YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 21-27, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS:
YPC GENERAL MEETING HELD
“PRESS-CLUB+”: “REPUBLIC” DISCUSSING NEW PARTIES AND RELATIONS BETWEEN
ARMENIA AND IRAN
FIRST RA OMBUDSMAN PRESENTED HER REPORT
PPA DEMANDS A REFUTATION
TWO ISSUES OF “PAKAGITS” DID NOT REACH THE READER
YPC GENERAL MEETING HELD
On April 21 the General Meeting of Yerevan Press Club was held. At the
Meeting the reports of the YPC Board (presented by YPC President Boris
Navasardian) and Auditing Commission (presented by the Chairman of the
Commission Mher Davoyan) were heard. The President, Vice-President, members
of the Board, Council, Auditing Commission and Commission on Professional
Ethics were elected; the Executive Director and the Editor of YPC Weekly
Newsletter were approved. The renewed composition of these structures can be
seen at YPC web-site in “Structure” section.
Among other issues, the Statutes of the YPC Annual Award was presented at
the Meeting. The Statutes had been approved by the YPC Board on April 4,
2006 (see “Award” section at ).
“PRESS-CLUB+”: “REPUBLIC” DISCUSSING NEW PARTIES AND RELATIONS BETWEEN
ARMENIA AND IRAN
On April 25 the seventh sixth talk show of “Press Club+” series went on the
evening air of “Yerkir-Media” TV company.
The invitees of the program host, the Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily Aram
Abrahamian were the leaders of “Republic” party as guests and NGO
representatives as experts. The TV discussion focused on formation of new
parties, their role in the Armenian political system; relations of Armenia
with Iran and other countries, the regimes of which are opposed by the West.
It is expected that at 21.00 next Tuesday (May 2) the third “Press Club”
show will be aired, where representatives of media and journalistic
associations of Armenia will present their opinions on the coverage of the
issues of the day.
FIRST RA OMBUDSMAN PRESENTED HER REPORT
On April 26 at “Yerevan” Hotel the first Human Rights Defender of Armenia
Larisa Alaverdian presented her annual report on the activities of the
Ombudsman and the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
2005 to public. According to the amendments to the RA Constitution, adopted
at the referendum of November 27, 2005, the term of service of the first
Human Rights Defender ended on January 5, 2006. The activities of the
Ombudsman’s Office were stopped until the election of the new Defender by
the Parliament. Nevertheless, Larisa Alaverdian addressed the National
Assembly with request to present her report for 2005 at the spring session.
The report was included into the session agenda, but Larisa Alaverdian was
only given an opportunity to speak during the debate. The report itself was
read out to the deputies on April 13 by the newly elected Ombudsman Armen
Harutiunian. At the presentation of April 26 Larisa Alaverdian noted that
she would like to make a personal account to the public for her activities
as the Ombudsman, which is the reason for the event.
One of the sections of the report of the first RA Human Rights Defender
dealt with the freedom of expression and information. It listed the laws and
provisions, regulating the media system of the country. Generally, in the
opinion of the first Ombudsman, “if the existing laws are strictly followed,
the obstacles to the freedom of information can be overcome”. The report
lists specific cases of obstructing access to information, restrictions on
the free expression, violence against journalists and media in 2005. It is
emphasized, that the constitutional reform did not take into account most of
the proposals by journalistic associations and the Human Rights Defender. As
a result, the amended Constitution refers to only one body, regulating the
broadcasting sphere (instead of two); its mission, status and function are
not duly specified. Among other legislative shortcomings the report also
mentions the RA Law “On Fight against Terrorism” that “endangers the rights
of journalists, accessibility and dissemination of information on
terrorism”.
“While the number of violations of journalists’ rights, attacks on media
representatives in 2005 reduced, in the opinion of independent experts,
Armenia displays a trend towards deterioration in terms of freedom of
expression and access to information. This is witnessed by the assessments
of domestic and international journalistic associations”, the report of the
first RA Ombudsman notes. The results of the TV channel monitorings, made by
NGOs, show that “the broadcast sphere of Armenia is excessively influenced
and controlled by oligarchic groups, closely related to power structures”,
resulting “in the dependence of TV companies on the authorities and
penetration of censorship into Armenian TV air”. “Public Television of
Armenia does not comply with its direct function – to reflect the interests
of the public at large, provide impartial information to the population –
and is influenced by the higher authorities and related oligarchic groups”,
Larisa Alaverdian believes. As an objective parameter, proving the
dependence of the TV channels, the first RA Human Rights Defender refers to
the findings of media monitorings on constitutional referendum coverage,
made by NGOs, including Yerevan Press Club.
In the opinion of Larisa Alaverdian, the freedom of expression situation in
broadcast media (less so in print media) remains vulnerable. The main
reasons for that include the economic dependence of the media and the
mechanism for the formation of regulatory bodies – the Council of Public TV
and Radio Company, and the National Commission on Television and Radio. The
constitutional reform had much room for the improvement of the NCTR
formation procedures; however, the amendments adopted give little chance to
hope that the broadcast licensing process will become more objective and
professional, the section on freedom of expression and information of the
report of RA Human Rights Defender concludes.
PPA DEMANDS A REFUTATION
On April 26 at the court of primary jurisdiction of Center and Nork-Marash
communities of Yerevan hearing on the suit of Progressive Party of Armenia
versus “Pakagits” daily started. The plaintiff demands refutation of
information, published by “Pakagits” that damages the honor and reputation
of the party and its leaders, as well as a public apology.
The reason for the suit were three pieces of “Pakagits” of March 7, 8 and
11, 2006, in which the Progressive Party of Armenia (PPA) and its leader
Tigran Urikhanian were criticized and the financial capacities of the party
were questioned. The suit application informs that PPA had addressed the
editorial staff of “Pakagits” in writing, demanding to refute the
discrediting information, however, the daily refused to do so in the
subsequent article.
On April 25 the newspaper stated to the court that the suit lists “Pakagits”
daily as a respondent, while it is not a legal person. In this regard on the
session of April 26 the plaintiff filed a motion to replace the wrong party
and involve the daily founder “Agap-Hrat” LLC as the respondent. The motion
was secured.
The next session is to be held May 18.
TWO ISSUES OF “PAKAGITS” DID NOT REACH THE READER
On April 21 “Pakagits” daily reported that its two previous issues did not
reach the readers. As the newspaper writes, on April 19 the editorial office
started receiving phone calls that the “Haymamul” newspaper stalls did not
have the fresh “Pakagits” issue. It turned out later than the print run was
bought out from the stalls. The reason, in the opinion of “Pakagits”, was
the article published in the issue, “Andranik Maragarian’s Corruption
Risks”. The piece was dealing with the business, allegedly owned by the RA
Prime Minister and his family, and was accompanied by photographs.
“Pakagits” believes that the action of print run purchase was implemented by
people, close to the government and the Prime Minister. As YPC was told by
the Chief Editor of “Pakagits” Agapi Haykazuni, this very article was
repeatedly printed in the next newspaper issue, of April 20. However, the
print run “was stolen by unknown individuals from the editorial car”,
delivering the issues to the disseminating agencies. According to the Chief
Editor, this happened when the driver came into the editorial office to
leave 50 copies of the issue there.
The article above appeared again in “Pakagits” issue of April 21.
The news of “Pakagits” print run disappearance was published by “Azg” daily
on April 21. The next day, April 22, “Azg” published the response of the
Department of Information and Public Relations of the RA Prime Minister,
titled “Much Ado About Nothing”. The response of the Department noted in
particular that over the past few months “Pakagits” published a series of
articles about the Prime Minister “of humiliating and personally insulting
quality”, and this is why these stories “were never significant enough to
receive the attention” of the head of the government. In the opinion of the
Department, the loss of the print run is organized by “Pakagits” itself and
is “nothing but a trick to raise the interest to the newspaper at least a
little”. “Until this newspaper ensures due journalistic professionalism, it
will be neglected: no response will follow to any article about the Prime
Minister”, the response of the Department of Information and Public
Relations of the RA Prime Minister said.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
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Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: Fr Ktrij Devejian
Subject: HH Karekin II Presides During April 24 Commemoration in Armenia
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]
Website: 
April 27, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Presides During April 24 Commemoration in Armenia
On the morning of April 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the National Memorial to the Armenian
Genocide, located on Tsitsernakaberd Hill in Yerevan.  His Holiness was
accompanied by high-ranking members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.
After the laying of floral wreaths before the eternal flame of the monument,
His Holiness presided during a solemn Requiem Service offered in memory of
the 1.5 million innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.
Present for the service were President of the Republic of Armenia Robert
Kocharian, Prime Minister Andranik Margarian, President of the
Constitutional Court Gagik Haroutiunian, Government Ministers and Members of
the National Assembly (Parliament).
Although a steady rain was falling throughout the day and well into the
evening, hundreds of thousands of people visited the Armenian Genocide
Memorial to bring their noble participation to the 91st commemoration of the
events of 1915.

From: Fr Ktrij Devejian
Subject: April 24 Commemorated in Holy Etchmiadzin
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]
Website: 
April 27, 2006
April 24 Commemorated in Holy Etchmiadzin
A special Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin on April 24, the annual commemoration day of the Armenian
Genocide.  His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian celebrated the Liturgy.
Following the Liturgy, the procession of clergy escorted His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to the
Memorial of the Armenian Genocide located on the grounds of the Mother See. 
Standing near the monument of Khatchkars (Stone-crosses), His Holiness
presided during a special Repose of Souls service offered in memory of the
1.5 million victims of the Genocide of the Armenians from 1915-1923.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian General Benevolent Union Inc.
Viken L. Attarian
Chairman
805, Manoogian street
Ville St-Laurent, QC H4N 1Z5
Tel: 514-748-2428
Fax: 514-748-6307
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
AGBU MONTREAL CENTENNIAL AUDIOVISUAL CULTURAL EVENT A MAJOR SUCCESS
Montreal, April 26, 2006 – On Saturday April 22, 2006 AGBU Montreal held its
second centennial celebration event with a unique artistic presentation
entitled A Harmonic Synthesis of Armenian Poems and Music, an audio visual
libretto, produced and directed by Khatchig I. Pilikian of London, England.
Close to 200 attendees had filled the AGBU Jirair and Elise Dervishian hall
and were treated to a unique artistic event of exceptionally high caliber.
AGBU chairman, Viken L. Attarian made the introduction, stressing the
dedication of the event to the memory of the 1.5 million martyrs of the
Armenian people; he highlighted the historical contribution of the AGBU to
the well-being of the survivors of the Genocide, and to the subsequent
rebirth of our nation. He also thanked the major sponsors, as well as the
president of the event, Dr. Sarkis Yeretsian.
The production included a slide presentation from a selection of Armenian
artistic works, paintings, architecture and photographs as well as rare
photographic records depicting the victims of the Armenian Genocide by the
German medical officer Armin Wagner. The music was a synthesis of Armenian
composers’ work as well folkloric songs and chants. Prof. Pilikian also
sang acapella some mediaeval Armenian songs such as the lament of Mogats
Mirzeh and the lament of the Braves of Sassoun.
The poetic readings were performed by prof. Pilikian and several talented
local young Montrealers, who were Ani Tanielian, Shoushanig Melkonian,
Hermineh Bechakjian, Mary Pashayan, Shahe Tanashian, Rafael Khatchadourian,
as well as the very young Ashod Hovhannesian and Sevan Rezian.
At the conclusion of the presentation, a large stage-sized map of historic
Armenia was covered by the participants with red carnations, in all the
areas of the killing fields of the Genocide.
A special publication of the content of the libretto and a poster of
historical depictions of Armenia on various world maps from ancient times
(1000 B.C. until the map of modern Armenia and Artsakh) were made available
to the attending audience.
On Wednesday, the 26th of April, prof. Pilikian gave a special lecture
analyzing the content of the Harmonic Synthesis, to an appreciating audience
of the AGBU Montreal Armenian Studies program. During the lecture, the
attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions on the selection of
the artistic works as well as to comment on the literary content of the
presentation.
For further information, please contact the AGBU at 514-748-2428 or visit
the website at

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
APRIL 27, 2006
GENOCIDE OBSERVANCE ON CAPITOL HILL
Archbishop Oshagan attended the 11th annual ANCA Armenian Genocide
Observance on Capitol Hill, yesterday. Wednesday, April 26. Armenian
Americans from around the United States joined with members of Congress to
mark the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In his message and invocation to the gathering, His Eminence remembered
the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “In the End, we will remember not the
words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” His Eminence said:
“To this day the genocide of the Armenians is denied not only by the
perpetrators, but also by own government here in Washington. The same
government in whose archives are thousands and thousands of documents that
attest to the annihilation of the Armenians. The denial by our government is
the most difficult for us to comprehend and fills our hearts with grief
because denial is another assault-another genocide.”
“Our faith in You never waivers,” the Prelate continued. “Our hope in
You is steadfast. We believe that through You truth will prevail, because
You have told us, ‘Truth endures and remains forever and ever.’ (I Esdras
4:38)”
APRIL 24th IN ANTELIAS
Thousands of Lebanese Armenians assembled at the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, on April 24 to commemorate the Armenian
genocide. Divine Liturgy was offered at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
Illuminator, celebrated by Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon. Thousands of the Faithful then proceeded to the Martyrs’ Chapel
where a Requiem Service was offered.
His Holiness Aram I said: “Today is a day of national struggle and
accountability. This is how I characterize April 24 on our nation’s
calendar. We are gathered with the spirit of accountability and demands.
Struggle means accountability. Our martyrs demand explanation from us
today.. April 24 is not a single day in our calendar. Every day is April 24
for the individual who considers himself Armenian and lives as an Armenian.
Today we renew our pledge from Armenia to Antelias gathered around the
remains of our martyrs. In all the corners of the world we renew our pledge
to walk down the path of our martyrs, remaining true to their legacy; walk
down the path that will lead us to justice, because that is the road that
leads to the truth.”
THE ‘G’ WORD
Even with strong support from more than 200 House and Senate leaders,
asking President Bush to properly acknowledge the Armenian genocide, the
President’s annual message failed to use the “G” word, instead words like
“horrible tragedy,” “mass killings,” and “forced exile” were used.
In contrast to this, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper,
issued a statement on April 19 acknowledging “the terrible suffering and
loss of life” in “the first genocide of the twentieth century.”
VICAR IS ATTENDING PRAYER FOR PEACE IN D.C.
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, attended the 2006
International Prayer for Peace yesterday and today at Georgetown University
in Washington, D.C.
The gathering, which is sponsored by the Community of San’ Egidio, the
Archdiocese of Washington, Georgetown University, and The Catholic
University of America, marks the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s
historic interfaith gathering for peace in Assisi. This is the first time
that this annual event, the largest regularly held interfaith gathering in
the world, is taking place in the United States.
PRELACY LADIES GUILD MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
WILL TAKE PLACE MONDAY, MAY 8
The Prelacy Ladies’ Guild’s Mothers’ Day Luncheon will take place on
Monday, May 8, at The St. Regis, 2 East 55th Street, New York City. The
event, which has become an anticipated event for women in the metropolitan
area and beyond, will take place in the beautiful St. Regis Roof with
reception beginning at 11:30 am, followed by luncheon at 12:30 pm. A special
Musical Interlude, “Voices of Spring,” will provide entertainment and the
“Mother of the Year” will be announced and honored.
For more details about the luncheon click here:
NATIO NAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONVENE IN NEW JERSEY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will convene May
17 to 19, at the host church, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
The concluding reception and banquet will take place Friday evening, May
19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Route 4 East, Fort Lee, New Jersey. During the
banquet program a number of individuals will be honored including “Persons
of the Year,” “Spirit of Armenia,” and “Youth Leadership” awards.
“Certificates of Merit” will be presented to deserving members of the local
host community. To make reservations for the banquet ($75. per person)
contact any of the following: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 201-943-2950; Bea
Movsesian, 201-445-6867; Sonia Setrakian, 201-313-7157; Lynn Mahlebjian,
201-440-3018.
Full details about this and other public events during the NRA will be
included in next week’s Crossroads and will also be on the Prelacy’s web
page.
PASHALIAN FUND TRUSTEES MEET
The annual meeting of the trustees of the Pashalian Family Education
Fund took place Tuesday, April 18, at the Prelacy offices in New York. The
trustees reviewed the financial reports of the Fund and then discussed the
distribution of funds for the current year. The recipients of the 2006
grants will be announced shortly.
The Pashalian Fund was created in 1992 by gifts in memory of John
Pashalian by his family and friends. The Fund supports Armenian Schools and
Prelacy educational programs.
The trustees of the Fund are: H.E. Archbishop Oshagan (exofficio), Ms.
Gloria Tarsy, Dr. George Dermksian, and Michael Derian.
REGISTER NOW FOR DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Early registration deadline for the St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute is May 1. Act now to take advantage of the early deadline
discount. The weeklong program will take place July 2 to 9 at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. This year the Institute is
marking its 20th anniversary and all kinds of commemorative events are being
planned. We will provide full details in the coming weeks.
For registration information as well as information about the Institute
click here:
THE ART OF EMMA GREGORYAN
TO BE EXHIBITED AT THE PRELACY
The works of noted artist, Emma Gregoryan, will be shown beginning on
Friday evening, May 12, at the Prelacy’s Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall,
138 E. 39th Street, New York City. The opening reception will take place
Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. The artist will be present to welcome guests.
Refreshments will be served.
Ms. Gregoryan’s works are currently being shown at the Susquehanna Art
Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as part of an exhibition of the Armenian
art collection of the late John Vartan.
Born in Gumri, Armenia, Emma Grigoryan graduated from the Fine Arts and
Theatrical Institute of Yerevan. Her paintings have been exhibited in
Yerevan, Paris, Beirut, New York, Washington and throughout Canada.
HILL MUSEUM PUBLICATION FEATURES
CILICIAN SEE COLLECTION
The latest issue of “Illumination,” a publication of the Hill Museum and
Manuscript Library (HMML) in Collegeville, Minnesota, features a number of
Armenian manuscripts including the collection of the Holy See of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. For the past four decades HMML has been photographing
manuscript collections in Western Europe, Ethiopia and Malta, producing the
largest microfilm collection of its kind. In recent years with the advance
in technology, photography of the manuscripts has been digital. In recent
years collections in the Middle East and elsewhere have been added to the
project of the Benedictine monks whose mission is to preserve the
manuscripts and provide scholarly access to them.
Last year they began photographing the collection at Antelias. The
magazine writes: “The manuscript collection of the Armenian Apostolic
Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia was brought to Lebanon in the
early 20th century along with other precious items rescued from the former
home of the Catholicosate in Sis, Cilicia, a region of southeastern Turkey
that was the last independent Armenian kingdom until it was conquered by the
Ottomans in the late 14th century. Many Armenians remained in Cilicia until
the Armenian Genocide during World War I, when Catholicos Sahak II and many
of his people were forced to flee. The refugees carried their most precious
manuscripts and sacred objects with them to Syria and, finally, to Lebanon.”
Accompanying this is an image of the 17th century Armenian Book of the
Gospels, Letter of Eusebius to Carpian, from the Antelias collection. The
image on the cover of the magazine is from a 14th century Armenian Book of
the Gospels, frontispiece to the Gospel of Luke, from the collection of the
Armenian Catholic Clergy Institute of Bzommar, Lebanon. The Bzommar
collection is also being digitized by HMML.
THIS SUNDAY IS “GREEN SUNDAY”
This Sunday, April 30, the third Sunday of Easter is Green Sunday
(Ganach Giragee) also called World Church Sunday (Ashkharhamadoor). The name
“Green Sunday” most probably comes from an ancient folk holiday in
celebration of spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long
winter months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving, and
celebrated by bedecking the Church and themselves with greenery. Green is
the color of life, freshness and promise and after a barren winter we are
filled with hope, life and love.
It is also called World Church Sunday in the sense of the church
belonging to the whole world beginning with Christ and the Apostles who met
regularly to pray and partake of the Holy Sacrament of Communion.
Perhaps it is an appropriate time for us to remember our obligation to
be good stewards of the earth and the gifts that have been given to us by
God.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 29-Presentation by comedian Vahe Berberian at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For details 718-224-2275.
May 5-Reunion of all students beginning from the 1930s who attended St.
Illuminator Armenian School in New York. Dinner Dance at Terrace on the
Park, Corona, NY. For reservations or information contact the St.
Illuminator’s Day School, 718-478-4073.
May 7-Mothers’ Day celebration at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
May 8-Mothers’ Day Luncheon by Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York
City.
May 12-Exhibition of the works of artist Emma Gregoryan at the Prelacy, 138
E. 39th Street, New York City.
May 13-Dinner-Dance organized by the St. Sarkis Church Ping-Pong Club. For
details 718-224-2275.
May 17-19-National Representative Assembly (NRA), hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Concluding reception and banquet will take
place Friday, May 19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Reception at 7 pm, followed by dinner. For information/reservations: Sts.
Vartanantz Church office, 201-943-2950.
May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
May 20-Year-end Hantes for Sunday School and Saturday School, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
June 4-16th Anniversary Celebration of the new St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.
September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.
Visit our website at

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National Committee
Eastern United States
P.O. Box 1066
New York, NY 10040
Contact: Doug Geogerian
Tel: 917 428 1918
Fax: 718 651 3637
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: anca.org
ARF, ADL COUNTER TURKISH PROTEST IN NYC
Rally preceded by press conference featuring Reps. Weiner, Maloney
NEW YORK – On Saturday, April 22, a group calling itself the `Young
Turks’ gathered 100-150 Turkish demonstrators in midtown Manhattan, in
an effort to spread denial of the Armenian Genocide. The demonstration
took place on Broadway at 39th Street, and was advertised as a
response to the annual Times Square Genocide commemoration that was
scheduled for the following day.
In response to this action, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and
Armenian Democratic Liberal organization organized a counter-protest,
which took place two blocks south of the Turkish rally. The Armenian
gathering included 200 people – young and old alike – with a strong
showing from the Armenian Youth Federation. After a brief program
featuring speeches from community leaders, the protesters held banners
and shouted slogans including `Turkey guilty of genocide,’ `Return our
lands,’ and `Armenians demand reparations.’ Meanwhile, Turkish
demonstrators openly expressed hatred and contempt for the Armenians,
shouting `Armenian lies’ and `Armenians killed Turks,’ in an attempt
to portray Armenians as having massacred Turks during World War
I. Many of these protesters appeared to be Azeris, who linked Turkey’s
denial campaign with Azerbaijan’s goal of retaking Karabagh by force.
The modest turnout by the `Young Turks’ stood in contrast to their
advance publicity, which claimed they would be gathering up to 5,000
demonstrators.
Cong. Weiner, Cong. Maloney Condemn Deniers Just prior to the
protests, US Representatives Anthony Weiner and Carolyn Maloney held a
press conference at which they spoke out against Turkey’s denial of
the Armenian Genocide. The press conference took place at Herald
Square in Manhattan, just south of the protest sites, and featured the
presence of Armenian community leaders as well as media
representatives. In their remarks, both officials referred to the
monstrous irony of Turkish chauvinism – in which the deniers pin blame
on the victims for crimes committed by their own.
The press conference marked Weiner’s second appearance in a month to
combat Turkish revisionism. A few weeks earlier, the congressman drew
attention to Turkish efforts to cast doubt upon a PBS genocide
documentary prepared by US filmmaker Andrew Goldberg. Weiner’s
statements generated momentum that led to the cancellation of a
Turkish-led roundtable that would have immediately followed the
documentary broadcast.
`We are greatly encouraged by the support of Representatives Weiner
and Maloney,’ stated ARF representative Antranig Kasbarian. `They have
never shied away from the issue of denial, even when the deniers are
staring us right in the face. We are also encouraged by the youthful
turnout at today’s counter-protest. Turkish deniers must realize that
this problem will never go away; not until they come to terms with the
Genocide and its consequences.’
###

From: Embassy of Armenia
Subject: Embassy of Armenia Commemorates Genocide Anniversary
PRESS RELEASE
April 27, 2006
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
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Embassy of Armenia Commemorates Genocide Anniversary With a Remembrance
Event, Photo Exhibit
On April 26, 2006, the Embassy of Armenia hosted an event commemorating the
91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Over 500 Armenian Americans and
friends of Armenia, representing the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Armenian-American organizations and individual community members laid
flowers and wreaths at the khatchkar located on the Embassy premises.
A joint prayer service for the memory of the Genocide victims was conducted
by the pastors of St. Mary’s and Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Churches in
Washington, DC.
In his address, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian expressed appreciation for the
Genocide recognition efforts by the Armenian Diaspora throughout decades. He
noted that the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide remains on
Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. Stressing the importance of continuing
unified efforts of all the Armenian organizations on this issue, Ambassador
Markarian emphasized the significance of existence of the independent
Armenian statehood in achieving success in recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.
Also on April 24, the Embassy unveiled a photo exhibit on the Armenian
cultural and historical monuments outside of the modern-day Armenia. The
exhibit, prepared by the Research on Armenian Architecture, presents
photographic evidence of the systematic campaign to destroy the Armenian
cultural legacy in Turkey and Azerbaijan. In his remarks during the opening
of the exhibit, Ambassador Markarian expressed appreciation of the efforts
to study and collect documental evidence of the Armenian architectural and
historical monuments abroad. The Ambassador emphasized the urgency of the
need to preserve the Armenian architectural heritage in neighboring
countries, noting that this had been once more underscored by the recent
barbaric destruction of the Armenian khachkars in Nakhichevan.
The ten-day exhibit has already been attended by hundreds of
Armenian-Americans, as well as U.S. officials.

Jordanian Armenians commemorate the Genocide
Azad-Hye, Dubai, 27 April 2006: The Armenians of Amman marked on 24th April
the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The commemoration was
initiated by the National Council of Armenians in Jordan and organized by
the Prelacy (based in the capital Amman), in association with all Armenian
organizations.

Raquel Markarian welcomed the attendants and invited them to a moment of
silence in memory of our martyrs. In her speech she pointed out to the
importance of remembering our victims, expressing confidence that one day
justice will prevail.
Masis Guloyan addressed the public in Arabic language, noting that the
Armenians know how to respect their martyrs. He said that our forefather
sacrificed their life and did not compromise their values. He also expressed
gratitude towards the Kingdom of Jordan for sheltering the Armenians during
the Genocide and for providing means for future prosperity and development.
Armenians now are integral part of the Jordanian society and have equal
rights.
Suzy Sanjian, Lousin Koulaksezian, Narineh Demirdjian and Alice Babigian
successively performed and recited songs and poems of known writers such as
Kevork Emin, Vahan Tekeyan and others.

The H.M.E.M. choir performed a series of patriotic songs such as “The Adana
Massacres”, “The Exile Song”, “Sons of Armenians”. Well-known photographer
Zohrab presented a series of pictures taken by him during his recent visits
to Armenia and Artsakh (Karabakh). He also conveyed to the public his
impressions on the above journeys.
The main speaker was Dr. Nora Arissian, specially invited from Damascus,
specialist in Genocide documentation. She introduced the recent developments
in the Genocidal studies, underlining the importance of different national
and private archives.
Arissian encouraged the youth to support Hay Tad efforts by collecting
archival material. Referring to the significance of the Arabic archives in
Genocide research, she quoted some of the memoirs of Arab intellectuals who
described the Armenian Genocide.
Arissian gave details about the new horizons opening in front of Hay Tad
(the Armenian cause), in which young people can have greater role.

She concluded her lecture by emphasizing that “our wealth is in our memory.
The opponent today is weak and shameful in front of the humanity and we are
stronger with our will, awareness and the knowledge of our heritage”.
The choir of Saint Thaddeus Church under the leadership of Sevag Chekerkian
presented a group of religious chants.
At the end of the commemoration Nerses Nersesian expressed the hope that
more and more countries would acknowledge the Genocide and humanity would
unite in preventing future human calamities.
URL: 21afl41

The Indian Armenian Community observes the 91st Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide
Azad-Hye, Dubai: On 24th April Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, the Manager of the
Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA), performed a requiem
service for the souls of the victims of the Armenian Genocide at the Church
compound, near the Memorial Stone dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
At the end of the service Fr. Gulgulian addressed the congregation and
reminded them never to forget the sacred memory of our martyrs.
The service was attended by His Excellency Ashot Kocharian, Ambassador of
the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Church Committee, members of the
Calcutta Armenian community and the ACPA students. The representatives of
the Armenian Church and the Community placed wreaths on the tomb of the
Unknown Solder.
Rev. Fr. Oshagan, accompanied by the members of the Armenian Church
Committee, paid a visit to “Future Hope”, a philanthropic organisation
dedicated to the welfare of children, where 120 homeless children are cared
for. Fr. Oshagan handed over to the representative of the organisation, on
behalf of the Armenian Church, a cheque, the proceeds of which will feed the
children for one week.
In the evening Fr. Oshagan, His Excellency the Ambassador of Armenia and Mr.
Haik Sookias, Chairman, Armenian Church Committee, planted an evergreen tree
(see photo) in the compounds of the Collage, in memory of the Armenian
Genocide victims, which was followed by a memorial evening.
The evening was opened by Deacon Tigran Baghumyan, the Administrator of the
ACPA. Ambassador Ashot Kocharian read the manifesto signed by the President
of Armenia Mr. Robert Kocharian on the occasion of the 91st Anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. The Ambassador gave a brief talk dedicated to the
Genocide. During the evening the audience was shown a documentary film
dedicated to the Genocide.
The evening was also attended by the Consul General of Cyprus, Slovakia,
representatives of the Russian Consulate, Head of the Cultural Centre,
members of the Armenian Community and the students of the ACPA.
See photos and Armenian text at:
140afg54

From: Hrach Kalsahakian Subject: Two admirable schools need your attention
Azad-Hye, Dubai
By Taline Babikian
 
24 April is not a day of mourning only, but a day to celebrate life that we
are still here and alive.
 
Under what circumstances the Turkish government might accept the Genocide,
no one knows. No one even knows if we will see this acceptance, but we all
work in our own ways to see it come true. No blood is cheap, no soul is
worthless. We are humans.
 
I thank all governments who have accepted the Genocide, I thank all
individuals and organisations who work for this cause. I thank all who keep
the proofs of the Genocide alive, be it pictures, stories, diaries,
documentaries, schools. I thank teachers who teach who we are, where we come
from, the values of our heritage and the ability to balance all these with
our immediate environment.
 
Education is a universe that opens doors to many things; with wisdom hand in
hand with education much could be done.
 
My letter today is not mainly about 24 April, we know this by heart. My
letter today is about 2 institutions that have marked my life – Birds’ Nest
and Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI).
 
Both have been the shelters of victims of 1915 events.
Birds’ Nest is a home now for children from broken families and orphans who
live and study there. It is also the school where the small Armenian
community of Byblos send their children to. A multi-purpose institute.
Birds’ Nest needs your help. Birds’ Nest’s history is very important as it
served as a home to many children back from the 1920 till today. The
archives show many pictures from that time, many victims of the 1915. Birds’
Nest was founded by Ms Mary Jacobson, an admirable character of compassion
and strength. It needs your donation.
 
Melkonian on the other hand even though it was founded in the 1920s as a
shelter and orphanage evolved into something much greater then one could
expect. From an orphanage that sheltered children from the 1915, to a well
known educational institute recognised, admired and complimented by many.
This Institute was founded by 2 brothers Krikor and Garabed Melkonian. Their
aim was and is to have graduates from their Institute to be strong in
whatever corner of the world they go. They have a vision and that vision is
to have as many students from the diaspora to attend their school and get
deep and strong knowledge of their ancestors, culture heritage and of course
combined with admirable level of education. Thousands passed from Melkonian,
thousands went into the four corners of the world, having the knowledge of
who they are.
 
Whatever your background, you came out knowing more about Armenian history,
music, folk dance … much more than a typical Armenian school can offer.
Coming from diverse social environmental life, the students were able to
learn how other students lived in their respective countries and built
frienships and many later married.
 
In their will the Melkonian brothers asked AGBU CB of that time to manage
the school with conditions ensuring that the school functions at all times
and if at any time AGBU CB is not able to manage they must hand over the
management of MEI to the Patriarch of Istanbul as sole inheritor.
The MEI court case has ordered now to freeze all assets of MEI in Cyprus.
 
Alumni in many countries, individuals, Pro Edvcatio, joined efforts to stop
this wrong and unjust move of the CB of AGBU who at first ignored the
letters, petitions, emails that were sent to their head office in New York.
Many AGBU members who are Melkonian graduates were not able to support due
to the fact that they are employees or somehow been manipulated and couldn’t
voice their opinion. Even AGBU members who are not “Melkoniantsi” do not
approve what’s happening at the top of the management, but their questions
and remarks are falling on deaf ears.
The school’s Board of Directors was ignored. In the last 2-3 years the
school was actually run by Mr. Anderson, whose job turned out to be
establishing the closing procedure of MEI.
Many still believe in the noble aim of AGBU, but AGBU is something and its
CB is another issue, from whom the members must start to demand transparency
of accounts in all the departments, something that we haven’t seen in ages.
Blind trust is not advisable in any institute.
AGBU unfortunately is not run with the same spirit of late presidents, even
though the motto is the same it is only on paper.
I hope to see AGBU CB reverse its point of view. The rent that the CB is
collecting from the commercial centers that should be going to the school’s
fund is going to the pockets of the AGBU.
That income must have gone to MEI’s fund many years ago.
There is no shame is reversing a decision, it will not discredit AGBU CB,
but it will show to all that even our leaders like our parents make mistakes
that they should fix.
A genocide of education and culture is taking place while we’re looking back
at past events.
This message is against the decision of closing MEI, it is to support our
schools, to send our children to our schools rather then putting them to
local schools from early age.
Two admirable schools need your attention.
Taline Babikian could be reached at the following e-mail:
[email protected]
Find more details about how to support Melkonian Educational Institute:
www.savemelkon ian.org
 
See collection of photos on Cyprus Armenians, including photos taken of
students during the last academic year in the Melkonian Educational
Institute (2004-2005). Azad-Hye photo collection:
 
lbumpicture.asp?al=qhsdtrnshy101376a
Photo: Students during the last academic year 2004-2005
p?newsId=876aff95
From: Baghdasarian