How Armenia copes with its isolation in the combustible Caucasus
The art of levitation
Nov 16th 2006 | YEREVAN
>From The Economist print edition
NOWHERE is living next to big countries trickier than in the
Caucasus. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan were for centuries
swallowed by rival empires; when the last of them, the Soviet Union,
collapsed, three territorial wars broke out, all of which may yet
re-erupt. Now Georgia is in a cold war with Russia.
Next-door Armenia’s geographical plight might seem the worst in the
Caucasus-or anywhere. It is landlocked and poor; of its four
borders, those with Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed following its
bloody but successful struggle for Nagorno-Karabakh, a province of
Soviet Azerbaijan mostly populated by Armenians. Its other neighbours
are Georgia (under an economic blockade by Russia) and Iran. Yet
despite the war, the economic collapse that went with it and a
terrible earthquake that preceded it, Armenia seems to have levitated
out of trouble.
It benefits from an indulgence not afforded to pro-Western Georgia.
Per person, Armenia is one of the biggest recipients of American aid
(thanks to the powerful diaspora there, which remembers vividly the
massacres of 1915). Yet that American help does not trouble Russia,
which has a military base in Armenia. GDP is growing-though still
pitifully low: monthly wages are around $150. Towns and villages in
the beautiful, barren countryside are still poor and dilapidated, but
Yerevan is full of construction cranes and posh cafes.
But levitation has its limits. After some progress in the late 1990s,
reforms have stalled. The famed cognac aside, exports are puny.
Armenia relies on foreign aid and remittances from the huge diaspora;
emigration (see article) has put the population well below the
official 2.9m figure. The international balance is also precarious.
Some in Russia want the Armenians to take sides against the
Georgians, perhaps by stirring up the Armenian minority there. “We
refuse to choose,” says Vartan Oskanian, the foreign minister.
Indeed: alienating Georgia would be suicidal.
But the Kremlin’s leverage is growing. Russian firms already control
the energy sector and want a greater stake elsewhere. Mr Oskanian
says “our needs today are too dire” to worry about future risks.
Azerbaijan’s hydrocarbons windfall makes it sound confident, even
bellicose, stoking Armenian reliance on Russia.
American interest in the pipelines that link the Caspian to the
Mediterranean, doglegging round Armenia, mean that renewed fighting
would echo far beyond the Caucasus. Internationally sponsored talks
about Karabakh limp on-Mr Oskanian met his Azerbaijani counterpart
this week-and Western diplomats try to sound upbeat. But a deal, or
even a fudge that would at least allow normal trade relations, looks
all but impossible. Sporadic shooting continues.
One reason is that bad governments in both countries bang the
nationalist drum for want of wider legitimacy. Armenia’s Robert
Kocharian has emulated his sponsors in the Kremlin, squeezing the
media and rigging elections. Corruption flourishes. It is hard to
find an Armenian politician who does not want to succeed Mr Kocharian
when his presidential term expires in 2008; it is harder still to
find one who thinks the vote will be fair. Like Ilham Aliev, who
inherited power in Azerbaijan from his father, Mr Kocharian promises
just enough change to pacify America. Unsurprisingly, considering
their history, most Armenians are too cynical to expect much better
from their rulers.
Like acrobats in a human pyramid, the Caucasus countries are
inevitably affected by their neighbours’ behaviour. Russia’s closure
of its border with Georgia, for example, hurts Armenian traders. Such
outsiders’ jostling would be much easier to bear if the three
(relative) tiddlers had a common line. But they are all, as Raffi
Hovannisian, a former Armenian foreign minister, says of his country,
“long on civilisation, short on statecraft.”
europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8173284

PRESS RELEASE
Gomidas Institute
42 Blythe Rd
London W14 0HA
[email protected]
15 November 2006
Turkish MPs Avoid Meeting British MPs to Discuss Armenian Genocide
Over the past year, a group of British MPs and peers have been
considering allegations made by the Turkish Parliament (TGNA) that
Great Britain was responsible for articulating the Armenian Genocide
thesis; that this thesis was a wartime propaganda fabrication
published in the British Parliamentary Blue Book series in 1916 (The
Treatment of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 1915-16); and that the
British Parliament today should rescind that report.
A group of British MPs and peers who looked at these allegations
disagreed with the Turkish position and invited the latter to a
face-to-face discussion. To date, Turkish Parliamentarians have
avoided any such discussion with their British counterparts.
Earlier today, the Gomidas Institute (London) issued a detailed
update on this on-going saga. See
In a press statement, Lord Avebury, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary
Human Rights Group, stated:
“I very much regret the failure of every one of the 550 MPs of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) to reply to an invitation to
discuss the events of 1915-16, in which a million and a half Armenian
subjects of the Ottoman Empire lost their lives.
