NKR PRESIDENT GHUKASSIAN’S MEETINGS IN THE UNITED STATES
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Nov 21 2006
NKR President Arkady Ghukassian is visiting the United States on these
days for the annual telethon in Los Angeles, which will take place
on November 23. In New York, the NKR president met with the head of
Eurasia Group Jan Bremer, Edil Hovnanian and Van Grigorian, members
of the board of the Armenian Assembly of America. During the meeting,
the president told about the prospects of settlement of the conflict,
as well as state building, enhancement of defense, economic reforms and
democracy in NKR. Arkady Ghukassian thanked the AAA for the lobbing
of Nagorno Karabakh’s interests at the U.S. Congress. In Detroit,
the president met with Rep. Joe Knollenberg. Arkady Ghukassian
congratulated him on his reelection to the House, and thanked for
his support in upholding the interests of Nagorno Karabakh. For his
part, Mr. Knollenberg, who is the head of the Armenian Caucus of
the U.S. Congress, states his willingness to continue to deal with
the problems of Karabakh. The president also met with the Armenian
community in Detroit. In Boston Arkady Ghukassian met with Caroline
Mughar, the president of the board of the Armenian Assembly of
America. “The foreign policy of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is aimed
at the peace settlement of the conflict with Azerbaijan,” he stated
at the Los Angeles Council for International Affairs. The loyalty of
NKR to a peace settlement is not a sign of weakness, and it does not
mean that the people of Karabakh cannot defend themselves in case a
war ignites, he said.
“The conceptual approach of Karabakh to the relations with Azerbaijan
is based on the perception that presently new standards and rules of
international relations are forming in the world, which if observed,
will grant the publics and nations equal rights to defend their
national interests,” Arkady Ghukassian said. He said regarding the
resolution of the conflict that a settlement which would endanger
the security of NKR, let alone the independence from Azerbaijan is
unacceptable for Karabakh. The NKR president called the mediators,
including the United States, to work out a separate memorandum
rejecting resumption of the war and emphasizing the necessity to settle
the problems in negotiations and offer it to the conflict parties
to sign. In his address Arkady Ghukassian presented the reforms in
different spheres of life in NKR and building of a civil society in
NKR. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of adoption of the
NKR Constitution and informed that it will be put to popular voting on
December 10, 2006. According to the president, the NKR Constitution
will reflect the desires and determination of the people on state
building in Nagorno Karabakh. In Los Angeles Arkady Ghukassian also met
with Armenian benefactors Vahe Karapetian, Isahak Vardanian, Gevorg
Voskanian, Mark Kirakos, member of the board of trustees of Armenia
Foundation. The president also met with the primate of the Eastern
Diocese of the United States Archbishop Hovnan Terterian, reports
the department of information of the NKR president administration.

WILSON DENIES WASHINGTON SUPPORT FOR PEJAK
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Nov 21 2006
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson denied late Monday published
reports that Washington supports the Iranian branch of the terrorist
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in order to destabilize Tehran.
Speaking to reporters during a reception given to mark Lebanon’s
national day, Wilson said, “Some people might say different things
about this. I don’t know if the U.S. has officially announced it,
but I consider Pejak [the Party for Free Life in Kurdistan] the
brother of the terrorist PKK.”
“The U.S. doesn’t support the PKK and we’re not working together with
Pejak,” the U.S. ambassador added.
In this week’s issue of The New Yorker magazine, investigative
journalist Seymour Hersh claimed that the U.S. has supported Pejak,
terrorist PKK’s Iran branch, in order to destabilize the Iranian
regime. According to the article, written by the Pulitzer Prize
winner who in 2004 exposed the scandal in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison,
the U.S. support for Pejak has been taking place for the last six
months. Hersh claimed that besides the U.S., Israel has given equipment
and training to terrorist groups to make them launch attacks in
Iran. According to article, Pentagon also has covert relationships with
Kurdish, Azeri, and Baluchi tribesmen, and has encouraged their efforts
to undermine the regime’s authority in northern and southeastern Iran.
Asked whether the U.S. Special Envoy for countering the PKK Joseph
Ralston will visit Turkey soon, Wilson replied, “There’s no visit
planned for now. There should be a tangible reason for a visit.”
Touching on a recent controversy when White House security guards
tried to subject Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun
to a body search, Wilson said, “I think Saygun rejected the Secret
Service’s general procedure applied to the visitors when entering
the White House. I’m sorry about the incident.”
‘Democrats winning Congress won’t affect relations with Turkey’
Wilson stated that the Democrats winning the U.S. Congress won’t lead
to an important change in relations with Turkey, especially concerning
the Armenian genocide claims.
Pointing out that under the U.S. Constitution U.S. President George
W. Bush is responsible for foreign relations, Wilson stated that the
U.S. president and the administration will continue to exert efforts
to improve relations with Turkey.

IRANIAN ACTOR IN SEX VIDEO SCANDAL SAYS EX-FIANCE FAKED FOOTAGE
Robert Tait in Tehran
Guardian Unlimited, UK
Nov 22 2006
· Former boyfriend faces prison after extradition
· 100,000 copies circulating amid cultural clean-up
Ebrahimi has dismissed the film as a fake made by a vengeful former
fiance. Photograph: Robert Tait
An Iranian actor at the centre of a video sex scandal has spoken
for the first time publicly to deny being a collaborator in the now
notorious home-made film.
Zahra Amir Ebrahimi, one of Iran’s best known television performers,
is facing social ostracism, a wrecked career and a possible lashing
after police seized copies of the footage, which appears to show her
having sex.
The film, which has been distributed in street markets and posted
on websites, has caused profound shock at a time when Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad’s Islamist government is trying to banish the “corrupting”
effects of western culture.
It has been given added impact by Ebrahimi’s reputation for playing
religious, morally upstanding characters in Iranian state TV soaps.
One highly successful series, Narges, was watched by an estimated 68%
of the population.
Police interrogated Ebrahimi at length after being alerted to the
film’s existence. She has not been charged but investigations are
continuing.
However, in an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Ebrahimi, 25,
denied being the woman in the film. She dismissed it as a fake made
by a vengeful former fiance who used studio techniques to form a
montage of incriminating images designed to destroy her career.
“I watched the film after I heard about the fuss from colleagues and
the girl in it is not me,” Ebrahimi said.
“I admit there are some similarities to the character I played in
Narges. It is possible to use studio make-up to have a person look
like me. I have some knowledge of montage techniques and I know you
can create a new face by distorting the features of another person.”
Legal experts say Ebrahimi’s denial may be sufficient to avoid
punishment. Under Iranian law, video footage must be corroborated
by supporting evidence or a confession. According to the legal code,
sex between two unmarried people carries punishment of up to 99 lashes.
Ebrahimi’s ex-fiance, an assistant film producer who has been referred
to publicly only as Mr X, is in custody after being extradited from
Armenia. He faces up to three years in jail and a £6,000 fine if found
guilty of making and distributing the film, which contravenes Iran’s
strict indecency laws.
He admits taking part but claims that Ebrahimi suggested the film,
which he says was shot in her home, and then distributed it herself.
However, in a 45-minute interview, Ebrahimi – wearing a hijab and a
long woollen coat – said her former fiance threatened revenge after
she ended their relationship a year ago because of his infidelity.
“He had a lot of affairs and our relationship ended in a very immoral
way,” she said. “He said he would do something that would mean I would
be unable to hold my head up and would prevent me ever working again in
Iran. I think this film is him trying to put his threats into action.”
An estimated 100,000 copies have been circulating in the last two
months. The accompanying publicity has prompted some parents to voice
concern that their children have asked to see the film, which has
been dubbed Narges II.
Private films showing sex scenes are not uncommon in Iran. However,
Ebrahimi’s high profile and the ongoing cultural clean-up campaign
have prompted a sensitive reaction from the authorities. Tehran’s
chief prosecutor, Saeed Mortazavi, has ordered police to conduct a
special investigation and wants death sentences for those convicted
of circulating such productions.
Ebrahimi acknowledged that she had been emotionally upset but denied
reports that the affair had driven her to attempt suicide. Her acting
career is in jeopardy amid reports that her employers are considering
dropping her.
But Ebrahimi, who comes from a religious family, said the heaviest
burden came from being accused of immorality in a religious society.
“According to the moral norms of Iranian society, it is very damaging
for this film to be distributed under my name,” she said. “If you
look at my professional resume, you will see that I have taken part
in mainly spiritual or religious films and programmes.
“My parents and I thought we were living in a society with common
sense. Instead, we find that 90% of people are following this thing
and taking it seriously. If people have a chance, they are curious
about indecent and vulgar things.”
–Boundary_(ID_XkbCqCpCwKvrLtrmwhRa 6A)–

PROJECTS ARE READY
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Nov 21 2006
On November 23 the annual telethon in Los Angeles will raise money for
the Revival of Artsakh Project. Since 1992 the foundation has carried
out a number of projects involving building of, houses, laying out of
roads, gas pipelines and power transmission lines. The donations of
this year are for the reconstruction of infrastructures in the region
of Hadrut. According to the project director of Armenia Foundation
in Artsakh, the projects on drinking water supply, construction of
roads and schools, as well as improvement of the health sector have
been drawn up.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE PRESENTS EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DIGITAL BROADCASTING DRAFT PLAN OF ARMENIA
Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE)

Nov 22 2006
YEREVAN, 22 November 2006 – An OSCE expert review of Armenia’s draft
plan for digital TV and radio broadcasting in the country was presented
today in Yerevan.
The report highlighted that social and economic issues, as well as
infrastructure development, were key issues of concern when it comes
to ensuring more access to broadcasting in Armenia. It was also
recommended that more attention should be paid to avoid monopolization.
In an address delivered on his behalf in the Armenian capital, Miklos
Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, welcomed
the Armenian Government’s initiative to establish a regulatory basis
for the digitalization of broadcasting media and to encourage a public
discussion on the move.
“This ‘switch-over’ from analogue to digital transmission will
multiply the number of available channels and make state licensing
largely unnecessary,” he said in his speech.
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan said:
“I hope that today’s discussion will help identify the challenges in
making the ‘switch-over’ an achievable and well-managed objective. This
is very important for the safeguarding and promotion of media pluralism
in Armenia.”
Following the allocation of a digital terrestrial frequency range
to Armenia by the International Telecommunications Union earlier in
the year, the Armenian authorities drafted an implementation plan
as an initial step to put into practice the changes from analogue to
digital broadcasting. At the request of the Armenian Government, the
OSCE Media Representative, who in an earlier country report on Armenia
had recommended to establish the legislative framework for the switch
to digital broadcasting, provided an expert review on the draft plan.
The presentation of the expert review was organized by the OSCE
Office in Yerevan, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom
of the Media together with the the Open Society Institute Assistance
Foundation-Armenia, and the Armenian Ministry of Transport and
Communication.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] – Website;
November 23, 2006
* * *
Armenian Delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly Visits
the Diocesan Center
On Saturday, November 11 2006, on behalf of the Primate His Eminence Bishop
Bagrat Galstanian, Deacon Hagop Arslanian received the Armenian Delegationto
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly-Conference, in Quebec City.
The delegation was headed by Mr. Aramais Temur Grigoryan, Head of the
Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, Mr.Alexan
Karapetyan, National Assembly Deputy and Secretary of Faction for `National
Unity’ and Mr. Artur Petrosyan, “United Labour Party” Faction, Member of the
National Assembly. Following the conclusion of this International Conference,
and upon the directive of the Primate, Deacon Arslanian accompanied the
Armenian delegation to Montreal.
On Friday, November 17, 2006 members of the delegation visited the Diocesan
Center of the Armenian Church and met with His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate. Serpazan greeted the guests and led them to the Church where the
Lord’s Prayer was said as well as a prayer of gratitude to the Almighty God,
for the successful completion of the mission of Armenian delegation.
Following the prayer service, Serpazan met with the delegation at Parish Council’s
Conference room and discussed several issues related to the status of the
Canadian Armenian Community, with the guests. His Eminence gave detailed
information on the mission and activities of the Church, but more specifically on
the relationships of our Diocese with Government officials.
The delegates expressed their appreciation and thanked Bishop Galstanian for
all his support and assistance during their stay in Canada.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] – Website;
November 23, 2006
* * *
Letter of Condolence to Mr. Edward Broadbent
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in
Canada, has sent a letter of condolence to Mr. Edward Broadbent, on the
passing of his beloved wife Lucille. Lucille Broadbent lost a brave almost
decade long battle with cancer on November 17, 2006.
Mr. Broadbent is a man all Canadians admire and respect and has been a
friend and staunch supporter of Canadian Armenians. He is a most respected and
revered politician who has served his country with integrity. He has always
been publicly vocal about his source of strength, his dear wife Lucille. It
came to be that in 2005, Mr. Broadbent announced that he will be leaving
politics to be home with his ailing wife. “I simply cannot continue in the future
with all the work expected of an MP and meet my deeply felt obligations to the
person who is the love of my life,” Mr. Broadbent said, at a press conference
announcing his decision.
The Diocese is deeply indebted to Mr. Broadbent for his participation in the
Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, held in
April of 2005, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa. His generosity of time and
effort to take part as a keynote speaker in the Ecumenical Prayer and Church
Service at such a critical period in his personal life is a testament to his
strong compassion and understanding of humanity.
The letter concluded with the prayers and thoughts of Bishop Galstanian and
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada to Mr. Broadbent and family for
their loss, on behalf of the Clergy, members of the Diocesan Council and our
faithful.
* * *

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] – Website;
November 23, 2006
* * *
Primate Celebrates Church Anniversary in Saint Catharines, Ontario
Sunday, November 19, 2006 marked the 76th anniversary of the First Armenian
Apostolic Church in Canada. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian during
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy spoke of the sacrifices those gallant,
genocide survivors had made in establishing this church. His wonderful and
inspiring words were delivered not only to those in the congregation, but
especially to the Sunday school children and young acolytes. They sat attentively
as Serpazan spoke of past valor and accomplishments, and how they were the
benchmark for the future of this church and community. His Eminence encouraged
the young to achieve and be best they could be in life, as they are
Canadians born of Armenian ancestry.
