Author: Vardanian Garo

Russia, Georgia, Iran benefit from Iran-Armenia gas pipeline – Armenian president

Mediamax news agency
21 May 04

Yerevan, 21 May: President Robert Kocharyan announced that “all will
benefit from the implementation of the project of the Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline, except those, who do not wish Armenia well”.

As Mediamax news agency reported, Robert Kocharyan said this on 20 May,
in an interview with Armenian Public TV.

The Armenian president recalled that the Iranian side has gas and it
[Iran] has shortages of electrical generating capacities. Robert
Kocharyan said that delivering gas to Armenia, Iran will receive
in exchange electric power, which it needs. He recalled that at the
present time there is surplus of electrical generating capacitiy. He
said that the thermal power stations are operating at 20-25 per cent
of capacity.

“As far as the Russian companies are a major part of our our energy
system, so they will also benefit. On the other hand, the volume of
delivery of Russian gas will not be cut – consumers are continuing
to use the Russian gas, as it is cheaper. Apart from this, the
capacity of the Iran-Armenia pipeline does not leave space for other
transactions. Russia, through its companies, will be secure in that
our energy system is seriously expanding. In case of an accident
with the pipelines we shall be always able to ensure a stable gas
supply to the country. This stability is profitable for Georgia too,
because in the winter months we are supplying it with electricity,”
Robert Kocharyan said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Richard Kloian, Director
Armenian Genocide Resource Center
5400 McBryde Ave, Richmond, CA 94805
Tel:(510) 965-0152, fax:(510)215-0444
Email: [email protected]

Monday May 17, 2004

GENOCIDE SCHOLARS CONFERENCE
In 2005 TO FEATURE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

By Richard Kloian

The largest international organization devoted to the study of genocide
has just issued a Call For Papers for its sixth biennial international
conference in Boca Raton, Florida in 2005, and has announced that
one of its major themes will be the Armenian Genocide.

An affiliate of the Institute for the Study of Genocide, the International
Association of Genocide Scholars was founded in 1994 by Israel
Charny, Helen Fein, Robert Melson and Roger Smith. The Association
of more than 200 scholars engages in research and teaching about the
nature, causes, and consequences of genocide, and advances policy
studies on the prevention of genocide. It meets biennially to compare
and share research in the field, discuss specific case studies, important
new works, links between genocide and gross human rights violations,
as well as the prevention and punishment of genocide.

At its second biennial conference in Montreal Canada in June 1997
the Association issued a unanimous resolution affirming that the
mass murder of Armenians in Turkey in 1915 was “a case of genocide
which conforms to the statutes of the United Nations Convention on
the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.” They further condemned
“the denial of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish government and
its official and unofficial agents.”

Many of the genocide scholars have published books and articles with
a major emphasis on the genocide and their works have become standards
in the field. A number have had to deal directly with state sponsored
genocide denial head on, especially as related to the Armenian Genocide.

Colin Tatz, Director of the Australian Institute for Holocaust
and Genocide Studies, in his 2003 book “With Intent to Destroy”
discusses Turkish denial and relates his personal encounters with
the Turkish Ambassador who attempted unsuccessfully to get him
to stop teaching his course on the Politics of Genocide because the
Armenian Genocide was emphasized. In his book he relates a
number of such encounters and discusses the influence of the
Turkish “denial machine” and its consequences.

In August 2000, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported that Helen
Fein, whose works are standards in the sociology of genocide, revealed
that the editors of Microsoft Encarta asked her to revise her entry on the
Armenian Genocide to include “the other side of the story” and to remove
the word “genocide,” which she resisted successfully. It was revealed that
they were bowing to pressure from the Turkish Embassy in Washington.
But such attempts only galvanizes scholars devoted to their work and
reinforces the need for teaching about genocide.

The current President of the Association, Robert Melson, has produced
numerous key articles on the Armenian Genocide and his book,
“Revolution and Genocide – On The Origins of the Armenian Genocide
and the Holocaust” stands as a major contribution to the field. The Vice
President of the Association, Dr. Israel Charny, in 1999, as Editor-in-Chief,
oversaw the publication of the first ever Encyclopedia of Genocide, now
used as a major reference source throughout the world and now available
on the web as an E-Book in which the Armenian Genocide has a major
emphasis along with the Holocaust.

At the last IAGS International Conference in Galway Ireland in 2003,
many papers and presentations discussed the Armenian Genocide,
which, as a separate field of study, has been drawing more interest
by specialists in the field over the years.

