Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization
1901 N. Allen Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
626.296.2921 (Office)
626.296.2922 (Fax)
Email: [email protected]
September 20, 2006
For Immediate Release
Presentation of Ara Aharonian’s “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen” and
“Heroic Figures of A.D.L.”
HOLLYWOOD- On Sunday, September 10, 2006 the Western District
Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization (Ramgavar
Party) organized a successful program to celebrate the publication
of “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen” (The Path of the Devotees) and “Heroic
Figures of A.D.L.” at the Tekeyan Cultural Assocation Arshag Dikranian
School, in Hollywood, California. Under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church, the two new works by the author and chairman of
the Western District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal
Organization, Ara Aharonian, were adeptly presented along with songs
and recitations.
Hratch Sepetjian, an instructor at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School in Canoga Park and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff,
served as the master of ceremonies. Sepetjian warmly welcomed the
audience to the book presentation and presented some biographical
information on the featured author.
Sepetjian introduced Carl Bardakian to present Ara Aharonian’s
“Heroic Figures of A.D.L.” Bardakian stated that with this
publication, more information is now available to Armenian and
non-Armenian students and scholars about nine patriotic men who
have earned their rightful place in the history of the A.D.L. and
Armenian nation. He noted how Aharonian lucidly describes the lives of
Megerdich Avedisian, Mihran Damadian, Mkho Shahen, Armenag Yegarian,
Abah Bedrossian, Roupen Herian, Yesayi Yaghoubian, Sebouh and Captain
Jim Chankalian. Bardakian credited Aris Sevag, managing editor of
The Armenian Reporter International weekly newspaper in New York,
for his precise translation of “Heroic Figures of A.D.L.”
As part of his presentation, Bardakian focused on the life of Captain
Jim Chankalian, who, unbeknownst to many, was named a Captain in the
United States Army for his service during the Spanish-American War
in 1898 and later served the A.D.L., A.G.B.U. and Armenian Church
with great distinction and honor until his death on May 10, 1947.
Featured keynote speaker, Dr. Minas Kojayan, renowned instructor of
Armenian language and literature at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff, eloquently
presented Ara Aharonian’s “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen”. Kojayan spoke of
the need for more publications about the history and leadership of the
A.D.L. He indicated that Aharonian’s works are an important step in the
right direction to prepare additional literature. Kojayan noted that a
vast group of biographies were represented in this work ranging from
Arshag Chobanian, Vahan Tekeyan and Hratch Yervant to Kaspar Menag,
Hampartsoom Berberian and Kersam Aharonian. Kojayan stated that in
“Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen”, Aharonian continually demonstrates in
his writings the strong ties between the A.D.L. and the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the
Armenian nation.
Dr. Raffi Balian, vice-chairman of the Western District Committee
of A.D.L, articulately presented the official message of the Western
District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization.
He congratulated Ara Aharonian for his new works. Balian reminded
the audience of the formal merger and establishment of the Ramgavar
Azadagan Goosaktsootyoon [Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization]
in Constantinople in 1921. He also spoke of the A.D.L.’s solidarity
with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Balian’s insightful remarks
noted the ties between the Armenian people and Armenian nation from
the birth of the A.D.L. to the present.
Harutyun Kojoyan, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in
Los Angeles, briefly addressed the audience. In his remarks, he warmly
congratulated the author. He also spoke of the need for Aharonian’s
books to be distributed to students not just in the Diaspora, but in
Armenia as well.
Armine Shaklian and Arsho Azadian passionately recited works of poetry
intermittently throughout the evening. Shaklian’s recitation of Kevork
Emin’s “Menk” and “Sassountzineree Baruh” and Azadian’s recitation
of Vahan Tekeyan’s “Beedee Eenas” were equally impressive. Shaklian,
is the granddaughter of Aris Shaklian, who was a prominent A.D.L. and
A.G.B.U. educator and author in Syria, who eventually repatriated to
Armenia. Tavit Samuelian, accompanied by Aram Lepedjian on the piano,
sang a number of patriotic songs.
Ara Aharonian thanked the Western District Committee of the Armenian
Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing a memorable evening
and all of those present. The author also thanked his wife, Diana,
and his father, Paylag, for their support and encouragement, as well
as those in attendance.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, commended Ara
Aharonian for his two new publications. He noted Aharonian’s work in
the community and encouraged him to continue in his dedicated service
and literary work. He also congratulated the Western District Committee
of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing the
event. The program culminated with the traditional dousing of wine
on the two new books (kinetson), led by the Primate and with the
participation of the clergy in attendance and program participants. The
program concluded with the final benediction by the Primate.

COMMANDER OF U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND HIGHLY ESTIMATES READINESS FOR
ACTION OF ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS IN IRAQ AND KOSOVO
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. General William Ward, Deputy
Commander of U.S. European Command, positively estimated the readiness
for action of Armenian peacekeepers in Kosovo and Iraq, their ability
to oriente themselves in emergency situations, knowledge of language
and good organization at his meeting with RA Defence Minister Serge
Sargsian.
As NT was informed by Colonel Seyran Shahsuvarian, RA Defence Ministry
Spokesperson, the current process and development prospects of
Armenian-American military cooperation were discussed at the September
20 meeting. The sides expressed satisfaction with cooperation in the
sphere of military training, stressed the necessity to introduce a
professional sergeant institution.
The interlocutors also touched upon Armenia’s participation in
international stabilization initiatives, exchanged opinions about
regional and international development.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOTELS HINDERS DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN ARMENIA,
ATDA REPRESENTATIVE SAYS
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. Since September 18, two 30-second
commercials about Armenia are broadcast three times a day on CNN.
Mekhak Apresian, Head of the Tourism Department of the RA Ministry
of Trade and Economic Development, stated this during a discussion on
tourism problems at the 2nd Armenia-Diaspra economic forum. According
to him, the main purpose of demonstrating these commercials is to
create abroad an image of Armenia as a country attractive for tourists.
During the discussion, Syuzanna Azoyan, marketing director of the
Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA), spoke about obstacles to
tourism in Armenia and the marzes. It was noted that human resources,
a high level of services, comfortable transport and reliable
infrastructures are needed for developing tourism in Armenia. “The
most important problem in Yerevan is lack of affordable hotels and
motels,” S. Azoyan noted. In his words, there are no affordable hotels
in Yerevan, while the need for hotels is especially urgent in marzes.
S. Azoyan noted that the ATDA is currently taking measures to extend
the limited tourist season in Armenia and to develop adventure
tourism. “There are great opportunities in Armenia for developing
winter tourism. And our mountains are very convenient for adventure
tourism,” the ATDA representative said.
To recap, in 2005, revenues of the tourism sector made 6% of GDP, and
since 2001, the average annual growth of tourism has made about 25%.

FORUM OF KARABAKH AND IRANIAN BUSINESSMEN IN STEPANAKERT
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. On the initiative of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic Ministry of Territorial Management and
Development of Industrial Infrastructures, the Artsakh Development
Agency and Public organization of businessmen and merchants of Iran
in Armenia, a group of businessmen and manufacturers from Iran paid
a two-day visit to Stepanakert.
A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed in the course
of the forum conducted in the building of the NKR Government. In
particular, variants of import of raw materials and corresponding
equipment were discussed. It was decided also to organize an exposition
of Iranian goods in the NKR in future.
The Iranian businessmen visited a number of industrial enterprises of
the republic, got acquainted with the production of local businessmen,
showed interest in the tax field and breaks established for foreign
investors.
On behalf of the NKR Government Anoushavan Daniyelian expressed
readiness to render necessary assistance to the Iranian businessmen
in implementation of their programs in Nagorno Karabakh.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: INVESTMENTS IN IT SECTOR INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. Attaching special importance
to the role of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
sector in Armenia’s economic development, the Armenian government has
given it a top priority since 2000, with consistent and comprehensive
work being done to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and
development. The Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated
this at the opening of the Innovative Information and Communication
Technologies international conference in Yerevan on September 20.
According to him, thanks to the joint efforts of the Armenian
government and the private sector, the amount of investments
in the IT sector has substaintially grown recently, with the IT
industry’s production accounting for 1.7% of GDP. “New educational and
training programs were introduced in schools and higher educational
institutions, as well as teaching centers of regional importance
were established. All this shows that Armenia has enough potential
to become a regional center of the IT sector,” A. Margarian said.
The prime minister noted with satisfaction that Armenia’s IT sector
is presented more and more efficiently in the international arena.
The holding of annual international ICT exhibitions “Digitec” in
Yerevan has become a tradition.
A. Margarian underlined the importance of Armenia-Diaspora efficient
cooperation in the IT sector. In his words, the Diaspora has had
an active and direct role in the establishment of IT companies in
Armenia. He expressed a hope that this cooperation will continue.
To recap, the conference was organized by the Enterprise Incubator
Foundation (IEF) in the framework of ICT Month and the second
Armenia-Diaspora economic forum.
The main purpose of the conference is to present Armenia as a regional
leader in the ICT sector and to discuss the modern IT sector-related
developments in the world. The event participants will have a chance
to familiarize themselves with the current trends of IT development,
exchange experience and get practical advice and proposals on WiMaxd,
RFID and other wireless technologies.

“WAR IS STILL CONTINUING IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FIELD,” NKR PRESIDENT ARKADY GHUKASIAN STATES AT ERABLUR
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The delegation
headed by the Armenian President Robert Kocharian on September 20
visited Erablur and laid a wreath at Monument to Unknown Soldier,
paying a tribute of respect to the Armenians who laid down their
lives for Armenia’s independence.
“If we don’t want a war, we should be prepared for it,” the NKR
President Arkady Ghukasian said during a briefing with reporters.
“The bravest die in war, and this was not an exception 15 years ago.
We must create a state worthy of their dreams. We won the war,
but it is still continuing in the political and economic field,”
the NKR President added.
During a talk with reporters, the Defence Minister Serge Sargsian in
his turn pointed out: “We should always be prepared for any turn of
events, because the problem is directly related to our security and
our future, that is, this is the most important problem for us. I am
convinced that the appropriate bodies are ready for this process.”
Serge Sargsian considered the 15-year path of Armenia as natural,
because while proceeding along this path, our country has had
achievements and successes along with its problems and difficulties.
“The past 15 years were full of the delight of success, and certainly
the bitterness of mistakes,” the minister said. In his words,
“the years of independence, which were full of numerous successes
and mistakes, have taught us to discuss them with a large number of
participants when taking a decision.”

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: BE SURE THAT ARMENIA-DIASPORA RELATIONS ARE PRIORITY FOR US
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “I would consider
this conference the highest body of Armenian people’s collective
wishes, during which we all make decisions and try to carry them out,”
RA President Robert Kocharian declared on September 20, at the closure
ceremony of the Armenia-Diaspora third conference.
The President considered that it was still early to give estimations to
the conference’s work, but informed those present that all proposals
voiced at the meetings held within the framework of the conference
will be summed up without fail. Robert Kocharian said that we should
avoid the issues that disunite Armenia and Diaspora and not unite them.
In his words, there are approaches, the solutions to which are
difficult to give today, at the same time, he declared: “We should
keep them in our mind, for them to be touched upon in the future, for
instance, the issue of spelling, the issue of a structure coordinating
Diasporan structures, etc.”
The President said that it is possible to form a very wide field of
consent and assured that all materials of the conference will be
summed up in a very short period: “In the line of the government
these decisions will become a part of the government activity
program, just like we did after the previous conference. Be sure
that Armenia-Diaspora relations are priority for us. Not to collect
such a powerful potential in the globalized world around one issue,
for solution of national goals, would be criminal negligence for the
Armenian leadership,” Robert Kocharian declared.

LIBERATED TERRITORIES WILL BE REPOPULATED IF RESPECTIVE CONDITIONS
ARE CREATED, MIKAEL APRESIAN IS CONVINCED
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. “The most part of the liberated
territories is not repopulated today because of indifference of the
current authorities, whereas many Armenians were driven from their
native lands and became refugees.” Mikael Apresian, Chairman of
the Armenian Voluntary Movement, declared at the September 20 press
conference at the Pastark club.
In his words, the interests and rights of these refugees are not
protected either by Armenia or by Karabakh. And in consequence
of such approach, in M.Apresian’s words, “Azerbaijan starts to
take the offensive and to take an aggressive position towards the
liberated territories.” “This has been spoken about so much today
that Kelbajar population paniced and thinks about moving. We have
the same situation in Lachin,” M.Apresian said. He is sure that if
the respective conditions are created, the Armenians having migrated
to various countries will resettle in these territories.
The movement members are also anxious about the fate of the Lebanese
Armenians. In M.Apresian’s words, the peacekeeping Armenian mission in
Lebanon is urgent, as Turkey has already sent a marine light infantry
there, which was dislocated in Armenian populated areas. In his words,
Azerbaijan is also going to send troops, whereas Armenia has taken
no step in this direction yet. “The Armenian volunteers are ready to
leave for Lebanon. Doing so we can support our compatriots, take part
in international political processes and noticeably raise Armenia’s
weight and rating,” M.Apresian said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CNN STARTS BROADCASTING ADS ABOUT ARMENIA
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, September 20. /ARKA/. CNN American TV-company began
broadcasting ads about Armenia, Public television of Armenia reports.
Beginning from Tuesday CNN broadcasts two ads presenting the culture,
nature, traditions and customs of Armenia, its historical and cultural
monuments.
The advertisements were presented within the framework of
Armenia-Diasporas forum.
According to Armenian Public television, Arabic Al Jazira TV-channel is
also interested in Armenia. Beginning from September 21, (Independence
Day of Armenia – ARKA) the TV-channel, having already demonstrated
interview with Presidents of Armenia and NKR Robert Kocharyan and
Arkady Ghukasyan, will being broadcasting series of programs about
Armenia and NKR. S.P.–0–

“ENTERPRISES INCUBATOR FOUNDATION”, SUN MICROSYSTEMS SIGN CONTRACT ON COOPERATION
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, September 20. /ARKA/. The Enterprises Incubator Foundation
(EIF) and Sun Microsystems signed a cooperation contract today,
Tigran Davtyan, deputy minister of trade and economic development of
Armenia reported at the Armenia-Diaspora Second Economic Forum.
“This cooperation will extend the scope of programs on assistance to
small and medium entrepreneurship currently implemented in Armenia,”
he said.
Director of the EIF Bagrat Yengibaryan reported that the cooperation
will be carried out in three directions: the establishment of a
radio-frequency identification laboratory (RFID); establishment of
Java labs in cooperation with the country’s leading universities for
the training of young specialists; establishment of Solution Centers.
Yengibaryan explained that the Centers will allow the software
developers to test their products.
“This will allow Armenia to think of the next step. And it can turn
from a country executing foreign orders into one selling IT products,”
Yengibaryan said. R.O. –0–