MEDIA ALERT

WHO: The Pacifica Foundation — a nonprofit network of over 70
radio stations

WHAT: Special on-air programming called “The Armenian Genocide”. The
special program will be co-hosted and co-produced by Pacifica
National Board member, and weekly KPFK drive-time public
affairs show host and producer Maria Armoudian and co-producer
Lucy Der Tawitian.

Guests include: Author Peter Balakian, survivor Sam Kadorian,
singer Serj Tankian and legendary journalist and media critic
Ben Bagdikian among others.

WHERE: On radio station KPFK 90.7 FM, other Pacifica stations and
on the Web at

WHEN: Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 3:00 P.M. PST

WHY: To recognize and commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide

CONTACTS:

Emanuela Cariolagian
(323) 644-2111
[email protected]

MariaArmoudian
(818) 832-1127
[email protected]

Teni Melidonian
(626) 644-7247
[email protected]

###

KARABAGH LEADER SKEPTICAL ABOUT KOCHARIAN-ALIYEV MID-MAY MEETING

Armenpress

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS: Nagorno Karabagh leader Arkady Ghukasian
was skeptical today about a forthcoming meeting of Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents in mid-May for another round of talks on the
Karabagh problem saying the more than a decade-long conflict could
not be resolved without Karabagh’s direct participation.

“Azerbaijan’s objection to Stepanakert’s involvement in the
negotiations is evidence of its reluctance to settle the conflict,’
Ghukasian told reporters in Yerevan.

Ghukasian described the official Baku’s talk about going back to the
1988 status quo as “absurd .” “The former Soviet Union fell apart,
giving rise to independent republics, including also Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, the situation has changed drastically. Azerbaijan
should open its eyes and come to terms with the current situation,’
Ghukasian speculated.

Saying he was in favor of the stage-by-stage conflict resolution
option, Ghukasian, nevertheless, argued that first Karabagh status
must be determined. He also shrugged off Azerbaijan’s attempts to
advance its positions on the line of contact saying they do not pose
any threat to Armenian forces.

He also denied allegations that Armenia has softened its stance on the
conflict. “We have always been saying that there is no alternatives
to a compromise solution, unlike Azerbaijan that flatly rejects any
such possibility,’ he said.

Karabagh leader also said that the upcoming parliamentary elections
in Nagorno Karabagh “will be the most exemplary elections.” “I am
confident that the most democratic national elections in the pos-Soviet
space are held in Nagorno Karabagh,” he said, adding that he will not
run for new presidency after his term in office is ended. “It is my
duty to remain in Nagorno Karabagh and work for it,” he concluded.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agence France Presse
19 avril 2005 mardi 8:10 AM GMT

Assistance to the refugees in Karabakh, makes the ones in Azerbaijan
jealous

L’aide aux réfugiés du Karabakh fait des jaloux en Azerbaïdjan
(REPORTAGE)

Par Simon OSTROVSKY

KURDAMIR (Azerbaïdjan) 19 avr 2005

Les centaines de milliers de réfugiés azerbaïdjanais du Nagorny
Karabakh bénéficient de l’assistance de l’Etat et d’agences
humanitaires, une situation qui crée des tensions en Azerbaïdjan où
la moitié de la population vit sous le seuil de pauvreté.

“Voilà sept heures qu’il n’y a pas d’électricité dans le quartier”,
se plaint un vieil homme assis devant une maison de thé de Kurdamir
(centre). “Il n’y en a nulle part, sauf là”, ajoute-t-il en montrant
un immeuble délabré où vivent des réfugiés de la guerre du Nagorny
Karabakh.

Près de 750.000 Azerbaïdjanais ont été déplacés au cours du conflit
opposant l’Arménie et l’Azerbaïdjan au début des années 1990 à propos
du Nagorny Karabkh, territoire en Azerbaïdjan peuplé en majorité
d’Arméniens. La majorité d’entre eux continue aujourd’hui de vivre
dans des camps et de pauvres maisons à travers l’Azerbaïjan.

Mais l’assistance qu’ils reçoivent du gouvernement et d’organisations
humanitaires nourrit des ressentiments dans la population qui se sent
délaissée.

“Ils reçoivent beaucoup d’aide et nous rien”, affirme Gara, 75 ans,
qui soutient que sa pension mensuelle de 24 dollars suffit à peine à
payer pour l’électricité et l’eau.

L’Azerbaïdjan prévoit de dépenser soixante millions de dollars en
aide aux réfugiés cette année et les organisations non
gouvernementales (ONG) comptent donner environ 30 millions de
dollars, selon des sources gouvernementales.

Bien que des milliards de dollars aient été investis dans le pays,
notamment dans la construction d’un important oléoduc qui doit relier
la mer Caspienne au marché occidental, près de la moitié de la
population d’Azerbaïdjan continue de vivre sous le seuil de pauvreté.

Plus de 90% des réfugiés mangent à leur faim alors que près de
600.000 habitants des régions rurales connaissent “l’insécurité
alimentaire” causant la malnutrition en particulier chez les enfants,
estime le Programme alimentaire mondial (WFP).

“Il faut se pencher sur ce problème. 24% des enfants dans certaines
régions souffrent de malnutrition”, souligne le directeur de WFP en
Azerbaïdjan, Rahman Chowdhury.

Les réfugiés reçoivent souvent plus que nécessaire et revendent ces
biens à la population locale, affirme même Lisa Min, une volontaire
des Peace Corps américains qui travaille avec les réfugiés et les
enfants à Kurdamir.

“Il y a moins de ressentiment que ce à quoi on pourrait s’attendre
entre les réfugiés et le reste de la population, mais des biens telle
que l’huile végétale, que l’on donne aux réfugiés en grande quantité,
se retrouvent souvent sur les étals des marchés”, affirme-t-elle.

Rien n’a été entrepris pour faciliter l’intégration des réfugiés par
le gouvernement azerbaïdjanais qui veut s’assurer que ces derniers
demeurent dans les camps.

“Nous voulons qu’ils demeurent concentrés pour que, lorsque les
territoires occupés seront libérés, il soit plus facile d’organiser
leur retour”, soutient le vice Premier ministre azerbaïdjanais, Ali
Hasanov.

Mais la possibilité d’un accord entre Bakou et Erevan est aussi peu
probable qu’il y a dix ans et les organisations humanitaires tentent
de convaincre Bakou d’envisager d’autres options.

“La vie dans les camps n’est pas l’idéal, pas à long terme. Ils ne
peuvent pas travailler à l’extérieur et cela cause des griefs et des
tensions” avec le reste de la population, estime Rahman Chowdhury

–Boundary_(ID_QZ4/TPwkSg2Bf/KXy+zhIw)–

Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR], Arkadiy Gukasyan links Karabakh’s security to status

Mediamax news agency
21 Apr 05

Yerevan, 21 April: Nagornyy Karabakh’s security “directly and primarily
depends on its status”, the president of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic
[NKR], Arkadiy Gukasyan, said in Yerevan today.

Gukasyan said that the problem could not be resolved without the
involvement of the Karabakh side and “if Azerbaijan is against this, it
means that the authorities of this country are in fact not interested
in the settlement of the conflict”.

Cyprus House commemorates Armenian genocide

Cyprus News Agency
April 21 2005

Nicosia, Apr 21 (CNA) — The Cyprus House of Representatives
commemorated today the Armenian genocide of 1915. The House observed
a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of this atrocity.

Speaking before the plenary, House President Demetris Christofias
described the Armenian genocide of 1915 as one of the most heinous
crimes ever committed in the history of mankind against helpless
people.

He reiterated Cypriot people’s solidarity towards the people of
Armenia, adding that despite the fact the Armenian genocide is
acknowledged by almost every country in the world, Turkey stubbornly
denies to recognize this crime.

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:

April 22, 2005
___________________

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO ANCIENT STORIES

What did the Armenian Patriarch Gregory of Shirvan have in common with
the centuries-earlier Biblical prophet Jeremiah? No, not a beard or
long tunic.

How did a sharp businesswoman trading in dyed goods in 1st-century
Macedonia make a huge impact on the success of St. Paul’s mission? No,
she didn’t outfit him and his helpers in togas.

The answer to these two questions and many more can be found in the
pages of “Breathed by God,” a new high school textbook on Scripture, and
its traditional understanding in the Armenian Church.

Published by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
the 16-session course — designed for everyone from teens to adults —
is part of the Diocese’s ongoing effort to provide an informative,
creative Armenian Christian curriculum.

The “Breathed by God” set consists of a student book and teacher guide.
It is engagingly laid out in a “Dummies Guide” format with sidebars,
vocabulary, and points of distinctly Armenian interest –written by
ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajia, and Elise Antreassian,
Diocesan coordinator of Christian education — surrounding the main text
written by Valerie Goekjian Zahirsky, a former religious education
director at the Diocese and a graduate of the St. Vladimir’s and St.
Nersess Armenian Seminary joint master of divinity program.

Zahirsky, who has written extensively for the Diocese, has also served
as an ecumenical representative in such places as Australia and
Istanbul; conducted teacher-training events in Moscow, Romania, and
Albania; and been a frequent retreat leader and speaker. This project
was especially meaningful to her.

“Some people don’t realize how foundational the Bible is to our faith,
and it’s gratifying to help others make the wonderful discovery that
everything in the church is Biblical — the prayers, the liturgy, our
basic doctrines,” she said. “I think my favorite moments were when I
had to present some of the great personalities of the Bible — real
people, making real decisions. The two independent-minded midwives of
Moses’ time, for example, who had important but almost anonymous roles
in the Exodus story.”

But the project had its challenging moments as well, Zahirsky said, such
as “explaining some of the basic doctrines of our faith — the Trinity,
the person of Jesus, what it means to follow and become like Him.”

“Breathed by God” is one part of an ongoing revision of the Diocese’s
series of Armenian Christian curriculum texts.

“We are thrilled with the latest publication to accompany our basic
curriculum for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. We’re
continually working on new books and CDs on the Bible, the Divine
Liturgy, the history of the church, and much more,” said Antreassian,
who is overseeing the revision process.

“Breathed by God” will be launched in Diocesan Sunday Schools this fall.
But individuals can purchase copies now through the St. Vartan Bookstore
by going online to or calling (212) 686-0710
ext. 52. The student book is $10 and the teacher’s edition is $5, plus
shipping and handling.

Incidentally: Still wondering about the answers to the opening two
questions? Both the 18th-century Armenian patriarch and the 6th-century
BC prophet wore symbolic weights around their neck as protests (Jeremiah
wore a yoke, and Gregory a chain). And the businesswoman was Lydia, who
was baptized by Paul and proceeded to open her home for gatherings and
meetings of the early church.

— 4/22/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): “Breathed by God: The Bible and You”, written by
Valerie Goekjian Zahirsky, is the newest addition to the Eastern
Diocese’s Armenian Christian education curriculum and has a focus on
Scripture in the tradition and understanding of the Armenian Church.

# # #

NEWS Press
21 avril 2005

City of Paris – 1915-2005: Paris remembers the Armenian Genocide

Ville de Paris – 1915 – 2005 : Paris se souvient du génocide arménien

Ville de Paris

A l’occasion du 90ème anniversaire du génocide arménien de 1915,
perpétré dans l’Empire ottoman, Bertrand Delanoë, maire de Paris, a
souhaité, en liaison avec le Conseil de Coordination des
organisations Arméniennes de France (CCAF) sensibiliser les Parisiens
à ce tragique événement de l’histoire du 20ème siècle et rendre
hommage aux 1 500 000 victimes du génocide.

A partir du 20 avril, des panneaux rappelant la perpétration du
génocide arménien seront dressés sur le parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville.

Un message sur les journaux lumineux de la Ville sera également
diffusé.

Bertrand Delanoë recevra, les Parisiens d’origine arménienne à
l’Hôtel de Ville, en présence de l’Ambassadeur d’Arménie, Edward
Nalbandian et du président du CCAF, Ara Toranian le samedi 23 avril
2005 à 11h45 dans les salons de l’Hôtel de Ville, entrée 3, rue Lobau

Environ 1000 personnes sont attendues à cette commémoration.

–Boundary_(ID_O6P4VjE5q1VxG8FlHIxRHA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

IN SEVAN A PARTICIPANT OF THE MEETING INJURED BY WEAPON

A1 Plus | 17:19:34 | 20-04-2005 | Social |

In the town of Sevan the meeting of the people with Aram Karapetyan,
leader of the party “New Times” ended up with a tragic event. As the
witness inform, during the meeting near the culture hall policemen
together with plain-clothed people started to fight with the
participants of the meeting.

The fight lasted for 15-20 minutes, after which, by the evidence of
the witnesses, one of the policemen shot one of participants. One
person is injured, who has been taken to hospital as a result of the
weapon injury.

Agence France Presse — Spanish
Miércoles De Abril El 20 De 2005

Turquía protesta por decisión de Polonia de reconocer “genocidio” armenio

ANKARA Abr 20

Turquía denunció como “acto irresponsbale” una decisión del
parlamento polaco que el miércoles calificó de genocidio las masacres
de armenios en 1915 durante el imperio otomano.

“Condenamos y rechazamos la decisión”, señaló en un comunicado el
ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores turco.

Es un “acto irresponsable” contrario a las “relaciones amistosas de
800 años” entre los dos países, considera el texto, agregando que “ha
entristecido profundamente al pueblo turco”.

“Los historiadores pueden adoptar la mejor decisión (…) sobre
acontecimientos que generaron grandes sufrimientos a las poblaciones
turca y armenia”, añadió el documento lamentando que el parlamento
polaco haya tomado una iniciativa que siembra “el odio y la
venganza”.

Los armenios aseguran que al menos 1,5 millones de personas de su
comunidad murieron en matanzas cometidas por el imperio otomano, al
que sucedió al República de Turquía.

Pero las autoridades de Ankara sostienen que 300.000 armenios y otros
tantos turcos perdieron sus vidas en los disturbios consecutivos a
una revuelta de los armenios y durante una deportación a la provincia
otomana de Siria llevada a cabo después de la sedición.

Turquía propuso recientemente la creación de una comisión conjunta
para investigar las masacres de los armenios y se quejó de no haber
obtenido respuesta de Erevan.

–Boundary_(ID_z2tbtYYTuqekhEBBK+9Igg)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agence France Presse — Spanish
April 20, 2005 Wednesday 12:39 PM GMT

Fechas del genocidio armenio

ERIVAN Abr 20

Hace 90 años comenzó en el imperio otomano el genocidio armenio, que
continuó hasta 1917, y en el que murieron un millón y medio de
personas según los armenios, y entre 250.000 y 500.000 según los
turcos.

Los enfrentamientos sangrientos entre ambos pueblos ya empezaron a
finales del siglo XIX: cansados de sufrir el yugo otomano desde el
siglo XVI, los armenios constituyeron los comités revolucionarios que
desencadenaron una represión entre 1894 y 1909 que causó 200.000
muertos, según fuentes armenias.

La derrota en la Guerra de los Balcanes (1912-1913) debilitó al
imperio otomano, y aunque Occidente lo presionó para que favoreciera
la independencia de las minorías étnicas y religiosas, en octubre de
1914 entró en la Primera Guerra Mundial del lado de Alemania y
Austria-Hungría.

El 24 de abril de 1915, miles de dirigentes armenios sospechosos de
albergar sentimientos nacionalistas hostiles al gobierno central
fueron detenidos.

El 26 de mayo de ese mismo año una ley especial autorizó las
deportaciones “por razones de seguridad interior” de todos esos
grupos sospechosos.

La población armenia de Anatolia y Cilicia (región integrada en
Turquía en 1921), conocida como “el enemigo interior”, fue exiliada
por la fuerza a los desiertos de Mesopotamia. Muchos de ellos no
regresaron jamás y murieron por el camino o en campos.

El imperio otomano fue desmantelado en 1920, dos años después de la
creación de un Estado independiente armenio en 1918.

Turquía reconoce hoy que se perpetraron masacres y que numerosos
armenios murieron durante la deportación, pero considera que se
trataba de una represión contra una población culpable de colaborar
con el enemigo ruso en la Primera Guerra Mundial.

Este genocidio fue reconocido el 29 de agosto de 1985 por la
subcomisión de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, y el 18 de junio de 1987
por el Parlamento Europeo.

–Boundary_(ID_GPlyQSZltDuptepkl0BBEw)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress