Author: Topchian Jane

GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER PROCLAIMS DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE FOR 2010

armradio.am
15.04.2010 11:32

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed the week
of April 19th through April 26th as "Days of Remembrance of the
Armenian Genocide."

"It is important to remember the horrors of the past in order to keep
history from repeating itself. The Armenian Genocide was a terrible
breach of human rights and an event that has outraged the world.

Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million innocent Armenians lost their lives
at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, and 500,000 more were forced from
their homeland.

The atrocities carried out against the Armenian people were grave
and unimaginable, as they were subjected to deportation, abduction,
torture, starvation and more. And as with any violent conflict,
Armenian women and children suffered the worst abuses. The bulk of the
Armenian population that was displaced from their homes was forced
to escape to neighboring as well as faraway countries. Many fled to
the United States.

Today, California is honored to be home to a vibrant Armenian-American
population, the largest outside the Republic of Armenia. This thriving
community is a proud reminder of survival and determination even in
the face of extreme injustice.

As Americans and Californians, it is our duty to raise awareness
of the Armenian Genocide and to participate in the remembrance and
mourning of the loss of innocent lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State
of California, do hereby proclaim April 19-26, 2010, as "Days of
Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of April
2010."

RPA DEPUTY: TURKEY CANNOT TALK TO ARMENIA THE LANGUAGE OF PRE-CONDITIONS

ArmInfo
2010-04-15 16:47:00

ArmInfo. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s Washington meetings
prove once again that Turkey cannot talk to Armenia the language of
pre-conditions, deputy from RPA parliamentary faction Gagik Melikyan
said at today’s press-conference.

He also added that Turkey must not link normalization of the
Armenian-Turkish relations with the Karabakh conflict settlement
and the world recognition of the Armenian genocide. ‘Armenia should
be talked to only without pre-conditions’, – Melikyan said and added
that Armenia will not cede any of the liberated territories until the
Karabakh status is not resolved. For his part, another participant
in the press-conference, deputy of ARFD parliamentary faction Artsvik
Minasyan said that after Sargsyan-Obama meeting there is information
that president of Armenia called, demanded or expressed wish to
America to recognize Armenian genocide.

Gagik Melikyan thinks that the USA will recognize the Armenian genocide
in the near future. He also hopes that Barack Obama’s message on 24
April will be harsher than in 2009.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON WAS INEVITABLE

ArmInfo
2010-04-14 13:34:00

ArmInfo. "What had happened in Washington was inevitable," Hrayr
Karapetyan, Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Defense,
Security and Internal Affairs," told media on Wednesday.

"Armenia once again declared about its commitment to peace efforts,
whereas Turkey again set preconditions on Armenian Genocide and
Karabakh conflict. The USA, for its turn, made sure that it will fail
persuading Turkey to open the border with Armenia," he said.

Karapetyan said if President Obama avoids pronouncing the word Genocide
in his April 24 speech, it will mean that the USA has yielded to
Turkey’s pressure once again and that Turkey will so far gain.

"Nevertheless, time plays in favor restoration of historical justice.

One beautiful day the USA and the whole world and even Turkey will
recognize the fact of Armenian Genocide. Threats to Armenia have not
been neutralized yet and the Protocols are still in the parliaments
and one day they may be ratified," Karapetyan said.

The Nuclear Security Summit started in Washington on April 12. A
total of 47 countries, representatives of the UN, the IAEA and the
EU participate in it. The two-day summit has become the largest
international forum in the USA since the founding conference in the
UN in 1945.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

April 15, 2010
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN ATTENDS CEREMONY
AT WASHINHGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
Archbishop Oshagan attended the ceremony at the National Cathedral in
Washington, DC, on Monday, where Armenias President Serge Sarkisian
placed a wreath at the tomb of U.S. President Woodrow
Wilson. President Sarkisian arrived in Washington to attend the
Nuclear Security Summit which took place Monday and Tuesday. After
the brief ceremony, Mr. Sarkisian met with genocide survivors who
were present. In his comments he said, All of us together paid tribute
to
President Woodrow Wilsona person and a leader, who is and always will
be remembered by our people as a true friend of the Armenian nation.
In the aftermath of World War I, President Wilson was an
advocate for an independent Armenia which included three Armenian
provinces of the defeated Ottoman Empire (Erzerum, Bitlis, Van, and
north to the Black Sea port of Trabzon. The Treaty of Sevres, which
included Wilsons boundary of Armenia, was not ratified.

95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENOCIDE
Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and
Requiem Service, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the
participation of community organizations will take place on Saturday,
April 24, 7 pm, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City.
The Keynote Address will be delivered by the well-know
educator, writer and translator, Professor Peter Balakian. Professor
Balakians most recent publication is a translation of Armenian
Golgotha: A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1918 by Bishop
Grigoris Balakian. The 500-page memoir provides a vivid and
heart-wrenching eyewitness account of the Armenian Genocide.
The commemorative program will feature a theatrical
presentation compiled and coordinated by Dr. Herant Markarian, and the
Hamazkayin Childrens Choir, directed by Vagharsag Ohanyan. A solemn
Requiem Service will conclude the commemorative event.
Bus transportation from New Jersey at 5 pm from
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen
Boulevard, Ridgefield; and Armenian Presbyterian Church, 140 Forest
Avenue, Paramus.
Bus transportation from New York at 5 pm from Armenian Center,
69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside; Baruir Grocery, 40-07 Queens Boulevard,
Sunnyside.
The event, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
is organized by the 95th Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee
which includes the following sponsors: Armenian Apostolic Church of
America, Eastern Prelacy; Exarchate of the Armenian Catholic Church;
Armenian Evangelical Church; Armenian Revolutionary Federation (NY &
NJ); Armenian Relief Society (NY & NJ); Armenian National Committee
(NY & NJ); Hamazkayin (NY & NJ); Homenetmen (NY & NJ); Armenian Youth
Federation (NY & NJ).
For information: [email protected]
(mailto:remember1915@gmail. com)

TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 25
The annual commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Genocide at
Times Square organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan and with
the co-sponsorship and participation of all the Armenian Churches and
organizations will take place on Sunday, April 25, beginning at 2
pm. There is free bus transportation to and from Times Square from all
New York and New Jersey Armenian Churches as well as from other
locations. For complete information:
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 24th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for
youth ages 13-18, is scheduled to take place at the St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 25-July 4,
2010. The program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For more information click here (
4882/goto: /departments/arec/datev-institute
).
PILGRIMAGE TO LEBANON AND SYRIA
On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
Eastern Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute is organizing a
pilgrimage to Syria and Lebanon, from August 2 to August 16. For more
information click here (
4882/goto: /component/content/article/95-pilgrimage
).
CATHOL ICOS ARAM MEETS WITH NEW
SECRETARY GENERAL OF WORLD COUNCIL
His Holiness Aram I met with the new General Secretary of the World
Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr. Olav Tveit, at the Ecumenical
Institute in Bossey, Switzerland. This was their first meeting and the
former Moderator of the WCC and the new General Secretary discussed
issues and concerns related to the Ecumenical Movement and the
WCC. His Holiness shared his ecumenical vision and experiences as
Moderator and the leader of an Orthodox member church. Dr. Tveit
shared his observations and plans in leading the WCC. The Catholicos
stressed the importance of interreligious dialogue and urged the
General Secretary to organize a follow-up to the 2005 consultations
entitled A Critical Moment in Interreligious Dialogue.
BIBLE READING
Beginning this past Monday (April 12) and continuing through to
Pentecost (May 23) in addition to other readings portions of the four
Gospels are read each day: Luke is read in the morning; John is read
at mid-day; Matthew is read at the beginning of the evening hour; and
Mark is read at the end of the evening hour.
Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 15 are: Luke
5:17-26; Acts 8:14-25; James 5:12-20; John 1:43-51; Matthew 6:1-21;
Mark 2:1-12.
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be
seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that
they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received
their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in
secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they
love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so
that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received
their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the
door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who
sees in secret will reward you.
When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the
Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their
many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need
before you ask him.
Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your
name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive your trespasses.
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites,
for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are
fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when
you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your
fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:1-21)
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/2010dbr-4.pdf
).
GREEN SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 18, is Green Sunday (Ganach Giragee), also known as
Sunday of the World Church (Ashkharhamadoor). The concept of Green
Sunday most probably comes from an ancient folk holiday celebrating
spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long winter
months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving and
celebrated by decorating the church and themselves with greenery. The
reawakening of nature is also symbolic of the Resurrection. Green is
the color of life, freshness and promise. After a barren winter we are
filled with hope, life, and love.
Green Sunday is also known as World Church Sunday in the sense
of the church belonging to the whole world beginning with Christ and
the Apostles who met regularly to pray and partake of the Holy
Sacraments of Communion. It is the appropriate time for us to remember
our obligations to be good stewards of the earth and the gifts that
have been given to us by God.
Today the multitudes of angels share in our celebration for the
heavenly King comes into the Holy Church. Rejoice and be exceedingly
glad, O Church, betrothed to God, for the Lord of Lords has chosen you
and been well pleased to live in you. Shine, shine O Universal Church,
for the Divine Light from the Father and Light has arisen on you and
has enlightened y our children.

>From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church for
Sunday of the World Church (Green Sunday).
NEW CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE CATHEDRAL
Women in the Bible, a new five-part Bible study will begin on
Wednesday, April 28. The study will focus on some of the female
characters in the grand biblical story of
creation-fall-redemption-consummation.
Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC) and St. Illuminators Armenian Cathedral, the classes will be
held at the Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New York City) on five
consecutive Wednesdays starting April 28 through May 26, 2010.
The classes will begin at 7:P15 pm with a presentation (45
minutes) followed by Q and discussion (45 minutes), conducted by
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC.
The program is free and open to the public. For registration
or information, contact the Cathedral office at 212-689-5880 or the
Prelacy office at 212-689-7810 or at [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org).
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS TO MEET
The Religious and Executive Council of the Eastern Prelacy will meet
this Friday and Saturday at the Prelacy headquarters in New York City.
COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION IN RHODE ISLAND
A commemorative exhibition, The Armenian Geocide95 Years Later, in
Remembrance, opened on April 1 and will continue through April 30, in
Providence, Rhode Island. The exhibition was produced in collaboration
with the University of Rhode Island, and is on display at URI
Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, 80 Washington Street,
Providence. The exhibition curator is Berge Ara Zobian, director of
Gallery Z in Providence. The exhibit features the works of more than
50 professional artists and over 100 works of school-age children, as
well as theatrical productions and lectures. For information:
[email protected]
(ma ilto:[email protected]).
DVD PRESENTATION OF PILGRIMAGE TO WESTERN ARMENIA
The New York Hamazkayin Literary Committee is presenting a DVD
presentation of Land of the Screaming Stones: A Pilgrimage to Western
Armenia, tomorrow evening, Friday, April 16, at 8:05 pm at the
Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, New York.
The presentation is based on the trips made by His Eminence
Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory, who served as Prelate of
the Eastern Prelacy from 1978 to 1998. Along with pilgrims, including
scholars and historians, he takes us back to the ancestral home of the
Armenians. Nostalgic visits are made to many churches and monasteries,
most in ruins, where for the first time in decades beautiful Armenian
hymns fill the desolate churches and countryside. Admission is $5, per
person. All proceeds will be donated to the school in the village of
Moughni in Armenia, which was named in honor of Archbishop Mesrob.
PLEASE NOTE:
The following urgent appeal was received from Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Please read and distribute to your friends.

Irene Hamptian (Katrandjian)
is in desparate need of this bone marrow transplant. Her parents are
Hampy and Grace Hamptian, who are long time parishinors of Sts
Vartanantz.
Below is a letter from her daughter Olivia:
Dear Friends,
As some of you know, my mom is suffering from Non-Hodgkin’s Peripheral
T-Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive and unpredictable form of blood
cancer. She has endured over six months of in-patient chemotherapy and
a debilitating bone marrow transplant, but somehow the disease has
persisted.
At this point, her only chance for a cure is an allogeneic stem cell
transplant. In order to perform this procedure, the doctors need a
blood donor who is a genetic match, but currently, there are no
registered donors who qualify.
Anyone can be that match, and that is why I am writing to you today.
Joining the "Be The Match" registry is simple (see below), and
requires only a cotton swab to collect some cheek cells from the
inside of your mouth. If you are a match, your participation could
mean the gift of life to someone – like my mother – who is desperately
in need of your help.
Sincerely,
Olivia Katrandjian

You must be 18 to 60 years old.
If you are a match, you will be asked to donate peripheral blood (from
your arm), just as you would if you were to give blood.
The recipient of a match, NOT the donor, incurs all costs.
THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO JOIN THE "BE THE MATCH" REGISTRY:
ONLINE at (
4882/goto: 61=3384=0014GIOWXAepECobw8aUGnyYLVcCIzFOYSNCB1yOnJ cV4UvSrVq8LOLVsVDxb1xFBvAZ0yPqbvQ_Rq_-xkx2koAFhFIc Jl-yQI_lzNyN8FgzAdIEX84d0Mm0Q=). Click first on "Join the Registry" and then on "Join Now." Complete
the online form to order your registration kit, which will be sent to
you by mail. Follow the instructions in the kit to collect a sample of
cheek cells, and then return the kit in the addressed envelope that is
provided for you.
IN PERSON at a Recruitment Center. Go to (
4882/goto: 61=3384=0014GIOWXAepECobw8aUGnyYLVcCIzFOYSNCB1yOnJ cV4UvSrVq8LOLVsVDxb1xFBvAZ0yPqbvQ_Rq_-xkx2koAFhFIc Jl-yQI_lzNyN8FgzAdIEX84d0Mm0Q=) to find a recruitment center near you.
IN PERSON at a BE THE MATCH drive near you. Go to (
4882/goto: 61=3384=0014GIOWXAepECobw8aUGnyYLVcCIzFOYSNCB1yOnJ cV4UvSrVq8LOLVsVDxb1xFBvAZ0yPqbvQ_Rq_-xkx2koAFhFIc Jl-yQI_lzNyN8FgzAdIEX84d0Mm0Q=) to find a date and location.
The following recruitment center exists in Bergen County, New Jersey:

The HLA Registry
A Division of Community Blood Services
800 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 300
Oradell, New Jersey 07649
(201) 705-1604
(
4882/goto: 61=3384=0014GIOWXAepEBXu5BgIgcO71WYMjbcWlZDgJ5fVHu 5pUTKy5SQnQ9FR6maapEJMayvnvE2OfjswcMfiTB34TWMm0GV1 UZZ6vCYcJcLndZ1EOuyOK99ektm5nipiwZsnId6
)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 17St. Stephen s Ladies Guild, Watertown, Massachusetts,
presents jazzy evening featuring Sandi Bedrosian jazz ensemble, 6 pm,
church hall. $35 per person. Contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) or Yeretzgin Baljian,
781-209-1915. Reservations only.
April 17Ladies Guild New England Regional Seminar hosted
Sts. Vartanantz Church (Providence) Ladies Guild and the National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 9 am. Guest speaker: Shakay
Kizirian. Topic: Survival (A Womans Story). For information: Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 or [email protected].
April 18ARS Mayr and Erebouni Chapters sponsor Walk-Armenia to benefit
Camp Haiastan. Registration at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street,
Douglaston, New York, starts at 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins 1
pm. For information 516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).
April 18Health Expo 2010, To Your Health, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65
234th St., Douglaston, New York, 1 pm to 6 pm. Free tests, counseling,
information on medical conditions, mini-lectures on current health
issues. For information: Dr. Arthur Kubikian 718-786-3842.
April 24Commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, organized by the Eastern Prelacy with the participation of
community organizations, 7 pm at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York
City. Keynote speaker: Professor Peter Balakian.
April 28First of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
May 1New York State Theatre Institute presents Silence in a Circular
Rainbow, a staged reading of a play by Herand Markarian at the James
L. Meader Little Theatre, Troy, New York. For information about bus
transportation: Sonia 917-679-6992; Anahid 917-751-4916; Rita
347-991-4759.
May 1Third Annual Silent Auction and Wine Tasting, Holy Trinity
Church, 635 Grove St., Worcester, Massachusetts, 7 pm to 10 pm. Join
us for hors doeurves, wine and a fun-filled night. General admission
$20; students $15. For information: 508-852-2414 or visit web site
(holytrinitysilentauction.vpweb.com
(mailto:a [email protected])), or send email to
[email protected]
(mailto:arm [email protected]).
May 2Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon sponsored by Ladies Guild of
St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 158
Main Street, North Andover.
May 5Second of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored b7y the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council
and St. Illuminators Cathedral.
May 10Mothers Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, New
York Palace, 455 Madison Avenue, New York City. Reception at 12 noon;
lunch at 1 pm.
May 12Third of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
May 13 to 16National Representative Assembly hosted by St.
Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, and St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
May 13-14NALG Annual Conference in conjunction with the NRA, Crowne
Plaza, LaGuardia Airport Hotel. For information Mary Derderian,
781-762-4253, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
May 19Fourth of five Bible studies on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, 7:15 pm. Sponsored by the
Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and St. Illuminators
Church.
May 22Divine Liturgy and annual banquet, presided by His Grace Bishop
Anoushavan Tanielian, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
May 2375th Anniversary celebration of Holy Trinity Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Worcester. For information: 508-852-2414.
May 26Fifth and final Bible study on Women in the Bible at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, 7:15
pm. Sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council and
St. Illuminators Cathedral.
June 12Food Festival sponsored by Ladies Guild of St. Gregory Church,
Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts.
June 25-July 424th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program for youth ages 13 to 18, at St. Mary of Providence Center,
Elverson, Pennsylvania.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island,
at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Cranston,
Rhode Island. For tickets and information: Joyce Bagdasarian
(401-434-4467) or Joyce Yeremian. (401-354-8770).
August 15Annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts, at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts (12 noon to 5
pm). For information: 617-924-7562.
August 22Annual picnic of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.
October 8-10The Eastern Prelacys Linked In workshop weekend for young
adults at Holy Virgin Marys Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 14, 2010
___________________________________

EASTERN DIOCESE NAMES U.S. SEN. DICK DURBIN AS ITS "FRIEND OF THE ARMENIANS"
FOR 2010

Richard Durbin was the Senate’s assistant Majority Leader when he authored a
resolution acknowledging the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. "We
must honor those who died in the Armenian Genocide by recognizing their
suffering and by dedicating ourselves to preventing human suffering and
tragedy in the future," said the U.S. Senator from Illinois, in introductory
remarks on the Senate floor.

"It is important and long past time that the United States speaks with
appropriate clarity on this historical fact."

For his support of the Armenian-American community, the Eastern Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America has named Senator Durbin as its "Friend of
the Armenians" for 2010. The award will be officially announced during the
annual Diocesan Assembly banquet, held this year in Chicago on Friday, April
30.

The weight of history has driven Senator Durbin on the Genocide issue, which
he sees as part of a woven garment of related concerns on human rights and
crimes against humanity. Chief among his present concerns is the genocide in
Darfur, which has received a great deal of the senator’s energy, resulting
in the "Darfur Peace and Accountability Act," the "Sudan Accountability and
Divestment Act," and other legislative tools to halt the ongoing tragedy.

In his efforts to bring compassionate attention to the Darfur crisis-Durbin
calls it "one of the most pressing issues facing the international
community"-the Armenian experience of 95 years ago has a special resonance.

"Recognizing the Armenian Genocide takes on added importance in the face of
the genocide occurring right now in the Darfur region of Sudan," Durbin said
in remarks on a bipartisan resolution on genocide. "We must honor those who
died in the Armenian Genocide by recognizing their suffering, and by
dedicating ourselves to preventing human suffering and tragedy in the
future."

Currently in his third senate term, Durbin previously served for 14 years in
the House of Representatives. He has co-sponsored legislation expressing
Congress’ solidarity with Armenia in the aftermath of the 1999
assassinations in Armenia’s Parliament; was a vocal supporter of the
provision in the "Freedom Support Act" banning aid to Azerbaijan until it
lifts its blockade; and co-sponsored the bill extending permanent normal
trade relations to Armenia.

Durbin has also been outspoken in addressing human rights abuses in Turkey,
and enthusiastically signed a letter urging the President to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide on April 24.

In 2007, he authored the "Genocide Accountability Act," which was signed
into law. A year later, Senator Durbin chaired hearings on Capitol Hill
titled "From Nuremberg to Darfur: Accountability for Crimes Against
Humanity," which once again brought the history of crimes against humanity
into the context of the present day.

"Our promise to hold accountable those who commit the most unspeakable
crimes will ring hollow unless we lead the world in punishing those
responsible for the gravest human rights violations," he said on that
occasion.

The 108th Diocesan Assembly will convene in Chicago, Ill., and will be
hosted by the St. James parish of Evanston. The assembly’s gala banquet will
be held at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare Hotel, on Friday, April 30, starting
at 6:00 p.m.

For information on the banquet and this year’s Diocesan Assembly, log onto
the host parish’s website for the Diocesan Assembly,

###

Photo attached: Senator Richard Durbin

BARACK OBAMA PRAISED SERZH SARGSYAN FOR HIS EFFORTS IN ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION

Tert.am
13.04.10

US President Barack Obama has praised Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan for his efforts in Armenia-Turkey normalization, Turkish
Anadolu agency quotes a statement released by the White House after
the Obama-Sargsyan meeting.

"Barack Obama has praised Serzh Sargsyan for his efforts in the
normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and called on him to
deliver on his promise of normalization," reads the statement.

It also calls on RA President Serzh Sargsyan and Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan to continue with the normalization process and
put efforts to ratify the signed Protocols in their parliaments.

DEFENSE ARMY SOLDIER CAN DEFEND BORDERS: OHANYAN

news.am
April 12 2010
Armenia

Situation in the contact line has not changed, remaining stable. The
improvement of the defense line is underway, said RA Defense Minister
Seyran Ohanyan in the frames of governmental delegation’s visit
to military units, as well as contact line of NKR and Azerbaijani
armed forces.

According to him, our positions strengthen year by year, day by day
and Armenian soldiers serve in safer and more secure conditions.

"Presently, I can definitely say that defense army soldier is capable
of defending the borders," Ohanyan noted.

He also underlined that high combat readiness of the army is mainly
ensured both by quality, high morale of the troops and top level of
military expertise. "Thus, presently we managed to maintain balance of
forces. Moreover, we are able of defending ourselves and implementing
preventive measures," the minister emphasized.

Speaking of provocations of Azerbaijani snipers, Ohanyan stated that
only adequate actions of Armenian side can oppose them. "Units of
NKR defense army and RA armed forces return only sniper fire. I have
given strict instructions not to retaliate to desultory fire or use
the patrons in vain," Ohanyan said.

STEPANAKERT AIRPORT TO CHANGE ECONOMIC CONSTITUENT OF COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA

news.am
April 12 2010
Armenia

Stepanakert airport functioning will significantly affect both economic
and social constituents of cooperation with Armenia, RA Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan stated in the course of his 3-day working visit to
the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The construction of Stepanakert airport is underway. It is expected
to be put into operation this October.

news.az, Azerbaijan
April 10 2010

Sweden remains strong proponent of Turkish EU membership – analyst
Sat 10 April 2010 | 05:00 GMT Text size:

Fredrik Langdal News.Az interviews Fredrik Langdal, Researcher in
Political Science of Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies
(SIEPS).

The Swedish parliament has recognized so called `Armenian genocide’.
What was the motive and necessity of this act?

The decision in parliament was one of very few lost votes of the
majority coalition centre-right government and it lost with only one
vote (due to a number of centre-right MP’s which voted with the
opposition).

It is said in the decision that ‘¦ Research and a free and open
discussion regarding what happened are important tools to create a
process of reconciliation. It is therefore the responsibility of
politicians to acknowledge the historical fact that the genocide is.
Sweden should act forcefully within the EU and the UN to ensure an
international recognition of this genocide. A recognition is
exceptionally important to achieve a redress for Armenians’,
Assyrians/Syrians’, Chaeldeans’, Ponti’s, amongst others, situation
and identity and to create an improved base for future dialogue’ [my
translation ` not official].

This text was supported by the Social Democratic Party, The Left Party
and the Green Party.

Against this view was the Government view which rested on three
arguments. First, politicians should not write history. Second,
genocide is a legal concept and should be left to courts. Third, the
adoption of the genocide position would be counterproductive to the
reconciliation process between Turkey and Armenia.

Won’t this decision harm Swedish-Turkish relations and the process of
normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia?

The reasons given by the opposition (that is those who voted in favor)
was exactly the opposite. They stated that the position adopted by the
Swedish parliament would benefit the rapprochement between Turkey and
Armenia while those who voted against the decision said it would, on
the contrary, harm reconciliation and only benefit the military and
nationalistic forces in Turkey. Judging by the Turkish reaction to the
decision it can be said that in the short run the decision seems to
have done more harm than good and the development in the long run
remains to be seen. However, one should perhaps not overestimate the
impact either way of the decision of the Swedish Parliament on the
normalization process between Turkey and Armenia.

Does Armenia and Turkey mean the same for Sweden?

What one can say regarding Turkey is that Sweden has been ` and
remains ` a strong proponent of a Turkish EU membership. This position
is supported by all parties in parliament but if the current
opposition wins the election in September one may see a tougher policy
towards Turkey, especially regarding minority rights issues but Turkey
would nonetheless be welcomed as a member of the EU when it fulfills
the criteria for membership.

As for Armenia it does not feature as high on the foreign policy
agenda. The foreign policy towards Armenia is mainly conducted via the
European Union and its Eastern Partnership Initiative. In general
Swedish policy towards the Eastern neighbors aims at fostering
democracy, rule of law and market economy.

The Swedish authorities were against the recognition of "Armenian
genocide" but the parliament adopted this decision. Does it mean that
Armenian diaspora has a large influence to Swedish parliament?

The Swedish government was against this decision but was defeated in
parliament by a number of back bench MPs who voted with the opposition
on this particular issue. I do not know the influence of the Armenian
diaspora but the key decision to understand the decision of the
parliament is the changed policy position of the Social Democratic
Party. During its congress in 2009 the party leadership lost the vote
on this issue and it became the policy of the party to work for a
recognition of the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, Syrians and
Chaldeans and other Christian groups in the Ottoman Empire. This
change of the policy position of the Social democrats seems to have
primarily advocated by a constituency with a high number of Assyrians.

After the recognition of `Armenian genocide’ by Sweden, Turkey has
called back its ambassador. But in few days Turkish ambassador
returned to Stockholm. Do you expect that tension in Turkish-Swedish
relations will grow or they will remain on normal level?

I do not expect the tensions to grow at present as long as the
government – which is in charge of foreign policy – does not raise the
stakes which is it will not. The government will thus not pursue the
decision adopted by parliament.

However, as I said earlier if there is a change of government after
the elections in September and a new red-green government makes the
promotion of genocide recognition within the EU and the UN a
government policy (which it has said that it will), this is likely to
add to tension between Sweden and Turkey (combined with increased
emphasis on the situation and human ` and minority – rights of Kurds).

Azerbaijan and Armenia are going to involve some countries (and Sweden
among them) to the peacekeeping mission in the South Caucasus after
the agreement on settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Does Sweden
have the necessary experience in other parts of the world to provide
such mission?

Yes. In recent years Sweden has sent peace-keeping missions to Congo
and Afghanistan and international tasks of this kind is nowadays one
of the key tasks for the Swedish military. However, any deployment
would be conditioned on having enough troops to send and a decision by
the United Nations.

W.W.
News.Az

Charenton-le-Pont, Commémoration du 95e anniversaire du génocide de 1915

FRANCE

dimanche11 avril 2010, par Stéphane/armenews
La Municipalité de Charenton-le-Pont et l’Association Culturelle
Arménienne de Marne-la-Vallée vous invitent à assister à la cérémonie
de Dépôt de gerbe devant le Khatchkar de Charenton-le-Pont (94220),
rue Paul-Eluard-angle rue des Bordeaux, le Mardi 27 avril 2010 à 17 h
30.

La cérémonie a lieu en présence de :

M. Jean-Marie BRETILLON, Maire de Charenton-le-Pont, Conseiller
général du Val-de-Marne

Membres du conseil municipal de Charenton-le-Pont

Membres du Conseil d’administration de l’ACAM

Donateur du monument

Anciens combattants arméniens

Autres personnalités civiles et religieuses

Prises de parole, Recueillement, Chants, Prières

Accès :

Autoroute, sortie Charenton-le-Pont, Quai des Carrières à Charenton,
tourner à droite Rue des Bordeaux Métro : Station Charenton-Ecoles,
prendre Rue de Conflans, tourner à gauche Rue des Bordeaux.