Guest Posted September 7, 2000 Report Share Posted September 7, 2000 1. Unity Bloc Outnumbered by Hariri Slate 2. Ninth Anniversary of Artsax Independence Marked 3. Treasures from Cilicia Go on Display in Germany 4. Police Seize Smuggler With $2 Million Armenian Bible 5. Armenian Athletes Left For Sydney 6. Ex-Premier Seeks 'Political Support' For Truth About Oct. 27 7. NATO Holds Seminar In Armenia 8. Armenia, Artsax Sign Cooperation Agreement Community News 1. ANCA-WR to Honor J. Michael Hagopian as Man Of The Year 1. Unity Bloc Outnumbered by Hariri Slate BEIRUT (Aztag)--The second round of parliamentary elections took place in Beirut and surrounding region Sunday, with George Kassardji becoming the only candidate from the six-person United Armenian Bloc list to register a victory. He joins Sebouh Hovnanian who was reelected last week in the races in mountainous Beirut which include Bourdj Hammoud and Metn. The political and financial power machine of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri registered victories in almost all the districts, leaving the Untied bloc outnumbered almost 10 to 1. Reports indicated that more than 80 percent of Armenian voters, cast their votes for the United Armenian Bloc, however, those votes fell short of numbers gained from other groups voting in the elections. The elections proved that in a climate of constant changing political affiliations and election-time agreements, the Armenian people remains committed to its principles of emerging as a united front and will continue to advocate for rallying behind the national aspirations of the people and the Armenian community. Deputy prime minister and interior minister Michel Mur, who last week won his election in alliance with the United Armenian Bloc announced the official results Monday, in his capacity as interior minister. "The Armenian Revolutionary Federation is a disciplined organization, which has represented the interests of the Lebanese Armenian community since [Lebanon's] independence. Today it [the ARF] has two members of parliament and that is a great loss," said Mur during the press conference. "The ARF was competing in such an electoral district, where the majority of the voters were Sunni Muslim supporters of former prime minister Rafik Hariri. That is why the ARF lost. However, the ARF was the victor in garnering the Armenian votes, since it received 7,700 votes against 1,700, which means that Armenians have voted for the ARF slate," explained the interior minister. 2. Ninth Anniversary of Artsax Independence Marked STEPANAKERT (Noyan Tapan)--The ninth anniversary of Nagorno-Artsax Republic's independence was marked Saturday throughout Artsax, with the participation of delegations from Armenia headed by prime minister Andranik Markarian, and Moldova headed by First Deputy of the State Security Minister Oleg Gudymo. On this occasion, Nagorno-Artsax Republic president Arkady Ghoukassian addressed a message to the people of Artsax, saying, "Nine years ago, on September 2, 1991 our people, by declaring a new Armenian state in the Artsakhian plateau, made an historical choice. The future course of events demonstrated that we made the right choice." Ghoukassian's announcement went on to praise those who gave their lives during the Artsax liberation struggle and made special mention of the Diaspora for its unwavering support in efforts to strengthen Artsax's statehood. "In the name of the native land, in the name of the freedom for the people of Artsakh, we lost our best sons, and today we bow before their memory," concluded Ghoukassian. At 11 a.m., Ghoukassian, the leaders of the Armenian and Artsax governments, guests, other officials and citizens visited the Memorial complex of Stepanakert and paid their respects to the memory of those who perished during the Artsax liberation struggle. Ghoukassian also led a delegation to Shoushi for the unveiling of a monument dedicated to the late slain Armenian prime minister Vazgen Sargsyan, whose mother Greta was on hand for the unveiling ceremony. In his remarks, Artsax defense minister Seyran Ohanian said that Shoushi was chosen as the site for the memorial, because of Sargsyan's commitment to the "revival of the Armenian spirit in this town." Later that day, back in Stepanakert, Ghoukassian and the entourage of guests attended a ceremony inaugurating an underground passage. That evening Ghoukassian hosted a state reception, honoring the guests and marking the anniversary. "We won because Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora were together. And this unanimity is the main guarantor of our future victories. Declaring the Nagorno-Artsax Republic we clearly recognized that it was not our ultimate aim. We will never refuse our people's dream--reunification with Armenia. I am certain that sooner or late, the day will come where our ultimate dream will be realized. However, Sept. 2 will remain as one of the highlights of our history," noted Ghoukassian in his speech at the reception. In connection with the ninth anniversary celebrations, Ghoukassian issued a decree conferring the rank of "Artsakh Hero" on Armenia's defense minister Serge Sarkisian, commander of the military unit of the Artsax Defense Army Samvel Karapetian, Armenia's deputy defense minister Manvel Grigorian and General Christophor Ivanian posthumously. In Stepanakert, the celebrations concluded with a victory concert at the city's central square. The information department of the government of Armenia issued a congratulatory announcement by Markarian on the occasion of Artsax independence anniversary. Below is the translated text of that announcement. "Dear compatriots, Accept my cordial congratulations on the Independence Day of the Nagorno-Artsax Republic. The Artsax movement, which began in 1988, was the continuation of the struggle for independence and freedom that had been waged by the Armenian people from time immemorial. The declaration of Independence of Nagorno-Artsax on Sept. 2, 1991 was the realization of dream by Armenians living in Armenia, Artsax and throughout the world. The people of Artsax demonstrated to the entire world that they were ready to defend every inch of their motherland, sanctified by the blood of their sons. Retaining what had been gained through the struggle, heroism, aspiration and determination to lead an independent life, the creative people of Artsakh got down the strengthening of the army, rehabilitation of the economy, resolution of social problems and formation of democratic institutions. The Nagorno-Artsax Republic remains committed to its principles of settling the conflict peacefully. We believe in the future of Artsax. Independence and Freedom are not easy to gain, rather they are achieved at the cost of people's blood, will and resolution. Dear compatriots, Let me again congratulate all of you on this festive occasion - Independence Day. I wish you sound health, peaceful and creative life, as well as firm faith in the future." 3. Treasures from Cilicia Go on Display in Germany YEREVAN (Armenpress)--His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, Saturday inaugurated an exhibit entitled "Recovered Armenian Treasures From Cilicia" at the Moritzburg Museum, in Germany, the Catholicosate press office announced. Addressing thousands of people attending the ceremony, Aram I underlined the fact that these artifacts were being exhibited outside the museum of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Lebanon for the first time after being recovered from the historic territory of the Kingdom of Cilicia. "This exhibition is not an ordinary exposition of treasures but is a living and life-generating testimony of the survival of the Armenians despite numerous calamities, massacres and Genocide perpetrated by the Turks. These rescued treasures re-emphasize the undeniable reality that the Armenians in Armenia and the worldwide Diaspora were the victims of Turkish atrocities but they survived because of their Christian faith and creative spirit," declared Aram I. "Through this exhibition the German-Armenian collaboration becomes a tangible reality and the Armenian demand for justice requires a new dimension," concluded His Holiness. On this occasion, Aram I decorated Prof. Hermann Goltz with the "Mesrop Mashtots" medal, as an expression of appreciation for his Armenological endeavors. The exhibition was organized under the auspices of the Aram I and His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, who could not attend due to last minute emergency in New York. His Holiness Aram I arrived in Germany on September 1 and was greeted by the representative of Catholicos Karekin II, Western Primate Archbishop Vache Hovsepian, the Armenian Ambassador in Germany Ashot Voskanian, the Primate of Germany Archbishop Garegin Bekjian, German dignitaries and Armenian parishioners. Following the official inauguration of the exhibition, His Holiness visited the Halle city hall and was officially greeted by the Mayor. The German media covered His Holiness' visit to Germany and referred especially to the cultural role of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, the Armenian Genocide, and the "Cilicia" exhibition. 4. Police Seize Smuggler With $2 Million Armenian Bible ANKARA (Cumhuriyet)—Police seized a person trying to smuggle a historical bible written in Armenian out of the country at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. The smuggler was taken into custody. The bible is estimated to worth about $2 million. 5. Armenian Athletes Left For Sydney YEREVAN (Armenpress)—A portion of the Armenian athletic delegation to the Sydney Olympics left for Australia Monday. A senior official of Armenia's National Olympic Committee told Armenpress before the departure that 27 Armenian athletes, who have qualified for the Games are able to compete for several medals. The head of the weightlifting federation, chief trainer of the team and Olympic champion Ogsen Mirzoyan noted that participation of Armenian team in the Olympics is already a great event. He said Armenian athletes will face serious challenges in Sydney, taking into account the fact that they have not trained in such conditions as their main rivals from Russia, Bulgaria and the US had. Armenian athletes also hope that a 30,000-strong Armenian community in Australia, and first of all a well-known Armenian weight-lifter Yuri Sargissian, who is in the Australian team, will render their support to them Meanewhile, leading Armenian tennis-player, 25-year-old Sargis Sargissian will arrive in Yerevan September 6 and then leave for Sydney as a member of Armenian team. Sargissian, who is rated among the world's best 100 tennis-players, has vast experience in participating in various tournaments, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has granted him the right to participate in the Sydney's Olympics and become the 27th member in the Armenian Olympic team. 6. Ex-Premier Seeks 'Political Support' For Truth About Oct. 27 YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Former prime minister Aram Sargsyan said on Tuesday that he and other relatives of the victims of last October's parliament shootings will need "political support" for uncovering the truth about the carnage. "Whether we like it or not, this case is political and there will be need for political support," Sargsyan told reporters in a rare public appearance. His brother and predecessor in the post of prime minister, Vazgen Sargsyan, was among eight officials gunned down in the bloody raid on the parliament. Aram Sargsyan was sacked in May after a six-month standoff with President Kocharian. Differing attitudes to the controversial investigation into the parliament attack were at the heart of the discord. Some Sargsyan allies suspect Kocharian of involvement in the parliament killings and accuse him of obstructing the probe. The ex-premier said he shares military prosecutors' belief that the killings were masterminded by certain forces and that the five gunmen who staged the bloodbath did not act on their own. "It was an organized action against Armenian statehood," he said. 7. NATO Holds Seminar In Armenia YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—A three-day international seminar on the prevention and management of natural disasters, co-sponsored by NATO and Armenia, began its work in the resort town of Tsaghkadzor on Tuesday. Representatives of 12 countries, including the United States and Germany, opened discussions on ways of mutual assistance in the event of emergency situations threatening civilian populations. The seminar will focus on the possibility of joint rescue operations and coordination of medical and humanitarian assistance to victims of future calamities. It is being held within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program. Armenian officials attending the gathering said Yerevan looks forward to a more active involvement in PfP. "The Partnership for Peace program plays an important role in the development of strong relations between NATO and its partner states," said Vyacheslav Harutiunian, head of the government's Department of Emergency Situations. "This seminar is another step aimed at boosting our ties with the Alliance," said Artashes Aznaurian, the Armenian representative to the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Armenia's continued participation in PfP activities will be high on the agenda of NATO Secretary-General George Robertson's visit to Yerevan later this month. 8. Armenia, Artsax Sign Cooperation Agreement YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—A Memorandum on Mutual Cooperation signed recently in Stepanakert by the Nagorno-Artsax Republic Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian and his Armenian counterpart Andranik Markarian calls for the deepening and widening of cooperation in different realms of activities between both countries, and envisions assistance in the solution of socio-economic issues. Based on the agreement, special attention will be focused on investment policy; which according to its language provides great incentives for prospective investors. Artsax new tax codes saw an increase in the country's investments in the first half of 2000, unmatched in the past five years. The joint agreement also touches on energy development programs, which call for an increase of electrical power production of up to 500 million kilowatt/ hour, allowing the export of a portion of the production. In social programs, the government plans to raise the living standard of the population from a billing of "unsatisfactory" to "satisfactory" within the coming two years. Top priority is also given to the reconstruction and construction of irrigation canals, expansion of wine plantations and development of wine-making. The issue of resettling abandoned territories ravaged by the war became the focal point of the concerns voiced by both governments. According to a proposed program put forth by the government of the Nagorno-Artsax Republic, by 2010 the population of Nagorno-Artsax will rise to 300,000. Stressing the importance of the signed document, Markarian noted that the sides must realize the entire responsibility for their obligations. He stressed the necessity of strict state control for the realization of Memorandum's provisions and periodic report to the population about the progress of the agreement. An Agreement on cooperation between the ministries of public health of Armenia and Artsax has also been signed. Nagorno Artsax Republic president Arkady Ghoukassian on Saturday met with Markarian, who had arrived in Stepanakert to participate in celebrations marking the ninth anniversary of Artsax's declaration of independence. According to the president's press service, Ghoukassian presented Markarian with a report of the overall situation in Artsax and measures taken by his administration to resolve socio-economic problems. The two leaders exchanged ideas on the prospects for expanding cooperation between Armenia and Artsax through realization of specific programs. They also reiterated both Armenia and Artsax authorities' adherence to the principles of continuing the natural development of economy and improvement of socio-economic conditions. Features and Community News 1. ANCA-WR to Honor J. Michael Hagopian as Man Of The Year GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region has chosen Armenian Film Foundation Chairman J. Michael Hagopian as this year's recipient of the prestigious ANCA-WR Man of the Year award. Dr. Hagopian, who has dedicated much of his professional life to educating the public on the facts of the Armenian Genocide, will be recognized for his courage and commitment, at the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet on Sunday, Sept. 24. Dr. Hagopian has been at the forefront of the struggle to educate the public on the facts and history of the Armenian Genocide, as the director and producer of a number of films on the subject. As chairman of the Armenian Film Foundation, Dr. Hagopian, has worked tirelessly on documenting Armenian Genocide survivor stories, as well as stories of various Armenian communities in the Ottoman Empire and their struggle during the Genocide. Born in Kharpert in 1913, Dr. Hagopian, is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. At the height of the Genocide, the Hagopian family fled Kharpert, where the elder Hagopian was a prominent surgeon. After making stops on the way in Aleppo, Beirut, Marseilles, Paris, Cherbourg and Montreal, the family finally made it to the United States settling in Boston for a short period, where the elder Hagopian received his Massachusetts Medical Board certification to practice in his trained profession. In 1927 the family moved to Fresno to be a part of the burgeoning Armenian-American farming community, and Dr. Hagopian continued his secondary education until he graduated from Los Angeles High School in Southern California, where the family relocated for two years during the Depression. After stints at Los Angeles Junior College, Fresno State University, Dr. Hagopian, went on to earn his AB degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1937. He continued his education, earning an MA degree at Berkeley, where his thesis concentrated on the government of the Republic of Turkey. Dr. Hagopian went on to receive his Ph.D. from Harvard University in International Relations. At Harvard, he had the opportunity to create relationships with historic figures both Armenian and non-Armenian. Dr. Hagopian's doctoral dissertation concentrated on the period of Armenian history from 1894 to 1914, with particular emphasis on the nationalist movement in Armenia. In the process, he me Shahan Natali and Simon Vratsian, among other leaders of the Armenian nation. "One of my greatest regrets is that I did not film these great nationalists and survivors. Ten years later," explains Dr. Hagopian. Following his distinguished educational career, Dr. Hagopian served in the US military during World War II, and followed up with several teaching positions at renowned universities including the University of California at Los Angeles, where, as Dr. Hagopian explains, he was inadvertently introduced to filmmaking. As he explained this period in his life, "…I knew I did not want to stay in the class room all my life. I wanted to travel, adventure and explore." For the last half century, Dr. Hagopian has remained an active traveler, student of various cultures, and the eyes of so many, who have seen his films on various aspects of human history. Since 1954, Dr. Hagopian has been engaged in the research, writing and production of educational and documentary films for instructional and informational use in the classroom and on television. He has written, directed and produced over 70 environmental, multi-cultural, educational and documentary films which collectively have won more than 150 national and international awards. The Forgotten Genocide was nominated for two Emmys in production and writing. Several of these films were produced under grants from the US Office of Education and the Ethnic Heritage Program, California Endowment for the Humanities, and California State Department of Education. Dr. Hagopian has also spent much of his professional time in recent months on the completion of the "The Witnesses" trilogy, a landmark film production for use in educational settings, including California public schools. The first installment of the trilogy, the independent film Voices from the Lake: The Secret Genocide, has been produced, principally under grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the Foundations of the Milken Families, and the J. Roderick MacArthur Foundation. "Dr. Hagopian will receive the ANCA-WR Man of the Year award not only because his work will stand the test of time and will continue to educate generations to come on the history of the Armenian Genocide, but also because Dr. Hagopian has dedicated his life to moving forward the Armenian Cause, with intense fervor and commitment, at the same time paying tribute to the memory of the victims and the struggle for recognition of the survivors," said Alex Sardar, ANCA-WR Executive Director. The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet will take place on Sunday, September 24, at 6 p.m. at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School's Avedissian Hall in Encino, California. Tables sponsorships are still available at the $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 levels. Individual tickets may be purchased starting at $100. For information, to sponsor tables or to purchase tickets, please contact the ANCA-WR offices at 818.500.1918. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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