PRESS RELEASE
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
020 8329 0045
email: [email protected]
8 November 2006
CSW RAISES FRESH CONCERNS OVER RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN TURKEY
AS EU COMMISSION RELEASES PROGRESS REPORT
As the EU Commission today releases its Progress Report on Turkey’s
preparations for EU membership, CSW highlights two cases which raise fresh
concerns over the implementation of the country’s religious freedom
obligations.
The trial of two men charged with `insulting Turkishness’ under article 301
of the Turkish penal code has been scheduled for 23 November 2006.
Hakan Tastan, 37, and Turan Topal, 46, worked for a local Bible
correspondence course. In October, Gendarme officials stormed Mr Tastan’s
residence with a search warrant. They then confiscated computers and
documents from the two men’s office in Istanbul. The men were transported to
Silivri, where they were interrogated by military officials and taken to the
prosecutor.
The men have also been accused of inciting hatred against Islam, negating
the Turkish Army, promoting sexual promiscuity, bribing Muslims to convert
to Christianity and gathering personal information about people they are in
touch with. They deny all charges.
In a separate incident, Odemis Protestant Church in Izmir was attacked with
six Molotov Cocktails by a group of fifteen people last Saturday. The church
building was damaged in the attack, but no one was injured. Whilst the
incident has been reported to police, no investigation seems to be
forthcoming and no arrests have been made.
The pastor of the church, Mehmet Sahin Coban, reported that the church has
been a target of similar attacks and threats in the past. In the two weeks
prior to the attack, groups of people had thrown stones through the windows
of the church.  This was reported to the police, but no preventative
measures were taken. Instead the church was asked to close down to comply
with city zoning laws.
This attack was reported in the local media in Turkey, while the arrests of
Hakan Tastan and Turan Topal were widely reported in national press.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s National Director, Stuart Windsor, says:
`Both incidents raise difficult questions over the extent of improvements on
religious freedom in Turkey. The Turkish Constitution guarantees various
rights for religious minorities, including the right to open places of
worship and propagate beliefs, but the implementation of such legal
provisions does not match Turkey’s obligations under national and
international law. As Turkey works to demonstrate its suitability to join
the EU, it must prove its commitment to protecting the rights of religious
minorities.’
For more information, please contact Penny Hollings, Campaigns and Media
Manager at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on 020 8329 0045, email
[email protected] or visit
 
CSW is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom,
works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes
religious liberty for all.
Notes to Editors:
1. Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk, the Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and
the author Dr Elif Safak have all faced allegations under Article 301 of the
Turkish Penal Code. This was as a result of their remarks on the Armenian
massacres of 1908-1915.
ENDS

Eurasia Daily Monitor
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 — Volume 3, Issue 206
ARMENIA SELLING MORE INFRASTRUCTURE, INDUSTRY TO RUSSIA
by Vladimir Socor
In his November 6 news conference, Armenia’s de facto strongman and
presidential aspirant Serge Sarkisian welcomed the just-consummated purchase
of the Armentel telecommunications company by the Russian Vympelcom.
Sarkisian is defense minister as well as secretary of the national security
council (supervising the security agencies), concurrently heading the
Armenian side in the Armenia-Russia Economic Cooperation Commission, thus
also in charge of Armenia’s economic relations with Russia. `I don’t see any
risk at all in the growth of Russian capital in our country,’ Sarkisian
averred (Interfax, November 6).
Indeed he has, along with his long-time political ally President
Robert Kocharian, overseen the process of transferring Armenia’s
infrastructure and industrial assets to Russian interests. On October
31-November 1 in Moscow, Kocharian finalized the handover of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and the Hrazdan electricity generating plant’s
fifth power bloc, the leading unit in the country, to Gazprom in return for
temporary price relief on Russian gas (see EDM, November 3). Low-priced gas
is only a recent rationale for selling infrastructure assets to Russia. In
2002-2005, the rationale was debt relief. Kocharian and Sarkisian oversaw
the transfer of state-owned industries to Russia in debt-for-assets swaps.
Vympelcom announced on November 3 in Moscow the purchase of a 90%
stake in Armentel from the Greek owner, Hellenic Telecommunications (OTE).
The Armenian government approved the deal with Vympelcom after an
international tender in which 16 companies participated and four were
short-listed. Vympelcom is paying $ 434 million in cash and assumes an
additional $ 52 million in OTE debt. OTE had bought Armentel from the
Armenian government in 1997 for $142.5 million and invested a reported $300
million in it since then. Armentel currently has a 40% to 50% share of
Armenia’s mobile telephone market and operates the country’s fixed-line
telephony network. The Armenian government retains a 10% stake in Armentel.
According to government data (Arminfo, November 3), Armentel has until now
been Armenia’s second-largest taxpayer.
During Kocharian’s Moscow visit last week, Russia’s Comstar
Telesystems announced the acquisition of Armenia’s telecommunications
company CallNet and its subsidiary, the Internet service provider Cornet.
The fast-growing Callnet and Cornet comprise the second-largest
telecommunications group in Armenia. The Russian Comstar is acquiring a 75%
stake in that group for an as yet undisclosed price, with an option to
purchase the remaining 25%.
Also during Kocharian’s visit, Russia’s state-owned Foreign Trade Bank
(Vneshtorgbank) announced its intention to acquire the remaining 30% of
shares in what used to be Armenia’s Savings Bank. The Vneshtorgbank had in
2004 acquired 70% of the shares in that bank, which became Vneshtorgbank
Armenia. The tycoon Mikhail Bagdasarov owns the remaining 30% stake and is
negotiating its sale to the Russian Vneshtorgbank (Kommersant, SKRIN Market
and Corporate News, October 30, 31).
On the eve of Kocharian’s Moscow visit, Sarkisian presided over the
ceremony marking the completion of the Armenian Aluminium plant’s overhaul
by Russian Aluminum. The Yerevan-based ArmenAl, a major producer of
aluminium foil, idled in the 1990s, was acquired in 2002 by RusAl, which two
years later subcontracted the overhaul to Germany’s Achenbach firm for $80
million (RFE/RL Armenia Report, Armenpress, October 26).
In September of this year, the Russian state-owned Inter-RAO UES (a
subsidiary of Russia’s Unified Energy Systems state monopoly) completed the
acquisition of the Electricity Networks of Armenia in full ownership from
the British-based Midland Holdings, which had privatized those networks in
2002. Apart from the transmission networks, Russia’s UES owns and operates
some 80% of Armenia’s electricity generation capacities and is the financial
manager of Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant.
During his meeting with Kocharian in the Kremlin on October 31,
Russian President Vladimir Putin professed to feel that the level of Russian
investment in Armenia is too low, `strangely and shamefully’ so. Widely
cited in Armenia, this remark seems disingenuous on several counts. In fact,
Russia is the largest foreign investor overall in post-Soviet Armenia. Putin
‘s estimation for 2006 apparently did not include the
transactions-in-progress that are being finalized now. Unlike Western
investors, Russian ones are focusing on Armenia’s strategic assets and
infrastructure as an economic basis for political influence and control.
Putin’s remark seems designed to goad official Yerevan into selling more
assets to Russian interests, in which case Yerevan would have to start
scraping the bottom of the assets barrel.
(Noyan Tapan, Mediamax, PanArmenianNet, Armenpress, November 1-6)
–Vladimir Socor

Rocklin & Rosevill Today
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
California gains clout with House switchover
Wednesday, November 08, 2006 / MICHAEL DOYLE (McClatchy Newspapers)
WASHINGTON — Parochially speaking, the Republicans’ Capitol Hill loss
could be California’s gain.
When the 110th Congress is sworn in next January, a Californian will
hold the most powerful position in the House of Representatives. At
least 17 other California House Democrats are likewise poised by dint
of seniority to chair committees or subcommittees.
“It’s always great to have people in leadership, from either party,
from your state,” noted Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced.
The full impact of Tuesday’s election will unfold over time, as House
Democrats adjust to their newfound majority status. There will be
unforeseeable ripple effects, as one change begets another.
“There’s a lot of jockeying that’s going to happen before the end of
the year,” Cardoza said.
Still, the ascension of Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco to House
speaker will give the Golden State considerable clout. She will be the
first Californian to take the House’s top job, as well as the first
woman.
As speaker, Pelosi will direct what bills reach the House floor. She
picks who gets plum assignments. She appoints House negotiators who
compromise with the Senate. She will be in earmark heaven, shaping
legislative bottom lines to her own satisfaction.
“It’s a big step forward,” said Vic Fazio, a Washington lobbyist who
formerly represented the Sacramento Valley in the House. “For the
region, it’s actually quite good.”
Pelosi’s top lieutenants are likewise attuned to California’s
appetites. They include close advisers like Rep. George Miller,
D-Concord, and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Eureka. Pelosi’s chief of staff,
John Lawrence, holds a doctorate in history from the University of
California at Berkeley and cut his political teeth with Central Valley
water politics.
Californians will chair at least five full committees, if seniority
prevails.
Miller will take over the House Education and the Workforce
Committee. Even the committee’s name might change. When Democrats
previously controlled Congress, they symbolically saluted their union
allies by calling the panel the Education and Labor Committee.
More substantively, Pelosi has promised that within the “first 100
hours” of the new Congress, Democrats will emphasize six priorities
that include increasing the national minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, up
from the current $5.15. California’s current minimum wage is $6.75 an
hour.
The wage hike could still founder amid Senate and White House
resistance. So could other House Democratic priorities, like the
costly proposal to screen 100 percent of the 7 million-plus ocean
cargo containers that arrive annually in Oakland, Long Beach and the
nation’s other ports.
Currently, inspectors reach only about 5 percent of seaborne
containers entering the United States.
“It is realistic to set out an agenda,” said Tim Ransdell, executive
director of the California Institute for Federal Policy Studies. “It
is less realistic to think that every item on a grand wish list can be
achieved.”
Another Bay Area lawmaker, Rep. Tom Lantos of San Mateo, is the senior
Democrat on the House International Relations Committee. The panel
will certainly become a forum for critiquing Iraq policies. More
narrowly, fresh hearings are likely for ethnic political disputes,
such as an Armenian genocide resolution favored by San Joaquin Valley
lawmakers.
The House Government Reform Committee under Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los
Angeles, will aggressively investigate the Bush
administration. Californians are likewise in line to chair committees
handling ethics and House administration.
The state’s defense industry is watching whether Los Angeles Democrat
Jane Harman will head the House intelligence panel. She has the
seniority and is lobbying hard, but she’s at odds with Pelosi, who
handpicks the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Besides committees, power will flow anew to certain coalitions.
Cardoza and Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, are among 37 members of the Blue
Dog coalition. The centrist Democrats seek more influence, bridging
the gap between Democratic liberals and moderate Republicans.
“We will have to shift into defensive mode,” said Rep. Devin Nunes,
R-Visalia. “This will mean working in a coalition with the Blue Dogs,
to stop bad things for the Valley from coming through.”
California is also losing some stature. The House water and power
subcommittee responsible for shepherding a San Joaquin River
settlement bill, for instance, is now passing from the hands of
Republican Rep. George Radanovich of Mariposa.
“I think the Valley agenda will be the same,” predicted Rep. Richard
Pombo, R-Tracy, “but it will be much harder to get things done.”
(Distributed by Scripps-McClatchy Western Service.)

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 8, 2006
___________________
DIOCESAN LECTURE LOOKS AT DESIGN OF LETTERS
By Jake Goshert
As designs, they’re intricate and nuanced. In the hands of artists, each
one is a masterpiece.
On November 1, 2006, the Diocesan Center in New York City hosted a lecture
by three experts who spoke about the evolution of the Armenian alphabet and
the enduring beauty of those centuries-old characters. It was part of the
on-going celebration of the 1,600th anniversary of the creation of the
alphabet by Mesrob Mashdots.
REALITY OF THE MYTH
“There is sufficient mythology making us believe the letters appeared in a
vision and were literally outlined by the hand of God,” said Dr. Abraham
Terian, professor of Armenian patristics and academic dean of St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, one of the evening’s three speakers.
“But this is pure myth.”
Dr. Terian outlined the story of Mashdots as told by Koriun, a historian
writing shortly after the invention of the alphabet. Dr. Terian recently
completed a new English translation of Koriun’s biography.
He said Mashdots did in fact have a leading part in the creation of the
alphabet. But the letters came about through study of letter design and
hard work, rather than a grand vision from God, according to Koriun’s
history, Dr. Terian said.
“In the history it says that ‘as he begot the Armenian alphabet we called
him father,'” Dr. Terian said, relaying the story from his recent
translation. “So it was not a divine hand but it was Mesrob Mashdots’ own
hand writing, begetting, the letters.”
The story relates that to create the alphabet, Mashdots traveled to a
Greek-speaking region and once he came up with his draft letters he worked
with a Greek calligrapher to fine-tune the designs. Terian outlined some of
the similarities between the Greek and Armenian script. The finished
alphabet, he said, was a culmination of a decade of work and several design
models.
“He must have been working very hard to come up with an Armenian alphabet,
perhaps to fulfill an evangelical endeavor,” he said, noting that the goal
of the project was to create an alphabet to allow for the spread of
Christianity to the masses.
“When Mesrob Mashdots was thinking about evangelizing his people, he was
following in the footsteps of St. Gregory,” Dr. Terian added. “Mashdots was
realizing the people of the Caucasus were in darkness. He was persuaded
these people could not be fully Christianized unless they received the
message in their own language.”
Along with working on the Armenian alphabet, Dr. Terian pointed out that he
is also credited with creating the Georgian script and the alphabet of the
Caucasian Albanians, who lived in present day Azerbaijan. All three
alphabets were an attempt to evangelize.
The Armenian alphabet also served to unite a fragmented people, Dr. Terian
said, giving diverse communities a stronger centralized connection.
Mashdot’s designs have withstood time, Dr. Terian said. They have changed
little over the centuries and remain very similar today to the original
designs.
BEAUTY OF THE SHAPE
Along with providing an outlet for language, the letters are also beautiful
designs. Speaking at the lecture, which was organized by the Krikor and
Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), was an English designer, Carolyn Puzzovio, who has been inspired
by the Armenian alphabet.
A lecturer at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom, Puzzovio’s
background is in graphic design and her major interest within the subject
has been lettering and type design. She has been studying the Armenian
alphabet, creating Armenian fonts, and using the letters in her artistic
work.
“This is a culturally important alphabet,” she told the 45 people gathered
at the Diocesan Center for the lecture. “The alphabet was vitally important
as it is really culturally specific to the Armenian people that allowed them
to grow and flourish.”
The Armenian Ministry of Culture invited Puzzovio to hold a one-woman
exhibition of her work at the Armenian National Gallery in October 2005.
She returned to Armenia this fall as part of a British government-funded
research project to design/revive traditional Armenian typefaces for digital
settings which also have Latin characters for dual-alphabet use.
“The idea is to design characters that harmonize well. It is not an easy
task,” she said, as she shared historic and modern examples of Armenian
lettering with the audience.
Examples of her work were showcased throughout the week at the Diocese and
in her talk she used photos from her trip to Armenia to illuminate her
discussion on the forms used in the alphabet. She especially noted the
expansive use of carved letters in stone in Armenia.
“I wonder if the permanent rendition of letters carved in stone is a
deep-rooted effort to leave a lasing legacy of the Armenian language,” said
Puzzovio, who traveled to New York at her own expense specifically for the
lecture at the Diocese. “This is a fascinating alphabet which has left an
amazing legacy for all of us.”
Rounding out the trio of speakers that evening was Peter Bain, a designer
who spoke about the use of typography in design and how various Armenian
fonts achieved different design goals.
Bain, principal of Incipit, a Brooklyn-based design studio, spoke about the
connection between lettering, layout, and page design and how they all tie
together to tell a cohesive story.
“Typeface design is taking a series of letters and creating a cohesive set,”
he said, outlining ways the Armenian letters were designed to make them
appealing and readable.
— 11/08/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Dr. Abraham Terian, professor of Armenian patristics and
academic dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, outlines
the similarities between Greek and Armenian during a lecture on the creation
of the Armenian alphabet, organized by the Diocese’s Zohrab Information
Center on November 1, 2006.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
HASTERT’S FALL PAVES WAY FOR PELOSI SPEAKERSHIP
— ANCA Endorsed Candidates Win Big in Senate and House Elections
WASHINGTON, DC – The Democratic takeover of the House of
Representatives yesterday ended Speaker Hastert’s Congressional
reign, opening the door to the Speakership of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-
CA), a twenty year supporter of Armenian American issues, including
Armenian Genocide recognition, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
Rep. Pelosi issued a statement last week pledging support for
Armenian Genocide legislation during the 110th Congress.
With the Senate majority too close to call, the victory of New
Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), returns him to the Senate,
where he has distinguished himself by blocking the appointment of
Armenian Genocide denier Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia.
“We are tremendously proud of the vital and energetic role that
Armenian Americans played this election season – a watershed
transition of Congressional power that holds great meaning for our
community’s legislative agenda,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. “On the House side, we certainly welcome the fall from
power of Dennis Hastert – who, as Speaker, prevented a bipartisan
majority of his colleagues from voting for U.S. recognition of the
Armenian Genocide – and his expected replacement by Nancy Pelosi,
who has a strong record in support of Armenian American issues. On
the Senate side, even as we await the final outcome, we are very
gratified by the victory in New Jersey of Senator Bob Menendez –
our top electoral priority this election season. Inspired by his
principled stand against the Hoagland nomination, Armenian
Americans throughout the Garden State – led by the ANC of New
Jersey – truly came through for the Menendez campaign, delivering
volunteers, campaign contributions, and, most importantly, tens of
thousands of votes in support of his electoral victory,” added
Hamparian.
ANCA endorsed candidates won overwhelmingly in the House, with 184
of 198 endorsed candidates securing decisive wins and three races
still too close to call. Of the 159 members of the Congressional
Armenian Caucus, 140 members won re-election, including
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). Amongst those who lost their re-election
bid was Armenian American Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), who,
with the support of ANC-NY, battled in one of the tightest races in
the country. Armenian American Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) won
her reelection bid with 71% of the vote.
In the Senate, 13 of 15 ANCA endorsed candidates won their election
bids, with the Virginia Senate race featuring Sen. George Allen (R-
VA) and Democrat Jim Webb still too close to call. Winners
included Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor John Ensign (R-
NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and House members Ben Cardin and
Sherrod Brown who won Senate seats in Maryland and Ohio,
respectively. Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum (R-PA), lead
cosponsor of the Caucasus Railroad Bypass bill, lost his Senate
reelection bid to Democrat Ed Casey. Perennial opponent of Armenian
American concerns, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd won his re-
election bid as well.

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: 818-243-6222
Fax: 818-243-7222
Url:
PRESS RELEASE
Contact ~ Sarkis Kotanjian
[email protected]
Mayor Villaraigosa Gives Support to Armenia Fund’s Telethon 2006
LOS ANGELES, CA – Armenia Fund is pleased to announce that the Mayor of
the City of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa has joined in rallying
support for the Armenia Fund’s Telethon.
In his special appeal given to the Armenia Fund, Mayor Villaraigosa said
“Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Armenians living
outside the Republic of Armenia and happens to be the home city of
Armenia Fund’s largest affiliate”. Commending Armenia Fund’s solid track
record Villaraigosa highlighted the fact that since its inception
Armenia Fund has raised over $160 million dollars for the construction
of roads, hospitals, schools, housing units, and waterways in Armenia.
“You should be proud of your efforts,” added Villaraigosa.
The Mayor said that he is looking forward to the sister city partnership
with the City of Yerevan and Los Angeles. The special partnership will
bring the two cities closer through various exchanges, including
humanitarian assistance to Armenia. Indeed, Villaraigosa has been at the
forefront of bringing Los Angeles to the international community through
an aggressive pursuit of economic, trade, and tourism development
abroad. His recent visit to China marked the opening of a first ever Los
Angeles Office of Tourism and Trade in the capital – Beijing.
“Using this opportunity, I would like to also congratulate all Armenians
around the world for the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence,”
added Villaraigosa.
Armenia Fund’s 9th International Telethon is a live 12 hour broadcast
airing in all major U.S. cities, as well as internationally in Europe,
the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and South America. The live program
will also be webcasted via Armenia Fund’s website at
Armenia Fund’s Thanksgiving Day Telethons have been
a tradition in the greater Armenian Diaspora. The Telethon is an
international act of unity that brings together Armenia Fund’s
supporters, community and religious leaders, as well as celebrities with
one mission – to help rebuild Armenia. The telethon also features live
connections from Paris, Buenos Aires, New York, Moscow, and other cities
where Armenia Fund has a presence. Over the last two years, the Telethon
has raised more than $20 million for reconstruction projects in Armenia.
During the 2005 Telethon, Armenia Fund registered the highest number of
donors, marking an all time high in public participation and support.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and
infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million in
development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is
the U.S. Western Region affiliate of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund. Tax
ID# 95-4485698

Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Vardan Barseghian – Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 315-3339
Email: [email protected]
Web:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On November 16, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council has invited
NKR President Arkady Ghoukasian to speak at the Council’s dinner
program from a stage that regularly features world leaders such as
Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, presidents of foreign countries, major
philanthropists, religious leaders and best-selling authors. Please
consider attending this event and also spread the information about
it among the membership of your organizations, family and friends.
His Excellency Arkady Ghoukassian
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Thursday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
This speaking engagement is a great opportunity for independent
Artsakh to spread its story from such a respected podium. The
President plans to speak about Artsakh’s efforts to gains
international recognition of its right to live in freedom, develop
democratic institutions and a full-fledged market economy.
In addition, President Ghoukasian has recently announced that he
will not be seeking a new term in office when his second five-year
term expires next year. Although the first-ever NKR Constitution, to
be adopted at a national referendum this December, would allow him
to run again, President Ghoukasian cited the paramount importance of
Karabakh’s continued democratic development as the main reason for
his decision. President Ghoukasian will use this opportunity to
share his views on the future of Karabakh, its relations with
neighboring countries, its place in the international community and
the prospects for greater US-NKR engagement.
We encourage our Armenian-American compatriots residing in the
greater Los Angeles area to attend this unique event, thus showing
your interest and support for Artsakh, as well as your appreciation
to the LA World Affairs Council for hosting Artsakh’s President.
Please call the LA World Affairs Council at (213) 628-2333 or visit
to register for the event and
get directions, if needed.
I look forward to seeing you there,

