Author: Topchian Jane

CONCEPT PAPER PROMISES TO IMPROVE ECOSYSTEM OF SEVAN

Panorama.am
17:22 14/09/06

The executive power approved today a concept paper on investment
of new technologies for reproduction of Sevan fish (Sevan trout,
koghak and beghlu) and upgrade of Sevan ecosystem. The concept paper
envisages more than 300 million Armenian Dram investment in the course
of four years promising more fish in Sevan.

The executive decided to pour small fish and caterpillar into the
lake every year which will be developed in fisheries. Simon Papyan,
first deputy nature protection minister, said the government had
similar experience spending 10 million Armenian Dram from the
state budget each year. However, the deputy minister said only 5%
of the artificially grown fish could survive in the lake because
the ecosystem is down. Papyan assured the new concept paper will
considerably improve the situation.

DRAFT BILL SUGGESTS DEPUTIES TO KEEP TO ETHICS NORMS

Panorama.am
14:08 13/09/06

One of Armenian Republican Party (ARP) members, Sukias Avetisyan,
expressed his discontent with the bill on the discipline of deputies
at the National Assembly.

The deputy said it is more proper for schoolchildren.

In fact, Avetisyan’s discontent was addressed to Ararat Malkhasyanm,
who is the co-author of the bill and a member of the same ARP. The
authors of the bill say they have considered the experience of
countries at different stages of democratic development in drafting
the bill. The bill says, "Deputies are obliged to be present at
the sessions of the National Assembly and the committees to which
they are members." It also says, "the deputy must be honest,
self-restrained, tolerant. He/she must never abuse his official
position and avoid rude words in oral and written speech. He/she
must be respectful during communication with any person (persons)
and keep to ethics norms." According to the draft, "A deputy of the
National Assembly votes in person and only for himself during the
sessions."

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2006

ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE
CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

NEW YORK, NY-It all started more than twenty years ago thanks to a visionary
Archbishop and a nucleus of dedicated priests. It evolved through the years
and adapted to the needs of the Armenian American community, and this year
the St. Gregory of Datev Institute commemorated a milestone with the
celebration of the 20th anniversary of what now is a popular youth-oriented
summer program.
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a banquet to mark the two
decades of Datev took place on July 8 at the Holiday Inn in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, nearby the retreat center where the Institute holds its summer
sessions each year. The Datev Institute is sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).

SECURING THE FUTURE
Mr. Hagop Kouyoumdjian served as the honorary chairman of the 20th
anniversary commemoration and chairman of the fundraising committee. Mr.
Kouyoumdjian and his wife Ica, dedicated supporters of the Armenian Church,
are especially devoted to youth programs. Mr. Kouyoumdjian’s efforts on
behalf of Datev made possible the establishment of an endowment fund
specifically for Datev. It is the hope of the Prelacy that this fund will
continue to grow ensuring the future continuity of the Datev program. (See
accompanying story about this year’s Datev program).
The gala celebration was attended by the seventy Datev students who
attended this year’s program, along with many alumni, clergy, and friends
throughout the eastern region of the United States and Canada. The master of
ceremonies for the evening was the director of the Institute and Vicar of
the Prelacy, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who had just returned
from Lebanon where he received his Episcopal consecration by His Holiness
Aram I.
Jeanette Nazarian, chair of the program committee, welcomed the guests.
As the first female student to attend the Institute, she provided background
and insight into what makes this program so special for the Armenian
American community. "The Institute has provided Armenian American youth with
not only a stellar education in Christian faith, but also a friendly
environment in which to grow and nurture relationships that last a
lifetime," she said.
In his remarks, Bishop Anoushavan provided a brief history of the
Institute and thanked all those who contributed to its success. He noted:
"The Institute was established in 1987 by His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, of blessed memory, as a training program for altar servers. In
1990, the Institute opened its doors to female participants, particularly
those involved in the various ministries of the church. Within a few years,
in an effort to meet the spiritual needs of various segments of our
communities, the Institute accepted all youth interested in learning more
about the Armenian Christian faith. By the mid-1990s, the Datev Institute
modified its goals and objectives, and evolved into a full-fledged
youth-oriented program. With the election of a new Prelate in 1998 this
impetus continued and we are proud to say that under the leadership of our
Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, the Datev program is one of the most successful
programs of the Eastern Prelacy."

SPREADING THE NEWS OF DATEV
The history of Datev was told in words and images through a 20th
anniversary booklet written and designed by Melissa Selverian, and an
audiovisual presentation prepared by Datev alumnus Mikhail Mekaelian.
Interspersed in the 32-page booklet amongst the text and photos were
"Spotlights on a Datevatzi," bringing to life the thoughts of graduates of
the program. Looking through the booklet one gets a good sense not only of
Datev’s past, but its bright future as well. The booklet was distributed to
everyone attending the celebration, and sent to all donors and friends of
Datev.
The audiovisual presentation provided everyone a delightful retrospective
on the past twenty years of the program. The audience-especially all of the
Datevatzis-looked on as the fond memories of the great friendships forged
and positive experiences with students and instructors were recalled. Two of
those instructors-Haroutiun Misserlian and Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian-spoke
about the memories they cherished. Two Datev alumni, Dn. Jack Karakelian
(class of 1991) and Ms. Mary Gulmezian (class of 2004), reflected on their
experiences and what the Institute has meant for them.
The musical portion of the evening included hymns by a choir of Datev
students under the direction of Dn. Nishan Baljian, and a violin interlude
by a current Datevatzi, the talented Arpi Shetilian.
Following the various presentations, Archbishop Choloyan spoke to the youth.
Directing his words to them, His Eminence spoke about the importance of
communicating their newly acquired knowledge to their respective
communities. He encouraged all to return to their communities with new
motivation to participate in the life of the church.
"Amongst all of the programs of the Eastern Prelacy," His Eminence said,
"the Datev Institute has a unique position and role. The Institute is where
our young generation receives its vital instruction in language, religion,
liturgy, and history-all of which augments the attentive participation of
our younger generation in the life of our church and nation. The Datev
Institute deserves everyone’s wholehearted support. We are confident that in
the future the roots of Datev’s mission will be further strengthened in its
fertile soil."
Before concluding, His Eminence expressed his thanks to Bishop
Anoushavan, the director of Datev, to the guest lecturers and faculty,
especially Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), and the many volunteers. "We pray that the
protective arm of Almighty God will stretch over and protect the Institute,
the administration, the teachers and students so that through their service
to our Lord they will enjoy the grace and happiness of the spiritual growth
of our people," said the Prelate.
Evening entertainment was provided by the wonderful sound of the Aravod
Band, which includes several Datev alumni. The popular musicians donated
their services as a token of their esteem for the Datev program.
Current and former students celebrated the 20th anniversary of Datev with
renewed resolve to give the Datev program the support that it richly
deserves.
For more information about the Datev Institute, visit the Prelacy website
at

# # #

AZG Armenian Daily #172, 09/09/2006

Karabakh issue

NO OSKANIAN-MAMEDIAROV MEETING ENVISAGED

On September 12, Vartan Oskanian, RA foreign minister,
will meet with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairs in
Paris. Vladimir Karapetian, press secretary of RA
Foreign Ministry, informed Azg that they haven’t
envisaged any meeting between Vartan Oskanian and his
Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamediarov.

It’s worth mentioning that earlier Mamediarov stated
about his arrangement to meet the OSCE Minsk group
co-chairs on September 13. The meeting of both
ministers in fact depended on the adoption of the
formula of the fires in the so-called occupied
territories of Azerbaijan at the UN.

By Aghavni Harutyunian

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES MONTH IN ARMENIA

Yerevan, September 8. ArmInfo. A month in the sphere of International
Technologies (IT) will take place in Armenia from September 15 to
October 15, Ara Hakobyan, Adviser of the Armenian Prime Minister told
journalists, Friday.

He said the key goals of the month is to present the IT-sphere,
to enhance the prestige of IT companies and the sphere, on the whole.

Over 10 events are planned in the course of the month. Particularly,
international conference and forums, contests, one big and several
small expositions are expected, A. Hakobyan said. The month is timed
to the forum Armenia-Diaspora in Yerevan and the 15th Independence
Anniversary of Armenia.

In his turn, Director of Enterprise Incubator Foundation Bagrat
Yengibaryan said within the frameworks of the month meetings
will be held at schools. In addition, an inter-university contest
is expected. A contest of young programmers under 30 is already
underway. On September 29, within the frameworks of Armenia-Diaspora
Forum, an international conference will take place with participation
of such world acknowledged companies as Microsoft, Intel, Alcatel,
Sun and others. The conference will touch upon such issues as Internet
access, intensification of radio frequencies, mobile communication net
etc.. As regards expositions, they will present the latest developments
in the sphere. Particularly, B. Yengibaryan underlined the exhibition
"DigiTec-2006", which has a two-year-long history in the country. The
organizers have much expectation from this exhibition connected with
an entry into the international arena.

Among novelties, he mentioned the contest-marathon on the use of an
open code in the virtual regime that has no analogues in the region.

It will allow everyone working in Internet get on a definite space
to present his product. The winner of the contest will get a grand
prize from Microsoft.

ARMENIA SHOULD SEND PEACEMAKERS TO LEBANON

Lragir.am
08 Sept 06

While the Armenian government is waiting until the mandate of
peacemaking force to Lebanon under the auspices of the UN is made
clear to decide on our participation to this mission, on September
8 the topic "Armenian Peacemakers in Lebanon. Pro et Contra" was
discussed at the Armenian Center of Strategic and National Studies.

All the participants were for our participation in the international
peacekeeping mission, and everyone had their reason. If we participate,
the Armenian community in Lebanon will feel safer, Armenia should have
its word in the world and the region independent from the existence
of an Armenian community in one country or another, with an active
policy we may downplay our smallness, etc.

And the following evaluations were already different.

Davit Hovanisyan, professor at Yerevan State University, thinks
that the Armenians consulted the leaders of the Armenian community
of Lebanon and they were against. Davit Hovanisyan thinks that
the community will be for the participation of Armenia in this
international mission.

The former minister of defense of Armenia Vagharshak Harutiunyan
thinks we can participate in the so-called rear peacemaking, sending
to Lebanon mine clearance teams, doctors, providing assistance
in reconstruction of infrastructures in Lebanon. According to
Vagharshak Harutiunyan, he mandate of the international forces is not
an obstacle. "All the conflict parties, Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah,
agree to stationing peacemakers." Unlike Iraq, where our peacemakers
are only part of the anti-Iraqi coalition. Vagharshak Harutiunyan
says the Armenians were sent to Iraq because there was a proposal
on behalf of the United States, whereas with regard to Lebanon our
government should take the initiative, therefore the question is
constantly being delayed. "In the case of Iraq the United States
expressed an emphasized wish, and made an aggressive proposal,"
says Armen Aghayan, member of the Civil Initiative for Defense of
Liberated Areas. He thinks that the inability of our government
to make independent decisions may lead to not sending Armenian
peacemakers to Lebanon. The question of participation of Armenian
peacemakers in Lebanon is solved in Washington, Brussels, Moscow,
says Alexander Iskandaryan, political scientist.

Edward Antinyan, representative of the Liberal Progressive Party
justified the Israeli attack on Lebanon, but he pointed out that it
is wrong to strike the peaceful population and non-military objects.

Edward Antinyan suggests going to Lebanon after establishing and
expressing an official standpoint. And the officials are waiting.

Edward Antinyan is against an absolutely pro-Lebanon standpoint in
going to Lebanon. It should be noted, however, that peacemakers go
to the given place not as a supporter of one of the sides but as a
peculiar wall, a human border between the two conflict parties.

Perhaps the deputy ambassador of Egypt to Armenia decided to speak
after listening to the words of Edward Antinyan. Sayid Shafey Abdul
Mohseh says if we accept that the Israelis have the right to return to
their historical homeland, we should also accept that Israel today is
an aggressor, there are occupied areas. "There is not a single Arab
country Israel has not had problems with." According to the deputy
ambassador, the question of Armenian peacemakers is the problem
of Armenia.

And one may only suppose when, how and to what extent the government
of Armenia will take into account the opinion of the participants of
the meeting.

OUTGOING US ENVOY SAYS ARMENIAN TIES "VERY DEVELOPED"

Arminfo
7 Sep 06

Yerevan, 7 September: US ambassador John Evans has highly assessed
the level of Armenian-US relations, he told Armenian Public TV.

The ambassador’s mission in Armenia is coming to an end.

He said that Armenian-US relations were very developed, and the sides
were closely cooperating in the diplomatic and strategic fields, as
well as in the social and economic spheres. "The most important thing
is to ensure balance between these areas," ambassador Evans noted.

He added that Armenia was moving in the right direction, developing
democracy, and there were all prerequisites in these terms for Armenia
to become a leader of democratic processes in the South Caucasus
region. "However, the process of democratization is daily work in
all countries. This is a goal everyone aspires to," the diplomat
noted. He added that the US embassy is developing programmes aimed
at strengthening democracy in Armenia, which envisages the holding
of democratic elections. "Armenia’s future is a path of democratic
development," he concluded.

RA PRESIDENT’S CONGRATULATION TO THE CREW OF "KILIKIA"

ArmRadio.am
06.09.2006 11:39

RA President Robert Kocharyan addressed a message to the crew of the
"Kilikia " sailing ship. President’s Press Office informs that the
message says, in particular:

"Dear friends,

For three years our people have been closely observing the
unprecedented voyage of the Armenian "Kilikia" vessel. After eight
centuries you repeated the historical route of the sailors of
the Armenian state of Kilikia, crossing a long way and overcoming
dangerous difficulties. I want to lay special emphasis on the fact
that during the whole course of the voyage state flats of European
and Mediterranean countries were fluttering on "Kilikia" together
with the Armenian tricolor. The cruise was also a good example for
the boys and girls, who intend to go in for sailing sports I wish
safe home-coming to you and to "Kilikia" vessel."

BARROSO SEPARATES ADHESION FROM TURKEY OF THE QUESTION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmRadio.am
05.09.2006 16:58

The president of the European Commission, Jose-Manuel Barroso, refused
Monday to force Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide before
his possible adhesion with European Union. "This kind of examination
must be voluntary. It cannot be imposed," declared Monday the owner
of European executive. "One should not pose that like an additional
condition," insisted Manuel Barroso by underlining the "difficulty"
and "time" necessary to the control of this kind of debate. "How
long the catholic church did put to recognize the reality of the
enquiry? How long the colonial powers did they put to recognize the
colonial crimes?" he pled.

Jose-Manuel Barroso rejected any purely geographical definition of
the Union. "There is no geographical consensus on the borders of the
Union. Let us seek a political consensus rather, because is with us
to decide ", but" one should not say ‘ no’ to these countries which
testify to a will of Europe," he noted.

For the president of European executive, European Union must accept
all the countries which fill the criteria fixed at their adhesion
"and which represents a step ahead, an added value, for European
integration", he concluded, while admitting that the question of the
accession of Turkey was one "of most difficult at the present time in
Europe." An accession of Turkey to the European Union would make it
possible, according to him, to avoid importing instability into Europe.

BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC
By Hinda Mandell – Tuesday September 5 2006

Jewish Advocate , MA
Aug 5 2006

Yuval Ron Ensemble gives rousing performance

Can four musicians onstage provide the key to world peace?

It’s a tall order, but if the Yuval Ron Ensemble has its way, the
answer is an astounding yes.

The ensemble performed Sunday at Brandeis University’s Slosberg Recital
Hall in a benefit concert for locally-based Progressive Pictures,
a production company at work on a documentary of the ensemble and
its effort to resolve conflict through music.

The audience was a willing participant in this social experiment;
by the concert’s end, the ensemble had people on their feet, clapping
and humming along. There was not an unsmiling face in the house.

The Yuval Ron Ensemble was established in 1999, with musicians
from Muslim, Christian and Jewish backgrounds. Sunday’s performance
featured music director Yuval Ron, an Israeli from Tel Aviv, vocalist
Najwa Gibran, a Christian Lebanese-Palestinian woman born in Haifa,
wind instrumentalist Yeghish Manukyan from Armenia and Jamie Papish,
a percussionist from Los Angeles.

While the group prides itself on the diversity of its musicians, it’s
the world-class musicianship that drives home the ensemble’s message.

Melodies thousands of years old wafted through the recital hall,
haunting, lovely and filled with history. Manukyan played a tune on
his duduk, a traditional Armenian instrument made from the wood of
an apricot tree, that has roots during the time of the ancient Temple.

In addition to the specific Sephardic, Sufi and Arabic songs, the
ensemble also performed melodies that had roots in all of these
traditions.

These are musicians who are masters of their craft, whether it’s
a seemingly-exotic shvi flute or a drum. Vocalist Gibran easily
shifted from Hebrew to Arabic in her songs; her voice is an
exceptional instrument. For more information on the group, which
tours internationally, visit More information
on Progressive Pictures can be found at