Category: News

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON)
March 19, 2004, Friday

Kasparov matched with boy wonder

By Malcolm Pein

THE line-up for the Reykjavik Rapid is now complete after the Open
tournament ended in a six-way tie for first place at the Reykjavik
City Hall. Five players qualified to join the 11 invited to take
part, who include the former world champions Garry Kasparov and
Anatoly Karpov, and England’s Nigel Short.

Of the eight players tied in the open on 6.5/9, Vladimir Epishin of
Russia, Igor Nataf of France, Jan Timman of Holland and Levon Aronian
of Armenia qualified, and Stefan Kristjansson of the host nation also
made it through to the main event.

A blitz tournament held to determine seeding saw Kasparov placed
second after losing to the Armenian Levon Aronian. The 13-year-old
sensation from Norway, IM Magnus Carlsen finishes in 15th place to
produce the dream first-round pairing between the world number one
and the world’s most precocious talent – Carlsen is already a
GM-strength player.

The full line-up (in world ranking order) is: 1 GM Garry Kasparov
2831 Russia; 2 GM Nigel Short 2702 England; 3 GM Anatoly Karpov 2682
Russia; 4 GM Alexey Dreev 2682 Russia; 5 GM Emil Sutovsky 2666
Israel; 6 GM Levon Aronian 2648 Armenia; 7 GM Johann Hjartarson 2640
Iceland; 8 GM Peter Heine Nielsen 2638 Denmark; 9 GM Vladimir Epishin
2633 Russia; 10 GM Jan Timman 2578 Holland; 11 GM Hannes Stefansson
2572 Iceland; 13 GM Margeir Petursson 2540 Iceland; 14 GM Helgi
Olafsson 2504 Iceland; 15 IM Magnus Carlsen 2484 Norway; 16 IM Stefan
Kristjansson 2404 Iceland.

Most of the Icelandic players have given up full-time chess and gone
into such fields as banking and law, but they are still a threat.
Johann Hjartarson is a former WCC Candidate.

Nataf got through by winning his last two games in the Open. The
Frenchman is a King’s Indian aficionado and does not fear the loss of
the dark squared bishop because of the closed nature of the position
after 15f4.

After 19g5 threat of g4 is imminent and the Black attack is clearly
quicker, hence the response 20.g4 but that does not solve all White’s
problems. 27.Be1 was an error because 27.Bg1 would have kept both f2
and e3 under control.

With Rf8 coming, White panics and gives up a pawn, but this only
serves to improve the Black position. 28.Rh4 would have been better.

R Pogorelov – I Nataf

21st Open Reykjavik (8)

King’s Indian Classical

1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7 4 e4 d6 5 d4 0-0 6 Be2 e5 7 0-0 Nc6 8 d5
Ne7 9 b4 Nh5 10 Re1 f5 11 Ng5 Nf6 12 f3 Kh8 13 Be3 Bh6 14 Nf7+ Rxf7
15 Bxh6 f4 16 c5 Neg8 17 Bg5 h6 18 Bh4 Rg7 19 Bf2 g5 20 g4 fxg3 21
hxg3 Nh5 22 Kh2 g4 23 Rh1 Qg5 24 fxg4 Nhf6 25 Qc1 Nxg4+ 26 Kg2 Qg6 27
Be1? Bd7 28 c6 bxc6 29 dxc6 Bxc6 30 Bxg4 Qxg4 31 Qe3 Rf8 32 Bd2 Rf4
33 Rae1 Qg6 34 Qd3 Rg4 35 Rh3 h5 36 Reh1 Nf6 37 Kf1 Rxg3 38 Rxg3 Qxg3
39 Qxg3 Rxg3 40 Rh4 Rg4 41 Rxg4 hxg4 42 Bg5 Kg7 43 Kf2 Kg6 44 Be3 a6
45 Kg3 Bxe4 46 Ba7 Kf5 47 Bb8 d5 48 Bxc7 d4 49 Nd1 Nh5+ 50 Kf2 g3+ 51
Kg1 Nf4 0-1

Nataf
p p p p p 8 p p c p p p p p p o ) p n o – m p p p p o b p p p p p p ‘
p d

Pogorelov

Final position after 51Nf4

Agence France Presse
March 19, 2004 Friday 9:25 AM Eastern Time

Armenia files protest over British refusal to recognize ‘genocide’

MOSCOW

Armenia said on Friday that it had lodged an official protest after
Britain’s ambassador denied that “genocide” was committed when the
Ottoman Empire killed up 1.5 million Armenians, according to
Armenia’s count, at the end of World War I.

The issue of whether various nations recognize that “genocide” was
committed is one of the most sensitive in Armenia.

The episode also remains one of the most controversial in Turkish
history. Turkey recognizes that 300,000 Armenians had died along with
a large number of Turks at the end of the war.

“We regret the position,” taken by British ambassador Thorda
Abbott-Watt, foreign ministry spokesman Hamlet Gasparyan told AFP.

“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.”

Abbott-Watt recently told the California Courier, an English-language
weekly run by the Armenian diaspora in the United States, that “the
British government had condemned the massacre as an atrocity at the
time.

“But the evidence was not sufficiently unequivocal that what took
place could be categorized as genocide under the 1948 United Nations
Convention on Genocide.”

She added that Armenia and Turkey had to “look into the future” and
stop squabbling over the one word.

One Armenian newspaper ran a series of letters from its readers
demanding that the British ambassador make a public apology for her
remarks.

The Associated Press State & Local Wire
March 19, 2004, Friday, BC cycle

Church’s former priest admits tax fraud

ALBANY, N.Y.

The former priest of an upstate church has pleaded guilty to tax
fraud, admitting he failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service
the church funds that he deposited in a private account for his own
use.

Megerdich Megerdichian, 47, of Cranston, R.I., faces up to three
years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and restitution to the IRS of
the $9,442 tax underpayment, according to U.S. Attorney Glenn
Suddaby. Sentencing is scheduled July 14 in federal court

Megerdichian was the priest at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church
in Troy for about 16 years until his removal in 1998, according to
Suddaby. Two years later, he repaid the church funds, which had come
from various sources including congregation members.

The New York Times
March 19, 2004, Friday, Late Edition – Final

Georgian Leader to Lift Economic Blockade of Province

By SETH MYDANS

TBILISI, Georgia

President Mikhail Saakashvili said Thursday that he had won important
concessions from the leader of the renegade province of Adzharia and
would lift a four-day-old economic blockade.

“The sanctions will be lifted from midnight tonight because we have
resolved all the issues which led to this misunderstanding between
the local administration and the Georgian government,” he said after
meeting with the leader, Aslan Abashidze, in the provincial capital,
Batumi.

“I want to underline that there is no conflict with Adzharia, and
such a conflict cannot be,” Mr. Saakashvili said.

The deal defuses a crisis that was touched off Sunday when armed men
supporting Mr. Abashidze refused to allow the president to enter
Adzharia.

Mr. Saakashvili placed Georgian troops on alert. Mr. Abashidze
declared a state of emergency in his fiefdom and sent armed men into
the streets.

The standoff threatened to have international repercussions as
officials from Russia, which has a military base in Adzharia,
expressed support for Mr. Abashidze.

According to wire service reports from Batumi, Mr. Abashidze will
allow parliamentary elections to proceed on March 28, review the
cases of imprisoned opponents and disarm his paramilitary militias.

Officials from the central government in Tbilisi will be based in
Batumi to ensure that the government receives customs duties that Mr.
Abashidze had withheld in the past, the reports said.

Mr. Abashidze later said, “The meeting showed that there are no
issues that cannot be resolved.”

The specifics of the agreements were not made public, and it was not
clear how much Mr. Abashidze surrendered of the economic and military
control he had exercised for years in the manner of what Mr.
Saakashvili had called “a feudal chief from medieval times.”

Political analysts here said it appeared that the president had
earned at least short-term concessions from Mr. Abashidze that would
allow the election to proceed and supporters of the central
government to campaign.

Mr. Abashidze has harassed and arrested opponents and made it almost
impossible for supporters of the central government to campaign or
move freely.

Mr. Saakashvili has said Mr. Abashidze’s “time is past” and analysts
said it was difficult to see how a compromise could be reached that
would allow him to remain in office. He was one of the last
supporters of the former president, Eduard A. Shevardnadze, who was
driven from office last November in a peaceful uprising led by Mr.
Saakashvili.

Before traveling to Batumi on Thursday morning, Mr. Saakashvili had
sounded a tough note, saying, “I am not going to be horse-trading
with anyone or meeting anyone halfway. The law should be observed
across all of Georgia’s territory. We are not doing any deals.”

He added, “We are speaking here about my subordinate.”

The meeting in Batumi was accompanied by televised scenes of Mr.
Abashidze’s supporters chanting, “Babu! Babu!”, which means
“grandfather,” and other protesters in the distance chanting Mr.
Saakashvili’s nickname, “Misha! Misha!”

The blockade, which began Monday, was causing economic disruption in
neighboring Turkey and Armenia and particularly in Azerbaijan, where
thousands of rail cars carrying oil to the port at Batumi were
stranded.

GRAPHIC: Photo: President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia, center,
addressed supporters yesterday at a rally in Batumi, the provincial
capital of Adzharia. (Photo by Agence France-Presse–Getty Images);

Map of Georgia highlighting Batumi: Georgian officials will monitor
customs collections in Batumi.

Associated Press Worldstream
March 19, 2004 Friday 12:08 PM Eastern Time

Three civilians killed in latest mine explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN, Armenia

A jeep of hunters driving in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh enclave
hit an anti-tank mine that killed three civilians and wounded another
six, a demining organization said Friday.

The explosion happened Sunday evening, the office of London-based
HALO trust in Nagorno-Karabakh’s regional capital Stepanakert said.

Nagorno-Karabakh remains laced with mines from the war that left
ethnic Armenian forces in control of the enclave within Azerbaijan. A
cease-fire between the two former Soviet republics was signed in
1994, but the enclave’s political status is unresolved and Armenian
and Azeri forces face off across a demilitarized zone.

Inlcuding the latest explosion, HALO said seven civilians have died
in Nagorno-Karabakh this year. Nine people died in 2003.

ARKA News Agency
March 19 2004

RA President receives administration of RA Police

Mass media did not become business in Armenia – trustee of National
Press Club

Goal of European Commission in Armenia is to assist the development
of democracy

Armenia places 107th in the list of 121 states on representation of
women in the Parliament

*********************************************************************

RA PRESIDENT RECEIVES ADMINISTRATION OF RA POLICE

YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian received
administration of RA police, President’s Press Office told ARKA. The
parties discussed activity of the system. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

MASS MEDIA DID NOT BECOME BUSINESS IN ARMENIA – TRUSTEE OF NATIONAL
PRESS CLUB

YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. Mass media did not become business in
Armenia, Trustee of National Press Club of Armenia Narine Dilbarian
stated at the forum dedicated to international women month. According
to her, it is the biggest obstacle on the way of provision of
independence of Armenian press. She said that due to this reason many
mass media look for shadow resources of financing and lose their
independence. At this, according to Dilbarian, most difficult is
provision of independence of electronic mass media, as they need
large financial spendings. In accordance to that she offered to
change grant policy of European and American organizations, by
directing grants to separate mass media.
She also mentioned the adoption of RA Government’s decision on
accreditation of journalists in state bodies.
Forum dedicated to international women month organized by US Embassy
to Armenia PR Department. The goal of the forum in discussion of role
of women in external policy, business, press and law-enforcement
bodies. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

GOAL OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN ARMENIA IS TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT
OF DEMOCRACY

YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. Goal of European Commission in Armenia is
to assist the development of democracy in the frames of agreement on
partnership and cooperation between RA and EU, the Head of
Operational Section of EC Delegation for Georgia and Armenia Office
in Yerevan Adriana Longoni stated today. She said that European
institute of human rights and democracy is an instrument of support
of local public organizations for development of programs and
projects on human rights protection and democracy. In the view,
according to Longoni, several Armenia public organizations already
turned to EC Yerevan Office. She expressed hope that soon Armenian
NGOs will receive financing and conclude a contract on realization of
programs contributing to democracy development in Armenia. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

