Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

PRO-TURKEY FORCES PRESSING EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO RETREAT FROM PRINCIPLED STAND ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmRadio.am
04.09.2006 10:29

The European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs is scheduled on
September 4th to consider a draft report on Turkey prepared by Dutch
MEP Camiel Eurlings (EPP). Over the past two months, pro-Turkish forces
with European institutions have sought to ignore or marginalize more
than 340 amendments, mostly critical of Turkey, that have been offered
to the measure.

The draft prepared by Eurling deals with the Armenian Genocide in
a vaguely worded paragraph that calls upon the Parliament to "take
note of the proposal by Turkey to establish a bilateral committee
of experts in order to overcome the tragic experience of the past,
and the position of Armenia regarding that proposal" and "urge both
the Turkish government and the Armenian government to continue their
process of reconciliation leading to a mutually acceptable resolution."

"This formulation, which is patterned after the outright denial
position of the Turkish government, represents a retreat from the
Parliament’s traditional posture of calling on Turkey to properly
acknowledge this crime against humanity. This proposed dramatic shift
in position prompted a broad range of MEPs to offer amendments to
this measure.

With regard to Turkey’s blockade of Armenia, the draft report "urges
Turkey to take the necessary steps, without any preconditions, to
establish diplomatic and good neighborly relations with Armenia and
to open the land border at an early date, in accordance with the
resolutions adopted by Parliament between 1987 and 2005."

Rather than recognizing that the large number of amendments reflect
broad-based dissatisfaction with the draft’s pro-Turkey bias, the
Rapporteur and political party leaders chose to propose their own set
of proposed "compromise" changes. These proposals largely ignore the
vast majority of the amendments.

The managers of this process, in the place of allowing MEPs
to weight the merits of the amendments, have chosen instead to
reduce these concerns to a series of weak and basically ineffectual
measures. Collectively, the "compromise" proposals that have more in
common with Turkish government’s position than the standing policy
of the European Parliament.

"The draft and the changes being put forward by the Rapporteur don’t
represent a compromise, but rather a profound retreat from the European
Parliament’s principled position," declared the Chairperson of the
European Armenian Federation, Hilda Tchoboian.

The European Armenian Federation encourages Members of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs to exercise their right to vote on the duly offered
amendments urging Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide as a
precondition for joining the European Union. The Federation also
calls upon MEPs to vote for amendments calling upon the Commission
to include in the Ankara Roadmap framework the necessity that Turkey
recognizes the Armenian Genocide and lifts its blockade of Armenia.

"On these vital issues, Members of the European Parliament understand
that the false compromises being put forward would both undermine the
EU’s values as well as its security interests. A retreat from principle
will not encourage progress by Turkey, but rather be interpreted as
a sign of weakness that will only embolden the Turkish leadership
in its implementation of ultra-nationalistic policies," concluded
Hilda Tchoboian.

Ecumenical News International, Switzerland
Sept 2 2006

Israeli bombs united Christians, Muslims in Lebanon, says envoy

Peter Kenny and Stephen Brown

Geneva (ENI). Lebanon’s minister of culture, Tarek Mitri, says the 34
days of fierce fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah movement
forged unity between the country’s Muslims and Christians, despite
many people questioning why the war started.

"Lebanon is still besieged," said Mitri, despite United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1701 passed on 12 August. "We hear every
day of new conditions that Israel is imposing," said Mitri saying its
southern neighbour was refusing lift a blockade it imposed in early
July. This began after Lebanon-based Hezbollah seized two Israeli
soldiers and Israel replied with a month-long bombardment.

The Lebanese minister was speaking to journalists on 2 September
during a meeting of the central committee, or main governing body, of
the Geneva-based World Council of Churches where he was responsible
for Christian-Muslim dialogue from 1991 to 2005.

"Lebanon thinks of itself as a society that is tolerant, pluralistic
and democratic," said Mitri, who represented his country as foreign
minister at the United Nations in New York in August, while the UN
Security Council resolution seeking a halt to fighting was being
hammered out.

Mitri said because he was dispatched to New York he was not able to
meet a WCC delegation that included a Roman Catholic bishop, which
travelled to Beirut, Jerusalem and Ramallah during the fighting. It
was under the leadership of the Rev. Jean-Arnold de Clermont, who is
also the president of the Conference of European Churches.

Earlier in the week, de Clermont reported back to the WCC leaders
about the visit. "The unanimous message we received in Lebanon from
both the non-Christians and Christians whom we met, that a
democratic, multicultural and multi-confessional Lebanon is not only
possible, but is needed to guarantee peace throughout the Middle
East," he said.

Addressing the WCC governing body, Mitri said the people of Lebanon
had drawn encouragement from the solidarity shown by groups like the
WCC.

"Some of you may have lived in areas that are besieged and the visit
of friends from different parts of the world is a gift from God,"
said Mitri appealing to the church grouping not only to help the flow
of humanitarian aid but also to pressure governments for the peace
process in the region to be resumed.

"Spare no effort as well to allow small countries such as Lebanon to
survive," urged Mitri, who is a scholar of Christian-Muslim relations
published in Arabic, French and English. "That means pressure on
Israel."

The first meeting in Geneva of the WCC’s main decision-making central
committee since it was elected in February in Brazil at a once every
seven year assembly, is paying special attention to the role that
churches can play in the Middle East.

And answering a question on how US denominations could help Lebanon,
Mitri said, "The American people in general and the churches in
particular have a real role in challenging the blanket demonisation
of people and religion in the name of the global war on terror."

Mitri noted at his press conference there had been a history of good
relations between Christians and Muslims since the end of a civil war
during the 1970s, but there had not always been good relations
between religious communities.

"It is not religious wars that have divided us, but wars that divided
religious communities," said Mitri who studied chemistry and
philosophy at the American University of Beirut and holds a social
science doctorate from the University of Paris-X.

Explaining the complexity of Lebanese politics, and the difficulty of
classifying religious identity, Mitri cited the fact that Hezbollah
has a parliamentary ally in Michel Aoun, a Christian Maronite general
during Lebanon’s 1970s civil war, who has the backing of many
Christians.

Mitri said of Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement: "The movement is not
particular friends of ours [the current Lebanese government]." But
its alliance with Hezbollah had helped ease political tensions
between Muslims and Christians, he noted.

During the Israeli onslaught on Lebanon, Mitri said most of the
victims of the bombing of "150 000 homes" were Shiite Muslims. "Many
of them were welcomed in Christian houses and monasteries," he said,
noting that, "in a fractured society like ours this is always a
pleasant surprise."

:: Muslims and Muslim related groups make up almost 60 per cent of
Lebanon’s population. Shiite, Sunni, Druze, Isma’ilite, Alawite or
Nusayri are seen comprising this group. The 39 per cent of the
Lebanon population that is Christian is made up of Maronite
Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholics, Armenian Orthodox,
Syrian Catholics, Armenian Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Roman
Catholics, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Copts, and Protestants. Other
religious groups are believed to account for just over 1.3 per cent
of its population.

:: Under Lebanon’s laws; the president is required to be a Maronite
Christian; the prime minister, a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the
Parliament, a Shiite Muslim.

KAREKIN II CATHOLICOS: "ACHIEVEMENTS IN EDUCATION ARE THE BEST
VICTORIES FOR OUR COUNTRY AND PEOPLE "

ETCHMIADZIN, SEPTEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. Karekin II Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians sent a congratulating message on
August 31 from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to pupils, students,
pedagogues and all employees of the education sphere. Noyan Tapan was
informed about it by the Information Services of the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin. "From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we welcome
and congratulate you on the occasion of the new school year and
address to all you Our Patriarchal blessing. We wish you that the new
academic year is productive and fruitful for each of you. Achievements
in education are the best victories on our country’s and people’s way
towards prosperous and good life, towards realization of all our
dreams. By praying the God, we ask that Our Good Lord keep you
healthy, make you powerful with many favours of the soul and mind and
bless our self-devoted efforts to study and to teach, all your
initiatives and kind affairs. Let the God’s love and favour always be
with you, leading and fortifying. Amen," is said in the Patriarchal
command.

PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA CONGRATULATES TEACHERS AND PUPILS ON DAY OF KNOWLEDGE

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 31, 2006

YEREVAN, August 31. /ARKA/. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan
congratulated teachers and pupils on the Day of Knowledge.

"High-quality education have always been priority aim for our nation.

Armenia’s future is multilaterally developed generation, rich with
knowledge", Kocharyan noted in his congratulating message, provided to
ARKA News agency by the Press Service of the president on Wednesday
The message says, "Today educational reforms are in the center of
special attention of the authorities, and they must be carried out
combined with best traditions and new tendencies".

Kocharyan finds that educational programs must be aimed at training
qualified specialists for science intensive economy and sphere of
high technologies.

"Special attention must be focused on children, having special
educational needs, since nobody must be left out from the public
educational process", the Message notes.

Kocharyan wished high school results to pupils and success to teachers
in their gratifying labor.

GRAND MASTER SMBAT LPUTIAN GETS INTO CAR ACCIDENT ON ARTASHAT-YEREVAN HIGHWAY

Noyan Tapan
Aug 30 2006

YEREVAN, AUGUST 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Grand Master Smbat Lputian, a
World Olympic champion of chess, the Deputy Chairman of the RA Chess
Federation, a member of the executive committee of the National Olympic
Committee of Armenia, Director of the Chess Republican Academy, got
into a car accident with his personal car on August 27. Members of
his family were also in the car. The suffered members of the family
were moved to the Erebuni hospital of Yerevan.

S.Lputian’s family members got comparatively mild bodily injuries. The
grand master suffered most of all: his ribs were injured. S.Lputian
said in the phone conversation with the Noyan Tapan correspondent
that his health state is good, and in the doctors’ words, he will be
fully recovered in 1-2 weeks.

WORKS OF JOINT SITTING OF COMMISSIONS ON DEMARCATING AND DIFFERENTIATING ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN STATE BORDER CONTINUE ON AUGUST 29

Noyan Tapan
Aug 29 2006

YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, NOYAN TAPAN. The joint sitting of commissions of
the Republic of Armenia and Georgia on demarcating and differentiating
the Armenian-Georgian state border took place in Yerevan on August
28. According to the information submitted to Noyan Tapan by the
RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department, commission
co-chairmen Gegham Gharibjanian, the Deputy Foreign Minister of
Armenia, and Georgi Manjagaladze, the Deputy Foreign Minister of
Georgia, opened the sitting, then works continued at the level of
experimental groups. The commission works continue till August 29,
after what the co-chairmen will sign a report. An agreement was
reached as a result of the sitting to hold the regular meeting of
the commission in Tbilisi.

HRAYR KARAPETYAN: AZERBAIJAN COMPREHENDS PRETTY WELL THAT IT CAN NO MORE FAIL THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

ArmRadio.am
29.08.2006 15:44

Three times Azerbaijan failed the negotiation process over the
settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and the international community
verified this, Head of the Armenian Revolutionary Party (ARF) faction
of the National Assembly Hrayr Karapetyan said in a press conference
today. He considers this was the reason for the softening of the
Azeri position and statements on the resolution of the Karabakh issue.

According to Hrayr Karapetyan, Azerbaijan comprehends pretty well
that this cannot continue long. Azerbaijan understands also that the
international community convicts the militant statements: serious
people and international structures expressed their critical attitude.

Mr. Karapetyan underlined that ARF position on the settlement of the
Karabakh conflict remains unchanged.

Speaking about the statement by the US Co-Chair of the OSCE
Minsk Group Matthew Bryza that Azerbaijan is one step ahead of
Armenia as it refers to democracy, Hrayr Karapetyan noted that the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation has expressed concern over the
statement to US Ambassador John Evans, who promised to convey it to
US leadership. Hrayr Karapetyan mentioned that even the opposition
representatives n Armenia are unhappy with Matthew Bryza’s statement,
since the opposition also considers that Armenia is ahead of Azerbaijan
as it refers to democracy.

CONSCIOUS THEATRE AT THE FOUNTAIN

LAist, CA
Aug. 28, 2006

LITTLE ARMENIA at the Fountain, the show developed by and for the local
Armenian community surrounding the Hollywood theatre, has added two
more weekend matinees before it closes September 3rd. This play was
developed by Fountain writers throughout 2005, and incorporates stories
from the history of Armenian politics and immigration to California.

Playwright and actress Dael Orlandersmith (Pulitzer finalist for
YELLOWMAN) follows next at the theatre with her one-woman show. THE
GIMMICK is a coming-of-age story set in Harlem, told from the point of
view of teenagers Alexis and Jimmy. Three weeks only: Sept 13 – Oct 2.

FROM THE MARGINS: RULES GO OUT THE WINDOW
By Patrick Azadian

Glendale News Press, CA
Aug. 28, 2006

Long before the movie "The Wedding Crashers" hit the silver screen,
my friend and I decided to crash an Armenian wedding. At the time,
my office was conveniently located across from the Royal Palace
banquet hall.

As we casually stepped into the lobby, a Russian security guard
greeted us.

He asked us which side of the family we belonged to. "We are Armen’s
friends," I said. The guard was not impressed and inquired about
Armen’s last name.

"Armen Sarkissian," I said, and followed it up with a question to
distract him. "Can you call him out for us?" I asked.

Within seconds we were being escorted out to the front door.

Meanwhile, I had a chance to squeeze in a few words to save face:
"Armen’s going to be very disappointed; he was looking forward to
seeing us."

I could hear the Russian mumble: "Da, da…" advertisement

Recently, after seeing "The Wedding Crashers" on cable, I received
an invitation to a local Armenian wedding. This was my opportunity
to test the "crasher’s rule book" in a real-life situation.

I lived close enough to the hall to be able to walk there. MGM
Banquet Hall is right around the corner from my apartment. The name
MGM (associated with Kirk Krikorian, the Armenian version of Donald
Trump) is a common name for many Armenian establishments. Apparently,
it’s a source of pride by association.

As I stepped into the hall, the mother of the groom was personally
greeting all guests. She immediately identified me as a potential
outcast and asked about my wedding credentials. Thankfully, they
already had a table card in my name.

I realized there would be little room for improvisation for potential
crashers.

Rule No. 2 of the rule book, which suggests never using your real name,
seemed obsolete.

To meet any women at these weddings, the process should start with some
kind of eye contact. Rule No. 13 states, "bridesmaids are desperate:
console them." Well, not at an Armenian wedding.

First, because the bridesmaids are not desperate; they know exactly
to whom they will be married, even if the guy has no idea.

And second, making eye contact is considered a health hazard. Most
girls are taken at young age. Focusing your eyes on the floral
centerpiece is highly recommended, no matter what the rum and coke
are telling you to do.

Making that ill-advised eye contact may be enough to cause you to
hit the pavement hard.

Rule No. 11 states that "sensitive is good." Rule No. 53 is similar
in spirit. During the ceremony it’s suggested to get choked up. The
logic is for girls to think you’re sensitive.

As large segments of the Armenian community remain homophobic, it is
dangerous to show any signs of emotion as a man. As a matter of fact,
being sensitive, managing to be slim after high school or wearing a
pink shirt can eliminate you from the competition for all the wrong
reasons. This is no place for softies.

Rule No. 58: "The Ferrari is in the shop." Whether the Ferrari is
actually at the shop or not, regardless of income level, the right
car is a basic requirement, not an advantage. Keep your dignity;
don’t brag about what’s not at the shop.

Rule No. 108 recommends knowing your swing and salsa steps. Girls
supposedly love to get twisted around.

Standing a the edge of the dance floor, I realized all the years of
salsa lessons in an effort to meet my own version of Eva Mendes had
gone to waste.

My money would have been better spent taking up "kazachok" (A
Russian/Ukrainian folk dance in which high kicks are made from a
squatting position). The dance is a firm favorite at Armenian weddings.

At the expense of sounding like an ingrate, at some point I realized
I was not having much fun. No disrespect to the hosts, the wedding
was great; but it’s not easy when you don’t know anyone, and staring
is not an option.

And although by this time I had decided the crasher’s rule book was a
total waste, Rule No. 12 sounded quite reasonable: "When it stops being
fun, breaking something is recommended." I had my eyes on the pair
of large porcelain lions (symbolizing MGM) near the dance floor, but
I could not reach them without bringing too much attention upon myself.

I left quietly with my tail between my legs.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
August 28, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

STUDENTS EXPERIENCE LIFE IN ARMENIA THROUGH ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY SUMMER
INTERNSHIP

Yerevan, Armenia – Fourteen Armenian-American college students from
across the U.S. traveled to Yerevan to take part in the Assembly’s
largest summer internship class in the program’s history. College
students from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska,
New Jersey, New York and Texas participated in the eight-week program
to gain a better understanding of living and working in Armenia – one
of the most culturally rich countries in the world.

The Yerevan internship program was established in 1999, following the
popularity and success of the Assembly’s Washington program, known as
the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program. In fact, four of
this year’s Armenia interns are alumni of the Washington program.

While in Armenia, students said they gained a better understanding of
the lifestyle, work ethic and culture in Armenia and felt a deeper
connection with their Armenian heritage.

"I have learned so much about being Armenian that it’s hard to put
into words," said Foreign Ministry intern Justin Kalemkiarian who is
an alumnus of the 2005 Washington program. "I knew hard facts about
the country but it’s completely different when you actually experience
what those facts can’t explain. After seeing the creativity,
intelligence and work ethic of the Armenian people I am more
optimistic about this country’s future than when I left home."

While some of the Assembly interns spent their summer working in
Government offices including the Constitutional Court, Ombudsman’s
Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Urban Development, and the NKR Representation Office in Armenia,
others worked at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical
centers and media outlets.

WORKING IN ARMENIA

This year’s intern group found their internships very rewarding and
were placed in some of the most exciting and interesting fields. Three
of the students spent their summer working in medical centers
including the Armenian-American Wellness Center, the Nork Marash
Medical Center, the Markaryan Medical Center and the Van Dental
Clinic.

"The most important thing I gained from this internship is the ability
to express myself in Armenian within the medical field," said intern
Ani Sinanyan who spent her summer interning at the Armenian-American
Wellness Center and the Markaryan Medical Center. "Hearing medical
professionals speak helped advance my language skills which will be
useful with Armenian patients I may have in the future."

Other students interned at organizations such as the Armenia Tree
Project, the Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG),
International Center for Human Development, Habitat for
Humanity-Armenia, Orran Chlidrens Center, the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as well as at media
outlets including Armenia TV and Bars Media.

Cate Norian interned at Bars Media working on a USAID project and had
the opportunity to travel throughout Armenia, visiting towns, villages
and meeting with people from all walks of life. "I’m seeing the future
of Armenia," Norian said. "I’m seeing the ingenuity, know-how, and
drive needed to push Armenia past the status quo."

MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN OFFICIALS

During their time in Yerevan, the interns met with several government
officials including Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Justice Minister
Davit Haroutiunian, Ombudsman Armen Haroutunian and Deputy Mayor of
Yerevan Vano Vardanian. During these meetings, interns learned more
about the inner workings of the Armenian Government as well as the
important role of the Diaspora in the homeland. They also met with
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans.

Some of the major highlights of the internship program were the
cultural activities the students attended including a performance of
the Anoush Opera. They also participated in the annual "One Nation,
One Culture" festival and enjoyed the Armenian holidays of Vardavar
and Constitution Day.

Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia’s business sector and
toured the Grand Candy, Tamara Ice Cream Factory and Yerevan Brandy
Factory.

TRAVELING AROUND ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAKH

In addition to gaining a better understanding of life in Yerevan, the
interns traveled outside of the city, visiting historic sites such as
the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, the Garni Temple, the Geghard Monastery,
Khor Virab, and Zvartnots Church. Interns also toured the city of
Gyumri with Aram Khachadurian formerly of New York. Afterwards, they
traveled to Ashotsk Village where Khachadurian gave them a tour of
Voske Ser, Khachadurian’s dairy farm and cheese factory. During a
two-day visit to Lake Sevan, the interns spent some time enjoying the
beautiful weather.

Interns took a three-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh. On the way, they
visited the Noravank, Tatev and Gandzasar Monasteries and the city of
Goris. In Karabakh, the interns toured the capital city of Stepanakert
where they met with President Arkady Ghoukassian and Parliament
Speaker Ashot Ghulian. They also visited the HALO Trust De-Mining
Center where they learned about the deadly landmines that continue to
threaten the people of Nagorno Karabakh. The students traveled to the
town of Shushi and visited the 19th century Ghazanchetsots Amenaprkich
Church and a newly-opened lavash factory.

"The Armenian Assembly internship program not only helped me
understand the way of life in Armenia, but also opened my eyes to the
endless opportunities awaiting my homeland" said Ministry of Finance
intern Gregory Bandikian.

Intern Raffi Haroutunian of Demarest, NJ has chronicled his
experiences and those of his fellow interns on an online blog. To
access this blog go to:

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues.  It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

### NR#2006-074

Photographs available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:

4/2006-074-1.jpg

Caption: Interns met with Ambassador John M. Evans (center) at the
U.S. Embassy in Armenia.

074/2006-074-2.jpg

Caption: Interns met with NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulian to
discuss the government, education system and economy of Karabakh.

-074/2006-074-3.jpg

Caption: Board of Trustees Treasurer and Birthright Armenia Founder
Edele Hovnanian (far left) along with Assembly interns and Birthright
participants met with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
(center).

ress/2006-074/2006-074-4.jpg

Caption: (L to R) Interns Anoush Dekmezian, Justin Kalemkiarian and
Arman Avedisian spent the summer interning at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.

ss/2006-074/2006-074-5.jpg

Caption: Assembly interns at the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi.

74/2006-074-6.jpg

Caption: (L to R) Interns Armine Bazikyan and Ani Sinanyan at the
Tamara Ice Cream Factory.