[Congressional Record: March 1, 2005 (House)]
[Page H819-H820]
The Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr01mr05-111]

STOP DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BY TURKEY

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Evans, the U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia, recently when meeting with Armenian Americans during visits in
several U.S. cities referenced the Armenian genocide. In a series of
public statements, Ambassador Evans who has studied Russian history at
Yale and Columbia and Ottoman history at the Kennan Institute stated,
“I will today call it the Armenian Genocide.”
Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Evans’ statements did not contradict U.S.
policy, but rather articulated the same message that the Bush
administration has sent to the public, the only difference in this case
is that Ambassador Evans simply assigned the word to the definition that was
already
provided by President Bush as well as members of his administration.
Breaking with a pattern on the part of the State Department of using
alternative and evasive terminology for the Armenian genocide,
Ambassador Evans pointed out that “no American official has ever
denied it.”
Now, Ambassador Evans was merely recounting the historical record
which has been attested to by over 120 Holocaust and genocide scholars
from around the world. In so doing, he was merely giving a name, the
accurate description of genocide, to this very administration’s
statements on the issue.
President Bush on April 24 of each of the last four years when
commemorating the Armenian genocide used the textbook definition of
genocide with words and phrases such as “annihilation” and “forced
exile and murder.” Before him, President Reagan used the word
“genocide” in 1981 when describing the annihilation of over 1.5
million Armenians.
In the day of the genocide, our U.S. ambassador, then Henry
Morgenthal, had the courage to speak out against the atrocities which
he stated were a planned and systematic effort to annihilate an entire
race.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I just want to add my name and my voice
to all those who, like Ambassador Evans, know the truth and speak it
plainly when discussing the Armenian genocide.

Joint Commemorative Committee for the
90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016

Contact: Iris Papazian, 212-689-7810
Chris Zakian, 212-686-0710

Date: February 28, 2005
PRESS RELEASE

90th ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE COMMEMORATED IN NYC ON APRIL 24,
2005

Joint Committee of Armenian American Organizations Plan Day of Remembrance,
Recognition for the “Forgotten Genocide”

* * *

NEW YORK, NY-On Sunday, April 24, 2005, Armenian Americans from throughout
the northeast will converge on New York City to commemorate the 90th
anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide-in which 1.5 million Armenians
perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish empire.

Historians consider the attempt to exterminate the Armenians as the first
instance of genocide in the 20th century: a precursor to mass killings
throughout the century, and an explicit model for Hitler’s own “final
solution.” Still, 90 years after the catastrophe that scattered surviving
Armenians across the globe, the Republic of Turkey continues to deny the
facts of the Genocide.

For this year’s New York observance of the Armenian Genocide on April 24
(the date annually observed as “Martyrs Day” by Armenians around the world),
the main Armenian American organizations have joined forces to plan a major
commemoration, built around the themes of remembrance, justice, and
prevention.

The day will start with church services at 9:00 a.m., in Manhattan’s two
Armenian cathedrals: St. Vartan Cathedral (Second Ave. at 34th St.) and St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral (27th St. between Second and Third Avenues).

At 12:00 noon, a large memorial gathering at Times Square (Broadway at 43rd
St.) will bring together several thousand Armenian Americans from the Mid
Atlantic and New England areas.

Finally, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., a solemn ecumenical requiem service will be
held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (Fifth Ave. at 50th St.),
where dignitaries from the religious, political, diplomatic, and media
arenas will be present.

In the run-up to the main commemoration, related events have been planned
throughout the northeast, to build momentum towards April 24. These include
speaking engagements by Dr. Peter Balakian-professor at Colgate University
and acclaimed author of the New York Times bestsellers The Burning Tigris
and Black Dog of Fate. Also planned is a production/reading of the
award-winning drama, Beast on the Moon, by Richard Kalinoski- an immigrant
love story whose two central characters are survivors of the Armenian
Genocide.

Other events will involve elderly Genocide survivors, noted Armenian
American scholars, and civil rights leaders who support the goal of gaining
official political recognition for the Armenian Genocide, both in Turkey and
in the United States.

Organizers view this anniversary year as a chance to heal the emotional
scars of the survivors of the Genocide-who fled their homeland to the safety
of America’s shores-and their descendants.

“We see it as an opportunity to catalyze leaders, at home and abroad, to
recognize the Genocide and seek justice for its victims,” say Ken Sarajian
and Roy Stepanian, co-chair of the joint 90th anniversary committee.

Despite the passage of 90 years, recent events make the Armenian Genocide a
relevant topic. Human rights questions, including the Genocide, have become
sticking points with the international community as Turkey attempts to gain
entry to the European Union. And Turkey’s decade-long land and rail
blockade of the neighboring Republic of Armenia has caused deep economic
problems for Armenia’s struggling citizens, already burdened with building a
free society over the ruins of the Soviet period.

More generally, genocide itself remains a horrifyingly relevant political
matter, as current events in Africa testify. Identification and prevention
of such atrocities is an important theme for Armenians in the upcoming
observance.

“This memorial will educate, in the hope that such things never happen
again,” says Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America, adds: “The justice we seek will stretch beyond our borders and
prevent similar events from taking place.”

# # #

The Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee is coordinating events on April 24,
2005, to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The
committee is comprised of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America,
Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Apostolic
Exarch for Armenian Catholics in the U.S., Armenian General Benevolent
Union, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian National
Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society of the Eastern United States,
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Armenian Social Democratic Hunchakian
Party, Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

ARKA News Agency
March 3 2005

Armenian President, CIS Executive Committee’s Chair discussing CIS
structures reformation issues

RA Government changes the workday of March 7 for March 5

Representatives of some Armenian political parties discussing
preparation for marking 90th anniversary of Armenian genocide

RA NA Speaker receives the experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice
Commission and ODIHR/OSCE

A campaign of protest of salesmen at trade fairs held today at the
governmental building of Armenia

Representatives of the council of europe’s venice commission and the
organisation for security and cooperation in Europe’s Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights arrived in Yerevan for a
two-day visit

RA Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the
CIS discuss the issue of improving the efficiency of work of the CIS

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT, CIS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S CHAIR DISCUSSING CIS
STRUCTURES REFORMATION ISSUES

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
received Thursday the CIS Executive Committee’s Chair Vladimir
Rushaylo. The main topic of the negotiations was the process of
implementation of reforms in the CIS structures, as Presidential
Press Service told ARKA. Rushaylo also informed Armenian President
about preparations for CIS member countries’ summits planned for 2005
and discussed related issues with him. M.V. -0–

*********************************************************************

RA GOVERNMENT CHANGES THE WORKDAY OF MARCH 7 FOR MARCH 5

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. In regard with the International Women’s
Day celebrated on March 8, RA Government changed the workday of March
7 for March 5, according to RA Government’s Press Service. A.H. – 0–

*********************************************************************

REPRESENTATIVES OF SOME ARMENIAN POLITICAL PARTIES DISCUSSING
PREPARATION FOR MARKING 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. Ramkavar-Azatakan, Social Democratic and
Dashaktsutyun parties’ representatives discussed work on preparation
events to mark 90th anniversary of Armenian genocide. After approving
the program of events, the meeting participants discussed political
situation in Lebanon, as Dashnaktsutyun party told ARKA. Summarizing
the meeting, the representatives of the three political parties came
up with a statement condemning recent assassination of former
Lebanese Prime Minister Raphik Al Hariri. M.V. -0–

*********************************************************************

RA NA SPEAKER RECEIVES THE EXPERTS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE’S VENICE
COMMISSION AND ODIHR/OSCE

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan received
the experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR/OSCE), who are in
Yerevan to discuss the expert conclusion on the Election Code (EC).
According to RA NA Press Service, Baghdasaryan agreed with the
necessity of reforms and adoption of the reviewed EC, which may
ensure holding elections in line with democratic standards. It was
also noted that out of 61 provisions of expert conclusions only 30
were adopted and 11 of them are approved, and the rest 20 provisions
will be made agree as a result of discussions with the
representatives of political powers, RA Ministry of Justice, Central
Election Committee (CEC), and NGOs.
Under the chairmanship of Baghdasaryan discussion of the project of
changes and amendments to EC were held. Deputies, OSCE Yerevan Office
Coordinator Vladimir Pryakhin, his Deputy Elane Konkevich, Head of
CEC Garegin Azaryan, Deputy Minister of Justice Tigran Mukuchyan and
representatives of NGOs participated in the discussions. A.H. -0–

*********************************************************************

A CAMPAIGN OF PROTEST OF SALESMEN AT TRADE FAIRS HELD TODAY AT THE
GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. A campaign of protest of salesmen at trade
fairs was held today at the governmental building of Armenia. The
participants expressed their discontent about the law on `cash
machines, obliging salesmen to have them by April 1, 2005. The
delegation met the Deputy Head of the State Tax Service adjunct to AR
Government Armen Alaverdyan. During the campaign the building was
protected by police.
To note, on Nov 22, 2004 RA Parliament adopted a low on Cash Machines
that should be gradually introduced in the country. In particular,
from April 1, 2005 cash machines are to be obligatorily used in the
area of providing medical and ambulatory services, in beauty centers,
resort houses, exhibition complexes, on fairs and markets .
Currently, cash machines are used by over 15 thsd households in the
country. A.H. -0–

*********************************************************************

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE’S VENICE COMMISSION AND THE
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE’S OFFICE FOR
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARRIVED IN YEREVAN FOR A
TWO-DAY VISIT

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. Representatives of the Council of Europe’s
Venice Commission and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation
in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
(ODIHR/OSCE) arrived in Yerevan for a two-day visit. According to the
information office of the CE in RA, the goal of the visit is to
discuss progress in reviewing election legislation of Armenia on the
base of joint commissions made by two organizations regarding
electoral reforms in the country. According to press-release, the
visit will be in the frames of the cooperation between CE and
Armenian authorities within the context of monitoring compliance with
the commissions of ODIHR/OSCE after the elections of 2003 in Armenia,
as well as the process of monitoring of the country by the CE
Ministers Committee. The aim of the visit is to raise with the
Armenian authorities and experts on electoral matters the main points
on which Armenia’s electoral legislation and practice have yet to
meet Council of Europe standards and OSCE Commitments on democratic
elections A.H.–0–

*********************************************************************

RA PRIME MINISTER AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
CIS DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF WORK OF THE CIS

YEREVAN, March 3. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan and
the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the CIS Vladimir Rushailo
discussed the issue of improving the efficiency of work of the CIS.
According to AR Government’s Press Service Department, Margaryan
noted that from the first day of the CIS Armenia was represented in
all bodies of the organization, participated actively in its work. He
expressed hope that as a result of constructive discussions of all
suggestions of participant countries of the CIS the optimal variant
of reforms will be found, enabling to make the CIS more efficient
structure. Rushailo was for introducing reforms in the bodies of the
CIS to make their work more efficient and dynamic and to bring in
line with modern standards. He also expressed anxiety about
inefficient use of the whole potential of the CIS. According to him,
establishment of executive centers in the CIS will fill in the gap,
and such examples exist already in Russia, Moldova and the Ukraine.
Rushailo noted that the Armenian Pavilion in the Russian Exhibition
Centre is the best and said that it’s a kind of a visiting card of
the country.
Rushailo also introduced the process of getting prepared to the
regular session of the CIS states’ prime ministers, which is planned
to take place on April 29 in Tbilisi. According to him, over 30
projects related to areas of interaction will be discussed.
In the course of the meeting the parties also spoke about celebrating
the 60th anniversary of the victory in World War II. Margaryan
informed that a special commission headed by RA Minister of Defense
was established on that occasion in Armenia, and the program of
arrangements had been approved. He also stated that the Armenian
delegation of veterans of the War will participate in the celebration
of the 60th anniversary on May 8-9 in Moscow. A.H. –0–

PanArmenian News
March 3 2005

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER MET WITH VLADIMIR RUSHAYLO

03.03.2005 17:15

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Head of the CIS Executive Committee, Executive
Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo met with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian. The parties noted that today the cooperation between the
CIS countries, especially in economy, security, struggle with crime
and humanitarian sphere, is rather productive. Andranik Margarian
noted that from the first days of creation of the CIS Armenia has
actively participated in its works. Andranik Margarian also noted
that the Armenian delegation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War
will take part in the celebrities, devoted to the 60-th anniversary
of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow May 8-9.

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 E-NEWSLETTER – March 3, 2005

JOINT COMMITTEE ISSUES PRESS RELEASE ABOUT
90th COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS IN NEW YORK
The Joint Commemorative Committee for the 90th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide issued a press release this week providing information
about the upcoming commemorative events in New York City on April 24, 2005.
To read the release go to:
Information about bus transportation will be forthcoming.

PRELACY JOINS OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN URGING
PRESIDENT BUSH TO RECOGNIZE 1915 MASSACRES AS GENOCIDE
The Eastern Prelacy has joined with other major Armenian organizations
in a letter urging President Bush to recognize the 1915 massacres and
deportations as Genocide.
In recent meetings with Armenian American groups, as well as in private
meetings with Armenian American leaders in various parts of the country,
including a private meeting at the Prelacy on February 11, U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia John Evans characterized the massacres of 1915 as genocide.
Subsequently, he clarified his statements by referring to them as his
personal opinion and not official U.S. policy.
The letter, signed by ten Armenian American organizations, said: Mr.
President, in this the 90th Commemorative Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, we urge that you join President Ronald Reagan and so many other
leading American public officials in reaffirming the facts of history you
have already proclaimed with the correct name-Armenian Genocide.
To read the entire letter go to:

ST. STEPHEN SCHOOL IN WATERTOWN
MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA
Four hundred supporters of Armenian education attended the 20th
anniversary gala for St. Stephen Armenian Elementary School in Watertown,
Massachusetts. The gala, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, was also the official beginning of a capital campaign for
the expansion of the school.
For details and photographs go to:

CATHOLICOS ARAM SPEAKS ABOUT LEBANON
His Holiness Aram who was in Geneva last month chairing the meetings of
the Central and Executive Committees of the World Council of Churches, spoke
about the situation in Lebanon during a press conference. He strongly
condemned the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri,
describing it as an act targeting the whole country. His Holiness said the
assassination was an attempt to disrupt Lebanon’s internal unity and to
weaken Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty. He emphasized that now more
than ever the Lebanese people need to strengthen their internal unity and
dignity.
Speaking about the Armenian community His Holiness said: As a
constituent member of Lebanese society, the Armenian community also has been
deeply shaken by the assassination and is concerned about the current
situation. He urged that the Armenians of Lebanon with their community and
political leadership to actively and fully participate in all efforts
leading to the strengthening of the internal unity, independence and
sovereignty of Lebanon.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
We are in the period of time when most of our parishes hold their annual
membership meetings.
This Sunday, March 6, membership meetings are scheduled at the following
parishes:
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan
St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts

DEADLINE FOR NEW YORK LIFE SETTLEMENT NEARS
Descendants of New York Life policyholders who were among the 1.5
million Armenians massacred during the Genocide, have until March 15, 2005,
to make a claim for a portion of the settlement that was made with the New
York Life Insurance Co.
Details, including a list of the names, addresses, and occupations of
the policyholders, are available at
The total settlement is valued at $20 million. The first distribution of
funds totaling $3 million was made to Armenian charitable organizations in
January.

PASSION NARRATIVES FOR LENT CONTINUE
The Prelacy Lenten Program will continue next Wednesday, March 9, with
the focus on the Burial. Yesterday, the Bible study, led by Deacon Shant
Kazanjian, focused on the Crucifixion. The final session on March 16 will be
a study of the Resurrection.
The six-week Bible study of the Passion narratives is sponsored by the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Prelacy Ladies Guild.
The sessions take place at St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, beginning at 7:30 pm with a Lenten service, followed
by the Bible study and fellowship around a Lenten meal. All our welcome.

MUSICAL ARMENIA APPLICATIONS FOR 2006
Young Armenian musicians are invited to submit applications for the 2006
Musical Armenia concert series. The application can be downloaded from the
Prelacy web page
To read about the 2005 concert and view photographs go to:

FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTIA
This Saturday, March 5, the Armenian Church commemorates the memory of
the Forty Martyrs of Sebastia.
Although the background and identity of the forty young soldiers are not
known for sure, it is believed that they came from Lesser Armenia. They
served in the Roman army in the regions of Cappadocia.
In a general purge of Christians from the ranks, it became rumored that
in Sepastia there was an elite military unit whose members were Christians.
Forty youths of the unit confirmed being Christians and remained steadfast
to their faith.
The young soldiers were tried and condemned to stoning. Miraculously,
when the sentence was being carried out, the stones would not reach the
intended targets, but rather came back striking those throwing the stones.
The young soldiers were then thrown into a frozen lake and forced to stay
there, with the admonition that should they renounce their faith they would
be allowed to come out of the cold water and into a warm bath. Of the forty,
one chose to accept this offer, but he died nevertheless. As one by one the
youths died, halos came down upon them. Seeing this, one of the guards threw
himself into the lake and joined the thirty-nine bringing the number to
forty again.
Subsequently some of our great church fathers like Basil, Gregory of
Nyssa, Ephraem the Assyrian, and Sisian of Sebastia, wrote panegyrics about
the forty martyrs.
Their memory is commemorated each year during Lent on the Saturday
following the Median day of Lent (Meechink). The Armenians have also built
and named churches in their memory in various areas of the world.

SUNDAY OF THE JUDGE
This Sunday, March 6, the fifth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the
Judge (Datavori Kiraki).
The Gospel read on this day describes the parable told by Jesus about a
widow and a judge (Luke 18:2-5). In a certain city there was a judge, who
neither feared God, nor had respect for people. In that city there was a
widow who kept coming to him and saying, Grant me justice against my
opponent. For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, Though I
have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps
bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by
continually coming before me.
Jesus told the parable of the stubborn widow to encourage his followers
to persevere in prayer and to never cease to struggle against injustice.
Through this story Jesus assures us that God will do justice in the end.

Visit our website at

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/03/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Euro-Armenian Federation Applauds Courage of EU-Turkey Delegation Vice
President
2) Azeri FM and OSCE Representatives Meet, Await Oskanian Recovery
3) CIS Head in Armenia
4) Fierce Critic of Azeri Government Gunned Down, Opposition Rises to Occasion
5) Minaskanian to Perform at Benefit Concert at UCLA

1) Euro-Armenian Federation Applauds Courage of EU-Turkey delegation Vice
President

BRUSSELS–Recent statements by the vice president of the European Union-Turkey
Inter Parliamentary Delegation Jacques Toubon, provoked rage among Turkish
officials participating in the meeting, particularly Sukru Elekdag (CHP-
Kemalist Party) who served as the former ambassador to the United States, and
Oguz Demiralp, Turkey’s permanent representative to the European Union.
Toubon (PPE, France) raised the “unquestionable reality” of the Armenian
genocide during the 53rd meeting of the body, telling the Turkish delegates
that the recognition of the Armenian genocide constituted an “important
element
for Europe” and of its “common values.”
“We welcome the courage and the perseverance of Jacques Toubon who was not
influenced by the usual excessive and high bidding methods of the Turkish
deputies,” declared Hilda Tchoboian, president of the Euro-Armenian
Federation.
`As long as the Turkish State uses threatens Europe, and preaches fear to its
public, it proves that Turkey is not European,” Tchoboian.
Toubon also highlighted the numerous recognitions of the genocide by member
countries of the European Union, the most recent being by the Netherlands,
which took place on December 21, 2004, just after the European Summit in
Brussels.
He stressed that the European Parliament, since 1987, had on numerous
occasions, recognized the reality of the Genocide and, has since, continually
asked Turkey to do the same. He explained that “by refusing to ratify the
Treaty of Sevres of 1920, Turkey did not want to recognize this genocide,”
which could be explained in the political context of that time, but “90 years
later, Turkey must change,” and adopt European values, while recognizing this
historic reality.
The Turkish press, spearheaded by the Turkish Daily News, immediately
distorted Toubon’s remarks, alleging that he had asked Turkey to ratify the
Treaty of Sevres. This treaty, signed notably by the first Armenian Republic
and by the Ottoman Empire (as well as UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Poland,
Czechoslovakia, now members of EU) constituted the reparation for the
wrongs of
the genocide but was never ratified by Ankara, while the later Treaty of
Lausanne, eluded the question.

2) Azeri FM and OSCE Representatives Meet, Await Oskanian Recovery

PRAGUE (Combined Sources)–According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met, in Prague, with the co-Chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Head of the organization’s mission that
recently visited regions around Mountainous Karabagh Republic.
Although Mammadyarov and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian were scheduled to
meet in Prague on Wednesday, their talks were postponed by at least one week
because of Oskanian’s continuing illness. A Ministry spokesman revealed that
Oskanian is under medical care and the concrete date of the meeting depends on
the improvement of his health.

3) CIS Head in Armenia

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–CIS Executive Committee chairman Vladimir
Rushailo,
met Armenian leaders on Thursday for talks on CIS reforms and measures to
increase the effectiveness of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Though economic cooperation is one of CIS’s priorities, Rushailo revealed
that
business resources are not fully utilized, and proposed the creation of
business centers throughout CIS countries. He commended Armenia for its
outstanding exposition at the All-Russia Exhibition Center, saying that it is
one of the best.
“Despite objective and subjective difficulties, cooperation between CIS
countries, primarily economic, humanitarian, and the joint fight against
crime,
as well as security, is developing effectively,” President Robert Kocharian
told Rushailo, but stressed the necessity to increase CIS activity.
The CIS head took time to place a wreath at the memorial to the victims of
the
Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey. “Each people has sacred places. This
Memorial is a sacred for the Armenian people and I think it my duty to
visit it
when I am in Yerevan,” Rushailo said during his fifth visit to the Memorial.

4) Fierce Critic of Azeri Government Gunned Down, Opposition Rises to Occasion

US urges Azerbaijan to do utmost in investigating murder to bring killers to
justice

BAKU (Reuters)–Azeri President Ilham Aliyev warned opponents on Thursday to
refrain from turning the funeral of a murdered journalist and fierce
government
critic into a public protest against his rule.
Elmar Huseinov, 38, was shot dead on Wednesday by gunmen on the stairway of
his apartment bloc. He was the editor-in-chief of Monitor magazine and a
staunch critic of the government.
Leaders of Azerbaijan’s fractured opposition vowed to turn Friday’s funeral
into a show of unity and public discontent with the government.
“We will organize the funeral in a way that will show the popular hatred of
the regime,” said Ali Kerimli, the head of the key National Front opposition
party. “The opposition will unite in removing this regime in a peaceful way.”
Aliyev, in televised comments after an emergency meeting of his Security
Council, said that Huseinov’s murder served the interests of those who want to
destabilize the country.
“The tragedy for [Huseinov’s] family can become an instrument in certain
hands,” he said. “This cannot be allowed.”
“We should not make a political campaign out of this crime. We will not allow
this,” Aliyev added. “All political forces should behave with patience and not
break the law and not use this killing to advance their own ambitions.”
Azerbaijan became the former Soviet Union’s first dynasty when Aliyev
succeeded his iron-fisted father in 2003 as leader of the mainly Muslim state
of 8 million people.
His election, criticized by observers as falling short of international
standards, was greeted with protests in the capital in which two people were
killed and scores injured.
More than 100 people were arrested. Most have since been released but several
opposition leaders were handed jail terms. The European Union said this month
there were “extensive, credible, allegations” of torture in the country’s
jails.
Huseinov’s magazine has been closed several times and fined for critical
articles about leading politicians and businessmen. The murdered journalist
had
spent six months in jail for his opposition activities.

