Category: News

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday
OSCE Chairman-in-Office to visit Transcaucasia
By Vladimir Abrosimov
SOFIA
Bulgarian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Pasi
will visit Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on March 14-17, the press
service of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reports.
Pasi will meet with the three presidents, government members and
legislators.
They will analyze OSCE activities in the light of promotion of
democratic processes and settlement of conflicts in the Caucasus.
Bilateral relations will be discussed, as well.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday
Armenia may help normalize Russia-Georgia relations – pres
By Tigran Liloyan
YEREVAN
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said he believed Armenia could
contribute to the settlement of Georgian-Russian relations.
Saakashvili, who arrived in Yerevan on an official visit on Friday,
stated that he intended to normalize his country’s relations with
Russia, which he said “dramatically worsened under the previous
Georgian president.”
“We think that Armenia, with its special relations with Russia, can
play a special role in normalizing Georgian-Russian relations,” the
Georgian president emphasized.
“Russia for Georgia is a very important partner,” Saakashvili said.
In his view, it would be wrong not to use Armenia’s potential in
relations with Russia.
The Georgian president said many countries, which had developed good
relations with Russia, might contribute to the process of normalizing
Russian-Georgian ties. He said he had discussed the issue with French
President Jacques Chirac several days ago.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday
Saakashvili certain Russia will not interfere in Georgia’s affairs
By Tengiz Pachkoria
TBILISI
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is certain that Russia has no
intention of interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs.
Speaking in Tbilisi earlier on Friday before flying to the Armenian
capital Yerevan Saakashvili said, “Russia plans no interference in
Georgia’s internal affairs. President Vladimir Putin made a definite
statement on that score at our meeting in Moscow in February. I trust
Putin.”
Saakashvili was speaking after some local mass media alleged Russia
had the intention to increase the strength of the personnel of its
military base in Adzharia to intervene in the relationship between
Tbilisi and Batumi.

Agence France Presse
March 12, 2004 Friday
Bush taps ambassadors to Swaziland, Finland, Guinea, Kazakhstan
EAST MEADOW, New York
US President George W. Bush has picked nominees for ambassadorial
postings to Swaziland, Finland, Guinea and Kazakhstan, the White
House announced Thursday.
Bush wants Lewis Lucke, mission director and reconstruction
coordinator for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) in Iraq, as ambassador to Swaziland. Lucke has
worked for USAID in Haiti and Jordan.
Bush has picked businessman Earle Mack as ambassador to Finland, and
career diplomat Jackson McDonald, currently US ambassador to Gambia,
as ambassador to Guinea.
The president has chosen career diplomat John M. Ordway, currently US
ambassador to Armenia, as US ambassador to Kazakhstan.
US ambassadorial nominations must win Senate approval.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday
Armenia, Georgia adherent to European integration
By Tigran Liloyan
YEREVAN
Armenia and Georgia emphasize their striving for integration with
European organizations. They want closer interaction with the
European Union and cooperation in the United Nations, the Council of
Europe, the OSCE, the CIS and other international and regional
organizations, says a joint statement adopted after Friday
negotiations between Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and
Armenian leaders.
The Armenian and Georgian presidents said they were ready for more
active cooperation in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Organization. They noted the importance of cooperation in TRACECA and
INOGATE initiatives of the European Union.
Bearing in mind the need to respond to new challenges and threats,
primarily terrorism, organized crime, illegal arms trade and drug
trafficking, Armenia and Georgia call for better efficiency and
coordination of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the
statement says.

XINHUA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE
March 11, 2004, Thursday
Greek Cypriot side to continue reunification talks: Papadopoulos
NICOSIA
Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Thursday that his Greek
Cypriot side remains firm in its commitment to continue the current
reunification talks under the auspices of the United Nations.
Papadopoulos made the promise in a written speech to the opening
ceremony of a trade union congress, which was read by Labour and
Social Insurance Minister Iacovos Keravnos.
It is too early and dangerous to draw conclusions on the progress of
the UN-led direct negotiations for a comprehensive settlement to the
Cyprus problem, despite the fact that most of the positions raised by
the Turkish side are contrary to the philosophy and parameters of the
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan, Papadopoulos said.
He said that what he can reiterate at this sensitive and important
present juncture is that the Greek Cypriot side remains firm in its
commitment to continue working positively, constructively and
productively with the UN Secretary General on the basis of his plan,
to secure a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.
The Greek Cypriot side is striving for a solution which will secure
the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and will allow them to enjoy the
benefits with the accession to the EU, within the framework of a
reunified Cyprus, the president added.
He stressed that “our firm pursuit and constant concern is and will
remain the creation of a stable, peaceful and safe environment,
necessary for the welfare, progress and well being of all the people
of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and
Latins.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey sent troops to take
control of its northern third. The two sides are currently engaged in
talks with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to
referenda, the positive outcome of which would enable a reunited
Cyprus to join the EU in May this year.

Associated Press Worldstream
March 12, 2004 Friday 3:08 PM Eastern Time
Gunfight erupts near restaurant where Georgian, Armenian presidents
dining, neither injured
by AVET DEMOURIAN; Associated Press Writer
YEREVAN, Armenia
A gunfight erupted Friday evening near a restaurant where the
presidents of Georgia and Armenia were dining, injuring at least
three people but leaving the two leaders unharmed, an official said.
The shooting started shortly after 10 p.m. local time between two
rival criminal groups outside the restaurant in the capital Yerevan,
an Interior Ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and his Armenian counterpart
Robert Kocharian weren’t injured and they even continued their meal
after the clash, the official said.
One person was arrested, and a gun and three knives confiscated,
according to the official. It didn’t appear those involved in the
altercation were aware the presidents were nearby.
Kocharian commonly invites his guests to informal dinners at the
restaurant, located in the center of the city on the banks of a small
pond. The shooting began on the other side of the water.
Saakashvili was in Armenia for his first visit there since winning a
January election to replace former President Eduard Shevardnadze. The
U.S.-educated Saakashvili was the most prominent leader of protests
that forced Shevardnadze to resign in November, and he has received
strong support from Washington.
Earlier at a news conference, the two leaders said they agreed to
keep close contact and Saaskashvili praised Kocharian as an “ideal
partner” for Georgia.
Saaskashvili said Armenia could also help Georgia normalize its
relations with Russia, which have been complicated by the continued
presence of Russian troops and Moscow’s support of separatist
regions.
On Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry harshly warned Georgia against
trying to rein in the independent-minded region of Adzharia, whose
leader has maintained close ties with Russia.
Kocharian expressed support for new railroad lines to be built from
Russia through the Georgia’s separatist Abkhazia region, which would
also link Armenia to Russia.

Lowell Sun (Lowell, MA)
March 10, 2004 Wednesday
The dog days of spring;
The return of Aram Arakelian and his pushcart to downtown Lowell is a
sure sign of warmer weather
KATHLEEN DEELY
Aram Arakelian serves customers from his sausage cart on Central
Street in Lowell. sun/michael pigeon LOWELL New York has one on every
corner. In Boston, The Sausage Guy is king. On the streets of Lowell,
Aram Arakelian is the sole purveyor of America’s culinary icon: the
hot dog.
For 10 years now Arakelian has stuffed grilled dogs, Italian sausages
and Polish kielbasa into buns from his silver cart for streams of
hungry denizens. Want peppers and onions? Extra hot sauce? “No
problem,” is the motto of this amiable Armenian vendor.
As sure a sign of spring as daffodils and the red breast of a robin,
the sight of Arakelian’s silver pushcart means winter is bowing out.
So when he popped up on Central Street last week, regulars relished
the smell and sizzle of grilled sausage, pepper and onions in the air
again.
“When I got off the bus today I said ‘yahoo!’,” exclaimed Pauline
Sigman, who likes to hit the cart a couple of times a week.
“I’ve tried all the stuff; it’s all good. The best there is.
Sometimes I want to double up, but I’ve got to watch my weight,” said
the Lowell resident ,gesturing toward her stomach.
Before there was Sal’s Pizza, before The Old Court, Arakelian held
down this stretch of Central Street in front of Banknorth. As the
city’s only outdoor food vendor, this one-man operation has become
part of Lowell’s lore.
“I’ve seen things change, but I stay the same,” said Arakelian,
deftly slinging sausages hot off the boil onto the grill.
Menu options haven’t wavered much; prices have kept pace with the
times. But at $1.25 for a grilled dog and $4 for a savory sweet
Italian sausage stuffed with grilled peppers and onions, it’s still a
decent bite for your buck. For a dollar more, the grilled chicken
breast sub is competitive, but is made to order with fresh meat and
served on soft rolls from a Malden bakery. He’s also strong in the
condiment department honey mustard, teryaki and hot sauce can doctor
up any order.
Ten years is a lifetime in the food industry and Arakelian attributes
his success to the Middlesex College students and elderly residents
who populate the block. They have turned his cart into a meeting
place and in turn he feels at home here. “I like seeing the people.
They ask me about my kids; it feels like a family.”
Like his exuberant personality, these sandwiches overflow with
goodness, making napkins a necessity when dining “a la cart.” The
other attraction to this portable meal is its versatility. These dogs
are easy to eat canal-side now that the weather is here. With so many
pluses, could Arakelian have created the signature meal of the city?
“It’s the best sandwich in town,” bellowed real estate tycoon Louis
Saab, walking by the cart this week.
“That’s good,” Arakelian said, pleased by the impromptu endorsement.
“He owns the city.”
Arakelian’s cart is open every weekday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., if it’s
not raining. Follow the aroma to Central Street between Middle and
Market.
Kathleen Deely’s e-mail address is [email protected] .

ARKA News Agency
March 12 2004
RA President presents his condolence to the King of Spain Juan Carlos I
6TH sitting of EU-Armenia Parliament Commission on Cooperation to
start in Yerevan on March 15
RA NA Speaker congratulates Fadey Sargsian with re-election on the
position of RA NSA President
RA Deputy Foreign Minister receives Director of Caucasus and Central
Asia Office of the U.S. Department of State
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT PRESENTS HIS CONDOLENCE TO THE KING OF SPAIN JUAN CARLOS I
YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian presented
his condolence to the King of Spain Juan Carlos I concerning
terrorist act in Madrid, President’s press office told ARKA. `From
the name of all Armenian people and personally myself I present my
deep condolences to You and Spanish people’, says the letter of the
President. L.D. –0 –
*********************************************************************
6TH SITTING OF EU-ARMENIA PARLIAMENT COMMISSION ON COOPERATION TO
START IN YEREVAN ON MARCH 15
YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. 6th sitting of EU-Armenia Parliament
Commission on Cooperation will start in Yerevan on March 15, RA NA
told ARKA. The sitting will be presided over by Armen Rustamian and
Ursula Schlicher. Meeting with Director Executive of All Armenian
Fund Hayastan Naira Melkumian will take place after the first day of
the sitting. Press conference of German Ambassador to Armenia Hans
Wolf Bartles, the Head of European Commission Delegation to Armenia
Torban Holtze and EU Ambassadors will take place the same day. Then
OSCE Yerevan Office will hold a meeting with the Head of the Office
Vladimir Pryakhin. Besides, delegates of EU will meet with RA NA
Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian and representatives of parliament
factions and groups.
On March 16, the Commission will continue its work, particularly,
will conduct meetings with the Head of NKR Parliament Oleg Yesayan,
the Chairman of RA National Commission on Tele and Radio Broadcasting
Grikor Amalian, the Ambassadors of Russia and USA to Armenia Anatoly
Drukov and John Ordway and Armenian Ombudsman Larisa ALaverdian.
On March 17, RA President Robert Kocharian will receive the
delegation. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA NA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES FADEY SARGSIAN WITH RE-ELECTION ON THE
POSITION OF RA NSA PRESIDENT
YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian
congratulated Fadey Sargsian with re-election on the position of RA
National Science Academy President, RA NA told ARKA. In his letter
the Speaker expressed confidence that Sargsian will continue all his
efforts for development of science in Armenia. `I am sure that under
your wise and careful supervision Armenian scientists will gain new
achievements’, the letter said. Baghdasarian wished Fadey Sargsian
successes and expressed readiness to support initiatives of newly
elected president of RA NSA. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL
ASIA OFFICE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA Deputy Foreign Minister Ruben Shugarian
receives director of Caucasus and Central Asia Office of the U.S.
Department of State John Fox, RA MFA told ARKA. The parties exchanged
views on present affairs in South Caucasus, perspectives of Karabakh
settlement, relations of Armenia and USA with neighbor countries of
the region and development of events in the region. L.D. –0–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/12/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Armenia 'Ideal Partner' For Georgia, Says Saakashvili 2) Ferrahian School's 40th Anniversary Celebrations 3) ANC West Honors Its Own 4) [email protected] 5) Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Finds Match for First Armenia Patient 1) Armenia 'Ideal Partner' For Georgia, Says Saakashvili YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili praised Armenia and its President Robert Kocharian on Friday during an official visit to Yerevan. Meeting for the first time, the two leaders stressed the high level of relations between their nations, vowing to strengthen friendly bilateral ties, promote regional cooperation, and continue to seek integration into European structures. Saakashvili described Armenia as an ideal partner, saying that his country has a lot to learn from its neighbor's nation-building experience. "The president of Armenia left an extremely positive impression on me," Saakashvili told a joint news conference after the talks. "I think that he is a very energetic and able leader who is well aware of the region's problems and international relations in general. And I think Armenia is lucky to have such a president." "I remember telling my ministers that there are many things they can learn from Armenia," the 36-year-old leader said, mentioning its armed forces in the first instance. "We are going to develop, get stronger, and promote peace and stability. In this sense, we have an excellent, an ideal partner in Yerevan." Kocharian was more reserved in his comments. "I am happy with the sincere character of today's exchange of opinions," he said, adding that Armenian-Georgian summits will now be more frequent than in the past. Kocharian also noted an "amazing convergence" of the two governments' positions on the situation in Javakhk, an economically strapped Armenian-majority region in southern Georgia which is home to a Russian military base. He said they both believe that the only way to ease simmering tensions in the impoverished region is to address its socioeconomic problems and promote its residents' "deep integration" into Georgian society. The joint declaration implies that Armenia will not seek a status of autonomy for Javakhk demanded last month by a junior member of its governing coalition, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. "The Parties reiterated once again their commitment to the principle of non-interference with each other's internal affairs, mutual respect for self-rule, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders," it reads. In a joint declaration issued by them, Yerevan again disavowed recent calls for self-rule in Georgia's Armenian-populated areas. Saakashvili was quick to publicly welcome Kocharian's "principled stance" on what he stressed is his country's internal affair. Touching on the uneasy Russian-Georgian relationship, Saakashvili suggested that Yerevan, which maintains close ties with Moscow, might "greatly assist" in their improvement. Tbilisi, for its part, is ready to help defuse tensions between Armenia and its regional arch-foes: Azerbaijan and Turkey, he said . Economic issues were also high on the agenda of the talks, with the two presidents agreeing to step up activities of a Georgian-Armenian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation. It will now be co-chaired by Prime Minister Andranig Markarian and Georgian State Minister Zurab Zhvania. Saakashvili effectively reaffirmed his pledge to lower transit fees levied from goods imported to and exported from Armenia through Georgian railway and Black Sea ports. The latter handle 90 percent of Armenia's external trade. The Georgian tariffs for Azerbaijani cargoes have until now been considerably lower. "Armenia must have the most favorable regional tariffs, no less favorable that any of our neighbors has," Saakashvili declared. But it was not clear if any bilateral agreements to that effect will be signed by the two governments soon. Later in the day Saakashvili visited the genocide memorial on Yerevan's Dzitdzernagapert Hill and met with leaders of the Armenian parliament and its pro-Kocharian majority. 2) Ferrahian School's 40th Anniversary Celebrations ENCINO--The 2003-2004 academic year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary & Ferrahian High School. To celebrate this historic event, two formal events have been organized by the school administration. The anniversary celebrations will begin with a special program on May 2, at 6:00 pm, at the school's Avedissian Hall, where alumni will take part recognizing faculty members throughout the years for their exceptional contributions. The celebrations will continue with a banquet organized by the Finance Committee dedicated to the 40th anniversary on May 8, at 8:00 pm, at the Regents Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Both events will be held under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. The administration looks forward to seeing the more than 1500 alumni, their families, parents and teachers, the representatives of community organizations, devoted supporters and benefactors, and all others who have unconditionally supported the school throughout the years. 3) ANC West Honors Its Own OUTSTANDING WORK OF ANC CHAPTERS, DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS ACKNOWLEDGED AT AWARDS EVENT GLENDALE--The hard work of over a dozen ANC chapters from across the Western United States was recognized at the first annual ANCA-WR Grassroots Awards Event on February 29 in Glendale, California. On the same night that Hollywood was honoring its best across town at the Oscars, ANC leaders and supporters from throughout the Western Region gathered in Glendale to acknowledge each other's hard work, and celebrate individual and collective dedication and commitment to the Armenian Cause. Activists from Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, and many others, came together for this unique event. "The 2004 ANCA-WR Grassroots Awards event acknowledged chapters and activists who comprise the core of the ANC, making it the largest, most effective, and efficient Armenian-American grassroots public affairs organization," said ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. Not only was one Grassroots Activist from each ANC chapter given special recognition, but awards were also handed to chapters for best website, most innovative project, media outreach, voter outreach, up-and-coming chapter, as well as others. "The dedication and strength of our ANC chapters is a tribute to the democratic principles of America's founding fathers and the pioneers of the Armenian Cause," commented ANCA-WR Chairman Raffi Hamparian after the event. "On a daily basis, ANC members encourage Armenian Americans to vote and to participate in the political life of our nation. I am very proud of each and every ANC chapter and activist who was honored at our Awards Event." The Master of Ceremonies at the ANC Awards Event was longtime community activist and former Burbank ANC Chair Stepan Boyadjian. With a good dose of humor, Boyadjian kept the audience laughing as he moved the program along. Assisting Boyadjian was ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian who thanked everyone in attendance for their dedication and support. "What makes the Armenian National Committee such a unique organization is the simple fact that this organization doesn't function with merely the work of one or two individual staffers, but through the constant effort of thousands and thousands of individuals who do their part every day of ever week of every year," said Kassakhian. "We owe our supporters a big thank you." The highlight of the evening came with an awards presentation in a variety of categories, including individual honors. In order to recognize the impact the dedication of certain individuals has had, each chapter nominated one member who had made an exceptional contribution to their respective chapter. Presenting ANC Chapter Awards were ANCA-WR Board Members Aida Dimejian and Garo Ispendjian. In a creative display of solidarity, the Burbank ANC nominated the Burbank ANC Chapter Activist as their individual honoree. The selfless nomination served as the closing theme for the evening as Burbank received the 2004 ANCA-WR Grassroots Activist of the Year award for the entire Western Region of the United States. Other individual chapter awards: Crescenta Valley Saro Senekerinian Fresno Central California Ara Kachadourian and Rich Sanikian Sacramento Hovannes Boghossian Glendale Milene Apanian Pasadena Susan Berberian San Diego Dr. Robert Deranian San Francisco Raffi Momjian Montebello San Gabriel Valley Serge Samoniantz East San Fernando Valley Vahe Shahinian West San Fernando Valley Nichan Kulukian Chapters were also recognized for their outstanding work throughout 2003 in the following categories: 2004 ANCA-WR Rising Star--Crescenta Valley ANC for outstanding work in establishing a relationship with the local community and involving a wide cross section of the community in ANC activities 2004 Best ANCA-WR Local Website--Central California/Fresno ANC for their <; website 2004 ANCA-WR Best Local Voter Outreach Campaign--San Francisco /Bay Area ANC for regularly emailing and updating Bay Area Armenians on local, state, and federal elections in 2002-2003 with special recognition for the ANC San Francisco Mayoral Debate 2004 ANCA-WR Best Local Voter Outreach Campaign--Montebello/San Gabriel Valley ANC for their voter outreach and registration drive and being the deciding factor in their local municipal election with special recognition for the "Honoring the Montebello City Council" event 2004 ANCA-WR Most Outstanding Initiative by a Local Chapter--San Francisco/Bay Area ANC for their Genocide Education Campaign with special recognition for the project 2004 ANCA-WR Best Media Outreach Campaign--Pasadena ANC for press coverage in the Pasadena Star News on the Policeman's Appreciation Luncheon and the Person of the Year Event. ANCA-WR Chair Raffi Hamparian thanked each chapter and the ANCA-WR office staff for their hard work, and encouraged all to strive for greatness in the coming year in pursuit of ANC's goals. Among officials present at the event were Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Senator Jack Scott, California State Assemblyman Paul Koretz, former ANC Chairmen Jack Messerlian, Armand Keosian, Dr. Sahag Baghdasarian and Steven Dadaian. Glendale School Board Member Greg Krikorian, Burbank School Board Member Paul Krekorian and Glendale Community College Board Member Ara Najarian were also in attendance. 4) [email protected] BY ALEX SARDAR Last year, in April, some friends and I organized a viewing of the BBC documentary on the Armenian Genocide here in Yerevan, and during the discussion after the film, an Armenian friend stood up and complained that when Diasporans speak about denial and the importance of remembering the Armenian Genocide, they never consider the fact that denial is a non-issue in Armenia. At the time I was offended by my friend's disposition, but then I thought about it and figured that she was probably right, because who, after all denies the Armenian Genocide in Armenia. This week, I had a reminder. As reported by Harout Sassounian of the California Courier last week, the British Ambassador to Armenia, in an interview in January, had called into question the veracity of the Genocide as an actual genocide, claiming that the Armenian Genocide does not fit the UN's definition of the term. Below, I am providing my response to the British Ambassador, sent this week, without the attachments, of course. The one thing I forgot was to thank her for answering my friend's question. Thanks for your indulgence. March 11, 2004 HM Ambassador Thorda Abbott-Watt British Embassy 34 Baghramyan Street Yerevan 375019 Dear Madam Ambassador: As an American working in the aid community in the Republic of Armenia over the last 23 months, I've had the pleasure of interacting with you on several occasions, and I've been delighted with many of the projects sponsored by the British Embassy and the British Council under your auspices. It was therefore an unpleasant surprise to read words attributed to you regarding the Armenian Genocide and the applicability of international conventions to this--the first genocide of the 20th Century. I am certain that you have already received numerous letters in this regard. I also understand that as the highest ranking representative of Great Britain in Armenia, your words reflect the political stance of your government on the issue of the Armenian Genocide, and hopefully not yours personally. In the interest of promoting human rights and civil discussion, however, I would like to respectfully disagree with your statement, and while aside from my limited exposure to other scholars' works, I am not professionally qualified to argue historical facts of World War I and/or the Armenian Genocide, I would like to ask you to consider the attached list of literature on the Armenian Genocide and the history of the era, as well as the international response, including that of Great Britain's, to this crime against humanity. In addition to a news clipping on recent events related to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Europe, I'm attaching a copy of a recent article by international law scholar and former UN human rights expert Dr. Alfred De Zayas entitled "The Genocide against the Armenians 1915-1923 and the application of the 1948 Genocide Convention." I trust you will find this report enlightening and perhaps will share it with your colleagues at the Foreign Office for their consideration. Madam Ambassador, I am well aware of the political sensitivities surrounding the issue of the Armenian Genocide and its recognition, and I understand that in the strategic paradigm, Armenia and its history may not be a priority for your government. At the same time, however, I would hope and would like to respectfully ask that in keeping with the great diplomatic history of your nation, your next statement on the Armenian Genocide--albeit a statement of denial of historical facts--be done with at least the same amount of consideration and regard as your government has for its relations with Turkey, when dealing with the latter's past crimes and present human rights violations. The Armenian Genocide may be a distant and historical, abstract concept for governments, but it is a living and breathing reality for Armenians and all peoples of good conscience. American Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt, in conjunction with numerous other scholars wrote in a 1996 statement against denial of the Armenian Genocide, "Denial of genocide strives to reshape history in order to demonize the victims and rehabilitate the perpetrators. Denial of genocide is the final stage of genocide; it is what Elie Wiesel has called a 'double killing.' Denial murders the dignity of the survivors and seeks to destroy the remembrance of the crime." Your statement has reinforced your government's stance on the issue, but it has also caused much pain for the survivors of this great calamity. I hope you will take an example from the pages of your country's diplomatic tradition, and clarify the record for Armenia and Armenians--your hosts. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further. In anticipation, Alex Sardar Yerevan, Armenia Enclosure 5) Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Finds Match for First Armenia Patient TRANSPLANT SCHEDULED IN POLAND FOR 11-YEAR-OLD ARAM `EVERY ARMENIAN LIFE THAT WE SAVE IS, INDEED, PRECIOUS.' -- BELLA KOCHARIAN, MD, FIRST LADY OF ARMENIA AND FIRST DONOR TO THE ABMDR YEREVAN--A few Individuals can make a difference in the world, and this time, they may just have found a way to save a young boy's life. When 10-year-old Aram was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago, his doctors were hopeful that a series of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments would help him. They also contacted the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) to see if there was a bone marrow donor match just in case the therapies didn't work and he needed a transplant in the future. An identical donor match was found, but it wasn't until this December that the doctors determined that a transplant was his only hope for survival. But it would take more than the generous heart of a donor and the dedication of his doctors and the ABMDR staff to save Aram's life. Aram and his family faced other challenges: raising money to pay for the transplant and finding a transplant center, since Armenia has no such facility. Through the passionate commitment and direct initiative of the ABMDR's honorary chairperson, First Lady of Armenia Dr. Bella Kocharian, funds have been raised for Aram's transplant and arrangements have been coordinated with the ABMDR for his transplant in Poland. When the First Lady of Poland visited Yerevan two years ago, First Lady Kocharian showed her the ABMDR facilities and told her that Armenia has no transplant center. Moved and impressed by the ABMDR's efforts, First Lady Kwashniewska offered to make Poland's facility available to Armenian patients at minimal cost. While the ABMDR does not provide funds for transplantation costs, it can provide connections and visibility, as was the case with Aram and his family. Publicity surrounding the ABMDR's recent anniversary gala in Yerevan coordinated through First Lady Kocharian's office catalyzed special efforts to raise funds for Aram's transplantation costs, resulting in over $30,000 collected from the Armenian community. Support for Aram and his family came from other sources as well. ABMDR Executive Director Sevak Avagyan relayed the young boy's circumstances to Catholicos Garegin II, who gave his blessing to Aram before he left for Poland. Now, with the help of a few committed individuals, Aram is in Poland armed for the fight of his life. The first bone marrow transplant resulting from the ABMDR's identification of a marrow match occurred at City of Hope in Los Angeles in 2003. Aram's will be the second transplantation, with many more likely to be scheduled among Armenian patients and their potential donors in the months ahead. The ABMDR is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that every ethnic Armenian struck with a life-threatening blood-related illness is able to find hope for long-term survival through the identification of a genetically suitable bone marrow match. It is a member of the Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide association, which helps the ABMDR to identify more patients in need and find bone marrow matches. Since December 2000, over 6,500 Armenians in Armenia and the United States have registered with the ABMDR, 209 patients have been identified who need transplants, and 70 potential bone marrow matches have been identified. Those who wish to further assist the Registry in helping patients like Aram may write ABMDR President Dr. Frieda Jordan at 347 W. Stocker St., Suite 208, Glendale, California, e-mail her at [email protected], or call her at (818) 547-1374. 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) 2004 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.