Author: Chmshkian Vicken

At a Crossroads

Holocaust museum says it need more room for its ‘life changing’ exhibits

By Paul Logan
Staff Writer, Albuquerque (New Mexico) Journal
Jnue 6, 2005

Keith Smith of Bedford, England came to the New Mexico Holocaust
& Intolerance Museum because friends said it was a must see.

After viewing the newest exhibit on black slavery, Smith said the
little Downtown Albuquerque museum is a permanent reminder of what
hate can cause.

“Ignorance of what happened in the past will cause us to repeat
these terrible tragedies in the future,” Smith said.

“We see it in parts of Africa…where one group becomes
marginalized for any reason, and they become easy targets for
destruction.”

The museum is in a modest storefront next to the KiMo Theatre on
Central, but its supporters hope it will become a big-time player.

“We’ve reached the crossroads,” said museum president Andrew
Lipman.

The museum wants to move from its 3,100-square-foot building to
another, much larger location in the Downtown area. A site has not
been selected, but Lipman said the goal is to move in two years.

He said the museum will soon receive $985,000 approved in the
last legislative session. That money–along with the potential for
additional state funding in the future–will help to plan, design,
purchase and equip a new site. Lipman said the museum has received
“very strong” support from the governor, mayor and the Downtown Action
team.

Werner Gellert, a museum founder, said the exhibits set the place
apart from other venues worldwide. They reflect American Indian
cultural genocide, Armenian and Greek genocide, the Bataan Death march
and the Holocaust. Gellert, a Jew whose family fled Nazi Germany in
1939 hopes a new site will have space to honor the 5 million non-Jews
who were killed by the Nazis. The Nazis killed about 6 million Jews.
There will also be an exhibit on the gulag, a Soviet system of
forced-labor camps that caused the deaths of about 3 million from 1931
to 1953.

Alfredo Achecar, formerly of the Dominican Republic and now of
New York City, is considering a move to Albuquerque. He said he
“stumbled across” the museum. “It exemplifies a lot of those social
struggles and social dynamics of oppressed minorities,” Achecar said.

Lipman said that about 6,000 people visit the museum annually.
More than 600 students came in April. The museum has received grant
money to provide buses for school field trip transportation. It also
sends information packets on dealing with intolerance to schools
statewide.

“We have young kids that come here and they’re speechless, they
cry, they get angry, they’re very affected by the museum as are the
adults,” Lipman said.

Fifth-grade students from Carroll Elementary in Bernalillo sent
thank-you letters after their museum visit. One student wrote that the
museum “helped our class understand how terrible the Holocaust and
Armenian genocide were.” Another note said, “It changed my life.”

Armenian National Committee, Central California
Post Office Box 626, Fresno, California 93709
(559) 486-1918

PRESSRELEASE

June 2, 2005
Contact: Hygo Ohannessian

California Gubernatorial Candidate Will Demand That Turkey End Policy
of Denying Armenian Genocide

Fresno, CA – California State Treasurer Phil Angelides, who hopes to
be elected Governor of California next year, addressed the Armenian
Genocide during an annual event hosted by the Madera County Democratic
Central Committee on May 21, 2005.

The question, posed by Armenian National Committee member Richard
Sanikian, dealt with the Treasurers’ longstanding relationship with
the Armenian American community. Sanikian asked, “What more can the
Armenian American community expect if you are elected Governor?”
Angelides’ responded by sharing that his family member also fell
victim to the hands of Ottoman Turkish persecution. He emphasized
that ninety years of the Turkish Government’s denial of the Armenia
Genocide is unacceptable and that he will continue to work toward
proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey.

After the event, the Chairwoman of the Madera County Democratic Central
Committee Susan Rowe stated, “I have close Armenian friends who have
explained the horrendous events of Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman
Turks. The wounds will remain open without healing until Turkey
comes to terms with its dark past. Like Germany’s acknowledgment
of the Holocaust, Turkey must also accept responsibility for its own
history of genocide, and move on.”

In 1997, Angelides took the lead in addressing the denial of the
Armenian Genocide. He challenged the California Public Employees
Retirement System, (CalPERS), regarding their interest in holding
investments in Turkey. He commented at the time that “Turkey’s
human rights violations, aggressive military posture, and political
instability,” were a clear threat to the growth of its economy.
Furthermore, he worked to cancel a $30,000 contract with a firm
that overtly dishonored the 1.5 million Armenians who died during
the Armenian Genocide, stating “we can never forget atrocities like
those committed against the Armenians in the early part of the century.

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TOROSIAN PROMISES TO BRING LAW ON ASSEMBLY IN CONFORMITY WITH EUROPE”S STANDARDS

Armenpress

YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS: Addressing participants of a Round-Table
on “Freedom of Assembly: Legislation and Practice” co-organized by the
Council of Europe Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, and the OSCE Office
in Yerevan today in Yerevan Congress Hotel deputy parliament speaker
Tigran Torosian said a package of changes to be incorporated into a
relevant Armenian law calls for cutting the number of restrictions for
freedom of assembly and would bring the Armenian law in conformity with
provision 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Torosian said
an attempt is being made to simplify the law and put some vague points
in a more clear language. He said cooperation with the Council of
Europe for Armenia’s fullest integration with Europe will continue. The
Secretary of the Venice Commission, Mr. Gianni Buquicchio, said
Armenian authorities have demonstrated their commitment to amending the
law following a Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly resolution
which called on the Armenian authorities to introduce amendments
to the law on demonstrations and public assemblies by March 2005,
in order to bring it into full conformity with Council of Europe
standards to ensure freedom of assembly in practice The one-day event
aimed at providing a forum for broader discussions and consultations
on freedom of assembly in Armenia.

CIS countries show average industry growth of 5% over four months

ITAR-TASS News Agency
June 3, 2005 Friday

MOSCOW, June 3

Average industrial production in the CIS countries grew five percent
over the period from January through April 2005 compared with the
same period of 2004, Prime Tass economic news agency said on Friday,
quoting a report by the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee.

Industrial production in Russia grew by 4.2 percent over this period,
it said.

For comparison, the average industrial production growth in the CIS
was nine percent over the period of January through April 2004 versus
the same period in 2003, Prime Tass said.

Azerbaijan was the leader with a 15.8-percent growth rate.

Belarus was the second with an 11.2-percent growth of industrial
production over the period under review.

Georgia showed industrial growth at the level of 8.7 percent over the
first four months of the year compared with the same period in 2004.

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan showed the same figures, as their industrial
production rate increased by 7.3 percent.

Ukraine showed a 6.7-percent growth, Moldova – 5.1-percent growth
and Russia was next on the list.

It was followed by only two countries – Armenia with a 2.6-percent
growth and Kyrgyzstan, where the industrial production rate fell 7.1
percent in the designated period, Prime Tass said.

Statistics services of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan did not submit
information to the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee.

ARMENIAN PREMIER TO VISIT JAPAN

YEREVAN, June 3. /ARKA/. On June 5, 2005, An Armenian delegation headed
by RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan is to go on a 5-day working
visit to Tokyo, Japan. The press and public relations department,
RA Government, reports that during the visit the RA Premier is to
take part in the opening of the 2005 World Universal Exposition
in the Aity prefecture. On June 7, the Armenia delegation is to
take part in the opening of Armenia’s National Day as part of the
World Exposition. During the visit, the Armenian Premier is to hold
meetings with the Japanese Premier, President of the lower Chamber
of the Japanese Parliament, as well as with Vice-President of the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

Among the Armenian delegation members are the RA minister of Trade
and Economic Development, RA minister of Agriculture, RA minister of
Culture and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the RA State Customs Committee,
Governor of the Ararat region, RA Foreign Ministry officials, RA
Government staff members, officials of the RA Ministry of Nature
Protection, Chairman of the RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Director General of the Armenian Development Agency, President of
the RA National Academy of Sciences.

The 2005 World Exposition themed “Wisdom of Nature” is to be opened
on March 25 2005 in the prefecture of Aity, Japan, to last for 185
days. Besides the EXPO-2005 halls, special arrangements with the
common slogan “Let us communicate at EXPO 2005” are to be held. P.T.

-0–

OSCE AND COE ROUND TABLE ON THE FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY LEGISLATION IN ARMENIA

A1plus

| 16:50:03 | 03-06-2005 | Official |

Today in Yerevan, the freedom of assembly in Armenia has been the
focus of a roundtable co-sponsored by the OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the
Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. The OSCE ODIHR and the
Venice Commission presented recommendations on draft amendments to
the Armenian Law on Conducting Gatherings, Meetings, Rallies and
Demonstrations which had been adopted in the first reading at an
extraordinary session of the Armenian National Assembly.

The ODIHR and the Venice Commission have been engaged in consultations
with Armenian authorities and civil society on the legislation
since March 2004. “The process whereby laws are drafted and adopted
is as important as their content. A good law requires prior broad
consultations reaching out to stakeholders”, said the ODIHR Director,
Ambassador Christian Strohal, in his opening remarks.

Mr. Buquicchio, Secretary of the Venice Commission, added: “A
democratic approach to the right to freedom of assembly must be
developed and supported with the participation of all in the Armenian
society”.

In their comments ODIHR and Venice Commission experts noted significant
improvements in the text of the amendments. However, the experts noted
a number of remaining concerns, particularly regarding proscribed
locations and spontaneous assemblies.

The ODIHR and Venice Commission experts, as well as most participants
in the roundtable suggested that Armenian authorities ensure monitoring
of the application of the law.

The roundtable gathered experts, government officials,
parliamentarians, members of political parties, civil society
representatives and diplomats. It is a part of a wide-ranging
co-operation between the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR on
legislative reviews and support in a number of countries. The OSCE
Office in Yerevan joined in organizing the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

June 2, 2005

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN IS IN CALIFORNIA
ATTENDING MEETING OF NEWLY FORMED
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES TOGETHER
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan is in California attending the
meeting of the steering committee for the newly-formed Christian Churches
Together, in the serene surroundings of the Jesuit retreat house in Los
Altos Hills. The meeting began yesterday, June 1, and will conclude
tomorrow.
Christian Churches Together in the USA had its initial meeting
in Baltimore on September 7-8, 2001, with the participation of church
leaders in the United States who explored the need for expanding fellowship,
unity, and witness among the diverse expressions of Christian faith today.
The concept was born from the need of having one place where representatives
of historic Protestant, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and
Orthodox Churches come together officially “to strengthen their unity in
Christ and empower their mission.” Since then several organizational
meetings have taken place in various locations in the United States. The
current meeting in Los Altos officially inaugurates the work of the group.

V. REV. FR. ANOUSHAVAN TANIELIAN BEGINS SERVICE
AS FULL-TIME VICAR TO THE PRELACY
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian began his service as the
full-time Vicar of the Prelacy on May 23. Hayr Anoushavan has been serving
as the Vicar on a part-time basis since February 1995, when he was appointed
by the then Prelate, the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. Since that time
Hayr Sourp has served the Prelacy while also serving as the pastor of St.
Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
A profile of Hayr Anoushavan on the occasion of the conferring
of the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University, is in the
May/June 2003 issue of Outreach which can be accessed through the Prelacy
web page:

PRELATE AND VICAR ATTEND AYF JUNIOR SEMINAR
Archbishop Oshagan and Hayr Anoushavan attended the junior
seminar of the Armenian Youth Federation last weekend in the suburbs of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Prelate and Vicar participated in four
educational sessions for more than 400 young boys and girls, discussing the
challenges facing the Armenian Church. The AYF juniors had gathered to learn
about their church and nation while creating bonds of friendship with their
peers from different areas of the United States. The Prelate praised the
effort and noted that he was particularly impressed with the questions that
were posed by the youthful participants, showing maturity and knowledge far
beyond their actual ages.

CATHOLICOS ARAM AWARDS MESROB MASHDOTZ MEDAL
TO PROFESSOR PETER BALAKIAN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
this week awarded the Catholicate’s Mesrob Mashdotz Medal to the well-know
educator and author, Professor Peter Balakian. The award was made on May 30,
in a moving ceremony at the Catholicate’s center in Antelias, Lebanon.
Professor Balakian is the author of the groundbreaking The
Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response, and Black Dog
of Fate, winner of the PEN/ Martha Albrand Prize for Memoir and a New York
Times Notable Book. He is the recipient of many awards, including a
Guggenheim Fellowship. He holds a Ph.D. in American Civilization from Brown
University and teaches at Colgate University.

CATHOLICOS ARAM DELIVERS LECTURE TO
VISITING SCHOLARS
Twenty-five professors and doctoral candidates from the United
States visited Antelias, Lebanon, on May 27, to meet with Catholicos Aram I.
The scholars are visiting Lebanon to conduct research about the coexistence
of religions and cultures. His Holiness, who was invited to present a
lecture on this topic to the visitors, spoke about the unique aspects of
Lebanese society, presenting Lebanon as a country of confessional and
religious coexistence and stressing the expression of this coexistence
through cultural, economic, religious and political means. He also spoke
about the positive challenges and sensitivities presented by coexistence.

BEAST ON THE MOON CONTINUES TO RECEIVE ATTENTION
The “Beast on the Moon” is continuing its off-Broadway
production with hopes of extending the performances into the summer months.
A recent column by the well-known New York Post columnist Liz
Smith noted the following: “Where might one see Leonardo Di Caprio with
Gisele Bundchen, Helen Hunt, Olympia Dukakis, Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe,
Donna Murphy and Mariska Hargitay? Well, you had to be at the new off-B’way
hit play “Beast on the Moon” on the right occasion. These starts have all
applauded Omar Metwally and Louis Zorich. Don’t miss it?”
For ticket information go to:

ST. NERSES THE GREAT IS REMEMBERED
This Saturday, June 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Nerses the Great, one of the most memorable Armenian Church fathers.
A great grandson of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Nerses became catholicos in
353. He served until his death in 373. He was responsible for the first
council of bishops in Armenia-the Council of Ashdishad-which began the
development of church laws. Catholicos Nerses was dedicated to the common
people and cared deeply about their well-being. At a time when social
programs were nearly non-existent, he initiated programs to care for the
elderly, orphans, widows, and the poor. He built numerous hospitals and
established many schools. Because of his many benevolent works he is
remembered and honored as the patron of charity.
It is no wonder that when the Eastern Prelacy began its
charitable work in Armenia following the earthquake, Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, of blessed memory, chose to name the organization, “St. Nerses the
Great Charitable Fund,” which to this day continues its vital charitable
work in Armenia and Karabagh, primarily through programs to aid orphans, the
elderly, the needy, as well as hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions
serving the people.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will attend the Divine Liturgy at Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, this Sunday, June 5. His Eminence
is expected to return from California tomorrow evening.

SIAMANTO AND DATEV ALUMNUS RECEIVES HONORS
In recognition of the outstanding achievements of our youth, we
congratulate Siamanto Academy and St. Gregory of Datev Institute alumnus,
Taleen Kupelian, who graduated from Fort Lee High School with honors. Taleen
received the following awards: University’s Dean’s scholarship, the Fort Lee
High School prestigious Scott Vasel Memorial Scholarship, and the Armenian
General Athletic Union award. Taleen has served as a teacher’s aide at Sts.
Vartanantz Sunday School in New Jersey, and occasionally serves as a
volunteer at the Prelacy ANEC office. She was a charter member of the Teen
Prevention Education Program at her high school, and was invited to be part
of the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law in Washington, DC. Taleen
continues to attend the Datev Summer Institute as a post-graduate. Taleen is
the daughter of Gilda B. Kupelian, the director of the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC).

CHRYSLER BUILDING IS 75 YEARS OLD
Last Friday, May 27, was the 75th birthday of the Chrysler
Building in New York City. Seventy-five years later it is still the most
beautiful and unmistakable sight on the New York skyline. It was the tallest
building in the world for less than one year, when the Empire State Building
surpassed it. Of course, since then, other buildings around the world have
overtaken that honor; however, the Chrysler building remains to be the most
distinctive and loved building for New Yorkers. Just a short walk from the
Prelacy office, the Chrysler building is a favorite destination for some of
us at Crossroads.

SPRING IN OUR GARDEN-FINALLY!
Spring arrived in our garden last weekend-finally. It has been
unusually cold and very unspring-like here in the northeast, with even a
scattering of frost. But, at last, it smells like spring. This year,
reluctantly, we are going to forego the early crops like radishes, lettuce,
peas, and concentrate on what we think of as the “basics”-tomatoes,
cucumbers, squash, beans, peppers in multi colors, okra (especially because
we love the beautiful flowers it produces), and of course the herbs that
refresh and enrich our food and table.

And go along with you ere you lose sight
Of what you came for and become like me,
Slave to a springtime passion for the earth.
How Love burns through the Putting in the Seed
On through the watching for that early birth
When, just as the soil tarnishes with weed,
The sturdy seedling with arched body comes
Shouldering its way and shedding the earth crumbs.

>>From “Putting in the Seed,” by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Visit our website at

Rights groups blast Turkish penal code on day one
By Gareth Jones

ANKARA, June 1 (Reuters) – Human rights activists and liberal media
blasted a new Turkish penal code that came into force on Wednesday,
saying it undermined freedom of expression in the European Union
candidate country.

Passing a revised penal code is a key condition for Turkey before it
can start EU entry talks in October.

EU diplomats in Ankara said they would carefully monitor implementation
of the code, but said Turkey had for the time being met their
expectations by passing the legislation on time.

The new code improves women’s rights and imposes tougher penalties
for rape, torture, smuggling of human beings and so-called “honour
killings” in which women are killed by relatives for offences deemed
to tarnish the family name.

But it also envisages jail sentences for those found guilty of
insulting anyone simply for being a Turk or state institutions,
or of harming national interests and security.

“Now you are less free,” said the headline of the liberal Radikal
daily.

“The penal code is an obstacle to freedom of information,” it said,
noting harsher penalties for journalists for a range of offences
including publication of classified information.

Sanar Yurdatapan, a rights activist, told Reuters the code was “worse
than the old one” on matters of free expression.

In a mark of protest, he said he would invite 100 well-known Turks
to sign a declaration containing views outlawed under the new code,
daring state prosecutors to take action.

For example, he said, the signatories would demand the removal of
Turkish troops from Cyprus and would also urge Turkey to recognise
as genocide the killing of Armenians during World War One — both
opinions which could theoretically land them in jail under the terms
of the new penal code.

JUDGES HOLD KEY

“We would have liked to see the government remove all offences
for non-violent freedom of expression from the code. But now the
responsibility lies with the judiciary,” said Jonathan Sugden of
Human Rights Watch in London.

Turkey is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights,
whose provisions take precedence over domestic laws.

“It is politically harder for a government to abolish repressive
articles than it is for a judge to make a ruling at a later date
striking them down. The government probably wanted to duck a fight
with vested interests such as the security forces,” Sugden said.

He said Turkey had a robust civil society which would fight hard to
halt cases brought against freedom of expression.

Turkey’s parliament approved the penal code last Friday but President
Ahmet Necdet Sezer has been studying last-minute amendments. This
means that an earlier — and critics say more restrictive — version
of the code came into force on Wednesday.

Many expect Sezer, a staunch secularist, to veto the amendments because
they include softer penalties for teaching unauthorised courses on
the Koran, Islam’s holy book. Turkish secularists fear this will
weaken the state’s ability to control radical Islamist groups.

But whether he wields his veto or not, the bulk of the present penal
code is expected to remain in force.

Some Turkish newspapers highlighted some of the more progressive
aspects of the new code.

For example, it envisages 25 years jail for those who fire guns
into the air after soccer matches or at weddings. It also increases
penalties for driving through traffic lights when they are red,
playing loud music or using mobile phones on airplanes.

06/01/05 09:37 ET

‘I have no Intention to Run for Presidential Office’

Zaman (Istanbul)
05.29.2005 Sunday
POLITICS

ISTANBUL — Turkish Minister of Justice Cemil Cicek said that those,
who believe he “intends to become president “, try to set a trap for
the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Emphasizing that he has no problems with his party, Cicek noted:
“I have no such intention. No one should fall into this trap. I
am ready for any kind of sacrifice for the unity and integrity
of my party. I would not do any business against my party and the
government. ” Minister Cicek also expressed that his remark “This is
a stab in the back against Turkish nation”, as he uttered to defined
a conference on Armenians that was planned to be conducted at the
Bogazici (Bosphorous) University, should be evaluated within the
framework of freedom of thought.

It has been claimed that Cicek had exhibited a different attitude
than his party during negotiations regarding the new Turkish Penal
Code (TCK) in order to become president in 2007. Answering Zaman’s
questions, the Minister of Justice stressed that these claims are
only gossip. Cicek indicated that the political circles that are
disturbed with the AKP want to stir the party and similar attempts
would increase as presidential elections approach.

My remarks should be considered within the framework of freedom of
thought as well.’

Minister of Justice Cicek has also sat on the agenda by his tough
statements about the conference on Armenians that was to be held at the
Bosphorous University. After Cicek’s statement “This is a stab in the
back against Turkish nation”, the conference was cancelled. Standing
behind his statements, Cicek does not believe that relations with the
European Union (EU) will be damaged. He notes: “Why would my reaction
affect the EU negatively? My remarks should be evaluated within the
framework of freedom of thought. There has been prepared a law, which
makes saying ‘Turks did not commit genocide’ a crime in Brussels,
the EU’s capital. Why is saying this free but objecting to this is a
crime? This is also a freedom of thought. I am a politician. I have
thoughts and ideas. I have to express them.”

THE HIGH EXCHANGE RATE OF THE ARMD HARMS THE PRODUCERS

A1plus

| 19:29:15 | 30-05-2005 | Economy |

“The ARMD rate is not important. What is important is that it must
contribute to the development of the economy”, said economist Eduard
Akhajanov today during the discussion with the theme “Economy and
Currency Policy” in hotel Yerevan. He and member of the Central Bank
council Vache Gabrielyan were the guests of the political debates
club today.

According to the economist, the year 2004 was unique and dangerous for
Armenia. Last year the quantity of import was more than the quantity
of export. According to Akhajanov, the high exchange rate of the
ARMD harms the producers. He offers to change the direction of the
currency policy and to choose a new model of economic development.

According to him, it is necessary to have an economy based of
knowledge, but every year the allotments to the science from the budget
become less and less. If in 2004 it was 0.2% of the budget, in 2005
it was only 0.16%. The economist also complained that the Armenian
banks are not in active participation in the economic processes.

As for Vache Gabrielyan, the priority of the Central Bank is the
stability of costs. As for how the CB is able to realize that priority,
that is another question. According to Eduard Akhajanov, nothing can
be demanded from the CB today as it cannot do anything.