AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 29, 2006
LADIES AUXILIARY COMMITTEE OF ATHENS HOSTS MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION
On May 22, 2006, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee of the AGBU Athens
Chapter hosted an exciting comeback event, their first in nearly two
years, with a Mother’s Day celebration. The program attracted more
than 160 attendees and was held in the AGBU Artaki Kalpakian School’s
Hrant & Louisa Fenerjian Hall.
The festive occasion began with a welcome speech by the Chairman of
the Auxiliary Committee, Evi Tomboulian. Mrs. Tomboulian then
introduced the keynote speaker, Ani Demirjian, who described the
important role Armenian mothers play in keeping the Armenian language,
spirit and culture alive.
Reviving one of the Committee’s longstanding traditions, the title of
Honorary Mother of the Year for 2006 was awarded to Julia
Jelalian. Mrs. Jelalian was recognized for her steadfast support of
the Committee, her dedication to the Armenian culture and heritage,
and her role as an exemplary Armenian mother.
The Mother’s Day celebration came to a fitting end with a commitment
from the Ladies Auxiliary Committee to increase their activities with
a focus on cultural and social events.
The Mother’s Day celebration came to a fitting end with a commitment
from the Ladies Auxiliary Committee to increase their activities with
a focus on cultural and social events. Established in 1911, AGBU
Athens is committed to preserving and promoting the Armenian heritage
and culture through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs. For more information, please email, [email protected].
For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 29, 2006
___________________
SPREADING THE GOSPEL TO OUR YOUNG FAITHFUL
On June 21, 2006, Angela Costello, director of animation and creative
services for the Virginia-based Christian Broadcast Network (CBN), visited
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
She met with Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education, to
discuss the recent gift by CBN of 800 Christian children’s videos to the
Diocese. The two also spoke about ways to coordinate and cooperate on
upcoming projects to spread Christ’s teachings to young children.
“We’re looking for new and innovative ways to reach children with the
Gospel,” Costello said, noting that CBN is looking to create programming for
iPods and cell phones. “Not just to present the Gospel, but we want to do
it in a creative and imaginative way. We want children to be entertained as
they begin to understand the real mission and purpose of these programs:
That Jesus loves them.”
The CBN videos were distributed to the Eastern Diocese and other Armenian
Church organizations throughout North America. They are cartoons depicting
Bible stories along with other films exploring Christian themes such as
courage and love.
Antreassian said the videos would be used by the Diocese in its Sunday
School programs. Mission parishes will also be sent some of the videos for
use in their educational efforts.
“These are wonderful ways to bring the Bible to life for today’s children,
who grew up on television and the Internet,” Antreassian said. “We’re
grateful to have a partner such as CBN to help us with our Christian
education mission.”
Part of the discussion at the Diocesan Center in New York City revolved
around ways CBN and the Armenian Church could work together.
“My big goal is to create effective partnerships,” Costello said.
“Scripture reminds us that every child should hear the Gospel message. And
partnerships are necessary to accomplish that goal.”
She said organizations like the Diocese have a connection to people and CBN
can provide resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
“Partnerships help us all reach people we might not otherwise reach,”
Costello said. “We’re glad to be able to provide you with resources you can
use to help people learn about the gospel.”
The partnership can grow in the future, including things such as the Diocese
undertaking an effort to translate CBN videos into Armenian, or new CBN
videos on the specific stories of Armenian Christianity, such as how Armenia
became the first Christian nation.
“We look forward to working with CBN and joining our skills, resources, and
passions to spread a love and appreciation of our Lord,” Antreassian said.
— 6/29/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for
the Eastern Diocese, (left) meets with Angela Costello, director of
animation and creative services for the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN),
at the Diocesan Center in New York City on June 21, 2006.

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 29, 2006
ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE BEGINS SUNDAY
Seventy students (ages 13 to 18) from thirteen parishes, and ten
clergymen, will gather at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, this Sunday, July 2, for the 20th annual weeklong St. Gregory
of Datev Institute Armenian Christian Studies Program, under the
directorship of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.
Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) of the
Prelacy, the Institute offers a unique opportunity for the youth to enrich
their Armenian Christian faith in a wholesome and nurturing environment.
Each day the program begins with Morning Service at 7:15 a.m., followed by
four classes until 12:30 pm. After lunch the students participate in various
recreational activities. In the evening there is a general lecture from 7:30
to 8:20, followed by three concurrent Bible studies from 8:30 to 9:30 for
different age groups. The day comes to a close with the Compline Service
(Husgoom) from 9:45 to 10:30 pm.
Instructors this year are: His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, V.
Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian, V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Khoren
Habeshian, Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Rev. Fr.
Sarkis Aktavoukian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Dn. Nishan Baljian, Dn. Arsen
Mekaelian, and Ms. Jeanette Nazarian.
Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, a prominent biblical scholar from St. Vladimir’s
Orthodox Theological Seminary (NY) will teach four classes to the upper
level students, and he will conduct a three-hour session with the clergy.
20th ANNIVERSARY OF DATEV TO BE MARKED NEXT WEEK
In conjunction with the weeklong Datev Institute program, this year the
20th anniversary of the Institute will be marked with special events.
On Saturday, July 8, a special seminar led by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi and
Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian will take place at the St. Mary of Providence
Center where the Datev Institute takes place. That evening a 20th
anniversary celebratory banquet will take place at the nearby Holiday Inn
(Morgantown, Pennsylvania) for Institute participants, alumni, and friends.
On Sunday, July 9, the 2006 Datev Institute will conclude with Divine
Liturgy celebrated at St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, followed by a
farewell picnic on the church grounds.
For more information on Datev click
PRELATE IN WASHINGTON, DC YESTERDAY
Archbishop Oshagan attended a reception yesterday at the U.S. Capitol
building in Washington DC, in honor of His Excellency Ashot Ghulian, Speaker
of the Nagorno Karabagh National Assembly, and His Excellency Georgi
Petrosian, Nagorno Karabagh Foreign Minister.
The reception was hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, the
Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America,
and the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the U.S., in cooperation
with the co-chairs of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Representatives
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).
VICAR WILL ATTEND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, will represent Archbishop
Oshagan and the Prelacy at the 160th anniversary celebration of the Armenian
Evangelical Movement on Saturday evening, May 1, in New Jersey.
CILICIAN SEMINARY CONCLUDES ACADEMIC YEAR
The Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded its
76th academic year with commencement ceremonies on June 23 in Bikfaya,
Lebanon.
Addressing the graduates, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, said: “A person is a value in as much as he serves the
collective values of the church and nation. It is with this spirit and
commitment that we formed you under this roof to send you off to our people.
Whether you serve as spiritual or as secular servants, you will live the
Bible and bring it to life in the lives of the faithful. Go and take with
you what you received in the Seminary and use it in your service to our
people.”
It was recently announced that V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian (currently
pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ) has been invited by His
Holiness to assume the leadership of the Seminary beginning with the
2006-2007 academic year.
DISCOVERY OF RELICS OF ST. GREGORY
This Saturday, July 1, the Armenian Church commemorates one of three
feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator: The Discovery of His
Remains. The other two commemorative days are Entrance into the Pit and
Deliverance from the Pit.
St. Gregory is the greatest figure of the Armenian Church. The Christian
Dictionary published by Thomas Nelson publishers describes Gregory the
Illuminator as “Apostle of Armenia,” and says: “A Parthian of royal descent,
he converted King Tiridates of Armenia to the Christian faith and thus
established the first national Christian church. He was consecrated
catholicos, and the episcopate remained in his family for a few generations.
His son Aristakes attended the Council of Nicaea. His biography was written
by Agathangelos, the first Armenian historian.”
FEAST OF STS. SAHAG AND MESROB
Next Thursday, July 6, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives of the
Holy Translators, St. Sahag Bartev and St. Mesrob Mashtots. The feast of the
Holy Translators is one of the most beloved feast days for the Armenian
faithful. It is celebrated two times during the liturgical year: on the
Thursday following the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (can occur in June or
July), and on the second Saturday of October.
Catholicos Sahag Bartev was the son of St. Nerses the Great. He received
his primary and higher education in Caesarea and Byzantium. He was a very
learned and literary person who guided Armenia’s Golden Age following the
invention of the Armenian alphabet. He was a mentor and supporter of St.
Mesrob in his quest for an alphabet.
St. Mesrob was born in the province of Daron. He learned Greek and
Persian at an early age, and came to realize the vital need of an alphabet
for the Armenian language. According to tradition, while meditating in a
cave near the village of Palu, he had a vision where “the hand of God wrote
the alphabet in letters of fire.”
The first words to be translated into Armenian were from the Book of
Proverbs: “That you may know wisdom and instruction, and understand words of
insight.” (Proverbs 1:2).
REMEMBERING CATHOLICOS KAREKIN I
Today, June 29, is the 7th anniversary of the death of His Holiness
Karekin I, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians from 1995 to
1999; Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia from 1977 to 1995, and
Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy from 1973 to 1977.
To date seven volumes of his works have been printed in the Karekin I
Series, undertaken by “The Karekin I Theological and Armenological Studies
Series,” under the sponsorship of “The Haig and Elza Didizian Fund.” The
8th volume will be published this fall, with others to follow, until all of
his major works (Armenian and English, published and unpublished) are
printed. The editors of the series are Vazken Ghougassian and Iris Papazian,
both of whom worked closely with the late Catholicos during his years of
extraordinary service to church and nation.
THE FOURTH OF JULY
On Tuesday, July 4, we commemorate the 230th anniversary of the adoption
of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Thirty-three year old Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the
Declaration as a member of a committee that included John Adams and Benjamin
Franklin. Some changes were made in the draft, but it remains primarily the
work of Jefferson that was adopted on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia. It was
the most daring document ever produced at a time when it was unheard of a
fledgling, divided country made up of thirteen separate colonies having the
boldness to produce a damning document against the most powerful country of
the time demanding “certain unalienable rights, that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The Fourth of July, as the holiday is popularly called, quickly became a
time for joyous and boisterous celebration, including ringing of bells,
firecrackers, concerts and merriment. John Adams, the second president of
the U.S. would be pleased. He had written that the day should “be celebrated
by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be
celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells,
bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other..”
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM TURNS 50
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Federal Interstate Highway System
Act, which was signed on June 29, 1956. It was the beginning of the vast
Interstate highways from coast to coast, which when completed prompted the
late broadcaster and traveler Charles Kuralt to quip: “We can now go coast
to coast without seeing anything.”
OUR BARREN GARDEN. . .
We end this week with a statement about our vegetable garden, because so
many of you have inquired about its status and the lack of a report thus
far.
We are sorry to report that for the first time in many decades our large
vegetable garden is barren and will remain dormant this year. As many of you
have followed from last season, last summer’s crop was decimated by a family
of very hungry groundhogs. The crops were gone, one by one overnight.
Decisions had to be made for this year. The answer-offered by many of
you-was to put up a fence around the garden. One person, perhaps recognizing
the futility of it all, simply advised, “Move!” V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian
consoled us with this: “Just consider that you are feeding some of God’s
creatures.” (We are still contemplating that statement!)
Moving, at this time at least, was not an option. A fence was a
possibility until we were advised that to keep groundhogs out a fence must
start at least four feet below ground. Then suddenly the weather became
unusually and prematurely hot, then very cold, and then came the
never-ending rain. It was too late to do anything. So, we are giving the
land a rest this year-which is a good thing, we are told. But we confess
that we sorely miss the morning outings in our garden, weeding and
cultivating, cajoling and harvesting in the silence and coolness and
freshness of early morning.
Perhaps, next year. We shall see.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 2-9-St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute. For details click here
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.
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 13-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual picnic at Camp
Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts.
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.
November 11-12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual “Armenian Fest” at
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island.
Visit our website at

PRESS RELEASE
Tufenkian Foundation, Inc.
20 Capitol Drive, Moonachie, NJ 07074
Contact: Antranig Kasbarian
Tel: 201- 221 -1055
Fax: 201 -221-1070
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
TUFENKIAN FOUNDATION UNVEILS NEW HEALTH CLINIC IN KARABAGH’S LACHIN DISTRICT
Opening ceremonies held before an enthusiastic public
ISHKHANADZOR, NKR-Friday, June 9 was a day of celebration for the
people of southern Kashatagh (Lachin), as the Tufenkian Foundation
held ceremonies marking the official opening of a new health clinic
here. The clinic will serve several thousand Armenians living in a
remote cluster of villages resettled during the 1990s, following the
Karabagh war, and marks the Foundation’s latest effort to foster
social security and economic development in this vital-yet-vulnerable
strategic area.
The June 9 ceremonies drew the attendance of nearly 100 local
inhabitants, who often traveled on foot from neighboring villages,
along with NKR officials including Minister of Health Zoya Lazaryan
and Kashatagh District Administration Head Hamlet Khachatryan. The
officials were greeted by children of the Ishkhanadzor village bearing
traditional offerings of bread and salt. During the ensuing program,
Tufenkian Foundation Director Antranig Kasbarian began by recounting
the clinic’s overall importance to the region.
“All of you know the difficult conditions we encounter here in
southern Kashatagh,” Kasbarian noted. “Our hope is that this clinic,
in some small way, will raise public health standards in this
district, while helping to bring it out of its isolation and toward
further integration with the rest of Karabagh. Above and beyond its
medical functions, this clinic should serve to instill hope that there
is a future for us on these lands; that Armenians will not merely
survive, but will grow and prosper here.”
Kasbarian then invited Minister Lazaryan to offer remarks on the
occasion. She emphasized the important role of the Armenian diaspora
in Armenia’s rehabilitation, and urged all to respond by making full
use of the facility. She was followed by Dr. Artsakh Buniatian,
Director of the Kashatagh Regional Hospital, who described the
clinic’s primary care functions in greater detail. He noted that
during the initial phase, the clinic will be staffed by one half-time
doctor position, two fulltime nurses, one fulltime midwife, and one
fulltime guard positions, with the intent to expand into other
functions during the coming years. Concluding remarks came from Hamlet
Khachatryan, who praised the cooperative spirit of all those who
brought the project to fruition.
The program was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which all
were invited to tour the facility and partake in a luncheon
celebration.
The Tufenkian Foundation gratefully acknowledges the help it received
from various partners in furnishing and equipping the facility. Special
mention goes to the Armenian American Health Professionals of Greater
Washington, “Friends of Armenia” of Montebello, CA, and Mrs. Martha
Mekaelian, who secured the participation of the Connecticut-based
relief organization, AmeriCares. All items were shipped to Armenia
through the kind assistance of the United Armenian Fund (UAF).
The Tufenkian Foundation was established in 1999 by New York-based
entrepreneur James Tufenkian. The Foundation currently pursues a wide
array of humanitarian projects in Armenia and in Karabagh, and also
sponsors the “Armenian Forests” NGO. To learn more about the
Foundation’s efforts, please see the Foundation’s website now under
construction at or contact Antranig
Kasbarian at (201) 221-1055, ext.327 or at
[email protected].

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:
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 29, 2006
NEW ARRIVAL AGBU YP DETROIT BECOMING A MOTOWN FAVORITE
Joining the growing network of AGBU Young Professionals (YP) Groups
around the world, a new YP Group was introduced to the greater
Detroit, Michigan community the evening of May 18, 2006. With more
than 40 Armenian professionals present, YP Detroit’s kick-off social
at the trendy Ferndale restaurant, Via Nove, attracted many new faces
and generated fresh enthusiasm for its future work.
While guests mixed and mingled during the buffet, YP Detroit
Chairwoman Merrily Borman and Committee Member Chris Korkoian
explained the group’s mission to provide a welcoming environment for
all local Armenian young professionals to engage in educational,
cultural, humanitarian and social activities.
Mr. Korkoian then recognized special guest Kim Yacoubian, YP Liaison
from AGBU Central Office in New York. Ms. Yacoubian spoke briefly
about AGBU, the Young Professionals movement, as well as upcoming AGBU
events for Armenian youth including the World Games & YP Conference
() in Beirut, Lebanon this July and the General
Assembly Centennial Celebration () in Paris,
France this December.
Throughout the evening, attendees made new contacts, shared thoughts
and ideas about their professional experiences and discussed future
plans for YP Detroit. As the evening came to a close, surveys were
collected and door prizes were awarded to thank those that
attended. Setting a solid foundation for the organization, YP Detroit
looks forward to establishing a strong presence within its local
Armenian community, as well as AGBU’s global network.
AGBU YP Detroit is committed to preserving and promoting the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs. To volunteer for YP Detroit or join their mailing list,
please email [email protected].

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/29/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Senators Press Nominee for Explanation of US Genocide Policy 2) Oskanian Comments on Minsk Group Peace Proposal 3) EU 'May Halt Turkey Entry Bid' 4) 31st Annual Homenetmen Navasartian Festival Begins 1) Senators Press Nominee for Explanation of US Genocide Policy WASHINGTONSenate Foreign Relations Committee members George Allen (R-Va.) and Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) bombarded U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Designate Richard Hoagland with questions about official U.S. complicity in Turkey's campaign of Genocide denial, questioning him, during his confirmation hearing Wednesday, regarding his ability to effectively represent the United States in Armenia without properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America. In the days leading up to today's hearing, the Committee's Ranking Democrat, Joseph Biden (D-Del.), in a strongly worded letter, demanded that the Secretary of State answers questions concerning the recall of the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, before he could support the confirmation of his replacement. At the hearing, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.), joined with Senators Coleman and Allen in sharply criticizing the Administration's refusal to speak truthfully on the Armenian Genocide. Senator Boxer, who was unable to attend the hearing, submitted written questions to Amb. Hoagland. The hearing was marked by repeated calls upon Amb. Hoagland to clarify the State Department's policy on the Armenian Genocide. If approved, he will replace the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, whoamid great controversyhas been recalled over his truthful description of the Armenian Genocide in February of 2005. "We appreciate the leadership of Senators Allen, Coleman and Sarbanes in pressing hard for a detailed explanation of the U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide - and commend Senator Biden for his principled demand that the Senate receive clear answers on this issue from the State Department before moving ahead with the nomination of a new envoy to Yerevan," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "We were deeply disappointed that, in response to these legitimate inquiries, Ambassador-designate Hoagland - apparently at the direction of his superiors in the State Department - limited his responses to a series of unresponsive evasions and euphemisms intended to obscure - not explain - the U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide." "We have said from the startand believe even more firmly todaythat the U.S. Senate cannot, in good conscience, approve the nomination of a new ambassador to Armenia until the circumstances of the current envoy's controversial firing - including a thorough description of the U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocideare fully, officially and openly explained to Congress and the American people," said Hachikian. 2) Oskanian Comments on Minsk Group Peace Proposal YEREVAN (Armenpress)In an interview with Armenpress Wednesday, Armenia's foreign minister Vartan Oskanian point-by-point discussed an announcement issued by the co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. In a joint statement that was circulated by the U.S. embassy in Yerevan on Wednesday, the Minsk Group's American, French and Russian co-chairs said their confidential peace plan envisions a self-determination referendum to be held in Karabakh after the liberation of Armenian-occupied territories in Azerbaijan, reported RFE/RL Wednesday. The statement was presented to the OSCE's decision-making Permanent Council in Vienna last Thursday and was not made public until being posted on the U.S. embassy website almost a week later. Washington's new top Karabakh negotiator, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, revealed details of the proposed peace plan to RFE/RL shortly after the Permanent Council meeting. "These principles include the phased redeployment of Armenian troops from Azeri territories around Nagorno-Karabakh, with special modalities for Kelbajar and Lachin districts [separating Karabakh from Armenia proper]," said the co-chairs. "Demilitarization of those territories would follow. A referendum or population vote would be agreed, at an unspecified future date, to determine the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh." "An international peacekeeping force would be deployed," added the statement. "A joint commission would be agreed to implement the agreement. International financial assistance would be made available for demining, reconstruction, resettlement of internally displaced persons in the formerly occupied territories and the war-affected regions of Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides would renounce the use or threat of use of force, and international and bilateral security guarantees and assurances would be put in place." The mediators said the sides to the conflict would also have to work out practical modalities of the Karabakh referendum. "Suitable preconditions for such a vote would have to be achieved so that the vote would take place in a non-coercive environment in which well-informed citizens have had ample opportunity to consider their positions after a vigorous debate in the public arena." Below are excerpts from the interview: Armenpress: The co-chairs in their statement say that "our approach has been a modified one: we have not tried to solve all aspects of the conflict in one phase. Instead our principles seek to achieve a major degree of progress but defer some very difficult issues to the future and envision further negotiations." What does this mean? Vartan Oskanian: The actual negotiating document on the principles that is on the table today is all-encompassing. It covers all the principles affecting the resolution of the conflict. It includes the core issue of status of Nagorno Karabakh, territories, refugees, security issues, peacekeeping and every other conceivable issue that is necessary in order to arrive at a lasting resolution of the conflict. Only after full agreement on all these basic principles would the parties, as the actual negotiating text says, "in cooperation with the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk group to begin work on the elaboration of an agreement on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict." In other words, the agreement on principles will be comprehensive. The final agreement may envision implementation over time. Armenpress: In their report, the co-chairs say "the principles include the phased redeployment of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories around Nagorno Karabakh, with special modalities for Kelbajar and Lachin districts." What are these special modalities? V.O.: This formulation is indeed very broad, and for a reason. This issue has two layers. One is the issue of Lachin, where the actual negotiating text on principles provides clear language stating that there will be "a corridor linking Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia." For Armenia, it's very clear that this corridor must have the same status as Nagorno Karabakh. The second layer is the issue of Kelbajar. For Armenia, this also is clear: based on security concerns, Kelbajar can be returned only after the referendum is conducted and the final status of Karabakh is determined. Azerbaijan's position is different on Kelbajar. That's the disagreement that the co-chairs are addressing in their statement. The co-chairs' language in the actual negotiating text, with regard to this issue, is generally in line with our approach. Armenpress: The co-chairs say that there will be a referendum "to determine the final legal status of Nagorno Karabakh," but they don't say who will vote. V.O.: The actual negotiating text on principles clearly specifies that "the final legal status will be determined through a referendum by the population of Nagorno Karabakh." Armenpress: The co-chairs also say "certain interim arrangements for Nagorno Karabakh would allow for interaction with providers of international assistance." What does this mean? V.O.: This is only one element of a much more detailed section in the actual negotiating text which addresses interim status for Nagorno Karabakh. We think the co-chairs have emphasized international engagement, because that's a major problem for the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Their current, unrecognized, de-facto status, has not allowed them to benefit from the generosity of international organizations. In the actual negotiating text, the provisions address such rights as control over their political and economic viability and security, upholding their personal privileges and freedoms, the right to democratically elect officials to govern Nagorno Karabakh, the authority to effectively legislate and administer the internal affairs of Nagorno Karabakh. Armenpress: What is Armenia's overall assessment of the content of the document as it stands today? V.O.: This not a perfect document. For anyone. However, there are enough solid and balanced provisions, with the right trade-offs on the main issues status, territories and security that we are prepared to continue to negotiate on the basis of these principles. In today's context, Azerbaijan's rhetoric about autonomy and desperate calls for militarization surprise us. We have at hand a real opportunity to resolve all issues, including the much-maligned issue of refugees. But Azerbaijan must revert to real situations and real opportunities, rather than illusory maximalist hopes. Today, we hope that Azerbaijan will realize that we have a chance to resolve the conflict and achieve a lasting peace. 3) EU 'May Halt Turkey Entry Bid' HELSINKI(Reuters)The European Union said on Thursday that Turkey's membership negotiations could be halted unless it moves on Cyprus and makes progress on reforms, but the EU hopes to avoid a crisis later this year. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn was quoted by the Finnish news agency STT as saying, in response to a question, that the EU could suspend talks completely. "There is that possibility. I hope that we don't have to resort to that, but we have no reason not to use it if there are grounds for that," Rehn said. Finland, which takes over the 25-nation bloc's rotating presidency from July 1, also said that refusal to fulfill an obligation to open Turkish ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus could jeopardize the talks. "This is not a threat. I just want to note the fact that it will cause a serious issue ... in the negotiations and may even endanger the continuation of the negotiations," Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja told a news conference in Brussels. EU ambassadors decided for the first time on Wednesday to move forward faster in accession talks with Croatia than with Turkey because of Ankara's refusal to open its ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus. "I am a realist and that is why I have tried to warn about a possible collision in negotiations, unless Turkey holds to its commitments on Cyprus and speeds up its reforms," Rehn was quoted as saying. The Turkish lira weakened briefly on the news, traders said, but the reaction was limited. Turkey, which invaded northern Cyprus in 1974 in response to a short-lived coup engineered by Greece's then ruling military junta, does not recognize the Greek Cypriot Nicosia government. The EU says Ankara must open its ports and airports to Cypriot traffic under an agreement signed last year extending its customs union to 10 new EU member states, including Cyprus. In a statement last year, the EU said failure to comply with the customs protocol would affect the "relevant chapters" of the talks, which are split into 35 policy areas known as chapters. But statements by some EU officials have raised the stakes by suggesting the entire accession process may be frozen. Rehn's office said the Commissioner had not intended to break new ground and had added: "It is always better to look for solutions which keep negotiations ongoing and which make the candidate country fulfil the conditions of the negotiations." Tuomioja also said Finland would work hard to find ways to prevent a "dramatic situation" later this year when an EU summit will consider a review by the executive European Commission of Turkey's compliance. The EU agreed on Wednesday to open detailed talks with both Turkey and Croatia on competition policy but only with Zagreb on customs, since the Commission has not finished screening the compatibility of Turkish legislation with EU law due to Cyprus. It was the first time the EU had made Turkey wait in the talks because of its stance over Cyprus, reaffirmed by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan last week. Erdogan says Turkey will only open its ports if the EU makes good on a pledge to ease the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots by allowing direct trade with northern Cyprus. Brussels rejects any such linkage. 4) 31st Annual Homenetmen Navasartian Festival Begins The Navasartian final games and closing festival will begin on Friday, June 30th, with a torch lighting ceremony at Birmingham High School (17000 Haynes, Van Nuys) at 7:30 p.m. Festivities will continue through the weekend, with the closing ceremonies on Tuesday, July 4th at 4:30 p.m. with Homenetmen Chapters Parade. The evening will continue in picnic area with fireworks, live music, dance, games and food. 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.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
June 29, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SENATE AID PANEL VOTES SHARP CUT IN AID TO ARMENIA
— Proposes $5 Million for Nagorno Karabagh;
Allocates Equal Amounts of Foreign Military
Financing to Armenia and Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DC – In a departure from its traditional support for a
robust U.S. assistance package for Armenia, the Senate
Appropriations Committee today voted to dramatically reduce aid to
Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).
Early reports from Capitol Hill indicate that the Senate
Appropriations Committee has approved a $50 million economic aid
package for Armenia as part of its fiscal year 2007 aid bill. This
allocation was broken down into $34.2 million for Freedom Support
Act aid, $9.96 million for the Democracy Fund, and $5.8 million for
the Child Survival Health Programs Fund. An additional $1.8
million was allocated for Peace Corps programs in Armenia. The
panel’s proposal is $25 million less than the actual allocations
for Armenia over the past several years.
In a positive development, the Senate panel approved $5 million for
humanitarian and relief assistance for Nagorno Karabagh, a $2
million increase over the fiscal year 2006 allocation of $3
million. The panel also voted to recommend equal amounts of U.S.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Armenia and Azerbaijan, with
each appropriated $3.5 million. The panel did not clarify,
however, whether they intended this parity to extend to the
International Military Education and Training (IMET) and
Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs
(NDAR) funds.
“We are troubled by the retreat of Senate appropriators from their
long-standing commitment to the U.S. aid program for Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh – all the more so given Armenia’s impressive
domestic progress, robust and expanding bilateral relations with
the United States, peacekeeping support in Iraq and Kosovo,
cooperation in settling the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, and on other
pressing regional and security concerns,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We look forward to working with
appropriators in both houses of Congress to restore aid to at least
last year’s level.”
The Senate Appropriations Committee’s decision stands in contrast
to the House vote earlier this month, which allocated $62 million
in U.S. economic aid for Armenia. Over the course of the past
decade, the Senate has consistently proposed higher levels of aid
for Armenia than the House.
The full Senate is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2007 foreign
aid bill following its return from the July 4th Congressional
recess, after which House and Senate appropriators will hold a
conference to work out differences between their two bills.
In March of this year, the Millennium Challenge Corporation – a
newly established, performance-based foreign aid program – approved
a five-year, $235 million assistance package to build roads and
irrigation systems in Armenia’s rural regions.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 29, 2006
Official English Transcript of the Press Conference by His Holiness
Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians At the
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople
Kumkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
25 June 2006
The moderator of the press conference was Ms. Luiz Bakar, spokesman for the
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob
Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople introduced His Holiness.
His Beatitude Mesrob Mutafian: Welcome, dear friends. His Holiness has
allocated one half hour from his itinerary for today to be with you. He is
here on a pontifical visit upon the joint invitation of the Greek Patriarch
and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. He will be with us until June
27. Prior to his visit, a number of strange news stories appeared in
various media and news outlets, which caused us amazement. The articles had
stated that the Armenian community and the Patriarchate were anxious with
this visit; however there was no such unease in the community. Up until
this point, the visit has been progressing as planned. The first two days
of the visit, the Catholicos was the guest of the Greek Patriarch, according
to their itinerary; thereafter we visited Armenian churches and the sites
and museums of Istanbul together. Since our time is limited, I request that
there be no repetitions of questions. You may now ask any questions which
you desire.
Question: Your Holiness, you are here as the guest of the Greek Patriarch.
He is making efforts directed at bringing the two Churches closer. What is
your opinion on this and what will be the steps you implement?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are visiting Constantinople upon the invitation
of the Armenian Patriarch and the Greek Ecumenical Patriarch. We have come
on a pontifical visit to the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople and a
fraternal visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As part of our visit (with
the Ecumenical Patriarch), there were meetings between the clergy of our
Churches, where we discussed the theological and dogmatic issues about which
there has been ongoing dialogue for quite a long time; meetings have
occurred and will continue to take place. The purpose of our visit to the
Ecumenical Patriarch was the reinforcement and strengthening of the
brotherly ties between our sister Churches, as well as the continuation of
the existing collaboration between our Churches with a new spirit and new
warmth.
Question: During your meeting with the Governor of Istanbul, you stated
that you are pleased with the regular (airline) flights between Yerevan and
Istanbul, however similar steps must continue. What do mean by `steps’?
His Holiness Karekin II: We expressed our satisfaction that
Yerevan-Istanbul flights occur regularly. As you are aware, our country –
the Republic of Armenia – is inclined to improve relations with Turkey, and
we are certain that as a result (of those improved relations) we will find
solutions. We shall be able to concurrently search for and find solutions
to the issues that exist in the relationship between our two peoples, one
example being the issue of the Genocide, of which you are aware.
Question: As you just mentioned, the issue of the Genocide exists between
Turkey and Armenia. We, meaning the opinion of Turkish society, are not
limited by the Armenians of Armenia. We see three groups of Armenians:
Diaspora, Armenians of Turkey, and Armenia. What are your thoughts? During
these deliberations, whom must Turkey consider? And the Armenians, whom do
they consider – the Turkish government or…? As you know, this issue is
being discussed in certain Turkish intellectual circles. In different
universities, specifically the University of Bilgi, this issue has been
discussed during different symposia where the Armenian Patriarch Mutafian
was also present. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, I want to
ask two questions: Who must represent the Turkish and Armenian sides and
what steps must be taken? And the second question, how do you evaluate the
atmosphere of democratic debate in Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are one people; dispersed throughout the
world. However, we are a people that have statehood. And naturally, the
Republic of Turkey can discuss these issues and find solutions with the
Republic of Armenia. For 90 years, the issue of the Genocide has been
researched by the academics of the world, and manifold volumes have been
written. For our people, the Genocide is not a matter for research – it is
a reality of fact that happened, which must be recognized. That
(recognition) is naturally the desired option, but a negative position can
also be taken on this issue.
If academic conferences in Turkey are intended to present the actuality of
the Genocide to Turkish society, then it shall be possible to welcome them.
If they are politically motivated, to further the position of denial,
naturally that won’t have a positive influence on resolving this issue. We
are satisfied to see that in the life of Turkish society, within
democratization processes, people are speaking and reflecting on the issue
of the Genocide during the First World War to a certain extent.
Question: During his meeting with the governor of Istanbul, the Catholicos
stated, `A certain amount of progress is noticeable in Turkish society. If
necessary steps are taken, everything can be much better.’ These words were
translated by (Armenian Patriarch) Mutafian. What is lacking in the life of
Turkish society and what did you have in mind?
His Holiness Karekin II: During our conversation with the governor, we have
said that we are pleased, that in the life of ethnic and religious
minorities, as it relates to the Armenian Apostolic Church and the
Ecumenical Patriarchate, some concerns are receiving their positive
solutions. We can see that for many decades, it was impossible to renovate
the (headquarters of the) Patriarchate, and today we see it restored.
Permission has been granted, and churches are being repaired. However, we
noted that there are a certain number of other concerns, the resolution of
which would benefit the greater strengthening of community life. For
example, among these issues are property rights and organizational matters
for educational activities.
Question: The Catholicos stated that the two states must discuss the issue
of the Genocide. However in recent times, discussions were held in Turkey
when two Armenians of Turkey participated, among them Hrant Dink. The law
which was being debated in France, whereby the deniers of the Genocide would
be held criminally liable, was opposed by nine Turkish intellectuals who
sent a letter to France. They asserted that expressing a viewpoint about
the Genocide must not have consequences. This is one example of the fact
that Turkey and Armenia are not alone in debating this issue, and that there
are other states, which make decisions in their parliaments about the
Genocide. In this regard, the issue assumed an international character.
What is your opinion? Is it correct for other states to be drawn into this
matter?
His Holiness Karekin II: Genocide against any nation is not limited to the
life or borders of one people. Genocide does not recognize ethnicity.
Genocide envelopes all of mankind. And for that reason, when similar
actions are being committed in any corner of the world, states and nations
raise their voices in condemnation, to prevent similar incidents in the life
of mankind. Only in this manner will it be possible to keep mankind free
from similar tragedies.
Regarding the first part of the question, that should only Turkey and
Armenia be concerned with this issue, we wish to further clarify that the
Armenian people have statehood. But the issue concerns all Armenians.
Armenians dispersed throughout the world. Every single individual
Armenian. However the body that represents the rights of the nation, and
guarantees those rights, obviously, is the state.
Question: The Catholicos says that the issue of the Genocide for Armenian
society is not one that needs research, rather it is reality. Does this
position not obstruct the resolution of this issue, perhaps, since the
Turkish side continues to deny the Genocide? In other words, is it not
possible to study the Genocide?
His Holiness Karekin II: Obviously, if Turkey denies (the Genocide), it is
impossible to resolve this issue. If the facts are present, then what’s the
point in discussing the necessity to debate the facts? There must be the
will to record, confirm and accept the facts.
Question: What do you propose as a way of resolving this issue?
His Holiness Karekin II: We believe that as many states and countries have
done, Turkey also has the capability to conduct the corresponding studies,
and add its name to that list of many countries, by recognizing the Armenian
Genocide. Armenia has never held similar deliberations with any of the
other countries who have recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide.
Because the facts exist, they can be studied, and based upon those facts, a
decision and position can be made. This cannot be or be proposed to be an
issue which necessitates discussions.
Question: You say that to keep humanity free from the repetition of similar
sorrows, that they must be studied and accepted. But have you ever made a
statement regarding the events taking place in Iraq, which is very close to
both Turkey and Armenia? As you are aware, the intervention of the United
States of America is present there. What do you think about this, and what
are you doing about it?
His Holiness Karekin II: We as a Church, express our voice of indignation
on every occasion when a hand is raised against the greatest treasure of
God’s creation – human life.
Question: You visited the seminary on the Island of Halki. What are you
thoughts, since that seminary is not operating at present?
His Holiness Karekin II: I am pleased with the process of democratization
which is taking place today in the Republic of Turkey. And I am certain
that in time, all those issues will find their positive solutions.
Question: Did you like Istanbul?
His Holiness Karekin II: We have not had the opportunity to see Istanbul.
But in these past few days, we mentioned in our remarks that in Istanbul,
there are many valuable and beautiful buildings, churches, etc. However,
the most valuable, the most beautiful for me is our people, our community,
for whom we are conducting our Pontifical Visit. Having this as our primary
concern, naturally, we have allocated all of our time for the strengthening
of the spiritual life of our people and to the work of reinforcing their
faith. Nevertheless, I am certain that another opportunity will be created,
and we shall be able to have the necessary amount of time to see the sights
of Istanbul. For example, yesterday, we were able to visit the Dolmabahçe
palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, which greatly impressed us.
Question: There is a report that you desired to pray when at the Hagia
Sophia, but were prohibited from doing so.
His Holiness Karekin II: We are not aware of any such occurrence.
Question: From the first day of your visit, there have been protest
demonstrations. What do you think about this?
His Holiness Karekin II: The protest demonstrations in no way affected
neither our mood nor our mission. We would prefer that there be no place
for similar demonstrations in the relationship between our two peoples. We
are destined to live side by side as neighbors, and therefore it is
necessary to cultivate, educate and nurture appropriate relationships
between neighboring peoples. I am convinced that in my next trip, we won’t
see similar demonstrations or expressions. And even if there are protests
such as these, we must understand that we still have work to do, both of us
together, to exclude similar occurrences.
Question: During the Eurovision competition, Turkey gave 10 points to
Armenia. How do you evaluate this fact?
His Holiness Karekin II: We see nothing negative in this.
Question: Is this perhaps a step forward on the part of Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: Of course, it is a step, which must be positively
assessed. God willing, that this positive course leads us to the resolution
of the fundamental issue.
Question: Although your visit was not `official’ in nature, you were
received by the governor of Istanbul. An occurrence such has this has not
happened since 1961. What do you think about this? Do you asses this as a
positive step? Were there any other similar offers? If yes, then for what
reason did they not occur?
His Holiness Karekin II: We recognize our meeting with the governor as a
display of his appreciation for the Armenian community, and their important
contributions and service to the life of Turkish society. We have not had
nor do we have any objections to meeting with any state official, whether
the suggestion is made by our community or by any other entity. There was
the concept, at one time, to organize a meeting with the religious leader of
Turkey, but it became unfeasible to bring it to fruition. The reasons being
that the congestion of our itinerary for this trip did not provide the
opportunity.
We express our thanks for this meeting and for such an open discussion. We
wish you all the best.

YEREVAN PRESSING FOR TOUGHER ACTION AGAINST ANTI-ARMENIAN RACISM IN RUSSIA
By Emil Danielyan
Eurasia Daily Monitor, DC
June 27 2006
Armenia’s leadership has indicated its discontent with the Russian
authorities’ failure to stop racially motivated attacks on non-Slavic
immigrants in Russia. Such attacks have claimed at least six Armenian
lives this year. Faced with domestic outcry against its reluctance to
publicly exert pressure on Moscow, official Yerevan is now pressing
for tougher Russian action against the xenophobic violence.
President Robert Kocharian and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian
showed the first signs of such pressure as they met with the Kremlin’s
visiting top representative to southern Russia, Dmitry Kozak, on
June 16. The official purpose of Kozak’s visit to Yerevan was to
discuss ways of boosting economic ties between Armenia and the Russian
regions making up the Southern Federal District. But statements from
official Armenian sources suggest that the continuing racist killings
dominated much of the discussions. The Armenian leaders clearly used
the opportunity to convey their concerns to a close and influential
associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kocharian, according to his office, condemned the “nationalist
murders” and urged Russian law-enforcement bodies, widely accused of
inactivity and even connivance, to act in a more “quick, steadfast,
and understandable” manner. Markarian was quoted by his press service
as demanding that Moscow take “serious steps to identify and bring
the guilty to justice as well as to avert more such incidents.”
It also emerged that a group of senior officials from the Armenian
Foreign Ministry will fly to Moscow on Thursday, June 29, to hold
special talks on the issue with their Russian counterparts. “I think
that from now on such discussions and exchanges of concerns will
be a continuous process,” Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham
Gharibjanian said on June 15. He admitted that the authorities in
Yerevan have been “a bit late” in reacting to the problem.
Their reaction (quite strong and extraordinary, given the close
nature of the Russian-Armenian relationship) followed the murder of
yet another ethnic Armenian resident of Russia. Artur Sardarian, 19,
was stabbed to death, apparently by a group of neo-Nazi youths, on
a suburban Moscow train on May 25. Sardarian is reportedly the sixth
Armenian man killed in Russia because of his non-Slavic looks during
the first five months of this year. His violent death came just over
a month after the high-profile, fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Vigen
Abramiants on a Moscow subway platform. The Russian law-enforcement
authorities’ initial refusal to characterize it as a hate crime
enraged even the Kremlin-connected leaders of Russia’s large Armenian
community.
According to the Moscow-based anti-racism Sova Center, ethnic
hatred has already motivated 18 murders and 129 attacks in Russia on
dark-skinned immigrants from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Africa
this year. Sova reported at least 28 such deaths last year. Sova and
other Russian human rights organizations lay much of the blame on the
Russian law-enforcement agencies’ notorious leniency towards skinhead
groups, which are believed to carry out such crimes. The skinheads,
numbering tens of thousands across the country, seem to operate in a
climate of near-impunity, with neo-Nazi and other extremist literature
widely available on Russian streets and especially on the Internet.
While condemning the racist violence, Kozak assured Kocharian and
Markarian that it is “not specifically directed against Armenians.”
He also claimed, “The Russian authorities are doing everything to
solve and rule out such crimes.”
Few in Armenia would agree with this assertion, however. A group
of Armenian civic groups that staged a small demonstration outside
the Russian Embassy on June 5 said in a joint petition that the
neo-Nazi elements guilty of the racist killings are operating “with
the sponsorship of some Russian state structures.” The protesters
also marched to the Foreign Ministry building in Yerevan to demand
that the Armenian government finally bring the Russians to task. “I
am convinced that if the Armenian authorities took a tougher line the
situation would not be so grave,” said Avetik Ishkhanian, chairman
of the Armenian Helsinki Committee and one of the protest organizers.
Leaders of local pro-Western opposition parties are even more outspoken
in condemning both Moscow and Yerevan. Hovannes Hovannisian of the
Liberal Progressive Party branded Kocharian’s regime as a “Russian
vassal” in a June 17 interview with the Haykakan Zhamanak daily. “What
is being done to Armenians in Russia is part of a state policy,”
he charged.
There is also mounting concern among Armenian pro-establishment circles
that have traditionally been oriented toward Russia. Vahan Hovannisian,
a leader of the governing Armenian Revolutionary Federation, observed
with shock on June 16 that Russia is now a far more dangerous place
for Armenians than Turkey. And the chairman of the Writers Union
of Armenia, Levon Ananian, decried what he described as a deadly
“hunt for Armenians” underway in Russia during a recent roundtable
discussion in Yerevan.
Such statements, coupled with the increasingly frequent criticism
of Russia in the Armenian press, cannot fail to contribute to the
ongoing erosion of the traditionally strong pro-Russian sentiment
in Armenia. Opinion polls conducted in recent years show a major
pro-Western shift in Armenian public opinion resulting, among other
things, from Moscow’s perceived hard bargaining in its controversial
economic dealings with Yerevan.
“Gone are the days when a Russian orientation was not even disputed in
this country,” Alexander Iskandarian, a political analyst and director
of the Yerevan-based Caucasus Media Institute, told the Hayots Ashkhar
daily. “There is more and more talk here of alternatives, alternative
ways of development and geopolitical orientations. And that is good.”
Kocharian apparently had this in mind when he told Kozak that the
racist attacks “do not stem from the interests of Russia and the
Russian people.”
(Hayots Ashkhar, June 21; Haykakan Zhamanak, June 17; Statements
by the press services of the Armenian president and prime minister,
June 16; RFE/RL Armenia Report, June 15)

RF DEPUTY FM AND DEPUTY US SECRETARY OF STATE DISCUSS SETTLEMENT OF REGIONAL CONFLICTS
ArmRadio.am
29.06.2006 13:10
In Moscow RF Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin and Deputy US
Secretary of State on Political Issues Nicolas Burns discussed issues
of resolution of conflicts on CIS territory.
During the meeting on June 28 the interlocutors dwelt on urgent
issues of Russian-American relations with an emphasis on CIS problems
including the regional conflicts, Press Service of RF MFA told
MEDIAMAX Agency.
The meeting of Foreign Ministers of the G8 will be held today in
Moscow.
Earlier Nicolas Burns had not ruled out that the Karabakh conflict
could become a topic of discussion at the summit meeting of Heads of
G8 countries to be held in Saint Petersburg in July.