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THE GODS OF MODERN GREECE MAKE IT TO THE FINALS OF EURO 2004
Friday July 2, 00:15 a.m. (Gibrahayer)
The National soccer team of Greece defied all odds by reaching the finals of
Euro 2004. After downing host nations Portugal 2-0, drawing with giants
Spain and knocking out 1998 World and 2000 Euro Champions France 1-0, Greece
stopped the winning streak of the Czech Republic in the semi finals by the
silver goal of Traianos Dellas seconds before the end of the first quarter
of extra time.
Cyprus was silent for more than two hours while the entire population
watched the game. Moments after the Greek goal the entire population went
into delirious celebrations.
The Greek national team will play host nations Portugal on Sunday, the team
they beat in the opening match of Euro 2004.
NEW PROPOSAL ON KARABAKH BASED ON CYPRUS BLUEPRINT
Ayna, Baku - 29 Jun 04 - The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia and
Turkey met on 28 June on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Istanbul. The
gathering was held behind closed doors.
The ministers told journalists after the meeting that they had discussed the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict but did not disclose the details. In their brief
speeches the ministers said that both Azerbaijan and Armenia support a
greater involvement of Turkey in resolving the conflict. The mechanism for
this will be ready in one or two months, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov said.
In turn, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said that the sides also
discussed the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border. Resolving this issue
may take some time, Oskanyan said. The foremost objective of the talks was
to work out a new approach to resolving the problem.
According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Armenia received a new formula to
settle the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict during the trilateral meeting. The
formula is similar to the blueprint for resolving the Cyprus problem. In
essence, the new proposal is to pay greater attention to the interests of
both the Armenian and Azeri communities in Nagornyy Karabakh.
Before the trilateral meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
received Oskanyan. The Turkish mass media reported that this meeting
discussed the Nagornyy Karabakh problem and relations between Turkey and
Armenia. The two countries have yet to establish diplomatic relations.
TURKISH, FRENCH PRESIDENTS DISCUSS EU, CYPRUS AND ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Anatolia news agency, Ankara: Istanbul, 28 June: Turkish President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer met on Monday [28 June] with French President Jacques Chirac,
who is currently in Istanbul for the NATO summit.
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and French
Foreign Minister Michel Barnier also attended the meeting. Following the
meeting, President Sezer's Foreign Policy Chief Adviser Sermet Atacanli told
reporters that Sezer focused on Turkey's European Union (EU) membership in
his meeting with Chirac.
Atacanli said that Sezer explained once again that Turkey expected France,
which was one of leading countries in the EU, to support Turkey's EU
membership. Atacanli quoted Sezer as saying that Turkey fulfilled all
political criteria of EU, noting that Turkey expected to be treated as other
countries which fulfilled those criteria. Stating that Sezer said in the
meeting that he expected the report on Turkey that would be announced by EU
Commission in October to be positive, Atacanli quoted President Sezer as
saying that EU should set a date for Turkey in December to start its
membership negotiations with the union.
Noting that Sezer also focused on Cyprus issue in his meeting with Chirac,
Atacanli quoted Sezer as saying that new developments took place after
referenda held in Cyprus on 24 April and Turkish Cypriot side showed its
determination for solution in referendum. Atacanli said that Sezer noted in
the meeting that Greek Cypriot side did not put forth good will on that
issue.
Atacanli stated that Sezer stressed that embargoes imposed on the
[self-declared] Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should be lifted
immediately.
When asked what were the views of Chirac about Cyprus issue, Atacanli said:
"Both Chirac and French For eign Minister, who also attended the meeting,
said that they are aware of developments in Cyprus and welcomed the attitude
of Turkish side and they noted this. Mr Chirac said regarding the EU issue,
'you know my stance about EU issue. And
you also know that my stance is positive.' Mr Chirac said that Turkey has
started its EU trip 40 years ago and the EU has a 40 year of commitment and
this commitment concerns a vision related with the future of Europe."
Atacanli said that Chirac also noted that the commission report which would
be presented in October was important.
When asked whether Armenian problem was brought onto agenda during the
meeting, Atacanli said that President Sezer stressed Turkey's sensitivity
over the so-called Armenian genocide which is occasionally brought onto
agenda of the French Parliament.
Atacanli said that Sezer earlier invited Chirac to Turkey and he repeated
this invitation during the meeting. Atacanli added that this invitation was
acce pted and the date would be cleared later.
