Associated Press Worldstream
October 18, 2004 Monday
Christian clergy turn other cheek to spitting Israelis
JERUSALEM
A leader of the Armenian church in Jerusalem said Monday the church
would not press charges against an Israeli who spat at clergy during
a Christian procession last week in the Old City of Jerusalem.
In the Oct. 17 incident, a Jewish seminary student spat at Armenian
Archbishop Nourhan Manougian as he carried a cross in a procession
through the Old City’s cobbled streets. A fistfight broke out, and
the archbishop’s medallion of office was damaged. The student was
arrested but released shortly afterward.
Armenian Bishop Aris Shirvanian said the attacker apologized, and the
church decided to adopt “a Christian outlook, with love.”
Tensions are always high in the walled Old City, divided among
Christians, Jews and Muslims. The Old City contains important holy
sites of all three religions, and some are contested among competing
religions and denominations.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews have also been seen cursing Christian backpackers
on the streets of modern Jerusalem, accusing them of trying to
convert young Jews to Christianity.
Israeli media quoted the student as saying he spat at the Armenian
cleric as a protest against “idol worship.”

El Pais
October 19, 2004
Falleras interculturales
LYDIA GARRIDO
Como inspirada por Pastora: “No me llames Carmina, llamame Gueguel”.
Prefiere la alegoria a la alegria en lengua armenia que encierra su
segundo nombre. Carmina Gueguel Massmanian es, desde anoche, la
fallera mayor de Valencia para 2005. Entra en el reinado con los 23
anos a la vuelta de poco mas de dos semanas, ajustada en negro por el
corte y confeccion de una madre que se desdobla entre el diseno de
moda y la atencion al paciente. Plantara en la plaza de la Reina en
un aniversario sonado: 125 anos de la comision La Seu-La Xerea-El
Mercat. Aplazara la toga de letrada por el cancan del traje de
fallera que paseara por cualquier celebracion que se precie. “Sin
vivir en una burbuja, eso si”. Y es que despues de coger el guante a
la congelada emocion de Rita Barbera al comunicar el gran honor y
agradecer la representacion “de todos los valencianos”, Gueguel se
comprometio con la no violencia. “Me preocupa la realidad del mundo
en que vivimos, la violencia de genero muy especialmente, las luchas
entre algunos paises y el terrorismo”.
Algo de la tragedia historica de pueblos con poca fiesta la ha
conocido de la memoria viva de su padre, porque sus lejanas tierras
de origen le siguen siendo extranas. Massmanian esta entre los
ilustres de la medicina en dermatologia. Recibe en el centro de
especialidades de la calle de Alboraia y en La Fe, al margen de su
propio rincon. Nacio en Siria en el seno de una familia armenia, paso
por El Libano y llego a Madrid en 1966 porque la historia de un loco
que luchaba contra molinos se colo entre sus cuentos infantiles y le
desperto la curiosidad por Espana. “Me cerraron la Facultad”,
explica. Y se dijo: “Valencia, que tiene una buena facultad y mar”.
Antranick Massmanian, que asume con naturalidad el rosario de errores
que coleccionara sobre la traduccion grafica del nombre y apellidos
de su hija, es un habilidoso de la guitarra clasica. Y confiesa que
ninguna de sus pasiones artisticas se ha reproducido en sus dos
hijas. Mas bien se parecen a Mari Carmen: enfermera, disenadora de
moda y muy, muy fallera.
La fiesta tambien es consanguinea en casa de los Sanchez Beltran.
Cristina, a la sazon fallera mayor infantil, es hija de un sevillano
que no ha perdido el acento y de una valenciana con raices en Alzira.
La pequena de las tres hijas encajo la distincion como si hubiera
nacido tambien con ella. Suelta y resuelta, aviso que tambien ella
estara entre los laureados en la medicina, pero en la cirugia o la
cirugia plastica: “Para tocarle a la gente lo que no le guste,
quitarle los complejos”. Tiene diez anos, estudia en el colegio
Antonio Maria Claret, la peluqueria de su madre no es su lugar
preferido, enreda divinamente con las matematicas y el trabajo de su
padre lo resume en una formula: “agente comercial, vende”. Con ella
explica su dedicacion a la exportacion e importacion de productor
carnicos. Solo se extiende en sus habilidades con las lenguas: “Hablo
valenciano, claro con mis iaios, estudio aleman y hablo ingles”. Sin
problemas con la altura, igual como base que alero, pelea por la
canasta en sus partidos de baloncesto.
Confiesa su historiada coqueteria: “Para manana hoy para el lector
prefiero llevar el traje inspirado en el siglo XIX, tengo otro que
recuerda a los del XVIII pero la manga…”. Y quiere dejar claro que
el corte de su talle para el dia de ayer habia sido a medida, como si
ya fuera fallera mayor.
Gueguel y Cristina se convirtieron ayer en una pareja de hecho para
la Fallas. Empezaron el ejercicio sobre similares jaspeados de gres,
entre retratos de mayores y otros que no lo son tanto, cercanos y
lejanos afectos, en platas lucidas y maderas labradas, con paisajes
bucolicos de fondo, achuchadas y agasajadas con flores y brindis. La
una con la perspectiva de la graduacion para lucir punos desnudos. La
otra, con la punteria a prueba de tiros libres para que nada quede
por decir: “Se tiene que hablar mucho de las Fallas”.

El Mundo
October 17, 2004
LA ERA POST SADAM / Muere una persona y otras nueve resultan heridas
tras impactar dos morteros en el jardin de un hospital / Es el
segundo ataque en cadena contra templos no musulmanes que se produce
este ano en Irak.
Oleada de explosiones sin victimas en cinco iglesias cristianas de
Bagdad.
NAMIR SOBHI / ALISTAIR LYON. Efe / Reuters / EL MUNDO
Irak. Atentados. Oleada de explosiones sin victimas en cinco iglesias
cristianas de Bagdad. Portada
BODY:
BAGDAD.- Varios morteros y bombas de fabricacion casera estallaron
ayer por la manana en cinco iglesias en Bagdad en una nueva ola de
atentados contra templos cristianos que esta vez no causaron
victimas, informaron fuentes del Ministerio iraqui del Interior.Los
ataques alcanzaron tambien un hospital, donde dejaron un muerto y
nueve heridos, y un hotel de la capital.
El portavoz de ese Ministerio, Adnan Abdelrahman, preciso que las
explosiones se produjeron en las iglesias de San Jose, en el barrio
de Nafaq al Shurta; de San Jorge y San Jacobo, en Al Dura; de Roma,
en Al Karrada; y de la Virgen Maria, en Al Mansur.
La fuente indico que las deflagraciones causaron diversos danos en
los muros, ventanales y puertas de los templos, asi como en viviendas
aledanas.
Segun el relato de testigos proximos a las iglesias, las explosiones
fueron casi simultaneas, ya que se produjeron con un intervalo de
entre 10 y 30 minutos.
“Este es el tercer ataque que sufre mi templo desde que fue derribado
el regimen del presidente Sadam Husein, el 9 de abril del ano
pasado”, dijo a Efe el sacerdote Yebrail Chamaty, parroco de la
iglesia de San Jose, catolica de rito caldeo.
Por su parte, Abu Daud, guardian de la iglesia de la Virgen Maria, en
la que se congregan los armenios ortodoxos, dijo: “poco despues de
entrar en el templo para telefonear al parroco escuche una fuerte
explosion que arranco la puerta, los ventanales y la verja externa”.
Segunda ola de atentados
Daud preciso que antes del estallido vio a dos jovenes que descendian
de coches negros y que “traian entre las manos algo grande, pero
cuando grite para llamarles la atencion ellos emprendieron la fuga”.
“No esta bien. Vivimos en medio del miedo”, dijo Marlene Mijail, una
vecina de 40 anos que aguardaba mas noticias de su iglesia sentada en
su casa, rodeada de cruces e iconos cristianos, informa Reuters.
La ola de atentados es la segunda contra iglesias tras la del pasado
1 de agosto, cuando estallaron varios coches bomba en cinco templos
cristianos de Bagdad y Mosul, norte de Irak, que dejaron 11 civiles
muertos y decenas de heridos.
Los cristianos de Irak, cuya presencia tiene raices muy antiguas
hasta el punto de que ellos se definen como “hijos de Santo Tomas”,
son unos 800.000 por todo el pais, lo que supone casi el 3% de la
poblacion.
Poco despues de los ataques contra las iglesias, una persona moria y
otras nueve resultaban heridas por la explosion de dos bombas de
mortero que cayeron en el jardin del hospital Eben al Beitar y en un
lugar proximo, en el barrio de Al Salehiya.El ataque se produjo
despues de que en la zona bagdadi de Al Mansur otro proyectil de
mortero cayera en el garaje del hotel Melia, en el que la embajada de
la Republica Popular China tiene su sede y donde residen algunos
corresponsables extranjeros.
Cinco automoviles estacionados en el lugar resultaron destruidos por
la explosion del proyectil, indicaron fuentes del hotel.
El mando militar estadounidense informo, por su parte en un
comunicado, de que un soldado norteamericano murio ayer a
consecuencias de las heridas que sufrio en un atentado perpetrado el
viernes, contra su patrulla, al norte de Bagdad.
El militar resulto herido al estallar un coche al paso de su convoy a
mediodia del viernes, en el centro de Mosul.
Otros tres soldados norteamericanos, asi como un marine y un
interprete iraqui murieron tambien el viernes en un atentado suicida
perpetrado por un hombre que se lanzo en su coche contra un convoy
militar americano al oeste de Irak, segun informo ayer un portavoz
del cuerpo de Marines.
Estas muertes elevan a 1.087 el numero de militares norteamericanos
fallecidos en Irak desde la invasion del pais en marzo de 2003, segun
los datos facilitados por el Pentagono.
Asimismo, tres personas murieron por la explosion de una bomba
colocada en una carretera en la localidad de Mansuriya al Yabal,
proxima a Baquba, a unos 90 kilometros al noreste de Bagdad.
Por ultimo, fuentes del Ministerio iraqui de Educacion denunciaron
que uno de sus responsables de Kirkuk, a unos 290 kilometros al norte
de Bagdad, fue asesinado por desconocidos. La victima, que no fue
identificada por las fuentes, era miembro de la Union Patriotica del
Kurdistan (UPK) de Irak y fue tiroteada cuando salia de su casa para
dirigirse al trabajo.
El Gobierno, que busca pacificar el pais antes de las elecciones de
enero, ha prometido restaurar la autoridad estatal en bastiones
rebeldes como la localidad musulmana suni de Faluya, si es necesario
por la fuerza.

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
Ottobre 19, 2004
VATICANO: CON RABBINI IMPEGNO PER GERUSALEMME E SITI SACRI
CITTA’ DEL VATICANO
(ANSA) – CITTA’ DEL VATICANO, 19 OTT – Le autorita
rispettino “il carattere sacro di Gerusalemme e prevengano
azioni che offendano la sensibilita’ delle comunita’ religiose
che risiedono a Gerusalemme”. Le autorita’ “protestino
pubblicamente di fronte a azioni di non rispetto verso persone,
simboli e luoghi sacri”.

Questi i punti principali di una dichiarazione congiunta
della Commissione per il dialogo tra le delegazioni del Gran
rabbinato d’Israele e della Commissione della Santa Sede per i
rapporti religiosi con l’ebraismo”. La Commissione per il
dialogo si e’ riunita a Grottaferrata dal 17 al 19 ottobre e la
dichiarazione e’ stata diffusa questa mattina dalla sala stampa
vaticana.

La nota congiunta parte dalla constatazione che non c’e
attualmente “piena consapevolezza” nelle rispettive comunita
“del cambiamento che ha avuto luogo nella relazione tra
cattolici ed ebrei”. Tra i punti affermati: “non siamo nemici,
ma partner nell’articolare i valori morali essenziali per la
sopravvivenza e il benessere della comunita’ umana”;
“Gerusalemme ha carattere sacro per tutti i figli di
Abramo”Tra gli esempi di azioni da deprecare a livello di
autorita’, nei casi di non rispetto verso persone, oggetti o
siti sacri, la nota colloca “la profanazione di cimiteri e il
recente attacco al patriarcato armeno di Gerusalemme”.
(ANSA).

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
Ottobre 18, 2004
ITALIA-ARMENIA: FRATTINI INCONTRA VARTAN OSKANIAN
ROMA
(ANSA) – ROMA, 18 OTT – I principali temi di attualita
internazionale quali la crisi irachena e medio-orientale, la
riforma delle Nazioni Unite, il processo di allargamento
dell’Unione europea e la situazione nel Caucaso dove, accanto ad
evoluzioni positive, permangono fattori di potenziale
instabilita’. Sono stati questi i temi affrontati oggi in un
incontro a Roma tra il ministro degli Esteri Franco Frattini e
il suo omologo dell’Armenia Vartan Oskanian. All’incontro ha
partecipato anche il sottosegretario Margherita Boniver.

I due ministri – si rileva alla Farnesina – hanno inoltre
approfondito lo stato dei rapporti bilaterali, gia’ ottimi,
concordando sull’opportunita’ di rafforzare la cooperazione
economico-commerciale soprattutto attraverso una valorizzazione
del ruolo delle piccole e medie imprese.
La visita del Ministro Oskanian in Italia si inserisce nella
politica di “dialogo rinforzato” dell’Italia con i paesi del
Caucaso, avviata dal Ministro Frattini con il viaggio a Tbilisi
nel giugno scorso e proseguita con la visita a Roma all’inizio
di ottobre del ministro degli Esteri dell’Azerbaigian. La
recente decisione dell’Unione europea di estendere alla regione
caucasica la sua politica di “nuovo vicinato” rafforza
sensibilmente le relazioni dei paesi della regione con il
continente europeo e costituisce, per l’Italia, un ulteriore
stimolo a intensificare i rapporti bilaterali.

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
Ottobre 18, 2004
GERUSALEMME, SCUSE STUDENTE ZELOTA CHE SPUTO’ SU VESCOVO
GERUSALEMME
(ANSA) – GERUSALEMME, 18 OTT – Ha presentato le sue
scuse lo studente zelota di una scuola religiosa ebraica che la
settimana scorsa a Gerusalemme aveva sputato sulla croce portata
dal vescovo armeno durante una processione.

Lo riferisce oggi il quotidiano israeliano Haaretz, che dopo
l’incidente – dal quale era nata una piccola rissa – aveva
lanciato una campagna contro la crescita dell’intolleranza
religiosa nella citta’ santa.

Secondo Haaretz, che cita la polizia israeliana, il
giovanotto, Natan Zwi Rosenthal, si e’ scusato con il vescovo
Nourhan Manougian, e ha detto di essere cresciuto con l’idea che
il cristianesimo fosse una religione idolatra, vietata dalla
Torah. Alle scuse del giovane si sono associati il padre e i
rabbini della yashiva (scuola religiosa) Har Hamor frequentata
da Rosenthal.

Il vescovo armeno ha detto di accettare le scuse, aggiungendo
di volere perdonare il ragazzo.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Sify, India
Oct 20 2004
Chess Olympiad: Indian men beat Armenia

Mallorca: A brilliant Surya Shekhar Ganguly propelled the Indian men
to a 2.5-1.5 win over fourth-seeded Armenia after beating Gabriel
Sargissen in the fifth round of the 36th Chess Olympiad underway here
at Gran Casino.
The other games involving Indians were drawn after some very exciting
fights.
On the top board, World Rapid Champion Viswanathan Anand gave another
display of his superior defensive skills to play out a draw against
former World Junior Champion Levon Aronian.
On the second board, Krishnan Sasikiran salvaged a completely lost
position to hold veteran Rafael Vaganian, while on the third,
Harikrishna signed peace with Smbat Lputian after a struggle.
“It is an excellent result,” a jubilant Ganguly said soon after his
victory, which he considered to be very neat.
It was a normal Ruy Lopez where in Ganguly fell under some pressure
on the clock using a lot of time in the opening.
However, as it turned out in the middle game, Sargissen did not
really earn the desired advantage as Ganguly easily digested an extra
piece that was sacrificed.
Down to his last five minutes, Ganguly knew that his position was
better but the clock prompted him to offer a draw on his 21st move.
“I am glad now that he refused the offer, perhaps he overestimated
his position”, Ganguly said. The game lasted 42 moves.
In other important clashes, overnight leaders Ukraine were held to a
draw by third seed Israel with all the four games ending in a truce,
while top seed Russia defeated Slovakia 2.5-1.5.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/19/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Christofias Emphasizes Turkey's Pre EU Need to Recognize Genocide 2) ARF Europe Decides to Step up Lobbying Prior to EC Meeting 3) Cyprus Lists Conditions for Turkey's EU Bid 4) First European Armenian Convention Attracts Hundreds, Features Leading European Union Experts 5) The Christian Presence in Jerusalem in Jeopardy Declared His Holiness Aram I 6) Putin, Aliyev Discuss Karabagh 1) Christofias Emphasizes Turkey's Pre EU Need to Recognize Genocide YEREVAN (Armenpress/CNA)--The president of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, announced during a press conference in Armenia that Turkey should fulfill specific criteria set forth by the European Union before negotiations begin on its entry into the European body. Examples of such criteria, stressed Christofias, are Turkey's recognition of the Armenian genocide, as well as its recognition of all EU member states, including Cyprus, and its extension of EU customs union to Cyprus. At a joint press conference, Armenia's National Assembly President Arthur Baghdasarian and his Cypriot counterpart Christofias reinforced their similar views on issues of common concern, along with a full understanding of the other's positions. Baghdasaryan said relations between Cyprus and Armenia must intensify, and iterated Armenia's support to Cyprus in its effort to settle its political problem with Turkey. Noting the similarity in the history of the two peoples, Christofias said, "We are victimized peoples who, through their struggle to survive, have developed a high sense of solidarity and love for the individual and of justice.'' The Cypriot parliamentary delegation, which began its a three-day visit to Armenia on Tuesday, also met with President Robert Kocharian. Among the issues discussed were their willingness to boost relations, and concerns about Turkey's drive to become an EU member before honoring its assumed obligations. 2) ARF Europe Decides to Step up Lobbying Prior to EC Meeting YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) representatives from throughout Europe gathered in Brussels on October 17 for their regional convention, which focused on critical political developments in the region. Convention representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, and the United Kingdom primarily addressed the role of Europe's Armenian community in influencing regional politics with Turkey aspiring to join the European Union. The ARF has been actively working to ensure that Turkey accession into the EU be contingent on its fulfillment of a number of conditions. The convention decided to step up lobbying efforts before the December 17 meeting of the European Council, which will finalize the date for Turkey's EU accession talks. The delegates also pointed to the need for collaboration throughout Europe on October 17 to oppose Turkey EU bid. 3) Cyprus Lists Conditions for Turkey's EU Bid ANKARA (AFP)--Cyprus will back the opening of European Union accession talks with Turkey if Ankara makes several gestures to the Greek Cypriot government which it does not recognize, Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou said in a newspaper interview on Sunday. Iacovou said his government would not block Turkey's bid when EU leaders take up the issue in December if Ankara agrees to allow Greek Cypriot ships and planes to use Turkish sea ports and air corridors and acknowledges Cyprus as an equal EU member. "The Cyprus republic does not wish to use its veto right," the minister told the popular Turkish daily Sabah. "But in order to escape such an unpleasant situation, Turkey should fulfill the responsibilities I mentioned or at least make a binding statement that it will do so by the time accession talks start, if it fails to fulfill them by December," he said. The leaders of the 25 EU nations will decide on December 17 whether to start membership talks with Turkey, an official candidate since 1999. The European Commission, the EU executive arm, said earlier this month that the Muslim nation had fulfilled the required democracy norms and recommended the inauguration of talks. The hostilities between Ankara and Nicosia stem from the three-decade division of Cyprus between its Turkish and Greek communities. Turkey has maintained thousands of troops in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north of the island since 1974 when it invaded the enclave with the stated aim of protecting its kinsmen against a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece. An international initiative to end the conflict failed in April when the Greek Cypriots voted down a UN reunification plan, while the Turkish Cypriots, long seen as an obstacle to any settlement, overwhelmingly endorsed it. The outcome ensured that the internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot south joined the EU on May 1, leaving the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north out in the cold. Ankara has rebuffed calls to recognize the Greek Cypriot government, arguing that it bears the responsibility for the failure of the UN peace plan. 4) First European Armenian Convention Attracts Hundreds, Features Leading European Union Experts BRUSSELS--In a landmark event that brought over two hundred and fifty Armenian advocacy leaders from more than fifteen European nations, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) held the opening day of the first ever Convention of European Armenians in the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium on October 18. The Convention, which takes place at a critical time for the more than two million Armenians living in the European Union, provided a forum for scholarly discussion, rigorous debate, and consensus-building on the role of Armenian culture and identity within Europe, the implications of Turkey's candidacy for the European Union, and the expansion of the EU's "neighborhood" to include the countries of the Caucasus. The opening day program, which included the first two of the Convention's sessions, featured presentations by senior European policy-makers, intellectuals, and community leaders. Each presentation, which was simultaneously translated in French, English, and Armenian, was followed by a question and answer session. The day's events ended with a reception in the European Parliament building. Welcoming Remarks The Convention opened with remarks from Francis Wurtz, (Member of European Parliament--European United Left), the Chairman of the European Parliament host committee for this program. His remarks were followed by Ruben Shugarian, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, whose responsibilities include Armenian diplomacy toward Europe and the Western Hemisphere. A welcome speech was made by EAFJD Chairperson Hilda Tchoboian, who followed her remarks by inviting Toros Sagherian, the Chairman of the Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe, to offer his thoughts to those in attendance. Messages of support were read from the His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House Cilicia, and His Beatitude Nerses Bedros, XIX Patriach of Armenians Catholics. Armenian Culture And Identity in Europe The first session covered the issue of "Armenian Culture and Identity in Europe," a topic of pressing concern to community leaders committed to seeing the Armenian contribution to Europe fully recognized and appreciated. The four member panel was chaired by Alexis Govciyan, the Chairman of "Europe de la Memoire." The discussion started with a presentation, titled "The European Linguistic Policy: Commission's Planning 2004-2006," by Jacques Delmoly, the Head of the Language Policy Unit in the European Commission's Directorate General. He stressed the importance the Commission places on promoting a favorable climate for the learning of languages based on a policy of linguistic diversity in an environment of integration. He spent considerable time explaining the role of the Armenian language--which he cited as an official European minority language--within this system of language education. Delmoly's official perspective on Armenian language education was followed by Haroutioun Kurkjian, an Athens-based author of Armenian language text books. After reviewing the context in which the Armenian community has evolved within Europe, Kurkjian, in his presentation on "The Armenian Culture and the European Union," stressed the need for the European Union to create a favorable environment for multiculturalism, one that is conducive for the development of Armenian language and culture. He noted his dissatisfaction with the failure of schools and the media to sufficiently propagate the Armenian language, and called for the European Armenian community to undertake the gradual "cultural rearming" of the Armenian diaspora. The third speaker on the first panel was Prof. Mihran Dabag, the Director of the Institute of Diasporas and Genocide at Bochum University in Germany. His comments, titled "The Armenian Experience in the Context of European Policies of Remembrance," examined European attitudes and policies dealing with the Armenian genocide and other aspects of Armenian history within the context of traditional and modern European models of remembrance. He noted that Europe's remembrance has not normally been understood as including the Armenian genocide, despite the fact that this crime falls well within the European experience on a number of fronts. The Armenian genocide should be recognized as part of European history, he argued, not simply as an element of the Turkish-Armenian relationship. Prof. Dabag cited the new Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes discussion of the Armenian genocide, as a prime example of Turkey's refusal to come to terms with this matter. Europe, he said, needs to provide a political answer to the political issue of Turkey's genocide of the Armenian nation. Moving beyond the genocide issue, he stressed that the Armenian community must make concerted efforts to create a framework that will ensure that Armenian literature is accepted by Europeans as part of their own tradition. The final speaker in the first panel was Jules Mardirossian, Chairman of the Armenian Studies, Information, and Documentation Center in France. The comments by this long-time intellectual and community leader were on the theme of "New Identities, Political Challenges, and the Issue of Transfer of Culture." In his presentation, Mardirossian explored the transformation of individual and collective identity and values of Armenians in Europe. Starting with a theoretical discussion of the nature of identity, he then described the reality of the post-modern, traditional, and transitional models of Armenian community identity today. Mardirossian ended his sweeping review of the identity challenges and opportunities facing the Armenians of Europe with the insight that culture without politics cannot survive, while politics without culture is sterile. Questions for the first panel included requests for additional insights into how to secure EU funding for Armenian language education, the potential loss of the Melkonian School as a center of diasporan education, and the broader neglect of identity building outside of Armenia. A spirited exchange on these issues lasted an hour, and was only adjourned to make time for the group to break for lunch. EU-Armenia Relations The second session, chaired by EAFJD Executive Director Laurent Leylekian, moved the focus of discussion from Armenian identity within the Europe to the EU's relations with Armenia. This topic began with insights from Marie-Anne Isler-Beguin, the Chairwoman of the EU-South Caucasus delegation. As the point person in the European Parliament on engagement with Armenia and its Caucasus neighbors, Isler-Beguin began by noting the EU's concern about the Armenian Cause, and stressing her appreciation of the fact that the concerns raised by Armenians about Turkey's candidacy are founded in fact. While noting that the EU should use its leverage over Turkey's entry to bring an end to the blockade of Armenia, she added that she believed that, in time, Turkey would accept its past and mutual interests would prevail over mutual hostility. On the topic of EU-Armenia relations, Isler-Begiun stated that European institutions would welcome progress by the Caucasus countries toward the EU family. She specifically expressed encouragement about Armenia's acceptance into the EU's new neighborhood program, the values that the EU and Armenia share, and the prospect for continued cooperation between Europe and Armenia on specific projects. The second speaker, Vicken Tchitetchian, who serves as Armenia's Ambassador to the European Union, provided an in-depth review of the current status and future prospects for expanded EU-Armenia relations. He pointed out that European integration was not being imposed from the outside, but rather sought by the Armenian government, which is moving this process forward in a realistic and practical manner. Amb. Tchitetchian stressed that Armenia has made progress in its key areas of reform, despite the fact that its neighbor to the West has sought, using the last closed border in Europe, to hinder its progress at every turn. Also presenting as part of the second panel was Vahan Zanoyan, the CEO of the Petroleum Finance Corporation and a world-renowned expert on international energy issues. Zanoyan reviewed the history and current status of the Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline and its implications for Armenia. He focused on two pressing challenges for backers of the pipeline, namely financing, which has largely been resolved via multilateral agencies, and the sufficiency of oil throughput for the line's viability, which remains an open question. He then spent considerable time offering his insights on the geopolitics of the pipeline and its impact on Armenia and the region. Richard Tibbels, the Armenian Desk Officer of the European Commission's Directorate General, offered a presentation on "EU-Armenia relations: Challenges and Opportunities." Tibbels, who works on a daily basis with the Armenian government, stressed that Armenia has made considerable progress across a number of reform areas--including alignment with European legal standards, membership in the World Trade Organization, and in its poverty reduction efforts. He also pointed out areas for improvement including the conduct of the 2003 presidential elections, respect for human rights, and the need to address income disparity and corruption as the economy grows stronger. The neighborhood program is not a gateway to prospective EU membership, but nor does it, he explained, in any way close the door to future participation in the European Union. Tibbels closed by noting the critical role that Europe's Armenian community plays in bringing the EU and Armenia closer together. The next presentation began with an announcement by Amb. Tchitetchian that the speaker--Demetrio Volcic--had been awarded the "Mkhitar Gosh" award in recognition of his support for the rule of law and the virtue of justice. Volcic, a former member of the European Parliament, noted that the EU has adopted a new pattern of thinking about areas on its borders. The EU, he said, can no longer afford to ignore the Caucasus region, and should devote increasing attention to Turkey's policies toward Armenia. Volcic was followed by Armand Sarian, a noted economist from France, who spoke on the topic of "Economic Relations between Armenia and the EU." Sarian began by noting the economic importance of this relationship, on issues ranging from investment to foreign aid. He stressed the progress Armenia has made on economic issues, despite its lack of resources, the near total orientation of its economy to Soviet markets, the 1988 earthquake, and the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades. He underscored the need to continue Armenia's growth, to foster the conditions for peace, and to make Armenia increasingly attractive to outside investors. The final speaker of the day was Prof. Otto Luchterhandt, who teaches International Law at the University of Hamburg. In his remarks, he outlined a compelling historical and legal case for Karabagh's right to self-determination. In addition, he sharply criticized the EU's inconsistency in identifying serious shortcoming in Turkey's willingness to meet clear European standards, while still recommending that Turkey begin talks toward eventual membership. He stated his strong opposition to any actions by the EU that position it as a neutral party in the matter of the Armenian genocide. The proper role for the EU, he argued, is in the morally correct position of pressing Turkey to come to terms with this crime. During the discussion period, Deputy Foreign Minister Shugarian repeated a point he had made several weeks earlier that Turkey's recognition of the Armenian genocide represents a security issue for the Republic of Armenia. Other topics raised in questions included whether the EU was fully using its leverage to press Turkey to meet international norms domestically and in its conduct with neighboring states. Other issues for discussion included Armenia's economic integration with Europe and the need for a differentiated EU approach to the Caucasus countries based on the merits of their respective progress in economic and political reforms. Additional news about the second day of the Convention will be forthcoming. The EAFJD represents more than 300 Armenian organizations in Europe. 5) The Christian Presence in Jerusalem in Jeopardy Declared His Holiness Aram I ANTELIAS--Referring to the recent attack of a Yeshiva student on Armenian Archbishop in Jerusalem Nourhan Manougian, His Holiness Aram I stated, "The news coming from the Christian quarter of Jerusalem is worrying and disturbing. The Churches and Christians in Jerusalem are increasingly witnessing the kind of incidents and situations which clearly indicate the existence of a well planned Israeli policy of Judiazation of Jerusalem. In fact, different manifestations of this policy are forcing the Christians to migration. It is a fact that the numerical size of Christian communities is very much reduced and the activities of the churches are becoming limited." Expressing his deep concern about this situation, His Holiness Aram I declared, "We cannot remain silent and indifferent in view of these attempts aimed at de-Christianization of Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been the birthplace of Christianity. Its Christian identity must be preserved. The right and privileges of all religious communities must be protected. Jerusalem must become a city of dialogue, tolerance, and peace. The Judiazation of Jerusalem will greatly harm the peace process in the region. Therefore, we urgently appeal to the international community to take this matter very seriously. More than at any time, at this critical point of the history of humanity, mutual respect, and tolerance between religions, nations, and communities must constitute the firm bases of all societies." 6) Putin, Aliyev Discuss Karabagh MOSCOW (AzerTag)--Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev in Moscow on Tuesday, to discuss bilateral trade and political issues, including the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. Aliyev expressed hoped that Russia, as a co-chair of the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Minsk Group [on Mountainous Karabagh] would make serious efforts to settle the Karabagh conflict. Putin welcomed the continuation of presidential meetings between Armenia and Azerbaijan related to Karabagh, and said that Russia stands ready to render active assistance in finding an acceptable settlement to the conflict. "Russia welcomes continuation of Azeri-Armenian dialogue at various levels, primarily at the top level, and is prepared to render active assistance to the sides involved in the conflict--both bilaterally and as a co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, in the search for a mutually acceptable solution and to act as guarantor of the prospective accord," a Russian presidential administration official pointed out. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

California Courier Online, October 21, 2004
1 – Commentary
When Clergy Come Under Attack,
Why Church and State Remain Silent?
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Karabagh Prime Minister Visits
Montebello, Holy Cross Church
3 – Levon Chaloukian Receives Special Award
From Television Academy of Arts & Sciences
4 – Sup. Antonovich
Dedicates Park
To Fallen Deputy
5 – Armenian Allied Arts Celebrates
70th Anniversary, Nov. 7 in L.A.
6 – Burbank Public Library Gets
700 Armenian-Language Books
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
When Clergy Come Under Attack,
Why Church and State Remain Silent?
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
A 21-year-old yeshiva (Jewish seminary) student spat at the cross being
carried by Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Grand Sacristan of the
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, during an outdoor religious procession
on Sunday, October 10. The Archbishop reacted by slapping the offending
young man. During the ensuing scuffle, the chain of the Armenian
clergyman’s 17th century medallion broke. The Israeli police arrested the
Jewish student who said that he spat at the cross “in order to protest
idolatry.” Pending a trial, the Jerusalem District Court banned the student
from entering the Old City for 75 days.
The spitting incident was covered extensively by the international media.
Armenian communities throughout the world were quite incensed. Armenian
passions were further inflamed when the Israeli police questioned Abp.
Manougian and considered charging him with assault.
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, “religious Jews, among them yeshiva
students, customarily spit on the ground as a sign of disgust on seeing the
cross. The Armenians who live adjacent to the Jewish Quarter of the Old
City suffer from this phenomenon more than any of the other Christian sects
in the Old City.”
Abp. Manougian told Haaretz that Armenian clergymen have already learned to
live with these insults. “I no longer get worked up by people who turn
around and spit when I pass them by in the street; but to approach in the
middle of a religious procession and to spit on the cross in front of all
the priests of the sect is humiliation that we are not prepared to accept,”
he said.
Using unusually blunt language, the Archbishop told Haaretz: “The Israeli
government is anti-Christian.” He also said: “When there is an attack
against Jews anywhere in the world, the Israeli government is incensed, so
why when our religion and pride are hurt, don’t they take harsher
measures?” According to Haaretz, “a policeman is customarily posted to
guard the Armenians’ procession, but he doesn’t do anything to prevent the
spitting. The Armenians took the matter up with Interior Minister Avraham
Poraz some seven months ago, but nothing has been done about it till now.”
Greek Orthodox clergymen reported last week that they too have been victims
of similar spitting attacks in Jerusalem.
Abp. Manougian’s bold words indicate that such ugly incidents are more than
just a common occurrence. Catholicos Aram I issued a statement last week
linking the spitting incident to the Israeli government’s unstated policy
of accelerating the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land. He pointed to
“the existence of a well planned Israeli policy of Judiazation of
Jerusalem. In fact, different manifestations of this policy are forcing the
Christians to migration. It is a fact that the numerical size of Christian
communities is very much reduced…. We cannot remain silent and indifferent
in view of these attempts aimed at de-Christianization of Jerusalem.”
Both Palestinians and Israelis quickly condemned the spitting incident.
Yasser Arafat, the Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and the
President of the Palestinian National Authority described the attack on the
Armenian Archbishop as “a serious infringement upon the freedom of
worship.”
Daniel Rossing, a former advisor to Israel’s Religious Affairs Ministry on
Christian Affairs, told Haaretz that there has been an increase in the
number of such incidents recently, “as part of a general atmosphere of lack
of tolerance in the country.”
In an editorial titled, “Jerusalem’s disgrace,” Haaretz condemned “the
disgraceful phenomenon of spitting at priests.” The Jewish scholar Aviad
Hacohen wrote in the Jerusalem Post: “The latest spitting incident is a
mark of shame on Israeli society in the 21st century. A mark of moral and,
no less, religious shame. That Jerusalem hooligan really did spit in
someone’s face. But not in the face of the Archbishop alone. Rather, he
spit in the face of the Jewish people of Israel.” Given the widespread
outcry, Israel’s Interior Minister Poraz expressed his “revulsion at
repeated incidents of harassment by Jews against Christian clergy in
Jerusalem.”
On October 14, the police chief of the Old City organized a meeting of the
representatives of the Armenian Patriarchate, the Jewish youth, his father,
and the leaders of the seminary. The young man apologized for his offensive
action. The Armenian clergy graciously accepted the apology. A committee of
the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) held a hearing on this incident with the
participation of Armenian clergymen.
This incident has been rather satisfactorily resolved for now. However, it
is not clear why, aside from Catholicos Aram I, no Armenian clergyman
condemned the attack on Abp. Manougian? Furthermore, not a single Armenian
government official issued a statement in defense of this high-ranking
official of the Armenian Church. Why not?
Officials in Yerevan do not seem to realize that they have a moral
obligation to defend the rights of fellow Armenians around the world. Even
with their limited resources, they could have at least issued a statement
on this incident. It is very disappointing to see Israelis, Palestinians
and others come to the defense of the Armenian clergyman, while Armenian
leaders themselves remain silent!
The clergymen of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem themselves have
been too timid in the past to speak out when their rights have been
violated. This time, in addition to speaking out, the courageous Archbishop
dared to slap the offending young man.
Armenian clergy of the St. James Brotherhood, who have kept watch over
Christianity’s holiest shrines in Jerusalem for almost two millennia, need
to be reassured that they would not be left alone when they come under
attack either from fanatical individuals or government officials.
Meanwhile, Armenians should work with Israeli and Palestinian officials to
promote peace and harmony in the city that is holy to Christians, Muslims
and Jews alike.
**************************************************************************
2 – Karabagh Prime Minister Visits
Montebello, Holy Cross Church
By Tracy Garcia
Pasadena Star-News
MONTEBELLO — Prime Minister Anoushavan Danielian of the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic visited with Montebello city leaders Tuesday as part of a West
Coast campaign to raise money to complete a badly needed north-south
roadway in his home country. Montebello has long been known to have one of
the oldest Armenian populations in the United States, as many Armenians
relocated here immediately after
World War II, officials said.
As a result, Danielian chose to make Montebello one of about a half-dozen
stops on his California tour this week, also taking the opportunity to
place a brightly colored wreath at the city’s nearly 40-year-old Armenian
Martyr’s Memorial Monument at Bicknell Park.
“I’m very impressed about how ethnically diverse Montebello is,” Danielian
said through a translator during a reception held for him at the Holy Cross
Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello.
“The city houses many different communities — Armenians, Latinos — and as
an outsider, it’s good to see that they are all able to live together for
so many years, learning and helping and working with each other,” he added.
But the main purpose of Danielian’s visit, officials said, was to kick off
a campaign for a Thanksgiving Day telethon that hopes to raise $12.5
million to complete the North-South Backbone Highway in Nagorno Karabagh.
“The road connects the north and south regions of the country, and it’s a
very important infrastructure that needs to happen for economic development
of the country,” said Maria Mehranian , chairwoman of the Armenian Fund, a
humanitarian group that has given more than $100 million in assistance to
Armenia in the past decade.
The 12-year-old telethon is aired in 30 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles,
and in Canada, Europe and the Middle East to about 20 million viewers.
Mehranian said the Thanksgiving Day telethon will be aired on KSCI-TV
Channel 18 in Los Angeles.
Although telethon funds have gone to aid orphanages, hospitals and schools,
it has raised money for the past four years for the Backbone Highway and
hopes to raise the rest of the $12.5 million needed to complete it this
year.
Since last Friday, Danielian has visited Fresno, San Francisco, Los Angeles
and will stop in Anaheim, Irvine and San Diego before heading home Friday,
Mehranian said.
“We are always honored to have Armenian dignitaries visit this city,
particularly because we have such a large number of Armenians in our
boundaries,” said Montebello Mayor Norma Lopez-Reid . “For us, it’s very
important to maintain those positive relationships.”
**************************************************************************
3 – Levon Chaloukian Receives Special Award
From Television Academy of Arts & Sciences
LOS ANGELES – Levon Chaloukian, senior VP of Todd-AO/Soundelux Studios, was
presented with the prestigious Syd Cassyd Award at the Creative Arts Emmy
Awards in Sept. 12.
This special award, named after the founder of the Television Academy of
Arts & Sciences, is presented only when the Executive Committee deems that
there is an appropriate and worthy recipient. The vote must be unanimous.
The award Chaloukian received is only the seventh such award presented
since its inception 15 years ago.
Chaloukian was largely responsible for the Academy locating at the present
North Hollywood headquarters and for the construction and design of the
Leonard Goldenson Theater.
He has been an activist member of the Academy for over 20 years, first as a
member of the Board of Governors representing the Sound Category, then as a
two-term President. Unlike most Academy presidents who, after serving their
term, have faded into the background, Chaloukian returned as a Governor,
and now serves as the elected Treasurer of the Academy.
“Despite the latter position,” the award presenter quipped, “the Academy
finds itself in pretty good shape.”
Chaloukian is also a member of the Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors.
**************************************************************************
4 – Sup. Antonovich
Dedicates Park
To Fallen Deputy
STEVENSON RANCH, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich
was joined by several hundred residents and local dignitaries as he
officially dedicated the Kuredjian Park, adjacent to Pico Canyon Elementary
in Stevenson Ranch, on Oct. 6.
The park was named in honor of fallen L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Hagop
“Jake” Kuredjian, who was shot and killed in 2001 while assisting Federal
ATF agents who were attempting to serve a warrant on a Santa Clarita
resident.
“It is appropriate to honor and remember Deputy Kuredjian by dedicating
this family park in his name,” Antonovich said. “Jake was a hero and role
model to this community. This park is a perfect setting to gather and
remember Deputy Kuredjian’s contributions to the Santa Clarita Valley.”
**************************************************************************
5 – Armenian Allied Arts Celebrates
70th Anniversary, Nov. 7 in L.A.
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Allied Arts Association 70th Anniversary
Celebration Gala will be held on November 7, at 2 PM, in the historically
reputed Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City.
The Association is recognized as the first Armenian International Arts
organization to foster the talents of aspiring artists with annual
competitions in a broad array of arts categories. Winners receive cash
awards and trophies in each department.
A special program featuring past competition winners in the Vocal, Music
and Literature departments will entertain guests. Highly acclaimed
pianist, Sarkis Baltaian, the Grand Prize winner of the Armenian Allied
Association’s 1999 Competition will be featured, displaying his keyboard
skills with compositions by Armenian and internationally recognized
composers. Originally from Rumania, Baltaian was awarded a merit
scholarship from USC, where he received the Bachelor and Masters of Music
Degrees and became the Outstanding Graduate of the Keyboard Department.
Baltaian has received international acclaim with performances at festivals
and competitions in numerous European cities. He is currently a Teaching
Assistant to Professor John Perry in the Music Department at USC. He has
served as adjudicator for numerous music organizations and associations,
and in January 2005, Sarkis will be joining the faculty of the prestigious
Pan Pacific Piano Festival in Sydney, Australia.
An Art Exhibit featuring winning Art entries will be on display for all to
view. Guests will enjoy a bountiful array of hors d’oeuvres at the
reception, in the halls where Hollywood greats have tread and aspiring
artists have just begun.
Further details may be obtained by calling (626) 303-2023, (323)654-7988 or
(714)773-0611.
**************************************************************************
6 – Burbank Public Library Gets
700 Armenian-Language Books
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Los Angeles Daily News
BURBANK — About 700 Armenian-language books from the estate of a local
teacher have been donated to the Burbank Public Library, nearly doubling
its collection of works related to that culture. The books were donated by
the family of Khatchik Araradian of Hollywood, who died last year at age
90. They should appear on library shelves within three months.
“There’s a lot of older people in Burbank, older Armenians, who don’t
necessarily have the money to buy these books brand-new, so they could go
in and check it out and read it,” said Bedig Araradian, 45, of Burbank, a
nephew of the teacher.
The volumes include a translation of P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins” and a
translation of plays by William Saroyan. There are also books by famous
Armenian authors, such as Avetik Isahakyan, Silva Kaputikyan and Hagop
Oshagan.
There are also textbooks and other nonfiction in the donation.
Librarian Isabelle Kotikian said she expects nearly all the books to be
added to the library’s collection.
The Burbank library has about 400,000 books — about 8,663 of them in
non-English languages including Spanish, French and Japanese.
Araradian taught children about plays and theater at local Armenian
schools, including Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary in Encino. His interest
in theater shows up in the donated collection, which has many plays and
books about the dramatic arts.
“He loved reading. Every time he went out, he saw a book that he liked
(and) bought it,” said Alec Araradian, 40, of Burbank, another nephew.
Khatchik Araradian bought the books in local Armenian bookstores after he
settled in the United States in 1977 from Lebanon.
The books are among 1,000 donated books in Armenian or about Armenia or
Armenians that the library has received this year. The library system had
about 500 Armenian books before the donations.
In March the library received about 150 books about the Armenian Genocide
and Armenian history and put those books into circulation. An additional
100 books for children in Armenian were donated over the summer and put
into circulation.
A group called Books for Burbank organized the donations with involvement
by the local chapter of the Armenian National Committee.
“The reason we reached out to the community was we realized we weren’t
meeting the needs of the Armenian community, and our book budget didn’t
really give us a lot of money to go out and purchase what we needed,” said
Sharon Cohen, director of library services.
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Soccer-Armenian league champions since 1992
YEREVAN, Oct 19 (Reuters) – Title winners and runners-up
since the Armenian championship was formed in 1992 after the
collapse of the Soviet Union (to 1994 spring-autumn, 1995-96 and
1996-97 autumn-spring, 1997 autumn only, 1998 onward
spring-autumn):
Champions Runners-up
1992 Shirak Gyumri Pyunik Yerevan
1993 Ararat Yerevan Shirak Gyumri
1994 Shirak Gyumri Omentment Yerevan
1995-96 Pyunik Yerevan Shirak Gyumri
1996-97 Pyunik Yerevan Ararat Yerevan
1997 Yerevan Shirak Gyumri
1998 Tsement Ararat Shirak Gyumri
1999 Shirak Gyumri Ararat Yerevan
2000 Araks Ararat Ararat Yerevan
2001 Pyunik Yerevan Zvartnots Yerevan
2002 Pyunik Yerevan Shirak Gyumri
2003 Pyunik Yerevan Banants Yerevan
2004 Pyunik Yerevan to be decided
Total wins since 1992:
6 – Pyunik Yerevan
3 – Shirak Gyumri
2 – Araks Ararat
1 – Ararat Yerevan, Yerevan
Note: Tsement Ararat changed their name to Araks Ararat in
1999.
Ararat Yerevan won the Soviet championship in 1973, the only
Armenian club to do so in the 55-year history of the league.
10/19/04 13:41 ET