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
November 8, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
DEMOCRATS WIN CONTROL OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBER REP. PELOSI SET TO BECOME SPEAKER
Caucus Grows in Clout with Some 50 Democrats Slated for Key Positions
Washington, DC – The balance of power shifted in Washington yesterday as
Democrats took control over the House of Representatives, paving the way
for Armenian Caucus Member Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become the first
female Speaker of the House. Pelosi’s anticipated rise, coupled with
the likelihood of numerous Caucus Democrats picking up important
leadership positions, will expand the scope and influence of this
important body in the next congressional session.
As part of that power shift, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill) will
pass the Speaker’s gavel to Pelosi, making her the first Armenian Caucus
Member to hold that position. Pelosi has a strong record of support on
Armenian-American issues and has regularly called on the Administration
to properly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. She is currently a
cosponsor of H. Res. 316 – a bill that affirms the attempted
annihilation of the Armenian people as genocide. Last year, Pelosi
participated in a Capitol Hill observance of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide and in April 2001, spoke on the floor of the House
saying that “the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact. The Republic
of Turkey has adamantly refused to acknowledge that the Genocide
happened on its soil, but the evidence is irrefutable….We must learn
from the past and never forget the victims of the Armenian Genocide.”
Additionally, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will run for Majority
Leader, and if elected, will be another Caucus first. Like Pelosi,
Hoyer has co-sponsored legislation reaffirming the Genocide and has
given commemoration addresses to Congress during the month of April.
During the Assembly’s pan-Armenian Advocacy Conference in March of this
year, Hoyer pledged to continue fighting for U.S. reaffirmation of the
Genocide and said that he has asked Turkish leaders why they cannot
acknowledge the crimes.
“Representatives Pelosi and Hoyer have strong records on Armenian issues
of any Democratic leadership and we look forward to building on these
strong relationships, as well as others in the House, to address issues
and concerns facing Armenian-Americans, as well as our homeland,” said
Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie Totah.
In total, some 50 Democratic Armenian Caucus Members are positioned to
take over important leadership positions and full committee
chairmanships including Representatives Charles Rangel (NY) House Ways
and Means, John Dingell (MI) Energy and Commerce, John Conyers, Jr. (MI)
Judiciary, George Miller (CA) Education, Henry Waxman (CA) Government
Reform, Barney Frank (MA) Financial Services, Collin Peterson (MN)
Agriculture and Nydia M. Velazquez (NY) Small Business Committee.
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), who is the current Ranking Member of
the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and is also poised to
become a subcommittee chair and potentially the first Armenian Caucus
Member to Chair Foreign Operations. Lowey, an ardent supporter of
Armenian issues, has commemorated the Armenian Genocide with statements
on the House floor and urged Congress to retain Section 907 of the
Freedom Support Act. Representatives Donald Payne (D-NJ), Brad Sherman
(D-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA) and Grace
Napolitano (D-CA) are positioned to Chair various International
Relations Subcommittees. Additionally, Representatives Peter Visclosky
(D-IN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are anticipated to become
subcommittee chairs, among others.
The majority of Armenian Caucus Members were re-elected including
Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
Representative Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) won a seat in the Senate. As for
Caucus Members of Armenian descent, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) was
elected for an eight term, while Congressman John Sweeney (D-NY) was
defeated after serving four years in the House, where he championed
issues facing Armenian-Americans.
Totah also noted that prior to the election, several lawmakers pledged
to join the Armenian Caucus if elected and that the Assembly will reach
out those new Members.
In other House leadership posts, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), who has
traditionally opposed efforts to reaffirm the Genocide, but supported
the Armenian Genocide resolution during a 2005 vote before the
International Relations Committee, is anticipated to Chair the
International Relations Committee. The Appropriations Committee
Chairmanship is expected to be filled by Congressman David Obey (D-WI),
who has also supported Armenian issues.
On the Senate side, longtime Armenian issues supporter Senator Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) faced a hard-fought race and retained his seat, while
Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Lincoln D. Chafee (R-RI) lost their
re-election bids. Earlier this year, Santorum and Menendez introduced a
major bill (S. 2461) to bar assistance for a railroad bypass of Armenia.
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 is in protest to the Bush Administration’s flawed
policy on the Armenian Genocide, neither denying nor properly affirming
the events as genocide.
At press time, the balance of power in the Senate was yet to be
determined and contingent on the outcome of the Virginia Senate races.
Senator George Allen (R-VA) was trailing democratic challenger Jim Webb
by a margin of less than 1 percent, opening the door to a potential
recount vote.
“The Assembly congratulates Armenian-American supporters in the Senate
and House on their victory and looks forward to reaching out to new
members in the coming year,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan
Adouny. “To that end, we also encourage Armenian Americans to join us
in our outreach efforts and build on our advocacy successes in the
current Congress.”
Ardouny noted that, with this election, the anticipated leadership of
the 110th Congress will offer new opportunities to pass an Armenian
Genocide resolution, to ensure that attempts by Armenia’s neighbors to
isolate her are addressed, and to make security issues facing Nagorno
Karabakh and Armenia priorities. When Congress returns next week for the
lame duck session, several outstanding items remain including the rail
legislation, appropriations funding for Armenia and Karabakh, as well as
the confirmation process for Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland.
Governors in 36 states were also elected. In Ohio, Armenian Caucus
Member Ted Strickland (D-OH), a cosponsor of the pan-Armenian Genocide
bill H. Res. 316 and the House rail bill H.R. 3361, was elected
governor, while in California, incumbent Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA)
defeated his Democratic challenger by a large margin. As governor,
Schwarzenegger has championed Armenian-American issues. Last month he
signed legislation authorizing the construction of a memorial for the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Earlier, the Governor
signed into law Senate Bill 1524, enabling Armenian Genocide victims and
their families to seek legal action to recover assets lost or stolen as
result of the tragedies, as well as Senate Bill 424, which permanently
recognizes April 24 as the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
in California.
Thousands of state and local races were also contested across the
country yesterday. In California, State Senator Charles Poochigian
(R-CA), who has done much to advance Armenian-American issues in the
Legislature, was defeated in his bid for State Attorney General.
California State Assembly Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Greg Aghazarian
(R-Stockton) was re-elected and Paul Krekorian (D-Glendale) became the
first Armenian-American elected to the State Assembly representing the
Glendale-Burbank area which includes the largest concentration of
Armenians in the United States. California State Senator Jackie Speier
(D-San Mateo), retiring due to term limits, made an unsuccessful bid for
Lieutenant Governor during the primaries.
The 110th congressional session will convene in January when the Speaker
of the House will be elected by the full House of Representatives.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2006-097
Editor’s Note: Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the
following links:
7/2006-097-1.jpg
Caption: Assembly Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie
Totah (right) with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who is
expected to become Speaker of the House in the 110th Congress.
-097/2006-097-2.jpg
Caption: Representative Nancy Pelosi and Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny at an Awards Reception on Capitol Hill.
/2006-097-3.jpg
Caption: Armenian Caucus Member Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA) flanked
by Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian (right) and Board of
Trustees Counselor Van Krikorian.
6-097/2006-097-4.JPG
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, former U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans, Assembly Board of Trustees
Executive Committee Member Annie Totah, Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer
(D-MD) (who is expected to become Majority Leader) Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar and
Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Anthony Barsamian.
6-097/2006-097-5.jpg
Caption: (L to R) Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny with
Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ).
The Assembly is pleased to report that 93 percent of Armenian Caucus
Members who stood for re-election retained their seats. See complete
below.
W =3D Win L =3D Loss R=3D Retired S =3D Sought other office TC=3D Too
close to call
Arizona (2)
Raul Grijalva (D-7); W
Rick Renzi (R-1); W
California (39)
Mike Thompson (D-1); W
Doris Matsui (D-5); W
Lynn Woolsey (D-6); W
George Miller (D-7); W
Nancy Pelosi (D-8); W
Barbara Lee (D-9); W
Ellen Tauscher (D-10) ; W
Fortney “Pete” Stark (D-13); W
Anna Eshoo (D-14); W
Michael Honda (D-15); W
Zoe Lofgren (D-16); W
Dennis Cardoza (D-18); W
George Radanovich (R-19); W
Jim Costa (D-20); W
Devin Nunes (R-21); W
William Thomas (R-22); R
Lois Capps (D-23); W
Elton Gallegly (R-24); W
Howard McKeon (R-25); W
David Dreier (R-26); W
Brad Sherman (D-27); W
Howard Berman (D-28); W
Adam Schiff (D-29); W
Henry Waxman (D-30); W
Xavier Becerra (D-31); W
Hilda Solis (D-32); W
Diane Watson (D-33); W
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34); W
Grace Napolitano (D-38); W
Linda Sanchez (D-39); W
Edward Royce (R-40); W
Gary Miller (R-42); W
Joseph Baca (D-43); W
Ken Calvert (R-44); W
Loretta Sanchez (D-47); W
Darrell Issa (R-49); W
Bob Filner (D-51); W
Duncan Hunter (R-52); W
Susan Davis (D-53); W
Colorado (2)
Mark Udall (D-2); W
Bob Beauprez (R-7); S
Connecticut (5)
John Larson (D-1); W
Robert Simmons (R-2); TC
Rosa DeLauro (D-3); W
Christopher Shays (R-4); W
Nancy Johnson (R-5); L
District of Columbia (1)
Eleanor Norton (D-DL); W
Florida (5)
Michael Bilirakis (R-9); R
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-18); W
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-21); W
E. Clay Shaw (R-22); L
Tom Feeney (R-24); W
Illinois (9)
Bobby Rush (D-1); W
Jesse Jackson (D-2); W
Dan Lipinski (D-3); W
Luis Gutierrez (D-4); W
Danny Davis (D-7); W
Mark Kirk (R-10); W
Jerry Weller (R-11); W
Jerry Costello (D-12); W
John Shimkus (R-19); W
Indiana (2)
Peter Visclosky (D-1); W
Mark Souder (R-3); W
Kansas (3)
Jerry Moran (R-1); W
Dennis Moore (D-3); W
Todd Tiahrt (R-4); W
Kentucky (1)
Ben Chandler (D-6); W

Louisiana (1)
Bobby Jindal (R-1); W

Maine (1)
Thomas Allen (D-1) W

Maryland (4)
Benjamin Cardin (D-3); S
Albert Wynn (D-4); W
Steny Hoyer (D-5); W
Christopher Van Hollen (D-8); W

Massachusetts (10)
John Olver (D-1); W
Richard Neal (D-2); W
James McGovern (D-3); W
Barney Frank (D-4); W
Martin Meehan (D-5); W
John Tierney (D-6); W
Edward Markey (D-7); W
Michael Capuano (D-8); W
Stephen Lynch (D-9); W
William Delahunt (D-10); W

Michigan (13)
Vernon Ehlers (R-3); W
Dave Camp (R-4); W
Dale Kildee (D-5); W
Fred Upton (R-6); W
Joe Schwarz (R-7); L
Michael Rogers (R-8); W
Joe Knollenberg** (R-9); W
Candice Miller (R-10); W
Thaddeus McCotter (R-11); W
Sander Levin (D-12); W
Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-13); W
John Conyers (D-14); W
John Dingell (D-15); W

Minnesota (4)
Gil Gutknecht (R-1); L
Betty McCollum (D-4); W
Mark Kennedy (R-6); L
Collin Peterson (D-7); W

Nevada (2)
Shelley Berkley (D-1); W
Jon Porter (R-3); W

New Hampshire (2)
Jeb Bradley (R-1); L
Charles Bass (R-2); L
New Jersey (11)
Robert Andrews (D-1); W
Frank LoBiondo (R-2); W
Jim Saxton (R-3); W
Christopher Smith (R-4); W
Scott Garrett (R-5); W
Frank Pallone** (D-6); W
Mike Ferguson (R-7); W
Bill Pascrell (D-8); W
Steven Rothman (D-9); W
Donald Payne (D-10); W
Rush Holt (D-12); W

New York (14)
Steve Israel (D-2); W
Carolyn McCarthy (D-4); W
Gary Ackerman (D-5); W
Joseph Crowley (D-7); W
Anthony Weiner (D-9); W
Nydia Velazquez (D-12); W
Carolyn Maloney (D-14); W
Charles Rangel (D-15); W
Eliot Engel (D-17); W
Nita Lowey (D-18); W
Sue Kelly (R-19); L
John Sweeney (R-20); L
Michael McNulty (D-21); W
Maurice Hinchey (D-22); W

Ohio (6)
Ted Strickland (D-6); S
Marcy Kaptur (D-9); W
Dennis Kucinich (D-10); W
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-11); W
Sherrod Brown (D-13); S
Steven LaTourette (R-14); W
Oregon (2)
Earl Blumenauer (D-3); W
Darlene Hooley (D-5); W
Pennsylvania (11)
Chaka Fattah (D-2); W
Phil English (R-3); W
Melissa Hart (R-4); L
Jim Gerlach (R-6); W
Curt Weldon (R-7); L
Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8); L
Allyson Schwartz (D-13); W
Mike Doyle (D-14); W
Charles Dent (R-15); W
Joseph Pitts (R-16); W
Tim Holden (D-17); W

Rhode Island (2)
Patrick Kennedy (D-1); W
James Langevin (D-2); W
South Carolina (1)
Joe Wilson (R-2); W

South Dakota (1)
Stephanie Herserth (D-AL); W

Texas (3)
Lloyd Doggett (D-25); W
Kenny Marchant (R-24); W
Eddie B. Johnson (D-30); W
Virginia (2)
Eric Cantor (R-7); W
James Moran (D-8); W
Washington (2)
Jim McDermott (D-7); W
Adam Smith (D-9); W
Wisconsin (1)
Paul Ryan (R-1); W

Puerto Rico (1)
Luis Fortuno (R) N/A
Losses/Retirments/Sought other office
Charles Bass (R-2) NH; Lost
Bob Beauprez (R-7) CO; Lost Gubernatorial
Michael Bilirakis (R-9) FL; Retired
Jeb Bradley (R-1) NH; Lost
Sherrod Brown (D-13) OH; Won Senate
Benjamin Cardin (D-3) MD; Won Senate
Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8) PA; Lost
Gil Gutknecht (R-1) MN; Lost
Melissa Hart (R-4) PA; Lost
Nancy Johnson (R-5) CT; Lost
Sue Kelly (R-19) NY; Lost
Mark Kennedy (R-6) MN; Lost Senate
Joe Schwarz (R-7) MI ; Lost Primary
E. Clay Shaw (R-22) FL; Lost
Ted Strickland (D-6) OH; Won Gubernatorial
John Sweeney (R-20) NY; Lost
William Thomas (R-22) CA; Retired
Curt Weldon (R-7) PA; Lost

Lraper Org
11/7/06
ARMENIAN PATRIARCH
MESROB II: “ECEVIT WAS A GREAT MAN OF STATE”
His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey, sent
a message to Rahsan Ecevit, wife [Mustafa] Bulent Ecevit, on the occasion of
his death. In the message the Patriarch said he had followed the late
leader, who served as Prime Minister and previous President of the Social
Democrat Party (DST), since his elementary school years, and that his
passing has plunged the country into mourning. Expressing his condolences,
His Beatitude the Patriarch desired the comfort of the Holy Spirit for
Rahsan Hanim, who shared her entire life with the late leader.
His Beatitude the Patriarch also telephoned Zeki Sezer, President of the
DSP, made known his sorrow at the death of Bulent Ecevit, and expressed
condolences to all of his colleagues.
PRESS STATEMENT
His Beatitude the Patriarch said the following in his statement to the
press.
“I feel deeply sorrowful at the loss of our former Prime Minister, the
Honorable Bulent Ecevit. He was one of those large personalities who put his
stamp on our country’s political history. With his decisiveness, political
consistency, modesty, and multi-talented character, Bulent Ecevit has
written his name into Turkish history with letters of gold.
“The Honorable Bulent Ecevit signed off on important decisions in both the
domestic and international spheres, and he introduced many new views of
Turkish politics. We met on several occasions and established a good
relationship and mutual understanding.
“I pray that the grace of Almighty God be with Bulent Ecevit and grant peace
to his soul, and I extend my condolences both to the Honorable Rahsan Ecevit
and to all of Turkey.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REGNUM
NOVEMBER 9, 2006
REGNUM » News » Mass burial place of Armenians.
Mass burial place of Armenians and Assyrians found in south-eastern Turkey
Turkish police instructed residents of one of villages located in the
country’s south-eastern vilayet (region) to keep silence concerning mass
burial place found on October 17 in the area. According to Kurdish Ulkede
Ozgur Gundem paper published in Turkey, the burial place may contain remains
of victims of the Armenian Genocide.
According to the periodical, digging grave for one of their relatives,
villagers of Khirabebaba struck against burial place full of skulls and
bones. According to the source, remains of at least 40 persons lie there.
The villagers themselves are sure; remains of no less than 300 Armenians
killed in 1915 lie in the grave. Journalists who got to the spot to receive
detailed information were stripped of access to the burial place. Professor
of history at Sodertorn University David Gaunt maintains that remains of 150
Armenians and 120 Assyrian men from neighboring city of Dara (now Oguz)
killed on June 14, 1915 lie in the common grave.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress