EU parliament says Turkey must recognise “genocide”
Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:21 PM BST
STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) – The European Parliament said on Wednesday that
Turkey must recognise the killing of Armenians under Ottoman rule in 1915 as
genocide before it can join the European Union.
The non-binding resolution was a political slap in the face for Ankara, which
insists there was no genocide, but it should not derail the planned start of
Turkey’s EU membership talks next week, since accession is at least a decade
away.
The EU legislature also postponed a vote, which had been due on Wednesday, to
approve Turkey’s extended customs union with the EU, in a bid to pressure
Ankara to open its ports and airports to traffic from EU member Cyprus.
Despite a plea from the executive European Commission, lawmakers backed a
last-minute move by the conservative European People’s Party, led by Germany’s
Christian Democrats, to delay giving assent to the so-called Ankara Protocol.
They demanded an undertaking that when the Turkish parliament ratifies the
protocol extending the customs union to new EU member states, it would not
attach a government declaration refusing to recognise Cyprus.
The European Parliament resolution endorsed the start of accession
negotiations next Monday but included a series of criticisms of Turkey’s record on human
rights, religious freedom and minorities reflecting sceptical public opinion
in Europe.
The vote followed an emotional debate in which many deputies, especially on
the right, poured out their hostility to the prospect of the poor, populous,
mainly Muslim nation joining the 25-nation bloc.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn appealed in vain to parliament not to
score “an own goal” by refusing to approve the extended customs union.
But Commission spokeswoman Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen said the delay should not
affect the start of entry talks.
“It is not a condition for opening accession talks with Turkey on October 3
since it was signature of the Ankara Protocol which was a condition and not
ratification,” she told a news briefing in Brussels.
However, she added that eventual ratification by the European Parliament was
essential.

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network
(CENN)
Weekly Digest
September 28, 2005
NEWS FROM GEORGIA
Georgia: First Poverty Reduction Support Operation
Source: Ein News, September 15, 2005
The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of
Executive Directors:
IDA Credit amount: US$13.5 million
Terms: Grace period =3D 10 years; Maturity =3D 40 years
Grant amount: $6.5 million
Project description:
<; more Ten Years Left on MDGs, Poverty Still a Concern Source: The Messenger, September 19, 2005 Five years after signing the Millennium Development Goals, Georgia has accomplished little progress against poverty, the senior UN development official in Georgia said on Friday. <; more MCG Establishes Consultant Committee Source: "24 Saati" (""24 Hours), September 20, 2005 The consultant committee of Millennium Challenges Georgia (MCG) will be created until the end of month. Committee will be the tool for the representatives of private sector, non-governmental organizations, local and regional government to express and submit their recommendations on the implementation of MCG projects. <; more Agricultural lands' privatization begins Source: the Messenger, September 21, 2005 The government is preparing for yet another massive privatization initiative. The sale of the majority of agricultural lands remaining in state possession will begin from October 2005, bringing to the budget an estimated GEL 80 million in revenues. <; more World Bank sets Georgia strategy for 2006-2009 Source: The Messenger, September 21, 2005 In Tbilisi on September 18, the government of Georgia and the World Bank signed a financing agreement for the country's first Poverty Reduction Support Operation (PRSO) provided for in the new World Bank strategy for Georgia. <; more Cracks revealed in BTC oil pipeline Source: UPI Energy Correspondent: By Andrea R. Mihailescu, Published September 21, 2005 One of the most expensive pipeline systems in the world, the $3.6 billion Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, will fill its first tanker in less than two months and the pipeline is already showing cracks, but Georgian officials assert they pose no ecological threat. <; more The Unique Forests of Borjomi are under the Danger of Extinction Source: "Sakartvelos Respublika" ("Georgian Republic"), September 21, 2005 As NGOs declared due the influence of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in Borjomi forests the fir-tree groves are withering. <; more NEWS FROM Azerbaijan Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have solved almost every question on inter governmental agreement on BTC Source: Our Century, September 25, 2005 "Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have completed discussion of almost all questions related to intergovernmental agreement required to fill in the Baku -Tbilisi -Ceyhan oil pipeline with the Kazakhstan oil. This meeting was held <; more BTC WORKING GROUP HOLDS SITTING Source: AzerTag, September 26, 2005 A