MORE THAN 20 THOUSAND TREES ALREADY PLANTED THIS SPRING IN 20 COMMUNITIES OF TALIN REGION
Noyan Tapan
May 03 2006
TALIN, MAY 3, NOYAN TAPAN. More than 20 thousand trees have already
been planted since early this spring in more than 40 communities
of the region of Talin, Aragatsotn marz. As Ashot Hovhannisian, the
Governor’s authorized representative to the region of Talin informed
Noyan Tapan, the Nature Protection and Agriculture Department of
the Governor’s Office staff gave plants of neccessary quantity and
professional assistance.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DIVINE SERVICE TO TAKE PLACE AT SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF YEREVAN ON MAY 6
Noyan Tapan
May 03 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, MAY 3, NOYAN TAPAN. Under the head of Karekin II Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the divine service for
souls of people died in the accident of the aircraft of the May
3 Yerevan-Sochi flight, will take place presided by His Holiness
at 18:00, May 6, at the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of
Yerevan. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the Information Services
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Engineers and Scientist of America
417 W. Arden Ave.Suite 112C
Glendale, CA 91203
Contact: Misak Zetilyan
Tel: (626) 376-7420
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
AESA STUDENT MIXER
Armenian Engineers and Scientist of America (AESA) Inc. invites all
engineering and science college students, and recent graduates to a
mixer at the Glendale Public Library. The agenda for the evening will
include an introduction to AESA, networking between Armenian Engineers,
Scientist and fellow students.
When: Saturday, May 27 @ 5:00PM
Where: Glendale Central Library
222 E. Harvard St.
Glendale, CA 91205.
Details: pizza and refreshments will be served
Business Casual Dress
Bring your resume
FREE ADMISSION
Event Sponsors:
CitiPrime, Inc. – Real Estate Services – (818) 500-0708
MetroPrime, Inc. – Loan & Financial Services – (818) 500-1470
Mission of AESA Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America, Inc. is
committed to address the professional, technical, and scientific
needs of fellow Armenians throughout the world.
Goals of AESA * Technical and social interaction among Armenian
engineers, scientists, industrialists and architects.
* Establishing communications and promoting technological exchange
with experts in science, engineering, industry and architecture
from Armenia.
* Dissemination of the knowledge of these fields.
* Conducting educational activities and assisting Armenian educational
communities in these fields.
* Recognition of outstanding technical achievements by Armenian
professionals.

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: 
May 3, 2006
Condolence Message of His Holiness Karekin II
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians
We learned of the airplane tragedy on the Yerevan-Sochi flight and the
resulting great loss of life with deep pain and sorrow.  We mourn these
unexpected and terrible losses with the family and friends of the victims of
this disaster and all of our people.
On behalf of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the
Supreme Spiritual Council, we extend our sympathies to all affected by this
tragedy.
We offer prayers to God, that he accept the souls of the victims in the
illuminated heights of heaven and grant them blessed rest and peace.  We ask
that our Lord, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, bestow patience and
consolation to the families and relatives of those who perished, and the
strength to withstand the sorrow of their loss.
Appealing for unceasing prayers and divine blessings in memory of the
victims of this tragedy.  Amen.
Sorrowfully,
KAREKIN II
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
##
–Boundary_(ID_U0mqs13/1Icbx0wnZ34b Dg)–

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:
May 3, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II to Preside at Requiem Service in Yerevan
On Saturday, May 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, will preside during a Repose of Souls
Service in the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Mother Cathedral of
Yerevan. The requiem service will be offered in memory of the 113
victims of today’s Yerevan-Sochi Armavia flight airliner disaster. The
service will commence at 6:00 PM.
Earlier today, His Holiness offered his sympathies and prayers for
rest for the souls of those that perished, as well as comfort and
consolation for the families and friends of the victims.
##

From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Haigazian University
Rue Mexique – Kantari
P.O. Box 11-1748
Riad El-Solh 1107 2090
Beirut – Lebanon
Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary – LA Donates USD100,000
Beirut, 03/05/2006
As a result of extensive fundraising activities during the past few
months, the Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary (LA), donated a
generous amount of USD100,000 towards the funding of the new building
project of Haigazian University.
The check was presented to the president of the university, Rev. Dr.
Paul Haidostian, by a number of members of the auxiliary, Joyce Stein
(President), Sirvart Mouradian, Grace Kurkjian and Julie Aharonian,
who were in Beirut on the occasion of the annual Board of Trustees
meetings.
On accepting the donation, the president expressed his gratitude
to HUWA-LA during a dinner hosted in honor of the board members,
in hotel Le Bristol, on May 1, 2006. He presented them with a plaque
which acknowledged the auxiliary’s 43 year unconditional dedication
in supporting needy Haigazian students.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
03-05-2006
Book of Condolences for Victims of the Air Crash
A book of condolences will be opened for those who died in the
crash of the Armavia A320 near Sochi, on the morning of May 3, 2006.
Books will be made available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as
well as at Armenia’s diplomatic representations around the world. The
Armenian flag will also be lowered.
The Book of condolences will be available at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Armenia from 12.00 till 15.00, on May 5
and 6.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Linda Yepoyan
May 2, 2006
Phone: 610-642-6633
[email protected]
Birthrigh t Armenia Hires Sevan Kabakian to Head Armenia Operations
Yerevan, Armenia – In a forward-looking initiative, Birthright Armenia has
announced that Sevan Kabakian will join the organization as Executive
Director to head up its Yerevan-based office, the Depi Hayk Foundation.
The announcement of the new directorship comes with much fanfare as the
organization celebrates its third year of successful service to Armenia and
the Diaspora and looks toward future expansion. Linda Yepoyan, Executive
Director for the organization’s U.S. operations, describes Kabakian as “a
committed, energetic and experienced individual who will bring excellent
leadership and vision to our Armenia-based operations. His decades of
grass-roots community experience within the Los Angeles Armenian community
will certainly serve as a great asset to Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk.”
In his new position, Kabakian will be managing all of the organization’s
operations in Armenia, working with local organizations and governmental
branches to establish new areas for volunteer job placements and internship
programs, as well as enhance an already active connection between Armenia
and the Diaspora. He will also be charged with establishing the groundwork
for the future growth of the Depi Hayk Foundation, including expansion of
the organization outside Yerevan to the more rural areas of Armenia.
“Birthright Armenia is a wonderful vehicle by which countless Diasporan
youth will experience their ethnic homeland in a meaningful way,” says
Kabakian. “I look forward to serving the organization on this vital
mission.”
While his role with Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk may be new, Kabakian is no
stranger to the Armenian Diasporan community, especially among Armenian
youth. Born in Lebanon, he has been a well-respected leader in the Los
Angeles Armenian community for 25 years. As leader of the Glendale Armenian
Youth Federation Badanees (Juniors), he actively encouraged a sense of
pride, duty and responsibility among youth through a strong connection to
the Motherland. “Visiting Armenia is at once a highly rewarding and
emotional experience,” says Kabakian. “I see myself as a host that welcomes
Diasporan youth to their second home.” As evidence of his dedication,
Kabakian led a group of Armenian youth in a pilgrimage to Western Armenia
last summer in an exploration of that lost element of the Armenian heritage.
Sevan Kabakian has an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Master’s degree
in Aerospace Engineering from University of Southern California. Since 1987
he has worked as a flight performance engineer at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing.
On his journey to Armenia, he is joined by his wife, Klariss, and his three
young daughters, Naro, Naneh and Lalig.
Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the Homeland and
Diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of Armenia’s
daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through work, study
and volunteer experiences, while developing life-long personal ties and a
renewed sense of Armenian identity. For those interested in learning more
about Birthright Armenia, please visit or email
[email protected] .
###
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE May 3, 2006
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]
Web:
Embassy of Armenia Will Honor Armavia Crash Victims on May 5 and May 6
On May 3, 2006, an Armavia flight en route from Yerevan to Sochi,
Russia crashed at sea near Sochi. All 113 passengers and crew members
aboard the Armenian jet were killed during the crash. Official
investigation is currently underway to determine the causes of the
tragedy.
The Embassy of Armenia expresses its condolences to the families of
the victims. In accordance with the decree by the President of the
Republic of Armenia, days of national mourning will be observed in
the Republic of Armenia on May 5 and May 6. A book of condolence will
be opened at the Embassy of Armenia, 2225 R Street NW, Washington,
DC 20008 on May 5 and May 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Notes of
condolence may also be sent via email, [email protected] or by fax,
202-319-2982.

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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA THANKS U.S. LEGISLATORS FOR URGING PRESIDENT BUSH TO CONDEMN
AZERBAIJANI WAR RHETORIC; DEMOLITION OF ANCIENT ARMENIAN CEMETERY
— Reps. Knollenberg, Pallone, Radanovich and Schiff Registered
Concerns on Eve of Bush-Aliyev Meeting
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
has expressed its appreciation to four leading legislators –
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) and Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA) and
Adam Schiff (D-CA) – for urging President Bush to personally
encourage Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to stop his
government’s threats against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
The two leaders met at the White House last week in a meeting,
which was reported to have covered, among other items, energy
security issues, Iran’s nuclear program, and democratic reform in
Azerbaijan. It was not immediately clear, based on media accounts,
if President Bush addressed the issues raised in the Congressional
letter.
In their letter, the four legislators voiced their concern that,
“in the years since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani government officials have
consistently threatened war and fostered anti-Armenian intolerance.
Ignoring international criticism, President Aliyev has repeatedly
declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new military offensive
against Karabakh, and that he is waging a ‘cold war’ against
Armenia where the ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve
unilateral Armenian concessions.” Furthermore, the letter
condemned Azerbaijan’s demolition of an over 1,000-year-old
Armenian cemetery in Djulfa, Nakhichevan, noting that “[k]nowingly
expunging traces of Armenian presence also raises serious questions
about Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage in the peace process.” The
legislators credit the Administration for its assurances that “U.S.
opposition to such tactics has been officially conveyed. However,
the United States will be unable to advance its policy objectives
and the OSCE Minsk process will achieve nothing if Azerbaijan is
allowed to risk war with impunity. These counterproductive
strategies are undermining the stability of the South Caucasus
region.”
The full text of the Congressional letter is provided below.
#####
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
April 27, 2006
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
It is our understanding that you will be meeting with President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev later this week. We urge you to take this
opportunity to condemn the Azerbaijani war rhetoric and other
actions taken against the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
which undermine U.S. objectives in the region.
In the years since the 1994 cease-fire agreement in the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani government officials have
consistently threatened war and fostered anti-Armenian intolerance.
Ignoring international criticism, President Aliyev has repeatedly
declared that Azerbaijan could launch a new military offensive
against Karabakh, and that he is waging a “cold war” against
Armenia where the ongoing negotiations are only a way to achieve
unilateral Armenian concessions.
As part of this campaign, this year Azerbaijan has increased its
military spending by 100% over the previous year to more than $600
million. It has also tightened the seventeen year economic
blockade against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Moreover, President
Aliyev has indicated he would not engage in any confidence-building
measures with Armenia and he had “no desire” to tone down his
country’s war-mongering and anti-Armenian propaganda.
Under the backdrop of the peace talks last December, eyewitnesses
captured on film Azerbaijani soldiers destroying historical
Armenian monuments in the medieval cemetery of Julfa, Nakhichevan
of Azerbaijani Republic. Condemned by the European Parliament,
this incident is not isolated. A Scottish expert on Armenian
architecture, who traveled though Nakhichevan in the summer of
2005, found that a number of Armenian monuments that were intact as
late as the 1980’s were razed to the ground. Knowingly expunging
traces of Armenian presence also raises serious questions about
Azerbaijan’s commitment to engage in the peace process.
We acknowledge and appreciate the assurances of the Administration
that U.S. opposition to such tactics has been officially conveyed.
However, the United States will be unable to advance its policy
objectives and the OSCE Minsk process will achieve nothing if
Azerbaijan is allowed to risk war with impunity. These
counterproductive strategies are undermining the stability of the
South Caucasus region.
We urge you to condemn these actions and call upon President Aliyev
and Azerbaijan to desist from making any further threats against
its Christian neighbors Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
We look forward to working with you on this issue and look forward
to your response.
Sincerely,
JOE KNOLLENBERG
Member of Congress
GEORGE RADONOVICH
Member of Congress
FRANK PALLONE, JR
Member of Congress
ADAM SCHIFF
Member of Congress