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ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER SAID EU MEMBERS WILL ABSTAIN AT UN GA VOTE

PanArmenian News
Nov 23 2004

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The EU member states will, to all probability,
abstain at the vote on the draft resolution on “the occupied
territories,” which is being discussed at the UN General Assembly
session today, stated Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margarita
Boniver being currently in Armenia on a visit. It should be reminded
that the Azeri party initiated the discussion of the question of the
territories of the security belt around Nagorno Karabakh at the UN
GA. The control of those territories by the Armenian party is the
only actual guarantee of security of the Nagorno Karabakh Armenians
and prevention of resumption of hostilities.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TIGRAN TOROSSYAN COMMENTING ON ATKINSON REPORT

A1+
23-11-2004

It seemed the head of Armenian delegation to the CE and Armenian
National Assembly vice-speaker Tigran Torossyan, who spoke Tuesday at a
news conference in Yerevan, was unhappy about Armenia’s foreign policy.

It is necessary to rethink the stile of work, he said.

Speaking on David Atkinson’s report on Karabakh presented last
week at the session of the PACE commission on political affairs,
Torossyan noted not a single Armenian proposal on the report had been
adopted while Azerbaijan’s proposals backed by friendly-to-Azerbaijan
countries’ representatives had been found acceptable.

“These delegates were carrying out a special mission – to vote for
all proposals submitted by Azerbaijan and Turkey”, Torossyan said.

Armenian National Assembly’s members have various opinions about
what to do. Some of them think Armenian delegates should put down
their mandates. Tigran Torossyan is strongly opposed to that saying
he doesn’t approve behind-the-scene talks in parliament. “Who has
something to say must express his opinion openly”, he said.

Torossyan is convinced the attempts to describe the situation worse
than it is produce little effect. It would be better for Armenia to
refrain from using such a tactic, he said.

He is sure there are many other ways to convince international
institutions. Armenia should intensify its efforts to achieve the
goal: tireless work is needed for that.

Tigran Torossyan thinks policy of mutual accusations also produced
few results. Azerbaijan lessened aggressiveness toward Armenia. Now it
tries to present itself as defending side and displays more tolerance.

Atkinson said in his report that both Armenian and Azeri media outlets
run propaganda and show intolerance. Armenian delegates tried to
change the report wording to avoid mentioning Armenian press in it.

Europeans, however, reminded a statement made recently by an Armenian
MP from Dashnaktsutyun party Armen Rustamyan that Armenians and
Azerbaijanis are genetically incompatible. Rustamyan has been quoted
in Armenian press.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA news Agency, Armenia
Nov 23 2004

CBA totals up the results of drawing contest “Armenian Dram through
the Eyes of Children”

Cost of Armenian-Japanese program on research of landslide zones of
Armenia makes about $2 million

Speaker of Armenian Parliament and Italian Deputy Foreign Minister
discuss issues of strengthening of bilateral relations

Armenian President and UNHCR discuss situation with refugees

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CBA TOTALS UP THE RESULTS OF DRAWING CONTEST “ARMENIAN DRAM THROUGH
THE EYES OF CHILDREN”

YEREVAN, November 23. /ARKA/. CBA totaled up the results of drawing
contest “Armenian Dram through the Eyes of Children”, in which 8 of
193 participants won. According to CBA Chairman Tigran Sargsian, the
goal of the contest was to see understanding of Armenian dram by
children, imagine their picture of national currency.
The contest started on May 7, 2004 and represented 268 pictures of
193 participants from 29 schools of Yerevan, Shirak, Ararat, Kotayk
and Gegharkunik. The winners received certificates and memory medals.
L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

COST OF ARMENIAN-JAPANESE PROGRAM ON RESEARCH OF LANDSLIDE ZONES OF
ARMENIA MAKES ABOUT $2 MILLION

YEREVAN, November 23. /ARKA/. Cost of Armenian-Japanese program on
research of landslide zones of Armenia makes about $2 million, RA
Minister of Urban Development Aram Harutyunian stated today.
According to him, given two-year program is realized together with
Japanese Government. He reminded that there are about 2500 landslide
zones in Armenia, of which 160 are active. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

SPEAKER OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT AND ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER
DISCUSS ISSUES OF STRENGTHENING OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

YEREVAN, November 23. /ARKA/. Today Speaker of Armenian Parliament
Arthur Baghdasaryan and Margherita Boniver, Italian Deputy Foreign
Minister discussed the issues of strengthening of bilateral
relations. As Armenian Parliament Public and Press Relations
Department told ARKA, Baghdasaryan mentioned Italy’s contribution
into political, economic, cultural processes in Armenia and stressed
the importance of enlarging cooperation between two countries.
Touching upon Armenia’s commitments to the Council of Europe, he
mentioned that Armenia implements them as per set up schedule that
expires in 2005.
As it is mentioned in the press release, the sides mentioned
necessity of development of cooperation in tourist sector, as well as
small and medium enterprises as well as strengthening of ties between
regions of two countries. At that Speaker and Italian deputy Foreign
Minister attached importance to the establishing of House of Italy in
Armenia, that in their opinion will be a new stimulus in deepening of
interstate and inter-parliamentary ties.
Touching upon regional problems, the officials stressed the
importance of organization of dialogue between representatives of
various strata of three South Caucasus states that will contribute
into establishing of a favorable climate for the settlement of the
existing conflicts. In this regard the Head of the Armenian
Parliament offered to Italy to organize a forum with participation of
youth organizations of three South Caucasus states that was
understood by the Italian side.
Boniver mentioned that Italy wishes to develop the volume of
cooperation between two countries in all sectors, promising to
support the implementation of all mentioned programs. T.M. -0–

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ARMENIAN PRESIDENT AND UNHCR DISCUSS SITUATION WITH REFUGEES

YEREVAN, November 23. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharian and
UN High Commissioner on Refugees Rud Lubbers disuss the situation
with refugees. As Armenian President Press Service told ARKA, during
the meeting Kocharian highly appreciated the activity of Armenian
Office of UNHCR functioning since 1992. He also expressed a hope that
the Armenian Office also henceforth will cooperate with Armenian
Government in programs concerning refugees.
The sides also implementation of programs targeted at solution of
refugees problems. Kocharian considers the main problem related with
refugees their integration into the society. Attaching a great
importance to the issue of securing accommodation to refugees, he
particularly mentioned the program of delivering certificates to
accommodation.
Ruud Lubbers has been holding the post of UN High Commissioner for
Refugees since January 1, 2004, becoming the 9th High Commissioner.
This is his first visit t the region, the objective of which is to
acquaint with the real situation of the refugees on the spot, as well
as with the policy of the power concerning the refugees. During his
Armenian trip Lubbers was accompanied by Raymond Hall, Director of
UNHCR Bureau for Europe. T.M. -0–

*********************************************************************

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

AGBU LENDS ITS SUPPORT TO KARABAKH NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY

New York, November 19, 2004 – AGBU President Berge Setrakian hosted
Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady Ghoukassian and his delegation at
a special luncheon on November 14, 2004, at Manhattan’s University
Club on the eve of Armenia Fund’s annual Thanksgiving telethon.

Special guests at the Sunday event included U.S. Congressman Frank
Pallone (D-NJ), Armenian Ambassador to the United Nations, Armen
Martirosyan, and Secretary of the Fifth Committee of the General
Assembly and the Committee for Programs and Coordination at the United
Nations, Movses Abelian.

Mr. Setrakian welcomed all those in attendance and encouraged their
active support in the fundraising campaign to expedite the completion
of the North-South highway.

President Ghoukassian, during his remarks, commended AGBU and its
leaders for their continuous support and dedication to Armenia in
general and to Karabakh in particular.

AGBU has supported Karabakh’s efforts to rebuild its economic,
educational and cultural infrastructure that most recently includes
the renovation and renaming of Alex Manoogian Street, the funding of
the Karabakh Chamber Orchestra, the building of a war veterans housing
complex and a public school-all in the capital of Stepanakert-and
the ambitious Karabakh Repopulation Project that seeks to rebuild
war-torn villages and provide livestock to local Karabakh families
in need. Earlier this year, AGBU opened an office in Stepanakert to
coordinate its activities and programs in Karabakh.

Founded in 1906, AGBU is the largest Armenian non-profit organization
with the mission to promote and preserve the Armenian heritage around
the world. For more information, please visit

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

ARMENIAN PHILHARMONIC PLAYS TO PACKED HOUSE IN ISTANBUL

The AGBU-funded Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO), along with the
State Academic Choir of Armenia, performed together in a sold-out
performance at Istanbul’s Lutfi Kirdar concert hall on October
15, 2004. The performance was the first of its kind in Turkey’s
cultural capital and was at the invitation by the Sahakian School
Alumni Association and sponsored by the district of Sisli, Istanbul,
an area with a large Armenian community.

Over 2000 people attended the event, including local politicians such
as the mayor and deputy mayor of Sisli, Mustafa Sarigul and Vasgen
Parn respectively, the Mayor of Pagirgiukh, Jacqueline Qeoseh, the
Russian Ambassador to Turkey, the Armenian representative to the Black
Sea Economic Cooperation, Arsen Avagian, as well as representatives
of various cultural and community organizations, and reporters from
all major Armenian and Turkish media outlets.

Under the direction of Istanbul-born Maestro Hovhannes Tchekidjian,
the APO performed some of the better-known works of Rossini, Orff,
Handel, Mozart and Verdi, along with a number of Armenian pieces
that moved the capacity crowd. During the Armenian program, soprano
Karine Avetissian sang highlights from the “Anoush” opera and soprano
Zemfira Daniyelian performed the “Sayat Nova” cantata, while during the
second half tenor Rafael Melkonyan performed a solo from Chukhajian’s
“Leblebiji” operetta.

The concert ended with a prolonged standing ovation and shouts of
“Bravo, Chekdji.” In response to the applause the APO performed
the recently anointed anthem of the Armenian capital of Yerevan,
“Erebouni-Yerevan”, followed by the popular, “Ara Ho”.

Formed over 75 years ago, APO has been mainly subsidized by the AGBU
since 1992 in recognition of the importance of the performing arts
in Armenia. Annual grants are allocated for weekly concerts, new
instruments, administration, salary supplements, international guest
artists and special festivals. APO has successfully toured Austria,
France, Greece, England, Lebanon, Iran, Russia and the UAE and has
produced over a dozen CD recordings. For more information on APO
please visit or

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE

November 23, 2004

American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576

Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]

AUA Extension Program Features Ombudsman Dean Gottehrer

Yerevan – Co-sponsored with Armenia’s National Assembly and the United
Nations Development Program (UNDP), AUA’s Extension Program Lecture Series
featured guest speaker, Dean Gottehrer, UNDP Consultant on Ombudsmen who
spoke on Ombudsman Institutions: History, Development, and Challenges. While
visiting Armenia at the invitation of the “Promoting Human Rights and
Facilitating Public Awareness of the Public Defender’s Office in Armenia
Project,” the primary objective of Mr. Gottehrer’s mission was to assist in
increasing awareness and understanding of the Armenian public about the role
and functions of national human rights institutions. He emphasized the
characteristics that were essential in an Ombudsman institution, the
Ombudsman institution functions and how people can voice their concerns.

During his lecture, Dean Gottehrer discussed the history of Ombudsman
institutions from the first Swedish Ombudsman to the international basis of
establishing National Human Rights Institutions. “In my ombudsman
experience, the most able ombudsmen and most open and committed government
officials can work together to solve and prevent violations of human rights
and improve the quality of public life.” He pointed out that the Ombudsman
institutions most likely to succeed are those in which the government has
made clear its commitment to listen to recommendations and follow them
through. “The success of an Ombudsman is like a excellent soup–composed of
many elements that all need to work well with each other,” stated Gottehrer.

Mr. Dean M. Gottehrer is an experienced specialist who has been consulting
on Ombudsman issues in 22 countries, including 14 post-communist countries,
working as an expert, consultant, and professional in residence on Ombudsman
and Human Rights Institutions for many US government and international
organizations. Gottehrer suggested an approach that comes closer to a
realistic standard to appraise the work of the Ombudsman. “My suggestion is
that you take a comprehensive look at the Ombudsman’s work. This is like
tasting that soup I spoke about earlier. If you focus on one or two
ingredients in the soup, you are not going to have a comprehensive appraisal
of its quality. You need to think about all of the ingredients and how well
they blend together to make a soup that tastes good and is nourishing.”

********************

The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit

Photo: Dean Guttehrer, UNDP Consultant on Ombudsmen, speaks at AUA

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Four tiny constellations to west are faint and not too famous

San Diego Union-Tribune
Nov 24 2004

UNION-TRIBUNE

As the year draws to a close, the three bright stars of the famous
Summer Triangle appear high above the western horizon shortly after
dark.

Near and among the stars of this large celestial grouping lie four
small constellations. But don’t think you’ll be able to recognize
these from just their names alone. These are some of the tiniest and
faintest constellations in the heavens.

The easternmost of the four is Equuleus, the Little Horse. It’s an
ancient group whose origins are shrouded in history.

It was mentioned by the first century astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in
his great book “Almagest” but, because Ptolemy borrowed much of his
material from others, it might have actually been created by the
Greek astronomer Hipparchus three centuries earlier. The
second-tiniest constellation in the sky – and one of the faintest –
Equuleus is difficult to see even under the darkest conditions.

