GLENDALE–Within the framework of his visit to California–President of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) Arkady Ghoukassian held a press conference on Tuesday at the Brandview Collection Hall; it was organized by the Consulate General of Armenia. Ghoukassian was accompanied by presidential advisor Naira Melkoumian– Executive Director of All Armenia Fund (AAF) Vahan Der Ghevontian–Western US AAF [...]

During the press conference–Sarkisian also revealed that Armenia will commit troops for its first-ever participation in international peace-keeping operations in the near future.
Sarkisian said a platoon from the recently formed Armenian peace-keeping battalion will be included in a Greek army contingent to carry out humanitarian missions abroad under the UN mandate. He gave no details [...]

YEREVAN (Yerkir/RFE/RL)–Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian confirmed media reports on Wednesday he is likely to become President Robert Kocharian’s election campaign manager.
"The likelihood of that is very high. But there has been no final decision yet," he said at a roundtable discussion on Armenia’s foreign and security policy issues.
Answering why he should be the person to [...]

Two months ago the ARS of Western USA lost one of its benefactors–Mr. Harry Sagoian at the age of 96–at a Convalescent home in California.
Harry Sagoian–who had asked the ARS to take care of him until the time of his death–donated his house in Joshua Tree to the ARS.
Mr. Sagoian lived alone on his property [...]

YEREVAN (Yerkir)–During the visit of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party leader Tayyip Erdogan to France–Armenia’s living in Paris are organizing a public rally today (November 27) near the French Parliament building. The Armenian National Committee of France has called on the Armenian community of France to actively participate in the rally demanding recognition of the [...]

Former Armenian Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian submitted the necessary paperwork to the Central Elections Commission (CEC) on Wednesday in order to register as a presidential candidate. Hovhannisian currently heads the Strategic and National Research Center and an NGO called National Citizens’ Initiative.

DESPITE ITS REFORMS–TURKEY DOES NOT YET LIVE UP TO THE POLITICAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR A CANDIDATE TO START ACCESSION TALKS COPENHAGEN (Reuters)–Current EU President Denmark praised Turkey on Tuesday for its progress in political reforms but indicated that EU leaders were not ready to give Ankara a date for starting membership [...]

YEREVAN (Yerkir/Armenpress/RFE/RL)–On Thursday–as stipulated by the Election Code of Armenian–a citizens’ initiative group of 287 people nominated Robert Kocharian for president. The group’s formal nomination and accompanying documentation will be submitted to the Central Elections Commission (CEC) for registration. Robert Kocharian–Prime Minister Margarian and ARF Bureau Chairman Hrant Markarian were present at the nomination ceremony. [...]

SYDNEY–November 21 marked the beginning of His Holiness Karekin II’s official visit to Australia where he met with government officials and religious and community leaders in both Sydney and Melbourne. On Thursday–His Holiness met with the Prime Minister of Australia The Honorable John Howard. Senior minister Phillip Ruddock–Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs [...]

LOS ANGELES–Continuing his visit to Southern California–the president of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR)–Arkady Ghoukassian met with ARF Bureau member Viken Hovsepian on Monday–November 25. The President also met with representatives of the Hunchakian party and visited the Arshag Dikranian Armenian school. On Monday evening–MKR’s President gave an interview to Horizon Live–a live broadcast program of [...]

Let’s embody the example of the brave and resilient people of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) who gave with their lives to exist freely today. Let’s pave the road–the "North-South" highway so that MKR can develop its potential. Let’s give thanks to our people who–up to now–have undertaken the major tasks alone–nevertheless surviving and evolving into [...]

Armenia is on the eve of a crucial event–presidential elections. Political forces must clarify their positions and present to the public–their values and how they view the country’s development in coming years–and to whom they entrust the top office of the country.
Elections are not only a right–but also a great responsibility before the state–the people [...]

ARF CREDITS KOCHARIAN WITH BETTERING DIFFICULT SOCIOECONOMIC SITUATION–APPROVES HIS POLICY ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH AND PRAISES HIS PURSUIT FOR INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
YEREVAN (Yerkir/RFE/RL)–During its November 22-25 National Convention–the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) of Armenian overwhelmingly voted to endorse President Robert Kocharian in upcoming presidential elections
During a press conference–ARF parliamentary leader Aghvan Vartanian said the decision [...]

LOS ANGELES (Armenpress)–Continuing his visits to the US–President Arkady arrived in Los Angeles to meet with the community and partake in the November 28 telethon to benefit the construction of the "North-South" highway in MKR. On his arrival–Ghoukassian attended a reception in his honor–with more than 500 guests representing local Armenian organizations present. Guests congratulated [...]