The text of the IAGS Press Release follows:

The Sixth Biennial Conference of The International Association of
Genocide Scholars (IAGS) will be held at Florida Atlantic University,
Boca Raton Florida, USA, June 4-7, 2005. In its Call For Papers, the
IAGS announces the general theme of the conference: “NINETY YEARS
AFTER THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND SIXTY YEARS AFTER
THE HOLOCAUST: THE CONTINUING THREAT AND LEGACY
OF GENOCIDE.”

“Following the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust it was believed
that “never again” would genocide be allowed to occur. However, events
in Cambodia, former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and for indigenous peoples
in other parts of the world, have demonstrated the continuing threat of
genocide. These have left survivors, perpetrators, bystanders, and
rescuers, and the world community confronting the legacy of
mass-murder and extermination.”

The International Association of Genocide Scholars welcomes proposals
for scholarly papers and sessions dealing with a variety of related
themes such as those below. All proposals are due by January 15, 2005.

Participation in conferences and panels is vetted and open only to
registered members. Membership in the IAGS is open to scholars,
graduate students, and other interested persons any place in the world
who address the study and prevention of genocide using scholarly
methods in good faith in the pursuit of truth. For membership
information please email Dr. Steven Jacobs at: [email protected].

Themes of the Sixth Biennial IAGS conference

I. The origins of and accountability for the Armenian Genocide
and/or the Holocaust.

II. The legacy of the Armenian Genocide and/or the Holocaust
for survivors, perpetrators, bystanders, and the world community,
including international law and organizations.

III. The origins of and accountability for genocides in Cambodia,
former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and for indigenous peoples.

IV. The legacy of genocide in Cambodia, former Yugoslavia,
Rwanda and for indigenous peoples, and for the world
community, including international law and organizations.

V. The denial of genocide.

VI. The representation of genocide in literature, art, film, and music.

VII. Commemoration, restitution, and reconciliation.

VIII. Identification of endangered communities and the prevention
of genocide.

“Participants should submit a brief (no more than one page) abstract
and a short resume (no more than one page), indicating which of the
eight themes their paper addresses. Scholars are encouraged to assemble
a group of papers as a theme panel, but participation by individuals is
limited to no more than two (2) panels in the role of presenter,
discussant, or chair.”

Please send two hard copies and email attachments in Microsoft Word
of abstracts, resumes, and proposals for panels to Dr. Stephen Feinstein,
Director, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, College of
Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0125,
USA. Tel: 612-626-2235. [email protected]

All proposals are due by January 15, 2005. For more information
on the 2005 conference, past conferences, the organization and its
work, individuals are encouraged to visit the IAGS web site at:
, or they can send emails to: [email protected]
.

Iran’s presence in region of great importance – Armenian foreign minister

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
14 May 04

Since the first days of its independence, Armenia has attached great
importance to Iran’s presence in the region, which plays a balancing
role, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said during a meeting
with Iranian Oil Minister Bizhan Namdar-Zangeneh in Yerevan.

The Iranian official, who signed an agreement on the construction of
the Iran-Armenian gas pipeline yesterday, noted that this will be a
symbol of strengthening friendship between the countries of the region.

Minister Oskanyan received the Iranian oil minister three hours after
his return from Strasbourg.

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 12, 2004
___________________

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY FOCUSES ON GIVING

By Jake Goshert

>>From April 29 to May 2, 2004, close to 150 delegates from local parishes
throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
gathered for the 102nd Diocesan Assembly. Hosted by the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, assembly sessions took place at
the Rye, NY, Hilton hotel.

During the work sessions, delegates passed the 2005 budget. Throughout
the weekend, they also focused on ways to promote stewardship.

STEWARDSHIP: GIVING OF YOURSELF

“It was Christ, through His parables and life-example, who really
exalted the idea of ‘stewardship,’ and deepened its meaning as a
vocation for man,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, as he introduced stewardship as the theme of the
Diocesan programs for 2004-2005. “It was Jesus who unforgettably taught
us that everything we have was given to us by God. Our talents, our
riches, our very lives ultimately belong to Him — and will eventually
return to Him. As God’s stewards, we have a blessed opportunity to
return those gifts back to God: brighter, more beautiful, more
productive than when they were given to us.”

During his remarks and a Bible study discussion on The Parable of the
Talents, the Primate stressed that stewardship is not about having or
giving but about being. He told the delegates that stewardship is not
about what you have, but it is about using the gifts and resources God
has entrusted to you.

