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 14, 2006
___________________
ACYOA MARKS 60 YEARS WITH SUCCESSFUL GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SPORTS WEEKEND
The current generation of active young Armenian Church members thanked their
predecessors during a celebratory Armenian Church Youth Organization of
America (ACYOA) General Assembly and Sports Weekend this May.
Hosted by the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, the
organization marked its 60th anniversary in the city where the youth group
first got started. The Assembly ran from May 25 to 26, 2006, and the Sports
Weekend followed.
Seventy-five delegates, clergy, and observers from 24 parishes came together
for the business of the Assembly, with several hundred others joining for
the weekend’s sporting events.
The Primate presided over the Assembly’s proceedings, which were chaired by
Diran Jebejian of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, with Arda Paylan of
the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, serving as secretary. This year, a
record number of 20 clergy attended the Assembly. Many of the clergy grew
up alongside the 60-year-old organization.
Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of
White Plains, NY, is a former ACYOA executive secretary who worked for many
years alongside ACYOA founder Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. As a person
instrumental in the organization’s early years, Fr. Kasparian was pleased to
see passion still bubbling around the members.
“How heartwarming to see our youth participate in the assembly deliberations
with such seriousness and maturity,” he said. “They are worthy inheritors
of our cultural legacy and spiritual heritage. I was particularly impressed
by their spiritual sensitivity.”
Other clergy saw the young leaders gathered in Providence as a sign of good
things to come for the Armenian Church.
“The ACYOA has been, and still remains, one of the greatest venues for young
adult involvement within the life of the church,” said Fr. Vasken Kouzouian,
pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. “It was wonderful to
see the energy and enthusiasm of our young people. To transfer this energy
to the local level will make a tremendous impact on all parishes.”
NEW LEADERS
One of the main actions of the Assembly delegates is to elect leaders for
the coming year. On Sunday, May 28, following the Divine Liturgy at the
host parish, Archbishop Barsamian installed and blessed the new ACYOA
Central Council, including three newly elected members.
Returning to the Central Council and their new positions are: Chair Gregory
Andonian of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; Vice Chair Ani
Tovar of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; Secretary Sarine Zenian of the
St. Mary Church of Washington, DC; and Treasurer John El Chemmas of the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI.
The newly-elected members and their Central Council positions are
Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik from the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL; Public Relations Coordinator Alex Derderian of the
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA; and Chapter Relations
Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.
“It was extremely encouraging to see a record number of delegates from so
many different parishes,” said new Central Council Chair Andonian. “It is a
very tangible sign that the ACYOA is making a difference in the lives of
young Armenians in America and that we are getting stronger. When the ACYOA
gets stronger, the future of the Armenian Church becomes brighter, stronger,
and more certain.”
In addition to the election of three new Central Council members, the
assembly elected an auditing committee and a nominating committee. The
delegates also received reports from the outgoing Central Council chair,
treasurer, and from Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, as well as updates
from the Holy Land Project Committee and the 60th Anniversary Committee.
DISCUSSIONS ON FAITH, CULTURE
Following his remarks to the assembly, the Primate asked delegates to gather
in small groups to discuss such questions as: “Do you feel the leadership of
the Armenian Church understands you?” “What young adult programs are
working?” “What concrete efforts would you like to see the Diocese and/or
the ACYOA initiate for youth?”
The Primate then welcomed delegates to a luncheon he sponsored. The lunch
was a time for him to talk to and answer questions from the young delegates.
“These active, vital youths are indeed the future of the Diocese and the
entire Armenian Church,” the Primate said. “I am overjoyed each year to
spend time with them, to talk to them, answer their wonderful questions and
see the love they have for their community.”
The assembly also heard from Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess
Seminary, who focused on the special bond between the ACYOA and the
seminary, both of which were founded by the late primate, Archbishop Tiran
Nersoyan.
“We are sister institutions. We both share a focus on youth and on learning
and on the growth and development of the young,” he said.
The Primate encouraged the ACYOA members to build both the youth
organization and the seminary.
