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06/07/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ANCA Chairman Calls State Department on Its 'Disingenuous' Excuse for Armenian Genocide Exclusion 2) Ghukassian Presses Lenmarker for Equal Footing 3) Construction of Airport Terminal to Take Zvartnots to New Heights 4) Farewell to Former President Ronald Reagan 1) ANCA Chairman Calls State Department on Its 'Disingenuous' Excuse for Armenian Genocide Exclusion WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--In a detailed letter sent last Friday to Secretary of State Colin Powell, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Ken Hachikian pressed the State Department to end its practice of excluding any mention of the Armenian Genocide from the history section of its official website on Armenia. The State Department website features Background Notes on one hundred ninety-eight nations. Each entry includes a brief historical review. The historical section for Armenia makes no mention of Ottoman Turkey's systematic destruction of over one and a half million Armenians, or the "demographic disaster" described by the Library of Congress as having "shifted the center of the Armenian population from the heartland of historical Armenia." The ANCA issued an action alert on this issue in January of this year. Hachikian's letter was written in response to a May 6 State Department letter to Joe Dagdigian, Chairman of the Merrimack Valley ANC chapter. In an April 20 letter to the State Department, Dagdidgian documented a series of serious shortcomings in its website on the history of Armenia, noting, in part: "The historical survey of Armenia omits any reference to the Armenian Genocide committed by Ottoman Turkey beginning in 1915. To recount nearly 3,000 years of Armenian history without the inclusion of this cataclysmic and relatively recent event in the history of the Armenian people is inexcusable. Rather than contributing to an understanding of the region, it obscures the region's history and fails to provide the background necessary for understanding current Armenian and regional issues." Responding to Dagdidgian, the Director of the Office of Caucasus and Central Asian Affairs John Fox, wrote: "Country background notes on the State Department's web-site were designed to provide interested readers with concise and up-to-date information regarding key economic and political issues in the country, as well as travel conditions and commercial opportunities. Country background notes also provide a very brief introduction to the country's history. Typically, each background page will collapse over 2,000 years of history into 3-4 concise paragraphs. Consequently, even episodes of great historical importance are often not treated in our background notes." In his sharply critical letter to Secretary Powell, Hachikian spells out the historical inaccuracy, the basic inconsistency, and the moral bankruptcy of the State Department's position of excluding the Armenian Genocide from its history of Armenia: "Rather than acknowledging and taking steps to correct this obvious error--or even indicating a willingness to review this flawed document, the State Department's letter, signed by John Fox of the Office of Caucasus and Central Asian Affairs, instead, sought to reduce this issue of profound historical and contemporary significance to a simple consideration of space." Hachikian goes on with an in-depth review of the assertions made in the State Department letter, concluding that, "we find it plainly disingenuous, if not outright dishonest, to imply that the exclusion of the Armenian Genocide is based on space considerations." He adds, "it is clear that this historically inaccurate refusal to even acknowledge the premeditated extermination between 1915 and 1923 of fully two thirds of all Armenians by Ottoman Turkey and the exile of a nation from its historic homeland of more than three thousand years, represents another very sad chapter in the State Department's complicity in the Turkish government's ongoing immoral campaign to deny the Armenian Genocide." In closing, Hachikian writes, "How truly regrettable I find it to have to engage in word-counts to illustrate the ridiculous and reprehensible lengths to which the State Department goes to help the government of Turkey to deny the undeniable--the crime of genocide committed against the Armenian nation. In the interest of basic morality, historical accuracy, and the State Department's credibility, on behalf of the American-Armenian community, I ask you to immediately correct this obvious and insulting 'error.'" Readers can express their concern about the Armenia Background Notes by visiting the ANCA website, <; 2) Ghukassian Presses Lenmarker for Equal Footing STEPANAKERT (Combined Sources)--The president of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Special Representative on the Karabagh conflict met in the capital of MKR, Stepanakert, on June 4. Thanking OSCE's Goran Lennmarker for his visit, MKR President Arkady Ghukassian said that only immediate interaction between mediators and MKR representatives, as well as Stepanakert's equal participation in negotiations, could end the stalemate to bring about a peaceful resolution. Ghukassian expressed hope that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's interest in resolving the conflict, as well as its cooperation and involvement, would help the establishment of peace in the region. He, at the same time, stressed that Azerbaijan's extremism via a concerted effort to stir anti-Armenian propaganda, especially among its population, is destructive and stands in the way of progress. The efforts of international mediators, stressed Ghukassian, would better be served if they concentrated on creating conditions for a balanced dialogue between MKR and Azerbaijan, rather than formulating suggestions. Lennmarker said that the goal of his fact-finding mission to MKR and the region is to seek a speedy resolution to the conflict, indicating that all of Europe is interested in accelerating the peace process. He said that the experience gained in settling past conflicts would be a valuable tool in expediting the matter, and ruled out a military settlement to the conflict. 3) Construction of Airport Terminal to Take Zvartnots to New Heights YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Construction of a new terminal at Armenia's main international airport began on Monday by the Argentine Corporacion America Company managing the project. Representatives of the Argentine company and Armenian government ministers inaugurated the start of construction, describing it as the first stage of the reconstruction of Zvartnots airport, which is to conform to international standards with the completion of the project. The airport's commercial director Juan-Pablo Guechigian, said the project would cost at least $42 million. Justice Minister David Harutiunian, who oversees project implementation, said the new three-story building is slated for completion by 2007, and added that its ground floor, available for passenger use, will be ready at the end of next year, as well as construction of the upper floors. Argentinean Armenian Eduardo Eurnekian, who operates 33 airports across South America, owns Corporacion America which signed a 30-year management contract with the Armenian government in December 2001 and took over Zvartnots several months later. Officials in Yerevan said earlier that the reconstruction will enable Zvartnots to handle at least 1.2 million passengers a year. Up to 800,000 people presently arrive at and depart from the airport each year. Eurnekian reportedly looks to transform the airport into a major transit hub for long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. 4) Farewell to Former President Ronald Reagan (VOA)--A week of remembrances for former President Ronald Reagan began on Monday, when his remains arrived at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California. There, the body will lie in repose for two days, while mourners pay last respects to the 40th US president, who died Saturday at age 93, of pneumonia after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. On Wednesday, Mr. Reagan's body will be flown to Washington ahead of a state funeral on Friday. President Bush has declared Friday a national day of mourning. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev are among the prominent figures planning to attend Friday's state funeral for Ronald Reagan at Washington's National Cathedral. The former British leader has given up public speaking after a series of strokes, but will deliver a videotaped eulogy recorded several months before Reagan's death. Reagan and Thatcher were close friends, politically united by their dislike for communism. Gorbachev forged a relationship with the late president during summit meetings in the final years of the Cold War. 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.

Foreigners show keen interest in serving in Russian army
Ekho Moskvy radio, Moscow
7 Jun 04
Presenter Foreign citizens are showing a very keen interest in serving
in the Russian army. This is borne out by the figures of the military
enlistment centres. Anastasiya (?Izyumskaya) has the details.
Correspondent In the northwest of the country alone, nearly 40
foreigners have expressed a desire to serve under contract in the
Russian armed forces. I would remind you that the possibility of doing
this arose in spring this year after the appropriate amendments had
been made to the law on military service.
The Leningrad Military District mobilization HQ told Interfax news
agency that it is mainly citizens of the former Soviet republics who
want to serve under contract. Among those who have applied there are
also members of the fair sex.
Actually, this interest in military service in Russia is quite easy
to explain: after three years of serving in our army, a foreigner,
if he is from one of the former Soviet republics, can obtain Russian
citizenship.
Presenter I would add that Russian legislation stipulates a three-month
probationary period for contract soldiers.
The Russian news agency Interfax-AVN web site (Moscow, in English
0810 gmt) quoted the acting chief of the Leningrad Military District
mobilization HQ, Col Viktor Martynov, as saying the highest number
of applications by foreign citizens was made in Leningrad and Pskov
Regions.
“The applicants are primarily Ukrainians and Belarusians, and there
are some people from Moldova and Armenia. They are going through
professional selection and medical examination at assembly points of
military commissioner’s offices,” Martynov said.

Armenian officers waiting for Azeri visas to attend NATO conference
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
5 Jun 04
Presenter Baku continues to be faithful to itself. Even today it
is under a cloud of suspicion over whether the Armenian delegation
will be able to take part in the 22 June planning conference for the
Cooperative Best Effort-2004 exercises in Baku.
To recap, many obstacles have been created for the Armenian
servicemen and they were not allowed to go to Baku to take part in
the last planning conference for the Cooperative Best Effort-2004
exercises. The deputy commander of the US European Command, Gen Charles
Wald, who visited Armenia in April, said that Armenian servicemen
would certainly take part in NATO events. The Azerbaijani president
Ilham Aliyev personally assured and promised the American general
that Armenian servicemen would have no problems participating in the
Cooperative Best Effort-2004 exercises. Despite this the Azerbaijani
side has not yet granted the Armenian servicemen entry visas, the
deadline for which is 7 June.
Correspondent The Cooperative Best Effort-2004 programme is of great
importance for Armenia. The member countries’ participation in the
planning conference is also of great importance for NATO. Through the
Best Effort programme improvements should be implemented in the member
countries’ defence spheres and defence systems. Azerbaijan hindering
Armenia’s participation in the planning conference and exercises
certainly casts doubt on the very existence of future NATO programmes.
Chief of the Armenian Defence Ministry’s foreign relations and
international military cooperation department, Maj-Gen Mikael
Melkonyan, captioned I think that if Azerbaijan continues to put up
obstacles, the NATO leadership will take the appropriate decision. It
is even probable that the exercises will not take place.
Correspondent Mikael Melkonyan is optimistic and hopes that the
Azerbaijani side may on the last day grant entry visas to the Armenian
servicemen. At a seminar on military service, objectives and solutions
and the Armenian army’s achievements and objectives, the general of the
Armenian armed forces noted that impressions of our army outside of
our country are quite positive. The Armenian peacekeeping battalion
was recognized the best in the Cooperative Best Effort exercises
which took place in Georgia in 2002 and in Armenia in 2003.
Passage omitted: the seminar also discussed alternative service
Ayk Ovanesyan, “Aylur”

California Courier Online, June 10, 2004
1 – Commentary
Azeri Student at American Univ.
In Bulgaria Threatens Armenians
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
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2 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Captivates
Haigazian Auxiliary Audience
3 – St. Andrew Church
Hosts Festival in
Cupertino, June 27
4 – Registration Opens for
AGBU-AYA Summer
Basketball League
5 – Professional Society Launches
Outreach Program to Students
6 – Richard Mushegain Holds Winning
Ticket to Ararat Home’s Car Raffle
7 – Exhibit at UCLA to Feature Works
By Genocide Witness Armin Wegner
8 – Montebello Armenian Center Provides
After-School Tutoring for Students
9- Local Red Cross Chapter Honors UAF
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1 – Commentary
Azeri Student at American Univ.
In Bulgaria Threatens Armenians
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Just when Armenians were recovering from the shocking murder of an Armenian
officer who was hacked to death by an Azeri classmate in a NATO Partnership
for Peace program (how ironic?) in Budapest, Hungary on February 19, an
Azeri in Bulgaria makes vicious and racist threats against Armenians.
Rauf Zeynalov, an Azeri student at the American University in Bulgaria
(AUBG), sent on April 30th a very vicious and obscene hate mail to Karen
Vrtanesyan, the web master of , in response to an
article condemning the murder by Ramil Safarov of an Armenian officer in
Hungary. In order to spare our readers’ sensibilities, I have deleted the
crude four-letter words used by Zeynalov in the following e-mail:
“Bitch, I have seen ur (sic) some inventions (sic) in the armenianhouse.org
forum for Ramil Safarov. I wanna (sic) say that Ramil … [expletive deleted]
that bitch armenian (sic) guy in Hungary and belive (sic) me that we, all
azeris (sic) will … [expletive deleted] ur (sic) and all armenians (sic)
mom. Actually, it was ur (sic) mom who was shouting last night in the bed
of one of azeris (sic). And me (sic) … [expletive deleted] ur (sic) sister
:::::::::)))))))) (sic). She was really cool 🙂 (sic). With the wish of …
[expletive deleted] all armenians (sic). By the way we are not gays, so for
sure we will … [expletive deleted] girls and women coming to u (sic), u
(sic) will be … [expletive deleted] in other ways 🙂 … [expletive deleted]
u (sic) !!!”
Vrtanesyan informed the officials of the American University in Bulgaria on
May 17 about the hate mail sent by one of their students, Rauf Zeynalov,
using the university’s e-mail system. Vrtanesyan sent to the University a
copy of Zeynalov’s obscene and threatening e-mail.
David C. Durst, the Interim Chief Academic Officer at the American
University in Bulgaria, immediately responded to Vrtanesyan by saying: “I
have received your letter. This is a serious allegation and I have opened
an investigation of the case.”
Four days later, on May 21, Durst sent the following e-mail to Vrtanesyan:
“I write to inform you of the action the AUBG Administration has taken in
response to the serious threats and offensive language the AUBG student
Rauf Zeynalov used in violation of AUBG’s written rules governing the use
of e-mail on campus. Rauf Zeynalov will not be attending the university
during the fall semester, and before he will be allowed to return to AUBG
he will be required to convince the University Administration to its
satisfaction that he understands the severity of his misguided action and
that he will maintain respect for and work cooperatively with others of
different backgrounds and opinions upon return to the University.”
Karen Vrtanesyan should be commended for bringing the offensive e-mail of
this Azeri hate monger to the immediate attention of the American
University in Bulgaria. David Durst and the officials of AUBG should also
be commended for their prompt action.
Readers should write to David Durst ([email protected]) suggesting that the
Azeri student should be expelled from the University rather than being
suspended just for one semester. Letters should also be sent to the Soros
Foundation’s Open Society Institute in Bulgaria ([email protected]) urging them
to rescind the scholarship they had awarded to Rauf Zeynalov for the full
cost of his educational expenses towards a Bachelor Degree at the American
University in Bulgaria.
Oskanian Responds to Column on David Phillips
In response to my column criticizing the moderator of TARC, David Phillips,
for writing a blatantly anti-Armenian commentary in the Wall Street
Journal, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Vartan Oskanian, sent me his
reaction:
“The David Phillips article demonstrated either an alarming ignorance of
Armenia’s domestic and foreign policies and realities, or deliberate
distortion. To arrive at conclusions and make predictions based on wrong
information and inappropriate interpretations harms the international
community’s efforts to understand regional processes and developments. If
the reason was ignorance, this is unfortunate, since he had plenty of
opportunity and access to better information. If it was deliberate
distortion, this is even worse since he had cast himself in the role of
conciliator.”
I am pleased that Mr. Oskanian did respond to Phillips in a forthright
manner. After the highly offensive article that Phillips wrote in the Wall
Street Journal, he should no longer have any friends among Armenians.
**************************************************************************
2 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Captivates
Haigazian Auxiliary Audience
PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena home of Dr. and Mrs. John Kassabian set the
background for the appearance of young Canadian-Armenian opera sensation
Isabel Bayrakdarian who captivated her audience at the May 20 benefit
luncheon of the Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary. Bayrakdarian,
appearing in “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
through mid-June, has received outstanding reviews.
The diva was introduced by USC Music Professor Lucina Agbabian Hubbard, a
Haigazian Auxiliary past president, who read excerpts of Bayrakdarian press
reviews from around the world. She played several selections from Isabel’s
CBC album “Joyous Light,” a collection of Armenian liturgical music, and
from her Spanish and Latin award winning CD “Azualao.”
In speaking about her personal background in music, Bayrakdarian who has
sung on stages worldwide said that “it began in the Armenian Church” where
her mother was choir director. All of her brothers and sisters were
encouraged to participate in the liturgy, either musically or on the altar.
“Music refines the soul and it has brought out good qualities in me. Music
makes you think about humanity,” she reflected.
The young soprano, a native of Zahle, Lebanon, emigrated with her family
to Canada and, after receiving a degree in biomedical engineering, attended
the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She commented on being
Armenian. “It’s easy to remain Armenian when you are in your homeland. It’s
difficult to remain Armenian when you are in the diaspora.” She stressed
how important it is to teach children about their heritage and language.
Displaying a unique maturity and spirituality, Isabel is grateful for being
blessed with so very much. “The least I can do,” she said “is to give back
to Him who kissed my throat when I was born. We can all do that with our
talents,” she added.
Bayrakdarian recently returned from her first trip to Armenia with a crew
from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to film a documentary. She
immediately fell in love with the country of her ancestors. She was
thrilled to sing at the 13th century Geghart Monastery carved into the side
of a mountain. “I totally broke down when I went to Geghart. I’m so happy I
lived to see it.”
Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, immediate past president of Haigazian University,
offered the blessing and Auxiliary President Joyce Stein MC’d the program.
Stein thanked Isabel and recognized the audience for supporting the
University which is preparing to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2005.
She gave an optimistic report on the University in Beirut which presently
has the highest enrollment in its history. No qualified Armenian student
has ever been turned away from Haigazian because of lack of funds.
A scholarship will be presented this year in loving memory of Evelyn
Levonian who spent many years as an active member and was a past president
of the Auxiliary. She suffered a major stroke eleven years ago and was in
declining health until her passing on May 5.
**************************************************************************
3 – St. Andrew Church
Hosts Festival in
Cupertino, June 27
CUPERTINO, CA – St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino will hold its 40th
Annual Festival on June 27 from 11 am to 6 pm on the church grounds.
Featured will be Armenian food; a large variety of favorite Armenian
pastries; a DJ as well as a live band for folk dancing; boutique booths;
games for children, and much more.
Chairman of the Festival, Vahak Awadisian, invites everyone in the San
Francisco Bay Area to join the celebration of St. Andrew’s 40th summer
event.
On his committee are Co-Chairman Ben Toker, Tamara Warren, Mike Kuzirian,
Shant Krikorian, Dr. Peter Abaci and Nubar Manoukian – all members of the
St. Andrew Parish Council, with Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Pastor, as the
Advisor.
St. Andrew Church is located at 11370 S. Stelling Road (near Rainbow Drive
– 1-1/4 miles south of De Anza College) in Cupertino.
For information, call (408) 257-6743 during business hours.
**************************************************************************
4 – Registration Opens for
AGBU-AYA Summer
Basketball League
PASADENA, Calif. – The AGBU San Fernando Valley and AGBU Pasadena Chapters,
in conjunction with the AGBU Southern California Central Sports Committee,
welcome and encourage parents to register their boys, ages 10-12 years old,
for the 2004 AGBU-AYA Summer Basketball League.
Team practices will be held from July 10 to Sept. 18, at both the Pasadena
and San Fernando Valley AGBU locations. Team practice days and times for
the AGBU Basketball League will be determined shortly. Actual basketball
games will be held within the aforementioned date period on Saturday at
both locations.
The registration fee is $125 per athlete. Registration forms must be
completed in their entirety. Please include a copy of the athlete’s birth
certificate. Completed applications must be mailed by the June 25, 2004
deadline to either one of the following addresses:
AGBU Valley Chapter, Attn: Summer Basketball League, 6844 Oakdale Ave.,
Canoga Park, CA 91306 or AGBU Pasadena Chapter, Attn: Summer
Basketball League, 2495 E. Mountain Ave., Pasadena CA 91104.
All registered athletes must attend the initial tryout/draft between 1-3:30
pm on July 10, at either the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School’s gymnasium in
Canoga Park, or at the AGBU Pasadena gymnasium.
For further information, contact the AGBU Pasadena Center at (626)
794-7942, or the AGBU San Fernando Valley Center at (818) 313-9449 or via
email at [email protected]
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5 – Professional Society Launches
Outreach Program to Students
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Professional Society (APS) has embarked on an
educational “Student Outreach Program” (SOP) to encourage college education
and familiarize Armenian high school students with the various professions
available to them.
The first SOP presentation was conducted on May 25, at Armenian Mesrobian
School in Pico Rivera. In light of the limited number of Armenian men and
women entering the field of engineering, the subject of the presentation
was “A Career in Engineering.”
APS’ 2nd vice president, Ronnie Nazeley, a graduate of USC with a BS degree
in Chemical Engineering, made the presentation to approximately 50 high
school students, in English and Armenian.
The presentation discussed the various engineering disciplines and the
required curriculum. The presentation dealt with the employment options
upon graduation and the various industries available to engineers, such as
aerospace, petrochemical, power generation, defense, automobile, and
computer. The presentation along with the Q&A session lasted for about 35
minutes and it was well received by the Mesrobian students.
Future presentations will be available in the fields of art, architecture,
finance, medicine and law. Schools interested in a presentation may
contact the APS at P.O. Box 1944, Glendale, CA 91209-1944 or by email at
[email protected].
**************************************************************************
6 – Richard Mushegain Holds Winning
Ticket to Ararat Home’s Car Raffle
MISSION HILLS, Calif. – The Ararat Home of Los Angeles held the drawing of
their “Put a Mercedes in Your Garage or $50,000 in Your Bank,” raffle on
May 29 at the Mission Hills campus.
The winning ticket was 997 and was purchased by Richard Mushegain, who
decided to receive the cash prize rather than the car.
Over 300 people were in attendance to observe the raffle ticket drawing
made by Edward Abrahamian, a 100-year-old resident of the Ararat Nursing
Facility.
“Since all of the 1500 tickets were sold, the event was a tremendous
success,” said Board Chairman Robert Taylor. “Without the support of the
Lady Auxiliary and the Guilds as well as the Board Trustees and the
Armenian community, we could not have done it.”
During the Sunday afternoon event, Cong. Brad Sherman (D-27th District),
presented to the Ararat Home an American Flag flown over the Capitol in
Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2004. A member of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, Cong. Sherman has been very supportive of Armenia, Nagorno
Karabagh and other Armenian-related issues in Congress.
The Mercedes dealer in Encino, John Steigler, who helped support the
Raffle, presented his remarks of support of the Armenian community to the
attendees.
Wine and mezzas were provided by Arut’s catering.
**************************************************************************
7- Exhibit at UCLA to Feature Works
By Genocide Witness Armin Wegner
LOS ANGELES – A photo exhibition entitled “Armin T. Wegner & The Armenians
in Anatolia: 1915-1916” will take place at UCLA from June 13 to July 3, at
the Kerckhoff Grand Salon on Westwood Plaza.
The exhibition is produced by the Armin T. Wegner Society of USA in
cooperation with the Narekatsi Chair at UCLA, supported by German archives,
as well as Sybil Stevens and Mischa Wegner for Wegner family.
Initiated by Dr. Pietro Kuciukian, the exhibition was held in over 80
locations in Italy, which led to the ultimate recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by the Italian government.
Armin T. Wegner was a German intellectual, expressionist writer and poet,
civil rights advocate, anti-war activist, photojournalist, and eyewitness
to the Armenian Genocide.
He served as a medical nurse in the Turkish army during WWI. As a personal
caretaker of Field Marshal von der Goltz, he traveled with him along the
Baghdad railroad in Mesopotamia, where he witnessed the Armenian Genocide.
Disobeying orders which were intended to stifle news of the massacres, he
gathered information on the Genocide – collected notes, annotations,
documents, letters and took hundreds of photographs in the Armenian
deportation camps – visible proof of the first systematic genocide of the
twentieth century. At the request of the Turkish Command, Wegner was
eventually arrested by the Germans and was recalled to Germany. His
photographs were confiscated and destroyed, however, he managed to smuggle
some emulsions in his belt with images from the Armenian Genocide.
On June 13, at 4 p.m., the award winning film, “Destination Nowhere: The
Witness,” a documentary by Carlo Massa, will be screened at the Kerckhoff
Grand Salon. Guest speaker will be Armin T. Wegner’s son, Mischa Wegner.
Seating is limited, so please RSVP by e-mailing your name and number of
attendees to [email protected].
****************************************************************
8 – Montebello Armenian Center Provides
After-School Tutoring for Students
MONTEBELLO, Calif. – Starting May 25, After School Tutoring will be
provided free at the Montebello Armenian Center for Armenian students of
all grades, announced a spokesperson for the AYF Vahan Cardashian Chapter.
The chapter, along with the Center Executive Committee, has provided a
state-of-the art computer facility for homework, projects, and research
papers by students from Armenian or public schools. There is no charge for
the use of the facility.
Computer hardware includes four Dell 4600 PCs, color printers, and
scanners. Software provided include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage,
Encyclopedia Encarta, and Armenian Language.
Free tutoring subjects include Math, Sciences, History, English, Armenian,
and more.
Students are invited to make use of the facilities every Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Montebello Armenian Center is located at 420 W. Washington Blvd., in
Montebello.
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9 – Local Red Cross Chapter Honors UAF
By Darleene Barrientos
News-Press
GLENDALE — When the local Armenian-American community rallied to collect
medical and school supplies for Armenia, it gave the local Red Cross
chapter a valuable learning experience.
Now, the Glendale-Crescenta Valley Chapter of the Red Cross paid back the
favor by giving the United Armenian Fund its annual Good Neighbor award.
The award was presented at the chapter’s annual meeting June 2 at the
Glendale Hilton. The meeting celebrated the chapter’s 87 years of service
in the community.
The UAF helped pay for the two shipments the Red Cross gathered last year,
helped the Red Cross figure out what would benefit Armenia and assisted the
chapter’s fundraising efforts, said Ron Farina, the chapter’s executive
director.
Their assistance was invaluable because it was the first time the chapter
had undertaken such a project, he added. The UAF led a fund drive and
helped pay for the shipments of 20 pallets of surgical prep trays and 35
chests of school supplies that were flown to Armenia.
“They gave us guidance on what we should look for and how we should conduct
fundraising in the Armenian community,” Farina said.
The chapter collected nearly $5,000 from local Armenian Americans in
Glendale.
“They provided great insight and expertise in what we haven’t been in
before,” assistant chapter manager Irena Efremian said. “They guided us
from A through Z — they were very diligent in explaining what we could do
and not do.”
Receiving the Clara Barton Award was outgoing board member Mary Ann
Plumley, for her outstanding service and dedication of working with the
local Realtor Board and community in promoting Red Cross activities.
Donald A. Huffsmith Jr. was installed as the Red Cross chapter’s incoming
chairman.
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United Nations Development Programme Country Office in Armenia
14, Karl Liebknecht Street, Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Contact: Aramazd Ghalamkaryan
Tel: (374 1) 56 60 73
Fax: (374 1) 54 38 11
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
UNDP COUNTRY OFFICE IN ARMENIA
*7 June, 2004
WITH A VISIT TO ARMENIA’S LARGEST DUMP, UNDP AND THE MINISTRY OF NATURE
PROTECTION LAUNCH ENVIRONMENT WEEK*
Yerevan, Armenia
Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry
of Nature Protection officially marked World Environment Day by
organising a media event in the country’s largest waste disposal site in
Nubarashen, near Yerevan. In close cooperation with UN Agencies and
local and international organisations, UNDP and the Ministry of Nature
Protection jointly initiated Environment Week, an advocacy campaign
aimed at raising public awareness on environmental issues. Mr. Vardan
Ayvazyan, Minister of Nature Protection, Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident
Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, representatives of the
Government, civil society and the mass media participated in the event.
Nubarashen waste disposal site receives almost all the solid waste
produced in Yerevan city and suburbs. As much as 340 tonnes per day, or
102,000 tonnes per year, is deposited in the site. Most of the waste in
Nubarashen is domestically produced by the approximately 1,280,000 who
live in these areas. Industrial waste accounts for only a small
proportion. Large quantities of landfill gas, mainly methane gas, are
produced by the waste and discharged into the atmosphere without being
fully utilised.
According to Ms. Grande: “It is very fortunate that Armenia has achieved
high rates of economic growth in the last decade. At this stage in the
country’s transition, is it critically important to focus on the
environmental aspects of economic growth. The sustainable management of
natural resources and a clean environment are key to the country’s
medium and long-term development. If the environment is destroyed or
damaged, the country will suffer. UNDP is currently one of the major
donors in the area of nature protection and we are confident that our
partnership with Government authorities and the civil society will help
to ensure a healthy environment for a healthy people.”
Background: Armenia has acceded to a number of international treaties
and conventions focused on the environment. UNDP’s National Capacities
Self-Assessment (NCSA) project aims to support the Government
in identifying gaps in meeting the requirements of these global
conventions. The goal of Environment Week, a joint advocacy initiative
of UNDP Armenia and the Ministry of Nature Protection, is to: promote
environmental activities at the community level; raise public awareness
of ongoing initiatives in the area of nature protection; highlight
existing environmental issues; and initiate a public debate on the
linkages between human development and nature protection. Environment
Week also aims to bring together major actors in nature protection
and help find solutions to very urgent and important environmental
problems facing the country and the whole Transcaucasian region.
***
UNDP is the UN’s global development network. It advocates for change and
connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people
build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with
them on their own solutions to global and national development
challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of
UNDP and our wide range of partners.
—
Aramazd Ghalamkaryan
Information and Resource Mobilisation Associate/
Support to UN Resident Coordinator
UNDP/UN Armenia
14 Karl Liebknecht St., Yerevan, 375010, Armenia
Tel: +3741 56 60 73 + 121
Mob: +3749 43 63 12
Fax: +3741 54 38 11
URLs: ;
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL PETROL STATIONS
A1 Plus | 16:21:39 | 07-06-2004 | Social |
125 of 270 Yerevan’s petrol stations are due to be dismantled because
they operate illegally without the municipality’s permission and 30
of them are already dismantled, the municipality officials say.
The municipality’s investigation in that field shows 105 petrol
stations need to be reconstructed and adjusted to proper criteria.

Sacramento reflects on his legacy
By Dion Nissenbaum and Mark Gladstone
Posted on Sun, Jun. 06, 2004
Mercury News Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO – Tucked away in a little-visited corner of the state
Capitol, Ronald Reagan’s portrait hangs beside those of his fellow
former governors — though his is the only one protected by glass.
While Jerry Brown was derided as “Governor Moonbeam” and Gray Davis
was recalled by disenchanted voters, Reagan is the only California
governor whose official portrait was defaced, a reflection of the
visceral reactions he still draws.
But on Saturday in this city where Reagan’s career as an elected
official began 37 years ago, any criticism was mostly muffled by the
grief of tourists and local residents.
As word began to spread that the president had died, school groups,
guided tours and visitors from around the globe trudged up four flights
of carpeted stairs to stand below Reagan’s portrait and reflect on
his legacy.
“Guys would have jumped off Niagara Falls for him,” said William
Edward Sullivan, a 79-year-old retired Army major who met Reagan two
decades ago during a presidential stop at a militay base. “I really
think he was one of the best presidents we ever had.”
Throughout the afternoon, visitors passed by Reagan’s portrait and
gazed up at the lifelike depiction of the smiling former governor
standing in Capitol Park with the afternoon sun bouncing off the
swoop of his trademark hair.
“He was always a man of integrity,” said Jerry Hunter, a pastor
from Bradenton, Fla. “He gave America hope and built up the American
spirit.” In death, as in life, Reagan evoked mixed reactions.
“He wasn’t my favorite, but rest in peace, I guess,” said one tourist
who declined to give his name.
For many years, Reagan’s portrait greeted visitors entering the
west side of the Capitol. But it was defaced several times over the
years, with pranksters adding horns and a mustache, said tour guide
Anne Adrian.
After being restored, the painting was moved to the third floor, next
to the impressionistic portrait of former Gov. Jerry Brown and the more
traditional paintings of former Govs. Geore Deukmejian and Pete Wilson.
Blocks from the Capitol at the Old Governor’s Mansion, there was a
mix of sadness and relief that Reagan was no longer suffering from
the debilitating and draining effects of Alzheimer’s.
At midafternoon, the news was just sinking in for tour guides and
visitors. The U.S. flag still had not been lowered, 90 minutes after
the announcement that the state’s 33rd governor had died.
Reagan and his wife, Nancy, moved into the 127-year-old gingerbread
house after his landslide victory over Democratic Gov. Pat Brown
in 1966.
But they stayed only three months, partly because the house was along
a busy street across from a smelly gasoline station. Nor was it a
child-friendly neighborhood for their active young son, Ron Jr.,
who liked sliding down the home’s banister.
Despite their short stay, a tour guide said visitors always ask about
the Reagans, especially about why there is just one photo of Nancy
on display. The gift shop sells a Nancy Reagan Fashion Paper Doll
et. And the guide said a display of a larger set of Reagan photos
was planned even before Reagan’s death.
“It’s sad because he left such a legacy in the United States,” said
Ken Toczyski, 48, a Louisville, Ky., minister. Recalling an uncertain
America of the late 1970s, the minister said Reagan came in and said:
“I believe in America. I think the people of America are what make
us great, and I want to see that greatness restored.”
Visitors on Saturday said the events of Reagan’s presidency are seared
in their memories.
“I can’t believe he lived so long. I remember when he was elected and
when he was shot. I remember what I was doing. I was in grade school,
in sixth grade,” said Joe Pounds, 34, a chef from Brooklyn, N.Y.,
who grew up in Sacramento.
It wasn’t just everyday people who were recalling the Reagans. Senate
President Pro Tem John Burton, D-San Francisco, who served in the
Assembly when Reagan was governor, remembered his biting humor, even
when he was a target. Burton recaled how Reagan once labeled him as
“the one man in Sacramento who has the most to fear from the squirrels
in Capitol Park.”
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger canceled a trip to Las Vegas planned for
Monday. Like Reagan, Schwarzenegger made the leap from Hollywood
films to Sacramento. And before Reagan died, Schwarzenegger said
there was another connection. “He has been a big idol of mine,” said
Schwarzenegger. “I’ve campaigned for him. I’ve gone out there handing
out leaflets, making phone calls on his behalf, and was very active
during the campaign to make sure he becomes the president. And this
was at the time when I was not even a citizen yet.”

Russia convicts red flag fan
Moscow, Russia, Jun. 5 (UPI) — A Russian communist has been convicted
of throwing down Russia’s flag and replacing it with the old Soviet
one, the Moscow Times reported Friday.
Armen Beniaminov (a.k.a. Benyaminyan) was convicted in the Tverskoi
district court of desecrating the Russian flag and given a one year
suspended sentence, the paper said.
On Nov. 7, 2003, Beniaminov climbed on to the roof of the State Duma,
the main chamber of the Russian parliament, and threw the Russian
national flag to the ground, prosecutors said. They said he replaced
it with the old Red Flag of the Soviet Union that disintegrated at
the end of 1991.
Beniaminov told the court he respected the new Russian flag, but addedm
“I just wanted to make sure that the authorities do not forget our
history,” the Moscow Times said.
United Press International

Book on Armenian genocide by Turks concerns Kurds
Kurdish Media
June 6 2004
London (KurdishMedia.com) 06 June 2004:
BooK: THEY CALLED ME MUSTAFA: MEMOIR OF AN IMMIGRANT by Khachadoor
(Archie) Pilibosian, edited and coathored by Helene Pilibosian, is the
story of Khachadoor, a boy caught in the Armenian Genocide, kidnapped
by a Kurd and years later escapes slavery to emigrate to America.
Detailed are his birthplace of Ichmeh in Armenia and Armenian immigrant
life in Watertown, Mass., including his employment at the first
Star Market store in Watertown Square and his own store, Huron Spa
in Cambridge. His acquaintance with artist Arshile Gorky and Yenovk
Der Hagopian, singer of Armenian troubadour songs, is recorded.
Added for a second edition, Part II includes English translations
of his poems and stories presented for their authenticity of fact
and emotion. They were translated by Hagop Sarkissian with Helene
Pilibosian, who also wrote Notes on Part II, analyzing the reasons for
writing about genocide. With nostalgic photographs. ISBN 1-929966-04-0,
187 pages, paper, $16 (add $2 shipping).
This book has been licensed for the award-winning academic database
North American Immigrant Diaries, Letters and Oral Histories published
by Alexander Street Press.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE REPRESENTATIVE Warren Tolman read the Author’s
Preface at the April 24, 1992, Commemoration at the State House in
Boston. He added, “It is a very, very powerful book.”
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FORMER SENIOR LECTURER Charles T. Ajamian
wrote in The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, “It is a compelling story. It
affords new and corroborating insights into the Genocide.’
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: “Highly recommended.”
Available at Ohan Press, 171 Maplewood St., Watertown, MA 02472-1324
[email protected] Also available
at amazon.com, bn.com, Baker & Taylor

Contemporary Iranian Artwork Go on Display in Armenia
Mehr News Agency, Iran
June 6 2004
TEHRAN June 6 (MNA) — A selection of artwork by Iranian contemporary
artists are to go on display June 12 at the Yerevan National Art
Museum, Armenia.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Tehran Museum of
Contemporary Arts, a total of 60 paintings, statues and installation
work by contemporary artists will be showcased for two weeks.
Paintings by Marco Gregorian, Mohammad-Ibrahim Ja’fari, Edmund
Ayvazian, Kamran Katuzian, Sirak Melkonian, Gholam-Hossein Nami,
Mahdi Hosseini, Gizella Varga Sina’i, and Sharareh Salehi, sculptures
by Parviz Tanavoli, Fatemeh Emdadian, and Shideh Tami as well as
an installation work by Bita Fayyazi are among the works to be put
on display.
An exhibition of artwork by Armenian artists was displayed at Tehran
Museum of Contemporary Arts in 2001.