“Following a Letter from the TGNA to the British Parliament
challenging the veracity of the evidence published by the British
Government in 1916 in the Blue Book ‘The Treatment of Armenians in
the Ottoman Empire 1915-16′, a group of MPs and peers wrote proposing
a dialogue between British and Turkish MPs, with academic experts on
both sides, to examine the authenticity of that evidence.
“When no reply was received, I wrote to every Turkish MP
individually, asking if they would be willing to participate in such
a dialogue. Not a single one replied.
“Since neither the TGNA collectively, nor any of its Members, was
ready to defend their position in an open and critical forum, it
became obviously that they would not stand up to an intellectually
rigorous examination. I believe the original Letter fromthe TGNA was
an attempt to stimulate wider Turkish denialism, rather than to
establish communication between Turkish and UK Parliamentarians which
might have clarified interpretation of the events of 1915-16. But the
invitation remains open, and I hope that by publishing this
statement, I may yet prompt some Turkish MPs with the courage to
engage in dialogue.”
The Gomidas Institute is an independent academic organisation
dedicated to modern Armenian Studies
_________________________________________ ___________________________________
FROM THE GOMIDAS INSTITUTE WEBSITE
(For full statement with citations and relevant materials see
)
The British Parliamentary Blue Book and the Turkish Grand National
Assembly’s Foray Denying the Armenian Genocide, 28 April 2005
AN UPDATE from Lord Avebury, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Human
Rights’ Group and Ara Sarafian, Director of the Gomidas Institute,
London dated 14 April 2006
The 1916 British Parliamentary Blue Book, The Treatment of Armenians
in the Ottoman Empire 1915-16, was the first systematic thesis on the
Armenian Genocide.
This report was composed of:
(a) a significant collection of documents relating to the
treatment of Armenians
in the Ottoman Empire between 1915-16,
(b) an account of how these records were collected and used in
that report, and
(c) an analysis regarding the systematic destruction of
Armenians.
In 2000, the Gomidas Institute published a critical edition of what
has come to be known as simply ‘the Blue Book’, wherein the
original work was subjected to a detailed examination.
This edition:
(a) traced original sources to their archival originals and gave
citations
where original materials could be found,
(b) examined the manner in which the 1916 report was compiled
i.e. how
documents were accepted for inclusion in the British
report, and
(c) checked the final text of documents for fidelity to their
originals.
In doing so, this edition became the essential edition, allowing
students of the Armenian Genocide a far greater insight into the
genesis of Bryce and Toynbee’s work. The critical edition of the
Blue Book identified the United States Department of State as the
main source of information for the British report, and so it was
timely that the Gomidas Institute published United States Records on
the Armenian Genocide 1915-17 three years later.
That publication further facilitates our understanding of 1916
British Parliamentary Blue Book in light of the United States
records.
According to these published and archival sources, the 1916 Blue Book
was the result of a meticulous academic exercise that lent itself to
serious examination.
* * *
In April 2005, The Treatment of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
1915-16 was made the focus of a controversy by members of the Turkish
Grand National Assembly (TGNA) who claimed in a letter to the British
Houses of Parliament (‘the Letter’) that:
(a) the 1916 report was a forgery produced for British
propaganda during
World War I,
(b) the British Parliament was responsible for the Armenian
Genocide thesis
as we know it today; and
(c) British MPs today should publicly rescind the 1916 report.
The letter was forcefully worded, and the TGNA’s position included
some citations from
books and archives and bore the signature of all 550 Turkish
Parliamentarians.
On 28 April 2006 the Letter was sent to the Hon. Michael Martin MP,
the Speaker of the House of Commons in London, who was asked to bring
it to the attention of British Members of Parliament. Mr. Martin
forwarded the Letter with its enclosures to the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw,
the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, adding
that he had to ‘remain politically impartial’ in such matters and
that he wanted someone at the FCO to deal with it. Mr. Martin also
stated that he had placed a copy of the letter in the Library of the
House of Commons.
On 8 July 2005, the British Ambassador to Ankara, Sir Peter
Westmacott, responded to the TGNA on behalf of the FCO. Sir Peter
wrote to speaker Bulent Arýnc, explaining that the FCO could not
comment on the 1916 work because it was a ‘Parliament-owned
document’. He also informed Mr. Arýnc that copies of the TGNA’s
letter and enclosures were placed in the Library of the House of
Commons “to which historians have access.” Sir Peter then questioned
some of the main axiom of the Turkish letter by adding: “the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office understands that whilst the publication of
the Blue Book may have been regarded as desirable at the time in the
context of the war effort [i.e. for propaganda purposes], none of the
individual reports has been refuted; and few have suggested moral or
intellectual dishonesty on the part of the authors, Lord Bryce and
Arnold J. Toynbee.”
The TGNA’s letter was not shown to British MPs as requested and the
British ambassador’s letter was somewhat out of character given the
FCO’s usual pro-Turkish stance on the Armenian Genocide issue.
According to one commentator at the Gomidas Institute, the placing of
the TGNA letter in the Library of the House of Commons and the FCO’s
the stern letter to Ankara were part of a common plan to bury the
issue to avoid further embarrassment to the TGNA and Anglo-Turkish
co-operation in the denial of the Armenian Genocide.
However, the continuing media frenzy in Turkey alerted some British
MPs to the existence of the Turkish letter and these MPs decided to
examine the TGNA’s letter and formulate a response to it.
* * *
On 27 January 2006, Holocaust Memorial Day in Great Britain, a cross
party group of 33 British MPs responded to the TGNA letter. Their
response was sent to the speaker of the TGNA, Bulent Arýnc, and the
Turkish embassy in London. In this letter, the British MPs expressed
their disagreement with the TGNA’s position regarding the 1916
report and they invited their Turkish colleagues to a meeting to
discuss their differences. The British response included a special
report from the Gomidas Institute, as well as a recent insightful
article published in the Journal of the United Services Institute.
There was no response to the British invitation and on 18 July 2006 a
second invitation was sent by email to every member of the TGNA,
again inviting them to discuss the 1916 report. There has been no
response from any member of the TGNA to date. Given the Turkish
Government’s supposed willingness to discuss the Genocide issue, it
would appear incongruous that they should not take up such a
proposition.
* * *
The TGNA’s original letter to London was written after much
deliberation and formal discussion in the TGNA, and in Turkish media
and academic circles throughout the months of March and April 2005.
Some of these discussions were broadcast by Turkish satellite
television, surreptitiously distributed on DVDs in TIME Magazine, and
placed on several web pages. Such discussions, like the TGNA letter,
drew on the voluminous output of Turkish academic institutions and
commentators of recent years. Much was made of the publications of
the Turkish Historical Society, the Historical Section of the General
Staff of the Turkish Army, and the publications of the Prime Ministry
Ottoman State Archives. Given the weight of such opinion, the TGNA’s
letter reflected the position of a powerful segment of the Turkish
state and its supporting institutions. In this sense, TGNA’s letter
was the single most important tract ever written denying the Armenian
Genocide.
However, neither the TGNA collectively, nor a single one of its
Members, were prepared to defend their position in an open and
critical forum, knowing that it was fundamentally contrived and would
not stand up to intellectual rigour. The original letter may have
been an attempt to invigorate wider Turkish denialism, rather than to
establish communication between Turkish and UK Parliamentarians which
might have clarified interpretation of the events of 1915-16. But the
invitation remains open, and it is hoped that by publishing this
statement, some Turkish MPs may yet have the courage to engage in
dialogue.
–Boundary_(ID_1HGiCCsISNqzXAuU80e3J Q)–

UN Development Programme (UNDP) Armenia
14, Petros Adamyan St., Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Tel: +374 10 56 60 73 + 121
Mob: +374 91 43 63 12
Fax: +374 10 54 38 11
E-mail: [email protected]
URLs:
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Aramazd Ghalamkaryan
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN COMPANIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS JOIN THE UN GLOBAL
COMPACT
17.11.2006
UNDP and two GC members in Armenia launch corporate citizenship projects
Yerevan, Armenia – Today, at the Golden Palace Hotel in Yerevan United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Trade and Economic
Development of Armenia and 19 private companies and civil society
organizations officially launched the Global Compact in Armenia. Mr. Ara
Petrosyan, Deputy Minister and Ms. Consuelo Vidal, UN resident coordinator
and UNDP resident representative presented the Global Compact.
In an address to the World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999, United Nation
Secretary-General Kofi Annan challenged business leaders to join an
international initiative – the Global Compact (GC) – that would bring
companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support
universal environmental and social principles.
The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within
their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human
rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. The Global
Compact offers engagement opportunities to all participants through the
networks, dialogues, learning events and partnership projects.
At the event, two other important agreements were signed. The first one was
on the establishment of an Arts and Crafts Training and Production Center
for Disabled Children: the Global Compact member and UNDP’s partner
K-Telecom/VivaCell company decided to make this project a reality in
cooperation with Pyunic non-governmental organization.
Also, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Union of
Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia to enhance cooperation with the UN
office in Armenia through a number of joint initiatives.
Ms Vidal mentioned in her speech: “UNDP strongly believes that private
sector has a very crucial role to play in the development of the country and
UNDP is partner in this sense.”
On the occasion of the launch, Mr. Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN
Global Compact, sent a welcoming message to Armenia, where he noted: “It is
very encouraging to see that the United Nations has a committed partner in
the Armenian business community that is ready to join us in carrying the
Global Compact forward. Commitment and leadership of government, civil
society and academia will be crucial for the Global Compact to succeed in
your country. I am confident that the Global Compact can take root in
Armenia and help the country further integrate into global economy and
contribute to better life of the people of Armenia.”
“We would like to invite more private sector companies to engage in this
initiative and sign-up to become the members of the Armenian network.
Jointly we can do more for your business, for Armenia and for its future,”
– noted the UN resident coordinator in Armenia in her speech.
Nowadays, the Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate citizenship
initiative that involves a global network of over 3,000 companies in some
100 countries, as well as close to 600 non-business participants from civil
society, labour and academia.
In Armenia, the following companies and organizations have already joined
the GC Network: American University of Armenia, Ashtarak Kat, Ameria,
Armenal, BAKSS, Broncoway, Cascade Capital Holding, Coca Cola, the
Enterprise Incubator Foundation, the International Centre for Human
Development (ICHD), KPMG Armenia, Marriott Armenia Hotel, Pyunic NGO,
Tufenkian Hospitality, Unicomp, Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen
(Employers) of Armenia (UMBA), K-Telecom/ VivaCell, Grant Thornton Amyot,
and Sourcio.
* * *
ABOUT UNDP: UNDP is the UN’s global network to help people meet their
development needs and build a better life. We are on the ground in 166
countries, working as a trusted partner with governments, civil society and
the private sector to help them build their own solutions to global and
national development challenges. Further information can be found at
* * *
For additional information, please contact Mr. Armen Matosyan at
[email protected], tel.: +374 10 547 268 or Mr. Aramazd Ghalamkaryan
at [email protected], tel.: +37491 436 312, +37410 566 073 +
121.

PRESS RELEASE
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Office of Public Information
25 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn NY 11201
Contact: David Semonian
Tel: 718-560-5600
Fax: 718-560-5619
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
For Immediate Release November 14, 2006
Armenia acquits 19 conscientious objectors, but issue remains
unresolved
YEREVAN, Armenia-Nineteen conscientious objectors who left alternative
labor service have been informed by the Armenian Prosecutor General’s
Office that they have been acquitted and that the criminal proceedings
against them have been terminated. The ruling opens the way for them to
apply for compensation for their illegal prosecution and imprisonment.
Although the government of Armenia has organized nonmilitary work
assignments, they are under military control and supervision. Thus
the law providing for alternative labor service, as well as its
implementation, fails to meet the criteria laid down by the Council of
Europe, which calls for genuine and nonpunitive civilian alternative
service. In a series of videotaped interviews posted on the Web site
, four young Jehovah’s Witnesses describe in their
own words why Armenia’s alternative service was not an acceptable
option for them.
In a separate development, on September 12, 2006, Hayk Avetisyan
was sentenced to two years in prison for his conscientious refusal
of military service or alternative labor service. On September 25,
2006, Assistant Prosecutor A. Manukyan appealed the decision, asking
for a stricter sentence. The October 18, 2006, decision of the Court
of Appeal granted the prosecuter’s appeal and increased Avetisyan’s
sentence from 24 to 30 months in prison. Despite the progress implied
in the latest acquittals, Avetisyan is one of nearly 50 conscientious
objectors who are Jehovah’s Witnesses currently in prison for their
conscientious refusal of military service. From their study of
the Bible, they learned that Christ’s followers should love their
neighbors and that Christians are bound together in an international
brotherhood. (Matthew 22:39; Acts 15:22) As such, they do not resort
to weapons of warfare or learn war anymore.-Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 26:52.
Until Armenia complies with its commitments to the Council of Europe
to adopt genuine civilian alternative service and release
conscientious objectors from prison, the issue of conscientious
objection to military service remains unresolved.
Contacts
Paul Gillies Phone +44 7775 833880
David Semonian Phone +1 718 560 5600

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
November 17, 2006
___________________
BISHOP VICKEN AYKAZIAN ACCOMPANIES CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II TO KAZAKHSTAN
RELIGIOUS SUMMIT
By Florence Avakian
With the aim of fostering freedom of religion and respect for other
religions, the Second Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional
Religions took place at the Palace of Peace and Accord in Astana,
Kazakhstan, from September 11 to 15. The entire conference was chaired by
the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Unlike the first summit
which was held in 2003, this year’s event was attended by world political
and religious leaders.
Representing the Armenian Apostolic Church was the Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II who was accompanied by the Primate of Karabagh
Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, President-Elect of the National Council of
Churches of America, Bishop Vicken Aykazian, and the Ecumenical Officer in
Etchmiadzin. Other dignitaries in attendance included Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomeo, Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, and Yona Metzger,
Chief Rabbi (Ashkenazi) in Israel.
“The conference was significant and impressive in that all major religions
worked together for the goal of world peace and harmony. It was an honor
for the Armenian Apostolic Church with its spiritual leader to participate
in this endeavor,” Bishop Aykazian said.
Vehapar Karekin II, in his eloquent message, emphasized the crucial
importance of fostering religious freedom and tolerance, and invited all the
participants to respect these ideals in their respective countries, and
continents. At the conclusion of the Congress, the Vehapar with his
entourage was given a private meeting with President Nazarbayev.
