Author: Zargarian Hambik

Zaman, Turkey
July 13 2005

Babacan Passes the EP’s Exam
By Zaman
Published: Wednesday July 13, 2005
zaman.com

Turkey’s chief European Union (EU) negotiator State Minister Ali
Babacan received a passing grade from the European Parliament (EP)
members whom he addressed for the first time.

Babacan answered questions from EP members, among who were strong
critics of Turkey’s membership to the Union. He told EP members that
Turkey would not accept any offer falling short of full membership,
demanding extra attention to avoid damaging the Turkish people.
Questions by EP members were related to various subjects, ranging
from Heybeliada Seminary and the Armenian issue to South Eastern
Anatolia. Babacan’s performance before the EP Foreign Affairs
Committee was rated as somewhere between average and good. Dutch EP
member and the Parliament’s Turkey Rapporteur Camiel Eurlings told
Zaman that Babacan performed well and that he liked his relaxed and
unflappable stance.

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 12 2005

UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA COMPLETING HIS MISSION

YEREVAN, July 12. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has held a
meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Armenia Vladimir Tyaglo on the
occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission to Armenia. The Ra
presidential press service reports that the RA President thanked the
Ukrainian Ambassador for productive cooperation, making a positive
assessment of the level of Armenian-Ukrainian relations.
In his turn, Ambassador Tyaglo thanked Armenia’s authorities for
their assistance during his mission, pointing out that he has spent
excellent time in Armenia and is leaving the country with warm
feelings and vivid impressions. P.T. -0–

PanArmenian News, Armenia
July 11 2005

OVER 350 EUROPEAN ORGANIZATIONS URGE TO INCLUDE ARMENIAN ISSUE IN
TURKEY’S EU ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS FRAMEWORK

11.07.2005 05:24

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Over 350 associations and key leaders of European
civil society from 21 countries responded to an appeal by the
European Armenian Federation to include Armenian Genocide recognition
in Turkey’s EU accession negotiations framework. The European
Armenian Federation noted that, on Tuesday July 5th, the French
delegation of European People’s Party (EPP – – Christian Democrats) of
European Parliament called on the Council `to modify the mandate of
negotiations of the [European] Commission’, notably `to reinforce the
exigencies of Union on essential topics such as Freedom of Religion,
Penal legislation, the recognition of Cyprus and the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide’. `We would encourage the European Union to
utilize the criteria established by the European Parliament, adopted
since the beginning of Turkey’s accession process, instead wasting
funds trying to improve Turkey’s image in Europe at the expense of
European tax dollars,’ stated European Armenian Federation Chairwoman
Hilda Tchoboian. `It is regrettable that the Commission would so
openly ignore the wishes of 450 million European citizens and their
730 elected representatives. It is an abnormal and dangerous
situation for democracy. Encouraged by the support of political
parties and leaders in the Union, we will again submit the European
Appeal and the signatories list to the European Council in the days
leading up to the October 3rd negotiations,’ concluded Tchoboian.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th Street, NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
July 8, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

HOVIG APO SAGHDEJIAN MEMORIAL FUND CONTINUES TO HELP
RECENT GRADUATES PURSUE THEIR DREAMS IN NATION’S CAPITAL

— One Year after Hovig’s Tragic Death, Memorial Fund Creating
ANCA Capital Gateway Program Fellowships for Armenians
Seeking Careers in Public Policy, Government, and Media

WASHINGTON, DC – The support of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial
Fund has fueled the growth of the ANCA Capital Gateway Program,
expanding opportunities for promising Armenian graduates to pursue
careers in government, media, and the public policy world, reported
the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Family, friends and community activists from around the country
will gather this weekend to honor the memory of Hovig, a 23-year
old community activist from Fresno, California, who lost his life
one year ago in a tragic car accident. Last year, Hovig’s father
Apo, his mother Rosine, and sister, Nayiri established the Memorial
Fund in Hovig’s memory. These funds will be held in perpetuity,
with all the income from fund using to finance the participation of
young Armenian Americans in the ANCA Capital Gateway Program. This
innovative program provides qualified college students and
graduates the opportunity to secure part-time internship and full-
time government, public policy, and media-related job opportunities
in the nation’s capital.

