Antelias: WCC moderator meets with South Korean President

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

MEETING THE SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT, HIS HOLINESS ARAM I UNDERSCORES THE
IMPORTANCE OF RECONCILIATION

WCC-Geneva _ KOREA – South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun has expressed his
strong appreciation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the
ecumenical movement for its “fundamental assistance” in support of human
rights and democratization in his country. He has also welcomed the
contribution of the churches to promoting a peaceful reunification of
divided Korea.

Receiving the members of WCC executive committee and Korean church leaders
in Seoul on 24 August, the president stated his warm personal appreciation
for the role of the WCC and of the National Council of Churches (NCCK) in
encouraging democracy and raising awareness of justice and human rights
issues in Korea.

The president, who worked as a human rights lawyer defending pro-democracy
and labor rights activists before taking up political office, was involved
in the NCCK human rights programme. The contact with NCCK and the churches
“opened my eyes to human rights and justice issues”, he stated.

The WCC, together with the NCCK, actively supported the nascent human rights
movement in Korea during the 1970s and 1980s during the period of the
military dictatorship.

In talks with the president and with representatives of the Korean Ministry
of Unification, the WCC leaders underlined the continued engagement of the
churches and ecumenical movement in fostering a peaceful reunification of
Korea. South and North Korea have been separated since the Korean war ended
in 1954.

WCC moderator Catholicos Aram I underscored how the Christian understanding
of reconciliation was closely linked to unification and the overcoming of
division. “We are called by God in Jesus Christ to strive for reconciliation
and unity in all its forms. WCC is committed to working with all people of
goodwill to overcome the barriers which divide our societies”, he said.

The commitment of WCC to the reunification of Korea was echoed by WCC
general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. “WCC stands for de-nuclearisation
and disarmament in the Korean peninsula based on a negotiated agreement by
all parties as a foundation of peace, and will continue to promote a policy
of dialogue and exchange”, he said.

During an exchange with executive committee members, president Roh Moo-hyun
also expressed his support for the invitation of the Korean churches and of
NCCK to host a future WCC assembly in Korea. The WCC general secretary
thanked the president and said that the “WCC hopes and prays that an
assembly would be possible in a united Korea in the near future”.

The WCC executive committee will issue a statement on Korea at the end of
the week that will express its serious concern about the human rights and
humanitarian situation in North Korea, and will outline ongoing ecumenical
efforts for the peaceful reunification of the divided country.

The WCC executive committee is meeting in Seoul 24-27 August on the
invitation of NCCK and the Korean churches.

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View printable pictures here:

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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

http://www.cathcil.org/
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http://www.cathcil.org/

ARMENIA – Photographer assaulted in the north of the country

Canada NewsWire

ARMENIA – Photographer assaulted in the north of the country

MONTREAL, Aug. 26 /CNW Telbec/ – Photographer Mkhitar Khachatrian, of the
PhotoLur agency was assaulted after taking photos of politicians’ private
holiday villas in Tsaghkadzor in the north of the country.

Reporters Without Borders called on Armenia’s prosecutor-general Aghvan
Hovsepyan to do everything possible to track down and punish those
responsible.

Khachatrian and Anna Israelian, of the independent daily Aravot, were
working on a report on the destruction of the forest caused by
house-building
in the region.

They were photographing private homes, chiefly belonging to parliamentary
deputies, on 24 August when a guard ordered them to stop. The journalists
refused to comply.

The same evening the guard, accompanied by a group of thugs, found the
pair in a local café. One of them struck Khachatrian and threatened to kill
him. He then ordered him to hand over his camera containing shots of the
villas, and the photographer handed him the disk.

Assaults on journalists have escalated since the start of the year. On 5
April several journalists were manhandled on the sidelines of a
demonstration
while security forces looked on. In June, two of the assailants were fined
about 150 euros in connection with the assaults. Security forces beat up two
more journalists at a demonstration on 13 April. In its letter to the
prosecutor general, the international press freedom organisation stressed
that, “Coming after the incidents in April it would be dangerous to all
journalists if a climate of impunity were allowed to take hold”.

For further information: Emily Jacquard, Responsable de la
communication, Reporters sans frontières Canada, [email protected],
(514) 521 4111, Cell: (514) 258 4208, Fax: (514) 521 7771

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2004/26/c4353.html

Armenian Relief Mission Brings Playground to Vanadzor

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF MISSION
BOX 571
WINNETKA IL 60093
contact: Gary Peter Rejebian
TEL: 312-726-4600 x313
FAX: 312-726-9570
[email protected]

If it can be built, will they come?

Article & photos by Kim Karpeles

Piles of playground material stacked neatly outside a medical clinic
in Vanadzor, Armenia awaited a group of 10 volunteers–five men and
five women–who recently travelled across 10 time zones to reconstruct
the equipment. Two questions hung over the group from the United
States: Can the playground be finished in the allotted 3½ days? And
when it is built, will anyone come?

The playground adventure had its start several months beforehand when
the Northbrook, IL Park District announced it would be replacing an
aging playground in the downtown area. Residents of Northbrook and
others affiliated with the Armenian Relief Mission (ARM), headed by
Steve and Rozik Kashian of Winnetka IL, banded together to secure the
donation of the equipment graciously donated to ARM, and in September
2003 disassembled it for shipment. Each piece was meticulously labeled
and the structures photographed to assist in reconstruction. In early
November, three shipping containers, donated by United Armenian Fund,
were loaded and sent to the ARM clinic in Vanadzor.

Construction co-foremen Meredith TeGrotenhuis and Laurie Nelson
immediately plunged in and oversaw the organization of materials and
determined placement for the main structure, swing set and train which
the group hoped to finish. It didn’t take long before a small crowd
of curious children and adults had gathered along the fence
surrounding the play area – a sight that was to become very
familiar. What were these Americans doing? What were they going to
build? Meredith and Laurie shared a notebook of CAD designs and
photographs of the playground in Northbrook with the onlookers. Though
few of the Armenians understood English, they quickly understood the
plans and their eyes shone with excitement. Unseasonably wet and cold
weather faced the construction crew for the next three days as the
playground took shape, section by section. Clad in winter clothing
donated to the clinic, the crew kept working despite rain and hail and
the frustration that the arrival of one box of key construction tools
was delayed until the project was completed.

Four Armenian men worked primarily on the swing set construction, but
also assisted the crew when many hands and strong arms were needed to
place flooring sections and raise beams. Working side by side required
everyone to improve their sign language skills and to learn a few key
words of Armenian or English. The “thumbs up” sign was exported to
Armenian while the US team mastered shnorhagalem (thank you).

Opening day for the playground dawned bright and clear. The team went
door-to-door throughout the neighborhood inviting families to join the
4:00pm festivities with welcoming speeches planned and music provided
by local church singers. Before the gates opened, children and their
parents and grandparents lined the fence standing three and four deep.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as hundreds of kids awaited
their chance to swing and climb and slide.

The crowd surged forward and more than 400 children converged at once
filling every conceivable square inch of playground equipment. For
hours, children went down the slide, two or three at a time. They
stood patiently in line for a chance to swing or took a seat in the
train and enjoyed the thrill of the first playground for their town of
75,000. And the construction team held their breath and prayed that
every bolt would hold!

With the sun setting behind distant mountains and the playground still
filled with joyous children, the volunteers gave thanks to God that
the answer to both questions was a resounding: “HARGAV! OF COURSE!”

The Armenian Relief Mission, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, was started by Dr Steve Kashian, a Chicago-area
physician,and his wife Rozik to provide medical and humanitarian aid
to Armenia “one person at a time.” Since 1991, the organization has
opened a pharmacy and built and run a new medical clinic facility in
Vanadzor, helped an Armenian man develop one of the largest sausage
businesses in the country, visited numerous orphanages to bring school
supplies and good cheer to Armenian children, and even helped the
residents of an apartment building renovate their common areas. ARM
is currently working on starting a residential home for young women
who have been `aged out’ of state orphanages to prevent them from
ending up on the street. If you would like more information about ARM
activities please email: [email protected] or write to: Armenian
Relief Mission, box 571 Winnetka IL 60093

Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Commend NK on 13th Anniversary of Indep.