MELKONIAN ADMISSION TESTS CONCLUDED LAST WEEK
Nicosia July 2, 2004 - Gibrahayer: On Friday, June 25th MEI gave admissions
testing to 5 potential students. Their applications and test results were
sent to AGBU's office in New York for evaluation. The parents will be
notified as soon as the evaluation is completed.
MEI's annual Summer School program began today (Thursday July 1st) and will
run though out the month. Enrollment is limited, but there are few openings
in selected weeks. Parents interested in enrolling their child should
contact Ms. Freda Georgiou at (22) 422-195 or (99) 570-897.
The Graduation Ceremony of the 2003-2004 Class of Melkonian took place on
Saturday June 12, 2004 during which 3 2 students from ten countries
graduated.
ARMENIAN PATRIARCH MEETS U.S. PRESIDENT IN BOLIS
Lraper Church Bulletin - Bolis - On 27 June 2004, Sunday afternoon,
President George W. Bush of the United States of America had a meeting with
the religious leaders of Turkey.
His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey,
accompanied by the Revd. Fr. Drtad Uzunyan, attended the meeting held at the
Hilton Hotel in Istanbul at the U.S. Embassy's invitation.
Also present were His Excellency Ali Bardakoglu, Director of the Office
of Islamic Religious Affairs in Ankara; His Holiness Bartholomew I, Greek
Orthodox (Ecumenical) Patriarch of Istanbul; His Excellency Rav Itshak
Haleva, Chief Rabbi of Turkey; His Grace Philixinos, Metropolitan of the
Syriac Orthodox Church in Istanbul; His Excellency Mustafa Cagrici, Gran d
Mufti of Istanbul; Mr. Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State; Mr. Eric
Edelman, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara; Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the President's
National Security Advisor, and others.
The meeting was cordial and began with President Bush welcoming each
guest personally. The President, in his opening remarks, spoke of his
appreciation of Turkey's being a mosaic of faiths and cultures, and how she
presents a good model for a country which is a secular democracy, though
predominantly Muslim.
In his exchange with the Armenian Patriarch, the President indicated his
awareness that His Beatitude had studied in the United States. In response,
Patriarch Mesrob said that he considers the United States his second home
after Istanbul, and therefore the visit of the President of the U.S. gave
him great pleasure.
The Patriarch also referred to America's hospitality over t he years
since the second half of the 19th century to hundreds of thousands of
Armenians, who had settled on the friendly shores of the New World. The
President fondly said that he thinks highly of the American Armenian
community and made a special reference to Mr. George Deukmejian, the 35th
Governor of California.
Speaking of the minority situation in Turkey, Patriarch Mesrob said that
any of the non-Muslim minorities in Turkey, or for that matter, for any
ethnic or national minority to exist anywhere, three types of institutions
are essential: First, places of worship to preserve religious heritage and
to nourish the spiritual life of the community, secondly, schools to teach
language and culture, and thirdly, foundations to fund religious and
educational activities and the personnel who enliven them. The minorities in
Turkey are attempting to maintain those institutions for the future and
well-being of their communities.
Patriarch Mesrob expressed his satisfaction that there was an on-going
inter-faith dialogue between the different religious establishments in
Turkey, and also a neighbourly dialogue of life among peoples of various
confessional communities. Another subject Patriarch Mesrob touched on was
the intermediary roles of the minorities. He said that the communities have
sometimes been in the past, are ready today and will be so in the future to
act as catalysts in any peace undertaking in the region between Turkey and
neighbouring countries.
And finally the Patriarch said that being ministers of religion engaged
in spiritual edification, religious leaders try not to interfere or engage
in politics. However, certain occurrences call for, if not political
involvement, at least a moral response to particular situations. Fully
supporting the initiative of the World Council of Churches call ed "the
Decade to Overcome Violence," Patriarch Mesrob voiced the sadness and
disquiet of many believers of various faiths in Turkey who are daily
bombarded with terrible scenes of violence via the media. Such images come
daily from Palestine, the Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq and other places in
the world. The Patriarch said he was deeply concerned with this because he
is worried that such occurrences may cause lasting differences between
various faiths and cultures.
Patriarch Mesrob presented the President with an album of the Armenian
churches in Turkey. The President gave the Patriarch a Steuben crystal bowl
with his insignia engraved on it.
Vartan Oskanian meets Gul, Mamedyarov and visits Armenian Patriarchate of
Bolis
The foreign ministers of the three troubled neighbors, Vartan Oskanian of
Armenia, Elmar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan, and Abdullah Gul of Turkey met on
the sidelines of the NATO summit in Istanbul. Oskanian said he and his
counterparts had agreed to hold further trilateral meetings later in the
year.
A close ally of Azerbaijan, Turkey has declined to establish diplomatic
ties with Armenia and remains bitter at Yerevan's efforts to secure
international recognition of the Armenian genocide by Ottoman Turkey. Ankara
is under pressure by the EU to re-open its border with Armenia, which it
closed in 1993 in a show of solidarity with Baku.
Oskanian told reporters he had discussed the issue with Gul in a
bilateral meeting earlier in the day, but it would be premature to expect an
immediate re-opening of the border. Oskanian used his participation in the
NATO summit, marred by violent clashes between Turkish police and left- wing
protesters, to meet with Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian, the spiritual leader of
Turkey's small Armenian community. He also delivered a speech to a group of
Istanbul Armenians.
BUSH LAMBASTED OVER TURKEY COMMENTS
" he went into territory that isn't his " - Chirac
EU Observer Andrew Beatty - 30 June 2004 - French president Jacques
Chriac has strongly criticised George W Bush for interfering in the EUs
relations with Turkey. During a NATO summit in Istanbul, Mr Chirac rebuked
the US President for his comments earlier this week, when he said that
Turkey should start EU talks late this year.
"He has nothing to say on this subject. It is as if I were to tell the
United States how it should conduct its relations with Mexico", Mr Chirac
said. "If President Bush really said that in the way that I read, then not
only did he go too far, but he went into territory that isn't his", he
continued. The EU will decide later this year if Turkey has met the
conditions for EU membership.
External Relations Commission Chris Patten earlier played down Mr Bushs
comments acknowledging Washingtons legitimate interest in seeing democracy
in a Muslim state consolidated.
At the recent EU-US summit Mr Patten said he would be surprised if a US
president whose next stop is Turkey did not make such comments. But for
France the issue is a sensitive one.
Aside from general mistrust between the France and the US, Paris holds
some deep reservations about Turkish entry into the EU. Turkey will be among
the EUs largest members if it entered, shattering the current balance of
power in the EU which sees France and Germany take a lead role. And it is
not the first time Washington has been judged to have overstepped the mark.
In autumn 2002, the US ruffled feathers by taking part in an aggressive
campaign for Turkey to get potential member status, which they later
received.
That campaign led to Turkey being heavily chastised by the EU and
agreement between Brussels and Ankara that there would be no repeat of the
campaigning seen in the run up to the Copenhagen summit in 2002.
This winter Turkey is widely expected to receive the go ahead to start
accession talks.
-------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED WEB SITES
http://share.shutterfly.com/
osi.jsp?i=EeAN mLJu4ZtGrC8gTogether with the Parikian brothers Misak and
Edmond - back to Cyprus from Australia after 30 years - we visited Morphou
area last Saturday. Enclosed you will find more than 60 pictures from our
expedition to Turkish occupied north-west.
Images include the Cathedral of Ayios Mammas, Ayia Paraskevi, Panayia
Chryseleousa Church, Xeros Bay, CMC Mine, Limnitis Bay, Morphou Mitropolis,
Potamos tou Kampou and the Monument dedicated to the first shot down pilot
of the Turkish Republic Captain Cengiz Topel whose F-100 was downed by the
National Guard in the summer of 1964.
Click on the link under the Mosque.
If any of you are visiting occupied Cyprus the following town and village
name guide might come in handy in recognising our towns and villages:
Morphou - Guzelyurt, Potamos tou Kampou - Yedidalga, Xeros - Geni Konaj,
Pantaya - Yesilyurt.
---------------------------------------------
NEWS IN BRIEF
On Sunday 27 June 2004 the 9th Anniversary of the election and consecration
of His Holiness Aram I was celebrated in all Armenian dioceses and churches
all over the world under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia.
- on June 21 an Azerbaijani sniper shot and killed and Armenian soldier
Radik Avetisyan. On June 14 platoon leader Lieutenant Samvel Vshtunts was
also killed in the same area. In a separate incident on Monday an
Azerbaijani soldier was killed by gunfire that appeared to come from
Armenian-held positions.
- Armenia reaffirmed on Thursday its plans to take part in the NATO-led
military exercise in Azerbaijan this September, but appeared to have scaled
back its participation, strongly opposed by many Azerbaijanis.
- The charitable organi zation "Shen," which has been active in both Armenia
and Karabagh, has announced its plans to supply 400 computers to the schools
of Karabagh. To date, the program has been implemented in the Askeran and
Shoushi regions of the country.
- During a June 23 session of the UN Economic and Social Council (known as
ECOSOC) Armenia was elected unanimously to ECOSOC commission on population
and development, receiving the accord of the East European countries.
Armenia will be member of the commission from 2005 to 2007.
- The United Armenian Fund's 129th airlift arrived in Yerevan on June 26,
delivering $1 million of humanitarian assistance. The UAF itself collected
$262,000 of medicines and medical supplies for this flight, most of which
were donated by AmeriCares ($138,000) and the Catholic Medical Mission Board
($123,000).
----------------------------------
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
The Armenian Club of Larnaca invites all friends to a Garden Party on
Saturday July 3, at 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the delicious food and good company in
our Open air Garden for only #4 per person (drinks not included) Children
#2. For reservations please contact Avedis Avedissian 99-445784, Vartoog
Karaguelian 99-880226.
Pan-European Games Party, between July 2nd to July 4th, Armenian teams
from Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and England will compete
in the Pan-European Games in our own back yard. HYE is proud to announce
that we are throwing the party to end this fantastic sports tournament...
come down and party with the Euro-Armos on their last night. when: Sunday
4th July 2004 @ 8:30pm - 1:00a.m. where: Marriott Hotel Windsor/Slough,
Ditton Road, Langley, Berkshire, SL3 8PT. For map and directions to hotel go
to:
http://marriott.co.uk/Channels/Marriott+Global/UK/FindReserve/drivingDirecti
ons.mi?marshaCode=LHRSL
music: Resident DJ Josey Kray with hip hop & RnB and DJ Devil with the funky
armo and middle eastern entrance: #5 contact: John on 07961 166 969 Alenoosh
on 07932 597 089 [email protected] THIS IS NOT A BURUHUNTES THIS IS A HYE
PARTY!
POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association "Oshakan" Cyprus Chapter has been postponed for
Tuesday September 14, 2004.
Khanasor and Lisbon 5 Expeditions commemoration at Troodos Picnic site of
"Kampos tou Livadhiou" on Sunday July 25, 2004, organised by AYMA,
Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus Committee, The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus,
AYF, Larnaca and Limassol Armenian Clubs, Hamazkayin and ARS (HOM) Cyprus
Chapters. Hayer hishek nviragan ayn ore, Houlis amsoun ksanhinkin gadaretsek
mer done. Commemorative Programme begins at 12:00 noon.
AYMA 66th Annual General Meeting, on Thursday July 8, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.
The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its Annual Summer Camp at the
Camp Site of Morphou Prelature from 9-15 August 2004. To receive more
information or to r egister please contact the following: Nareg Tavitian,
Nora Sarian or Simon Aynedjian.
THE TEKEYAN YOUTH MOVEMENT OF CYPRUS is organizing a unique excursion to
Armenia, 7-14 August. Participants will exclusively be Armenian youth (ages
13 to 35) from all over the world. The one-week programme is specially
organized to include an optimum amount of sightseeing, led by expert guides.
Trips to Shushi, Stepanakert, Noravank, Gladzor, Lake Sevan, Dilidjan, Barz
Lidj, Khor Virab, St. Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Sartarabad, Garni, Keghart,
Dzidzernagapert are included in the meticulously prepared programme. Lodging
will be at the "Lousakert" Hotel, 20 kilometres North of Yerevan, ideally
situated in an orchard. The hotel rooms are fully equipped with all the
necessary facilities. The price of the WHOLE PACKAGE, including FULL BOARD,
all the excursions, transfers from and to the airport, return air fare from
Cyprus and visa to Armenia is only 335 Cyprus pounds. Those interested
should immediately call 99747798 or 99929343, as availability is very
limited.
A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin committee members immediately.
HAMAZKAYIN FORUM 2004 The 10th Forum, Lebanon:From July 12-18 (Optional)
Armenia: From July 19-31, 2004. Thought provoking lectures, trips to
historic and amazing destinations, and nights of dancing and entertainment
are only some of the Forum highlights. For many Armenian students across the
globe, the Hamazkayin Summer Forum is one of the most anticipated events of
the year. Those interested should visit the website for more details on how
to apply. http://www.hamazkayin.com/Forum2004/index.htm
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus announces that the next permit for the
Armenian Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is
scheduled for Sunday 11 July, 2004.
The Armenian Youth Federation has organised three events for Armenian
Cypriot youth for the month of July as follows: Limassol outing on Monday
July 12. Weekend in Ayia Napa on 17-18 July and Beach Party on Saturday July
31. Details to follow from the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter.
-----------------------
Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian community of
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THE GODS OF MODERN GREECE MAKE IT TO THE FINALS OF EURO 2004
Friday July 2, 00:15 a.m. (Gibrahayer)
The National soccer team of Greece defied all odds by reaching the finals of
Euro 2004. After downing host nations Portugal 2-0, drawing with giants
Spain and knocking out 1998 World and 2000 Euro Champions France 1-0, Greece
stopped the winning streak of the Czech Republic in the semi finals by the
silver goal of Traianos Dellas seconds before the end of the first quarter
of extra time.
Cyprus was silent for more than two hours while the entire population
watched the game. Moments after the Greek goal the entire population went
into delirious celebrations.
The Greek national team will play host nations Portugal on Sunday, the team
they beat in the opening match of Euro 2004.
NEW PROPOSAL ON KARABAKH BASED ON CYPRUS BLUEPRINT
Ayna, Baku - 29 Jun 04 - The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia and
Turkey met on 28 June on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Istanbul. The
gathering was held behind closed doors.
The ministers told journalists after the meeting that they had discussed the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict but did not disclose the details. In their brief
speeches the ministers said that both Azerbaijan and Armenia support a
greater involvement of Turkey in resolving the conflict. The mechanism for
this will be ready in one or two months, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov said.
In turn, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said that the sides also
discussed the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border. Resolving this issue
may take some time, Oskanyan said. The foremost objective of the talks was
to work out a new approach to resolving the problem.
According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Armenia received a new formula to
settle the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict during the trilateral meeting. The
formula is similar to the blueprint for resolving the Cyprus problem. In
essence, the new proposal is to pay greater attention to the interests of
both the Armenian and Azeri communities in Nagornyy Karabakh.
Before the trilateral meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
received Oskanyan. The Turkish mass media reported that this meeting
discussed the Nagornyy Karabakh problem and relations between Turkey and
Armenia. The two countries have yet to establish diplomatic relations.
TURKISH, FRENCH PRESIDENTS DISCUSS EU, CYPRUS AND ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Anatolia news agency, Ankara: Istanbul, 28 June: Turkish President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer met on Monday [28 June] with French President Jacques Chirac,
who is currently in Istanbul for the NATO summit.
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and French
Foreign Minister Michel Barnier also attended the meeting. Following the
meeting, President Sezer's Foreign Policy Chief Adviser Sermet Atacanli told
reporters that Sezer focused on Turkey's European Union (EU) membership in
his meeting with Chirac.
Atacanli said that Sezer explained once again that Turkey expected France,
which was one of leading countries in the EU, to support Turkey's EU
membership. Atacanli quoted Sezer as saying that Turkey fulfilled all
political criteria of EU, noting that Turkey expected to be treated as other
countries which fulfilled those criteria. Stating that Sezer said in the
meeting that he expected the report on Turkey that would be announced by EU
Commission in October to be positive, Atacanli quoted President Sezer as
saying that EU should set a date for Turkey in December to start its
membership negotiations with the union.
Noting that Sezer also focused on Cyprus issue in his meeting with Chirac,
Atacanli quoted Sezer as saying that new developments took place after
referenda held in Cyprus on 24 April and Turkish Cypriot side showed its
determination for solution in referendum. Atacanli said that Sezer noted in
the meeting that Greek Cypriot side did not put forth good will on that
issue.
Atacanli stated that Sezer stressed that embargoes imposed on the
[self-declared] Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should be lifted
immediately.
When asked what were the views of Chirac about Cyprus issue, Atacanli said:
"Both Chirac and French For eign Minister, who also attended the meeting,
said that they are aware of developments in Cyprus and welcomed the attitude
of Turkish side and they noted this. Mr Chirac said regarding the EU issue,
'you know my stance about EU issue. And
you also know that my stance is positive.' Mr Chirac said that Turkey has
started its EU trip 40 years ago and the EU has a 40 year of commitment and
this commitment concerns a vision related with the future of Europe."
Atacanli said that Chirac also noted that the commission report which would
be presented in October was important.
When asked whether Armenian problem was brought onto agenda during the
meeting, Atacanli said that President Sezer stressed Turkey's sensitivity
over the so-called Armenian genocide which is occasionally brought onto
agenda of the French Parliament.
Atacanli said that Sezer earlier invited Chirac to Turkey and he repeated
this invitation during the meeting. Atacanli added that this invitation was
acce pted and the date would be cleared later.
MELKONIAN ADMISSION TESTS CONCLUDED LAST WEEK
Nicosia July 2, 2004 - Gibrahayer: On Friday, June 25th MEI gave admissions
testing to 5 potential students. Their applications and test results were
sent to AGBU's office in New York for evaluation. The parents will be
notified as soon as the evaluation is completed.
MEI's annual Summer School program began today (Thursday July 1st) and will
run though out the month. Enrollment is limited, but there are few openings
in selected weeks. Parents interested in enrolling their child should
contact Ms. Freda Georgiou at (22) 422-195 or (99) 570-897.
The Graduation Ceremony of the 2003-2004 Class of Melkonian took place on
Saturday June 12, 2004 during which 3 2 students from ten countries
graduated.
ARMENIAN PATRIARCH MEETS U.S. PRESIDENT IN BOLIS
Lraper Church Bulletin - Bolis - On 27 June 2004, Sunday afternoon,
President George W. Bush of the United States of America had a meeting with
the religious leaders of Turkey.
His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey,
accompanied by the Revd. Fr. Drtad Uzunyan, attended the meeting held at the
Hilton Hotel in Istanbul at the U.S. Embassy's invitation.
Also present were His Excellency Ali Bardakoglu, Director of the Office
of Islamic Religious Affairs in Ankara; His Holiness Bartholomew I, Greek
Orthodox (Ecumenical) Patriarch of Istanbul; His Excellency Rav Itshak
Haleva, Chief Rabbi of Turkey; His Grace Philixinos, Metropolitan of the
Syriac Orthodox Church in Istanbul; His Excellency Mustafa Cagrici, Gran d
Mufti of Istanbul; Mr. Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State; Mr. Eric
Edelman, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara; Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the President's
National Security Advisor, and others.
The meeting was cordial and began with President Bush welcoming each
guest personally. The President, in his opening remarks, spoke of his
appreciation of Turkey's being a mosaic of faiths and cultures, and how she
presents a good model for a country which is a secular democracy, though
predominantly Muslim.
In his exchange with the Armenian Patriarch, the President indicated his
awareness that His Beatitude had studied in the United States. In response,
Patriarch Mesrob said that he considers the United States his second home
after Istanbul, and therefore the visit of the President of the U.S. gave
him great pleasure.
The Patriarch also referred to America's hospitality over t he years
since the second half of the 19th century to hundreds of thousands of
Armenians, who had settled on the friendly shores of the New World. The
President fondly said that he thinks highly of the American Armenian
community and made a special reference to Mr. George Deukmejian, the 35th
Governor of California.
Speaking of the minority situation in Turkey, Patriarch Mesrob said that
any of the non-Muslim minorities in Turkey, or for that matter, for any
ethnic or national minority to exist anywhere, three types of institutions
are essential: First, places of worship to preserve religious heritage and
to nourish the spiritual life of the community, secondly, schools to teach
language and culture, and thirdly, foundations to fund religious and
educational activities and the personnel who enliven them. The minorities in
Turkey are attempting to maintain those institutions for the future and
well-being of their communities.
Patriarch Mesrob expressed his satisfaction that there was an on-going
inter-faith dialogue between the different religious establishments in
Turkey, and also a neighbourly dialogue of life among peoples of various
confessional communities. Another subject Patriarch Mesrob touched on was
the intermediary roles of the minorities. He said that the communities have
sometimes been in the past, are ready today and will be so in the future to
act as catalysts in any peace undertaking in the region between Turkey and
neighbouring countries.
And finally the Patriarch said that being ministers of religion engaged
in spiritual edification, religious leaders try not to interfere or engage
in politics. However, certain occurrences call for, if not political
involvement, at least a moral response to particular situations. Fully
supporting the initiative of the World Council of Churches call ed "the
Decade to Overcome Violence," Patriarch Mesrob voiced the sadness and
disquiet of many believers of various faiths in Turkey who are daily
bombarded with terrible scenes of violence via the media. Such images come
daily from Palestine, the Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq and other places in
the world. The Patriarch said he was deeply concerned with this because he
is worried that such occurrences may cause lasting differences between
various faiths and cultures.
Patriarch Mesrob presented the President with an album of the Armenian
churches in Turkey. The President gave the Patriarch a Steuben crystal bowl
with his insignia engraved on it.
Vartan Oskanian meets Gul, Mamedyarov and visits Armenian Patriarchate of
Bolis
The foreign ministers of the three troubled neighbors, Vartan Oskanian of
Armenia, Elmar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan, and Abdullah Gul of Turkey met on
the sidelines of the NATO summit in Istanbul. Oskanian said he and his
counterparts had agreed to hold further trilateral meetings later in the
year.
A close ally of Azerbaijan, Turkey has declined to establish diplomatic
ties with Armenia and remains bitter at Yerevan's efforts to secure
international recognition of the Armenian genocide by Ottoman Turkey. Ankara
is under pressure by the EU to re-open its border with Armenia, which it
closed in 1993 in a show of solidarity with Baku.
Oskanian told reporters he had discussed the issue with Gul in a
bilateral meeting earlier in the day, but it would be premature to expect an
immediate re-opening of the border. Oskanian used his participation in the
NATO summit, marred by violent clashes between Turkish police and left- wing
protesters, to meet with Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian, the spiritual leader of
Turkey's small Armenian community. He also delivered a speech to a group of
Istanbul Armenians.
BUSH LAMBASTED OVER TURKEY COMMENTS
" he went into territory that isn't his " - Chirac
EU Observer Andrew Beatty - 30 June 2004 - French president Jacques
Chriac has strongly criticised George W Bush for interfering in the EUs
relations with Turkey. During a NATO summit in Istanbul, Mr Chirac rebuked
the US President for his comments earlier this week, when he said that
Turkey should start EU talks late this year.
"He has nothing to say on this subject. It is as if I were to tell the
United States how it should conduct its relations with Mexico", Mr Chirac
said. "If President Bush really said that in the way that I read, then not
only did he go too far, but he went into territory that isn't his", he
continued. The EU will decide later this year if Turkey has met the
conditions for EU membership.
External Relations Commission Chris Patten earlier played down Mr Bushs
comments acknowledging Washingtons legitimate interest in seeing democracy
in a Muslim state consolidated.
At the recent EU-US summit Mr Patten said he would be surprised if a US
president whose next stop is Turkey did not make such comments. But for
France the issue is a sensitive one.
Aside from general mistrust between the France and the US, Paris holds
some deep reservations about Turkish entry into the EU. Turkey will be among
the EUs largest members if it entered, shattering the current balance of
power in the EU which sees France and Germany take a lead role. And it is
not the first time Washington has been judged to have overstepped the mark.
In autumn 2002, the US ruffled feathers by taking part in an aggressive
campaign for Turkey to get potential member status, which they later
received.
That campaign led to Turkey being heavily chastised by the EU and
agreement between Brussels and Ankara that there would be no repeat of the
campaigning seen in the run up to the Copenhagen summit in 2002.
This winter Turkey is widely expected to receive the go ahead to start
accession talks.
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RECOMMENDED WEB SITES
http://share.shutterfly.com/
osi.jsp?i=EeAN mLJu4ZtGrC8gTogether with the Parikian brothers Misak and
Edmond - back to Cyprus from Australia after 30 years - we visited Morphou
area last Saturday. Enclosed you will find more than 60 pictures from our
expedition to Turkish occupied north-west.
Images include the Cathedral of Ayios Mammas, Ayia Paraskevi, Panayia
Chryseleousa Church, Xeros Bay, CMC Mine, Limnitis Bay, Morphou Mitropolis,
Potamos tou Kampou and the Monument dedicated to the first shot down pilot
of the Turkish Republic Captain Cengiz Topel whose F-100 was downed by the
National Guard in the summer of 1964.
Click on the link under the Mosque.
If any of you are visiting occupied Cyprus the following town and village
name guide might come in handy in recognising our towns and villages:
Morphou - Guzelyurt, Potamos tou Kampou - Yedidalga, Xeros - Geni Konaj,
Pantaya - Yesilyurt.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
On Sunday 27 June 2004 the 9th Anniversary of the election and consecration
of His Holiness Aram I was celebrated in all Armenian dioceses and churches
all over the world under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia.
- on June 21 an Azerbaijani sniper shot and killed and Armenian soldier
Radik Avetisyan. On June 14 platoon leader Lieutenant Samvel Vshtunts was
also killed in the same area. In a separate incident on Monday an
Azerbaijani soldier was killed by gunfire that appeared to come from
Armenian-held positions.
- Armenia reaffirmed on Thursday its plans to take part in the NATO-led
military exercise in Azerbaijan this September, but appeared to have scaled
back its participation, strongly opposed by many Azerbaijanis.
- The charitable organi zation "Shen," which has been active in both Armenia
and Karabagh, has announced its plans to supply 400 computers to the schools
of Karabagh. To date, the program has been implemented in the Askeran and
Shoushi regions of the country.
- During a June 23 session of the UN Economic and Social Council (known as
ECOSOC) Armenia was elected unanimously to ECOSOC commission on population
and development, receiving the accord of the East European countries.
Armenia will be member of the commission from 2005 to 2007.
- The United Armenian Fund's 129th airlift arrived in Yerevan on June 26,
delivering $1 million of humanitarian assistance. The UAF itself collected
$262,000 of medicines and medical supplies for this flight, most of which
were donated by AmeriCares ($138,000) and the Catholic Medical Mission Board
($123,000).
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g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
The Armenian Club of Larnaca invites all friends to a Garden Party on
Saturday July 3, at 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the delicious food and good company in
our Open air Garden for only #4 per person (drinks not included) Children
#2. For reservations please contact Avedis Avedissian 99-445784, Vartoog
Karaguelian 99-880226.
Pan-European Games Party, between July 2nd to July 4th, Armenian teams
from Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and England will compete
in the Pan-European Games in our own back yard. HYE is proud to announce
that we are throwing the party to end this fantastic sports tournament...
come down and party with the Euro-Armos on their last night. when: Sunday
4th July 2004 @ 8:30pm - 1:00a.m. where: Marriott Hotel Windsor/Slough,
Ditton Road, Langley, Berkshire, SL3 8PT. For map and directions to hotel go
to:
http://marriott.co.uk/Channels/Marriott+Global/UK/FindReserve/drivingDirecti
ons.mi?marshaCode=LHRSL
music: Resident DJ Josey Kray with hip hop & RnB and DJ Devil with the funky
armo and middle eastern entrance: #5 contact: John on 07961 166 969 Alenoosh
on 07932 597 089 [email protected] THIS IS NOT A BURUHUNTES THIS IS A HYE
PARTY!
POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association "Oshakan" Cyprus Chapter has been postponed for
Tuesday September 14, 2004.
Khanasor and Lisbon 5 Expeditions commemoration at Troodos Picnic site of
"Kampos tou Livadhiou" on Sunday July 25, 2004, organised by AYMA,
Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus Committee, The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus,
AYF, Larnaca and Limassol Armenian Clubs, Hamazkayin and ARS (HOM) Cyprus
Chapters. Hayer hishek nviragan ayn ore, Houlis amsoun ksanhinkin gadaretsek
mer done. Commemorative Programme begins at 12:00 noon.
AYMA 66th Annual General Meeting, on Thursday July 8, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.
The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its Annual Summer Camp at the
Camp Site of Morphou Prelature from 9-15 August 2004. To receive more
information or to r egister please contact the following: Nareg Tavitian,
Nora Sarian or Simon Aynedjian.
THE TEKEYAN YOUTH MOVEMENT OF CYPRUS is organizing a unique excursion to
Armenia, 7-14 August. Participants will exclusively be Armenian youth (ages
13 to 35) from all over the world. The one-week programme is specially
organized to include an optimum amount of sightseeing, led by expert guides.
Trips to Shushi, Stepanakert, Noravank, Gladzor, Lake Sevan, Dilidjan, Barz
Lidj, Khor Virab, St. Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Sartarabad, Garni, Keghart,
Dzidzernagapert are included in the meticulously prepared programme. Lodging
will be at the "Lousakert" Hotel, 20 kilometres North of Yerevan, ideally
situated in an orchard. The hotel rooms are fully equipped with all the
necessary facilities. The price of the WHOLE PACKAGE, including FULL BOARD,
all the excursions, transfers from and to the airport, return air fare from
Cyprus and visa to Armenia is only 335 Cyprus pounds. Those interested
should immediately call 99747798 or 99929343, as availability is very
limited.
A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin committee members immediately.
HAMAZKAYIN FORUM 2004 The 10th Forum, Lebanon:From July 12-18 (Optional)
Armenia: From July 19-31, 2004. Thought provoking lectures, trips to
historic and amazing destinations, and nights of dancing and entertainment
are only some of the Forum highlights. For many Armenian students across the
globe, the Hamazkayin Summer Forum is one of the most anticipated events of
the year. Those interested should visit the website for more details on how
to apply. http://www.hamazkayin.com/Forum2004/index.htm
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus announces that the next permit for the
Armenian Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is
scheduled for Sunday 11 July, 2004.
The Armenian Youth Federation has organised three events for Armenian
Cypriot youth for the month of July as follows: Limassol outing on Monday
July 12. Weekend in Ayia Napa on 17-18 July and Beach Party on Saturday July
31. Details to follow from the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter.
-----------------------
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