Author: Antonian Lara

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Twenty-first Century AGBU Philadelphia Cotillion Connects Generations of
Armenian Americans

On Saturday, June 20, 26 young men and women ushered the 2009 AGBU
Philadelphia cotillion into the 21st century with a program of powerful
words, music, dance and multimedia displays at the Sheraton-University
City in Philadelphia.

In an elegant integration of Armenian heritage and contemporary American
culture, young Armenian Americans took part in the event which
symbolically marked their entry into multidimensional Armenian-American
adult life. During the event, they performed a sophisticated Armenian
dance under the direction of longtime choreographer Fran Torcomian.

An elaborate keepsake program booklet, rich with biographical accounts
and photographs, captured the essence of the participants, which the
cotillion organizers referred to as "cotillionaires." This term was
coined to describe "a new kind of cotillion participant, male or female,
who is all-at-once proud of the past yet grounded in the present and
confident to link the two together," said cotillion parent Melissa
Selverian, who co-chaired the event with husband Richard and cotillion
parents Yvonne and Paul Fereshetian.

"After all, these are the young men and women who ventured bravely off
of Facebook to bridge the gap between the digital social network and the
more-than-40-year-old live cotillion network. In so doing, they changed
the cotillion for the better, making it more relevant in the lives of
young Armenian Americans today," she explained.

Mixing the live and digital social networks and the past with the
present, the cotillion featured a through-the-years multimedia
presentation and an intergenerational dance starring many of the
participants. Katrina Selverian produced and presented a biographical
video and slide show of the participants and the Ararat Dance Ensemble,
led by directors Toros Torcomian and Christopher Torcomian, captured the
timelessness of the affair in a captivating impromptu performance that
included the leaders and members of the original ensemble from three
decades ago.

Guest speaker, alumna Julie Paretchan of the AGBU Cotillion of 1999,
confirmed the enduring power and relevance of the cotillion to the
city’s Armenian-American community. She reflected on how the cotillion
had brought her parents together in marriage, and had allowed her
brother to form strong friendships with fellow Armenians. She said that
she also benefited from many friendships as a result of the cotillion.
She recently resettled in Philadelphia and she is proud to lead the next
generation of Armenian Americans by volunteering her time with the newly
formed local AGBU Young Professionals committee–YP Philadelphia.

"Cotillion alumni have a special connection with the event," Selverian
told guests, describing how the 2009 event "grew from the hearts and
minds of cotillion alums."

"Countless friendships made in cotillions over the last four decades are
long-lasting and unsurpassed," she said. "I know my husband Richard and
my co-chairs Yvonne and Paul Fereshetian share these sentiments as
cotillion alumni."

Longtime AGBU Philadelphia members and community leaders, George
Yacoubian and Liz Barone, toasted the participants and the committee for
rejuvenating the affair.

Special thanks were extended to the sponsors of the evening,
particularly Clara Marie Samelian, who honored the memory of her
parents, John and Araxie Samelian, on the back cover of the keepsake
program booklet. The Samelians were longtime members of AGBU
Philadelphia, and Araxie Samelian was the co-founder of the Philadelphia
cotillion dinner dance, which debuted in 1966.

The 2009 cotillionaires are Michael Berge Alexanian, Stephanie Hripsime
Alexanian, Niki Nubar Arakelian, Serop Buldukyan, Cerise Setta
Fereshetian, Damon Raffi Fereshetian, Jasmine Ani Fereshetian, Allison
Sonya Injaian, James Keshgegian, Karine Keshgegian, Richard Avedis
Keshgegian, Harout Nalbandian, Gabrielle Nazeni Pakhtigian, Garineh Ara
Panosian, Katrina Maritza Selverian, Sara Seerarpy Selverian, Maritsa
Suzanne Sherenian, Michael Sherenian, Talene Beatrice Soghomonian,
Alyssa Talene Sookiasian, Paul Vartan Sookiasian, Mark Tekirian, Alex
Deron Torcomian, Ana Francesca Torcomian, Christopher Torcomian and
Matthew Robert Zakian.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving some
400,000 Armenians on six continents.

VivaCell-MTS offers new Vringo service
27.06.2009 16:18 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ VivaCell-MTS offers a new Vringo service to its
customers, which enables users every time receive a call instead of
the usual voice signal or still image. Customers will see the video
clip they prefer – their video ringtone. Animation, musical video
clips, sports and fashion, jokes and nature… users will definitely
find their video ringtone in the rich and diverse collection of
videos.
Besides, with `Vringo’ customers can create a list of buddies
(friends) from other users of `Vringo’, see buddies’ video ringtones
while receiving calls from them. They can also show their video
ringtone to buddies while calling them, share video ringtones between
each other. To use the service the customer need a mobile phone
enabling to set a video as a ringtone, active Internet and to visit
vivacell.vringo.com and register. Users can use the service and manage
their profiles through web or wap interface or by downloading to the
phone the special `Vringo’ applet.
The monthly fee of the service is AMD 100, but till the end of July
2009 it will be provided without monthly fee. Upon registration
customers will receive 1 video ringtone and for extra fee they will be
able to obtain more. 1 video ringtone costs AMD 650. The video
ringtone has no validity period – having once saved it in the phone
customers can use it as much as they wish.
Internet traffic used for accessing the WAP interface and obtaining
video ringtones through WAP, as well as for managing and synchronizing
the `Vringo’ applet is not chargeable. However, if users are managing
accounts through web interface, they are charged for Internet
according to their tariff plan.

ACCOMPANIED BY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OF "LUYS" FOUNDATION JACQUELINE KARA-ASLANYAN, RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN TODAY VISITED THE YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY

W ednesday, 24 June 2009

Accompanied by director of educational programs of "Luys" foundation
Jacqueline Kara-Aslanyan, RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan today
visited the Yerevan State University. During a scheduled meeting,
they briefed the students on the objectives of the Fund and the ways
it may use to support those Armenian students studying at the top-rate
universities of the world.

Member of the board of "Luys" foundation, RA Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan noted that the meeting is devoted to Foundation’s
educational programs: "The fund was set up under the high patronage
of the President of the Republic of Armenia and will handle cultural,
scientific and educational questions. It is a private initiative under
which benevolent contributions from the private sector will be used
to reach the set targets.

Due presidential patronage, this initiative will be kept in
focus and, therefore, it will have to be given broad publicity
and transparency. We shall be trying to abide by this principle in
implementing all our functions," the Prime Minister said and added that
there is some misunderstanding concerning the charitable activities
of the Fund, "in particular, we ha ve organized charitable concerts,
sponsored cultural programs, including the gala event dedicated to
Jivan Gasparyan’s 80th birth anniversary and Jethro Tull’s concert
in Yerevan. We provide support to such entities as in our opinion
carry out activities in conformity with the mandate of the Fund."

With reference to the educational component, the Prime Minister
indicated that an educational agenda is already out for this year
to a total budget of AMD 400 million. The educational program will
be coordinated by a governing council composed of the Prime Minister
of the Republic of Armenia, Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff Vigen
Sargsyan, CBA Vice-President Vacheh Gabrielyan, representative of
the Armenian Apostolic Church Ter Mesrop, MP Anahit Bakhshyan and
others. Educational program coordinator Jacqueline Karaaslanjan was
elected by open and transparent vote. The 2008 financial report of the
Fund along with auditor’s the findings have been published in media.

At the end of the meeting, the students in attendance engaged in an
easy-going dialog with the head of RA government.

80TH ANNIVERSARY OF TIGRAN PETROSIAN’S BIRTH MARKED IN ESTONIA

Noyan Tapan
June 23, 2009

TALLINN, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. An open chess
tournament dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the world champion
Tigran Petrosian’s birth was held in Estonia. Robert Dubrovin and
Georg Nero became the winners. According to miasin. ru, some of the
participants in the tournament were the same age as Tigran Petrosian,
they knew him during his lifetime. They came with photos, documents
and souvenirs. Lembit Vakhesaar, who was an arbiter at the famous
Karpov-Kasparov match, showed a historical document – the original
of Tigran Petrosian’s application-complaint at the 1979 Tallinn
Tournament, when during the Petrosian-Elvest game the young Estonian
player left the hall for 10 minutes.

The impression was that the chess players of Estonia had been waiting
for this event – the tournament in memory of Tigran Petrosian, and
it will certainly have its place in the timetable of Estonia’s chess
competitions, the paper reported.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <;

June 23, 2009

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA DIALOGUES WITH DIOCESAN LEADERS, ADDRESSES PUBLIC
FORUM AT EASTERN DIOCESE IN NEW YORK

Addressing about 250 people at the Diocesan Center on Monday, June 22, Her
Excellency Marie Yovanovitch, the United States Ambassador to the Republic
of Armenia, spoke about U.S. goals in Armenia, discussed taxpayer-funded
development programs, and asked the public to share its concerns on
U.S.-Armenia relations.

"In many ways, the Armenian-American community represents the foundation and
the strength of our bilateral relationship with Armenia," the ambassador
said, underlining the support of diasporan Armenians for their homeland.

Speaking about progress made since Armenia’s independence in 1991,
Ambassador Yovanovitch noted the expansion of human rights, economic growth,
and increased reliance on the democratic process.

"I’m proud of our success stories," she said, "but there’s always more that
can be done."

One focus is to bring greater fairness and transparency to local and
national elections. Though she observed a more open media environment and
other changes in last month’s mayoral elections in Yerevan, Ambassador
Yovanovitch said there are still irregularities which make the election
process problematic.

The U.S. government understands "that the path to democracy is rarely swift
or smooth," she said, and it aims "to help people restore momentum to their
own democratization."

Turning to the economy, Ambassador Yovanovitch stressed that despite growth
in recent years, the Armenian economy today faces the challenges posed by
the global financial crisis.

In the first five months of this year, the economy contracted by more than
15 percent, she said, a troubling trend that could lead to a rise in poverty
rates. The country’s dependence on remittances and its expansion in the
mining and construction sector have been severely undermined by the current
economic situation.

At the same time, the ambassador said, the economic crisis is an opportunity
for the Armenian government to make reforms that would put in place a
transparent legal system, modernize the country’s infrastructure, and
establish a competitive private sector.

To help during the economic crisis, Ambassador Yovanovitch said, the U.S. is
stepping up short-term humanitarian efforts, like a new program that
allocates money to villages for infrastructure work and employs local
residents to carry out the projects.

"It’s basic assistance that makes a huge difference in the lives of
individuals," Ambassador Yovanovitch explained.

U.S. taxpayer money is also used to bolster law enforcement capacity,
operate newly opened advocacy centers and clinics, and support an initiative
that assists municipalities in Armenia strengthen fiscal management, the
ambassador said.

In addition, the U.S. government has partnered with companies like Coca-Cola
and Sun Microsystems to sponsor programs that protect natural resources and
promote information technology training at Armenian universities.

She called Armenia one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid worldwide,
having received a total of $1.8 billion in total assistance to date.

Speaking about Armenia’s relationship with its neighbors, Ambassador
Yovanovitch said the U.S. supports an open border with Turkey – a process
that should unfold without preconditions and with a timeframe acceptable to
both parties – and a resolution to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.

"It will take hard work and political courage to transform Armenia and the
region," she said; but remained optimistic about future developments.

Before concluding her remarks, Ambassador Yovanovitch acknowledged the
"anger and disappointment" felt throughout the Armenian-American community
in regard to this year’s April 24 statement from President Barack Obama.

She said that the decision whether to use the word "genocide" in the annual
statement made by the U.S. President is ultimately a decision of the White
House. The ambassador said that while the past must not be forgotten, it is
important for Armenia to look forward, especially at a time of economic
insecurity.

"Armenian issues require Armenian solutions," she said, explaining that
while the U.S. provides support, in the end it will be up to the Armenian
people to chart their path in the 21st century.

Monday’s event was co-hosted by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) and the Fund for Armenian Relief.

In remarks introducing Ambassador Yovanovitch to the Armenian-American
community, Diocesan Council member Sandra Shahinian Leitner called the
Diocesan Center a most appropriate setting for the public forum.

"The Diocesan Complex is not only the central institution of the Armenian
presence in America," she said, "it has also played a central and vital role
in the ongoing relationship between the United States and the Republic of
Armenia."

She went on to describe the 20-year relationship between the U.S. State
Department and the Diocese, through its Fund for Armenian Relief, which has
helped develop Armenia’s medical, social, technological, and other sectors.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), thanked Ambassador Yovanovitch for her visit to the
Eastern Diocese.

He recalled the role of the Diocese during the 1988 earthquake and in the
midst of the September 11, 2001 attacks, emphasizing the Eastern Diocese as
an American as well as an Armenian institution. The Primate also reflected
on milestones in the Diocese’s long service to the Republic of Armenia. (See
the sidebar story for the Primate’s full remarks.)

"We will always support and love the Republic of Armenia; we will always
support and love the United States of America-no matter the circumstance, in
times of joy and prosperity, in times of sorrow and disappointment,"
Archbishop Barsamian said. "Nothing will separate us from this bond."

"I know that these same ideals speak to you, as well," he added to the
ambassador.

The evening also included a period where Ambassador Yovanovitch addressed
questions from the audience.

On Tuesday, June 23, the ambassador returned to the Eastern Diocese for a
breakfast with young professionals held at the Diocese’s Krikor and Clara
Zohrab Information Center. A group of 30 young professionals engaged in
informal discussion with Ambassador Yovanovitch.

Later that same day, the ambassador was the guest of honor at a luncheon
hosted by Archbishop Barsamian in the formal reception room of the Diocesan
Center, where leaders of the Eastern Diocese from the Diocesan Council, the
Fund for Armenian Relief Board of Directors, and the Diocesan Legate’s
Committee had an opportunity to dialogue with Ambassador Yovanovitch in a
private setting.

Ambassador Yovanovitch also received a tour of St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral, given by Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, with Diocesan
Council Chairman Oscar Tatosian.

Ambassador Yovanovitch is in the midst of a four-city tour of
Armenian-American communities, which also includes stops in Boston, Los
Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

###

CAPTIONS:

Photo1:

Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian (center) with U.S. Amb. Yovanovitch
(right) and Garnik Nanagoulian, executive director of the Fund for Armenian
Relief (left).

Photo2:

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch addresses the Armenian-American
public in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, of the Diocesan Center in
New York City, on June 22.

Photo3:

At the Eastern Diocese’s Zohrab Information Center, Amb. Yovanovitch talks
informally with a group of young professionals from the New York area.

Photo4:

Abp. Barsamian thanks Amb. Yovanovitch for her two-day visit to the Eastern
Diocese in New York, during a luncheon with Diocesan leaders from the Fund
for Armenian Relief, the Diocesan Legates’ Committee, and the Diocesan
Council.

# # #

Press and Information Department
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Armenia
Tel. + 37410 544041. ext. 202
Fax. + 37410 565601
e-mail: [email protected]
web:

Argentina opens Embassy in Armenia

On June 19, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received
Marcelo Sabaste, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Argentina who has
arrived in Yerevan on the occasion of opening the Embassy of
Argentina.

In his welcoming remarks Minister Nalbandian expressed satisfaction
with the opening of Embassy of Argentina in Armenia and expressed hope
that it will give a new impetus to the deepening and strengthening of
bilateral comprehensive relations. Armenian Foreign Minister stressed
that the friendly relations of two countries as well as the developed
legal field create a solid basis for the establishment of more active
cooperation in different areas. Edward Nalbandian told the Argentine
Charge d’Affaires ad interim that the Ministry of Foreign Affaires
will provide all necessary during his mission and opening of
Argentinean embassy.

Marcelo Sabaste handed over the address of Foreign Minister of
Argentina Jorge Taiana to Armenian Foreign Minister and emphasized
that Argentina attaches great importance to the further enlargement of
comprehensive relations with Armenia and that is the reason of opening
in Yerevan of the first Argentine Embassy in the South Caucasus. He
praised the role of Argentinean Armenian community in the development
of bilateral relations.

The two also exchanged views on several issues of mutual interests.

Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Argentina reaffirmed the Argentinean
Foreign Minister’s invitation to Armenian Foreign Minister to visit
Buenos Aires.

Heritage does not regard amnesty to be human act
20.06.2009 15:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `If granting an amnesty were a human act, then it
would be announced long ago’, Armen Martirosyan, Chairman of the RA NA
Heritage fraction told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
According to him, although many people say this step is directed to
turning the page of March 1, 2008 events, but obviously it is
impossible to do. `Names of killers of 10 innocent victims are unknown
so far, as well as the names of those who gave the command to
kill. The page cannot be turned as soon as all circumstances of March
1 and March 2 events are not revealed,’ he said.
After announcing an amnesty not all political prisoners will be
released from prisons, and it leaves a feeling of resentment,
Mr. Martirosyan added. `Current amnesty does not solve the problem on
the whole, therefore it must be applied to everybody,’ he stressed.
According to Armen Martirosyan, there is a factor of external
sanctions, and the amnesty announced by the president has been
directed to mitigate those sanctions. `In my opinion, it is more
important to pay attention to internal estimations rather than to
outward ones,’ Mr. Martirosyan said.
The parliamentary Heritage fraction refrained from participating in
yesterday’s vote in RA NA, except MP Zaruhi Postanjyan, who voted
against, Armen Martirosyan said.

ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI SOCIETIES – TOO FAR FROM EACH OTHER

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
20.06.2009 13:51 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian and Azerbaijani societies are too far
from each other. Two young generations grow up without having ever
met each other. Even though there might be some political solution to
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, alienation of peoples plays negative role
in the long run. "Late in July, Armenian and Azerbaijani NGOs are to
have their fourth forum in Moscow. What may be the expectations? No
wonder we have decided to focus on spiritual and cultural lives
of both peoples. That creates a background for building bridges of
communication. I hope forum will be attended by people dealing with
cultural issues and interested in creating favorable atmosphere for
conflict settlement. Perhaps, they’ll manage to conduct joint and
constructive discussions over acts of good will that may bring two
nations together. "

AZERBAIJANI PARTY CONTINUES ARSONS ON CONTACT-LINE

ArmInfo
2009-06-18 18:18:00

ArmInfo. Fires have been regularly breaking out at various sections
of the contact- line of the Nagornuy Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed
forces since early June 2009. The main reasons of the fires are shots
with tracer bullets and arson of the territories under control of
the Azerbaijani armed forces by the Azerbaijani party.

The NKR Foreign Mnistry press-service told ArmInfo by data of the NKR
Rescue Service the given areas of patrolled and field fire rescue
brigades operate 24-hour. All the necessary measures are taken to
prevent, localize and liquidate fires. The NKR authorities call on
the Azerbaijani party to refrain from the actions causing damage to
environment and human health and endangering human security.

PROGRAMS OF ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF KALININGRAD REGION SUBMITTED TO RA DIASPORA MINISTER

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
18.06.2009 21:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA diaspora minister Hranush Hakobyan received
representatives of the "Armenian National Cultural Autonomy" and Union
of Trustees of Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Head of the delegation,
Feliks Gevorkyan presented programs implemented in the Armenian
community of Kaliningrad region of Russia.

Currently, the Armenian Church operate in the region and 130 Armenian
children attend 3 Sunday schools. Ther is an Armenian ethnic dance
ensemble in the Kaliningrad region, construction of the regional
center of Armenian culture will be completed soon.