While in Kazakhstan, the Catholicos also met with the Republic of Armenia’s
Ambassador to Kazakhstan Levon Khachadourian, as well as with the local
Armenian community in Kazakhstan of which there are approximately 35,000,
including 3000 in Astana alone.
Observers related that this Astana congress was the first significant event
where religious representatives of the Arab countries met their Israeli
counterparts since the conclusion of the recent Israeli-Lebanese war.
More than 30 representatives of traditional religions around the world
attended the conference, including Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist,
Shinto, Dao. In addition, several international religious organizations had
delegates present, including the World Conference on Religion and Peace, the
World Council of Churches, and the World Foundation for Zarathustra Culture.
Among the political dignitaries present were former Malaysian Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohammad, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, and UNESCO
head Koichiro Matsuura.
The New Palace of Peace and Accord where this Second Congress of the Leaders
of World and Traditional Religions took place was built under the guidance
of the famed British architect Sir Norman Foster. He is one of the
architects responsible for the new skyscraper complex that is being erected
in New York City to replace the World Trade Center.
— 11/17/06
# # #

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
November 17, 2006
___________________
REGINOAL RETREATS FOR YOUTH BEGIN IN MIDWEST
The focus was personal, as participants explored their own relationships
with Christ. It was also communal, as they plotted a future for youth in
the Armenian Church. The 50 young people came together at the St. James
Church of Evanston, IL, on Saturday, November 11, 2006, for the first of two
ACYOA regional conferences this year.
“It’s always empowering to gather with my fellow Armenian youth and discuss
our faith and culture,” said participant Elise Marifian, a parishioner at
the Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church of Belleville, IL.
Participants came from parishes in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Most were college students.
NEXT GENERATION OF STEWARDS
They heard from several speakers, including Julie Hoplamazian, college
ministry facilitator of the Diocese, who was in the Midwest to visit several
colleges in the area. She spoke about the habits required to be a
Christian. Using biblical passages and excerpts from the Divine Liturgy,
she talked about the ways in which we, as disciples of Christ, can come to
know God.
She also spoke of several disciples beyond Jesus’ original twelve, such as
St. Paul, Tabitha, Priscilla and Aquila, and Mother Teresa. She challenged
participants to join the list.
“This session really moved me to think about things that I hadn’t thought
about before,” said Lilit Asatryan, a parishioner at the St. Mesrob Church
of Racine, WI. “I think everyone grew in their faith; I know I did.”
MAKING THE CHOICE
Another of the speakers, Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church in Chicago, IL, spoke about why individuals need the
church?
“We’re not God’s puppets. He didn’t create us to control us,” he said. “He
gave us free will to decide yes and no, up and down, in and out, and right
and wrong.”
He told participants that making the decision to go to church was their
decision, and that being a Christian meant being a part of the body of
Christ, of gathering together as the people of God.
“Sometimes in life we forget our true goals and priorities because of
outside distractions,” said Shant Paklaian, a parishioner at the St. Gregory
Church in Chicago. “But by keeping the faith and believing in God’s will,
everything will fall into place.”
STEPING INTO LEADERSHIP
ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian guided participants through an
assessment tool to identify their individual leadership styles. Called the
“Task-People Leadership Questionnaire,” it enabled participant to discover
something about their individual leadership style. Discussing the results
were a chance to reflect on different leadership styles and their
appropriateness in any given situation. The group was also asked to think
about Jesus and his leadership style in the Gospel.
A productive session for the ACYOA Central Council was one in which they
tested survey questions which the Central Council hopes will assist them in
planning for the future of the organization. It enabled the representatives
of the Council to hear first-hand some of the issues ACYOA members and
chapters struggle with everyday.
The last session of the day was the ever-popular “Hot Topics,” during which
participants had an opportunity to ask clergy questions about the church,
faith, moral issues, and doctrine. The expert clergy panel included Fr.
Jebejian, Deacon Levon Kirakosyan of the host parish, and the
newly-appointed Deacon-in-Charge of the St. Gregory of Narek Church in
Cleveland, OH, Deacon Artak Khachikyan. The questions, and the answers,
provided for a very lively and interactive session.
“I am very inspired to see the potential for Christ’s Church — the Armenian
youth — being ready to think, act, and speak according to God’s will,” Dn.
Khachikyan said.
NEXT STOP D.C.
The conference in Evanston was hosted by the St. James ACYOA chapter, led by
Arda Paylan. Central Council members Johnny El Chemmas, Stan Sheridan, and
Talin Hitik attended the program.
The Central Council will sponsor another regional conference, this time for
Mid-Atlantic region parishes, on Saturday, December 2, 2006, at the St. Mary
Church of Washington, D.C.
To register, or for more information, contact ACYOA Executive Secretary
Nancy Basmajian at [email protected] or 212-686-0710 (ext. 143).
“Not only did the participants get a lot out of this last conference, but so
did the Central Council members,” said Stan Sheridan, ACYOA Central Council
Chapter Relations Coordinator. “We had a great discussion and feedback on
how the ACYOA is doing. We all learned a lot and took a great deal from the
day. I hope to see more of these in the future.”
— 11/17/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Arten Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, speaks to participants of the ACYOA
Midwest Regional Conference on November 11, 2006, at the St. James Church of
Evanston, IL.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Deacon Artak Khachikyan, deacon-in-charge of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, speaks with participants of the
ACYOA Midwest Regional Conference on November 11, 2006, at the St. James
Church of Evanston, IL.
# # #
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Ave, S-803
New York, NY 10016, U.S.A.
T/1-212-689-5307
F/1-212-689-5317
E-mail: [email protected]
Famed Attorney Mark Geragos Calls for Support to Armenia Fund USA at
Pre-Telethon Gala Dinner at Harvard Club
NEW YORK, New York – An air of excitement and anticipation filled
the well-appointed dining room as renowned attorney Mark Geragos
approached the podium to address more than 130 guests at Armenia Fund
USA’s pre-telethon gala dinner. Set in the prestigious Harvard Club,
New York City, the evening’s event was held on November 10, 2006 and
honored Nagorno-Karabakh President Arkady Ghoukassian accompanied by
Mrs. Ghoukassian. Attended by many dignitaries, the guest list included
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy; Armenia’s Ambassador
to the United States Tatoul Markarian; and Permanent Representative
of Armenia to the United Nations Ambassador Armen Martirosyan.
Master of ceremonies Mark Momjian, currently a partner in the
Philadelphia law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, opened the
evening introducing guest speaker Mark Geragos. Mr. Geragos, presently
the managing partner of the preeminent law firm Geragos&Geragos,
has been a passionate supporter of the Fund’s activities, and has
recently joined the Board of Trustees of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
in Yerevan. He has many times made special appearances at Armenia
Fund’s Thanksgiving Telethons that have become an annual tradition for
Armenians around the world. In his address, Geragos pointed to more
unified efforts to help Armenia Fund deliver much needed development
to Karabakh. Also, another highlight of Mr. Geragos’ speech was
his sharing about the class action lawsuits, both successful with
more pending, which are recovering millions of dollars to heirs of
Armenians killed in the Ottoman Empire.
President Arkady Ghoukassian, visiting the United States in connection
with the Thanksgiving Telethon, also welcomed the guests and related
warm appreciation on behalf of the people of Karabakh. The President
emphasized the need for winning the war against poverty in the region
and for opening the road to more serious investments in Karabakh.
Following the President’s address, Chairman of Armenia Fund USA Kevork
Toroyan spoke of recent developments in 18 villages of Mardakert where
rural communities were among the first beneficiaries of the newly
established agricultural cooperative for subsistence farmers. About 900
farming households will have access to badly needed mechanized services
and technical advice from US agricultural experts. This would represent
a significant portion of Mardakert’s population. The project, which
is part of the “Rebirth of Artakah” Regional Development Initiative
for Nagorno-Karabakh, targets rural poverty by raising the average
family income through improved agricultural practices and technical
assistance. More than this, 30 families are currently benefiting from
a pilot 3-year community development program co-managed by Armenia
Fund USA and Heifer International.
The pilot program will provide seeds, fertilizers, cows and technical
assistance in animal husbandry. Armenia Fund USA and its international
affiliates are also constructing 3 schools, a hospital, and a major
water-pipeline in the Mardakert region.
The proceeds of the 9th International Armenia Fund Telethon, to be
aired on November 23, 2006, Thanksgiving Day, will go toward the
regional development of Hadrut. The project encompasses all key
aspects of socio-economic development – access to education, proper
healthcare, and clean water, as well as sustainable infrastructure to
support irrigation water systems, roads and agricultural development.
Armenia Fund USA, with its international affiliates, has had strong
and measurable impact on the development of Karabakh and Armenia since
independence. The organization remains the largest contributor to
socio-economic development projects there since 1992, having invested
more than $150 million in large-scale infrastructure.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was one of the first of
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 19 international affiliates and serves
constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit,
non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all
Armenian constituents.
Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 19 international
affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia
and Karabakh. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and
Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
(A Division of the Zoryan Institute)
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Torrey Swan
DATE: November 14, 2006
TEL: 416-250-9807
Zoryan Institute Announces Special Issue of Genocide Studies and
Prevention on Armenian Genocide
The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A
Division of the Zoryan Institute) announces that the second issue of
Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal has just been
released. It is a special issue dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.
Professor Israel W. Charny, President of the International Association
of Genocide Scholars, commented, “There is important new research on
the Armenian Genocide in this issue, dealing with gripping particular
issues of the period, as well as the larger picture of the Genocide. I
am particularly encouraged to see the work of two innovative Turkish
scholars together with a major study by senior Armenian scholar Vahakn
Dadrian, and contributions from several countries, including Ireland,
Denmark, The Netherlands, and the USA. We truly have an international
journal.”
“This issue will be not only an important contribution to scholarship
on the Armenian genocide, but also to genocide studies in general,”
declared Eric Markusen, Consulting Senior Researcher in the Department
of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the Danish Institute for
International Studies and one of the editors of the journal. “It
includes articles by one of the foremost legal scholars of genocide
in the world, William Schabas, as well as by distinguished senior
scholars and also young researchers on the Armenian genocide.”
George Shirinian, Executive Director of the IIGHRS, observed that
“With the recent passage of the bill criminalizing denial of the
Armenian Genocide in France and the European Union’s upcoming
assessment of Turkey’s accession application, there is heightened
attention focused on this case, not only in France and Turkey, but
also internationally. The timing of this issue could not be more
fortuitous, as it provides in-depth historical and legal analytical
studies of what has come to be understood as the archetypal case of
genocide in modern times.”
The contents of GSP Volume 1, Number 2 are as follows:
Roger Smith, “The Significance of the Armenian Genocide after Ninety
Years.”
William Schabas, “The ‘Odious Scourge’: Evolving Interpretations of
the Crime of Genocide.”
Vahakn N. Dadrian, “The Agency of “Triggering Mechanisms” as a Factor
in the Organization of the Genocide against the Armenians of Kayseri
District.”
Taner Akcam, “The Ottoman Documents and the Genocidal Policies of
the Committee for Union and Progress (Ittihat ve Terrakki) toward
the Armenians in 1915.”
Simon Payaslian, “The Destruction of the Armenian Church during
the Genocide.”
Ugor Ungor, “When Persecution Bleeds into Mass Murder: The Processive
Nature of Genocide.”
Matthias Bjørnlund, “When the Cannons Talk, the Diplomats Must Be
Silent:” A Danish Diplomat in Constantinople during the Armenian
Genocide.”
“GSP is a team effort by some very dedicated scholars in the field
and is a product of the editorial board’s years of hard work and
preparation,” declared K. M. Greg Sarkissian, GSP Director of Economic
Affairs, “In this issue, Alex Alvarez, as editor-in-charge, played
a critical role.”
Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal was
co-founded by the International Association of Genocide Scholars and
the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
(A Division of the Zoryan Institute). The journal’s mission is to
understand the phenomenon of genocide, create an awareness of it as
an ongoing scourge, and promote the necessity of preventing it, for
both pragmatic and moral reasons. It is the official journal of the
International Association of Genocide Scholars and is published three
times a year by the University of Toronto Press. For more information,
contact the IIGHRS (Zoryan Institute), [email protected],
Tel: 416-250-9807.
–Boundary_(ID_MICTA/SV9rjSPBJ3RPFx Qw)–

November 17, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRELATE WELCOMES H. E. PRESIDENT ARKADY GHOUKASIAN
On Monday, November 13, at 3:00 p.m., the Prelate attended a welcoming
reception at the Glendale Hilton Hotel, organized by Armenia Fund,
in honor of H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian, President of the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh, who arrived in Los Angeles on that day.
The Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Ardag Demirjian and Armenia Fund
Board member Mr. Peklar Pilavjian, welcomed President Ghoukasian and
offered his best wishes for a successful Thanksgiving Day Telethon on
November 23rd, in which the Prelacy participates along with Prelacy
Churches and Schools.
The Prelate and Executive Council members will also attend the annual
Armenia Fund gala on Sunday, November 19, at the Omni Hotel in Los
Angeles, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Republics of Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh. H.E. President Arkady Ghougassian will be the
guest of honor. And on Wednesday, November 22nd, the Prelate will
receive the official visit of the President.
FUNDRAISING BANQUET AND HOLY MASS AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH
On the evening of Saturday, November 18, a fundraising banquet will
be held at Gugasian Hall of Forty Martyrs church in Orange County to
benefit the renovation of the church.
The banquet, organized by the parish Pastor and Board of Trustees,
is being held under the auspices of the Prelate. Representatives of
the Executive Council will also be in attendance.
On Sunday, November 19, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Holy Mass and deliver the sermon at Forty
Martyrs Church.
PRELATE ATTENDS THE ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE DAVIDIAN MARIAMIAN
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
On Thursday, November 16, at 5:30 p.m., the Davidian-Mariamian
Educational Foundation held their annual appreciation banquet at
Brandview Collection in Glendale. The Prelate attended the banquet,
where he offered the invocation and conveyed his blessings to the
foundation’s directors. Accompanying the Prelate was Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Torossian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
During the official part of the program, the foundation honored its
dedicated members and volunteers.
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUFENKIAN PRE-SCHOOL PARKING FACILITY
On the afternoon of Friday, November 17, the official opening of
Richard Tufenkian Pre-School’s parking facility took place under the
auspices of the Prelate. In attendance were benefactors Mr. and Mrs.
Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, Executive Council representatives, Board
of Regents members, St. Mary’s Church Pastors and Board of Trustees,
Chamlian School directors, Glendale Mayor the Honorable Dave Weaver,
council member Mr. Ara Najarian and the representative of the Police
Department.
The Prelate conducted the official opening ceremony and cut the ribbon
together with the benefactors, after which the official program
began. The event concluded with the Prelate’s closing remarks and
Bahbanich prayer.
HOLY MASS AND THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON AT THE CORONA PARISH, RIVERSIDE
COUNTY
On Sunday, November 19, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Corona,
Riverside County, will offer Holy Mass at 2:00 p.m., at St. Anthony
and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church in Corona.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will
conduct Mass. Following church services, the Parish Ladies Auxiliary
has organized a Thanksgiving luncheon.
THANKSGIVING YOUTH LUNCHEON AND LECTURE AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH
On Sunday, November 19, the St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees have
organized a Thanksgiving luncheon for youth starting at 5:00 p.m. at
the Armenak Der Berdrosian Hall of the church.
Youth ages 18-35 are invited to the luncheon during which Very
Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will speak about Thanksgiving.
Admission is free.
WESTERN PRELACY ORGANIZES A YOUTH CHOIR
We are pleased to announce that by the ordinance of the Prelate,
a youth choir is being organized comprised of youth ages 7-15 and
under the direction of Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian.
Practice will begin on Saturday, November 18 and will continue on a
regular basis every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Armenak Der
Bedrossian Hall of St. Mary’s Church (500 S. Central Ave.)
Registration is still open and those interested in joining the choir
can do so on practice days at the church hall.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETS WITH THE CRESCENTA VALLEY PARISH COUNCIL
In continuing their meetings with parish Pastors and Board of Trustees,
on Tuesday, November 15, the Executive Council met with Rev. Ardag
Demirjian and Council members of the Crescenta Valley parish.
The council members reported on their organizational efforts and
stated that Holy Mass takes place every Sunday, at 1:00 p.m., at
Unity Church of the Valley in La Crescenta.
Reports were also given on Bible Study, youth, and Sunday School
activities, and the possibility of electing a Board of Trustees and
organizing a general meeting with all the members present towards
this purpose was discussed.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS SELECT LEADERS FOR NEXT CONGRESS
Washington, DC – Following last week’s congressional battle which
gave Democrats majority control of the House and Senate, both parties
returned to Capitol Hill this week, electing Armenian issues supporters
Harry Reid (D-NV) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as leaders of their
respective parties.
Reid was elected Senate Majority Leader by the Democratic Caucus while
McConnell was chosen as the new Republican leader by his party. Reid
is a cosponsor of Armenian Genocide resolution (S. Res. 320) which
reaffirms the attempted annihilation of the Armenian people as
Genocide. He has also urged the Bush Administration to properly label
the crimes as such. McConnell also has a strong record on Armenian
issues, from spearheading the floor fight to maintain Section 907 of
the Freedom Support Act to introduction and passage of a bill, along
with lead cosponsor Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), extending permanent
normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Armenia. He has also been
pivotal in securing robust funding for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
as Chairman of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations.
Rounding out the Democratic leadership, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL)
and Charles Schumer (D-NY) will continue to serve as Democratic Whip
and Senate Campaign Chairman respectively. Schumer will also fill
the position of vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus and Senator
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will head the party steering committee. All
three lawmakers are cosponsors of the Armenian Genocide resolution.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which oversees policy
concerning Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, will be chaired by Senator
Joseph Biden (D-DE), who is also a cosponsor of S. Res. 320. In
addition, the reconfigured Senate panel will include longtime
Armenian issues supporter Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) along with
Senators-elect Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Jim Webb
(D-VA). Earlier this year, Menendez, along with Senator Rick Santorum
(R-PA) introduced a major bill (S. 2461) to bar assistance for a
railroad bypass of Armenia. He is also a cosponsor of the Armenian
Genocide resolution, which is currently pending before the Foreign
Relations Committee. In September, Menendez also placed a “hold”
on the nomination of Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland as
America’s next Ambassador to Armenia. The move was in protest to the
Bush Administration’s flawed policy on the Armenian Genocide. The
matter of Hoagland’s confirmation, as well appropriations funding
for Armenia and Karabakh and the railroad legislation, are among the
outstanding items pending in the lame duck session.
On the Republican side, Senator Trent Lott, who did not support
Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, was elected Minority Whip
making him second in command to McConnell, while Senator John Ensign
(R-NV), sponsor of the Genocide resolution, was selected to chair
the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The Armenian Assembly is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issue. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
#### NR#2006-100
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress