Afshar Suleymani: OSCE MG Co-Chair States Try to Push Their Own Interests
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.07.2006 16:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The OSCE MG Co-chair states are more engaged
in ensuring their own interests than in resolving the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Afshar Suleymani
said. “Those who come from far away observe their own interests. I
suppose the problem of Nagorno Karabakh was transformed in a core
of interests of certain circles while the role of the co-chairs
is reduced to ensuring these interests. In Suleymani’s opinion,
the conflict cannot be settled in such a situation, or it will be
resolved with conditions imposed on the conflicting parties but not
meeting their interests, reported Day.az.

COMMISSION TO ANNOUNCE WHAT CAUSED ARMENIAN AIRLINER’S CRASH
Armenpress
PARIS, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS: Russian transport minister Igor Levitin said
in Paris today a technical commission set up to investigate into what
could have caused an Armenian A-320 airliner to crash into the Black
Sea on May 3 morning will unveil its findings in very near future.
The Armenian A-320 airbus, owned by Armavia carrier, plunged into
the Black Sea near the Russian resort town Sochi killing all 113
people aboard.
Levitin was quoted by Russian RIA news agency as saying that the last
minutes of the flight were modeled in French Toulouse which produces
airbuses by a joint commission of Russian, French and Armenian experts,
based on the findings of the flight recorders.
Levitin said the flight simulation was the last stage in the
investigation. Now, he said, all available information should be
summed for drawing the final conclusion Levitin awarded also Russian
medals to French experts who were participating in a rescue operation
in Sochi. The awarding ceremony was held in the residence of Russian
Ambassador to France.

SECOND LARGEST DEPUTY GROUP LIKELY TO JOIN REPUBLICANS
Armenpress
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS: The People’s Deputy group that has 17
non-partisan members and now is the second largest group of lawmakers
after the Republican party’s faction, said today it will join soon
one of the major political parties.
Karen Karapetian, the head of the People’s Deputy group, said it may be
the Republican party of prime minister Andranik Margarian. Speaking to
Armenpress, Karen Karapetian explained that the members of the group
want to be within the parliament majority after the 2007 elections,
but fear they are not able to attain it all alone.
Karapetian said they need to seek ideological commonalities with one
of the parties and contest the parliament seats on its ticket. He
said members of the group will discuss this issue in a hope to come
to a joint decision.
Karapetian then reaffirmed his decision to reject an offer to be
nominated for the post of deputy parliament speaker that remains vacant
after Tigran Torosian, who held it, was elected parliament chairman.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
NEW SPANISH EDITION OF GEORGE BOURNOUTIAN’S “A CONCISE HISTORY OF
THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE” FUNDED BY AGBU
Renowned scholar and Armenian historian, Dr. George A. Bournoutian,
visited Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires from May 5-8, 2006
to present the newly translated Spanish edition of his seminal book,
“A Concise History of the Armenian People.” Funding for the book’s
translation was generously provided by an AGBU donor.
Dr. Bournoutian’s stay in Buenos Aires was filled with activities,
lectures and other events to celebrate the launch of the Spanish
edition of his publication. Upon his arrival on May 5, the author
met with Argentina’s Ambassador to Armenia, His Excellency, Vladimir
Karmirshalyan. Later that same day, AGBU’s Buenos Aires Chapter
held a press conference to emphasize the importance of the book’s
translation and also to commend the translator, Marite de Margossian,
for her contribution to the project. After the press conference,
Dr. Bournoutian gave a lecture and answered questions from the audience
about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, drawing on the expertise he gained
while writing one of his past publications, “The History of Karabakh.”
A presentation of “A Concise History of the Armenian People” was
held the next day at the 32nd Annual Buenos Aires International
Book Fair, which was attended by thousands of Armenians and
non-Armenians alike. Professor Nelida Boulgourdjian-Toufeksian
introduced Dr. Bournoutian with a summary of his work as a writer,
educational historian and lecturer. The guest of honor discussed his
publication and answered questions from the public regarding his book
as well as general facts about Armenian history.
On the last day of his visit to Argentina, Dr. Bournoutian met with
students from the advanced classes at the AGBU Marie Manoogian and
St. Gregory the Illuminator Institutes, where he related some of
the fascinating aspects of his historical volume. Dr. Bournoutian
strongly encouraged the students to continue their interest in
Armenian culture and history, and to become better acquainted with
the Armenian homeland.
Established in 1911, AGBU Buenos Aires is committed to preserving
and promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through educational,
cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information, please
visit
For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit

Jailed Azeri ex-minister on hunger strike over rights violations
Turan news agency
6 Jul 06
Baku, 6 July: The former minister of economic development, Farhad
Aliyev, was forced to resort to an extreme measure and start a 48-hour
hunger strike since he has no other possibilities to protect his
rights, the ex-minister’s lawyer, Elton Quliyev, said during a news
conference at the International Press Centre today.
He said that the hunger strike started on the night of 6 July.
According to the lawyer, no investigative actions have been taken
with regard to Farhad Aliyev during the nine months of his arrest.
Quliyev denied the accusations of the Prosecutor-General’s Office
that the former minister had illegally privatized 18 enterprises.
Commenting on accusations of Aliyev’s involvement in a coup attempt,
the lawyer said that this circumstance “inevitably” lends the case a
political nature and gives us grounds to regard the former minister
as a political prisoner.
Quliyev said that Aliyev wants the problem to be resolved inside
the country, which is why he has not appealed to the European Court
of Human Rights. Quliyev pointed out that the investigation has not
provided evidence regarding any of the charges.
Lawyer Adil Ismayilov said that in Azerbaijani realities, lawyers
do not have mechanisms of influencing the investigation. Ismayilov
pointed out that Aliyev is trying to use the hunger strike to attract
attention to the violation of his rights and deliberate delays in
the investigation.
Farhad Aliyev was arrested on 19 October 2005. He is charged with a
coup attempt, organizing mass disturbances and abusing power.

Armenian President Congratulated U.S. Embassy Employees on Independence Day
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.07.2006 15:56 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian and first lady
Bella Kocharian paid a visit to the U.S. Embassy to congratulate
Ambassador Evans and the diplomatic staff on the Independence
Day. Expressing satisfaction with the current level of the
Armenian-American relations Robert Kocharian voiced hope that the
close ties between the two states will keep on developing, reported
the RA President’s press office.

Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Ave, S-803
New York, NY 10016, U.S.A.
Tel:1-212-689-5307
Fax:1-212-689-5317
E-mai l: [email protected]
Armenia Fund USA’s Agricultural Initiative in
Nagorno-Karabakh Underway
~The first Agricultural Development Association established in Mardakert ~
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA, East Region affiliate of
All-Armenian Fund is pleased to announce that its agricultural
development project, promising to revitalize the agricultural sector of
Karabakh’s economy, is currently underway. The Agricultural Initiative
aims at upgrading the standards of living of the rural communities
in the Mardakert Region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The three-year, three
phase program, developed by leading experts in the United States
with the initiation of Armenia Fund USA and All-Armenian Fund, and
in cooperation with the governments of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh,
involves a new approach to the idea of development by empowering
rural communities to invest in their agricultural potential.
While initially aimed at converting subsistence farmers (producing
just enough to feed their families) into export producers, the Agro
Initiative is a long-term strategic plan targeting rural poverty
reduction in the region.
The Agro Initiative, implemented by Armenia Fund USA, is one of the
many other components of the “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development
Program – a large-scale initiative undertaken by all 18 affiliates
of the Fund to provide much needed assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh
through a series of projects that include construction of new schools,
healthcare facilities, drinking and water irrigation systems and
access roads.
Building upon continued success of implementing development projects
in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia Fund USA is now focusing on
the Agro Initiative. Addressing the issue of functional agricultural
infrastructure, given the region’s historical potential as a major
agricultural area, appears to be the logical place to start in
revitalizing the agricultural economy on basis of which regional
development can become feasible.
After conducting a field study of Nagorno-Karabakh villages and the
situation of rural farming communities, a team of leading experts from
Turnaround Associates, Inc., a New York based corporate consulting
firm, designed a step-by-step plan to expand Karabakh’s food production
capabilities by careful balancing of import-export ratio.
The plan involved supporting rural farmers in nearly all aspects of
agricultural activity. However without access to fundamental farm
equipment, this was simply impossible. Armenia Fund USA therefore
focused on strategies that would support purchase and maintenance of
new agricultural equipment as well as provide technical support related
services to small farmers. This is when the necessity of establishing
Agricultural Development Associations (ADA), complemented by Service
centers to house equipment and serve as a source of technology transfer
through Agricultural Service Corporations (ASCOs), came into being.
A very recent trip (May 2006) to the region by Armenia Fund USA
representatives was, among many other activities, to establish the
Mardakert Agricultural Development Association (MADA) in Mardakert
Region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which was done in cooperation with
All-Armenian Fund in Yerevan and the local government.
After selecting the site for the MADA and appointing Director in
Residence responsible for the project in Karabakh, the rationale
of the Mardakert Agricultural Development Association, a voluntary
non-profit association of farmers, as well as Mardakert Agricultural
Services Corporation, a joint stock commercial company that is to
provide technical and farm equipment services at affordable rates, was
presented to the Karabakh Ministry of Agriculture on the one hand, and
to the local farming communities on the other. To introduce Mardakert
farmers to the organizational structure of the ADA and explain the
benefits of becoming a member of the Association, Armenia Fund USA held
meetings with Karabakh farmers to encourage them to join. Particularly
noteworthy were the farmers’ enthusiasm and openness to cooperate and
receive expert training in areas where their agricultural methods
had proven outmoded. Their readiness to join efforts in improving
agricultural production by collective efforts is what will make the
further development of the ADA a success.
According to present estimates, over 18 villages with a population of
more than 9,000 will be direct beneficiaries of this initiative. The
newly established Mardakert Agricultural Development Association will
start accepting applications for local farmers in the fall. Currently,
the Fund is in the process of purchasing the necessary equipment for
the first ADA.
Tractors, share plows, wheat seed drills, trucks mowers and combines
are being ordered from China and Russia to be transported to Armenia
and then to Nagorno-Karabakh. A $700,000 worth of farm equipment is
needed for the ADA to start its function this fall.
The Agro Initiative will start with production of wheat, the dominant
field crop in Karabakh. Apart from providing upgraded technical
assistance to farmers, the Initiative involves significant efforts
to involve the social factor of change in agricultural production
in Karabakh. The idea of ADAs owned by local farmers, the expert
trainings and exchange of information are specific steps to engage
rural farming communities to become entrepreneurs.
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.