ARMENIA PLACES 107TH IN THE LIST OF 121 STATES ON REPRESENTATION OF
WOMEN IN THE PARLIAMENT

YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. Armenia places 107th in the list of 121
states on representation of women in the Parliament, Professor of
Political Science at American University of Armenia Lusik Danielian
stated today at the forum dedicated to international women month.
According to her, USA takes 54th place in this list. She said that
today only 14 countries have Parliaments with the number of people
over 30%. At this she added that Armenia enters the list of 77
countries, which legally set the quotes for inclusion of women in
election lists of political parties. Danielian said that the
experience shows that the quotes are the only mechanism for inclusion
of women in parliament work. She also said that not only
participation of women in political parties is important, but their
representation in decision making bodies. She stressed dominating
role of Armenian women in public organizations and added that it is
time to switch from those organizations to political parties and
state structures.
Forum dedicated to international women month organized by US Embassy
to Armenia PR Department. The goal of the forum in discussion of role
of women in external policy, business, press and law-enforcement
bodies. L.D. –0–

IRNA, Iran
March 12 2004

Georgian armenians take part in Iranian armenians spring games

Isfahan, March 12, IRNA — Head of Isfahan`s Ararat Sports Club
Robert Shyjanian told IRNA of Friday the the Georgian armenians will
take part at the 13th Athletic Competitions of the Iranian armenians.

Shyjanian added, “The Georgian armenian athletes will participate
with one five-member team at the Iranian armenians` spring games,
competing only in track and field competitions.”
The five-day 13th Athletic Competitions of the Iranian armenians,
sponsored this year by Isfahan`s Ararat Sports Club will begin on
March 18th.
The games, also known as the Iranian armenians spring athletics,
are held in two main sections of men and women`s athletes, in which
the athletes compete in football, basketball, field and track,
volleyball, and table tennis contests.
The men`s games include football, basketball, table tennis and
field and track events, and the women`s games include basketball,
volleyball and field and track competitions.

IRNA, Iran
March 17 2004

EP praises reforms in Turkey, but says not enough

Brussels, March 17, IRNA — Turkey has made many important reforms
since last year in order to meet the political criteria to join the
EU
but still needs to go considerably further, said the European
Parliament`s Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday when it adopted a

report on Turkey`s progress towards EU accession.
The report asked the Commission, as part of the Pre-Accession
Strategy, to systematically address the shortcomings in the rule of
law and the democratic deficit in Turkey, according to an EP press
release.
The Committee stressed that settlement of the Cyprus conflict was
an essential condition for progress on Turkey`s EU membership
application.
MEPs praised the strong motivation and political will demonstrated
by the AKP government in favor of making reforms that are
revolutionary for Turkey, but they said that such reforms can only be

judged on the basis of how they are put into practice at all levels
of
the judicial and security system and the civil and military
administration.
MEPs criticized the continuing influence of the army in politics,
business, culture and education, continuing torture practices and
mistreatment, the intimidation and harassment of human rights
defenders, the discrimination of religious minorities and the fact
that trade union freedom is not fully guaranteed.
Turkey should also speed up the implementation of certain cultural
rights that allow the education in and use of languages other than
Turkish in the media, especially Kurdish, said the report.
The EU itself must also be prepared for Turkey`s possible
accession and the consequent new geo-political situation for the EU,
MEPs said.
They said Turkey would significantly enhance European security and
give EU policy in the region greater authority and effectiveness.
MEPs said it will be up to Turkey to decide whether it wants, or
will be able, to accept the political principles and values of the EU

as appropriate for Turkey`s state and society.
The EP report also called on Turkey to reopen its borders with
armenia and promote good neighborly relations with that country.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
March 19, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]

SENATOR SARBANES TO ADDRESS ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY’S NATIONAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly announced this week that longtime
Armenian issues supporter Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) will be the
Democratic keynote speaker at the Assembly’s National Conference and
Banquet, April 18-20, in Washington, DC.

Sarbanes will join Republican keynote speaker Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
during a Monday night banquet that is part of a three-day event being held
in cooperation with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the
Eastern and Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.

“We’re delighted to have Senator Sarbanes, a staunch supporter of our
community, take the time to brief conference participants,” said National
Conference and Banquet Chair Annie Totah.

