Month: August 2008

GEORGIAN-SOUTH OSSETIAN CONFLICT SHOULD BE RESOLVED ONLY THROUGH PEACE NEGOTIATION, STATEMENT OF PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT CENTER SAYS

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. People’s Movement (PM) of Armenia
expresses its deep concern and condolence at the tragic events and
deaths in the zone of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict, stating
that such conflicts should be resolved only through peace negotiations.

It is said in a statement issued by PM’s Center that war operations
have gone beyond the limits of the conflict zone and endangered some
important roads and communications entering Armenia which are of
vital importance to the country’s security. Besides, according to
PM statement, more than 10 thousand Armenian citizens currently in
Georgian holiday places, as well as the Armenians of Georgia are in
an insecure state.

"Under such conditions when every hour may be fatal, Armenia’s
de facto president Serzh Sargsyan and his retinue are continuing
quietly their Olympic rest and entertainment in China. This attitude
of Serzh Sargsian – quite a strange attitude for a head of a country
– is, unfortunately, natural and typical of him. We condemn Serzh
Sargsian’s criminal indifference to the national security and fate of
the country’s citizens. We demand that the Armenian authorities take
adequate measures based on the situation: provide the appropriate help
to our citizens and hold the necessary negotiations with Russian and
Georgian authorities with the aim of not endangering the operation
of the communications that ensure uniterrupted supply of Armenia,"
the PM Center’s statement reads.

SOME CASH MACHINES OF "ARCA" PAYMENT SYSTEM NOT TO OPERATE ON AUGUST 12-14

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Some cash machines of "ArCa" payment
system will not operate on August 12-14 due to repairs of cables
connecting ArmenTel CJSC’s stations. During joint work of ArmenTel
and Armenian Card companies in the indicated period, only 15% of the
system’s cash machines (in Yerevan only) will not operate – the fill
list of the system’s cash machines is available at

According to Armenian Card, for transactions on cash receiving,
card holders may apply to branches of the system member banks.

AMOUNT OF GAS SUPPLY TO ARMENIA REDUCED BY 30%

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The amount of natural gas supplied
to Armenia through Georgia has been reduced by 30%, spokeswoman for
ArmRusgazprom company Shushan Sardarian announced on August 11. "We
are clarifying the reasons for reduction in the amount of gas that
is imported into Armenia via the pipeline running through Georgia,
and the amount of reduced gas volume," she said. According to her,
at the moment the difference in the amount is replenished from
ArmRusgazprom’s storages, whose gas will suffice until the issue’s
settlement, taking into account the fact that the consumption has
declined in the summer season.

REPORTER OF "ARMENIAN TIME" NEWSPAPER LUSINE BARSEGHIAN ASSAULTED

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. At about 9:40 am August 11, two
unknown persons made an assault on reporter of "Armenian Time"
newspaper Lusine Barseghian. NT coorespendent was informed by Hayk
Gevorgian, person in charge of publication of "Armenian Time" that
the incident occurred near L.

Barseghian’s house. Two "skinheads" attacked her from behind when
she emerged from the house. They threw her to the ground and started
delivering blows. The reporter called for help, and the men took
to flight.

L. Barseghian is now undergoing medical examination, after which she
intends to submit an application about the crime to the respective
bodies.

According to H. Gevorgian, after the incident L. Barseghian saw the
same men in a white Moskvich (number plate 2141). A man in a police
uniform with major’s shoulder straps was driving the car.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WATER SUPPLY OF ARABKIR COMMUNITY TO BE CUT OFF ON AUGUST 13

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The water supply of the following
streets in Yerevan’s Arabkir community: Papasian, Vagharshian,
Sundukian, Avetisian, Gaydar, Gulakian, Kyulbenkian, Aghbyur Serob,
Sose, Orbeli, Kievian, Proshian, Yerznkian, Baghramian, Hrachia
Kochar, as well as Aygedzor district and the adjacent areas will be
cut off from 10 am to 9 pm on August 13 due to construction work,
NT was informed by Yerevan Water CJSC.

ARTHUR MKOYAN TO STUDY IN DAVIS COLLEGE DUE TO BENEFACTOR

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

FRESNO, AUGUST 11, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. A generous benefactor
has made a Bullard High School valedictorian’s university hopes
a reality.

Arthur Mkoyan, 17, said Wednesday that he’ll be attending the
University of California, Davis, thanks to a Danville woman who read
about his plight and decided to help him in a big way.

Mkoyan, whose college dream was nearly destroyed by deportation to
Armenia, will attend his first college choice after all. A month ago,
Mkoyan decided to go to Fresno City College because his family couldn’t
afford UC Davis and he didn’t qualify for state and federal financial
aid because he’s neither a U.S. citizen nor a legal permanent resident.

Mkoyan’s benefactor, Sherry Heacox who operates a food- import
business was touched by his story and decided to pay for his four
years at UC Davis.

Mkoyan and his parents, who all faced deportation, were allowed to
stay in the United States after Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.,
introduced a private bill on Mkoyan’s behalf in June.

4th ANNUAL ARMENIAN FESTIVAL OF ORANGE COUNTY TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER

Noyan Tapan

Au g 11, 2008

LOS ANGELES, AUGUST 11, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. 4th Annual
Armenain Festival of Orange County will take place on September
13-14 in Laguna Hills Community Center. The Armenian Festival is
a pan-Armenian, non-political public tax-exempt organization which
donates a portion of net proceeds each year to charities.

RECONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIAN THEATRE: IS IT POSSIBLE?

Panorama.am
18:13 11/08/2008

Just a few days ago, I watched a new performance with my friends. It
was in genre of comedy, but we nearly cried at the end. It was a
humorous representation of our state system and every-day life. In
a word, I really advise you to go and watch it. Believe me, it won’t
be a waste of time.

Actually, this very performance made me look through several forums
seeking new ideas and comments on our theatre. But the results really
left me hopeless. It turned out, that people simply are not interested
in the theatre. Younger generation prefers discos, usually of bad
taste, while the elder simply don’t have enough money to go to the
theatre, even if they had great desire.

That is why the television has large audience in spite of its’
programmes of law quality and bad taste. This is probably the reason
why in the Puppet theatre there are not only child’s plays, but also
performances of different genres; this is another way of attracting
people.

Almost all theatres of the country are in Yerevan, 7 of them work
regularly, but the performances are too old, usually belonging
to classical authors. Many temporary authors and actors think
that our theatre needs fresh air; it must get rid of old, stiff
stereotypes. "The theatre should be a place where you can forget
about everything and talk to yourself. But the theatre mustn’t be a
journey to past", says actor Michael Poghosyan.

Hakob Ghazanchyan, art-director of one of Yerevan theatres, also
emphasizes the need of freedom for the theatre. "As for me, I can
successfully work in foreign countries, rather than here, because
the audience is free and easy there. Here it’s very hard to start
something new without breaking hundreds of old, useless standards.

The lack of money is another problem for our theatre. Art-director of
Theatre of Drama Armen Khandikyan is simply embarrassed to tell how
much money his actors are now paid. The government does not support the
theatres in proper way; the buildings are in poor state, the salaries
of actors are too law. If we add to this the absence of interest,
no way out may seem for this situation. Hence, great efforts should
be made to rescue the theatre.

There should be a solution; we can find new, interesting plays. We can
learn to work in a new way, in order to be understood and accepted
not only in foreign countries, but here as well. Then people will
attend our theatres with much more enthusiasm.

HRACHYA JAVAKHIAN TO HAVE HIS FIRST BOUT ON AUGUST 15 IN BEIJING

ARMENPRESS
Aug 11, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS; Armenia’s boxer Hrachya Javakhian,
60 kg, from Vanadzor, will have his first bout on August 15 in the
1/8 stage.

A day later another Armenian boxer, Hovhannes Danielian, 48 kg,
will go onto the ring.

BLESSING OF THE GRAPES IN THE VALLEY

CBS 47
Aug 11, 2008
CA

Valley farmers take to the fields for this year’s grape harvest. Hoping
the weather stays on their side; one local church looks above for help.

Saint Paul Armenian Church held its annual Blessing of the Grapes
Festival on Sunday in Fresno. The event takes place each year on the
grounds of the California Armenian Home.

Jeff Markarian with St. Paul Armenian Church said, "We bless the
grapes that are used in the Devine Linergy service and bless all the
crops of the news years harvest too. And as part of that, we have a
picnic and it’s a special social event- chance to share our culture
with the community as well."

Close to a thousand people were on hand for traditional Armenian food
and dance.

A similar blessing will be held next Sunday at the California Armenian
home. The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church will be holding
its annual grape blessing service and picnic and it too is open to
the public.