AMERICAN EXPERT SAYS USA SUPPORTS SERZH SARGSYAN FOR THE SAKE OF STABILITY
Panorama.am
13:05 06/10/06
Richard Kirakosyan, an American expert, delivered a lecture at
War and Peace Reporting Institute upon the invitation of Armenian
International Economic Research Group. In his words, USA and Russia
have common wish to see stability in Armenia and Defense Minister
Serzh Sargsyan’s candidacy is prefered in this sense.
Washington does not see serious opposition in Armenia.
“No matter what dreams Arthur Baghdasaryan has, he is not
Sahakashvili,” Richard Kirakosyan said. U.S.
Administration has reconsidered its attitude to revolutions and
supports phase-to-phase approach to democracy building, so to say,
evolutionary democratic reforms.
Kirakosyan said the main challenges for Armenia are from within,
i.e., corruption and social-economic polarization between the capital
and regions.
Speaking about oligarchy, the expert said USA had the same problem in
30s of the last century. In time, many businessmen, like Rockefeller,
were obliged to obey the law and president Roosevelt was persistent
and successfully combated oligarchs.
The expert said, that in the Armenian reality, the oligarchs have a
mandate of a deputy and can negatively affect the reforms. However,
Kirakosyan said, “there are also businessmen among them who need
transparency and rule of law.” /Panorama.am/

UWP URGES PARLIAMENTARIANS TO SERIOUSLY ENGAGE IN LEGISLATIVE WORK
Panorama.am
18:10 06/10/06
Gurgen Arsenyan, leader of United Working Party (UWP) block, told a
briefing today that the government has submitted amendments to the Law
on Budget according to which 5% inflation is envisaged instead of 3%
(plus, minus 1.5 %)
“The government wants to make this amendment because the cost of life
has gone up by two,” UWP thinks.
Grigor Ghonjeyan, UWP block member, said inflation is more important
that the exchange rate.
Ghonjeyan said the government wants to set maximum 6.5% and minimum
3.5% inflation rate. He said the parliamentarians are going to be
very active in this discussion because the currency exchange rate
has been an issue for a long time.
Arsenyan called upon the parliamentarians to seriously engage in
legislative work in order to make timely discussions of next year
budget.
Arsenyan confessed that they sometimes vote instead of their colleagues
from UWP if they leave the hall for 1 minute and ask them to vote
instead of them.
/Panorama.am/

PRESS RELEASE
Saint Sarkis Armenian Church
38-65 234 Street
Douglaston NY, 11363
Contact: Edward Barsamian
Phone: 718-224-2275
Fax: 718-224-8793
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web:
Saint Sarkis Armenian Church launches fall lecture series
The Saint Sarkis Cultural Committee will present an afternoon lecture
and art exhibit aptly named “Tribute to Aivazovsky” on Sunday October
15 at 1:00 PM, following church services.
The featured speaker will be Mr. Karnig Alajajian, who in addition to
his talent as actor with Hamazkain New York Theatrical Group, also is
a quite accomplished painter. And… he likes to paint …Aivazovsky,
and he does so masterfully.
Mr. Alajajian will speak about the life and work of the Armenian born
painter, and illustrate his lecture with some of his paintings.
Following are a few “juicy morsels” from the fascinating biography
of the artist, Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky, leaving the “main course”
to Mr. Alajajian.
Aivazovsky was born to an Armenian family in the city of Theodosia in
the Crimea (The Artist’s ancestors were called Aivazian. His father
called himself Haivazosky. The Artist and his brother decided to call
themselves Aivazian or Aivazovsky. Some of the Artist’s work bears
the signature Hovhannes Aivazian, in Armenian).
This is what the great Armenian painter Martiros Saryan had to say
about Aivazovsky:
Aivazovsky’s Art is the art of Man and Humanity; it is the denunciation
of oppression and despotism. He is the artist of the first for freedom,
and the true advocate of Mother Nature.
It will be a very informative and culturally satisfying afternoon
and there will be light refreshments.
There will also an opportunity to purchase selected paintings, and 50%
of the proceeds will benefit the Church.
Free Admission
For information kindly contact the church office 718-224-2275

