ARKA News Agency
May 26 2004

RA Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margaryan receive UNDP Special
Representative on the issues of Millennium Goals for Development

The Archbishop of Lyons, cardinal fillip barbare to arrive in Armenia

Agency of Stet Register of juridical persons of Armenia has a website

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RA PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA ANDRANIK MARGARYAN RECEIVE UNDP SPECIAL
REPRESENTATIVE ON THE ISSUES OF MILLENNIUM GOALS FOR DEVELOPMENT

YEREVAN, May, 27. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik
Margaryan receive UNDP Special Representative on the issues of
Millennium Goals for Development Yeji Osiatinski and the Resident
Representative of UNDP in Armenia Lise Grande. According to the RA
President’s Press Service Department, Margaryan noted that Armenia
attaches high importance to the implementation of the program.
According to him, they are concordant with the programs implemented
in the country that pursue ensuring stable development in the
country, in particular, with the strategic program for poverty
reduction in the country (SPPR). Margaryan also noted that he
considers the programs as interactive that combines social problems
solution with the main goals for human development. In regard with
this, he attached high importance to involving civil society into
development processes of the programs and their implementation.
Margaryan also stated that a new report of Armenia on Millennium
Goals for Development is being worked out. In his turn Osiatinski
noted the political will of Armenia in implementation of Millennium
Goals for Development program. He noted that it’s necessary to
implement also SPPR, as well as involve the civic society into the
processes. A.H –0–

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THE ARCHBISHOP OF LYONS, CARDINAL FILLIP BARBARE TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, May, 27. /ARKA/. The Archbishop of Lyons, cardinal Fillip
Barbare to arrive in Armenia by the invitation of Catholicos of All
Armenians Garegin the Second. According to the See of Holy
Etchmiadzin Press Service Department, in the course of five-day visit
the Cardinal to visit Armenian saint places such as Khor Virap, and
Surb Geghard, as well as Shirak eparchy of Armenian Apostolic Church.

According to the press release, Barbare to meet students and pupils
of Vazgenyan ecclesiastical seminary in Sevan, as well as theology
department of Yerevan State University, French University of Armenia
and and in Gyumri. Besides, Barbare to place a wreath on the memorial
to the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Turkey and
visit Matenadaran, the institute of old manuscripts, as well as
theology community. A.H. –0–

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AGENCY OF STET REGISTER OF JURIDICAL PERSONS OF ARMENIA HAS A WEBSITE

YEREVAN, May, 27. /ARKA/. Presentation of internet website at
of the Agency of Stet Register of juridical
persons of the RA Ministry of Justice took place in Yerevan.
According to David Harutyunyan, the RA Minister of Justice, the
system of state registration was developed within 10 years and during
the last years steps were done to reduce the terms of registration
and make the process simpler. Harutyunyan reminded that in 2002 the
RA ministry of Justice and USAID signed a memorandum on mutual
understanding, according to which a new system on making automatic
state registration processes to developed and implemented. According
to him, the main part of the program is over. As a result of it, 130
thsd. enterprises, 8 territorial and 10 regional departments of state
register are connected through electronic network with the central
register and a common state registrations journal. Harutyunyan stated
that the system would allow joining the info received formal
departments of state register and make simpler the mechanisms of
registration and make the system transparent.
Also, Armenian versions of all legislative acts and English versions
f some of them are published on the internet website alongside with
other information. Reference book for state register data, published
on the site, contained info about the registration of 83473
individual entrepreneurs, 57313 trade and juridical persons, 7800
non-commercial juridical persons, 6765 separate offices, 242 unions
of juridical persons. A. H. –0–

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

Political analyst says Russia provokes conflict

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
May 27 2004

Political scholar Vafa Guluzada was quoted as saying on Monday that
Armenia is not interested in occupying Azerbaijan’s territories,
but Russia is. If Russia was not on the scene, Azerbaijan and Armenia
would be able to settle the conflict.

Guluzada said the Armenians living in Upper Garabagh do not support
Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani land and it will be possible to
resolve the conflict only if the disintegration of the Russian empire
accelerates. Guluzada said Armenians have openly admitted they have
no claims on Azerbaijani land.

He added that Russia is responsible for the rising tensions in
Armenian-Turkish relations and bringing up the issue of the ‘false
massacre’.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of New York
PO Box 693
Woodside, NY 11377
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
May 27, 2004
For Immediate Release

Contact: Tony Vartanian
[email protected]

CONGRESSMAN ANTHONY WEINER MEETS WITH
ARMENIAN COMMUNITY AT FUNDRAISER IN NEW YORK

— Armenian National Committee Activists Thank Congressman for Unwavering
Support of Armenian American Issues

NEW YORK, NY–On May 16, members of the New York Armenian-American
community, including a number of ANC activists, gathered at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Boudakian for a fundraiser for the New York
City mayoral campaign of Congressman Anthony D. Weiner (D-NY 9).

Mr. Boudakian welcomed Congressman Weiner and thanked him for his
ardent support of issues concerning Armenian Americans, especially for
Armenian Genocide recognition. He then showed a clip of Congressman
Weiner’s inspirational speech at the Genocide Commemoration organized
by the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of New York on April 23 at
the City Hall of New York.

After his distinguished service on the New York City Council,
Congressman Weiner was elected to the United States House of
Representatives in 1999, representing the boroughs of Queens and
Brooklyn in New York City. He is a Democratic Whip and serves on
numerous prominent committees such as the Judiciary Committee, Science
Committee (Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics) and Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee (Aviation and Highways Subcommittees).
In addition, Congressman Weiner was the only New Yorker appointed by
the leaders of the House of Representatives to serve on the Homeland
Security Task Force following the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001.

Congressman Weiner’s dedicated service to his Armenian constituents
is clearly evidenced as he is an active member of the 129-member
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. This year, he was one of
signatories to the Congressional letter to President Bush urging him
to recognize the Armenian Genocide as “genocide” as well as one of the
25 Senators and Representatives who commemorated the 89th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide during “Special Order” remarks on the House
floor. Congressman Weiner recounted the events of April 24, 1915,
the beginning of the first genocide of the 20th century, praising
the resolve of the Armenian community to overcome such a tragedy and
its invaluable contributions to society, promising never to forget
the Armenian Genocide, and stressing the need for US recognition of
the Genocide.

Congressman Weiner thanked Mr. Boudakian for hosting the fundraiser
as well as those in attendance for their support. He remarked on
the parallels that exist between the Armenian and Jewish communities,
namely as they relate to their respective genocides and their struggles
to overcome enormous adversity to ultimately thrive and prosper in the
communities in which they settled while equally committed to ensuring
that the atrocities committed against them were never forgotten
or repeated. Congressman Weiner recalled the misguided advice he
received early in his career from former Congressman Steven Solarz,
now chief lobbyist for the Turkish government on Capitol Hill, who
told him to avoid the complicated political issue of the Armenian
Genocide. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Armenian
community throughout his career and reiterated his commitment to
champion Armenian issues in Congress and, if successful, as Mayor of
the City of New York.

“The Armenian-American community of New York owes a great debt of
gratitude to Congressman Weiner,” stated Tony Vartanian, Chairman
of the ANC of New York. “His support of Armenian American issues
throughout his three terms in Congress shows the strong bond shared
between the Congressman and his Armenian constituents,” continued
Vartanian.

“We are confident that whatever path Congressman Weiner’s future holds,
he will continue to be a friend of the community and an advocate of
our issues,” concluded Vartanian.

Among those in attendance included Vicar General of the Prelacy
and Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston,
New York Very Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, ANC representatives
Tony Vartanian, Antranig Kasbarian, and Roupen Ardhaldjian, and Sam
Azadian and Ani Minnetyan of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

The Armenian National Committee (ANC) is the largest Armenian American
grassroots political organization in New York and nationwide. The ANC
actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.

####

Murder incites speculation in media
By The Baltic Times

Baltic times, Latvia
May 27 2004

TALLINN – Estonia’s media on Wednesday was inundated with speculation
on the murder of ethnic Russian Estonian businessman and former member
of Tallinn City Council, Gennady Ever.

The Postimees daily speculated that the murder could have been revenge
on the part of the Estonian underworld for Ever’s unfulfilled promises
to local crime lords. Anonymous sources told the paper that Ever’s
garrulous relations with several figures of the mob might have lead
to the murder.

“Ever enjoyed their attention, he wanted to look influential and
authoritative,” a police source was quoted by the paper as saying.
Police sources said one promise that Ever gave but never fulfilled
to underworld boss Harun Dikayev was to obtain all necessary permits
to build a mosque in Tallinn. Another possible motive for the death
could be Ever’s business ties to Russia. As the Postimees reported,
Ever’s partner in the restaurant business in Pskov, just across the
border, was an ethnic Armenian businessman known as Rubik who had
been active in Estonia in the early 1990s.

Rubik, who moved to Russia years ago, was assassinated in Pskov two
months ago.

Eesti Paevaleht, another leading daily, has linked Ever’s murder to
the gunning down of Estonian media mogul Vitaly Haitov in front of his
Tallinn home in 2001. Sources told the newspaper that Ever may have
been killed by the underworld for being too open-mouthed and telling
his acquaintances how he ordered the murder of Haitov for Dikayev,
an ethnic Chechen. The paper said that this was why Ever recently
sold most of his business interests and real estate in Estonia and
moved to Russia.

Ever was shot seven times by a Kalashnikov equipped with a silencer
in Pskov on Tuesday morning.

Baltic Times, Latvia
May 27 2004

Music festival returns to baroque monastery

Milda Seputyte

KAUNAS – An all-summer series of concerts will soon get underway in
the wonderfully picturesque surroundings of the Pazaislis monastery.
It’s the ninth outing for the annual international music festival and
a whole range of concerts are planned throughout the Kaunas region
that include the biggest and brightest names in Lithuanian music, as
well as many other internationally known performers.

The festival’s focal point is Pazaislis monastery, which is on the
right bank of the Nemunas River. The monastery, which is surrounded
by forests and Kaunas Lagoon, is one of the most beautiful baroque
buildings in the country.

The festival will begin with Beethoven’s immortal “Ode to Joy” on May
30 in recognition of Lithuania’s accession to the European Union. The
Kaunas State Choir, which was given a special award for its
performance of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” as well as for its
contribution to the preservation of the world’s musical heritage at a
UNESCO gala in Berlin, will perform it at the opening ceremony.

The opening concert will also feature the three tenors from Armenia
who will be performing the tour program of Pavarotti, Carreras, and
Domingo. The three talented singers are rapidly becoming almost as
famous as their corpulent counterparts and, on that score, they’re
catching up as well to judge from their appearance.

One of the main goals of the festival is to showcase new works by
Lithuanian composers and one of the most eagerly awaited concerts
will be the performance of “Curonians” by Vidmantas Bartulis, who was
voted the best composer in Lithuania in 2003. The Curonians are an
extinct Baltic tribe but the Kaunas State Choir will perform the
piece in the Curonian language.

The festival’s variety of music will range from traditional classical
music to the distinctive Arabic sounds of Al Qantarah, who come from
Sicily, Italy. Over 30 chamber, symphonic, vocal and instrumental
concerts will be held at the Pazaislis monastery and various other
Lithuanian architectural heritage sites. Besides promoting music,
another aim of the festival is to encourage people to discover the
forgotten heritage of architecture.

For more information visit
Tickets: up to 20 litas
(5 euros – 80 euros)

HAYRIKYAN SLAMS ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES

A1 Plus | 18:42:35 | 27-05-2004 | Politics |

On Thursday, Leader of Union for National Self-determination Paruyr
Hayrikyan, speaking at 24th conference criticized Armenia’s current
authorities saying international organizations had repeatedly pointed
their fingers at human rights violations in the republic. Council
of Europe has warned called it could call into question Armenia’s CE
membership, Hayrikyan reminded.

He said the Union-conducted public opinion survey showed widespread
disaffection for president Kocharyan and National Assembly. 72%
of respondents are unhappy about Kocharyan’s presidency and 79%
about the parliament majority.

By the end of the conference the Union adopted a resolution. “Current
illegitimate authorities have nothing in common with Armenia and
Armenian people. We called on European and International community
to make difference between Armenian people struggling against the
illegalities and the authorities while imposing sanctions on the
republic”, the resolution says.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Goldfarb
212-514-8040 x12

FORMER SOVIET COUNTRIES LAGGING BEHIND IN DEMOCRACY

New Freedom House Study Reveals Growing Democracy Gap in Europe
Russia Displays Further Setbacks

NEW YORK, May 24, 2004 – Europe is facing a widening and worrisome democracy
gap, according to a major new report released by Freedom House today.

The study, Nations in Transit 2004, shows that the enlargement of the
European Union on May 1 formalized a new divide between the stable,
democratic nations of Central Europe and the Baltics and the weaker
post-Communist states that continue to lag behind in key areas of democratic
development.

The study is available online at:

Country-by-country summaries are available at:
ummary2004.pdf

“The findings of this year’s Nations in Transit study make clear that much
remains to be done to extend the benefits of liberal democracy and free
markets to the majority of post-Communist countries in Europe and Eurasia,”
said Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Windsor

“Western leaders must renew efforts to support political and economic reform
in the post-Communist countries. At the same time, they must press
slow-to-reform governments harder for tangible improvements in securing
basic rights, promoting free and independent media, supporting the rule of
law, and introducing effective and transparent governance,” she said.

The study also showed worrisome setbacks in Russia, which continues to
backslide in key areas of democratic practice. According to Nations in
Transit 2004, President Putin’s policies “have sought to centralize power,
leaving little room for a vibrant civil society, independent media, or
political opposition… While Russia has emphasized the importance it places
on maintaining strong ties to the West, it is headed in an increasingly
authoritarian direction.”

In Nations in Transit 2004, the eight new EU members from Central and
Eastern Europe held their position as the highest ranking countries in the
study, showing the strongest overall performance in the six key areas of
democratization tracked: electoral process; civil society; independent
media; governance; corruption; and constitutional, legislative, and judicial
framework.

Freedom House found that the non-Baltic post-Soviet states have regressed
over the life of the study. Russia has registered the most significant
decline in scores since last year, with Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Ukraine
also showing significant downturns. Continued poor performance was
documented throughout the Central Asian countries, which include some key
U.S. allies. “While there were some bright spots in the past year-especially
in Georgia-the longer-term outlook for democracy in the non-Baltic former
Soviet states remains bleak,” said Nations in Transit editor Amanda
Schnetzer.

Nations in Transit covers two countries, Armenia and Georgia, that have been
selected for enhanced U.S. foreign assistance as part of the Millennium
Challenge Account (MCA), for which over $1 billion in foreign aid funding
under the program has been allocated. Their selection was based on a number
of criteria set out by the Bush Administration, including commitments by
those nations’ governments to “ruling justly.” Nations in Transit 2004
suggests some cause for concern regarding Armenia’s democratic trajectory,
particularly in the areas of free and fair elections, independent media, and
human rights. Georgia’s performance since the “Rose revolution” of last
November suggests more promise in this regard.

NATIONS IN TRANSIT 2004: THE RATINGS

The Nations in Transit survey, produced annually, provides comprehensive
analysis of transitions in 27 post-Communist countries (plus Kosovo) by
tracking progress and setbacks in electoral processes; civil society;
independent media; governance; corruption; and constitutional, legislative
and judicial frameworks. It also provides a unique set of comparative
ratings based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 representing the highest level of
democratic development, and 7 the lowest. The 2004 study covers the period
January 1 through December 31, 2003

The eight countries joining the European Union on May 1 remained the
highest-ranking countries in the study. The majority of ratings improvements
documented in Nations in Transit 2004 were confined to countries in the
Balkans. (Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo were rated separately this year for
the first time and are not included in the ratings summaries. However,
historical ratings for Yugoslavia are included in the appendix). The
majority of setbacks in ratings were experienced in the non-Baltic countries
of the former Soviet Union.

Largest Declines in Russia

Russia experienced ratings declines in the greatest number of categories (5
out of 6), followed by Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Ukraine (4 out of 6 each).
The overall backward movement exhibited among the non-Baltic former Soviet
states in key areas of democratic reform suggests a growing resistance or
unwillingness of government leaders to push forward with positive changes.
Russia, in particular, has failed to lead by example in the region, where
its influence remains pervasive.

Electoral process.
(+) Three countries experienced ratings improvements for electoral process:
Bosnia, Bulgaria, and Estonia.
(-) Six countries experienced declines in electoral process: Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.

Civil society.
(+) Seven countries showed gains for civil society: Albania, Bosnia,
Bulgaria, Georgia, Macedonia, Romania, and Slovakia.
(-) Five countries experienced setbacks for civil society: Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.

Independent media.
(+) Three countries experienced improvements for independent media: Albania,
Estonia, and Latvia.
(-) Seven countries showed declines in independent media: Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, and Slovakia.

Governance.
(+) Four countries showed progress in their ratings for governance: Bosnia,
Macedonia, Slovenia, and Tajikistan.
(-) Five countries showed regression in their ratings for governance:
Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkmenistan.

Constitutional, legislative, and judicial framework.
(+) Four countries had ratings improvements in this category: Bosnia,
Bulgaria, Latvia, and Macedonia.
(-) Four countries experienced setbacks in their ratings for this category:
Azerbaijan, Croatia, Russia, and Ukraine.

Corruption.
(+) Only two countries showed improvements in their ratings for corruption:
Bosnia and Macedonia.
(-) Five countries showed regression in their ratings for corruption:
Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

The full Nations in Transit report is available online at:

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/26/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Armenia, US Sign Agreement on Protection of Cultural Heritage
2) ANCA Capitol Hill Lobby Days Highlight Variety of Issues
3) Amnesty Slams ‘Bankrupt’ Vision of US in Damning Human Rights Report
4) Education Conference Targets Changing Armenian-American Identity
5) Community Congratulates Prelate Mardirossian’s Reelection

1) Armenia, US Sign Agreement on Protection of Cultural Heritage

WASHINGTON, DC–An important cultural agreement was signed on Tuesday between
the United States and Armenia. The agreement provides that the cultural
heritage of all national, religious, or ethnic groups residing and having
resided in both countries will be safeguarded.
Armenia’s Ambassador to the US Dr. Arman Kirakossian, and Chairman of US
Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad Warren L. Miller,
signed the Agreement on Protection and Preservation of Certain Cultural
Properties.
The signing ceremony took place at the State Department, in the presence of
Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman, as well as officials from State
Department and Embassy of Armenia.
The Agreement commits both parties to protecting and preserving the cultural
heritage of any ethnic group residing on their territory, or against the
nationals of the other Party in its laws concerning the protection and
preservation of their cultural heritage; the right to contribute to the
protection and preservation of their cultural heritage; and public access to
such heritage, including places of worship, sites of historical significance,
monuments, cemeteries and memorials to the dead, as well as archival
materials.
The Agreement also stipulates that “each Party shall take special steps to
ensure such protection and preservation of cultural heritage within its
territory and shall invite the cooperation of the other Party and its
nationals
where assistance is required for this purpose.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Undersecretary Grossman and Chairman Miller hailed
the agreement as another bridge linking the peoples of the United States and
Armenia. In his remarks during the ceremony, Ambassador Kirakossian said the
agreement is the first such treaty regulating cultural affairs between the two
countries, augmenting already strong cooperation on economic, political, and
security areas. Ambassador Kirakossian summed up the significance of the
agreement for Armenia saying, “we understand the value of cultural heritage
and
the importance of its protection and preservation.”

2) ANCA Capitol Hill Lobby Days Highlight Variety of Issues

ARMENIAN AMERICANS PARTICIPATE IN ALMOST 100 MEETINGS AND VISITS TO
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES

WASHINGTON, DC–A record number of activists from across the US traveled to
Washington, DC this April for a series of advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill,
coinciding with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 10th annual
Armenian Genocide Observance.
Over 90 meetings were held with Members of Congress from California,
Delaware,
Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.
“We were gratified by the growing number of participants who traveled to
Washington, DC for this year’s Capitol Hill Observance,” explained ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Each year, we have seen increased
enthusiasm, sophistication, and confidence among our activists in their
advocacy for the Armenian Cause.”
Among the numerous issues discussed with Representatives, Senators, and their
staff were the Congressional Genocide Resolutions (H.Res.193 and
S.Res.164), US
assistance to Armenia and Karabagh, US-Armenia economic relations–namely the
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) legislation currently pending in
the US
Senate, maintaining equal levels of military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan,
and
Armenia’s cooperation in the war on terrorism. They presented to members of
Congress folders that had detailed information on the issues being discussed.
This year, joining the ANC activists in the Congressional meetings were
Colgate University Professor Peter Balakian and the Honorable Madeleine
Dalphond-Guiral, lead sponsor of the recently adopted Armenian Genocide motion
in the Canadian House of Commons.
During several meetings, Dalphond-Guiral took the time to brief Congressional
Members on the passage of the Canadian resolution and encouraged them to take
similar steps to reaffirm the United States record on the Armenian Genocide.
Professor Balakian–author of the New York Times best seller “The Burning
Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response”–detailed to Members the
exhaustive record of the US reaction to the Armenian Genocide and pointed out
the tremendous amount of US archives available on the Armenian Genocide.
Both Balakian and Dalphond-Guiral were honored by the ANCA during the Capitol
Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide.

Activists met with and visited the following Senate offices:

Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bob Graham (D-FL), Judd Gregg
(R-NH), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D-MA),
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Rick Santorum
(R-PA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), John Sununu (R-RI), and Jim Talent (R-MO).

ANC representatives also met with the following House offices:

Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Representatives Joe Baca
(D-CA), Charles Bass (R-NH), Bob Beauprez (R-CO), Xavier Becerra (D-CA),
Howard
Berman (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Robert Brady
(D-PA),
Eric Cantor (R-VA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Michael Castle (D-DE), Philip Crane
(R-IL), John Culberson (R-TX), Susan Davis (D-CA), John Doolittle (R-CA), Mike
Doyle (D-PA), Philip English (R-PA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Sam Farr (D-CA), Chaka
Fattah (D-PA), Michael Ferguson (R-NJ), Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Bob
Filner
(D-CA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Sam Graves (R-MO), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Jim
Greenwood (R-PA), Melissa Hart (R-PA), Wally Herger (R-CA), Joseph Hoeffel
(D-PA), Tim Holden (D-PA), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Paul
Kanjorski (D-PA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Patrick Kennedy (D-NH), James Langevin
(D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), William Lipinski
(D-IL),
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Robert Matsui
(D-CA), Scott McInnis (R-CO), Howard McKeon (R-CA), Marty Meehan (D-MA),
Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA), George Miller (D-CA), Timothy Murphy
(R-PA),
John Murtha (D-PA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Doug Ose (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), John Peterson (R-PA),
Joseph
Pitts (R-PA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Richard Pombo (R-CA), Jon Porter (R-NV), Ed
Royce (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), Brad Sherman
(D-CA), Don Sherwood (R-PA), Bill Shuster (R-PA), Hilda Solis (D-CA), Fortney
Pete Stark (D-CA), Thomas Tancredo (R-CO), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Mike
Thompson
(D-CA), John Tierney (D-MA), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Diane Watson (D-CA), Henry
Waxman (D-CA), Curt Weldon (R-PA), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

3) Amnesty Slams ‘Bankrupt’ Vision of US in Damning Human Rights Report

LONDON (AFP)–The United States has proved “bankrupt of vision and bereft of
principle” in its fight against terrorism and invasion of Iraq Amnesty
International charges in its 2004 report on the state of human rights around
the globe.
Though the London-based group’s report cites grave violations in dozens of
other nations, it specifically targets the “war on terror” initiated by US
President George W. Bush in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001, for
sanctioning human rights abuses in the name of freedom.
The unilateral nature of the conflict to unseat Saddam Hussein in Iraq
additionally “virtually paralyzed” the United Nations’ role in guaranteeing
human rights on a global level, said the Amnesty report which was released on
Wednesday.
The 339-page document, detailing the human rights situation in 157 nations
and
territories, reserved the most column inches for the United States, with
almost
as many critical words to Russia and China.
Other perennial violators are also highlighted such as North Korea, Cuba, and
the central Asian state of Turkmenistan where Amnesty summarized the situation
simply as “appalling.”
“The global security agenda promulgated by the US administration is bankrupt
of vision and bereft of principle,” wrote Amnesty’s secretary general Irene
Khan in the report’s introduction.
“Sacrificing human rights in the name of security at home, turning a blind
eye
to abuses abroad and using preemptive military force where and when it chooses
have neither increased security nor ensured liberty.”
The notion of fighting a campaign against terrorism so as to support human
rights, while simultaneously trampling on them to achieve this, is no more
than
“double speak,” she said.
“The United States has lost its moral high ground and its ability to lead on
peace and human rights elsewhere,” Khan added at a press conference in London
to launch the annual report.
The report also states that events in 2003 “dealt a mortal blow” to the UN’s
vision of universal human rights, with the global body “virtually paralyzed in
its efforts to hold states to account” over the issue.
“Not since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 has
there been such a sustained attack on [its] values and principles,” Khan told
the press conference.
While the report only briefly deals with damning allegations that US and
British troops tortured Iraqi prisoners–these first came to light just last
month–it has harsh words about the overall record of the two nations in
Iraq.
“Coalition forces failed to live up fully to their responsibilities as
occupying powers, including their duty to restore and maintain public order
and
safety, and to provide food, medical care and relief assistance,” it states.
Elsewhere, Amnesty details a long list of abuses in Russia, where security
forces “continue to enjoy almost total impunity for serious violations of
human
rights and international law” in the breakaway republic of Chechnya.
China, despite a new Communist government under President Hu Jintao, made “no
significant attempt” to end the use of torture and other abuses, which
“remained widespread,” states the report.
In the Middle East, both Israel and the Palestinian Authority were taken to
task, with Amnesty saying that some actions by the Israeli army, such as the
destruction of property, “constituted war crimes.”
One of the most damning assessments is handed to Cuba, which saw a “severe
deterioration in the human rights situation” during 2003, most notably through
the jailing of dozens of dissidents after “hasty and unfair” trials.

4) Education Conference Targets Changing Armenian-American Identity

GLENDALE–Armenian Schools of North America have a history dating back more
than forty years.
With the challenges of the 21st century, however, it has become imperative to
reassess the mission of Armenian education along with the Armenian-American
cultural identity in Armenian schools.
Thus, in order to re-examine the mission of Armenian education in North
America in the context of the changing “Armenian-American Identity,” the Board
of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools will hold a two-day conference June 4-5
at Woodbury University in Burbank.
The Board’s goal in initiating the conference is to spark valuable dialogue
among community educators and experts, and to insure that the education
offered
correspond to current expectations and imperatives.
All Armenian daily schools and their leaders are invited to participate and
offer their expertise. Well-known professionals and experts on
“Armenian-American Cultural Identity” issues will either present lectures or
participate as panelists.
Sessions of the conference are open to the public, and the Board believes
that
those involved in the field of education can bring their valuable contribution
as well as benefit by participating.
For further information, contact the Board of Regents office 818-500-0822,
fax
818-500-0622, or email [email protected].

5) Community Congratulates Prelate Mardirossian’s Reelection

Members and the leadership of the Los Angeles Armenian community congratulated
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian’s unanimous reelection to the
position
of Prelate by the 32nd Representative Assembly of the Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America. During a series of receptions held on
May
21, 23, and 24, spiritual leaders and representatives of area parishes, as
well
as representatives of the ARS, ARF, Homenetmen, Mashdots College, compatriotic
unions, and other organizations offered heartfelt congratulations to Prelate
Mardirossian.

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Russia, Iran set collision course
By Sergei Blagov

Asia Times Online, Hong Kong
May 26 2004

MOSCOW – Despite differences between Russia and the United States over
Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, Moscow is still moving toward forging a
“partnership” with Iran, which has been labeled by US President George
W Bush as part of an “axis of evil”.

This month Russian President Vladimir Putin met with visiting Iranian
Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi in Moscow and accepted an invitation
to visit Tehran this year. Putin assured the Iranian chief diplomat
that Iran remained Russia’s “old and stable partner”.

When US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control John Bolton traveled
to Moscow shortly afterward, he urged Russia not to supply nuclear
fuel to Iran’s Bushehr reactor until Tehran addressed international
concerns that Iran might develop a nuclear-weapons program. Bolton
told journalists in Moscow that “tactical” differences between the
US and Russia remained over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In response, after a meeting with Bolton, the head of Russia’s Nuclear
Power Agency, Alexander Rumyantsev, reiterated that Russia abided
by international agreements banning the proliferation of nuclear
technology.

Russia has long been under fire for its help in building the Bushehr
nuclear plant on Iran’s Persian Gulf coast. The US has insisted that
the Russian technology could be used to develop nuclear weapons,
but Moscow and Tehran argue that the plant will only be used for
civilian purposes. Moscow has brushed off repeated US demands that
it cancel Bushehr’s 1,000-megawatt light-water nuclear-reactor project.

Russia has said it would freeze construction on the US$1 billion
Bushehr plant and would not begin delivering fuel for the reactor
until Iran signed an agreement that would oblige it to return all of
the spent fuel to Russia for reprocessing and storage. This agreement
was reported as close to being signed last September, but so far an
agreement has failed to materialize fully.

This month Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced in Moscow
that the issue of the return of the spent fuel to Russia had been
solved. However, he conceded that “commercial” differences with Iran
over the issue remained.

Last October, Russia announced a delay for the launch of the Bushehr
nuclear reactor until 2005 and urged Tehran to improve disclosure of
its nuclear plans. However, there has been no talk in Moscow about
dropping the Bushehr project. Last week, Russia’s Nuclear Power
Agency reportedly indicated it would finish a nuclear reactor in
Iran regardless.

For years, the Kremlin has resisted US pressure and declined to limit
ties with Iran. In March 2001, Putin and Iranian President Mohammad
Khatami signed a cooperation treaty. Subsequently, in October of
that year, Moscow and Tehran signed framework agreements for $300
million to $400 million a year of Russian military supplies to Iran,
including spare parts for Russian-made weapons, new fighter jets and
possibly air-defense, ground-to-ground and anti-ship systems.

Apart from attempts to discourage Russia from fueling Iran’s nuclear
ambitions, the US has pursued its efforts to persuade Russia to
join the US-backed non-proliferation initiative. The hawkish Bolton
regularly visits Russia for non-proliferation talks. However, last
week Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak announced after
a meeting with Bolton that no agreement had been reached on Russia
joining the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).

Moscow has so far refrained from a clear commitment to join the PSI.
Russia is the only Group of Eight member that is yet to join the PSI,
which was announced by Bush last May.

Apart from the Bushehr project, Russia has other interests in
Iran. Last Thursday, top railway executives of Russia, Iran and
Azerbaijan met in Moscow and agreed to build a Kazvin-Resht-Astara
rail link connecting the three nations. Gennady Fadeyev, head of the
state-run Russian Railways Co (RZD), pledged to build a $100 million,
340-kilometer link connecting Russia to the Persian Gulf via Azerbaijan
and Iran. Fadeyev claimed that the link could funnel up to 20 million
tons of freight to India and Pakistan.

Russia and Iran have long discussed the restoration of a rail link
between the two countries as a viable alternative to Red Sea routes.
This alternative transport link from Asia to Europe – from Mumbai to
the Caspian port of Olya in the Astrakhan region via Bandar Abbas in
Iran – is expected to bring Russia billions of dollars in revenues.

Russia, India and Iran signed an agreement on the development of this
so-called North-South Corridor in September 2000. Russia estimates that
the link could become a rival of the Suez Canal. Russia estimates that
annual trade turnover through the corridor could reach $10 billion
per year, with Russia and Iran becoming the main beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Moscow’s “partnership” with Tehran could prove double-edged,
notably after Iran clinched a controversial gas deal with Russia’s sole
ally in the volatile Trans-Caucasus region, Armenia. In mid-May, Iran’s
minister of oil, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, traveled to Armenia and signed
an agreement on the construction of a 114km Iran-Armenia gas pipeline
that would cost $120 million. Iran reportedly agreed to supply 1.27
trillion cubic feet (36 billion cubic meters) to Armenia from 2007-27.

The Iran-Armenia pipeline could also be extended through
Georgia to Ukraine and on to the European Union. The
Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Ukraine-Europe gas pipeline, with a 550km
underwater section from the Georgian port of Supsa to the Crimean
town of Feodosia, has been estimated to cost $5 billion. The planned
gas supply would amount to 2.12 trillion cubic feet (60 billion cubic
meters) per annum, including 353 billion cubic feet (10 billion cubic
meters) for Ukraine.

Russia has been wary that the extended pipeline could be used to funnel
Iranian gas to European markets. It could also allow Turkmenistan to
circumvent Russia’s gas-pipeline network. However, Armenia is yet to
make a decision on the extended pipeline.

Armenia is traditionally Russia’s closest partner in the Caucasus.
Sandwiched among hostile Azerbaijan and Turkey and volatile Georgia,
Armenia has little option but to remain a supporter of Russia’s
geopolitical moves in the Caucasus. However, some divergent interests
have emerged recently, notably Armenia’s aspirations to limit its
dependence on Russian energy supplies by building a gas pipeline from
Iran to Europe. Therefore, Russia’s “partnership” with Iran could
have its limits after all, and not because of the United States.

Tjeknavorian Music Festival to Commence in June

Mehr News Agency, Iran
May 26 2004

TEHRAN May 26 (MNA) — Leading Iranian-Armenian conductor Loris
Tjeknavorian will headline a music festival in June at Vahdat Hall.

The music festival beginning on June 12, and running until June 30,
will be conducted by Tjeknavorian accompanied by the Tehran Rudaki
Orchestra.

Several pieces by prominent world musicians as well as pieces written
by Tjeknavorian including ‘Khosrow and Shirin’, and ‘Leili and Majnun’
will be performed during the program.

Musical pieces by Iranian musicians Shahin Farhat, Hossein Dehlavi,
Heshmat Sanjari, Arsalan Kamkar and Mavi Sakarian are also to be
featured during the festival.