The man injured in Sevan has been operated on

THE MAN INJURED IN SEVAN HAS BEEN OPERATED ON

A1plus
| 20:41:42 | 20-04-2005 | Social |

Today before the meeting organized in Sevan the leaders of the party
«New Times» taking into account the experience of incidents during
the latest meetings, have visited the state police to prevent possible
provocations.

But Edik Grigoryan, as the head of the party information service
assured they were not received for «primitive» reasons; they said
that the Chief Constable of the country is abroad and the deputies are
busy. In one word, Aram Karapetyan and his assistant were not received.

During the meeting a fight started between the participants
and the provocators, which went on «under the quiet look of the
policemen», said Edik Grigoryan. And suddently, under the same look
of the policemen one of the provocators took out a revolver and shoot
Geregin, student of the Yerevan State University and representative
of the youth corps of the party, in the leg.

The man with weapon injury remained in the culture house for
30minutes after which was taken to the Yerevan hospital «Erebuni»
by ambulance. There it turned out that a medical attack is necessary,
and an operation was done for 1.5 hours. The party found it difficult
to say if a criminal case has been aroused or not, but they informed
that they have given explanations to the police.

–Boundary_(ID_M7cL8mVHQk4o131rcBm/Eg)–

United States Federal Court Dismisses Action Against AGBU

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 22, 2005

UNITED STATES FEDERAL COURT DISMISSES ACTION AGAINST AGBU

NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2005 – In an order issued on April 15, 2005,
Hon. Judge Manuel L. Real of the United States District Court in
Los Angeles dismissed without leave to replead a complaint brought
by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan,
against the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), relating to
the closing of the AGBU Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia,
Cyprus and the claim of the existence of a Trusteeship.

“AGBU is gratified with the decision of the U.S. District Court,
Central District of California. While change is always difficult,
we are committed to serving the evolving needs of the Armenian people
in a proactive and dynamic fashion. AGBU embraces the vision of the
Melkonian brothers and will continue to implement their noble intention
for the benefit of Armenians everywhere, including the Armenian
community in Cyprus.” noted Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU.

Setrakian further added that AGBU looks forward to working with His
Beatitude Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan toward common national goals,
as the organization has worked very closely with Armenian religious
leaders since its inception.

AGBU strongly believes that the Church remains the most important
institution of the Armenian nation, and the Union will continue to
support the strengthening of the Armenian Christian faith and practice.

www.agbu.org

Watertown: The art of remembering

Watertown TAB & Press, MA
April 22 2005

The art of remembering
By Ericka Crouse/ Correspondent
Friday, April 22, 2005

The memorial ceremony began with two national anthems. Though the
anthem of the United States was observed with great respect, the
heartfelt singing of the audience during the Armenian national anthem
left no question as to where the hearts and minds of these 700 were
last Sunday evening.

“Ninety years have come and gone since that fateful April day
when the Genocide began,” said Lalig Musserian, master of ceremonies
of the event commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, during remarks to the assembly. “Our emotional trauma has
since decreased, but our resolve to have our Genocide recognized has
only grown stronger.”

Right now, almost 30 countries acknowledge the Genocide. The
United States does not, due to its relationship with Turkey,
according to Musserian, though in Massachusetts there is a
gubernatorial decree acknowledging April 24 as a day of remembrance,
she said.

This year’s memorial program was dedicated to Armenian culture.
Dance, music, photography and language all played an important role
in the ceremony commemorating the beginning of the Turkish campaign
to wipe out the Armenians.

On April 24, 1915, Armenian leaders were summoned to Istanbul
and then murdered by the Turkish government, commencing years of
death and exile for Armenians. The service moved beyond merely
remembering this grim history, concentrating on messages of hope,
strength and remembrance of the Armenian motherland.

“We are all defenders of our national conscience, and it is our
struggle to have our Genocide recognized,” said Musserian during her
remarks to the assembly. “We need to continue to remind the world of
our presence and to let the world know that we have been pained, but
we have never bowed our heads.”

As people entered the hall, they were confronted with a model of
the Dzidzernagapert Memorial, constructed by Matthew Gindel of
Paragon Models and painted by members of St. James Armenian Apostolic
Church, host of the ceremony. The original was constructed in Armenia
in 1965 for the 50th anniversary of the Genocide. It contains an
eternal flame to symbolize “the Armenian spirit, which can never be
extinguished,” according to Musserian.

There was also a PBS documentary about Armenia playing silently on a
screen, with Armenian hymns and popular music playing alongside.

The presentation included performances by the Narek Bell Choir
of St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington, D.C.; Zulal, an a cappella
trio of women based out of New York; and Boston’s own Sayat Nova
Dance Company, specializing in traditional Armenian folk dancing.
There was also a prayer led by St. James’ pastor, Rev. Arakel
Aljalian.

“The reason we celebrate [the anniversary] with song and dance
instead of mourning is that we’re celebrating our survival,” said
Musserian before the event began.

Anna Kupelian, who attended the event with her mother and
several other family members, said, “We want to keep the memory of
all those victims in our minds.”

Kupelian’s teenage niece, Susanna Manoukian, said, “I just like
our culture. It’s important for us to be here and remember.”

Carl Boloyan, a member of St. James Church who attended the
event with his wife and three children, said focusing on culture is
important.

“Armenians are spread out all over the world, so there are
certain things that they identify with – religion, language and
culture.

“We’re Armenian, so this is part of our life,” he said.

His three children each had a favorite part of the presentation.

“I liked Sayat Nova when they danced.” said Lucine, 8, who also
liked Zulal. Her brother, David, 7, and sister Anna, 5, both liked
the bell choir best.

“I just think every way to remember your culture is important,
no matter what,” said Louisa Ouzounian, a member of Sayat Nova.

Ouzounian said she appreciates that Sayat Nova has a chance to
participate in the memorial every year.

“It’s just one way to convey our culture to the younger
generation,” she said. “People always ask, ‘When are you gonna quit?’
– not till my body gives out.”

Another St. James member, Garo Yavshayan, helped bring the bell choir
in from the airport and wishes he had asked them more about their
music.

“I had never seen that before,” he said of the music. “That was
something! Interesting!.” Yavshayan will also be attending a large
Genocide commemoration program in New York on April 24.

Madeline Derderian, a resident whose mother was a survivor of
the Genocide, said she had come to the memorial, “to support all my
grandmothers and great-grandmothers.” Derderian said she was also
there to show her support for the political movement to get the world
to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

“I wish someone would take a video of this crowd and show it to
the whole world. They should agree that this happened,” she said. “I
will come as long as I live to support this.

“If the baby doesn’t cry, it won’t get fed. It’s an Armenian
saying. It’s better in Armenian than English,” said Derderian.

Chief of Staff signals crisis with Greece

KurdishMedia, UK
April 21 2005

Chief of Staff signals crisis with Greece

21/04/2005 Bianet.org

Chief of Staff Gen. Özkök in his annual evaluation signals soaring
relations with Greece. Özkök also indirectly rebuffs the U.S.
depictions of Turkey as a “model Islamic country”. “Turkey is a
secular republic” Özkök says.

BIA (Istanbul) – Turkish Chief of Staff General Hilmi Özkök calls for
an official apology from Greece regarding a recent ‘flag crisis’,
during his annual evaluation speech at the Military Academy alongside
striking statements on such topics as democracy and Islam, Iraq,
relations with Armenia, the Cyprus issue, the Kurdish armed insurgent
group PKK and the European Union

Recently, a diplomatic crisis erupted between Turkey and Greece when
visiting military students from Turkey found torn ot Turkish flags in
their dormitories where they were officially hosted. The students
were immediately ordered to return. Özkök, insisted to hear an
official apology from Greece “Or,” he said “our relations will
inevitably be revised”.

In his speech, Özkök also reacted against recent depictions
particularly by the successive U. S. Secrataries of State Colin
Powell and Condoleeza Rice of Turkey as a “model Islamic country”
merging democracy and “moderate Islam”.

“We are neither an Islamic country nor an Islamic state,” told Özkök.
“We are a secular democratic republic.”

The other major issues voiced by General Özkök in his speech were
that:

* The Aegean: Greece’s defense expenditures raise doubts.

* Iraq: Kirkuk is ready to erupt.

* The Kurdish question and the PKK: The US is not sensitive enough
for Turkish demands.

* Armenia: Their attitude is dubious.

* The European Union: Membership is not a blessing.

Gen. Özkök started his speech by discussing Turkey’s presumed role in
the Washington sponsored Greater Middle East Project. He said that
albeit it is being viewed as a “model of moderate Islam” within the
framework of this project, “Turkey is neither an Islamic state, nor
an Islamic nation”. Özkök stated that even though “almost the 99.9 %
of the population” are Muslims Turkey is a “secular, lawful state”.

The Chief of Staff added that secularism and laicism are inseparable
parts of the history of Turkish Republic, and they are the catalysts
in building, as well as maintaining, democracy in Turkey. Therefore,
Özkök affirmed, “it is a mistake to believe that any country with a
predominantly Muslim population can follow Turkey’s path and become
democratic”.

The head man of the Turkish Army believes that there can even be a
“national rebellion” if Turkey’s experience is imposed upon another
country.

Greece must issue an official apology

Özkök also spoke about the ‘flag crisis’ that Turkish military
students faced in Greece. He said that “confidence building measures
were taken between the two countries,”, but the damaged flags
incident in Greece “requires an official apology”. Özkök underlined
that if an apology is omitted, “the relations between the two
countries can be revised.”

According to Özkök, Greece’s defense expenditures top the military
expenses list among the European Union countries, and that the Aegean
Islands are still being heavily armed. The Chief of Staff said that
Turkey allots 154 dollars of its gross national income per capita for
military expenses, whereas this figure is 709 dollars in Greece.
Despite his criticisms towards Greece, Özkök affirmed that they
regard ameliorating the relations between two countries as a
priority.

Armenia

Gen. Özkök also spoke about the relations with Armenia, an issue that
tops the agenda of Turkey recently. They desire to “normalize” the
affairs between Turkey and Armenia, he told. However, he assessed
“obedience to fundamental principles of international law and
execution of the requirements of friendly neighborhood” on Armenia’s
behalf is necessary for achieving this result.

Özkök also touched upon the issue of the claims of “Armenian
Genocide”. The Chief of Staff stated that “many Turkish and Armenian
citizens of the Ottoman Empire were killed in the events 1915
incidents”, but the Republic of Turkey is not liable for any of the
events, and this era was closed by the 1924 Lausanne Peace Treaty
what imposes no responsibility on Turkey in that respect. Further,
“most of the deaths on the side of the Armenians were not by
intention, but as a result of the mass deportation; hence, genocide
did not take place,” he argued.

Cyprus is still strategically important

During his annual evaluation speech Özkök spoke about the Cyprus
issue, as well. According to the Chief of Staff, Cyprus is still
important for Turkey’s security and thus, “is a necessity” for the
country.

The Chief of Staff pointed out that Turkish Cypriots signaled their
intention of unity in the Island with the votes they cast in the
referendum for the “Annan Peace Plan”. “So”, Özkök said “new gestures
should not be expected from Turkey”.

The US gives the cold shoulder about the PKK

Saying that the US did not take the necessary steps to combat Kurdish
armed insurgent group PKK based in Northern Iraq, Özkök confirmed
that the situation remains tense in the region with the “surging
attacks on the Turkish military”.

The EU membership is not vital

According to the Chief Staff, the EU membership should not be viewed
as a “blessing”. Özkök says that in the relations with the EU,
“mutual benefits are at stake”, but “it is not the end of the world”
if Turkey cannot become a member of the EU. (EK/SAÖ/EK/YE)

BIA News Center

–Boundary_(ID_NEXjEGTnHGmPq3biJo7jfw)–

Karabagh leader skeptical about Kocharian – Aliev meeting

KARABAGH LEADER SKEPTICAL ABOUT KOCHARIAN-ALIYEV MID-MAY MEETING

Armenpress

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS: Nagorno Karabagh leader Arkady Ghukasian
was skeptical today about a forthcoming meeting of Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents in mid-May for another round of talks on the
Karabagh problem saying the more than a decade-long conflict could
not be resolved without Karabagh’s direct participation.

“Azerbaijan’s objection to Stepanakert’s involvement in the
negotiations is evidence of its reluctance to settle the conflict,’
Ghukasian told reporters in Yerevan.

Ghukasian described the official Baku’s talk about going back to the
1988 status quo as “absurd .” “The former Soviet Union fell apart,
giving rise to independent republics, including also Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh, the situation has changed drastically. Azerbaijan
should open its eyes and come to terms with the current situation,’
Ghukasian speculated.

Saying he was in favor of the stage-by-stage conflict resolution
option, Ghukasian, nevertheless, argued that first Karabagh status
must be determined. He also shrugged off Azerbaijan’s attempts to
advance its positions on the line of contact saying they do not pose
any threat to Armenian forces.

He also denied allegations that Armenia has softened its stance on the
conflict. “We have always been saying that there is no alternatives
to a compromise solution, unlike Azerbaijan that flatly rejects any
such possibility,’ he said.

Karabagh leader also said that the upcoming parliamentary elections
in Nagorno Karabagh “will be the most exemplary elections.” “I am
confident that the most democratic national elections in the pos-Soviet
space are held in Nagorno Karabagh,” he said, adding that he will not
run for new presidency after his term in office is ended. “It is my
duty to remain in Nagorno Karabagh and work for it,” he concluded.

BAKU: Karabakh Freedom Organization will not let Armenian delegation

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2005

Karabakh Freedom Organization will not let Armenian delegation come
to Baku

20 April 2005 [17:57] – Today.Az

Karabakh Freedom Organization spread a declaration of protest for
the participation of Armenian delegation headed by G. Grigoryan in
the 4th intergovernmental conference of TRACECA to be held in Baku.

The information about it was given to APA from the press service of the
organization. In the declaration it was stated that, the participation
of Armenian delegation in any measure, any cooperation with occupant
Armenian regime is unacceptable. KFO demanded Azerbaijan government
to clarify this matter and display its position within the issue.

It must be mentioned that, in the declaration it was stated that KFO
will not let the Armenian representatives come to Baku and participate
in the conference, the responsibility of possible confrontation is
after Azerbaijan government.

URL:

http://www.today.az/news/politics/19087.html

Turks Psychologically Ready To Recognize Armenian Genocide

TURKS PSYCHOLOGICALLY READY TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Armenpress

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, ARMENPRESS: Gevork Poghosian, director of the
Philosophy and Psychology Institute, an affiliation of the National
Academy of Sciences, told yesterday that the Turkish society has
matured psychologically to recognize the Armenian genocide, and has
more advanced views than the government officials.

He presented findings of a poll conducted jointly with Turkish
counterparts involving 1000 Armenian and 1,219 Turkish citizens
respectively from 21 towns in Armenia and 34 in Turkey.

The poll was conducted to reveal the level of mutual awareness. Twenty
percent of Turk respondents said the genocide issue was the main
obstacle to normalization of relations between the two neighboring
nations. This finding, according to Gevork Poghosian is evidence that
Turks accept the fact of the genocide realizing that Turkey will have
to acknowledge this crime sooner or later.

The poll also revealed that Armenians know more of Turkey and Turks
than the latter about Armenia. It revealed that Turks believe Armenia
is a bigger country bordering the Black or the Caspian Sea and has
an 8 million population.

Poghosian said the results of the poll were covered by Turkish TV
channels, meaning that the authorities have started discussions on
the Armenian genocide with population in an effort to prepare the
public opinion for its acknowledgment.

“Armenia Is A Committed Partner In The Vital Work Of Combating Terro

“ARMENIA IS A COMMITTED PARTNER IN THE VITAL WORK OF COMBATING TERROR”

A1plus
| 16:37:51 | 18-04-2005 | Official |

On Friday, April 15, Mr. Armen Barseghyan was taken to the United
States from Armenia to face charges for his alleged involvement in
a plot to smuggle arms into the U.S.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office said, on Saturday,
that Mr. Barseghyan will appear in court this week, along with 20
other defendants that have been indicted in connection with this case.

This case highlights the cooperation on law enforcement issues which
is developing between the U.S. and the Republic of Armenia.

The Embassy commends the continued professionalism of the Armenian
authorities who have been instrumental in supporting this ongoing
investigation. In particular, the Embassy expresses their appreciation
for the support of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia
and the direct engagement of the Director of Armenia’s National
Security Service. Suspects were apprehended before any weapons were
transferred from Armenia.

It is mentioned in the announcement of the Embassy that “The United
States and the Republic of Armenia are working together to stop the
proliferation of weapons. Armenia is a committed partner in the vital
work of combating terror”.

State Commission on 90th Anniversary Commemoration Discusses Preps.

STATE COMMISSION ON ORGANIZATION OF ARRANGEMENTS DEDICATED TO 90th
ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DISCUSSES PREPARATION PROCESS

YEREVAN, APRIL 15. ARMINFO. Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik
Margarian held the regular sitting of State Commission on organization
of arrangements dedicated to 90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide in
Ottoman Turkey in 1915.

ARMINFO was informed in the press office of the Government, the
process of preparation works on organization of international research
forum regarding defence of human rights, which will be held on April
20-21. The participants of the sitting considered very important to
organize activities on coverage of the arrangements dedicated to the
90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide.

Soccer: Armenian striker Edgar Manucharyan joins Ajax , Amsterdam

Ajax USA
April 16 2005

Armenian striker Edgar Manucharyan joins Ajax

15 April: Edgar Manucharyan, gifted striker of Armenian champions
Pyunik Erevan FC, has committed to Ajax for the next three seasons,
as of 01 July 2005. The 18 year-old signed broke a metatarsal during
his try-out in Amsterdam in December 2004, but got a second chance
and made such a good impression on Ajax’s technical staff that he got
to sign a three season deal at the Amsterdam ArenA today.

Edgar Manucharyan (born 19 January 1987) finished the Armenian
football season as the topscorer (21 goals in 22 games) of champions
Pyunik, before flying to Amsterdam on a try-out in December of 2004.
Manucharyan made a good impression and got to make his unofficial
Ajax-1 début in the 14 December friendly against FC Barcelona in
Elche, Spain. It would turn out to be a bizarre evening for the
Armenian teenager: after only 13 minutes he had to be carried off
with what turned out to be a broken metatarsal in his right foot. The
players was deeply disappointed as he entered the dressing room, but
was then told that he had been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ in his
fatherland of Armenia.

Manucharyan remained in Amsterdam until the winter break, undergoing
treatment from Ajax’s medical staff. Ajax promised him a second
chance – and the fully recovered ‘Manucharyan candidate’ (sorry, we
just had to repeat the joke…) got it in early April. He once again
impressed the Ajax staff, this time with a contract as the outcome.

“First of all, I want to thank the doctors and medical staff of Ajax
very much for all of their help,” Manucharyan said after penning his
deal. “Also, I get along with well with the coaches and the players
on the team, so I already feel more or less at home. I was also very
well looked after by a guest family, so I’m already getting used to
Holland. I want to thank them in particular, for everything they’ve
done for me. Thanks to their hospitality I’ve felt at home from the
start.”

“I’ve followed Ajax ever since I was a little boy,” Manucharyan
added, “I will never forget the Champions League final of 1995. Ajax
proved that you can beat hard, defensive football with pretty
football. I followed the club even more closely after that game. And
now I’m signing at Ajax. It’s a dream. I hope I’ll be able to bring
something extra.”

Manucharyan has had a meteoric career in Armenia. Only 18 years of
age, he already played a full season as the centre-forward of Pyunik
Erevan, became the topscorer of the league, a starter for the
Armenian national team and was voted ‘Footballer of the Year’.
Manucharyan will join the first team of the Amsterdammers in July, at
the start of the preparation campaign for the 2005-2006 season. (MP)

Source: Ajax.nl

Photo:

http://www.ajax-usa.com/news/2004-2005/armenian-striker-edgar-manucharyan-joins-ajax.html