Month: October 2008

FROM PRESIDENT SERGE SARGSYAN’S MESSAGE ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
03 Oct 2008
Armenia

Dear compatriots,

We have lots of work to do. To develop our economy, consolidate our
state, provide security, but besides all the before mentioned we have
a super issue – we need to regain our values to achieve what we want
to achieve and to maintain what we have.

Lots of things have been deteriorated nowadays. Our work will be
senseless if the coming generations grow with wrong dreams, if our
children dream of having expensive cars instead of winning in the
Olympic games. Our work will be senseless if we don’t turn our faces
to the development of education.

What we really need is scientists, who will reveal the secrets
of the space; we also need scientists who willingly transfer
their knowledge to the coming generations, because it is due to
this bigheartedness that tomorrow the new generations will make
unprecedented revelations. We need constructors, who will build roads
and buildings, but we more need those who will build the roads passing
round the forests because tomorrow their daughters and sons will walk
in those forests. We need professional doctors who have compassion,
because pills can heal today and compassion can heal always.

Education must be the bases of our values. With all the skills and
knowledge the pupils must=2 0learn to love and believe. This is the
most complex educational standard, because if in all the other cases
you can achieve something by different teaching methods, in this case
the only way is your individual example.

Which means those who educate they must possess these values. A word
without actions is not convincing. Consequently the cornerstone of
our educational policy must be the transformation of our values.

It is not only the responsibility of the government and the Ministry
of Education. Everyone must be responsible for it.

Dear Compatriots,

This is what I wanted to say to our people and the National Assembly.

I would like to finish my speech by voicing my clear stance regarding
certain issues.

1. We all know that in our reality certain individuals want to come
out from the position of power, they think that they are allowed
to solve certain issues by the help of their arms. I would like to
clearly announce that for me it is simply unacceptable. No one is
non-punishable in the Republic of Armenia; no one has the right
to ascribe the functions of the state to himself. I suggest that
everyone avoids similar misbehavior, because the consequences will
really be visible.

2. Secondly I appeal to the representatives of the pro-oppositional
and pro-governmental camps, journalists, social workers, and everyone
in general, to stop publicly hurting one another. Because it has
gone beyond a ll the limits. It seems to have become a norm in our
reality. Let’s stop, because this road will take to nowhere.

MONITORING COMMITTE MAKES ITS STATEMENT

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
03 Oct 2008
Armenia

In its session convened yesterday, the PACE Monitoring Committee
made a statement on Armenia’s compliance with the requirements of
Resolutions # 1609 and 1620.

According to David Haroutyunyan, Head of the Armenian delegation in
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the statement
is mainly based upon the report submitted by Thomas Hammarberg,
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe.

In particular, the Committee expresses concerns over the issue that
the expected result has not yet been achieved; it touches upon the key
points introduced by the Commissioner in his report and reiterates the
requirements expressed therein. Those requirements almost coincide
with the ones enshrined in PACE Resolutions # 1609 and 1620. "It is
mentioned that the committee will once again touch upon all these
issues. In the meantime, it is also mentioned that the committee
trusts the Commissioner and requests him to submit his assessment
during the session to be held in December," D. Haroutyunyan said.

Before that, the Committee envisages the Commissioner’s visit to
Armenia.

AMERICAN EXPERTS TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
03 Oct 2008
Armenia

Three well-known American experts who were previously members of the
committee dealing with the issues of the terrorist attacks against
the United States (better known as the 9/11 committee) are planning
to visit Armenia October 5-11.

As reported by the US Embassy in Armenia, the experts will have a
meeting with the officials dealing with the investigation of the
March 1-2 events in Yerevan, particularly the members of the interim
committee investigating the above-mentioned events and their causes.

NO ONE CAN CONSIDER HIMSELF UNPUNISHED

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
03 Oct 2008
Armenia

"We all know that some people in some cases decide to act from the
positions of strength. They decide that they are allowed to solve
some problems in the street by the force of arms. I clearly announce
that such practice is not conceivable and acceptable to me. No one in
the Republic of Armenia can consider himself unpunished; no one in
the Republic of Armenia can attribute the functions of the state to
himself. I propose all the people to refrain from the malpractices
that have struck deep roots in our society, because their results
will surely become visible in future," President Serge Sargsyan
announced yesterday in his speech addressed to the National Assembly
and the people.

US SENATE CONFIRMS JEFFREY AS NEW AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

Today’s Zaman
04 October 2008, Saturday
Turkey

News Diplomacy

James Jeffrey speaks at a confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee in late September.

