EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS ON TURKEY TO EXPLICITLY RECOGNIZE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

STRASBURG, December 16 (Noyan Tapan). The European Armenian Federation
for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) welcomed the adoption by the
European Parliament of three strongly worded measures calling on
Turkey to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. These measures
were actively supported by the Brussels-based Federation, which
represents more than two hundred Armenian associations across Europe.

The provisions were added, on the eve of the December 17th vote of
the European Council on opening European Union membership talks with
Turkey, as amendments to a Parliamentary report on Turkey’s progress
toward accession to the European Union. This report, prepared
by Camiel Eurlings (PPE/The Netherlands) was passed by a vote of
407 to 262. Significantly, the report stressed, in Paragraph 55,
that, “the opening of negotiations will be the starting point for a
long-lasting process [.] and does not lead ‘a priori’ and automatically
to accession.” An amendment to the report suggesting that Turkey be
granted a “privileged partnership” rather than actual membership in
the European Union was rejected by a secret ballot.

The Eurling Report made specific reference to Armenian issues in eight
separate paragraphs, with three dealing specifically with Armenian
Genocide recognition. Amendments on the Genocide were brought to
the floor by four political groups (EPP, PSE, ALDE, United Left,
Independence/Democracy), respectively by Mr. Toubon (EPP/France),
Mr. Poignant (PSE/France) and Mrs. Carlotti (PSE/France), Mrs. De
Sarnez (ALDE/France), Mr. Wurtz (United Left/France) and Mr. Belder
(IND/DEM / Netherlands).

In the end, the European Parliament urged Turkey to “promote the
process of reconciliation with the Armenian people by acknowledging
the genocide” and called on the European Council and Commission to
demand this country to “formally acknowledge the historic reality”
of the Genocide.

The European Armenian Federation welcomed the adoption of the Eurling
Report and the three amendments clearly articulating the European
consensus that Turkey must acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. “On
the eve of the European Summit, heads of state must, as they chart a
course for the future, take into account the democratic will of the
European electorate and our elected representatives in the European
Parliament,” stated Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European
Armenian Federation. “This is a tremendous victory for Europeans who
want to preserve European values in the face of Turkeyâ~@~Ys ongoing
denial of the Genocide,” she continued.

Since the European Parliament resolution of 1987, which set the
recognition of the Armenian genocide as a precondition to the
consideration of Turkish accession to the Union, the European
Parliament has continuously restated this principled position in
successive resolutions. This message was reinforced earlier this week
by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who called on Turkey to
recognize the genocide against the Armenians. “The clear consensus
within European circles remains: Turkey cannot join the Union without
giving up its ultra-nationalist and aggressive policy towards Armenia,”
explained Tchoboian. “European Armenians urge the upcoming meeting
of the European Council to reflect the will of the European public,
to honor this vote of the European Parliament, and to respect the
European values on which the European project is based,” concluded
the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.

“Armenian Americans join with the European Armenian Federation and
Armenians across Europe in welcoming this historic vote reaffirming
the international consensus that Turkey must recognize the Armenian
Genocide, lift its blockade of Armenia, and abandon it hostile policies
toward Armenia and the Armenian people,” said Aram Hamparian, the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director. “The
strong support for these measures across the European political
spectrum has resonance around the world, including here in the United
States, where a growing number of American legislators are growing
tired of increasingly strident – often desperate – Turkish efforts
to dictate U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide.”

–Boundary_(ID_Ws4HaOWjY5vQBS2SkbP7iw)–

Muslim attitudes towards Christians must change
By: Ray Hanania*

AMIN, Palestine
Dec 16 2004

The Arab World is slowly being transformed into the Muslim World as
the numbers of Christians continues to dwindle.

And although I am Christian by religion, I consider myself Muslim by
culture. Certainly, most Americans who meet me believe because I am
Arab, I am Muslim, too.

Following a speech on the justice of the Palestinian cause, an elderly
American woman with gray hair and a mild personality, walked up to
me and whispered in my ear, “How could you abandon your Christian
faith to become an Arab?”

I am amazed by the depths of the ignorance of the West towards the
peoples of the Middle East and to Arab culture. No wonder so many
Americans hate us, as hate originates in ignorance.

But every Christmas, the greatest consternation I experience comes
not from the “stupid American” with the stupid stereotypes, but the
educated Muslim who experiences bigotry so often, you wonder how they
can become bigots themselves.

I have been reading the writings of many Muslims who must believe
they are being “tolerant” and “well intentioned” when they write
that Muslims should approach the Christian season in America as
“an opportunity to convert Christians to Islam.”

