Category: News

Armenian police vow to act “within mandate” at 9 April opposition demo

Noyan Tapan news agency
8 Apr 04

YEREVAN

The police will act within the mandate established by the law to
guarantee public security during the 9 April rally in Yerevan, the
press secretary of the Armenian police, Sayat Shirinyan, has told a
Noyan Tapan correspondent.

Asked whether the police had been instructed, as had been the case
before, to intervene only in the last minute, Shirinyan said that the
police would act depending on the situation and within its mandate.

Asked whether journalists’ security would be guaranteed, Shirinyan
said that public security would be guaranteed for everybody –
journalists, scientists etc.

Shirinyan said that papers on violence against journalists at the 5
April rally had already been prepared and that criminal proceedings
would be instituted in the near future.

Armenian speaker set to launch political dialogue with opposition

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
7 Apr 04

[Presenter] The speaker of the National Assembly, Artur Bagdasaryan,
intends to hold political dialogue with the opposition in order to
reduce political tension in Armenia. He returned from Italy early in
the morning and made a serious statement in the afternoon. Artur
Bagdasaryan intends to start consultations with the opposition and
coalition forces from tomorrow on and search for ways of getting out
of the political crisis.

[Correspondent over video of news conference] The speaker of the
Armenian National Assembly said that he will do everything possible to
reduce the political tension in the country. The speaker will hold
meetings with the authorities and opposition members from 8 April. He
expressed the hope that the talks will be successful.

[Artur Bagdasaryan, caption] Under the law it is my responsibility and
right to hold political consultations in Armenia. And this is what I
am planning to do. We shall discuss a format of the meetings with our
colleagues. This can be in the format of political consultations or
separate talks during which we shall discuss the domestic political
situation. We shall try to reach agreement. We shall not allow the
situation to get worse.

[Correspondent] The domestic political situation was discussed also
during the Armenian National Assembly delegation’s visit to
Italy. According to the Italians, the visit marked the beginning of a
new stage in Armenian-Italian relations. The speaker of the National
Assembly also described the visit as productive.

[Artur Bagdasaryan] This visit confirmed three main directions. First,
the development of bilateral relations, second the development and
deepening of European integration and third the strengthening of
political cooperation in international organizations.

[Correspondent] Apart from the signing of the two agreements on
interparliamentary cooperation it was agreed during the visit that
Armenia will receive 1m dollars to develop the health sphere and 1.5m
dollars to develop agriculture. Regional hospitals will get the best
European medical equipment and ambulances. Except for this,
Armenian-Italian business forums will be held in July-September and
finally an Italian culture centre and an Italian House will be opened
in Yerevan. All this will help promote cultural and business
relations.

Nune Aleksanyan, “Aylur”.

39 per cent are for power change and 43 are against

Azg, Yerevan
7 Apr 04

By Ruzan Pogosyan

Some people, who are tired of the domestic political rows, are on
principle refusing to discuss political issues, but others do not want
to miss a chance of expressing their views as absolute
truths. Unfortunately an atmosphere of intolerance has passed from the
political field to the public one with people insulting each other.

The Armenian sociological research centre has recently conducted a
public opinion poll on the people’s attitude to the domestic political
situation. Its results were presented by the director of the centre,
Gevorg Pogosyan, at a meeting on “Domestic political developments in
Armenia” at Congress Hotel yesterday.

Representatives of some political parties took part in the meeting,
but there was no-one from the opposition. According to Mr Pogosyan,
public opinion polls help us reach conclusions about the participation
of different layers of society in the society-power and
society-opposition relations. He explained the current domestic
political situation by the process and results of the presidential and
parliamentary elections. The situation in the country is such that the
political forces seem to be aiming to extend the pre-election and
post-election periods.

The results of the poll show that society thinks there is no need for
new elections. The most recent public opinion poll was held on 28
March. It turned out that 60 to 65 per cent of those polled are not
interested in any political developments or speculation.

Asked whether they would like the power to be changed, 39 per cent of
those surveyed gave a positive answer, noting that under the
circumstances the power change is required and is very
important. Another 43 per cent opposed the idea and 17 per cent were
undecided.

Pogosyan said that there is an internal diplomatic crisis in the
country. He was referring to the failure of the three political forces
of the coalition to cooperate. Although it was announced that the
coalition is united but its political forces seem to be fighting for
increasing their spheres of influence. That proves the existence of
certain inner problems within the coalition.

The same can be said about the opposition which until recently could
not agree on the leader or common ideas. So on the one hand we have
the coalition which is not united, and on the other hand we have the
opposition which is also not united. But the most terrible are
relations between the authorities and the opposition. In fact there is
an atmosphere of absolute intolerance in Armenia, where one can only
dream about dialogue between the authorities and opposition.

CIS security chief arrives in Armenia

ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow
8 Apr 04

YEREVAN

The secretary-general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO), Maj-Gen Nikolay Bordyuzha, arrived in Yerevan on Thursday [8
April] for talks with Armenian leaders on the situation in the region,
key security problems and prospects for the creation of a collective
security system.

“This is a planned trip to prepare a June session of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization, including sessions of the councils of
foreign ministers, defence ministers and the committee of secretaries
of the security councils,” Bordyuzha told ITAR-TASS upon arrival in
Yerevan.

[Passage omitted: on Bordyuzha’s previous visits]

Council of Europe head, Azeri leader discuss Karabakh

ANS TV, Baku
8 Apr 04

[Presenter] The Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict and the problem of
refugees were the main topics discussed by Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer today.

[Correspondent] At the meeting with Council of Europe
Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer, President Ilham Aliyev said that
since the country became a member of this organization, a number of
reforms had been conducted, laws had been adopted and also major work
had been done in the human rights sphere. The head of state said that
the Nagornyy Karabakh problem would be discussed at the organization’s
political council.

[Aliyev] We hope that when this issue is discussed at the plenary
session, the issue will be given an objective political assessment.

[Correspondent] Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer
explained the reasons for his visit to Azerbaijan, which were to learn
how the country’s commitments were being fulfilled and also to discuss
issues concerning the frozen conflict.

[Schwimmer, in English with Azeri voice-over] I met refugees
today. After the meeting with them, I understood that the Karabakh
problem was not a frozen conflict for them.

[Correspondent] Schwimmer promised that the Council of Europe would
help refugees and called on the sides to begin a dialogue.

Afat Telmanqizi and Ali Ahmadov, ANS.

Opposition official arrested in western Armenian town

Noyan Tapan news agency
8 Apr 04

YEREVAN

Law-enforcement agencies, giving no explanation, detained the leader
of the district branch of the People’s Party of Armenia, Aramais
Barsegyan, in Artashat [western Armenia] on 8 April, a member of the
political council of the Anrapetutyun (Republic) Party and ex-defence
minister, Vagarshak Arutyunyan, has told a Noyan Tapan correspondent.

Azeri pressure group set to stage peace march to Karabakh

Space TV, Baku
8 Apr 04

[Presenter] The Karabakh Liberation Organization will stage a peace
march to the Azerbaijani town of Susa [Armenian-occupied Shushi], the
head of the organization, Akif Nagi, has said.

[Correspondent over video of news conference] The Karabakh Liberation
Organization took a decision to stage a march back last year. It is
planned to start the march from Baku on 8 May this year, on the day
Susa was occupied. It will take the participants 15 days to march to
the front line and then to Susa. Karabakh veterans, refugees,
displaced persons, members of the intelligentsia and others will take
part in the march. Human rights activists, representatives of the
embassies of UN Security Council member countries, journalists and
representatives of foreign companies will be invited to take part in
the march as observers.

The main objective of the march is to persuade the UN to recognize
Armenia as an aggressor and impose sanctions on it. Nagi said that if
international organizations really wanted to ensure peace in the
region, then Armenia should be recognized as an aggressor.

Seyran Mammadov and Farhad Babayev, Space.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 8, 2004
___________________

Week of April 2 to April 8, 2004
* * *

EASTER IS SUNDAY

Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!
Christ is Risen from the Dead! Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!

Sunday (4/11) is Easter, the holiest day of the Christian calendar, when we
gather to rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord, which brought to mankind
the promise of everlasting life. Learn more about Easter, find resources to
help teach your children about the day’s importance, and listen to Armenian
Easter hymns by clicking to the Eastern Diocese’s website:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/6/04)
* * *

PRIMATE’S MESSAGE LOOKS AT GIFT OF EASTER

“The story does not end with His sacrificial death, but with His resurrected
life. Unknown to His followers on the first Good Friday, unguessed even by
the prophet Isaiah, our Lord had something more to offer those He loved.
Death on the cross was only the vehicle to give us something greater: the
promise of life with Him, for eternity, in God’s Kingdom.”

To read the full Easter message from Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), click to our
website:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/6/04)
* * *

SEND AN EASTER CARD

This spring, Sunday and Armenian Schools throughout the Diocese created
Easter postcard designs. Now you can send the best of those designs to your
loved ones via e-mail. The electronic-postcards are available for free from
the Eastern Diocese’s website:

Six cards are available. They represent the best designs from artists in
three age groups.

The first place designs came from: Rina Manucharova, 16, of the mission
parish in Charlotte, NC; Aleksander Manucharov, 12, from Charlotte, NC; and
Ani Hollisian, 8, from the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

Also featured on the website are three second-place e-card designs by:
Elizabeth Demaria, 15, from the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY;
William (BJ) Kress, 10, from the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ; and
Michael Manucharov, 8, from the mission parish in Charlotte, NC.

Send your free e-card today, click to:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/6/04)
* * *

CELEBRATE EASTER AT THE CATHEDRAL

Armenians in the New York City area are invited to attend one of the many
special Holy Week and Easter services at St. Vartan Cathedral.

Today (4/8) — GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY — will feature two services. The
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. And in the evening, the
“Washing of the Feet” ceremony will start at 7 p.m., with the Vigil Service
following at 8:30 p.m.

Friday (4/9) — GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY — will also have two services. The
Order of the Crucifixion of Christ will begin at noon. At 7:30 p.m., the
Order of the Entombment of the Lord will take place.

On Saturday (4/10) — GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY– the Divine Liturgy will be
preceded by a scripture-reading ceremony at 6 p.m. Easter Eve Liturgy will
begin at 7 p.m.

On Sunday (4/11) — EASTER SUNDAY — Matins will begin at 9:30 a.m. The
Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the service,
the traditional Antasdan ceremony, or “Blessing of the Fields,” will be
conducted on the cathedral plaza. (An Easter luncheon and program will
follow — adults $25; children twelve and under, $15.)

For more information on these services, click to our website:
;selmonth=4&selyear=
2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/5/03)
* * *

SUPREME SPIRITUAL COUNCIL ISSUES COMMUNIQUE

The Supreme Spiritual Council — a gathering of Armenian Church bishops from
throughout the world — issued a communiqui this week. An excerpt reads:

“With deep concern, the Supreme Spiritual Council received the news from the
Diocesan Council of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church, that the
Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has brought to its painful
conclusion, the process of the establishment of a parallel administrative
structure within the region of the Canadian Armenian Diocese, canonically
comprised as part of the Pontificate of All Armenians, in spite of the
fraternal exhortations made by the Catholicos of All Armenians and the
Supreme Spiritual Council.”

Read the whole communique on the Eastern Diocese’s website:
;selmonth=4&selyear=
2004

(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 4/2/04)
* * *

TURKISH AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL

The Diocese’s Zohrab Information Center and the Tekeyan Cultural Association
will host Turkish author Kemal Yalcin next Thursday (4/15). The Turkish
author’s new book, “You Rejoice My Heart,” is based on interviews with
survivors of the Armenian Genocide. A free reception will follow the
discussion of his courageous book, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the
Diocesan Center, 630 Second Ave. at 34th St. in New York City.

During the evening, Mr. Yalcin will sign copies of his new book. Also, a
limited supply is available from the St. Vartan Bookstore and can be shipped
to you signed. To buy your copy today and learn more about his book, click
to:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/5/04)
* * *

COLLEGE MINISTRY PROGRAM HEADS TO TUFTS

The Diocese’s college ministry program will be in the Boston area next week.
Jason Demerjian, facilitator of the college ministry program, and Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will meet
with students at Tufts University next Wednesday (4/14) at 7:30 p.m. in the
Baronian Fieldhouse. The informal gatherings will give students a chance to
ask questions and meet other students.

E-mail Jason Demerjian at [email protected] if you want more
information, or if you know a student who would like to be included in our
outreach efforts.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/6/04)
* * *

APPLY TO SUMMER CAMP TODAY

Spaces are going fast at the Diocese’s St. Vartan and Hye Camps. To save
your child’s space today, click here:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/5/04)
* * *

WHO IS JESUS?

This weekend the Fox News cable television channel will be broadcasting a
special called “Who is Jesus.” The show will air on Friday (4/9) at 10 p.m.
and 3 a.m. ET and again on Sunday (4/11) at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. This
one-hour documentary — which includes walking tours of locations such as
Bethlehem, Galilee, the Jordan River, and Jerusalem — traces the life of
Jesus, from His humble beginnings to His crucifixion. Church-member Melanie
Dadourian, was part of the Fox News production team for the documentary.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/6/04)
* * *

SEMINARY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BREAK GROUND

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, announced this week that
it will break ground on a major expansion at 1 p.m. on June 12, 2004. The
seminary is building an 11,000 square-foot complex that will become home to
the Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Library, and include a lecture hall, seminar
rooms, and offices. Construction will also begin on an Armenian-style
chapel, with seating for 75. The Primates of the three North American
dioceses are expected to preside over the ceremony, which is free and open
to the public, and will be followed by a reception. For more information,
click to the St. Nersess website, when you can find listed here:

(Source: St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, 4/5/04)
* * *

FIND SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEK

Each week, new events are added to the Diocesan website’s calendar of
events. Click to it today to learn about the upcoming Armenian film
festival in New York City, a rummage sale in New Jersey, Armenian music
concerts in Minnesota and Chicago, and Genocide commemoration events
throughout the Diocese. Click here for more:

If your parish wants to list an activity on the website, just e-mail
[email protected].

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/5/04)
* * *

TRAVEL TO ARMENIA THIS YEAR

Traveling to Armenia strengthens your faith and dedication. If you haven’t
gone yet, there are five opportunities this year.

In June:

* Young Professionals Trip — June 12 to 26 / $2,250. Specifically designed
for travelers between the ages of 23 and 40, this trip offers a chance to
see the sights of Armenia and build life-long friendships with other
Armenian American professionals. Call the Fund for Armenian Relief (212)
889-5150.

* Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia and the Republic of Armenia —
June 17 to July 7 / $3,450. Travel to Istanbul, historic Armenian locations
in modern day Turkey such as Musa Dagh, Cappadocia, Mt. Ararat, and Ani.
Continue to Armenia to tour important historical and cultural sites. For
more information call Armen Aroyan (626) 359-9510.

* Armenia Service Program (ASP) — June 22 to July 15 / $1,980. A unique
opportunity for Armenians between the ages of 18 and 28, to help run a
summer camp in the village of Yeghegnadzor before touring throughout
Armenia. Call Nancy Basmajian (212) 686-0710.

In September:

* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400. Tour
Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural activities.
For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.

* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights of Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.

To get more information on any of these travel opportunities, e-mail
[email protected].

And don’t forget — you can also help fund the trip of a young person in
your parish, who will return more eager to be involved in parish life.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 3/15/04)

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55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone (212) 319-6383
Fax (212) 319-6507
Email [email protected]
Webpage

PRESS RELEASE
Monday, April 5, 2004

AGBU GENERATION NEXT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM COLLABORATES WITH GLENDALE
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

On April 5, 2004, AGBU Generation Next Chairperson, Susanna Sahakian,
and Program Coordinator, Nora Ayvazian, signed a partnership contract
with Arlette DerHovanessian of the Glendale Unified School District
(GUSD). Ms. DerHovanessian, a Psychologist and Counselor by profession,
is the Program Manager of Project G.R.A.C.E. (Glendale Refugee &
Asylee Children Excel). The purpose of this collaboration is to
provide GUSD students with a mentoring support program that will give
the students guidance and tools for success in all aspects of their
lives. This partnership will strengthen the ties between AGBU and GUSD
and will enable both parties to better serve Glendale’s Armenian
students.

Since its establishment in 1997, AGBU Generation Next mentors and
staff have served over 100 Armenian students ranging from the seventh
to eleventh grades. Adult volunteers from AGBU Generation Next assist
these students with issues involving academics, behavior, and
acculturation. By providing positive role models, our volunteer
mentors help these young Armenians become responsible, self-sufficient
young adults.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

April 7, 2004

Contact: Ardashes Kassakhian
Telephone: 818.500.1918

ANCA-WR WELCOMES NEW GOVERMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR

ANC Activist Armen Carapetian Brings Experience and Knowledge to
Organization’s Advocacy Work

GLENDALE, CA’The Armenian National Committee of America ` Western
Region (ANCA-WR) announced this week that Armen Carapetian has joined
the organization to serve as its Government Relations Director.
Carapetian will be working with ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes
Kassakhian.

As Government Relations Director, Carapetian will represent the
ANCA-WR before federal, state and local officials. He will be
responsible for educating public officials on a range of issues
important to Armenian-Americans living in the Western United
States. Carapetian will work closely with local ANC chapters to
promote issues of concern to Armenian-Americans.

Carapetian, a longtime ANC activist, most recently led the successful
effort to pass an Armenian Genocide resolution in the Maryland State
Legislature in the face of vigorous opposition by U.S. Secretary of
State Colin Powell, the Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC and a number
of major defense companies. In addition to his efforts on various
local projects, Carapetian, an alumnus of the ANCA Leo Sarkisian
Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC, has helped advance ANCA
initiatives on the Congressional front.

`I am proud to add another talented individual to our staff,’ remarked
ANCA-WR Chairman Raffi Hamparian. `Having known Armen for many years,
I look forward to working with him again in advancing the Armenian
Cause. With the dedicated combination of ANCA-WR Executive Director
Ardashes Kassakhian and Armen Carapetian, the ANC will become a
stronger, more effective advocate for the Armenian-American
community,’ added Hamparian.

Prior to joining the ANCA-WR staff, Carapetian worked for the
Burlington Free Press, which is Vermont’s largest daily newspaper.
Before moving to Burlington, he lived in the Republic of Armenia,
where he worked for the International Executive Service Corps and for
Arlex International, a highly regarded legal and business consulting
firm established by noted Armenian American attorney Tom Samuelian.
Carapetian, who holds a Master’s degree in Economics, also served as
an energy analyst at Pace Global Services of Fairfax, Virginia from
1999 to 2001.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.

Editor’s Note: Photo attached with caption – ANCA-WR Executive
Director Ardashes Kassakhian welcomes new Government Relations
Director Armen Carapetian on board.
#####