Author: Zaminian Bedik

5 REPRESENTATIVES OF RPA, 2 REPRESENTATIVES OF ARF AND 2 OF PAP NOMINATED FOR POSTS OF CHAIRMEN OF 9 STANDING COMMITTEES OF NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Noyan Tapan
Jun 07 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Elections of the standing committees’
chairmen are among agenda issues of the newly elected parliament’s
first session that started on June 7. Unlike the parliament of the
previous convocation which had 6 standing committees, the current
parliament will have 9 standing commitees due to the latest amendments
to the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the RA National
Assembly.

In accordance with the political agreement,

– the candidature of Armen Rustamian, member of the ARF Armenian
Supreme Body, chairman of the Standing Committee of Foreign Relations
in the parliament of the previous convocation, has been proposed for
the post of chairman of the Standing Committee of Foreign Relations,

– the candidature of Hranush Hakobian elected by the electoral list
of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), chairwoman of the Standing
Committee of Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Issues in
the parliament of the previous convocation, has been proposed for
the post of chairman of the Standing Committee of Science, Education,
Culture, Youth and Sport Issues,

– the candidature of Avet Adonts elected by the proportional list of
the "Prosperous Armenia" party (PAP) has been proposed for the post of
chairman of the Standing Committee of European Integration Issues. No
such standing committee has previously functioned in the parliament,

– the candidature of Davit Harutyunian, RPA representative, former
justice minister, has been proposed for the post of chairman of the
Standing Committee of State and Legal Issues,

– the candidature of Arevik Petrosian, PAP representative, has been
proposed for the post of chairwoman of the Standing Committee of
Human Rights Defence and Public Issues. No such standing committee
has previously functioned in the parliament,

– the candidature of Artur Aghabekian, ARF representative, former
defence minister, has been proposed for the post of chairman of the
Standing Committee of Defence, National Security and Internal Affairs,

– the candidature of Ara Babloyan, RPA respresentative, former minister
of health, has been proposed for the post of chairman of the Standing
Committee of Social, Health Care and Environmental Protection Issues,

– the candidature of Vardan Aivazian, RPA representative, former
minister of environmental protection has been proposed for the post
of chairman of the Standing Committee of Economic Issues. No such
committee has functioned separately in the parliament of the previous
convocation. The Standing Committee of Financial, Credit and Budgetary
Issues dealth with the indicated issues,

– the candidature of Gagik Minasian, RPA respresentative, chairman
of the Financial, Credit and Budgetary Issues in the parliament of
the previous convocation, has been proposed for the post of hairman
of the Standing Committee of Financial, Credit and Budgetary Issues.

AGAIN ISAGULOV
Haik Aramyan

Lragir.am
04-06-2007 14:10:10

The situation regarding the registration of Bako Sahakyan, nominated
for the NKR presidential election, is becoming more and more
complicated. Karabakh is a small country, and everyone knows Bako
Sahakyan lived in Moscow in 1997-1998. The NKR Central Electoral
Commission did not deny this widely-known and therefore undeniable
fact. It appears from the statement and inappropriate pronouncements
of the chair of the NKR Central Electoral Commission Sergey Nasibyan
that the NKR CEC decided to blame it on the police of Karabakh. In
fact, the CEC refused to attend to the problem of validity of the
reference on residency the police had issued to Bako Sahakyan. The
society of Karabakh demanded that the NKR CEC honor the law and bring
clarity into this case.

In any case, it is clear that the NKR Police is causing more and more
disappointment. For the reference was issued by the police department
of Stepanakert. Considering who the chief of the department is, there
will be no more questions. The chief of the department of police
is Robert Shaferyan, who had staged boycott of the police against
President Ghukasyan to support Samvel Babayan. In other words, he
is a person who has proved that the state law means nothing to him,
for him the caprice of the boss is the law. So, it is not accidental
that Ghukasyan himself kept this official for later.

It is now clear that Shaferyan will again face the government. Hence,
again the chief of the Police of NKR, General Armen Isagulov is
jeopardized. This elderly general, who is about to retire, would no
way succeed to stay away from political intrigues. It seemed that last
year’s clownery, the public poll on Arkady Ghukasyan’s third term,
would be the last of his passions. He had already been known for
"crackdowns on protest meetings" in Armenia, and in Karabakh he is
considered as the most corrupt official. Well, perhaps he built his
mansion at an inconvenient time and in an inconvenient place.

But no. Arkady Ghukasyan, who soon leaves the post of president, would
not leave this man alone. As if Isagulov owes him. Isagulov had been
a high-ranking official in the Soviet police before Ghukasyan. He did
his job and always tried to stay away from politics. However, times
have changed, and the police has turned into a sordid mechanism of
politics and service for breaching officials. It has become difficult
to serve the law, the leadership does not let to. They cannot even
retire before doing the last "duty".

The meritorious general should have retired long ago. Whereas he now
has to account for the false reference issued to Bako Sahakyan in the
period of election. How is he going to account for it? It is easier
for Sergey Nasibyan: he blamed the police and now he is "educating"
"inapt" citizens. He knows he can point to the false document of the
police. Meanwhile, Isagulov may get ration in an inconvenient place
instead of retirement. Although he may again get away with it.

He may get away with it. However, the citizens of Karabakh are
interested in the fate of their state and the upcoming presidential
election rather than the fate of Isagulov and Ghukasyan. Meanwhile,
these pensioners would not stop encroaching on the fate of the
country. They are convinced that they are the state and would hate
to say good-bye.

Panorama.am
16:55 04/06/2007

NAGORNO KARABAKH PRESIDENT TO MEET OSCE CHAIRMAN

Tomorrow Arkady Ghukasyan, president of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic (NKR), will meet with Miguel Ankhel
Moratinos, acting OSCE chairman and foreign minister
of Spain, NKR representation in Armenia told
Panorama.am. In the course of his regional visit, OSCE
acting chairman will visit Yerevan to meet Armenian
President Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister Serzh
Sargsyan and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan on June
5. Moratinos will leave for Madrid on the same day.
The chairman is in Baku today meeting Azeri President
Ilham Aliev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mamediarov.

Source: Panorama.am

Il Tempo, Italia
martedì 8 maggio 2007

Novantadue anni fa l’«olocausto» in Anatolia

Gli armeni e il diritto al ricordo

NESSUNA macabra foto d’archivio storico nell’ album della memoria del
popolo armeno in occasione del novantaduesimo anniversario del
Genocidio. Ma , piuttosto, idealmente, un gruppo di giovani, fieri
della loro identità e dei loro ideali, con le fiaccole in mano a
rischiarare la tenebra della negazione. Non è ancora accaduto quello
che tutti gli armeni e gli uomini di buona volontà si aspettano; i
turchi sono sempre trincerati nel loro immobilismo storico e morale
dal quale non si muovono neppure scossi dalla rumoreggiante opinione
pubblica internazionale e da accadimenti tragici come l’uccisione del
giornalista Hrant Dink , avvenuta ad Istambul lo scorso mese di
gennaio . Eppure qualcosa è cambiato. Anzi molto. In un solo anno,
per rimanere alla situazione italiana, sono stati compiuti passi da
gigante verso il riconoscimento del diritto alla memoria di quel
milione e mezzo di martiri armeni, vittime della ferocia nazionalista
del 1915: convegni, targhe commemorative, cerimonie ufficiali,
mozioni pubbliche, saggi storici e, da ultimo, il bel film dei
fratelli Taviani «La Masseria delle allodole» . Quella che fino a
qualche tempo fa era una pagina oscura della storia , ignorata dai
più , è ora un fatto acclarato per la maggior parte della gente. In
questi ultimi dodici mesi, grazie alle tante iniziative promosse in
tutta Italia, ed ai numerosi articoli di giornale, ed a una editoria
sempre più attenta, un ancora maggiore numero di cittadini, anche i
più distaccati e disinteressati, non ha potuto non prendere atto di
quanto accaduto all’inizio del Novecento . E’ ormai un dato scontato
ed acquisito: nel 1915 gli armeni subirono un genocidio ad opera dei
turchi. Da questo assioma non si torna indietro, nessuno oggi in
Italia (e crediamo anche in buona parte del mondo) può mettere in
dubbio la storia ed i diritti del popolo armeno. Non sappiamo quanto
tempo ancora ci vorrà perché i turchi compiano quel passo da tutti
invocato, ma ogni giorno che passa è un giorno in più di speranza per
tutti gli armeni. La società turca sta vivendo momenti travagliati:
un processo democratico che porti i turchi a riesaminare la propria
storia ed a prendere coscienza degli orrori del passato è ostacolato
da mai sopite tendenze estremiste e nazionaliste. Ma il diritto alla
memoria del popolo armeno non può essere cancellato dall’oblio o
dall’opportunismo politico. Gli armeni attendono, con quella fede
che, da S. Gregorio Illuminatore, ha sempre sostenuto la sua cultura
ed i suoi ideali. [email protected]

?id=1190354

ARMENIA, POLAND SET TO EXPAND COOPERATION ON FIGHTING ORGANIZED CRIME

Arminfo
1 Jun 07

Yerevan, 1 June: "The visit of the Polish delegation gives a new
impetus to the development of Armenian-Polish relations," Armenian
Police Chief Col-Gen Hayk Harutyunyan, said at his meeting with
the members of a Polish delegation led by Interior Minister Janusz
Kaczmarek on 30 May.

The Police press service reported that Harutyunyan has proposed to
discuss the issue of signing a protocol of cooperation in accordance
with the intergovernmental agreement on fighting organized crime
signed between Armenia and Poland in Warsaw in 2004. Harutyunyan thinks
that the signing of the protocol will contribute to the expansion of
cooperation and the exchange of experience.

Speaking about the work on finding persons wanted by police,
Harutyunyan said that two individuals, wanted by the Armenian
law-enforcement agencies, were found and arrested in Poland in
2006-07. Another 15 individuals, wanted by the Polish law-enforcement
agencies were found in the same period.

[Passage omitted: Polish minister praised friendship between the two
nations; the delegation has met other Armenian officials, including
Prime Minister Sargsyan]

A1 Plus

Politics / News
HERITAGE STATEMENT ON ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

[08:30 pm] 28 May, 2007

The Heritage Party congratulates the entire Armenian nation on the
89th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Armenia. Without
this day in 1918, achieved as it was against the odds of the Genocide
and great dispossession of Homeland which preceded it, there would be
no Armenian state, of any kind, remnant today.

In paying tribute to the founders and framers of the first, albeit
short-lived sovereign accomplishment in modern Armenian history, we,
the heirs of that legacy of triumphs and tribulations, recommit
ourselves to the aspiration of a Republic anchored in liberty, the
rule of law, and the protection of civil rights and national
interests. The recently-held parliamentary elections did not satisfy
the threshold of these Armenian benchmarks, and continue to pose a
challenge of public legitimacy and good governance to be met by the
democratic determination of our generation.

In the letter and spirit of this occasion, Heritage calls for the
immediate release of Alexander Arzoumanian, Zhirair Sefilian, Vardan
Malkhasian, Arman Babajanian, Armen Sargsian, Arsen Artsruni, and all
other political prisoners currently being held in violation of their
basic constitutional freedoms. There can be no justice in the world
without justice at home.

Happy May 28th.
The Heritage Party
Raffi K. Hovannisian, Chairman
May 28, 2007
Yerevan

amp;iid=49931

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 31, 2007
___________________

DIOCESAN LEGATE REPRESENTS ARMENIAN CHURCH AT MIDDLE EAST PEACE PARLEY

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan legate and ecumenical officer, was one
of the key religious leaders to take part in "For the Peace of Jerusalem," a
conference organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, which ran in
Washington, D.C. from May 6 to 8, 2007.

The session opened Sunday, May 6, with a concert and worship service at
National City Christian Church. Archbishop Aykazian, who also serves as
president-elect of the National Council of Churches, was one of the featured
speakers that evening.

Armenians have been a constant presence in Jerusalem since the 5th century,
residing mostly in one-fourth of the Old City of Jerusalem known as the
Armenian Quarter still today. Though, in recent years the Armenian
population of the Holy Land has dwindled.

Archbishop Aykazian told those gathered that, like many Armenians, he has a
personal connection to the Holy Land. It was there that he studied in the
seminary and was ordained. In relating his personal connection to the Holy
Land, he provided an Armenian voice to the discussions of an area that is
more than land and sea.

"As Christians, our pilgrimage to Jerusalem is not only about a physical
destination, but also about a spiritual journey. That journey leads us to
God, who is our refuge and fortress," he said.

He noted that sadly violence has been too common in the region, not just
during the present day conflict but for centuries.

"We should pray that peace based upon respect and trust becomes a reality in
the hearts of all the inhabitants of the Holy City and all of Abraham’s
children," he said. "Unfortunately, time and circumstances do not favor the
peacemakers. Every day violence continues, pain and suffering grow.
Violence must not be the means by which all sides seek to settle their
differences. It is only by respecting and guaranteeing basic human rights
and dignity that peace can be established and maintained."

In order to achieve peace, Jerusalem must not be viewed as belonging to man,
but rather to God, he told those gathered for the service.

"For the sake of our future and our salvation, it must become the capital of
all mankind and shared by all of Abraham’s children. Jerusalem is too
precious to be left entirely to the whims of politics," Archbishop Aykazian
said. "Jerusalem stands in time and space, as do we, but if this city is to
reflect the purpose of its Maker, then it must be the city that He has
defined — a city that is compact and unified, a city of justice, a city of
feasts, a city secure. God wants Jerusalem where He is, where He resides.
He wants Jerusalem outside of history and geography and possessed by none
but Him."

Other speakers during the service were Rev. Denis Madden, Auxiliary Bishop
of Baltimore; and the Rev. Frank Griswold, former Presiding Bishop of the
Episcopal Church.

The following day, participants attended a series of panels and workshops to
prepare for meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. On Tuesday,
May 8, 150 participants from 26 states then took to Capitol Hill to lobby
for governmental support of proposals to bring peace to the Middle East.

In their meetings, conference participants sought U.S. support for a
two-state solution and a negotiated resolution for Jerusalem.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 Orthodox,
Protestant, Anglican and Catholic church bodies and organizations. The
organization began in 1984 and advocates for the avoidance and resolution of
armed conflicts, human rights, arms control, foreign aid, and the unique
nature of Jerusalem – sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

— 5/31/07

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan legate and
ecumenical officer, speaks on Sunday, May 6, 2007, during a service at
National City Christian Church marking the start of a conference organized
by Churches of Middle East Peace.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): About 150 clergy and faithful attended "For the Peace of
Jerusalem," a conference organized by Churches for Middle East Peace, which
ran in Washington, D.C. from May 6 to 8, 2007.

IF SARKOZY SAYS THERE IS NO PLACE FOR TURKEY IN EU, SOUTH CAUCASIAN STATES DO NOT HAVE PLACES THERE TOO

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.05.2007 16:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ People in the South Caucasus think that superpowers
pay a great attention to the region, but actually the United States
and European Union have quite another priorities, President of the RAS
(Russian Academy of Sciences) Russian Center for Strategic Research
and International Studies, head of World Politics Chair in the Moscow
State University Vitaly Naumkin stated to a press conference in Baku.

In his opinion, currently the accent in the world politics moves to
the competition between China and the United States.

Touching upon the integration of the South Caucasus, the political
scientist underlined that now everyone is interested in one question:
that is -which the vector of political development of the region will
be and where it will move towards: "In his time Bzezhinski stated
Azerbaijan confidently moves towards the third world. Azerbaijan
is located near Europe and moves towards that direction. Naturally
politicians in Russia would like to see Azerbaijan closely connected
with Russia," he underlined.

According to Naumkin Georgia drops out from the group of south
Caucasian states, since the country one-sidedly moves towards the
West and the problem of Russian-Georgian relations stands very sharp.

"As to European integration, European politicians think this region
can hardly integrate. During one of conferences they stated that the
European pot is full and there is no place for new candidate-states
in near decades. If French President Sarkozy says there is no place
for Turkey in the European Union, it is quite clear that there cannot
be any place for a single south Caucasian state too," he stated,
Day.az reports.

ST. LEON ARMENIAN CHURCH ANNUAL PICNIC – FEATURES LIVE ARMENIAN MUSIC

AZG Armenian Daily
30/05/2007

Fair Lawn, NJ – On Sunday, June 3, 2007 St. Leon Armenian Church
will hold its annual picnic on the church grounds from noon to 5:00pm
rain or shine. In the spirit of the traditional Armenian tashtahantes
(open country feast) there will be plenty of kebob (grilled meats),
HYE fries, hot dogs, corn on the cob, ice cream for the kids and an
abundance of luscious desserts. As an additional bonus this year the
Mark Gavoor Ensemble will keep your feet moving with the rhythms of
traditional Armenian folk music. Come to eat, dance and be merry in the
old Armenian family way. Admission is FREE so bring the kids, parents,
friends and neighbors to share our rich Armenian heritage! For more
information contact the church office at 201-791-2862. Saint Leon
Armenian Church is located at 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn,
NJ 07410. See you there.

RUSSIAN CONVOY TO LEAVE FOR GYUMRI

Daily Georgian Times, Georgia
Rustavi2
May 30 2007

Another Russian military convoy, consisting of over 20 trucks will
leave the Akhalkalaki base and head for the Russia Military Base 102,
situated in Gyumri, Armenia.

The aide the Russian Ground Forces commander of the Russian Federation
Igor Konashenkov told to the Russian news agencies that ‘another
military convoy, consisting of 32 carriages and carrying about 200
metric tons of cargo, will leave by rail the Batumi base on the Black
Sea Thursday’.

‘We plan to send before the yearend 14 more convoys by rail and one
convoy by road pointed out Konashenkov.

In accordance with the agreement, signed by Russia and Georgia,
Russia has to complete the withdrawal of its bases from Georgia by
the end of 2008.