These Muslim writers do not see the challenge as one of insulting
the Christians who live in the Muslim World. Rather, they view the
challenge in the subtleties of the new age of reason and understanding.

Imagine if I, as a Christian, proposed that Christians in the Middle
East should do all they can to exploit Islamic holidays, like Ramadan,
and use them to convince Muslims to convert to Christianity.

The truth is, in many “Arab” countries, that would be a capital
offense. Minimally, the offender would be jailed or expelled from
the country. Christians are not permitted to “proselytize.”

When I was in Bethlehem last October at the beginning of Ramadan,
I was pointedly told that I should not eat my food on the outdoor
patio in deference to Muslims who were fasting until sunset.

And I constantly am reminded that Christians should not consume any
alcohol in public, whether it is during or after Ramadan. That’s Haram,
the Arabic word for “sinful” or “shameful.”

I am also often invited to perform my stand-up comedy satire and
give public speeches defending the rights of Palestinians at dinner
banquets. But oftentimes, when the organizers of Muslim events discover
that I am Christian, they always note that maybe I can’t reflect the
same message to the audience as a Muslim comedian.

Even though Muslims and Christians are fighting and dying together
in Palestine? And both suffer the oppression of brutal dictatorships
and monarchies in the Middle East?

But Muslims in American feel it is their duty to convert Christians
to Islam.

One writer wrote, that at Christmas, Muslims can show Christians
“the beauty of Islam,” and explain that the embrace of Jesus, who
is recognized by Islam as a prophet, is a natural progression that
leads them to the Islamic awakening.

Really? If Muslims want to show Christians, especially those in
America, about the beauty of Islam, how about denouncing the vicious
carnage by such groups as al-Qaeda a little more often and a little
more persuasively than they have in the past?

How about if Muslims, instead of seeing Christmas as an opportunity
to advance themselves, look at it with a sense of respect for a fellow
human being whose faith shares one common belief in one God?

What if Muslims, rather than separating themselves on the belief that
Islam is a better religion, embraced not only Christians but Jews
and treated them as equals, rather than as “tolerated” peoples in a
system of ancient “millets,” religious distinctions for Armenians,
Jews, Catholics and Orthodox Christians under the Ottoman sultunates.

For many years, Christians and Jews living in the “Arab” World were
required to pay a Jizya, or tax, for the privilege of being recognized
as “special.” Christians and Jews were required to dress “modestly” in
conformance with Islamic tradition, rather than with their own custom.

Most of the Jizyas have long gone. But the attitudes have remained.

And this Christmas, while I pray for the suffering of all Muslims and
Christians who are dying in Bethlehem and throughout the oppressive
Israeli occupation, I also hope that many of the ugly attitudes that
dominated the Muslim World might change so that the world can see
the true beauty of Islam, rather than its vanity.

* Ray Hanania is an award winning nationally syndicated columnist,
author and satirist. He can be reached at

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 – December 16, 2004

PRELACY MOURNS DEATH OF JOHN O. VARTAN:
PRINCE OF CILICIA AND BENEFACTOR
The Prelacy received the news of the passing of John O. Vartan with deep
regret. Mr. Vartan died yesterday, December 15.
Mr. Vartan was a supporter and benefactor of the Eastern Prelacy where
he established the Vartan Family Fund. He was honored with the Prince of
Cilicia insignia by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, in recognition of his life-long support of the Armenian Church. He
was a major philanthropic contributor to many charities around the world and
especially in Pennsylvania and the Harrisburg area.
Mr. Vartan was the founder of the Vartan Group, Inc., headquartered in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, comprising of Vartan National Bank, Vartan
Construction Company, Vartan Enterprises, Vartan Inventory Company, Vartan
Management Company, Vartan Supply Company, and Parev Restaurant.
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, expressed his sincere
condolences to Mrs. Maral Vartan and the Vartan family.
The Prelate said: The memory of John Vartan can never be forgotten by
the Armenian Church, an institution he was devoted to on many levels. We
pray that our Lord will provide comfort to his loving family. His life and
deeds will surely remain an indelible part of our history and serve as an
inspiration for generations to come.

REQUIEM SERVICES FOR ARCHBISHOP ASHJIAN
OFFERED BY PRELACY PARISHES LAST SUNDAY
Requiem Services on the occasion of the first anniversary of the passing
of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, former Prelate of the Eastern
Prelacy, took place last Sunday in all Prelacy parishes. The late Archbishop
served as the Prelate of the Eastern United States and Canada from 1978 to
1998.
In New York City, the services were under the auspices of Archbishop
Oshagan at St. Illuminator Cathedral, where Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, the
former Prelate of Aleppo, officiated over the Divine Liturgy and Requiem
Service. Archbishop Souren gave an eloquent sermon in honor of the late
Archbishop’s life and service. Following the services a traditional memorial
meal (madagh) was offered in his memory.

