Armenian public body “outraged” by US official statement on Karabakh

Arminfo
18 Jan 05

YEREVAN

It stands to reason that the recent statement by US Assistant State
Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Elizabeth Jones, which
contained provocative assessments of the Karabakh problem, cannot but
cause outrage, said a statement of the Artsakh [Karabakh] Patriotic
Union public organization made public at today’s news conference by
its leader and member of the [Armenian] National Assembly, Gamlet
Arutyunyan.

One can see that by making this statement, Elizabeth Jones has decided
to bring to nought many years of efforts made by experienced
co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group from the USA, Russia and France,
which has more than once said that the Karabakh problem is unique and
different from any other conflict in the post-Soviet area, the
statement said. The authors of the statement stressed that it was
wrong to draw parallels between the Karabakh problem and other
conflicts in the post-Soviet area, let alone to say that separatist
regimes ruled there.

“Nagornyy Karabakh is an established state with the same level of
democratization as in other former Soviet countries,” the statement
said. The authors of the statement noted that Nagornyy Karabakh gained
its independence as a result of a liberation war against “colonisers”
just like the USA. Statements of this kind are provocative, the
statement said. The authors intend to turn to the US embassy in
Armenia to get explanations.

To recap, speaking about the forthcoming meeting between the
presidents of the USA and Russia, Elizabeth Jones said that [US
President] George Bush was concerned that Russia did not exert
appropriate pressure to resolve the Dniester, South Ossetia, Abkhaz
and Nagornyy Karabakh conflicts. She said, in particular: “It is in
Russia’s interests that Dniester, South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Nagornyy
Karabakh are stable and incorrupt and that the criminal separatist
regimes ruling there are brought down.”

Slovenia understands endeavours of Caucasus states to join EU – minister

Radio Slovenia, Ljubljana
18 Jan 05

[Presenter] A session of the 3rd plenary assembly of the South
Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative began in the National Assembly
today. The topics are dialogue, relations and exchange of opinions
between the parliaments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The first
session was held in Scotland and the second in Bulgaria. This time,
the Initiative’s session is held in Slovenia which is also presiding
over the OSCE. [Passage omitted]

[Chairman Tigran Torosian, speaking in Russian with superimposed
Slovene translation] All three countries know how important the EU is
for our region. The fact that we are in Slovenia today is of a special
importance and we see it as a long-term assurance that our wishes to
enter European integration processes will come true.

[Reporter Andrej Stopar] This was said by the Initiative’s chair,
Tigran Torosian from Armenia.

Slovenia’s transition period was relatively short. As a member of the
EU and NATO, it is a good example for the southern Caucasus. Its
presidency over OSCE is another reason for strengthening
relations. Speaker France Cukjati:

[Cukjati] OSCE could be a source of information on best ways of
ensuring development and stability in the region. [Passage omitted]

[Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Dimitrij Rupel] Slovenia
understands wishes and endeavours of the Caucasus countries on their
path towards Europe. [Passage omitted]

Russian defence minister upbeat on army-media relations

ITAR-TASS news agency
18 Jan 05

Moscow, 19 January: Thanks to joint efforts of the army and
journalists “a new model of relations in the sphere of information,
built on the principles of utmost openness, mutual interest and
constructive partnership, is currently being formed”. Russian Defence
Minister Sergey Ivanov said this at a reception for military observers
in the Russian media, held on the occasion of the Russian Press Day.

According to him, this is demonstrated by the fact, that “in the past
year over 11,000 journalists have been accredited to work within the
forces”. Over 900 journalists from central media outlets had worked at
Defence Ministry facilities in the zones of conflict and peacekeeping
operations. Over 600 of those – in Chechnya, Abkhazia and south
Ossetia, over 160 in Tajikistan, over 100 in Armenia and 16 in Sierra
Leone.

Apart from that, Ivanov said, “opportunities for direct access to
members of administration, heads of services and directorates of the
Defence Ministry on a broad range of issues are successfully being
offered under the Press Club arrangements, during assignments to visit
the troops and on foreign trips, as well as at briefings and press
conferences”. Altogether over 15,000 articles on various aspects of
military organization and day-to-day life of the army and navy have
been published in the central press in 2004.

In Ivanov’s estimate, the Defence Ministry is doing its best for the
successful development of its relations with the media. In particular,
the Defence Ministry has created “new structures, aimed at closer
interaction with the media and the public”.

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:

January 18, 2005
___________________

HELPING ARMENIA ON ECCUMENICAL AGENDA

On Tuesday, January 11, 2005, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), met Rev. Victor
Makari, ecumenical officer for the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. for the
Middle East and Europe.

The meeting was a follow-up to an audience Rev. Makari had in September
with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. With the Primate he
discussed recent efforts by the National Council of Churches (NCC) and
ways the two churches can strengthen their relationship.

“The Presbyterian Church has worldwide programs and so it wants to stay
in touch with the Armenian Church and maintain its good relations with
Armenian Churches worldwide,” said Michael Haratunian, who also attended
the meeting as the chair of the Jinishian Memorial Program. “But since
the Presbyteiran church is a U.S. church, it is also important that they
have good relations with the Armenian Church in America.”

Joining the Primate, Rev. Makari, and Haratunian was David Nelson,
executive director of the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP). As part of
the Presbyterian Church’s Worldwide Ministry Division, the JMP was
founded by Vartan H. Jinishian and works to help Armenians around the
globe transition from living in poverty to being self-sustaining.

With an annual $2 million budget, the JMP has programs in areas such as
the Republic of Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Jerusalem.

“We talked about how we can better serve the Armenian people overseas
and looked at our future plans,” Haratunian said of the courtesy visit
made to the Primate.

After meeting with the Primate, the JMP leaders also met with leaders of
the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the Diocesan-affiliated humanitarian
aid organization.

“Both the Jinishian Program and FAR have programs in Armenia, and we
talked about possible partnerships in Armenia,” Haratunian said. “In
several areas we saw some compatibly, where we might be able to join
forces and leverage each other’s funding. The concept is a good one,
because by doing things together we might be able to do larger and more
elaborate projects.”

— 1/18/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), meets with Rev. Victor
Makari, Presbyterian Church U.S.A. ecumenical officer for the Middle
East and Europe; David Nelson, executive director of the Jinishian
Memorial Program; and Michael Haratunian, the Jinishian Memorial Program
chair.

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:

January 18, 2005
___________________

PRIMATE BLESSES NEW CROSS FOR WATERTOWN PARISH

To mark its name day this past month, the parishioners at the St. James
Church of Watertown, MA, gave the church a gift: a new cross to sit atop
the edifice.

In a sanctuary filled to capacity, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), consecrated
a new exterior Armenian cross following his celebration of the Divine
Liturgy on December 19, 2004.

Brothers Peter Babigian, Thomas Babigian, and K. Vasken Babigian, who
donated the new cross — joined by their wives Gloria, Linda, and
Christina — served as the godfathers of the cross during the
traditional Armenian service of blessing. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, the
parish pastor, first cleansed the cross by wiping it with water and then
wine, before the Primate consecrated it with holy oil (muron). The day
was an exciting, historical, and emotional one for the parishioners of
the church.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the new cross,
parishioners and friends celebrated the parish’s 73rd anniversary during
St. James Church’s annual Name Day Banquet, organized by Jacob and
Audrey Pilibosian.

The highlight of the banquet was bestowing the title “2004 St. James
Parishioner of the Year” on Harry G. Adamian. Wendy Adamian Avedisian,
Denise Adamian Oldham, and the former pastor of St. James, Fr. Dajad
Davidian, reflected on Harry’s life of service to his parish. Dr.
Gregory Adamian offered moving remarks about his brother and his
commitment to his family, his Armenian heritage, and the Armenian
Church. All present gave Harry applause in appreciation for his
dedication and, likewise, showed their appreciation with his wife Diana
for her continued love, support and encouragement.

Harry expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on him and shared
memories of his years at St. James and what the church has meant to him
and his family.

“You are a role model for all generations to follow. You are a true
example of Christian stewardship, and of what it means to serve God,”
Fr. Aljalian said to the honoree.

— 1/18/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrates the Divine
Liturgy at the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, on December 19, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor at the St. James Church,
washes the newly donated cross for the parish’s roof during a
consecration ceremony.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian consecrates a new exterior
cross with Muron during the Name Day celebration at the St. James Church
in Watertown, MA.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Babigians — Peter, Thomas, and K. Vasken — who
donated the new cross to the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, served
as godparents during the cross’ consecration on December 19, 2004.

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:

January 18, 2005
___________________

ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL HOSTS HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY CLASS

On Wednesday, January 12, 2005, New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral
played host to 80 students from Fairfield High School in Fairfield, CT.

The history students, three teachers, and the school’s principal were in
New York City as part of a class focused on the history of the Middle
East and Asia Minor. To better understand the religious history of the
area they visited St. Vartan Cathedral, Central Synagogue, and the New
York Mosque.

The students were given a tour of the St. Vartan Cathedral complex by
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the cathedral, who also answered their
questions about the Armenian culture and faith. After the tour they
were treated to Armenian baklava.

“The St. Vartan Cathedral, in many ways, serves as a representative of
the Armenian people. We always welcome anyone to come, visit, and learn
about our faith and our Armenian traditions,” Fr. Chevian said.

— 1/18/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral,
answers questions from more than 80 students, teachers, and the
principal of Fairfield (CT) High School during the class visit to
religious sites in New York City on Wednesday, January 12, 2005.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): On a tour of New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral on
Wednesday, January 12, 2005, students studying Middle Eastern history at
Fairfield (CT) High School pass by portraits of Armenian saints and
historical figures.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA CRITICIZES STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT DESCRIBING THE
NAGORNO KARABAGH REPUBLIC AS “CRIMINAL SECESSIONISTS”

— Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of
State Jones Undermine the Karabagh Peace Process

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today condemned highly incendiary statements by U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones referring to Nagorno Karabagh’s
leaders as “criminal secessionists” and calling for their removal
from power. The statement came as part of a January 13th digital
video-conference with journalists in U.S. Embassies in Moscow, Rome
and Bratislava.

“Assistant Secretary Jones’s comments seriously weaken the
foundation of our role – as Americans – as impartial mediators of
the Nagorno Karabagh conflict,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.
“Her remarks unfairly attack the right of the people of Nagorno
Karabagh to express themselves democratically through elections.
They also prejudice the outcome of the OSCE negotiations,
materially compromising the search for peace, and – very
significantly – embolden the growing chorus in the Azerbaijan
government that are calling for renewed aggression against Nagorno
Karabagh.”

“The Armenian American community is shocked and outraged at
Assistant Secretary Jones’ remarks. We condemn her statements as
counter to the long-standing U.S. policy of helping the parties
reach a negotiated settlement, and call on the Administration to
begin repairing this damage by immediately and clearly renouncing
these patently unfair and demonstrably inaccurate remarks,” said
Hachikian.

During the video conference, Jones, in discussing U.S. bi-lateral
relations with Russia, called for increased engagement in resolving
regional conflicts in the former Soviet Union, stating:

“It is in Russia’s interest for these areas, for Transnistria,
Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, for these areas to be
stable, for corruption to end there, for the criminal secessionists
who rule there to be removed. It is not appropriate for this kind
of instability and criminality to exist right in the middle of
Europe.”

When asked to clarify her reference to “criminal secessionists” in
the region, Jones stated:

“What about the areas that are right around Russia’s borders where
there are, as I said, secessionists who are criminals that seem to us
to undercut Russia’s security by allowing and not really addressing
in a concrete way the fact that there are secessionist, two
secessionist areas remaining in Georgia and one in Moldova. There
are still outstanding questions with Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia can
play a very positive leadership role in addressing these questions.
It cannot be in Russia’s interest to allow this kind of criminal
activity to take place so close to its borders. This is where there
can be a breeding ground for terrorists. That is not in Russia’s
interests. It is not in Russia’s interest, or in the interests of
the United States or Europe for these areas to be free for weapons
transportation, for narcotics transportation and trafficking. It
cannot be in Russia’s interests.”

The complete transcript from the video conference may be obtained
on the U.S. Embassy-Moscow, Russia website:

=60981&cat=India

Kids refuse to part with baby elephant gifted by government to Armenia:-
Bangalore | January 16, 2005 7:40:11 PM IST

Dozens of children, some as young as five, lined the streets of
Bangalore protesting the Centre’s decision to send a baby elephant to
Armenia as a goodwill gift.

The children, many wearing elephant masks and struggling with banners
twice their size, shouted slogans and pleaded to the authorities to
let “Veda”, the six-year-old female elephant, to stay.

The baby pachyderm is currently spending its last few days at the
Bannerghatta National Park on the outskirts of the city.

People for Animals, a voluntary organisation spearheading the
campaign, says the cold and dry climate of the tiny European nation is
unsuitable for Asian elephants and “Veda”, who is used to the warmth
of the coast , faces a serious survival threat even in the special
climate controlled enclosures provided by the zoo.

Urging the government to reconsider its decision, Siddhant, also six
years old, said Veda was his friend and like him could not stay away
from home. “This elephant should not be sent to such a cold climate
which is zero degree. If my parents send me away to a cold climate I
cannot live,” he said.

Activists say that elephants are extremely sensitive and emotional and
little Veda will face both loneliness and confusion when shifted from
the sanctuary. Sharat Babu, an activist, said even the government was
not aware about how well the Armenia zoo was equipped to handle
Veda. “We are actually protesting against the illegal transfer of
Veda, the baby elephant which has for six years been in Bannerghatta
to Armenia, where temperatures are totally unsuitable and the housing
is incorrect in the Armenia zoo,” he said.

Armenian officials had asked the Indian government for a female
pachyderm in 1999. Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee promised
them an elephant during a visit to Armenia last year. (ANI)

RIA Novosti, Russia
Jan 18 2005

VNESHTORGBANK BUYS CONTROLLING BLOC OF UBG SHARES

TBILISI/MOSCOW, January 18 (RIA Novosti) – The act of Russia’s
Vneshtorgbank (VTB) buying the controlling bloc (51%) of shares from
the United Bank of Georgia (UBG) was ceremoniously signed today by
VTB President Andrey Kostin in the UBG head office. Under an
agreement, the UBG is to retain its name and the location of the head
office.

While on a two-day visit to Tbilisi, Andrey Kostin met with Georgia’s
President Mikhail Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvaniya and
Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilya the Second.

“The Georgian president and VTB boss shared the view that there are
wide prospects for expanding Russian-Georgian partnership, in the
field of Russian investment in the Georgian economy as well,” reports
the VTB press-service..

The republic’s leading United Bank of Georgia ranks third in
reference to the value of its assets making $87.8 million and
accounts for a ramified regional network with about 40 branch
offices. The bank’s shareholders are the EBRD owning 17.8 percent of
the authorized capital, Germany’s Martin Bauer GmbH with 18.1 percent
and the residents with 64.1 percent.

“The purchase of the UBG boasting a developed clientage, in the small
and medium business as well, is to serve for the VTB’s further
expansion into the market of Georgia’s banking services,” says the
VTB press-service.

Andrey Kostin believes that the recent purchase will enable the
Vneshtorgbank to consolidate its positions as a vehicle of foreign
trade relations within the CIS environment, in particular, to promote
Russian-Georgian trade turnover.

In 2005, the Vneshtorgank Group will be represented in the
post-Soviet space by a subsidiary in Armenia, an office to open in
Ukraine and a mission in Belorussia. Further VTB plans include wider
activities on the banking markets of Belorussia, Kazakhstan and other
CIS nations.

ISN, Switzerland
International Relations and Security Network
Jan 18 2005

Armenians in Iraq fear troop deployment

ISN SECURITY WATCH (18/01/05) – Armenian peacekeepers departed for
Iraq today to participate in the US-led occupation force’s
multinational operations. The small regiment of 46 Armenian
peacekeepers is scheduled to stay in Iraq for six months to engage in
non-combat activities under the general command of the Polish
contingent in Iraq, officials said. The unit includes 30 drivers, 10
sappers, three doctors, and unit commanders. The controversial
decision to send troops to Iraq was made on 24 December during a
closed parliamentary meeting. Twenty-three members of the Armenian
National Assembly voted against sending troops to Iraq, while 91
supported the initiative. Only two factions, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation- Dashnakcutyun, a member of the ruling
coalition, and the main opposition group Justice, voted against the
resolution. Opponents of the initiative raised fears that sending
troops to Iraq would endanger the lives of the 20’000-strong Armenian
community in Iraq. Recent polls show that the majority of Armenian
citizens do not support the initiative and disagree with the
government’s decision to remain committed to the peacekeeping
operation. Armenia has been struggling to regain lost ground with the
US, which has, over the course of the past couple of years, shifted
the balance of its support to countries in the Caucasus, threatening
Armenia by aid to its archrival, neighboring Azerbaijan. Last
September, according Caucaz.com, Armenian Defense Minister Serzh
Sarksian said the decision to send troops to Iraq was intended to
halt Armenia’s regional isolation. Once Armenia pledged to send
troops to Iraq, Washington responded in kind by passing a budget
restoring military parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according
to Caucaz.com. But given the increased violence in Iraq, the
Christian Armenian community there is worried that they will
increasingly become targets of new violence. Father Garegin, an
Armenian religious leader in Mosul, told the Yerkir.am news agency
that sending Armenian troops to Iraq could have grave consequences
for his community. He says tensions have already risen exponentially.
`There are 20’000 Armenians in Iraq. The situation is very tense now.
People do not leave their houses because they are scared. They can’t
event go to church – they can’t go to the Armenian church in the
center of Baghdad. Our children can’t go to schools,’ he was quoted
as saying. Fear rose in early August, when five churches were bombed
in Baghdad and Mosul, killing 12 people. In mid-October, another five
churches in Baghdad were reportedly attacked. Then, in November,
eight people were killed in another church bombing, according to
various news agencies. The abduction yesterday and release today of a
Roman Catholic archbishop in Mosul has also added to the fears of
Iraq’s estimated 650’000 Christians. (By Aram Ananian in Yerevan)