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April 12, 2005
___________________

PRIMATE RECOGNIZES NEW LEADERS OF THE CHURCH

By Florence Avakian

It has always been the symbol of the ultimate act of humility: Christ’s
washing of His disciples’ feet before the Last Supper.

On Thursday, March 24, 2005, at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), used the solemn occasion to pay tribute to
12 young adult leaders of the church. Standing in perfect formation on
the altar, the 12 participants each took their turn sitting, as the
Primate knelt before them performing this profound ritual.

Included in the group were Joseph Ariyan of the St. Mary Church of
Livingston, NJ; Jason Demerjian of the Diocesan College Ministry
Program; Alex Derderian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church of
Wynnewood, PA; Ara Janigian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI; Antranig Garibian of the Holy Trinity Church of
Cheltenham, PA; Aleksandr Gevorkyan and Charles Simonian of the St.
Vartan Cathedral; Raffi Gulbenk of the Church of the Holy Ascension of
Trumbull, CT; and Ara Hallajian, Diran Jebejian, Armenian Jesralyan, and
Nubar Kasaryan of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ.

“We are passing the torch to a new generation of Armenian-Americans, 12
young men who exemplify the present and future leadership of our
Diocese,” said the Primate in his homily during the Holy Thursday
service. “I have known these young men at St. Nersess Seminary, at St.
Vartan Cathedral, serving on our church altars, and becoming the
wonderful leaders of our parishes.”

The moving message of the service did not pass by the young
participants, such as Antranig Garibian who described the experience as
“very humbling.”

“It was much more powerful than I ever imagined it,” he said. “For
Christ to wash the feet of His disciples, is the most powerful act of
humility.”

This was also the case for Nubar Kasaryan and Armen Jesralyan who were
“emotionally uplifted”. And for Alex Derderian and Raffi Gulbenk who
saw it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” both felt “very
privileged” to have participated.

PASSING THE TOURCH

Praising not only the young leaders but the dedicated parents,
clergymen, and lay ministers who light the fire of faith in them, the
Primate stressed that living a faith-filled life is important.

“This year and in the following years the focus of the Diocese will be
on the Armenian spirit, and the understanding of what that spirit means
in its fullness,” the Primate said. “If we are empowered with that
spirit, we will be able to fulfill our duties.”

Honoring the next generation of Armenian Church leaders was made all the
more powerful when the Primate reflected on the upcoming 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, speaking of the challenges
Armenian immigrants and survivors went through to rebuild their faith
and community here in America.

“Their spirit rejoices today as they see the young future generation of
Armenian-Americans continuing the Armenian Christian spirit. God bless
our youth,” the Primate said.

PART OF HOLY WEEK

Preceding the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony, a group of young people
and deacons had recited in Armenian the religious scrolls which related
the significance of the occasion. The service was officiated by
Archbishop Barsamian and sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral choir, under
the direction of Khoren Mekanejian with organist Florence Avakian. It
was just one of the Holy Week services coordinated by Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral.

Following the church services, a reception was held for all the faithful
in attendance. Barbara Lorincie, who travels each year from San Diego,
CA, to attend Easter week services at St. Vartan Cathedral because they
are “so spiritual,” called this special evening “very touching, very
moving in my faith.”

Juan Carlos Merdinian, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, saw “the
special sacrifice of Christ’s pain and love as deeply significant for
all of Christianity. He cleansed all the sins of mankind, and we should
not only thank Him but respect His greatness,” he said.

— 4/12/05

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), washes the feet of Antranig
Garibian from the Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, during the
“Washing of the Feet” ceremony on Holy Thursday at New York City’s St.
Vartan Cathedral on Thursday, March 24, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Ara Janigian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI, kisses the hand of Archbishop Barsamian following his
participation in the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony on Thursday, March
24, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): The Primate is joined by 12 young men in New York
City’s St. Vartan Cathedral for the “Washing of the Feet” ceremony on
Holy Thursday, March 24, 2005.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/12/2005
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1) MKR Status Must be Clarified says ARF Faction Rep. Mkrtchian
2) Senator Barbara Boxer’s Statement on 90th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide
3) California Grandmother in Midst of Walking Record Setting 215 Miles in 19
Days
4) ‘Cultural Genocide’ Exhibition Kicks off

