Category: News

Chief of Russian Railway Calls for Restoration of Link via Abkhazia
/ Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 2005-02-24 17:58:02
Chief of the state-run Russian Railway Company Genadi Fadeev said on
February 24 that restoration of the railway link through Georgia’s breakaway
republic of Abkhazia “will be the key for resolving problems in the
Caucasus,” RIA Novosti news agency reported.
The railway link via Abkhazia has been defunct for the past eleven years,
after the armed conflict in the region ended. However, Russia unilaterally
restored rail traffic between Moscow and the Abkhaz capital of Sokhumi in
2004.
Genadi Fadeev said that the current situation with the railway communication
is absolutely acceptable for Abkhazia. “[Rail] traffic is organized there,”
he added.
He also said that involved parties should launch talks in order to restore
the railway connection between Russia and Georgia via Abkhazia, which will
also be beneficial for Armenia.

U.S. Dept of Commerce
24 Feb 2005
SABIT Grants Facilitate International Cooperation
SABIT offers competitive grants to cover a share of the costs of hosting
mid- to senior-level Eurasian managers and scientists for 3 to 6 months of
hands-on, professional training in U.S. managerial, research and technology
development practices. The SABIT Grant Program encourages U.S. exports and
investment in Eurasia, and assists economic development by facilitating
partnerships between the U.S. and Eurasian business and scientific
communities.
Participating U.S. organizations may either nominate a candidate from their
existing Eurasian business contacts, or work with SABIT to recruit and
select a qualified candidate. Organizations can apply to host trainees from
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova,
Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Structured as
reimbursable awards, SABIT grants cover only the following three items:
Round-trip airfare from trainee’s home country to the training site
$34 per diem to cover trainee’s living expenses
Up to $750 per month for housing costs
The host organization is responsible for any additional costs associated
with the training (overhead costs, domestic travel, etc.)
Eligibility
Any American profit or non-profit organization or institution may apply. The
Grant Program is ideally suited for small and medium sized businesses that
are new-to-market exporters looking to establish long-term relationships
with potential customers, distributors or partners. Organizations currently
operating in Eurasia may also utilize a SABIT Grant to expand relationships
with and train existing partners, or to establish additional regional
representative offices. Companies, universities and institutes involved in
technology transfer and commercialization have used SABIT Grants to form
cooperative research and development partnerships with the Eurasian
scientific community. Non-governmental organizations have transferred
institutional knowledge, technical expertise, and skills to Eurasian
partners and associates through the SABIT Grant Program.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
February 24, 2005
CONTACT: Ross Vartian
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (202) 669-7231
Armenian Assembly, AGBU and the Western Diocese Honor Righteous
Nations and Organizations as Part of 90th Anniversary Armenian
Genocide Events
Los Angeles, CA – More than 270 community leaders and supporters
participated today in a national tribute honoring countries that took
action while the Armenian Genocide was being carried out or later
affirmed the facts of history. A last-minute campaign waged by Turkey
to sabotage and prevent the remembrance ceremony failed.
The “International Refuge, Relief and Recognition Tribute,” part of a
series of local, national, and international events designed to
commemorate and raise awareness of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, took on added significance last week when some
nations that agreed to receive the honor and attend the luncheon
tribute withdrew their participation in the face of Turkish demands
and intimidation.
The Armenian Assembly, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, as event organizers joined
with the community in saluting those countries for either raising
awareness of this crime, for taking resolute steps to end the
genocidal process, for providing relief to the survivors or for
affirming the historical truth. Organizers and guests gave thanks to
all nations and organizations that helped save lives, but particularly
to those that attended today despite the Turkish government’s
campaign.
Among the countries honored today were: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Germany,
Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia,
Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the
United States. The Vatican and the Near East Foundation were also
recognized.
“Some nations who had initially committed to participate in this
recognition commemoration withdrew in the face Turkish pressure. This
solves nothing,” Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian said in his remarks. “The dead are not honored for their
sacrifice. The actions of the righteous are not recalled. And
ironically, the descendants of the victimizers are not allowed to come
to terms with the truth.”
Special guests included former California Governor and Honorary
Chairman George Deukmejian, Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, Los Angeles
County District Attorney Robert Philibosian as master of ceremonies,
former Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian,
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles’ President Rod Hagenbuch and
Chief Deputy Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Lisa
Kalustian.
Governor Schwarzenegger, for his part, marked the occasion with a
letter to event organizers which said in part: “I salute your efforts
to honor those courageous individuals, organizations and countries who
did not turn their heads but attempted to provide relief and refuge to
their neighbors. Thank you for your commitment to the democratic
principles that make ours a great nation.”
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), a staunch supporter of Armenian-American
issues, also extended her best wishes for the event via a letter which
said: “Although I cannot be with you today, please know that I am
there in spirit,” the Senator wrote. “I want you to know that I will
continue to support official recognition of the Armenian Genocide as
long as I am in the U.S. Senate.”
Barsamian, in his speech, applauded the efforts of the U.S. in
attempting to prevent the genocide while again calling on America’s
formal and irrevocable reaffirmation of the truth. “There is
inevitability to universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and
America cannot be an exception.”
Barsamian also noted by way of example that U.S. Ambassador to Armenia
John Evans repeatedly categorized the events of 1915 as the “Armenian
Genocide” during his recent public meetings with Armenian-American
communities throughout the country. Evans’ remarks are in keeping
with contemporaneous declarations of Presidents Ronald Regan in 1981
and that of George Bush who employed the textbook definition of
genocide in 2001 and 2004.
Furthermore, Evans’ characterization conforms to the publicly stated
conclusions of over 120 renowned Holocaust and Genocide scholars on
the “incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide,” and that of the
International Center for Transitional Justice on the use of the term
Armenian Genocide, which stated that: “The Events, viewed
collectively, can thus be said to include all of the elements of the
crime of genocide as defined in the Convention, and legal scholars as
well as historians, politicians, journalists and other people would be
justified in continuing to so describe them.”
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2005-015
Editor’s Note: Below please find the full text of Assembly Board of
Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian’s remarks at the “International
Refuge, Relief and Recognition Tribute”
February 24, 2005
Your Eminence, Reverend clergy, Your Excellencies, Ladies and
Gentlemen,
This remembrance and recognition highlights two issues of critical
importance to the horrific recurrence of Genocide and the apparent
impotence of the world to stop this crime against us all.
First, the history of genocide must remain inviolable and periodically
affirmed regardless of political discomfort or cost so that we may
learn its lessons.
Second, the actions of 3rd parties are vital to raising awareness
about the crime as soon as it becomes known, to taking resolute steps
to end the genocidal process, to bring to account the perpetrators, to
provide comfort to the survivors, and to forever remember all
instances of genocide.
This is why the Armenian Assembly joined with the AGBU and the Diocese
to remember those nations and organizations that took action while the
Armenian Genocide was being carried out and subsequently. Armenians
remain deeply indebted to all who refused the easy path of
indifference and inaction. You saved lives, you affirmed the truth,
and you bore witness so that the world would be better equipped to act
on the meaning of “Never Again”.
As Voltaire said, “to the living we owe respect, to the dead we owe
the truth”.
As is evident today, the Republic of Turkey refuses to accept the
judgment of history that the Ottoman Turkish government committed
genocide against its Armenian minority. Instead, Turkey attempts to
impose its revisionism on a civilized world that knows better, but
occasionally succumbs to Turkish demands and intimidation by
refraining from affirming the truth. Nations who had initially
committed to participate in this recognition commemoration withdrew in
the face of such Turkish pressure. This solves nothing. The dead are
not honored for their sacrifice. The actions of the righteous are not
recalled. And ironically, the descendants of the victimizers are not
allowed to come to terms with the truth.
Nevertheless, we pause today and throughout this 90th commemorative
year to give thanks to all nations and organizations that came to our
aid – but particularly to those that attended today despite the
Turkish government’s campaign to stop you.
For Turkey’s state sponsored denial effort, having this event is a
defeat. This is a good day for the truth.
As Armenian-Americans, we recall with special appreciation the leading
role of the United States in attempting to prevent the Armenian
Genocide and in aiding those that survived. As Armenian-Americans, we
look to the United States to continue this proud chapter of American
history by reaffirming the facts of this most calamitous chapter of
Armenian history. There is an inevitability to universal affirmation
of the Armenian Genocide, and America has not and will not be an
exception.
A case in point is the recently concluded visit of U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans with major Armenian-American communities across the
country. In his public commentaries, Ambassador Evans repeatedly
employed the words “Armenian Genocide” to properly characterize the
attempted annihilation of our people by Ottoman Turkey.
This is in keeping with President Regan’s proclamation of April 22,
1981 where he stated in part, “like the genocide of the Armenians
before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it – and
like too many other persecutions of too many other people – the
lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten”…
And also with the thrust of President Bush’s 2001 to 2004 April 24
messages that set forth the textbook definition of genocide without
using the word. Ambassador Evans completed the thought.
The Ambassador’s characterization also is in keeping with the public
declarations of over 120 renowned Holocaust and Genocide scholars
regarding “the incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide”.
Further, Ambassador Evans’ characterization conforms to the summary
conclusion of the International Center for Transitional Justice on the
use of the term Armenian Genocide. ICTJ stated that “the Events,
viewed collectively, can thus be said to include all of the elements
of the crime of genocide as defined in the Convention, and legal
scholars as well as historians, politicians, journalists and other
people would be justified in continuing to so describe them.”
The Armenian-American community will not rest until the United States
formally and irrevocably reaffirms the Armenian Genocide. By so
doing, we forever advance the special role of the United States in
genocide prevention.
Today, we are here to honor 17 nations who have joined the movement
towards universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. You have
appropriately remembered this instance of man’s inhumanity to man.
You have stepped forward to combat denial and revisionism. We will
never forget your solidarity.

OSCE.org
Feb 23 2005
OSCE Office signs memorandum with Armenian Defence Ministry on
elimination of rocket fuel component stocks
YEREVAN, 23 February 2005 – A memorandum of understanding on the
elimination of rocket fuel component stocks in Armenia was signed
yesterday in Yerevan by the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan,
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, and the Minister of Defence of Armenia
and Secretary of the National Security Council, Serzh Sargssian.
These rocket fuel components, known as melange, represent a
considerable environmental risk after prolonged storage, in addition
to the inherent security risk.
Following an official request from Armenia in April 2004 for
technical and financial support for the recycling of 872 tons of
melange, the Office arranged for international experts to advise on
the environmentally sound recycling of the chemicals.
The method of neutralizing the melange chosen by the OSCE will result
in the added positive by-product of a liquid fertilizer for use by
Armenia’s farmers.
“The Office will continue to support this important activity, which
aims to improve both the environment and the security of the Armenian
population,” said Ambassador Pryakhin at the signing ceremony. “It is
also an example of fruitful co-operation between the OSCE and the
Government of Armenia”.
Defence Minister Sargssian praised the active co-operation with the
OSCE Office and thanked the OSCE participating States for their
valuable technical support and financial contributions.
The project is financed by the Governments of the United States,
Germany, Finland, as well as Canada, which contributed through the
OSCE-UNDP-UNEP Environment and Security Initiative to the initial
stage of the project, successfully completed last year.

For further information, please contact:

Gohar Avagyan
OSCE Office in Yerevan
89 Teryan St.
375009, Yerevan
Armenia
Tel.: +374 1 54 10 62
+374 1 54 58 45
Fax: +374 1 54 10 61

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
02/24/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1. ANCA Discusses Armenian American Concerns with US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans 2. German CDU to Demand Turkey Acknowledge Killings of Armenians 3. Embassy Official Says Congressman Received Payment for Anti-Armenian Speech 4. Putin Firm Despite Bush's Democracy 'Concerns' 5. NATO Envoy Discusses 'Individual Partnership' with Armenia 1. ANCA Discusses Armenian American Concerns with US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans --Talks include special focus on US policy on the Armenian genocide WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) met this week with Ambassador John Marshall Evans, the US Ambassador to Armenia. The meeting, held in the ANCA offices in Washington, DC, was characterized by a substantive and meaningful exchange on a broad range of issues of concern to Armenian Americans, particularly US recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Joining Ambassador Evans were Aaron Sherinian, the US Embassy's Political Officer and Assistance Coordinator in Yerevan, and Robin Phillips, the USAID-Armenia Mission Director. The Ambassador's meeting with the ANCA followed a two week tour of Armenian American communities in Boston, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno and Washington, DC. During his presentations in these cities, the Ambassador spoke with a level of candor on the historical reality of the Genocide that was specifically welcomed by Armenian Americans. "We welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with the Ambassador, and value his insights and clarity regarding our nation's diplomacy toward Armenia and the region," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "Along with those who heard him speak during his public lectures around the nation, we appreciate the forthrightness of his remarks about the Armenian Genocide. We take note of the fact they coincide with a new level of awareness within the Administration, and the American public, regarding the current attitudes in Turkey toward the United States." Commenting in the wake of the Ambassador's visit, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian said, "On this 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we urge the Bush Administration to take the decisive step of breaking with Turkey's shameful campaign of genocide denial. The time has come for the US government to adopt a fresh and positive approach to the Armenian Genocide issue - in terms of both White House and Congressional initiatives - in a manner consistent with our nation's moral obligations to truth and justice, and in light of new realities in the region." 2. German CDU to Demand Turkey Acknowledge Killings of Armenians (Bloomberg)--Germany's main opposition parties, which oppose Turkey's bid to join the European Union, plan to submit a motion to parliament calling on Turkey to acknowledge responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Armenians in 1915. The Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, said the Turkish government arrested the Armenian political elite in Istanbul in 1915, marking the start of mass deportations and murders in which as many as 1.5 million Armenians are estimated to have died. The Turkish government's refusal to accept responsibility for the crimes committed 90 years ago "stands in contrast to the idea of reconciliation that spearheads the shared values of the European Union, which Turkey aims to join,'' said the draft motion, a copy of which was e-mailed to Bloomberg News. CDU leader Angela Merkel and CSU head Edmund Stoiber have called for Turkey to be allowed a "privileged partnership'' with the 25-nation bloc. EU leaders including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder agreed two months ago that Turkey should start membership talks in October this year. Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper today called the motion an attempt by Merkel to block the country from joining the EU. The CDU leader has said Turkey isn't European enough in terms of its culture and history to join the union. "It isn't true that we want to bar Turkey from EU entry with this proposal, but still we think it's important to honor the memory of the Armenian victims,'' the CDU's Christoph Bergner, one of the legislators who signed the motion, said in a telephone interview. Germany has a part in the crimes because the government at the time didn't act to prevent the killings in spite of detailed evidence documented by German ambassadors in Turkey, Bergner said. Not all CDU lawmakers back the motion. "I reject this proposal and didn't vote for it,'' said Volker Ruehe, the chairman of the all-party parliamentary foreign affairs committee, in an interview. "I think it will be modified eventually. We've no right to thrust this demand on Turkey." 3. Embassy Official Says Congressman Received Payment for Anti-Armenian Speech YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)According to the Noyan Tapan News agency, a representative of the United States Embassy in Yerevan told Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty that the Azeri government paid Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for an anti-Armenian speech he delivered to the House on Thursday, February 17. A member of the Committee on International Relations, Burton told members of Congress, "For years a number of distinguished Members of this House have come to the Floor of this Chamber every April to commemorate the so-called Armenian Genocidethe exact details of which are still very much under debate today almost 90 years after the events. Ironically and tragically, none of these Members has ever once mentioned the ethnic cleansing carried out by the Armenians during the Armenia-Azerbaijan war which ended a mere decade ago. "This savage cruelty against innocent women, children and the elderly is unfathomable in and of itself but the senseless brutality did not stop with Khojaly. Khojaly was simply the first. In fact, the level of brutality and the unprecedented atrocities committed at Khojaly set a pattern of destruction and ethnic cleansing that Armenian troops would adhere to for the remainder of the war," Burton noted during his speech. The Embassy official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Burton's speech comes only two weeks after the government of Azerbaijan officially retained former Congressman Robert Livingston as a lobbyist. Recently, Burton supported the January 25 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution, which states that "considerable parts of Azerbaijan's territory are still occupied by the Armenian forces and separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region." 4. Putin Firm Despite Bush's Democracy 'Concerns' BRATISLAVA (AFP)--During a joint press conference after a summit in the Slovakian capital Bratislava, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave little ground to his US counterpart George W. Bush's concerns that Moscow is backsliding on democratic values Though Putin said there could be "no returning" to a Soviet-style government, Democracy in Russia would develop at its own pace. "We are not going to make up, to invent any kind of special Russian democracy. We're going to remain committed to the fundamental principles of democracy that have been established in the world," Putin said. "But, of course, all the modern institutions of democracy, the principles of democracy, should be adequate to the current status of the development of Russia, to our history and our traditions," he said through an interpreter. "Democracies always reflect a country's culture and customs and I know that," said Bush. "But they have certain things in common: they have rule of law, and protection of minorities, a free press, and a viable political opposition." "I was able to share my concerns about Russia's commitment in fulfilling these universal principles," said the US president, who has been increasingly vocal in criticizing Putin on the issue. The Russian president responded, declaring that debating "whether we have more or whether we have less democracy is not the right thing to do," and dismissing some of Bush's ideas as things "I will not comment on." The two leaders, whose once warm relationship chilled when they broke over the war in Iraq, seemed closer on a range of international issues, agreeing that Iran and North Korea must not obtain nuclear weapons. "It is important to neutralize the attempts to proliferate weapons of mass destruction," said Putin, who has rejected Washington's charges that Tehran seeks nuclear weapons under cover of a civilian atomic program. But a senior US administration official, briefing reporters on condition he not be named, acknowledged that the summit had yielded no breakthroughs on Iran, or on Russian weapons sales to Syria, which Washington wants halted. The official said Bush and Putin met alone with only interpreters in a separate room for over one hour of the two-and-a-half hour meeting. Bush indicated that his personal assessment of Putin had not suffered from their break over Iraq or a series of steps seen as autocratic, including moves against the oil giant Yukos, a clampdown on the media, and centralizing political power in the Kremlin. "I can tell you what it's like dealing with the man over the last four years. When he tells you something, he means it. He asked what some of my concerns were, and he explained answers," said the US president. The White House released a series of joint statements recommitting both countries to cooperating on energy, fighting nuclear weapons proliferation, curbing the spread of shoulder-launched rockets, and helping Russia join the World Trade Organization. But these mostly focused on existing initiatives, and seemed designed to reinforce the idea that Washington and Moscow are still working together on important issues. Washington and Moscow also agreed to keep working on enhancing security at Russian nuclear sites--days after a US intelligence report said theft of radioactive materials from such facilities "has occurred." Ahead of their talks, Bush gave his strongest endorsement yet of European efforts to convince Iran not to develop nuclear weapons and said he hoped for a "diplomatic solution" to the dispute. "We're more likely to do so when we're all on the same page," said Bush, who in the past has stressed that he cannot rule out using force against Tehran. Just hours before seeing Putin, Bush seemed to tweak the Russian leader by predicting that former Soviet republics Moldova and Belarus would embrace democracy and by praising NATO's expansion to Russia's doorstep. "Eventually, the call of liberty comes to every mind and every soul. And one day, freedom's promise will reach every people and every nation," Bush said in a speech to thousands of cheering Slovaks packed in a town square. 5. NATO Envoy Discusses 'Individual Partnership' with Armenia YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--A visiting representative of NATO met with President Robert Kocharian and other top officials in Yerevan Thursday to discuss the alliance's expanding cooperation with Armenia, which will soon be formalized with an "individual partnership action plan," or IPAP. Robert Simmons, NATO's recently appointed special representative to the South Caucasus and Central Asia, said the cooperation framework will further boost what he described as a "very active relationship." "We at NATO are very glad that Armenia has decided to begin an IPAP and we think it will offer a significant step ahead in relations between the alliance and Armenia," he told reporters after the talks. "At the core of those is the fact that Armenia, as a partner, is contributing to NATO activities in the struggle against the threats we face together: terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, failed states." The Armenian government set up last year an interagency group tasked with making proposals and working with NATO officials on the IPAP. Its permanent representative at the NATO headquarters, Samvel Mkrtchian, said last week that the action plan will be unveiled "soon." A military alliance with Russia has been the bedrock of Armenia's national security doctrine since independence, though the Armenian government also tries to complement it with closer links with NATO. Meeting with Simmons, Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian described those relations as "an integral component of Armenia's security" and said Armenia will continue to "deepen" them. Simmons confirmed that Yerevan itself will decide how far it wants to go in forging closer ties with the US-led military bloc. "It's not for us, it's for Armenia to decide when they are ready to make their [IPAP] presentation at NATO and NATO will go through the process of approving that document," he said. The envoy also sought to guard against excessive expectations from the plan. "IPAP is not a magic step that begins a whole bunch of new programs," he said. "In fact, there are many ongoing programs in the partnership with Armenia and IPAP will put them together in a package." Neighboring Georgia and Azerbaijan have already developed similar individual plans that put their participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace program on a higher level. Both countries view NATO membership as a long-term foreign policy goal. Simmons reiterated the alliance's position that while keeping its doors open to any country that meets its political and military criteria, NATO does not intend to start accession talks with any of the South Caucasus states in the near future. "Right now all three countries are trying to make the most of partnerships that they have with NATO," he said. Sarkisian said on Thursday that a key problem hampering Armenia's cooperation with NATO is the unresolved conflict over Karabagh. "If we had no unresolved conflict, we would be able to have a greater participation in [NATO] programs," he was quoted by his press service as telling Simmons. Simmons made it clear that the alliance does not aspire to any mediating role in the long-running Karabagh peace talks sponsored by the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. "We follow those discussions and the [NATO] secretary general has charged me as his representative to the region to keep him informed of developments in those discussions," he said. "But we are not an active participant in the negotiations." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Associated Press Worldstream
February 24, 2005 Thursday 3:12 PM Eastern Time
NATO official: ties with Armenia not intended to compete with
Armenian-Russian relations
YEREVAN, Armenia
A top NATO envoy said Thursday that Armenia’s relations with NATO
should not be seen as competing with the Caucasus nation’s ties with
Russia.
Robert Simons, NATO special envoy for the South Caucasus and Central
Asia, praised Armenia for supporting NATO’s international efforts,
especially in the fight against terrorism, and he thanked Yerevan for
sending peacekeeping and other troops to Kosovo and Iraq.
“Cooperation between NATO and Armenia or with some other nation
should not be examined in the context of competition with Russia,”
Simons said. “NATO supports close ties with Russia, building
relations, particularly, in the framework of the Russia-NATO
council.”
Asked about the likelihood of Armenia’s becoming a member of the
defense alliance, Simons said “NATO’s door is open to any country.”
Russia has watched warily as former Soviet countries like Ukraine and
Georgia have sought deepen ties with Western organizations like the
European Union and NATO and move out from under Russia’s shadow.
Armenia has 49 bomb-disposal experts, drivers, medics and officers
serving in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led military effort there.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
Feb 24 2005
ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS BEING IN EL-KUWAIT TO START THEIR MISSION IN
IRAQ MARCH 1
24.02.2005 16:23
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian peacekeepers being in El-Kuwait will start
their mission in Iraq March 1, Arminfo news agency reported. It
should be noted that 46 Armenian peacekeepers will fulfill their
mission as part of the Polish contingent.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – February 24, 2005
JOINT COMMEMORATION OF 90th ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW YORK ON APRIL 24
A joint commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
of 1915 will take place in New York City on Sunday, April 24. Armenian
Americans from the eastern United States will gather at Times Square
beginning at noon for a program, followed by Ecumenical and Requiem Services
at St. Patrick Cathedral beginning at 2 pm. Details will follow.
The Joint Commemorative Committee is composed of: Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern); Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America; Armenian Assembly of America; Armenian
Democratic Liberal Party; Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian Catholics in the
U.S.; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Association of
America; Armenian National Committee of America; Armenian Relief Society;
Armenian Revolutionary Federation; Armenian Social Democratic Hunchakian
Party; Knights and Daughters of Vartan.
PRELATE IN LEBANON AND ARMENIA
Archbishop Oshagan departed this week for Lebanon and Armenia. In
Lebanon the Prelate will confer with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia. From Lebanon the Prelate will go to Armenia where he
will represent the Catholicate of Cilicia in dialogues between the Holy Sees
of Cilicia and Etchmiadzin.
SEMINAR FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
IN NEW ENGLAND AREA
A seminar for Sunday School teachers in the New England region will take
place Saturday, April 9, at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
The seminar is sponsored by St. Stephen Church and the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). The seminar will be led by Deacon Shant Kazanjian,
Director of AREC. The main topic is The Bible and the Sacraments of
Christian Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist.
For registration and/or information contact the church office,
617-924-7562 or the AREC office, 212-689-7810.
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CALLS FOR
RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The World Council of Churches (WCC) called for the recognition of the
Armenian Church, during the meeting of the Central Committee of the WCC,
which took place in Geneva February 15 to 23. The statement says in part:
Sunday, April 24, 2005 will be the 90 years commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide, the tragic massacre of one-and-a-half million Armenians
in Turkey and the deportation of another million from their homeland. The
World Council of Churches has on different occasions addressed the need for
public recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the necessity of Turkey to
deal with this dark part of its history. The importance of evaluating its
history has recently also been addressed by the Conference of European
Churches relating to Turkey’s relation to the European Union.
From the Christian perspective, the path towards justice and
reconciliation requires the recognition of the crimes committed as a sine
qua non condition for the healing of memories and the possibility of
forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting but to look back with the
intention to restore justice, respect for Human Rights and relationships
between perpetrators and victims.
The Public Committee recommended that the General Secretary and staff
propose to all member churches to make Sunday, April 24, a day of memorial
of the Armenian Genocide and to consider further appropriate events related
to the commemoration.
One hundred sixty-four voting members participated in the meeting of the
Central Committee together with more than 100 advisors, consultants and
representatives from the Vatican and international organizations. His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has served as the
Moderator of the Central Committee since 1991.
In his closing remarks Aram I expressed his deep appreciation to the
members of the Central Committee for their active and responsible
participation in the reflection and action of the Central Committee in the
past eight years. He said: The sea in which the ecumenical boat is sailing
is more stormy today than ever before. Being ecumenical means having the
courage of faith and the vision to move together towards the ecumenical
goals which bind us together as one fellowship.
LENTEN PROGRAM CONTINUES
Yesterday the third in a series of Prelacy Lenten Bible studies
continued in the exploration of the Passion Narratives, conducted by Deacon
Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council. Last
night the lecture/discussion focused on the trial and betrayal, as told in
Matthew 27, verses 1 through 44.
Next Wednesday, March 2, the lesson will center on the Crucifixion.
The lectures take place at St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, with a Lenten Service at 7:30 and Bible study at 8
p.m., followed by a Lenten meal and fellowship. The Lenten program is
jointly sponsored by AREC and the Prelacy Ladies Guild. All are welcome. For
information contact the AREC office, 212-689-7810.
BEAST ON THE MOON IS COMING TO OFF-BROADWAY
Beast on the Moon, a play by Richard Kalinoski, is preparing to open at
the Century Center for the Performing Arts on East 15th Street in New York
City. Previews begin April 12, and opening night is April 27.
The play tells the story of the Armenian Genocide through the eyes of
two survivors who are trying to make a new life in the United States. David
Grillo, the producer of this production, describes it as a universal tale of
love as a healing tool in the aftermath of loss.
Beast on the Moon has been telling the story of the Armenian Genocide
for the past 12 years. The play has been performed in 17 countries,
translated into 12 languages and has received accolades and more than 40
awards.
This New York premiere is expected to attract a wide audience. It has
already received a great deal of press coverage in trade magazines and
newspapers and most recently in the New York Times.
Watch future issues of Crossroads for ticket information.
SUBMISSIONS BY ARTISTS SOUGHT FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE SHOW
Gallery Z of Providence, Rhode Island, has informed us that it is
looking for submissions for an exhibition honoring the 90th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. Work should be a reflection or expression of the
Armenian Genocide, with a focus on themes such as rebirth, regeneration,
transformation, rekindling of the spirit, and reclamation of identity.
All mediums are accepted. Deadline is March 5. There is a modest
submission fee. For information contact Maryellen at [email protected].
DER NAREG ARRIVES IN NEW YORK
Rev. Fr. Nareg and Yeretzgeen Ani Terterian arrived in New York recently
where they will establish their home. Der Nareg was ordained in Antelias,
Lebanon, in October. For the next six month he will serve as assistant to V.
Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Subsequently he will assume the pastorship of St. Sarkis.
Prior to his ordination, Deacon Serop Terterian served at the Prelacy
office from January 2002 to January 2004. During that time he furthered his
studies at the General Theological Seminary.
SAINTS REMEMBERED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, February 26, the Armenian Church commemorates the memory
of Hovhan Odznetsi, Hovhan Vorodnetsi, and Krikor Datevatsi.
Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon), was catholicos between 717 and 728
which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended Armenians
from forced conversion and was successful in securing the right of worship
for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in receiving tax-exempt
status for the church. He was highly admired and respected by the people.
Hovhan Vorodnetsi (St. John of Orotni) was born in 1315. Following his
ordination he served at the monasteries of Kailitzor and Datev. He dedicated
most of his efforts toward the preservation of the orthodox faith, and
against the attempt to merge the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He
wrote commentaries on the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul.
Krikor Datevatsi, perhaps the best known of the three, was a student of
John of Orotni, and a great defender of the character of the Armenian
Church. He was born in 1346. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin
fluently and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded
to be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work is
the Book of Questions (Kirk Hartsmants), which examines questions of faith.
He is also credited with setting a new standard for preaching.
SUNDAY OF THE STEWARD
This Sunday, February 27, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is Sunday of the
Steward (Tntesi Kiraki). The reading on this day is from the Gospel of St.
Luke, chapter 16, verses 1 to 8, which relate the parable of The Unrighteous
Steward. This parable is about a rich man and his steward. The steward was
one who looked out for his own personal benefit and through his cunning
arrangements made deals with those who were in debt to his master. Jesus
used this parable not to condone the behavior of the steward but rather as
an illustration of qualities that have a necessary place in the life of true
disciples. Since we are stewards of this world, we are accountable to our
Lord for the talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our
care.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching method. His
parables were common stories, usually short and always interesting.
Generally, the stories were used to convey important moral and ethical
messages. Some of the parables were simple and easy to comprehend. Others
were complex and more challenging.
NEXT WEDNESDAY IS MEDIAN DAY OF LENT
Next Wednesday, March 2, is the median day of Lent (Meechink). It is the
24th day of Lent and it occurs on the Wednesday of the fourth week. Although
it does not have any specific religious significance, this mid-point day has
been traditionally marked as a special day, an occasion for celebration. It
is generally marked with conviviality and fellowship while sharing a table
filled with Lenten foods.
O Lord, You who have created the heavenly world of angels and established
the princes of the fiery spirits as stewards there; we bless Your
inconceivable powers. You who have created in a lordly manner the second
world and placed the first man as a steward in the Garden of Eden; You who
have built Your Church highest of all in mystery and have ordained in it the
preacher of the word of truth as steward.
(from sharagan sung on the Fourth Sunday of Lent)
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ARKA News Agency
Feb 24 2005
RAO `UES Russia’ is satisfied with cooperation with Armenia in the
area of energy development
Armenian Defence Minister: Cooperation with Armenia is part of
country’s security
Armenian President holds working meeting with Governor of Gegharkunik
Marz
Romualds Razusk appointed on the position of NATO Communication
Officer to South Caucasus
RA President and NATO Secretary General Special Representative
discuss perspectives of Armenia-NATO relations development
It is time for NATO to condemn murder of the Armenian officer in
Hungary – Robert Simmons
Charity concert to raise funds for Armenian children’s treatment held
in Washington
*********************************************************************
RAO `UES RUSSIA’ IS SATISFIED WITH COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA IN THE
AREA OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
MOSCOW, February 23. /ARKA/. RAO `UES Russia’ is satisfied with
cooperation with Armenia in the area of energy development, as stated
Anatoli Chubays, the Chairman of the Board of RAO `UES Russia’, told
ARKA. `We quite positively evaluate what has been done so far’, he
said. According to Chubays, quite different development stage is
meant here, that is not just electric connection and supplies of
electric power, purchase and sale, but `investments, modernization of
the existing facilities and our management’. `We are oriented on
maximal openness with our partners in respect of potential projects’,
he said. Chubays also noted that RAO `UES Russia’ has no goal in
itself `to fill up the whole region with electric power produced by
the company’. `We move towards you and you-towards us. Both are done
when it’s mutually advantageous. It’s sensible and right’, he said.
In Armenia RAO `UES Russia’ monitors financial inflows of Armenian
Atomic Power Plant and owns Sevan-Hrazdan Hydroelectric Power Plant
(HPP) and Hrazdan Heat Power Plant (HPP).
The financial inflows of APP in September 2003 were transmitted into
trusty management of Russian Inter RAO UES, daughter enterprise of
RAO UES Russia (60% of shares) and Rosenergatom (40%) for 5 years.
International Energetic Corporation CJSC was founded in May, 2003 by
RAO UES Russia for exploitation of Sevan-Hrazdan CJSC passed to
Russia to compensate part of debt for supply of nuclear fuel for
Armenian Atomic Power Plant. Hrazdan HPP was passed to Russia to
partially redeem the state debt of Armenia to Russia. The station was
estimated at $ 31 mnl. It will be managed by an operator appointed by
Russian side. The operator will be determined from the mid of March
2005. A.H. -0 –
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN DEFENCE MINISTER: COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA IS PART OF
COUNTRY’S SECURITY
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24. /ARKA/. Serge Sargsian, Secretary of Security
at Armenian President and Defence Minister, met NATO Secretary
General’s Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia Robert
Simmons Thursday in Yerevan. According to Defence Ministry’s source,
Serge Sargsian said he attached great importance to cooperation with
NATO and considered it part of Armenia’s security and stressed the
NATO attached importance to relationship with Yerevan. In his words,
Armenia will keep moving in the decided way increasingly deepening
its relations with the Alliance. `Within its capacity, Armenia will
try to ensure its participation in NATO programs, Moreover, if we
have no unsolved conflict, we would have room for wider participation
in them’, Sargsian said.
Simmons, in turn, said a group of consultants would arrive in Armenia
in a month, which would assist Armenia in working-out defence
programs. Speaking about Karabakh conflict settlement, he noted that
the conflict was hobbling the development of the region’s countries.
` I think bilateral acoord will be reached on this issue’, the NATO
official said. M.V. -0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT HOLDS WORKING MEETING WITH GOVERNOR OF GEGHARKUNIK
MARZ
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharian
held a working meeting with Governor of Gegharkunik marz Stepan
Barseghyan. As Armenian President’s Press Service told ARKA, during
the meeting the officials discussed the results of the activities
performed in the marz in 2004. It was mentioned that that entries to
the budget of the marz grew compared to the previous year by AMD 130
mln the growth of potato and wheat made 40% and livestock – 60%. The
most important precondition for of the development of the agriculture
of Gegharkunik was nonrefundable transfer to the farmers 600 hectares
of land that enabled employing over 400 people in agricultural
sector.
During the meeting the officials also discussed the issues related to
Lake Sevan ecology, particularly the fish reserves and water
reservoir problems. (1$- AMD 471.76). T.M.–0–
*********************************************************************
ROMUALDS RAZUSK APPOINTED ON THE POSITION OF NATO COMMUNICATION
OFFICER TO SOUTH CAUCASUS
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. RA Deputy Foreign Minister Tatoul
Margarian received NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative
for Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons. During the meeting
Simmons represented newly appointed NATO Communication Officer to
South Caucasus Romualds Razusk. The parties discussed issues related
to activity of Razusk and some organizational issues and discussed
priority directions for cooperation of Armenia and NATO in the
context of individual program of partnership. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT AND NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
DISCUSS PERSPECTIVES OF ARMENIA-NATO RELATIONS DEVELOPMENT
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian and NATO
Secretary General Special Representative to Central Asia and South
Caucasus Robert Simmons discussed perspectives of Armenia-NATO
relations development, president’s press office told ARKA. The
parties discussed process of Armenia-NATO cooperation and development
perspectives, mentioned regions issues and the process of Karabakh
settlement. Simmons represented the President the process of NATO
cooperation with CIS and other countries. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
IT IS TIME FOR NATO TO CONDEMN MURDER OF THE ARMENIAN OFFICER IN
HUNGARY – ROBERT SIMMONS
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. It is time for NATO to condemn the
murder of the Armenian officer in Hungary, as NATO Secretary
General’s Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia Robert
Simmons stated on press conference in Yerevan. At that he mentioned
that it is not good to return to the horrible events of the past.
`NATO is strongly sorry for the murder of the Armenian officer in
Hungary, however this is not far the relations that we would like to
have between the stated, as it is now we need to be targeted at
future and not the past’, Simmons. At that he stressed that NATO did
not leave this fact without attention. `We expressed our regret, but
it is time to move ahead and to cast the sight at god relations that
we formed at the moment and the programs that we are planning to
implement’, Simmons said.
To remind on February, 2004 early in the morning at 5:30 lieutenant
of the Armed Forces of Armenia Gurgen Margaryan, hearer of English
courses, organized by University of National Defense of Hungary
within frames of NATO partnership for Peace was brutally killed with
axe while sleeping by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov participating
the same courses.
The first hearing of Ramil Safarov’s criminal case was held on
November 23, 2004 in Budapest court on criminal affairs under
chairmanship of judge Andras Vaskuti. The next hearing was held on
February 8 in Budapest where the court heard Ramail Safarov’s new
evidences and the results and of investigation of the charged of the
mental health test. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
CHARITY CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ARMENIAN CHILDREN’S TREATMENT HELD
IN WASHINGTON
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. A charity concert to raise funds for
the treatment of Armenian children from vulnerable families was held
in Washington, DC, USA. The concert was organized by the Yerevan
office of the Global Fund for Transplantation of Organs to Children.
The Press and Information Department, RA Foreign Office, reports that
the action was held under the auspices of the RA Embassy in the USA.
The Fund invited the prize-winners of numerous musical festivals –
the trio of the State Philharmonic Society of Armenia Lilit Zakharyan
(violin), Vahan Grigoryan (violoncello), and Shushan Hakobyan
(piano).
The concert was held at the concert hall of the Austrian Embassy in
Washington. Attending the concert were Fund President and
Vice-President Mark Croker and Valery McKefry, representatives of the
US administration, WB, and Armenian community in Washington, public
figures and workers of culture.

PanArmenian News
Feb 24 2005
NATO EXTREMELY INTERESTED IN SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH CONFLICT
24.02.2005 18:06
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The NATO is satisfied with the beginning of the
working out of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and
Armenia being ready to serious progressive steps in relations with
the Alliance, Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General
for the South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons stated at a
press conference in Yerevan. In his words, in spite the IPAP is not
ready yet, the cooperation is available between the parties and the
IPAP will comprise all the partnership aspects. Speaking of today’s
Armenia-NATO cooperation Simmons noted that as a partner Armenia
contributes to struggle against common threats. Besides, Robert
Simmons noted that the NATO is extremely interested in the settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, although the solution of the
problem is the function of the OSCE Minsk Group. “The NATO is not
going to play a role in these talks,” he stated, expressing hope for
successful completion of discussions and negotiations. In the Special
Representative’s words, the NATO doors are open to any country. “The
countries of the South Caucasus display an integration impetus
towards the North-Atlantic structures,” he stated.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress