Month: November 2009

CAUCASIANS SEEK PEACE
By Mahmud Kochak

Georgian Times
Nov 16 2009
Georgia

The Caucasus states which emerged at the end of 20th century upon
the breakup of the Soviet Union have become dependent on regional
and global powers’ support to get rid of the economic and social
problems brought by their unexpected independence. Regional states
who are aware that cooperation can only occur where constraints and
impositions are placed upon them, and cannot produce results in the
long term, have made various attempts to create the required atmosphere
and infrastructure to make the most of this co-operation.

The strong ties existing between regional states and Turkey, both
from the historic and cultural points of view, have unavoidably
dragged Turkey in this picture. It has been observed that every kind
of problem, conflict and war experienced in this region has had a
significant effect on Turkey, which even goes beyond the region.

Turkey, which pursues policies of supporting territorial integrity
and stability in the Caucasus, especially in recent times, continues
to make various attempts to positively affect the situation in the
region by working proactively. In this context, strengthening the
independence of the South Caucasus Republics, defending territorial
integrity and involving itself in efforts to transport the energy
resources of the Caspian region to the West are the three basic tasks
undertaken by Turkey in the region.

Ensuring stability in the Caucasus is made possible by consolidating
economic relationships between Caucasus countries. The priority in the
Caucasus at this stage is to create a basis in which three countries
(Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia) can experience some form of loose
integration so that border conflicts can be resolved and economic,
social and cultural partnerships increased. We should not talk about
conflicts but common interests. Through this process economic unity
will be ensured, cultural exchange will continue and ultimately the
countries will start to resolve the region’s political problems,
which have become acute.

Many attempts have been made to strengthen the Caucasus Republics,
which have vital importance from the Russian point of view both
economically and politically. As a result of these continuing attempts
new energy pipeline, railway, highway and similar projects are being
developed in addition to those which already exist, ties between
communities are being strengthened and stability is increasing.

The failure to establish these economic ties in the past has been
one of the fundamental factors which has delayed the establishment
of peace and stability in the region. Instigating mutual economic
activity will bring cultural unity projects into the region in its
wake and draw Caucasus peoples, who have separated from each other
and become polarised due to their recent history, closer to each
other every passing day.

Political problems will be resolved more readily if an economic
union can be established in the Caucasus, as the philosophy behind
the foundation of the European Union (the first such economic unity)
states. Many possible models are being discussed, but more important
than the decisions they make is the fact that the parties must be
able to discuss things together in a reasonable way.

In our world, which gets smaller every day, states which are deemed
to have no relations with each other anymore can still get involved
in regions they see as problematic, either because of the potential
for expanding their own power which they offer or as part of a
natural process they cannot avoid. The Caucasus region is of vital
importance not only for Russia and also the USA and EU. Whereas Turkey
has to be sensitive in developing policies concerning the Caucasus
because of its historical roots in, and geographic proximity to, the
region, it is the biggest supporter of the Caucasus due to that same
historical and cultural past. It should not be forgotten that each new
extra-territorial actor will bring its own problems into the region.

When all the things experienced in the Caucasus in the last 15 years
are taken together it is seen that the Caucasus people have suffered
rather than benefited from these processes. Political, military,
financial and sociological problems have all been experienced, and
therefore significant migration has become a reality and the region’s
peoples have suffered the most. Therefore providing consistency in
the Caucasus is also for the benefit of the surrounding countries,
mainly Turkey.

By pursuing a peaceful policy Turkey aims to change the present
situation in the region and thereby create a financial revival and
an arena for cultural cooperation. The important thing here is to be
able to unite the Caucasus people so that they can obtain security,
stability and prosperity through dialogue around common principles
and aims.

The cultural diversity of the Caucasus must be considered the greatest
treasure of the region, but this diversity should serve to promote
rather than endanger peace, stability and prosperity. Turkey is
determined to maintain its support for Caucasus countries in their
attempts to establish good neighbourly relations and will strengthen
dialogue in the region by establishing healthy communication channels
and protecting the territorial integrities of regional states from
both external and internal threats.

AZERBAIJANI MP: THE FAIR SOLUTION TO THE CONFLICTS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS SHOULD HOLD AN IMPORTANT PLACE IN NATO FUTURE CONCEPTION

APA
Nov 16 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev – APA. Azerbaijani parliamentarians Gudrat
Hasanguliyev and Zahid Oruj made speeches at the meeting of the
Defense and Security Committee within the framework of the 55th
session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA). Zahid Oruj told APA that
during the discussions on the new strategic conception of NATO Gudrat
Hasanguliyev called on the organization to implement the resolutions
adopted by the UN.

"NATO should defend Azerbaijan," Gudrat Hasanguliyev said and
underlined that otherwise, security will not be firm in the region,
stability can be violated anytime, new military conflict will be
inevitable.

Zahid Oruj noted that NATO’s approach to the settlement of the Balkan
conflicts differed from its approach to the aggressive policy in the
South Caucasus, particularly Russia-Georgia war and occupation of
Azerbaijani territories by Armenia.

"This is connected with Russian factor," he said.

Zahid Oruj said the fair solution to the conflicts in the South
Caucasus should hold an important place in NATO future conception.

Pro-Armenian parliamentarian from Latvia said during the discussions
that according to the agreement between Stalin and Turkey in 1920,
Nagorno Karabakh remained in Azerbaijan and said "Terror acts are
committed because ethnic minorities – for example, basks in Spain
and others are not allowed to be independent". The statement caused
laughter and discontent of the audience.

Speaking about the causes and history of Karabakh conflict, Turkish
MP Vahit Erdem characterized the protocols signed between Turkey and
Armenia as a "great chance". He said Armenia’s releasing the occupied
Azerbaijani territories will create a security zone in the South
Caucasus and pave the way for NATO’s cooperation with this region.

The discussions continue in NATO.

On November 17 the final meeting of the 55th session of NATO PA will
be held and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen will make a report.

GEORGIAN AND ARMENIAN FARMERS LOOK FORWARD TO DEEPER CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION

Georgian Times
Nov 16 2009
Georgia

Various types of potatoes, carrots, cheese, Armenian sausages
‘(Sujuks’), pumpkins and other types of agricultural produce decorated
with Georgian, Armenian and Ukrainian cultural identifiers were
exhibited at the Rustavi Municipal Theatre during the Ethnic Diversity
Festival 2009 on November 11-12.

While farmers presented their products some of the Chairmen of
rural and civil society associations participated in a round table
meeting entitled ‘Prospects of Cross-border Cooperation’ in the Kvemo
Kartli Governor’s Administration building. The central and regional
authorities, as well as international community representatives from
Georgia and Armenia, took part in this meeting.

"Such arrangements are rather important, especially after the
difficulties we experienced at the border the day before the festival
started. Despite the fact we did not have enough produce with us for
it to be classified as items of trade, the numerous procedures we had
to go through still hindered our timely provision of the exhibits,"
said Vakhan Arakelian, of the Spitak Farmers’ Association.

Vardo Egoian from Tsalka claims that similar problems are met by
farmers willing to export their produce to Armenia from Georgia. "We
produce potatoes in big volumes but we don’t have the means to sell
them," said Tsalka Governor’s Advisor Vardo Egoyan. "If the customs
procedures are simplified for exporting goods to Armenia this will
be a great help, as we have goods but no market and just have to let
them spoil."

Vardo and Vakhan are among the farmers who participated in the
festival. "We have shared information on our current and planned
activities, experiences and lessons learned in respective fields
and discussed existing problems and ways of overcoming them. It
was interesting to meet the authorities and international community
representatives working on cross-border cooperation issues between
Georgia and Armenia," said Vakhan Arakelian.

The Ethnic Diversity Festival 2009 was organised as part of the
Poverty Reduction and Confidence-building in Border Areas of Georgia
and Armenia by Strengthening Civil Societies in Sustainable Rural
Development (STAGE II) project. It lasted for two days and the
second day was devoted to training target associations and local
authorities on diversity management issues. "The goal of the project
is to strengthen 10 targeted civil society institutions and local
authorities from the stipulated border regions (Samtskhe-Javakheti and
Kvemo Kartli from the Georgian side and Lori, Shirak and Tavush from
the Armenian side) and provide increased cross-border cooperation
to achieve sustainable rural development," says Ketevan Kheladze,
STAGE II Project Manager.

Kheladze said that the total Budget of the STAGE II project is 463.980
Euro. It began on May 1, 2009 and will last until October 31, 2011. A
number of similar festivals will be held in Georgia and Armenia during
this period.

"These activities are rather important for both countries, as the the
bordering regions of Georgia and Armenia have substantial potential
to form a rather attractive investment zone. For this to happen,
we should continue our work on the harmonisation of fields of law,
transportation and tax systems and in the good governance sphere,
which should create a common investment environment", said Prof. Kote
Khmaladze, Head of the Regional Economic Development Department of
the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia.

The STAGE II project is being implemented by CARE Osterreich and
CARE International in the Caucasus, along with partner organisations
the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) in Georgia and the Centre for
Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) in Armenia. STAGE II is
financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and Cooperation with
Eastern Europe (ADC).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Rita Hintlian
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
Web Site:

100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE
The ARS Centennial Logo Unveiled In Glendale

GLENDALE, CA.- The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA was the host
of the event during which the Central Executive of the ARS unveiled
the ARS Centennial logo on November 12, 2009 at the ARS-WUSA
headquarters in Glendale. Over 200 people were present, while ARS
members and supporters from California, the East Coast and 26
countries followed the event on a live web-stream.

The festive environment was appreciated as the clergy, public
officials, representative from Armenian organizations and media, board
of trustee members, school principals, ARS supporters and ARS members
reached the center and walked over the red carpet. Three members of
the ARS Central Executive Board, who reside in California, were
present: Vicky Marashlian (Chair), and Rosie Bedrossian and Nova
Hindoyan (Advisors).

Arous Melkonian, Vice-Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board
made the welcoming remarks to this historic day and invited Mary
Melkonian to sing the anthems.

Sossie Poladian, Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board, noted
the significance of hosting the logo-unveiling event saying, `We
ponder on how the logo is with us when our members give their oath,
when our members work for decades with tireless conviction and
determination, and when our members leave this world. In effect, our
logo signifies our life in service of others.’

Vicky Marashlian, Chair of the ARS Central Executive Board, explained
that, `cognizant of the historic importance of this first Centenary,
the Central Executive Board felt the need of a special Centennial
logo.’ She added, that the ARS `stands with the same faith as its
legendary founders exhibited a century ago. It stands with the same
commitment and devotion, and its worldwide entities exhibited during
their countless humanitarian endeavors…’

Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Father Ardag
Demirdjian, started blessing of the logo with `Oorakh Ler’
(Rejoice). The three ARS Central Executive Board members and the
ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Chair participated in the ceremony and the
new logo was revealed, followed by a video animation, which had the
following slogan, `100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE’.

Central Executive member Nova Hindoyan announced that Ara Ter
Harutiunian of Toronto, Canada submitted the winning logo entry and
the animation was created by a Florida-based Producer, Bared
Maronian. She added that, `the most symbolic feature of the logo is
the rising flow of the 100-year service of the ARS, flowing like a
life-giving river springing from the slopes of Ararat and flowing
towards our countless communities linking the two segments of our
nation – Homeland to Diaspora, and Diaspora to Homeland.’

Sossie Poladian accompanied by Vicky Marashlian accepted Certificates
of Recognition from Talin Mangioglu, Field Representative for
California State Senator Carol Liu (21st District), and Suzy Jacobs,
Field Representative for Assistant Majority Leader, California
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (43rd District). Jacobs also delivered a
California Assembly Resolution by Krekorian for the 25th anniversary
of the ARS of Western USA.

ARF Central Committee representative, Hovan Tashjian, congratulated
the ARS Centennial logo and praised the ARS for being a source of
inspiration and strength, and for being wherever the Armenian people
have endured hardships, as well as, won victories.

The ceremony ended with the blessings and congratulatory message by
His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian. The Prelate noted that this
was a historic day and added, `I join you in the unveiling
ceremony. Service and relentless work, dedication and devotion, virtue
and mission, care and love characterize the ARS. This logo symbolizes
the centennial legacy and service of the ARS.’

Additional information about the ARS of Western USA is available on
.

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia
Contact: Haykuhi Khachatryan
Yerevan 0033, Baghramyan str. 3rd lane, house 10a
Tel: (+374 10) 271 499

On November 14, 2009 employees of Fuller Center for Housing Armenia,
Tufenkian Foundation, Hye Dzmer Pap Charitable Foundation as well as
Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Young Professionals joined forces to
eliminate poverty in Armenia by joining Karapetyan family in the village of
Geghard of Kotayk marz and helping them to build their house.

About 19 years Senik and Karine Karapetyans with their 4 children were
forced to move from place to place having no permanent place to live,
struggling against winter cold, daily fighting for their children’s health
and praying for the next day is not that harsh. Just a year ago the family
could not even imagine that soon will have their own home, that their
children will also wake up under a safe roof, and that the Christmas of 2010
will become a celebration of realization of their dream.

In December 2005 with the funds provided by Tufenkian Foundation and Hye
Dzmer Pap Foundation the family obtained a piece of land where to build a
house, further VivaCell-MTS and Tufenkian foundation provided funds to build
foundations and walls, and now with the non-interest loan provided by Fuller
Center for Housing Armenia the family is close to realize their dream of so
many years.

On November 14, the heads of the donor organizations as well as a team of
young professionals from Armenian General Benevolent Union volunteered on
construction of the Karapetyans’ house in Geghard and laid cement floors for
them.

"Charity is not generosity, but it’s everyone’s duty". These words of Mother
Tereza united all the donors and volunteers to support and land a helping
hand to this kind of families to save them from extreme poverty and give
them a chance to become a full right member of our society.

The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is working to eliminate poverty
housing by providing long term, interest free loans and by assisting with
volunteers helping low-income families to build simple, sustainable,
affordable houses and renovate their houses. For more information, please
visit

FCHA address: Baghramyan 3rd lane, house 10/A, Yerevan 0033, Armenia,

email: [email protected], Phone: (374 10) 27 14 99.

PRESS RELEASE
Nov 16, 2009
Support Committee for Armenia’s Cosmic Ray Division
For more information:
Anahid Yeremian
(650) 926-4444, or
Joseph Dagdigian
(978) 772-9417

CRD EXPANDS SPACE WEATHER MONITORING ON MT. ARAGATS

The Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) of the Yerevan Physics Institute (YerPhI)
operates one of the largest cosmic ray monitoring networks at its
research stations on Armenia’s Mt. Aragats. CRD scientists are currently
adding two new categories of monitors in cooperation with their
international research partners.

**Magnetic Field Monitoring
—————————

The magnetic field surrounding the earth is usually thought to be
constant. However magnetic field disturbances in the interplanetary
space (the space between the sun and the planets) can alter the magnetic
field surrounding the earth. Interplanetary magnetic field disturbances
occur due to violent processes at the sun, such as the ejection of large
volumes of hot and charged matter known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CME).
The interplanetary magnetic field variations add to the earth’s own
magnetic field often severely changing the magnetic field surrounding
the earth. This phenomena is known as a Geomagnetic Storm. Depending on
its severity, it can induce damaging current surges in electrical power
lines causing widespread blackouts, induce currents in pipelines
accelerating their corrosion, play havoc on satellite electronics, and
cause astronauts to be subjected to excess radiation requiring them to
take cover in special compartments aboard the International Space Station.

The Lviv Space Research Institute of the Ukrainian Academy of Science
and the Cosmic Ray Division of YerPhI are partnering with each other to
establish LLEMI-417 Magnetometric Stations on Mt. Aragats to measure the
variations in magnetic field around the earth. This summer the first
magnetometric station was installed at CRD’s Nor Ambert research station
at 6,000 foot altitude on Mt. Aragats. A similar geomagnetic field
monitoring station will also be installed at CRD’s Aragats Research
Station at 11, 000 foot altitude.

This new instrumentation will allow the CRD scientists and their
partners to directly correlate cosmic ray and geomagnetic data to better
understand Space Weather. The accumulated measurements from Nor Amberd
will enhance CRD’s ability to forecast major geomagnetic storms and
issue reliable space weather alerts.

Solar Radio Signals
——————–
While Coronal Mass Ejections contribute to geomagnetic storms, they also
generate characteristic radio signals which, travel at the speed of
light reaching the earth before the CMEs and the characteristic magnetic
fields that accompany them. Accurate measurement and characterization of
these weak radio signals can give valuable advance warnings on the
impending CME’s and geomagnetic storms. Professor Gemmeke from the
Karlsruhe Research Center in Germany introduced an antena to measure
these very weak radio signals to the CRD in the Fall of 2008. Capturing
the data from these antenas require very sophisticated electronics.
CRD’s electronic engineers posess just such expertise. They demonstrated
the feasibily of collecting data from such an antena and in the summer
of 2009. Three antennas with the associated electronics were installed
at CRD’s Nor Ambert and Aragats research stations. Data from these
antenas proved that the radio measurements have sufficient precision to
enhance Space Weather Forcasting techniques. Continual monitoring
started this Autumn with equipment supplied by Karlsruhe.

Future plans include manufacturing these antenna systems at YerPhI and
deploying them at locations around the world to improve Space Weather
forecasting. The network of antennas will also be very useful to
investigate lightning storms. Recent research indicates Cosmic Ray
phenomena are well correlated with the occurance of lightning and
thunderstorms. Mt. Aragats is an ideal location for this research
because of its existing infrastructure and the frequent storms that
occur during the summer.

Correlation of geomagnetic data from the magnetometers with radio
signals from the antennas and the data from cosmic ray particle
detectors on Mt. Aragats will aid the CRD to develop enhanced techniques
for accurate and reliable prediction of damaging Space Weather events.

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St., NW
Suite 200
Washington DC, 20005
[email protected]

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 223-3440

Americans for Artsakh Holds Awareness-raising Event at Armenian
Embassy in Washington

On November 12, Americans for Artsakh (AFA) hosted "A Celebration of
Artsakh" at the Armenian Embassy in Washington. The purpose of the
event was to raise awareness among the Washington community about
Artsakh in general, as well as AFA’s activities. It came at a crucial
period in the growth of the republic. As the Caucasus becomes
increasingly prominent on the international political scene, it is all
the more vital that people be properly informed about Artsakh and what
can be done to help it maintain its strength and identity.

The evening began with opening remarks by the Deputy Chief of Mission
at the Armenian Embassy, Varuzhan Nersessian. He was followed by NKR
Representative Robert Avetissian, who commented on the struggles that
Artsakh has overcome, and provided an overview of its present
situation. AFA Executive Director Sarah Ludwig then gave a
presentation about AFA and informed the audience about its completed
and future activities, which include educational training courses for
government employees and other groups in Artsakh. AFA is in the
process of expanding its scope of activities and is currently planning
career-enhancing educational opportunities for students and young
professionals.

The presentation portion of the evening was followed by outstanding
entertainment selections from well-known, highly respected performers.
AFA was honored to have pianist Naira Babayan, who played three pieces
of Armenian origin – one from Sayat Nova, and two by Aram
Khachaturian. Finally, professional actress and singer Norik Chekosky
recited poetry excerpts from Siamanto’s Ode to Fallen Heroes. Both
gave moving performances, and served to remind the primarily Armenian
audience about their rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, the guests were treated to dinner that was
professionally catered by Sabrina Mavian of the catering service
Dinner, Then Dessert. Local Armenian businesses contributed to the
evening, as well.

Americans for Artsakh is currently seeking funding for a youth
leadership course that will be held in Stepanakert in
January. Donations can be sent to:

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St., NW
Suite 200
Washington DC, 20005
[email protected]

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 223-3440

FORMER PRES. OF ARTSAKH ARKADY GHUKASYAN STATES PROTOCOLS WERE UNPROFESSIONAL; CONTAINED MANY MISTAKES
Executive Publisher / Managing Editor

USA Armenian Life Magazine
November 15, 2009

The Noyan Tapan News Agency reported this week that Arkady
Ghukasyan, the former President of Artsakh, currently Armenia’s
Ambassador-at-Large, and the Vice-President of the Board of Trustees
of Armenia Fund has been visiting the United States and Canada to
solicit donations ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Telethon on
November 26.

Mr. Ghukasyan started his North American tour with an October 19
reception in North Jersey, New Jersey; continued with an October 24
reception in Montreal, Canada; and as of press time on November 3,
he had been present in Los Angeles, in order to solicit donations
for the Telethon.

According to several participants, Mr. Ghukasyan’s stated purpose
of his appearances was to discuss the upcoming Telethon, which will
raise money for Shushi.

"However, the bulk of his comments pertained to the Protocols.

Overall, his performance was reported to be fairly polished. He
admitted various weaknesses and shortcomings in the Protocols
throughout this process. At the same time, he defended the President’s
integrity and patriotism. In criticizing the Protocols, he did very
little sugarcoating; in fact, he probably went beyond the call of
duty. Overall, his comments left the audience slightly off-balance —
happy over criticisms that were quite strong at times, yet cynical as
folks realized that his criticisms were mainly designed to placate us,
not to change anything substantial," reported one participant.

Mr. Ghukasyan, who several months ago was appointed as Armenia’s
Ambassador-at-Large by Pres. Serge Sargsyan, said that he was aware of
and understands the Diaspora’s dissatisfaction with the Protocols. He
further claimed that he shares those feelings, and sees them to be
justified. He acknowledged that Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian is very weak and unprepared.

Mr. Ghukasyan stated that he "realizes that dialogue with the Diaspora
occurred very late in this process, and that was a mistake also; that
he could not understand how bright Diaspora Armenian minds weren’t
included in the process, as they can offer their know-how in dealing
with such issues," especially when — as Mr. Ghukasyan underlined —
"fighting against Turks on the battlefield is easier than dealing
with them in a diplomatic war. For the latter, Armenia is in serious
need of advisors," he reportedly said.

Mr. Ghukasyan claimed that he "has privately expressed his displeasure
about the Protocols to the President, ten times more than Diaspora’s
complaints." At the same time, while the Protocols are sub par, they
are not fatal and "we need to develop loopholes and adopt new laws
to protect ourselves."

He even noted that "it’s possible that Pres. Sargsyan made a mistake,
but he is a sincere and patriotic person who has taken a heavy
responsibility on his shoulders," appealing to everyone "to support
the President, not to oppose him."

In a related note, Mr. Ghukasyan acknowledged that Armenia went into
this "not fully appreciating the impact of the Protocols, and that
it must work on that; and that "Genocide recognition is something
that Armenia wants and it is not negotiable."

In an attempt to relieve Armenia’s current leadership of comprehensive
responsibility on core issues affecting all Armenians, Mr. Ghukasyan
urged the Diaspora "to continue its fight for Genocide recognition,
and that no one, not even Armenia, has the right to prevent it from
doing so." A donor underlined that in saying this, he evaded the
question of whether Armenia itself bears responsibility for pursuing
this issue, until members of the audience stated that Armenia and
Diaspora should be working together, to which he agreed and moved on.

As for Artsakh, he said no one is prepared to give up a single village
from the liberated territories.

Regarding fund raising, he claimed that the Azeris are watching
closely, reminding his audience that "If we don’t raise enough
funds for Shushi, the Azeris will immediately say that Shushi is not
that important for Armenians." This rang hollow — a shallow fund
raising ploy.

He concluded by lavishly praising a number of well-known sponsors in
the audience, again to prepare the ground for fund raising.

While several influential members of the Armenian-American community
embraced Mr. Ghukasyan’s message with apprehension, there is no
doubt that Armenians worldwide should rally around Armenia-Artsakh
and forge ahead with their economic and moral solidarity.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN LEOPARDS ALMOST COMPLETELY EXTINCT IN WILD

RIA Novosti
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, November 16 (RIA Novosti) – Only five to seven leopards
remain in the wild in Armenia, Novosti-Armenia news agency reported,
citing the Armenian director of the World Wildlife Fund.

"These noble animals are under the threat of extinction," Karen
Manvelyan said.

According to him, the main reason leading to the leopards’ extinction
is poaching.

"Illegal hunting of rare species registered in the Armenian Red Book,
including Bezoar ibex, Armenian mouflon sheep, and leopard, has not
ceased," Manvelyan said. He added that even the brown bear is hunted
out of season.

Manvelyan believes poaching can be solved by creating nature
conservation areas.

The conservationist said that Armenia had recently made a historical
decision by creating two conservation areas in southern Armenia.

Arevik National Park and Zangezur Sanctuary might solve the problem
of rare species extinction, he said.

He said that more than 1,500 types of plants, including 24 registered
in the Red Data Book of Armenia and 19 endemics, around 245 species
of vertebrates, including 49 registered in the RDBA and 12 in the
IUCN Red Data List are located in the Arevik National Park.

Zangezur Sanctuary has also become an important conservation park
for rare and threatened flora and fauna.

ANC-PAC MEETS WITH SENATORIAL CANDIDATE DANNY TARKANIAN

armradio.am
16.11.2009 10:43

The Armenian National Committee Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC)
recently met with Danny Tarkanian who is bidding to become the first
ever Armenian American elected to the US Senate.

The meeting focused on Tarkanian’s goals, if elected to the Senate,
as well as his views on what his agenda would be with regard to issues
of importance to the Armenian American community.

"I look forward to working with the ANCA, once I am elected, to ensure
that Armenian Americans finally have a voice of their own in the
Senate" said Tarkanian. "For many years we have heard platitudes from
‘friends’ of the community, but it is time to have a direct ancestor
of genocide survivors speak up about the unfair pressure being put on
Armenia to accept Protocols which call for a ‘historical commission’
and put in danger the very status of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh.

Instead of tepidly worded letters to the Secretary of State, I will
demand to know why America would pressure the victim, Armenia, while
helping the perpetrators, Turkey and Azerbaijan."