PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Writers Association Of California
c/o 410 E. Fairview Ave, #3
Glendale, CA 91207 USA
Tel: 818-500-1532
Email: [email protected]
LITERARY EVENING

Monthly literary meeting of the Armenian Writers Association of
California (AWAOC), sponsored by Glendale Public Library, took place
at 7-9 PM, on Thursday, October 5 2006, at the Auditorium, of the
library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205. The month of
October is culture month in the Armenian tradition; therefore, like
the past years, the meeting was open podium for writers and poets to
read their literary works. Grish Davtian, President of AWAOC,
initiated the meeting; he introduced the following newly published
books by the members of AWAOC: “AFRICAN SYMPHONY” short stories in
English, by novelist Poghos Raymond Gubelian. “SMILE MY DEAR”, poems
in English, by poet Termine Manukian. “ADAGIO”, poems in Armenian, by
Termine Manukian. “OJAKH” (Hearth), poems in Armenian, by Astghik
Topcnian. “SRTI AGHBYUR” (Spring of Heart), poems in Armenian, by
Gusan Aper.

Poet Nerses Ter-Mesropian presented the historic beginning of the
Culture Day in Armenian national calendar. The following writers read
their works: Samvel Shahbazian, poems; Vazgen Abovian, a discourse on
the sources of Armenian national epos; Ester Davtian, poems; Victoria
Sanasarian, short story; Kima Kirakosian, short story; Rubik
Keshishian, short story; Albert Grkiasharian, poems; Garush Haryants,
poems.

After the meeting, Mr. A. Vanetsyan of Radio Free Europe / Radio
Liberty interviewed Mr. Grish Davtian. The interview was broadcast on
Sunday, October 8, in their program.

AWAOC
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
The Heritage Party
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 27.00.03, 27.16.00 (temporary)
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46 (temporary)
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:
October 10, 2006
HERITAGE STATEMENT ON ARMENIAN ‘WATERGATE’
Yerevan–On October 9, Raffi Hovannisian and the Heritage Party sent a
complaint to the Republic’s prosecutor general Aghvan Hovsepyan, appealing
the recent decision of the Yerevan prosecutor’s office not to file criminal
charges in the case of the illegal forcible closure of and break-in to their
offices and computer system in March. The prosecutor general personally
pledged to Hovannisian to consider the case and respond by week’s end.
As a reminder, an official laboratory examination ordered by the Yerevan
police department had concluded months ago that on March 8 individuals yet
to be identified entered the premises in question, from which Hovannisian
and Heritage had unlawfully been evicted days earlier, and after
circumventing the computer’s password “at 1:06am a monitor and a USB-type
memory-bearing flashcard of an unknown brand were externally connected to
the computer, the operational system of which registered modifications to a
host of files.”
This alone is clearly sufficient to meet the threshold requirement for
initiating a criminal case, after which all witnesses and suspects,
regardless of their official capacity, must be questioned and a series of
other relevant investigations carried out.
Anything short of this means an orchestrated cover-up of a criminal act well
beyond the bounds of justice.
We demand truth and right.

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights
Turkey: A Minority Policy of Systematic Negation
Vienna, 10 October 2006– The International Helsinki Federation for Human
Rights (IHF) today published a 26-page briefing paper entitled Turkey: A
Minority Policy of Systematic Negation. The briefing paper discusses the
legal basis for Turkey’s restrictive minority polices, its interpretation by
authorities, and an abundant misuse of laws against minority members and
individuals who seek to promote minority rights and protection. It also
takes up case examples of how the rights of various ethnic, religious and
linguistic minority groups including the Kurds, the Armenians, the Greek,
the Alevis, the Laz, the Circassians, and the Roma are violated. In
addition, the paper addresses the situation of sexual minorities in Turkey.
`When discussing Turkey’s possible membership in the European Union, the
manner in which Turkey treats its minorities should constitute a central
criterion in judging the country’s observance of human rights. Today,
Turkey’s minority protection still falls seriously short of European
standards. A policy that is characterized by the failure to recognize the
mere existence of most minorities, continued legal prosecution of people who
speak about minorities or historical facts about them, and the reluctance to
solve basic problems faced by minorities, is unacceptable from a human
rights point of view,’ said Ulrich Fischer, president of the IHF.
Turkey continues to practice a policy of `Turkification,’ which it adopted
in the early 20th century. This policy amounts to a form of cultural
assimilation that fails to recognize individuals’ rights to ethnic,
national, and religious self-identification, and aims at forced assimilation
with a Turkish identity. It encompasses several strategies whose rationale
violates, in one way or another, internationally guaranteed standards for
minority rights. These strategies still include: denying formal recognition
of minority groups; hindering their access to the media; limiting their
political participation; violating their freedom of expression (especially
in their own language); impeding their freedom of religion; refraining from
facilitating their freedom of movement and to choose their place of
residence; and practicing or tolerating various other forms of direct and
indirect discrimination.
Turkey bases its minority policies on the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 and
claims to be bound only by this treaty c which itself is entirely obsolete
in light of current international standards for minority rights and
protection. Moreover, while the treaty provides for protection for all
non-Muslim minorities, all Turkish governments in the past more than 80
years have interpreted the treaty to guarantee protection only to three
minority groups: the Armenian Orthodox Christians, the Greek Orthodox
Christians, and the Jews. What is more, these groups are recognized only as
religious minorities r not as ethnic.
While Turkey has no laws in place specifically addressing minority issues,
an abundance of laws are misused against individuals who have sought to
promote minority rights, or even to address the existence of minorities.
These include inter alia the penal code, anti-terrorism legislation and laws
regulating the operation political parties and other associations.
For example, addressing the issue of discrimination against minorities, or
considering that Armenians in Turkey were victims of genocide, has been
prosecuted under the penal code for `inciting enmity or hatred among the
population’ or `denigration of Turkishness.’ Further, in 2005, Turkey’s
largest teachers’ union, Egitim Sen, was closed down for defending the right
to education in children’s mother tongues. In addition, the formal closure
of the pro-Kurdish DEHAP and HAK-PAR parties are pending with the
Constitutional Court for `creating minorities’ and using prohibited
languages in election activities.
Police continue to interfere in demonstrations and open-air meetings
organized by Kurdish activists many of whom have stood trial for
participating in them. Recent reforms that have lifted some language
restrictions in broadcasting and education of minority languages have been
clearly insufficient. By law, it is prohibited to use any other language but
Turkish in political activities.
Legislation regulating the operation of religious minorities treats Muslim
and non-Muslim religious communities in different ways and therefore amounts
to a serious challenge to freedom of religion and religious tolerance. In
practice, non-Muslim minorities enjoy restricted property rights, face
interference in the management of their `foundations, ‘ and a ban on
training their own clergy. But also Muslim minorities, such as the Alevis,
for example, experience difficulties in having their places of worship
recognized because authorities regard them as a cultural group, not
religious. In addition, reports persist that all religious minority leaders
remain under government surveillance.
While, under the Lausanne Treaty, non-Muslim religious minorities have the
right to give language education in their own language, in practice the
proper functioning of minority schools is hindered in several ways.
An old settlement act from 1934 explicitly discriminates against Roma
(`itinerant gypsies’) by forbidding their settlement in Turkey. In addition,
Roma are frequently treated as second-class citizens and therefore
discriminated against in employment, housing, and in access to medical care.
In the 1980s and 1990s, more than 378,000 Kurds were displaced and more than
3,000 villages completely destroyed under the pretext of combating the PKK
insurgency. Despite some legal steps and projects to ensure the return of
IDPs, the measures taken so far are clearly insufficient and partially
discriminatory.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey but sexual minorities are exposed to
various forms of discrimination and harassment. For example, groups
promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights have faced
difficulties in trying to register officially; they have been under the
threat of closure; gay marches have been banned and police have failed to
protect their participants against angry mobs; and a whole print run of a
gay magazine was recently confiscated.
The IHF briefing paper Turkey: A Minority Policy of Systematic Negation is
posted at
?sec_id=3&d_id=4318 (under
Recent Reports)
For more information:
Ulrich Fischer, IHF president, tel. +49-170-807 24 13
Henriette Schroeder, press officer, +43-1-408 88 22 or mobile +43-676-725 48
29

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;WHERE IS THE PLACE OF TURKEY IN EUROPE?”
ASKS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
IN A LETTER TO PRESIDENT CHIRAC
In a letter to French President Jacques Chirac, His Holiness Aram I warmly
greets the president’s comments on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
during his recent official visit to Armenia.
In the absence of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, a delegation from the
Catholicosate of Cilicia formed of Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian
(chairwoman of the Ecumenical Department of the Catholicosate) and Mr. Hagop
Shamelian (Chairman of the Properties’ Committee of the Catholicosate)
handed the letter in person to the charge d’affaires at the French embassy.
During the meeting the delegation discussed the issue of the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s membership to the European Union.
Written in French, the Pontiff’s letter says:
His Excellency Mr. Jacques Chirac
President of the Republic of France
Paris
Mr. President,
As Catholicos and spiritual leader of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia,
I welcome, with great joy, your recent comment in Yerevan about the Armenian
Genocide, where, once again, you restated the clear and firm position of the
French nation towards this historical tragedy. The Armenians of Cilicia
particularly were subjected to Genocide and its consequences, as a result of
which, the Catholicosate of Cilicia was forced to leave its historical seat
in Cilicia and establish itself in Antelias, Lebanon.
With its commitment to human rights, law and justice, France serves as a
model to all those countries which continue to deny the Armenian Genocide.
The efforts for the denial of the Armenian Genocide can generate new
genocides. The international community should therefore approach very
seriously to the Armenian Genocide, which remains unpunished.
I believe in the dialogue of cultures, religions and nations. I have
constantly touched on this issue in my addresses, public lectures and books.
Only the acknowledgement and announcement of the truth should lead to
dialogue and reconciliation.
Europe is not merely a geographic continent, neither it is a political
entity. Europe in its essence is a community of cultural and moral values,
based on human rights. Therefore, I ask: where is Turkey’s place in the
European Community?
Mr. President,
Your recognition of the Armenian Genocide is an approach that suits France,
the principles it defends and pursues as well as its unique role in
safeguarding human rights in the world. Mr. President, on this occasion,
please accept my warm thanks and deep appreciation.
With blessings,
His Holiness Aram I
Catholicos of Cilicia
5 October 2006
Antelias, Lebanon
##
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:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER
His Holiness Aram I received Dr. Kouros, the head of the Department for
European and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Cypriot Foreign Ministry, and Ms.
Erato Kozakou-Marcoulli, the new Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, in Bikfaya
on October 9.
The hour-long meeting focused on the political situation in the Middle East
as viewed from a European perspective and the Catholicos shed light on his
viewpoints regarding this topic.
The coexistence and cooperation of the various Lebanese communities also
featured high on the agenda. As always, His Holiness was very firm in
insisting on the need to strengthen inter-communal relations and
consequently, the internal unity in the country.
On the role of the Armenian community in Lebanon, His Holiness stated that
as one of the seven main communities of the country, the Armenians have and
continue to carry out their obligations towards Lebanon, at the same times
safeguarding all their rights.
In the context of regional politics, The Armenian spiritual leader informed
Ms. Kozakou of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s decades’ long efforts in
support of the just Palestinian cause.
Turning to the Armenian community and Prelacy of Cyprus, His Holiness spoke
in detail about their positive contribution to the progress and development
of the Island. He added that on several occasions he has raised awareness
about the just cause of the Cypriot nation from international platforms,
inviting world attention to the efforts to solve the conflict.
Ms. Kozakou highly praised the constructive role of the Armenian communities
in their countries of residence throughout the Diaspora, considering the
Cypriot Armenian community to be one of the countries important communities.
The Cypriot official also agreed on the Pontiff’s views on the Middle East
and international politics in general, reaffirming that Cyprus has always
supported the peace process and highlights the importance of cooperation
between various communities.
Another important topic on the agenda was Turkey’s European Union bid.
Pointing out that Europe is established on values and human rights, His
Holiness added that these characteristics should not be blemished by the
entry of Turkey into the union.
##
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.
From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 11, 2006
27 New Deacons Ordained in Holy Etchmiadzin
During the celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin, twenty seven senior classmen of the Gevorkian Theological
Seminary were ordained to the diaconate on Sunday, October 8, 2006.
The celebrant and ordaining bishop, His Grace Bishop Paren Avedikian,
granted the lowest of the holy orders to the young men who shall be
graduating from seminary this spring.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
presided during the liturgy and the luncheon organized in honor of the new
deacons in the refectory of the Mother See.
The following morning, His Holiness Karekin II received the newly ordained
deacons and gave them his pontifical blessing and exhortation.
Upon completion of the current academic year, the deacons must defend their
graduation theses, whereupon they shall be appointed to serve in the various
dioceses and organizations of the Armenian Church.

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
October 11, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]
CONGRESSMAN RENZI JOINS THE ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Cosponsors Bill Prohibiting Aid for Bypass Rail Link
Washington, DC – At the urging of the Armenian Assembly of America,
Congressman Rick Renzi (R-AZ) joined the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues and signed on as a cosponsor of H. R. 3361, a bill that
would prohibit funding for a rail link connecting Turkey, Georgia and
Azerbaijan while bypassing Armenia.
“The Armenian Assembly appreciates Congressman Renzi’s support of the
rail legislation and welcomes him to the Armenian Caucus,” said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We look forward to working with him
to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship.”
The South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, introduced by
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), along with Co-Chair
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Caucus Member George Radanovich (R-CA), is
supported by nearly 100 lawmakers to date. Last month, the House
approved the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006, which
included an amendment which was strongly supported by the Assembly and
sponsored by Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY), together with
Congressmen Edward Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA). The provision
ensures that no Export-Import funding is used for a costly and
unnecessary rail line that would exclude Armenia from economic and
regional transportation opportunities.
The amendment, adopted by the House Financial Services Committee, states
that “The [Export-Import] Bank shall not guarantee, insure, extend
credit, or participate in an extension of credit in connection with the
development or promotion of any rail connections or railway-related
connections that do not traverse or connect with Armenia, and do
traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan, Tbilisi, Georgia, and Kars,
Turkey.”
Renzi is the second member from the state of Arizona to join the
Armenian Caucus. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee,
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Resources
Committee.
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#2006-089
Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
/2006-089-1.jpg
Caption: Congressman Rick Renzi (R-AZ) flanked by Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny (left) and Kevin Borland of Roundtable
Strategies, LLC.

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 N. Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: 818-243-6222
Fax: 818-243-7222
PRESS RELEASE
Contact ~ Sarkis Kotanjian
[email protected]
Armenia Fund Completes Yerevan’s Nork-Marash Hospital Reconstruction
YEREVAN, ARMENIA – Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region is pleased to
announce that on September 19 its Brazilian affiliate – Fundo Armenia do
Brazil – unveiled the newly-reconstructed Nork-Marash Infectious
Diseases Hospital. Since November 2005, Armenia Fund has been
coordinating and implementing the vital reconstruction of this
specialized healthcare facility. The project was financed by the
Brazilian-Armenian community in Sao Paulo, through Armenia Fund.
Her Excellency Renate Stille, the newly appointed Ambassador of Brazil
to Armenia, Mrs. Naira Melkoumian, Executive Director of Armenia Fund
International, Mr. Ochin Leon Mosditchian, Chairman of Fundo Armenia do
Brazil as well as several community leaders and heads of organizations
from Sao Paulo and Yerevan were present at the opening ceremony.
The Soviet era hospital, which was built in 1956, has not seen any major
renovation. The hospital is unique in its kind since it is the only
medical facility specializing in infectious diseases in Armenia. Due to
years of neglect and lack of proper maintenance, the hospital seriously
fell below healthcare protocols, in terms of proper sanitation and
sterilization. This hazardous environment posed a serious challenge for
healthcare personnel as well as critically ill patients.
Thanks to the Brazilian affiliate of Armenia Fund, the reconstruction
project included the complete repair of the first and second floors,
including the isolation ward, patient rooms, and administrative offices.
After the complete reconstruction of each floor, the roof and windows
were also replaced. This weatherization phase will prevent heat loss
from the building, especially in areas where the room temperature is
critical to the patient’s health.
Armenia Fund and its 19 affiliates around the world continue to provide
vital infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. While much of the focus is on rebuilding the war torn republic
of Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia Fund continues to implement large scale
projects, such as schools, irrigation networks, healthcare facilites,
and sports complexes, among others in the Republic of Armenia.
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.
Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of `Hayastan’
All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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:
October 11, 2006
___________________
PRIMATE MARKS 75 YEARS OF PARISH LIFE, HONORS PARISHIONERS
It’s been central to generations of Detroit-area Armenians — a pillar of
faith and culture in the heartland of America. This year, St. John Church
of Southfield, MI, marked its 75th anniversary.
The anniversary is being celebrated in a variety of ways by the parish this
fall. From art shows to dances, the St. John parishioners, led by parish
pastor Fr. Garabed Kochakian, are joyously commemorating the occasion.
The highpoint of the celebratory schedule was a visit by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern). He traveled to the parish September 8 to 10, 2006.
While there, he met with parish and community leaders and celebrated the
Divine Liturgy, during which he ordained as deacons Steven Mangigian and
Shahin Uzunjian and ordained as sub-deacons were: Ghazar William Der
Ghazarian, Nicholas Mangigian, Jeffrey Movsesian, Jordan Norsigian, Aram
Sarkisian, and Stepan Terjimanian. Parish priest Fr. Garabed Kochakian and
Fr. Diran Papazian, pastor emeritus, assisted the Primate during the
service.
“How fitting that on this occasion, as we mark the past successes of this
parish, we also look to the future,” the Primate said. “These new deacons
and subdeacons represent that future: Armenians today stepping forward to
take part in the life of the parish built by an earlier generation. They
are the living legacy of the founders of this parish.”
The Primate said that having young Armenians step forward to serve the
church is an example of the importance past generations placed on the church
as the repository of Armenian culture and faith here in the new home of
America.
“The founders of this parish knew the importance of tying church and home
life together, and it strengthened their faith and their Armenian identity,”
he said. “This year, as the Diocese focuses on building a spiritual link
between church and home, it is heartening to see these new deacons and
sub-deacons, the product of homes where our unique Armenian faith was
embraced.”
CELEBRATING HISTORY
On Friday night the Primate attended a reception dinner kicking off the
weekend of festivities. Attending were parish leadership, along with board
members of the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School and the Tacvor and
Tacoohe Manoogian Manor for the Armenian Aged.
“I give thanks to God for affording us the opportunity to come together at
this, the 75th anniversary celebration of St. John’s Armenian Church,” the
Primate said. “What a wonderful and inspiring occasion this is.
Congratulations for all your efforts in preparing for this great occasion.
Appreciation to you Fr. Garabed, for your work and never-ending labor here
at St. John’s. I am inspired by your commitment to this church, this
community, and to our faith.”
The weekend’s Honorary Co-Chairmen of the Celebration Committee Helen
Mardigian and Richard Manoogian, president of Masco Corporation and
president of St. John’s Apostolic Society, were also in attendance at the
reception.
Richard Manoogian told the 80 guests how his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs.
Alex and Marie Manoogian, loved their Armenian heritage and loved St. John
Church. He reflected on his remembrances of the joyful looks on their faces
when the community completed construction on the present St. John Church
building in 1964.
“I am truly honored to be with you here at St. John’s, to share with you
this joyous and sacred occasion, to reflect on the accomplishments of this
parish over the past 75 years and consider the possibilities for this body
75 years from now,” the Primate added.
HONORING COMMUNITY LEADERS
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Primate joined 400 parishioners and the
mayor of Southfield, MI, at a brunch reception celebrating the parish’s
anniversary. During the banquet two honors were bestowed upon community
leaders.
The Primate presented Dennis Papazian, an historian specializing in Armenian
history at the University of Michigan at Dearborn, with a pontifical
encyclical and the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal on behalf of His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
“God has blessed with success your scholarly and educational endeavors,”
wrote the Catholicos in his encyclical. “For centuries you have mined new
sources of knowledge and generously disseminated information to young
people, educating hundreds of students.”
Dr. Papazian has served the church on both the parish and the Diocesan
levels and has also served in many other Armenian organizations. He
established the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan,
Dearborn.
“He has furthered the understanding of our people, given a voice to our
ancestors,” the Primate said. “He is very well known in our Diocese through
his many dedicated services and contributions.”
Also on behalf of the Catholicos, the Primate also presented Dn. Mihran
Hoplamazian with a pontifical encyclical and the St. Nersess Shnorhali
Medal. Dn. Hoplamazian, who has served the St. John Church for 77 years,
was one of the Godfathers of the present St. John Church building and served
on the board of the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School for 30 years.
“We are pleased that for decades you have with unceasing zeal exerted great
effort so that liturgical services in the St. John Church of Detroit would
be regularly held in a befitting manner,” wrote the Catholicos in his
encyclical.
Dn. Hoplamazian told the crowd that he became an altar boy at the age of
eight because his father said that he was needed. In his emotional remarks,
he spoke of his desire and efforts as a youngster to understand the Badarak
and to read and write Armenian.
“Dn. Mihran lives his life the way an Armenian Christian should,” the
Primate said. “Not only does he faithfully serve on the altar each Sunday,
but he has raised his children to be active members of the church community.
He is a wonderful role model for our younger generation of Armenia-Americans
and the young altar servers.”
With additional reporting by Elizabeth Aprahamian
— 10/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, joined by Fr. Garabed Kochakian, ordains new sub-deacons at the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian, Fr. Kochakian, and Fr. Diran
Papazian take part in an ordination of new deacons during the anniversary
celebrations at the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Dr. Dennis Papazian speaks after being presented with
the St. Mesrob Medal.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dn. Mihran Hoplamazian speaks after being presented with
the St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YALCIN DOGAN: SHOULD TURKEY TAKE FRANCE TO COURT?
Hurriyet, Turkey
Oct 10 2006
Among various scenarios being tossed around these days concerning the
French Parliament’s upcoming vote on the “Armenian genocide bill,”
there is one that has caught my interest. Here it is: Could Turkey
take a case against France to the European Court of Human Rights?
France, which has played a central role through history in the
protection of human rights, is now contradicting its own history. It
is preparing to accept a bill which is in direct conflict with freedom
of thought.
The French Parliament votes on the “Armenian genocide bill” in two
days. Leaving aside issues like “freedom of thought” for a moment,
this bill is so ridiculous as to even be anathema to the very basics
of justice. Still, despite this, and despite the fact that the law
proposed by the bill would run against the “equality” championed by
the French Constitution, it looks likely that French parliamentarians
will vote to approve this bill.
If the French Parliament does in fact vote to approve the bill, it
will pass on to the Senate, where it will wait for two years before
going into implementation.
Polish plumbers Ankara is testing different ways of putting pressure
on France.
Barring any major surprises however, it looks like all preventative
measures will come to naught. How can France accept a law like this one
though? What sort of reasons lie behind hostility towards Turkey there?
More than hostility in fact, there is a fear of Turkey. When Poland
entered the EU, France was reportedly mostly in fear of the Polish
plumbers, fearful of the menace these plumbers presented towards French
jobs. And now, with Turkish EU membership a possibility on the horizon,
different bogeymen are being pulled out-one of these, the Armenian
genocide allegations-to pull Turkey down in the public eye.
The weakest period
The debate of the “Armenian genocide” bill happens to coincide with
a very weak period in terms of politics and economy in France. Also,
in comes in advance of elections in May, 2007.
The French economy is not what it used to be. It is losing serious
ground. President Chirac has lost much of his power that he used to
hold in the presidency. And so, the French Republic, one of history’s
greatest states ever, has been stumbling for the past few years.
France has also not been able to deal with the problems presented
by its 7-8% Muslim population. Each day seems to bring forward yet
another problem connected with this section of citizenry.
Interestingly, the French press is extremely careful on this subject
now, and does not carry echoes of the problems on TV or in the papers.
And so, with an economy that is losing power, and the fear of Muslims
creeping in at every corner, the spectre of a future competitor like
Turkey within the EU is a natural enemy. What the Armenian genocide
bill really is then is a reflection of France’s own fears.
Economic threat At this stage in the game, voices rising in chorus
from Turkey are calling for economic sanctions against France if the
bill is voted into law:
“Let’s not let France bid in our contracts, let’s limit our trade!”
But these are not reasonable solutions. These are not practical actions
in a global world. Economic threats don’t really even work in this
age anymore. In the end, we ought to see that economic “punishments”
would only hurt us too.
Which means we have to find a solution through politics.
Which is where I return to the beginning of this column. Turkey
could bring France to the European Court of Human Rights if this
bill is voted into law. Can countries bring other countries to this
international court? Yes, and in fact, there are two examples from
the past, one involving Greece and the other involving Turkey. Both
were brought about by a group of European countries concerned about
violations of democracy.
When all is said and done, Turkey is picking up a trump card here in
terms of “behavior anathema to freedom of thought and expression.” It
doesn’t have to bring France to the European Court of Human Rights,
but it certainly has that option.
It may be time to use that option.