian nation. He said that the experience can restore and
reinvigorate an individual’s faith, while strengthening our local parishes
and homes.

"This conference not only taught me a lot about being an Armenian Christian
and a leader, but it gave me the opportunity to meet new Armenians and
strengthen bonds with those I already knew," said Tamar Pounardjian of the
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, Ohio.

Along with formal sessions, participants joined in a Leadership Conference
tradition by asking questions anonymously for Fr. Findikyan to answer.
Known as "hot topics," this experience helps build a deeper understanding of
our heritage and faith in the participants.

"I really learned a lot about Christianity," said Allina Choudanian of the
St. James Church of Evanston, Illinois. "Now more than ever before, I am
motivated to be more a part of the ACYOA."

EXPANDED PARTICIPATION

There is no charge for the conference, the ACYOA picks up all of the cost
except for the participants’ travel. That meant that past conferences were
open only to two people from each parish. This year, however, thanks to
additional funding made available by the Diocese, parishes were encouraged
to send as many youth as they could.

The change in availability resulted in the record number of attendees coming
to seek nurturing of their spiritual side.

"This conference does a fantastic job of adding a powerful spiritual aspect
to the lives of young people. It was truly inspiring," said Nareg
Korogluyan of the St. James Church of Evanston, Illinois.

Participating clergy included: Fr. Findikyan, who served as conference
chaplain; Fr. Yeprem Kelegian; Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian; Fr. Mikael
Devejian; Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian; Dn. Artak Khachikyan; and Dn. Vahe
Hovsepyan.

Diocesan staff who led sessions and attended the weekend included ACYOA
Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, Youth Outreach Coordinator Jennifer
Morris, and College Ministry Facilitator Julie Hoplamazian.

"This was a fantastic experience that expanded my knowledge of the Divine
Liturgy," said Margo Voskanian of the Church of the Holy Translators in
Framingham, Massachusetts. "ACYOA Sports Weekends are always fun, but these
types of gatherings are rewarding in the sense that you spend quality time
with clergy, Diocesan staff, and other young Armenians in a more intimate
setting."

— 3/9/07

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): A record number of 75 young people joined the Primate,
clergy, and Diocesan staff for the ACYOA National Young Adult Leadership
Conference, which ran from March 2 to 4, 2007.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Participants in the 2007 ACYOA National Young Adult
Leadership Conference discuss their faith and the future of the youth
organization.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), meets with some of the
participants of the ACYOA National Young Adult Leadership Conference, which
was held from March 2 to 4, 2007.

7. März 2007, Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Auftakt zum Armenier-Prozess in Lausanne
Genozid-Leugner Dogu Perincek wiederholt sich
Am Dienstag hat vor dem Lausanner Polizeigericht der Prozess gegen den
türkischen Politiker Dogu Perincek wegen Verletzung der
Rassismus-Strafnorm begonnen. Perincek bestätigte vor Gericht, dass er
den Genozid an den Armeniern 1915 für eine internationale Lüge
hält.

C. Bi. Lausanne, 6. März

Das Positive vorweg: Der von der Polizei gefürchtete und da und dort
vielleicht erhoffte Aufruhr rund um den Lausanner Armenien-Prozess fand
zumindest am ersten Tag nicht statt. Einige Dutzend Anhänger von
Perincek führten zwar am Dienstagmorgen in der Lausanner Innerstadt
eine Kundgebung durch; diese verlief aber durchaus friedlich und ohne
Provokationen. Hingegen war das Gelände beim Bezirksgericht von der
Kantonspolizei zu Beginn des Prozesses weitgehend abgeriegelt worden.
Auch ein von Perincek geplanter Kongress zur Armenien-Frage durfte nicht
in der Agglomeration Lausanne stattfinden und sollte heute Mittwoch in
einem Hotel in der Nähe von Neuenburg über die Bühne gehen.