“Stewardship is about making your life count. That is an astonishing
claim to make, I know. But the world is filled with countless talented,
wealthy people, who waste their days on this earth by devoting all their
energies to themselves. One might as well bury one’s talents in the
ground. It is sad to say, but such people cast themselves into outer
darkness, and end up alone and miserable,” the Primate said.

“That is not what God wants for you! That is not why Jesus Christ
sacrificed Himself on our behalf! We have been given all our gifts so
we can make them flourish, and benefit others around us. And we are
assured by our Lord that He has no greater joy, than to be able to one
day greet us with the words: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!
Enter into the joy of your Master!'”

The overall theme of the 2004 Diocesan Assembly was “stewardship”: the
giving of one’s time, talent, and treasure to build a stronger future
for the church community.

“Conferences with universal themes such as stewardship are intended to
spark the imagination and encourage us to think broadly and thoughtfully
while engaging us in an exchange of ideas followed by action,” said they
keynote speaker Barbara Tellalian, a member of the Board of Directors of
the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) and a principal at the firm of
Tellalian Consultants for Development and Fund raising. “And that, I am
sure, is happening.”

People give to institutions like the Armenian Church for a variety of
reasons, she said. One is being told that their support will bring
about positive outcomes that they can personally benefit from. It is
also important that donors see Christian charity from role models, such
as parents, clergy, or parish lay leaders.

“Each of us has been influenced by a parent, grandparent, clergy, or
friend whose dedication and commitment as stewards of the Armenian
Church has inspired us to be stewards, giving greater meaning to our
lives and our reason for being,” she said.

Giving to the church and supporting its programs is important not just
for today’s needs, but for the next generation, Tellalian told the
delegates.

“Together, our work will provide this legacy of stewardship, one
generation to the next,” she said. “Stewardship is grounded in the fact
that all of human life and experience is a gift — a gift from God —
that requires a response of faithful service.’

DELEGATES DISCUSS ASPECTS OF STEWARDSHIP

During one session of the Assembly, the delegates broke out into small
groups to discuss various aspects of stewardship with the help of expert
moderators. The small groups were clustered around topics such as
building year-round stewardship programs, crafting and using strategic
plans, and establishing endowments.

One way to ensure that stewardship efforts succeed is to engage children
in the life of the church. One of the workshops focused on ways
parishes can get children to play a role in the church, such as keeping
them in the sanctuary during most of the Divine Liturgy and asking them
to serve as altar servers or greeters.

“We are trying to make sure whenever they’re in the church, they’re
doing something appropriate,” said delegate Dn. Ara Jeknavorian, from
Sts. Vartanantz Church, of Chelmsford, MA.

When it comes to building and strengthening a parish, plans can be honed
to perfection, covering endowments, strategic plans, and year-round
stewardship programs. But they still might not be enough to be
successful.

“If you have a friendly church, where people love the Lord and love one
another, the money comes in. All you have to do is send out an envelope
and ask them to send it back,” Diocesan Council member Fr. Yeprem
Kelegian told participants in a workshop on creating a welcoming church.
“This is where it starts. You can have the best planned, strategic,
glossy brochures, but unless there’s love and friendliness, that isn’t
going to get you anywhere.”

The Diocesan Council will work with the parishes to organize regional
follow-up workshops to implement the goals and ideas discussed at the
Assembly.

“What we’re trying to do is empower you to go back to your parish and do
the things that have to be done,” said Diocesan Council Chairperson Haig
Dadourian. “I cannot over emphasize that you here in this room are the
ones who are empowered to get things done in the parishes. It’s up to
you to really see to it that stewardship is happening in your parish.”

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

The Assembly delegates also discussed the 2003 budget and passed a
budget for 2005. In terms of finances, 2003 was a significant year for
the Diocese, which despite a challenging economy had satisfactory
financial results.

The Diocesan budget was reduced by $400,000 in 2003 to a figure of $4.37
million. There was still a year-end deficit of $93,000, mostly related
to assisting clergy in need and spiritual outreach.

“The Diocese operated within its means in a prudent and responsible
manner, while satisfying the needs and requests of our parish
community,” said Oscar Tatosian, treasurer of the Diocesan Council.

When dealing with the upcoming 2005 budget, the delegates saw numbers
similar to the 2004 budget. Again next year, more than a third of the
budget is focused on youth and education. Next year’s budget was
accepted as presented.

The officers at this year’s Assembly were: chairman — Thomas Ashbahian,
from the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ; vice chairman — Van
Krikorian, St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY;
English-language secretary — Anna Marie Norehad, St. James Church of
Evanston, IL; and Armenian-language secretary — Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.

LOCAL STEWARDS

The Assembly was skillfully planned by a group of volunteers from the
host parish, St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY.
Headed by the pastor, Fr. Karekin Kasparian, and chair Lisa Kouzoujian,
the other committee members were: Alice Basmajian, Dawn Kasparian, Betty
Salbashian, Ruth Sanossian, Berdj Stepanian, Zaven Tachdjian, and Setta
Tavitian.

Along with organizing the meeting space and banquet in the Rye Town
Hilton, the parish also welcomed the delegates as guests to their parish
for a special dinner and musical night on Friday, April 30, 2004.

— 5/12/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Diocesan Council Chairman Haig Dadourian addresses
the 2004 Diocesan Assembly, which took place from April 29 to May 2 in
Rye, NY.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Keynote speaker Barbara Tellalian, a fund-raising
professional from Boston, MA, details the importance of stewardship to
the delegates at the Diocesan Assembly on Friday, April 30, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Delegates discuss an aspect of stewardship during a
small-group breakout session at the Diocesan Assembly on Friday, April
30, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Eastern
Diocese, delivers his remarks on the state of the Diocesan programs to
the 2004 Diocesan Assembly meeting in Rye, NY.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Diocesan program staff is introduced to the
delegates of the 2004 Diocesan Assembly.

PHOTO CAPTION (6): The Diocesan Assembly is a chance for delegates to
ask questions and discuss a variety of issues.

PHOTO CAPTION (7): Assembly delegates ask questions on the budget
during the Diocesan Assembly, held in Rye, NY, from April 29 to May 2,
2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (8): Legions of volunteers from the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, worked to make the 2004 Diocesan
Assembly happen. They were led by (from left) parish council chairman
Zaven Tachdjian, organizing committee chair Lisa Kouzoujian, and parish
pastor Fr. Karekin Kasparian.

# # #

Russian Daily Examines Georgian Leader’s “Peace Offensive” Against Abashidze

Kommersant, Moscow
7 May 04

>From the very start of the clash between Georgian President Mikheil
Saakashvili and the now ex-Ajarian leader Aslan Abashidze few people
doubted that ultimately victory would rest with the leader of the “Rose
Revolution”. A scion of the old Soviet elite and a proponent of the old
mentality, Aslan Abashidze was in every respect a man of the past, and
a politician of that kind even at the level of an autonomous republic,
not to mention state level, has no historical future. However, the
Abashidze ruling clan seemed to be a nut that could not be cracked
straightaway or a rhizome that would be extremely hard to uproot.
Many people, including the writer of this article, thought just a few
days ago that a protracted standoff that could develop into bloodshed
might be a quite realistic scenario for Ajaria. Because people like
Aslan Abashidze do not go voluntarily.

But a miracle has all but happened. The fact that the denouement came
quickly and, importantly, painlessly came as a complete surprise. When
Eduard Shevardnadze was swept away in the same manner in November
last year, it was not so surprising. By then it was clear that Mr
Shevardnadze held little control within the Georgian state and he
only had to be given a slight nudge for his regime to collapse. But
“strong Abashidze”, who has maintained a grip on his state within a
state for so many years, seemed in some respects the exact opposite
of the “weak Shevardnadze”. Yet now he has suffered the same end. Why?

“Abashidze’s strength” proved toothless in the face of the peace
offensive from Mikheil Saakashvili, who refused to use force. And
was reluctant to have a punch-up, relying on his loyal personnel and
his best devoted soldiers. Abashidze probably also had troops of
that kind, and plenty of them. But the whole trick is that they were
not allowed to show their worth. There was no military offensive,
which would have allowed Aslan Abashidze to don a flak jacket,
come out onto the square, and say for all to hear “Ajaria is in
danger!” rallying a people’s militia around him. The Ajarian leader
concluded simply that “Tbilisi had scheduled a meeting” for him and,
thus, made a fatal error.

Why did a seemingly experienced politician allow himself to be outdone
by a novice? Possibly because for the past decade rebellious regions
have been dealt with in this way, by force, not only in Georgia but
also in other republics of the former USSR. Let us recall Abkhazia,
South Ossetia, Nagornyy Karabakh, and the Dniester region. Lastly, let
us recall Chechnya. The “Ajarian lion” decided that his republic had
the same fate in store. He blew up the bridges and prepared for all-out
defence. However, all these actions turned against him. He lost
the battle for the Ajarian people. As a result we have witnessed
the first experience in the post-Soviet area of a peaceful solution
to the problem of separatism. The Ajarian “sovereignty bandwagon”
has turned out to be not a military parade but a peaceful May Day
demonstration, whose participants were marching not with submachine
guns but with balloons.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 6, 2004
___________________

Week of April 30 to May 6, 2004
* * *

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY A SUCCESS

This past weekend (4/29-5/02), almost 150 representatives from local
parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese worked through a heavy agenda
during the Diocesan Assembly, hosted by the St. Gregory the Enlightener
Church of White Plains, NY. One of the major items on the agenda was
passage of next year’s Diocesan budget. The delegates also spent a lot
of time discussing the idea of stewardship and brainstorming ways to
build stewardship programs within their parishes. For more on the
actions of the delegates and to see pictures from the Assembly, click to
our Assembly blog:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *

SERVICES THIS WEEKEND FOR FR. KABARADJIAN

The V. Rev. Fr. Varoujan Kabaradjian, long-time pastor for Evanston, IL,
passed away last Friday (4/30) after a prolonged illness. Funeral
services, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian,
former Pontifical Legate and Primate of the Armenian Church of Great
Britain, will be held this weekend. For more on the life and service of
Fr. Kabaradjian and for details on the funeral service and viewing,
visit our website:

;selmonth=5&sel
year=2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/4/04)
* * *

PRIMATE TO BE IN BINGHAMTON THIS WEEKEND

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, will pay a
pastoral visit to the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton,
NY, this weekend. The parish will hold a dinner to honor the Primate on
Saturday at the church, and the Primate will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy on Sunday, during which he will ordain Hagop Injajigian, a
dedicated memver of the parish, as a deacon. Sunday’s service will be
followed by a reception at 1:30 p.m. at the Regency Hotel. For more
information on this parish, click to our website:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/6/04)
* * *

PRIMATE PRESENTS HONOR IN FAIR LAWN, NJ

On Sunday (5/2), Archbishop Barsamian was in Fair Lawn, NJ, where he
joined the parishioners of the St. Leon Church for the parish’s
appreciation day celebration. During the festivities, the Primate
presented S. Rex Kachigian with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali
Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians. The St. Nersess medal — the Armenian
Church’s highest lay honor — is awarded to individuals who demonstrate
outstanding commitment and service to the Armenian Church. To learn
more, click to the Eastern Diocese’s website:

;selmonth=5&sel
year=2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/3/04)
* * *

ETCHMIADZIN ORDAINS NEW PRIESTS

On Sunday (5/2), during a Divine Liturgy presided over by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Grace
Bishop Abraham Mkrtichian, Primate of the Diocese of Syunik in Armenia,
ordained six new priests. Three of the new priests are celibate
priests.

(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/2/04)
* * *

CATHOLICOS VISITS SOUTH AMERICA

On Monday (5/3), Catholicos Karekin II headed to South America, where he
will travel throughout the month. His agenda includes stops in Sao
Paolo and Osasco, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Buenos Aires and
Cordoba, Argentina. During the trip, the Catholicos will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy in many communities, meet with officials, and hold
discussions with local ecumenical meetings.

(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/3/04)
* * *

REQUEST A PRAYER

When you feel as though you need a little more spiritual support, you
can request a prayer be said for you at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in
New York City. Simply click to our website, and your prayer will be
said during Sunday services:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *

ASP TRIP FILLED

This year’s Armenian Service Program (ASP) trip is filled; 26 young
people will take part in it. The trip — organized by the Armenian
Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) — is an opportunity for
young people to visit Armenia while also helping the Republic’s
children. Participants will spend part of their summer trip serving as
counselors for a summer camp for children. If you would like more
information on future ASP trip contact the ACYOA by e-mailing
[email protected].

(Source: ACYOA, 4/30/04)
* * *

TRAVEL TO ARMENIA THIS YEAR

Traveling to Armenia strengthens your faith and dedication. If you
haven’t gone yet, there are four opportunities this year.

In June:

* Young Professionals Trip — June 12 to 26 / $2,250. THREE SPOTS ARE
LEFT, SIGN UP TODAY! Specifically designed for travelers between the
ages of 23 and 40, this trip offers a chance to see the sights of
Armenia and build life-long friendships with other Armenian American
professionals. Call the Fund for Armenian Relief (212) 889-5150.

* Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia and the Republic of Armenia —
June 17 to July 7 / $3,450. Travel to Istanbul, historic Armenian
locations in modern day Turkey such as Musa Dagh, Cappadocia, Mt.
Ararat, and Ani. Continue to Armenia to tour important historical and
cultural sites. For more information call Armen Aroyan (626) 359-9510.

In September:

* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400.
Tour Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural
activities. For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.

* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights of Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.

To get more information on any of these travel opportunities, e-mail
[email protected].

And don’t forget — you can also help fund the trip of a young person in
your parish, who will return more eager to be involved in parish life.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
# # #

Bellona, UK
May 6 2004

European Union calls for Armenian NPP closure

The European Union could allocate 100m euro to shut down Armenian
nuclear power plant and establish alternative sources of energy after
the concrete date of the plant’s closure is established.

2004-05-06 13:22

The chief of the delegation of EU in Armenia and Georgia Mr. Torben
Kholtse made this statement, Novosti reported. However, the Armenian
administration believes the nuclear plant should operate until the
alternative energy sources of the appropriate capacity are at place.

The Armenian minister of finance and economics Vardan Khachatryan
told journalists that the country works on establishing alternative
energy sources in case the nuclear plant is closed. It is required
about 1 billion euro to complete the works. The international donor
organisations and other countries could allocate the money. The
minister believes the gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia could become
an alternative source of energy for Armenia. The construction of the
pipeline should be launched already this year.

The Armenian nuclear plant operates one Soviet-design reactor
VVER-440 and generates from 30 to 40 percent of all energy in
Armenia.

Armenian opposition sets deadline for meeting European demands

Arminfo
4 May 04

YEREVAN

The Armenian opposition has given the authorities a 10-day break to
meet the demands stated in the resolution of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe [PACE].

The chairman of the Antrapetutyun party, Albert Bazeyan, said during
the opposition demonstration in Yerevan today [4 May] that the next
rally would be held on 14 May. Prior to that the authorities of the
country are to start fulfilling the demands stated in the PACE
resolution. The opposition demands that the authorities start with
releasing arrested opposition activists.

The decision has been made not to conduct any demonstrations for 10
days. The main demand of the opposition concerning the resignation of
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan remains unchanged. During these 10
days the authorities have to show that they intend to fulfil the
demands put forward by the opposition and confirmed by PACE, he said.

ArmenPress
April 30 2004

FORESTRY SCHOOL TO BE ESTABLISHED

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS: Skilled personnel is of crucial
importance for implementation of forest recreation projects in
Armenia, while local specialists have not passed any training in the
last 10-15 years, but this gap is going to be eliminated soon after a
forestry school is established, Andranik Ghulijanian, the head of
Forest Research Center told Armenpress.
Ghulinjanian said an institutional support to forests project is
implemented within Natural Resource Management and Poverty
Alleviation project, funded by Swedish Sida. The project envisages
creation of a regional training center Zikatar. Ghulijanian said the
business plan of the center has been approved by Armenian Environment
and Agricultural ministries and the World Bank.
In the course of a year, preparatory works will be finished and
the center can start its educational program. The participants will
be specialist of Armenian Forestry and students of Agricultural
Academy and Ijevan branch of Yerevan state university forestry
department.
The training of the specialists will contribute to forest
recreation in Armenia allowing to have a thorough data base on
Armenian forests.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
May 3, 2004 Monday

Armenian opposition confident Kocharyan will resign

By Tigran Liloyan

A leader of the Armenian opposition said he was confident that
President Robert Kocharyan would resign.

A member of the political council of the opposition party Republic
and former prime minister Aram Sarkisyan, said his confidence was
based on “the growing public sentiments against the illegitimate head
of state.”

The opposition has proposed the following scenario of political
events in Armenia: the charge of power, the holding of pre-term
presidential elections, the dissolution of the parliament, and the
holding of extraordinary parliamentary elections.

The opposition plans to hold a rally in the centre of Yerevan on
Tuesday. Despite the law regulating such events adopted by the
parliament and imposing certain restrictions, Sarkisyan said, “We
will hold rallies where we think it is expedient and stick to the
U.N. human rights convention.”

Authorities have condemned the opposition’s actions as
“manifestations of political extremism.”

On the night from April 12 to April 13, police dispersed an
opposition rally in the centre of Yerevan.