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:
February 14, 2006
___________________
DIOCESE’S NEW PRAYER BOOK GIVES YOUNG ADULTS MEANINFGUL CONNECTION TO THE
LORD
It’s comforting to know that there’s someone you can call any time —
someone who will never put anyone on hold.
Through prayer we can connect to God in a truly meaningful way.
Now, with its new prayer book aimed at young adults and relevant to people
of many ages, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is
working to help every Armenian grow closer to God, through the power of
prayer.
The book, “Here I Am, Lord,” is a collection of prayers and meditations for
young adults drawn from the Bible, traditional Armenian prayers, and
original prayers written specifically for this project.
The book was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the husband of
Rose Mekenian, a former Diocesan Council member who was also a devoted high
school educator and administrator.
Additional support for the project came from Rose’s son, Stephen, and his
family, along with Michael and David Kasparian and their families; the
brothers are the sons of Lillian (Kasparian) Chapian the late Caspar
Kasparian, long-time friends of the Mekenians.
“George Mekenian thought such a book would be an appropriate memorial to his
wife, Rose,” said Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for
the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education and editor of the book. “He
thought it would be a fitting tribute to her love of young people if this
pocket-sized book was made available to throw into backpacks or briefcases,
or just to have handy. Rose was a devoted and successful teacher, who had a
special affection for this age group.”
The book is an ideal way to get high school seniors and new college students
geared up for the habit of prayer. They are encouraged to start using the
prayers in this book for inspiration in building a life of prayer. Each
page includes not only prayers but reflection questions, allowing them to
dig deeper into their faith.
To facilitate use in everyday life, the book lists prayers in categories
related to daily activities. For example, there are prayers to use when
you’re feeling lousy, before an exam, when making an important decision, and
before a date.
For George Mekenian, the book is just a continuation of his late wife’s
effort to provide guidance and direction to young people.
“Throughout her career she was very intellectually and emotionally involved
with young people. And her connection to the Armenian Church faith was very
strong,” he said of his wife, who along with being a member of the Diocesan
Council also served on ACYOA Central Council, the Diocese’s Religious
Education Committee, and in the choir and women’s guild at St. Thomas Church
in Tenafly, NJ. “She sensed the need, especially in young Armenians, for a
means of identifying and finding something to nurture them in the Armenian
Church family.”
That love for young people comes through in an essay by Rose that is
included in the new book. In it, she addresses recent high school graduates
as they transition into adulthood.
“You perhaps have discovered that life can seem quite meaningless at times
unless you find values onto which you can hold and to which you can relate
your judgments and actions,” she wrote. “Some people term this ‘tuning in
God.’ Having a philosophy of life is vital to each individual.”
“Here I Am, Lord” is the latest of several publications from the Diocese to
focus on bringing young people into the life of the church.
“This year, as the Diocese continues focusing on bringing our unique
Armenian Christian faith into the homes of our young members, I hope every
young Armenian will begin using this book,” said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese. “Prayer can shape our lives for
the better. I encourage everyone to take the effort to form a life-long
habit of talking with our Lord through prayer.
“Here I Am, Lord” is available for $6; it can be purchased through the St.
Vartan Bookstore by going to or by calling (212)
686-0710 ext. 52.
— 3/14/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): The Diocese’s newest prayer book, “Here I Am, Lord,” is
specially designed for young adults but usable by everyone. It is available
for purchase from the St. Vartan Bookstore.
# # #

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 14, 2006
___________________
FIRST DIOCESAN “ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK” GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY
For most church members, the term “spring break” does not usually
conjure warm images or wholesome associations. But this year, dozens
of young Armenian students from colleges throughout the Eastern
Diocese are giving “spring break” a different meaning, by helping
others build better lives.
Through the Diocese’s College Ministry Program, participants in the
“Alternative Spring Break” are heading south to build homes with
Habitat for Humanity. And in between sawing lumber and hanging windows,
they’re visiting local Armenian parishes and connecting with their
faith and heritage.
“This program was much more then I could have hoped for,” said Alex
Derderian, a student at St. Joseph’s College in Pennsylvania who just
returned from a trip to Charlotte, NC. “I had the chance to spend
spring break with friends doing good for others. It’s an experience
I will treasure for a long time to come.”
