Guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 1. Azeri Minister Chides Congress On Genocide Bill MOSCOW (Reuters)--Azerbaijan's foreign minister chided the US Congress on Tuesday for debating a resolution on recognizing the 1915 killings of Armenians as genocide, saying Washington could hurt its role in resolving regional problems. Vilayat Guliyev told a news conference that involvement in the sensitive issue was incompatible with the US role in trying to find a solution to Azerbaijan's long-running dispute with Armenia over the territory of Nagorno-Artsax. ``We do not support any sort of discussion like this in Congress,'' Guliyev said after two days of talks in Russia. ``The United States is co-chairman of the Minsk OSCE group and has taken on the commitment of objectively and fairly resolving the Nagorno-Artsax problem. ``If the United States supports Armenia on this historical issue it will have a specific influence on resolving it.'' Azerbaijan has close cultural and linguistic ties with Turkey and has been nurturing post-Soviet political links. The leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been holding periodic talks to resolve the Nagorno-Artsax conflict. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is leading mediation efforts through the Minsk group, named after the Belarussian capital, and the United States is one of the participants in talks. Guliyev acknowledged that the issue of the alleged genocide was a sensitive one for Armenians, but said it was best for politicians to steer clear of it. ``I believe this is more a matter for historians than politicians,'' he said. ``In Turkey, new generations have appeared who do not identify with the Ottoman Turks. There are also new generations in Armenia. Armenia's future prosperity is linked with how it establishes relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey,'' he said. Meanwhile, the Turkish Daily News reported that following a meeting between President Bill Clinton with US House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Secretary of Defense William Cohen sent a joint letter to Hastert requesting his help in preventing approval of the resolution. Albright and Cohen reportedly mentioned the damage that the resolution could do were it passed by the full House. 2. ANC-PAC Endorses Carol Liu For 44th State Assembly Seat GLENDALE--The Armenian National Committee Political Action Committee announced Tuesday its endorsement of Carol Liu for the 44th State Assembly District seat, which covers the communities of Sunland-Tujunga, parts of Glendale, La Crescenta, LaCanada-Flintridge, Altadena, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, and Temple City. The ANC-PAC decision to endorse Carol Liu for the 44th State Assembly seat is based on the candidate's stated positions on issues of concern to Armenian Americans in the district. With a large Armenian American community residing in the 44th district, Carol Liu has allocated time and resources in reaching the population, while responding to issues of concern to the community. Carol Liu has expressed her willingness to work toward expanding relations between the State of California and the Republic of Armenia in the trade and commerce area. At the same time she has pledged to work on a variety of social issues, including youth violence and affordable housing. "Carol Liu has expressed in no uncertain terms that she is very interested in working with the Armenian American community to explore possible avenues of cooperation, and at implementing projects which will benefit the 44th State Assembly district in general, as well as the Armenian community in particular," stated Souzi Zerounian, ANC-PAC member. "In Carol Liu, we will have a leader, who will work for those concerns which affect the district and our community directly, and we are confident that we will be able to continue working with this distinguished leader in addressing a number of issues," explained Anahit Stepanian, ANC La Crescenta member. Carol Liu Assembly Candidate gives pledge to Armenian community As a member of the California State Legislature: * I will condemn the genocide of the Armenian people perpetrated by the Turkish Government. I will actively promote educational programs that raise awareness about the Genocide and be a vocal advocate for official United States recognition of the Armenian Genocide. * I will support execution of a California's Trade and Commerce Agency official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California and Armenia as the first step of a long-term strategy to establish a regional California Trade Office in Yerevan, Armenia. I will continue to urge Governor Davis to support this important effort. * I will support expansion of after school and anti-gang programs throughout the district. * I will promote increased affordable housing throughout the district. * I will seek out qualified Armenian-Americans for positions in my campaign and on both my district and Sacramento office staff. * I will work to insure increased employment of Armenian-Americans employed by the State Government and appointed to State Commissions. * If elected, I will appoint Armenian-American to Democratic Party Central Committee, Assembly District, and Regional Committee posts to ensure that the community is represented at all levels. * I will work to ensure the input of Armenian community leaders in the forthcoming redistricting process to draw legislative and Congressional seats that enhance Armenian-American representation in Sacramento and Washington, DC. 3. Court Reinstates Khachatrian As Parliament Speaker YEREVAN (RFE/RL, Noyan Tapan)--The speaker of the Armenian parliament, Armen Khachatrian, was on Tuesday reinstated in his post by the country's highest court, which found unconstitutional his ouster late last month. The Constitutional Court put an end to a legal dispute that left the legislature in disarray on September 26 when the majority of its parties moved to unseat Khachatrian.. The speaker and his People's Party of Armenia have insisted that his resignation was not supported by sufficient number of deputies. But Khachatrian's opponents led by the Republican Party of Prime Minister Andranik Markarian have accused him of illegally clinging to his post. The Constitutional Court took the speaker's side, ruling that the September 26 session of the parliament proceeded with serious procedural violations. It concluded that while Khachatrian's offer to resign was formally accepted by the National Assembly the violations were so serious that the decision cannot have legal force. The verdict reflected the opinion of President Robert Kocharian who brought the case to the court. Speaking at the three-hour hearings, Kocharian's representative, Vrezh Gasparian, said the resignation issue was not even included on the parliament agenda before it was put to debate. Victor Dallakian, a senior Republican lawmaker who represented the National Assembly, agreed that "serious breaches of the parliament regulations took place." The ruling did not come as surprise to the country's main parties. It is unlikely to end weeks of political uncertainty over the future of the current governing coalition, which lacks a stable majority in the parliament. The parliament crisis is part of wider disagreements between the People's Party and the Republicans that are nominally part of the governing Unity bloc, the winner of last year's parliamentary elections. The bloc has stood on the brink of collapse since August, with Markarian trying to form a new governing coalition. The court ruling puts the success of his efforts in doubt. The Constitutional Court started the consideration of the constitutionality of the National Assembly's decision on the speaker's resignation Monday. President Robert Kocharian asked the court to consider the issue October 2, reported the Noyan Tapan news agency. Gasparian pointed out that in making the decision, the National Assembly violated a number of provisions of the Law "On the Regulations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia" as well as Article 62 of the Constitution under which the National Assembly is to work in accordance with its Regulations. According to the plaintiff, Parliament made the decision on the speaker's resignation without including the issue on the agenda. Nor did Parliament determine the proportion of votes under which the decision would be considered. Gasparian stressed that the decision was made, whereas the Regulations do not stipulate it. A violation of the Regulations was also the secret ballot conducted on the initiative of the chairman. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for State and Legal Affairs Victor Dallakian, who was authorized by Vice-Speaker Gagik Aslanian as a respondent, said that in making the decision Parliament committed serious violations of the Regulations, and Speaker Armen Khachatrian, who was presiding over that meeting, bears the principal responsibility for those violations. Constitutional Court Chairman Gagik Harutiunian drew the attention of those present to the fact that it was Vice-Speaker Aslanian who signed the aforementioned decision and authorized Dallakian as respondent. Dallakian pointed out that Aslanian may have signed the documents by the order of the Parliament speaker, but he, Dallakian, was not informed of that decision. 4. Brazil Interested in Trade with Armenia YEREVAN (Armenian Presidential Press Office) -- Among the states interested in trade and economic relations with our region are the Latin American states, and first among them, Brazil. Recently, preliminary discussions on prospects of Armenia-Brazil economic and trade cooperation were held in the German capital Berlin, where a delegation headed by Brazilian president Fernando Enrique was visiting on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Brazil's new embassy. The Brazilian delegation has met with the visiting Armenian working group led by presidential chief of staff Artashes Toumanian. Included in the working group were Vahan Hovanessian, chairman of the National Assembly Commission on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, and Ashot Voskanyan, Armenia's ambassador to Germany. During the negotiations, accompanying the Armenian delegation were Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Mario Nalbantian and well-known Brazilian-Armenian businessman Armenak Cherkezian, both of whose long-time and consistent effort toward closer relations between Armenia and Latin-American states have begun to bear results. The Brazilian side was represented by the presidential advisor for foreign relations Jao Santush, head of Brazilian Foreign Ministry's department for European states and CIS Marselo Jardim and the head of the department for trade development Mario Vilalvan. Both sides have assessed the meeting as successful and have pledged to continue the discussions. 5. Artsax Foreign Ministry Criticizes Azerbaijan STEPANAKERT (Noyan Tapan)—Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Oct. 9, which attacks the Memorandum on Mutual Cooperation signed between the Parliaments of Artsax and Armenia on September 3. The statement also attacks the bill concerning renaming the Republic's administrative regions with historical Armenian names. This bill was written by Artsax's Cabinet and submitted to Parliament. Artsax's Minister of Foreign Affairs considers such claims as rough interference in the internal affairs of the Artsax Republic. Even during Soviet times issues such as these were entirely within the jurisdiction of Artsax authorities. Currently, the primary task of the Government is to liquidate the subversive consequences of the Azeri armed aggression against Artsax, which have not been overcome until now. The determination of forms and methods of cooperation with the official and non-official structures of any country is the prerogative of the executive power, which effectively discharges control within its own territory. Artsax's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to draw the attention of the international community to the fact that officials in Baku have repeatedly gone against their declared readiness to establish peace and stability in the region. Azerbaijan's continued attempt to hamper the social-economic development of Artsax should be regarded as openly hostile. What "positive conditions for conflict resolution" is Azerbaijan considering, while it is the very one that, for a long period of time, has been frustrating the negotiation process, rejecting any peace initiatives and proposals concerning economic cooperation, thus hampering the attempt to build confidence between the parties to the conflict? Unfortunately, we have to state that criticism of the mediator-states and international organizations not furnished with proofs has recently become a usual practice for the Azeri leaders. For example, what goal do officials in Baku pursue by deliberately hampering the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other mediators that are assisting the sides in solving the humanitarian problems of the Artsax conflict, in particular, searching for missing soldiers and getting prisoners of war released? It is absolutely obvious that a regular "activation" of Azeri officials at different levels is conditioned by the pre-election conjuncture, and the peace process is sacrificed to it. This is the circumstance that undermines trust to Azerbaijan as to a partner in negotiations, and does not promote the normalization of the situation in the region. 6. Kocharian Leaves for Check-Up YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Pesident Robert Kocharian left Armenia for an unknown European country on Tuesday to have a "general medical examination," according to his press office. It said the Armenian leader will undergo a check-up somewhere in "Europe." No other details, including the more precise destination of Kocharian's trip, were reported. It is the first time that Kocharian, 46, is reported to be applying for medical help outside Armenia. A presidential spokeswoman, Hasmik Petrosian, told RFE/RL that he does not feel unwell or suffer from a particular illness. Petrosian said the head of state simply wants doctors to look into his overall health condition, which she said has not been examined in the last five years. The spokeswoman added that Kocharian will return to Yerevan "in three days time." 7. Ter-Ghevondian Discusses Upcoming Telethon YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—The All-Armenian Fund Hayastan will hold yet another telethon in Los Angeles next month to finance the ongoing construction of a new strategic highway in Nagorno-Artsax, fund executives said on Tuesday. The 170-kilometer road, estimated to cost $25 million, would link the northern and southern edges of the Armenian-populated enclave. Some $5 million in donation pledges were received during the previous telethon late last year. The money, the bulk of it contributed by Armenian-Americans, allowed the construction of the first 10 kilometer section of the road to get underway earlier this year. The executive director of Hayastan, Vahan Ter-Ghevondian, told reporters that the fund hopes to raise a similar sum on November 23. He said the11-hour telethon will this time attract a larger audience as it will be broadcast live by Armenian state television which can be watched Diaspora communities in Europe and the Middle East. The pan-Armenian charity has spent about $70 million on various infrastructure projects in Armenia and Nagorno-Artsax since its establishment in 1992. One of its main accomplishments has been the construction of a modern highway linking Armenia with Artsax through the so-called Lachin corridor. Artsax remained the largest recipient of Hayastan aid in 1999, with about $2 million spent on roads, housing and social programs. Ter-Ghevondian said the fund's revenues are on track to grow by one third this year following a two-year decline. He called for greater participation in fund-raising activities by residents of Armenia, complaining that the amount of contributions from local business people has so far been negligible. 8. Parliament Deputy Studies Materials of Oct. 27 Case YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Parliament deputy and member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Aghvan Vartanian while getting acquainted with the materials of the October 27 case raised no objections to the body who is conducting the investigation, said the head of the investigations department of the military prosecutor's office Artak Harutiunian. Harutunian also noted that the leader of the terrorist act in the parliament Nairi Hunanian and his brother Karen Hunanian are getting acquainted with the 40 volumes of the criminal case. At the end of the preliminary investigation Nairi and Karen Hunanians refused the services of their defenders Ara Zakarian and Hamlet Stepanian insisting on defending their own interests. All the other accused have been provided public defenders. 9. Negotiations on Distribution of World Bank Credits Underway YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Negotiations on disbursement of World Bank Structural Adjustment Credits (SAC-3 and SAC-4) began in Yerevan between the Armenian government and a World Bank delegation. The World Bank delegation is to stay in Armenia for a week and a half to see how the Armenian government is fulfilling the assumed obligations concerning the privatization of four energy distributing companies, put forward by the World Bank. According to World Bank resident representative Owaise Saadat, practically all issues concerning the disbursement of $6 million, the last portion of the SAC-3 program, have been solved. As to the disbursement of a $45 million credit within the framework of SAC-4 program, it is conditional on the time-table of power grid privatization. 10. Tourism Workshop Held in Armenia YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Close to forty experts in tourism representing various Armenian travel agencies are taking part in a two-week long workshop on management, marketing and international experience in tourism, organized by TACIS program in Armenian resort town of Tsakhkadzor. The chief guest speaker is Michael McNalty, former tourism minister of Ireland. Speaking to the workshop participants he said there are all the necessary preconditions for the development of tourism in Armenia such as rich history, culture and Christian traditions . He also pointed out that the Armenian government still has a lot of work to do to strengthen the tourism industry. According to Armstat data, more than 2,500 travel agencies were registered in Armenia at the end of 1999, but actually only a dozen of them are operating. 11. Armenia, Turkmenistan Work on Developing Bilateral Relations YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—Armenia and Turkmenistan are currently conducting negotiations for shooting a Armenian-Turkmen film, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Armenia Toyli Kurbanov told a news conference Tuesday. The goal of the news conference held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan was to sum up the results of the international conference "Turkmenistan's cultural heritage: ancient sources and prospects" recently held in Ashghabad. The film on the history of Turkmen monuments in Armenia's territory is expected to be shot by Armenian cinematographers and financed by the Turkmen side. The idea of the film has already been discussed. Ambassador Kurbanov believes Armenian-Turkmen economic relations to be a great success. Under a number of microprojects the foundation is being laid for the development of relations in other spheres. One such project is the construction of the Armenian-Turkmen park in Argavand, near Yerevan. The project, including the construction of a garden and a number of buildings, has been elaborated by Armenian architects and is at the center of the Turkmen government's attention. The Armenian scientists who participated in the Ashghabad conference also spoke at the news conference. Deputy Director of the Yerevan Matenadaran (Institute of Ancient Manuscripts) Vardan Grigorian emphasized the importance of the conference for the development of Armenian-Turkmen scientific and cultural relations. "That neutral Muslim country sympathizes with Armenia, which is of high importance," Grigorian said. The participants in the news conference also pointed out that the joint study and protection of Turkmen monuments in Armenia and Armenian monuments in Turkmenistan strengthens the Armenian-Turkmen relations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. KZV School Announces Plans for 20th Anniversary Gala * KZV Tree of Friends to be dedicated at November 18 Annual Banquet Event SAN FRANCISCO—Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School of San Francisco has announced ambitious plans for its 20th Anniversary Gala Banquet which will take place at the Armenian Community Center, 825 Brotherhood Way, on Saturday, November 18. An elegant and joyous celebration is being planned for this milestone in the school's history. The event will mark the San Francisco Bay Area Armenian Community's shared dream of opening an Armenian day school 20 years ago. Since then, hundreds of Armenian youth have received a superior bilingual and bicultural education and KZV continues to be a tremendous source of pride and a community focal point. To commemorate this significant anniversary and all the achievements it represents, the KZV annual banquet committee, chaired by Rita Bagdasarian, has established a unique giving opportunity that includes perpetual donor recognition, entitled the KZV Tree of Friends. With $20,000 in "seed" money generously donated by Mr. & Mrs. Edward and Eleonore 'Elo' Aslanian as Honored Guests of this year's banquet, the KZV Tree of Friends project was established to reach ambitious fund raising goals. The Tree of Friends will be a dramatic brass wall sculpture located in the inner courtyard of KZV School. Each 3" wide brass leaf on the tree will be inscribed with the name of a $1000 donor or $2000 for a double leaf. Larger acorn-shape plaques can be funded with a $5000 donation. The trunk of the tree will bear the Aslanians' names. In addition, a special cluster of leaves will be set aside for memorial donations. The 100-leaf tree is being designed and fabricated by a prestigious company specializing in this type of project and is of the highest quality and it will be protected by a lucite frame. According to Chairwoman Bagdasarian, "Trees have always been symbolic of life; they nurture and shelter us, just as KZV Armenian School has nurtured and sheltered its students, providing them with an education that will have a far reaching impact in their lives. KZV's symbolic tree has been well taken care of over the past 20 years by its circle of community supporters who have combined to give both millions of dollars and countless hours of their time. The Tree of Friends, while deeply rooted in the history of the school, will continue to remind us as we "grow into the future" of that unwavering commitment, renewed on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the school. We are hopeful that every leaf, every acorn, will bear the names of a proud supporter and friend." "We are particularly pleased and grateful for the Aslanian's major donation which initiated this project. This dedicated and charming couple have been long time supporters of KZV and other important Armenian causes and concerns. In fact, the first fund raising event for KZV was held at the Aslanian's gracious San Francisco home. So they have come full circle," added Bagdasarian. Edward and Elo Aslanian emigrated to the United States from Tehran, Iran in 1969. They have five grown children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren and are hoping for more. The Aslanians are revered in the community for their positive thinking, boundless energy and optimism. Says Ed: "Things don't happen unless you make them happen." Elo echoes with "Life is limited; fill it with as much as you can." The Tree of Friends will be dedicated at the Champagne Reception preceding the banquet n November 18 at 6 p.m. with the Aslanians as the Honored Guests. Following the dedication ceremony, the guests will enjoy a lavish dinner, catered by Lalime's of Berkeley and then there will be dancing to music by Artashes Avedian and Emma. Requested donation is $100 per person; KZV alumni $50. Black tie optional. All proceeds will benefit the school. Established in 1980, KZV Armenian School educates children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in a bi-lingual ad bi-cultural curriculum. The school is located at 825 Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. For further information, telephone (415) 586-8686 or visit the web site at KZV.org. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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