TURKISH DEPUTY PREMIER SIGNS BSEC PROTOCOL IN RUSSIA
Anatolia news agency, Ankara
7 Jun 06
Sochi, 7 June: Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Mehmet Ali Sahin signed the additional protocol to the international
cooperation agreement of BSEC – Black Sea Economic Cooperation –
member states in Russia on Wednesday [7 June].
Sahin told reporters that the agreement envisages assistance and
solidarity between BSEC member states in case of natural disasters,
as well as disasters caused by human beings.
Within the scope of the agreement, liaison offices (in all BSEC
member countries) will be established for exchange of information
in emergency.
On 25 June 1992, the heads of state and government of eleven countries
(Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova,
Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine) signed (in Istanbul) the summit
declaration and the Bosphorus statement giving birth to the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation (BSEC). It is a model of multilateral political
and economic initiative aimed at fostering interaction and harmony
among member states, as well as to ensure peace, stability and
prosperity encouraging friendly and good-neighbourly relations in
the Black Sea region.

REGIONAL GROUP PLANNING PEACEKEEPING FORCES
AzerNews Weekly, Azerbaijan
June 8 2006
GUAM, an alliance of CIS states Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and
Moldova, is considering the establishment of its own peacekeeping
forces, Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev has said.
“The issue has long been discussed on the level of GUAM experts,”
he told the press last week. He said that in case such a unit is
established, peacekeepers may be stationed in the Upper (Nagorno)
Garabagh conflict zone. Abiyev said preparation of relevant documents
is underway and they will be further submitted to the presidents of
the group’s member states for signing.
A spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Andrey Lisenko, said
deputy chiefs-of-staff of GUAM member states are due to meet in Kiev
in mid-July to outline the structure and tasks of the peacekeeping
contingent.

GOV’T TO SUE FOREIGN COMPANIES
AzerNews Weekly, Azerbaijan
June 8 2006
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is preparing to take
legal action against the sale of Istisu mineral waters in Azerbaijan’s
Armenian-occupied Kalbajar District under the name of Jermuk, Minister
Huseyn Bagirov said Friday.
Bagirov said work involving experts has been carried out. The
ministry’s legal department has outlined a series of activities. The
minister declined to reveal the essence of the measures to be taken
to prevent the counter party from retaliating.
He only noted that third-country companies working in the occupied
territories, including those from the US, the UK, etc., would be
taken to court.

June 8, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <; CHAMLIAN SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR FINALISTS VISIT THE PRELATE On Wednesday, June 7, five finalists from Chamlian School visited His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by representatives of the school staff and parents. The students, Talar Alexanian, Claire Arakelian, Shaunt Kouyoumdjian, Koko Bornazyan, and Collette Hamamah, were joined by Assistant to the Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, Science teacher Mrs. Lida Kevorkian, parents Mrs. Linda Alexanian, and Mr. and Mrs. Vatche and Taline Kouyoumdjian. Mrs. Kevorkian spoke of the accomplishments of the five above-mentioned students, as well as of students Garen Arabian, John Azizian, and Dveen Babaian. All had in recent months participated in the Armenian Science Olympiad, the Los Angeles County Fair, and the California State Science Fair, securing awards at all three competitions. Mrs. Kevorkian also gave details about each student's field of interest. The students themselves also had an opportunity to convey further details to the Prelate, who commended them for their achievements. The Prelate also commended the school staff and parents for their support and involvement and wished the students success as they continue to bring pride to their parents, school, and community. Prior to their departure, the Prelate presented the guests with mementos.

June 8, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <; DURING A VISIT TO THE COLORADO PARISH COMMUNITY `WITH THIS HOLY MASS, LET US BE FILLED WITH THE MESSAGE OF THE FEAST, AND ENLIGHTENED BY THE MYSTERY OF PENTECOST' Declared the Prelate From June 2-4, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, joined by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Chair of the Prelacy Religious Council, visited the parish of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Colorado and Rocky Mountain Region, to meet with the newly elected parish council and the parish community. On the afternoon of Sunday, June 4, the Prelate, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Muron, conducted Holy Mass and delivered his sermon on the occasion of the Feast of Pentecost, highlighting three main points. He spoke of the appearances of Christ to the disciples in the forty days after His Glorious Resurrection and His ascension to Heaven. The Prelate also spoke of how ten days after the Ascension, the disciples were gathered at the Upper Room waiting for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which descended and rested on each one of them. That day became the birthday of the Christian Church, noted the Prelate, and added that it should also be the spiritual anniversary of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Colorado and the Armenian community. He continued, just as the disciples of our Lord spread the Gospel to the four corners of the world, especially Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew who spread the Gospel to the Armenian people, you too must follow their example and establish a church in the near future to bind the community to the Armenian Apostolic faith, and offer spiritual nourishment to the faithful. Archbishop Mardirossian requested from those present that to the best of their abilities, each and every one of them must assist in the church by donating their time, or by offering moral or financial support. Subsequently, hymns for Pentecost were sung and the Prelate offered a special prayer for the youth, who are the future of the church. Following Mass a reception was held at the church hall, where the Prelate presented Mrs. Anna Kavafian with a letter of blessing and commendation for her longtime service to the Armenian Church as an organist. On this occasion, the Prelate also presented those in attendance with mementos.

PRESS RELEASE
Hamazkaine Armenian Educational
& Cultural Society- ‘Sevan’ Chapter
682 Cabramatta Road Bonnyrigg,
NSW, AUSTRALIA 2177
Contact: Giragos Bakalian
Tel: 61 414 951 301
Fax: 61 2 9837 7379
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Australia to Send 42 Dancers to Armenia
Sydney, Australia – The Hamazkaine Armenian Sevan Dance Ensemble will
be sending 42 of its senior dancers from Australia on the 20th June
2006 in an unprecedented tri-nations tour to participate in the
official Armenian Cultural Festival performances in Armenia and
Artsakh between the 25th and 30th of June 2006 and on return will go
on to perform at dedicated concerts in Lebanon and Syria.
This is a momentous occasion for all Australian-Armenians primarily
because an Australian Armenian group has never before performed in
Armenia, Lebanon or Syria. Being the first Australian group to do so
will no doubt pave the way for more Australian-Armenian cultural
groups to follow suit – strengthening the growing bond between the
Armenian Diaspora and their Motherland. The 42 dancers eager and
enthused to perform in front of fellow compatriots in Armenia, Lebanon
and Syria will be accompanied by 7 officials, including organisers and
their dance instructor, and 24 supporters during their 3 week long
tour.
The Sevan Dance Ensemble, established in 2003 has come a long way in
the past three years, staging numerous performances including guest
appearances at several Australian cultural dance festivals, two
devoted annual concerts and performing at Ara Gevorgian’s – ‘Meg Azk,
Meg Joghovoort, Meg Hayrenik’ April 2006 concert organised by the
Hamazkaine ‘Sevan’ Chapter of Western Sydney- which happened to be the
largest Armenian concert ever held in the Asia Pacific.
The Australian-Armenian community is very proud of its youth, its
energetic organisations and the support of each and every Armenian in
Australia. The Hamazkaine Sevan Dance Ensemble’s tri-nations
performance tour is just proof of the promising future the blossoming
Armenian community in Australia.
Hamazkaine ‘Sevan’ Chapter
Sydney, Australia
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
08-06-2006
ARMENIA DIASPORA CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
The third Armenia Diaspora conference will convene on September 18-20 in
Yerevan.
This year will also mark the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. In
that context, ArmeniaDiaspora III will examine, analyze, assess our past and
consider how history and current geo-political realities raise new issues
before our nation, and how the possibilities and prospects for resolving
them together.
The agenda of ArmeniaDiaspora III will consist of various strands.
On September 18, at the first plenary, we will explore the current condition
and future prospects for Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation – a
traditional concern which requires new approaches, taking into consideration
ever-changing geopolitical development. During this session, speakers will
include the leadership of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the
Catholicos of All Armenians, the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, as
well as other spiritual leaders, and the heads of all Diaspora-wide
structures.
During the second half of the day and on the next day, we will focus on the
second agenda item – rural development in Armenia. To secure Armenia’s total
development, and from the perspective of certain strategic concerns, the
comprehensive development of Armenia’s rural communities must be assured.
Therefore, our objective is to rally the resources of the Armenian
government and Armenia’s business community, the Diaspora and international
organizations, to renovate rural infrastructure, facilitate economic
development and create the necessary contemporary conditions to live and
work in rural communities.
As a starting point, and for obvious strategic reasons, we have decided to
begin with Armenia’s border villages.
Participating in this agenda item will be the representatives of those
communities, organizations, groups as well as those individuals who have
already agreed to take part in this program. Of course, those conference
participants who are interested in this topic may also attend.
Beginning Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday, September 20, there will
be a forum entitled “New Answers to Old Questions for a New Nation-State in
the 21st Century.” Armenian identity in the context of globalization –
preservation, language, culture, education, dual citizenship, repatriation
as a phenomenon, the history of Armenian repatriation, its organization, new
repatriation possibilities, prospects, as well other issues will be on the
agenda.
Also on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the Ministry of
Trade and Economic Development will be holding a forum on economic
developments and prospects.
On Thursday, September 21, independence day celebrations will take place
throughout the capital. All conference participants are invited.
On Friday, a major exhibition on Armenia’s economic activity, agricultural
development, prospects and partners will take place in the same venue as the
conference, at the Demirchian Sports Complex, and all conference
participants will be encouraged to attend.
Additional information about the agenda, registration forms, as well as
modalities of participation will be available over the next several weeks at
or at
The conference is open to all who wish to be present and take part in
Armenia’s future.

Divers Bulletin no. 20 (216) / June 5, 2006
News
ARMENIAN CHURCH ASKS FOR THE RETROCESSION OF A MUSEUM
BUCHAREST – The Archbishopric of the Armenian Church in Romania asks
Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs, or MCC, Adrian Iorgulescu, in an
open letter, for the retrocession of Ana Melik House, the current
headquarters of Theodor Pallady Museum in Bucharest.
The document says the state abusively confiscated Ana Melik House, located
on 22 Spatarul Street in Bucharest, back in 1967.
Virgil Nitulescu, secretary of state in MCC, claims the Romanian state
legally took possession of Ana Melik House three decades ago. The house is
the headquarters of Pallady Museum and has been subject to litigation at the
Bucharest Court of Appeals in Bucharest since 2000. The litigation was
between the Armenian Church and Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs.
The Parish of the Armenian Church claims ownership upon the dwelling that
has been asserted since 1924. By Royal Decree, the Armenian-Gregorian Church
in Bucharest was assigned the dwelling through Ana Meliks testament. The
church owned the dwelling until 1969, when it donated Melik House and the
field to the Executive Committee of the Peoples Council of Bucharest
Municipal.
Ana Melik House is registered on the List of Historic Monuments in Romania.
It is the eldest authentic building in Bucharest, preserved with its initial
design in 1760.
Author: DIVERS
DIVERS – News bulletin about ethnic minorities living in Romania is edited
every week by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, with the financial
support of King Baudouin Foundation, Belgium and Ethnocultural Diversity
Resource Center. Partial or full reproduction of the information contained
in DIVERS is allowed only if the source is mentioned. You can send messages
and suggestions regarding the content of DIVERS bulletin at Balkan
Investigative Reporting Network, at the e-mail address: [email protected]

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
June 07, 2006
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian
Tel. (613) 235-2622

World Premiere of “Aram’s Choice” in Ottawa
Ottawa – A novel about a group of young Armenian orphans, who were
rescued from the Armenian Genocide and brought to Canada in 1923 and
settled in Georgetown, Ont., was launched at the embassy of the Republic
of Armenia on June 7. Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, the author of “Aram’s
Choice” attended the book’s premiere.
The main character of the novel is based on Kevork Kevorkian, one of the
original “Georgetown Boys”-a group of 50 orphans who were settled in a
southern Ontario farm in the early ’20s. The novel is richly illustrated
in colour by Muriel Wood.
Victoria Cop, master of ceremony and president of the Armenian Students
Association of Ottawa, introduced Armand Hagopian, the charge d’
affaires of the embassy. The Armenian diplomat said Skrypuch’s writings
are an important tool to educate school children-the future leaders of
Canada-about the Armenian Genocide.
Aris Babikian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of
Canada (ANCC), introduce the author of “Aram’s Choice.” Babikian
recalled that he had first met Skrypuch 16 years ago, and had
collaborated with Marsha on many projects. He also acknowledged the
author’s assistance to Aram Ayvezian when the latter was writing his
memoirs as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and his pioneering work
on Hai Tad.
Skrypuch talked about the circumstances which introduced her to the
Armenian Genocide and compelled her to write about the ethnic cleansing
of Armenians from Ottoman Turkey from 1915 to 1923. She recalled that
at the beginning the Georgetown Boys and other survivors had been
cautious about talking to her. But once she had gained their trust she
was welcomed and treated as one of the family. She also talked about her
arduous early efforts to gather data on the Georgetown Boys and the
Armenian Genocide and about the difficulties she faced in her efforts to
publish her book before the breakthrough in 1999 of “The Hunger”-her
first book on the Armenian Genocide. Since then she has published two
more books “Nobody’s Child” (2003), and “Aram’s Choice” (2006).
The author was overcome with emotion when she read short passages from
her three books. The passages encapsulated the suffering, the heroism
and survival instincts of her characters.
During Q & A, Skrypuch said she limited her research to the testimonies
of the survivors, missionaries, diplomats and other eye witnesses
accounts and reports. She also stressed that although her books are
fictions, they are based on real people and events.
At the end of reading, she presented Babikian a specially-printed poster
of “Aram’s Choice”s cover jacket as a token of appreciation for the
latter’s long-time support and friendship.
In appreciation of Skrypuch’s efforts, Armand Hagopian, charge d’
affaires of the embassy, presented the writer with a DVD of
Canadian-Armenian opera singer Isabel Bayrakdaryan’s “Long Journey Home”
and Dr. Garabed Khacherian survivor diary.
In addition to her published works, Skrypuch has two more books due for
publication in 2007. “Call me Aram” will be a sequel to “Aram’s Choice”
while “Daughter of War” a sequel to “Nobody’s Child.”
In sales, “Nobody’s Child” has been her most successful book. It was
nominated for the 2005 Red Maple Award, the 2005 Alberta Rocky Mountain
Book Award, the 2006 BC Stellar Award, and was listed by Resource Links
as one of the best books of 2004.
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of
issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
JUNE 8, 2006
PHOTOGRAPHS OF CONSECRATION ON THE WEB
As we reported in a special edition of Crossroads earlier this week, the
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Eastern Prelacy and
Ecumenical Officer for North America, received the Episcopal consecration
last Sunday, June 4, in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator,
Antelias, Lebanon, by His Holiness Aram I. Two other clergymen were elevated
to the rank of Bishop: V. Rev. Fr. Neshan Topouzian, Prelate of the Diocese
of Tabriz, and V. Rev. Fr. Papken Charian, Prelate of the Diocese of
Isfahan.
To see photographs click
PRESEN TATIONS AT THE NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
The two major presentations during the National Representative Assembly
concerning parish development given by Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of
St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, and Stephen Hagopian, secretary of the
Prelacy Executive Council, are on the Prelacy web page. To view the NRA page
click
PLG MOTHERS’ DAY LUNCHEON
Photographs of the annual Mothers’ Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy
Ladies Guild are now on the Prelacy web page. To view the photos click
MILES TONE YEAR FOR DATEV INSTITUTE
This year the St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute is marking its 20th
anniversary. Special anniversary celebrations are being planned for the
weekend of July 8 and 9, which is also the culminating weekend of the
Institute’s one-week intensive study and recreational program.]
On Saturday, from 9 am to 12:30 pm, a seminar on “Youth, Faith and Life”
will convene at the St. Mary of Providence Conference Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania. Leaders of the seminar are Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor
of St. Stephen Armenian Church in Watertown, Massachusetts and V. Rev. Fr.
Paul Nadim Tarazi, PhD, Professor of Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages
at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York.
Saturday evening a celebratory banquet will take place at the Holiday
Inn at Morgantown, Pennsylvania. The weekend will conclude on Sunday, June
9, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Oshagan at St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia. A farewell picnic will take place in the
afternoon on the church grounds.
For complete information click
HOL Y CROSS CHURCH TO PRESENT SPRING CONCERT
The Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York, will present a Spring Concert
this Sunday, June 11. The concert will take place in John Sarkis Hall
following the Divine Liturgy celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Bedros
Shetilian.
The concert, hosted by Alvard Besanian, will feature performances by:
Arpi Shetilian, violin; Yeretzgeen Marineh Shetilian, piano; Chakee
Kazandjian, vocalist; Valerie Altounian, clarinet; Liza Bardakjian, poetry
readings. For information: 518-274-1477.
COMMEMORATION OF PROPHET ELIJAH
This Sunday, June 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet
Elijah, one of the greatest and most remarkable prophets of the Old
Testament. His commemorative day is on a Sunday because he is considered to
be the greatest of the prophets who appeared at the Transfiguration as the
prophet of “life” and the new covenant, and he did not experience death but
was rather taken to heaven. He is remembered in the hymn Ee Verin during the
Requiem Service: “Receive us in Jerusalem above, in the dwellings of the
angels, in Eden paradise where Enoch and Elijah live worthily resplendent in
purity and in old age. O Merciful Lord, have mercy upon the souls of ours
who have fallen asleep.”
COMMEMORATION OF SAINTS HRIPSIME AND GAYANE
On Monday and Tuesday, June 12 and 13, the Armenian Church commemorates
the lives of Saints Hripsime and Gayane, respectively.
Thirty-three nuns, led by Gayane, fled to Armenia from the Roman Empire
to escape persecution. One of the nuns, Hripsime, was a great beauty and the
Armenian King Drtad wanted to marry her. When she refused to marry and
refused to renounce Christ, she and all of her companion nuns were tortured
and killed. Upon his release from his imprisonment in the pit, St. Gregory
had chapels built over the relics of the nuns. The chapels were rebuilt
during the pontificate of Catholicos Sahag Bartev (4th century). In the 7th
century Catholicos Gomidas had two beautiful cathedrals built-Cathedral of
St. Hripsime and the Cathedral of St. Gayane. Contemporary art historians
believe that the design of the Cathedral of St. Hripsime greatly influenced
the future direction of Armenian architecture. Catholicos Gomidas also wrote
a beautiful sharagan in their memory, Antsink Nviryalk.
WEDNESDAY IS FLAG DAY
Wednesday, June 14, is Flag Day, marking the 229th anniversary of the
official adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the national flag. The flag,
as we know it today, has a blue field of 50 white stars representing the 50
states, and thirteen red and white stripes representing the original
thirteen colonies. The last state to be admitted into the Union was Hawaii
on July 4, 1960.
Calendar of Events
June 11-Spring Concert presented by Holy Cross Church, 101 Spring Ave.,
Troy, NY, in John Sarkis Hall following church services. For information:
518-274-1477.
June 18-Fathers’ Day celebration at St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, following Divine Liturgy. Organized by the Cathedral’s
Ladies Guild. For information: 212-689-5880.
June 18-St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, Annual Father’
Day Picnic and Reunion, following church service. For information:
413-543-4763.
July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.
June 24-Siamanto Academy graduation, Armenian Center, Woodside, NY.
July 2-9-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute. For details click
August 8-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, Annual Golf Tournament, 11:30 am registration. Blackstone
Valley Country Club, Sutton, MA. For details contact David, 508-234-3261.
August 13-Annual picnic, Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York.
August 20-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, Annual Church Picnic, 12 noon on the church grounds. For
details: 508-234-3677.
September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.
October 22-Holy Cross Church, Troy, NY, anniversary celebration.
Visit our website at