Author: Hunanian Jack

LATVIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVES TOMORROW IN ARMENIA

Armenpress
Oct 05, 2005

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS: President of Latvia, Vajra
Vike-Freiberga, is arriving in Armenia on October 6 on the third
and last leg of her South Caucasian visit. After visiting Azerbaijan
she is now in Georgia. Her delegation includes her husband, Imants
Freiberga and also government ministers and around 50 businessmen.

The goal of the visit is to discuss boosting bilateral ties, to deepen
cooperation and outline priorities of economic cooperation. She and
her Armenian counterpart, Robert Kocharian, will also discuss regional
issues and European integration. Both presidents will have face-to-face
talks and then will sign a number of agreements, including a joint
declaration by the presidents, an agreement on encouraging reciprocal
investments, agreements on customs and cultural cooperation. They
will also hold a briefing for the press.

Latvian president will also meet with parliament chairman and prime
minister. Kocharian and Mrs. Freiberga will also attend a business
forum.

She will also visit the Genocide Memorial, will meet with the faculty
and students of Yerevan University and also visit Etchmiadzin, the
Brandy Factory and Martiros Sarian Museum. Diplomatic relations
between Latvia and Armenia were established in 2002. Armenian
president Kocharian visited Latvia in 2002 June. Trade between the
two countries in the first six months of 2005 was $1.5 million. The
Armenian community of Latvia is about 3,000 people, but only 20
percent of them have Latvian citizenship.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN – HYPNOTIC, SMART
By Jeff Kaliss, CONTRIBUTOR

Inside Bay Area, CA
Oct 5 2005

‘IDON’T THINK I’ve ever really had my hands on the wheel,” says rocker
Serj Tankian, extending a metaphor on his way to a gig in Chicago.

“I’ve been a passenger on a plane going wherever I’m supposed to go,
more than being any type of pilot. And I’m still on the plane.

Sometimes it goes in directions I didn’t anticipate. And sometimes
it goes to where I think I’m going.”

Tankian’s material plane, carrying his rock band System of a Down,
will touch down in Oakland for System’s Saturday show at the Oakland
Arena. The band is touring behind its most recent, chart-topping album
“Mezmerize” (American Music/Columbia Records), the first half of a
protracted two-CD release that will be completed with “Hypnotize”
at the end of next month.

The lyricist and vocalist’s transcendence of his ego is striking,
in view of his vocalized forthrightness and System’s accelerating
success. Since its eponymous recording debut in 1998, the group has
sold more than 10 million discs – no small accomplishment for an act
whose audible theatricality and lyrical intelligence place it way
above attempts at rock categorization. (The unique name was lifted
from its members’ visionary poetry.)

In performance, System magnetizes audiences with visual as well
as aural impact. Tankian’s eccentric bushiness, not to mention his
confrontational agenda, is evocative of one of his idols, the late
Frank Zappa.

Guitarist Daron Malakian, co-creator of most of the band’s repertoire,
wields the wild, wide-eyed magic of a silent-movie comedian. Bassist
Shavo Odadjian sprouts a braided beard under a bald pate. And drummer
John Dolmayan, by effective contrast, exudes the trim drama of a
leading man.

Although all four are of Armenia ethnicity, only Odadjian was born
in Armenia. Tankian and Dolmayan were born in Lebanon, Malkian in
California. Three of the four, including Tankian, attended Pilibos,
a private school operating under the auspices of the Armenian Apostolic
Church in Hollywood.

System’s Pilibos alumni haven’t hesitated to violate the school’s
published disciplinary policy, prohibiting “inappropriate hair style,”
“threatening language and gestures,” “swearing,” and “disrespect for
authority” – all staples of the band’s reputation.

Both the multi-platinum second album “Toxicity” and the
curiously-marketed followup “Steal This Album!” featured some
vocals and ethnic instruments played by Armenian folk artist Arto
Tuncboyaciyan, to whom Tankian attributes “the voice of the Caucasus,
a faraway voice that travels.”

But whether or not you concur in Newsweek’s description of
“prog-rock-metal-politico-pop with an operatic twist,” System’s mode
and appeal are solid rock.

Tankian’s own voice, in the space of less than a minute, can pass
from a doleful whisper to sweet bel canto vibrato to an earthquaking
scream, backed by Malakian’s vocal harmonies and the instruments’
massed molten assault.

“I like the dynamics of life,” Tankian says. “I like it when it rains,
and suddenly the sun comes out, and I like it when it’s really silent
and then a loud booming noise comes through. Or vice-versa.”

What Tankian is singing about also mutates over the course of
“Mezmerize,” sometimes eluding identification.

“B.Y.O.B.” comes off as a condemnation of the war in Iraq. “Violent
Pornography” pinions crude commercial television. “Sad Statue” gives
Lady Liberty a reason to weep about “human suffering.” “Old School
Hollywood” plays off Malakian’s jaded experience at a celebrity
baseball game in Dodger Stadium. As in much rock, there are also
songs about romance and personal angst.

“People think our music’s very aggressive or angry or whatever, and
it’s just the opposite, really,” Tankian says. “I like laughing. And
I like being really calm before a show, and smiley.”

He acknowledges being “moved by music that had social and political
commentary, from the Beatles all the way up to Rage Against the
Machine.”

For Tankian, the most powerful artists have been “those that have
prescribed the solution through the good feeling of the music itself,
like the Beatles and Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.”

Musicians like these are “not just talking about the pain and the
hurt of a mad society or modern entropy or whatever you want to call
it, but more of just kind of touching the human spirit in a way that
makes us feel like we are one.”

NEW PAGE OF ARMENIA-EU RELATIONS TO BE OPENED

Pan Armenian
05.10.2005 11:45

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian met
today with OSCE PA Special Representative for Nagorno Karabakh Goran
Lennmarker, who is in Yerevan for the participation of the NATO
PA Rose-Roth seminar, RA MFA press center reported. Mr. Lennmarker
presented the outcomes of the OSCE PA annual sitting, during which his
report was heard. Rating the report as positive Minister Oskanian noted
that it gives a real picture of the peaceful settlement. Thereupon
the parties discussed the current stage of the Karabakh conflict
settlement. When touching upon Armenia’s participation in the EU
Neighborhood policy, the interlocutors voiced opinion that the
elaboration of action plan will open a new page of the Armenia-EU
relations.

The RA FM and PA OSCE Special Representative also considered the
prospects of the establishment of the Armenian-Turkish relations
within the context of the Turkey-EU membership talks.

ARMENIA’S FOREIGN DEBT ON RISE

Armenpress
Oct 4, 2005

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, ARMENPRESS: Armenia’s foreign debt is expected
to stand at $1.227 billion by the end of the year, deputy economy
and finance minister Pavel Safarian said today.

He said Armenia’s next year’s budget includes $107.9 million in
credits, of which $95.202 million under government liabilities. The
budget also foresees $50.2 million in re-payment of the debt. By the
end of next year the overall foreign debt will increase further making
$1.285 billion. In 2006 Armenia expects loans from International
Development Agency, International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD), German KfW and the International Japanese Cooperation Bank.

ARMENIAN MINISTER: ARMENIAN PEOPLE CAN NOT ACCEPT SILENCE ABOUT GENOCIDE

Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus
Oct 3 2005

Nicosia, Oct 3 (CNA) – Armenian people cannot accept silence around
the Armenian genocide by the Turks, Armenian Culture and Youth Affairs
Minister Hovik Hoveyan, noted here today, adding that Turkey has
problems with its history.

Armenian Minister, on the island for an official visit, was received
today by President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias
and met with Director of Cypriot President’s Press Office Marios
Karoyan, to whom he expressed his willingness to further enhance the
excellent relations between Cyprus and Armenia.

California Courier Online, October 6, 2005

1 – Commentary

French Insurance Co. Agrees to Pay
$17 Million to Genocide Heirs

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier

2 – NAASR Lecture Will Feature Ottoman
Armenian Photographs in Getty Museum
3- ‘Visual Poetry of the Homeland’ Photo
Exhibit Opens at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
4 – Westside Guild Meeting to be
Hosted Oct. 22 at Zov’s Bistro
5 – L.A. County Supervisors
Back House Resolutions
6 – Catholicos Aram I to Visit Fresno, Oct. 10-12
7 – Settlement Board Communicates
With Claimants in NY Life Case
8 – Montebello-Stepanakert Sister-City
Association Hosts Inaugural Reception
9 – UAF’s 135th Airlift Delivers
$1.8 Million of Aid to Armenia
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary

French Insurance Co. Agrees to Pay
$17 Million to Genocide Heirs

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

The French Insurance Company Axa agreed to pay $17 million to descendants
of life insurance policyholders who perished during the Armenian Genocide.
This announcement was made by Mark Geragos, a prominent Los Angeles
attorney, during the Oct. 2 banquet of the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies honoring Federal Judge Dickran Tevrizian.
Geragos, along with attorneys Vartkes Yeghiayan and Brian Kabateck, had
filed a class action lawsuit in a California federal court against Axa for
failing to pay death benefits for the insurance policies purchased by
Armenians in Turkey prior to the Armenian Genocide. Judge Tevrizian
mediated the $17 million settlement which will be disbursed as follows: Up
to $11 million for the heirs of close to 11,000 life insurance
policyholders; $3 million for various Armenian charities; and $3 million
for attorneys’ fees.A French-Armenian charitable group will process and pay
the claims. Anyfunds leftover after all claimants are paid would be turned
over to the French-Armenian charity.
The Axa settlement follows a similar agreement with New York Life
InsuranceCompany in early 2004. New York Life agreed to pay $20 million
which was to be disbursed as follows: Up to $11 million for the heirs of
2,400 life insurance policyholders who perished during the Armenian
Genocide; $3 million for nine Armenian-American charitable and religious
organizations; $2 million for administrative expenses; and $4 million for
attorney’s fees.
In a lengthy interview with the French Armenian magazine, Nouvelles d’
Armenie (September 2005 issue), Yeghiayan provided several intriguing
details regarding the activities and irresponsible conduct of L’Union
insurance company which was purchased by Axa in 1996.
L’Union started selling insurance policies in the Ottoman Empire in the
1870 ‘s and continued to do so until 1931. Simon Kayserlyan was the
Director of the 51 offices of the firm in Turkey. According to a letter
sent by L’Union to the French Foreign Ministry in 1922, the company had
sold 10,899 life insurance policies by the time of the Armenian Genocide.
In that 1922 letter, L’Union disclosed that it risked losing 42 million
French Francs or $8 million as a result of the deaths of its Armenian
policyholders. The letter also said that not meeting its obligations to the
perished Armenians would tarnish the company’s reputation and prestige.
While New York Life made some attempts in the aftermath of the Genocide to
locate and pay those entitled to receive death benefits, L’Union
categorically refused to make any payments. In the early 1920’s when
French-Armenian refugee centers in Paris wrote to L’Union asking to see the
list of Armenian policyholders, the company reportedly refused, saying that
such private information could not be divulged to outside parties.
In 1928, the High Commissioner for Refugees of the League of Nations asked
several insurance companies to disclose the list of their Armenian clients,
explaining that the heirs of some insurance policyholders were children
living in extremely destitute conditions in refugee camps and that funds
from the insurance benefits would considerably ameliorate their situation.
L ‘Union reportedly responded by saying that it could not comply with the
request, as it was unable to tell which of its clients were Armenians.
Furthermore, the company made impossible demands from the families of
perished individuals in order to avoid paying them. For example, in a June
18, 1925 letter, L’Union told an Armenian claimant to provide a death
certificate and a notarized document from the Turkish Consulate in Athens
proving his relationship to the deceased policyholder. Whereas New York
Life accepted the documents provided by the Armenian Patriarchate of
Istanbul, L’ Union refused to accept such documents, demanding that the
survivors of the
Genocide return to Turkey to obtain the necessary certificates from Turkish
courts. As a result, not a single Armenian policyholder got a penny from
this company. After 1945, the company came up with a new argument for
refusing all requests for payment. It said that due to the 30-year statute
of limitations, it was no longer obligated to make any payments for
policies written prior to 1915.
The Axa settlement has a significant advantage over the one with New York
Life. Thanks to the efforts of the three Armenian attorneys, Judge
Tevrizian and Axa executives, there is a clear reference to the Armenian
Genocide in the text of the Axa settlement, whereas in the New York Life
agreement, the Armenian Genocide is merely referred to as “the tragic
events of 1915.”
The October issue of the French magazine, L’Expansion, reported that the
next insurance company to be sued by the Armenian lawyers for non-payment
of Genocide era insurance claims would be the German firm, Victoria. There
is also talk of a lawsuit being filed against the British insurance
company, Gresham, and various German banks that operated in Turkey and had
taken deposits from Armenians in that country prior to the Genocide.
The next legal step would be to sue the Turkish government for its illegal
confiscation of the personal and real properties of Armenians in Turkey
after the Genocide.
**************************************************************************
2 – NAASR Lecture Will Feature Ottoman
Armenian Photographs in Getty Museum
BELMONT, MA – Van Aroian will give an illustrated lecture on “Armenian
Photographs in the Getty Museum,” at the Center and Headquarters of the
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), in Belmont,
Mass., on Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.
The program will provide a visual presentation and sampling of the Ottoman
photo collection at the Los Angeles Getty Research Institute, with a focus
on its Armenian flavor and contributions. On a fundamental level this
collection provides investigators with a rare opportunity actually to see
aspects of Ottoman life and culture – a presentation of a world in
transition captured for succeeding generations.
Aroian spent some six weeks in 1999-2001 looking through the Getty’s
Ottoman photograph collection. He first presented the results of his
investigations into the Getty’s collection in an article in NAASR’s Journal
of Armenian Studies .
Aroian earned a BA at Boston University and MA in Middle Eastern Studies at
Harvard University. He was a fellow in Urban Geography at Clark University
and an Urban Planner and Deputy Director of the Worcester Redevelopment
Authority. He later joined his brother in-law, Kevork, and wife Mary
Balekdjian Aroian in importing and retailing Oriental carpets. He is
currently a member of the NAASR Board of Directors.
For more information on Aroian’s lecture or seminar or about NAASR, call
617-489-1610.
**************************************************************************
3 – ‘Visual Poetry of the Homeland’ Photo
Exhibit Opens at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
MISSION HILLS, CA – The major photographic exhibition “Visual Poetry of the
Homeland: Photographs of Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian” is on view
at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum (AEM) from Sept. 25, thru Oct. 30. The
exhibition features over 35 color and black-and-white photographs taken in
Armenia and Karabagh by photographers Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian.
The photographs on display cover a remarkable range of time periods,
viewpoints, and subjects. They include architectural monuments such as
Sanahin and Goshavank Monasteries, landscape images of Lake Sevan and Mount
Ararat, as well as less-common subjects such as an elderly lady earning her
daily bread by selling sunflower seeds or a dog resting beside the
butcher’s ax and a “Fresh Meat” sign.
The public is invited to attend “Dialogues with the Artists: Interview and
Reception” on Oct. 9, at 4 pm in the museum. Exhibition curator Ramela
Grigorian Abbamontian will conduct the interview with the artists and then
will open up the discussion to questions from the audience.
“I’m eager to hear the conversations started by these works on display.
They raise many issues such as the meaning of ‘homeland,’ photographing it
as a Diasporan, and the ancient and modern faces of the land,” says
Abbamontian.
Visitors at the Sept. 25 opening were impressed, both with the beauty of
the country captured in these images, as well as with the skill of the
photographers in recreating and interpreting it. Ray Holm and his wife
Roxy Sadoyan-Holm were among the many visitors on Sunday. “The photographs
are very interesting because they give a different perspective of Armenia.
Sometimes you don’t see the oak trees, but here you do,” said Ray Holm.
Another visitor from San Diego County, Ray Tafejian noted, “I’m seeing
something I’ve never seen before. It’s a good cross-section too because it
includes the older, more historical areas, with modern places like the
Central Square.” Indeed, the ancient and the modern meet in these
photographs. The photographs took other visitors back to their roots.
Hrair Shekerjian said, “This is a wonderful exhibition, especially the
photographs of the churches in the mist. They remind me of my Armenian
church heritage and the images I grew up with.”
Space scientist Vahé Peroomian and aerospace engineer Ara Meshkanbarian,
Diaspora Armenians living in Glendale, were impressed and proud of the
country they refer to as the “open-air museum..
The Ararat-Eskijian Museum was founded in 1993 by architect, collector, and
Genocide survivor, Luther Eskijian. His vision to collect, preserve, and
present Armenian culture and history has since been nurtured by devoted
volunteers and members. “Visual Poetry of the Homeland: The Photographs of
Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian” will be on view until Oct. 30, 2005,
at AEM on Saturdays and Sunday, from 1-5pm. “Dialogues with the Artists:
Interview and Reception” will be held on Oct 9, at 4 pm.
The Museum is located on the grounds of the Ararat Home at 15105 Mission
Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA 91345. (818) 838-4862.
Free admission and parking.
***************************************************************************

4 – Westside Guild Meeting to be
Hosted Oct. 22 at Zov’s Bistro
LOS ANGELES – The next meeting of the Westside Guild of the Ararat Home
will be held at Zov’s Bistro in Orange County on Oct. 22.
Internationally acclaimed, Zov Karamardian has been lauded as “The First
Lady of Food” by OC Metro Magazine.
As a child, Zov spent time in the family kitchen helping her mother and
grandmother cook Armenian dishes. Karamardian was born in Israel and spent
several years in the Middle East before coming to U.S. with her family.
It was during these first years in California that Zov discovered the
talents of Chef Julia Child. Ms. child became an inspiration for the
young Zov who went on to open a catering business from her home. Not
long after, in 1987, she decided to open a restaurant with the blessing
of Gary, her husband. Soon the mom and pop operation grew to be the
award-winning Zov’s Bistro in Tustin.
Her Bistro & Bakery Cafe is open six days a week and serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner to over 1200 patrons a day. Zov teaches classes at her
restaurant as well as at Sur La Table, a national culinary chain. She was
thrilled when she was invited to be a volunteer instructor of culinary
arts to local high school students.
Zov and Gary continue the family tradition by adding to the roster, their
son Armen who is general manager and their daughter Taleene, the director
of catering and special events.
The Karamardian family has raised money for culinary scholarships and
non-profit organizations. They are graciously underwriting the cooking
demonstration and lunch on the 22nd which means the Westside Guild can fund
the Ararat Home in a greater way.
An integral part of the afternoon will take place after lunch when Zov
signs her newly released cookbook, “ZOV: Recipes and Memories from the
Heart.” The book includes some favorite recipes which she cooked when she
was invited to the prestigious James Beard House in New York. She has a
special way to roast Rack of Lamb with Pomegranates, to cook Golden Lentil
Soup, to grill sumac coated Chicken kebab and to combine eggplant and
avocado with cilantro.
Working on the committee is Diana Hekemian, Andrea Fehring, Marilyn
Bradbury, Joan Agajanian Quinn and Barbara Poladian.
Space is limited so guests are asked to make their early reservations with
Louise Arklin at 818-368-3463.
***************************************************************************
5 – L.A. County Supervisors
Back House Resolutions
LOS ANGELES – Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Los
Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved his motion
supporting House Resolution 316 and House Concurrent Resolution 195,
recognizing the Armenian tragedy of 1915-1923 as genocide, and enhancing
genocide awareness.
HR 316 seeks to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States
reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity relating to human rights
and ethnic cleansing associated with the Armenian Genocide.
Also approved by a 35-11 vote was HCR 195 by Cong. Schiff that commemorates
the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and urges the Turkish government to
acknowledge the culpability of the Ottoman Empire and establish
rapprochement with the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people.
The Board of Supervisors will send letters in support of HR 316 and HCR 195
to the leadership of the House, the U.S. Senate, and the California
Congressional delegation.
***************************************************************************
6 – Catholicos Aram I to Visit Fresno, Oct. 10-12
FRESNO – Catholicos Aram I will begin his three-day Pontifical visit to
California’s Central Valley on Oct. 10 with a 5 p.m. Hrashapar and Acha
Hampouyr at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church where he will be
welcomed by Pastor, Rev. Vahan Gosdanian, and the Board of Trustees.
At 6 p.m., the Pontiff will meet with Holy Trinity Youth Group/Sunday
School and local Armenian students at the Church’s gymnasium.
Catholicos Aram I will visit the Fresno City Hall at 8:30 a.m., the
following morning, and meet with various officials. At 9:45 a.m., he will
travel to the Armenian Community School at 1444 Wishon Ave. Later that
morning, the Armenian religious leader will visit the Fresno Pacific
University, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
The Pontifical Banquet will be held the evening of Oct. 11 at the Holy
Trinity Church Hall.
On Oct. 12, the Catholicos will visit a farm (North and Clovis), following
by an 11 a.m. trip to the California Armenian Home. Before his departure,
the Pontiff will visit the First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. First
Avenue.
The public is invited to attend all events. Admission charge for the
Pontifical Banquet at Holy Trinity is $50; 25 and under, $25. Advance
purchase of tickets is required.
For additional information, contact the Holy Trinity Church at (559)
486-1141.
**************************************************************************
7 – Settlement Board Communicates
With Claimants in NY Life Case
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board this week sent
letters and questionnaires to close to 4,000 claimants in the Marootian v.
New York Life Insurance class action case. The letters and questionnaires
will allow those claimants who have already submitted a timely claim the
opportunity to provide additional evidence substantiating their claims.
“These questionnaires will give all claimants a chance to document their
claims fully, so that the Board will have all of the information it needs
to assess the claims,” said Parsegh Kartalian, staff director of the
Settlement Fund Board.
The Marootian case was filed in US District Court by the heirs of Armenians
who had purchased life insurance from New York Life in the Ottoman Empire
prior to 1915. The heirs contended that when the policyholders were
murdered by Turks during the Armenian Genocide, NY Life did not pay the
policy benefits to the victims’ heirs. Last year, lawyers for the heirs
and lawyers for NY Life agreed to a settlement of the class action suit.
Under that settlement, NY Life agreed to pay up to $11 million to the heirs
of the policyholders, together with $3 million to specified Armenian
charities, and $4 million for attorneys’ fees and $2 million for
administrative expenses.
The settlement agreement also provided for creation of an independent
Settlement Fund Board, which is responsible for evaluating all of the
individual claims for payment by the heirs. This independent panel is not
associated with the lawyers for the heirs or New York Life, and instead
reports directly to the U.S. District Court. Appointed by the State
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, the Settlement Fund Board consists
of three members of the Armenian community of Southern California: attorney
and law professor Berj Boyajian; attorney and Burbank Board of Education
President Paul Krekorian; and physician and health care activist Viken
Manjikian. Board members serve without salary and volunteer their time to
ensure that each claim is evaluated fairly and independently.
In June 2005, the Settlement Fund Board opened an office in Los Angeles and
hired claims analysts, led by staff director Kartalian. The Board’s staff
has been engaged in sorting, classifying and organizing the nearly 4,000
claim files that had been received as of the claims deadline, and
organizing the initial communication with the claimants. The staff will
then make initial evaluations of those claims, based on the supplemental
evidence provided by the claimants, and make recommendations to the Board.
The Board ultimately will make the final decisions on each of the claims,
and will distribute the funds after the entire claims review and evaluation
process is completed and after approval of the US District Court.
The Board is making periodic written reports to the Court to ensure that
the public and all interested parties are fully informed of the process.
All of the financial accounting records relating to the Board and its
functions are filed with the Court and are available for review by the
public.
AISF Letters and Questionnaires are posted on the AISF website
ArmenianInsuranceSettlementFund.com. All documents and complete
questionnaires must be sent to the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
Office at: 900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 614, Los Angeles, California
90017, and post-marked no later than November 7, 2005.
If the mailing address or contact information has changed, claimants are
urged to call the AISF Office immediately to update their records. If they
do not, all future correspondence will be sent to the address written on
the notice of claim form. AISF will not be responsible for any lost or
undeliverable mail.
**************************************************************************
8 – Montebello-Stepanakert Sister-City
Association Hosts Inaugural Reception
MONTEBELLO, Calif. – With a flourish, the Montebello-Stepanakert
Sister-City Association held its inaugural reception, Sept. 25 at
Montebello City Hall. The Sunday afternoon event provided not only Armenian
delicacies, wine, dance and music, but also food for thought for the more
than 120 community members who attended.
Raising funds for the upcoming projects planned by the non-profit
Sister-City Association was the objective of the event, organizers said,
but the goal was not monetary.
“We wanted the participation of not only Armenian-Americans, but of the
general population of the city,” said Serge L. Samoniantz, the Committee
Chairman, and the MC for the reception. “We succeeded beyond our
expectations.”
Joining Montebello City Mayor Bill Molinari were Councilpersons Bob Bagwell
and Norma Lopez-Reid – both active members of the Sister-City Committee,
along with Police Chief Garry Couso-Vasquez – and several other officials,
including district representatives from U.S. Congresswoman Grace
Napolitano, and State Assemblyman Ron Calderon.
Also supporting the event with their presence were two Armenian-American
councilmen of neighboring cities: Kirk Cart-zian of Downey, and Martin
Semonoff of Brea.
Before the brief program began, the guests mingled, viewed the extensive
display of photos and rugs from Stepanakert, and tasted the Armenian
delicacies offered in the foyer of the Montebello City Hall.
Samoniantz opened the program by acknowledging the officials present, and
explained the reasons and purpose of the Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City
program. He noted that the program had been initiated by the San Gabriel
Valley Chapter of the Armenian National Committee, with the encouragement
and assistance from the Montebello Armenian Center, as well as the
financial support of the local ARF “Dro” Gomideh.
Detailing the composition of the Sister-City Committee, he observed the
diversity and the breath of support it had secured from the local community
in the short time it had been in existence. “That’s the object of this
sister-city project: bring the community together for the common good.”
Over 24 volunteers from all walks of life participate in the monthly
meetings at the Montebello Armenian Center.
Samoniantz also noted the long and proud history of Armenians in
Montebello, and highlighted the fact that in the mid-sixties, Montebello
was the first, and so far, the only city in the United States, in which a
monument to the 1915 Armenian victims of the Turkish Genocide was erected
on public land. “Montebello became an inseparable part of the Armenian map
then, and the city has justly earned the appreciation of all Armenians for
what it has done.”
Mayor Molinari read and presented the Committee with a proclamation from
the city, and in a pleasant and unexpected surprise, made a personal
contribution of $500 to the Sister-City Committee.
Following the Mayor’s presentation, Montebello businessman Nazareth
Sadorian, the chairman of the non-profit Association, spoke of the great
strides Armenians have made in the city, and their numerous contributions
to local charities and institutions. He also said that the Sister-City
affiliation will allow greater interaction between the city and Armenians
in Stepanakert, broadening the bond between the two.
Also invited to speak was Raffi Hamparian, board member and former chairman
of the Armenian National Committee, Western Region. In his brief yet
powerful address, Hamparian underlined the need for the community to keep
their involvement with each other and the nation at large.
The sister-city affiliation will allow for cultural, educational, health
care and business opportunities between the people of Montebello and the
residents of Stepanakert, who are recovering from their long struggle for
independence from Azerbaijani rule.
Music was provided by Greg Hosharian, and selected female performers from
the San Fernando Valley ‘Nairy” Hamazkayin Chapter presented three short
Armenian dances to the guests.
At the end of the program, three carpets made by the Stepanakert Rug
Factory were auctioned off, with the spirited assistance of Councilperson
Norma Lopez-Reid. The carpets were donated to the Sister-City Committee by
Hovig Mahseredjian, owner of Hye Keer, of Reseda, Calif. He privatized the
Rug factory in 1999, the first such privatization in Karabagh, and now
provides employment for 50 families in the area.
Capping off the program, Samoniantz invited all the guests to attend the
Montebello City Council meeting on Oct. 26, starting at 7 p.m., where the
councilmembers will formally vote for the affiliation with the City of
Stepanakert.
************************************************************************
9 – UAF’s 135th Airlift Delivers
$1.8 Million of Aid to Armenia
GLENDALE – The United Armenian Fund’s 135th airlift arrived in Yerevan on
September 30, delivering 1.8 million of humanitarian assistance.
The UAF itself collected ($712,
000) of medicines and medical supplies for this flight, almost all of it
donated by the Catholic Medical Mission Board.
Other organizations which contributed goods for this airlift were:
Mekhitarist Congregation of Armenian Fathers ($684,000); Nork Marash
Medical Center ($86,000); Shushi Music School Society ($43,000); Armenian
American Cultural Association ($43,000); Foundation Semra ($33,000) and
Fund for Armenian Relief ($32,000).
Also contributing to this airlift were: Howard Karagheusian Commemorative
Corp. ($23,000); Armenian Missionary Association of America ($20,000);
Armenian General Benevolent Union ($13,000); Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church ($12,000) and AmeriCares ($12,000).
Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $415 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia on board 135 airlifts and 1,237 sea containers.
The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of
America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the
Lincy Foundation.
For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific Avenue,
Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
***************************************************************************
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Zaman, Turkey
Oct 2 2005

Arab Media: ‘Rejection of Turkey Shows Crusader Logic Still
Continues’

By Ali Ihsan Aydin

The Arab media is also discussing whether or not Turkey will start
membership negotiations with the European Union (EU).

Algeria’s La Tribune newspaper editor-in-chief Abdelkerim Ghezali
told Zaman that EU’s rejection of Turkey, although it has fulfilled
all the criteria, will definitely show that Europe still has not
overcome its `Crusader and Medieval’ logic. Ghezali noted EU’s
starting negotiations with a Muslim country even though it would last
for a very long period, was very significant for the Muslim world.
Algerian journalist, claiming the main reason behind problematic
attitudes of some EU members, including France, against Turkey was
based on cultural and religious concerns, indicated it is a big
paradox that the disappearance of ‘European humanism’ comes to the
agenda when Turkey is the subject matter. Ghezali, asserting these
countries perceive Muslims as a’ threat,’ continued: `Based on what
grounds would they reject Turkey’s membership if it has already
fulfilled all the criteria? Is it religion, race, or culture?
Prevention of Turkey will show that the EU can not overcome the clash
of civilizations phobia and Crusader logic yet. Moreover, concerns
regarding racism will increase.’ Ghezali, reminding Turkey is a big
power in the region, maintained Turks should also trust themselves.

Tunisian weekly magazine Tunis Hebdo’s editor-in-chief Tahar Selmi
said Turkey’s start of membership negotiations with the EU will be a
mediating factor between Europe and Islam. Selmi stressed that the EU
has always behaved hesitantly towards the 70-million populated
Turkey, 99 percent of which is Muslim, and this mostly stemmed from
religious motives. Selmi, indicating former French President Valery
Giscard d’Estaing had openly described the EU as a `Christian Club,’
argued that denial of Turkey would prove this hypothesis.

Egypt’s Al Watan Al Arabiya newspaper editor-in-chief Ahmed Vecdi
commented on the issue as: `Europe raises several problems in order
to not accept Turkey to the membership. The latest EP decision on the
Armenian issue is one of them. Turkey’s place is absolutely Europe.
Turkey will be the interception point of different civilizations. If
Europe accepts Turkey, it will show that it is not solely a Christian
entity. If Turkey integrates with the EU, it will both become the
most powerful country of the Islamic world and introduce the Islamic
culture to Europe.’

A1+

| 21:36:16 | 29-09-2005 | Official |

RA AND GEORGIAN PREMIERS MET

Today the Georgian delegation headed by Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli
arrived in Yerevan on two-day visit. The meeting of the Prime Ministers of
both states has already taken place.

The parties positively assessed the active dialogue on Georgia’s state debt
to Armenia. Andranik Margaryan expressed satisfaction with the opening of
ferry communication between the ports of Caucasus and Poti. In this context
the Armenian Prime Minister reiterated Armenia’s position on opening of the
Abkhazian sector of the Georgian railway, what in his words, will be more
efficient from economic viewpoint.

The interlocutors also touched upon the current situation in Javakhk and
stressed the importance of elaboration and implementation of programs aimed
at improvement of the social and economic situation in the region. Andranik
Margaryan confirmed the position of the RA government to cooperate with the
Georgian authorities on the issue.

The parties also touched upon the construction of the
Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi railway, establishment of the Georgian-Armenian
University, construction of schools in Javakhk, development of cooperation
and a number of issues of mutual interest.

The meeting was followed by the fourth sitting of the Armenian-Georgian
interparliamentary commission on economic affairs.

BRUSSELS’ SINCERITY ON TURKEY’S EU MEMBERSHIP

Journal of Turkish Weekly
Sept 28 2005

The European Parliament called Turkey to recognize the Armenian
allegations before the EU talks. The EP lawmakers issued a nonbinding
resolution saying recognition of the killings as genocide should be a
prerequisite for Turkey to join the EU. The MEPs, and parliamentarians
in the national parliaments in the EU spend hours and hours on
the 1915 events. The French Prime Minister, Austrian CUD leader
and many more EU politicians focus on the 1915 Armenian Relocation
Campaign and try to force Turkey to recognize the Armenian ‘genocide’
allegations. If you read the European newspapers, you may think
that the Armenian issue is the most vital problem of the European
peoples. However all the thingshappened during the First World
War before the EU and Turkey. It was Ottoman Empire years, and it
is really difficult to understand the connection between Turkey’s
EU talks and the 1915 Relocation Campaign. One may argue that the
European politicians are very sensitive about the human rights abuses
during the war and conflicts. However the same European politicians
say nothing about the Armenian occupation in Azerbaijan. Almost 20
percent of Azerbaijan has been under Armenian occupation for more
than a decade. About 1 million Azerbaijanis have been refugees, worst
than the Bosnian tragedy. Thousands of Algerians were massacred by
France forces, many were tortured, yet the French politicians refuse
to apologize from Algerian people. Paris is even reluctant to admit
1945 Massacres. French Prime Minister says “let’s leave all these
issues to the historians. This is not our business but historians'”.

However the same French leaders urge Turkey to take political
decisions. Turkey called Armenia to establish a joint committee to
discuss the historical disputes, but Yerevan strongly rejected the
offer. No EU leader did make any pressure on Yerevan to shift the
Armenia’s decision.

Many Turkish Cypriots were massacred in Cyprus during the 1960s
but the European parliamentarians do not ask anything about that to
their Greek Cypriots MEP sitting near them. The EU accepted the Greek
side as the only representative of the island though there are two
societies and two different states on the island. And now they ask
Turkey to recognize the Greek Cyprus as the only Cyprus Government.

They created the problem and they expect Turkey to solve it by
sacrificing Turkish Cypriots.

It is obvious that the European politicians are not sincere enough in
both Armenian and Cyprus issues. There could be two reasons for their
partial attitudes: First they are very sensitive on the Christians’
problems and they simply ignore the Muslims in Europe. As a matter
of fact that there is no significant differences between Greek
and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus but religion. The EU accepted the
Christian Cypriots and kept the Muslims ones outside. Similarly when
the Christian Armenians massacred the Muslims during the First World
War and during the Karabakh War no EU parliamentarian condemned the
Armenians. The Armenian warriors committed a genocide in Khocali,
and the Armenian ASALA terrorists massacred more than 40 Turkish
diplomats during the 1970s and 1980s, and the European parliaments
just focus on the Armenian casualties of almost a century ago.

If the EU politicians are not racist or religiously-discriminative
they should be anti-Turkish. In that case they give no importance to
the Greeks or the Armenians but they simply do not want to see Turkey
inside. If this is the case, the anti-Turkish EU politicians abuses
the Greek and Armenian problems.

If the EU wants to be a superpower, the EU should be based on universal
values. The EU leaders and politicians should at least be honest and
sincere. They should not hide behind the Cyprus and Armenian problems.

Please remember, not the Ottoman Empire but Turkey is the candidate
for the EU, and you are not the MPs of European imperialism but of the
modern European Union. By sabotaging Turkey’s EU talk, the anti-Turkish
groups also undermines the EU’s interests, and ethnic-religious harmony
in the EU countries. More than 15 million Muslim EU citizens and all of
the Muslim world are aware of these dirty plays. You deceive nobody. By
the way the EU’s double standards and politic games to prevent Turkey’s
membership by indirect ways will cheer up Osame Bin Laden. He knows
that he can abuse the differences between civilizations as far as the
EU continues to its existing policies towards the Euro Muslims. There
are 5 Muslim states in the EU and none of them is EU member.

BAYBURDIAN INSTIGATES HATRED BETWEEN ARMENIANS AND GEORGIANS, COA OF JAVAKHK DECLARES

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005

AKHALKALAK, SEPTEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Council
of Armenian NGOs of Samtskhe-Javakhk made a statement, in which it
opposed the statements of Deputy of Georgian parliament Van Bayburdian
in connection with the third public forum of Samtskhe-Javakhk held
on September 24 in Akhalkalak.

In particular, Van Bayburdian expressed an opinion that the proposal
made by the forum regarding giving autonomy to Javakhk is ungrounded
and the Georgian power gave all authorities for ruling on the spot
to Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda.

Blaming Van Bayburdian for “incompetent statements and indecent”
steps, the Council of Armenian NGOs of Samtskhe-Javakhk persuades him
to study the Georgian legislation and then declare what authorities
Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda have. “Van Bayburdian must also know that
the resolution adopted by the forum refers to all the settlements of
Samtskhe-Javakhk and Kvemo-Kartli populated with Armenians and not
only to 2 regions,” the statement spread by the A-Info agency read.

The Council highlighted that the resolution adopted by the third public
forum of Samtskhe-Javakhk suggests giving such a status to Javakhk
in Georgian state structure which is suggested to South Ossetia by
the Georgian authorities. “If the authorities are ready to give the
widest autonomy to 40 thousand Ossetians living in South Ossetia, so
150-200 thousand Armenians living compactly in Georgia also deserve
autonomy, especially as they have always observed the laws and never
raised arms against the state,” the document read.

The Council is convinced that the bases of complicated situation in
Javakhk are mainly and first of all political and “in this respect
also Van Bayburdian living far from Javakhk and being unaware of
Javakhk problems misunderstood the situation.”

“It’s still obscure how the person praising Shevardnadze’s power and
considering it irreplaceable since the days of Soviet Georgia, appeared
in independent Georgia in Sahakashvili’s team having overthrown the
very Shevardnadze. The Council is convinced that Van Bayburdian is
a puppet in the hands of some dark forces and proceeding from his
own interests he can instigate destabilization of the situation and
hatred in Armenian-Georgian friendship,” the statement read.