The first set of students was in Charlotte, NC, from March 4 to 11,
2006. The second group is in Richmond, VA, from March 12 to 19. A
final group will head to Jacksonville, FL, from March 18 to 15. Along
with construction work, the participants’ days include prayer, Bible
readings, meditation, and fellowship.
“Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity has been such an awesome
experience. The team accomplished so much, and I will never forget
the skills I picked up or the friendships I’ve made,” said Noushig
Hovhannesian, a student from the Community College of Philadelphia who
took part in the trip to Charlotte, NC. “Working so hard has never
felt so great. The experience has added to my faith in knowing God
always places you where He knows you are needed.”
The local parishes in each community are “adopting” the participants,
welcoming them into their communities for the week. Fr. Daniel
Karadjian, pastor of the St. Sarkis Church in Charlotte, wasn’t sure
what to expect when he agreed to welcome the students to his parish.
“But this has been a great project for our parish and our youth,”
he said. “Our parish is bonding together around this project,
and our youth are meeting young people from across the Diocese,
and growing together in faith.”
In Charlotte and Richmond, the participants are staying in the host
Armenian parish building. In Jacksonville there is no building,
so the participants are staying in another church location.
“Since these wonderful young Armenians gave of their time to come
and serve others on their Spring Break, we want to spend the time to
make them feel at home here,” said Charlotte parish council member
Lena Kupelian Neau, who led the effort to set up makeshift bedding
and blankets at the church and to set out simple breakfasts for the
group before they headed off to build each day.
During this “Alternative Spring Break” the Diocese is working with
Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge, which encourages college
students to band together to spend spring break helping others. Along
with meeting Armenians from across the Diocese, participants in the
Diocese’s program are also teaching the other students about the
Armenians and their faith.
In Charlotte, the young Armenian students quickly bonded with a group
of non-Armenian students from Providence College. The non-Armenians
were quickly welcomed to the St. Sarkis parish for a fun, traditional
Armenian dinner.
“We love being adopted Armenians,” said Megan Prahin, a Habitat for
Humanity volunteer from Providence College who met the participants
from the Diocese in Charlotte. “We’re gonna make shirts that say
‘Hye Em’ so other Armenian people can find us!”
The week of hard construction labor went too quickly for the
participants.
“This was the best spring break ever! The best way to spend your spring
is building homes,” said Janet Mirzoyan, a student from Georgia State
University. “I am having so much fun — and I’ve learned how to use
an electric saw.”
For more information on the trips, including photos, visit the
Diocese’s college ministry website at
* * *
The following are the participants signed up for the Diocese’s
“Alternative Spring Break”
Charlotte trip: Talene Kelegian, team leader; Ara Major, Georgia
Perimeter; Alex Derderian, St. Josephs College in Pennsylvania;
Anna Abrahamian, Boston College; Asya Gyurjyan, Virginia Tech;
Adrienne Ashbahian, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia;
Noushig Hovhannesian, Community College of Philadelphia; Kristen
Ashbahian, University of Pennsylvania; Janet Mirzoyan, Georgia State;
Raffi Gulbenk, Sacred Heart University
Richmond trip: Daron Bolat, team leader; Karinne Hovnanian, Geroge
Washington University; Nicole Varteresian, Westfield State; Haig
Seferian, RPI; Lena Jinivizian, Rutgers; Lydia Mahserjian, Sienna
College; Gayane Arzumanova, Cleveland State; Lusine Baghdasaryan,
Cleveland; Elise Durgarian, Farleigh Dickinson
Jacksonville trip: Jason Demerjian, team leader; Manneh Ghazarians,
Arineh Nazarian, and Margo Voskanian , all University of
Massachusetts; Arpi Paylan, Northwestern University; Taleen Aiazian,
Cornell University
— 3/14/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in
the News and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Anna Abrahamian, a student at Boston College taking
part in the Diocese’s “Alternative Spring Break,” works on a Habitat
for Humanity project in Charlotte, NC.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Noushig Hovhannesian, a student at the Community
College of Philadelphia, and Asya Gyurjyan, from Virginia Tech, work
on a project with Habitat for Humanity during the Diocesan organized
“Alternative Spring Break” in Charlotte, NC.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Participants in the Diocese’s “Alternative Spring
Break” in Charlotte, NC, gather for a session of prayer and worship
at the St. Sarkis Church.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): College students participating in the first of
three week-long “Alternative Spring Break” trips organized by the
Diocese gather with members of their host parish, the St. Sarkis
Church of Charlotte, NC.
# # #
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/14/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Aghbalian Student Union Denounces Treaties of Moscow and Kars 2) Turks to Demonstrate against Genocide in Berlin 3) KOCE-TV to Air Highly-Publicized Genocide Documentary 4) Kocharian Meets CSTO Secretary General 5) Obituary 1) Aghbalian Student Union Denounces Treaties of Moscow and Kars YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Nigol Aghbalian Student Union (NASU) adopted a resolution Tuesday denouncing the Moscow and Kars Treaties of 1921. In his opening remarks at the preceding conference, Ishkhan Zakarian, NASU president, said the Moscow Treaty signed between the Soviet Union and Turkey goes against international law and was signed without the participation of the Armenian people. He reminded participants about the rally staged by NASU outside the Armenian Supreme Council in 1991 during which they demanded that the 1921 Moscow Treaty be renounced. "We the student unions should study the issue and establish that the treaty is not fair and state that it is not acceptable to us, especially now that Azerbaijan is talking about territorial integrity and deeming Nakhichevan as a part of it," Zakarian said. "We should remind our neighbor that Nakhichevan was never a part of Azerbaijan and was put under its control only because of the Moscow and Kars Treaties." Speaking at the conference, historian Ghazakhetsian said that the minutes of the talks preceding the signing of the treaties indicate that there actually were no negotiations. He said the it was like a political bazaar where everything was already decided by the Politburo led by Lenin and Stalin. S. Aslanian, a lawyer, said that under the international law the treaties had no legal standing from the first day and that they go against international norms. At the end of the conference, the participants adopted a resolution calling on the Armenian Foreign Ministry to make a statement that those treaties are unacceptable to Armenia. A copy of the resolution was also sent to the Armenian Parliament. The conference participants expressed hope that the issue will be included in the Parliament's agenda and the treaties will be denounced soon. 2) Turks to Demonstrate against Genocide in Berlin --Judge overrules Police Department's decision to ban demonstration BERLIN (DPA/Armenpress)A German court overruled Tuesday a decision by the Berlin Police Department to ban two Turkish demonstrations, March 15 and 18, against the recognition of the Armenian genocide and commemorating the 85th anniversary of Talaat Pasha's death. Political leaders and human rights groups had supported this decision by the police, but organizers appealed to the court and got the ban overturned. Organizers of one of the protests warned that Europe's cities would "go up in flames like Paris" unless Europeans stopped blaming Turkey for the Armenian genocide. The ban was justified by police who said they feared violence and because they suspected demonstrators would try to both deny and glorify the Armenian genocide. "It is unacceptable when planned demonstrations seek to deny the genocide of Armenians during the First World War and make veiled calls for violence in Germany," said Frank Henkel, the opposition Christian Democratic Union interior affairs spokesman in the city government. The statement disseminated by the Berlin Police Department said that Talaat Pasha bears the responsibility for the genocide of Armenians in 1915 and makes note of the resolution adopted by the German Bundestag about the Armenian genocide. A human rights group, the Society for Threatened Peoples, also welcomed the ban and called for legislation to prevent all public events denying or glorifying genocide or war crimes. Germany has about 1.8 million Turkish nationals out of a total population of 82 million. Mainstream Turkish-German groups withdrew their support for the controversial demonstrations over the weekend. 3) KOCE-TV to Air Highly-Publicized Genocide Documentary (HUNTINGTON BEACH)--KOCE-TV, Orange County's PBS station, is taking a moral stand as the only station in the Southland, including Los Angeles, to air the highly-publicized documentary, [The Armenian Genocide.] The acclaimed program, which is about the Ottoman Turks' brutal genocide of one and a half million Armenians, will premiere on KOCE-TV Wednesday, April 26, at 9:00 PM. "KOCE-TV is proud to be recognized as the only station in the Southland, including Los Angeles to air 'The Armenian Genocide,'" said Mel Rogers, president and general manager of KOCE-TV. "This film and its topic are significant, and KOCE-TV feels it is important that the genocide suffered by the Armenians not be forgotten, denied, or glossed over. It is part of the mission of public television to stimulate responsible discussion and illuminate complex issues. Since most Americans do not fully understand the issue in all its complexity, we are committed to offering the program which we sincerely hope will help viewers better understand this chapter in world history." [The Armenian Genocide] is the unprecedented and powerful complete story of the first genocide of the 20th century. The one-hour documentary, which features extensive never-before-seen historical footage, explores the ongoing controversy of the Armenian genocide and explains why the Turkish government denies the events ever took place. The documentary, written, directed and produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Andrew Goldberg is narrated by Julianna Margulies, Ed Harris, Natalie Portman, Laura Linney and Orlando Bloom. Filmed in the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, and Syria, the program features discussions with leading experts in the field including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power, and New York Times best-selling author Peter Balakian, and Kurdish and Turkish citizens in modern-day Turkey who speak openly about the stories told to them by their parents and grandparents. "As Turkey seeks to join the European Union, 90 years later, this film can give people a much better understanding of why this issue is such an important and current part of the international conversation about Turkey's role in the world today," said Goldberg. Andrew Goldberg's television credits include PBS, ABC News, E!, CNN, and countless others. In addition to documentaries, he has also written and produced commercials for such companies as Bell South, Sephora/Louis Vuitton, AT&T and PetSmart. Goldberg's recent documentary productions include, [A Yiddish World Remembered] for PBS, which won an Emmy in 2002, and [The Armenians, A Story of Survival], which aired on PBS stations nationally in 2002 and was awarded the CINE Golden Eagle. KOCE-TV, one of the most watched PBS stations in America, has an estimated 4.5 million viewers each month, and offers a mix of both local and national programs. In addition, KOCE Classroom serves more than half-a-million K-14 students. The winner of hundreds of awards including Emmys and Community Service Awards, KOCE continues to be a leading resource for education, culture and local issues in Southern California. For more information, please visit <; 4 ) Kocharian Meets CSTO Secretary General YEREVAN (Armenpress/PanArmenian.Net)--Armenian President Robert Kocharian met Tuesday with Nikolay Bordyuzha, secretary general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Yerevan and discussed a set of issues facing the six ex-Soviet member states and ways to resolve them. The two men also spoke about enhancing CSTO efficiency and preparing for the next CSTO meeting in Minsk in June. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and Defense Secretary Serge Sargsian also met with Bordyuzha and discussed a set of issues pertaining to CSTO's activities. 5) Obituary We are saddened to report the death of Haroutiun Kazanjian (Keghart) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 in France. Kazanjian was one of the first graduates of Hamazkayin Jemaran and served as Editor of Agos, Pjishg, and Pakin newspapers. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

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 14, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
STATE DEPARTMENT AGAIN REFUSES TO DIRECTLY
COMMENT ON REPORTS OF AMB. EVANS’ RECALL
— Spokesperson Continues to Evade Journalists’ Questions;
Issues Non-Responsive Answer to Repeated Inquiries
WASHINGTON, DC – For the fourth time in the last week, the State
Department’s official spokesperson has failed to directly respond
to questions raised by journalists during the Department’s daily
press briefing about reports that the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia,
John Marshall Evans, has been recalled due to his truthful
statements on the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
“It’s certainly disappointing seeing State Department officials
hiding behind their spokesperson to avoid directly answering
questions about whether Ambassador Evans is being recalled because
he had the courage to stand up against what effectively amounts to
a ‘gag-rule’ preventing our nation’s diplomats from speaking
truthfully about the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian.
ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, in a March 8th letter to Secretary
Rice, wrote that, “If, in fact, the State Department has taken
punitive steps against Ambassador Evans, you should fully and
openly explain your policies and actions to the American people.
If, on the other hand, the Department has not taken any such steps,
you owe it to the American people to affirm that it is not the
policy of the United States of America to punish its diplomats for
speaking the truth about the Armenian Genocide.”
Questions concerning Ambassador Evans were raised on March 8th and
March 10th and again on March 13th and 14th. Each time journalists
asked for official comments about Ambassador Evans’ reported
recall. Reflecting the growing frustration among journalists over
the lack of a clear response to their inquiries, a member of the
State Department press corps publicly described the answers
provided by the official spokesperson as “a bit of a dodge.”
The growing controversy surrounding reports of Amb. Evans’ recall
has resulted in separate letters being sent to Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice from ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and Rep. Frank
Pallone (D-NJ), the Co-Chairman of the Armenian Issues Caucus, as
well as formal Congressional inquiries by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
and Grace Napolitano (D-CA).
Speaking last year to an Armenian American gathering at the
University of California at Berkeley, Amb. Evans said, “I will
today call it the Armenian Genocide. . . I informed myself in depth
about it. I think we, the U.S. government, owe you, our fellow
citizens, a more frank and honest way of discussing this problem.
Today, as someone who has studied it~E there’s no doubt in my mind
[as to] what happened . . . I think it is unbecoming of us, as
Americans, to play word games here. I believe in calling things by
their name.” Referring to the Armenian Genocide as “the first
genocide of the 20th century,” he said: “I pledge to you, we are
going to do a better job at addressing this issue.” Amb. Evans also
disclosed that he had consulted with a legal advisor at the State
Department who had confirmed that the events of 1915 were “genocide
by definition.”
Within days after his remarks and the conclusion of a speaking tour
of Armenian American communities, Ambassador Evans was apparently
forced to issue a statement clarifying that his references to the
Armenian Genocide were his personal views and did not represent a
change in U.S. policy. He subsequently issued a correction to this
statement, replacing a reference to the Genocide with the word
“tragedy.”
Later last year, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA),
in recognition of his honesty and commitment to principle, decided
to honor Ambassador Evans with the “Christian A. Herter Award,”
recognizing creative thinking and intellectual courage within the
Foreign Service. AFSA states, “The purpose of the [award] is to
encourage Foreign Service career employees to speak out frankly and
honestly.” Sadly, as Washington Post staff writer Glenn Kessler
revealed on June 9th, AFSA withdrew its award following pressure
from “very serious people from the State Department” just days
before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to
Washington, D.C. to meet with President George W. Bush.
The full text of the four exchanges are provided below:
#####
1) MARCH 8, 2006 ~V DAILY PRESS BRIEFING (WASHINGTON, DC)
SEAN MCCORMACK, SPOKESMAN
QUESTION: [. . .] Why did you recall your Ambassador to Armenia,
Mr. John Evans? Are you going to replace him?
MR. MCCORMACK: I’m not aware that we have recalled anybody — our
Ambassador to Armenia.
QUESTION: Not in Germany, in Armenia.
MR. MCCORMACK: What’s that? I’m not aware that – I believe that
he’s still serving as Ambassador in Armenia.
2) MARCH 10, 2006 ~V DAILY PRESS BRIEFING (WASHINGTON, DC)
TOM CASEY, ACTING SPOKESMAN
QUESTION: Is the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia having his time there
cut short, maybe his career? A couple of Congressmen have asked
Secretary Rice about it and apparently have not gotten an answer.
He’s supposed to have suggested that Armenians were the victims of
genocide, which doesn’t happen to be Bush Administration policy.
MR. CASEY: I think Sean addressed this a couple of days ago.
QUESTION: I think it’s been brought up — further up to date. If
you could —
MR. CASEY: I don’t have anything beyond what he said on it. I’ll
look into it for you and see if there’s any changes in —
QUESTION: He said that ambassadors serve at the privilege of the
President
MR. CASEY: Yeah. And as far as I know, he’s . . . still ambassador.
I’m not aware that anything’s changed that situation.
QUESTION: You can’t — well, all right, if you don’t have anything
further. (Inaudible.)
MR. CASEY: I think, Barry, I will — yeah, I’ll look into it for
you. I haven’t gotten an update on it, but I’ll try and see if
there’s something and we’ll post an answer for you.
QUESTION: And also if somebody ghosted an answer from the Secretary
to Mr. Schiff and the other Congressmen.
MR. CASEY: Okay. I’ll let you know. Let’s go back here. Oh, to you
guys first and then we’ll come over to this side.
3) MARCH 13, 2006 ~V DAILY PRESS BRIEFING (WASHINGTON, DC)
TOM CASEY, ACTING SPOKESMAN
QUESTION: Is the Ambassador of Armenia being — having his career
shortened because he spoke out against genocide in Armenia?
MR. CASEY: Barry, I know we promised you an answer on that one on
Friday. Still don’t have it and I’ll get something for you this
afternoon.
QUESTION: You mean his future hasn’t been decided yet?
MR. CASEY: Not that I’m aware of.
QUESTION: I think it has.
MR. CASEY: I believe you think it does.
QUESTION: No, I do believe it does and so do — and I have reason
to believe it does and I know there are at least two members of
Congress who believe it does. No, I just think the State Department
is having difficulty finding words to announce his premature
retirement.
MR. CASEY: No. We owe you an answer on that.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MR. CASEY: I’ll get it for you. Yes, Saul.
[. . .]
QUESTION: And one on Armenia. Representative Frank Pallone in a
strong statement expressed his extreme disappointment with regards
of the Department of State decision to rid finally Ambassador John
Evans from Armenia as a retaliation for statements he made in
recognition of the Armenian genocide in Los Angeles by Ottoman
Turks. And it was reported that already you have decided to replace
him. Could you please clarify for us what is going on exactly this
particular moment of this issue?
MR. CASEY: That was the question Barry asked. We owe you an answer
and we’ll get you one.
QUESTION: Is the same answer.
MR. CASEY: Yeah. It’s the same issue; it will be the same answer.
QUESTION: Is there an ambassador on post in Armenia right now?
MR. CASEY: Yes, there is.
QUESTION: Is his name Evans?
MR. CASEY: Yes, it is.
QUESTION: Does he have suitcase packed?
MR. CASEY: Not that I’m aware of.
QUESTION: But when you do announce this, would you kindly tell us
the difference between what happened and genocide?
MR. CASEY: I think —
QUESTION: Because U.S. policy is there was no genocide.
MR. CASEY: Our policy on this issue is well known. It was reported
in a presidential statement and, yeah, I don’t have anything to add
to it.
4) MARCH 14, 2006 ~V DAILY PRESS BRIEFING (WASHINGTON, DC)
ADAM ERELI, SPOKESMAN
QUESTION: Mr. Ereli, on the DOS [Department of State] Web site,
regarding yesterday’s taken question about U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans’ status, you have put quote, “genocide,”
unquote, in quotes. I’m wondering why, if you can say so.
MR. ERELI: I think because it was referring to remarks that
somebody made.
QUESTION: Do you know whether John Evans was recalled or whether
he’s been recalled due to his speech on Armenian genocide?
MR. ERELI: I think the question was answered in the – that was
answered in the question posted.
QUESTION: Should DOS [Department of State] employees have been
advised not to use the term, quote, “genocide,” unquote, when
discussing the extermination of the (inaudible)?
MR. ERELI: No, I think our guidance on that is the same. And we
posted that guidance last week.
QUESTION: Is it not true that Mr. Evans’ 35-year diplomatic career
will be shortened because of the remarks he made, saying that …
… genocide?
MR. ERELI: I think the question was answered in the – that was
answered in the question posted.
QUESTION: Had DOS [Department of State] employees been advised not
to use the term, quote, “genocide,” unquote, when discussing the
extermination of the 1 ~V1/2 million . . .
MR. ERELI: No, I think our guidance on that is the same. And we
posted that guidance last week.
QUESTION: Is it not true that Mr. Evans’ 35-year diplomatic career
will be shortened because of the remarks he made, saying that
Armenians were the victims of genocide, since the U.S. government
or the State Department doesn’t believe what happened was genocide?
It doesn’t fit the definition of genocide?
MR. ERELI: I really don’t have anything more to add to what we
posted.
QUESTION: Well, what you posted yesterday was a bit of a dodge.
MR. ERELI: No. I think it’s the situation as it is. (CROSSTALK)
QUESTION: There is very strong reason to believe, in Congress and
elsewhere, that this man is going to lose out; he’s going to be
brought home early because of what he said.
MR. ERELI: Look, I’d like to be able to — Ambassador Evans is our
ambassador and he continues to exercise that honor and privilege.
And he takes it seriously; we take it seriously. And I really don’t
have any more to add to that.

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 14, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA JOINS ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION-LED COALITION IN
FIGHTING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL IN MASSACHUSETTS
— Broad-based Coalition Files Amicus Curiae Brief
Supporting the State of Massachusetts’ Motion
to Dismiss Turkish Lobby Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) has joined with a broad coalition of civil rights organizations
in filing an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in
Massachusetts Federal District Court to oppose attempts by the
Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) to mandate the
inclusion of Armenian Genocide denial material in Massachusetts’
genocide curriculum guide.
The coalition led by the Armenian Bar Association, in addition to
the ANCA, includes the Irish Immigration Center, the Jewish
Alliance for Law & Social Action, and the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
In support of the State of Massachusetts, the coalition filed its
brief on March 8th urging the dismissal of the complaint filed by
the ATAA, a lobbying group that actively denies the Armenian
Genocide and that calls for the inclusion of the ATAA website in a
list of educational sources provided as part of a teacher’s guide
on genocide education. The complaint also calls for the addition
of other websites, including that of the Embassy of the Republic of
Turkey, which the ATAA had lobbied to include in the guide, but
were disqualified because they denied the Armenian Genocide, in
direct contravention of the Massachusetts statute requiring the
teaching of the Armenian Genocide.
In filing the brief, coalition members expressed their opposition
to the mandating of genocide denial in Massachusetts’ curriculum
guide and refuted allegations that plaintiffs’ free speech rights
were violated. The brief argues, “This case is not about
Plaintiffs’ ability to express themselves, to receive ideas, or to
access information. Nothing in the Massachusetts Guide to Choosing
and Using Curricular Materials on Genocide and Human Rights has
altered those rights. Rather, this case involves [Massachusetts’]
right as a government to express its own official views on matters
of historical importance and their place in education and to choose
the specific content of its own message.” Citing judicial
precedent, the brief noted that courts cannot compel state
governments to speak as plaintiffs demand: “The government is
entitled to full control over its own speech, whether it speaks
with its own voice or enlists private parties to convey its
message, and the remedy for dissatisfaction with its choices is
political rather than judicial.”
To read the entire brief, visit:
iciCuriae.pdf
#####

PALLONE EXPECTS US STATE DEPARTMENT EXPLANATIONS ON REPORTS ON RECALLING EVANS
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2006 19:12 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ March 10 US Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ),
Co-Chairman of the Armenian Issues Caucus, expressed his extreme
disappointment to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over reports that
the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, is being forced
from office based upon truthful and forthright statements last year
about the Armenian Genocide, reports the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA). In a March 10th letter, Rep. Pallone shared with
the Secretary that he is “outraged that the State Department is
recalling Ambassador Evans as retaliation for statements he made
in recognition of the Armenian Genocide.” He added that, “it is
simply wrong for the State Department to punish Ambassador Evans
for statements he made that are factually correct. Accordingly, I am
asking you for an explanation as to why Ambassador Evans was removed
from his post. . . This is the wrong message to send to the world. I
look forward to a timely response from your office.”
To note, The California Courier wrote that the U.S. Department of
State took the decision to recall John Evans from Armenia. Citing
Armenian sources the newspaper said Mr. Evans has already informed
the RA authorities of his departure. “After months of uncertainty, it
now appears that the rumors about his possible dismissal have finally
become reality. The State Department recently finalized the decision
to recall him. According to reliable Armenian governmental sources,
Amb. Evans informed high-ranking Armenian officials last week about
his departure in the coming months, pending the Senate approval
of his likely successor, Richard E. Hoagland, who is currently the
U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan.
Knowledgeable U.S. sources in Washington have confirmed to this writer
that Amb. Evans was being recalled because of his candid remarks
on the Armenian Genocide. Last year, during a public gathering at
the University of California at Berkeley, Amb. Evans courageously
said: “I will today call it the Armenian Genocide…. I informed
myself in depth about it. I think we, the US government, owe you,
our fellow citizens, a more frank and honest way of discussing this
problem. Today, as someone who has studied it …
there’s no doubt in my mind [as to] what happened…. I think it is
unbecoming of us, as Americans, to play word games here. I believe in
calling things by their name.” Referring to the Armenian Genocide as
“the first genocide of the 20th century,” he said: “I pledge to you,
we are going to do a better job at addressing this issue.” Amb. Evans
also disclosed that he had consulted with a legal advisor at the State
Department who had confirmed that the events of 1915 were “genocide
by definition.” Within days of making these statements and after
complaints from Turkish and Azeri officials to the State Department,
Amb. Evans was ordered by his superiors to issue “a clarification”
in which he said that “misunderstandings” might have arisen as a
result of his earlier comments. He said that he had used the term
“genocide” in his “personal capacity,” the article says.
The decision on recall of an Ambassador is taken by the President of
the United States only, U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated at a news conference in
Yerevan. “I won’t be the Ambassador to Armenia eternally, but I have
not received any document on my recall from the U.S. President yet,”
Mr. Evans said when commenting on The California Courier report. US
State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack stated he knows nothing of
recalling US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans. “I am not aware if we
recalled anyone. I suppose John Evans still serves as Ambassador in
Yerevan,” he remarked.

ARMENIAN FM MET WITH CSTO SECRETARY GENERAL
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2006 19:32 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Vartan Oskanian yesterday met with Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General Nikolay
Bordyuzha, reports the Armenian MFA Press Service. During the meeting
the parties discussed situation in the CSTO territory and prospects
of enhancing organization efficiency.
Besides, CSTO cooperation prospects with other organizations were
discussed. Thereupon, N. Bordyuzha presented the results of his visits
to Central Asian countries and the UN Headquarters.

DE JURE RECOGNITION OF KARABAKH – POLITICAL ACTION TO BE HELD AT EXACT MOMENT
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2006 20:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ There is no need to state that Yerevan agreeing
to talks with Baku is the biggest concession by Armenia, Armenian FM
Vartan Oskanian stated when answering questions of Azg Daily readers.
In his words Armenia taking part in talks and Karabakh’s de facto
independence for already 15 years show Armenia is ready to compromise
option of settlement. As of recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh
independence de jure, the Armenian MFA head said, “De jure recognition
is a political action. It should be held at the exact moment, if a
decision is made to do it so as to have a positive outcome, not a
negative effect.”
Answering a question on the probability of the script, in compliance
to which Armenia will return territories that form the security belt
during the short war, Oskanian said, “No. These theories of plots
should not be believed to, one should not trifle with war. I rule
out a script like that.”

THE ENTERPRISE IS RUINING THE NURSERY SCHOOL
A1+
12:47 pm 14 March, 2006
The nursery school of Kapan’s Kavart district has been working since
1997. 2 years ago the kindergarten lavatories and one of the rooms were
completely destroyed because of Kapan’s mine explosions initiated by
“Dino Gold Mining Company.”
The number of the infants attending the kindergarten was about 27,
whereas today it is 9. The kindergarten headmaster assures that the
nursery school has a firm basis and there is no actual threat for
the children.
But this argument is not enough to comfort the parents and ease their
concern, as nobody can garentee the further results of the blasting
and the state of the building after the lasting explosions.
“Sosi” TV channel of Sisian.

THERE WILL BE MASS MEETING IN APRIL BECAUSE OF GAS PRICES
A1+
02:55 pm 14 March, 2006
6 non-governmental organizations dealing with the protection of
consumers’ rights created the Public Protectors’ Union (PPU) which
is going to arouse a revolt because of the increase of gas price.
The leader of the Company Aram Grigoryan claims that the increase is
not warranted and according to the decision of the Committee Regulating
the Social Services (CRSS) the increase is not fair. In today’s press
conference the PPU leaders declared that CRSS made a quick decision
without any economical grounds and public awareness. The organizers
of the press conference, the public protectors, had nothing to tell
the public either, except the bold announcement about “organizing
meetings in April” which was prompted by the journalists.
PPU member Abgar Eghoyan said, “We did not have such a question on
our agenda, to tell the truth, the idea of organizing such actions
was given to us by the media.”
PPU had no any economic calculations to argue the grounds of the gas
price increase by 31 drams. The executive director of the Company,
Aram Grigoryan said that it is not their task to make calculations,
their task is to aware the public that CRSS discussed “HayRusgasart”‘s
claim and made a decision breaking the law. He claims that the
committee had 3 days’ time to make a decision starting from the day
of receiving the case and it couldn’t make a complicated economic
analysis within the given short period.
The company director promised to call a round table at the end of the
month on the issue of the gas price increase having the calculations
of the experts in his hands. The Government and “HayRusgasart” company
are to participate in the discussion. Aram Grigoryan says that they
don’t care about their nonparticipation.
It is due to mention that PPU organized a meeting on March 1 on the
issues of gas-energy sphere investments, gasification and none of
the HayRusgasart’s 4 invited representatives came.