“It was obvious during the ACYOA Assembly that many of our young people are
interested in taking an active role in the ministries of the church. A few
of them are already full-time students at St. Nersess Seminary, but more are
needed,” said Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, director of vocations and youth for
the seminary. “Our Primate has gently challenged the ACYOA to assist in the
recruitment of students of St. Nersess by requesting that ten new students
be sought out from ACYOA to attend St. Nersess in the next three years. It
is a promising time for ACYOA and St. Nersess.”
CELEBRATING ITS ANNIVERSARY
Saro Kalayjian, chair of the 60th Anniversary Committee, told delegates
about plans for regional balls, detailed recent work on the ACYOA archives,
and announced plans for producing a bookmark and promotional DVD to
commemorate the anniversary.
“I think this is a video that all parishes in the Diocese should have and
present sometime during the year so that all are aware of the impact this
organization has had and will have in the future,” said Central Council Vice
Chair Ani Tovar, after the DVD premiered at the Sports Weekend Banquet on
Sunday night.
AWARDING EFFORTS
During the assembly, awards were presented to recognize dedicated service to
the ACYOA.
The Chapter “A” Award, given to an ACYOA senior chapter that has best
fulfilled the requirements as seen by the ACYOA Central Council, was
presented to the ACYOA chapter of the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC.
The Greg Arpajian Award, given to an individual who displays leadership and
service to the Armenian Church and community, was presented to Zack Kowalski
of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH.
The Sam Nersesian Award, given to an individual who displays the Christian
values of love, patience, humility and understanding, was presented to Stan
Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.
Two other awards are presented in memory of two beloved, departed clergymen.
The V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award was presented to Fr. Vertanes
Kalayjian, pastor of the St. Mary Church in Washington, DC “for his
passionate leadership, exemplary service and dedicated efforts on behalf of
the youth of the Armenian Church.” The Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award was
presented to ACYOA alumna Lisa Manookian, a Diocesan delegate and parish
council member from the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA,
for “her continued devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church.”
— 6/14/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Delegates vote during the 2006 ACYOA Assembly in
Providence, RI.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Newly elected ACYOA Chair Gregory Andonian speaks to
delegates about programming ideas during the 2006 ACYOA Assembly hosted by
the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Delegates to the 2006 ACYOA Assembly discuss questions
posed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, about the role of youth in
the Armenian Church.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate, other clergy, and 75 delegates attended the
2006 ACYOA Assembly, hosted by the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): Young delegates fill the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI, during a Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Primate on May 28,
2006, which capped off a successful ACYOA Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): The newly installed ACYOA Central Council with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy
Basmajian.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Archbishop Barsamian presents the Chapter “A” Award to
leaders of the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C.
PHOTO CAPTION (8): Saro Kalayjian, left, accepts the V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun
Melkonian Award on behalf of his father, Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, pastor of
the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C.
PHOTO CAPTION (9): The Primate and Fr. Yeprem Kelegian present the Sam
Nersesian Award to Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.
# # #

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Sahan Arzruni
215 East 80 Street, #LD, New York, NY 10021-0546
Vox/Fax: (212) 650-0956
E-mail: [email protected]
June 13, 2006
_________________
ARMENIA MARKS 85 YEARS OF COMPOSER EDVARD MIRZOYAN WITH GALA CONCERT
The 85th birthday of composer Edvard Mirzoyan was celebrated in Yerevan~Rs
Komitas Chamber Music Auditorium on May 14, 2006, under the auspices of
Armenia~Rs Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs.
Attending the filled-to-capacity event was the Republic~Rs First Lady, Bella
Kocharian. The crowd of spectators stood by the walls and took seats on the
stage itself.
The program, conceived and organized by master pianist Sahan Arzruni,
featured cellist Medea Abramyan, soprano Nuné Patalyan, mezzo-soprano Anna
Mayilyan, and pianist Martin Vartazaryan. The concert also highlighted a
new work by Mirzoyan: ~SFour Chinese Songs,~T written in 2006.
In a ceremony prior to the concert, Mirzoyan was presented with several
medals and citations, including the ~SLeonardo da Vinci Medal~T from the
Italian Academy of Arts and Letters.
The musical program began with Mirzoyan~Rs ~SPoem,~T a work for solo piano
written to honor the 1971 graduation of the composer~Rs daughter, Zara.
~SAlbum for My Granddaughter,~T a 1984 commission by the French publishing
house Alphonse Leduc, was inspired by Mirzoyan~Rs granddaughter, Mariam, who
improvised the tune while dancing around her grandpa. Scores for both works
were recently made available by the Charentz Museum of Literature and Art of
Armenia.
The vocal works on display covered the entire span of Mirzoyan~Rs creative
life. ~SAsum en te~E,~T based on a text by Issahakian, was composed by an
18-year-old Mirzoyan in 1939. The melody of ~SVerhush,~T written in Dilijan
in 1977, inspired Armenia~Rs revered poet Silva Kaputikyan to compose lyrics
after the fact. Meditations on the seasons by poets of the Tang Dynasty
inspired Mirzoyan~Rs brief, lyrical ~SFour Chinese Songs,~T premiered by Anna
Mayilyan.
Two large-scale works for cello and piano were the centerpiece of the
concert. ~SPoem,~T written over a span of 10 years, is dedicated to Armenia~Rs
pre-eminent cellist, Medea Abramyan. The Sonata, composed for Mstislav
Rostropovich in 1967, was actually finished in Rostropovich~Rs Moscow
dacha~Wwhere the great cellist ~Simprisoned~T Mirzoyan so he could complete the
work. (A pirated recording of the piece~Rs 1968 premiere in the Moscow
Conservatory~Rs Great Hall features stunning performances by Rostropovich and
Mirzoyan.)
The evening concluded with four-handed arrangements of two of Mirzoyan~Rs
most popular works, ~SWaltz~T and ~SLezginka,~T performed by the
Vartazaryan-Arzruni team.
The event was recorded and broadcast by Armenian State Television.
–6/7/06
E-mail photos available on request.
(1) PHOTO CAPTION: The 85th birthday of composer Edvard Mirzoyan was
celebrated in Yerevan, with a concert organized under the auspices of
Armenia~Rs Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs. Pictured on the stage of
the Komitas Chamber Music Auditorium is Edvard Mirzoyan (at the microphone),
and (proceeding rightward) guest artists Martin Vartazaryan, Sahan Arzruni,
Nune Patalyan, program host Mr. Armen Budaghyan, Medea Abramyan and Anna
Mayilyan.
(2) PHOTO CAPTION: 85-year-old Armenian composer Edvard Mirzoyan with master
pianist Sahan Arzruni, who conceived and organized the May 14 birthday
tribute to the eminent composer.
# # #
–Boundary_(ID_FMn37aXL/cgX1s6xh5AqmQ)–

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 14, 2006
___________________
DIOCESE HELPS STRENGTHEN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLY
ETCHMIADZIN
When representatives from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Habitat for
Humanity International signed a memorandum of understanding initiating a new
long-term joint effort, it was the culmination of several years of
relationship-building between Habitat for Humanity and the Armenian Church,
facilitated by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Eastern
Diocese, has played a leadership role in bringing the needs of Armenia to
the attention of Habitat for Humanity. He has led tours of Armenia for
leaders of Habitat for Humanity, arranged for the Catholicos to work on a
home with former President Jimmy Carter in Michigan last year, and has
spoken about the need to support Habitat for Humanity to parishes and other
organizations.
He was present when the two sides signed the understanding on April 20,
2006, initiating the “His Holiness Karekin II Building Project.”
“It is important that the people of Armenia find decent housing, and through
Habitat for Humanity, we are encouraging volunteers to work alongside the
nation’s residents in building a better future for Armenia,” Bishop Aykazian
said.
The agreement signed by the two sides outlines plans to have Habitat for
Humanity International conduct an annual building event in Armenia. The
volunteers will build 100 new homes in the next three years.
This year alone the organization is aiming to build 37 new homes in Armenia,
representing each diocese of the Armenian Church dispersed throughout the
world.
“There is so much that needs to be done to improve the quality of homes in
Armenia, and with Habitat we are taking steps to make that happen,” Bishop
Aykazian said. “And I am proud the Diocese and our parishioners are taking
a key role in this effort. I have spoke to so many parishioners who have
traveled to Armenia to work on Habitat projects, and each one returns
spiritually and emotionally energized.”
Joint cooperation between the Armenian Church and Habitat for Humanity began
in 2001, when parishioners from the United States traveled to Armenia to
work on building projects. This year, the Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA) has made Habitat for Humanity the focus of
its Armenia Service Program trip, which takes young people to Armenia to
volunteer.
“Habitat does more than provide much-needed housing in Armenia,” said
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese. “By allowing future
home owners to work alongside volunteers, it gives them a sense of pride and
dignity. It also gives the volunteers a human face to put on the economic
struggles of the Republic of Armenia.”
“Habitat for Humanity and the Armenia Apostolic Church share a commitment to
help those in need, to advocate for the poor and to transform dehumanizing
conditions that perpetuate poverty,” said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive
officer of Habitat for Humanity International, in a release issued by
Habitat for Humanity International. “This new partnership is a blessing
that will allow us to serve more families in need both in Armenia and
worldwide.”
— 6/14/06
# # #

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
June 14, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA WELCOMES COMMITTEE ADOPTION OF CROWLEY AMENDMENT
TO BLOCK U.S. SUBSIDY FOR ARMENIA RAILROAD BYPASS
— House Financial Services Committee
Approves Measure by Unanimous Voice Vote
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today welcomed the vote by a powerful Congressional panel to block
U.S. taxpayer funding for an unnecessary and costly proposed
railroad between Turkey and Georgia that would, if built,
circumvent Armenia and, in the process, undermine the economic
viability of the existing Caucasus railroad route through Armenia.
With a unanimous voice vote earlier today, the House Financial
Services Committee adopted the amendment offered by panel member
Joe Crowley (D-NY). The measure prohibits the Export-Import Bank
from providing any assistance “to develop or promote any rail
connections or railway-related connections that traverse or connect
Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that
specifically exclude cities in Armenia.”
Rep. Crowley serves as the Chief Deputy Minority Whip. His
amendment to the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006 was
co-authored by Reps. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
“We thank Congressman Crowley, his colleagues Ed Royce and Brad
Sherman, and all the members of the Financial Services Committee
for protecting American taxpayers from subsidizing an ill-advised
and over-priced railroad project that – at the insistence of Turkey
and Azerbaijan – has been proposed solely to exclude Armenia,” said
Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
“With this amendment, we are sending a message to the governments
of Turkey and Azerbaijan that continually excluding Armenia in
regional projects fosters instability,” said Congressman Crowley.
“Bypassing Armenia is just another attempt to further suffocate
this republic, which has made great strides in democratic and
economic reforms notwithstanding its neighbors’ hostility. If the
Caucasus region is to move forward, we must ensure that all
countries move forward together at the same time.”
He added that, “The American taxpayer should not be required to
finance a project that goes against the interests of the US
government in the South Caucasus. I thank my colleagues for
recognizing the importance of this legislation.”
A proposed new Caucasus rail line – at the urging of Turkey and
Azerbaijan – would circumvent Armenia. Promoters of the project
have sought, even at the planning stages, to secure U.S. financing
for this undertaking, prompting Congressional friends of Armenia to
preemptively block such attempts.
The Crowley Amendment is similar to the South Caucasus Integration
and Open Railroads Act of 2006. This measure was introduced in
both the House (H.R.3361), by Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-
MI), and in the Senate (S 2461) by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).
The House version has 85 cosponsors; the Senate version has been
cosponsored by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Paul Sarbanes (D-
MD). Both measures stress that U.S. policy should oppose the “The
exclusion of Armenia from regional economic and commercial
undertakings in the South Caucasus,” noting that such actions
“undermine the United States policy goal of promoting a stable and
cooperative environment in the region.”
Thousands of activists throughout the United States have sent ANCA
WebFaxes to members of Congress in support of this legislation.
lerts.php?aaid=93
In October of last year, the European Commission voiced official
opposition to the proposed Caucasus railroad bypass of Armenia. A
formal statement by the Commission’s Directorate General for
Transport and Energy noted that its construction was both
unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad
connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the
official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s
mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and
services to international markets.
Below are several of the key talking points used by the ANCA in
support of the Crowley Amendment.
#####
Talking Points:
The Crowley Amendment:
Protecting U.S. Taxpayers, Promoting U.S. Interests
1) The proposed railway would hinder economic integration,
undermine stability in the region, and – at the expense of the U.S.
taxpayer – help Azerbaijan and Turkey institutionalize their
illegal blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
2) Turkey and Azerbaijan have instituted an illegal blockade
against land-locked Armenia for over a decade and are now
escalating their economic aggression by initiating new projects
specifically bypassing Armenia.
3) Refusing to use an existing railway that connects Turkey,
Georgia, and Azerbaijan because it traverses Armenia, Turkey and
Azerbaijan are spearheading a nearly $1 billion project to build an
entirely new railway that deliberately excludes Armenia.
4) U.S. tax dollars should not be spent on such a wasteful and
destabilizing venture.
5) In the interest of promoting regional integration, conflict
resolution, and open borders, the U.S. should not provide any
assistance to develop or promote rail connections that deliberately
exclude Armenia.
6) Despite continued calls from the U.S. and international
community to end its aggression, Turkey continues its devastating,
illegal blockade of land-locked Armenia now in its 12th year.
7) The dual blockade by both Turkey and Azerbaijan prevents
Armenia’s economy from flourishing and hinders the development of
an important East-West trade corridor.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KHACHATUR ATANESIAN:ARMENIAN ICE CREAM MARKET IS FULLY OCCUPIED BY LOCAL PRODUCERS
Yerevan, June 14.ArmInfo. “At present, the Armenian ice cream market is
fully occupied by the local producers,” Khachatur Atanesian, Executive
Director of “Ashtarak Kat” company, said in the interview to ArmInfo.
He said that at present over 10 large producers of ice cream work in
the Armenian ice cream market. And each of these companies uses not
less than 50% of its production capacities. Atanesian said that this
fact is first of all conditioned by the natural limitations of the
country, secondly, by the small market of Armenia, thirdly, by the
short expire terms for diary products’ preservation. Atanesian added
that at present the company issued three new brands of ice cream,
particularly, “Truffles,” “Havana,” and ice cream with the taste
of condensed milk. He stated that there are over 80 various types
of ice cream produced by “Ashtakak Kat.” To note, “Ashtarak Kat,”
was founded in 1995 on the basis of the cheese dairy plant in the
village of Agarak, Aragatsotn region. The company cooperates with
1,200 farms in 52 villages in Armenia and employs 350 people.

DEPUTY HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR ORGANIZED CRIMINALITY-FIGHT OF RA POLICE OFFERS TO TAKE ALL NIGHT CLUBS OF YEREVAN OUT OF CITY
Yerevan, June 14. ArmInfo. Ninety-nine women and young girls are
made to administrative account for prostitution and are registered
in Yerevan from the beginning of 2006, Karen Babakekhyan, the deputy
Head of the Department for Organized Criminality-Fight of RA Police,
informed at today’s press-conference.
According to him, 21% of them has no permanent source of income.
Sixty-five women have different venereal diseases and only one woman
with a syphilis. Babakekhyan stated about the necessity of licensing
of the night club’s dancers. In his opinion, such objects are to be
taken out of city. At the same time, he is against of opening the
houses of prostitution.

CEREMONIAL LEAVE OF FIRST YEREVAN-BATUMI TRAIN SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 17
Yerevan, June 15. ArmInfo. The first Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan trip of
passenger train will ceremonially open on June 17, on Saturday. Head
of the Armenian Railway Department for Transportation, Hakop Khrimyan
told ArmInfo.
He said the first trip was scheduled for June 15, however, it was
postponed at the request of the Georgian prime minister who expressed
desire to participate in the opening ceremony. Armenian Minister
of Transport and Communications Andranik Manukyan and the heads of
Armenian and Georgian railways will participate in the ceremony. A.
Khrimyan said the train will leave on uncountable days of the week.
To note, the railway communication was opened for summer rest of
Armenian tourists in the Black Sea coast in Georgia. The train will
leave at 9:10 PM local time and arrive in Batumi at 1:40 AM. One ticket
in double compartment costs 18,703 drams, the ticket in four-place
compartment – 9,297 drams. The tickets on the return way from Batumi
will cost tourists 21,256 drams and 10,542 drams, respectively in
terms of lari.

PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE ALREADY DENIED STATEMENTS, PROMULGATED DAY BEFORE, AND SO ECHMIADZIN DOES NOT CONSIDER THEM NECESSARY TO COMMENT
Yerevan, June 15. ArmInfo. The Patriarch of Constantinople has
already denied the statements, promulgated the day before, that’s
why Echmiadzin does not consider them necessary to comment. Thus,
by ArmInfo correspondent request, the Head of Echmiadzin Chancellery
press office, a priest Vahram Melikyan commented today the information,
promulgated the day before in the Turkish press, where it is said,
with reference to some report of Turkish Special Services, that
the “Armenian community of Istanbul and the Armenian Patriarch of
Constantinople expresses an extreme anxiety in view of the coming
visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin the Second to
Turkey”. The priest Vahram Melikyan informed, the Catholicos of
All Armenians Garegin the Second will leave for Istanbul June 20,
by invitation of the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Mesrop
Mutafyan, to convey the Patriarch blessing to the Armenian community
of Istanbul. During his visit to Turkey from June 20 to 23, the High
Patriarch intends to make a brother visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew the First. “As for some statements, heard in view of the
coming visit, the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul has already denied
the statements, published the day before in the Turkish press, as
if made by the representatives of the Armenian community of Istanbul
and the Patriarch of Constantinople, that’s why Echmiadzin does not
consider it necessary to respond to them”, Melikyan said.

“CASCADE CREDIT” TO START IMPLEMENTING PROGRAM OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT CREDITING
Yerevan, June 15. ArmInfo. “Cascade Credit” crediting institution
will start implementing a program on crediting of renewable energy
projects starting from July 2006, “Cascade Credit” Executive Director
Garegin Gevorgyan said at a press conference, Thursday.
He said the program costs $15 million, including $7 million allocated
by EBRD, $5 million by WB. The remaining $3 million are invested by
Gafesjian Family, the owner of “Cascade Credit.” In addition, World
Environment Protection Program will provide a $3 million grant as a
technical assistance to the program. G. Gevorgyan said the credits
will be provided mainly for construction of small 10 megawatt capacity
HPPs for 8 years and a 2 year grace period. He said the credit will
not exceed one million dollars and 70% of the total expenses. The
annual interest rate is 8-9% on the six-month rate LIBOR+. Given
the urgency of the projects in Armenia, he said “Cascade Credit”
cooperates with authors of 25 of 48 projects submitted recently.

HOUSE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ADOPTS AMENDMENT TO BLOCK U.S. SUBSIDY FOR ARMENIA RAILROAD BYPASS
Yerevan, June 15. ArmInfo. The Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) [Ho.He. Dashnaktsytyan Washington-ee Hai Tahd-ee Krasenyag]
today welcomed the vote by a powerful Congressional panel to block
U.S. taxpayer funding for an unnecessary and costly proposed railroad
between Turkey and Georgia that would, if built, circumvent Armenia
and, in the process, undermine the economic viability of the existing
Caucasus railroad route through Armenia.
With a unanimous voice vote earlier today, the House Financial
Services Committee adopted the amendment offered by panel member
Joe Crowley (D-NY). The measure prohibits the Export-Import Bank from
providing any assistance “to develop or promote any rail connections or
railway-related connections that traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan;
Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically exclude
cities in Armenia.”
“With this amendment, we are sending a message to the governments of
Turkey and Azerbaijan that continually excluding Armenia in regional
projects fosters instability,” said Congressman Crowley. “Bypassing
Armenia is just another attempt to further suffocate this republic,
which has made great strides in democratic and economic reforms
notwithstanding its neighbors’ hostility. If the Caucasus region
is to move forward, we must ensure that all countries move forward
together at the same time.”