Guest Posted September 10, 2000 Report Share Posted September 10, 2000 1. Kocharian Discusses Genocide at UN Summit 2. Sezer Tells Clinton to Oppose Genocide Bill 3. Kocharian, Aliyev Discuss Artsax Conflict In New York 4. President Robert Kocharian's Statement At The UN Millennium Summit 5. Patient Treated With Armenicum Dies 6. Armenian Olympic Team Arrives in Sydney for Games 7. Armenia-Iran Gas Pipeline Construction To Begin Soon 8. Music Schools Under Threat Of Closing 9. Russian Military Base In Armenia Meets CFET Requirements 10. Armenian UN Office Pays Tribute To Murdered Colleagues Community News 1. ANCA-WR Banquet Kick-Off Party Yields Unprecedented Results and Great Excitement 2. Glendale ANC Hosts 'Mid-Summer' Gathering 1. Kocharian Discusses Genocide at UN Summit UNITED NATIONS--President Robert Kocharian Thursday addressed the UN Millennium Summit of World Leaders, at which time he discussed the international community's failure to recognize the Armenian Genocide. In his statement Kocharian said, "The Armenian nation is unfortunately destined to carry the problems of the past century into the new Millennium. Turkey's continuing denial of the Genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire has been only intensifying our aspirations for historical justice. Some countries and nations had in the past been burdened by similar problems. However, they managed to overcome them through making moves of reconciliation and with the support of the international community. Penitence is not a humiliation, but it rather elevates individuals and nations. I am confident that a constructive dialogue with Turkey will allow us to jointly pave the way towards co-operation and good neighborly relations between our two peoples." As a result, Turkish president Ahmed Necet Sezer harshly criticized Kocharian for his remarks regarding Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide during remarks made Thursday at the UN Millennium Summit. Given that Kocharian spoke before Sezer, the Turkish leader seized the opportunity to alter his previously prepared remarks and directly attack Kocharian for his remarks regarding the Genocide. In response Sezer told the UN Summit that he found Kocharian's remarks "painful." He added that no one can succeed by revising history, adding that a verdict on history can only be rendered by historians. 2. Sezer Tells Clinton to Oppose Genocide Bill NEW YORK (Marmara)--Turkish president Ahmed Necet Sezer urged President Bill Clinton Thursday to oppose the pending Genocide Resolution in Congress, which the Turkish leader said is being used as an election-year ploy to garner votes. In response Clinton told his Turkish counterpart that he and his administration have always opposed such a bill and they will do what they can to oppose the resolution. However, Clinton reminded Sezer that his presidency is about to end, adding that his abilities were limited in this matter. Sezer said that within the framework of the presidential elections in the US, "dangerous activities have take rise in Congress," regarding the Armenian Genocide resolution. The Turkish leader warned that the said Congressional activities may cast a shadow over US-Turkey relations. Present at the meeting were the Turkish Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State. In other matter, Sezer told Clinton that Turkey has reservations regarding the future of US-Turkey relations, because of which it is difficult to term those ties as "strategically coordinated." He urged Clinton to ease quotas on textile imports, as well as called for other economic policy changes to better serve Turkish needs. In conclusion, Clinton urged Sezer to demonstrate a positive approach toward the resolution of the Cyprus conflict, adding that the Cyprus issue must be resolved between Cypriot Turks and Cypriots. 3. Kocharian, Aliyev Discuss Artsax Conflict In New York YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--Armenian president Robert Kocharian and his Azeri counterpart Haydar Aliyev met in New York Thursday, within the framework of the UN Millennium Summit, to discuss the peace process in the Nagorno-Artsax conflict. Following their meeting, both presidents reiterated their willingness to settle the Nagorno-Artsax conflict peacefully, through mutual compromises. They said communication between the two side has been very important and useful. Kocharian said it was still early to speak of concrete results. He then added that the meetings were of extreme importance and require patience, as it is difficult to reach a compromise and similar conflicts are not easy to resolve. He stressed that both presidents have the willingness to solve this conflict and that efforts to find a peaceful solution to the problem must be continued. President Kocharian also met with Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat at the request of the latter. The two discussed the latest developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict connected with the issue of Jerusalem's status. A delegation from Armenia led by President Robert Kocharian participated in the 55th session of the UN General Assembly - the Millennium Summit on September 6-7. On September 6, Robert Kocharian made a speech at the summit meeting [see text on page 2]. In his speech, Kocharian emphasized the need for measures to anticipate and settle conflicts and that the role of the United Nations should be decisive in this matter. The next day, Kocharian participated in one of four interactive roundtables held within the framework of the Millennium Summit. The panel discussion was attended by leaders from about 40 countries. Presidents and prime ministers dealt with issues from globalization to security and struggle against poverty. Participants at the summit also considered ways of raising the efficiency of assistance rendered by industrialized nations to developing countries, as well as the need for the strengthening of information technologies. 