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was served in the
Babayan Hall by the members of the choir. The Women Volunteers from Katah baking,
spearheaded by Helen Boyagian and Georgina Sarkisian presented a cheque for
$2000.00 to the parish. Alice and Ashod Kuderian also lifetime members of the
parish, remembered the anniversary, with a donation of $1000.00. A similar
donation of $1000.00 was made by Jean-Pierre Paroyan at this joyful
anniversary luncheon.
In keeping with the sincere words of the Primate, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian in the Divine Liturgy earlier in church, a generous gesture had
been made by our oldest surviving member, not only of our community, but also,
at 99 years of age, a survivor of the Genocide. Mrs. Varsenig Krikorian had
been vacating her home just a few days earlier, to reside in a nursing home
nearby. As she was leaving she made certain her `bardaganoutoon’ to her
church was not forgotten. Her donation of $1000.00 was given to Georgina
Sarkisian, as she valiantly pushed her walker towards the door.
These moments honour the tireless efforts of our community and inspire those
who remain to keep the faith and pass this spirit of steadfastness that our
Serpazan spoke of so warmly to the children, `be true.’ Adding to our
success was the presentation of Armenia Today, by Taline and Myda Kavazanjian,
former students and teachers of our Sunday school. They have recently returned
from several months of volunteering in Armenia, to resume their studies
toward a Masters in Education and to return to volunteer, yet again.
* * *
The Mid-Year Diocesan Conference ended with Optimism, Confidence, and
Enthusiasm
Representatives of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church gathered in
Kingston, Ontario, on Saturday November 18, 2006, for a mid year conference
which was filled with hope, confidence and optimism about the growth and the
future of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Canada, opened the conference at 10:30 a.m. with prayer. The
Primate then thanked the clergy of the Diocese, the members of the Diocesan
Council, chairpersons, and members of each parish council for their diligence. He
said that this conference is an opportunity to renew acquaintances of all
those devoted to the service of our Church, and serves to provide a forum to
discuss concerns, projects and ideas for the progress and prosperity of the
Diocese.
Mr. Jack Stepanian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council, conducted the meeting
and summarized the developments of the past six months. Mr. Ara Boyadjian,
Treasurer of the Diocesan Council, presented a financial statement, which
indicated that despite tremendous growth and demand for increasing financial need,
this interim financial report was satisfactory. The positive outlook was
possible mainly for the reason that parish dues were generally paid up to date
and current fund-raising activities were successful.
Each Parish Council submitted a brief report outlining the accomplishments
and the concerns of the parish. The rapidly growing community of Laval,
Quebec is actively working in their mission to build their own church and
community center, and the small community in the capital city Ottawa, is in search
of ideas to have a small center to meet their religious and community needs.
The Primate’s report also emphasized the vital need to attract children and
youth of our parishioners, to encourage attendance of the families to church
services and activities. The Primate’s vision was reflected in his
statement, `The main mission of our Diocese is the spiritual growthof our people.’
He said that we have eight fully functioning parishes and nine mission
parishes. He stressed the importance of developing and expanding our Sunday
Schools, the Bible Study groups, to update our communication systems, to expand our
summer-camp activities, to strengthen regional administrative structures, to
care more attentively for our remote communities, as in the growing
community of Calgary, and to encourage support for the Endowment Fund.
The conference ended in a mood of enthusiasm, with Bishop Galstanian=80=99s
blessings.
* * *
Diocesan Event for the Armenia is 15th. Anniversary Donations to Montreal
Children’s Hospital and Hospital St. Justine
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: Last Monday November 13, 2006 Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese,
accompanied with Mrs. Sossi Manoukian and Mrs. Marcelle Lavoie Meterissianarrived at
the Montreal Children’s Hospital to present the Otolaryngology Department with
a cheque of $46,000.
The funds were raised from the very successful event `Let there belight,
Let there be Life’ that took place September 22 at the Windsor Hotel.
On hand at this joyous cherub presentation were, Dr Melvin Schloss, Chief
of the Otolaryngology Department, Dr John Manoukian, Associate
Professor/Program Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, and from the Montreal
Children’s Hospital Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Frost, Director of Special Events and
Mrs. José Della Rocca, Event Coordinator.
The Otolaryngology Department has confirmed that the funds will go toward
the purchase of endoscope equipment. A plaque will be placed to acknowledge
this gracious donation from the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian
Diocese.
On behalf of the Diocese and Bishop Galstanian, we thank everybody who
helped us reach our goal and to give hope, care and love to our most precious
citizens, our children.
HOPITAL SAINTE JUSTINE: On Thursday November 16, 2006 Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese,
accompanied with Mrs. Sossi Manoukian and Mrs. Marcelle Lavoie Meterissianarrived
at l’Hopital Sainte Justine to present the Otolaryngology Department with a
cheque of $46,000. The funds were raised from the very successful event`Let
there be light, Let there be Life’ that took place September 22 atthe Windsor
Hotel.
Dr. Anthony Abela Director of the Otolaryngology Department took part at
this joyous cheque presentation. Also in attendance from the Sainte-Justine
Foundation, Mrs. Jeanne Day, the Public Relations Coordinator, and Mrs.
Madeleine Colaco, Director of Public Fundraising. Mrs. Jeane Day graciously thanked
Bishop Galstanian and presented flowers to Mrs. Manoukian and Mrs.
Meterissian in appreciation.
The Otolaryngology Department has confirmed that the funds will go toward
the purchase of a recording system for endoscopies and a cordless camera on
microscopes with monitors. On behalf of the Diocese and Bishop Galstanian, we
thank everybody who helped us reach our goal and to give hope, care and love to
our most precious citizens, our children.
* * *
Hrant and Arlette Bardakjian Endowment Fund
It is with deep spiritual joy and gratitude that we announce a pledge of
$5.000 in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Hrant & Arlette Bardakjian Trust Fund, which
is part of the Endowment Fund of the Diocese. The Diocese has received an
installment of $2000. to date.
The Canadian Diocesan Endowment Fund was established in 2005. Its objective
is to secure a permanent and growing source of income for the Diocese to
help cover its administrative expenses, and to implement spiritual, cultural and
national heritage programs for the benefit of all parishes under its
jurisdiction. The principal of the Fund is untouchable, allowing only the
income
generated by the principal, to be used in accordance with the wishes of
individual donors.
On behalf of the Primate, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the
Diocesan Council, Clergy and faithful we thank Mr. and Mrs. Hrant & Arlette
Bardakjian Family for their continuous encouragement and support.
* * *
Rejoice in the Grace of Christmas, aims at Reinstituting an Old Tradition

As we welcome in the Christmas season, The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church
Canadian Diocese extends invitations to join various Christian denominations
and communities to the `Rejoice in the Grace of Christmas’ together event on
Friday, December 15, 2006.
Christmas is a time of reflection. In the midst of our busy lives, we need
to give thanks to God our Saviour for all the blessings he has bestowed upon
us. This year, the Diocese has organized an exhibition of Christmas trees and
invited various Christian denominations as well as cultural communities to
partake in the festival by decorating a tree on behalf of their community or
parish. Together we will reinstitute an old tradition, create a warm
atmosphere we associate with Christmas as a constant reminder to our turbulent society
that God is with us – EMMANUEL.
It is important and significant to have trees decorated according to each
community’s own tradition and culture, thus manifesting the variety of
celebrating the Nativity of our Lord in the same spirit.
Please be advised that this event will commence on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:00
pm, is free of charge and open to all. A light reception filled with
Armenian delights will follow the illumination of the trees. We welcome you to be
part of this enchanting evening and to enjoy the heavenly carols of our
wonderful choir, Komitas as well with us !
Let’s Rejoice together in the Grace of Christmas, let’s give some time to
ourselves in peace, harmony and joy, let’s give time to the newly born God.
* * *
2007 Armenian Church Sunday School Wall Calendar
The Armenian Holy Apostolic Canadian Church Diocese and the Christian
Education Department are proud to introduce the 2007 Armenian Church Sunday School
Calendar. The students of various schools throughout the Canadian Diocese
created beautiful pieces of art to depict each month throughout the year and
submitted them for consideration to be included in this calendar. The contest
was open to all students of our Sunday schools, as well as those Armenian Day
school students wishing to participate. The topic was `MY VISION OF HOLY
ETCHMIADZIN.’ The judging was done by the general public and we congratulate
the winners and thank all those who participated.
This project was produced on the initiative of Deacon Hagop Arslanian, who
closely followed the realization of this unique and most beautiful calendar,
to completion. He has incorporated informative readings which will enhanceour
appreciation and enjoyment of the calendar. Our highest appreciation for
his diligent and keen eye to detail, that resulted in this wonderful
production. We extend our thanks to Mrs. Georgina Sarkissian, Chair of the Sunday
School Central Board who organized and oversaw the competition.
Our ongoing gratitude to the teachers of the Sunday Schools, who through
their teaching of Christian education to serve the Almighty God and participate
in the mission of our Church. Special words of praise from Bishop Galstanian
to all the children who participated and made such a lasting and loving
contribution spiritual life of our Diocese.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] – Website;
November 23, 2006
* * *
On the Road to Mutual Understanding between Christians of Diverse Traditions
By Father Jacques Faucher, Ecumenical officer
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa
The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops (OCCB) assembles all the Bishops
of the Latin Rite and the Eastern Churches in Ontario. It serves fourteen
Archdioceses and Dioceses, two Eparchies and the Military Ordinariate:
Alexandria-Cornwall, Hamilton, Hearst, Kingston, London, Moosonee (ON-QC), Ottawa,
Ottawa (Military Ordinariate), Pembroke (ON-QC), Peterborough, Sault
Ste-Marie, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Toronto, Toronto (Byzantine
Slovak Eparchy), and Toronto (Ukrainian Eparchy).
