Month: June 2005

CIS countries show average industry growth of 5% over four months
ITAR-TASS News Agency
June 3, 2005 Friday
MOSCOW, June 3
Average industrial production in the CIS countries grew five percent
over the period from January through April 2005 compared with the
same period of 2004, Prime Tass economic news agency said on Friday,
quoting a report by the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee.
Industrial production in Russia grew by 4.2 percent over this period,
it said.
For comparison, the average industrial production growth in the CIS
was nine percent over the period of January through April 2004 versus
the same period in 2003, Prime Tass said.
Azerbaijan was the leader with a 15.8-percent growth rate.
Belarus was the second with an 11.2-percent growth of industrial
production over the period under review.
Georgia showed industrial growth at the level of 8.7 percent over the
first four months of the year compared with the same period in 2004.
Kazakhstan and Tajikistan showed the same figures, as their industrial
production rate increased by 7.3 percent.
Ukraine showed a 6.7-percent growth, Moldova – 5.1-percent growth
and Russia was next on the list.
It was followed by only two countries – Armenia with a 2.6-percent
growth and Kyrgyzstan, where the industrial production rate fell 7.1
percent in the designated period, Prime Tass said.
Statistics services of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan did not submit
information to the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
June 3, 2005, Friday
WHAT WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM GEORGIA?[]
SOURCE: Kommersant, May 31, 2005, p. 10
RUSSIAN MILITARY BASES IN GEORGIA: FIGURES AND FACTS
Two Russian military bases are stationed in Georgia: the 12th base in
Batumi and the 62nd base in Akhalkalaki. There are several auxiliary
military units. Every base presents a motorized infantry division.
The bases are subordinated to the command of the group of Russian
forces in the Trans-Caucasian region headquartered in Tbilisi. In
addition, Russia has the 364th detached battalion in the Georgian
capital (in all there are around 600 Russian servicemen in Tbilisi).
Major-General Alexander Bespalov, commander of the Group of Russian
forces in the Trans-Caucasian region, commands the units from the
Gyumri base (Armenia) because Georgia has not given him a visa.
In all there are around 3,000 servicemen in Georgia (the contingent
decreases because Georgia refuses to issue visas to Russian
servicemen); in addition, there are 115 tanks, 220 infantry fighting
vehicles and 170 artillery complexes (in addition to peacekeeping
units stationed in Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia).
The 12th military base (commanded by Major-General Anatoly Danilov)
was created on the basis of the 145th motorized infantry division of
the Trans-Caucasian military district. The base consists of the 35th
and 90th motorized infantry regiments, the 1089th regiment of
self-propelled artillery complexes, the 1007th anti-aircraft regiment
and the 115th detached tank battalion. The total strength of the 12th
base is around 1,500 servicemen; 40% of them are local residents. The
base is armed with 74 tanks, 80 armored combat vehicles and 120
artillery complexes. The bases this military hardware is on and the
Gonio firing range are only 30 kilometers from the Turkish border.
The base has its own repair plant.
He 62nd base (commanded by Colonel Yevgeny Achalov) was created on
the basis of the 147th motorized infantry division. It consists of
the 409th and 412th motorized infantry regiments, the 817th regiment
of self-propelled artillery complexes, the 899th detached
communication battalion, the 65th detached anti-tank battalion and
the 176th detached repair battalion. There were around 1,000
servicemen on the base in 2004 (around 50% of them were local
Armenians, who became Russian citizens). The base has 40 tanks, 137
armored combat vehicles and around 50 artillery complexes. The
training center of the base is located near the village of Abul.
In addition, the Russian military has an engineering storehouse in
Sagaredzho and a reserve command post in Mtskheta.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Agency WPS
What the Papers Say. Part B (Russia)
June 3, 2005, Friday
FROM BASE TO BASE
SOURCE: Vremya Novostei, June 3, 2005, p. 5
by Gajane Movsesjan
Colonel Seiran Shakhsuvarjan, spokesman for the Armenian Defense
Minister, said yesterday that the relocation of Russian weapons from
Georgia to Armenia does not require “any additional documents or
agreements.” The first echelon with Russian military hardware left
the Russian military base in Batumi for the Armenian town of Gyumri
on Tuesday, May 31. According to the spokesman, deployment of Russian
servicemen from Georgia in Armenia was not even discussed.
The plans to move military hardware to Armenia became public
knowledge even before this week, when Moscow and Tbilisi finally
reached an agreement on withdrawing the Russian military presence
from Georgia in 2008. The 102nd Military Base of the Russian Defense
Ministry has been stationed in Armenia since 1995. Needless to say,
official Baku (Azerbaijan) isn’t exactly enthusiastic about the
Kremlin’s intentions. Novruz Mamedov of the Azerbaijani presidential
administration said yesterday: “The relocation of military hardware
to Armenia, a country that still occupies some Azerbaijani land, will
not promote Azerbaijani-Russian relations.”
Russia is moving military hardware from one military base to another,
Russian Charge d’Affaires in Baku Pyotr Burdykin said in his
statement, released yesterday. “That does not mean we intend to turn
the military hardware over to Armenia.”
Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisjan says that “the increase of
the stocks of weapons” in the Russian military base promotes
interests of Armenia. All the same, not everybody in Armenia itself
shares this opinion. David Shakhnazarjan (envoy for Nagorno-Karabakh
settlement when Levon Ter-Petrosjan was the president) maintains that
the appearance of a new consignment of Russian weapons “will polarize
the region to an even greater extent.”
Georgia and Azerbaijan are en route into NATO, while Armenia is a
member of the CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization, from which
Georgia and Azerbaijan withdrew from in 1999. Moreover, Sarkisjan
himself confirmed the other day that NATO membership is not on
Armenia’s foreign policy agenda at this point.
Amajak Ovannisjan, president of the Association of Armenian Political
Scientists and a member of parliament, says that Russia may decide to
move some of the military hardware or personnel to the base in
Armenia, its only ally in the region and a member of the CIS
Collective Security Treaty Organization. “But Armenia may demand from
Russia better fulfillment of its obligations to the ally,” he said.
Ovannisjan maintains that Yerevan may demand changes in Russia’s
stance on the matter of Nagorno-Karabakh, which “Russia, as a legal
successor to the Soviet Union, should formulate bearing in mind its
historic responsibility for the fact that Karabakh was absorbed by
Soviet Azerbaijan against its will.”
Translated by A. Ignatkin

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/03/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk 2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California 3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards 4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on Armenian Genocide Conference 5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement Program 6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board 7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days 8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding 1) Armenia Stands Ready to Aid Javakhk YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenia's Prime Minister Andranik Margarian met with Georgian Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze and Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli in Tbilisi to discuss bilateral relations, as well as ways of improving the socio-economic situation in Javakhk, A-INFO reported. Margarian suggested that Armenia could help in repairing the roads and alleviating the acute socio-economic situation. The Georgian officials gladly accepted Armenia's offer. 2) His Holiness Karekin II Begins Pontifical Visit to California LOS ANGELES--His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, arrived in California on June 1. Greeting the Catholicos on his arrival were His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Eminence Archbishop Arsen Berberyan, His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan, several Diocesan clergy, Consul General of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, as well as members of the Diocesan Council, and Armenian organizations. The Primate greeted and officially welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of the Western Diocese, referring to the Pontifical visit of His Holiness and a "Renaissance of Faith" for the entire Armenian community. In turn, His Holiness expressed his happiness on the Occasion of his Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese, which houses substantial Armenian communities particularly in California and Los Angeles. His Holiness conveyed his appreciation of the extensive efforts put forth by the Pontifical Visit Committee in preparation of his visit. He expressed his eagerness to meet the faithful of the Western Diocese in the various events which have been planned for the three upcoming weeks, and to extend to them his blessings form the other See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Diocese of the Armenian Church was established on July 2, 1898 by His Holiness Mgrdich Khrimian, Catholicos of All Armenians. Taking into consideration the distance between California and the East Coast, the center of the Diocese, His Holiness Kevork V, Catholicos of All Armenians, established the Western Diocese on Nov. 28, 1927. Bishop Karekin Khachadourian became the first Primate. Although the Diocese was first centered in Fresno, the headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1957 due to the growing Armenian community in Southern California. Following the warm welcome at the airport, Catholicos Karekin II and his entourage were escorted by the Primate and the greeting committee to the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, where a host of faithful had gathered awaiting the arrival of their Supreme spiritual leader. The faithful in attendance greeted the Catholicos with warm applause. The Primate, once again, conveyed his warm greetings to the Pontiff and invited him to bless the attendees. His Holiness extended his Pontifical blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to the faithful. His Holiness gave an exclusive interview to Horizon TV on Friday morning. REVISED Schedule Transportation of Parishioners Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 5, 2005 St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church 1201 North Vine Street Hollywood, CA 90038 323-465-9008 2:00 p.m. St. James Armenian Apostolic Church 4950 West Slauson Avenue Los Angeles, CA 9056 323-295-4588 1:30 p.m. Burbank Armenian Apostolic Church 3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504 818-558-7474 1:30 p.m. St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church 700 South La Verne Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90022 323-269-0907 2:00 p.m. St. Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church 1434 West Kenneth Road Glendale, CA 91201 818-243-7808 2:00 p.m. St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church 2215 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 626-449-1523 1:30 p.m. St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church 17231 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-344-4860 1:00 p.m. St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church 148 East 22nd Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-650-8367 2:00 p.m. 3) Armenia Promises to Bring Law in Line With European Standards YEREVAN (RFE-RL/Armenpress)--Senior legal experts from two leading pan-European organizations said on Friday that more amendments to Armenia's controversial law on demonstrations are needed to bring it into conformity with European standards on freedom of assembly. The law was amended by the Armenian parliament last month and makes it easier for political and other groups to organize public gatherings. Senior representatives of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) welcomed those changes at a seminar organized by them in Yerevan, but they said it still gives the authorities unjustified discretionary powers to restrict and block street protests. "There are still problems that need to be dealt with and solved, like, for instance, the list of locations where meetings and rallies are forbidden or the distances between these places and a rally," said Gianni Buquicchio, secretary of the Venice Commission. Buquicchio said Armenian authorities have demonstrated their commitment to amending the law following a Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly resolution, which called on the Armenian authorities to introduce amendments to the law on demonstrations and public assemblies by March 2005 to bring it into full conformity with Council of Europe standards. "We want to see Armenia develop both democratically and economically," he said. The Armenian authorities say they have already accepted most of the Venice Commission's recommendations on the issue. They argue that law-enforcement officials can now disperse a demonstration only if it poses a threat to "public and state security." Another amendment simplified procedures for notifying relevant authorities of plans to rally people in a particular location. Deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian assured that changes will be incorporated into the new law to clarify any vagueness, adding that cooperation with the Council of Europe will continue to ensure Armenia's full integration into the "Wider Europe: New Neighborhood" program. Representatives from Armenia and members of the Venice Commission will met in Strasbourg on June 23-24 to discuss the draft, after which it will be presented to the National Assembly for a second reading. The referendum is expected to take place no later than in October. 4) Members of Congress Speak out Against Turkish Government Crackdown on Armenian Genocide Conference "The sad reality, Mr. Speaker, is that when it comes to facing the judgment of history about the Armenian genocide, Turkey, rather than acknowledging the truth, has instead chosen to trample on the rights of its citizens and still maintain lies." --Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--Members of Congress this week expressed outrage and disappointment at the Turkish Government's recent decision to block a planned academic conference on the Armenian Genocide. The event, organized by scholars from Turkey's Bilgi, Bogazici and Sabanci Universities, was scheduled to take place May 25-27th at Bosphorus University. In remarks of the House floor, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) commented that the government's forced cancellation of the conference "further affirms the speculation that the image that the Turkish Government has attempted to create for itself is nothing more than a desperate attempt to create a facade. Contrary to what Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and other Turkish officials would have us believe, the Government of Turkey is not democratic, is not committed to creating a democracy, is not making an effort to create better relations with Armenia and is definitely not ready to join the European Union." Rep. Pallone went on to explain that the US "cannot sit by and allow any nation that we consider an ally and a nation that is desperately seeking admission into the European Union to behave in such a manner. To bring this development into perspective, consider that according to current law in Turkey, dozens of US Senators and hundreds of Congressmen would be punished simply for having voted for Armenian Genocide resolutions, spoken about the lessons of this crime against humanity or commemorated the victims of the atrocity. So, too, would the American academic establishment, human rights groups, the mainstream media and just about everyone else aside from the Turkish Embassy and its paid lobbyists here in Washington, DC" Fellow Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg questioned the Turkish Government's commitment to democracy and free speech. "An important test of whether a country is a healthy democracy is whether someone can go out into a town square and speak their opinions freely. When the Turkish government cancels an academic conference like this and calls the participants traitors, it becomes very clear that they have not made a sufficient commitment to protecting free speech. These actions seriously undermine Turkey's credibility," stated Rep. Knollenberg. California Democrat Adam Schiff, author of the 2004 "Schiff Amendment" on the Armenian Genocide, concurred. "The decision to hold a conference at Bogazici University to discuss the Armenian Genocide held out promise that Turkey would begin confronting all aspects of its Ottoman past. Cancellation of the conference, and the Justice Minister's inflammatory accusation of 'treason,' shows that Turkey's intellectual freedom and academic independence has taken one step forward and two giant steps back. How much longer will it take modern Turkey to recognize the facts of a genocide now 90 years old," asked Rep. Schiff. Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), who spearheaded a successful effort in 1996 to cut foreign aid to Turkey due to its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, stated: "Turkish government pressure on historians from Bilgi, Bogazici and Sabanci Universities to cancel the Armenian Genocide conference is yet another indication of the Turkish government's repression of freedom of speech and lack of respect for academic freedom. The action exposes as a hollow gesture Prime Minister Erdogan's call for a dialogue between Turkish and Armenian historians. The Turkish government's labeling of Turkish academics as 'traitors' simply for discussing the Genocide amongst themselves underscores the need for those of us here, in the United States, to call on Ankara to end its campaign of genocide denial." Urging Turkey to end its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, Michigan Republican Thaddeus McCotter argued, "Only honesty can begin to ease the ache of this evil perpetrated upon the Armenian people, and to further guard against a recrudescence of genocide anywhere in our world. Thus, any delay in acknowledging and apologizing for their nation's abhorrent historical crime only serves to embolden other proponents of genocide, and to implicate this generation of Turks in the sins of the past." Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) took direct aim at statements by Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, who dubbed conference organizers as "traitors." "I condemn the recent action taken by the Turkish government to censor academic debate about the Armenian Genocide. Democracy and truth were thrown out the window when Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek accused historians at three prestigious Turkish universities of treason when they attempted to debate the issue of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey does not deserve to be granted membership in the European Union if they continue to shut down educated discussion about this issue." The Conference, titled "Ottoman Armenians During the Decline of the Empire: Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy," was jointly organized by the Comparative Literature Department of Bilgi University, the History Department of Bogazici University and the History Program at Sabanci University. Originally set to take place May 25th-27th at Bosphorus University, the schedule was to include over 30 papers by Turkish scholars from Turkey and abroad. In the days leading up to the conference, Turkish Government officials spoke stridently against the conference and its organizers. Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, in a speech before the Turkish Parliament on Tuesday, went so far as to accuse the academics of "treason." The Minister described the conference as a "a stab in the back to the Turkish nation." Cicek expressed regret that, as Justice Minister, he could not personally prosecute the organizers and participants. The government crackdown on the conference is the most recent chapter in the Turkish government's 90-year campaign of genocide denial. This effort has intensified in recent years. In 2003, Education Minister Hikmet Cetin issued a decree making student participation in a nation-wide essay contest denying the Armenian Genocide compulsory. The most recent revisions to the Turkish Penal Code criminalize references to the Armenian Genocide and the removal of troops from Turkish occupied northern Cyprus. 5) Tufenkian Foundation Announces New Sponsorship in Karabagh Resettlement Program Dr. Alber Karamanoukian joins effort to resettle Karabagh's border regions STEPANAKERT--The Tufenkian Foundation this week announced a generous gift by Dr. Alber Karamanoukiantowardits ongoing efforts to promote Mountainous Karabagh's resettlement. Dr. Karamanoukian's gift of $20,000 will underwrite the construction of one house and associated facilities in Arajamough, a new village the Foundation is building in Karabagh's border regions. Begun in 2004, Arajamough currently houses 25 resettlers, consisting of 6 families, most of them refugees from Azerbaijan. The village will welcome another 6 families this fall. The Tufenkian Foundation is committed to building and resettling at least 6 houses per year until the Arajamough project is completed. "We are grateful to Dr. Karamanoukian for his generous support of this project," stated Antranig Kasbarian, a Program Director withthe Foundation. "Indeed, his support for resettlement extends beyond this project and toward the larger vision of fortifying Artsakh--particularly its vulnerable border regions--as a crucial component of our national security." In turn, Dr. Karamanoukian praised the Foundation for itsefforts. "Resettling Karabagh is of vital importance, particularly whenmany people stilllack decent housing,facilities, and especially jobs. I commend the Foundation's commitment to raising the bar in each of thesefields, and urge others to join the effort to consolidate our victories on the ground." The Arajamough project features newly built houses with modern amenities. Alongside these, the Tufenkian Foundation isproviding water, power lines, gravel roads, as well as administrative support in bolstering the village. Future plans include animal husbandry and land cultivation, in order to providesustainable livelihoods and to spureconomic growth insurrounding areas. "Our view of resettlement is an integrated one, and moves beyond the usual humanitarian-subsistence approaches," stated Kasbarian. "The Karabagh war created many thousands of refugees and homeless persons; some of these have left the area entirely, while many others continue to eke out an existence in ruined areas amidst primitive conditions. Under such circumstances, our very existence on these lands remains tenuous. If we are to attract Armenians back and solidify our presence, then clearly having a roof over one's head is not enough. Rather, people mustgain hope that there is a future living on these lands, which is why modern facilities, infrastructure, and the promise of economic activity are essential as well." Dr. Karamanoukian is a prominent physician and businessman based in Glendale, California. He has a long record of philanthropy toward Armenian causes. The Tufenkian Foundation was established in 1999 by New York-based entrepreneur James Tufenkian. The Foundation currently pursues a wide array of projects in Armenia and in Karabagh, and also sponsors the "Armenian Forests" NGO, which addresses environmental issues. To learn more about the Foundation's efforts, please see the Foundation's website at , or contact Antranig Kasbarian at [email protected]. 6) Dr. Vahe Peroomian Gets Appointment to College Board GLENDALE--After two weeks of special meetings and candidate forums, Dr. Vahe Peroomian was appointed to the Glendale College Board of Trustees last Thursday in a 3 to 1 vote. After the election of Trustee Ara James Najarian to the Glendale City Council in April 2005, a vacant seat opened on the traditionally five-member Board of Trustees. Seventeen applicants most with PhD, EdD JD, and MBA degrees vied for that position, to make the procedure quite challenging. "We had to create a system that surfaced the best candidate," said Dr. Armine Hacopian, current member of the College Board. "Dr. Peroomian stood out from the rest of the highly qualified candidates as he was a Ph.D. in the sciences and had worked with transfer students from GCC at UCLA. Glendale Community College has an excellent, state of the art, Cimmarusti Science center and we need to bring much more focusto this excellent program and by selecting Dr. Peroomian, we hope to do just that. He will be a great asset on the board and that is why he received three out of the fourtrustee votes." Several members of the community were on hand to vouch for Dr. Peroomian's credentials. "Dr. Peroomian is not just a qualified candidate, he is an excellent candidate. His experience in the sciences will give him a unique voice on the board," praised Armond Gorgorian, Executive Direct during oral comments. "His awards, achievements, and appreciative students are only an additional testament to his wonderful character." The list of final candidates included: Christina Rodriguez, a social science instructor at East Los Angeles College; Ruth Sowby, an adjunct Glendale Community College instructor and full time DeVry instructor; Tony Tartaglia, president of the Glendale College Foundation and employee of Southern California Gas Co.; Debra Dentler, an attorney an former GCC instructor; Richard Jouroyan, a retired attorney who worked extensively with the Glendale Unified School District; Stuart Wilcox, dean of instructional planning and research at Pasadena City College; and Charles "Tye" Veden, a retired businessman "We are extremely proud of Dr. Peroomian and congratulate him, as well as the Board of Trustees, for his appointment. Although he will no doubt leave a void within our own organization as he leaves to commit his attention to the college, we feel his role on the Board of Trustees will benefit the entire Glendale community as well as the College community. We are confident that his ability to be a consensus builder and strong leader as well as his professional background will make him a valuable voice on the Board especially as the college embarks on appointing a new President," said Armenian National Committee Director Alina Azizian in a statement on Friday. 7) Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days Since its inception in 1995 the Hamazkayin Summer Forum has provided a friendly and exciting environment for bright young Armenians. Students get the chance to learn a great deal about Armenian culture, discover the sites and sounds of the host country, and, most importantly, plant the seeds for lifelong friendships. Thought provoking lectures, trips to historic destinations, and nights of dancing and entertainment are only some of the activities the forum has to offer. Past participants have called it "an experience of a lifetime." Forum 2005, July 21-August 3, promises to be another exciting year with visits to Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Yeraplour, the, Armenian Manuscripts Museum (Madenataran), the Sarian and Parajanov Museums, the Genocide Memorial Monument and Museum, and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The forum lecture series this year features a diverse pool of speakers, including UCLA AEF Chair Professor Richard Hovannisian, art historian and critic Shahen Khatchatrian, and art curator Henrik Iguitian. Hamazkayin's 'Forum 2005' Promises Fun and Enriching Summer Days By Betty Panosian Summer is at our doorsteps and one keeps wondering what to do during the hot and lazy months that may not only be of great entertainment, but also leave a lasting impact on our lives. There's a whole package of summer fun and adventure waiting for those college students who are ready to take the opportunity of spending a couple of weeks full of unforgettable memories, newly found friendships, sightseeing trips, concerts and plays, lectures, and round table discussions on present-day topics of interest...and all in the heavenly countryside of our homeland Armenia and the bubbly streets of its capital Yerevan. Ever wanted to visit Armenia, but never had friends to go along with? Ever wanted to have real fun in the lively cafes and clubs of Yerevan while at the same time absorbing the culture and traditions of your ancestral country? Ever felt troubled by issues concerning you as a youth of Armenian origin and living in the diaspora? Ever wanted to share your viewpoints and problems with people of your age, but not finding any? Ever dreamed of having a web of friends from all over the world? "Hamazkayin Students Cultural Forum 2005" provides the answer. The well-arranged timetable enables a participant to get imbued with the Armenian heritage, and yet enjoy plenty of free and leisure time. With its cool days of trips to historic Armenian landmarks, cultural lectures and social debates, its evenings of theatre and concert attendance, and its hot nights sizzling with long hours of dancing and entertainment, "Forum 2005" promises to be a singular venue to take part in what has been called by previous participants "an experience of a lifetime." During the past decade, Armenian youth in the diaspora and the homeland have had the opportunity to participate in this summer project, combining the exciting and entertaining with the cultural and educational. These forums are an interesting and successful effort to combine the ingredients for an unforgettable summer vacation. Organized by the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society, one can be sure that they will provide a healthy and friendly environment. Get ready! Pack up! A whole bundle of entertainment is ahead! For more information on the upcoming forum, visit or contact Shoushig Arslanian at [email protected]. 8) Postoian Preschool Secures Coveted LAUP Status and Funding By Marie A. Dakessian, PhD Rose and Alex Pilibos, Mary Postoian Preschool is the first and only Armenian center for early childhood education to be funded by Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) school, the highest distinction granted in Los Angeles County. Located in the Little Armenia district of Los Angeles, for over 30 years Postoian has nurtured generations of 2, 3, and 4-year-olds in a high-quality learning environment that has made it a source of great pride for the community. "With this achievement, our years of hard work, professionalism, and devotion to the education of young children were rewarded and validated," Preschool Director Takouhey Saatjian stated. In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, a tobacco tax to fund early childhood health and education programs. What emerged was First 5 LA, a non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of LA County children. Established under the auspices of First 5 LA, LAUP seeks--within ten years--to provide a first-rate preschool education to every 4-year-old child living in LA County. This objective arises in response to a number of challenges faced by the current preschool system, including overcrowding and underfunding. LAUP aims not only to establish additional preschools in underserved areas, but also to foster program enhancement at existing centers. To realize this goal, LAUP announced its "Early Launch" program, the preliminary stage of its comprehensive plan extending over the next several years. During this pilot period, classrooms in 100 education centers will be approved and accepted into the LAUP system. To date, approximately 2650 centers representing 94 classrooms have attained this distinction, including Postoian Preschool. The lengthy and detailed Early Launch process began last October. Orientation sessions were followed by written applications in November from centers that met the established curricular, licensing, fiscal, and other criteria. Based on the limited scope of Early Launch, in December a lottery was used to select applicants eligible for a site visit, the most rigorous phase of the process. Visits were conducted in January and February, with results available by March. "Getting ready to welcome the LAUP team," Director Saatjian said, "was a very challenging as well as exciting process." The site visit involved classroom assessments based upon the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), a widely used resource for program evaluation. Members of the UCLA Center for Improving Child Care Quality, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Office of Child Care, performed the review. Factors such as teacher qualifications, adult-to-child ratio, group size, program structure, daily activities, cleanliness and personal care, classroom setup, interaction, and supervision were considered. In addition, parent interviews gleaned information regarding involvement and participation, issues whose importance is underscored by LAUP. According to Rita Noravian, Postoian parent and PTO president, "The Preschool prides itself on an open-door policy whereby parents are welcome at any time to communicate suggestions and concerns. Our parents are very involved with programs and events throughout the year and regard themselves an integral part of the Preschool." The evaluators also examined the facility's documents and written policies concerning working conditions, qualifications, benefits, professional development, retention, and community relationships. As of April, Postoian became an LAUP school. This status ensures funding for a variety of enrichment programs, such as classes in music and movement as well as in gymnastics; hands-on experiences during field trips; a summer program which will provide 4-year-olds with skills necessary in kindergarten; parenting classes throughout the year; and additional professional development seminars for staff members. LAUP's philosophy is grounded in educational progressits expectation is that approved centers not only maintain recognized standards of excellence, but that they continually improve upon them. Postoian Preschool shares this belief. For example, its Early Childhood Education (ECE) credentialed, highly experienced instructors possess the qualifications to teach at even the elementary-school level, and they regularly participate in professional training and enhancement workshops. In Rita Noravian's view, "The faculty and administration excel every day at making the children's first formal schooling experience a memorable and educational one." Postoian also has consistently been accredited by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. According to Saatjian, "Our high-quality program, which complies with the California Department of Education Pre-K guidelines and NAEYC standards, prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten through a bilingual curriculum. Children learn the Armenian language and heritage as well as respect for our multicultural world." For Saatjian, it's all about the children. Her dedication and commitment to early childhood education is evident in her over 20 years of experience. She recognizes the vital importance of a first-rate learning environment for Armenian preschoolers. Without her foresight, resolve, and diligence, this unprecedented achievement could not have been realized. As a Postoian parent and PTO member, I heartily applaud this success, one that the entire Los Angeles Armenian community can celebrate. 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) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

FIRST PHOTO EXHIBITION “POVERTY IN ARMENIA” OPENED IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, June 3. /ARKA/. The first photo exhibition “Poverty in
Armenia” has been opened in Yerevan. Lusine Torosyan, Executive,
“Poverty in Armenia” program, reported that the exhibition is aimed
at informing the public of the problems of individuals and families
living in abject poverty. About 100 works by Ruben Mangasaryan and
Herman Avagyan are displayed at the exhibition, which is to last for a
week. The pictures were made in different Armenian regions. The authors
said that they wished to show the public the faces of Armenia’s poor
people, who, however, can be happy as well. “Poverty is being much
talked of, figures are being cited, but visual information is hardly
provided,” Mangasaryan said. He also expressed a hope that the program
will cause people to change their attitude to poverty.
The program envisages the organization of four exhibitions, three of
them in Armenia’s regions. Twelve slide-shows will also be organized.
The exhibition has been organized by the Caucasian Institute of Mass
Media, with the sponsorship of the small grant program implemented
by the World Bank and the Institute of Open Society. The exhibitions
in Armenia’s regions will be sponsored by the World Vision Armenia
office. P.T. -0–

ARMENIAN PREMIER TO VISIT JAPAN
YEREVAN, June 3. /ARKA/. On June 5, 2005, An Armenian delegation headed
by RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan is to go on a 5-day working
visit to Tokyo, Japan. The press and public relations department,
RA Government, reports that during the visit the RA Premier is to
take part in the opening of the 2005 World Universal Exposition
in the Aity prefecture. On June 7, the Armenia delegation is to
take part in the opening of Armenia’s National Day as part of the
World Exposition. During the visit, the Armenian Premier is to hold
meetings with the Japanese Premier, President of the lower Chamber
of the Japanese Parliament, as well as with Vice-President of the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
Among the Armenian delegation members are the RA minister of Trade
and Economic Development, RA minister of Agriculture, RA minister of
Culture and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the RA State Customs Committee,
Governor of the Ararat region, RA Foreign Ministry officials, RA
Government staff members, officials of the RA Ministry of Nature
Protection, Chairman of the RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Director General of the Armenian Development Agency, President of
the RA National Academy of Sciences.
The 2005 World Exposition themed “Wisdom of Nature” is to be opened
on March 25 2005 in the prefecture of Aity, Japan, to last for 185
days. Besides the EXPO-2005 halls, special arrangements with the
common slogan “Let us communicate at EXPO 2005” are to be held. P.T.
-0–

JadranSport.org, Serbia and Montenegro
June 3 2005
WC 2006 qualifier Armenia vs. FYR Macedonia: Macedonians optimistic
ahead of clash with Armenians
03.06.2005
by Ivan Stojanoviæ
This Saturday the national team of Former Yugoslav Republic Macedonia
will play against Armenia in capital city of this country Yerevan.
Macedonians wont have much to play for here except for self esteem
and national pride considering their hopes for qualifying for the
World Cup have already vanished.
Serbian coach Slobodan Santrac (Slobodan Santraè) has said that
Macedonia will fight for all three points and that he hopes some new
players which he called up will prove his point, that they deserve
to put on the national jersey.
The Reds supporters hope that their side will sign in a victory with
the same result as in Skopje when Macedonia won 3:0 against Armenia in
their first match of qualifications, but that’s doubtful considering
the Armenians improved a lot since then.
It’s interesting that this match could have even get postponed
because the MAT airplane which took the internationals to Yerovan
was called off by the Turkish flight control, from an unknown reason.
After couple of hours of flying around Turkish territory, the airplane
finally got a permit to fly back to Skopje, but they still succeeded
to somehow arrive to Armenia this Friday.
Macedonian striker Goran Maznov who will most certainly lead the attack
with Goran Pandev has said: “We are in Yerovan to sign in all three
points. I am optimistic and I believe that we wont let our fans down,
and if we lose that will be a great personal disappointment for me.”
Young goalkeeper Filip Madzovski is presumed to make his debut
between the guests posts while experienced defender Goce Sedloski
should coordinate the last line with Aleksandar Vasovski. Santrac
will have some dilemma who to place into midfield but its certain
that Velice Sumulikoski and Aleksandar Mitreski will lead it.
On the other side the national coach of Armenia Henk Visman isn’t so
lucky as his colleague who has no concerns regarding injuries. Visman
will greet Macedonia without five of his standards, Hartjan Vardanyan,
Artur Petrosyan, Artvaz Karmyan, Artur Voskonyan and Andrej Movsisyan
are all ruled out because of injuries. Therefore he was forces to
call up 30 year old Albert Sargsyan from Amkara (Russia) who will by
this end his two year absence from the national team.
The match is scheduled to be played on 17:00 hours local time.
–Boundary_(ID_awfAKgI1V2jPPyaEJQ8eRQ)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Former member of Nixon Administration reacts to Deep Throat unveiling
KVOA DT-23 (NBC affiliate in Tucson, Arizona)
June 1, 2005
PHOENIX — It was one of the best-kept secrets in Washington, D.C.,
until yesterday.
Valley resident and former Watergate figure Robert Mardian is mentioned
in the Vanity Fair article due out next week that revealed the identity
of “Deep Throat.”
Mardian says hearing that Mark Felt is “Deep Throat” comes as a shock.
As for President Richard Nixon’s reaction, Mardian says he’d be
astounded to learn that Felt was the chief leaker known as “Deep
Throat.”
Mardian says he doesn’t see Felt as a hero, but rather as a man who
betrayed his oath and his country.
Mardian was embroiled in the Watergate scandal as one of the Watergate
Seven who were indicted by a Grand Jury for campaign violations. He’d
been a close aide to Attorney General John Mitchell inside the
Justice Department.
Mardian was convicted at the main Watergate trial, but his conviction
was quashed.
(thanks to KTVK-TV)
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

g/454425.html
Analyse
Die Warnung der Engel
Elif Shafak
Berlin und Istanbul haben viel miteinander gemein: die zerrissenen
Seelen, die schwere Last der Geschichte, die langen Schlangen vor den
Donerläden. In einer Hinsicht allerdings unterscheiden sie sich
fundamental: wenn Berlin die Stadt des entschlossenen Sich-Erinnerns
ist, dann ist Istanbul die Stadt der totalen Amnesie. In Berlin stoßt
man uberall auf Spuren der Vergangenheit: Mit Mahnmalen und Plakaten,
Denkmälern und Ausstellungen wird das historische Gedächtnis immer
wieder belebt. In Istanbul käme kein Mensch auf den Gedanken, eine
zerbombte Kirche als Mahnmal fur kunftige Generationen stehen zu
lassen; niemand erinnert mit Gedenktafeln daran, aus welchen Häusern
die Bewohner vor siebzig Jahren verschleppt worden sind. Als ich in
Istanbul lebte, habe ich in der Straße der Kesselflicker gewohnt,
einer steilen alten Gasse, die von ethnischen Minderheiten aller Art
bewohnt wurde, später von Schwulen und Lesben. Auch hier konnte man
gut ein Gedenkschild anbringen: “Am 6. und 7. September 1955
versammelte sich hier eine Horde turkischer Nationalisten und
zerstorte alle Geschäfte, die nicht von Moslems gefuhrt wurden. Die
Ware von judischen, armenischen und griechischen Händlern wurde aus
den Läden gerissen und die Straße hinuntergeworfen.” In Berlin ist
diese Art offentlichen Gedenkens jederzeit moglich. In Istanbul
nicht.
Als die biblische Stadt Sodom in der Apokalypse versank, wurde Lot
von den Engeln gewarnt: “Rette dein Leben und sieh nicht hinter
dich.” Seine Frau hat die Warnung ignoriert, sie hat sich umgedreht
und ist zur Salzsäule erstarrt. Wir Turken nehmen die Warnung der
Engel ernst – viel zu ernst: Sie ist fur uns das Haupt-Lebensmotto
geworden. Aber so lange wir der Vergangenheit nicht ins Gesicht sehen
konnen, bleiben unsere Herzen erstarrt.
Kurzlich wollte ich auf einer Konferenz zum Thema “Armenier im
letzten Jahrhundert des ottomanischen Reichs” reden. Doch wurde sie
schnell wieder abgesagt – nach einer chauvinistischen Rede des
turkischen Justizministers, der im Parlament alle Teilnehmer vorab
angeklagt hatte, der Nation einen Dolch in den Rucken zu stoßen. Ganz
offensichtlich war der turkische Justizminister zu der Uberzeugung
gelangt, dass noch gar nicht vorgetragene wissenschaftliche Thesen
auf einer Konferenz, die noch gar nicht stattgefunden hatte, eine
ernste Bedrohung fur das Wohl der Nation bilden konnen.
Die Turkei befindet sich heute in einem Kulturkampf: einem Kampf
zwischen Erinnern und Vergessen. Erst wenn die turkische
Zivilgesellschaft beginnt, sich der eigenen Geschichte zu stellen,
wird auch der Demokratisierungsprozess eine wahre Chance bekommen.
Erst wenn die Turken das Leid eingestehen, dass sie den Armeniern
zugefugt haben, werden die Politiker auch den heute lebenden
ethnischen und religiosen Minderheiten ihre Rechte nicht mehr
verwehren konnen. Wer ein Verbrechen vergisst, bereitet den Boden fur
das nächste. Aus der Verdrängung der Vergangenheit erwächst keine
gute Zukunft. Jemand wie der turkische Justizminister verbietet uns
nicht nur das kritische Denken. Er verbietet uns auch das Recht auf
unsere Trauer und das Recht auf Erinnerung.
Elif Shafak (34) unterrichtet an der University of Arizona in Tucson
Gender Studies. Zuletzt erschien ihr Roman “Die Heilige des nahenden
Irrsinns” auf Deutsch im Eichborn-Verlag.
Dieser Text wurde aus dem Englischen von Jens Balzer ubersetzt.
–Boundary_(ID_IL0FLiN8f5tK6gxyTsKWfg)–

BREAKTHROUGH IN GEORGIA-RUSSIA NEGOTIATIONS ON TROOP WITHDRAWAL
By Vladimir Socor
Eurasia Daily Monitor, DC
Jamestown Foundation
June 3 2005
Friday, June 3, 2005
On May 30 in Moscow, Ministers of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov
and Salome Zourabichvili signed a Joint Statement regarding the
“cessation of functioning” of Russian military bases and other
installations and withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia. In this
document, the Russian side renounces some major, long-held positions,
accepts a timetable and benchmarks for troop withdrawal until 2008,
and abandons its extravagant demands for financial compensation that
had been designed to postpone the withdrawal indefinitely.
Thus, the document marks a decisive breakthrough in the negotiations
(see EDM, March 14, 15, May 9) and is a major success for Georgian
policy and diplomacy. Nevertheless, the text opens some potential
loopholes in follow-up agreements that Moscow can use down the road
to obstruct the Joint Statement’s implementation.
Timetable. Russia is to hand over its bases and installations to the
Georgian side and evacuate its forces from Georgia according to the
following schedule:
Handover of the Tbilisi armor repair plant by June 15, 2005; handover
of the Zvezda and Kojori communications relay stations (in the environs
of Tbilisi) and other, unnamed installations by September 1, 2005;
evacuation of at least 40 armored vehicles, including at least 20
tanks, also by September 1, 2005; handover of further installations,
according to a mutually agreed list, in two stages, by January 1,
2006 and October 1, 2007; evacuation of heavy weaponry, including CFE
Treaty-Limited Equipment, from the Akhalkalaki base by the end of 2006;
complete withdrawal of forces from Akhalkalaki and partial withdrawal
from Batumi by October 1, 2007; extension possible until the end of
2007 if weather conditions are unfavorable (this is understood to
refer to convoying of equipment from Batumi by sea to Russia); and
completion of the withdrawal from Batumi, along with closure of the
Tbilisi headquarters of Russia’s Group of Forces in the Transcaucasus,
“in the course of 2008.”
“Withdrawal Mode.” From the moment of the agreement’s signing,
Russia’s bases in Batumi and Akhalkalaki shall “function in a
withdrawal mode,” curtailing military training and preparing for
evacuation of equipment and personnel. Georgia shall allow Russia
temporarily to send in additional military specialists to those
bases with a view to facilitating the transport of equipment and
personnel out of Georgia. The immovable property is to be handed
over to Georgian authorities “in its existing condition” (i.e.,
not deliberately wrecked, as was done at the Vaziani base in 2001).
Russian military personnel may opt for leaving the service to stay
permanently in Georgia as civilian residents, along with their family
dependents. In such cases, Georgia shall guarantee their title to
the dwellings they currently inhabit.
Residual Presence, “Anti-Terrorist Center.” Under separate agreements
to be concluded, Russia shall use the Zvezda station jointly with
Georgia and continue using the Kojori station exclusively for an
unspecified period of time. The Gonio training range, attached to
the Batumi base, shall be handed over to Georgian jurisdiction on
September 1, 2005, to be jointly used by the two sides under a separate
agreement. Some personnel and some installations of the Batumi base are
to be used for setting up a Georgian-Russian Anti-Terrorist Center,
again under a separate agreement to be negotiated (no timeframe
mentioned for such negotiations).
In recent months, the Russian side had sought to re-label the Batumi
and Akhalkalaki bases as “anti-terrorist centers” and retain sizeable
garrisons with heavy weaponry at both bases, as well as to create an
“anti-terrorist center” in Tbilisi, and conclude agreements with
Georgia on this matter prior to the start of troop withdrawal. The
Georgian side would only agree to creating one such center, under
Georgian sovereignty, without troops and weaponry, and authorizing it
to perform analytical functions only. Once the withdrawal of Russian
forces begins in earnest — as Georgia successfully insisted — ahead
of negotiations on the “anti-terrorist center,” Russia will lose its
leverage to pressure Georgia on this issue.
Financing. The sides shall “jointly seek supplementary funding from
external sources to cover transport expenditures in the course
of withdrawal.” With this, Russia renounces its earlier demand
for hundreds of millions of dollars to finance the relocation and
accommodation of its forces in Russia. The formulation in the document
makes clear that any external financing would only relate to withdrawal
of forces from Georgia’s territory, not their rebasing in Russia;
and that the withdrawal is in no sense conditional on such assistance.
Gudauta. The Joint Statement vaguely says that a German-led
inspection will help determine whether Russia has fulfilled its
obligations regarding the Gudauta army and air force base. Under the
1999-adapted CFE Treaty and Istanbul Commitments, Russia was to have
closed Gudauta in 2001. In the event, Russia only reduced its force
there, but retains the base and seeks to legalize this situation in
order to claim compliance with this part of its 1999 obligations.
Legalization would, in turn, remove a hurdle to international
ratification of the adapted CFE Treaty, through which Moscow hopes
to place constraints on forces stationed in the Baltic states.
Transit. Russia and Georgia shall in the course of 2005 reach an
agreement on “transit in the interest of Russia’s Ministry of Defense
through Georgia’s territory in compliance with international law.”
Such wording may refer to Russian weaponry to be relocated from
Georgia to Armenia as a short-term arrangement, part of the evacuation
of Russian forces from Georgia. But it would also apply to Russian
troops and materiel moving between Russia and Armenia across Georgia
as a long-term arrangement, for rotation and supply of Russian forces
in Armenia or arms deliveries to Armenia. Russia clearly wants the
latter type of arrangement.
Legal Effect. The Joint Statement is not legally binding. However, it
has the political value of committing Russia publicly to withdrawing
its forces from Georgia by a certain date and even to observing
intermediate deadlines and benchmarks. Moreover, the Joint Statement
goes a long way toward predetermining in Georgia’s favor the content of
a legally binding Agreement, to be finalized “in the nearest future,”
on the time-table and modalities of the functioning and withdrawal
of Russian forces from Georgia.
While the document’s content clearly meets Georgia’s interests,
the procedures associated with the planned Agreement and its legal
implications pose some risks. Thus, the Joint Statement envisages that
the Agreement will legalize Russia’s military presence in Georgia,
even ensuring troop rotations from Russia, pending the withdrawal;
and that the Agreement will be packaged together with an agreement
to set up the “anti-terrorist center(s).”
It is understood (though not stipulated) that the Agreement will
involve Georgian authorization for “temporary deployment” of Russian
heavy weaponry over and above CFE Treaty ceilings; and that the
Agreement will necessitate parliamentary ratification — a process
that Russia’s Duma knows well how to misuse at the government’s
behest. Thus, Moscow will retain significant means to drag out the
troop withdrawal, circumvent its obligations, or add conditions to
its fulfillment of the Joint Statement’s and the Agreement’s terms.
Close international attention is necessary in order to ensure
scrupulous observance of the withdrawal timeframe and other commitments
stipulated by the Joint Statement as signed, without awaiting follow-up
documents that may be negotiated and signed down the road.