In August of last year, McConnell and Sarbanes introduced S. 1557, which
would extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Armenia. If
enacted, the legislation would allow Armenian goods easier access to the
U.S. by eliminating a 30-year-old provision governing levy of duty and
taxes.

More recently, the senator joined five of his colleagues in sending a letter
to President Bush urging him to ask Turkey to lift its damaging blockade of
Armenia during his recent meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. In addition to his support on this letter, the senator is a
cosponsor of the genocide resolution (S. Res. 164), which would ensure that
the lessons of the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, in addition to those
in Cambodia and Rwanda, as well as others, are not forgotten.

Additionally, Sarbanes has repeatedly led the fight to maintain Section 907
of the Freedom Support Act, which places reasonable restrictions on U.S.
assistance to Azerbaijan while it continues to immorally block Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh. In 2001, he and McConnell led the successful Senate floor
debate in defeating an attempt to rescind this crucial measure.

Organized by the Assembly’s Armenian American Action Committee (ARAMAC), the
three-day event is a prime opportunity for anyone interested in honing their
advocacy skills and brainstorming issues with some of Washington’s most
influential policymakers. Participants will have the opportunity to gain
deeper insight into the inner-workings of Congress during advocacy workshop
sessions, panel discussions and meetings with elected officials.

The conference agenda will include a panel discussion on “Secrets to
Advocacy.” Panel participants include: Former Congressman James Rogan
(R-CA), New Hampshire State Representative Harry Haytayan (R-NH),
legislative assistant for Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) Joanne Berry and
Assembly Board of Directors member and one-time aide to former Governor
Wilson (R-CA), Lisa Kalustian. The panel will be moderated by Assembly
Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian.

The conference will open with an ecumenical service at the National
Cathedral marking the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. From
there, guests will attend a welcoming reception at the Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts. The next day, conference attendees will take part in a
full-day of advocacy workshops and panel discussion, followed by a reception
and banquet that evening. The conference will close Tuesday with a farewell
breakfast after which time activist will head to Capitol Hill for meetings
with their elected officials.

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

NR#2004-030

Photograph available at the following link:

Caption: Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD)

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/19/2004
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1) ARS West Celebrates 20th
2) `Cultural Genocide: Turkey’ Exhibit Slated for Late April
3) Kocharian Pushes for Increased Local Management
4) EU Parliament Presses Turkey on Human Rights
5) 20th Annual KAHAM Games Closing Ceremonies at Glendale College Stadium
6) ANCA Capitol Hill Genocide Observance Gathers Great Congressional Support

1) ARS West Celebrates 20th

GLENDALE–Hundreds gathered at the Glendale Hilton on March 13 to celebrate
the
20th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Western
Region. The event’s sponsor was Dr. Alber Karamanoukian, president of St.
Mary’s Adult Day Health Care center in Glendale.
A large circle of ARS members, friends, and supporters were present to honor
and celebrate the ARS Western Region’s two decades long contribution to the
community and the homeland. Honored guests included Armenia’s Consul
General in
Los Angeles Gagik Kirakossian, representatives of the ARF West Central
Committee, The ARS Central Executive (CE), sister organizations, as well as
elected officials.
Soprano Anahid Nersisian, along with pianist Armen Aharonian, performed the
national anthems of the United States and the Republic of Armenia, followed by
the ARS anthem.
Opening remarks were presented by the chairwoman of the Twentieth Anniversary
committee Sonia Peltekian, who also served as the evening’s emcee.
Blessings were offered by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.
The Armenian Women’s Traditional Instrument Ensemble, conducted by Roupen
Haroutunian, presented a sampling of beautiful Armenian melodies.
The Regional Executive’s remarks were delivered in English by chairwoman Nova
Hindoyan, who introduced the philanthropic activities undertaken by the region
throughout the years, and outlined current and future programs. Presenting the
ARS CE’s message, Anahid Meymarian briefly presented ARS International’s
activities both in the homeland and the Diaspora. The ARF CC’s message was
delivered by Vahe Bozoian.
Glendale Mayor offered warm remarks and presented Glendale City Council’s
Certificate of Achievement to the ARS Western Region for its community
contribution.
Chairman of the Armenian National Committee-Western Region Board of Directors
Raffi Hamparian conveyed the ARS certificates of accomplishment from
California
Assemblymember Dario Frommer, State Senator Jack Scott, and Los Angeles
Supervisor Mike Antonovich.
US Congressman Adam Schiff personally delivered a Congressional
Certificate of
Appreciation to the ARS, and presented heartfelt remarks.
Keynote speaker from Canada ARS member Professor Chake Der
Melkonian-Minassian
recounted the days of establishing and structuring the ARS Western Region.
Numerous guests and ARS members participated in the candle lighting ceremony,
followed by the symbolic cutting of the cake by the day’s sponsor and
consistent ARS benefactor Dr. Alber Karamounkian, a cherished member of the
Armenian community who has always stood ready to provide financial support to
organizations and projects, specifically assisting the schools and
hospitals of
Ghapan.
Closing remarks and blessing were given by Archbishop Mardirossian who
applauded the ARS, and explained the symbolism behind its emblem.
The celebrations ended with the announcement of a unique donation by the Der
Hovanesian and Hindoyan families, the children of longtime Pasadena ARS member
Nvart Der Hovhanesian and husband Goriun. An ARS regional office will be
dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Der Hovhanesian.

2) `Cultural Genocide: Turkey’ Exhibit Slated for Late April

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–A photo exhibit of destroyed Armenian cultural and
architectural monuments in the territory of modern Turkey will open in Yerevan
in late April, to coincide with the 89th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.
The exhibit, Cultural Genocide: Turkey, will display photos depicting the
current condition of monuments, alongside those of the monuments intact and in
their original condition. Hundreds of Armenian monuments in Western Armenia
(now eastern Turkey), have been photographed for the exhibit.
Samvel Karapetian, chairman of a non-governmental organization studying
Armenian architectural monuments, said the exhibit serves to expose Turkey’s
destructive policy towards cultural values, as it strives to join civilized
countries of the European Union.

3) Kocharian Pushes for Increased Local Management

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–President Robert Kocharian visited Yerevan’s Kentron
community to review implementation of legislative amendments that call for
local governments to take on a greater role in managing regional affairs. The
Kentron community, he explained, is better prepared to handle the reforms and
effectively implement the undertaken commitments because the community’s
budget
doubled in 2003, and is expected to double again in 2004.
Kocharian explained that the country must go in the direction of
decentralization so that the government is not burdened with common
problems of
the population. `We must attract grants to solve water supply, local heating,
and other similar issues, but the implementation of the programs must be
transferred to local self-governing bodies.’
Among problems revealed during his visit to the Kentron municipality was the
unwillingness of various departments to transfer regulatory powers to local
self-governing bodies. Kocharian said that he will take up the issue soon with
department leaders. `If there is a public service problem somewhere, people
must not think about the president, the prime minister, or the government,’
Kocharian said. `There can be no stability in such a country.’
The president is expected to visit other Yerevan communities, as well as
villages to review the reform process.

4) EU Parliament Presses Turkey on Human Rights

BRUSSELS (Reuters)–Turkey must improve its record on human rights and the
rule
of law before European Union member states start talks with Ankara on adopting
EU laws, the European Parliament said on Wednesday.
Turkey has been trying to join the EU for decades, and has faced consistent
calls to remedy human rights abuses. The bloc is due to decide by the end of
this year whether to set a date when accession negotiations may begin.
The entry of any new member state requires the approval of the parliament,
but
the assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee made clear Ankara had a long way to
goeven though the Union is committed to its eventual membership.
Deputies “criticized the continuing influence of the army in politics,
business, culture, and education, continuing torture practices and
mistreatment, the intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders, the
discrimination of religious minorities, and the fact that trade union freedom
is not fully secured,” they said in a statement.
Deputies noted Turkey had made many important reforms since last year to meet
the membership criteria, and praised the government’s political will to
improve
conditions, while saying reforms could only be judged by how they were
implemented.
Members of the parliament called on the EU’s executive Commission to press
Ankara on these issues.
“The Commission should, as part of the pre-accession strategy, systematically
address the shortcomings in the rule of law and the democratic deficit,” the
statement said.
The Foreign Affairs Committee insisted that settlement of the Cyprus conflict
was “an essential condition for progress” in Turkey’s membership bid, and also
urged Ankara to open its borders with Armenia.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when troops from Turkey occupied the
north
of the island in response to a coup in Nicosia engineered by the junta then
ruling Greece.
The United Nations is brokering reunification talks bringing together Greece,
Turkey, and Greek and Turkish Cypriots, to try to unite the island before it
joins the EU on May 1.
Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Armenia, independent since the break
up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

5) 20th Annual KAHAM Games Closing Ceremonies at Glendale College Stadium

After two months of exciting competitions, Homenetmen’s Western Regional
Executive Committee hosted the 20th Annual California Armenian Student
Athletic
Games (KAHAM) closing ceremonies on March 14 at Glendale College Stadium.
Proud
parents, children, principals, athletic directors, and faculty from eleven
Southern California Armenian schools assembled to close another memorable
KAHAM
tournament.
Homenetmen TV broadcaster Nora Chaparian, was the event’s master of
ceremonies
for. She welcomed the dignitaries present, who included Homenetmen Central
Executive Committee members Mher Tavitian and Manuel Marselian, Prelate
Moushegh Mardirossian’s representative rev. Ashod Kambourian, Glendale City
Council member Dave Weever, Chair of the Glendale College Board of Directors
Dr. Armine Hagopian, Glendale School District Board member Greg Krikorian, and
all of the principals present from the respective participating schools.
Chaparian also welcomed all who were present, stating that the spectators on
hand represented the spirit and support that drives the Armenian student.
Following the welcoming, the color guard represented by Homenetmen’s Cresenta
Valley “Shant” Chapter’s scouts, entered the stadium followed by the
Homenetmen
Western Region Marching Band. Once in place, the marching band played the
American, Armenian, and Homenetmen anthems.
Immediately following the anthems, the ten schools represented in this year’s
KAHAM games paraded into the stadium. Fervor arose in the crowd as each school
was introduced. The athletes and faculty from each school, proudly wearing
their school athletic uniforms, and lead by their school flags and banners,
marched into and around the stadium. Students waved to the crowd,
especially to
their parents, in their spotlight victory lap.
The schools represented at this year’s KAHAM games were Alex Pilibos, Ari
Giragos Minassian, Armenian Sisters Academy, Mesrobian, Merdinian,
Mekhitarian,
Hovsepian, Chamlian, Sahag Mesrob, and Ferrahian.
Homenetmen Western Regional Executive Committee member Shake Zohrabian
conveyed the Executive Committee’s message to all present, thanking especially
the parents and volunteers who helped make this event successful for the
Southern California Armenian community.
She stated that without the parents and their tireless efforts to bring their
children to competitions over the past eight weeks, the KAHAM games could not
have been a success. “Over 500 athletes between the ages of 6-12 years old
competed in these games over the past eight weeks. Homenetmen is very proud to
help facilitate these games which included competitions in basketball,
volleyball, soccer, track and field, and table tennis.”
Representing all of the participating schools and their principals, Mesrobian
principal, Hilda Saliba, thanked and praised Homenetmen for its efforts not
only in putting together this year’s KAHAM games, but also in the perpetual
work it performs to maintain and protect the Armenian identity within our
school children.
“Today you see an excellent example of what KAHAM is all about. I would like
to thank all those individuals who participated in these games.” Saliba
continued, “The mission for all our schools is to help foster the Armenian
youth in today’s society. To actually teach our students whit it means to be
Armenian, along with the community’s involvement to help maintain that
Armenian
spirit within our youth. Through the KAHAM games, it is evident that
Homenetmen’s mission is also the same.” She also thanked the parents, the
teachers, as well as her fellow principals that commit their school’s
resources
to these games as the benefits are evident to all those that were present.
Again with enthusiasm, this time not only within the spectators, but also
with
the assembled students, Western Regional Executive Committee Chairman Viggen
Davidian, along with Regional Executive Committee Athletic Director Vicken
Apelian, as well as the ten school principals met to announce and distribute
trophies and medals to this year’s KAHAM champions. As each event and division
winner was announced, the pride and spirit in each of the winning team’s
members became evident as the hurried to the main platform to accept their
accolades.
After the athletic trophies and medals were all given out, the Homenetmen
Western Regional Committee awarded each of the school principals a plaque of
appreciation for their involvement and participation in this year’s KAHAM
games.
Speaking on behalf of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Rev. Ashod Kambourian
stated that since its inception, Homenetmen has always been the venue that
allows the Armenian youth to come together and grow spiritually, mentally, and
physically.
“We also know that Homenetmen’s ideals and teaching are not only an internal
mechanism, but also a means to assist the community with its needs with the
Armenian Youth, as we have seen here through Homenetmen’s duty to the local
Armenian Schools. Of course, there are winners here; however, there are no
losers. All of the athletes take back with them the memories of their
competitions, as well as the new friends they have made. Homenetmen’s
spirit is
now embedded in the hearts of all of these athletes,” stated Rev. Kambourian.
Commenting on the successful tournament after the ceremony, Regional Athletic
Director Vicken Apelian, stated that, “It is through the Regional Athletic
Committee, the teachers, parents, as well as the other volunteers that make
this tournament the success that the community has come to expect it being
over
the past 20 years.”
The following is a list of the competitions and the associated overall
winners.

6) ANCA Capitol Hill Genocide Observance Gathers Great Congressional Support

WASHINGTON, DC–A growing bipartisan list of over 65 Senate and House
members–including several key Committee leaders–have joined the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA) in co-hosting the tenth annual Armenian
Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill, at the historic Cannon Caucus room on
Wednesday, April 28, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
The Senate co-hosts include Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley
(R-IA), Government Affairs Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-ME),
Agriculture Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS), Veterans Affairs Committee
Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA), Armed Services Committee Ranking Democrat Carl
Levin (D-MI), as well as Senators George Allen (R-VA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA),
Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), John Ensign (R-NV), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Barbara
Mikulski
(D-MD), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
In the House, co-hosts include Congressional Genocide Resolution lead
cosponsors George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) as
well as House Financial Services Committee Ranking Democrat Barney Frank
(D-MA)
and Representatives Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Gresham Barrett (R-SC), Shelley
Berkley (D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Benjamin
Cardin
(D-MD), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY),
Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Chaka Fattah
(D-PA), Mike Ferguson (R-NJ), Bob Filner (D-CA), Mark Foley (R-FL), Raul
Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda
(D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Gerald Kleczka (D-WI),
Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Barbara Lee (D-CA), William Lipinski (D-IL), Zoe
Lofgren (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jim McDermott (D-WA),
James McGovern (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Devin
Nunes (R-CA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Loretta Sanchez
(D-CA), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Mark Souder (R-IN),
John Sweeney (R-NY), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), John Tierney (D-MA), Christopher
Van Hollen (D-MD), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Joe Wilson
(R-SC), Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).
`We are pleased to see so many legislators from across the nation joining
together with the Armenian American community in this solemn remembrance,’
said
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. `Armenian Americans value their
principled support and appreciate their commitment to ensuring that the
lessons
of the Armenian Genocide are used to prevent future crimes against humanity.’
The ANCA’s Annual Capitol Hill Observance provides Members of Congress the
opportunity to commemorate the Armenian Genocide with members of the Armenian
American community. This year, the ANCA will be honoring New York Times Best
Selling Author Peter Balakian, who, over the past decade, has emerged as an
exceptionally powerful, eloquent, and effective voice against Armenian
Genocide
denial, most recently through the publication of `The Burning Tigris,’ his
landmark study of the US humanitarian response to the Armenian Genocide.
Joining Armenian Americans and elected officials at the observance will be
survivors of the Armenian Genocide, members of the diplomatic community, and
leaders of civil and human rights organizations.
The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region, Western Region and
Washington headquarters cordially invite community members from across the US
to participate in the Capitol Hill Genocide Observance.
For further information, contact the Armenian National Committee of America
Washington office at (202) 775-1918 or the Eastern or Western Region
headquarters at (617) 923-1918 and (818) 500-1918 respectively.

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