Category: News

Aremenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
E-Mail: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2004
Contact: David Zenian
E-Mail: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO MRS. REAGAN
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly this week expressed its “deep
sadness” and “heartfelt condolences” to Mrs. Nancy Reagan and her family
over the death of her husband, Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the
United States.
In a joint letter signed by Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian and
Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian, the Assembly praised the late
President for his ardent support of genocide reaffirmation, freedom,
democracy and human rights.
“Your husband is to be commended as the only President of the United States
to recognize the Armenian Genocide via official proclamation. As the
Governor of California, he frequently issued proclamations accurately
characterizing the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide,” the letter said.
In his unprecedented proclamation issued on April 22, 1981 during his first
term in office, the late President Reagan said:
“Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the
Cambodians which followed it – and like too many other such persecutions of
too many peoples – the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten.”
Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian said:
“His remarks are now part of the historical record and contributed to the
growing international trend of Armenian Genocide reaffirmation. His
statement did not damage U.S.-Turkey relations, contrary to the often
expressed concerns of past and present administrations as they oppose
congressional resolutions on this vital issue.
“President Reagan’s quest to end the Cold War set the stage for the fall of
the Berlin Wall, and created the momentum for the eventual collapse of the
Soviet Union, an end to communist rule and the re-birth of an independent
Republic of Armenia,” Hovnanian said.
Following is the full text of the Assembly’s letter of condolence which was
sent to Mrs. Nancy Reagan this week.
June 8, 2004
Mrs. Nancy Reagan
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Dear Mrs. Reagan:
On behalf of the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian-American community, we
wish to express our deep sadness on hearing of the death of your husband.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Throughout his career in public service, the President distinguished himself
as one of America’s most ardent and eloquent champions of freedom, democracy
and human dignity worldwide. To that end, your husband is to be commended
as the only President of the United States to recognize the Armenian
Genocide via official proclamation. As the Governor of California, he
frequently issued proclamations accurately characterizing the cataclysmic
events of 1915 as genocide.
In foreign policy, the President’s motto was “peace through strength,” as he
embarked on a quest to end the Cold War, reunite Germany, reduce nuclear
arms, and confront terrorism. He is credited for his singular role in
ending the Cold War and setting the stage for the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Armenian-American community will always remember the vision and
leadership your husband exhibited in his successful mission to liberate the
nations absorbed by the former Soviet Union.
With every fundamental challenge he encountered in life, the President met
it with good humor, kindness, conviction and optimism in a way that inspired
and continues to inspire the American people. As the nation grieves with
your family, we also celebrate the life of your husband.
Sincerely,
Hirair Hovnanian
Anthony Barsamian
Chairman, Board of Trustees Chairman,
Board of Directors
NR#2004-054

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 9, 2004
___________________
AWARDS PRESENTED TO PEOPLE DEDICATED TO YOUNG FAITHFUL
As part of its General Assembly and Sports Weekend, the Armenian Church
Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) awarded several honors to
dedicated leaders during its weekend of events in Dallas, TX, May 27-31.
The Gregory Arpajian Award, given to an individual who displays
leadership and service to the Armenian Church and community, was
presented to Saro Kalayjian of the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC.
The Sam Nersesian Award, which honors an individual who displays
Christian values, was awarded to Karen Khatchadourian from the St.
Thomas Church in Tenafly, NJ.
The Chapter “A” Award, annually given to an ACYOA senior chapter that
has best fulfilled the requirements as seen by the ACYOA Central
Council, was awarded to the ACYOA chapter at the St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX.
“We will definitely remember the southern hospitality of the Dallas
ACYOA and St. Sarkis parishioners as we return home to our parishes
throughout the Diocese,” newly installed ACYOA Central Council Chair
Morris said. “The countless hours of planning and preparations led to
the success of the weekend and proved that Dallas’ ACYOA Seniors were
truly worthy of receiving the Chapter ‘A’ Award this year.”
The V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award, named after the beloved late
pastor and given each year to a priest in recognition of his dedication
to the youth, was given to Fr. Nersess Jebejian, pastor at the St. Hagop
Church in St. Petersburg, FL.
“I knew Fr. Haigazoun for many years and, in fact, was his mentor for a
time, so I’m especially pleased to be awarded this in his name,” Fr.
Jebejian said. “I pray that the ACYOA continues to grow and fulfill its
mission and that it lives up to the vision of its founder, Archbishop
Tiran Nersoyan.”
The group’s newest honor, the Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award, also
named after a beloved departed pastor, and presented to a layperson who
has supported the youth of the church, was awarded to Dean Shahinian, a
delegate from the St. Mary Church in Washington, DC.
“We are brothers and sisters in a family that God has created,” said
Shahinian, who on Saturday, May 29, also lead an Insights Session for
the participants, during which they focused on morals. “We are bound
together with love and respect for each other, although we are at
different stages in our lives.”
— 6/9/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Nersess Jebejian, pastor of the St. Hagop Church
in St. Petersburg, FL, is presented with the V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun
Melkonian Award during the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in
Dallas, TX.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Saro Kalayjian, from the St. Mary Church of
Washington, D.C., is presented with the Gregory Arpajian award during
the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, May 27-31, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Dean Shahinian, from the St. Mary Church in
Washington, D.C., is presented with the ACYOA’s Rev. Fr. Haroutiun
Dagley Award, during the group’s 2004 General Assembly and Sports
Weekend, hosted the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX.
# # #

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 9 2004
AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVES CHAIRMAN OF ASSEMBLY OF
TURKISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS
[June 09, 2004, 23:19:53]
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received at the
Presidential palace a delegation led by Chairman of the Assembly of
Turkish American Associations /ATAA/ Mr. Ercument Kilic, June 9.
Sincerely greeting the guests, the Head of State Ilham Aliyev noted
in particular that the Assembly of Turkish American Associations has
a great prestige, and plays an important role in development of the
Turkey-US relationship. We are closely watching your activities and
pleased at you achievements, he said.
The President pointed out active participation of Azerbaijani
delegation in the Assembly’s January 2004 Congress, and expressed
satisfaction with development of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the
organization. He also mentioned activity of the State Committee for
Working with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad, which had been founded at the
initiative of nation-wide leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev.
As you know, Turkey-Azerbaijan relationship has always been
very friendly, we are brotherly countries, President Ilham Aliyev
stressed. He noted that Turkey had been the first country to recognize
Azerbaijan after re-gaining the state independence, and that relations
between the two states had been brought up to very high level since
then.
These relations have brought great benefit to both peoples; Turkey
and Azerbaijan are implementing large-scale economic projects in the
region, and we have always supported each other in the international
organizations, the Head of State said.
President Ilham Aliyev also pointed to high-level relationship between
Azerbaijan and the United States both in political, economic and
other spheres. He described Azerbaijan as very reliable partner of
the United States. For the last decade, he said, we showed more than
once our adherence to this policy not only by issuing statements but
also by taking practical steps, the President emphasized.
The Head of State noted with great satisfaction the recent formation of
the US-Azerbaijan working group in the United Sates Congress, and the
importance of dissemination of truthful information about Azerbaijan
among the Congressmen. Despite the US President’s waiver of the
unfair Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act regarding Azerbaijan,
the President said, it still remains in force. He described the
Section 907 as one of the results of the great job Armenian lobby in
the United States is doing against Azerbaijan.
We are trying to settle peacefully the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh, President Ilham Aliyev continued, but unfortunately,
there is no result yet. Everyone should be aware, and the American
public in particular, that exactly Azerbaijan is a victim of the
conflict; it is our land that is under occupation, and over one
million of our people have become IDPs and refugees from the conflict;
what we want is observance of the international legal norms, and as
its reflection – withdrawal of the Armenian occupation forces from
our lands and restoration of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,
President Ilham Aliyev concluded.
Having thanked the Head of State for the sincere meeting, ATAA
Chairman, Mr. Ercument Kilic noted that it is a great honor for him
to meet the President of Azerbaijan.
The guest expressed his great satisfaction with the positive changes
occurred in Azerbaijan for the past years, among which he called new
airport, hotels etc. He also pointed out the evident achievements
of the country in the spheres of democracy development, transition
to market economy, as well as its participation in the international
peacemaking operations that according to him, is widely propagandized
in the United States.
Having stressed the good relations established recently with American
parliamentarians, Mr. Ercument Kilic noted that members of his
organization are actively involved in clarifying the situation with
respect to Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. He said Karabakh is a
common wound, and on behalf of the 300 thousand American Turks and
20 thousand Assembly members assured President Ilham Aliyev that they
would do their best to achieve the goal.
In conclusion, the ATAA Chairman extended to the Azerbaijan President
best wishes for every success in his activity.
Present at the meeting was Chairman of the State Committee on Working
with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT IN CONTROL AS OPPOSITION PROTESTS FIZZLE OUT
Emil Danielyan: 6/09/04
EurasiaNet Organization
June 9 2004
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian appears to have warded off a
challenge to his authority, surviving a two-month opposition protest
campaign that aimed to force his resignation. Even though the protests
failed to attract large numbers of Armenians, some political analysts
in Yerevan say the opposition campaign inflicted considerable political
damage on Kocharian.
Since April, opposition leaders had promised “decisive action”
against Kocharian. At the most recent street protest June 4 in
central Yerevan, however, the opposition acknowledged that it lacked
sufficient backing to fulfill its aim, and abandoned plans to march on
Kocharian’s residence. “We believe that we are not yet ready to carry
out actions needed for achieving our final victory,” a leading member
of the opposition Justice bloc, Albert Bazeyan, told a thinning crowd.
The unrest stemmed from the February-March 2003 presidential election
in which Kocharian secured a second term amid allegations of vote
rigging. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. His
opponents still refuse to recognize the legitimacy of his reelection
and were unsuccessful in a 2003 attempt to have the voting results
invalidated. Kocharian critics later decided to embrace protest
tactics, striving to imitate the success of Georgian President
Mikheil Saakashvili, who came to power amid the “Rose Revolution”
in Tbilisi. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
The opposition unveiled the protest strategy in early April. The
most critical moment occurred early on in the protest campaign, as
riot police, during the early hours of April 13, dispersed opposition
protesters as they marched towards Kocharian’s official residence in
Yerevan. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive].
The leaders of Armenia’s two main opposition groups, the Justice
bloc and the National Unity Party (AMK), have since continued the
unsanctioned rallies in the city center. The protests have flagged
in recent weeks as many opposition supporters grew increasingly
frustrated over the lack of “decisive action.”
Bazeyan and other opposition leaders said they will continue to rally
supporters in the capital to keep up pressure on the authorities.
“There will be no stability in the country as long as Kocharian remains
in power because stability and Kocharian are incompatible things,”
the most radical of them, Aram Sarkisian, said.
But few observers believe that demonstrations attended by several
thousand people will pose a serious threat to the ruling regime.
Given the effective end of the protest campaign, political analysts
are examining the question of why the Armenian opposition failed
to mobilize what one of its leaders described as a “critical mass”
of demonstrators.
In the view of Aghasi Yenokian, director of the independent Armenian
Center for Political and International Studies, Justice and the
AMK never had a clear action plan. He said the opposition also lost
popular trust due to its inability to successfully press its appeal
over the presidential election tally. “The opposition has shown on
several occasions that it can let the people down at any moment,”
Yenokian said.
Still, some local political experts believe that the protests,
which provoked the worst-ever government crackdown on the Armenian
opposition, dealt a blow to Kocharian’s legitimacy at home and
abroad. That, they say, could open new cracks in the country’s shaky
governing coalition, rendering the medium- to long-term political
situation in the country unpredictable.
“Armenia is entering a period of political apathy where there is no
effective government and [no] effective opposition,” said a recent
commentary in the pro-opposition daily Haykakan Zhamanak.
Authorities have maintained throughout that the opposition protest
campaign was unconstitutional. On June 8, one of Kocharian’s top allies
declared victory in the political struggle. “The opposition has failed
to achieve its goals,” Prime Minister Andranik Markarian said.
Throughout the crisis, Kocharian stressed that Armenia’s strong
security apparatus ensured that a repetition of the “Georgian scenario”
would not occur in Yerevan. At the same time, Kocharian has sought
to placate building popular frustration.
Kocharian has long tried to cast himself as the custodian of a
fast-growing economy. [For background see the Eurasia Insight
archive]. The benefits of economic growth, though, are not evenly
distributed in Armenia, as many in the country continue to grapple
with poverty. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight
archive]. In recent weeks, Kocharian has expressed renewed interest in
improving living conditions. His schedule in early June, for example,
was full of meetings, heavily publicized by state-controlled television
channels, with officials at all levels of government to examine issues
ranging from suspected corruption in high school graduation exams to
patchy supplies of drinking water.
In addition to the high-profile effort to address popular concerns,
authorities have cracked down on the opposition, arresting hundreds of
government critics. The crackdown continued even after strong criticism
voiced by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in late
April. Since then, a 24-year-old man has been sentenced to an 18-month
jail term for hurling a plastic bottle at a riot police officer during
the April 12-13 events. Four other opposition activists received up
to 15-month prison sentences stemming from their participation in
another protest.
Although Kocharian is the winner of the latest round, experts
believe the political bout will continue. Yenokian, for one, viewed
the deepening intra-governmental infighting as a source of political
turmoil down the road. “The processes should not be considered over,”
the analyst said. “They may well have a continuation.”
Editor’s Note: Emil Danielyan is a Yerevan-based journalist and
political analyst.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES MEMBER OF GERMAN KfW BANK COUNCIL
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: The president of Armenia Robert Kocharian
received today the delegation of Kredietenschaft fur Wiederaufbau
(KfW) bank, headed by member of KfW council Ingrid Matheus Mayer,
which arrived in Armenia within a regional visit.
The presidential press office reported that Robert Kocharian stated
with satisfaction that the program carried out in cooperation with KfW
are the most successful ones from the point of their effectiveness. He
particularly outlined the cooperation in the sphere of energy and
banking system.
According to Mrs. Mayer, the cooperation in various spheres is on
the excellent level. She said that KfW pays serious attention to the
development of small and medium business. In this regard she outlined
the importance of the German-Armenian fund’s activity. She said the
cooperation in the spheres of energy will be continued. In her words,
there is a certain interest towards the water system.

US AMBASSADOR VISITS SYUNIK
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
KAPAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: US ambassador to Armenia, John Ordway,
paid a two-day working visit to the southern province of Syunik on
June 8-9 to get a first-hand information on the ground about the pace
of implementation of an array of projects, funded and supported by
his government.
The first leg of his visit was to Meghri, home to one of the biggest
copper and molybdenum plant, that was privatized by a US-based company
recently. The same day the ambassador met with representatives of local
non-governmental organizations and community leaders in Meghri and then
in Kapan to introduce them to the projects, implemented in the region
with the support of the US government and hear also their opinions.
On the second day of the visit John Ordway visited a local kindergarten
being repaired by Save the Children Organization on USAID funds and
then attended a ceremony marking the end of a major repair of the
local mental clinic, funded also by Save the Children.

MAP BUILDS MODERN BUTCHERY
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
YEGHEGNADZOR, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: A butchery that will comply with
US and European standards is being built in Yeghegnadzor, in the
vicinity of ARID Goat Breeding and Research Center with the support
of USDA Marketing Assistance Project (MAP).
According to Sos Avetisian, a public affairs officer of the MAP,
the refrigerating room and other auxiliary facilities, also two
shops, one for processing the hide and the other for butchering are
ready. There is also a special window for visitors who can watch the
entire production process of the butchery. A US experts is invited to
teach local specialists European methods of operating a butchery. The
butchery’s capacity will be around 3,000 goats a year. MAP is planning
to build another five such butcheries.
The ARID Center houses imported purebred goats from the United
States. These purebred goats are crossed with native Armenian goats
to obtain a crossbred animal with increased milk production. This
improved milk production increases village farmers’ financial incomes
and provides the milk necessary for goat cheese factories to make
exotic goat cheeses that are exported abroad.

ONE COMPANY BIDS FOR ZANGEZOUR PLANT
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: Trade and development minister Karen
Chshmaritian told a news conference on Tuesday that only one German
company has made a bid for participation in a tender for privatization
of Zangezour metallurgical plant in southern Armenia.
The deadline for filing bids is June 26. Chshmaritian said the shares
of the plant are estimated $130 million. The minister said the plant
works with profits, which last year amounted to $20 million.

KOCHARIAN CONFERS DECORATIONS ON 40 REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS SECTORS
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of Republic Day president
Kocharian conferred today Armenian medals, orders and other decorations
on a group of police and national security officers, prosecutors,
employees of local self-management bodies and health and education
communities.
President Kocharian was quoted by his press office as saying that
it is a good tradition to confer national decorations on people
from different branches for their merits on the occasion of national
holidays. He said: “You too have earned this distinction by your hard
work. This means that the progress of our country is contingent on
every of us and a breakthrough is possible only given a harmonized
cooperation between all branches.”
Kocharian said their appearance on the list was an evidence of their
good name and high professionalism that cannot be earned in one day
and without hard and enduring work.
Kocharian also said that a simple comparison of crime rates in Armenia
and other developed countries, or in countries with the same level of
living standards is enough to commend Armenian police and appreciate
its work. Kocharian said the difference is significant, an evidence
of good work of the police.
“It is at this moment that we have to be more optimistic about our own
forces, we have to believe that hard work and initiative help surmount
all obstacles,” the president said. The recipients of the awards in
turn thanked the president for his warm attitude and conferring state
orders on them, adding it was a boost to their further activity.

GYUMRI-KARS: HISTORICAL CULTURAL TOURISM SYMPOSIUM
ArmenPress
June 9 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS: The Yerevan office of Academy for
Education Development (AED) in cooperation with several organizations
and interested individual and with the financial support of USAID
has initiated a project, called “Gyumri-Kars: Historical Cultural
Tourism Symposium”. The Symposium is supposed to be held on June 15-18-
the first two days in Gyumri and the last two in Turkish Kars, lying
across the border.
Local government officials, experts on preservation of historical
cultural monuments, specialists in architecture and tourism and
businessmen form Armenia and Turkey were invited to participate and
discuss the present challenges of preservation of historical and
natural objects and development of tourism.
During the symposium the participants are expected to observe the
current state of historical and natural monuments in Kars and Shirak.
They will confer necessary steps to be taken to prevent the monuments
from further destruction. The participants will also discuss prospects
for developing tourism.
A strategy on developing tourism and preservation of historical
monuments in Gyumri and Kars is expected to be developed . The
strategy will be submitted to the interest of state bodies, donor
and international organizations, other interested parties.
According to Academy of Education Development Yerevan office,
preparatory works are almost complete. All the details are conferred
and agreed upon with the Turkish side. However, according to our
sources, there is a concern among Turkish participants that the
symposium will fail. They recall Ankara where the respective bodies
have not authorized the visit to Gyumri.
In case of such development, this will be not the first case when
bilateral initiations fail because of ‘lack of willingness’ from
Ankara at the last moment.