Three recent graduates from top California universities
participated in the Capital Gateway program though the assistance
of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund, which has received well
over $55,000 from more than 250 donors over the past year.

Ani Bedrosian, the first Saghdejian Memorial fellow arrived in
Washington DC in December, 2004. A graduate of Loyola Marymount
University with a Bachelors Degree in Communications, she was the
first Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellow. Bedrosian, whose older
brother Ara is a former Capitol Hill staffer, quickly secured an
internship with New Jersey Republican Congressman James Saxton.
Serving in this position, she gained valuable experience on the
inner workings of Capitol Hill. Within three months, she secured a
full-time position as Executive Assistant to another New Jersey
Republican Congressman, Rep. Frank LoBiondo.

Bedrosian commented on the important role the Hovig Apo Saghdejian
Memorial Fellowship played in starting her career on Capitol Hill.
“As a Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellow, I have been given a
unique opportunity to carry on Hovig’s legacy of service. With the
help of the ANCA and the Capital Gateway Program, I am currently
working at Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo’s Congressional office in
Washington, DC. I would like to thank the Saghdejian family for
giving young Armenians like me the opportunity to keep alive
Hovig’s wonderful legacy by making a difference in the American
political system.”

Bedrosian was soon followed by Andrew Gregorian in early January of
2005. A graduate of UCLA with a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy,
Gregorian was quickly offered several internships with California
and Oregon Congressional offices. He chose to work with Oregon
Congressman Earl Blumenauer. His internship soon turned into a
paid position, focusing on constituent relations activities.
Gregorian is currently exploring new political opportunities both
on and off Capitol Hill.

“Being in Washington DC has been a life changing experience,”
explained Gregorian. “I am indebted to the Saghdejian Memorial Fund
for giving me the opportunity to come to our nation’s capital and
help in the cause that was so important to Hovig. We will all
continue to work to contribute to the work that meant so much to
him.”

The most recent Capital Gateway Saghdejian Memorial Fellow is
Vasken Kassakhian. A graduate of UC Berkeley in 2003 with a
Bachelors Degree in English Literature, Kassakhian arrived in
Washington, DC in June, 2005, with several years of political work
already on his resume. A veteran campaign worker, Kassakhian has
proven his political acumen in local, state and congressional
races, working with the Schiff for Congress, Scott for State Senate
and, most recently, for his brother, Ardy Kassakhian, in his
successful race for Glendale City Clerk. Prior to his arrival to
Washington, DC, the ANCA had arranged an internship for Kassakhian
with Rep. Schiff through mid-August. He is using his internship to
help him obtain the experience to secure a permanent position on
the Hill.

“I feel incredibly honored to be a Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital
Gateway Fellow and am greatly indebted to all those who contributed
to this fellowship fund for providing me with the opportunity to
come to Washington D.C. and learn about the political process
firsthand,” explained Kassakhian. “Ultimately, it’s through
initiatives like the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellowship Fund
that we will empower the next generation of Armenian Americans to
effect positive change in their communities.”

Hovig’s sudden and tragic death last year has been a great loss for
his family, friends, and the Armenian American community–in the
Central Valley and around the nation. He was an exemplary son,
brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, who left a legacy of love
for his family and friends, and of selfless devotion to his fellow
Armenians and his cultural heritage. This proud son of the Armenian
nation was laid to rest at Fresno’s historic Ararat Masis Cemetery,
in the shadow of Armenian national hero Soghomon Tehlirian.

