Author: Babajanian Karo

U.S. AMBASSADOR NOMINEE TO ARMENIA WORKED FOR PRO-TURKISH CONGRESSMAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 20, 2011 – 10:43 AMT

The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) expects a rigorous Senate
confirmation process in the months ahead on Barack Obama’s nomination
of John A. Heffern to serve as U.S. ambassador to Armenia.

Current U.S. envoy to Yerevan Marie L. Yovanovitch, nominated by former
President George W. Bush, will conclude her three-year mission in June.

In the mid-1990s, Heffern worked for former Congressman Doug
Bereuter (R-NE) who was consistently one of the most pro-Turkish and
anti-Armenian Representatives to serve in Congress.

Without pre-judging nominee Mr. Heffern personally, he will have a
steep hill to climb in explaining and distinguishing his views from
those of former Congressman Bereuter. For example, in 1995-1996, when
Heffern was on the Congressman’s International Relations Committee
staff, Bereuter voted against several measures aimed to promote not
only Armenia’s interests, but human rights interests around the world.

These measures included, most notably, the Humanitarian Aid Corridor
Act, which prohibits U.S. economic assistance to any country that
impedes or restricts the transfer or delivery of U.S. humanitarian
assistance to another country. Heffern’s former boss also voted against
an amendment to cut $25 million in aid to Turkey, which was proposed
in reference to Turkey’s human rights violations and ongoing blockade
of Armenia. Further, the Congressman voted against an amendment to
cut aid to Turkey until it had “taken all appropriate steps to honor
the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.”

The Assembly hopes Mr. Heffern can successfully climb that hill and
represent America’s views and clear record, not only on the need
to squarely recognize the Armenian Genocide and its consequences,
but also on addressing Azerbaijan’s aggression against the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic to ensure peace in the region with open borders,
respect for human rights and commitment to democracy.

John A. Heffern is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and
currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission
to NATO in Brussels. Prior to his current post, Mr. Heffern served
as Executive Assistant to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs
and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia. Mr.

Heffern’s career has also included overseas assignments to Japan,
Malaysia, Ivory Coast and Guangzhou, China.

NO DEAR FRIENDS, WE ARE NOT ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE TO DOOMSDAY
Simon Aynedjian

Gibrahayer e-magazine

However hard the supporters of Antranik Ashdjian try to paint a
gruesome picture of our community and however hard they shout from
Cyprus TV channels that the community is divided and we are on a
downhill slope to doomsday, our community knows better.

However hard they try to explain their unholy alliance and justify
their candidature, some simple facts remain unchanged, that: – Nareg
school is on a steady move forward.

– the cultural life has never been more vibrant.

– we have never had so many printed and online media outlets and so
much freedom of news, opinions and information.

– thanks to the efforts of our MP, our status as a community has
never been stronger.

– the political contacts with MPs of Cyprus and Euro parliamentarians
for the promotion of Hay Tad has never been smoother.

– unity and dialogue between Armenian Cypriot political parties has
been elevated with important Hay Tad agendas like Hrant Dink, Voch
campaign, April 24, being addressed and commemorated together.

– functions in community life have multiplied.

– Armenian youth and families have increasingly flocked Armenian
centers and clubs.

– Armenian sports teams have multiplied and have come to important
achievements.

– our image as a community to the citizens we live with has never
been so positive and bright.

– countless problems in our community have been resolved.

– the multidimensional list of progress is long … much too long.

Apparently some people in our community will even interpret the
decades-long selfless and voluntary work of our community that have
achieved wonders in our small community, as dark as their own dark
agendas.

Let the voters decide whether we are on the right path and whether
we need to stop this process of change that did not begin yesterday,
but decades earlier.

This is the central question before voters this Sunday.

Simon Aynedjian – Chief Editor – Gibrahayer e-magazine

AMBASSADOR MARKARIAN TO HOST DINNER FOR ANCA’S ARMENIAN CAUSE 2.0

asbarez
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
Deadline fast approaching for innovative Washington conference

WASHINGTON-Armenia’s Ambassador to the US Tatoul Markarian, will host
a special dinner reception on the evening of Saturday, June 25th at the
Armenian Embassy for participants in “Armenian Cause 2.0,” the Armenian
National Committee of America’s leadership conference in Washington.

“We are honored that Ambassador Markarian has agreed to host community
leaders and activists from around the country for dinner at the
Armenian Embassy,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “A
visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia and the opportunity
to meet Armenia’s Ambassador holds great personal meaning for all
Armenian Americans, all the more so when it’s part of a weekend
devoted to developing new and powerful ways to support Armenia,
defend Artsakh, and advance the Armenian Cause.”

The Armenian Embassy dinner reception will be part of an array of
insider presentations, interactive and hands-on training sessions,
and visits to Capitol Hill, planned for Armenian Cause 2.0: Social
Networks, Grassroots Power and Smart Advocacy, organized by the ANCA
and ANCA Endowment Fund, Inc. The Washington conference will be held
June 24-27th at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel.

The weekend’s educational schedule will be complemented by social
and networking programming (all included in the registration fee)
that features:

A welcoming reception with a skyline view of the White House and the
monuments on the Washington Mall, generously hosted by the Aramian
Family Fund.

A private guided tour and “Tea on the Terrace” garden reception in the
home of President Woodrow Wilson, the signer of the Arbitral Award,
and the location of the famous Armenian painting, L’Esperance.

A group visit and photo on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial,
overlooking the reflecting pool, the Washington Monument, and the U.S.

Capitol.

An evening cruise past the monuments along the Potomac River, with
drinks and food.

To register for the conference and take advantage of the special ANCA
hotel rate of $149/night plus tax, visit
by May 27, 2011.

Markarian has represented Armenia in the United States since 2005.

Prior to his service as Ambassador, he held, since 2000, the
position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. In that capacity,
his responsibilities included the Ministry’s Departments of
Politico-Military Affairs; International Organizations; CIS Countries;
and Asia-Pacific and Africa. He was also the Armenian coordinator
for the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue as well as the NATO-Armenia
Political-Military Dialogue. In 2002-2003, Ambassador Markarian was
also Special Representative of the President of Armenia for Nagorno
Karabakh negotiations. Between 1999 and 2000, he served as Advisor
to the Foreign Minister. His previous diplomatic assignments have
included a term as Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor at
the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC from 1994 to 1999.

Before joining the Armenian Foreign Service, Ambassador Markarian
served in newly-independent Armenia’s legislative and executive
branches. He was Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Armenian
Parliament from 1990 to 1991, and Assistant and then Adviser to the
Vice President of Armenia from 1991 to 1994, also serving as Acting
Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Armenia from 1991 to 1992.

Ambassador Markarian was born on April 1964, in Armenia. He holds
a Master’s degree in International Relations from the School of
Advanced International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University, and
a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He
graduated from the Yerevan University of National Economy in 1985,
and completed a PhD in Economics at the same University in 1989.

In addition to his native Armenian, Ambassador Markarian is fluent
in English and Russian. He is married and has two sons.

EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY TO VISIT ARMENIA

news.am
May 19, 2011 | 19:11

YEREVAN. – EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy Catherine Ashton will visit Armenia in June 2011, Armenian
Deputy Foreign Minister Karine Ghazinyan stated in the Armenian
Parliament on Thursday.

Yerevan will host the fifth round of talks on Armenia-EU association
membership on May 23. According to deputy FM, 18 out of 24 provisions
stipulated in the agreement on associate membership have already been
negotiated. The other 6 provisions will be discussed in next rounds.

She stressed that Armenia is ahead of Georgia and Azerbaijan on the
issue and European partners are satisfied with the progress.

Ghazinyan also stressed that facilitation of visa regime, creation
of free trade relations, envisaging removal of trade restrictions
between Armenia and the EU are a focal point of the talks with the EU.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS THE EMIR AND THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE STATE OF
KUWAIT

On Tuesday 17 May 2011, His Holiness Aram I met Emir Sabah Jabr Al-Sabah,
upon the organization of General Michel Suleiman, the President of Lebanon.

Catholicos Aram I first conveyed the greetings of the President of Lebanon,
and thanked the Emir for the important role he had played in ending the war
in Lebanon. He then said that the purpose of his visit was to preside over
the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the
Armenian school in Kuwait. He then transmitted to the Emir the message of
Christian religious leaders in Kuwait, regarding the ownership of land to
build churches. In connection to this request, he also spoke of the needs
of the Armenian community and asked for their support.

In his response, the Emir asked His Holiness to greet the President of
Lebanon General Michel Suleiman, and told him to ask the leadership of the
Armenian community to present a written request for his consideration. The
Emir then asked about the status of the protocol signed between Armenia and
Turkey, and hoped that it would be implemented. Catholicos Aram I told that
the Turkish Parliament had not yet ratified it; and that the issue was for
Turkey to recognize the Genocide, which was an issue of justice.

Before leaving the Palace, His Holiness also met with the Prime Minister
Sheikh Nasr Al-Sabah, and they discussed questions related to Lebanon and
the Armenian Community in Kuwait.

##
Photos:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

May 19, 2011

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY CONVENES IN PHILADELPHIA;
HISTORY IS MADE WITH FIRST FEMALE CO-CHAIR

The Eastern Prelacys National Representative Assembly (NRA) concluded
last week, May 12 to 14, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. St. Gregorys new Founders Hall, which was
the setting for the meetings, provided a comfortable and impressive
environment for the Prelacys annual assembly. The co-chairmen elected
were Jack Mardoian, Esq. (Chicago) and Nayiri Baljian Bell
(Watertown), the first female NRA chair to be elected. Janet Haroian
(Granite City) was elected English secretary and Rev. Fr. Karekin
Bedourian (Granite City) was elected Armenian secretary. Concurrent
with the NRA the National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) met.

The first session of the NRA began with an opening prayer offered by
the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The morning session was
devoted to messages, including the welcoming words of Archpriest
Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of the host parish, and William Arthin,
chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Delegates and guests viewed a video message by His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who wished the Assembly
success in its deliberations and plans for the upcoming year. Click
here (

) to view the video message.

Archbishop Oshagan delivered his keynote address during the afternoon
session on Thursday. His Eminences message, delivered in Armenian
with English text available, focused on service and faithfulness. He
began his comments by acknowledging the advancements made by a number
of parishes during the past year. Click to read the Prelates message
in Armenian (

) or English (

).

The following panels met during the Assembly and later reported to the
full Assembly: Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC); Armenian
National Education Committee (ANEC); Technology; Audit and Budget;
Board of Trustees Workshop.

The extensive reports presented by the Religious and Executive
Councils were examined and discussed. Considerable time was spent on
budgetary considerations, and the Prelacy Building Project.

Friday evenings banquet was well attended by delegates and the local
community. Stephen Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council served
as the MC. During the evening a number of local parishioners were
honored for their outstanding service and leadership, including the
following: Certificates of Merit were presented to Kirk Karagelian,
Noubar Yeremian and the Founders Hall Construction Committee (Bill
Arthin, Richard Keshgegian, Hagop Keshishian, Haroutiun Aghajanian,
Arthur Selverian, and Jeffrey Selverian). Youth Leadership Awards were
presented to Mariam Sarkessian and Taleen Yeremian. In a special
presentation, Archbishop Oshagan presented the Eagle of the Prelacy
(the highest award given by the Prelacy) to Stephen Selverian in
appreciation for his leadership of the parishs recent construction
project which includes Founders Hall, classrooms for Sunday and
Armenian school and meeting rooms, expanded state-of-the-art kitchen,
renovation of Terhanian !
Hall, new rest facilities, and storage areas. Spirit of Armenia Award
was presented to Congressman Chris Smith (D-NJ) in appreciation of his
ongoing support of issues of interest for the Armenian American
community.

The final session on Saturday morning was devoted to the election of
Executive Council members, the budget, and the Prelacy Building
Project. Earlier two members of the Religious Council were elected:
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian (re-elected,Whitinsville), and
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian (New York). Re-Elected to the Executive
Council were Raffi Manjikian (Boston), and John Daghlian (Boston).
Elected to the Council were Noubar Megerian (Philadelphia), and Armen
Kourkounian (North Andover).

Clergy and lay delegates in front of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.

The 2010-2011 Executive Council.

Archbishop Oshagan with the NALG,

PRELATE WILL BE AT ST. SARKIS ON SUNDAY MORNING;

AND ATTEND 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ILLUMINATORS IN EVENING

Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, this Sunday, May 22. The parishs priest,
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, will celebrate the Liturgy.

In the evening the Prelate will preside over the 95th anniversary
banquet celebration of St. Illuminators Cathedral, which will take
place at the Terrace in the Park in Flushing Meadow Park in the
Borough of Queens.

The Mayr Yegeghetzee and its faithful parishioners are celebrating the
rich history of the Cathedral on this milestone anniversary with a
totally renovated house of worship. The Cathedral is the oldest
Armenian Apostolic Church in New York, and the first Armenian
Cathedral in the United States.

PRELATE WILL ATTEND ENTHRONEMENT SERVICE ON SATURDAY

Archbishop Oshagan will participate in the Enthronement of His Grace
Zachariah Mar Nicholovos as the Diocesan Metropolitan of the Northeast
American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, on Saturday,
May 21. His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II,
Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church will preside. The
ceremony will take place at St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church in
Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The new Diocesan Metropolitan was appointed in
February to succeed His Grace Matthews Mar Barnabas.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN IS ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL

PEACE CONVOCATION IN JAMAICA

Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian is participating in the World Council of
Churches International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in
Kingston, Jamaica, May 18 to 25. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, the
Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, is heading the
representatives of the Holy See of Cilicia which also include
Mrs. Asdghig Kandaharian from Lebanon, and Deacon Mark Shirinian from
Fresno, California.

Bishop Anoushavan was invited to lead five consequent Bible study
sessions. The topics selected for the IEPC Bible Studies are: Peace in
the Community; Peace with the Earth; Peace in the Market Place; Peace
among the Peoples; and Go in Peace.

DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM

The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.

The summer program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). Early bird registration ends this Sunday, May 15. For
information and registration, contact the AREC office by telephone at
212-689-7810, by email at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or click here (

) or join us on our Facebook (

) page.

ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE WILL MARK

25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA CELEBRATION

The St. Gregory of Datev Institute turns 25 this year. For the past
twenty-five years the Prelacy has provided a much needed
Christian-based program for youth ages 13 to 18. The Institute is
organized by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC),
under the directorship of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.

On Saturday, July 9, Datevatsis, past and present, will come together
to celebrate the silver anniversary of Datev with a banquet at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. The committee
is comprised of Datevatsis and is co-chaired by Dr. Arsen Mekaelian
and Dr. George Berberian.

The success of this program can be seen by the service Datevatsis who
have attended the four-year program now provide to the Church. They
serve as Sunday School teachers, choir members, board of trustee
members, altar servers, and some have aspired for ordination to the
priesthood.

For information regarding the banquet or for reservations, contact the
Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]), or visit the Datev webpage (

) or Facebook (

).

LUCY ISHKANIAN HONORED AT MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON

Ms. Lucy Ishkanian was honored at the Woman of the Year at the
Prelacy Ladies Guilds Mothers Day luncheon that took place on May 2 at
The Palace in New York City.

After conferring this honor upon Ms. Ishkanian, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan, made a second announcement and surprise
presentation of the Prelacys Queen Zabel award to Ms. Ishkanian.

In introducing Ms. Ishkanian to the attendees, the afternoons MC, Iris
Papazian, described Ms. Ishkanian as an internationally recognized
artist. She gave her first recital at the age of seven, two years
after becoming the youngest student ever accepted to the Juilliard
Preparatory Division. She has performed throughout the world,
receiving the enthusiastic critical acclaim of musicians, critics, and
music lovers. In 1991, during her concert tour in Armenia she
established a scholarship at the Gomidas Conservatory for talented and
deserving piano students in Armenia and Karabagh. Through her
determined efforts she fulfilled a dream by inaugurating a unique
friendship program between The Juilliard School in New York and the
Gomidas Conservatory in Yerevan. And in 1992, she established the
Armenian Scholarship Fund at Juilliard to help talented music
students. Lucy Ishkanian has achieved success with poise, grace, and
humility. She has beenand continues to !
bea good and generous influence, an inspiration, a source of joy and
comfort.

A musical interlude was presented by Juilliard graduates and students:
Cecee Pantikian, violin; Alex Sakarellos, violin; and Alexander
Gurevich, viola.

Archbishop Oshagan presents awards to Ms. Lucy Ishkanian.
Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and guests at the head table surround Lucy Ishkanian and her husband Hagop Tankian.

A musical interlude from Juilliard students.

Check Prelacys web page next week for more photographs.

TRUSTEES OF PASHALIAN EDUCATION FUND MEET

The trustees of the Pashalian Family Education Fund had their annual
meeting on May 4, to discuss the grants that would be distributed for
the 2011-12 school year. The names of the recipients of the grants
will be announced next month.

The Pashalian Fund was created in 1991 with gifts in memory of John
Pashalian by his family and friends. Income from the Fund supports
Armenian education. Trustees of the Fund are: Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan, Ms. Gloria Tarsy, Dr. George Dermksian, and Mr. Michael
Derian. Since 1993 the Fund has distributed close to $100,000.

BIBLE READING

Beginning on the Sunday after Easter and continuing through to
Pentecost (June 12), in addition to the readings of that day, portions
of the four Gospels are read each day. Luke is read in the morning;
John is read at mid-day; Matthew is read at the beginning of the
evening hour; and Mark is read at the end of the evening hour.

Bible readings for Sunday, May 22, Apparition of the Holy Cross are:
Galatians 6:14-18; Matthew 24:30-36; Luke 11:33-12:12; Acts 17:1-15; 1
John 1:1-10; John 7:14-23; Matthew 13:53-58; John 19:25-30; Mark
6:30-44.

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all
the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man
coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will
send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

>From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes
tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So
also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the
very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until
all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:30-36)

For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).

APPARITION OF THE HOLY CROSS

This Sunday, May 22, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the
Apparition of the Cross (Yerevoumun Sourp Khatchi). The Apparition of
the Holy Cross is the third feast of the Holy Cross in the Armenian
liturgical calendar. It is celebrated in remembrance of the appearance
of the sign of the cross over the city of Jerusalem in 351 that
remained in the sky for about a week. The apparition extended from
Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles), and was brighter
than the sun and was seen by everyone in Jerusalem. The Patriarch of
Jerusalem, Cyril, used this occasion to remind Emperor Constans of
Byzantium of his father (Constantine the Great) orthodox faith. Cyril
said the Apparition was further reason to return to
orthodoxy. Traditionally, the Armenian translation of Cyrils message
is read on this feast day during the AntastaNv Prior to the Gospel
lection. This event is celebrated by the Armenian and Greek
churches. The Greeks observe it on th!
e fixed date of May 7, while the Armenian observation is moveable
depending on the date of Easter. It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday
of Easter, which is the fourth Sunday after Easter.

O Christ, may the power of your holy cross lifted up by you for the
salvation of the world preserve us from all temptation.

For you, O God, ascended it and on it you shed your precious holy
blood; may it preserve us from all temptation.

And by the sign of your cross you showed to the world your second
coming; may it preserve us from all temptation.

(Canon to the Holy Cross from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian
Apostolic Church)

FINAL THOUGHTS

The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one
which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for
that. (Anonymous)

Most people are bothered by those passages of the Scripture they do
not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do
understand. (Mark Twain)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 21An event not to be missed, A Benefit Dinner Dance Extravaganza,
sponsored by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossum Street, West Warwick,
Rhode Island. Twenty-seven musicians from New England area are
generously donating their talent and time. Dinner at 6 pm; adults $35,
children (under 16) $25. Dance only $20. Dinner tickets by advance
sale only. Contact Joyce Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467.

May 21Walk Armenia, sponsored by New York Mayr and Erebouni chapters
of the Armenian Relief Society, to benefit Camp Haiastan, Franklin,
Massachusetts. Registration 12 noon at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston,
New York. Walk (approximately 4 miles) begins at 1 pm; rest halfway at
Armenian Society, Little Neck, New York. Participation fee $25. For
information: Hasmik Israelian 516-330-5290 or Nayda Voskerijian
516-603-2809.

May 22Celebration of the 95th anniversary of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, will take place at the Terrace on the Park,
Flushing Meadow Park, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Cocktails 5 pm; Dinner 6 pm.

June 11St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, presents
Armenian Food Festival, 11 am to 7 pm. Buffet served all day; take-out
available. Pastries, handmade jewelry, Armenian gifts, raffles, and
much more. For information contact church office, 978-685-5038.

June 16Second Annual Cigar Night & Dinner in memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kassabian, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts. Featuring hors doeuvres with cold seafood buffet at 6
pm, followed by Filet Mignon & Stuffed Lobster dinner at 7:30
pm. Premium Cigars and Top Shelf Complimentary Bar. Donation: $100 per
person. For information/reservations contact church office
978-685-5038.

October 23Student Festival in celebration of the Year of the Armenian
Child. Details will follow.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

EXPERT: ARMENIANS, AS WELL AS JEWS CANNOT LOSE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 19, 2011 – 17:22 AMT

Possible transfer of regions, constituting a security zone around NKR,
to Azerbaijan cannot be considered outside of a package settlement
plan context, according to the chief research engineer at the Institute
of World Economy and International Relations.

As Victor Sheynis noted in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter, the transfer is possible in case of a “land in exchange
for peace” scenario.

“I believe that the final peace settlement will involve a compromise,
with Azerbaijan having to make one. However, NKR defence army’s leaving
the security zone is in a very remote perspective. Today, we need to
discus peace and not the resumption of hostilities,” the expert said.

“Armenians, as well as Jews, cannot lose. By ceding Karabakh, Armenia
will put an end to its existence, similarly to Israel’s ceding the
East Jerusalem,” the Russian expert said.

BELARUS PRESIDENT SAYS TRADE WITH ARMENIA ROSE MORE THAN 15 TIMES OVER 10 YEARS

/ARKA/
May 19, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, May 19, /ARKA/. Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko said
Wednesday his country and Armenia should fully use the economic
component of their relations as he received the visiting Armenian
prime minister Tigran Sarkisian.

Alexander Lukashenko said over the last ten years Belarus-Armenia
trade has increased by more than 15 times ~V from $2.9 million in
2009 to $47.2 million in 2010. In his words, this year has seen
a small decline in the bilateral trade but in the near future the
countries would be able to increase exports. Lukashenko said also
that the bilateral trade increased mainly in the last few years.

~SI remember the times when we thought about establishing any relations
in trade instead of increasing trade figures. Then we decided that
normal conditions should be created in Armenia and Belarus while
self-employed entrepreneurs and businessmen will be able to find ways
on their own,~T he said.

Alexander Lukashenko said he believes the present visit of Armenian
prime minister will give a major boost to the development of relations
between the countries.

In turn, on behalf of the president of Armenia Tigran Sarkisian
expressed good wishes to the Belarusian nation and Alexander Lukashenko
for the special attitude and personal contribution to cooperation
between the countries.

He said he was confident that the advanced political dialogue provides
for fully using the economic component among other things. Tigran
Sarkisian told Alexander Lukashenko about his meeting with his
counterpart Mikhail Myasnikovich.

At the meeting the sides discussed the agenda of Belarusian-Armenian
relations in detail.

WORLD BANK OFFICIAL PRAISES WATER DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES FOR IMPROVING WATER SUPPLIES QUALITY

/ARKA/
May 19, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, May 19. /ARKA/. Head of World Bank Yerevan Office, Michel
Happi, praised today five water distribution companies in Armenia
for having improved water supplies quality over the last five years.

Speaking to local journalists Mr. Happi said the progress is obvious
when today~Rs situation is compared with what there was five years ago
with duration of water supplies rising from 17 hours a day to 21-22.

He said several projects are underway outside the capital city designed
to improve water supplies quality in provinces.

At the request of the government World Bank Armenia Office conducted
a study of water supplies services to identify the best form of
cooperation between the government and private sector in this area.

~QReforms in water distribution area are not over yet and what has
been achieved will be strengthened and continued,~R he said.

Yerevan~Rs water distribution network s run by Yerevan Joor (Yerevan
Water), a company run by French Generale des Eaux that won an
international tender announced by World Bank to take up a long-term
management of the Yerevan network in 2006. It pledged to upgrade the
obsolete network and ensure 24-hour water supplies to households. The
company manages also drinking and waste water removal systems in
Ararat, Aragatsotn and Kotayk provinces. It has 339,370 customers
and produces 370 million cubic meters of drinking water a year and
manages 2,120 lm long water pipelines. There are four more companies
managing water distribution networks across the country

KARABAKH RECOGNITION DOESN’T CONTRADICT INTERNATIONAL LAW NORMS – EXPERT

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 19, 2011 – 14:34 AMT

Recognition of Karabakh independence does not run counter to
international law norms, nor will it harm the conflict settlement
process, according to a legal scholar.

As Andreas Ghukasyan stated at a discussion titled “Karabakh Issue
in Armenia and International Scene: New Situation, Old Approaches”,
border inviolability principle has long lost its urgency, which is
proved by secession of Kosovo, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“Under current conditions, Armenia must reconsider its position on
Karabakh conflict settlement and develop a specific policy. Armenia
must recognize Karabakh as an equal state, as its non-recognition
of Artsakh gives Azerbaijan reason to lay claims to Karabakh lands,”
the expert said.

“No one will be able to force Artsakh into unilateral concessions,”
the expert stressed, adding that Armenia and Artsakh must legalize
their union.