PRESS RELEASE
Haigazian University
Mira Yardemian
Public Relation Director
Rue Mexique-Kantari
P.O.Box. 11-1748
Riad El Solh 1107-2090
Beirut Lebanon
Haigazian University’s 50th Anniversary Multidisciplinary Conference on
`the Armenians of Lebanon: Their Past and Present’
Two months after the festive celebratory events of June 2005 marking the
50th anniversary of Haigazian University, the break was reactivated with an
academic, multidisciplinary conference, where 16 scholars from more than 10
countries gathered in the auditorium of Haigazian University to engage in a
day program of discussions and deliberations.
This long planned conference, held under the auspices of the Minister of
Culture, Dr. Tarek Mitri, unfolded on Monday, the 12th of September, 2005
with a lecture delivered by Dr. Aida Boudjikanian from Montreal, Canada.
The capacity audience included the representative of the Minister of
Culture Dr. Fawzi Atweh, the US Deputy Ambassador to Lebanon Christopher
Murray, the US Public Affairs Officer Juliet Wurr, Minister Jean
Oghassabian, Members of Parliament Hagop Pakradouni and Yeghia Jerejian,
and the representative of the Mayor of Beirut.
In his word of welcome, President Haidostian noted that `despite the
undisputedly important role that the Armenian community plays both within
Lebanon and the rest of the Diaspora, its history, culture, and other
aspects of its community life have not been studied adequately to date
according to internationally accepted scientific standards’. As to
Haigazian’s role in the Lebanese Academic life, Haidostian considered, `it
is our conviction that the role Haigazian University can play in research,
critical study, and free exchange of ideas is a fresh contribution to
Lebanese academic life in general and a valuable asset for the Armenians in
Lebanon and abroad.’
The inaugural speech of Dr. Boudjikanian was entitled `The Armenians and
Lebanon: Changing Perceptions and Functions (14th-20th cc.)’ Among the
different perceptions of the Armenians, Lebanon represents an open and
diversified culture, summarized in Pope John Paul II’s statement `Lebanon
is more than a country; it is a living message to the world’. In addition,
Beirut is the land of refuge after the genocide of 1914, and moreover it’s
the capital of the Armenian Diaspora during the years between 1955 and 1975′.
During the next 3 days of the conference, the 16 experts coming from
Canada, the USA, France, Argentina, Egypt, Syria, Armenia, Germany, Italy
and Lebanon thoroughly covered numerous facets of the Armenian life and
history in Lebanon. Topics varied from the political history of the
community within both the Lebanese and pan-Armenian contexts, social and
economic history, aspects of the influx and exodus of Armenians to and from
Lebanon, identity, literature, music to the Armenian cause.
Dr. Claude Mutafian, from Université de Paris I-Panthéon-Sorbonne, lectured
on the Armenian Princesses at the Head of Crusader States (13th-14th cc.).
Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, from Solingen, Germany tackled the issue of the
Armenians and Lebanon during the Genocide of the First World War.
Dr. Vahé Tachjian, from the Centre D’histoire Arménienne Contemporaine,
Bibliothèque Nubar, Paris, talked about the Project and Realization of the
Final Settlement of Armenian Refugees in Lebanon (end of 1920s-1930s).
Dr. Ara Sanjian, of Haigazian University, Beirut covered the topic of
Formulating Strategies of Irredentism at the Crossroads of Nationalism,
Communism and Diverging Interpretations of the Soviet Experience: The
Armenian-Language Press of Beirut on the Quest for the `Internal Lands’ in
Soviet Transcaucasia, 1954-1985.
Dr. Shoghig Ashekian, of Yerevan State University, discussed the issue
of the Armenian Community of Lebanon and the Armenian Cause, 1965-1975.
Dr. Aida Boudjikanian, from Montreal, Canada talked about Self-Employment
amongst the Armenians of Lebanon: From a Community Tradition to a Concept
of Diaspora Theories.
Dr. Ohannes Geukjian, of Haigazian University and the Lebanese American
University covered the topic of the Policy of Positive Neutrality of the
Armenian Political Parties in Lebanon during the Civil War of 1975-1990s
Dr. Khatchik Der Ghoukassian, of Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires
discussed,Lebanon in My Mind: The Civil War and the Centrality of the
Lebanese Armenian Community in the Making of Armenian Diaspora Nationalism.
Mr. Roupen Avsharian, of the American Military University presented an
exhaustive study of the Ta’ef Accord and the Armenians of Lebanon.
Mr. Armen Urneshlian, of Haigazian University talked about the Arab
Characters in Lebanese-Armenian Literature.
Dr. Nora Salmanian, from Beirut, Lebanon, covered the topic of the
Contribution of Armenians in the Musical Life of Lebanon from 1920 to the
Present.
Mrs. Roubina Artinian of Haigazian University, discussed the Armenian
Choirs in Lebanon, 1930-1980: A Bridge between the Past and the Present.
Dr. Verjine Svazlian, of the National Academy of Sciences, Armenia, tackled
the issue of the Social-Cultural Diachronic and Synchronic Development of
Lebanese-Armenian Repatriates in the Motherland.
Mr. Asbed Kotchikian, of Hobart and William Smith Colleges discussed the
issue of Between (Home)land and (Host)land: Lebanese-Armenians and the
Republic of Armenia.
Mrs. Araxy Deronian-Khatcherian, of the Library of Congress, Cairo Office,
covered the Armenians of Lebanon, the Middle East and North Africa in the
Library of Congress.
Dr. Nicola Migliorino, of the University of Exeter, England talked about
the Lebanese System and Armenian Cultural Diversity between Yesterday,
Today, and Tomorrow: Opportunities and Limits.The conference ended with
discussion and recommendations.
Parallel to the conference, public lectures were held during three
consecutive evenings, on related topics, by Dr. Vahe Tashjian. Dr. Khatchig
Der Ghoukassian and Dr. Nicola Migliorino.
In conclusion, by organizing this groundbreaking, multidisciplinary
academic conference, the Department of Armenian Studies has contributed its
share to the 50th anniversary celebrations of Haigazian University. The
organizing committee hopes that the papers submitted to this conference
will become an important first step in raising awareness and future
interest in studying the different facets of the Armenians in Lebanon. It
is planned that the conference will lead to the eventual publication of a
respectable volume of collected studies on the subject.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS CHAIRS
THE WCC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
His Holiness Aram I presided the meeting of the Executive Committee of the
World Council of Churches, held in Geneva last week.
The agenda of the meeting focused on the preparations for the WCC 9th
Assembly to be held in Brazil in February 2006. The participants discussed
and finalized the meeting’s agenda, as well as the political, economic and
social decisions to be taken by the Assembly.
The Executive Committee listened to the General Secretary’s report and
adopted decisions accordingly. The financial situation of WCC was widely
discussed and the participants concluded that despite the economic
initiatives taken by the Council, WCC still faces financial difficulties,
which force the Council to plan more wisely for the coming years.
After long and serious discussions the Executive Committee took a series of
decisions related to administrative, economic and executive issues. The
committee established new committees and assigned people to new positions.
As chairman of WCC’s Executive and Central Committees, His Holiness Aram I
emphasized the importance of keeping up with the modern world, introducing
drastic changes to WCC’s structures and projects and turning the
inter-religious dialogue into an important imperative.
His Holiness Aram I also held meetings with the General Secretary,
secretariat and the heads of some committees of WCC.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
Read the Pontifical message here:
Messages/messages32.htm
BISHOP ALEMEZIAN PARTICIPATES IN THE CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO THE 1600TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE ARMENIAN ALPHABET
An international conference dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the
discovery of the Armenian Alphabet was held in Yerevan on September 13-17.
The conference was organized by the National Academy of Sciences of the
Republic of Armenia.
Bishop Nareg Alemezian participated in the inauguration ceremony held on
September 13 on behalf of His Holiness Aram I. The Bishop read the Pontiff’s
“Blessing Letter” in which His Holiness highlighted the value and importance
of the Armenian Alphabet.
His Holiness stated in the letter that the Armenian Alphabet had not only
become a shield for protection against violent storms of history, but also a
holy national icon, for the protection of which the Armenian nation shed its
blood.
“The commemoration of the Armenian Alphabet’s 1600th anniversary should not
be a mere jubilee ceremony. It should become an expression of our commitment
towards the Armenian language. It should become an opportunity for the
serious and comprehensive study of Mesrobian dictation, the Western and
Eastern Armenian languages and issues related to the Armenian language in
general,” said His Holiness in his letter.
He expressed hope that the conference would base its sessions on this
prospect.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Baghdasarian

WHERE DOES THE ARF COME IN?
A1+
| 17:39:27 | 19-09-2005 | Social |
Today the “Human Rights and Democracy Institute” (HRDI) organized the
presentation of the book “Democracy, Education and Multi-Cultureness:
the Alternative of the Civilization in the Global World”. The author
was Carlos Alberto Torrez, professor of the California University.
WE cannot tell you anything about the book as asked this question
the organizers of the presentation demanded the journalists to give
written grounds for what they wasn’t the information for.
The presentation was organized in the Hotel Congress “Picasso” Hall,
where there were numerous posters on the walls. One of the most
catching posters was the one saying, “I do not know a better aim of
life than to be destroyed following the high and the impossible”. The
participants of the event were surprised finding some resemblance
between the motto and the policy of one of the oldest parties of
Armenia – the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

LGB ELECTIONS
A1+
| 12:56:35 | 19-09-2005 | Politics |
Yesterday elections were held in 4 communities in Yerevan. In three
of them the residents were electing heads of community, and in the
forth they were electing aldermen. Up to now the final results are
not known, but the preliminary results are.
It is already clear that the electors were not interested in
the election process and were not active. For example, in the
Qanaqer-Zeytun community only 22 796 of the 53 491 registered electors
participated in the elections, in Noubarashen- only 3900 of 7211
elections, and in Erebouni – only half of the 87 927 electors. In
the Norq-Marash region where aldermen were to be elected, 4176 of
the 8292 citizens participated in the election.
There have also been problems with the electoral rolls. In the
Erebouni, Noubarashen and Qanaqer-Zeytun communities 18, 374 and
540 electors respectively have applied to the court to restore their
electoral right.
By preliminary results in the Norq-Marash community all the candidates
for aldermen are elected. In Noubarashen Mher Hovhannisyan has received
the majority of votes, and in Erebouni Mher Sedrakyan has been elected.
As for Qanaqer-Zeytun, two of the candidates have received almost
equal quantity of votes, and only after a second counting will they
be able to say who has been elected.

Nuclear disputes, democratic change in ex-Soviet states top Bush-Putin agenda
By ANNE GEARAN
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – President George W. Bush and Russian President
Vladimir Putin agree on how the world should confront the development
of nuclear weapons in North Korea, an original member of Bush’s “axis
of evil.”
They disagree over how to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and have
long-running differences over the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. Bush’s
famous list of international outlaws included those nations, too.
Bush was expected to argue at his meeting with Putin on Friday that
Iran deserves to be summoned to the U.N. Security Council to account
for what the United States contends is a record of nuclear deceit.
Putin has grievances over what Russia views as U.S. slights and double
standards in its support for democracy movements on former Soviet
turf. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Russian leader was
getting a view of the U.S. in a vulnerable moment.
Putin was quoted soon after the flooding in New Orleans as saying he
could not believe the images he saw came from the powerful United
States.
At their first meeting in months, Bush and Putin also were expected to
raise their differences over what the Americans consider the creep of
authoritarian rule in Russia and discuss Putin’s current leadership of
the Group of Eight industrial nations.
Bush and Putin call one another friend. Their bond was forged largely
after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when Russia delivered help in the
fight against terror.
The political relationship has frayed with each passing year. Nuclear
nonproliferation, however, has proved an area of considerable
cooperation.
On North Korea, the United States and Russia are among five nations
negotiating in unison to persuade the communist North to give up its
declared nuclear weapons in return for energy and security guarantees.
The current round of talks has come to a standstill in
Beijing. U.S. and Russian diplomats agree that North Korea cannot be
trusted with the civilian nuclear power plant it seeks.
The story is different on Iran, which insists its nuclear program is
solely for peaceful energy production. Russia is helping Iran develop
nuclear energy, and the Russian Foreign Ministry recently said it sees
no basis for referring Tehran to the Security Council.
When the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency meets next week, it could vote
to send Iran’s case to the Security Council for possible
penalties. The International Atomic Energy Agency could put off a
vote, despite the Bush administration’s preference for a quick
referral.
Bush’s hand may have been strengthened by statements from Iran’s
president on Thursday.
Iran’s state-run news agency said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in
New York to attend the U.N. world summit, said his country is willing
to provide other Islamic nations with nuclear technology.
The European Union has taken the lead in trying to persuade Iran to
halt development of nuclear activities that could be used to make
weapons. In exchange, Iran would win economic concessions.
If the case does end up before the Security Council, Russian
cooperation could be critical. As a permanent member of the Security
Council, Russia could veto any resolution punishing Iran unless it
decided to abstain.
China also could veto any possible punishment. The White House
acknowledged Wednesday that Bush was unable to get a commitment on
Iran during his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Iran has said it does not fear the Security Council.
Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Iran and must apply
pressure through international organizations or allies with political
and economic ties to Tehran.
State Department spokesman Adam Ereli tried to play up a bright spot
in U.S.-Russian dealings over Iran on Thursday. Russia has agreed to
impose controls on its joint nuclear operations with Iran that will
keep nuclear fuel out of direct control by the Iranians.
“I think that’s very clear evidence of the concern that Russia has
about Iranian activities and the measures that they are prepared to
take in response to those concerns,” Ereli said.
Ahmadinejad is expected to make new proposals by the weekend at the
U.N. summit in hopes of defusing the nuclear standoff.
09/15/05 20:51 EDT

“AMIRIAN PLAZA” TRADE AND OFFICE COMPLEX TO OPEN IN YEREVAN IN TWO
YEARS

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. A trade and office center “Amirian
Plaza” will be constructed at 2 Amirian St (Yerevan) under the
patronage of the businessman Gagik Zakarian, Chairman of Unibank CJSC
Board. G. Zakarian stated at the foundation laying ceremony on
September 15 that the construction will be completed in 1.5-2
years. The total amount of the investments for the project
implementation will make 20 mln USD. G. Zakarian expressed a hope that
both natural persons and legal entities will take interest in the
multifunctional complex – this multistory building will accomodate
press and exhibition halls, sport facilities, a swimming pool, several
restaurants, a spacious undergroung parking lot, etc.
Yerevan Mayor Ervand Zakharian also attended the ceremony.

ARKA News Agency
Sept 15 2005
THE RA MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY THINKS TO EMIT A NEW TYPE OF
GOVERNMENTAL (TREASURY) SAVINGS COUPON BONDS
YEREVAN, September 15. /ARKA/. The RA Ministry of Finance and Economy
is going to emit a new type of governmental (treasury) savings coupon
bonds. According to the RA Government’s Press Service Department, for
this purpose at today’s session of the government the suggestion of
making amendments and additions to the RA Civil Code was approved.
The emission of new bonds will target at funding deficit of the state
budget, increase the financial inflows management efficiency, and
develop and improve the system of State Treasury, forming a constant
demand for governmental bonds.
At present the Ministry emits four kinds of governmental bonds:
governmental short-term bonds (AMGT), medium -term governmental
(treasury) coupon bonds with partial maturity (AMGM), medium-term
governmental (treasury) coupon bonds without partial maturity,
long-term governmental (treasury) bonds (AMGB).
According to the Ministry’s latest data, governmental bonds totaling
AMD 58824,51 mln. at par value were in circulation as of the
beginning of September, 2005. At that, 65,7% or AMD 38647 mln.
accounts for AMGM, 24,61% or AMD 14477,5 mln. – AMGT, and AMD 5700
mln. or 9,69% – AMGB. ($1 = AMD 453,26). A.H. –0-
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian president awards British MP
Arminfo
17 Sep 05
YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has decorated the deputy speaker
of the British House of Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox, with the Mkhitar
Gosh Medal for her significant contribution to the strengthening and
development of Armenian-British relations and for many years of
humanitarian, fruitful and courageous work. Kocharyan presented Cox
with Armenia’s state award today.
After the awarding ceremony, President Kocharyan highly valued Cox’s
consistent and purposeful work, the Armenian president’s press service
has told Arminfo.
Cox said it was her 60th visit to Nagornyy Karabakh as part of the
pilgrimage mission to Artsakh [Karabakh]. She shared her impressions
of Artsakh with Kocharyan. Cox said that on every visit to Nagornyy
Karabakh, she sees obvious progress both in Armenia and Artsakh. At
the request of the guest, Kocharyan updated her on the current
situation in the Karabakh settlement process in the light of his
recent meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Kazan.

Azeri official downplays Armenia’s threats to quit peace talks
Bilik Dunyasi news agency
16 Sep 05
Baku, 16 September: The latest statement of the press secretary of the
Armenian Foreign Ministry, Gamlet Gasparyan, on the Nagornyy Karabakh
process is nothing but a diplomatic trick and manoeuvring, the head of
the foreign relations department of the Azerbaijani presidential
administration, Novruz Mammadov, has said.
Gasparyan said that “our position remains unchanged. If Azerbaijan
raises any issue with the UN, Armenia will quit the Nagornyy Karabakh
peace talks and Baku will have to negotiate directly” with Xankandi
[Stepanakert].
Mammadov was commenting on the inclusion of the issue “On the
situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan” on the agenda of
the 60th session of the UN General Assembly.
“Behind this message is Armenia’s great anxiety. The matter is that
Azerbaijan’s position on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict has become very strong and is supported by
international organizations and states. The inclusion of the issue ‘On
the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan’ on the agenda
of the 60th session is a logical consequence of this. There is nothing
unusual here. This is our right,” Mammadov said.
Armenia sees that Azerbaijan’s stand on the Nagornyy Karabakh
settlement is getting more support from the international community
and is trying to threaten Azerbaijan that they will stop the
negotiations, step aside and involve the Armenians of Nagornyy
Karabakh in direct talks.
“First, it is not so easy to avoid the talks. The territories are
under occupation and negotiations are continuing. Armenia is in a
desperate position and may be looking for an excuse. Second, if
Armenia indeed wants to quit the talks and Yerevan officially declares
its withdrawal from the Nagornyy Karabakh issue, we will find a chance
to talk to the Armenians of Nagornyy Karabakh. We can do it and there
is no problem about that,” Mammadov added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress