Category: News

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 NORTH GLENOAKS BLVD.
BURBANK, CA 91504
TEL: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRIMATE’S EASTER MESSAGE

“To me, living is Christ and dying is gain”.(Philippians 1:21)

Inspired and enriched by the mystery of the Holy Resurrection of Christ
the words of St. Paul are as powerful as a prayer. The same words not
only come as powerful prayer echoing in our hearts, but as a way of
life, because we realize the truth that “Christ loved us and gave
himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2)

The mystery of the Holy Resurrection of Christ becomes the essence of
our spiritual life only when the old person in us is reborn and we
fearlessly inaugurate the new man, ” to put away your former way of
life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed
in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self,
created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and
holiness.” (Eph. 4:22-25)

The entire spiritual journey of Lent leas us to the glorious mystery of
the Resurrection of Christ, which ushered in for mankind a new life and
the Christian believer discovered within himself the divine power that
enables one to constantly renew his life to the extent that he feels in
his soul the miracle of the new life.

Dear faithful, with a joyous heart we send you our Easter Message and
call upon all of you to rededicate you lives to Christ, to enter the
depths of the mystery of the Holy Resurrection through the most noble
life of prayer, and to discover in your souls the divine grace which
makes it possible for us to renew our God-given lives. Undoubtedly each
one of us needs the power of regeneration. Life may often be influenced
by the manifold temptations of the world, but when a life is established
on the cornerstone of the life-giving Resurrection of Christ it can
repel the perils that it encounters every day.

The glorious Resurrection of Christ opens before us the dawn of a new
life. The Giver of life opens before us a new way in Christ, the Son of
God, so that through the sacrifice of His life becomes the spiritual
light of a new life for the entire human race.
Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!
The foundation of our Christian faith is the Holy Resurrection of
Christ. Without the Resurrection of Christ Christianity would become for
us a set of moral principles for life and a guiding doctrine. But
Christianity is life itself, the source of salvation, because it is
anchored in the personal sacrifice of Christ. Christianity is the
movement from the mind to the heart that is dawned first in our own
thoughts and then becomes the moving energy of our entire being. It is
not possible to explain in words alone our faith in the Holy
Resurrection. The Resurrection of Christ is ever spreading force that is
kneaded in our essence and separates us from the foreign thoughts that
have no root in God. In the words of St. Nersess the Graceful we subject
our souls entirely to God and we take refuge in His power. “To you I
surrender my soul. You provide and satisfy the needs of my soul and
body.”

Dear faithful, the resurrection of Christ casts the roots of new life
also in our Holy Church when we awaken in us the vision of a new Church,
a revitalized Church. The Armenian Apostolic Church has reached such a
critical moment when the mission of our Holy Church must echo the new
circumstances of life. And to revitalize the Church means to lead the
very same Church to a spiritual rebirth in the mystery of the
Resurrection. To revitalize does not mean to reject the traditions that
have reached us through the centuries, but to connect the people to
those traditions, and to reunite as one reality the Church and the
people who are drawing apart from one another. For when the Church does
not reflect our life today she remains merely a concept, a lifeless
doctrine. We are living in times when Christianity remains disconnected
to man, when one turns to other sources to satisfy one’s spiritual
thirst, sources that provide only temporary satisfaction to one’s
spiritual needs. Today this is the reality in Armenia and in the
Diaspora. The reality is no different for the faithful of the Western
Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. In order to satisfy
their spiritual thirst children of our Church leave the Mother Church
and lead their lives on the paths of uncertainty. The situation dictates
that we stay in our home and rejuvenate, renew and enrich the traditions
of the Armenian Church that have reached us through the centuries. The
Church is not a reality detached from us, and it is necessary to make
the active life the very aim and purpose of the Church through visible
actions. Anything else would suggest weakness, which we reject.

The glorious Holy Resurrection of Christ today is an invitation to all
the children of the Armenian Apostolic Church without exception to
return home. The mystery of the glorious Resurrection of Christ becomes
real when through Holy Etchmiadzin a new unity is established in our
community, a unity whose strength will enable us to see more brightly
the eternal truths.

Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
Easter 2004

California Courier Online, March 25, 2004

1 – Commentary
Armenia Finally Protests British
Ambassador’s Denial of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Alumni Upset at AGBU for Reported
Closing of Melkonian Institute in Cyprus
3 – ARF Dro Gomideh Event Raises
$50,000 for Mesrobian School
4 – Rep. Schiff Names Aida Yeghiazarian
As Woman of Year for 29th. District
5 – WAAA Armenian Summer Games
Returns to Central California
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Armenia Finally Protests British
Ambassador’s Denial of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

The Armenian Foreign Ministry joined last week with hundreds of Armenian as
well as non-Armenian individuals and organizations from throughout the
world to protest the denial of the Armenian Genocide by the British
Ambassador. The Armenian Public (State) TV, broadcast to Armenian
communities worldwide, devoted close to 5 minutes of airtime to the
controversy surrounding the British Ambassador.
In response to the flood of e-mails and the media coverage as well as the
public condemnation issued last week by Levon Lazarian, the leader of the
ARF Parliamentary faction, the Armenian Foreign Ministry finally lodged an
official protest with the British Ambassador for her denial on January 20th
that a genocide was committed against the Armenians in 1915. The Agence
France Presse quoted the following very mild statement of foreign ministry
spokesman Hamlet Gasparyan: “we regret the position” taken by Amb. Thorda
Abbott-Watt. “Every country has a right to make up its own mind on this,
based on their own strategic interests. But on Armenian soil, the
ambassadors have to be more sensitive and delicate.”
In addition to the flood of e-mails sent by individuals, Armenian as well
as non-Armenian organizations from 17 countries (Armenia, Australia,
Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania,
Norway, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United
Kingdom) have issued statements seeking a public apology from the British
Ambassador and urging her withdrawal or expulsion from Armenia. Protest
e-mails have been sent not only to Amb. Abbott-Watt, but also to the
British Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and to the Armenian
Foreign Ministry.
The e-mail campaign has already had a desirable effect on Amb. Abbott-Watt.
Last week, when an Armenian TV reporter approached her, she declined to
make any further comments on the Armenian Genocide. Consequently, other
Ambassadors in Yerevan, having become aware of the reaction of the Armenian
people and the government on this issue, would be more circumspect in their
future statements on the Armenian Genocide. As April 24 is approaching,
protest demonstrations should be organized in front of the British Embassy
in Yerevan, the British Foreign Ministry in London, as well as all British
Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.
In the meantime, everyone should continue sending e-mails to the British
Ambassador ([email protected]) asking her to make a public
apology for her offensive remarks on the Armenian Genocide. E-mails should
also be sent to Michael Jay, the Under-Secretary and Head of the UK
Diplomatic Service ([email protected]) and to Prime Minister Tony
Blair through the following web site
(, click on select a subject,
select “international affairs,” and then click on the “go” button), asking
them to withdraw their Ambassador as she can no longer effectively carry
out her diplomatic duties in Armenia. Please send copies of your e-mails
and any responses to the Armenian Foreign Ministry
([email protected]) and to [email protected].
To review articles and correspondence on this issue, please check the
following web site (). The latest update is the
blistering statement issued by Ara Abrahamian, the Chairman of the World
Armenian Congress. He described the British Ambassador’s conduct as
unbecoming of a diplomat and called for her immediate expulsion from
Armenia!

“NO ARMENIANS ALLOWED”

The L.A. Weekly, in its Feb. 20-26, 2004 issue, published a notice for an
upcoming multi-ethnic, inter-faith concert. The announcement contained the
following very offensive statement regarding Armenians:
“SACRED SOUL features The Yuval Ron Ensemble (with Najwa Gibran) and The
Gwen Wyatt Chorale. ‘An outreach for the Israeli, Jewish and
African-American communities in L.A.’ No Armenians allowed. WILSHIRE UNITED
METHODIST, 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Sun., Feb. 22, 4 p.m. (818) 505-1355.”
The L.A. Weekly received complaints from many of its 200,000 readers as
well as a letter from Jay Shanker, the attorney of Mr. Yuval Ron demanding
that the “paper print an immediate and prominent retraction and apology for
the statement in this coming week’s issue.” The lawyer characterized the
publication’s wording as “intentionally and provocatively hateful and
inflammatory.” Shanker also stated, “a large number of the anticipated
audience for this event elected not to attend based on this offensive
notice. Your full and timely cooperation in this regard will greatly
influence my client’s and his associates’ decision as to whether any
further action should be taken against your paper.”
In response, the L.A. Weekly, in its Feb. 27-March 4, 2004 issue, published
the following “apology” at the end of its Letters to the Editor section:
“The Weekly sincerely apologizes to the performers, concert promoters, and
anyone else upset by the Feb. 20-26 concert listing for the ‘Sacred Soul’
event at the Wilshire United Methodist Church. Although the brief
commentary was intended solely as a joke, we recognize it may have offended
some readers. For that, we are truly sorry.”
The above statement satisfied neither the Armenian community nor the
organizers of the concert. Mr. Yuval Ron wrote to the L.A. Weekly on March
1, 2004, to express his “disappointment of the half hearted apology.” He
demanded “a direct and more detailed letter of apology,” otherwise he
threatened to take “further public and/or legal actions” against the
publication.
In response, Laurie Ochoa, the Editor in Chief of the L.A. Weekly, wrote to
Mr. Ron, expressing the paper’s “most sincere regret about the insensitive
commentary, a tasteless attempt at humor by those who compile our concert
listings.”
On March 5, 2004, Rev. Franklin D. Sablan of the Wilshire United Methodist
Church wrote to the L.A. Weekly, stating that he “was deeply offended” by
“the racist comments.” He charged that the paper “maligned the name of the
Wilshire United Methodist Church.”
Last week, several Armenian community representatives, including this
writer, met with the L.A. Weekly. The editors disclosed that Libby
Molyneaux, the Associate Calendar Editor, was the one who inserted the
anti-Armenian remark in the concert announcement, “as a joke.” While the
editors expressed sincere regret for the offensive insertion, they felt
that their published apology ended the controversy. They said that they
could not dismiss the offending employee due to restrictions by the labor
union.
When the Armenian group insisted that the published apology was inadequate
and the Armenian community may consider legal action, the editors said they
would rethink their position.
Given the large circulation of this publication and the offensive nature of
the inserted statement, readers are urged to send e-mails to the Managing
Editor, Sharan Street ([email protected]), to express their outrage,
demanding that a more elaborate and prominent retraction be published and
disciplinary action be taken against the offending employee.
Armenians should also consider, after consulting with lawyers, filing a
lawsuit for the violation of their civil rights under Federal and State
statutes.
**************************************************************************
2 – Alumni Upset at AGBU for Reported
Closing of Melkonian Institute in Cyprus
By Jean Christou
Cyprus Mail
NICOSIA, Cyprus – The Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia is to
close from June 2005, the New York-based foundation that administers
Armenian schools worldwide announced last week.
The move by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), which said only
three months ago that the 78-year-old school was not for sale, has angered
the 3,000-strong Armenian community on the island.
They said yesterday they planned to stage a demonstration on March 24
against the closure of the school, while the Melkonian’s alumni hope to
take legal action.
In November, the AGBU denied reports that the loss-making school, sitting
on a £40 million plot in the capital’s commercial district, was up for
grabs by developers and would be sold.
But in its announcement yesterday, the AGBU said that after “extensive
deliberations and thorough assessment,” the Central Board had resolved
unanimously to discontinue the school in June 2005.
“The Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI), as a significant and historical
institution within AGBU, has been a concern of the Central Board over many
years. This decision is based largely on the Board’s conclusion that MEI no
longer meets the challenges of its mission in the present context of the
Armenian world,” the AGBU said.
“The ultimate objective is to lay their hands on the land and take the
funds out of Cyprus,” Shavasb Bohdjalian, head of the alumni, told the
Cyprus Mail yesterday.
Since the controversy began, the Armenian community has managed to have the
Melkonian declared a listed building and has persuaded the Forestry
Department to file an application to declare the wooded area
in the grounds as a protected forest. Legal action is now being considered,
Bohdjalian said. If there is a case, it is likely to be fought in the
Cypriot courts, he said.
In a paid ad that appeared in local papers 10 days ago, Gordon Anderson,
the American representative of the AGBU, said that “several options are
being considered” to accommodate the 200 or so students at other schools so
that they can gain an education “that will have an Armenian component.”
The AGBU administers 22 Armenian schools worldwide, including the
Melkonian, which was founded in 1926 and is today the only secondary school
in Cyprus for the Armenian community.
“It is not just a matter of the sale of the land and the flight of some 80
million dollars to the US in violation of a 1926 will by the founders,” the
alumni said. “It’s also abuse of the rights of Armenian children who are
being deprived their human right to a fair education based on their
cultural heritage,” they said, adding that
the AGBU Central Board had refused to discuss ways to save the school
because their main aim was “to take the money and run.”
The AGBU said the Central Board fully recognized and honored the continued
legacy of the Melkonian Brothers, and “is determined to perpetuate their
memory through new educational programs to be implemented within and
outside Cyprus, in line with the spirit of their donation to AGBU.”
However, the alumni said the AGBU’s talk of co-operating with other
institutions, research centers and even universities was a public relations
gimmick that aimed to mislead the Cyprus government into allowing the sale
and subsequent export of the funds.
**************************************************************************
3 – ARF Dro Gomideh Event Raises
$50,000 for Mesrobian School
MONTEBELLO – For the second year in a row, a dinner dance organized at the
Montebello Armenian Center by the A.R.F. San Gabriel “Dro” Gomideh on March
6 netted the Mesrobian Armenian School of Pico Rivera a resounding $50,000.
Nearly 400 guests were on hand, representing local civic and youth
organizations, to show their support for the educational institution and
the local Gomideh.
Master of Ceremonies Nazareth Sadorian welcomed the guests and the
dignitaries, which included Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral’s pastor Very
Rev. Hrant Yeretsian, and Rev. Khoren Baboushian, and representatives from
the ARF Central Committee, including Chairman Hovig Saliba.
The highlight of the evening featured a tribute to long-time educator and
one of the charter instructors at Mesrobian School, Roubina Pakradouni, who
retired last year after 50 years of devoted and caring service to Armenian
education. With distinction, she taught Armenian elementary students,
first in Lebanon for 12 years, and then for 38 more years at Mesrobian
School.
The well-respected educator was presented a plaque to a standing ovation
from the guests, acknowledging her selfless service.
Pakradouni spoke briefly and emotionally, thanking the Gomideh for the
honor, and also thanked members of her family for their support, her former
teachers and, in particular, her 94-year-old mother, Manoushak Nakashian
Pakradouni, who was present to witness the presentation of the plaque.
Appreciative remarks were presented by her former Mesrobian colleague, also
a long-time educator, now also retired, Marie Ohanessian.
Remarks were also made by Mesrobian School Principal Hilda Saliba.
In his remarks, “Dro” Gomideh Chairman, Sarkis Sassounian reiterated the
Gomideh’s commitment to the Mesrobian School and the spirit that embodies
Armenian education, civic dedication, and the pursuit of the national
aspirations of the Armenian nation.
The other highlight of the evening came after popular singer Karnig
Sarkissian began his long-awaited performance of revolutionary songs.
Galvanizing the substantial number of members present from the Armenian
Youth Federation, and friends, the inspirational and traditional songs also
elicited requests and accompanying donations, which by evening’s end rose
to $42,000, including a generous contribution of $12,500 by the Nourian
Family. To round out the number and match last year’s amount, the “Dro”
Gomideh added $8,000, bringing the total to $50,000.
“The amount contributed was just as impressive as the community spirit and
unity demonstrated this evening,” one of the guests remarked afterwards.
“It was truly an inspiring evening.”
The evening’s musical entertainment was provided by Bedig Yeranosian and
the Knar Band.
**************************************************************************
4 – Rep. Schiff Names Aida Yeghiazarian
As Woman of Year for 29th. District
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To commemorate Women’s History Month, U.S.
Representative Adam Schiff announced last week that he has named Aida
Yeghiazarian of Glendale, California as one of the Women of the Year for
California’s 29th District. Yeghiazarian was honored at a “Women of the
Year” luncheon hosted by Rep. Schiff on March 22.
“Over the years, Ms. Yeghiazarian has been an active volunteer in Glendale
and advocate for better education programs for Armenian children in
Southern California,” Rep. Schiff said. “The entire community joins me in
thanking Aida for her continued efforts to make the 29th Congressional
District a
more vibrant and enjoyable place in which to live, and for her devotion to
those in need.”
Yeghiazarian was born in Tehran, Iran in 1955. After attending Reza Shah
High School, she took accounting courses at a local college for one year.
Although her studies in Iran were interrupted when she and her family
immigrated to the United States in 1977, Aida took many courses in the
United States over the next few years, including management of commercial
properties, business and real estate law and English. In 1979, Aida married
her husband, Vahe, and they moved to Glendale. In 1980, Aida obtained her
real estate license, and with her husband, bought a franchise of the Re/Max
Real Estate Agency. They have 2 daughters, Sevan and Anie.
While maintaining a full-time career, Aida volunteered at all of her
daughters’ schools, including the Verdugo Gymnastics School, Flintridge
Preparatory School, the Champion Gymnastics School and Van Nuys Gymnastics
Olympica. Formerly active in the PTAs of Tufenkian Pre-school and Chamlian
Armenian School, she still assists Chamlian School in its fundraising
efforts.
Yeghiazarian has been on the Glendale Board of Realtors for over 24 years,
serving on their commercial real estate advisory committee. She is a
member of the National Association of Realtors and a member of the
California Association of Realtors. Because of her real estate experience,
Aida feels fortunate to be able to help financially struggling families
with their financial planning, often by working without commission.
Yeghiazarian spearheaded the successful fundraising campaign for the
Glendale Police Memorial Fund, raising over $35,000. She is a former
President and 12-year board member of the Armenian Educational Foundation.
She also serves on the Armenian National Committee of America Western
Region, is a member of Homenetmen, and the Armenian American Chamber of
Commerce.
**************************************************************************
5 – WAAA Armenian Summer Games
Returns to Central California
FRESNO – This year marks the 34th year of athletic competition hosted by
the Western Armenian Athletic Association. The events will include men’s
basketball, women’s volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
The games, which are an opportunity for athletes of Armenian descent to
showcase their skills, will be held June 18,19 and 20 at Buchanan High
School in Clovis.
This modern complex has outstanding facilities, including a 9,000-seat
stadium with an all-weather track. Track and field events on Saturday will
be open to people of all ages and be contested in age groups. Tennis will
also be held on Satuday and will include singles and doubles competition by
age groupings. Two campus gymnasiums will be home to the basketball and
volleyball tournaments.
WAAA President Van Der Mugrdechian and Vice President Marty Bohigian are
looking forward to a successful return to Central California from the Bay
Area. Several activities are being planned in conjunction with the sports
events to help make this a weekend everyone will enjoy. Entry forms and
details of activities will be available soon.
For more information, contact Der Mugrdechian at (559) 298-2371
[email protected] or Marty Bohigian at (559) 297-7887,
[email protected].
******************************************************************
**************************************************************************
The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
[email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
authorship.
**************************************************************************

FEATURE-Who’s the rebel now? Lines blur in Chechnya

By Oliver Bullough

GROZNY, Russia, March 23 (Reuters) – For Moscow, it is simple: Chechen
rebels are terrorists and must be destroyed.

But on the ground in Chechnya, government supporters and rebels are
sometimes hard to tell apart.

Rebels who change sides are absorbed into the pro-Russian government’s
ranks without question. Many do not demand independence, while the
government is increasingly assertive towards Moscow.

Moscow’s bearded footsoldiers in the region, with their mismatched
uniforms, Kalashnikovs, and habit of firing volleys of gunfire as
wedding parties drive past not only look like the people who defeated
Russia in 1996 — they are the same people.

In Argun, just east of the regional capital Grozny, one 25-year-old
member of the thousands-strong Security Service said most of his
comrades were rebels who had changed sides.

“We nearly all were,” he said, as he leaned against a wall and
chain-smoked. “I only changed sides three months ago, before that I
was up in the hills, dodging the federals.”

Higher rank personnel are crossing over as well.

Top rebel Magomed Khambiyev surrendered this month, faces no criminal
charges and has asked to join Moscow’s side. Officials in Chechnya say
they would welcome him.

Pro-Moscow Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov’s son Ramzan — the
region’s second most powerful man as head of the Security Service —
said he wanted rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov to come and join the
government as well.

“He is a good military man, let him train our soldiers,” said the
burly 27-year-old in his home village of Tsenteroi in the foothills of
the Caucasus mountains.

REBELS?

President Vladimir Putin vows to destroy the “terrorist” Maskhadov,
and refuses to negotiate with him. His peace plan centred around a
referendum last year to anchor Chechnya in Russia and internationally
criticised elections won by Kadyrov.

Maskhadov spearheaded the drive that forced Moscow first to the
negotiating table and then to grant Chechnya de facto independence in
1997, but Ramzan Kadyrov spoke highly of the former Soviet colonel.

“Maskhadov is an educated man…We need such people and it’s right to
make use of them. He should not be president, but he should be
military commander,” he told reporters.

Politically, the two sides are closer than Putin says. Rebels who ran
Chechnya until Putin sent troops back in 1999 now speak vaguely of
compromise — some form of autonomy within Russia perhaps, with
current guerrillas invited to participate.

Kadyrov, on the other hand, is making increasingly tough demands of
Moscow.

Last month, he demanded Russia pay transit fees for the gas that
crosses Chechen territory on its way to Georgia, Armenia and
Azerbaijan, Russian newspapers reported.

He wants control of the military campaign to be handed to his
government, and his long-term demand that all revenues from Chechen
oil should revert to Grozny is a major stumbling block in Moscow’s
attempts to define Chechnya’s status.

LINES BLURRED

Hardline rebels, who have staged a string of suicide bombings in the
Caucasus and Moscow, refuse to consider any compromise with
Russia. But moderates take a line more conciliatory than Kadyrov’s.

“No one is talking about independence any more,” top rebel envoy
Akhmed Zakayev told Reuters in a recent interview in London, where he
is in exile.

Kadyrov says only former rebels have insight into rebel plans required
to catch their former comrades-in-arms. But Zakayev says the presence
of former separatists in Kadyrov’s ranks has undermined Moscow’s rule.

“Money for our armed forces comes from Russia, it comes via Kadyrov’s
administration. There is not one minister, manager or village head who
does not give us money,” he said.

“While the Kadyrov administration continues, we will never have
trouble with our finances.”

03/22/04 21:03 ET

Armenian Studies Program
University of Michigan, International Institute
1080 S. University
Suite 2660
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Phone: 734/615-4304
Fax: 734/763-9154
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Julie G. Septrion, Program Coordinator

AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CHURCH OF ARMENIA TO BE HELD AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ANN ARBOR, APRIL 1-3, 2004

An international conference entitled “Where the Only-Begotten
Descended: the Church of Armenia through the Ages,” will be held at
the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Some forty papers, by experts
from Armenia, Europe and the USA, will highlight certain aspects of
the history, dogma, rites, literature and religious, social and
political role of the Church of Armenia, and the nature and extent of
the relations this 1700-year-old national church has had with other
Christian Churches as well as Zoroastrianism and Islam. The
conference is sponsored by Mike and Shirley Kojaian and the Alex and
Marie Manoogian Foundation.

The Church of Armenia has fashioned the Christian Armenian
tradition and, until recently, has been nearly its sole custodian.
There is no adequate history of this venerable tradition; and no
comprehensive history of the Armenian people can be written without a
history of its oldest and most influential institution. It is with
the express purpose of filling this gap that this international
conference is being convened. The proceedings will be published as an
outline of a history of the Church. It is hoped that both the
conference and the volume will inspire further research leading to
even better histories of the Church of Armenia herself and the
Armenian people.

The conference has been organized by the Armenian Studies
Program at the University of Michigan, and will be held in Ann Arbor,
April 1-3, 2004. The sessions have been arranged chronologically and
thematically and will meet from 9:00am to 5:00pm on each of the three
days. At 7:00pm on the evening of April 1, Dr. Robert W. Thomson,
Calouste Gulbenkain Professor Emeritus of Armenian Studies, Oxford
University, will deliver the keynote lecture on “The Armenian
Tradition of Biblical Commentary.” This lecture is at the same time
the fifth in the newly-inaugurated “Michigan Lectures in Early Judaism
and Christianity” series. It will be followed by a public reception.
For the benefit of those who might be able to attend, the sessions on
April 1 will be held at Shorling Auditorium (School of Education) and
those on April 2 and 3 at The Alumni Center, Founders Room. For more
information, please contact Julie Septron ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>_), tel. 734/615-4304.

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
March 19 2004

DAMAGE REPAIR

Recently `Azat Artsakh’ informed about the damage caused by strong
winds in several regions of the republic in the months February and
March, anticipating state assistance to people who suffered from the
disaster. During the March 16 government meeting NKR prime minister
Anoushavan Danielian set forth this question too. `The size of damage
is rather big,’ said the head of the government, `we already have the
references from the administrations of the regions sustained
significant damage from the winds which will be summed up and
compensation will be made in the shortest possible term. Priority
will be given to the state enterprises on which the families of
killed or disabled azatamartiks and insecure families depend.’
According to the prime minister, they have to find the most effective
variant: to provide assistance either in the form of cash money, or
building materials. Immediately after the settlement of the technical
aspect of the issue compensation will be provided in the shortest
possible term.

NIKOLAY BAGHDASSARIAN

“KARABAKH PEOPLE MEET HERE”

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
22-03-2004

Recently attracting posters appeared on the walls in Stepanakert with
the web address We were interested in finding out
more and found the designer of the web site, who is our compatriot
living in Moscow Tigran Atajanian, now in Stepanakert temporarily. – I
decided to design this web site because our republic does not have
Internet resources where people would be able to search for necessary
information or just have fun. Do you have commercial intentions? – No,
when creating the site I did not have mercantile aims because I knew I
would not get significant profit but I would have something to occupy
myself with. Besides, the favourite entertainment of the town youth is
“chatting”, so I thought why should they chat in Russian or Yerevan
sites. The web site offers the following services as well: labour
registry office, sale and purchase, advertisement. And as the symbol
of Artsakh is the statue “We and Our ! Mountains”, we named the site
so.

GERDA HAKOBIAN.
22-03-2004

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
March 19 2004

MEETING AT NKR MFA

On March 17 the NKR vice minister of foreign affairs Masis Mayilian
met with the coordinator of the European program of the international
organization `Article-19′ Irina Smolina (Great Britain). The guest
said she arrived in Karabakh for the aim of organizing a round table
with the Stepanakert press club on the topic `Public radio and
Television: Problems and Prospects’. She mentioned that within the
framework of the project for maintaining democracy in the South
Caucasus through freedom of speech the international organization
`Article 19′ has been carrying out work in the recognized, as well as
non-recognized states of the region, including Nagorni Karabakh since
last April, in three directions: legislative and institutional
activities, free circulation of information and enlightenment
programs. Masis Mayilian welcomed the activities of the organization
and mentioned the importance of the fact that `Article 19′ also
cooperates with states that are not recognized by the international
community, for despite their recognition all the nations of the South
Caucasus should be provided with equal possibilities and assistance
for the development of the society. According to Masis Mayilian, a
lack of balance in this sphere may endanger the stability in the
region. `The authorities of Nagorni Karabakh are interested in
development of a civil society in the republic and in this reference
your cooperation with the regional partners is very useful. We are
open to the world and always seek for integration in international
processes. We recognize that the future of the republic of Nagorni
Karabakh is greatly dependent on the fact whether we will succeed in
building a democratic country,’ emphasized the vice minister of
foreign affairs of NKR. At the request of the guests Masis Mayilian
presented the establishment, structure and activities of the NKR
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He mentioned that the establishment of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993 was the requirement of the
time and circumstances because the young state as a conflict party
faced the necessity of conducting negotiations for the settlement of
the Karabakh conflict on a professional level. At the end of the
meeting Masis Mayilian stated the willingness of the foreign ministry
of the republic to assist to the implementation of the programs of
`Article 19′ in Nagorni Karabakh.

AA

Three civilians die in mine explosion in Karabakh

Arminfo, Yerevan
19 Mar 04

STEPANAKERT

The British nongovernment organization Halo Trust, which is engaged in
mine clearing in Nagornyy Karabakh, has appealed to the population to
be vigilant, pay attention to signs warning about mines and not to use
roads which are not believed to be safe.

An Arminfo correspondent reports from Stepanakert that the appeal was
made after a civilian Uaz jeep was blown up on an anti-tank mine near
the village of Nor Karmiravan in Mardakert District on 14 March. Three
people died and six received wounds of varying degree of seriousness
as a result of the explosion.

In all, there have been five incidents involving 17 people since the
beginning of 2004, of these seven died.

Passage omitted: figures for 2003

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
March 19 2004

LOANING SHOULD BE TRANSPARENT

About sixty questions were included in the agenda of the March 16
meeting of the NKR government, conducted by prime minister Anoushavan
Danielian. On February 16, 2004 the NKR president had signed a decree
about the enactment of the law `About Civil Service’. Starting from
the requirements of the enactment of the law there occurred a
necessity to work out the salary and budget mechanism and the
activity of the staff of the NKR state governmental bodies,
ministries (state committees), regional administrations and the
Stepanakert City Hall. After long discussions on the questions
referring the enactment of the law the government made corresponding
decisions. The government approved the project of foundation of the
state governmental office `NKR administration of finance and
economy’, confirming the regulations of the NKR Ministry of Finance
and Economy and the structure of the administration, and
reorganization of the local treasury departments. The government
session confirmed the regulations and staff structure of the state
governmental offices `administration of the NKR Ministry of
Agriculture’, `administration of the NKR Ministry of Social
Security’, `administration of the NKR Ministry of Health’,
`administration of the NKR Ministry of Justice’, `administration of
the NKR state committee of real estate cadastre’. The same decisions
confirmed the amount of the property passed to these structures.
According to the law in effect the administrations of the ministries
operate according to the NKR civil code, the NKR law `About State
Governmental Bodies’, other laws and legal acts (international
agreements), as well as the regulations. The head of the
administration is appointed and relieved from the post by the
government of the republic. Taking into account the fact that the
demand of producers for oak timber surpasses the possibilities of the
natural resources, the government made a decision to prohibit the
export of oak timber from the republic. The executive also confirmed
the pure average cadastre income from farming land in NKR,
privatization of the state property, the arrangement of the Military
Police of the RA Ministry of Defence to provide buildings to the
Military Police of Stepanakert. Aiming at further implementation of
programs for improvement of the tax system the State Tax Department
under the government presented a package of bills and draft
decisions. The members of the government approved the project of
introducing changes into the NKR laws `About Added Value’ and `About
Tax Service’ and the bill `About Cash Transactions’. In the social
sphere the NKR Minister of Social Security presented the project of
making amendments to the law `About the Social Security of the
Military Men and Their Families’, as well as introducing the system
of social security cards in NKR and forming committees on insurance
record. Among other urgent questions the Ministry of Health presented
the project of state-guaranteed free medical aid and service. The
government made decisions concerning the bill `About Military
Service’, the structure of the NKR Police and questions of
maintaining the maximum number of officials and deputies, the lower
and higher titles for the concrete police posts, the order of
granting permission for the use of land-surveying and geodesic
material and data of state and service secrecy, reorganization of the
`NKR theaters’ and `NKR ensembles’ into state non-commercial
organizations. Changes were made in the formerly passed decisions of
the executive. At the end of the session prime minister Anoushavan
Danielian touched upon the activities of the foundation for
development of small and medium-size business and mentioned that the
government anticipates effective undertakings by the organization.
Unfortunately, the activities of the foundation do not always meet
the modern requirements, and as a result the complaining letters
addressed to the government. There are also alarms that the loans
granted by the foundation are not used for their aim. Taking into
account these circumstances, the prime minister demanded a
corresponding account on the activities of the foundation from the
Ministry of Industrial Infrastructures and Building. `The society
must be aware of who receives aid from the foundation and for what
aims it is used. Whether the loaned programs are effective, whether
there is progress, whether investments are made in industry, and the
requirements of the deals are met. The process of loaning should be
transparent, for the mass media first of all. This possibility is
fully given to the mass media and the society will be informed who
receives the loans of the foundation and how these are used.’

aa

NATIONAL YOUTH CENTER CALLS ON PRESIDENT OF NKR T0 RELEASE SAMVEL BABAYAN

YEREVAN, March 22 (Noyan Tapan). The “National Youth Center” public
organization sent an open letter to President of NKR Arkadi Ghukasian,
in which it calls on to set free Samvel Babayan, a lieutenant-general
sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. Condemning the attempt upon the
life of the President of NKR, which took place on March 22 2000, the
organization expresses anxiety in connection which such attitude to
Samvel Babayan, a national hero, who has a great contribution to the
formation of the army and has rendered exceptional services to the
motherland. As Norayr Norikian, the Chairman of the “National Youth
Center,” announced during the March 22 meeting at the “Azdak” club of
the “Constitutional Right” Union, the organization is independent, it
doesn’t carry out the state order and considers the problem
exceptionally from moral point of view. He menioned that the warlike
hysteria of Azerbaijan, the destructive position occupied by it in the
issue of the settlement of the Karabakh conflict show the intention of
this country to solve the Karabakh problem by means of war. According
to Norikian, keeping of the national hero in arrest is unacceptable in
such conditions. Norayr Norikian said that after receiving the answer
from Arkadi Ghukasian the “National Youth Center” will as well send an
open letter to RA President Robert Kocharian. The members of the
organization will as well apply to MPs. Starting from today the
members of the organization have begun collection of signatures in
favor of releasing Samvel Babayan.