Author: Jabejian Elizabeth

"BUDGET NOT MISSION BUT AFTERMATH OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT"

Panorama.am
19:32 22/10/2008

International operations don’t threaten the economy of Armenia;
Government’s activities do threaten it, said Andranik Tevanyan,
the director of "Politeconomy" political, economic, legal survey
institute in a press conference.

"We are a consumer country. The prices of some goods are reduced in the
international market but not in our country. If we have free economic
cooperation and not monopolies, the prices could become lower in our
country also. State is not willing to compete against that system as
it is closely connected with business," he said.

A. Tevanyan said that of course the state should fight against economy
under shadow, but they should start from the highest rank and not
from the lowest one.

RA PRESIDENT: SECURITY BODIES AND INTELLIGENCE SERVICES COUNCIL ONE OF CIS MOST EFFICIENT STRUCTURES

PanARMENIAN.Net
22.10.2008 14:22 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met Wednesday
with participants of the session of the CIS council of security bodies
and intelligence services.

The President assessed the meeting positively and stressed the
importance of data exchange and implementation of joint programs.

"The world is changing rapidly, bringing forth new challenges. So,
the tasks the security bodies are charged with are changing as
well. Regular contacts between security bodies will help combat new
challenges," he said. "The council of security bodies and intelligence
services is one of the CIS most efficient structures," he added.

For his part, chairman of the CIS council of security bodies and
intelligence services, general Alexander Bortnikov briefed on the
issues discussed during the council’s 25th session.

FAITHFUL CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL IN NEW YORK
by Florence Avakian

Armenian Reporter

http://www.reporte r.am/index.cfm?objectid=235C3AF0-3FF3-752C-2569048 AC39B0F21
October 22, 2008
Armenia

Abp. Khajag Barsamian blesses the faithful in a procession through
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at the start of the Divine Liturgy,
celebrated on Oct. 12 on the occasion of the cathedral’s 40th
anniversary.

New York – It was more than 80 years ago that dedicated survivors
of the Armenian Genocide conceived the idea of having an Armenian
cathedral in New York City. The visionary and far-sighted idea came
to fruition 40 years ago, in 1968.

On Sunday, October 12, in a gala ceremony honoring the close to 300
founders, planners, organizers, and workers, both living and deceased,
were honored during the Divine Liturgy at that cathedral, St. Vartan,
and at a celebratory luncheon.

"Our people left their homes which they lost in the Genocide, but they
never lost their deep faith," said Archbishop Khajag ­Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

"They made it a true sanctuary of God, not only for themselves, but
for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. It’s the
legacy for all of us, and we thank God and those visionary people."

Just returned from ­Etchmiadzin, from where he brought back newly
consecrated Holy Muron, the Primate noted that the holy oil which is
the "sign of the Holy Spirit" will be distributed to the 43 parishes
of the Eastern Diocese by 66 young people representing those churches.

A church for all "Muron symbolizes how we are connected to each
other. The Armenian church is a church of engagement also for the
community," the Primate related. "We are not only a church for
Armenians, but also a church of the community," he said, recalling
how hundreds of people streamed into St. Vartan Cathedral following
September 11, 2001.

The eventful day had begun with the Primate accompanied by more
than two dozen priests and deacons entering the packed St. ­Vartan
Cathedral to the majestic hymn, "Hrashapar." During the service, a
special encyclical from Catholicos Karekin II was read by Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian. The liturgy was sung by a combined choir with
singers from St. Vartan Cathedral, and churches in New York, New
Jersey, and Connecticut, under the direction of St. Vartan Cathedral
choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian. Accompanying on the organ were the
Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, and Florence Avakian.

Following a requiem service for the deceased founders of St. Vartan
Cathedral, 66 young people from 43 parishes approached the altar two
by two, in an inspiring ceremony, receiving flasks of the Holy Muron,
which they will deliver to their home parishes. The day before, Very
Rev. Daniel Findikian, rector of St. Nersess Armenian Theological
Seminary, had held a training session with the youth, explaining the
significance of the Holy Muron, and how to receive it.

Day of celebration continues The day of celebration continued
with a gala luncheon in Kavookjian Auditorium, with close to 500
in attendance, including Armenia’s permanent representative to the
United Nations, Amb. Armen Martirosyan.

Following the singing of the U.S. and Armenian national anthems
by the St. Vartan Choir, and an invocation by Archbishop Gizirian,
Rev. Father Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, introduced
the two young emcees, Gregory Andonian, a seminarian at St. Nersess
seminary, and Anoush Varjabedian, a graduate student at Harvard
University. "These talented individuals are two beneficiaries of this
visionary dream which became a reality for all future generations,"
he said.

The chairperson of the Diocesan Council, Oscar Tatosian, offering two
toasts, one to St. Vartan Cathedral, and one to the Primate, remarked
that "we can always see the kmpet (dome) of St. Vartan Cathedral,
but we don’t see the foundation. But that foundation is rock solid."

Ambassador Martirosyan, in bringing good wishes from Armenia and
its people, called St. Vartan Cathedral "our new home here in New
York." He paid tribute to the "wisdom and virtue of the founders to
whom we owe so much. The cathedral is not just a building, but rather
a key center of leadership. It is necessary to protect our national
values and interests."

The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the tireless
direction of Seta Paskalian­-­Kantardjian, offered a spirited and
exuberant performance of several dance numbers with both the adult
and young members of the troupe, bringing on a standing ovation by
the attendees.

An inspiring seven-minute video showing the making of the Holy Muron
in Etchmiadzin, which takes place every seven years, allowed the
audience, though thousands of miles away, to witness and be part of
this sacred ceremony.

In his closing message and benediction, Archbishop Barsamian called
St. Vartan Cathedral "the home of God, of prayer, of the Armenian
spirit, of the Armenian translators, and of culture. He recalled
that a special evening of art and music had been celebrated at the
cathedral for this 40th birthday on June 19, and expressed special
appreciation to the two co-chairs of the Fortieth Anniversary
Committee, Lynn Beylerian and Sandra Shahinian Leitner, as well as
to all who participated in the day of celebration.

The Primate then presented the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Award to
three of the Cathedral godfathers who were present, ­Nazar Nazarian,
Vahan (Vay) Najarian, and Alex Dadourian who accepted the honor also
for his father Dadour and brother Haig, who were godfathers.

In another special tribute, the Primate presented an encyclical and
medal from the Catholicos to each of four extraordinary artists who
have donated their unique talents to the Diocese and church during
the past forty years – celebrated ­Metropolitan Opera divas Lucine
Amara and Lili Chookasian, famed concert violinist Anahid Ajemian, and
stage and screen legend Kay Armen, who was unable to be present. "We
are one family, one Armenian family," he said in conclusion. The
memorable event ended with the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present.

For artist Mirian Attarian, the day had been "like a beautiful family
reunion. It was especially sweet to name those we have known over
the years, and who have been so important for us."

Longtime TV columnist for the NY Daily News George Maksian, who had
organized the two musical galas for the St. Vartan Cathedral’s 25th
anniversary, and who was thanked for his tireless work by the Primate
during the dinner, commented that it was a "wonderful event. I’m
happy that they honored our artists."

–Boundary_(ID_1+I+CdJ+dtGXJmnGzrY Xbg)–

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT LAID WREATH TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.10.2008 13:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Currently in Yerevan on formal visit, Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev laid a wreath to the Armenian Genocide
Memorial this morning.

He also attended the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute and planted a
fir on the Memory Alley, next to the firs planted by Vladimir Putin,
Pope John Paul II and Baroness Caroline Cox.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN YEREVAN TODAY

ArmInfo
2008-10-20 11:12:00

ArmInfo. President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev arrives in Yerevan
this evening.

The official two-day visit of the Russian president will be held on
invitation of President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. D. Medvedev will
leave Armenia on October 21.

AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS AND EMBASSY STAFF LEND A HAND IN VOSKEVAZ

armradio.am
18.10.2008 13:30

A team of US embassy staffers came together with the volunteers of
Global Builders’ Program of Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA)
in Voskevaz village, Aragatsotn region, to help construct a house
for a local family. Lilit Asatryan, President of the Armenian Young
Women’s Association, Country Director of Armenian Assembly of America
also participated in the activity at the building site.

The volunteers joined hands to help the Manukyans – a family with 3
sons. In 2005, their dream to own a house seemed to be so close when
they were able to purchase a piece of land. But after getting married
in 1996, Vardan Manukyan and his family had to move into his parents’
home where his brother’s family was also living. Only love and respect
made it possible for everyone to get along in the overcrowded, 60
square meter house with no bathroom.

The family saved hard from Vardan’s income from wood-cutting and
family’s profit from selling strawberries and grapes in order to buy
a piece of land. Vardan started to build his house with the help of
his brothers and worked with such zeal that they would have finished
in two months had they not run out of funds after putting on the roof.

They did not want to delay their move, however, and decided to live
in the unfinished house20with bare walls, undone floor, no bathroom
and kitchen, hopeful that they could complete the house little by
little. But despite their best efforts, progress was slow and very
many years would have been required to finish the work.

Thanks to the assistance of Fuller Centre for Housing Armenia,
generous donors and volunteers the Manukyans and their three sons
will greet the New Year in a safe, healthy house. The volunteers
participated in the project to highlight their strong commitment and
attention to issues confronting the Armenian nation and to provide
a model of volunteerism. They hope to demonstrate a new way of for
Armenian and American people to cooperate and show their friendship
while encouraging more volunteers to join the organization and mission.

CONGRATULATORY ADDRESS OF THE NKR PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN…

Azat Artsakh Daily
17 Oct 08
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

Dear the newlywed, Dear compatriots,

Today we join you in an event, which turned into a national
celebration, because it was the organizers’ wish – to do everything
possible to pass the festive mood to us.This celebration is
unprecedented by its form, content and meaning. We demonstrate
our attitude towards universal values and principles, give great
importance to the family’s role and significance in our life.Great
Karabagh wedding is a good way to immortalize our perished people
and the best present to those, who is now on defensive positions
and ensures the security of our homeland. This is a continuation of
traditions and respect towards a family, which we inherited from our
ancestors.Dear friends, I would like to express deep gratitude to the
sponsors and organizers of this event, to all those who contributed to
this important undertaking. Dear the newlywed, I cordially congratulate
you beeing sure, that children’s laugh will indicate the prosperity
of our land and people, and through our strong familis lies the road
to eternity.

FORWARD TO THE PAST: RUSSIA, TURKEY, AND ARMENIA’S FAITH
By Raffi K. Hovannisian

Lragir
12:08:28 – 17/10/2008

The recent race of strategic realignments reflects a real crisis in
the world order and risks a dangerous recurrence of history. Suffice
the testimony of nearly all global and regional actors, which have
quickly shifted their gears and ushered in a new cycle of reassessment
of interests and, to that end, a diversification of policy priorities
and political partnerships.

It matters little whether this geopolitical scramble was directly
triggered by the Russian-Georgian conflagration and the derivative
collapse of standing paradigms for the Caucasus, or whether it
crowned latently simmering scenarios in the halls of international
power. The fact is that the great game–for strategic resources,
control over communications and routes of transit, and long-term
leverage–is on again with renewed vigor, self-serving partisanship,
and duplicitous entanglement.

One of the signals of this unbrave new world is the apparent reciprocal
rediscovery of Russia and Turkey. Whatever its motivations and
manifestations, Turkey’s play behind the back of its transatlantic
bulwark and Russia’s dealings at the expense of its "strategic ally"
raise the specter of history’s return, recalling the days more
than 85 years ago when Bolshevik Russia and Nationalist Turkey,
not contenting themselves with the legacy of the great Genocide and
National Dispossession of 1915, partitioned the Armenian homeland in
Molotov-Ribbentrop fashion and to its fatal future detriment.

Mountainous Karabagh, or Artsakh in Armenian, was one of the
territorial victims of this 1921 plot of the pariahs, as it was placed
under Soviet Azerbaijani suzerainty together with Nakhichevan. The
latter province of the historical Armenian patrimony was subsequently
cleansed of its Armenian plurality and even of its Armenian cultural
heritage, the most contemporary evidence of which was the Azerbaijani
Republic’s (a Council of Europe member-state) total, Taliban-style
annihilation in December 2005 of the medieval cemetery and thousands
of Armenian cross-stones at Jugha.

Mountainous Karabagh, by way of exception, was able to turn the tide
on a past of genocide, dispossession, occupation and partition, as
it defended its identity, integrity, and territory against foreign
aggression and in 1991 declared its liberty, decolonization, and
sovereignty–long before Kosovo, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia became
current–in compliance with the Montevideo standards of conventional
international law and with the controlling domestic legislation of
the Soviet Union.

Subsequent international practice on the recognition of Kosovo,
and later of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, demonstrates that in this
world there exists no real rule of law–applied evenly across the
board–but rather th e rule of vital interests that are conveniently
couched under the selectively-interpreted guise of international legal
principles of choice and of exclusivist distinctions of fact which,
in fact, make no difference.

It’s time to face the farce.

That goes for Moscow and Ankara too. Judging from the contemporary
pronouncements of their high-level officials, they still don’t get it.

And if they are driven by need for a strategic new compact, then
at least their partners on the world stage should reshift their
gears and calculate their policy alternatives accordingly. Iran, the
United States and its European allies might find here an objective
intersection of their concerns.

Russia and Turkey must never again find unity of purpose at the expense
of Armenia and the Armenian people. The track record of genocide,
exile, death camps and gulags is enough for all of history.

These two important countries, as partners both real and potential,
must respect the Armenian nation’s tragic history, its sovereign
integrity and modern regional role, and Mountainous Karabagh’s
lawfully-gained freedom and independence.

Football diplomacy is fine, but Turkey can assume the desired new
level of global leadership and local legitimacy only by dealing with
Armenia from a "platform" of good faith and reconciliation through
truth; lifting its illegal blockade of the Republic and opening
the frontier which it uni laterally closed, instead of using it
as a bargaining tool; establishing diplomatic relations without
preconditions and working through that relationship to build mutual
confidence and give resolution to the many watershed issues dividing
the two neighbors; accepting and atoning, in the brilliant example
of postwar Germany, for the first genocide of the 20th century and
the national dispossession that attended it; committing to rebuild,
restore, and then celebrate the Armenian national heritage from Mt.

Ararat and the medieval capital city of Ani to the vast array of
churches, monasteries, schools, academies, fortresses, and other
cultural treasures of the ancestral Armenian homelands; initiating and
bringing to fruition a comprehensive program to guarantee the right
of secure voluntary return for the progeny and descendants of the
dispossessed to their places and properties of provenance; providing
full civil, human, and religious rights to the Armenian community of
Turkey, including completely doing away with the infamous Article 301
which has served for so long as an instrument of fear, suppression, and
even death with regard to those courageous citizens of good conscience
who dare to proclaim the historical fact of genocide; and finally
exercising greater circumspection in voicing incongruous and unfounded
allegations of "occupation" in the context of Mountainous Karabagh’s
David-and-Goliath struggle for life and justice, lest someone remind
it about more appropriate and more proximate applications of that term.

As for Russia, true strategic allies consult honestly with each other
and coordinate their policies pursuant to their common interests; they
do not address one another by negotiating adverse protocols with third
parties at each other’s back, they do not posture against each other
in public or in private, and they do not try to intimidate, arm-twist,
or otherwise pressure each other via the press clubs and newspapers
of the world. Russia as well must deal with Armenia in good faith,
recognizing the full depth and breadth of its national sovereignty
and the horizontal nature of their post-Soviet rapport, its right to
seek and realize a balanced, robust, and integral foreign policy, as
well as the non-negotiability–for any reason, including the sourcing
and supervision of Azerbaijani oil–of Mountainous Karabagh’s liberty,
security, and self-determination.

Official Yerevan, of course, must also step up to undertake its share
of responsibility for creating a region of peace and shared stability,
mutual respect and open borders, domestic democracy and international
cooperation.

An ancient civilization with a new state, Armenia’s national interests
in the new era can best be served by achieving in short order a
republic run by the rule of law and due process, an abiding respect
for fundamental freedoms, good governance, and fair election s. These,
sadly, have not been the case to date.

Armenia requires the real deal, and forthwith. But history as witness,
it can and will no longer play the fool…or the victim.

PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDER FROM US REPUBLICAN PARTY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmInfo
2008-10-17 10:50:00

ArmInfo. A Republican John McCain has become the first presidential
contender of the USA over the last 20 years who publicly speaks
against recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Article "The Armenian
Problem of John McCain", published in ‘The Atlantic Monthly’, says.

According to the publication, J. McCain has repeatedly spoken against
adoption of the Resolution on the ‘Armenian Genocide’. ‘The fact that
John McCain sticks to the position of the Cold War times, according
to which Turkey is an invaluable ally of the USA which we have no
right to offend’ is very dangerous, Chairman of the organization
‘Armenians for Obama’ Aren Ibranosyan said. Some representatives of
the USA Armenian community, being members of the Republican party,
think that a presidential contender from democrats Barack Obama, who
promised to recognize the Armenian Genocide in case he is elected,
will breach is promise like George Bush did. However, Obama’s
supporters claim of his sincerity and mark how attentively Barack
Obama treats the problems of the Armenian community of the USA. The
organization ‘Armenians for Obama’ intends to carry out a work with
the USA Armenian Diaspora, familiarize the Armenian voters of the
USA with the differences of the positions of J. McCain and B. Obama.

NEWS: ‘MARGARET GARNER’ BUILDS A BRIDGE BETWEEN OPERA, BLACKS
By Mark Stryker, [email protected]

Detroit Free Press
October 16, 2008
United States

When "Margaret Garner" receives its world premiere next week at the
Detroit Opera House, African Americans will have the rare chance
to see an opera forged from the marrow of their history, minus the
racial stereotypes that remain the Achilles’ heel of George Gershwin’s
"Porgy and Bess."

Inspired by a true story, composer Richard Danielpour and Nobel
Prize-winning author Toni Morrison tell the tale of a fugitive
slave who kills her children in order to save them from a return to
bondage. The A-list creative team and cast, including mezzo-soprano
Denyce Graves, has the opera world buzzing. But the opera is also
galvanizing newcomers and financial supporters within Detroit’s
black community.

Critics will debate the artistic success of "Margaret Garner" beginning
on opening night, but in terms of outreach and bridge-building,
the opera is already a hit.

"We’re in a city that’s more than 80 percent African American, so
if we’re going to be an opera company in this metropolitan area,
we have to do things that invites that community to be involved with
the art form," says David DiChiera, general director of the Michigan
Opera Theatre.

DiChiera says he has always believed that a night at the opera can
celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of a city and build bridges
into the community out of the scaffolding of art. "Margaret Garner"
stands as a monument to his vision.

"Opera is a perfect vehicle to involve people in something that
reflects their culture because it combines music, narrative, theater
and visuals," he says. "So many operas in so many countries have been
based on historical or mythological subjects and styles that reflect
those cultures."

Despite a history of world-class African-American opera stars, opera
audiences remain overwhelmingly white. Economic and cultural factors
and the historical shadows of elitism and racism are blamed for the
low attendance.

A 1999 study said MOT’s audience was 8 percent black. Company officials
estimate the number has increased to 12 percent today – three times
the national average of 4 percent measured by a 2002 study by the
National Endowment for the Arts.

Strong anecdotal evidence suggests MOT’s audiences are more diverse
ethnically than those in most opera companies. Experts cite 30 years
of outreach – from casting minority singers to producing rare operas
like the Armenian national opera "Anoush" and Scott Joplin’s ragtime
opera "Treemonisha"- as a reason for MOT’s relative success.

"MOT has done as much as any opera company in serving its entire
community and involving leaders from various communities in Detroit to
participate in the life of the company," says Marc Scorca, president
of Opera America, a service group in Washington, D.C.

In honor of "Margaret Garner," Opera America’s annual national
conference will be in Detroit next week. The theme is diversity.

MOT has partnered with more than a dozen African-American churches,
fraternities, sororities and service groups to raise awareness of
and sell hundreds of tickets to "Margaret Garner." Meanwhile, a
fund-raising committee, chaired by MOT board member Betty Brooks, an
African American, has raised nearly $1.2 million of the production’s
$2-million budget.

Much of the money has come from large corporations, but MOT has
raised tens of thousands of dollars from black-owned businesses and
African Americans like Odell Jones III, who owns Jomar Building Co. in
Detroit. Jones donated $25,000 to underwrite a school curriculum
guide about the opera.

Jones was struck by the parallel between Margaret Garner’s
doomed aspirations for her children and the despair felt by some
poverty-stricken mothers in Detroit. "I think this will be a true
and moving story, and I think it was important to be a part of it,"
he says.

On another front, the Detroit chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, an
African-American service sorority, bought 105 discounted tickets to
resell to members to raise money for scholarships. Many of these will
go to people attending their first opera, including teenagers.

"We want to promote our history and understanding of our own stories,"
says sorority member Marcia Jackson.

If "Margaret Garner" allows African Americans to see themselves on
stage, the opera will offer others a window into their neighbors’
cultural heritage. Still, while the story is rooted in slavery,
Danielpour and Morrison have tried to avoid a civics lesson set to
music, aiming instead for universal themes of freedom, a mother’s
love and familial conflict. The creators see the opera as a vessel
for healing.

Strengthening community ties Diversity has been a way of life at MOT
since its founding in 1971. To deepen ties with local ethnic groups,
DiChiera has programmed 19th- and 20th-Century European nationalist
operas, including the American premieres of "Anoush" and the Polish
opera "Haunted Castle." Each time, DiChiera turned to the Armenian
and Polish communities to drive fund-raising.

MOT has always championed African-American singers. Kathleen Battle
made her professional operatic debut in Detroit in 1975, and DiChiera
says that if he has a choice between two equally qualified singers
and one is an African American, that’s who he casts.

MOT has staged four productions of "Porgy and Bess" as well as
"Treemonisha," but the American canon is woefully lacking in operas
rooted in the black experience. DiChiera wanted to fill the void.

"Margaret Garner" came to his attention when Graves told him about the
project in 1999. DiChiera was intrigued, especially by the marriage
of Danielpour – a lyrical, singer-friendly composer – and Morrison,
a world-class novelist graced by celebrity glitter. But when an
African-American friend expressed concern about a work mired in the
ugliness of slavery, DiChiera grew worried.

He did not want to be viewed as a patronizing white knight, and vowed
not to produce the opera without broad support. DiChiera convened a
retreat, inviting three dozen community leaders, most of them black,
as well as Danielpour.

Planting a seed "Some people didn’t want to open up the wounds,"
remembers Brooks, head of the fund-raising committee. But in the end,
the group reached a consensus that the opera told an important story
about history, survival, cultural memory and love.

MOT still faces the post-"Margaret Garner" challenge of luring
first-time black patrons back for standard fare. Brooks insists
that if "Margaret Garner" is effective musically and dramatically,
newcomers will return for operas without specifically black themes.

Once the seed is planted, anything can happen. Remember Jones, who
donated $25,000 for a "Margaret Garner" curriculum guide? He met
DiChiera as a 14-year-old in the lobby of Music Hall, where DiChiera
had booked jazz singer Cleo Laine. DiChiera noticed the star-struck
Jones after the show and took him backstage to meet Laine.

Jones never forgot the gesture and kept tabs on DiChiera as he built
MOT. Jones sprouted a fondness for opera and began attending MOT
productions. Now at 50, he has the means to donate $25,000.

When MOT builds bridges to the opera house, it’s people like Jones
who walk across the expanse.