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:
October 5, 2006
ACNIS Celebrates Twelve Years of Leadership With a Public Accounting
Yerevan–Today the Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) marked its 12th anniversary of public service and award-winning
policy research. On the occasion and in the presence of the Center’s
professional staff, political scientists and analysts, media representatives
and others, its officials presented an open report on ACNIS’s
accomplishments to date.
ACNIS public affairs specialist Lilit Sarukhanian greeted the invited guests
with opening remarks. “Today we will neither delve into academic discussions
nor make geopolitical and domestic analyses; we will simply congratulate one
another and jointly celebrate the birthday of our and your Center,” she
said.
Next to congratulate everyone involved in the process was ACNIS director of
administration Karapet Kalenchian. “Twelve years, clearly, is not a long
time, but if we consider that our independent country is just fifteen years
old, then that amount seems not quite as short,” Kalenchian noted. He also
underscored that the fruits of ACNIS’s analytical mind are primarily aimed
at unveiling and scrutinizing the developments taking place in, and the
challenges faced by, Armenia and its neighborhood, previewing potential
geopolitical scenarios and, in light of all these, planning a comprehensive
strategy.
ACNIS director of research Stiopa Safarian likewise offered his heartfelt
words, and continued with a brief accounting of ACNIS’s twelve-year track
record. “Our policy deliberations and analyses, whose key attribute is their
transparency, have treated a vast range of realms and topics including
global and regional developments; environmental and educational policy; the
rights of the former residents of Yerevan’s Northern Avenue and Biuzand
Street; conflict management and the Mountainous Karabagh process; the
macroeconomic reality of Armenia and the family business; the nation’s
minorities; and other societal imperatives,” Safarian said. In his words,
the ACNIS-based National Public Opinion Service, which was launched a couple
of years ago, has already conducted more than twenty professional public and
expert surveys throughout Armenia, with their results publicized around the
world in multiple languages.
“It is beyond any doubt that the Center’s founder, owing to his distinction
and the prominence of his reputation, could have turned ACNIS into a one-man
show, a phenomenon which we see around us very often. Instead, he built this
institution from the bottom up, refusing to interfere with or put
limitations on the independence and individuality of the human mind, and by
his own example encouraging comprehensive, cutting-edge thinking and a free
competition of concepts and options,” Safarian continued. He concluded that
ACNIS has humbly served the highest interests of Armenia, its liberty and
political culture, and every good idea that has arisen from the depths of
society.
The invited guests and public participants then joined their ACNIS
colleagues in a festive reception and a round of well wishes.
Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2006, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, conflict resolution, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected]; or visit

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 7, 2006
Pontiff of All Armenians Awards
the Order of “St. Sahak and St. Mesrop” to Tom Samuelian
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
has decorated Tom Samuelian with the Order of “St. Sahak and St. Mesrop”. 
The award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the head of the Armenian
Church on faithful sons and daughters who have greatly contributed to the
literary, scholastic and cultural life of the Armenian Nation.
The event took place on August 30 in the Pontifical Residence on the grounds
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and began with welcoming remarks by
Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian of the Catholicosate of All Armenians.  His Grace
Bishop Sion Adamian, Primate of the Diocese of Armavir, presented the
biography and works of Mr. Samuelian, noting that his creative efforts have
accompanied his life from a very early age.
His Excellency John Evans, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
the United States of America to the Republic of Armenia, thanked His
Holiness for paying such a tribute and honoring an exemplary citizen of the
United States and a true son of Armenia.  The ambassador stated that “Tom is
a man within whom the worlds of knowledge and practical life are unified”.
Academician Rafael Hambardzumian presented his thoughts, highly evaluating
the virtues and dedication of Mr. Samuelian, noting that “Our literature,
culture and science have always progressed due to individuals like Tom.  He
is one of the brightest and best representatives of our people.”  Mr.
Hambardzumian also expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for recognizing
individuals within the spheres of science, culture and the arts in such a
high manner.
As the Hover Chamber Choir sang the church hymn “Etchmiadzin”, the
Pontifical Encyclical of the Catholicos of All Armenians was brought into
the hall and read by Bishop Adamian.  In the encyclical, His Holiness
Karekin II highly commends the manifold and multifaceted works of Mr.
Samuelian, who for decades has willingly brought his service to the parishes
of the United States, taught Armenian language classes in Philadelphia,
Boston and New Jersey, and actively participated in the progress of national
and ecclesiastical life of the Armenian American communities.
The encyclical states in part, “…your readiness to contribute your
abilities to the strengthening and progress of our homeland, and your kind
motivation to always see the national and church life of our people bright
and prosperous, directed your paths to Armenia, where you continue to enrich
your nation-helping and church-building legacy under the blessings of our
Lord.  Happiness envelopes our Pontifical soul, that your fidelity to our
national values and traditions is manifested in your achievements and
accomplishments, in service to our Christ-loving people, homeland and Holy
Apostolic Mother Church.
“We reflect with pleasure on your academic, literary and creative labors. 
Due to your years of diligent work, your scholarly essays, books,
dictionaries, textbooks and translations are available for the reader. 
These have truly earned you the recognition and title of ‘intellectual’. 
Through your translations, non-Armenians and English-speaking Armenians now
have the opportunity to know literary monuments such as the ‘Book of
Lamentations’ by St. Gregory of Narek, ‘Refutation of the Sects’ by Yeznik
of Kolb, and others…”
Following the reading of the Encyclical, His Holiness Karekin II decorated
Mr. Samuelian with the Medal of St. Sahak – St. Mesrop.  Mr. Samuelian, in
his remarks, expressed his deep gratitude to the Pontiff of All Armenians
for honoring him in this manner.
The event concluded with the message of His Holiness Karekin II.  Recalling
the words of Catholicos of All Armenians Vasken I of blessed memory, His
Holiness stated, ” ‘On the path of searching for God, I found Holy
Etchmiadzin and my Homeland…’  Searching for God has been the way of life
for our nation and people.  Our parents, holding the hands of their children
in their palms, have always led them to church, so that the child, from the
earliest of years, would learn to walk on the road that leads to God, to
search for God and to find God through His unending mercy.  For they
realized and recognized the great sacred mystery that the guarantor of
Armenian identity, existence and being is found within God.”  His Holiness
noted that this was the same in Tom Samuelian’s case as well, who on his
path of searching for God, found Armenia and became a worthy child of our
nation.
His Holiness extended his blessings to all assembled, thanked the Hover
Chamber Choir for their musical presentations throughout the evening and
once more commended the dedication, love and faithfulness of Tom Samuelian
to the Armenian Church and Nation.
##
–Boundary_(ID_c36uvc8PGeqmYEQ6i7oN0g )–

AZG Armenian Daily #191, 07/10/2006
Award
NORWEGIAN PRIZE TO HRANT DINK
Editor-in-chief of Agos newspaper, Hrant Dink, was
awarded Bornson prize of Norway for raising the issue
of the Armenian Genocide. Dink often wrote about this
issue, which is considered to be very disputable in
Turkey, DPA agency reports. Last summer, the Turkish
Court of Appeal did not overrule the decision of a
First Instance Court of suspended sentence to the
Armenian journalist. According to NTB Norwegian
agency, the prize of 15.000 USD will be given to Hrant
Dink in coastal town of Molde on November 24.
By Marietta Makarian

ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206
Press Release
ANC-PAC Endorses U.S. Senator John Ensign
Republican Senator Has Strong Ties To Rapidly Expanding
Armenian American Community in Nevada
October 5, 2006
Las Vegas, NV – The nation’s largest Armenian American grassroots
political action committee issued an endorsement for U.S. Senator John
Ensign this week. The Armenian National Committee – Political Action
Committee (ANC-PAC) urges all Armenian Americans in Nevada to vote
for Senator Ensign when they head to the polls on November 7, 2006.
“John Ensign is a Congressional leader on Armenian issues who has
earned the respect and votes of the ANC-PAC’s supporters in Las Vegas,
Henderson, Reno and throughout the state,” remarked Ara Shirinian who
serves as Co-Chairman of the Nevada ANC. “We are proud of the solid
track record of support the Senator has built over the years in our
community and proud to have the ANC-PAC endorsing him.”
Fellow Nevada ANC Co-Chairman, Dr. Armen Hovanessian, added that,
“Our community respects Senator Ensign for introducing a bill to
recognize the Armenian Genocide in November of 2005 and for keeping
an open channel of communication with our community. While this
legislation was not adopted this year, we know Senator Ensign will
keep fighting until the Congress goes on record acknowledging the
crime against humanity committed against the Armenian people in 1915.”
On September 29th of this year, Senator Ensign took to the Senate
floor to share with his colleagues his concerns over the “unacceptable”
recall of U.S. Ambassador John Evans, who, according to media reports,
was dismissed from office for properly recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.
Upon his introduction last year of the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
Senator Ensign remarked, “It is as important as ever that American
foreign policy reflect our nationís recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. It is my hope that by acknowledging such atrocities we
might help avoid them in the future. I applaud the Armenian people
for their courage and persistence in bringing this horrible chapter
in history to light.” The Ensign resolution calls upon the President
“to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects
appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related
to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the
United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide.” In the 109th
Congress, 34 Senators co-sponsored S.Res. 320.
On July 21, 2006, supporters of the ANC-PAC gathered in Las Vegas to
honor Senator Ensign and raise funds for his reelection campaign.
The event drew a broad cross section of community members, illustrating
the broad appeal the Senator has among all Armenian Americans living
in Nevada. At the event, ANC-PAC official Ara Bedrosian presented
Senator Ensign with the Nevada ANCA Freedom Award in recognition of
his leadership in advancing the cause of human rights and genocide
recognition.
Senator Ensign is presently the Vice Chairman of the Republican
Steering Committee, the group that shapes the party’s legislative
agenda. He is expected to take over the leadership of the National
Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee later this year, replacing
Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) in that prestigious and powerful post.
The ANC-PAC is a non-partisan federally registered political action
committee established to support campaign committees for Members of
Congress who share the values of the Armenian American community.
The ANC-PAC is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the voice
of the Armenian American community is clearly heard in our nation’s
capital. The ANC-PAC continues a century old tradition of Armenian
Americans engagement on the public policy issues facing national
political leaders, both in the U.S. Congress and the White House.
If you receive this email as “Junk” or “Spam”, please make sure to
add our email as a “Safe” or “Trusted” contact.
–Boundary_(ID_T7EQoLahYhbpW8oqpE4Vfw)–

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 5, 2006
Holy Etchmiadzin Welcomes Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims
On Sunday, September 3, the Chief Mufti of Syria and his delegation
attended the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
as guests of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians.  His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Badr Ad-Din Hassoun,
the Mufti of Aleppo and spiritual leader of the Muslims of the Syrian
Arab Republic, was in Armenia last month upon the invitation of the
Catholicos of All Armenians.
As the liturgy commenced, His Holiness Karekin II and Sheikh Ad-Din
Hassoun were escorted by the pontifical procession into the Mother
Cathedral of All Armenians.  The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop
Yeznik Petrosian.  In his message, the celebrant bishop once more
welcomed the high-ranking guests from Syria to Armenia and extended
the best wishes on behalf of all Armenians to Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun
and his entire faithful flock.
Also present for the Liturgy this Sunday were Roman Catholic pilgrims
from the Vatican, led by His Excellency Abp. Claudio Gugerotti and
Anglican pilgrims from the Church of England, led by His Grace Bishop
Geoffrey Rowell.  Abp. Petrosian further mentioned how pleasing to
God it must be that Armenians, Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims were
united today in Holy Etchmiadzin raising their prayers of praise and
thanksgiving to heaven.
In attendance for the Divine Liturgy were the Ambassadors of Syria
and Lebanon to Armenia and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
On the final day of his trip, the Chief Mufti visited Yerevan State
University and presented a lecture on the sanctity of man, divine love
and fraternal love.  He was welcomed by the President of the University
Dr. Aram Simonian and Dean of the Theological Faculty of YSU Very
Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian.  Following his lecture to the students
and faculty, the Mufti answered questions from those assembled.
Additionally, the Chief Mufti visited the Vaskenian Theological
Seminary of Lake Sevan and the historic “Blue” Mosque in central
Yerevan.  Prior to his departure, Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun and His
Holiness Karekin II participated in a joint press conference held in
Holy Etchmiadzin.
At the conclusion of the visit of the spiritual leader of Syria,
His Holiness offered prayers to heaven, asking the Almighty to bless,
keep and strengthen the Chief Mufti of Syria and to make his service
to his nation and people fruitful and successful.
##
–Boundary_(ID_yLQSe9SMwMVYAXWp+f kbiA)–

ACLU Sues DEA, Police Officers for Roughing Up Amtrak Passengers
THE TORCH, Fall 2006, Volume 41, Number 3
The Newsletter of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico
A drug enforcement agent and two police offices illegally searched
and roughed up an Armenian couple as the couple’s Amtrak train stopped
in Albuquerque on the afternoon of August 17, 2005.
During the search, one agent pulled bras and underwear from a
personal bag belonging to Diana Arutinova, smiling lasciviously as
the accompanying agents laughed and made coarse jokes. Arutinova and
her partner, Edgar Manukian, told the three agents they had nothing
illegal in their bags and to stop searching. The officers ignored
their wishes.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued the
officers on the couple’s behalf, claiming multiple violations of both
Arutinova’s and Manukian’s civil rights.
“This was a gross abuse of power,” said ACLU executive director
Peter Simonson. “The agents had Arutinova and Manukian at their
mercy and they used the opportunity to entertain themselves and to
terrorize the couple.”
Things went from bad to worse after the illegal search. Manukian
asked the officers for their names and badge numbers. Agent Jay
Perry pushed Manukian toward the train door and said, “You want my
name? What are you gonna do about it, —hole?”
Fearing for her husband’s safety, Arutinova stepped in between the
two men, but Perry grabbed her roughly by the arm and shook her so
hard that her head struck the wall. Perry then dragged Arutinova by
the arm back down the hallway toward the couple’s roomette, striking
her head against the wall two or three more times. He stopped only
when Arutinova began to scream.
Manukian took photos of the departing agents, but one officer noticed
the camera and the agents returned. Perry grabbed Manukian’s arm and
yelled, “What the hell are you doing taking pictures of us?
Give me that camera!” The agents seized the camera and walked away.
Simonson said, “Clearly the officers were trying to cover their tracks
by seizing the camera. The act was as cowardly as it was illegal.”
Zachary Ives and Martha Mulvaney of Freidman, Boyd, Daniel, Hollander
and Goldberg PA are litigating the case for the ACLU along with
ACLU staff attorney George Bach and ACLU Legal Director Phil Davis.
The case was filed in federal district court.
The counts against the officers include retaliation for protected
speech, excessive use of force, and unreasonable search and seizure.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages.

************************************************** **************************
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected]
************************************* ***************************************
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
BOB COLLINS TO BE HONORED AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
GLENDALE, CA – Supporters and friends of the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) gathered on September
29, 2006 at the home of Hovig and Aida Dimejian for the organization’s
traditional Banquet Kickoff Party. Community leaders, organizational
representatives, activists and benefactors were among over 100 people
in attendance.
“This year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet promises to be another sell out
event,” commented Aida Dimejian, Chairwoman of the Banquet Committee
and a member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “The attendees
will witness, first hand, all of the remarkable accomplishments
our organization achieves for the benefit of our community,” the
chairwoman added.
Mr. and Mrs. Dimejian, who graciously hosted the event, welcomed
guests to their home and thanked those in attendance. Top donors at the
banquet kick-off event included philanthropists and long-time ANCA-WR
supporters, who pledged to sponsor tables at the Annual Banquet.
Attendees were also updated on the details of the annual gala, which
will be held on November 12, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown,
Los Angeles.
ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian announced that Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles
Unified School District will be this year’s recipient for the Man
of the Year Award. This prestigious award is granted to individuals
who have made remarkable contributions in advancing the concerns of
Armenian Americans and the community as a whole.
The ANCA-WR will honor Mr. Collins for his leading role in implementing
the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles Unified School
District. His efforts in bringing a full and accurate human rights
education to the almost one million students in the Los Angeles
Unified School District distinguish him as a community leader.
“Bob Collins is an exceptional educational leader,” commented ANCA-WR
Chairman Steve Dadaian. “His bold steps are allowing hundreds of
thousands of our fellow Americans to learn about the Armenian Genocide
and why crimes against humanity represent a grave danger to us all,”
the ANCA-WR Chairman added.
Due to limited space, the event is expected to sell-out shortly.
Those interested in attending the banquet may contact the ANCA-WR
office at (818) 500-1918 to reserve a table or individuals tickets.
The 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress