Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Ave, S-803
New York, NY 10016, U.S.A.
Tel:1-212-689-5307
Fax:1-212-689-5317
E-mai l: [email protected]
Armenia Fund USA’s Agricultural Initiative in
Nagorno-Karabakh Underway
~The first Agricultural Development Association established in Mardakert ~
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA, East Region affiliate of
All-Armenian Fund is pleased to announce that its agricultural
development project, promising to revitalize the agricultural sector of
Karabakh’s economy, is currently underway. The Agricultural Initiative
aims at upgrading the standards of living of the rural communities
in the Mardakert Region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The three-year, three
phase program, developed by leading experts in the United States
with the initiation of Armenia Fund USA and All-Armenian Fund, and
in cooperation with the governments of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh,
involves a new approach to the idea of development by empowering
rural communities to invest in their agricultural potential.
While initially aimed at converting subsistence farmers (producing
just enough to feed their families) into export producers, the Agro
Initiative is a long-term strategic plan targeting rural poverty
reduction in the region.
The Agro Initiative, implemented by Armenia Fund USA, is one of the
many other components of the “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development
Program – a large-scale initiative undertaken by all 18 affiliates
of the Fund to provide much needed assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh
through a series of projects that include construction of new schools,
healthcare facilities, drinking and water irrigation systems and
access roads.
Building upon continued success of implementing development projects
in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia Fund USA is now focusing on
the Agro Initiative. Addressing the issue of functional agricultural
infrastructure, given the region’s historical potential as a major
agricultural area, appears to be the logical place to start in
revitalizing the agricultural economy on basis of which regional
development can become feasible.
After conducting a field study of Nagorno-Karabakh villages and the
situation of rural farming communities, a team of leading experts from
Turnaround Associates, Inc., a New York based corporate consulting
firm, designed a step-by-step plan to expand Karabakh’s food production
capabilities by careful balancing of import-export ratio.
The plan involved supporting rural farmers in nearly all aspects of
agricultural activity. However without access to fundamental farm
equipment, this was simply impossible. Armenia Fund USA therefore
focused on strategies that would support purchase and maintenance of
new agricultural equipment as well as provide technical support related
services to small farmers. This is when the necessity of establishing
Agricultural Development Associations (ADA), complemented by Service
centers to house equipment and serve as a source of technology transfer
through Agricultural Service Corporations (ASCOs), came into being.
A very recent trip (May 2006) to the region by Armenia Fund USA
representatives was, among many other activities, to establish the
Mardakert Agricultural Development Association (MADA) in Mardakert
Region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which was done in cooperation with
All-Armenian Fund in Yerevan and the local government.
After selecting the site for the MADA and appointing Director in
Residence responsible for the project in Karabakh, the rationale
of the Mardakert Agricultural Development Association, a voluntary
non-profit association of farmers, as well as Mardakert Agricultural
Services Corporation, a joint stock commercial company that is to
provide technical and farm equipment services at affordable rates, was
presented to the Karabakh Ministry of Agriculture on the one hand, and
to the local farming communities on the other. To introduce Mardakert
farmers to the organizational structure of the ADA and explain the
benefits of becoming a member of the Association, Armenia Fund USA held
meetings with Karabakh farmers to encourage them to join. Particularly
noteworthy were the farmers’ enthusiasm and openness to cooperate and
receive expert training in areas where their agricultural methods
had proven outmoded. Their readiness to join efforts in improving
agricultural production by collective efforts is what will make the
further development of the ADA a success.
According to present estimates, over 18 villages with a population of
more than 9,000 will be direct beneficiaries of this initiative. The
newly established Mardakert Agricultural Development Association will
start accepting applications for local farmers in the fall. Currently,
the Fund is in the process of purchasing the necessary equipment for
the first ADA.
Tractors, share plows, wheat seed drills, trucks mowers and combines
are being ordered from China and Russia to be transported to Armenia
and then to Nagorno-Karabakh. A $700,000 worth of farm equipment is
needed for the ADA to start its function this fall.
The Agro Initiative will start with production of wheat, the dominant
field crop in Karabakh. Apart from providing upgraded technical
assistance to farmers, the Initiative involves significant efforts
to involve the social factor of change in agricultural production
in Karabakh. The idea of ADAs owned by local farmers, the expert
trainings and exchange of information are specific steps to engage
rural farming communities to become entrepreneurs.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was one of
the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 18 international affiliates
and serves constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As
a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund
represents all Armenian constituents.
Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international
affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia
and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles
of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210
residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.
Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic
socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing
on major projects such as major highways, schools, drinking water
to communities and humanitarian programs in education, training and
medical facilities. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks
and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

PRESS RELEASE
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES/ARMENIA
Contact Naira Altounyan/Program Officer at CRS/Armenia:
374 (10) 26 33 89 / 26 32 18
[email protected], 38 Arabkir street, 2/2 house
Golden Apricot International Film Festival to Showcase
Two Documentaries on Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict
Yerevan ` This year’s Golden Apricot International Film Festival, to be
held during July 10-15 in Yerevan, will feature two new documentary
films dedicated to helping build peace and dialogue between Armenia and
Azerbaijan.
Sharing the title `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ the films
document the shattered lives and lingering recovery of two villages `
one Armenian, one Azerbaijani ` on either side of the common border. The
films feature profiles of and interviews with various town residents,
who reminisce about life before the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict,
discuss the war’s impact, and often express an impassioned desire for
reconciliation.
The films were co-funded by Catholic Relief Services/Armenia (CRS), the
Armenian Round Table Foundation (ARTF), and Inter-Church Organization
for Cooperation Development (ICCO) of the Netherlands. CRS and ARTF
regularly collaborate through grass-roots programs that promote
socio-economic development and peace-building in the South Caucasus. The
documentaries were produced within the framework of a joint CRS-ARTF
initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between
Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
The Armenian version of `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ which
documents life in the village of Aygepar, was produced by Shoghakat TV;
the Azerbaijani version, documenting the neighboring village of
Alibeyli, was produced by Azerbaijan’s Internews organization.
`The desire for co-existence, as expressed by the long-suffering
residents of Aygepar and Alibeyli, is not just a romantic idea,’ said
Sona Hamalian, Head of CRS/Armenia. `Armenians and Azerbaijanis alike,
especially in border towns, have a profound appreciation for the value
of economic collaboration. Peace and the re-establishment of trust are
crucial for their survival, for the eventual prosperity of their
villages. They know they’ll need more than a tenuous ceasefire to regain
normalcy, to freely interact with their neighbors.’
`In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ featuring both documentaries,
will have two screenings during the Golden Apricot International Film
Festival: on July 11, at 6 PM, at the Moscow Theater (Abovyan Street);
and on July 12, at 6 PM, at the Nairi Theater (Mashtots Avenue). Each
screening will be followed by a Q & A session with the Shoghakat TV
production team and with CRS and ARTF representatives.
# # #

PRESS RELEASE
American University of Armenia
300 Lakeside Drive, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Contact: Maggie Mead
Tel: 510-987-9125
Fax: 510-208-3576
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Constitution Day Panel Discussion at AUA: The Legacy of Mkhitar Gosh and the
Rule of Law
Yerevan- 7 July. The AUA Department of Law, on the occasion of
Constitution Day of Armenia, hosted a panel discussion celebrating
Mkhitar Gosh and his Legacy of Law in Armenia, entitled “Lessons from
Mkhitar Gosh: 800 Years of Legal Tradition.”
Panel participants included Tom Samuelian (Dean, AUA Law Department),
who presented Mkhitar Gosh as a legal pragmatist, and Fr. Sasoon
Zumrookhdian of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Vicar for Tavush
Marz, who spoke on the topic of “Mkhitar Gosh: A New Tradition.” Also
present were Prof. Garnik Safaryan from the Institute of Law and
Politics of the National Academy of Sciences, who described Mkhitar
Gosh’s legacy, and Gagik Ghazinyan, Dean of the YSU Law Department,
who presented Mkhitar Gosh’s “Datastanagirk”.
“800 years ago, Mkhitar Gosh studied international best practice
and compiled an exemplary law code based on the real needs and
Christian values of Armenia. It was such a good compilation that
it was translated into other languages and used by Armenian and
non-Armenian communities in Europe and elsewhere for nearly 500 years.
While times have changed, the value of Mkhitar Gosh’s insights into
the methods of creating good laws has not. Today’s Seminar at AUA
is being held in conjunction with two important national holidays:
RA Constitution Day (July 5) and Sts. Trdat and Ashkhen Day (July 8),
whom we honor this week as the founders of Armenia’s Christian state
along with St. Gregory the Illuminator in 301. The festivities
will culminate in the blessing of civil servants and jurists during
a pilgrimage to Goshavank on Saturday, July 8, under the auspices of
the Gugark Diocese of the Armenian Church”- stated Tom Samuelian.
The event was free and open to the public. Approximately 50 people
attended the panel discussion, included students, members of the
press, judges, and advocates, as well as representatives from bar
associations and the National Assembly.
————————————— ————————————-
The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered
as a non-profit organization in the United States and as the Armenian
University of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia. The American University
of Armenia (AUA) is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the
University of California.
Receiving major support from the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading
to the Masters Degree in eight graduate programs. For more information
about AUA, visit

July 7, 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:
THE PRELATE ENCOURAGES THE YOUTH AT THE ACYA BOOTH OF THE
H.M.E.M. NAVASARTIAN GAMES
The Armenian Church Youth Association of the Western Prelacy had a
large presence at the Homenetmen Navasartian games during the long
weekend of June 30 to July 4th. The Central Board of the ACYA took
an active role in helping local chapters recruit new members for all
Prelacy churches of the Western United States. Through the support and
direction of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
the ACYA made a great impact on this year’s Navasartian games.
The mission of the Armenian Church Youth Association is to revitalize
the spirit of Armenian youth in the Armenian Apostolic Church, with
the intent to strengthen the Christian faith and resolve of young
Armenians. The ACYA created biblical based education and networking
opportunities within the Armenian Church, while highlighting aspects
of Armenian culture, heritage, tradition, and history.
Through the dedication of the ACYA towards promoting church
involvement, faith, service, mentoring, and networking, as well as
debate and open forums, Armenian communities of the Western United
States have welcomed and embraced this newly formed organization into
their homes and families.
The booth at the Navasartian games recruited young adults from the
ages of 18 to 30. Through the support of the ACYA Central Board
of the Western Prelacy, the ACYA collected over three hundred new
membership applications.
The five-day event proved that the remedy has been found for the lack
of youth participation in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The ACYA
has filled the prescription and is moving forward with large numbers,
but most importantly with quality members.
On Sunday July 2nd, at 2:00 p.m., the Prelate made a special visit to
the booth where he was greeted by Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, ACYA
Central Board Chair Greg Martayan, Holy Martyrs ACYA Chair Mardig
Nalbandian, and Pasadena ACYA member Sahag Yedalian.
The Prelate greeted the members of the ACYA with warm wishes and
blessings for continued success. He commended the work of the ACYA
Central Board for their dedication and ability to recruit so many
new members in such a short period of time. He also reaffirmed his
support of the ACYA stating “you are the future of our Church, and
through your positive actions today we will have a more promising
tomorrow in the Armenian Apostolic Church and community.
The Prelate then met with several members of the ACYA where issues
of faith and service arose. The visit of the Prelate concluded with
the blessing of the Prelate. The members were left with rejuvenated
energy to continue the day’s work.
The Armenian Church Youth Association was created with the intent to
preserve, protect, and educate the youth about the Armenian Church. The
Central Board of the ACYA serves the entire Western region of the
United States, and has tripled in membership since the beginning of
the year.
The motto of the Armenian Church Youth Association is “To Know, To
Love, and To Serve”. It is a statement that the members live and work
by. If you or your family members are interested in being involved
with the ACYA, please contact your local parish or the Western Prelacy.

DELEGATION LED BY YEREVAN MAYOR TO VISIT NAGORNO-KARABAKH ON JULY 7
Arka News Agency, Armenia
July 7 2006
STEPANAKERT, July 7. /ARKA/. Armenian delegation led by the Yerevan
Mayor Yervand Zakharyan is going to visit Nagorno-Karabakh on July 7.
The delegation consists of representatives of “Shushi” fund and a
group of entrepreneurs, the NKR Government press service reports.
During a meeting with the NKR officials members of the delegation
intend to discuss issues connected with reconstruction of Shushi city.
The plan to meet with the NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan. S.P. -0–

Over 400 Attend Annual AYF-YOARF Eastern Region Junior Seminar
AYF-YOARF Eastern Region
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-923-1933
[email protected]
Contact: Tamar Kanarian; [email protected]
Watertown,MA- Over Memorial Day Weekend, over 400 AYF junior and
senior members, representing over 15 chapters of the Eastern Region,
gathered at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, Penn., for the annual
AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar. Attendees, as well as lecturers and guests,
gathered for a weekend of educationals, discussions, and AYF
camaraderie.
This year’s theme was “Identity. Spirit. Tradition: Experience AYF.”
The weekend’s educational content revolved around this
central message where members learned about the various realms that
the organization encompasses. The educational aspect of the weekend
commenced early Saturday morning where members attended various
lectures geared to their specific age group.
Various topics such as Armenian Kingdoms; the AYF-ers college
experience; AYF evolution; and the AYF-ers role in the Armenian
community, sparked discussion on all levels amongst juniors, seniors,
and lecturers. “This year’s content was exceptional. Given that we
are two years away from celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the AYF,
it is important for our members to know about the AYF as it relates
to itself, the community, and other organizations with which it works
with,” said Nora Keomurjian, 2006 Junior Seminar committee
chairperson.
In addition to taking part in eight lectures, attendees rekindled
friendship and met fellow ungers and ungerouhis from various
chapters. “One of my favorite parts about Junior Seminar when I
attended as a junior was meeting new people from so many different
places. I continue to do so today as a senior,” said 2006 Junior
Seminar committee member Simone Dinkjian-Soultanian.
Evening activities also added excitement to the weekend, including
the traditional Saturday night talent show. Entertainment throughout
the weekend was provided by DJ Chris Krikorian, Aram Hovagimian, and
Sevag Khatchadourian. A special addition to this year’s program was a
showcase of young talented members from the New Jersey Arsen chapter.
Brothers Shant and Raffi Massoyan, and Raffi Kouyoumjian played
Armenian melodies on traditional Armenian instruments such as the
zurna, oud, and dhol.
In its 36th year, Junior Seminar continues to be the driving force
that brings together membership, not only providing them with social
outlets, but the tools and knowledge needed to continue their
membership in the AYF.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
July 7 2006
NATO ARRANGES INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP IN BAKU
[July 07, 2006, 20:36:49]
On 6-7 July, NATO has organized in Baku an international seminar
attended by some 50 representatives from 32 world countries.
Minister of national security Eldar Mahmudov made opening remarks.
The Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov greeted the participants on
behalf of the Azerbaijan Government.
Minister Eldar Mahmudov wished success to seminar participants to
make contributions to combat against terrorism, noting effective and
important character of the 12-years long cooperation between
Azerbaijan and the NATO.
The Minister, in particular, stressed the important role of the Plan
of Operations within the Individual Partnership approved by
Presidential Decree and being implemented on base of certain programs
in the frame of NATO-Azerbaijan ties.
Despite Azerbaijan is a country that undergone threat of aggressive
separatism, religious extremism and international terrorism, Minister
Mahmudov said quick and dynamic economic development, political
progress, raising regional and international reputation of Azerbaijan
sets firm ground for settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, the reality of which should be understood by
Armenians, too. The Minister also underlined the importance of the
Baku Seminar in strengthening of regional and international safety.
The experts and policy makers from NATO and Partner countries have
discussed ways and means for further cooperation on
counter-terrorism, also noted active participation of Azerbaijan in
the anti-terror collation.

ARMENIAN PM MEETS WITH AAA LEADERS
Arka News Agency, Armenia
July 7 2006
YEREVAN, July 7. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan held a
meeting with Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly of America
(AAA) Bryan Arduni and AAA Regional Director Arpi Vardanyan.
During the meeting Arduni informed the RA Prime Minister of the
AAA’s current activities aimed at the development of pro-Armenian
initiatives in the USA.
The sides also discussed issues of Armenian-American relations,
particularly the implementation of the “Millennium Challenges -Armenia”
program, as well as a number of regional programs. P.T.
-0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Arka News Agency, Armenia
July 7 2006
AMBASSADOR OF BULGARIA IN ARMENIA POINTS OUT NECESSITY OF
STRENGTHENING AND DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO
COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, July 7. /ARKA/. During a meeting with the RA Minister of
Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosyan the Ambassador of Bulgaria
in Armenia Stefan Dimitrov pointed out necessity of strengthening
and developing spiritual relations between the two countries, the Ra
Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs reports.
In confirmation Dimitov presented Poghosyan the first copy of the
unique Armenian-Bulgarian and Bulgarian-Armenian practice dictionary
consisting of about 50 thsd words, as well as a supplement of
geographical names. The author of the dictionary is a Bulgarian
linguist of Armenian origin Margarita Terzyan.
In her turn Poghosyan emphasized that development of relationship
between Armenia and Bulgaria is predestined by the historically
developed friendship.
She said best manifestation of establishment of language relations
between the two nations may become, particularly translation of
“pearls of the Armenian literature” into Bulgarian and training of
translators of Armenian and Bulgarian languages.
Poghosyan emphasized that dialogue between cultures, as well as
between businessmen is preferable to be direct without mediators.
During the meeting sides pointed out preferable priorities of
the cultural cooperation between the two countries emphasizing
importance of maintaining cultural originality and individuality
during integration in common cultural processes. S.P.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Iranian Ambassador: “Region’s countries should be represented in OSCE Minsk Group”
Today, Azerbaijan
July 7 2006
07 July 2006 [20:32] – Today.Az
“Despite the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Armenians
violate ceasefire regularly, village population fired. People live
in fear on borderline territories.”
This statement was made by Ambassador Suleymani visiting Tovuz region
at the invitation of parliamentarian Ganira Pashayeva.
West bureau of APA reports that the ambassador visited borderline
territories of Tovus with Armenia – Aghdam, Munjuglu, and Alibeyli
villages, met with local population.
“OSCE Minsk Group works have not any results in the settlement of
the conflict. For investigating Minsk Group work there is necessity
of holding special conference in Baku. Politicians, experts should
be invited; they should announce the non results of OSCE Minsk
Group work.”
According to Ambassador, one of the reasons of OSCE Minsk Group works’
being of no result is related to France and the USA being represented
there as not region state.
“In Minsk Group, Russia is in some meaning the only country close
to the region. This country has close relations with Armenia, but it
has borders with Azerbaijan.”
The Ambassador in case if the war launches he did not give define
answer on his country’s support.
“The government of Iran does not want Nagorno Karabakh conflict to
be settled through war. If Azerbaijan wages on and applies to Iran
for support, then this apply might be looked into.”
It should be noted that, ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, Afshar
Suleymani will visit Ganja tomorrow. Within the visit program the
ambassador will meet with city leadership and visit historical places
of Ganja.
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