Author: admin

LEV MAKEDONOV: GENOCIDE OF FRIENDSHIP

Aysor
Feb 8 2010
Armenia

The United States may probably recognize the 1915 mass killings of
Armenian population in Turkey as the Genocide. Despite the fact that
Turkey is one of the key allies for the White House, the hearing on
Armenian Genocide will be launched soon in March posing risks to the
U.S.-Turkey relations.

Below is Lev Makedonov’s article "Genocide of Friendship", published
by Russia’s Gazeta on-line paper.

The U.S. congressmen are going to discuss the Resolution on Genocide –
mass killings of Armenian population in Turkey in 1915s. Chairman of
the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Howard L. Berman, announced
that was is his intention to mark up the Armenian Genocide resolution
on March 4.

"We want to thank Howard Berman for taking this step to send a message
to Turkey that the United States won’t be involved in denying the
truth and justifying the genocide against Armenians," said in the
statement by the Armenian National Committee of America.

The lower chamber of the U.S. Congress several times tried to adopt
a symbolic resolution in support of Armenians: this was in 2000,
2005 and 2007. Neither at Bill Clinton’s times nor Jr. George Bush’s
Administration made up their minds to alienate relations with Turkey
which always was the White House’s key ally in the Middle East. Votes
on Resolution were failing every time.

The currently-sitting President Barack Obama during his presidential
campaign gave his word to recognize the 1915 Genocide against
Armenians. Key players — Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton supported this step promoting appropriate bills
in the upper chamber. However, the White House never returned to this
issue after ceremony of inauguration.

Currently, 135 congressmen out of 435 and 13 Deputies in the upper
chamber voted for the Resolution. Besides, number of Resolution’s
opposers decreased as Robert Wexler, who chaired group of Turkish-born
American congressmen, and his colleagues John Tanner and Marion Berry
have left the lower chamber.

Resolution on Recognition of the Genocide once nearly exacerbated
relations between the U.S. and Turkey when in 2007 it was adopted
by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Turkey then called back
its Ambassador to the United States to hold some consultations and
said would take strong measure against the States up to closing its
airspace. The resolution came to nought, and the conflict was resolved.

Mass killings of Armenian population in Turkey in 1915s, which left
nearly 2 million Armenians dead, are recognized as Genocide in many
states and by many nations and organisations — firstly, by government
of Uruguay in 1965, and now by most of the EU nations, including
Germany, France, and Italy. Many countries, like Belgium, France and
Switzerland, also have broader laws that criminalize genocide denial.

Armenian PM to visit Israel
06.02.2010 21:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and
Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II will be in Israel
on February 15 and 16. It’s notable that the head of the Armenian
government will travel to the Holy Land 4 days after the visit of the
Israeli Foreign Minister to Azerbaijan.

"Mr. Sargsyan will pay a private visit but some working meetings are
not ruled out," IzRus quoted a source in the Israeli MFA as saying.

RA Agriculture Minister Gerasim Alaverdyan and Deputy Foreign Minister
Arman Kirakossian were in Israel in May 2009. The Prime Minister, who
emphasized the importance "to intensify bilateral cooperation in
diamond industry, agriculture and healthcare", will continue the chain
of visits.

David Shahinyan is leading in Group B of Moscow Open 2010 championship
06.02.2010 18:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Moscow is hosting Moscow Open 2010 championship,
featuring chess players in several groups.

After the 7th tour, Artur Gabrielyan (Russia) of Group A ranks 39th in
the tournament table with 4.,5 points to his score.

David Shahinyan (Armenia) of Group B is leading the championship with
7 points. Another Armenian chess player, Tigran Simonyan shares 2-14th
positions with participants who scored 6 points each.

Grand Master Lilit Galoyan (Armenia) and international master Karina
Ambardzumova (Russia) of Group C (women) have scored 5 points each and
rank 16th and 22nd on the tournament table.

Moscow Open 2010 chess championship will last till February 7.

The Moscow Open 2010 will take place January 30th – February 7th. This
year’s edition will be exceptionally strong with GM Rublevsky, GM
Motylev, GM Bologan, GM Bu Xiangzhi, GM Vescovi, GM Sasikiran, GM Le
Quang Liem, GM Iturrizaga, GM Hou Yifan, GM Sjugirov, GM Shabalov and
over 70 other grandmasters from all over the world.. The Moscow Open
festival has 1226 chess players from 30 countries, divided into A, B,
C, D, E1, and F group.
Arbiters’ seminar under FIDE patronage and Scientific-Practical
conference `Chess as INNOVATION SUBJECT in the system of education’
are held at the same time.

All tournaments are held according to the Swiss system and FIDE rules.

Total guaranteed prize fund of the Festival is 5 million rubles.

AZG DAILY #20, 06-02-2010

Opinion

Update: 2010-02-06 01:33:20 (GMT +04:00)

AZERBAIJANI MP: U.S. CONGRESS’ RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WOULD
PLAY INTO TURKEY’S HANDS

Day.Az interview with member of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament)
Gudrat Hasanguliyev.

– Many expert argue that the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict requires shift in positions of the great powers. Do you
expect any changes in their positions?

– I do not think that the position of states involved in the Karabakh
peace process has changed in recent times. They remain committed to
their opinion ignoring interests of Azerbaijan which requires to
resolve the conflict based on international law. Besides, I do not see
prospects for a shift in the positions of these powers. All these do
not promise bright prospects for a peaceful solution to the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

– In your opinion, can the U.S. Congress neglect the country’s
national interests and recognize the Armenian genocide if Turkey fails
to ratify the Zurich protocols signed with Armenia?

– I believe when we talk about neglect of national interest in U.S.
relations with Turkey, we should not refer to future. Washington has
already neglected its relations with Ankara. As you know, many
Congressmen and other U.S. officials are dependent on the Armenian
diaspora in the States. Therefore, the issue of Armenian genocide is
regularly raised in the United States which also provides support to
Karabakh.

The U.S. Congress is constantly blackmailing Ankara by recognition of
the Armenian genocide seeking to control Turkey’s foreign policy. Of
course, the U.S. Congress is less likely to adopt such a decision
because it would mark end of the Turkish-American strategic
partnership.

But I think U.S. Congress’ recognition of the Armenian genocide would
play into the hands of Turkey. Because this would end Washington’s
blackmail to Ankara enabling Turkey to pursue more free foreign
policy. At present, Ankara wants to establish closer cooperation with
the Turkic countries, as well as with Russia.

Moreover, I believe that in event the United States recognizes the
Armenian genocide, Turkey should withdraw from NATO and join together
with Azerbaijan the CSTO, which already has a Turkic state. I think
that Turkey’s withdrawal from the pro-Western NATO and accession to
the CSTO is much easier than NATO accession for other Turkic states.
Thus, influence of the Turkic countries in the military-political
organization like CSTO will increase many times, and, most
importantly, our countries will be together in one organization.

– Does not Armenia’s presence in the CSTO bother you?

– Not at all. This should bother neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey. On the
contrary, Armenia could lose one-sided support of Russia in the
Karabakh issue, even in the event of resumed hostilities. Moreover, in
case of war with Armenia, Russia will no longer be able to
unequivocally support Yerevan. I think accession to the CSTO is in
line with common interests of Moscow, Baku and Ankara since the West
has already denied support to Azerbaijan.

Dr. Dikran Kaligian Analyzes ARF and Ottoman Relations
Asbarez
Feb 5th, 2010

BELMONT, Mass. – Dr. Dikran Kaligian presented a lecture entitled `The
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Under Ottoman Rule, 1908-14,’ on
Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the National Association for Armenian
Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA.
The lecture was the first of the year for NAASR.

Kaligian is a historian who has taught at Clark University, Regis
College, and other institutions, as well as the managing editor of the
Armenian Review and a former chairman of the Armenian National
Committee of America, Eastern U.S. He is the author of Armenian
Organization and Ideology Under Ottoman Rule, 1908-1914 (Transaction,
2009), which provides a comprehensive picture of relations between the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and the Committee of Union and
Progress (CUP) both before and after the CUP reached power in the
constitutional revolution of 1908.

Kaligian explained that his reason for undertaking this particular
research was that there is a lot of research that has been done on the
Armenian Genocide `but the years immediately before are critical…The
party that will end up implementing the Armenian Genocide is the CUP,’
and yet the CUP had been allied with the Armenians and in particular
the ARF. `How do you go from two parties, both revolutionary parties,
both working to overthrow Sultan Abdul Hamid, to just a few years
later one committing genocide against the people of the other,’
Kaligian asked. `That’s the question I wanted to look at.’

An `Armenian Uprising’?

He briefly described the Turkish state-aligned historiography, which
generally describes `how there was no genocide and why it was
justified,’ and places blame for violence against the Armenians,
including the 1909 Adana Massacres and the Armenian Genocide, as a
natural response to an Armenian uprising. The ARF is often portrayed
as leading this uprising and its long-term alliance with the CUP is
seen as entirely insincere.

In his book, Kaligian `traces ARF policies and initiatives to answer
the important question of whether or not the party and the Armenian
community in general largely remained loyal to the constitutional
regime and only resumed their appeals to Europe after the government’s
repeated failures to implement promised reforms.’ Making extensive use
of the ARF archives in Watertown, Kaligian was able to give a detailed
picture of the inner workings of the party and its internal debates
and discussions.

Backtracking to the turn of the 20th century, Kaligian explained, the
ARF and Verakazmial Hnchakian Party entered into a dialogue with
Turkish opposition groups and both parties took part in the First
Congress of Ottoman Opposition Forces in 1902 along with Turkish,
Arab, Greek, Kurdish, Albanian, Circassian, and Jewish
representatives. At the end of 1907, the Second Congress of Ottoman
Opposition Forces met in Paris. This congress resolved to overthrow
the Sultan and to restore the Ottoman constitution using radical
means, including refusal to pay taxes, propaganda, and armed
resistance, if necessary.

When the Sultan was indeed overthrown in 1908 and the Ottoman
constitution reimplemented, there was jubilation among all of the
opposition parties, including the ARF. The ARF published a program
which recognized the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire and
called for a federal, decentralized government that would allow a high
degree of local autonomy. Parliamentary elections held late in the
year brought a multi-ethnic governing body which included 11 Armenians
into existence.
Adana Crisis

However, in the spring of 1909 a counterrevolution temporarily drove
the CUP from power and in April 1909 the Adana massacres took place,
claiming upwards of 20,000 Arme-nian lives in and near Adana. Kaligian
stated that this `created the first major test for ARF-CUP relations,’
and the ARF was faced with a decision: to continue or to break off
their cooperation with the CUP.

The party, Kaligian explained, had to weigh the degree of CUP
culpability in the massacres against the benefits of continuing to
work with the CUP toward a true constitutional regime. The party was
`torn between solidarity with the progressive elements within the CUP
and their revulsion at the murderous acts of its chauvinistic
elements.’ While the ARF clearly wanted to assist the progressive
elements within the CUP, they were forced to gamble on whether Adana
was an aberration or a sign of things to come. This, Kaligian said,
with their credibility at stake, was `a serious political gamble by
the ARF.’ The decision made – to con-tinue cooperation under certain
conditions – may have been determined partly by self-interest, insofar
as the ARF `may not have wanted to admit their policy of cooperation
was a failure.’

Although there was heightened distrust after Adana, Kaligian stated,
apart from that major incident conditions did, indeed, improve for
Armenians under the constitution, with acts of violence substantially
decreased. However, less headway was made on the other issue most
critical to the ARF, that of land reform. While the CUP never
officially retreated from its prom-ises to restore lands confiscated
from Armenians under the Sultan and to improve conditions for the
peasants, neither did they take any action, ultimately convincing the
ARF that their pledges had not been made in good faith. The CUP’s
failure to act proved to be a `crippling blow’ to relations with the
ARF, said Kaligian.

Kaligian explained that in a joint CUP and ARF meeting in
Constantinople on April 1, 1911, in response to worsening security
conditions `the CUP agreed to take steps to control persecution by
having the government arm all villages, Armenian and Kurdish.’

Impatience with Unfulfilled Promises

In the summer of 1911, the ARF held its 6th World Congress, with the
main item on the agenda being relations with the CUP. The congress
passed a resolution stating, among other things, that `despite a
series of hopeful initiatives … the CUP has gradually withdrawn from
constitutional and democratic principles’ and `failed to take steps to
combat and cleanse itself of right-wing elements which, increasing
their numbers over time, have developed a preponderant influence.’
Therefore, `if, after the party’s appeal, the CUP and the cabinets
drawn from it do not show through their deeds that the realization of
their repeated promises are imminent, the Western Bureau is authorized
to cease its relations with the CUP.’

Kaligian noted that it was not simply a clear case of the CUP’s being
uninterested in carrying out promised reforms. The CUP, in fact, was
struggling to maintain control and was con-fronted with a series of
crises, culminating in the Balkan Wars of 1912-13. The year 1912 would
be critical for the two parties: disagreements over the parliamentary
elections that year, in which the CUP sought to limit the number of
potential Armenian elected representatives, combined with ongoing
frustration over un-kept promises, led the ARF to break off relations.

In the wake of the Balkan Wars, the European powers sought to place
inspectors to oversee the Armenian provinces and institute the
promised reforms. Such a measure was bitterly opposed by the CUP and
the Ottoman leadership in general. For various reasons, the inspectors
did not arrive in Constantinople until May 1914 – only months before the
outbreak of World War I and too late to have any impact.

With the outbreak of war, Kaligian explained, a final breach came when
the CUP offered the ARF a deal it could not accept: to organize an
uprising among the Armenian population in the Russian Empire (roughly
in today’s Republic of Armenia) in exchange for autonomy after the
war. The ARF refused, saying that Armenians in Russia would do their
duty as Russian subjects and the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire would
do their duty as citizens. Talaat Pasha and the CUP leadership
seemingly regarded this as a final act of betrayal.

Kaligian ended his presentation with the outbreak of World War I.
Following his lecture there was a lengthy discussion period and he
signed copies of Armenian Organization and Ide-ology Under Ottoman
Rule, 1908-1914.

More information about the lecture is available by calling
617-489-1610, faxing 617-484-1759, e-mailing [email protected], or writing
to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

2010 Armenian Heritage Cruise Sails the Seas in `Armenian Style’
Asbarez
Feb 5th, 2010

BY BARBARA HAROUTUNIAN

There was magic in the air as more than 1100 Armenians boarded the
Costa Cruise Lines extraordinarily beautiful ship, Costa Atlantica.
The Costa Atlantica is a `Jewel Ship’, a well designed and elegantly
decorated with antique Italian flair.

Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII, sponsored by the Armenian Cultural
Association of America Inc. sailed from Ft. Lauderdale for a week long
cruise, January 16-23, 2010. The cruise was a welcome relief from the
shivering cold and snow that gripped the northern states.

The destinations included St. Thomas, of the US Virgin Islands; San
Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Caicos Islands. Everyone had eagerly
anticipated a week of beautiful sights, meeting new people, attending
cultural programs, listening and dancing to Armenian music, eating
good food and having fun in the sun in a profoundly unique Armenian
way.

Armenians came from all over the world: Armenia, Argentina, Australia,
Canada, England, France, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Switzerland
and Turkey. The United States was also well represented with people
from almost every state in the country. Each guest received an AHC
tri-color tote bag and Travel Document Pouch as a gift from the ACAA
and Travel Group International. People met relatives, friends and
classmates after many years of separation. With tears in their eyes
and smiles on their faces they were all reunited on the Armenian
Heritage Cruise. There are three ways to experience complete
fulfillment on this cruise:

1. Spend a week of fun in the sun, leaving the hustle and bustle of
life on hold.

2. Learn and help preserve the Armenian culture and heritage.

3. Meet old friends and make new friends.

For one week we put aside our political and religious differences and
come together as one people and one nation to establish a `Little
Armenia’ in the Caribbean.

Everyone was given a tri-color ACAA Heritage Cruise cabin key card;
this card granted each guest entry into all the Special Armenian
activities for the week. Without this AHC Card no entry to any
Armenian event was allowed. Each morning the announcements of the
daily activities were presented in Italian, French, German and much to
our joy, ARMENIAN! We were honored to have onboard The Most Rev.
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate Emeritus of the Western Diocese
of the United States and Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian,
Worcester, MA. Everyday the Clergy onboard conducted the morning
service in the chapel which was always filled to capacity.

Nightly, two bands performed in various rooms on the ship. Joseph
Krikorian and his Band and The Aravod Band with Jim Kzirian, Aram
Hovagimian and featuring Khatchig Jingerian, John Harotian and Richard
Berberian. On Saturday, the first night of the cruise there was a
Welcome Reception for all guests hosted by George and Shakeh Basmajian
and Maria Tavitian. The Cruise Ambassadors were introduced and a
highlight of the week’s activities was announced. This was followed by
an Armenian Talent Show.

Throughout the week guests could sit poolside all day and enjoy the
wonderful tropical weather. Others jogged, played Bingo, listened to
lectures or watched Armenian movies. For those who did not venture out
of their cabins the cruise provided 24 hour Armenian song and dance
programs on two of the ship’s television channels.

In the morning there was Armenian Conversation Classes conducted by
Ara and Arevig Caprielian of New York. Margo Kaftajian of Dallas,
Texas taught Armenian Dance Classes. Many different styles of Armenian
Dance were taught such as the Tamzara, Shourch Bar, Haleh, and many
other popular traditional Armenian Dances. Guests could register for
the Tavlou and Belote Tournaments under the direction of Antranig
Boudakian and George Basmajian. The athletically inclined joined the
annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament under the direction of John
Jerikian.

There was a special table for the Armenian Heritage Tour 2010 with
Maro Asatoorian, the ACAA liaison, where people could register for 15
day tour to Armenia on July 18 – August 1, 2010, an optional excursion
to Karabagh will also be available. The Hairenik Bookstore was busy
everyday selling traditional Armenian products including CD’s, movies,
books, and artifacts on the ship. The ACAA Hospitality Desk was open
every morning to assist passengers. With so many activities it can be
difficult to decide what to do. The Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII had
something for everyone.

After dinner on Sunday there was a Singles/Mingles Cocktail Party.
This is a party where singles could meet and hopefully mingle. For the
first time each day there was an AHC Club 39 Happy Hour. Armenian
singles from ages 21-39 years old from all over the world had an
opportunity to meet and maybe…

On one of the days we spent a wonderful day shopping and swimming on
one of the worlds most beautiful beaches in St. Thomas, US Virgin
Islands. We returned to the ship and that evening there was an ACAA
Gala Cocktail Party sponsored by the ACAA Armenian Heritage Cruise
Committee and Travel Group International. Everyone enjoyed
complimentary champagne and cocktails. At dinner that evening guests
enjoyed a unique Armenian menu with Hummus, Tabouli, Boureg, Lamb
Chops and Chicken Kebob, Boulghour Pilaf, Salad and Pakhlava. The next
day we arrived in gorgeous San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On Thursday Ann Samuelian and her committee organized the Armenian
Festival Day pool party. Prizes were awarded for the best Armenian
tri-color outfit, red, blue, and orange. Along with face painting
Margo Kaftajian’s dance class performed the Shourch Bar, Tamzara,
Haleh and other dance steps they learned throughout the week. There
was an Armenian Dance Contest with prizes for the best Armenian
Traditional Dance. This has become an annual event and people came
prepared with original design outfits and special dance steps to
compete in the contests. To add to the festivities the ship prepared a
delicious Armenian menu for lunch. Later that afternoon we spent a
wonderful day at the beach in Grand Caicos Island.

Each day there were speakers and programs about relevant Armenian subjects:

* Hamazkayin Cultural Association Tea Reception and Program.

* Armenian Relief Society Tea Reception and Presentation-2010 is the
100th Anniversary of this great organization.

* Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston under the direction of Apo
Ashjian. The group has performed in the United States, Canada, and
Armenia. The company aims to preserve and promote Armenian culture
through the art of dance.

* Armenian Fund USA, by Irina Lazarian, was founded in 1992 as a
non-profit, non-governmental organization which represents all
Armenian constituents. The discussion was to learn more and take part
in a long standing effort to build, revitalize, and grow the Republic
of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

* ANCA Presentation – This presentation by Ken Hachikian, ANCA
Director, discussed the key points covered by the Protocols from both
the Armenian and Turkish perspective, including the implications as it
affects the legal, political, economic, and moral ramifications for
Armenians living in both Armenia and the Diaspora.

* Book Presentation by Mary Terzian – Her book `The Immigrants
Daughter’ won the Best Book Award in multicultural, non-fiction
category, and was a finalist in Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards.

* The Diplomatic Protocols Recently Signed By The Government of
Armenia and Turkey – The panelists were: Dr. Antranig Kasabarian,
chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association of the Eastern United
States. Ken Hachikian, Chairman, Board of Directors Armenian National
Committee of America; Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher USA Armenian
Life Weekly; and Jack Medzorian

* Comedian Kev Orkian entertained his audience with a one-man, piano
comedy performance. His program is filled with cultural satire that
has made him a favorite all over the world. He was born in London and
is active in the Armenian community. He has performed all over Europe,
the Middle East and the United States.

* Knights and Daughters of Vartan – a reception and presentation for
the members and friends of the fraternal organization.

* Armenia and Its Diaspora – An Important Factor in International
Politics. Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher and Managing Editor of
USA Armenian Life Magazine and Hye Kiank – Presented the facts that
Armenia has a commanding geopolitical position in one of the world’s
most important cross-roads and progressive Diaspora makes Armenia a
social and economic force.

* Tea Reception – Anniversary Celebration of the Armenian Weekly
(75th) and the Hairenik (110th) – The celebration featured a
presentation on the past and present of both publications.

* Dr. Antranig Kasbarian – discussed the effects and relationship of
the Turkish Armenian Protocols and its impact upon Karabakh.

* Book Presentation – `Prior to The Auction Souls’, written and
produced by Sosy Kevonian. This graphic novel is based on the life of
Aurora Mardigian during the 1915 Genocide.

* The Humanitarian Outreach Foundation – `Each One Help One Movement’
by Berge and Terry Minasian. This project was created to provide
financial relief to over 500 extremely poor families in Vanadzor,
Armenia. These are the poorest of the poor in Armenia and they all
live in metal ocean shipping containers. The project staff interviews
the families and then they are selected for sponsorship. The goal of
the foundation is to keep families intact.

* Armenian Patriotic Songs and Concert – One evening everyone listened
to their favorite

* Armenian Patriotic songs. Joseph Kricorian and his band performed.

The Armenian Heritage Cruise has become a respected and prestigious
program working under the guidance of the Armenian Cultural
Association of America, Inc., which is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit
organization, that primarily assists in Armenian research, cultural
events, and especially provides primary assistance to the Armenian
language newspapers.

We are involved in many endeavors and work within our mission to
assist and help the Armenian people in the Diaspora and the Armenian
Republic. From all over the United States, dedicated individuals have
volunteered to work on this fabulous event. Each area of the country
and Europe are represented. There is no other event in the world that
brings Armenians together for seven full days of fellowship and
camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you on our 14th cruise sailing
on January 21-28, 2011, with a seven day Eastern Caribbean cruise to
Nassau, Bahamas, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Catalina Island,
Dominican Republic and Grand Caicos Island. Enjoy the unique
experience of a lifetime on `The Original Armenian Cruise’ where the
Armenian spirit comes alive on the Caribbean Sea.

The following comments were received from a few of the pleased passengers:

`Thanks to the ACAA committee members for a great cruise. We all had a
wonderful time on the Costa Atlantica. Our entire group from Paris,
France enjoyed the warm ambiance, full of fun, dance, music and shows.
We will gladly come back to repeat this wonderful experience. We will
definitely promote this cruise with our friends and family in France,
hoping to enlarge the `Fransa-Hyes.’

Michelle Tokatlian
Paris, France

`It is my second time but, God willing, you can bet it will not be my
last. Armenian Heritage Cruise…three words that sound like music to my
ears. Aside from good food, fabulous scenery, fantastic entertainment,
it awakens the hidden warm feelings of belonging to a nation of
wonderful people from all over the world. My heartfelt wish to my very
dear fellow Armenians, next to good health, is to take part in this
wonderful experience. May God bless the organizers’.

Karekin Gurumlian
Montreal, Canada

`I traveled from Argentina to become a part of the ACAA’s Armenian
Heritage Cruise onboard the beautiful Atlantica. This huge ship has
been converted into an `Armenian Town’. The events exceeded my
expectations with Armenian TV, dances, cultural programs, movies and
many more activities. This year there were over 30 Armenians from
Argentina on the ship, and I am sure this number will triple next
year. I want to thank the ACAA committee for providing us with this
wonderful experience’.

Madlen Tchrian
Buenos Aires, Argentina

`What an excellent experience for my first cruise! My kids have been
on this cruise before, what an excellent Armenian cultural and
friendly atmosphere. In fact my son found his life’s Armenian partner
here. What an excellent thing to happen’!

Haigazoun Chalian
New Jersey

`This cruise has enlightened me as to where the Armenian community
stands today or how far we have progressed. Your program was a nice
mix of social, educational, political and entertainment. It reminds me
of the bygone `Atlantic City Affair’ that was hosted by Philadelphia
years ago. I wish you continued success. Keep up the good work’.

Diana Papazian
San Diego, California

`The Armenian Heritage Cruise is outstanding. Besides that, I had the
opportunity to meet friends that I haven’t seen for 50 years. I was so
satisfied to attend each event that was perfectly organized. I invite
all Armenians from all over the world not to miss next year’s cruise.
We will show the world the Armenians are `UNITED’ in the Diaspora’.

Alecco Bezikian
Bergamo, Italy

`A week has passed and it is time to leave, but the memories will last
a lifetime. As I pack my bags I am filled with unforgettable memories
of a wonderful experience on the Costa Atlantica. I am taking with me
a feeling that the Armenians in the Diaspora are united which will
help Armenia’.

Lusine Gasparyan
Yerevan, Armenia

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE TO MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF U.S.- BASED ARMENIAN ORGANIZATIONS

Noyan Tapan
Feb 5, 2010

WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 5, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On the
initiative of the White House, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
has invited representatives of the U.S.-based Armenian organizations
to hear their opinions and viewpoints, hairenikweekly reports.

Among invitees are representatives of the U.S. Eastern and Western
Dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Assembly of
America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Knights of Vartan
organization, and the Armenian National Committee of America. The
list of invitees has not been specified yet.

PACE CO-RAPPORTEURS: ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES NEED TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDED REFORMS WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY

Noyan Tapan
Feb 5, 2010

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, NOYAN TAPAN. "The Armenian authorities need
to implement the reforms recommended by the ad hoc Committee of
the National Assembly of Armenia on the events of 1 and 2 March
2008, without further delay," concluded the co-rapporteurs of the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), John Prescott
(United Kingdom, SOC) and Georges Colombier (France, EPP/CD), following
an exchange of views in the PACE Monitoring Committee last week.

"The reforms recommended by the ad hoc Committee, in combination with
those contained in the relevant PACE resolutions, if implemented in
good faith, could comprehensively address the circumstances that led
to the events of 1 and 2 March 2008," the co-rapporteurs said.

According to a report of the Council of Europe Information Office in
Armenia, they stressed that these recommendations therefore needed to
be implemented without further delay, especially those related to the
reform of the police – including the establishment of an independent
oversight and complaints body – and the long overdue reform of the
electoral code.

The co-rapporteurs announced that they would send a letter to the
Armenian Parliament asking it to provide the Monitoring Committee,
before its meeting on 17 March 2010 in Paris, with a clear timetable
for these reforms. "On the basis of the discussions in the Monitoring
Committee we will then visit Yerevan this spring to discuss the
establishment of a clear roadmap for the implementation of these
reforms," the co-rapporteurs said.

In addition to the roadmap, the co-rapporteurs also intend to raise
the issue of the sentencing of Nikol Pashinian as well as other cases
where they have sought clarification from the authorities. "A number of
issues following the events of 1 and 2 March still need to be clarified
and addressed", the co-rapporteurs said, stressing the continuing
importance and need for the monitoring of political developments by
the Assembly and other relevant bodies of the Council of Europe.

TIGRAN SARGSYAN MET RF DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

news.am
Feb 5 2010
Armenia

Despite the crisis, Armenia fulfilled all its commitments to CIS,
RA Premier Tigran Sargsyan stated at the meeting with RF First Deputy
Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov. According to him, financial liabilities
were met beforehand.

Sargsyan attached significance to Shuvalov’s visit to Armenia that
will assist enhancement of relations with CIS states, RA Governmental
Information and PR Department informed NEWS.am. Russian official also
made a point of cooperation between the countries as well as within
the CIS.

Considering that 2010 is announced a Year of Science and Innovations
in CIS, the officials touched upon the organization of joint events in
this direction. Particularly, the ministers emphasized joint researches
conducted in biochemistry, neurochemistry, molecular biology, medical
genetics, physics and other fields. The prospects of Armenian nuclear
medicine development and establishment of Armenian-Russian innovation
center were also discussed in the course of the meeting. Sargsyan
stressed that the advancement of high technologies in Armenia is one
of economy priorities, and the established traditions enable deepening
of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The officials also referred to the activities of Russian companies
in Armenia and collaboration in energy and transport fields.

ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN VICE-PREMIERS HOLD TALKS IN YEREVAN

Aysor
Feb 5 2010
Armenia

Russia’s First Vice-Premier Igor Shuvalov has met with Armenian
counterpart, Armenia’s vice-Premier and Minister of Territorial
Administration, Armen Gevorkian, a spokesperson to Ministry said.

The parties discussed items of Armenia-Russia relations and
cooperation, stressed importance of cooperation in the field of
energy, transport, and a single migration policy. Igor Shuvalov
presented Belarus- Kazakhstan-Russia trilateral Customs Union, which
is being formed between the three countries, and told about running
and upcoming projects in the framework of the CIS partnership program.