FRADKOV: FAMILIES OF RUSSIANS KILLED IN A-320 AIR CRASH TO GET FINANCIAL AID
ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 25 2006
MOSCOW, May 25 (Itar-Tass) — Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov
decreed to pay the one-time financial aid to the families of Russian
citizens killed in the crash of an Armenian airplane A-320 near
Sochi. They will get 100,000 roubles for each air crash victim, the
Russian governmental press service said. The prime minister ordered
to assign the necessary sum from the governmental reserve fund in 2006.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Transport
Ministry should submit in the Finance Ministry the lists of the
families of the Russians killed in the crash of the airplane A-320.
The Krasnodar territorial administration is instructed to pay the
one-time material aid.
The airplane A-320 crashed near Sochi on May 3, 2006.

AZERI FM INVITED TO CUBA
Author: S.Agayeva
TREND, Azerbaijan
May 25 2006
Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov received an official invitation
from his Cuban mate Felipe Perez Roje on May 25. Foreign Ministry
officials told Trend that the invitation was handed by Eumelio
Cabalero, deputy Foreign minister of Cuba.
Cuba wants to develop cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of
trade, energy and health, Cuban diplomat said at the meeting. Cuba,
he said also, fully supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and
calls Armenia to commit to UN resolutions approved for the settlement
of Azeri-Armenian conflict.
In turn, Elmar Mamedyarov stated Azerbaijan’s interest in close
cooperation with all countries of the world, including Cuba.
At the meeting, a memorandum on mutual cooperation of the countries
was signed.

KOCHARYAN STARTED TO MEET DELEGATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONCILIATORS IN YEREVAN
Author: A.Mammadov
TREND, Azerbaijan
May 25 2006
The Armenian president Robert Kocharyan started to meet with the
delegation of the international conciliators which includes Russian
deputy foreign minister Grigori Karasin, the USA state secretary
assistant Daniel Freed, advisor of French Foreign Ministry Pyer Morel
and co-chairs of the OFCE Minsk Group.
According to information of Mediamaks agency, the conciliators are
expected to make a statement at 18:00 with local time.

CRASHED ARMENIAN PLANE’S BLACK BOXES TO BE CHECKED IN PARIS
RIA Novosti, Russia
May 25 2006
YEREVAN, May 25 (RIA Novosti) – The flight recorders from an Armenian
Airbus that crashed into the Black Sea May 3 will be sent to Paris
for checking before being decoded in Moscow, an official said Thursday.
Gayane Davtyan, of the Armenian civil aviation authority’s press
service, said speculation that the flight recorders were too severely
damaged to be decoded was premature.
“The black boxes from the A-320 airliner will be decoded in Moscow.
However, they will first be sent to Paris, where Armenian, Russian,
and French experts will work to ascertain their technical condition.
The black boxes will then be opened, and the chips will be taken from
them and delivered to Moscow for decoding,” she said.
The recovery operation at the scene of the tragedy was officially
declared over on Wednesday.
Tatiana Anodina, head of the Interstate Aviation Committee, said
experts may face problems deciphering data from the wreck’s cockpit
flight recorder, because of damage to the recording medium.
The airliner, operated by Armenia’s Armavia, crashed while flying
from the Armenian capital, Yerevan, in stormy weather 6 kilometers
(3.7 miles) from Russia’s Adler airport, which services the popular
resort of Sochi. All 113 people on board died.

MEETING AT THE NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND YOUTH AFFAIRS
National Assembly, Rep. of Armenia
May 25 2006
On May 24 Hranush Hakobyan, Chairwoman of the NA Standing Committee
on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Affairs met with Dominique
Souchet, President of Sport Union of Vandea, France and Francois Bon,
Vice-President of the Committee on Culture, Economy and Tourism.
It was mentioned that the purpose of the mission is to discuss events
program within the framework of the Armenian year in Vandea, France.
Possibilities of cooperation between two countries in the sphere of
economy, tourism were specified. Mr. Dominique Souchet informed that
for the first time Armenian art pieces will be exhibited in Vandea, and
the purpose of the regional union is to carry the art to rural areas.
According to Hranush Hakobyan, there are many common interests of
cooperation in the spheres of culture, education and science. Mrs.
Hakobyan highlighted the export of agricultural goods to France,
the continuity of cultural programs. Greeting the existence of sister
cities it was mentioned that there are still things to be done in the
sphere of culture and economy. It was mentioned that several Armenian
teachers had trainings in France last year, and students will go to
France to study this year. While talking about legislation, Mrs.
Hakobyan noted that the French experience has been studied and used
for many times. Referring to new European Union programme, Mrs.
Hakobyan noted that the Armenian development programs are oriented
towards Europe. Mrs. Hakobyan highly evaluated the French political
attitude towards Armenian Genocide issue. The French guests highlighted
implementing reforms in the country and inquired about some provisions
of Constitution.
Other issues of mutual interests were also discussed during the
meeting.

VIDEO CAPTURES MEMORIES OF WWII
By Melody Hanatani/ Staff Writer
Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
May 25 2006
Markar Markarian was only a teenager when he was sitting in a cargo
plane hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean, under attack from
the Japanese.
The incident occurred in the midst of World War II and Markarian,
an 18-year-old from South Boston, was serving in the 25th Ordinance
Company, traveling around the Pacific repairing artillery weapons
for the United States military.
The day when the Japanese shot at his plane was the most action he
saw during his three years in service.
“I didn’t know if I was going to get home,” said Markarian, now an
82-year-old Belmont resident.
Markarian’s story will be told along with nine other local
Armenian-American veterans in a documentary titled “Our Boys: Armenian
World War II Veterans.”
The documentary was co-produced by Lexington residents Tom Spera and
Roger Hagopian, whose fathers served in the war.
The film will premiere this evening at the Armenian Library and Museum
of America in Watertown.
According to Hagopian, Spera wanted to find a way to honor veterans
after the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Spera approached
Hagopian, a filmmaker, and the two spent the past year interviewing
veterans about the war, and interviewing women about their experiences
on the home front.
Hagopian grew up hearing stories about World War II from his father
and the many other veterans who were around him. The 10 interviewees
in the documentary either attend the Armenian Memorial Church in
Watertown or the First Armenian Church in Belmont.
They range in age from 70 to 95.
“I felt most comfortable going to them because I already had a prior
relationship with them,” Hagopian said last week. “A lot of these
guys grew up together in Watertown.”
All the veterans are children of parents who survived the Armenian
genocide. Almost half of the veterans in the documentary had lost a
parent by the time World War II began, Hagopian said.
Some soldiers revealed stories they had kept secret for more than
60 years. Hagopian said these include secrets they kept from their
own family.
“They are humble guys who didn’t ask to be interviewed but they
cooperated enthusiastically,” he said.
One veteran lost his brother in the war. He has spent the past 60
years trying to make some sense of the death.
“His brother died so he could live, that’s the way he felt,”
Hagopian said.
Veterans’ wives and relatives recall life on the home front and their
roles in comforting soldiers.
“They were young kids,” Hagopian said of the veterans. “They were 17
and 18 years old, and they responded to a national crisis and they
were patriotic, they were heroic and they were humble … and some
of them made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Markarian’s division was sent to fix weapons in areas that had already
been cleared off from battle.
He remembers staying on an island off the Philippines and seeing the
Japanese soldiers come down the mountains with no clothes or guns. He
said the Japanese would occasionally steal their food.
There were periods of weeks and months when Markarian and his fellow
comrades would be bored from lack of work.
He recalls one four-month workless period when he created a ping-pong
table out of gun crates.
Markarian was in the Philippines when his division was told that
troops were en route to Japan to drop the atomic bomb.
It was good news for some soldiers who had been there for 18 months
and had no idea when they would be able to return home.
“There were six of us who went in as replacements and [the other
soldiers] said, ‘You are going to die here, we have been here 18
months and there is no sign of us going out,'” Markarian said.
Markarian was discharged in 1946, about half a year after the war
ended.
He slowly made his way back to Massachusetts, first stopping in
Seattle where he contacted his parents at 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
He then went to Fort Devens and eventually made his way to North
Station in Boston where he took the train to Broadway Station and
took a cab home.
Markarian moved to Belmont around 1953, after he married. He and his
wife raised two daughters who later married two brothers.
He has attended the Memorial Day Parade in Belmont almost every year
since he moved to town. Watching the annual parade always gives him
the same feeling.
“I feel tingling in my body when the flag goes by,” he said. “I’m
still very proud.”
“Our Boys: Armenian World War II Veterans” will be shown at 7:30
p.m. tonight at the Armenian Library and Museum of America, located
at 65 Main St. in Watertown Square. Admission is free (donations
appreciated). The filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions
and discuss the making of the video, which runs for approximately 55
minutes. A reception with refreshments will follow.

GHOUKASYAN: REFERENDUM IN CHERNOGORIA PRECEDENT FOR NK
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
May 25 2006
“Nagorno Karabakh has all grounds for expecting the international
recognition of its independence”, Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
President Arkady Ghoukasyan told journalists in Moscow on Thursday,
RIA Novosti reports.
“The latest referendum in Chernogoria is a very important precedent.
In case the international community is ready to recognize Chernogoria
and Kosovo independence, then I think it will be very difficult
for them to explain, why they do not recognize Nagorno Karabakh”,
Ghoukasyan stated during a break in the Third Congress of the Armenians
of Russia.
According to the NKR President, Nagorno Karabakh has got more grounds
for expecting recognition of its independence, including geographic
and legal ones. If we recall that the Nagorno Karabakh people have
survived in the war imposed by Azerbaijan and are constructing their
statehood at present, I consider we have all grounds for expecting
the international recognition of independence. I do not see any
alternative to that, NKR is independent, and it will remain such
irrespective of Azerbaijan’s desire”, Arkady Ghoukasyan highlighted.
Nagorno Karabakh President voiced confidence that “the international
community will recognize Karabakh sooner or later”. “The sooner it
(the international community) does it, the more chances for peace
will be sustained in the region”, concluded the head of the Republic.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/25/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans 2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms 3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace 4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28 1) Rep. Markey Leads Congressional Opposition to Recall of Ambassador Evans --Letter Signed by 60 US Representatives Sent on Eve of White House Announcement of Ambassador's Replacement WASHINGTON, DCOver 60 Members of Congress, led by Representative Ed Markey (D-MA), sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking for clarification on reports of US Ambassador to Armenian John Evans' recall over his forthright remarks about the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The letter was sent on the eve of a May 23rd White House announcement nominating Richard Hoagland to serve as the new Ambassador to Armenia. Ambassador Evans will be relieved of his duties as soon as Hoagland's Senate confirmation process is completed. The Administration has recalled Ambassador Evans over his February 2005 statements at Armenian American community functions, during which he properly characterized the Armenian genocide as 'genocide.' Following his statements, Ambassador Evans was apparently forced to issue a statement clarifying that his references to the Armenian genocide were his personal views and did not represent a change in US policy. He subsequently issued a correction to this statement, replacing a reference to the genocide with the word "tragedy." The American Foreign Service Association, which had planned to honor Ambassador Evans with the "Christian A. Herter Award," recognizing creative thinking and intellectual courage within the Foreign Service, reportedly rescinded the award following pressure from the State Department a few days before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Washington, DC to meet with President Bush. "Ambassador Evans has been recalled for doing nothing more than honoring the forsaken pledge of his president," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We want to thank Congressman Markey and his 59 colleagues for calling for a clarification and rejecting the Armenian genocide 'gag-rule' imposed by the Turkish government and, sadly, enforced by our own State Department." "Armenian Americans truly regret that the Administration lacks the courage to speak honestly about its reasons for firing Ambassador Evans," added Hamparian. "We call upon the Senate Foreign Relations Committee--the Congressional panel constitutionally charged with oversight of diplomatic appointments--to hold a hearing thoroughly examining the reasons behind this firing, the role of the Turkish Government, and the broader implications for the future of the Foreign Service that a senior American diplomat's career has been ended simply for speaking the truth." The 60 Members of Congress expressed special concern about the destructive precedent of recalling a US diplomat for speaking truthfully on matters of historical record. They wrote that, "We must not allow the perception to linger that he [Ambassador Evans] is being required to vacate his position early for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide." The Representatives, noting President Ronald Reagan's references to the Armenian genocide, reminded Secretary Rice that Ambassador Evans "did nothing more than succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before him." The Congressional signatories also expressed concern about the role of the Government of Turkey in the impending removal of Ambassador Evans from his posting. "Were the United States to allow the views or beliefs of a third country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the Republic of Armenia," wrote the House members, "it would establish a dangerous precedent and be injurious to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship between the two countries." "I am seriously concerned at the early departure of Ambassador Evans," stated Representative Markey. "I hope that this sudden action by the State Department is not related to comments made by Ambassador Evans about the Armenian genocide. 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter to Secretary Rice asking questions about whether or not Ambassador Evans was forced out of his post. I look forward to a response from the State Department." On March 8, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian expressed grave disappointment at reports that Ambassador Evans would be penalized for speaking the truth about the Armenian genocide. In a letter to Secretary Rice, Hachikian wrote that, "the prospect that a US envoy's posting--and possibly his career--has been cut short due to his honest and accurate description of a genocide is profoundly offensive to American values and US standing abroad--particularly in light of President Bush's call for moral clarity in the conduct of our international affairs." Subsequently, several Members of Congress, including Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) have each called on Secretary Rice for a clarification of the State Department's position on this issue. The Los Angeles Times, in a strongly worded March 22 editorial, made direct reference to Ambassador Evans' impending dismissal, calling on the Turkish Government and US State Department to end their policies of genocide denial. Members of Congress joining Representative Markey in cosigning the letter to Secretary Rice were: Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass (R-NH), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA), Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Candice Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Mark Souder (R-IN), Ted Strickland (D-OH), John Tierney (D-MA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Diane Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY). The full text of the Congressional letter follows: Congress of the United States Washington, DC 20515 May 22, 2006 The Honorable Condoleezza Rice Secretary United States Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Rice: We are writing to express our concerns regarding recent information indicating that U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans would be departing early this summer from his assignment as a result of declaring in February 2005 that `the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the twentieth century,' during public exchanges with Armenian-American communities. It is our hope that these announcements are inaccurate given Evans' service to his country - in the Foreign Service and as a well-respected ambassador - in a region of strategic importance to the United States. Ambassador Evans issued a `clarification' and then a `correction' of his remarks. Last June, the American Foreign Service Association originally intended to honor the Ambassador for his `constructive dissent' and intellectual courage and initiative with the Christian A. Herter Award as a result of his recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but later withdrew the distinction. It now appears that Evans is being forced out of his post. We must not allow the perception to linger that he is being required to vacate his position early for accurately labeling the cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide. By employing the proper term last year, the Ambassador was only building on previous statements by our leaders in government, as well as the repeated declarations of numerous world-renowned scholars. In 1981, President Reagan issued a presidential proclamation that said in part: `like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it and like too many other persecutions of too many other people the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten . . .' In effect, Ambassador Evans did nothing more than succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before him. We have also heard that concerns raised by the Government of Turkey regarding Ambassador Evans' remarks may have played a role in this affair. We certainly hope that this was not the case. Were the United States to allow the views or beliefs of a third country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the Republic of Armenia, it would establish a dangerous precedent and be injurious to the long-standing relationship built on trust and friendship between the two countries. In addition, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried recently stated his friendship and support for Evans. At this critical time in U.S. history and the South Caucasus region, we respectfully request your clarification regarding the current status of Ambassador John Evans. It is our hope that that he will not be forced to prematurely end his exemplary service to the United States and the Republic of Armenia because of his reaffirmation of the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide. Sincerely, 2) Amnesty International Criticizes Turkey for Slowing Reforms LONDON (Anadolu/BIA)According to a report released by London-based Amnesty International (AI), the pace of reforms being implemented in Turkey has slowed down since it started negotiations to join the European Union (EU). The report notes that, the attempt at bringing Turkey's laws in line with international standards has slowed, while "torture and ill-treatment continue to be reported, [and] law enforcement officers continued to use excessive force." Despite reforms of its Penal Code, Turkey still restricts basic rights and individuals expressing peaceful opposition still face prosecution and sanctions, reported AI. Regarding torture and ill-treatment of detainees, the organization says that it continued to receive reports about such practices in 2005. "Those detained for ordinary crimes particularly at risk," reads the report. In the report, AI also says that security forces continue to use excessive force during demonstrations, citing the death of four protestors during a demonstration in November as an example. It notes that investigations into these kinds of events was insufficient. The report also criticizes Turkey's restrictions on freedom of expression, such as Article 301, which makes it a punishable crime to insult "Turkishness," the state, or its institutions, and is "frequently applied arbitrarily to target a wide range of critical opinion." The report also mentions the cancellation and postponement of last year's conference in Istanbul about the Armenian genocide as another example of restriction on freedom of expression. AI goes on to detail many more examples of human rights violations in Turkey. It says that human rights mechanisms in the country do not work effectively and that institutions charged with safeguarding these rights do not have the sufficient authority to investigate and report on any violations. 3) International Mediators Urge for Karabagh Peace YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Armenpress)--International mediators urged Armenia and Azerbaijan on Thursday to take the final step towards a resolution of the Karabagh conflict, saying that a framework peace accord is now within their reach. Diplomats from France, Russia, and the United States made the appeal as they wrapped up a joint visit to Baku and Yerevan, which produced agreement on the next Armenian-Azeri summit on Karabagh. A spokesman for President Robert Kocharian said that the Armenian leader and his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, will meet on the sidelines of a summit of Black Sea nations which is scheduled to take place in Romania's capital Bucharest on June 5. In a joint statement read out to the media after their talks with Kocharian, US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and a top French diplomat, Pierre Morel, said that "now is the time for the sides to reach agreement on the basic principles of a settlement." The three men accompanied the American, French, and Russian diplomats co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group on their latest trip to the region. The statement said that the Karabagh conflict "can be resolved in no other way than a peaceful one. Both countries should prepare their publics for peace and not for war." "A joint mission such as this one is a special event," Fried, Karasin, and Morel said in their statement. "It must be taken as a sign of the seriousness with which we approach the issue and, in particular, a belief that we are at the point where a mutually beneficial agreement is achievable. What happens now will up be up to Armenia and Azerbaijan." The three officials described as "constructive" their meetings with Kocharian and Aliyev, which took place on Thursday and Wednesday respectively. But they did not divulge any details of the talks. The representatives will now return to their capitals and brief their leaders about the developments. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will then report the results to the OSCE and international community. 4) Armenian Independence Day Festival to Be Held May 28 The Armenian Cultural Foundation and Armenian Youth Federation - Western Region (AYF-WR) have organized a festival celebrating Armenian Independence Day to be held on Sunday, May 28, in the heart of Little Armenia. This year, Hollywood Blvd. will be blocked off between Vermont and Alexandria just for the event. A variety of vendors, diverse entertainers, live performers, writers and organizations will be on hand from 10 AM to 6 PM to celebrate Armenian culture. For more information on the festival, please contact the AYF Western Region office at (818) 507-1933 or visit <; A ll 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 Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
May 25, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES SECURITY PARITY FOR ARMENIA
AND AZERBAIJAN
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly commended the full House
Appropriations Committee today for upholding its subcommittee’s
decision to reinstate U.S. policy to maintain military aid parity
between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The House Appropriations Committee agreed by voice vote to pass the
Fiscal Year 2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, thereby
signaling to Administration officials the necessity to maintain the
careful balance between the neighboring countries. The Bush
Administration, in its budget request to Congress earlier this year,
asked for $5.385 million in military aid for Baku versus only $4.29
million for Yerevan. Today’s vote would allocate $4.29 million in
military assistance to both countries.
Specifically, the Committee approved $3.5 million in Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) and $790,000 in International Military Education and
Training (IMET) funds for both Yerevan and Baku.
“I am pleased that the full Committee followed the lead of the Foreign
Operations Subcommittee to reinstate military assistance parity
between Armenia and Azerbaijan, said Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joseph
Knollenberg (R-MI).  “In addition, I look forward to working with my
colleagues as the appropriations process continues to ensure that
Armenia receives substantial economic assistance as well.” 
“Given the fact that relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue
to be tenuous, it is imperative that the U.S. maintain a balanced
approach,” said Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). 
“Furthermore, I am pleased that the Committee called for a higher
allocation to Armenia than that requested by the Administration, but
like previous years we will work hard to secure more funding in
conference.”
“We thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA) and
Ranking Member David Obey (D-WI) for supporting without changes the
provisions passed last week by the Foreign Operations Subcommittee
lead by Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey
(D-NY),” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “Given
Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockades of Armenia and Karabakh and its
periodic threats to renew military aggression, it is imperative that
Congress maintain parity in levels of military assistance provided to
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Legislators also approved $62 million in economic aid to Armenia and
up to $5 million in humanitarian assistance for Nagorno Karabakh.
Specifically, the report language said, “The Committee continues to be
concerned about the plight of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, and recommends that up to $5,000,000 should be made
available to address ongoing humanitarian needs in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
The report language also emphasized the importance of confidence
building measures noting that “The Committee continues its strong
support for confidence-building measures among the parties to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.” Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have
repeatedly offered to participate in confidence building measures only
to be rebuffed by Azerbaijan. Finally, Section 907 of the Freedom
Support Act remains unchanged.
During the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee
hearing in April, the Assembly submitted testimony for the record,
outlining the need for Congress to continue funding to Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh. Additionally, the Assembly supported a letter
initiated by Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)
and Caucus Member Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) and co-signed by 48
additional Members of Congress, highlighting important priorities for
Armenia and Karabakh.
The bill will be likely scheduled for a vote on the House floor in
June.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2006-052

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
May 25, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
TEXAS REP. KENNY MARCHANT JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Membership Reaches 158
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly welcomed the announcement today
that Congressman Kenny Marchant (R-TX) has joined the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues, bringing the total membership to 158 to
date. Marchant is the first Republican from the Lone Star State to
join the Caucus.
“The Assembly appreciates Congressman Marchant’s expression of support
and decision to join the Armenian Caucus,” said Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. “It is our hope that the Congressman will
coordinate with the Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) to foster greater ties between
the United States and Armenia.”
Marchant, who is currently serving his first term in office,
represents the 24th Congressional District which encompasses portions
of Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant Counties. The Congressman serves on the
Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, and
Government Reform Committees.
Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Marchant
served nine terms as a Texas State Representative. During his tenure
in the state legislature, he served as Chairman of the Texas House
Committee on Financial Institutions, Chairman of the House State
Affairs Committee, and Chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus.
The Armenian Caucus was formed in 1995 to provide a bipartisan forum
for legislators to discuss how the United States can better assist the
peoples of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. As a member of this
all-important body, Marchant joins Texas Representatives Lloyd Doggett
(D-TX) and Eddie B. Johnson (D-TX) in supporting Armenian-American
interests.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2006-054
Photog raph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
/2006-054-1.jpg
Caption: Congressman Kenny Marchant (R-TX)