Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation
450 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 600
Glendale, CA 91203
818.291.6490
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 6, 2004
Contact: Teni Melidonian, Protocol & Prose
626.644.7247
[email protected]
Holiday Event to Benefit Vaccine Fund for Armenia’s Children
– Golden Globe Winner, Mike Connors to Attend-
Glendale, CA (December 6) – The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation
(ANMF) is proud to announce a special event – Mistletoe & Miracles –
benefiting the Millennium Armenia Children’s Vaccine Fund (MACVF)
with special guest star Mike Connors on Wednesday, December 15,
2004 at the Cravens Estate – The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the
American Red Cross in Pasadena, California.
Joining the legendary television personality at the event will be Lise
Grandé, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia and Michael
Mahdesian, former President Clinton appointee to USAID’s Bureau for
Humanitarian Response.
Born in Fresno, California to an Armenian family, Connors has
appeared in hundreds of television shows since the 1950s and is best
known for his portrayal of detective Joe Mannix in “Mannix” (CBS
1967-1975). Connors received four Emmy and Golden Globe nominations
for Best Actor in a Drama Series for “Mannix”, winning the Golden
Globe in 1970. After over 50 years in entertainment, Connors continues
to appear in numerous television shows including “Murder She Wrote,”
“Diagnosis Murder,” “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He has also been active
in numerous charitable organizations including Operation Missing
Persons as well as several neurological and health related charities.
Featuring live music, international cuisine, and a unique silent
auction, proceeds from “Mistletoe & Miracles” will help secure the
final $200,000 of the $1.5 million capital campaign fund designed to
guarantee basic vaccinations required to fight against preventable
disease and reduce infant mortality rates.
Since 2002, the MACVF has vaccinated over 74,000 Armenian
children. Basic vaccines include: Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, MMR –
Mumps, Measles & Rubella, Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus and TB. Over
560,000 Armenian children will be immunized through 2017.
MACVF is a public-private capital fund in partnership with
international agencies including the Ministry of Health of the Republic
of Armenia, UNICEF and USAID.
MACVF is a public-private capital fund administered by the Ani &
Narod Memorial Foundation. ANMF, established in 1994 following the
tragic deaths of Ani and Narod Ardhaldjian, has brought educational,
cultural and health programs to Armenian women and children living
around the world.
To learn more about MACVF, ANMF and its programs, please visit
or contact the office at 818.291.6490. For press
information, to request interviews and/or media kits, contact Teni
Melidonian at 626.644.7247 or via email at [email protected]
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit,
tax-exempt US organization encouraging the welfare and development of
Armenian women and children through innovative cultural, educational,
health and social programs.
###
–Boundary_(ID_kpfx51GsMDhUGDF7A59olg)–

Aspiration for power as basis
By Karine Mangasarian
Yerkir/arm
3 Dec 04
Leader of the Republic Party of Armenia faction Galust Sahakian
believes that despite the political tensions, there are still certain
changes mainly due to developments in the world. Yesterday, Galust
Sahakian also said that certain politicians are dwelling on the
Karabagh issue, which is caused by the developments in UN and EU.<>
He said: “I believe that the danger is about forming certain negative
atmosphere. The thing is that in either case those decisions have
no legal basis in regards to further pressures on Armenia. However,
the danger is that certain politicians are speculating on it.”
Sahakian believes that these speculations, especially those describing
the situation with Karabagh as most pathetic, are aimed at one thing:
power shift.
As to the activation of the Armenian National Movement and Levon
Ter-Petrosian, the RPA faction leader says that the ex-president
has never been passive and his silence was more eloquent than his
one interview.

ANM admits its role in opposition’s activities
Yerkir/arm
3 Dec 04
Every time when there were talks that the opposition was often
using the advice of the Armenian National Movement (ANM) and thus —
willingly or unwillingly — was implementing that party’s objectives,
both the opposition and the ANM were voicing their objections.
The opposition was looking insulted because its intellectual potential
was underestimated, and the ANM was accusing everybody of seeing it
behind the opposition’s moves.
A few days ago, the ANM disclosed itself: the leaders of the party
admitted that they had given advice — and not only — to the
opposition.
What were the results of such advice in the case of the events of
this spring, or what could the results be, is another story. It is,
however, noteworthy to speak about an accent that this party uses in
its propaganda tactics: ANM claims it is the only alternative to the
present regime.
The formula is this: the current opposition (the Ardarutiun, Gegamian
and the others) is incapable of removing the regime as it has neither
the resolve nor the intellectual potential; the ANM in contrast,
is able to do it. This formula, however, is for the “consumers”
outside Armenia.
This explains the recent activeness of the ANM’s comments on
the former president and things that the latter has said or has
not. Most probably, such activeness will be followed by the campaign
of “reliable information” that the current president will be replaced
with the former one.

Erdogan inaugure à Istanbul le premier musée arménien de Turquie
Agence France Presse
5 décembre 2004 dimanche 8:44 PM GMT
ISTANBUL 5 déc — Le Premier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan a
inauguré dimanche à Istanbul le premier musée de Turquie consacré
à la minorité arménienne, installé dans un ancien hôpital arménien
datant du début du XIXe siècle.
“Ce musée jetera la lumière sur l’Histoire pour les générations
futures”, a déclaré M. Erdogan.
“Toute personne qui jettera un regard sur les pièces se trouvant
dans ce musée aura une vision directe de notre histoire commune”,
a-t-il dit.
“Au contraire de ces oeuvres qui mettent en lumière l’Histoire,
les faits sont déformés par la spéculation et la désinformation”,
a ajouté le Premier ministre, en référence aux affirmations des
Arméniens sur le génocide dont ils ont été les victimes.
Les massacres et déportations d’Arméniens sous l’Empire ottoman
de 1915 à 1917 ont fait 1,5 million de morts, selon les Arméniens,
et entre 250.000 et 500.000, selon la Turquie. Ankara nie que les
Arméniens aient été victimes d’un génocide.
M. Erdogan a affirmé que Turcs et Arméniens avaient vécu pacifiquement
dans la région pendant des siècles et a promis que son gouvernement
veillerait au respect des droits de la minorité arménienne.
A quelques jours du sommet des dirigeants des pays membres de l’Union
européenne (UE) qui doivent, les 16 et 17 décembre, décider ou non de
l’ouverture de négociations d’adhésion avec la Turquie, Ankara tente
de multiplier les gestes envers les minorités présentes dans le pays.
Sur la base du traité de Lausanne (1923), les autorités turques
reconnaissent seulement les non-musulmans turcs – Arméniens, Grecs
et Juifs – en tant que minorités. En revanche, les 13 millions de
Kurdes qui peuplent notamment le sud-est de l’Anatolie ne sont pas
reconnus par Ankara comme une minorité.
–Boundary_(ID_EiDhBYEzIp2xZrvgkeieSQ)–

Resolutions of 8th Convention of ARF Armenia Organization
Yerkir/arm
3 Dec 04
Javakhk
After thoroughly examining the Javakhk issue, the Supreme Convention
concludes:
– As a result of discrimination policy of the Georgian authorities,
the Armenian population of Javakhk has appeared in a difficult social,
economic situation, which has spurred emigration.
– Having no autonomy, the indigenous Armenians are deprived of the
chance to manage their cultural, economic and social life.
– The policy of Armenia in regards to Javakhk economic, social and
national life is not on proper level.
Taking into consideration the difficult situation in Javakhk, the
attention of the Armenian government should be more often called to
that issues and encourage a dialogue with the Georgian authorities on
this issue. Issuing from the above-mentioned, the congress decided
to suggest the Armenian government creation of a structure that will
deal with the Javakhk issues.
Artsakh
Issuing from the possible developments in the Artsakh issue, the ARF
Supreme Congress once again asserts its position expressed during the
29th general Congress. ARF denounces any compromise that may endanger
the security of Nagorno-Karabagh. The international recognition of
Karabagh must contribute to its reunion with the homeland.
Given the denying position of Azerbaijan, Karabagh must be the
negotiator in the talks and Armenia must guarantee its security.
ARF will continue to promote social, economic and national development
of Karabagh, as well as establishment of democratic institutes there.
Armenia-Diaspora
Armenia-Diaspora relations must be raised to the modern level of
development. In this respect, the government will be suggested to
create a structure to address this relationship taking over for the
foreign affairs ministry.
Armenian apostolic church, sects
Taking into consideration the arguments between the centers of the
Armenian church, ARF will promote a dialogue and a settlement of
disagreements within the church.
There must be a fight against the sects which undermine not only
the church but the overall national security. The adherence of the
sectsâ~@~Y activities to the legal procedures must be overseen on
governmental level.
Foreign affairs
The Congress expresses anxiety over regional security in terms of
possible developments and assigns the newly elected Supreme Body to
pay attention to the following branches of interrelations:
– Armenia-NATO – Armenia-European Union – Russia-Iran – Turkey-EU
possible developments – International recognition of Genocide
Taking into consideration the intentions of the Defense Ministry of
Armenia to join the international military coalition in Iraq with
Armenian troops, the Congress suggests to:
a) Be guided by UN Security Council and other international
organizations’ procedures, where Armenia holds a membership.
b) Since this issue regards the Armenian Diaspora in the Middle East,
the Armenian government must prioritize the security of the Armenian
communities.
–Boundary_(ID_6WXf1UkJEocSVoObAoPkAw)–

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base français
5 décembre 2004
Développement Turquie Nouvelles réformes adoptées à l’approche du verdict de l’UE
zj
Ankara (ats/afp) Le parlement turc a adopté de nouvelles réformes
judiciaires. A l’approche du sommet de Bruxelles qui doit se
prononcer sur l’ouverture des négociations d’adhésion à l’UE, Ankara
tente de se conformer aux conditions strictes posées par l’Union.
La nouvelle loi, votée samedi soir, prévoit un assouplissement de la
législation sur l’exécution des peines en matière criminelle, la
création d’une police judiciaire et détaille les droits des suspects
et les pouvoirs de la justice. La nécessité de cette réforme était
l’un des points soulignés dans le rapport de la Commission européenne
publié en octobre.
Ce rapport doit servir de base à la décision que prendront les 25
Etats membres de l’UE, lors du sommet de Bruxelles, les 16 et 17
décembre. Selon une ébauche des conclusions, les 25 devraient donner
leur feu vert à des négociations d’adhésion avec Ankara, tout en
posant des conditions très strictes et sans garantir, à terme,
l’entrée de la Turquie dans l’UE.
Le ministre français délégué à l’Industrie Patrick Devedjian a quant
à lui jeté de l’huile sur le feu en estimant que la Turquie doit
reconnaître sa responsabilité dans le génocide arménien pour adhérer
à l’Union. “Etre capable de regarder son passé en face fait partie
des moeurs démocratiques”, a-t-il dit sur les ondes de Radio J.
Le ministre a aussi soulevé la question chypriote, relevant qu’un
contingent militaire turc est toujours dans l’île et qu’Ankara ne
reconnaît pas le régime de Nicosie. “Est-ce que la Turquie peut
entrer dans l’Europe sans reconnaître un des membres de l’Union
européenne, avec une armée qui occupe illégalement une partie du
territoire de l’Union européenne ?”, a-t-il demandé.
–Boundary_(ID_QHJM8KMZ3R7sm0LJckpTkA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Big wealth in small town
Yerkir/arm
3 Dec 04
Constructor Retkin and other laborers found various bronze age items
on the Yerevan-Tbilisi highway in 1950’s. After that archeologists made
excavations and transferred the found items to the museum of Dilijan.
The museum consists of several departments: ethnography, arts,
revolution, modernity, etc. An important department contains drawings
of Gevorg Bashinjaghian, Vardges Sureniants, Martiros Sarian,
Hovhannes Ayvazovski and others. All the drawings are original.
Today two of Ayvazovski’s drawings are under repair at the National
Gallery in Yerevan.
One of the departments is devoted to the liberation war in Artsakh.
The museum often enriches its spectrum by donations of local residents.
Since the entrance is free, it often hosts school children and other
visitor. However, the museum does not enrich the treasury of the
town with incomes.
The biggest issue for the museum at this point is the poor condition
of the artifacts, which need repair. However, the director of the
museum Lilit Ginosian is hopeful, since the local officials have
promised assistance in repairing during the next year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

UNITED ARMENIAN FUND
1101 N. Pacific Avenue # 301
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel: 818.241.8900
Fax: 818.241.6900
For Immediate Release
6 December 2004
UAF’s 131st Airlift Delivers $2.7 Million of Aid to Armenia
Glendale, CA – The United Armenian Fund’s 131st airlift arrived
in Yerevan on December 6, delivering $2.7 million of humanitarian
assistance.
The UAF itself collected $2 million of medicines and medical supplies
for this flight, most of which were donated by the Catholic Medical
Mission Board ($996,000); AmeriCares ($737,000); MAP International
($167,000); and Health Partners ($55,000).
Other organizations which contributed goods for this airlift were: Dr.
Stephen Kashian of Illinois ($104,000); Dr. Haroutune Mekhjian of New
Jersey ($94,000); Kardinal-Fings Gymnasium ($71,000); Nork Marash
Medical Center ($57,000); Focus Armenia/Dr. Mary Alani ($54,000);
Armenian Eyecare Project ($37,000); Armenian Missionary Association
of America ($36,000); Michael Ohanian of Massachusetts ($36,000);
and the Armenian General Benevolent Union ($36,000).
Also contributing to this airlift were: Anoush Najarian of
Massachusetts ($22,000); Bedford/St. Martins ($21,000); Armenian
Relief Society ($19,000); Verein Armenienhilfe Direkt of Switzerland
($14,000); Howard Karagheusian Commemorative Corp. ($13,000); Harut
Chantikian of New Jersey ($12,000); and the Armenian Engineers &
Scientists of America ($10,000).
Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $395 million of
humanitarian assistance to Armenia on board 131 airlifts and 1,136
sea containers.
The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America,
the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary
Association of America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America and the Lincy Foundation.
For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific
Avenue, Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
###
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THIRD BOOK OF “ARMENIAN MANUSCRIPTS” ISSUED IN ANTELIAS
PanArmenian News
Dec 6 2004
06.12.2004 18:23
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Kilikian Armenian Catholicosat with the assistance
of Gulkbankian Foundation issued the third book of “Armenian
Manuscripts”. The 600-page book maintains the whole Armenian written
heritage of the 6-th century in ancient Armenian supplied with
translation into modern Armenian and scientific comments. The
previous two books contained manuscripts of the 5-th century. To
note, the series is to consist of 13 books.

DELIVERY OF RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS TO TURKEY DISCUSSED
PanArmenian News
Dec 6 2004
06.12.2004 17:43
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in
Turkey. Today when visiting the mausoleum of K. Ataturk he said that he
reveres the memory of “the outstanding son of the Turkish people”. As
reported by Novie Izvestia Russian newspaper, Russia and Turkey are
going to discuss the possibility of license production of Ka-50-2
“Erdogan” Russian helicopters in Turkey. The matter concerns possible
signing of a $2.5-3 billion contract providing for supplying Turkey
with 145 helicopters constructed on the basis of famous Ka-50 (Black
Shark) by Kamov Public Corporation, the newspaper writes. However,
Radical Turkish newspaper says that Turkish leading experts recommend
the government to refrain from signing of the contract on the supply
of Ka-50-2 “Erdogan” and negotiate with Moscow on possible delivery
of other type of war machines – Mi-38H helicopters constructed by the
Moscow Helicopter Plant after Mil and Rostvertol Public Corporation
(Rostov-on-Don, Russia). These helicopters are supplied with board
radio-electronic equipment, “Attack” guided missile as well as with
“air-air” rockets. The problem, however, lies in the fact that the
Russian army will receive Mi-28H helicopter, also called “Night
Hunter” in 2007 only. “Anyway, it is not ruled out that Putin will
convince the Turkish authorities to purchase Ka-50-2 “Erdogan”,
Novie Izvestia added.