Month: October 2008

ASTROPHYSICS: STUDIES FROM N.D. MELIKIAN AND CO-RESEARCHERS UPDATE CURRENT DATA ON ASTROPHYSICS

Science Letter
September 30, 2008

"Spectra of five condensations in the Herbig-Haro object HH 448 are
presented for the first time. The emission line intensities indicate a
low degree of ionization, 3-5%, with an electron density of 10(3)-10(4)
cm(-3)," scientists in Armenia report (see also Astrophysics).

"The relative intensities of the emission lines of the individual
condensations show that their physical properties differ. We classify
the two stars closest to HH 448 as main sequence dwarfs which are, most
likely, not coupled to HH 448," wrote N.D. Melikian and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "The absorption in the region of HH 448
is at least 4(m).3."

Melikian and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics (Spectral
observations of HH 448. Astrophysics, 2008;51(2):189-196).

For more information, contact N.D. Melikian, VA Ambartsumyan Byurakan
Astrophysics Observ, Byurakan, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the journal Astrophysics is:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

ASTROPHYSICS: RESEARCH FROM T.A. MOVSESSIAN AND COLLEAGUES HAS PROVIDED NEW DATA ON ASTROPHYSICS

Science Letter
September 30, 2008

"A small region surrounding the emission star LkH alpha 326 in the
Perseus dark cloud is studied in the optical range," scientists
writing in the journal Astrophysics report (see also Astrophysics).

"Two new cometary nebulae are described and their relationship to
the Herbig-Haro objects in this region is examined. An HH-jet is
discovered near the central star of one of these nebulae," wrote
T.A. Movsessian and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Six emission stars, of which four are new,
are detected by slitless spectroscopy."

Movsessian and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics
(Searches for HH objects and emission stars in star formation
regions. V. Two new cometary nebulae in Perseus. Astrophysics,
2008;51(2):181-188).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting T.A. Movsessian,
VA Ambartsumyan Byurakan Astrophysics Observ, Byurakan, Armenia.

The publisher of the journal Astrophysics can be contacted at:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

ASTROPHYSICS: RESEARCH ON ASTROPHYSICS REPORTED BY H.A. HARUTYUNIAN ET AL

Science Letter
September 30, 2008

According to recent research from Armenia, "Some physical
characteristics of cD galaxies are examined in the context of their
formation during Ambartsumyan events."

"In this paper, cD galaxies are considered as generators of the
clusters in which they occur. The segregation of clusters in terms of
their morphological classes and the well known Faber-Jackson relation
are discussed as arguments for this concept," wrote H.A. Harutyunian
and colleagues (see also Astrophysics).

The researchers concluded: "This concept provides a rather natural
explanation for the observed features of cD galaxies and the associated
clusters."

Harutyunian and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics
(On the nature of cD galaxies. Astrophysics, 2008;51(2):141-152).

For additional information, contact H.A. Harutyunian, VA Ambartsumyan
Byurakan Astrophysics Observ, Byurakan, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the journal Astrophysics is:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

PHYSICS: RESEARCHERS FROM YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY DISCUSS FINDINGS IN PHYSICS

Science Letter
September 30, 2008

According to recent research from Yerevan, Armenia, "The absorption
of light in an ensemble of non-interacting cylindrical quantum dots in
the presence of a magnetic field is discussed using a model consisting
of dots with rectangular infinitely-high potential barriers."

"The ensemble’s absorption coeficient is calculated – as well
as the threshold frequency of absorption – as a function of the
applied magnetic field and the quantum dot size. Theoretical results
are compared with experimental data on magneto-luminescence in an
In0.53Ga0.47As/InP cylindrical quantum dot system," wrote A.K. Atayan
and colleagues, Yerevan State University (see also Physics).

The researchers concluded: "In addition, using a perturbation theory
framework, the influence of excitonic effects on the behaviour of
the electron-hole energetic spectrum of said system is discussed."

Atayan and colleagues published their study in European Physical
Journal B (Magneto-absorption in cylindrical quantum dots. European
Physical Journal B, 2008;63(4):485-492).

For additional information, contact A.K. Atayan, Yerevan State
University, 1 Alex Manoogian St., Yerevan 0025, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the European Physical Journal B is:
Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STUDY RESULTS FROM YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY PROVIDE NEW INSIGHTS INTO CONSERVATION RESEARCH

Life Science Weekly
September 30, 2008

"The turtles of the Caucasus are poorly studied, and basic data
on their geographic distribution in some Caucasian regions are
poorly collated, hard to access, or entirely lacking. We present a
comprehensive review of turtle localities in such a region, Armenia
and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh), based on literature records,
personal observations, and museum specimens," scientists in Yerevan,
Armenia report (see also Conservation Research).

"The compiled data for the 3 native species (Emys orbicularis,
Mauremys caspica, and Testudo graeca) show that their distributions
in this region are restricted to 3 areas of low elevation. In the
northeast, turtles can be found in the Kura River drainage. In the
south and west, turtles can be found in the Arax River drainage. The
distributions of species within these areas vary, with E. orbicularis
being the most restricted by elevation. We note that the 3 regions here
form part of an important transect from the interior Arax drainage
(in the Ararat region of western Armenia) to near its confluence
with the Kura drainage (in southern Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh)
to the Kura drainage sensu stricto (in northeast Armenia)," wrote
M. Arakelyan and colleagues, Yerevan State University.

The researchers concluded: "Future studies of turtles in these
areas will play an important role in understanding the historical
biogeography of Caucasian turtles."

Arakelyan and colleagues published their study in Chelonian
Conservation and Biology (The geographic distribution of turtles
in Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh). Chelonian
Conservation and Biology, 2008;7(1):70-77).

For more information, contact M. Arakelyan, Yerevan State University,
Dept. of Biology, Alek Manukyan 1, Yerevan 375025, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the journal Chelonian Conservation
and Biology is: Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich St.,
Lunenburg, MA, USA.

TURKISH RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE NOT A PRECONDITION FOR TIES – ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

ABC Newspaper
September 30, 2008
Spain

Text of interview with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan published
by the Spanish newspaper ABC website on 30 September:

Yerevan: Serzh Sargsyan, 53 and a native of Nagorno-Karabakh, was
elected president of Armenia in controversial elections held last
February. Until then, he had held the post of prime minister.

[ABC] How do you view the current situation in the Caucasus?

[Serzh Sargsyan] After 7 August – the date of the commencement of
the hostilities in South Ossetia – things have changed, the world
is different. It has become clear that interethnic conflicts cannot
be solved by force. We have been saying it for 20 years, but now it
has become patently clear. There is no alternative to diplomacy and
constructive regional cooperation.

[ABC] With the recent visit to Yerevan of Turkish President Abdullah
Gul a new outlook is opening up. What do you hope from it?

[Sargsyan] The normalization of contacts, the establishment of
diplomatic relations and the opening of the border. From that moment
on, it is then possible to speak about everything else. We are not
demanding the recognition of the genocide of 1915 as a prior condition.

[ABC] Turkey’s rapprochement with Armenia happens to come just after
the clash between Russia and Georgia.

[Sargsyan] I don’t think the two things are related. The work to
normalize relations was being done prior to that.

[ABC] You have good relations with Washington. The USA is the second
country, after Russia, with the largest Armenian diaspora. In view
of the current deterioration of relations between the White House
and the Kremlin, do you not fear having to choose between them?

[Sargsyan] I believe there is no dilemma between close cooperation
with Russia and the West.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMEN JIGARKHANYAN FUND DIRECTOR LIFE ATTEMPTED

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.10.2008 14:38 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The life of Arsen Elbakian, Director General of
Armen Jigarkhanyan Fund, was attempted in Moscow yesterday, RIA
Novosti reports.

The criminal fired several shots at Elbakian, wounding him into his
back and arm. Elbakian was hospitalized but nothing is reported about
his health state.

A criminal case was initiated.

Armen Jigarkhanyan Fund is a philanthropic non-profit institution
engaged in organization of theatrical performances, concerts,
publication of books, etc.

ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN, AZERI FMS DISCUSS KARABAKH PROCESS

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.10.2008 14:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Friday
with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts, Edward Nalbandian and
Elmar Mammadyarov, during the Foreign Ministers’ summit in Bishkek,
the RF MFA press office reported.

The top diplomats discussed the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
process in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PROGRESS POSSIBLE IF BAKU ACCEPTS KARABAKH AS PARTY TO CONFLICT

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.10.2008 16:10 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Convent 2008 conference was held under in Moscow
State Institute of International relations. As the Union of Armenians
of Russia told PanARMENIAN.Net, a special discussion was dedicated
to the South Caucasus problems.

The UAR was represented by Gegham Khalatyan, Levon Mukanyan and
Vahe Hovhannisian.

According to Azeri expert Arif Yunusov, pro-Russian attitude of mind
began fading in Azerbaijan while Islamists and pro-western force
gained strength after the South Ossetia tragedy.

"The point is that the Azeri public is unaware of the situation,
because Russian TV channels are not broadcast in the republic,"
he said. He voiced an opinion that during next 10 years the Aliyevs
will maintain power in the person of Mehriban Aliyeva, the incumbent
President’s wife. As to the Karabakh process, Yunusov doesn’t expect
any progress in the near future.

"Progress in talks is possible if Baku accepts Karabakh as a party
to conflict," said Vladimir Kazimirov, former Russian Co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group. "Even Saakashvili, with all his cranks, recognized
South Ossetia and Abkhazia as parities to conflict," he remarked.

Russia should press for signing of an agreement on non-use of force,
according to him. "Azerbaijan’s bellicose statements provoke armament
drive and mutilate mentality," Kazimirov said.

UAR Vice President Gegham Khalatyan supported this position, saying,
"If we respect the USSR institutes, its territorial divisions, inside
borders (including Nagorno Karabakh’s annexation to Azerbaijan), we
should also respect the USSR Constitution, which says that after the
country’s decline, the status of autonomous republics is determined
through a referendum."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NAMIK TAN: KNESSET’S RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO DAMAGE TURKEY-ISRAEL RELATIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.10.2008 16:55 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Knesset
will badly damage the Turkish-Israeli partnership, said Namik Tan,
Turkey’s ambassador to Israel.

He reminded that Ankara recalled its envoys from U.S. and France when
parliaments of these states voted for recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.

Ambassador Tan criticized the Israeli parliamentary initiative to
discuss the Armenian Genocide issue. "I support President Shimon
Peres who said that the "Armenian tragedy is an issue for historians
bit not politicians." Just fancy a Turkish political figure accusing
Israel of genocide of Palestinians," he said, adding that he hopes
Israel will never spoil relations with Turkey.

Earlier, Kadima’s Zeev Elkin said that discussion of the Armenian
Genocide will not "cause trouble" with Turkey and Azerbaijan. "These
countries should understand that Israel can’t neglect discussion of
an issue that has already been considered by all western parliaments,"
he told IzRus portal.

Meanwhile, Tan remarked that "the parliamentarians fell under the
influence of the Armenian minority."

He stressed the importance of developing Ankara-Baku-Jerusalem
strategic alliance to neutralize "the Armenian threat."

"We want the Azeri oil and gas go to Israel and then to China and
Japan through Ashkelon-Eilat pipeline," he said.