regular sitting of the inter-governmental working group formed in connection with Kazakhstan's joining the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main oil pipeline / BTC MEP/ took place in Almaaty. A delegation of Azerbaijan <; more "SHAHDENIZ" PROJECT ACTIVITIES PROGRESSING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Source: AzerTag, September 26, 2005 The construction works for the "Shahdeniz" project are 55 percent complete. The works are progressing 6 percent ahead of schedule. With four production wells drilled in the field one more test hole is to be drilled. The platform will include <; more News From Armenia COMSUP COMMODITIES PLEDGES 21 MILLION DRAMS TO MUNICIPALITY Source: ARMENPRESS, September 19, 2005 The owners of a copper and molybdenum plant in the southern Armenian Agarak, near the border with Iran, have pledged to release 21 million Armenian drams <; more UNICEF's PARTNERSHIP WITH MILLENNIUM ARMENIAN CHILDREN'S VACCINATION FUND HELPS SAVE CHILDREN'S LIVES Source: ARMENPRESS, September 19, 2005 Partnering with Armenian Diaspora organizations such as the Millennium Armenian Children's Vaccination Fund (MACVF) is crucial for successful implementation of programs benefiting children, UNICEF said today, speaking of the importance of the vaccination program in Armenia. <; more ARMENIA'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY DISCUSSED IN YEREVAN Source: Pan Armenian News, September 20, 2005 Growth of Productivity and Competitive Ability: Strategy of Sustainable Development of Armenia forum, organized by Armenia 2020, opened in Yerevan today. During the opening ceremony Armenian President's Advisor for Economic Issues Vahram Nersisyan read R. Kocharian's message to the forum participants. <; more OSCE TO SUPPORT ARMENIA IN ECOLOGY INITIATIVES Source: ARMINFO News Agency, September 23, 2005 "We and our Planet" educational and environmental program was presented today at the Yerevan Museum of Armenia's Nature. The program has been initiated and implemented by "Khazer" environmental and cultural NGO with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Aarhus Center. <; more International News EPA and LDEQ Report Potential Health Risks from Sediments Source: Environmental Protection Agency, September 16, 2005 (9/16/05) Eighteen sediment samples from across the New Orleans area were collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) on September 10, 2005 and analyzed for bacteria and chemicals. <; more ENVIRONMENT: Pollution Takes a Backseat in Congo Source: Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS): by Anjan Sundaram, September 17, 2005 Yellow flames from oil rigs light up the night sky, helping Richard Vuadi guides his boat as he sets out to cast his nets along the Democratic Republic of Congo's coast. Oil rigs that dot the horizon have polluted the water, so much that fishermen say they pose health risks. <; more MIDWEST BLAZES ENERGY EFFICIENCY TRAIL: 2ND ANNUAL INSPIRING EFFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Source: World Wire, September 19, 2005 The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) announced its 2005 winners of the Inspiring Efficiency Awards. These awards recognize innovators for their dedicated work in developing and applying energy efficient technologies, programs and policy initiatives. <; more A Global Strategy for Protecting Health & the Environment from Chemicals Risks Source: UNEP Press Release, 19 September, 2005 Representatives of the world's governments, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholder groups are meeting here this week to finalize arrangements for the launch of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). <; more EU to Re-Launch Air Quality Initiative with Changes Source: Planet Ark, September 21, 2005 Brussels - The European Commission will re-launch a package of measures on Wednesday aimed at improving air quality after cutting anticipated annual costs by about 5 billion euros ($6.08 billion), according to EU officials. <; more ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY Source: Environmental Investigation Agency Press Release, September 21, 2005 Environmentalists Call on European Countries to Stop Producing Ozone-Destroying Chemicals as Ozone Hole Approaches Record Size <; more EU Tackles Air Pollution in Multi-Billion Euro Plan Source: Planet Ark, September 22, 2005 Brussels - Wide-ranging proposals to clean up Europe's polluted air won approval from the European Commission on Wednesday after a debate over the package's multi-billion euro price tag threatened to scupper it. <; more Seminars, conference and meetings International Symposium - Yerevan, Armenia Source: <; NGOC, September 14, 2005 Location - American University of Armenia (AUA) Armenia Marriott Hotel Dates & Time Monday, October 10, 2005, 14:00 to 19:30 Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:00 to 19:30 Wednesday, October 12, 2005, 15:00 to 19:30 Thursday, October 13, 2005, 9:00 to 13:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 <; more Announcement Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel - Mtiuleti and Khevi Provinces Source: The Messenger, September 16, 2005 We will experience the Mtiuleti and Khevi Provinces, situated on the slopes of the Caucasus mountain range: =07 Have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery on horseback. Sheep, well protected by brave Caucasian sheep dogs, may interrupt your voyage. =07 Try the local dish Khinkali - boiled minced meat in dough. =07 Spend a nice evening in the quite cozy atmosphere of the Panotama Hotel. <; more INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR CONFERENCE Source: Mountain Forum - Global, September 21, 2005 International Mountain Corridor Conference will be held from 24 to 31 October 2005 Les Planes de Son, Spain (24-27) Vitoria, Spain (27-29) Cantabria, Spain (29-31) <; more Job Announcements The USAID funded Program for Institutional and Regulatory Strengthening of Water Management in Armenia started in October 2004 and is being carried out by PA Government Services Inc. The anticipated completion date of the Program is 2008. The Program is designed to provide assistance to the development of the National Water Program, the improvement of the legal framework of the water sector, and the strengthening of selected agencies with responsibilities in water management. Because of broadening and deepening of our activities, the following specialists will strengthen our team: 1. A communication/training specialist; 2. A water resources monitoring specialist; 3. A groundwater monitoring specialist; 4. A river basin planner/IWRM specialist; 5. A database programmer. <; more Eurasia Foundation Vacancy Announcement Source: Georgian Office of the Eurasia Foundation, September 26, 2005 The Georgian Office of the Eurasia Foundation announces vacancy Title: PMDI Program Coordinator Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Program Coordinator is responsible for developing and managing the Pipeline Monitoring and Dialogue Initiative (PMDI). PMDI is a new Initiative implemented by Eurasia Foundation in cooperation with BP, UNDP, IFC for building capacity of Georgian NGOs in Monitoring Methods for Pipeline Construction & Operations. PMDI supports a series of activities aimed at developing monitoring skills amongst NGOs and their members, providing an effective channel for increased public dialogue related to pipeline-oriented issues. <; more Ecology and Economy in Harmony Source: The Messenger, September 26, 2005 We believe we can have a real, measurable and positive impact on the biodiversity of the world. If you are a non-governmental organization (NGO) or an environmental agency who thinks the same way, please read on:Building on last 3 years' success BP is pleased to announce the fourth Georgia Biodiversity Competition. The competition, which is a part of BP's Biodiversity Strategy in Georgia, support our commitment to undertaking a serious of species biodiversity initiative in the countries and areas where we operate. This year competition will conduct on 2 categories: 1. Biodiversity projects; 2. Biodiversity article and video materials. <; more ******************************************* ********************************* Subscribing Information CENN lists are created to maintain e-mail discussions of Caucasus Environmental NGO Network members. CENN has been distributing information since 1998. All the published digests and bulletins issued in both English and Russian languages present incredibly rich environmental information base that give the reader the whole picture of the environmental process taking place during the recent 5 years in the South Caucasus region as well as abroad. To subscribe or unsubscribe from CENN mailing list service, please send an email to [email protected] and place the “subscribe”
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For more information about the program, please visit CENN web-page:
<; CENN INFO Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) Tel:++995 32 75 19 03/04 Fax:+995 32 75 19 05 E-mail: [email protected] URL:

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
09/28/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) EU Parliament Demands Turkey Recognize Armenian Genocide 2) Rocking Denny's Boat: System of a Down, ANC, AYF rally outside Hastert's office 3) Update on ARS Hurricane Relief Efforts 1) EU Parliament Demands Turkey Recognize Armenian Genocide STRASBOURG, France (Combined Sources)--European Union lawmakers chided Turkey on Wednesday, five days before it is due to open EU membership talks, demanding that Ankara recognize the 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide before it joins the bloc. The European Parliament gave grudging blessing to the start of negotiations next Monday after a heated debate in which many members vented strong criticism of Turkey's human rights record. With 356 votes in favor, 181 against and 125 abstentions, the EU legislature adopted a resolution that "calls on Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide" and "considers this recognition to be a prerequisite for accession to the European Union." The non-binding resolution was a political slap in the face for Turkey, which still insists there was no genocide. EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn also warned Turkey it would have to amend its new penal code, adopted to meet EU criteria, if hardline judges were still able to prosecute the country's leading novelist for expressing his views on the killings of Armenians under Ottoman rule. "The case of author Orhan Pamuk is emblematic of the difficulties ensuring effective and uniform implementation of these reforms, and also of the struggle between reformers and conservatives in Turkey," Rehn told the European Parliament. An Istanbul judge is prosecuting the writer for "denigrating Turkish identity" by endorsing the term genocide. He faces up to three years in jail if convicted. Other judges tried in vain to halt an academic conference in Istanbul on the Armenian genocide last week. The Brussels-based European Armenian Federation [ANC Europe] welcomed the Strasbourg-based parliament's statement. "This latest appeal by the European Parliament ahead of the negotiations with Turkey must serve as a guideline for the European Council and the European Commission," its chairman, Hilda Tchoboian, said in a statement. The Federation last week staged a high-profile conference in the parliament, drawing attention to the issue. "Europeans can be confident those negotiations are effective only if leaders are responsive to the desires of the population; we therefore call on the EU foreign ministers to touch upon the genocide issue during their meeting in Luxembourg on October 3," added Tchoboian. The EU legislature also demanded that Turkey recognize Cyprus and said negotiations could be suspended unless it grants access to Cypriot aircraft and shipping by next year. EU governments remain deadlocked on a negotiating mandate for the talks, with Austria holding out for a more explicit mention of an alternative to membership. Ankara reaffirmed on Wednesday it would accept nothing less than full membership. Diplomats said the 25 EU foreign ministers would probably hold an emergency meeting on Sunday night in Luxembourg, hours before negotiations are meant to start, to seek an agreement. 2) Rocking Denny's Boat System of a Down, ANC, AYF rally outside Hastert's office BATAVIA--System Of A Down singer Serj Tankian, leaders of the Armenian National Committee (ANC), and the Armenian Youth Federation headed up a rally in front of Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert's district office in Batavia, IL, urging the Speaker to "do the right thing" and schedule a vote on Armenian Genocide legislation currently before the House of Representatives. With the street in front of Hastert's office cordonnned off by police, BBC, ABC, Fox, and other media outlets were on hand, as hundreds of people of all ages listened to Tankian, John Dolmayan and Armenian National Committee representatives Aram Hamparian and Greg Bedian address the crowd, thanking them for their support and urging them to continue building momentum for the legislation. All four members of System Of A Down lost family members in the genocide and the band has done a number of things, including its annual Souls benefit concert, to increase awareness of the issue. Tankian and Armenian American community representatives passed on to Hastert's aides a letter urging the Speaker to move the legislation forward and presented hundreds of letters from community members calling for a vote. In a personal letter delivered to Speaker Hastert's office, Tankian stated "My grandfather, Stepan Haytayan, is a 97 year-old survivor of the genocide. He's my only link to this past. I promised him that I would try to reach you and explain how important American recognition is to the surviving children of the first genocide of the 20th century." "On these particular [resolutions] he [Hastert] hasn't been dragging his feet--yet," said Greg Bedian, chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Illinois. "But three strikes and we'll see what happens." When Tankian finished reading his letter, the audience cheered for him to give a rallying speech, but he said he would rather meet everyone individually. As he worked his way through the crowd, taking pictures and signing autographs, some greeted him in Armenian while others thanked him for making them aware of the issue. "Up until a couple days ago, I had heard nothing of this," 15-year-old David Gerhard of Downers Grove told Tankian. "But I became outraged that something like this hasn't been taught in any of our classes." Gerhard, like many of the young people in the crowd, heard about the event--and the issue--through the band's e-mail, which wasn't sent out until Monday night. Bassist Shavo Odadjian said he believes the group is making headway: "Every time someone asks me a question about it, I think we've gotten a step closer. It's just the fact that it makes news, and people talk about it, and it becomes an issue that it actually did occur. That's our biggest issue with it: that they still don't admit to it occurring." The rally was organized by the popular rock band, along with Axis of Justice, the Armenian National Committee of America, and the Armenian Youth Federation. In addition to members of the Armenian-American community of Greater Chicago, attendees traveled from Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, California, and Washington, DC to take part in the event. The numbers of Armenian Americans were buoyed by the participation of throngs of fans of System Of A Down and supporters of Axis of Justice. Heratch Doumanian came from Indiana to participate in the event and honor his grandparents and uncles and aunts who "died in the desert." "[The legislation] will prevent future genocide," Doumanian said. "If people realize they're accountable for it." Demonstrators from the Armenian National Committee of Illinois had picketed Speaker Hastert's "Mobile Office Tour 2005" on Wednesday, July 20, demanding that he honor his five-year-old pledge to move the Armenian Genocide Resolution forward in the House of Representatives. Hastert made the pledge to have the full House vote on Armenian Genocide legislation in August of 2000, but reneged in October of 2000 citing pressure from then President Clinton. He also prevented a similar resolution from reaching the floor in 2004. Staffers committed to providing the Speaker's feedback to the constituents very soon regarding the current bill. 3) Update on ARS Hurricane Relief Efforts The Armenian Relief Society chapters throughout the Western region are continuing to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. Its San Francisco "Garin" and East Bay "Erepouni" Chapters took advantage of their annual St. Gregory Church bazaar and set up collection stations all over the bazaar site in San Francisco; the Montebello "Nairy" Chapter set up a table at Holy Cross Cathedral; the Studio City "Meghry" Chapter used the Armenian Center as a collection station; other chapters got on the phone and collected funds for the Hurricane victims. In Orange County, California, where the "Sevan" and "Karni" Chapters are located, a fundraiser is planned at Zov's Bistro in Tustin, on October 30. Zov Karamardian, who is underwriting all the cost of the event, said that she was moved to do her part for the evacuees. Meanwhile, the ARS Eastern USA, is working to provide assistance to families who have escaped to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from the New Orleans area. The organization is focusing on assistance to families and schools. The ARS has been contacting mostly Louisiana schools, to provide school supplies, uniforms, play clothes, and toiletries for children who have transferred from the hurricane stricken regions. "We feel responsible to make a difference in the lives of the families and children who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina," ARS-WR Chair Angela Savoia siad. "We all know how burdened schools are these days, and we are glad to assist those that have taken in evacuee children; this is the most effective way to impact the lives of those who have lost everything." The Western Prelacy has designated the ARS as one of the agencies to offer Gulf Coast disaster relief donations. Tax-deductible donations may be sent, payable to the "ARS of Western USA," to: 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812; the organization requests that donations be marked: "Hurricane Victims Fund." 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.

Congressional Record
September 27, 2005 Senate
>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

PONTIFICAL VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join the Armenian
American community in welcoming the upcoming Pontifical visit of His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The Pontiff
will be visiting the State of California this October at the invitation
of His Eminence, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
His Holiness is one of the most prominent Christian leaders in the
Middle East and a spiritual leader for hundreds of thousands of
Armenians around the world. The Pontiff presently serves as the
Moderator for the World Council of Churches which is comprised of more
than 340 churches from different cultures and countries around the
world representing over 400 million Christians. Currently serving his
second term, His Holiness is the first Orthodox and the youngest person
to be elevated to Moderator.
The theme of the Pontiff’s visit is “Towards the Light of
Knowledge.” This theme reflects the Pontiff’s faith that only with
greater education and dialogue can the world’s conflicts be addressed
properly.
I take this opportunity to not only thank The Pontiff for his time
and worthy endeavors in California, but also thank the sizable Armenian
community which has been actively contributing to the California
culture and economy since 1878. California cities of Los Angeles and
Glendale are home to the second and third largest populations of
Armenians outside of Armenia and are important members of their
communities serving as business leaders and city council members.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE CATHOLICOSATE AND THE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION
TO PUBLISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS
His Holiness Aram I and the director of the Department of Armenian Affairs
of the Gulbenkian Foundation have initiated a project of publishing a series
of books in the field of children’s literature.
The decision comes after recommendations by the educational seminar held in
August 2004 in the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Over 100 teachers, pedagogues
and intellectuals from all over the Diaspora proposed giving a new impetus
to children’s literature during the seminar organized by the Catholicosate
of Cilicia.
A special plan will be drawn out for the execution of the project and a
committee of professionals will oversee the works. Further details will be
provided in the future.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the books
published in the Printing House of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE ARMENIAN PRELACY OF CANADA HOSTS A MEETING BETWEEN
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AND ECUMENICAL PERSONALITIES
An ecumenical meeting was held in the Prelacy of Canada on September 26 on
occasion of His Holiness’ visit to Montreal.
Prelate Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirosian (Prelate of the Western Prelacy) and religious
officials attended the event.
Primates and representatives of the entire sister Christian churches in
Montreal were also present. These included representatives from the Coptic
Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, representatives of the two Greek Orthodox
families, the representative of Roman Catholic Cardinal Turcotte, Greek
Catholic, Chaldean, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, the representatives
of the Armenian Catholic and Armenian Protestant churches, as well as the
general and regional managers of Bible Society in Canada, the head of the
ecumenical center of Montreal, and community officials.
Prelate Archbishop Hagopian welcomed the attendants, expressing satisfaction
that representatives from sister churches had accepted his invitation to
greet His Holiness in Canada.
The attendants received a new publication of the Bible and the Psalms in one
edition by the diocese of Canada and the Bible Society.
Reverend Manuel Djinbashian, who has brought great contribution to the
translations, carried out by the Catholicosate of Cilicia and with the
cooperation of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan (Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy)
and late Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, spoke about these translation works
briefly and informed the attendants of the unique linguistic characteristics
of the Armenian Bible.
The regional director of the Bible Society, George Lugo presented the
edition, thanking Rev Djinbashian, Serj Reyom (director of publications and
circulation of Bible Society), Rev. Mark Henry Vidal (director of the Bible
Society) and Rev. Karnig Koyounian who had initiated the joint project. Lugo
thanked also Prelate Hagopian, who had sponsored the mentioned project.
His Holiness Aram I welcomed the spiritual leaders of Montreal in the city’s
Armenian Prelacy and praised their brotherly relations with the Prelate and
the lay council. His Holiness spoke about the dominating presence of God’s
word in the Church.
“In the holy work of translating the Bible, we use the word ‘Armenianize’ in
our language. As our fathers so carefully ‘armenianized’ the Bible, God
spoke to our people in Armenian,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness pointed out that interpreting the spirit of the Bible is more
important that its literal translation. He announced he has formed a new
committee of the members of the Cilician Brotherhood to continue the
translation of the Old Testament.
The event continued with warm discussions between the attendants. His
Holiness answered several questions related to ecumenical issues, the
theological thoughts and relations of different churches.
The guests highlighted the role His Holiness plays in the ecumenical arena
and his contribution to inter-religious initiatives. His Holiness spoke
about the aims behind conferences and meetings organized by the World
Council of Churches and other similar organizations.
The Catholicos emphasized that such initiatives, particularly in the
Christian-Muslim dialogue field, would contribute to boosting the role of
religions in human societies and peaceful coexistence between the world’s
various communities.
##
View pictures here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Terrorism.htm
TUFTS E-NEWS
September 16, 2005
Looking Back At Terrorism
Fletcher graduate Harout H. Semerdjian talks about the history of
international terrorism and urges world leaders to acknowledge and
learn from terror tragedies of the past.
Medford/Somerville, Mass. – While the attacks that took place on
September 11, 2001, introduced many Americans to the realities of
international terrorism, the West lags behind much of the world when
it comes to accepting it as a fact of life. In a recent opinion piece,
Fletcher graduate Harout H. Semerdjian explored the roots of
terrorism and urged global leaders to learn from terror tragedies that
their countries, and others, have endured in the past.
`The recent acts of international terrorism are a modern-day
demonstration of the deadly magnitude of terrorist objectives,
particularly as they transpire on North American and European soil,’
Semerdjian, a research associate at Harvard University’s Kennedy
School of Government, wrote in an op-ed in the Asia Times. `What we
are experiencing today, however, is not a new phenomenon in world
history.’
According to Semerdjian, terrorism, motivated by extreme religious
ideologies, has colored world history.
`For centuries, entire indigenous populations in the Middle East and
elsewhere have been exterminated in the name of religion,’ he
wrote. `While patterns of such events are not exactly the same as what
we are witnessing today in the form of Al-Qaeda-inspired violence, the
thought process behind the systematic and orchestrated murder of
innocents is.’ Semerdjian pointed out a modern-era example of the
devastating effects of terrorism in the name of religion: the 1915
massacre of Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire, which
was ruled by the Muslim Turks.
`The outcome was one of the worst quantitative measures of terror and
genocide in human history, resulting in the massacre of 1.5 million
people and the destruction of an astounding 4,000 Christian churches
and monasteries,’ Semerdjian wrote. `An entire people was
systematically targeted and annihilated on the grounds of their
religion and what it represented in the confines of the Islamic
empire.’
Semerdjian added that, for the most part, the West ignored this act of
terror, which he considers `a calculated result of Turkish nationalism
and racist policies of Turkification.’ Today, in fact, Turkey is a
member of NATO and an ally of the United States in the Middle East, he
explained.
`It is in this very context of alliance that the United States should
expose this dark chapter in world history and require Turkey to own up
to its Ottoman past, and hence secure a more reliable partner in the
region,’ he said.
According to Semerdjian, it is incumbent upon world leaders, including
President George W. Bush, to examine the history of terrorism in order
to fight against it.
`The events of the last century and particularly in the last decade
should embolden the West’s commitment to fighting worldwide
terrorism. This, however, can not be done without careful
consideration of the historical development of today’s problems,’ he
stated.
While Bush is on the right track in terms of combating terrorism,
Semerdjian said, the president needs to `match that resolve with an
equal will to understand its real causes and to remedy some of its
most blatant manifestations through clear recognition.’
`We need to strengthen this effort by promoting education and
knowledge about historic and current issues of vital importance. The
key in countering current acts of violence lies in understanding and
absorbing lessons of history and helping to set the historical record
straight,’ he said. `Our fortitude and capacity to acknowledge past
acts of terror will assist our current efforts in countering
terrorism. Our global partners in this effort deserve our assistance
and support, as well as the chance to benefit from our own
introspection.’
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
2005-09-28
Naira Melkoumian meets with American Senator Jack Scott
On September 20, the Executive Director of the “Hayastan” Fund had a
meeting with Senator Jack Scott/CA,USA/ , Chief of the Western Branch
of the Ramkavar Liberal-Democratic Party Ara Aharonyan,
Representatives of “Hay Dat” Council Mr. and Mrs. Poladyans and other
quests from abroad.
Mrs. Naira Melkoumian mentioned that she highly appreciates the
efforts of the Senator towards the recognition of the 1915 Armenian
Genocide. The on-going and upcoming projects of the Fund were also
among the issues of the meeting. The Chief of the Western Branch of
the Ramkavar Liberal-Democratic Party announced that their branch will
undertake the sponsorship of the school construction in Martakert.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PASS FINAL READING
Armenpress
Sept 28, 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: With a vote of 90 and without votes
of ‘no’ and abstentions the Armenian parliament has passed today in
the third and final reading a package of constitutional amendments
that will be put on a national referendum on November 26.
Opposition lawmakers from Ardarutyun (Justice) bloc and the National
Unity boycotted the voting. The Armenian parliament passed also in
the second and third final reading a bill on making changes to the
Law on Referendum. The changes are meant to make the Law on Referendum
comply with already amended Election Law.
Before putting the bill to a second reading Hrayr Karapetian from
the ARF said the bill incorporated some of changes, proposed by the
opposition. He, particularly, mentioned a suggestion by an opposition
lawmaker from Ardarutyun-Arshak Sadoyan- envisaging the secrecy
of ballot.
The bill also incorporated two other opposition proposals saying that
precincts may have no more than one ballot box and that voting results
must be tabulated and made public every three hours, but nevertheless,
the opposition boycotted the voting.

DEFENDANT OPENS FIRE AT PLAINTIFF AND LAWYER IN MOSCOW COURT
MosNews, Russia
Sept 28 2005
A plaintiff and his lawyer were targeted by a gunman, believed to be
a defendant, in a justice of the peace building in Moscow Wednesday.
A man armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle opened fire at the
plaintiff and his lawyer on Wednesday, Interfax news agency reported.
Both of them were badly injured in the attack, the news agency
reported.
The gunman, of Armenian origin, was overpowered and detained at the
scene of the incident. According to preliminary information, he was
the defendant in a case being heard in the building.