PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Community & Church Council of Great Britain
PO Box 46207
London W5 2YE
Contact: Armenag Topalian
Tel: +44 (0)1793 790070
Email: [email protected]
Web:
The ‘Cilicia’ – a XIII century Armenian merchant sailing ship arrives in St
Katherine’s Dock on 25th May 2006 and will dock there until 28th May.
Exquisitely designed and reconstructed from ancient manuscripts, the Cilicia
has sailed by the medieval trade-routes around Europe, via the Black Sea,
the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in London before its
return journey. She will depart on the Sunday on a challenging route that
will take her to Calais, Bruges, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Bremerhaven,
Copenhagen, Rugen Island, Gdansk, Gotland Island, Stockholm, Tallinn,
Helsinki, St Petersburg and then by the Volga Canal to the Black Sea port of
Poti.
A genuine replica from the ancient Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, now in
present-day Turkey and Syria, the ship-builders and crew have done
everything to keep the ship authentic in style, using the techniques and
tools available in that era. The crew also follow, as much as possible, the
life-style of medieval sailors, from the navigational tools used to the
bright historical costumes worn. A simple and elegant structure with a
triangular sail make the Cilicia a stunning sight – a rare treat to be able
to see in central London!
The Cilicia has followed the exact merchant routes of the XIII century –
creating the feeling of a journey back in time. The geographical route of
the ship, passing through Ports in Lebanon, Turkey and Syria – launched from
the port of Poti in Georgia having been transported there by road from
Armenia – give it an exotic and romantic feel. The boat docking in over 30
ancient ports conjures up pictures of those bustling trade ports of the
medieval era. Just think what spices, delicacies, jewels and textiles would
have arrived in London with the boat at that time! Armenian merchants were
renowned for their links throughout the world, from their homeland in the
Caucuses through the Middle East, Far East and Europe.
11 years of toil to build the ship in the foothills of Mount Ararat and to
sail it from a now land-locked Armenia, – surrounded by Turkey, Georgia,
Iran and Azerbaijan, show the real passion with which this fantastical idea
of Cilicia’s creators and sailors were able to realize their dream. A real
Noah’s Ark of a boat – as an Armenian boat once again takes to the waters
after centuries!
Program
19 May Presentation by Captain Balayan at CAIA Hayashen (12:00)
21 May Presentation by Captain Balayan to Tahtayan Sunday School
(13:00)
Presentation by Captain Balayan at Navasartian
Centre (16:00)
25 May Opening of London Tower Bridge & entry to St Katherine
Docks (12:30)
Visits to boat
Armenian Institute Evening Function (18:30)
26 May Visits to boat
27 May Armenian Language Saturday School Visit (10:30)
Armenian Students Association “Hye Seas” Visit
(14:30)
28 May Departure Ceremony in the presence of Lady Cox &
Ambassador Gabrielyan
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA FOREIGN MINISTER EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO ISSUE OF RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On May 17, RA Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian received the international experts on
issues of the Armenian Genocide who are in Armenia for the purpose
of taking part in the conference organized by the World Armenian
Congress. Expressing gratitude for their invaluable contribution to
the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Minister Oskanian
greeted the WAC’s initiative of organizing discussions in Yerevan for
the purpose of putting forward the most important Pan Armenian issue
in a systematized way. As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign
Ministry Press and Information Department, the meeting participants
gave an estimation to the policy of negationism towards the recognition
of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey, which is recently implemented at
the state level and with introduction of considerable resources. In
this respect they emphasized the necessity of consolidation of the
Armenian side’s forces.

REPRESENTATIVES OF U.S. INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE AND RA NA SPEAKER ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO DEEPENING OF DEMOCRATIC REFORMS
Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues relating to the activity of
the U.S. International Republican Institute (IRI) in Armenia were
discussed at RA NA Speaker Artur Baghdasarian’s May 17 meeting with
Institute’s Director on Issues of Eurasia Stefen Nicks and political
expert Rasa Alisauske. As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA NA Public
Relations Department, the meeting participants emphasized the necessity
to deepen democratic reforms. The guests presented Artur Baghdasarian
the results of their studies on different problems.

LEVON MKRTCHIAN APPOINTED RA MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On May 17, RA President
Robert Kocharian signed a decree on relieving Sergo Yeritsian of
the post of RA Minister of Education and Science. As Noyan Tapan was
informed from RA President’s Press Service, by another decree signed by
the President the same day Levon Mkrtchian was appointed RA Minister
of Education and Science. Before the new appointment Levon Mkrtchian
was the head of RA NA ARF Dashnaktsutiun faction, in 1993-2003 he
twice took the office of Minister of Education and Science. Mkrtchian
is a member of ARD Dashnaktsutiun Armenian Supreme Body.

COMMISSION WORKING OUT DRAFT RA NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY ON THE WHOLE APPROVES ALL REVISIONS TO DRAFT
Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The fifth sitting of the
interdepartmental commission coordinating the works of elaboration of
the draft national security strategy was held on May 17. The sitting
was presided over by Serge Sargsian, Secretary of the National
Security Council under RA President, RA Defence Minister. Among
about 250 proposals received by the interdepartmental commission,
those included in the agenda of the fifth sitting, regarding the
departments “Strategy of Defence Reforms. Strategic Priorities of
Armenian National Security” were discussed. As Noyan Tapan was informed
by Colonel Seyran Shahsuvarian, Spokesperson for RA Defence Minister,
the revisions implemented as a result of exchange of opinions, on the
whole, were approved and the commission’s secretariate was charged
to additionally edit them. It was decided to send the whole text to
the departments after additional editing.

ACCORDING TO CHAIRMAN OF NA COMMITTEE ON STATE AND LEGAL ISSUES, BY “ORINATS YERKIR” PARTY’S LEAVING, COALITION STOPS FUNCTIONING
Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The main reason of the situation
created in the rulling coalition are disagreements existing not
among the coalition parties but between National Assembly Speaker
Artur Baghdasarian and country President Robert Kocharian. Grigor
Haroutiunian, a member of the NA “Ardaroutiun” faction, an
administration member of the People’s Party of Armenia expressed such
an opinion at the May 16 dispute organized at the “Hayeli” club. He
reminded that in the interview given to the German newpaper Artur
Baghdasarian said that the 2003 elections were falsified, what,
according to Haroutiunian, means that the country President is
not legitimate. At the same time, the Speaker did not exclude that
the happened may be a result of “rulling plays” as well, “as one
may expect everything from these authorities.” According to Grigor
Haroutiunian, the political field has not been completed in Armenia
as there are no conditions for it in the country. “If anybody thinks
that the political forces decide the future of Armenia, he is sadly
mistaken. The Karabakh clan leads the coutry policy in the face of
Robert Kocharian,” the opposing deputy stated. According to him,
the fact that businessmen, ministers and even the Deputy Chairman of
the party leave the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party, again
proves the fact of the political field’s not being completed.
According to Haroutiunian, time will show how the OYK activity will
be in the opposition field. He mentioned that coalitional political
forces “did everything together” and must repent, after what the
people will decide to accept it or not. According to the speaker, if
the OYK proves that it is really opposing and really strives to change
anything in the country, then it is not excluded that the People’s
Party of Armenia will cooperate with that party. Rafik Petrosian,
a republican member of the “People’s Deputy” group, the Chairman of
the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Issues, mentioned that
being a part of the authorities, the OYK must function according to the
Constitution, according to Article 55 of which issues of the foreign
policy are in competence of the President of the republic. According
to Petrosian, this innerpolitical process started from Baghdasarian’s
statement concerning the most important issue of the foreign policy
of Armenia. This step which was also a violation of norms of the
political ethics, was criticized by other members of the coalition
and as a result, it became a reason for the Parliament Speaker’s
resignation. According to Petrosian, the problem is not so much the
statement made about the Eurointegration of Armenia as the one that
Baghdasarian accused Russia of obstacling Armenia in that issue. “One
must not speak in that language with great states,” the speaker
mentioned. Petrosian stated that the Republican Party was interested
that the coalition continues functioning. But by the “Orinats Yerkir”
party’s leaving, the coalition stops functioning: according to the
lawyer, it is envsaged by the coalition memorandum. Petrosian mentioned
that after the “Orinats Yerkir” party’s leaving, the RPA and ARF must
form a new coalition together, and if a third political force joins
them, it will aslo be registered legally and a new coalition will
be created.

“RING” ACTION MUST BE OBSERVED AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, PARLIAMENTARIAN OF ARTSAKH SURE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 17 2006
STEPANAKERT, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Open doors hearings
on the theme “The “Ring” (koltso) military action: Azerbaijani
SSR and USSR violations against the Armenian population of Nagorno
Karabakh and neighboring regions” took place on May 15 at the NKR
National Assembly. Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulian, deputies,
representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic,
of the Prosecutor’s Office, justice, legal bodies and the public
participated in the hearings. The speech of Vahram Atanesian, the
Chairman of the NKR NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations was
based on data of documents and independent sources, particularly of
the Russian “Memorial” law center, RSFSR Supreme Council Human Rights
Committee, Russian officers and journalists. He also presented May 17,
1991 resolution of the U.S. Senate by which attacks against peaceful
inhabitation, bombing of unarmed people, violations committed against
them, etc. are condemned. The deputy emphasized that all documents and
certificates prove that the Azerbaijani authorities saw the Karabakh
problem solution in annihilation and mass removal of the native
inhabitation of Nagorno Karabakh. According to him, in consequence of
the “Ring” military action, in total 6030 people were displaced from
April 30 to May 15 of 1991. NKR National Assembly deputy, witness of
the events Maxim Mirzoyan mentioned that the “Ring” military action
is an action of terrorism addressed againt the peaceful inhabitation
of the settlements of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan populated with
Armenians which was worked out and affirmed by the USSR and Azerbaijani
SSR high level authorities. The deputy drew attention of participants
of the hearings, in his opinion, to an important circumstance which
proves that the happened was an agreement. “In November, 1990,
being in the U.S., I met with same Paul Goble who was among first
people to work out the plan on settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh
conflict, supposing exchange of territories. I saw on his table the
map of supposed exchanges. Factually, I had seen the same map a bit
earlier before the meeting with Goble at the headquarters of Safonov,
the regional commandant on emergency state, whose headquarters
worked out its military actions to press on Karabakh Armenians’
“saparating” moods. Of course, the identity of the map used by Safonov
and proposed by Goble is not a coincidence and speaks about the fact
that there was a joint program of actions towards Nagorno Karabakh,”
the deputy said, mentioning that the “Ring” military action must
be observed as a part of the international terrorism. NKR National
Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulian said: “during the first months of 1991
a volumnious military action of purge of then the NGAR and neighboring
Azerbaijani settlements populated by Armenians was organized at the
state level by the authorities of the Azerbaijani SSR. A part of male
population of those villages, especially those, who were suspected
in participation in the national-liberating movement, was taken to
Azerbaijani prisons under the cover of “passport regime control.” The
happened is the continuation of the anti-Armenian policy of the
early 20th century. Factually, by the same scenario, the Azerbaijani
state made an attempt to implement its policy in our days, but,
by the means of the modern military technics, own troops. But in
any case, it is clear for everybody that this policy is organized
at the state level.” As Noyan Tapan was informed by the NKR Foreign
Ministry’s Information-Analytical Department, the speaker mentioned
that a parliamentary interim committee has been created this year on
studying facts of violations committed against NKAR and NKR citizens
which will allow to sum up the existing information about displacing of
the Armenian inhabitation of Nagorno Karabakh and neighboring regions
during the “Ring” military actions and to make concrete conclusions.

ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL LEGAL NORMS, FORCIBLE DISPLACEMENT OF ARMENIAN POPULATION OF AZERBAIJANI SSR WAS ETHNIC CLEANSING
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 17 2006
STEPANAKERT, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “18 years
ago tragic events took place in Shoushi that played a big
role in strengthening of confrontation and resumption of the
Azerbaijani-Artsakh conflict. On May 16-17 1988, the leadership of
Azerbaijani SSR by means of its agents and Azerbaijani authorities
of Shoushi region of Nagorno Karabakh began forcible displacement
of the Armenian population of the town of Shoushi,” NKR Foreign
Ministry May 16 statement read. The NKR foreign political department
is convinced that these actions that became possible as a result of
impunity of the Armenian massacres in the town of Sumgayit in February
of the same year had a goal to exterminate the Armenian element in
Nagorno Karabakh. According to the document, the circumstance that
these actions considered to be ethnic cleansings according to the
international legal norms did not receive an adequate estimation by
the leadership of the USSR, enabled the authorities of Azerbaijani
SSR to implement massacres and displacement of the Armenian population
(Khanlar, Kutkashen, Vardashen, Shamkhor regions, town of Mingechaur,
etc. – November-December 1988, town of Kirovabad – November 1989, Baku
– January 1990, “Ring” operation – April-June 1991), which created
preconditions for the beginning of a large-scale aggression against
Nagorno Karabakh Republic. NKR Foreign Ministry draws the attention
of the international community to the fact that the militaristic
propaganda and deepening of xenophobia in the Azerbaijani society are
the continuation of the policy of Azerbaijani authorities. The document
contains an appeal to give the respective estimation to these actions
and to recognize the international legal responsibility of Azerbaijani
Republic for mass violations of basic rights of the Armenian population
of the former Azerbaijani SSR and for aggressive war against Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, which “will have great importance in strengthening
of security and peace in the region and final settlement of the
Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict”.

SERGE SARGSIAN ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO COOPERATION WITH U.S. NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY IN WORKING OUT STRATEGY OF NATIONAL SECURITY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Serge Sargsian, the
Secretary of the RA National Security Council attached to President,
the Defence Minister attached importance to the cooperation with
the U.S. National Defence University in the affair of working out
the document on the RA national security strategy at the meeting
with Michael Lemon, the U.S. National Defence University Professor,
former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to the
RA. As Noyan Tapan was informed by Colonel Seyran Shahsuvarian, the RA
Defence Minister’s Press Secretary, Michael Lemon spoke about the way
Armenia passed and its positive intensions as well as the transparency
of the process of working out the document on the national security
strategy. John Evans, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the U.S. to the RA participated in the meeting as well.

CONCERT OF CHAMBER CHOIR OF ARMENIA TAKES PLACE WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF “NATIONAL GALLERY” SECOND CLASSIC MUSIC FESTIVAL ON MAY 17
Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. A concert of the Chamber Choir of Armenia
takes place on May 17 at the Wall-Paintings Hall of the National
Gallery of Armenia, within the framework of the “National Gallery”
second classic music festival. Works of Armenian classics Komitas and
Mansurian are performed. Awarding of the prize fixed by the “Vahan
Tekeyan” cultural center in the sphere of music will take place as
well. It will be given to composer Tigran Mansurian, a RA People’s
Artist, Professor of the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas. To
recap, the “National Gallery” second music festival started on April
20 and is dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the National Gallery.