Author: Karagyozian Lena

SEYRAN OHANYAN: CSTO OBLIGED TO RENDER MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA IN CASE OF MILITARY AGGRESSION AGAINST OUR COUNTRY

ArmInfo.
2009-12-16 10:51:00

ArmInfo. CSTO obliged under the alliance treaty with Armenia to render
military assistance to our country in case of military aggression,
Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan says in an interview with
Yerevan-based Azg newspaper.

"This is the response to the question if the CSTO will support
Armenia in case of war with Azerbaijan since we are a member of that
organization unlike Azerbaijan. In addition, a country that wants
to war never declares about its intention beforehand. Therefore, the
militarist statements by the Azerbaijani authorities are senseless. As
regards the Azerbaijani president’s call for war, the president of a
country must always rule out the settlement of the problem by force
preferring peace methods in compliance with the International Law,"
the minister says.

The minister said Armenia’s surveys show that Azerbaijan is not ready
for war yet. Nevertheless, the Armenian army must be ready for war.

"Even if Azerbaijan unleashes war, we will not only make a proper
counterblow but will do much more if need arises," he said.

RA MINISTRY OF FINANCE: 10 AUDITORS OBTAINED QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATES IN ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
16.12.2009 17:24 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Ministry of Finance of Armenia published the
results of regular qualifying examinations for auditors.

10 out of 15 applicants passed the exams and were awarded qualification
certificates by Auditors’ Qualification Commission.

During 2009, 16 qualifying examinations for auditors were held and
112 auditor certificates were granted, the Ministry’s press office
reported.

As of 16 December, 232 auditors have qualification certificates
in Armenia.

"ARMENIAN-INDIAN ITT STUDY CENTER" WILL FUNCTION IN YEREVAN IN 2010

ARMENPRESS
DECEMBER 16, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: "Armenian-Indian ITT Study Center"
will function in Yerevan in 2010. The works on establishing the
center are being carried out within the framework of the agreement,
signed between Armenian and Indian governments, which is called to
boost bilateral cooperation between the two countries in information
and telecommunication technology spheres. From Armenia the works are
coordinated by the "Enterprises Incubator Foundation" and from India by
"Calculating Leading Developments Center."

Armenian Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan said today at a meeting
with reporters that the IT sphere is one of the developing branches of
economy in the two countries and in case of exchange of experience,
knowledge, serious success may be achieved. He considered not less
important the Diaspora of the two countries which is an important
factor in the development of IT sphere.

According to Yeritsyan, the center will be created in the Yerevan
State University but will be available for all the researchers. It will
create a platform for expanding the business-university ties, exchange
of specialists. It is technically equipped and will have difficult
programs which will allow solving complicated scientific-research
issues.

Indian ambassador to Armenia Achal Kumar Malhotra noted that during
the last 20 years in the ITT sphere their country registered a notable
progress. "This project is a part of policy adopted by the Indian
government – exchange of experience with developing countries. We are
ready to be reliable partner for Armenia, we want to boost bilateral
relations more. I am completely sure that with the support of the
minister this project will be implemented in the planned timeframe
and will have a long life," the ambassador said.

Director of the "Enterprises Incubator Foundation" Bagrat Yengibaryan
noted that in January 2010 Armenian professors will leave for India for
training after which they will conduct training classes for the local
specialists in Armenia. Besides three specialists from India will be
in Armenia for a year and support in the creation and consolidation
of the center.

SEVAK ARTSRUNI: VAHAGN IS GOING TO WIN

Lragir.am
16/12/09

Three important events took place related to Chakhalyan case as well
as in general the problems of the Armenians from Javakhk, said the
head of the Yerkir union Sevak Artsruni.

First was the letter of the Yerkir union addressed to the EU special
representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby in connection with
one of his interviews where he said that the national minorities of
Georgia have social and economic development problems. According to
Artsruni, this does not totally reflect the reality but the important
is that for the first time a European high-ranking official accepted
in public the existence of such a problem.

The second is the speech of the Georgian foreign minister Grigol
Vashadze addressed to the French Senate parliamentarians where he
publicly lied saying that Vahagn Chakhalyan was judged for giving
information to a third country without noting what country it is. In
reality, Chakhalyan was accused of having illegal weapons and causing
mass disorders. And the third event is that after the complaints of
Yerkir union, the report of the Georgian embassy to France related to
Vahagn Chakhalyan and the problems of the Armenians living in Javakhk
was released.

The member of Yerkir union Robert Tatoyan said in turn that all the
information of the Georgian embassy’s letter was mutated as if there
are no social, educational, religious, cultural problems in Georgia in
relation with the Armenians living in Javakhk. Chakhalyan is noted to
be judged in Akhalkalak while in reality he was judged in Akhaltskha.

The fact that Vahagn’s brother and father were beaten up, and Vahagn
himself was beaten up in prison is not mentioned.

