Author: Tamamian Anna

2ND SESSION OF COMMISSION ON COOPERATION BETWEEN MOSCOW AND ARMENIAN GOVERNMENTS TO BE HELD MAY 25 IN YEREVAN

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
May 23 2006

YEREVAN, May 23. /ARKA/. The second session of the commission on
cooperation between Moscow and Armenian governments is to be held on
May 25 in Yerevan.

Armenian Government’s press service says a delegation headed by Sergey
Baydakov, the head of Moscow central district, will come to Yerevan
for this session. Makar Naapetyan, the head of Yerevan Municipality
representative office in Moscow, will be Armenian Co-Chair.

Further steps and programs of cooperation between the governments
will be discussed at the session. The delegation will meet Armenian
Regional Administration Minister Hovik Abramyan and Yerevan Mayor
Yervand Zakharyan.

PATRICK DEVEDJIAN: GENOCIDE IS NOT ONLY A HISTORIC FACT BUT ALSO A LEGAL NOTION

AZG Armenian Daily
23/05/2006

French-Armenian politician Patrick Devedjian, deputy of the Union for
Popular Movement and adviser of interior minister Nicola Sarkozy,
dubbed “comedy” the May 18 session of the French parliament that
discussed a draft law on criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial.

Below we present his interview with Le Figaro:

– Mr. Devedjian, are the results of the parliamentary discussions
surprising to you?

– I did not think they would dare to go that far. The aim of the
comedy that we witnessed was to prolong the discussions not to put
the draft for discussion. This game was organized by the socialists’
spearhead and part of the rightists acting apparently on demand.

This is a disaster for the parliament where seems to be a ban on
discussing concerns facing the French.

– The government also pressed arguments to justify its opposition.

– The foreign minister was the government’s representative. He
explained that Turkey should not be distressed by adopting this
bill. I am astonished over his arguments on trade relations, which is
not only immoral but also wrong. Should I say that around 1.5 million
people fell victim to the Armenian Genocide?

Besides, the market economy is no subject to Ankara’s orders. Turkey
threatened with sanctions. But the next year our export to Turkey
rose by 32 percent.

– What will you tell historians opposing the draft?

– History is not the historian’s manor. Genocide is not only
a historic truth but also a legal notion that is defined in
the French Penal Code. The parliament is entitled to deal with
legal issues. Nevertheless, I stand for free historic debates. The
issue that we discuss today is the shameful Turkish denialism in
France. The legislative power’s interference is necessary to avoid
clashed between communities.

ARMENIA SEEKS TO MAINTAIN COOPERATION WITH NATO – PREMIER

ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
May 22, 2006 Monday 02:00 PM EST

The development of cooperation with NATO should be considered within
Armenia’s policy to European integration, Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan said.

In his meeting with NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and
Central Asia Robert Simmons on Monday, the Armenian prime minister
said, “Cooperation with the Alliance is one of the most important
components of Armenia’s multi-level security system.”

He attaches significance to the expansion of the Armenian-NATO
political dialogue and the defence reform. In his words, these reforms
will be carried out consistently to the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement,
security in the region and the normalisation of Armenian-Turkish
relations.

“By maintaining cooperation with NATO Armenia never opposes different
security systems and pursues its policy to meet mutual interests,”
Margaryan said.

“Armenia continues its support for NATO’s efforts aimed at developing
constructive interaction between the states of the South Caucasus
and regional cooperation,” he stressed.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosyan said cooperation with
NATO and the participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace Programme
is one of the components of Armenia’s security system. The diplomat
stressed that it is important to expand a political dialogue with
NATO and carry out the defence reform, in particular in working out
a national security concept.

“Armenia does not intend to join NATO,” Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan said at the end of April. At the same time, the president
stressed, “Under, the Individual Partnership Programme Armenia is
actively deepening its interaction with the Alliance as a key European
security organisation. Armenia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions are weighty,
realistic and are positively interpreted by European structures. They
do not create problems in relations with Russia.”

Kocharyan pointed out that Armenia “states its position identically
in Moscow, Brussels and Washington.”

Simmons said NATO lauds the expansion of Euro-Atlantic cooperation.

The Alliance does not consider such cooperation rivalry with other
security system, he added.

Armenia’s Individual Partnership Programme has become a step forward
and meets Armenia’s interests. It also helps carry out defence reform
and strengthen democracy, Simmons stressed.

He said it is important to broadly inform the Armenian public about
NATO’s activity. The NATO official expressed satisfaction with
Armenia’s efforts aimed at implementing its Individual Partnership
Programme. The Alliance seeks the successful implementation of this
document due NATO’s bigger interest in the situation in the South
Caucasian region.

EAF CHAIRWOMAN SAYS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL WILL PASS SOONER OR LATER

Yerkir
19.05.2006 17:41

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – “We are grateful to the deputies who defended
the honor of France as a country dedicated to high ideals,” European
Armenian Federation Chairperson Hilda Choboian said when commenting
on the bill criminalizing the Armenian genocide denial at the French
National Assembly.

She, meanwhile, condemned the French government, which “prevented
the free expression of will by the National Assembly members.”

She also expressed her confidence that sooner or later the bill will
be adopted by the French parliament.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 19, 2006
___________________

CLERGY GATHER FOR ANNUAL DISCUSSIONS

Clergy from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) gathered for the annual Clergy Conference from May 1 to 4, 2006,
at the Star Lodge Resort in Bloomingdale, NJ.

“This is also an opportunity for the clergy to gather in prayer and
strengthen the bonds between each other by sharing our experiences with each
other,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate. “It is a wonderful
opportunity to learn from each other.”

The Primate, presided over the gathering of 43 clergymen from the Eastern
Diocese, Fr. Zareh Zargarian, a representative of the Canadian Diocese, and
two visiting clergy from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Fr. Zaven
Yazijian and Fr. Baruyr Avedisyan, who spoke about the continued renewal and
growth of Christianity in the Republic of Armenia.

“The faith in Armenia is finding its footing, rooting itself again in our
brothers and sisters of the motherland,” the Primate said. “And these young
clergymen are examples of how Armenians are reawakening to their faith.”

A message from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, was also read to the clergymen. Later, the Primate expressed
gratitude to the Catholicos for sending his annual message of encouragement
and blessings to the clergy.

“This is again a connection that binds us as servants of the same Apostolic,
Orthodox church,” the Primate said.

He also spoke with the clergy about the Diocesan theme for the next year:
“Church and Home: One in Spirit.” The theme was introduced by Diocesan
staff, who asked the clergy for ideas and suggestions for programs to build
that united spiritual life in Armenian families. The clergy will meet again
with Diocesan staff on June 6 to further this discussion.

Along with discussing programming ideas, clergy also heard from three
distinguished panelists who spoke on the theological and pastoral traditions
of the Armenian Church in relation to suicide. Speaking were Fr. Krikor
Maksoudian, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and Dr. Carlo Bayrakdarian, a geriatric
psychologist.

The conference was co-chaired by Fr. Haigazoun Najarian and Fr. Untzag
Nalbandian, with Fr. Shnork Souin and Dn. Levon Giragosian serving as
English and Armenian secretaries respectively.

— 5/19/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Clergy at the 2006 Clergy Conference discuss various
issues and proposals during the four-day event from May 1 to 4, 2006.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, the newest priest of the Diocese,
celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ,
during the close of the Clergy Conference.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Clergy from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern) gather for the Clergy Conference, which ran from
May 1 to 4, 2006.

GENOCIDE ARMENIEN : “DOUBLE JEU” DU GOUVERNEMENT (DRAY, PS)

Agence France Presse
18 mai 2006 jeudi

Julien Dray, porte-parole du PS, a condamne jeudi les propos
du ministre des Affaires etrangères tenus lors du debat sur la
proposition de loi socialiste visant a sanctionner la negation du
genocide armenien, et a denonce un “double jeu” du gouvernement.

La seance consacree a cette proposition de loi, jeudi matin a
l’Assemblee nationale, a ete levee sans que le vote ait eu lieu.

Philippe Douste-Blazy avait, lors de la discussion, estime que le
texte serait, s’il etait adopte, “considere comme un geste inamical
par la très grande majorite du peuple turc”, au risque de “consequences
politiques serieuses”.

“D’eventuelles difficultes diplomatiques ou consequences commerciales
ne peuvent en aucun cas justifier que l’on renonce a la primaute
des Droits de l’Homme”, repond M. Dray dans un communique. “Un tel
raisonnement a pu etre tenu dans d’autres circonstances historiques,
et l’humanite en a paye le prix”.

“Le Parti socialiste denonce le double jeu auquel se livre le
gouvernement et qui consiste a reconnaître le genocide armenien tout
en refusant de lui donner effet, en en sanctionnant la negation”,
conclut le porte-parole.

–Boundary_(ID_2UYCKSwvjb2yRtCEGeln pw)–

KUWAIT AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO KOCHARIAN

Armenpress
May 18 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 18, ARMENPRESS: The new ambassador of Kuwait to Armenia,
Majdi Ahmad Ebrahim al Dafiri (seated in Tehran, Iran) handed today
his credentials to president Robert Kocharian.

Kocharian’s press office said the president underlined the necessity
of expansion of cooperation with Arab countries emphasizing Kuwait’s
role in this context. While referring to bilateral relationships both
men stated there was a serious cooperation potential. They also agreed
to develop a legal framework to boost bilateral cooperation and hold
more exchange visits by businessmen.

The ambassador was said to give a detailed description of developments
in Kuwait and the Gulf region.

INTERNET CONNECTS KARAKERT TO THE WORLD

Armenpress
May 17 2006

KARAKERT, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS: The Children of Armenia Fund’s (COAF)
Model Village Karakert celebrated on May 16 the launch of Internet
connectivity in the school and the larger community.

The project, realized through partnership with Project Harmony
(PH), will benefit the students of both schools in Karakert allowing
the young generation and other members of the community to expand
their horizons and take advantage of the unlimited informational and
technological potential Internet offers.

The School Connectivity Project implemented by PH is in its end
phase of connecting the last group of six schools in Armenia. In
Karakert, PH will provide up-to-date digital equipment necessary for
the organization of educational activities and will conduct training
of teachers and students in the multiple uses of computers and the
Internet. Within the parameters of this partnership, COAF provided
the furniture and computers of the Internet Classroom in the newly
renovated Karakert School #2.

The official launch took place in a ceremony attended by David Simpson,
PH Country Director.

Addressing a happy crowd of students and staff of both Karakert
schools, Mr. Simpson emphasized the importance of being connected
through the Internet, whether with the rest of Armavir, with other
schools in Armenia, or globally. Mrs. Tamara Baghdasarian, principal
of the Karakert School #1, noted with pride, “We are happy today to
acknowledge the input of donors for the revitalization of our village
and the contributions made for making our community a better place
for these talented children. This Internet Classroom is yet another
example of the opportunities our children now have to learn and become
productive citizens.”

Both schools of Karakert are co-located in the renovated school
building and have an equal opportunity to be connected to the
world. COAF and PH believe that this joint initiative will open new
doors in the lives of the children of Karakert. COAF will also pursue
bringing connectivity to the other villages of the Model Cluster.

ELECTIONS OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES TO BE HELD IN COMMUNITIES OF SYUNIK ON MAY 21 AND JULY 2

Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006

KAPAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Regular elections of the local
self-government bodies will be held on May 21 in 8 communities of
the marz of Syunik.

According to No37 and 38 district electoral commissions of Syunik,
electoral commissions of polling stations were formed in all the 8
communities within the envisaged term. All the nominated candidates
were registered, no applications were got about self-rejection. On
coming Sunday, May 21, 1 candidade will struggle for the post of the
Goris Mayor and 1 for the post of Nyuvadi village head, 2 candidades
for each of the posts of the community heads of Soflu, Toronik,
Vardanidsor, Lehvazi, Aldara and Yegheg. 5 people among the nominated
candidates are members of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA),
others are non-partizan. A comparatively serious struggle is expected
among candidades for the councillor members only in Lahvaz where
7 candidades were nominated for 5 places. The number of candidates
nominated for the councillor members in the other communities does
not outnumber 5. Regular elections of local self-government bodies
were appointed on July 2 in 3 rural communities of the marz.

Elections of the community head will be held in Khalaj and Okhtar
(the region of Kapan), and of the councillor members in Ghzjugh (the
region of Sisyan). Soon members of No 37 and 38 district electoral
commissions will adopt the schedule for preparation and holding of
the July 2 elections.

WE PUT EURO ENTRIES TO THE TEST WITH OUR UNIQUE DAZ-OMETER!

Stockport Express, UK
May 17 2006

DAZ Sampson.DAZ Sampson who is flying the flag for the UK is still
hoping to win the Eurovision crown this weekend – with the help of
his hometown Stockport.

The 32-year-old from Edgeley who has been a fan of Eurovision for
years said: “This is my World Cup Final.

“In theory winning Eurovision should be easier than winning Making
Your Mind Up – when I had to compete against some tough UK acts. But
to do it I am relying on votes from everybody in Stockport.”

Reaction in the UK has been positive so far and his Eurovision song
Teenage Life entered the UK charts at number 13 last Sunday. Daz said
he is hoping for a top five placing this week.

Some 37 other countries have entered this year’s Eurovision and Daz
has already made it through with 13 other finalists to the final.

There is a semi-final round this Thursday when 23 other counties will
battle it out to make the final 24.

Last Saturday Daz flew out to Athens with a 20-strong entourage
including his dancers and manager.

“I have a week of press interviews and rehearsals lined up before the
big day, not to mention a few parties,” he said. “I’m really pleased
a couple of my mates are joining me here later on.”

Yesterday (Tues) Daz gave spectators in Athens their first taste of
Teenage Life and received a good response.

He added: “Words can’t describe how happy I am. I am feeling really
optimistic that we can do well out here.”

At the time of going to press Daz was 7th favourite at the bookies to
win with the current favourite being Greece. Daz has placed £10,000
worth of bets on himself and has pledged some winnings to charity.

THE Eurovision Song Contest Final will be broadcast at 8pm on BBC1
on Saturday May 20.

Daz’s Ratings:

Belgium: My personal favourite to listen to as it has got good
harmonies. I would buy this record.

Germany: My second favourite. It’s a very catchy Country and Western
tune that should get on well.

Greece: The singer Anna Vissi is very well known in that part of the
world. One of the favourites, not bad.

Romania: Euro dance and one of the bookies’ favourites but it is sung
in Romanian which may be a problem.

Sweden: Steps meets Abba – a possible winner that will have a top
five finish.

Denmark: An 80s rock and roll song that the arena might go mad for
on the night.

Malta: This reminds me of a Steps record – it’s Euro-pop at its finest
and the Maltese take Eurovision quite seriously so it may get a lot
of votes.

Armenia: This type of song was big three years ago. It’s not bad and
stands a chance of getting through the semis but it will never win.

Belarus: The lead singer is very well known in Belarus and may get
a lot of support.

Bosnia: The group that sings this ballad is Bosnia’s equivalent of
our Westlife. It should make it through to the semi-finals.

F.Y.R Macedonia: Quite a catchy dance tune.

Iceland: This one is quite zany and a bit different. Norway: One of
my friend’s favourites.

Portugal: Another Abba take-off, like Waterloo.

Russia: Supposed to be the dark horse. It will get to the final round
and maybe end up 6th or 7th.

Turkey: Will get a lot of support but average.

Ukraine: This may get a top 15 placing overall.

Bulgaria: Will be lucky to make the final.”

France: Possibly the nil point. It’s very dreary.

Andorra: See you next year.

Albania: Being in Eurovision is a first for Albania and this record
is a very big outsider.

Finland: Scary, reminds me of Slipknot but tragic.

Ireland: For a country that has won Eurovision several times, this
song is an absolute disgrace.

Israel: A wishy washy ballad.

Estonia: A bit dull and is too much like Abba.

Lithuania: Would be better as a World Cup song.

Moldova: Not one that I would vote for.

Netherlands: Lovely girls but not a hope of winning. They will struggle
even to get to the final.

Poland: Will struggle to get to the final round.

Switzerland: This shouldn’t be in the competition.

Daz also had thumbs down for Cyprus, Latvia, Monaco, Slovenia, Spain
and Croatia.

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–Boundary_(ID_nRi4Ft0j NVP00xUs08WtIg)–