Just to its west lies Delphinus, an ancient constellation that
represents the dolphin, and that probably originated in ancient
Greece. When Poseidon, god of the sea, wanted to marry Amphitrite,
she became so disgusted at the thought of living under the sea that
she fled to the distant Atlas Mountains. Poseidon sent several
messengers after her in hopes that she might return to him; only the
dolphin Delphinus succeeded, and was rewarded by Poseidon with a
place in the heavens.

Sagitta, the Arrow, is the third-smallest constellation in the sky
and, interestingly, is one of the few star patterns that actually
looks like its namesake. Sagitta is an ancient constellation, and
many cultures have seen an arrow outlined by its five faint stars.

It has been identified as a stray arrow shot by Sagittarius, the
archer, as one shot by Apollo to kill the Cyclops, or even as one of
Cupid’s arrows. Its name comes from ancient Hebrew, Armenian and
Arabic, and all mean “arrow.”

Finally we find Vulpecula, the Fox, one of seven faint and relatively
obscure Northern Hemisphere constellations created and introduced as
“Vulpecula cum Anser” – Fox with Goose – by the Polish astronomer
Johannes Hevelius in his 1690 atlas titled “Firmamentum Sobieski.”

It was in this constellation that, in 1967, astronomer Jocelyn Bell
discovered the first pulsar – a rapidly rotating neutron star whose
regularly pulsating radio signals led some (erroneously) to believe
it was a message from an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Tajik, Russian top brass pledge closer military ties

Khovar news agency, Dushanbe
24 Nov 04

A meeting was held between Defence Minister Col-Gen Sherali
Khayrulloyev and a Russian military delegation at the Tajik Defence
Ministry on 23 November. The delegation led by the commander-in-chief
of the Russian air force, Army General Vladimir Mikhaylov, is visiting
Tajikistan.

The meeting discussed Russian-Tajik military and military-technical
cooperation both between the two countries and within the framework of
the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization includes Armenia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan] and other
regional organizations.

The discussions focused particularly on cooperation within the
framework of the CIS joint air defence system, the involvement of
Russian military aircraft in the joint command and staff exercise
Rubezh-2005, to take place in Tajikistan in April 2005, and other
issues of mutual interest.

During the businesslike and constructive conversation, the sides
confirmed their willingness for fruitful cooperation in the interests
of strengthening regional cooperation in the spirit of strategic
partnership, the head of the Tajik Defence Ministry press centre,
Zarobiddin Sirojov, told the Khovar national news agency.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azerbaijan seeking new UN resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh

Interfax
Nov 23 2004

Baku. (Interfax-Azerbaijan) – Azerbaijan is seeking a fifth resolution
on Nagorno-Karabakh to be passed by the United Nations, President
Ilham Aliyev said on Monday.

“We want a new resolution to be passed. The text for it is ready,”
Aliyev told reporters in comments on a planned debate on the Nagorno-
Karabakh issue at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

“We are trying to obtain support from a larger number of countries,”
he said.

He said the purpose of debates on the problem in the United Nations,
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and other
international organizations was “to bring to the international public
the truth about Armenia and its aggressive policy.”

“We want the world public to know this problem and take part in trying
to solve it,” he said.

He dismissed claims by the Armenian government that, if the United
Nations intervenes in the conflict, Armenia will be left out of the
negotiation process and Azerbaijan will be forced to hold talks with
Nagorno-Karabakh instead.

“Armenia is a party to the conflict, and we are holding our
negotiations with Armenia. If Azerbaijan is left one on one with
Nagorno-Karabakh, the problem will be solved even more quickly by
other methods,” Aliyev said.

“If Armenia pulls aside, withdraws its troops, and stops financing
Nagorno-Karabakh from its state funds, we will resolve the conflict
by whatever means within a brief period,” he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB DEMANDS THE AUTHORITIES TO PUT AN END TO LAWLESSNESS IN ARMENIA

A1 | 17:20:19 | 23-11-2004 | Politics |

On Tuesday Armenian National Press Club came up with a statement
condemning “another terrorist attack on independent press”.

On Monday, Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper car blew up just outside the
newspaper office.

National Press Club expresses solidarity with the newspaper editorial
board and voicing alarm at growing atmosphere of impunity and
lawlessness in the republic demands the authorities to track down
and prosecute masterminds and perpetrators of the act.

Attacks on independent media journalists became dangerously commonplace
and their lives are under constant threat in Armenia, the statement
says.

the Club says time had already come to restore law observance in the
republic. Otherwise, mounting violence can inflict irreparable damage
to the republic.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress