Author: Nalbandian Eduard

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 Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian*

VISITS THE DIOCESE

On September 30, 2005 His Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Armenia to the United States of America, paid an official visit of
the Western Diocese to meet with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Honorable Gagik
Kirakossian, Consul General.

The Primate honored His Excellency in a reception at the Diocese
sponsored by Mr. Harut Aga-Sarkisian, during which the Primate
officially welcomed His Excellency on behalf of the Diocese, the
Diocesan Council, and clergy. His Eminence expressed his joy in
hosting the Ambassador at the Diocese.

Following, the Primate and the Ambassador met in the Primate’s Suite
whereby they discussed the strong relationship between the Western
Diocese and the Motherland, as well as the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. Providing aid and assistance to the developing republic
of Armenia, as well as our brothers and sisters in Armenia, are one
of the most important missions of the Western Diocese.

Mr. Tatoul Markarian was appointed Armenian Ambassador to the United
States on March 19, 2005 by President Robert Kocharian. He holds the
diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Prior to assuming this position, Ambassador Markarian served as
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia since June 2000,
whereby he was the Armenian coordinator for the U.S.-Armenia
Strategic Dialogue as well as the NATO-Armenia Political-Military
Dialogue. In 2002-2003, Ambassador Markarian was Special
Representative of the President of Armenia for Nagorno Karabakh
negotiations.

Previous diplomatic assignments of Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
included a term as Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor at
the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as service in
Armenia’s legislative and executive branches.

ARMENIA FUND HONORS
AMBASSADORR TATOUL MARKARIAN

On September 30, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America, was
officially invited to a Pre-Gala Reception and Dinner organized by
Armenia Fund, in honor of His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador
of the Republic of Armenia to the United States.

The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Berj and Belet Shabazian in
their residence. His Eminence addressed conveyed his remarks,
congratulating the honoree.**

* *

PRIMATE ATTENDS
AGBU SECOND ANNUAL SOCIETY DINNER

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese Armenian Church of North America, attended the Second Annual
Society Dinner of the AGBU on October 1, 2005, held at the Ritz
Carlton in Pasadena and in honor of George Philips, Jr. Esq. The
Dinner was attended by several official and VIP guests, including Mr.
Berge Setrakian, Esq., President of the AGBU. Other VIP guests in
attendance were His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of
Armenia to the U.S., Hon. Gagik Kirakossian, Consul General; Hon.
Eric Garcetti, Councilmember, City of Los Angeles, Hon. Steve Cooley,
District Attorney, Los Angeles; Hon. Bill Bogaard, Mayor of Pasadena;
Hon. Rafi Manoukian, Mayor of Glendale; Hon. Ara Najarian,
Councilmember, Glendale; Hon. Bob Yousefian, Councilmember, Glendale;
Scott Howard, City Attorney, Glendale; Hon. Jeff Vander Borght, Mayor
of Burbank; Paul Krekorian, President of Burbank Unified School
District Board of Education.

Following the opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Toros
Yetenekian, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to
the podium to perform the invocation. `Almighty God, Bless us all who
are gathered here tonight to celebrate the mission of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union,’ said the Primate. `Tonight we ask your
abundant blessings upon the President of this institution, Mr. Berge
Setrakian. We give thanks to God for His visionary and able
leadership and for all the dedicated servants of AGBU, who throughout
the world firmly uphold the love for Armenia and the unreserved
dedication towards the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Tonight we are
truly joyful as we witness the special honor bestowed upon a blessed
servant the Honorable George Philips.’ His Eminence also
congratulated the AGBU SCDC on this historic occasion.

The Keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Eric Garcetti
Councilmember from the City of Los Angeles. Following, Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the AGBU SCDC addressed the attendees and
welcomed them on behalf of the AGBU.

President of AGBU Mr. Berge Setrakian who has arrived in Los Angeles
to attend the Society Dinner congratulated delivered his remarks on
behalf of the AGBU Central Board. The Guest of Honor was introduced
by Dr. Mihran Agbabian, who spoke of Mr. George Phillips’ dedication
to the community at large. Upon being invited to the podium Mr.
Philiips congratulated the AGBU for such a successful evening and
extended his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him.

George Phillips, Esq., was born in Los Angeles. A Korean War
Veteran, he earned his undergraduate degree in Business
Administration and his Juris Doctorate from UCLA in 1956. Mr. Philips
has been a member of the California State Bar and a Certified Public
Accountant since 1957. In 1957 he was designated `Super Lawyer’ in
Estate planning. He was a founding member of the United Armenian
Congressional Church in Hollywood, and has been instrumental in
assisting the Armenian Missionary Association of America in various
endeavors. He has donated his legal services to numerous Armenian
organizations, bringing his assistance to the Armenian community.

PRIMATE PAYS PASTORAL VISIT
TO ARMENIAN CHURCH OF LA VERNE

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at the
Armenian Apostolic Church of La Verne. The Pontifical Encyclical
issued by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on
the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of the Creation of the
Alphabet was read during the Liturgy.

His Eminence officiated the ordination of George Papazaian as a
Stole Bearer. In his Sermon the Primate congratulated the newly
ordained and commended the community of La Verne on their dedication
to the Church.

A reception followed the Divine Liturgy during which an anonymous
faithful announced his desire to become a Lifetime Steward of the
Western Diocese, with a donation of $10,000.

COMMUNITY HONORS
JUDGE DICKRAN TEVRIZIAN

On the evening of October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, was officially invited to a Gala Banquet in honor of
Dickran Tevrizian, Senior U.S. District Court Judge. Organized by the
USC Institute of Armenian Studies, the Banquet was held in the Century
Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

The evening’s program opened with the remarks of Charles Ghailian,
the Chair of the Steering committee of the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies. Honorable Judge Armand Arabian, Mr. Edward Poski, Mr. John
Bedrossian and Mr. Ronald Tutor each extended their congratulatory
remarks to the honoree, following which the Dean of the USC College
of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Mr. Joseph Aoun, extended his remarks
on behalf of the University.

Several friends of Judge Dickranian were also given the opportunity
to congratulate him on this honor, including: Mr. Cary Agajanian, Mt,
Browne Greene, Mr. Jacques Soiret, Mr. Robert C. Baker, Mr. Robert
Lewis, Mr. Howard Weitzman, Mr. Thomas Girardi, Mr. Raffi Nahabedian,
Mr. Alex Yemenidjian, and Mr. Paul Orfalea.

Recollections of Judge Dickran Tevrizian were conveyed by Mr. Mark
Geragos, Dr. Daniel Tevrizian, Mr. Cameron Kalunian, and Honorable
Stephen Wilson.

Judge Tevrizian was introduced by Governor George Deukmejian, at
which time he extended his gratitude to the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies, as well as the guests, for this prestigious honor.

Prior to the Benediction His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
congratulated Judge Tevrizian on this auspicious occasion.
`Distinguished and honorable guests,’ began the Primate, `Tonight’s
fellowship celebrates a lifetime of commitment of Judge Dickran
Tevrizian. The Honorable Judge has been a challenging, inspiring, and
charismatic presence in the life of American society with the many
enriching and spiritually uplifting achievements.

Tonight we salute an insightful Judge, whose many years of
relentless service and devotion to American society has truly
improved the lives of many into better individuals, who, inspired by
the able leadership and wisdom of Judge Tevrizian, through this
celebration commit themselves to become exemplary citizens of the
freedom loving homeland of the United States of America. God’s
greatest gift is life itself. Life becomes a true blessing only when
we are able o bring it to the service of humanity. Tonight we give
thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of the life of which is
reflected with excellence through any years of service for Justice
and for the well-being of American society. The Honorable Judge is
also the pride of the Armenian community and the inspiration for the
younger generation. We cherish deep in our hearts this pride God has
bestowed upon us all and renew in our spirituality a new sense of
commitment to respond to Gods call in the service of humanity.

I commend especially the Board members of the USC Institute of
Armenian Studies for organizing tonight’s Gala Banquet in honor of
the Honorable Judge.

Dear Honorable Judge, it is now my distinct pleasure o present to
you the Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, in recognition of your public service with utmost
excellence.’

Upon the invitation of the Primate, Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian,
Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center in Glendale, and
Chaplain of the USC ASA, read the Encyclical of His Holiness, which
stated, `Respectable Mr. Tevrizian, we are personally familiar with
you and your spirit of service to our nation. We are also aware of
your commendable works, and as the Pontiff of Armenians we are
spiritually overjoyed in being informed of your new accomplishments
and good deeds.

Your contribution to law enforcement in the United States has been
substantial. As a result of long years of noteworthy service and high
ranking positions as a judge you have earned the high commendation of
the American government, have been appointed to high positions, and
thanks to your success you have also elevated the name of our people
in the eyes of the American government. With appreciation we
acknowledge that as an accomplished judge you are recognized within
educational and community organizations as a Professor, whereby you
have brought your assistance to the education and instruction of the
young generation. Your many awards are evidence of your long years of
fruitful service.’

The Primate then presented to Judge Tevrizian the St. Nersess the
Graceful Medal of Honor issued by His Holiness Karekin II, with the
Pontifical Encyclical.

very rev. fr. dajad Dz. V. yardemian

represents the primate at community events

Exhibition Dedicated to 5th Century

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese
Armenian Church of North America, during an event entitled `The
Armenian Enlightenment in the 5th Century: an Exhibition’. The
Exhibition was hosted by and held at the Glendale Public Library.
Following introductory remarks by Dr. Nona Manoukian, Dr. Alice
Taylor spoke on the theme of `Mesrob Mashdots and the Preservation of
Armenian Identity.’

Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian
celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. Peter
Armenian Church in Van Nuys. During the Divine Liturgy Fr. Dajad read
the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, on the occasion of the 1600th
anniversary of the Creation of the Alphabet.

Event Dedicated to 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet

A public event celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian
Alphabet sponsored by Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
Central Executive took place of Sunday October 2, 2005 at the Alex
Theatre in Glendale, during which Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V.
Yardemian, represented His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Peter Cowe, Chair of the
Armenian Studies Department at UCLA, as well as by Prof. Stephan
Astourian, Chair of the Armenian Studies Department of Berkeley.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE October 3, 2005

Burbank, California

EYES FULL OF ARMENIAN SORROW
By Nino Gvalia

The Messenger, Georgia
Oct 3 2005

Yuri Mechitov’s photo project at the Caucasian House

Yuri Mechitov
The portraits of Armenians from Tbilisi

Until October 5, the Caucasian House at 20 Galaktion Tabidze St. is
hosting an exhibition of locally renowned photographer Yuri Mechitov.

While entering the exhibition hall, your eyes may alight at a series of
portraits of different people – a shoemaker, an artist, a journalist,
a TV operator, a film director, a photographer – in a word; various
faces with individual life stories.

But what these people have common is that they are Armenians living in
Tbilisi. In addition, as the photographer noted, all his photo-heroes
have “Armenian sorrow” in their eyes. This sorrow, he says, is by
and large a product of the tragic history of the Armenian people,
though some of it is due to the rapid changes underway in their
native Tbilisi.

According to Yuri Mechitov, he has been working on this project for
approximately three years. As the photographer said, inspiration came
from the Armenian 19-century artist Akop Vovnatanian, who used to
paint Tbilisians. Consequently, this collection is entitled Armenians
from Tbilisi – dedication to Akop Vovnatanian.

“My mother was a true Armenian, but father had a more Georgian
orientation,” said Mechitov, adding that he is quite upset that
some want to “plant the seeds of animosity” against Armenians and
show these people from a negative perspective. “These people live in
Tbilisi and are patriots of the city, so with this collection I want
to express my respect to these Armenians,” added the photographer.

While asked to comment about this exhibition, artist and art
critic Nino Zaalishvili noted that she knows many people from this
series and has seen their portraits mostly in paintings, but not in
photographs. “These Armenians are real residents of Tbilisi and I
was very curious to see their portraits from Yuri Mechitov’s artistic
viewpoint,” Zaalishvili said.

AZG Armenian Daily #176, 01/10/2005

Home

LAW ON REPATRIATION?

“Yerkir” NGO sent a letter to Tigran Torosian and Vahan Hovhannisian, deputy
chairmen of the Armenian Parliament, as well as to a number of political
parties and factions proposing to pass a law on repatriation. The NGO
presents its views on national policy of repatriation and how it should be
implemented. It believes that current constitutional reforms are a unique
opportunity for documenting the importance of repatriation. The NGO suggests
passing a law on repatriation before the constitutional referendum that will
specify the status of a repatriate, his/her privileges as well as setting an
order for a state program on repatriation. The needs highlight the following
basics: it is the state that should organize repatriation, giving right to
every Armenian to be repatriated and recognize him/her citizen of Armenia
without prerequisite once they return.

The NGO suggests elaborating and adopting a state program on “repatriation
and settlement” that will ascertain arrangements for adaptation and
integration, social rights protection and for providing favorable conditions
and freedom of activity in the early stage of repatriation.

The NGO thinks that the Armenians of Diaspora will be ready to repatriate
only in case of carrying out these arrangements. Approach to all groups of
repatriates should be differentiated. The traditional Diaspora that was
formed as a result of the Armenian Genocide also needs to be distinguished
from the “new Diaspora” formed after the collapse of the USSR.

The letter also points out to the negative consequences of immigration of
the last year and a half that will be noticeable in the coming decade. The
NGO alarms about reduction of the male population of the country which
resulted in decrease of married couples, aging of the society, decline of
birth rate, migration within the country etc. “Yerkir” NGO does not think
there are sufficient measures to stop further flow of immigrants and undo
the damage caused by immigration.

By Ruzan Poghosian

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005

EXHIBITION OF FRENCH LITERATURE OPENS IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, September 27. /ARKA/. The exhibition of the French
literature opened in Yerevan at the National Library of Armenia,
Vice-Director of National Library of Armenia Nerses Hayrapetyan told
journalists. He reported that 33 exhibits of French literature of
1580-1800s are presented at the exhibition. He also said that the
library has 2,450 French antique books. He said that presented books
relate to various spheres of French art, particularly painting and
music.
French Ambassador to Armenia Henry Cuny, who was present at the
exhibition, gave special importance to original publishing of
Encyclopaedia of dramatic critic Didro of 1715. He said this book is
the “pearl” of the exhibition. “The fact it is kept at the National
Library of Armenia speaks about spirituals relations between France
and Armenia”, Cuny said. He also reported that currently the
exhibition “France as seen by Armenian painters” is held at the
French Embassy.
The exhibition of French Literature has been organized within Days of
France in Armenia ands it will be open till October 7, 2005. It is
organized by the French Embassy in Armenia and the National Library
of Armenia. A.A. -0–

Pan Armenian News

AZERBAIJANI REPRESENTATIVE ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF UN GA COMMITTEE

30.09.2005 04:38

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijani permanent representative in the UN Yashar
Aliyev has been elected Chairman of the UN General Assembly Special
Committee on Decolonisation. The structure is included in 6 UN GA committees
dealing with the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, use of outer space for
peaceful purposes and conduction of peacekeeping operations in conflict
zones. Yashar Aliyev will preside over the Committee during the 60-th
Session of the UN GA, reported Day.az.

European Parliament

Sept 30 2005

EU: European Parliament postpones vote on protocol to Ankara
Agreement

/noticias.info/ – The Parliament postponed voting on approval of the
protocol extending Turkey’s association agreement with the EU to the
ten new member states. MEPs feared that the Turkish declaration that
the protocol does not mean any form of recognition of Cyprus would
form part of the ratification process in the Turkish parliament and
thus gain legal force.

Nevertheless, in a political resolution voted afterwards, Parliament
notes “the Commission and the Council take the view that Turkey has
formally fulfilled the last conditions for starting the accession
negotiations on 3 October 2005.”

At the request of the EPP-ED group, Parliament voted 311 votes in
favour, 285 against and 63 abstentions to postpone the vote on
Parliament’s approval of the protocol extending Turkey’s customs
union with the EU to all its new members, including Cyprus. The vote
to postpone has no legal consequences in terms of the starting date
for accession negotiations. Stumbling blocks were the Turkish
declaration that the signing of the protocol to the Ankara Agreement
does not mean any form of recognition of Cyprus and the Turkish
refusal to admit vessels and airplanes from Cyprus. A majority of
MEPs first wanted guarantees from the Turkish authorities that the
declaration was not going to be part of the ratification in the
Turkish parliament, fearing that it would then have legal
implications.

Nevertheless, in a political resolution adopted afterwards by 356
votes in favour, 181 against and 125 abstentions, Parliament noted
the Commission’s and Council’s view that access negotiations with
Turkey can start on 3 October. But by the end of 2006, the Commission
must assess if Turkey has fully implemented the protocol. If not,
this could lead to halting the accession negotiations. During the
negotiations, which are open-ended and will not automatically lead to
Turkish EU membership, Turkey should be kept under permanent scrutiny
and pressure to ensure that it maintains “the pace of the necessary
reforms”.

Parliament also said it considered Turkish recognition of “the
Armenian genocide … to be a prerequisite for accession”.

MEPs deplore that the Annan plan for a settlement of the Cyprus
question has been rejected by the Greek Cypriot community and hopes
that Turkey will maintain its constructive attitude in finding an
equitable solution. Meanwhile, the Council should keep its promise
and reach an agreement on the financial aid and trade package for
northern Cyprus.

On other issues, MEPs voiced their concern about the criminal
proceedings against Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, about article 305 of
the penal code which criminalises “acts against the fundamental
national interest”, about the restrictions on foreign funding for
associations, and about the “Law on Foundations” concerning religious
communities.

Parliament wants each negotiation session at ministerial level to be
preceded by an assessment of the fulfilment of the political
criteria, both in theory and in practice, “thus exerting permanent
pressure on the Turkish authorities to maintain the pace of the
necessary reforms”. Also, a full programme of clear targets,
timeframe and deadlines should be fixed for the fulfilment of the
political criteria. The Commission and the Council should report
annually to the European Parliament and the national parliaments on
the progress made by Turkey in this respect. MEPs reiterate that the
accession negotiations are an open-ended process and will not
automatically lead to Turkey joining the EU, even if the objective is
Turkish EU membership. Finally, Parliament underlines that the EU’s
capacity to absorb Turkey is an important consideration as well, and
needs to be monitored by the Commission during the negotiations.

Debate on opening of accession negotiations with Turkey

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Britain’s Minister for Europe,
Douglas ALEXANDER said the strategic case for opening negotiations
with Turkey was convincing, but it was necessary to be scrupulous in
ensuring all the requirements were met before Turkey could join.

Turkey had met the two conditions laid down by the Council in
December, and its declaration stating that it had not recognised the
government of Cyprus had no legal effect. The negotiations would be
the most rigorous yet, and Turkey would not accede imminently. The
Turkey which would join would be a different Turkey, and the EU might
also be different by then too. Progress so far had been encouraging,
and the conditions for opening talks had been met, he said.

Enlargement Commissioner Oli REHN agreed that the formal conditions
set out by the Council for opening negotiations had been met. He also
stressed that the talks would be the most rigorous yet undertaken.
There were good signs – such as the Turkish government’s recognition
that there was a Kurdish issue and that the conference on the
Armenian question would finally go ahead – but also bad signs – such
as the uneven implementation of freedom of expression rights. “Both
Europeans and Turks should work to build a relationship based on
mutual trust, ” he said, pointing out that the common goal would be
accession but that by their very nature the talks were open as to the
result they would achieve.

British speakers during the debate on Turkey

Roger KNAPMAN (IND/DEM,UK) said that he opposed political union with
Turkey as much as he opposed it with France, Germany or Italy. “But
what of the euro-fanatics whose ardour suddenly cools when they reach
the Bosphorus? It is not hypocrisy, but fear, fear that public
support for the whole EU project will collapse if Turkish membership
were seriously pursued.” For this reason, he said, he was happy to
see the EU plough ahead with negotiations, destroying itself in the
process.

Andrew DUFF (ALDE, UK) said “It is extraordinary that those who have
profited so much from EU integration in terms of prosperity, security
and liberal democracy should not refuse to extend these prizes to
Turkey.” He said the EU’s absorption capacity was a real issue, with
the need for a settlement of the constitution ahead of Turkish or
Croatian entry. He also argued that the Cyprus issue and instability
in the Balkans could not be resolved if the EU refuses membership to
Turkey, and called for a stepping up of trade relations with northern
Cyprus.

Roger HELMER (NI, UK) said there were powerful reasons in favour and
against Turkey’s accession to the EU. The key condition, he said,
should be “democratic accountability”, Mr Helmer felt that Turkey’s
accession would “dilute the influence” of his constituents in terms
of self-determination and he therefore opposed Turkish membership of
the EU. Mr Helmer welcomed the proposal from Angela Merkel on
privileged partnership for Turkey as it would incur fewer costs for
Turkey. Mr Helmer wished the option of privileged partnership could
also be made available to the United Kingdom.

Geoffrey Van ORDEN (EPP-ED, UK) stated that “last Christmas the
Council voted for Turkey”. The conditions laid out at that time had
been met and Turkey was therefore ready to start negotiations. Mr Van
Orden warned against the separatist dissidents still at large in
Turkey that risked undermining Turkish secularism and unity. He
stated that Turkey should be treated in the same way as all other
candidates for accession. Mr Van Orden stated that the Cyprus
question should be treated separately from the accession
negotiations. However, he recalled that the people of Northern Cyprus
had voted in favour of the Annan plan on reunification and that Greek
Cyprus had rejected. He said the EU had done little to support
Northern Cyprus. Mr Van Orden welcomed the imminent opening of
negotiations and recognised that the talks would last many years.

Datos de Contacto :
Contact: Marjory VAN DEN BROEKE Press Room Unit – Press Officer
E-mail address : [email protected] Telephone number in
Brussels : (32) 2 28 44304 (BXL) Mobile number : (32) 0498 98 3586
Telephone number in Strasbourg : (33) 3

Haykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan, in Armenian
27 Sep 05 p 3

Public forum urges Georgia to grant autonomy to Armenian minority

by Arman Karapetyan headlined “The situation is getting worse in Javakhk”

The forum of public and political organizations of Javakhk, which was
recently held in Akhalkalaki, has suggested that the Georgian
authorities grant autonomy to Javakhk and adopted a statement in this
regard. The statement calls on the Georgian authorities to examine
the issue of setting up a state federal entity and grant autonomy to
Armenian-populated Javakhk. In an interview with the Georgian
newspaper Rezonansi last week, the chairman of the Virk organization,
David Rstakyan, said that during the forum some people may have
raised the problem of Javakhk’s autonomy, and in fact, this happened.
Rstakyan added that in Javakhk people understand that in Georgia the
word “autonomy” is associated with “separatism” as is the case with
Abkhazia and South Ossetia. At the same time, he said that as a rule,
multi-ethnic states are based on the principle of federalism.

The Armenian deputy of the Georgian parliament, Van Bayburd, said in
an interview with the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta that
people closely connected with Armenian extremist forces demanded that
the issue of autonomy be included in the document of the forum.
Bayburd added that in this case, we are dealing with the artificial
exacerbation of the situation. On the whole, the socioeconomic
situation in Javakhk is not worse than in other regions of Georgia,
and the Georgian president’s decision to buy agricultural produce for
the Georgian army from Javakhk will ease the current social and
economic situation.

In any case, Russian TV and press paid quite a lot of attention to
the forum. Javakhk continues to be a risk zone for the Georgian
authorities and will remain such until 2008 when the last Russian
soldier leaves the region. In the future, the Georgian authorities
are going to invest 100m dollars in Javakhk, i.e. one third of the
money that Georgia will receive under the Millennium Challenge
Account. Moreover, according to the Russian press, serious
investments are also expected in the sphere of creating jobs. We hope
that the Georgian and Armenian authorities will be clever enough not
to allow the situation in Javakhk to destabilize.

P. S. There are rumours that the public and political organizations
of Javakhk were angered by the fact that Georgian authorities are
trying to take control of them with the help of Javakhk’s Armenian
criminal authorities.

A1+

| 17:31:19 | 28-09-2005 | Official |

EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE WITH INTERPOL

Today Robert Kocharyan has received the Interpol Secretary General Ronald
Kenneth Noble. Finding the role of Interpol extremely important in the
combat against international criminality, Kocharyan voiced hope that the
visit of the Secretary General will contribute to the further enhancing of
our cooperation with the organization.

Robert Kocharyan found the combat against criminality important especially
in the conditions of globalization and growing challenges. The Interpol
Secretary General highly appreciated the professionalism of the Armenian
police and mentioned that they are actively participating in the works of
Interpol.

THE PRICE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD

A1+
| 12:24:56 | 26-09-2005 | Politics |

“The EU and the Armenian side have agreed that the political reforms
are of primary importance in our country”, said RA Foreign Ministry
EU department head Armen Liloyan during the discussions in Tsakhkadzor
on September 23-25.

Armenia has already represented the report about the country to
Brussels where several priorities for the country are mentioned –
reduction of poverty, reforms in the power field, regulations of
human rights, conflicts, etc.

According to Mr. Liloyan, Armenia had also represented a pack of
offers. EU too has represented offers. “But they cannot be thoroughly
discussed as there is no program of activity”, said Mr. Liloyan.

This year in July the negotiations about the RA neighborhood with EU
were to be initiated, but “it turned out that they are not content
with the text”.

The next one, according to the representative of the Foreign Ministry,
was supposed to start on September 5. “But this time too it was
postponed because of the indefinite situation”, he commented.

What situation was it about? There is information according to which
it refers to the Cyprus air veto on Azerbaijan. This was the reason
why the negotiations with Armenia and Georgia were also postponed. “We
hope that the negotiations with Armenia and Georgia will resume with
a separate format, independent on Azerbaijan”, said Mr. Liloyan.

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Sept 23 2005

THE OSCE MISSION BOMBARDED FROM THE AZERI PARTY – THE NKR MFA
REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS

Stepanakert rejects Baku’s affirmations concerning the fact that in
the course of the OSCE mission monitoring on September 20 cease fire
was allegedly violated by the Karabakh party.
The official representative of the NKR MFA Leonid Martirosyan told De
Facto the shot had been fixed by the OSCE representatives.
Having noted the importance of the OSCE mission’s activity in
observation of the cease fire in the conflict zone L. Martirosyan
stressed the constraining role of the regularly conducted monitoring.
Nevertheless, the NKR MFA representative noted during the intervals
between the monitoring the Azeri party had afforded cease fire
violations. Snipers fire on Karabakh forces, which results in
people’s wounds. Sometimes Armenian party undertakes answer-back
actions.
However, the tension on the contact line is not limited to it. For 2
– 3 years the Azeri divisions have been trying to advance their
positions closer to the Armenian frontier guards. They have managed
to do it in some sectors. According to the Karabakh servicemen,
Azeris have managed to come nearer to them on distance even up to 80
meters. Karabakh party has shown restraint so far. However, there are
no guarantees that it can last for a long time. Karabakh expects for
the OSCE observers to interfere with the problem, otherwise new
incidents may take place.
Stepanakert does not exclude the possibility that the tension may
increase with approach of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
In case of revolutionary shocks in the neighbor Republic such
probability will increase even more. According to Freedom Radio
Station, the NKR Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan thinks if revolution
takes place in Azerbaijan the complicated political situation in the
country may be fraught with complications for the Karabakh borders.
`However, to tell the truth, I do not see prerequisites for such
changes in Azerbaijan’, stated the NKR Foreign Minister.