Author: admin

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 14, 2004 Wednesday

Russia, Armenia to expand student exchanges

Darya Tokareva

MOSCOW

Russia and Armenia have agreed to expand student exchanges.

Russia Minister of Education and Science Andrei Fursenko told
Itar-Tass on Wednesday that the sides had signed a bilateral
agreement on cooperation in the field of education.

“Now about 125 Russians will travel to Armenia to study every year,
and as many Armenian students will study in Russia,” he said on
Wednesday.

In addition, the agreement introduces new, more thorough, criteria
for selecting students for the exchange programmes. “Now both sides
will take part in this process,” the minister added.

In his words, “We have slightly increased the number of students to
study under the exchange programme, but this will allow to speak
about closer cooperation.”

Armenia will also continue to train Russian language teachers for
schools under the agreement.

The sides also agreed to develop the Russian-Armenian State
University, which will soon start admitting more students. “This
year, 44 University graduates received two state higher education
diplomas at the same time: Russian and Armenian,” Fursenko said.

Since the beginning of this year, the University has been inviting
lecturers from Moscow higher educational institutions. The University
had agreements with 18 leading Russian higher educational
institutions. There are 1,500 students at the University.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RIA Novosti
July 14, 2004

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN TO VISIT BAKU AFTER YEREVAN

BAKU, July 14 (RIA Novosti) – The co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group
for Nagorny Karabakh settlement, Yury Merzlyakov (Russia), Steven
Mann (USA) and Henri Jacolin (France), will pay a two day visit to
Azerbaijan.

As the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry reported, the aim of the visit by
the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group is to conduct consultations
with the Baku officials concerning the settlement of the Nagorny
Karabakh conflict. They plan to meet with a number of the Azerbaijan
leaders.

The co-chairmen will arrive in Baku from Armenia where they stay now
in the context of their Trans-Caucasian tour.

As Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said, “I would not
say that the co-chairmen will arrive with some new proposals. Since
they did not visit the region in the course of the last six months,
the sides will only exchange opinions.’
Before the visit of the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group to the
region, special representative of the European Union for the South
Caucasus Heikki Talvitie said at the news conference in the
Azerbaijan capital that there were “new moments” with regard to the
settlement of the conflict which the co-chairmen will discuss with
the sides to the conflict. This visit will be very important,” he
added. “I am glad that both Yerevan and Baku support the activity of
the Minsk Group co-chairmen who have done a great work,” he said. But
the EU spokesman did not specify these “new moments.” However, the
official position of Baku, Yerevan and Stepanakert (the capital of
the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorny Karabakh in the territory of
Azerbaijan which is inhabited mainly by Armenian speaking population)
has not changed today, at the tenth anniversary of the armistice.
Baku is ready to give Nagorny Karabakh the broadest autonomy, but it
is flatly against the independence of the territory. Yerevan and
Stepanakert are prepared to conduct negotiations about normalising
relations with Baku and the return of some earlier captured
Azerbaijan territories but only with the preservation of the present
status of Nagorny Karabakh.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
July 16, 2004, Friday

SAAKASHVILI’S SCENARIOS

SOURCE: Voyenno-Promyshlenny Kurier, No 26, July 14 – 20, 2004, p. 2

by Colonel Anatoly Tsyganok, Candidate of Military Sciences,
Professor of the Academy of Military Sciences

THE GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICT: SAAKASHVILI’S SCENARIOS, RUSSIA’S
POSITION, PROBABLE OUTCOME

Escalation of tension in South Ossetia may reach the boiling point
any moment and a shooting war will follow. Meantime, Georgian
newspapers are full of articles on how much Moscow needs a Georgia
without stability and on how Moscow’s tactic is being executed by
Tskhinvali.

Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said, “Promises of the Russian
leaders to take measures have remained promises so far.” Koba
Davitashvili of the parliament of Georgia agrees with the premier.
“Russian peacekeepers are occupiers. They must immediately leave,” he
said. Interior Minister Irakly Okruashvili doubts the necessity of
the Russian contingent’s presence in the region. “Unless Russian
peacekeepers provide peace in South Ossetia, expediency of their
presence in the conflict area may be questioned,” he said.

In fact, Tbilisi has never lifted a finger to gather the lands around
it. It has Russia to thank for the process. It was Russia that
unified Georgia into an integral formation and saved it from
disintegration in the space of almost two centuries. Moscow finances
the republic all through the history of the Soviet Union. Should
Russia stops exerting political, economic, financial, and military
effort to preserve Georgia, nothing – not even the United States,
NATO, or the European Union – will save it from disintegration into
several states.

According to Western sources, Georgia is the poorest country in the
Commonwealth. Annual per capita income there amounts to only about
$400. Tbilisi’s foreign debts exceed $1.5 billion, and $150 million
of them are owed to Russia for gas and electricity. Economic
dependence of most Georgian families on Russia is colossal. Their
relatives working in Russia send over $1 billion to Georgia. All of
that makes one wonder about statements of Georgian state officials
undermining the system of existence itself of the population of
Georgia and provoking disintegration of the security framework in the
South Ossetian area.

“Peace” option by Saakashvili

Here are some facts enabling observers to judge the option (or plan).
Demonstrating his determination to unify Georgia, its president used
peace-loving rhetoric and propagandistic methods to appeal to the
residents of South Ossetia. Saakashvili spoke of the payment of
pensions as of July 1, free fertilizers and medical services (just
like in Adjaria), broadcasts in the Ossetian language. Along with
that, Georgia began reconstruction of the railroad between Gori and
Tskhinvali and of the detour road bypassing the capital of South
Ossetia and leading to the Georgian villages of Tamarisheni,
Achibeti, Kurta, Kekhvi to the north. This is where the Military
Ossetian Road (30 kilometers of it, at any rate) runs. It is possible
to isolate Tskhinvali from the rest of the world only by cutting the
road there. Three officers of the State Security Ministry of Georgia
were sent to Tskhinvali supposedly to “oversee the construction”.

Defense Ministry of Georgia disbanded its peacekeeping battalion on
January 3, 2004. It was formed again soon, and (according to South
Ossetian sources) its numerical strength increased to 1,500 men by
late May and to between 2,000 and 3,000 by the middle of June.
Battalion of the Internal Troops trained by American instructors was
included in the formation. Internal Troops backed by artillery pieces
and multiple rocket launchers were sent into the conflict area
allegedly for the purpose of a special operation against smugglers.
Additional roadblocks and checkpoints were established in the
villages and along the border with South Ossetia. Tbilisi proclaimed
the move of tank units to Gori. The town is known as the location
where repaired and chalked-off tanks are stored. On July 11, Russian
and OSCE observers noticed two attack and three transport helicopters
(MI-24 and MI-8) in the Georgian army group.

The population of Georgia is brainwashed into believing in existence
of an enemy. The implication is that Russia is the enemy. Society is
constantly updated on what Saakashvili is doing to repel the
potential aggression. TV channels regularly show the motorized
infantry battalion of the Georgian Internal Troops in brand-new NATO
uniforms. The battalion is commanded by Internal Troops Commander
General Georgy Tavtukhashvili.

Resolute and no-nonsense statements made by state officials are
broadcast again and again.

In short, no effort is spared to make the population believe that the
government of Georgia has its own opinion on how the South Ossetian
problem should be tackled, that the government has determination and
a powerful (by standards of the Caucasus) army that would not balk at
anything for the sake of territorial integrity of the country.

The impression is that Georgia is trying to test the level of
Russia’s support (first), gauge the level of Russian peacekeepers’
tolerance (second), and change single-handed the format of the 1992
Dagomys Accords (third). In accordance with them, the
Georgian-Ossetian conflict area should be manned by international
peacekeeping forces comprising Russian, Georgian, and South Ossetian
battalions 500 men each. The Russian battalion should include two
MI-8 helicopters.

Along with everything else, Tskhinvali is irritated by neglect of the
accord to dismantle additional police and customs roadblocks and
checkpoints by Georgia. And that Georgia still retains South Ossetian
vehicles that ferried goods to Georgia.

Nocturnal marches of 200 Georgian servicemen commanded by interior
and state security ministers in South Ossetia may be regarded as a
provocation. These servicemen forced the Russian convoy to pull over
under the threat of weapons. This particular episode persuades some
observers that official Tbilisi deliberately aggravates the situation
in the hope to settle the old conflict to its satisfaction as soon as
possible.

Moscow’s point of view

As far as Russia is concerned, a peaceful solution to the South
Ossetian problem is only possible on the basis of the previous
accords. First and foremost, the matter concerns the 1992 (July 24)
Dagomys Accords on settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.
Within their framework, the involved parties should discuss the terms
of gradual reduction of the numerical strength of peacekeeping
contingents. Restoration of trust between the warring sides will play
a significant role in the peace process. In March, the European Union
initiated the program of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict area
rehabilitation. The program realization protocol was signed by
Georgia, South Ossetia, North Ossetia – Alania, OSCE, and European
Union. The European Union allotted 2.5 million euro for the program
and Georgia began receiving the few installments.

The situation being what it is, pugnacious statements of Georgian
leaders perplex observers. Particularly since the new foreign
minister of Georgia is called by her former colleagues a seasoned
negotiator.

Over 10,000 people left South Ossetia for North and almost 30,000
Ossetians left Georgia in the war of the early 1990’s. The new
shooting war will probably bring about some similar results. As far
as Russia is concerned, a calm border in the Ossetian direction is a
priority in development of relations with countries of the Caucasus.
If Georgia proceeds in the direction of a forceful annexation of
South Ossetia, state interests of Russia and Georgia will certainly
part company because the war will both deteriorate the situation in
the border regions and echo all over the Caucasus. It is also
important for Moscow that most residents of South Ossetia are
citizens of the Russian Federation.

For the time being, the situation is only beginning to deteriorate
into an armed confrontation. As before, 12 years ago, cars carrying
women and children leave South Ossetia for Russia.

The worst outcome

Does Tbilisi really count on victory in the hostilities? If it thinks
so, it had better think again.

Firstly, the rugged terrain typical of South Ossetia will certainly
cut down combat capacities of the offensive and particularly
efficiency of armored vehicles. Relatively small units – properly
trained, knowing the terrain, camouflaged, and wielding modern
weapons – can hold narrow roads in the foothills for a long time.

Secondly, Tskhinvali is bare kilometers from the southern border of
the republic that is denied recognition by the international
community and its location is not favorable for defense. All the
same, drawing on the experience of the previous war, South Ossetians
will probably emplace their artillery pieces on the tops of the
nearby mountains currently controlled by them. It follows that the
capture of the capital of South Ossetia will take a lot of effort and
losses. Moreover, nobody can give any guarantees that the city will
be held afterwards.

Moreover, even despite Russia’s official statement on non-involvement
in the armed conflict, Ossetians will not abandon their brothers in
the south. They will help offering shelter, providing weaponry,
treating the wounded, and helping families of combatants with
finances.

In any case, the use of force will inevitably split Georgian society
– even despite the brainwashing campaign. Not all Georgians will
support the escapade. It stands to reason to assume that instead of
rallying all of Georgia, the war will accelerate processes of
decentralization in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and even the
Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Dvavakhetia, and Azerbaijani-populated
areas. It will generate instability not even Saakashvili or his
predecessors will manage to do away with in decades.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenianow.com
July 16, 2004

Cool Relief: Armenian summer melts under 14 factories of ice cream

By Gayane Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
With temperatures rising toward the dreaded 40-degree (104 Fahrenheit) mark
of recent summers, Armenians look for relief from a source once only dreamed
of: Real ice cream.
In the hard years of 1988-93, mothers tried to pacify children with
home-made versions of ice cream that rarely came close to the real thing.

14 companies produce “baghbaghak” in Armenia.
“I have a special notebook where all my ice cream recipes are written, but
however hard I tried still my children were saying it doesn’t taste like the
ice cream in stores,” says Nazeni Mkrtumyan, a housewife.
Today, however, 14 companies produce ice cream in Armenia.
“In summer, about 40 percent of our daily income comes from selling ice
cream, and Tamara and Ashtarak Kat are selling the best,” says the manager
of Milena store Artur Minasyan.
Tamara, in 1992, was the first company to start producing ice cream after
independence, but its quality was far from today’s standards. (During Soviet
times there were three-four types of ice cream in Armenia, but none as good
as today’s quality).
In 1995 Ashtarak Kat entered the market, followed by the rest that today
offer an unimagined paradise of cold sweets.
All the selection of ice cream producing companies in Armenia was thoroughly
studied by Anna National Association of Consumers in 2003. According to the
president of the association Melita Hakobyan, the research that lasted 6
months included a market study, monitoring, sociological poll carried out
among 1,000 people, tests done in 4 laboratories and tasting by an 11-member
panel of specialists.
The poll found that about 40 percent of consumers prefer Ashtarak Kat; 30
percent, Tamara; about 20-25 percent favor Shant, while the other 11
companies (ASA, Grand Candy, Yerevan Penguin and others) get only seven
percent of the market.
“Our next most important step was laboratory tests which were carried out at
3 laboratories accredited by the RA Accreditation Council and at one
inspection laboratory which has all the modern facilities and which we
trust,” says Hakobyan.
After laboratory tests, tasting and visits to plants the committee gave 98
points (on a 100 scale) to Ashtarak Kat, 94 to Shant, 82 to Shant, 81 to
Grand Candy. The rest did not score 80 points, which means they fall below
acceptable standards
Samples of different ice creams were taken from the city’s different
communities. In the center 85 percent of ice cream corresponded to its
expiration date. In the suburbs, however, 25 percent of ice cream was found
to violate health standards (such as being kept with other food products, or
stored above accepted temperatures).

Some companies weren’t happy with Hakobyan’s assessment of their product.
Often, in order to save electricity, sellers turn off refrigerators during
the night. But according to specialists, re-freezing ice cream can create
bacteria that lead to illness.
Hakobyan, herself, became a victim of bad ice cream during the testing.
“I was getting treatment for a month, feeling for myself the situation of
over 100 consumers who applied to us with complaints; who have had various
poisonings and diseases because of bad quality ice cream,” she says.
Besides suffering health damage as a result of these tests, president of the
association Hakobyan, also suffered moral and psychological pressure. After
several TV programs during which together with members of the committee,
Melita Hakobyan presented results of the research, she was receiving many
threatening phone calls.
“They (ice cream companies) would call a lot and say ‘We’ll destroy you, we’
re coming now with our guns’ and so on, and I was telling them not to
bother, that I shall go to them myself, I have nothing to be afraid of, I
only now that there’s a product that is a threat to people’s health and I
consider it my duty to warn the consumer about it,” assures Hakobyan.
Together with Armenian ice cream producing companies today, there’s also the
ice cream of Algida company. According to the manager of importing company
Cleopatra Anahit Dervishyan, this kind of ice cream is not a competitor to
the local production.
“Of course, I’m not saying that Algida is so good that they cannot compete
with it, our local ones are very good, too, but Algida has totally different
taste peculiarities and is made with other technology and raw material,”
says Dervishyan.

>From the freezer to the waistline?
Algida is produced in 150 countries, but is imported into Armenia from
Trabzon, Turkey.
This brand of ice cream was also tested by the National Association of
Consumers. Unlike the local brands, Algida is the only one with packaging
that fully corresponds to the law, by listing in detail the ingredients.
Among the ingredients are preservatives not found in the local product. If
local ice creams can be kept from 4 to 5 months, Algida can be kept a year
and a half.
Prices of Armenian-produced ice cream bars range from 50 drams (about 10
cents) to 450 (about 90 cents).
According to saleswoman Naira Muradyan most of her customers prefer local
ice cream. According to her, children who often don’t have a lot of money
buy cheaper ice cream, like ASA, or Grand Candy, and the adults mainly buy
Ashtarak Kat or Tamara.
“It has often happened that a child asked the parent to buy Algida but the
parent refused, saying that it’s Turkish,” says Muradyan. “But it’s not the
child’s fault, it really is very tasty, but not as good as our Tamara,”
continues the young saleswoman jokingly and enjoys the cold ice cream
covered with chocolate.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI PUNDIT’S SPEECH PUZZLES OSCE MEDIATORS – AGENCY

Turan news agency
16 Jul 04

Baku, 16 July: There was a reception yesterday evening in the
residence of the US ambassador to Azerbaijan on the occasion of the
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen’s visit to Baku. More than 100 guests
were invited to the reception, including representatives of political
parties, MPs, foreign ambassadors and leaders of a number of NGOs and
mass media.

All three co-chairmen addressed the guests on their vision of the
Karabakh conflict settlement. Each of the co-chairmen said that
reconciliation, compromises and concessions were necessary and that
achieving peace will be impossible without that, political analyst
(and former presidential aide) Vafa Quluzada has told Turan news
agency.

“No outsider can resolve the conflict and you have to reach an
agreement between yourselves. We are glad that the dialogue between
Armenia and Azerbaijan has resumed,” said one of the speakers. The
gist of all statements by the co-chairmen was that Azerbaijan had to
resign itself to the results of the occupation, drop the demands to
restore its territorial integrity and recognize Nagornyy Karabakh’s
independence.

“I reckon that such statements are absolutely inadmissible and
unacceptable. They pursue the goal of forcing Azerbaijan to stop
fighting for the liberation of its lands,” Quluzada said.

“I asked them to allow me to speak and told all this to the
co-chairmen. My indignation was caused by the efforts of the
co-chairmen to shift the responsibility for the ongoing conflict onto
Azerbaijan. We are the victims of the aggression and instead of
thinking how to liberate the occupied lands the co-chairmen are
demanding that we put up with the occupation. The co-chairmen are
deliberately making this blunder, calling the aggression a
conflict. No-one wants to recall the four UN Security Council
resolutions about the liberation of Azerbaijan’s occupied
territories. Russia’s position causes especial indignation. It
supplies Armenia with arms and signs a military alliance pact (with
Armenia),” Quluzada said.

Such sharp remarks puzzled the co-chairmen who asked someone else to
take the floor. However, the people who were there supported
Quluzada’s position by applause.

Quluzada believes that the idea behind the event was to persuade the
Azerbaijani public that concessions to Armenia were necessary. But
this idea failed.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REACTION OF EXPERTS AND POLITICAL FIGURES ON STATEMENT OF CO- CHAIRMEN
OF MINSK GROUP ABOUT NECESSITY OF CONCESSIONS IN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

BAKU, JULY 16. ARMINFO-TURAN. The opinion of co-chairmen of Minsk
group that Karabakh conflict will not be regulated without compromises
and concessions from Azeri side, caused negative reaction in
Azerbaijan. The “Musavat” leader Isa Gambar considers, MG OSCE
activity is not satisfactory, and position of co-chairmen is worth
while criticism. At the same time he expressed his gratitude to US
embassy for organization of the meeting with co-chairmen.

As for demarch of Vafa Guluzade, Isa Gambar supported completely the
statement of former state advisor on foreign policy that Azerbaijan
may not concede to Armenians.

The leader of AMIP Etibar Mamedov considers co-chairmen repeat
previous mistakes. He thinks co-chairmen are not interested in fair
settlement of conflict and demand concessions from Azerbaijan only.

He also supported Guluzade’s speech, reflecting actual situation.
“Co-chairmen must realize, neither Azerbaijan government, nor
opposition will yield Armenians”, – he said.

The ex-minister of foreign affairs Tofik Zulfugarov considers,
co-chairmen must criticize non-constructive position of one or another
side. He expressed regret that they do not accomplish it. As for Vafa
Guluzade’s speech, it was “emotional”. Nevertheless, Zulfugarov agrees
with some points of Guluzade statement.

Expert Eldar Namazov negatively evaluateed speeches of co-chairmen. He
considers, they do not understand the realities, and there is nothing
innovative their position. Moreover, MG OSCE is not informed about
Azerbaijan public opinion. Namazov considers speech of Guluzade was
unexpected for them. Vafa Guluzade gave very tough response, he
said.–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri Diplomat Refutes Russian Co-chairs Statement

Baku Today 16/07/2004 17:20

A top Azeri diplomat on Thursday voiced protest against the idea of
involving the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh into the
peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Russian co-chairman of the Minsk group of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Yuri Merzlyakov, had said
while in Yerevan a few days ago that Nagorno-Karabakh’s participation
in the talks could contribute to finding a peace.

`Russia and other co-chairs of the Minsk Group should act under
theOSCE mandate, which doesn’t envision the participation of the
Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh in the negotiations,’ Ramiz
Novruzov, head of the International Relations Department at the
Presidential Apparatus, told reporters, according to Assa-Irada news
agency.

Novruzov added that the Armenian community may take part in the talks
only if the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh is also involved
in the negotiations.

The Azeri diplomat also refuted a statement by Merzlyakov that the
Nagono-Karabakh Armenians signed have the May 1994 cease-fire
agreement along with Azerbaijan and Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIAN GAS TO BE SUPPLIED TO THIRD COUNTRIES VIA ARMENIA

MOSCOW, JULY 15. ARMINFO. There are prospects of supplying Russian gas
to the markets of third countries en route via Armenia, said Russian
Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov during his meeting with his Armenian
counterpart Andranik Margaryan.

According to the agency “Neftegazovaya Vertikal,” M. Fradkov said that
Russia and Armenia will finish preparation for an agreement of
cooperation in the gas sphere soon. He said that cooperation in
construction of new gas pipes is currently under discussion. It should
be noted that the sides confirmed the intention of Russia and Armenia
to develop cooperation in all spheres of activity, Fradkov stated that
Russia and Armenia successfully cooperate in the economic sphere:
commodity turnover increased 30% as compared to the last year.
Besides, by the end of the year, regular session of the
Intergovernmental Commission for Trade-and Economic Cooperation will
be held, wherein issues of economic, humanitarian cooperation, in the
sphere of military and technical ties will be discussed, as well as
the issues related to payment of the debts under the project of
property purchase in Armenia by Russia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 15, 2004
___________________

Week of July 9 to July 15, 2004
* * *

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Sunday (7/18) is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, one of
the five principal feasts on the Armenian Church liturgical calendar,
which celebrates the revelation of Christ’s divine nature. To learn
more about the feast and Armenian traditions for the day, and to find
resources to help educate your children, click to the Eastern Diocese’s
website:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 7/14/04)
* * *

PRIMATE VISITS ST. VARTAN CAMP

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, was at St.
Vartan Camp yesterday (7/14). He visited with the campers at the camp’s
new location, the Ararat Center in the Catskill Mountains. For photos
from his visit and other camp activities, as well as dispatches from the
campers, click to our website’s special camp blog:

(Source: St. Vartan Camp, 7/15/04)
* * *

COME TO THE ARARAT CENTER CONSECRATION, OPEN HOUSE

More than 500 people have signed up to attend the free open house and
consecration of the Diocese’s new Ararat Center on Saturday, July 24.
If you still would like to attend, please RSVP by the end of business
tomorrow (7/16) by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (212)
686-0710 ext. 43.

The Ararat Center is in Greenville, NY, 30 miles south of Albany. The
open house runs from noon to 5 p.m. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Eastern Diocese, will perform the consecration at 2 p.m. Free
food and live music will round out the day.

Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.

RSVP by tomorrow (7/16) by e-mailing [email protected] or
calling (212) 686-0710 ext. 43.

(Source: Ararat Center, 7/15/04)
* * *

ARMENIAN TEACHERS SPEND WEEK AT DIOCESAN CENTER IN NYC

Armenian School educators and superintendents from around the Diocese
have been in New York City this week for the Diocese’s “Teacher’s
College”. The week-long session began Sunday (7/11), and showcases
methods to teach Armenian language, history, religion, and literature.
For more details, click to our website:
;selmonth=7&sel
year04

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 7/15/04)
* * *

GO TO ARMENIA THIS FALL

Going to Armenia will change your life. There are two great pilgrimages
this year:

* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400.
See Holy Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural
activities. For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.

* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights in Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.

Remember: even if you can’t go, you can help pay to send a young person
from your parish. It will connect them with their heritage, and make
them assets to your parish community.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 7/14/04)
* * *

DO SOMETHING FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY

Looking for something fun to do this summer with your family? Check the
Diocesan website’s Calendar of Events. From cooking classes to cruises
to picnics, you’ll find Diocesan sponsored events and happenings at our
local parishes. Just click to:

If your parish has an event you want listed for free, just e-mail
[email protected].

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 7/15/04)
* * *

FIND INSPIRATION

You can find inspiration online, with the prayers of St. Gregory of
Nareg. A new prayer is available each day on the Diocesan website.
Just click to:

# # #

If you know someone who would like to receive our e-mail bulletin,
please send their e-mail addresses to [email protected].

If your e-mail address changes, please e-mail your full name, new e-mail
address, and old e-mail address to [email protected].

If you no longer want to receive the International Religion News
Summary, send an e-mail with your name and your full e-mail address to
[email protected]. Put “Unsubscribe” in the subject line of the
e-mail.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Youth Federation
Western United States
104 N. Belmont St. Suite 206
Glendale, CA 91206
Contact: Vicken Sosikian
Tel: 818.507.1933
Fax: 818.240.3442
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

AYF Youth Corps Participants Arrive in Armenia

The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States Garo Madenlian Public
Affairs Office announced that the participants of this summer’s AYF Youth
Corps program arrived in Armenia Thursday.

The participants, will stay in Armenia and Artsakh for over a month, and
spend most of their summer in Stepanakert, the capitol city of Artsakh. The
group is working to rebuild the `Soseh’ kindergarten and the Paraplegic
Rehabilitation Center both located in Stepanakert. This year is the third
year that the AYF Youth Corps program will help the rebuilding efforts at
the kindergarten and rehabilitation center.

The group members will also have the opportunity to meet with government
officials, local ARF representatives, and AYF members. They will also spend
their weekends sightseeing in Armenia and Artsakh.

The participants of the 2003 Youth Corps program come from areas including
Glendale, the South Bay, and the West San Fernando Valley.

The AYF Youth Corps program, founded after the cease-fire in 1994, has sent
over 100 Armenian youth to Artsakh and Armenia to assist in the rebuilding
efforts of various Armenian structures such as schools, centers, churches,
and youth camps damaged during the war. This year marks the 10th anniversary
of the AYF Youth Corps program.

The Armenian Youth Federation of Western United States strives to serve
Armenian American Communities west of the Mississippi through education,
athletics, political activism, cultural activities and social settings. To
learn more about the Armenian Youth Federation please log on to

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress