ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SAYS RUSSIAN BASE REMAINS SECURITY ELEMENT
Armenpress
Sept 27, 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: Speaking to a news conference
after talks with the visiting president of Finland Tarja Halonen,
Armenian president Robert Kocharian said Russian military bases
in Armenia were not imposed on it, but established in line with an
Armenian-Russian agreement.
He said also the Russian base is in line with Armenia’s national
interests.
Kocharian said Armenia is located in a complicated region where
relations between countries are not finally regulated yet. He said
Russian bases in Armenia are looked on as an element of its national
security. “There is no need to expand these bases, but what is there
is regulated by the intergovernmental agreement,’ he said. The press
conference was preceded by face-to-face talks between Kocharian
and Halonen, who according to Kocharian’s press office, discussed
bilateral relations, Armenia-EU cooperation, regional problems and
exchanged views on a set of key international issues.
Mrs. Halonen welcomed Armenia’s inclusion in the European Neighborhood
Policy (ENP), saying Finland was going to attach greater attention
to its relations with South Caucasian nations. President Kocharian
in turn said involvement of influential international organizations
in the process of regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would
have a positive impact, especially in providing political and economic
support to the sides after they reached a peace deal.
Kocharian said there were moments when the conflicting sides were
very close to hammering out the deal, but some circumstances have
slowed down the process. He said talks are very intensive now and
there is hope for reaching a mutually acceptable peace formula.
Mrs. Halonen said after learning the latest developments in the process
he encouraged Kocharian to continue active efforts for reaching final
peace with Azerbaijan.

ARMENIA BECOMES ADB MEMBER
Armenpress
Sept 27, 2005
MANILA, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenia has become the 64th member
of Asian Development Bank (ADB). Armenia’s membership became effective
on 20 September 2005 upon completion of all formalities.
Armenia has subscribed to 10,557 shares of the capital stock. ADB’s
authorized capital stock is 3,509,728 shares equivalent to US$51.6
billion.
The Asian Development Bank is dedicated to reducing poverty in the
Asia and Pacific regions through pro-poor sustainable economic growth,
social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is
owned by 64 members, with 46 from the region. In 2004, it approved
loans and technical assistance totaling $5.3 billion and $196.6
million, respectively.

HALONEN: ARMENIA SHOWS SERIOUS APPROACH TO EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Pan Armenian News
27.09.2005 04:48
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Finnish President Tarja Halonen noted Armenian
authorities have done “much work to prepare the Plan of Actions within
the European Neighborhood Policy.” She stated it in the course of a
joint press conference with Armenian President Robert Kocharian. She
expressed hope for the Plan to be ready by the latter half of 2006,
when Finland will assume EU presidency. “Armenia shows very serious
approach to European integration,” she noted. In his turn R. Kocharian
expressed hope for the parties to come to agreement over the Plan
of Actions by the end of the year. The Armenian leader remarked,
“the process has been protracted, however it is not our guilt.” In
R. Kocharian’s words, the Plan of Actions provides for continuing
reforms in all respects and “Yerevan expects Finland to assume 2-3
directions it is most strong in during EU presidency.” The Armenian
and Finnish Presidents noted that the Armenian-Turkish relations and
the Karabakh settlement were discussed in the course of the talks in
Yerevan. T.
Halonen noted she had invited R. Kocharian to visit Finland on an
official call.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Natoinal Committee of Illinois
1701 North Greenwood Road
Glenview, IL 60026
Date: September 27, 2005
Contact: Greg Bedian
Email: [email protected]
SYSTEM OF A DOWN, ANC, AYF LEAD RALLY TO DEMAND VOTE ON GENOCIDE
LEGISLATION
Batavia, IL – 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 blocked off by a police
cordon, hundreds of people of all ages listened to Tankian and 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 to build momentum for the
legislation.
System of a Down’s four band members – Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian,
Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan – are of Armenian descent and have
made awareness of the genocide, and genocide around the world, a
central message of the band. All lost family members to the Armenian
Genocide.
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.’
Greg Bedian, Chair of the ANC of IL, told the crowd, `You’ve taken the
time to stand up for justice about Turkey’s denial of the Armenian
Genocide, the precursor to the Holocaust and many other instances of
mass slaughter. The U.S. government today must set its record
straight by reaffirming the fact that Turkey committed genocide when
it exterminated 1.5 million Armenians. America must send the message
to governments around the world that the crime of genocide will
neither be forgotten nor treated with impunity.’
The rally was organized by the popular rock band System of a Down,
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 the Axis of Justice.
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 provide the Speaker’s feedback to the constituents very soon
regarding the current bill.
The Armenian National Committee of Illinois is a grassroots public
affairs organization serving to inform, educate, and act on a wide
range of issues concerning Armenian Americans throughout the state of
Illinois.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
09/27/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Hundreds Gather at System Of A Down, ANC, AYF Rally Demanding Genocide Vote 2) Austria on EU Collision Course over Turkey Talks 3) Finland's President Visits Armenia 4) Armenian Conference at Istanbul University in March 2006 5) Armenia Fund Continues Tradition of Thanksgiving Day Telethon 6) US-Armenia Agriculture Heads Discuss Cooperation 1) Hundreds Gather at System Of A Down, ANC, AYF Rally Demanding Genocide Vote 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 blocked off by a police cordon, hundreds of people of all ages listened to Tankian and 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 to build momentum for the legislation. System Of A Down's four band members--Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan--are of Armenian descent and have made awareness of the Genocide, and genocides around the world, a central message of the band. All lost family members in the Armenian genocide. 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.' Greg Bedian, Chair of the ANC of Illinois, told the crowd, `You've taken the time to stand up for justice about Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide, the precursor to the Holocaust and many other instances of mass slaughter. The US government today must set its record straight by reaffirming the fact that Turkey committed genocide when it exterminated 1.5 million Armenians. America must send the message to governments around the world that the crime of genocide will neither be forgotten nor treated with impunity.' 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. 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 provide the Speaker's feedback to the constituents very soon regarding the current bill. 2) Austria on EU Collision Course over Turkey Talks BRUSSELS (EUPolitix/Reuters)--Austria appears to be on a collision course with its European Union partners over the terms for starting accession talks with Turkey next week, raising the risk of a last-minute cliffhanger unless Vienna backs down. With 80 percent of his electorate opposed to Turkish entry, Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel is holding out for a face-saving formula in the EU negotiating mandate spelling out the prospect of less than full membership, diplomats said. `Austria is insisting on an alternative to membership,' a senior EU diplomat said. Turkey says it would walk away if the EU mentioned the `privileged partnership' sought by Vienna. The Austrians seem isolated after Cyprus, Greece, and France accepted a deal last week on the other key issue that had clouded the planned October 3 start of accession negotiations--Turkey's refusal to recognize Cyprus. Unless Vienna backs down at a meeting of ambassadors of the 25-nation bloc on Thursday, EU president Britain will call an emergency foreign ministers' session in Luxembourg on Sunday evening to seek agreement, hours before Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is due to arrive and start the negotiations. `We could end up with Gul sitting with his suitcase at Ankara Airport waiting for word on the final language of the negotiating mandate. That would be very humiliating for the Turks and get the talks off to the worst possible start,' another EU diplomat said. Turkey has insisted that it will walk away from any negotiations proposing privileged partnership. Turkish foreign minister Ali Babacan, said Europe must not move the goal posts at the last minute. European Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn has dismissed the privileged partnership option, insisting that talks must aim for full membership. `Whatever that [privileged partnership] could mean I'm willing to listen, but I have not yet heard very convincing answers,' he said. Complicating matters, Austria has informally linked its acceptance of the start of Turkey talks to the start of negotiations with Croatia. Speaking earlier this month, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said, `I would find it grotesque if we begin negotiations with Turkey and leave Croatia outside the door to starve.' Austria's stance reflects growing public opposition in much of Western Europe to admitting the vast, poor, overwhelmingly Muslim country on the edge of Europe and the Middle East. 3) Finland's President Visits Armenia YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--Finland's President Tarja Halonen ended a two-day official visit to Yerevan on Tuesday, pledging support for Armenia's efforts to forge closer links with the European Union and stressing the importance of its democratization. `We have discussed how Finland can help Armenia within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy,' she said after talks with President Robert Kocharian. `I am happy to see that Armenia has a serious approach to European integration and think my counterpart too realizes that it creates many opportunities for his country but requires a great deal of efforts.' Halonen was referring to Armenia's inclusion last year in the program designed to promote privileged partnership between the EU countries and their immediate neighbors. Kocharian and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian expressed hope that Finland will help Armenia benefit from the scheme and contribute to its broader European integration when it assumes the EU's rotating presidency next year. Halonen also visited the genocide memorial to 1.5 million Armenians killed by the government of Turkey in 1915-1923, and planted a tree in their memory. Halonen's visit is the first by a Finnish head of state to Caucuses Region since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, and marks the first time a woman president visits Armenia. 4) Armenian Conference at Istanbul University in March 2006 ISTANBUL--Istanbul University (IU) sources revealed on Tuesday that yet another conference dealing with the Armenian genocide is scheduled to take place in Turkey, in March 2006. After two cancellations, an unprecedented conference on the genocide of Armenians was held last Saturday at Istanbul's Bilgi University. Last May, Turkey's justice minister said the conference was a `stab in the Turkish nation's back,' prompting it to be postponed, and tapping into hard-line elements. It was again cancelled after a Turkish court ruling banning the meeting, following complaints by nationalists. The IU Rector's office said the upcoming conference would be held at IU, with `wide international participation and on basis of international criteria.' `The participants, including lawyers, scholars and politicians, of countries who have adopted resolutions accepting and remembering the so-called Armenian genocide will be invited,' stated a press release. Istanbul University said the `matter' would be studied not only historically and objectively, but also from legal, political and sociological perspectives. 5) Armenia Fund Continues Tradition of Thanksgiving Day Telethon NEW YORKA yearly tradition returns on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, when Armenia Fund Telethon 2005 will be broadcast to raise funds for `Rebirth of Artsakh,' a three-year, three-phase major regional development program for Mountainous Karabagh Republic. Since 1996, when the Telethon was first organized, millions of dollars have been raised to implement vital projects that have affected thousands of lives. The `Rebirth of Artsakh' regional development program includeds the building of schools, houses, clinics, and access roads, as well as drinking water programs and agricultural initiatives for three major regions of Mountainous Karabagh. Armenia Fund USA will spearhead the Agricultural Initiative component of the Program, aimed at providing long term sustainable economic development for the region. This year's Telethon will raise funds for the Mardakert agricultural initiative, which requires $2.5 million to assist 20,000 inhabitants. Plans are to establish six Agricultural Development Associations in order to help transition groups of subsistence farmers to becoming field crop, swine, and cattle production units. Armenia Fund is the US affiliate of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, and is a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization; the Fund represents all Armenian constituents. 6) US-Armenia Agriculture Heads Discuss Cooperation WASHINGTON, DC--Armenia's agricultural minister David Lokian met with US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johans, in Washington on Monday, to review US-Armenia collaboration in the sector. In order to expand ties and establish joint projects, they discussed introduction of state-of-the technology to ensure food safety in Armenia. The US Department of Agriculture has expressed readiness to assist Armenia, including technical assistance to train specialists. Minister Lokian is in the US for a meeting of the US-Armenia Task Force that meets every 6 months to review the progress and objectives of US assistance to Armenia. The bilateral commission was established in 2000. Senior US officials from the State Department, Agriculture, Finance and Trade departments, as well as USAID and Millennium Challenge Account program, attended a reception at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, for Task Force members. 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.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Prelacy of Canada
Contact Name: Dania Ohanian
Phone: (514) 856-1200
3401 Olivar Asselin
Montreal, Qc H4J 1L5
E-mail: [email protected]
His Holiness Meets with Canadian Bible Society, Ecumenic Leaders and Youth
Montreal, Qc_ His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholicosate
of Cilicia met with representatives of the Canadian Bible Society and
Ecumenic Leaders at the Armenian Prelacy of Canada on the afternoon of
Monday September 26, 2005.
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of
Canada, presented along with His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Untied States, the recent publication
of the New Testament and Psalms from classic Armenian to modern Armenian to
His Holiness Aram I.
Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian, one of the three eminent biblical scholars who
worked on the translation of the Holy Bible from classic Armenian to modern
Armenian, presented a short history of the first biblical translation after
the Armenian alphabet was conceived 1600 years ago and of the most recent
translation.
Representing the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) and the Montreal District
Director for the CBS, Rev. Georges Legault thanked all of the efforts put
forth for this recent publication, and announced the CBS’ next venture in
Armenian: the publication of a children’s Bible in Armenian.
Also representing the CBS were Serge Rhéaume, Director of Francophone
Division, Rev. Marc Henri Vidal, as well as Adèle Brodeur, CBS Associate
Director.
Among the clergy present were Georges Zabarian of the Armenian Catholic
Church, Ven. Peter Hannen of the Anglican Diocese, Archpriest Peter Shportun
and Rev. Father Elie Touma of the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church,
Protopresviter Stephen Smith of the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church, Mgr.
Louis Al-Dairany, Patriarchal Vicar of the Chaldéens Catholic of Montreal
and Ottawa, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim of the Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Fr.
Kamil Ishak, Rev. Fr. Joseph Sedra and Rev. Fr. Raphael Bichara of the
Syrian Orthodox Church , Rev. Mher Khachigian of the Armenian Evangelical
Church, Rev. Georges Dabbo of the Armenian Evangelical First Church and all
clergy members of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada.
Harvey Shepherd from Montreal’s English language daily, The Gazette, also
attended the meeting after an interview with His Holiness and Rev. Dr.
Manuel Jinbashian.
His Holiness concluded the presentation by stating that as leaders and
representatives of Christianity, it is of great importance and a great feat
for all them “to stick together in the common Christian task,” all the while
preserving their own distinctive characteristics. The Ecumenical meeting
continued over a luncheon at the Montreal Armenian Community Centre.
Meeting with Youth
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia met
with the local youth later the same evening at the Armenian Community Centre
‘s Aharonian Hall for an open question and answer period.
Surrounded by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the
Armenian Prelacy of Canada, and His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, His
Holiness attentively listened to the opening statement of Lory Hovsepian,
who succinctly but thoroughly presented the mindset of the youth towards the
church.
The Q&A session was mediated by Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, who briefly
touched upon different topics that interest the youth, such as freedom and
technology, and warned that freedom is good but it too needs to have its
limits in order for one to have an enriching life. With regards to
technology, Very Rev. Fr. Chiftjian left the attendants with a reflective
message: should we be controlled by technology or should we be in control of
it.
The questions posed by the attending youth were candid and varied from the
basic such as how to get young people interested in attending church to the
more complex like, premarital sex and same-sex marriages.
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate, concluded the discourse
by thanking the youth for expressing their worries and stressed the need to
continue the dialogue together, in order to address the problems together.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos, will be leaving for Toronto on Thursday
September 29 to continue his North American Pontifical visit.
-30-

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As a part of the project web site is maintained,
featuring the most interesting publications from the press of Armenia,
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THE ISSUE OF AUTONOMY TO BE RAISED IN JAVAKHETI?
————————————— ————————————-
Source: `Resonanci’ newspaper (Georgia) [September 24, 2005]
Author: Manana Mchedlishvili
This afternoon local public and social political organizations are
planning discussion of the law on self-regulation in Akhalkalaki. The
forum organizers are such radical organizations as `Javakhk’, `Virk’
and Javakheti Youth Union. According to Georgian Parliament Deputy Van
Bayburt, the forum will also consider the issues of the region’s
autonomy. The deputy is confident that the real organizers of the
event are in Moscow.
Van Bayburt emphasized in the conversation with `Resonanci’ newspaper
correspondent that representatives of various Russian media contacted
him throughout the day and asked to comment on Akhalkalaki forum.
`Russian journalists telephoned me all day and I did not have a clear
understanding what type of information they want. This huge number of
appeals raised my suspicions as to how should Moscow be informed about
such details from a small region. Why are they so interested in
Javakheti, as if anticipating another hurricane? Maybe Javakheti has
become a center of some global political events? Many Russian
journalists are planning to attend the forum and cover it in their
publications from the venue of the event. I think this interest only
confirms my suspicions that the forum is organized by people in Moscow
whose intentions about Georgia are easy to guess. Our authorities
should not ignore this, since delay may be a fatal mistake’.
`Resonanci’ editorial office contacted the head of `Virk’
organization, David Rstakian. He confirmed the information that it is
planned to organize a forum in Akhalkalaki, which will consider the
issues on possible federalization of Georgia.
`I mean the pattern of state and territorial organization of
Georgia. Possibly, there will be people among the forum participants
who will be willing to discuss also the status of Javakhk within
Federal Georgia’, Rstakian stated.
It is interesting how the representatives of `Virk’ perceive
federalization of Georgia and autonomous status of Javakheti. David
Rstakian draws a parallel between the Western models of autonomy and
the old Soviet one. He himself prefers Swiss and German models of
state and territorial organization.
`Thus based on Soviet ideology, there could even be autonomous regions
in the country. Sometimes self-regulation may signify the same
autonomy or self-regulation in separate issues. The majority of
Georgian population links autonomy with the idea of
separatism. Therefore, this term raises irritation. I think our
meeting in Akhalkalaki will have a scientific character and will raise
the issues of federalization, state models of organization of the
country, so this forum cannot be assessed as anti-constitutional. I
also wish to state that autonomous organization is dominant in most
countries of the world. I mean multinational and multiconfessional
countries. For instance Switzerland has 24 federation members. The
same is true for Germany. In other words, our forum is not devoted to
the issue of the region’s secession from Georgia. To be more precise,
we will consider the issues of national-territorial autonomy. If we
ever reach the period of decentralization of power, Javakhe! ti will
have the status of national-territorial autonomy’, one of `Virk’
organization leaders, David Rstakian thinks.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BAKU MEETING ON CASPIAN?
—————————————————————————-
Source: “Echo” newspaper (Azerbaijan) [September 22, 2005]
Author: R. Orujev
Nothing new – the expert is confident
Regular 18th session of Special Working Group (SWG) for drafting the
Convention on Legal Status of the Caspian Sea will start October 6 in
Baku, as previously stated to media by special representative of
Azerbaijani President at the negotiations on the legal status of the
sea-lake, AR Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov. The session will
include the delegations of all the five Caspian states.
Meanwhile, serious doubts are raised by the concern that these
negotiations of SWG will lead to a breakthrough in the disputable
issue. To this effect, it is sufficient to remember the results of the
two recent sessions on Caspian in Ashgabad and Tehran, to say nothing
of the useless duration of such meetings up to 10 years.
After the Ashgabad meeting (January 28-29), the sides stated that the
text of the draft of the Convention is accorded by 70% against the
previous `success’ by 67%. The next 17th SWG session, held in Tehran
May 16-17, was not very distinctive. It resulted in accordance of the
Convention by 75%. Thus it should be noted that none of the previous
sessions saw the parties change the positions on principle points. In
other words, Iran and Turkmenistan keep insisting on their vision of
sea borders on the Caspian.
`The SWG session in Baku will just be a regular one, `the same’
without new developments’, as forecasted by a famous Azerbaijani
expert on maritime law Rustam Mamedov. `May be some not very principle
points will be discussed, and, progress is likely to be achieved on
these issues. However, no progress is expected on key issues. It is my
opinion and I repeatedly stated that solution of any principle issues
on the legal status of the Caspian first demands considering common
security and its guarantees. We need to solve the issues of
delimitation principles, also the problems of our future existence in
one, common Caspian space. What are our steps on common initiative?
Anyway, it is clear today that Caspian states do not intend to
establish common regional organization. The framework convention on
the ecology of the Caspian is adopted by all coast countries, however
on the level of resolutions often of purely declarative nature. All
this points to the fact that no serious radical changes occurred in
the Caspian besides the bilateral agreements on delimitation of the
sea zones between Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan”.
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NEIGHBOURS
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MURAD BELGE: `ARMENIAN ISSUE IS ONE OF THE DARKEST PAGES OF OUR HISTORY’
————————————————— ————————-
Source: “Azg” newspaper (Armenia) [September 27, 2005]
Author: Tatul Hakobian
The Council of Europe encourages the organizers of the conference on
Armenian issue for their boldness and determination
With a special statement, CE Secretary General congratulated the
organizers of the conference on the Armenian issue at Istanbul `Bylgy’
University for their courage and determination. Mediamax quotes Terry
Davis noting, `People believing in modern, democratic and tolerant
Turkey no longer fear radical nationalists in Istanbul streets’.
`I again express support for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
position, defending freedom of expression in Turkey. I hope this
attitude will prevail also in the issue of shameful court proceedings
against one of the most famous Turkish writers, Orhan Pamuk, accused
of public statements on Armenian issue’, Davis stated.
Though Istanbul Administrative Court of 4th Jurisdiction cancelled the
conference on `Ottoman Armenians At Decline of the Empire. Scientific
Responsibility and Issues of Democracy’, it was still held at `Bylgy’
University on weekend. The European Commission condemned the court
decision on canceling the conference, assessing it as a fraud. The
Istanbul court did not accept organization of the conference in
`Bosphorus’ and `Sabanci’ Universities, initiating the conference
together with `Bylgy’ University. At the last moment, `Bylgy’
administration had the courage to hold the conference.
`Ottoman Armenians At Decline of the Empire’ conference was to be
convened on May 25-27 at `Bosphorus’ State University; however, one
day prior to its organization two deputies of opposition and governing
parties accused the organizers of treason. Turkish Minister of Justice
qualified the initiative of the Turkish historians as a stab in
Turkey’s back. Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the decision of Istanbul
court and expressed his support for the organizers of the conference,
whereas Foreign Minister Abdullah Gull on a visit to New York sent an
address to conference organizers. Gull noted in particular, `We wish
for both our and other archives to be opened, shedding light on the
history of that period… We believe that a thorough study of this
period will reveal more historical facts promoting improvement of the
relations between countries and peoples. Thus, we suggested to the
Armenian government that the two countries form a historical (problem
investigation) commission th! at will study Turkish-Armenian common
history’.
The conference was covered by such leading world media as `Washington
Post’, `Independent’, `Associated Press’, `France Presse’ and Turkish
media as well. In his speech at the conference, professor of `Sabanci’
University, Halil Berktay stated that the term `Genocide’ should be
placed aside and everyone should try to understand what happened in
1915-1916. `We cannot allow the discussions to be limited by two
contradicting opinions: did Genocide take place or not? We should try
to understand what happened’, Berktay stated.
Professor of history department at German `Ruhr’ University, Fikret
Adamir noted that in scientific research he uses `Armenian Genocide’
expression. `In 1915-16 the scale of deportation was much higher than
extermination. A whole nation – women, children and elders – were
deported and died on the roads’, he stated and insisted that Armenian
massacres may be qualified as Genocide.
Professor of `Bilkent’ University, Oktay Belgen noted that after
1893-1923 clashes, the Black Sea region was completely cleansed of
non-Muslim population. Taner Akcam, referred to by `Associated Press’
agency as author of the book `An Act of Shame. Armenian Genocide and
the Issue of Turkish Responsibility’, stated in his speech at the
conference that there are too many documents proving extermination of
Armenians.
One of the conference organizers, Murad Belge stated, `I think many
people understand that old stance is not acceptable. I mean the smoke
screen around (Armenian) issue, the policy of rejection’. He noted
that Turkey’s EU accession requires democratic processes, however
Turkey, as any other society, has forces hostile to this
democratization, clashing with their interests. `The young generation
of Turkey has no idea about Armenian issue, which is the consequence
of educational system. The Armenian issue is one of the darkest pages
of our history and it is natural that no one is willing to accept it’,
Belge stated.
On his behalf, Halil Berktay added, `Reading the Turkish press after
the silly decision of the court, I understood that the conference will
be a success. The old official clichés and the ideology of
rejection are now extinct’.
`A few hundred Turkish nationalists, assembled at `Bylgy’ University,
met the conference participants with tomatoes and eggs. The majority
of the participants were Turkish scientists and historians. Turkish
nationalists qualified them as `traitors’, menacing that `treason will
not be left unpunished’, `this is Turkey, either love this country or
leave!’
ARMENIAN FORUM STIRS UP TURKEY
—————————————————————————-
Source: “Los Angeles Times” newspaper (USA) [September 25, 2005]
Author: Amberin Zaman
Defying a court ban, panelists discuss the mass killings of the WWI
era. Western observers hail the talks; protesters throw eggs.
ISTANBUL, Turkey – A controversial conference on the mass killings of
ethnic Armenians during the last days of the Ottoman Empire opened
here Saturday amid heavy security in defiance of a court ban.
The forum was hailed by participants and Western observers as a
groundbreaking event where Turkish academics could for the first time
publicly challenge their country’s official version of the events
leading to the Armenian genocide. Hundreds of protesters waving
Turkish flags pelted the arriving panelists with eggs and rotten
tomatoes, expressing the fury felt by many Turks over efforts to open
their country’s painful past to debate.
“The aim [of the conference] … is to declare Turkey guilty of
genocide,” said Erkan Onsel, local head of the small left-wing
Turkey’s Workers Party.
The conference had been canceled twice, most recently on Thursday,
when an Istanbul court ruled in favor of a group of lawyers who
opposed the gathering on procedural grounds.
Turkey’s reformist prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, harshly
condemned the ruling, saying it was timed to undermine the country’s
efforts to join the European Union. Turkey is scheduled to open
long-awaited talks with the EU on Oct. 3.
“I want to live in a Turkey where freedoms are enjoyed in their
broadest sense,” Erdogan told reporters Saturday.
His words were echoed by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who sent a
letter of support to the conference. He earlier said the cancellation
was a further example of how “Turks are so good at shooting themselves
in the foot.”
Emotions ran high among a packed audience of academics, journalists
and diplomats as panelists deconstructed Turkey’s official explanation
of how the country’s once-thriving Armenian population, estimated at
more than 1 million in the early 20th century, was reduced to its
current level of 80,000.
More than a million Armenians were systematically killed in a genocide
campaign launched in 1915 by forces of the Ottoman Empire, which
became the modern republic of Turkey. The government continues to
dispute the view that a genocide took place. It says several hundred
thousand Armenians died of exposure, disease and attacks from brigands
as they journeyed south to Syria after being deported for
collaborating with invading Russian troops.
Most speakers took a cautious tone, saying the purpose of the
conference was not to deliver a verdict on whether the killings
constituted genocide.
“We cannot allow debate to be trapped between these two conflicting
points of view. We need to try to understand what happened in 1915,”
said Halil Berktay, a prominent Ottoman historian. He noted
nonetheless that Ottoman officials had declared “an open season to
hunt Armenians” at the start of World War I.
One speaker did maintain that the killings could be described as
genocide. “That is my view,” said Fikret Adanir, a Turkish historian.
“What about the Muslims who were killed, why won’t you mention them?”
participant Mustafa Budak, deputy director of the state-run Ottoman
archive, demanded during a heated question-and-answer session.
Turkey recently opened the archive to the public, but critics say
incriminating documents have been purged. Budak denied that claim in
an interview and said “the conference’s credibility would have been
vastly enhanced had other academics” supporting the official line been
invited to speak as well.
A European diplomat observing the panel said its significance went
beyond free debate of the Armenian issue. “It proves that Turkey is
maturing into a Western-style democracy, where all opinions, no matter
how contentious, can be freely expressed.”
Hrant Dink, managing editor of the Armenian-language weekly Agos, said
the session would surprise Armenians around the world. “Some will now
find the courage to enter into dialogue with the Turks,” he said.
Some participants expressed concern that they might face prosecution
under Turkey’s newly revised penal code, which specifically proscribes
description of the killings as genocide.
Internationally acclaimed Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk was charged
under the law last month with insulting Turkey’s dignity. He said in a
Swiss newspaper interview published in February that “1 million
Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in these lands, but no one but
me dares say so.” He is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 16 and could
face three years in prison if convicted.
***********************************************************************
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Monday September 26, 2005 17:31
Armenian Genocide Special on NPR and TheBBC World
Radio programs
Turkey’s Past Report (5:30)
Armenians say that hundreds of thousands of their people were killed
by Ottoman Turks in 1915. The Turks deny this claim. This weekend
Turkey had its first public discussion about the Armenian massacre.
The World’s Jennifer Glasse has more.
Audio Link:
Genocide Interview (2:55)
The members of the popular band, System of a Down, are all of Armenian
descent. They are taking part in a rally to try to get the Speaker of
the US House to hold a vote on legislation about the Armenian
genocide.
Audio Link:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Prelacy of Canada
Contact Name: Dania Ohanian
Phone: (514) 856-1200
3401 Olivar Asselin
Montreal, Qc H4J 1L5
E-mail: [email protected]
Commemorative Weekend in Honour of His Holiness Aram I
Montreal, Qc_The Armenian communities of Montreal and Laval celebrated the
Pontifical visit of His Holiness, Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian
Catholicosate of Cilicia this past weekend.
The festivities began with the official Pontifical banquet in honour of His
Holiness and His 10-year Enthronement anniversary, held at the Homenetmen
GAMK gymnasium, which was converted into a grand hall with an opulent decor
on Saturday September 24, 2005.
The banquet, which was organized by the Sourp Hagop and Sourp Kevork
churches, drew the attendance of representatives and members of all the
sister organizations and sitting at the head table with His Holiness, Aram
I, Catholicos were His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the
Armenian Prelacy of Canada, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardisrossian,
Prelate of the Western Armenian Prelacy of the United States, His Eminence
Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, His Excellency Ara Babian, Republic of Armenian
Ambassador to Canada, Mr. & Mrs. Krikor and Annie Kouyoumdjian (Executive
Council Chairperson), Mr. & Mrs Vagharsh and Arous Ehramdjian (ARF Central
Committee Chairperson), Dr. & Mrs. Jean and Marie-Thérèse Arakelian ( Sourp
Hagop Board of Trustees Chairperson), and Mr. & Mrs. Kevork and Maro
Toramanian (Sourp Kevork’s Chairperson).
During the banquet, Dr. Garbis Harboyan, who has known His Holiness since
his first years at the Catholicosate’s Seminary, presented the life and work
of Catholicos Aram I, before the Quator Renaissance performed a few musical
pieces for the attendants. Led by Nayirri Piloyan on violin, Amélie
Lamontagne (violin), Diana Dutz (alto) and Sophie Coderre (violoncello), the
Quator Renaissance donated their time for this special occasion.
Mr. Krikor Kouyoumdjian spoke on behalf of the Executive Council before
Honorary ‘Cilicia’ metals were presented to four community members for their
life-long dedication and work towards the community.
Rev. Fr. Karnig Koyounian introduced Mrs. Berta Minassian Heller, who was
given the “Giligian Ishkhanouhi” (Cilcia Princess) metal and Mrs. Aghavni
Eloyan, who was given a “Mesrob Mashdots” Cilicia metal. Rev. Fr. Hrair
Nicolian introduced Mrs. Azadouhi Baronian who was given a “Cilicia Asbed”
metal and His Eminence presented Dr. Jean Arakelian with a “Cilicia Asbed”
metal. The Honorary metals were bestowed to the awardees by His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos.
His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate, during his address
announced the generous donation from Mr. & Mrs. Dicran and Diana Hadgetian
of $75,000 towards the Catholicosate’s Seminary and $25,000 to the Sourp
Hagop Day School. Mrs. Berta Minassian Heller also donated $30,000 to the
Seminary, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. The Sourp Hagop
Sisterhood donated $5,000, Mrs. Osanna Zeitounian donated $5,000 to the same
fund and Mr. Vartivar Sharpanadjian pledged $2,500 a year to sponsor a
Seminary student and if that student becomes a Vartabed (Doctor of the
Church), Mr. Sharpanadjian will become his Godfather.
During His closing statement, His Holiness commended the work of His
Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of
Canada, and presented him with a special hand cross, before concluding the
festive night by blessing the attendees.
The following day, His Holiness served Divine Liturgy at the Bon Pasteur
Catholic Church in Laval with His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian,
Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, and His
Eminence Archbishop Souren Kataroyan.
Later that evening, a special presentation took place in commemoration of
the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian alphabet and the 75th anniversary of
the Catholicosate’s Seminary at the Pierre-Mercure Hall in downtown Montreal
on Sunday September 25, 2005.
Organized by the Sourp Hagop and Sourp Kevork churches and made possible by
Mrs. Bertha Minassian Heller, the commemorative show began with the
rendition of O Canada and the Armenian National Anthym on piano by Talar
Harboyan Kalloghlian.
Hosted by Lalai Manjikian, the presentation included an information video on
the Seminary and the daily lives and activities of its attendance. Narrated
by Very Reverend Father Krikor Chiftjian, the video depicted how the young
attendants are trained and educated to become future members of the clergy.
So far, the Seminary has harvested more than 500 clergymen and four
Catholicos’.
Very Reverend Father Krikor Chiftjian also took the podium and lectured the
attendees on the importance of the Seminary, which was established on
October 12, 1930, and discussed the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian
alphabet.
Hasmig Papian, a soprano with the Opéra de Montréal, performed along with
Krikor Chahvertian on piano, “Cilicia,” “Groung,” and an aria from Pucchini,
before she was called for an encore and serenaded the crowd with “Hayastan.”
Papian is in town as the lead in Bellini’s Norma.
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of
Canada, took the podium before inviting His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, for a closing statement.
His Holiness stated the grand importance of the Seminary and the quality of
clergymen that graduate from the Seminary asserting that “we don’t believe
in quantity but in quality. Our word is our work.”
His Holiness will be leaving for Toronto on Thursday September 29, 2005 to
continue His Pontifical visit in Ontario.
-30-

2005.09.26 Anglican Journal:
Primate, church leaders visit Armenia
SOLANGE DE SANTIS
STAFF WRITER
Looking for support and greater dialogue with Canadian churches, the
Canadian diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church invited a group of church
leaders, including the Anglican primate, Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, to
visit Armenia in late August.
Throughout 70 years of Soviet rule, the Armenian Orthodox Church was
repressed and it is now “trying to rebuild,” said Archbishop Hutchison in
an interview, noting that the trip was completely sponsored by the Armenian
church.
“The church survived and a core of the faithful survived. It is a
Christian country surrounded by Muslim countries. The borders to Azerbaijan
and Turkey are closed and the border with Georgia is not as free-flowing as
it might be,” said Archbishop Hutchison.
In Canada, he pointed out, the Anglican church has aided Armenian
churches by providing space for new Armenian congregations and Archbishop
George Carey visited Armenia when he was Archbishop of Canterbury.
The delegation also included Archbishop Brendan O’Brien, president
of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops; Archbishop Sotirios, Greek
Orthodox Metropolitan of Canada; and Richard Schneider, president of the
Canadian Council of Churches.
The hosts were Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, primate of the Armenian
church in Canada, and his assistant, Deacon Hagop Arslanian.
While in Armenia from August 24-31, the group met with His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a cathedral complex near the capital of
Yerevan that is the center of authority for the worldwide church.
Last year, the Canadian parliament acknowledged the genocide of
1915, during which 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Turkish forces, and
“that means a great deal to them,” said Archbishop Hutchison, who
participated in a wreath-laying at a memorial for genocide victims.
The visit coincided with the 90th anniversary of the genocide and
the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian alphabet, he noted.
The group also met with political leaders and visited major
historic and religious sites.
The primate discussed with the Armenian church two possible projects
for the Anglican Church of Canada: a bursary to support a theological
student studying in Canada and advice from Canada’s well-developed military
chaplaincy to support a new chaplaincy in Armenia.
Anglican Journal, October 2005