Guest Posted July 8, 2000 Report Share Posted July 8, 2000 1. 12,000 Flock to Homenetmen 25th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies 2. AYF Founding Member, Hachigian, Passes Away at 86 3. Oct. 27 Preliminary Investigation To Be Completed 4. Prosecutor's Office Begins Energy Sector Corruption Probe. 5. Aliyev Calls On Austria To Help Resolve Artsax Conflict 6. Ex-Defendant In Oct. 27 Case Presents Facts On Violence 7. National Assembly Passes Bill -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. 12,000 Flock to Homenetmen 25th Navasartian Closing Ceremonies VAN NUYS--More than 12,000 people flocked to Birmingham High School athletic field on Tuesday to spend the July 4 holiday at the Homenetmen's 25th Navasartian Games and witness the impressive closing ceremonies which ended more than a month of athletic competition. The Ararat mountains were reconstructed at the center of the field and the stage was adorned by trophies and medals which would become the property of winning athletes and their teams. Colorful pipes depicted the region's 18 Homenetmen chapters and the Navasartian torch burned at the center of the field. At 4:30 p.m., the Homenetmen Regional Scouting Council members, accompanied by Regional Executive chairman Manuel Marselian led the procession of guests to the field. The procession included the 25th Navasartian Honorary president Ashkhen Pilavjian and Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Following the ceremonial permission by the Honorary President, the Homenetmen regional scout master Harout Madenian presented the cue for the commencement of the closing ceremonies, at which time the Homenetmen color-guard bearing the flags of the US, Armenia, the Nagorno-Artsax Republic, Homenetmen and the state flags of California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. A second color-guard bearing the flags of the US and Armenia symbolizing the 25th Navasartian Games made their ceremonial entrance on to the field. The US and Armenian national anthems were performed by Hovig Krikorian while Haratch Nahadag was performed by the Homenetmen Western Regional marching band. Following the flag ceremony, Master of Ceremonies Viggen Davidian presented the special guests of the Navasartian Closing Ceremonies, among them were Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Armenia's Consul to Los Angeles, Norair Ghoulamian; the Homenetmen Navasartian honorary president Ashkhen Pilavjian; Homenetmen Central Executive member Koko Balian and Jirair Sarkissian; Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee member Mardig Gaboudian; the representative of the Nagorno-Artsax Republic in the Middle East Garo Kebabjian; the year 2000 Exemplary Homenetmen member Shant Haytayan; Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.); Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-43); Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti; Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian; representative of Assemblyman Jack Scott (D-44), Paul Patatian; Republican candidate for the 43rd Assembly District Craig Missakian; Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region board member Karekin Khanjian and the formed chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America Mourad Topalian. Following the introductions, Davidian invited Rep. Sherman to the podium, who after highlighting the importance of Homenetmen activities presented Marselian with a US flag which flew over Capitol Hill as a symbol of Homenetmen's contribution to American life. A similar gesture was made by State Assemblyman Scott Wildman, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the State Assembly and praised Homenetmen's in the education of the youth. Davidian then read the congratulatory notes sent to the Homenetmen on the occasion of the Navasartian Games from President Bill Clinton and Governor Gray Davis. The MC welcomed the 12,000 community members and thanked all of them for their support of Homenetmen activities. He also called for a moment of silence for all the Homenetmen members who have passed away, leaving their eternal mark on the organization. Past Homenetmen president were invited to light the Navasartian torch. Participating in this ceremony were Hagop Ovayan, Stepan Baghboudarian, Sarkis Arevian, Garbis Chekherdemian, Maggie Sarkouni, Haig Hovsepian, Koko Balian, Shant Haytayan, Raffi Sarkissian, Mher Tavidian and Manuel Marselian. In his remarks, Marselian reported on the accomplishments of the Homenetmen and expressed the organization's gratitude to the countless volunteers and members who make the games a possibility every year. Marselian also made special mention of Honorary President Ashkhen Pilavjian and Exemplary Member Shant Haytayan, who have demonstrated their commitment to the goals and ideals of the organization through their moral and financial contribution to the Homenetmen. Bishop Mardirossian commenced his blessing remarks by praising Homenetmen on its continued efforts to realize the mission of educating generations of Armenians throughout the world. Following the Bishop's address, the long-awaited parade of athletes and Homenetmen members began, after the command from Scout troop master Harout Madenian. One by one the 18 chapters began to march around the track, bearing the tri-color flags and the names of the respective chapters. For the first time, the newly established Homenetmen Walnut Creek chapter took part in the parade and received ovations for its participation. Also taking part in the parade were the athletes from Armenian Black Belts Association. The parade announcers Regional Executive member Garbis Chekherdemian and Horizon Television English news anchor Ani Hovannisian outlined each chapter's achievements and Navasartian wins. Following the parade, Bishop Mardirossian was joined on the stage by Pilavjian, Marselian, Balian, Sarkissian and Western Regional Athletic Council chairman Raffi Ispendjian for the distribution of trophies and medals. This was followed by an exuberant performance by the Glendale Hamazkayin Dance Troupe. This performance was followed by a martial arts show presented by the Los Angeles ABBA chapter. The finale of the evening included the participation of well-known singer Harout Pamboukjian who emerged from the peak of the Massis mountain at the center of the field. He was joined by the Homenetmen Ararat Dance Troupe choreographer Vartan Aghajanian who led his dancers in a dance accompanied by songs by Harout Pamboukjian. The Homenetmen Emblem shined in the middle of the two peaks, symbolizing the organization's commitment to preserving the Armenian heritage. Before closing the event, State Sen. Adam Schiff, who had just arrived at the ceremony, greeted the excited crowd in Armenian and commended the Homenetmen for its efforts in providing a healthy alternative to the Armenian youth. He also presented a US flag which flew over the State Capitol. The evening's festivities continued into the late hours at the Navasartian festival, the details of which will be presented in the following weeks. 2. AYF Founding Member, Hachigian, Passes Away at 86 SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–One of the founding members of the Armenian Youth Federation, Popken J. Hachigian of Springfield, an Armenian civic and cultural leader, died July 4 at Baystate Medical Center. He was 86. Under the leadership of Gen. Karekin Njdeh Hachigian was one of the founding member of the Armenian Youth Federation in 1933, and served on one of its first Central Executive. An active member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Hachigian was one of the pillars of decades-old Springfield, Mass. Armenian-American community, and a leader and an activist in the pursuit of the Armenian Cause, serving as chairman of the Armenian National Committee there. He was instrumental in organizing Springfield area commemorations of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, raising the red-blue-orange Armenian flag at City Hall on April 24 in memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who died at the hands of the Turks between 1908 and 1917. Springfield Mayor Michael J. Albano proclaimed April 24 Armenian Genocide Recognition Day. Hachigian's parents were survivors of the Genocide. He was also a member and 40-year trustee of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Indian Orchard. He and two brothers owned and operated Koffee Kup Donuts for 50 years, and he retired in 1995. He also opened Annoushner Candy Store at Eastern Mall last year. Born and raised in Springfield, he was a graduate of the former Springfield Technical High School and attended American International College and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He also attended the Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Vartouhi Shirvanian; and two brothers, Haig H. and Vaskin Hachigian, both of Springfield. His sister, Satenig Zamanigian, predeceased him in 1995. He was the loving uncle of several nieces and nephews. The funeral was scheduled to be held Saturday, July 8 at St. Gregory Armenian Church at 10:00 am, with burial in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gregory Church, the Armenian Relief Society, or the Armenian National Committee, all at 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. 3. Oct. 27 Preliminary Investigation To Be Completed YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--The preliminary investigation of the October 27 case will be completed within five days, the Chief of the Investigation Department, Military Prosecutor's Office, chief of the investigation group Artak Haroutiunian announced. He went on to say that the volume of charges in relation to the seven members of the group that perpetrated the terrorist act, as well as in the relation to Armen Haroutiunian has been changed and new charges have been brought against them. Yet, he did not elaborate as to the articles of the charges. Haroutiunian also said that it will be before the completion of the preliminary investigation that the decision to send the case to court either in full volume or in separate proceedings will be made. Fifty working days will be assigned for the study of the materials of the Oct. 27 case after the completion of the preliminary investigation. If no substantiated petitions for the continuation of the investigation are presented, the case will be immediately sent to court. Military Prosecutor Gagik Jhangirian, who is supervising the preliminary investigation, said in his interview to the Hayastani Hanrapetutiun newspaper. He pointed out that the Investigation has not yet obtained any evidence concerning the leader of the crime. In his evidence, the principal defendant in the case, Nairi Hunanian, confirmed that he is the mastermind of the crime, and nobody abetted him. Jhangirian gave assurances that the arrests and detentions were made in accordance with the spirit and letter of the law. He pointed out that the persons charged with aiding and abetting the terrorist act were released as defendants Nairi Hunanian, Karen Hunanian, and Edik Grigorian retracted their preliminary evidence. "The preliminary investigation must have the courage to change its assessments, if these changes are based on the new evidence, but not defend its initial position at any price," Jhangirian said. As regards the statement about physical pressure being exerted on the defendants, Jhangirian said, "when the defendants retract their own written evidence on the basis of which they were arrested, they must try to justify themselves." He added that in his evidence about his accomplices, Hunanian used his old connections, meetings and contacts with them, so it is impossible that somebody else should have prompted him that. "Maybe during the trial, Hunanian himself will tell the real reasons for his behavior," Jhangirian said. He said that during the preliminary investigation the investigatory group was challenged several times for this reason. The Prosecutor's Office considered the arguments and rejected them as groundless. When asked about the unjustifiable politicization of the preliminary investigation, Jhangirian said: "Naturally, some political forces were not against the investigation taking the course desired by them, and their political tasks being carried out by the investigatory group. But the operational investigative group was not led by them and did all its best to complete the case within the law. I think it succeeded." Jhangirian denied the rumors that he reported to the Unity bloc and to Yerkrapah. He confessed that during the preliminary investigation he participated in the meetings of Unity and Yerkrapah at their invitations and provided limited information on the investigation. He pointed out that he also reported to the president on the investigation. 4. Prosecutor's Office Begins Energy Sector Corruption Probe. YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Upon receiving the findings of the parliamentary commission on Energy, the General Prosecutor's office opened criminal proceedings on June 26. According to Andranik Mirzoyan, on the same day the prosecutor office asked the parliament to provide all necessary documents to investigate corruption in the Armenia's energy sector. Speaking to reporters today at the Yerevan headquarters of the Union of Armenian journalists, Andranik Mirzoyan said that at least two month is needed to finish the investigation of the criminal case against former government officials who allegedly stole millions of dollars from the energy sector. So far no one has been indicted, and no one has been ordered not to live the country, Mirzoyan said. "We have no official suspect yet. We can reach that point only after doing extensive investigation," the investigator said, adding that the group has no fear to bring charges against any person, any official. Commenting on former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratian's demand that parliamentary commission head David Lokian and commission member Arshak Sadoyan be charged with slandering him, Gevork Danielian, a representative of state interests in the General Prosecutor's office, said that two appeals by the former Prime Minister were rejected because there was no evidence of crime. Asked whether the Prosecutor's office listened to the arguments presented by members of former ruling Armenian Pan-National Movement, Mirzoyan said that he has not received any official request or appeal from them. 5. Aliyev Calls On Austria To Help Resolve Artsax Conflict YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, who paid a two-day visit to Austria at the invitation of his Austrian counterpart Thomas Klestil, called on Austria and the OSCE on Wednesday to help solve the decade-long Nagorno-Artsax conflict, Itar-Tass reported. Speaking to a news conference after meeting with Thomas Klestil, Aliyev said the Artsax conflict could be solved to both sides' satisfaction with the help of the international community, the OSCE and the European Union. The Minsk Group shouldn't be the sole body in the solution of the conflict, the Azeri president said. Aliyev also informed the Austrian president about discussions held between Azerbaijan and Armenia and efforts made by Azerbaijan in settling the country's dispute with Armenia over Nagorno-Artsax. The Azerbaijani president hoped that Austria, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international organizations would be more involved in seeking a solution to the problem. Klestil pointed out the geo-strategic importance of the Caucasus, saying Austria is paying more attention to this region as current presidency-holder of the OSCE. Aliyev invited foreign countries, including Austria, to invest in Azerbaijan saying his country is rich in natural resources and has big economic potential. The visiting president also held meetings with Austrian National Council President Heinz Fischer, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Foreign Minister and the present OSCE President Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Aliyev and Pino Arlacci, the executive director of the United Nations International Drug and Crime Control Department also signed a document on Azerbaijan joining the United Nations International Drug Control Program. Out of regional countries, Iran, Armenia and Georgia joined the program in June 1999. 6. Ex-Defendant In Oct. 27 Case Presents Facts On Violence YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—The Presidential Human Rights Commission has urged the Prosecutor General's Office to take action in connection with the reported facts of torture and make an intradepartmental inquiry in this regard. The Commission took the decision on July 6 assuming the corresponding press articles as a basis. Commission Vice-Chairman Vardan Haroutiunian said that once the Commission members, who visited the jails, had learned about torture from the principal defendant in the case, Nairi Hunanian, and from Haroutiun Haroutiunian, Alexan Haroutiunian and Mushegh Movsissian, who were defendants then but later were cleared of charges. Another former defendant in the case, Nairi Badalian, also asserted that he had been subjected to torture while staying in custody. He made a detailed presentation of the facts during the Commission's meeting on July 6. He claimed that the torture had been ordered by the chief of the operative department of investigation prison No. 1 Manuk Mikaelian. Badalian did not rule out the possibility that there was a direct link between the action of the prison's chiefs and the Military Prosecutor's Office, but he acknowledged that he could not prove it due to lack of evidence. Badalian said that his lawyers were not allowed to see him when he made to stand at the wall without being allowed even to sit or get some sleep for twelve days on end. Despite the fact that the law does not put restrictions on lawyers' seeing their clients, the chief jail-keeper allowed meetings only on the basis of special permission of the chief of the investigation department or the military prosecutor. Thus, the lawyers were not allowed to see their clients more frequently than twice a month and there were months when even this option was denied to the lawyers. Badalian announced his plans to sue journalists Victoria Abrahamian, Narine Dilbarian and Margarita Stepanian, who had given false evidence against him, and some people whom he accuses of having used torture against him. 7. National Assembly Passes Bill YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—The special session of the National Assembly passed the bill "On the order of Honor" in its second reading July 6. At the government's suggestion, the order was renamed into "Hayastan" in the draft law adopted on June 27. Leaders of foreign states and governments, diplomatic representatives, economic, cultural, public and religious figures who have outstanding services in the advocacy of national interests of Armenia, its independence and establishment of democracy in Armenia will be rewarded with the order. Foreign citizens who have made a valuable contribution to the cause of strengthening the international peace will also be rewarded with the order. The session also passed the bill "On amendments to the Law". On state rewards of Armenia'" in its second reading, according to which, in contrast to the current law, the parliament members can be rewarded with orders of the Republic of Armenia, which, however, will still not be the case with the president. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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