PRESS RELEASE August 26, 2004
CONTACT: Christopher Close/Knollenberg
(202) 225-5802
Andrew Souvall or Jennifer Cannata/Pallone
(202) 225-4671

ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS COMMEND NAGORNO KARABAKH ON 13TH ANNIVERSARY
OF INDEPENDENCE

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), cochairmen of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, today commended the people of Nagorno Karabakh on the
13th anniversary of their independence.

“Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabakh is a proud state
committed to the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and an
open civil society,” Knollenberg and Pallone wrote in a letter to
President Arkady Ghoukasian of Nagorno Karabakh. “Today, as we extend
our congratulations to the people and the authorities of Nagorno
Karabakh on the 13th anniversary of the Proclamation of the NKR, we
welcome your determination and efforts in strengthening Karabakh’s
democratic institutions and market economy.

“Karabakh has proven to be a capable, reliable and serious partner of
the international community,” the lawmakers continued. “Peace and
stability in the South Caucasus are not possible without a
contribution from Nagorno Karabakh. We assure you of our strong
commitment to Karabakh’s security and development.”

On September 2, 1991 the people of Artsakh adopted the Proclamation of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, declaring their independence from
Azerbaijani rule.

The text of the letter to President Arkady Ghoukasian follows.

August 26, 2004

H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
3 February 20th Street
Stepanakert, NKR

Dear Mr. President

As you know, September 2 is a historic day for Nagorno Karabakh. On
this day in 1991 the people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their
intention to create their own independent state. This is the day when
the Declaration proclaiming the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was adopted.
With this Declaration the courageous people of Artsakh expressed their
determination to live in freedom.

The people of Artsakh have persevered through many challenges to peace
and stability as the Soviet oppression, Azerbaijan’s military
aggression, consequences of a devastating war, and the continuing
blockade imposed by Azerbaijan failed to break the spirit of Artsakh’s
people. Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabakh is a
proud state committed to the values of democracy, respect for human
rights, and an open civil society.

Today, as we extend our congratulations to the people and the
authorities of Nagorno Karabakh on the 13th anniversary of the
Proclamation of the NKR, we welcome your determination and efforts in
strengthening Karabakh’s democratic institutions and market economy.
Karabakh has proven to be a capable, reliable and serious partner of
the international community. Peace and stability in the South
Caucasus are not possible without a contribution from Nagorno
Karabakh. We assure you of our strong commitment to Karabakh’s
security and development.

Sincerely,
Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress

Jennifer Karch Cannata
Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.
420 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4671 office
(202) 225-9665 fax

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Church Online Bulletin – 08/26/2004

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
August 26, 2004
___________________

Week of August 20 to August 26, 2004
* * *

PRIMATE HEADED TO RACINE FOR ORDINATIONS THIS WEEKEND

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), will be at the St. Mesrob Church of Racine,
WI, this weekend. On Saturday night (8/28), he will lead a vespers
service at 6 p.m., followed by the ordination of acolytes. During the
Divine Liturgy on Sunday (8/29), starting at 9:30 a.m., the Primate will
ordain sub-deacons and a deacon. For more on his visit, including a
list of those to be ordained, click to our website:
;selmonth=8&sel
year04

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 8/25/04)
* * *

CATHOLICOS CONSECRATES NEW CHURCH IN UKRAINE

On Monday (8/23) His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, traveled to Kharkov, Ukraine, where he
consecrated the newly built Church of the Holy Resurrection on Tuesday
(8/24). It is the first Armenian Church in the eastern Ukraine.

(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 8/24/04)
* * *

PRIMATE VISITS HIGH SCHOOL GRADS AT ST. NERSESS

Last week the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary welcomed high school
graduates and college students for a week-long summer conference.
Archbishop Barsamian visited with the students last Tuesday (8/17). The
conference was just one of a series of week-long gatherings held
throughout the summer at the Seminary, during which students focus on
the Armenian Christian faith. For more on these programs and others St.
Nersess has for the public, click to its website:

(Source: St. Nersess Seminary, 8/26/04)
* * *

PAYING RESPECTS TO LATE ARTIST

Last week the Armenian community laid to rest “Katchaz” Kechejian, an
artist who came to America 30 years ago from Armenia, where he lived
after leaving his native Beirut. His funeral was held last Friday
(8/20) at the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in White Plains, NY,
where he was a parishioner. Archbishop Barsamian delivered remarks
during a wake held last Wednesday (8/18).

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 8/25/04)
* * *

NEW PRIEST ASSIGNED TO CATHEDRAL IN YEREVAN

The V. Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian, a member of the Brotherhood of
Holy Etchmiadzin, has been assigned by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, as the parish priest of the
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Mother Cathedral of Yerevan. Fr.
Jamkotchian recently completed his doctorate education at the Rheinische
Friedrich-Wilhelms University in Bonn, Germany.

(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 8/25/04)
* * *

FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO MOTHER IN ARMENIA

Two siblings, Gregory Manuelian and Christine Brewster, recently paid
tribute to their late mother, Diane Manuelian, by working with the Fund
for Armenian Relief (FAR) — the Diocesan-affiliated aid organization —
to build a new playground for the children at the Nork Orphanage in
Yerevan. To read more about how the pair worked with FAR to build a
better future for Armenia, click to FAR’s homepage:

(Source: Fund for Armenian Relief, 8/24/04)
* * *

STAND UP AGAINST GENOCIDE

The Eastern Diocese is working with a number of international ecumenical
and aid organizations to bring attention to the genocide in Sudan, and
to send help to the victims of the violence. Click to our website to
learn more, and to see how you can help:
;selmonth=8&sel
year04

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 8/24/04)

# # #

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www.armenianchurch.org
www.farusa.org

Armenian foreign minister, UN rep discuss poverty reduction

Armenian foreign minister, UN rep discuss poverty reduction

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
26 Aug 04

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan today received Movses
Abelyan, UN Secretary of the Committee for Programme Coordination and
Administrative and Budgetary Committee.

Oskanyan congratulated Abelyan on his appointment to this post at the
UN. He has been occupying this post since April 2003. Previously, he
headed Armenia’s permanent delegation at the UN.

Oskanyan and Abelyan mainly focused on Armenia’s involvement in the UN
development programmes. New programmes, cooperation within the UN
programmes to reduce poverty in Armenia and drafting a state programme
to this effect were also discussed at the meeting.

Attacker on Armenian reporter arrested

Attacker on Armenian reporter arrested

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
26 Aug 04

The Armenian Prosecutor-General’s Office has reported that Gagik
Stepanyan, 33, a resident of Yerevan, has been arrested.

The Prosecutor’s Office reported that it was Stepanyan who had
attacked Mkhitar Khachatryan, a photo correspondent, and seized his
camera. A criminal case has been brought against Stepanyan for
preventing reporters from performing their professional duties.

Chinese official, Armenian defence chief discuss cooperation

Chinese official, Armenian defence chief discuss cooperation

Mediamax news agency
26 Aug 04

YEREVAN

The secretary of the Security Council [under the Armenian president]
and defence minister, Serzh Sarkisyan, received in Yerevan today
Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese National
Defence Ministry Qian Lihua.

The press service of the Armenian Defence Ministry told Mediamax news
agency that during the meeting Serzh Sarkisyan expressed gratitude to
the leadership of the Chinese government and army for assisting the
Armenian armed forces. For his part, Qian Lihua noted that the
Chinese leadership attaches great importance to cooperation with
Armenia, including in the military sphere.

It was noted during the meeting that six Armenian servicemen would be
able to study at China’s military academies in 2004-06. If Armenia
wishes to increase the number of its students, the Chinese side is
ready to consider this issue, [the official said].

Serzh Sarkisyan expressed the hope that Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan’s visit to China at the end of September will give a new
impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

Armenian nuclear power plant to be re-opened by 4 October – minister

Armenian nuclear power plant to be re-opened by 4 October – minister

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
25 Aug 04

[Presenter] The Metsamor nuclear power plant has been out of operation
for 26 days. It was stopped on 31 July for overhaul and refuelling. It
is expected that the plant’s fourth turbine will be repaired in 65
days and that refuelling will be completed before 4 October. This is
the first time that fresh nuclear fuel has been delivered to the
Armenian plant in advance, before the beginning of repair works. In
addition to the above, a new security system is being installed at the
plant. About 12m dollars is expected to be allocated to Armenia this
year to improve its nuclear power plant’s safety.

[Correspondent over video of the nuclear plant] Maintenance at the
Metsamor nuclear power plant is being carried out according to the
schedule. All the blades on two of the plant’s turbines need to be
replaced. Preparation for the operation is being carried out by Czech
specialists. After that new fuel delivered in special containers will
be transferred to the reactor.

[Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan, captioned] This is the
first time that fresh nuclear fuel has been delivered to the plant in
advance, before the beginning of repair works. This is the first time
that repair works of such magnitude are being carried out at the
nuclear power plant. This work is expected to last 64 days. After 64
days the plant will again join the Armenia’s energy system.

[Correspondent] Safety and security measures are financed by the
European Union and the US Energy Ministry. Funds channelled to
maintain the plant’s safety after the 1995 reopening have exceeded 40m
dollars. International donors will allocate a further 12m dollars this
year.

[Movsisyan] Today the plant’s safety systems are sufficient to meet
the international standards. We would not talk about shutting down the
plant until Armenia creates alternative power generating
capacities. The construction of a new nuclear power is under
discussion. The main problem is lack of funding. After this problem is
resolved, it will be possible to decide which is more feasible: to
develop other power stations or to construct a new power unit at this
nuclear power station.

[Correspondent] Both options require finance. About 1bn dollars of
investment will be required in either case.

BAKU: Azeri paper chides German envoy for remarks in Turkish town

Azeri paper chides German envoy for remarks during visit to Turkish town

Ekspress, Baku
26 Aug 04

Text of Hasan Agacan’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekspress on 26
August headlined “German ambassador’s strange diplomacy” and subheaded
“Considering Kars to be Armenian territory, the German ambassador
advises Azerbaijan ‘to give up Nagornyy Karabakh'”

The German ambassador has spoken as an illiterate child in Kars
[Turkey]. Wolf-Ruthart Born asked: “Have you looked at the Armenian
Constitution? You can see the boundaries of Kars on the map of
Armenia.” He believes that Azerbaijan should give up Nagornyy Karabakh
for the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border.

According to a statement by the German embassy in Turkey, ambassador
Wolf-Ruthart Born left Ankara for the Kars region “in order to get
closely acquainted with the developments in the region” the day before
yesterday [24 August] and met local municipal head Israfil Cakaz.

The meeting was held in an atmosphere of “mutual understanding”.
[Turkish] Tercuman newspaper reported yesterday that during the
meeting, Cakaz had asked the German ambassador to exert the “necessary
influence” on official Ankara to open the Turkish-Armenian border as
soon as possible.

[Turkish] Havadis quoted Cakaz as saying: “The border between Turkey
and Armenia should be opened soon. Since the border with Armenia is
closed, Kars is one of the economically and socially backward regions
in Turkey. Our people are unemployed and businessmen are worried. We
want the border with Armenia to be opened.”

In response to his appeal, the German ambassador made an unexpected
statement, which has already provoked a big scandal in Ankara: “As far
as I know, Kars and the territory surrounding it are Armenian lands
according to the Armenian Constitution. As for the opening of the
border, the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagornyy Karabakh should
be resolved for the resolution of this problem. If Azerbaijan gives
up Nagornyy Karabakh and recognizes its independence, the
Turkish-Armenian border will open.”

We contacted the Turkish Foreign Ministry in connection with the
incident. The ministry’s general press and media department said that
they were clarifying the statements made by the German ambassador to
Turkey, Wolf-Ruthart Born, during his Kars visit. “It is still
premature to express any position. Because all the reports are being
spread by the media. The ministry will express its official position
after contacting the embassy and obtaining the necessary
information. We hope that the German ambassador to our country has not
used expressions that are in any form against our territorial
integrity.”

The German embassy in Turkey has refused to make any comment in this
regard.

Turkey sets Yerevan’s withdrawal from the occupied Azerbaijani lands
as a precondition for the opening of the border with Armenia. The
German ambassador to Turkey understood the situation the other way
round and his illiteracy cannot but cause surprise.