Guest Posted September 12, 2000 Report Share Posted September 12, 2000 1. Schiff, House Democrats Urge Passage of Genocide Bill GLENDALE--State Senator and Congressional hopeful for California's 27th District Adam Schiff has been working with the Democratic leadership of the US House of Representatives to ensure immediate passage of House Resolution 398--The Armenian Genocide bill. House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), issued a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), urging him to immediately schedule a vote for Hres 398 on the House floor. Sources in Washington indicated that House majority leader Richard Armey and House Majority Whip Tom Delay, both Republicans of Texas, have been vehemently oppossing the passage of this resolution. Below is the letter written by Richard Gephardt to Speaker Hastert. Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing to urge that you schedule for immediate floor consideration House Resolution 398, the "United States Training on and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Resolution.: As one of many Democratic Members of Congress who have been committed to obtaining official US Government recognition of the Armenian Genocide for many years, I was pleased to learn of your recent new-found interest in H. Res. 398. I was also heartened by initial reports that after languishing in the House International Relations Committee for almost a year, along with repeated refusals by the Republican Leadership and the Chairman of the International Relations Committee to take action, this resolution might now be acted upon by the House of Representatives. Despite the prospects of House action on H. Res. 398, I was subsequently disappointed to learn that you have merely authorized the International Relations Committee to begin deliberations on H. Res. 398, which may entail hearings, subcommittee markup and full committee consideration. Mr. Speaker, resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide have been introduced in the House of Representatives in each of the past several Congresses. I share the views of many in the Armenian-American community that this issue requires little if any additional deliberation by the House of Representatives. I also understand that opposition to this resolution by several Republican members of the International Relations Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights could result in its rejection by that subcommittee or delays that could prevent its being considered by the House before the end of the 106th Congress. In light of the above, I urge you to schedule H. res. 398 for immediate House floor consideration. Armenian-American communities throughout our nation have waited long enough for Congress to recognize the horrible genocide endured by many of their predecessors early in this century. I therefore implore you to avoid further delay or the possible derailment of this legislation. Sincerely, Richard Gephardt 2. Cem Says Turkey will Fight Against Genocide Bill ISTANBUL (Marmara)--Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem Monday, during a press conference in New York, where he is attending a summit of foreign ministers at the United Nations, said the he was extremely concerned over efforts in Congress to pass a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Cem pledged that the Turkish government and the press will do its utmost to prevent the passage of such a resolution. "We will be facing more difficulties in the future, since our opponents are doing a lot of work on this issue. The Armenians are addressing this matter far more than in the past," said Cem. The Turkish foreign minister said that the Armenians were taking advantage of the 2000 presidential campaign to bring forth this matter, adding that he had information indicating that similar efforts will be launched in France to garner the passage of a Genocide recognition resolution in the French Senate. Furthemore, he added that Armenians were attempting to raise the Genocide issue in countries such as Italy and Spain. He concluded by saying that presidents Jacques Chirac of France and Bill Clinton of the US have already expressed their opposition to such resolutions. On Tuesday, US National Security spokesman PJ Crowley said that the White House did not believe that resolution of the Genocide issue should be done through legislation. He further added that the passage of such a resolution in Congress would greatly impede the Nagorno-Artsax peace process and direct talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 3. World Council of Churches Official Visits Armenia ETCHMIADZIN (Noyan Tapan)--Dr. Konrad Raiser, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, arrived in Armenia on a three-day official visit, Tuesday, upon the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Dr. Konrad Reiser was accompanied by Teni Simonian, who is in charge of the Inter-Church Relations' Department of the WCC. The current visit is Dr. Konrad Reiser's second visit to Armenia. His Holiness noted that as the Armenian Pontiff he accorded importance to the ecumenical movement, to which is directed the activity of the Mother See's Inter-Church Relations' Department. His Holiness confirmed that the Armenian Church will continue to contribute to the WCC's mission. Dr. Konrad Reiser gave an assurance that the WCC continues to maintain the atmosphere of mutual understanding between the Christian Churches, as confessing in Christ. All those Churches have become the members of one and the same family, which are not strangers to one another. Referring to the Armenian Apostolic Church, the WCC Secretary General mentioned that the Armenian Church has a special place amongst the ancient churches not only by its 1700 years' history, but also by its specific character and nature. Taking the opportunity, His Holiness expressed gratitude to Dr. Reiser for the humanitarian assistance and aid the WCC has rendered to the people of Armenian through the WCC Armenia Round Table, and the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund offices established at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. During the meeting His Holiness and Dr. Reiser discussed issues related to the present situation and new developments of the WCC, as well as referred to the "Millennium World Peace Conference of Religious and Spiritual Leaders" held in New York last month. Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Secretary General of the Inter-Church Relations' Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and Bishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese, also attended the meeting. Following the meeting, His Holiness and Dr. Reiser paid a visit to the National Assembly (Parliament) and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia. An Ecumenical Worship Service will be held at the Church of Holy Resurrection of the city of Spitak, Thursday. Dr. Reiser will pay a visit to the construction site of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan, Friday. Dr. Reiser will hold meetings also with the WCC ART and ECLOF offices' staff members. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Secretary General of the World Church Council Rev. Conrad Raiser visited the Constitutional Court of Armenia, Tuesday. Participants in the meeting at the Constitutional Court discussed the issues of the "Christianity and Right" conference to be held in Yerevan October 4 and 5, as well as of the celebrations on the occasion of the 17th centenary of proclamation of Christianity in Armenia. Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik Harutiunian pointed out that the participants in the conference jointly organized by the Armenian Apostolic Church and Constitutional Court will discuss the basic principles of justice and human rights formulated in the Bible, legal value of the ecclesiastic decisions of the Armenian Apostolic Church , as well as other spiritual and human rights problems. Both clergymen and lawyers are scheduled to make reports. Delegates from different countries, and Armenian clergymen from the Diaspora will participate in the conference. 4. Armenia To Seek Additional Conditions For Medzamor Closure YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Armenian parliamentarians will on Wednesday push for the softening of Yerevan's pledge to shut down the Medzamor nuclear station in the year 2004 at meeting with a delegation from the European Parliament by demanding that it be linked to additional conditions. The head of the parliament's foreign relations department, Shmavon Shahbazian, told RFE/RL that the demands will be voiced at a session in Yerevan of a joint parliamentary commission, which is due to issue a statement expressing support for Armenia's efforts to forge closer ties with the European Union. Medzamor's closure figures prominently in a draft document prepared by EU lawmakers. Shahbazian said the Armenian side will try to make several amendments in the document. "The issue of the nuclear plant's closure must be directly linked to the issue of providing Armenia with alternative sources of energy which are located on Armenian territory," he said. He added that Yerevan expects an EU commitment to assist in the planned construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and to seek the lifting of Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, which he said threaten Armenia's energy security. Armenian energy officials insist that Medzamor, which accounts for 40 percent of power generated in the country, can operate after 2004 without posing any danger to the environment. The Medzamor nuclear power station, which was brought to a halt in July for planned technical inspection and repair, will resume energy generation "in late November," Energy Minister Karen Galustian said on Monday. Galustian said the ongoing installment of modern equipment will render the plant even safer than it is now. The Soviet-built Medzamor accounts for 40 percent of electricity generated in Armenia each year. Its reactivation in 1995 helped to end severe power shortages that had crippled the country. Under an agreement with the European Union, the Armenian government is to close the plant in 2004. But some senior energy officials in Yerevan have said that Medzamor will not be shut down until they find an alternative source of energy. Medzamor executives have insisted repeatedly that it poses no danger to Armenia and neighboring states. Russia's Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeny Adamov, whose agency was deeply involved in the plant's reactivation, said last November that it can operate safely for another 20 years. Galustian said that a total of $40 million has spent to date on the improvement of safety standards at Medzamor. 5. Armenian Cemetery in Tehran Placed on Historic Register TEHRAN (Alik)--The Armenian cemetery located in the Dolab neighborhood on the outskirts of the Iranian capital of Tehran has been placed on the national register of historical monuments. The cemetery began to be considered the final resting place of numerous Armenians more than 150 years ago, during the reign of Qajar Dynasty. Countless Iranian-Armenian leaders, intellectuals, writers and religious figures are buried at the cemetery, which has not had a burial there in more than 40 years. A new cemetery adjacent to the historic site serves as the new burial ground for the Armenian community. One of the improtant edifices at the cemetery is a church constructed on the site of the tomb of the unknown soldier--a World War II memorial. 6. Armenia, Artsax Forces Stage Joint Exercises STEPANAKERT (Haiastani Hanrapetutiune)--For the first time in history, the armed forces of Armenia and Nagorno-Artsax Republic staged joint military exercises in Artsax, using real combat artilery. At the conclusion of the exercises, Armenia's defense minister Serge Sarkisian praised this effort, commending the military combat readiness of the troops from both republics. 7. Two Armenian Films Win Prizes at Yalta Festival YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—Two Armenian films won prizes at the cinema festival held in Yalta September 2-7. At his Tuesday news conference, film director, member of the jury of the Yalta festival, Ruben Gevorgian said that Tigran Khzmalian's documentary "The King Dies" won second place in one of the 12 categories. In the "Search" category, Artistic Director of the Yerevan Pantomime Jyrair Dadadian received first place, a gold statuette "A lady with a dog" for his works on spiritual themes that were shot at the "Shoghakat" studio of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Over 200 films shot in all the post-Soviet countries were demonstrated at the festival. Armenia presented six films shot at the "Yerevan," "Shoghakat" and "Kokhb" studios. After preliminary review, two Armenian films were allowed to participate in the festival. The festival jury headed by well-known journalist Alexander Bovin included 13 members from different countries. The festival was organized by the "Mir" interstate company. Director of the Armenian branch of the company Karl Yalanuzian was awarded the prize "Kind Heart." Ruben Gevorgian expressed concern over the fact that the delegations of all the countries were accompanied by musicians and other workers of culture and art due to sufficient financing (for instance, president of Azerbaijan and Georgia sponsored the trips of these countries' delegations). The Armenian delegation did not have such resources. According to Gevorgian, "our leaders do not understand that people abroad are interested not in the political situation in our country, but in our culture which is the visiting card for the world and needs particular attention." Gevorgian also said that at the "Movieshock" festival being held in Anapa Albert Mkrtichian's film "A Funny Bus" has been demonstrated. 8. Prosecutor Confirms Norayr Yeghiazarian's Death Was Accidental YEREVAN (Armenpress)—"The relatives of Norayr Yeghiazarian, who was found dead in his prison cell August 29, do not cast doubt on our conclusion that he had either died of a heart attack or had been electrocuted by a water-heater in his cell," a prosecutor told Armenpress. Norayr Yeghiazarian was arrested on charges of illegal arms selling to the members of the terrorist group that attacked the Armenian parliament last October 27, killing the country's prime minister and parliament speaker and six other senior officials, Mikael Badirian, a prosecutor of the Yerevan Erebuni community, said that though the final forensic conclusion of coroners who made the autopsy, had not been yet received, there was no doubt that Yeghiazarian's death was an accident. "The theory of premeditated death was examined, but after interrogating Yeghiazarian's fellow-prisoners and the results of the preliminary investigation, this theory was ruled out," Badirian said. Badirian also said that Yeghizarian's dead body had been given to his relatives for burial. 9. Prosthetics Center in Stepanakert to Be Renovated YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—The activities of the Caroline Cox Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center of Stepanakert were discussed at a Saturday meeting held between Artsax President Arkady Ghoukassian and the Vice-Speaker of the British Parliament's House of Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox. The guests acquainted Ghoukassian with a number of projects dealing with the expansion of specialized aid rendered to war-disabled veterans. Experts of a leading orthopedic clinic in Great Britain are expected to pay a visit to Artsax in the near future. At the same time a group of British physicians made a statement regarding an initiative to purchase modern medical equipment for the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center. Ghoukassian stated that Artsax authorities are considering the issue of housing the center in a newer building. It is necessary for the center not only to render medical aid but also to have an opportunity to receive invalid patients from different parts of the country. Appreciating the activities of the center, Ghoukassian expressed confidence that it will be possible to restore many people to normal life due to the joint efforts. The participation of Christian Solidarity International in the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia was also discussed. 10. Law "On Military Obligation" to Be Amended YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—At its Tuesday meeting the Armenian Parliament approved in their first reading two bills on amendments to the Law "On military obligation." The Parliamentary Committee for Education, Science, Culture and Youth Affairs proposed an amendment releasing from military obligations persons having academic degrees of candidates and doctors of sciences if they are engaged in professional, research or teaching activities. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for State and Legal Affairs Victor Dallakian proposed an amendment under which certain categories of servicemen have the right to serve in military units near their places of residence. Under another amendment, brothers called up to military service may serve in the same military unit. Referring to the data provided by the government, Dallakian pointed out that 17,116 unmarried mothers having 10,777 sons had been registered in Armenia by January 1, 2000. 11. Committee on Tourism Set up to Facilitate 1700th Celebration YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—A regular meeting of the Commission on the reception and service of pilgrims and tourists coming to Armenia within the framework of arrangements marking the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia took place on last Thursday. Executive Secretary of the Church Office on the 17th Centenary Celebrations Hovnan Terterian served as the chair. Church office executives told Noyan Tapan that the meeting had decided to set up a 7-member executive body within the structure of the Commission. The elected executive body represents 17 travel agencies and tour companies operating in Armenia, which, jointly with the Church Office, are to organize and co-ordinate all visits of pilgrims and tourists to the country. The Office has officially announced that the specialized body is the only authorized body of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Executive Board on the 17th Centenary Celebrations that will see to all organizational matters and will be involved in the co-ordination of all issues concerning tourism within the framework of the forthcoming celebrations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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