Month: May 2008

YOUNG ARMENIAN SCORES TOP PIANO PRIZE
Arthur Kaptainis, [email protected]

The Gazette (Montreal)
May 28 2008
Canada

Best of 23 musicians in Montreal contest

Youth might not be much of an advantage in the Stanley Cup final this
year, but it did not hurt last night in the finals of the Montreal
International Musical Competition as Nareh Arghamanyan, who turned
19 last Jan. 21, easily took the $30,000 Grand Prize.

The slim and long-tressed Armenian, currently studying in Vienna, was
not only the youngest of the six finalists playing over two evenings
in Place des Arts but the youngest of the 23 pianists from around
the world who gathered in Montreal last week for the annual contest.

Dramatically enough, Arghamanyan was the final candidate last night
and delivered a songful and fresh-sounding performance of Tchaikovsky’s
familiar Piano Concerto No. 1. Her fingerwork, if not fault-free, was
brilliant, and the Orchestre Metropolitain under Jean-Marie Zeitouni –
a less-than-great combo on Monday – made a positive contribution.

Second prize was shared by Alexandre Moutouzkine, 27, of Russia,
for Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Masataka Takada, 30,
of Japan, who played Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on Monday. Both
offered exciting if sometimes percussive accounts of these virtuoso
scores. They each take home $11,250 – half the combined second-
and third-prize purses.

There was no third prize and non-finishers won $4,000 simply for
being finalists. Other honours, including the $5,000 award for the
best performance of the Canadian piece and ballot-driven $2,500 Prix
du Public, will be announced tomorrow night at the gala winners’
concert in Salle Wilfrid Pelletier.

The finals this year were not so hotly contested. Sergei Saratovsky,
26, a Russian-born Canadian resident, started the session Monday
with a bland and faulty Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5. He was
followed by Sara Daneshpour, 21, of the United States, who applied
some interesting ideas and varied dynamics to the same Tchaikovsky
score that led Arghamanyan to victory.

Elizabeth Schumann, 26, also of the U.S., brought a lyrical style
last night to Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, but put herself out of
the running with a memory lapse in the finale.

All six finalists chose the same Hamburg Steinway, which needed
frequent retuning in the Theâtre Maisonneuve. The sold-out night was
carried live on both CBC Radio 2 and Espace musique, the FM music
network of Radio-Canada.

–Boundary_(ID_YUFkZRq+pakhfc4TveBd 3w)–

OFF THE SHELF: CRITICS ON THE DEATH OF CRITICISM; THE DEBATE OVER BARBARA COLOROSO’S EXTRAORDINARY EVIL; FROM BOOK TO PURSE
Ronald Nurwisah

National Post
May 28 2008
Canada

A weekly roundup of what’s going on in the book world in Canada
and abroad:

A couple of book critics from Salon (Laura Miller and Pierre Bayard)
gnash their teeth over whether their jobs are obsolete. Who’s to blame:
academics, bloggers, videogames?

After 340 years and a list of 22 men that reads like a high school
literature textbook, the organizers of a high-profile British literary
festival are asking the Queen to consider appointing a woman to the
post of poet laureate when current laureate Andrew Motion steps down
next year. The poet laureate is responsible for writing poems to mark
special occasions.

The Toronto District School Boards sparked controversy last week
when it pulled another book from its classrooms. This time around,
it’s Barbara Coloroso’s Extraordinary Evil, a book that examines
genocide through the lens of the Armenian uprising, the Holocaust
and the Rwandan genocide.

Members of the Turkish community objected to the portrayal of the
Armenian genocide in Coloroso’s book.

The board has received condemnation from various people in the
literary community. Patsy Aldana, publisher at Groundwood books,
is no stranger to censorship by the TDSB. Their book Three Wishes,
which looked at children in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was
pulled by the board. Here are some of Aldana’s comments:

What is offensive in your decision is that it reflects what seems
to have become the TDSB’s habitual response to pressure – get rid
of books that are "problematic." This is a Grade 11 course – thus
obviating the weasel words "age inappropriate" used in the THREE WISHES
case. Is Barbara Coloroso’s argument unworthy of being considered,
discussed, debated?

Barbara Coloroso’s publisher David Davidar also comes to his author’s
defense here.

If you’re anything like me you probably have a few handsome but
seldom-read hardcover books lying around. This neat DIY project turns
a hardcover book into a handbag or in my case, a man-bag.

TODAY IN SARDARAPAT

Panorama.am
20:30 28/05/2008

Today Armenians celebrate the holiday of First Republic of Armenia. The
third president of the third republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan,
Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians Garegin II, RA former president
Robert Kocharyan, members of the Government – Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan, members of the NKR delegation headed by the president of NKR
Bako Sahakyan, the Chairman of the RA NA Tigran Torosyan, Prosecutor
General Aghvan Hovsepyan, four members of the coalition visited
Sardarapat to commemorate the 90 anniversary of the First Republic.

In the beginning of the ceremony a military march was organized
in Sardarapat. First the president of the RA greeted gathered
people. After air plane march was conducted drawing the triple colored
flag of Armenia.

The representatives of ten Armenian marzes (region) prepared Armenian
traditional dishes for meeting with the president. Since the morning a
concert was organized nearby. State Ensemble of Song and Dance named
after Tatul Altunyan, Armenian State Academic song band, Armenian
pop stars and dance groups took part in the concert.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN FINANCIAL-ECONOMIC COOPERATION DISCUSSED

Panorama.am
22:01 27/05/2008

On 20-22 June "Russian-Armenian business club.

Financial-economic cooperation" conference will be held in Yerevan. The
mission of the conference is to improve and develop the economic
cooperation between Armenia and Russia.

The participants of the conference will discuss questions as for
example the perspectives of Armenia to become financial center in
Armenia, the development of small and average business in Armenia and
Russia, investment strategy of the enterprises, Russian experience
and Armenian perspectives.

Leaders and representatives of ministries, banks, companies,
enterprises insurance and financial companies from Armenia and Russian
are invited to take part in the conference.

9TH SHIFT OF ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS TO LEAVE FOR KOSOVO IN JUNE

armradio.am
29.05.2008 11:43

The ninth shift of the Armenian peacekeepers will leave for Kosovo in
the first half of June. Commander of the peacekeeping division of RA
Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Artak Toonoyan told Armenpress that
the Armenian peacekeepers will carry out mission within the Greek
battalion for six months not far from Pristina.

A group of 34 peacekeepers is currently carrying out mission in Kosovo.

Seventy peacekeepers will leave for Kosovo in June.

272 Armenian peacekeeprs have already carried out misison in Kosovo. A
46-member 7th shift of Armenian peacekeepers is currently carrying
out mission in Iraq. According to Artak Toonoyan, the 8th shift will
leave for Iraq in the second half of July.

ARMENIA VS MOLDOVA 2:2

armradio.am
29.05.2008 12:46

The Armenian national football team played a 2:2 draw with the team
of Moldova in the friendly match held at the "Sheriff" stadium of
Tiraspol.

Marcos Pizzelli opened the scoring midway through the first half but
Moldova levelled before the break when Ararat Arakelyan put through
his own goal.

Levon Pachajyan gave Armenia the lead for the second time early in
the second half but Serghei Alexeev restored parity with 18 minutes
remaining.

The Armenian team played with the following squad: Kasparov, Hovsepyan,
Arzumanyan, Tadevosyan, Lazarian, Pachajyan, Voskanyan, Arakelyan,
Melkonyan (Ghazaryan, 46th minute), Mkhitaryan (Arthur Minasyan,
74th minute), Marcos Pizzelli (Ara Hakobyan (63rd minute). The head
coach of the Armenian national team is Jan Poulsen.

The Armenian national football team will leave for the German city
of Offenbach, where it will hold a friendly match with the team of
Greece – the Champion of Europe – on June 1st.

ANDREY NESTERENKO: RUSSIA’S POSITION ON NAGORNO KARABAKH UNCHANGED

armradio.am
29.05.2008 14:12

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian starts his first official
visit to Russia on today.

During the three-day visit, Nalbandian is scheduled to meet with his
Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss future cooperation in
"maintaining security and stability in the South Caucasus" and the
situation surrounding Nagorno Karabakh, Andrei Nesterenko, a spokesman
for Russia’s Foreign Ministry said.

The Armenian foreign minister is also expected to meet with the
head of the State Duma committee on CIS affairs, Alexei Ostrovsky,
and CSTO General Secretary Nikolai Bordyuzha.

Andrey Nesterenko said in an interview with RIA Novosti that
"Nalbandian’s visit will take place in an important period for the
two countries, when presidential elections were held both in Russia
and Armenia, the outcome of which reconfirmed the resoluteness to
ensure the success of the future development course.

Speaking about the agenda of the forthcoming talks in Moscow,
Nesterenko noted that the sides are to compare the approaches of Russia
and Armenia on principled international issues. Based on the identity
or similarity of these positions, it is borne in mind to elaborate
steps for improving the coordination of foreign policy actions by
Moscow and Yerevan. In particular, we count on continuation of our
further close joint work within the SCO and CSTO as well as in the
format of international organizations, including the UN, CoE and OSCE,
and of multilateral fora.

Featuring high on the agenda of the talks will be interaction for the
purpose of ensuring security and stability in Transcaucasia. Moscow
regards the development of multifaceted contacts with the Armenian
partners as an important factor of improving the situation in the
region and resolving the lingering conflicts there.

Turning to Russia’s position on the Karabakh conflict settlement,
Nesterenko said: "The principled stand of Russia on Nagorno-Karabakh
settlement remains invariable. We aim to continue rendering assistance
to the sides in conflict in finding a mutually acceptable solution. We
presume that the main responsibility for a final settlement formula
choice rests with the Armenians and the Azerbaijanis themselves. Russia
would be ready to support a solution option which will suit the sides
involved in the conflict, and in case of a compromise agreement –
would act as the guarantor of settlement."

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN RECEIVED AMBASSADOR PETER ROSENBLATT OF THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE

armradio.am
29.05.2008 15:40

President Serzh Sargsyan today received the representative of the
American Jewish Committee, Ambassador Peter Rosenblatt and the
Executive Director of the US-Armenia Public Affairs Committee Ross
Vartian.

According to President Sargsyan, Armenia is interested in deepening
the relations with the United States and views these as an important
guarantee of economic success, democratic development and regional
stability.

Presenting the American Jewish Committee, Ambassador Rosenblatt noted
that it is one of the pivotal organizations of the Jewish community and
is mostly involved in the field of international relations. He said
also that from 1990 they are well familiar with the South Caucasian
region and follow with interest the processes underway. He last
visited Armenia in 1999.

Peter Rosenblatt associated the interest of the American Jewish
Committee in Armenia and Armenian issues with the close ties with
the American Armenian community.

The interlocutors discussed the Armenian-Turkish relations and the
issue of opening the border.

President Sargsyan once again underlined that Armenia is interested
in building normal relations with neighbor countries and official
Yerevan has many times confirmed its support for establishment of
relations with Turkey without any preconditions.

The parties exchanged views on Armenia-Israel relations.

MOSAIC INSTITUTE HOSTS TURKISH ARMENIAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN TORONTO

armradio.am
29.05.2008 15:50

The Mosaic Institute invited to Toronto, Kaan Soyak, the Co-Chair
of The Turkish Armenian Business Development Council (TABDC) to
address a group of Canadians of Turkish and Armenian origin at
a dinner reception, independent French correspondent Jean Eckian
informed Radiolur.

Kaan Soyak, the Turkish Co-Chair and Arsen Ghazarian, the Armenian
Co-Chair, established the TABDC in 1997, as a think tank NGO dedicated
to improving relations between Armenia and Turkey.

The mission of the TABDC is to seek normalization between Turkey and
Armenia by opening the border between the two countries, which has
been closed for more than a decade. In addition, the TABDC advocates
establishing diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia.

The Embassies of both Turkey and Armenia in Ottawa sent senior
representatives to the Toronto meeting convened by the Mosaic
Institute. In addition, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
sent a senior diplomat to be present at the Mosaic Institute event.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere of respect and willingness to listen"
said Vahan Kololian, Chairman of the Mosaic Institute. "Clearly
the TABDC is doing important work in the Caucuses region, and it
is important for them to know that many in the Turkish and Armenian
Diaspora support their efforts," he said.

Mr. Soyak said: "While we recognize these two issues are divisive,
it is the position of the TABDC that diplomatic relations and open
borders can be achieved, while the genocide issue and the Nagorno
Karabakh issue continue to be studied and discussed.

GEVORG HARUTYUNYANHE MAIN MOTIVATION IS THE PROVISION OF THE ATMOSPHERE OF TOLERANCE AND DIALOGUE

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on May 28, 2008
Armenia

Interview with the Head of RPA Parliamentary Faction Karen Karapetyan.

"Mr. Karapetyan during the extraordinary session of the parliament
amendments were made in "NA Regulations" law according to which
the number of the standing committees is increased by three: of
agricultural, environmental, social issues, territorial governance
and local self governmental issues. Was there any need to do so or
you took this step to meet the demands of the coalition partners,
like for example the MPs belonging to "Heritage" party interpret."

"Coalition took this decision based on the indispensability which was
conditioned by certain factors. Firstly we all speak about raising the
effectiveness of the Parliament’s activity. Taking into account the
fact that the standing committees shoulder the entire responsibility
of the laws, in my view their activity must become more flexible
and productive. There are committees, which are really overloaded,
that is why it was very important to maintain proportionality.

The next reason derives from the policy adopted by RPA, which is –
to ensure an atmosphere of complete cooperation and tolerance. If you
remember after the Parliamentary elections of 1999 the representatives
of opposition were also included in the administration of the National
Assembly. This fact contributes to the establishment of the atmosphere
of tolerance and dialogue. That is why at present we are guided by
the same logic."

"From your words can we assume that members of "Heritage" party will
be included in the committees?"

"We are based on the reality created after the parliamentary elections.

Each political power participated in the parliamentary elections with
their own program and they have attained certain amount of votes. So
at the moment those enjoying respect among the society are represented
in the Parliament.

The political majority possesses the levers to implement its own
program.

What the political minority has is their words, which they actively
use.

But, what we propose is, not to be satisfied with words only, but
instead to be involved in the parliamentary administrative activity,
thus ensuring opportunities to influence political decision and
political processes.

That is why we propose "Orinats Yerkir" party to head two of the newly
set up three committees, because this party has got more mandates,
and "Heritage" party to head the other committee.

In our view our partners from "Heritage" party will accept our
proposal as a step towards cooperation and dialogue. Our country
and the people will only benefit from such atmosphere, because thus
we will mitigate the tension and make the activity of the National
Assembly more productive, as well as to find the best ways to overcome
the challenges faced by the country, through dialogue."