MEETINGS WITH NKR PRESIDENT
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
03 Aug 2006
On July 29 NKR President Arkady Ghukassian met with the delegation
of journalists and human rights defenders from Armenia, NKR,
Azerbaijan and Georgia. Arkady Ghukassian appreciated the visit of
the Azerbaijani delegation to Artsakh, which is a positive example
of constructive dialogue between the two societies separated by the
war. Arzu Abdullayeva, the co-chair of Helsinki Civil Assembly and
the coordinator of the National Committee of Azerbaijan, said the
Azerbaijani members of HCA and the Civil Forum on the Settlement
of the Karabakh Conflict are for the engagement of Karabakh in the
talks, a peace settlement and friendly relations between the two
societies. Ms. Abdullayeva said the Azerbaijani, Armenian and Karabakhi
NGOs cooperate in a warm atmosphere and mutual understanding. We
would like the official meetings were in a similar atmosphere. The
participants of the meeting emphasized the problems of reaching a
peace settlement of conflicts and establishment of mutual confidence
between the peoples and societies. Answering their questions, the NKR
president particularly mentioned that a historical reconciliation of
the peoples of the region is the underlying precondition of settlement
of the conflict over Karabakh and establishment of peace. Without
reconciliation it is impossible to implement a peace agreement,
eliminate the consequences of war and clear the path for regional
development, he said. On July 31 NKR President Arkady Ghukassian
met with the Armenian Member of Parliament, the leader of the
National Democratic Party Shavarsh Kocharian and discussed questions
concerning the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, social and economic
development of NKR and parliamentary ties between Artsakh and Armenia.

US DOES NOT WANT EXACERBATION OF RELATIONS WITH TURKEY
PanARMENIAN.Net
03.08.2006 15:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Efforts by the White House to win quick approval
for its new ambassador to Armenia have hit a snag after a bipartisan
group of senators, who are members of Foreign Relations Committee,
moved to force the US government’s formal recognition that Turkey
committed the Armenian Genocide during World War I,” writes commentator
of Agence France-Presse (AFP). AFP reminds that the move came as key
committee members expressed open consternation over the mysterious
“resignation” of the current US Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans
— after less than two years on the job. The cause of his premature
recall was his statement that he considers “events in Ottoman Turkey
in 1915 a Genocide.”
In the opinion of the AFP commentator, the US does not want
exacerbation of relations with Turkey, the only Muslim NATO
ally. Turkey is already upset over cross-border raids by Kurdish
separatist rebels based in US-occupied Iraq, and is demanding resolute
action by the United States to halt the incursions. This is why the
term “Armenian Genocide” is not used by official Washington, the AFP
commentator supposes.

SENATOR SAYS HE’LL VOTE AGAINST HOAGLAND’S NOMINATION
ArmRadio.am
03.08.2006 16:48
A Republican senator is planning to vote against President Bush’s
nominee for ambassador to Armenia because the nominee has refused
to refer to the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, AP
reported. “I continue to be troubled by our policy that refuses to
recognize what was a historical reality,” Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman
said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
The Bush administration does not question that Turkish troops killed
or drove from their homes 1.5 million Armenians starting in 1915. But
it has omitted the word “genocide” to describe it. Turkey strongly
objects to the use of the term, and U.S. policymakers are wary of
antagonizing an important strategic NATO ally.
On Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on which Coleman
serves, postponed a vote on Richard E. Hoagland’s nomination until
next month. While other senators have raised concerns about Hoagland’s
nomination, Coleman is the first to say publicly that he will vote
against it, according to the Armenian National Committee of America.
California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who sits on the
committee, agreed with postponing the vote but hasn’t said how
she plans to vote. “The administration has to change its policy on
Armenia. Unfortunately, Mr. Hoagland is caught in the middle of this
sorry situation, and I will say more about this entire matter when the
committee votes on this nomination,” she said Wednesday in a statement.
In May, the White House announced the recall of the current ambassador
to Armenia, John Evans, two years into the normal three-year diplomatic
term. Last year, Evans told Armenian-Americans, “The Armenian genocide
was the first genocide of the 20th century.”
Sixty members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice protesting that Evans was being
punished for his reference to “genocide.” In a separate letter,
Democratic Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts
demanded an explanation from Rice for Evans’ recall.
“It absolutely was cut short because of that,” Coleman said,
referring to Evans’ use of the word genocide. “That I also found to
be troubling. Evans was a good ambassador. “As someone of the Jewish
faith, I bring a heightened sensitivity to the reality of genocide
and mass murder, and the importance of recognizing it for what it is,”
Coleman said.
“I was brought up believing you never forget the Holocaust, never
forget what happened. And I could not imagine how our ambassador
to Israel could have any effectiveness if he couldn’t recognize
the Holocaust.” Asked whether Evans was recalled for using the word
genocide, State Department spokesman Edgar Vasquez would only say,
“U.S. ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president.”
At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing in June, senators failed
to get Hoagland to use the word genocide. “I have not received
any kind of written instruction about this,” Hoagland said at that
hearing. “I simply have studied the president’s policy. I’ve studied
the background papers on the policy. And my responsibility is to
support the president.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AS PART OF “COMPETITIVE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ARMENIA” 17,000 JOBS TO BE CREATED
Armenpress
YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS: With the financing of the USAID
“Competitive Private Sector in Armenia” program, costing 14 million
USD, will have been implemented in Armenia by 2008. In case of
necessity the program will be prolonged for another two years.
Within the framework of the program an informational and technical
support is being shown to the local companies and experience is being
exchanged with foreign experts. In case of necessity grants will be
provided to the companies.
Starting from 2005 the program has been focused on information
technology and tourism spheres. In the near future the third sphere
will be selected.
Armine Israelian, an expert of the program, said that the goal of the
program is to ensure 100 percent growth in the sphere of employment
as well as to ensure growth of productivity which will promote the
increase of salaries and the level of livelihood of the population.
Within the framework of the program 17,000 jobs are expected to be
created in Armenia by 2008.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I, THE RECIPIENT OF ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY’S PAX
CHRISTI AWARD
In a letter addressed to His Holiness Aram I, the president of
St. John’s University, Minessotta, USA, informs that the university
has decided to bestow the 2006 Pax Christi Award to His Holiness.
In the same letter, the president Dr. Dietrich Reinhart, speaking
about the life and ministry of Catholicos Aram I states: “Particularly
notable is your support for Ecumenical and Inter-religious relations,
dialogue and cooperation. Through your prolific writings, public
lectures and interventions, and your leadership in the World Council
of Churches, you have played a significant role in promoting common
values, mutual understanding, and peaceful co-existence among people
of faith throughout the world”.
The Pax Christi Award is the highest honor bestowed by St. John’s
University. The conferral ceremony will take place on 6th December,
2006, at a special event honoring His Holiness at St. John’s
University.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
&quo t;CARDINAL WILLEBRANDS HAS BEEN
AN OUTSTANDING ECUMENICAL FIGURE”
Said His Holiness Aram I
In a letter addressed to the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for promoting
Christian Unity, His Holiness Aram I expressing his great sorrow for the
passing away of the Cardinal Willebrands, said: “The Cardinal has played a
significant role in the ecumenical movement by promoting the spirit of the
Council Vatican II, and by giving a concrete manifestation to the
committment of the Roman Cathoclic Church to the ecumenical goals and the
visible unity of the Church”.
Speaking about the relations with the Armenian Church, and his several
visits to Antelias, the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia, Catholicos Aram I has discribed him “as a great friend of the
Armenian Church and people”.
Born in the Netherlands, in 1909, Cardinal Johannes Gerardus Maria
Willebrands has received holy orders in May 1934. He has become bishop in
1964 and Cardinal in 1969. From 1969-1989 he has served as president of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Cardinal Willebrands has
been the Archbishop of Utrecht, from 1965-1983.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/03/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. Sen. Coleman Becomes First to Reject Hoagland Nomination 2. ARF Leader Says Dual Citizenship Bill Will Pass in Fall 3. Key Suspect In Murder Of Armenian State TV Chief Set Free 4. Mediators Signal New Karabakh Proposals 5. Russia Registers Armenicum 6. French Soccer Legend Visits Armenia 1. Sen. Coleman Becomes First to Reject Hoagland Nomination WASHINGTON (AP)--Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman said Wednesday he will vote against President George W. Bush's selection to become the next ambassador to Armenia because the nominee refuses to describe the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide. According to the Armenian National Committee of America, Coleman is the first senator to say publicly that he will vote against the nomination of Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland. Several other senators have expressed misgivings. "My problem isn't with Hoagland," Coleman, a member of Bush's Republican Party, said in a telephone interview. "I continue to be troubled by our policy that refuses to recognize what was a historical reality." On Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on which Coleman serves, postponed a vote on Hoagland's nomination until next month. The committee has 10 Republican members and eight Democrats. Elizabeth Chouldjian, a spokeswoman for the Armenian committee, said nine of the 18 have misgivings over the Hoagland nomination. "We welcome Mr. Coleman's action, because quite frankly, it's a question of effectiveness for a US ambassador," she said. "Is it effective for an ambassador to Armenia to deny the Armenian genocide? It is effective for him to be taken seriously as a diplomat in Armenia? The answer is no." "As someone of the Jewish faith, I bring a heightened sensitivity to the reality of genocide and mass murder and the importance of recognizing it for what it is," Coleman said. "I was brought up believing you never forget the Holocaust, never forget what happened. And I could not imagine how our ambassador to Israel could have any effectiveness if he couldn't recognize the Holocaust." In May, the White House announced the recall of the current ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, two years into the normal three-year diplomatic term. Last year, Evans told Armenian-Americans, "The Armenian genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century." Sixty members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice protesting that Evans was being punished for his reference to "genocide." In a separate letter, Democratic Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts demanded an explanation from Rice for Evans' recall. "It absolutely was cut short because of that," Coleman said, referring to Evans' use of the word genocide. "That I also found to be troubling. Evans was a good ambassador. To me, it's almost bizarre diplospeak that you have barred our ambassadors from using a single word; that in effect you had the removal of an ambassador who used that single word, genocide, even though it's true." Asked whether Evans was recalled for using the word genocide, State Department spokesman Edgar Vasquez would only say, "US ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president." At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing in June, senators failed to get Hoagland to use the word genocide. "I have not received any kind of written instruction about this," Hoagland said at that hearing. "I simply have studied the president's policy. I've studied the background papers on the policy. And my responsibility is to support the president." 2. ARF Leader Says Dual Citizenship Bill Will Pass in Fall YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member and deputy Parliament Speaker Vahan Hovanessian Thursday told a visiting delegation of 150 ARF Juniors (Badanegan) that a bill that would legalize dual citizenship in Armenia is expected to pass during the parliament's fall session. The ARF Juniors, representing nine countries, are participating in the first annual pilgrimage to Armenia. They met with Hovanessian in the parliament chambers. The ARF leader added that the ARF will take part in the 2008 presidential elections with its own candidate. He added that by then the 2007 parliamentary elections will have taken place the climate would be ripe to conduct fair elections in 2008 as mandated by the European Union and its affiliate bodies. Hovanessian also added that Azerbaijan had not implemented its commitments in regards to elections, but stemming from certain political interests, European countries have punished Azerbaijan. 3. Key Suspect In Murder Of Armenian State TV Chief Set Free YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The man whose testimony formed the basis of a politically charged murder case against the brother of radical opposition leader Aram Sarkisian has been set free after serving only half of his seven-year prison sentence, it was confirmed on Thursday. Hovannes Harutiunian was among 13 men convicted in the December 2002 assassination of Tigran Naghdalian, former head of Armenia's state television and radio. A court in Yerevan accepted prosecutors' claims that younger Sarkisian's brother Armen was the mastermind of the contract murder, sentencing him and another suspect, who confessed to shooting and killing Naghdalian, to 15 years in prison. The controversial verdict handed down in November 2003 was upheld by the Armenian appeals courts. Armen Sarkisian, backed by his family and friends, protested his innocence throughout the year-long trial, rejecting the charges as politically motivated. Prosecutors insisted, however, that the businessman ordered Naghdalian's killing because he believed the state TV chief, a staunch supporter of President Robert Kocharian, had a hand in the October 1999 assassination of his second, more famous brother, Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian. At the heart of their case was Harutiunian's pre-trial testimony in which he claimed to have received $75,000 from Armen Sarkisian, a distant relative of his, to organize the crime. Sarkisian claimed that he paid the sum because he was "blackmailed" by Harutiunian shortly after the killing. A spokeswoman for the Armenian Justice Ministry, Anahit Voskanian, told RFE/RL that Harutiunian, who allegedly had links with the criminal underworld, was released from jail on parole by the same Yerevan district court on July 12. She said this was made possible by a June 27 decree by Kocharian which reduced his jail term by 18 months. Under Armenian criminal code, individuals convicted of "especially grave" crimes must complete at least two-thirds of their prison sentences before they can apply for parole. Kocharian's decree meant that Harutiunian, who was arrested in January 2003, technically has spent five out of the required seven years in jail. Harutiunian's erratic behavior during the high-profile trial undermined the credibility of the charges leveled against Armen Sarkisian. During a court session on September 24, 2003 Harutiunian said he has "something to add" to what he had told the investigators in a series of interrogations following his arrest. But the man nicknamed Aper (Brother) mysteriously refused to speak up at the next hearing a week later, saying only that he stands by his earlier written deposition. His public questioning had been repeatedly and controversially delayed by the presiding judge, Saro Aramian, fueling speculation that the Armenian authorities fear he might retract his pre-trial account. The authorities announced the arrest of Harutiunian and five other Naghdalian murder suspects late on March 5, 2003 just hours after the closure of polls in the second round of a hotly disputed presidential election. Sarkisian was arrested ten days later. Armenia's main opposition Justice alliance, of which his brother Aram is a leading member, denounced the arrest, saying that it is part of Kocharian's efforts to cling to power in the wake of serious vote irregularities that marred his reelection. Justice party's top leader Stepan Demirchian still claims to be the rightful winner of the vote. 4. Mediators Signal New Karabakh Proposals PARIS (RFE/RL)--The American, French and Russian mediators signaled on Thursday their intention to make new proposals to Armenia and Azerbaijan that are aimed at breaking the deadlock in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. "Proceeding from the St. Petersburg G8 [summit] Chairman's statement on Nagorno-Karabakh, the Co-Chairs considered different options to achieve its objectives, which will be proposed to the parties, and await them for their thoughts," the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group said in a statement issued after their meeting in Paris on Wednesday. The meeting followed US co-chair Matthew Bryza's visit to Yerevan, Stepanakert and Baku. The mediators said they discussed its results and assessed the "current stage in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict." They gave no details. Speaking to RFE/RL in Yerevan after talks with President Robert Kocharian on Saturday, Bryza indicated that the troika will initiate no further Armenian-Azeri peace talks unless the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan display greater commitment to mutual compromise. "We are just waiting for a sign from the presidents as to whether or not they would like to restart a formal process," he said, arguing that it is still unclear "whether or not there is enough will on both sides to eliminate or to resolve the distance that still stands between them." The G8 statement cited by the co-chairs was issued by the leaders of the world's eight leading industrialized nations on July 17 at the end of their three-day meeting in Russia's second largest city. They urged the conflicting parties to reach a framework agreement on Karabakh before the end of this year. 5. Russia Registers Armenicum YEREVAN (Armenpress)--The Russian pharmaceutical agency (equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration) recently registered Armenicum in Russia as an immune regulating and anti-viral medicine. An official from the Armenicum office told Armenpress that the medicine has already been registered in Congo and Liberia. Armenicum gained considerable attention in the mid to late 1990's. Commissioned to be developed by Armenia's current defense minister Serj Sargsyan, Armenicum was to have been an effective drug against HIV/AIDS. 6. French Soccer Legend Visits Armenia YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Michel Platini, one of the world's best known former football players, ended on Thursday a two-day visit to Armenia apparently linked to his bid to become the new head of UEFA, the game's European governing body. The former France international, who had inspired his nation to its first-ever victory in European championships in 1984, held talks with the chairman of the Armenian Football Federation, Ruben Hayrapetian, and inaugurated new UEFA-funded soccer pitches for children in Yerevan. He was also received by Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan who thanked him for supporting the "development of football in Armenia." Platini said he urged the Armenian government to pay "particular attention" to children and youths practicing the sport. "Armenia means a lot to a Frenchman like me because a number of soccer players of Armenian descent have played for the French national side and helped it win the World Cup [in 1998,]" he said. "There are also Armenian journalists, singers and other famous people in France." Platini, who is now deputy chairman of the French Football Federation, faces an uphill in trying to unseat UEFA's incumbent president, Lennart Johansson, in elections scheduled for next January. The Armenian Football Federation, a member of UEFA, will also take part in them and its chairman announced that it will back the 51-year-old Frenchman. "I think it is clear to everyone that the relationship between Michel Platini and Armenians is not only businesslike but friendly, Hayrapetian told a joint news conference with Platini. "The Football Federation of Armenia will definitely vote for Michel Platini." Platini is still revered by the French as well as millions of supporters of Italy's most popular soccer club, Juventus, for which he successfully played in the early 1980s. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933

Press Release
For Immediate Release ~ August 3, 2006
(617) 923-1933
AYF-YOARF Hosts Successful Picnic at Camp Haiastan
WATERTOWN, Mass. — On July 23, over 540 AYF members, alumni, Camp
Haiastan campers, parents and staff gathered on the camp’s picnic
grounds to enjoy a regional picnic sponsored by the AYF-YOARF Central
Executive.
Aimed at celebrating its past achievements and its future prospects,
the AYF-YOARF Central Executive said the picnic succeeded in again
gathering Armenians to celebrate their history. The picnic featured
kebab, salad and pilav prepared and served by Central Executive as
well as current and alumni members.
As campers, staffers and parents stopped by the picnic for lunch
or dinner, old friends were reunited and new friendships were
established. The AYF’s fraternal spirit was once again passed on from
generation to generation.
“It was great to see ungers and ungerouhis from all different chapters
working together, especially in the kitchen. It was definitely a fun
time and we all worked really hard,” said Greater Boston AYF chapter
member Anoush Essajanian. “I think the picnic was a great success
and a fabulous day overall.”
The event also featured music by the Aravod Ensemble, tables with
information from various organizations and vendors who sold such
items as framed pictures from Armenia, t-shirts and jewelry.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Ungers and Meat: (L to R) AYF Central Executive member
Masis Koumrigian and chairman Jim Kzirian preparing the meat, fresh
off the grill Preparing the Food: AYF members from Boston, Providence,
Philadelphia, and New Jersey worked together to prepare food for the
AYF Regional Picnic

RA OMBUDSMAN’S REPRESENTATIVES VISIT “NUBARASHEN” PENITENTIARY INSTITUTION
YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, NOYAN TAPAN. An information was got on July 31
at the Ombudsman’s Office that at the “Nubarashen” Penitentiary
Institution of the Ministry of Justice some of convicts sentenced to
life imprisonment have gone on hunger-strike, need medical assistance
and are in a very hard state. By Ombudsman Armen Haroutiunian’s
instruction, a working group has been created which visited the
“Nubarashen” Penitentiary Institution on the same day and met
with convicts. During the meeting with the working group, convicts
expressed their dissatisfaction both with passed sentences and with
unproper attitude towards them at the place of imprisonment. Summing
up the convicts’ complaints, the administration of the “Nubarashen”
Penitentiary Institution was clearly proposed to liquidate the present
problems connected with the regular medical control and assistance,
organization of walks and providing with necessary life accessories. As
Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Ombudsman’s Information and Public
Relations Department, Aram Sargsian, the Chief of the Penitentiary
Institution promised to do everything possible in the direction of
overcoming the mentioned problems.

“ARDAROUTIUN” YOUTH PUBLIC ORGANIZATION HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS
YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, NOYAN TAPAN. Within the framework of the
“Well-Informed Young Family” (“Irazek Yeritasard Yntanik”) program, the
“Ardaroutiun” youth public organization published the “Well-Informed
Young Family” book. As Zhirayr Karapetian, the NGO Chairman informed
at the August 1 presentation, the goal of publication of the book
is to inform young people about protection of their rights and
interests. According to Zh.Karapetian, within the framework of the
program having been implemented since 2002, “Ardaroutiun” showed legal
consulting and practical assistance to beneficiaries of the program. It
was mentioned that the organization had about 2000 beneficiaries only
during 2005.
About 100 citizens, among them 38 people for family issues, 27 people
for issues of inheritance, addressed to the organization in May-July
of this year.
Zh.Karapetian mentioned that they got most of all appeals connected
with divorce and issues arising of it. Principles of the amended Family
Code, particularly points relating to signing a marital contract,
issues arising in the case of divorce are presented during the
consultation given to them. The organization got numerous applications
relating to issues of the inheritance right as well. According to
Zh.Karapetian, today in the RA documents affirming the inheritance
right are registered only at the Central Notary Office. Whereas,
in responce to the servey of the organization, they made clear at
the RA Ministry of Justice that according to the acting law, all the
regional notary offices may register similar documents.