PRESS RELEASE March 30, 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:
Ambassador Markarian Visits the Armenian Community of Philadelphia
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian, accompanied by his wife Anna, visited the
Armenian-American community of Philadelphia on March 11, 2006, meeting with
the representatives of nineteen Armenian organizations and prominent
activists. A reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Papken and Anahid Megerian
brought together organizations representing the entire spectrum of the local
Armenian-American community.
In his remarks before the community members, Ambassador Markarian presented
the current developments in Armenia and the region. He outlined the current
state of U.S.-Armenia relations, and presented the bilateral cooperation in
political, economic, commercial, and security areas. The Ambassador then
discussed the Government’s vision for further expanding the synergies
between Homeland and the Diaspora.
Ambassador Markarian thanked the hosts, as well as co-chairs of the
welcoming committee, Dr. Ara Chalian and George S. Yacoubian for organizing
an event. He noted that the presence of so many Armenian-American
organizations was an indication of the spirit of unity and deep interest in
the Armenian issues that has continued unabated for fifteen years since
Armenia’s independence.

PRESS RELEASE March 30, 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:
High Level Armenian Government Delegation Visits the United States for MCC
Signing Ceremony
A high-level delegation of the Armenian Government visited Washington, D.C.
on March 27 – 28, 2006 for the inauguration of the compact between the
Republic of Armenia and the United States through the Millennium Challenge
Corporation. The delegation, headed by Finance and Economy Minister Vardan
Khachatrian, included Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Chief Economic
Adviser to the President Vahram Nercissiantz, and Ambassador Tatoul
Markarian.
The signing ceremony of the MCC-Armenia compact was held in the State
Department, in the presence of U.S. and Armenian government officials, and
leading members of the Armenian American community. Secretary of State Dr.
Condoleezza Rice, who hosted the ceremony, MCC CEO Ambassador John
Danilovich, and Minister Vartan Oskanian delivered remarks during the
ceremony. The compact, signed by Minister Khachatrian and Ambassador
Danilovich, will provide $235 million toward the economic development of the
rural regions of Armenia, including rehabilitation of the rural road network
and irrigation system.
Following the signing ceremony, Minister Oskanian had a meeting with
Secretary Rice to discuss issues of bilateral interest. He also held a
number of meetings with U.S. State Department officials on the margins of
the visit, including Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia
Ambassador Daniel Fried, Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew Bryza, as well
as Ambassador Steven Mann, U.S. Special Negotiator for the Nagorno Karabakh
Conflict. During these meetings, he was accompanied by Ambassador Tatoul
Markarian.
Minister Oskanian spoke on the record at the National Press Club, commenting
on the developments in Armenia and the region, including the Nagorno
Karabakh peace process and energy security issues. On the evening of March
27, Minister Oskanian addressed the participants of the Pan-Armenian
Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by the Armenian Assembly
of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and the Eastern and
Western Dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church. On March 28, Minister
Oskanian and Ambassador Markarian visited the newly-opened premises of the
Armenian National Committee of America in Washington.
On March 28, Finance and Economy Minister Khachatrian and MCC CEO Ambassador
John Danilovich held a public outreach meeting at the U.S. Congress to
present the MCC Armenia compact. Representative Frank Pallone addressed the
public outreach meeting, extolling the MCC Compact as the latest
manifestation of strong U.S.-Armenian partnership. Representatives of NGO’s,
development organizations, and U.S. government officials attended the event.
On March 28, the Embassy of Armenia hosted a reception on the occasion of
the MCC-Armenia compact and honoring the members of the Armenian delegation
visiting Washington, D.C. The reception was attended by White House and
State Department officials, representatives of the Armenian-American
organizations, and community members.
From: Baghdasarian

ZNet | Europe
Against All Odds
Human Rights Activism in Turkey
by Khatchig Mouradian; April 05, 2006
`I refuse to buy my freedom of speech by paying money,’ said Eren Keskin,
the Head of the Istanbul Branch of the Human Rights Association of Turkey,
during a press conference in Istanbul on the 22nd of March. A few days
earlier, a Turkish court had sentenced her to 10 months’ imprisonment for
insulting the country’s military. The sentence was then converted to a fine
of 6000 New Turkish Liras, which Keskin is refusing to pay, however, saying
that she will go to prison instead. Moreover, she asserts: `I will continue
to express both verbally and in writing my thoughts, which are banned
unlawfully by the ruling powers, because we are not the ones who should
change; they are.’
`The case will be heard by the Court of Appeals. It will take several months
before it reaches a verdict. In the meantime campaigns in support of freedom
of speech in Turkey both at home and abroad will help a lot to influence the
general climate in Turkey for greater democracy,’ told me Ayse Gunaysu, an
activist in the organization headed by Keskin.
The court sentence against Keskin was based on the notorious Article 301 of
the Turkish Penal Code, which states that public denigration of Turkishness,
the Grand National Assembly (Turkey’s legislature) or the Government of the
Republic of Turkey, the judicial institutions of the state, as well as the
military and security structures are punishable by imprisonment of between
six months and three years. In recent months, dozens of Turkish activists
and intellectuals, including the world-renowned author Orhan Pamuk, have
been charged under this article.
Keskin, who is also the founder of the Project for Legal Aid to Victims of
Rape and Sexual Assault Under Custody, had been accused of `insulting’ the
Turkish military big time in 2002, after giving a speech in Köln, Germany
about cases of sexual assault against women inmates by the state security
forces in Turkey. Keskin explains: `In my presentation under the topic
`Sexual Violence Perpetrated by the State,’ I shared with the audience
certain findings of our project, which had been going since 1997. I said
that sexual torture was used as a systematic method of psychological warfare
and that victims of such torture were afraid to file complaints against the
security forces.’
I discussed with Eren Keskin issues related to human rights violations in
Turkey in late March, a few days after the recent court ruling. Taking into
account the oft-repeated assertions that Turkey had made great strides
towards respect for human rights in the last few years in its quest for EU
membership, I asked her whether these changes were radical or cosmetic. `I
don’t believe that the changes that have been made or are being made in this
process are radical,’ she replied. `I don’t think that the state has any
intention to change, because the changes introduced have no power to
transform the essence of the system. Yet we have to admit that they have at
least provided an atmosphere where certain issues are being discussed.’
Thou Shalt not Insult the Army
The generals in Turkey consider themselves the guardians of the country’s
secular constitution and they have an established tradition of directly
intervening in politics, including a number of direct and indirect military
coups since 1960. In Keskin’s opinion, all legislative, executive and
judicial powers in Turkey are still under their control. `The military in
Turkey not only determines both domestic and foreign policy, but also enjoys
huge economic power through one of Turkey’s biggest business groups, OYAK,
which operates literally in all sectors of the economy, from banking to
tourism. Moreover, all OYAK companies are exempt from any tax liability,’
explained Keskin. Hence, she believes that the main impediment to improving
Turkey’s human rights record is the military.
`Today, even those who define themselves as being part of the left in Turkey
do not question the taboos determined by the `red lines,’ which the military
has set,’ she said, noting that overcoming the military’s domination of the
state is extremely difficult in Turkey.
`Domestic Enemies’
As this article is being written, thousands of protesters, mostly Kurds, are
clashing with the Turkish police in the southeast of the country. For
decades, Turkey has failed to find a decent solution to its Kurdish problem.
Ankara is reluctant to grant the most basic of cultural and political rights
to the millions of Kurds, who live mainly in the country’s southeast, where
the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, unleashed an armed struggle against
the Turkish state in the 1980s.
`Kurds are one of the `domestic enemies’ that this system, controlled by the
military, needs to create in order to sustain its domination,’ asserted
Keskin. `Failure in providing any solution to this issue makes the military
all the more powerful. Even the minor progress made lately in this field –
achieved at enormous cost and partly the outcome of the EU accession process
– does not change the fact that `the policy of `non-solution’ still
dominates the government’s approach to the Kurdish issue.’
State of Denial
For decades, the greatest of all taboos in Turkey has been the Armenian
genocide of 1915. In recent years, a number of intellectuals in the country
have started to speak up about this issue, calling upon Turkey to face its
past, oftentimes at the cost of being persecuted or sued under Article 301.
`The Turkish official thesis regarding the Armenian genocide is still very
influential in the street and in academia, although there are efforts to
overcome this domination,’ said Keskin, when asked about Ankara’s policy of
denial towards the annihilation by the ruling Committee of Union and
Progress (CUP) and under the cover of World War I of an estimated a million
and a half Armenians in the dying years of the Ottoman Empire.
The overwhelming majority of genocide scholars and many parliaments around
the world recognize this instance of mass slaughter as a classic case of
genocide. The descendents of the genocide victims, in turn, continue to
demand that Turkey, too, recognize the genocidal intent behind the
decimation of the Armenians, who lived on their ancestral land. The Turkish
government vehemently denies, however, that there was a planned destruction
of an entire ethnic group. It also argues that the number of victims is
vastly exaggerated.
According to Keskin, `there is no real break with the ideology of the CUP
not only among the extremists but also among those who consider themselves
part of the democratic opposition in Turkey. The ideology that led to the
Armenian genocide was a very important element of the founding ideology of
the Republic of Turkey.’
Keskin has little faith that Turkey will come to terms with its past in the
near future. `The general mindset of the majority of Turkish society,
including a significant part of the left, has been shaped under the
influence of this ideology. It is for this reason that I don’t believe much
progress can be made in the short run,’ she said. `However, I believe
recognition of the genocide is crucial. Turkish people should acknowledge
the sufferings of the Armenians, empathize with them and apologize for what
happened in 1915.’
* * *
Eren Keskin and many of her colleagues in Turkey operate in an environment
of intimidation and threats. `We, the human rights activists, have learned,
throughout these years, how to live with fear and to go on despite its
persistence,’ she said. `Up till now 14 executives and members of our Human
Rights Association have been killed by what we call the counter-guerilla
units. I myself have been the target of two armed attacks. I still receive
death threats. Of course all these generate some fear in me, but if there is
one thing, which we have learned by now, is to continue with our struggle
despite fear. I guess we owe this to our faith in what we do.’
Indeed, it is on this faith that many people are counting.
Khatchig Mouradian is a Lebanese-Armenian writer and journalist.

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
MARCH 31 – APRIL 6, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS:
“PRESS CLUB+”: ARF “DASHNAKTSUTIUN” ABOUT ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS AND
CORRUPTION
11TH ATTEMPT OF “A1+” TO GO BACK ON AIR
ANNUAL REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL PRESS INSTITUTE RELEASED
PARLIAMENT IS UNWILLING TO RECONSIDER RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC TV
THE SUIT OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CENTER VS ARMAVIR MUNICIPALITY
SATISFIED
MDI CONFERENCE: AMSTERDAM MEETING OF SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA DECISION MAKERS
BROCHURE FOR THE “THIRD SECTOR”
“ARMYANKA” MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN
“PRESS CLUB+”: ARF “DASHNAKTSUTIUN” ABOUT ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS AND
CORRUPTION
On April 4 fourth “Press Club+” talk show went on “Yerkir Media” evening
air.
The guests of Aram Abrahamian, program host, Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily,
were leaders of Armenian Revolutionary Federation “Dashnaktsutiun”. As
experts, representatives of NGOs were invited. The TV discussion was on
Armenian-Turkish relations and fighting corruption in Armenia.
Earlier, on March 28, second issue of “Press Club” was aired on “Yerkir
Media” TV. The representatives of media and journalistic associations of
Armenia discussed two hot topics: media coverage of interethnic problems;
strained relations of the Council of Public TV and Radio Company and RA
National Assembly, legally obliging the First Channel of the Public
Television to broadcast parliamentary programs on a concrete day and time.
It is planned that next Tuesday, April 11, at 21.00 representatives of the
Popular Party of Armenia will share their opinion at “Press Club+”.
11TH ATTEMPT OF “A1+” TO GO BACK ON AIR
On March 27 the deadline of the bids for the radio broadcast licensing
competitions expired. The competitions were announced by the National
Commission on Television and Radio on December 27, 2005. As it has been
reported, two vacant FMs of Yerevan – 90.3 and 90.7 MHz were introduced (see
YPC Weekly Newsletter, December 23-29, 2005).
Among the applicants for the both frequencies is the founder of “A1+” TV
company, “Meltex” LLC. One more bid for each of the frequencies were
submitted by “Ulis Media” LLC on FM 90.3 MHz and “Radio Pro” LLC on FM 90.7
MHz.
The bids will be considered by the National Commission on April 7.
It is already the 11th attempt of “A1+” to go back on air. On April 2 it has
been four years since the TV company was deprived of air after refusal of a
license by the National Commission on Television and Radio. From 2002 up to
now, “A1+” has participated in all the TV broadcast licensing competitions
announced in Yerevan, and each time its bid was graded lower than the rest.
Similarly useless were its efforts to get access to at least radio air. On
February 14, 2005 based on the results of voting by the National Commission
members, “A1+” lost the competitions for two FMs of Yerevan (see YPC Weekly
Newsletter, February 11-17, 2005). The appeals of the international and
local communities to the Armenian authorities for changing their politicized
attitude to the TV company also failed to influence the situation.
Meanwhile, recently (April 4) one of the high-ranking officials, Chairman of
RA National Assembly Arthur Baghdasarian said at the press conference:
“Personally, I miss “A1+” and want “A1+” to come back (on air – Ed.). I
think that’s all there is to say.”
ANNUAL REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL PRESS INSTITUTE RELEASED
On March 30 International Press Institute (IPI), based in Vienna, published
its annual world press freedom review for 2005. Having studied the situation
in various countries, IPI concluded that “in virtually every region of the
world the media are engaged in a struggle to uphold their fundamental right
to report news”. Similarly to 2004, in 2005 journalism remained one of the
most dangerous professions: within a year, 65 journalists in 22 countries
were killed while on duty, including 23 in Iraq. Among the events mostly
influencing the freedom of press, IPI mentions the terrorist act in London
on July 7 and the political debates over the cartoons of Mohammad Prophet,
published by “Jyllands-Posten” Danish newspaper on September 30. Commenting
on the situation in general, IPI Director Johann P. Fritz notes: “A free
media has always been essential to democracy; however, 2005 saw a subtle
shift in this thinking and there is now a worrying political mindset that
views some of the media’s work as damaging to both the war on terror and
relations with Islam.”
In the section on Armenia, several cases of pressure on media and
journalists are cited. In particular, IPI refers to the continuous attempts
of the National Academy of Sciences to evict “A1+” TV company from its
premises, and that in 2006 the European Court of Human Rights will most
likely consider the suit on depriving “A1+” of air in 2002. The IPI review
also mentions the incident on the night of April 1 in Goris with the car of
Chief Editor of “Syunyats Yerkir” newspaper Samvel Alexanian burnt down.
International Press Institute also paid attention to the constitutional
reform in Armenia. The IPI review quotes the July 13 joint statement of the
seven journalistic organizations (Yerevan Press Club, Journalists Union of
Armenia, Internews Armenia, Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression,
Investigative Journalists, “TEAM” Research Center and “Asparez” Journalists’
Club of Gyumri – Ed.), which criticized the provisions of constitutional
amendments on the freedom of expression and media. In particular, it is
about inadequate guarantees for independence of the National Commission on
Television and Radio, regulating private broadcasting, and the absence of
the provisions on the formation of the Council of Public TV and Radio
Company. The IPI review runs that Media organizations on July 27 released
another joint statement, criticizing the July 21 Final Opinion of the
Council of Europe Venice Commission, which positively evaluated the latest
version of the draft of constitutional amendments, proposed by the Armenian
authorities. The review emphasizes that journalistic organizations believe,
“The Commission’s proposals on the freedom, independence, and diversity of
mass media are flawed and cannot put in place the necessary guarantees of
freedom of speech in Armenia.”
PARLIAMENT IS UNWILLING TO RECONSIDER RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC TV
In media discussions on the relations between the Council of Public TV and
Radio Company and RA National Assembly continue. As it has been reported,
the Chairman of the Council of PTRC Alexan Harutiunian sent a written
address to Speaker of the Parliament Arthur Baghdasarian with a proposal to
reconsider the Rules of Procedure of RA National Assembly. According to the
latter, the Public TV (the PTA First Channel – Ed.) is to broadcast
parliamentary programs on a concrete day and time fixed by the National
Assembly. In the opinion of the head of the Council of PTRC, this legal
obligation creates a contradiction with the charter of the European
Broadcasting Union, of which Public TV and Radio Company has been a full
member since July 2005. Namely, there is a violation of the principle of
editorial independence and the right to use the air on their own discretion
(see YPC Weekly Newsletter, March 17-23, 2006).
The letter of the Chairman of the Council of PTRC was considered at the
meeting of the Speaker of Parliament with the representatives of
parliamentary factions and groups. At the meeting it was decided that there
will be no amendments to the Rules of Procedure of RA National Assembly as
to the broadcasting of the parliamentary programs.
In the interview to “Aravot” daily (March 28, 2006), titled “The NA Forces
Want Promotional Privileges for Themselves?”, Alexan Harutiunian reminded
that the necessity to reconsider the legal provisions is conditioned not by
his personal initiative but by the requirement of the Constitution and the
European criteria of press freedom. “The deputies admitted that they are
against this proposal since elections are coming, and this argument meets my
statement that there is a gross violation of our editorial independence. It
is unacceptable that any political force, moreover a state body, attempt to
legally endorse their own privileges on air not only of the Public but also
any other TV company”, head of the Council of PTRC emphasized. Alongside
this, Alexan Harutiunian proposed new solutions. In particular, he thinks
that the relevant amendments to the law may be introduced already today,
specifying, however, that they will be enforced after the elections. He also
expressed willingness to make an agreement with the National Assembly even
right now for broadcasting the parliamentary programs under the same
conditions as stipulated by the law, so that the current restrictions be
removed from the NA Rules of Procedure.
At the April 4 press conference, National Assembly Speaker Arthur
Baghdasarian explained the decision of the parliamentary forces not to amend
the Rules of Procedure also proceeding from the “international experience”.
“In particular, the rules of procedure of Moldova, Lithuania, Italy and
other countries clearly stipulate for the manner of broadcasting the
parliamentary agenda. (…) It would be fine if we had our own TV channel,
similarly to Russia, France and other countries. However, considering that
this is pre-election year, and all types of talks, debates and speculations
are likely (…), we unanimously decided not to return to this problem”,
Speaker of RA National Assembly said.
THE SUIT OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CENTER VS ARMAVIR MUNICIPALITY
SATISFIED
On March 21 the court of primary jurisdiction of Armavir region satisfied
the suit of the Freedom of Information Center versus Armavir Municipality.
The court obliged the city administration to provide the information
requested by this NGO. In the request filed in October 2005, the Freedom of
Information Center asked the Armavir municipality to give the copies of the
decisions, adopted by the Council of Aldermen in the second quarter of 2005
(April-June), including the annual budget and the financial report on the
execution of the budget in the second quarter of 2005. Having received no
response, Freedom of Information Center appealed to the court in February
2006. The respondent did not attend any of the three sessions (March 8, 15
and 21).
MDI CONFERENCE: AMSTERDAM MEETING OF SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA DECISION MAKERS
On March 28-29 in Amsterdam, South Caucasus media decision makers conference
was held. It was organized by the Media Diversity Institute (MDI), based in
London, under a three-year project “Minority Empowerment and Media
Development in South Caucasus”, which is implemented by this
non-governmental organization with the support of the European Commission
and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Support to the event was
also rendered by a number of Dutch NGOs (De Balie Cultural Center, European
Cultural Foundation, Mira Media, Press Now), IREX-Azerbaijan, Open Society
Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia, Open Society-Georgia Foundation.
At the conference, the results of the monitoring of Armenian, Azerbaijani
and Georgian media coverage on various minorities and socially vulnerable
groups were presented. The two-year research (2004-2006) was conducted by
MDI, jointly with the partner organizations of the three countries,
including the Yerevan Press Club. The participants of the event discussed
the role of public service broadcasting in reflecting diversity, the issues
of freedom of expression and political/religious/ethnic/racial sensibility,
prospects for joint regional media initiatives in the South Caucasus.
BROCHURE FOR THE “THIRD SECTOR”
A brochure “How to Build Relations Between Public Associations and Media?”
was issued. Its author is Levon Barseghian, the Chairman of the Council of
“Asparez” Journalists’ Club of Gyumri. The book offers practical advice for
the representatives of NGOs on collaboration with media, organizing and
holding of events for public awareness, including also the data on the
Shirak media and journalistic organizations in Armenia. The brochure is
developed by the order of the School of Civil Society, with the support of
ICCO Dutch NGO.
“ARMYANKA” MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN
On April 6 at the Journalists Union of Armenia the presentation of a new
Russian language magazine for women “Armyanka” was held. The Chief Editor of
this monthly colored edition is Narine Baghdasarian. The first issue has a
circulation of 4,000 copies on 62 pages.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

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
APRIL 6, 2006
PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE ASKS THE FAITHFUL TO
“LISTEN, BREAK BREAD, PROCLAIM”
In his annual Easter Message to the Faithful, His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan, advises the Faithful to “Listen, Break Bread, Proclaim.”
His Eminence describes the journey of the two disciples on the road to
Emmaus who meet a “stranger” and thus become the first witnesses to see the
resurrected Christ and the first bearers of good news announcing the
Resurrection of the Son of God.
The Prelate describes our duty to “Listen to the Prophetic Words,” to
“Break Bread with Christ,” and “Proclaim the Resurrection of Christ.”
“During these days when we live with the mystery of Christ’s
Resurrection, let us all become travelers to Emmaus, meet Christ through our
faith, listen and follow his teachings, and together become communicants to
His sacrifice and be witnesses and preachers to His miraculous
resurrection.”
To read the entire message in English click
To read the entire message in Armenian click
MessageArm.pdf
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Tomorrow, April 7 is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary,
which is the celebration of the announcement of the archangel Gabriel to the
Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God, as recorded in the Gospel
according to Luke (Chapter 1, verses 26 to 38).
HOLY WEEK BEGINS
In a few days we will be entering the most solemn period of Christendom,
Holy Week, leading up to Christianity’s most joyous period-Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection.
The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus
that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the resurrection of
Lazarus and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we
commemorate on Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a
donkey, as described centuries earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large
enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches and with the
words, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.” (John
12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, “Open to us Lord, the door of mercy.” This service is now held
immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, rather than in the
evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. It is also a tradition for the faithful to bring
flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan will officiate over
services at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
On Holy Thursday, for the Washing of the Feet service and the Vigil, the
Prelate will travel to All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois.
On Good Friday he will officiate over the burial service at Sourp Hagop
Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
On Easter Eve, His Eminence will officiate at services at Sts.
Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
On Easter Sunday the Prelate will officiate at services at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.
RETIREMENT LUNCHEON FOR PRELACY STAFF MEMBER
Last Friday, March 31, a retirement luncheon took place at the Prelacy
in honor of Mardirous Minas-Haftvani, who has served as the Prelacy’s
bookkeeper for the past twenty years. The Prelate, the Vicar, and staff
members joined in expressions of thanks and appreciation. In a convivial and
merry atmosphere staff members shared memories while expressing their best
wishes to Mardirous.
LENTEN SERIES CONCLUDES
The final Lenten meditation took place last night, with V. Rev. Fr.
Daniel Garabedian’s focus on the final three stanzas (22 to 24) of St.
Nerses Shnorhali’s, “In Faith I Confess” (Havadov Khosdovanim).
The Lenten programs took place Wednesdays during Lent at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. The annual Lenten program is
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Prelacy
Ladies Guild.
PASSING OF DIRAMAYR ROSE VARTOUHY KASSABIAN
We note with sadness the death of Diramayr Rose Vartouhy Kassabian,
mother of Der Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
in North Andover, Massachusetts. She was 82 years old, and is survived by
Der Vartan, and a daughter, Ovsanna Kassabian.
Funeral Services took place on Monday, April 3, at Sts. Vartanantz
Church in Providence, Rhode Island, with V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Prelacy, officiating, with the participation of the
clergy from the New England and New York metro areas.
We express our sincere words of condolence to the Kassabian family.
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WILL BE SHOWN ON PBS ON APRIL 17
The new PBS documentary, “The Armenian Genocide,” will be shown
nationwide on PBS stations, Monday, April 17, from 10 to 11 pm. Check loyal
listings, as the date and time may vary in some locations.
The powerful documentary was written, directed and produced by Emmy
Award-winner producer Andrew Goldberg of Two Cats Productions, in
association with Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The documentary features interviews with leading experts including
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power and New York Times best-selling
author, Peter Balakian. This one-hour documentary includes historical
footage that has not been seen before. The documentary is narrated by
Julianna Margulies and includes narrations by Ed Harris, Natalie Portman,
Laura Linney, and Orlando Bloom, among others.
Filmed in the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Turkey and Syria,
the program includes discussions with Kurdish and Turkish citizens in
modern-day Turkey who speak openly about the stories told to them by their
parents and grandparents.
2006 GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK CITY
The City Council of New York together with the Armenian National
Committee of New York, and the Friends of ANC will host the 2006 Genocide
Commemoration at City Hall, on Friday, April 21, 6 to 9 pm. The
commemoration is sponsored by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and City
Council members Melinda Katz and Peter Vallone, Jr. In addition to speakers
there will be a musical presentation and an Armenian Genocide photo and
video exhibit. For details contact the ANC of New York, 718-651-1530.
GATHERING AT TIMES SQUARE
And don’t forget the commemoration at Times Square organized by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan and co-sponsored by ArmenPac
and with the participation of area Armenian churches and organizations,
Sunday, April 23, beginning at 2 pm. The event is supported by 155 members
of the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues. National, state and
local dignitaries will participate as well as scholars and artists. For bus
information: 516-627-6687, 718-777-7765, 201-265-1275.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
A very wise person once said, “Those who sing, pray twice.”
The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created!
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after forty days of Lent and
the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe.”
During the Opening of the Doors ceremony the beautiful hymn “Open for
us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or before the
closed altar. “We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the
gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord.”
During the Vigil on Maundy Thursday some of most melodious and memorable
hymns are sung including, “My Heart Trembles” (Sird im Sasani); “Seized by
the Love of Money,” (Ardzatsirootyampun Molyal), and the truly beautiful and
haunting “Where Are You, O Mother?” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most
sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with
bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?”
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, “Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!” (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!”
Calendar of Events
April 8-Ladies Guild Annual Bake Sale, 10 a.m., Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
April 17-“The Armenian Genocide,” a new documentary will be shown on most
PBS stations. Please check your local listings.
April 21-2006 Genocide commemoration at City Hall, New York City, sponsored
by the New York City Council and the Armenian National Committee of New York
and Friends of ANC. For details, 718-651-1530.
April 23-Commemoration of the 91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at
Times Square-the crossroads of the world. Organized by the Mid-Atlantic
Knights and Daughters of Vartan, co-sponsored by ArmenPac and with
participation of area Armenian organizations. Featuring Prof. Israel W.
Charny, Andrew Goldberg, Edward Korkoian, Asien Surmeian, Annie Totah, Aram
Hamparian, Curtis Sliwa, and more. More details to follow.
April 29-Presentation by comedian Vahe Berberian at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For details 718-224-2275.
May 5-Reunion of all students beginning from the 1930s who attended St.
Illuminator Armenian School in New York. Dinner Dance at Terrace on the
Park, Corona, NY. For reservations or information contact the St.
Illuminator’s Day School, 718-478-4073.
May 7-Mothers’ Day celebration at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
May 8-Mothers’ Day Luncheon by Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York
City.
May 12-Exhibition of the works of artist Emma Gregoryan at the Prelacy, 138
E. 39th Street, New York City.
May 13-Dinner-Dance organized by the St. Sarkis Church Ping-Pong Club. For
details 718-224-2275.
May 17-19-National Representative Assembly (NRA), hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
May 20-Saturday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
May 21-Sunday School year end Hantes, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
Visit our website at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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, April 6, 2006
A SIZZLING SUMMER – THE CAMP NUBAR WAY

Set on scenic Lake Arax in the Catskill Mountains, AGBU Camp Nubar
offers a diverse summer program for young Armenians from all around
the world with cultural, social and recreational activities galore,
including horseback riding, photography, archery, water sports and
more.
As its upcoming 2006 season draws near, Camp Nubar encourages
interested campers and counselors to come discover picturesque Andes,
NY, for a trial, two, four or six-week session.
With cabins, tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts recently
renovated in 2003-04, Camp Nubar has once again raised the bar to keep
pace with its growing number of staff, guest instructors and campers.
Building more modern and spacious accommodations, the latest Camp
Nubar renovations are ahead of schedule for their unveiling this
summer, including a new Girls Cabin, Girls Counselor Cabin and Adult
Staff Building; expanding its Director’s Cabin and Main Office; and
adding a Staff Lounge.
Opening day for 2006 is just around the corner and registration forms
are now available on Camp Nubar’s web site so downloading is easier
than ever. With last year’s enrollment reaching a record high and over
300 applications already in the mail, act fast – sessions are expected
to fill up quickly.
First Session: July 1-15, Trial Session: July 15-23, Second Session:
July 15-29, Third Session: July 29-August 12.
Accredited by the American Camping Association and directed by Maggie
Derderian Casaceli, AGBU Camp Nubar was founded in 1963 and continues
to be a summer haven for Armenian youth from all around the world. For
more information on Camp Nubar, please call (212) 319-6383, visit
or email [email protected].
For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit

Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Avenue, Suite 803
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-5307
Fax: 212-689-5317
E-mail: [email protected]

Charles Aznavour and Baroness Carolyn Cox Support
Armenia Fund USA’s Phonathon 2006, April 27-30, 2006
~A message in your homes from
two great philanthropists and supporters of Armenia~
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA (Fund), East Coast Affiliate of
Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenian Fund, is pleased to announce that France’s
most famed singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Carolyn Cox of the British
House of Lords have given their support to the Fund’s Phonathon 2006 that
will be conducted on April 27th through 30th, 2006. With their messages of
appeal delivered straight to many home phones, the fundraising campaign will
benefit the Agricultural Initiative for Haterk farmers in Mardakert region
of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Fund has taken the lead among the 18 worldwide affiliates of Hayastan
Himnadram in the implementation of the Agricultural Initiative of the
larger, more comprehensive “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development
Program. (The other components of the larger program include medical
facilities, auxiliary roads, water distribution projects, education and
housing).
As part of the Fund’s awareness and fundraising campaign, French-Armenian
singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury, Deputy
Speaker of the British House of Lords, and have given their encouraging
support and endorsement to the recently launched Agricultural Initiative.
The initiative is a three-year, three region development plan designed to
help farmers in Nagorno-Karabakh move from subsistence farming to export
production in order to economically strengthen both themselves as well as to
stabilize the region economically. With these changes, they will move beyond
producing only enough to feed their families – thereby improving their
families’ health; providing for their families’ educational and day-to-day
needs; and increasing their production of quality agricultural goods.
Charles Aznavour, one of France’s most popular singers, songwriters and
actors, is a philanthropist and a well-known supporter of Armenian causes.
He has stood beside the Armenian people since the disastrous earthquake of
1988 and delivered humanitarian aid to the devastated towns and villages in
Armenia. Charles Aznavour has been honored with a statue in Gyumri, Armenia
in recognition of his outstanding humanitarianism towards people of Armenia.
What makes this honor even greater is that it was the first time in Armenia
a statue was erected for an honoree while that person was still alive!
Baroness Caroline Cox – member of the British House of Lords, human rights
advocate, head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide- is also a staunch
supporter of Armenia and Karabakh, having made more than 60 trips there
since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
The Fund, in cooperation with Hayastan Himnadram’s Yerevan affiliate and the
Nagorno-Karabakh government, will establish Agricultural Development
Associations (ADAs). Starting with Haterk, the ADAs will provide
modern agricultural equipment and technology to farmers who, by becoming
members of the ADA, will have access to discount rates for fertilizers,
seeds, tractors, etc. in order to work the land at affordable rates. The
program’s initial goal is to substantially improve the overall agricultural
productivity of Karabakh farmers; and the ultimate goal is to reduce rural
poverty in the region
During April 27th-30th, Armenia Fund USA with the help of its enthusiastic
group of volunteers – eager to make a difference- will conduct follow-up
calls and take pledges from donors wishing to help the Fund in its efforts
to combat rural poverty in Nagorno-Karabakh. The volunteers will answer
their questions and spread the word about the Agricultural Initiative.
Volunteers participating in Phonathon 2006, especially those who have
visited Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, are very passionate about donating
their time during those 4 days to support the campaign.
If you would like to be part of Phonathon 2006, please call us at
212-689-5307, or e-mail: [email protected]. We need your help!
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was one of the
first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 18 international affiliates and serves
constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit,
non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all
Armenian constituents.

Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international
affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia and
Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles of
waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210 residential
buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.
Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic socio-economic
infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as
major highways, schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian
programs in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has adopted
a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for
projects it sponsors.
To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please go to our website at
or call us at 212-689-5307.
Armenia Fund USA, 152 Madison Ave., Suite 803, New York, NY 10016
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/06/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Thirty US Representatives Urge PBS Not to Provide Platform for Armenian Genocide Deniers 2) Turkey Renews Support for Azerbaijan in Karabagh Conflict 3) US Realizes Importance of Maintaining Aid Parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan 4) Azerbaijan Again Violates Ceasefire During Monitoring 1) Thirty US Representatives Urge PBS Not to Provide Platform for Armenian Genocide Deniers WASHINGTON, DC--Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) was joined by Representative George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and a bipartisan group of twenty-six US Representatives in urging the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) not to provide a broadcast platform for deniers of the Armenian genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). In an April 3 letter, addressed to PBS Chief Operating Officer Wayne Godwin, the House Members addressed the growing controversy surrounding plans by PBS to broadcast a panel discussion including known Armenian genocide deniers Justin McCarthy and Omer Turan following the airing this April of the documentary "The Armenian Genocide," produced by Andrew Goldberg. The ANCA has formally protested PBS's decision, and established an online WebFax program through which close to 10,000 individuals have already registered their protests. In their letter, the group of legislators urged that, "PBS not provide a national platform to those who deny the Armenian genocide... Despite the Turkish government's concerted and well-financed effort to obscure and alter history, there is no serious academic dispute about the Armenian genocide." The letter closed by noting that, "Surely, PBS would not consider broadcasting a documentary on the Holocaust, followed by a panel that included Holocaust deniers. A commitment to balance does not mandate the inclusion of opinions that are objectively false." "We want to thank Representatives Schiff, Radanovich, Pallone, and Knollenberg for their leadership in giving voice to the growing Congressional opposition to PBS's deeply flawed decision to provide public airtime to deniers of the Armenian genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Clearly their concerns are being heard, as more and more PBS affiliates are deciding not to run this panel discussion." The full list of signatories is as follows: Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Bob Filner (D-CA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Steve Israel (D-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Richard Neal (D-MA), C. L. Butch Otter (R-ID), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), John Sweeney (R-NY), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY). In addition to the signatories of this letter, a number of other legislators undertook individual efforts directly with PBS. Among these were Senator Boxer (D-CA), who shared her concerns with San Francisco's KQED, which recently decided not to air the denial panel. Senator John Ensign (D-CA), the author of the Senate version of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (SR 320), similarly urged Las Vegas PBS affiliate KLVX not to air the panel, stressing that, "to air this or any other denial would only serve to condone [the Turkish government's] denial and to ignore the reality of those atrocious acts that were responsible for the loss of one and half million lives and for more than half a million survivors being exiled." On the House side, individual letters were sent by Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and James Langevin (D-RI). In her letter, Representative Lofgren expressed hope that "PBS will evaluate this planned programming using the same standard it would employ if deniers were discussing either [the Armenian or Jewish] Holocaust." Representative Langevin noted that, "I imagine that those who deny the existence of the Holocaust would not be offered the same chance to air their views, and I question why the Armenian genocide appears to be held to a different standard." On April 4, Representative Schiff hosted a Capitol Hill screening of the PBS documentary, "The Armenian Genocide," to a standing-room only audience of Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, members of the media, and Armenian American community activists. Representative Schiff was joined by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Representative Pallone in offering remarks at the opening of the documentary, while director Andrew Goldberg led an insightful question and answer session at the conclusion of the piece. Among those in attendance were His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the US accompanied by Embassy staff, as well as former US Ambassador to Armenia Michael Lemmon, and Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power. On March 29, Representative Pallone delivered a House floor speech urging PBS not to air the panel discussion, arguing that he "would not feel any different about this issue if we were discussing Darfur, Rwanda or the Nazi Holocaust. Genocide deniers should not have a forum. The quest for fair and balanced information does not give a license to propagate false, misleading, and offensive information about historical facts that relate to genocide." The Washington Post reported on February 16th that, "Thousands of Armenian Americans are protesting the Public Broadcasting Service's planned panel-discussion program about Turkey's role in the deaths of Armenians during and after World War I. The 25-minute program has generated an outcry because the panel will include two scholars who deny that 1.5 million Armenian civilians were killed in eastern Turkey from 1915 to 1920." 2) Turkey Renews Support for Azerbaijan in Karabagh Conflict (AFP)--Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Tuesday renewed his country's support for Azerbaijan in its territorial dispute with Armenia. The dispute over the ethnic Armenian Karabagh "should be resolved within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan," Sezer told reporters after meeting his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev. This is "in line with international norms," Sezer added. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for Sezer's position on Karabagh and support rendered to Azerbaijan in the settlement of the conflict. Sezer was speaking at a news conference during a two-day official visit to Baku, which focused on bilateral relations, regional and international projects, and other matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, he lauded economic ties with the booming Caspian Sea oil economy, saying total trade volume would hit $1 billion in 2006. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have severed ties with Armenia, closing borders and imposing an economic blockade on Yerevan as a result of the Karabagh dispute. Ankara is under European Union pressure to normalize ties with Armenia but worries that reconciliatory moves sought by the bloc may damage its alliance with Azerbaijan. Turkish-Armenian ties have also been strained by Yerevan's demands that Turkey recognize the Armenian genocide. 3) US Realizes Importance of Maintaining Aid Parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan YEREVAN (PanArmenian.Net)--Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that the US realizes the importance of maintaining aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but providing more military aid to Azerbaijan than Armenia is offset by the fact that Armenia received a grant through the Millennium Challenge Account, while Azerbaijan did not. "This is a matter of individual needs and demands, however we remember it is necessary to keep parity. We now work with both parties," said Rice. Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), pointed out to Secretary Rice that, because of the Karabagh conflict, Armenia and Azerbaijan preferred that the parties be treated in the same manner. In response, Rice said "parity cannot be kept for the sake of parity, one should try to establish normal relations between the parties and help them." Rice added that, "Azerbaijan is not ready to take part in the Millennium Challenge Account now and we would not like Armenia to have an upper hand in the issue. The slight difference in the assistance to the two states can be endured." The US budget for fiscal year 2007 allocates $4.5 million to Azerbaijan and $3.5 million to Armenia in military assistance. Providing more military aid to Azerbaijan goes against the agreement struck between the White House and Congress in 2001 to maintain parity in US military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. This informal agreement was reached when President Clinton was allowed to waive previous legislation prohibiting any military aid to Azerbaijan. 4) Azerbaijan Again Violates Ceasefire During Monitoring YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Azerbaijan once again violated ceasefire Thursday when shots were reported during a routine radio-monitoring along the Armenian-Azeri border near the Ijevan-Ghazakh region. Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Seyran Shahsuvarian said that during the monitoring, communication was established with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representatives conducting the monitoring on the Azeri side. Shots were then registered from the Azeri side. Although ceasefire violations have occurred sporadically since the 1994 cease fire, they have become more frequent in recent weeks amid more aggressive war rhetoric from Baku. 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.

Armenia Tree Project
57/5 Arshakunyats Street
Yerevan, Armenia 0026
Tel: (37410) 44-74-01
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
March 6, 2006
`Regional Environmental Center’ Hosts Official Launch of ATP Environmental
Education Curriculum
YEREVAN–The Regional Environmental Center for the Caucasus
() hosted the official release of Armenia Tree Project’s
new environmental education curriculum, `Plant an Idea, Plant a Tree,’ on
March 30. The curriculum was developed last year by Armenia Tree Project
(ATP) in collaboration with Karla Wesley, PhD.
The curriculum was recently approved as a teacher’s manual for use in public
schools all over Armenia by the Ministry of Education and Science. In
addition to Dr. Wesley and ATP Environmental Education Program Manager
Gayane Ghukasyan, many others who contributed to the development of the
publication were present, including Luba Balyan of the Birds of Armenia NGO
and Sirvard Mamikonyan of the USDA’s Center for Agribusiness and Rural
Development.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education,
Yerevan State University, World Wildlife Fund and other NGOs, as well as
teachers and principals from various schools. The Royal Netherlands Embassy
funded the printing of the curriculum for each school in Armenia, and many
of the guests were interested in obtaining additional copies from ATP.
Dr. Gayane Ghukasyan welcomed the participants and announced that 1,450
schools in Armenia will receive the book for use in its environmental
education program. She explained that ATP has already established
cooperation with 13 schools, which are using the publication in their youth
clubs.
Karen Melkonyan, head of the curriculum evaluation department of the
Ministry of Education expressed his appreciation for the interactive methods
in the curriculum, and recommended it to all schools in Armenia. `One of the
advantages of this publication is the new teaching methods suggested which
create better and long lasting understanding,’ stated Dr. Melkonyan. `The
author has studied Armenian culture and nature–which is very
gratifying–and used it as examples in the curriculum.’
`Armenian culture at its best reveals the relationship between human being
and nature. That is why children of Armenia should not forget about the
magnificent culture they inherited to preserve and be proud of,’ replied Dr.
Wesley in her remarks.
`This publication presents very informative and useful material that can be
used by all educators dealing with scientific subjects in schools throughout
Armenia,’ stated Anahit Bakhshyan, the principal of School No. 27, who also
commended ATP and the creators of the curriculum.
An electronic version of ATP’s environmental education curriculum is
available in English and Armenian at the following link:
PH OTO CAPTION: (L to R) Contributors Sirvard Mamikonyan and Luba Balyan, ATP
Foundation President Susan Klein, curriculum lead author Karla Wesley, ATP
Environmental Education Program Manager Gayane Ghukasyan, translator Gayane
Zavaryan, and ATP Community Tree Planting Program Manager Anahit Gharibyan

Russian version:
PRESS-RE LEASE
Armenian Cooperation Center of Georgia
1 Berdznis Chikhi, 0114, Tbilisi, Georgia
Mobile: 00 995 93 31 77 84
00 995 99 41 34 74
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Presentation of a new web portal of Armenians of Georgia –
took place in Tbilisi.
On 7 April, according to Armenian tradition, the day of spring, beauty
and motherhood is celebrated. On this occasion, the Armenian Cooperation
Center of Georgia has organized a celebration-concert at the Tbilisi
Armenian Drama theatre Petros Adamyan on Sunday, 2 April. Since this is
a holiday concert, the singers decided to perform for free, and the
tickets were on sale at minimal prices. This led to a full concert hall,
and many people had to watch the performance standing as tickets were
sold out. People had the occasion to see on the stage Lusine
Hovhannissyan, Henry Petrosyan, children’s ensemble “Djeyran” under the
direction of Svetlana Yeritsyan, and other young talents. Those
spectators, who are interested in the cultural life of the Armenian
community of Georgia are familiar with these artists for already quite
a long period of time. The 2 April concert was the first activity of its
type. Besides the performances of singers and dancers, some video clips
were also shown, which generated keen interest among the spectators.
According to tradition, the action was honoured with the presence of the
Head of the Armenian Apostolic Saint Church Diocese in Georgia, bishop
Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, who welcomed the initiative of the concert
organization and blessed the attendees. He also wished that such events
were celebrated more often and that this unique concert, which was the
first one for the Armenians of Georgia, would become exemplary for the
others.
In the second part of the program the presentation of the first Internet
portal of the Armenians in Georgia – was held. The
creation of the site was the result of the hard and extensive work of
the Armenian Center of Cooperation of Georgia. The information about the
opening of the site was warmly welcomed by all participants. This event
has a great importance for Armenians of Georgia.
The Armenian website of Georgia is an information resource where people
can find materials on Georgia, Armenia, Artsakh, Armenian Genocide
issue, Armenian Apostolic Saint Church, Armenian Diaspora and many
others. Special attention is paid to the section called “Armenians of
Georgia”, which comprises information about the rich history of
Armenians in Georgia. In this section it is possible to find information
about Armenian churches and architectural monuments, which to this day
count amongst the architectural jewels in the Georgian capital and
regions, attracting tourists from all over the world. The high quality
design and easy navigation are likely to increase the number of its
visitors. The forum of the site will provide a virtual space for
discussions on current issues. Nevertheless, the site is primarily an
independent information source, although, it will contain
Armenian-related news storied coming from different news agencies.
Besides, on the site constant monitoring of the Georgian press will take
place and analytical articles will be published.
While presenting the website, the president of the Armenian Center of
Cooperation of Georgia, Mr. Karen Elchian mentioned that the site would
be enriched not only with news, but also with interesting materials
provided by individuals. In his speech he also called for the Armenian
community to unite and to become more active for the sake of the revival
of the Armenian community in the country. We should point out that
beforehand all spectators were given leaflets with a similar appeal.
According to Karen Elchian, the ACCG will organize such activities in
the future with the purpose of strengthening the Armenian spirit and
increasing patriotic feelings amongst the Armenian community in Georgia.
Armenia. Ge