Land and Culture Organization Continues Renovations in Northern and Southern Armenia

PASADENA — the Union International de Organisation Terre et Culture (UIOTC)/Land and Culture Organization (LCO) chapters from France, the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium and Armenia held this year’s annual meeting in Lyon, France. 2013 projects and plans for the upcoming 2014 campaigns were reviewed. Members of the Lyon Armenian community attended a fundraising cultural program at the AGBU Armenian Center for a presentation about the OTC/LCO mission and its projects.

The board discussed the status of ongoing projects, including Syria. In the 1980-1990s, OTC/LCO restored Karadouran’s village church and three traditional Armenian dwellings in Kessab, one of which is used as the Kessab ethnographical museum. During this current crisis in Syria, Armenian refugees from Aleppo, Yacoubiyah, and other areas found shelter in these homes until the recent attack on Kessab.

During the 2013-summer campaign, 20 volunteers from Canada, England, France, Russia, and the United States launched a new project in southern Syunik region in Shikahogh. The village of Shikahogh is located in the dense Shikahogh State Reserve, Armenia’s second largest forest reserve. Volunteers lived in the village while renovating the 16th century Sourp Stepanos Nakhavegah Church with inscriptions from the 13th century. The church is in a state of collapse from years of neglect during Soviet times. The 2013 group cleared the site and conducted archaeological excavations. Swords and artifacts from the 17-18th century era of David Beg were discovered during the digs. In 2014, a new group of volunteers will start on the restoration phase of the project.

Another ongoing project is the 7th-10th century Tchitchkhanavank in Shirakamut, in the northern Shirak region near Spitak. LCO already completed archaeological excavations in 2011 and 2012 with the restoration phase beginning this summer. Completion date of this historic site is expected to be summer of 2015. This summer’s campaign dates will be July 20-August 17. More campaign information can be found at www.lcousa.org.

As the Armenian nation continues to struggle with many challenges in Syria, Karabakh, and Armenia, LCO strives to be diligent in solidifying Armenian historical presence and remains committed to the restoration of Armenian cultural heritage. These landmarks are the only tangible, physical proof of Armenians existence on the land. The LCO mission is to preserve our past and secure our future.

For over 36 years, LCO has been one of the earliest volunteer groups in Armenia and Karabakh working to restore, renovate, and rejuvenate the historical monuments and sites of our nation. It has performed this mission through its summer campaigns, by volunteers of every age from the Diaspora and Armenia. To learn more about LCO or join in our summer volunteer program, you may reach us at www.lcousa.org.

Land and Culture Organization Continues Renovations in Northern and Southern Armenia

3 of 22 Armenians Kidnapped From Kessab Freed

An Address to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs

YEREVAN (Armradio.am) — The Political Science Association of Armenia in its session of March 29, 2014, adopted an Address to the Heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs on the settlement of the Karabakh Conflict in connection with the unbecoming to the status of a head of state attacks of the Azerbaijani President on the Armenian people and undisguised territorial claims to the Republic of Armenia. Because of the danger of political behavior of the head of neighboring state to the peace and stability in the region on March 31, 2014, the text of the Address has been delivered to the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the States – Permanent Members of the UN Security Council: H.E. Tian Changchun (China), H.E. Henri Reynaud (France), H.E. Ivan Volinkin (Russia), H.E. Katherine Leach (the UK), H.E. John Heffern (the US). The Text of the Address has been also disseminated among all International Missions accredited in the Republic of Armenia. Below is the full text of the address, presented by the Chairman of the Political Science Association of Armenia, Doctor of Political Science Hayk Kotanjian.

“On March 19, 2014, at the nationwide festivities of Nowruz, the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a number of groundless statements, regarding which the Political Science Association of Armenia feels obligated to address the Heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – Honorable Presidents of France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America.

Judging by the political content, the choice of the date for the Azerbaijani “royal” leader’s speech was conditioned not only by the desire to congratulate his people on the occasion of Nowruz – a holiday that dates back to the Iranian culture, but also by the intention to use the current international political situation for the benefit of the Azerbaijani President’s traditional policy of torpedoing the process of peace settlement of the Karabakh conflict, mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group.

Along with a bunch of Armenophobic clichés, such as “Armenia is a fascist state”, an arbitrary interpretation of the norms and principles of International law, the concepts of “historical justice” and “historical lands”, as well as territorial claims to the Republic of Armenia, fraught with actual threat of war, the mentioned speech contains some other formulations incompatible with the status of a head of state.

The key message of Aliyev’s speech is that the territorial integrity of a state, Azerbaijan in this case, cannot be violated without the state’s consent, so the settlement under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group seeks to “restore” the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and return the Azerbaijanis to the “ancient Azerbaijani lands”, which, in his opinion, include a significant portion of the territory of the Republic of Armenia. The Azerbaijani President’s militaristic interpretation of the right to self-determination, although contradicts the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter, Paragraph 2, Article 1, Chapter I, reading: “To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace”, yet fully reflects the essence of his credo.

The President of our neighboring state, declaring that “the international law coupled with the force factor” comes to the forefront in the contemporary international relations, distorts the gist of the latter. This statement of the head of the neighboring country contains a new threat of genocidal acts against the Armenians of the RA and NKR, like the massacres committed by the Azerbaijani authorities against the Armenian population in Sumgait, Kirovabad (Arm. Gandzak) and Baku in 1988-1990. This threat of systemic violence proclaimed by the Azerbaijani President is perceived particularly ominous as we approach the centenary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.

In his statements, the leader of the neighboring state proceeds from the ungrounded premise that the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh is not legitimate, because the establishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a product of the referendum of December 10, 1991, carried out in compliance with Article 6 of the USSR Law of April 3, 1990, “On Procedures for Regulation of Issues Related to Secession of the Union Republics from the USSR”, was not agreed with the Azerbaijani SSR. The reality was that, Azerbaijan, having declared its withdrawal from the Soviet state and the Soviet jurisdiction prior to the referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh, legislatively fixed the waiver of the necessity to coordinate with it the further fate of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, on November 26, 1991, in violation of Article 3 of said USSR Law, imperatively preserving “the right of peoples of autonomous republics and autonomous entities to decide independently whether to remain in the USSR or in a seceding union republic, as well as to pose the question of the legal status of their state”, Azerbaijan adopted the law on abolition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. And this despite the fact that, at the decline of the USSR, namely in the referendum on preservation of the Soviet Union, held on March 17, 1991, the vast majority of the Azerbaijani SSR population voted for keeping the Soviet Union. The Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast did not participate in voting. It should be noted, that the Mission on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe recognized the Azerbaijan Law of November 26, 1991, on abolition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast as unconstitutional. In addition, in order to clarify the political and historical, political and legal bases of the relationship between the equal Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (the Artsakh Republic) and the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is important to pay attention to the undeniable political and legal fact of Nagorno-Karabakh never being a part of independent Azerbaijan.

In the historically complex period at issue, Nagorno-Karabakh based on the principle of equality of peoples under the supervision of international observers exercised its right to self-determination through the nationwide referendum on December 10, 1991, in full compliance with the requirements of international law and pursuant to the then-effective Soviet legislation. In addition, the final political and legal formalization of the results of the referendum under the provisions of the USSR Law “On Procedures for Regulation of Issues Related to Secession of the UnionRepublics from the USSR” of April 3, 1990, ruled out any coordination with the Azerbaijani SSR and the USSR because they had been formally abolished by then. At the same time, it is important to note that, by the documents of the Commission for Nagorno-Karabakh referendum and in line with the letter of the UN Charter, the Azerbaijani minority was granted equal rights with the Armenian majority to free expression of will. Despite this, the Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh, at the directions of Baku authorities, had to waive their right to participate in the referendum.

Thus, the legal self-determination of NKR and the declaration of state independence took place within the context of the downfall of the single union state and emergence of new nations, including the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Neither well-founded are Ilham Aliyev’s attitudes from the perspective of the UN International Court of Justice, which, based on Paragraph 2, Article 1, Chapter I of the UN Charter, in its Advisory Opinion of July 22, 2010, announced the following conclusion: “No general prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council… General international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence”.

In its turn, Ilham Aliyev’s comment on stirring up “international law coupled with the force factor” gives rise to doubts regarding the inadequate perception of the theory and practice of contemporary international relations by the Head of State – President of Azerbaijan.

The philosophy of contemporary international relations implies prioritized pursuit of ways for peaceful political resolution of issues on the basis of the fundamental principles of international law, including the peoples’ right to freely determine their own fate refraining from the use or threat of force. This is the approach the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Countries adopted in their continued efforts to prevent the escalation of the Karabakh conflict and find a mutually acceptable peaceful solution to it.

The Political Science Association of Armenia considers this publicly proclaimed Armenophobic and bellicose rhetoric as another attempt by the head of the neighboring state to withdraw from a peaceful, constructive dialogue, a disregard for the efforts of the international partners, and reluctance to take political responsibility for establishing a lasting peace between the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the peoples of the entire region. Substitution of the existing problem of protecting democratic freedoms and human rights in his own state for creating an enemy image of the Armenian people, and the accents placed by President Aliyev corroborate his rejection of democratization of Azerbaijan. All of this gives reason to attract the world community attention, including the honest sons and daughters of the Azerbaijani people, to the fact that the hereditary regime of the Republic of Azerbaijan continues undermining the OSCE Minsk Group efforts to build trust between the parties to the Karabakh conflict, rejecting the truth and thereby the recognition of the legality of the 1991 referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh, the legitimacy of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a realistic ground for peaceful coexistence of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.

On behalf of Armenia’s community of professional political scientists, the Political Science Association appeals to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs with a request to draw the attention of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the inadmissibility for an official of a head-of-state status to arbitrarily interpret the norms of international law, sponsor the distortion of the historical truth, the propaganda of xenophobia and war, as these contradict the values, mission, goals and principles of the UN, the OSCE and the OSCE Minsk Group.”

An Address to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs

Armenian Agriculture Hit Hard By Late Blizzard

YEREVAN — An unprecedented spring snowstorm accompanied by freezing temperatures swept through Armenia over the weekend, causing what appears to be massive damage to local agriculture.

The heavy snowfall also blocked some Armenian highways and forced the government to cancel classes in schools and universities across the country on Monday. The national meteorological service warned of a further drop in temperatures expected on Tuesday night.

Farmers in fruit-growing areas south and west of Yerevan bore the brunt of the highly unusual weather condition that killed early blossoms on their orchards serving as a key source of their modest income. Its severe consequences of were particularly palpable in the southern Armavir province.

Farmers in two local villages told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) that they will hardly harvest any apricots, peaches, plums or other fruits this summer.

“Ninety-nine percent of my crops are gone,” one man in Voskehat village said as he showed the freeze damage inflicted on his trees. “My grove got frozen last year and the same happened now,” he added grimly.

“I’m 60 and I’ve never seen a snowfall like this at the end of March,” said a woman in neighboring Hovtamej village. “Nothing was spared.”

The calamity also struck vast apricot groves in the low-lying parts of Aragatsotn, a partly mountainous province in central Armenia. “The frost has killed the whole crop,” said a farmer in Lernamerdz, a local village.

The snowstorm left the affected rural households fretting over not only their survival in the months ahead but also repayment of their agricultural loans extended by commercial banks. Mkrtich Hovannisian, a middle-aged farmer in Hovtamej, said he has no choice but to borrow another loan to clear his outstanding debt. Neither he nor other villagers anticipated any significant compensation from the government.

The Ministry of Agriculture last week pre-warned farmers of the anticipated sharp fall in temperatures, recommending a set of protective measures meant to minimize damage. But it did not forecast the snowfall that rendered such efforts meaningless.

The ministry said on Monday with the cold snap not expected to recede before Wednesday the farmers should still heat their greenhouses and burn firewood to protect their crops with smoke. It also said it has set up working groups to evaluate the damage to the Armenian agricultural sector.

Armenian Agriculture Hit Hard By Late Blizzard

Cher and Kim Kardashian Twit on Kessab Events

American Armenian singer Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian), who has more than two million followers in her Twitter blog, touched upon the events, taking place in the Armenian-populated village-town of Kessab in Syria, asking to clarify what is really going on there. “Please check out what’s going on in Kessab, Syria. Innocent Christians and Armenians being killed by Turks”, – wrote the singer.

Kim Kardashian has also made a note in her Twitter blog: “If you don’t know what’s going on in Kessab please google it, its heart breaking!

As an Armenian, I grew up hearing so many painful stories!” Then she made another note: “Do not let the history repeat itself”. In another note Kardashian wrote: “Praying for everyone”.

The Kessab events got an enormous response in different social networks. Celebrities directed their appeal to the international community to pay attention to events in Kessab. Borussia Dortmund football player Nuri Sahin of Turkish origin has posted the hashtag #SaveKessab in his Facebook profile for the sake of the Kessab.

Cher and Kim Kardashian Twit on Kessab Events

U.S. and Russia Voice Concern Over Attacks Against Kessab

The United States and Russia have issued statements expressing concern over the fate of Armenian-populated Kessab in Syria that has been under attacks by Islamic militants in recent days.

During a daily briefing in Washington on Friday U.S. Department of State deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said the United States is “deeply troubled by recent fighting and violence that is endangering the Armenian community in Kessab, Syria, and has forced many to flee.”

More than 600 ethnic Armenian families had to flee their homes in the town situated in the northwest of Syria after armed bands reportedly affiliated with al-Qaeda penetrated from nearby Turkish territory and seized the place after clashes with Syrian government troops. The Armenians took refuge in Latakia, some 60 kilometers to the south of their community.

“There are far too many innocent civilians suffering as a result of the war. All civilians, as well as their places of worship, must be protected. As we have said throughout this conflict, we deplore continued threats against Christians and other minorities in Syria,” she said. “And as you may have seen from the readout of President Obama’s conversation with Pope Francis yesterday, they discussed among other things the plight of minorities, especially Christians, inside Syria today.”

The U.S. Department of State representative also referred to some statements issued by groups fighting in Kessab saying that they will not target civilians and will respect minorities and holy places. “We expect those commitments to be upheld. The United States will continue its steadfast support to those affected by violence in Syria and throughout the region, including Syrian Armenians. We have long had concerns about the threat posed by violent extremists, and this latest threat to the Armenian community in Syria only underscores this further,” Harf said.

This statement by the U.S. official was followed by a remarkable exchange with a reporter attending the daily briefing.

One question said: “According to reports in Turkey, the Foreign Minister Mr. Davutoglu planned a provocative act inside Syria so Turkey has the excuse to invade Syria. Do you want to comment on this?” After clarifying whether the question referred to an alleged phone conversation and getting an affirmative answer, the deputy spokesperson replied: “As I said yesterday, I don’t have anything for you on alleged calls or conversations that are out there among Turkish officials.”

“But Mr. Davutoglu…said that the tape is genuine.” To this statement Harf replied: “Again, not for me to comment on those allegations that are out there.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia also disseminated a statement on Friday expressing concern over the attacks against the Armenian-populated town of Kessab conducted with the support of artillery and heavy materiel. It strongly condemned the acts of terrorism and other crimes against civilians, clearly stating that tank guns were applied from the territory of Turkey.

“The seizure by extremists of the town of Kessab elicited a broad response in Armenian communities throughout the world. A demonstration took place in front of the UN office in Yerevan with the demand for the persecution against ethno-confessional minorities by illegal armed units to be put an end to in Syria. Simultaneously, the leadership of the Republic of Armenia expressed its gratitude to the Syrian government for the defense of the Armenian population,” the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

“The impression is that more vigorous activities by extremists are aimed at preventing the resumption of intra-Syrian negotiations, depriving the Syrians of the possibility of a political and diplomatic settlement, thwarting the process of Syria’s chemical demilitarization. Such a scenario is inadmissible,” it added.

US State Department Daily Briefing Video for March 28, 2014

National Council of Churches Calls on President Obama to Restore Stability to the Armenian Communities of Kessab

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Council of Churches (NCC) has sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing concern about the plight of Christian communities in Syria specially the depopulation of Armenian community of Kessab, stating: “While Syrians of all religious communities are caught up in this horrible conflict, of particular concern to us are the Christian communities, which are often the most vulnerable.”

“One situation that has just come to our attention is the attack on the Armenian villages of Kessab. Though this attack comes in the wider context of the overall Syrian conflict, it nevertheless has brought death and destruction to the Christian communities there,” the NCC letter reads in part. The letter specifically urged the President to “safeguard the vulnerable Christian communities” and to “restore stability to the Armenian communities of Kessab.”

Founded in 1950, the NCC has been a leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. The 37 NCC member communions – from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches – include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.

Following is the full text of the letter signed by James Edward Winkler, President and General Secretary and A. Roy Medley, Chair, National Council of Churches

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama,

The National Council of Churches has been, since its inception, an advocate for peace in the

Middle East. No matter the particular circumstances that have prompted our call for specific

actions to bring about peace over the years, our position has been very much guided by the

perspective of our church partners living in the region.

One of the most violent crises in today’s Middle East is the ongoing conflict in Syria. While

Syrians of all religious communities are caught up in this horrible conflict, of particular

concern to us are the Christian communities, which are often the most vulnerable.

One situation that has just come to our attention is the attack on the Armenian villages of

Kessab. Though this attack comes in the wider context of the overall Syrian conflict, it

nevertheless has brought death and destruction to the Christian communities there. Those

Christians that managed to escape the carnage are now living as refugees.

On behalf of the National Council of Churches, we would urge you to be vigilant in your

efforts to end the Syrian conflict, and among these efforts find a way to especially safeguard

the vulnerable Christian communities, and particularly to restore stability to the Armenian

communities of Kessab. With membership in the Council that includes churches with roots in

the Middle East, including the Armenian community, we stand ready to assist you in these

efforts in whatever way we can.

National Council of Churches Calls on President Obama to Restore Stability to the Armenian Communities of Kessab

Nairit Chemical Plant’s Debts To Be Settled ‘As Part Of Re-launch Plan’

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The debts of Armenia’s idling chemical giant, Nairit, will be included in the program on the plant’s reoperation, according to a government official.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisian said on Friday that the loans borrowed for the repayment of wage arrears to the rubber plant’s employees will not become a burden for Armenian taxpayers.

A few days ago the minister said that the government planned to take a loan to repay Nairit’s debts that amount to tens of millions of dollars. He did not elaborate on the source and terms of crediting.

“These loans have nothing to do with the budget, they will be included in the plant’s reoperation program,” Movsisian explained.

Asked about when exactly the plant was set for re-launch, the minister replied: “We will announce it as soon as the roadmap becomes clear.”

Today Nairit, which employs more than 3,000 workers, most of whom are furloughed with partial pays, owes wages to its workers for more than a year. Its wage arrears alone amount to $14 million. The plant has also accumulated debts for electric power, natural gas and water that it has consumed as well as over other activities.

In January, by the decision of the Moscow Arbitration Court, Nairit’s owner, offshore company Rhinoville Property Limited with a 90-percent stake, was obliged to pay to the CIS Interstate Bank a sum of $107 million on account of outstanding loan commitments. Later, the same court ruled that more than $25 million should be levied from Nairit in favor of the Interstate Bank.

Karen Israyelian, who was Nairit’s director in 2005-2007, says that if Rhinoville Property Limited had lived up to its investment commitments, the company would not be in its current situation today. According to the former manager, the government also has its share of responsibility for this situation.

“Had the government managed to exercise proper control instead of trusting Nairit’s management it would be possible to prevent the current situation. By January 1, 2009, Rhinoville should already have invested $60 million, but it hadn’t. The government was aware of that and it could have overtaken the stocks from Rhinoville under the terms of the contract,” Israyelian said.

The main hope today for the reoperation of the plant that has been mostly idling in the last four years is connected with Russia’s largest oil company, Rosneft.

“Negotiations are in progress, the feasibility study is now being completed,” Energy Minister Movsisian said.

Last summer Rosneft hired a British company, Jacobs Consultancy, for conducting a technical audit at Nairit to determine the potential of the enterprise to produce chloroprene rubber from butadiene. According to Minister Movsisian, the audit findings on the technology have been positive.

Nairit Chemical Plant’s Debts To Be Settled ‘As Part Of Re-launch Plan’

Public Appeal for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey

The Armenian organisation AGBU Europe, the European Grasroots Anti-racist Movement (EGAM) and the Turkish movement DurDe! (“Say Stop”) call upon all concerned to sign onto a public appeal issued on the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide that will take place on April 24, 2014. The appeal calls upon all Europeans to join in these commemorations in a spirit of “recognition, solidarity, justice, and democracy”.

The text has already received the support of such celebrities as public intellectual Bernard Henry-Levy, writer Tahar Ben Jelloun and international celebrity Charles Aznavour as well as numerous civil society leaders from around Europe. The appeal is due to be published in newspapers in many countries in early April.

The campaign now also has a dedicated website at www.remember24april1915.eu, where supporters are invited to sign onto the appeal, as well as a dedicated facebook page.

April 24 this year will be the second time a joint EGAM-AGBU Europe delegation takes part in the commemorations in Turkey. In addition to Istanbul, the three organizations are also involved in organizing genocide commemorations in Van and Diyarbakir, in the east of the country.

Commenting on the commemorations to come, DurDe leader Levent Sensever said that “this question is very important for people in Turkey. How we resolve it will have an enourmous influence on what our country will be like in the future. DurDe aspires to a democratic society that does not tolerate impunity and that values its remaining diversity instead of promoting nationalism and prejudice. We also owe it to the Armenians to recognize the crime, to apologize and to see what should be done about it now.”

According to Benjaming Abtan, President of EGAM, further noted that “Turkish society is at a historic turning point. A struggle is being waged between denialism on the one hand, and democracy on the other. This year, Turkish civil society will commemorate the genocide. Cities, such as Diyarbakir and Van, will commemorate it too. The State could soon be the last major institution to deny the truth of the genocide.”

The campaign on the web: http://www.remember24april1915.eu/

The campaign on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Remember24April2015

AGBU Europe: www.agbueurope.eu

DurDe!: www.durde.org

EGAM: http://egam-eu.blogspot.be/

Public Appeal for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey

Armenia Backs Russia over UN Resolution on Ukraine

NEW YORK — Armenia voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Thursday that reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and recognized as illegal the referendum in Crimea that led to the peninsula’s annexation by Russia.

The document was approved by a vote of 100 to 11, with 58 nations abstaining. Among the countries that also voted against the resolution are Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

According to international news agencies, more countries than expected eventually voted in favor of the document that essentially labels Russia as an aggressor.

On Wednesday a source at the Armenian Foreign Ministry told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service (Azatutyun.am) that Armenia was likely to abstain.

But in an explanatory note before the vote Armenia’s Representative to the UN Karen Nazarian said: “Armenia has consistently and over years taken a principled position on the promotion of democracy, freedoms and rights, including and in particular the equal rights and self-determination of peoples as universal values and principles, embraced by this Assembly, based on the UN Charter.”

Armenia Backs Russia over UN Resolution on Ukraine

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Welcomes Consul General of Armenia Sergey Sarkisov

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, during a Board Meeting, welcomed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Don Knabe introduced Sergey Sarkisov to the audience, congratulated him on the occasion of his appointment and expressed hope for future effective cooperation.

The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors presented the plague of recognition to the Consul General of RA.

Sergey Sarkisov expressed his satisfaction that the Consulate General of Armenia and the Board of Supervisors had formed such a warm atmosphere for a professional and immediate contact. He expressed his hope for the future cooperation to last in the same friendly atmosphere.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Welcomes Consul General of Armenia Sergey Sarkisov

"Armenian Genocide Survivors and the Woven Art" Conference in Glendale

GLENDALE — The Armenian Rugs Society has organized a conference entitled “The Armenian Genocide Survivors and the Woven Art.” The conference will examine the impact of the Armenian Genocide on the weaving traditions of the Armenian culture. The event will take place at the Glendale Public Library on Sunday, March 30, from 3 to 7 pm.

This conference aims to illuminate the Armenian Genocide from the perspective of the woven art in its widest scope: rugs, embroideries, lace work, handkerchiefs, textiles, and so on. The artists were widows and orphans, survivors who from the massacres in the mid-1890s through the decades following World War I maintained their sanity and dignity by keeping busy with gainful occupations. In a sense, traumatized as they were, they mocked life’s unfairness and cruelty by producing what was beautiful and ennobling. Their manufactured articles reached Europe, the United States and elsewhere. People purchased them out of humanitarianism, but by doing so they also enriched themselves with priceless artworks.

The following speakers will participate: Gevork Nazaryan, “Armenian Weaving Centers in the Ottoman Empire on the Eve of the Genocide”; Harold Bedoukian, “Armenian Orphans and Orphanages: Their Contribution to the Carpet Weaving World”; Hratch Kozibeyokian, “The Revival of an Ancient People and Their Crafts in Post-World War I Aleppo, Syria”; Susan Lind-Sinanian: “Stitching to Survive: Handcrafts of Armenian Widows and Orphans, 1896-1930”; Garabet Krikor Moumdjian, “Why such conferences matter.” Levon Der Bedrosian will deliver the opening remarks and introduce the speakers.

Several historic Armenian rugs will be on display during this unprecedented event; including a 16th century fragment of an Armenian inscribed rug, as well as a signed “Orphanage” rug that was woven by Armenian orphans.

After the conference, a fund raising auction will take place which will feature many Armenian and other handmade rugs that will be auctioned to benefit the cultural and educational activities of the Armenian Rugs Society.

Glendale Public Library is located at 222 Harvard Street, Glendale, California, 91205.

Admission is free. Additional parking is available in the Glendale Marketplace parking structure that is located across the street on Harvard.

The Armenian Rugs Society was established in 1980 and is dedicated to the study, preservation and documentation of the artistic and cultural contributions made by Armenian rug weavers to the rich and vibrant history of textile arts. The society sponsors conferences, exhibitions and publications to further awareness of these woven works. Events have been held in the United States, Europe, and Armenia.

"Armenian Genocide Survivors and the Woven Art" Conference in Glendale

Rep. Asam Schiff: “Attacks Against Armenians and Other Christians Beyond Appalling”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) released the following statement on the attacks by Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists against Kessab Armenians and Christians:

“The vicious attacks by al Qaeda affiliated terrorists against Armenians and other Christians in the Syrian town of Kessab in northern Syria are beyond appalling. These attacks, which reportedly originated in Turkey, reflect the depth of the depravity to which the conflict in Syria has fallen. I have been in touch with the State Department and have been assured that we are working with Armenian, Syrian and Turkish officials to determine exactly what happened and how to prevent further acts of such barbarity.

“The Syrian civil war has been a disaster for all of Syria’s people, but especially vulnerable minority populations.  I have been working on multiple fronts to help Syrian Christians, including working to secure humanitarian parole for Syrians with approved immigrant petitions and to ensure that humanitarian relief is distributed to all of Syria’s citizens.”

Rep. Asam Schiff: “Attacks Against Armenians and Other Christians Beyond Appalling”

SARF Allocates $100,000 Emergency Fund to Kessab Armenians

An Urgent Appeal

WE HAVE HEARD THE CALL… “Our homes have been taken from us; centuries of our heritage has been destroyed. This is a call to all Armenians; this is a call to humanity.”

In the light of the latest developments in the Kessab region of Syria, which subjected the Armenian families to surprise attacks and looting, and forced them to flee for their lives, the Executive Committee of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) held an emergency session and decided to immediately transfer $100,000 in direct financial assistance to reach our compatriots to provide a degree of physical subsistence and financial relief.

The struggle for survival of the Syrian Armenians continues and requires a united will to provide immediate assistance.

Let us share their will to survive and provide on-going assistance to them. Send your donations to the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1948, Glendale, CA 91209-1948.

SARF Executive Committee

***

The following churches, charities and organizations came together to form the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund in August 2012: Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Association of America; Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A.; Armenian Democratic Liberal Party; Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western U.S.A.; and Social Democrat Hunchakian Party-Western U.S.A. The web site address follows: www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org.

SARF Allocates $100,000 Emergency Fund to Kessab Armenians

Kessab Remains Under the Control of Islamist Fighters

The Kessab committee of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) has dismissed reports that the Syrian army liberated the Armenian-populated city of Kessab.

“According to confirmed information, the islamist fighters are moving towards Latakia, where the Armenians of Kessab have found refuge,” SDHP Armenia Chairman Narek Galstyan said in a Facebook post.

He said Kessab is being robbed with the stolen property being transported to Turkey. Turkish servicemen are actively supporting the rebels.

Earlier reports had claimed that the Syrian armed forces have driven the rebels from most of the city of Kessab, and are now clearing its suburbs. According to these reports army units have killed 250 rebels on the outskirts of Kessab, moving from the Turkish border.

In related development, members of the Armenian National Assembly Samvel Farmanyan, Naira Karapetyan, Levon Martirosyan, Arman Sahakyan, Tevan Poghosyan and Edmon Marukyan have left for Syria on March 24 to asses the situation about Kessab on the spot.

They will present their report to the National Assembly upon return.

Kessab Remains Under the Control of Islamist Fighters

Harsnakar Restaurant Defendants Handed Lengthy Jail Terms in Vahe Avetian Killing

YEREVAN — Six men have been convicted of beating to death military doctor Vahe Avetian and sentenced to lengthy prison terms as the high-profile murder trial concluded in Yerevan on Monday.

The men, who were officially listed as security guards and other employees of the Harsnakar restaurant, stood accused of attacking doctor Avetian, and several of his friends and colleagues in a violent dispute on June 17, 2012. Avetian died of severe head injuries in hospital about two weeks later. Two other army medics were also seriously injured and hospitalized.

The death of Avetian, a 35-year-old father of three, shocked the nation. The incident caused a public uproar in Armenia as hundreds of civic activists and other citizens held demonstrations at the restaurant as well as the house of its de-facto owner Ruben Hayrapetian, an affluent businessman and lawmaker affiliated with the ruling Republican party. People, in particular, protested against what they saw as impunity enjoyed by government-linked “oligarchs” and their bodyguards.

The outcry forced Hayrapetian to resign as member of the Armenian parliament and apologize to Avetian’s family. However, the controversial tycoon strongly denied any involvement in the brutal beating.

Under the court verdict published today, each of the defendants will spend 12 years in prison, a year less than demanded by the prosecutor attorney. In addition, each man will have to pay a fine of about $250.

Families of the defendants met the verdict with angry curses. They said the sentences were too harsh and the counsel for the defense is likely to appeal them at a higher court.

Human rights activists who attended the trial acknowledged that they had expected milder sentences, but stopped short of calling them unjustified.

“The court was guided by the logic of the charges, giving equal sentences to each defendant. Of course, these are quite severe sentences. Perhaps it was a little unexpected in this sense and the angry reaction [of the defendants and family members] was probably connected with the severity of the sentences. They had other expectations,” said Zhanna Aleksanian, a leading human rights activist.

“This behavior of the defendants’ relatives also proves that they do not admit their guilt in an incident in which a man was killed,” she added.

Harsnakar Restaurant Defendants Handed Lengthy Jail Terms in Vahe Avetian Killing

The Urgency of Adaptation: Combating Climate Change in Armenia

By Serouj.Aprahamian

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will meet in Yokohama, Japan, on March 25-29 to discuss its latest and most comprehensive report on climate change. Made up of leading scientists and experts in the world, the assessment body is the premiere authority on the impact of human-induced changes to the earth’s atmosphere.

A draft of the upcoming report has already been leaked and the conclusions are down right frightening.

Increased temperatures are expected to cause major damage to all aspects of the world’s food system within the next 20 years and displace hundreds of millions of people by the end of the century. Unless urgent action is taken, the report states, millions of people will be left without food and enormous strain will be placed on global security.

Members of an Oxfam-sponsored farmers’ cooperative in Haghtanak operate a greenhouse where they plant crop varieties and practice techniques to withstand climate change

Such consequences pose a particularly grave threat to a country like Armenia, with its mountainous terrain, scarcity of land, arid climate, and economic dependence on agriculture. In fact, the World Bank identified Armenia as one of the most high-risk countries in Europe and Central Asia to changing climate extremes.

Over the last 80 years, there has been a marked increase in the country’s temperature and a greater frequency of extreme weather phenomena, such as hailstorms, mudslides, and spring frosts. These changing conditions are already affecting the lives of hundreds of farmers throughout the country.

“Fifteen to twenty years ago, you could easily grow ripe raspberries here,” says Lusine Cherkezyan, a farmer and mother of four in the northeastern Armenian village of Hovk. “I would collect 250 kilos of raspberries from my plot in one day alone. But due to changes in the climate we started seeing locusts and irreparable damage occurring. It’s impossible for people to grow raspberries here anymore.”

Lusine was forced to switch to alternative, less lucrative crops such as cabbage, carrots, or beans. She has struggled to adapt to the changes but it has been tough. Like many others in her village, her husband is forced to work in Russia for several months at a time just to put food on the table.

A few miles north, in the community of Haghtanak, farmers likewise insist that major changes in the weather pattern are already affecting their livelihood.

“The most dangerous issue for us here is out of season frost,” says Slavik Zurnachyan the head of an Oxfam-established agricultural cooperative in the town. “We now have to brace ourselves for the threat of frost in the spring which wipe out our harvests. The weather patterns are unpredictable. You can’t even imagine it.”

Hailstorms have been another major issue for growers in the country. Last May, farmers in the region of Armavir made headlines when they blocked a main highway leading to Yerevan and demanded compensation from the government after their crops were destroyed by hail. A half an hour storm alone is enough to wipe out an entire community’s harvest for the year.

These changing conditions pose dangerous risks for the agricultural sector, which makes up one-third of the country’s GDP and affects roughly 40% of the economically active population.

As the IPCC report points out, lack of action by governments and the food industry have left many countries unprepared to cope with the impacts of climate change. In the midst of the gloomy picture painted by the report, however, it is also emphasized that early adaptation can make a significant difference in reducing the damage wrought by changing temperatures.

Lusine Cherkezyan speaks about changing climate conditions affecting Hovk, a village in Armenia’s northeastern province of Tavush

One of the main organizations spearheading community-based climate change adaptation is Oxfam in Armenia. Through their Economic Justice program, they have helped establish 18 agricultural and consumer cooperatives in most climate change prone, borderline and poor communities in Vayots Dzor and Tavush regions of the country, providing the most vulnerable populations with the resources to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Both Lusine and Slavik are members of agriculture cooperatives which operate greenhouses established by Oxfam this past year. They have been able to pool their resources together with others in the community to invest in more appropriate agricultural practices and improve environmental conditions. Access to climatic and weather information facilitated by Oxfam (prov alerts) and the introduction of greenhouse cultivation has also allowed them to better manage production and avoid the damage caused by hydro-meteorological hazards.

For example, although members of the cooperative in Haghtanak were hit hard by hail to their personal plots last year, the collective’s greenhouse crops wen unharmed.

“The hailstorms didn’t affect the greenhouse at all,” says Slavik “The cellophane covering protected our harvest.”

In addition to helping build capacity to cope with climate vulnerability, the cooperatives also serve as a source of training, credit, decision-making, and empowerment for community participants, targeting especially women farmers.

“People are starting to understand that the cooperative is a way to solve not only economic problems, but more general societal issues affecting us,” says Slavik. “For any one person, it is always harder to solve these challenges by yourself than if you come together with other like-minded people and work together.”

As the dangers of a warming climate become even more apparent, it is incumbent for communities to come together and close these gaps in climate preparedness. Giving greater impetus to initiatives such as the Oxfam’s Economic Justice program is an important step in this direction. The problem is not only one of environmental and food security but, as can be seen, one that has implications for the nation’s demographic and geopolitical security, as well.

There is a lot that can be done to mitigate the threats posed by climate change. But action must be swift if we want to ensure the fate of current and future generations.

Time is not on our side.

The Urgency of Adaptation: Combating Climate Change in Armenia

“Inside Constantinople: A Diplomat’s Diary During the Dardanelles Expedition, April-September, 1915” by Lewis Einstein

FRESNO — The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State announces the publication of a new book, “Inside Constantinople: A Diplomat’s Diary During the Dardanelles Expedition, April-September, 1915” by Lewis Einstein, published by the Gomidas Institute (London), in cooperation with the ASP.

To mark the launch of the book, Ara Sarafian (Gomidas Institute, London) will present a lecture “Saving Armenians: The United States and the Armenian Genocide Thesis, 1915” at 7:30PM on Tuesday, April 1, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters

Auditorium, Room 191.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Armenian Students Organization and the Leon S. Peters Foundation.

This talk presents new insights into the role of the United States in documenting the Armenian Genocide and publicizing the plight of Armenians in 1915. It stresses that the United States had access to vital information about the plight of Armenians, and that the United States embassy in Constantinople was staffed by extraordinary individuals who took a high moral stand and chose not to ignore the plight of Armenians. These embassy staff were headed by Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, but also included Special Agent of the State Department, Lewis Einstein, who made his own incredible contribution to our understanding of the Armenian Genocide.

Ara Sarafian is an archival historian specializing on late Ottoman history. He is the director of the Gomidas Institute, which is a leading research and publication center related to modern Armenian history.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Parking available at Fresno State Lots P5 and P6 with a free parking pass using code number 273411.

For more information on the exhibit please contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669.

“Inside Constantinople: A Diplomat’s Diary During the Dardanelles Expedition, April-September, 1915” by Lewis Einstein

10 Shameful Facts About Censorship In Turkey

Turkey has a long tradition of censorship that culminated this week in a ban on Twitter that has infuriated the international community.

Australia’s Business Insider has compiled some of the most egregious examples of censorship in Turkey, starting with the most recent one.

10 Shameful Facts About Censorship In Turkey

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry Must Protect Ethnic Armenians of Kessab

YEREVAN – The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party of Armenia issued a statement asserting the Armenia’s Foreign Ministry should act and protect ethnic Armenians living in Syria’s Kessab region that have recently become the target of Turkish and Syrian rebel aggression.

The statement declares:

The Armenian community of Kessab and the surrounding region is in danger of physical annihilation.

For several days now, dreadful events have been transpiring in Syria’s heavily populated Armenian town of Kessab.

Turkey has violated all international laws and commitments having opened fire at Armenian-populated villages in the Kessab region, laying the groundwork for rebels to take over the region.

Kessab is located directly at the border of Syria and Turkey and is the residence to thousands of Armenians, as well as host to community and political institutions, schools and hospitals. For Turkey, Kessab has always been a target, and the current tragic events within Syria have created a basis for driving the majority ethnic Armenians out of the region. Despite the ongoing tragic events in the region, the Armenian Republic has not made statements on an international arena on the issue.

The S.D. Hunchakian Party demands that the Armenian Foreign Ministry immediately bring up, in all possible international levels, the issue of hostilities towards and the displacement of Armenians in the Kessab region and demand Turkey stop another genocidal attempt of displacing Armenians.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry Must Protect Ethnic Armenians of Kessab

Aleppo’s Armenian Athletic Association "HOMENMEN" Scouts Visit Gulbenkian Hospital

ALEPPO, SYRIA  - Aleppo’s Armenian Athletic Association H.M.M. ‘s Scout Board members along with H.M.M. scouts, on Friday, March 21st, visited  Aleppo’s Gulbenkian hospital, which has also been utilized as a nursing home, to honor the Armenian mothers and patients of the hospital on Mother’s Day; celebrated on March 21st, in the Middle East.  The following are a few pictures of their visit.

Aleppo’s Armenian Athletic Association "HOMENMEN" Scouts Visit Gulbenkian Hospital

Vanes Martirosyan Wins WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight title

CABAZON, CA — Glendale’s Vanes Martirosyan (34-1-1, 21 Kos) won a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision over Mario Lozano (27-5, 20 Kos) at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa on Friday, winning the WBO Intercontinental junior middleweight title. The bout was the main event of a Goossen Tutor Promotions card that was televised on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

All three judges scored the bout 100-89 in favor of Martirosyn, who was last seen in a ring on Nov. 9, when he lost a 12-round split decision to Demetrius Andrade.

Martirosyan was on the attack from the opening bell, throwing and landed hard right hands to the head of Lozano. Martirosyan landed repeatedly with those right hands, which caused Lozano’s nose to start bleeding in the opening round.

Midway through the second round, Martirosyan dropped Lozano with a counter right hand to the head. Lozano did not visibly look hurt, got up and fought on.

The pace of the fight slowed by the fourth round. Martirosyan worked from the outside, setting up his right hand behind a jab.

Lozano made adjustments in the third round and was able to avoid the counter right hands for the first time in the fight. It was a good sign that he was finally able to avoid the big blows and allowed him to survive some tumultuous exchanges.

Although the pace slowed in the second half of the fight, Martirosyan was in control, still landing counter right hands to the head of Lozano. Any time Lozano attempted to rally, Martirosyan was able to snuff it out by landing a series of rights and an occasional left.

“I hurt my knuckles on his head,” said Martirosyan. “I thought for sure I was going to knock him out but he was able to keep going. Nobody has ever knocked him out.”

Martirosyan looks forward to fighting for a junior middleweight title soon.

“Better things are yet to come,” Martirosyan said.

Vanes Martirosyan Wins WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight title

American Armenian Rose Float Association Accepted into 126th Tournament of Roses Parade

GLENDALE, CA — The American Armenian Rose Float Association, inc. (AARFA) is proud to announce that it has been accepted into the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade January 1, 2015. Though a tremendous challenge, this project is a great vote of confidence for AARFA. With skilled and talented members and supporters, the float is sure to be a success!

The Beginnings of the Tournament of Roses

The Tournament of Roses began as a promotional effort by the distinguished Valley Hunt Club of Pasadena. In the winter of 1890, the club members invited their former East Coast neighbors to warmer California for a mid-winter holiday, where they would watch games like jousting, chariot races, polo, foot races and tug-of-war. Thanks to the warmer California weather and the abundance of fresh flowers, even in winter, the club decided to add another event to these festivities: a parade of carriages decorated with hundreds of blooms. This was the start of the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade.

The Theme for 2015

On January 1, 2015, around 45 floats will be showcasing “Inspiring Stories” down Colorado Blvd. along with high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. AARFA has many inspiring stories to share from the American Armenian community that has contributed much to this Nation. It is an honor to share these stories with the world during the 2015 Rose Parade.

Help AARFA Tell Your Story

This float belongs to every Armenian in the United States and around the world. One hundred years ago, the Tournament of Roses chose Mr. Pashgian, an American Armenian, as the Grand Marshall, and now, the American Armenian community will finally be represented on a float.

It is the AARFA’s hope that the World Armenian communities support this float and help share the inspiring stories of the American Armenian community. AARFA is looking for corporate, media and individual sponsors who wish to support this project. Keep up with the latest information by visiting http://aarfa.org/.

American Armenian Rose Float Association Accepted into 126th Tournament of Roses Parade

Exhibit at the Fresno State: “Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis”

FRESNO — The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State in cooperation with the Gomidas Institute (London), and the Leon S. Peters Foundation present “Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis” an exhibit to be open from March 30 to April 30, 2014, on the second floor of the Henry Madden Library.

A special opening reception to highlight the exhibit of rare photos, documents, and maps from the Bitlis area will be held from 3:00-4:00PM on Sunday, March 30, on the second floor of the Madden Library. The hors d’oeuvres reception is free and open to the public.

Immediately following the reception Ara Sarafian of the Gomidas Institute will present a talk, “Down and About Bitlis: An Exhibition on Bitlis Armenians on the Shores of Lake Van (March 1-2, 2014)” at 4:00PM, in Room 2206 of the Madden Library, next to the exhibit area.

On March 1-2, 2014, the Gomidas Institute with the support of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, held an extraordinary exhibition in Tatvan, on the shores of Lake Van, entitled “Bitlis Ermenileri” (The Armenians of Bitlis). This event was part of the Gomidas Institute’s “bridge-building initiative” which was started in June 2013 to build contacts between Armenians, Turks, and Kurds.

The Bitlis Armenians exhibition was based on key ethnographic maps and photographs depicting the Armenian presence in the Ottoman province of Bitlis before 1915. These were the result of extensive academic research at the ABCFM Archives (Houghton Library, Harvard University), Mt. Holyoke College Archives (Mass.), AGBU Nubarian archives (Paris), and the Ottoman Prime Ministry Archives (Istanbul). The exhibition was shown at the Tatvan Cultural Center with the support of the local mayor’s office as well as several other organizations in Bitlis and surrounding areas.

This exhibition was the first such event in eastern Turkey and was attended by a whole spectrum of people from students and workers to local politicians and members of the Turkish Parliament. The Turkish Human Right’s Association (especially its committee against racism and discrimination) supported the event and sent three of its members to attend the opening.

Ara Sarafian is an archival historian specializing on late Ottoman history. He is the director of the Gomidas Institute, which is a leading research and publication center related to modern Armenian history.

The reception and lecture are free and open to the public. Parking is free at Fresno State on Sundays-Lots P30 and P31, entering at Shaw and Barton Aves.

For more information on the exhibit please contact the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669.

Exhibit at the Fresno State: “Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis”

The Argentine Senate Honors Dr. Daniel Stamboulian

The Argentine Senate honored Dr. Daniel Stamboulian on Thursday, March 13 with the Honorable Mention “Senator Domingo Faustino Sarmiento” in recognition for his work in the field of health.

The award, an initiative submitted by Senator Dr. Maria Laura Leguizamon, is awarded to individuals who improve the quality of life of the community through cultural, athletic, professional and academic work, and is the highest distinction given by the Argentinean Senate. Former President of Argentina Carlos Saul Menem was among the attendees present at the honoring ceremony.

Dr. Stamboulian graduated with honors from the University of Buenos Aires in 1962. He was a pioneer in installing the Infectious Diseases section in hospitals of Argentina, and he also was one of the founders of the Argentina Society of Infectious Diseases and the Pan American Association for Infectious Diseases. He created the Foundation Center of Infectious Diseases Studies (FUNCEI) in 1987 and the Fighting Infectious Diseases in Emerging Countries (FIDEC) in 2001, a non-profit organization based in Miami that is focused on emerging markets. Dr. Stamboulian is also the director of Stamboulian Health Services and the president of Helios Health, dedicated to HIV patients.

Senator Leguizamon explained the reasons which led her to request this distinction, emphasizing,”the Senate should honor medicine” and stressing the importance of “the life story” of Dr. Stamboulian, who was “son of Armenian immigrants and studied in Argentina.”

Throughout his life , Dr. Stamboulian worked to improve access to health care, promote vaccination and train other doctors on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Besides his work in Argentina, he repeatedly helped to improve health in Armenia through vaccination campaigns and training of professionals in different areas and regions.

The Argentine Senate Honors Dr. Daniel Stamboulian

Islamist Fighters Attack Near Kessab from Turkey

Syria’s Armenian-populated city of Kessab and nearby villages were attacked by al-Nusra and al-Islam Fronts fighters in the morning of March 21. Sev Aghbyur village was the main target of the attacks which came from three border points in Turkey.

Many of the 3500 Armenians living in Kessab have fled to the nearby mountains or were evacuated to port city of Latakia. Kessab had remained the only official border crossing open in northern Syria with Turkey for humanitarian purposes.

The Syrian army is trying to push back the offensive forces. At least 11 victims were reported that included military and civilian casualties who’s identities are not known yet.

Meanwhile the attackers suffered many deads and injured, who were transported to Turkey under the protection of the Turkish army.

Islamist Fighters Attack Near Kessab from Turkey

Ukraine Recalls Ambassador to Armenia Over Crimea Recognition

KIEV (RFE/RL) — Ukraine recalled its ambassador to Armenia on Friday after warning of serious damage to bilateral ties and demanding an official Armenian explanation regarding President Serzh Sarkisian’s acceptance of a disputed referendum in Crimea that led to its annexation by Russia.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Ivan Kukhta was ordered to return home for consultations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danilo Lubkivsky announced earlier in the day that the Armenian ambassador in Kiev, Andranik Manukian, has been twice summoned to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and handed an official note.

“We appealed to Armenia to officially and publicly state that it does not recognize the annexation of Crimea,” Ukrainian news agencies quoted him as saying. “We expect such a response.”

“In case of statements or actions that we could interpret as unfriendly, there will be negative consequences for our bilateral relations,” Lubkivsky warned, according to the RBK-Ukraine news agency. He did not specify those consequences, saying only that the Ukrainian side will consider taking “a broad range of measures” against Yerevan.

Asked by RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) to comment on the development, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan said, “As soon as we receive the Ukrainian side’s note, we will formulate our response and decide whether or not we will publicize that response.”

The Ukrainian protest stems from President Serzh Sarkisian’s remarks made during Wednesday’s phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Sarkisian was cited by his press office as saying that the weekend referendum on Crimea’s secession from Ukraine, condemned as illegal by the international community, was “yet another example of the realization of peoples’ right to self-determination through a free expression of will.”

The United States on Thursday criticized Sarkisian’s remarks on Crimea, with John Heffern, the U.S. Ambassador in Yerevan, calling them “very unfortunate.” There has been no reaction yet from the European Union. Both the U.S. and the EU have imposed sanctions on top Russian officials and members of Putin’s inner circle in retaliation for the Black Sea region’s annexation.

Ukraine Recalls Ambassador to Armenia Over Crimea Recognition

Ukrainian Film Director Refuses Armenian President's Award

Producer and co-director of the film “Parajanov” Elena Fetisova has refused the state award of the Republic of Armenia saying she will not attend the award ceremony in Yerevan as a sign of disconent with the Armenian authorities’ stance on the Crimea referendum. She also declined to accept a monetary award, requesting instead that the sum go to orphanages in Armenia, Comments.ua reported.

The Ukrainian director said she thinks that the Crimea referendum was held in violation of international law and European values, and poses a threat to the peace of the citizens of Ukraine. Fetisova has expressed her anger in an open letter to Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian. There she said that Parajanov would unequivocally act likewise if alive.

Ukrainian Film Director Refuses Armenian President's Award

Comprehensive Solution Impossible Without Artsakh’s Participation in All Stages of Talks

STEPANAKERT (Lusine Avanesyan, Armradio.am)) — “We must continue the process of peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict and carry on with the efforts targeted at maintaining peace and stability in the region, since relative peace is preferable than large-scale war,” President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan said at the meeting with the students of the Artsakh State University.

The President added, however, that this does not mean Artsakh is unable or irresolute to defend its independence and freedom, rebuffing any assault of the rival.

“Every society that has passed through war, has seen destruction and suffered losses, will not want this to repeat,” Bako Sahakyan said.

Speaking about the negotiation process, the President said it will be impossible to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict without the participation of official Stepanakert in all stages of the peace process.

“We will pursue the restoration of the full negotiation format by working actively in all interested structures,” President Sahakyan stated.

Comprehensive Solution Impossible Without Artsakh’s Participation in All Stages of Talks

Azerbaijan’s Policy of "Oil-for- Karabakh” Complete Failure – Azeri Expert Says

YEREVAN (ARKA.am) — Azerbaijan’s policy of “oil-for- Karabakh ” appeared to be a complete failure, an Azerbaijani political scientist, Arif Yunusov, said when speaking at an international conference on partnership between NATO and the South Caucasus in Yerevan yesterday.

“Azerbaijan believed that in return for our oil and gas, we would obtain the favor of the West in the settlement of the Karabakh issue, and eventually we would live like Kuwaitis,” Yunusov said.

He said Azerbaijani authorities are now successfully using West’s interest in Azeri oil and gas to get it shut its eyes to the problems with democracy and human rights violations in the country.

“In the early 90′s we heard U.S. ambassadors say that the most important priorities are human rights, security and only then energy. Now this succession has changed, and we hear that energy resources are important, followed by security and human rights,” said Yunusov.

He said after Ilham Aliyev came to power he started an all -out attack on dissent, human rights having built a kind of a Middle Eastern monarchy, but Western powers turn a blind eye to it.

He said hopes of Azerbaijani citizens that their lives would improve dramatically on income from oil and gas did not come true because all the revenue goes into the pockets of a small group of people.

The two-day conference organized by the Centre for Strategic Analysis Spectrum has brought to Yerevan political analysts and experts from Azerbaijan, Georgia, USA, Russia, Turkey, Iran , UK, Spain and Belgium, to discuss regional security issues, Euro-Atlantic prospects, European and Eurasian partnership and cooperation and development trends in each of the regional countries.

Azerbaijan’s Policy of "Oil-for- Karabakh” Complete Failure – Azeri Expert Says

Armenian Architect Wins Europa Nostra Award

BRUSSELS — The winners of the 2014 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards were announced on March 20 by the European Commission and Europa Nostra. The 27 laureates, selected from 160 nominated projects across 30 countries, were honored for achievements in the following four areas: conservation; research; dedicated service; education, training and awareness-raising.

Representative of the ICOMOS/Armenia organization Armen Ghazaryan has been awarded a Europa Nostra Award for his work on “The 7th Century Church Architecture of South Caucasus.”

This entry is a four-volume survey of the church architecture of the 7th century in countries of the South Caucasus (in particular what is now Georgia and Armenia). The author’s research was carried out through the State Institute of Art Studies in Moscow. It comprised, first, the collection of materials to compile a catalogue of all the monuments, and second, analytical study of the aspects observable within the architectural traditions. The final results have determined the genesis and categorization of architectural types and creative elements within the tradition, and the resulting impact on reconstruction and conservation policies in the region will be significant.

The South Caucasus region is of course a complex one, comprising several present-day states whose relations are not always harmonious. Uniform conservation practices are therefore particularly difficult to achieve, but the research indicates that there was a distinct level of uniformity across the region in church architecture of the period. The research differs from earlier work in structuring its material on the basis of chronology, as opposed to typological or alphabetic principles, and the respective catalogues of monuments reflect this approach.

“The Jury was impressed by the topical relevance of this scientific research and analysis. The study covers the complex development of Christian architecture of the South Caucasus during the 7th century and defines the chronology and the shaping of the principles of medieval iconography in the architecture of the region and elsewhere in Europe. The rigor of the methodology and the depth of the conclusions of this research were exemplary.”

Armenian Architect Wins Europa Nostra Award

DEPOP Research Group Concludes International Speaking Tour on Armenia’s Emigration Trends

The DEPOP Research Group, in partnership with AGBU and the Kololian Foundation, has just concluded a worldwide tour to present its report “The Depopulation Crisis in Armenia.” The group’s stop in California, which followed events in Beirut, Paris, Toronto, New York, was organized by the AGBU Western District and drew over 250 guests to the Glendale Central Library. There, guests weighed in on a new dialogue about emigration, demographic and socioeconomic challenges in Armenia today and possibilities for building a stronger future for the republic.

The report, which was first introduced at a United Nations Population Fund conference in Yerevan in October 2013, is based on extensive fieldwork conducted across Armenia. For more than a year, four independent research teams, selected by the International Center for Human Development in Yerevan on behalf of the Kololian Foundation, gathered data on the ground.

The researchers include Dr. Khatchik Der Ghougassian of the Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation; Veronica Aghajanyan, Ani Avetisyan, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Elena Kozhemyakina, Elena Muradyan, and Elina Sahakyan of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University; Kristine Antonyan, Karlen Khachatryan, and Haik Sargsyan of Yerevan State University; and independent researchers Arshak Balayan, Armen Gakavian, and Avetik Mejlumyan.

The DEPOP teams’ focus groups, interviews, media monitoring and surveys revealed startling statistics: a near 20% drop in Armenia’s population over the past two decades. Their research shows that although those numbers were initially tied to a lack of economic opportunities, in recent years, families with higher earnings are even more likely to leave the country.

In light of these findings, the DEPOP group proposed recommendations, which they shared with the Glendale audience. Vahan Kololian, co-founder of the Toronto-based think tank the Mosaic Institute and the sponsor of the DEPOP project, pointed to the need for the Armenian diaspora to help reverse these demographic trends. Using Israel and its repatriation efforts as a case study, he called on diasporans to join together in their efforts to help Armenia.

In his address to guests at the AGBU Central Office in New York, Kololian remarked that “the Armenian people have a history of uniting in the face of crisis. The country’s readily declining population is yet another crisis that we must resolve together, whether it is by investing in local businesses and micro-lending or by engaging with the Ministry of Diaspora to support civic projects that lead to greater citizen involvement.”

The first step to bringing about meaningful change, he continued, is to strengthen civic institutions across Armenia and to organize public discussions, which they were able to initiate with the AGBU Western District as a partner. The presentation prompted the audience members who filled the Glendale Central Library to ask questions, offer comments and share anecdotes. Krekor Karaguezian, the AGBU Western District chair, noted that “this event was the first of its kind to raise awareness within our local community in the Los Angeles area about what is now unfolding in Armenia. Our members left with new insights into the current situation, inspired to do what they can to strengthen the democratic process and create a prosperous future for our country and our people. We are thankful for the support of the Kololian Foundation and the young researchers who helped to create this important platform.”

With its first international tour complete, the DEPOP Research Group is now seeking to partner with local civic groups to encourage transparency and participatory decision-making and to empower Armenian youth country-wide.

To learn more about the DEPOP group, and to download a copy of the report “The Depopulation Crisis in Armenia,” please visit www.depop.am.

Photo: Event Organized by AGBU Western District Draws Hundreds to Glendale Central Library

DEPOP Research Group Concludes International Speaking Tour on Armenia’s Emigration Trends

Skipping Stones Children's Literary Magazine Spring Edition Features Armenia

EUGENE, OR – Skipping Stones International Multicultural Magazine, an award-winning children’s periodical, is featuring Armenia and Armenians in its Spring 2014 edition. Distributed to schools, libraries and individuals/ families, Skipping Stones magazine celebrates ecological and cultural diversity, facilitates a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences, and is suited for readers ages 8-16 (grades 4-11). The non-profit, quarterly magazine is independently produced by a group of human rights, multicultural and diversity educators and is in its 26th year of publication.

Among the features spotlighted in the April-June 2014 issue will be 7 pages of articles and photos about Armenia and the Armenians. Curated by Armenian-American children’s book author Lucine Kasbarian in time for April — Genocide Memorial Month — the feature includes a photo essay, “A Journey Through Armenia”; a profile of an Armenian artist, art teacher and historic preservationist, Ashot Avagyan, called “Teaching Hope in Sisian” and written by Ms. Kasbarian; an essay called “A Child of Immigrants Remembers His Childhood,” written by writer-editor C.K. Garabed; “Unknown”, a poem by Gayane Jamgotchian, a graduate of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Oakland Gardens, NY; reproductions of artworks created by students from the Sisian Art School; and an overview of Armenia. A photo, taken by Hovsep Dagdigian and depicting a shepherd and his flock with Mt. Ararat in the background, adorns the front cover of this issue.

Skipping Stones’ mission is to encourage cooperation, creativity and celebration of cultural and linguistic diversity. The magazine explores stewardship of the ecological and social webs that inform and nurture the world, and offers a unique forum for communication among children from different lands and backgrounds — expanding horizons in a playful, imaginative way and without commercialization. Each issue of Skipping Stones contains essays, stories, poems, an advice column, letters to the editor, photos, recipes and folktales written by both children and adults from around the world. Multicultural and nature books are also recommended in every issue of the magazine.

“We try our best to make reading an active experience, relevant to issues today’s young people confront on a local and global level,” says Arun Toké, executive editor of Skipping Stones. “Our readers hail from north, south, east, and west. From villages to inner cities, youth of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds have something to say — about their culture, school, religion, environment, or neighborhoods. Skipping Stones provides a place for writers and artists of all ages and backgrounds to communicate openly and creatively.”

Skipping Stones has been honored with a number of recognitions, including the Name Award of the National Association for Multicultural Educators, two EdPress Awards, a Parent’s Choice Award, and a 2003 Writer Award. Over the years, Skipping Stones has been reviewed in publications such as Utne Reader, School Library Journal, Multicultural Education, Multicultural Review, Rethinking Schools, Creative Classroom, Earth Island Journal, Green Teacher, Learning and East-West Journal. Every year, Skipping Stones prepares an Honors List of exceptional multicultural and nature books for children and their educators. In keeping with its ecological concerns, the magazine is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

Young readers from all over the world are encouraged to submit stories, artwork and photographs to the magazine. For details, visit: http://www.skippingstones.org/submissions.htm

School librarians or principals in a low-income countries or regions of the world are encouraged to request a free, one-year subscription to Skipping Stones, a set of 100 back issues of the magazine, or a box of children’s books (mostly in English). For details, visit: http://www.skippingstones.org/donation.htm

To order the SKIPPING STONES Spring 2014 issue about the Armenians, or an annual subscription (four issues), contact the SKIPPING STONES’ subscription department at: subscriptions@skippingstones.org or by mail at: Subscriptions, SKIPPING STONES magazine, P. O. Box 3939, Eugene, OR 97403 USA. Order forms and annual subscription rates are accessible at: http://www.skippingstones.org/ordering-02.htm . Individual copies are U.S. $7, including postage.

Skipping Stones Children's Literary Magazine Spring Edition Features Armenia

Ilham Aliyev Wants Nagorno-Karabakh and "Historical Azerbaijani" Lands Back

BAKU — Armenia is a “fascist state” created on “historic Azerbaijani lands” that will eventually will be won back by Azerbaijan, according to Ilham Aliyev.

“Not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a substantial part of modern Armenia is ancient Azerbaijani territory,” Aliyev declared on Wednesday during celebrations of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

“Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said, according to the APA news agency. “We, Azerbaijanis, will return to Nagorno-Karabakh, other occupied lands and all historic lands of Azerbaijan. I don’t doubt it,” he added, pointing to his country’s “growing economic and military might.”

“Armenia is a fascist state,” continued Aliyev. “Their national ideology is fascism, discrimination and nationalism.”

“I am absolutely convinced that the growing power of Azerbaijan, our potential and forethought foreign policy will allow us to restore our territorial integrity. No other way. The course of history, our demographic development, economic potential allow us to say that the day when the national flag of Azerbaijan will flutter in Shusha, Khankendi is not far away. We need to become even stronger to do this. In the international arena, there are double standards. We are also victims of double standards. In the settlement of international relations the power factor is coming to the foreground. We must become and are becoming even stronger, “- stated Aliyev.

The bellicose remarks came amid international mediators’ efforts to arrange another meeting between Aliyev and President Serzh Sarkisian which they hope will push forward the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Artur Baghdasarian, the secretary of Armenia’s National Security Council, said on Thursday that Aliyev and Sarkisian could meet as early as next week.

Both presidents are expected to attend the global Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague scheduled for March 23-25.

Aliyev already vowed to reconquer “historic Azerbaijani lands” in Armenia during a January 21 visit to Azerbaijan’s second largest city of Gyanja. He spoke there less than two days after a deadly firefight in northeastern Karabakh which the Armenian military said was the result of a failed Azerbaijani commando attack on its frontline positions.

The armed incident led to a sharp escalation of tensions on “the line of contact” around Karabakh and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. It also appears to have delayed the next Aliyev-Sarkisian meeting which the U.S., Russian and French mediators hoped to organize in February.

Ilham Aliyev Wants Nagorno-Karabakh and "Historical Azerbaijani" Lands Back

Armenia to Set Up Register of Armenian Genocide Victims’ Names

YEREVAN — The Armenian National Archive will compile the list of the names of Armenian Genocide victims and therir places of residence.

“The register will include 200,000-300,000 names. The number of the victims exceeds one million, but it does not matter. A long time has passed and if we started this work earlier like the Jews, we would have more names now. Currently, we can only collect those names which are mentioned in documents and books,” stated National Archives director Amatuni Virabyan.

The National Archive is also preparing to publish a book in Russian titled “The participation of Armenians in the First World War,” which will most probably be released in Moscow.

Virabyan informed that the three-volume publication “The Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire” has already been published, the first volume has been translated into English, as well.

According to Amatuni Virabyan, the Armenian nation lost the motherland as a result of the Genocide, lost a huge cultural heritage and property. Between 1918 and 1919 a commission set up in Tbilisi by Hovhannes Tumanyan was calculating the material loss Armenians suffered during the First World War. The results were to be submitted at the Paris Conference to get reimbursement, but this never happened.

Director of the National Archive regrets that Armenians use to remember some things only from anniversary to anniversary, while he is confident the work should be permanent.

Armenia to Set Up Register of Armenian Genocide Victims’ Names

Armenian Soldier Killed on Karabakh-Azeri Frontline

STEPANAKERT — An Armenian soldier from a military unit situated in the northern direction of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani line of contact was shot dead while on combat duty on March 19, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s Defense Ministry reports.

The killed soldier is identified as Arman Ghukasyan born in 1994. Probe into the details of the case is under way.

Meanwhile, according to yet unconfirmed media reports, an Armenian officer was also wounded in the incident that took place in Martakert. The officer was reportedly transported to Stepanakert’s hospital.

Armenian Soldier Killed on Karabakh-Azeri Frontline

Armenian Community of Crimea Has Taken the Correct Stance

YEREVAN – After returning from a trip to the Crimean, Dmitry Mardirosyan, Social Democratic Hunchakian Party of Armenia Executive Committee member and political scientist declared at a press conference on March 19, that the Armenian community of Crimea has taken the correct stance regarding the Russian-Crimean issue. According to Mardirosyan the Crimean Armenians have declared neutrality due to the community’s concerns towards the safety its population.

Having witnessed the referendum in the Crimea, Mr. Martirosyan stated that the atmosphere was as portrayed accurately in the media: Peaceful with large numbers of people voting. Despite this, he stated that tensions toward the Crimea peninsula are greatly strained with a fatality arising from the conflict. “We have already seen blood spill, which is terrible,” said Martirosyan.

Asked whether there is a likelihood of an all-out war, Mr. Martirosyan replied, “the current situation, Russia as a superpower, has declared a cold war on the entire world, and as was the issue with Kosovo, strength determines everything. In this case the West’s threats towards the situation are not serious, but rather a bubble.”

Currently, over 20,000 Armenians live in the Crimea, largely concentrated in the cities of Armyansk, Simferopol, Evpatoria, Feodosiya, Kerch, Yalta, Sevastopol, Sudak.

Armenian Community of Crimea Has Taken the Correct Stance

Armenian Sculptor Ara Shiraz Passed Away Aged 73

YEREVAN (Armradio.am) — Well-known Armenian sculptor Ara Shiraz died last night at the age of 73. The information was confirmed to media by the Nairi medical center.

Shiraz was hospitalized with a stroke on February 24 and was reportedly in critical condition at the medical center’s intensive care unit since then.

The son of prominent Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz and poetess Silva Kaputikyan, was born in Yerevan in 1941. He graduated from the Yerevan Theatre and Fine Arts Institute in 1966 and since 1968 was a member of the Artists’ Union of Armenia.

Ara Shiraz’ most renowned works include the busts of Pablo Picasso, Yervand Kochar, Hovhannes Shiraz, and Vruir Galstian. Many of his sculptural compositions are on a permanent display in the Modern Art Museum of Armenia and the State Gallery of Armenia in Yerevan, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Eastern Nations Museum of Art in Moscow.

Ara Shiraz’ paintings and sculptures can be found in many private collections throughout the world: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Beirut, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, etc.

Armenian Sculptor Ara Shiraz Passed Away Aged 73

Community Forum With The Three Traditional Armenian Political Parties

WINNETKA, CA – On March 16, the Organization of Istanbul Armenian of Los Angeles hosted a panel discussion featuring prominent leaders of the three major traditional Armenian Political Parties; the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, Mr. Krikor Khodanian, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Chairman Western USA, Dr. Viken Hovsepian, and the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Dr. Minas Kojayan.

The primary purpose of the forum was to raise awareness and encourage civic engagement by providing information about the historical background and accomplishments of the three traditional parties, as well as their plans and policies regarding critical contemporary challenges facing the Armenian Nation.

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Ohannes K. Avedikyan, Chairman of OIA Cultural Committee and Trustee. After opening statements were given by the three prominent leaders of the traditional Armenian Political Parties, questions ranging from the day to day activities of the parties, to issues concerning the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, the Diaspora, the Armenian Church, the Armenian Genocide and Armenian Turkish relations were posed to the participants by the three panelists: Edvin Minassian, Esq., Chairman of OIA Board of Trustees, Mr. Simon Acilacoglu, Chairman of OIA General Assembly, Mrs. Jibit Cepkinian-Cinar, Esq., Chairlady of OIA Scholarship Committee.

After a panel discussion of over three hours, the packed audience also had an opportunity to ask questions to the participants. At the end of the night, all three participants representing their respective Armenian Political Parties thanked the Organization of Istanbul Armenian of Los Angeles for the rare opportunity to express the view points of the Parties on important current events facing the Armenian Nation.

Community Forum With The Three Traditional Armenian Political Parties