PRESS RELEASE
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) – Yerevan Office
53-55 Pavstos Byuzand Street, 375010
Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Inessa Grigoryan
Tel: (+374 10) 522076; 562068
Fax: (+374 10) 522076
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Children of Armenia Fund – New York Office
630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2100,
New York, NY 10111, USA
Contact: Mariam Dilakian
Tel: 212 – 994 – 8201
Fax: 212 – 994 – 8299
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Internet Connects Karakert to the World
The Karakert Schools Celebrate the Launching of the Internet
Karakert, Armavir District, Republic of Armenia, May 16, 2006 ¾ Today,
the Children of Armenia Fund’s (COAF) Model Village Karakert celebrated
the launch of internet connectivity in the school and the larger
community. The project, realized through partnership with Project
Harmony (PH), will benefit the students of both schools in Karakert
allowing the young generation and other members of the community to
expand their horizons and take advantage of the unlimited informational
and technological potential internet offers.
The School Connectivity Project implemented by PH is in its end phase of
connecting the last group of six schools in Armenia. In Karakert, PH
will provide up-to-date digital equipment necessary for the organization
of educational activities and will conduct training of teachers and
students in the multiple uses of computers and the internet. Within the
parameters of this partnership, COAF provided the furniture and
computers of the Internet Classroom in the newly renovated Karakert
School #2.
The official launch took place today in a ceremony attended by David
Simpson, PH Country Director. Addressing a happy crowd of students and
staff of both Karakert schools, Mr. Simpson emphasized the importance of
being connected through the internet, whether with the rest of Armavir,
with other schools in Armenia, or globally. Mrs. Tamara Baghdasaryan,
principal of the Karakert School #1, noted with pride, “We are happy
today to acknowledge the input of donors for the revitalization of our
village and the contributions made for making our community a better
place for these talented children. This Internet Classroom is yet
another example of the opportunities our children now have to learn and
become productive citizens.”
Both schools of Karakert are co-located in the renovated school building
and have an equal opportunity to be connected to the world. COAF and PH
believe that this joint initiative will open new doors in the lives of
the children of Karakert. COAF will also pursue bringing connectivity
to the other villages of the Model Cluster.
Children of Armenia Fund was founded in 2000 with the aim to reduce
poverty through the revitalization of rural Armenia and the realization
of projects that are instrumental for the revival of communities. With
the introduction of its novel approach to clustering in February 2006,
COAF is currently implementing the Model Cluster working in six villages
in the Baghramyan region of the Armavir District. The key components of
COAF’s Model Cluster project comprise Infrastructure and Economic
Development Programs, and Community Development including Health, Social
and Educational Programs. In 2006, besides its Model Village Karakert,
COAF is also working in Myasnikyan, Shenik, Dalarik, Lernagog and
Argina.
The Armenia School Connectivity Program (ASCP), a program of the US
Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, funded
through the Freedom Support Act and implemented by Project Harmony,
builds local, regional and national capacity to assume responsibility
for the long-term sustainability of the program. ASCP provides
resources, Internet access, and training for a network of schools across
all 11 regions of Armenia. The program allows students, educators and
community members opportunities to access and share information, to
engage in online collaborative projects, and to develop technical skills
marketable in a digital world.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 17, 2006
___________________
THREE ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIPS A SUCCESS
Instead of dreaming about shopping for that next new gadget or throwing a
killer party, dozens of young Armenians spent this spring giving back to the
larger community as participants in the first “Alternative Spring Break,”
organized by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
Through the Diocese’s College Ministry Program, participants in the
“Alternative Spring Break” traveled to southern states to build homes with
Habitat for Humanity.
“I had an awesome time and would definitely do this trip again. There is no
better feeling than giving something back to other people who could use the
help,” said Arineh Nazarian, a senior at University of Massachusetts who
joined the “Alternative Spring Break” trip to Jacksonville, FL. “I also
think it brought our group together: most of us didn’t know each other
before the trip, but in a short time we became really close.”
Three groups of about a dozen Armenian students each took part in the
program, spending a week traveling to Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, or
Jacksonville, FL. The week-long trips were staggered from March 4 to 25,
2006, to allow for the variety of spring breaks on college calendars.
Working side-by-side with the future homeowners, it was not easy to forget
the reason they were sweating away hammering nails and sawing logs. Along
with seeing hope being built in the hearts of families they were helping,
the students got to educate them on who the Armenians were.
“How can I thank you enough for all you have done for my home and my
neighborhood this week? I have fallen in love with all of you,” wrote
homeowner Laurie Leker, who was helped by the participants in the
Jacksonville, FL, trip. “I hope that someday my daughter will grow into the
kind of young people you are, and that she will see that by giving to others
you actually get more for yourself.”
Along with construction work, the participants’ days included prayer, Bible
readings, meditation, and fellowship.
“We talked about trust: trust in God, trust in others, and trust in self.
And I know for me, and I’m sure for many others as well, I am constantly
doubting at least one of those three trusts,” said Karinne Hovnanian, a
student from George Washington University and a participant in the Richmond
trip. “It was really helpful to have experiences where you had to trust
others — having someone spot your ladder for you, for example– to learn
that others were dealing with similar things.”
The local parishes in each community “adopted” the participants, welcoming
them into their communities for the week.
“The St. James Church in Richmond was wonderful. The accommodations were
great and the ACYOA and church parishioners were more than welcoming,” said
Haig Seferian, a student from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute who took part
in the trip to Richmond, VA. “Fr. Hovsep welcomed us with open arms and
there are not enough good things one can say about him, his church and their
parish.”
The cost to participants was kept low to allow all interested Armenians to
join. This is just one of the many ways the Diocese is making our unique
Armenian Christian heritage relevant to the lives of college students.
“We’re trying to connect to the students, through e-mail, campus visits, and
building support structures at local parishes,” said Jason Demerjian,
college ministry facilitator. “The Armenian Church has much to offer even to
today’s young students. It’s great to see so many getting involved in their
church community.”
For more information on the trips, including photos, visit the Diocese’s
college ministry website at
— 5/17/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Participants in the Diocesan College Ministry’s
“Alternative Spring Break” trip to Richmond, VA, work on a construction
project for Habitat for Humanity.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Arineh Nazarian gets a hug from homeowner Laurie Leker
during the Diocese’s “Alternative Spring Break” trip in Jacksonville, FL.

Armenia-Diaspora Rural Poverty Eradication Program
Interview with Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs
May 17, 2006
Armenia TV
Armenia TV: Minister Oskanian, you were in the United States recently, where
you talked about a new Armenia-Diaspora program. What is this program?
Vartan Oskanian: It’s a very broad effort to eradicate rural poverty in
Armenia. The strategic objective of this program is reducing poverty in
rural Armenia’s border villages through an integrated approach. The program
will provide the necessary intervention in the form of infrastructure and
technical support, and in partnership with the residents of the village, the
program will support economic development in order to enable the
sustainability and viability of rural communities. We’re proud that Armenia
has evolved so much over this decade and a half that we are now in a
position to imagine and launch such a far-reaching program.
Armenia TV: Everyone who has visited Armenia comments on the discrepancy in
lifestyle and standard of living between the cities and the rural areas.
Armenia’s economic growth indicators are impressive, but that growth really
has not reached the villages, has it?
Vartan Oskanian: You’re right. Even at this current fast pace, it will take
decades before we reach even the average European level of prosperity. If we
want to ensure that these rural communities are not destined to remain
stagnant, permanent pockets of poverty, if we want to ensure that Armenians
are not born into a cycle of poverty, then we cannot allow development to
simply take its course. We must take practical steps to intervene, to take a
short-cut towards an improved quality of life for our rural citizens.
Armenia TV: What is the scope of this program? There are nearly 1000
villages in Armenia. How will you decide where to begin?
Vartan Oskanian: Of those 1000 villages you just mentioned, 200 are within 3
miles of our borders. The effects of rural poverty and hopelessness on
migration, regional stability, geo-strategic and economic security are
obvious in these villages. That is why we have decided to begin with Armenia’s
border areas.
And, actually, in many of these villages, international organizations,
individual Armenians and the Armenian government are already engaged.
However, the extent of the damage wrought by the economic collapse and the
energy crisis was profound. As a result, it’s going to take a focused,
targeted collaborative effort to improve life for our compatriots in these
critical border areas.
In each of these villages, necessary infrastructure is simply non-existent.
Some have no paved roads, others have no running water, some have no gas or
electricity. Imagine trying to raise a family or make a living without these
basics. Then, in addition to weak infrastructure, they also are often not
economically self-sufficient. They either lack the markets for their
products, or lack the means to get the product to market. In some cases,
they have no viable product even. This is a problem throughout Armenia, but
I don’t think anyone will doubt that the border is critical.
Armenia TV: Why launch such an ambitious and novel program now?
Vartan Oskanian: Why now? There are three main reasons.
First, we want to build on the international momentum that already exists.
Over the next five years, the Millennium Challenge Corporation will build
roads and bring irrigation water to Armenia’s rural areas. In addition,
there is the generous new Lincy program that will build roads and schools
within and outside Yerevan. There are massive World Bank, USAID, DFID and
IFAD programs throughout Armenia. The Armenia Fund, too, has programs
throughout Armenia, as well as Karabakh, of course. We want to leverage
these programs and locate additional funds in order to bring comprehensive
development to the villages. Imagine that a village will, in a few years,
have irrigation water and roads, thanks to the MCC, for example. But imagine
that there will be no drinking water, no health care, no school, no gas or
electricity in that village. Imagine children growing up in a 21st century
rural community that has roads and water and electricity, but is without
access to telephone, television or internet. We can’t let that happen. Now
imagine what we could do together if the Armenian government, Armenia’s
business community, international organizations, and the Armenian Diaspora
came together to leverage the MCC contributions and to build on the MCC
momentum. Imagine a country where development is comprehensive, even, fair
and just.
The second reason to do it now is to sustain the pace of economic
development. Look, we’ve had high growth, at least in part because our point
of departure was low. Our economy had collapsed. But the more the economy
grows, the harder it will be to maintain double-digit growth. Additional
infusion and intervention is necessary and why not target that infusion
towards the areas that need it most?
Finally, Armenia has, over these 15 years, held a leading role in this
region. This may sound surprising, but it’s true. Georgia has a more
favorable geographic position and access to the sea, Azerbaijan has already
been pumping massive amounts of oil – more than 300,000 barrels a day over
the last several years, yet, according to the World Bank, per capita income
is still higher in Armenia. This is something to be proud of, but it’s also
something we must work at. We have to keep that edge even with the prospects
of additional oil revenues expected for Azerbaijan. We can do that only if
we aggressively mobilize our resources and clearly set comprehensive
economic development as our goal.
Armenia TV: In other words, you are reinforcing the adage that the Diaspora
has to make up for Azerbaijan’s oil.
Vartan Oskanian: I am saying that Armenia and Diaspora should decide that we
want every Armenian to be able to live in dignity, to be able to have hope,
to be able to believe in the future, to know that his children will be
educated, that her family can reach a doctor. That is development, that is
the path to a democratic society. Hopeless people don’t believe in
themselves or their leaders, they don’t protect or defend their votes, they
don’t care who wins or who pays them to win. We want a population that has
hope in the future, that believes in themselves, and that has the will to
take on responsibility and hold their leaders accountable.
Armenia TV: What will happen to the various organizations already working
towards rural development?
Vartan Oskanian: This program will make every effort to partner with all
existing organizations and programs in order to achieve maximum
effectiveness and efficiency. We have already spoken to every single
organization, individual and agency (more than 100 in number) with programs
in Armenia’s villages. Our program is not intended to replace or compete
with existing programs. On the contrary, we will work with them to build on
their efforts, to increase their capacity. Our website will reflect their
efforts as well, so that donors and participants receive a complete picture
of what is being done, and what is still needed.
Armenia TV: How will you seek support for this program?
Vartan Oskanian: This very serious and far-reaching program can only succeed
with the active engagement and involvement of a variety of actors and
participants. Individual countries have already expressed a willingness to
focus their development assistance on our rural areas. International
organizations are already focused on rural development. As are individual
Diasporans and Diaspora organizations. Now, we must also engage and involve
Armenia’s businessmen, and new elements of the Diaspora. Those who have
previously looked for specific projects and not found them will find them
now. This project is varied and broad enough that individuals can find a
variety of ways of getting involved. It will be implemented over 5 years,
and this should make it easier to fundraise.
Armenia TV: On the one hand, it’s good that the Diaspora is being offered a
concrete program. On the other hand, some in the Diaspora are not prepared
to engage full-heartedly or to make long-term commitments.
Vartan Oskanian: We know and understand that there are many aspects of this,
or any new program, which will have to be explained in detail in order for
individuals and organizations in the Diaspora to feel comfortable about
engaging and giving. That is why this topic will form the focus of the
agenda of the 3d Armenia-Diaspora Conference, to be held in Yerevan,
September 18 – 20. There, we will explain the program’s purpose, how it will
be implemented, how the funds will be raised and managed, and the key issues
of transparency and accountability will be addressed. We think that it is
possible to use this program as a model for how to handle fundraising and
program implementation, and to do it in a way that inspires confidence and
ensures maximum participation.
Armenia TV: Will the management of the program remain within the MFA and the
Diaspora Conference?
Vartan Oskanian: Between now and the Armenia-Diaspora Conference, we will
have completed the design of the program, the management structure and begun
the process of assessing needs and finding sponsors for villages. After the
Armenia-Diaspora Conference, we envision that the Armenia Fund is best
situated to take over as the umbrella which will appoint a governance board,
a fiscal agent, as well as the management team. This ambitious program is a
natural expansion of the Armenia Fund’s mission – to facilitate
infrastructure and development programs that are beyond the government’s
capacity.
It was a visionary step to create the Armenia Fund, soon after independence,
when its additional resources were sorely needed. It has since completed
projects which have invaluable, strategic significance for Armenia and
Armenians. Now, we are at a stage when we can and should broaden that
vision. Fifteen years after independence, we are no longer desperate and
focused on everyday survival. Today, we must project a vision for Armenia in
2020. Our task is to develop the Armenia Fund into the kind of structure
that will make possible the creation of a prosperous, evenly developed
Armenia for our children. This program is the catalyst for that kind of
transformation. If Armenians needed to strengthen Karabakh to ensure
Karabakh’s survival and prosperity, there can be no doubt that only a strong
Armenia can ensure Karabakh’s long-term future. This rural development
program, which will work to improve the life of all Armenians in Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh will go a long way toward ensuring the irreversibility of
those links.
Of course, the breadth and scope of the program will require the Fund to
increase capacity, to provide even greater transparency and to involve wider
segments of the Diaspora.
Armenia TV: Tell us more about the Armenia-Diaspora Conference. What else
will be on the agenda?
Vartan Oskanian: This conference will be held in the midst of the
celebrations of Armenia’s 15th anniversary. We’ve come a long way over this
decade and a half. We’ve survived against great, great odds. Over the next
15 years, we must work to transform Armenia into the land of your dreams.
That can happen if Armenia’s expectations of the Diaspora and the Diaspora’s
expectations of Armenia are more evenly matched. This conference will also
focus on those issues. In other words, with independence comes the need to
succeed economically. The rural development plan addresses that concern and
makes it possible for the Diaspora to participate in that direction. At the
same time, with independence come questions about identify, about
homeland-diaspora relations, about language and religion, about political
parties and diaspora institutions. And if our traditional organizations used
to look at these questions one way, today’s youth approaches these issues
very differently. They are looking for new answers to old questions. That is
why the second half of the conference will focus on exactly that – New
Answers to Old Questions – A Nation-State in the 21st Century.
This way, we will have addressed the two fundamental issues facing a people
and a country – identity and development — who we are and who we want to
become.
Armenia TV: Minister Oskanian, Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2006
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected] ;Web:
Armenian Publishers Exhibit at the Book Expo 2006 in Washington, DC
`Book Expo 2006,’ to be held in at the Washington Convention Center on May
19 – 21, 2006, will feature Armenian literature and publications presented
by the National Publishers Association of Armenia and Edit Print Publishing
House. Publications by more than 50 publishing houses and companies in
Armenia cover a variety of topics, including general fiction and poetry,
Armenian history, the Armenian Genocide, and children’s literature.
The Armenia section will also present tourism, culture, and architectural
reference guides, encyclopedias, including `Encyclopedia of 1700 Years of
Christianity in Armenia.’ Most literature selection is bilingual, in English
and Armenian, and also includes works by classical Armenian authors in
Western Armenian.
When: The Book Expo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19
and Saturday, May 20, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.
Registration and Tickets: Please consult the official website,
, or contact the organizers at 1-800-363-3631 for
ticketing and registration information.
Where: Booth 513, Lower Level, Book Expo at the Washington Convention
Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001. The Convention
Center is located between 7th and 9th Streets NW and N Street and Mount
Vernon Place NW. For directions, please visit
p

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2006
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian
(613) 235-2622
The Prime Minister of Canada Congratulates ANCC for Opening of its National
Office
Ottawa – The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, has
sent a congratulatory certificate to the Armenian National Committee of
Canada (ANCC) on the occasion of the opening of its national office in
Ottawa.
The inscription on the Prime Minister’s certificate reads:
`May 2006
This certificate is presented to the Armenian National Committee of Canada
in recognition of the opening of your national office in Ottawa.
The Armenian-Canadian community has made a profound contribution to Canada
in many domains. Your new permanent office in the nation’s capital will
ensure that Parliament and the Government of Canada are aware of the
concerns and aspirations of Armenian-Canadians.’
Over 30 MPs and Senator, among them the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary
Secretary the Hon. Jason Kenney and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe,
attended ANCC’s national office opening on April 25.
The Prime Minister’s heartfelt sentiments and initiative are greatly
appreciated by tens of thousand members and supporters of ANCC, said Aris
Babikian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of
Canada. `We are proud and honoured with our association and cooperation
with the Prime Minister. It is a great pleasure to see a government and a
prime minister with such a compassionate and principled feelings towards
Canadians and their concerns.’
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St. Catharines
– Windsor – Vancouver

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/17/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Karabagh's Participation in Peace Talks Is Necessary 2) Oskanian to Visit France, Canada, And The US 3) Mkrtchian Appointed Minister of Science And Education 4) Nationalist Protesters Attack Hrant Dink during Trial 1) Karabagh's Participation in Peace Talks Is Necessary YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Former Russian Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which mediates the Karabagh conflict settlement, Vladimir Kazimirov said that he considers the participation of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic's (MKR) delegation essential to the success of peace talks. According to Kazimirov who co-chaired the Minsk Group from 1992-1996, the exclusion of MKR's delegation from the negotiation process started immediately after the OSCE summit in Budapest in December 1994. He said the exclusion of MKR was initiated by Azerbaijan. "Official Baku said that if Karabagh is engaged in the talks, it should be represented by the Azeri community headed by Nizami Bahmanov as well," said Kazimirov. This offer was rejected both by the Armenian side and the mediators. "Then Baku insisted on the exclusion of the Armenian delegation of Karabagh. Nevertheless I consider that the participation of the MKR representatives is essential," Kazimirov underlined. As for the current stage of negotiations, Kazimirov stated that the responsibility of resolving the conflict should be shared by the Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said that NGO's should also engage in the process. 2) Oskanian to Visit France, Canada, And The US YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian will fly to Strasbourg, France on May 18 to attend a gathering of the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers Committee, reported the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Oskanian is scheduled to have an unofficial meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis. The meeting will also be attended by former Foreign Minister of Finland, Marti Ahtisaar, a special envoy of the UN Secretary General for Kosovo talks. According to the ministry, the meeting will be about Kosovo's future status. While in Strasbourg, Oskanian will also meet with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov and the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk group. On May 19 Oskanian will address the gathering of Foreign Ministers and then head for the US and Canada, where he will meet with the leaders of Armenian communities of Los Angeles, Boston, and Ottawa to discuss the third Armenia-Diaspora conference which is to take place September 18-20 in Yerevan. 3) Mkrtchian Appointed Minister of Science And Education YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) boosted its presence in Armenia's government on Wednesday when President Robert Kocharian named one of its leaders minister of science and education. Levon Mkrtchian, who has led the party's parliament faction until now, replaced Sergo Yeritsian as a result of the Orinats Yerkir party's expulsion from Kocharian's ruling coalition. Kocharian replaced Yeritsian despite his defection from Orinats Yerkir along with the two other ministers representing the party led by Artur Baghdasarian, the outgoing parliament speaker. He is expected to be given another, less important government post. Orinats Yerkir has controlled the Armenian ministries of education, urban development, and culture under a power-sharing agreement which it had signed with Kocharian, the ARF, and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian's Republican Party (HHK) three years ago. The ARF had been given three other ministerial posts. Mkrtchian, who already served as Education Minister in 1998-99 and 2001-03, emerged as the top contender for the job. "The idea of taking over [the ministry] for a third time is not quite attractive to me, but I am the kind of person who complies with party discipline," said Mkrtchian on Tuesday. 4) Nationalist Protesters Attack Hrant Dink during Trial ISTANBUL (BIA)--Ultra-nationalist spectators attacked defendants, their lawyers, and observers during the court hearing of bilingual Armenian-Turkish Agos newspaper editor Hrant Dink, the paper's editor-in-chief Sarkis Seropyan, and columnist Aydin Engin at the Istanbul 2nd Court of First Instance. Dink, Engin and their lawyers Fethiye Cetin and Ergin Cinmen said that tensions in Tuesday's hearing, where the defendants are on trial for "attempting to influence the judiciary," started when they turned up in front of Istanbul's Sisli justice hall. The group arrived at the court building to find its entrance blocked by angry nationalists shouting "get the hell out of this country" and physically threatening them. "We had to enter the court building surrounded by a police cordon," Cetin explained. Dink added, "Thankfully the police officers did everything to get us into the court building safely. They took us up to the court room in a special elevator." The defendants and their lawyers were then verbally harassed and had to dodge physical assaults in the corridor before they entered the court room itself. During the hearing, coins and pencils were thrown at them as a group of observers believed to be led by nationalist lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz shouted insults. Nationalist "Jurists Union" lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz, Civilian Society Organizations Union of Turkey (TSTKB) member Ramazan Kirkik, retired general Veli Kucuk, and Independent Turkish Orthodox Patriarchy spokesman Sevgi Erenerol were among those at the hearing demanding to be accepted as official complainants against the defendants. Agreeing with prosecutor Mustafa Dag's views, the court decided to reject three separate appeals by the nationalists to be accepted as complainants on grounds that they were "not directly affected by the alleged offense" while judge Yalcin Hayret issued a warning to Kerincsiz and those around him for repeatedly interfering in the case. Kerincsiz claimed the judge himself had "lost his objectivity" and asked for his removal on the grounds that he was preventing the intervention of complainants. Kerincsiz's requests for Hayret's removal were rejected. The verbal and physical assaults endured by the defendants and their lawyers were so intense that they were noted in the court's records and according to Cetin, the judge almost called the police into the courtroom. When the hearing came to an end a group gathered downstairs and attacked the defendants, lawyers, and observers. Two people were hit and the defendants could only leave the building an hour later under police escort. Following Tuesday's hearing the trial was adjourned to July 4. Hrant Dink is on trial in this case for his article titled "Is democracy going to be established with this penal clause?" while Aydin Engin is charged for his article "One should touch the justice system." Both defendants are charged under Turkish Penal Code article 288 for attempting to influence fair justice. Dink's son, Arad Dink also went on trial Tuesday. Dink, Engin, and Arad Dink refuted the charges brought against them and maintained they had committed no offense. Dink: I have been made a deliberate target Aside from defending themselves to the court, Dink and his co-defendants were forced to defend themselves to the intervening groups and nationalists that turned up at the hearing. "The marginal nationalists are clearly trying to make such cases popular and are trying to produce a nationalist policy" Dink said after the hearing. "We should not fall into this trap." Dink added, "In all of the cases launched against me up till this day, I have not asked any support from inside or abroad, from the press or politicians, because this would mean falling into the trap of the marginal nationalists." "I have been deliberately made a target. And they want to use this target over and over. By giving the impression that I have committed a crime that I have not, the impression that I have insulted, they want to isolate me in front of the Turkish society. At least those who know how to read and who understand are standing up against this." Aydin Engin said, meanwhile, that justice itself was being lynched. "A group led by Kerincsiz and his friends have attempted to lynch justice" he said. "And in a big way they have succeeded." He added, "I have seen many trials but throwing coins and pencils at us and the defense lawyers by those who managed to enter the court room as complainants is something I have seen for the first time." Engin argued that the conditions of a "fair trial" no longer existed in the case noting, "we ourselves are being put on trial for influencing a fair trial but in reality today the conditions of a fair trial have been eliminated." Defense Lawyer Cetin agreed, explained that the case of Dink and his co-defenders was launched based on allegations of influencing justice. "What has taken place today and what is being done in other trials is influencing justice itself," she added. "They are creating such an atmosphere that one cannot talk about a fair trial. They are putting pressure on the defendants, the defense, the judge, and prosecutor. During the hearing they insulted the prosecutor," she said. Cetin continued, "The pressure is directed at the court. When [the nationalists] wanted to be accepted as complainants they said the Turkish nation is a complainant and we are watching." Defense Lawyer Cinmen said the incident at the end of the hearing "reflected the intolerance toward freedom of expression in Turkey." "The number [of protestors] is small but because they are extremely fanatic, it is a mass that can show itself," he said. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Patriarch Mesrob II warns France over Genocide Bill
In the toughest communiqué he has published to date, the Armenian
Patriarch of Turkey, Mesrob II, warned that the Bill put forward by
the French Socialist Party with the aim of punishing those denying the
Armenian Genocide, will be detrimental to the process of the
Turkish-Armenian dialogue.
Mesrob II reminded French parliamentarians that the passing of such a
bill would strengthen nationalist and racist elements on both the
Armenian and Turkish sides, `We do not deem any format that does not
serve the purpose of a dialogue between Armenians and Turks as
acceptable’.
Mesrob II went on to say the following: `Any country, with Turkey and
Armenia at the top, should take care to ensure that barriers
preventing communication between the two countries should be lifted,
not put down, in order for the issue to be studied and
researched. Whatever the reason, any initiative that forbids freedom
of expression will be detrimental to Turkish Armenian relations.’

Monday , 15 May 2006

Congressional Record: May 16, 2006 (Senate)
[Page S4617-S4619]
>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr16my06-136]
S. 2461
At the request of Mr. Santorum, the name of the Senator from Colorado
(Mr. Allard) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2461, a bill to prohibit
United States assistance to develop or promote any rail connections or
railway-related connections that traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan,
Tbilisi, Georgia, and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically exclude
cities in Armenia.
S. RES. 320
At the request of Mr. Ensign, the name of the Senator from
Connecticut (Mr. Lieberman) was added as a cosponsor of S. Res. 320, a
resolution calling for the President to ensure that the foreign policy
of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and
genocide documented in the United States record relating to the
Armenian Genocide.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SENATORS SARBANES AND BOXER QUESTION U.S. AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE TO
AZERBAIJAN ON DESTRUCTION OF HISTORIC DJULFA CEMETERY; MISGUIDED
EFFORT TO BREAK MILITARY AID PARITY
— Ambassador Designate Anne Derse Pledges No U.S. Financial
Support for Railway Bypassing Armenia; Defends Administration Call
to Break Military Aid Parity
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Ambassador Designate to Azerbaijan Anne Derse
responded to questions by Senate Foreign Relations Committee member
Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), today, on a series of U.S. policy concerns
focusing on Azerbaijan’s belligerent attitude toward Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, as well as the Administration’s budget request,
which would break military assistance parity to Armenia and
Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA). Senators Sarbanes and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) had submitted
the questions during the May 12th Senate Foreign Relations Committee
confirmation hearing, led by Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN).
In response to a question by Sen. Sarbanes expressing concern about
the Bush Administration’s FY 2007 budget request which would
provide over 40% more military assistance to Azerbaijan than
Armenia, Ambassador Designate Derse defended the decision, stating
that “we do not believe that the slight differences in military
assistance . . . undermine prospects for peace or send the wrong
message.”
Derse was echoing a similar response by Secretary of State
Condoleeza Rice, again to a question by Sen. Sarbanes at a Senate
hearing in February 2006. Secretary Rice had noted that “the minor
increase in FMF [Foreign Military Finance] for Azerbaijan as
proposed in the President’s budget request in January does not
signal any change in the U.S. position on Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Sen. Boxer specifically questioned Derse about the U.S. response to
the Azerbaijani destruction of the historic Armenian cemetery of
Djulfa in the Azerbaijani controlled region of Nakhichevan.
Azerbaijani soldiers decimated the cemetery, which included
thousands of cross-stone carvings, known as “khatchkars,” in
December 2005. The ANCA had urged U.S. Ambassador Reno Harnish to
visit the site and investigate the demolition. Sen. Boxer asked if
Derse would “visit the cemetery site and commit yourself to
investigating the demolition of this unique cemetery.” Derse has
yet to submit a response to Senator Boxer’s inquiries.
“We would like to thank Senators Sarbanes and Boxer for raising key
concerns about the destruction of Djulfa and military parity
agreement with Ambassador Designate Derse,” stated ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We remain troubled by the
Administration’s retreat from its 2001 agreement to maintain
military aid parity and are hopeful the Congressional appropriators
will honor this agreement to ensure military aid balance to the
region.” The House Foreign Operations Subcommittee is set to
discuss the issue during their mark-up of the FY 2007 foreign aid
bill scheduled for this Friday, May 19th.
In response to Sen. Sarbanes’ question on efforts toward regional
economic integration in the Caucasus, Derse noted that the “opening
of the border between Turkey and Armenia would contribute to the
economies of both countries,” but made no reference to the 18-year
Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Derse did,
however, make specific mention of recent efforts to build a railway
line connecting Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, stating “because
the proposed railway would bypass Armenia, and thus not be
beneficial to regional integration, we have no plans to support
such a railway financially.” Legislation restricting U.S. aid to
the railway project due to the exclusion of Armenia has been
introduced by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Robert Menendez (D-
NJ) and has the support of Senate Deputy Majority Whip Wayne Allard
(R-CO). Similar legislation in the House has been introduce by
Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George
Radanovich (R-CA) and currently has 82 cosponsors.
In her response, Derse reiterated the State Department’s support
for “the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan” and noted, “the
future status of Nagorno Karabakh is a matter of negotiations
between the parties.” She stressed that both the presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been forewarned that “any attempt at a
military solution to the conflict would only deepen its tragic
impact.”
During the hearing, Chairman Lugar, who has visited the Caucasus
and met with former Azerbaijani President Geydar Aliyev, expressed
concerns about democracy in Azerbaijan and transparency associated
with the large influx of oil-wealth into that country. Derse
responded that “promotion of democracy, freedom and human rights is
indeed a top priority in our relationship with Azerbaijan,” and
went on to express a commitment to “working to promote transparent
and accountable government, an independent judiciary and parliament
— promotion of basic freedoms, including religious freedom and
freedom of assembly.”
Anne Derse is a Foreign Service Officer with more than a quarter
century of experience. She most recently served as Director for
Biodefense Policy at the Homeland Security Council. Her prior
postings have included service as Minister Counselor for Economic
Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and at the U.S. Mission to the
European Union. Ms. Derse also has held posts in the Philippines,
South Korea, Belgium, and Singapore, among other locations.
The complete text of Sen. Sarbanes’ questions and Derse’s responses
are provided below.
#####
Questions for the Record Submitted to
Ambassador-Designate Anne Derse
By Senator Paul Sarbanes
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
May 12, 2006
Question:
What steps will you take in response to President Aliyev’s
increasingly belligerent rhetoric and actions, such as his threats
to restart the war against Nagorno-Karabakh, his call for a return
of Nagorno-Karabakh “no matter what it takes,” and his proposals
for vast increases in military spending? What impact do you
believe such actions will have on the prospects for a negotiated
settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh?
Answer:
We support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and hold that
the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a matter of negotiation
between the parties. Despite promising indications at present,
both Armenia and Azerbaijan have much to do to prepare their
publics for the compromises any just agreement will entail. We
have told the presidents of both countries that any attempt at a
military solution to the conflict would only deepen its tragic
impact.
Although the Rambouillet meeting between the two presidents marked
a temporary stall in negotiations, the process has gained momentum
again with a series of individual visits by the Minsk Group Co-
Chairs to the region. An agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh is within
the grasp of the two presidents now. We believe that 2006 is the
best window of opportunity for Presidents Aliyev and Kocharian to
come to a mutually agreeable solution that will provide the basis
for a lasting peace between their two countries. This will require
acts of political courage by each president as they prepare their
respective publics for a peace settlement. We hope the presidents
will seize the opportunity to reach a peaceful settlement of the
conflict soon so that the important work of post-conflict
reconstruction and stabilization can begin.
If confirmed, I plan to continue to work toward a settlement, along
with my colleagues at the Department of State.
========================================== =======================
Question:
Despite U.S. and international calls for regional cooperation and
economic integration, Turkey and Azerbaijan continue their illegal
decade-long blockade of land-locked Armenia. Azerbaijan and Turkey
are now escalating this policy of isolation by planning to build a
railroad line to connect Turkey and Azerbaijan, excluding Armenia.
There is currently legislation pending that would prevent any U.S.
financing of the approximately $800 million venture. Do you intend
to raise concerns about the railway? What steps will you take to
end Azerbaijan’s blockade of Armenia?
Answer:
The U.S. Government strongly encourages regional integration in the
Caucasus. Removing trade barriers would improve regional
integration and enhance economic cooperation and development within
and beyond the region. Regional integration should, of course,
include all countries of the region. We have long believed that
opening the border between Turkey and Armenia would contribute to
the economies of both countries and to such important broader areas
as energy security for Europe and Eurasia.
Because the proposed railway would bypass Armenia, and thus not be
beneficial to regional integration, we have no plans to support
such a railway financially. If confirmed, I will strongly support
the Administration’s efforts to pursue regional integration for all
countries in the region.
========================================= ========================
Question:
In the aftermath of September 11th, Congress granted the President
limited and conditional authority to waive Section 907 of the
Freedom Support Act, with the understanding that the administration
would ensure military parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
However, in this year’s budget, the President requested over $1
million more in military aid for Azerbaijan than for Armenia. On
what basis has the administration decided to depart from its
previous commitment to provide equal amounts of military assistance
for Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Answer:
It is U.S. policy to ensure that our security assistance to Armenia
and Azerbaijan does not affect the military balance between the two
states, but it is not the Administration’s view that military
funding levels for Armenia and Azerbaijan should be identical. As
Secretary Rice said recently in testimony before the House Foreign
Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations, we believe slight
differences in military assistance can be tolerated between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. The waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support
Act every year since 2002 has allowed us to provide military
assistance that enhances Azerbaijan’s interoperability with NATO
and U.S. forces and furthers U.S. peacekeeping objectives, as well
as assistance aimed at advancing democratic and market economic
reform. Assistance to Armenia for similar purposes requires no
waiver.
As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, our goal is to help Armenia
and Azerbaijan achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict. Military assistance to both countries in light
of that ongoing conflict is carefully considered and calibrated to
ensure that it does not hamper ongoing efforts to negotiate a
peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Progress is being made in the negotiation process and we continue
to view 2006 as the best window for the sides to reach an
agreement. At the same time, we are strongly urging the presidents
to prepare their publics for peace. We do not believe that the
slight differences in military assistance in the FY 2007 budget
request undermine prospects for peace or send the wrong message.
======================================== =========================
Question:
Do you believe that Azerbaijan deserved to be elected to the UN
Human Rights Council? How did the U.S. vote on Azerbaijan’s
candidacy? What steps will you take to improve respect for human
rights in Azerbaijan?
Answer:
The vote of the United States on these issues is always
confidential. We stand ready to work with all the new members of
the UN Human Rights Council. We will urge Azerbaijan will use this
opportunity to fulfill its commitments to make real progress on
advancing democracy and improve fundamental respect for human
rights both domestically and throughout the world. If confirmed, I
will continue to urge the Government of Azerbaijan to fulfill its
own human rights commitments, and will look for opportunities to
advance this effort through diplomacy, programs, and other
measures.

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
news from the western diocese

Primate Presides over DIVINE Liturgy
Armenian Apostolic Church of Burbank

On May 14, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese, presided over Divine Liturgy at the Burbank
Parish. He related his message bearing the theme, `Our Communion With
God’ to Mother’s Day, stating that our mothers have been the first
influence in our lives who have established within us a bond with
God.
On the occasion of Mother’s Day he congratulated all mothers, and
asked the faithful in attendance to pray for one mother in
particular, Mrs. Sylva Natalie Manoogian, whose son Vahan will soon
depart to serve in the Army in Iraq. His Eminence prayed for Vahan’s
safe return and the welfare of his parents. Mrs. Manoogian is the
Director of the Diocesan Library.

anglican armenian Dialogue

The Committee for Anglican-Armenian Dialogue met on May 15, 2006 at
All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Pasadena to deepen the relations
between the two churches through collaboration in the various
missions of the two dioceses. During the meeting the representatives
of the churches also reflected upon the joint commemorative service
held at St. Mark Episcopal Church for the Armenian Genocide, the
first Genocide of the 20th Century.

Meeting of
Los Angeles COuncil of Religious Leaders

The monthly meeting of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders
will take place on May 17, 2006 at the Claremont School of Theology.
The meeting will also serve as an opportunity for the Religious
Leaders to get acquainted with the Claremont Seminary, where
currently two of our candidates onto the priesthood, Deacon Vahe
Abovian and Deacon Mayis Shahbazyan, are working on their degrees of
Master of Divinity.
Each month the monthly meetings of the Los Angeles Council of
Religious Leaders are hosted by a different religious group.

Primate Presides over meetings

The Summer Camp Committee and the Summer Camp Board will hold their
regular meetings at the Diocese on May 20, 2006, presided by His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.
The summer camp program has served the youth of the Western Diocese
for over 40 years. If you or someone you know is interested in
attending Summer Camp 2006, please visit
{} for more information.
To make camp part of your summer plans, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Pick a week of camp to attend

Week 1 – July 23, 2006 through July 29, 2006
Week 2 – July 30, 2006 through August 5, 2006
Week 3 – August 6, 2006 through August 12, 2006

Step 2: Visit our website beginning Easter Sunday,
April 16, 2006
Step 3: Print out a camper application, fill it out and mail it in
Step 4: Get ready to make friends and memories that will last
forever!

Cathedral Fundraising and Celebration Gala

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate will preside over
the Mother Cathedral Fundraising and Celebration Gala to be held on
Saturday, May 20, 2006, at the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western
Diocese, under the Chairmanship of Antranik Zorayan.
Total proceeds and donations received on the evening of May 20th
will benefit the construction of the long-awaited Mother Cathedral of
the Western Diocese.
The committee is proud to announce that Hovig Krikorian’s wonderful
voice and music will ensure the night to be an evening of
celebration. Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian, Chair of the Diocesan
Council, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the gala.
Festivities of the night will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a Cocktail
Reception and will continue with Dinner and an entertaining program.
For your invitation, please contact the Diocesan Office at
818-558-7474.

Primate TO Preside over Divine Liturgy
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, Van Nuys

On May 21, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van
Nuys. During the Liturgy, His Eminence will bestow the St. Nersess
the Graceful Medal of Honor upon Mr. and Mrs. Arpiar Janoyan, issued
by the Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, in appreciation for their dedication and service to the
Armenian Apostolic Church.

Primate Attends Events by armenian Schools

On May 21, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
will attend the 25th anniversary celebrations of TCA Arshag
Dickranian School. The Primate will also attend the 13th annual
Paradon of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
May 16, 2006
Burbank, California