Author: Chilingarian Babken

Homenetmen¦ Does it Again!
Asbarez
Dec 18th, 2009

Full of tradition and emotion, opening of newly constructed Center
attracts past and present Homenetmen leaders, members, elected
officials, sister organizations and supporters

Homenetmen pulled all stops in organizing the opening ceremony of its
new Western U.S. headquarters in Eagle Rock. More than 300 guests
attended this historic and memorable event.

Amongt the guests were Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of
the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America,
Homenetmen Central Committee Vice Chairman Koko Balian, Los Angeles
Councilman Jose Huizar, members of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Central Committee, Koko Topalian, Harout Donoyan and Harout
Manoukian, representatives of the Armenian National Committee WR,
representatives of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA,
Hamazkayin WR, Nerses Melkonian of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America, Rev. Vasken Atmajian of St. Mary’s
Armenian Apostolic Church, representatives from various community
organizations, Building Founding Members, Navasartian Honorary
Presidents, Homenetmen Exemplary Members, Homenetmen Chapter leaders,
members, scouts, athletes, supporters and friends.

Regional Scout Leader K Taleen Hidoyan announced the start of the
program followed by a traditional flag ceremony performed by the
Homenetmen Color Guards and accompanied by more than 60 chapter
scouts. Regional Scouting Representative Y Pierre Manougian said, `Our
scouts were eager to take part in this very special ceremony.’

The Regional Marching Band performed the American, Armenian and
Homenetmen anthems. Master of ceremony Viggen Davidian in his
welcoming remarks talked about the vision that was shared by so many
in Homenetmen. He than gave the audience a description of the building
and all its features. He concluded by saying `be happy, be proud.’
Other speakers included Harout Manougian of the ARF Central Committee
and Unger Harout praised the Homenetmen Regional Executive and its
chapters for its recent accomplishments. Koko Balian, Homenetmen
Central Vice Chairman continued with his comments and remembered two
Homenetmen members, Kerop Arakelian and Jerair Boyadjian. Two members
that played an instrumental roll in Homenetmens early successes in the
Western U.S.A. Los Angeles, Councilmember Jose Huizar presented
Homenetmen with a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles. In his
remarks, he welcomed Homenetmen to Eagle Rock and proceeded to talk
about the importance of serving the youth. He praised Homenetmen for
it’s mission and pledged his support.

Chairman of the Homenetmen Regional Executive Committee accepted the
proclamation and addressed the audience,

`Another Homenetmen dream is realized.’ The last few years have been
historic for Homenetmen in the Western USA. With the purchase of the
first Homenetmen camp in the Diaspora, Homenetmen Camp Tecuya and
along with the opening of our second Glendale `Ararat’ Chapter
athletic facility and the opening of the new Homenetmen `Azadamard’
athletic center in Pasadena, this building feels like icing on the
cake. But Homenetmen is not done yet, The Los Angeles chapter is
months away from opening its new doors at the new Armenian Center in
Hollywood’s Little Armenia. In addition, there are other chapters
currently engaged in serious discussions regarding obtaining
facilities to better serve their members and our community. To say
these are historic times for our organization is an understatement.

It’s been said that the value of an organization is based on the
number of lives it has touched. For almost a century Homenetmen has
touched millions of lives all over the globe. Homenetmen is part of
our pop culture; Homenetmen has engaged and involved generations of
youth, Homenetmen empowers, educates and elevates. The number of
volunteer hours that’s put in by its very talented and young scout and
athletic leaders is unbelievable and then there are its chapter
leaders, volunteers and parent. `The unselfish efforts of our
volunteers is what makes this big machine run and we salute them all’
said Artinian.

Another very important component to Homenetmens success is its donors.
Their unwavering support cannot be measured by any stretch of the
imagination. Homenetmen would not have all that it has without the
generosity and support of its donors.

Artinian continued with `As we officially open our new center, I would
like to acknowledge the countless number of building, construction and
fund raising committees and all of the individuals who dedicated their
time, talents, energy and experience and made this state of the art
Homentmen Center a reality. The names are to many to mention. Words
alone cannot describe the value of their contribution.’

Adding that this dream could not be possible without the initial
contributions of its founding members our donors. In 1988 benefactor
Mr. Kirk Kerkorian made a major contribution to Homenetmen and along
with the contributions of a 119 Homenetmen center-founding members the
Homenetmen Regional Executive was able to purchase its first building
on Jackson Street in downtown Glendale. However as the community grew
so did Homenetmen. `It eventually became apparent that we needed a
larger facility to meet our growing needs’ commented former Regional
chairman and master of ceremonies Viggen Davidian.

About five years ago, Homenetmen made a bold move during a good real
estate market and sold it’s building on Jackson Street with the
intensions of reinvesting into as larger building. `Three years ago
after an intense search, we found our new home here in Eagle Rock,
CA.’ said Artinian. `After months of negotiations we became the proud
owner of this beautiful building.’ While under construction, in an
effort to better manage its operating expenses the regional executive
along with staff moved into a temporary office space in the building.
Today the operation officially moves into its permanent office space,
mission accomplished!

Hovsep Boyadjian, Chairman of the building construction committee and
wife Elizabeth proudly stood by as he watched his committees efforts
come to fruition. Fred Khachigian, member of the building construction
committee who was involved in this project from the beginning also
stood by humbly taking it all in. Artinian than acknowledged it’s
architectural and construction firm, Urban development and
infrastructure. `They went beyond the call of duty, while paying
meticulous attention to function and detail.’ Apelinc donated the
beautiful landscaping, which brought the project all together.

Artinian thanked the Homenetmen regional staff, for their patience
during the construction process. `You are all truly special and your
service to your community does not go unrecognized.’ He thanked the
last 4 regional executive committees for their courage and bold
decision-making. `We went from a 2200 square foot building into an
8500-foot facility. That’s what makes this move so right.’

Anticipation grew as the time came to announce the room dedications.
Room dedications bring substance to our building because those
individuals that we honor by naming a room after them, have all
contributed to this organization in their own special way. `Their
names will be imbedded in Homenetmens history.’ said Regional
Executive Committee member Thomas Tokmajian.

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian took the podium, delivered his
spiritual message, and began the blessing of the building and room
ribbon cutting dedications. Rev. Vasken Atmajian accompanied
Archbishop Mardirossian in the blessings. The dedications were as
follows:

Regional Chairman Steve Artinian, accompanied by Central Vice Chairman
and Councilmember Jose Huizar, cut the ribbon to the entrance door.

The Main Lobby is dedicated in the memories of Dr. Varoujan Sahagian
and Dr. Aline Sahagian. son and husband Dr. Vicken Sahagian did the
ribbon cutting.

The Regional Executive Boardroom was dedicated in the memory of
Hovaness Janig Khatchadourian, grandchildren Hrag and Johnny
Khachadourian joined Mrs. Nevart Khachadourian in the ribbon cutting.

Raffi Khatchadourian, a Regional Executive Member and room donor said.
`We do this for our future generations. Homenetmen needs to constantly
adapt and better understand our kids, who are our future leaders. Our
young members here in the US are an invaluable Homenetmen asset if we
can keep them involved.’

The Administrators Office was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Vahag and
Baydsar Thomasian, daughter Soseh cut the ribbon.

The Staff Office was dedicated to long time Homenetmen and community
supporter Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. In an interview prior to the start
of the ceremony, Pilavjian expressed her gratitude and support of
Homenetmen and it’s mission and vowed to support for as long as she
can.

The Homenetmen History Museum was dedicated in memory of the first
Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Chairman Hagop Ovayan. The ribbon was
cut by Mrs. Akhavnee Ovayan and grandson the young Hagop Ovayan.

The Regional Committee Office is dedicated in memory of a member that
played an important role in the regional Marching Band, Hagop
Bosnoyan, his son Hrag Bosnoyan cut the ribbon.

The Andonian family was on hand to witness the ceremony. `My father
would have been so proud today’ said daughter Betty Andonian-Gulezyan.
Alice Andonian cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of construction of
the Homenetmen Kevork Andonian Hall. The 4000 square foot project
which is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2010, will serve
the organization and its community. Chairman Artinian announced that
`in support of Homenetmen Alice Andonian has made a donation of
$200,000³ and thanked the entire Andonian family.

Guests were served champagne, cocktails and gourmet appetizers while
walking through the rooms. Regional Executive and Sub Committee
members were available to answer questions and talk about their
activities. Jano Kahwedjian, Regional Member in charge of Athletics
summed it up best when he said `This is all for our kids and I’m proud
to be a part it.’ Every conference and meeting room is equipped with
video conferencing and power point presentation capabilities. Monitors
throughout the building were playing Homenetmen graphics, as well as
before and after picture of the building and architectural design
drawings of the Kevork Andonian Hall. In a voice mail massage the day
after the event former Navasartian Honorary President Shant Haytayan
expressed how proud he was of Homenetmen and confirmed his commitment
to serve the organization. Center Founding Member, Dr. Sarkis Arevian
said, I’m so proud of Homenetmen for all its accomplishments,
especially this one.

Regional member in charge of the reception was Ano Mansourian and
along with Jassig Jarahian, chairwoman of the reception committee
pulled off an elegant event while keeping very `Homenetmen’. The very
popular Homenetmen TV host Nora Tchaparian took the mic and
interviewed guests as they came in. K Nora was the volunteer HTV host
for many year, her style of reporting always connected well with our
supporters. Peklar Pilavjian who was instrumental in the negotiations
for the purchase of the building was on hand. When thanked for coming
he said, `It’s our duty, anything for Homenetmen.’

`Kudos to the regional executive committee, the regional staff, and
all the sponsors for raising the bar for Homenetmen’ said Armen
Abrahamian, Chairman of the Homenetmen Strategic Planning Committee.
When asked about her thoughts, Regional Executive Committee member
Maro Kechichian said, `Homenetmen is in my blood. I have been working
in Homenetmen my entire life and will continue for as long as I can, I
am very proud to be a part of this historic day.’ Hovig Bedevian,
Regional Vice Chairman was busy greeting the VIP guests as they
arrived and commented. `This is a proud day for the Homenetmen family
because this center will energize our members.’

The celebration went late into the night as members and guests
continued to arrive throughout the evening to attend the annual
Homenetmen Regional Holiday Party. The party took place where the
Kevork Andonian Hall will be built. Guests enjoyed the coffee bar, the
buffet and the holiday music that played throughout the building.
Regional Executive representative Rima Abedi welcomed everyone and
extended the well wishes of the Regional Executive. She continued by
introducing Benefactor Alice Andonian, son Hratch and daughter Betty
to the enthusiastic crowd. Chairman Steve Artinian took advantage of
the opportunity to thank the 2008-2009 Regional Executive Committee
members who came together the night before and joined current Regional
Executive members to help set up for the event. He continued by
expressing the Regional Committee’s heartfelt gratitude to Regional
staff members Rubina Djanseszian and Sevag Garabedian for their
involvement in organizing the event, the Camp Tecuya fund raising
committee for decorating the hall for the Christmas party, the
volunteer videographer Garo and the volunteer photographer Berj and
everyone that played a role in making the events a huge success.

The Jerusalem Post
December 8, 2009 Tuesday

Two capitals for two states for two peoples

by GERSHON BASKIN

The Europeans got it right – peace begins with Jerusalem. The walls
and fences that have been built in the city must come down.
Encountering Peace. The writer is co- CEO of the Israel/Palestine
Center for Research and Information () and a member of
the leadership of the Israeli Green Movement political party.

Not one country in the world recognizes our capital, Jerusalem, as the
capital of Israel. Even the United States footnotes the following on
the State Department Web page: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its
capital in 1950. The US, like nearly all other countries, maintains
its embassy in Tel Aviv. UN Security Council Resolution 478 declared
the 1980 Jerusalem Law that declared Jerusalem to be Israel’s "eternal
and indivisible" capital null and void, affirming that it was a
violation of international law.

The European Union is debating its own position on Jerusalem. The
debate is a much better reflection of the reality of Jerusalem than
any of the governing politicians in Jerusalem have the courage to
admit. After lying to the public for 42 years about Jerusalem being
the united eternal capital of Israel, it is time to admit there are
two Jerusalems – one Israeli and one Palestinian. Even Teddy Kollek,
the 20th century Herod, admitted in 1988 that "coexistence in
Jerusalem is dead." This was a great blow for the man who believed he
had united the city.

Since the birth of the State of Israel, Jerusalem has never been
united. From 1949 to 1967, it was divided by a wall and barbed wire,
and since 1967 it has been divided politically, culturally, ethnically
and nationally. While it is true that the massive Israeli annexation
of land and building in what was once called east Jerusalem has
changed the definitions of the division, with a near Jewish majority
in east Jerusalem, the geography is not the proper definitive term. It
is more correct to speak about Israeli Jerusalem and Palestinian
Jerusalem.

LET’S ADMIT it to ourselves, we, as Israelis, don’t really care about
the Palestinian parts of Jerusalem. Even though they have been under
our rule for the past 42 years, we don’t treat them as equal parts of
the city. They do not receive nearly the same services as Israeli
neighborhoods. Their educational system is backward, underfunded,
crowded and incapable of filling the needs of the people there. Today,
one of Jerusalem’s Palestinian neighborhoods, Kafr Akab, is located
beyond the separation wall after the Kalandiya checkpoint.

We have to sincerely ask ourselves: Do we really want the Shuafat
refugee camp as part of the eternal undivided capital of the State of
Israel? To the best of my knowledge we do not chant: If I forget thee
Umm Tuba, let my right hand wither, or by the waters of Babylon, we
sat and wept when we remembered thee Jebl Mukaber.

We do not say: Next year in Walaja and we certainly do not pray for
the peace of Sur Bahir. For Beit Hanina’s sake, I will not be silent.

In a way, we are fortunate that the city is so segregated – it makes
its political partition possible. As a member of prime minister Ehud
Barak’s expert committee on Jerusalem prior to the Taba summit in
January 2001, we sat around a large aerial photograph and drew lines
of division of sovereignty, based on the Clinton parameters for
Jerusalem which stated: what’s Jewish to Israel, what’s Arab to the
Palestinians. We were instructed by the prime minister to design
Israel’s strategy for the future of Jerusalem on that basis, and it
can be done.

Of course, the most sensitive part of Jerusalem is the Old City. It is
less than one square kilometer and is composed of four quarters – the
Muslim (the largest quarter by far), Christian, Armenian and Jewish.
There are two possible solutions for the Old City: a special
international regime which would protect and guarantee the rights and
the security of all within its walls or the application of the Clinton
parameters to it as well – meaning that the Palestinians would have
sovereignty over the Muslim, Christian and probably the Armenian
quarters and Israel would have sovereignty over the Jewish Quarter.

The heart of the heart of Jerusalem is the Temple Mount/Haram
al-Sharif. For the Muslims, it is their third most holy place. Here
Ibrahim brought Ishmael for sacrifice (according to their tradition)
and here the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven to begin receiving
the revelation of the Koran. For Muslims, the commandment of hajj is
not complete until visiting Jerusalem after Mecca and Medina.

For Jews, it is the most holy place. Wherever Jews are in the world
they face Jerusalem in prayer and within Jerusalem, they turn their
prayers to the Temple Mount. Current and long-standing Halacha, and
the decisions of the Chief Rabbinate and the important haredi rabbis,
is that Jews should not enter the Temple Mount. The reason is that we
don’t know the location of the Holy of Holies and the rabbis want to
prevent the site from becoming impure.

Since 1967, Israel has claimed sovereignty over the Temple Mount, but
in practice it is controlled by the Muslim authorities. It would be
completely possible to turn the status quo into de facto Muslim
sovereignty and from the Jewish point of view, we could easily say
that when the messiah comes, the terms of sovereignty can be changed
(if so desired by God).

Recognizing that Jerusalem is two cities is the first step to making
peace with the Palestinians and the Arabs. Jerusalem should not be
left for the end of the process. The Europeans got it right – peace
begins with Jerusalem. The walls and fences that have been built in
the city over the past years must come down. The only walls that
should remain are those around the Old City.

Jerusalem will become a place of great international importance – when
there are over 150 embassies in the city (that could serve two states)
and it is open, modernized, environmentally conscious, as cities of
international importance are. Then, it will not only be the city of
peace, it will also be a much more pleasant city to live in.

Resolving that Jerusalem will be the capital of two states is not only
doable, it is the only way that Jerusalem will be recognized as the
capital of Israel.

PUBLIC CRITICIZES US, VICE-SPEAKER OF AZERBAIJANI PARLIAMENT

News.az
Dec 18 2009
Azerbaijan

Bahar Muradova Every citizen of Azerbaijan should join criticism of
the US Congress for financial assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh.

"The US is military strategic ally of Azerbaijan and not only the
official Parliament, but also the whole community criticizes the
United States. The Congress and Senate are taking such decisions every
year and this is a wrong step correct steps on their part. We do not
treat this step in a spirit of cooperation between the two States",
vice-speaker of Milli Mejlis Bahar Muradova told reporters.

"The US statements are always marked by the optimistic forecasts about
the completion of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. But such steps taken
by the United States weaken the process and extend the life of the
separatist regime. Of course, after our objections, they called it
a humanitarian assistance and development of democracy, but we all
understand that this step will inspire the regime of occupation ",
she said.

"Similar actions were also taken by Russia and France, but the OSCE
Minsk Group did not show its displeasure at such steps and I think
that in this case the Minsk Group will not change its position. We
want them to carry out their mission with dignity", Muradova said.

The US Congress has allocated $6 mln of financial assistance to
Nagorno-Karabakh for 2010.

ARMEN GRIGORYAN: ARMENIAN ATHLETES HAVE SURPASSED RESULTS OF 2008

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2009 18:52 GMT+04:00

Armenian athletes have surpassed the results of 2008, RA Minister of
Sports and Youth Affairs Armen Grigoryan said at the award-giving
ceremony on December 18 in the sports-concert complex after Karen
Demirchyan. "This year, athletes in various age categories, have
brought to Armenia 135 medals from international tournaments. In the
past year the Armenian federations of judo, boxing and fighting were
not working well. This year, they corrected their mistakes," Mr.

Grigoryan said.

Junior boxing world championship and youth judo championship held
in 2009 in Armenia . In 2009, the President of NOC of Armenia Gagik
Tsarukyan and Minister Armen Grigoryan met with the President of the
International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogue. Gagik Tsarukyan said
during the meeting that Armenia is ready to take the Youth Olympics
in 2018 or 2020.

>>From February 10, 2010 Yerevan will host the World Cup of Greco-Roman
wrestling. In June, Yerevan organizes Prix archery.

LYUDMILA SARGYAN WAS NOT LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF HNCHAK PARTY

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2009 18:50 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Lyudmila Sargyan’s statement on my cooperation
with Armenian authorities and intention to withdraw the party from
Armenian National Congress are untrue.

"Hnchak social democratic party will continue collaboration with ANC,"
All Hncak Administration chairman Sedrak Achemyan said at the joint
news conference with party administration member Vahan Shirkhanyan
in Yerevan.

Dwelling on collaboration with Armenian authorities, Achemyan noted
that party’s collaboration with Armenian authorities is based on
national interests.

Vahan Shirkhanyan, for his part, stressed that Lyudmila Sargyan was
not the legal representative of Hnchak party as she wasn’t elected
during the congress.

He also added that upon the departure of actual party leader from
Armenia, Sargsyan announced herself as party leader, and passed
decisions contradicting to party regulations. "Moreover, All Gnchak
Administration strictly reprimanded Lyudmila Sargsyan and demanded
to hold a new congress, which kept being delayed on her initiative,"
Shirkhanyan emphasized.

BRUNO SCAPINI: NKR PEOPLE ARE ON THE WAY TO SELF-DETERMINATION

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.12.2009 19:10 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Globalization affected the world, expanding
its borders. Hence, Karabakh conflict has acquired the status of
international vs. regional crisis, Italian Ambassador to Armenia Bruno
Scapini told today a round table discussion organized by Armenian
Center of National and International Studies (ACNIS).

At that, he noted that Turnin University Professor Luca Guiduzzi’s
studies in Nagorno Karabakh had social context which could be helpful
in political sphere as well.

In that regard, Italian diplomat stressed the importance of
viewing NKR Armenians’ psychology from two angles: national and
social-cultural. Touching upon the former, he pointed out to Soviet
time traditions surviving in their everyday life to the present day.

With regard to the second aspect, "it testifies to the serious impact
of historical developments on people’s mentality," Scapini noted.

On Friday, December 18, the Armenian Center of National and
International Studies (ACNIS) hosted a round table discussion in which
Italian scholar, Turin University Professor Luca Guiduzzi introduced
the results of his studies in Nagorno Karabakh.

GOHAR HARUTYUNYAN WINNER OF "MRS. GLOBE" AWARD-GIVING CEREMONY

ARMENPRESS
DECEMBER 17, 2009
YEREVAN

"Mrs. Globe 2009" beauty contest was held December 13 in the capital
of Slovakia – Bratislava, where the Republic of Armenia was presented
for the first time by winner of "Miss Armenia" and "Miss CIS" contests
Gohar Harutyunyan, who has been recognized the first among the women –
mothers, gathered from different parts of the world.

Gohar Harutyunyan told Armenpress that she is proud that she has
won in a contest being the single in its kind and presenting itself
a unique parade of mothers and married women. Besides showing their
beauty, charm and capabilities, each of the participants had brought
a present from her country, which were put up for auction. Gohar
Harutyunyan presented a silken cloak with the figures of angels and
Armenian ornaments, as well as fluffy toys, a souvenir with the image
of Jesus Christ, etc.

The money gathered as a result of the auction will be donated to WIN
fund, which assists women around the world who are in need.

Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports the fund.

The donating nature of the festival is of great significance for
"Mrs. Globe" organization, as the goal of the organization is to assist
all the mothers of the world, as well as people who are less successive
in life. It is expected that soon the fund with its benevolent mission
will arrive in Armenia as well.

PRESS RELEASE
December 16, 2009

American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gaiane Khachatrian
E-mail: [email protected]

AUA in the Top MBA Programs

The American University of Armenia is proud to announce that its MBA program
at the School of Business and Management has been selected in the top MBA
programs by EDUNIVERSAL for the second year in a row.

EDUNIVERSAL is the first tool offering a truly universal perspective on
higher education. The company conducts a comprehensive study of over 4000
websites to finally choose the 1000 business schools of the Official
Selection. This gives the opportunity to deans, program managers, department
heads, faculties or any other academic bodies from the selected business
schools to earn visibility toward their targeted audiences, and to benchmark
their performance.

Dr. Rubina Ohanian has led the MBA program for the past 12 years and has
recently been asked to join the Troy University Business Advisory Board.

AUA prepares its MBA graduates for the competitive challenges of the global
marketplace. Receiving such recognition proves once again, that despite many
challenges that AUA faces from time to time, its academic programs continue
to provide quality education that enables the students to develop the
knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals and
provide leadership and service to their communities.

AZERBAIJAN WRECKED OSCE MONITORING

News from Armenia – NEWS.am
14:09 / 12/15/2009

OSCE monitoring scheduled December 15 in the southeast of
NKR-Azerbaijan armed forces’ contact line was suspended due to a
single-shot fire with automatic arm in the monitoring group being on
the Karabakhi defense position.

The incident occurred as Azerbaijani side did not bring out OSCE
monitoring group members to its front line, thus breaching the
preliminary agreement, NKR Foreign Ministry informed NEWS.am.

Firing was registered by monitoring group members – OSCE office
coordinator Imre Palatinus (Hungary), OSCE Chairman-in-Office Personal
Representative Field Assistants Irji Aberle (Czech Republic) and
Vladimir Chountulov (Bulgaria) who decided to suspend monitoring for
reasons of safety.

6.html

Parties represented in Azerbaijani parliament approve appeal to U.S embassy
15.12.2009 15:44

Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 15 / Trend News A. Huseynbala /

The parties represented in the Azerbaijani parliament approved the
appeal to the U.S embassy in Azerbaijan as a sign of protest against
the U.S Congress’s decision to assist separatist regime of the
Nagorno-Karabakh.

The U.S Congress takes an action contradicting national interests of
both countries, as well as strategic partnership, the message said.
This decision serves only interests of Armenian nationalists, the
letter said.

Azerbaijani political figures said that this financial aid damages the
United States’ authority in the international community.

Ruling party ‘New Azerbaijan’, pro-governmental parties – Social
Welfare Party, Ana Veten, opposition parties – Musavat, Adalat,
Azerbaijani United People’s Front Party, Civil Solidarity party, Great
Creation party, Umid, People’s party, Democratic Reforms Party and
Civil Unity party signed this appeal.

The generalized bill on budget of the U.S state organizations for 2010
fiscal year was approved at a joint conference with participation of
the Senate and the House of Representatives of the U.S Congress on
Dec. 8.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. – are
currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. General Assembly’s
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the
occupied territories.