PRESS RELEASE
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES/ARMENIA
Contact Naira Altounyan/Program Officer at CRS/Armenia:
374 (10) 26 33 89 / 26 32 18
[email protected], 38 Arabkir street, 2/2 house
Golden Apricot International Film Festival to Showcase
Two Documentaries on Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict
Yerevan ` This year’s Golden Apricot International Film Festival, to be
held during July 10-15 in Yerevan, will feature two new documentary
films dedicated to helping build peace and dialogue between Armenia and
Azerbaijan.
Sharing the title `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ the films
document the shattered lives and lingering recovery of two villages `
one Armenian, one Azerbaijani ` on either side of the common border. The
films feature profiles of and interviews with various town residents,
who reminisce about life before the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict,
discuss the war’s impact, and often express an impassioned desire for
reconciliation.
The films were co-funded by Catholic Relief Services/Armenia (CRS), the
Armenian Round Table Foundation (ARTF), and Inter-Church Organization
for Cooperation Development (ICCO) of the Netherlands. CRS and ARTF
regularly collaborate through grass-roots programs that promote
socio-economic development and peace-building in the South Caucasus. The
documentaries were produced within the framework of a joint CRS-ARTF
initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between
Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
The Armenian version of `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ which
documents life in the village of Aygepar, was produced by Shoghakat TV;
the Azerbaijani version, documenting the neighboring village of
Alibeyli, was produced by Azerbaijan’s Internews organization.
`The desire for co-existence, as expressed by the long-suffering
residents of Aygepar and Alibeyli, is not just a romantic idea,’ said
Sona Hamalian, Head of CRS/Armenia. `Armenians and Azerbaijanis alike,
especially in border towns, have a profound appreciation for the value
of economic collaboration. Peace and the re-establishment of trust are
crucial for their survival, for the eventual prosperity of their
villages. They know they’ll need more than a tenuous ceasefire to regain
normalcy, to freely interact with their neighbors.’
`In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ featuring both documentaries,
will have two screenings during the Golden Apricot International Film
Festival: on July 11, at 6 PM, at the Moscow Theater (Abovyan Street);
and on July 12, at 6 PM, at the Nairi Theater (Mashtots Avenue). Each
screening will be followed by a Q & A session with the Shoghakat TV
production team and with CRS and ARTF representatives.
# # #

PRESS RELEASE
American University of Armenia
300 Lakeside Drive, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Contact: Maggie Mead
Tel: 510-987-9125
Fax: 510-208-3576
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Constitution Day Panel Discussion at AUA: The Legacy of Mkhitar Gosh and the
Rule of Law
Yerevan- 7 July. The AUA Department of Law, on the occasion of
Constitution Day of Armenia, hosted a panel discussion celebrating
Mkhitar Gosh and his Legacy of Law in Armenia, entitled “Lessons from
Mkhitar Gosh: 800 Years of Legal Tradition.”
Panel participants included Tom Samuelian (Dean, AUA Law Department),
who presented Mkhitar Gosh as a legal pragmatist, and Fr. Sasoon
Zumrookhdian of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Vicar for Tavush
Marz, who spoke on the topic of “Mkhitar Gosh: A New Tradition.” Also
present were Prof. Garnik Safaryan from the Institute of Law and
Politics of the National Academy of Sciences, who described Mkhitar
Gosh’s legacy, and Gagik Ghazinyan, Dean of the YSU Law Department,
who presented Mkhitar Gosh’s “Datastanagirk”.
“800 years ago, Mkhitar Gosh studied international best practice
and compiled an exemplary law code based on the real needs and
Christian values of Armenia. It was such a good compilation that
it was translated into other languages and used by Armenian and
non-Armenian communities in Europe and elsewhere for nearly 500 years.
While times have changed, the value of Mkhitar Gosh’s insights into
the methods of creating good laws has not. Today’s Seminar at AUA
is being held in conjunction with two important national holidays:
RA Constitution Day (July 5) and Sts. Trdat and Ashkhen Day (July 8),
whom we honor this week as the founders of Armenia’s Christian state
along with St. Gregory the Illuminator in 301. The festivities
will culminate in the blessing of civil servants and jurists during
a pilgrimage to Goshavank on Saturday, July 8, under the auspices of
the Gugark Diocese of the Armenian Church”- stated Tom Samuelian.
The event was free and open to the public. Approximately 50 people
attended the panel discussion, included students, members of the
press, judges, and advocates, as well as representatives from bar
associations and the National Assembly.
————————————— ————————————-
The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered
as a non-profit organization in the United States and as the Armenian
University of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia. The American University
of Armenia (AUA) is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the
University of California.
Receiving major support from the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading
to the Masters Degree in eight graduate programs. For more information
about AUA, visit

July 7, 2006
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
THE PRELATE ENCOURAGES THE YOUTH AT THE ACYA BOOTH OF THE
H.M.E.M. NAVASARTIAN GAMES
The Armenian Church Youth Association of the Western Prelacy had a
large presence at the Homenetmen Navasartian games during the long
weekend of June 30 to July 4th. The Central Board of the ACYA took
an active role in helping local chapters recruit new members for all
Prelacy churches of the Western United States. Through the support and
direction of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
the ACYA made a great impact on this year’s Navasartian games.
The mission of the Armenian Church Youth Association is to revitalize
the spirit of Armenian youth in the Armenian Apostolic Church, with
the intent to strengthen the Christian faith and resolve of young
Armenians. The ACYA created biblical based education and networking
opportunities within the Armenian Church, while highlighting aspects
of Armenian culture, heritage, tradition, and history.
Through the dedication of the ACYA towards promoting church
involvement, faith, service, mentoring, and networking, as well as
debate and open forums, Armenian communities of the Western United
States have welcomed and embraced this newly formed organization into
their homes and families.
The booth at the Navasartian games recruited young adults from the
ages of 18 to 30. Through the support of the ACYA Central Board
of the Western Prelacy, the ACYA collected over three hundred new
membership applications.
The five-day event proved that the remedy has been found for the lack
of youth participation in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The ACYA
has filled the prescription and is moving forward with large numbers,
but most importantly with quality members.
On Sunday July 2nd, at 2:00 p.m., the Prelate made a special visit to
the booth where he was greeted by Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, ACYA
Central Board Chair Greg Martayan, Holy Martyrs ACYA Chair Mardig
Nalbandian, and Pasadena ACYA member Sahag Yedalian.
The Prelate greeted the members of the ACYA with warm wishes and
blessings for continued success. He commended the work of the ACYA
Central Board for their dedication and ability to recruit so many
new members in such a short period of time. He also reaffirmed his
support of the ACYA stating “you are the future of our Church, and
through your positive actions today we will have a more promising
tomorrow in the Armenian Apostolic Church and community.
The Prelate then met with several members of the ACYA where issues
of faith and service arose. The visit of the Prelate concluded with
the blessing of the Prelate. The members were left with rejuvenated
energy to continue the day’s work.
The Armenian Church Youth Association was created with the intent to
preserve, protect, and educate the youth about the Armenian Church. The
Central Board of the ACYA serves the entire Western region of the
United States, and has tripled in membership since the beginning of
the year.
The motto of the Armenian Church Youth Association is “To Know, To
Love, and To Serve”. It is a statement that the members live and work
by. If you or your family members are interested in being involved
with the ACYA, please contact your local parish or the Western Prelacy.