Armenian Parliament leader visits Diocese

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:

September 9, 2005

ARCHBISHOP BARSAMIAN MEETS WITH ARMENIAN POLITICAL LEADER

On Friday, September 9, 2005, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), welcomed Arthur
Baghdasaryan, president of the Armenian Parliament, to the Diocesan
Center in New York.

Joined by Armen Martirossyan, Armenia’s ambassador to the United
Nations, they discussed a myriad of issues related to challenges and
opportunities faced by the Republic of Armenia.

“The Armenians in the diaspora, obviously, have an interest in seeing a
growing, prosperous, free Armenia,” the Primate said. “By engaging
Armenia’s political leaders, we in the diaspora can get a fuller
understanding of the situation faced in our Motherland, and how we can
help it.”

Following the discussions, the Primate led the visiting politician on a
tour of St. Vartan Cathedral, where they lit a candle and offered
prayers.

— 9/9/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Arthur Baghdasaryan, president of the Armenian
Parliament, left, meets with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, and Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.N., Armen
Martirossyan, right, at the Diocesan Center in New York City on Friday,
September 9, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian discusses current challenges
facing the Republic of Armenia with Arthur Baghdasaryan, president of
the Armenian Parliament, at the Diocesan Center in New York City.

# # #

www.armenianchurch.org
www.armenianchurch.org.

Nork Children’s Center Performers to Tour 8 North American Cities

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <;

September 12, 2005

8-CITY TOUR OF AWARD-WINNING YOUTH TROUPE FROM
ARMENIA SHAPING UP FOR OCTOBER DEBUT

Eastern Diocese & AGBU Co-sponsoring “A Mosaic of
Music, Dance & Performance” to Honor 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet

* * *

This fall Armenians in North America will be treated to a glimpse of
the promising artistic future of their homeland, when a troupe of more
than 60 young performers will tour the eastern U.S. and Canada. The
young artists, ages 10 to 19, will bring to life a variety of Armenian
art forms–song, dance, instrumental music, dramatic recitation,
gymnastics and acrobatics–in what has been called an “Armenian Cirque
du Soleil.”

The gifted youth from Armenia’s AGBU-sponsored “Holy Etchmiadzin Nork
Children’s Center” will visit eight North American cities under the
sponsorship of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

Billed as a “A Mosaic of Music, Dance and Performance as Vibrant as
Armenia,” the tour will debut in New York City’s Town Hall on Sunday,
October 9, and will then proceed to performances in Richmond, VA;
Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Racine, WI; Boston, MA; and Montreal,
Canada (for two performances); before concluding in Toronto, Canada,
on October 30. (Tour details appear below.)

The Diocese and AGBU are sponsoring the Nork Children’s Center
performers to commemorate the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian
alphabet. Co-chairing the organizing committee are Hrant Gulian (for
the Eastern Diocese) and Anita Anserian (for the AGBU), with officials
of the Canadian Diocese organizing the tour’s final leg through their
country.

The young performers are already well known in Armenia, where they
play to enthusiastic capacity crowds, and have won awards in European
festivals. This will be their first exposure to American audiences.

With a combined enrollment of 3,500 students, ages 7 to 19, and an
administrative staff of 300, the three Children’s Centers in Yerevan
provide a constructive, after-school environment for young Armenian
students to nurture their talents and broaden their knowledge in
courses unavailable to them at overcrowded public schools. With daily
instruction in music, art, crafts, dance, computers, language, history
and gymnastics, the centers have truly had a positive impact on a new
generation of Armenians. The centers are funded by AGBU and run by the
Holy See of Etchmiadzin.

The following performance dates and venues for the “Mosaic of Music,
Dance and Performance,” featuring the Nork Children’s Center
Performers, have been confirmed. See individual listings in the
Armenian press for further details. Please be aware that itineraries
are subject to change.

NEW YORK CITY–NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT: Sunday,
October 9–Town Hall, 3:00 p.m. For info/tickets
contact the Eastern Diocese, (212) 686-0710, or AGBU, (212) 319-6383.

RICHMOND, VA: Wednesday October 12–Short Pump
Middle School, 7:00 p.m. For info/tickets contact
St. James Armenian Church, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan,
(804) 282-3818, [email protected].

WASHINGTON, DC: Friday, October 14–Rockville
High School, 7:00 p.m. For info/tickets contact
St. Mary Armenian Church, Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian,
(202) 363-1923, [email protected]; or Louisa
Baghdassarian, (301) 468-7669, [email protected].

CHICAGO, IL: Sunday, October 16–Regina Dominican
High School, 4:00 p.m. For tickets contact
(Search: MOSAIC) or
(800) 838-3006. For general info contact St.
James Armenian Church, (847) 864-6263.

RACINE, WI: Tuesday, October 19–St. Catherine’s
High School, 7:00 p.m. For info/tickets contact
St. Mesrob Armenian Church, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian,
(262) 639-0531; or Abraham Ouzounian, (262) 880-1277, [email protected].

BOSTON, MA: Friday, October 21–Watertown High
School, 7:00 p.m. For info/tickets contact St.
James Armenian Church, (617) 923-8860; or Holy
Trinity Armenian Church, (617) 354-0632; or Garo Salibian, (781) 439-2762.

MONTREAL, CANADA–TWO PERFORMANCES: Sunday,
October 23, 7:00 p.m., AND Monday, October 24,
8:00 p.m.–Salle Claude Champagne. For
info/tickets contact the Canadian Diocese, (514)
276-9479; or AGBU Montreal, (514) 748-2428.

TORONTO, CANADA: Sunday, October 30–time and
location to be announced. For info/tickets
contact AGBU Toronto, (416) 431-2428; or Salpi
Der Ghazarian, (416) 754-0218; or Lena Ouzounian, (416) 441-6763.

–9/6/05

E-mail picture available on request.

PHOTO CAPTION: More than 60 young artists from Armenia’s Nork
Children’s Center will present “A Mosaic of Music, Dance and
Performance,” touring eight North American cities from Oct. 9 through
30. The tour is being sponsored by the Eastern Diocese and AGBU, to
honor the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet. Confirmed
stops include New York, Richmond, Washington, Chicago, Racine, Boston,
Montreal, and Toronto.

# # #

http://www.armenianchurch.net/&gt
www.armenianchurch.net
www.brownpapertickets.com

MFA: Armenia Contributes to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

10-09-2005

Armenia Contributes to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

As soon as news reports indicated the degree of damage that the US has
suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina, the Government of Armenia
immediately offered help in the form of rescuers and medical personnel.
However, it became clear that the immediate need is for financial resources.
Therefore, at its Thursday September 8 Cabinet meeting, the Government
decided to allocate $200,000.00 to the US for relief efforts.

The funds are being transferred via the Foreign Ministry to a special
Katrina Relief Fund.

The US Embassy in Yerevan expressed its gratitude on behalf of the US
government for the help that the Armenian people are providing.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

www.armeniaforeignministry.am

Primate visits St. Nersess Seminary

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:

September 9, 2005

START OF SCHOOL YEAR AT ST. NERSESS WELCOMES 6 NEW STUDENTS

To mark the first day of the new school year, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) and President of the St. Nersess Board, visited with students
at St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, on Thursday, September 8,
2005.

He presided over an evening vespers service marking the Feast of the
Nativity of the Holy Mother-of-God, dined with the students, and
participated in a conversation on a variety of issues ranging from the
state of the church in Armenia and challenges and opportunities for the
faith here in America.

“It was a joy to be around such dedicated young Armenians who are
answering the Lord’s call to serve our church and our people,” the
Primate said. “Each one of them has a passion and love for our living
faith, and their energy is surely contagious.”

This year the seminary welcomed six new students, bringing the total
enrollment to 11. Of the new students, two are women, one of whom is
focusing on youth ministry, and the other on Christian education.

“This is the first time in many years we’ve had women students,” said
Fr. Daniel Findikyan. “The seminary at its establishment was founded as
an institution not only for training priests but also for training lay
men and women. In fact, women were among the first graduates of St.
Nersess. Women approach us all the time about deepening their
theological understanding of the church with a desire to serve the
church in the many avenues that are available to women.”

During the vespers service, the Primate told the students that it was
very appropriate they were beginning their studies, the first step on
their path of service, on a day that marks the birth of St. Mary, which
was the first step on the path of Jesus’ ministry.

Fr. Findikyan said the message resonated with students and thanked the
Primate for his continued interest in the seminary.

“We thank him for his continued support, not only for the seminary, but
for the individual students,” Fr. Findikyan said. “He has shown himself
to be personally interested in the path of each student at St. Nersess
over all the years he’s been Primate.”

For more information on St. Nersess, visit its website:
If you have questions about answering the Lord’s call
to serve, contact Fr. Findikyan by e-mailing [email protected].

— 9/9/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, meets with the new students at St. Nersess Seminary in New
Rochelle, NY.

# # #

www.armenianchurch.org
www.stneress.edu.
www.armenianchurch.org.

New York Armenian Students’ Association hosts evening of discovery

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:

September 9, 2005

DIOCESAN ZOHRAB INFORMATION CENTER TO HOLD NIGHT OF EXPLORATION

In the heart of New York City is a treasure trove of priceless
artifacts, precious manuscripts, and a wealth of literature steeped in
the culture and history of our ancient Armenian civilization. But this
valuable collection is easily accessible to transport visitors to their
Armenian roots.

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2005, the New York Armenian
Students’ Association invites its members and guests to join an evening
of exploring the Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

The center — located at the Diocesan Center (630 Second Ave. at 34th
St. in Manhattan) — is a vibrant and rare resource for researching and
studying all things Armenian. Attendees to the special evening will
hear from three researchers about their findings at the center, and will
then have an opportunity to join a guided tour, while asking questions.
The evening will also feature a wine and cheese reception.

This unique evening will benefit serious scholars and prospective
students of Armenology, as well as members of the general public who
relish a sense of discovery. Participants will learn about the center’s
holdings of more than 15,000 books and periodicals, rare 19th- and early
20th-century Armenian newspapers, a collection of early printed Armenian
books, several thousand rare books available on microfiche or microfilm,
and a collection of audio and video taped interviews with survivors of
the Armenian genocide.

Visitors will also meet with some of the center’s specialists in
Armenian history who are available to assist all users with their
inquiries. Aram Arkun, coordinator of the center and a specialist in
19th- and 20th-century Armenian history, will lead the tour of the
center and be available to answer any questions.

TESTIMONY OF EXPERTS

Speaking at the event will be historian Dr. Sylvie L. Merian, scholar
and playwright Ben Alexander, and Lerna Ekmekcioglu, a current doctoral
student at New York University. Each will speak about how their work
has directly benefited from the resources found in the center.

Dr. Merian, the reference librarian at New York City’s Pierpont Morgan
Library, received her doctoral degree from Columbia University, writing
her dissertation on medieval Armenian bookbinding. She has published
and lectured on Armenian codicology and manuscript illumination, and has
organized small exhibitions on Armenian manuscripts and printed books.

Ben Alexander recently completed a doctoral dissertation at the City
University of New York Graduate Center dealing with Armenian ethnic
identity and diasporan nationalism in America. He now teaches U.S.
history at St. Francis College and New York City College of Technology,
both in Brooklyn.

Lerna Ekmekcioglu, originally from Istanbul, is preparing her doctoral
thesis at New York University with an emphasis on comparative Armenian
and Turkish nationalism and feminism in Istanbul during the 1920s.

BRINGING IN YOUNG ARMENIANS

The evening’s activities are free and open to the public. Please RSVP
to [email protected]. Donations will be welcome and greatly
appreciated.

The September 22 event is being organized by the Armenian Students’
Association in an effort to get the next generation of Armenian scholars
and researchers oriented with the facility.

The ASA is a nationwide membership organization promoting Armenian
culture and education by providing Armenian communities with social,
academic, and educational events. All funds raised by the regional
branches contribute to the ASA’s scholarship fund for Armenian students
studying in the United States.

For more information about the New York Armenian Students’ Association,
please visit For details on the Zohrab
Center, contact Aram Arkun by e-mailing [email protected] or
calling (212) 686-0710, ext. 26.

— 9/9/05

# # #

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

http://www.asainc.org/newyork.
www.armenianchurch.org

Vatican elevates Armenian rite in USA and Canada

Vatican Information Service
12 Sept 2005

VATICAN CITY, SEP 12, 2005 (VIS) – The Holy Father elevated the apostolic
exarchate for faithful of the Armenian rite resident in the U.S.A. and
Canada, to the rank of eparchy with the name “Our Lady of Nareg in New York
for Armenian Catholics,” and with the same territorial configuration as the
current exarchate. He appointed Bishop Manuel Batakian, apostolic exarch for
faithful of the Armenian rite resident in the U.S.A. and Canada, as first
bishop of the new eparchy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Alpha Epsilon Omega contributes to Zoryan for Genocide Awareness

ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807
Fax: 416-512-1736
E-mail: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Heros Leask

DATE: September 12, 2005
Tel: 416-250-9807

Alpha Epsilon Omega contributes to the Zoryan Institute for Genocide
Awareness

Following a very successful fundraising campaign to promote genocide
awareness, Alpha Epsilon Omega (AEO), a Southern California-based University
fraternity, recently donated $3500 to the Zoryan Institute and the
International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies.

The Institute’s Chairman, Prof. Roger Smith, said “We are deeply gratified
and touched by the enthusiasm and determination that these young men from
California exhibited in their fundraising campaign. This effort confirms
that people of all ages are concerned and engaged by universal human rights
and freedoms.”

Narek Zohrabyan, the Chair of AEO’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration
Committee, stated, “We have seen the level of Zoryan Institute’s work and
what it has accomplished over the years with various scholars. The
Institute’s track record is second to none in terms of research,
publication, academic foresight and technical support to aspiring
researchers. Because of the tremendous value of the work they do, the Alpha
Epsilon Omega Fraternity felt motivated to select Zoryan as one of the
charitable organizations to receive proceeds from our ‘Never Again’
fundraising campaign.”

In March of 2005 AEO embarked on an ambitious fundraising drive, which they
trademarked the “Never Again” campaign in preparation for the Armenian
Genocide’s 90th Anniversary on April 24th. The endeavor involved the sale of
black wristbands with the slogan “Never-Again” embossed on the rubber
bracelets. As the project gained momentum and through an effective
communications program, the final amount raised was over $10,000 and more
than doubled AEO’s initial forecasts.

Heros Leask, Development Officer at the Zoryan Institute, declared “As
members of a scholarly research institute, we at Zoryan have a natural
affinity with university students and identify with them on multiple levels
.We are humbled by AEO’s recognition of our work and by their belief and
faith in our mission. It is encouraging to see that these students are
investing in human rights and genocide studies and it demonstrates that
young people are committed to making the world a better place.”

The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center devoted
to the research and documentation of contemporary issues related to Armenian
social, political and cultural life. To this end, the Institute conducts
multidisciplinary research, publication, and educational programs dealing
with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and Diaspora, within a universal
context.

www.zoryaninstitute.org

MFA: FM Spokesman Hamlet Gasparian Responds to REGNUM Question

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

09-09-2005

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamlet Gasparian Responds to a Question by REGNUM
News Agency

Question: Please comment on the Ukrainian government crisis: is it possible
that the negative course of developments could affect the Ukrainian-Armenian
current political and economic co-operation?

Answer: We are carefully following the latest developments in Ukraine.
Armenia attaches great importance to the stability of Ukraine. We are
confident that President Yushchenko will promptly form a new government and
will overcome these temporary difficulties.

Armenian-Ukrainian relations are based on a centuries-old friendship and the
reciprocal confidence of our two nations. Today our bilateral relations are
developing dynamically. We are confident that the current developments in
Ukraine will not have any impact on our relations.

www.armeniaforeignministry.am

ASBAREZ Online [09-12-2005]

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09/12/2005
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1) Major Conference at European Parliament Targets Turkey’s Record
2) Thousands Rally in Baku against President
3) Group Threatens to Kill Lebanese Armenian Hostage in Iraq
4) Trial of Novelist ‘Shows Turkey Not Ready for EU’

1) Major Conference at European Parliament Targets Turkey’s Record

BRUSSELS–A large-scale public conference scheduled for September 22 will
address Turkey’s violations of basic rights as it prepares to begin accession
talks with the European Union (EU) on October 3.
Organized by the European Armenian Federation, the conference, “December
2004–October 2005: Has Turkey Changed?” is supported by the largest political
group in the European Parliament, the EPP-ED–the Group of the European
People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats in the European
Parliament. Specifically, Dr. Ingo Friedrich, vice-president of the
Parliament,
has conveyed his commitment to fully reviewing Turkey’s position prior to the
start of accession talks.
The conference will feature lectures by executive members of several Human
Rights NGOs, as well as leadership of various European political parties. They
will review Turkey’s violation of human rights and political norms in the
country, as they relate to freedom of expression, minority rights, the role of
army, the Cyprus issue, its policy of denial of the Armenian genocide, and
freedom of worship.
Beside Friedrich, scheduled speakers include: Jacques Toubon,
vice-chairman of
the EU-Turkey parliamentary delegation; Panagiotis Beglitis, member of the
EU-Turkey parliamentary delegation; Francesco Enrico Speroni, Member of the
European Parliament; Pierre Mirel, European Commission, Director for the
Candidate Countries in the DG Enlargement; Philippe Kalfayan, General
Secretary
of the International Federation of Human Rights; Dogan Özgüden, President of
Info-Türk foundation; Hilda Tchoboian, President of the European Armenian
Federation; Irnerio Seminatore, President of the European Institute for
International Relations; Oliver Money-Kyrle, Director of Projects Division,
International Federation of Journalists; Franck Biancheri, President of
Newropeans.
A Consultative Meeting of European Armenians scheduled for September 23, just
one year after their first ever convention, will allow members of Armenian
associations and organizations from more than twenty EU countries to respond
towards Turkey’s new neighborhood policy toward Armenia, the role of Armenian
culture and remembrance in Europe, and current affairs such as Time Magazine
and AXA issues.
“A few days before October 3, this conference will provide a unique
opportunity for European civil society to take action on the political fate of
the Union,” said Laurent Leylekian, Executive Director of the European
Armenian
Federation.
Information and registration for the two public events are available on the
European Armenian Federation’s website:
<;
p3?lang=en

2) Thousands Rally in Baku against President

BAKU (AP)–More than 2,000 orange-clad opposition members rallied in the
Azerbaijani capital Saturday, demanding that President Ilhan Aliyev resign and
that authorities ensure that parliamentary elections in November are free and
fair.
Mounting pressure on authorities has led some observers to predict the
oil-rich Caspian nation could see a popular uprising similar to those that
have
taken place in the former Soviet republics of Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
Yelling “Resign!” and carrying orange flags and banners in Russian and
English, the government opponents railed against Aliyev.
“We have shown our strength and this is only the beginning,” said Sardar
Jalaloglu, a top leader with the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, which is one
of three parties making up the opposition Azadlig bloc alliance.
The crowds responded, yelling “Tents on the Square” a reference to the tent
camp that sprang up in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev during the mass
demonstrations last year that came to be known as the Orange Revolution.
Azadlig has borrowed its campaign color from Ukraine.
Azerbaijan formally launched the election campaign Wednesday after
authorities
registered more than 2,000 candidates running for 125 parliament seats in the
November 6 vote. Of 2,059 candidates registered, 432 belong to the ruling Yeni
Azerbaijan party that controls parliament. Azadlig and the Yeni Siyaset party
are seen as the leading challengers.
Opposition parties have rallied almost weekly amid fears that Aliyev’s
government could try to rig the vote. The October 2003 presidential vote, in
which Aliyev succeeded his late father, Heydar Aliyev, was widely alleged to
have been fraudulent, triggering clashes between police and demonstrators.

3) Group Threatens to Kill Lebanese Armenian Hostage in Iraq

DUBAI (AFP)–A previously unheard of group in Iraq threatened to kill a
Lebanese
hostage it accused of working with a liquor distribution firm that “deals with
the occupiers,” according to a video posted on the Internet.
“The Group for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” said it had
“captured an importer of food and liquor in Baghdad who works for a company
that deals directly with the crusader occupiers of Iraq.”
It demanded the company’s “withdrawal from Iraq as soon as possible in order
to free the Lebanese hostageotherwise woe on him and you.”
The hostage, who, speaking in Arabic, gave the Armenian name of Garabet Jean
Chekerjian, said he held dual Lebanese and Cypriot nationality. He was
shown in
the footage sitting on the floor with his hands and feet tied.
A hooded gunman pointed an automatic weapon at his head.
The captive exhorted Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and the Lebanese embassy
in Baghdad to put pressure on his employers to pull out of Iraq.
“I hold dual Lebanese and Cypriot nationality and I work with the branches of
the ‘Jetco Trading’ (phonetic) company in Lebanon, Cyprus and Iraq. The
company
supplies foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages to the occupation forces and the
Iraqi army,” he said.
“I urge the company to leave Iraq and I ask the Lebanese embassy to put
pressure on the company and its owner to sever links with the occupation
forces
and the Iraqi army.”
Addressing unspecified people he named as “Gebran, Avo and Rita,” as well as
Lahoud, the captive called on all Lebanese companies to quit Iraq, which he
said was occupied “as Lebanon had been 15 years ago.”
Dozens of foreigners have been kidnapped by anti-US insurgents in Iraq and
some have been executed by their captors.
About 30 Lebanese working for private companies in Iraq have been kidnapped
and later freed, most of them in exchange for a ransom. But in September 2004,
one Lebanese national was killed by his captors and three others died
during an
attempted kidnap.

4) Trial of Novelist ‘Shows Turkey Not Ready for EU’

By Amberin Zaman in Ankara and Tony Paterson in Berlin

An internationally acclaimed Turkish novelist who faces prosecution for
speaking out about the mass slaughter of Armenians during the 20th Century,
has
said the case against him shows his country may not be ready to join the
European Union.
Orhan Pamuk, who faces up to three years in jail if convicted of “denigrating
Turkey,” said reforms promised by the Turkish government in return for a
guarantee of talks on EU membership had not materialized. His trial is
scheduled for December 2005.

Orhan Pamuk: ‘Not much tolerance’

Prosecutors provoked a furor across Europe last month by announcing the
action
against him under the country’s recently adopted penal code, which is supposed
to bring Turkish criminal law more closely in line with that of EU countries.
In his first interview since the prosecution was announced, Pamuk declared:
“Unfortunately I do not believe that Turkey has come very far in this respect.
Nothing has happened over the past year. Turkey has sat on the promises that
Europe has given and taken it easy.”
Although forbidden to comment directly on his own case, the best-selling
author added: “Turkey has not changed so much. Laws have been changed, but the
thought processes, our culture and our way of seeing things… that has not
changed much.
“There have been legal and political changes in the hope of EU membership.
But
the trial opened against me shows… that the state prosecutors have not
changed very much. It shows that there is not much tolerance in society.”
Pamuk’s comments, in an interview with a German newspaper, come as several
countries, including France, have stepped up their effort to block Turkey’s
entry to the EU after public opposition to the inclusion of such a large,
predominantly Muslim, country. The EU has long cited Turkey’s checkered record
on human rights as an obstacle to membership, and its government–led by Recep
Erdogan, Turkey’s mildly Islamist prime minister – has enacted a series of new
laws in an attempt to overcome the objection. Talks on membership are due to
start next month.
Critics maintain that Turkey’s new penal code falls short of EU standards by
proscribing free debate of the Armenian tragedy and criticism of Turkey’s 1974
invasion of Cyprus.
Last week Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, singled out the Pamuk
prosecution
for criticism in a speech in which he nonetheless argued for Turkish
membership
of the EU. “There is still some way to go with implementation, as the recent
charges against the distinguished Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk show, in the
context of freedom of speech,” he said.
Pamuk drew nationalist fury in Turkey and received anonymous death threats
after telling a Swiss newspaper in February that “30,000 Kurds and 1 million
Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about
it”.
One Turkish official in the western town of Sutluce ordered citizens to
destroy
all of his books.
Several of Pamuk’s novels, including the acclaimed My Name is Red, have been
translated into English. His most recent bestseller, Snow, explores tensions
between Turkey’s secular elite and religious conservatives.
Turkey has long denied that more than one million members of its once
thriving
Armenian community were the victims of systematic annihilation between 1915
and
1923. Armenians and many others label the campaign genocide–a description of
the events which is proscribed in Turkish law.
Prosecutors are still deciding whether to bring further charges against Pamuk
for referring to the more recent killing of Kurds–whose sometimes violent
separatist movements in the east of the country have been brutally suppressed
by successive Turkish governments.

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Armenian Premier To Participate In General Assembly Session

ARMENIAN PREMIER TO PARTICIPATE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

Pan Armenian News

12.09.2005 03:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan departed
for New York to participate in the 60-th Session of the UN General
Assembly, RA government’s press office reported. Armenian Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian also serves on the Government delegation. The
high-level meetings will start on September 14 in the UN headquarters
and will continue till September 18. During the visit the Prime
Minister will participate in a meeting titled “Financing for
Development”. He is also expected to meet with UN Population Fund
Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid, UN Children’s Fund Executive
Director Ann M. Veneman as well as with the representatives of the
Armenian Diaspora. Besides, the RA Premier will participate in the
reception organized by the US President George W. Bush. The delegation
will return to Yerevan on September 18.