Category: News

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
«Most of the crises of the world arise from the tension between religious
beliefs and values, and human rights»
Stated His Holiness Aram I
In a brief talk with the journalists, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
Cilicia stressed the crucial importance of inter-religious dialogue
considering it a “major priority” for all societies. He said: “Religion is
no more a private affair; it is an integral part of a community; it is a
major force in a society. Furthermore, religion is no more confined to the
spiritual spheres of a society; it embraces all aspects of society life”.
Hence, according to His Holiness, “religion must be taken seriously today”.
Considering the “Multi-faceted role” of religion as a potential source of
both conflict and progress, Catholicos Aram I warned about “the negative
repercussions of the misuse or abuse of religion”.
His Holiness Aram I believes that it is time that religions “transcend their
theological divergences and strengthen their common spiritual and moral
values which will provide for them a strong basis for common action”.
In response to a question, Catholicos Aram I called for a clear distinction
between religious beliefs and values, and human rights. He said: “Religions
have different perceptions concerning these realities and their
inter-conncectedness. For some they are in creative inter-action, for other
they are in tension; and many of the conflicts and crises of the world today
arise from this contradictions and polarizations”. According to His
Holiness, this particular area needs a deeper and critical analyses in the
context of inter-faith dialogue .
Speaking about the expectations of people from the religions, His Holiness
pointed out that “people are in search of meaning for their life they are
looking to religion for guidance and direction. Therefore, religions are
challenged to redefine and re-articulate their specific vocation in the
society, reminded Aram I.
His Holiness considers “combat terrorism” a priority area for the
collaboration among religions: “Terrorism is an evil force that must be
eradicated from our societies. Religions must work together for building the
kind of communities which are sustained by moral values as well as by
justice, peace and human dignity”, affirmed Catholicos Aram I.
As a clear indication of the growing importance of inter-religious dialogue
and collaboration, Aram I, as Moderator of the World Council of Churches
told to the reporters that the World Council of Churches will, at the end of
2004, organize a major international inter-religious conference in Geneva,
Switzerland.
These statements of His Holiness were made in the context of a
Christian-Muslim dialogue actually taking place between the Islamic Republic
of Iran and the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon.
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 20, 2004
____________________
ARMENIA’S BOARDING SCHOOL FOR THE VISUALLY-IMPAIRED GETS A MUCH NEEDED
FACE-LIFT
Thanks to its USAID Armenia contract, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
began major reconstruction work at the Yerevan Boarding School for the
Visually-Impaired in May 2004. Last May, FAR beat out eight
organizations, including two private companies, to secure a new USAID
contract for work to be completed in Armenia. The two-year, $1.55
million USAID contract required FAR to identify the five neediest
institutions from a list of orphanages, nursing homes and schools for
the handicapped to repair and renovate.
Erected in the 1960s, the four-story building of the Boarding School for
the Visually-Impaired has never been renovated. An initial assessment
tour by the FAR engineering team revealed broken floors, walls and
windows, leaking pipes, and several bathrooms and a kitchen in
disrepair. The entire building, from offices to classrooms to dorm
rooms, needs a complete overhaul. FAR immediately assigned the school a
top priority in its need-based evaluations. USAID approved the project
site, allowing FAR to begin work this month.
Located in the Arabkir District of Yerevan, the Boarding School for the
Visually-Impaired educates and cares for children from families
throughout Armenia. Seventy-five employees help operate the school, the
only one of its kind in Armenia. The 118 legally blind students at the
Boarding School learn Braille and follow the regular public school
curriculum.
The restoration work on the third and fourth floors of the Boarding
School building began this month. FAR’s construction and engineering
teams will intensify their efforts throughout the summer, while the
school is closed. To avoid disrupting classes in the fall, repairs will
be performed on a section by section basis.
In addition to the renovation work of the main building, FAR will
remodel the school yard and install a heating system for the school.
FAR will build a boiler room within the property to ensure a constant
source of heat during Armenia’s cold winters for the children.
FAR is a non-profit organization headquartered in New York, with offices
in Yerevan and Gyumri, Armenia as well as in Stepanakert, Karabagh.
Since the 1988 earthquake, FAR has implemented various relief,
development, social, educational, and cultural projects. To date, FAR
has channeled more than $200 million to Armenia and Karabagh. It remains
the preeminent Diasporan organization operating there.
For more information or to send donations, interested persons should
contact the Fund for Armenian Relief at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY
10016; telephone (212) 889-5150, fax (212) 889-4849; e-mail
[email protected], website
— 5/20/04
E-mail photos available upon request.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: The four-story building of Armenia’s Boarding School
for the Visually-Impaired is being completely restored by the Fund for
Armenian Relief thanks to its two-year, $1.55 million USAID Armenia
contract.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: All the walls, windows and floors will be repaired and
a new heating system will be installed for the 118 legally blind
children who attend Boarding School No. 14, where the students learn
Braille and adhere to a public school curriculum.

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]
For Immediate Release: May 19, 2004
Contact: Armen Carapetian
Telephone: 818.500.1918
NEVADA ARMENIAN AMERICANS WILL PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Bush Approval Rating in Jeopardy With Armenian American Voters Due
to Poor Record on Community Concerns
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA –The explosive growth of the Armenian American
community in Nevada may be the deciding factor in the upcoming
Presidential elections in November as both President George W. Bush
and Senator John Kerry battle it out on the road to the White
House. Along with swing states like New Hampshire, New Mexico,
Michigan and Iowa–Nevada’s five electoral votes are coveted by the
Presidential candidates, in a race that many political observers and
pundits view as “razor close.”
Since 1990, Nevada’s population and economy has grown at a torrid
pace, adding roughly 4,700 residents a month, according to an article
which appeared in The Los Angeles Times on May 6, 2004 by journalist
Mark Barabak. The author noted that Nevada’s population now exceeds
2.2 million–close to double the figure of 14 years ago. The state’s
largest Armenian American advocacy group–the Armenian National
Committee of Nevada (ANCN)–estimates that the Armenian community
has increased five-fold over the last decade. The ANCN estimates that
over 8,000 Armenian Americans now call Nevada home.
“The quick growth of our community in Nevada is a sign of changing
times and will result in a more prominent role for Armenian American
voters in this state,” remarked ANCN Chairman Hriyr Dadaian. “We
already have great relationships with Senator Ensign, Congresswoman
Shelley Berkley and a number of other public officials and we look
forward to expanding our circle of friends. Like everyone else here,
we are watching the Presidential election very closely,” Dadaian added.
Last month the ANCN honored Senator John Ensign (R-NV) as its
“Man of the Year” for introducing legislation that marked the
15th anniversary of the official US adoption of the United Nations
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocides. Senator
Ensign co-authored Senate Resolution 164 with Senator Corzine (D-NJ)
and has 39 co-sponsors, well over a third of the Senate.
“The outcome of the upcoming Presidential election is going
to come down to a few key states,” speculated ANCA-WR Executive
Director, Ardashes Kassakhian. “And we are working on mobilizing all
Armenian-Americans throughout the United States to ensure double the
voter turnout from four years ago.”
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.

PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: (374-1) 52-35-31
Email: [email protected]
Web:
Minister Oskanian Visits Cyprus, Discusses Melkonian
Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vartan Oskanian, paid a two
day working visit to the Republic of Cyprus on May 19 and 20, and
met with high level officials.
With his colleague, Foreign Minister Georgios Iacovou, the two
discussed prospects for deeper bilateral relations, especially
in light of Cyprus’s membership in the European Union. The Cypriot
Foreign Minister expressed readiness to assist Armenia in its efforts
at European integration. The two ministers agreed that it is necessary
to bring the positive developments regarding the inclusion of Armenia
in the European Union’s Wider Europe – New Neighborhood Initiative
to their natural conclusion.
The Cypriot Foreign Minister discussed in detail the UN plan for
Cypriot reunification, and he stressed that the Greek Cypriot vote of
April 24 rejected the Annan plan and not the idea of reunification. He
reiterated that the Cypriot leadership remains ready for a negotiated
settlement for the island’s reunification.
Foreign Minister Oskanian outlined the recent discussions and meetings
that have taken place on the Nagorno Karabakh process, and also spoke
about Armenia’s internal situation.
During the visit, the Foreign Minister was received by the President of
the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos as well as the President
of the Cypriot Parliament, Demetris Christofias. Minister Oskanian
reiterated the formal invitations made to both of them to visit
Armenia.
Minister Oskanian also met with the Cypriot Interior Minister,
Andreas Christou, and the Mayor of Nicosia Michalakis Zambelas. Among
other matters of mutual interest, they explored the situation of
the Melkonian Educational Institute. The Cypriot officials expressed
their concern about the possible future closing of the institution and
promised to do what they can in order for that educational institution
to continue to serve its mission.
The Minister and his delegation left Cyprus on Thursday, May 20,
to return to Yerevan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 20 2004
EDUCATION MINISTERS MEET IN STRASBOURG
[May 20, 2004, 19:01:54]
Education ministers of the South Caucasus countries gathered for a
conference at the headquarters of the Council of Europe to discuss
existing problems in this sphere, May 17-18. Minister of Education
of Azerbaijan Misir Mardanov inducted the participants into the
ongoing education reforms and cooperation with the Council of Europe.
Touching upon the regional conflicts, he told of the consequences of
the Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and plight of displaced
people.
Delegation of Azerbaijan reported on the work done towards integration
of Azerbaijan into the European education area, adoption of education
laws corresponding to European standards and implementation of reforms
in line with Bologna process conditions.
In conclusion, conference participants adopted a Declaration, framework
cooperation program for 2005-2006.
During the meeting with COE secretary General Misir Mardanov positively
assessed the relationship between Azerbaijan and COE. Minister stated
that existing conflicts retard the overall cooperation and hoped for
the soonest resolution of the conflicts.
The meeting between Mr. Mardanov and director of the COE secretariat on
education, culture, youth and sports issues Gabriella Bataini-Dragoni
dealt with bilateral cooperation initiative, teaching of history and
education projects for IDP’s children.
Minister also met his Georgian counterpart Alexander Lomaya and
discussed cooperation of both countries with the COE.
The meetings were attended by ambassador of Azerbaijan to COE Agshin
Mehtiyev.

Russia’s military base at Gyumri faces no problems – Ivanov
Itar-Tass, Russia
May 20 2004
YEREVAN, May 20 (Itar-Tass) — Relations between Russia and Armenia
in the sphere of defense and security have been developing dynamically
and steadily and there have been no major problems in military affairs,
including the operation of the 102nd military base at Gyumri, Russian
Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said upon arrival in Armenia on a
working visit.
Russia supplies Armenia with military products at internal prices.
“These matters have been discussed regularly within the framework of
the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Armenia is entitled to
the same opportunities to buy Russian military hardware as the other
CSTO member-states.”
Later on Thursday Ivanov will hold talks with his Armenian counterpart
Serge Sarkisian to look into Russian-Armenian cooperation in the
field of defense, military-technological cooperation and military
personnel training.
“Regional security issues and situations in trouble spots will be
discussed, too,” Ivanov said.

Armenian Foreign Minister arrives in Cyprus for working visit
Cyprus News Agency
May 20 2004
Larnaca, May 19 (CNA) — Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan
Oskanian arrived in Cyprus for a two-day working visit, during which
he will be received by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos.
Speaking on his arrival, Oskanian said that during talks tomorrow
with his Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou, “we will discuss and
address bilateral ties between Cyprus and Armenia.”

MOSCOW GAVE OK TO CONSTRUCTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE
PanArmenian News, Armenia
May 20 2004
“Gasprom” seemingly has submitted the fact that it will have to cede
a part of the Armenian market to Iranians.
The working visit of Robert Kocharian to Moscow is considered
productive both in Yerevan and Moscow. One of the main subjects
discussed during the visit was the energy cooperation. It is
interesting that the visit of Kocharian to Moscow coincided with
signing of an agreement on construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline
in Yerevan. Hardly this happened by a pure accident.
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The subject was discussed at the meetings of Robert
Kocharyan with Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov,
President of the Gasprom Boris Miller, Head of the ITERA Victor
Makarov, President of the RAO EES Anatoly Chubays, Director of
the “Prometey” Company Senik Gevorkyan. Moscow’s opinion about the
project of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline construction can be judged from
the position of the Gasprom which was the first interested side as
it is the monopolist deliverer of the gas to the Southern Caucasus.
Boris Miller assured the journalists that they were not concerned
with the agreement.
General Director of the ArmRosGasprom Company Karen Karapetyan also
confirmed that the Iranians will not force out the Russians from the
Armenian market. He said that the main part of the Iranian gas will
be processed to electricity o be delivered again to Iran.
Evidently, the President’s visit has really solved the misunderstanding
concerning the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. It is known that all the
exporters solve the disputable problems usually by starting talks about
increasing the tariffs. It is evident that is Moscow was dissatisfied
with the deal Boris Miller would not assure that it was not going to
change the tariffs. Besides, the Russian government would not sanction
the participation of the Russian company in the tender for laying the
pipeline. The fact of participation of the Russians in the tender
is confirmed by official sources. Probably it will be the Prometey
Company. The company constructs gas pipeline all over the Europe. Its
experience and technical resources allow it to receive the order.
For Russia Iran has always been a competitor in the European gas
market. However, Moscow has been convinced that the talks about the
possibility of the continuation of the gas pipeline through Georgia
by the Black Sea to Ukraine have no real basis. However, Armenia
should not forget about the possibility to become a transit country.
Two years ago the Russian Voce-Premier Victor Khristenko said that
though Iran is a competitor, “mutual concessions should be made”. It
is not excluded that soon the parties will have to discuss those
“mutual concessions”…

Turkish Parliament Speaker Defines His Meetings In Strasbourg Fruitful
Anadolu Agency
May 20 2004
ISTANBUL – Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Thursday
that his participation in the European Conference of Presidents of
Parliaments in Strasbourg was very beneficial to stress importance
Turkey attached to the Council of Europe (COE) and to explain Turkey’s
efforts on the road to European Union (EU) membership.
Arinc, who returned from Strasbourg, told reporters that three
sittings on “how democratic is our democracy?”, “modern technology and
democratic procedures” and “Co-operation for more democracy – National
Parliaments and European Assemblies” were held in the conference.
He delivered a speech on “how democratic is our democracy”, Arinc
stated.
Arinc said that he held bilateral meetings with his Greek, Georgian,
Russian and Armenian counterparts in Strasbourg.
He also met with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA)
President Peter Schieder, Arinc noted.
Arinc said that he also visited the European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR), Arinc stated.
Arinc pointed out that he received information from ECHR Vice President
about functioning of the court and the ECHR Vice President welcomed
Turkey’s progress in human rights.
Arinc, who went to Strasbourg on Monday, attended on the same day
the meeting of Athens Working Group which was formed by parliament
speakers of European Union (EU) member and candidate countries. The
theme of the parliamentary summit was “Europe of citizens: parliaments
and participation of citizens”.
Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, who delivered a speech in
the conference on Tuesday, said that ruling parties should always
remember that they were representatives not only of majority that
they represented, but also representatives of whole nation.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Euro recon bank ups investment in Armenia
Big News Network.com, Australia
May 20 2004
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is boosting its
investment in Armenia, the Moscow Times reported Thursday.
The ERBD is going to almost double its annual investment in the small,
former Soviet republic in the Caucasus this year to 10 million to
12 million euros ($12 million to $14 million), bank President Jean
Lemierre said at a briefing in the Armenian capital of Yerevan.
Lemierre also said the bank planned to further raise its investment
to 20 million euros, ($24 million) in 2005.
The EBRD planned to invest major resources in small- and medium-sized
businesses producing food products, Lemierre said. The bank was also
going to expand its branch office in Yerevan and increase the number
of staffers there dealing with small- and medium-sized businesses,
he said.