TO COOPERATE OR NOT TO COOPERATE?
Lragir.am
23 May 06
Tbilisi remains a center of regional cooperation and contacts. The
ombudsmen of Abkhazia and South Osetia have meetings here. Armenian and
Azerbaijani political and public figures prefer to meet in “neutral”
Georgia. Besides the tolerance and commitment to dialogue that Georgia
displays, regional meetings bring considerable financial inflows to
Georgians. Thousands of people are employed in Georgian NGOs fostering
cooperation, promotion of democracy and other political aims.
On May 19 the international conference entitled Evaluation and
Effective Management of Conflicts ended in Tbilisi. From Karabakh
the director of the Civic Action Center Albert Voskanyan participated
in this conference. The representatives of 6 countries of the region
participated in the conference.
Another meeting of almost the same format took place in Tbilisi in the
framework of the UN program of global partnership for the prevention
of armed conflicts. The representative of Karabakh, the coordinator
of Helsinki Undertaking 92, participated in the meeting.
The past month was marked by the statement of the Azerbaijani NGOs
that they would cooperate with only those Armenian organizations which
will recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This statement
did not receive a serious response from Armenians, perhaps because
it was nonsense. Cooperation under the auspices of international
organizations went on; however, even the Azerbaijanis are ashamed to
say whether their Armenian partners have recognized their territorial
integrity. Or maybe meetings in Paris are not counted?

PEOPLE PAYING HOMAGE TO VICTIMS WERE SCARED
Lragir.am
23 May 06
The parliamentary minority failed to gather enough signatures to
set up an ah-hoc committee on the government actions directed at
aviation. May 23 was the deadline of the poll, initiated by Member
of Parliament Victor Dallakyan. He had gathered 26 instead of the
required 44 signatures. Ardarutiun Alliance, the National Unity, the
Orinats Yerkir Party and even a member of the People’s Deputy Group,
Artusha Movsisyan had signed. Emma Khudabashyan and Hmayak Hovanisyan
had also joined the poll.
“Our purpose was to set up a committee after the poll during the
meeting of June 12, which failed, unfortunately,” stated Victor
Dallakyan. He said it had been foreseen that the committee would
operate through the summer and publish the findings in autumn.
“I think the atmosphere of fear spoken about over the past few days
played its role, and the National Assembly, which had observed two
minutes of silence for the victims, feared to join this initiative,”
says Victor Dallakyan. He rejects the view of Republican Member of
Parliament Galust Sahakyan that the initiative of the opposition was
an attempt of political manipulation with the plane crash. In reply
Victor Dallakyan merely read an extract from this legislative action,
where the goals of the ad-hoc committee are stated. “I just read:
a study of safety guarantees in civil aviation. Hence, there is
nothing to manipulate. In other words, probably, Galust Sahakyan is
not interested in the state of the civil aviation. Did you see any
implications of manipulation in this single line? Probably, they are
now busy with minibus lines,” stated Victor Dallakyan.

NATO IS NOT OFFERING PEACEMAKERS TO KARABAKH
Lragir.am
23 May 06
It is unlikely that NATO will deploy peacemaking forces in the
Karabakh conflict area. This viewpoint was expressed by Robert
Simons, the special representative of the Secretary General of NATO,
who is visiting Armenia for two days. Simons said the question of
peacemakers could be considered only after an agreement between the
parties. Moreover, Simons thinks that the parties will be deciding
the number of these forces, what organizations they will represent
and where they will be stationed.
Simons said the question of peacemakers could be decided by the sides
after reaching an agreement. He mentioned that NATO is not offering
participation in the peacemaking mission. Generally, Robert Simons
states that NATO is not engaged in the settlement of the Karabakh
conflict but it is willing to support the OSCE Minsk Group. According
to Robert Simons, the mandate of mediation of the settlement of the
conflict belongs to the OSCE.
Robert Simons states that the head of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
Pierre Leluche can have his stance on the settlement, and he can
even offer mediation. He states that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
is an independent organization and can have its standpoint, but
the standpoint of NATO is that the talks for the Karabakh conflict
are mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group, and they can only give their
support. He says almost the same thing about the Armenian-Turkish
relations, stating that it is a matter of bilateral relations.
Although Turkey approved launching an individual partnership program
with Armenia, Simons said, nevertheless, that NATO does not attend
to the internal political problems of its members.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
A DELEGATION OF AMERICAN CHURCHES VISITS ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I received a special delegation of American Churches in
his office in Antelias on May 19. The aim of the visit was to become closely
informed about the current situation in the Middle East and particularly the
challenges faced by Christianity.
His Holiness talked with detail about the current situation in the region,
talking in general about the dominant political situation and highlighting
concerns and projects related to the Christian presence and witness in the
Middle East.
The Pontiff stressed the following as priorities: giving a tangible
expression to the unity of the church, giving new impetus to the
Christian-Muslim dialogue, relationship and cooperation, reorganize the role
of Christianity through families, Sunday schools and everyday schools,
making the social service of the church reachable to the people through
effective methods, reemphasizing the role of the church in issues related to
human rights.
The Catholicos stressed the importance of cooperation with and support by
American churches in this context.
##
View the photo here: tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

ARMENIAN OFFICIAL COMMENTS ON SPEAKER’S RESIGNATION
Ayots Ashkar, Yerevan
23 May 06
Text of Vaan Vardanyan’s report in Armenian newspaper Ayots Ashkar
on 23 May headlined “We have seen no evidence of maturity”
An interview with the most likely candidate to the post of parliament
speaker, [deputy speaker of parliament and a member of the Republican
Party of Armenia] Tigran Torosyan. He comments on the situation in
the parliament.
[Ayots Ashkar correspondent] How do you assess talks around the
resignation of the speaker of the parliament and the dispute between
[Speaker] Artur Bagdasaryan and [the leader of the National Unity
Party] Artashes Gegamyan in the parliament?
[Tigran Torosyan] I have already said that next month will be
a unique probationary period for politicians. Parties should
demonstrate that they have become mature and passed their teenager
period. Unfortunately, what happened could hardly be the evidence of
maturity, though I hope everything will be put back in order.
[Correspondent] The opposition says that today there is no political
majority in the parliament even in the form of a coalition. Will you
comment on this?
[Torosyan] The most painful thing is that not only many wrong ideas
were sounded in parliament today, but also the regulations were
broken. Saying something with a clever face does not mean that you
really tell the truth.
Who says that the “parliamentary majority” should be formed by means of
signing a memorandum? The first step like this was made after the 2003
[parliament] election and that was an important step. But nobody has
to sign a memorandum. In many countries coalitions are formed and
they split and there is no tragedy. Certainly, today we do not have
the coalition that was created at that time.
[Correspondent] Today they speak about two candidates to the post of
parliament speaker: you and [Republican Party MP] Galust Saakyan.
[Torosyan] I am saying once again that as there is no vacant post all
the discussions are in vain. It is senseless to answer this question.
[Correspondent] In fact, the United Labour Party [ULP] will become part
of the new majority. Does that mean that a new coalition memorandum
could be signed?
[Torosyan] I think there is absolutely no need to sign a new
memorandum. As to who our partners will be and how we shall work,
it will be correct to answer this question a few days later. Real
talks will be held soon.
[Correspondent] But the prime minister has already signed a decree
on the appointment of three representatives of the ULP. Does this
mean that Orinats Yerkir [Law-Governed Country Party] is replaced by
the ULP?
[Torosyan] This means that the first steps have already been made.
But we do not substitute somebody for somebody else. Everybody has
their own place and role.
[Correspondent] The MPs who have left Orinats Yerkir are setting up
a new group. Will you negotiate with them?
[Torosyan] It is nonsense to rule out negotiations with any force.
Unfortunately, there are political forces in Armenia which are enemies
to each other. Finally, no matter what happened or will happen, one
should have one purpose: to provide the normal work of the parliament.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
Watch the recorded video here:
artanants.wmv
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONSECRATES THE SOURP VARTNANATS CHURCH OF NORASHEN
“LET’S BECOME A CHURCH WITH THIS CHURCH SO WE CAN ACHIEVE THE MISSION OF
THE CHURCH”
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
His Holiness Aram I consecrated the Sourp Vartanants Church of Norashen on
May 21 which became a historic day for the Armenian community of Lebanon and
particularly for the people of Bourj Hammoud.
The consecration of the newly built church formed an important part of His
Holiness’ pontifical visit to the Diocese of Lebanon, on which the
Catholicos embarked on May 19 following the invitation of Primate Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian and the Armenian national council in Lebanon.
Escorted by groups of soldiers, the Pontiff arrived to the municipality of
Bourdj Hammoud, where sheep were sacrificed and salt and bread were blessed.
His Holiness was welcomed by the Primate, the mayor of Bourdj Hammoud, the
municipality’s committee, MP Hagop Pakradouni, representatives of political
parties and the community’s structures as well as a large number of
faithful.
Led by the Homenetmen scouts’ trumpet band, His Holiness Aram I walked
towards the newly build Sourp Vartanants Church is a procession among the
cheerful claps of faithful.
Arriving to the church at 10:30, the Pontiff presided over the holy
consecration of the church. The celebrant of the Holy Mass was V. Rev. Fr.
Norayr Ashekian with the participation of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
“Shenorhali” choir.
The Church’s altar was washed with water and wine after which His Holiness
Aram I consecrated the top of the alter, its front, and its right and left
sides pouring Holy Chrism on it. Primate Bishop Khatcherian then consecrated
the church’s pillars in the name of the apostles, Saint John the Baptist,
and the Armenian Church’s Patron Saint, St. Gregory the Illuminator.
In a very touching moment His Holiness blessed the church, naming its
“Sourp Vartanants Yegeghetsi.” What was 16 years ago the site of a humble
church built by the hands of our predecessors, survivors of the Armenian
Genocide, now became the host of a beautiful church equipped with all the
particularities of Armenian architecture. The new church was constructed
with the generous contribution of late philanthropist Garbis Harboyan.
Priests, representatives of the Armenian community, MP Hagop Pakradouni,
former MPs and ministers and a large number of faithful attended the
consecration.
Primate Bishop Khatcherian delivered a speech after the consecration,
reminding that during his tenure, His Holiness Aram I had come up with the
idea of replacing the old Sourp Vartanants Church with a new house of
worship that would be a true expression of Armenian Architecture.
“On the occasion of Your pontifical visit we don’t want to present an
ordinary gift from a community to its Pontiff. We want to present You with
this house of God, in the planning and construction of which Your
contribution and encouragement played a definite role,” said the primate.
The Pontiff then delivered his sermon, stressing on the concept of
becoming a church through the church. He remembered the historical
circumstances leading to the construction of the church, “when the Armenian
community of Lebanon had emerged from the devastating civil war and was not
able to build such a structure in very harsh economic conditions.”
His Holiness then remembered the late philanthropist Garbis Harboyan who
kindly took on the financial obligations of building the beautiful church
and all those dedicated people “be they pastors, members of churches board
of trustees, the principals of Noubarian school or its teachers, students or
parents, who as the children of Norashen kept the Armenian spirit alive and
today enjoy the result of their work.”
Speaking about the need to gather around the church, the Pontiff
considered that participation in the church’s life is fulfilled by
contributing to its mission. “A church is not only stones and a building;
beyond these walls, a church should become a mission. God help that church
which does not grasp its life and service as such” he said.
As for the role of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian nation,
the Pontiff drew a comparison with other Christian nations “for whom the
church does not have the same meaning as does the Armenian Church. The
Armenian Church is the mother who has protected the children of our nation
under its shoulders throughout the storms of history; it’s the mother from
whom we are eternally born.”
“Great empires, large organizations and structures have risen and fallen
throughout history and today exist as names only. Whereas our God-founded
church has survived the floods and storms of history and continues its
mission; a mission which has always included the cultural field alongside
religious and church functions, enlightening the eyes of our nation’s
spirits and minds,” the Catholicos added.
An official banquette was organized in honor of His Holiness in the hall
of College Yegishe Manoukian after the consecration. The Primate and
representatives of the Diocese said words of gratitude and warm thanks to
His Holiness Aram I during the banquette.
##
View photos here:
tm
tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: NEW CULTURE MINISTER’S APPOINTMENT PROVIDED ONLY BY RE-ARRANGEMENTS IN POLITICAL FIELD OF COUNTRY
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Prime Minister Andranik Margarian
introduced on May 23 Hasmik Poghosian, the Minister of Culture and
Youth Issues, newly appointed by RA President Robert Kocharian’s
decree, to the ministry’s staff.
Andranik Margarian mentioned that Gevorg Gevorgian, appointed the
Minister of Culture and Youth Issues three months ago has done
a rather great work at the Ministry during this period, and a new
person’s appointment on this post is provided only by re-arrangements
taken place in the political field. “During those three months Gevorg
Gevorgian created at the Ministry a working atmosphere and showed a
strict orientation in the affair of development of the cultural policy
of the country. Gevorg Gevorgian was my co-thinker in this sense.
It is a pity that the issue of changing the Minister arose
in consequence of the political situation,” the Prime Minister
emphasized. Andranik Margarian expressed a hope that newly appointed
Minister Hasmik Poghosian who was nominated by the United Labour
Party, will keep the already created working atmosphere at the
Ministry and will continue working in the same way. H.Poghosian is
non-partizan. The newly appointed Minister is not a new person in
the sphere of culture. She has worked for long years at the Armenian
Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and has been
the Chairwoman of that structure during the recent time. Hasmik
Poghosian mentioned that being appointed on the post of the Culture
Minister was unexpected for her. According to her, she knows the sphere
rather well, and in this sense, frames and issues of her activity will
just enlarge. Responding the Noyan Tapan correspondent’s question by
what changing one non-partizan minister with another was provided,
especially in the sphere of culture, where problems connected with
ministers have always been, the Prime Minister mentioned that this is
only a result of political changes. According to Andranik Margarian,
he is not at all of the opinion that the Ministry of Culture is more
national than others: “One must not separate ministries: as mush
the culture is national as the education and nature protection are
national.” The Prime Minister expressed a hope that till May, 2007,
no change of minister will be in this sphere any more. He informed
that Gevorg Gevorgian will be proposed a new job as “those abilities
and possibilities that the former minister has may not be left in
the street.”

RAMKAVAR-AZATAKAN PARTY OF ARMENIA INTENDS TO TAKE PART IN 2007 AND 2008 ELECTIONS
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia
intends to take part both in the parliamentary elections of 2007 and
in the presidential elections of 2008. Haroutiun Arakelian, Chairman
of the Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia, declared this at the May
23 press conference. According to him, the issue about participation
in the parliamentary elections separately or in alliance with some
other political forces will be solved at the party’s special congress,
which, possibly, will be held in February next year.
H.Arakelian pointed to the party’s active work in the legislative
sphere.
According to him, the party has submitted a number provisions on
amendments to the Electoral Code to the National Assembly. He mentioned
that the main requirement of the Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia
is transition to the proportional system, as well as abolition of
deputy immunity: “People engaged in law-adopting activity and not
those guided by fear for thier immunity should work at the National
Assembly.” As for the recent events and, in particular, RA NA Speaker
Artur Baghdasarian’s leaving the post of the Parliament Speaker,
as well as the Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) Party’s leaving the
coalition, Haroutiun Arakelian mentioned that OYP made a political
decision, but the absurd is that under the conditions of Armenia
a political decision can turn into a curious incident: “From time
to time the coalition parties made strict statements against one
another. I think the OYP’s leaving the coalition is logical.
I would congratulate Artur Baghdasarian in connection with the fact
that his party has been fully formed,” Haroutiun Arakelian declared. He
expressed bewilderment in connection with the ill-disposed reaction of
the opposition to OYP’s passing on to the camp of the opposition. “One
forms an impression that the opposition gives licences in this
issue.” As for accusations of National Unity leader Artashes Geghamian
and Artur Baghdasarian addressed to each other about the issue of
sources of financing of the political activity and, in particular,
about financial assistance of RA Defence Minister Serge Sargsian,
the Chairman of the Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia declared:
“Maybe, the three of them should gather together and decide who gave
more money to another.”

ZHARANGUTIUN COMPLAINS IN CONNECTION WITH ONE MORE OBSTACLE PUT IN ITS WAY, THIS TIME IN ARMAVIR
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Zharangutiun (Heritage) party
complains that one more obstacle was put in its way, this time
in Armavir region. On May 20, Zharangutiun party Chairman Raffi
Hovhannisian and the members of the party’s ruling body left for a
number of populated areas of Armavir region for meeting the activists
of the party’s local subdivision. The first meeting was in the village
of Myasnikian, during which, according to the report provided to
Noyan Tapan from the Zharangutiun party, it became clear that the
“visit is under the intent control of the local Police structure.” In
particular, the employees of the Police local structure asked the
head of the Zharangutiun party local subdivision about the goals,
term of the visit, about the staff of the delegation demanding to
inform them about the delegation’s arrival. The meeting in Myasnikian
had not finished yet when they called from Armavir saying that Levon
Margarian, employee of the local territorial subdivision office,
was taken to the local Police station and warned that they are aware
of the visit of R.Hovhannisian and members of the party board to the
office of the subdivision. They obliged him to cancel this visit,
otherwise they will hamper this by force. Arriving in Armavir, the
party leadership saw policemen standing on the opposite pavement of
the territorial subdivision office, who, according to Zharangutiun’s
report, “were brought here for intimidating them and for failing
the meeting.” Nevertheless, the meeting between the party leadership
and the citizens took place, after which Raffi Hovhannisian visited
the Police station to meet the Head of the local Police. At first
they said that the meeting will be held in 15 minutes, then they
said that a special consultation was convened at the Police Head’s
office and he cannot receive R.Hovhannisian. Finally, the man on duty
at the department was given an application with a demand to give
written explanations on the incident. On May 22, a letter was sent
to RA Police Head Hayk Haroutiunian on behalf of the Zharangutiun
party’s board “with a demand to explane and to estimate the illegal
and anti-constitutional actions.” The party members expect that “the
Police will disclose those ordering this illegal action and will give
a legal estimation to the action.”

RA PRESIDENT CONSIDERS RELATIONS WITH NATO WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION POLICY OF ARMENIA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 23 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Issues relating
to NATO-Armenia cooperation were discussed at RA President Robert
Kocharian’s May 23 meeting with Special Representative of NATO
Secretary General on South Caucasian Issues Robert Simmons. Positively
estimating the process of the Armenian Individual Partnership
Actions Plan with NATO, Robert Simmons mentioned that considerable
progress was registered in the issue of fulfilment of the program’s
provisions in a short time. In this context they attached importance
to implementation of the respective reforms in the country’s defence
system and to strengthening of democracy. Considering relations with
NATO within the framework of Armenia’s European integration policy,
the President said that an interdepartmental commission has been formed
lately for the purpose of confronting the work with different European
structures and for moving forward in a more systematized way. The
commission will periodically inform the President of the process of
actions in this direction. “Our goal is not to lag behind the planned
work, on the contrary, to move forward at quicker rates and to fully
implement the joint programs,” Robert Kocharian stressed. As Noyan
Tapan was informed from RA President’s Press Service, Robert Kocharian
in general outline also touched upon the recent developments in the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress