Author: Felekian Ara

NKR DM PRIVY TO BEATING OF ARFD PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE

YEREVAN, JUNE 22. ARMINFO. The NKR Central Committee of ARFD has asked
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharyan and Prosecutor General Agvan
Hovsepyan to help it to inquire into the beating of ARFD candidate
into the NKR parliamentary Pavel Manukyan.

ARFD also demands that NKR President Arkady Ghoukassyan dismiss the
top officials privy to the incident. Ghoukassyan has met with ARFD
leaders and promised them unbiased investigation.

Manukyan was hospitalized with serious injuries a few days ago. Later
he said that he had been beaten in the office of NKR Defence Minister
Seyran Ohanyan with the latter dealing the first blow and his generals
hitting him with legs afterwards. Neither medical examination nor
interrogation has been carried out so far and so ARFD is asking
Armenia’s Health Care Ministry to hold an independent medical
examination.

IUSY Istanbul meeting adjourns

22.06.2005 16:47

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – IUSY (International Union of Socialist Youth) Black
Sea Area Cooperation meeting adjourned on June 18 in Istanbul, Turkey,
ARF Youth Office reported.

Black Sea Area IUSY member organizations from Georgia, Russia,
Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Moldova, Serbia, Sweden
etc. were participating in the meeting. The title of the conference
was “We all are Minorities”.

The Armenian Youth Federation delegation to the meeting consisted of
four members: Karen Mnatsakanyan and Zinavor Meghryan (Armenia),
Talline Tachdjian (France) and Khatchik Mouradian (Lebanon).

On June 18 the delegates were broken into working commissions. The AYF
delegation members participated in the “Self-determination Right and
Minorities” and “Minorities and Wars” commissions. In both
commissions, the AYF delegates raised the Artsakh and Armenian
Genocide issues. The Artsakh issue spurred debates between the
Armenian and Azeri delegates.

At the closing of the conference, the representative of the ARF made a
separate speech. He said in part, ” In your speeches you stressed the
fact that this conference was very well organized and you thanked the
hosts for that. For us, the AYF delegation, the success of this
conference has yet another dimension. Our organization is
participating in an event in Turkey for the first time, 90 years after
the Armenian genocide, which the Turkish government denies and
falsifies to this day.

We spoke freely and openly about the Armenian genocide and they were
good listeners, I would like to thank our hosts for their openness to
discussion. Currently, there is a movement in Turkey that calls for
challenges the state’s view regarding the Armenian genocide. The time
has come for Turkish youth not only to be tolerant when this issue is
raised, but also to join forces withthat movement and help Turkey face
its history. Dialogue has started but the road to reconciliation
starts at the crossroads of truth.”

Following his speech, booklets on the Armenian Genocide and Turkish
denials were distributed to the audience, causing the protests of the
Turkish delegates.

The meeting was officially closed by IUSY General Secretary Enzo
Amendola.

AYF delegates returned to their countries on June 21. The delegates
from Armenia will conduct a news conference On June 23 at 1 p.m., at
the Congress hotel in Yerevan.

Interfax
June 22 2005

Yushchenko dismisses three ambassadors

KYIV. June 22 (Interfax) – Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko
dismissed the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Mykhailo Reznik,
Yushchenko’s press service reported on Wednesday.

Ukraine’s ambassadors to Armenia and Slovakia, Volodymyr Tyagla and
Serhiy Ustich, have also been dismissed, the press service reported.

ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736 E-mail: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: HEROS LEASK
TEL: (416) 250-9807
DATE: June 21, 2005

SYSTEM OF A DOWN CONTRIBUTE TO GENOCIDE AWARENESS
OVER $20,000 TO ZORYAN INSTITUTE

Toronto – Los Angeles based multi-platinum-selling heavy metal band,
System of a Down, again confirmed their steadfast support of
organization’s seeking to promote genocide awareness by their recent
donation to the Zoryan Institute. In the last two years System of a
Down has contributed over $20,000 to the Zoryan Institute to help
further its mission of Genocide research, education and awareness as
part of System’s ongoing activism with regards to genocide recognition
and general awareness. The contribution comes from their third annual
benefit concert “Souls 2005” held in Los Angeles, California, which
they named “Souls” because “There are all these souls that aren’t at
rest. Their deaths have been overlooked” said the band.

The members of System of a Down, who are of Armenian descent, all lost
family members and family history to the Armenian Genocide. The band
feels compelled to support and promote organizations such as the
Zoryan Institute, which conducts historical research, produces
publications and promotes education in the field “Because so much of
[our] family history was lost in the Armenian Genocide,” said
guitarist Daron Malakian, “my grandfather, who was very young at the
time, doesn’t know his true age. How many people can say they don’t
know how old they are?”. As such, System of a Down’s annual benefit
concert, which they headline, gives proceeds to worthy non-profit
organizations that work toward prevention of future genocide or
recognition of past genocides either through educational awareness,
such as the Zoryan Institute or through political action as taken by
others.

During the first genocide of the 20th century, perpetrated by Ottoman
Turkey during World War I against its Armenian population, over 1.5
million Armenians were annihilated and hundreds of thousands deported
from their ancient homeland. April 24th was chosen as the date for the
“Souls 2005” concert as this year, it commemorated the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Why should System of a Down fans
be concerned about the Armenian Genocide, something that happened
nearly one-hundred years ago and far away from the US and Canada is
what many ask.

“It’s important for people to be aware of the Armenian Genocide,”
explained lead singer Serj Tankian, “Had the Armenian Genocide been
acknowledged as a Crime Against Humanity as it was, Hitler might not
have thought he could get away with the Jewish Holocaust. History
does and will repeat itself, unless we stop that cycle.” Zoryan
Institute Director George Shirinian said “We share System of a Down’s
intellectual concern about the consequences of impunity and appreciate
their continued interest and support in the work that we do. We also
appreciate the fact that System is using its celebrity status to
elevate awareness of a universal cause, which could entice individuals
to get active. Only through such understanding and awareness about the
heinous crime of genocide and gross violation of human rights may we
have a chance to make a difference. System of a Down plays a major
role in this endeavor.”

The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center
devoted to the research and documentation of contemporary issues
related to Armenian social, political and cultural life. To this end,
the Institute conducts multidisciplinary research, publication, and
educational programs dealing with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and
Diaspora, within a universal context.

A1plus

| 19:58:28 | 20-06-2005 | Politics |

ANOTHER STEP TO THE EUROFAMILY

Of all the official visit of last week Vardan Oskanyan found the one to
Brussels the most important. There he represented two documents. According
to him, they were extremely important in the Euro integration of Armenia.
One of them was Armenia’s Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) which
Vardan Oskanyan represented to the NATO Council.

The other was the draft package of the Armenian offers about the EU-Armenia
Joint Actions within the framework of the European Neighborhood program.
Vardan Oskanyan handed it to Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for
External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy.

Today Vardan Oskanyan voiced hope that the works on those two documents will
be brought to an end till the end of the year. Within the framework of the
visit to Brussels RA Foreign Minister also had a meeting with the EU Council
Secretary General Javier Solano.

Issues about the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
perspectives of the regional cooperation, including the opening of the
Armenian-Turkish border, as well as the processing of the new RA-EU joint
action within the framework of the European Neighborhood policy have been
discussed.

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

His Holiness Karekin ii

catholicos of all armenians

In the western DIOCESE

PONTIFICAL DIVINE LITURGY

IN ST. ANDREW ARMENIAN CHURCH,

CUPERTINO

June 19, 2005

Sunday morning, June 19, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, celebrated Pontifical Divine Liturgy at St. Andrew
Armenian Church in Cupertino. Partaking in the Divine Liturgy were
faithful from St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco; St. Andrew
Armenian Church, Cupertino; St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland, and
St. James Armenian Church, Sacramento, as well as members of the
Parish Councils and the Reception Committee.

His Holiness was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate; and His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of
the Mother See. His Eminence Archbishop Datev Sarkisian from the
Mother See was also present. The following clergy served on the Altar
during Divine Liturgy: Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of St. John
Armenian Church in San Francisco; Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Pastor
of St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino; Archpriest Fr. Mesrob
Sarafian, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland; and Rev.
Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Pastor of St. James Armenian Church in
Sacramento, as well as deacons.

Preceding the Lord’s Prayer the Primate introduced the Catholicos,
expressing his joy in witnessing the Pontifical visit of the
Catholicos which provided the faithful of the Diocese with spiritual
joy and strengthened their ties with the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.

In his Sermon His Holiness Karekin II praised God for the successful
completion of his Pontifical visit. He commended the projects
developed under the leadership of the Primate, also extending his
appreciation for the efforts put forth by the Reception Committee and
the clergy. The Catholicos also urged the faithful to continue their
unrelenting dedication to the Armenian Church and the Diocese. A
large crowd of faithful then approached the Pontiff to receive Holy
Communion.

On the occasion of Father’s Day, the Catholicos also congratulated
the fathers in attendance, and expressed his wishes for Armenian
families to remain strong and maintain their faith, instilling in
their children the fear of God and the teachings of the Armenian
Church.

Following the Divine Liturgy as faithful approached the Catholicos
he handed to them copies of the newly printed `I Confess with Faith.’
A warm reception followed in the church hall.

The second Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians, having successfully been completed, the Catholicos,
accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Derderian, Primate and members
of his entourage, departed for Detroit for a series of meetings. From
Detroit His Holiness and the entourage will return to the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin.

We wish His Holiness a safe return to the Mother See. The Pontifical
visit of His Holiness was truly a Renaissance of Faith for the entire
faithful of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE

June 20, 2005

Burbank, California

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
June 20 2005

HEAD OF CAUCASIAN MOSLEMS RECEIVES RELIGIOUS FIGURES FROM IRAN AND IRAQ
[June 20, 2005, 21:26:35]

Head of the Caucasian Moslems Clerical Office Sheik ul-Islam Hajji
Allahshukur Pashazade received a delegation comprising renowned
religious figures – ayatollahs, theologists – led by Seyed Javad
Shahristani.

Sheik ul-Islam expressed hope this visit would `serve strengthening
of peaceful relations and mutual understanding between our
countries.’ Touching upon the recent elections in Iran, he said the
Government of the country was on the right way, and expressed
satisfaction with relative peace in Kerbala, the sacred place for
Moslem-Shiites.

In turn, members of the delegation noted their visit contemporized
the Assumption of Prophet Mohammad’s daughter Fatmei-Zahra, which was
a day of reconciliation and prayers. `We will pray together for
liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Iran has always
supported Azerbaijan’s stance, and peaceful resolution of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,’ they said.

Reportedly, the delegation of religious figures of Iran and Iraq had
visited Ganja, Mingachevir and a number of other districts of
Azerbaijan, as well as met with refugees and orphans.

The meeting was attended by Ambassadors of Iran and Iraq to
Azerbaijan Afshar Suleymani and Arshad Omar Ismayil respectively.

Following the meeting, the religious figures responded to questions
from journalists.

EU official says Turkey must strengthen ties with Armenia

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
19 Jun 05

Kars, 19 June: Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary
Commission Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk has indicated that Turkey’s most
important task in its EU process is good relations with its neighbours.

Lagendijk was at the Kars Mayor Naif Alibeyoglu’s office yesterday
where he made some comments on Turkey-EU relations.

“Turkey must strengthen its relations with Armenia. Nothing can be
achieved with isolationist policies. I believe that Azerbaijan can
get back its territory through dialogue. The EU must play an active
role to find a solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani dispute. We must
look at the Turkey-Armenia and Armenia-Azerbaijan problems as ones
separate from each other,” told Lagendijk.

According to Lagendijk, it is vital to have regional policies to
develop the economy in poor areas. “We agree with Mr Erdogan on his
stance vis-a-vis Armenia. An independent committee of historians must
be formed to study the incidents of early 20th century. Independent
studies must take place on the events of 1915. However, the border
gate between Turkey and Armenia must be opened soon,” said Lagendijk.

Meanwhile, Kars Mayor Naif Alibeyoglu stressed that the people of
Kars wholeheartedly support Turkey’s EU membership. “The EU is a
goal outlined by Kemal Ataturk. We want to be a part of the EU,”
noted Alibeyoglu.

Karabakh party wants “radical” renewal of state system

Arminfo, Yerevan
17 Jun 05

Stepanakert 17 June: Murad Petrosyan, chairman of the Party for Moral
Revival, maintains that “material possibilities are used by those
who possess them”. However, he believes that this is being done in
a moderate manner.

He said that he was in favour of “exceptional steps towards the radical
renewal of the entire state and public system of the Nagornyy Karabakh
Republic”, saying that a war will be inevitable otherwise.

“Without quality domestic changes in Nagornyy Karabakh and without
creating a maximally effective form of co-existence and an effective
mechanism of state administration, any mediatory idea will be of
benefit to Azerbaijan,” Petrosyan is convinced.

“SHIKAHOGH” FORREST RESERVE “WON” – IRAN-ARMENIA HIGHWAY WILL PASS BY IT

YEREVAN, JUNE 17. ARMINFO. Project of an alternative road passing by
Shikahogh forest reserve will be adopted. Minister of Transport and
Communication of Armenia Andranik Manukyan told ARMINFO’s correspondent
after today’s public discussion on laying on Iran-Armenian highway.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Andranik Manukyan stated that in conformity
of the Armenian President’s instruction, the government is to elaborate
a detailed project on construction of Meghri-Kapan road passing by
the forest reserve within a week. He also stated that in conformity
with Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan’s decree, a governmental task
four will be formed today. The minister said that the alternative
road will be 7 km longer and 150 meters higher of the project of
the highway proposed by ministry of Transport – Meghri-Shvanidzor-
Verishen-Tsav-Kapan. The alternative road will pass by the forest
reserve via the village Shishkert. According to preliminary data,
its construction will cost $20 mln. The minister said that decision on
alternative project was not made under pressure of ecological public
organizations. “It is a decision of the government and instruction
of the president.” Moreover, he stated that the role of public
organizations, their numerous protests, was equal to naught in this
decision. This statement by the minister aroused bewilderment of
public ecological organizations.