NO REVOLUTION

In a clear reference to demands by opposition leaders and Huseinov’s family,
Aliyev said he was ready to let foreign experts join the investigation.
The US embassy in Baku urged the Azeri government to do everything possible to
investigate the murder.
“The US embassy urges the Azerbaijani government to do everything possible to
investigate Elmar Huseynov’s murder fully and to bring his killer or
killers to
justice,” the US embassy said in a faxed statement.
“Elmar Huseinov’s death is a great loss to the ongoing development of
democracy and press freedom in Azerbaijan,” an embassy statement said.
Azeri opposition plans reflected growing popular unrest in some ex-Soviet
states. There has been an upsurge in street protests even in Russia, most of
them over social reforms.
In just over a year, new governments have come to power in Georgia and
Ukraine
on the back of ‘people power’ revolutions.
That has triggered speculation that the position of other leaders in a region
stretching from the edge of the European Union to central Asia might be
shaky.
But Azeri officials say Aliyev’s popularity and the memory of the political
turmoil in Azerbaijan which almost turned into civil war in 1993 leave no
chance for a revolution.
“People will not be so naive as to entrust their fate to those would bring
them to the edge of the abyss once again,” presidential chief of staff Ramiz
Mehtiyev said last month.

5) Minaskanian to Perform at Benefit Concert at UCLA

LOS ANGELES–Raphael Minaskanian will perform a benefit piano recital
featuring
works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Melik-Aslanian. The event, sponsored by
RAA/USA (Research on Armenian Architecture) in support of scholarships for
CASPS (The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools), will take place
at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall, on Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
Born in Tehran in a music loving family, Minaskanian began his musical
studies
at the age of six. He made his first stage appearance at the age of ten and
shortly after, performed Iran’s first televised classical piano recital.
Studying under the distinguished teacher and composer Emanuel Melik-Aslanian,
he honed his technical skills, making frequent stage and television
appearances. After graduation from high school, he came to the United States
with the goal of studying medicine, but it was Aube Tzerko, Professor of music
at UCLA who encouraged him to devote himself to music. Thereafter, he studied
with internationally known master teachers including Aube Tzerko in Los
Angeles, Karl Ulrich Schnabel in Italy, and Ilona Kabos in London and at the
Juilliard School of Music in New York.
Minaskanian’s London debut in the Purcell Room of Royal Festival Hall won him
the acclaim of critics including that of the famed Eric Warr, who described
the
performance as a “most promising debut,” and his artistic ability and
technique
as “mature” and filled with “excitement, brilliance, and unfailing clarity.”
Returning to Iran, Raphael was invited by the renowned Soviet Armenian
composer
and pianist Arno Babajanian, to share the stage with him, in a most memorable
musical event, for the very first public performance of his Rhapsody for Two
Pianos, in Tehran.
Over the past two decades, Raphael has continued to teach and perform, making
frequent solo, chamber, and orchestral appearances. On the occasion of Aram
Khachaturian’s 100th birthday festivities, he was a soloist in several events
with the Armenian String Virtuosi under the internationally recognized
conductor Loris Tjeknavorian. In addition to his busy stage and teaching
schedule, Raphael is involved with community work, and regularly shares his
art
to help raise funds for humanitarian and educational causes. He recently
honored the memory of his beloved teacher and mentor, Melik-Aslanian, with two
critically acclaimed solo recitals, benefiting geriatric research and special
pediatric care.
CASPS was created in the summer of 1994 by a group of concerned educators and
citizen leaders with the goal to lay the foundation of a grass roots
organization that would address the social and educational needs of immigrant
children in public schools. Their mandate was to find solutions by
collaborating with school districts and administrators and by directly working
with students and parents. Positive feedback from schools and families and the
growing demand for intervention by the community, provided the impetus for
expansion into case management services, academic counseling and group
therapy,
staff development workshops for teachers, and a special effective parenting
program available in Armenian, English, and Spanish. To date, CASPS has served
over 3000 children and parents in all ethnic groups.
Tickets ranging from $100, $40, $30, to $15 for students can be purchased at
the following:

Call UCLA at (310) 825-2101 or <;;

Ticketmaster (213)365-3500 or
<;;

Call CASPS at (818) 222-7170

All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.

ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
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mass media outlets.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
March 2, 2005, Wednesday

MORTAL GAMES IN THE AZERBAIJANIAN ARMY

SOURCE: Voyenno-Promyshlenny Kuryer, No. 7, February 25 – March 1,
2005, p. 3

by: Dzhasur Mamedov

THE LEADERSHIP OF THE AZERBAIJANIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY CONCEALS REPORTS
ABOUT NON-COMBAT LOSSES IN THE ARMY

The Azerbaijanian Armed Forces was not involved in military
operations in 2004. However, the republican army suffered losses.
Some sources state that at least 35 people perished (30 in the
national army, 3 in the border guard service and one in the Interior
Troops at the military high school). Soldiers account for the
absolute majority of losses (27 people).

The analysis shows that as a rule servicemen perished because of
barracks hazing (ten incidents). Nine soldiers were killed in
skirmishes with Armenian units. Six people were victims of tragic
accidents (electric shock etc.). Four soldiers committed suicide;
four perished as a result of landmine explosions; two soldiers
perished under an avalanche.

It should be noted that 75 Azerbaijanian servicemen perished in 2003.
However, 34 of them were killed by Armenian servicemen, and only 13
soldiers perished because of barracks hazing. There were eight
suicides; landmines killed seven people.

(…)

Some military experts think that the actual number of servicemen lost
by the Azerbaijanian Army is much higher. The Defense Ministry
disagrees with such conclusions. In the meantime, Major Ilgar
Verdiyev, a representative of the press service of the Azerbaijanian
Defense Ministry, stated, “Such reports concern the Army, which is
why we do not announce them. If journalists address us, we either
confirm or deny facts of tragic accidents in the army. But we never
announce information about the army’s losses.”

In the meantime, other military sources state that at least 50 people
perished and around 60 people were injured in the Army in 2004.
Alekper Mamedov, head of the Azerbaijanian center of democratic civil
oversight, said that reports about the Army’s losses published by the
press do not reflect the actual situation in the Army. He said,
“These facts became known thanks to the victims’ parents. The
majority of citizens whose children perish in the Army receive an
order from the Defense Ministry not to announce such information in
the media. In my opinion, losses increases in 2004. The Defense
Ministry conceals the actual statistics.”

The expert thinks that so many victims is an unbelievable thing for
such small country as Azerbaijan, “The reports published by the media
are too high for our republic. Such losses are common for large
countries. We should find the cause of such tragic accidents.”

(…)

Mamedov noted that as a rule soldiers and officers of the
Azerbaijanian Army perished as a result of murders and suicides in
2004. The expert noted, “The major part of losses was caused by
conflicts between servicemen or between servicemen and civilians.”

Mr. Mamedov stated that for the last time the Defense Ministry
announced reports about losses in the Army in 2000. It turned out
that around 2,000 citizens of Azerbaijan perished in the Army in
1994-2000. The expert noted, “The majority of them perished because
of illnesses, suicides and hazing of young recruits.” He said that
after that the Defense Ministry banned circulating such reports.

As far as the cause of barracks hazing is concerned, Mamedov said
that officers’ activities aimed at improving the Army’s morale are
unsatisfactory. (…) He said, “Weak oversight, bribery, corruption
and prejudice to servicemen create psychological instability in the
Army. The crime rate in the Army went up after the institution of
deputy commanders for morale was abolished.”

The expert focused on the fact that no incidents involving chilblain
and sunstroke happened in 2004. According to him, the Defense
Ministry learned a lesson from its previous experience and reduced
the duration of military exercises in winter and hot summer. (…)

The expert said that the Army must be reformed in order to solve the
problems of non-combat losses. In addition, this task necessitates
replacing officers, using democratic mechanisms in the Army and
bringing the Army in compliance with NATO’s standards. He concluded,
“Only in this case will our Army become strong.”

In conclusion, he noted that at least five servicemen perished in the
Azerbaijanian Army during the first 2 months of 2005. The ghost of
death hovers over the Azerbaijanian Army.

Translated by Alexander Dubovoi

PanArmenian News
March 3 2005

TIME HAS COME FOR GEORGIA TO STIMULATE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSPORT
AGREEMENT WITH ARMENIA AND BULGARIA

03.03.2005 14:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `Armenia and Bulgaria have ratified the agreement
on multi-modal transportation, however Georgia has not. The time has
come to stimulate the process,’ Bulgarian Ambassador in Armenia
Stephan Dimitrov stated, Arminfo news agency reported. In the
diplomat’s words, the agreement is not a trilateral, but an
international document and is open to everyone. Moreover, the
document will remain not viable, if a structure for its
implementation is not formed. Speaking of the exploitation of the
Burgas-Caucasus-Poti ferry route, Stephan Dimitrov said he thought
the effeciency of such a project should be decided by economists. `I
can only say that the Poti-Caucasus-Novorossiysk-Varna-Burgas ferry
route is much longer, than Poti-Burgas,’ the diplomat noted.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
March 2, 2005, Wednesday

BRIDGEHEAD FOR THE YANKEES

SOURCE: Novye Izvestia, February 28, 2005, p. 4

by Mekhman Gafarly

“The Pentagon does not want Russia to oppose US military presence in
Azerbaijan and Georgia,” said Charles Wald, US Second-in-Command in
Europe. “It will be nice to get a chance to run exercises and
operations there.”

Wald visited Azerbaijan and Georgia more than once, discussing
military cooperation with the United States. he is in charge of the
new American military initiative Silky Way (non-proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction in the Caucasus and Central Asia), these
days. The list composed by the US Congress includes Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Still, the Pentagon concentrated on
Azerbaijan and Georgia which in expert opinion may be ascribed to the
American attack on Iran.

Not so long ago, Azerbaijani media reported with references to Cmag
of Canada that the United States was preparing for a strike at Iran
and that the US Administration had already begun consultations with
allies including Azerbaijan. Some newspapers referring to military
sources reported the plan of the future attack. Ekho newspaper (Baku)
wrote that American experts had drawn a scenario of a military action
against Iran from the territory of Azerbaijan (not only Azerbaijan).
The American strike aimed to ruin nuclear objects of this Islamic
state and install a new regime there was designed by the American
Committee of Iranian Specialists including all sorts of experts (some
of them military). The authors called the operation “Iran – Strategic
Surprise”. It stipulates establishment of American military bases in
Azerbaijan within 20 days. Bases will be established simultaneously
with rotation of American troops in Iraq. Air strikes and ground
operations in Iran will follow for 30 days after that. The attack
will proceed against 30 targets. THAAD gear will be installed in
certain locations (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq),
capable of detecting missiles practically at launch and taking them
out. Azerbaijani military experts acquainted with the plan call it
quite realistic.

Azerbaijan is expected to play a key role in the American operation.
Azerbaijani airfields Gala on Apsheron, Baku-Bina, Nasosny in
Sumgait, Garachala in Salian and civilian airports in Lenkoran,
Kyurdamir, Yevlakh, Gyandzh, Dallyar, and Nakhichevan will be used in
the operation. Validity of these forecasts is confirmed by
Azerbaijani military expert Uzeir Dzhafarov.

According to the plan, US State Secretary will personally coordinate
the operation with the governments of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iraq.
Air strikes will come from Iraq, special forces from Afghanistan,
special forces and landing forces from Azerbaijan. Distracting
maneuvers will take place in the Persian Gulf. All the same, the
Americans cannot guarantee Azerbaijan’s safety in a war on Iran.
Hence the intention to deploy special anti-missiles on Apsheron.
According to Azerbaijani media outlets, 10 radars were already
installed on the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. The radars and the 5
helicopters America has in the area gather intelligence information
for the United States. What information is already available enables
the Americans to maintain that Tehran is forcing development of
nuclear technologies and will possess nuclear weapons by 2006. Iran
already has delivery means and will double their quantity by 2008.

The United States is settling in Georgia too where 100 American
instructors train the Georgian military. Tbilisi received $10 million
from Washington in late 2004 within the framework of Initiative Silky
Way. Moscow fears therefore that once it withdrew its bases from the
territory of Georgia, Washington will immediately establish its own
bases there.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 3, 2005 Thursday

Two persons killed in southwest Moscow shooting identified

MOSCOW

Police established the identify of two of the three persons killed in
a shooting in southwestern Moscow earlier on Thursday.

The victims were identified as Armenian nationals, Roman Arakelyan,
23, and his brother Vartan, aged 34. The identity of the third person
is being ascertained.

Preliminary reports said the victims were businessmen.

The incident occurred at the crossing of Akademik Pilyugin and
Garibaldi Streets at approximately 14:00, Moscow time.

Unidentified attackers fired an assault rifle on a Mercedes and the
accompanying vehicle, killing three people outright and wounding
another two, including a passer-by.

It might have been a gangland murder, a law-enforcement official told
Itar-Tass.

At present, police are conducting an operation to find the criminals.
Security was tightened at city exits and traffic police posts.

City prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.