Statement by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe on
the occasion of the International Day for Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
Europe should fight hidden racism and discrimination
Strasbourg, 20.03.2006 – Sometimes, racist people commit acts which are
as stupid as they are outrageous. Burning down a Roma settlement or
vandalising a Jewish or Muslim graveyard, for example, is offensive and
causes great distress, but it is visible, blatantly illegal and
relatively easy to deal with. Or, at least, more difficult to ignore.
However this form of racism and discrimination is only the tip of the
iceberg. Beneath the surface of apparent equality, people belonging to
ethnic, religious, sexual or any other minorities, continue to be
confronted with various forms of intolerance and discrimination.
The vicious circle of popular bigotry and populist politicians finds
easy victims in any group of people who fall outside the prejudiced
perception of “normality”. The worst, of course, is institutional
racism and discrimination, operated by bureaucrats and sanctioned with
an official stamp from the public authorities.
This phenomenon is far more widespread than we think, and it affects
virtually every aspect of life, from housing to education, from health
to employment.
To help our member states to deal with these problems in an effective
manner, the Council of Europe adopted Protocol No 12 to the European
Convention on Human Rights (CETS No. 177
< ueVoulezVous.asp?NT=3D177&CM=3D1& CL=3DENG > ) in 2000. The Protocol introduced the broadest possible
prohibition of discrimination, guaranteeing that no one shall be
discriminated against by any public authority on any ground. By
signing, the member states agree to transform their good intentions into
legally binding obligations.
It took five years to get the ten ratifications required for the
Protocol to enter into force. Even today, almost six years after it has
been opened for signature, only 11 countries have ratified it. Today,
on the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I
congratulate all of them: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Georgia, Netherlands, San Marino, Serbia and
Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. At the same
time I express the hope that our other 35 member countries will follow
their example.
Eleven countries 1 have not yet signed the Protocol, and 24 countries 2
have only signed it and have not yet completed the process of
ratification.
1 Andorra, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Poland,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
2 Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine
Press Release
Council of Europe Press Division
Ref: 153a06
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
[email protected]
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A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 46
member states.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
March 20, 2006
Meeting of Governors and Mayors in Holy Etchmiadzin
On the evening of March 18, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, hosted a gathering of political and religious
leaders from throughout Armenia in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, led
by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Mr. Hovik Abrahamian. 
Present for the meeting were all diocesan primates from the Republics of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh; regional governors (Marzpets) of the Republic
of Armenia; and mayors of cities from throughout the country.  Also present
were the lay members of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
The leaders were welcomed by the Pontiff of All Armenians, who noted his
pleasure at hosting the regional and local elected officials in the Mother
See.  His Holiness noted the purpose of the gathering was to give them an
opportunity to meet with the diocesan primates, discuss issues related to
the national and ecclesiastical life of the Armenian people, and to explore
ways of working together to find solutions to those problems.
His Holiness Karekin II extended his Pontifical Blessings to all of the
participants and expressed his appreciation to the state, regional and local
authorities for the assistance which is provided to the Armenian Church and
her mission.  Reflecting on the administrative matters facing the Church,
the Pontiff underlined the great importance of reestablishing parish life
within the cities and villages of Armenia as a vital precondition of fully
achieving the Church’s mission in the fields of spiritual education and
pastoral ministry.  `The restoration of parish councils, parochial boards
and parish life will greatly benefit our work in strengthening the Armenian
family by providing a strong foundation built on Christian faith, Church
teachings and Holy Tradition, and reinforcing our independent statehood
through education and leadership’, stated the Catholicos of All Armenians.
Minister of Territorial Administration Hovik Abrahamian also welcomed the
guests and thanked His Holiness for inviting them all to the `center of
Armenian faith and spiritual life’, and expressed his happiness for the
spirit of cooperation which is developing between the Armenian Church and
the local authorities.  The Minister also placed importance on these
meetings occurring at regular intervals, in order to plan the work ahead for
the present and future collaboration between Church and state, which he
stated would benefit the prosperity of the homeland and the life of the
people.
During the meeting, many proposals were offered by the participants
regarding spheres of cooperation.  Also discussed was concern among many
regional and local officials regarding the destructive activities of cults
and various sects operating in Armenia.