«Massaker ja, Völkermord nein!»
Zu Beginn des Prozesses wurde der Angeklagte einvernommen. Die Befragung
dauerte mehrere Stunden, da Perincek deutsch sprach und deshalb
übersetzt werden musste und weil er jede Frage des Richters
Pierre-Henri Winzap mit ausschweifenden Diskursen beantwortete – wenn er
sie beantwortete. Der vom Linkspolitiker zum Neo- Nationalisten
gewordene Politiker bestätigte, was er letztes Jahr an öffentlichen
Kundgebungen in Lausanne und Opfikon gesagt hatte, nämlich dass die
Türken 1915 – im Ersten Weltkriegs – keinen Völkermord an der
armenischen Bevölkerung begangen hätten. Er bestätigte ebenfalls,
dass er das «sogenannte Armenier-Genozid», wie er es nennt, als eine
von den imperialistischen Mächten verbreitete internationale Lüge
betrachtet. Der Führer der kleinen türkischen Arbeiterpartei stritt
hingegen nicht ab, dass Türken an den Armeniern – aber auch umgekehrt
– Massaker verübt hätten und dass es zu einer systematischen
Deportation armenischer Menschen nach Mesopotamien gekommen sei, bei der
unzählige Armenier ums Leben kamen.

Genozid ja oder nein?
Auch die weiteren Verhandlungen waren ganz der Frage gewidmet, ob die
1915 erfolgten Massaker und Deportationen als Genozid zu qualifizieren
seien oder nicht. Mehrere von der Verteidigung zitierte Zeugen – drei
Historiker und Publizisten aus den Vereinigten Staaten beziehungsweise
aus Frankreich und Deutschland – vertraten die Meinung, dass es nicht
bewiesen sei, dass es sich um eine systematische und von den Behörden
des Osmanischen Reichs betriebene Ausrottungsaktion gehandelt habe.
Allerdings waren auch interessante Nuancen auszumachen. Während der
französische Publizist Jean-Michel Thibaux dem osmanischen
Innenminister Talat Pascha durchaus Ausrottungsabsichten zutraute, sagte
der amerikanische Historiker Justin McCarthy, es gebe keine
entsprechenden Beweise. Der Amerikaner wurde beim Verlassen des
Gerichtsgebäudes von Perincek-Anhängern, die inzwischen Zugang zur
Esplanade bekommen hatten, wie ein Fussballstar beklatscht.

Die deutsche Genozid-Forscherin Tessa Hofmann, die als Zeugin der
Privatklägerin, der Gesellschaft Schweiz-Armenien, auftrat,
argumentierte dagegen, der Genozid an den Armeniern sei eine Tatsache,
die nicht nur von der Mehrheit der Historiker, sondern auch von der
Uno-Menschenrechtskommission und von vielen supranationalen und
nationalen Instanzen längst anerkannt wurde. In diesem Sinn äusserte
sich auch der Waadtländer Staatsanwalt Eric Cottier.

Die Frage der Motivation
Die Verhandlungen werden am Donnerstag wieder aufgenommen. Dabei wird
wohl die Frage im Vordergrund stehen müssen, mit welchen Motiven
Perincek ein Genozid an den Armeniern leugnet. Denn nach der Schweizer
Rassismus- Strafnorm (Artikel 261bis des Strafgesetzbuchs) genügt es
nicht, dass jemand einen Völkermord – oder ein Verbrechen an der
Menschlichkeit – leugnet, gröblich verharmlost oder rechtfertigt, um
bestraft zu werden; er muss dies zudem aus Gründen der Rasse, der
Ethnie oder der Religion der vom Genozid betroffenen Menschen tun. Vor
Gericht erklärte Perincek, er sei kein Rassist, im Gegenteil: Er
bekämpfe Rassismus. Es wird sich zeigen, ob dies für einen
Freispruch ausreicht.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

06-03-2007
Foreign Minister Oskanian Concludes Washington Visit

Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian, spent Monday March 5 in
Washington, visiting with members of the US administration as well as
US congressmen.

His first meeting was with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, with
whom the Minister discussed various items on the Armenia-US agenda,
including trade, the Millennium Challenge program, democratic and
economic reforms, and US assistance to Armenia.

The two also discussed the upcoming Parliamentary election. The
Secretary made clear that the US expects that the elections will be
conducted according to international norms and standards. The Foreign
Minister assured the Secretary that Armenia understands the
significance of the upcoming parliamentary elections, within the
context of Armenia’s internal political development, as well as an
indication of the maturity of democratic processes within Armenia, and
the impact of the conduct of the elections on various assistance
programs with the US and the EU.

Minister Oskanian briefed the Secretary on the current status of the
Nagorno Karabakh resolution process, as well as on Armenia’s relations
with Turkey. On Nagorno Karabakh, the Minister reiterated Armenia’s
firm commitment to the principles currently being negotiated, and
expressed concerns that there may be attempts to deviate from this
process, both in content and in procedure.

Regarding the continuing absence of relations with Turkey, the
Minister repeated Armenia’s readiness to establish relations with
Turkey, without preconditions of any sort. The Minister reiterated
that open borders would greatly affect the environment in the region,
and spur regional cooperation and growth.

The two also discussed the pending Genocide resolution in the US
Congress.

Following the meeting with the Secretary, Minister Oskanian met with
US Assistant Undersecretary of State and US Minsk Group co-chair Matt
Bryza. The two discussed Nagorno Karabakh and the upcoming meeting of
the ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, in Geneva, on March 14,
together with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group.

Later in the day, with the co-chairs of the Congressional Armenian
Caucus, Minister Oskanian outlined the broad US-Armenia agenda, and
ways in which Congress can play a role. During the meeting, the
Genocide issue was also discussed. In referring to the pending
Genocide reaffirmation resolution, the Minister explained, "The
Armenian government, in contrast to the leadership in Ankara, does not
seek to lecture elected American officials on this core human rights
issue. Sadly, the Turkish government continues to export its policy of
genocide denial, seeking to impose upon the US and other nations the
very intolerance that inspired Section 301 and led to the murder of
journalist Hrant Dink. This should not be tolerated by any individual
or any country. The Armenian government has faith in the American
democratic process and respects the integrity of US Congressional
decision-making."

During his visit, the Minister also met with representatives of
Armenian advocacy groups in Washington and shared thoughts on current
issues.

AS OF 16:50, MARCH 3, CEC GETS 8 CLAIMS FOR NOMINATION

Noyan Tapan
Mar 05 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 5, NOYAN TAPAN. As of 16:50, March 3, the RA Central
Electoral Commission (CEC) got other 8 claims for nomation at the
coming parliamentary elections by the proportional electoral system. To
recap, the nomination deadline was 18:00, March 3. As CEC Press
Secretary Tsovinar Khachatrian informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent,
besides the ARF and "Hayots Hayrenik" (Armenian Fatherland) parties,
the Communist Party of Armenia (CPA), "Zharangutiun" (Heritage),
"Orinats Yerkir" (Country of Law), Republican Party of Armenia
(RPA), Progressive United Communist Party of Armenia (PUCPA) and
the "Impeachment" alliance registered at the CEC also presented
documents for participation on the same day. Ruben Tovmasian,
the First Secretary of the party Central Committee heads the CPA
proportional list. 51 candidates are nominated. The "Zharangutiun"
(Heritage) party proposed 58 candidates by the proportional electoral
system. Party founder, former Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian
heads the list. The proportional list of the "Orinats Yerkir" party
is headed by party Chairman, former NA Speaker Artur Baghdasarian. 131
candidates are nominated. The RPA proportional list is headed by party
Chairman, RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian. 112 candidates are
nominated. The PUCPA proportional list is headed by party head Vazgen
Safarian. 30 candidates are nominated. 68 candidates are nominated by
the proportional list of the "Impeachment" alliance. The list is headed
by Nikol Pashinian, the editor-in-chief of the "Haykakan Zhamanak"
(Armenian Time) daily.

WHY SHOULD ARMENIANS GO ABROAD TO ADMIRE ARMENIAN CULTURE?

A1+
[12:59 pm] 05 March, 2007

The administration of picture gallery of Alaverdi has already forgotten
the time when they last had visitors. But even nowadays the picture
gallery can be proud of its unique paintings of renowned artists.

The valuable canvases of the picture gallery are especially ignored by
pupils who complain of the absence of attractions and entertainment
centers in town. "In my opinion, the picture gallery must keep on
working actively as the works of great artists and unknown painters
are displayed here. I wish the young generation had a chance to get
acquainted with Hakob Hakobyan, Grigor Khanjyan and Terlemezyan."

"Why should we go to France to admire Terlemezyan’s paintings when
we can see them in our town?" says Rafael Jahoutyan, director of the
picture gallery.

It is noteworthy, that the site of the picture gallery doesn’t meet
the required standards. Though the administration of the National Art
Gallery expressed readiness to allocate paintings every 1-2 months they
cannot realize it because of the lack the corresponding conditions.

Many years ago the picture gallery of Alaverdi exhibited the canvases
of Garzu and Martiros Saryan.

Currently the administration of the picture gallery is concerned over
the following problem; to preserve the already existing canvases.

WAC WANTS TO HELP ARMENIA TO CLEARLY FORMULATE STANCE ON KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.03.2007 13:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ World Armenian Congress (WAC) is going to hold a
conference on the Nagorno Karabakh problem in autumn, WAC President
Ara Abramian stated today. He said that participation of experts,
political leaders, representatives of different Armenian parties
is desirable in this conference. "Our goal is to clearly formulate
positions on this issue and to better understand the context in which
the talks are being held today. We hope very much, it will help both
Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh to more clearly formulate our own
stances in the negotiation process with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement," Ara Abramian stressed,
"Azg" daily reports.

IN CASE OF ATTACKING IRAN BY U.S.A. ARMENIA CANNOT REMAIN NEUTRAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.03.2007 14:57 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S. attack on Iran will have a negative influence
on Armenia, which will occur between two flames, specialist in
Persian philology Tadevos Charchyan told in the interview to the
PanARMENIAN.Net. He said, the choice will be very difficult: economic
and financial aspects from the one hand, neighboring and friendly Iran
from the other hand, that Armenia has a lot of in common with. And
Armenia cannot remain neutral, since a lot of things connect us
with the international community. I think, we must believe and hope,
proceeding from the situation, that there will not be any conflicts.

ARMENIAN WRESTLERS TO TAKE PART IN BIG INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS IN TASHKENT

Noyan Tapan
Feb 27 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian national teams of
free-style and Greco-Roman wrestling left for Tashkent on February
27. They will take part in big international tournaments there. The
prize-winners will receive 5 thousand, 3 thousand and 2 thousand USD,
respectively. The competitions will finish on March 4.

WASHINGTON TIMES CRITICIZES PELOSI FOR ARMENIAN BILL

Turkish Press
Feb 26 2007

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. paper Washington Times harshly criticized U.S.
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi who supports a bill on
so-called Armenian genocide.

"Not content with undermining the war effort in Iraq, House of
Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has apparently set her sights
on Turkey, a NATO ally and one of the few Muslim-majority nations in
the world that is a democracy," said Washington Times in its today`s
editorial.

The editorial said the United States needs to be working more closely
with Turkey at such a dangerous time.

"But Mrs. Pelosi seems more interested in playing ethnic politics in
order to score some cheap political points and win additional votes,"
it said.

"The reality is that Armenian and Greek lobbying organizations hostile
to Turkey command far more power in Washington than do pro-Turkish
groups. And in their effort to settle old scores dating back to
World War I, they have the potential to damage our current ability
to maintain Turkey`s cooperation in stabilizing Iraq," it added.

NEW FURNACE PUT INTO OPERATION AT ALAVERDI COPPER SMELTERY

Noyan Tapan
Feb 26 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian Copper Program (ACP)
company produced about 8.8 thousand tons of black cooper and processed
48,224 tons of concentrate in 2006 against 9.9 thousand tons and
52,505 tons respectively in 2005. ACP director Gagik Arzumanian told NT
correspondent that this decline in production volumes is conditioned
by the use of old smelting furnace at the Alaverdi copper smeltery
last year. He said that a new furnce was put into operation recently,
which will ensure the previous volumes of production. According to
G. Arzumanian, the company does not yet envisage deeper processing of
cooper ore because it is not economically profitable. ACP director
said that the company is conducting a large-scale geological survey
at the Teghut copper and molybdenum mine. In his words, according to
data of the Soviet time, the Teghut mine has ore of about 450 mln tons,
in which copper content makes 1.6 mln tons, while molybdenum content –
99 thousand tons. The company director noted that the geological survey
work allows to assume that assessment of resources will not change.