Month: October 2005

PRESS RELEASE
Council of Europe Press Division
Ref: 509a05
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
[email protected]
internet:

President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities visits
Armenia

Yerevan, 05.10.2005 – Giovanni Di Stasi, President of the Congress of
Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, is paying an
official visit to Armenia from 4 to 6 October. He has met President of
the Republic Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan,
Speaker of the National Assembly Artur Baghdasaryan, Minister of the
Territorial Administration Hovik Abrahamyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vardan Oskanyan, and Mayor of Yerevan Evand Zakharyan..

During the visit, the Congress President proposed to create a Network of
Local and Regional Authorities from the Caucasian countries. Mr Di Stasi
also confirmed the readiness of the Council of Europe Congress to assist
the Armenian authorities in implementing the amendments to the Armenian
Constitution, in particular concerning the status of the city of
Yerevan.

On 5 October, Mr Di Stasi participated in the opening of the 18th Annual
Seminar of the European Network of Training Institutions for Local and
Regional Authorities (ENTO), organised in co-operation with the Congress
and the Communities Association of Armenia. The aim of the seminar is to
provide a forum for in-depth debate and exchange of information,
experiences, best practices on the theme “Training and Transborder
Cooperation in Europe”. The sub-themes of the seminar are
“Transcaucasian co-operation” and “Training for Emergency Planning”.

The seminar is targeted at directors of training centres, training
project managers, senior executive officers responsible for training and
local public services, decision-makers, local and regional elected
representatives, practitioners and academics involved in the subject.
The seminar format places special emphasis on innovative working
methods, such as the open space method, presentation of national
examples and the best practices and networking.

President Di Stasi, Minister of Territorial Administration Abrahamyan
and the ENTO President Gert Fieguth will give a press conference on
Thursday 6 October at 10.00 a.m. in the building of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, the President was accompanied by Deputy Chief
Executive of the Congress Antonella Cagniolati and Congress Secretariat
member Vyacheslav Tolkovanov.

For further information please contact
Natalia Lapauri, Communities Association of Armenia (Tel. +374 91404853)

or
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia (Tel. +374
10544041)

To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact :
[email protected]

A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 46
member states.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS IN THE
VATICAN

The eleventh Synod of Bishops of the Catholic Church started in the Vatican
on October 2. The conference entitled “Holy Mass the source and climax of
the Church’s life and mission” will go on till October 23.

Around 250 Catholic Bishops and 12 representatives from the Oriental
Orthodox, Orthodox, Anglican and Evangelical Churches all over the world are
participating in the conference.

Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia,
participates in the conference on behalf of the Catholicosate.

The conference started with the Holy Mass held in the St. Peter Cathedral on
October 2. Pope Benedigdos XVI presided over the Holy Mass. The official
opening was held on October 3 in the Boghos VI hall of the Vatican.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, a member of the Synod’s presidency, welcomed the
attendants highlighting the important role of Holy Mass in the life of the
Church and the purpose of the Synod.

Bishop Nicola Eterovitch, the secretary of the conference, explained the
procedures to be followed and spoke about the importance of Holy Mass.

The conference started its sessions and discussions thereafter.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

PRIMATE BISHOP KHATCHERIAN ATTENDS A RECEPTION
ORGANIZED BY THE IRANIAN EMBASSY IN BEIRUT

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Beirut Seyed Masoud Idrisi
organized an official reception in honor of the Iranian Parliament Speaker
Dr. Ghalam Ali Haddad Adel in the “Sheraton” hotel in Beirut on September
30.

The reception was organized on the occasion of his visit to Lebanon. Primate
of the Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian attended the reception
on behalf of His Holiness Aram I.

The Bishop welcomed Dr. Adeli in Lebanon, reminding him of the strong
relations and cooperation between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the
Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly in the Christian-Muslim dialogue
field.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH ARMENIAN YOUTH IN TORONTO

His Holiness Aram I has insisted on holding meetings and discussions with
the youth along every step of his Pontifical visit to Canada and North
America. This time it was the turn of hundreds of young Armenian men and
women from Toronto to meet with the Catholicos.

His Holiness met with the young Armenians in the St. Asdvadzadzine Church
and Armenian Center “Hay Getron” of Toronto on October 3. The meeting
started at eight in the evening and lasted till midnight.

V Rev Fr Meghrig Parikian welcomed the attendants, affirming that the
youth they represent is gathered around its church.

Young men and women read passages from the Holy Book. Many young Armenians
attend the church on Monday evenings for readings from the Bible and for
gaining knowledge about the Armenian Church’s history.

His Holiness Aram I emphasized the concept of the church being a guide for
the life of the new generation. He considered Christian faith as a priority
and elaborated on the concept of the Supreme Good based on theological
understanding.

The Pontiff also spoke about translating the word of God in individual
people’s lives. “The Holy Book is a challenge to man to speak with God. God
challenges man to speak with Him, to engage in dialogue with his Creator. It
is a challenge to turn to God, like the God “turned” to us through His Son,
through humanization,” said His Holiness.

“The most legitimate path to being with God is executing His word. It’s
not enough to read it; it should be executed, brought to life.”

The youth had the opportunity to ask His Holiness various questions
related to the Armenian Church, Christian faith, the Armenian nation’s life,
social and moral issues, problems they face in their daily lives and other
issues.

After the official meeting in the church’s hall, His Holiness had dinner
with the youth in the Armenian Center of Toronto. Open and honest
discussions about various issues developed throughout dinner.

His Holiness highly praised the work of Fr. Meghrig who has been able to
gather the youth around their church and involve them in the church’s
activities.

##
View pictures here:

*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIS HOLINESS
ARAM I VISITS ETHIOPIA

Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
joined the delegation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in their
official visit to the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia on September 24-28. The
delegation of seven was headed by WCC General Secretary Rev Dr Samuel Kobia.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church belongs to the family of Oriental Orthodox
Churches, which also includes the Armenian Apostolic Church with both its
Catholicosates.

During the past few years the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Church, His
Holiness Abouna Paolos has visited Antelias twice and consulted with His
Holiness on issues related to the Ethiopian community of Lebanon. Thanks to
His Holiness’ efforts, the community will soon have its own church in
Lebanon.

The members of the delegation attended the Holy Mass held in the Adis Ababa
Church on September 25. Bishop Alemezian, however, visited the Armenian
community of Ethiopia during this time.

The bishop attended the Holy Mass held in the St. Kevork Church in Adis
Ababa and delivered a lecture entitled “Jesus, let your Holy Cross be our
shelter.” He met with the pastor of the community, Rev Muron Sarkisian and
the faithful.

Bishop Nareg met with the Patriarch alone on Sunday evening, conveying him
the greetings of His Holiness Aram I and discussing cooperation between the
Armenian and Ethiopian Churches as well as issues related to the Oriental
Orthodox Churches.

The delegation visited the headquarters of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church,
a WCC member, the next day, as well as its theological university, where
Bishop Nareg delivered a lecture.

Taking into consideration the fact that in the Ethiopian community
Christians comprise a majority, while Muslims constitute a minority, the
Bishop outlined the importance of Christian-Muslim dialogue in light of the
rich Middle-Eastern and particularly the Lebanese experience.

The delegation attended the ceremony of the feast of Holy Cross, one of the
biggest feasts of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The ceremony was held in
the central square of the Adis Ababa, where one million people gathered.

Patriarch Paolos invited Bishop Nareg to participate in the mass and light
with him the traditional cross-shaped fire.

On September 27 the delegation visited a boarding school which functions on
the patronage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The guests attended an
official dinner party organized by Patriarch Paoulos that evening.

The delegation held a meeting with the religious and lay senior officials of
the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the headquarters of United Nations on
September 28. Rev Dr Samuel Kobia and Bishop Nareg delivered the main
lectures of the day.

Bishop Nareg spoke about the “participation of Orthodox Churches in the
ecumenical movement and their contribution to WCC.” Both lecturers spoke
about His Holiness Aram I’s decisive role in the ecumenical movement as an
example of active participation of the Orthodox Church.

The same evening the guests visited the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Ato
Meles Zenaoui. Discussions revolved around church-government relations and
WCC’s projects in Africa.

Bishop Nareg returned to Antelias on September 29.

##
View pictures here:

*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network

(CENN)

Weekly Digest

October 5, 2005

News From Georgia

Environment Protection Inspection Detects Illegal Timber Processing In
Samtskhe Javakheti Region

Source: Prime-News Agency, September 25, 2005

The officials of the inspection Ministry of Environmental Protection and
Natural Resources of Georgia detected facts of illegal timber processing
in
<; more

BTC SOLEMN CEREMONY DUE IN GEORGIA

Source: AzerTag, September 28, 2005

As is stated, on the occasion of achievement of the border of Turkey by
the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Main Export Pipeline, there will be held a solemn
ceremony on October 12.
<; more

Government refuels to take Million from BP

Source: `24 Saati’ (`24 Hours’), September 30, 2005

`Government refuses to defense the lives of its citizens,’ –
declared the
representatives of Association of Young Lawyers. The problem concerns
the
inhabitants of Dgvari Village, Borjomi region, were situation is
critical
due to the activation of landslides. Although landslides are
characteristic
for this area, after the construction of BTC this natural disaster
became
more frequent.
<; more

News From Azerbaijan

NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN PREPARATION

Source: AzerTag, September 27, 2005

A three-day seminar in preparation of the national program for Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants commenced at the Ministry of
Ecology and Natural Resources. The seminar is attended by experts of the
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
representatives
of the ministries and non-governmental organizations.
<; more

POVERTY LEVEL TO DIMINISH TO 35% IN AZERBAIJAN IN 2005

Source: Turan, September 27, 2005

The Minister of Economic Development, Farkhad Aliyev, stated that the
poverty level would most probably decrease to 35% in Azerbaijan in the
end
of this year. He said this index had decreased from 49% to 40.2% in the
last
two years.
<; more

News from Armenia

RISE OF LAKE SEVAN COULD DRAIN ARMENIA’S TREASURY
Source: Environment News Service (ENS): By Arevhat Grigorian, September
26,
2005

Armenian ecologists fear a rare environmental triumph is in danger of
going
wrong. Buildings and beaches around Lake Sevan are rapidly disappearing
under water as efforts by scientists and environmentalists to reverse
the
decline of this huge freshwater reservoir pay off more quickly than
expected.
<; more

Armenia Becomes ADB Member

Source: ARMENPRESS, September 27, 2005

Armenia has become the 64th member of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Armenia’s membership became effective on 20 September 2005 upon
completion
of all formalities.
<; more

ARMENIA RECEIVES 260.000 TOURISTS ANNUALLY
Source: AZG Armenian Daily #173, September 28, 2005

These six months 108.517 people visited Armenia of which only 20.474
people
stayed at the hotels. The rest of them preferred staying at their
friends
and relatives or to rent apartments. The tourism agencies are really
concerned about this statistics.
<; more

Armenian Government Approves Program on Restoration of Lake Sevan
Ecosystem
for 2006
Source: ARMINFO, September 28, 2005

The Armenian Government has approved a program of actions on restoration
of
the ecosystem of Lake Sevan for 2006.
<; more

Gyumri to be Cleaned of Rubbish
Source: A1+, September 29, 2005

Japan, the Armenian government and the Gyumri city administration joined
efforts to eliminate household rubbish by means of processing. A
Japanese
delegation arrived in Gyumri for the purpose.
<; more

Kocharian Noted Importance of Armenia- Georgia Energy Cooperation
Source: PanARMENIAN.Net, September 30, 2005

Today Armenian President Robert Kocharian met with Georgian Prime
Minister
Zurab Nogaideli, who arrived in Armenia for the participation in the
4-th
sitting of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission on
economic
cooperation, RA President’s press center reported. Presenting the
outcomes
of the Yerevan sitting to Robert Kocharian the Georgian Premier stated
<; more

International News

Are The Millennium Development Goals Out Of Reach In Europe And Central
Asia?

Source: The World Bank Group News, September 24, 2005

A new World Bank report, Millennium Development Goals: Progress and
Prospects in Europe and Central Asia, measures how far countries of the
region have come toward attaining such internationally agreed goals as
halving extreme poverty by 2015, reducing maternal mortality, achieving
universal primary education, and arresting the spread of HIV/AIDS.
<; more

CO2 Storage May Minimize Climate Change

Source: UNEP press release, September 26, 2005

A new assessment report finalized here today by the Intergovernmental
Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that capturing and storing the carbon
dioxide (CO2) produced by power plants and factories before it enters
the
atmosphere could play a major role in minimizing climate change.
<; more

Quarry owner prosecuted for illegal disposal of waste

Source: Environmental Agency: By Mike Dunning, September 26, 2005

The owner of a Somerset quarry has been ordered to pay £1,350 in fines
and
costs for illegally storing and burning waste timber. The case was
brought
by the Environment Agency.
<; more

Connecting for Biodiversity: Countdown 2010 at European Nature
Conference in
Apeldoorn

Source: The World Conservation Union (IUNC), September 27, 2005

The World Conservation Union together with other European environmental
organizations have issued the Apeldoorn Appeal, a joint call on the
European
Commission, governments and civil society to achieve the 2010
biodiversity
commitment. The appeal came out of the European Nature Conference, which
took place from 21-25 September 2005 in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. The
conference, hosted by the Dutch NGO Natuurmonumenten to celebrate its
100th-anniversary this year, brought together 620 participants from 39
countries.
<; more

CHINA TO LAY PRIVATE OIL PIPELINE TO RUSSIA

Source: AzerTag, September 28, 2005

China’s first private oil pipeline to import oil from Russia is expected
to
be completed and start operation next year, reported PTI.
<; more

Illegal dumping and burning of waste lands man in court

Source: environmental Agency: By Mike Dunning, September 28, 2005

A man who dumped waste furniture in a field in Cornwall and then set
fire to
it was today ordered to pay £1,000 in fines and costs in a case
brought by
the Environment Agency.

Acting on a tip off from a member of the public, an Environment Agency
officer went to a small field near Little Lancarrow Farm, Four Lanes,
Redruth on October 20, 2004.
<; more

Los Angeles Study Finds Higher Pollution Death Risk

Source: By Kevin Krolicki, Reuters , September 28, 2005

The risk of dying from air pollution in parts of traffic-clogged Los
Angeles
appears sharply higher than previously believed, according to a study
comparing the risks of living in affluent, beachfront neighborhoods to
the
hazy and fast-growing inland area.
<; more

China GMO Rice Unlikely This Year – Scientists

Source: Planet Ark, September 30, 2005

China, the world’s biggest producer and consumer of rice, is close to
approving a genetically modified version of the staple, a state
newspaper
said on Thursday, but scientists denied any breakthrough was imminent.
<; more

Seminars, conference and meetings

BEIDS Briefing 2005-35- Specialist Seminar on dockyard waste waters in
Hamburg

Source: Ecological North West Line (ENWL), September 29, 2005

The Specialist Seminar Environmental decision-making exemplarily applied
to
dockyard waste waters will be held in Hamburg on the 24th November 2005.
The
event is organized as part of the project Green North Sea Docks (GNSD),
<; more

Announcement

Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel – Surroundings of Tbilisi

Source: The Messenger, September 23, 2005

This tour leads us to the surroundings of Tbilisi to explore beautiful
landscape, lush forests, and cool springs of the Betania area. W will
drive
up a hill, where a beautiful view of Tbilisi will be open to visitors.
The
first stop of day will he the Betania monastery, complex, where monks
are
living even today.
<; more

Invitation to the Regional Meeting of Environmental NGOs of the South
Caucasus

Invitation to the Regional Meeting of Environmental NGOs of the South
Caucasus States `Building a Regional NGO Platform in the South
Caucasus for
Involvement of Civil Society in Formulation and Implementation of
European
Neighborhood Policy (ENP) Process’
<; more

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All the published digests and bulletins issued in both English and
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the reader the whole picture of the environmental process taking place
during the recent 5 years in the South Caucasus region as well as
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<;

CENN INFO

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

Tel:++995 32 75 19 03/04

Fax:+995 32 75 19 05

E-mail: [email protected]

URL:

Armenian Youth Federation
104 N. Belmont St. #206 — Glendale, CA 91206

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ September 26, 2005
Contact: Razmig Haroun (818) 507-1933

3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup Gathers Hundreds for Volunteer Service

(Little Armenia, CA September 25, 2005) – Well over two-hundred Armenian
youth gathered in the “Little Armenia” district of Los Angeles Sunday
providing their volunteer service to the AYF’s 3rd Annual Little Armenia
Cleanup. Volunteers from all over Northern and Southern California;
including Fresno and San Francisco, helped remove thousands of pounds of
trash from major streets in Little Armenia, bringing the three year total to
over 23.5 tons of trash removed by the AYF.

Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles
City Council member Eric Garcetti’s Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers
from the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF,
Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.

Before the clean up began Nora Ounjian relayed the AYF Central Executive’s
message to the youth. “The AYF will remain at the forefront of serving our
community and, in particular, will continue to provide our youth with
opportunities of social service,” said Ounjian. Reverend Father Vicken
Vassilian representing his Grace Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
of the Western Prelacy Armenian Church, blessed both the effort of the AYF
and the volunteers’ willingness to serve the community.

Los Angeles City 13th District Council member Eric Garcetti thanked the
volunteers for their efforts and welcomed the initiative of both the
volunteers and the AYF. The Council member awarded the AYF with a desktop
plaque that carries the seal of the city of Los Angeles and reads Little
Armenia.

In the coming weeks many “Welcome to Little Armenia” light-post banners will
be added to the existing 63 erected from past years. Depicting the
Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mount Ararat, the banners have added a
touch of Armenia to the community.

The Armenian Youth Federation would like to thank the volunteers and the
official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean Up, without whom the event
would not have been the success that it was. Adin of California, Asbarez
Daily Armenian Newspaper, Horizon Armenian Television, Nor Hayastan Daily
Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine, Closet World, Color Depot, Donoyan
Insurance Agency, Sylvie’s Costumes, Carpet Show, Sun Work’s Tanning, Eric
Garcetti’s Office and staff, and the A.R.F. Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh,
played a fundamental role in the success of this public service effort.

The Armenian Youth Federation of Western United States strives to serve
Armenian American Communities west of the Mississippi through education,
athletics, political activism, cultural activities and social settings. To
learn more about the Armenian Youth Federation please log on to

Sunday, October 02, 2005
*********************************
MEMO TO OUR FUND RAISERS
************************************
If you send me any more letters with Comrade Panchoonie’s punch line – “Mi kich pogh oughargetsek” (Send us a little money) – I will discard them into the nearest wastepaper basket. And if some day I hit the jackpot and can’t spend it all, I will follow Baruir Massikian’s example and leave the unused balance “to a bordello in Cairo,” or Mexico, or Sao Paolo – anywhere but Yerevan. I don’t want to promote prostitution there. Besides, our pimps are the last men on earth in need of financial assistance from the likes of me. My sources tell our pimps in the Homeland are as loaded as some of our national benefactors in the Diaspora.
#
Monday, October 03, 2005
*********************************
If you are born in a Christian or Muslim country you will be either a Christian or a Muslim. The same applies to all organized religions and belief systems in general. Under Stalin, all communists were atheists. We don’t chose our gods; geography does that for us. Nothing could be more absurd than to say my religion is better than yours is, or I am closer to god because I live on this side of the river, mountain, or sea.
*
Something similar could be said about our understanding of the past. As children we are taught not history but propaganda, and as adults we continue to cling to our childhood illusions and believe our version of the past to be closer to reality or truth than all other versions.
*
A headline in our local paper reads: “FATHER OF SLAIN TEEN SAYS HE FORGIVES DAUGHTER’S KILLER.” In our environment such a father would be accused of entertaining unArmenian sentiments and ostracized.
#
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
**************************************
We see this happening almost daily in American and Canadian politics: the guiltier the bureaucrat the louder his assertions of innocence. By contrast, our crooks don’t even feel the need to assert innocence because their accusers soon give up in disgust and they either emigrate or assimilate, thus leaving the field to the dupes who will say “Yes, sir!” to anyone who is on top, be a he a sultan, pasha, commissar, or mullah. As for our so-called revolutionaries: once upon a time they were to the left of the Sultan, they are now to the right of Genghis Khan. How to explain this?
*
In August Wilson’s obituary today I read: “Wilson’s plays dealt primarily with the effects of slavery on succeeding generations of black Americans.” What have been the effects of six centuries of subservience to sultans and commissars? If so far our writers have failed to explore this theme it may be because they have concentrated too much on documenting the nightmare to analyze its aftereffects.
#
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
***************************************
Writing for Armenians feels like working for minimum wage and offering financial assistance to millionaires.
*
To be popular, think like a propagandist and speak like a pundit.
*
Recycling propaganda is not just repeating hearsay evidence but parroting perjury.
*
Enlightenment comes only after the realization that you have been living in darkness.
*
Ritual is choreographed propaganda.
*
Massacres are not historic events but daily occurrences. Top dogs may pretend otherwise but underdogs know better.
*
Every belief system generates non-believers and the men at the top decide who is right who is wrong, and ultimately who lives and dies.
#

GIOVANNI DI STASI OFFERS TO ESTABLISH LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT REGIONAL CENTER

Pan Armenian
05.10.2005 11:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian President Robert Kocharian met
with President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
of the Council of Europe Giovanni Di Stasi. The Armenian leader
welcomed the establishment of business relations between the Council
of Europe Congress and the RA government. “The formation of the
local self-government is an important factor for the stability of
a state”, Robert Kocharian noted. In his words, decentralization is
the principal direction of regional policy and this direction found
reflection in the draft constitutional amendments. During the meeting
the parties exchanged opinions on the regional development. In this
view Giovanni Di Stasi offered to found a regional center of the
local self-government, which will contribute to the establishment
of economic, social and cultural cooperation. The Armenian President
welcomed the idea noting that Armenia has always supported regional
cooperation.

NATO PA ROSE-ROTH SEMINAR STARTING IN YEREVAN OCTOBER 6

Pan Armenian
05.10.2005 11:01

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA National Assembly and NATO PA Rose-Roth joint
seminar will be held in Yerevan October 6-8, RA NA press center
reported. Armenian Parliament Speaker Artur Baghdassaryan, chairman
of the parliamentary commission on defense, national security and
home affairs Mher Shahgeldian, RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
as well as NATO PA Secretary General Simon Lunn and UK Special
Representative for the South Caucasus Sir Brian Fall are expected to
address the seminar. The first day will finish in discussion of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the role of international community
in its settlement. “Armenia and the South Caucasus: international
viewpoint”, “Defense reforms in the South Caucasus”, “Armenia:
internal political situation” will be the topics of October 7. On
October 8 the participants will discuss the regional cooperation and
Russia’s role in the South Caucasus.