Many dioceses have an ecumenical officer involved in promoting better
understanding and cooperation with all Christian Churches, according to the will
of the Lord Jesus. These officers meet every year for two days to share their
experiences and develop better expertise with the help of participants
invited from other Christian traditions to provide further resources. This group
is called The Ontario Catholic Conference for Ecumenism. An officer from the
Canadian Center for Ecumenism, located in Montreal, participates every year
in these activities.
The OCCB, met in Toronto on November 14-15. This year, the presentations
focused on the Oriental and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. This particular
topic had been selected for this year’s conference, the reason that, Pope
Benedict XVI would be visiting the Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul, on
November 30, on the feast of Saint Andrew.
Deacon Hagop Arslanian was invited to speak about the history, tradition,
the mission and current challenges facing The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church.
Deacon Arslanian serves as Assistant to the Armenian Primate of Canada in
Montreal.
His presentation focused on: the history of the Armenian Church in the
mother country, the political circumstances that affected its development,the
creed and liturgy, the trials suffered by the Armenian population over the
centuries, the specificity of the Armenian identity merging faith, cultureand
nationhood, the main ecclesiastical structures supporting the activities of
the Armenian Church, some aspects of the life of the Armenian Diaspora notably
in the Canadian context.
Questions and answers shared in the group following Deacon Hagop’s
presentation covered a wide variety of topics: the understanding of the word,
apostolic, the relationship of the Armenian Church with the World Council of
Churches, the monastic tradition, and the role of the patriarchs.
Special attention was paid to the evolution of the Church in the independent
mother country, the Republic of Armenia since the break-up of the Soviet
communist regime. A high-ranking Canadian delegation of Church leaders was
invited last year to visit the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Spiritual,
and Administrative center of the Armenian Church worldwide, to spend some time
in Armenia, and to discover the various aspects of Church life in the new
political circumstances. This was interpreted as a genuine ecumenical endeavor
that will continue to bear fruit.
On the Canadian scene, questions dealt with the blessing of marriages with
partners of a different Christian tradition, the evolution of the youth born
in Canada, their enculturation through schooling into the mainstream of
various Canadian cities, the special challenges to preserve the Armenian heritage
in the secular context of North America.
The group expressed its warm gratitude to Deacon Hagop Arslanian for his
significant participation in this ecumenical dialogue.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 17-23, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS:
“PRESS-CLUB+”: PPA DISCUSSING POVERTY REDUCTION AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
YPC MEDIA MONITORING: EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY AND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE
ACCOUNT RECEIVE LITTLE COVERAGE WITH NO NEGATIVISM
DIGITAL BROADCASTING: PROS AND CONS
“PRESS-CLUB+”: PPA DISCUSSING POVERTY REDUCTION AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
On November 21 the twenty-second talk show of “Press Club+” series went on
the evening air of “Yerkir-Media” TV company.
The invitees of the program host, the Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily Aram
Abrahamian were the leaders of People’s Party of Armenia as guests, and NGO
and media representatives as experts. The TV discussion focused on poverty
reduction and European integration of Armenia.
It is expected that at 21.00, November 28 (next Tuesday) “Yerkir-Media” will
air another “Press Club” show where the representatives of media will share
their opinions on the issues of the day.
YPC MEDIA MONITORING: EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY AND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE
ACCOUNT RECEIVE LITTLE COVERAGE WITH NO NEGATIVISM
On October 1-31, 2006 Yerevan Press Club monitored the coverage by Armenian
media of European Neighbourhood Policy and Millennium Challenge Account. The
monitoring was implemented under YPC project “Supporting Freedom and Quality
of Journalism and Directing Media Towards Urgent Issues”, supported by the
Open Society Institute. The study aimed at gaining and analyzing
quantitative data to determine the attention of Armenian media to European
Neighbourhood Policy and Millennium Challenge Account that Armenia is
involved in, including specific directions/priorities of both programs.
Monitoring covered:
4 TV companies – nationwide Public Television of Armenia (PTA First Channel)
and “Armenia”, covering whole or significant part of Armenia, “Yerkir-Media”
and “Shant” TV companies in Yerevan.
6 national newspapers – official “Hayastani Hanrapetutiun” and “Aravot”,
“Azg”, “Haikakan Zhamanak”, “Hayots Ashkhar”, (dailies); Russian-language
“Golos Armenii” (three times a week).
Monitoring objects were: all publications of newspapers above, the main
newscasts, news and analysis programs, and commenting programs of the TV
companies above, containing any references to European Neighbourhood Policy
and Millennium Challenge Account.
Monitoring conclusions:
1. News coverage at TV channels. The news coverage on TV channels that were
monitored displayed extremely low attention to European Neighbourhood Policy
and Millennium Challenge Account. The PTA First Channel allocated 3.2% of
the total number of pieces in news/news and analysis programs to the
subject; “Armenia” – 2.7%; “Yerkir-Media” – 2.6%; “Shant” – 1.3%. Overall,
of all 1,897 pieces studied in news/news and analysis programs 48 (or 2.5%)
were dealing with the subject: 17 – in full, 31 – partly. Most of this
coverage refers to European Neighbourhood Policy – 38 pieces (14 – in full,
24 – partly), whereas the Millennium Challenge Account was made a reference
to only in 10 pieces (3 fully dealing with the subject, 7 – partly dealing
with it). None of the issues of the weekly news and analysis programs “360
Degrees”/”Sunday Hailur” (PTA First Channel) and “Sunday Horizon” (“Shant”)
never addressed ENP and MCA, and the “Horizon” newscast (“Shant”) and the
news and analysis program “Yerkragund” (“Yerkir-Media”) in October only
mentioned the European Neighbourhood Policy. The references to both ENP and
MCA were in the pieces of the news and analysis program “Express”/”IT
Express” and the weekly sum-up “Sunday Express” (“Armenia”) as well as in
the main newscasts of “Hailur” (PTA First Channel), “Zham” (Armenia) and
“Yerkirn Aysor” (“Yerkir-Media”).
In the vast majority of cases the coverage of ENP and MCA was due to
official events (speeches of the Armenian leadership, meetings with
representatives of other countries, European Union, etc.)
“European Neighbourhood Policy” was in the camera focus due to a number of
events in October, primarily, the visit of European Union representatives to
Yerevan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Erkki Tuomioja, Minister of
State of Germany Gunter Gloser, the Head of European Commission Delegation
in Armenia and Georgia Ambassador Torben Holtze, the end of negotiations on
Action Plan for Armenia; the meetings of the RA President Robert Kocharian
with Torben Holtze, the President of Romania Traian Basescu, the heads of
diplomatic missions of EU member countries, where, among other issues the
ENP was discussed; the session of RA-EU Cooperation Committee held in
Brussels and the related press-conference of the RA Minister of Trade and
Economic Development Karen Chshmaritian.
The pieces had a purely reporting, general nature, they told nearly nothing
about the specific directions (the Action Plan priorities), with the
exception of the cases when the report characters noted the directions
themselves in a certain context. Hence, less than 10 references were made to
issues of regional cooperation (Armenia-Azerbaijan-Georgia), twice the
energy system reform was mentioned, in particular, the issue of Metsamor
NPP, and once – the Mountainous Karabagh conflict resolution process.
The events prompting the coverage of the Millennium Challenge Account in
October were, first of fall, the meetings of the RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairman Matthew Bryza, the Prime
Minister of Belarus Sergey Sidorskiy, as well as the working sessions held
under the MCA. No MCA specific directions were mentioned in the pieces.
2. Connotation of the TV channel news coverage. It is most noteworthy that
the pieces containing references to European Neighbourhood Policy and
Millennium Challenge Account were never negative in connotation. In other
words, these programs were mentioned either in neutral (32 references) or in
positive (16) context. The European Neighbourhood Policy received 24 neutral
and 14 positive references; the Millennium Challenge Account received 8
neutral and 2 positive ones. While “Hailur” newscast of the PTA First
Channel and the news/news and analysis programs of “Yerkir-Media” mostly
retained neutral tone, the proportion of positive and neutral references in
the news/news and analysis programs of “Armenia” TV and in “Horizon”
newscast of “Shant” TV had a greater share of positive references (8 to 6
and 3 to 1, respectively). The positive connotation of pieces was due
primarily to the fact it quoted opinions, statements of Armenia and foreign
representatives, assessing ENP and MCA favorably.
3. Commenting programs. The commenting programs “Fifth Wheel” (PTA First
Channel) and “Perspective” (“Shant”) monitored did not address the
Millennium Challenge Account and European Neighbourhood Policy at all. The
latter was only mentioned in the commenting programs of “Yerkir-Media” TV –
in the issue of “European Diary” and the issue of “Window” cycle that was
launched in October, when a film of European Commission Delegation in
Armenia on ENP was shown. Today “Yerkir-Media” is the only major Armenian TV
channels that has permanent awareness raising programs on issues of European
integration.
4. Print media coverage. As compared to the news coverage on TV channels,
the newspapers studied displayed even smaller interest to European
Neighbourhood Policy and Millennium Challenge Account. Except “Hayastani
Hanrapetutiun” that allocated 3.7% of the total number of pieces to the
programs, the newspapers did not refer to the subject even in 1% of the
publications: “Hayots Ashkhar” and “Golos Armenii” – 0.7% each, “Haikakan
Zhamanak” – 0.5%, “Azg” – 0.4%, “Aravot” – 0.2%. Thus, of 4,670 newspaper
pieces monitored, only 50 (or 1.1%) were dealing with European Neighbourhood
Policy and Millennium Challenge Account: 13 – in full, 37 – partly. Most of
these publications (32) appeared on the pages of “Hayastani Hanrapetutiun”.
Similarly to the TV channels, the coverage in the newspapers focused on
European Neighbourhood Policy – 37 pieces (8 – fully dealing with the
subject, 29 – partly dealing with it), whereas Millennium Challenge Account
was referred to only in 13 publications (5 fully dealing with the subject, 8
– partly dealing with it). MCA, however, was never mentioned in “Azg”.
Similarly to the TV channels, print media mostly addressed ENP and MCA in
case of official pretexts; such were the events of October as listed above.
The publications were mostly reports of general nature, did not mention the
specific directions of the programs, but for “Hayastani Hanrapetutiun”, who
gave a broader presentation of specific directions/priorities of ENP Action
Plan, in contrast to other media studied. Overall, 5 references were made to
the issues of regional cooperation and implementation of the program in
other countries of the region (Georgia, Azerbaijan) each; 2 – to the process
of Mountainous Karabagh resolution. Other directions of European
Neighbourhood Policy, besides those noted, were only covered in publications
of “Hayastani Hanrapetutiun”: “Strengthening of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly” (4);
“Economic growth and poverty reduction”, “Rule of law and approximation of
legislation with European standards” (2 each); “Improvement of election
system and elimination of fraud”, “Policy implementation in other countries
and in general” (1 each).
As to Millennium Challenge Account, of all directions of the program two
references were made to “Development or regional communication networks
(primarily, rehabilitation of regional/rural roads”) and once each – “Loans
to farmers”, “Involvement of civil society (in general)”, “Improvement of
irrigation system”.
5. Connotation of newspaper coverage. Similarly to the TV channels studied,
the newspaper coverage of European Neighbourhood Policy and Millennium
Challenge Account were either neutral (42 references), or positive (8).
Positive references were made for European Neighbourhood Policy only:
positive assessment was given in quotations of officials and in only two
articles the positive context was conveyed by the authors themselves.
YPC Report on Monitoring Armenian Media Coverage of European Neighbourhood
Policy and Millennium Challenge Account can be viewed at in
“Studies” section.
DIGITAL BROADCASTING: PROS AND CONS
On December 22 at “Congress” hotel in Yerevan the draft program for
introducing digital TV and radio broadcasting in Armenia was discussed. The
event was organized by OSCE Office in Yerevan, Office of the OSCE
Representative on Freedom of the Media, and Open Society Institute
Assistance Foundation-Armenia in partnership with the RA Ministry of
Transportation and Communication. The discussion opened with speeches by RA
Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communication Vruyr Arakelian, Head of
OSCE Office in Yerevan Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Advisor of OSCE
Representative on Freedom of the Media Ana Karlsreiter.
The head of “TV and Radio Networks of Armenia” CJSC of the Ministry of
Transportation and Communication Ashot Simonian presented the draft program
on introducing digital broadcasting in the country. The document was
developed by an interdepartmental task force headed by Vruyr Arakelian upon
the commission of the RA Government.
Experts shared their opinions on the draft, too: Professor of Law at
universities in Estonia and Sweden Katrin Nyman Metcalf; head of Center for
Information Law and Policy, member of Information Technology Development
Support Council David Sandukhchian (Armenia); security and political analyst
Richard Giragosian (Washington, USA). In the opinion of experts, the
introduction of digital TV and radio broadcasting will be generally a
progressive development for Armenia. At the same time it was noted that the
draft program proposed has a number of serious deficiencies and omissions.
In particular, the draft stipulates to stop the licensing of analogue
broadcasting as of January 2007. This may result in a situation when during
the upcoming years the analogue TV and radio channels will cease from
existing and the digital ones will not have come into being yet. Besides,
the concept of “social package” is introduced, that is, subsidizing the
economically vulnerable groups to get a minimal set of TV programming –
public and private. The Government is to decide which of the private
broadcasters will be included into the package. This is a violation of
independent broadcasting principles. Such decisions should be made solely by
an independent regulatory body and not by the Government. It is also unclear
how the rights of consumers with regard to program content and diversity
will be ensured. The draft program also calls for significant budget
investment into state transmitting company, possibly creating a misbalance
between it and private transmission operators and resulting in a monopoly of
telecommunications market. In other words, these and other provisions of the
draft generally contradict the principles of fair market competition – in
terms of both budget investment and regulation, state policy in
telecommunications sector.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
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Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress