GEORGIA, ARMENIA SIGN TRANSPORT AGREEMENT
Prime-News, Tbilisi
25 Apr 06
Tbilisi, 25 April: Road transport entering Armenia from Georgia
will be exempt from paying [Armenian] road fund tax. An agreement to
that effect was signed in Tbilisi on Tuesday [25 April] by Georgian
Economic Development Minister Irakli Chogovadze and Armenian Transport
and Communications Minister Andranik Manukyan.
Chogovadze said that the agreement would allow both passenger and
freight carriers from the two countries operate between Georgia and
Armenia without any restrictions and extra costs.
Manukyan said that road fund tax exemption for Georgia was the Armenian
government’s response to the decision of the Georgian government,
which in 2005 abolished such a tax for vehicles from Armenia and all
other countries.
Under Armenian law, heavy vehicles carrying passengers and freight
pay between 200 and 280 dollars into the country’s road fund, while
cars are charged between 18 and 20 dollars.
The road fund tax exemption agreement between Armenia and Georgia
will come into force after ratification.

ARAM KARAPETYAN APPLIED TO AMBASSADORS AND ATTORNEY GENERAL
Lragir.am
25 April 06
On April 25 the leader of the political party Nor Zhamanakner (New
Times) Aram Karapetyan informed the ambassadors of the United States,
Russia, Iran, Great Britain and the OSCE office to Armenia about the
April 21 incident. On the same day Attorney General Aghvan Hovsepyan,
the head of the National Security Service Gorik Hakobyan, and the
president of the Council of Public TV and Radio Alexan Harutiunyan
received letters from the same person. On April 21 12 armed men
wearing masks attacked Aram Karapetyan and the cars accompanying him.
The driver and three bodyguards of the leader of the Nor Zhamanakner
Party were injured, one of the cars was badly damaged. Later it became
known that it was an operation of the National Security Service for
illegal weapon.
In his letter to the ambassadors Aram Karapetyan draws their attention
to “cases of political banditry, and indignant with increasingly rough
intervention of force agencies in political processes, anticipates
an adequate assessment of similar actions, which contradict to
democracy.” A CD with photos of people and cars after the operation
of the National Security Service was attached to the letter.
As for Gorik Hakobyan and Alexan Harutiunyan, Aram Karapetyan suggests
that they give him the tape of the operation (four cameras had filmed
the operation) to publish it. The TV company Alexan Harutiunyan heads
announced about the incident and promised to broadcast the tape,
but it has not been shown on television yet.
Aram Karapetyan suggested that Aghvan Hovsepyan suit an action
“against the organizers of this political banditry.”
According to the leader of Nor Zhamanakner, the operation was ordered
by the head of the National Security Service Gorik Hakobyan and his
assistant Hrach Harutiunyan and assisted by the head of the General
Anti-Terrorist and Constitution Department Nanyan and the head of
the Constitutional Department Yepiskoposyan. Aram Karapetyan has
information that the second round of the operation was going to be
a similar attack on the office of the political party, which did not
take place, however.
By the way, besides the CD Aram Karapetyan wanted to attach the
conclusion of a forensic expert. However, the District Attorney of
the community of Erebuni (the incident took place in Erebuni), as
well as the City Attorney and the General Attorney refused a forensic
examination. “Without any reason. This is unlawful. Yeltsin shot at
the White House but never used “Alpha” for intervention in political
processes,” said Aram Karapetyan to our news reporter.
Aram Karapetyan says the incident was ordered by the country’s
leadership, and the statement of the National Security Service that
there was resistance is false. “I told them not to resist, otherwise
there would be more casualties. There were over 300 people over the
place and they, the National Security Service, could have shot. They
admit making a lot of mistakes after having analyzed the incident. The
National Security Service spread other false information that my
drivers and bodyguards are not members of our political party.”

FRENCH MEDIA COVER THE TOPIC OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
ArmRadio.am
25.04.2006 16:10
The French media turned today to the topic of the Armenian Genocide. A
number of articles were published particularly in the popular “Figaro”
daily. The newspaper turned to the legislative initiative to execute
sanctions against Genocide deniers.
It was noted that the French Parliament is going to discuss the
legislative initiative of Socialist MP Didie Migo on May 18. This
project will be the continuation of the Law on the Armenian Genocide
adopted by the French Parliament in 2001.
“Figaro” notes that according to the project, the punishment for
Genocide deniers will range from five years of imprisonment to a
charge of 45 thousand Euros.
The newspaper referred also to the memorials to the victims of the
Armenian Genocide raised in Lyon and Marseilles.

RA PRESIDENT NOT GOING TO PAY A VISIT TO WASHINGTON
ArmRadio.am
25.04.2006 16:38
Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Hamlet
Gasparyan declared today that RA President’s visit to Washington is
not expected.
The Press Secretary said this commenting upon the interview of the
Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Kirakosyan to the Turkish “Zaman”
newspaper.
“The Armenian President is not expected to pay a visit to the
US. Inference of such conclusions from the Deputy Foreign Minister’s
speech is probably the result of incorrect translation or partial
distortion of his words. In his interview Arman Kirakosyan spoke not
about the Armenian President’s visit to Washington, but about the
fact that the good relations with the US provide for the opportunity
for such visit,” Hamlet Gasparyan declared.

LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT HERE ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT
ArmRadio.am
25.04.2006 17:26
At the invitation of RA President Robert Kocharyan, the President
of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus and Mrs. Alma Adamkie arrived today in
Armenia on a two-day official visit.
The Lithuanian President was officially welcomed at RA President’s
Office, following which the two Presidents had a meeting. The leaders
of the two countries discussed issues related to Armenian-Lithuanian
bilateral relations, EU-Armenia cooperation and regional questions. The
parties exchanged views on urgent international questions.
Later the Armenian-Lithuanian negotiations continued in an enlarged
format.
The primary directions of economic cooperation and the opportunities
of activation of these were discussed.
At the end of the meeting an agreement on promotion of investments
and mutual defense was signed between the governments of the two
countries. Presidents of Armenia and Lithuania gave a joint press
conference.

39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD – NUMBER 008
CONTENTS
Monday, April 24, 2006
STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
[Statements by Members]
*   *   *
Armenia
Mr. Gary Goodyear (Cambridge, CPC): Mr. Speaker, on this day we commemorate
a dark chapter in history. The genocide of 1915 took the lives of an
estimated 1.5 million Armenians.
    Canada’s legislature, from a Senate resolution passed on June 13, 2002
to the adoption of a motion in this House on April 21, 2004, has finalized a
complete acknowledgement recognizing the Armenian genocide.
    Canada greatly values the contributions that Armenians make to our
national life. On this solemn day of remembrance, together, our nations look
with hope and determination toward a future of peace and prosperity for all
and freedom from ignorance.
    I commend the Prime Minister for his courage and leadership in doing the
right thing yet again and I join the Armenian communities in and around
Cambridge, across this great nation and all corners of the globe, in the
observance of this, the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide.
*   *   *
The Armenian people
    Ms. Raymonde Folco (Laval – Les Îles, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on April 7, the
House addressed the subject of the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
[English]
    Today, we commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide
which the House condemned as a crime against humanity in April 2004. On
April 25, tomorrow, we will remember the 6 million Jews deliberately
murdered by Nazis during the second world war.
[Translation]
    Without hesitation, we have labeled these massacres as genocides
because, for racial, ethnic, religious or political reasons, certain
countries have sought to annihilate these populations in violation of their
right to life.
    Canadians have lost family members in these genocides.
[English]
    It is our responsibility to commemorate the memory of these victims as
we reflect on the senselessness of these sadistic atrocities. Canada must
serve as an example to the world that all peoples, regardless of their
colour, ethnicity or religion can live with dignity and respect.
    Finally, I would like to welcome to Ottawa Canadians of Armenian origin
from my riding of Laval – Les Îles.
*   *   *
[Translation]
The Armenian people
    Ms. Nicole Demers (Laval, BQ): Mr. Speaker,
    [Member spoke in Armenian as follows:]
    Parts rashnon serpazan hayr sirelli hay kebektsiner.
    [Translation]
    Today, April 24, we commemorate the 1915 Armenian genocide that claimed
1.5 million victims. The first genocide of the 20th century wiped out more
than half of the Armenian population.
    Two years ago, the House passed the Bloc Québécois’ Motion M-380
recognizing the genocide.
    The Conservative government must do its utmost to ensure that
recognizing these barbaric acts means more than just passing a motion. We
should adopt an act of formal acknowledgement out of respect for families
who lost relatives under horrible conditions and to show that we will never
again accept genocide.
    There are 18,860 Quebeckers of Armenian origin, 5,880 of whom live in
Laval. I am speaking on their behalf today to express the hope that nobody
will ever have to experience such a tragedy again.
    [Member spoke in Armenian as follows:]
    Guetse high jogovourthe.
*   *   *
ORAL QUESTIONS
[Oral Questions]
Foreign Affairs
    Hon. Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough – Agincourt, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on
April 21, 2004, I was deeply gratified as the Parliament of Canada voted to
recognize the Armenian genocide. Today there continues to be human rights
violations against the Kurds and the Cypriots in that part of the world.
    When will the Prime Minister have the strength of his convictions and
have his foreign minister officially recognize the Armenian and Pontian
genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire?
    Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the member opposite
will note that the Prime Minister did acknowledge the terrible suffering and
loss of life that occurred over 92 years ago with the Armenian people. In
fact, he noted in his question as well that there were not only one but two
motions passed in the Parliament of Canada in recent years and this
government, as we did in opposition, supported those motions then as we do
today.
*   *   *
[English
Armenia
    The Speaker: Following discussions among representatives of all parties
in the House, I understand there is an agreement to commemorate the Armenian
genocide.
[Translation]
    I call on the hon. members to rise to observe a moment of silence.
    [A moment of silence observed]
*   *   *
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02472
617-926-1890
[email protected]
Press Release
April 24, 2006
ANCEM Thanks Watertown Police Department for Investigating
the Damage Upon Armenian Genocide Billboard
Watertown, MA – In a letter to Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau, the
Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts (ANCEM) thanked the
Watertown police department for investigating the damage caused to an
Armenian Genocide billboard on Arsenal Street in Watertown.
Upon learning of the damage caused to one of the Armenian Genocide
billboards, the ANCEM notified the police department and asked them look
into the damage.
The police department, led by Chief Deveau, investigated the damage, which
received media coverage from the local TV news.
The damage came right at the time when Armenians worldwide, including those
in the Watertown area, were commemorating the 91st anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Government.
The ANCEM encouraged the authorities to investigate the damage so as to
ensure that the acts were not the result of prejudice which can grow and
lead to the kind of horrific intolerance of which history has seen all too
much.
The police department concluded that the damage was most likely caused by
weathering which was a comfort to the Armenian American community and all
Watertown residents.
`We thank the Watertown police department for its attention to this serious
matter, stated Sharistan Melkonian of the ANCEM. `We remain concerned with
any possibility of intolerance in any form and greatly appreciate the
seriousness with which the police department engaged in its investigation. ‘
Peace of Art sponsors the Armenian Genocide billboards each April.
The Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts.
####

From: Hagop Katcherian
Subject: ANC Sweden: Two Swedish MPs Honor the Victims of The Genocide
PRESS RELEASE
ANC Scandinavia
Hagop Khatcherian
Tel: +46707461495
[email protected]
Two Swedish MPs Honor the Victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The Armenian community in Sweden On the occasion of 91st anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide held several commemoration meetings in different cities in
Sweden. IN Uppsala, on the 24th of April a meeting carried by several
Armenian organizations including , Raffi Cultural Association, Armenian
Relief Society, Homenetmen-Sweden and the Armenian Church , was attended by
several Swedish guest including MP from the Swedish Riksdag. Mr Michael
Oscarson, MP Christian Democrat also participated in the commemoration of
the genocide and held a speech where he said that Ninety-one years ago the
Armenian people experienced terrible suffering and loss of life.
Unfortunately people are not aware of it. We need to work together such that
this very important humanitarian tragedy is captured by the public. Together
with my colleagues I will raise the question of Armenian genocide in the
Riksdag. I will address the Foreign Minister and demand an explanation on
what the Swedish government is doing concerning the denial by Turkey. My
party and I supported those resolutions, and continue to recognize them
today. Last year I was on an official visit to Turkey and every time I met
my colleagues in the Turkish Parliament I took up the Armenian Genocide, but
I was shocked to be met by a wall of silence, and I was even more shocked
when one of them in the end replied, ³we , the Turks are the victims, we
were the ones who were submitted to genocide. In his turn the Swedish MP Mr
Rezene Tesfazion, on behalf of his party the Social Democrats, made a
statement and said that we must never forget the lessons of history I join
with you today in remembering the past I encourage you to continue honoring
your forefathers. H e concluded, this is our duty as human beings .Together
with my colleague Miss TONE Tingsgaard I will try to arise the issue in the
Riksdag. In his statement Mr. Tesfazion honoured not only the memories of
the victims of the Armenian Genocide but extended his sincere greetings to
all of those marking this tragic anniversary . In 2000 the Swedish Riksdag
adopted a motion acknowledging the Armenian genocide .The motion was adopted
on the March 29, 2000 which reads: “An official statement and recognition of
the Genocide of the Armenians is important and necessary. In 1985 the UN and
the European Parliament established the fact that the Ottoman Empire had
committed genocide against the Armenian people in the beginning of the 20th
century. The Standing Committee [on Foreign Affairs] is of the opinion that
the greater openness Turkey demonstrates, the stronger Turkey’s democratic
identity will be. It is therefore important that unbiased independent and
international research on the genocide committed against the Armenian people
be carried out. It is of great importance that an increasing openness and
historical understanding of the events of 1915 and thereafter be developed.
An improvement in this respect would also be of importance for the stability
and the development in the whole Caucasus region.” (Unofficial translation)
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

California Courier Online, April 27, 2006
1 – Commentary
FOX-TV Airs Armenian
Genocide Program
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 – Raffi Manoukian Selected for 2006
Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award
3 – Raffe Deirmenjian Named to
L.A. Human Relations Commission
4 – Mitch Kehetian Honored For
Outstanding Journalism Career
5 – Birthright Armenia Hires L.A. Sevan
Kabakian to Head Armenia Operations
6 – Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 23-29,
‘Days of Remembrance of Armenian Genocide
7 – Kazanjian Picked by Tournament
Of Roses as Float Judge for 2007
8 – Over 200 Members of Congress Urge President
Bush to Properly Characterize 1915 Genocide
***************************************** ********************************
1 – Commentary
FOX-TV Airs Armenian
Genocide Program

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
In recent days, thousands of articles were published on the Armenian
Genocide in newspapers around the world. In addition, in dozens of
countries, TV and radio stations provided extensive coverage of the
commemorative events for the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
This writer brought his share by delivering public remarks and
participating in several Armenian and non-Armenian TV programs. Last year,
the Los Angeles affiliate of FOX-TV (KTTV, Channel 11) interviewed him on
the eve of the 90th anniversary, while airing live satellite pictures of
the procession of hundreds of thousands of Armenians at the Genocide
Memorial Monument in Yerevan.
This year, FOX-TV invited this writer again to their studios on April 23rd,
while airing live satellite footage of the procession at the Genocide
Monument in Armenia. An hour later that night, he was interviewed by UPN
(KCOP-TV, Channel 13). The transcript of that second interview will be
provided at a later date. Here is the transcript of the FOX-TV interview:
FOX-TV anchor 1: It’s Monday morning in Armenia where an entire nation is
marking the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
FOX-TV anchor 2: The Los Angeles area is home to 350,000 people of Armenian
descent. The Genocide, long denied by the Turkey, is a very emotional issue
for Armenians here and around the world.
Anchor 1: And now you are looking at a live shot of Yerevan, Armenia’s
capital, where ceremonies are underway commemorating the start of the
Genocide on April 24th, 1915. It’s estimated over one million Armenians
were killed between 1915 and 1923.
Anchor 2: Joining us now in studio is Harut Sassounian of the United
Armenian Fund. It’s nice to have you back. Thanks for coming in. And yet, I
feel that when we begin to ask you questions in 2006, the questions don’t
differ a whole lot from in 2005. Does that make you feel sad, to an extent
that the progress has not been as quick as you would like it to be?
Sassounian: It’s frustrating because the facts of history are clear, but
for political reasons, people play games, and that is what’s frustrating to
us — because they know the truth, and yet, they want to cover up the truth
for political considerations.
Anchor 1: Let’s go back a step and be more precise here. You would like the
United States government to recognize that there was an Armenian Genocide,
in the first place, and the Turkish government as well?
Sassounian: The United States government in the past has had no problem
recognizing it, but in recent years, because of political considerations in
the region, they have started playing word games. They don’t want to come
out and flat out to say it. There is a resolution in both the House and the
Senate which the administration is blocking from coming to a vote. If it
would come to a vote, it would pass with an overwhelming majority.
Anchor 2: I would also like you to speak to the live pictures that we are
seeing in Yerevan.
Sassounian: Every year on April 24, it’s already April 24 — Armenia is 12
hours ahead of Los Angeles — so already tens of thousands, if not hundreds
of thousands of Armenians are starting the solemn procession from early
morning hours till late at night. They pay their respects and they place
flowers. The government leaders are there as well as the ambassadors of
various countries.
Anchor 2: Speaking of ambassadors, you have been writing a lot of editorial
pieces, a lot of articles lately about the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Evans, talking about the U.S. government calling him back to the United
States after he said what?
Sassounian: Amb. Evans was in Los Angeles last year, in February 2005. He
met a large number of Armenian groups and in one of his meetings, he made a
statement acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, calling it “the first
genocide of the 20th Century.” A few days later, when he got back, they
[the State Dept.] slapped his hands and told him, “that’s a no-no! You’re
not supposed to say that. Issue a clarification, saying that that was your
personal opinion as opposed to the policy of the U.S. government.” He
issued that [clarification]. Then they made him retract a part of his
clarification. They did not like the way he had clarified it. They made him
make a second clarification. Then the American Foreign Service Association
gave him a “Constructive Dissent” award. They gave him an award for
dissenting from policy. Right before getting the award, the State Dept.
forced the Association to rescind the award. So they took the award away,
and now they are firing him!
Anchor 1: Does this say more about politics of the word genocide?
Sassounian: The facts are clear. There is no dispute about the facts. Even
the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk, recognized the
Genocide in a 1926 interview. Turkish tribunals tried and sentenced to
death the masterminds of the Genocide. The U.S. government…Pres. Reagan
recognized it in a Presidential Proclamation in 1981. The U.S. Congress —
the House of Representatives, twice in 1975 and 1984, passed resolutions
recognizing it. There are millions of documents in the U.S. national
archives testifying to that fact. The U.S. Ambassador back then in 1915….
Anchor 1: What the Turkish government says is that there were casualties on
both sides. That’s why they are reluctant….
Sassounian: Even though they know better…. The good news this year, as
opposed to last year, more and more Turkish scholars are coming forward
saying, “look, we started this, it is genocide, and it is time for Turkey
to face the facts of history.” So that’s the new development.
Anchor 2: Which is what the U.S. State Dept. has said it is encouraging.
That’s its position. It says that we believe we want other countries, we
encourage other countries to examine themselves, examine their own issues.
Why is that not good enough for you?
Sassounian: It’s not good enough because the U.S. government, first of all,
before the United States starts giving a lecture about democracy to foreign
countries, it has to practice what it preaches itself, by recognizing a
fact of history that happened 91 years ago, And then, only then, when you
are on a solid ground, you can give a lecture about bringing democracy to
Iraq, Russia or China. Then, that would make it more credible, if we
practice what we preach ourselves.
Anchor 2: Is there concern, I am looking here at, from the United Nations,
there are adopted resolutions on what genocide is and on what the
ramifications are when signatory countries dispute genocide, as they are
right now? Is it possible that this could end up in the International Court
of Justice should the United States make a wrong step? Is that actually
what you are concerned about?
Sassounian: We would not take the U.S. to court. But there is a lot of
conversation in the Armenian community worldwide, consulting with
international legal experts on possibly taking Turkey to the international
court.
************************************************* *************************
2 – Raffi Manoukian Selected for 2006
Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award
GLENDALE – City Council Member Rafi Manoukian was recently notified that he
has been selected by the Board of Directors and the Selection Committee of
the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) as a recipient of the
2006 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Manoukian is one of 100 recipients who will be presented with this award on
Ellis Island on Saturday, May 13.
“This is truly a great honor for not only me but for the City of Glendale,”
says Manoukian.
The medal honors Americans of diverse origins who have made great
contributions to the nation. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution sponsored
by Senator Hilary Clinton (D-NY) that officially recognizes this award,
calling it a “celebration of the richness and diversity of American life.”
The House of Representatives passed a similar resolution. This recognition
from both the House and the Senate adds an even greater distinction to one
of the nation’s most prestigious awards and pays tribute to those
individuals who have been honored as recipients.
Members of the NECO Board of Directors and Honorary Chairpersons include
Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Representative Dan Burton (R-IN), former New
York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Gov. George Pataki, George Steinbrenner,
III, and Lee Iacocca, among other notables.
************************************************** ************************
3 – Raffe Deirmenjian Named to
L.A. Human Relations Commission
LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti has
appointed Raffe Deirmenjian to serve on the city’s Human Relations
Commission Advisory Committee that strives to promote positive race and
human relation in the increasingly complex and multicultural county of Los
Angeles, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR).
Deirmenjian, a member of the West San Fernando Valley ANCA, has worked
diligently to have the Armenian Genocide included in the Los Angeles
Unified School District’s curriculum, and during a time of racial conflict
at local Grant High School, worked with students and administrators to
successfully settle the conflict. ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian described
Deirmenjian as an ideal candidate for the position.
“Having worked closely within the ANCA, Raffe has the necessary background
in not only managing human relations, but also grasping the ideals that
help to overcome prejudice, bias, and other divisive attitudes that can
lead to inter-cultural tension,” said Dadaian.
The Commission teams with law enforcement, schools, cities, community-based
organizations, youth, academics, policy makers, businesses and other
leaders, to bring key players together to resolve immediate inter-cultural
conflicts.
“It’s rare to find a person with such a diverse background,” stressed
Dadaian who points to Derimenjian’s current position as a Second Vice
President of Wealth Management at Smith Barney, who also carries education
in political science and business marketing and has five years of hands-on
experience on Wall Street, coupled with consistent and practical public
policy experience within the ANCA. “He fits the ideal profile to serve on
this Commission whose mission is to lay the groundwork for a long-term
campaign to eradicate unfair practices, while working within the system,”
remarked Dadaian.
Also appointed to the Human Relations Commission Advisory Committee were
Vicky Ortega, Karen Hallock, Al Garcia, and Jose Roberto Hernandez.
*************************************** ************************************
4 – Mitch Kehetian Honored For
Outstanding Journalism Career
DETROIT — In recognition of 52 years as an outstanding newspaper reporter,
editor, and leader in journalism, veteran Michigan newsman Mitch Kehetian
was awarded Wayne State University’s coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award”
at the April 6 campus observance of Journalism Day.
Kehetian started his newspaper career in 1953 with the Detroit Times and
was with the paper until its demise in 1960. He joined the ranks of
retirement last Nov.18 from the Macomb Daily, a suburban Detroit daily
newspaper where he served as editorial page editor. Previously Kehetian
held the posts of city editor, managing editor, and editor-in-chief with
the paper.
At the awards ceremony, Professor Ben Burns, director of the journalism
program at Wayne State, praised Kehetian’s career as a journalist who
practiced the tenets of truth in reporting and for dedicating a lifespan in
protecting the public’s right to know and by serving the journalism
community. In honoring Kehetian, Burns addressed the newsman’s stellar
service and leadership as president of the Detroit Chapter’s Society of
Professional Journalists and Detroit Press Club.
The veteran newsman held reporting and editorial posts with the Columbus
(Ohio) Citizen-Journal, Daily Eagle (western Wayne County – Michigan), and
East Side Newspapers-Community News in Detroit.
Kehetian said the last 52 years of his career placed him at the sidelines
of history and the award from Wayne State’s Department of Communication is
an honor he treasures.
********’****************************** ***********************************
5 – Birthright Armenia Hires L.A. Sevan
Kabakian to Head Armenia Operations
YEREVAN – In a forward-looking initiative, Birthright Armenia has announced
that Sevan Kabakian will join the organization as Executive Director to
head up its Yerevan-based office, the Depi Hayk Foundation. The
organization celebrates its third year of successful service to Armenia and
the Diaspora and looks toward future expansion.
Linda Yepoyan, Executive Director for the organization’s U.S. operations,
describes Kabakian as “a committed, energetic and experienced individual
who will bring excellent leadership and vision to our Armenia-based
operations. His decades of grass-roots community experience within the Los
Angeles Armenian community will certainly serve as a great asset to
Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk.”
Sevan Kabakian has an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Master’s degree
in Aerospace Engineering from University of Southern California. Since
1987 he has worked as a flight performance engineer at McDonnell
Douglas/Boeing. On his journey to Armenia, he is joined by his wife,
Klariss, and his three young daughters, Naro, Naneh and Lalig.
In his new position, Kabakian will be managing all of the organization’s
operations in Armenia, working with local organizations and governmental
branches to establish new areas for volunteer job placements and internship
programs, as well as enhance an already active connection between Armenia
and the Diaspora.
He will also be charged with establishing the groundwork for the future
growth of the Depi Hayk Foundation, including expansion of the organization
outside Yerevan to the more rural areas of Armenia. “Birthright Armenian
is a wonderful vehicle by which countless Diasporan youth will experience
their ethnic homeland in a meaningful way,” says Kabakian. “I look forward
to serving the organization on this vital mission.”
While his role with Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk may be new, Kabakian is no
stranger to the Armenian Diasporan community, especially among Armenian
youth. Born in Lebanon, he has been a well-respected leader in the Los
Angeles Armenian community for 25 years. As leader of the Glendale
Armenian Youth Federation Badanees (Juniors), he actively encouraged a
sense of pride, duty and responsibility among youth through a strong
connection to the Motherland.
“Visiting Armenia is at once a highly rewarding and emotional experience,”
says Kabakian. “I see myself as a host that welcomes Diasporan youth to
their second home.” As evidence of his dedication, Kabakian led a group of
Armenian youth in a pilgrimage to Western Armenia last summer in an
exploration of that lost element of the Armenian heritage.
Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the Homeland and
Diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of Armenia’s
daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through work, study
and volunteer experiences, while developing life-long personal ties and a
renewed sense of Armenian identity. For those interested in learning more
about Birthright Armenia, visit or email
[email protected] .
************************************************ *******************
6 – Gov. Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 23-29,
‘Days of Remembrance of Armenian Genocide
April 24, 1915, marked the beginning of the Armenian Genocide – a crime
against humanity that led to the death of 1.5 million Armenians between
1915 and 1923. The 500,000 Armenians who survived the horrors of this
extermination by the Ottoman Empire were expelled from their homes and
forced to settle in various countries throughout the world.
Stripped of their possessions, these refugees carried with them little more
than the memories of loved ones, a hope for a better life and the courage
to start anew. Armed with this determination, they flourished in many of
their adopted homelands, including California – home to the largest
Armenian population outside of the Republic of Armenia.
Today, these Armenian survivors and their descendants continue to provide
tremendous leadership and invaluable contributions to our state’s
businesses, art community, and academic, governmental and cultural
institutions. Their spirit of hard work and perseverance, coupled with
their dedication to tradition, is a great example to all Californians and
adds to the luster of our Golden State.
As we commemorate the ninety-first anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we
must study and learn history’s lessons, fight to end bigotry and hate in
all their forms and live lives of tolerance towards all people. Silence
only serves to perpetuate the denial of the past, while open
acknowledgement lays the foundation for a more hopeful tomorrow. In that
spirit of hope, I stand alongside our friends in the Armenian community in
recognizing the Armenian Genocide, and urge all freedom-loving people in
America and around the world to do the same.
Now, therefore,, I, Arnold Swarzenegger, Governor of the State of
California, do hereby proclaim the week of April 23rd through April 29th,
2006, as “Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.”
/s/ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
*************************************** ************************************
7 – Kazanjian Picked by Tournament
Of Roses as Float Judge for 2007
PASADENA, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ — The Tournament of Roses has
selected Bev Doolittle, Frances Dudley and Howard Kazanjian as float judges
for the 118th Rose Parade themed, “Our Good Nature.” Twenty-four of the
floral beauties in the Parade will receive awards in a variety of
categories and specifications. The Judges’ scores are based on criteria
such as creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized
animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and
dramatic impact. Doolittle, Dudley and Kazanjian were appointed by the
Tournament’s Judging Committee.
Film and television producer and entertainment executive, Howard Kazanjian,
was born and raised in Pasadena. A graduate of the film school at USC,
Kazanjian is most well known for serving as producer for blockbusters such
as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Return Of The Jedi.” Kazanjian also
produced the pilot and first season of the hit television show “JAG.” In
addition to his
film and television success, Kazanjian is also an author. His works include
a biography of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans titled “The Cowboy and the
Seniorita.”
The 118th Rose Parade themed “Our Good Nature” will take place Monday, Jan.
1, 2007 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping
equestrian units and spirited marching bands from throughout the nation.
************************************************* *************************
8 – Over 200 Members of Congress Urge President
Bush to Properly Characterize 1915 Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC – Two hundred and eight U.S. legislators last week called on
President Bush to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian
Assembly of America, who credited a unified community effort for the
outpouring of support.
In separate letters, 178 Representatives and 30 Senators specifically asked
the President to properly characterize the atrocities as “genocide,” in his
annual April 24th remarks. In February of 2000, during Michigan’s hotly
contested Republican primary, then Governor Bush promised to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide if elected president. Since taking office
in 2001, the President has retreated from this pledge, issuing a succession
of April 24 statements that use euphemistic terminology to diminish the
full historical, moral, and contemporary legal implications of Ottoman
Turkey’s genocide against the Armenian nation.
The House letter, organized by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), stressed that, “the United
States must never allow crimes against humanity to pass without remembrance
and condemnation. As U.S. efforts to aid victims of genocide continue, it
is imperative that we pay tribute to the memory of others who have suffered
and never forget the past. By commemorating the Armenian Genocide, we
renew our commitment to prevent future atrocities and therefore negate the
dictum that history is condemned to repeat itself.”
“We thank Senators Ensign and Durbin and Congressmen Knollenberg and
Pallone for circulating these critical initiatives requesting that the
President reaffirm the Armenian Genocide,” said Assembly Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. “We also thank the Armenian-American community
for their unified effort in urging their Congressmen to support Genocide
reaffirmation in the face of Turkey’s ongoing denial campaign.”
The Senate letter, led by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Richard Durbin
(D-IL), noted that, “The memory of the Armenian Genocide underscores our
responsibility to speak forcefully about our respect for fundamental human
rights and opposition to mass slaughters. It is in the best interests of
our nation and the entire global community to remember the past and learn
from these crimes against humanity to ensure that they are never repeated.
We respectfully request that you refer to the mass slaughter of Armenians
as genocide in your commemorative statement.”
“The Armenian Genocide is incontrovertible, of which the U.S. Archives is
replete with thousands of pages documenting this horrific crime,” said
Co-Chairmen Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone. “The President has employed
a textbook definition of genocide to describe the events that occurred from
1915-1923, but a full and irrevocable U.S. affirmation of the Armenian
genocide is necessary to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.”
“We are very gratified by the strong, bipartisan message from Congress
encouraging the President to properly recognize the
Armenian Genocide in his April 24th remarks,” said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. “We join with our Congressional friends –
most notably Senators John Ensign and Dick Durbin and Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg – in calling for moral clarity
in our nation’s response to genocide.”
*************************************** ************************************
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Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY LEADERS CONVENE IN WASHINGTON FOR ANNUAL TRUSTEES MEETING
Announce Approval of Board Merger
Washington, DC – In an effort to streamline the effectiveness of the
organization, Armenian Assembly Trustees added their support to the
merger of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors into one
governing body.
The approved merger was announced during the Assembly’s Annual
Trustees Meeting, led by Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, in Washington, DC
last month. Nominating Committee Chair Van Krikorian reported that an
overwhelming 90 percent of Assembly Trustee Members voted to approve
the historic merger.
The vote by the Trustees followed the official approval of the Board
of Directors Members and comes after careful deliberation in which the
Assembly concluded that given the complex issues confronting all of
us, such a merge would provide increased efficiency and greater
effectiveness to best address today’s demands and meet tomorrow’s
challenges.
“We had an outstanding meeting and appreciate the continued support of
our membership,” said Hovnanian. “We have important work to do in
Washington for the benefit of the Armenian people and I was pleased to
be in the company of such dedicated activists,” he continued.
The merged Board includes the following Members:
Hirair Hovnanian – Chairman
Carolyn G. Mugar – President
Robert A. Kaloosdian – Counselor and Vice Chair
Edele Hovnanian – Treasurer
Van Krikorian – Counselor
Anthony Barsamian – Board of Directors Chairman (through June 30th,
2006)/Executive Committee Member
Lisa Kalustian – Secretary
Joyce Stein – Assistant Secretary
Lisa Esayian – Executive Committee Member
Jirair Haratunian – Executive Committee Member
Annie Totah – Executive Committee Member
Peter Vosbikian – Executive Committee Member
Albert Momjian – Solicitor
Berge Ayvazian
Daniel Ajamian
Noubar Afeyan
Gerard L. Cafesjian
Lu Ann Ohanian
Richard Mushegain
John Waters
Also during the Annual Trustees Meeting, Assembly leaders reviewed
operations in the Washington, Los Angeles and Yerevan offices and
discussed the 2006 operating budget, received updates on legislation
pending before Congress, the ongoing Massachusetts lawsuit, the
Mission to Armenia and the Armenia Tree Project. Having concluded its
official business, the Assembly honored one of its own, outgoing Board
of Directors Member Ralph Tufenkian.
Outgoing Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian thanked
Tufenkian for his longstanding support and commitment to the Assembly
and said that in honor of his service, the Assembly planted 10 trees
in Armenia in Tufenkian’s name.
Executive Committee Member Lisa Esayian also presented an award to
ARAMAC State Chair for Kansas Alex Kotoyantz for his grassroots
activism and ongoing work to strengthen the Kansas-Armenia
partnership.
The Armenian Assembly is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issue. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
### NR#2006-035
Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
/2006-035-1.JPG
Caption: Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian, center, with Members of the Board of Trustees and Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, top row second, from left.
/2006-035-2.JPG
Caption: L to R: Outgoing Board of Directors Member Ralph Tufenkian,
Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar, Board of Trustees Chairman
Hirair Hovnanian and Outgoing Board of Directors Chairman Anthony
Barsamian.
ress/2006-035/2006-035-3.JPG
Caption: ARAMAC State Chair for Kansas Alex Kotoyantz flanked by Board
of Trustees Executive Committee Member Lisa Esayian and Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny.