MACVF
450 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 600
Glendale, CA 91203
818.291.6490
Press Release For Immediate Release
October 11, 2004
Contact: Teni Melidonian, Protocol & Prose
626.644.7247
[email protected]
MACVF Launches Drive to Complete Capital Campaign -Initiative Will Secure Vaccines Through 2017-
Glendale, CA (October 11) – The Millennium Armenian Children’s Vaccine
Fund (MACVF) announced today the launch of a drive to complete the
$1.5 million capital campaign designed to ensure the procurement of
vaccines for over 555,000 children in Armenia through 2017.
Armenia, unlike other emerging countries, has an effective immunization
infrastructure, however, it lacks the financing to sustain consistent
access to basic vaccines. With over $1.3 million raised, MACVF
will focus on raising the remaining $200,000 in order to guarantee
life-saving vaccines required to fight against preventable disease
and reduce infant mortality rates.
Each year over 37,000 newborn children in Armenia require routine,
basic vaccinations. In partnership with the Ministry of Health of the
Republic of Armenia, UNICEF and USAID, MACVF provides funds for such
vaccines as Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, MMR – Mumps, Measles & Rubella,
Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus and TB.
MACVF is a public-private capital fund administered by the Ani & Narod
Memorial Foundation (ANMF). 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.
ANMF introduced the educational world of Sesame Street© to the children
of Armenia in form of Open Sesame©, a compilation of the best of
Sesame Street© dubbed in Eastern Armenian. ANMF also established the
Narod Armenian Children’s Library in Lebanon, giving urban children
the gift of reading, as well as creating the Narod Network Project
linking Armenian children everywhere through the Internet.
To learn more about MACVF, ANMF and its programs, please visit
or contact the office at 818.291.6490 (450 N. Brand
Boulevard, Suite 600, Glendale, CA 91203).
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.
Enriching the lives of Armenian women and children
###

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ARMENIAN CAUCUS PROTESTS AZERBAIJANI THREATS AGAINST ARMENIA
— Seventy-two U.S. Representatives Call on President
Bush to Condemn Baku’s Increasingly Violent Rhetoric
WASHINGTON, DC – Seventy members of the U.S. House of
Representatives joined last week with the Co-Chairmen of the
Congressional Armenian Caucus, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI), in calling on President George Bush to press
Azerbaijan to back away from increasingly violent rhetoric aimed at
Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, reported the Armenian National
Committee Of America (ANCA).
“We share the concerns raised by this bipartisan group of U.S.
legislators regarding the growing danger to Armenia – and to
American interests – posed by the increasingly angry threats coming
from Azerbaijan’s senior leadership,” said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. “Armenian Americans appreciate the leadership of
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone on
this issue, and look forward to learning of the Administrations
response to Azerbaijan’s irresponsible and dangerous behavior.”
In the letter, dated October 8th, Members of Congress specifically
asked President Bush to publicly condemn Azerbaijan’s war rhetoric
and other increasingly bellicose remarks against the Republic of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. The letter, states, in part:
“Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are
in the best interests of the United States and the region. The
Nagorno Karabagh peace process will achieve nothing if Azerbaijan
is allowed to risk war and predict ethnic cleansing with impunity.
To this end, we urge that you condemn these remarks and call upon
the government of Azerbaijan to desist in making any further
threats against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.”
Joining Reps. Knollenberg and Pallone were: Gary Ackerman (D-NY),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Shelley Berkley (D-
NV), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Jeb Bradley
(R-NH), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers
(D-MI), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rosa DeLauro
(D-CT), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA),
Tom Feeney (R-FL), Bob Filner (D-CA), Mark Foley (R-FL), Barney
Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Michael
Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Jesse Jackson (D-IL), Sue Kelly
(R-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Gerald Kleczka
(D-WI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Nita Lowey (D-
NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey
(D-MA), Karen McCarthy (D-MO), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Thaddeus
McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY),
Martin Meehan (D-MA), Candice Miller (R-MI), James Moran (D-VA),
Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Collin Peterson (D-
MN), Jon Porter (R-NV), David Price (D-NC), George Radanovich (R-
CA), Mike Rogers (R-MI), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-
Allard (D-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), H. James
Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Christopher
Shays (R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), Mark Souder
(R-IN), John Sweeney (R-NY), Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (D-OH), Fred
Upton (R-MI), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-
IN), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Joe Wilson (R-SC),
and Albert Wynn (D-MD).
The ANCA, in a September 28th note to Congressional offices in
support of this letter, wrote: “If history is any guide, silence on
our part will only embolden the leadership in Baku to escalate
their rhetoric even further. Left unchecked, we run the risk that
the Azerbaijani government will translate their angry remarks into
aggressive actions that will create a humanitarian disaster and
destablize a region of great strategic importance to the United
States.”
On September 28th, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) spoke on the House
floor about the dangers posed by increasingly inflammatory
Azerbaijani statements by President Ilham Aliyev and his Cabinet
Members, calling for a military takeover of neighboring Armenia and
the decimation of its population in the coming decades. In his
remarks, Rep. Pallone cited statements “made by officials in the
government of President Aliyev calling into question the very
existence of Armenia. For example, as reported by Radio Free
Europe, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry spokesman called for
Azerbaijan’s takeover of the entire territory of Armenia and
removal of the entire Armenian population from the Caucasus. He
went so far as to say, and I quote, ‘Within the next 25 years there
will exist no state of Armenia in the South Caucasus.’ Given
Azerbaijan’s history of aggression against Armenians, these remarks
can’t be dismissed as mere rhetoric.”
The text of the Congressional letter is provided below.
#####
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing to strongly urge you to condemn the ongoing
Azerbaijani war rhetoric and other increasingly bellicose remarks
made against the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. These
statements undermine U.S. interests in the region.
As you know, a cease-fire in the conflict over Nagorno Karabagh was
established in 1994 and sensitive peace negotiations to achieve a
final agreement are ongoing. However, the government of Azerbaijan
continues to make dangerous claims and threaten war against
Armenia. This war rhetoric has continued unabated and has
intensified in recent months.
In July, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry spokesman called for Azerbaijan’s
takeover of Armenia and removing its entire population. He said,
“In the next 25-30 years there will be no Armenian state in the
South Caucasus. This nation has been a nuisance for its neighbors
and has no right to live in this region. Present-day Armenia was
built on historical Azerbaijani lands. I believe that in 25 to 30
years these territories will once again come under Azerbaijan’s
jurisdiction.” Mr. President, this reprehensible call for ethnic
cleansing and even genocide warrants the strongest possible reply
from our country.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has repeatedly declared
that Azerbaijan could launch a new war in Karabagh. Just two
months ago, he stated, “At any moment we must be able to liberate
our territories by military means. To achieve this we have
everything.” Aliyev has directly linked Azerbaijan’s economic
progress to its military “superiority.” “Under these circumstances
we cannot react positively to those calling us to compromise,”
Aliyev stated.
Last year, as reported by BBC Monitoring, Azerbaijani Defense
Minister General Safar Abiyev said that occasional violations of
the cease-fire were “natural” since Azerbaijan is still “at war.”
Statements like this not only undermine the peace process, but can
also serve to actually encourage attacks against Armenia.
Just this month, NATO cancelled its Cooperative Best Effort (CBE)
2004 exercises in Baku, Azerbaijan after the government of
Azerbaijan barred Armenia from participating. U.S. General James
Jones, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, expressed
regret over Azerbaijan’s refusal to honor its host obligations to
accept delegates from all interested partners. As part of its
commitment to international security in the Caucasus, Armenia
welcomed both Azerbaijan and Turkey to participate in the NATO CBE
2003 exercises in Yerevan, Armenia.
Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are
in the best interests of the United States and the region. The
Nagorno Karabakh peace process will achieve nothing if Azerbaijan
is allowed to risk war and predict ethnic cleansing with impunity.
To this end, we urge that you condemn these remarks and call upon
the government of Azerbaijan to desist from making any further
threats against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
Sincerely,

ARKA News Agency
Oct 8 2004
Foreign Minister of Norway Jan Petersen to arrive in Armenia on Oct
10
4th year cadet of RA Military Institute plans to break his own record
of the exercise with rising and overturning on a horizontal bar
Armenian opposition field is totally free – Leader of Republican
Party of Armenia
RA President conducts working meeting with representatives of several
ministries
An office of medical cryonics operates in Yerevan
*********************************************************************
FOREIGN MINISTER OF NORWAY JAN PETERSEN TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA ON OCT
10
YEREVAN, October 8. /ARKA/. Foreign Minister of Norway Jan Petersen
will arrive in Armenia on Oct 10, RA MFA told ARKA. His visit
envisages meetings with RA President Robert Kocharian, RA NA Chairman
Arthur Baghdasarian, RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian, Catholicos
of All Armenian Garegin II and representatives of political parties
and NGOs. L.D. –0
*********************************************************************
4th YEAR CADET OF RA MILITARY INSTITUTE PLANS TO BREAK HIS OWN RECORD
OF THE EXERCISE WITH RISING AND OVERTURNING ON A HORIZONTAL BAR
YEREVAN, October 8. /ARKA/. The cadet of 4th year of RA Military
Institute after Vazgen Sargsyan of RA Ministry of Defence,
20-year-old Zarzand Mkhitaryan plans to break his own record of the
exercise with rising and overturning on a horizontal bar and to be
registered in the Book of Guinness, according to Seyran
Shakhsuvaryan, the Press Secretary of the RA Defence Minister. He
also said that the ceremony of re-registration will be held in the
Military Institute on October 9.
To mention, Zarzand Mkhitaryan, the resident of Pshatavan Armenian
village in Armavir region of Armenia made 1050 overturns within 2
hours and 48 minutes broke the previous record of a Russian pupil
whose record was 1013 overturns. L.V.-0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION FIELD IS TOTALLY FREE – LEADER OF REPUBLICAN
PARTY OF ARMENIA
YEREVAN, October 8. /ARKA/. Armenian opposition field is totally
free, the Leader of Republican Party of Armenia Galust Sahakian
stated today at National Press Club. According to him, nevertheless
during discussion of fulfillment of Armenian commitments in PACE on
Oct 7, Armenian delegation joined its efforts. “I am indifferent to
the fact whether it would affect internal political situation in the
country, because I think that there is no Armenian opposition and new
one has not appeared yet”, he said. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT CONDUCTS WORKING MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF SEVERAL
MINISTRIES
YEREVAN, October 8. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian conducted
working meeting with representatives of several ministries
considering conduction of activities of all national importance in
2005, RA President’s press office told ARKA. The President met with
Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Minister of Trade and Economic
Development, Health, Education and Science, Culture and Youth
Affairs, and with other officials. He said that it became a tradition
to discuss Armenia-Diaspora relations for oncoming year and added
that last year “quite serious activities” were planned and
successfully realized.
According to the President at the given stage it is necessary to
concretize the list of All Armenian activities for the next year that
must include small and large programs in different spheres. “In
Nov-Dec we must have steps for the next year”, he said. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
AN OFFICE OF MEDICAL CRYONICS OPERATES IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, October 8. /ARKA/. An office of medical cryonics operates in
Yerevan. According to the cryologist, the Candidate of Medical
Sciences Elmira Vardanyan, the office activity profile is
othorinolaringology-cryotherapy and othorinolaringology- cryo-therapy
and cryo-gynecology. According to her, the medical center opened in
May 2004 applies painless, bloodless and ambulatory method of
treatment of gynecology diseases, chronicle rhinitis, chronicle
pharyngitis, acute and chronicle sinusitis, antritis, and frontitis.
At that, according to Vardanyan, the treatment of antritis and
frontitis is done by means of a special Yamik Sinus Catheter with the
use of preparations, the affect of which on micro-organisms is high.
She noted that the basis of cryotherapy method is freezing, i.e. the
treatment by liquid nitrogen at -196°Ñ temperature, affecting the
pathology cells, as a result of which local immunity is created,
causing the pathology cells die, and the polipuses completely
resolve. According to Vardanyan, the chronicle tonsillitis treatment
method is the same (without the removal of tonsil) as well as that of
snore caused by both pathology and anathomical abnormalities. She
informed that within 4 months the office received 54 patients and
operated them by the cryotherapy methods. She added that the
treatments costs from $100 to $200. According to her, these prices
are much lower than in many European countries, so not only citizens
of Armenia, but also patients from CIS and Europe apply to them for
help. Nevertheless, according to Vardanyan, the office now has a
negative profit. She added that the office is receives financial aid
from sponsors from Europe. Also, she added that the office is
equipped by the most modern medical equipment and in future a center
for cryonics is planned to be opened in Armenia. A.H.–0–
*********************************************************************
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 12, 2004
___________________
DIOCESAN COMMITTEE WORKING ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION
FOR HIS HOLINESS VASKEN I
Memorial Event Scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 5, at NYC’s St. Vartan
Cathedral Complex
A select committee representing a broad spectrum of the Armenian
American community has been organizing a special program in memory of
His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, the late Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians.
The year 2004 represents the 10th anniversary of Catholicos Vasken’s
passing, and the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is
observing the milestone with a requiem service and program, on Sunday,
December 5, at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, in New
York City.
The memorial committee, formed under the auspices of the Diocesan
Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, is co-chaired by Mr.
Bedros Givelekian and Mr. Edward Jamie.
Other members of the experienced and versatile group include: Fr.
Mardiros Chevian, Fr. Vasken Karayan, Edward Barsamian, Dr. Arthur
Kubikian, Nubar Kupelian, Gregory Manuelian, Sarkis Matosian, Sam
Mikaelian, Dr. Louiza Puskulian, and Kegham Tcholakian.
The committee, which has been active since June, has planned a dignified
and captivating program.
“The day’s events will begin with the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.,
celebrated by Archbishop Barsamian, followed by a memorial luncheon and
program at 1:00 p.m.” said co-chairman Bedros Givelekian. “We’re very
pleased to have Ambassador Harry Gilmore, the former U.S. Ambassador to
the Republic of Armenia, as the keynote speaker during the memorial
program,” Mr. Givelikian added.
“A beautiful and informative commemorative booklet will be printed, and
memorial khatchkars crafted in Armenia will be distributed to the
attendees” said Mr. Jamie, also a co-chairman of the December 5 event.
Loved and respected by all during his long pontificate, His Holiness
Vasken I served the worldwide Armenian community as the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians from 1955 to 1994.
Prior to that, Vehapar served as primate of Romania–and many of his
students, parishioners, and friends from those days now live in the
United States. The 10th anniversary memorial committee has made a
special effort to contact members of New York’s Romanian Armenian
community, to share memories of Vehapar with the attendees during the
program.
The memorial luncheon is free and open to the public, but with limited
seating. To reserve a place for the luncheon, please call the Diocesan
Center, at (212) 686-0710.
–10/12/04
PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the H.H. Vasken I Memorial Committee, who are
organizing a special commemoration for Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at New
York’s St. Vartan Cathedral complex, marking the 10th anniversary of His
Holiness’ passing.
# # #

ARKA News Agency
Oct 11 2004
The conference of the council of trustees of the Pan-Armenian
International Youth center Foundation held in Yerevan
Field sitting of Armenian Communities’ Union board takes place in
Sevan (Armenia)
Fulfillment of Armenian commitments to CE to assist development of
the country – Norway Foreign Minister
ITERA oil and gas company holds negotiations on selling 10% of the
shares of ArmRusgasprom CJSC for $ 30 mln
Approach of coalition of Armenia may not be strongly different of
president’s approach – Robert Kocharian
*********************************************************************
THE CONFERENCE OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES OF THE PAN-ARMENIAN
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CENTER FOUNDATION HELD IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, October 11. /ARKA/. The conference of the council of
trustees of the Pan-Armenian International Youth Center Foundation
was held in Yerevan. According to the RA Government’s Press Service
and Public Relations Department, in the course of the conference, in
which RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan took part, the Executive
Director of the Fund A. Sinanyan introduced the report on the second
youth forum held in Armenia on July 24-29, 2004. The results of the
conference were introduced, including reports and protocols of the
plenary session and the sessions of thematic and working groups, as
well as information concerning informal discussions, the program of
the forum and the way it was covered by the Mass Media. Sinanyan
noted that as compared to the first forum, the second one had a wider
geography of the participants, and the scope of the issues discussed.
Sinanyan summed up the suggestions made during the forum, sating that
they will be taken into consideration when holding a similar forum
next year, and this will allow increasing the efficiency of it.
In his turn, Margaryan noted that it’s necessary to inform the
participants of the forum of its results, and noted the importance of
using the potential of the youth of the Armenian Diaspora to achieve
the goals of the forum. Margaryan suggested involving young
representatives of the Diaspora, who don’t speak Armenian, when
developing the further programs. A.H.– 0–
*********************************************************************
FIELD SITTING OF ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES’ UNION BOARD TAKES PLACE IN
SEVAN (ARMENIA)
YEREVAN, October 11. /ARKA/. Field sitting of Armenian Communities’
Union board takes place in Sevan (Armenia). The heads of communities
of all Armenian regions, the Chairman of Civil Service Council took
part in the sitting. The parties discussed the draft laws on
municipal service and legal changes in the field of regulation of
administrative control of the State over activity of local
self-government bodies. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
FULFILLMENT OF ARMENIAN COMMITMENTS TO CE TO ASSIST DEVELOPMENT OF
THE COUNTRY – NORWAY FOREIGN MINISTER
YEREVAN, October 11. /ARKA/. Fulfillment of Armenian commitments to
CE will assist development of the country, Norway Foreign Minister,
the Chairman of CE Ministers Committee Jan Petersen stated today in
Yerevan. According to him, fulfillment of the commitments is very
important for Armenia and in this view CE experts are ready to
provide the country consultation assistance on their realization.
Note the issue of fulfillment of Armenian commitments to CE was
discussed at the meeting of RA and Norway foreign ministers. L.D.
–0–
*********************************************************************
ITERA OIL AND GAS COMPANY HOLDS NEGOTIATIONS ON SELLING 10% OF THE
SHARES OF ARMRUSGASPROM CJSC FOR $ 30 MLN
YEREVAN, October 11. /ARKA/. ITERA oil and gas company holds
negotiations on selling 10% of the shares of ArmRusgasprom CJSC to
one of the West European investment corporations. According to
Regions.Ru referring to ArmRusgasprom, the cost of the deal can make
about $30 mln. At that, the sources didn’t mention the possible buyer
of the shares. According to some analysts of the gas market, the
decision on selling the shares of ArmRusgasprom is connected with the
company’s not becoming the participant of the consortium for the
construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline in Meghri-Kajaran part. The
construction will begin in the end of 2004.
In the meantime, as a reply to the corresponding inquiry of ARKA, the
Press Service of ArmRusgasprom refused to comment this information
“proceeding from the ethical considerations”. According to Shoushan
Sardaryan, this issue refers only to ITERA’s administration and RA
Government, as the shareholders of ArmRusgasprom.
On September 8, the agreement on the construction of the Armenian
part of Armenia-Iran gas pipeline in Meghri-Kajaran was signed in
Yerevan. The construction and funding of the Armenian part of the gas
pipeline will do the Iranian company.
Armenia-Russian ArmRusgasprom CJSC is the only supplier of the
natural gas to Armenia. The company was founded in 1997 to sell the
natural gas to local consumers and to transport Russian gas through
the territory of Armenia to other countries. The co-founders of the
company are Russian Gasprom OJSC (45%), ITERA International Group of
Companies (10%), and the RA Ministry of Energy (45%). The authorized
stock capital of ArmRusgasprom CJSC makes $270 mln. ArmRusgasprom
CJSC imported 1,2 bln cubic meters of gas into Armenia in 2003
instead of the planned 1,6 bln. The number of subscribers of
ArmRusgasprom increased by 54 thsd. and made 186 thsd in 2003.A.H.
–0–
*********************************************************************
APPROACH OF COALITION OF ARMENIA MAY NOT BE STRONGLY DIFFERENT OF
PRESIDENT’S APPROACH – ROBERT KOCHARIAN
YEREVAN, October 11. /ARKA/. Approach of coalition of Armenia may not
be strongly different of that of President, as Armenian President
Robert Kocharian said during his visit to Tavush marz of Armenia. In
his words, it is hard to imagine that President and PM can give
strictly different promises. He stressed that President’s and
Government’s opinions are similar for the large programs. However
there can be other small programs in regard of arrangement of which
there may be different in approaches. “All that the President
promises today is being performed by the Government that is the main
instrument. The Government consists of coalition forces: some work
well, some worse, but the works may not have absolute results”,
Kocharian said. In this contexts he stressed the importance of
implementation of all pre-election problems, the productivity must
correspond the results of the investments made. “It is important that
we can perform all tasks and this witnesses that we learnt to
calculate our forces and the income part of the budget allows
implementing large programs”, Kocharian said. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************

OPPOSITION KEEPS ACCUSING
A1 plus
12-10-2004
The opposition MPs were very active at Tuesday’s parliamentary hour
of announcements. They spoke mostly on Karabakh problem. Shavarsh
Kocharyan said Karabakh had found itself out of negotiation process
thanks to the current authorities. In his words, Armenia is seeking
international recognition for Karabakh while it hasn’t recognized the
republic formally. He said only after power transfer Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic’s independence will be recognized.
MP Tatul Manaseryan brought his economic analysis to show the desperate
situation Armenia found itself.
Victor Dallakyan remembered the 2003 rigged elections and said the
republic’s all troubles caused by the illegitimate authorities that
must be ousted from power with all their supporters.
Vardan Lazarian announced about the rally the opposition will hold
on October 27 to mark anniversary of terrorist attack on Armenian
National Assembly.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 12, 2004
___________________
LEGATE BRINGS HABITAT LEADER TO ARMENIA
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), recently led a leader in the
Habitat for Humanity organization on a special tour of the Republic of
Armenia.
>>From August 12 to 22, 2004, Bishop Aykazian toured important sites in
Armenia with Ken Bensen, president of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan,
and his wife, Sandy, who is also involved in the housing organization.
“The purpose was to go and see the activities of Habitat in Armenia and
to see how we can work more closely between Habitat and the Armenian
Church,” Bishop Aykazian said.
In the past two years, Habitat’s international arm has helped build 82
houses in Armenia. Along with touring some of those sites, Bishop
Aykazian also took the Bensens to areas where future projects would be
beneficial.
During the trip to Armenia, the Bensens had an audience with His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
They invited him to travel to Michigan this summer to work on a Habitat
project alongside former-President Carter.
“The Catholicos thinks it is a good organization,” Bishop Aykazian said.
“They have been doing a good job and he’s looking forward to Habitat
volunteers helping build even better homes in Armenia.”
Each year, volunteers from around the globe work through Habitat for
Humanity’s international organization to build homes in a number of
countries. Many parishes have organized trips to Armenia for
parishioners to volunteer through Habitat for Humanity.
“That’s our social responsibility, to help our people in Armenia who
need our help,” Bishop Aykazian said. “I encourage every parish to take
groups to Armenia. And non-Armenians should go as well. By working
alongside fellow Armenians, by getting involved, you can better
understand Armenian culture and the Armenian people.”
One of the most recent groups to go work on Habitat for Humanity
projects in Armenia was a group of 17 Armenians, made up of parishioners
from St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, and the St. Mesrob Church in
Racine, WI, and their friends. They were in Armenia from July 17 to 30,
2004. You can read about their trip by going to their website:
— 10/12/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): From left, Ken and Sandy Bensen, president of
Habitat for Humanity in Michigan and his wife; His Holiness Karekin II,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; Bishop Vicken
Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Eastern Diocese; and
Ashot Yeghiazaryan, executive director of Habitat Armenia.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Bishop Aykazian visits the type of home Habitat for
Humanity is working to replace in Armenia.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Bishop Aykazian meets with a group of volunteers
working in Armenia through Habitat for Humanity.
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Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA ADVOCATES FOR ARMENIAN AMERICANS
IN ETHNIC ROUNDTABLE WITH AMB. HOLBROOKE
— Leading Advisor to Kerry-Edwards Campaign
Welcomes Dialogue with Ethnic Leadership
WASHINGTON, DC – ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian participated this past
week, along with fifty of America’s ethnic community leaders, in a
policy roundtable featuring Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, a senior
advisor to the Kerry-Edwards campaign and a leading candidate for
Secretary of State in the event of a Democratic victory this
November.
The private policy discussion was held on Thursday, October 7th in
Cleveland, Ohio. Topics ranged from a general review of ethnic
priorities to specific issues of concern to individual communities.
A consistent theme raised by each of the groups was that the Bush
Administration has failed to meaningfully engage America’s ethnic
leadership or to seek out their special insights during the
formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
Speaking to concerns raised by the ANCA delegation, Amb. Holbrooke
stressed that Senator Kerry’s “friendship for Armenia goes back a
long way. It’s well established. He understands the issues. He’s
taken a very strong stance on Nagorno-Karabakh, on aid, on
recognition of the Genocide, ending the blockades of Armenia.
There is a very clear cut difference between the two candidates.”
More broadly, the Ambassador noted that ethnic Americans “should
make a determination as to which candidate cares more about the
issues of Central Europe, including Macedonia, Armenia, and the
other issues that we discussed today. Without exception, the
Democrats are going to do more. All of you in this room know that
. . . It’s just not a close contest here.” He added that, “You
can’t represent the United States overseas if you don’t listen to
the people of the United States. . . John Kerry and anybody he
appoints to senior jobs ­ I don’t know who he will appoint – but he
will listen to you all.”
“We welcomed this opportunity to represent the concerns of the
Armenian American community in this roundtable meeting of the
leaders of our nation’s ethnic communities,” said ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. “Speaking to this group, Ambassador Holbrooke – a
veteran foreign policy expert who has served at the highest levels
of the State Department – highlighted Senator Kerry’s strong
support for Armenian issues – including the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. We were, of course, gratified by these remarks,
as well as by his clearly articulated expectation that a Kerry-
Edwards Administration would pro-actively seek the unique input and
special insights of ethnic Americans on the often complex foreign
policy issues facing our nation.”
Richard Holbrooke served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
in the Clinton Administration. He was also an Assistant Secretary
of State and a special envoy to Bosnia and Kosovo. In this latter
capacity he helped negotiate the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. He
was introduced at the roundtable by his wife, Kati Marton, who
serves as the Chairwoman of the International Women’s Health
Coalition.
In addition to the Armenian American delegation, which included
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian and two leaders of the Ohio
Armenian community, were leaders from organizations representing
Albanian Americans, Arab Americans, Byelorussian Americans,
Croatian Americans, Czech Americans, Greek Americans, Hungarian
Americans, Irish Americans, Italian Americans, Lithuanian
Americans, Muslim Americans, Polish Americans, Portuguese
Americans, Romanian Americans, Serbian Americans, Slovak Americans,
Slovene Americans, Ukrainian Americans, and Vietnamese Americans.
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Commentary: Kerry wins in world vote
By CLAUDE SALHANI
United Press International
October 12, 2004 Tuesday 9:21 AM Eastern Time
VICTORIA, British Columbia, Oct. 12 (UPI) — Given that the United
States is a world super power, and that actions and policies taken
by the American president can – and often do – affect the rest of
the world, imagine if the rest of the world had its say in who was
to be elected to the Oval Office.
Imagine if the entire planet could vote in the upcoming November
presidential elections. How different would the outcome be?
Of course that will never happen (just as a foreign-born citizen
can never become president). But what if it did happen? What if all
citizens of the world were eligible to vote in the U.S. elections?
How different would the outcome be if President George W. Bush and
Sen. John Kerry had to contend for the support of the international
community? What would be the implications? How different would the
campaign be run? And more important, who would be the likely winner?
Well, although this is an exercise in futility given that
traditionally, even overseas ballots cast by expatriate Americans
voting by proxy have never really counted for much in an election,
votes by foreign nationals will count for even less.
Yet regardless of where real politics stands on the issue of
presidential elections, one ingenious Internet Web site has taken it
upon itself to turn political fantasy into virtual reality. No matter
where you live or what passport you hold, now you too can vote for
the candidate of your choice in the November election. Of course
your vote will not count for much, other than self-gratification,
and the opportunity to let the rest of the world know how you stand
on the issue, in the process giving your candidate some mental support.
BetaVote.com, the brainstorm of Daniel Young and Kevin Frost,
an information technology consultant, have set up a site allowing
citizens of the world to partake in what is expected to be a very
close election.
Current polls in the United States show Bush and Kerry running
neck-to-neck, with Kerry making some headway, particularly after the
two presidential debates.
A Zogby Interactive poll conducted last Thursday after the second
debate placed Kerry ahead of President Bush in 13 of the 16 closely
contested states.
Kerry took ground in two states — Ohio and Nevada — and increased
his lead in seven others. Bush’s lead, meanwhile, narrowed in the
three states — Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia — placing him
ahead of Kerry in those states.
If the numbers projected by the Zogby poll this week were mirrored
on Election Day, Kerry would be the winner and the next president of
the United States.
But the elections are still about three weeks away, and much can happen
between now and then. The race for the presidency remains very tight
and very close.
However, the numbers from the rest of the world as shown on
BetaVote.com project a very different view, where votes have been cast
from 239 countries — from Afghanistan (where Kerry leads 51 percent to
Bush’s 48 percent) to Zimbabwe (Kerry, 86 percent, Bush 31, percent)
passing through Andorra, in Southwestern Europe, between France and
Spain , one of the few countries where Bush leads with 53 percent
(Kerry, 46 percent), Uzbekistan, (Kerry 87, Bush 12).
As of Tuesday, Oct. 12, a grand total of 295,712 votes have already
been cast, of which an overwhelming 88 percent voted for Kerry,
leaving Bush trailing behind with 11 percent.
A number of countries stand out for leaning heavily in favor of
Kerry: Angola and Armenia, both give Kerry 75 percent and Bush 24
percent. Austria, the country from where a future Republican president
might emerge if the Constitution is amended to allow California
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger to run the highest office, voted heavily in favor of
Kerry (94 percent), giving Bush only 4 percent.
>>From tiny Belgium more than 29,000 votes were cast, also heavily
in favor of Kerry (91 percent), Bush (8 percent). Brazil (Kerry,
95 percent) and Bulgaria (Kerry, 92 percent) also heavily favored
the Democratic candidate.
Oh, Canada: More than 15,000 votes were cast by the neighbor to the
north, with most going to Kerry (95 percent) leaving Bush with a
meager 4 percent.
Among the highest to favor Kerry was Croatia with 96 percent voting
for the Massachusetts senator, France and Greece each giving Kerry
95 percent of the vote. Germany gave Kerry 94 percent and Italy
88 percent.
The most votes came from Finland, casting 32,885 ballots, of which
92 percent went to Kerry.
Bush does have his supporters, however; Azerbaijan, Congo (Bush, 54
percent), Libya (Bush, 59 percent), Myanmar (Bush, 57 percent) and
Nauru, (Bush, 61 percent). The African country of Niger favored Bush
with an astounding 94 percent, as did the French territory of St.
Pierre et Miquelon, off the east coast of Canada, allocating 62
percent of the 24 ballots cast to President Bush.
It just goes to show that nothing is ever certain in politics.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

2004 BUDGET SURPLUS TO EXCEED FORECASTS SIXFOLD
RIA Novosti, Russia
October 12, 2004
MOSCOW, October 12. (RIA Novosti) – At its session on Tuesday the
Russian government will consider a bill on introducing amendments to
the federal law On the Federal Budget for 2004 and invalidating some
clauses of legislative acts of the Russian Federation.
According to a source in the government, the Finance Ministry forecasts
that the federal budget surplus will this year amount to 505.7 billion
roubles ($1 equals 29.22 roubles). At first the surplus was projected
at 83.4 billion roubles.
“The Finance Ministry has submitted to the government the budget
forecast till the end of the year. It expects revenues to grow by
531 billion roubles, expenditures by 108.6 billion,” the source said.
Revenues grow due to increased collection of the mineral extraction
tax of 430 billion roubles and export duties.
As to expenditures, interest-bearing expenditures will be cut by 40.9
billion roubles, while others will rise by 149.6 billion roubles.
Thus, the total revenues of the budget by the end of the year will
amount to 3.2738 trillion roubles, while expenditures will total
2.7681 trillion, the source said.
Target allocations to the Stabilization Fund by the end of the year are
expected to amount to 397.4 billion roubles, exceeding the forecasts
by 313.9 billion.
According to the source, international cooperation will also
receive increased financing. For example, a loan of $175 million
will be provided to Belarus to partly finance Russian gas supplies
and balance mutual trade. Also, the loan to Armenia will be increased
by $31 million.