1) MKR Status Must be Clarified says ARF Faction Rep. Mkrtchian

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–On April 12, ARF parliamentary faction representative
Levon Mkrtchian told his colleagues within the National Assembly that the
conflict over Karabagh cannot be settled without first addressing the
status of
the Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR). The issue, Mkrtchian stressed,
directly impacts Armenia’s national security.
“Let us not forget that the Republic of Armenia’s president is the man who,
during Karabagh’s most critical period, endangered his family’s safety in
order
to lead defense forces,” Mkrtchian told parliamentarians. “This serves to show
that the president and his political allies will not budge on their demand of
resolving the conflict through a ‘package deal.’ There can be no resolution
without clarifying [MKR’s] status.”
Meanwhile, according to a survey conducted by the Armenian Center for
National
and International Studies (ACNIS), a private think-tank, Armenians continue to
consider Armenian control over Mountainous Karabagh non-negotiable, according
to an opinion poll released on Tuesday.
Of the 1,900 people randomly polled across the country, at least 84 percent
believe that Karabagh must either be independent or become an integral part of
Armenia under any peaceful settlement. Only 2.6 percent said they would
support
its return under Azerbaijani rule. The Armenian administration, likewise,
insists that it will never agree to such a solution.
The poll also revealed widespread pessimism about the conflict’s resolution,
with less than a quarter of respondents believing that it will happen in the
next five years. The majority, 56 percent, described external forces,
including
them the United States and Russia, as the number one obstacle to Karabagh
peace, and only 23.8 percent laid the blame on Azerbaijan.
Armenian public opinion appears almost evenly split on the question of the
decade-long status quo in the conflict zone. Almost 40 percent of respondents
believe the dispute should remain “frozen,” while 34 percent said it is not
good for the Armenian side.

2) Senator Barbara Boxer’s Statement on 90th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As we
commemorate this stain on human history, we must also question how long it
will
take until the world acknowledges the injustice and horror that occurred. We
must question how long it will take for the world to acknowledge that it was
genocide.
Ninety years ago, the Ottoman Turks began their systematic effort to
eradicate
Armenians. From 1915 until 1923, 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in
this intentional and grim act of genocide. Men were separated from their
families and murdered. Women and children were forced to march across the
Syrian Desert without water, food or possessions. Many died of hunger or
thirst or were killed when they lagged behind during the forced marches into
the desert.
The Armenian Genocide was the first of the 20th century. As with later
genocides, some question the accuracy of the historic events, asking whether
they actually happened. In fact, the government of Turkey still has never
admitted that genocide occurred. And, shamefully, our nation has put world
politics over truth and has failed to demand that the truth be told.
As we know, if we ignore injustice, we are likely to see it repeated. In his
justification for the Holocaust, Adolf Hitler said, “Who, after all, speaks
today of the annihilation of the Armenians?”
This year to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, hundreds of people will walk
from Fresno to Sacramento in the “March for Humanity.” Although I am
unable to
join the marchers, please know that I am with them in spirit.
I join you in commemorating this anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As we
remember the unspeakable acts from 90 years ago, let us also know the power we
have in naming these acts for what they are and in reminding the world. By
acknowledging this genocide for what it is, I hope that we are able to help
create a more just and humane world.

3) California Grandmother in Midst of Walking Record Setting 215 Miles in 19
Days

MODESTO (PR Newswire)–Zabel Ekmejian of Moraga, CA, is taking part in a
historical march from Fresno, Calif. to Sacramento. She and more than a dozen
other Armenians are walking 19 days and 215 miles in solidarity with the 1.5
million forgotten victims of the Armenian genocide.
“I took no measures to prepare for the walk. I didn’t change my diet or do
anything that I don’t normally do,” said Ekmekjian. “My strength and
motivation
is with the Lord and with his help I am determined to make it to Sacramento.”
Ekmekjian and the group of young Armenians have already walked more than 130
miles in their first week. They walk whether it’s scorching hot or pouring
rain. They sleep in churches and eat from a lunch truck that travels with
them.

“Ninty years have passed since the Genocide and we still have not received
justice for the millions of lost lives,” said Ekmekjian. “The least I can
do is
to sacrifice myself for a few weeks in an effort to raise awareness about the
Armenian Genocide and the plight of my family.”
Ekmekjian’s father survived the Genocide but she lost many other family
members in the brutal killings between 1915 and 1923. As a result of the
forced
exodus from his home Ekmekjian’s father, Garabed Kassabian, was split apart
from the rest of his family at the age of five.
“I have no pain and with the will of God will be able to walk all the way to
Sacramento,” said Ekmekjian. “What amazes me most is the will of the young
people in our group.”

4) ‘Cultural Genocide’ Exhibition Kicks off

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–An exhibit depicting the destruction of Armenian
cultural
monuments, beginning during the time of the Armenian genocide of 1915, opened
on Tuesday in the courtyard of Yerevan State University.
The exhibit, titled “Cultural Genocide,” is a collection of photos
provided by
the organization Research on Armenian Architecture that depict the destruction
of Western Armenian monuments by foreign forces.
Organizers say the photos reveal the human and cultural genocide that
began in
1915 by the Ottoman Empire, and which continues until now–in an effort to
destroy what has been created by a nation–to effectively erase a great
part of
the cultural heritage of Armenians.
“Cultural genocide is very dangerous, as a whole civilization, history of a
people, centuries-long heritage, and traditions fall victim,” said Tadevos
Charchian, a member of the “Nikol Aghbalian” students’ union, one of the
organizations that put together the exhibit. “A nation or people who does not
have spiritual values is somehow deprived from its past.”
The student council of the Yerevan State University’s History Department also
helped organize the exhibit.

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U.S. Department of State
12 April 2005

Jazz, Originally American, Now Celebrated Around the World
Voice of America’s “Music Man,” Leo Sarkisian, opens Jazz Appreciation Month
By Helen I. Rouce
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington — “The sound of surprise,” as a famous critic once called jazz,
is being celebrated around the world during the month of April, with a wide
variety of events that keynote the significance of this music in the global
culture.
To help kick off the celebration, longtime Voice of America broadcaster and
noted musicologist Leo Sarkisian recounted the story of his love affair with
jazz and gave his perspective on the music in an interview in March with Al
Murphy at the State Department.
“Jazz has been recognized around the world as our cultural heritage,”
Sarkisian said. “It’s a reflection of American culture,” and its
contributions have enriched music around the globe.
In August 2003, President Bush signed U.S. Public Law 108-72, which
acknowledged jazz as “a rare and valuable national American treasure” that
“has inspired some of the nation’s leading creative artists and ranks as one
of the greatest cultural exports of the United States,” Sarkisian said. “It
has inspired dancers, choreographers, poets, novelists, filmmakers,
classical composers and musicians in every kind of music,” he added.
Sarkisian said that the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, which
initiated the celebration of jazz during the month of April, is sponsoring a
host of programs and performances throughout the month, and is encouraging
other groups and institutions all over the United States to have their own
activities.
A number of other countries as well, he said, are paying tribute to jazz
during the month of April, including Sweden, Germany, Argentina, the United
Kingdom, Japan and Canada. Even music lovers on the Pacific island of Guam
are joining in the worldwide jazz party.
One interesting fact Sarkisian revealed was that in 1964 Dr. Martin Luther
King Junior opened the Berlin Jazz Festival in Germany. He quoted King as
saying: “God has brought many things out of oppression. He has endowed the
creatures with the capacity to create, and from this capacity has flowed the
sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his
environment and many, many different situations.”
“Jazz speaks for life,” Sarkisian said King told those at the festival.
“It’s a wonderful way to describe how important jazz is in our life and how
it is also for the whole world,” Sarkisian said.
He said that King, in his Berlin remarks, made the connection between jazz
and another musical form that originated in America: the blues. King told
the Germans, Sarkisian said, that “the blues tell the story of life’s
difficulties. And if you think for a moment, you will realize that they
take the hardest realities of life and put them into music.” The same could
be said for some jazz compositions.
Sarkisian traced the origins of jazz back to the time of slavery in America,
adding that most writers on the music’s history “always mention Congo
Square” in New Orleans, where the African-Americans who came to the United
States as slaves would perform music in the evenings on instruments brought
from Africa.
“And that’s why we say that jazz is an original American art form,” he said,
“but look at the heavy influence of African music,” with the elements of
improvisation, rhythm, and vocals set to rhythms that have been very
important in the development of jazz.
“And another wonderful thing about jazz,” he said, “is that it changes all
the time . the way the musicians are expressing jazz with their own
imagination.”
Along with affection for his native Armenian music and a well-known love for
African music, Sarkisian has been a jazz enthusiast since his youth.
As a clarinet player in his high-school orchestra, he admired Benny Goodman
and Artie Shaw, both leading jazz clarinetists and bandleaders. When he
later went to live in New York City, he went to jazz clubs almost every
night and heard some of the best talent in jazz: trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie,
vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, and tenor saxophonist Vito Musso.
Later, after he joined the U.S. government, Sarkisian served as an escort
officer on State Department tours for Louis Armstrong and his band when they
visited Tunisia and for Duke Ellington and his band when they went to the
first festival of Negro arts in Dakar, Senegal, in 1965.
Reflecting on jazz music’s international reach, Sarkisian recalled that many
20th century African-American jazz musicians went to live in Paris. He also
noted “the famous Marseilles Hot Club de Jazz in Marseilles — it’s been
there for many years,” and commented that he had lectured on jazz in
Marseilles.
“Britain, of course, has had jazz musicians for a long time,” Sarkisian
observed.
He also recalled “the famous Willis Conover, the great ‘Jazz USA’ man that
was with the Voice of America, and probably one of the most influential
American jazz broadcasters … especially during the Cold War. Everybody in
the Soviet Union knew Willis Conover, and he was greeted everyplace he went
in the various countries in the Soviet Union.”
Sarkisian is known throughout Africa as the host of the radio show “Music
Time in Africa,” which, now in its 40th year, is possibly the
longest-running music program on the Voice of America. He and co-host Rita
Rochelle were recently received in Lagos, Nigeria, by PMAN, the Performing
Musicians’ Association of Nigeria. “The organization now has 30,000
musicians, and at least half of those musicians are all good jazz musicians,
very, very talented musicians,” he said.
He also cited South Africa’s interest in jazz. “Their interest in jazz goes
way back to the early 1900s,” he said, adding that there are “many, many
jazz orchestras and jazz organizations in South Africa.”
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, Sarkisian will share his views on jazz
on a U.S. Department of State Web cast/digital video-conference on Monday,
April 18, at 11:30 a.m. GMT.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information
Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: )

Pakistani leader vows to back Azerbaijan “at all levels”

Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
12 Apr 05

The Azerbaijani and Pakistani leaders made a brief statement for the
media some time ago.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said that Islamabad has always
backed Azerbaijan on the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh problem
and that this support will continue at all levels. Mr Musharraf
stressed that Azerbaijan had a fair position on the conflict.

He added that the meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart also
discussed boosting bilateral economic ties and joint projects.

President Ilham Aliyev highly rated the fact that Pakistan backs
Azerbaijan’s position. He regretted that the UN resolutions [on
Karabakh] had not been implemented so far and said that there were no
mechanisms for implementing them.

The president praised Pakistan’s role in the antiterror fight and said
that Azerbaijan had been subjected to Armenian terror and that the
international community should not remain indifferent to this issue.

The president said that the terms good and bad terrorists are used
sometimes, but this is wrong and unacceptable.

Azerbaijan, Pakistani leaders agree to promote economic ties

AP Worldstream;
Apr 12, 2005

Azerbaijan’s president met with Pakistani President Gen. Pervez
Musharraf on Tuesday, and the two sides agreed to enhance economic
cooperation, the state-run news agency reported.

Ilham Aliev held talks with Musharraf shortly after arriving in the
Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for a three-day visit, the Associated
Press of Pakistan said.

“They agreed on stepping up contacts between business communities of
the two countries as part of joint endeavors to promote trade and
economic ties to mutual benefit,” APP said.

Musharraf said Pakistan backed Azerbaijan in its dispute with Armenia
over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been under ethnic
Armenian control since a war ended in 1994 without a political
settlement.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan also called for promoting visits by lawmakers
to each other’s countries while also increasing people-to-people
contacts, APP said.

Aliev also met with Chaudhry Ameer Hussain, the speaker of the
National Assembly, Pakistan’s lower house of Parliament.

He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and other
senior government officials on Wednesday to sign agreements for
cooperation in communications, information technology, finance,
education and culture, the Foreign Ministry said Monday in a
statement.

Pakistan, Azeri leaders agree on UN reform, Kashmir, Nagornyy-Karabakh

Pakistan TV, Islamabad
12 Apr 05

President Gen Pervez Musharraf says Pakistan will enhance defence,
political, commercial, and cultural relations with Azerbaijan. He said
that Pakistan valued Azerbaijan’s support on the issues of Kashmir and
expansion in UNSC [United Nations Security Council]. The president was
addressing joint news conference after talks with Azerbaijan President
Ilham Aliyev:

[Begin Musharraf recording, in English] I expressed my gratitude to
the president for their continuous support to Pakistan on the Kashmir
issue. I also, in very unequivocal and unambiguous terms, have assured
the president Pakistan’s continued support to Azerbaijan, to our
brothers in Azerbaijan, on the issue of Nagornyy-Karabakh, because we
feel that justice is on the side of Azerbaijan; and justice must be
done. We also identified that while our political relations are
excellent, the economic ties between our two countries – economic,
commercial, and trade ties between our two countries – is dismal; it
is extremely low. [words as heard] So, therefore, we need to
facilitate these ties through bringing the private sector of the two
countries into contact with each other. [End of recording]

The Azerbaijan president said that the two countries enjoyed very
cordial relations, and our talks today had been extremely positive:

[Begin Azerbaijan President Aliyev recording, in English] I am very
grateful to the president for invitation. Since Azerbaijan became an
independent country, we always (?felt) the support of Pakistan. (?At)
that time, relations between two countries developed very
successfully. We always support each other on the issues, for Pakistan
was a continuous support of our position in the resolution of
Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagornyy-Karabakh conflict. [words as heard] Bring
the level of economic development closer to the level of political
relations. We have a lot of things in common. We have to communicate
to see each other and to benefit from this (?high) level of
relationships and good spirit. [End of recording]

The two leaders held formal talks in highly cordial atmosphere. Their
[respective] delegations assisted the two leaders. At the talks, both
the leaders particularly exchanged views on promoting bilateral
ties. They said that the promotion of mutual cooperation in various
areas should also serve to reflect the close bilateral relations
between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

President Musharraf briefed the Azerbaijan president on Pakistan’s
efforts for the resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir,
with India. Azerbaijan has always supported the Kashmir cause. The
Azerbaijan president said that his country greatly valued [its]
relations with Pakistan, and President Musharraf’s visit to Azerbaijan
last year had helped strengthen the bilateral ties further.

Earlier, the two leaders held one-on-one meeting. For mutual benefit,
both the leaders agreed to encourage contacts between the business
communities of the two countries about joint efforts to promote trade
and economic ties. [Passage omitted on formal welcome ceremony for
Ilham Aliyev at the President House]

Azeri parliament critical of US envoy’s visit to regions

Space TV, Baku
12 Apr 05

[Presenter] MPs subjected the US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Reno
Harnish, to a barrage of criticism at today’s session of the Milli
Maclis [Azerbaijani parliament]. The speaker [Murtuz Alasgarov] said
that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is investigating the
ambassador’s visit to regions and that everyone would be put in their
place.

[Correspondent over video of the Milli Maclis session] Although the US
ambassador’s visit to Azerbaijani districts and his meetings with
members of the opposition were not on the agenda, they became the main
subject of discussion in the Milli Maclis. The ambassador came in for
heavy criticism from MPs over his meetings with the opposition.

[MP Zahid Oruc] I reckon that the ambassador’s visit to the regions
and his meetings with representatives of several parties against the
general background of the [November 2005 parliamentary] elections are
a reason for criticism.

[Passage omitted: words indistinct]

[Correspondent] Another MP, Rauf Qurbanov, agreed with his colleague
and said that US ambassadors played a major role in all the countries
that recently experienced a revolution. Although the ambassador said
he was visiting the districts to help establish a dialogue between the
authorities and the opposition, he had meetings only with one side –
the opposition, Elman Mammadov also said in protest.

[Passage omitted: Mammadov’s words indistinct]

[Correspondent] Musa Musayev said that the US ambassador has to
clarify the issue.

[Musayev] The US ambassador to Azerbaijan must definitely clarify this
so as to close all these issues. There is actually some concern in
Azerbaijan. Some citizens think that what the ambassador said here may
be the view of the American government.

This is definitely not true, and I believe that if the US embassy has
taken such a stance, it should certainly give it up.

[Correspondent] Qulamhuseyn Alibeyli said that all ambassadors
coordinate all their steps with officials of the country in which they
live. Therefore, criticism should be levelled at the Baku government,
not at the ambassador.

Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov said that there are no grounds for
dissatisfaction – no-one will be allowed to meddle in Azerbaijan’s
internal affairs.

[Alasgarov] The Foreign Ministry is dealing with this issue in
earnest. I hope that measures will be taken at the highest level and
no-one will try to change the stability and political system
established in Azerbaijan. There was a velvet revolution in Azerbaijan
in 1993 and [the late] President Heydar Aliyev came to power. That’s
it. Do not expect another velvet revolution in Azerbaijan.

[Correspondent] Mais Safarli spoke about another issue. He said that
with the support of the diaspora, the Armenians stridently mark the
anniversary of the false genocide on 24 April every year. We should
respond to this, the MP said.

[Passage omitted: Safarli suggested closer cooperation with the
Turkish parliament to counter the Armenians]

[Correspondent] At today’s session, MP Qulamhuseyn Alibeyli said that
people have been denied freedom of assembly. Alasgarov said that
rallies can be permitted in the run-up to the parliamentary elections.

[Alasgarov] The rallies are not allowed because there was an outrage,
arbitrariness, state property was damaged and so on. So let the
radical opposition clean up their act first, consider their conduct
and assess it. I reckon that rallies can be permitted in the run-up to
the parliamentary elections.

[Correspondent] After that, the MPs discussed issues on the agenda.

United Press International/Washington Times
April 12 2005

Outside View: Human rights and wrongs

By Thomas P. Kilgannon
Outside View Commentator

Dulles, VA, Apr. 12 (UPI) — In the Roper v. Simmons decision handed
down last month by the U.S. Supreme Court, a five-to-four majority,
led by Justice Anthony Kennedy, sought and applied international
standards to their opinion to manufacture a pre-determined
conclusion. Desperately seeking to eliminate the death penalty for
juveniles, the justices cherry-picked interpretations from law
libraries in Europe to rationalize their decision. Roper v. Simmons
has been roundly criticized and rightly so, but if another reason was
needed to explain why the justices should refrain from applying
international standards to the adjudication of U.S. law, you can find
it in Geneva.

There, the U.N. Human Rights Commission is meeting for its 61st
gabfest, and when the curtain was raised on this theater of the
absurd, the members assembled on the dais looked less like a human
rights symposium and more like a casting call for “America’s Most
Wanted.”

Representatives from Togo, Indonesia, Gabon and numerous other
regimes which routinely torture or oppress their citizens showed up
to pass judgment on the freedom and human rights records of the
world’s governments.

In a February cover story, Parade magazine asked “Who is the World’s
Worst Dictator?” and listed 20 of the most evil human rights abusers
in the world. Among them are Sudan, which supports militias that are
massacring people by the thousands; and communist China, where slave
labor is common and the death penalty is employed for killing a
panda.

Others which made Parade’s list: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe,
Swaziland and Cuba, among others. What makes these dictatorial
regimes unique, is that they each enjoy a prestigious membership on
the U.N. Human Rights Commission. In fact, almost half of the
dictators listed by Parade are on the Human Rights Commission in
Geneva.

Last month, the State Department issued its annual report on Human
Rights Practices. It finds that half of the members of the UNHRC —
who are responsible for improving human rights around the world —
have a record on the subject which the State Department judges to be
“poor” or worse.

Analysts at Foggy Bottom report that Sudan is committing “genocide.”
In Saudi Arabia, “the religious police continued to intimidate,
abuse, and detain citizens and foreigners.” The human rights record
in China is “disappointing.”

Overrun with tyrants, the Human Rights Commission is a joke. It took
its shape in part because United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
openly displays his tolerance for dictators and terrorists and is
ignorant of how to use a “bully pulpit” for positive change. Annan’s
moral indifference was on display when he recently paid homage to the
grave of the late Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.
Annan has called for change in the commission, but his
recommendations are fueled more by a desire to keep his job for
another year than to increase the dignity with which people are
treated in repressed regimes.

The ridiculous nature of the commission was on display at the opening
of the most recent session when Cuba’s representative climbed upon
his soap box to condemn the United States. Felipe Perez, Cuba’s
foreign minister, said the commission “has lost legitimacy,” not
because it seats terrorists, but because the United States has
“turned it into some sort of inquisition tribunal to condemn the
countries of the South and, particularly, those who actively oppose
their strategy of neocolonial domination.”

But what is really wrong with this situation is that the U.S.
government continues to take its seat on this commission next to
terrorists, dictators and tyrants. The United States invested $10
million in 2004 in the Human Rights Commission — nearly double the
amount of the second-highest contributor — and as a consequence, the
tax dollars of the American people are legitimizing dictatorial
regimes. In contrast, Sudan invested all of $2,500 and Armenia a
whopping $1,096 to improve their image. For them, it’s a lot more
economical to have the Americans subsidize their supposed human
rights makeover, than it is to retain an expensive public relations
firm.

The Bush administration, which has shown unprecedented courage in
exposing the myths of the United Nations, should resign its seat in
protest, pull our funding from the commission and demand meaningful
reforms before we will invest or participate again. But to continue
to legitimize the world’s worst thugs by sharing membership on the
U.N. Human Rights Commission only harms those in repressed countries
we are trying to help and wounds our national pride. It also gives
Supreme Court justices like Anthony Kennedy reason to look to
Zimbabwe the next time he wishes to rewrite a part of the
Constitution.

—

(Thomas P. Kilgannon is the president of Freedom Alliance, a
foundation dedicated to preserving U.S. sovereignty.)

—

(United Press International’s “Outside View” commentaries are written
by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important
issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of
United Press International. In the interests of creating an open
forum, original submissions are invited.)

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 12, 2005
___________________

GENOCIDE SCHOLAR RECGONIZED FOR LIFE TIME OF WORK

By Florence Avakian

In recognition of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
world’s most renowned Genocide scholar, Dr. Vahakn N. Dadrian, was
honored by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) at a
gala banquet on Saturday, April 2, 2005. At this unique event,
officiated by the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese,
the honoree received “A Lifetime Achievement Award” for his more than 35
years of dedicated scholarship.

Among the nearly 200 people present were distinguished leaders of the
Armenian community, and representatives of all the major Armenian
religious, social, and benevolent organizations. The varied crowd
attested to the significance of Dr. Dadrian’s profound contribution to
the entire Armenian community. And indeed, there was an aura of
reverence among the attendees for this honoree who almost single
handedly has championed the cause of Genocide research for more than
three decades.

Following the invocation by the Primate, well known author Dr. Peter
Balakian took on the role of master of ceremonies. “Tonight, we
celebrate that ideas and texts make a difference,” he said. “Vahakn
Dadrian’s work is a tribute to the triumph of knowledge over ignorance,
racism, denial, and totalitarian propaganda. I have never known a
scholar so intensely passionate, so committed to his work, so immersed
in it. He is not only the total scholar, but a scholar whose work is
inflected by an ethical dimension, by a relentless pursuit of justice.
He is a warrior for justice, a voice of rational truth in the face of
blasphemy. Not only are we Armenians grateful, but so is the wider
world. Your contribution to knowledge and discourse will live on long
after you.”

A welcoming toast was offered by political activist and writer Dr. Murat
Acemoglu. The director of the Armenian National Institute, Dr. Rouben
Adalian, recognized the distinguished guests present, including Armenian
Ambassador to the United Nations Armen Martirosyan, Professor Marjorie
Housepian, and Turkish historian Taner Akcam, who was lauded by all the
speakers for his courage and scholarship.

RECOGNITION NEEDED

In his tribute to Dr. Dadrian, Dr. Vartan Gregorian, president of
Carnegie Corporation of New York, expressed appreciation to the Genocide
scholar for his lifetime of research, and pointed out that he was able
to do so in many different European archival centers because of his
mastery of Turkish, Armenian, French, English and German. The number of
those killed during the Genocide is not the only major point, he
continued. “The point is that something horrible took place, and the
Turkish government needs to recognize this fact so that both peoples can
move on in peace,” he said.

Dr. Gregorian noted how easy it is to deny Genocide, and stressed the
importance of supporting current Armenian Genocide scholars. He urged
the creation and promotion of scholarships in Genocide study so current
and future generations can become involved in this issue.

MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

In an eloquent address to the assembled dignitaries, Professor Stephen
Feinstein, a noted scholar and director of the Center for Holocaust and
Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota, called Dadrian’s work
“so important that one can hardly think of a consistent narrative about
what happened to Armenians in this period without his achievement.”

“Professor Dadrian studies genocide not only for making the Armenian
case an ‘unforgotten’ genocide, but as a way to confirm that
civilization, as we know it, depends upon law and order, and punishment
for the most severe crimes as deterrence against future criminal acts,”
Professor Feinstein said.

The Holocaust scholar pointed out that Dadrian and other historians have
insured that the perpetrators will not be “faceless without names. The
Dadrian methodology is called ‘compelling evidence’ that revolves around
the principles of reliability, explicitness, incontestability,
verifiability,” he explained, and is reconstructed around “four major
components — premeditation, genocidal intention, the organization of
the genocide, and the implementation of the genocide.”

Professor Feinstein predicted that recognition of the Armenian Genocide
will occur, and “Turkey’s desire to be part of the European Union will
probably facilitate this process.” He then posed the question of how
Armenians will react both in the homeland and in the diaspora.

One of the most difficult questions will be how Armenians would like the
story to be told in schools worldwide. He suggested the making of “good
films, a multitude of academic programs, and endowment programs and
chairs” honoring Professor Dadrian by name.

“The greatest danger with recognition of genocide may be success,” he
said. “Will success on genocide recognition bring with it unintended
consequences? But the one thing we know for certain is that the issue
of genocide recognition will be won by dialogue, a dialogue based on
facts, facts assembled by historians and sociologists of the highest
caliber, as the person we are honoring this evening, Vahakn Dadrian.”

A short film on the life and work of Professor Dadrian was shown during
the gala. It was prepared by the Zoryan Institute, a Toronto,
Canada-based center of Genocide studies and research where the honoree
serves as director of Genocide Research.

A special Pontifical Encyclical and the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob
Medallion from the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, was presented
to Professor Dadrian by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. The Encyclical,
read during the banquet by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan
Cathedral, said in part, “Thanks to your laborious services and
productive work, you have, as a renowned scholar, achieved international
recognition, and have justly become worthy of many awards.”

HONORING THE PAST

As a standing ovation lasting several minutes greeted Professor Dadrian,
he acknowledged the tribute by reciting a poem, and some psalms in
krapar he had learned as a child in his native Bolis. He related
poignantly how he would be taken to church three times a day as a child.
Pointing out the absurdities of the Turkish allegations that it was a
civil war, he stated, “It’s a complete lie and fabrication that there
was a civil war with these defenseless Armenian men, women and children,
and that the Turks have begun to concede this issue of a civil war
scenario.”

He pointed out that a central part of his methodology was to use actual
source material. “I didn’t use French, English, or Russian archival
sources because the Turks could say that these sources weren’t fair.
Instead, I used Ottoman Turkish, German, and Austrian documents, which
were more reliable. Why would Turkey’s allies want to indict their own
ally? Their ambassadors and other witnesses weren’t making it up,” he
declared.

“Even though when the Ittihad officials fled Turkey they destroyed as
many documents of the Genocide as possible, Ottoman archives survived
because of the enormity of the crime and the monumental evidence of the
terrible events,” he explained. In this regard, he paid special tribute
to Turkish historian Taner Akcam, who was instrumental in getting his
hands on and publicizing as many documents as possible.

In order to accommodate European standards, the Turks are “changing
their ways and statements,” he related, “but I don’t think it’s
genuine.” However it’s the Armenians only hope to get someplace over
there and through these acts try to live civilly with them, he stated.
He revealed that three Bolis universities will soon hold “discussions”
on the deportations.

PROMINENT, WEALTHY ARMENIANS AT FAULT

Professor Dadrian was especially critical of prominent and wealthy
Armenian businessmen for not using their resources and influence to
establish Genocide scholarships in the way Jewish leaders have funded
Holocaust studies programs.

“The Genocide occupies a central place in modern Armenian history.
Unless we study it, we are leaving it to history to settle it. This is
exactly what the Turks want. Well, it’s been greatly research already
and it happened,” he stated strongly to another standing ovation.

In presenting the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Professor Dadrian,
Archbishop Barsamian said with emphasis that the “significance of Dr.
Dadrian’s work is not only that he has uncovered the mechanics of the
Genocide, but also that he has shed light on the seeds of genocide: the
signs and circumstances that lay the groundwork for, and eventually lead
to, the world of human crimes. This is an act of the highest
humanitarian consequence.”

“It is a testimony to his character and courage that Dr. Dadrian has
studied this evil without flinching, so that the world will never forget
the Armenian Genocide — and perhaps more importantly, so that the world
will learn from the sad fate of our forebears, and never allow it to
happen again,” the Primate said.

The committee which organized this special evening of tribute was
chaired by Hirant Gulian, and included Adrine Abdo, Murat Acemoglu, Berc
Araz, Aram Arkun, Zeki Dikme, Ruby Gulian, Avedis Kasakyan, Norair
Meguerditchian, Sam Mikaelian, and Christopher Zakian.

— 4/12/05

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presents Dr. Vahakn Dadrian
with “A Lifetime Achievement Award” during a gala honoring the Armenian
Genocide scholar at New York City’s Diocesan Center on Saturday, April
2, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Famed genocide scholar Dr. Vahakn Dadrian addresses
a crow of more than 200 during a banquet honoring his life-time of work.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian talks with, from left, Dr.
Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York; guest
of honor Dr. Vahakn Dadrian; and Professor Stephen Feinstein, director
of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of
Minnesota; during a banquet at New York City’s Diocesan Center on
Saturday, April 2, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dr. Vartan Gregorian, left, president of Carnegie
Corporation of New York, was a guest speaker during a banquet organized
by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) to honor
genocide expert Dr. Vahakn Dadrian, right, for his years of devoted
work.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian deputy speaker proposes single package of constitutional changes

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan
11 Apr 05

YEREVAN

The deputy speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, Tigran Torosyan,
stated in Yerevan today that it is necessary to elaborate a single
package of constitutional amendments.

Speaking at the National Press Club today, Tigran Torosyan said that
the single package of constitutional amendments “will make it possible
to avoid political collisions and unhealthy signs at such a vital
moment for the country”, Mediamax news agency reports.

The temporary parliamentary commission on issues of European
integration headed by Tigran Torosyan last week completed the
discussion of three draft constitutional amendments prepared by the
ruling coalition, the United Labour Party and opposition MP Arshak
Sadoyan.

The deputy speaker ruled out the possibility of combining the
referendum on constitutional amendments with the local government
elections scheduled for autumn.

Mediamax recalled that during a meeting on 8 April with members of the
commission coordinating the process of implementing Armenia’s
commitments to the Council of Europe, Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan said that the process of constitutional reforms should not
slow down and stated that it is necessary to draw up the final option
“with a high degree of mutual coordination”.