Priest defies Israel’s ‘separation wall’
Worldwide Faith News (press release)
June 3 2004
World Council of Churches 7 Feature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 03/06/2004 – feat-04-12
“These are my guests, and this is my house”
Priest defies Israel’s ‘separation wall’
By Larry Fata
Free short video and photos available, see below.
“No! These are my guests, and this is my house!” The admonition is
delivered to Israeli soldiers attempting to stop a group of Palestinian
women crossing the grounds of a monastery. The messenger is Father Claudio
Ghilardi, a Passionist priest from Italy. His message is clear: at least
as far as the monastery grounds are concerned, he will not permit the
harassment of Palestinians by soldiers. The soldiers desist as long as
Father Claudio is present. The Palestinians continue on their way,
attempting to cross the monastery and reach Jerusalem on the other side.
The continuation of their journey depends on whether soldiers are waiting
at the exit, but at least they were able to get this far, thanks to Father
Claudio’s intervention.
Father Claudio cuts an elegant figure in his long black robe and matching
black beret. He seems weary on this particular day, however. He relates
how he has been chasing Israeli border police off the grounds and dealing
with soldiers all morning. The source of his weariness can be seen looming
in the distance; it is Israel’s “separation wall.” An ugly concrete
behemoth standing about 30 feet (nine metres) tall, dwarfing the much
smaller but more aesthetically pleasing stone monastery walls, the
“separation wall” stands poised to invade, as the two gaping holes in the
monastery wall attest. For now, work has stopped only a few feet from the
monastery grounds, thanks in part to the interventions of both the Italian
consul and the Vatican apostolic nuncio, but much damage has already been
done. And Father Claudio does not think that this reprieve will last for
very long. “This is not a barrier,” he exclaims. “This is a border. Why
don’t they speak the truth?”
The Santa Marta dei Padri Passionisti monastery is located at the
confluence of East Jerusalem, Abu Dis and Al-Izariyyeh (Bethany), the
latter the biblical home of the sisters Mary and Martha and their brother
Lazarus. It seems that the Israeli authorities want to build their wall
right through the monastery grounds, in contravention of the 1997 agreement
between the State of Israel and the Vatican respecting ecclesiastical
property. Not only will the people of Bethany, Abu Dis and parts of East
Jerusalem be cut off from the rest of Jerusalem economically, but the 2,000
Christians living in the vicinity of the monastery will lose their
spiritual centre as well.
Father Claudio’s church, named for St Martha, is now empty. The faithful
are not allowed to come to the church because it is situated on the
Jerusalem side of the grounds. They can enter the monastery on the Bethany
side but are not allowed, when soldiers or police are present, to approach
the Jerusalem side where they could conceivably exit. Many of the
Christians who used to fill the church come from the bordering towns of Abu
Dis and Bethany, and most lack the permits to enter Jerusalem. Due to
these conditions, Father Claudio celebrates mass where they are allowed to
go in a church belonging to the neighbouring Comboni sisters’ convent on
the Bethany side.
The monastery forms the centre of a Catholic “complex” that includes three
nearby convents. The Sisters of Charity run an orphanage for 45 children;
the Comboni Sisters have a school for 38 elementary-aged students; and the
Sisters of Notre Dame de Douleurs in Abu Dis have a rest home for 74
elderly Bedouins. The convents and the people they serve will be cut off
from each other and from Father Claudio.
On top of all the religious and property issues, there is the matter of the
archaeological importance of the grounds. The monastery is the site of
some large cisterns dating back to Roman times and 12 large tombs belonging
to members of the early Jewish-Christian community, with inscriptions in
Aramaic. Some of these finds have been disturbed or damaged by the
activities surrounding the construction of the wall. “When they came, they
damaged these sites,” Father Claudio says. “The government does not
respect the history of this land * a history that is important to the
Jewish people as well.”
Much has been said by the Israeli government about its need for a wall to
stop terrorist attacks within its pre-1967 borders. Much has been written
criticizing the placement of the wall in some places deep within the West
Bank, de facto annexing much Palestinian land. Israel has stated that the
“separation fence” or “barrier,” as the government prefers to call it, is
necessary to separate Israelis from Palestinians.
Even if one accepts the government’s argument that the wall is necessary
for Israel’s security, most Palestinians can’t understand why it has to go
through this area. “There are no Jews here. It’s not going to separate
Jews from Palestinians. It will separate Palestinians from Palestinians,”
comments Emad, who currently holds a Jerusalem ID and can make the short
walk to get to work, but will be unable to do so if the wall through the
monastery is completed.
And what will the wall do to the dwindling Christian community in the Holy
Land? Christians once made up a thriving and healthy 10-15% of the
Palestinian population. They now are officially only 2%, and some say that
the actual figure is closer to 1%. Building a wall right through the
monastery, separating Christians from their church and community services,
will only cause the further exodus of Christians from the Holy Land.
“We have lived here for over 100 years, under Turkish, British, Jordanian
and now Israeli governments, and no one ever tried to stop the people from
coming to pray. This wall will stop people from coming to church to pray.
Why? It is scandalous,” protests Father Claudio.
Israel has denied charges that it is trying to force the churches out, but
its recent policy denying most visa applications for clergy and lay church
workers, making it difficult if not impossible for the churches to continue
their work, will also cause erosion in the Christian community here.
Despite difficulties, Father Claudio vows to stay
Driving along the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives on our way to see
Father Claudio, we pass Beit Fage (Bethpage), where Jesus stopped to eat
some figs on his way into Jerusalem. It is from here that Christians begin
their Holy Week celebrations on Palm Sunday, following in the footsteps of
Christ as he descended from the top of the Mount of Olives and into the Old
City of Jerusalem. Soon, Bethpage will be cut off from many of the
Christian communities outside Jerusalem because of the wall, making the
Palm Sunday procession an endangered tradition for the local population.
Upon arriving in the area known locally as “Bawabe,” we can immediately see
part of Father Claudio’s problem. A temporary concrete wall blocks the
road that used to connect East Jerusalem with Bethany. There is a small
opening where, today, a soldier is checking IDs. This wall runs
perpendicular with the monastery, meaning that part of the property is on
what would be the Jerusalem side of the wall and part on the other side.
The wall is covered with graffiti: “Love God, love people;” “Peace comes
by agreement not separation;” and “God leads us to peace.” Going towards
Bethany and Abu Dis is not a problem, and the soldier pays us no mind, nor
does he pay any mind to the Palestinian students crossing on their way to
Al Quds University or the many other Palestinians going in that direction.
But he checks all the IDs of the Palestinians coming into Jerusalem. Those
without the blue Jerusalem ID or the proper permits are not allowed
passage.
There is a sea of taxis and mini-vans that serve as shared taxis here, on
both sides of the Bawabe wall. There are also makeshift stands selling
everything from fruit and vegetables to shoes and t-shirts. These
entrepreneurs try to take advantage of the foot traffic Israel has created
with its plethora of checkpoints; it is a booming cottage industry of sorts
in an area that has an unemployment rate of 60% or higher. We make our way
through the crowd, to enter the seeming oasis of peace and tranquility that
is the Santa Marta dei Padri Passionisti monastery.
The grounds are actually a beehive of activity. There are soldiers all over
the place attempting to stop Palestinians, and Father Claudio is
intervening on behalf of his “guests.” Members of the Ecumenical
Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) are acting as
witnesses and advocates. All this in a beautiful pastoral field dotted
with olive, almond and pine trees that, at this moment, is simply
pandemonium.
Mostly, the Palestinians trying to cross are people who work in Jerusalem
but don’t have the proper permits. There are also people crossing to get
medical attention, since facilities in some parts of the West Bank are few
and far between. This morning, Father Claudio was woken up at 4 a.m. by
the sounds of tear gas being fired by border police in what is essentially
his back yard. Soldiers have been maintaining a constant presence on the
grounds, and recently, the border police have started making regular
appearances as well.
“These people help me when the soldiers are in the area,” Father Claudio
says, referring to the Ecumenical Accompaniers. Alexandra Rigby-Smith, an
accompanier from Sweden, was working at the monastery today. “Many of the
people were scared,” she said. “We tried to help them get past the
soldiers so they could go to work, the hospital, university, to see family,
etc. One Bedouin woman was shaking, she was so nervous. We were able to
get some people through, but one pregnant woman, who was on her way to the
doctor, was refused a pass. That was very frustrating.”
Father Claudio tells us that a few months ago, soldiers found explosives on
one of the Palestinians crossing the monastery. But he doesn’t see that as
a reason for collectively punishing the entire community. One of the
soldiers tells a member of our group that the Palestinians dug a tunnel
below the monastery grounds to bring explosives into Jerusalem. We
inspected the “tunnel”, and there is definitely an opening large enough for
a person to get through, but not much more.
For Father Claudio, it is hardly surprising that people try any way to get
to the other side where they can find work: “The father of one family I
know with eight children hasn’t worked in one month. I help them
spiritually and I give them some food. Much more than that, I cannot
do.”
But Father Claudio does do much more. People see the monastery as a safe
haven. The sick come to him and he takes them to the hospital in his car,
using his status to get around the closures. He has had to rush women in
labour to the hospital as well. Were it not for him, these women would
have had to deliver their babies at home, a situation that adds to the
infant mortality rate in Palestine. The people call him “abuna” – our
father – even if they are not Christian.
But even Father Claudio is not always able to circumvent the authorities,
and he’s not immune from the troubles either. He shows us a scar on his
arm. “This was a gift from the army,” he tells us. “They fired tear gas
and it hit me right here.”
Father Claudio takes us around the monastery on an impromptu tour, pointing
to buildings owned by the Latin Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Greek Orthodox
and Anglican Churches. Some of the buildings are used as low-cost housing
for local Palestinian Christians. The wall will separate all of these
community centres.
All the while our group is walking along a dirt path between the rows of
olive trees, Palestinians are scurrying by us in the other direction trying
to cross. Soldiers are stopping them and the ecumenical accompaniers are
advocating for them. When Father Claudio comes by, he tells the soldiers
not to bother the Palestinians and, curiously, they listen without
argument. Of course, he can’t intervene on behalf of every Palestinian who
tries to cross and he can’t be present at all times.
“This wall doesn’t respect the human rights of the Palestinian people,”
Father Claudio says. “It doesn’t respect private property because the
Israeli government takes the land to build it. It is not the land of the
government, it is the land of poor people. What more do they want from
these people?”
Father Claudio gets some help with the many caretaking chores from another
Italian priest from Abu Dis. Otherwise, he is essentially alone, but it was
not always this way. Before the outbreak of the current Intifada in 2000,
there were five priests living in the monastery with him. They all left
because of the fear and uncertainty caused by the situation. When asked if
he will be forced to leave as well, he replies defiantly: “The only way I
will leave is if they kill me. This is my home. These people are my family.”
Our tour ended at Father Claudio’s church, where the absence of worshippers
is symbolic of the disappearing presence of Christians in the Holy Land.
Located just a few hundred metres away is the traditional site where the
Gospel tells us Jesus called into the tomb of Lazarus and brought him back
from the dead. If the wall is completed, it may take a miracle of a
similar magnitude to bring back the Christian community here.
Larry Fata, a Catholic teacher and journalist from USA is managing editor
and communication officer of the EAPPI.
A free short movie (3 min., 50 Mb) featuring Father Claudio is available
at:
> News & Updates > Catholic monastery could be divided
by
wall or click on this Link
Free high resolution photos are available at:
Media contact in Jerusalem: Cathy Nichols, Phone +972 2 628 9402
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI)
was launched in August 2002. Ecumenical accompaniers monitor and
report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,
support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Christian and
Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, offer protection
through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy,
and stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling
against the occupation. The programme is co-ordinated by the World
Council of Churches. Website:
For more information contact:
Media Relations Office
tel: (+41 22) 791 64 21 / (+41 22) 791 61 53
e-mail:[email protected]

The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 342, in
more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian
traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works
cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly,
which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally
inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by
general secretary Samuel Kobia from the Methodist church in Kenya.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 3 2004
PARLIAMENT NEWS
[June 03, 2004, 17:08:31]
As was informed by AzerTAj, the delegation led by the deputy of
parliament of Israel Amnion Cohen on June 2 has met Samad Seyidov,
the chairman of standing committee of Milli Majlis on the international
links and inter-parliamentary relations.
Having welcomed the visitors, Mr. Seyidov has told about development
of relations between our countries in political, economic and cultural
areas. He has noted that today Azerbaijan develops both in economic and
political relations and is interested in expansion of the international
links and cooperation.
Then chairman of the Committee has in detail informed on the reasons
of occurrence of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
the fair position of official Baku in connection with settlement of
the problem.
Mr. Amnion Cohen has noted that the purpose of arrival to Azerbaijan
consists in participation in the 11th International Exhibition –
Conference “Caspian Oil-Gas – 2004 ” in Baku Alongside with it,
they are going to carry out a number of bilateral meetings and have
exchange of opinions concerning development of our communications.
The purpose of the said meeting consists of discussion of prospects
of expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The visitor also has emphasized, that Israel supports the fair position
of Azerbaijan on settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
Then, the parties had comprehensive exchange of opinions on other
questions representing mutual interest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 3 2004
DELEGATION OF AZERBAIJAN MADE PROPOSALS IN THE FINAL DOCUMENT ON
TOPIC “REFUGEES, MIGRATION AND PROTECTION” IN MINSK
[June 03, 2004, 20:24:35]
As was informed by AzerTAj, the UN High Commissioner on Refugees,
the International Organization of migration, the Council of Europe
and OSCE held a meeting in Minsk on the topic “Refugees, migration
and protection”.
Our country on this action was presented by the head of delegation
Gurban Sadygov, the head of department of migration of the Ministry
of Labor and Social Security of population Rauf Tagiyev, the head
of department of the Frontier Service Akif Shafiyev, the inspector
of Management of passport registration of the Ministry of Internal
Affairs Vugar Zeynalov who spoke of refugee problems, the IDPs and
migration of the Cabinet of the Azerbaijan Republic, and also as
the observer – the head of the department of the State Committee on
refugees and IDPs Telman Mammadov and others.
The head of delegation of Azerbaijan G. Sadygov in his statement has in
detail told about the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
about the refugees and IDPs who became refugees in result of the
ethnic purge pursued by Armenia, the measures which are carried out by
our state in connection with their social protection, the situation
developed in the field of migration, scales of the conflict, support
of the international organizations in settlement of the problem.
Under the offer of delegation of Azerbaijan, to the project of the
final document adopted at the meeting has been amended with a new
paragraph under the name “Safety of the person and the IDPs” and some
items, responding to interests of our country.
Within the framework of action, were held meetings with representatives
of high rank representatives of the international organizations,
and discussed were questions and opportunities of development of
cooperation.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 3 2004
ONE-ON-ONE MEETING OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AND
PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE LEONID KUCHMA
[June 03, 2004, 22:57:13]
President Leonid Kuchma and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had
a one-on-one meeting at the residence of the President of Ukraine on
3 June, AzerTAj correspondents reported.
President Ilham Aliyev thanked to President Leonid Kuchma for
invitation on a state visit to Ukraine and expressed hope that the
current visit would play important role in development of relations
between the two countries. Expressing his gratitude to the Ukrainian
leader for erection of monument to the national leader of Azerbaijan
people Heydar Aliyev in Kiev, Head of Azerbaijan State said that just
thanks to the efforts of President Heydar Aliyev President Leonid
Kuchma the bilateral relations between the two countries developed
speedy. As was noted the cooperation of the two countries in the
frame of international organizations is also high level. President
Ilham Aliyev also underlined his satisfaction with the economic links,
goods turnover and realization of joint projects.
Noting exclusive role of President Heydar Aliyev in development of
the relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, President Kuchma said
that he always remembers him.
Touching upon the prospects of the bilateral relations, the state visit
of President Ilham Aliyev and the documents to be signed, including
the joint Statement the Presidents will sign, President Leonid Kuchma
said that this visit would open a new phase in the bilateral relations.
During the meeting, discussed were issues of cooperation in the
trade-economic relations, including in transportation of the oil
and energy carriers to Europe, international problems, cooperation
issues in the frame of GUUAM, mutual links with the European Union
and NATO, and exchange views on political, socio-economic situation
in both countries. The Heads of State also focused settlement of the
Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict. President Leonid
Kuchma stated that Ukraine adheres to peaceful resolution to the
problem, supports territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and would do
it henceforth.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Junior Achievement of Armenia
4/6 Saryan street,
Yerevan 375009, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 1) 54.49.96
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 2, 2004
CAFESJIAN, JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, ORRAN, ARMENIA TV TEAM UP TO CELEBRATE
CHILDREN’S DAY
Yerevan–“Children for Children” was the theme on June 1 at the
Gerard L. Cafesjian Center for the Arts, known here as the Cascade,
where International Children’s Day celebrations and lessons about
love and benevolence went hand in hand.
The festivities began in the early evening with circus acts,
puppet shows, and dance and song performances from the Karakert
Village Dance Troupe as well as many other groups from across the
Republic. Thousands of children participated in games, activities,
and spontaneous performances throughout the night.
The children, their families, and visiting guests and dignitaries
were treated to a live late-night concert, with the country’s most
popular singers such as Nune Yesayan, Shushan Petrosian, Alla Levonian,
Arthur Ispirian, and many others filling the air with Armenian song
and soul. A spectacular fireworks show concluded a festival that was
unprecedented in its scope and dimension.
The real success, however, was in the message of the day. Organized by
the Cafesjian Family Foundation, Junior Achievement of Armenia, Orran
Benevolent Union, and Armenia TV with the intention of promoting the
spirit of giving, the partners reached out to Armenia’s most promising
group of children: Junior Achievers.
Junior Achievement of Armenia, an affiliate of Junior Achievement
worldwide, assists high school students in learning about all aspects
of running a business. From marketing to production and distribution,
these students study and put into practice the ABC’s of free market
economics.
While the nation celebrated one of its happiest days of the year,
Junior Achievers decided in their turn to help other children
in need, and in particular the young beneficiaries of Orran, an
organization that assists vagrant children. As part of the Children’s
Day celebration along the Cascade, over thirty of the most active
Junior Achievement classrooms from Armenia’s schools decided to hold
a public sale of hand-made goods and wares and to donate all profits
for the day to charity organizations devoted to children.
Armine K. Hovannisian, executive director of Junior Achievement of
Armenia and founder of Orran, summed up the meaning of the day:
“We wanted the children to have a great festival and to enjoy
themselves. We also wanted to create the opportunity for them to show
off the results of their many months of labor and to make a public
statement about caring and helping those who are less fortunate.”
What turned out to be a festive occasion with thousands of smiling
children was in fact a lesson of benevolence which needs to be
practiced not only in Yerevan but throughout the Armenian world.
For more information, visit the Cafesjian Family Foundation at
; Junior Achievement of Armenia at ;
and Orran Children’s Center [or Orran Benevolent Union] at

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
COMMUNIQUÉ
PRIMATE PRESIDES OVER 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH IN YETTEM
On Sunday, May 30, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Armenian Church of North America Western Diocese,
presided over the 100th Anniversary celebration of St. Mary Armenian
Church in Yettem. One hundred years ago, when the community of Yettem
was first established, services were held in the garden. In the same
tradition, on May 30, Morning Services began in the garden, after which
the Primate celebrated Divine Liturgy in the church. In his Sermon the
Primate addressed the faithful community of Yettem with the words,
“Today we are challenged with two celebrations.” Pentecost and the
100th Anniversary of St. Mary Armenian Church. The two celebrations
invite us to a new life, so that we may live a Christ-like life in
the community.^Ô
In the evening a banquet was held in celebration of the 100th
Anniversary, which included remarks by the Parish Council Chairman
Mr. Hartune Neffian, as well as by Anahid Soxman and Ed Tellalian.
Following, Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian
Church, addressed the faithful in attendance and congratulated all
those who have served the church over the past years.
The closing remarks of the banquet were delivered by the Primate,
who inspired the faithful with his touching address. Below is the
message of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
“Pentecost has been spiritually the most enriching moment in the life
of Christ’s apostles. After the Ascension as they gathered in the
upper room the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were filled
with the Spirit. The Spirit transfigured the lives of the apostles
and led them to preach the Word of God and become witnesses of Christ.
As we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, we are all filled with the
power of the Spirit and strengthened with the vision to become the
new apostles of the new times. Today the Holy Spirit descends into
the depths of our souls. It is only through our prayerful life that
we are able to grasp and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our
being. In my personal and pastoral life I have often been strengthened
by the Holy Spirit as a child, as a young man and as an ordinant.
For one hundred years our fathers have responded to the calling of
God as they have become recipients of the Holy Spirit and have become
apostles who spread the Word of God.
One hundred years with Christ marks a milestone in the life of St. Mary
Armenian Church. Today we are challenged to pave the road for yet
another 100 years of history in the life of the new generation. This
is the time to learn the past, render respect to our forefathers
for their vision and hardship, for their wisdom and perseverance,
for their love and dedication for the Armenian Apostolic Church.
We are here to enrich our lives with the same vision as our
forefathers. By being faithful to our forefathers, we fill our
God-given lives with Christian values, thus becoming a source of
inspiration for children and the youth. However, above all, we are
here to become the architects of the future church. We are challenged
to have the vision for a new church with the deep understanding that
the church can live only when we walk with Christ and become part of
his Crucifixion and Resurrection.
We ought to ask ourselves the question, “What is our mission? How
much do we give from our hearts to God and the community?” We ought
to respond to this question with the good faith in action, with
the courage to overcome the hardships of the days and times, and be
strengthened with the presence of God in our lives through prayer.
Let us thank God for bestowing in our lives abundant blessings. The
blessing of the life of our forefathers has bonded our lives with
Christ, enriched our spirits with the love of Christ and enabled us
to better understand that spiritual values are everlasting.
My message to you all today is to be the stewards of this church the
100th anniversary in another blessing bestowed upon all of you. In
this wonderful church we ought to see the presence of our forefathers
and hear the echo of their message.
Be the guardians of your Christian faith. Be engaged in making this
church the stronghold for the future generation. You have been blessed
with the legacy of 100 years; you are now blessed with the opportunity
to pass that legacy to the future generation. Participate; be engaged
in the life of this church. The church is the ground to test our faith
in Christ. The more we give, the more we strengthen our faith. The
more we strengthen our faith, the more we glorify our Lord.
Today, filled with spirit we give thanks to God Almighty for the
gift of the lives of the founders of St. Mary Armenian Church, the
pastors and the faithful members. Today, filled with the power of
the Holy Spirit we pray for the departed souls of the pastors and the
faithful members of this church who have lived a life similar to the
grain of wheat.
Today, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit we are transfigured
spiritually to continue our God-entrusted mission. Our mission is
to render respect to the founders of this church in action, in true
sacrifice.
Today, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit I extend to you
all my joy and true inspiration for the exemplary mission you have
accomplished under the able leadership of your beloved pastor Father
Vartan.
Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit let us pray for the
children and the youth, so that they also may attain the divine
wisdom and the love of Christ to hold firm their Christian faith,
and by remaining faithful to the faith of their forefathers, to
strengthen the foundation of the Armenian Church.”
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
June 2, 2004
Burbank, CA

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06/03/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF's Margarian Meets with France's Socialist Party Representative 2) ARF Western Europe Convention Convenes in France 3) Ghukasian Says Karabagh Constitution First Step to Statehood 4) US Karabagh Envoy Again in Yerevan 5) Conference to Tackle New Challenges in the Changing Armenian American Youth Identity in Armenian Schools 1) ARF's Margarian Meets with France's Socialist Party Representative PARIS (ARF Press Office)--Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau representative Hrant Margarian congratulated France's Socialist Party first secretary François Hollande for his party's firm stance on Turkey's entry into the European Union, suggesting the party exert efforts to convince other European socialist parties to follow suit. Hollande confirmed that he has pursued the matter with newly elected President of the European Socialist Party Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, and will work more actively in the coming weeks to push the issue. The two met at the Paris headquarters of the Socialist Party on June 3. Hollande explained that though it was not possible to get an ARF representative to an electable position in the upcoming European Parliament elections, he assured that the matter would be resolved in time for other European and French elections. Noting ARF's integral participation in Socialist International, Margarian said the ARF of Armenia, as a coalition government partner, is able to advance socialist ideology through its activities, and works toward Armenia's European integration. The Bureau representative invited Hollande to visit Armenia as a guest of the ARF, on the occasion of General Assembly of CIS Socialist parties; Hollande accepted. Margarian revealed that the ARF plans to establish the Hrair Maroukhian Foundation to follow the example of France's Jean Juares Foundation, which seeks to foster democracy and social justice by assisting Socialist International party members in the "new democracies" that emerged following the collapse of dictatorships in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Hollande promised to collaborate with the ARF on the venture. Also participating during the meeting between Holland and Margarian were France's Socialist Party international secretary Philip Cordery and ARF Western Europe Central Committee members Mourad Papazian and Charles Papazian. During a joint press conference that followed, Hollande announced that in a recent letter he appealed to the president of Turkey to address the issue and recognize the Armenian Genocide. The sides also announced that a joint ARF, Socialist Party of France announcement had been signed that calls for Turkey's recognition of the Armenian Genocide and calls on [European] citizens to cast their votes in favor of Socialist party candidates. 2) ARF Western Europe Convention Convenes in France YEREVAN (Yerkir)--A reception marking the opening of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western Europe's 68th regional convention took place at the French Parliament building on June 2, with a guest list that included ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, Armenia's Ambassador to France Eduard Nalbandian, Mountainous Karabagh Republic's representative to France Hovhannes Gevorgian, as well French Parliament members and representatives of Armenian organizations. ARF Western Europe Central Committee representative Murad Papazian explained the ARF decided to hold its regional convention at the French parliament in order to pay tribute to France which recognized the Armenian Genocide in the very building. "As a result, and through the Armenian National Committee's active involvement, the ARF has registered several victories in countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide," explained Papazian. "And the party continues to work in two directions in Europe: to pass a law in France punishing those that deny the Armenian genocide; and prevent Turkey from joining the European Union unless it admits the genocide." Papazian said the regional convention will review a draft program on Mountainous Karabagh, strengthen Armenia-France cooperation in 2005, and discuss the fate of Javakhk, as well as issues on advancing the Armenian issues in Europe's cultural and political arenas. ARF Bureau representative Margarian welcomed the gathering, stressing the importance of the party's European organization. He also spoke of the ARF's activities in Armenia that promote a comprehensive fight against corruption, the implementation of a drastic poverty reduction program, and Constitutional reforms to strengthen democratic mechanisms. Representatives of various political parties expressed support for many issues the ARF advances, while Ambassador Nalbandian said it is difficult to imagine the Diaspora without the ARF, whose history is amalgamated with that of the Armenian nation. 3) Ghukasian Says Karabagh Constitution First Step to Statehood STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)--At the first session of the Constitutional Commission of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), President Arkady Ghukasian said that Karabagh must have a Constitution. "The adoption of standard law will become an important step on the way to gaining statehood," said the president, who chaired the session of the new commission that met on Thursday. "Mountainous Karabagh Republic cannot wait forever, hoping Azerbaijan will agree to engage in direct dialogue with Karabagh on a final resolution to the conflict. Karabagh must develop into a democratic country with the rule of law," he stated. A work group has formed to elaborate on formulating a Constitution. 4) US Karabagh Envoy Again in Yerevan YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--US chief negotiator on Mountainous Karabagh paid a low-key visit to Yerevan on Thursday to focus on international efforts to resolve the conflict. Steven Mann was recently appointed the US co-chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group tasked with finding a resolution to the Karabagh conflict. Mann held separate meetings with President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian for the second time in six weeks. No details of the talks were made public, with the Mann declining to comment on the purpose of his trip and the current status of the peace process. "I am just having talks with the Armenian government," he said, without elaborating. A brief statement by Kocharian's office said Mann discussed the Karabagh conflict and informed the president about his talks with Azeri leaders in Baku on Wednesday. Mann's previous trip to Yerevan was followed by a meeting in Poland between Kocharian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov met in Strasbourg two weeks later, emerging from it with cautiously optimistic statements. The Armenian Foreign Ministry said the two ministers will meet again in Prague on June 21, adding that Oskanian and the US mediator spoke about details of that meeting. Speaking at Yerevan State University earlier on Thursday, Oskanian said that the negotiation process is "not on a bad track" at the moment and is "following in the footsteps of previous talks." "I think that in the next two months we will have more clarity as to whether we can build on the base that has been created during all these years…or Azerbaijan wants to divert that process to another direction," he said, reiterating Yerevan's hopes of reviving peace accords reached by the parties three years ago. Oskanian repeated the Armenian side's insistence on a single "package" accord that would resolve all contentious issues. He added that it will agree to a phased settlement only if the majority of Armenians want so. "If there is really a public consensus that we should go for a phased solution, then we will have no problem," he said. "But to be honest, I don't see popular demand for a phased solution." 5) Conference to Tackle New Challenges in the Changing Armenian American Youth Identity in Armenian Schools BURBANK--In an effort to address and reassess the cultural identity development process of the Armenian-American youth, the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools has organized a conference, "Armenian Education In North America: Reassessment In The Context Of The Changing Armenian American Identity," June 4-5, at Woodbury University. A variety of questions will be tackled, including the sociological and psychological view on cultural identity development, pedagogical challenges in Armenian education and instruction, and the need for reassessing the existing Armenian curriculum. Over the past 30 years, the concept of cultural identity development has been the focus of a wide body of research. During this period, as society has become structurally more complex, the findings of research related to cultural identity have confirmed that members of culturally diverse groups undergo a developmentally-based process through which they form a cultural identity that defines their bi- or multicultural status in society. Thus, regardless of the specific characteristics of a cultural group, an individual's minority status in a dominating culture (i.e., White) triggers the process of cultural identity development as a result of the larger majority-minority dynamics in society. As such, the cultural identity development of the Armenian American student is a critical factor that must be taken into account in the context of the curricula of Armenian schools in America. The conference will attempt to systematically explore the relevance of cultural identity development to Armenian American students, and to find practical ways of giving students the opportunity to successfully integrate the various components of their cultural identity into a constructive whole. After opening remarks by Yeznig Kazandjian of the Board of Regents and a program introduction by Dr. Rubina Peroomian of UCLA, the Friday session will commence. Session I, from 10:00 AM12:00 Noon, will address the Development of the Armenian American Cultural Identity: A Sociological Perspective. Panelists include LAUSD School Psychologist Garine Minasian, LAUSD School Psychologist/Bilingual Armenian Assessment Jeannine Topalian, and Mesrobian Armenian School Principal Hilda Saliba, among other distinguished experts in the field. Session II, from 1:30 PM3:30 PM, will focus on the psychological perspective of the development of the Armenian American cultural identity, with a presentation by Rose & Alex Pilibos School Principal Dr. Viken Yacoubian, and panelists including Pasadena High School Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction Marisa Sarian, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nora Sahakian, and Krouzian Zakarian Vasbouragan Armenian School Principal Olia Yenikomshian, among others. With the instruction of Armenian subject matters a primary component in Armenian schools, Saturday's session will be devoted to how the Armenian language, history, national-religious studies, and cultural heritage are taught through traditional curricula, using content-appropriate textbooks, as well as the challenges and necessary steps to be taken. Session I, from 10:00 AM12:00 Noon will delve into the pedagogical challenges in Armenian education and instruction. Presenters on the topic include UCLA Research Associate Dr. Rubina Peroomian, and Educational Consultant/trainee David Ghougassian. The reassessment of the Armenian curriculum is the focus of Session II, from 1:30 PM3:30 PM, with presentations by AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School Principal Hagop Hagopian, and Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School Principal John Kossakian. The Armenian daily schools in North America have a history that dates back more than forty years. The 21st century places new challenges in terms of reassessing Armenian education and identity, and the praiseworthy input of all the participants will surely mark it as a productive and successful conference. Location: Woodbury University Cabrini Hall (New Woody's) 7500 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91510 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.

Office of Sarkis Assadourian M.P.
120 Confederation
House of Commons, Ottawa, Canada
Contact: Daniel Kennedy
Tel: 613 995 4843
Communiqué
For Immediate Release Ottawa June 3, 2004
On June 2, 2004, Mr. Sarkis Assadourian M.P. (Brampton Centre,
Lib.): Chair Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group convened
a consultative meeting of fourteen prominent Canadian Armenians on
Parliament Hill. As a result of discussions held, the following needs
of the Canadian Armenian Community were identified.
* An effective means to present Armenian issues to the
Canadian public through educational seminars.
* The presentation of appropriate projects in Armenia
to C.I.D.A. for funding.
* Reflecting on Motion M-380, promoting the recognition
and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide by the
Government of Canada through education.
* The establishment of a Canadian Embassy in Armenia.
* The enhancement of trade cultural and educational
relations between Canada and Armenia.
* Continue to support the Parliamentary Exchange Program
to enhance Parliamentary Relations between Canada
and Armenia.
Mr. Assadourian was asked by those present at the meeting to consult
with the Canadian Armenian Community across the country, to identify
and further define realizable ways to address these needs. It is
expected that these consultations will take place over the coming
two or three months.
Commenting on the meeting Assadourian said. “I would like to thank
all of the participants for their input and I assure you that I will
continue to apply my firm dedication to the freedom of expression
and the principles of democracy and that I will continue to work
with any individuals or organizations that dedicate themselves to
these principles to enhance Canadian Armenian relations and enrich
Canadian Armenian Life.”
-30-

Armenian minister says progress in Karabakh talks to be achieved soon
Mediamax news agency
3 Jun 04
Yerevan, 3 June: Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan did not
rule out today that “certain progress” can be achieved in the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict settlement within the next two months.
Vardan Oskanyan said that he did not expect the mediators to exert
pressure on the parties to the conflict and make them sign a peace
treaty.
Commenting on the possibility of the resumption of hostilities in
the Karabakh conflict zone, the Armenian foreign minister said that
after the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline was put into operation,
chances of starting a new war would be “quite slim”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Kazakh envoy presents credentials to Armenian president
Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency, Almaty
3 Jun 04
Astana, 3 June: The Kazakh ambassador in Moscow, Krymbek Kusherbayev,
who is also the ambassador in Yerevan and Helsinki, has presented
credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, the Kazakh embassy
in Russia told Interfax-Kazakhstan today.
During the conversation that followed the ceremony of presenting
credentials, which took place in Yerevan on 2 June, Kocharyan “showed
a lively interest in the Kazakh experience of economic reforms,
especially in the programme of industrial and innovation development
until 2015”, a press release by the Kazakh embassy says.
Kocharyan, the press release says, noted that Armenia “aims for
closer cooperation with Kazakhstan and would welcome joint economic
projects and the entry of major Kazakh banks into attractive sectors”
of its economy.
Preparations for the summits of the Collective Security Treaty
Organization and the Eurasian Economic Community, which are due to
be held in Astana in June, were also discussed at the meeting.
Armenia, as well as Kazakhstan, is a fully-fledged member of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization and has observer status in
the Eurasian Economic Community, whereas Kazakhstan is a fully-fledged
member of the organization.