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12/29/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) DECLARATION: ARF Artsakh Central Committee 2) Balkan Pipeline Would Serve as Alternative to Turkish Ports 3) Greece No Longer Considered Top Threat to Turkey 4) Possible EU Condition on Turkey Ruffles Azeris 5) 2004 HyeRock LA Festival to Feature Charity Concert 1) DECLARATION: ARF Artsakh Central Committee Dear Compatriots, A politically motivated appointment is among the cabinet changes recently made by the president of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR). Viewing the move as a troublesome precedent, the ARF Artsakh Central Committee finds it necessary to present the facts and its stance to the public. On December 16, 2004, during an address to top state officials, MKR President Arkady Ghukasian expressed disappointment with his government, accusing it of ongoing corruption and proposing to counter it with structural and cabinet changes. Astonishingly, days after his address, Ghukasian met with Minister of Education, Culture, and Sport Armen Sargsyan, who is also a member of the ARF, and despite praising his job performance, relieved him of his duties and instead offered the minister the position of presidential advisor. The official explanation for the president's action is that, within the context of the 2005 parliamentary elections, Sargsyan's inclusion in the cabinet as a member of an independent political party represents a conflict of interest. The president seeks to create the impression that Sargsyan's termination is part of his fight against corruption. In fact, Ghukasian is perturbed by the successes of the ARF and other democratic entities in past local elections, and fears similar results in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The offer to appoint Sargsyan as presidential advisor has been refused by the ARF Artsakh Central Committee. In recent years, there has been cooperation between the presidency of MKR and the ARF Artsakh Central Committee. Sometimes the ARF has disagreed with Ghukasian's domestic policies, but has, nonetheless, supported the president in the foremost interests of the people of newly independent Artsakh. The ARF Artsakh Central Committee has believed that it can be of benefit to the republic's government, and sometimes help the president to reconsider certain hastily taken decisions. It is painful to note that at this critical juncture, the person at the helm of MKR has failed to grasp the significance of his mission, and not stoop to petty politicking. The president has failed to become a symbol of unity and harmony. With his recent action, Ghukasian has clearly impelled the ARF, the progressive force of Artsakh, to oppose him. The president's action also indicates a failure to understand the local and international importance of free, legal, and democratic elections in Artsakh. Once again stating its stance on the issues of international recognition of Artsakh's self-determination, stability, the strengthening of its governance, and economic prosperity, the ARF Artsakh Central Committee has resolved the following: 1) In response to the politically motivated step taken by the president of MKR against the ARF, to recall ARF representatives serving in top levels of government executive. 2) In view of the fact that a complete break would be counterproductive at the moment, to continue to have ARF representation in the president's Security Council. In the latter instance, the ARF's decision is not self-serving and, for understandable reasons, we consider maintaining our representation in the Security Council as entirely rightful. In the event of worsening future relations, the responsibility falls on MKR president Arkady Ghukasian. ARF Artsakh Central Committee Stepanakert December 29, 2004 2) Balkan Pipeline Would Serve as Alternative to Turkish Ports Nano, Saxe-Coburg, and Macedonia's Vlado Buckovski shaking on the deal Tuesday. SOFIA (AP/Balkanalysis)--Bulgaria, Albania, and Macedonia gave political support on Tuesday to a $1.2 billion private trans-Balkan oil pipeline project that aims to allow alternative ports for the shipping of Russian and Caspian oil, which normally goes through Turkish ports. Representatives from the three small Balkan states signed a declaration giving the green light to the US-registered Albanian Macedonian Bulgarian Oil Corp., AMBO, to launch the 912-kilometer pipeline between Bulgaria's Black Sea port of Burgas and Vlore, on Albania's Adriatic coast. "This is one of the most important infrastructure projects for regional, EU, and Euro-Atlantic integration for the western Balkans," Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano told reporters. Tankers ferrying oil to the Mediterranean and further west are currently subject to frequent and costly delays as they travel through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. The long-delayed underground line, expected to begin operation in early 2008, will be able to move up to 750,000 barrels of oil per day. The first obstacle was the preoccupation of relevant parties during the Clinton Administration with the massive Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in Anatolia. Then came the wars in Kosovo and Macedonia in 1999 and 2001, which left investors jittery. Now that the situation seems to have stabilized, however, the future looks bright for AMBO. AMBO said it had already secured some $900 million from the US government development agency Overseas Private Investment Corp., US Eximbank, and through a syndicated loan arranged by Credit Suisse First Boston. The remaining 25 percent of the funding will be raised by attracting private equity investors and a new company, which will operate the pipeline on behalf of the shareholders in one year's time, said AMBO President Ted Ferguson. Oil giants operating in the Caspian region like ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, and BP, have long sought alternative routes to the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. The pipeline was first discussed in 1994, but was delayed due to a lack of political backing by the countries involved. The construction of the pipeline, expected to start in a year, will not preclude another pipeline to carry Russian oil from Burgas to the northeastern Greek port of Alexandroupolis which is now under discussion. "We all know that Bosporus will sooner or later reach a point of saturation, so any bypass will be welcome," Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg said. That pipeline, a 256-kilometer route with capacity of 700,000 bpd, should be built and run jointly by Bulgaria, Russia, and Greece, but so far the three countries have failed to reach agreement on how to structure the 700 million euro ($954.7 million) project. 3) Greece No Longer Considered Top Threat to Turkey Diaspora population considered fundamental problem with Armenians ANKARA--According to Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper, a secret National Security Council memo cites that Greece no longer poses the top security concern to Turkey. Iran has instead moved into that position with its powerful Shahab-3 ballistic missile that reportedly has a range between 1,300 and 1,500 kilometers. The change, according to the document that addresses Turkey's security matters, is based on recent political analyses and reviews, and incidentally results in Greece's removal from that top position it has held for the past 82 years; the document, nevertheless, maintains that "there exists the probability of conflict with Greece." On Armenia, Turkish National Security Council experts agree that, in fact, there exist no fundamental issues with the neighboring country, but that the problem lies with its diaspora Armenians. According the Turks, the borders with Armenia remain closed because of Armenia's policy on Azerbaijan. The memo stresses the necessity to not only strengthen ties with Russia, but also step-up its influence on developing countries so as not to see a continuation of the discord that was created in the past with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The Hurriyet article points out that there is not mention of Turkish religious minorities or sects in the memo. 4) Possible EU Conditions on Turkey Ruffles Azeris According to the Turkish Zaman newspaper, talk of a possible opening of Turkey's border with Armenia--in the wake of the European Union's (EU) decision to begin accession talks with Turkey--has become a big issue in Azerbaijan. While a public opinion poll reveals that the majority of Azeris oppose any concession by Turkey on the issue, politicians have also been vocal. "As long as Armenians do not withdraw from Azerbaijani territories, the Turkey-Armenian borders should not be opened," said a spokesman for Azerbaijan's parliament Murtiz Alesgerov, adding that if negotiations do not resolve the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, then Azeris would regain their territory through military means. Addressing the border issue, Azeri parliament president Aleskerov told a group of Turkish journalists, "Armenians are Armenians and the enemy is the enemy; there can't be anything else...If Armenians do not withdraw from the occupied territories, Turkey will not open the borders towards that country. This issue shapes Turkey's main policy. Turkey will be loyal to this issue." 5) 2004 HyeRock LA Festival to Feature Charity Concert Artists for Kids Foundation Gathers Hot Local Bands for December 30 Benefit By Jenny Kiljian After more than ten years of working together in an unofficial capacity, a dynamic team of visual and musical artists decided to form a non-profit organization in order to better serve the international Armenian artistic community, and children who have an interest or talent in the arts. The Artists for Kids Foundation began with the collective vision of architect Aram Alajajian, graphic designer and publisher Tom Hovespian, and musician Arthur Meschian. Together with their families and friends, the group had organized and sponsored many notable art exhibits and concerts, including a sold-out performance by Rupen Hakhverdian at the Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale, California. By early 2004, the organizing committee had grown to include Gohar Karahagopian, Hagop Parseghian, Harry Vorperian, Anna Hovsepian, Nvart Alajajian, Anjik Parseghian, Marina Hakopyan, Sahag Ekshian, and Jirayr Habeshian. According to its mission statement, the Artists for Kids Foundation was created to build a cultural bridge between living generations by introducing the public to exceptional artists in music and fine arts. Those involved with the Artists for Kids Foundation believe that through the preservation and promotion of artistic values, a kinder society will be fostered. It's with this goal in mind that the Artists for Kids Foundation is hosting the 2004 Annual HyeRock Festival, taking place on December 30 at the Henry Fonda Music Box Theater in Hollywood. Organizers tapped In Progress. . . , Red Snow, Aviatic, the Gor Band, and Non-Eye, to take center stage that night. Each band caters to different age groups and musical inclinations. Jirayr Habeshian, charged with producing the concert, forecasts a monumental evening of music. "We're bringing some of today's youth to the concert and having them see first-hand both the up-and-coming performers and the more veteran rock musicians with Armenian backgrounds," he said. Habeshian, formerly the drummer of Red Snow, and currently working with the Gor Band, says it was an organization such as the Artists for Kids Foundation that was missing in his development as an artist. "I think the only thing lacking for me, growing up as a rock musician was support. Within the Armenan community, in general, there's been a narrow vision of what the culture is in respect to the arts, and I feel it's much more broad," said Habeshian, a real estate agent, who has been involved in Homenetmen and Pyunic. "We have a lot of talented artists in all genres--music, scultpure, painting, the motion picture industry, architecture--yet only a handful of Armenians know of the existence of these people." The 2004 HyeRock Festival, according to Habeshian, is intended to introduce the younger generations to the Artists for Kids Foundation and "to let them know that alongside some of the existing organizations, there's one with the specific mission statement for youth who want to pursue the arts." 2005 will also be a busy year for the Artists for Kids Foundation. Slated for February is "Free Concert for Kids," a two-night event featuring Rupen Hakhverdian, which will coincide with the release of the renowned musician's new children's album. A concert similar to the HyeRock Festival will take place in Armenia during the summer. The organization also promises assorted smaller concerts throughout the year and, of course, the Annual HyeRock Festival. HyeRock Festival 2004 at Henry Fonda Music Box Theater in Hollywood December 30--7 p.m. To reserve tickets call 818-523-9995 or 818-240-1515. Featured Bands: NON-EYE Non-Eye was formed in mid-2004, with Hayk on vocals and guitar, Chris on drums, and Narek on bass. The influence of the Armenian culture is apparent in Non-Eye's music, and the band cites Aram Khachaturian as one of its influences along with System Of A Down, TOOL, and Rush. "This is a great opportunity given to us by the Artists for Kids Foundation, for our music to be heard on a greater stage so early in our development," said Hayk. "We hope to bring our music to a more diverse audience and continue our progress as band." IN PROGRESS. . . In Progress. . . has been working together since 2002. The acoustic folk rock band comprises Mher Ajamian on percussion, Ara Dabandjian on lead guitar and keyboards, Shant Mahserejian on violin, and Jeremy Millado on bass, while Saro Koujakian (rythm guitar) and Gars Sherbejian share vocal duties. "We feel honored to be a part of this show, as it will feature some of the best local Armenian bands and we're ecstatic to be considered in such talented company," said Mher Ajamian. "We're also very excited about the variety of musical styles that will be on display. It's for a great cause and produced by a first-class organization." THE GOR BAND This is Gor Mkhitarian's second collaboration with the Artists for Kids Foundation. Mkhitarian will be performing with his new band, which is Ara Dabanjian on accordion, Vahe Terteryan on bass, and Jirayr Habeshian on drums. Also with the Gor Band at the HyeRock Festival will be Jay Dean on guitar. "It's very exciting, but difficult at the same time because ours is the only [Armenian] folk band. We're not sure how that contrast will play out," says Mkhitarian. "No matter what, we're glad to be doing something for the kids." AVIATIC When their former bands parted ways, the members of Aviatic saw a tremendous opportunity ahead of them. The band, with Sebu Simonian on vocals and keyboards, Barrett Yeretsian on drums, Ryan Welker on guitars, and Clint Feddersen on bass, has been working diligently to produce its first album. "We're very excited to play the HyeRock Festival and encouraged by any effort to promote rock music in the local community, especially when there's a such a good cause attached to it," says Simonian. "We're looking forward to taking the stage at the glorious Henry Fonda Theater. It's a beautiful piece of architecture in the heart of historic Hollywood, and boasts one of the best sound systems in all of Southern California. I can't wait to blast our music through it." RED SNOW The intensity of Red Snow's performances has been creating a flurry in the Los Angeles music scene. The band, which recently released its album Showtime Motel, is LaLa Avedis on vocals, Vahe Marzbetuny on guitars, Shant Sarkissian on drums, Jack Kurdian on keyboards, and Zareh Marzbetuny on bass. "We would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a worthwhile event. An event like this is a dream come true, and will showcase the talents of Armenian rock," said Vahe Marzbetuny. "We're confident we can motivate the youth to embrace rock music and support such a worthy cause such as the Artists for Kids Foundation. We're looking forward to seeing all our fellow Hye brothers and sisters at the show." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. 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