Vatican Information Service
03.20.2006 – Sixteenth Year – Num. 55
ARMENIAN CHURCH: TOWARDS FULL UNITY AND COMMUNION
 
VATICAN CITY, MAR 20, 2006 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican, the Holy
Father received His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, patriarch of
Cilicia of the Armenians, Lebanon, accompanied by members of the patriarchal
synod and by a group of pilgrims.
 
In his address, the Pope recalled the history of the Armenian people over
the centuries, in particular the suffering “they underwent in the name of
the Christian faith during the years of terrible persecution, which remain
enshrined in history with the sadly meaningful name of ‘Metz Yeghern,’ the
great evil.”
 
Nonetheless, the Pope went on, “the Armenians, who have always sought to
integrate themselves with hard work and dignity in the societies in which
they found themselves, continue even today to bear witness to their
faithfulness to the Gospel.”
 
After affirming that the Armenian-Catholic community is spread over many
countries, the Pope said: “Providence placed the patriarchate of the
Armenian Catholics in the Middle East, in Cilicia and, later, in Lebanon.
All the Armenian-Catholic faithful look to that patriarchate as a solid
point of spiritual reference for their centuries-old cultural and liturgical
tradition.”
 
The Holy Father then indicated how “various Churches that recognize St.
Gregory the Illuminator as their common founding father are divided from one
another, although over the last few years they have resumed a cordial and
fruitful dialogue with the aim of discovering their shared roots. I
encourage this renewed fraternity and collaboration hoping that it may give
rise to new initiatives for a joint journey towards full unity, … with its
own hierarchy, in fraternal interior harmony and full communion with the
Bishop of Rome.”
 
“One comforting sign of this hoped-for unity was the celebration of the
1700th anniversary of the foundation of the Armenian Church, with the
participation of my beloved predecessor John Paul II.”
 
Benedict XVI concluded by saying: “We all wish to be instruments at the
disposal of Christ. May He – Who is Way, Truth and Life – enable us to
continue with all our strength, that, as soon as possible, there may be one
flock with one pastor.”
AC/UNITY/ARMENIAN CHURCH VIS 060320(360)

PRESS RELEASE
The University of Georgia
Cobb House
Athens, GA 30602, USA
Contact: Dr. Glenn Ames, Vahe Heboyan
Tel: 706-542-7887; 542-0856
Fax: 706-542-7891
E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Web:
The University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is pleased to offer a 3-week
study abroad & cultural experience course in Armenia in Summer
2006. UGA Study Abroad in Armenia provides opportunities to young
people across US to gain a genuine study abroad experience in Armenia
and gain transferable academic credit from the University of Georgia.
UGA in Armenia gives an opportunity to learn about the socio-economic
and political developments in Armenia and the Region since its
Independence. Additionally, the students will be exposed to the rich
cultural, religious and historical heritage of Armenia.
The group will be accommodated in Yerevan and will make daily field
trips throughout Armenia to visit major businesses (Yerevan Brandy
Company, diamond processing, wine production, hand made carpets and
rugs, high technologies), major political and international
organizations (Government, Parliament, EU, UN, US Embassy) and sights
of historical significance.
The University of Georgia is the flagship land-grant University of the
State of Georgia and allows non-UGA students to pay in-state tuition
for UGA study abroad programs. Students participating at UGA sponsored
study abroad program will be able to get transferable credits from
UGA.
There are several scholarships available for students of Armenian
ethnicity. Contact Birth-Right-Armenia for details: Linda Yepoyan,
610.291.2165 © ( html).
Please visit our website to learn more about the course, its
itinerary, application process and Armenia:
.
You may contact Dr. Glenn Ames ([email protected]) or Vahe Heboyan
([email protected]) for additional information.

PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian
DR. INA MCCABE TO SPEAK AT NAASR ON “ARMENIANS AS A GLOBAL
ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK”
Dr. Ina Baghdiantz McCabe of Tufts University will give a lecture
entitled “The Armenians As a Global Entrepreneurial Network,” on
Thursday, March 23, at the National Association for Armenian Studies and
Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA.
Dr. McCabe is the co-editor of the recent book Diaspora Entrepreneurial
Networks: Four Centuries of History (Berg Publishers) and the author of
one of the volume’s chapters dealing with the Armenians and the Eurasian
Silk Trade. Regarding this new book, Geoffrey Jones, Joseph C. Wilson
Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School,
writes: “Diaspora communities are important drivers of today’s global
economy. This highly original collection of essays reveals the rich
history of this phenomenon. The book opens up a new dimension of the
business history of globalization with fascinating studies of the roles
of Armenian, Greek, Jewish, Chinese and other entrepreneurial networks.”
Trade Diasporas an Understudied Area
National historiographies have masked the significance of
trade diasporas and their entrepreneurial networks, despite the fact
that they lay at the heart of the gradual integration of the world into
one global system. Contrary to many a current belief, the integration of
the world economy, the so-called globalization of modern economic life,
does not owe its present character solely to the actions (and omissions)
of the colonialism and imperialism of prominent western or eastern
powers.
The study of such networks, which often took the form of
ethnic trade diasporas, is becoming a vibrant field for economic,
business, political, and social historians, sociologists, and
economists. Historical diasporas -the three classical ones, the
Armenians, the Greeks and the
Jews-epitomize the resilience of older, traditional forms of certain
people that crossed national and imperial boundaries for centuries.
Dr. McCabe’s talk will focus on the Armenian network, the reasons for
its success, its modes of communication and commercial intelligence, the
socio-economic reasons for its resilience despite many catastrophic
circumstances, and the structural elements this network shared with
other successful diaspora networks.
Dr. Ina Baghdiantz McCabe holds the Hagop and Miriam Darakjian and
Boghos and Nazley Jafarian and Son Haig Chair in Armenian History at
Tufts University. She is the author of The Shah’s Silk for Europe’s
Silver: The Eurasian Silk Trade of the Julfan Armenians in Safavid Iran
and India (1590-1750) and the co-author of Slaves of the Shah: New
Elites of Isfahan.
The NAASR Bookstore will open at 7:30 p.m. Copies of Diaspora
Entrepreneurial Networks: Four Centuries of History will be on sale and
available for signing by the author.
The NAASR Center and Headquarters is located opposite the First Armenian
Church and next to the U.S. Post Office. Ample parking is available
around the building and in adjacent areas. The lecture will begin
promptly at 8:00 p.m.
More information about the lecture is available by calling 617-489-1610,
faxing 617-484-1759, e-mailing [email protected], or writing to NAASR, 395
Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA AVOIDS USING THE TERM “GENOCIDE”
ArmRadio
20.03.2006 17:01
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Armenia
Revaz Gachicheladze turned to the issue of the Armenian Genocide today.
“We really mourn for what happened to the Armenian people 90 years
ago,” the Ambassador said, avoiding to use the term “genocide,”
noting that the recognition of the Genocide is the liability of the
government and the parliament. “However, the international situation
should be considered,” Revaz Gachicheladze added.

WORLD ARMENIAN CONGRESS TO SIT IN PARIS SEPTEMBER 3-6, 2006
Yerkir
20.03.2006 17:29
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The World Armenian Congress will for the first
time sit in Paris September 3-6, 2006.
The event has for the object the assertion of the territorial and
national interests of Armenians via the activities of All-Armenian
organizations. The agenda includes the discussion of the problems of
Armenians and the analysis of the state of the Armenian Diaspora.

WHEN TIME COMES GEORGIA WILL DO ITS BEST FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION
Yerkir
20.03.2006 17:26
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Georgia sympathizes with the Armenian people who
survived the tragedy in 1915 that resulted in such great number of
victims, Georgian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to
Armenia Revaz Gachechiladze told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
In his words, the recognition of the events as genocide is the
prerogative of the Georgian parliament and government. “We sympathize
with the sister nation but taking decisions of the kind we should
take into account the international situation.
When the time comes Georgia will do everything within the limits
of the possible for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the
international community including Georgia,” Gachechiladze noted.

ARMENIAN MP URGES STATE CONTROL OVER NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS
Arminfo
20 Mar 06
Yerevan, 18 March: Energy security is an integral and very important
component of the complex of Armenia’s national security, proof of
which is a statement by US Assistant Secretary of State for European
and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried about the need to diversify energy
sources, Mger Shakhgeldyan, deputy chairman of the Orinats Yerkir
[Law-Governed Country] party and chairman of the parliamentary
commission on defence, national security and internal affairs, told
a news conference today.
He stressed that because of this, the Orinats Yerkir party believes
that the construction of a new nuclear power plant where the
controlling block of shares will not belong to the state cannot be
allowed. “We believe that both during the operation of the Metsamor
Nuclear Power Plant and the construction and operation of a new nuclear
power station, the controlling block of shares must belong to the
state, and the right to make decisions must remain with the state. The
state must also supervise the process of the nuclear power plant being
operated as required by Armenia’s energy security,” Shakhgeldyan said.
The construction of alternative pipelines with Iran also plays an
important role in ensuring Armenia’s energy security, Shakhgeldyan
said. At the same time, he stressed that Armenia should in parallel
deepen its relations with the USA, which proceeds from the republic’s
strategic interests, and preserve the current level of Armenian-Russian
relations.
Speaking about the increase in the price for Russian gas imported into
Armenia, Shakhgeldyan said: “Nobody has the right to put pressure on
Armenia. When establishing relations with foreign countries, Armenia
will proceed exclusively from its strategic interests.” At the same
time, he stressed that one should not draw hasty conclusions until
the price for Russian gas for Armenia is set definitively.

HEAD OF EX-SOVIET STATES’ OBSERVER MISSION CALLS BELARUSIAN ELECTIONS OPEN, TRANSPARENT
Jim Heintz
AP Worldstream
Mar 20, 2006
The head of the observer mission of a grouping of former Soviet states
on Monday called the disputed Belarusian presidential election open
and transparent.
The assessment by Vladimir Rushailo, head of the Commonwealth of
Independent States’ mission, is likely to contrast sharply with an
assessment to be issued later Monday by the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe’s mission.
Rushailo, in a droning statement that lasted more than a half-hour,
said the CIS mission’s 467 observers concluded that, despite some
technical violations, the Sunday elections took place within the
requirements of Belarusian law.
The OSCE, by contrast, assesses elections in terms of whether they
meet international standards for free and fair democratic elections.
The assessments by the OSCE and CIS missions on elections in
post-Soviet states frequently differ radically.
Rushailo is a former interior minister of Russia. The Kremlin is
closely allied with Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander
Lukashenko, whom official results show winning a third term in
a landslide.
Opposition supporters held a rally of thousands on Sunday night to
protest the results, and have called for another protest on Monday
evening.
The CIS observers “declare the elections free, open and transparent,”
Rushailo said. He later denounced Western countries’ persistent
criticism of Belarus for intimidating and restricting the opposition
ahead of the election.
“Prejudiced statements, harsh announcements, as well warnings from
several countries on the eve of the elections about their readiness
to take various restrictive measures of a political and economic
character against the Republic of Belarus: the CIS observers see
these as attempts to influence the course of the election process in
its final stage,” Rushailo said.
The mission included observers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Notably
absent were observers from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, all of which
are CIS members that recently have distanced themselves from Moscow
to take a more West-leaning course.