A1+ IS BEING EXILED
A1+
06:51 pm 16 March, 2006
On March 17 at 12:00 p.m the RA Compulsory Execution Services will
exile “A1+” from their premises on Grigor Lusavorich 15.. The editorial
staff learned about it today, on March 16, at 5:15 p.m. after the
visit of the Court officers to the editorial building.
They offered the staff workers to release the premises on their own
initiative. It is clear from the Court Officer S. Stepanyan’s decision
(it was presented to the editorial today) that besides leaving the
building, A1+ is also fined to 4000AMD as a state tax and 5000ADM as
an expenditure spent on managing activities.

PRESS RELEASE
The National Citizens’ Initiative
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 27.16.00, 27.00.03
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected]
Website:
March 16, 2006
Armenia’s First Ombudswoman Presented Her Special Report
Yerevan — The National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) today convened
a roundtable on “Gains and Losses Experienced by the Citizens of
Armenia in Year 2005.”
The meeting brought together political and social activists, human
rights advocates, analysts, experts, and media representatives.
NCI coordinator Hovsep Khurshudian welcomed the audience with opening
remarks, “The authorities had declared the constitutional referendum
of 2005 as a crucial step toward the establishment of democracy
and legitimacy in Armenia. However, after the immediate ‘passing’
of the constitutional amendments, human and civil rights not only
deteriorated, but repression including unlawful arrests against
politically active citizens continued, followed by similar violations,
this time, against political parties. A vivid illustration of this is
the illegal closure of the Heritage Party’s headquarters. Moreover,
the first Ombudswoman of the Republic of Armenia Larisa Alaverdian
was dismissed for performing her designated duty.”
Prior to discussing her special report, Larisa Alaverdian expressed
dismay that the public had lost the ability to read and comprehend
written texts of political or legal nature. Subsequently, she
briefly presented her 20-page special account on the situation of
human rights in Armenia in the year past. Unfortunately, she was not
allowed to present this report to the National Assembly. “I would
like to call this report also ‘An Infringement Upon the Right of
Effective Legal Protection,’ an entitlement set forth by Article 13
of the European Convention,” Alaverdian noted. With respect to the
large-scale encroachment upon the property rights of the residents
of the Northern Avenue and Biuzand Street in downtown Yerevan,
Mrs. Alaverdian observed that in democratic countries for the sake
of state interests, private assets of people at times are alienated,
but with proper compensation. Yet in this case, compensation was not
only unforthcoming, but people through the courts were forced to sign
purchase agreements and on top be subjected to state and income taxes.
Larisa Alaverdian had made an appeal to President Robert Kocharian
and Prime Minister Andranik Margarian concerning this matter. She had
even addressed a formal letter to the President with respect to the
widespread violation of human rights. Yet, she received a response in
which she was charged of breaching Section 5 of Armenia’s Constitution,
that is for misusing her official power.
The next speaker, Heritage Party’s political secretary Vardan
Khachatrian gave his assessments of the constitutional referendum of
2005. According to him, “As a result of the ruling powers’ methods of
‘passing’ the constitution and ‘establishing’ democracy, the notions
of ‘state,’ ‘constitution,’ and ‘democracy’ have been discredited in
the eyes of the majority of the people who draw a perfect parallel
between the current authorities and the unlawfulness which is reigning
in the country.”
Khachatrian pointed that the way out of this situation is carrying
out a fundamental transformation, but not ruling out the prospect
for a peaceful revolution.
The remainder of the session was devoted to exchanges of views and
policy recommendations among the public figures and policy specialists
in attendance. Also noteworthy were interventions by Raphael Ghazarian
and Vahan Shirkhanian from the Forum of Intellectuals of Armenia; MP
Tatul Manaserian; MP and chairman of the Democratic Path Party Manuk
Gasparian; MP and chairman of the Constitutional Right Union Hrant
Khachatrian; MP and chairman of the National Democrats’ Alliance Arshak
Sadoyan; deputy chairman of the National Unity Party Gagik Tadevosian;
chairman of the Democratic Motherland Party Petros Makeyan; “18+1”
political union observers’ mission chief Vahagn Khachatrian; Republic
Party member Rafik Mkrtchian; deputy chairman of the National Rebirth
Party Armen Mkrtchian; deputy-chairman of the Liberal Progressive
Party Edward Antinian; director of the Heritage Party’s main office
Gevorg Kalenchian; chairman of the Social-Ecological Party Armen
Dovlatian; deputy chairman of the “Victims of State Needs” NGO Sedrak
Baghdasarian; members from National Democratic Union, Alliance,
and Christian Democrat Union of Armenia parties; and many others.
In the ensuing discussion Academician Raphael Ghazarian charged the
opposition leaders for pursuing their personal ambitions instead of
in unity bringing the nation out of this situation.
In Dr. Tatul Manaserian’s opinion the reasons for the current situation
should be searched within ourselves since the public has become very
apathetic as to the future of the country.
Member of Parliament Manuk Gasparian called upon the participants to
work together in getting at least one or two independent television
channels to reopen so that people can come out of the informational
blockade and be informed of the illegalities of the ruling powers and
what is happening in the country. Avetik Ishkhanian of the Helsinki
Committee was in concurrence with Mr. Gasparian and added that the
public’s apathy was due to the suppression of freedom of speech and
that our citizens’ first real defeat came when A1+ and Noyan Tapan
were closed down.
Deputy chairman of the National Unity Party Gagik Tadevosian’s question
as to the validity of the conclusion that the falsification of the
constitutional amendments had resulted in more illegalities by the
government was answered in the affirmative by Mrs. Alaverdian. She
agreed that the ruling administration’s declaration according to which
93 percent had said “Yes” to the new constitution was a disgrace and
that the very same powers were very much aware of this fact.
In his turn, Avetik Ishkhanian stated that in line with confidential
information ascertained from fairly high state echelons, with the
exception of military servicemen, only 7 percent of the eligible voters
had actually cast ballots in the constitutional referendum. Whereas
Vardan Khachatrian added that they had received information on a mere
6.5 percent voter turnout.
In his closing remarks, NCI coordinator Hovsep Khurshudian noted the
fact that Armenia’s social elite underscores ideological discussions
and the search for the roots and solutions for the problems facing the
country. And in the words of Khurshudian, this roundtable is its proof.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is a public non-profit association
founded in December 2001 by Raffi K. Hovannisian, his colleagues,
and fellow citizens with the purpose of realizing the rule of law
and overall improvements in the state of the state, society, and
public institutions.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is guided by a Coordinating
Council, which includes individual citizens and representatives of
various public, scientific, and educational establishments. Five
commissions on Law and State Administration, Socioeconomic Issues,
Foreign Policy, Spiritual and Cultural Challenges, and the Youth
constitute the vehicles for the Initiative’s work and outreach.
For further information, please call (37410) 27-16-00 or 27-00-03;
fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected]; or visit

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
March 16, 2006
___________________
NEW AVAK SEASON STARTS FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL FALL EVENTS
By Florence Avakian
The St. Vartan Cathedral “Avak” senior citizens group gatherings are in full
swing this winter/spring season. The gatherings began on January 26 after
the group’s Christmas break with a screening of the film “Yerevan” by Robert
Karapetian.
Meeting every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the participants first
attend an hour-long Bible study with Dn. Sebuh Oskerichian. That is
followed by a lunch and special program at 12:30 p.m. The “Avaks” program
is organized by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral.
“Dn. Sebuh gives us understandable answers to our questions,” said longtime
Avak member Eugenie Soukiasian. “And Fr. Mardiros takes us on trips to
unique places which we enjoy immensely.”
During the fall season, a number of films, videos, lectures, and trips took
place, including a film on Armenian fashions, and a comedy video with the
incomparable Krikor Satamian. Featured musical performers and speakers
included singer Maro Partamian, police officer Stephen Ekizian, Diocesan
Armenian studies coordinator Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian, motivational speaker
Dottie Bengoian, and journalist Florence Avakian.
The fall season started with a three-day retreat at the Diocese’s Ararat
Center in upstate New York. Thirty Avaks enjoyed Bible study, fellowship,
and dinners together during the weekend. For a special treat they went
apple-picking in the glorious landscape of the Catskill Mountains.
Angel Vantzian looks forward to the Avaks gatherings on Thursdays because
she knows she will be “with friends, enjoying a good meal, and good
conversation. It’s always great fun.”
During a trip in November, more than 25 Avaks traveled to the Guggenheim
Museum to see the monumental “Russia” exhibit, featuring 19th- and
20th-century art and icons. A highlight was the powerful work by
19th-century Armenian seascape painter Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky, entitled
“The Ninth Wave.”
December was another high point for the Avak members. Close to 50 Avaks
boarded a luxury bus for the all-day trip to Lancaster, PA, where they
enjoyed lunch, shopping, and a performance of the inspirational Sight and
Sound Theater’s production of “Miracle of Christmas.” On a stage which
wrapped around half of the audience, talented performers sang and acted the
timeless drama, starting with Mary and Joseph’s betrothal and ending with
the birth of Jesus.
The season ended with the annual Christmas party, which included a surprise
“grab bag” and delicious lunch. At this gathering, Maro Partamian led the
Avaks in Christmas carols and seasonal songs.
“These gatherings are a lovely initiative, because our soul gets closer and
closer to the church, which is God’s home,” said Sarkis Matosian. “The
sharing, love, smiles, and friendship are God’s blessed feeling, because
love is the unique language of all people. We have learned a great deal
about our Armenian heritage and history in a friendly atmosphere.”
For more information on the Avak gatherings, contact Fr. Mardiros Chevian by
e-mailing [email protected] or calling (212) 686-0710.
— 3/16/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Motivational speaker Dottie Bengoian speaks to the Avaks
seniors group at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral.
# # #

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
FIFTY HOUSE MEMBERS CALL ON FOREIGN AID APPROPRIATORS TO
MAINTAIN MILITARY AID PARITY TO ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN
— Reps. Pallone and Radanovich spearhead campaign calling for
$75 million in U.S. aid to Armenia; Continued Aid to Karabagh
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George Radanovich
(R-CA) were joined by forty-eight of their House colleagues today in
urging the leadership of the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee
to support pro-Armenian provisions in the fiscal year 2007 foreign
aid bill, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Members of Congress cosigned a letter, addressed to the panel’s
Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), which
would strengthen the hand of pro-Armenian members of the Subcommittee,
most notably Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg, Steve Rothman
(D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and John Sweeney (R-NY). Rep. Sweeney, who
joined the panel last year, is one of only two Members of Congress
of Armenian heritage.
The letter notes that members of Congress are “deeply troubled”
that the Administration’s request for military aid for Azerbaijan
is considerably higher then the request for Armenia. By signing the
letter, legislators will add their voice to the effort to ensure that
the agreement struck in 2001 between the White House and Congress
to keep aid levels to these two countries equal is fully respected.
In addition, the letter calls for a hard earmark of at least $75
million for Armenia, a one-year $5 million allocation for Nagorno
Karabagh, and the preservation of Section 907 of the Freedom Support
Act.
Members of Congress joining Representatives Pallone and Radanovich
in cosigning the letter included: Reps. Tom Allen (D-ME), Robert
Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael
Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Dennis Cardoza
(D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY),
William Delahunt (D-MA), David Dreier (R- CA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA),
Mike Ferguson (R-NJ), Barney Frank (D- MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Rush
Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Dale Kildee (D-MI), James Langevin
(D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Stephen Lynch
(D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D- NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Doris Matsui
(D-CA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern (D-MA), John McHugh
(R-NY), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Grace Napolitano
(D-CA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Bobby Rush (D-IL),
H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI),
Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rob Simmons (R-CT),
Mark Souder (R- IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA),
Henry Waxman (D- CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).
Representatives Knollenberg, Pallone, and Rothman also submitted
individual letters citing their foreign aid priorities for Armenia
and Nagorno Karabagh, among other countries.
The House Foreign Operations panel is set to review the FY2007 foreign
aid bill, which will then be considered by the full Appropriations
Committee and then the full U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate
will finalize its own version, which will be reconciled with the
House bill by a conference committee.
The text of the Congressional letter is provided below.
#####
March 17, 2006
The Honorable Jim Kolbe Chairman Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
Appropriations H-150, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Subcommittee on Foreign
Operations Appropriations 1016 Longworth Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Kolbe and Ranking Member Lowey:
Thank you for your leadership on the Appropriations Subcommittee
on Foreign Operations. As you prepare the FY2007 Foreign Operations
Appropriations bill, we write in support of Armenia and US-Armenia
relations and we respectfully request that you consider the items
described below in your bill.
Maintain Military Parity
We are deeply troubled that the Administration’s request for Foreign
Military Financing (FMF), Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, De-mining
and Related Assistance (NADR), and International Military Education
and Training (IMET) funding for Azerbaijan is considerably higher
then the request for Armenia. We believe that this imbalance simply
cannot be allowed to occur.
Congress must ensure that Armenia’s level of FMF assistance is raised
to $4.5 million, NADR assistance is raised to $4.8 million, and
IMET assistance is raised to $855,000. U.S. policy toward the south
Caucasus has been to maintain parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
This policy was reached in agreement in Congress and was maintained
by President Bush in last year’s budget proposal. A lack of military
parity would undo this policy and weaken ongoing peace negotiations
regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. Furthermore, we believe that any imbalance
will contribute to further instability in the region if Congress
does not ensure military parity. Therefore, we strongly urge you to
include $4.5 million in FMF, $4.8 million in NADR, and $885,000 in
IMET funding for Armenia in the FY2007 bill, equal to Azerbaijan.
Economic Assistance to Armenia
The dual blockades of Armenia by Azerbaijan and Turkey continue to
impede Armenia’s economic well-being. Despite these blockades, Armenia
continues to successfully implement economic and democratic reforms.
As long as Armenia suffers from blockades on its east and west borders,
continued and robust U.S. assistance to Armenia will be needed to
help minimize their impact. Our assistance has provided an important
positive effect and will continue to do so when provided at appropriate
levels. For fiscal year 2006, $75 million was provided for Armenia.
Maintaining this level of support is critical. Therefore, we request
you include language ensuring that not less than $75 million in
Economic Support Funds is appropriated for Armenia in Fiscal Year 2007.
Assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh
We thank you for your continued support for assistance to Nagorno-
Karabakh. This support is in our country’s interests and helps
alleviate the conditions of the Nagorno-Karabakh people. It is
important for Congress to maintain a strong position on this funding
to ensure that these programs continue. Therefore, we request you
include language directing USAID to spend $5 million in Fiscal Year
2007 for programs in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Section 907
We request that you join us in opposing any changes to Section 907
in the fiscal year 2007 bill. Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act
remains a fundamental element of U.S. policy toward the south Caucasus.
Because Azerbaijan continues its blockade of Armenia, Section 907 is
necessary. As you know, the FY2002 Foreign Operations Appropriations
Act provided a limited and conditional waiver to Section 907 of the
FREEDOM Support Act in order for the U.S. to effectively combat
terrorism. Specifically, at the time, former Secretary of State
Colin Powell asked for flexibility to counter terrorist elements and
organizations operating within Azerbaijan. We strongly support Section
907 and request that you not make any further changes to this law.
We appreciate your consideration of these requests.
Sincerely,

LEAVES OR NOT…
A1+
05:32 pm 16 March, 2006
Today in the USA Embassy in Armenia the journalists tried to find out
whether the rumors about George Avans’ already handing the documents
of his return to Robert Kocharyan correspond to the reality. Does it
mean that the USA president George Bush’s policy contradicts to the
use of the word “genocide?”
The question made Mr. Avans get irritated. “I serve the USA president,
that’s all,” he said. The Vice Secretary of the State Department Daniel
Fried came to help him. “The position of the USA Administration is
clear. Every year George Bush makes announcements and he considers the
latest actions against the Armenians in the territory of the Osmanian
Empire a real tragedy. Such announcements will also be heard this
year. I have been working with the Ambassador Evans for 20 years and
we shall go on our work while he is in Armenia.”

NO CHANCES TO SETTLE KARABAKH CONFLICT NOW: POLITICAL SCIENTIST
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 15, 2006
YEREVAN, March 15. /ARKA/. There are no chances to settle the Karabakh
conflict now. “Novosti Armenia” news agency reports that the political
scientist, Chairman of the National Civil Council for International
Affairs, Director of the Institute of Political Sciences Sergey Markov
told reporters in Moscow. “The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is currently
‘in a frozen state’, and there are no chances to settle it in the
foreseeable future,” Markov said.
The political scientist pointed out that “unfreezing” and settlement
to the conflict requires specific shifts. These shifts, according
to Markov, can be a civil war in Karabakh or an internal struggle
in Azerbaijan that result in strengthening of the “party of war”,
and also domestic issues in Armenia would lead to a situation when
the position of supporting Karabakh will disappear.
“All this is unlikely, but possible,” he said.
Markov also pointed out that in order to “unfreeze” and settle the
conflict it is necessary to have “a prepared plan to ensure that the
settlement does become a declaration of war”.

FIRST DEFENDER DOESN’T SAY “NEVER SAY NEVER”
Panorama.am
14:31 16/03/06
“I’ll do my best in the sphere where I thinks my skills are most
developed. That is the social field,” informed First Human Rights’
Defender Larissa Alaverdyan in reply to the question about her future
activity.
And in the social field she is going to head public organization
“Against Legal Whim”. “I pretend on being included into the programs
To Overcome Poverty or War-calls of Millennium,” informed former
Human Rights Defender, manager executive of the above mentioned PO
Larissa Alaverdyan.

DEFENDER PUTS THE FINAL TOUCHES TO ANNUAL REPORT
Panorama.am
15:10 16/03/06
Former Human Rights Defender Larissa Alaverdyan doesn’t hurry
to publish her report of 2005. “The law gives me opportunity to
wait until March 31. And I’m going to wait for the developments,”
informed President of “Against Legal Whims” Public Organization
Larissa Alaverdyan.
And what is her opinion towards the NA Law saying the Human Rights’
Defender must be resent during the representation of the report and
have a 5-minute speech? “In fact, the article of the law saying that
the Defender reports about his/her activity has been accepted by the
NA in this way.”
Panorama.am wondered whether the first Defender is going to be present
in the NA during her annual reporting. “I cannot see my role in the NA,
what am going to do there,” noticed manager executive of the Public
Organization.

IMAGE OF ARMENIAN OPPOSITION BY ACADEMIC
Panorama.am
16:07 16/03/06
“The leaders of our opposition thinks about getting ready to
the parliamentary elections of 2007 not to get rid of the present
Government but to have seats in the Parliament,” announced academic and
always oppositional Rafael Ghazaryan at the public hearings organized
at “National Civil Enterprise” today.
The experience showed the academic that the oppositional politicians
mostly think about their own interests and repel the common
interests. “Nothing is going to change unless out opposition rises
and matures for the sake of this poor country,” Rafael Ghazaryan
added.

GEOGRAPHICAL MAP UNCHANGEABLE – ARMENIANS AND AZERIS DOOMED TO BE NEIGHBORS
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.03.2006 19:39 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Permanent political instability in Azerbaijan was
an important factor in the Karabakh war, author of “Black Garden”
book dedicated to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict Thomas de Waal said
in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words, during the
critical battles for Shushi and Lachin the Azeri troops left for
Baku to meddle in the internal political disorders. “The greatest
territorial surrenders were Aghdam and Fizuli and they occurred in
1994,” de Waal noted.
At the same time he noted that anyone knows that the geographical
map cannot be changed. “Armenians and Azeris will always have to live
as neighbors and it’s painful to see that the two societies abide by
the slogan “Karabakh is ours and it’s inseparable”.
Neither of the parties is ready for compromise that is why it’s
hard to achieve complete peace,” the journalist said. Thomas de
Waal says the leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan is responsible
for it. “The peaceful plan is generally outlined. Karabakh will
de-facto maintain the present status with the corridor to Armenia;
Azerbaijan will receive its lands back and refugees will be allowed
to return… However the settlement process cannot be started without
dialogue and mutual trust,” he underscored.