PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS – September 8, 2005
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago.
For information about the visit, including itinerary and related
articles go to:
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
Last Sunday, September 4, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, opened the 72nd
annual AYF Olympics in Washington, DC.
His Eminence encouraged the AYF’ers to “Remember who you are. You are
Armenian Americans. You are descendants of a proud people. We are joined by
a common national origin, a common language, a common religion, and together
we are an important part of the beautiful American mosaic.” The Prelate
described the AYF and the Olympics as an important part of our Armenian
American identity. “For 72 years you have brought together young Armenian
Americans to forge friendships and strengthen identity.. I pray for the
continued success of the Armenian Youth Federation and wish you good luck
and Godspeed in all of your endeavors.”
To read the entire message go to:
CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO PRESIDENT BUSH
His Holiness Aram I send a letter of condolence to President Bush in the
aftermath of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The Catholicos said:
“The hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans shocks me profoundly. The
tragic images that I see on television are, indeed, disturbing and
heartbreaking. This is, in fact, one of the biggest natural disasters in the
recent memory of the U.S.A.
“I share the pain and the anxiety of those who have been affected by
this disaster. My deep sympathy and full support go to you, Mr. President,
and to all those who are committed to alleviate the suffering of thousands
of people by meeting their basic needs.
“I have already instructed the Armenian Orthodox Archbishops in the
U.S.A., under my spiritual jurisdiction, to appeal their communities to
actively participate in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
“May God strengthen you, Mr. President, as you, together with your
Administration, cope with this great tragedy.”
PRAYERS AND COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF CONTINUES;
PRESIDENT BUSH DESIGNATES DAY OF PRAYER
Collection of money for hurricane relief will continue this Sunday in
all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy. Funds collected
will be donated to the American Red Cross. Crossroads readers may send their
donations directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.
To read the Prelate’s message go to:
President Bush has announced that Friday, September 16 will be a
national day of prayer and remembrance.
ARMENIAN CHURCH CONVENES MEETING TO STUDY
SAINTHOOD FOR VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the canonization of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, from September 3 to 6.
The members of the committee are: H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian,
Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); H.G. Bishop
Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of All Armenians); H.G. Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); V.R. Fr.
Papken Charian, Secretary (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia);
V.R. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Catholicosate of All Armenians); V.R.
Fr. Daniel Findikian (Catholicosate of All Armenians).
Prior to the meeting, the members of the committee were received by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who
gave them his Pontifical blessing.
During the meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints. The
first working session will convene from November 8 to 12, 2005, in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
YOUTH CONFERENCE ENDS
The inter-diocesan youth conference organized by the Youth Department of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded on August 30. During the five-day
conference the participants discussed the challenges facing the new
generation in each of the dioceses. In a resolution adopted at the end of
the conference, the delegates emphasized the imperative of reforming the
church and reserving a bigger role for the youth.
Representing the Eastern Prelacy at the conference was Arek Hamalian.
EXALTATION OF THE CROSS CELEBRATED THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, September 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the most
important feasts of the Church. Because it is a Great Feast, or Tabernacle
Feast, it is preceded by a week of abstinence and the following day, Monday,
September 12, is a Memorial Day. The feast was established to celebrate the
exposition of the True Cross at Jerusalem in 629 by Emperor Heraclius after
its recovery from the Persians into whose hands it had fallen in 614. It is
also a commemoration of the strength and power of the Cross.
The Feast is recognized in all of Christendom and is generally
celebrated on September 14. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday
nearest this date. In the ceremony of the Armenian Church, the Cross is
decorated with greenery, usually sweet basil, symbolizing the living Cross.
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate this Feast Day with the parish of Sts.
Vartanantz, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
BIRTHDAY OF FRANZ WERFEL
Saturday, September 10 is the birthday of Franz Werfel, author of The
Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel was born September 10, 1890, in Prague,
Czechoslovakia, to a wealthy Jewish family. He attended the University of
Leipzig where he majored, and later lectured, in philosophy.
Following World War I, he moved to Vienna, and concentrated on his
career as a writer. The central themes in all his writings were religious
faith, heroism, and human brotherhood. A trip to the Middle East in 1929
inspired The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel saw starving refugees and
became engrossed in the plight of the Armenians. He started to write the
book in July 1932, and completed it in March 1933. He read parts of the yet
unfinished book during an extensive lecture tour in November 1932.
Werfel died in 1948 in California. He is buried in the famous
Zentralfriedhof Cemetery in Vienna.
“Musa Dagh! Mountain of Moses! At its summit, in the grey dawn-light, a
whole population set up its camp. The mountain top, the windy air, the sea
surge, put such new life into this people that the toil of the night seemed
dispersed and forgotten. No more strained and exhausted faces, but only
excited-looking ones. In and around the Town Enclosure they ran past one
another, shouting. No consciousness whatever of the underlying reality of it
all, only a pugnacious stir. Like a spring torrent, small and overwhelming
urgencies swept away all thoughts of the whole. Even Ter Haigasun, decking
the wooden altar at the centre of the camp, and so engaged in getting things
ship-shape for eternity, was shouting impatiently at the men who helped him
in the work.”
>From The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, by Franz Werfel
Calendar of Events
September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.
September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.
September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church’s Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.
March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at

Armenian National Committee – Professional Network
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.3500 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
September 8, 2005
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-3500
OVER 40 YOUNG ARMENIAN AMERICAN PROFESSIONALS PARTICIPATE IN THE ANC
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK’S INAUGURAL SUMMER TRIP TO ARMENIA
YEREVAN, ARMENIA – As part of its ongoing objective to develop
activities and programs that promote the growth of young Armenian
American professionals and strong leaders, the Armenian National
Committee-Professional Network (ANC-PN) hosted its inaugural Summer
Trip to Armenia. Over 40 young Armenian American professionals from
across the nation embarked on the 13-day trip, which traversed the
Republics of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
The participants boarded planes destined for the Republic of Armenia
on Wednesday, August 10th, 2005 and arrived in Yerevan at Zvartnotz
International Airport late Thursday evening August 11th. While in
Armenia, the participants visited the sites of the Khor Virap
Monastery, Tsitsernakaberd, the Matendaran, Yerablur National
Cemetery, Etchmiadzin, Sardarabad, the temple of Garni, the Geghard
Monastery and Mayr Hayastan Monument. The participants also toured the
famous Kotayk Beer and Ararat Cognac factories.
ANC-PN trip participants attended a reception organized by the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in honor of the Chairman of
the Democratic Party, Howard Dean. Also present was Los Angeles City
Councilman Eric Garcetti. The group of young professionals spent the
evening conversing with the delegation from the United States, as well
as expatriates and leaders from the local community.
A major highlight of the trip was a three day sight seeing excursion
to Nagorno-Karabakh. On the way to Nagorno-Karabakh, the group made a
lunch stop in Ghapan, Sister City to Glendale and home to many of the
participants. While in Nagorno-Karabakh, the participants attended a
dinner hosted by the ARF and visited the Parliament House, various
churches, mosques, berts (fortresses), museums and monuments situated
in the cities of Shushi, Stepanagert, Aghdam.
The Nagorno-Karabakh excursion also included a significant visit to
the village of Ashan, located in the Martuni region, where funds
raised from ANC-PN’s 2004 Christmas Party were used to improve and
renew one of the Armenian Relief Society’s Sosseh schools.
Upon their arrival from Nagorno-Karabakh, the participants attended a
forum organized by the ANC-PN, titled `Business in Armenia for
Diasporans.’ Among the contributors to the forum were Vicken Arabian,
representing Yerkir U.S.A. organization and Alex Sardar, who works for
US AID and is the Chief of Party for its Civic Advocacy Support
Program.
`I thought the forum was informative, motivational, and touching. It
is remarkable how the diasporan community has contributed to their
homeland by moving to Armenia and working there. They are pioneers for
those of us who are starting to see the big picture,’ stated Arbi
Karapetian, a trip participant.

After 10 days of traveling, eating, dancing, learning and bonding, the
group returned home on Monday, August 22nd, 2005. The leadership of
the ANC-PN, encouraged by the positive feedback received from the trip
participants, has already begun planning for 2006, which promises to
build on the successes of this year’s trip.
In her remarks regarding the trip, ANC-PN President Jeannine Topalian
said, `A lot of hard work and planning went towards making this
endeavor as successful as it could possibly be. I am pleased to see
that it did just that by yielding such positive results.’
`The Republics of both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are wondrous
places. I had the time of my life there. I saw and learned much and
made a number of cherished new friends along the way. It is an amazing
and life-altering experience for one to return to their ancestral
homeland. I thank the ANC-PN for affording me the opportunity to do
so. I can hardly wait till next year’s trip,’ commented Steve
Torossian, another participant.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.
Editor’s Note: Photos Attached. Photo 1 Caption: ANC-PN trip
participants with Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean
in Armenia. Photo 2 Caption: ANC-PN trip participants in
Nagorno-Karabakh.
#####
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network
(CENN)
Weekly Digest
Septembet 8, 2005
News from Georgia
Illegally Cut Forest Was Found At Woodworking Workshop in Adigeni Region
Source: Primenewsoline.com, August 27, 2005
Employees of Akhaltsikhe tax inspection have found 3 thousands of
illegally
cut forest on 85 thousands GEL at woodworking workshop in Adigeni
region.
The chief of tax inspection of Akhaltsikhe region Gela Londaridze :
<; more This Summer Majority of Tourists Came from Armenia Source: Business News, August 29, 2005 According to the Armenian-Georgian Association of Business Cooperation, at least 10,000 Armenian tourists have traveled to Georgia's Black Sea region of Ajara this year and yet more are likely to do so next year. They were attracted by not only the relatively low cost of the Ajarian seaside resorts but also by the virtual eradication of police corruption on Georgia's roads. Georgian President Michael Saakashvili welcomes Armenian tourists and breaking the border obstacles. Spending a `day off' in Batumi on August 15 Saakashvili met Armenian journalists. The president stated that next year <; more Structural Reforms to be Carried out in the Ministry of Agriculture and Foodstuffs of Georgia Source: Business News, August 29, 2005 The ministry of Agriculture and Foodstuffs will undergo structural reforms. Mikheil Svinomishvili, Minister for Agriculture and Foodstuffs of Georgia told the media. According to him, at present a great number of economic functions are placed on the ministry, whereas the ministry is to define the policy of the branch alone. Svimonishvili said the full structural reform of the Ministry would be carried out in two stages <; more EU Grants EUR 20 Million to Georgia Source: Civil ge, August 30, 2005 The European Commission has allotted a grant of EURO 20 million to Georgia, within the Food Security Programme, the Georgian Finance Ministry reported. On August 30, 2005 Georgian Finance Minister Lekso Aleksishvili and the Head of the European Commission : <; more Missing Factor in Agriculture Equation: Farmable Land Plots Source: The Messenger, August 31, 2005 In the early 1990s when urban industries practically ground to a halt, leaving the population in conditions of dire poverty, many rushed to leave the country, though others headed to the villages to pursue agriculture. To this day most Georgians labeled "self-employed" are engaged in cultivating the land. But in recent years, the opposite trend : <; more Tourist Boom for Ajara Source: The Messenger, September 2, 2005 0ne of the Saakashvili administration's key economic priorities is the development of tourism in Ajara. The summer season is of special importance for this coastal region, as it provides much of the population with the income they need to subsist on for the entire year. Many believe that Ajarans were so quick to oppose their local despotic leader Asian Abashidze in May of last year because they feared that the conflict between the latter and the central government might have, along with other negative consequences, ruined the 2004 tourist season. <; more A Bleak Future for Georgia's Village Forests - Forest Destruction and Environmental Degradation Around Georgia's Rural Communities Source: Mike Garforth, September 5, 2005 Anyone who spends most of their time in Tbilisi is accustomed to the stark, treeless landscapes around the city, so much so that they may think that such an environment is normal, even healthy. You have to travel some distance from the city before forest becomes a significant feature. Take the road main road north out of the city towards Kazbegi and only when you get beyond the monastery of Dzhvari do you begin to see forest stretching out in the distance on either side of the valley of the Aragvi River. Look up to Dzhvari and to the hills to the side and behind it and you will see a once forested landscape that has been destroyed by unsustainable logging <; more News from Azerbaijan Purification Project Under Realization Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag, August 25, 2005 Ministry of Ecology & Natural Resources implements a project related to purification of environment from persistent organic pollutants / POPs/. Activities of implementation of 358 thousand dollars project : <; more Supsa Pipeline Utilized to Fill Ceyhan Reservoirs Source: The Messenger. August 25, 2005 After several years and billions of dollars, construction on the "the project of the century" - the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline - has entered its home stretch. In early August the 443-kilometerAzerbaijan section of the pipeline was filled and the stream of petroleum : <; more Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Keeps on Implementing Pilot Project on Bioplants Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag, August 29, 2005 Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources continues implementing pilot project on introducing bioplants in some rural regions of Azerbaijan in order to produce methane through fermentation : <; more Another Contract to be Discussed in Milli Majis Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag, August 29, 2005 Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic (Azerbaijan Parliament) is recently to discuss the contract on restoration, development and PSA of Surakhani oil deposit signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Rafi Oil Company : <; more News from Armenia Armenia RMENIAN PRESIDENT VISITS TSAKHKADZOR TOURIST CENTER TO GET FIRST HAND VIEW OF CONSTRUCTIONS WORKS Source: ARMINFO, August 25, 2005 Armenian President Robert Kocharyan visited Tsakhkadzor tourist center yesterday to get first hand information on the construction works. In particular, the president visited the third section of the ropeway in Tsakhkadzor tourist center, which is some 3,000 meters height over the sea level. The construction meets the latest European standards : <; more NORWAY TO INVEST $10 MILLION IN SOUTH CAUCASUS Source: ARMENPRESS, August 30, 2005 Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian received today Norway's State Secretary Kim Trovick and discussed with him Armenian-Norwegian relations, highlighting his government's readiness : <; more OSCE OFFICE PRESENTS PUBLICATION ON ARMENIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION Source: ARMENPRESS, August 31, 2005 The OSCE Office in Yerevan and the NGO Environmental Public Advocacy Center (EPAC) presented a publication on the existing Armenian environmental legislation. "This publication will contribute to a greater awareness of legislation amongst the population, which is key for its effective : <; more International News International Civil Council to be founded to discuss radioactive waste dump at Ignalina nuclear power station Source: éá Regnum, August 27, 2005 International forum "Lithuania - European Union: nuclear security problem" adopted a resolution Monday that calls leaders of the Baltic countries and European Union member-countries to consider alternative decisions of Ignalina nuclear plant withdrawal. As a Regnum correspondent reports from the scene, the forum adopted a decision : <; more DEVELOPMENT: Are Water Wars a Fantasy, or a Future Reality? Source: Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS), August 29, 2005 The Middle East, one of the world's perennial war zones, has traditionally been blessed with a surfeit of oil and cursed by a scarcity of water. The irony, says one Arab diplomat half-jokingly, is that whenever energy-rich: <; more Coastal territory of Lake Baikal to be inspected Source: éá Regnum, August 30, 2005 Officials from the Russian Natural Resources Ministry and Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resource Usage (FSSNRU) arrived in Irkutsk Monday to carry a complex examination of environmental law observance on the territory inscribed on the World Heritage List. As Regnum was told : <; more SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Work on National Sustainable Development Strategy Started Source: SEEUROPE.NEt, August 30. 2005 The most NGO invited its partners, colleagues and the general public to take active participation in the preparation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy of Montenegro (NSDS) and to contribute with their ideas, visions, suggestions and criticism, to the improved : <; more Ozone Layer has Stopped Shrinking, US Study Finds Source: Planet Ark, August 31, 2005 WASHINGTON - The ozone layer has stopped shrinking but it will take decades to start recovering, US scientists reported on Tuesday. They said an international agreement to limit production of ozone-depleting chemicals has apparently worked, but the damage to ozone : <; more US States Fight EPA on Greenhouse Gases Source: Planet Ark, August 31, 2005 Boston - A group of US states Tuesday challenged a July court ruling upholding the Environmental Protection Agency's refusal to regulate greenhouse gas emission, a factor in global warming. Led by Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly, the five states and the District of Columbia filed a petition asking the full US Court : <; more Tough regulations for new landfill site Source: Environmental Agency, August 31, 2005 Strict conditions designed to protect the environment will be imposed when a new landfill site gets up and running near Gates head. A permit to allow waste disposal at Path Head Quarry, at Ryton, was today (Wednesday) issued by the Environment Agency. But the permit comes with a series of stringent : <; more 25 tones of fish confiscated from Maritime poachers Source: Itar-Tass News Agency, September 1, 2005 Russia's Maritime authorities confiscated more than 25 tonnes of seafood from poachers, police said Thursday in a summary of the results of the Putina-2005 operation against : <; more US Eases Air Pollution Rule to Boost Fuel Supply Source: Planet ark, September 1, 2005 Washington - To make more fuel available in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration said on Wednesday it will waive certain air pollution regulations for gasoline and diesel in all 50 states. The temporary easing of regulations will end on Sept. 15, said Stephen Johnson : <; more EU Authorises GMO Rapeseed by Legal Rubberstamp Source: Planet ark, September 1, 2005 Brussels - The European Union has approved a genetically modified (GMO) rapeseed made by US biotech giant Monsanto, the fourth new authorization after the EU's biotech ban ended last year, the EU executive said on Wednesday. The rapeseed, known as GT73, is designed to resist the herbicide glyphosate and allow farmers to manage weeds better. It will be used : <; more NGO News Meeting between the Journalist of Weekly Newspaper "Kviris Palitra"and Local Population of Bolnisi On August 29, 2005 in Public Informational Center of Bolnisi the meeting was held between the journalist of the weekly newspaper "Kviris Palitra", Zviad Chakvetadze and citizens of Bolnisi. The meeting also attended representatives of local NGOs, of various services, departments and correspondent of the newspaper "Akhali Verisa" ("New Version"). In the republican and local newspapers articles, also in the TV programs - on "Rustavi -2" and "Imedi" ("Hope") was mentioned that Madneuli pollutes the river Mashavera and results are already detrimental. There is no life in the river. Basing on the investigation that Mr. Z. Chakvetadeze had conducted and on the results of the laboratory survey of river Mashavera done by hydrochemical laboratory of Hydrometeorological Department, Mr. Z. Chakvetadeze confirms that water in the river is not polluted: <; more Launched 9th August 2005 at IUFRO World Forestry Congress in Brisbane Source: WWF, August 9, 2005 The importance of restoration continues to grow, and this book integrates the restoration of forest functions into landscape conservation plans. WWF has made forest landscape restoration a key topic and priority for its environmental work, given its dual aims of conserving biodiversity : <; more Georgian NGOs to Sue Canargo? Source: The Georgian Times, August 29, 2005 As Gary Bukhnikashvili,Gamgebeli (administrative head) of the Sagarejo region, told MediaNews at the time, `As for deteriorating health conditions among Tskarostavi and Ninotsminda residents, the only thing l can say is that those with Aldagi [health insurance] policies can undergo a free medical examination in the Sagarejo regional polyclinics; however, I am certain : <; more Jobs, internships and Study Opportunities Job Announcement Source: The Messenger, August 31g, 2005 For the purposes of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management supervision, IRA Ltd is seeking to recruit a suitable qualified individual for the position of Field Safety Officer and Cost Accountant ... <; more Seminars, conference and meetings Georgia To Host International Veterinary Conference for the First Time Source: Sarke Informational Agency, August 29, 2005 The international veterinary conference will be held in Georgia for the first time : <; more Pentagon to Hold Caspian Sea Energy Security Conference in Germany Source: SEEUROPE.NEt, August 30. 2005 The U.S. Department of Defense plans to hold an international conference on Energy Security in the Caspian Basin from September 26-28 in the south German city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the German-based George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies announced in a press release. <; more Conference - Promoting a Sustainable Energy Culture in Europe Energy Services Ltd in conjunction with Cork City Council are organising the Energy Conference on 22-23 September in Cork, Ireland. To bring people together to discuss the energy issues facing Europe both now and in the future. The conference, titled 'Promoting a Sustainable Energy Culture in Europe' will provide a forum to discuss the issues, identify solutions and meet providers. <; more Announcements Tender Announcement Source: The Georgian Times, august 29, 2005 The Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Georgia invites all interested persons to participate in the open tender for purchasing hotel services for the participants of the international conference : <; more Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel-Borjomi-kharagauli national park Source: The Messenger, August 19, 2004 The Borjomi-Kharagauli Protected Areas are situated in the central part of the Caucasus. This is a region where the humid climate of the Kolkheti Plain meets the dry mountain climate of Anatolia-North Iran. The soil is mainly composed : <; more Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel-highlands Source: The Messenger, August 26, 2004 We will experience the Mtiuleti and Khevi Provinces, situated on the slopes of the Caucasus mountain range: <; more **************************************** ************************************ ************* ********************** Subscribing Information CENN lists are created to maintain e-mail discussions of Caucasus Environmental NGO Network members. CENN has been distributing information since 1998. All the published digests and bulletins issued in both English and Russian languages present incredibly rich environmental information base that give the reader the whole picture of the environmental process taking place during the recent 5 years in the South Caucasus region as well as abroad. To subscribe or unsubscribe from CENN mailing list service, please send an email to [email protected] and place the “subscribe”
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<; CENN INFO Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04 Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05 E-mail: [email protected] URL:

PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2005
Contact at HFH Armenia:
Haykuhi Khachatryan
Communications Coordinator for HFH Armenia
[email protected]
Aygestan 8-th STR, h 5,
Yerevan-070, Armenia
Tel: (374 10) 556-114
E-mail: [email protected]
Armenia Marriott Hotel staff members worked on Habitat for Humanity
Armenia building site in the village of Mayakovski, region of Kotayk.
It became a continuing tradition that Armenia Marriott Hotel and Habitat
for Humanity Armenia started last year: to partner and build together.
On August 27 Armenia Marriott Hotel associates: General Managers,
administrative employees, receptionists, bellmen were in the village of
Mayakovski to help build a house for a disadvantaged family. A group
consisting of 14 staff members did not waste an opportunity to help
Ahmadyans family of seven get their first ever decent and affordable
house and a possibility to raise their five children in safe and healthy
conditions. This family lived in a metal container more then 8 years.
During the construction works the floors in the house were laid. This
expression of good will is a wonderful example of Serving the
Communities and bringing the God’s Love into Action. Marriott associates
have demonstrated their willingness to help those in need contributing
their volunteer labor into building homes, communities and links between
people of different backgrounds and professions. This is also a very
bright example of the Marriott’s ‘spirit to serve’ philosophy, which
perfectly corresponds to the Habitat for Humanity’s principals. It is
an example of Habitat’s model of neighbors helping neighbors to build
better communities. By winter Ahmadyan’s family will move into their new
built house.
“I know about partnership between Habitat and Marriott in other
countries and I am very excited that Armenia Marriott Hotel team has one
more opportunity to be next to those in need. I also hope that the
partnership between two corporations in Armenia will become a tradition
as well. We are looking forward to see our communities strong and
prosperous in the future and will contribute our volunteer labor as much
as we can. ” – said the General Manager of Armenia Marriott Hotel
Katrin Hentszel during the construction works in the village of
Mayakovski.
Marriott and Habitat for Humanity International developed a global
partnership in 1995 to help create more housing builds throughout the
world. Since then Marriott has contributed volunteer labor and funds
toward the completion of more than 50 homes in seven countries. Now,
Armenia joins the countries, where Marriott is involved in Habitat
activities.
Habitat for Humanity Armenia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity
International and supports community development in the Republic of
Armenia by assisting in the construction and renovation of simple,
decent and affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to help
families in need improve their living conditions, to raise funds to
support the vital work, and to give hope to thousands of people across
the country. The organization was formed in March of 2000 and, to date,
has dedicated 122 homes and given shelter to 693 people.
Sub-standard housing is all too common in Armenia. Many families live in
deteriorated housing, in cramped quarters with inadequate water and
heat. HFH Armenia’s selected target group is families living in
substandard, over-crowded and unacceptable living quarters. This group
comprises more than 50-60% of the country’s current population. These
families are unable to purchase their own homes, as they do not have
sufficient income to save to pay for the entire house cost up front, nor
can they risk, or would they be eligible for, a high-interest loan from
a commercial lender.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a
non-denominational Christian, non-governmental, non-profit housing
organization that has helped more than 1.000.000 people of all races,
religions and backgrounds to have a simple, decent and affordable place
to live. Habitat for Humanity is active in 100 countries worldwide,
including 19 in Europe and Central Asia.
THE END

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 8, 2005
NEW INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AIMS TO STRENGTHEN YOUTH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
This fall the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) began
a new internship program designed to give both real-world pastoral
experience to graduates of St. Nersess Seminary, and to strengthen the
Diocese’s youth ministry and education programs.
The goal of the program is to increase the number of experienced youth
ministry lay workers, to provide more resources for parishes throughout
the Diocese. The first intern, Daron Bolat, began work at the Diocesan
Center in New York City this August.
A 2005 graduate of St. Nersess, Bolat received a master’s degree with a
focus in youth ministry. A member of the St. Mary Church in Washington,
D.C., he has been an active member in the local and national leadership
of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA).
“The ACYOA is where my spiritual growth happened,” Bolat said. “The
more I became involved in the ACYOA, the more I became involved in other
aspects of the church and my faith. I began taking leadership roles,
not out of a sense of ambition, but out of a sense of service. It gave
me a sense of being part of something bigger. More and more I felt
called to serve the church fully, rather than trying to juggle serving
the church with having another full-time job.”
While working at the Diocesan Center, Bolat will be serving all the
areas of the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education — Armenian
studies, Christian education, youth outreach, and music ministry. His
focus, however, will be on college ministry and the ACYOA.
“My goal is just to preach the Gospel during my internship here,” he
said. “The amazing thing about our church is that through everything
the Armenian people have experienced, we have continued to preach the
same Gospel; From St. Gregory the Illuminator to St. Gregory of Datev.
I hope that I can contribute to, assist in, and learn from the wonderful
staff here.”
Hopefully, after spending a year at the Diocesan Center the interns in
this new effort will find full-time work either with individual parishes
or in regional settings.
“There are many young people today who want to serve the church, who
have the passion to carry the flame of St. Gregory into the next
century,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese. “Daron is one of those fine young people who want to be
involved and want to take responsibility for continuing our faith. This
new effort gives him not just a chance to work with our skilled and
dedicated staff, to learn from them, but also a chance for him to share
his passion and love for our unique Armenian Christianity.”
— 9/8/05
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Daron Bolat began working at the Diocesan Center in
August as the first intern in the new program designed to strengthen the
Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education.
# # #

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
September 8, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
CONGRESSMAN GUTIERREZ JOINS THE ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Washington, DC – At the urging of the Armenian Assembly, Congressman
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) today joined the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, bringing the total Caucus membership to 147.
Gutierrez, who is currently serving his seventh term in office,
strongly supports U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and has
cosponsored legislation in the House of Representatives that would
properly recognize this crime against humanity. Additionally,
Gutierrez has urged the President to formally acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide in his annual April 24 remembrance statements.
Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian said the Assembly is
pleased that Congressman Gutierrez will be part of this very important
body. “As a Chicago resident, I have witnessed firsthand the
Congressman’s efforts on behalf of his constituents and know he will
be an effective member of the Caucus.”
Echoing Esayian, Illinois State Chair Jim Keledjian said that
Gutierrez is a well-respected legislator and that he looks forward to
working closely with him to advance Armenian issues in Congress.
Gutierrez was born in Chicago in 1953 and graduated from Northeastern
Illinois University in 1975. He worked as a teacher, social worker,
community activist, city official and Alderman before his election to
the U.S. Congress in 1992.
The Congressman is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
and serves on the House Financial Services and Veterans’ Affairs
Committees.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
NR#2005-089
Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
CAPTION: Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL)

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America
H.G. Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
4401 Russell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Tel: (323) 663-8273
Fax: (323) 663-0438
E-mail: [email protected]
Catholicos to Give Major Address Before the
World Affairs Council in Los Angeles
Speech Will Focus on the Future of Christianity in the Middle East
(Los Angeles, CA – September 8, 2005) – Joining a long list of
Presidents, Prime Ministers and global leaders, His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will speak before the Los
Angeles World Affairs Council on October 14, 2005. The Pontiff’s
remarks will focus on Christianity in the Middle East and the current
challenges facing inter-religious dialogue in the region. The speech
will be timely given the historic events in Iraq and the current
turmoil with respect to the United States’ foreign policy in the Middle
East.
“The dramatic events unfolding in Iraq and around the Middle East place
a new imperative before Christian communities in the region and
globally,” remarked His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of
the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. “For thousands
of years Armenian communities and the Armenian church have been an
important part of the fabric and history of the region providing a
unique perspective.” The Prelacy is sponsoring the Pontifical visit of
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, during
which many of these critical issues will be discussed.
The World Affairs Council luncheon speech, which is open to the public,
will be held at the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and
will attract political, civic and religious leaders from across the
State of California and Los Angeles. “We are honored and fortunate to
have the opportunity to hear His Holiness Aram I share his views and
knowledge about the many critical issues confronting the Middle East,”
said J. Curtis Mack, II, [or Robert Eckert, Chairman] President of the
World Affairs Council. “There is a dire need to have greater dialogue
during these historical times and we are pleased to provide the forum
to further greater understanding of the region and the role the
Armenian communities play.”
The council’s mission is to promote greater understanding of current
global issues and their impact on the people of Southern California by
inviting authoritative, influential figures in world affairs to Los
Angeles, and providing a forum for constructive discussion. U.S.
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld recently spoke at a luncheon
sponsored by the Council and the President of the Polish Republic, His
Excellency Aleksander Kwasniewski is slated to address the Council
later this month.
For more information or to RSVP for this historic event please call
(213) 628-2333.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
08.09.2005
Construction of sport facilities is moving forward at a full pace in Gyumri
The “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund continues construction of two sport
facilities in Gyumri. A gymnasium is being constructed for the French
school N 10 since March 2005. The project is financed by the Fund’s
French local committee. The construction of two-floor building of
modern standards is going on according to the schedule and it will be
completed in November, 2005. The constructor is HATM company.
Since May, the Fund has been carrying out also construction of a
swimming pool in Gyumri. It is planned to be over in September
2006. People here are looking forward to having a new pool in the
city, as the three pools of Gyumri have been destroyed as a result of
the earthquake.
The project is sponsored jointly by the Development Agency of Local
Self-governing units of Greece and the Armenian donors.

—
Best regards,
Pr mailto:[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
08.09.2005
The reconstruction of the sport complexes is over
Very soon, the sports schools and complexes repaired by the “Hayastan”
Fund will be unveiled in Yerevan. The reconstruction works started in
April will be completed on schedule and the State Olympic Sports
College, the “Spartak” sports complex of the “Hayastan” union, the
Wrestling Olympic Youth College, “Working reserves” NGO’s Yerevan
building will be opened in September.
Visiting to the sport complexes Naira Melkoumian, the Executive
Director of the Fund, Gagik Tsaroukian, the Chairman of the National
Olympic Committee of Armenia, Ishkhan Zakarian, the Chairman of the
State Sport Committee and others highly appreciated the works done.

—
Best regards,
Pr mailto:[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION
805 Manoogian Street
Montreal, Quebec
H4N-1Z5
OTTOMAN ARCHIVES OPEN A SLIVER
Montreal, Wednesday September 7, 2005 –
Filled to capacity last Thursday night at the Montreal Armenian
Community’s AGBU Demirdjian Hall, renowned German archival historian
and genocide scholar, Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, delivered a presentation on
his recent studies in the Ottoman archives.
AGBU chairman, Viken L. Attarian introduced Dr. Kaiser to the
audience and officially thanked the group of Montrealers who made his
recent research in Turkey and trip to Montreal possible.
Dr. Kaiser had worked in the Ottoman archives between 1991 and 1995.
In 1996, he was banned from the archives by the Turkish authorities
for political reasons. In the past, he had uncovered important
archival material detailing key aspects of the Armenian Genocide but
was stymied by bureaucratic impediments. He eventually received an
outright lifetime ban. For years, scholars, politicians, and
Armenians worldwide had demanded his readmission.
In July 2005, Dr. Kaiser, visited the Turkish Prime Minister’s
Ottoman Archives in Istanbul, Turkey. He spoke about the full and
unhindered cooperation of the staff at these archives. Therefore
today, he concluded projects he had left unfinished 10 years earlier.
Dr. Kaiser said that a critical step forward in the opening of the
Ottoman Turkish archives has been made. The Turkish government has
officially reopened those archives and the ban on Dr. Kaiser’s work
there has been lifted.
He spoke about important material that he has uncovered such
as miscellaneous original deportation orders against Armenians in the
Anatolian regions of Ottoman Turkey thus confirming the views of
worldwide Genocide scholars. But, some collections of the Turkish
Prime Minister’s Ottoman archives are still unavailable. Notably, the
Ottoman Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate for Public Security,
2nd Department (Armenian Department) remains closed.
It is hoped that the positive developments at the Turkish archives
will continue and those collections will be made available for study
in the near future.
Dr. Kaiser’s lecture finished with a lively question and answer
session with the audience. For more information, please contact AGBU
Montreal at 514-748-2428 or by email [email protected],
attention: Harry Dikranian
Dr. Hilmar Kaiser’s most recently published an introduction and
provided commentary in a book entitled “The Memoirs of Abram Elkus:
Lawyer, Ambassador Statesman.” Abram Elkus was the American
Ambassador to Turkey following Henry Morgenthau. This and other
books by Dr. Kaiser are available for purchase on the web at
.