Anadolu Agency
Oct 17 2004

Turkish Associations In United States React To Kerry

NEW YORK – Turkish associations in the United States sent a letter to
Democratic presidential candidate Senator John F. Kerry who confirmed
his support to recognition of so-called Armenian genocide through his
spokesman, to express their reaction and disappointment.

The letter signed by Federation of Turkish-American Associations
(TADF), Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI), and
Association of Turkish American Architects, Engineers & Scientists
(MIM USA), expressed Turkish people’s disappointment with statements
of Kerry over the so-called Armenian genocide.

Stressing that Turkey and the United States had been friends and
allies for years, the letter underlined that the two countries had
been cooperating with each other for peace and security of the world.

”Turkey, a powerful and stable partner of the United States in one
of the most unstable regions of the world, is one of the most
reliable allies of the United States in its fight against terrorism.
We, as American citizens of Turkish origin, have been expending
efforts to further improve the percent relations between our
countries. We are determined to support the presidential candidate
who is aware of importance of the bilateral relations between Turkey
and the United States, in the upcoming elections,” it said.

The letter noted, ”we want to express our disappointment with Mr.
Kerry’s statements for recognition of Armenian allegations saying
that the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against Armenians during
the World War I. These allegations are totally baseless and wrongful.
Any attempt distorting historical facts, will have a negative impact
on the bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States. We
call on Mr. Kerry to review his intention for recognition of such
allegations.”

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

2004-10-11
New school in Shosh

On October 10, the inauguration of the new school took place in Shosh
village, NKR. The construction of the new school building started in
2003 by sponsorship of the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund’s Toronto
affiliate. The new school designed for 120 students meets all modern
standards.

The President of NKR Arkadi Ghoukasian, the “Hayastan” Fund’s

Executive Director Naira Melkoumian, the Chairman of the Fund’s
affiliate in Toronto Migirdich Migirdichyan, as well as
representatives of Canadian Community and NKR Government participated
in the opening ceremony.

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

2004-10-15
A new residential building in Yerankyuni district

On October 15, the inauguration of the residential building 7A took
place in Yerankyuni district, Spitak, with participation of the of the
“Hayastan” Fund’s Executive Director Mrs. Naira Melkoumian, the
Governor of Lori Marz Henrik Kochinyan and the chairperson of the
Fund’s Great Britain affiliate Mrs. Armine Karapeti. Due to the Fund
eight more families will be provided with new apartments. Very soon,
by the efforts of the “Hayastan” Fund’s Great Britain and Germany
affiliates the construction of the whole district will be completed.

Europe – AP

Armenian Arrested With Radioactive Load
Europe – AP
October 18, 2004

YEREVAN, Armenia – Authorities have arrested a man found with
radioactive cesium-137 in the trunk of his car, a state official said
Monday.

The highly toxic material, which could contaminate large areas if used
in a “dirty bomb,” was found Friday and “rendered harmless,” Ashot
Martirosian, chief of the State Atomic Oversight department, said.

Yerevan resident Gagik Tovmasian was arrested on charges of illegal
trade in radioactive materials, Martirosian said.

It was unclear how the man obtained the material, but various sources
for it exist in Armenia, a small former Soviet republic in the
Caucasus Mountains, Martirosian said.

Various industries use cesium-137 in density gauges and for machine
calibration. Authorities in neighboring Georgia have spoken of the
need to create a storage site for gauges in which cesium-137 was used
to measure the level of gasoline in underground tanks at gas stations.

Martirosian did not say how much cesium was found, but he said the
substance is very hazardous to human health.

Devices containing cesium-137 can cause serious radiation exposure if
broken and held. Depending on the amount and form, experts say a dirty
bomb made with cesium-137 could spread intense radioactivity over a
section of a city, making it uninhabitable.

In February, Martirosian said a powerful source of radiation was found
on the Armenian-Iranian border, among scrap metal headed for Iran.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
October 18, 2004 Monday 3:49 AM Eastern Time

Anti-terrorist coop prioritized in Russia-Azerbaijan relations

By Yelena Volkova

MOSCOW

The strengthening of the anti-terrorist cooperation of the countries
is prioritized in the dialogue of Russia and Azerbaijan, spokesman
for the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovenko told Itar-Tass
over the Moscow visit of Azerbaijani President Ilkham Aliyev that
began on Monday.

According to Yakovenko, Russia and Azerbaijan “come out for the need
to pool efforts of the world community in the fight against
international terrorism.” As for the political dialogue of the
countries Yakovenko noted that the sides exchange views on granting
the legal status to the Caspian Sea. “The prospects of holding the
second Caspian summit are considered,” he emphasized.

Moscow “welcomes the continued Azerbaijani-Armenian dialogue on
various levels.” The Russian side believes that “the parties to the
conflict should settle the conflict on the mutually acceptable
basis.” Russia “is ready to provide active assistance to them in this
issue, on the bilateral basis and as the co-chairman of the Minsk
OSCE group and become a guarantor of the reached agreement.”

Ilkham Aliyev plans to take part in the second meeting of the
all-Russian Azerbaijani Congress on Tuesday, October 19. “Azerbaijan
is Russia’s important partner in the South Caucasus. The Azerbaijani
diaspora in our country plays an important role in strengthening
friendly relations,” Yakovenko pointed out.

EVERYTHING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF KARABAKH

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
18 Oct 04

As we have already informed, a new school was built in the village of
Shosh, sponsored by the Armenian community of Canada. At the ceremony
of opening the executive director of the pan-Armenian foundation
`Hayastan’ Naira Melkumian was present. We talked to her on the
activity of the foundation, plans for the near future, as well as the
upcoming marathon of donations. – I want to start with the building of
the school because it is the event of the day. It is very encouraging
indeed that the program of school building is implemented in
villages. In the towns the problem seems to have been solved already,
and it is time now to render Karabakh into a developed area. All the
programs presently implemented in Artsakh are a transition from
humanitarian to new development programs. In the nearest future the
foundation will build more schools in Artsakh, that is to say, the
program of school building has not been completed yet. Besides,
perhaps you know that a medical institution – a complex building of
policlinic – is built in Stepanakert, which is unique not only in
Artsakh but also in Armenia. The medical complex will be supplied with
modern equipmentof European standards. These programs help to solve
economic and social problems in Karabakh. The people of Karabakh are
employed in construction works carried out by the foundation, thereby
solving the problem of unemployment. According to our estimates, about
1000 people work in those building sites, and works of 7 million are
carried out in Artsakh. Hopefully this number will grow every year and
in 2 or 3 years the construction of the highway `North – South’ will
be finished. In parallel we will undertake other projects the
implementation of which will favour the settlement of political
problems as well because developed Karabakh will settle its issue
itself. – What future programs, undertakings are there? – Soon we are
going to solve the problem ofwater supply of Stepanakert after which
water will be supplied by a regular schedule.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide 24 hour running water at present. I
know there are problems of water at many places in Karabakh. In
certain communities the problem will be solved soon. On the whole, the
programs are many: hospitals, schools, water reservoirs – Every year
the marathon of national donations is held. Is it going to be held
this year? – Certainly. The traditional TV marathon will be held on
November 21. We hope it will be successful. Besides, I would like to
use the chance and ask our fellow countrymen to take an active part in
it, more active than last year. At that time about 60-70 thousand
dollars was raised in Artsakh. It would be good to increase the sum up
to 100 thousand dollarsat least. This will encourage our compatriots
in the Diaspora. – As far as I remember, the business circles of
Russia were not active during the previous telethon. What
anticipations do you have for this year? – You know,we must have a
correct attitude towards the participation of the Armenian community
of Russia. All of us know about the great aid provided to Artsakh and
Armenia by the Armenians of Russia. The aid to region counts
millions. This year too, theywill participate by all means.

LAURA GRIGORIAN.
18-10-2004

EU RAPPORTEUR SAYS TURKEY HAS NOT FULLY MET CRITERIA YET

NTV television, Istanbul 18 Oct 04

European Parliament (EP) rapporteur Camille Eurlings has said that
Turkey has not yet fully met the Copenhagen criteria. Speaking on NTV,
he said that he will be critical when drawing up his report, which
will be published before the 17 December EU summit.

For this report, Camille Eurlings, a Christian Democrat from the
Netherlands, is visiting Ankara, Istanbul, Diyarbakir and
Mardin. Discussing his first impressions, Eurlings gave some signals
as to what his report will be like. He said: I will do whatever is
necessary for my report to be constructive. Great changes took place
in Turkey in the past few years. There have been achievements. I think
that in my report I must mention these achievements which I find very
impressive. To be fair, I must also be critical. I will include in my
report the areas in progress is needed. Turkey has not yet fully met
the EU’s political criteria.

Eurlings pointed out that there are problems in implementation,
adding: We see that the new laws are quite good but they have not
impacted daily life yet. In its Progress Report, the EU Commission
stressed the importance of implementation. The Turkish people deserve
to live in a country where there is no torture; they deserve cultural
and religious freedom.

Eurlings said that he thinks it is important for Turkey to recognize
the Cyprus Republic and to improve its relations with
Armenia. Nevertheless, he said, these are not conditions for the start
of negotiations.

Eurlings plans to complete his report in two weeks. After debating the
report, the EP will announce its recommendation on whether accession
talks should begin with Turkey. At the 17 December summit, the EU
leaders will reach a decision by taking into consideration both this
recommendation and that of the EU Commission.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
October 18, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Receives Author Paulo Coelho

On October 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received famous Brazilian author Paulo Coelho in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Mr. Coelho was accompanied by Levon Ananian,
President of the Union of Writers of the Republic of Armenia; and Lilit
Galsdian director of the Hamazgayin Armenian Educational and Cultural
Society.

Welcoming Mr. Coelho to the headquarters of the Armenian Church, His
Holiness happily received the first Armenian translation of “The Alchemist”,
one of the renowned author’s most loved novels. His Holiness, noting his
pleasure that the author’s book was now available to the Armenian reader in
the Armenian language, stated: “Individuals such as you, through their
service, work and spirit, contribute to humanity the inspiration and will to
preserve unblemished and pure their image created by God.”

Expressing gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for the reception,
Mr. Coelho emphasized that the history of the Armenian people has become a
new and encouraging source of inspiration for him. “This visit to Armenia
and to the spiritual center of every Armenian Christian is very important
and symbolic. My soul is rejoicing on the occasion of the translation of my
novel into Armenian”, noted the author, expressing his willingness to serve
the Armenian Church and asking for the blessing of His Holiness.

Also in attendance for the meeting were the translator and publisher of Mr.
Coelho’s novel. At the conclusion of the meeting His Holiness extended his
appreciation and Pontifical blessings to the delegation.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
October 18, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Elevates Rev. Fr. Boghos Baronian to the Rank of
Archpriest

On October 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, at the request of His Eminence Archbishop Datev Gharibian,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil, elevated Rev. Fr. Boghos
Baronian, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Osasco
(Brazil) to the rank of Archpriest in recognition of Fr. Boghos’ long and
fruitful service to his flock.

His Holiness personally witnessed the zealous activity of Fr. Boghos during
his Pontifical Visit to the Dioceses of South America in May of this year.

During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Tiran Petrosian, a member of the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin, read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin
II. The Catholicos of All Armenians congratulated Fr. Boghos, expressing
his conviction that this recognition given for the priest’s 20-year
experience and dedication would re-invigorate and inspire him to serve the
Armenian community in Osasco with greater devotion and love.

“You should be the soul of the Armenian community and your spirit should
give light to the national life of our people. Lead the Armenians with more
zeal and with your personal example of sacrifice, love, dedication to
service and patriotism”, noted His Holiness.

Rev. Fr. Archpriest Boghos Baronian, thanking His Holiness for the honor,
stated “Our gaze is always directed towards Holy Etchmiadzin, our Mother
Church and the home of every Armenian heart. Our hope is in Armenia and the
Mother See led and guided by Your Holiness.” Father Boghos further assured
the Pontiff of All Armenians that he would redouble his efforts and do his
utmost in bringing the mission of the Armenian Church to life in Brazil,
leading his flock to God, preserving the Armenian spirit and identity in his
community, and elevating the concepts of patriotism and love among the
people.

His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Secretary General of the Department of
Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See, and members of the Brotherhood of
Holy Etchmiadzin attended the event.

NKR PRESIDENT ADDRESSES MESSAGE TO CAPTAIN AND CREW OF SAILING BOAT “CILICIA”

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 18. ARMINFO. President of the Nagorny karabakh
Republic Arkady Ghoukasyan sent a message to the captain of the
sailing boat “Cilicia” Karen Balayan and the crew.

The NKR Presidential press-service told ARMINFO that NKR President
highly appreciates the years-long hard of the crew, which resulted in
revival of the good traditions of the Armenian sailing. He expressed
confidence that the trip once more demonstrated to the world the
wealth and versatile cultural and historical heritage of Armenia and
the talent and hard work of its sons. Artsakh people are aware that
their state flag also flies on “Cilicia” during its historical trip by
seven seas. “We are proud of you and wish you successful return to the
Motherland. I invite you to NKR, which has become a symbol of revival
of the great spirit of the Armenian people.”