ARKA News Agency
Nov 8 2004

Rumors on earthquake in Armenia are “information terror”

Gorik Hakobian appointed the new head of National Security Service of
Armenia

Appeal of “Union of Parents of Missing NKR Soldiers” to OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen and IRCC administration

Due to hardware failure, Dial -UP and @arminco.com mailboxes are
unavailable till 6:00 a.m. Nov 9

Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the 5th anniversary of anointing
and enthronement of Catholicos of All Armenians

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

RUMORS ON EARTHQUAKE IN ARMENIA ARE “INFORMATION TERROR”

YEREVAN, November 8. /ARKA/. Rumors on earthquake in Armenia are
“information terror”, the Head of National Seismic Protection Service
Alvaro Antonian stated today. According to him, the information does
not correspond to the reality, similar events cannot be forecasted.
The Chairman of Association of Armenian Seismology and Earth Physics
Sergey Balasanian noted that similar provocations existed earlier as
well, in 90s after Spitak earthquake. “I can assure that no one can
predict exact date of earthquake”, he said.
Note today classes in some schools were cancelled due to spread
information on earthquake in Armenia. L.D. -0–

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

GORIK HAKOBIAN APPOINTED THE NEW HEAD OF NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICE OF
ARMENIA

YEREVAN, November 8. /ARKA/. Gorik Hakobian appointed the new head of
National Security Service of Armenia, RA President’s press office
told ARKA that the decree was signed by RA President Robert
Kocharian.
Note on Nov 5, 2004 RA President signed a decree on release of Karlos
Petrosian form the position of the Head of National Security Service.
L.D. –0–

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

APPEAL OF “UNION OF PARENTS OF MISSING NKR SOLDIERS” TO OSCE MINSK
GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN AND IRCC ADMINISTRATION

STEPANAKERT, November 8. /ARKA/. Appeal of “Union of Parents of
Missing NKR Soldiers” to OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and IRCC
administration. Trustee Council of the Union expressed concern in
accordance to unsettled condition of the issue of prisoners of war
and citizens taken hostage. “Despite of Nagorno Karabakh that
conducts transparent policy in this humanitarian issue, fulfilling
taken commitments, Azeri authorities still continue political
speculations around this issue and refuse from any cooperation with
Karabakh party”, the statement says.
“According to the information we posses, our compatriots kept in
Azerbaijan suffer indignity and being tortured. Unfortunately there
are some that did not bear these inhuman conditions and died. We turn
to you demanding immediate mediation in the issue of soonest release
of alive Armenian prisoners of war and hostages. Republic of
Azerbaijan signed Geneva conventions and additional protocols and is
obliged to fulfill their demands” the document notes.
The statement once again confirms the readiness of Karabakh party to
support any process related to given humanitarian process.
“We urge to use your authority for liberation and return home of our
relatives and hope that you’ll share our concern in respect to lives
of people suffered from the conflict”, the statement says. L.D. –0–

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

DUE TO HARDWARE FAILURE, DIAL -UP AND @ARMINCO.COM MAILBOXES ARE
UNAVAILABLE TILL 6:00 A.M. NOV 9

YEREVAN, November 8. /ARKA/. Due to hardware failure, Dial -UP and
@arminco.com mailboxes are unavailable. Expected time of recovery is
6:00am November 9, as published on the official web-site of Arminco
company – the largest provider in Armenia. A.H.–0–

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

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANOINTING
AND ENTHRONEMENT OF CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS

YEREVAN, November 8. /ARKA/. Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the
5th anniversary of anointing and enthronement of Catholicos of All
Armenians Garegin the Second. According to Echmiadsin Press Service
Department, after the Saint Liturgy was over, Patriarchal
Thanksgiving service was held in all Armenian churches. Besides, the
Saint Lithurgy in St. Echmiadsin was served by the Head of Western
Eparchy of Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Khazhak Parsamyan,
at the presence of Garegin the Secong. In the course of the religious
rite, Parsamyan gave his due to 5-year fruitful work of the Armenian
Patriarch, characterizing it as “the period of spiritual rebirth and
awakening”. After the St. Lithurgy was over, Patriarchal Thanksgiving
service was held at St. Ascending Dossal.
According to the press-release, monarchs of St Echmiadsin were
present at the ceremony as well as sponsors, guests and congregation
that came to express their love to Saint Throne and to Garegin the
Second. A.H.–0–

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

ARKA News Agency
Nov 9 2004

US Embassy provides $140 thousand to public organizations of Armenia
for development of communities

Appeal of “Union of Parents of Missing NKR Soldiers” to OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen and IRCC administration

Presentation of guide “Basis of Human Development” takes place in
Yerevan

There are no changes in Armenia’s foreign politics relating to the
issue of acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman
Turkey

RA Foreign Minister to visit several countries in the period of
November-December

Progressive Party of Armenia conducted protest actins against
Armentel

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

US EMBASSY PROVIDES $140 THOUSAND TO PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS OF ARMENIA
FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITIES

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. US Embassy provides $140 thousand to
public organizations of Armenia for development of communities in the
frames of Community Self-Help Fund. In the frames of the program 10
projects directed on restoration and repairs of schools,
kindergartens will be selected. At least 10% of the budget of the
project must be the assets of the community.
Three-year program Community Self-Help Fund is conducted by USAID
since Nov 2003. L.D. –0–

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

APPEAL OF “UNION OF PARENTS OF MISSING NKR SOLDIERS” TO OSCE MINSK
GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN AND IRCC ADMINISTRATION

STEPANAKERT, November 8. /ARKA/. Appeal of “Union of Parents of
Missing NKR Soldiers” to OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and IRCC
administration. Trustee Council of the Union expressed concern in
accordance to unsettled condition of the issue of prisoners of war
and citizens taken hostage. “Despite of Nagorno Karabakh that
conducts transparent policy in this humanitarian issue, fulfilling
taken commitments, Azeri authorities still continue political
speculations around this issue and refuse from any cooperation with
Karabakh party”, the statement says.
“According to the information we posses, our compatriots kept in
Azerbaijan suffer indignity and being tortured. Unfortunately there
are some that did not bear these inhuman conditions and died. We turn
to you demanding immediate mediation in the issue of soonest release
of alive Armenian prisoners of war and hostages. Republic of
Azerbaijan signed Geneva conventions and additional protocols and is
obliged to fulfill their demands” the document notes.
The statement once again confirms the readiness of Karabakh party to
support any process related to given humanitarian process.
“We urge to use your authority for liberation and return home of our
relatives and hope that you’ll share our concern in respect to lives
of people suffered from the conflict”, the statement says. L.D. –0–

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

PRESENTATION OF GUIDE “BASIS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT” TAKES PLACE IN
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. Presentation of guide “Basis of Human
Development” took place in Yerevan. The guide was developed by UNDP
and Yerevan State University. According to the dean of YSU Economic
Faculty Haik Sargsian, it is a unique guide, which represents
analysis of principles of human development and peculiarity of this
condition in Armenia. According to UNDP Regular Representative to
Armenia Lise Grande, the idea of “human development” lays in the base
of UN activity. “GDP growth as we see on the example of Armenia not
always means successful human development”, she said.
According to UNDP research, Armenia is recognized most progressive
country of the region on the index of human development. Armenia
placed 82nd in the list of 177 countries. Azerbaijan took 91st
position, Georgia – 97th, Turkey and Iran are at 88th and 101st
positions respectively. L.D. –0–

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

THERE ARE NO CHANGES IN ARMENIA’S FOREIGN POLITICS RELATING TO THE
ISSUE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915 IN OTTOMAN
TURKEY

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. There are no changes in Armenia’s
foreign politics relating to the issue of acknowledgement of the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Turkey, as stated by RA MFA
Press Secretary Hamlet Gasparyan, who commented the statements that
the section of foreign policy in the state budget draft for 2005
lacks a point on acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide. “The issue
of the Armenian Genocide acknowledgement is still in the agenda of
the foreign politics of Armenia, and this problem is not solved by a
state budget”, he noted. According to GAsparyan, the fact of Armenian
Genocide acknowledgement concerns not only Armenians or Armenia,
“it’s an All-National issue that cannot be solved in the frames of
budget or other financial calculations”. A.H. -0–

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

RA FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT SEVERAL COUNTRIES IN THE PERIOD OF
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian will
visit several countries in the period of November-December, RA MFA
told ARKA. On Nov 12, Oskanian will leave for Moscow for
participation in regular sitting of Foreign Ministers’ Council of the
Agreement on Collective Security. On Nov 17-19, Oskanian will
accompany RA President Robert Kocharian during his visit in Germany.
On Nov 24-26, official delegation of Armenia headed with Oskanian
will take part in Francofonia summit in Uagadugu. On Dec 6-7,
Oskanian will visit Sofia for participation in the sitting of OSCE
Foreign Ministers’ Council and on Dec 9 he will leave for Brussels.
L.D. –0–

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

PROGRESSIVE PARTY OF ARMENIA CONDUCTED PROTEST ACTINS AGAINST
ARMENTEL

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. Progressive Party of Armenia conducted
protest actins against Armentel. The participants of the actions
(about 100 people) burned model of telephone. They demanded
communication in all villages and regions of Armenia. “Before the
company meets our demands, we will conduct similar actions in all
regions and border zones”, Deputy Chairman of the Party Sargis
Harutyunian stated.
On Nov 4, 2004 RA Government recognized CJSC K-Telekom the winner in
tender on provision of mobile communicatin services. The day before
than the Government decided to make amendments to the license of
ArmenTel telecommunication monopolist on November 3, according to
which the company is deprived of the exclusive right for GSM services
and mobile satellite communication. In addition, the company is
deprived of monopoly for permit of Internet traffic to Armenia. At
the same time, the company is granted the monopoly for IP telephony.
OTE Greek Telecommunication Company purchased 90% of ArmenTel
Armenian-American telecommunication company’s shares for $142.47
million via an international tender in December 1997. The rest of the
shares belonged to the Armenian Government. According to the
agreement signed with the Armenian Government, ArmenTel received the
right to monopoly in this area for 15 years. OTE committed itself to
invest $200 million in Armenian telecommunications during the first
five years. L.D. -0

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

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:

November 10, 2004
___________________

CHANGING YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD

By Jake Goshert

It’s not the big things that necessarily take up his day. It’s the
little ways he can help people that makes Fr. Vasken Kouzouian glad he
became a priest.

“Every day you talk with people, and meet with people, and counsel
people, and you realize you’re doing something good in the lives of
people. You go to bed comfortable that you made an impact on another
person’s life. That is a joy I wish everyone would share,” said Fr.
Vasken, the pastor at the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, who
celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ordination on Sunday, October 10,
2004.

“It’s just doing good for someone else. It is hard to comprehend, but
not once you experience it. Once we experience it, we all understand
and we can then change our corner of the world. That’s what Christ
wants us to do,” he said.

PATH TO PASTOR

Though the son of a priest, Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, Fr. Vasken’s path to
the priesthood wasn’t direct. After studying political science at
Boston College he headed to law school.

“My father encouraged me to pursue other avenues first, and if I chose
to go back to the priesthood that door would always be there. He was
encouraging but wanted me to be open-minded about it, and to go and find
what it is I wanted to be in life,” Fr. Vasken said.

But after his first year of law school, he decided to enter the
seminary. He went to study at the seminary at Holy Etchmiadzin from
1988 to 1990, before coming back to finish his studies at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY.

But that was just the beginning of a journey that would take him from
being seminarian to becoming pastor.

“When I left the seminary I was very much interested in the theology of
the church. But my interest is now more in the pastoral side of it,”
Fr. Vasken said.

Previous to becoming pastor at Cambridge, Fr. Vasken served the St. Mark
Church of Springfield, MA, before he and his wife, Yn. Arpi, took on a
job with the Diocesan Center in New York City: revitalizing the youth
ministry effort.

Jennifer Morris, Central Council chair of the Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA) and a long-time friend who has gotten to
know Fr. Vasken and his wife through their youth ministry work, spoke
during the reception honoring Fr. Vasken’s anniversary. She told of the
first time she met them during their visit to her home parish, the St.
John Church in Southfield, MI, and how through the years their witness
has moved her.

“Between 1999 and 2000 my involvement in the Armenian Church became an
integral part of who I was and who I was becoming, and it was all
because of that initial visit to Detroit and the encouragement I
received to get involved,” she said. “It took only one priest and his
yeretzgin to help lead me down the right path.”

“While my interactions with Der Vasken have not been as frequent over
the last few years, his ministry and passion for the youth and support
of the ACYOA has not wavered,” she added. “I feel blessed to have been
one of the many young adults that have been personally and spiritually
touched by Der Vasken. I thank him for giving of himself so unselfishly
day after day, year after year and for his love and guidance over the
years.”

FAMILY AFFAIR

Though many credit his skills and devotion for making him a successful
priest, Fr. Vasken shares his successes with Yn. Arpi and their toddler,
Alina. From pitching-in at church functions, to quietly sitting in the
sanctuary for worship each Sunday, their commitment only strengthens Fr.
Vasken’s dedication to his faith.

“I’ve never experienced not having a family like that, since I grew up
in a priest’s family, where the rhythm of the family is centered around
the church,” Fr. Vasken said. “Still today we live at home and at the
church equally. It’s certainly part of our everyday mind and I was
blessed to meet the right person to pick up where my original family
left off.”

— 11/10/04

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 Eastern
Diocese, presents Fr. Vasken Kouzouian with a pectoral cross during the
celebration on October 10, 2004, marking the 10th anniversary of his
ordination.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian blesses vestments donated by
Joyce Kolligian, Michael Kolligian III, Valerie and Harvey Thayer, and
Caroline and Olivia Thayer, during a special service honoring the 10th
anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, pastor of the
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Vasken Kouzouian and his wife Yn. Arpi, gather
with family and Archbishop Barsamian during a celebration on October 10,
2004, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Fr. Vasken’s ordination to
the priesthood.

# # #

Armenian MPs reject bill on struggle against money laundering

Itar-Tass, Russia
Nov 10 2004

YEREVAN, November 10 (Itar-Tass) – The Armenian MPs on Wednesday
rejected a bill on struggle against money laundering and financial
aid to terrorism. The bill failed to gain the required number of votes.

Central Bank Chairman Tigran Sarkisyan noted that the document provided
for the creation of a single financial monitoring centre under the
Bank of Armenia.

The bill specifies demands for financial flows from offshore zones
and establishes standards for handling transactions with money of
dubious origin.

The bill has become the first Armenian normative act to define the
notion of “financial terrorism”. It provides real mechanisms for
its warning.

The drafting of the bill is linked to Armenia’s accession to
international conventions on struggle against money laundering and
criminally earned incomes as well as the ratification of resolution
#1373 of the United Nations aimed at fighting against financial
terrorism.

It is still unknown when the MPs are going to return to the discussion
of this bill.

IN HISTORY AND BEYOND HISTORY

Azg/arm
11 Nov 04

Armenians and Turks: a Thousand Years of Relations Venice, Island of
San Giorgio Maggiore 28, 29, 30 October 2004

The Institute for Venice and Europe of the Giorgio Cini Foundation
has conceived and organised an international conference involving
historians, philosophers, jurists, psychoanalysts, and experts on
politics and human rights from Europe, the United States, Armenia,
Israel and Turkey.

The conference analysed the relations between Armenians and Turks from
the Middle Ages to the tragedy of the Armenian genocide in the early
20th century and beyond. The analysis focused on general aspects
and theoretical issues (philosophical, legal, historiographical,
and psychoanalytical), but at the same time some specific historical
cases also were presented.

The following scholars took part in the Conference: from the
United States Taner Akçam (University of Minnesota) and Rouben
Adalian (Armenian Assembly of America); from Canada Frank Chalk
(Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Studies); from France
Raymond H. Kévorkian (Director of the Noubarian Library of Paris),
Hélène Piralian-Simonyan (psychoanalyst), Yves Ternon (physician
and historian); from Germany Hermann Goltz (Director of the Lepsius
Archives, University of Halle-Wittenberg), from Israel: Israel Charny
(Director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide of Jerusalem,
Hebrew University of Jerusalem), from Turkey Murat Belge (Bilgi
University), Ferhat Kentel (Bilgi University), Halil Berktay (Sabanci
University), Baskin Oran (Faculty of Political Sciences of Ankara),
Ragip Zarakolu (writer and publisher, “Belge” Publications), from
Armenia Vladimir Margarian (jurist, counsellor at the Constitutional
Court), Ruben Safrastyan (Director of the Institute of Turkology of the
National Academy of Sciences), from Italy Antonia Arslan (University
of Padua), Giampiero Bellingeri (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice),
Mauro Bussani (University of Trieste), Aldo Ferrari (responsible of
the research programme Caucasia-Asia at ISPI in Milan, ex-lecturer
at the Universities of Trieste, Gorizia and Venice), Gianclaudio
Macchiarella (Ca’ Foscari, ex-attaché culturel at the Embassies of
Italy in Washington, Athens, Teheran and Ankara), Pier Paolo Portinaro
(University of Turin), and the members of the Scientific Council of the
Conference Prof.s Antonio Rigo (Ca’ Foscari, Director of the Institute
“Venezia e l’Europa” of Fondazione Cini) and Boghos Levon Zekiyan
(Ca’ Foscari).

The conference had five sessions in which the following topics were
made object of discussion: the notion and typologies of “genocide”
(Portinaro, Charny, Chalk), its psychological repercussions
(Piralian), the demographic question (Kévorkian), the state of
archives’ research (Adalian), negationism (Ternon), relations between
Armenians and Turks from the Seljuk Age through the Ottoman Empire to
the Republican Period (Safrastyan), the complicity of Imperial Germany
(Goltz), the ittihadist solution and Turkish republican identity
(Akçam), the relation between discourse, reality, and Turkish
national imagination (Berktay), interethnic relations in Anatolia
from the Ottoman period on (Zarakolu), the situation of Armenians
today in Turkey (Kentel), the “Armenian question” and human rights
(Belge), the bases of international legal responsibility (Margarian),
the roots of taboos and relapses (Oran), the acknowledgement of the
Armenian Genocide by the European States (Ferrari), and various other
questions as the placement of the Armenian case in the frame of the
Genocides of the 20th century, the sense of guiltiness, the problem
how to explain to Turkish public opinion the Armenian Genocide after
decades of amnesia and negationism, its importance in the frame of
contemporary European history, etc.

At the end of the conference there was a round table as a moment to sum
up the proceedings and establish a starting point for future studies.

The idea of such a conference was originated from the awareness
of the current stalemate due to denialism and the impossibility of
dialogue. The new historical perspective, adopted by the conference,
viewing Armenian-Turkish relations in their centuries-long and
multifarious aspects, combined with the tools provided by a long-term
interdisciplinary approach, invites us and may help to go beyond the
separate analysis of specific cases to overcome the obstacles still
hindering an effective approach to the topic.

Fondazione Giorgio Cini onlus, Istituto Venezia e l’Europa

–Boundary_(ID_h9Fb3Fe/N5IWmJiJQEMIFg)–

TURKISH PRESS TO PERSIST IN SHUFFLING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Azg/arm
11 Nov 04

Armenian budget project of 2005 became a hot subject for Turkish and
Azeri printed media that keeps on confusing the world community by
stating that Armenia is removing the Armenian genocide issue from
its foreign policy agenda.

Sticking to their methods of disorientation Turkish newspapers do
not even shrink from mentioning names of Diaspora Armenians.

November 9 issue of Aksham presents Gyuler Qyumurjuâ~@~Ys article
titled “Making Better Relations with Armeniaâ~@¦”. The author
writes about “Islam and West”, a scientific conference organized
by Israelâ~@~Ys Jewish University in Nice, France, on November
6-7. Former state minister of Turkey Kemal Dervish was also to
participate at the conference. “Starting with the former leader of
Mossad and ending with Washingtonâ~@~Ys know-all Richard Pearl were
present there”, article reads.

Dervish changed his mind about participating at the conference at
the last moment. Author goes on telling about his meeting with
Alexy Gyovdjian and Samson Ozararat at the conference. Before
mentioning of the meeting Qyumurju writes about “historic step
taken in difficult relations with Armenia” and then adds: “After the
adherent of mild policy, Ter-Petrosian, President Robert Kocharian,
though maintaining tight relations with National Revolutionary Party
and Armenian organizations and lobbies of the world, took a positive
step towards Turkey. Armeniaâ~@~Ys state budget bill of 2005 already
taken to the parliament did not assign money for promoting genocide
acknowledgement as opposed to previous years. Only few weeks back
Armenian authorities stated that genocide acknowledgement is not a
precondition for improving relations with Turkey”.

The second part of the article dwelling on Gyovdjian and Ozararat
reads: “While the Armenian government excludes genocide recognition
from priority list depriving it of money in 2005 budget, Armenian
lobbyists in France were putting on clothing of radicalism.

I talked to Alexy Gyovdjian (he was our citizen, comes from Istanbul
where he lived till 18-years-old) who led French-Armenians in their
hanker after recognition of April 24. Despite this fact, his comments
on Yerevanâ~@~Ys mild policy were approving.

Mr. Gyovdjian was also present at our talk with Samson Ozararat. In
90s he had meetings with Alparsan Tyurkesh, late president of National
Movement Party, within the frameworks of meetings directed to settle
Armenia and Turkey-related issues. The name of Mr. Samson is well-known
to those occupying high posts in State Planning Organization and
Sabaja Group. Ozararat firmly stands for Tyurkeshâ~@~Ys position
of â~@~Xovercoming genocide claims and beginning trade cooperation
between the two statesâ~@~Y and is willing that Turkey begins
diplomatic relations with Armenia. Right at that moment Gyovdjian
noted that he joins Ozararat for the sake of constructive policy and
is even ready to participate in the initiatives taken by Turkeyâ~@~Ys
organizations of civil society.

Back in Ankara the â~@~Xexpertâ~@~Y in the issue told me that we
are waiting for a positive response. Why are we slow in adjusting
Tyurkeshâ~@~Ys ideas to the present-day conditions and in modernizing
our approaches? Perhaps everything will become clear after 17 of
December”.

By Hakob Chakrian

–Boundary_(ID_UK1drQI2yDVrLkmPmossRw)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SAMVEL MKRTCHIAN: OUR COOPERATION WITH NATO IS A KEY COMPONENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Azg/arm
11 Nov 04

NATO Secretary General was in Yerevan last week within the frameworks
of his regional visit. At the press conference followed after his
meeting with President Kocharian, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer mentioned
about Armenia-NATO cooperation within Individual Partnership Action
Plan. What kind of Plan is this and where did Yerevan-Brussels
relations reach? Armenian ambassador to NATO Samvel Mkrtchian answers
those questions in an interview to Azg Daily.

– Cooperation with international structures generally starts
with applying the so-called principle of “cover approach” when an
institution carries out similarly policy for all the states of a
region. At a certain stage of cooperation the institution needs to
specify the frames and contents of cooperation. Certainly, not all
countries agree on the terms and demands of some programs. And NATO
has collaborated a new program for cooperation and partnership which
is called Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). Now every state
engaged in Cooperation for Peace initiative within the frameworks
of IPAP may draw forward its suggestions. That means that a state
sets its priorities, evaluates its abilities and according to them
creates its own work program. If the opposite sides approves of the
program it may be put into action. We think of preparing the scheme
of our program by the end of this year and present it to NATO, after
which it will get approved and will be implemented.

РMr. Mkrtchian, Armenia̢~@~Ys accession to NATO is viewed as very
probable in near future, especially after Secretary Generaâ~@~Ys
visit. Is that possible that Armenia will some day declare, like
neighboring Azerbaijan and Georgia, of its desire to join NATO?

– In our political statements we were always clear and realistic,
as opposed to others, and now we declare that NATO membership is not
on our political agenda now. We hew to the chosen line in developing
our relations with NATO. How far will our relations reach â~@~S
is another issue. But we do not consider NATO membership a priority
so far because we are realistic about geopolitical issues that our
region is facing. We also take into consideration our readiness and
Organizationâ~@~Ys willingness to see us as a member. Today NATO
also is not hankering for Armeniaâ~@~Ys membership.

РDo you mean Armenia is not meeting NATO̢~@~Ys standards today? Is
that the reason why Armenia does not speak out about joining NATO?

РNo, that is not what I mean. It̢~@~Ys a very subtle issue. Our
cooperation with NATO is a key component for national security but
here we also have Russia and Organization of Joint Safety Treaty
supporting us, as well as separate states such as USA with which we
cooperate in the sphere of defense.

РAs an ambassador you are going to represent Armenia̢~@~Ys interests
in Brussels. What are the aims Armenia pursuits in NATO?

– NATO is a multifaceted organization. Today Armenia and NATO cooperate
in the sphere of extreme situation controlling. We also develop our
relations in the sphere of science. NATO implements two very important
projects in our region. First one is researching rivers of the region,
and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia will watch that the rivers are
not polluted. Second one is the project of virtual silk way through
which the 3 states will gain access to the Internet. Another primary
issue is secure regions safety by the help of NATO. The Organization
itself declares about this function and that becomes a precondition
for future development and prosperity. Development and deepening of
our cooperation will largely depend on the success of IPAP.

– NATO high officials are speaking well of Armenia lately. What is
the reason of NATOâ~@~Ys optimism?

РNATO representatives evaluate Armenia̢~@~Ys abilities and accuracy
very highly. Frankly speaking, NATO is interested in developing
relations with us as our cooperation is rather easy-going. Certainly,
there are limits to our abilities coming from general situation in
the region, including unsettled Karabakh conflict, that keep us back
fro taking additional steps. But our cooperation within the frameworks
of the possible is efficient and that attracts the opposite side.

By Tatoul Hakobian

–Boundary_(ID_b3+XNXQVxLCoqVUVRSGxdA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri leader gives thumbs up to country’s economic development

Azerbaijani TV Channel One, Baku
10 Nov 04

Azerbaijan’s economy is developing fast and the country is going in the
right direction, President Ilham Aliyev has told journalists during his
tour of southern districts. Commenting on a forthcoming NATO meeting in
Baku, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan could not bar Armenian MPs from Baku
because the country should not isolate itself from processes going on
in the world. The following is the text of the report by Azerbaijani
TV on 10 November; subheadings have been inserted editorially:

[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has held a number
of remarkable meetings during his visit to southern districts of
Azerbaijan. During the visit, he answered questions of interest to
media representatives.

[Video shows Ilham Aliyev surrounded by journalists, correspondent
is asking] Mr President, you have signed a new decree which says
that delegations visiting foreign countries should report on their
visits. Why do you think it was necessary to sign such a decree?

[Ilham Aliyev] I think it is necessary because every delegation should
make a report on its meetings and issues that were discussed. Of
course, the president and other relevant bodies should be aware
of that. Because there are issues that are directly related to
ministries. For this reason, such a system will enable all ministries
and state agencies to learn which issues were discussed and which
conclusions were drawn. That is the goal. I think that this will make
a very good contribution to our common work and the issues that are
discussed and the decisions that are made during foreign visits will
be clear to everyone.

Baku cannot bar Armenians from NATO meeting

[Correspondent] Mr President, there is dissatisfaction with NATO’s
invitation of Armenian MPs to Azerbaijan. The Karabakh Liberation
Organization has issued a new statement and expressed its objection. We
would like to learn your attitude to this as the president. Should
Armenian MPs be invited to Azerbaijan and participate in events
here? [Speaker] Murtuz Alasgarov has already met [Armenian Speaker
Armen] Bagdasaryan.

[Ilham Aliyev] Any organization can express its objection to any
issue. There is democracy, freedom of speech and independence in
Azerbaijan, as you know, b ut Azerbaijan has its own interests and
general policy. I would like to tell you that various officials from
Armenia visited Azerbaijan in the past, including Armenian members
of parliament. The Armenian prime minister also visited here several
years ago. And for some reason, this did not cause objections of the
organization you mentioned.

As you know, Azerbaijan did not let Armenian servicemen into
Azerbaijan. Although this did not go down well with international
organizations, we insisted on our position and I personally decided
that Armenian servicemen should not come to Azerbaijan. This is an
issue of principle. A representative of an occupying army cannot
visit Azerbaijan.

As for other international events, we cannot isolate ourselves from
the processes taking place in the world. In general, we cannot isolate
Azerbaijan from this issue. We want international events to be held
in Azerbaijan – conferences, seminars, including those held under the
aegis of international organizations. There is nothing new here. If
we reject this, this will only play into Armenia’s hands. For this
reason, I think that it is wrong to make an unnecessary fuss about this
issue. The government knows everything and the president regulates all
issues. We will never make concessions on issues of principle. But
if we give up this seminar and meeting because of Armenians, this
will not benefit us.

Azeri economy going in right direction

[Second correspondent] Mr President, you often visit regions and
how do you assess the pace of the socioeconomic development of the
regions in general?

[Ilham Aliyev] I assess it highly. The economy in Azerbaijan is
developing and new jobs are being created. I mentioned it during my
meetings today. Over 100,000 new jobs were created in one year. In
which country has it happened? This is the result of the policy that
has been conducted in Azerbaijan.

Very important programmes are being adopted in Azerbaijan –
socioeconomic and regional programmes. Businessmen have been granted
independence. Businessmen are being supported and they feel this
support. If they did not feel it, no great investments would have
been made in the Azerbaijani economy over the last year. Both local
businessmen and foreign companies have a clear attitude to this. There
is great trust in the present and future of Azerbaijan. We have gained
this trust and should keep it. Azerbaijan will continue to develop
at a higher pace.

The growth in GDP will be higher next year. The minimum salary and
pensions will increase. All other social payments will increase. At the
same time, as you know, the social tax will be lowered by 5 per cent
next year. And this represents great support for the private sector
development. The measures being taken in the economic sector show
that the country is developing in the right direction and the results
of that are evident. All we need to do is continue this policy. All
the relevant bodies – the government, private sector, businessmen,
local authorities – must advocate a single position in this issue.

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:

November 10, 2004
___________________

ACYOA HOLDS REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR MIDWEST YOUTH

Challenging young people to think about their faith in a creative and
constructive way, the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America
(ACYOA) this fall will be holding four day-long, regional conferences
filled with fellowship, prayer, and education.

The first of these — held on Saturday, October 23, at the St. John
Church of Southfield, MI — brought together more than 20 young
parishioners from churches in Cleveland, OH; Racine, WI; and Detroit,
MI.

“It’s such a wonderful, fulfilling feeling to talk and be open with one
another about God and our spirituality,” said Allison Haidostian, a
parishioner from St. John Church in Southfield, MI. “I feel recharged.”

FINDING THEIR SPIRIT

At the beginning of the day, the young participants interviewed each
other about their spiritual lives by answering questions focusing on the
theme of the conference: Christian spirituality.

“This conference gave me a greater understanding of myself” said
Jonathan Banks a parishioner and ACYOA member from the St. John Church
of Southfield, MI.

Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor at the St. John Church, of Southfield, MI,
spoke to the participants on “Spirituality, Sexuality and Spouses,” a
usual topic of his pre-marital counseling. He told participants that,
contrary to popular belief, the church celebrated sexuality and even
talked about it in the sanctuary — during the sacrament of holy
matrimony. He discussed the importance of spiritual intimacy in a
relationship and spoke on the “Three R’s” of marriage: Regard, Respect,
and Responsibility.

Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor at the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI —
who drove 800 miles round-trip to speak at the day-long session —
focused on spirituality as intimacy with God. He defined spirituality
as “the everyday activity of life in communion with God” and discussed
the importance of personal prayer and liturgical prayer in that process.

Prayer, he said, was “sitting with God and listening.” He also shared
information on personality types and spiritual characteristics, offering
participants prayer suggestions for each type.

“This was spiritually refreshing and hopeful for the future,” said Fr.
Yeprem, who is also a member of the Diocesan Council. “The Diocesan
Council and the Primate view the ACYOA as a rich source of spiritual
ideas, idealism, and fervor for the Armenian Church. Anything we can do
to facilitate their growth, we are pleased to do.”

An afternoon session, called “A Spiritual Workout,” asked participants
to examine and reflect on two types of mystical spiritually,
specifically the writings of St. Gregory of Narek and the Wisdom
Liturature (Psalms and Ecclesiastes) of the Bible. Participants were
asked to be creative by putting scripture to music and writing as if
they were Christian mystics such as St. Gregory.

“The results were amazing,” said ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy
Basmajian, who helped lead the day’s activities alongside ACYOA Central
Council chair Jennifer Morris, ACYOA Central Council treasurer Rita
Akaraz. “I was very inspired by the fact that they took the ‘workout’
seriously and really got into it and said some beautiful things.”

The conference ended with an open forum, lead by ACYOA Central Council
chair Morris, in which she shared Central Council goals and upcoming
activities. There was also a brief presentation on plans for next
year’s ACYOA Sports Weekend by Greg Andonian, chair of the 2005 ACYOA
Sports Weekend being hosted by the St. Gregory of Narek Church of
Cleveland, OH.

“This conference was a true testament to the deep respect Armenian youth
have for each other,” Andonian said. “We are all better off having
received the ideas of those who attended this conference. I will
encourage anyone who is thinking about attending a future regional
conference to be prepared to be challenged and entertained.”

Regional conferences will be held for the New York Metro/Mid-Atlantic
region on November 6 at the St. Mary Church in Livingston, NJ, and for
the Southern region on January 15 at the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas,
TX. For more information, visit the ACYOA website at or
e-mail Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive secretary, at
[email protected].

— 11/10/04

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor at the St. Mesrob Church
of Racine, WI, speaks with participants at the ACYOA Mid-West regional
conference on Saturday, October 13, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Young parishioners from various Mid-west parishes
listen to a speaker during a day-long conference at the St. John Church
of Southfield, MI.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): More than 20 young people came together on Saturday,
October 23, at the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, for the first of
four day-long regional conferences being organized by the ACYOA.

# # #

Azeri foreign minister, French and German diplomats discuss Karabakh

Trend news agency
10 Nov 04

Baku, 10 November: “Azerbaijan’s efforts to resolve the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict are in no way directed at replacing the OSCE Minsk
Group with another organization,” Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov has told a meeting with the political directors of the
foreign ministries of France and Germany, Stanislas Lefebvre de
Laboulaye and Michael Scheffer.

Mammadyarov expressed confidence that the inclusion of the item “On
the situation in the occupied territories” in the agenda of the UN
General Assembly will call the attention of the world community to
Armenia’s settling ethnic Armenian population in the occupied lands
of Azerbaijan. He said that Azerbaijan’s efforts in this issue aim
to support the Minsk Group in the settlement of the conflict.

The minister also noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to
developing cooperation with international organizations and that the
country’s joining the EU’s New Neighbourhood Policy programme is a
particular example of this.

Underlining the important role Azerbaijan is playing in preserving
stability in the region, the German and French diplomats stressed the
country’s great potential which will allow it to play a leading role
at international organizations.

The parties also discussed the situation in the region and the world,
the Caspian status and Azerbaijan’s role in fighting international
terrorism.