ARKA News Agency
July 28 2005

RA OMBUDSPERSON: RA CONSTITUTION SHOULD CONTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING
TO AT LEAST TWO BODIES THAT REGULATE THE AREA OF TELE-AND RADIO
BROADCAST

YEREVAN, July 28. /ARKA/. RA constitution should contain provisions
relating to at least two bodies that regulate the area of tele-and
radio broadcast: National Commission on Television and Radio and the
Council of RA Public Television Company of Armenia, as RA
Ombudsperson Larisa Alaverdyan said. According to her, RA NA “as
elected body, capable of ensuring pluralism of opinions and
representation of various strata of society” should actively
participate in their formation. Most optimal of the existing variants
is the mechanism, according to which the list of both candidates for
the members of the National Commission on Television and Radio, and
members of the Council of Public Television are presented by RA NA
and approved by the president of the country. According to her, the
new staff of regulatory body should be formed at once after adoption
of the project of constitutional changes.
According to the ombudsperson, for the country that chose democracy
and European values as the way for development of the country, it’s
especially important to be adhered to the ideals of freedom of word
and press, in regard with which it’s necessary to make amendments to
the RA constitution. “I welcome the long-term cooperation with the
Commission of the Council of Europe “Democracy through Law ”
(Venetian Commission), the goal of which is to perfect the project of
constitutional changes”, she said. However, according to her, the
provisions of the last version of project of constitutional reforms
telling about the order of formation of the bodies regulating
television and radio, submitted to the Commission, cause anxiety. “In
terms of a developing country like Armenia, the sphere of television
and radio broadcast has special importance. From this standpoint the
principle and mechanisms of formation of bodies regulating the
sphere, which mostly ensure independent and free mass media in the
country, are important”, according to the press release. In words of
the Ombudsperson, the provisions will hardly contribute to solution
of the problem. “I am sure that the mentioned principles stipulated
in the constitution will become the basis, which will enable
formation of free and independent media in Armenia, guaranteeing
adherence to human rights and access to objective and comprehensive
information”, the ombudsperson said. A.H.–0-

PanArmenian News Network
July 28 2005

TRIAL OF MURDERER OF ARMENIAN OFFICER TO CONTINUE SEPTEMBER 27

28.07.2005 05:28

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The trial over the case of murder of Armenian
officer Gurgen Margaryan by Azeri military Ramil Safarov during their
participation in NATO courses will resume September 27. Armenian MOD
representative for the murder affair Hayk Demoyan reported that in
the course of a recurrent session the Hungarian court will hear the
evidence of second Azeri officer, who participated in the NATO
courses. Armenian officer Hayk Makuchyan will also address the
hearing. Hayk Demoyan, Hayk Makuchyan, Gurgen Margaryan’s parents and
lawyer Nazeli Vardanyan will leave for Hungary for participation in
the trial. In Hayk Demoyan’s opinion, the trial scheduled in
September will not be the last one, as a third judicial and medical
expert examination is necessary. R. Safarov was recognized compos
mentis by the first expertise. The conclusion said Safarov has
committed the murder in cold blood and compos mentis. The second
expertise results differed from those of the first one: the
conclusion noted certain weakening of Safarov’s state of mind at the
moment he was committing the crime. By a court resolution the two
expert groups are scheduled to meet to produce a final conclusion. It
should be noted that Azeri experts were present at the second
expertise, however they did not have a right to influence the process
in any way. In Hayk Demoyan’s words, Azeri authorities are trying to
use the evident protraction of the trial to solve domestic political
problems. In his opinion, it is not casual for some Azeri politicians
directly link the intention of Safarov’s extradition to Azerbaijan
with Karabakh settlement. It should be reminded that the Hungarian
court has prohibited the Azeri party presenting documents and
materials of propagandistic nature. Hayk Demoyan assured the Armenian
party holds propagates in Hungary before the beginning of the
recurrent hearings. In his words, the local Armenian community
assists it as well. Meetings with Hungarian society members, the
press continue. Hayk Demoyan said that in his opinion «to avoid
tragedies of the kind it is necessary to competently struggle against
them by means of corresponding propaganda and delivering a deserving
counterblow to the Azeri party,” Armenpress reported.

ARKA News Agency
July 28 2005

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH LEADER HOSTS IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL

YEREVAN, July 28. /ARKA/. Armenian Apostolic Church leader Catholicos
Garegin II received Mohammad Al Baradei Director General of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to the Press
service of the St. Echmiadzin, Armenian Apostolic Church seat,
Garegin II noted with satisfaction that effective cooperation is
already established between Armenia and IAEA and stressed the
importance of non-stop and secure work of Armenian Nuclear Power
Plant.
The press release says, Garegin II introsuced Al Baradei Armenian
Apostolic Church background, its mission and the challenges it faces
today.
Global threats that pose to the humanity were discussed and special
emphasis was put on the major part played by religious leaders’
activity and inter-church dialogue aimed at strengthening moral
values in society in overcoming it. “The fall of moral values is as
major threat to the humanity as atomic force”, the Catholicos said.
M.V. -0–

PanArmenian News Network
July 28 2005

ARMENIA DAY HELD IN EGYPT

28.07.2005 07:41

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Embassy in Egypt in cooperation with
Women’s International Peace Movement organization, led by Egyptian
First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, and cultural unions of Armenians of Egypt
has organized an event titled Armenia’s Day in Maadi library, Cairo,
reported the Armenian MFA Press Service. In the course of the event a
documentary on Armenia was screened, Armenian national dances were
performed, works of Armenian children titled Egypt as Armenian
Children See It were presented. Diplomats representing a number of
countries that are accredited in Cairo, Armenian community members,
as well as media representatives took part in the event. July 29
World and Children program aired by the first and satellite channels
of Egypt will be devoted to Armenia and the event.

PanArmenian News Network
July 28 2005

GAREGIN II APPRECIATED ARMENIA-IAEA COOPERATION

28.07.2005 03:52

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II met in Holy
Echmiadzin with head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Mohamed ElBaradei, reported the Press Service of Holy Echmiadzin
Chancellery. In the course of the meeting Catholicos presented the
history of the Armenian Church to the guest, as well as it mission in
the life of Armenian people. Garegin II also noted with pleasure that
efficient cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA is formed. He said
the safe and uninterrupted work of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant
was vital to Armenia. In his turn Mohamed ElBaradei presented the
goals and the outcomes of his visit to Armenia. In the course of the
meeting the parties also discussed the challenges the humanity has
faced. They noted the importance of religious leaders and
inter-confessional dialogue aimed at strengthening moral values in
the society in struggle with these challenges. «Degradation of moral
values is as dangerous to humanity as atomic energy or more,» the
Catholicos of All Armenians stated, emphasizing the human «as the
summit of creation» can stop undesirable development by means of
forming understanding.

ARNA News Agency
July 28 2005

THE FAMILY OF THE ARMENIAN OFFICER MURDERED IN BUDAPEST TO RECEIVE A
LAND LOT AS A COMPENSATION

YEREVAN, July 28. /ARKA/. The RA Government took a decision to render
help on the part of the government to the family of the Armenian
Officer Gourgen Margaryan murdered in Budapest. According to RA
Government’s Press Service Department, in regard with this the
government gave a land lot of 2 thsnd square meters, adjacent to
“Paros” restaurant (“Lighhouse”) on Sebastia street for gratuitous
use. The lot as a donation will be given to the mother of Margaryan
Shoushanik Minasyan.
To remind, on Feb 19, 2004 the Lieutenant of the RA Armed Forces
Gourgen MArgaryan, who attended English language courses in Budapest
organized by the national defense of Hungary in the framework of the
NATO Partnership for Peace Program, was cruelly murdered by means of
an axe when sleeping by Azerbaijani Officer Ramil Safarov, who was on
the same courses. The trial on the case of murder of Margaryan is
still in process. A.H. –0-

ARKA News Agency
July 27 2005

ARMENIAN FM, IAEA DIRECTOR GENERAL DISCUSS PROBLEMS OF ENERGY SECTOR
OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN, July 28. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan and
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Muhammad Al Baradey discussed the problems of Armenia in energy
sector and prospects of the sector’s future development,
press-service of the RA Foreign Ministry reports. During the meeting
they also discuss implementation of more effective work to provide
security of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, as well as use of other
sources of energy. Oskanyan and Baradey underlined importance of
Armenia’s cooperation with IAEA. A.A. -0–

PanArmenian News Network
July 28 2005

«STANDARDS FIRST, THEN STATUS» FORMULA ACCEPTABLE FOR KARABAKH

28.07.2005 08:47

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Deputy Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Masis
Mailyan the other day participated in Conflicts in the South
Caucasus: Security Issues and Developments seminar in Tbilisi,
reported the Press Service of the NKR MFA. In his speech the NK
representative noted the need to proceed from the available reality
and put up with the idea that two separate states – Azerbaijan and NK
were formed in the territory of the former Azeri SSR in the course of
the collapse of the USSR. The matter should concern not
subordination, but peaceful coexistence of two state formations,
which would secure regional stability and development. Masis Mailyan
noted that experts, who are familiar with South Caucasian conflicts,
underscore that taking into account democratic processes in Nagorno
Karabakh, it is more than ready to be at least recognized an equal
party at the talks. Speaking of the significance of the Tbilisi
seminar, M. Mailyan specially emphasized the «standards first, then
status» formula worked out by Americans before the settlement of the
situation in Kosovo, which says «a formation, which complies with
state standards, can be recognized as subject of international law…»
Such a formula fits the goals of Nagorno Karabakh, as during the
years of its existence the NKR tried to form a legal framework and
society complying with international standards. «In this respect we
can hope for certain prospects,» Masis Mailyan summed up.

ARKA News Agency
July 28 2005

COURSES IN DRUG DEINTOXICATION BY MEANS OF ACUPUNCTURE IN ACUPUNCTURE
IN THE POINTS OF AURICLE LAUNCHED IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, July 28. /ARKA/. Courses in drug deintoxication by means of
acupuncture in acupuncture in the points of auricle launched in
Armenia. As Doctor Richard Elovich stated at the opening ceremony,
drugs are a potential threat for any country, and he visited all
countries of Asia that have problems with drugs.
According to Doctor Sona Tahan Ouzounyan from Canada, Armenian
Diaspora is concerned about problems of Armenia, including problems
caused by drugs. “Drug addiction in Armenia is not an evident problem
and is not advertised by either police or the family of a drug
addict. Drug addicts are sick people, who must be cured” she said.
Tahan-Ouzounyan noted that the core of the project is “love,
patience, knowledge of high qualified specialists”.
The initiator of holding courses is UNDP/ÅÑ, the RA National
Institute of Healthcare, addiction clinic “Psychiatric Treatment
Center” CJSC and “Antidrug Civil Bloc” NGO. A.H.-0-

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

CROSSROADS July 28, 2005

PRELACY CLERGY GO TO CAMP
It has been a time-honored tradition for members of the clergy from the
Eastern Prelacy to attend sessions at Camp Haiastan in Franklin,
Massachusetts, to offer religious education classes and to make the campers
aware of the teachings and mission of the Armenian Church.
This year three clergymen and one person currently studying for the
priesthood have been assigned to attend the Camp during different sessions.
They are: V. Rev. Fr. Taniel Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Rev. Fr.
Aram Stepanian, and Deacon Nishan Baljian.
Archbishop Oshagan recalls that during his student days in the United
States he was assigned to the Camp by the then Prelate, Archbishop Karekin
Sarkissian. Srpazan recalls that those days over a period of several summers
produced some of the most memorable experiences of his service.

VICAR GENERAL AND AREC DIRECTOR WILL LEAD
SUMMER PROGRAM FOR ORPHANS IN ARMENIA
V. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, and Dn. Shant Kazanjian,
Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), will travel to
Armenia next week where from August 8 to 18, they will conduct a Christian
Educational Program for fifty of the more than 800 orphans currently
sponsored through the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship Program. The program,
which will take place in Dzaghgatsor, Armenia, will provide religious
education for the youngsters as well as a camping environment that includes
recreational activities.

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS THROUGH SUMMER
TO PLAN VISIT OF ARAM I TO EASTERN PRELACY
The Steering Committee, under the presidency of Archbishop Oshagan and
chairmanship of Dr. George Dermksian, is meeting throughout the summer
months to plan every detail of the visit of Catholicos Aram I to the Eastern
Prelacy. His Holiness has been visiting all of the dioceses under the
jurisdiction of the Cilician See to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the
reestablishment of the Holy See’s Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. The
Catholicos’s visit to the Eastern Prelacy will begin October 19 and continue
through to October 30. During this time he will attend commemorative events
and private meetings in New York, New Jersey, Washington, Boston, and
Chicago.

CILICIAN SEE PARTICIPATES IN WSCF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The annual general assembly of the World Student Christian Federation
(WSCF) in the Middle East took place in Cairo early this month.
Representatives from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Sudan and Egypt participated.
Carla Khijoian, a member of the Executive Committee of WSCF and the
Student Association of the Armenian Church, participated in the conference
on behalf of the Catholicate of Cilicia.
A conference entitled “Women in the East and Honor Crimes” followed the
assembly. Several lecturers and professionals in various fields spoke about
the concept of honor in the Middle East and its immediate relation to women.
The participants stressed the importance of educating the women of the East
about their rights.

4,000 FAITHFUL PARTICIPATE IN PILGRIMAGE TO ST. TADEH
More than 4,000 Armenians participated in the annual three-day
pilgrimage to St. Tadeh (Thaddeus) Monastery in Iran, July 7-9, under the
patronage of the Catholicate of Cilicia, and the supervision of the Primate
of the Diocese, V. Rev. Fr. Neshan Topuzian. The Monastery is built on the
tomb of St. Thaddeus, one of two apostles who brought Christianity to
Armenia. During the pilgrimage the faithful lived in tents on the monastery
grounds, attended services, and participated in festivities.

EPHESUS COMMEMORATED ON AUGUST 6
The Holy Fathers of the Council of Ephesus (AD 431) are remembered in
the Armenian Church next Saturday, August 6.
Ephesus, the third general council, was convened upon the order of
Emperor Theodosius II to settle the Nestorian heresy. A large number of
high-ranking church leaders attended, headed by Patriarch Cyril of
Alexandria. The principle decision of the Council was the condemnation of
Nestorius. The Council excommunicated Nestorius and condemned his heresy,
affirmed the Nicene Creed, approved the title of Theotokos (God-bearer) as a
title for the Virgin Mary.
The Armenian Church accepted the canons and decisions of the Council and
set a feast day in the church calendar, on the Saturday of the “Barekendan”
of the Assumption.
The Armenian Church recognizes the first three councils: Nicaea (325),
Constantinople (381), and Ephesus (431), and has designated special days in
the liturgical calendar for all three.

ONE WEEK HIATUS FOR CROSSROADS
Please make a note that Crossroads will not be published next Thursday,
August 4. Our next issue will be transmitted on Thursday, August 11.

EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT THE WEATHER. . .
This past week just about everyone complained about the intense heat and
humidity here on the east coast, reminding us of this anonymous little
ditty:
As a rule, a man [and woman] is a fool;
When it’s hot, he wants it cool;
When it’s cool, he wants it hot-
Always wanting what is not.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 8-18-Christian Educational Program in Armenia for the Prelacy
sponsored orphans (ages 12 and 13), at Dzaghgatsor, conducted by V. Rev. Fr.
Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General and Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).

August 27-National Educators’ Seminar sponsored by the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC), at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ.

September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.

September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.

October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.

October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.

November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.

March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

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