The US Senate has confirmed career diplomat James Jeffrey as the new
ambassador to Turkey, replacing the incumbent Ross Wilson.

"I am pleased that the Senate confirmed Jim Jeffrey to be the United
States Ambassador to Turkey. Jim is a man of intellect, integrity,
and commitment. His work as my Deputy National Security Advisor, as
United States Ambassador to Albania, and in three previous assignments
to Turkey make him superbly qualified to represent the United States
to our friend and NATO ally," President George W. Bush said in a
statement issued on Thursday.

Jeffrey, currently Bush’s deputy national security advisor, was
pressured by some members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
during his confirmation process last week to describe World War I
events in eastern Anatolia as a genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman
Empire. He declined to describe the events as genocide in the face of
questions from Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez during the confirmation
hearing and added that he would support initiatives encouraging
Turkish-Armenian rapprochement. He also said that Washington favors
the unconditional opening of borders with Armenia by Turkey as well
as the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

When Jeffrey used the term "forced exile" while speaking of the 1915
incidents, Menendez said that he was disappointed that this term fell
short of the term "ethnic cleansing," which was earlier used by some
US officials. In response, Jeffrey said that he was behind statements
by officials which outline US policy, but still refrained from using
the term "ethnic cleansing."

Armenia claims that Ottoman Turks killed up to 1.5 million Armenians
during World War I, toward the end of the Ottoman Empire, and labels
the killings as genocide. Turkey says the casualty figures are inflated
and that the deaths occurred during a time of civil conflict when
both Armenians and Turks were killed.

In a landmark step, President Abdullah Gul visited Armenia to watch a
World Cup qualifying game between national teams of the two countries
in early September. The foreign ministers of Turkey, Armenia and
Azerbaijan also met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in
New York late last month.

Jeffrey, first nominated as ambassador to Turkey in June, is expected
to take over his new post from Wilson in the coming weeks. He is
known to be an expert on Turkey and can also speak Turkish. Jeffrey
served as US ambassador to Albania from 2002-2004. He was the chargé
d’affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad from 2004-2005.

–Boundary_(ID_Ao8qjXcJooSR38x5OMJwjw) —
From: Baghdasarian

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL HAS RICH HISTORY

The Saginaw News – MLive.com
Saturday, October 04, 2008
MI

Imagine a church charging its members yearly pew space rentals and
creating a "committee on discipline" in an attempt to rein in unruly
parishioners.

The same church, of a Congregational bent, hiring a pastor whose Quaker
wife decided sex education classes are in order for its youths —
this back in 1932.

Same church: A minister ending up serving jail time when he irked the
sheriff … a Sunday service given over to toe-tapping Dixieland music
… supporting a missionary who single-handedly defied the Turkish
Army in the late 1800s during a murderous rage against Armenians.

No, this is not overblown fiction but instead fascinating reality —
and the topic of Jean R. Beach’s newest book, "In Times of Sorrow and
In Times of Joy: The History of Saginaw’s First Congregational Church"
(184 pages, $10).

Released this week, "In Time" documents through interviews and records
the 150 years of the church’s history.

And First Congregational, South Jefferson at Hayden, is not just
any old church. From the beginning and continuing today, it is The
Church for many prominent and influential Saginawians. And then as
now, from its inner city location, it remains one of the most active
congregations in terms of serving the underserved.

It was the church where Beach, 78, grew up, though she is no longer
a member. "You went every Sunday back then, whether you wanted to
or not."

And as the historian that she is, when she realized the church was
celebrating its 150th anniversary, she volunteered to write its
official history.

"Who says history has to be boring," quips Beach, who lives in Saginaw
Township. "And Saginaw history is so interesting anyway.

"The church has a safe that was filled with minutes from board of
trustees meetings, records of all kinds, scrapbooks with newspaper
clippings.

"And then on top of that I interviewed anybody I could think of in
the congregation who is a good storyteller. Two of them were over
100 years old and sharp as a tack — Florence G. Smith was 106 and
Katherine Kelley Gaul 100. The two of them knew where everyone was
buried, so to speak."

Beach, an artist as well as author, created the artwork for the cover
and arranged its chapters by pastors and their years of service.

Here’s a bit of trivia: The congregation’s first building, a small
wooden structure, stood where The Saginaw News stands today. It
opened its doors in 1860 and cost $4,400 to build because the members
constructed it themselves.

In 1868 the current Italianate church rose, at a cost of $66,400 —
and in 1972 was nearly lost during a fire.

Over those years those church records show services mourning the
assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, McKinley and Kennedy.

Still sung today is a Communion hymn written 100 years ago by Alice
Freeman Palmer, a former Saginaw High School principal who went on
to become the first woman president of a major college (Wellesley
in Massachusetts).

And this is an arts-intense church along with its social
services. Poetry, lavish pageants, an art contest and collection,
the formation of the New Reformation Dixieland Band, lectures and a
classical Musical Arts Series are all part of its history.

Beach says her research surprised even her, showing how forward
thinking some of the early ministers were and how devoted they were
to ecumenical ventures in Saginaw.

That 1870s "committee on discipline," by the way, "did not go down
well with members. One even quit over it."

Beach calls the book a two-year labor of love. "I hope it becomes
a useful tool for people in the future — to learn what the church
stands for and the people that were a part of it."

Beach also has penned "A Century on Canvas: The Lives and Work of
Julia and Henry Roecker," and with Patricia Shek compiled "Saginaw
Cooks," a history of recipes.

She is working on a history of the Sheplers Mackinaw Island Ferry
company.

Copies of "In Times" are on sale at the First Congregational Church
office.

ARMENIA EXHIBITS QAJAR ARTWORKS

PRESS TV
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:01:58 GMT
Iran

The National Gallery of Armenia is displaying Qajar artworks from
Iran in a two-week exhibition held in the capital city of Yerevan.

The event exhibits painting, calligraphies, carpets, outfits and
dishes dating back to the Qajar era (1781-1925).

Held in collaboration with the Iranian cultural office in Armenia, the
exhibition aims to introduce Iran’s rich arts and culture to Armenians.

Qajar art is best known for its distinctive style of portraiture,
which features the dynasty’s kings and members of the royal family.

Iran’s Contemporary Arts Museum and the National Gallery of Armenia
have cooperated on numerous cultural projects in the two countries.

TRANSNISTRIAN LEADER SEEKS TO WIN TIME TO SHUN NEGOTIATIONS

Moldpress
Oct. 3, 2008
Moldova

By late September, it became clear that Transnistrian leader Igor
Smirnov wants no negotiations on the settlement of the conflict. Thus,
he opposed all the other participants in the five-plus-two format,
including Russia. Earlier, the media had quoted Russian sources as
saying that a meeting between the Chisinau and Tiraspol leaders and
a trilateral meeting between Dmitriy Medvedev, Vladimir Voronin and
Igor Smirnov will soon take place. These two events were expected by
late September. But, due to the efforts of the Tiraspol authorities,
the Voronin-Smirnov meeting was held neither. Thus, Smirnov struck
a painful blow to his Russian allies, destroying their geostrategic
plans.

The problem is that on 10 October, the European bodies are to meet to
broach the situation in the Caucasus and later on, in November, NATO
will conduct a meeting focused on Georgia’s and Ukraine’s inclusion
in the Alliance’s accession programme. The Russian diplomacy does not
stay idle and is trying to impede the Euro Atlantic integration of
these two countries. To this end, it would need diplomatic progress
in the settlement of the conflicts in Transnistria and in Nagorno
Karabakh. But after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that
the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia cannot be regarded as a
precedent for Transnistria, Smirnov decided to make a new "strategic"
U-turn.

Thus, the Transnistrian foreign minister made public a proposal
addressed to Ukraine to sign a protocol on cooperation with Tiraspol
similar to the Smirnov-Zhukov protocol previously signed with
Russia. One may assume that the Kremlin was not so eager about it
because the Russian leaders are far from being interested in sharing
their influence in the region with Ukraine. For its part, Ukraine
came out with the proposal to hold a meeting between the Russian and
Ukrainian leaders in Odessa. Russians will never agree to any kind of
eventual Ukrainian protectorate over the Voronin-Smirnov talks. But
they might however tolerate even such a "political geography" if
Smirnov would give up his unwillingness to offer his Russian allies
and financial backers at least several diplomatic aces in the dialogue
with the EU and NATO. If the peculiarity of the situation in Karabakh
makes it little interesting for the big political games between the
West and the Russian Federation, then things are different when it
comes to the banks of the Dniester River, which makes the blow stricken
to the Kremlin by the Tiraspol administration even more painful.

When Smirnov proposed to Voronin that an urgent meeting should be held
in Tiraspol, without giving the Moldovan president time for the most
elementary preparation, he counted namely on the fact that it would
be turned down. It is not by accident that right after that Smirnov
left for Sukhumi in order to win time.

Smirnov’s plans seem to be elementary. First, he is waiting for
10 October when the tension between the European Union and Russia
might increase because of the problems in the Caucasus. It is clear
as daylight that Russia will not give up its decision to recognize
Abkhazia and South Ossetia and neither will it cut the number of its
troops in these Russia-recognized republics. If so, Russia’s support
for Transnistria might become stronger, which would automatically
resolve the problem of advancement in the Chisinau-Tiraspol relations.

One way or another, Smirnov hopes that nothing will change by the
NATO summit in December, where a decision on Ukraine’s and Georgia’s
prospects is expected to be taken. The Tiraspol administration
relies a lot on a positive decision concerning the accession of
these two countries to the North Atlantic Alliance. If this happens,
the Smirnov’s actions in the Kremlin will increase considerably. If
Moscow tries to exert strong pressure on its ally, then Russians
might always be blackmailed with an eventual improvement of relations
between the West and Transnistria. It’s not by accident that one of
the newspapers controlled by the Tiraspol newspapers wrote in 2002,
when the relations between Moscow and Tiraspol were tense, that
"an American jarhead is better that a drunken Russian soldier"…

FLEDGLING UZBEKISTANI CHURCH PERSEVERES

Catholic.net

GLOBAL ZENIT NEWS
Oct 2, 2008
CT

ROME, OCT. 2, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic community in Uzbekistan
is coming to life after Communist repression, but it still faces
obstacles from restricted religious liberty, reported L’Osservatore
Romano in a feature on the country.

The Vatican’s semi-official newspaper called the Uzbekistan Catholic
community "a minority Church in a country of Muslim majority
[…] dedicated especially to aiding the poor through works that
receive no public recognition; what is more, they must work almost
clandestinely."

Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s most populated country, with more than
27 million inhabitants. It is also one of the poorest nations of the
former Soviet Union. Uzbekistan has an 88% Sunni Muslim population
and is 9% Orthodox Christian. Catholics number about 5,000.

Bishop Jerzy Maculewicz, on the occasion of his five-yearly visit to
the Pope and the Roman Curia, gave details on the development of the
Catholic community that is being reborn in the wake of the fall of
Communism. Bishop Maculewicz is the nation’s only active bishop. He
is of Ukrainian origin and was one of the last prelates appointed by
Pope John Paul II.

The bishop told L’Osservatore Romano: "The Catholic Church is a very
small community, grouped around five parishes that still exist. We
are hoping to open two others, but the difficulties are many and are
reflected in the daily life of our faithful.

"We are a small group, which also suffers the consequences of the
phenomenon of emigration: Many Catholics leave Uzbekistan for financial
reasons. Fortunately, every year we also see some immigrants enter,
some of whom are Catholic."

Evangelizing

Despite the difficulty of pastoral work, the local Catholic community
relies on the help of religious communities such as the Franciscans and
nine Missionaries of Charity, who take care of the poorest, prisoners,
the sick, and evangelization through charity, explained the bishop.

These religious, he said, "would like to open another house to shelter
convalescent people who leave the hospital, but for the past year
and a half they have not received an answer from the authorities."

In order to respond to the needs of the people, the pastor said that
the Church in Uzbekistan is trying to introduce the work of Caritas,
but they still do not have formal permission. "In the meantime,
we promote small charitable initiatives at the parish level."

The difficulties in the area of religious liberty are due to a law
that bans all missionary and proselytizing activity.

"We receive and catechize the people who come, but we cannot proclaim
the Gospel in public," Bishop Maculewicz said.

Daily dialogue

The Catholic community of Uzbekistan enjoys daily opportunities for
interreligious dialogue.

"When I travel through the country, many Muslims approach me and ask
me questions, especially regarding our faith, such as how we pray, why
for us, Jesus is the Son of God," the prelate noted. "At the beginning
of this year, we promoted meetings with the apostolic nuncio and the
mufti of Uzbekistan. It was an unprecedented historic event."

Three years ago, with the ambassador of Israel, a concert was
organized on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the promulgation
of "Nostra Aetate," and the mufti was invited, he recalled. "Without
this anniversary, the Israeli ambassador would never have been able
to have a meeting with the Muslim authority," Bishop Maculewicz said.

In regard to the Orthodox, the prelate said there is no contact at
an official level, but with some priests. He said the Catholics do
have a close relation with the Lutherans and the Armenian Church,
and organized a prayer meeting during the week of prayer for Christian
unity.

SECONDSOUT TEAM PICK ABRAHAM VS. MARQUEZ

World Boxing News
Fri 3-Oct-2008 22:58

It is the power and fury of the Armenia up against the skills and
toughness of the experienced Mexican American, but that hasn’t stopped
SecondsOut’s team of fearless writers from making their confident
picks for Saturday night’s IBF middleweight world title boxing match
between champion Arthur Abraham and challenger Raul Marquez at the
Jako Arena in Bayern, Germany.

"Give Marquez credit for getting this title shot. It’s been over ten
years since the former Olympian and Houston native briefly reigned
as IBF 154lbs champion, and at times I wondered if he was even still
active. However, since a loss to Jermain Taylor in 2004, Marquez
has gone 7-0-1 and upset Giovanni Lorenzo in an IBF eliminator to
get this payday with Abraham. And a payday is what it will be as
Abraham, who is a very good fighter fighting at home, busts up and
stops Marquez. Abraham W.TKO.5."

– Gregory Juckett, Content Editor

"Abraham does not get the respect in the USA he deserves. The Armenian
should be fighting a thriller with Kelly Pavlik, not marking time
against Marquez. Abraham knocks the veteran out. Abraham W.KO.4."

– Paul Upham, Content Editor

"I expect Marquez to be hungry and brave this Saturday, but to say he
is up against it is an understatement. Abraham is deliberate, powerful
and extremely accurate with his punching – waiting for the right moment
to attack and making sure he damages his opponent with each menacing
shot or outburst of offense. I expect Abraham to land progressively
more punches against a busy and game opponent through the first half
of the fight and I just can’t see Marquez’ grit and bullish nature
trumping the class, skill and power of Abraham. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– Michael Norby

"Both these guys can fight, no question, and both are riding high after
impressive wins, but Abraham is nine years younger and nine years
less battle worn. Against Miranda, last time out, Abraham displayed
power and speed as well as fine defensive skills against the once
promising Columbian. Gutsy Marquez looked more like the loser at
the end against Lorenzo because he tends to swell and bleed, but his
experience and skill were too much for his young opponent. It won’t
be enough when he is stopped after being battered to the canvas and
cut up by the seventh round. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– Jerry Glick

"I’ve always questioned Marquez’ defense, but he deserved credit for
his successful comeback. The champ will punish the bleeding warrior
most of the way imposing his strength and work rate. Abraham W.TKO.9."

– Juan Pablo Manfredi

"I personally hold Arthur Abraham in the highest regard and would
love to see him matched against Kelly Pavlik in what would be an
extraordinary fight (hope I’ve not jinxed him there). I think he
has too much power for Marquez, and although it won’t be spectacular
early on, he can wear Marquez down and finish him late on. Abraham
by Late Stoppage."

– Craig Phillips

"When Marquez defeated the over-protected Giovanni Lorenzo he deserved
all the accolades that fell on him. A solid professional, who has long
been regarded as one of boxing’s good guys, had returned from a Jermain
Taylor induced retirement all the way to a title shot. Unfortunately,
that title belongs to Abraham. Marquez will be game, but will need
to be saved in the mid-rounds. Abraham W.TKO.6."

– Jason Pribila

"If this was The Sixth Sense, I too would see dead people. Well, at
least one. Raul Marquez is a likable fighter who should be remembered
for his overlooked classic battles with Keith Mullings and Yory Boy
Campas. I was glad to see him outfox Giovanni Lorenzo the last time
out, but against a primed champion like Arthur Abraham, Marquez’
experience is not an asset; it’s simply wear and tear. Abraham has
every possible advantage and will be the strongest and most physically
imposing opponent Marquez will have ever faced. If Marquez is lucky,
he will get blown out early. I expect him to be tough though and
try to hang around for a few more rounds. Anyway you slice it this
one ends up bloody and painful for the former junior middleweight
champion. Abraham bruises Marquez’ face up, cuts him, and drops him
for a seventh round knockout. Abraham W.KO.7."

– Derek Bonnett

"This one is an interesting fight. Marquez has looked pretty good
lately, proving many a naysayer wrong in the process. Abraham is no
slouch, though, and he probably should be a more popular fighter
than he already is (at least in America). With that said, I like
Abraham’s work ethic inside the ring and his punching power should
cause Marquez some trouble. Marquez will cut up early and that will
hamper his offense. I like Abraham to win, probably via late stoppage
thanks mostly to the cuts. Abraham by Late Stoppage."

– Mike Sloan

"Marquez might give Abraham some things to think about in the earlier
part of the fight, but Abraham just has too many advantages in this
fight. Expect Abraham’s superior size, strength and power to take
over by the middle rounds en route to a stoppage. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– John Lumpkin

Total:

ARTHUR ABRAHAM = 10

RAUL MARQUEZ = 0