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TOP STORIES
06/03/2005
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1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk
2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California
3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards
4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on
Armenian Genocide Conference
5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement
Program
6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board
7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding
1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenia's Prime Minister Andranik Margarian met with
Georgian
Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze and Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli in
Tbilisi to discuss bilateral relations, as well as ways of improving the
socio-economic situation in Javakhk, A-INFO reported.
Margarian suggested that Armenia could help in repairing the roads and
alleviating the acute socio-economic situation. The Georgian officials gladly
accepted Armenia's offer.
2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California
LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, arrived in
California on June 1. Greeting the Catholicos on his arrival were His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of North America; His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Eminence Archbishop Arsen Berberyan, His
Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan, several Diocesan clergy, Consul General
of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, as well as members of the Diocesan Council, and
Armenian organizations.
The Primate greeted and officially welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of the
Western Diocese, referring to the Pontifical visit of His Holiness and a
"Renaissance of Faith" for the entire Armenian community.
In turn, His Holiness expressed his happiness on the Occasion of his
Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese, which houses substantial Armenian
communities particularly in California and Los Angeles. His Holiness conveyed
his appreciation of the extensive efforts put forth by the Pontifical Visit
Committee in preparation of his visit. He expressed his eagerness to meet the
faithful of the Western Diocese in the various events which have been planned
for the three upcoming weeks, and to extend to them his blessings form the
other See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church was established on July 2,
1898 by His Holiness Mgrdich Khrimian, Catholicos of All Armenians. Taking
into
consideration the distance between California and the East Coast, the
center of
the Diocese, His Holiness Kevork V, Catholicos of All Armenians, established
the Western Diocese on Nov. 28, 1927. Bishop Karekin Khachadourian became the
first Primate. Although the Diocese was first centered in Fresno, the
headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1957 due to the growing Armenian
community
in Southern California.
Following the warm welcome at the airport, Catholicos Karekin II and his
entourage were escorted by the Primate and the greeting committee to the Ritz
Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, where a host of faithful had gathered awaiting the
arrival of their Supreme spiritual leader.
The faithful in attendance greeted the Catholicos with warm applause. The
Primate, once again, conveyed his warm greetings to the Pontiff and invited
him
to bless the attendees. His Holiness extended his Pontifical blessings from
the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to the faithful.
His Holiness gave an exclusive interview to Horizon TV on Friday morning.
REVISED Schedule
Transportation of Parishioners Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 5,
2005
St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church
1201 North Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90038
323-465-9008
2:00 p.m.
St. James Armenian Apostolic Church
4950 West Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 9056
323-295-4588
1:30 p.m.
Burbank Armenian Apostolic Church
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
818-558-7474
1:30 p.m.
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
700 South La Verne Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90022
323-269-0907
2:00 p.m.
St. Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church
1434 West Kenneth Road
Glendale, CA 91201
818-243-7808
2:00 p.m.
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
2215 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-449-1523
1:30 p.m.
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church
17231 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-344-4860
1:00 p.m.
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
148 East 22nd Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-650-8367
2:00 p.m.
3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards
YEREVAN (RFE-RL/Armenpress)--Senior legal experts from two leading
pan-European
organizations said on Friday that more amendments to Armenia's controversial
law on demonstrations are needed to bring it into conformity with European
standards on freedom of assembly.
The law was amended by the Armenian parliament last month and makes it easier
for political and other groups to organize public gatherings.
Senior representatives of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the
OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) welcomed
those changes at a seminar organized by them in Yerevan, but they said it
still
gives the authorities unjustified discretionary powers to restrict and block
street protests.
"There are still problems that need to be dealt with and solved, like, for
instance, the list of locations where meetings and rallies are forbidden or
the
distances between these places and a rally," said Gianni Buquicchio, secretary
of the Venice Commission.
Buquicchio said Armenian authorities have demonstrated their commitment to
amending the law following a Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
resolution, which called on the Armenian authorities to introduce
amendments to
the law on demonstrations and public assemblies by March 2005 to bring it into
full conformity with Council of Europe standards. "We want to see Armenia
develop both democratically and economically," he said.
The Armenian authorities say they have already accepted most of the Venice
Commission's recommendations on the issue. They argue that law-enforcement
officials can now disperse a demonstration only if it poses a threat to
"public
and state security." Another amendment simplified procedures for notifying
relevant authorities of plans to rally people in a particular location.
Deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian assured that changes will be
incorporated into the new law to clarify any vagueness, adding that
cooperation
with the Council of Europe will continue to ensure Armenia's full integration
into the "Wider Europe: New Neighborhood" program.
Representatives from Armenia and members of the Venice Commission will met in
Strasbourg on June 23-24 to discuss the draft, after which it will be
presented
to the National Assembly for a second reading. The referendum is expected to
take place no later than in October.
4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on
Armenian Genocide Conference
"The sad reality, Mr. Speaker, is that when it comes to facing the judgment of
history about the Armenian genocide, Turkey, rather than acknowledging the
truth, has instead chosen to trample on the rights of its citizens and still
maintain lies."
--Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Members of Congress this week expressed outrage and
disappointment at the Turkish Government's recent decision to block a planned
academic conference on the Armenian Genocide.
The event, organized by scholars from Turkey's Bilgi, Bogazici and Sabanci
Universities, was scheduled to take place May 25-27th at Bosphorus University.
In remarks of the House floor, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) commented that the government's forced cancellation of the
conference "further affirms the speculation that the image that the Turkish
Government has attempted to create for itself is nothing more than a desperate
attempt to create a facade. Contrary to what Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan
and
other Turkish officials would have us believe, the Government of Turkey is not
democratic, is not committed to creating a democracy, is not making an effort
to create better relations with Armenia and is definitely not ready to join
the
European Union."
Rep. Pallone went on to explain that the US "cannot sit by and allow any
nation that we consider an ally and a nation that is desperately seeking
admission into the European Union to behave in such a manner. To bring this
development into perspective, consider that according to current law in
Turkey,
dozens of US Senators and hundreds of Congressmen would be punished simply for
having voted for Armenian Genocide resolutions, spoken about the lessons of
this crime against humanity or commemorated the victims of the atrocity. So,
too, would the American academic establishment, human rights groups, the
mainstream media and just about everyone else aside from the Turkish Embassy
and its paid lobbyists here in Washington, DC"
Fellow Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg questioned the Turkish
Government's commitment to democracy and free speech. "An important test of
whether a country is a healthy democracy is whether someone can go out into a
town square and speak their opinions freely. When the Turkish government
cancels an academic conference like this and calls the participants traitors,
it becomes very clear that they have not made a sufficient commitment to
protecting free speech. These actions seriously undermine Turkey's
credibility," stated Rep. Knollenberg.
California Democrat Adam Schiff, author of the 2004 "Schiff Amendment" on the
Armenian Genocide, concurred. "The decision to hold a conference at Bogazici
University to discuss the Armenian Genocide held out promise that Turkey would
begin confronting all aspects of its Ottoman past. Cancellation of the
conference, and the Justice Minister's inflammatory accusation of 'treason,'
shows that Turkey's intellectual freedom and academic independence has taken
one step forward and two giant steps back. How much longer will it take modern
Turkey to recognize the facts of a genocide now 90 years old," asked Rep.
Schiff.
Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), who spearheaded a successful effort in 1996 to
cut foreign aid to Turkey due to its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide,
stated: "Turkish government pressure on historians from Bilgi, Bogazici and
Sabanci Universities to cancel the Armenian Genocide conference is yet another
indication of the Turkish government's repression of freedom of speech and
lack
of respect for academic freedom. The action exposes as a hollow gesture Prime
Minister Erdogan's call for a dialogue between Turkish and Armenian
historians. The Turkish government's labeling of Turkish academics as
'traitors' simply for discussing the Genocide amongst themselves underscores
the need for those of us here, in the United States, to call on Ankara to end
its campaign of genocide denial."
Urging Turkey to end its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, Michigan
Republican Thaddeus McCotter argued, "Only honesty can begin to ease the ache
of this evil perpetrated upon the Armenian people, and to further guard
against
a recrudescence of genocide anywhere in our world. Thus, any delay in
acknowledging and apologizing for their nation's abhorrent historical crime
only serves to embolden other proponents of genocide, and to implicate this
generation of Turks in the sins of the past."
Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) took direct aim at statements by Turkish Justice
Minister Cemil Cicek, who dubbed conference organizers as "traitors." "I
condemn the recent action taken by the Turkish government to censor academic
debate about the Armenian Genocide. Democracy and truth were thrown out the
window when Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek accused historians at three
prestigious Turkish universities of treason when they attempted to debate the
issue of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey does not deserve to be granted
membership in the European Union if they continue to shut down educated
discussion about this issue."
The Conference, titled "Ottoman Armenians During the Decline of the Empire:
Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy," was jointly organized by
the Comparative Literature Department of Bilgi University, the History
Department of Bogazici University and the History Program at Sabanci
University. Originally set to take place May 25th-27th at Bosphorus
University,
the schedule was to include over 30 papers by Turkish scholars from Turkey and
abroad.
In the days leading up to the conference, Turkish Government officials spoke
stridently against the conference and its organizers. Turkish Justice Minister
Cemil Cicek, in a speech before the Turkish Parliament on Tuesday, went so far
as to accuse the academics of "treason." The Minister described the
conference
as a "a stab in the back to the Turkish nation." Cicek expressed regret that,
as Justice Minister, he could not personally prosecute the organizers and
participants.
The government crackdown on the conference is the most recent chapter in the
Turkish government's 90-year campaign of genocide denial. This effort has
intensified in recent years. In 2003, Education Minister Hikmet Cetin issued a
decree making student participation in a nation-wide essay contest denying the
Armenian Genocide compulsory. The most recent revisions to the Turkish Penal
Code criminalize references to the Armenian Genocide and the removal of troops
from Turkish occupied northern Cyprus.
5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement
Program
Dr. Alber Karamanoukian joins effort to resettle Karabagh's border regions
STEPANAKERT--The Tufenkian Foundation this week announced a generous gift by
Dr. Alber Karamanoukiantowardits ongoing efforts to promote Mountainous
Karabagh's resettlement. Dr. Karamanoukian's gift of $20,000 will underwrite
the construction of one house and associated facilities in Arajamough, a new
village the Foundation is building in Karabagh's border regions.
Begun in 2004, Arajamough currently houses 25 resettlers, consisting of 6
families, most of them refugees from Azerbaijan. The village will welcome
another 6 families this fall. The Tufenkian Foundation is committed to
building
and resettling at least 6 houses per year until the Arajamough project is
completed.
"We are grateful to Dr. Karamanoukian for his generous support of this
project," stated Antranig Kasbarian, a Program Director withthe Foundation.
"Indeed, his support for resettlement extends beyond this project and toward
the larger vision of fortifying Artsakh--particularly its vulnerable border
regions--as a crucial component of our national security."
In turn, Dr. Karamanoukian praised the Foundation for itsefforts. "Resettling
Karabagh is of vital importance, particularly whenmany people stilllack decent
housing,facilities, and especially jobs. I commend the Foundation's commitment
to raising the bar in each of thesefields, and urge others to join the effort
to consolidate our victories on the ground."
The Arajamough project features newly built houses with modern amenities.
Alongside these, the Tufenkian Foundation isproviding water, power lines,
gravel roads, as well as administrative support in bolstering the village.
Future plans include animal husbandry and land cultivation, in order to
providesustainable livelihoods and to spureconomic growth insurrounding areas.
"Our view of resettlement is an integrated one, and moves beyond the usual
humanitarian-subsistence approaches," stated Kasbarian. "The Karabagh war
created many thousands of refugees and homeless persons; some of these have
left the area entirely, while many others continue to eke out an existence in
ruined areas amidst primitive conditions. Under such circumstances, our very
existence on these lands remains tenuous. If we are to attract Armenians back
and solidify our presence, then clearly having a roof over one's head is not
enough. Rather, people mustgain hope that there is a future living on these
lands, which is why modern facilities, infrastructure, and the promise of
economic activity are essential as well."
Dr. Karamanoukian is a prominent physician and businessman based in Glendale,
California. He has a long record of philanthropy toward Armenian causes.
The Tufenkian Foundation was established in 1999 by New York-based
entrepreneur James Tufenkian. The Foundation currently pursues a wide array of
projects in Armenia and in Karabagh, and also sponsors the "Armenian Forests"
NGO, which addresses environmental issues. To learn more about the
Foundation's
efforts, please see the Foundation's website at
www.tufenkianfoundation.org, or
contact Antranig Kasbarian at [email protected].
6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board
GLENDALE--After two weeks of special meetings and candidate forums, Dr. Vahe
Peroomian was appointed to the Glendale College Board of Trustees last
Thursday
in a 3 to 1 vote.
After the election of Trustee Ara James Najarian to the Glendale City Council
in April 2005, a vacant seat opened on the traditionally five-member Board of
Trustees. Seventeen applicants most with PhD, EdD JD, and MBA degrees vied for
that position, to make the procedure quite challenging.
"We had to create a system that surfaced the best candidate," said Dr. Armine
Hacopian, current member of the College Board. "Dr. Peroomian stood out from
the rest of the highly qualified candidates as he was a Ph.D. in the sciences
and had worked with transfer students from GCC at UCLA. Glendale Community
College has an excellent, state of the art, Cimmarusti Science center and we
need to bring much more focusto this excellent program and by selecting Dr.
Peroomian, we hope to do just that. He will be a great asset on the board and
that is why he received three out of the fourtrustee votes."
Several members of the community were on hand to vouch for Dr. Peroomian's
credentials. "Dr. Peroomian is not just a qualified candidate, he is an
excellent candidate. His experience in the sciences will give him a unique
voice on the board," praised Armond Gorgorian, Executive Direct during oral
comments. "His awards, achievements, and appreciative students are only an
additional testament to his wonderful character."
The list of final candidates included: Christina Rodriguez, a social science
instructor at East Los Angeles College; Ruth Sowby, an adjunct Glendale
Community College instructor and full time DeVry instructor; Tony Tartaglia,
president of the Glendale College Foundation and employee of Southern
California Gas Co.; Debra Dentler, an attorney an former GCC instructor;
Richard Jouroyan, a retired attorney who worked extensively with the Glendale
Unified School District; Stuart Wilcox, dean of instructional planning and
research at Pasadena City College; and Charles "Tye" Veden, a retired
businessman
"We are extremely proud of Dr. Peroomian and congratulate him, as well as the
Board of Trustees, for his appointment. Although he will no doubt leave a void
within our own organization as he leaves to commit his attention to the
college, we feel his role on the Board of Trustees will benefit the entire
Glendale community as well as the College community. We are confident that his
ability to be a consensus builder and strong leader as well as his
professional
background will make him a valuable voice on the Board especially as the
college embarks on appointing a new President," said Armenian National
Committee Director Alina Azizian in a statement on Friday.
7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
Since its inception in 1995 the Hamazkayin Summer Forum has provided a
friendly
and exciting environment for bright young Armenians. Students get the
chance to
learn a great deal about Armenian culture, discover the sites and sounds of
the
host country, and, most importantly, plant the seeds for lifelong friendships.
Thought provoking lectures, trips to historic destinations, and nights of
dancing and entertainment are only some of the activities the forum has to
offer. Past participants have called it "an experience of a lifetime."
Forum 2005, July 21-August 3, promises to be another exciting year with
visits
to Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Yeraplour, the, Armenian Manuscripts Museum
(Madenataran), the Sarian and Parajanov Museums, the Genocide Memorial
Monument
and Museum, and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The forum lecture
series this year features a diverse pool of speakers, including UCLA AEF Chair
Professor Richard Hovannisian, art historian and critic Shahen Khatchatrian,
and art curator Henrik Iguitian.
Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
By Betty Panosian
Summer is at our doorsteps and one keeps wondering what to do during the hot
and lazy months that may not only be of great entertainment, but also leave a
lasting impact on our lives. There's a whole package of summer fun and
adventure waiting for those college students who are ready to take the
opportunity of spending a couple of weeks full of unforgettable memories,
newly
found friendships, sightseeing trips, concerts and plays, lectures, and round
table discussions on present-day topics of interest...and all in the heavenly
countryside of our homeland Armenia and the bubbly streets of its capital
Yerevan.
Ever wanted to visit Armenia, but never had friends to go along with? Ever
wanted to have real fun in the lively cafes and clubs of Yerevan while at the
same time absorbing the culture and traditions of your ancestral country? Ever
felt troubled by issues concerning you as a youth of Armenian origin and
living
in the diaspora? Ever wanted to share your viewpoints and problems with people
of your age, but not finding any? Ever dreamed of having a web of friends from
all over the world?
"Hamazkayin Students Cultural Forum 2005" provides the answer. The
well-arranged timetable enables a participant to get imbued with the Armenian
heritage, and yet enjoy plenty of free and leisure time. With its cool days of
trips to historic Armenian landmarks, cultural lectures and social debates,
its
evenings of theatre and concert attendance, and its hot nights sizzling with
long hours of dancing and entertainment, "Forum 2005" promises to be a
singular
venue to take part in what has been called by previous participants "an
experience of a lifetime."
During the past decade, Armenian youth in the diaspora and the homeland have
had the opportunity to participate in this summer project, combining the
exciting and entertaining with the cultural and educational. These forums are
an interesting and successful effort to combine the ingredients for an
unforgettable summer vacation. Organized by the Hamazkayin Educational and
Cultural Society, one can be sure that they will provide a healthy and
friendly
environment. Get ready! Pack up! A whole bundle of entertainment is ahead!
For more information on the upcoming forum, visit www.hamazkayin.com or
contact Shoushig Arslanian at [email protected].
8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding
By Marie A. Dakessian, PhD
Rose and Alex Pilibos, Mary Postoian Preschool is the first and only Armenian
center for early childhood education to be funded by Los Angeles Universal
Preschool (LAUP) school, the highest distinction granted in Los Angeles
County.
Located in the Little Armenia district of Los Angeles, for over 30 years
Postoian has nurtured generations of 2, 3, and 4-year-olds in a high-quality
learning environment that has made it a source of great pride for the
community. "With this achievement, our years of hard work, professionalism,
and devotion to the education of young children were rewarded and validated,"
Preschool Director Takouhey Saatjian stated.
In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, a tobacco tax to fund
early childhood health and education programs. What emerged was First 5 LA, a
non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of LA County children.
Established under the auspices of First 5 LA, LAUP seeks--within ten years--to
provide a first-rate preschool education to every 4-year-old child living
in LA
County. This objective arises in response to a number of challenges faced by
the current preschool system, including overcrowding and underfunding.
LAUP aims not only to establish additional preschools in underserved areas,
but also to foster program enhancement at existing centers. To realize this
goal, LAUP announced its "Early Launch" program, the preliminary stage of its
comprehensive plan extending over the next several years. During this pilot
period, classrooms in 100 education centers will be approved and accepted into
the LAUP system. To date, approximately 2650 centers representing 94
classrooms
have attained this distinction, including Postoian Preschool.
The lengthy and detailed Early Launch process began last October.
Orientation
sessions were followed by written applications in November from centers that
met the established curricular, licensing, fiscal, and other criteria.
Based on
the limited scope of Early Launch, in December a lottery was used to select
applicants eligible for a site visit, the most rigorous phase of the process.
Visits were conducted in January and February, with results available by
March.
"Getting ready to welcome the LAUP team," Director Saatjian said, "was a very
challenging as well as exciting process." The site visit involved classroom
assessments based upon the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), a
widely used resource for program evaluation. Members of the UCLA Center for
Improving Child Care Quality, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County
Office of Child Care, performed the review. Factors such as teacher
qualifications, adult-to-child ratio, group size, program structure, daily
activities, cleanliness and personal care, classroom setup, interaction, and
supervision were considered. In addition, parent interviews gleaned
information regarding involvement and participation, issues whose
importance is
underscored by LAUP.
According to Rita Noravian, Postoian parent and PTO president, "The Preschool
prides itself on an open-door policy whereby parents are welcome at any
time to
communicate suggestions and concerns. Our parents are very involved with
programs and events throughout the year and regard themselves an integral part
of the Preschool." The evaluators also examined the facility's documents and
written policies concerning working conditions, qualifications, benefits,
professional development, retention, and community relationships.
As of April, Postoian became an LAUP school. This status ensures funding
for a
variety of enrichment programs, such as classes in music and movement as well
as in gymnastics; hands-on experiences during field trips; a summer program
which will provide 4-year-olds with skills necessary in kindergarten;
parenting
classes throughout the year; and additional professional development seminars
for staff members. LAUP's philosophy is grounded in educational progressits
expectation is that approved centers not only maintain recognized standards of
excellence, but that they continually improve upon them. Postoian Preschool
shares this belief. For example, its Early Childhood Education (ECE)
credentialed, highly experienced instructors possess the qualifications to
teach at even the elementary-school level, and they regularly participate in
professional training and enhancement workshops. In Rita Noravian's view, "The
faculty and administration excel every day at making the children's first
formal schooling experience a memorable and educational one."
Postoian also has consistently been accredited by NAEYC, the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. According to Saatjian, "Our
high-quality program, which complies with the California Department of
Education Pre-K guidelines and NAEYC standards, prepares 4-year-olds for
kindergarten through a bilingual curriculum. Children learn the Armenian
language and heritage as well as respect for our multicultural world."
For Saatjian, it's all about the children. Her dedication and commitment to
early childhood education is evident in her over 20 years of experience. She
recognizes the vital importance of a first-rate learning environment for
Armenian preschoolers. Without her foresight, resolve, and diligence, this
unprecedented achievement could not have been realized. As a Postoian parent
and PTO member, I heartily applaud this success, one that the entire Los
Angeles Armenian community can celebrate.
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TOP STORIES
06/03/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk
2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California
3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards
4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on
Armenian Genocide Conference
5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement
Program
6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board
7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding
1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenia's Prime Minister Andranik Margarian met with
Georgian
Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze and Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli in
Tbilisi to discuss bilateral relations, as well as ways of improving the
socio-economic situation in Javakhk, A-INFO reported.
Margarian suggested that Armenia could help in repairing the roads and
alleviating the acute socio-economic situation. The Georgian officials gladly
accepted Armenia's offer.
2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California
LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, arrived in
California on June 1. Greeting the Catholicos on his arrival were His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of North America; His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Eminence Archbishop Arsen Berberyan, His
Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan, several Diocesan clergy, Consul General
of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, as well as members of the Diocesan Council, and
Armenian organizations.
The Primate greeted and officially welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of the
Western Diocese, referring to the Pontifical visit of His Holiness and a
"Renaissance of Faith" for the entire Armenian community.
In turn, His Holiness expressed his happiness on the Occasion of his
Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese, which houses substantial Armenian
communities particularly in California and Los Angeles. His Holiness conveyed
his appreciation of the extensive efforts put forth by the Pontifical Visit
Committee in preparation of his visit. He expressed his eagerness to meet the
faithful of the Western Diocese in the various events which have been planned
for the three upcoming weeks, and to extend to them his blessings form the
other See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church was established on July 2,
1898 by His Holiness Mgrdich Khrimian, Catholicos of All Armenians. Taking
into
consideration the distance between California and the East Coast, the
center of
the Diocese, His Holiness Kevork V, Catholicos of All Armenians, established
the Western Diocese on Nov. 28, 1927. Bishop Karekin Khachadourian became the
first Primate. Although the Diocese was first centered in Fresno, the
headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1957 due to the growing Armenian
community
in Southern California.
Following the warm welcome at the airport, Catholicos Karekin II and his
entourage were escorted by the Primate and the greeting committee to the Ritz
Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, where a host of faithful had gathered awaiting the
arrival of their Supreme spiritual leader.
The faithful in attendance greeted the Catholicos with warm applause. The
Primate, once again, conveyed his warm greetings to the Pontiff and invited
him
to bless the attendees. His Holiness extended his Pontifical blessings from
the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to the faithful.
His Holiness gave an exclusive interview to Horizon TV on Friday morning.
REVISED Schedule
Transportation of Parishioners Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 5,
2005
St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church
1201 North Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90038
323-465-9008
2:00 p.m.
St. James Armenian Apostolic Church
4950 West Slauson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 9056
323-295-4588
1:30 p.m.
Burbank Armenian Apostolic Church
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
818-558-7474
1:30 p.m.
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
700 South La Verne Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90022
323-269-0907
2:00 p.m.
St. Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church
1434 West Kenneth Road
Glendale, CA 91201
818-243-7808
2:00 p.m.
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
2215 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-449-1523
1:30 p.m.
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church
17231 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-344-4860
1:00 p.m.
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
148 East 22nd Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949-650-8367
2:00 p.m.
3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards
YEREVAN (RFE-RL/Armenpress)--Senior legal experts from two leading
pan-European
organizations said on Friday that more amendments to Armenia's controversial
law on demonstrations are needed to bring it into conformity with European
standards on freedom of assembly.
The law was amended by the Armenian parliament last month and makes it easier
for political and other groups to organize public gatherings.
Senior representatives of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the
OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) welcomed
those changes at a seminar organized by them in Yerevan, but they said it
still
gives the authorities unjustified discretionary powers to restrict and block
street protests.
"There are still problems that need to be dealt with and solved, like, for
instance, the list of locations where meetings and rallies are forbidden or
the
distances between these places and a rally," said Gianni Buquicchio, secretary
of the Venice Commission.
Buquicchio said Armenian authorities have demonstrated their commitment to
amending the law following a Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
resolution, which called on the Armenian authorities to introduce
amendments to
the law on demonstrations and public assemblies by March 2005 to bring it into
full conformity with Council of Europe standards. "We want to see Armenia
develop both democratically and economically," he said.
The Armenian authorities say they have already accepted most of the Venice
Commission's recommendations on the issue. They argue that law-enforcement
officials can now disperse a demonstration only if it poses a threat to
"public
and state security." Another amendment simplified procedures for notifying
relevant authorities of plans to rally people in a particular location.
Deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian assured that changes will be
incorporated into the new law to clarify any vagueness, adding that
cooperation
with the Council of Europe will continue to ensure Armenia's full integration
into the "Wider Europe: New Neighborhood" program.
Representatives from Armenia and members of the Venice Commission will met in
Strasbourg on June 23-24 to discuss the draft, after which it will be
presented
to the National Assembly for a second reading. The referendum is expected to
take place no later than in October.
4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on
Armenian Genocide Conference
"The sad reality, Mr. Speaker, is that when it comes to facing the judgment of
history about the Armenian genocide, Turkey, rather than acknowledging the
truth, has instead chosen to trample on the rights of its citizens and still
maintain lies."
--Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Members of Congress this week expressed outrage and
disappointment at the Turkish Government's recent decision to block a planned
academic conference on the Armenian Genocide.
The event, organized by scholars from Turkey's Bilgi, Bogazici and Sabanci
Universities, was scheduled to take place May 25-27th at Bosphorus University.
In remarks of the House floor, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) commented that the government's forced cancellation of the
conference "further affirms the speculation that the image that the Turkish
Government has attempted to create for itself is nothing more than a desperate
attempt to create a facade. Contrary to what Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan
and
other Turkish officials would have us believe, the Government of Turkey is not
democratic, is not committed to creating a democracy, is not making an effort
to create better relations with Armenia and is definitely not ready to join
the
European Union."
Rep. Pallone went on to explain that the US "cannot sit by and allow any
nation that we consider an ally and a nation that is desperately seeking
admission into the European Union to behave in such a manner. To bring this
development into perspective, consider that according to current law in
Turkey,
dozens of US Senators and hundreds of Congressmen would be punished simply for
having voted for Armenian Genocide resolutions, spoken about the lessons of
this crime against humanity or commemorated the victims of the atrocity. So,
too, would the American academic establishment, human rights groups, the
mainstream media and just about everyone else aside from the Turkish Embassy
and its paid lobbyists here in Washington, DC"
Fellow Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg questioned the Turkish
Government's commitment to democracy and free speech. "An important test of
whether a country is a healthy democracy is whether someone can go out into a
town square and speak their opinions freely. When the Turkish government
cancels an academic conference like this and calls the participants traitors,
it becomes very clear that they have not made a sufficient commitment to
protecting free speech. These actions seriously undermine Turkey's
credibility," stated Rep. Knollenberg.
California Democrat Adam Schiff, author of the 2004 "Schiff Amendment" on the
Armenian Genocide, concurred. "The decision to hold a conference at Bogazici
University to discuss the Armenian Genocide held out promise that Turkey would
begin confronting all aspects of its Ottoman past. Cancellation of the
conference, and the Justice Minister's inflammatory accusation of 'treason,'
shows that Turkey's intellectual freedom and academic independence has taken
one step forward and two giant steps back. How much longer will it take modern
Turkey to recognize the facts of a genocide now 90 years old," asked Rep.
Schiff.
Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), who spearheaded a successful effort in 1996 to
cut foreign aid to Turkey due to its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide,
stated: "Turkish government pressure on historians from Bilgi, Bogazici and
Sabanci Universities to cancel the Armenian Genocide conference is yet another
indication of the Turkish government's repression of freedom of speech and
lack
of respect for academic freedom. The action exposes as a hollow gesture Prime
Minister Erdogan's call for a dialogue between Turkish and Armenian
historians. The Turkish government's labeling of Turkish academics as
'traitors' simply for discussing the Genocide amongst themselves underscores
the need for those of us here, in the United States, to call on Ankara to end
its campaign of genocide denial."
Urging Turkey to end its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, Michigan
Republican Thaddeus McCotter argued, "Only honesty can begin to ease the ache
of this evil perpetrated upon the Armenian people, and to further guard
against
a recrudescence of genocide anywhere in our world. Thus, any delay in
acknowledging and apologizing for their nation's abhorrent historical crime
only serves to embolden other proponents of genocide, and to implicate this
generation of Turks in the sins of the past."
Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) took direct aim at statements by Turkish Justice
Minister Cemil Cicek, who dubbed conference organizers as "traitors." "I
condemn the recent action taken by the Turkish government to censor academic
debate about the Armenian Genocide. Democracy and truth were thrown out the
window when Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek accused historians at three
prestigious Turkish universities of treason when they attempted to debate the
issue of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey does not deserve to be granted
membership in the European Union if they continue to shut down educated
discussion about this issue."
The Conference, titled "Ottoman Armenians During the Decline of the Empire:
Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy," was jointly organized by
the Comparative Literature Department of Bilgi University, the History
Department of Bogazici University and the History Program at Sabanci
University. Originally set to take place May 25th-27th at Bosphorus
University,
the schedule was to include over 30 papers by Turkish scholars from Turkey and
abroad.
In the days leading up to the conference, Turkish Government officials spoke
stridently against the conference and its organizers. Turkish Justice Minister
Cemil Cicek, in a speech before the Turkish Parliament on Tuesday, went so far
as to accuse the academics of "treason." The Minister described the
conference
as a "a stab in the back to the Turkish nation." Cicek expressed regret that,
as Justice Minister, he could not personally prosecute the organizers and
participants.
The government crackdown on the conference is the most recent chapter in the
Turkish government's 90-year campaign of genocide denial. This effort has
intensified in recent years. In 2003, Education Minister Hikmet Cetin issued a
decree making student participation in a nation-wide essay contest denying the
Armenian Genocide compulsory. The most recent revisions to the Turkish Penal
Code criminalize references to the Armenian Genocide and the removal of troops
from Turkish occupied northern Cyprus.
5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement
Program
Dr. Alber Karamanoukian joins effort to resettle Karabagh's border regions
STEPANAKERT--The Tufenkian Foundation this week announced a generous gift by
Dr. Alber Karamanoukiantowardits ongoing efforts to promote Mountainous
Karabagh's resettlement. Dr. Karamanoukian's gift of $20,000 will underwrite
the construction of one house and associated facilities in Arajamough, a new
village the Foundation is building in Karabagh's border regions.
Begun in 2004, Arajamough currently houses 25 resettlers, consisting of 6
families, most of them refugees from Azerbaijan. The village will welcome
another 6 families this fall. The Tufenkian Foundation is committed to
building
and resettling at least 6 houses per year until the Arajamough project is
completed.
"We are grateful to Dr. Karamanoukian for his generous support of this
project," stated Antranig Kasbarian, a Program Director withthe Foundation.
"Indeed, his support for resettlement extends beyond this project and toward
the larger vision of fortifying Artsakh--particularly its vulnerable border
regions--as a crucial component of our national security."
In turn, Dr. Karamanoukian praised the Foundation for itsefforts. "Resettling
Karabagh is of vital importance, particularly whenmany people stilllack decent
housing,facilities, and especially jobs. I commend the Foundation's commitment
to raising the bar in each of thesefields, and urge others to join the effort
to consolidate our victories on the ground."
The Arajamough project features newly built houses with modern amenities.
Alongside these, the Tufenkian Foundation isproviding water, power lines,
gravel roads, as well as administrative support in bolstering the village.
Future plans include animal husbandry and land cultivation, in order to
providesustainable livelihoods and to spureconomic growth insurrounding areas.
"Our view of resettlement is an integrated one, and moves beyond the usual
humanitarian-subsistence approaches," stated Kasbarian. "The Karabagh war
created many thousands of refugees and homeless persons; some of these have
left the area entirely, while many others continue to eke out an existence in
ruined areas amidst primitive conditions. Under such circumstances, our very
existence on these lands remains tenuous. If we are to attract Armenians back
and solidify our presence, then clearly having a roof over one's head is not
enough. Rather, people mustgain hope that there is a future living on these
lands, which is why modern facilities, infrastructure, and the promise of
economic activity are essential as well."
Dr. Karamanoukian is a prominent physician and businessman based in Glendale,
California. He has a long record of philanthropy toward Armenian causes.
The Tufenkian Foundation was established in 1999 by New York-based
entrepreneur James Tufenkian. The Foundation currently pursues a wide array of
projects in Armenia and in Karabagh, and also sponsors the "Armenian Forests"
NGO, which addresses environmental issues. To learn more about the
Foundation's
efforts, please see the Foundation's website at
www.tufenkianfoundation.org, or
contact Antranig Kasbarian at [email protected].
6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board
GLENDALE--After two weeks of special meetings and candidate forums, Dr. Vahe
Peroomian was appointed to the Glendale College Board of Trustees last
Thursday
in a 3 to 1 vote.
After the election of Trustee Ara James Najarian to the Glendale City Council
in April 2005, a vacant seat opened on the traditionally five-member Board of
Trustees. Seventeen applicants most with PhD, EdD JD, and MBA degrees vied for
that position, to make the procedure quite challenging.
"We had to create a system that surfaced the best candidate," said Dr. Armine
Hacopian, current member of the College Board. "Dr. Peroomian stood out from
the rest of the highly qualified candidates as he was a Ph.D. in the sciences
and had worked with transfer students from GCC at UCLA. Glendale Community
College has an excellent, state of the art, Cimmarusti Science center and we
need to bring much more focusto this excellent program and by selecting Dr.
Peroomian, we hope to do just that. He will be a great asset on the board and
that is why he received three out of the fourtrustee votes."
Several members of the community were on hand to vouch for Dr. Peroomian's
credentials. "Dr. Peroomian is not just a qualified candidate, he is an
excellent candidate. His experience in the sciences will give him a unique
voice on the board," praised Armond Gorgorian, Executive Direct during oral
comments. "His awards, achievements, and appreciative students are only an
additional testament to his wonderful character."
The list of final candidates included: Christina Rodriguez, a social science
instructor at East Los Angeles College; Ruth Sowby, an adjunct Glendale
Community College instructor and full time DeVry instructor; Tony Tartaglia,
president of the Glendale College Foundation and employee of Southern
California Gas Co.; Debra Dentler, an attorney an former GCC instructor;
Richard Jouroyan, a retired attorney who worked extensively with the Glendale
Unified School District; Stuart Wilcox, dean of instructional planning and
research at Pasadena City College; and Charles "Tye" Veden, a retired
businessman
"We are extremely proud of Dr. Peroomian and congratulate him, as well as the
Board of Trustees, for his appointment. Although he will no doubt leave a void
within our own organization as he leaves to commit his attention to the
college, we feel his role on the Board of Trustees will benefit the entire
Glendale community as well as the College community. We are confident that his
ability to be a consensus builder and strong leader as well as his
professional
background will make him a valuable voice on the Board especially as the
college embarks on appointing a new President," said Armenian National
Committee Director Alina Azizian in a statement on Friday.
7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
Since its inception in 1995 the Hamazkayin Summer Forum has provided a
friendly
and exciting environment for bright young Armenians. Students get the
chance to
learn a great deal about Armenian culture, discover the sites and sounds of
the
host country, and, most importantly, plant the seeds for lifelong friendships.
Thought provoking lectures, trips to historic destinations, and nights of
dancing and entertainment are only some of the activities the forum has to
offer. Past participants have called it "an experience of a lifetime."
Forum 2005, July 21-August 3, promises to be another exciting year with
visits
to Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Yeraplour, the, Armenian Manuscripts Museum
(Madenataran), the Sarian and Parajanov Museums, the Genocide Memorial
Monument
and Museum, and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The forum lecture
series this year features a diverse pool of speakers, including UCLA AEF Chair
Professor Richard Hovannisian, art historian and critic Shahen Khatchatrian,
and art curator Henrik Iguitian.
Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days
By Betty Panosian
Summer is at our doorsteps and one keeps wondering what to do during the hot
and lazy months that may not only be of great entertainment, but also leave a
lasting impact on our lives. There's a whole package of summer fun and
adventure waiting for those college students who are ready to take the
opportunity of spending a couple of weeks full of unforgettable memories,
newly
found friendships, sightseeing trips, concerts and plays, lectures, and round
table discussions on present-day topics of interest...and all in the heavenly
countryside of our homeland Armenia and the bubbly streets of its capital
Yerevan.
Ever wanted to visit Armenia, but never had friends to go along with? Ever
wanted to have real fun in the lively cafes and clubs of Yerevan while at the
same time absorbing the culture and traditions of your ancestral country? Ever
felt troubled by issues concerning you as a youth of Armenian origin and
living
in the diaspora? Ever wanted to share your viewpoints and problems with people
of your age, but not finding any? Ever dreamed of having a web of friends from
all over the world?
"Hamazkayin Students Cultural Forum 2005" provides the answer. The
well-arranged timetable enables a participant to get imbued with the Armenian
heritage, and yet enjoy plenty of free and leisure time. With its cool days of
trips to historic Armenian landmarks, cultural lectures and social debates,
its
evenings of theatre and concert attendance, and its hot nights sizzling with
long hours of dancing and entertainment, "Forum 2005" promises to be a
singular
venue to take part in what has been called by previous participants "an
experience of a lifetime."
During the past decade, Armenian youth in the diaspora and the homeland have
had the opportunity to participate in this summer project, combining the
exciting and entertaining with the cultural and educational. These forums are
an interesting and successful effort to combine the ingredients for an
unforgettable summer vacation. Organized by the Hamazkayin Educational and
Cultural Society, one can be sure that they will provide a healthy and
friendly
environment. Get ready! Pack up! A whole bundle of entertainment is ahead!
For more information on the upcoming forum, visit www.hamazkayin.com or
contact Shoushig Arslanian at [email protected].
8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding
By Marie A. Dakessian, PhD
Rose and Alex Pilibos, Mary Postoian Preschool is the first and only Armenian
center for early childhood education to be funded by Los Angeles Universal
Preschool (LAUP) school, the highest distinction granted in Los Angeles
County.
Located in the Little Armenia district of Los Angeles, for over 30 years
Postoian has nurtured generations of 2, 3, and 4-year-olds in a high-quality
learning environment that has made it a source of great pride for the
community. "With this achievement, our years of hard work, professionalism,
and devotion to the education of young children were rewarded and validated,"
Preschool Director Takouhey Saatjian stated.
In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, a tobacco tax to fund
early childhood health and education programs. What emerged was First 5 LA, a
non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of LA County children.
Established under the auspices of First 5 LA, LAUP seeks--within ten years--to
provide a first-rate preschool education to every 4-year-old child living
in LA
County. This objective arises in response to a number of challenges faced by
the current preschool system, including overcrowding and underfunding.
LAUP aims not only to establish additional preschools in underserved areas,
but also to foster program enhancement at existing centers. To realize this
goal, LAUP announced its "Early Launch" program, the preliminary stage of its
comprehensive plan extending over the next several years. During this pilot
period, classrooms in 100 education centers will be approved and accepted into
the LAUP system. To date, approximately 2650 centers representing 94
classrooms
have attained this distinction, including Postoian Preschool.
The lengthy and detailed Early Launch process began last October.
Orientation
sessions were followed by written applications in November from centers that
met the established curricular, licensing, fiscal, and other criteria.
Based on
the limited scope of Early Launch, in December a lottery was used to select
applicants eligible for a site visit, the most rigorous phase of the process.
Visits were conducted in January and February, with results available by
March.
"Getting ready to welcome the LAUP team," Director Saatjian said, "was a very
challenging as well as exciting process." The site visit involved classroom
assessments based upon the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), a
widely used resource for program evaluation. Members of the UCLA Center for
Improving Child Care Quality, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County
Office of Child Care, performed the review. Factors such as teacher
qualifications, adult-to-child ratio, group size, program structure, daily
activities, cleanliness and personal care, classroom setup, interaction, and
supervision were considered. In addition, parent interviews gleaned
information regarding involvement and participation, issues whose
importance is
underscored by LAUP.
According to Rita Noravian, Postoian parent and PTO president, "The Preschool
prides itself on an open-door policy whereby parents are welcome at any
time to
communicate suggestions and concerns. Our parents are very involved with
programs and events throughout the year and regard themselves an integral part
of the Preschool." The evaluators also examined the facility's documents and
written policies concerning working conditions, qualifications, benefits,
professional development, retention, and community relationships.
As of April, Postoian became an LAUP school. This status ensures funding
for a
variety of enrichment programs, such as classes in music and movement as well
as in gymnastics; hands-on experiences during field trips; a summer program
which will provide 4-year-olds with skills necessary in kindergarten;
parenting
classes throughout the year; and additional professional development seminars
for staff members. LAUP's philosophy is grounded in educational progressits
expectation is that approved centers not only maintain recognized standards of
excellence, but that they continually improve upon them. Postoian Preschool
shares this belief. For example, its Early Childhood Education (ECE)
credentialed, highly experienced instructors possess the qualifications to
teach at even the elementary-school level, and they regularly participate in
professional training and enhancement workshops. In Rita Noravian's view, "The
faculty and administration excel every day at making the children's first
formal schooling experience a memorable and educational one."
Postoian also has consistently been accredited by NAEYC, the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. According to Saatjian, "Our
high-quality program, which complies with the California Department of
Education Pre-K guidelines and NAEYC standards, prepares 4-year-olds for
kindergarten through a bilingual curriculum. Children learn the Armenian
language and heritage as well as respect for our multicultural world."
For Saatjian, it's all about the children. Her dedication and commitment to
early childhood education is evident in her over 20 years of experience. She
recognizes the vital importance of a first-rate learning environment for
Armenian preschoolers. Without her foresight, resolve, and diligence, this
unprecedented achievement could not have been realized. As a Postoian parent
and PTO member, I heartily applaud this success, one that the entire Los
Angeles Armenian community can celebrate.
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