AZERI TV SAYS ARMENIANS FORTIFY FRONT LINE POSITIONS
Lider TV, Baku
17 Aug 06
Armenians who set fire to the occupied Azerbaijani lands some time
ago are now fortifying their positions along the front line. The
Armenian armed forces have started fortifying defence facilities in
the occupied village of Bas Qarvand in [Azerbaijan’s] Agdam District.
Our regional correspondent reports that the enemy is deepening
trenches along the contact line [of the Armenian and Azerbaijani
troops]. Residents of front line villages say that they saw heavy
machinery, lorries and engineering equipment involved in the work.
[Video showed Azerbaijani soldiers in trenches and Armenian positions]

RUSSIA PARTLY WITHDRAWS MILITARY HARDWARE FROM GEORGIA
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow
17 Aug 06
Tbilisi, 17 August: The Russian Defence Ministry has completed
the withdrawal of military hardware from the base in Akhalkalaki,
southern Georgia, to Armenia. The last 12th convoy carrying 13 tracked
and wheeled vehicles left Akhalkalaki today, the headquarters of the
military base told ITAR-TASS. This hardware will add to the vehicles
of the [Russian] Defence Ministry’s facility deployed in the Armenian
town of Gyumri.
The first convoy of military hardware left Akhalkalaki following this
route on 18 May. “In line with the existing agreements, representatives
of Georgian law-enforcement agencies accompanied the Russian convoy
to the Armenian border which is some 50 km from the base,” the
headquarters added.
The pull-out of military hardware from the Akhalkalaki base (the
bulk of it is transported to Russia by trains) is to be completed
this year. The base will be closed in 2007. A total of 14 trainloads
with Russian military hardware and other property were sent to Russia
from 15 May to 15 August. Another five trainloads will be dispatched
to Russia this year, the last one is to be sent on 19 September.
Next year the pull-out of the weapons and military hardware from the
Russian base in Batumi will continue.

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:
Watch the recorded video here:
Thousan ds of faithful attended the blessing
of grapes by His Holiness Aram I
“FAITH, UNITY, AND COMPASSION SHOULD BECOME THE
DRIVING FORCE OF OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE”
Said His Holiness ARAM I
In his pontifical message on the occasion of the feast of Assumption, His
Holiness Aram I emphasized the vital importance of faith, unity, and
compassion. Thousands of people took part in this traditional ceremony which
is also the pilgrimage day of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
Bikfaya Monastery. The celebration of the Eucharist, held on Saturday
evening by bishop Dirair Panossian, was preceded by special worships and
Bible studies in the Chapel of the monastery throughout the week. Youth and
women from different parts of Beirut attended church services and the Bible
Studies which were conducted by Vartabeds and deacons of the Seminary.
In his message His Holiness Aram I reminded the people, that faith should
become the basis of the life of any person who claims to be Christian. He
said: “Faith is at the heart of the Gospel. Being Christian means living a
faith-driven life. Being Christian means translating faith into a quality of
life marked by love, compassion, engagement and service. Faith also implies
faithfulness to all values and principles that constitute the essence and
the purpose of Christianity”.
His Holiness strongly stressed the imperative of unity which “is not a
conceptual notion, but a firm commitment to a way of life based on common
values”. Referring to the current situation in Lebanon, Aram I reminded that
“unity is the source of strength. It calls for participation and commitment.
It must be articulated concretely in all areas of our community life”. His
Holiness identified three areas of unity: the inner unity of the Lebanese
Armenian community, the unity of Lebanese people in which the Armenian
community must play an important role, and pan-Armenian unity.
Speaking about the importance of compassion, His Holiness considered it an
essential Christian virtue: “As Christians each of us must become a ‘Good
Samaritan’ helping the poor families, the needy students, the refugees, the
homeless, marginalized and oppressed. For me, the Pontiff said, the real
Christian is the one who articulates his or her Christianness by identifying
himself or herself with the suffering people. The church must become a
church for the poor and the oppressed. The church should go beyond its
institutional boundaries to serve the people”.
His Holiness appealed to the Armenian Community in Lebanon to help those
refugees who have been forced to leave their homes and villages in South
Lebanon. “We must not forget, that the Lebanese people, Christians and
Moslems, accepted us in this country after the Armenian Genocide, and they
shared their bread with us. This is the time that we reciprocate by tangibly
expressing the same compassion towards our Lebanese sisters and brothers”.
At the end of the ceremony according to the tradition of the Armenian Church
His Holiness blessed grapes and ‘Madagh’.
##
View the photos here: tm
*****
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.

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:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
AGBU NAMED AS BENEFICIARY OF $10 MILLION TRUST ESTABLISHED BY
PIONEERING SCIENTIST AND EDUCATOR DR. JACK MUNUSHIAN
George R. Phillips, 2005 Man of the Year of the AGBU Southern
California District, officially announced AGBU’s designation as an
income beneficiary, along with the American University of Armenia, of
the Jack Munushian Charitable Trust estimated at $10 million. Faithful
to Munushian’s wishes, Co-Trustees Phillips and Zouhrab Bassmajian
will select AGBU projects that support educational and other charitable
endeavors in Armenia and the Diaspora.
“Generous yet firm in mind and spirit, Jack was the kind of person who
remembered anybody that did anything nice for him and rewarded them
in kind,” said longtime associate Phillips. “His superior intellect,
foresight, and humor, and above all, his humility, earned my respect
and admiration from the very beginning.”
A hallmark to a legacy of intelligence, integrity and humanitarianism,
the personal and professional achievements of the late Dr. Jack
Munushian have long endured to outlive their maker. Innovative and
visionary in the fields of engineering, education and computer science,
his contributions to society engrained a lasting impression on his
peers and for generations to come.
Born in Rochester, NY in 1923, Munushian, a World War II veteran,
received a B.S. in physics from the University of Rochester in 1948. He
later went on to earn a Ph.D. in physics in 1954 from the University
of California at Berkeley, representing one of the first servicemen
to receive a doctoral degree on the GI Bill.
Employed throughout the 1950’s by Aerospace Corporation and Hughes
Aircraft Company as a scientist and manager, Munushian joined the
working world of academia in 1957 as a part-time lecturer at the
University of Southern California’s (USC) School of Engineering. Ten
years later in the fall of 1967, USC hired Munushian as a full
professor to develop its engineering program and, in due course,
he became the Director of the Graduate Center of Engineering Sciences.
Although formally trained in electrical engineering, the capable and
talented Munushian is credited for founding the Department of Computer
Science, now one of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s largest
and strongest departments. In 1972, his first year serving as the
Department’s founding Chairman, Munushian created the Instructional
Television Network (ITV) to facilitate the higher education of
engineers and scientists in Southern California via closed-circuit
television from the workplace.
“To an extent few people realize, we at the Viterbi School live in a
house that Jack built,” said USC Viterbi Dean Yannis Yortsos, referring
to the building that Dr. Munushian acquired for the department. “Our
eminence in computer science and distance education grows directly
out of his hard work and foresight.”
A precursor to today’s multi-billion dollar distance learning industry,
the tuition revenue generated by Munushian’s ITV enabled USC to hire
much of the faculty that shaped the engineering school into a premier
research institution. In 1988 when the IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers) awarded its highly coveted Major Educational
Innovation Award to Munushian for his creation, the USC Viterbi
School had recorded more than 50,000 ITV enrollments. Munushian’s
ITV successor, USC’s Distance Education Network, remains an important
part of the Viterbi School of Engineering today.
In 1994, the deserving Munushian was conferred as Emeritus Professor
of electrical engineering, and recently in his honor, the USC Viterbi
School of Engineering established a newly endowed chair named the
Jack Munushian Early Career Chair.
Near retirement, Munushian’s health regrettably declined resulting
in the unfortunate loss of his sight. With resilience and unyielding
courage, he persevered to conduct his new life as loyally to his old
by setting up a special audio system that allowed him to “read” books
and newspapers, and swimming regularly using the ropes as his guide.
“I will remember Jack in his recent years as a survivor who vanquished
all physical handicaps and for his strong belief in the power of
positive thinking,” said Dr. Mihran Agbabian, lifetime friend,
former AGBU Central Board Member and former President of the
American University of Armenia. “I also will remember him for the
many scientific and technical challenges that he faced throughout
his career and for all the valuable contributions he made to higher
education. But most of all, I will remember him as a person who always
did the best he could to brighten the lives of others.”
Munushian’s devotion to charitable causes was unwavering as witnessed
by his lifetime support of the USC Swim for Mike Benefit, the Armenian
Assembly, the Armenian Church, AGBU, the Grtasirats Armenian School in
Aleppo, Syria, and named in memory of his friend Dr. Zohrab Kaprielian,
he renovated the Grtasirats Cultural Association Auditorium and was
responsible for the dedication of USC engineering building Kaprielian
Hall.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all donors of AGBU and, on
this occasion, pay homage to the memory of Jack Munushian who entrusted
the organization with such an important bequest. This bequest also
holds a special meaning as it happened during the Centennial year of
the organization,” said AGBU President Berge Setrakian. “This is a
tribute to all the programs that AGBU has run for over a century for
the betterment of the lives of Armenians worldwide and the promotion
and preservation of the Armenian identity and cultural heritage. We
are only able to achieve our goals with such success through the
generosity of our donors and benefactors, such as the late Munushian.”

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:
August 15, 2006
___________________
DIOCESAN LEADERS BEGIN PLANNING FOR PASSING OF TOURCH TO CHURCH AND HOME
This year the Diocesan theme is focused on youth carrying the flame: “Church
and Home.”
The year’s theme stems from the Diocesan Council’s “statement of intent”
created five years ago, which states: “The Armenian Church is significant in
the life of every Armenian and his or her family.”
“That statement has guided our actions, with each of our assemblies, with a
particular emphasis on one specific ‘focus area,'” said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate, as he outlined the work done in the past five years in
the focus areas of leadership, worship, communication, stewardship, and
youth. “By focusing on these areas, we have made a positive impact on our
Diocese. And my impression is that many of you have been able to make a
tangible difference in your home-parish life.”
Last year, the Diocese focused on youth, working to encourage and promote
the next generation to take a leadership role in the life of the church.
This year’s theme was unveiled during the Diocesan Assembly, which took
place in Fair Lawn, NJ, last May.
“That effort — indeed, all our efforts over the past five years — proved
to be a great success,” the Primate said to the delegates. “This year, I
want to bring all of these successes to each and every one of you —
throughout the church, throughout the community, and to every family and
home. That is the meaning of our theme for this year.”
“Who we are is a gift from God. And God wants us to share them with others
— especially with our own,” the Primate added. “During this ‘Year of Church
and Home,’ we want to bring all of our riches into our parishes and
households.”
Delegates to the Assembly met in small groups to discuss ways to make the
theme of the year an actual reality. The clergy also met prior to the
Assembly, during the Clergy Conference, to discuss pastoral interpretations
of the year’s theme.
The discussion continued earlier this summer, when the Primate invited
clergy to the Diocesan Center in New York to talk with the staff of the
Department of Youth and Education and make recommendations on programs and
efforts which would build a united spirit in both church and home while
passing the flame of our Armenian Christian heritage to the next generation.
Since that meeting, the Diocesan staff has been working on the
recommendations from all involved to create a guidebook of ideas and
resources for parishes to use in creating programs.
On July 24, 2006, the Diocesan Council invited young people to join the
Primate, Council, and staff for a meeting to discuss the ideas. The Council
wanted to present to the youth what has been worked on so far, and get input
from the young people, hearing from them how to get other young people
involved in pushing forward with implementing these ideas on a parish level.
“There were good ideas and a consensus to focus on specific, achievable
goals,” said Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for the
Diocese. “We want to bite off just enough to make a difference, but not so
much that we don’t accomplish our goals.”
One of the focuses of the group was on increasing the number of “Home
Blessing” services conducted throughout the Diocese. The hope was expressed
that young people in the parishes might become involved in organizing and
arranging the visits, and working with their priests to conduct as many
“Home Blessing” services as possible.
The group also focused on the importance of providing trips to Armenia for
young people, and finding ways to make those affordable and accessible.
Also, they identified the importance of having church members mentor the
next generation. The group’s other ideas will be further refined by
Diocesan staff with input from the young people. The Diocese will compile
the ideas and then work to train youth leaders in each parish.
“This meeting was inspiring and provided us with confidence that the
upcoming generation of leaders is so dedicated to the Armenian Church and
culture,” said Oscar Tatosian, vice chair of the Diocesan Council. “They’re
so well prepared with the education and tools they have. They are prepared
because the generations before them laid the foundation.”
Just the step of welcoming ideas from the next generation of Armenian
leaders was a sign of increased bonds between the young faithful and their
church.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see that the members of the DYE and Diocesan
Council take the opinions of the youth so seriously,” said one of the
participating ACYOA Central Council members, Talin Hitik. “I feel as though
my link to the Armenian Church as a member of the youth is highly valued,
which only encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing. The development of
the ‘Church and Home’ theme is important, because it recognizes that our
church is a living, breathing entity, which constantly needs to be reshaped
in order to meet the needs of its members.”
— 8/15/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): The Primate and members of the Diocesan Council meet
with Diocesan staff and youth from the ACYOA to plan activities and efforts
for the Diocese’s “Year of Church and Home: One in Spirit.”
# # #
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/15/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. ARF Supreme Council Sets Up Lebanese Relief Fund 2. Kocharian, Putin Discuss Bi-Lateral Relations 3. Turkey Wants Clarity from UN Before Committing Troops to Lebanon Ceasefire 4. Government Reports Continued Growth In Tourism 1. ARF Supreme Council Sets Up Lebanese Relief Fund YEREVAN (Yerkir Daily)--In an announcement issued Tuesday, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Council outlined efforts to join the international effort to assist in the humanitarian relief efforts for Lebanon by setting up special bank accounts for donations to the relief efforts to the Lebanese-Armenian community. "All communities in the Diaspora have embarked on efforts to assist the Lebanese-Armenian communities," the announcement stressed. "In order to provide assistance to our brethren, the ARF Supreme Council of Armenia has set up special accounts in ArExImBank. For donations in Armenian drams the account number is 2380002225190700 and for donations in US dollars the number is 2380002225190301," the ARF announced. 2. Kocharian, Putin Discuss Bi-Lateral Relations SOCHI, Russia (Armenpress)--Armenian president Robert Kocharian met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Tuesday in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, where they discussed bilateral relations, including economic and cultural matters, as well as a number of regional issues. Putin highly praised the positive development of cooperation in trade between the two countries and expressed his conviction that Russian-Armenian economic relations will prove successful. Kocharian emphasized the importance of establishing effective cooperation mechanisms in the communication, transport and investment sectors. The two leaders also discussed the successful progression of events in relation to the "Year of Armenia in Russian" program. The delegation Kocharian arrived in Sochi Tuesday to participate in the non-official summit of the Eurasian Economic Association, which will conclude Thursday. Armenia is participating in the summit as an observer. At the airport, Kocharian was met by the governor of Krasnodar province Alexander Tkachov, Russian deputy foreign minister and executive secretary of Eurasian Economic Association Grigori Rapota and Armenian consul in Sochi Vardan Azoyan. Members of the Eurasian Economic Association are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine have observer status. 3. Turkey Wants Clarity from UN Before Committing Troops to Lebanon Ceasefire ANKARA (Combined Sources)--The Turkish government led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Monday signaled that it will await a UN resolution on a planned international force for Lebanon before making a formal decision on whether  to contribute troops, although the office of the Lebanese prime minister had earlier listed Turkey among the six countries that have already agreed to send troops to bolster the UN force there, the Turkish Daily News reported "A new resolution to be adopted at the UN Security Council in the coming days is expected to bring more clarity" to the terms of the planned deployment, the prime minister's press office said in a written statement following a senior level meeting at the office of the prime minister. At the meeting, Erdogan discussed the conflict with senior government and military officials. Present were Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, outgoing Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok and his successor, Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, who takes office next week. However, Gul will travel to Lebanon and Israel Wednesday for a one-day visit to discuss the aftermath of the ceasefire between the two countries, Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. -In the interest of preventing further regional unrest--and mindful of Turkey's violent legacy in the Middle East--the Armenian National Committee of America this week expressed the Armenian American community's opposition to the prospect of Turkish armed forces being deployed between Lebanon and Israel as part of a future peacekeeping operation. In an August 9 letter to President George W. Bush, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian called upon the Administration to oppose any proposal to include Turkish troops in such a deployment, noting that, "Turkey's presence on Lebanese soil will only make the current situation even worse."  He added that, "as Armenian Americans--the sons and daughters of a people who endured genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government--we are especially mindful of raising the legacy of Turkey's brutal Ottoman rule over the Middle East and unnecessarily introducing a nation with history of destabilizing behavior into an already complex and highly sensitive region." Stressing that, "Turkey's record of persecution and genocide has left deep scars in the collective memory of the Lebanese people," Hachikian explained that, "it would be immensely insensitive on the part of the United States to promote Turkish participation in an international peacekeeping force that will need every ounce of credibility and goodwill that it can muster in order to succeed in such a highly delicate and challenging mission." Late on Sunday, a statement released by the office of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said Morocco, Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, Spain and Malaysia had agreed to send troops on the condition that "all the Lebanese parties accept their participation," Agence France-Presse reported from Beirut. The Lebanese government's statement followed a telephone conversation between Erdogan and Siniora earlier on Sunday. According a report by the semi-official Anatolia news agency, the conversation took place upon Siniora's request and he informed Erdogan about recent developments following the release of Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council, under which a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect Monday. The agency's report didn't elaborate whether the two prime ministers talked about Turkey's possible contribution to the planned international stabilization force in Lebanon, while it said that Erdogan and Siniora exchanged views concerning the upcoming process in Lebanon. The Turkish statement described the UN resolution as "an important step to stop the fighting before the crisis in Lebanon reaches more serious proportions and to find a permanent settlement to the problem," adding that "Turkey will consider its possible contributions to finding a permanent resolution to the problem [in Lebanon] in the light of developments. It is expected that a new decision to be approved by the UN Security Council will shed more light" on the peacekeeping force. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Gul reiterated that Ankara would look favorably on sending peacekeepers to southern Lebanon only after a full ceasefire was achieved, while Turkey's expected participation in the international peacekeeping force has also become a matter of debate on the international platform. Pro-Israeli commentators in Washington advocate a leading role for Turkish troops while others, including Britain's Robert Fisk, expressing concern. Fisk, a seasoned left-wing Middle East analyst and a correspondent for The Independent, says a Turkish move to send a contingent to the Lebanon force would be "unwise." He believes the international force plan will not work. Noting that the people of southern Lebanon have not been consulted "about the army which is supposed to live in their lands," Fisk said recently, "So when this latest foreign army arrives, count the days--or hours--to the first attack upon it." 4. Government Reports Continued Growth In Tourism YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Armenia's tourism industry continued its steady growth in the first half of this year, with the number of foreign visitors rising by 11.6 percent to over 122,500, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Mekhak Apresian, head of the tourism department at the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, told the Regnum news agency that the figure is expected to total at least 350,000 by the end of the year. The peak period of travel to Armenia usually starts in August and ends in October. According to official statistics, the country already had a record-high 318,000 tourists last year. Most of them are believed to be ethnic Armenians from Europe and the United States. Government officials and industry executives in Yerevan say the share of non-Armenian visitors has been steadily growing in recent years. The reported further growth of the tourism sector is supported by anecdotal evidence, with virtually all hotels in central Yerevan fully booked at the moment. Flying there is also not an easy task despite the increased frequency of flights to the Armenian capital carried out by several major European airlines. President Robert Kocharian reiterated last week that the sector's development is a top economic priority for the Armenian government. Kocharian said the country should be able to attract 500,000 tourists a year in the near future. He also promised more government investments in the still underdeveloped tourism infrastructure in regions outside Yerevan. Local travel agencies say the sector's more rapid expansion is also hampered by the relatively high cost of travel and accommodation in Armenia. Ara Petrosian, deputy minister of trade and economic development, estimated earlier this year that the average foreigner has to spend approximately $1,000 on a one-week stay in the country. 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. --Boundary_(ID_xRX4PDpEn908p6Xp0X2IyQ)--

PRESS RELEASE
The Genocide Education Project
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 264-4203
[email protected]
www.GenocideEd ucation.org
Contact: Sara Cohan ([email protected])
ILLINOIS TEACHER AWARDED 2006 AHARONIAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
6/08_15_2006.htm
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Genocide Education Project is pleased to
announce the first recipient of the Aharonian Award for excellence
in the teaching of the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Ronald Levitsky of
Northfield, Illinois. Mr.
Levitsky is an extremely accomplished educator who has received
countless awards for ground-breaking work in the classroom and serves
on various local and national educational committees.
The 2006 Aharonian Award is the first time that a national award
has been offered to secondary level educators who teach about the
Armenian Genocide.
“We know that teachers all over the country are teaching about the
Armenian Genocide in unique and interesting ways,” stated Raffi
Momjian, Executive Director of The Genocide Education Project. “Now
we have a chance to recognize and reward the important work educators
are doing on the subject.”
Mr. Levitsky’s curriculum project was based on an action alert
issued by the Armenian National Committee of America, suggesting
people submit a new design for a postage stamp to the Citizen Stamp
Advisory Committee.
The postage stamp activity became a springboard for studying the
Armenian Genocide as well as America’s response to it. Levitsky
noted, “Because adolescents have a sense of justice and sensitivity
to cruelty, students need to believe that, in the midst of genocide,
people can act affirmatively.” The lesson includes background readings
on the Armenian Genocide as well as information on America’s response
to the Genocide, which is culled from the research of Peter Balakian
and Merill Peterson. Students not only learn the details of the history
of the Armenian Genocide but they are also required to write journal
entries examining a variety of related topics from “why people bully”
to exploring ways to stop genocide. Finally, designing a stamp allows
students to express the ideas and issues they have learned about in an
artistic manner. Levitsky’s approach ensures his students will learn
both the history of the Armenian Genocide and the responsibility of
all people to respond to genocide in more effective way.
The Aharonian Award was inspired by Avedis Aharonian, a prolific
Armenian writer, public servant, and one of the founders of the
first independent Armenian Republic in 1918. Aharonian wrote, “If
evil of this magnitude can be ignored, if our own children forget,
then we deserve oblivion and earn the world’s scorn.” By sponsoring
an award in his name, The Genocide Education Project hopes to inspire
more U.S. educators to teach about the Armenian Genocide.
Additional information about the Aharonian Award and the full criteria
for submitting a lesson plan can be found on The Genocide Education
Project’s online resource library at Winners
of the Aharonian Award receive teaching resources on the Armenian
Genocide, a cash award, and the publication of their lesson plan on
A set of resources is also provided to the
award recipient’s affiliated institution’s library.
####
The Genocide Education Project is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
organization that assists educators in teaching about human rights
and genocide, particularly the Armenian Genocide, by developing and
distributing instructional materials, providing access to teaching
resources and organizing educational workshops.

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 WELCOMES THE LEGATE OF POPE IN ANTELIAS
In welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Etchegaray, the special legate of
Pope at the Catholicosate in Antelias, His Holiness Aram I expressed
his deep appreciation for the continuous support of the Vatican
to Lebanon: “Lebanon has been very close to the heart of the late
Pope Jean-Paul II, who has considered Lebanon a living message of
coexistence. Pope Benedictus XVI has the same feelings and affection
towards Lebanon. Your presence with us in these difficult times is an
eloquent testimony of the Vatican’s ongoing support to the Lebanese
cause”, said Aram I.
Cardinal Etchegaray reiterated the Vatican’s position in respect to
Lebanon. He said that “unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty
of Lebanon cannot be compromised”. The Cardinal assured His Holiness
that the people of Lebanon always remain in the prayers as well as
in the pontifical ministry of His Holiness Pope Benedictus XVI.
Catholicos Aram I briefly exposed to the Cardinal the actual situation
in Lebanon spelling out some significant aspects and emphasizing
particularly the decisive importance of internal unity. He affirmed
the pivotal importance of “Christian-Muslim coexistence as the basis
of Lebanon and the source of its strength. We are before new situation
full of challenge and uncertainties. The suffering, destruction and
the painful experience that we went through must compel us to reassess
and rebuilt our common life”, stated Aram I.
Present at the meeting were: Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon Mgr. Luigi
Gatti, Vicar General of the Maronite Church, Bishop Rolan Abou Jaoudeh,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian,
the Director of the Catholicosate Library, Bishop Dirayr Panossian,
the Director of the Printing House, V. Rev. Fr. Norayr Ashekian,
and the Director of the Communication and Information Department,
V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian.
##
View the photo here:
es93.htm
*****
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.

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:
&quot ;WE MUST USE THE WEAPON OF EDUCATION
AND DIALOGUE TO FIGHT TERROR”
His Holiness Aram I
Speaking to a visiting delegation on Wednesday 16 August, His Holiness
Aram I said: “When the long-awaited ceasefire is established in
Lebanon, the dialogue of life will take on a new urgency and expression
by providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating family reunions,
embarking on reconstruction process, and overcoming the trauma of
the last 32 days”.
He went on to say that he does not doubt the determination of the
Lebanese people to put their nation and their country back together
physically. He emphasized that “it is equally important for spiritual
leaders to work on strengthening the internal unity of Lebanon
by promoting moral and spiritual values as the solid basis of our
community life”.
Expressing once again his disappointment with the inability of the
international community to act in time to stop violence, Catholicos
Aram I said that “it is time for the international community to go
beyond its humanitarian assistance to listen to the cries for justice
in the Middle East and to use the weapon of education and dialogue
to fight terror. “In fact”, he added, “the most efficient ways to
overcome violence and combat terror in all of its expressions are
to promote mutual understanding and trust and deepen common values
through education”.
In his recent public interventions and lectures, Aram I has vigorously
called attention to the importance of education and dialogue as
weapons to combat violence and to the particular role of religion in
this respect.
##
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.

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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE MARKS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Establishes First-Ever Armenian Caucus
Beverly Hills, CA – An Armenian Assembly-led delegation traveled to
Sacramento on August 14 to welcome a bipartisan resolution in the
State Legislature, honoring the California-Armenia relationship and
designating September 21, 2006 as “Armenian Independence Day.”
Concurrently, State Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer
(D-Glendale) and Assembly Member and Republican Caucus Chair Greg
Aghazarian (R-Stockton) announced the establishment in California of a
first-ever state-level Armenian Caucus, known as the Assembly Armenian
Legislative Caucus. The Assembly-supported initiative, modeled after
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, will work to strengthen
the California-Armenia relationship. The State Senate is expected to
announce the formation of an Armenian Caucus later this week.
“It has been an honor working with the Armenian Assembly on issues
important to the community over the course of my tenure in the
Legislature,” said Frommer. “I also traveled to Armenia with a
delegation lead by the Armenian Assembly. I am especially pleased
that working together we were able to create the Assembly Armenian
Legislative Caucus to highlight the growing political influence of
this community in California.”
The resolution, which celebrates the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, was introduced in the State Senate by California State
Senators Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno), Jack Scott (D-Pasadena),
Joseph Simitian (D-Palo Alto), and Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo). A
similar resolution was also introduced in the State Assembly by
Frommer and Aghazarian.
“The establishment of the Republic of Armenia was a milestone in
Armenian history,” said Poochigian. “As California recognizes the
fifteenth anniversary of its establishment, we celebrate this occasion
with the three million Armenians who live in present day Armenia.”
Both resolutions recognize September 21, as “Armenian Independence
Day,” and encourage the people of California to celebrate Armenia’s
15th anniversary and the California-Armenia relationship.
The resolutions also note that California is home to the largest
population of Armenians in the U.S., and state, “those citizens have
enriched California through leadership in the fields of academia,
medicine, business, agriculture, government, and the arts, and are
proud patriotic practitioners of the American citizenship.”
“We join with the Armenian community of California in extending our
appreciation to the Senators and Assembly Members for establishing
the Caucus and introducing this important legislation which honors the
great strides Armenia has made over the past 15 years,” said Board of
Trustees Member and Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain. “As
a Californian, I am pleased that my state is the first to mark the
anniversary of Armenia’s independence.”
In addition to Mushegain, the Assembly delegation included Deputy
Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Harutyun Kojoyan, Assembly
Western Office Director Lena Kaimian, Executive Director of the
Armenian Council of America Peter Darakdjian, Vice Chair of the
Armenian Council of America Hagop Ajemian and Representative of the
Armenian Rights Council Daniel Aydenian.
Since its independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991,
Armenia has vigorously pursued free-market reforms within a democratic
framework. The United States was among the first countries to recognize
the fledgling democracy and over the years, the governments developed
a strong partnership based on shared values and mutual goals.
In 1995, the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues was formed
in the House of Representatives to provide a bi-partisan forum for
legislators to discuss how the United States can better assist the
people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Co-Chaired by Representatives
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Caucus has,
over the years, played a critical role on a wide range of issues,
including assistance programs for Armenia and Karabakh, the ongoing
Turkish and Azeri blockades, the Karabakh peace process and efforts
to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.
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#2006-075
Photographs available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:
5/2006-075-1.jpg
Caption L to R, front row: Representative of the Armenian Rights
Council Daniel Aydenian, Armenian Assembly Western Office Director
Lena Kaimian, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia
Harutyun Kojoyan and California State Senators Jackie Speier (D- San
Mateo) and Jack Scott (D-Pasadena). Back row: Executive Director of
the Armenian Council of America Peter Darakdjian, California State
Senators Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno), Armenian Assembly Board of
Trustees Member and Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain and
Vice Chair of the Armenian Council of America Hagop Ajemian.
075/2006-075-2.jpg
Caption L to R: Executive Director of the Armenian Council of
America Peter Darakdjian, Armenian Assembly Western Office Director
Lena Kaimian, Representative of the Armenian Rights Council Daniel
Aydenian, Assembly Member and Republican Caucus Chair Greg Aghazarian
(R-Stockton), Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees Member and Western
Office Chairman Richard Mushegain, Deputy Consul General of the
Republic of Armenia Harutyun Kojoyan, State Assembly Majority Leader
Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) and Vice Chair of the Armenian Council of
America Hagop Ajemian.