PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Anush Babayan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
.27.06.06
Recently the Toronto Affiliate of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund
organized a fundraising dinner in Canada. Apparently, the presence of
Conservative MP Jason Kenney at the event caused concern of the
Azerbaijani Embassy and the Azerbaijani community.
Canadian Press put an article on the newswire in this regard. It was
picked up by several Canadian newspapers. Unfortunately, the reporter,
Jennifer Ditchburn, used solely Azeri sources while covering the event.
Moreover, the reporter tried to put a frivolous spin on the fact that
Canadian Armenians extended a helping hand to their kin in
Nagorno-Karabakh raising $300 thousand USD for construction of schools
in the area. The reporter purposefully mentioned that the current
Executive Director of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund used to hold the
position of the Foreign Minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. In
this regard we would like to stress that the Executive Director is not
appointed, but rather is voted into the office by the Board of Trustees
of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund, members of which are influential,
well-respected and well-known representatives of the Armenian worldwide
Diaspora.
`Hayastan’ Fund brings to the attention of all interested parties
that during its 15-year history the organization has spend more than
$130 million on projects in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, the nature of
which is purely humanitarian. This philanthropic organization has always
been transparent in its operations. Since 1992 `Hayastan’ Fund has
been undergoing annual independent audits conducted by Grant Thornton.
Never have our auditors revealed any improper spending of funds. Through
its affiliate offices in 19 countries, `Hayastan’ Fund often
received co-financing from European (France, the Netherlands, Greece and
others) and U.S. governments for its projects. Never has the
organization had any problems with any government in this regard.
`Hayastan’ Fund considers unacceptable drawn parallels between the
Fund and a unrelated questionable political organization. We want to
remind that `Hayastan’ Fund is a organization that is well-respected
in the world and is proud of its mission benefiting people of Armenia
and Nagorno-Karabakh.
We consider this disrespectful and unsubstantiated attack a result and
embodiment of Azerbaijan’s shortsighted policy. We believe that this
attack questions the reputation of the organizers of this smear campaign
against `Hayastan’ Fund and only strengthens the resolve of
Armenians around the world to help Nagorno-Karabakh stand on its feet.
In this regard we would like to cite MP Jason Kenney from the mentioned
article: `…I can’t imagine anybody objecting to Canada supporting
clinics, schools, hospitals and the like’. I think these words make
any further commentary unnecessary. `Hayastan’ fund is strongly
convinced that the worldwide Armenian Diaspora will continue supporting
their ancestral homeland.
In her official letter to Mr. Russo, the Bureau Chief of `The Canadian
Press’, Mrs. Naira Melkoumian, the Executive Director of
`Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund, mentions: `It was irrelevant to
refer to the status of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, as the international
status of Nagorno-Karabakh is subject to the outcome of the peace talks
that have been mediated by the Organization of Security and Cooperation
in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, co-chaired by France, Russia and the
United States. Meanwhile, `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund does not
believe that mere fact that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is not
officially recognized by the international community should stand in the
way of children’s education or people’s healthcare. The US Agency
for International Development (USAID), International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC), American Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontier, Save the
Children, Halo Trust and other international humanitarian relief
organizations do not believe that either, since they have extensive
projects in Nagorno-Karabakh. For a number of years the US Congress has
been allocating nearly $5 million annually to the victims of the NK
conflict who reside in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. We think, these facts
make any other commentary unnecessary.’
Public Relations Department of `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund

PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 27, 2006
____________________
Dr. And Mrs. Raffy and Vicki Hovanessian ReDiscover the Fund for
Armenian Relief and its Work to Help the People of Armenia
Add a FAR Excursion on Your Next Trip to the Armenian Homeland
`The road going to the school did not look like anything; there were
huge potholes full of water. It took an expert driver to get around
those potholes and get to the school. I kept asking myself, `How are
the kids getting to school when the road is this bad?’ Then, when we
arrived at the place, I didn’t see anything that had a semblance of
being a school.’
That was Dr. Raffy Hovanessian’s first thought as he approached the
Octet Music School in Gyumri with his wife, Vicki (Shoghag), and two
representatives from the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) that provides
scholarships to 32 of the school’s 200 students.
`When we arrived, I saw the temporary tin shelters and didn’t think
there was a music school there. I thought refugees lived there,’
Vicki added.
A MUSICAL OASIS
In April 2006, the Indiana residents set aside one day of their 11-day
trip to Armenia for a visit to FAR-operated projects in Gyumri and
Vanadzor. Although they have traveled to Armenia countless times over
the past 16 years and visited other FAR projects (the Areni water
pipeline and the Siranoosh summer camp in Yeghegnadzor), this
experience was different because of the people they met, such as the
young musicians at the Octet Music School.
`They put together a phenomenal concert for us. They played the
violin, piano and cymbalta (an Armenian folk instrument),’ said Vicki
who was touched by the talents of the children such as nine-year old
Ani, a violin player who walks 40 minutes from Ashotks, a village
outside of Gyumri, to attend the school. `You wouldn’t think that in
such an environment, in the poorest section of Gyumri, in the Octet
Music School made of temporary tin shelters, this talent would even
exist.’
The couple expressed surprise that in such tough living conditions –
from the small classrooms with individual space heaters to a small
auditorium – the students were able to master both classical and
modern instruments.
`Once the students started playing, you’d think that you’re in
Carnegie Hall. They didn’t play just national music, they also played
classical music, pop and hit music – such up-to-date music in such a
dingy place,’ said Dr. Raffy. `It inspires so much hope!’
The students are also aided by teachers.
`The students are so dedicated to music, to practice and to excel.
It’s unbelievable, and really worth a visit,’ exclaimed Vicki, who
promised to sponsor the five-year tuition of violinists Hripsimé and
Raiya if they are accepted into the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan.
`The school’s principal and the teachers are extremely dedicated.
They are teaching, nurturing, and raising a great musical generation,
even going beyond the call of a simple music teacher.’
`Even as we left, we parted with a light heart, knowing that we also
made them happy just by the fact that we just came to visit them.
These people are invigorated by signs that the Diaspora is not
forgetting them. Hopefully, many others will help them in whatever
capacity they can,’ said Dr. Raffy, the dynamic doctor who also,
during the April trip, coordinated an operation in Yerevan to repair a
seven-year old talented violinist student’s split palate that
prevented her from speaking clearly.
Having visited Gyumri in 1990-1992, Dr. Raffy was shocked to see that
temporary tin shelters were still being used and that the Octet Music
School operated in such an environment. This surprise was accentuated
because of the stark difference given the main music Conservatory in
Gyumri, a big, solid building serving the entire city.
`I can see a big difference between the adult Conservatory on the main
street of Gyumri and this place that serves the talented neighborhood
kids. It is all the more reason for us to make sure that small, local
places of talent for artistic work like the Octet Music School are
available,’ he explained. `Without public transportation in Gyumri,
there is no way for young kids to go from one side of town to the
other. We must support these local access places.’
Seeing the importance of music to these children, the couple has
decided to help through FAR. They are now looking at possible
properties in the area and reaching out to friends to fund the
renovation of the music school and, guided by Vicki’s own passion to
maintain and uphold Armenian art, to add and develop a fine arts
program to this school.
OTHER FAR PROJECTS
Next, the Hovanessians visited the Hagop S. Touloukian Senior Center,
two FAR-sponsored schools – the Ounjian School in Gyumri and the
Mathevosian School in Vanadzor – and the Old Age Home in Vanadzor.
They were impressed with the cleanliness, maintenance and services of
each of the programs, as well as the attentiveness of the staff.
During their visit, Dr. Raffy and Vicki met Dr. John Ounjian, the
Ounjian School’s benefactor, who gave them a tour of the grounds and
introduced them to students and teachers.
`I was so impressed by the Ounjian School,’ said Vicki. `Dr.
Ounjian’s dedication, his concern and fatherly attention to every
detail of the school was obvious. FAR has done an absolutely
magnificent job executing his wishes. It is amazing all the good he
is doing.’
`The school is in excellent condition, very clean and fully equipped.
I was impressed with the caliber of the school’s construction and the
gym,’ shared Dr. Raffy. `I am very happy that Dr. Ounjian has also
thought about vocational training and university scholarships for the
school’s graduates.’
IMPACT OF A SINGLE DAY WITH FAR
This one day’s guided trip with FAR’s Country Director Bagrat Sargsyan
and Press Secretary Levon Lachikyan, which started with their first
visit to the FAR office in Yerevan, provided the Hovanessians with a
better understanding of the diversity and comprehensiveness of FAR’s
programs helping the people of Armenia.
`We were touched by the individuals we met,’ said Dr. Raffy, whose
recent appointment to the Diocesan Council prompted the day’s
excursion with FAR. `We could see the reality of the support given to
the people through FAR. We saw the faces, the talent, the ambition of
the beneficiaries of FAR programs. We witnessed that donations given
to FAR really do translate to hope and opportunity. I think all
people should allocate one day to visiting FAR projects.’
`Throughout my many visits to Armenia, I always concentrated on
nothing but promoting Contemporary Art and artists through exhibitions
in Armenia and the United States, but I am glad we took the time to go
to Gyumri and Vanadzor with FAR and witness first-hand the results of
FAR’s hard work. It certainly was a great experience,’ declared
Vicki, who also opened a retrospective exhibition of Sarkis
Hamalbashian with a catalogue raisonée at the National Museum of
Yerevan during this trip. `From this and our previous experiences
with FAR, I can say that FAR, through the leadership of Executive
Director Garnik Nanagoulian, is doing good deeds. We witnessed the
implementation of people’s donations to FAR and we saw real results.’
ABOUT FAR
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
millions of people through more than 220 relief and development
programs in Armenia and Karabagh. It has channeled more than $265
million in humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide range of
projects including emergency relief, construction, education, medical
aid, and economic development.
FAR, one of the preeminent relief and development organization
operating there, is dedicated to realizing the dream of a free,
democratic, prosperous, and culturally rich Armenia. It works towards
a brighter future by partnering with donors to make life a little
better for our people. By offering hope and more promising prospects
in Armenia, Karabagh, and Javakhk, FAR binds the Diaspora and the
Armenian family together around the globe.
For more information about FAR, to organize a visit to FAR projects,
or to send donations, contact the Fund for Armenian Relief at 630
Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212)
889-4849; web ; e-mail [email protected].
— 06/27/06
E-mail photos available upon request.
PHOTO CAPTION1: During their recent visit to the FAR-sponsored Azad
Shishian Octet Music School in Gyumri, Dr. and Mrs. Raffy and Vicki
(Shoghag) Hovanessian (third and sixth from right) were treated to a
special concert by a few students, including the two violinists
pictured here with their principal (second from right), teachers, FAR
Country Director Bagrat Sargsyan (far right), and FAR Gyumri Office
Director Marina Bazayeva (second from left).
PHOTO CAPTION2: Vicki (Shoghag) Hovanessian (far right) with
violinists Hripsimé and Raiya (center) and their teacher (far left) at
the FAR-sponsored Octet Music School. The Hovanessians promised to
sponsor the five-year tuition if these talented girls are accepted
into the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan.
PHOTO CAPTION3: Holding the Ounjian School flag, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian
(right) was impressed with school’s building and cleanliness, as well
as the attentiveness of Dr. John Ounjian (left), the New York
benefactor who rebuilt the Gyumri school in honor of his parents
through FAR.
# # #

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x109
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
AGBU YP BOSTON WALK-A-THON RAISES $3,000 FOR KARABAKH REPOPULATION PROJECT
On June 4, 2006, AGBU Young Professionals of Boston sponsored its
inaugural Walk-a-Thon raising over $3,000 for the furnishing of a new
secondary school in the village of Norashen, which is located in the
Hadrut region of Karabakh. With twenty walkers participating, the
five-mile trek began at the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill
and ended at Harvard Square in Cambridge.
The construction of the Norashen school is one of many worthwhile
projects under the umbrella of the ABGU Karabakh Repopulation
Project. A pan-AGBU venture first initiated by the organization’s
France District, the rebuilt village of Norashen is today home to 100
residents, including 32 school-aged children and 14 pre-schoolers, 23
houses, a kindergarten and a medical center. Sponsored by the Southern
California District and Sydney Chapter, the secondary school is
currently under construction and will be shared by Norashen and
Pareshen, the second Karabakh village built with funds raised by AGBU
London.
AGBU Young Professionals of Boston are committed to preserving and
promoting the Armenian identity and heritage through educational,
cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information on YP Boston,
please email [email protected].
For more information on AGBU Young Professional Groups, please visit
the Programs section of

PRESS OFFICE
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. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 26, 2006
___________________
ARMENIAN CHILDREN FILL UNITED NATIONS WITH MUSIC
By Florence Avakian
Friday, April 7, 2006, was both historic and inspiring, as 26 young Armenian
musicians filled the United Nations headquarters in New York City with
Armenian sharagans and popular music from the homeland. The audience of
world diplomats was treated to two hours of joyful, uplifting Armenian
music.
The concert by the Junior Choir of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI, and the Narek Bell Choir from the St. Mary Church of
Washington, D.C. was sponsored by the United Nations Russian Book Club and
held in the United Nations’ Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium. The sweet
voices and instruments of these Armenian youth, ranging in age from 8 to 18,
could even be heard in the hallway outside the auditorium as diplomats went
about their duties.
The honored guests in attendance included Armenia’s Ambassador to the United
Nations Armen Martirossian, Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara, Knights of
Vartan former Grand Commander Kegham Tcholakian, the Eastern Diocese’s
Coordinator of Music Ministry Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, and well known
musicologist Krikor Pidejian, as well as several members of the United
Nations diplomatic corps.
Following welcoming remarks by Alexandre Toubolets, president of the Russian
Book Club, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church, related that Armenian sacred and secular music has spanned the
centuries, from the 4th through the mid-19th century. “All music was
written with neumes which Gomidas Vartabed deciphered,” he related.
Several beloved hymns from the Divine Liturgy by Makar Yegmalian were
presented in song and with bells by both choirs. Accompanying on the piano
was the director of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church Junior Choir, Maestro
Konstantin Petrossian.
Especially moving was the rendition of “Aysor Don eh Soorp Dzunutyan,”
(“Today is the Feast of the Holy Nativity”), sung with exceptional phrasing,
breath control, and tonal purity by 14-year-old Tatevik Martirosyan. “Park
Ee Partsoons” (“Glory to God in the Highest)” by the 6th-century composer
Movses Kertogh was another impressive offering by this gifted choir.
Pieces by legendary Armenian composers were introduced to the audience by
the Narek Bell Choir, under the baton of its music director Leon
Khoja-Eynatyan. The program included works by three 12th-century composers
(Movses Kertogh, Nerses Shnorhali, and Grigor Pahlavuni), two 13th-century
composers (Hovhanesess Yerzngatsi and Vartan Areveltsi), Gomidas Vartabed,
and contemporary composer Socrates Boyajian.
Movses Kertogh’s “Khorhoort Medz” (“O, Great Mystery”), and Nerses
Shnorhali’s “Norahrash” (“New Wonders”) evoked the soulful messages of these
timeless hymns. Gomidas Vartabed’s “Gakavik” (“Partridge”) was creatively
presented with several bells thumping as an accompaniment to the melody.
Tamara Martirosyan delighted the audience with several melodies played with
great aplomb and expertise on the kanon, a stringed instrument native to
Armenia. Accompanied with piano, the result was a sweet taste of Armenia in
New York.
The mood turned from one of spirituality as the Junior Choir members sang,
with piano accompaniment, several popular songs. Before each presentation,
a choir member explained its meaning. Special favorites were Aram
Khachatourian’s “Karoon Yerevan” (“Yerevan in Spring”), describing the
happiness of a newly wed bride, and Armen Tigranian’s “Ambee Dageets” (“From
Underneath the Cloud”), a love song from his opera “Anoush.”
“Noobar Noobar” featured the extraordinary talent of David Gevorkian on the
duduk. His fingers flew on this traditional Armenian instrument as he wove
a lyrical tapestry.
The concert concluded with both choirs joining together for the ever-popular
“Yerevan — Erepoonee” by Edgar Hovhanessian, performed with the majesty and
emotion it deserves. It inspired a well-deserved standing ovation, lasting
several minutes.
Ambassador Martirossian expressed his pride and appreciation to the
organizers, parents, and the “youth of the Armenian nation who brought the
spirit and culture of my nation with its ancient and rich history to this
international institution and audience.”
The Junior Choir, organized by Konstantin Petrossian in 1995, has performed
in many special events, including the visits to the United States of
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin I and Karekin II. The Narek Bell Choir,
the only such group in the Armenian Church today, was founded in 2000 under
the leadership of Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian and Leon Khoja-Eynatyan. It has
performed at the White House, the Library of Congress, the St. Vartan
Cathedral, and several churches in the United States.
In September 2004, the combined choirs released their first CD, “Park Ee
Partsoons” (“Gloria in Excelsis”), for which they received the 2005 Gomidas
Award and the Armenian Music Award for liturgical and spiritual albums. The
CD is available from the St. Vartan Bookstore online at
— 6/27/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Members of the Junior Choir of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Providence, RI, and the Narek Bell Choir from the St. Mary Church
of Washington, D.C. perform at the United Nations in New York City on April
7, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Junior Choir members from Providence, RI, perform at the
United Nations.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Narek Bell Choir members from Washington, D.C., perform
at the United Nations.

PRESS OFFICE
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. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 27, 2006
___________________
GENEVA GATHERING FOR WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern), traveled to scenic Bossey,
Switzerland, just outside Geneva, from May 16 to 19, 2006, for a meeting of
the World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee.
The 20-member body oversees the work of the WCC, representing 348
denominations. During this meeting, committee members discussed future
activities of the WCC to tackle important issues in Africa, Asia, Latin
America, and the Middle East.
The committee members focused on the need of international religious leaders
to bring about peace and disarmament. They also discussed various human
rights issues. The planning was for programs and efforts that will take
place from 2007 to 2013.
The program plan approved by the committee members lists six areas which
will provide the framework for the WCC’s activities in that period. These
are: WCC and the ecumenical movement in the 21st century; unity, mission and
spirituality; public witness; justice and “diakonia”; ecumenical and faith
formation; inter-religious dialogue and cooperation.
“We also discussed problems related to terrorists and anti-terrorists and
counter terrorism,” Bishop Aykazian said. “It is something that really
concerns the world, the human family around the world.”
Bishop Aykazian was elected to the WCC Executive Committee during the
group’s general assembly earlier this year in Brazil.
— 6/27/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): WCC officers attending the WCC executive committee
meeting in Bossey, Switzerland. From left: WCC central committee vice
moderator, Metropolitan Prof. Dr. Gennadios of Sassima (Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople), central committee moderator, Rev. Dr.
Walter Altmann (Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil),
general secretary, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia (Methodist Church in Kenya),
central committee vice moderator, Rev. Dr. Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse
(Protestant Church in the Moluccas (Indonesia)), with executive committee
member Bishop Vicken Aykazian. (Photo courtesy World Council of
Churches/Peter Williams)
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of
the Eastern Diocese, far right, attends the World Council of Churches
Executive Committee meeting in Switzerland. (Photo courtesy World Council of
Churches/Peter Williams)

ASBAREZ ONLINE
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06/27/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Georgian Officials Claim Javakhk Autonomy 'Not going to be created' 2) Too Early to Speak of Armenian, Azeri Presidents' Meeting in St. Petersburg 3) Political Tensions Hurting Turkey 4) Turkish Foreign Ministry Responds to Karekin II 5) Preparations for Millennium Challenges Foundation Program Coming to An End 1) Georgian Officials Claim Javakhk Autonomy 'Not going to be created' Georgian Prime Minister Zorab Nogaideli, in response to the Armenian Javakhk non-governmental statement claiming autonomy for Javakhk and promoting the Armenian language at the state-level said, "We already have autonomous republics and a new autonomy is not going to be created." Georgian Speaker of Parliament Nino Burjanadze has also stated that these crude and absurd demands are creating tension in the region. According to Burjanadze, such statements are not in favor of Armenia's or Georgia's interests. 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Quoting an anonymous young businessman, "How can he [Erdogan] say it's a stable course? Inflation is out of control and the current account deficit is heading for $50 billion." The Guardian, then, in the article titled "Turkey is Fastest Growing Market in Europe," summarized the accomplishment of the Erdogan government, quoting Erdogan, "We are not the old Turkey that would have been swept away by any wind blowing." The paper also added: "Under Erdogan, Turkey has had four years of stellar growth since the 2001 crisis eroded national wealth by 9 percent and blew the currency to the bottom of the Bosphorusand won premiership status among emerging markets. 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Only recently the National Bank of Greece dished out $2.44 billion to purchase 46 percent of Turkish Finance bank. This points to how distant the crisis is." Touching upon the reforms of the Turkish Government to facilitate the procedures for foreign investors, the Guardian wrote: "Government's efforts helped bring the banking standards in Turkey closer to those of the EU." 4) Turkish Foreign Ministry Responds to Karekin II Turkish "Hurriyet" newspaper reports that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has sternly responded to Catholicos Karekin II's remarks this week at a press conference that the Armenian genocide is fact and not up to debate. According to "Hurriyet", a representative from the foreign ministry, who declined to state his name, said, "We expect that the Armenians, in their turn, look at their history instead of politically manipulating their status as victims and instead of brainwashing their own people with falsified history, should listen to our advice and have the courage to sit on table to see what has happened and what has not." The same official used the word "unfortunate" regarding the Catholicos' statement, "since the statement came from a spiritual leader, who talks about the improvement of relations between the two countries." 5) Preparations for Millennium Challenges Foundation Program Coming to An End YEREVAN (Armenpress)The preparation round of the Armenian program of the Millennium Challenges Foundation is coming to an end. Deputy Minister of finance and economy David Avetisian announced that US representative of the corporation Alex Rassin has arrived in Armenia and will be the permanent resident representative of the foundation. Meanwhile, the administrative council of the program has formed a short list of candidates for the directorial position and has presented it to the Millennium Challenges Corporation. Avetisian said that according to the initial assessments the first disbursement of the promised funds will be coming in August. Until then, a state non-profit organization should be established that will deal with the administration of the program. He also informed that the foundation had some objections connected with the legislation on forming state and non-profit organizations in Armenia. After the sides agree to the changed option the final legislature will be approved by the Armenian president. It is expected that until August the office of the organization is created and the first funds will be directed towards its projecting and furnishing. 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.

Congressional Record: June 26, 2006 (Extensions)
SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
JUNE 28
2:30 p.m.
Foreign Relations
To hold hearings to examine the nomination of Richard E.
Hoagland, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador
to the Republic of Armenia.

PRESS RELEASE
Hamazkayin Boston
Contact: Ara Nazarian
Phone: 617.924.8849
Email: [email protected]
Announcement of the Winners of Hamazkayin-Boston’s Impact of Genocide
Student Art Exhibit
WATERTOWN, MA – June 27, 2006 – It is Hamazkayin-Boston’s distinct
pleasure to announce the winners of The Impact of Genocide Student Art
Exhibit. This exhibit was held at the Copley Square branch of the Boston
Public Library during March of 2006. The winners are Ms. Areni
Kashkashian from Newton North High School (First place), Mr. Aidan
Fensterman (Second place) and Ms. Jenna Clark (Third place), both from
Brimmer and May School. These students along with all other participants
submitted excellent works of art reflecting upon the ills of humanity in
their own special and enlightening ways. The clarity and the power that
messages were conveyed in these works of art were truly moving; as such
expressions highlight the universal nature of pain, suffering, rebirth
and compassion.
Most importantly, Hamazkayin-Boston would like to thank the students who
submitted their works of art to this exhibit and gave us their
thoughtful impressions of the most unthoughtful acts committed by
mankind. We congratulate all participants for their wonderful works of
art and their parents and teachers for their help and support.
Hamazkayin-Boston will scan all the pictures in the near future and
place them in an online gallery on its website (hamazkayin-boston.org).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

National Review Online
June 13, 2006
Another `No Amnesty’ Amnesty
It was a nice try, at least.
By Mark Krikorian
It’s funny how every new `middle ground’ on immigration is in the same place
as the old ones.
The latest `middle ground’ proposal comes from Rep. Mike Pence (R., Ind.).
Pence, who has solid conservative credentials as head of the House
Republican Study Committee, offered what he billed as `The Real Rational
Middle Ground on Immigration Reform’ at a Heritage Foundation speech last
month. Since there’s no actual bill to look at, we have to judge from Rep.
Pence’s speech and other materials what the program would be like.
It starts out well enough. In seeking an alternative to amnesty, on the one
hand, and mass deportations, on the other, he laid out a four-step plan. The
first step is securing the border, and he included the entire enforcement
bill passed by the House in December (with two minor modifications) in his
measure.
Step two is to reject amnesty. That also sounds good, until you remember
that Senators Kennedy and McCain also deny their amnesty plan is an amnesty.
As do Senators Hagel and Martinez. And President Bush. They all deny that
they support amnesty because, as the president says, the only thing that
constitutes amnesty is `automatic citizenship,’ whatever that is.
Pence has a broader definition of amnesty:
Amnesty is allowing people whose first act in America was an illegal act to
get right with the law without leaving the country. Allowing twelve million
illegal aliens to stay in our country instead of leaving and coming back
legally is amnesty, no matter if fines or back taxes are paid, or how it is
otherwise dressed-up or spun by its proponents. The only way to deal with
these twelve million people is to insist that they leave the country and
come back legally if they have a job awaiting them.
This is exactly the same as the `touchback’ gimmick in the Senate amnesty
bill, which would require illegal aliens who have been here between two and
five years to cross the border to be enrolled in the permanent `temporary’
worker program and then immediately return to their homes and jobs.
That brings us to the third step: the guestworker amnesty. Yes, amnesty. Or,
if you prefer, legalization. Or normalization. Or regularization. Or earned
adjustment. Or whatever is the euphemism du jour. The fact remains that the
guestworker program in the Pence plan is explicitly designed to allow all
illegal aliens to keep their jobs and domiciles in the United States without
interruption.
The congressman is quite explicit on this point. In explaining the need for
speedy processing of the guestworkers, he says:
No employer in America wants to lose employees for an extended amount of
time. No worker who is earning money to feed and clothe a family can afford
to be off the job for long. … And, an illegal alien currently employed in
America will be willing to take a quick trip across the border to come back
outside of the shadows and in a job where he does not fear a raid by
Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In fact, I envision employers working
with placement agencies to make sure that their long-time illegal employees
get their paperwork processed, background checks performed, and visas issued
so that they will be back on the job quickly.
In the 1950s, this process was called – in official U.S. government
publications – `drying out the wetbacks.’ Whether it’s called an amnesty
instead, or is given some other label, the point is to let all illegal
aliens stay legally.
But maybe the amnesty is time-limited? And in fact, part of Pence’s `no
amnesty’ claim is that the guestworker visa would be limited to a total of
six years. This would be an encouraging requirement, except that, in the
congressman’s words, `At that point, the guest should decide whether to
return home or enter the separate process of seeking citizenship.’ If legal
immigration quotas are to remain in force, then these formerly illegal, now
`temporary,’ workers will have to leave, en masse, six years from now, which
is precisely the mass deportation the congressman said (correctly) is
unworkable. On the other hand, if these workers will be able to receive
permanent residency outside the current limits, as they would be under the
Senate amnesty bill, then this plan is the very `path to citizenship’ that
Rep. Pence made a big show of condemning. It’s unclear which of these is
true, but it’s undeniable that the plan is either dishonest or amateurish.
Step four really takes the cake: a promise – really, truly,
cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die – to enforce the ban on hiring illegals in
the future. Pence himself says that since every illegal alien will be
legalized, employers wouldn’t need to hire illegals, but that enforcement
will be phased in nonetheless. This is exactly the bait-and-switch Congress
perpetrated in 1986 – legalization first, enforcement later (i.e., never).
It is for this reason that the House, animated by a `fool me twice, shame on
me’ skepticism, has insisted on `Enforcement First.’
There are plenty of other reasons to dismiss the Pence plan as unserious: by
not calling for an end to automatic citizenship at birth, it makes the
`temporary’ claim meaningless; his gimmick of having the private sector
screen the workers misses the point that they will still need to use (and
receive security clearances for access to) the very same databases that the
FBI and Department of Homeland Security use now; and to get `temporary’
workers, employers will merely have to attest that they tried to hire
Americans, rather than using objective measures to determine need, like
rising wages or low unemployment in the specific occupation in question.
In fact, I didn’t write about this plan when it was announced because I
didn’t think it possible that anyone could take it seriously. I was wrong.
Though the Pence amnesty plan hasn’t been widely covered, it has received
support, or at a least respectful hearing, from insiders who will affect the
final outcome of any bill. It’s no surprise, for instance, that amnesty
supporters like Dick Armey, John Fund, and Michael Barone have had nice
things to say about it (not to mention several newspaper editorial pages),
but even supporters of Enforcement First, like Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner and
Newt Gingrich, have been more receptive of the plan than a close reading of
it would warrant. It’s also ironic that Pence’s speech was delivered at the
Heritage Foundation, given that his plan appears to violate Heritage’s
`permanent principles’ on immigration; it will be interesting to see what
Heritage has to say about the plan.
In the end, the Pence Amnesty wouldn’t go down with the public any better
than the string of other amnesty plans that have been proposed over the past
couple of years. As Peggy Noonan wrote last week about the public’s
suspicions regarding immigration plans: `they think – they assume, at this
point, reflexively – that slithery, slippery professional politicians are
using and inventing complications to obfuscate and confuse. … Americans
don’t trust `comprehensive plans,’ because they don’t trust the
comprehensive planners.’
There’s only one way Congress and the president can earn back the public’s
trust on immigration: Enforce the law – comprehensively, confidently,
unapologetically. Then, after several years have passed and enforcement
mechanisms are in place and working, and the illegal population has shrunk
through attrition, Washington will have proven that, this time, it’s not
lying about immigration.
Until then, no deal.
Mark Krikorian is executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies
and an NRO contributor.
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National Review Online –
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ALL ARE EQUAL
Karine Asatryan
A1+
[04:31 pm] 27 June, 2006
The PACE deputies are preparing for a campaign. The youth campaign
“All are different, all are equal” will initiate in Strasbourg on
June 29. Terry Devis, CoE Secretary General invited the deputies
to participate in it. The youth campaign which will last till the
2007 autumn has the following slogan, “Diversity, human rights and
participation.”
By diversity the campaign initiators mean that Europe presents various
cultures and traditions. The protection of human rights is the CoE
priority and finally by participation they assume that each person may
have his share in the establishment of the future Europe where each
person will have a right to be different but at the same time equal.
By the way, the CoE has initiated campaigns with the title “All are
equal, all are different” a few times.
The 1995 campaign was devoted to racism, xenophobia and intolerance
combat. But this time the campaign will involve more spheres. “We
just want to say that we are all different and equal regardless of
our skin colour, culture, belief, mental and physical abilities and
sexual orientation,” says the statement of the campaign committee.