Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2006
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian
(613) 235-2622
The Prime Minister of Canada Congratulates ANCC for Opening of its National
Office
Ottawa – The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, has
sent a congratulatory certificate to the Armenian National Committee of
Canada (ANCC) on the occasion of the opening of its national office in
Ottawa.
The inscription on the Prime Minister’s certificate reads:
`May 2006
This certificate is presented to the Armenian National Committee of Canada
in recognition of the opening of your national office in Ottawa.
The Armenian-Canadian community has made a profound contribution to Canada
in many domains. Your new permanent office in the nation’s capital will
ensure that Parliament and the Government of Canada are aware of the
concerns and aspirations of Armenian-Canadians.’
Over 30 MPs and Senator, among them the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary
Secretary the Hon. Jason Kenney and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe,
attended ANCC’s national office opening on April 25.
The Prime Minister’s heartfelt sentiments and initiative are greatly
appreciated by tens of thousand members and supporters of ANCC, said Aris
Babikian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of
Canada. `We are proud and honoured with our association and cooperation
with the Prime Minister. It is a great pleasure to see a government and a
prime minister with such a compassionate and principled feelings towards
Canadians and their concerns.’
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St. Catharines
– Windsor – Vancouver

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/17/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Karabagh's Participation in Peace Talks Is Necessary 2) Oskanian to Visit France, Canada, And The US 3) Mkrtchian Appointed Minister of Science And Education 4) Nationalist Protesters Attack Hrant Dink during Trial 1) Karabagh's Participation in Peace Talks Is Necessary YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Former Russian Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which mediates the Karabagh conflict settlement, Vladimir Kazimirov said that he considers the participation of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic's (MKR) delegation essential to the success of peace talks. According to Kazimirov who co-chaired the Minsk Group from 1992-1996, the exclusion of MKR's delegation from the negotiation process started immediately after the OSCE summit in Budapest in December 1994. He said the exclusion of MKR was initiated by Azerbaijan. "Official Baku said that if Karabagh is engaged in the talks, it should be represented by the Azeri community headed by Nizami Bahmanov as well," said Kazimirov. This offer was rejected both by the Armenian side and the mediators. "Then Baku insisted on the exclusion of the Armenian delegation of Karabagh. Nevertheless I consider that the participation of the MKR representatives is essential," Kazimirov underlined. As for the current stage of negotiations, Kazimirov stated that the responsibility of resolving the conflict should be shared by the Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said that NGO's should also engage in the process. 2) Oskanian to Visit France, Canada, And The US YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian will fly to Strasbourg, France on May 18 to attend a gathering of the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers Committee, reported the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Oskanian is scheduled to have an unofficial meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis. The meeting will also be attended by former Foreign Minister of Finland, Marti Ahtisaar, a special envoy of the UN Secretary General for Kosovo talks. According to the ministry, the meeting will be about Kosovo's future status. While in Strasbourg, Oskanian will also meet with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov and the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk group. On May 19 Oskanian will address the gathering of Foreign Ministers and then head for the US and Canada, where he will meet with the leaders of Armenian communities of Los Angeles, Boston, and Ottawa to discuss the third Armenia-Diaspora conference which is to take place September 18-20 in Yerevan. 3) Mkrtchian Appointed Minister of Science And Education YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) boosted its presence in Armenia's government on Wednesday when President Robert Kocharian named one of its leaders minister of science and education. Levon Mkrtchian, who has led the party's parliament faction until now, replaced Sergo Yeritsian as a result of the Orinats Yerkir party's expulsion from Kocharian's ruling coalition. Kocharian replaced Yeritsian despite his defection from Orinats Yerkir along with the two other ministers representing the party led by Artur Baghdasarian, the outgoing parliament speaker. He is expected to be given another, less important government post. Orinats Yerkir has controlled the Armenian ministries of education, urban development, and culture under a power-sharing agreement which it had signed with Kocharian, the ARF, and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian's Republican Party (HHK) three years ago. The ARF had been given three other ministerial posts. Mkrtchian, who already served as Education Minister in 1998-99 and 2001-03, emerged as the top contender for the job. "The idea of taking over [the ministry] for a third time is not quite attractive to me, but I am the kind of person who complies with party discipline," said Mkrtchian on Tuesday. 4) Nationalist Protesters Attack Hrant Dink during Trial ISTANBUL (BIA)--Ultra-nationalist spectators attacked defendants, their lawyers, and observers during the court hearing of bilingual Armenian-Turkish Agos newspaper editor Hrant Dink, the paper's editor-in-chief Sarkis Seropyan, and columnist Aydin Engin at the Istanbul 2nd Court of First Instance. Dink, Engin and their lawyers Fethiye Cetin and Ergin Cinmen said that tensions in Tuesday's hearing, where the defendants are on trial for "attempting to influence the judiciary," started when they turned up in front of Istanbul's Sisli justice hall. The group arrived at the court building to find its entrance blocked by angry nationalists shouting "get the hell out of this country" and physically threatening them. "We had to enter the court building surrounded by a police cordon," Cetin explained. Dink added, "Thankfully the police officers did everything to get us into the court building safely. They took us up to the court room in a special elevator." The defendants and their lawyers were then verbally harassed and had to dodge physical assaults in the corridor before they entered the court room itself. During the hearing, coins and pencils were thrown at them as a group of observers believed to be led by nationalist lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz shouted insults. Nationalist "Jurists Union" lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz, Civilian Society Organizations Union of Turkey (TSTKB) member Ramazan Kirkik, retired general Veli Kucuk, and Independent Turkish Orthodox Patriarchy spokesman Sevgi Erenerol were among those at the hearing demanding to be accepted as official complainants against the defendants. Agreeing with prosecutor Mustafa Dag's views, the court decided to reject three separate appeals by the nationalists to be accepted as complainants on grounds that they were "not directly affected by the alleged offense" while judge Yalcin Hayret issued a warning to Kerincsiz and those around him for repeatedly interfering in the case. Kerincsiz claimed the judge himself had "lost his objectivity" and asked for his removal on the grounds that he was preventing the intervention of complainants. Kerincsiz's requests for Hayret's removal were rejected. The verbal and physical assaults endured by the defendants and their lawyers were so intense that they were noted in the court's records and according to Cetin, the judge almost called the police into the courtroom. When the hearing came to an end a group gathered downstairs and attacked the defendants, lawyers, and observers. Two people were hit and the defendants could only leave the building an hour later under police escort. Following Tuesday's hearing the trial was adjourned to July 4. Hrant Dink is on trial in this case for his article titled "Is democracy going to be established with this penal clause?" while Aydin Engin is charged for his article "One should touch the justice system." Both defendants are charged under Turkish Penal Code article 288 for attempting to influence fair justice. Dink's son, Arad Dink also went on trial Tuesday. Dink, Engin, and Arad Dink refuted the charges brought against them and maintained they had committed no offense. Dink: I have been made a deliberate target Aside from defending themselves to the court, Dink and his co-defendants were forced to defend themselves to the intervening groups and nationalists that turned up at the hearing. "The marginal nationalists are clearly trying to make such cases popular and are trying to produce a nationalist policy" Dink said after the hearing. "We should not fall into this trap." Dink added, "In all of the cases launched against me up till this day, I have not asked any support from inside or abroad, from the press or politicians, because this would mean falling into the trap of the marginal nationalists." "I have been deliberately made a target. And they want to use this target over and over. By giving the impression that I have committed a crime that I have not, the impression that I have insulted, they want to isolate me in front of the Turkish society. At least those who know how to read and who understand are standing up against this." Aydin Engin said, meanwhile, that justice itself was being lynched. "A group led by Kerincsiz and his friends have attempted to lynch justice" he said. "And in a big way they have succeeded." He added, "I have seen many trials but throwing coins and pencils at us and the defense lawyers by those who managed to enter the court room as complainants is something I have seen for the first time." Engin argued that the conditions of a "fair trial" no longer existed in the case noting, "we ourselves are being put on trial for influencing a fair trial but in reality today the conditions of a fair trial have been eliminated." Defense Lawyer Cetin agreed, explained that the case of Dink and his co-defenders was launched based on allegations of influencing justice. "What has taken place today and what is being done in other trials is influencing justice itself," she added. "They are creating such an atmosphere that one cannot talk about a fair trial. They are putting pressure on the defendants, the defense, the judge, and prosecutor. During the hearing they insulted the prosecutor," she said. Cetin continued, "The pressure is directed at the court. When [the nationalists] wanted to be accepted as complainants they said the Turkish nation is a complainant and we are watching." Defense Lawyer Cinmen said the incident at the end of the hearing "reflected the intolerance toward freedom of expression in Turkey." "The number [of protestors] is small but because they are extremely fanatic, it is a mass that can show itself," he said. 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. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Patriarch Mesrob II warns France over Genocide Bill
In the toughest communiqué he has published to date, the Armenian
Patriarch of Turkey, Mesrob II, warned that the Bill put forward by
the French Socialist Party with the aim of punishing those denying the
Armenian Genocide, will be detrimental to the process of the
Turkish-Armenian dialogue.
Mesrob II reminded French parliamentarians that the passing of such a
bill would strengthen nationalist and racist elements on both the
Armenian and Turkish sides, `We do not deem any format that does not
serve the purpose of a dialogue between Armenians and Turks as
acceptable’.
Mesrob II went on to say the following: `Any country, with Turkey and
Armenia at the top, should take care to ensure that barriers
preventing communication between the two countries should be lifted,
not put down, in order for the issue to be studied and
researched. Whatever the reason, any initiative that forbids freedom
of expression will be detrimental to Turkish Armenian relations.’

Monday , 15 May 2006

Congressional Record: May 16, 2006 (Senate)
[Page S4617-S4619]
>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr16my06-136]
S. 2461
At the request of Mr. Santorum, the name of the Senator from Colorado
(Mr. Allard) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2461, a bill to prohibit
United States assistance to develop or promote any rail connections or
railway-related connections that traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan,
Tbilisi, Georgia, and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically exclude
cities in Armenia.
S. RES. 320
At the request of Mr. Ensign, the name of the Senator from
Connecticut (Mr. Lieberman) was added as a cosponsor of S. Res. 320, a
resolution calling for the President to ensure that the foreign policy
of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and
genocide documented in the United States record relating to the
Armenian Genocide.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SENATORS SARBANES AND BOXER QUESTION U.S. AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE TO
AZERBAIJAN ON DESTRUCTION OF HISTORIC DJULFA CEMETERY; MISGUIDED
EFFORT TO BREAK MILITARY AID PARITY
— Ambassador Designate Anne Derse Pledges No U.S. Financial
Support for Railway Bypassing Armenia; Defends Administration Call
to Break Military Aid Parity
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Ambassador Designate to Azerbaijan Anne Derse
responded to questions by Senate Foreign Relations Committee member
Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), today, on a series of U.S. policy concerns
focusing on Azerbaijan’s belligerent attitude toward Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, as well as the Administration’s budget request,
which would break military assistance parity to Armenia and
Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA). Senators Sarbanes and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) had submitted
the questions during the May 12th Senate Foreign Relations Committee
confirmation hearing, led by Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN).
In response to a question by Sen. Sarbanes expressing concern about
the Bush Administration’s FY 2007 budget request which would
provide over 40% more military assistance to Azerbaijan than
Armenia, Ambassador Designate Derse defended the decision, stating
that “we do not believe that the slight differences in military
assistance . . . undermine prospects for peace or send the wrong
message.”
Derse was echoing a similar response by Secretary of State
Condoleeza Rice, again to a question by Sen. Sarbanes at a Senate
hearing in February 2006. Secretary Rice had noted that “the minor
increase in FMF [Foreign Military Finance] for Azerbaijan as
proposed in the President’s budget request in January does not
signal any change in the U.S. position on Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Sen. Boxer specifically questioned Derse about the U.S. response to
the Azerbaijani destruction of the historic Armenian cemetery of
Djulfa in the Azerbaijani controlled region of Nakhichevan.
Azerbaijani soldiers decimated the cemetery, which included
thousands of cross-stone carvings, known as “khatchkars,” in
December 2005. The ANCA had urged U.S. Ambassador Reno Harnish to
visit the site and investigate the demolition. Sen. Boxer asked if
Derse would “visit the cemetery site and commit yourself to
investigating the demolition of this unique cemetery.” Derse has
yet to submit a response to Senator Boxer’s inquiries.
“We would like to thank Senators Sarbanes and Boxer for raising key
concerns about the destruction of Djulfa and military parity
agreement with Ambassador Designate Derse,” stated ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We remain troubled by the
Administration’s retreat from its 2001 agreement to maintain
military aid parity and are hopeful the Congressional appropriators
will honor this agreement to ensure military aid balance to the
region.” The House Foreign Operations Subcommittee is set to
discuss the issue during their mark-up of the FY 2007 foreign aid
bill scheduled for this Friday, May 19th.
In response to Sen. Sarbanes’ question on efforts toward regional
economic integration in the Caucasus, Derse noted that the “opening
of the border between Turkey and Armenia would contribute to the
economies of both countries,” but made no reference to the 18-year
Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Derse did,
however, make specific mention of recent efforts to build a railway
line connecting Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, stating “because
the proposed railway would bypass Armenia, and thus not be
beneficial to regional integration, we have no plans to support
such a railway financially.” Legislation restricting U.S. aid to
the railway project due to the exclusion of Armenia has been
introduced by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Robert Menendez (D-
NJ) and has the support of Senate Deputy Majority Whip Wayne Allard
(R-CO). Similar legislation in the House has been introduce by
Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George
Radanovich (R-CA) and currently has 82 cosponsors.
In her response, Derse reiterated the State Department’s support
for “the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan” and noted, “the
future status of Nagorno Karabakh is a matter of negotiations
between the parties.” She stressed that both the presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been forewarned that “any attempt at a
military solution to the conflict would only deepen its tragic
impact.”
During the hearing, Chairman Lugar, who has visited the Caucasus
and met with former Azerbaijani President Geydar Aliyev, expressed
concerns about democracy in Azerbaijan and transparency associated
with the large influx of oil-wealth into that country. Derse
responded that “promotion of democracy, freedom and human rights is
indeed a top priority in our relationship with Azerbaijan,” and
went on to express a commitment to “working to promote transparent
and accountable government, an independent judiciary and parliament
— promotion of basic freedoms, including religious freedom and
freedom of assembly.”
Anne Derse is a Foreign Service Officer with more than a quarter
century of experience. She most recently served as Director for
Biodefense Policy at the Homeland Security Council. Her prior
postings have included service as Minister Counselor for Economic
Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and at the U.S. Mission to the
European Union. Ms. Derse also has held posts in the Philippines,
South Korea, Belgium, and Singapore, among other locations.
The complete text of Sen. Sarbanes’ questions and Derse’s responses
are provided below.
#####
Questions for the Record Submitted to
Ambassador-Designate Anne Derse
By Senator Paul Sarbanes
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
May 12, 2006
Question:
What steps will you take in response to President Aliyev’s
increasingly belligerent rhetoric and actions, such as his threats
to restart the war against Nagorno-Karabakh, his call for a return
of Nagorno-Karabakh “no matter what it takes,” and his proposals
for vast increases in military spending? What impact do you
believe such actions will have on the prospects for a negotiated
settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh?
Answer:
We support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and hold that
the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a matter of negotiation
between the parties. Despite promising indications at present,
both Armenia and Azerbaijan have much to do to prepare their
publics for the compromises any just agreement will entail. We
have told the presidents of both countries that any attempt at a
military solution to the conflict would only deepen its tragic
impact.
Although the Rambouillet meeting between the two presidents marked
a temporary stall in negotiations, the process has gained momentum
again with a series of individual visits by the Minsk Group Co-
Chairs to the region. An agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh is within
the grasp of the two presidents now. We believe that 2006 is the
best window of opportunity for Presidents Aliyev and Kocharian to
come to a mutually agreeable solution that will provide the basis
for a lasting peace between their two countries. This will require
acts of political courage by each president as they prepare their
respective publics for a peace settlement. We hope the presidents
will seize the opportunity to reach a peaceful settlement of the
conflict soon so that the important work of post-conflict
reconstruction and stabilization can begin.
If confirmed, I plan to continue to work toward a settlement, along
with my colleagues at the Department of State.
========================================== =======================
Question:
Despite U.S. and international calls for regional cooperation and
economic integration, Turkey and Azerbaijan continue their illegal
decade-long blockade of land-locked Armenia. Azerbaijan and Turkey
are now escalating this policy of isolation by planning to build a
railroad line to connect Turkey and Azerbaijan, excluding Armenia.
There is currently legislation pending that would prevent any U.S.
financing of the approximately $800 million venture. Do you intend
to raise concerns about the railway? What steps will you take to
end Azerbaijan’s blockade of Armenia?
Answer:
The U.S. Government strongly encourages regional integration in the
Caucasus. Removing trade barriers would improve regional
integration and enhance economic cooperation and development within
and beyond the region. Regional integration should, of course,
include all countries of the region. We have long believed that
opening the border between Turkey and Armenia would contribute to
the economies of both countries and to such important broader areas
as energy security for Europe and Eurasia.
Because the proposed railway would bypass Armenia, and thus not be
beneficial to regional integration, we have no plans to support
such a railway financially. If confirmed, I will strongly support
the Administration’s efforts to pursue regional integration for all
countries in the region.
========================================= ========================
Question:
In the aftermath of September 11th, Congress granted the President
limited and conditional authority to waive Section 907 of the
Freedom Support Act, with the understanding that the administration
would ensure military parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
However, in this year’s budget, the President requested over $1
million more in military aid for Azerbaijan than for Armenia. On
what basis has the administration decided to depart from its
previous commitment to provide equal amounts of military assistance
for Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Answer:
It is U.S. policy to ensure that our security assistance to Armenia
and Azerbaijan does not affect the military balance between the two
states, but it is not the Administration’s view that military
funding levels for Armenia and Azerbaijan should be identical. As
Secretary Rice said recently in testimony before the House Foreign
Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations, we believe slight
differences in military assistance can be tolerated between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. The waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support
Act every year since 2002 has allowed us to provide military
assistance that enhances Azerbaijan’s interoperability with NATO
and U.S. forces and furthers U.S. peacekeeping objectives, as well
as assistance aimed at advancing democratic and market economic
reform. Assistance to Armenia for similar purposes requires no
waiver.
As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, our goal is to help Armenia
and Azerbaijan achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict. Military assistance to both countries in light
of that ongoing conflict is carefully considered and calibrated to
ensure that it does not hamper ongoing efforts to negotiate a
peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Progress is being made in the negotiation process and we continue
to view 2006 as the best window for the sides to reach an
agreement. At the same time, we are strongly urging the presidents
to prepare their publics for peace. We do not believe that the
slight differences in military assistance in the FY 2007 budget
request undermine prospects for peace or send the wrong message.
======================================== =========================
Question:
Do you believe that Azerbaijan deserved to be elected to the UN
Human Rights Council? How did the U.S. vote on Azerbaijan’s
candidacy? What steps will you take to improve respect for human
rights in Azerbaijan?
Answer:
The vote of the United States on these issues is always
confidential. We stand ready to work with all the new members of
the UN Human Rights Council. We will urge Azerbaijan will use this
opportunity to fulfill its commitments to make real progress on
advancing democracy and improve fundamental respect for human
rights both domestically and throughout the world. If confirmed, I
will continue to urge the Government of Azerbaijan to fulfill its
own human rights commitments, and will look for opportunities to
advance this effort through diplomacy, programs, and other
measures.

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
news from the western diocese

Primate Presides over DIVINE Liturgy
Armenian Apostolic Church of Burbank

On May 14, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese, presided over Divine Liturgy at the Burbank
Parish. He related his message bearing the theme, `Our Communion With
God’ to Mother’s Day, stating that our mothers have been the first
influence in our lives who have established within us a bond with
God.
On the occasion of Mother’s Day he congratulated all mothers, and
asked the faithful in attendance to pray for one mother in
particular, Mrs. Sylva Natalie Manoogian, whose son Vahan will soon
depart to serve in the Army in Iraq. His Eminence prayed for Vahan’s
safe return and the welfare of his parents. Mrs. Manoogian is the
Director of the Diocesan Library.

anglican armenian Dialogue

The Committee for Anglican-Armenian Dialogue met on May 15, 2006 at
All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Pasadena to deepen the relations
between the two churches through collaboration in the various
missions of the two dioceses. During the meeting the representatives
of the churches also reflected upon the joint commemorative service
held at St. Mark Episcopal Church for the Armenian Genocide, the
first Genocide of the 20th Century.

Meeting of
Los Angeles COuncil of Religious Leaders

The monthly meeting of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
will take place on May 17, 2006 at the Claremont School of Theology.
The meeting will also serve as an opportunity for the Religious
Leaders to get acquainted with the Claremont Seminary, where
currently two of our candidates onto the priesthood, Deacon Vahe
Abovian and Deacon Mayis Shahbazyan, are working on their degrees of
Master of Divinity.
Each month the monthly meetings of the Los Angeles Council of
Religious Leaders are hosted by a different religious group.

Primate Presides over meetings

The Summer Camp Committee and the Summer Camp Board will hold their
regular meetings at the Diocese on May 20, 2006, presided by His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.
The summer camp program has served the youth of the Western Diocese
for over 40 years. If you or someone you know is interested in
attending Summer Camp 2006, please visit
{} for more information.
To make camp part of your summer plans, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Pick a week of camp to attend

Week 1 – July 23, 2006 through July 29, 2006
Week 2 – July 30, 2006 through August 5, 2006
Week 3 – August 6, 2006 through August 12, 2006

Step 2: Visit our website beginning Easter Sunday,
April 16, 2006
Step 3: Print out a camper application, fill it out and mail it in
Step 4: Get ready to make friends and memories that will last
forever!

Cathedral Fundraising and Celebration Gala

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate will preside over
the Mother Cathedral Fundraising and Celebration Gala to be held on
Saturday, May 20, 2006, at the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western
Diocese, under the Chairmanship of Antranik Zorayan.
Total proceeds and donations received on the evening of May 20th
will benefit the construction of the long-awaited Mother Cathedral of
the Western Diocese.
The committee is proud to announce that Hovig Krikorian’s wonderful
voice and music will ensure the night to be an evening of
celebration. Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian, Chair of the Diocesan
Council, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the gala.
Festivities of the night will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a Cocktail
Reception and will continue with Dinner and an entertaining program.
For your invitation, please contact the Diocesan Office at
818-558-7474.

Primate TO Preside over Divine Liturgy
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, Van Nuys

On May 21, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van
Nuys. During the Liturgy, His Eminence will bestow the St. Nersess
the Graceful Medal of Honor upon Mr. and Mrs. Arpiar Janoyan, issued
by the Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, in appreciation for their dedication and service to the
Armenian Apostolic Church.

Primate Attends Events by armenian Schools

On May 21, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
will attend the 25th anniversary celebrations of TCA Arshag
Dickranian School. The Primate will also attend the 13th annual
Paradon of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
May 16, 2006
Burbank, California

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
Ecumenical Fellowship

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, ecumenical Divine Liturgy was
celebrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in the Kalaydjian Hall of
the Western Diocese, marking the first time in Diocesan history that
such an event took place. The Liturgy began at 10:30 a.m. with the
participation of the Primates and clergy of the Armenian, Coptic and
Syriac Orthodox Churches.
His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, His Grace Bishop
Serapion, Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and His Eminence Mor
Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Primate of the Syriac Orthodox Church, took part
in the service.
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church
in East Los Angeles, read the part of the Deacon. Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznigian, Rev. Fr. Bartev Gulumian and a clergy of the Syriac Church
served on the Altar. Rev. Fr. Asoghig Garabedian and Rev. Fr. Trdat
Bozigian, who are visiting from Etchmiadzin, Armenia, as well as
Deacon Vahe Abovian and Deacon Mayis Shahbazian, also served on the
Altar. The Liturgy was sung by the Burbank Parish Choir, directed by
Siranoosh Der Boghosian and organist Sirarpi Zirekians. Members of
the St. James Armenian Church Choir also participated.
His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Sebouh
Chouldjian, Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, and around 100 clergy
representing the Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac Churches, were in
attendance.
A moving moment of the ceremony was when the clergy approached the
Holy Altar in four rows to receive Holy Communion from Archbishop
Derderian and the Primates.
In his message Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed his joy in this
ecumenical event between three churches which share the same theology.
The Primate also emphasized the fact that the Oriental Orthodox
council was called to life three years ago and has been chaired for
the past two years by Bishop Serapion. The Primate presented icons to
the three bishops present, in appreciation of their participation in
the day’s service.
In his message Bishop Serapion thanked Archbishop Derderian for
hosting this service, and thus strengthening the ties between the
Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Archbishop Kaplan, upon thanking the Primate stressed the importance
of collaboration between the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the United
States, as is done in the Middle East. He also underscored the
significance of the proper training of our youth in Christian ethics.
Archbishop Mardirosian expressed his joy in witnessing the brotherly
love which was present during the day.
Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian made a presentation entitled
`The Personal Transfiguration of a Christian.’
A reception took place in the Galleria following the Divine Liturgy.
The tradition of the joint Divine Liturgy will also continue in the
future, hosted each year by a different church.

Ecumenical Sunday School Bible Competition

Organized by the Oriental Orthodox Churches of Western America, a
Sunday School Bible Competition was held on Saturday, May 13, 2006,
at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, in Glendale, California.
Sunday school students from the Armenian, Coptic and Syriac Orthodox
Churches participated in the competition that began at 10:00 a.m. and
concluded at 2:15 p.m. His Grace Bishop Serapion, His Eminence
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, and His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene
Kaplan were present, accompanied by clergy.
Sunday school students from St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys,
St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, the Armenian Church of
Burbank, and the Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley (Tujunga),
represented the Western Diocese. To promote fellowship among the
churches, students were divided into 16 groups, each containing an
equal number of children from each of the churches.
The competition began by a five minute prayer from the youth of each
church. The First and Second Rounds of competition were held between
10:45 – 12:00 pm. The Third and Final Rounds of competition were held
between 12:15 – 12:50 pm, after which, the Primates of the respective
churches addressed the students and urged them to continue to learn
about our Christian faith and teaching.
The winners were announced during the awards ceremony. The winning
team contained two students from the Sunday School of Crescenta
Valley and one from the Burbank Parish. The day’s program closed with
a prayer.
OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
May 16, 2006
Burbank, California

May 17, 2006 11:09:40 AM | <; Archive | <; Russian | < ot_news.html> Hot News |
<; Vacancies in Georgia | <; CENN | 17.5.2006 News From Georgia < > >>
IMF will not block poverty reduction program
Source: The Messenger, 2006-05-08

The IMF is not planning to stop its poverty reduction program in Georgia.
Permanent representative of IMF in Georgia Robert Kristiansen mentioned that
the IMF has a certain opinion for the amendments in the Georgian law
concerning illegal incomes, but this is not the reason for stopping the
poverty reduction program in the country. According to him the IMF
positively evaluates the macroeconomic policy carried out in the country.

The IMF recently made some remarks concerning the draft law on fighting
illegal incomes submitted to the parliament by the state minister Kakha
Bendukidze. The major concern of the IMF is the issue on increasing the
level of reported transfers from GEL 30,000 to GEL 50,000. This kind of
change might leave considerable amounts of money beyond the monitoring
scale.

IMF experts think also that if currency exchange offices will not require
any more licensing this will contradict the principles of combating money
laundering and terrorist threats.

Minister of Finance Lexo Aleksishvili states that the draft law already
considered the IMF recommendations and all the projects envisaged by IMF
will be continued. Deputy state minister Vakhtang Lezhava thinks that this
misinformation was disseminated by those who want to oppose the current
draft law and the amendments into legislation.

17.5.2006
News From < jan> Azerbaijan >>

OIL PRODUCTION ON RISE

Source: Azetag, 2006-05-13
Oil production in the State Oil Company’s fields was 746 thousand tons in
April. It is 20 470 tons more than scheduled. Oil production has come to 2
960 000 tons since the beginning of the year, beating the target by 67 670
tons. Oil transfer to the state outstripped the target by 14 960 tons in
April and hit 2 922 000 tons for the past four months.

17.5.2006
News From Armenia < > >>

news bulletin of environmental activities

Dear CENN Readers,

Here comes news bulletin of environmental activities carried out in ten
communities throughout Armenia within the frames of Community Environmental
Action Groups project Armenian Forests NGO is implementing under USAID
auspices.

It is interesting News < >
Bulletin about what local communities have achieved in working to improve
environmental conditions in their settlements.

Mher Sharoyan
Media Coordinator
Armenian Forests NGO
38 Moskovian St., apt. 10
Phone: (374 10) 54-15-29
Fax: (374 10) 58-20-39
E-mail: [email protected]

News
>>

BRAZIL OFFICIALLY STARTS FIRST URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY

Source: ENS, 2006-05-08
Brazil has inaugurated its first uranium enrichment facility to make the
type of fuel for nuclear power plants that Iran is running into trouble for
attempting to produce. There are strong suspicions that the objective of the
Iranian nuclear program is to eventually build a bomb, but Brazil has
managed to assure the international community its intentions are industrial
and commercial, not military.

17.5.2006
International < nce> Seminar /
Conference / Meeting >>

International conference to introduce climate change scenarios in the Baltic
Sea region

Source: Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), 2006-05-16

Gvteborg, Helsinki, Geesthacht – Leading scientist, politicians, journalists
and interested stakeholders from the Baltic Sea countries will take part in
the First International Conference on the Assessment of Climate Change for
the Baltic Sea Basin on 22-23 May 2006 in Gvteborg, Sweden. The Conference,
organised by Gvteborg University, BALTEX and HELCOM, will provide an
assessment of ongoing and possible future climate variations in the Baltic
Sea basin.
The climate in the Baltic Sea basin has changed during the past century, and
current research shows that the area will likely continue to get warmer. In
the past century there has been a marked increase of temperature of more
than 0.70C, with consequences such as shorter ice seasons. This is larger
than the global mean temperature increase of 0.50C. No robust link to
anthropogenic warming and the increased levels of greenhouse gases on
regional scales has been established, although it is plausible that at
least part of the recent warming in the Baltic Sea basin is related to the
steadily increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
“Continuing analysis is needed to clarify the causes behind the increasing
temperature,” says Anders Omstedt, professor in Geosphere Dynamics at
Gvteborg University.

The observed changes in temperature in the past have been associated with
consistent changes in terrestrial ecosystems, such as earlier spring
phenological phases, northward species shifts and increased growth and
vigour of vegetation. These trends are expected to continue into the future;
induced species shifts may be slower than the warming which causes it.
Scenarios for the climate in the later part of the present century describe
an ongoing general warming, increased winter precipitation almost everywhere
and dryer summers in the southern parts. For the water body of the Baltic
Sea, a tendency towards lower salinity could be expected, which is thought
to have a major influence on the Baltic Sea fauna. The expected changes in
precipitation (and thus river runoff) may have additional detrimental
effects on the problem of eutrophication. The warming will be associated
with earlier spring phenological phases, northward species shifts and
increased growth and vigour of vegetation.

The assessment is a result of a recently established Assessment of Climate
Change for the Baltic Sea Basin Project (The BACC Project). It integrates
available knowledge of historical, current and expected future climate
change. The unique feature of BACC is the combination of evidence on climate
change and related impacts on marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems
in the Baltic Sea basin, which encompasses the entire water catchment with
runoff into the Baltic Sea. It is the first systematic scientific effort for
assessing climate change in a European region. More than 80 scientists from
12 countries have contributed on a voluntary basis. As such, the results
have not been influenced by either political or special interests.

The BACC Project is a joint venture of the BALTEX (Baltic Sea Experiment)
Program and HELCOM (Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission) as an
example of a dialogue between the scientific community and environmental
policy makers. BALTEX is a continental-scale experiment within GEWEX (Global
Energy and Water Cycle Experiment) and WCRP (World Climate Research
Program).

The first day of the Conference will be devoted to scientific discussions
and the individual chapter lead authors will present the BACC results both
as oral lectures and posters. The second day discussions will be dedicated
to bridge science, policy and the general public and includes a panel
discussion. The objective of the panel is to discuss issues of climate
change related to the entire water catchment of the Baltic Sea; possible
impacts of these changes on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and on
society; and means how to improve the dialogue between scientists,
politicians and the public at large with regard to issues related to climate
change. The panel will consist of leading climate researchers, politicians
and journalists.

The Conference is open to the press.

For details on the BACC Project and the Conference, please visit:

BACC website <; , also see the Conference announcement flyer < _flyer.pdf>
f2006_flyer.pdf,
and program < html>
dule.html

Information for TV journalists:

TV-footage is available at the BACC website.
For information about BACC, please visit:
For information about Gvteborg University, please visit
<; For information about BALTEX, please visit <; de/baltex For information about HELCOM, please visit <; For any additional information, please contact: Prof. Dr. Hans von Storch Chair of BACC Institute for Coastal Research GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH, Germany Phone: +49 171 212 2046 E-mail: [email protected]

Prof. Dr. Anders Omstedt
Earth Sciences Center-Oceanography
Gvteborg University, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 773 2881
E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Markku Rummukainen
Rossby Centre
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrkvping, Sweden
Phone: +46 11 495 8605
E-mail: [email protected]

Camilla Carlsson, informatvr,
Fakultetskansliet fvr naturvetenskap,Gvteborgs universitet
Phone: +46 31 773 28 64
Mobil: +46 70 146 39 61
E-mail:
cami [email protected]

Dr. Torsten Fischer,
Presse- und Vffentlichkeitsarbeit
GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH
Phone: +49 (0) 41 52 / 87 – 1677
E-mail: [email protected]

Nikolay Vlasov,
Information Secretary, HELCOM
Phone: +358 (0)207 412 635
E-mail: [email protected]

17.5.2006
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THE DISPATCHER DIDN’T INSULT THE ARMENIAN PILOT
A1+
[07:44 pm] 16 May, 2006
“The Russian dispatcher didn’t insult the Armenian pilot,” RA Attorney
General Aghvan Hovsepyan informed the reporter of “A1+”about it
opposing the claims of the Georgian side. According to him confusion
was aroused by an “insulting” phrase when the dispatcher said “those
Armenians are going to land” instead of saying “that Armenian pilot
is going to land.”
Asked whether the Adler dispatcher was drunk Mr. Baghdasarov answered
“he might be drunk or not.”
It is due to mention that Oleg Ermolov, deputy president of
intergovernmental aviation committee, mentioned in “Ayb-Fe” weekly
there was nothing indecent during the record of the Armenian pilot
and the Adler dispatcher’s talk whereas the Georgian side couldn’t
overhear the Russian dispatcher and the Armenian pilot’s talk.

“THE RUSSIAN POLICY IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE BORING”
A1+
[08:20 pm] 16 May, 2006
Armenia is more protected from the point of view of national risk
threat than its neighboring countries Georgia and Azerbaijan. The index
of life quality in our country outnumbers that of our neighbors. And
on the contrary, the index of dynamism is lower in Armenia than
in Azerbaijan.
These are preliminary data given by a number of Russian
politicians’survey the results of which will be summarized at the
turn of the year. Russian politician Michael Ilyin who participates in
the program titled “Modern political atlas” said during today’s press
release that the survey is very complicated but they get information
of great importance and of encyclopedia value.
Our first task was to collect information on political developments
of various countries of the world.
187criteria for survey have been worked out, the data we possess was
marked by 6 complex indexes and as a result of it we got data of more
than 36 000 points,” noted the politician. 192 UNO member countries
are engaged in the survey.
The politician presented the program which started in 2005 in the
symposium related to the political issues of post soviet countries
held in YSU on May 11 – 14.
While speaking of the Russian foreign policy Michael Ilyin noted that
Russia has always been able to establish friendly relations with its
neighbors. But the relations with Georgia are getting worse day by day
though according to the politician it is determined by the aggressive
policy of Georgia.
“The deterioration of the relations is determined by a number of
factors, but the vital of them, to my mind, is the policy of the
Georgian authorities which is very aggressive though Russia is not
wise either.”
“The prospect of negotiating with Armenia is great.
The two sides seem to be interested in it. The relations may become
worse in case there is a serious crisis in the region as they may
encounter new difficulties,” claims the politician.
As for the Russian policy he stated “The policy of Russia is becoming
more and more boring.”