Ekklesia, UK
Aug 2 2004
Christians respond to church bombings in Iraq
Middle Eastern church leaders have condemned attacks on Iraqi
churches and called for solidarity following bombings at churches
yesterday.
According to some news reports, at least 11 people were killed and
dozens injured as bombs exploded at four churches – two of them
Syrian and two, Armenian Orthodox – and a monastery.
Two churches in the Karada District in central Baghdad were bombed.
Local reports there said that two or four people were killed and
several injured when a car bomb exploded outside the Syrian Catholic
Church. The reports also said that several people were injured in a
similar car bomb attack on the nearby Armenian Catholic Church. Two
churches in the Al Dura suburb of southern Baghdad, and a church in
Mosul in northern Iraq, were apparently attacked at the same time.
The attacks mark the first time Iraqi churches have been targeted in
this way.
Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Iraq, Sheila
Provencher and Greg Rollins, were worshipping at St Raphael’s
Catholic Church when the first bomb exploded at 6:25 pm at the
Armenian church about a quarter mile away from them. At that moment
in the service, there had been a time of silence, and the priest then
continued with the next words of the regular liturgy, “Lamb of God,
who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.”
Two other CPT members Peggy Gish and Doug Pritchard were worshipping
at St Yousef’s Chaldean Church in the same neighbourhood as the
Armenian and Syrian churches. Gish said, “When I heard the first
explosion, I wondered if it was
an attack on a church, and I prayed immediately for whoever might
have been involved.” As people were leaving the service at 6:50 pm,
the second blast occurred at the Syrian church three blocks away.
Parishioners were quickly hurried out of the area by the Chaldean
church’s security staff who then blocked off the road.
While walking away from the church, Gish and Pritchard asked worried
residents for details. One family pulled them inside their home and
shared their recent experiences.
The young woman of the family wept and said, “My father was killed
recently because he sold alcohol. Because of that, I was too afraid
to go to my church today. Now it has been bombed. I don’t know if my
friends there are alive or dead. Saddam was a killer. Now there are
many Saddams.”
Speaking today at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order
plenary commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bishop Nareg
Alemezian of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia)
said: “This is the first time Christian churches have been targeted.
We condemn this attack and we are very concerned about it.”
Metropolitan Dr Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, from the Syrian
Orthodox Church of Antioch, urged Christians and Muslims to work
together for peace. “Solidarity is very important, both inside and
outside the region, both among Christians and between Christians and
Muslims,” he said.
Gregorios stressed that “the WCC and others should encourage anything
that brings Christians and Muslims together, not only in theological
dialogue but also in the dialogue of life and work.”
“I address my appeal to the Arab world, which can support any plan
for peace, and also to the Iraqi people themselves – if they are not
in solidarity, how then can they solve these problems?” he asked.
Alemezian called on international and local people to work for peace.
“This is not just a problem for Syrians and Armenians,” he said. “The
situation in Iraq is not isolated. It is related to the general
political situation in the world.
“We have a conflict, and we have to solve it – the US, the UN, all
parties involved in the creation of this situation, but also local
people and faith communities.”
Both leaders stressed the good relations between Christians and
Muslims in Iraq prior to the bombings.
“Christians are an integral part of the society they are living in,
they are not newcomers, they are not there for any superficial
reason,” said Alemezian. “Middle Eastern Christians are the people of
the land where Christ was born,” he added.
They both stressed the dangers posed by pressure on the nearly
1million Iraqi Christians leading to increased emigration.
“The diminishing number of Christians in Iraq is a terrible thing,”
said Gregorios. “The same picture is replicated in other countries
like Turkey, Iran, and Palestine. We are losing our people.”
Could a situation arise, they said, where there were no Christians in
the Middle East and no Muslims in the West? This would be “dangerous
for everybody,” said Metropolitan Gregorios. “This is very important.
It’s not good for humanity.”
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for these coordinated
attacks.

Interfax
Aug 2 2004
Armenian nuclear power station to close July 31 for repairs
Yerevan. (Interfax) – Unit two at the Armenian nuclear power plant
will be shut down at midnight local time for repairs and nuclear fuel
loading.
At 1:25 a.m., on Friday, one of two turbo generators was stopped and
the other will be stopped on July 31, the plant’s general director,
Garik Markosian, told Interfax.
Reactor repairs at unit two will take 65 days. Nuclear fuel will be
completely unloaded and the condition of the reactor’s metal body
will be checked. Skoda of the Czech Republic will carry out the work.
Management company Inter RAO UES has already delivered 100 nuclear
fuel cassettes to the plant for $12 million, Markosian said.
The power plant produced 1.66 billion kilowatt hours of electricity
from January 1 to July 29 2004. It sold 1.51 billion kilowatt hours.

Interfax
Aug 2 2004
World Bank extends Armenia $34.3 mln for three programs
Yerevan. (Interfax) – The Armenian government and World Bank signed
three credit programs on Friday for an overall $34.3 million.
At a briefing after the signing, Finance and Economics Minister
Vardan Khachatrian said that $10.15 million will be used in
overhauling the state management system for the country and $19
million for modernizing its healthcare system. The other credit of
$5.15 will be used to finance the social security sphere.
The credits will be extended on easy International Development
Association terms for 40 years at an annual rate of 0.75% with a
ten-year grace period.
Khachatrian said the World Bank is the first to allocate money for
the reformation of Armenia’s state management sector. The funds are
slated for introducing an electronic digital signature system, which
will improve the state management system’s operation and the
transparency of its actions.
The healthcare credit money will be used to overhaul medical
institutions, buy new equipment, retrain doctors and develop the
institution of family doctors. An additional $1.25 million grant will
be attached to this credit.

UEFA.com
Aug 2 2004
Casoni to lead Armenia
Monday, 2 August 2004
Former France defender Bernard Casoni has been named as the new coach
of Armenia and will lead the team during their 2006 FIFA World Cup
qualifying campaign.
Ambitious for future
The 42-year-old will have a tough task as Armenia are in Group 1
alongside the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Romania, Finland, Andorra
and F.Y.R. Macedonia, with their opening match a trip to the latter
nation on 18 August. While a place in Germany in two years may not be
a realistic goal, Casoni said: “I’ll help Armenian football to grow.”
Pardo to assist
Bernard Pardo, another former international, will assist Casoni, who
was capped 30 times by Les Bleus. During his playing days, Casoni won
the UEFA Champions League with Olympique de Marseille in 1993 and
went on to coach the side between 1999 and 2000. He has also worked
in Tunisia with Etoile Sportive du Sahel and his hometown club AS
Cannes.

The Hindu, India
Aug 2 2004
Russia, allies hold anti-terror war games in Central Asia
Moscow, Aug. 2 (PTI): Russia and its allies today began five-days of
anti-terror military war games to foil possible attempts by
terrorists to destabilise the situation in Central Asia.
The first stage of the ‘Rubezh 2004’ joint exercise involving the
armed forces from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO)
of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzistan and Tajikistan began in
Kazakhstan to evolve the procedure of adopting necessary documents
for carrying out anti-terror operations on the territory of one of
the member countries. Armenia and Belarus, which are also members of
the CSTO, are sending their observers.
“This procedure will focus, in particular, on the preparation of
documents for a joint operation to localise and destroy militant
formations in Central Asia, which could attempt to overrun Ferghana
Valley (Uzbekistan) and adjoining areas of neighbouring countries to
establish an Islamic Caliphate ” an unnamed source in the CSTO
Command was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.
In the second ‘active’ phase the exercise will be held in
Kyrghyzistan from August 4 to 6 with the involvement of over 2,000
troops and assault aircraft drawn from Russia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrghyzistan and Tajikistan.
President Askar Akayev of Kyrghyzistan, the Defence Ministers of
Russia and other CSTO member states will watch the ‘hot’ phase of the
war games at the training ground near the city of Balykchi.
Officials of other CIS states and Shanghai Cooperation Organisations
have also been invited as observers to monitor the war games.

ITAR-TASS, Russia
Aug 2 2004
Armenia invites French soccer coach

YEREVAN, August 2 (Itar-Tass) — Bernard Casoni, former defender of
the French national soccer team, has been invited to Armenia to coach
the Armenian national team.
A resolution on the appointment of the new French coach has been
approved in principle, but an official announcement has not been made
yet and was expected later this week, Itar-Tass was told by Araik
Manukyan, press secretary of the French soccer Federation.
The 42 -year-old Bernard Casoni is expected to sign a contract for a
term of one year.
The Armenian national soccer team will play a first game against
Macedonia in the framework of the 2006 world soccer-qualifying
tournament on August 18.
Earlier, Casoni had coached the French “Olympic” and “Cannes’ and a
soccer team from Tunis.

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
Aug 2 2004
Armenian Armed Forces to Run Military Maneuvers in Karabakh
Turan 02/08/2004 16:44
So called Nagorno Karabakh Republic is going to run military
maneuvers on August 3-12 in Karabakh, Turan reported on Monday.
Purpose of the maneuvers is to examine the efficiency level of
military forces. Maneuvers aim to increase the coordination level of
the troops during defense and counter attacks, too.
In early July Armenian President, Robert Kocharian declared that in
the nearest future Armenian troops will run maneuvers towards the
Eastern [Azerbaijan] direction, Turan reported.

Zaman, Turkey
Aug 2 2004
Armenians to Support Kerry for So-Called Genocide Draft
The American National Committee for Armenians (ANCA), an Armenian
lobby firm in the US, announced their endorsement of Democratic Party
candidate, John F. Kerry, for the November 2 Presidential elections.
They removed their support from current US President George W. Bush,
who did not keep his promise to Armenians regarding a so-called
Armenian Genocide draft.
ANCA President, Ken Hachikyan, implored all Armenians in the US to
vote for Kerry. He said, “Senator Kerry is a friend of the Armenian
community who has strongly made efforts for Armenian issues during
his 20 years of experience.” Hachikyan regarded Bush as “a great
disappointment for Armenians” and said, “Not only did Bush not keep
his promise for recognizing genocide that he made before the 2000
election, but he also attacked on related legal efforts.”
The Armenian lobby claims that Bush was elected president in 2000
because Armenians in Florida, where the fate of the election was
determined, voted for Bush. According to a statement released by
ANCA, Kerry said, “My running mate and I thank ANCA for its support.”
Kerry has given support to pro-Armenian efforts during his long years
of service in the Senate. The Democratic Party Candidate voted for a
so-called genocide draft that was defeated in the Senate in 1990. He
is also a supporter of another draft envisaging indirect approval of
the so-called genocide draft, currently pending in the Senate.

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:
August 2, 2004
___________________
WEEK-LONG SESSION AT DIOCESE TEACHES ARMENIAN HISTORY, FAITH, AND
CULTURE
With the help of experts and clergy, 10 parish leaders from throughout
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) spent a week at
the Diocesan Center in New York City exploring a variety of aspects of
the Armenian Christian tradition.
The Diocesan run Sewny Armenian Studies seminar, titled “Light of Light:
The Armenian and His Faith”, ran in New York City from Sunday July 25,
2004, to Sunday, August 1, 2004.
The participants in the program discussed topics such as the Armenian
language, the badarak, the architecture of Armenian churches, and the
history of the sees and hierarchy of the church. They also discussed
such leadership topics as giving successful presentations and writing
press releases.
“We want to show people of all ages the important aspects of the
Armenian faith and also give them tools to teach others in their
parishes,” Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, said. “Sending them
back to their parishes, ready to share their excitement with others, is
just one of the many ways in which we keep the Armenian heritage,
culture, faith, and traditions alive.”
Twenty-one lecturers at the session included several leading clergymen,
such as Archbishop Anania Arabajyan, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Fr.
Haigazoun Najarian, Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Fr. Vahan
Hovhanessian, and Fr. Zenob Nalbandian. Other lecturers were renowned
academics in the fields of history, sociology, and linguistics.
Participants were eligible to earn college credit from St. Peter’s
College.
The program was organized by Sylva der Stepanian, coordinator of
Armenian education at the Diocese. The major costs of the program —
transportation, lodging, food — were covered by endowments, allowing
smaller parishes to send representatives.
After several workshops on various topics, the participants were tested
by Professor James Jacobson, chairman of the education department at St.
Peter’s College. The participants had to deliver their own lecture on
one of the topics covered during the week’s session.
Participating in the program were:
Christine Babadjanian, St. Paul, MN
George Chahinian, Syosset, NY
Mher Dekmezian, Houston, TX
Amalia Rabbot, Bowling Green, KY
Noelle Sarkissian, Charlotte, NC
Benjamin Shahinian, Orlando, FL
John Shahinian, Orlando, FL
Ariel Strichartz, Northfield, MN
Hasmik Zamgochian, West Hartford, CT
Ida Zohrabian, Bayside, NY
— 8/2/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Participants in the Light of Light seminar meet with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, during
their week-long exploration of the Armenian faith and heritage at the
Diocesan Center in New York City.

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:
August 2, 2004
___________________
TEACHER’S COLLEGE FOCUSES ON METHODS OF EDUCATING
A dozen educators from parishes throughout the Diocese have been in New
York City since Sunday, July 11, for a week-long session at the Diocesan
Center.
The Arthur and Tacouhie Ayvazian Armenian Teacher’s College gives parish
Armenian School teachers, teachers to be, and administrators a hands-on
lesson on teaching methods. The weeklong session, which can be taken
for college credit from St. Peter’s College, featured 20 experts
lecturing on education topics such as teaching second language learners,
working with children with learning disabilities, property presentation
in front of a class, and creating lesson plans.
The participants in the Teacher’s College also take part in
Armenian-specific sessions, such as workshops focusing on Armenian
music, dance, and drama; overviews of Armenian history by scholars;
prayer services and faith discussions with clergy; and a hands-on
explanation of class projects that are designed for local Armenian
Schools.
“It is vitally important that we keep our Armenian heritage and
traditions alive today, in our new home of America,” Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, said. “Part of what makes
our faith rich is the deep and ancient connection our church has with
our proud culture. Giving parish educators new tools and resources is
just one way we are working to make sure the next generation remains
truly Armenian.”
Endowment funds cover the cost of lodging and transportation for
participants in the Teacher’s College, which allows all parishes, even
smaller ones, to send representatives. The program was organized by
Sylva der Stepanian, coordinator of Armenian Studies at the Diocese.
At the end of the session, participants took oral and written tests,
under the direction of Professor James Jacobson, chairman of the
education department at St. Peter’s College.
Participants in this year’s Teacher’s College include:
Luiza Chitjian, NY
Anna-Karin Demirciyan, NY
Anna Demerjian, NY
Mary Gulmezian, NY
Aren Kayserian, NY
Christine Kolandjian, TX
Alexandrew Mironescu, TN
Talin Manukian, NJ
Nectar Munroe, CT
Souzanne Ouzounian, TX
Patrick Rabbot, KY
Anna Tonoyan, NJ
— 8/02/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Participants in the Eastern Diocese’s Teacher’s
College meet with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, following their
week of workshops focused on teaching methods.