PRELATE ISSUES CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Archbishop Oshagan issued his annual Christmas Message to the faithful.
His message for Christmas 2005 is based on the theme, GOD IS WITH US. His
Eminence stressed the importance togetherness through God gifts of
friendship, comfort, sympathy and strength.
To read the entire message go to:

MUSICAL ARMENIA WILL FEATURE BARITONE OSHIN GREGORIAN
AND THE WORKS OF COMPOSER ERIC HACHIKIAN
The 2005 Musical Armenia concert, which will take place on Sunday,
January 30, 2005, will feature the baritone Oshin Gregorian and the works of
composer Eric Hackikian. The concert will take place at Weill Recital Hall
at Carnegie Hall, New York City, at 2 p.m.
Mr. Gregorian is currently a member of the Boston University Opera
Institute, an intensive performance-based program for emerging operatic
artists. He graduated from Boston University and received a Masters degree
from the Manhattan School of Music. He will perform works by Mozart,
Donizetti, Gomidas, and Sayat Nova.
Mr. Hachikian has won numerous awards and grants for his compositions.
He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is currently a graduate
student at New York University. His works will be performed by the Motyl
Chamber Ensemble.
Tickets for Musical Armenia, which are $25, can be purchased through the
Prelacy, 212-689-7810, or at the box office, 212-247-7800.

CATHOLICOS ARAM CONGRATULATES
JAROSLAV PELIKAN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
congratulated the renowned church historian Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan who was
recently awarded the John W. Kluge prize for lifetime achievement in the
humanities and social sciences. His Holiness said: You deserve such a
prestigious award for your outstanding achievements as historian and
theologian. In fact, your numerous publications are eloquent testimonies of
your vast scholarship, rich knowledge and perceptive and analytical mind.
Your contribution particularly to church history and doctrine remains
unprecedented in the modern history of world Christendom.
Some of our readers will recall that Professor Pelikan was the main
speaker at the 1700th anniversary commemoration organized by the Eastern
Prelacy that took place October 4, 2000. Catholicos Aram presided over the
commemoration. Professor Pelikan spoke about the paradox of church and
national identity. He said:
For good or ill or some combination of the two, it has been the historic
Eastern pattern to establish and nurture a close bond between Church and
national identity. From that pattern has come the historical paradox I want
to examine tonight, by exploring two Orthodox traditions that have often
come into bitter conflict with each other but that in fact display deep
parallels: the Armenian Orthodox tradition to which most of you so proudly
and gratefully trace your roots; and the Slavic Orthodox tradition in which
I have my roots and have found my spiritual home, no less gratefully and no
less proudly.

DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC NEAR EAST WELFARE
ASSOCIATION VISITS ARAM I
His Grace Mgr. Robert Stern, the director of the Catholic Near East
Welfare Association, visited His Holiness Aram I this week in Antelias,
Lebanon. The Catholic Association serves the humanitarian needs of Christian
communities in countries of the Near East.

ARTICLE IN TIMES OF LONDON
ABOUT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND TURKEY
The December 15 issue of the Times of London featured an article
entitled, Turkey will not Apologize for Armenian Genocide, written by
Anthony Browne.
The article stated that Turkey has reacted angrily to a demand by France
that it accept responsibility for a genocide against Armenians. Michel
Barmier, the French Foreign Minister insisted that Turkey must officially
recognize the 1915 genocide before it joins the European Union.

ST. JAMES OF NISIBIS IS REMEMBERED
This Saturday, December 18, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of
St. James of Nisibis, one of the participants at the first ecumenical
council in Nicea in 325 A.D. St. James was educated in Caesarea and was a
first-cousin of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He was the first bishop of
Nisibis, an important Christian center.
St. James (Hagop) is one of the most beloved saints of the Armenian
Church. Gregory of Narek dedicated one of his hymns to him. According to
tradition he was the first person to try to reach the summit of Mt. Ararat
in search of the Ark. A fragment of the Ark, which he found, is displayed in
Etchmiadzin.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 16, is the fourth Sunday of Advent in our journey
toward Christmas Day, January 6. A line from a popular Christmas Carol, Let
every heart prepare him room, is a good description of Advent: A time to
make room for Jesus in our lives.

It is the season when in our search for narrow and selfish worldly
wishes and desires we expose universal values-freedom, love, respect,
humility, meekness, charity and goodness. Let us strive to find all these
that truly keep us in a pleasant condition, so that we feel the presence of
God, proclaim our faithfulness toward Him and His commandments, and never
feel alone.. On the occasion of the New Year and the Holy Birth, let us feel
the descent of God in our hearts and recognize it as a gift distributed to
us. Let us act such that our work and life will be a Christian gift first to
God and then to each other, turning our New Year to thanksgiving.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
>>From Christmas 2005 Message

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Turkey knocks, EU ponders
Membership talks likely to start, but Europe yet to shed misgivings
JEFFREY FLEISHMAN    
Posted online: Friday, December 17, 2004 at 0000 hours IST
The Indian Express

BERLIN, DECEMBER 16: Can a Turk be a European? That centuries-old
riddle will be asked again, when Turkey is expected to take a big
step in its troubled quest to join the European Union. EU leaders are
likely to make an official announcement on beginning membership talks
with Turkey, a prospect certain to intensify doubts that a Muslim
nation can be embraced by a Europe anxious about the rise of Islam
across the continent. The historic negotiations could last 15 years.

There is no guarantee of membership. A din of caveats and protests
has already erupted over economic and human rights concerns. But,
in the end, the question is identity: Are Turkey’s history, religion
and borders compatible with the geographic and cultural landscape of
Europe? And, perhaps more important, does a predominantly Christian
Europe want them to be?

“No, it’s not a natural fit,” said Hans-Ulrich Klose, a Social
Democrat and deputy chairman of the German Parliament’s foreign
affairs committee. “It’s going to be very difficult. But we
should give it a good, fair try. If it’s a success and Turkey turns
European, it could be good for security regarding all our concerns
from the Middle East.”

Big-shouldered and chaotic Turkey wants to nudge itself into a
continent that is perplexed about its own identity and future. The
EU admitted 10 new, mostly East European members in May and is still
awaiting approval of a contentious constitution. Economic problems and
high unemployment across much of the continent are hurting the middle
class and eroding the welfare state. Some leading European officials
contend that admitting a moderate Muslim democracy to the EU would
calm the tremendous strain between East and West over terrorism and
the war in Iraq.

The belief is that Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally,
could help stifle Islamic fanaticism around the world and enhance
Europe’s diplomatic leverage in Central Asia and the Middle East. The
clamour against Turkey, whose per capita gross domestic product is
only 28 per cent of the EU average, has energised right-wing European
political parties and much of the continent’s population. Turkey’s
entry would mean that the EU’s Muslim population would soar from 12
million to 81 million. Sceptics envision Europe opening itself to a
flood of religious extremists and migrant workers, and with minarets
cluttering skylines from Vienna to Krakow.

Many Europeans, most notably the French, argue that admitting
Turkey would threaten European secularism and tip the EU’s balance
of power. Former French President Valery Giscard D’Estaing warned
that Turkey’s accession would mark the end of Europe. Conservative
German politician Edmund Stoiber has vowed he will do everything he
can to derail Turkey’s chances if elected chancellor in 2006. Writing
in Le Figaro, Robert Badinter, an ex-justice minister in France’s
Socialist Party, said of Turkey: “Ninety-five percent of the
territory and 92 percent of the population are in Asia. We’ll have,
we Europeans, common borders with Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and
Syria. I am asking you: What justifies our common borders with these
countries? What justifies that we’d get involved in the most dangerous
areas of the world?”

Such sentiments have led to qualifications and demands that seem to
daily raise the bar for Turkish membership. Pressure is mounting on
Ankara to recognize its longtime enemy and EU member, Cyprus. France
is pressing Turkey to acknowledge genocide over the killing and
deportation of as many as 1.5 million Armenians during World War
I. Some European politicians have hinted that membership talks
would fail and Ankara would be granted a “privileged partnership”
a consolation prize that infuriates Turks and has led to calls that
negotiations end only in full membership. The European Parliament
passed a resolution on Wednesday urging the EU to open accession
talks “without undue delay.” —LAT-WP

–Boundary_(ID_khK7b0T5gnAas2ji1/+CqQ)–

Assyrian Int’l News Agency
Dec 16 2004

Turkey Still Far From European Standards of Press Freedom

Reporters Without Borders has said that Turkey is still far from
meeting European press freedom standards as the European Council
prepares to decide on 17 December whether or not to open negotiations
on Turkish EU membership.

European deputies voted on 15 December for the discussions to start
without “needless delay” but on the basis of Ankara complying with
certain conditions.

In particular they are seeking the repeal of Article 305 of Turkey’s
new criminal code, that comes into effect on 1st April 2005 and which
they consider runs contrary to freedom of expression.

“The legislative progress that has undeniably been made should not
conceal the fact that the climate remains as harsh as ever for the
most outspoken journalists,” the worldwide press freedom organisation
said.

“The press is exposed to misuse of authority by the courts, which in
practice continue to impose prison sentences and exorbitant fines
that push journalists to censor themselves extensively on the most
sensitive subjects such as the army and the Kurdish question,”
Reporters Without Borders said.

The TV and radio stations are still subject to “brazen censorship” by
the High Council for Broadcasting (RTUK), while pro-Kurdish
journalists continue to be the target of many kinds of pressure, the
organisation continued.

“Despite progress towards European standards, the gap between the
declarations of good intentions and the reality is still
considerable, with the result that Turkey still does not fulfil all
the necessary conditions for real press freedom,” it added.

Genuine progress made

The legislative amendments undertaken by Turkey with a view to
joining the European Union have been positive for journalists. Heavy
fines have replaced prison sentences in the new press law, adopted in
June. The most repressive sanctions, such as the closure of news
organisations or bans on printing and distribution, have been
eliminated, while the protection of sources has even been reinforced.

Article 159, which has led to many journalists being prosecuted for
“affront to the state and state institutions and threats to the
indivisible unity of the Turkish Republic,” was amended in 2002 and
2003, with the prison sentence being cut from one year to six months.
At the same time, criticism not intentionally aimed at “ridiculing”
or “insulting” state institutions is no longer punishable by
imprisonment.

Journalists still under pressure

Even though the new criminal code that becomes law on 1st April 2005
removes the offence of “mocking and insulting government ministers”,
there remains a problem with Article 305.

This punishes alleged “threats against fundamental national
interests”. It specifically targets freedom of expression,
particularly on issues involving Cyprus or Armenia. The European
parliament voted on 15 December for a resolution calling, among other
things, for the immediate repeal of this article, viewed as
incompatible with the 1950 Convention for the Protection of Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Contrary to European standards, the new criminal code stipulates that
insult is punishable by three months to three years in prison, with
the sentence increasing if the offence is committed by means of the
press (Article 127).

In practice, judges still interpret the concept of “criticism” very
subjectively and abusive prosecutions continue.

Four journalists with the pro-Kurdish daily Yeniden ?zg?r G?ndem who
criticised government policy on the Iraq war were brought before the
courts in 2003 while online journalist Erol ?skoray was detained for
“mocking” and “insulting” the army. Sabri Ejder ?zi?, the manager of
Radyo D?nya, a local radio station in the southern city of Adana, was
sentenced to a year in prison for offending parliament.

Hakan Albayrak, a former editorialist for the daily Milli Gazete, was
imprisoned on 20 May and is serving a 15-month prison sentence for
“attacking the memory of Ataturk” in violation of the 1951 law
governing crimes against Kemal Ataturk. Article 1 of this law
punishes any offence against the Republic of Turkey’s founder by one
to three years in prison. Article 2 doubles the sentence if it is
committed by means of the press.

On 15 October, Sebati Karakurt of the daily Hurriyet was held for 12
hours at the headquarters of the anti-terrorist police in Istanbul
and some 10 policemen searched his home. It stemmed from a report
published a few days earlier that included an interview with Murat
Karayilan, the military chief of the former Kurdish Workers’ Party
(PKK), now renamed Kongra-Gel. The report included photos showing
female rebels in combat fatigues in a favourable light, relaxed and
smiling. Karakurt was released after being interrogated by the police
and a prosecutor.

Memik Horuz, the managing editor of the far-left newspaper Is?i
K?yl?, has spent years in prison for the views he expressed in the
course of their journalistic work.

Pro-Kurdish media targeted

While the national radio and TV stations are now allowed to use the
Kurdish language, the RT?K continues to impose disproportionate
sanctions – ranging from warnings to withdrawal of licence – against
pro-Kurdish media or media that are very critical of the government.

?zg?r Radyo, a local radio station in Istanbul, was sentenced by the
RT?K to a month’s closure for “inciting violence, terror,
discrimination on the basis of race, region, language, religion or
sect or the broadcasting of programmes that arouse feelings of hatred
in society.” The station stopped broadcasting on 18 August. In the
event of a further offence, the RT?K could withdraw its licence
altogether.

G?nes TV, a local television station in the eastern city of Malatya,
was also forced to stop broadcasting for a month from 30 March. This
was because the RT?K accused it of “attacking the state’s existence
and independence, and the country’s indivisible unity with the people
and Ataturk’s principles and reforms” under article 4 of RT?K law
3984. Using the same article, the RT?K closed down local TV station
ART in the south-eastern city of Diyarbakir on 15 August 2003 for
broadcasting two love songs in Kurdish.

Mass detentions of pro-Kurdish journalists by the anti-terrorist
police on the eve of the NATO summit in Istanbul on 28-29 June 2004
were also indicative of the treatment reserved for the pro-Kurdish
press.

Finally, nine journalists covering the dispersal of protesters
against electoral fraud were badly beaten by police in Diyarbakir
during the 28 March local elections and three of them had to be
hospitalised. Those responsible have still not been punished.

Reporters Without Borders defends imprisoned journalists and press
freedom throughout the world, as well as the right to inform the
public and to be informed, in accordance with Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reporters Without Borders has
nine national sections (in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), representatives
in Abidjan, Bangkok, Istanbul, Montreal, Moscow, New York, Tokyo and
Washington and more than a hundred correspondents worldwide.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 16, 2004

ARARAT MAGAZINE HELD EXCITING LITERARY EVENING WITH ANAHID AWARD
WINNERS ERIC BOGOSIAN, DIANA DER-HOVANESSIAN, GREGORY DJANIKIAN

NEW YORK, NY- Three Armenian-American authors read from their writings
and shared thoughts on their work to a New York area audience at a
special ARARAT magazine event held at AGBU headquarters on November 4.

The three authors, New York writer/performer Eric Bogosian, Boston poet
and translator Diana Der-Hovanessian, and Philadelphia poet Gregory
Djanikian, were all winners of the Anahid Literary Award, and it was
clear this evening that the award had helped reinforce their ties to
Armenian literature and culture in multiple ways. ARARAT commemorated
the fifteenth anniversary of these awards by a special anniversary
issue this year, including samples of the writings of the winners,
and through this event. The first editor of ARARAT, Jack Antreassian,
was instrumental in the establishment of the prize, and the members of
the selection committee affiliated with the Armenian Center at Columbia
have largely been ARARAT board members, including its recently deceased
longtime chairman and ARARAT editor, Leo Hamalian.

The program, with Aram Arkun of ARARAT serving as master of ceremonies,
began with Diana Der-Hovanessian reciting some of her work, new and
old, interspersed with interesting comments on what inspired these
poems. Her trips to Armenia and meetings with Armenian writers were
vividly described. Among other things, the audience learned of her
frustration with the distortions of Armenian culture and history
in a prominent museum exhibit which galvanized her to push for
the establishment of an Armenian museum, which eventually became
the Armenian Library and Museum of America located in Watertown,
Massachusetts. Diana Der-Hovannesian’s own poems deal with personal
as well as Armenian themes. She is one of the premier translators
of Armenian poets into English. She has awards from the NEA, PSA,
PEN-Columbia Translation Center, National Writers Union, American
Scholar, Prairie Schooner and Paterson Poetry Center. Aside from
teaching and workshops at various American universities, she has
taught twice as a Fulbright professor in Yerevan. Her own poems have
been published in Armenian translation, and she is now working on
a new anthology of 19th and 20th century Armenian poetry.

The program took a radically different turn with Eric Bogosian, a
creator of monologues and solo shows as well as a playwright, novelist,
and actor. After some comments about his connections with Armenians, he
surprised the audience with a reading from a new novel in progress-Lost
Beauty. Bogosian, announcing his admiration for the writer Philip Roth,
noted that he felt a little like Roth himself, known for playing
a role as a character in his own novels. Bogosian’s protagonist,
incidentally, is having an affair while questioning various aspects
of his life. Before beginning the reading Bogosian apologized for the
raw language, and wondered whether he was not the Henry Miller of the
Armenians. Bogosian found that he can express more through the form
of a novel. In addition, he will also be performing as Satan in a
new play entitled “The Trial of Judas Iscariot,” scheduled to open
next spring at the Public Theater. Bogosian’s solos have received
three Obie awards and a Drama Desk
Award, while his works have had extended runs Off-Broadway, and have
been performed around the world. He has appeared in over two-dozen
films, including his own adaptation of his play Talk Radio and Atom
Egoyan’s “Ararat”. In 2004, Bogosian was named a Guggenheim fellow.

The final speaker, Gregory Djanikian, presented a series of his
poems, published and unpublished. Some dealt with life in America,
but most dealt with the Armenian Genocide and its repercussions. They
will have a place in his forthcoming fifth volume of poetry, which
represents a renewed dialogue with his Armenian past and an attempt
to grapple with the continuing existence of terrifying violence
in this world. Djanikian, born in Egypt, grew up in New York and
Pennsylvania. He began writing seriously while an undergraduate in
college. His literary awards include a National Endowment for the Arts
Fellowship, the Eunice Tietjens Prize, the Friends of Literature Prize
and two honors from “Poetry” magazine. In addition to his writing,
he is Director of the Creative Writing Program at the University
of Pennsylvania.

ARARAT magazine (), the magazine that for decades
has been a forum for quality writing in the English language on
topics of Armenian culture, politics, and literature, especially from
Armenian-American talent, is sponsored by the AGBU. Copies of the
special 96-page Anahid Award issue or other back issues are available
at $7 each, while annual subscriptions are $24. To subscribe or
order back issues, please contact Hripsime by calling, 212-319-6383,
emailing, [email protected], or by mailing your request along with a
check to ARARAT/AGBU, 55 E. 59th Street, NY, NY 10022-1112.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 16, 2004

AGBU LAZAR NAJARIAN-CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50th
ANNIVERSARY: LA ALUMNI RAISE CLOSE TO $30,000

The largest Armenian preparatory school in the Diaspora, the AGBU
Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School celebrated its 50th
Anniversary with special events in Aleppo, Syria, while members of
the institution’s Los Angeles Alumni sponsored a gala this past spring
which raised close to $30,000 for their alma mater.

Anniversary Celebrations in Aleppo

Some 4,000 gathered in Aleppo this fall, to celebrate five decades of
dedicated service and achievement at AGBU’s largest school. Attended by
local government officials along with hundreds of Najarian-Gulbenkian
alumni from around the world, groups of graduates-beginning with
the Class of ’62-filed into the sports arena of the city’s Municipal
Youth Palace under banners indicating their graduating class.

The ceremony began with a performance by the AGBU AYA Scout
Marching band, and was followed by speeches from the Armenian
and Arab principals of the school who both spoke about the
institution’s continuing success at upholding the highest educational
standards. Sixty of the school’s past and present teachers were
recognized for their contributions with awards during the event. Guests
were also treated to a presentation by the city’s newly formed AGBU
AYA Antranig Dance Troupe.

A smaller formal event at AGBU’s Aleppo center took place the next
day and the messages of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicosate
of the Great House of Cilicia, and AGBU President Berge Setrakian,
were read to those in attendance. The special guest speaker for
the commemoration was former principal, Yervant Agishian (1956-69),
who currently resides in the United States. During the event, the
generosity of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was acknowledged
for the success of the school; the Lisbon-based Foundation funded the
building of the new Najarian-Gulbenkian school building inaugurated
last year. The Foundation’s Director of the Armenian Section, Zaven
Yegavian, has been a long-time supporter of Najarian-Gulbenkian and
its commitment to excellence in Armenian education.

The three-day anniversary celebrations concluded as AGBU leaders,
members, and guests participated in the Divine Liturgy at St. Kevork
Church which included a memorial service for the souls of the school’s
benefactors, principals and alumni.

Alumni Banquet in Los Angeles

Attended by 300 guests, the Los Angeles alumni banquet at the Brandview
Collection Banquet Hall in Glendale, California, included special
invited guest current Principal Hagop Mikayelian, former teachers,
and graduates who spoke about the contributions of the School to
generations of Armenians.

AGBU’s Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School has an active and
energetic L.A. Alumni Association, chaired by Hovsep Nalbandian. During
the last 15 years, the L.A. Alumni Association has stayed true to its
mission to support the ongoing financial needs of the School, providing
funds for student scholarships and other grants on a near annual basis.

Guests of honor for the L.A. Gala were Class of ’77 graduate, Adam
Kablanian, and his wife Rita. In appreciation of the value and positive
impact the school played in the Kablanians’ lives, the couple made
a $10,000 donation to the Aleppo school.

Founding member of the L.A. Alumni Association, Vahe Ekmekjian (Class
of ’73) commented, “I would like to thank the Organizing Committee,
our guests of honor, and many friends for making this event possible.
I congratulate the School on its 50th anniversary and hope for another
50 years of success.”

Established in 1954 with 80 students, AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste
Gulbenkian School today educates 1,550 students from pre-kindergarten
to high school, with many students benefiting from financial aid
every year to further their education.

For more information on the AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian
School, visit their web site at , or visit Global AGBU
on the AGBU homepage,

Erdogan: Turkey’s Accession Into The E.U. Will Result In Compromise Of Civilizations

Anadolu Agency: 12/16/2004

BRUSSELS (AA) – In a meeting with Turkish columnists in Brussels, Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey’s accession into the
European Union will result in compromise of civilizations. ”Our European
friends are aware of the role Turkey can play in harmonizing relations between
civilizations. There are now many European circles that look at Turkish membership
as crucial and absolutely necessary,” told Erdogan.
     In response to a question on Turkey-Armenia relations, Erdogan replied
that if and when a positive approach is witnessed from the Armenian side,
Turkey would be ready to open its border gate with Armenia. ”Whatever took place
in history must remain in history. We must build our new world on peace. We are
positive towards Armenia. We want national borders be respected. We have made
Turkish air space available to Armenian commercial planes. There is no reason
as to why we should not open the border gate as well. However, we want to see
the same positive attitude from the Armenian side as well. An important part
of Azerbaijan is still under Armenian military occupation. This fact should
not be ignored and forgotten,” said Erdogan.
     Erdogan said Turkey is prepared for a temporary ban on the free movement
of Turks in EU countries. ”Yet a permanent ban on the free movement of
Turkish nationals would be against the EU laws and regulations.”
     In reference to the issue of Cyprus, Erdogan remarked that Turkey is
ready to discuss Cyprus during its entry talks with the EU.
     He noted that it would mean failure of all efforts if EU leaders put a
text which they would not say ”yes” on the table. ”I hope they won’t,” he
added.
     Turkey expects the formal announcement on the conclusion of the EU
summit tomorrow (Friday) at 13.00 hours. ”It would be wrong to declare the
summit’s decision as victory. We must not be spoiled by our success. Furthermore, a
possible negative summit decision should not be viewed as a big disaster.
Whatever the decision at the summit, Turkey can continue to develop on its own
feet,” expressed Erdogan.
     (ES-A?

2004-12-16

Copyright 2004 Anadolu Agency. All rights reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

–Boundary_(ID_uD0CRbjsz7reR4hCpoCgqA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Patriarch Of Armenian Community In Turkey: I Advocate Turkey’s Membership To The E.U.

Anadolu Agency: 12/16/2004

ISTANBUL (AA) – Mesrob II, Patriarch of Armenian Community in Turkey, said on
Thursday that he always advocated Turkey’s membership to the European Union
(EU). He said he believed the EU would give a date to Turkey on December 17th
to start full membership negotiations.
     Mesrob II told A.A correspondent that he shared the view that the EU was
not a Christian club, and noted that, ”religion and religious culture have
become a tool of politics both for the EU and the Turkish politicians more than
necessary. Parliaments of the EU member countries do not make decisions
according to the doctrines of the Bible and the Turkish parliament does not make
its decisions according to Koran. Integration of the EU and Turkey would be for
the interest of the region, the world and the peace among the civilizations.”
     Replying to a question about the attitude of the Armenians living in
France, putting forward the allegations of ”so-called Armenian genocide”,
toward Turkey’s EU membership, Mesrob II said, ”the disaster in 1915 is an issue
which can be abused. To this end, the foreigners will bring this issue on the
agenda when they have the opportunity. The issue should be excluded from being
an issue of exploitation soon by starting official and unofficial dialogue
process.”
     ”Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an earlier statement
said this was the job of historians and should be left to historians. His
statements are extremely realistic. Meeting face to face with history is important
for building of future on solid basis. People can not embrace each other before
making peace. Dialogue process should be initiated,” Mesrob II said.
     (AY-A?

2004-12-16

–Boundary_(ID_Q/KgzWED02g8F3UjNDLwsg)–

Gas leak from homemade heater kills family in Armenia

Associated Press Worldstream
December 16, 2004 Thursday 10:15 AM Eastern Time

YEREVAN, Armenia — A natural-gas leak from a homemade heater killed
a family of five in Armenia, officials said Thursday.

The accident Wednesday in the city of Echmiadzin killed a married
couple and their three small children, the Prosecutor General’s
Office in the former Soviet republic said. It said the heater was
set up without regard for safety standards.

The family was among a growing number of victims of accidents resulting
from the improper use of homemade heaters and from insufficient
oversight by officials charged with enforcing safety standards.

Many people in the poor ex-Soviet republic use homemade gas heaters,
sometimes tapping illegally into gas lines, because their homes lack
heating due to the prohibitive expense.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress