050204 Dear Mr V.Oskanian,Armenian Foreign Ministry

Rasegna stampa della ag GIBRAHAYER
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Dear Mr V.Oskanian,
Sadly it has become abundantly clear that under your leadership the Armenian Foreign Ministry is not working as it should be, after the negative resolutions on Karabakh and also the statement by Ms Jones of the State department on Karabakh, although she apparently apologised to you on the phone but no written apology or statement has been seen to date, not to mention your other foreign policy failures.
Mr Oskanian it's time you moved on for the good of Armenia as Armenia needs a smart Foreign Minister who can lead his team to successes, so far you have been a miserable failure.
Yours sincerely.
Mihran Keheyian - London - 28 Jan. 2005


From: "|thunder" <simon@thunderworx.com>
To: zatik@zatik.com
Date: 03 Feb 2005, 05:21:18 PM
Subject: AGBU says Melkonian sale permitted
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GIBRAHAYER
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AGBU SAYS MELKONIAN SALE PERMITTED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE UNCONDITIONAL GRANT MADE TO THEM

We received the following press release regarding the sale of Melkonian, after the law suit filed by Patriarch Mutafyan of Bolis which we had published in our last week's issue. Here is the the press release from AGBU in its entirety.

NEW YORK, AGBU Press Release January 28 - We regret the actions of His Beatitude in filing a lawsuit against the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). We believe that His Beatitude has not been fully informed of the true position with regard to AGBU's operation of the Melkonian Educational Institute. AGBU remains committed to serve and pursue the best interests of the Armenian nation and not the particular interests of the few, no matter how vocal.
The decision to close the Melkonian Educational Institute was carefully considered and is fully permitted under the terms of the unconditional grant made to AGBU. In addition, contrary to the allegations made, through the years AGBU has paid to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, pursuant to Garabed Melkonian's wishes, all sums provided for by him a nd much more, as evidenced by receipts and other documents. As throughout our history, AGBU will continue to honor the vision of its many generous benefactors including the late Garabed Melkonian, for the benefit of all Armenians worldwide.

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MONITORIAL GROUP ON THE MELKONIAN TRUST MEETS WITH PATRIARCH IN SUPPORT OF LEGAL ACTION
26.01.2005 Armenian Patriarchate Kumkapi, Istanbul - Turkey – His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul & All Turkey, received the members of the Monitorial Group on the Melkonian Trust (MGMT) on 24 January 2005, at 18:00 hours, at the Armenian Patriarchal headquarters in Istanbul.
Chaired by Mr Ardashes Cavusyan, the MGMT members thanked the Patriarch for his willingness to act concerning the Melkonian Trust, in order to secure that the historic school continues to function.
Patriarch Mesrob had received in his office in Istanbul, on 28 December 2004, Mr. Raffi Zinzalian (Chairman of the Melkonian Alumni Association, LA), Mr. Mgo Godjamanian (Vice-Chairman of the same) and Mark MacCarley (attorney-in-law) who furnished the Patriarch with a copy of the Melkonian Trust as amended on December 15, 1926.
In 1921, Garabed Melkonian, a wealthy Armenian businessman, conveyed a gift of real and personal property to Patriarch Zaven of Istanbul, with which the hierarch established a school and orphanage in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1924, and named it Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI). On December 25, 1925, Patriarch Zaven conveyed the entire Melkonian gift and the proceeds thereof, to include the newly founded MEI in Nicosia, Cyprus to the AGBU, in trust due to the AGBU’s expressed ability to better manage the trust assets and execute the original deed. The Melkonian Trust was then amended in writing on December 15, 1926, between the AGBU, Patriarch Zaven and Garabed Melkonian.
According to the Deed of Amendment to the Garabed Melkonian Trust, dated December 15, 1926, the AGBU is responsible for maintaining the MEI in Nicosia, Cyprus; paying an annual subsidy of one thousand Egyptian pounds to the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem; paying an annual subsidy of one thousand Egyptian pounds to the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul; building a kindergarten for Armenian children in the vicinity of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Alexandria; paying the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul an additional perpetual annuity of five hundred Egyptian pounds per year.
For more than 75 years the relationship between the Armenian Patriarchal See of Istanbul and the AGBU has been cordial, as the AGBU has fulfilled its minimum obligation to support the MEI in Nicosia, Cyprus. However, in violation of the Melkonian Trust, the AGBU announced formally in March 2004 that it would absolutely be closing the MEI in Cyprus, and transferring the students elsewhere, at the end of the 2005 school-year in June. The AGBU has taken this decision without informing or consulting with Patriarch Mesrob of Istanbul who is the lawful successor of Patriarch Zaven.
Patriarch Mesrob informed the members of the MGMT that he first became aware of the existence and contents of the 1926 Deed of Amendment to the Melkonian Trust only on December 28, 2004, through the MEI Alumni in Los Angeles. The Patriarch emphasized that he is now cognisant of the multiple obligations the AGBU accepted from his predecessor, Patriarch Zaven, in 1926.
The Patriarch informed the MGMT members that, represented by Attorney Mark MacCarley, Esq., of Los Angeles, he has filed a petition to the Los Angeles Superior Court, in his fiduciary capacity as Patriarch of the Armenian Patriarchal See of Istanbul and All Turkey. The Patriarch explained that he has petitioned for
1) instructions with regards to the obligations of the AGBU
2) compelling the AGBU to perform the Trustee’s duties;
3) compelling an exhaustive accounting on Melkonian Trust transactions since 1926
4) compelling the AGBU to redress any breach of trust.
Endorsing the Patriarchate’s legal action in order to compel the AGBU to perform the Trustee’s duties, the MGMT members thanked Patriarch Mesrob for acting to prevent the closure of the MEI.
The Monitorial Group on the Melkonian Trust was formed out of necessity following Armenian Christmas on January 6, 2005, in order to monitor the worldwide press and the AGBU actions with regards to the MEI. The members of the MGMT are Mr. Ardashes Cavusyan (Chairman), Mr. Hagop Mamigonyan (Vice-Chairman), Mrs. Silva Kuyumcuoglu (Secretary), Mr. Yervant Asa, Mr. Artin Kilerci, Mr. Dork Miricanyan and Mr. Aram Ozhalacyan - all educated at the MEI and residing presently in Istanbul, Turkey.
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TURKISH PUBLISHER CALLS HIS FELLOW COUNTRYMEN TO HAVE FLOWERS IN HAND ON APRIL 24
ARMENPRESS, 01/25/05 A well-known Turkish publisher R. Zarakolu called on his fellow countrymen, in an article in “Ozgur Politica” to remember the victims of the Armenian genocide on April 24, when Armenians worldwide pay tribute to 1.5 million people, killed at the orders of Turkish government leaders, suggesting that every one have a flower in his/her hand.
Reminding that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Zarakolu says: “No matter how we name it, no one can forget that a human tragedy happened in 1915.
Armenians will not benefit if we, Turks, carry out our human responsibility, as their generations are already filled with this pain.”
So on April 24 take a flower and find a place to put and say “your pain is my pain,” if you find no place to put the flower threw it into the sea or into a river or rivers which are called ganldere (bloody spring), they will hear you, and you will feel peace.”
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MEANWHILE IN AMERICA
Armenian Charities Receive New York Life Settlements
NEW YORK (AP)--Five Armenian charities received checks for $333,333 each Wednesday as part of an insurance settlement with descendants of Armenians massacred 90 years ago by the Turks.
The checks are part of a $20 million settlement with New York Life
Insurance Co., which issued 2,300 policies to Armenians in Turkey before 1915 that were never paid, according to plaintiffs' attorney Brian Kabateck.
The agreement set aside at least $11 million for descendants, $3 million for charities, and $2 million for administrative costs. Four charities in Los Angeles will receive the rest of the $3 million.
Descendants of the policy holders have until March 16 to file claims. The settlement, approved last year
by a federal judge in Los Angeles, is believed to be the first involving the events of the era.
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YEAR OF ARMENIA TO START IN SEPTEMBER 2006 AND CONTINUE UNTIL JULY 2007 IN FRANCE
January 21, 2005 A+ - France's Armenian Year - will start in September 2006 and will continue until July 2007.
During that time many cultural events will take place in Paris and 15 other French cities, and also in Yerevan. Armenian paintings, manuscripts, and books will be exhibited in French museums, and concerts and cultural shows will be performed in French concert halls. The French press will publish articles and TV channels will broadcast programs about Armenia.
One of the main events, "The Christian Armenian Cultural Show", will take place in the Louvres.


"THE JOURNEY" TO BE SHOWN IN NICOSIA NEXT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 9 AT K-CINEPLEX
Gibrahayer Nicosia: Milan Festival award winning movie "The Journey" by Melkonian school graduate Edwin Avaness will premiere for a one show only at K-Cineplex Screen 1 in Nicosia on Wednesday February 9, 2005 at 7:45 pm. Tickets can be purchased only from The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus "Oshakan" Chapter. You can
visit the site www.evesjourney.com for more details.

ARMENIA FIRES THE FIRST SHOT ON 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
By Harut Sassounian, Publisher, The California Courier
The Armenian government fired the first shot this week to begin the year-long commemorative activities planned for the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian spoke on January 24 during the Special Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. Mr. Oskanian's remarkable statement, along with several others, was broadcast live in Israel. Here are excerpts from his remarks that were delivered extemporaneously with a heavy heart and profound passion:
"On behalf of the people and government of Armenia, and as a descendant of genocide survivors, I feel compelled to be here today, to join other survivors and descendants of both victims and perpetrators, to take part in this commemoration.... more at www.azg.am/?lang=EN&num=2005012901
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At the Australian Open this week
• After his sensational wins, Cypriot teenage tennis star Marcos Baghdatis climbed more than 60 positions from 154 to 94 in the world, ensuring main draw participation in all future Grand Slam tournaments. Next tournament in Marseilles in two weeks. Baghdatis is also ranked 19 in the Indesit 2005 results.
• David Nalbandian was denied a semi finals spot after losing a classic five-setter against Lleyton Hewitt 3-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, 8-10 in four hours and five minutes.

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Sireli Simon,
It's been more than a year and I'm receiving this wonderful e-newsletter.. tserkerout talar enger jan! I find something new in each one you send. Once it was about the Armenians in Ethiopia, then the patriot man who survived from the massacre in Bursa (Sarkis Sarkissian). The most interesting part is that you make us hear about each other through your newsletter. Thank you!
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Best Regards'
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Thank you very much for the newsletter that you are sending to us. It is one of the best newsletters on Armenians and Armenian life abroad. We would like to receive the newsletter in the future. The reason that it was considered spam, was the change in our web-servers and the new mailboxes didn't recognise you email as we didn't store your e-mail address in our address book. Now it is in place and your mail would not be considered spam any more. Thank you again very much for your efforts!
Best regards, Armen Abramyan - Marketing manager
VisitArm - Armenian Hotel Reservation Center www.visitarm.com
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Dear readers,
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TATIANA'S CORNER
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian's comic strips which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness and interest to ward our community's everyday happenings.
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[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Another round of talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, Vartan Oskanian and Elmar Mammadyarov, will be held in Prague on 2 March.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] The French company Saur that won an international tender for running Armenia's water and sewage system has pledged to invest $3 million this year (projected four year plan at $24 million) to improve water supplies and gradually phase out water rationing.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Pressure from Turkey has resulted in the removal of a reference to the Armenian genocide from a German school curriculum, www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2005/01/CADFADD6-921B-4B2D-96CB-5E90B3E3AA0E.ASP
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] World-famed baritone Renato Bruzo will perform with the only concert at the "Aram Khachatourian" concert hall in Yerevan on Saturday February 5, 2005
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Tekeyan Cultural Association's Vartkes and Rita Balian Award was granted to writer Stepan Aladjadjian for 2003 and to Arch priest Rev. Vartan Dulgerian for 2004.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Leader of the party Self-determination unity Paruyr Hairikian demanded from the Ministry of foreign affairs of Armenia to cancel the Moscow and Kars Treaties of 1921 signed by Soviet Russia and Turkey.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said Armenian forces opened fire near the village of Shurabad shortly before midnight Wednesday, killing an Azerbaijani soldier.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] The leader of the Azerbaijani Communist Party told a Baku-based newspaper the Karabakh conflict cannot be settled by peaceful means.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] Two Armenian Cypriots - +45 veteran champion Haig Ashdjian and Umpire Kevork Palandjian - received awards in the ceremony of "The Day of Tennis" which was held last week at The Laiki Sporting Club in Nicosia.
[http://www.gifs.cc/anibul17.gif] In its Monday meeting, the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) discussed the implementation of the January 25 resolution on the Karabakh conflict by forming a commission, consisting of heads of delegations from the OSCE Minsk co-chair countries, by March.
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g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
Milan Award winning movie "The Journey" by Melkonian graduate Edwin Avaness will premiere for a one show only at K-Cineplex Screen 1 on Wednesday February 9, 2005 at 7:45 pm Tickets can be purchased only from The Hamazkayin Cultural & Educational Association Cyprus "Oshakan" Chapter. You may visit the movie site www.evesjourney.com
IMAGES OF Italian Pasta Night organised by The Armenian Relief Society "Sosse" Cyprus Chapter on Friday 28 January, AYMA. at http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2131273427&code=14345891&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite
The registration of new pupils for Narek School year 2005-2006 (classes 1 - 7 as well as the two kindergarten classes) takes place every day between 8:00 - 12 :00, until the end of this week. To complete registration parents should bring a birth certificate and a recent photo.
The "Sipan" Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association of Cyprus will be presenting the Musical Performance of Toumanyian "Famous Children's Stories" on Sunday April 10, 2005 at 8:30 pm at PASIDY Auditorium.
Armenian musical duo of Jean Tavitian and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian perform at Champs every Friday at 9:30 pm. Reservations on 22 873888.
Sourp Vartanants Holy Mass on Thursday February 3, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church, Armenia street Nicosia.
Arevakal and Hsgoum ceremonies begin from Wednesday 9 February, 2005 as follows: Every Wednesday and Friday - Arevakal 7:40 am and Hsgoum at 6:00 pm
At The "Bar"...on February 19, 2005 at 8:30 pm organised by The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus Chapter at AYMA. Music, dancing and a special appearance by musical duo Jean Tavitian and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian. Entrance CYP 5,00 including first drink.
Annual Traditional Michink Dinner at AYMA organised by The The Armenian Relief Society "Sosse" Cyprus Chapter on Wednesday March 2, 2005 at 8:30 pm at AYMA. Opening of Painting Exhibition of Armenian Cypriot Artists, organised by The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus Chapter at The Utudjian Hall of The Armenian Prelature, on Friday 18 March, 2005 at 7:30 pm. The Exhibition will remain open until the 20th of March, 2005
The "Timag" Theater Company of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association of Cyprus is getting ready for its annual performance which will take place on Saturday May 7, 2005 at 8:30 pm
Lecture by Peter Balakian on Friday May 20, 2005 organised by The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus Chapter. Details to follow.
Cyprus Dart Championships. AYMA/HMEM is participating in the Cyprus Dart League with home matches being played every other Thursday at AYMA.
AYF Badanegan Mioutian get-togethers take place on Saturday at 4:00 pm at AYMA. Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.
AYMA/HMEM Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00 - 8:30 pm for children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor Mahdessian on 99650897.
AYMA/HMEM Table Tennis practices take place every Saturday from 6 - 9:00 pm
under the guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes for all ages.
AYF meetings every Wednesday at 9:00 pm at AYMA.
AYMA/HMEM Football team practices are now taking place every Tuesday at 9:00 pm and every Thursday at 7:30 pm.
For more details of the next Bible Study Class organised by the Armenian Prelature at the Vahram Utudjian Hall of The Armenian Prelature call Father Momik Habeshian direct on 99 307966 or at the Prelature Office on 22 493560 email armprel@spidernet.com.cy
Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation via real audio on www.cybc.com.cy . Broadcast 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus time (14:00-15:00 GMT)
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, will be on Sunday February 13, 2005
Every Wednesday from 7-8 pm (Cyprus time + 2 GMT) on CyBC's Trito, Puzant Nadjarian presents the "History of the Blue". Internet edition on www.cybc.com.cy
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