4. President Robert Kocharian's Statement At The UN Millennium Summit The following is the text of Armenian President Robert Kocharian's statement at the UN Millennium Summit on September 7, provided by the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN: Madame/Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, The report of the Secretary General on the role of the United Nations in the twenty-first century is highly commendable. Armenia shares the views and approaches reflected in the report on the challenges and objectives for our uniquely global Organization. At the dawn of the new Millennium the scope of our opportunities and, at the same time, of our problems has reached a qualitatively new level. Armenia is confident that the United Nations, given its outstanding role, bears the best potential for addressing these new challenges in the most adequate manner. The vast experience of the United Nations generated throughout the fifty-five years of its activities is unique. With this in mind we should be more dynamic in adjusting the UN instruments and institutions to the new realities. Maintaining peace and security throughout the world will obviously remain a major priority for the United Nations in the twenty-first century. The contemporary world map continues to be densely spotted with local conflicts and, as a result, of human suffering. The United Nations has been heavily engaged in conflict resolutions in various parts of the world. At the same time, Armenia believes that the existing potential of the United Nations for the prevention of new conflicts is not fully utilized. The promotion of comprehensive mechanisms of early warning of potential conflicts has become a requirement. Wars do not erupt unexpectedly, they have their histories, their logic and are subject to prediction. The notion of security in our contemporary world has transcended its conventional boundaries. Globalization has opened up societies to unprecedented levels. As never before, the activities of individual governments have become tightly linked to interdependent and concerted actions at sub-regional, regional and global levels. Integration has become politically and economically expedient. It is apparent that the new environment of co-existence requires new approaches in the activities of international organizations. Only collective efforts will allow to effectively materialize the advantages of globalization and to prevent its negative consequences. In other words, the world of the twenty-first century has acquired all the necessary prerequisites for truly genuine stability based on collective action and responsibility. This is Armenia's hope. Mr. President, Armenia is entering the new Millennium with the celebration next year of the seventeen hundredth anniversary of the adoption of Christianity as a State religion. Our centuries-old history and Christian traditions, along with our geographical location have contributed to the profound perception of the magnitude of co-existence and the dialogue between civilizations. Armenia belongs to the part of the world, which in the past ten years has been subjected to a major transformation of a political and social nature. Having inherited unresolved problems from the past, Armenia and the entire region of South Caucasus have not remained immune to conflicts. The current realities continue to exert considerable pressure on the fledgling fabric of new social and political relations within the country. Nevertheless, Armenia continues to build an open society, based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. We intend to further expand our co-operation within the United Nations, to participate actively in various regional institutions, in particular the OSCE and the CIS. We have approached the final stages of our accession to the Council of Europe, which is evidence of our commitment to the policy of multiple engagements as an effective instrument for advancing security through cooperation. We continue to remain confident that the region of South Caucasus is in need of a regional system of security, and we stand ready to work towards its formation. Armenia remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Artsax conflict. We will continue to work intensively with the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, and we underscore their contribution to maintaining the cease-fire regime. Equally, we are ready to maintain direct contacts with Azerbaijan in order to search for compromises, although we think that direct negotiation between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Artsax would be more productive, especially taking into account the fact that Nagorno-Artsax is a de facto established and open for a dialogue state. In this connection I would like to specially mention that the situation around Nagorno-Artsax today is a consequence of the Azerbaijani aggression of 1991-92 aimed at the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population, as well as a consequence of the Azerbaijani refusal to accept the recent proposals by the mediators in the conflict. The contemporary history of conflict resolutions reflects the changing nature of inter- and intrastate relations. It clearly displays the necessity of breaking through the frameworks of conventional perceptions of sovereignty. In this context, we are confident that the resolution of the Nagorno-Artsax conflict can only be materialized on the basis of the legal equality of the parties to the conflict. Mr. President, The Armenian nation is unfortunately destined to carry the problems of the past century into the new Millennium. Turkey's continuing denial of the Genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire has been only intensifying our aspirations for historical justice. Some countries and nations had in the past been burdened by similar problems. However, they managed to overcome them through making moves of reconciliation and with the support of the international community. Penitence is not a humiliation, but it rather elevates individuals and nations. I am confident that a constructive dialogue with Turkey will allow us to jointly pave the way towards co-operation and good neighborly relations between our two peoples. In conclusion, I would like to once again congratulate all of us on the occasion of the Millennium Summit, which, given the impressive level of its representation, stands proof of our shared commitment to peace and co-operation in our common house. Thank you. 5. Patient Treated With Armenicum Dies YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Nicolay Kolesnikov, a young man who had been treated for AIDS with Armenicum, an anti-AIDS device reportedly developed by Armenian scientists, died in one of the hospitals in Kaliningrad, Russia. According to his doctors, Armenicum turned out to be a simple immunity modular, without any effect on the virus which continues to damage the cells in the human body. 6. Armenian Olympic Team Arrives in Sydney for Games SYDNEY—A group of 18 athletes, as well as some officials and journalists arrived in Sydney from Armenia Wednesday to take part in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The remainder of the athletes are scheduled to arrive next week. The team settled into the Olympic Athletes Village and is making preparations for its training schedule. Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Commission of New South Wales and attaché of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia, ran in the Olympic Torch Relay on Sept. 3 in Penrith, Sydney before crowds of up to 50,000 people, among them a group of Armenians waving the Tricolor. The Armenian community in Sydney is advised to watch out for the torch passing through Armenian populated areas of RYDE area on Wednesday September 13 and at the French's Forest area on Friday September 15. The school children of the AGBU Alexander School performed in the special Welcoming Ceremony for the Armenian Olympic Team Wednesday, in a special outdoor amphitheater at the Athletes Village. The children performed a "G'day" song for which they had been in preparations for a number of months - as part of a special program organized by SOCOG to welcome athletes of different nations as they arrive to the village. The athletes were also welcomed by the Mayor of the village for that day, Stepan Kerkyasharian. The team was presented with an aboriginal message stick and witnessed an aboriginal dance. The children were thrilled to then have the opportunity to meet the athletes at a small reception after the Welcoming Ceremony. Present were also the Platinum Sponsors of the Armenian NOC Sydney, Mr. & Mrs. Arshak & Sophie Galstaun. The children and teachers reported to have felt a great deal of pride in their heritage and also quite emotional seeing the Armenian Olympic Team—in their Official Olympic uniforms—march into the amphitheater behind their country name. The athletes also, felt honored at the reception they received, and were pleased to see Armenian children keen to be around them and ask for their autograph. It cannot be underestimated how large an impact on our children the presence of the Armenian Olympic Team will be. The Armenian NOC Sydney is pleased to announce that 8 Armenian dancers have been chosen by SOCOG to perform in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games. Dancers are keeping their performance "Top Secret" but have advised us they will start by dancing with traditional Armenian dance movements (whilst other dancers perform movements of other nations) and will then join into a combined dance routine. "Watch out for the green ring" we were told. Our Armenian dancers will begin dancing with Europe - the green ring, and will then join the other Olympic Rings representing the rest of the world. As part of the delegation to arrive in Sydney for the 2000 Games, is 71-year-old Albert Azarian. This is Azarian's second visit to Australia - the first being in 1956 for the Melbourne Olympics, where Albert Azarian competed in Men's Artistic Gymnastics for the Soviet Union, winning two gold medals. Azarian then went on to win gold again in Rome in 1960. Here's what has been written about him: "On that famous day in December 1956, the Australian spectators at the Melbourne Olympic Games leapt from their seats with one bound to acclaim a Soviet gymnast of Armenian origin who had just achieved an act of gymnastic prowess never before seen. Suspended from the rings, Albert Azarian, world champion in that discipline since 1954, rose slowly into the air, separating his powerful arms with ease, a smile on his face, and all of a sudden performed that famous cross with quarter turn, first to the left and then to the right. This cross is called the " Olympic Cross". His fellow-gymnasts said of him that he was the embodiment of beauty of movement and of the physical force of the human being. Azarian also made a name for himself for his friendly ways and his exemplary fair play. In no international competition was he ever beaten on the rings. He was the king!" Azarian will be making an address at the Olympic Ball on September 16, at La Montage, Leichhardt. 7. Armenia-Iran Gas Pipeline Construction To Begin Soon YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenia's energy minister Karen Galustian told Armenpress that during his recent visit to Iran, he discussed the building of the Iran-Armenia gas pipe-line and other energy-related issues with Iranian officials. He added that both Iran and Armenia are ready to start the construction of the pipe-line as soon as possible. The Iranian section of the gas pipe-line will stretch 100 kilometers long and the Armenian section is to be about 40 kilometers long. According to Galustian, if the construction begins this autumn, it will be over by next autumn. This will allow Armenia to receive 1.5 million cubic meters of gas daily, in hopes of raising it to 4 million cubic meters later on. The preliminary cost of the project is estimated at $124 million. Each country is to carry out construction correspondingly on its territory. Galustian also noted that there was significant progress in collecting gas bills from both the private users and the enterprises. 8. Music Schools Under Threat Of Closing YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Teachers and principals of Yerevan's musical schools gathered at the Journalists' House on September 7 to protest against a recent decision of the parliament that raised the obligatory payments to the Pensions Fund from 2,500 drams (about $5) to about 5000 drams (about $10). This changes the teachers' salaries to equal 18,000 drams (about $40). "In two years there will be no musical schools in Yerevan because the parliament decision will force 2,700 teachers to leave the schools and search for other jobs," they complained. The teachers have sent complaints to the parliament speaker and even to the president, but no reaction has so far followed. "Who is going to listen to our complaints?" they asked, adding that the parliament's decision plays into the hands of "tough guys" who are looking forward to buying the buildings of the schools and turning them into casinos. 9. Russian Military Base In Armenia Meets CFET Requirements YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--As a part of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, a multinational inspection group of Turkey inspected the Russian military base located in Armenia from September 4 to 7. The inspectors reported that the headquarters of the Russian military base fulfilled all the CFET provisions in a prescribed manner. The inspection was carried out in the atmosphere of mutual confidence in compliance with the CFET requirements. 10. Armenian UN Office Pays Tribute To Murdered Colleagues YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--The UN Armenia Office held a mourning ceremony on Friday, in connection with the murder of three UNHCR officials in West Timor two days ago. "All officials of UN agencies across the world express their deepest condolences to the families of their murdered colleagues and once again raise a voice against terrorism and brutality against aid workers," UNHCR Representative in Armenia Thomas Birath said during the ceremony. What happened in West Timor casts aspersions on the UN Millennium Summit being held in New York and the 50th anniversary of the UNHCR, he added. But it again reminds the world leaders about the grave danger officials of international humanitarian organizations expose themselves to. Representatives of international humanitarian organizations always find themselves in difficult situations as they have to lend a helping hand to those in need and keep their own security in mind and not to put their lives in danger, Birath said. The aid program for 90,000 refugees in West Timor has been suspended as UN office workers have been evacuated from the country. This situation will be immediately explained to the refugees who are left without international aid and protection. The foreign ambassadors who were present at the ceremony kept a minute's silence to pay tribute to the memory of the killed UNHCR employees. Community News 1. ANCA-WR Banquet Kick-Off Party Yields Unprecedented Results and Great Excitement * Historic banquet to honor Dr. J. Michael Hagopian as 'Man of the Year' and 'Freedom Award' recipient Mourad Topalian. GLENDALE--Glendale Councilmember and Mrs. Rafi and Dzovig Manoukian, in conjunction with the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, hosted more than 70 guests and supporters at their Glendale home on Wednesday, Aug. 30, celebrating the kick off to the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet. With just less than a month to the most anticipated event of the year, ANCA-WR supporters and guests pledged their sponsorship of more than 40 tables during the evening, making any ANCA-WR Annual Banquet tables a hot commodity during the weeks leading to this historic event. In addition to the record number of table sponsorships, a considerable number of individual tickets were secured by the guests, resulting in a limited number of available tickets for the September 24 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet. The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet Kick-Off Party also gave supporters an opportunity to experience and hear about the results of their continued support during the year. ANCA-WR Chairman Berdj Karapetian, who was introduced by ANCA-WR Board member and Annual Banquet Committee Chairperson Karo Khanjian, thanked the guests, recognizing and emphasizing the importance of their attendance at the Kick-Off Party, as well as their assistance throughout the year, in driving forward the Armenian Cause. In his remarks, Karapetian also recognized a number of the attendees, as well as the hosts for the evening Rafi and Dzovig Manoukian for generously opening up their home for the evening. Karapetian went on to highlight some of the significant events of a politically charged year, drawing attention to a number of ANCA-WR activities. At the same time, he explained to the assembly that their generous support during the year, as well as during the weeks leading up to the Annual Banquet, allows the ANCA-WR to sustain its activities by the drawing on the necessary resources. The Board Chairman also invited for the guests to encourage others to become active supporters of the Armenian Cause, by taking advantage of the ANCA-WR various programs, such as the Washington, DC Leo Sarkissian Internship Program. At the same time, Karapetian introduced several past interns, who have continued their involvement with the organization. At the conclusion of his remarks, Karapetian invited Khanjian to conduct the pledge portion of the evening. With an enthusiastic start, the evening yielded great results and a strong showing of support for the ANCA-WR by the guests. This year, the ANCA-WR has chosen Armenian Film Foundation Chairman Dr. J. Michael Hagopian, producer and director of a number of documentaries, including the landmark trilogy "The Witnesses," as the recipient of the ANCA-WR prestigious 'Man of the Year' award. The ANCA-WR has also traditionally presented its 'Freedom Award' to an activist who has worked to advance the Armenian Cause. This year, Mourad Topalian will be the ANCA-WR Freedom Award recipient. Mourad, throughout the years as ANCA Chairman and community leader, has remained dedicated to Hai Tahd and the advancement of the Armenian Cause, at great personal sacrifice. This year's honorees have both demonstrated their unique brand of dedication and valor in driving forward the cause of the Armenian nation, and for this reason, the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet will be a historic event, celebrating courage and continued commitment to the Armenian Cause. The ANCA-WR Banquet will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School's Avedissian Hall, in Encino, California. A very limited number of tables still available at the $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 levels. Individual tickets may be purchased starting at $100. To reserve a table, purchase individual tickets or to place an ad in the program book, please contact the ANCA-WR offices at 818.500.1918. 2. Glendale ANC Hosts 'Mid-Summer' Gathering GLENDALE-The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter hosted 'Mid-Summer Night's Mixer' on Saturday, August 26, at the La Crescenta Armenian Center, where close to 90 supporters of the ANC-Glendale Chapter gathered to spend an evening meeting other politically active members of the community, as well speak with invited guests. The evening was highlighted by a short program, which began with ANC-Glendale Chapter Board Member Peter Hosharian's welcoming remarks to the guests and a brief overview of Armenian National Committee's national, regional and local activities. In his remarks, Hosharian emphasized the importance of community involvement and each individual's active participation in political and community affairs. Following his statement, Hosharian invited State Senator and 27th Congressional District candidate Adam Schiff to speak to the guests, sharing with them some of the latest news on the campaign front. Schiff, who has been endorsed by the Armenian National Committee-Political Action Committee, thanked the attendees, praising them for their involvement with and support of the ANC-Glendale Chapter. Schiff went on to speak about his record on Armenian-American issues, highlighting one of the most recent victories on behalf of the community-Senate Bill 1915, which allows Armenian Genocide survivors and their heirs to pursue claims on insurance policies sold to them and their families at the turn of the 20th Century, beyond the statue of limitations. Schiff also touched on his ideas for the future, calling on all of the attendees to actively take charge of that future by becoming involved in public affairs. Guests were treated to appetizers prepared by organizing committee members. In-kind and financial sponsorship of the evening came from Dario Frommer, Sarkis Pastry, Paradise Pastry, Movses Golden Pastry, Panos Pastry and Trader Joe's Grocery of Glendale. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Greg Hosharian. For more information on how to become involved with the ANC-Glendale Chapter, please contact 818.243.3444 or email anc-glendale@juno.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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