Hovig Apo Saghdejian was born on December 31, 1980 in Fresno,
California. He completed his elementary education at the Armenian
Community School of Fresno. After graduation from the Armenian
school, Hovig attended Kastner Intermediate and later Clovis West
High School, where he received his high school diploma, as an
Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors.

Early in life, Hovig became a member of the Homenetmen Armenian
General Athletic Union and Scouts, and he joined the ranks of the
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). These were the stepping-stones on
which Hovig continued to live his life.

After graduating from Clovis West in 1998, Hovig attended Fresno
City College, California State University of Fresno, and the
University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in
Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis on economics,
philosophy and film studies. While attending college, Hovig was
active in the Armenian Student’s Association. He also received
numerous honors, such as the Armenian Relief Society Merit
Scholarship and Foundation West Merit Scholarship. Hovig had a
passion for his Armenian culture that was instilled by his family.
As an active member of AYF and Homenetmen, as both a Scout and
athlete, he contributed to the welfare of the Armenian American
community and reinforced his commitment to his Homeland. He visited
Armenia with the Land and Culture Organization, and traveled to
Beirut, Lebanon with the Hamazkayin Cultural Society to broaden his
cultural understanding.

As a devoted son of the Saghdejian family, Hovig lived a life of
commitment to the Armenian Cause and his ancient Armenian homeland.
He breathed life into the ideals of his youth by working to
preserve and reinvent Armenian identity in America, while bringing
a sense of optimism to the people of Armenia for a better future.
As a volunteer with the Land and Culture organization, Hovig
traveled to Armenia during the summer of 2003 to work as a
volunteer in Ayroum, developing infrastructure and self-
sustainability for the impoverished population of this village.
Beyond the value of the hard work that contributed significantly to
the well being of the villagers, Hovig’s efforts helped bring hope
to all he came in contact with that the future held better things
for the people of Armenia. Commenting on his time in Ayroum, in a
testimonial on the Land and Culture website, Hovig explained that,
“I know that when I reflect back on this experience I will feel
ecstatic about the work we accomplished, the things we saw, and the
bonds we forged.”

Hovig performed his civic duties by being politically involved, not
only with the ANCA, but also with Congressman George Radanovich and
State Assemblymember Steve Samuelian on campaign and public policy
projects.

Hovig enjoyed life, family, and friends. He had a very special bond
with his parents, Apo and Rosine, and sister, Nayiri. He spent his
spare time helping his mother at the Adult Day Care Center, and his
father with the family business.

Besides being confident, intelligent, and a driven young man, Hovig
was also lovable, caring, witty, comical, laid back and very, very
charming. He was a fine young man who always wore a smile on his
face and somehow always managed to brighten up a room.

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
july 10 2005

Iran to build a terminal on border with Armenia

BAKU

Azerbaijan State News Agency (Azar Press) reported here Saturday that
Iran plans to build a terminal at its border with Armenia
It added that Tehran will transfer oil derivatives to Yerevan adding
the issue will be further explored at the Iran-Armenia Economic
Cooperation Commission in Tehran in September.

Armenia views the terminal as important in boosting economic activity
in the ‘Magri’ region bordering Iran, the agency added.

Iran and Armenia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
bolster bilateral cooperation in the field of electricity.

Under the MoU, Iran and Armenia reached consensus to implement the
third 400-kw two-circuit transmission line project, valued at 90
million dollars.

The two countries are also slated to implement the second phase of
Iran-Armenia pipeline project, worth 130 million dollars and the
complementary project of the fifth unit of Hrazdan thermal power
plant.

Under the framework of the agreement, Iranian companies of the Iran
Power Plant Projects Management Company (MAPNA) and Sanir are due to
add a new unit of gas power plant – capable to be transformed into
combined cycle – to Armenia. The project is worth 150 million
dollars.

Based on the accord, the implementation of the said project should be
finalized in 2007.

Armenian Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukyan
called last week for taking advantage of special situation of the
Iranian southern port of Bandar Abbas, capital of Hormuzgan province,
and using it for transit of goods across the region.

Manukyan made the remarks in Yerevan, Armenia, in a meeting with
visiting Governor General of the Iranian Hormuzgan province Ebrahim
Derazgisou who arrived in the Armenian capital on Monday heading a
trade delegation to discuss with Armenian officials ways to promote
Tehran-Yerevan cooperation.

Derazgisou, for his part, welcomed the idea of promoting Armenia
relations with the Iranian southern province and expressed hope that
such relations would help promotion of ties between the two capitals.

Pan Armenian News

ARKADY GHUKASIAN: OPULENCE OF STATE DOES NOT DEPEND ON ITS SIZE

08.07.2005 06:12

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Goran Lennmarker’s position is a political but not legal
approach, NKR President Arkady Ghukasian stated when commenting on the
statement by OSCE PA special representative for the Caucasus Goran
Lennmarker, who said, `We can’t allow formation of a big number on the
territory of the Caucasus. There should be three strong and respected states
in the region’, De Facto news agency reports. According to A. Ghukasian,
perceiving the South Caucasus as a part of Europe, Goran Lennmarker sees
threat in acknowledging `dwarf states’. Pursuing such a policy the Europeans
should have initiated struggle against Monaco or Luxembourg as well, he
noted. `In my opinion the opulence of a state is not directly connected with
its size. The ability of the people to bear responsibility for its fate,
level of its self-organization, adequacy to progress can be recognized as
real criteria. Nagorno Karabakh does meet these criteria’, he added. When
commenting on Terry Davis’s statement that `Nagorno Karabakh is a part of
Azerbaijan and the issue should be settled within the territorial integrity
of this state’, Arkady Ghukasian said that principle of territorial
integrity both of the NKR and Azerbaijan can come into force only after a
peaceful agreement is signed. `Our two republics have formed on the area of
former soviet territorial entity and should settle the issue as independent
states’, the NKR President resumed.

MUNICIPALITY FOR CITIZENS, BUT NOT CITIZENS FOR MUNICIPALITY: POLISH
ANTI-CORRUPTIONER

YEREVAN, JULY 8. ARMINFO. “Municipality for citizens, but not citizens
for municipality” should become a main motto for fight against
corruption in the sphere of local self-governmental bodies,
representative of a Polish public organization Adam Kvitkovskiy stated
during the “Experience of Poland in fight against corruption” two-day
seminar completed its work today at “Yerevan” hotel.

In his words, a law on country’s capital was adopted in Poland three
years ago, according to which Warsaw was given a status of separate
region and divided into 18 communities. “Corruption risk is reduced
automatically if citizens address to one instance but not “run through
the whole town from one official to another”, Kvitkovskiy thinks.

He also informed that workers of the mentioned departments are
professional specialists and are chosen by numerous criteria. He also
informed that Warsaw, along with other Polish towns takes part in
“Transparent Poland” Program provided 6 principles to be guaranteed
from corruption of local self-governmental bodies: transparency,
intolerance to corruption, attraction of large groups of society to
its activity, predictability, professionalism and responsibility,
Kvitkovskiy stated.

The seminar was organized within the framework of “No corruption, its
control by local self-governmental bodies” Program at the assistance
of the British embassy in both Armenia and Poland, as well as of the
Armenian representatives of “Transparency International” Organization.

AZG Armenian Daily #125, 08/07/2005

Finances

DEVALUATION OF EURO AGAINST DOLLAR TO CONTINUE

The devaluation of Euro against USD that took place during the recent months
in the international financial market stopped. As during the last few days,
one Euro cost $1,19. According to the forecast of the leading mass media,
devaluation of Euro will continue in July and August and will reach
1,10-1,15 point. In Yerevan, 1 USD can be bought at 438 AMD and sold at
441-443 AMD. While 1 Euro can be bought at 520 AMD and 530-535 AMD.

Notwithstanding the fact that Euro is devaluated against Dollar, the
national currencies in the Armenian, Azeri and Georgian markets are gaining
value against USD.

Hagopian honored on Ellis Island
July 04, 2005

Crain’s Detroit Business
1155 Gratiot Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207

Edgar Hagopian, chairman of Birmingham-based Hagopian & Sons Inc., was
awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a ceremony on Ellis Island
on May 14.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor was created in 1986 to honor the many
ancestral groups who helped build America and is given to people who
have distinguished themselves as citizens. Hagopian began working
full-time in 1953 in his father’s carpet cleaning business.

Hagopian companies support numerous charitable organizations including
the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the College for Creative Studies
annual student rug design competition, a statewide competition in
collaboration with the American Society of Interior Design.

Under Hagopian’s guidance the business has expanded to include three
retail stores, a store in the Michigan Design Center, Hagopian Fire
and Flood Services, as well as Michigan’s largest rug-cleaning
facility.

Hagopian & Sons employs more than 200 people in metro Detroit. Edgar
Hagopian also opened a Roche Bobois franchise in 2003 in Novi.
_Crain Communications, Inc._ ()

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
07/05/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Lennmarker Speaks of ‘Golden Opportunity’ in Settling Karabagh conflict
2) OSCE Parliamentarians from 55-Member States Defeat Azeri Effort
3) Homenetmen’s 30th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies End on High Note

1) Lennmarker Speaks of ‘Golden Opportunity’ in Settling Karabagh conflict

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Speaking at an Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) session in Washington, DC, Swedish member of
parliament and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Rapporteur on the Karabagh conflict
Goran Lennmarker said, “There is now a golden opportunity for a peaceful
solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict based on a win-win concept where
both
Armenia and Azerbaijan come out better.”
Presenting his report to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Heads of
Delegations,
Lennmarker spoke of peaceful solutions to the Karabagh conflict within the
OSCE
Minsk Group–co-chaired by France, Russia, and the United States.
Lennmarker stressed that though “the conflict is not frozen,” Armenia and
Azerbaijan must intensify the negotiations. “There is no alternative to a
peaceful solution; in fact, there is an urgent need to solve the conflict in
order to end the personal, economic, and social suffering on both sides of
this
conflict.”
The OSCE rapporteur suggested basing a solution on experiences from Europe,
where democracy and integration are fundamental components in securing lasting
peace. Strong European and international institutions stand ready to support
Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lennmarker stressed.
Commenting on the effectiveness of the work done by the Parliamentary
Delegations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lennmarker said, “Once a peace
agreement
has been finalized by the two Governments, the parliamentary dimension becomes
invaluable in informing the public and in ensuring the implementation. It is
of utmost importance that networks of Members of Parliaments already exist and
stand ready to take on these tasks.”
Lennmarker was appointed in June 2002 and has since then visited Armenia and
Azerbaijan on numerous occasions.

2) OSCE Parliamentarians from 55-Member States Defeat Azeri Effort

ANCA Welcomes Parliamentary Assembly’s rejection of divisive Mountainous
Karabagh resolution

WASHINGTON, DC–The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) meeting last night in Washington, DC,
voted
overwhelmingly to defeat a controversial measure on Nagorno Karabagh authored
by Azerbaijani Parliamentarian Sattar Safarov, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
The vote took place during a meeting of the OSCE PA’s Heads of Delegation, as
part of the opening session of the four-day meeting for members of Parliament
from the 55 member states of the OSCE. The Safarov resolution, which was
widely
viewed as a biased and divisive measure, received only token support, with
nearly all the Heads of Delegation voting to keep the measure off of the OSCE
PA agenda.
The OSCE PA proceedings are being presided over by Congressman Alcee Hastings
(D-FL), the first US legislator to ever serve in this capacity. Other members
of Congress participating in the Assembly include: Senator Sam Brownback
(R-KS), who is heading the US delegation, Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), and
Representatives Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD),
Benjamin L.
Cardin (D-MD), Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-NY), Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL),
Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Joseph R. Pitts (R-PA), Mike Pence (R-IN), and Delegate
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
The Armenian delegation is being headed by Vahan Hovhannisian, the Deputy
Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament. Other members of the delegation are Artashes
Geghamyan, MP and Samvel Nikoyan, MP. The ANCA worked closely with the
Armenian
delegation and the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as with
Armenian
National Committee affiliates in Canada and throughout Europe, in sharing with
OSCE PA members the dangers of the Safarov resolution.
“We would like to thank Congressman Hastings for his leadership in the
Assembly’s proceedings, and to express our appreciation to all those who voted
against the Safarov resolution for their responsible stewardship of the OSCE’s
efforts to facilitate a negotiated settlement to the Nagorno Karabagh
conflict,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
The defeat of the Safarov resolution set the stage for the standard
consideration by the Assembly of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. This
discussion is being led by Swedish Member of Parliament Goran Lennmarker, who
has served since June of 2002 as the OSCE PA special representative on this
issue. In preparation for the OSCE PA meeting, Lennmarker presented a report,
titled “A Golden Opportunity: Some Ideas on Nagorno Karabagh Conflict,” to the
Heads of Delegations to the OSCE PA.
In this report, Lennmarker stressed that there is now a golden opportunity,
through the OSCE Minsk Peace-process, for a peaceful solution of the
Mountainous Karabagh conflict, based on concept where both Armenia and
Azerbaijan come out better. In his remarks, Lennmarker noted that “the
conflict
is not frozen,” adding that “there is no alternative to a peaceful
solution–in
fact there is an urgent need to solve the conflict in order to end the
personal, economic, and social suffering on both sides of this conflict.” He
proposed basing a solution on experiences from Europe, where democracy and
integration are fundamental components in securing a lasting peace, and added
that strong European and international institutions stand ready to support
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
In the weeks leading up to the convening of this meeting, the ANCA–through
grassroots outreach–stressed to the US members of Congress–serving in the
OSCE PA–that Armenian Americans attach tremendous importance to Mountainous
Karabagh’s rights to freedom, democracy and, self-determination. The Armenian
American community, the ANCA stressed, has invested considerable hope in the
OSCE Minsk Group process and is strongly against any efforts to derail this
effort.
In a June 24th letter sent to Congressman Hastings and to others in the US
delegation, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian warned of the dangers presented by the
Safarov resolution. He described it as a “one-sided approach to a complex
issue,” that “neither fairly characterizes the conflict nor presents any
practical steps toward its resolution. In sum, it is a destructive measure
that
will, if adopted, ultimately threaten the progress of the OSCE Minsk Group
peace talks.” Hachikian specifically called on the US members of the Assembly
to vote against the Safarov resolution and “to strongly oppose any and all
efforts to use the Assembly’s meeting as a forum for one-sided efforts to
derail progress toward peace in Nagorno Karabagh.”
The OSCE PA is the parliamentary dimension of the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe, whose 55 participating States span the
geographical
area from Vancouver to Vladivostok. The primary task of the 317-member
Assembly
is to facilitate inter-parliamentary dialogue, an important aspect of the
overall effort to meet the challenges of democracy throughout the OSCE area.
Recognized as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations
Charter, the OSCE is a primary instrument for early warning, conflict
prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in its area.
The
Parliamentary Assembly, originally established by the 1990 Paris Summit to
promote greater involvement in the OSCE by national parliaments, has grown
into
a very active and esteemed member of the OSCE family.
To learn more about the OSCE PA, visit:

3) Homenetmen’s 30th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies End on High Note

VAN NUYS–More than 20,000 people flocked to Birmingham High School’s athletic
field on Monday, July 4, to celebrate Homenetmen’s 30th Navasartian Games
closing ceremonies, officially marking the end of the athletic competitions.
With colorful flags depicting the region’s 18 Homenetmen chapters and the
Navasartian torch burning at the center of the field, the Homenetmen Regional
Scouting Council members, accompanied by Regional Executive chairman Raffy
Ispendjian, led the procession of guests to the field, including Navsartian
Honorary presidents Mr. & Mrs. Shant & Vergine Haytayan and Western Prelate
Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian, along with the 2005 Homenetmen Exemplary member
Lilit Baghdasarians and her husband. Following the ceremonial permission by
the
Honorary President, the Homenetmen regional scout council members and chapter
scoutmasters proceeded to the field.
With Regional scoutmaster Hrayr Boyajian’s cue, the closing ceremonies
commenced with the Homenetmen color-guard bearing the flags of the US,
Armenia,
Mountainous Karabagh Republic, Homenetmen, and three state flags. A second
color guard–bearing the flags of the US and Armenia symbolizing the 30th
Navasartian Games–made their ceremonial entrance onto the field. The US and
Armenian national anthems were performed by the Homenetmen Western Regional
marching band.
Special guests included Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Consul
General of the Republic of Armenia Hon. Gagik Kirakosian; Sheriff Lee Baca;
Homenetmen Central Executive members Manuel Marselian and Mher Tavitian; ARF
Central Committee representative Hagop Tufenkjian; ARS Central Committee Vice
Chairman Hasmig Derderian; State Assembly member Carl Liu; City of Los Angles
councilwomen Wendy Greuel; City of Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian; Clerk of the
City of Glendale Ardashes Kassakhian; Glendale Unified School District Gregory
Krikorian; Burbank Unified School District member Paul Krikorian; and former
Homenetemen Honorary presidents Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Ghailian and family.
The pre-show featured the energetic and graceful Nairi Dance Ensemble of the
San Fernando Valley Hamazkayin chapter, directed by Cathrine Hairabedian.
Homenetmen Regional Executive Chairman Raffy Ispendjian highlighted the
importance of Homenetmen, declaring, `Empower the body and mind and you will
not only elevate yourself but others with you. This was the objective for a
group of visionaries who had survived the First genocide of the 20th century
when they established this organization. Nearly nine decades later, while the
Universal acknowledgement of the first genocide of the 20th century remains
unexplainable missing, the acknowledgment of individual and collective
advancements is refuted.’
Placing the celebration of the 30th Navasartian Games in the US in context,
Ispendjian stressed, `We are undeniably aware of the inseparable connection
between individual and collective freedom. Our forefathers–both Armenian and
American–fought bravely to guarantee us these truths and it remains our
inherent responsibility to protect them. Homenetmen is committed to the
Armenian youth, with them we will grow and for them we stand as guardians for
their right to individual excellence and collective advancement.’
Homenetmen Central Executive member Mher Tavitian gave an inspiring speech
about Homenetmen’s work on a global level, as he announced the Pan Homenetmen
games to be held in Athens, Greece.
A poignant moment was when the Homenetmen Ararat Choir, conducted by Arig
Gevorkian, took the stage and performed a special Navasartian song written by
Gevorkian for the 30th Navasartian Games.
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian commenced his blessing remarks by
praising Homenetmen for its continuous efforts to educate generations of
Armenians throughout the world.
Following the Bishop’s address, Winds of Passion, In Progress…, and the Gor
Band performed Armenian songs.
The parade’s announcers–former Regional Executive member Garbis Chkherdemian
(in English) and HTV Armenian news anchor Nora Tchaparian– outlined each
chapter’s achievements and Navasartian wins as the trophies were presented. As
Regional scoutmaster Boyajian gave the command, the long-awaited parade of
athletes and Homenetmen members began. Cheers filled the stadium as Homenetmen
chapter Executives, Committee members, coaches, athletes, and scouts proudly
marched.
The evening’s festivities continued into the late hours of the Navasartian
festival.

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