According to Artsruni, Georgia has to answer. They do not manage to
hide the case any longer. The repression on the Georgian authorities
was enhanced not only by Armenians but also by international circles.

A headquarter where the future actions will be discussed was set up
in France. There will again be political statements, negotiations
with the board coordinating French-Armenian organizations are
underway to present a protest against Vashadze because of his
statements. Sevak Artsruni said there are going to be meetings with
French parliamentarians.

According to Artsruni and Tatoyan, thanks to their active work the
trial was rendered a political case. From 10 years of imprisonment,
Chakhalyan got 9 years for political activities and 1 for illegal
weapons.

The head of the Yerkir union noted that they are going to appeal to
the court of appeal and after to the European court.

There are signs proving that the Georgian government is going to accuse
Chakhalyan of new articles. Chakhalyan will be set free in the end,
he is not going to stay in prison for 10 years, says Artsruni.

Dwelling on the media problem, Tatoyan noted that the Georgian press
does not dwell on this issue at all but serious discussions take place
in blogs which means that in Georgia they are aware of the problem.

The human rights office is an organization which dwells on this issue
and supports Vahagn. Turkish and Azerbaijani press also dwell on
this issue supporting the Georgian government. Abkhazian and Ossetian
press also touch upon this issue, noted Robert Tatoyan.

AZERBAIJAN UNDERMINED THE MONITORING

Lragir.am
15/12/09

The scheduled-for-December 15, 2009 monitoring of the south-east
section of the Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces’
contact-line to be implemented by the OSCE Mission was stopped, due
to a single submachine gun shot towards the group implementing the
monitoring from the positions of the NKR Defense Army.

The incident was caused by the fact that the Azerbaijani party hadn’t
led the OSCE observers to its borderline, thus violating the earlier
achieved arrangement.

The shot was fixed by the monitoring group members – the OSCE Office
Coordinator, Lieutenant-Colonel Imre Palatinus (Hungary), Field
Assistants of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office’s Personal Representative
Irge Aberle (Czechia) and Vladimir Tchountoulov (Bulgaria) who decided
to stop the monitoring, for security purposes.

TURKEY’S KURDISH AND ARMENIAN POLICY CONCERN RULING PARTY

APA
15 Dec 2009 15:43
Ankara

Ankara. Mais Alizadeh – APA. "Kurdish initiative" proposed by the
Turkish government, as well as protocols signed with Armenia created
concerns inside the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). A group
of parliamentarians in the party expected to issue statement against
the government’s policy because its actions toward the solution of
Kurdish and Armenian problems put Turkey face to face with a number
of challenges, APA Turkish bureau reports.

The government’s policy called as "Kurdish initiative" or "democratic
initiative" intensified tensions in some regions of the country and
life-sentenced leader of the terrorist organization tries to use it
to ease his situation. Despite that the protocols signed with Armenia
are linked with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, it Armenia unlikely
have an intention to leave the occupied Azerbaijani lands. It creates
coldness in the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and Armenian Diaspora
in the West didn’t leave its claims against Turkey. Even Armenian
president Serzh Sargsyan threatens to appeal the international legal
institutions if the protocols are not ratified.

According to reliable sources, after the meeting with US president
Barack Obama Prime Minister Erdogan hinted that the ratification
of the protocols signed with Armenia depend on the free will of the
Turkish lawmakers, which aim to ease concerns of the AKP activists.

Ankara conditioned the ratification of the protocols with the
withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani lands. But
Turkey put forward the phrase of "free will of the parliament"
as a counterattack against the possible pressures from the West,
particularly from the United States.

IRELI PUBLIC UNION CHAIRMAN: AZERBAIJANI DIASPORA SHOULD BE FORMED AND DEVELOPED AS INSTITUTE

AZG DAILY
12-12-2009

Azerbaijan

Below we present Trend News interview with Azerbaijan’s Ireli Public
Union Chairman Ceyhun Osmanli published by the Azerbaijani news agency
Today.az on December 10.

Trend News: – The Diaspora’s role in informing the world community
of the truth about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Azerbaijan is
indispensable. Are you satisfied with the activities of the diaspora
in this direction?

Ceyhun Osmanli: – An action will be held outside the Euronews office
at French young people’s initiative on Dec. 11. The Diaspora must
not be a matter only of volunteers.

Diaspora must be formed as an institution. There must be professional
employees in the diaspora working on a permanent basis in the cities,
which are important for Azerbaijan, and getting salaries. Today
there is a need for special attention to this area. The diaspora’s
activity is at a satisfactory level in some cities and countries
as opposed to other countries. This issue is related to people. The
work is better organized if people are more experienced. For example,
Azerbaijani diaspora in London was always active. We are satisfied
with its activity.

It is incorrect to blame volunteers. There is a need to form the
diaspora as an institution. Employees of the Jewish Diaspora are
those who have graduated from the faculties of diasporas in different
universities. They are experienced people in this area.

Their salaries are higher and paid constantly. Azerbaijani diaspora
operates at the level of voluntary participation. The chairman of
the organization has affairs to do.

He can not pay attention to Diaspora affairs. It is necessary to
use managers of the diaspora. The Azerbaijani diaspora’s work, its
psychology, and look at the issue must be studied. The policy must be
determined in accordance with the mentality of each country. Views of
the Russians and the English on this issue is different. The policy
aimed to these countries must be introduced. There is a need for a
special relation to this issue. We see a lack of social managers.

– Is Azerbaijani youth’s political activity at the proper level?

– Political activity of the population is measured by membership
in political parties. There is an electorate of five million in
Azerbaijan. But approximately 500,000 people are members of political
parties. If members of the parties hit 10 percent of electorate,
then the political activity is not enough.

Activity among young people is higher. There are enough active
people among young people. Interest of young people for the municipal
elections is great. It testifies that attitude of people towards these
issues changes by the gradual development of democratic institutions,
organizations in the country. They become more active.

– How do you assess young candidates’ chances in parliamentary
elections?

– I hope that the political activity of young people will increase in
the next parliamentary elections. Activity in the municipal elections
gives us hope that young people will be more active in parliamentary
elections.

ZHIRINOVSKY: RUSSIA MUST RECOGNIZE THE INDEPENDENCE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH

armradio.am
11.12.2009 16:02

"If Nagorno-Karabakh declares indepenedence, then Russia must
recognize that," said Vice-Chair of the State Duma of the Federal
Assembly of the Russian Federation and Leader of Liberal Democratic
Party of Russia Vladimir Zhirinovsky, appearing at the European and
Asian Media Forum in Moscow organized by RIA Novosti.

"Otherwise, Azerbaijan and Armenia will never agree on whom
Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to. I have neither an Armenian- nor an
Azerbaijani-leaning position.," stated the Russian politician.

Asked by a journalist what is Russia’s role in the process of
establishing Armenia-Turkey relations, Zhirinovsky said: "We wouldn’t
want Turkey, in that rapprochement, to make use of the entire South
Caucasus in order to increase its influence. Though they have had
such plans."

According to the politician, Russia needs peace and stability in
the South Caucasus. "If that is secured, then let Armenia cohabit
with whoever it so chooses, whether that be Turkey, Iran, Georgia,
or Azerbaijan. But if there’s aggression, then we will stand by the
victim countries and completely wipe out the aggressor," concluded
Zhirinovsky.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

December 10, 2009

GRANITE CITYS ST. GREGORY CHURCH CELEBRATES 55TH ANNIVERSARY
A grand celebration took place last weekend in celebration of the 55th
anniversary of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City,
Illinois. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and Rev. Fr. Stephan
Baljian joined representatives of various parish and community
organizations as well as members of the Board of Trustees in attending
a concert given by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Saturday. The
guest conductor was Mr. Peter Oundjian, a critically acclaimed
virtuoso violinist, chamber musician and conductor who is currently
music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. After the concert
the Prelate, along with Fr. Baljian and some parish members met with
Maestro Oundjian to congratulate him. His Eminence presented him with
a certificate of appreciation commemorating his visit along with a
reprint of a page from the Marshal Oshin Gospels, which is part of the
Armenian manuscript collection of the Morgan Library and Museum in New
York.
On Sunday Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy,
during which he blessed and installed a new Holy Chrism Aghavni (dove)
and hand cross. The Aghavni was donated by Dn. & Mrs. Jeffrey Hagopian
and the hand cross by Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Varadian. A commemorative
banquet followed with the Prelate as the guest speaker.
(Reported by Susan Spataro)
Photo: Archbishop Oshagan and Fr. Stephan Baljian with parishioners of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Religious and Executive Councils of the Prelacy will convene their
monthly meeting tomorrow and Saturday at the Prelacy offices in New
York City.
SERVICE AND LUNCHEON FOR
POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS
Archbishop Oshagan presided over the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas
luncheon yesterday, December 9, at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, in honor of the local New York City police and fire departments
(111th precinct). The day began with a worship service led by the
Prelate, Bishop Anoushavan, and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of
St. Sarkis. A luncheon followed the service with delicious food and
fellowship.

POSTHUMOUS AWARD TO KARL SOGOIAN
Last Saturday, December 5, a posthumous award for Karl Sogoian was
presented to his widow, Mrs. Emma Sogoian, by the Armenian Engineers
and Scientists of America (Michigan Section) in recognition of
Mr. Sogoians engineering accomplishments as well as for his many
undertakings for society, industry, and to the Armenian community. The
event took place in the Ararat Room of St. John Armenian Church in
Southfield, Michigan. Tributes were offered by Mr. Tatoul Markarian,
Armenian Ambassador to the United States and Mr. Robert Avetisyan,
Representative to the
United States from Nagorno-Karabagh.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian attended and
offered congratulations to Mrs. Sogoian. The late Mr. Sogoian and his
wife Emma have been generous benefactors to the Armenian Church as
well as to the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.
STUDY OF THE CREED CONTINUES
The second of a six-part program on The Creed (Havadamk), will take
place this Monday, December 14 at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221
E. 27th Street, New York City. The program begins at 7:15 pm with a
presentation, followed by Q and discussion. The series is sponsored by
the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the
Cathedral. The lectures are by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.
Chanted or recited by countless Christians every Sunday during
the Divine Liturgy, the Creed represents a concise summary of biblical
faith, formulated by the Church Fathers of the first two Ecumenical
Councils and endorsed by all the ancient churches.
All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For information:
[email protected] or 212-689-7810; [email protected] or
212-689-5880.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, December 10, are: Proverbs 1:1-9;
Nahum 2:1-7; Romans 5:1-5; Matthew 5:1-12.
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of
insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness,
justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and
prudence to the younglet the wise also hear and gain in learning, and
the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools
despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my child, your fathers
instruction, and do not reject your mothers teaching; for they are a
fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck. (Proverbs
1:1-9)

ST. JAMES (HAGOP) OF NISIBIS
This Saturday, December 12, is the feast of St. James (Hagop) of
Nisibis (Mdzbin). He was a participant at the first ecumenical council
in Nicaea (325), where he earned great respect from the Emperor
Constantine and other attendees. He was educated in Caesarea and was a
cousin of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He was born, raised and died in
the city of Nisibis (modern day Nusbyien in southeastern Turkey), an
important early Christian center in Asia Minor and a transit point of
the caravans traveling east and west.
St. Hagop is one of the most beloved saints in the Armenian
Church (and also in the Syriac Church). Gregory of Nareg dedicated one
of his hymns to him. Although there is not much known about his
personal life, we do know that at an advanced age he attempted to
reach the summit of Mt. Ararat in search of the Ark. During the
difficult climb one night while he slept an angel appeared telling him
he was too old to continue the climb. The angel gave him a piece of
the Ark and asked him to be satisfied with this and return home. He
complied with the angelic wishes. This piece of the Ark is kept in
Holy Etchmiadzin.
Conqueror and holy bishop like the great Moses fighter against
the evil spirits, with pride you took on yourself the cross; we have
you as intercessor for us before the Father in heaven.
When you participated in the hymn-singing of the spirits on
high like the great John by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you
were called from the wilderness to high honor; we have you as our
intercessor before the Father in heaven.
By the power given to you, you were able to perform wonderful
signs, like the great Peter you were given by God as shepherd to
Christs chosen flock; we have you as intercessor before the Father in
heaven.
The heavenly hosts rejoiced at the greatness of your feats by
which you in the flesh became like the angels on high; we have you as
intercessor for us before the Father in heaven.
And we with a joyful voice celebrate your holy memory, O
venerable witness of Christ, holy bishop James; we have you as
intercessor for us before the Father in heaven.
You decided on severe toils to see Noahs ark and from the
angels hands received a portion of the wood which served the human
race as salvation; we have you as intercessor for us before the Father
in heaven.

>From the Canon to St. James, Bishop of Nisibis, according to the
Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 12Second Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church, 4100
Newman Road, Racine, Wisconsin, noon to 5 pm. For information:
262-632-2033.
December 13Christmas Boutique by ARS Mayr and Erebouni chapters of New
York at St. Sarkis Church, Pagoumian Hall, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, following church services. New and pretty gifts,
homemade delicacies, gifts from Armenia, original art, and more.
December 20St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Sunday School Christmas
Pageant.
December 31St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, New Years Eve
celebration, Seroonian Community Center.
December 31Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. New Years
Eve Dinner-Dance.
February 6St. Stephens (Watertown, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild, Mardi
Gras celebration, 7 pm at church hall. Costumes optional; masks are a
must. For information: Mary Derderian, [email protected] or
781-762-4253.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] to your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

ARMERIABANK TO LAUNCH LARGE SCALE PROJECT ON BUSINESS FINANCING

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.12.2009 13:58 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armeriabank has launched a large scale business
financing project. The project will stipulate for beneficial crediting
terms for enterprises with an annual turnover of AMD 5 million to 5
billion, with a personnel of under 250 people. USD 1.5 million credits
are provided both for legal persons and private entrepreneurs. Credits
are provided at the annual rate of 12%, for 7 years, including a
2-year grace period.

Besides, Ameriabank offers a unique possibility of crediting at
preferential terms: credit rate will keep decreasing during the first
3 years of crediting.

The project aims at intensifying business activities and development
of different sectors in Armenian economy.