Author: Basmajian Ani

TURKEY’S EU MEMBERSHIP NO SOONER THAN IN 15 YEARS

Pan Armenian News
16.05.2005 05:12

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The issue of Turkey’s EU membership can be raised
no sooner than in 15 years, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer
stated, D-Radio reported. In his words, Turkey has to carry out
numerous reforms what will take a great deal of time. “Germans
like Europe on the whole are interested in changes in Turkey”, he
said. According to Mr. Fischer, the reformation process will not be an
easy one for Turkey but the country is really making good progress. “It
can be proved by the beginning of debates on the Armenian Genocide”,
Joschka Fischer stated.

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

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS’ ENTHRONEMENT AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE SEMINARY’S ESTABLISHMENT CELEBRATED IN TEHRAN

His Holiness Aram I presided over a special ceremony held on May 13 in
Tehran’s “Ararat” sports’ complex and dedicated the 10th anniversary
of his enthronement and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of
the Seminary.

On this occasion His Holiness said: “I renew my vow to continue
the mission of Antelias dedicated to the church, our nation and
our homeland.”

His Holiness Aram I highlighted four major fields of the
Catholicosate’s mission, saying that Antelias is a place where
individuals are formed and spiritual formation is enhanced; it’s also
an expression of the will to build a homeland and a pioneer in the
fight for justice.

“Jubilees are nothing without man’s readiness for devotion. The
Catholicosate of Cilicia, with its brotherhood, seminary, dioceses
and structure, flourished the lives of our church and nation during
the last 75 years. One of the first victims of the Armenian Genocide,
the Catholicosate of Cilicia prepared new manpower and formed spirits
as a response to the inhumanness of the perpetrator and in place of
the ruins and destruction,” said His Holiness.

The ambassador of Armenia to Iran, Iranian deputies, representatives
of organizations and unions, as well as a large number of Iranian
Armenians were present at the ceremony.

Archbishop Sebouh Sarkisian, primate of the Diocese of Tehran,
delivered the opening remarks, outlining the simultaneous occurrence
of the two jubilees and considering one as the continuation of the
other. The Archbishop considered that the seminary’s existence has
been a blessing for the Diaspora, adding that “without it, the church
and the Armenian Diaspora would have been underprivileged.”

The first lecture was delivered by Dr. Harmig Tavtian, who highlighted
the indispensable role of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and His Holiness
Aram I in the lives of the Armenian nation and church. He commended
His Holiness international efficacy, particularly in the inter-church
and ecumenical spheres.

Kevork Kandaharian, a professor in the seminary for over 50 years,
emphasized the imperative of man’s spiritual and intellectual
formation, especially in light of the challenges of today’s constantly
changing world.

The choirs of several Armenian organizations entertained the audience
with a collection of national and patriotic songs, as well as poems.

##

Pictures here:

*****

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.

KARABAGH INCREASES GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Armenpress

STEPANAKERT, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS: Small and Medium-Sized Business
Support Center in Nagorno Karabagh, established by its government is
implementing a series of projects, including also release of privileged
loans to promote overall economic rise.

The 2005 budget has earmarked 800 million drams for development of
business, a striking rise from last year’s 200 million. Some 200
million drams are meant for wine-growing, cattle breeding and leasing
of agricultural machinery. Another 185 million will go to companies
manufacturing industrial goods

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
May 15 2005

Leader of world Armenian stresses coexistence among followers of
divine religions

Arak, May 15, IRNA

The spiritual Leader of the World Armenians Archbishop Jasliq Aram I
Keshishian here Sunday said that religious minorities prepare the
ground for peaceful coexistence among followers of divine religions
and dialogue among civilizations.

“There is an amicable relationship between the Armenians of the world
and Iranian Muslims,” the Armenian leader added during his one-day
visit to the central city of Arak.

He stressed that Armenians in Iran enjoy the right of citizenship and
live with comfort and peace.

It is highly appreciated that the Armenians in Iran are respected, he
stressed in his meeting with the General of the city Hossein
Bakhtiari.

The Armenian citizens in Iran enjoy citizenship rights and they are
present on the scene to elevate their country, Iran, said the
Armenian leader.

The total number of Armenians around the world stands at 15 million,
he said, adding that the 300,000 Armenians in Iran perform their
religious duties freely.

The religious center of the World Armenians is located in Lebanon and
the the center follows up all various issues of the Armenian
population throughout the world, he added.

Bakhtiari, for his turn, stressed that there is a deep relationship
between Islam and Christianity that is highly appreciated.

He commemorated the memory and names of the Armenian martyrs of the
imposed Iraqi war (1980-1988), saying that the Armenians in Iran live
a decent life in the country.

In line with other citizens, the Armenians in the central province of
Markazi are making efforts for the development of the country and
administrative officials of the province try to ensure that they are
living in comfort.

Archbishop Jasliq Aram I Keshishian conferred with President Mohammad
Khatami in Tehran on Saturday.

The spiritual leader of the World Armenian arrived in Tehran on
Thursday, May 12 for a 14-day visit.

He has already visited Iran for three times.

During his stay in Iran, he will tour the provinces of Isfahan,
Markazi, West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan.

He will pay tribute to the founder of the Islamic Revolution the late
Imam Khomeini on Thursday, May 19.

LAVROV DESCRIBES UPROAR IN UZBEKISTAN AS TALIBAN-STYLE PROVOCATION

VIENNA, May 15 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
has described the recent uproar in Uzbekistan as a Taliban-style
provocation. He said that on Sunday in Austrian capital Vienna, where
he came to celebrate the 50th anniversary of re-establishment of
Austria as a free and democratic state.

Most regretfully, there were casualties, the Russian minister
underscored.

He also said he was not planning any special meetings with his
Georgian counterpart Salome Zurabishvili during the forthcoming Warsaw
summit of the Council of Europe.

“Georgia has proposed a meeting in Warsaw, but there will be no
special meeting. Russia’s position on the pullout of Russian
[military] bases [from Georgia] is known well enough, and experts of
the delegations are discussing these issues,” he said.

All the same, he did not rule out some talks with the Georgian foreign
minister.

Lavrov told reporters the co-chairpersons in charge of resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan were going to
pass their resolution proposals to the presidents of both conflicting
states during the Warsaw summit.

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

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS CONSIDERS UNITY AND DEMOCRACY AS TOP PRIORITIES

In a statement made to the media on May 11 His Holiness spoke about the
current political situation in Lebanon and assured that unity and democracy
are priorities that should be considered above anything else.

“Lebanon faces one of the most sensitive and critical times of its
contemporary history. This transitory period is full of both positive and
negative aspects, as well as both new hopes and new dangers,” said His
Holiness, just before departing for Iran on an official trip.

Speaking about people’s power, His Holiness said: “The Lebanese took to the
streets with slogans such as freedom, sovereignty, unity and truth. The
people want a different Lebanon; a Lebanon with a new political culture,
democratic principles, moral values and a Lebanon governed by new political
leaders. If all this is not accomplished in the near future, all the
embraces, statements, visits and meetings become temporary and superficial
gestures.”

His Holiness emphasized the importance of internal unity as a priority above
anything else. “Lebanon’s internal unity should be strengthened before
anything else. Today Lebanon is set to fix itself. One should steer clear of
all personal, party-related and one sided interests, and firmly hold on to
Lebanon’s collective and supreme interests. The Lebanese should reaffirm
their loyalty to those basic values and principles that constitute Lebanon’s
firm basis and its unique identity. Therefore, it is not acceptable for
political leaders to chase personal interests; it is not acceptable that
they exploit the feelings of the people as well as those of the country’s
communities. Lebanon’s unity should become a principal priority for all of
us,” he said.

The Catholicos also spoke about the upcoming elections and underlined the
importance of strengthening democracy in Lebanon. “Besides unity, it’s
imperative to strengthen democracy in Lebanon. Lebanon has its own
understanding of democracy that is based on its internal system. True
democracy should be responsive to the society’s realities and internal
system. Lebanon is proud that it remains the best example of democracy in
the Arab World. But it’s essential for Lebanon’s democracy to transform into
a more people-oriented democracy,” said His Holiness.

“The first principle of democracy is the participation of the people and the
direct election of its representatives. We had already stated in 2000 that
the current electoral law does not meet all the requirements of democracy.
It creates unjust and sensitive situation. Driven by these same principles
and out of concern for strengthening internal unity, we have considered and
still consider the review of the 2000 law as essential,” continued His
Holiness.

His Holiness concluded his statement by calling for “the development of a
new political culture.”

“The political culture that has been inherited from past decades is fake,
corrupt and has developed around “zaim”s. It has been a culture, where the
people have been absent. The Lebanese people and particularly the youth
should develop a new political culture; one which would be based on people’s
power, one that will be governed not by individuals or political parties or
by the interests of this or that community, one that would be driven by the
interests of Lebanon as a whole; a culture that would be based on basic
moral values, and on the principles of responsibility and particularly
accountability. Lastly, the Lebanese should develop such a political culture
that contributes to further deepening and developing Lebanon’s internal
cohesion and cohabitation. In order to develop such a culture, we need new
political figures, new voices, and new leaders with clear vision” concluded
His Holiness Aram I.

##

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.

A1plus

| 20:24:26 | 12-05-2005 | Politics |

PRIME MINISTER – ORDINARY TOILER

Today Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan rendered a press conference,e as
already 5 years have passed since he was appointed to the post. He presented
the index registered during this period and touched upon the policy carried
out in the economic, tax and customs fields as well as the development of
infrastructures and investments in a number of other fields.

The Prime Minister said that the Gross Domestic Product growth made 10.5% in
2000-2004, what is twice higher that in 1995-1999. As the principal
preconditions for the economic growth he noted the improvement of the
business and investments fields, the increase of the integration into the
international economy as well as efficient management. It is important that
Armenia is among the countries with the highest rate of growth.

The Prime Minister says there are plenty of issues concerning him at
present. He wants to provide worthy life for the old aged and make the
country prosperous. After work he usually goes home to spend some time with
his family like an ordinary toiler.

EUbusiness (press release), UK
May 10 2005

Under EU pressure, Turkey moves to improve non-Muslim property rights
Document Actions

The Turkish government has drafted a bill sought by the European
Union to address complaints from non-Muslim religious foundations
over restrictions to their property rights, Deputy Prime Minister
Mehmet Ali Sahin said Tuesday.
“From time to time, there have been complaints from (non-Muslim)
community foundations and EU officials… This bill aims to eradicate
to a great extent those complaints,” Sahin told reporters after a
cabinet meeting.
He said the draft bill would be sent to parliament in several days,
without explaining what specific measures it contained.
The EU, set to open membership talks with Turkey on October 3, has
long pressed Ankara to amend legal provisions restricting the
property rights of non-Muslim religious foundations in the country.
Predominantly Muslim Turkey is home to small communities of
Christians, mainly Orthodox Greeks and Armenians, and Jews, most of
them concentrated in Istanbul.
In an October report on Turkey’s democratization progress, the EU
said that non-Muslim communities “lack legal personality, face
restricted property rights and interference in the management of
their foundations, and are not allowed to train clergy,” even though
their freedom to worship was largely unhampered.
“Their existing properties are permanently at risk of being
confiscated and attempts to recover property by judicial means
encounter numerous obstacles,” the report said.

Friendship survives deadly disease

News 14 Charlotte (North Carolina)
5/8/2005

By Casey Taylor, News 14 Carolina

It is a genetic disease that targets more than 200 children in the
United States. Difficulty walking and learning are just two signs of
this fatal, neurological illness, but doctors are working to save
children’s lives.

Marcia and Perri have been best friends since kindergarten, always
talking about boys and driving. But Perri knows she doesn’t have much
time left with her friend.

`Having to know your best friend is going to die … it’s not the
best,’ she said.

Sixteen-year-old Marcia is dying from a genetic disease called
Niemann-Pick Type C, or NP-C. She can no longer walk, talk, swallow or
even move her eyes. Most children, like Marcia’s brother and sister,
die before they hit their teen years.

`They can live for several years with the disease being undetected,’
says William S. Garver, Ph.D., a biochemist from the University of
Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, Ariz.

Garver has seen how NP-C slowly steals a child’s life away.

`The children start falling down a lot,’ he said. `They have
difficulties in school concentrating.’

Researchers have isolated the infected gene, which is a huge step
forward. Now, they’re testing drugs and diets in hopes of giving
children like Marcia a better and longer life – more time to just be a
kid.

“You just have to, like, every time you’re with her, you have to love
it because there’s not going to be that much more time with her,’
Perri said. You just got to live life definitely to the fullest with
her and just love her.”

She says theirs is a friendship that even a deadly disease cannot
destroy.

Marcia’s family has started a foundation to raise money for medical
research. Doctors are hopeful that the research done on NP-C will also
help other serious conditions like stroke, heart disease, and even
Alzheimer’s.

Contact Information: Darci Slaten University of Arizona College of
Medicine Department of Pediatrics (520) 626-7217

Research Summary

NIEMANN-PICK: Niemann-Pick Disease is a term for a group of diseases
that affect metabolism and that are caused by genetic mutations. The
three most commonly recognized forms of the disease are Types A, B and
C. NP-A is a severe neurological disease, which leads to death by
between ages 2 and 4. NP-B generally has little or no neurological
involvement, and those diagnosed may survive into late childhood or
adulthood. However, these patients suffer from enlarged livers,
spleens, and respiratory problems. The enlargement of organs and the
respiratory problems can cause cardiovascular stress and may
eventually lead to heart disease later in life. NP-C is very different
at the biochemical and genetic level. Patients are not able to
metabolize cholesterol and other lipids properly within the
cell. Consequently, excessive amounts of cholesterol accumulate in
every single organ, including the brain. Type C is fatal with a vast
majority of patients dying before age 20 from neuro-degeneration.

DETECTION: Upon entering pre-school, kids with NP-C might start
showing signs of the disease. They may begin slowing down and
appearing to have difficulty concentrating. Because of
neuro-degeneration, kids may have learning problems. As the disease
progresses, children become unable to move their eyes up and down.
This is called vertical gaze palsy. It indicates the cerebellum is
being affected because certain cells die as cholesterol accumulates in
them.

THE PARSEGHIANS: NP-C struck the Parseghian family three times. Three
grandchildren of famed Notre Dame Coach Ara Parseghian were diagnosed
with the deadly disease; two of them have died already. Doctors
diagnosed Cindy and Michael Parseghian’s three children when they were
quite young. Michael died in 1997 at age 9 and Christa died in 2001 at
age 10. Marcia, age 14, is currently battling NP-C and can no longer
talk, swallow or walk without assistance. Cindy and Michael have
channeled their energies into trying to help other families dealing
with Niemann-Pick Disease find a cure.

THE FOUNDATION: In 1994, Cindy and Michael founded The Ara Parseghian
Medical Research Foundation (APMRF), a grassroots non-profit
organization committed to victory over Niemann-Pick Type C
disease. About 94 percent of the money raised goes toward helping find
a cure. More than $21 million has been raised for NP-C research as of
July 1, 2004.

RESEARCH: From the money the foundation has raised, scientists have
identified the gene that is responsible for the disease. But the race
for the cure is not over yet. Scientists are now struggling to
understand how the protein functions that is encoded by the
gene. Scientists know it moves cholesterol around inside the cell, but
they do not understand why children die of
neuro-degeneration. However, their studies are getting them closer and
closer to an answer, and they are beginning to develop therapies that
help children with NP-C.

`014

THE AUTHORIZATIONS OF THE OMBUDSMAN HAVE BEEN REDUCED

A1plus
| 19:33:52 | 06-05-2005 | Politics |

The members of the Constitutional Court were deciding for 6 hours if
the authorizations given to the RA Ombudsman according to which she
had the right to get information from the court about the cases in
process and represent offers corresponded to the RA Constitution.

Several minutes ago the CC decision became known. According to it the
above mentioned authorizations of the ombudsman do not correspond to
the 39th and 97th articles of the RA Constitution.

The CC was not very strict about the Ombudsman’s right to get
information from the court. In order not to create problems in the
juridical field, it was decided that the rights will be stipulated
in the RA Law on the Defender of Human Rights.

The decision of the CC is final; it is not subject to appeal and
enters into vigor from the moment of announcement.