Turkish Press
Oct 7 2005
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CUMHURIYET
EP DELEGATION: `WILL THE `GENOCIDE’ BE RECOGNIZED?’
Members of the European Parliament Human Rights Subcommittee led by
Helene Flautre yesterday paid a visit to the Turkish Parliament.
During the meeting, delegation members called on Ankara to recognize
the Armenian genocide claims and consider the issue of education in
Kurdish. Polish members of the delegation noted that Poland had to
acknowledge its part in the Jewish holocaust and asked when Turkey
would face up to its own history. Afterwards, Ozlem Cercioglu of the
Republican People’s Party (CHP) said, `There were losses on both
sides during the war. Although Turkey has opened up all of its
archives, Armenia still refuses to open theirs.’ /Cumhuriyet/

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) 630 Second
Avenue, New York, NY 10016Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of
Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: {}
October 6, 2005
ACYOA HOSTS PAN NORTH AMERICAN RETREAT AT ARARAT CENTER
Even in today’s fast-paced, iPod-Xbox-TiVo culture, the ancient
rhythms of the Armenian Church still have a place and value.
“Baptism: Finding Modern Meaning in Ancient Rites” was the theme of
the first Pan North American Youth Retreat organized by the Armenian
Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) on September 23 to 25,
2005.
“This retreat was a very enriching experience that went deep into
the rituals and meaning of baptism and how it is a true blessing,”
said Angelraven Tevan, 20, a parishioner at the St. James Church of
Watertown, MA. “Learning how to appreciate the importance of baptism
is so important.”
The weekend brought together 50 young people from the Eastern,
Western, and Canadian dioceses for lecture presentations, worship,
small group Bible study, creative self-expression, and interactive
sessions. The weekend activities ended appropriately enough with the
Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Bedros Kadehjian.
“For me, the retreat was the epitome of all that encompasses both
the spiritual and social aspects of the ACYO,” said Gregory
Kalayjian, 31, a participant from the Canadian Diocese. “The only
negative comment I have is that this spiritual journey had to come to
an end.”
The ACYOA Central Council hosted the weekend at the Eastern
Diocese’s Ararat Center in upstate New York after leaders met last
year at the request of the three North American primates —
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and Bishop
Bagrat Galstanyan.
The three Diocesan leaders wanted young people to get together in
order to discuss common concerns and challenges related to youth
involvement in the church. Each primate made a financial pledge to
make this unique retreat affordable to the participants.
“While we may have some geographical differences, hearing the same
viewpoints and priorities directly from our brothers and sisters from
the West Coast and Canada only further motivated us, as the Central
Council, to continue in our common mission,” said Maria Derderian,
ACYOA Central Council Chair. “It was an exciting gathering and could
have only taken place with the support — both moral and financial —
of our respective primates. We are very grateful for their
leadership.”
Next year’s retreat will be hosted by the ACYO of the Western
Diocese at their campgrounds in California. A joint Habitat for
Humanity trip to Armenia is also being explored by organizers.
“There are many similarities and differences between our three
regions, and we need to bridge the gap to take advantage of what we
all have to offer,” said Johnny El Chemmas, a member of the ACYOA
Central Council of the Eastern Diocese. “We have much to learn and
gain from each other,”
Leading presentations and discussions at this year’s inaugural
gathering were clergy and Diocesan staff including: Fr. Stepanos
Doudoukjian, pastor of the St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, and
director of vocations and youth for St. Nersess Seminary; Fr. Aren
Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory Church of Chicago, IL; Fr. Bedros
Kadehjian, interim mission parish coordinator for the Diocese; Nancy
Basmajian, ACYOA executive secretary; Jason Demerjian, college
ministry facilitator for the Eastern Diocese; Jennifer Morris, the
Eastern Diocese’s youth outreach coordinator; and Daron Bolat, an
intern with the Eastern Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education.
This was the first such program involving youth from all three North
American cioceses since
1989 when the Western Diocese hosted a joint retreat with the
Eastern Diocese in Las Vegas.
“The ACYO members feel at home in the Armenian Church. Many are
driven by a passionate concern and care to reach out to other young
people who are lost sheep, while many feel a strong desire to serve
the church,”
Fr. Doudoukjian said. “I encouraged all those young men and women to
think and pray about a life in the church, either as a priest, deacon,
lay leader, or youth leader, and to consider attending St. Nersess to
study as a seminarian. My prayer is that these same young people will
be our priests and leaders to advance the faithful of our Armenian
Church well into the 21st century.”
For many of the participants, the theological discussions were just
a part of the weekend, which was highlighted by getting to know other
young Armenians from across the continent who share the same
commitment to the Armenian faith.
“It was so wonderful to get connected with our Western and Canadian
counterparts, and to know that we are all together working towards
the same goal to: bring Armenian youth into a stronger relationship
with Christ for a better future for our Armenian Church,” said Talar
Topjian, an ACYOA member form the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC.
— 10/6/05
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
{}.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): At the first Pan North American Youth Retreat, 50
young people from the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Dioceses gathered
at the Eastern Diocese’s Ararat Center.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Young participants in the Pan North American
Youth Retreat discuss the Armenian faith and its connection to modern
life at the Eastern Diocese’s Ararat Center.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Participants in the Pan North American Youth
Retreat, which ran from September 23 to 25, 2005, took part in a
series of workshops, discussions, and services. Here they are
renouncing Satan, which is done at the beginning of a Baptismal
service.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): From left, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Fr. Aren
Jebejian, and Fr. Bedros Kadehjian anoint the foreheads of
participants during a discussion on baptism during the Pan North
American Youth Retreat, organized by the ACYOA, which ran from
September 23 to 25, 2005, at the Eastern Diocese’s Ararat Center.
# # #

Straw’s assessment was very appropriate.
‘London Threatens with Recognition of TRNC’
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Thursday, October 06, 2005
zaman.com
The launch of Turkey’s talks with the European Union (EU) continues to
receive widespread media coverage in Europe.
A story appeared in Greek Cypriot newspaper Fileleftheros, with the headline
“Rapprochement Through Pressure,” saying that Britain is blackmailing the
Greek Cypriots “politically” to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) in dense lobbying activities in Luxembourg.
Britain has pressured more on the authority of the Greek Cyprus to
emasculate the importance of talks regarding Turkey’s responsibilities
towards the Greek Cypriots in accordance with the Negotiation Framework
Document through the enlightening statement of the presidency, it was
claimed.
The newspaper also reported that with pressures increasing after an
agreement was reached with Austria, the Greek Cypriot authority feared that
it might be left alone; therefore, it agreed to the “enlightening statement”
of Britain.
In the meantime, Armenian hopes have risen for the opening of its border
with Turkey and the acknowledgement of the “genocide” allegations after
Turkey was allowed to negotiate with the EU.
The Armenian opinion of the negotiation start is that Turkey will feel
compelled to open its borders with Armenia as soon as possible, said
Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamlet Gasparyan.
The Armenian government hopes for Turkey’s acknowledgement of the Armenian
genocide while negotiations are in progress, Gasparyan asserted in
connection with the allegations of Armenian genocide.

Benfica face Budapest test
Friday, 7 October 2005
by Márton Dinnyés & Paul Saffer
Hungarian champions Colorspectrum Aramis Budapest face
a baptism of fire in the UEFA Futsal Cup this week
with SL Benfica among their opponents in first
qualifying round Group 3, along with AGBU Ararat
Nicosia FC and Tal Grig Yerevan.
Troubled summer
Budapest completed the Hungarian double last season,
but go into the mini-tournament, which starts on
Sunday, after a troubled summer. Hungary goalkeeper
Zoltán Balázs, who starred at February’s UEFA European
Futsal Championship, has left the club after falling
out with the management. His international team-mates,
Zoltán Szabó and Tamás Frank, have also been
struggling with injury but should play.
‘We have problems’
Coach Ferenc Soós said: “We have problems, but the
players are taking their task very seriously. We have
trained more than we ever have done. They are
passionate and concentrate only on their preparation.”
‘Only one aim’
Ferenc Ragadics, head of the club’s Futsal department,
added: “I hope all the spectators will enjoy these
games. We have only one aim – that the qualification
issue will be decided on the last day when we play
Benfica.”
Experienced Ararat
That match closes proceedings at Ferencváros’s
handball court, for which entry is free, on Wednesday.
Before then, on Sunday, Benfica set the ball rolling
against Cypriot champions Ararat – who have played in
every previous Futsal Cup but never progressed beyond
this stage – and Budapest then play Yerevan. On
Monday, Yerevan take on Benfica and Budapest encounter
Ararat.
In form
Benfica, Futsal Cup finalists in 2003/04, are now
coached by Adil Amarante, with the man who led them to
their encounter with Boomerang Interviú FS, Alípio
Matos, having become club manager. They missed out on
Europe last term after losing the Portuguese title to
Sporting Club de Portugal, yet defeated their rivals
to reclaim the championship in 2004/05 and have won
both Premier League matches so far this season.
Yerevan scrape through
Yerevan, by contrast, are tournament debutants, having
won the preliminary round group by the skin of their
teeth – had they lost their closing game against hosts
London White Bear by more than 2-1, they would have
been out in third place.
Benfica tipped
Coach Ruben Nazaretyan told uefa.com after that tie:
“Last year our champions Politekhnik Yerevan played
Sporting and I watched the game in Portugal. But I
know nothing about Benfica, although I will try and
find out and work out how we can train to play against
them – they will be the best team.”
©uefa.com 1998-2005.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NewKerala.com, India
Oct 8 2005
Shekhawat becomes first Indian to receive Armenian university
doctorate
Yeravan (Armenia), Oct.7 : Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was
today honoured with an honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine by the
Yerewan State Medical University at Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Shekhawat is the first Indian to receive this Armenian honour. The
degree along with a gold medallion was presented to the Indian Vice
President at a special convocation that coincided with Diamond
Jubilee of the university.
Speaking on the occasion, Shekhawat underlined that todays
governance by the State is basically meant to secure human
development and augment happiness. Improving quality of education and
providing effective healthcare are the two primary means to achieve
these objectives. It is, therefore, important that highest quality
and standards are maintained in our medical education system so that
it keeps pace with the changing requirements and fast technological
developments.
Underlining the need for providing affordable healthcare to the
common people at large, including the poor and the deprived sections
of the society, Shekhawat said that the challenge to build an
affordable public health system is really very formidable and demands
an innovative approach.
In every country one finds the rich and vast traditional wisdom of
medicine which has so well served the poor, Shekhawat said and added
that the key to an affordable and reliable healthcare system lies in
the integrated system of medicine.
He hoped that medical universities would focus on these issues which
vitally impact public healthcare and added that these issues are also
receiving serious consideration in Indian and integrated courses in
medical education are being envisaged.
The Vice President also said that India has made significant progress
since independence which is largely due to its rich reservoir of
highly qualified technical and professional manpower today. The
medical and health sector, therefore, offers new opportunities for
cooperation between India and Armenia, he added.
Earlier, Shekhawat held talks with the Prime Minister of Armenia,
Andranik Margarian. Later a lunch in honour of Shekhawat was hosted
by Robert Kocharian, President of Armenia.
Shekhawat also visited the Holy Echmiadzin Church and had a meeting
with HH Karegin II, Catholicos of All Armedians.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/07/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit 2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary 3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer 4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online 5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide Legislation 6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks 7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan 8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down Concert 9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo--Build a New Horizon 10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals 11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup OUR NEXT POSTING: Due to the Columbus Day holiday, our next issue will be posted on Tuesday, October 11. 1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit His Holiness Greeted by Large Crowds at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood LOS ANGELES--"We must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life," declared His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, upon his arrival in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 5. Greeted by large crowds who had gathered at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood for the official welcoming and "Hrashapar" service, his arrival marked the beginning of a historic visit to the United States, starting in California, where His Holiness will be meeting with the community and various public officials throughout the state. Prior to his arrival at St.Garabed Church, His Holiness met with California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi where the two discussed several issues including recent insurance settlements for victims of the Armenian Genocide. The Catholicos' motorcade with full dignitary police escorts arrived at St. Garabed Church in the early evening where the city had closed off the entire street to accommodate the overflowing crowds. The Prelates of both the Western Prelacy, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and the Eastern Prelacy, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, accompanied the Catholicos. The arrival ceremony began with the Homenetmen scouts marching band playing the US, Armenian, and Cilician anthems while additional scouts, students from various Armenian schools, members of the community, and residents of the area lined the streets. Also covering the arrival were media including the Los Angeles Times and several local TV stations. At the beginning of the procession were Armenian clergy from throughout the Los Angeles area and California as well as some from the eastern US, including Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese and a representative of Cardinal Mahoney of the Catholic Church. At the entrance of the church a welcoming ceremony was performed with the traditional blessing of bread and salt, the release of white doves and presentation of a bouquet of flowers to His Holiness. Also on hand were various community organization representatives and public officials. To accommodate the overflowing crowds, a large screen was mounted outside the church showing the live video feed of the procession into the church as well as the services inside. After the initial services, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian introduced His Holiness during which he said, "Your presence with us today, Your Holiness, shows the strong bridge that binds us with the Great House of Cilicia and the Holy Catholicosate. This is a bond that is based on faithfulness and strong collaboration." The Archbishop went on to stress that this historic visit of His Holiness will help recommit the community to the devoted service to our faithful people and our homeland. His Holiness Aram I then thanked God for the opportunity to again be with his flock and stated that "a shepherd is strengthened by his flock and the flock is strengthened by its shepherd." He then blessed all the clergy and faithful who were present as well as all the community organizations and people who had worked to make this trip possible. "Today I want to emphasize key values and principles," said His Holiness. "My message is that you must strengthen your belief, deepen and strengthen your faithfulness and reinforce our unity. We must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life." His Holiness has a very busy itinerary which includes many different community events, gatherings and meetings with representatives of church bodies and community organizations. As part of his broader mission, His Holiness will also be meeting with dozens of local, state and federal level public officials and conducting interviews with the mass media including TV, radio and newspapers throughout Los Angeles and California. His Holiness will give a major speech before the World Affairs Council on October 14 entitled "Christianity and the Middle East" and preside over a symposium at the University of Southern California on October 15. As part of his first full day's events on October 6, His Holiness had several meetings with members of the clergy, Church committees and community organizations including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's western region central committee, the regional executives of the Armenian Relief Society and the Homenetmen. His Holiness also had a luncheon with the organizing committee for the Los Angeles visit. His main message was "that whatever we do for God, for the Church, for the nation and the homeland we must do with belief and devotion so that we are successful." His Holiness conducted interviews with the mass media including the Los Angeles Times and a live appearance on KPCC-FM's "Talk of the City" show with Kitty Felde. In the evening he presided over the Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" chapter's celebration of the Armenian alphabet. In the coming few days he will meet with Armenian school students, pay respects at the Armenian Genocide monument in Montebello, and bless the new Western Prelacy building in La Cresenta on Saturday, October 8. There also will be a Pontifical Holy High Mass at St. Mary's Armenian Church in Glendale as well as a Pontifical banquet in his honor on Sunday, October 9. Giving the trip special meaning this time is the fact that it will mark the 10th anniversary of His Holiness' election to Catholicos. It also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Antelias Seminary, the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet, and the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. 2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary SAN FRANCISCO--This November, the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School in San Francisco, CA will celebrate its 25th anniversary. To ensure the continued success and financial stability of the only Armenian American School in Northern California, the Finance Committee of the school has established the KZV Endowment Fund, which has already raised $1.4 million. For 25 years, KZV has pursued its mission "to provide a first rate, high quality academic education in a safe environment, while also instilling in [the] students a sense of pride in their Armenian identity." The school has consistently produced high scoring students and graduates who have continued their education at some of the country's finest learning institutions. With the help of the Endowment Fund, the KZV plans on improving and adding to its current programs. Several new programs include Spanish classes for grades 5 through 8, Honors classes for Algebra, and a newly wired school-wide network. Though the entire San Francisco community has supported the efforts of the school, major donors to the KZV Fund include Henry and Rita Khachaturian ($1 million), Jirair and Serpouhie Sarkissian ($200 thousand), Steve and Louise Krouzian Noroian($150 thousand), and Siroun Bazigian($150 thousand). For more information on the school or to make a donation, call (415)586-8686 or e-mail [email protected]. 3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer (BBC)--A journalist in Turkey has been found guilty of insulting Turkish identity and given a suspended six-month jail sentence by a court in Istanbul. Hrant Dink, of Armenian-Turkish descent, wrote a newspaper column which he argued was aimed at improving relations between Turkey and Armenia. He is the editor of a bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper, Agos. The prosecution interpreted part of the article as an insult. A paragraph in the article calling on Armenians to symbolically reject "the adulterated part of their Turkish blood" was taken as offensive. The judge ruled that Dink's newspaper column implied that Turkish blood was dirty. The verdict follows criminal code reforms as Turkey seeks to join the EU. The reforms were intended to improve freedom of speech in Turkey. The BBC's Sarah Rainsford said the judge ordered a suspended sentence as it was Dink's first offense. But the nationalist lawyers who brought the case were disappointed. "There was an obvious humiliation and result of this case should be at least two and a half years or three years criminal charge," one said. Dink's lawyer Fethiye Cetin said the ruling showed how little had changed under Turkey's new criminal code, despite international and internal pressure. Human rights lawyers believe his case shows there are still no-go areas for discussion here and the new laws leave substantial room for interpretation. Dink says he will appeal the ruling. But if he cannot clear his name, he will leave the country. "If I'm guilty of insulting a nation," he told the BBC, "then it's a matter of honor not to live here." 4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online --Two-Minute Film of the September 27th Rally Outside the Batavia, Illinois Office of Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert available at --Serj Tankian to be interviewed on Friday, October 7th on Air America Radio 10:00pm-1:00am (EST) on US Recognition of the Armenian Genocide WASHINGTON, DC--Hundreds of thousands around the world learned about the Armenian Genocide today--many for the first time--as a two-minute on-line video of System Of A Down's recent rally in support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution began circulating across the internet, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The video features footage of the multi-platinum band's visit, along with hundreds of their fans, to the Batavia, Illinois office of Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL). At the September 27 rally, which was organized by System Of A Down, the ANCA, the Armenian Youth Federation and Axis of Justice, band members Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan delivered a letter asking the Speaker to honor his pledge to hold a vote on legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. In the wake of the overwhelming approval of this legislation by the House International Relations Committee on September 15, the decision to allow this measure to move forward now rests in the Speaker's hands. He can either schedule a vote on the House floor or, by delaying its consideration, effectively prevent its passage. If adopted, the legislation would officially recognize Turkey's systematic and deliberate destruction of 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923. To watch the video, go to: "The Mike Malloy Show" on Air America will broadcast an interview with Serj Tankian on Friday, October 7 regarding U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The show, featuring guest-hosts Anthony Lappe and Paul Rieckhoff, will air 10:00 pm to 1:00 am (Eastern U.S.) For a listing of local stations, go to: <; ions To ask the Speaker to support the Armenian Genocide Resolution: < ck_compose/?alertid=8041966>www.capw
iz.com/anc a/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=8041966
5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide
Legislation
“Official US recognition and Turkish acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide
are not, as the Department argues, obstacles to improved Armenia-Turkey
relations, but
rather essential keys to progress toward the normalization of relations
between
these
two states.” –Ken Hachikian
WASHINGTON, DC–The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
responded formally to the State Department’s efforts, in the days leading
up to
the House International Relations Committee’s September 15 approval of two
resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide, to defeat these measures and
prevent official US recognition of this crime against humanity.
In an October 5 letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian voiced the profound moral outrage of Armenians over the
Administration’s ongoing complicity in Turkey’s campaign of genocide
denial. In
his two-page letter, Hachikian explained the Armenian American community’s
opposition, on moral, geo-political and democratic grounds, to the State
Department’s obstruction of Congressional efforts to reaffirm the Armenian
Genocide.
Hachikian said in the letter, “the Department’s assertion that even House
floor debate on Armenian Genocide legislation would harm U.S. interests is
both
fundamentally undemocratic and offensive to all those elected to represent us
in our national legislature… American interests are served by the open
functioning of our democratic institutions, not by “gag-orders” – imposed by a
foreign government and enforced by our own State Department – regarding what
can and cannot be discussed by members of the U.S. Congress.”
On September 15, after nearly three hours of debate, the House International
Relations Committee, voted overwhelmingly in favor of two measures (HRES 316
and HCON 195) calling for proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and
urging Turkey to end its decades long denial of this crime against humanity.
6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks
On September 24, nine young Armenians joined the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) ranks in a ceremony held at the Armenian Center in Woodside,
N.Y.
Five of the new inductees are from New York, two from New Jersey and two from
Washington.
The ceremony was held with the participation of ARF Bureau Member Vicken A.
Hovsepian, ARF Eastern Region United States Central Committee members and ARF
members from the three regions.
In his remarks, Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan reminded the
inductees
that they are joining one of the oldest organizational units of the ARF and
that they have inherited the responsibility of preserving and continuing 111
years of relentless struggle, sacrifice, and work.
Before presiding over the oath ceremony, Hovsepian addressed the inductees
and
noted that by joining the ARF they are becoming members of a family that
strives day and night for the interests of Armenia and the entire Armenian
nation.
Hovsepian underlined that the key to the ARF’s perseverance lies in the
complete devotion of its members to the ideals of the ARF and by the fact that
they keep on raising the bar of what they expect of themselves and their
organization.
It is worth noting that during the past year, two additional people joined
the
ARF in New Jersey, an additional two in Washington, two in Boston and six in
Providence. This brings the total number of new inductees into the ARF ranks
during the past year to 21.
7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan
Critics’ Forum
By Adriana Tchalian
Armenian photography may be defined as photography by or about Armenians. The
description is similar to Aram Kouyoumdjian’s definition of “Armenian
Theater,”
in his article of the same name in Critics’ Forum. Armenian photography is
perhaps an even more difficult subject to survey, given the lack of
information
on the topic. Simply put, there is no comprehensive literature on this very
important subject. Even Armenian visual artists, including photographers
themselves, are sometimes unfamiliar with Armenian photography and Armenian
photographers. Why is that so?
Part of the problem has to do with the disconnected and dispersed state of
the
Armenian people where the centralization of information is difficult. And
though the worldwide scope of the internet has the potential to fill this gap,
that potential is yet to be fulfilled in Armenian photography.
Part of the responsibility lies with us, the Armenian viewing public, who,
much like mainstream society, place greater value on painting than other forms
of visual art. Yet there is far more innovative work being done today in the
field of Armenian photographyand especially documentary photography.
Ara Oshagan, himself a documentary photographer, has been following Armenian
photography since the early 1990’s and has collected in that span countless
names, books and articles on the subject, an unusual accomplishment. I sat
down
with him recently and had an extensive conversation about the future of
Armenian photography, and particularly documentary photography in the
diaspora.
Oshagan believes that “the most important work in documentary photography
about Armenians is being done by Armenians themselves.” These include
photographers like Ara Guler of Istanbul who has created his very own
signature
“street photographs” of his beloved city and has several books to his name;
Max
Sivaslian and Antoine Agoudjian, both from France, have worked in Armenia and
Karabagh and have managed to both publish monographs of their work; Edmond Ter
Hagopian of London has done very important work in the Leninakan earthquake
region, looking at the aftermath of that catastrophe 10 years on; Hrair Hawk
Khacherian of Montreal has single-mindedly dedicated his life to photographing
Armenian subjects. Also working in Armenia and Karabagh for many years are
Robert Kurkijian and Mathew Karanian.
“Steering clear of single, catastrophic eventsin this case, the Armenian
earthquake of 1988one can find notable and important excursions by
non-Armenians into Armenian territory,” explains Oshagan. Jerry Berndt, for
instance, a well-known American photographer, has now published two books that
include photographs from his multiple trips to Armenia. These projects were
wholly supported by Dr. Donald Miller of USC; Bruce Strong has published a
book
of photographs on Armenia; and John Tordai of England has worked in Armenia
and
the reclusive Bruce Haley in Karabagh.
According to Oshagan, “there are also Armenians of significant accomplishment
doing work with non-Armenian topics.” These include Nubar Alexanian, the
author
of three major books, the first one on Peru by the Aperture Foundation;
Michael
Hintlian with a recent monograph on the Boston subway; Eric Grigorian, the
winner of the 2003 World Press Award Photo of the Year. And there are many
others.
Among female Armenian photographers, there is Alexandra Avakian, who is a
photographer for the National Geographic and recently published a lengthy
essay
on Armenia. Also notable is Armineh Johannes who has not only worked with
Armenians in Armenia and Karabagh but also in Georgia and Iran. Aline
Manoukian
who photographed the Lebanese Civil war for years, Sara Anjargolian with her
photos from Armenia and, Greta Torossian from Beirut, whose work is
included in
an exhibit about the Arab worldNazarwhich is currently being exhibited at the
Aperture Gallery in New York.
Oshagan also spent some time discussing his own photographic projects and the
travels associated with them. Since 1999, he has traveled to various parts of
the world, in an effort to photograph Armenian life. He is scheduled to make
yet another trip next month. According to Oshagan, “the photographs taken in
Karabagh, as well as Los Angeles, Yerevan and New York are part of a long-term
photographic project that involves the exploration and documenting of the
Armenian nation and its way of life, in a global sense.” He added, “I’m
interested in exploring the lives of Armenians in the diaspora, wherever it
exists and evolves. These include Beirut, Istanbul, Syria, Haleb, and Kessab,
among others.”
Despite its emphasis on diasporan communities, Oshagan’s documentary
photography does not fall under the rubric of what we might call
“multiculturalism,” a term that emphasizes the distinct characteristics of
different cultures and their preservation within one nation.
The Postmodern phenomenon of “transculturation”as defined by critic Fernando
Ortizis perhaps a better conceptual model for defining and understanding
Armenian documentary photography in general and Oshagan’s work in particular.
Simply put, transculturation is the merging of different cultures into a new
cultural phenomenon.
A focus of the theory of transculturation is the concept of the “fetish.” In
Visual Culture (1999), Nicholas Mirzoeff explains that the small wooden
figurines common in the Congo (or Kongo, modern-day Zaire), known as the
minkisi, were regarded by nineteenth-century European settlers as “primitive,”
due to the pierced nails and other sharp objects embedded in them.
Mirzoeff suggests that Europeans did not realize at the time that the
nails on
the minkisi were, in fact, derived from medieval Christian iconography brought
to Africa by fifteenth-century European missionaries. In Mirzoeff’s words, the
“pierced body image was transculturatedthat is to say, the image was
acculturated in Kongo during the Christian period, deculturated as Christian
observance diminished and given neo-cultural form in the minkisi” (152).
In similar fashion, Oshagan’s photographs capture the synthesis of Armenian
and mainstream (and less-than-mainstream) cultures. Oshagan’s approach
seems to
recognize the fact that life within the Armenian diasporabe it within Los
Angeles, Paris, Tehran or Beirutcan no longer be identified as multicultural.
It is better described as transcultural, one that is constantly merging,
changing and giving way to new expressions.
Oshagan’s equivalent of Mirzoeff’s fetishes are items such as the designer
pots and pans in Burbank (2002), set aside the silhouettes of more familiar
objects in Armenian life, now amalgamated into the Armenian experience. What
was once identified as mainstream seems fused in the photograph into Armenian
life, which has in turn fashioned a “new” culture. It is the creation and
re-creation of this new culture that Oshagan captures in his work.
Oshagan’s other projects include Juvies, a series on high-risk juvenile
offenders; iwitness, with photographer Levon Parian, featuring portraits of
survivors of the Armenian Genocide; UrbanScapes, photographs of Los Angeles,
Yerevan, and New York; and Traces of Identity: An Insider’s View of the Los
Angeles Armenian Community.
Since 1999, Oshagan has traveled to Karabagh a number of times for an
upcoming
book publication. The photographs will be placed alongside Armenian text
written several years ago by Oshagan’s father, the writer and critic, Vahe
Oshagan. According to the younger Oshagan, “there’s an indirect link
between my
father’s text and my photos. They compliment each other rather than
offering an
explanation.” It appears that Ara Oshagan’s photography will continue to
explore and produce even more opportunities for comparison and growth, both
personal and cultural.

Adriana Tchalian holds a Masters in Art History and has managed several art
galleries in Los Angeles. You can reach her or any of the other
contributors to
Critics’ Forum at [email protected]. Critics’ Forum is a group
created
to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora. To
sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email
to [email protected].
8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down
Concert
ROSEMONT, Ill.- Thousands of fans attending the System Of A Down (SOAD)
concert
on September 30 were met by ANC and AYF activists from Chicago, Karine
Birazian, Sona Birazian, and Nairee Hagopian, working to collect petitions
addressed to Speaker of the House, Rep. Dennis Hastert urging him to “do the
right thing” and bring the Genocide resolution to the House floor for a vote.
Many fans are already aware of the resolution thanks to System Of A Down’s
Website and the September 27 rally held in front of Rep. Hastert’s office.
Fans
commented that “Armenians deserve justice and genocide recognition.” Several
came up to the table looking for more information on the Genocide, while
others
stated that they already sent a Web fax to Rep. Hastert through System Of A
Down’s Website.
Within three hours, over 700 petitions were signed and collected in
support of
the resolution. The activists, however, did not work alone. Armenians from the
community and several SOAD fans dedicated time that evening to help collect
signatures as well.
“Being a part of this event was incredible. I was shocked that so many people
are already aware about the resolution,” said Chicago AYF member Karine
Birazian. “We are so grateful that System Of A Down has given us and other
Armenians the opportunity to volunteer at their concerts and promote genocide
recognition. I truly believe that recognition of the Armenian genocide is in
our reach and will be achieved in our lifetime,” she said.
At the end of the concert, lead singer Serj Tankian announced on stage
that he
promised his 97-year-old grandfather that he will continue working for
genocide
recognition. Loud cheers came from the crowd as Armenian flags were waving
high
in the air.
Many of the Armenian activists and SOAD fans present at the concert were also
at the successful rally held in front of Rep. Hastert’s office in Batavia,
Ill., on September 27. The two hour rally, led by band members Tankian and
John
Dolmayan, called upon Hastert to bring the Genocide resolution to a vote.
9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo–Build a New Horizon
Launches Thanksgiving Day Telethon
LOS ANGELES–On September 14, Armenia Fund, Inc. launched Telethon
2005–Build
a New Horizon-with a logo unveiling ceremony and reception at the Casa
Adobe de
San Rafael in Glendale, California.
The logo and the theme “Build a New Horizon” was created by local graphic
artist Helena Gregorian. The orange and white logo features the four key
elements of Telethon 2005–agricultural development, construction of water
distribution systems, health care, and education.
Produced by Armenia Fund, Inc. since 1996, the Telethon has become a
Thanksgiving Day tradition for Armenians around the world. Through the annual
Telethons, Armenians around the world are able to participate in the
nation-building of their homeland by supporting large-scale infrastructure
development and humanitarian projects in Armenia and Karabagh.
The Telethon 2005 launch brought together representatives from all large
Armenian organizations and a number of local officials from the cities of
Glendale, La Canada, Pasadena, and Burbank as well as California State
Representatives.
Elaborating on this year’s Telethon theme, the Chairperson of Armenia Fund,
Inc., Maria Mehranian said: “This year our fundraising focus will be on
Martakert, the Northern region of Karabagh that has been the hardest hit
and is
in the most need of revitalization. One of the most urgent needs for the
population of Martakert is Healthcare and that is what our focus will be in
the
US Western Region.”
Among other projects such as drinking water, agricultural development and
education, this year’s Telethon will raise funds for the Martakert Regional
Hospital and Ambulance System that will service 20,000 in more than 50
villages
in all five sub-regions of Martakert. Ara Aghisian, Vice Chairman of Armenia
Fund, Inc., announced upcoming Telethon 2005 events and activities including a
November 18 gala dinner at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel featuring the
President of Mountainous Karabagh Republic Arkady Ghoukasian and Armenian
Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian.
Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 24 from 8:00AM to 8:00PM (PST),
Telethon 2005 is a 12-hour, live broadcast airing in over 25 cities throughout
the United States as well as Europe, South America, the CIS and the Middle
East.
For more information on Armenia Fund, Telethon 2005, please contact Armenia
Fund at 818.243.6222 or visit the newly updated website at
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501©(3) tax-exempt corporation
established
in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development
assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S.
Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund.
10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals
GLENDALE–The Armenian National Committee-Professional Network (ANC-PN) hosted
their second Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 1 at the Homenetmen
Glendale “Ararat” Chapter’s Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall. The sold out
event featured an opportunity to meet and network with other young
professionals. Harout Pamboukjian kept the audience energized into the late
hours of the night with his electric brand of Armenian pop music.
“We are very proud of the ANC-PN for energizing the young Armenian
professionals of southern California with such a successful event,” said Armen
Martin, Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) Board
Member. “We view the ANC-PN as the bridge which will get the next
generation of
Armenian American leaders involved in the betterment of our community, and
successful events such as the dinner dance demonstrate that their message is
being heard.”
Proceeds from the event will go to support the ANCA’s effort to move the
Armenian Genocide resolutions forward in the House of Representatives.
Attendees of the dinner dance were encouraged to sign petitions urging Speaker
Hastert to take the Resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives.
Last month, the House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly
approved
legislation properly recognizing the Genocide. During the course of a
three-hour meeting, 21 Representatives on this 50-member panel spoke in favor
of HRES 316 [House Resolution] and HCON 195 [House Concurrent Resolution],
which were adopted by bipartisan majorities of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively.
“We are excited about honoring our commitments with the proceeds from the
event. We had a capacity crowd. Anytime we can bring so many young Armenian
American professionals together, it could be considered nothing but a
success,”
said Boghos Patatian, ANC-PN Executive Committee member.
The mission of the ANC-PN is to develop the next generation of Armenian
American leaders. Our vision is to encourage the emergence of an educated and
politically active community of Armenian American professionals who
participate
at the local, state and federal decision-making levels to advance Armenian
issues. The ANC-PN seeks to accomplish its mission by offering educational and
developmental programs and services, and social activities that promote the
growth of participants as effective professionals and strong leaders.
Individuals interested in learning more about the ANC-PN are encouraged to
visit the organization’s website at
11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup
(Little Armenia, CA September 25, 2005) – Last Sunday, over two hundred
Armenian youth gathered in the “Little Armenia” district of Los Angeles to
volunteer for AYF’s 3rd Annual Little Armenia Cleanup. Volunteers from all
over
California, including Fresno and San Francisco, helped remove thousands of
pounds of trash from Little Armenia, bringing the three year total to over
23.5
tons of trash removed by the AYF.
Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles
City
Council member Eric Garcetti’s Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers from
the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF, Homenetmen
Los
Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.
Before the clean up began, Nora Ounjian relayed the AYF Central Executive’s
message to the youth. “The AYF will remain at the forefront of serving our
community and, in particular, will continue to provide our youth with
opportunities of social service,” said Ounjian. Reverend Father Vicken
Vassilian [, representing his Grace Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
of the Western Prelacy Armenian Church,] blessed both the effort of the AYF
and
the volunteers’ service to the community.
Los Angeles’ 13th District City Council member Eric Garcetti thanked the
volunteers for their efforts and praised the initiative of both the volunteers
and the AYF. The Council member awarded the AYF with a desktop plaque that
carries the seal of the city of Los Angeles and reads, “Little Armenia.”
In the coming weeks, many more “Welcome to Little Armenia” light-post banners
will be added to the 63 that have been erected in previous years. Depicting
the
Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mount Ararat, the banners have added a
touch of Armenia to the community.
The Armenian Youth Federation would like to thank the volunteers and the
official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean Up, without whom the event would
not have been the success that it was. Sponsors included Adin of California,
Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, Horizon Armenian Television, Nor Hayastan
Daily Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine, Closet World, Color Depot,
Donoyan
Insurance Agency, Sylvie’s Costumes, Carpet Show, Sun Work’s Tanning, Eric
Garcetti’s Office and staff, and the ARF The Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh,
played a fundamental role in the success of this public service effort.
The Armenian Youth Federation of Western United States strives to serve
Armenian American communities west of the Mississippi through education,
athletics, political activism, cultural activities, and social services. To
learn more about the Armenian Youth Federation please log on to
<; 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) 2005 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 – Professional Network
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.3500 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, October 7, 2005
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-3500
ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young
Professionals
GLENDALE, CA- The Armenian National Committee – Professional Network
(ANC-PN) hosted their 2nd Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 1,
2005 at the Homenetmen Glendale `Ararat’ Chapter’s
Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall. The sold out event featured an
opportunity for attendees to meet and network with other young
professionals. The incomparable Harout Pamboukjian kept the audience
energized into the late hours of the night with his electric brand of
Armenian pop music.
`We are very proud of the ANC-PN for energizing the young Armenian
professionals of southern California with such a successful event,’
said Armen Martin, Armenian National Committee of America-Western
Region (ANCA-WR) Board Member. `We view the ANC-PN as the bridge
which will get the next generation of Armenian American leaders
involved in the betterment of our community, and successful events
such as the dinner dance demonstrate that their message is being
heard.’
Proceeds from the event will be used to support the ANCA’s effort to
pass the Armenian Genocide resolution forward in the House of
Representatives. Attendees of the dinner dance were encouraged to
sign petitions urging Speaker Hastert to bring up the Armenian
Genocide resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives. Last
month, the House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly
approved legislation properly recognizing the Genocide. During the
course of a three-hour meeting, 21 Representatives on this 50-member
panel spoke in favor of H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195, which were
adopted by bipartisan majorities of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively.
`We are excited about honoring our commitments with the proceeds from
the event. We had a capacity crowd. Anytime we can bring so many young
Armenian American professionals together, it could be considered
nothing but a success,’ said Boghos Patatian, ANC-PN Executive
Committee member.
`The dinner dance surpassed my expectations. It was remarkable that we
even drew young professionals from San Diego’, said Lena Benneian. `I
am honored to be a new member of the ANC-PN Executive Committee and
look forward to many more successful events.’
Individuals interested in learning more about the ANC-PN are
encouraged to visit the organization’s website at
The mission of the ANC-PN is to develop the next generation of
Armenian American leaders. Our vision is to encourage the emergence of
an educated and politically active community of Armenian American
professionals who participate at the local, state and federal
decision-making levels to advance the Armenian Cause. The ANC-PN seeks
to accomplish its mission by offering educational and leadership
development programs and services, and social activities that promote
the growth of participants as effective professionals and strong
leaders.
Editor’s Note: Photos attached.

PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian
NAASR LECTURE ON OTTOMAN ARMENIAN
PHOTOGRAPHS IN GETTY MUSEUM

Van Aroian of Worcester, MA, will give an illustrated lecture on
“Armenian Photographs in the Getty Museum,” at the Center and
Headquarters of the National Association for Armenian Studies and
Research (NAASR), 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA, on Thursday evening,
October 13, at 8:00 p.m.
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California, houses the Getty Research
Library, which contains an impressive collection of Ottoman photographs.
This collection is an invaluable resource for Ottoman scholars,
ethnographers, historians of Ottoman photography, and students of
Armenian Ottoman life. Furthermore, this collection provides a valuable
resource for an investigator interested in developing the significant
contribution of Armenian photographers to the early development of
photography throughout the Ottoman Empire.
Sampling of an Important Collection
The program will provide a visual presentation and sampling of the
Ottoman photo collection at the Getty Research Institute, with a focus
on its Armenian flavor and contributions. On a fundamental level this
collection provides investigators with a rare opportunity actually to
see aspects of Ottoman life and culture – a presentation of a world in
transition captured for succeeding generations. These photos will
provide us the opportunity to walk down memory lane and share together
some social and historic commentary.
Van Aroian spent some six weeks in 1999-2001 looking through the Getty’s
Ottoman photograph collection. He first presented the results of his
investigations into the Getty’s collection in an article in NAASR’s
Journal of Armenian Studies (vol. 7, no.1, Fall-Winter 2002-2003)
entitled “Ottoman Photographs at the J. Paul Getty Research Institute:
Armenian Themes and Contributions.” There he offered an overview of the
collection and provided detailed analyses of several photographs of
direct or indirect relevance to the Armenians.
Aroian earned a BA at Boston University and MA in Middle Eastern Studies
at Harvard University. He was a fellow in Urban Geography at Clark
University and an Urban Planner and Deputy Director of the Worcester
Redevelopment Authority. He later joined his brother in-law, Kevork,
and wife Mary Balekdjian Aroian in importing and retailing Oriental
carpets. He is currently a member of the NAASR Board of Directors.
More information on Aroian’s lecture or seminar or about
NAASR and its programs for the furtherance of Armenian studies,
research, and publication may be had by calling 617-489-1610, by fax at
617-484-1759, by e-mail at [email protected], or by writing to NAASR, 395
Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
Email: [email protected]
For more information:
Zanku Armenian (818) 243-3557
Mercata Group
Catholicos Aram I Arrives In Los Angeles Beginning Historic U.S. Visit
His Holiness Greeted by Large Crowds at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood

(Los Angeles, CA – October 7, 2005) – “We must live with moral values and
have a purpose-driven life,” declared His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, upon his arrival in
Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. Greeted by large crowds who had
gathered at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood for the official welcoming and
“Hrashapar” service, his arrival marked the beginning of a historic visit to
the United States, starting in California, where His Holiness will be
meeting with the community and various public officials throughout the
state. Prior to his arrival at St.Garabed Church, His Holiness met with
California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi where the two
discussed several issues including recent insurance settlements for victims
of the Armenian Genocide.
The Catholicos’ motorcade with full dignitary police escorts arrived at St.
Garabed Church in the early evening where the city had closed off the entire
street to accommodate the overflowing crowds. The Prelates of both the
Western Prelacy, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and the Eastern Prelacy,
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, accompanied the Catholicos. The arrival
ceremony began with the Homenetmen scouts marching band playing the U.S.,
Armenian and Cilicia anthems and additional scouts and students from various
Armenian schools and members of the community and residents of the area
lining the streets. Also covering the arrival were media including the Los
Angeles Times and several local TV stations.
Beginning the procession were Armenian clergy from throughout the Los
Angeles area and California as well as some from the eastern U.S., including
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese and a representative of
Cardinal Mahoney of the Catholic Church. At the entrance of the church a
welcoming ceremony was performed with the traditional blessing of bread and
salt, the release of white doves and His Holiness was presented with a
bouquet of flowers. Also on hand were various community organization
representatives and public officials. To accommodate the overflowing
crowds, a large screen was mounted outside the church showing the live video
feed of the procession into the church as well as the services inside.
After the initial services, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian introduced His
Holiness during which he said, “Your presence with us today, Your Holiness,
shows the strong bridge that binds us with the Great House of Cilicia and
the Holy Catholicosate. This is a bond that is based on faithfulness and
strong collaboration.” The Archbishop went on to stress that this historic
visit of His Holiness will help recommit the community to the devoted
service to our faithful people and our homeland.
His Holiness Aram I then thanked God for the opportunity to again be with
his flock and stated that “a shepherd is strengthened by his flock and the
flock is strengthened by its shepherd.” He then blessed all the clergy and
faithful who were present as well as all the community organizations and
people who had worked to make this trip possible. “Today I want to
emphasize key values and principles,” said His Holiness. “My message is
that you must strengthen your belief, deepen and strengthen your
faithfulness and reinforce our unity. We must live with moral values and
have a purpose-driven life.”
His Holiness has a very busy itinerary which includes many different
community events, gatherings and meetings with representatives of church
bodies and community organizations. As part of his broader mission, His
Holiness also will be meeting with dozens of local, state and federal level
public officials and will conduct interviews with the mass media including
TV, radio and newspapers throughout Los Angeles and California. His
Holiness will give a major speech before the World Affairs Council on
October 14 entitled “Christianity and the Middle East” and preside over a
symposium at the University of Southern California on October 15.
As part of his first full day’s events on October 6, His Holiness had
several meetings with members of the clergy, Church committees and community
organizations including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s western
region central committee, the regional executives of the Armenian Relief
Society and the Homenetmen. His Holiness also had a luncheon with the
organizing committee for the Los Angeles visit. His main message was “that
whatever we do for God, for the Church, for the nation and the homeland we
must do with belief and devotion so that we are successful.” His Holiness
conducted interviews with the mass media including the Los Angeles Times and
a live appearance on KPCC-FM’s “Talk of the City” show with Kitty Felde. In
the evening he presided over the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” chapter’s
celebration of the Armenian alphabet.
In the coming few days he will be meeting with Armenian school students, pay
respects at the Armenian Genocide monument in Montebello and bless the new
Western Prelacy building in La Cresenta on Saturday, October 8. There also
will be a Pontifical Holy High Mass at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in
Glendale as well as a Pontifical banquet in his honor on Sunday, October 9.
Giving the trip special meaning this time is the fact that it will mark the
10th anniversary of His Holiness’ election to Catholicos and also coincide
with the 75th anniversary of the Antelias Seminary, the 1600th anniversary
of the Armenian alphabet and the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Better late than never
Oct 4th 2005
The Economist Global Agenda
The European Union and Turkey have finally agreed on a negotiating
framework that will allow formal talks on Turkish membership of the EU
to begin. Within Turkey and outside it, there are questions about the
predominantly Muslim country’s readiness for Europe
WHEN the countries of the European Union agreed last December to grant
Turkey its fondest dream and begin formal talks on admitting the big,
predominantly Muslim nation as a member, it was no doubt envisaged, or
at least hoped, that the date pencilled in the diary for the start of
the process would be a time of ceremony and celebrations, not bickering
and brinkmanship. But the EU wouldn’t be the EU without those
last-minute panics, replete with desperate horse-trading and
just-good-enough fudges, and in this respect Monday October 3rd did not
disappoint. For much of the day, it looked like the love affair was in
real danger of ending in acrimony. But thanks to some frenzied
diplomatic activity, it ended instead in a firm-though hardly
warm-embrace.
The main sticking point had been the insistence by Austria’s government,
ostensibly isolated but perhaps tacitly backed by others in the EU, that
Turkey be given an explicit alternative to joining the EU: a “privileged
partnership” that falls short of full membership. As a result, by the
middle of Monday afternoon, European diplomats still had not agreed a
common negotiating framework for the accession talks, which had been
scheduled to begin officially at 5pm with a ceremony in Luxembourg
attended by EU bigwigs and Turkey’s foreign minister, Abdullah Gul. It
was finally conceded that, with the deadlock still not broken, there was
no way the event could be held on time. “We are on the edge of a
precipice,” said Jack Straw, Britain’s foreign minister and chairman of
the emergency talks.
A couple of hours later, the EU stepped back from the edge. A common
negotiating framework was finally agreed, after Austria had been
persuaded to step back in line. There followed further confusion, with
the spokesman for the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
having to dismiss reports that his country had accepted the draft.
Finally, several hours after the ceremony had been due to take place,
the Turks confirmed that they could indeed live with the document and
that Mr Gul would be heading off to Luxembourg.
It appears that Austria’s co-operation was bought by clearing the way
for Croatia to open EU membership negotiations of its own. Croatia is an
Austrian ally, and the government in Vienna had linked the Turkish issue
with the Croats’ stalled bid to start accession talks. The EU put its
talks with Croatia on hold in March because, it said, the country’s
government was not co-operating fully with the United Nations war-crimes
tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. But in a statement on Monday whose
timing was almost certainly not coincidental, Carla del Ponte, the UN
war-crimes prosecutor for the Balkans, announced that the Croats were,
after all, doing everything they could to locate and arrest a key
suspect, General Ante Gotovina.
Though Austria has been persuaded to drop its objection to Turkish
membership of the EU, it takes over the Union’s presidency in January
(for six months) and may use its position to try to revive its idea of a
partnership, instead of full membership. It is a view that plenty of
others find appealing. Nicolas Sarkozy, a popular Gaullist who is well
placed to win the French presidency in 2007, opposes Turkish membership.
So does Angela Merkel, who is favourite to take Germany’s chancellorship
following its recent elections, which ended in a hung parliament.
Overall, just 35% of EU citizens support Turkish membership, according
to a recent poll by Eurobarometer.
Some supporters of Turkish membership say it will help to strengthen
ties between the Christian and Muslim worlds. Others argue that failure
to agree terms would have deepened the sense of crisis in Europe after
the rejection of the EU’s draft constitution by French and Dutch voters
in May and June, and the continuing deadlock over the Union’s budget.
But many Europeans are queasy about the idea of taking in a
non-Christian member with a large population (currently 72m), and of
hordes of Turkish job-seekers overwhelming the EU’s current members. It
was precisely because Europe’s national leaders had failed to take
account of its citizens’ concerns that the constitution was voted down,
argue the sceptics; pushing ahead with entry talks for Turkey when the
majority is clearly opposed shows how little those leaders have learnt
from the summer debacle.
The suspicion is mutual
Turkey has doubts about the EU too. Indeed, it raised last-minute
objections of its own on Monday, insisting on clarification of a clause
in the draft negotiating framework that says Ankara may not block the
accession of EU states to international organisations and treaties.
Turkish nationalists and generals expressed concern that this might
prevent Turkey, a member of NATO, blocking Cyprus, which remains divided
into ethic Greek and ethnic Turkish republics, from joining the military
alliance. Turkish fears were only eased after America’s secretary of
state, Condoleezza Rice, telephoned Mr Erdogan to assure him that the
proposed negotiating framework had no relevance to NATO.
Indeed, now that the European club of nations has finally begun formal
talks with Turkey, the focus may shift to the resistance among the Turks
themselves to the legal, economic and cultural changes that the EU is
demanding. To get this far, Turkey has taken such dramatic steps as
abolishing the death penalty, accepting Kurdish as a language in
schools, scrapping state security courts, revising the penal code and
tightening civilian control over the army. Yet it still has a lot to do
on rights, democracy and more before getting in. It must adopt over
80,000 pages of EU law, divided into 35 so-called “chapters”. All 25 EU
members must agree that Turkey has met every condition in each chapter
for that bit of the negotiation to be closed. In other words, anyone can
hold up talks at any time. The Greek-Cypriot president, Tassos
Papadopoulos, has assured his voters that he has scores of vetoes up his
sleeve. After this week’s agreement, France’s President Jacques Chirac
said Turkey needed a “cultural revolution” to get in.
This seemingly never-ending list of required reforms irks Turkish
nationalists, whose influence has been growing since June 2004, when the
outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) ended a five-year truce. A
recent poll shows the jingoistic Nationalist Action Party, which failed
to enter parliament in the 2002 elections, would gain seats today. And
Mr Erdogan’s foes in the army fear that rapprochement with Europe will
reduce their power-and see in Turkey’s internal conflicts a chance to
restore that influence. But solving the Kurdish problem requires more
democracy, not repression, the prime minister insists. People close to
Mr Erdogan say he has pinned his political fortunes on further reforms,
with or without the EU. “He can’t compete on nationalism with the
ultra-nationalists, so it’s in his interest to keep on reforming,” says
a western diplomat.
Another challenge, in his dealings both with sceptical Europeans and his
own voters, is to honour his claim to be giving Turkey its first clean
government. Charges of irregularity in the sale of shares in the state
refinery, Tupras-and also in a tender for the operation of Istanbul’s
Galata port-have weakened that claim. Unless he deals with sleaze, Mr
Erdogan may lose the trust of his own citizens and his European
partners. That would be a pity, when the prime minister has risked so
much for Turkey’s European future