Author: Kharatian Ani

Agence France Presse
19 juin 2005 dimanche 7:41 AM GMT

La crise europeenne pourrait avoir un impact sur la Turquie (Gul)

ANKARA 19 juin 2005

La crise constitutionnelle et budgetaire qui secoue l’Union
europeenne pourrait avoir un effet defavorable sur les prochaines
negociations d’adhesion de la Turquie a l’Union, a estime samedi le
chef de la diplomatie turque Abdullah Gul dans un entretien au
journal Radikal.

“Nous ne pouvons pas dire dès a present que tout ce qui se passe (au
sein de l’UE) n’affectera pas l’elargissement et la Turquie. Nous
devons attendre que la poussière se dissipe”, a-t-il dit.

Mais, a precise le ministre, “la Turquie ne se laissera pas provoquer
par des milieux” qui, selon lui, souhaitent pousser la Turquie a
claquer la porte de l’Union.

Il a notamment cite une resolution adoptee jeudi par la chambre des
deputes allemands, le Bundestag, en memoire des “massacres” commis
par les Turcs ottomans entre 1915 et 1917 contre le peuple armenien.

La Turquie nie categoriquement la thèse d’un genocide avancee par
l’Armenie.

L’UE, avec laquelle la Turquie, pays musulman de 71 millions
d’habitants, doit entamer des negociations d’adhesion le 3 octobre, a
pour sa part recommande a ce pays de faire face a son passe.

M. Gul, pour lequel l’amorce de ces negociations demeure
irreversible, a indique que son gouvernement continuerait dans la
voie des reformes. “Nous ne voulons pas perdre de temps”, a-t-il dit
au sujet des difficiles discussions avec le club europeen qui
devrait, selon les meilleures estimations, durer 10 ans voire, 15
ans.

Interroge sur l’eventualite d’une suspension du processus
d’elargissement de l’UE, M. Gul a dit: “Je ne pense pas qu’une telle
situation puisse apparaître, mais si c’etait le cas, je vous dirais
tout de suite que nous ne pleurerons pas. Nous continuerons dans
notre chemin en consolidant notre economie et notre democratie”.

–Boundary_(ID_bYhLGWULj8X3fHNEdic/ww)–

German Parliament Criticizes Turkey Over Armenians (Update1)

Bloomberg
June 16 2005

June 16 (Bloomberg) — Germany’s lower house of parliament today
approved a motion criticizing Turkey for failing to recognize that
the Turkish Ottoman Empire was involved in the massacres of hundreds
of thousands of Armenians in 1915.

The extent of the massacres and deportations of Armenians is still
being played down or denied by the modern Turkish government,
contradicting the idea of reconciliation promoted by the European
Union, according to the motion, which was submitted by all
parliamentary groups. It stopped short of describing the killings
as genocide.

“The lower house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion
of events in the then Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that
academics and writers who want to look into this part of Turkish
history are being prosecuted and defamed,” the motion said.

Turkey denies allegations that the Ottoman Empire’s treatment of
its Armenian subjects in 1915 was a planned genocide, arguing that
an Armenian rebellion caused clashes and the resulting deaths. The
European Union, with which Turkey is due to start membership talks
Oct. 3, has said the dispute with Armenia clouds Turkey’s bid to join.

“It’s not possible to accept the notion of `genocide’ without
relying on documents and information,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan said at a news conference in Beirut, Lebanon today.
“We are proud of our history. Therefore we cannot stand by while this
issue is being used as a political tool, as free political capital
by lobby groups.”

`Abundantly Documented’

Turkey should take responsibility for the deaths because the evidence
of genocide is “abundantly documented,” the Purdue University,
Indiana-based International Association of Genocide Scholars said in
a letter to Erdogan on April 6.

During a visit to Turkey on May 4, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
urged the Armenian government to accept a proposal by Turkey that
scholars from both countries study the genocide claims.

More than 1 million Armenians died in massacres, on death marches
through the Syrian desert or in camps, the German parliamentary motion
said. Acknowledging the former injustice would help normalize the
relationship between Armenia and Turkey and stabilize the Caucasus
region, it said.

The lawmakers said Turkey is showing some positive signs that it
is beginning to address the issue, such as an invitation to Turks
of Armenian origin by the Turkish National Assembly to talk about
the crimes, an exchange of documents between Turkish and Armenian
historians and Erdogan opening the first Armenian museum in Istanbul.

Still, they criticized the cancellation by the Turkish Justice
Ministry of a conference on the subject by Turkish academics that
had been due to take place in May.

The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the
time didn’t act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of
what was happening.

Iran, Armenia keen to expand educational, research cooperation

IRNA, Iran
June 15 2005

Moscow, June 15, IRNA Iran-Armenia-Haji Iran’s Minister of Education
Morteza Haji in a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Markarian in Yerevan on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with
multi-faceted expansion of mutual ties and stressed the need to
bolster cooperation in the field of education and research.

Currently on a three-day visit to the Armenian capital of Yerevan,
Haji referred to the significance of closer communication between
pupils and students as well as scientific, educational and research
centers of both countries.

Turning to the Iranology Center in Armenia, the minister reiterated
the need to broaden its activities.

For his part, Markarian regretted the recent terrorist acts in Iran
and expressed grief over the death of a number of Iranian citizens
in several blasts.

He underlined that the background of amicable relations between the
two nations, close cooperation of the two governments since Armenia
gained independence and the growing trend of mutual ties paved the
way for consolidating relations.

Markarian pointed to the significance of Iran-Armenia collaboration
in the domain of science and education, and called for expansion of
such exchanges and closer communication between various institutes
active in the field.

“Given the growing economic cooperation between the two states, the
positive outcome of implementing major projects will be evident at
the regional level,” he added.

In another meeting with the Head of Armenia’s Presidential Office
Artash Tumanyan and the Armenian head of joint economic commission,
Haji placed special focus on closer interactions between the two
nations.

He stressed the role of the Iran-Armenia Economic Commission in
mutual relations.

Tumanyan referred to the importance of Haji’s visit to his country
and assessed the growing trend of bilateral ties as positive.

He urged the need to expand collaboration in the domain of science
and research with the framework of the joint economic commission.

The official pointed out that Iran’s significant regional status is
of great importance in Armenia’s foreign relations.

“Given that a considerable number of Iranian students are currently
studying in Armenian universities, special attention should be paid
to broadening cooperation in the field,” concluded Tumanyan.

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN BUSINESS FORUM BEGAN IN SAMARA

Pan Armenian News
14.06.2005 08:59

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A three-day Armenian-Russian business forum organized
by the Samara representation of the House of Commerce and Industry
of Russia commenced in Samara today. 12 representatives of business
circles of Armenia, as well as entrepreneurs, whose companies have
representations in Russia, participate in the forum as the Armenian
party, reported the Yerkir newspaper.

PARLIAMENT CHAIRMAN TOSSES ASIDE TALK ABOUT POSSIBLE ALLIANCE WITH RADICAL OPPOSITION

Armenpress

YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS: Parliament chairman Arthur Baghdasarian
tossed aside today talk about a possible alliance between his Orinats
Yerkir and the opposition Hanrapetutyun (Republic) party of Aram
Sarkisian, who served a short term as Armenia’s prime minister in 2000.

“There is still a great deal of time ahead of next parliamentary
elections,” he said suggesting that talk about possible alliances be
put aside until time comes.

The possibility of an alliance between Orinats Yerkir, a member
of the ruling coalition and the most radical opposition party was
prompted by a surprise exchange of courtesy between Baghdasarian
and Aram Sarkisian earlier this month. A local opposition newspaper
quoted Aram Sarkisian as saying that the parliament speaker is “the
only democratic force within the power pyramid.” Asked about whether
the opposition could rally around Baghdasarian, Sarkisian said that
that would depend largely on the parliament speaker himself. For his
part, Baghdasarian was quoted as saying that he was flattered by Aram
Sarkisian’s assessment of him.

S peaking today to journalists, Arthur Baghdasarian said talking about
possible alliances now was meaningless. “Positive assessments by some
opposition figures of the parliament chairman should not be the cause
of alarm. People have seen, noticed and expressed their viewpoints,
and I appreciated their honesty and their adherence to their principles
and therefore, there is no need for hasty conclusions,” he said.

The parliament speaker also said his Orinats Yerkir may consider
opening its branches in Nagorno-Karabakh after June 19 parliamentary
elections there. He also denied press reports about mounting
tension between Orinats Yerkir and another component of the ruling
coalition-the Armenian Revolutionary federation, sparked by accusations
of Shirak’s governor Romik Manukian of the Armenian Revolutionary
Party, that Orinats Yerkir parliamentary faction member Hovhannes
Markarian was tried in court years ago for stealing humanitarian
aid. The governor was quoted by a local newspaper as saying also that
Orinats Yerkir parliamentary faction’s leader, Samvel Balasanian,
purchased a brewery in Gyumri “at a laughably low price.”

“I do not think that this dispute has resulted in strained relations
between the two parties, but some people are trying to portray it as
a sign of rift between Orinats Yerkir and the ARF,” he said.

VISIT OF SPEAKER OF LITHUANIAN PARLIAMENT TO ARMENIA LAYS FOUNDATIONS
FOR PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION

YEREVAN, June 11. /ARKA/. The visit of the Speaker of Lithuanian
parliament to Armenia has laid the foundations for parliamentary
cooperation, Speaker of the RA National Assembly Artur Baghdasaryan
told a news conference held jointly with Speaker of the Lithuanian
Seym Arturas Paulauskas, who is on an official visit to Armenia.

According to Baghdasaryan, no normal parliamentary relations have so
far been established between the two countries. In this context, he
reported that Armenia and Lithuania are shortly to sign a
parliamentary cooperation agreement, which will chiefly concern the
tasks of Armenia’s European integration.”Lithuania, which is quite
active in the international arena, is a member of NATO and EU, and can
share its experience with Armenia,” Baghdasaryan said. According to
him, during Speaker Paulauskas’ visit to Armenia an arrnagement has
been reached on encouragement of cooperation between Armenian and
Lithuanian scientific institutions. In the political aspect, he
pointed outthe necessity of parliamentary cooperation in the 3+3
format (three Transcaucasian and three Baltic countries). According to
Baghdasaryan, «it is a good and significant opportunity for developing
regional cooperation and intensifying bilateral contacts.» P.T. -0–

AZG Armenian Daily #107, 11/06/2005

Visit

FAR YOUTH GROUP IN HOMELAND

The Fund for Armenian Relief has organized the 9th visit already of young
American-Armenian specialist to Armenia. Members of the group are form
different US states, mostly eastern. They did not know each other before
traveling to their motherland and united in a group to come and see the land
of their ancestors.

This travel is far from being an ordinary one. As the director of the FAR
projects and head of the group Arto Vorberian said, besides going
sightseeing, the American-Armenian young people will take a closer look to
the projects of the beneficial projects of the organization and will specify
their place among the donors and friends of FAR. There were numerous cases
when our young compatriots engaged in practical patriotism when back home
again. The Organization of Young Specialists within the FAR that was created
2 years ago occasionally holds meetings and draws up projects.

The group members have already visited museums and concert halls of Yerevan
as well as traveled to Byurakan and Oshakan. They visited the
Armenian-Turkish border yesterday to look at the ruins of Ani. Next week the
group will be in Nagorno Karabakh to get acquainted with the humanitarian
projects of FAR.

For one, Teacher Molly Hashian coming from Philadelphia is impressed to see
changes in Yerevan. Edina Kobelian says that Mount Ararat presents them with
wonderful moments of spiritual satisfaction.

M2 Presswire
June 9, 2005

YALE UNIVERSITY: President Levin announces selection of 2005 Yale
World Fellows

M2 PRESSWIRE-JUNE 9, 2005-YALE UNIVERSITY: President Levin announces
selection of 2005 Yale World Fellows ©1994-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

New Haven, Conn. – Yale University President Richard Levin announced
Tuesday the selection of the 2005 Yale World Fellows.

Building on Yale’s reputation for training leaders (including four of
the last six U.S. Presidents), and aiming to develop a global network
of emerging leaders and broaden international understanding at the
university, the Yale World Fellows Program brings 18 highly
accomplished men and women from a diverse set of countries around the
world to Yale each year for a 17-week leadership program.

“Now in its fourth year, the Yale World Fellows Program has created a
vibrant network of leaders spanning more than 50 countries around the
world,” said Levin. “With the selection of the 2005 World Fellows,
that network includes 10 new countries: Panama, Venezuela, the
Bahamas, Kenya, Armenia, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Israel, Vietnam and
Japan. I look forward to welcoming these future world leaders to Yale
this fall.”

Selected from outside the U.S. at an early mid-career point, World
Fellows come from a range of fields and disciplines, including
government, business, media, non-governmental organizations, the
military, religion and the arts. This year’s World Fellows include
the vice president of a leading South Korean conglomerate, the chief
of staff for the President of Lithuania, the Philippine Secretary of
Energy, the director of Israel’s first legal advocacy group for Arab
minority rights, the former Minister of Trade of Panama, the Chief
Superintendent of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, one of China’s most
influential television anchormen and the former governor of the third
largest state in Venezuela. A complete list of 2005 World Fellows
follows this release.

“The 2005 World Fellows have exceptional records of achievement and a
proven capacity for leadership,” said Yale World Fellows Program
Director Daniel Esty, a professor of environmental law and policy at
Yale. “Building on their access to Yale faculty, alumni, visitors and
students, these World Fellows will be prepared for even greater roles
of leadership when they return home. In fact, over half of the 2004
World Fellows have already experienced noteworthy career changes
since their program ended last December.”

This year, the Program selection process was intense-with hundreds of
top quality applications for only 18 positions.

Review committees representing six geographical regions around the
globe helped to narrow the field. The final selection was made by a
panel of Yale faculty. “I cannot adequately express my excitement
about the opportunity to take part in this prestigious fellowship as
a member of the World Fellows class of 2005,” said Nigerian human
rights lawyer Hauwa Ibrahim, upon hearing of her acceptance to the
Program. “I am looking forward to becoming a ‘world citizen’ after
sharing experiences with the other fellows this fall.”

>From September to December, the 2005 World Fellows will take part in
a specially designed World Fellows Seminar taught by some of Yale’s
most distinguished faculty; are able to take any of the 3,000 courses
offered at Yale (including courses in management, law, history,
economics and political science); and are provided with
individualized skill-building sessions on public speaking, media
training, conflict resolution and problem solving. The Program
provides the World Fellows with tuition fees, housing, travel, health
care coverage and a $30,000 living stipend.

Through a private weekly dinner speaker series and trips to New York
and Washington, D.C., World Fellows have access to U.S. government
officials, business leaders, international affairs experts, Yale
alumni and other American and foreign leaders. Past World Fellows
have met with Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan,
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, former CEO of Procter &
Gamble John Pepper, Washington Post White House Correspondent Dana
Milbank and UN Millennium Project Director Jeffrey Sachs, among
others.

While at Yale, World Fellows develop invaluable contacts with one
another and U.S. academic and professional communities.

World Fellows also have access to the extensive network of Yale
graduates around the world. In addition, all World Fellows are
invited to a biennial “Return to Yale” forum where current and alumni
fellows meet and build a global association of world leaders, as well
as renew their ties to Yale.

Reflecting on why he chose to take part in the Yale World Fellows
Program, South African IBM executive and 2004 World Fellow Mteto
Nyati said: “I decided to invest this time to take a step back from
all the things I am involved in, develop new strategies and close
knowledge gaps. At the end of the day, it was a very worthwhile
investment. I have never been on any program that offers what this
program offered.”

Other past World Fellows include a Ugandan member of parliament now
running for president of his country; a Canadian army officer,
subsequently promoted to brigadier general, now in charge of
strategic planning for the Canadian Army; a deputy director for the
German Environment Ministry, now chief of staff for the President of
Germany; a Philippine congressman, elected vice president of his
party; a councilwoman from La Paz, Bolivia, now the city’s director
of human development; and a former head of the UNDP in Kosovo, now
chief of staff for the UN’s Office of Special Envoy for Tsunami
Recovery headed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton (Yale Law
School ’73).

2005 Yale World Fellows

Lusine Abovyan – Armenia Title/Organization: Lawyer and former
journalist, currently serving as a constitutional law specialist for
the Armenia Legislative Strengthening Program charged with reforming
the Armenian constitution.

Age: 31

Marianne Camerer – South Africa Title/Organization: Director, Global
Integrity, a project of the Center for Public Integrity, an NGO that
tracks the state of corruption and accountability in twenty-five
countries and conducts investigative research on public policy issues
around the world.

Age: 35

Marvin H. Dames – Bahamas Title/Organization: Chief Superintendent of
Police and interim Assistant Commissioner of Crime, Royal Bahamas
Police Force.

Age: 41

Bakhodir Ganiev – Uzbekistan Title/Organization: National Coordinator
for Regional Development Strategy, UNDP Sustainable Income Generation
Program.

Age: 28

Paromita Goswami – India Title/Organization: Founder and President,
Shramik Elgar (Marching Army of Working People) for the indigenous
and rural poor of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts of Maharashtra,
India.

Age: 35

Darius Gudelis – Lithuania Title/Organization: Adviser and interim
Chief of Staff to the President of Lithuania.

Age: 31

Irne Hors – France Title/Field: China Governance Program Coordinator
at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
in Paris.

Age: 36

Hauwa Ibrahim – Nigeria Title/Organization: Lawyer specializing in
human rights and, in particular, defense counsel in cases involving
Islamic Sharia law.

Age: 38

Hassan Jabareen – Israel Title/Organization: General Director of
Adalah: The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel.

Age: 41

Joaquin Jcome Diez – Panama Title/Organization: Partner, Jcome and
Jcome, and Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Panama
from 1999 to 2004.

Age: 39

KHUAT Thi Hai Oanh – Vietnam Title/Organization: Director, Center for
Health and Social Development, focused on HIV/AIDS through the local
health development process-oriented NGO Institute for Social
Development Studies.

Age: 35

Mi-Hyung Kim – South Korea Title/Organization: Executive Vice
President and General Counsel, Kumho Asiana Business Group, one of
the largest conglomerates in South Korea.

Age: 41

Sascha Muller-Kraenner – Germany Title/Organization: Director for
Europe and North America at the Heinrich Bll Foundation, which works
with the German Green Party to develop policy.

Age: 42

Henry Njoroge – Kenya Title/Organization: Managing Director, UUNET
Kenya Ltd and proponent of the expansion and development of the
information technology sector in Kenya.

Age: 38

Vincent S. Perez – Philippines Title/Organization: Secretary of
Energy, Philippine Department of Energy (2001-2005).

Age: 47

RUI Chenggang – China Title/Organization: Anchor and Director at
China Central Television (CCTV), the national television network of
the People’s Republic of China.

Age: 28

Henrique Fernando Salas-Rmer – Venezuela Title/Organization: Vice
President, Unin de Partidos Latinoamericanos, a coalition of Latin
American political parties, and Governor of the State of Carabobo,
the third largest state in Venezuela (1996 to 2004).

Age: 45

Kazushige Tanaka – Japan Title/Organization: Deputy Director of the
Energy Efficiency Division, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry (METI).

Age: 35

CONTACT: Mia Reynolds, Yale World Fellows Program Tel: +1 203 432
1912 e-mail: [email protected] Dorie Baker Tel: +1 203 432 8555
e-mail: [email protected]

(M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information
provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties.
Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at
on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]).

AZG Armenian Daily #105, 09/06/2005

Event

DAY OF SLAVONIC LETTERS IN YEREVAN

“The more languages we learn, the richer is our motherland, while the
Slavonic literature belongs to the humanity. We should not ignore the
culture that was created during many centuries,” the professors and the
lecturers of the faculty of the Russian Language and Literature and Foreign
Languages at the Yerevan State Linguistic University after Valeri Brusov
say.

It’s been the fifth year already that the Day of Slavonic Letters is being
celebrated at the Yerevan State Linguistic University. The students and the
professors of the Russian-English Department of the University organized an
arrangement dedicated to this day. The students represented Slavonic dances
and music, the ancient and contemporary cultural values, the places of
interest and the architecture. The students of the faculty told about the
lives and deeds of the Slavonic Illuminators who were fighting for the
freedom and the culture of their nations.

The organizers and the participants of the arrangement stated that the
politics should be separated from the culture. Many of the Armenian poets
were inspired with the strive of the Slavonic nations for freedom and
patriotic feelings of the Slavonic nations and composed beautiful poetry.

The organizers are sure that such arrangements will contribute to deeper
studies of Slavonic culture and history.

By Hasmik Harutyunian

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

His Holiness Karekin ii

catholicos of all armenians

In the western DIOCESE

his HOLINESS meets with

armenian day school students

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

On June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the students of Armenian Day Schools in the
Glendale Civic Center. Over 1,000 students representing the Armenian
schools of the Los Angeles area were present, led by their principals
and teachers.

His Holiness entered the auditorium accompanied by high ranking
clergy, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the
Mother See; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace
Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, His
Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, as well as several clergy
of the Diocese.

Also present were several dignitaries including Consul General of
the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Kirakosian; Rafi Manoukian, Mayor,
City of Glendale; Ara James Najarian, Esq., Member, Glendale City
Council; Randy Adams, Glendale Chief of Police; Jim Starbird, City
Manager, Glendale; George Chapjian, Director, Parks & Recreation,
Glendale; and Dr. Armine G. Hacopian, Member, Board of Trustees,
Glendale Community College.

The following schools had brought their participation to the
program: Armenian Sisters Academy, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School,
Mesrobian Armenian School, Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian
Evangelical School, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School,
Mkhitarian School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School, Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School,
TCA Arshag Dickranian School, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School,
and Ferrahian Armenian School.

Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, Chairman of the committee in charge of the
organization of the event, served as Master of Ceremonies. He invited
to the podium Mr. Rafi Manoukian who welcomed His Holiness Karekin II
to the City of Glendale.

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the opening remarks,
extending his warm regards to the Catholicos. He also welcomed him on
his second Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese. Dr. Yacoobian,
Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, delivered his message on
behalf of the principals of the schools in attendance.

Following the addresses a cultural program took place with the
participation of each school. The program included remarks on behalf
of the students, recitation, music, singing and Armenian dance.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to the podium
to address the students. `Today is a miraculous day, as the students
are gathered to express their respects and warm regards towards His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. We have no doubt
that through his presence you are visited by Holy Etchmiadzin, our
Motherland Armenia, as well as our people in Armenia. We have no
doubt that the Pontifical visit of His Holiness strengthens your love
towards Armenia and keeps alive the memory of our martyrs. We have no
doubt that with the visit of the Catholicos you are challenged to
continue your lives with greater pride as a symbol of the
Resurrection of Christ, and the testimony that the Armenian people
will live forever.’

His Eminence then invited to the podium Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan
who read the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness bestowing
the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal of Honor upon renowned Armenian poet
Jacques S. Hagopian. Following, His Holiness pinned the Medal of
Honor on Mr. Hagopian.

In his adders to the youth in attendance His Holiness Karekin II
expressed his immense joy in being in the presence of the students.
He urged the students to keep alive the Armenian language and the
love for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He continued, `Today I
extend to you the love of your brothers and sisters in Armenia who
anxiously await your return to the Motherland.’

Following his address, His Holiness presented gifts to each of the
principals in attendance.

his HOLINESS meets with

armenian students of

burbank unified school district

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

At 4:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the Armenian students of the Burbank Unified
School District, in the Burbank High School auditorium. The event
marked the fourth gathering between the youth and His Holiness since
his arrival to the Western Diocese on June 1st.

Accompanying His Holiness were high ranking clergy of his entourage,
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See;
His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy.

The event began with the singing of the national anthems followed by
the `Toccata’ on the piano, two Armenian dances (Three Girls and
Dream), and `Yerevan Erepouni’ on the flute. All performances were by
student representatives of the Burbank Unified School District
schools.

Paul Krekorian, President of the Burbank Unified School District
Board of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation to the
Catholicos for his visit to Burbank High School. Mr. Krekorian
acknowledged the members of the District present during the event,
Ted Bunch, Vice President of the BUSD Board of Education; Dave Kemp,
member of the Board; Gregory Bowman, Superintendent; and Alexis
Sheehy, Assistant Superintendent.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian delivered his address to
the students with the words, `We are delighted to have His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, among us. Since his arrival
the Catholicos has met with the youth on several occasions, showing
the great love and respect of Vehapar towards the youth. He knows
that with the youth is a new beginning. In Armenia he has initiated
several projects for the youth in the Araratian Diocese. Today thanks
to his efforts over 8,000 students have the opportunity to attend art
centers in Armenia. The youth have truly become the instruments of
his vision. We celebrate his presence which brings to us the love of
Armenia and Holy Etchmiadzin.’

Upon the request of the Catholicos, Compositor Robert Amirkhanian, a
member of the official entourage of His Holiness, performed two of his
pieces, `Hayi Achker’ and `Yeraz Im Yergir.’

His Holiness was invited to the podium to address the youth. `I have
come from the Motherland to create and enthusiasm among you so that in
your joy you cultivate your life and your love for your Motherland,’
said the Pontiff. `During the past few days, we have witnessed that
you have already built a small Armenia. Armenia is present here in
your songs, recitations, dance and prayers. Our soul is enlightened
and uplifted in witnessing your enthusiasm. May God bless and keep
you.’

His Holiness presented an Armenian painting to Mr. Paul Krekorian,
in appreciation of their hospitality.

reception in honor of his HOLINESS

by armenian general benevolent union

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

At 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, attended a reception in his honor, hosted by the AGBU
Southern California District Committee (SCDC), held in the AGBU
Center in Pasadena.

His Holiness was accompanied by his entourage which included His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese;
His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See; His
Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy and guests.

Opening remarks were made by Mr. Ara Babayan, long time member of
the AGBU. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Vahram Biricik,
member of the AGBU SCDC. He invited to the podium Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the SCDC who officially welcomed the Catholicos
of All Armenians on behalf of the AGBU and expressed his warm
appreciation for his active cooperation with the AGBU.

Mr. Sinan Sinanian, member of the SCDC also extended his
appreciation to the Pontiff, and conveyed his gratitude for the
immense support which the AGBU has continually received from His
Holiness.

Following the address of Yenovk Balekian who outlined the different
projects which have been realized thanks to the cooperation of the
AGBU and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a video was presented
which described the joint activities and projects of His Holiness and
the AGBU when he was the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian extended his appreciation
to the AGBU for hosting the reception. `Here in the AGBU Center His
Holiness feels at home,’ said His Eminence in reference to the strong
bond between the AGBU and the Catholicos.

In his address His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
stressed the importance of cooperation between the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. `The Armenian General Benevolent Union is
an extension of the Armenian Apostolic Church,’ said the Catholicos,
`in the sense that alongside the Church the AGBU also caters to the
needs of the Armenian community.’ The Catholicos extended to the
attendees his blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

In appreciation of the warm reception which he received by the AGBU,
and in the spirit of continued cooperation, His Holiness presented an
Armenian painting to Mr. Vahe Imasdounian.

A plaque of appreciation was presented to Mr. Jirair Boyajian by the
AGBU for his unrelenting devotion to the organization. The reception
was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boyajian, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe
Imasdounian, and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Truisi.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 8, 2005
Burbank, California